#I think a lot about relationships we never got to see even a shred of

[kipkoh]

Regardless of if Aladarius ever actually happened, I think Darius and Amity would get along super well no matter what. Amity is practically a prodigy with Abominations and Darius was literally the Abominations Coven Head. You can’t convince me Amity never once considered asking for Darius’ mentorship and that he wouldn’t be eager to be a magic mentor for quite possibly the first time (at least outside of what might have been forced in the Covens.) I think he’d be super happy to have someone actually able to learn and carry on the powerful tricks he’d learned throughout the years. I think Amity would also benefit in general being close to someone outside her family who also uses Abomination magic. Yeah she has Alador, but their relationship is likely a little rocky at first so it would be nice to have someone else for her to look up to who shares the same interest as her.

[thesoftboiledegg]

"Unmortricken" was a lot. In fact, it might have been a little too much.

To start, I loved the glimpse of what exists outside the Central Finite Curve. The visuals were stunning and reminded me of M.C. Escher's drawings. The Jetson-like family was a nice touch--if anything can happen, who says they can't have different animation styles? All those colorful portals make me wonder what's lurking just out of sight.

It's also funny that the space outside the Curve is full of Rick's favorite thing: crystals. If he took a trip there, he'd come back with his pockets stuffed with gemstones.

Evil Morty's reappearance gave us a decent character study. Since he wasn't the antagonist, we saw him interact with the C-137s as a regular person. Morty's a little impressed, and Rick has a grudging respect for him. Others have called Evil Morty the Rickest Morty, and I agree: similar intelligence, similar technology and similar bloodthirst.

I was glad that he left in the end because that's what his character arc is about anyway. He doesn't want to be part of anyone else's story, not even another Morty's.

However, that's also part of the issue that I had with this episode. Seeing Evil Morty was great, but it was also a little...pointless? You could've had the same story without him. He's not working with Prime, and he has no ties to C-137 after "Rickmurai Jack," so it felt like the writers just said "Hey, you know what would be cool?"

I'm not against writers having fun and giving the audience what they want. "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (yeah, groan at me, Marvel haters) is fan service in blockbuster form, and it was one of the best theater experiences I've ever had.

Still, if Evil Morty came back, I think he should've had a separate episode. The episode juggled C-137 Rick, Morty, Evil Morty and Prime Rick pretty well, giving them satisfying interactions with each other, but no Evil Morty would've meant more relationship development for the C-137s.

Evil Morty's backstory also didn't reveal much about him. I mean--yeah, we all figured that he had an abusive Rick and got fed up. The fact that he had a "regular" Rick instead of a deranged lunatic does make a point about the banality of abuse. Monsters aren't always raving maniacs who torture people in their basements. Ordinary people can wear you down with a slow drip of toxicity and neglect.

I enjoyed this episode, and Evil Morty's return was exciting, but cramming the series' two biggest antagonists and storylines into twenty minutes was a little overwhelming. New plot developments kept showing up, too: Rick found Prime! Prime's various lairs! Omega device! I would've preferred a two-parter.

I'll admit that if you told me that we'd see Evil Morty and Rick Prime in the same shot, I never would have believed you, but here we are.

On that note, Prime's characterization was perfect. No attempt at a cutesy, sad backstory; he's a laughing monster until the end. And is it really the end? He has regeneration abilities, but C-137 acts like he's dead and even gives up the search. This leaves us with a few options:

C-137 killed him.

Prime fooled C-137 into thinking that he's dead when he isn't.

C-137's keeping him alive for later use.

Hopefully, this is more complicated than it looks because I'll be disappointed if this is the end of Prime. He's a brilliant reflection of C-137: the Rick he'd be without his tiny shred of humanity.

And Prime's a maniac, but he tells C-137 the truth. Rick broke into Prime's house. He pretended he belonged with this group of strangers. He latched on to Prime's grandson because he never had his own. His brutal, violent streak never went away no matter how long he tried to play house.

Prime says "Admit it! You would have been me!" In season three and parts of season four, Rick was close. His love for his family--love that he pretended he didn't have--and desire for their approval just barely pulled him back. But what kept that spark alive? How close was he to becoming a cold, unfeeling shell?

In the end, C-137's not satisfied after he destroys Prime--and weirdly, I'm not satisfied, either. Beating Prime to an unrecognizable pulp doesn't bring Rick's original family back. It doesn't erase the atrocities that Rick's committed. It doesn't make his grief go away. It doesn't change the fact that Rick teetered on the edge of turning into the monster that he despised.

What's more satisfying is that Rick didn't turn out like Prime. His Morty doesn't give two shits about Prime, but he loves him. He hugs him in relief (come on, Rick, hug him back already!), cries out "Rick? Rick!" and shakes his body when he thinks he's dead, and talks excitedly as they return home.

Rick's going to therapy, which Prime would have mocked. He went from having nobody to living with FIVE kids if you count Morty and Summer. Even he and his Jerry are pretty tight.

Rick knows this, but he still feels empty all the time. Vengeance doesn't work, drinking doesn't work...wouldn't it be easier if he just switched off his humanity and laughed at everything, even his own death?

But now that he knows how it feels to be loved, especially by his hypothetical grandson, I think he'll always find himself at the Smiths' doorstep.

[replaycamera2]

What Your Fave Redacted Character Says About You

Davey - You value a lot of things in a man: the most important being his ability to snap you in half.

Asher - You are the annoying younger sibling who is completely aware of exactly how much they can get away with via years of experience.

Milo - When people ask you what your hobbies are you say “reading” but the silent part of that answer is “fanfiction”

Vincent - I could go on for hours about all the parasocial relationships you’ve had in your life.

Sam - You’re rapidly running out of things other than yourself to blame for your problems, and honestly, it’s just a cry for help at this point.

Lasko - The people in your life have learned not to use the turn of phrase, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Because you will immediately launch into a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation with cited sources on exactly everything that could possibly go wrong.

Damien - Your parents were PTA terrorists. They were planning your bid for student council president while you were still in the womb.

Hux - For the people who think other people are always flirting with them or buttering them up, but they’re honestly just being nice and you never really learned how appropriately reciprocate that because life has taught you that everyone is always after something.

Gavin - God gave you depression and anxiety because if he didn’t, you’d be competing for his job

Avior - You’re either a burned out “gifted kid” or you only just got diagnosed with ADHD in your mid 20s. No in between.

Vega - Dear god do you love to be stepped on

Blake - You can not fix him. YOU CAN NOT FIX HIM.

Elliott - The ultimate fantasy of every demi-sexual out there.

Aaron - Depends: if you’re a straight woman, this is just everyone’s daddy fantasy. Otherwise, you’re a white gay guy. Only they would see a 1-to-1 recreation of their bully and go, “That is my husband.”

Ivan - I’m not saying you’re scary when you’re mad, I’m just saying the Venn diagram of people who have crossed you and the people you never hear from again is a circle

James - Admit it, you find degradation just a little bit hot. Just give in and go for it, it’ll be cathartic, trust me.

Anton - Literally that meme of “Thank you for changing my life.” “I’m literally a white man from Arizona mumbling and mouth-breathing into a mic.”

Geordi - “Patience of a saint” and “persistence of a rock” do not even begin to describe you. We have had nothing but radio silence from this man for 7 months.

Regulus - You just want someone to end your existence without actually killing you and honestly, valid take.

Guy - Your insecurities might scream at every person you meet, but not if you scream louder

Ollie - Your life moves from one disaster to the next and you are desperate for a shred of stability, which is probably why you’re listening to boyfriend role-play.

Morgan - There are two kinds of people in this fandom: Those who know what “19 months” means, and those who don’t.

[writing-ca-ira]

FIRST DANCE SONGS

DC various x Reader

Just some of my favs and what I think their first dances at their wedding would be like. What song they would choose, if they’d cry or not, etc.

Reader is gender neutral.

Contains: wedding dances, romantic relationship between character and reader, a shit ton of fluffy mushy thoughts, DC men are allowed to cry because yes.

Clark Kent — Easy choice; Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley. I can imagine this song being Jonathan and Martha Kent’s song when they got married. He has a 60% chance of crying; 70% if he catches a glimpse of Ma and Pa holding hands, softly singing the lyrics to each other. There’s also a game that wedding DJs will sometimes do to see which guests have been married the longest (if you aren’t familiar, they’ll call up all of the married guests to dance, and they’ll periodically say, “if you’ve been married for X amount of years, sit down.”), so I can imagine At Last by Etta James beginning to play after your first dance, and you and Clark would be smiling as you watch the last couple standing; Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Bruce Wayne — Just Breathe by Pearl Jam, and he’s 100% crying. That’s what happens when you make eye contact with a misty-eyed Alfred. He wouldn’t do any fancy spinning or dipping with you because he’s too busy holding you close (both to hide the fact that he’s crying and because he never wants to let go). Other songs that may start playing afterwards range from Check Yes, Juliet by We The Kings and Super Bass by Nicki Minaj (a surprise for the both of you). Also, a picture of your first dance may or may not end up on the cover of some tabloid magazine, despite any of your efforts to keep your wedding from the public’s eye.

Hal Jordan — No one was surprised to hear Stand By Me by Ben E. King start playing for your first dance. However, what they were surprised by was how watery Hal’s eyes were. He has a 50% chance of crying during your first dance, though he’d cover it up by laughing as he let you goofily twirl him around. The last minute or so would just be you two with your arms around each other, foreheads touching, eyes filled with love and adoration for each other… and then the beginning of Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey would cause you two to collapse into each other with fond laughter. Expect to see Hal absolutely shred the air guitar.

Dick Grayson — You’d probably have to get through a few ABBA songs before your first dance (because Dick is The Dancing Queen™), but it’s worth it when All of Me by John Legend starts up. I’d love to think that the two of you have slow-danced to this song under the stars as a date, so of course you two would agree on this song. Has a 75% chance of crying (despite crying earlier during the actual ceremony) because you’re just so stunning to him while you sway in each other’s arms. He’d probably want a more upbeat song to play afterwards, like La Da Dee by Cody Simpson or Sugar by Maroon 5, and he’ll absolutely dramatically sing the lyrics to you.

Jason Todd — A lot about your wedding may differ depending on if Jason is comfortable with an actual ceremony or not, but one thing that stays consistent is Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur as your first dance song. He’d probably have a 30% chance of crying in front of other people, but if your wedding something more private, that number easily spikes up to 80%. Be prepared to be held tight against him. Heck, he might not let you go even after the song ends. If you have a traditional wedding, he’d have an arm around you as the two of you sit down and watch everyone else dance to Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.

Tim Drake — I can see First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes being your song. Tim’s not exactly a dancer, so it may be the two of you just swaying back and forth, but he’d gladly let a spin or two happen if it makes your face light up. The odds of him crying are pretty low at 25%, meaning the most you’ll probably see is the slightest shimmer in his eyes (but Cassie, Bart, Kon, and Dick are 100% in shambles as you two dance). He’ll stare at you with complete adoration, contempt with just being with you, along with a giant smile gracing his lips for the duration of your dance. Something punk-rock/emo like Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down by Fallout Boy has to be the follow-up song. I don’t make the rules.

Wally West — Because I imagine your first date being a Disney movie marathon, Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John fits perfectly. He’d probably hum the melody while bringing your foreheads together, eyes sparkling if you hum along with him. Be prepared to be twirled or dipped unexpectedly (he loves catching you by surprise). I’d say there’s a 50% chance of him crying, since he might be able to hold it together until something preppier plays like Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON (and yes, much like Dick, he’ll dramatically sing the lyrics to you). You two will do so many goofy dance moves together, I can guarantee it.

Victor Stone — “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is an underrated movie date idea, which is why I declare your first dance song to be Moon River by Audrey Hepburn. Slow dancing with Vic is so soft; he’ll gently sway with you and hold you so delicately. Not a big crier, so you’re at a 40% chance of that, but it’ll easily jump up to 60% if you rest your head against his shoulder or chest. Afterwards, I can totally see something like Without You by David Guetta playing. The energy on the dance floor would go from 0 to 100 when the chorus hits, everyone jumping on the dance floor like it’s a concert, while you and Vic spin each other around with warm laughter.

Kara Danvers — A few Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson songs later, you’d find yourselves dancing to Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers. It’s a classic, and I can totally see you two having your first kiss at an ice cream parlor with this playing in the background. I’d say there’s a 45% chance of you seeing happy tears in Kara’s eyes. There’d be a big smile on her face as she let you spin her, your arms wrapping around each other. And of course Teenage Dream by Katy Perry plays afterwards. Clark will come up to you two with a teary congratulations, and you’ll start doing a goofy three-way dance, and that somehow evolves into a giant conga line with Clark in the lead.

Jaime Reyes — I have this feeling that Jaime gets really insecure about himself, so Corazón Sin Cara by Prince Royce is the natural choice. It’s a reminder that you’ll love him as he is, just as he’ll love you as you are. While there’s a 60% of him full-on crying, there’s a 100% chance of him getting teary-eyed at the lyric, “solo sé que yo te quiero así” (I only know that I love you like this). He’s big on hand holding — he loves to rub his thumb over the back of your hand — so he’ll have at least one of your hands in his through the entire dance. After Royce fades out, I can see either Kiss You by One Direction playing, or Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley (you both forgot about the conversation you had about how funny Rick Rolling your guests would be… effectively Rick Rolling yourselves).

Zatanna Zatara — Like I’m Gonna Loose You by Meghan Trainor has that swing sound that Zee loves to dance to. She’d get a little playful with dips and spins, but that’s only to cover up the fact that she’s at a 75% of crying; you can tell by her breathy chuckles as she rests her head against your shoulder. I think it would be really cute if she did a spell to make the air sparkle like fireflies around you two near the beginning of the song. And she’ll definitely whisper an I love you backwards to you, something I’m sure you’d be familiar with in your relationship. Also, Magic by B.o.B was suggested by you as a joke, but Zatanna was like, “that’s actually so good,” so that’s the song playing afterwards. Whoops.

[ladylamrian]

- Chapter 7: Brother

[ Please read past chapters before this ]

-> Masterlist of this Mini Series <-

Female MainCharacter: Alexis Clarissa Fontaine

Pairing: F!MC×NikRyder / (F!MC×Cal Lowell)

Summary: The search for Nik leads Alex and Cal to shocking discoveries.

Word Count: 2.0K words

Rating: Teen (Drama, Angst, Relationships)

Warnings: Language, Death

-> My complete Nightbound Masterlist <-

Taglist: @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @peonierose ; @secretaryunpaid ; @jdstar88 ; @blackcatkita ; @bri1234 ; @thosehallowedhalls ; @lilyoffandoms ; @mikaelsrose ; @mxdanni ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @tessa-liam ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @artbyalz ; @choiceshorrorfest [Prompts: Nightbound; Cal Lowell; Nik Ryder; werewolf; nighthunters; death] ; @choicesmonthlychallenge [Spooktober]

Comments via Reblog wholeheartly welcome

"Hmmm, I think I remember seeing this place. Are we near your new house in the woods?", Alex asked Cal as they continued their search for the missing nighthunter who ran away from them.

"If, in this dimension, it's still my house, then yes. But I think we should head back, I can't recognize Nik his scent here instead... Oh..."

"What is it, Cal?"

"It's weird. I... I... I smell... Me? But...", before Cal could complete his sentence a figure appeared behind the bushes. A very familiar figure which they haven't met before.

"Cal, that's your doppelganger??!!"

The Cal with Alex and the other one shockingly staring at each other and not believing their own eyes. At first, they silently stare at each other and then try to identify the other being by their scent by sniffing each other before getting wary.

"Who are you, and why do you have my scent?" the other Cal asked, glaring at him; then his eyes met Alex, which increased his anger even more, and he took a few steps backward.

"Uhhh, why don't we ignore each other and go our own ways? Let's..."

"Huntress, how dare you show yourself in my territory?!! Leave, or else I'll shred you in tiny pieces", he hissed at Alex.

"Me?? Why would you do that? And did you just call me a huntress?"

"Don't act dumb, huntress, I warned you to never show yourself to me, but you still did. And this time, you tried to lure me out with a fake copy of mine? What kind of spell is that even?"

"Back off, this is not the way you speak to her. Respect her." Cal protectively stepped in front of Alex to shield her from the other Cal.

"Why should I respect the woman who played with my feelings? Who acted like she cared about my well-being but in real didn't."

"I would never..."

"You're a liar, huntress. You ruined everything. Because of you, my Alpha died, and so did my little brother."

"What???!!!! No. Noooo!!!! No, it can't be. Say that you're lying!! Say it!!!" Cal freaked out, shouted, and began to shake his doppelganger by gripping his shoulders as tears began to roll down his cheeks.

"It's the truth. Why would I lie and even think about this? It's sadly true. That day when Elijah and that girl entered Kristof's cabin to get some hunter's sage. Of course, he didn't give it to them. Instead, I offered them mine, but only if they helped me to find Donny. We three ended up in Club Persephone, Elijah refused to go inside and got furious. It took me a lot of time to convince him. It was hard to find Donny, but when we did... It was too late."

"Nooooo... Donny, my bro..."

"Oh Cal...", Alex rested her hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

"Hey, no need to pity. It's too late anyway, little lady. If you would have cared, you would've tried harder when we were in Persephone. Convincing the old hunter more. Leave before I...", the other Cal moved closer to threaten Alex, but her Cal immediately pulled her behind to protect her.

"Don't you dare to touch her, man!! Where's the respect and your manners?"

"Already dead, along with Donny. I lost my brother, I lost everything. What is she to you anyway? A Wolf Bride?", he dangerously snarled at them and began to shift into his werewolf form. Ready for attack.

"Don't you dare, nasty fur ball!!" a familiar voice shouted angrily at the Cal from this dimension. Immediately, Nik Ryder jumped between and shot a holy light arrow in the attacker's direction to blind him.

"Nik, you're here!!"

"Rook, Wolfman, he's not in a good mood. Let's just get outta here.", the blonde hunter ordered and the three of them began to run. Escaping the angry werewolf, Cal's doppelganger.

"Where are we running?"

"Somewhere safe. Just away from danger. I was near and heard trouble, so I came."

"Just in time, Nik. Thanks."

"Yup, thanks bro."

"You're welcome, Cal.", he coldly thanked Cal only and ignored Alex.

"Nik, you're still mad at me. I'm sorry, but believe me what happened before was... I thought the guy I kissed was you. I'm..."

"Less talkin', more runnin'.", Nik answered back to her girlfriend who disappointed her.

"Nik, Alex, can you two please... Hurry!!! He's following us.", Cal noticed his doppelganger chasing the three of them in it's werewolf form.

Nik desperately ran while turning around several times to fire some holy light arrows in the pursuer's direction. But the werewolf is still close, evading every blow until Nik realizes that he has no arrows left anymore. Empty.

"Damn it... Rook, use your magic."

"No, I'll hurt him. He's somehow still Cal and the Fate said..."

"He'll shred us apart!!", he argued.

Without noticing, the three of them reached a familiar place, the cemetery. The very same place where Nik Ryder once rescued Alex from a bloodwraith the very first time. The angry werewolf was hot on their trail.

"Oh no, what do we do now?", Alex panicked and now hoped that the bloodwraith wouldn't appear again.

"Hey, werewolf!!! Leave these innocent humans alone!!!!", an energetic and light voice echoed around them. A very familar voice.

"Uhh, Alex? Was that you?"

"No Cal, I didn't say anything... I... Woah!!", Alex lost her words after she found out who that voice belonged too. The mysterious figure appeared from the shadows revealing herself as...

"Rook?! Wow, you're... I mean, she's...", Nik's cheeks turned softly pink.

"Yeah, she looks wild. Gorgeous. And that scent. Alex, that's your doppelganger!! The Alex from this dimension.", Cal confirmed.

"Uhhh... Guys, why are the two of you staring my doppelganger like this? I don't even know if I should feel honored or feel jealous."

Yes, the mysterious figure, a slim lady with wavy silvery hair which was fluttering in the wind. And the very same chocolate-brown eyes was indeed Alexis Clarissa Fontaine. The Alex from this dimension. But she looked a little diffrent than the "original". A light shirt. Black, ripped pants. Heeled boots. Wearing everything in leather, including the familar cherry-red leather jacket which she once received from Nik. Her hunting outfit.

"Heyyy, werewolf!!! Let them goo!!!", she yelled at the creature which turned it's attention to her and began to snarl. When everyone thought that he's about to attack her, the werewolf shifted back into his human form.

"So, you're here. Hunteress.", he hissed.

"Cal, let these innocent... Wait, what??!!! There are two of us??!!!" she was shocked at the sight of two Cal Lowells standing in front of her and another Alex.

"Oooohh, finally I get to meet my doppelganger in this dimension. Hello other Alex, I love your fashion sense. Where did bought these heeled..."

"Rook, shut up!"

"Nik, you shut up!!"

"Uhhh, could the two of you please...", Cal tried to calm them down.

"Shapeshifters, aren't you?!!", the hunteress asked at the three and quickly drawed two daggers from her pockets. Ready to attack Alex and Cal. But Nik Ryder protectively stood infront of them.

"Step back, they are no shapeshifters. Or else you have to deal with me first, little chick.", he winked at her, trying to make his Alex jealous. Then aimed his crossbow at her to defend his group.

"Wait, where did you get that crossbow? Who are you??!!" her eyes widened at the sight of Nik's weapon, and she began to glare at the blonde man.

"Nik. Nik Ryder. Also a nighthunter."

"It... It can't be... Impossible."

"Wait hunteress, they're no usual shapeshifters. The girl has your scent and so does my doppelganger has mine.", the werewolf finally spoke.

"Really, Cal?" her eyes met his, and for a single moment, the werewolf's gaze softened for her. He silently admired the beautiful huntress standing in front of her.

"Really, Alex." the werewolf, Cal's doppelganger, confirmed, finally calling the huntress by her name and then smiling a little.

While the two were distracted from each other, Nik lightly signaled his friends, Cal and Alex, to leave before they got more in trouble. Silently walking backward till they managed to sneak away.

"Nik, bro..."

"What is it, Cal?" he asked him while the three of them were wandering around the woods. Alex was a small distance behind, sunken in her own thoughts.

"Thank you. Thank you for everything. Because of you... No, because of you and Alex, Donny is still alive in our world. All thanks to you two my little brother is alive."

"It's nothing, Cal.", Nik watched the ground while they were marching down their way without looking up, as if he looked bothered.

"No, Nik, if it wasn't for you and your brilliant plan, we would have never found Donny. Or at least not that quick. You broke the spell to track down Donny, got us inside Persephone without any trouble, and tracked him down just in time before it was too late. Even though you don't like Club Persephone, you still risked it. You're more clever and cunning than Elijah. You have a heart."

"My dad's the best and not me, Cal."

"No Nik, it was you who..."

"My dad would have done the same."

"But Nik, he failed. Haven't you heard what the other Cal just said? Elijah couldn't save Donny, but you..."

"I know, but I don't want to talk about it. Elijah is my hero, that's it! I don't want to hear anything about this now.", he requested while trying to hide his disappointment. For Nik Ryder, Elijah Ryder is not only his father but his hero, his role model. Hearing about his father's failure in Donny's rescue just shocked him a little.

"Whatever, Nik. We may haven't gotten along well at the beginning, but getting to know you better made me realize that you're a good man. A man with a heart of gold. You're a friend. You, Alex, Katherine, and Vera are not only friends... You're like a family to me who accept me the way I am. I don't have to prove anything to you like I always had to among the werewolves. You guys are my own pack. Nik, you're like a brother to me."

"You're actually not bad either, bro. I think. Cal...", Nik hestitated.

"Yeah?"

"Don't get me wrong, but after seeing your doppelganger today. The way he watched at the huntress, it makes me wonder..."

"Wonder what? Is everything alright, Nik?", he smiled and gave him a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

"Do you still have feelings for Alex?" he whispered with worry to make sure Alex wouldn't hear their conversation from behind.

"Woahh, Nik... I..."

"We just considered each other's as brothers, and would you ever hide something from a brother, Cal?" he asked without losing eye contact from his werewolf companion. Cal took a deep breath before answering.

"Nik, the truth is... Alex is perfect. She's perfection.", he confessed which made Nik's face falter.

"So you do have feelings for her?"

"Listen, I was in love with her for a long time. Since I met her, Nik. I still like her and if something would happen to her, I... Well, it doesn't matter now. She chose to be with you, Nik, and I'm happy for both of you. Really. You're a nice guy, even though at first I couldn't understand what she saw in you. But I understand now... You have a big heart, but you don't like to reveal it. Guess maybe that's what she saw in you, Nik. She really loves you. You didn't see her sadness, worry, and love when you were in New York. She suffered alone."

For a minute there was total silence between them. Total silence. After a few thoughts in his mind, Nik finally spoke.

"Thanks for telling me this, Cal. I mean... bro. But seeing Alex kissing and making out with someone else, I... It hurts. It damn hurts.", he softly sniffed.

"I'm here for you, Nik. I'm right here, brother.", Cal wrapped his strong arm around the young hunter to comfort him.

"We're almost there. I can smell Vera's perfume. Katherine and Vera must be somewhere here and very close.", Cal informed as they were strolling together through the woods.

"And we're near my dad's house", Nik smirked.

"Hey Alex, we... Alex??!!", Cal turned around and realized that Alex wasn't with them anymore. The whole time, both guys hadn't realized the girl's absence, even when they were privately talking with each other about her, and now... Both got worried, turned back, and were headed from where they came from to search for their missing Alex.

"Damn it, where did she go now??!" Nik's speed increased, and he was looking in all directions. Cal was close behind.

"Don't worry, we'll find her. I can still smell her. She must be close."

[hello-nichya-here]

https://www.tumblr.com/mostly-mundane-atla/710894569738387456/this-sounds-pretty-accurate-but-there-is-another what do u think ??

Okay, here are the bits I agree with:

1 - Some Azula fans are trying way too damn hard to make her a "Girlboss" that never did anything wrong. This is legitimatelly something I have seen happen A LOT lately and it gets on my nerves SO BAD.

2 - Some Azula fans focus a just a little bit too much on the sad aspects of her character/story, mainly her loneliness and how she felt nobody loved her (Note: I'm being generous here because most of the time people bring that to remind me people that, no, just because she was the favorite child of an ABUSIVE parent it doesn't mean that her life was easy, but I HAVE seen the "character sad, therefore character good" a few times).

The stuff that I don't agree with it AT ALL:

1 - "Cersei Lannister is a character that is like Azula." No. Just no. I know the fandom likes to joke about some simmilarities between both shows or borrow elements from that story to our fanfics, but Avatar is not Game Of Thrones, and Azula is not Cersei. Their personalities are not that simmilar, nor their family situations. Cersei is far more reckless, blood thirsty, downright vile ADULT WOMAN, she never got a single shred of respect from her father or ANYONE, and her main way of manipulating people is to go the Femme Fatale route and seduce them. Not at all like the pragmatic (but not sadistic), prodigious, awkward princess that can't flirt to save her life and that everyone respects/fears. Even the whole "When you play the Game Of Thrones, you win or you die" doesn't really apply because Cersei sacrificed nearly everything to remain the queen, while Azula literally brought Zuko back home, making him the heir to the throne again. They. Are. Not. The. Same. (I won't get into the other characters mentioned because I don't know who they are)

2 - "Azula isn't that well written" Unless we're considering the comics, in which EVERYONE was poorly written, I'm gonna die on the hill that this is just wrong. Azula was not redeemed, yes, and Bryke seems to not understand her, but the way her story and arc went in the show makes perfect logical sense to me - I just don't think that's where or how it should end. We can argue over whether her story is finished, not on if she's well-written character and a deliberately sympathetic villain that was also REALLY good at being a villain.

3 - "Azula doesn't have a lot going on" Bullshit. Regardless of redemption or not, Azula IS a complex character - yes, even if she is the villain of a Nickelodeon cartoon (WEIRD argument to claim she can't be that deep - this is literally a show about war, genocide and abusive families, which is why it stood out to people because NOBODY expected Nick to go there). We literally see her having a mental breakdown after years of abuse, indoctrination and VERY bad decisions that ruined every relationship she had finally caught up with her. I consider this a lot, just like I consider things like waking up one day and finding out EVERYONE you knew and loved has been gone for a hundred years or dealing with the fact your father is an abusive piece of shit that is totally okay with disfiguring and banishing you because you dared to speak out of turn. For fuck's sake, the existence of The Beach as an episode proves this claim wrong because the whole point of that episode is "These villainous Fire Nation teens have some hidden depths."

4 - "There are better stories with better/more complex characters" Again, weird argument. I think Beauty And The Beast is the best Disney movie and that Mulan is the best disney princess, but I still adore Snow White despite her story being VERY simple. And even though I like these stories that all have endings, I like the dark fantasy and heavy on politics story of Game Of Thrones - and even though I think the books are better, I still like the first half of the show despite the changes made to the story. This is not a "Either this or that" situation. You can think something isn't perfect or deep and STILL like it.

5 - "She's not a real person, she's a character on a show therefore her not needing to 'deserve' redemption is irrevelant because what matters is what benefits the story and Azula's redemption wouldn't do that" Really? You're pulling that shit? In a show like ATLA? The show that said "Everyone is capable of great good and great evil"? The show that repeatedly says "Friendship and kindness are going to save the day?"? The show that had one of the bad guys redeem himself by befriending the good guys and visiting his abusive father in jail and saying "Maybe this will make you have a change of heart?" THIS show would not benefit or stay consistent to it's themes if the villain that desperately craves love and validation learned that the way she tried to get these things was wrong and started being a better person who'd eventually be healthy, loved and accepted? Give me a break.

[ameagrice]

Capsize

chapter nineteen | time to pray

percy jackson x fem reader

There are a lot of things that make up a person. Their habits; their hobbies, their likes and dislikes. More intricately, the way they tie their shoelaces; their favourite song and the reason why.

It was bright summer. Even in the evening, as the sun began to set, the sky was turning from a gorgeous yellow to a burnt, crisp orange-pink, streaks in the sky. Driving across the passover, you rested your elbow on the wound-down window, just watching the water shining with every movement. It was still, and so pretty. You tried to take a picture of it, but a Blackberry couldn’t compare to real life.

Billy Ocean was playing on the radio, your dad’s favorite singer, and he sang quietly along to a song. Usually he’d tell you that you’d wound the window down too far and to put it back up, but he was in a relatively good mood. You hadn’t asked why.

It wasn’t like your relationship was all bad. He had his unusual ways—strict tendencies. You had your lashings out—angry tears and despair. Most days, you managed to look past it.

Especially on the good days.

You’d gone for food out at some small restaurant you’d suggested. Your dad always had been more for the extravagant, up-town places. You were happy with a Chinese takeout, or a McDonalds. He wore a Rolex and drove a Range Rover. You liked the smaller cars your cousin drove with the cute Hawaiian decorations hanging from the centre mirror. He was your dad, and you loved him in a way, but never were you close. You couldn’t think of a day in your life when you both had been. Maybe when you were younger, but not much came your way after that.

You were more like acquaintances, than father and daughter. It didn’t help that you didn’t look like him much, either. You always thought it was nice when your friends looked like their parents—the comments like ‘don’t you look so much like your mom!’ or ‘wow, you and your dad look so alike.’

What did your dad have to bond with you over?

The noodles, apparently.

“Hey, we’ll try that again at some point,” he said, turning the music down. You didn’t see the point. You wanted to lean over and turn it back up. “Wasn’t that food so good?”

“Yeah,” you nodded lightly. That’s why I picked it.

When you got home, his girlfriend was there. She smiled and gave you a small hey, but that was the end of it.

Later, you heard them yelling about why she wasn’t invited for dinner.

You never went back to the restaurant. Not with your dad.

—

“DUDE.”

“DUDE!”

“HEY! Can you hear me?!”

You opened your eyes, grimacing. Percy sat next to you. “Bro, you’re scrambling my brain right now.” You sat up, huffing slowly.

The first thing you noticed was the lack of jacket. It was on the floor at the end of the small cot you lay on, visibly shredded. You looked down, expecting the worst, only to find that your hand was in perfect condition: your skin seemed to gleam a little, like you’d had a full polish and shine. Everything was back to normal. You reached up to your ear—all fine.

“Huh,” you said, turning your arm this way and that, expecting it. There was no pain. “Thought I was gonna be a one-armed bandit.”

Percy snorted. “They managed to stop it, sorry to tell you.”

“Damn.”

You looked around. A lantern filled with white light showed the shimmer of the tent you were inside of. A silver jacket, which seemed to look around your size, lay on a small table in the middle of the space.

It came flooding back. Your head snapped to Percy.

“Annabeth?”

His whole expression just dropped. “She’s gone. Not dead, I mean, that wasn’t the right thing to say. But we can’t find her. It’s like she’s disappeared completely.”

You sat in silence, taking it in. “She’d have never fallen off that cliff if she hadn’t been trying to save me.”

“Don’t say that—”

“Well it’s true!” You burst. Percy startled. “It’s true and you know it is! She only jumped at Thorn because he jumped at me. Because I was the weakest one there and he thought he could take me. Am I wrong?”

His hesitation stabbed your heart, but all in all, you knew you were speaking nothing but the truth.

“We’ll find her.” You decided firmly. “She’s my sister. As annoying as she is, we can’t leave her.”

Percy nodded. And that was that.

“One of the girls left you a jacket since yours got ruined,” Percy leaned over to grab it. In your hands, it felt like silk, but putting it on, it blocked out every ounce of coldness in the air.

“Whoever designed these is my new favorite,” you mumbled, standing up. Your legs felt stiff, unused, but with a tight stretch of your arms above your head, on your toes, it wasn’t nothing that couldn’t be fixed. “Shall we go find the others?”

You first found Grover. He looked star-struck, as if he’d just seen a meteorite or an eclipse. When he saw you, he sighed deeply.

You watched as he visibly deflated like a helium balloon. “Oh, thank the gods you’re alright! I thought you were dead!”

“Nope,” you popped. “Still standing.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re okay,” he said.

“Where are the kids?” You asked, scouring the area. “Nico and Bianca?”

“Nico’s over there, building a snowman. Bianca is…well, I’ll take you to her.” Percy grabbed your elbow to pull you along.

Walking between tents set up (and dodging wolves prowling the area) you set your sights on Bianca sitting with two older girls on either side of her. She laughed like she hadn’t had a good bout of laughter in her life, like nothing had ever been funnier. It was lightening, in a way. She wore the same coat you did, but she looked more…alive? than before. Her skin glowed healthily, and there seemed to be a different vibe around her.

“Hey,” Percy greeted. His voice didn’t hold its usual spark of cheekiness. You guessed the Annabeth situation had drained him of it. “Bianca, can we talk to you for a minute?”

The girls at her side pulled a face. You fought with yourself to keep your mouth shut. Rudeness was a quality you did not take well to, even if you yourself could have your moments.

She nodded, her smile falling slowly. “Sure.” The first thing she said to you was, “I really thought you were going to die.”

“Not a chance,” you shook your head. “Didn’t even hurt.”

She looked between yourself and Percy as if to say is she for real? Bianca raised her eyebrows.

You reached a small clearing away from the camp. Not far away enough to be dangerous, but enough to grant some privacy in your conversation.

“So,” she looked at Percy. “What’s this about? If Nico said something about his mythomagic cards again, you just gotta go along with it—”

“It’s not about the card—game—thingy. Could you just explain your girl group to B? She, you know, doesn’t know.”

“Oh!” Bianca clasped her hands together enthusiastically, beaming all of a sudden. “I’m a Hunter of Artemis, now!”

You tilted your head a little. “What’s that? Like a new band or something?”

Bianca laughed. “No! Artemis’s hunters are the girls that saved us. They hunt monsters and things. And get this—it gives you immortality.”

Your eyes practically bugged out of your head. “Huh? Like, actually? That’s a thing?”

“Yeah! Cool, right?”

“No!” Percy blurted. “Not cool! Bianca, you and Nico were supposed to come back to camp with us! Not join a Girl Scout group!”

“It’s not Girl Scouts, Percy! This is good for me! I can’t babysit Nico anymore. And he needs different company.”

“Babysit?” You frowned. “Hang on. Backtrack. When did all this happen?”

“When you were knocked out,” Bianca explained, leaning on her hip. She crossed her arms. “Artemis offered me it.”

“What, you just say you wanna sign up and you’re in?”

“You’re not thinking of joining?” Percy looked at you incredulously. “Come on, guys!”

“I mean…!” You looked away. “Immortality?” You offered.

“So?!”

“You have to say a pledge,” Bianca informed. Her eyes seemed brighter talking about it. “Something about pledging yourself to Artemis, and…uhhh…”

“I mean, it doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” you wrinkled your nose. Percy looked devastated.

“Oh!” She snapped her fingers. “And you have to pledge a life of no boys.”

You whipped your head back in her direction. “No boys?!”

“Yeah. That’s it.”

“Yeah…I’ll pass on that one…”

“Look, Percy thinks I’m making a horrible decision. But I’ve already joined, and I’m having fun already. Nothing bad can come of this,” Bianca reasoned, flaying her hands.

You looked from her to Percy. He still looked horribly defeated. But Bianca looked so happy. And who were you to take that away from someone?

“I think if you’re happy, then that’s what matters.” Bianca squealed. “Look, let’s just go back to the others and see about getting back to camp. God knows we all need to.”

—

It turned out your only form of transport was a school bus. A school bus formerly a sun chariot. A sun chariot belonging to…

“Apollo.”

At first, you’d expected to feel the anger you did when Artemis explained she’d called on her brother for transport. The man who gave you nightmares when he believed you and your friends were at fault for stealing Zeus’s bolt. The man who threatened you in your sleep. But when he finally arrived in person, and began looking down your small line of friends…

“Oh, dear Jesus…”

“Oh, dude, gross,” Percy huffed. “Don’t tell me you actually like this guy?”

You were encapsulated by the blond beauty that was Apollo. In person he seemed to shine more. His hair was a perfect shade of gold-blond, his teeth bright white and perfectly straight. His face was delicately crafted, and he stood lean but strong talking to Thalia. She seemed to be caught on him just like you, fumbling over her words.

“Are you blind?” You muttered, unable to look away. “Look at him…” your voice caught.

“Don’t get emotional, dude. Look at him! He’s not worth it.” Percy rolled his eyes. “Wake up! Look—”

“Percy Jackson.” Apollo stared at him hard for a few seconds.

“Yeah. I mean, yes, sir,” Percy fumbled.

For a minute, Apollo was silent, just staring. Percy began to lean his weight from foot to foot.

Then he looked to you.

“Hey,” he pointed at you. “I know you,” he grinned crookedly.

You hummed sweetly, letting a soft, lovesick smile come to your face. Percy elbowed you.

If you’d been expecting anything more, you weren’t going to get it.

“Well!” Apollo clapped his hands. “We should get going. Ride only goes one way: West. And if you miss it, you’ve missed it.”

He’d pulled up in a red Maserati. It only seemed to have two seats.

You raised the issue yourself.

“Uh, Apollo?”

“Yes?” He stood admiring his own car.

“There are only two seats,” you twirled your hair with your finger. Apollo turned to look at you. “There’s a lot more of us.”

“Well, aren’t you observant.” He smiled prettily.

If looks could kill, Percy would have had Apollo buried a thousand feet under.

“Whats got your frilly knickers in a twist?” You mumbled, leaning in closer to Percy as Apollo set about changing the car to—oh, God, a bus.

“Nothing,” he huffed. “Just come on.”

You all boarded the bus.

The Hunters piled in the back, muttering something about being far away from Apollo. You couldn’t understand why. If anything, you’d die to be closer to Apollo. That man was straight from Heaven.

Nico sat up front with yourself, Percy, Grover and Thalia. It felt a little weird to be leaving without Annabeth, wrong almost, knowing she could be somewhere out there or worse, but there wasn’t much choice.

“This is so cool!” Nico scrambled to the front seat, climbing up and turning the wheel this way and that. “Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene were the sun and moon gods? How come sometimes it’s them and sometimes it’s you and Artemis?”

“Downsizing,” Apollo leaned his elbow on the window screen. “The Romans started it. They couldn’t afford a load of temple sacrifices so they laid off Helios and Selene and just folded their job descriptions into ours. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first, but at least I got this car.”

You tried to imagine Apollo as the moon god. It didn’t sit right with you. He was definitely a sun guy.

“But how does it work?” Nico rambled on. “I thought the sun was a big ball of fiery gas?”

Apollo ruffled Nico’s hair and chuckled. Probably loving the attention.

“That rumor probably got started because Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you’re talking astronomy or philosophy. You want to talk astronomy? Bah, what fun is that? You want to talk about how humans think about the sun? Ah, now that’s more interesting. They’ve got a lot riding on the sun…Uh, so to speak. It keeps them warm, grows their crops, powers engines, makes everything look, well, sunnier. This chariot is built out of human dreams about the sun, kid. It’s as old as Western Civilization. Every day, it drives across the sky from east to west, lighting up all those puny little mortal lives. The chariot is a manifestation of the sun’s power, the way mortals perceive it. Make sense?”

Nico blinked. “No.”

“Well then, just think of it as a really powerful, really strong car.”

“Can I drive?”

Apollo shook his head instantly. “No.”

“Oooh!” You shot up in your seat, waving your hand enthusiastically. “Can I?”

“Y—”

“Absolutely not,” Percy said. You pulled a face. “Dude, you can’t even ride a bike!”

“So?”

“So?”

“Hmm…satyr…too furry. Daughter of Zeus!”

“No.” Thalia deadpanned. “Not a chance.”

“C’mon,” Apollo persuaded. “How old are you?”

Thalia hesitated. “I don’t know.”

Apollo tapped a finger to his lips. “You’re fifteen. Almost sixteen.”

“How do you know that?”

“Hey, I’m the God of Prophecy. I know stuff. You’ll turn sixteen in about a week.”

“That’s my birthday! December twenty-second!”

“Which means you’re old enough to drive with a learner’s permit!”

“Uh--”

“I know what you’re going to say,” said Apollo. “You don’t deserve an honour like driving the sun chariot.”

You wrinkled your nose. The appeal of Apollo was slowly lowering. Maybe you could look past it. Well...

“That’s not what I was going to say.”

“Don’t sweat it! Seriously, Maine to Long Island? Pfftttt, easy trip. And don’t worry about the last kid I trained. You’re Zeus’s daughter. He won’t blast you out of the sky.”

Thalia’s eyes bugged. “What.”

Apollo hit a button on the dashboard and ushered Nico out of the seat, pushing Thalia down gently on to it. A sign popped up on the windowscreen. WARNING: STUDENT DRIVER. 

“This is it,” you murmured depressingly. “It was nice knowing you, Percy. I’ll see you in the Fields of Asphodel.”

“Bro. Don’t jinx us before we’ve even moved,” he moaned back just as depressingly. 

“Take it away!” Apollo told Thalia. “You’ll be a natural! Speed equals heat, so start slowly, and make sure you’ve got good altitude before you speed up.”

“She’s gonna set us on fire.” 

“Dude, shut up!”

Thalia gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. Percy leaned over in his seat. “What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing is wrong,” she shook. “Nothing.”

She pulled back on the wheel. It tilted, and the bus lurched upward so fast that Percy fell back, literally crushing you behind him. You could have sworn your nose cracked. 

“I swear to God!--”

“Sorry!”

“Slower!” Apollo said. He stayed standing like nothing was wrong, but his face showed his tenseness. That tight-fitting shirt shifted as he moved a hand to hold onto a rail. 

“Sorry! I’ve got it all under control.”

You turned your head slowly to the window. Where Thalia had pulled off the ground, a circle of burning trees lay flattened and smoking. You gulped. “We’re done for.”

“Don’t say that!” Apollo tried sounding positive, flashing a shaky smile. “You’re smart enough to know things will work out.”

“Yeah, my funeral bills.”

“Thalia, lighten up on the accelerator,” Percy instructed. 

“I’ve got it, Percy,” she said, gritting her teeth. But she kept it floored. Physics might have explained why you were pushed back in your seat, but you were so distracted by Thalia’s foot on the floor that all theory left your brain. 

“Loosen up,” he said. His hands were tight on the seat in front. 

You sighed, trying to sit up. Your words were strained. “I may as well start praying now.”

“We need to veer left for Long Island,” Apollo said. “Hang a left.”

Thalia jerked the wheel. Percy’s head bashed your mouth this time.

“DUDE!”

“Thalia!”

She swerved right, and this time, you fell into Percy. Your forehead met his chin. He yelped while you shouted, a piercing pain shocking you. 

“Ah...a little lower, sweetheart. Cape Cod is freezing over.”

The bus pitched down, and Percy screamed a girly scream next to you. Apollo fell down the aisle and you were so shocked that all you could do was burst out laughing, terrified. He started climbing back up the rows of seats. 

“Take the wheel!” Grover begged.

“No worries, all she has to do is just learn--”

“No worries?!” You yelled. “I have dreams, man! Take the wheel!”

Below you, a city covered in snow began to smoke in small plumes. Rooftops began to literally incinerate, the snow melting away in less than a few seconds. 

“Pull up!” Percy yelled. 

Thrown back in your seat once more like a rag doll, you watched out the window with a hammering heart as the fires began to be snuffed out by a sudden jet of cold that took over as the bus moved away. In the distance, you could seethe coastline--camp wasn’t too far away.

“There!” Apollo pointed. “Camp Half-Blood, dead ahead. Let’s slow down, dear. Dead is only an expression.”

Thalia was thundering towards camp quicker than you found comfortable. You hadn’t driven a car before (unless bumper cars counted at a carnival), but you could even feel something wasn’t right about her speed coming in to camp. 

“I’m under control,” she muttered. “I’m under control.”

You’d gotten so close now that the people in the lake were visible. 

“Brake,” Apollo said. 

“I can do this.”

“BRAKE!”

You were all slammed forward, your face smarting as it hit the seat in front of you. You barely felt Percy’s arm fling out in front of you, though the effort was wasted; it did nothing. 

The bus hit the canoe lake. Every bone in your body jolted. The bus floated to the surface, bobbing up and down. You could hear steam sizzling. 

Everyone sat up slowly, including you. 

“Well, said Apollo. You were right, darling. You had everything under control. Let’s go see if we boiled anyone important, shall we?”

All I could think of was the ‘Jesus take the wheel’ song from Vine. Anyway, as usual, thoughts are appreciated. Hope you enjoyed!

Taglist:

@bl6o6dy @embersparklz @lilyevanswhore @rottenstyx @hawkeye12 @rory-cakes @i-am-scared-and-useless-bisexual @marshmallow12435 @luckydragontriumph @lantsovheiress @distinguishedmakerpandapatrol @bugsys-bubble @twsssmlmaa @gayandfairycore @padsfirewhisky @emu281 @mrswang17 @jessiegerl

[sapphic-scylla]

Nimona illuminates the final part of my entire gender crisis and not only what led up to who I am but the truth of who I am and who I know myself to be.

I use she/her, they/them, and any and all pronouns.

I grew up knowing I was different like most trans people. I could never explain it because I never had the words. That inability to understand what any of my confused and festering feelings meant.

I grew up alone. I had family, but they were so invested in turning me into the ideal man that they refused to meet me at my level.

As I entered school, friends didn’t last very long. My longest friendship was 4 months until I entered college. I still don’t talk to anyone from high school because no one cared to invest their time into me. So I stayed lonely.

It had been long past the time I’d discovered it was a gender issue. At 12, I discovered that being a guy at all was distasteful to me. Acting masculine felt like I was pouring acid on my skin while being told to not act feminine was, fittingly, like stifling tears. You know they want to come out and they will eventually and you can’t stop it no matter how hard people tell you not to, but you bottle it anyways because people won’t like you if you cry.

That bottling.

That shoving down all of those trans emotions.

They don’t go away.

And when you also live in Utah, the state of the high and mighty. The self-righteous. And you hear EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. For 21 years. “Being gay is a sin.” “Being trans won’t get you to heaven.” Hearing the scoffs of disapproval at a guy acting feminine. Seeing the bullying. Witnessing the abuse and control your parents carve into you by saying things like “stop acting like that” or “walk it off” or “you do what we tell you because you live in our house.”

They wait. And they bubble.

It’s like a volcano. Pressure builds. For 10 years, it builds. And that volcano does release steam every once in a while. But it sits. And waits. Until it can’t anymore. And then…

People used to think volcanos were monstrous creatures that sat beneath the earth. It’s not true for real volcanos. It’s true for people.

It hit in high school. All of that pent up frustration. All of that anger and rage and sorrow. Just slowly releases for 5 years. And the wild thing is that it just. Kept. Going. I hit 22-23 and I was still ripping my own world to shreds. Friendships, family relationships, a marriage. All torn into tatters.

And it wasn’t just the undiagnosed ADHD. It was a person who kept forcing herself to fit into the boxes and the roles and the expectations of a girl who was trying to fit the mold of a lie. A false ideal. A belief that someone else had shackled her with.

And when she broke those shackles, she saw how people saw her.

As a monstrosity. An abomination. A creature. A demon. A nameless entity that people refused to care about or accept.

That monstrosity tried to kill herself 3 times over that span of 7-ish years, almost adding another tally to Utah’s record of being the state with the most suicides. Because like Nimona said…

"I don't know what's scarier. The fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart... or that sometimes, I just wanna let them."

I’m much better now. After my marriage fell apart, I got into therapy. I got my ADHD diagnosis and I’m working towards getting an anxiety diagnosis and maybe a few other things that are screaming inside the cage that is my brain.

I’m still not good at making friends. Between the neurodivergence and the transgender pride that I carry and wear out in the open, not a lot of people want to hitch their cart to a fluidflux creature like me.

I don’t bottle my feelings anymore. I also don’t take shit from the people that continue to view my existence as a threat or treat me like a villain, an abomination, and a curse. Because as we all know, people fear what they don’t understand. And even when what they don’t understand is me, a “monster”, they try to kill me or force me outside the walls or attempt to capture, restrain, and shove me into a box.

I considered letting them win several years ago. Never again.

However, that ideal that Nimona carried sits within my soul.

Maybe I am a monster. Maybe it’s why I hyperfixate on gods and monsters and myths and the darker side of the stories we’re told and the creatures that loom in the shadows.

Because I know how the world sees me. They see a monster.

And maybe that’s not so much of a bad thing. Maybe it’s better to be the thing they fear.

[akane-kurokawa]

Finally read the first chapter of the Spica novel (translated by a great team posted by the incredible @aihoshiino) and I absolutely loved it!

First, Ai perspective is so soooo great here. We usually get perspectives of her from others, even in the two short stories, while we see a lot of bare Ai, it’s always from a group members perspective. This was really special for showing Ai’s interpretations of the other characters and their relationships.

Her neurodivergent coding is a strong as ever too, especially in her feeling of alienation from ‘normal’ people. It’s heartbreaking the way bullying and mistreatment is normalized to her, to the point where someone paying attention and caring is genuinely shocking. Speaking of which…

ICHIGO! Ichigo was perfect in this, a good president, manager, and guardian in one. I loved his reasoning for being in the industry as well as her personal values he shared with Ai. I think she really took them to heart too, even as she is immortalized as the greatest liar, that ‘shred of sincerity’ was always there and (imo) is what drew people to her the most. Unlike the other idols, who primarily wanted individual fame, Ai wants to share a genuine love with everyone.

The relationship between idols and fans; and Ai specifically with her fans, has always been one the most interesting aspects of the series for me. Most often, Oshi no Ko focuses on the negative aspect of being an idol, Ai has to travel disguised for her safety, she’s labeled a whore for seeing a former classmate, she’s objectified and dehumanized at a developing age by people unaware and indifferent to her own needs and wants.

But that’s not all there is to being an idol, and that’s not all it was for Ai either. The joy Ai got from the impact her presence had on her fans is significant, enough to pull her out of a spiraling depression caused by the bullying. Ai is someone who’s touched so many people’s lives, like Gorou and Sarina, and strived to do so.

It’s especially interesting in light of where we currently are in the manga, where the present voice of the film is that the idol industry is the root of Ai’s suffering, when I think she never felt that way at all. Of course she did suffer in the industry, but that wasn’t her main takeaway or even something I think she gave much significance to at all.

I won’t go on another tangent about the significance of the twins’ complicated perspectives of their mother’s fame today though, they weren’t even in this chapter.

In summary, a great read. I’ll have to check the pictures to see if we know who these new group members were (and also try and figure out the timeline of these group members. 7 after 3 months?? Didn’t they start with 5?)

[aroacesigma]

For the ask game ummmmmmm obligatory sigma but also chuuya <3

ok !!!

first impression - sigma

honestly i thought he seemed like a nice enough guy going off the whole thing where he let the man win . a bit bossy when he was talking to teruko but honestly i was kind of rooting for anyone but the hunting dogs at the point so i was like yeahhh go buddy . you got this . also thought he was very gender

first impression - chuuya

i thought he was REALLY fucking cool . loved his design instantly . like about half this fandom i thought that was a ponytail for ages but noooo . terrible mullet . look dazai was my fave at that point but i still laughed when he got his ass kicked by him lmfao

impression now - sigma

ok . deep breaths kai you can say this normally . i love him very much and he is my fave . as you can all tell . finding out his whole backstory and watching him go through the sky casino arc and the mersault arc was so fucking ... god . hes so tragic . i love him so much . he tries so very hard all the time and nothing ever comes out of it does it . i just want him to be happy .... he really deserves it . hes not a bad person but hes done bad things out of necessity which honestly makes you root for him more doesnt it ? its so heartbreaking every chapter watching him do everything , throw himself into danger, hurt people, hurt himself just so they can get a home... i really hope he does . very much . fucking hell

impression now - chuuya

pretty much exactly the same . hes so fucking cool and i love him . i think he should be allowed a weekly quota of kicking the shit out of dazai . stormbringer tore my soul to shreds that hurt which made me feel terrible for him also . hes a wonderful character and i really do love him and wish this fandom treated him a little better

favourite moment - sigma

oughh this is hard . uh . probably when we get his backstory honestly . everything really makes a lot of sense about him once you get that . its really sad but it really hammers in just how desperate he is to find a home. they dont really have anything else , their sense of being human is shaky at best because no matter how much he says hes just an ordinary man he knows he isnt . so having a place to belong to make up for the fact that there is nothing like them in the world and there never will be is something hes totally desperate for and their backstory hammers that in HARD . and just the art is just so well done ...something about the image of him just sitting alone in the desert really shatters my heart every time . honourable mention also goes to when he kicked the shit out of teruko , purely because its an excellent counteraction to people saying dumb shit about him being weak and pathetic

favourite moment - chuuya

ohhh..i think i really like the scene where the flags throw him a party . its nice to see him hanging around with his friends . even if theyre all a little bit fucked up . he deserves nice things even if he didnt fucking get to keep them god asagiri why

idea for a story - sigma and chuuya

ok i NEED YALL TO HEAR ME OUT on this crack theory that definitely will not happen but imagine if it did . now i trust dazai will come back for sigma butttt if he didnt . well dont you think mori , who sent chuuya into mersault , would be extremely pleased to have someone with an ability like sigmas . and sigma wouldnt really have too many options would he . being left behind again would probably kill any trust he had in the ada and really all his ability has ever been suiteed for is criminal activity right ? and that is how we get pm!sigma . which means chuuya and sigma interactions . they can bond over shared experiences like having somewhat funky relationships with humanity, terrible haircuts theyre somehow pulling off, and wanting to kick the shit out of dazai .

unpopular opinion - sigma

this is more of a bsdtwt / bsdtok problem but yall do know if you like a characters design but not their actual character you can just say that instead of making up an overused fanon personality for them right

unpopular opinion - chuuya

idk if this is unpopular exactly but it is blatantly obvious when people only like him in relation to dazai like it is not subtle at all

favourite relationship - sigma

ooh this is hard . if we're talking about shipping exclusively then sigzai is my fave (almost got put off it by the aforementioned annoying bsdtwt though lmfao) . but i do also find it very interesting how he interacts with and views fyodor and nikolai . i do wish we had more on how they were like as an organisation

favourite relationship - chuuya

again, talking shipping id probably have to go with skk , but even in a non shipping context it really does interest me how him and dazai interact . theyre so fucking weird

favourite headcanon - sigma

living up to my duties as ceo of transmasc sigma , thats obviously my favourite headcanon . hes soooo trans guy coded its insane . bless him . also my headcanon that he always has that new book smell hanging around him no matter what . cause . yknow .

favourite headcanon - chuuya

ok i also love to headcanon chuuya as a trans guy like honestly asagiri what is it with you accidentally coding all your funky little guys as trans . also i reckon hes a tea drinker . he will fuck that shit up . hes got all the fancy ones yknow those really weird flavours that honestly are barely even tea anymore thats just a fancy drink but hey the box is pretty so

[michellemisfit]

Hey hey ✨ today I’m thinking about prison boyfriends I&M… do you have any headcanons about their time in prison?

Hi lovely! 🌸

I was thrilled to see this and I apologise for being late in answering you.

Life has been… a lot.

Which is actually a big part of my headcanon when it comes to Ian and Mickey in prison, so that works out nicely.

Firstly though, A) a wildly popular TV show shouldn’t glorify prison and depict it as funny and super chill or whatever else they may be aiming for; and B) I understand why the show chose to launch us into the ‘bickering roommates’ part of their relationship, and why they gave Ian an early release, and soon after that Mickey, to get them back on the show proper.

((I do NOT understand why we didn’t get to see - or if we had no time to film it then at least mention - the Gallaghers visiting them in prison. Yes, them. Both of them. Because they would! And sure, Mickey got out pretty quick after Ian got early release, but would it have killed them to give us even just one prison visit?? Urgh!!! Grrr!!! But I digress…))

So, bearing in mind the above caveats… every time Mickey and Ian found the tiniest shred of peace and quiet in their lives something came down on them like a ton of bricks. Mickey’s internalised homophobia, Juvie, Frank, Juvie again, Terry, Mickey’s Wedding, Ian’s Mental Health, Sammie, Monica… Life has been a lot.

The scene in which Ian asks Terry for prison advice, odd as it may be, seems fairly on point to me. It’s the boredom that will kill you. The day to day sets in. You read books. You lift weights. You have sex. But you’re in the same place with the same people doing the same stuff every second of every hour of every day of every year… and this is pretty much where we find our boys in season 10, and as I said above, I get it.

But before then? Still riding high on the reunion and the relief it brought? When all they had was each other and an endless stretch of time to fill? While going through a regimented daily routine? Not having to deal with the endless curveballs life throws at you every five seconds? When they knew pretty much exactly what was expected of them? When to get up, when to eat breakfast, when to start work, when to stop work, when to go outside, when to return to their cell…

I don’t want to glorify it. But I do believe when your life is as chaotic as theirs has always been, an enforced structure may not be the worst thing to ever happen to you. At least at first. And when you love each other as much as they love each other, staring at the time ahead of you just stretching onwards and onwards… may not be the most daunting thing. And when you’ve been through as much shit together as they have, going through all of it again, but in a controlled environment? Well, that may be a lot easier than what you’ve dealt with before.

I’m not saying it was all sunshine and roses. But what can prison throw at them that real life hasn’t already thrown at them, and worse? Yes, Ian’s going to have to adjust to new medication and deal with highs and lows, but they’ve done that before, except this time they’re forced together with nowhere to run, and they’re going to have to deal with it, for better or worse. Yes, Mickey’s going to have to voice his hurt and frustration and anger (Will you? Wait? / You never fucking visited me. / You ever think about me, when I was in the joint?), except this time they’re not running. They’re not trying to stay positive and act like everything is fine on their wild adventure. They’re going to have to deal with it, for better or worse. It’s not going to come easy at first and it will take time. But hey, they’re stuck. Together. They have nothing but time…

That’s it really. Them. Filling that time. Talking. Being together. Fighting. Crying. Growing. Learning and understanding each other, in a different way than before. Getting closer.

The problem with a TV show drama is that it cannot show you all the quiet moments in people’s lives, because where’s the drama in that? Which is how we end up with all of the Filler Fic being written for all the moments in between. The silliness and the laughter. The frustration and the tears. The thoroughly mundane. The nights where nothing really happens, But everything goes down… that’s my headcanon.

[lesbian-duck-art]

Sorry if this is annoying!

Do you have any specific headcanons about sdmi?

Oh my god you’re not annoying at all!!😭 I love talking to you you’re so good! I have a few here and there so let me put them down here. so sorry a lot of this is E or Angel related!

- E has so many issues in regards to relationships whether it be romantic or otherwise. Pericles’ betrayal and being forced to leave everything and one he’d ever known at 17 did a lot of damage and I don’t think he’s ever fully recovered. It’s the reason he pushes people, including Cassidy, away. Because of his childhood best friend who he cared immensely for could betray him, why couldn’t everyone else? He’s definitely got PTSD and I feel like if he didn’t already, now has a severe anxiety disorder

- We don’t see a whole lot of Ed Machine in the series nor do we know a lot about him but I think he was closer to E and Angel than people tend to assume. Whether that means they were friends or polycule, I take either one lol

- I think Nibiru’s curse has a waaaay harder time affecting people who have someone they love. Whether that be familial, romantic, or even friendship. There is no love within the original Mystery Incorporated and they fall to shreds. MI II on the other hand comes back together through their love for one another. Marcie is able to break free of the curse because of Velma, Mayor Jones temporarily breaks free because despite the lie he does love and care about Fred, E loses both Ed and Angel one after the other and he becomes worse until he realizes Angel is gone.

- That in mind: I do think Jones cared about Fred. I think sans curse, he would’ve been a better dad and I see parts of Post-Nibiru Timeline/Sitting Room Jones peak through in both seasons. There’s a one shot fic on AO3 about him in the episode with that art monster? Highly recommend it and it’s exactly how I view him as a character

- While on the topic of Fred Jones Sr., I feel like his time in jail and away from the Planispheric disk weakened the curse’s hold. Not by a lot certainly, but by a tiny bit. I think the closer you get to the pieces the more corrupt you become

- I truly think that if things were different and E had let his walls down and interacted with the kids the way Angel did, I think the mystery inc gang would’ve gotten along with him the same way they do Angel! (This is part of why I enjoy Purposefully Silent so much lol it gives me exactly what I wish the show had) I still think everything would have gone to shit one way or another but

- We been knew that Fred is autistic but I also raise that like. All of Mystery Inc is somewhere between autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD(I say this as someone who is autistic and possibly AuDHD). With this I also think Ricky is neurodivergent

- Angel is pan, E is Bi, Daphne and Fred are also bi, I think Shaggy is pan and maybe even aro, Marcie and Velma are both lesbians. I also honestly think there’s n o t h i n g about E that screams “cisgender” but I can never decide if my answer is trans man or “he/him/they/them” non-binary

- Jones and Sheriff Stone *abso-fucking-lutely* had something going on there was nothing heterosexual present. Jones is giving gay man who’s over compensating via toxic masculinity and Sheriff Stone just seems to be into Crystal Cove Mayors

- Birds were Ricky’s hyperfixation after he met Professor Pericles. He knew all the different facts and terminology and everything. He still remembers most of it(mostly unwillingly), but it’s never relevant anymore

- I’ve said it once I’ll say it again I just think E gives off dad vibes in a way I can’t explain and this is why the Velma is Ricky and Cassidy’s daughter AU is one of my favorites and one I wanna do a fic for

I don’t want to make this too long so I’ll stop here but you’re not annoying and I’m actually so glad you asked!😭 I am always down to talk about this show and you already know I enjoy talking to you lol I feel I’m very bad at expressing my head canons so I hope this is okay!

[lavender-long-stories]

✿ Monday Sneak Peaks ✿

The Best Revenge Chapter 33 | ShikaHina �� Ongoing

Hinata cupped her cheek and blinked at Kushina as she started to whisper-scream. “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here! After what you put my son through, how did you think that it was appropriate!” “He… He invited us.” Hinata told her meekly. She knew this was going to be a problem, but she didn’t expect this. “If you have a shred of decency, then you would have declined.” Kushina gave up on trying to keep her voice down. “You shouldn’t have a happy ending after what you gave up. You crushed Naruto’s heart with what you did, and you have the gall to come here and rub your infidelity in his face!”

House Husband Chapter 04 | ItaHina ✿ Ongoing

Hinata slumped down on her bed and tossed her blazer on the floor, curling her legs up to the side and laying her head down. It had been another long day. It would be another long day tomorrow. The cycle continued. Her apartment was dark. No one was home. Did she wish that there was someone waiting for her when she got home? Sure, but she thought having a pet with her would be cruel to leave as long as she was gone. She was sure her uncle and father had her best interest at heart. Hizashi wanted her to find love. Her father wanted her to have someone to grow old with. What did she want?

Better Late Chapter 14 | SasuHina ✿ Ongoing

Sasuke popped the last of their snack in his mouth and crumbled the package up into his pocket. “When we fell asleep I had a dream that I was a tomato, and Itachi was eating me.” Hinata's hand brushed against his as they walked, and they joined hands almost magnetically. The slightly too-long sleeve of his hoodie tucked between their hands. “Most of my dreams are about me missing assignments.” “That’s a nightmare.” Sasuke corrected. “Is your brother eating you, not a nightmare?” Hinata countered.

A Kiss Between Strangers Chapter 25 | GaaHina ✿ Ongoing

“I find her… much easier to be comfortable around.” She was the definition of a non-threatening air. Even when he worried about what she might think or how she might react. He always felt like no matter what her worst reaction would be, it would still be soft. Soft wasn't the word he wanted. Comfortable? Pleasant? “I would like to be closer to her, but I believe it will hurt when she is not there anymore.” Baki’s eyebrows knit together. Never a good sign. “You mean over break?” “I mean when we aren’t together anymore.” Gaara clarified. Baki blinked at him. He was surprised. Another thing that was not good to see on a therapist's face. “Are you worried about the relationship as it is now?” Gaara shook his head.

Riding Hearts Chapter 28 | Akatsuki x Hinata ✿ Ongoing

Hinata tucked her nose down in her blanket to stave off the cold that was on her ears. Why was the air so cold? Did Deidara leave the window open? Sasori was going to be upset if he woke up to the whole loft being cold. Maybe she should get up to close it, but she didn’t want to leave the warmth of the covers. A harsh snore made her eyes pop open as she realized she wasn’t in her bed. Deidara’s snores were not that deep. She peeked her head out of the blanket and found Kisame sleeping upright against the truck cabin with his arms permanently crossed into place and his head dropped down with his chin resting on his chest as he harshly snored. He looked comfortable despite the positioning.

All Stories ✿ Completed Stories ✿ One Shots

[meimi-haneoka]

P.S. You are right about Sakura's gentler personality. I mean, after all, she never particularly retaliated against Syaoran's (and Meiling's) initially abrasive behaviours. Honestly, that is probably why Syaoran fell in love with her. His heart definitely responds to Sakura's gentle yet warm and firm nature as opposed to his more "lively" and "aggressive" sisters and cousin or even Tomoyo and Akiho's more "serene" personalities. And without a shred of doubt, had Syaoran have had Kaito's level of power at his disposal and Sakura had been in Akiho's shoes, he would have pulled off a very similar thing. Definitely a moonie thing but I do believe that it is also Syaoran's own personality as well. After all, his alternate existences who share the same soul pulled off similar things for their Sakuras. One exchanged his Sakura's memories of him (and consequently their unconfessed love for each other) for the chance to save her life and restore her memories. The second pretty much tore apart the fabric of time and space, erased his very relationship with his parents and his world, trapping himself in a different dimension with no discernable way back at the age of seven and screwed over destiny and fate and landed up with a mindscrewing debt to save his Sakura. Clearly, Syaoran's priorities are in this order: 1. Keep Sakura alive. 2. Keep Sakura safe. 3. Keep Sakura happy. Now, clearly, in this order, if Sakura's safety is compromised, he would choose her safety over her happiness and her happiness over his own safety, not realizing that he is not just non-negotiable but essential for her happiness. Clearly, Kaito is the same. He chose Akiho's happiness over his own safety without his dumb brain realizing that all Akiho needs to happy is him (and Momo too).

Omg yes to all of this! I absolutely agree that Syaoran is naturally drawn to the gentler personality of his girlfriend, it's like his tense soul, always on edge, can find "peace" next to her. They complete eachother beautifully and despite my mind is in full YunaAki brainrot, I still recognize and have very present in my head everything that makes SyaoSaku a very well balanced relationship, which got only confirmed further the more we went on in Clear Card. They're still one of my OTPs <3 I'm having a lot of fun seeing them acting as the "experienced couple" and helping another one with their issues, it's so funny 😆

And I'm glad you agree on the "Syaoran would've done the same thing". Precisely because Sakura is everything to him, should the situation be that dire, he wouldn't have hesitated to pull off something similar to what Kaito did. Just like you pointed out, his counterparts in other dimensions did some incredible sh*t in order to save their Sakuras.

Kaito's priorities are clearly, clearly, the same as Syaoran's, in the same order. In the same way, Kaito was brought to the same extreme a bit for his personality, and a bit because by the time he was excommunicated by the Association, refusing to give Akiho back, he had already developed a very strong connection to her. I'm quite convinced that a lot of this mess also comes from feelings that didn't have the possibility to be expressed fully in an healthy way, because they weren't recognized, and so bottled up and brought to mistakes. Provided that wanting to save a loved one's life can never be a mistake, and it's something that I think anyone could relate to.

[instructionsnotincluded]

I really love how you’ve expanded on the storyline for True North with masters of the air only being a miniseries! All of your own characters contrast the original characters and their story’s so well too. We have an amazing 28 chapters and I don’t even know if we are on episode 3 on the storyline?

I see a possible “I told you so” moment from Rose soon but that’s a wild guess 🤭

OMG thank you!!! I really wanted to create a world that coexisted with MOTA, so I’m so glad that you think they go together so well! And I don’t think we’re on episode three yet either! Hahahahaha. Things will start to pick up (I say that, but then I really thought this entire story would be less than 30 chapters when I started plotting it 🤣) but I really wanted to get Frank and Bucky to that committed point before everything gets torn to shreds, and with Bucky going down halfway though the miniseries, I wanted to enjoy what time we have with him in England.

Plus Frank’s got her own missions and storyline that’s going to take off after Bucky is captured, so I really needed to develop her character and relationships outside of her relationship with Bucky.

I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!! I’m having a lot of fun writing it and playing in this time period that I’ve never written about outside of school papers, hahaha!

And Rose will 100% get her “I told you so!” The girl loves nothing more than a good “you should have listened to me” moment! Hahahaha. She’s going places! 🤣 Plus, I gotta start prepping her for Rosie 😉

[saiyanwitcher]

currently gnawing at the bars of my enclosure after that last chapter!!! Maybe it’s in sympathy with Max’s oozaru? 😭😂 The insight into how badly Max + his instincts just wanted to see Charles shredded up my heart just as much as seeing Charles + his instincts needing comfort that they couldn’t have 🥲💔

But I’m also so proud of them for staying strong and being brave! It seems like they passed the first test— although I just know that it’s going to go to shit somehow in the field 😅

It was also nice to see Alonso stepping up and being so protective of our little Charlie 🥺 and so terrible of Jos to put his grubby appendages on Max in front of everybody! I hate that man, I HATE HIM!

I’m sure sending Charles out into the field is either a plot to simply get him killed or to expose Max’s feelings, and while I’m not looking forward to the ramifications of that at all, I feel like we’re going to get some protective!max somehow and I’m excited about it, even if it might scare the living daylights out of his Eldri 😅 but I’m also feeling pretty wary about Carlos and all of his feelings… not sure I trust him to protect Charles if he needs to 🤔

It seems far away, but I’ll still be over here crossing my fingers for some crumbs of fluff for the boys sooner rather than later 🤞

Hi Anon!

The ABO universe has always resonated with me, and I wanted to play on those ideas a little bit with my use of the instincts/hindbrain/designation dynamics in this work. A need for balance in a relationship or in a mated pair just speaks to me and having that need for the other with Max never needing anyone or anything provides me with some extra fun 🙃

The test could've gone better, but it also very well might've gone a whole lot worse!!

If Jos Verstappen doesn't have any haters I'M DEAD! Having a nice moment for Charles to really piece together what was going on felt cathartic to write tbh. The whole time, it's been, what is he doing? why is he doing that? when did that start? what is the goal?? and we got a bigger chunk of the puzzle filled in after 21. More will be filled in before the end of part 1 as well!

I'm not going to comment on the battle or Max and Carlos 🙃 you'll just have to wait and see on that one.

There will be fluffy heartbreak coming a lot sooner than you think my friend!! Thanks for the ask and the support❤️