#I love tragedy stricken men

[cuntlos]

what the hell is 🥺 I don’t speak ‘I made a mistake during qualifying’

[tornedheart]

I came for the pleasure, but I stayed (yes, I stayed for the pain)

Warnings: unhealthy relationships, ironborn culture, noncon, forced marriage.

This is very much inspirited by a concept in one of @missglaskin works. (Check her writing, she is fantastic!)

Theon Greyjoy had always kept the childish dream that one day Ned Stark would marry him to his daughter. He had longed for you for years, in the start he could call it an infatuation, maybe a bit of puppy love, his despair for being accepted, to be a part of a family.

Then he got older, and his feelings did have a change. He gave another name to them: desire. It is the curse of every man to desire something that is hard to obtain, something kept protected from them. That it was for this reason that his thoughts lingered on you more than in his usual whores. The fact that they tended to look like you was just a coincidence.

And it took a bit longer than it probably should for him to realize that lust was not a concept that engulfed the entirety of what he felt. Lust was there, this certainly couldn't be denied, but it wasn't all that it was.

That the way he wants to bottle your laugh, keep it just for him to bash himself in it, even more to be the reason why this marvelous sound is coming out of you, is more than just a side effect of him wanting to fuck you.

That maybe the way he longs to bury his hands in your hair, to twirl the strands in his fingers, to discover if it is as soft as it looks.

Lust is a more comfortable feeling to admit, with so fewer possibilities of him being hurt, of it biting him back.

But time passes and the longing doesn’t fade, Theon is no fool, and a man can only keep himself in denial for some time. 

He will call it an infatuation, it will take some years before he musters enough courage to do so, and it should be shocking, if you understood the way he feels about his emotional strings with anything related to the house Stark, that he cedes enough to admit it.

But what good does it do for him to admit it?

To accept that he covets something that he won't be allowed to have?

It marks all of his actions towards you, the way that he knows it would be denied to him, and yet he refuses to accept it, there is a craving in each word he says to you. A longing to take you in, to have more and more small bits of you.

It scratches the itch for quite some time, stealing moments and pretending to not see the disapproval in your mother's eyes when she catches the two of you — also pretending that the look doesn't provoke a very ugly feeling in him, he’s a prince of a Great House, he shouldn't be looked down upon.

And it may have been the reason why he allows himself to be more bold, to soothe the rage it brings, he's just taking what he wants, so he lets his hands graze upon places he knows he shouldn't, he stays closer than it is right, and he talks about topics that would be less than recommended.

The way a dark emotion coils inside him every time your attention diverges from him, how he hates when the king's entourage comes, your focus being stolen from him.

Yet so much happiness comes to him when they go away, now you don't have your sisters, nor father, he is almost shining with the spaces it opens in your life.

However, tragedies come, first with Ned's death and then with Robb's path to war, and there he has you all lonely and sad, only to be sent to the Iron Isles to talk with his father.

How much doesn't he think of stealing you, to take you as his, to make you his salt wife — and the way he thinks the position of a rock wife would be even more suitable to you, but it's not like it would be possible —, yet no opportunity comes to him and for so he leaves you there.

Balon Greyjoy is what truly seals your fate, how many writers and bards before had told the tales of the before unthinkable things men did when their prides were stricken. 

What they do when they feel doubted.

So he takes Winterfell, so few defenses were there, with all the forces centered around Robb, it is so strangely easy.

And you are there.

In a conquered Winterfell, with no one able to say no to him.

So there is a spring in his step while he searches for you, Maester Luwin has the look of someone who is understanding what is going to happen, yet his pleads fall in deaf ears, Theon has already awaited enough, it's time for him to take what he had ached for so long.

The smile that finds a place in his face when his eyes land on you, trembling and scared, is one that almost serves as a perfectly clear warning.

It is clear enough for you to try to run at least.

But unfortunately the strength of a frightened highborn lady does not make a good match to the one of a man seeing a prize coveted for so long in the reach of his hands.

You should consider what he does as a very generous gift. He could have just taken you there. No one would be able to stop him.

Yet here he is, marrying you before doing anything, which may relate a bit to the fact that it just fortifies his claim of Winterfell or the way it could be held against you if anything happened.

The glint of malice that shines in his voice as he tells you that is one you could almost be blinded by. Theon always had this bit of a sadist side of his, something that every Ironborn seemed to have, now is the time it shines in all of its glory.

But it still should be seen as a gift that he waits to enter your now shared chambers — the ones who belonged not so long ago to the previous lord and lady of Winterfell —  to initiate anything really serious.

There is an eagerness in his behavior, the way his hands roam almost frantically, wanting to be everywhere at once, not knowing where to start, that should be a reason to worry.

A night can be quite long, after all.

[fallingrealms16]

Destiel Fic Recs Part 2

(人 •͈ᴗ•͈)

heheh part 2 <33333 I couldn't fit these in part 1 (*<3*)

Sounds of Someday by AlucardsBiddies

36K Words // Chapters: 13/16 // 6K Hits // UNCOMPLETED

//EXPLICIT//

"His relationship with Cas is complicated. Dean doesn't know if he can fix what’s broken between them. But he sure as hell can fix the roof of the cabin so it doesn't cave when the first snowfalls.” ------------------------------------------- Dean’s world has crumbled around him. Learning God's responsible for every awful thing in his life is hitting him hard and worst of all he pushed the person he loves most away. Determined to fix them, Dean tracks Cas down to Rufus's old cabin hoping to repair it and their relationship along the way.

2. Living Broken Adjacent by LittleAngelCassie

135K Words // Chapters: 41/41 // 27K Hits // COMPLETED

//EXPLICIT//

Hunt/Capture/Celebrate/Repeat. Dean Winchester’s world in four words: simple with no fuss. He’s not had a single, life-altering moment in the 13 years since he joined his dad as a professional bounty hunter. Why fix what’s not broken? That is, until everything around Dean comes to a screeching halt, leaving him alone in new surroundings. Suddenly, Dean’s forced to live in his own version of the Cuckoo’s Nest with the biter, the licker, and the joker. Where angels abound, and his roommate’s haunting blue eyes make him wonder about all his past choices. He’s got this no problem, right? WRONG! Who knew laughter and love could be found within the dull, institutional walls of a psychiatric hospital, teaching Dean that no one is ever truly broken, but sometimes you simply find yourself lost and stumbling through a life where you are living …broken adjacent.

3. Empty Spaces by thisisapaige

48K Words // Chapters: 20/20 // 5K Hits // COMPLETED

//MATURE//

[Castiel] found the colour. It was a green, one of the few gentle colours at the edges of his dreams and the one he tried to capture in his paintings, never quite finding the right hue. He spent so long chasing the colours, trying to find it though pills and needles, but they always evaded his grasp. Yet he found one, right here, hiding in the eyes of a stranger. He studied the colour, the subtle differences between dark and light, the little flecks of gold nearly hidden in the sea of green, the ring around the outside. He studied it, trying to commit the colour to memory. The other man cleared his throat. “Uh, dude?” Oh. Castiel forgot the colour was attached to a person. ~~~ What if Castiel had fallen before the start of the series and met Dean on a routine hunt? Set in the spring before Dean goes to find Sam in Stanford. Intended as a three part series.

4. Breathe In | Breathe Out by Elizabeth1985

222K Words // Chapters: 38/38 // 17K Hits // COMPLETED

//EXPLICIT//

Guilt-stricken, Dean finds himself wasted on the asphalt behind a club with Gadreel’s trail gone cold. In what he believed was his lowest moment, Castiel came and picked him up, giving him hope for a future. But it’s all taken from him; everything he was gets twisted. The very soul of him being corrupted. Castiel has seen the ages of the world, the tragedies that would cripple the strongest men. But this? It changes everything. Mending Dean’s mind and soul should be his only priority and yet, that too, is stolen from him.

5. Starstruck by peanutbutterjelly-pie (Aleakim)

203K Words // Chapters: 50/50 // 223K hits // COMPLETED

//EXPLICIT//

From the outside Castiel Novak looks like a regular guy: a good job, two teenage kids, a nice house and a crappy car he’s way too attached to. But there’s one thing no one knows about him: that, over twenty years ago, he used to live next to none other than Dean Winchester – back then a brash and loud-mouthed boy and nowadays a huge movie star and Hollywood’s sweetheart. Castiel never bothered to tell anyone about his childhood friend because frankly, who would believe him? Probably even Dean himself already forgot about his former awkward and weird neighbor, so Castiel seriously doesn’t see any point in mentioning the whole thing ever. But then an interview on national TV happens where Dean reveals way more about his past than ever before … and Castiel - as well as the rest of the world - suddenly realizes that he left a much bigger impact on Dean’s life than he originally thought.

6. Fools Rush In by sysrae

132K Words // Chapters: 35/35 // 40K Hits // COMPLETED

//EXPLICIT//

''I'm sorry,' he said. The words came out in a gulp. He stumbled backwards, knocking over a pile of books and for once not caring, stopping only when he hit his desk. 'I shouldn't – I shouldn't have done that.' 'The hell you shouldn't,' Dean panted, touching two fingers against his mouth. It wasn't until he stared at their tips, his expression almost wondering, that Cas realised he was looking for blood – that he must have actually bitten him. Lust, and embarrassment, burned in him like fire. He gripped the edge of the desk and levered himself behind it, falling into his chair before his legs could give out. Had he ever kissed anyone like that? Had anyone ever kissed him like that? And why, of all people, did Dean Winchester have to be the one to make him wonder?'

Fools Rush In is a Destiel AU, complete with loan shark Crowley, cults, FBI politicking, and All The Angst Forever. Plus and also: smut.

[one-in-a-million-fishsticks-blog]

Major "EPIC: The Musical" Brainrot in 3... 2... 1....

I've Been stricken with a new animatic idea!!!! But since I'm already working on an animatic that'll take me god knows how long, I'll probably be limiting this new concept to a piece of fanart for my own sake.

"The Underworld Saga" my beloved.... 😍

Is it wrong that in my mind I'm kinda meshing fandoms and getting major Alucard vibes from this one? I'm all in on the actual story of the track, I love me a good Greek tragedy, but y'all....

What about my vampire tragedy? 😭

Like as someone who's played or watched Castlevania, read these lyrics in particular and tell me you don't get Alucard vibes?

|| All I hear are screams, every time I dare to close my eyes

I no longer dream, only nightmares of those who've died

Nothing's what it seems

And here in the underworld the past seems close behind!

When does a man become a monster?

558 men who died under your command...

All I hear are screams, every time I dare to close my eyes!

I no longer dream, only nightmares of those who've died! ||

Like dude, I am not healthy. I just keep picturing Oldmanacard in 2036, being sad about every previous generation of humans he's ever fought alongside and outlived.

[missacidburn928s-heathenhideaway]

Divider by @firefly-graphics

Where do I even begin? “Once Upon A Time” seems far too classy for a tale such as mine. 

Although my story may seem vaguely familiar, it should be noted that there is darkness abound here. The line between hero and villain is not so black and white. You never truly know the depths to which one will submerge themselves in the abyss to be free. 

Stature and status truly have no merit in this place. For once you step upon this long forgotten land, tempted by the allure of the fates, your life will be forever changed.

Let me set the stage if you will, by providing you with a bit of my backstory.

You see, I was born of Fae blood with a ruthless Hag for a mother. No, I am not demeaning her, she was in fact a forest witch, who used her magic at the expense of others. Hidden behind a perfect glamour that adapted to suit whoever was in front of her, she was always up for a deal or sneaky trade. It wasn’t until the curse settled upon her unsuspecting victims that they truly understood what she was.

It was with that same flawless glamour, that my mother was able to seduce a powerful Alpha wolf to fall in love with her and create me. I was graced by the fates to have my father in my life for a short time. But as most things attached to my mother, it ended in tragedy. 

While foraging in the woods for herbs and supplies my father was murdered by hunters of the Supernatural. I have no idea what compelled them to wander into our portion of the forest that day. But I will never be able to erase the image of my father, partially shifted from trying to protect me from their silver tipped and poisoned weapons, stricken to the ground and left bleeding out on the forest floor. 

It was in that moment, at the age of 9, that I fully embraced the wolf inside me and partook of my first taste of flesh as I tore them asunder for taking away the one person who truly loved me. For my mother only cared about what power I could bring to her by being of both Fae and Shifter blood. A powerful combination to say the least. One she was all too grateful to expose and use to her whim.

There was a piece of me she was never able to control though. I was blessed by the fates to be born under the light of a rare full blood moon. As I took my first breath, a chorus of three female voices could be heard welcoming me earthside. The Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. Better known as the Triple Moon Goddesses. 

My mother never knew of my deep connection to them. So when she bestowed me with the name Selene, after the Mother, it was almost as if she was tempting the fates. I may be named Selene, but I embody the qualities of Persephone and Hecate as well. The perfect blend of youth, fertility and independence. 

They have been the guides that help me to navigate this world. It was with their assurance that I made the decision to end my cruel mother’s life. I was 15 and had just presented as an Omega. This drove my already mentally unstable mother deeper into her madness. She always assumed, based on how fiercely independent I was, that I would be an Alpha. Commanding lesser designations to do my bidding and dooming them to a life spent lost in her forest, where the only way of escape was to make a deal with the Hag in the woods.

She couldn’t stand that I was “the weakest designation”. What good could me being an Omega bring us but more unwanted men venturing into her woods. The allure of me would render her glamour essentially useless and therefore she could no longer seduce and abuse the way she was accustomed.

She took out her anger at the fates on me in the form of physical violence. I won’t go into the graphic details of the depravity I was subjected to. Just know that she took pleasure in the inventive ways to which she tried to debase my spirit.

Now, you may be thinking that I chose to end her life in a bloody fashion, as payback for her abuse. You would be sorely mistaken. I exacted my revenge in small doses of poison laced in her food, beverage, and absorbed through her skin. You can’t raise a fist if you’re too weak after all.

Like the amazing daughter that I am, I took care of my sickly mother. Doting on her as the poison did its job. Slowly draining her life away, little by little. Towards the end she was unrecognizable. Finally looking like the true Hag she was. 

The night she took her last breath, I danced naked under the light of the moon as I burned her remains to ash. The following morning I scattered them along the edge of the village where she caused the most harm. It was the best day of my 16 years of life on this plane.

Now free from the shackles of my mother, I retreated deeper into the woods. Choosing to leave the home that provided me with so much pain to rot and be reclaimed by the earth. Let that darkness remain trapped there.

I set about creating a manor for which I could protect myself and live freely. Using the skills my mother had taught me as a young witch, combined with what my guides had intuitively bestowed upon me; I placed a protection on the land that surrounded me.      

If ever a soul with ill intent were to cross the barrier into my land I would be alerted. Based on the level of harm they were seeking to dole out, I would punish them accordingly. Many men have fallen at my feet begging for mercy once they realize that I am not one to be tamed but a force to be reckoned with.

10 years I have spent isolated in these woods. Satiating my lust for blood by divesting unworthy men of their useless voice boxes with my teeth and bathing in the warmth of their blood. 

It has become a rather lonely existence as of late. My only true company being that of my raven Othello and his ever changing conspiracy. I think the feathered fellow may be immortal. Or possibly some sort of demi-god. 

For once I’d like for an Alpha or man of worth to stumble upon my home and be able to feed all of my needs. It doesn't have to stop at just one either. A have quite the voracious appetite.

As I contemplate whether the fates have destined me to a life of isolation without love, a scent hits my nose drifting in on the wind. It smells of warm leather, amber and dried tobacco. A mouthwatering combination that has my wolf at attention. 

Breathing the scent into my lungs once more, I hear the faint sound of a twig snapping underneath booted feet. I turn in the direction of the noise, my amber eyes locking onto a pair of cornflower blue ones as a man emerges from the trees.

Well, well, well, what have we here…

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

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148. The Message by K.A. Applegate--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series continues to be incredibly entertaining and fun!

I loved this one because of the animals they turned into and the almost suspense-like thrill of it. Also, some of the opposing animals they meet. But most importantly, because something new is added after this one, promising to make this series more than just a linear "and then this happened" storyline.

Also, the multiple personalities shined through this one. I really, really wished I had read these as a kid!

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149. 6 Times We Almost Kissed [and One Time We Did] by Tess Sharpe--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved, loved, loved.

Tess Sharpe killed it again with another novel full of emotion, complex relationships, and character history full of depth.

One of the things I loved most about this, beyond the adorable will-they-won't-they sapphic relationship, is the level of support the characters got from each other, despite the circumstances and the one character who was drowning for so long in their grief that they forgot to take care of those who were still surviving alongside her.

I also really liked the concept of us exploring the moments where the two MCs almost kissed because it added more layers to their relationship. Their history was so intertwined that they were, of course, the last ones to finally see it.

Loved the friendships, the grandmother, and the cuteness of just how much these two young women care for each other. The grief in this story was palpable (both for the loss of a parent, and the loss of innocence that one of the characters used to have before her life changed so irrevocably.)

Highly recommend, especially because Sharpe has such a strong understanding of what it means to be a human who carries trauma in their heart and the connections that can help lift some of that burden.

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150. Masters of Death by Olivie Blake--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy from the publisher for an author interview I did for Indigo on Instagram. This didn't affect my rating in any way.

This was my first book by Blake and I was pleasantly surprised! There was so much humour in this book, alongside gorgeous and poetic writing. I think I highlighted quite a few of her lines just because they were either hilarious, or so beautifully written.

The concept was unique and I loved how experimental some of the writing was presented, it made it so conversational--making meeting some of the characters a fun experience. I especially loved the character of Death and how unapologetic he was in how he saw the world. Especially that first quote when he's introduced, "Hello children. It's time for Death."

While there were definitely some slower bits in the heart of this story, I overall really enjoyed the storytelling. I think this will definitely be a book for those who love dark academia stories and character-led plots.

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151. A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think this is one of my favourite of Barclay's books. Having already met the MC in later books, I went into this already knowing his quirks and the men he becomes after the tragedies he faces in this book, so I was excited to see how his past happened.

My heart broke for him as he tried in vain to find out who sold his son the last drugs he had before his death and how the repercussions of his actions came back to haunt him. But I especially enjoyed how he transferred his fatherly worries to the new missing person's case on his hands because he had front row seats to see it all go down.

Through corrupt policing in a small town, a grief-stricken couple, and a mystery that kept revealing more and more secrets, Barclay weaved an entertaining story that I couldn't put down (again). I'm really glad I've gone through his history of books and have slowly been reading them all. They're so entertaining!

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152. Don't Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I went into this expecting...more? I've read a few middle grade horror books that genuinely spooked me (as an adult) and while I know that it's ridiculous for me to expect more in a kid's book, this was definitely more of a metaphorical horror than a literal one (which was interesting considering that the mcs are vampires.)

That being said, the family connection was great and I loved the LGBTQ+ rep of the one sibling! I also appreciated the comparison of hunting creatures like Vampires for being different and for the stereotypes and the genocide of Jewish people during WW2. I never thought of making that comparison, but it is a very fitting one. Especially when the author explained at the end of the novel of the influences behind Dracula and the consequences of such harmful stereotypes.

The hunter was a creepy and evil man and it was very hard watching this man not give a crap about the fact that he was threatening to kill children.

This wasn't a favourite, but the message behind it is a powerful one. I recommend this, not for the "spook factor" but for the comparisons the author makes!

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153. The Predator by K.A. Applegate--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved to read from the perspective of this character because it allowed me to see more depth than what we usually see. He is more than the annoying kid who always complains about having to do dangerous things, even though those dangerous things are about saving Earth.

What we learn is about the grief he and his father live with and just how much their lives changed when his mother was lost at sea. I got to see the anxiety of the new pressures put on him by a best friend who is so ready to fight, and the beautiful girl friend who is always ready to jump in front of danger.

I think this one is actually one of my favourites, also because there was a hilarious lobster moment in this. I laughed way too much. Absolutely loving this series.

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154. I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this addition to the series, not just because it gives a young reader the perspective of the attacks of 9/11, but because it also tackles the issue of how playing Football can cause concussions that have very real repercussions in the future. While it, of course, wasn't the main topic of this book, I liked that the author touched on that topic.

Reading this book reminded me of how a lot of people who were alive during the 9/11 attacks often wonder where they were and what they were doing when it all happened. The videos will always be the heartbreaking proof of the events, but having a perspective of a child of a family of firefighters was a wholly new way of seeing that day. This series is so important. Even if it's all technically fictional, the events are very real and kids reading these (even adults reading this) may gain new insight and empathy for those who did survive and for those who sadly lost their lives.

Highly recommend this series--bite sized historical snacks in between bigger books.

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155. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After having this book partially started on my shelves for years, I have finally finished it!! I'm glad I did, too, because I really enjoyed it. It was strange reading a mythology book by Riordan that wasn't connected to the other ones, but it was just as fun as his other series.

Much like his other books, Riordan explores more than just mythology in this one. He also talks about the very real discrimination mixed raced kids might experience when one looks different than their siblings--and we even see it in how family members treat one of the children. We also see the personification of "the grass is always greener" in the form of how very different both of these siblings' lives were growing up.

The mythology aspect was so cool and I loved learning about the different Egyptian deities. Other than the exploration of race, discrimination, and trauma, the mythology and stories associated with them are always a favourite of Riordan's books.

Will definitely be picking up the next book soon!

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Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

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Happy reading!

[cheesewelsom]

I want to make a fanfic with an undeniable and Y/N like beauty Alicent. Where everyone stops and Stares at Alicent like she's the most beautiful marble statue in a museum, like she's the most attractive bed of flowers, i want her to be so ridiculously beautiful that it turns into her own undoing.

I want Alicent to be beautifully tragic, everyone's taken with her because their heart knows she's in pain, it's so easily displayed on her face, like a demolished Temple still filled with untouchable treasure, you always want to look at it, maybe touch it, but you know you cannot keep it. Too dangerous.

Beautifully tragic in a way that it looks Ethereal, unrealistic, like a story character, or a goddess that's walking on dry land. So breath taking and eye catching that you can not look away, Alicent once cried in court and never has everyone seen someone so beautiful cry; Her brown eyes turn in to glass, her face seem so beautiful stricken with tears as it runs down her face, it was so beautiful that it made half of the people in the room swoon with beauty.

I want little kids to think she's pretty, i want girls to think she's Ethereal, i want men to think she's untouchable, i want people who has experienced the cruelty of this world to think she's going to die.

She doesn't know she's pretty, she thinks she's every brow haired girl with brown eyes, the basic, the things half of the kingdom already has, and this obliviousness to ones self turns in to her own biggest weakness.

Rhaenyra looks at Alicent the first timr, she feels like her eyes can not stray from her, forced to watch a girl laugh with her brother, auburn curls flow down her back as a pretty smile sets in place.

Aemma is also a bit taken with Alicent, never has seen someone so lovely that they can make anyone's heart ache.

Like, if you're going to make her a tragic, make her beautiful. Greek tragedy beautiful. Heart wrenching, heart breaking, air taking beautiful. Make her smile and it stuns the room, make her skin so silky smooth Rhaenyra thinks if she burns Alicent, her skin will turn into silk.

That's all, im probably going ti make this an AU.

[uozlulu]

I want to see the Vampire Chronicles playlist you keep talking about

Thanks for showing an interest in my playlist :D Not only because yay sharing but also this made me weed out all the accidental duplicates and I ended up with like 10 or so fewer songs lol

I should note I think the AMC show had an influence but also the idea of 80's rocker!Lestat did too, so...

Here is the TIDAL link.

I'll list the tracks under a cut since there are so many of them. There's no real set order to them, this is just the order I added them to the playlist.

"You Are My Everything" - Gummy

"Tu Mere Samne" - Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan

"Schism" - TOOL

"Cold as Ice" - Foreigner

"Hold the Line" - Toto

"That's All" - Genesis

"Alone I Break" - Korn

"Physical" - Dua Lipa

"Big Empty" - Stone Temple Pilots

"I Want You to Want Me" - Cheap Trick

"Send the Pain Below" - Chevelle

"Stricken" - Disturbed

"The Music of the Night" - Andrew Lloyd Webber

"Tell It to My Heart" - Taylor Dayne

"Knowing Me, Knowing You" - ABBA

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler

"Stay (I Missed You)' - Lisa Loeb

"Believe It" - White Lies

"Voiceless Screaming" - X JAPAN

"Slow Hands" - Interpol

"Somebody Told Me" - The Killers

"I Get Weak" - Belinda Carlisle

"Yours" - Conan Grey

"White Flag" - Dido

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" - Starship

"What's Love Got to Do with It" - Tina Turner

"(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight" - Cutting Crew

"I Want to Know What Love Is" - Foreigner

"Never Be Me" - Miley Cyrus

"Fade" - Staind

"Broken Jaw" - Foster the People

"I'm the Only One" - Melissa Etheridge

"I Miss You" - blink-182

"The Metro" - Berlin

"Bigger Than Us" - White Lies

"Love Is a Battlefield" - Pat Benatar

"We Belong" - Pat Benatar

"Ordinary World" - Duran Duran

"Self Control" - Larua Branigan

"Love to Hate You" - Erasure

"Time After Time" - Cyndi Lauper

"Send Me An Angel" - Real LIFE

"Shadowboxer" - Fiona Apple

"Sunny Came Home" - Shawn Colvin

"Sweet Surrender" - Sarah McLachlan

"Possession" - Sarah McLachlan

"Who Will Save Your Soul" - Jewel

"Building a Mystery" - Sarah McLachlan

"It's a Sin" - Pet Shop Boys

"Lose Your Soul" - Dead Man's Bones

"Always Something There to Remind Me" - Naked Eyes

"Pieces" - Sum 41

"Save a Prayer" - Duran Duran

"Psycho Killer" - Talking Heads

"절망에 관하여" - Shin Hae Chul

"Disillusioned" - A Perfect Circle

"Driven Under" - Seether

"Foever Young" - Alphaville

"Give A Little Bit" - Supertramp

"What Is Love (7" Mix)" - Haddaway

"Was That All It Was" - Jean Carn

"Kiss from a Rose" - Seal

"End of the Road" - Boyz II Men

"Baby Come Back" - Player

"I Hate Everything About You" - Three Days Grace

"Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" - Chevelle

"Voodoo" - Godsmack

"Judith" - A Perfect Circle

"Always" - Saliva

"S&M" - Rihanna

"We Found Love" - Rihanna, Calvin Harris

"Hold Me Now" - Thompson Twins

"Is This Love" - Whitesnake

"Juke Box Hero" - Foreigner

"Go Your Own Way" - Fleetwood Mac

"Bad Day" - Fuel

"Iris" - The Goo Goo Dolls

"The Outsider" - A Perfect Circle

"THAT'S WHAT I WANT" - Lil Nas X

"If You Leave Me Now" - Chicago

"Every You, Every Me" - Placebo

"Infra-Red" - Placebo

"Gay Bar" - Electric Six

"Miserable" - Lit

"Control" - Puddle of Mudd

"Flowers" - Miley Cyrus

"C7osure (You Like)" - Lil Nas X

"Tragedy" - Bee Gees

"소나��" - BOOHWAL

"When Doves Cry" - Prince

"Just a Girl" - Gwen Stefani

"Alone" - Hole

"I Wanna Be Your Dog" - The Stooges

"The Power of Love" - Huey Lewis & The News

"Minor Feelings" - Rina Sawayama

"From the Inside" - Linkin Park

"Home" - Three Days Grace

"Standing Still" - Jewel

"Caged Bird" - RŌGUES

"Told You to Run" - RŌGUES

"TALES OF DOMENICA" - Lil Nas X

"Only" - Nine Inch Nails

"Free from Your Love" - RŌGUES

"Let Me Go" - 3 Doors Down

"Sabotage" - Beastie Boys

"Hotel California" - Eagles

"Blue Monday" - New Order

"我愛你" - Cody・Lee(李)

"Bring Me to Life" - Evanescence

"My Immortal" - Evanesence

"Going Under" - Evanescence

"Gives You Hell" - The All-American Rejects

"Flesh (Paul Oakenfold Radio Edit)' - Jan Johnston

"Blood & Glitter" - Lord Of The Lost

"Breath" - Breaking Benjamin

"Unfinished" - X JAPAN

"The Only Time" - Nine Inch Nails

"Telephone Line" - Electric Light Orchestra

"I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston

"Right Here Waiting" - Richard Marx

"Oops!...I Did It Again" - Britney Spears

"I'm So Excited" - The Pointer Sisters

"You Keep Me Hangin' On" - The Supremes

[rovingcart]

Ganymede? More Like Gay na Maid!

Welcome to the Olympus Spa

Our services include massages from the most handsome satyrs

Body wash scrubs that will make your skin as white as a marble statue

And a sauna room to have secret affairs with your fellow deities

Welcome to the Olympus Spa

Where we make men feel like gods

The moment I enter the locker room, I see Zeus

Or rather, Zeus sees me

He circles the bathing area like an eagle stalking its quarry

Every casual stretch of his arm is a calculated flap of a wing

And before I know it, his talons are digging into my flesh

Still, I follow him into the sauna

The heavenly sauna has two tiers of seats

The top and the bottom

Zeus perches atop his nest at the peak of the mountain

And I settle down in my place at the bottom

Zeus has grown weathered with age

His hair is reminiscent of a stormy sky

Wrinkles frame his beak of a mouth

Stretch marks line his stomach like arcs of lightning

And massive thunder thighs are barely hidden within

The towel wrapped around his waist

And so, I bow at his feet

The thing about gods, I have learned

Is that they don’t like to hunt for their prey

No, gods love to be worshipped

They want mortals to do all of the work

So, I offer myself to Zeus

I give him my hands to serve

I give him my lips in prayer

And he offers me nothing in return

Instead he sits upon his throne

As if touched by Midas

As if gazed by Medusa

As if unaware how to touch another man

He doesn’t even spare me a glance

All too soon, Poseidon enters the sauna

And Zeus’s towel drapes down like a curtain call

Forming a wall between us

Poseidon looks at us knowingly

He has a tan complexion, like he just came from the beach

His mane is cut short, reminding me of grains of sand

He is as large and intimidating as the sea

Every step he takes feels like an earthquake

And I will not reveal how I know this

But let it be said that I truly believe Poseidon created horses

Poseidon sits down beside Zeus

Their knees are a Greek Tragedy apart

And all of a sudden

Poseidon’s towel cascades off his lap like an undertow

And so I get down on my knees before him, as well

I do not often devote myself to multiple gods at the same time

But I am nothing if not pious

Unlike Zeus, Poseidon does not abstain from touching mortals

He stands up, towering over me like a tidal wave

His hooves yank my hair like a chariot racer tugging on the reigns

But he bucks his hips like he’s the horse itself

Like a raging tsunami, every touch is harsh and brutal

So I do my best not to drown

And for my efforts, I am blessed with a flood

That tastes as salty as the ocean

I swallow Poseidon’s ivory ichor

Hardly able to breathe

Yet somehow I am dubbed

The Cupbearer of the Olympians

But Zeus is still seated next to Poseidon

And there he remains seated

Even after Poseidon gallops from the shore and exits the sauna

Apparently, Zeus has now lost interest in me

Perhaps he was suddenly stricken with pity for his poor wife

Perhaps he didn’t like the idea of sharing his new plaything

Or perhaps he resents that his master bolt is smaller than Poseidon’s trident

Regardless, Zeus elects to ignore me for the rest of the night

No matter how much I beg, and plead, and grovel

He instead flies back to the lounge to search the perimeter for his next meal

Leaving not even a feather behind

Eventually, I am joined by Apollo

Apollo is one of the younger gods

He looks about my age, at least

Except every inch of him is sun kissed

His eyes are as bright as day

And his smile radiates warmth

He glides over to the top bench

Where he spreads his legs in front of me

And like the others, I prostrate myself beneath him

When his hands reach towards me

I expect him to pull my hair ruthlessly

Or to push my head down without mercy

But instead, he runs his fingers through my hair as he massages my head

But instead, he trails his digits down my nape and rubs circles around my back

But instead, he just holds me close

And unlike the others, when he breaks away

He asks me to follow him

At first I think he’s leading me to the steam room

So that the sun can rise up to the clouds amongst the other holy ones

Apollo is the god of theater and music

He performs best when he is on a stage

And I am his newest prop or instrument

But instead he guides me to a single shower stall

He shelters us in rain and laughter

And he’s still just holding me close

If he is the sun, then I am the earth

And his light reaches for every part of me with a grin

He lathers his hands in soap and scrubs both of us clean

I leave a hickey on his shoulder blade

He still holds me close

I suck on his neck

He still holds me close

I bite his throat

He still holds me close

I lick along his jaw

He still holds me close

I nuzzle our cheeks together until our lips softly graze

And we kiss

While we hold each other close

At long last, I am brought into ascension

And I finally feel

Divine

Thank you for coming to the Olympus Spa

Where we make men feel like gods

We hope to see you again

[0atm11k]

Agreed with this post until you guys got to Dragon Age. The "18 year old sister" is named Bethany, sexualized FAR less than her brother(s) in-game, the only reason her breasts were any larger than average is for the opening scene ONLY to show that there is an unreliable narrator.

Sten respects your actions and will more than anything about your sex- male or female, when asked if anyone in Ferelden was worthy of respect, he'll say only the warden. It's not "grudging" respect, it's full-blown admiration, he called you "my heart" in his language, and freely admits he was wrong in his initial judgement (He calls both MALE AND FEMALE wardens callow and is just naturally standoffish, it has NOTHING to do with lack of respect for women.) The closest "misogyny" you can get from Sten is that he has never seen nor heard of women fighting, and he doesn't understand how those roles can be overlapped. This is as foreign to us a poverty-stricken king. Mind you, he's from a society where they don't even have first names, a job change is impossible, your role in society is your first and foremost priority, and women who fight are referred to as men under their custom.

"Only cool with male wardens" Did we even play the same game???

The incest comments in the casteless origin exist because everyone in the world calls casteless dwarves worthless scumbag criminals, seeing as how its an ROLE PLAYING GAME, you can lean into your character being a POS for the origin or not, its not glorified or condoned; people hate you for it. Neither are the many accounts of war, slavery, rape, murder, plague, oppression, lobotomies... Do you think all media should be devoid of anything uncomfortable?

The stupid armor with the boob plates are showing a weaker character for the sole reason of giving a male audience something to objectify. It ruins immersion, serves no purpose but patriarchal dehumanization.

Dragon Age Origins is a DARK game. The horrible things that happen, happen because they are horrible. They aren't meant to be sexy or take away from the humanity of the victims, but to give you something you want to defend, to love, to feel for. Your cousin can be raped in the first five minutes of the game, and it lets you slaughter every single man involved, and rewards you for rescuing her with the best dagger in the entire game (You do not get this if you complete the quest and don't help her) Never once is it downplayed or sexualized. In Dragon Age 2, your mother dies because a crazy man thought she looked like his dead wife. It isn't portrayed as anything other than sad, and needless, and awful. Anything about tragedy and war is going to have rapes and deaths and victims, and truthfully there is hardly any media that can resonate with victims of rape/sexual assault that isn't sexualized and that does treat them as simultaneously a blameless victim of someone with more power and cruel intentions, and also a fully realized person. Your cousin who was raped, regardless of whether she was your cousin in game, of whether or not your character has ever seen her, you'll find her later in the game fearlessly protesting slavers and the rights of her people being trampled on, and can even become the ruler of her people's portion of the city, an unprecedented title for a woman of her race. (The race being the unprecedented part, not her sex.)

And I don't see anyone protesting how elves are treated in this game because they recognize that inequity being shown in a game doesn't mean its condoned. It's treated like something horrible and unfair, and everyone seems to understand that until its about women.

Honestly, if your MALE player character tries to marry the queen, he only becomes a prince-consort, while she makes it damn clear that she's the true ruler. I honestly don't know any other game or even piece of media with the balls to put an NPC woman above a male player character (a female player will become queen and have ruling power).

All this, I really don't know how you guys can be so quick to call this game anti-feminist.

The way male game developers always make female characters walk is ridiculous. They'll be like "look at the graphics and light and ambiance we've worked so hard to make it look realistic" and then the female character starts walking in the most absurd way swaying her hips like she's on a strip club's podium with her back arched. And in the comments women have to explain that it's not how women walk, sir, please stop. Even in cutesy innocent games it comes up. Embarrassing.

[solarisensun]

White Lies

Yandere! Diluc x Sister Reader (Modern Au) 

- can you tell that I’ve been on a yandere fixtation with all these fics lmao

The love you and Diluc have for each other extends past a simple familial adoration. 

Warnings: Mentions of trauma/mental health, incest, NSFW, yandere themes, dub/non con, obsessive/possessive behaviour 

For as long as you could remember, it had always been the two of you against the world. 

A pair of siblings shrouded in a past of misery after the passing of both parents in an unfortunate car accident that left them with a ridiculous sum of inheritance that most could only dream about- it’s a classic newspaper headline that gets plastered all over the pages.

Naturally, it brought forth a sea of strangers all vying to get a piece of the wealth in their greedy hands. Distant cousins from different countries showing up at your doorstep, young couples with beams a little too wide looking to adopt new kids, men in sharp dark suits and their endless mountains of paperwork about the family company. 

It made Diluc grow up too fast and too hard. 

The new young head with bold crimson hair and a jaw set in stone to protect the remnants of his family. Even when he was only 18, he’d taken over the seat of your father, holed up in the study until the beginnings of dawn peeked over the gloomy clouds, forged a city of iron and steel around his heart until no one dared to even think of taking a piece of the Ragnvindr name for themselves. 

Of course, even with his armour. There was a chink in it that could shatter it into pieces with a single blow. 

There were rumours about the younger sister, a frail thing as pretty as a painted porcelain doll and equally fragile. Not many have had the chance to lay eyes on her, confined to the mansion with private tutors and home schooled all the way to college. A polar opposite of her brother, a poor child that never quite managed to get over the passing of their parents and was plagued with endless nightmares of the tragedy. It was whispered that she’d wake up the entire mansion in the middle of the night with screaming fits until she was soothed by her elder brother. There are even more tales of how he’d spend hours in her room, the heavy oak door locked with a sole master key and no one would be allowed to enter the premises even in the utmost emergencies. 

From an outside perspective, it must have looked absolutely baffling to see the usually emotionless young man’s face turned grief stricken at a simple phone ring from his sister, even more baffling when he adjourns the meeting that would cost him millions without even batting an eye. 

 It was easy to see how protective they were of each other. But of course, they only had each other after all. It was only natural for a pair of siblings to be this close when they were the only two in the world that shared the same blood.

----

“You’re marrying her?”  

Your voice is tiny and petulant, small figure brimming with rage twice your size when Diluc closes the door shut behind him in a quiet click. 

“What are you talking about?” He says flatly, darkened gaze turning to your figure by the window where the silvery moonlight shrouds your face in pale shadows. 

Your face morphs into a sneer, fists balled into your silk nightgown and teeth bared. “I’m not as dumb as people think. How long were you going to hide the fact that you and that Gunnhildr girl are set to wed in winter?” 

Bare feet cross the wooden floor as you jab your finger into Diluc’s chest fiercely, “You promised you wouldn’t leave me!” He doesn’t flinch when your tone raises an octave, doesn’t even bat an eye when you scream in his face so loud that the words echo and bounce across the high arched ceiling.

But you know your brother better than he knows himself. 

“I was going to tell you eventually.” Diluc replies, keeping his stony gaze fixed on yours.

The tension in your stiff shoulders seem to tighten even further, “Don’t lie” You look up, bright eyes already turning glossy with unshed tears and it’s exactly those tears that gets your big brother to break. 

His reaction is instantaneous, a heavy sigh escaping his lips when Diluc pulls you into his embrace. The walls around him crumbling into ash and dust the moment your tears begin to track down your cheeks. “I’m sorry. I should have told you earlier.” 

You sniffle into his suit, feeling his arms tighten around your waist as your muffled voice speaks up. “Sorry doesn’t cut it.” 

“What do you want me to do?” 

The moment your fingers creep underneath his suit, watching as his eyes flash with a range of emotions when you push your big brother to the bed where his knees knock against the bed before he lands with a soft thud. The moment he lets out a shaky breath as you plant your thighs on either side of his waist and your fingers work to loosen his tie. 

The moment your lips meet his and it’s like falling back into the yawning pit of addiction again. Even when every little action is wrong, it doesn’t exactly stop the both of you from drawing together like two opposite poles of magnets unable to seperate. 

A low groan tumbles out of his mouth when his gloved grip tightens around your soft thighs, hiking the loose fabric of your dress until it's high enough to expose your barely clothed cunt as you mewl at the touch. 

“Missed you so much.” You murmur, lashes fluttering when he thrusts his hips up so that your core comes into contact with the growing bulge in his slacks. Greedy fingers tangle themselves in his hair, arching your brother’s face towards yours so you can kiss him better. 

Diluc inhaled a shaky breath while looking at your tear stained cheeks, something in the proud lines of his face shattering at the alluring sight of your face. “You make it so hard to breathe you know that? Every single time I step out of this room,” He thumbs away a stray tear across your cheek with an air of breathtaking gentleness that no one would think was capable from the stoic man, “All I ever think about is my spoiled little sister.”

He couldn’t blame you- wouldn’t blame you. Wouldn't blame this insatiable greed that brewed in his chest. You were the only thing he’d wanted in this life, even when he knew that he wasn’t worthy of your love. He supposes that it’s partly his fault that you’ve grown up this way, utterly shunned in the mansion without any friends because Diluc had refused to give you permission to attend a public school (or even step foot outside the mansion).

What would Father say if he saw his children now? Tangled in the sheets with Diluc’s fingers slipped down to push your drenched panties aside so he can feel the familiar irresistible warmth of your little cunt when he curls his fingers in you. What would Mother’s face look like when she sees her precious daughter bouncing on her brother’s cock, spurred on by the iron grip Diluc has around your waist? What would their faces look like?

But dead men tell no tales. 

You know without a doubt that the marriage contract would be cancelled by the next morning. 

-----

Life is upturned the moment Mr Alberich- one of the few trustworthy friends of his late father asks for a favour. 

“Your son is back?” Diluc asks, lacing his fingers together under his chin as Mr Alberich sips on his tea thoughtfully. 

The older man sets down the teacup delicately. “I’m sure you’ve heard many stories of my son, he’s around your age too. But alas, our relationship…” A slight grimace graces his weathered features, “Is not the best and I fear my wife will not cope well with the tension due to her weak heart.” 

“Will it be alright if he stays in your place for a few weeks until I settle things?” 

There are a million reasons Diluc could give to say no. But the Ragnvindrs had always owed the Alberichs one. Mr Alberich was one of the rare few that lent out a genuine helping hand to the children of his deceased best friend. 

His memory of Kaeya is a fuzzy one safe for the time when he’d teased you for clinging to Diluc’s hand when the three of you were younger. Diluc had developed an instant dislike for Kaeya in that very instant. 

Diluc gives him a curt nod, “I will call the butler to arrange suitable lodgings in preparation for the arrival of your son.” 

“Speaking of family, how is your sister faring these days? It’s been a long time since I last saw her.” Mr Alberich’s gaze falls onto the tiny framed picture perched on Diluc’s desk- the one where he has his hand on your shoulder. Your wide beam is a stark contrast to the way Diluc’s lips are pressed into a firm line, with only his eyes that betrayed a faint glimmer of amusement as he stares into the camera. 

“I hope my son’s arrival will not cause any disturbance to her wellbeing.” 

“Don’t worry,” Diluc replies tersely. “Her condition is improving gradually these days, I’ll make sure that she feels comfortable around Kaeya.” 

And far far away from him too. 

------

“Aren’t you a little too old to be sleeping with your brother?” 

You stiffen at Kaeya’s words, setting down your fork to glare icily at the smirking man seated opposite you. It’d been almost a week since Diluc brought Kaeya in despite your countless protests. Why would you want a total stranger in the house? 

Kaeya wasn’t exactly unpleasant, in many ways he reminded you of Diluc before your parent’s death. Before your big brother seemed to lose any sense of warmth within himself.  Though the similarities ended with an abrupt halt when you took in his tan honeyed skin, the inky blue curls of his hair and the mischievous glint in those eyes that seemed too probing for your liking.

But he was a stranger. Not a Ragvindr. 

Trust no one except for me get it? Diluc’s face is twisted in rage, lips pulled back in a snarl as you whimpered from the force of his strength when he pins your body against the wall. It was the first time you’d seen your normally passive brother this angry and the sight alone made your heart clench in fear. There was a crazed gleam in his eyes blown so dark until only a thin ring of crimson is visible as he towered over you like a menacing shadow, each shuddering breath from your brother’s frenzied shoulders wafting across your tear stained cheeks in warm puffs. Everyone out there is out to get you, unless they have Ragvindr as their last name, you’re not allowed to even look at them.  

“You should mind your own business.” You shoot back primly, trying to focus on the meal in front of you when he huffs out a throaty laugh. 

“Not so brave when your big brother isn’t around aren’t you?” He jabs again and you resist the urge to hurl your plate at him. 

“Do you follow every order from him? Like a good little puppet?” 

“Shut up,” You seethe, slamming your palm on the table and tearing yourself out of the seat and knocking the chairs backwards in a piercing screech. “I have no interest in being civil if you continue to insult my family like that.” 

Something in his eyes gleams wickedly as Kaeya lets out an amused laugh. “Calm down princess, I’m just taking a slight interest in your relationship with your brother.” 

“When was the last time you even stepped foot outside the mansion?” He asks with a tilt of his head. 

You can’t even remember. 

Taking your silence as defeat, Kaeya leans across the table to whisper conspiratorially. “Don’t you want to go outside?” He prompts, tapping his finger on the wooden surface. “I can bring you out if you’d like.” 

Against your better judgement there is a rising wave of curiosity that emerges at his invitation. 

“How would you get out without the staff noticing?” The question slips out of your mouth before you can stop it.

“Meet me at my room tonight-” 

“Kaeya.” 

“Ah,” Kaeya leans back into his chair, all traces of earlier mischievousness wiped away like a blank slate of paper and replaced with an air of languid grace. “The master of the house arrives.” 

Diluc frowns but remains silent, instead letting his gaze shift towards you. You can already feel the disapproval rolling off his body in waves when Kaeya shoots you a sly wink. 

“I’m done with breakfast.” You announce curtly, brushing past Diluc and ignoring Kaeya’s fixed gaze on your retreating back. “The two of you can enjoy breakfast together.” 

-----

A large hand slides up your thigh, gliding from your ankles to the hem of your cotton shorts before curling to gently push your legs apart. 

“Diluc?” You blink groggily into the darkness, shifting to turn around on the bed to be met by a solid warmth that hits your cheek. “M’ sleepy.” You complain, trying to wriggle out of his arms when he draws you in closer against his broad chest. 

“Just once.” He huffs against the side of your ear, even through your hazy daze you can hear the dark yearning in his muffled voice but he doesn’t plead, never pleads.  

You could push him away, there’s no denying that Diluc holds a raw power over you the same way you do to him and you find yourself nodding as he slides thick, coarse fingers under your top until they are bunched above your tits. 

“No bra?” He asks, pulling at your nipples and you squirm a little at the touch. “I thought I told you to be more careful now that we have a guest sharing the same roof?” 

Who’s the one creeping into your bed now? You want to retort but the drowsy sleepiness still clinging to your lashes only allows you for a soft sorry as your pretty panties start to turn uncomfortably wet the longer Diluc worships your breasts. 

Growing impatient, you guide his fingers from your chest and underneath the waistband of your shorts. “Please,” You gasp, nuzzling into your big brother’s neck. “Wanna fuck you already.” 

He hums in response, bringing two heavy fingers to rub circles against the damp fabric of your panties as you arch forward in a silent desperate plea, feeling his small smile against your cheek when you pull him closer. 

“You’re soaked.” Diluc rasps in a low tone that makes your tummy smoulder, his darkened eyes running across your face and finally sliding his fingers into your soaked core. “Have you touched yourself these days?”

“No.” You whimper. No matter how many times he’d touched you, there’s still that electrifying spark of excitement and arousal that ignites within your heated body whenever Diluc lays his hands on you. “Been waiting for you.” 

Pressing his fingers into your clit, Diluc starts to stretch your hole as you let out a pathetic mewl, fingers digging into the hard planes of his shoulder. The wet press of something against your thigh forces you to crack your eyes open to see Diluc stroking his cock in tandem to the sinfully loud squelch of his skilled fingers in your cunt and it feels as if your cheeks are threatening to set on fire at how addictingly depraved this scene looks. 

“Diluc,” You press your palm over your mouth, trying to stifle the girlish moans in fear of alerting Kaeya who has his room just down the halfway. “Gonna cum soon.” He grunts in displeasure when your tiny voice is barely audible but makes no move to pry away your hand, instead focusing on the way the pads of his fingers are disappearing in your glossy slit. He’s so close that the long locks of his hair are tickling your inner thighs and the heat of his laboured breaths fanning across your pussy making you writhe in embarrassment. 

‘Keep your legs open.” The tone of his voice brokers no room for leniency. 

Another delicate press against your walls has your legs seizing up as your head falls back against the pillows when you cum, the walls of your pussy pulsing around his fingers. The area between your legs turns into a huge mess of arousal when Diluc slides his fingers out of your cunt and wraps those same wet digits around his cock to give it another few pumps. 

“You’re pretty when you cum.” A rare grin tugs his lips upwards as he guides his fat cock to your swollen clit. The weight of his hardened shaft gliding against your slick folds alone has you trembling with anticipation, even more so when he starts to push himself in little by little, making your mouth fall open in a silent ‘o’.

Excruciatingly slow, far too slow for your liking, Diluc finally nestles his cock in you as you mewl impatiently at the delirious burn- so big, so wide that you can feel your muddles brain going haywire. On days like these, it often feels as if he was deep enough to be felt in your throat. There is a brief moment of pause before he slides his cock out of your pulsating cunt until only the tip is left, making sure that every vein and ridge rubs against the sensitive walls of your pussy and the sudden void of emptiness makes you suck in a breath at what’s to come. 

“Hngh you’re tight fuck.” A sound tears its way out of Diluc’s throat that you think might be a low growl but you’re too out of it to fully focus anyway. His cock somehow manages to touch the deepest parts of your cunt so effortlessly that it makes your head spin. 

Big hands move under you and Diluc lifts both your legs over his shoulder with ease, shifting your hips upwards to his liking so that the new angle lets him hit even deeper until a murky ring of white coats the way his cock is splitting your tiny cunt open. 

You can feel yourself getting wetter each time Diluc slams his hips forward as if he was dying to bury himself in your cunt. “Diluc,” You breathe out into the tiny heated space between the two of you, unsure of what you’re even pleading for from your brother. “Diluc.” 

He almost falls forward at the sound of your strained voice, every instinct in him arching towards you even when you’re already safe in his arms. He could never get enough of you even if he wanted to. Say it again, he wanted to command, but kept his mouth shut. 

It makes his eyes snap to yours instantly, meeting your gaze through years of affectionate familiarity. Makes his grip on your thighs tighten to the point where a dull throb resonates where his fingers are digging into your skin and nearly drawing blood. Makes his cock throb inside your cunt as you whine to pull his rigid body down for a hungry kiss. 

The entire bed seems to lurch forward with every hard thrust that makes you come undone underneath him, breaking away from the kiss to leave sloppy trails of saliva over your chest. You’re so full to the point where every twitch of his veiny cock makes the heat coiling in your belly wind tighter. Diluc is quite literally folding you in half at this point, your ankles at his ears as he pounds another ferocious thrust into your soaking mess of a cunt. 

“You want me to cum inside?” He hisses, sweat dotting his forehead as your vision swims deliriously. “Want your big brother to fill you up don’t you?” Each pump of his cock making sure to catch that sweet spot inside of you that he just knew never failed to drive you off the edge. 

“Yes!” Your high voice is so needy and your greedy cunt sucking on his cock with equal vigour that it makes his pace falter just a tiny bit at the sensation. “Want you to fill me up please!” 

“Fuck,” One of his hands drops from your waist to rub wet messy circles on your clit, petting it gently before getting heavier and you shudder hard enough that Diluc groans at the way you tighten around him. “Go on then, be a good girl and come.” Another purposeful rub of his finger on your clit has your back arching upwards as your climax hits you so suddenly that your eyes roll to the back of your head. 

It feels like you’re about to shatter. Especially with how Diluc continues to graze across your clit and your entire body is shaking. It nearly makes him cum when your velvety insides squeezes his cock in desperate pulses as you reach your high. 

You come apart under him, not bothering to be quiet anymore until Diluc shoves two fingers into your mouth, pressing them to your tongue to stifle your cries. There is a deep groan when he cums after you, keeping your writhing hips still with a savage grip to keep your perfectly still as you clench down around him when a familiar molten rush fills your insides. 

“Gonna cum soon.” His voice gets a little raspier, a little darker. 

“Want your cum” You bob your head immediately, soft thighs closing weakly around his waist to lock him in. “Please.” As if he hadn’t already planned to cum inside of you anyway. Diluc gives you exactly what you want- like he always does. Jerky thrusts losing its rhythm when your pussy clamps around him as he floods your cunt with load after load of cum until you can feel the fluid trickle down your inner thighs. 

“You're made for me,” He hisses between his teeth, still giving your abused cunt a few shallow thrusts through his orgasm to pump his seed further. “Made to take my cum inside you. Mine.” 

It’s a mess that stains your inner thighs and expensive sheets when Diluc pulls out, strings of milky white clinging to the tip of his cock connected to your cunt. The image is almost enough to get him hard again, his adorable little sister looking at him with those glazed over eyes and her cunt stuffed full of his cum. A mess that he quickly cleans up by pushing his cum back into your cunt and giving you a stern glare when you try to shut your legs. 

“Don’t let it go to waste.” He instructs despite your feeble protests, sliding your panties back up again. 

Gently, Diluc yanks your shirt back to place whilst smoothing your hair back. “Go to sleep now.” He says, pulling your pliant body to fit against him sungly like two puzzle pieces attaching back into place. There’s something soft and precious about the way you look at him that makes his chest ache with love. You’re his, it’s a phrase that keeps him grounded and the same phrase that pushes him to his limit to make sure that you’re draped in the best luxuries the world can afford. His restraint reduced to a thin fraying thread when it comes to you. 

Hands, so much smoother and softer than his reach up to cup his face and your delicate fingers run through his hair to soothe down the mass of curls. “Love you.” You smile, kissing him on the side of the cheek with a content sigh, 

“You’re gonna stay right?” You whisper sleepily, your brain still buzzing in gentle vibrations from yoru post-orgasmic haze, further lulled on by his comforting warmth as your fingers instinctively fist into his shirt and he nods. 

“Yeah-” 

A sharp ringing snaps through the peaceful bubble. Instantly, the warmth vanishes when Diluc pushes himself upright to grab his phone off the nightstand and you find yourself missing his presence already. 

Curiously, you lift your head from the blankets. The bright words flashing across his screen are unmistakable in the dimness - Jean. 

Jean...Gunnhildr? 

“Helllo,” Your brother answers the phone and there’s a faint response that you can’t catch before he’s leaving your shared bed, striding to the cupboard and discarding his t shirt for a freshly ironed button up.

“I’m heading over right now.” He says curtly, sliding on his silver watch and buttoning the last of his slacks. “I look forward to meeting you.” 

The last phrase makes your irritation bloom into something much uglier. “Sorry,” Diluc looks over after he hangs up the call, sliding his hair up with your hair tie to meet another woman. “I have to get to my office right now. An emergency came up.” 

“I’ll be back tomorrow, remember to take your medication.” He says, cracking the door open and the light from the hallway casts his long shadow over your bed. “Good night.” With that, the door clicks shut and nothing can quench the angry purples of jealousy that flares in your chest when darkness descends. 

The stinging hurt makes the back of your eyes water as you slide out of your bed. It’s not a surprise that the door is locked when you try the knob but living in the same house since birth has taught you a few tricks that you keep secret from your big brother. 

It takes a few tries, but the silver hairpin Diluc had gifted you for your 18th birthday does the work as it always does. The mechanics of the lock pried apart when you jiggle the hairpin until the knob gives away underneath metal. 

A bitter sense of determination seems to fuel your movements when you stalk down the hallway, he lied to you. What would he be doing with her this late at night? Why was she more important than you? Despite your best attempts, you can’t seem to halt the growing jealousy brewing like an unstoppable storm.

It was childish to be acting this way but what other way was there to get an edge over your mighty brother than taking up Kaeya’s offer?

The tense voices floating out from the guest room makes you soften your stomping gait and you rub the back of your hand across your eyes to quell the tears. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. The thought of Kaeya seizing this chance to further tease you was something that you’d like to avoid. 

It isn’t until you outstretched hand is about to push his room door open when the tense voices bleeds through the slightly cracked open door. 

“You have an interesting medical history don’t you.” Peering a little closer, Kaeya’s back is facing the door and you manage to catch the slightest hint of fiery red over his shoulder. Only one person in his house had hair that striking. 

“Stop with your wordplay and get straight to the point. I have a meeting to attend” Your brother’s voice is tense and low, a seething anger brimming in the undertone that sends fear creeping down your spine. The force of his words alone is enough to have your heart pounding uncomfortably. 

“I received a package from the hospital when I was out in the gardens, Zoloft, Paxil and Effexor? Those words sound familiar to you?” 

“They are for my sister, antidepressants that keep her nightmares at bay.” 

You aren’t exactly surprised at the names, though there were often times when you doubted their effectiveness. Seeing as to how you were still haunted by constant flashbacks that left you caged to the bed when a particularly bad one decides to strike. 

“But you haven’t been giving her the right doses have you?” 

You nearly fall backwards. What? 

Kaeya’s response has Diluc taking a hard step forward, the floorboards creaking under the weight of his foot. 

“The locks around this house are old,” Kaeya doesn’t flinch, instead pressing on with a grim tone. “Guess what I found when I stumbled upon your little cabinet beneath the stairs? Unopened boxes of the same drug from months, even years ago. What exactly have you been giving you precious little sister Diluc Ragvindr?” 

Kaeya returns Diluc’s glare with a gaze as frigid enough to rival the Northern winds. “You’ve been feeding her placebos haven’t you? As if keeping her locked in the house wasn’t enough, you decided to take away her drugs, leaving her weak and uncurable even by the best doctors the world has to offer. I saw through your stupid act the moment I heard the news. How much did you pay the staff to keep quiet? Or did you hold their families hostage?” 

“Diluc Ragvindr,” He sneers, “A psychopath billionaire that cages his sister. How many times did you force yourself on her?”

A sickly crunch fills the air when Diluc lunges forward, his fist connecting against the side of Kaeya’s face and you finally break. 

Your shrill scream fills the air at the sound and your knees give away, as if the weight of the sky was holding you down. The entire house seems to spin on its own axis when the door slams open so hard that it leaves a dent against the wall and you whimper, shying backwards when Diluc approaches you with wide desperate eyes. 

“Go away! GO AWAY!” You scream when he tries to scoop you into his embrace, “Don’t touch me!” There’s nothing but sheer panic in your lungs, the relenting chant to escape resounding in your brain until you feel like throwing up. Tears sting your eyes when Diluc tries to reach for you again until he’s yanked backwards by Kaeya. 

“Stay away from her you sick fuck,” He snarls, “Stay the fuck away from her, the police are on the way and you’re not gonna get away with this.”

“Let go of me.” Diluc doesn’t even flinch when Kaeya pins him down on the floor so hard that his head slams against the wooden floor with a wet thud. “She needs me. SHE NEEDS ME RIGHT NOW!” He roars, pushing against Kaeya’s restraining arm when your sobs continue to reach his ears. Every muscle in his body straining in a fog of murderous rage when Kaeya continues to keep him down with the weight of his body. He’ll kill Kaeya, kill his fucking father as well, kill anyone that sets a finger on your trembling figure curled up against the floor. You’ll understand after he explains, you’ll welcome him in your embrace again. 

With a pained grunt, Diluc manages to break free, already hurtling to you with shaky hands and shallow breaths. “I can explain, look at me, look at me please. I did it for you, to keep you safe in the house.” He pleads softly and your wet gaze drifts up to meet his despite the burning betrayal that feels as if it’s about to consume you whole. Your eyes widen, “You’re bleeding.” 

Even after he’d torn your heart in two, there was a part of you that nearly reaches towards him in an urge to wipe away the bleed matted across his forehead and tend to his wounds. You could feel his agony like your own, even if it was ripping your heart to pieces with each passing second. 

“You lied.” Your hushed, broken whisper makes him halt as Diluc kneels before your huddled body- the husk of a proud man diminished to a miserable fool at those two words.

 “You lied about everything.” 

-------

Sometimes, it’s as if you could still feel the weight of his stare between your shoulders when you're crossing the street. Or the warmth of his presence behind your back when your in line to purchase groceries.

“Mummy?” 

Breaking out of your daze, your son tugs on your pinkie with a toothy grin. “Can I pet the doggie?” He asks politely, crimson hair floating in the breeze and bright eyes gazing so earnestly that you can’t possibly say no. 

“Alright,” You hum, “Be careful okay? Mummy will stay here and make sure to be back by 6.” 

He trots off the moment you give him approval with a wide beam and you turn your gaze upwards to the clear sky. When was his release date again? Had it really been 15 years since Diluc’s sentence? 

Even miles away and with the stretch of time between the two of you there is still a stiff pang that throbs in your heart whenever the thought of him reaches your mind. 

Across the park, your son lets out a delighted squeal and you reach for your book. Blissfully unaware of the silhouette that looms just a few metres away. Maybe those sensations hadn’t entirely belonged to your imagination after all. 

[all-pacas]

i would love to hear more on why song of achilles is a terrible take on the trojan war 💖

listen

buddy

pal

disclaimers first: as far as a story, specifically a tragic romance, goes: it's good! it made me feel emotions! the author made the right choice grounding the narrative in patroclus's pov because he is one of those characters who always looks good and sympathetic no matter the version of the story.

but it also smoothed the hell out of all the heroes and turned everyone else into flat antagonists. (with the exception of patroclus, who is just almost always an unambiguously nice dude).

this got mega long be warned

also uh content warning for discussion of sexual assault in greek mythology i guess

achilles was kind of an asshole sometimes! not in a cute, broody way. like, a lot of the Iliad is about the weird politics and power struggles of the greek camp during the trojan war. the most relevant example is The Affair Of Briseis (who i always want to spell briesis. oops.)

briseis was a beautiful slave and special favorite of achilles, after he won her in battle. she was married to the son of the king of her citystate, so she was a woman of status and authority before achilles sacked her city and killed her husband and family and took her as a warprize (and to be clear: enslavement = sexual assault and rape).

her background is relevant here, because she's not just a pretty girl, she's a high status woman. she is a valuable prize, a trophy. a high status woman, and proof of achilles's victory.

because she was a special favorite of his, agamemnon, the leader and all around douchebag of the greek army, demanded briseis be given to him instead after achilles undermined him in another power spat.

achilles handed briseis over (to be clear: to be assaulted and raped) and was so angry at the slight to his pride the he refused to fight any longer, despite being a mythical hero who the entire army relied on. again, this is because briseis is a valuable trophy and symbol of his victory and strength.

the greeks begin to lose the war badly, and achilles's response to his friends and allies dying is basically "you shouldn't have taken away my toy then." finally desperate, patroclus dresses up as achilles to inspire the troops, and is killed in battle. achilles is grief-stricken, and briseis is returned to him, only after which does he rejoin the war.

about patroclus: he is achilles's best friend/Special Person. most modern reads agree that they were, to quote psych, lovers in the nighttime. regardless of how you want to read it, they were one another's Most Important People. patroclus had grown up with achilles after being banished from his own kingdom for murdering a child (when he himself was also a child), but despite this red flag, everyone loves him and he's just a good dude.

about achilles and briseis: when she is taken from him, achilles begs to get her back, calling her his "wife" whom he loved, and that it is a grave insult to take her from him, comparing it to helen being taken from melanus. to me, that reads as achilles kind of just trying to get his toy back and using manipulation to try and do so.

briseis herself never expresses these feelings: she grieves for patroclus, who apparently protected her, and had promised he would make achilles marry her (significant, because that would take her from "slave who has been raped a lot" to "noble lady who can be part of society.") she sort of disappears from the story when achilles dies, but some versions of the myth have her being given to one of his men as a sort of bequeathment.

this is sketchy, huh? achilles comes off as proud more than anything, short tempered and a bit petty. he doesn't care if his friends die, because he was wronged. he doesn't care about this woman, except as a token of his status. he is redeemed by his grief and the poetic tragedy of "i lost my love because of my own blinding pride", but he does some seriously gross things.

i'm focusing on briseis because it's also my number one sticking point in 'the song of achilles.' the book had to include her, she plays a huge role in achilles's story. but the book also takes pains to smooth out and erase the characters's gray or bad actions.

(for an early example, patroclus losing his temper and murdering another child is changed to patroclus accidentally killing a terrible abusive bully who would have probably killed him. i'm not against this change exactly, but see what i mean about erasing fault?)

so how does 'song' handle briseis?

well, first of all, she's a young unmarried teenager when she is given to achilles. she was likely young in the myth as well, but the story immediately erases the fact that achilles killed her husband/brothers/entire family — if she lost anyone, it's never mentioned and she's never bothered by it.

because achilles and patroclus are now unambiguously good guys, of course briseis is never raped or assaulted, let alone treated as a slave. they treat her as sort of a beloved little sister, and she is welcomed into their lives. she is clever and funny and fits right in.

this is… where i thought it was getting a little weird. i absolutely 100% understand why the novel didn't want to go down the "achilles has a bedslave" route, and i'm not exactly clamoring for books to show that shit. but even if you take out that, briseis is … still a captive. still a slave. she was captured by the greek army, who she would consider the enemy, and made to serve them. she lucked out, landing with two great dudes who would never harm her, but she is still a slave. she still lost everyone she knows. and she's just… cool with it. she knows they're great people.

agamemnon in a fit of pettiness demands briseis. (where patroclus is always presented as just a nice dude, agamemnon is universally agreed to be just the worst. honestly kind of funny.) this is a crisis: what if he does the unthinkable and rapes her? achilles and patroclus frantically try to save her. briseis is very brave. agamemnon is a bad guy.

and then — and this is the moment that Got Me — achilles decides that he is anti-war. that's why he's not going to fight anymore. he's just sick of war and fighting. there's no point. it's so useless. he's just not feeling it. it's not about briseis (who was rescued and is perfectly safe!). it's like… why bother fighting?

achilles. the legendary warrior, whose pride is his driving motivation, who singlehandedly has been leading and winning this war for ten years. who was raised in the same military and honor culture as the other greek heroes, who has fought for glory this whole time, who is so driven by pride that when he loses his slave he sulks for weeks over that minor slight… is anti-war. thinks the deaths of the greeks and trojans is a pointless waste.

like as it happens from a modern perspective he is right. but you just. you can't tell me that achilles would have that modern perspective.

and that was kind of my issue with the whole book, you know? the emotions, the love story, all of that was very good. but it was so… modern. it was a story about greek soldiers who would never harm a woman or keep a slave or buy in to the very engrained misogyny of the time. a story about greek heroes who just didn't want to fight or believe in war. a story where all the conflicts and villains were unambiguously mustache twirling evil — agamemnon might rape briseis, a woman who literally only existed in the myth to be raped by achilles! the shock! the horror! — and where achilles and patroclus have no flaws and make no mistakes (achilles refusing to fight isn't a mistake, it's a principled stand), and where briseis is fleshed out as a character only to be a Spunky Little Sister who is absolutely fine with losing her family and being taken hostage by the enemy, since achilles and patroclus are just the nicest guys.

there's just no conflict.

and like, look. i get it. it's a gay romance written at a time when that wasn't a thing, and it allows the guys to just be in love and in a good relationship and to have no conflict to speak of about their love for one another. it means a lot to a lot of people, and i get it.

and i get the appeal of rewriting things, smoothing out the problematic elements (cough BRISEIS) and different takes. but to me this is just… too smooth. too polished.

madeline miller's second novel, circe, is much better and i highly recommend it, and it manages to take "evil witch who turns men into pigs, as featured in the odyssey" and rewrite it in a way that makes circe an amazing character without removing her flaws and mistakes and conflicts.

also, for a darker, "realistic" take on the same story, pat barker's silence of the girls is centered around briesis. it might be a bit too grim in places, and unusually for an illiad/odyssey story it plays the interference of the gods as ambiguous (apollo's plague might just be dirty camp conditions, etc), but it does an excellent job highlighting the lives of all the people in the greek camp who weren't soldiers or heroes of legend. and has Female Character Solidarity which i love for this dude-heavy genre.

[artemisofthebow]

The readers are clearly the real winners here

So - here´s a spoiler-free review of Vinnarna. The spolerish one is far longer, and I´m still so in awe of the whole book that I have to think it through. This book is probably one of the most important books I´ve ever read!

"SHE is the bear", might be all about Alicia. Then again, Backman crafted the book to feel like it´s also directed at Mira, Maya, Ramona, Adri, Fatimah, Hannah, Tess and all the other women. The mothers, sisters or daughters flocking about her, taking up their daily struggles to help her, or to help "the next Maya", for that matter.

And about the men who care for them and support them, who have also factored into making Alicia everything she is to become.

I´m just so grateful this book was written by a man. A man who seemes to have understood more about being a woman than most men. Maybe even more than a few women I know.

I love how he respects and really has an eye for people who stand out, who are different in one way or another - be it country of origin, skin-colour, faith, orientation, health or any number of things great or small.

This tale is about amazing feelings of unity a family, a group of friends or being part of a team can bring us, but it´s also about the vulnerability of beeing left out and the destruction that may cause. It´s so spot on concerning what it´s like to be a single individual in a complex society. How each person has their own struggle and their own reasons for making their choices.

The complete stories of Björnstad are both marvellous fairy-tales and hard-hitting tragedies all at once. Every single person is taken seriously. They get to be heroes or villians in the eyes of their people and of society - depending on their life-choices.

I´ve been awaiting this book for a long time, but I didn´t expect it do go even deeper than it´s predecessors. It did, though. Made me laugh so hard I cried and cry helplessly. It stared right back at me from the abyss it created, made me furious and grief-stricken but really hit my heart. Violence begets violence, bullying seems to be hereditary, and even worse - it seems to spread. Men will be brought up in the image of their fathers and society moves forward at a painstakingly low pace - evil seeping in through every crack.

Love is our only weapon, our only consolation - and it´s fearfully fragile and easily shot down. These are uncomfortable truths. Especially if we try to silence them and push away those who speak them. To not be part of it, you need to stand up against misogyny, bullying and hate-speech whereever you see it.

If you don´t get in the way - who will?

This saga started with a poem on Amat´s wall. The one about doing good anyway. After reading Vinnarna, those words feel like the sum of everything Backman is trying to tell us.

There will always be good people - who build (cathedrals) anyway. They won´t always win, but when they do, it will be glorious and it will shine in the most unexpected of places.

The books about Björnstad are a very real example of that. They are all masterpieces, and though we readers suffered some heavy losses along the way, I do consider us the real winners.

[alexis-royce]

I'm assembling a quick list, please add more, and mind your trigger warnings, horror is a genre that frequently seeks to allow the viewer to feel uncomfortable for fun!

Books:

Frankenstein - Mary Shelly, You know this one. Life, death, and what it takes to be a terrible father.

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson, Another classic. Good, evil, and the dangers of feeling pressured to hide who you really are from the world.

The Works of HP Lovecraft - Purple prose written by a mean little puke, but the guy sure loves to drag his knowledge-seeking protags into the dirt and then kick them several times until they're unrecognizable!

The Death of Jane Lawrence - Caitlin Starling, Crimson Peak vibes. A surgeon pulls a mega-hubris and ruins his life, and then our protagonist gets her hands VERY dirty to follow him down. 

Doctor Faustus - Christopher Marlowe & Faust - Goethe, Two takes on the classic tale of one man's desire to take as much science out of mad science as he possibly can

The Monster of Elendhaven - Jennifer Giesbrecht, we follow two men with very dark intentions, through a plague-stricken, pitch-dark gothic horror.

The Invisible Man - HG Wells, Griffin is a classic scenery-chewer, and he lives to make terrible decisions. Wells was a socialist, and the whole point of this novel is not that science is bad, but that unchecked power can never prevail over a bunch of people who can actually work together. Griffin is prime blorbo real estate, please join me in loving my terrible man

Film:

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Rebuild Movies - The rebuilds have a slightly different arc for Gendo Ikari, which might just be what you'd like to see. But in any version, there are a few scientists having a pretty awful time and making deeply poor choices.

The Evil Dead Franchise - Ashley Johanna Williams should not be alive. The forces he is engaged with run him through the ringer, and they take and take and take from him. So he brushes the blood off, builds a chainsaw arm or gets out the chem books to reinvent gunpowder, and ignores the people back home who have turned him into a walking cautionary tale.

Re-Animator - In case anyone missed Herbert West up there. Autism be damned, my boy can raise the dead

Breaking Bad - Walter White is a monster and that show is the slow drip reveal that he always was. If you've been turned off from the show by people who acted like he was a badass, I am here to reassure you: he is pathetic all the way through, and just trashed by the end, and that's a lot of the fun!

Musicals:

Jekyll & Hyde - An adaptation of Stevenson's Novella, brewing heavily from early cinematic adaptations. Some of the purest concentrated melodrama you will ever consume.

Rocky Horror Picture Show -  "I'm going home."

Podcasts:

The Magnus Archives - They, uh. Seriously commit to the downward spiral on this one. They stand at the threshold that most media has as the worst case scenario, grab ahold of a man's vocal chords, and fuck him up reeeeeeeaaalllly badly. It's great.

Webcomics: 

Girl Genius - Phil & Kaja Foglio, Steampunk worldbuilding where "Sparks" are people so drawn toward inventing and creation that they take increasingly dangerous risks, endangering themselves and the people around them.

The Search for Henry Jekyll - MidoriLied, An adaptation of Stevenson's Novella that preserves and refreshes its roots as a mystery/thriller, with increasingly astonishing linework and panel composition.

Video Games:

If On A Winter's Night Four Travellers - Every step you take as Dr. Samuels will have you chewing on your shirt-cuffs, muttering "Oh no, don't do this, the cost keeps increasing, there will be nothing left of you!"

Romancing Flesh - Body horror and queer tragedy under the icey grip of the red scare.

Portal 2 - Cave Johnson, oh my god. But also Aperture itself. The entire facility as an incarnation of mad science itself, degrading and destroying anyone foolish enough to think it can be controlled.

Fallout New Vegas - Too many examples to count. But check out the quest Old World Blues. It's got the specific flavor you crave.

Fallen London - I would probably hit post wordcount trying to summarize the number of subquests this game has where a mad scientist falls victim to their own hubris. There is a literal rainbow of impossible colors in this game that all have different ways that scientists have destroyed themselves. And since you cannot stay dead, you can experience them over and over. But there is one quest that is all about the downfall, can only be done once, and it's a legend in certain corners of the internet. If you choose to go seeking for it.

Tabletop games:

Genius: The Transgression, A New World of Darkness fan game that is as robust as any published setting. If you want to make your own characters who are overcome by passion for science, revenge, and showing them all that they were wrong to underestimate you, this is an excellent game. I've personally played a long form campaign and used it in campaigns of my own, big recommendations.

My Life With Master - Play as the minions and communally design the scientist you serve, and ultimately- tears streaming down your face- betray.

Bonus:

Young Frankenstein - This film's a comedy, but it is about a respected scientist getting pulled into the lifetime nightmare that is his well known heritage. The musical's got some rough edges, but it adds something of a gutpunch right before the end, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it

Yo anyone got any media recs with mad scientist protagonists? Books, movies, anything

Been hankering to watch the downward spiral of Some Guy’s life/reputation due to their own hubris a la The Fly or Herbert West. Absolute Poor Little Meow Meow material.

[scotianostra]

On October 6th 1918 H.M.S. Otranto sank in Machir Bay off north western Islay after a collision in fog with another ship, HMS Kashmir.

I “posted” this earlier, but fro some reason it has gone missing! 

During a fierce storm off the west coast, the HMS Otranto, an armed merchant vessel, was involved in a collision with another ship in the same convoy, SS Kashmir.

While the tragedy was an immense loss it could have been a lot worse if it had not been for the incredible rescue of 611 men from extreme danger by a Naval commander named Lt. Frances Craven, with his crew on the destroyer, HMS Mounsey.

I usually write, or rewrite these posts as the years pass, this one is almost taken in it’s entirety from the WW100 website as I don’t believe I could do the tragic event justice. Various pics are taken from contemporary sources the colour ones are of the American Monument on the Oa Peninsula on Islay and a ceremony that placed memorials on the seabed where the boat lies......

Following the collision with the Kashmir, the Otranto was fatally damaged and was sinking. It had lost all power and was drifting helplessly in massive seas when the Mounsey arrived from Belfast on convoy escort duty.

There then followed an episode which ranks among the finest in Naval history.

Craven approached the stricken Otranto and signalled to her captain that he was coming in to help. He signalled, “I am coming alongside to take off the American troops.” The Otranto’s captain, Ernest Davidson, replied, “Steer clear, or you will lose your crew and your ship .”Craven responded, “I am coming alongside, if we go down, we go down together.”

The difficulties facing Craven and his crew were immense. His ship was considerably smaller than the Otranto. There was a grave danger that he could fatally damage the Mounsey by colliding with the Otranto. The waves were massive, some estimates had the height at between 12 and 15 metres.

Craven brought his ship alongside the Otranto. As the waves raised his smaller ship, almost to the level of the deck on the Otranto, the US troops were to jump for their lives. This was easier said than done. Most of the US troops on board the Otranto were from inland Georgia. For many of the men aboard the Otranto, the first time they had seen the sea, was when the Otranto had left New York six days before. They had to time their jump from a heaving deck onto the deck of a ship that was sometimes almost level and at other times was 15 metres below them. Sadly, many men did not make it.

A number fell between the two ships and were drowned with some being crushed. Others succeeded in reaching the deck of the Mounsey only to be immediately washed back into the sea by giant waves. Others were seriously injured as they fell, breaking legs or other bones. One unfortunate mis-timed his jump and fell to his death down one of Mounsey’s funnels. The crew of the Mounsey did what they could in appalling circumstances to get the successful jumpers below decks. The Mounsey was in danger of becoming top-heavy with all these men on the deck. Many of the survivors were in a state of shock and were reluctant to go below. Eventually they were ordered below deck at gunpoint

The Otranto’s British crew were marginally more successful at timing their jumps as were most of the crew of a French trawler who had been rammed by the Otranto a couple of nights earlier. The captain of the trawler had a large faithful dog which had been rescued from the trawler with the crew. The trawler captain fell into the sea between the boats and his dog jumped into the sea with him. Both were killed.

Craven made two successful passes alongside the Otranto. The port side of the destroyer had become crumpled by frequent contact with the Otranto. Water was pouring in and the Mounsey’s crew were seriously worried that their ship would founder. Reluctantly Craven left the Otranto and set sail for Belfast. His seamanship during the rescue had been outstanding. His seamanship to get his badly damaged, overloaded and leaking ship to Belfast in huge angry seas was something else. All the time he was on the bridge, Craven stayed calm and looked as though he was relishing the challenge. He met another destroyer on the way and asked them to warn Belfast that he was on his way with many badly injured men. His own radio mast had been a casualty of the rescue. The rescued men on the Mounsey then endured several hours of unremitting misery as they sat up to their knees in seawater. They were awash with vomit from seasickness. Traumatised, cold and terrified, it was only after the Mounsey finally reached Belfast and they were helped onshore and given food and warm dry clothing that they finally began to feel their ordeal was over. Sadly, twelve men were to die in Belfast from their injuries. The Mounsey needed such massive repairs that it did not go out on active service again.

Those left onboard the Otranto knew they were doomed. Within 30 minutes of the Mounsey’s departure the Otranto grounded on ‘Old Woman’s Reef’ about 400 metres off the entrance to Machir Bay. At once the ship began to break up. The order was given, ‘Every man for himself’.

Watching all this were a few local people onshore. More help was sent for and farmers and fishermen from Portnahaven, Port Wemyss and Kilchiaran arrived on the scene. Unfortunately there was very little they could do. Of the roughly 490 men who had been left behind on the Otranto only 21 survived. Sadly, two were to die later.

The report of the disaster written by Police Sgt MacNeill a month later spelt out the bravery of Islay people who were the first on the scene. At some considerable risk to themselves men waded out into the wild sea and helped survivors ashore. David McTaggart, a farmer from Kilchiaran, was joined by Donald McLachlan, a ploughman from Machrie. Together they managed to rescue three men from the waves. Two brothers, John and Donald McPhee from Kilchoman, dashed into the surf to pull out injured and drowning American soldiers. Two soldiers from Port Charlotte, home on leave, Pte Archibald Torrie and Pte Donald McIndeor, bravely jumped across a gully to save an American who had been washed up onto a rock by a huge wave. The handful who survived the catastrophe were taken into the homes of Kilchoman and Kilchiaran people where they were fed, clothed and revived. All attention was now devoted to recovering the bodies – a very difficult task given the amount of wreckage about on the shore and in the gullies.

  The Funerals Begin

By the 11th October, 230 bodies had been gathered. Kilchoman Parish Church and graveyard was used to store them. Coffins were made in batches at Bruichladdich Distillery and sent to Kilchoman. Islay men scoured the coastline going through tons of wreckage looking for bodies. Sgt MacNeill was called upon again to identify the bodies. He also was the point of contact for the many anguished relatives of the victims, desperate for news of the last hours of their loved ones.

The number of dead

Establishing exactly how many died on the Otranto is not straightforward. Spanish flu was reported to have taken some of those on board before the collision. In addition, the exact number of men on board is unclear with different authorities giving different figures. In his excellent book of the sinking, Professor Scott came to a figure of 470 for total loss of life. This included 106 British Crew and 6 French fishermen who had been picked up earlier in the voyage when their ship had sunk. Many bodies were never recovered.

“As other bodies were found, they, too, were brought to the churchyard, examined, and taken to the growing cemetery for burial. Reverend Grant officiated at all of the funerals, sometimes conducting services for six or eight, then three of four, and later for only one at a time, until –– in the end –– 315 American soldiers had found a resting place in the rocky soil of Islay.”https://ww100islay.com/otranto/

[natthebattygeologist]

A Brush with a Cursed Lily

Royal Court AU

King’s Advisor!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader

A/N: So here it is, a second part to A Kiss From a Rose. I’m sorry for the wait however I got very busy with work and my university projects. I do so hope you enjoy this. It’s written slightly differently to part 1 as this is all from the Reader’s POV.

I just want to thank @cockslut-padalecki for allowing me to write part 1 as part of the #notmyninth writing challenge and I hope that this angsty follow up does A Kiss From a Rose proud.

Word Count: 2208

Warnings: Angst, angst, more angst, some light fluff, swearing, implied smut, grief, mentions of loss.

Reader’s POV

I ran around chasing after the little squirt who was currently avoiding his bath-time before tripping up and landing square on my backside in a patch of tall Calla Lilies. They were a stunning shade of deep violet and brought back the memories of 6 summers ago. The day I was married off to my best-friend, Steve Rogers, Lord of Rosebury-upon-Sale. I chuckled to myself as my husband rounded the corner of the orangery with our son, covered in mud head to toe, a huge smile plastered on his face. The last few years had been trying at times, and unbearable in others but somehow, we managed to make it through.

“Frolicking in the flowers are we, my petal?” A deep laugh resonated from Steve’s chest as he took in the sight of me, dishevelled and dirtied from my tumble.

“Yes, it’s a rather delightful hobby I have found. Quite the thrilling end to chasing our little gremlin child. Now if you would be so inclined as to help your pregnant wife out of the flower bed, I would greatly appreciate it.”

“Come now love, you know I love to see you in a fluster, but I suppose it would do the baby no good leaving you there.”

I took the hand he so graciously offered me and took our muddied little boy from his father’s hold.

“Now honestly Charlie, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Prince as muddy and dirty as you are right now, you little rascal. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed, then maybe we can go and visit Uncle James before bedtime.”

----------------- 4 Years Earlier----------------

The King summoned us back to court, and what was meant to be a joyous visit quickly became a permanent stay. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a bleary-eyed Prince and an equally as troubled Princess. The King was dying and had called upon his advisor to help prepare for Bucky’s transition into power. To anyone else nothing would’ve seemed amiss, except it was.

When James’ back was turned, I had witnessed Princess Maia acting rather strangely, gathering bouquets of foxglove and trimmings of deadly nightshade. I was almost certain of her intentions but feared my own safety and so kept it to myself, until one night where I couldn’t bear the burden this knowledge held over me any longer.

“Steve, my love, I have something troubling my mind.” My voice came out a hushed and broken whisper.

“What worries you so my petal? I know it hasn’t been easy for you being back, and having to pretend to like Maia, I assure you that I am always here to listen to you and love you.”

“Well, you see, I think I know why the King is sick. On several occasions I have witnessed the Princess with my own eyes gathering bouquets of foxglove and cuttings from the nightshade bush down by the lily patch. I worry that she is poisoning the King, taking advantage of both his and James’ compromised states to hold a sway over decisions that will likely see our kingdom lost to that of her own father.”

I spoke confidently now, having been an integral part of the court for all my childhood. Steve knew better than to question my knowledge of how things ran. He also knew that I would be one of the first to notice if anything was awry, be that with the account books or even the numbers of armed men stationed at each watchtower. After the death of his wife the King only had James as an heir, and so, he vowed that in case any ill befall him I would also be trained, so that if required, I could become a successful Queen someday.

“Steve, I do believe wholeheartedly that this is all a set-up and that we have been blindly infiltrated by our enemy. Things aren’t adding up. The number of guards stationed at The Keep has been halved in sized since the King has fallen ill. It leaves the West of the kingdom in a precarious position. One where an attack could easily happen and be kept quiet. I don’t like the look of it, any of it, and something needs to be done before we are conquered, you are killed, and me resigned to a life of slavery and servitude at the hands of the despicable Wyvern family.” My voice broke and a sob tore through me at the thought of losing everything I have left to the family that has already taken so much from me, starting with my mother shortly after I was born.

“Hush my petal. Tears will do nothing to fix this. The King is aware of the situation, however in our absence the Prince has changed, and he has become blinded by his love for ‘his lily’, though I daresay snake would be the better term for that venomous bitch.” A scoff escaped Steve’s lips before he continued. “The reason the King summoned us is because he has seen what fate has befallen James. He has made his bed, albeit a rather uncomfortable bed, and now he will have to lie in it. The King wishes for you to become Queen after his passing. He wants to stop the plans of Maia’s family before their tendrils of poison can run further into our kingdom than they already have. You my love can bring all this to an end, and I believe you would be able to unite the Kingdoms in a peaceful treaty that could last.”

I curled up into Steve’s side placing a chaste kiss to his lips. He returned it with a hunger and passion before carding his fingers through my hair and tracing them along my jaw.

“Please my petal, let me chase away your worries, after all, if you are to be Queen, we shall need to work on producing some heirs.”

A smirk befell his lips before he ducked his head, nipping at my neck, knowing full well that I would cave to his carnal desires.

--------------- Present Day -------------

After having cleaned up the mucky Prince, Steve and I walked with him through the gardens as evening began to draw in. Fireflies filled the air as we made the trek to the rose garden. As a child it had been mine and Bucky’s favourite place to hide, and on more than one occasion hugs and kisses had been exchanged.

Today this garden holds a whole new meaning as at its centre, beneath a beautiful weeping willow, lay James’ grave.

------------- 3 Years Earlier ------------

Before the King’s passing, he ordered his kings-guard to imprison and execute the Princess for treason against the throne. She was hung at The Keep as a warning to her family that they were next. Their years of planning and scheming had come to an abrupt and distasteful end.

What the Wyverns deemed as an unlawful murder incited a full war between our Kingdoms, it saw both Steve and Bucky fighting on the front lines with me at the helm, as Queen. Soon I had treaties signed with other Kingdoms aligning us for generations to come, until the only one stood against the alliance was the Kingdom of the Serpents. The battle of Roseknappe in the Western borders was the bloodiest battle of all. By this time, I was no longer part of frontline action as I was holed up in the castle under the watchful protection of my elite Queens-guard. When news got out that I was with child the Wyverns stopped at nothing to try and kill me or at the least cause me harm enough for my body to rid itself of the heir I now lovingly grew inside of me. But they needn’t have worried.

When I was around 5 months along tragedy struck our kingdom. The arrival of my husband looking grey in pallor, with sunken eyes and covered in injuries was the first sign that something was very wrong. When the two had left to fight they rode off, side by side, settling any grievances they had over the arranged marriages and uniting to fight to save the Kingdom and keep me on the throne. Steve’s return signalled the end of an era and feelings in my gut that had been dormant for years surfaced in cry of grief so great that it silenced the birdsong for days. Although James was not King, he was still a beloved Prince. My first love and the person who would forever hold a piece of my heart.

In my grief-stricken state I had fallen and managed to land with the sharp riser of the marble stairs squarely in my abdomen. The shock I was in meant that I hadn’t noticed the blood that began pooling nor do I remember what happened over the next few weeks as the doctors and healers frantically worked to keep me alive.

“Steve? Steve? Where’s James? I…. I want to see him. I…” I was interrupted by Steve coming over and pulling me tight to his chest.

“Praise to the Old Gods, my petal, are you okay? Are you in any pain?” worry had seeped into his tone and what looked to be a pang of guilt crossed his normally stoic face. “My love, how much do you remember of the last three weeks?”

A confused expression befell my features before Steve decided to continue.

“Oh, my sweet love, James... James isn’t coming back. The fight at Roseknappe, he saved my life by taking the arrow that was meant to pierce my heart, he sacrificed himself because he wanted me to be able to return to you, so I could love you the way he was never allowed to. So that I could raise a family and keep our Kingdom strong. He died in my arms after begging me to pass you on this letter that he wrote, almost as if he knew he wouldn’t make it back from this war.”

Fresh tears began to fall as Steve handed me the bloodied paper.

My dearest Rose,

How I wish things had been different, and that it was I that got to hold you in my arms at the end of the aisle. I begged my father to change his mind, but he wouldn’t budge. I will never forgive myself for the horrid things I said to you when father made you queen. I was poisoned by the words of a traitor and knowing now I hurt the one true love of my life is the reason why I will fight so hard to save you.

If you are reading this it means I am gone my sweet girl. I know that you will grieve me but please, for my sake as much as your own, I want you to love Steve as wholly as you once loved me. I beg of you to take care of yourself and to keep me close as you grow through the years. I am sorry I will not be there to see my little nieces and nephews, but I know that you and Steve will be the most wonderful parents.

That day in the rose garden, after your first dance in front of the court, when I kissed you. I wanted to tell you then just how much I loved you, but I couldn’t do it. It’s almost as if in my heart I knew you would never truly be mine.

I love you my Rose and I will see you in the next life,

Your Prince,

Bucky

xx

4 months later after grieving the loss of the Prince, the Kingdom was celebrating, not just a victory of war and a long lasting treaty of peace, but the birth of their future King.

Prince Charlie James Buchanan Rogers, heir to the throne of Rosehall and Duke of Snowblossom Grove.

----------- Present Day ----------

“…… and that is the story of how your brave Uncle James battled the terrifying Wyverns to protect your mummy.”

I could hear Steve talking with Charlie as I sat on the bench staring blankly at the grave, wishing with every ounce of strength that I could, hoping to gain just one more moment with my soulmate.

“Come Charlie, let’s get you into bed, then tomorrow we can go riding and Papa can show you the waterfall where him and Uncle James decided to scare me into thinking that your Papa had drowned. Really, they just wanted mummy to go swimming with them, but they knew I wouldn’t go unless there was an emergency.”

After settling Charlie into bed, I took a stroll around the halls before heading to my shared chambers. Laying on the bed next to Steve he protectively wrapped his arms around me, as if he could shield me from the pain the world would throw at me.

“I love you Steven Grant Rogers. It may have taken me a while but, I have always cared for you, and I vow to you now that I will love you until my dying breath.”

“I know my petal, as I will love you, and Charlie, and this little one that we have yet to meet, until mine.”

Taglist: (My Humble Peeps)

@missyredbean