#I might make more posts like this in the future

[great-now-im-confused]

Look shit is going to get bad. It's always going to get bad. But with that it means it'll get better too. What's good and bad is different for everyone. Many things that are bad for you know might stay that way. But many of them will also progress and change and actually get better. Beyond that thought, if you stay and you fight, you will get better. Maybe it is your family that'll always be crazy, maybe the political world will be beyond bleak for the foreseeable future, but if you stay you'll be able to see the things that will improve and will be good. I know so many of us have so much on our plates right now and the results of yesterday and dreadful. But please stay. I promise it'll be worth it.

Sure everything you hope for might not happen but you'll never get to know the things that WILL if you stay. I know the point of this post is mostly to address the dread many of us feel after the election. And I fully get it trust me I do. But as someone who has made that choice before and I am so grateful it didn't work for me to be able to still be here I want to share a few things.

"it gets better" is both right and wrong in my opinion. Yes sometimes the things that have you down so bad that you walk that path can absolutely get better. Sometimes they don't though and while that sucks it's okay. Because as I said before, YOU get better. (Not to run into "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" stuff because I get it, why do we have to be strong) You grow, you learn, you change. And with that growth and change your state of mind often changes too. Admittedly my life isn't too different from when I reached that point, but it's also so much better in so many ways. I'll use my family for an example. My family is so chaotic it's overwhelming and that hasn't changed, what has changed though is my ability to cope with it. I am still the one everyone runs to to fix problems. I still try to fix those problems more than I probably should, but I have started to learn to say no and to put up boundaries with them. So while yes it hasn't changed for the most part the growth I've had within myself has allowed me some space from all the chaos and it's truly helped me.

Then there's things like medication and therapy that's has helped immensely along the way. And I fully understand that not everyone has the same access to things I have been lucky enough to have along the way as the journey is different for everyone. And especially given the outcome of yesterday those things may become even harder to obtain for others. But I will say I also thought a lot of those things were out of my reach and I started asking the right questions and made it a little father (again this won't be true for everyone but hopefully will be able to at least a few)

I reached a standstill with progressing in my career because I didn't know what to do next. One day I got super lucky and met a new person who gave me so much guidance (more than I think they know) and it reignited my passion for my goals (again I know I am super lucky to find myself in that situation). My point with that is we have to be able to reach each other because you never know who you can help (with something that may be simple to you) and who can help you. You don't get to experience that if you're gone.

I'm not trying to get into my whole story or journey but I'm trying to share enough that it makes sense and is understood when I say I know what it feels like to be that low and I know what it feels like to overcome it. So please trust me on that.

I know things are scary right now. So much is uncertain and on the line. But you won't fix it by overly stressing about it and you won't fix anything is you don't stay. Times are going to get challenging and it's going to get hard and rough, but we will always be able to do something about it, especially together. So I can't help you if I leave and you can't help me if you go.

So take some time to process you frustration, your grief, and your fears. Then when you're ready take a deep breath and be prepared. Be prepared to take action. Figure out what is most important to you that you fear will change with the coming times. It could be your number 1 thing it could be a top 3-10 depending on what you have the energy for. And. Then start to learn. What can you do to help, what can you do to make a change, how can you make a difference. Then make a plan. When we all taken action things will start to be okay again.

But we can't inform each other if we're not here. We can't help if we're not here. Like OP said times have been bad before throughout history and humans have survived and we'll survive this. If you need a reminder and it won't mess you up too much look into the things people have preserved through (try not to focus too much on those tragically lost to those times because that won't help in this situation)

I know this is long and has gone all over the place but I needed to get this out because it's just part of everything swirling in my mind lately. So, sorry is it's a little hard to understand my points, if you'd like to reach out to discuss any of it with me if gladly try to be more clear on some of it I just was trying to not fully take over OP's post with my response (which I know I more than likely have by now, SORRY OP) this post just resonated with me and everything started flowing. So please just stay even if it means me typing all of this out was worth it and because you are worth it and we will work together to make it better

I hope none of you disappear in the coming days. Seriously don't do anything that can't be undone.

[iam-the-wild]

If you are feeling suicidal over tonight's election, here are the strategies I use when I'm feeling suicidal

First, cover the basics,

Have you eaten?

You should eat, even just a snack if you can, even if you just need the dopamine and to check out from what you're feeling, you should eat

Have you had any water or any drink?

Have you slept?

Can you lay down for just a couple minutes and close your eyes and listen to some nice music or one of those sleep bedtime stories?

Remember this feeling won't always be your reality.

I know it's scary right now and it might feel hopeless, but you dont know what the future holds till you live it.

You're not alone, there are people who align with your values who want to help you make the world better, you can find a community and people if you don't have it right now.

Can you talk to someone?

Can you distract yourself? Just take your mind off whatevers happening and fully take a break from reality. It'll be more bearable when you've had rest and time away, I promise.

If all else fails, I sometimes will just force myself to sleep using cough medicine, so if you have a safe way you can just make yourself sleep to avoid killing yourself I recommend that.

Is there anything youve always wanted to do or experience? What makes you feel joy? I like to remember that life can still be good and there are good parts of life no matter how I'm feeling in the moment. Personally I'd be pissed at myself if I let myself die before ever seeing the northern lights and milkyway.

And if all else fails, spite also works really well. Don't let your opposition take another life, we need you with us.

This feeling will pass, or it will become more bearable with time.

If you can I make a promise to myself that any big life decisions I make (like dying) need at least 24 hours, but the longer of a time you can agree to is better. You just need to give yourself time to get out of crisis mode and get a clearer head. And big decisions deserve more time to be thought about.

You don't know what the future holds, it could be really good. You deserve the chance to find out. And remember, for every person who's committing harm, there are people who oppose it and are fighting for a better future and life for everyone.

The people united will never be defeated.

Here's a post that has information on crisis hotlines and which ones involve the police and which ones don't.

[scourgeofmyownbrain]

The Man, the Myth, the Legend, it's Every Version of Soundwave Across the Multiverse! Fucking look at all of them, all 14 of them. It's a Soundwave Height Chart! Yay!

Edit: I didn't like the old scaling I had so I changed it. The old chart is at the end of this post.

Quick Disclaimer, if any of the images look weird, it's because I had to stitch a few separate images together to create a full body shot of the character.

Here are links to my Bumblebee Chart, my Optimus Chart, my Megatron Chart, and my Shockwave Chart. Please go gawk at how many Optimus designs there are, sweet fuck, there are so many. For future reference, all these charts will be filed under my "Transformers Height Charts" tag and my "aka the adventures of a..." tag.

Explanations and Sources below the cut, because I have always have words to say.

TFA V1 - 6 feet 5 inches (Animated has no actual numbers, but the lovely @phoenix-inanis has provided a frankly astounding resource with their own calculations for the heights of all the TFA characters. Go look at it, it's wonderful -> https://phoenix-inanis.notion.site/TFA-Height-Chart-f6ad2960ca8c4c5b859ee4958723aaa4?pvs=4.)

Unicron Trilogy Cybertron - ~13 feet (TFWiki, for the uneducated, the Unicron Trilogy has given each of its 3 seasons separate names and 3 separate art styles. This is the design used in Cybertron (S3) though he only shows up in Cybertron. This bitch was so hard to get a full body shot of, he was always standing off to the side or standing behind someone)

Earthspark - ~15 feet (No actual source for ES, but using a barn door to get Bumblebee's height, then Optimus's, then Megatron's height, I was able to make a guess at Soundwave's. Soundwave comes up to about Megatron's chin; the screenshot I found has the two fighting, so it might be a little off, but I'm confident this is pretty close. Also, this might be the shortest of universe to date; I am consistantly finding these iterations to be some of the shortest out of all of them. It may look like the UT has it beat but in S1 everyone is much taller than they are later. No, I don't know why.)

TFA V2 - 17 feet 7 inches (Once again, phoenix-inanis did a fuck ton of work, go look at it, it's wonderful -> https://phoenix-inanis.notion.site/TFA-Height-Chart-f6ad2960ca8c4c5b859ee4958723aaa4?pvs=4)

Gen 1 - ~18 feet (TFWiki. I do not have anything else to say)

Netflix Cybertron Trilogy - ~18 feet (I have no source for this, other than assuming that because this design is identical to Gen 1, they are the same height. It's all I got so it's what I'm using)

Knight/Capel-Verse - ~18 feet (No source, and he never stands next to anyone I can measure him against, but because the TFOne director has said that this movie is both canon to the LA movies and its own separate canon, I am assuming the height I figured out for TFOne applies to this universe as well. Capel directed the ROTB movie if you're wondering why his name is there)

One - ~18 feet (No source, I got this number by comparing him to Shockwave who I compared to Optimus. Now, I am aware of the TFO heights listed on the wiki, but I reject those numbers on principle. A: Those numbers are sourced from the Walmart Promotional AR Experience that came out before the movie. B: There are three decimal points, and that number does not convert into a whole number in meters (which is originally what I thought was weird about it). C: The director has said that this movie is both canon to the LA movies and its own separate canon, so I have elected to use the few given heights we have from KCV and worked from there. My Optimus post has slightly more context if you want it)

Cyberverse - 19 feet 3 inches (This comes from a screenshot of this video which has the Cyberverse height chart everyone uses, though the quality of the screenshot is iffy.)

Bayverse - ~22 feet (Okay, so this is from the wiki, but it comes from a concept design for the second movie that never got used, so I went to find my own number. And in the third movie, I was able to compare Soundwave to Megatron and I got a the same number as the first unused number... Kinda backwards but okay)

Aligned Cont. WF/FOC/TFP/RID15 V1&2 - 26 feet 2 inches (I originally got this number from Fandom, but I can't for the life of me find the page with the info. Fandom has like 6 different pages for the same character, it's so frustrating. Also- Freakishly tall universe there is no reason for them to be this tall)

Not Pictured: Bayverse Satellite Soundwave - I do not know how big he is and I can not compare him to anyone who I do know. I am sorry satellite Soundwave fans, he evades me with his stupid floating in space all alone bullshit.

Edit: Here are the different layers separated

vvv Old scale vvv

[starstrucklucky]

The post text in case the link ever breaks.

The great Stop Fucking Him post

Mar. 4th, 2005 at 9:30 AM

Demure or something

This post won't be for everyone. If you're uncomfortable with hearty leftist political opinions, you might want to skip it. I've gone ahead and lj-cut it out of consideration for (a). people who'd rather pass on it and (b). people who are at work, and might prefer to skip repeated derivations of the word "fuck" in bold face type. That having been said, feel free to keep reading or move right along. I promise not to take it personally.

Edit: Yes, yes yes -- feel free to link

this wherever you like. I don't mind.

This is not about abortion.

If you read the article in its entirety, I think that much is obvious -- this is not about abortion. If this were about abortion -- specifically, about fewer abortions being performed -- then those interested in reducing that number would hop all over this bill. So I'll say it again, this is not about abortion.

This is about women having sex, and who gets to be in charge of that sex.

Well, really -- that's what it all comes down to, isn't it? At present, there is a movement in place to make sure that (to lift a phrase from Dan Savage) men have orgasms, and women have babies.

There are people in this world who very firmly believe that this is the natural order of things: men have orgasms, and women have babies. This is a sacred balance, whereby a man is made happy for two minutes and a woman spends the next nine months serving as host to a life-threatening parasite, then the next eighteen years held legally, morally, and fiscally responsible for the health and well-being of that parasite ... while the man is free to wander off or stick around at his leisure.

This is a balance that many, many people -- many of them in positions of power -- are willing to go to great lengths to enforce. Never mind that many (but not all) of these people are men, and are therefore unlikely to be held accountable for any parasite more complex than a tapeworm ... for some strange reason or reasons, these people want to make sure that it is very, very difficult for your average American woman to manage her reproductive system.

Most of the people who object to the wide, easy availability of birth control are men. These men have the luxury of assuming this position because they have no reason to believe that they, personally, have anything at stake. I find this baffling.

The solution is so obvious that it can be boiled down to three words: stop fucking them.

That's right. Stop fucking them.

If your man doesn't understand that if he's entitled to an orgasm, you're entitled to an unoccupied uterus -- stop fucking him. If he can't get it through his thick skull that his fleeting pleasure poses a mortal threat to you -- stop fucking him. No handjobs, no blowjobs, no orgasms for him whatsoever except by his own hand, until you can be completely assured of a baby-free future, at your discretion.

These men do not deserve access to your pants. Stop fucking them.

I don't know what you think you owe them, and I don't care how badly they whine or beg. I don't care if they're wonderful boyfriends otherwise. I don't care if you're married to them. Stop fucking them. It is still your body. It is still your call. Clearly, they do not understand this. So stop fucking them.

They will not die if you do not fuck them. Stop fucking them.

Remember: You can hold out longer than they can. I promise. Your sex toys are better,* your self-control is superior, and your stakes are higher. Stop fucking them. You deserve better. You deserve someone who is aware that your body is your domain, and who respects that. If he doesn't respect that, stop fucking him.

Just stop. Stop it. You deserve better, and he deserves a cold shower if he thinks he is entitled to control over your vagina and how you manage its daily operation. Stop fucking him if he thinks that someone other than you should determine what hangs around inside you. Stop fucking him, because he would sooner masturbate with a corkscrew than let you dictate how he receives his prostate exams.

Stop fucking him if he refers to birth control as your problem, then helps vote in legislation that makes it your really big fucking problem. Stop fucking him if he thinks that your inability to prevent conception should in no way prevent him from having sex with you.

It's not that complicated.

Stop fucking him.

Stop it. Seriously.

Christ.

* And illegal in some states. Coincidence? I think not.

Attn: conservative men

[kei-crocker]

Headcanon for me:

Post-AGIT Dan doesn’t cling to his biological parents. Based on what he says and does in "The Ultimate Enemy," he doesn’t show anything particularly special toward them. In fact, Maddie’s actions toward him felt a bit harsh to me, especially when she said, “He is not my son!” in AGIT. (Of course, I completely understand why she acted like that—they nearly got killed by him, the city was destroyed, and they don’t remember Dan’s original timeline.)

(And given that half of him is Plasmius, maybe it feels odd for him to see Maddie and Jack as his parents.)

Jazz, though, was different. To be fair, her circumstances were different from those of her parents. She fully understood who Dan was (even though her parents technically knew too, they seemed to view him only on a superficial level). Jazz even had(more specifically, remember) direct experience meeting him before. The first person to show interest in talking to Dan and sparing him was Jazz. Her feelings toward Dan were not just out of mercy, but closer to familyship, I think. Mercy wouldn’t be much use when the one you’re sparing is far stronger than you. Humans weren't exactly in a position to show mercy to him. Jazz believed that Danny was inherently good, so she thought Dan was one who could be persuaded. Before Danny tried to spare him, she was the only one who’d been willing to.

I imagine Dan’s feelings toward Danny and Vlad are far more complicated. I believe that at his core, Dan’s main feeling is self-hatred. He probably hates the part of himself (Danny) that lost everything he once loved, and his Plasmius side only amplifies that feeling.

At the same time, Dan must feel jealousy toward Danny. Danny has the second chance that Dan never got—he used Dan as a warning and went on to build a better future. In AGIT, we see Dan’s feelings go beyond just hate; his anger toward Danny seems to be fueled by jealousy. After his world vanished, the one clear goal Dan had left was to destroy Danny and make him feel that same despair.

As for Vlad, I think Dan might have at least some positive feelings for him. Of course, Dan was once Danny, and in his timeline, Vlad probably bullied (?) him like always. But when Dan lost everything, Vlad was the one who took him in and cared for him like his father. Even Vlad’s actions that led to creating Dan weren’t out of malice but came at Danny’s request, as Danny was suffering so much. I imagine Vlad really did his best to look after him in that timeline.

That said, Dan could never fully love Vlad. Being partly Plasmius himself, Dan knows Vlad’s darker (or weaker) sides all too well. And, after all, it was Vlad’s actions that led to such a terrible outcome, even if he had no evil intent.

The irony is that the two people who ultimately saved him were Danny and Vlad. His parents only saw Dan as a dangerous ghost, while Danny, understanding Dan’s feelings, didn’t want to hurt him. In the end, it was Danny and Vlad’s actions that saved Dan and gave him that second chance he’d longed for. So, after AGIT, I imagine Dan becomes a little friendlier but still can’t fully accept them, holding onto a slightly bitter attitude. Now that his deepest self has been exposed, we might see him as a sensitive, wounded spirit rather than his formerly confident self. Still, his existence is a shared responsibility for Danny and Vlad, and they’ll do their best to help him find happiness and enjoy this second chance. Maybe one day, Dan may open his heart to them.

[lord-of-pterodactyls]

You may feel like everything is over and it's all ending. Realistically Kamala cannot win this anymore. It may feel like the world is ending. But it isn't. This may feel like the end of democracy, but it will persist. The world survived 4 years under the orange fuckwit's rule and we made it out and i'll be damned if we can't do it again. It may look and feel like the next 4 years will be hell, and it might feel like it but it WILL come to pass. Democracy will prevail, and life will find a way. i know this post won't do much but if it makes at least one person feel slightly better right now or in the future, I have done more good than the sentient tangerine has ever done in his 78 years of life. Together we are strong. The month old carved pumpkin may have the satisfaction of winning this election but I will be damned if he gets the satisfaction of our surrender. Life will go on, wether we want it to or not. And the least we can do is try and save our future.

[asvterias]

𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝟥: 𝖶𝗁𝗂𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗌

the cast // series masterlist

chap. 1 || chap. 2 || chap. 3 || chap. 4 || chap. 5

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Canon-Divergence, Targ!Cest, Typical Misogyny, Hardcore Sad Daddy Issues, Typical-Period Homophobia, Neverending Doubts and Insecurities, Brief Mention of Death, Mentions of Paternal Bastardy, & Brief Mention of a Slap

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Three Main Handmaidens ✘ Fem!Velaryon!Reader, Father!Corlys Velaryon ✘ Daughter!Reader, Teen!Alicent Hightower ✘ Fem!Velaryon!Reader, Teen!Rhaenyra Targaryen ✘ Fem!Velaryon!Reader

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Following into the same night, Y/N prepares with her three close handmaidens, happily discussing the surprise gifts. Turns out, Y/N is in for a rude awakening from her father, Corlys Velaryon, or rather a soft consolation from her two dearest friends.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 6.2k+

𝐓𝐚𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭: @username23345 @fae-the-wanderer @hippivanhan34 @harjasblog @feyresqueen @ithemaduh @poopietomuch @starless-nightz @yelenaslyubov @chittakii @flowerluzx @laiahernandeeezzz @dvrkhcld @lizzieswife101

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Please don’t be a silent reader and interact within the chapter! If you wanna be tagged in this book, comment below and say ‘future tag’! Also go check out my tiktok page @/localgirlie, where I post videos relating to this fanfic!

🌊 ✘ 🔥

𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝟥

𝖲𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝖮𝗇𝖾: 𝖤𝗉𝗂𝗌𝗈𝖽𝖾 𝖮𝗇𝖾

𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐂

𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨

••••

As the night draws closer, you are in your bedchambers alongside your three handmaidens, preparing for another calm night. Nights at the Red Keep are mostly quiet, with guards posted at their assigned areas and maids finishing up their nightly duties.

Humming along to a melody in your head as the handmaidens bathed you in silence, preferring the cool of night. Once you were done taking a warm bath and the tub was drained, the handmaidens hurriedly shuffled around the bed chambers as you dried off.

Alarra picked out your nightgown, a simple beige chemise before donning the soft material on the Velaryon girl in the full-body mirror.

Your three closest handmaidens have tended to you since you were zero and one. Their names are Elissa, Melara, and Alarra, their different personalities and descriptions made them special. At least to you, they were special.

Elissa is a bit chubby, exactly the same height as you, with more curves on her body and inherited caramel skin with ebony black curly hair.

Melara is a tall and slender woman, maintaining her average build, blessed with beautiful dark-skinned and luscious dark brown straight hair.

Alarra is a few inches taller than you, possessing a slim physique, porcelain skin, and dirty blonde hair.

They are five years older than you, teaching you kind mannerisms to everyone, no matter their status. Other than your mother and younger siblings, they expressed happiness when you told them the exciting news of finally becoming a dragonrider. While they were happy for you, they maintained a distance of staying inside to never accidentally see you with Silverwing. In case you might get the wrong impression ask for the company alongside Dragonback.

Elissa always makes sure your daily and dragonrider’s outfits are ready and trimmed appropriately with your family colors.

Melara admires braiding your hair, sometimes giving recommendations, always complimenting your hair texture, and claiming the uniqueness of the silver hair.

Alarra prepares your bath and bed, everything regarding your bedchambers.

“Milady, you look absolutely marvelous in this beige nightgown.”

“Every color compliments your skin, milady.” Melara dips her head slightly, acknowledging your beauty.

“Surely I’ve been blessed with the most gracious handmaidens.”

“Milady, do you think they will like it? You spent an awful amount of time on it.” Elissa asks, referring to your surprise gift for your two closest friends.

“I certainly hope so because I would hate to return it.”

“Don’t worry, milady, the Princess, and the Lady Alicent would surely love your thoughtfulness, who wouldn’t?” Alarra reassures with a small smile, gently squeezing your arms, and staring at you through the mirror.

You spun around, the faint touch of Alarra quickly disappearing, now facing the three handmaidens.

“Your services are all too kind.”

“There’s not many ladies who would express such gratitude to handmaidens so regularly,” Melara gently speaks, her voice soothingly sweet. It was no wonder how the three Velaryon siblings requested her to read bedtime stories or sing lullabies.

“Well, I hope that the three of you never plan to resign anytime soon.”

Soon after, voices of disagreement erupted and the atmosphere remained lighthearted.

“Of course not, milady.”

“And wherever shall we go?”

“Nowhere, I should presume.” You shook your head, biting back a grin.

“Shall I prepare your bed?”

“No it’s fine, that’ll be all for tonight..”

“We all bid you goodnight, milady.” They respectively bowed and left the room in a single file line, closing the door behind them. Once they left, your gaze fixated on the closed door, seemingly waiting for the arrival of your bestfriends.

Sauntering towards your vanity dresser, you sat down, grabbing the comb before using it against your hair. The hairstrokes were well-timed as you mindlessly continued, the frequent action becoming numb.

There was a knock on your door, startling you slightly from your hair brushing by the firmness. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, placing the comb on the dresser and stood up. You moved forward to the door, your brain rummaging through the many possibilities of the other person.

Whoever was knocking on your door wasn’t Rhaenyra nor Alicent, surely not, especially used with such firmness. Your friends’ knocks were timid and timed, even so brazenly if Rhaneyra was feeling humorous.

You unlocked and opened the door, wondering who the mysterious knocker was. To your surprise, it was your father Corlys, standing tall and imposing, a stoic expression smeared across his face. In all honesty, you wished anybody else was at your door, requesting their presence to be seen.

“Father?” A raised eyebrow was quickly followed by a head tilt. “What are you doing here this time of night?”

“I came to talk to you, daughter.” He replied, his tone cold and unwelcoming. Your father stepped inside, pushing past you, skeptically observing your bed chambers.

“This is a really bad time, Ali and Nyra are so–“ You turned to him, confused by his sudden appearance as a hand lingered on the door.

“Close the door, we have some more important matters to discuss than your little friendships.”

Despite your promise to your two best friends, you complied with your father’s demand, obliged by his authority. You closed the door softly, intentionally keeping it unlocked, hoping for an interruption because conversations with your father usually transpire into something greater and hurtful. You knew how much he preferred to keep up appearances even in such unfortunate circumstances, such as this time.

“What you displayed at the council meeting was deemed inappropriate. Not only have you shamed yourself, but you have embarrassed our entire family.”

“For coming late?”

“Yes, exactly.” He deadpanned.

“What’s the problem?”

“Daughter, you must be truly blind if you’re unable to decipher this simple transgression.”

“How am I arriving late to the King’s council a problem?”

“Just know that it is.”

“You don’t even have any liable reason as to why my tardiness was a problem today!” You protested, shaking your head. His ignorance was truly staggering at times, especially when being so annoyingly persistent.

“Father, it was a harmless thing! The King wasn’t angry about it, he just gave us a warning. I don’t understand, Rhaenyra did the same–“

“That’s because Rhaenyra is the Princess, she’s obliged to roam about and defy whoever she comes across! You are not entitled to the same fate!” He harshly interrupted, forehead creased in annoyance.

“I’m in the same standing as Princess Rhaenyra, we’re both from noble houses!” You argued, refusing to succumb to any overwhelming emotions.

Now, the cause of this once calm conversation transpired into a hurtful argument, as it always does.

“Should you forget your status, she is a Princess and you are a lady. I should have done this a long time ago.” He shakes his head, sending a condescending glare.

Resisting the urge to scoff in his face and roll your eyes, continually defying his orders would be worthwhile for his bewildered reaction. Right now, it wasn’t in the best interests to further infuriate your father, so you sufficed with a blank stare and an annoyed exhale.

“Father, please don’t d–“

“It is final! You will not indulge yourself further into these…renevduzos with the Princess. You will cut off any remaining connection with her and move back to Driftmark, effective immediately. You’ve allowed your mind to be poisoned for far too long and what good of a wife you’ll make, if you are…seemingly unwell.”

“She’s been one of my bestfriends since we were babes in the cradle. How could you tell me to stop interacting with her?”

Quite frankly, it was ridiculous for your father to even suggest such a thing.

“For your sake, she better remain a friend. With all this gossip around the castle, spreading viciously, looking for a weak spot to puncture.” He spat, the blazing fury in his eyes never wavering or his tensed posture. “You will reside back with your siblings and mother after the Heirs Tournament.”

“And if I refuse to move?”

“You have no choice in the matter, my word is final and you will comply with it. “Do you understand, dear daughter?”

At that, you remained silent, the words lost in your throat and the tears threatening to escape. The pressure of trying to please your father, barricades through your actions, particularly involving the Princess. Everything about your father was beyond difficult. You fought hard for his approval yet he never acknowledged it.

“I said, do you understand?”

Silence was loud, but the compliance eventually stood out. You never felt so weakened by such mere words from your father.

A single gnaw on your lips, settling down the inner turmoil occurring in your mind. “…I do, father.” Your harsh tone simmered down, refusing to further agitate him. Yet, the venom was still there, only slightly less and he knew it. You know he did.

“As it should be. Your mother and I are very disappointed in you, for having allowed yourself to reach beyond a certain extent of closeness with the Princess.” He explains, an undeniable hatred and disgust from the simple implication of your nature being unnatural. “The nature of your friendship is deemed wrongful on all accords. If someone proves the extent of your relationship to be true, you could be exiled from the Seven Kingdoms altogether.”

“And you would not help me to your greatest strength?” Tears welled in your ears, fighting the urge to wipe them away. You refused to go through with that, he couldn’t deem you as weak as he claims you are. You just wanted to prove him wrong, but he’ll never give you that satisfaction.

Why was it so hard to build a good relationship with your father? Why did he make it this difficult to open up, and give love and support?

All the qualities he needed to be a good father were surpassed by you and directly expressed those attributes to Laena. On good days, he expressed those traits to Laenor as well.

But never you. Why never you?

Wasn’t it clear to tell? You craved that father’s love, which he disregarded entirely, assuming tough love was your criteria.

He could have never been so wrong.

Much like your mother, Rhaenys, but even then she only expressed gentle love, expressing her love equally between her three children. Nothing less than gentle love.

Everyday she never fails, striving to be a good mother with imperfections. Motherhood is a beautiful gift. Princess Rhaenys never made you forget that, wishing the best for her children.

If one parent can put in the effort, why can’t the other follow through as well?

Why was it so hard for your father to love you? Why was it so hard for you to not love your father after how he treated you in comparison to your younger siblings?

Everything was overwhelming your mind, and it felt dangerous to clamor down and struggle by yourself.

Your insecure thoughts. Hysterically cry for his love and comfort. Remain the same and endure this bitter treatment repeatedly.

“What happens in the near future would be your own decisions. Don’t expect me to be a good father when you refuse to be a dutiful daughter.”

“Oh, because you’re such a good father. The same way you fathered those two bastards’ boys back in Spicetown. The ones you abandoned and ignored their entire life. I do wonder, father, who’s truly your firstborn, me or Alyn?” You spat harshly, even so wincing at your tone. His reaction was worth it, witnessing his so-perfect life crumble in a matter of minutes. A secret which he truly put the effort in, self-sabotaging never misses.

He should have known your curiosity would lead to a bitter realization. According to him, you’ll do anything to spite him, even if it means breaking the Velaryon name.

“Stop speaking foolishly, where did you hear such slanders?”

“Deny all you want, father, but I know of them. I met them and their mother.”

“Listen to me carefully, Y/N–“

“What?! You’re not going to accept your infidelity.”

“Control your mouth. Now listen to me carefully, you will not tell your mother of my indiscretions, they’re in the past and will remain that way.”

“But they’re not, you have bastard sons, who you can only ignore for so long. Soon enough, mother will be aware, whether it’s by my tongue or yours. You will not play my mother like a common fool.”

“This entire conversation will not be repeated to your mother. You will not ruin our family with such poisonous lies.”

“I have ruined this family? It is you who did this!”

“You speak utter nonsense.” He grunted, consumed by denial.

“Regardless of that, you should be a great father. I’m your firstborn daughter, please stop treating me like I’m a screwup, and that nothing I ever accomplish will truly please you. That I can never be a decent daughter, I just want you to love me and care for me, how hard is that to ask?”

“Don’t be foolish, dear daughter.”

“Do you know how your coldness makes me feel? It makes me feel unwanted like you never wished for me. How my mind wonders if Laena was the eldest and I, the youngest, would I be showered in love and affection that you so proudly display for her! Laena may be your youngest child, but I’m your daughter too, I deserve my father’s attention and love just as much as Laena receives.”

“Spare the theatrics, Y/N. I never cared for it so I won’t do it now.”

“Maybe I’m obliged to throw theatrics if it gets your attention!”

“At times, I feel like I don’t know you at all.”

Your tone immediately became defensive, the hidden fury coming to light, “That’s because you don’t. You’ve never taken the time to get to know me.” Your eyes narrowed, frustration and anger easily consuming your emotions. Closing your eyes, attempting to control the uprising fury that seethed within you, yet coming to no avail. You were a loose cannon and your father held the matches, knowing exactly when to set you off.

No matter what, you can’t downplay your feelings, especially when your father disregards it as such.

Your father was in your life, but not how you wished it. He was there, but he wasn’t. Over time, you acknowledged the fact that he was rather a male figure than an actual father.

“How dare you imply as such? I’m your father, I know everything about you.” He retorts, a scoff passing his lips.

“No, you don’t. You never did.”

“Ask me a question, any question about you.”

“Fine, how old was I when I claimed Silverwing?”

“Do you take me for a fool, you don’t own a dragon.”

“Wrong! That’s Laena, she doesn’t have a bond with a dragon yet.”

“It’s an honest mistake, you and Laena are much alike, in more ways than one can think.” He claimed, seeking reasoning with his excuse. It was a pathetic attempt to answer with such confidence with the wrong intentions.

“I was 8 when I first bonded with Silverwing, me and Rhaenyra flew out to Dragonstone, hoping I’d get my dragon. In short, I almost died for stupidly going with an over-enthusiastic mindset and a torch shining my way through the dark depths of the unknown dragonpit. Silverwing had saved me from Vermithor’s wrath and if anything she claimed me as her rider.”

“You can’t expect me to remember every detail of your life. I have more important things to concern myself with.”

“More important things than knowing your firstborn daughter?”

Your father is a man of many obligations, putting duty over love in almost every circumstance. Was not loving you such a hard obligation that he had ignored?

“Precisely, your whole life is a duty itself. It’s time I begin seeking honorable suitors worthy even for your hand.”

“It’s my life, surely I must have some jurisdiction over my future betrothal. You just wish to marry me off for your benefit–“

“Mind your tongue, dear daughter. I do what I think is best for you, your own needs are insignificant during the marriage mart.”

“The next time you go to war, I’ll pray to the Gods that you perish there, so you won’t return to our family. Maybe then, the rest of us would be even happier–“

His right hand rose, too caught up in the moment before striking down at the young Velaryon girl. A sharp slap met your cheek, cutting off your statement, earning a surprised small gasp instead as you stumbled back. You quickly glanced at the older man, witnessing his disgruntled reaction, mouth agape in quick regret and widened eyes.

He stared down at you menacingly, breathing steadily as his hand dropped back to his side, clenching into a fist, causing him to cast his gaze aside.

He couldn’t look at you. Not anymore. Not after he struck down his own child. If Rhaenys caught wind of this altercation between her husband and eldest daughter…only the Gods above would know of Corlys’ fate.

Embarrassingly enough, he kept the tense silence flowing in the air. Your face is etched into a dark mixture of fear, disbelief, and anger, reaching up shaky fingers to your injured cheek as tears brim your eyes.

“Just because we’re behind closed doors doesn’t give you the right to disrespect me or our family. I have seen that your time here at the Red Keep has only worsened your tongue. You are my daughter and will act as such, and I demand your respect.”

During his lecture, your gaze drifted toward him as numerous thoughts immersed your mind.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you.” He commanded any remorse or guilt that lingered in his eyes, quickly vanishing within his declaration.

Your jaw clenched in anger, the sting of the slap still lingering as you cradled your bruised cheek. Swallowing down the tears quickly, you craned your head towards your father with narrowed eyes meeting his furious own.

“Do you truly think Princess Rhaenyra would offer you a fairytale? She has duties to attend to, bigger than your entire existence. Sooner or late, she will grow out of this dalliance and you’ll be nothing but a mere memory to her.”

••••

Before you could reply, the familiar glimpses of auburn and silver hair led the conversation astray, courtesy of your father wanting to keep up with appearances. To him, it didn’t matter if he called you a big disappointment, only preferring the conversation being behind closed doors.

“Princess. My Lady.” Your father’s voice changed into a firm chuckle, dipping his head lightly before the two young ladies. He turned around, facing the young Lady and Princess, greeting with a small nod.

“Don’t let me delay your night even further,” A tight-lipped smile stretches on his face before glancing over his shoulder at his eldest daughter, a stoic gaze wavered in the slightest. “We will talk later, dear daughter. Sleep well and don’t act irrational,”

He already did ruin your night…well at least for you. Be it as may, your father knew exactly what harsh words to seep into your brain, sending your thoughts into overdrive.

Eventually, your family loyalty will overpower your love for Rhaenyra and distance yourself from her. Just like he had planned from the moment those unconfirmed rumors of your unnatural relationship with Rhaenyra reached his ears. If he’d been more sympathetic about his approach toward the conflict, perhaps this father-daughter conversation would have been lighter on the head. For once, you didn’t have to fight to reason with him or to plead for his consideration.

Was it true? Possibly yes. Will you allow his quick judgment to ruin your mood? Certainly not.

A simple wobble of your lip and unsteadiness in your posture almost cracked you. “Of course, father.” You gulped, using false pleasantries to assure.

The small smile was an added gesture of tying the perfect dismissal of your father’s overbearing words.

“Good.”

Much to your dismay, the thought of lingering around in the solitude of your bedchambers was quickly forgotten. Your beloved friends wandered inside, sending your father a respective head nod as he left, shutting the door behind him.

You turned away, wiping away your tears and leaving the faint remnants on your chemise. Unable to contain a few sniffles that escaped past your lips as more tears appeared in your eyes, blurring your vision and the right mindset to handle the soon persistent questions from your friends. Quickly, a hand shot up to your mouth, concealing the harsh sobs and mouth tremors.

“Is something the matter?” Alicent’s voice filled with genuine concern.

The Velaryon girl hesitated, her mind struggling to find the right words and her heart heavy with exhaustion. “No, I’m fine.” You sniffled, hoping neither of the girls would notice your abnormal response.

“Are you sure?”

Releasing a tired exhale, lifting your head toward the ceiling, observing the architecture, deciding to stay silent, hoping the hint carries on.

“You’re certainly not fine, what’s going on with you?” Rhaenyra insists, her footsteps padding gently across the floor moving closer to you.

So, no, they ignored the hint and continued. Well, more like Rhaenyra did and Alicent played the quiet bystander, mostly.

“I said it’s nothing, Rhae. Why must you be so persistent?”

Still, you made no movement to convince them, remaining silent.

“Because I care deeply for you,” She replies, her tone calm and collected.

Alicent’s head tilted slightly, sharing a glance toward Rhaenyra, going completely undetected by you.

“How can we comfort you if we remain unaware?” She pressed again, tone filled with a firm dedication to knowing the truth.

“…Did…your father speak harsh words to you?” She stepped toward you, cautiously reaching out a hand to place on your shoulder. Her touch made you shiver, softly gasping at the warm sensation, slowly meeting her gaze. “Right before we arrive in your chambers and don’t lie to me Y/N.”

At Rhaenyra’s statement, you shrugged off her comforting hand and sauntered closer to the bed. Sitting down on the mattress, releasing a soft sigh, covering your face with your hands, attempting to hide new unshed tears.

“Rhaenyra, please obey Y/N’s wishes.” Alicent defended, moving closer to you. “She can tell us at her own leisure.”

You sighed, shortly contemplating your options, dropping your hands into your lap. A slight wobble of your lips urged incoming tears to stream freely down your face. It was no use lying anyway.

Turning around to face the two other girls, you nodded weakly, your voice tightening upon seeing the sympathetic looks from them.

“Please stop looking at me all pitiful.”

Rhaenyra was quick with it. “What did he say?” She asked, the intensity in her voice growing with each step.

Not good enough. Not good enough. Not good enough. You’ll never be good enough for her. You’ll never be good enough for your future husband. No matter how hard you try, her priorities will always remain first. Perhaps, your father was right, his harsh words holding a bit of semblance and truth to it.

What were you thinking? Living in your own fantasies, romantically involved with Princess Rhaenyra without any repercussions. Having to pursue a secret relationship behind closed doors and the shadows of the night?

It can only occur in dreams, so maybe it should stay in an imagination concept, fueling off of an unrequited desire that can never be rightfully fulfilled by her. The one girl you ever want and will always want. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the fiery spirit, who can never know of your true feelings toward her. There was too much at stake if those feelings went rogue, so it’s better to kill it and move on.

The longer you stayed silent, the longer the curiosity struck Alicent and Rhaenyra to figure out the full-blown argument between your father.

“What utter nonsense did he say to you?” Rhaenyra repeated, settling down beside you.

“Regardless of what Lord Corlys said, you should know it’s not true. You’re better than his depiction.” Alicent continued, trying a more gentle approach.

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Okay, we will respect your wishes.” Alicent agreed to your statement, glancing at Rhaenyra. The Targaryen Princess stared at you, eyes filled with indignation and slight anger at your father’s words. Whatever he had spoken to you, it clearly affected you deeply. Even more so, his words made you keep silent, not even entrusting your two dearest friends with it.

“Won’t we, Rhaenyra?” The auburn girl cleared her throat before sending the silver-haired Princess a pointed stare, nudging at her side. Rhaenyra blinked once, paying no mind to Alicent’s assertive motion but surprisingly felt her heart constrict gently, observing how you anxiously fiddled with your fingers.

As if you regret saying anything in the first place. She refused to turn a blind eye to your silent suffering. She knows you’ll always do the same for her. Those many late nights you snuck into her bedchambers proved your loyalty to her.

A chance to comfort you, no matter how long it may take. She knew you were hurting inside and emotions tend to erupt at the most vulnerable moments. If she’s unable to console you now, it won’t be the last time to brush over this sensitive issue.

Holding your breath, gaze landing on her, observing every movement she portrayed. Her measured breathing, composed posture, and eyes glossed with trepidation.

She hated seeing you upset, much more crying, and not interfering on your behalf. But if you wished not to share your argument with your father, she couldn’t force an explanation.

Rhaenyra’s expression instantly grows earnest at the sound of your plea. She hated witnessing this, feeling like you were pushing away from her. “Yes, we will.” She finally speaks, a mixture of protectiveness and vulnerability, her jaw clenching at the sad mere sight of your tears.

Your shaky breath drew out into a relieved sigh, nodding your head uneasily.

“Good, thank you,” You came closer, grasping out onto their hands, squeezing their hands gently.

“Do you ever wish for us to bring up this topic again?” Rhaenyra mumbled, rubbing her thumb over your knuckles.

“No, I don’t.”

“Then, so be it.”

A broken smile crept upon your lips, mirroring Rhaenyra’s small smile.

“Now where are the gifts we were promised?”

“Rhaenyra!” Alicent exclaimed, bewildered by the Princess’s quick change of demeanor.

“What?” She keenly asked, shrugging it off.

“You’re an impatient dragon, Nyra.” You huffed, the once tense atmosphere replaced by a wholesome one.

“Can you blame me for my bluntness, I was promised a gift so I’m not leaving without one.”

Spinning around, instinctively releasing your hands as you sauntered toward your vanity. The Velaryon girl rummaged through her drawer, using a specific key to unlock the bottom drawer.

“When I was with my siblings in Driftmark about a year ago. I had met these two brothers, no older than me and holding a sparking resemblance to my father, and paid them to make these. The younger brother, Addam, was so sweet and easily trusting…his older brother Alyn, not so much. Anyways, they spent their days fishing for gold in the sea while their mother was a shipwright, Ms. Miranda. She wasn’t married–“

“All unnecessary information, tell us what you got.” Rhaneyra interrupted firmly, scoffing slightly.

You apologized for hopelessly rambling on, seeking out the two hidden jewelry boxes.

“I gave them two bags of gold in compensation to create matching bracelets for us. I asked them to show me how to make the bracelets since it was our friendship anniversary, it’d be a great gift.”

You handed both girls a small box, squealing in excitement when they opened their respective boxes. Inside each box was a box chained gold bracelet, carved beautifully with several ornaments.

“Each one has all of our first names initially designed with a few assortments of seashells by me.”

Each engraved heart initial shone underneath the moonlight, written in cursive, a beautiful piece of penmanship. The three bracelets had three first initials, caterogizing ‘A’, for Alicent, ‘Your First Name Initial’ and ‘R’ for Rhaenyra.

Their silences gave you the wrong impression, feeling a frown overtake your lips.

“Do you guys not like it?”

The Hightower girl was the first to reply, “I love it!” She bashfully smiles, attaching the jewelry around her wrist in adoration and dangling the mini additional trinkets. “The little seashells are so adorable.”

“Originally I had planned for it to have our mother’s house sigil…but I didn’t want to go overboard.”

“Either way, I love it.” The auburn girl nodded in confirmation again, easing your doubts.

“What about you Rhaenyra?” Your attention is focused on your other friend. Holding your hands together in anticipation, a giddy expression plastered on your face, waiting for her opinion. However the more she stayed silent, mindlessly observing the gold-plated bracelet, your hope was quickly replaced by desperation, then slowly followed by dread. The giddy expression disappeared slowly but surely, disregarding your held breath.

You had really hoped she had adored it, just like Alicent did. But it seems it won’t be the same with Rhaenyra. After all, the Princess was harder to please, making your chosen gifts to be more meaningful toward her. The Princess hates insensitive gifts, another reason why kind consideration when picking her gifts is crucial.

Keeping your eyes on the bracelet in the tiny box, “…Do you not like it, Nyra?” Your voice trailed off, not even hiding the disappointment in your tone.

Your heart thumped loudly in your chest, an embarrassment to wonder if your friends had overhead the anxious heartrate.

Her neutral expression sent no ounce of ease, only alleviating your anxiety. You hated this. You hated not knowing her current thoughts on the gift.

“It’s something different than what I’m used to,” She started, sparing glances between you and the bracelet still in the tiny box.

“…Is that all?” You trailed off, hesitantly to even continue speaking.

“Therefore, I love it even more because of your dedication and effort.”

“So, you love it?”

“I could never lie to you.” She claims, a small smirk creeping up on her lips.

“Never?”

“I swear it on the Gods.”

“You’re playing with fire.”

“Is that not what us Targaryens are known for?” She rhetorically asked, tilting her head.

“That doesn’t mean we should take their kindness for granted.”

“I suppose so.”

Alicent strolled toward your bed, not disrupting the organized pillows and new bedsheets while Rhaenyra settled on your vanity chair, staring at the round mirror. She observed the several paintings adorning the dresser, smiling at the sight of your alluring presence in each one.

“Perhaps we should wear our bracelets for tomorrow, it’s perfect timing.” The Hightower girl chimed in.

“I agree.” Rhaenyra nods her head, giving a last glance at the jewelry.

“Good, that way we can all have a piece of each other, no matter our distance.” You hummed, intrigued by the glistening moon peering down outside your window.

“Where ever shall we go, Y/N?” Alicent overlooks Rhaenyra’s reaction to your sudden interest in the moon.

The Princess slowly gulped away any admiration, a rosy blush burned across her face as the cold realization settled in. She glimpsed downward at the floor, attempting to admire the architecture but miserably failed. With an flustered yet hidden expression, tightly clenched hands before relaxing them at her sides and collecting her sense of mind.

“I don’t know..” You shrug, focusing your attention back to your friends. “When me and Alicent get married, we might move to our husbands’ homeland.”

“This night was meant to be fun and men-free and to avoid upcoming nuptials, everything regarding adult life. Why bring it up now?” Rhaenyra scoffs at the harsh reminder of life, awaiting them as highborn ladies.

“We all know it’s gonna happen soon, why ignore it?”

“Because that way I can spend more time with you two.”

“Eventually, we’re all going to be married and have kids of our own.”

“Maybe I wish to escape this world; where duty values moreover love. I want to marry someone who my heart desires, not to strengthen a bond between houses.” Rhaenyra explained, her lips tugged into a frown and with a tone of heavy heart, “Obviously, my title as the Princess will remain, I will never give up my royal status for anyone.”

“You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

“Yes, I can, I’m a Princess and I can willfully share it with you and Alicent.” She mused, a hint of wonder in her voice, beaming at the simple possibility.

“You’re impossible at times,”

“How else would I be certain I have your attention?”

“You always do, even without trying.”

“I’m quite remarkable, aren’t I?”

“The most remarkable Targaryen Princess indeed.” You replied, enjoying the little banter.

She stepped closer, now at arm’s length. “As you are the most enticing Velaryon lady.” She tilted her head, gently biting down on her lip.

Alicent cleared her throat, interrupting the small moment between her friends.

“Can we please forget about men and marriages for one night? This is all about us three.”

“You’re right, I apologize for dampening the mood of discussing men and marriages.”

“Good, all is forgiven.” A warm smile slyly appears on her face, now recognizing the little gap between the two. Her gaze slowly rises, focusing on your reaction to the close proximity.

You hummed, clutching at your own wrists behind your back, blissfully unaware of her forthcoming statement.

“Although there is another way to properly confirm your apology if you wish it. It’d be beneficial to both our strengths and possible unknown interests.” Her combined sultry tone and cocky smirk made the butterflies swarm in your stomach. All of your words got stuck at the back of your throat, silencing your speech.

The heat rushed to your cheeks, very grateful that blushes weren’t visible on your melanin skin, but rather by your frantic and flustered actions.

You took a few steps backward, distancing yourself from the Princess’s grasp much to her dismay. In all honesty, Rhaenyra didn’t expect your unusual cold shoulder, eyebrows furrowing in confusion, and a defeated expression on her face. Surprisingly, she made no protests to your subtle rejection and brushed it aside.

Just when it was getting entertaining and thrilling, there was an obstacle. Even if your sudden movement, is aimed with the best of intentions because the Princess lacked restraint regarding you. If you had come any closer, she’d render you speechless, stealing your first kiss, finally gaining the glorious moment of tasting your lips.

Seemingly, you missed Rhaenyra’s temptation of reaching out to lure you back in, retracting her hands tentatively, contemplating between her mind and body.

She fought against the urge, withstanding even the strongest temptations, which was you, your presence…oh your perfect soft lips. Oh, how she dreamt of many nights such as this to feel your lips upon hers and wonder how your lips taste.

Dreaming of adoring and kissing your beautiful brown skin, glistening underneath the bright moon or scorching sun, peeking through her window in the comfort of her chambers. No one would disturb her quiet alone company with you, she’d made sure of it. If they did, someone would be relieved of their duties, she wouldn’t risk it.

Not herself or her status. Definitely not you.

Yet, she didn’t mind the idea of having you all to herself, no husband to be jealous over and no nuisance kids to be bothered with.

She’d wake up, kissing and tracing your beautiful brown skin tone, speaking fondly of her admiration of the familiarity. As it would on a bestowed night with her last reminder, hypnotizing her into a peaceful slumber.

You were beautiful, your skin tone was stunning and your lips were addictive.

How could she possibly resist your magnetic charm, especially if your greatest quality was loyalty? The most powerful trait that you flawlessly flaunt about everyday, how could she not love you?

Everything about you was too alluring, she’d be stupid to think otherwise, your power over her held strongly, whether your awareness lacked or not.

Your head hung low, expressing a sheepish manner. A small muttering left your lips, finally meeting their understanding gazes. “It is not entirely your fault, I was just fearful of the future and the lingering effects of our friendship.”

“Let us hope the Gods are in our favor for such a lifelong friendship.” Alicent remains ever so optimistic, despite the unfair circumstances placed on highborn women.

“When are the Gods truly so kind?” Rhaenyra recalls with an eye roll. Her attitude was not directed at Alicent, but rather at the Gods.

“We must promise to remain together, no matter what.” You suggested.

“No matter who we marry.” The auburn girl states quietly but assertively.

“Or how far a distance we are,” Rhaenyra adds on.

The trio of girls nodded in agreement, interlocking their pinkies together, whispering a silent plea to the Gods above.

••••

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I’ve seen a few other perspectives that I also agree with, and I’m gonna go over them here:

#1 - No matter who we ran, we were gonna get fucked. Biden was unpopular, and he inherited an economy that, thanks to COVID, was going to inflate no matter what. I’ve seen a lot of people say that if Trump hadn’t flopped COVID, he probably could’ve snatched a second term in 2020. Then, we’d be in the position they are because, like Biden, there wouldn’t have been annything Trump could’ve done about post-COVID inflation. As a result, Trump would’ve been blamed for the post-COVID inflation, resulting in an overbearing Democrat win in 2024.

#2 - I tuned into a New Zealander’s “day after” live stream, and she said that the general consensus there was that Harris failed to separate herself from Biden enough, and I also agree with that (in hindsight). People didn’t like Biden. He was old, and he was a hold-over President. In 2020, he even promised that he’d only run for one term, then he’d step down to allow someone actually worthy to run. The only reason Biden was so well supported in 2020 was because people knew it wasn’t about supporting him. It was about defeating Trump. Despite his genuine economic improvements and strides in legislation for 2020-2022, people still blamed him for post-COVID inflation. Not to mention how much his name was tarnished after that debate and his refusal to speak highly of Palestine.

We know #2 is (at least partially) true because Harris initially led the polls. When she took over, people were excited! She was a young, progressive face running a campaign for hope, change, and doing things differently. Biden making the shocking and radical choice to step down made people assume that this was a major shift in ballsy-ness for Democrats (and thusly Harris). That’s why Obama won as a black man: He gave people hope of change, and it could’ve helped Harris win as a black woman, too. However, Harris made the same mistake as Clinton: She gave up her radical change campaign for a lukewarm centrist one that basically said “we’re gonna do what we were doing, except slightly different.” People didn’t want the same thing. They wanted change. And we know this because as Harris slowly trekked right, her polling numbers slowly fell back to Biden’s level. People stopped seeing her as the cool new future, and they started seeing her as Biden 2.0. People did not want Biden 2.0.

I also think Palestine played an important role in all this. I don’t think it was any of these three factors separately, but rather all of them working together. By refusing to support Palestine, Harris essentially sealed her fate. People thought she was the change they needed. The big thing people were mad at Biden for was his stance on Palestine. Whether they admit it or not, when Harris took over, people put in their heads that she would separate herself from Biden’s Palestine stance, like she had with his past. But when she refused to break away from Biden’s stance on Palestine, it immediately made younger voters realize that she was just Biden 2.0, and they didn’t want that. It felt like a rug pull, and it discouraged Gen Z.

Support for Palestine was a key to a door. A door that was preventing her from going further left and tapping into the same, younger, more radical voter base that Obama did. She worried that Gen Z’s “we won’t vote for you” rhetoric would cost her the election. She never even considered that sticking to her guns might result in silent (but angry) votes from those people. But to her, she needed more votes, and she couldn’t go further left. So what did she do? She went right. And as she did, her polling numbers declined. That discouraged the people who initially loved her when she first took over the campaign. And it didn’t entice centrist and republicans because, as OP said, why would they vote for the Diet Conservative when they can just vote for the full-fledged one?

I think the younger, Gen Z vote was crucial in 2020. I think it was also crucial in preventing the Red Wave in 2022. And I think it could’ve been crucial in this election for finally ridding this country of Trump and the MAGA Cult. But… Harris didn’t appeal to the young… so they didn’t show up for her. As Bernie said, she gave up on them. So they gave up on her. I, personally, don’t think the swing for Gen Z men is as bad as it’s being made out to be. I think it’s being inflated by the fact that a disproportionate amount of Zoomers simply didn’t vote because they felt like Harris was just Biden 2.0.

Will Democrats learn from this? I hope so, but I’m not holding my breath.

I especially hope (if there are future elections that mean anything) that we can cripple the GOP in the 2026 mid-terms to at least stop their rein of terror. I also hope that when 2028 comes around, more people learn from Harris’s moral betrayal and take the Primaries seriously, so we can send an overwhelming message to the DNC about the type of candidate we want.

I don’t know if these things will happen. I worry that the dismay we’re seeing from the left is a sign for future “what’s the point in voting” mindsets. However, I’m hopeful that, once the dust settles, the sorrow fades to drive, and it lights a fire under the asses of the American left, so we can successfully drag Democrats more left, no matter how much they claw, kick, and scream.

And before I close this post off, I’ve seen another post floating around Tumblr that’s akin to “‘Voting every four years is so tiring!’ Well you shouldn’t be voting just every four years, anyway.” And I agree. This election may have nailed the door shut, but every hammer has a dual-sided rear for a reason. The 2026 mid-terms and 2028 primaries could be CRUCIAL in not only stopping the GOP, but making sure we get a GOOD candidate who can take on Trump or Jance Dance Vance or whoever. People like to only screaming “VOTE!” for the presidential race, but it’s time we look elsewhere. The next mid-term and primaries are what we SHOULD be focusing on. They’re closer than you think. Don’t less this discourage you. Don’t let the future discourage you. In less than 2 years we CAN throw a wrench in this administration’s plans.

Also, P.S., in case anyone says it, in my personal opinion, a 2024 primary wouldn’t have saved us from this fate. Harris had the name. She had the Biden admin’s funds. She had a “hopeful change” campaign, at the start. She had the support, at the start. She had the experience as vice president. In my opinion, she absolutely would have been chosen if a 2024 primary would’ve happened. People loved her at first, remember, and she had far more DNC support, money, vp experience, and notoriety that any challenger could’ve mustered. Her stance as reigning Vice President would’ve done A LOT of work. She would have won a 2020 primary. It wasn’t her rise to candidacy that caused this. It was what she did after she got it.

I think there are some takeaways here, if we want to learn from this.

First: third-party voters were irrelevant. In no swing state did left-leaning third-party voters add up to enough to push Harris over.

Second: many progressive policies and politicians outperformed Harris.

Third: appealing to Republicans did not work.

It has never worked, in the US or in Europe, we've seen time and again that giving ground to right wing policies only legitimizes them and voters then prefer the original. For example, if you worry about immigration, and both sides are saying it's a problem, who do you trust more to handle it?

Fourth: polls were pretty accurate. There were months, years, really, of debate about polling being broken, which demographics were underrepresented, which were overrepresented, herding, hopes that they were overcorrecting for the last two misses on Trump, but they ended up closer than anybody wanted. Which also means that Biden would have lost by even worse.

Fifth: on the one hand, people should hopefully see this graphic and realize there's no minority to scapegoat:

On the other hand, I'm seeing a lot of people take it as a sign the country has simply shifted to the right in a huge, undeniable way that's depressing and ominous and feels hopeless. After all, Trump will win the popular vote by a lot, the first time a Republican has in decades.

However, this should be taken in conjunction with these numbers:

Now THIS is something that's open to further analysis and that can be worked with.

Why did so many Democrat voters not show up?

Here are some potential reasons for this, the truth most likely being a combination of at least several of them:

She's a Black-Indian woman. There's no denying the racism and misogyny among the US electorate, but given earlier polls where she was leading, I don't think this was the main or certainly only reason.

She was seen as too progressive/leftist. Again, by virtue of our racist, misogynistic electorate and our billionaire-owned media, Harris was seen as too extreme left by a lot of people, not just because of policies, but because inherently, her identity itself is extreme left to them. I personally don't think this was a crucial factor because, again, she had been leading when she was going stronger on the progressive messaging, other progressive policies and politicians outperformed her, and a lot of the people who think she's too extreme are Republicans who'd never vote for her. I just don't think it's a good enough reason for the millions of Democrats who didn't show.

Palestine. There's a coalition of pro-Palestine people, not just Muslims and Arab Americans but leftists and other POC too, but numerically, their vote for third parties made no difference. Did enough shift to Trump or not show up at all? Certainly in Michigan they swung to the right, but would that have made a difference? Did they matter in other less tangible ways, e.g., a lot of the same active progressives who'd have been out campaigning simply voted quietly for Harris and left it at that? How much of a distraction was this for Dems, having to constantly address Gaza as opposed to putting forth their own policies, and did it contribute to the overall perception of them being incompetent and weak and bringing chaos when people were tired of it? I think Palestine did have an effect, but enough to swing it overall...?

Not being progressive enough. A lot of people will point to Palestine and immigration, the decision to campaign with Liz Cheney and Mark Cuban and court Republican moderates, stifling Walz, and various other shifts that abandoned the left for the center and then the left didn't show up while the center went for Republicans as they always do, but the left isn't that large. I think, if this one point is a factor, it's more that it was simply difficult for normal voters to show up when they didn't really know what the candidate stood for, aside from "more of the same" and "not Trump".

Biden. When you have a ton of people unhappy with where the country is going, including their biggest priority, the economy, being tied to an unpopular incumbent was going to be tough, especially when, as a Black-Indian woman, she would be judged as disloyal if she broke too much from him. Nevertheless... People were unhappy with him and his administration.

Ultimately, I think there's a lot to learn and I hope Dems will.

I think we're in for a tough time and we're going to need community and solidarity, not fighting among ourselves.

[teddybearty]

Hey hey I haven’t been posting any art but I have been watching a few shows!! Spoilers below for the following:

Bucchigiri?! and Akudama Drive

I binged Bucchigiri in like two days and I love it but there’s some obvious gripes I have with it.

The main character Arajin is so god damn shallow it’s hard to root for him. He’s so so girl obsessed it’s infuriating!!! Matakara deserves so much better than that sad sack of bull!

Not to mention him becoming a Honki Person and “redeeming” himself was really fucking fast. It doesn’t really feel earned in my eyes and again I only really cared about Matakara at the end of it all.

Besides Arajin and Mahoro (who despite having a cute design annoys me to no end), I love LITERALLY EVERY OTHER CHARACTER! KAMAO I ADORE WITH MY WHOLE HEART!!! 💕

I literally JUST finished Akudama Drive and it had been on my radar since I heard Kodaka had a hand in it (and the designs caught my eye too). I hate that it took me so long to get into it and now that I’ve had…

I’m just so empty.

Going in, I adore the setup. Some random girl joins a villain heist it’s AWESOME. I love all of the characters and their interactions, mostly when they aren’t on a mission. It’s really something.

I’m not the biggest cyberpunk fan and I didn’t fully realize it was a part of that genre til episode 10 (I don’t really look at genres and whatnot before going into most shows). I kind of understood what they were trying to saw with Kanto and the people becoming this super computer but…I wouldn’t understand WHY they would want to do that.

Honestly I think the aspect of Kanto is the only thing I have issue with. That and the Bunny and Shark videos.

Their designs are silly or whatever but I hated that their videos are in every episode. And I know it’s for the brainwashing aspect but do we as the audience need to watch it??? I dunno.

That aside the characters are what make this series great to me. They’re all very interesting and different from one another even if they are all thrown under the same label. I…can’t think of a character I avidly disliked apart from like the Executioners as a whole (minus Master and Pupil bc they’re pretty good)

Brawler, Hoodlum, Swindler, and Cutthroat are my biggest faves tho! 💜

Definitely expect art from both shows in the near future!!

[journey-to-the-attic]

one thing about ik is that she will always reach out

[mossyclaw]

This might be stupid to ask but…

Would anyone be interested in a Jason plush?

I’m not working on any projects right now so I have the free time to make another one. It would prolly be like 20-40$ depending on how expensive the fabric is. Like I’m just wondering that’s a thing anyone would be interested in.

Edit: I am doing this! I will be making more dolls than just Jason as well!

[yellowjestertfs]

Couldn't agree with everything above more, Needless to say, recent events haven't put me in much of a writing mood, but I'll be damned if I let it stop me for good. Nice to know others are feeling the same pain and outrage as me.

I know it might sounds silly to think of a gay erotic male transformation blog as a site of political action but I am really going to work even harder to be purposeful with the content I post and the messages it may spread. I really believe hate has no place anywhere especially in fiction where we make the rules. Now especially when it feels like evil has trumped good I think it's important to have spaces where we can imagine futures where that isn't the case.

Anyway sorry to go so philosophical and preachy, 40k video game-based story tf in the works. I'll start dropping parts on here when I get around to doing some more editing. Till then everyone stays strong and stays angry!

Anyways

be freakier, be kinkier, be louder, be gayer, be more colorful, hoist the freak flag higher, lean into your queerness, lean on each other, lift up your neighbors, become more outspoken, and do so with so much love and kindness and gratitude and service to those closest to you

because I for one will be goddamned if I'll let a demonstrable minority of a bunch of "male loneliness epidemic" vitamin D-deficient fascist brownshirt larp-er fucks and their ilk convince the world that we (the royal "we," the community "we," our queer and trans family "we," the overwhelming majority of good people in this country "we") are anything less than the best

so chin up, find your mutual aid network, volunteer for community service, organize, leave the festering cesspool of electoral politics behind, and return to community. we're gonna be alright, love y'all

[marclef]

Day 25. almost free. almost done.

it is Fake Peppino Friday... but for some reason, the sound of clucking is in the distance? that's strange..... perhaps one of these little Fakelings has something to do with it.

around a nearby town, strange rumors started popping up, about an old abandoned building that had stood vacant for a good few years. but odd sounds had been heard from within, the sounds of hard work, heavy objects being moved, and inhuman, almost cluck-like cries. nobody knew what it could have been, and none were brave enough to investigate. until... one day, out of nowhere, the building appeared somehow cleaner, and a large sign had been hung out at the front, with the bright, colorful words:

CHIK'N PLACE!!!

who was the culprit? well, one step inside this newly refurbished restaurant and you will be greeted by its very enthusiastic owner...

the often-excited, very sociable Poultrino! she started off as all of the other Fakelings, a strange, gooey blob-like creature with hunger and curiosity. but soon after going out into the world on their own, she stumbled across a runaway definitely wild chicken, which she chased after with great interest and then gobbled up with glee. but, the feathery snack awakened a strange feeling in her, such a delicious taste, she wanted to share it with all the world! and thus gave rise to the fifth and final Fakeling...

and now, all customers are happily welcomed at her humble Chik'n Place! there is chicken of all kinds there; chicken wings, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, living chickens, anything you could possibly want, as long as it is chicken! (and all VERY legally obtained, she wouldn't THINK of pilfering chicken from other establishments for her own....) and not to worry, she is very polite and welcoming to anyone who wishes to visit! as long as you are not also a chicken, or a tasty bug or rat.

their appearance and body are quite unique amongst the Fakes as well! and though she is still made out of simple Goop like the others, her "skin" is fairly soft and smooth, almost feeling like soft fuzz despite having no real feathers! her legs, tail, and "fleshy" parts are the same gooeyness as standard Fake Peppino though. despite her strange appearance, most customers assume she's simply in costume, and very few are any the wiser as to their true nature.

though, one more very important fact to mention... you didn't think they worked alone, did you? of course not, all that Chicken isn't going to serve itself! which is why the first person to enter her restaurant was taken happily hired as the first employee!! say hello to Sue, Poultrino's favorite and only employee!! (credit goes to my wonderful friend @plebbicinnabun-arts for coming up with her! 😊✨)

she helps prepare and serve many of the chicken dishes! (and makes sure that the stuff that's served is actually edible when possible...) and not to worry, her boss treats her with great care! she is paid well in a salary of both "human currency" and delicious chicken-based foods! it might just be very strange trying to explain her job to friends and family.

but together, these two help run the Chik'n Place, and Poultrino finds decent success at running a business! her Papa is very proud of her.

[pepperpixel]

More powerpunk girls!!! This time ft some art figuring out brutes design. And a big group picture!! That I’m rlly proud of!

[itsrhodi]

dragon ball !! got a little caught up with some other stuff so it took longer than i wanted but here's a full sheet of flats lol. uncolored under the cut

[t1oui]

do you ever look back at your old posts and go wow i lowkey popped off with that one anyway here are more headcanons

first of all taking the thing about cho dating both of them out of the tags

first she dates fred when they're 4th and 5th years and this leads to both of them having bisexual awakenings

they are now each others' wingmen

then cho dates george in like 6th year (george's 7th) and angelina finally has to admit her feelings for george bc there is no other way she can justify how pissed off she is by this

(she even tries to pretend she likes cho for a while but her friends are NOT falling for it)

(neither is the rest of the school)

luna tests products in exchange for piggy-back rides

the twins think this will stop as she gets older. it does not. she gets a wagon

the twins + luna + cho bet on EVERYTHING.

a lost bet is how the twins end up walking around with dyed bright green & pink stripes in their hair for a month. george (green) hates it and fred (pink) is having the time of his life. george becomes worried that fred will start losing bets on purpose

enter fred, luna, & cho's "girl's nights" where they do each others' hair and nails and luna reads them something, usually some sort of background info for a future prank

the twins unironically have so much house pride... they make custom fireworks for every qudditch game and get luna and cho to set them off since they're on the team

luna still wears her lion hat during gryffindor games tho. fred and george give her a hard time but they respect it bc contrary to popular belief they like their siblings

in the quest of getting fred & lee to kiss luna becomes lee's wingman and she and cho discuss how to get these fools to realize their feelings are reciprocated

lee is confused as to why luna is suddenly talking to him and taking notes on their conversations but he's too thankful for someone to rant to to say anything about it

cho & luna have a secret handshake they refuse to tell the twins. it drives them crazy.

the girls help fred and george when they leave during 7th year

the four of them + other ravenclaws + lee do secret santa together every year

realizing that i've been forgetting about penelope so

she secretly lowkey respects the twins but would rather die than admit it. they know.

ok i gtg might add to this later 👍

i want a fic where the weasley twins are put in ravenclaw and because ravenclaws are smart and well-mannered and the perfect students, everybody is in for an absolutely wild ride where they turn out to be the evil geniuses they are. penelope having to be their prefect and cursing percy out every time she has to deal with one of their messes. cho secretly finding their antics funny (as long as nobody gets too hurt) but pretending she hates it. luna helping to test and improve their products.

just. ravenclaw weasley twins wreaking havoc on a whole different part of the school