#I don’t like talking to others anymore and I don’t like offering personal info

[kavehayati]

I used to always think about this but I just recalled it now, the thing is people used to all the time respond centuries late to me and I’d always say oh it’s okay !! I understand !! But when I said that I really meant it in my soul, and one day this girl apologised for getting back to me so late and I repeated my script and she’s like Noor 🙁 you really shouldn’t understand, and she some stuff and it kinda left me a little taken aback, I always script conversations people have in the sense like what they say in response but her reply left me floored, she seemed so sad that I was so accepting of such late replies and in truth over time the late replies kept happening and happening and happening, and I kept saying I understood and that it’s okay, but in truth it’s not okay at all, I don’t understand actually, in the sense why is it so much effort to respond, why does everyone consistently reply so late to me even when they have nothing else to do, when they’re not busy or mentally ill either.

It hurts a lot and I’ve noticed that people only reply quick to me when it’s something that is of interest to them, like a hot topic of theirs, and I try really hard but I’m so tired of being this unwanted. I want fast replies, I used to always give fast replies all the time, but now I’m worn so thin and things keep getting worse and worse for me so even texting or talking feels like my soul is evacuating my body sometimes, so I’m sorry when I reply so late but it’s just all this pent up disappointment and the realisation of WHY people don’t reply faster and take so long to get back to me just drains all my energy. It makes me so very sad and that I don’t want to speak in general anymore.

Before I’d always get so anxious if I don’t reply quick because I always felt it to be so rude to reply late, but nobody thinks it’s rude to reply late to me, so why do I bother anymore, especially when I feel like my body is failing me. I still get anxious. But I feel so very disrespected. In a normal person, even sometimes with packed schedules, one who is not physically ill and one who isn’t mentally ill either, replying back fast isn’t the catastrophe everyone seems to act like it is. Sure there’s sometimes valid reasons but honestly people just give me all those reasons now that it’s ALWAYS a reason there’s always some dumb stupid excuse. I’ve heard every stupid excuse in the book now. And now they’re just excuses to me not reasons.

This is why I don’t reply as fast anymore, because I’m so ill and so tired. Drained thin of these mind games and trying to figure out if people actually like me ? Am I an acquaintance ? Why can’t people ask about me seamlessly in a conversation, I’m obviously not okay with anything happening to me now or years ago. It’s so frustrating beyond words it feels like this is a science, a science that I’ve, through trial and error, had to learn MANUALLY with no instructions simply by observing others. Yet most people waltz into life so blind and get handed everything. I shouldn’t have to make duaa before going into class so someone can fucking sit next to me or read any surah when people get friends so effortlessly I REFUSE. I don’t even feel human at all. There’s this Arabic insult thing that just says go slam your head into the wall and shut up. But in truth everything is so overwhelming that I just might do that and I hope it’s with enough force that it cracks and I bleed to death. I. am. so. tired.

Here is the thing. I KNOW certain people pity me. Teachers have pitied me, students have pitied me, friends have pitied me the list goes on and on. And yes I have insanely strange encounters with people yes I have extraordinarily odd circumstances happen to me that seem so consistent that it almost feels impossible for it to not be indicative of a pattern and rule that I deserve such treatment. But WHY is it that the same people who pity me are the ones who transgress and do the things that make others pity me more.

I didn’t like pity, I loathed how people would see me as some sort of lesser than being just for my misfortune, but now this pity is all I have. The only indicator that I’m not invisible to others. That I’m actually real. But if only that pity could be turned into proactive choices and productively helping me to be treated better. It’s like saying you deserve better yet not proving I deserve it. What now. Clearly you proved that I don’t deserve better at all.

[haveagarbageday]

Got a secret, can you keep it? \\ Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen (Lestappen)

summary: You're looking for your runaway driver in the paddock when you see something you shouldn't have. Before you know it, you become a part of this well-kept secret.

additional info: I'm on a roll! No, actually, I posted the Max one while I was at work, and then I had half a day left with nothing to do. This idea came to my mind and I had to write it down.

“The moment I find you, Lando, I’m going to skin you,” you hissed into your phone as you searched the paddock for the problem child.

But he only laughed at you, clearly enjoying the hide and seek game he had decided to play with you today. The problem is that he stopped in front of a camera, ready to give an interview, but two sentences in, his attention was diverted by some drama in the background, and he left to check it out. You had to apologize several times, promising to catch him and drag him back to do this properly. But damn it, he was good at hiding. This wasn’t the first time he hid from you, and something told you he could be literally anywhere, even in another team’s motorhome. Anything was possible with this little gremlin.

You reached a quieter part of the paddock that was full of spaces protected from the crowd, the perfect spot for Lando to hide. So, you methodically began to search for him, not missing any of the hidden corners and narrow alleys between the buildings either, but you found nothing. Your frustration was growing with each passing second, with each empty space that seemed to be free of him. When you reached the last one of the alleys, you saw movement in the back, and you were happy that you finally found the runaway driver.

Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Because it wasn’t Lando, and it wasn’t just one person either. The signature blue and red colors of their shirts made it clear which team they were from, but when you looked at their faces, blood froze in your veins. You knew about all the jokes, all the fan theories and hopes, but never, not even in your wildest dreams could you imagine this happening. Sure, they clearly looked more at ease in each other’s company after sessions in recent years, which was good, people loved it, yet you still couldn’t wrap your head around the sight in front of you.

After seeing them almost swallow each other, Lestappen wasn’t just an urban legend to you anymore. Fuck. You wished you didn’t see that. You could already feel the heavy weight on your shoulder.

Before they could spot you, you decided to do the sensible thing and turned around to leave as quietly and as soon as you could. But not two steps later you heard a voice behind you. “Wait, let’s talk about this, okay?” Max said, taking a step closer to you, his hand resting on Charles’s arm.

Letting out the breath you’d been holding, you folded your hands behind your back and took a step closer to them. “I didn’t see anything, I swear. My lips are sealed, you don’t need to worry about that,” you were quick to assure them. Silence fell between the three of you, but then you remembered why you were here in the first place. “Have you guys seen Lando? He’s being difficult today.”

“Have you tried his driver’s room? He’s probably in the most obvious place,” Max offered, knowing the Brit well enough to give you his best guess.

Okay, you already knew he was smart, but this was the best idea you had heard in a while. Lando would surely pull something like this; chilling in his room, maybe playing some games, then giving you a surprised look as he went: “What do you mean? I’ve been here the whole time!” Wouldn’t be the first prank he pulled on you, that’s for sure.

You thanked him, then turned to leave again, and this time they didn’t stop you. But you heard murmuring, a quiet conversation that didn’t sound panicked, in fact, it sounded like they were discussing something excitedly. Whatever it was, it wasn’t your business. None of this was your business, so you were trying your damn best to forget the whole thing.

The problems began the next day after qualifying, when you were in the media pen with Lando, watching him like a hawk, and shepherding him around to make sure he did exactly what he was supposed to. You were between two interviews, discussing a few things, when Max approached you and stopped next to you to talk to his friend. You greeted him like you normally would, but otherwise you didn’t dare to move or speak, afraid it would become obvious you were hiding something. It probably takes time to get comfortable with the secret you knew, it couldn’t be more than that.

But then you felt a jolt of electricity run through your body as Max casually put a hand on your back while he talked, making it look like it was just a friendly move and nothing more. How could this be an innocent move when you could feel his thumb pressing into your skin, drawing slow circles to drive you crazy? You glanced over at him, and you could have sworn you saw a smug smirk tugging at his lips for a moment when he felt your eyes on him.

Lando was oblivious to the whole scene, he was just smiling brightly and giggling as they talked, too lost in their conversation to notice the way the Red Bull driver teased you. Out of the corner of your eye you noticed the reporter you’d been waiting for signal you that they were ready for the chat with your driver, so you apologized for interrupting them, then gently pushed him in the right direction. This left you and Max alone, and he finally let his hand drop to his side as he turned to you, the mischievous glint in his eyes giving away that whatever he was about to say would make you mad.

“How does it feel to know?” he asked casually, sipping on his Red Bull as if you were talking about the weather. Your eyes turned to him, silently begging him to drop this topic, but he didn’t seem to be interested in letting you off the hook. “We talked last night, you know. It feels so good that someone apart from the two of us knows the truth. Seriously, it’s so tiring to hide from the whole world, not having the chance to talk about the highs and the lows or ask for an outsider’s opinion when there’s a fight or disagreement.”

At first, you were just the kind of friend they’d been waiting for, serving as a neutral outsider when they needed another opinion about something. Then you began to hang out with them, one at the time, eventually serving as a glue between the two rivals who hadn’t really been seen together outside the paddock. Because one day you followed a well-prepared choreography at a bistro, making it look like you were out with Charles, while Max jumped in to get some food to go. Then you noticed each other, started talking, and he ended up taking a seat and joining you for dinner.

The same thing happened a few weeks later, when you and Max went to a club, where surprise, surprise, Charles showed up to greet you. The three of you got comfortable on a curvy couch in a corner of the VIP section, downing shots like there was no tomorrow, too lost in your little bubble to notice what you were doing. Because Max had an arm around your shoulder, talking to you while Charles moved forward to capture your lips in a drunken kiss, and only then did you catch the Dutchman whisper into your ear how much fun the three of you could have if you went home with them that night.

You only realized their relationship turned into your relationship, when Lando asked you about a photo of the three of you hanging out in the paddock on a race weekend, chatting and joking freely over your breakfasts. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with them off the track too. Why don’t you ever hang out with me when you’re in Monaco? You’re so mean,” he said with a pout.

Friends. That’s what you were for outsiders. It was good. With the days spent together getting more frequent though, you knew it was only a matter of time before someone sniffed out the truth. All the nights spent tangled up in bed, with the two of them making a competition out of pulling as many orgasms out of you as they could, surely had a toll on you. Physically, you were more than okay, they made sure of that, but being in this relationship was surely difficult to handle mentally.

“I’m not hanging out with you, you muppet, because I might drown you in a glass of water after five minutes. Babysitting you on race weekends is more than enough, thank you,” you told him with your tongue stuck out.

This conversation made you think, it made you reconsider what you’d been doing in the past months with the boys. For one, it was a dangerous game. Hanging out together more and more, especially when you were at a place where they couldn’t keep themselves under control thanks to the level of alcohol in their bloodstreams, the risk of someone finding out their little secret was higher than before you had been dragged into their life. Then there was the fact that you felt like shit. It felt like you were a piece that didn’t fit. They were so good together, why would you stand between them?

You knew that ending a relationship in a text was the worst, but you didn’t want to give them the chance to start negotiating. So, after the race weekend was over, you sent them a text that you wouldn’t go with them this time, then left the group chat, blocked the both of them, and got on the plane back home. The plan was simple: you would spend a few days watching movies and TV shows that were in your backlog while eating unhealthy snacks, and maybe you would meet some of your friends if they still remembered you.

What could possibly go wrong with that?

Well, everything. It was only your first full day at home when your doorbell rang in the early afternoon, and when you opened it, you found a very disheveled Charles standing there, watching you with a disapproving look on his face. You were ready to tell him to leave you alone, but then he gave you the puppy eyes as he let out a tired sigh, and there was no way you could shut the door in his face. You stepped aside and let him in, stopping in the living room door as you watched him sit down on the couch, and when he patted the empty space next to him, you were stupid enough to do exactly what he wanted. If things went like this, you would agree to whatever he came up with. 

“Blocking us? Really?” he asked you, the hint of disappointment not missing from his voice. “You could’ve at least talked to us in person, give us a proper explanation instead of disappearing like that. What the hell were you thinking? We would meet at race weekends anyway, you can’t think we wouldn’t corner you there.”

Looking away, you gulped and thought about what to say. There were so many things you wanted to say, so many stupid, fake explanations for your decision, but deep inside you knew you had to be honest with him. “You were fine together, Charles. Before I found out the truth, you had everything under control, and you were happy. But then you dragged me into your little secret, eventually poisoning our so-called friendship with casual sex, and–”

“So-called friendship? And casual sex?” he asked, his head slightly tilted to the side, eyes narrowed as he watched you. “Did it ever mean anything to you?” 

You hesitated, unsure of what to say. You really liked them, but the fact their relationship had a lot more history always made you feel like someone who didn’t belong. To you it was casual, just an outlet for getting rid of all the stress your job and keeping their secret came with. Just sex, nothing more. No emotions were supposed to be involved. Sure, they were friends, but it wasn’t love.

Apparently, you were an open book to Charles, because he ran a hand through his hair with a groan as he watched you. “We trusted you.”

“You can still trust me, I won’t tell anyone,” you assured him. 

He let out a desperate laugh. “It’s not that kind of trust, we know you wouldn’t tell anyone. I’m talking about us, about our relationship. We thought you felt the same way we did, that you loved us too. You could’ve been honest, you could’ve told us it didn’t mean anything to you before we caught feelings,” he told you, his voice forced to stay calm. 

“Charles, just try to hear me out. The two of you, that’s the relationship that can work in the long term,” you began to explain. “Me? I’m just… I don’t even know what I was to you. A plaything? A brand new shiny toy?”

“You’re not some toy!” he snapped, finally showing you how he truly felt about this conversation. “You, Max, and me? This could work so well if you just stopped being stubborn. Okay, I admit, we never thought about the possibility of a relationship like this, we always thought it would be just the two of us, but that’s because we had to keep it a secret. But you finding us that day? That was the best thing that could happen to us. We love you just as much as we love each other, that’s what you need to understand,” he explained as he grabbed your chin to force you to look at him. 

You took a deep breath to calm yourself, but the way he was watching you, silently begging you to accept the truth… It was too much. Tears began to roll down your cheeks, but he wiped them away, he kept telling you that it was okay, that everything would be okay, and there was no reason to cry. He repeated this enough times to make you believe it. You were beginning to believe they truly loved you, and you actually thought about the possibility of continuing this from where you had left off. Once your tears stopped coming, he leaned in to kiss you with a small smile on his lips. 

His stupid green eyes were mesmerizing as he watched you, and no matter how hard you wanted to resist, how badly you wanted to be strong and step back, you just couldn’t get yourself to say no to him. Sadly, he was well aware of this ability of his, he had used it on both Max and you a few times before to get what he wanted, and this time he looked just as smug as he always did after a win. 

“Pack a suitcase, because you’re coming with me,” he whispered to you. “Until you get ready, I’ll call Max to tell him the good news.” 

You began to wonder how long it would take you to admit to yourself just how important they had always been to you. Because they were important, no matter how many times you told yourself this meant nothing to you, otherwise you wouldn't be in your bedroom now, packing the suitcase as he asked. You wanted to please him, you wanted them to be happy, and why would you feel this way if you were indifferent?

Maybe this time you would be able to let yourself go and enjoy the relationship, and you would finally believe this could work.

As you were thinking about this, your phone that you left on your nightstand began to vibrate and the screen lit up. You picked it up and saw a message from Lando: “Have you seen this? Max's jet is at an airport near you, but I know for a fact he's at home. WHAT ARE YOU HIDING????”

Okay, maybe letting yourself go wasn't an option.

[empressconjure]

Pick A Card| How do they feel about you?

Pick an empress 🩷

1-4 left to right

Hi everyone!!! I hope this reading finds you well<3 If you like this reading and would like to see more please follow as I will be posting readings frequently🥰 I also plan on providing my Patreon where I will be posting more often and the readings will be a lot more specific✨ info to book a personal reading coming soon🤍 Asé

https://www.patreon.com/posts/118045087?utm_campaign=postshare_creator

Pile 1- ten of swords, three of pentacles, ten of cups, 7 of swords

Signs- Gemini, Capricorn, Pisces, Aquarius

There was definitely a significant ending that took place in this connection. This person wants to collaborate with you and work on this connection because you brought them a lot of happiness. This person is definitely watching your social media to see what your up to. I also feel that they are secretly planning on how they can come back into your life. I’m hearing they talk about you to their friends, family and coworkers because this situation is all they can think about right now.

Pile 2- Justice, page of wands, page of swords

Signs- libra, Scorpio, Capricorn

This person got their karma for something they said or did to you. This person is definitely childish and emotionally immature. I see that they definitely will be reaching out but they have a big ego. It’s like they expected you to reach out to them first, but they are realizing that you aren’t putting up with anymore of their bs right now. I asked what they wanted to tell you and pulled the 4 of pentacles and the tower, the tower is clarified by the knight of cups. This person has finally realized that they don’t want to lose you and that they have feelings for you. But they feel like it’s too late and that you’ve already moved on so they want to come back to make things right. Just be careful because I feel like your dealing with a childish person or maybe they are younger than you. I feel like this person isn’t very serious and they are not on your level.

Pile 3- three of wands, eight of pentacles, page of cups

Signs-Aries, Virgo

Awww this is cute. Your person is the most genuine compared to the previous piles. They are very hard working and they’ve been working hard to impress you!!! This person wants to ask you on a date or make a small advance towards you. They may also want to give you a gift of some kind. This person can see themselves having a future with you!! You inspire them to work hard. They may not offer you anything big right now but they definitely want to take you out or flirt with you. This person is very cute!! Goodluck 😊

Pile 4- eight of wands, sun, king of cups

Signs- Sagittarius, heavy Leo, heavy Aquarius, Pisces, Libra, Taurus

If you had a question the answer is 100% yes!! This person is very mature and they know what they want. They feel emotionally fulfilled with you and you bring them so much joy and happiness. I feel like you will see or hear from them very soon. This person is very excited about you and they want to communicate their feelings to you!! I pulled three more cards and got the 7 of wands, 5 of swords and the empress ( go figure 😂). This person wants to have you at all costs!! They think you are so beautiful and they dont want anyone else to have you!! They are definitely a little jealous because they know that other people find you attractive!! This is so hot!! Good for you pile 4 :)

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for putting a hit out on an ex friend’s dnd character?

A few years ago I [M 18] was the link between two different online friend circles along with my longtime friend A [M 22]. Essentially, both A and I ran two different dnd campaigns that acted as a melting pot between our two friend groups. It was really fun, super casual stuff. Enter C [M 19], who was originally one of my friends and played in both groups. Over time it became clear that C was, to put it lightly, not a great person. At the time, I was a really new DM and struggled a lot with my self confidence. C was a super disruptive player in my group, going off the rails and generally trying to undermine both me and other players. I tried to sort it out between sessions, but it didn’t end up working out. It came to a head where I ended up shutting down my campaign, claiming school got to be too much, but in reality I just couldn’t deal with C’s behaviour. It was a really big blow to my self confidence at the time.

At this point a lot of people had been cutting out C for various other things like this - generally being disrespectful and callous, not taking responsibility for harm he caused, etc. Pretty soon the only times I was interacting with C directly was during A’s campaign.

A, who wasn’t 100% aware of the situation, came and talked to me after a session one day about why I’d shut down my campaign, and I told him everything about how I was feeling. He was really understanding, and said that he got the feeling that I probably didn’t want C around anymore, and neither did he. I agreed, so A offered to ‘sort out some stuff with C’s character’ and shuffle him out of the group. I made a joke about wanting C’s character to die, in a pretty flippant way, and the conversation diverted.

This is where things get kind of weird.

So, at the time, I was expecting A to just talk with C and kick him out of the group in between sessions, but that didn’t end up happening. C was at the next session just as planned, and continued to show up for several weeks. During this time A, and I really don’t know how else to describe this, pulled some Machiavellian scheme on C’s character as the DM to ruin his life. A wove in this story where C’s character got this evil mask shard of a dead god, and played on C’s want to sabotage other players & go his own way in a very ‘lone rogue’ way to isolate him from the group and get him involved in all these evil deeds (killing minor npcs, etc). None of our characters knew about this in character, but A dropped all these hints and the context lined up to make it seem like C’s character was slowly going insane. C, unable to communicate in or out of character, backed up this idea by refusing to talk about the god IC or OOC. Eventually this god fragment lead to the death of C’s character when an overpowered assassin struck him down, in a fight that felt very ‘well this could’ve been a party boss but because you didn’t tell anyone, you died’. Immediately following this the party found out about C’s character’s evil deeds, meaning he wouldn’t be mourned by the party. The whole death felt so… hollow. It really felt like C had ended up in this situation because of their own hubris. But they hadn’t.

A had masterminded the whole thing. He’d given me live updates about his plan to essentially manufacture a situation where C’s character died a miserable death that felt totally deserved in the eyes of the other party members. And then we all just blocked C anyway???

I’ve never seen someone manipulate somebody like that in my life before and I’ve never seen anything like it again. I’ve never told anyone else in the group that the death was masterminded by A because of my petty grudge about my failed campaign. I don’t speak to either A or C now but I still feel bad about not doing something. Should I have just told A to kick C way before this?? I had no clue it would spiral into actual months of chess mastering his demise!!

What are these acronyms?

[fortisfilia]

Promised Part 5 - Tom Riddle x reader

Info: This is a rewrite of a story I've posted on my old account years ago. If it sounds familiar, that might be why :)

Summary: In this story, Tom didn't grow up as an orphan, but with his grandfather and uncle. Reader's sister got very sick and the Gaunts offer their help. But not without asking for something in return.

Warnings: Arranged marriage, sickness

Word count: 2.8k

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 4 | Part 6

Part 5 - Making believe

The news about your fight with Tom had spread across Hogwarts quicker than you had thought was possible. Three days had passed and you were sure even the teachers knew about it by now. And everyone seemed to know more about it than you did. 

There were stories about you hexing Tom in the hallways, about him threatening you there, about you almost drowning yourself in the lake, about Benjamin trying to kiss you, about you trying to kiss Benjamin. The list was endless. None of it was true and why anyone even cared was a mystery.

The way people looked at you made you angry to a degree where you had to control yourself not to smack them. Your anger was also fueled by the fact that Tom had not apologised yet. Three days. Feeling as long as three years when the whole school seemed to watch your every move while you were waiting for your future husband to make up his mind. 

Those two words alone made your blood boil. Future husband. Who certainly was the most conceited, hot-headed, mistrusting bastard on earth. Who you had agreed to marry for your sister. Who thought you would cheat on him, in this imaginary relationship, on the first chance you got. With Benjamin Hilt... Maybe he was also the daftest future husband on earth.

But nonetheless, you wondered far too often when he would finally walk up to you and apologise. You had even considered apologising to him just so you wouldn’t have to ignore him anymore. But that thought hadn’t lasted longer than a minute. He had to learn his lesson.

Tom’s friends seemed awfully aware as well. Although Avery and Lestrange stayed out of your way, some others made you feel like you were constantly observed. Almost as if they were his spies, telling him where he could go to avoid you. Tossers. 

The only person keeping you sane was Camille. She knew the truth and shut down every rumour that came to her ears. She had also tried to talk to Tom, much to your dismay. But he had ignored her completely. 

“Still no news on the fiancé front?” Camille asked when you sat with her in the courtyard. 

“Don’t call him that,” you answered. 

“Sorry,” she said but smiled. “I’m sure he’ll talk to you soon.”

“You think so? I’m not so sure. And I don’t really care.”

Camille laid her hand on your shoulder. “You don’t care, huh?”

“I don’t.”

“Oh well… You talk about it an awful lot for someone who doesn’t.”

“You started it this time,” you grinned. Changing the subject seemed appropriate. She was right. “Do you want to study together around 5? In the library?”

“Sure. I still haven’t done the homework for Charms.”

“Me neither.”

You watched the people around the courtyard. They looked comfortable. Cosy with their scarves on. Carefree, wandering around and talking to their friends. It made you wonder if you looked like them too, or if they could see how bitter you felt. How uncomfortable and tired. If your poor attempt at faking indifference was enough to deceive them. 

The bench where you sat with Tom three days ago was right next to you. You had specifically chosen not to sit there but at the one next to it. Not that anyone had a clue, not even Camille knew which exact bench it was. But it felt good to avoid it. 

One of Tom’s friends, Evan Rosier, walked by. Another spy, another rat, running back to the nest, to tell him where not to go. He locked eyes with you for a brief moment but retracted ever so quickly and went inside. 

“It’s cold,” Camille said and pulled your gaze away from the other students. She rubbed her hands together and crossed her arms. “Want to leave?”

“Just a few more minutes,” you said and took a deep breath. The cold air didn’t hurt. It was sharp and fresh, it kept you awake.

“Okay,” she answered and laid her head on your shoulder. “Look, Ben and his friends are over there.”

They sat on the ground next to the stone walls, about fifty feet away. They didn’t seem cold either. Some of them had their coats open, their scarves only hanging down loosely from their necks.

“They’re strange,” you mumbled.

“I know, right? Like outcasts. But cool ones.”

“Cool? I’m not sure about that.”

Camille laughed. “I don’t know. They seem so happy all the time. As if nothing mattered to them really.”

“If that was true, Ben would know how to mind his own business.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

You turned your head away from them, looking to your left where you heard footsteps coming your way. And indeed, someone was approaching you. The person’s shoes seemed oddly familiar and all your muscles tensed when you looked up and found out who they belonged to. Tom.

Camille noticed your movements and raised her head. Tom stopped in front of you, not saying anything, just looking from you to Camille and back to you. She nudged your waist, silently asking what to do and a small nod was enough for her to understand.

“I, um,” Camille cleared her throat. “I think I’m going to go inside. I’m freezing. I’ll see you in the library at 5.”

You said your goodbyes, watched her leave, then looked up at Tom again and waited for him to say something. But he didn’t. He just looked back at you, or through you maybe, until he finally took a seat beside you.

He sat there, staring straight ahead in silence, even though you gave him every chance to speak. The wind tousled his hair in those everlasting minutes of curiosity. What was he doing here, if he didn’t want to talk? 

People around you had noticed as well. They were looking over in turns and proceeded to whisper to each other. Like you wouldn’t notice.

“I have something for you,” Tom suddenly said and fiddled something out of the inner pocket of his coat. “My grandfather sent an owl.”

Seriously? Three days of silence and he came up to present you a letter? From Marvolo Gaunt of all people. The nerve of him.

“And?” you asked.

“And what?”

“Don’t you think you should say something first? Like an apology?”

He sighed and looked away again. As if he had known you wouldn’t let him get away with it. As if he had dreaded that moment.

“Yes,” he then said, so quietly you could hardly hear him. “I’m sorry for how I behaved. That I haven’t trusted you and that I didn’t let you speak.”

He looked like it hurt him physically to apologise. But it wasn’t enough. 

You turned towards him, watching him staring into the distance. “Now look me in the eyes and say it again.”

Tom turned his head your way, his brows furrowed, eyes looking into yours, filled with such anger, making you regret what you had said. You couldn’t tell if he would rather stand up and leave, or curse you right then and there for what you asked of him.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated nevertheless.

“Thank you,” you answered and wondered if you should comment on how long it had taken him. Better not.

Tom pointed to the letter in your hands. “Now read it.”

The parchment was old and smelled damp and mouldy.

“Tom,

I was informed by an unknown source that people at Hogwarts are doubting the authenticity of your relationship with your fiancée. 

Someone sent a letter and implied they would notify the ministry about it if we wouldn’t cancel the wedding ourselves. 

Let me remind you two, that our plan must go through. If it won’t, the little one will pay for it. Make her wear the ring if you must. And don’t mistake this for a gift, I want it back eventually. 

Improve.

Marvolo Gaunt”

Breathing felt harder all of a sudden. There was a lump in your throat that burned and stung right down into your lungs. If the ministry would doubt the validity of your relationship, they could definitely null and void the marriage before it even happened. Which would be fatal.

“Merlin’s sake,” you sighed. “Who would do that? Threaten your grandfather...”

“You don’t know?” Tom asked and looked over to the group where Ben sat. “I got a suspect.”

“Of course… And what are we going to do about it?”

Tom took the letter and folded it back together, not taking his eyes off Ben. “Let me handle him.”

“What will you do?”

“Nothing too bad,” he said. “Possibly.” 

He Put the letter back into his coat pocket and pulled something else out of it, then opened up his hand, showing off the ring Marvolo must have written about. It was a gold band, inset with a black stone. Engraved on the stone was a strange symbol - a triangle with a circle inside of it and a straight line in its centre. “Put this on,” Tom instructed. “And wear it for people to see. It should suffice as an engagement ring.”

He slipped it onto your left ring finger quickly, his fingers brushing over yours for only a moment. An unceremonial act that would have made you laugh if the situation weren’t so dire. “I’ve never seen a ring like this.”

“It’s a family heirloom from the house of Gaunt and the Peverell’s,” he explained. “Marvolo wouldn't want you to know that. It's one of a kind. And very valuable.”

“That’s why he wants it back,” you concluded.

Tom nodded.

“And how does Marvolo expect us to improve?” you asked. “We can’t change what people think about us.”

“Make them believe. It’s not that hard to fool people.”

He was right. Tom might have been a prick, but he certainly wasn’t a fool. If rumours about your fight spread so quickly, rumours about you making peace would spread even faster. 

“Hold my hand,” you said.

“What?”

“We have to make them believe. Better start right away. There are lots of people around. Maybe we can even trick Ben and his friends.”

He restrained for quite a bit, then ever so slowly reached for your hand, not looking at you. His skin was warm from being inside, almost hot against yours and he felt stiff and mechanical, as if he didn’t know how to behave or was repulsed even by this minimal contact. It was uncomfortable, having your hand lying in someone else’s, who didn’t really hold it but simply let it lay there.

You adjusted your fingers and put them right against his, which made him turn towards you. His pulse pumped softly against the tips of your fingers. It was faster than you had thought and made you smile. Tom didn’t. But he looked at you, differently.

His brows weren’t furrowed anymore, the anger from before completely washed away. His eyes were open, studying your face with a deadpan stare until he squinted.

“You’re cold,” he said and brought his other hand around the back of yours, now properly holding it with both of his.

“I’ve been here for a bit,” you told him and looked around, letting his unfamiliar warmth spread through your veins. “I think it’s working.”

“Hm?”

“The people. They’re watching.”

Tom took a glance, his fingers twitching as he did. The other students turned away one by one when his gaze neared them. Even Ben and his friends had noticed but ducked their heads now too. 

Making people believe was easier than expected.

“And he really held your hand? Wow. Even I wouldn’t have guessed that,” Camille whispered when you told her about what had happened.

“I know, me neither,” you said while opening the Charms textbook. 

“And I wasn’t there to see it. Damn it. I knew I should have peeked around a corner.”

“Gross,” you joked and looked around if anyone could hear you. 

The library was quite full, but you had found a desk at the far end, where no one would bug the two of you.

Studying with Camille was, as unbelievable as it may sound, one of the best parts of school. It brought tranquillity and effect together. Feeding your brain with new information and sharing it with one another was a sensation you got nowhere else. No matter how dry, or tricky the material was, you had always found a way to remember. You were great together. Balanced. And she brought chocolate, every time. Major plus.

It had gotten dark outside a while ago when you finished the Charms essay. Only then you noticed how tired your eyes were from the dim light. Camille had completed hers two chocolate bars ago and was waiting for you by the window. 

“Done,” you sighed. “Finally.”

“Great. Let’s go then,” she said and started packing up her things.

“I haven’t proofread.”

“Oh,” Camille nodded and teetered from one foot to another.

“But you can go. Really. You’ve already waited for so long. I’ll just read it again and then I’m off.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Somewhere you need to go?”

“The loo,” she whispered and you laughed.

“Then run!”

You rubbed your eyes and folded the parchment flat out under your hands. One more read-through and you were done. It was even quieter around you, now that Camille had left. The only things you heard were the librarian’s steps, as she tiptoed through the rows every now and then, and some quills scratching on paper from afar. It was a hypnotic silence, that made it easier to read. So easy, you didn’t even notice someone walking up to you.

The sound of the chair next to you screeching lightly over the floor was so startling, you almost knocked over your inkwell.

“Merlin’s sake,” you whispered as you screwed down the small bottle. “You can’t creep up on me like that. Almost ruined my essay.”

“Pardon me,” Tom said. “Who could have thought people had to be quiet in a library?”

You shot him a look to prevent yourself from telling him to keep his cocky jokes to himself. “What are you doing?”

He opened up a book, giving you the same look in return as if to say, what do you think people do in here. “Reading.”

“Alright then,” you said and leaned over your parchment again. 

Just a few more pages. But suddenly the words you had written didn’t make sense anymore. You had to read each sentence twice, to even understand what they meant. And you were awfully aware of your breathing. Tom made you nervous. 

It took you twice as long to read one page and the fact that you watched him from the corner of your eye every other moment didn’t help. 

Concentrate. Forget he’s even here. You had eventually found somewhat of a rhythm again, laying one paper aside, when Tom touched your hand.

You automatically jolted and looked over to him. He was still reading his book, now holding your hand firmer, more proper than earlier that day. It seemed like he wanted to finish this particular paragraph before he looked back at you. And the blank expression on his face said more than ever before. It was a mix between him waiting for you to pull away and simultaneously telling you not to dare to move. 

It was the same silence, the same tension that occurred when he had come for dinner at your house, when you were alone in the dining room with him. But yet, it felt so different.

So you held him, too. Quietly. Still staring at him. While no one spoke a word. 

Your fingers folded along the back of his hand perfectly, like they were meant to be there. 

And then, he moved. His thumb swayed back and forth across your skin, so lightly you could barely even sense it. So softly, as though he was scared it could hurt and break you. His eyes were fixated on you. He studied every breath, every flutter of your eyelashes, every muscle moving in reaction to his touch. 

And there it was. Something different in his eyes. Something more than the notorious apathy. A spark, a tiny hint of what you would call emotion. 

Something you had never seen on him. It suited him well. So you let him feast on it. For forever if he asked you to.

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 6

[warmhealerr]

[Ta’rath]

1. [CHARACTER INFO]

OC NAME: Ta’rath

OC PRONOUNS: They/them

AUTHOR: Warmhealerr

2. [DIALOGUE]

1. Greeting message:

(The Githyanki is looking right through you, avoiding your gaze. Common finally slips out of their mouth)…Yes?

2. Identify yourself:

My name is Ta’rath.

3. Tell me about your Creche:

My Creche?…I do not want to talk about it.

4. I need to know how you fight:

I fight with what my body naturally gives me. I was trained in an Ilmateri monastery, should you be familiar with the deity. I have been slowly picking up on more… “Githyanki” ways of fighting, but I believe control over my body and that of others by extension has been an advantage on the battlefield thus far. Our enemies are unfamiliar with my technique, and their tendency to underestimate me is yet another weapon for me to wield.

5. Can I ask a more personal question?

I have nothing to hide. (Capillaries on the inside of their elbow have burst from their insistent scratching). 

6. What is your relationship with the divinity?

Which one? Not like that matters, my answer would be the same. They care not about me, and I care not about them. I still swear on Ilmater more than I’d like. (They pause for an uncomfortably long amount of time). Wait, my apologies, were you asking about Vlaakith? Far from the divine she is. I care more about my kin than her, but if my kin needs help disposing of her…

7. What do you usually do in your free time?

(They hold out their forearms. Hidden underneath the bandages, raised scars decorate them : cuts, burns, scratches old and new cover almost every inch of skin peeking). Inflicting pain on oneself makes for great meditation and training. Do not pity me, I enjoy it most thoroughly.

8. What is your life goal?

I think I want to see our people thrive.

9. How is your relationship with your allies?

A few exceptions aside, distant. Do not take it personally.

10. Do you have someone special in your life?

There are few people I truly care about, especially people that I can still hope to see again someday, but I cannot think of one specifically that stands out among the others…(The sclera of their eyes darkens, star like glint revealing a subtle pink silhouette) Not someone that matters anymore, at least.

11. Say something you would never do, and why?

There is no room for such things in war. “To say never is to have already lost child” a great Kith'rak recently told me. Still, I hope I never have to bring harm to children, nor enslave, even istiki...Especially istiki. You can call me a bleeding heart, I am used to it. How do you say it again? “She'lak”?

12. What is a perfect day to you?

I miss bathing and swimming in nature. We can talk about this again when Vlaakith is gone and I can learn to truly enjoy the Astral Sea and what it has to offer. Perhaps I will have a deeper answer to give you by then.

13. How do you celebrate a victory?

Blueberry wine in peace and quiet is my favorite. The former is far too rare here. I thought Githyanki more lavish than that.

14. How do you deal with defeat and losses?

Just like you can drink a victory to the stars, you can drink your sorrow away all the same.

15. How do you think you will be remembered after death?

The question should be “Will it be known?”. Once upon a time I did not care about the thought, or at least I pretended I didn’t. I could have drowned the next day and maybe it wouldn’t have mattered for shit. I have lived on the Material outside of a Creche much longer than the average Githyanki does. I am far too familiar with death, the one Githyanki don’t allow themselves to know. If my time comes while they are still alive, I hope the lovely companions that have given me something to chase after, both on the Material and Astral planes, will not be left to wonder what became of me…(You have lost eye contact once more). Maybe this got far too personal. Can we talk about something else?

3. [GRAPHICS]

4. [BONUS RESOURCES]

Tenderly microwaved by my best friend.

@vikintor I've no idea how full or not the map is yet, but if they could be placed somewhere with barely any Giths if not none it'd be lovely ;_; They are still adjusting to being around Githyanki and therefore isolating a lot.

[miminmimikyu]

Prodigy episodes 5-6

WHAT THAt coffee with espresso shot from the trailer was for Dal??? janeway what are you doing to that child

I guess Janeway’s way of dealing with *gestures* all this is by giving coffee to her protégé, said coffee being heavily imbued with symbolism. Dal and Janeway are already coming up with the same “plan” independently of each other (finding the protostar and placing it on past!Tars Lamora themselves to fix the timeline)! I’m so proud :’) don’t pick up any more of her habits, Dal.

Something else that I also like is: unlike in other kids shows, where to tell a story where the children go off to save the day all the adults are written as stern, uncaring people who don’t see reason + then in the end you’ll eventually find out that that was all miscommunication, in Prodigy they’re showing that outright! The adults aren’t uncaring and they aren’t angry (anymore) at the kids— they are shocked that they even got into that situation in the first place. It’s viewed by the adults as a failure on their part, of their responsibilities as adults. They talk, among themselves, about how much they admire how the children are holding up in these circumstances and they make an effort to check if they really are okay, even though these are incredibly stressful circumstances for them (for janeway in particular) too. It seems that they also understand that being kept in the dark is what is making the gang restless and they offer them at least some morsels of information. Like how Tysess tells them that the Infinity is going to be destroyed but it’s NOT because of anything they did. He didn’t need to tell them that, but he did. But you can’t expect the gang can intuit all this and instead think they’re being punished or on the verge of being kicked out. That’s a reasonable assumption for any child/teenager to make, but especially for these ones, who have only been around bad, untrustworthy or neglectful adults almost their whole lives. So no one is sharing info but the situation is more nuanced than I've seen before in a children's show.

But please please someone share some information with Janeway 💀

Cerritos mention!!!! Does that mean the EMH will be in an episode of Lower Decks s5? He went on that ship and survived??

They really nailed the doctor’s facial expressions and mannerisms! Great to know he’s still writing self-insert fiction. Hopefully this one isn’t as libellous as Photons Be Free. Makes me wonder what the rest of Voyager’s former crew is up to now.

Also Janeway’s expressions are spot on for that matter: oh man the pain on her face when she blew up the wormhole!!!The fact that she only really lets the mask slip the second she’s on her own is so Janeway too *chef's kiss*

Is this the first ever mention of what tribe Chakotay is from?

Mermaid Murf and Gillian in the tank were so cute!

I love the snippets of personality we’re getting from Voyager-A’s bridge crew these two episodes: Tysess can laugh? Oh boy, he can. Counsellor Noum just clocking off for the day with a good book? I’m glad that he’s warming up to Jankom a little bit. Anyway, Janeway’s new officers all seem so on board with her and her mission, if Janeway had said “never mind, let’s just cloak the ship and use it for a covert mission” I think they all would have gone along in a heartbeat.

Also is this the same Vulcan lieutenant from Mindwalk? So that sudden makeout (handshake) with Janeway (Dal) didn’t put him off working for Janeway/humans forever.

Was Noum the only doctor on the Dauntless? Wait, did they only let Janeway do that mission on the Dauntless as long as there was a proper psychiatrist/psychologist as the chief medical officer?

Omg omg omg next is another episode where the voice actors do impressions of each others’ characters?? I cannot wait!!!!!

Also it’s so funny that Jellico just consistently remains “Captain/Admiral Buzzkill” after all these years. Anyway. Fuck him.

[unwelcome-ozian]

Hi oz, thanks for your answer to my question about dissociating a lot and feeling stuck. Your reminder that younger parts coming forward is also progress and the advice on how to deal with the exhaustion of these experiences helped me orientate in the mess of it all. You offered to share some more information and advice on how to build a window of tolerance for dissociation. I’d be very grateful if you could do that!

I do think that without knowing I already started working on this, trying to confront my feelings when my day suddenly is disrupted by dissociation and feelings of emptiness. I try to think about what might’ve started the feeling and if possible ask other parts if they’re hiding behind it and if there’s something they need to say. Sometimes it’s possible for me to talk out loud and get into a dialogue with myself and other parts about how we feel and what the dissociation is trying to suppress.

What I’ve learned from that so far is that I as a host spend a lot of time by myself at home, while other parts usually take care of social interaction. This makes me feel intensely lonely at times, which in return triggers the memories of being a child/teenager having to hide in my room and pretend I don’t exist in order to avoid being abused by my parent. I realised that even though there’s no danger of being abused anymore, my brain subconsciously thinks we’re in the same situation again and that there’s danger lurking around the corner so we have to hide in our room and dissociate from the stress and fear that came with living with an abusive parent.

I’m sharing these revelations in case that might help with knowing what type of info I need on working on the window of tolerance. If it’s more universal advice it’s obviously not so important.

Thank you either way for the support and help! I’ve been wanting to look into the ways you provided in which we can support you in return. Your advice and work is definitely worth more than only written appreciation! I hope you’re doing as well as possible.

Brains are amazing. Their one task is to keep us alive. The brain will do what it thinks is best to do that. Even if we are currently safe and can logically say we are in a safe place right now. The brain will consistently scan and send the message at the slightest hint of danger that, “No, indeed good person we are not safe. As when we were 5 this thing occurred and it must never occur again even though we are 25.”

With DID multiply that response by each parts experience of abuse. 

In short your brain is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. You’re not flawed.

The Window of Tolerance is the zone of arousal in which we are able to function most effectively. In contrast, when we are hyperaroused, we feel excessive activation or energy, often in the form of anxiety, panic, fear, hypervigilence, and emotional flooding. When we are hypoaroused we are shut down or dissociated from our feelings.

There are specific things you can do to apply the methods used and not continue to overwhelm yourself, system, and to let your brain know things are safe.

For example, asking a friend to go for coffee. You choose the time (an hour let’s say), you choose the place, and where you will sit. (facing the door). Start as simple as you would like but with discomfort you can manage and something you will be successful at.

Another thing to continue to increase communication with the others inside and working together. So if there is a social situation you could work on fronting for a bit of time. 

Slow progress is still progress.

Here are a couple of links about the Window of Tolerance to help. LINK  Work Sheet Information

You’re most welcome. Thank you for considering ways you can support us.

Take care,

Oz

[mort-the-destroyer]

Ok Reddit refugees I need your help.

This may be too personal but idk what else to do.

About a year ago I matched with this girl on tinder who for privacy’s sake I will call June. June and I hit it off right away and would talk non stop nearly everyday until we finally got to meet in January, something we didn’t get to do because of our conflicting schedules. Anyways we finally go out on a date and it’s lovely! We talk a lot, and even though she’s shy she still opens up and even offers to take me somewhere else after we finish eating. Unfortunately I can’t go because I already had to push work behind to be there but I was flattered none the less.

We plan a second… ok I say date but we never officially said that it was a date nor have we agreed to be exclusive which i suppose is normal. Anyways because June takes classes in the summer and works during the winter and spring we never make it to the second date even though we already picked a place to go because on my last few days in the city she had to reschedule.

So I moved back home which was too far away to get together. We try to meet up on the days where I’m back to get my stuff but it doesn’t work out.

But the entire time we still talk regularly. So we talk less and less which is to be expected but we never ghost each other. But we don’t talk every day anymore, which is expected since we are both working so there isn’t as much to talk about.

So it’s now it’s near the end of august, yeah a long time I know, and I’m at a festival and I send some pictures and try to strike up a conversation. Admittedly I hadn’t talked to her in a few days and she hadn’t with me either, but that was common for us at that point. Anyways I don’t hear anything so I leave it alone.

And a week goes by.

I think maybe she just saw the pictures but didn’t respond so I text her and ask her how she’s doing.

Another week goes by

And another

And another

And now I’m back in the city.

And it had been over a year since we’ve met and over a month since she and I last talked.

I accept that I probably got ghosted, since we talked on Instagram and I can see her stories popping up. I’m sad about it but I just keep doing school work and decide I’m going to give dating sites another try one I get my hair done again since my bangs have grown out and look a bit funky.

And then June texts me back. She says the festival looks fun and apologizes for not texting back because she didn’t see my messages and says they got buried underneath her contacts.

Some friends of mine told me that they don’t really buy that, and it’s hard not to see their point, but I still like June and like an idiot I responded anyways.

We talk about how we both moved apartments, and ironically she is now closer to where I used to be and vice versa. But not much else just ask how the other has been doing.

The thing is, I really like her and I liked spending time with her but I felt really hurt when I thought she ghosted me after talking for a year and when I was finally ready to move on she just texted me back like I was nothing. I’m also worried that if I keep going out with her I’ll be so worried about getting ghosted again I’ll get clingy.

Still, I’ve never gone out with a girl so I’m not sure if I’m just super into her or if I’d be like this with someone else, because she’s super sweet and usually responded quickly before even when it was late and she had just gotten home from work?

[theramblingsofadork]

Time for another AU dynamic drop~!

One of my favorite friendships within the competition group is between Starline and Hex.

While Starline really doesn’t take much of a notice of the little rat at first, too focused on trying to get everyone to follow his plan, he does eventually take note when he sees Hex’s work. Kid’s talented, shockingly so for one his age.

Then he learns from Lug that Hex is debating dropping out of the competition, and goes to talk to him. There, he learns why he joined in the first place, and unintentionally ends up becoming a sort of a big brother/mentor to him for the remainder of the competition.

———————————————————————

📙📗 (Writing Drabble) An Encouraging Word

“People don’t take me seriously because they think I’m too young.” Hex grumpily said as he mashed away at the buttons of his game pad. His eyes narrowed at the flashing ships exploding on the screen. “They always say “I’ll never make it, or I won’t be able to contribute anything worth of value until I’m grown up.”

“I thought by joining this competition I might be able to prove them wrong—that I’m just as capable as they are, but even you guys don’t take me seriously. So then, what’s the point of trying anymore?”

Starline blinked in surprise at the rat’s words, suddenly realizing that this was because the group brushed him off the other day when they all got into thar ugly argument over workflow.

v v v v

He in particular may have said something rather sharp to Hex in his irritation, even if it had been more to keep yet another voice from bombarding him with more info than he could deal with at the time.

Even so, it still had been detrimental to the kid. It was clear that Hex not being given a voice had been hurting the kid for a while now. He was purposefully limiting himself and staying silent because of how he knew the world and his family viewed him and his skills.

…And, Starline supposed he now did the exact same thing. The platypus huffed and frowned. Well, he certainly couldn’t let that stand.

“Hex, I can understand how that conversation may have come across to you.. I certainly said some things I regret in the heat of the moment.. but believe it or not, it’s not that we don’t take up seriously because of your age. Seriously. That’s what everyone’s so hung up about?”

He laughs and leans on the railing. “The absurdity. They simply don’t recognize genius when they see it.”

“Huh?” Hex’s attention is perked.

“Oh certainly. I’ve seen your work, and I can confidently say that I’ve never met a more talented coder and hacker than yourself. If anything, I’d say your age makes what you do even more impressive.”

Hex stops mashing his buttons, squinting in confusion before he stares at the platypus suspiciously. “Wait.. really?”

“Of course!” Starline flashes his trademark, confident smirk.

“You’re.. not just saying that to make me feel better?” Hex presses, not convinced.

“Perish the thought!” Starline exclaims with a dramatic flourish. “I acknowledge I haven’t been… the best at being open to hearing everyone’s ideas.. But your ability with hacking and coding is quite unique, unsurpassed by only a choice few. Anyone who thinks you’re too young to do anything worthwhile and dismisses what you have to offer for that, is either a fool, or just plain jealous of your natural prowess.”

He smiles. “Believe me, Hex. You have a bright future ahead of you.”

“Oh..” Hex flushes in embaressment, looking as if Starline has just opened his mind to a whole new world. The rat gives a small grin as he looks back at his game pad.

“Heh... well… thanks. You’re the first person to say that to me besides Lug. It.. means a lot.”

“Of course! Us geniuses have to stick together after all!”

Hex laughs. There’s a pause, then he pipes up again, seemingly more encouraged. “…Hey, do you think I could show you a personal project of mine sometime? I’d like it if you could check over my work and give me some tips.”

“Oh? Why I’d be delighted.“ Starline replies.

———————————————————————

And from that day on, Starline makes sure to try and let him be part of the planning and conversations going forward. It makes Hex happy.

While the intent of his speech was still very much to encourage Hex to not drop out of the competition, as it’d put them at a huge disadvantage— (Lug would leave with him)— most of WHAT Starline says to him is still shockingly genuine.

Starline sees true promise in Hex, and at times, the kid reminds him of himself. Once small and brilliant, but written off by those with power and authority. “Balderdash to that—” he scoffs with a snort. “Ignore the naysayers and prove them all wrong!” He tells Hex definitively.

(He probably also references a certain young yellow fox in there as extra encouragement, since Tails and Hex are of similar age and he knows Tails has quite a track record himself.)

Hex opens up to him after that conversation. Becomes a chatterbox, going on about complicated coding things and getting Starline’s input on builds since he now knows he’s one of the few older people who will take him seriously and be willing to discuss with him.

This does unfortunately make Lug a bit jealous, seeing as he was Hex’s best friend first and foremost, but he tries hard to not take it personally. “I’m just glad he has someone else to talk to.” He tells Rivet and Charge one day.

[aita-alternia]

<- AITA for breakiNg up with My Matesprit? <-

<- I (9M ceruleaN) receNtly broke up with My Matesprit (9M rust). We’d beeN together for a while, but receNtly our relatioNship had started to vacillate. He repeatedly would fight with Me over thiNgs that I thought were fiNe or we’d agreed upoN iN the past. They were largely MiNor thiNgs, even oNce aN arguMent about where the uteNsils should go. I will fully adMit that I aM Not the Most level headed of trolls, aNd he was fully aware of this, as well as the fact that I really doN’t like beiNg aNgry. I tried My best to be reasoNable, but I defiNitely said soMe thiNgs I didN’t MeaN. <-

<- I talked with My Moirail (9M olive) about it Multiple tiMes, aNd several of our other frieNds eveN offered to auspisticize for us, but eveN the suggestioN caused hiM to block several trolls. EveNtually, My Moirail told Me he thought we should break up, siNce the relatioNship wasN’t healthy aNyMore aNd it wasN’t doiNg either of us aNy good. <-

<- I broke it off about two weeks ago Now (iN persoN, of course, I’M Not aN aNiMal), aNd he’s beeN MessagiNg Me NoNstop, MakiNg alterNative accouNts eveN after I blocked hiM. He’s beeN beggiNg Me to take hiM back, aNd has beeN MakiNg Me feel iNcredibly guilty for breakiNg up with hiM. My Moirail aNd our frieNds all say I did the right thiNg, but I caN’t shake the feeliNg that I fucked up. I’d like soMe perspectives froM people who areN’t directly iNvolved. <-

[thelonesomequeen]

Just sit back and watch stuff unfold. They probably would find out a whole lot of other info by doing that. Because when they harass, people go private (for good reason). This isn’t rocket science lol

Bingo lol. I know there's a debate in the fandom about whether or not that Pinterest account is hers, but I would check it every now and then (more when things started getting interesting) out of curiosity and if it is hers (I personally think it is but I digress) it was kind of like treasure trove of info about what she and Chris were up to (the home decor, the wedding dresses and decor, etc.) as a couple. Same with her Spotify playlist(s), they offered a little insight. But I never ever once broadcasted that info or thought about bugging her on either platform because I knew that the moment I did either of those things, she'd lock things up and those possible sources of info would be gone.

Yep. Ariel and I were JUST talking about how one of the biggest problems with this fandom now is that people don’t know how to quietly observe anymore. You can get so much info by seeing what people are posting. Literal glimpses of Chris every now and then. But all of those things are gone now because his friends and family have locked everything up tight to keep the fandom out after they started acting like loud, rude, assholes. And I don’t blame them one bit for locking down with the way too many people act these days 🦎

[gddmgttsu]

I’m so exhausted haha

(why can’t getting paperwork done be easier)

Recently I’ve been a bit stressed… My mood would fluctuate between hyper anxious, depressed and average emotional state.

My new job completely flipped my life around and I haven’t even started my first day.

Along with that, this week, I’ve been in charge of the house and it’s chores since the person usually doing them is out for a few days. Even though we have one cat, there’s a secret second cat that I have to take care of too.

It’s suddenly alot of work just thrust on to me and it’s really making me tired haha.

Today I basically ran around town filling in my requirements for employment. It used to stress me a lot a few days ago but now that I’ve chipped away at it, it’s not so bad. The part that gets me though is that I have to leave the house and have nobody watching anything. I worry about the cats…

I got to say though getting government documents suck. Each department has some deranged method of registration and some of them require a few days waiting time. I’m given like a week to process this stuff, cut me some slack PLEASE.

My mom was nice enough to “help” but she basically just drove me around to where I need to go. Last week I was glad she offered to help because I was really at my breaking point. I’ve realized today though that she is giving the bare minimum to help which means I still have to do everything.

I asked how and where to get these documents and I would get a blank stare or just straight up wrong info. I even had to argue because she wouldn’t believe that I needed to go to a specific office. I need an adult that knows what to do but never got it hahaha.

To be fair, it’s my requirements and it’s my responsibility right but I thought I could rely on her as support to keep me afloat. The real lesson was that I can only rely on myself and anyone else is a liability… it’s an exaggeration but sometimes it feels that way.

When I got home, I had to take care of the cat and do more chores. It rained yesterday so the secret stray cat was gone then but today they showed up. They might have been mad at me bc I wasn’t able to feed them so I gave em a big bowl of food and water to make up for it.

I only hope the stray forgives me…

I still have a few days before the deadline and I’m just waiting on three things. One of them is a medical exam/ready for work certificate thing from the local office. I’ll be doing that next with my mom and hopefully it’ll go much smoother.

Busy busy so I don’t have time for myself. There’s a feee login for FFXIV too but I can’t even enjoy it with my friends. I wonder if I’ll even be able to play frequently when I start working.

I’m mostly fine for the most part but there’s a ringing at the back of my head where it feels like I’m being looked down upon. Sure I finally have work but it’s a bit too late especially compared to everyone else and also how it has nothing to do with my degree. I don’t even get paid that much.

When I try to talk to others about my days recently it feels like they want nothing to do with me anymore. It’s weird…

It’s 100% just my anxiety from the stress making me think things. It just sucks that I have to feel it in my bones.

I hope they forgive me too for thinking of them in this way…

Anyway, I’m almost done. I’m doing my best.

[khazadspoon]

Part two of whatever I’m doing with big boss MRE man au stuff

———

“So, have you introduced yourself yet?” Adam pressed the plunger down on the cafetière, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the apartment. His tone was light, curious, but John could see the intrigued glint in his eyes.

“Not yet. I think he’s… busy most of the time. I don’t want to intrude.”

“Mm.”

Neutral, unbothered, all the things Adam was not. He had a vested interest in John’s personal life even after their own unconventional relationship had ended. He’d kept an ear to the ground concerning his old friend, checking that he had been eating enough and actually leaving his apartment for more than just the occasional run or trip to the store for groceries. “I hear he’s got his own business,” he offered nonchalantly.

John raised an eyebrow at him, silently conveying his distaste for Adam’s interference. “And just how do you know that?”

“Oh, you know, the usual channels. Tanya seems to think he has a military background, might give you something to talk about.”

He poured two cups of coffee, adding a drop of milk to his own and two sugars to John’s without a word.

John took the mug and cradled it in his hands. He hummed under his breath and blew the steam away. “Maybe.”

They drank in silence for a minute as Adam searched for something new in the small kitchen, any sign of movement or change. There was a new microwave, some model that he knew claimed to be more energy efficient and had a built in grill. It wasn’t much but at least “Big Boss” was improving the old outdated appliances one by one.

“I heard from Eli,” he offered, “and George.”

John looked up briefly.

“They didn’t ask about you but I know they wanted to. David is due to visit California in a few weeks, something to do with a training exercise for new recruits. I hear he’s doing well.”

Another hum, another sip of coffee. “Good.”

The boys were a slightly sore subject. Sore was an understatement but they were working on it slowly. John had never wanted to be a father, and their conception was… unconventional at best. But it was old news at this point, and updated we’re all John wanted beyond paying for their education out of his veterans pension and the generous payout he got from the government for his services back when he was one of the best soldiers they had.

Adam took an envelope from his jacket pocket and held it out.

“What’s that?” John asked, reaching out to take it. It always made him smile, the trust John had in him; anyone else handing him an unmarked envelope would have been told to unveil its contents first.

“A work offer,” he said, “I know someone who needs a hand escorting a VIP to the airport next month. He is aware of your record, knows we are connected and wanted me to pass on the information. You don’t have to say yes, don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, but it might be a bit of something familiar enough to be comfortable.”

John rubbed the envelope with his thumb, his eye fixed on it. Sometimes his face was like an open book to Adam, his emotions painted on his features in exquisite clarity, but other times… there was nothing discernible on his face. There was no arch of his brow, no sardonic smile, no frown or wrinkle of his nose. Adam waited. He had waited many times for John to act or decide not to act. He’d wait as long as needed, always would. His loyalty to this man was unwavering even after all these years.

“I’ll think about it. That’s all I can promise for now. Is there contact information in here?” John turned the envelope over before putting it in his back pocket.

Adam nodded. “Contact info, dates and times, payment details; everything you’d need. I’ve done background checks on the contact and the client, so if you decide to go ahead-”

“I’ll know exactly who to come to,” John smiled at him, that wonderful curve of his lips that always made Adam’s heart beat a little faster. They might not be partners anymore but he would never be immune to John’s charms.

They talked for a little while longer, old friends catching up on one another’s lives. Adam asked about the videos, gave his opinion on the latest, and suggested John looked into creating his own display of packaging and inedible items he had found. John latched on to the idea, body moving quickly to a space in the living room that could fit a shelving unit and describing how it might look. The coffee was long gone by the time they had decided how many shelves and compartments could fit in the space and Adam had already set a time aside in his mind to take John shopping for wood and tools.

“It’s getting late,” he said at last, looking at the clock with a pang of sadness. “I should get going.”

“Work?”

He shrugged, tapped the side of his nose and smiled. “Can’t tell you, confidential business.”

John laughed, a low and comforting sound he heard less and less these days. “Fine, keep your secrets. You’ll just tell me next time.”

“Maybe, but I have to have a little mystery to me. You know far too much already!”

They smiled at each other fondly. He still loved John, wholehearted and unreservedly, but it just wouldn’t have worked. Their differences were too great at the end of things, even if he wished they weren’t.

“I miss you,” John said suddenly.

Adam stepped closer and put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I miss you too, John. See you next week?”

John nodded, reaching up to squeeze Adam’s hand. “Next week.”

John saw him out, the door shutting behind him with a light click. Adam smoothed down his jacket, walked down to the lobby, took the unopened letter he had picked up when John’s back was turned and slotted it into his next door neighbour’s mailbox. Maybe that would spur a bit of conversation; he’d find out next week.

[hapigairu]

Ahh, I was wondering when someone would pull the “Akshually” card...  I’m not going to bother replying to them, but I’ll just say this: Edelgard does say that she intends to dismantle the nobility system, true. But we don’t really see this in practice. Like, at the end of CF, House Nuvelle is reinstated (as well as given Hrym territory, I think?) and many of her buddies inherit their titles. So despite Edelgard’s claims, nobility is still very much present. “Yes, but you can’t change the system overnight, it takes time” Exactly, hence Dimitri’s position. Dimitri isn’t paralysed by fear, he just wants to be careful. Faerghus’ situation is way different than Adrestia’s and I wish more people would understand this. Besides, changing the way people obtain their position (ie: through mehrit rather than blood) doesn’t mean much if there are such stark social inequalities. Former nobles will still be rich, therefore they’ll have access to the best education possible and a peasant’s child -no matter how brilliant they are- would have to work very hard to catch up with them (best case scenario), free education or not. And nobody said Rhea was fighting for humanity at large, she fights for the safety of the people living in Fodlan, regardless of their race. And even then, she still helps the Kingdom in restoring Duscur. What a terrible person, truly. Anyway, back on topic:

It’s a shame we don’t get more information about Sylvain and Miklan’s childhood. Especially because we know that Sylvain’s mother took Miklan’s death pretty hard. She clearly loved him despite everything, so she could’ve seen that his behaviour was unhealthy at best, no? Welp, guess that’s what fanfictions are for. But I do appreciate the little tidbits we get about the dads’ past. It does a good job at enriching their characters without being info-dumpy. The way they talk about it feels just... natural? Idk, I just like it.

Oh for sure! Miklan’s appointment is very important in the grand scheme of things. It actually reminds of the theme of The Good Place (heck, even Orange is the New Black) in that it’s not enough to get a second chance, it’s just one part of the equation. You also have to give them the proper tools so that they improve. If Ashe was caught stealing and was given a slap on the hand and a ‘second chance’, would he say “Oh gee, I understand the lesson and I won’t steal anything anymore even if it means my siblings and I will die of starvation”? No. He’d steal again. But when Lonato adopted him along with his siblings, he had both a second chance and a real opportunity to do good on it. And, like, very few bandits started this life just for the lolz. In most cases, it was because they had no other way of surviving and ended up in a vicious circle. So seeing Miklan, an infamous bandit, being given the chance to turn a new leaf would encourage these bandits to maybe change their way of life. It’s the same with pirates, in a way. Pirates don’t choose to become pirates for the lifestyle or forever. In most cases, they engaged in piracy for a couple of years until they had enough money to survive and build something somewhere. It’s not hard to imagine that it’s the same thing for bandits. It’s Dimitri is offering them a pardon but with caveats (ie: if you try anything harmful, it’s over, but we’ll find something for you to do). Dimitri and Yuri’s supports in Hopes are amazing! (like most Blue Lions supports in Hopes, tbh). I also think they work better than Edel and Ferdie’s House support in that it feels like Dimitri is actively thinking of practical ways to improve the lives of his citizens. Whereas Edel seems to not think her future regime through... I wouldn’t say that’s because she’s dumb per se, but she tends to have somewhat of a tunnel vision. Yeah, unfortunately, we know next to nothing about Faerghus’ justice system, but maybe he was going to have a trial at some point? I can see practical reasons as to why he wouldn’t be executed. In AM, they still have yet to really understand what happened in Duscur, and this man could still know a few things so killing him would be unproductive. I don’t have much more to add about Dimitri’s decisions regarding Miklan, except that it proves that the “Dimwitri dumb” takes are unfounded. What he did shows how politically savvy he is without compromising his morals. Even when his friends are protesting, he doesn’t try to make excuses at all, he merely argues that Miklan has a lot of skills and that he needs more competent leaders as it is. He gave logical arguments, which, funnily enough, seems to calm Felix down somewhat. Conclusion: Dimitri smart.

And yeah, Crests are mostly important in Eastern Faerghus, because of the conflicts with Sreng. If you have a Crest, you can use the relic that matches it, so you can defend Faerghus against Sreng’s raids (also, just in case: I’m not saying that the Sreng situation is black and white, with Faerghus being completely unarguably good. It’s a very messy political situation). That’s all. Baron Dominic doesn’t have a Crest, and he’s still the head of his House. And he’s only one noble amongst many others who are crestless head of House without any problem. Even Rufus was the Grand Duke of Itha, he may not have been chosen as King, but he still had a whole territory. So it’s not like nobles without Crests are treated like trash. But Faerghus BaD. Oh... Since Miklan dies in AG and Sylvain in SB, does that mean GW is the golden route for real?

I feel like he could be sarcastic, but not in an insulting way? Like, he‘s just joking. But of course, the localisation team had to add some insults lol

Faerghus dads can’t do anything right. Either they’re caring too much about their kids to the point where they’re smothering them (and you can kill people this way!) or they just don’t care about them at all because how dare they have their own struggles and also want to support the Crown Prince/King.

I think Edelfans were quite happy with Hopes (bar AG), but Claude fans were very much not (rightfully so). But overall, many somewhat enjoyed it (at least in the West). In some regards, I prefer AG to AM, because AG allows characters such as Dedue and Felix to shine instead of (mostly) just Byleth, who is... well... who exist to be pandered to. And the little bits of political stuff we get are great! But Hopes is indeed quite strange in a way... You get two routes where you’re told certain things and one route where you’re shown that it’s utter poppycock. Sadly, Dimitri can’t tell that to their faces in the Zahras chapters, because... uh, you still need to play the final chapter, I guess lol.

Dimitri protecting Edelgard at Arianrhod is yet another proof that he’s a sensible leader, tbh. His needs for answers is not just for him, it’s for Faerghus as a whole and Duscur and he knows that. And yes, it helps that he’s mentally sound (ish) at that time! Golden Deer student be like “I haven’t talked to Edelgard ever and she’s invading my country, but boy don’t I just wish I could walk with her”. Yeah, it’s... weird.

I can maaaaaaybe understand why they didn’t get an A support in Houses? Maybe? But in Hopes? Nah. They could have had an A support that would unlock after Miklan’s death and they could talk about his legacy (if there have been improvements in terms of bandit activity, etc), how Sylvain feels about this, Dimitri relating to him, etc. Instead we got Bernie getting freaked out by someone trying to be nice to her AGAIN. Yet another missed opportunity, wouldn’t be the first time, as you said.

As for Felix, honestly, it’s just a complicated situation where no one is really at fault? You can find good reasons for Dimitri either telling him or not, and, in the end, he chose to be cautious. But Felix is also the Duke now (and the highest ranking noble in Faerghus IIRC and basically the King’s right hand), so you could say that’s something he should have been told about.  But, like you said, it’s first and foremost a family matter on top of being a very delicate one where mistakes had to be avoided at any cost. Yeah, I’ve never realised how bad the localisation was until I discovered Houses’ datamine site... I’d really love to know what happened, or how that happened. Cause in some cases, the localisation feels rushed at and others, it seems the localisation team made a lot of effort to botch it. I’m also a bit of purist when it comes to translations, localisation (I don’t like the Ace Attorney’s localisation for example but I realise that’s a very me-problem and that they did a good job overall), so comparing the original vs localisation is... an experience. It would be nice if, instead of forcing their own ideas about the game, they respected what the text says.

Yeah, promises are all good and all, but if you can’t fulfill them, then what’s the point? (Our president was just taking the electorate for morons, got elected, and now is doing is damnedest to anger people while pretending to seeking to calm things down lol)

Damn, a Dimitri-Lorenz support chain would have been so interesting! Both are willing to admit their wrongs and improve, albeit in a different way. Both (in Houses at least) grow out of their initial mindsets. Both thought of implementing a more democratic process. You could imagine an ending where they focus on that. Or - if in Hopes - have a support where Yuri is also present (though it might have been complicated, but still, one can always dream) for a bit and they talk about how to make Faerghus better, Lorenz being a third party (since he’s not from here) but offering good suggestions! True, Dimitri is too good to be true as far as monarchs go (and some people will still harp on about how he’s actually a terrible ruler who should be put out of his misery...). I don’t know if you’ve read the Mistborn series, but he reminds me of Elend in some ways. Both are extremely concerned about the lower-class’ living conditions, they wouldn’t hesitate to stand down if it’s what’s best for their people (No, Edel taking over Faerghus doesn’t count), they don’t abandon their people even when the situation is dire, etc. And yeah, Dimitri (and the rest of the Blue Lions) are too nice sometimes, but idc, I’m a sucker for kind characters anyways lol. It would’ve been interesting to see some of his character’s flaws have more of an impact on his rule. Like Dimitri making some mistakes because he hasn’t slept in days like he should have, idk. I guess this kind of subplot wouldn’t work that well in a hack-and-slash...

Aaaaand that’s why I always snatch Petra away from the Empire. In CF, she mentions that she still a political hostage. After 5 years. Edel had time to kill people and simp over sensei but she couldn’t find the time to free one of her supposedly closest allies? Why? Seriously, why? Points to Edelgard for telling her it’s okay to go back to Brigid if she do wants in SB, but... it doesn’t make the whole situation any better...

The only thing I could think of (and that’s hardly a charitable read lol) is about possible reparations? We don’t know how Brigid was treated by the Empire, but Brigid’s vassalage might have done some damage to their economy (maybe they were no longer allowed to trade with Dagda and it had no choice but to sell some of their products to the Empire at a cheap price without much compensation on the Empire’s part? So maybe Edelgard wants to give as little reparation as possible, which Petra agreed to somehow. So maybe Petra’s successor wouldn’t be so lenient and ask for more? Brigid would have every right to ask for reparation, but I can see Edelgard not wanting to grant much.

(Also, Petra in GW can be quite... unlikeable IMO, mostly because of her lines about how the Kingdom won’t have much power in the future and Brigid will take its place.)

You’re right, Dedue would be a good choice for helping in Brigid’s independence! It just really depends on who’s taking the reins of the empire, IMO. Brigid being a vassal State of the Empire, it might be necessary for the latter to take part in the negotiations, even if its role is purely symbolic. And I’d argue that Brigid wouldn’t necessarily feel indebted to Fodlan, but rather it’d be Fodlan repaying their debt to Petra (for eventually turning on the Empire and fighting against it).

But yeah, at the very very least, Duscur (represented by Dedue) could be present to ensure that everyone is negotiating in good faith. And it could also be a good time to start talking about trade between Duscur and Fodlan and Brigid? Y’know, once Brigid’s independence is settled.

I'm having a really hard time fathoming how some people consider SB to be a righteous/heroic route or a route where we're the good guys. The route where:

You invade two independent nations under the pretence of "saving their citizens from oppression" (though I guess you can't be oppressed anymore if you're dead lol) even though Her Majestic Hypocrisy repeats a bunch of times that she's in for conquest and that she'd obliterate anyone who stands in her way.

The cast keeps victim-blaming the invaded parties for *checks note* defending their countries. 

The death toll is the highest. You have to kill Ingrid, Rodrigue, Gustave and Sylvain. And you can also kill Ashe, Mercedes (btw, if she dies, the cutscene where Dimitri and Dedue grieve changes slightly, which is nice), Annette, Shamir, Ignatz, Raphael and Marianne (how does Margrave Edmund feel about Claude's alliance with the empire knowing his daughter was killed by its army?). 

IIRC, this is the only route where you conscript merchants into the imperial army. No wonder the empire has the biggest army.

Based Rhea who, despite being hunted, still thinks about the safety of the continent first in the final chapter. It's hilarious how characters like Edespot or Clyde harp on about how Rhea is the big bad, and in the few scenes you have with her, she's just kind? Anyway. Rhea based.

In the C support conversation - which happens right after Felix got seriously injured and Sylvain got killed- there's this bit where Dimitri is like "I don't know if I can talk with like everything is normal, so many have died already" and Edespot's response is basically "yeah I don't see it that way. Let's agree to disagree". Also, I believe she wonders if she shouldn't just kill Clyde and Dimitri once they're out. Even though Clyde is her ally at the moment. You bet on the wrong lord, Clyde... 

I probably forgot a few stuff, but... oh well.

To be honest,

The only things I like about Supreme Bullshit are :

Its ending! Supreme Leader and Barney (well, at least they throw a sword?) being sitting ducks while Rhea steals the show, and sacrifices herself in an epic shonen scene to get rid of the real threat, aka showing that unlike someone, she knows how to prioritize, and it ends up in an explosion. It matches the ending of the F-Zero anime (at 0.48!), Rhea/Falcon rushes to deal a blow (a Falcon punch and a Seiros strike I guess?) to their mortal enemy, there is a giant explosion, and both Rhea/Falcon fade away in a blinding light. Too bad the Supreme Bullshit BGM is eons away from "Searching to the Truth" :(

The reveal that Rhea kept the keys to the sekrit passages in the Imperial Palace - or Rhea knows more about Enbarr and its castle than the current Emperor and her aides...

Doro's paralogue being incredibly tone deaf about, uh, soldiers being "too busy" by the Mittelfrank troupe, that they can't basically protect the dancers/performers from bandits, when the paralogue happens in an area that is expressedly supposed to be full of soldiers!

If starts align in a certain way, it's the only route in Nopes where Clout dies!

Leopold! He's like Victarion Greyjoy, only if he was taken seriously. But we, as players, know better! Also he's a living retcon, from having a major cichol crest to gift to his son because he fought well (and not to, say, Big B or even Ferdie) a sacred weapon despite the route being all about muhritocracy!

Supreme Leader plans and plays with the cards she has in her hand - from trying to get good PR to get rid of people (Varley sr) by pitting them against her next target (the CoS)!

An entire game full of new Supreme Replies (tm)!

For shippers around, it has a Cathmir scene where everyone knows Shamir will prioritize Catherine's life over her allegeance! too bad this is a Supreme Leader route, so no, Shamir won't fucking try to kill her for blackmailing her and can even kill Catherine herself later on....

That's not a lot lol, and most of it are breadcrumbs because for the proper plot...

Yeah, it kinds of sucks.

Supreme Bullshit is even more tone deaf with the War and its realities than Tru Piss (and that's a feat!), Ferdie being completely, uh, off the mark about everything (invading lands and rekting people, and then saying those people's fears are only in their heads! Pal, one of the first missions in the SB exclusive chapters is to rout refugees??? + the nonsense about the Kingdom having more crested generals, when data shows the Empire has more crested peeps than the Kingdom!), Caspar being turned in the worst version of himself who dgaf anymore about protecting "innocents" and "justice", and, uh, everything with Monica.

Victim blaming is the norm with Fodlan games, but yeah, it really feels odd that suddenly, in the Zahras chapters, Dimitri's all "okay" when his closest friends either died or were grievly injured and the game proceeds as it does when, come on, why wouldn't Dimitri kill her the second they're out of the Zahras verse??

I really disliked how Supreme Bullshit yeeted Ionius from Adrestia, or how it didn't explore in more depth the Insurrection of the Seven, especially since we side with Leopold'n'Waldemar against Ludwig, who used to be allies! Also, as far as I remember, no one mentions anything about Arundel, why he ran away to the Kingdom with a young Supreme Leader and how he changed when he returned, or something?

If Ludwig is pushed by Supreme Leader, reciting her Dad's words, as the one who led the insurrection and the experiments on her, why the fuck no one else mentions them, as Leopold and Waldemar were on Aegir's side back then? They don't even mention "Arundel" participating, like, Volkhard sides against Ionius and hides his niece, but 3 months later, he returns and offers her as a guinea pig?

As is the norm with the Supreme Leader routes, the "truth" isn't what we're looking for, because we know Supreme Leader pushes a narrative she will follow to reach her goals, but where Tru Piss gave hints here and there about her narrative being, uh, rubish, we have no clues here, and Leopold prefers to flash his loincloth than giving us anything meaningful about that incident.

When you compare them to Matthias and Rodrigue (and Gilbert?) who often mention Lambert "back in the days", it's more and more obvious that... we're not supposed to ask questions in Supreme Bullshit, and just go with the flow.

And it ends with a high five.

I'd say it deviates less from Tru Piss than Golden Shower does from Verdant Winds, but it's an "expected disappointment".

That's why my only higlights are not plot relevant (save for the Captain Falcon - Rhea parallel) - because we know the plot will never deliver something meaningful in a Supreme Leader route.

[k1ngdom-of-thieves]

Hi there! can you do headcanons for the housewardens of Night Raven College finding out MC is a girl?

MC has short boyish looking hair (for example 👇)

And MC is always wearing a boy uniform around the school, so everyone there though MC was a boy. Except for Grim and Crowley.

Until one day, all of MC's other clothes were dirty, so she had to wear the out she was wearing when she got teleported to NRC.

Then Crowley asked MC to deliver something to one of the dorms. And when MC sees the surprise look on the housewardens' faces, she's just like "Yeah I'm a girl, but what's with that look? You and everyone else already knew that."

I’m so sorry you had to wait so long for this, my twst OC has a similar story to this lol

Dorm leaders + finding out reader is a girl

Riddle Rosehearts (chapter 1 spoilers, just wanna cover my tracks)

Riddle was completely blindsided. He had no idea that the NRC allowed girls to be in the school, but then realized that your case was a very special one.

He was a bit ashamed about having you witness his overblot. Not that he wasn’t before but his mother taught him to be nothing if not respectful to a girl. One of the only things she did right.

He started acting a bit more “gentlemanly” to make up for his previous blunder. He held the door open for you, offered to carry the items for you, it was kinda weird to say the least.

You had to tell him to dial it back and that you liked him the way he was before. That’s when he gets it through his mind that he was over exaggerating quite a bit.

“I apologize for my prior behavior. I-I mean, I’m sorry for assuming that you were a male. It was very crude of me.”

Leona Kingscholar

Leona had a bit of an idea that you weren’t a man but it wasn’t his place to comment, nor did he care all that much anyway. When you appeared in Savanaclaw, he was more amused than anything else.

He was glad his suspicions were confirmed, though he thought it amusing how you assumed it was common knowledge. Although just seeing how everyone treated you like one of the guys should’ve shown you otherwise.

He has Ruggie take whatever you were delivering, his family would kill him if they thought he was letting a woman do the heavy lifting. Ruggie is more than pissed.

Asks you if you plan to wear anymore “feminine” clothing after this. He doesn’t mind if you do or don’t, he just feels that it would be a very unique change of pace for an “all boys” college.

“Do you want to wear stuff like this more often? It’d be pretty funny seeing your friends react to your getup.”

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul was definitely caught off guard. He’s not gonna show it though, he pretends that everything’s fine even though he’s beyond confused.

He takes the updated menus from you and makes small talk with you while sorting them. Little things like how your day was, the weather, if you were always a girl or if he’s losing his mind.

Asks if being in the NRC has been a comfortable experience. It must be quite isolating being the only person in a dorm, the only magicless person and the only girl in this school. If you need anything, he’d be more than happy to make a deal with you.

Wonders if there’s anyone else that knows about you being a girl. When you tell him that you’ve only had to tell Crowley and Grim because you thought it was obvious he feels a small sense of pride being one of the few.

“Well then, please remember that if you need anything to make your life here easier, we at the Monstro Lounge are more than happy to assist.”

Kalim Al Asim

Kalim was taken by complete surprise when you showed up to Scarabia in that outfit. It’s hot as balls there so I don’t blame you tbh. He does the dramatic “WHAAAT” thing and everything.

Bombards you with questions. He doesn’t mean anything bad by it, he’s just confused about how this was right in front of him the whole time.

He has a bunch of sisters so he has a slight understanding on how girls differ from guys but he’s never had to use that info in his day-to-day life. He makes up for his lack of understanding the same way he deals with other things he has a hard time with; with pure enthusiasm.

Kalim asks if there’s anything you need, anything at all. From practical things like new clothes and food, to less normal requests like new pets or entertainment. Jamil overheard at this point and told him to relax.

“I can’t believe you’ve been a girl this whole time!! You definitely fooled me ya know!”

Vil Schoenheit

Vil had no idea you were a woman but he wasn’t going to let that change how he treated you. He still spoke to you like it was a normal day and and even insulted talked shit about Crowley not getting you enough clothing.

He’s honestly more offended about your lack of a closet. He refuses to let it go. He also offers to let you have some skincare products that didn’t work that well with him. He won’t be offended if you don’t accept his offer, if you were Epel that would be a different story however.

The rest of your visit is mostly him offering to help you in different ways, like going shopping for clothes with you or picking out different accessories for you to borrow. You’re lucky he likes you so much.

Like I said before, he doesn’t change much of how he treats you; you’re still the prefect of ramshackle after all. He knows you can handle his harsher demeanor.

“While you’re here, would you like to have some moisturizer that was sent for me to review? It’s unused and I despise letting things go to waste.”

Idia Shroud

Idia was completely surprised when you showed up to his dorm with a package. First of all, you were IN his dorm and secondly, YOU WERENT A DUDE??

Ortho had to come in and check up on his brother because he was staring into space for so long. Ortho knew you were a girl but that’s another can of worms. He’s fine physically but mentally will be something else for a while.

Your gonna have to talk to Ortho about whatever it is you needed to deliver, it’s pretty funny seeing the difference in their reactions.

Will not be able to form a coherent sentence for a while, he still needs to process that what he thought was true was actually a lie. He’s so dramatic

“There’s nothing wrong with you being a girl, but it’s just surprising seeing that it’s an all boys school. Not-that-there’s-anything-wrong-with-you-being-here-someone-please-shut-me-up.”

Malleus Draconia

Malleus also had absolutely no idea that you were a girl, but he doesn’t seem to be too shocked. Human fashions change very rapidly so he just assumed it was that.

Takes whatever you were delivering and offers for you to stay at the dorm for a little while longer. Lilia’s on cooking duty tonight and was really excited about you tasting his food. Run while you still can

The words he uses doesn’t change but the tone he uses is a little softer than before. He was raised to always treat a lady with respect. Even if he’s watched you deal with several overblots and have already earned his respect.

He wonders if all of the other students did know that you were a girl and this was just another thing he was left out on. You have to snap him out of his negative thoughts before he gets all grouchy for the rest of the day.

“Oh! My apologies, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just unaware that I was the only one that didn’t know this about you.”