#I'd set him on fire again to be frank

[acroagoraphobe]

its me isn't it

Joshua Graham fans be like "He has never hurt anyone... apart from that one person.... And then some other guy.... Come to think of it, there was a couple of other people but... Okay I see where this is going." /positive, aimed at my Joshua Graham mutual

[boredflautist]

quotes that keep me alive

"all the people are fake, they're made out of metal. But I like you, and that is not fake" -young royals

"I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world." -song of achilles

"No one ever says goodbye unless they want to see you again." -turtles all the way down

"I want to be with you. If we have to keep it a secret then... So be it, if thats the only way... But no more secrets between us. I love you" -young royals

"Why does the word 'love' from you hurt me so damn much?" -Only Friends

"I've always thought Ray was my 25th hour, my extra hour. But the truth is, everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. And within Ray's 24 hours, I'm not part of it. I'm not that special." -Only Friends

"If I'm gone, I won't be anyone's burden anymore, right?" -Only Friends

"You were wearing corduroy, acting like a poster boy" -poster boy by Lyn Lapid

"I would recognize you in total darkness, were you mute and I deaf. I would recognize you in another lifetime entirely, in different bodies, different times. And I would love you in all of this, until the very last star in the sky burnt out into oblivion" -song of achilles

"Tell me every terrible thing that you ever did, and let me love you anyway" -edgar allan poe

"The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. The thought of not being with you... I can't breathe. I'm haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart is beating, hoping that that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, tormenting me... What can I do? I will do anything that you ask." -anakin skywalker

"If changin' my clothes would make you like me more, if changing my hair would make you care, then I'd grab the kitchen scissors and cut myself to slivers" -jigsaw by conan gray

"'Sorry' doesn't make up for everything you did to me." -heartstopper

"You were my brother Anakin. I loved you." -revenge of the sith

"The truth is what I make it. I could set the world on fire, and call it rain." -red queen

" But isn't it also that on some fundamental level we find it difficult to understand that other people are human beings in the same way that we are? We idolize them as gods or dismiss them as animals." -paper towns

"And then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like 'I love you'" -somethin' stupid by frank sinatra

"Tell me it isn't true. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I'm blind. Tell me you love me. " -shatter me

"I do want to be your friend. I want to be the friend you fall hopelessly in love with. The one you take into your arms and into your bed and into the private world you keep trapped in your head. I want to be that kind of friend." -shatter me

"The truth is a painful reminder of why I prefer to live among the lies" -shatter me

"'Don't ask me questions you already know the answers to. Twice I've laid myself bare for you and all it's gotten me was a bullet wound and a broken heart. Don't torture me,' He says, meeting my eyes again. 'It's a cruel thing to do, even to someone like me.'" -shatter me

"Everything's a game, Avery Grambs. The only thing we get to decide in this life is if we play to win." -inheritance games

"The world was collapsing, and the only thing that really mattered to me was that she was alive." -the last olympian "You think I didn't fight the same fight? I halfway convinced myself that as long as Avery was just a riddle or a puzzle, as long as I was just playing, I'd be fine. Well, joke's on me, because somewhere along the way, I stopped playing." -the Hawthorne legacy

"When you're ready, if you're ever ready, if it's going to be me - just flip that disk. Heads, I kiss you." His voice broke slightly. "Tails, you kiss me. And either way, it means something." -the Hawthorne legacy

"Hell is empty, and all the devils are here" -william shakespeare

"But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all" -10 things I hate about you

"It's just like the novels, side characters end up alone" -footnote by conan gray

"You made us past tense," I said, my voice cracking, "not me." -betting on you

"Because when they write the history of my life, I want it to include you" -red white and royal blue

"My life is the crown, and yours is just politics, and I will not trade one prison for another" -red white and royal blue

"Or maybe it was when I realized the bruises on your neck were fingerprints and wanted to kill them all over again just so I could do it slowly. Maybe it was the first time I recklessly kissed you or when I realized I'm fucked because I can't stop thinking about doing more than just kissing you. Does it even matter when, as long as it changed between us?" -fourth wing

"Oh darling all of the cities lights, never shined as bright as your eyes" -car's outside by james arthur

"I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over again, then I'll do it. You gave me your heart and I'm keeping it." -iron flame

"Because pain in the body quiets the pain in your head. It feels good - like a kill switch for your brain" -kill switch

"Then take your punishment like the pathetic creature that you are" -cruel prince

"Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It's disgusting, and I can't stop." -cruel prince

"If you're the sickness, I suppose you can't also be the cure." -the wicked king

"I hate you. I hate you so much that sometimes I can't think of anything else." -the wicked king

"Yes, my sweet villain, my darling god. I will be as sober as a stone carving, just as soon as I can." -the wicked king

"She is my wife," Cardan says, his voice carrying over the crowd. "The rightful High Queen of Elfhame. And most definitely not in exile." -the queen of nothing

"By you, I am forever undone." -the queen of nothing

"Come home and shout at me. Come home and fight with me. Come home and break my heart, if you just. Just come home." -the queen of nothing

"I wasted all those yesterdays and am completely out of tomorrows" -they both die at the end

"For what it's worth, I doubt I will ever like anyone else in the world as much as I like you." -book lovers

"I'd never thought about my favorite color before. It never seemed important. Not until I looked into a pair of ocean-blue eyes and realized that perhaps drowning was a beautiful thing" -powerless

<3

if you've made it to the end good god please get some sleep

[basicwhitewitchy]

Other options for the Great Prophecy

A good chunk of the fandom seems to dislike the oath to keep with a final breath portion of the prophecy. There was actually more than one way for the prophecy to go

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call

This was extremely vague. Other than the need for them to be half-blood (potentially removing any legacies from fulfilling this line) their parentage is not a requirement.

Will, Clovis, Katie, and many more could have gone on this quest. There isn't even really a requirement that the half-bloods need to be both Greek and Roman so you could potentially remove any of the Greeks and have a full cast with Gwen, Dakota, and Michael.

To storm or fire the world must fall.

Splitting up this line for a second. To storm or fire doesn't really require them to be related to gods of storms or fire.

The canon options that are spelled out in the MoA are Jason, Percy, and Leo.

Option A: This ignores the fact the Frank should have been a candidate for either option since he's related to Poseidon (god of storms) and has his lifeline tied to a stick that he can set on fire by willing it.

Option B: You could also use any of the minor deities like a child of Kymopoleia (goddess of violent storms) or somebody blessed by hestia (goddess of the hearth)

Actually Jason and Percy's claims to being the storm are kind of weak. For the first book the only real storm ability he has it he could understand storm spirits and it was quite clear if that was a storm power or if it was related to them being made of wind (a power that Jason was shown having a connection to). It isn't until MoA that we really see Jason summon any storms (during their eidolon possession battle and when they are escaping Charleston)

Percy really only has being Poseidon's son and the one mini hurricane that he summoned in TLO. He wasn't able to stop Kym's storm during BoO and is mostly a swordsman (using his powers very rarely).

Option C: You also didn't need them to have storm powers or even be related to any storm deities and could have used the person fulfilling the storm be someone metaphorically being a storm.

Personally storms are a calm before a violent screaming. Meaning for me I'd use Octavian since he's described as having a shrill voice (tornado sirens) dies screaming (wind blowing at high speeds) has a connection to storms since he was introduced at the temple of Jupiter (who also had storms surrounding it if I recall correctly) and was the last person who held the flag of the legion (during MoA a dream sequence with the legion driving black SUVs (side note where did that flag go and why was it never used again after SON))

The world must fall

The fandom seems to be torn over Gaia rising with some thinking she never should have fully awoken and others thinking that she should have taken a lot more effort to defeat.

Option A: World didn't have to mean Gaia rising. It also could have been Gaia doing a Kronos like think with somebody close to one of the seven. (A cute way to describe somebody you love it to call them your world.)

Option B: It could have also been used to describe one of the camps. Presumably it would have to be Camp Jupiter since the fandom was extremely attacked to Camp Half-Blood and although CHB getting destroyed would have up the stakes I imagine the the fandom would have lost their minds (more than when Annabeth and Percy fell into Tartarus)

Jason would have only known Camp Jupiter since he was given to Lupa at 2-3 years old so him describing Camp Jupiter as his world would not have been outside the ordinary.

An oath to keep with a final breath

The canon fulfillment of this is when Leo goes back to Ogygia after using the Physicians cure to rescue Calypso. Never mind the fact that if he went back to Ogygia then he technically didn't take his final breath.

The logic of that is since he died that was his final breath and the Physicians cure bringing him back gave him a second life but Leo is still breathing aka his hasn't taken his final breath. A second life doesn't matter if Leo is still alive.

Option A: So in the story there were multiple oaths that could have been used. In TLH, the gods have broken their oaths to claim every demigod at CHB by the time they are 13 (or was it 14 i cant quite recall).

Somebody could have died making sure the gods actually kept this oath this time. Or you could argue the gods never kept that oath because Frank had just turned 16 at the beginning of SON and you could argue that the oath extends to the Romans.

Option B: Maria's oath was to be granted riches and Pluto swore on the river Styx to grant it. Its why Hazel's precious metals were cursed because gifts given because of a oath sworn on the Styx were cursed.

Both Maria and Hazel died because of that oath. Maria grew resentful because of the curse, Gaia took advantage of that resent and persuaded her to move them to Alaska, Gaia then forced Hazel to revive that giant in Alaska (I'm not gonna try and spell it from memory), and Hazel killed both herself and her mom using said gift.

Obviously my opinion on Leos situation means I don't think Hazel fulfilled this line but Maria is still dead. Meaning her oath was kept to her final breath (Pluto didn't take away Hazels gift)

Option C: This last one is a little bit finicky but Percy's promise at the end of SON. I get that it is a promise and not an oath but the only difference between a promise and an oath is the fact that an oath has an outside force is going to force you do follow through with said promise or is going to enact consequences if you don't.

Meaning Octavian again. Octavian said he was going to hold Percy to his promise to fight with the Romans if the Greeks had attacked. Percy obviously didn't meaning Octavian was following through with what he said he was going to do.

He famously died being shot into Gaia but there is no evidence that Octavian ever strayed from his goal. He couldn't force Percy to follow through with his promise and such moved onto the consequences of not following through (he marched onto CHB ((not relevant to the prophecy breakdown but Octavian would not have the power to order the legion to march on CHB, he's still a centurion and Reyna is the one leading the march and calling the orders ))

And Foes bear arms to the doors of death.

I haven't seen any real complaints about this line other than my own. Just personally I would have preferred one Roman and one Greek to be the ones in Tartarus since the two camps were at war.

Thinking of it being Jason and Annabeth who fell since the whole no children of Minerva and the removing the war aspect thing that Rome had going on and the whole children of Athena starting every conflict that the two sides were on situation.

[leonawriter]

I love the idea of Gabriel potentially having had feelings for Elijah, and being so torn up over her death because of that.

The idea of him holding back his feelings because they're colleagues, and they have to keep clear heads in the workplace, and minimise their distractions - while Elijah could have done with being told that someone liked her, that they thought she was important enough to them to care about in a special way.

Gabriel realising, after her death, that he had never told her how he felt, but instead of deciding to let those feelings out and learn from it, he decided to lock them further up and let them fester.

Except then they become Malkuth and Yesod, who are... to be frank, total opposites.

Where Malkuth is hard on her employees because she expects perfection out of them and if they can't attain it then they're "fired" (read: killed), Yesod is hard on his employees and demands perfection because the way he sees it, if they aren't able to do everything to exacting detail, they're going to get killed.

Do you, ah, see the problem?

Because... yeah.

Malkuth seems to still want to push for perfectionism later on, but I'd imagine that if you've completed her Core Suppression, she stops pushing so hard that she's driving her employees to their deaths. Yesod, if you've completed his, stops simply letting everything fester and allows himself to feel the pain and despair while not being overtaken by them.

(So much of each Sephirah personality is "what if we took this one trait and pushed it up to eleven" and I think part of that is the fact that they were taken, on purpose, to relive their traumas over and over again, so as to learn from it and not simply avoid it.)

Thing is, they'd have had to live with and work with each other being in that state for an untold amount of time.

And then, the Library. Where they can wake up and move on and grow. And yet, there's Roland. Who they don't (and shouldn't) fully trust, and who clearly doesn't trust them (he's constantly trying to get them to side with him against Angela). So we, the players, don't get to see the Librarians' full selves on display, especially their true feelings and off-moments.

Malkuth changes quite a lot from who she was in Lobotomy.

She's a Malkuth who remembers, and who regrets, and who'd know that although everything didn't start with her, it's certainly her blood that set a lot of things rolling.

If she hadn't done that, would Gabriel not have died? would they have gotten the data from someone else, and it would have simply taken longer? Would Giovanni have suffered the way he did? So many what-ifs. So much blood on her hands from the agents and clerks she must have had killed.

It is only by taking the time to look back, and patiently accepting the path you took to get here, that you can move forward. I find it kind of funny how History is her Floor, when that's more or less Hokma's Seed of Light, but it makes sense when there's no one better to take Religion than Hokma.

But- yeah. Back on topic.

Honestly, I think that with the way they've all changed, I wouldn't be surprised if Gabriel and Elijah had... something, back when they were working together. But then Elijah died, and Gabriel self-destructed, and then approximately ten thousand years of forgetting all about any of that for the sake of the Corporation, and gathering enough energy for the Seed of Light, and they have their jobs, and...

I think they simply grew apart, and they grew different.

I find it difficult to believe that the Yesod who hated to see people die, even just one person, would be able to feel comfortable with a Malkuth who was constantly pushing people into "retirement" because they can't keep going at her pace.

Things in the Library would become better. Like for everyone. But they're on their third life - they're now so far removed from who they were when they were not-quite-flirting with each other that I just...

I can see them smiling at each other, having warm conversations about the past, remembering who they were together, and then just kind of... moving on.

Maybe in another world. A kinder one. A world where no one had to die, and no one had to be in charge of anyone else's lives.

[twilight-deviant]

Daredevil: Born Again Wishlist

Just a few things I would love to see in Born Again. (TOMORROW!)

Fisk/Matt handshake. 🤝

If Foggy dies in episode one, it's revealed at the end of the season that he was in witsec, or a coma, or something similar.

Frank decries and possibly beats up police who idolize the Punisher or use his logo. (Like in the comic.)

Turk Barrett

Wesley mention.

Fisk and Dex somehow setting the past aside and working together again.

Dex gets a little crazier, coming into his true Bullseye persona.

Matt continues to not kill anyone. (It would almost be a slap in the face to the og series and all of his prior restraint to do it now for shock value.)

It's not as violent and gory as promos keep saying (to reel people in with "so dark and edgy").

Frank is only in a few episodes. (Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but BA is Daredevil's show. Punisher is coming out next year.)

They show that sliver of Fisk's humanity through an outlet other than his love for Vanessa.

Heather has a little agency outside of being Matt's new girlfriend.

Fisk and Matt crossing paths dealing with "the Muse problem."

An interesting plot for Buck. (As we continue ten years of failing to replace James Wesley.)

Actually can't decide whether I want "Daniel Blake" to be a Butch Pharris/Fisk's son character or not. But I think I'd prefer... not?

They keep the plot and action grounded. (Given the early reports of "bad cgi," I'm concerned.)

Addressing New York City as a whole and not pretending the entire place is called Hell's Kitchen like the original series.

The diner scene lasts 20 minutes. (jk... unless...)

Fisk/Vanessa and Matt/Heather are all at the same gala event at the same time. It's wonderfully awkward. Also Matt dances with Vanessa.

S1 ends with Fisk becoming mayor and him proposing Matt become a deputy mayor. (Like in the comic.)

Elektra reference. 🙏

Radar sense. No more "world on fire. "

Brett Mahoney!

[msfbgraves]

I'm going to have to take my own advice and take it easy on The Discourse, perticularly as it pertains to US politics.

The popular vote went to the Nazis, and they're going to do Nazi things. And I spent decades of my life understanding what Nazi things are: a whole BA in history dedicated to studying Nazism, in the belly of the beast: Berlin. The city that saw the worst of it. A city that, much earlier than western Germany, started studying and condemning Nazi crimes. For ideological, pro communist reasons, but the methodology has held up to outside scrutiny before and after the fall of the Wall.

I know what you're in for, and should you wonder yourself, they wrote it down in Project 2025.

But I feel that I might have to disengage a little bit, or the only things I am going to post are furious, tearful ranting, because you allowed yourself to fall for it even after Trump's first term. He's already talking of taking Greenland just like Hitler demanded part of the Czech Republic, and it's so easy not to care, because it's only South America, or Greenland, and you have problems now - see, here I go again. You do have problems. I'm aware. So if I'm simply posting fandom, or personal minutiae, it's not because I don't see, or care. I care too much, and I'm cursing Reagan, and all the other deregulators of the financial markets before most of us were born because this is always how it starts. I'm buying Too Good to Go simply because that keeps some money out of the hands of multinationals. If you need help emigrating to Europe, I can ask around for info. But I need to stop caring about Trump when he's not screwing with my life because I am going to make myself sick.

Good luck, godspeed, read up on both Nazi Germany and Project 2025 and support the ACLU, vote in every goddamn election there is. Read up on fascism and if you think you saw something, no you didn't. In Holland, people sometimes survived the war because the whole city knew where they were hiding and didn't say. Several people spotted Anne Frank as early as 1942 but she was only rounded up in 1944. All these other people simply knew and tried to keep her safe.

But I'm also so, so angry at anyone who voted Trump, or Stein, or did not out of apathy, and everytime I see us politics on my dash I am in furious, terrified tears.

And that isn't helping anyone.

So, fandom and life hacks it is. Not because I am not seeing. But it isn't good for anyone to witness atrocities they are powerless to stop.

And I'd be lying if there aren't Dutch and German Nazis to resist. We only just managed to keep Geert Wilders from becoming Prime Minister, and replaced him with the head of the Dutch version of the CIA, who is NOT on Putin's dick. And thank God NATO is being headed by a Dutch historian right now. I know he's worried too, he's told us so.

But yeah, I know you're busy after half of you have set your house on fire.

That was a stupid thing to do, really was. If only you could have seen it coming...! In that manifest they published!!!!

(See? This is why I have to stop engaging with this).

[somany-fandoms-solittle-time]

Listen....

As someone who used to play piano, sing in choirs, and did Community Theatre I'd 100% serenade my fave (or any) Twst boys. Hell, I'd do it for the bit or as some type of prank! I might find any and all opportunities to sing/play songs from a range of decades to my boys.....

Imagine teasing Trey by singing Build Me Up Buttercup by the Foundations while he's baking for you ❤️ and seeing him shaking his head with an amused smile. As long as you help around the kitchen, and don't mind a playful chase or two with the ingredients, 🧁 he might be willing to join in with I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) by Four Tops as you clean up the mess the two of you made.

Jokingly singing Hard Days Night by the Beatles with/at Ruggie after another long day of school, work, errands and babysitting.... 🌼 When finally you've got some time to just be in each other's presence. But even if the two of you can only get these small moments now, deep down Ruggie knows how lucky he is to love you. 🌠 Introducing Knock On Wood by Eddie Floyd would perfectly put words to just how lucky he is to have you.

Late at night, when Jamil finally has some time to rest, and finally being able to Serenade him in the moonlight 🌙 with Moonlight Serenade by Ella Fitzgerald. Sure, it's a little on the nose but he's still flattered. Save The Last Dance For Me by The Drifters would be another testament of how well you understood him; 🪭Jamil's first priority might be Kalim's by blood, but his biggest priority is YOU (and that's by choice).

Rook would be fascinated to know French songs on Earth like La Vie En Rose by Louise Armstrong! Even if you fumble through the words a little, as long as you show him the lyrics perhaps the two of you could work through it together.🌹He'd equally love hearing old Crooner songs like The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra.... And the way he looks at you while performing just about sets your heart on fire 🔥💕.

Old Man Lilia would appreciate just about any rendition of Dream A Little Dream Of Me considering his affiliation with 💭Diasomnia. But considering his love of music in general, along with the seemingly endless life he's already had up until he finally got to meet and fall for you 💘, At Last by Etta James would be almost too perfect.

(This wasn't perfectly done, but I LITERALLY couldn't sleep until I typed it all out. As you can tell my taste can lean kinda old school (because I was raised by a Baby Boomer) but I've also been listening to a lot of Jazz, Soul and classic musical numbers lately. These songs hold a lot of memories and nostalgia and I guess I just needed a space to project them on lol! And if you couldn't tell.... I fucking ADORE the Vice Wardens in Twisted Wonderland 💖😩🥰 These characters and so many others hold SUUUUUUCH a close place in my heart I literally can't.💜❤️ Lowkey, lemme know if anyone's interested in more songs that I associate (and dissociate singing to them lol) with these or any other characters!! It'd also be fun to try writing a drabble, ONE-SHOT, or full fic again 🥴😋)

- Aim's Ongoing Delusions 📜

[deadbydangit]

Dead by Daylight: Adventures in Texting.

Chapter 2

Since the first one was so popular, I thought I'd try to do another. Not as good as the first, but I tried.

Evan: I'm not mad, I just want to know who did it.

Herman: It was not me this time.

Amanda: I want to know how it was done in the first place.

Philip: I didn't think fire could spread that fast.

[Deathslinger] has changed his name to [Caleb]

Caleb: Finally getting used to this piece of shit.

Caleb: Ten bucks the damned masked brats did it.

Philip: I don't know, this seems more like a Danny thing.

Sally: Oh God, what happened this time?

Lisa: How the Hell do you not see the giant fire in the Redwood Forest?

BIGDENERGY: First off, she's been patching me up, assholes. Second, fuck you tree man.

Frankie: Anna's gonna be pissed!

Philip: Tree man?

Evan: Ignore him. Let's focus on the problem here.

Rin: In the forest? I see smoke in Ormond.

Frankie: Yeah, we could use some help putting it out.

BIGDENERGY: Get wrecked.

Amanda: So there's a fire in Ormond too?

Caleb: Those kids are idiots.

Jules: Fuck you old man! We didn't set our own house on fire!

Anna: Who did it?

Max: need help. house on fire.

Sally: This is getting out of hand.

Ji-Woon: I won't be buying fireworks from the Entity again.

Max: why use fireworks

Ji-Woon: Uh, for my performance, duh.

Lisa: And the plot twists.

BIGDENERGY: HA. TOLD YOU IT WASN'T ME MOTHER DUCKERS.

BIGDENERGY: DUCKERS.

BIGDENERGY: DUCK!

Frankie: Get wrecked asshole.

BIGDENERGY: Fuck autocorrect and fuck you Legion boy.

Sally: Can we focus on putting the fires out please?

Rin: I'm coming.

Philip: On my way.

Evan: I don't think we have a choice in this.

Lisa: I get that you did it for a performance and shit. But, like, what performance?

Ji-Woon: A private one that only the privileged get to attend.

Amanda: So… you put on a show, for yourself?

[Ji-Woon has left the chat]

Herman: Chaos, my old friend. How I've missed you.

Frank: I hate this place.

BIGDENERGY: It hates you too. Lol, get wrecked.

[ndostairlyrium]

Buongiorgio! 👀👀👀

27 and 47 for Ankh and Cullen

31 and 74 for Fenris and Barbarella

20 and 80 for Ela and Alistair

6 and 52 for Chalistair (let's try it?)

Macciao! **

El Memo

Ankh & Cullen

27 - Who tends to drive on long journeys? Who navigates?

In a modern AU setting, she would drive and navigate. She's better with machinery, also her driving style is "aggressive" (she hates when he stops at every orange light <<). He would take advantage of it to work or plan hotel, museums, activities... maybe I should write something about it hahaha

In their current world, if they had to rent a cart she would let him drive while she navigates. She's a hunter, and a compass with legs, he's better with horses.

47 - If it ever came down to it, who is turning to the darkside to save the other?

This is super interesting, because they're working on themselves to do the opposite. Thing is, I think they would both do shitty things if it meant the other has the possibility to survive another day.

Like, they would know exactly what to do, with an uncomfortable ease, but they would give it at least some thought at the beginning.

Barbie & Grumpie

31 - How would they describe one another.

Barbarella: "Oh he's such a-" gestures widely "Look at him! HIM! Funniest person I've ever met! Have you seen his face? So handsome, beautiful, breathtaking. HE'S SO-" keeps gesturing "You ever feel like home with someone? That's him, he's everything. I would kill a guy for him. I did, yeah! But I would do it again. Oh, what a beauty, looking like the best branch of a weeping willow." sighs in awe.

Fenris: "He's reliable, frank" pauses "handsome. His cooking is decent, yeah."

74 - Who's more likely to bail who out of jail? Would they give the other one shit for it?

So, first question; both. They're pure menaces

Second question; Barbara would just laugh it off because we all make mistakes. He'd ask him what was up with whatever Fenris did and he'd just respect it if his jokes are met with silence. Would bring some food with him for reassurance.

Fenris would be more annoyed at it. He would scold Hawke briefly, then shrug it off. Look at him, chuckling at a joke <3

The Lamppost Duo

20 - Who handles the spiders? Who screams directions in the background?

How big is the spider tho?

If it's small, they'd both just throw a boot onto it. If big (mabari size), they'd team up to squash it with whatever they have / they find around. They both get trapped in the nets a lot tho, until Morrigan / Zevran takes care of the situation for them <<'

80 - What tropes could be applied to this relationship?

The inevitable battle couple (because that's a prerequisite for me) fire-forged friends (to lovers), us against the world / together we are power, and a hint of slow burn

There are some I can't find but these are like, the foundation lol

Cheese Guys

6 - Who would ask the "would you love me if I were a worm?" question? How would their S/O answer?

Alistair (if very drunk / injured), because the other two are too stuck in the "I hate you" shtick that they built a whole dynamic around being haters.

C: "I'd love you even if you didn't exist."

H: "Sure! I'd build you a little cage and feed you three times a day. Do you want to be one? I may know a spell. No, oh Maker, don't cry, I don't want to turn you into a worm, you dumbass!"

52 - Who cooks? Who does the dishes?

It would be Hawke. For both things. But of course Cullen insists of taking turns, they fight, Alistair collects the spoils of war (eternal income of free food and freedom from chores)

[szyszkasosnowa]

Bookshelf wrapped

A list of books I've read in 2023 for statistical and archival purposes and also because I like to catalog things (and tumblr let me down by not having a year in review this year).

If any of my followers would feel inspired to do a similar thing please tag me, I'd love to see what you've read!

Służące do wszystkiego, Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak. I love reading the first-hands accounts of history, esp from regular/lower class people. So it's worth to read just for it. There was something lacking for it to be a really good reportage tbh.

Fire and Blood, George R.R. Martin. Really nice if you're an asoiafhead. Can't really recommend to someone who hadn't read asoiaf before. Also I wish GRRM would focus on finishing the saga instead of starting new projects. But can't really blame him for pursuing side stories.

Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer. Keep thinking about that redditor guy who said this book inspired him to try and prepare to climb Mount Everest in one year. Maybe reddit pisses on poor even more than tumblr.

Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert. I must say that of (5) Dune books I've read so far, this has the higher amount of what I consider Dune's fatal flaws. Mostly unnecessarily convoluted dialogues that end up being borderline incomprehensible. It also underutilizes very interesting characters, like Scytale and Mohiam. I would give extra points for Paul's ending, but then I've read Children of Dune.

The True Deceiver, Tove Jansson. Just fine. Even better if you like winter.

Children of Dune, Frank Herbert. Way better than Messiah, can't hold a candle to the original Dune. I feel like some stuff was retconned in this part, concerning Alia's and the twins' abilities. Esp. Alia's arc could use more foundation set in the previous parts.

God-Emperor of Dune, Frank Herbert. Still not as good as the original Dune, but what a beautiful wild ride. So many cool ideas and characters, including the answer to the question 'would you love me if I were a worm', Idk why the people say it's not adaptable to the screen, I know exactly how I would direct the movie. I wasn't born a nepo baby so you will probably never see this, sadly.

Uncle Vanya, Anton Chekhov. I saw a really good performance before reading the play so it probably influenced my rating. Good read for ugly girls who pull no bitches.

The Last Question, Isaac Asimov. Clever.

Girl, interrupted, Susanna Kaysen. Good read for mentally ill and probably ugly girls.

Other voices, other rooms, Truman Capote. Loved how the climate was painted, and I'd say the way it was written, but I've read the translation. So I liked the translator's way with words I guess.

Dracula, Bram Stoker. Jonathan's diary at the beginning is crazy, scary and overall amazing, but sadly it's the highest point of the novel and the rest doesn't live up to the hype. It's still good and it nice to compare how some motives evolved in the popculture.

Chłopki. Opowieść o naszych babkach, Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak. Again, I absolutely loved the primary sources used in this book. And it's in fact rare to see some memoirs by the women of the lowest of low classes. But other then the sources, Idk.

Heretics of Dune, Frank Herbert. The issues of Messiah are back. Can we let go of Duncan at last. Honored Matres as a concept are questionable/laughable. I wanted to ask on Dune subreddit if anyone else thinks Teg and Patrin were gay for each other but they removed my ask, so I'm just gonna believe this on my own.

The Crucible, Arthur Miller. Very good. I have some issues with the character of Abigail and how she compares to the historical Abigail though.

Things fall apart, Chinua Achebe. Crazy good. I kept changing my mind on what I like the most about the book as I read it. In the end I think what I liked the most was giving a perspective of the people who didn't fit with the traditional society.

Śniła się sowa, Ewa Ostrowska. Raw, disgusting, unsettling portrayal of a small, closed off countryside society, and its violence. As small, closed off countryside societies are one of my biggest fears, I loved (?? appreciated) this book.

Owoc żywota twego, Ewa Ostrowska. As above, but even more disgusting and unsettling. Dead Dove Do Not Eat, but if you're fully ready for what awaits you, it's a good read.

Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad. Actually good.

Kiss of the Spider Woman, Manuel Puig. Very cool idea for the book structure (dialogue-only, two inmates try to pass time, one recounts to the other the movies he had seen). But the story itself isn't bad also.

Dungeon Meshi, Ryouko Kui. Beautiful! Heartwrenching! Heals your depression! Elf twinks! Extremely thought out worldbuilding and a consistent, planned out story. Love to see it.

I don't include the manga I've read that are ongoing (or I hadn't finished them).

[pumpkinhcad]

//Actually an interesting read! ^^ I would be curious to hear where you would've taken Pump if Hollow Sorrows went with the "Gregor takes Pump to the church" ending.

I may admit though, the "baby raised by coyotes" bit does remind me of Pecos Bill, another character in fiction whom was raised by coyotes (albeit in a literal sense, rather than as a metaphorical)

HAMMY'S POSTING. Don't ask questions you aren't prepared to handle the answers to.gif

I think SM6 is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" ordeal for Pump's character. Like Moloch's death HAS to be their canon event, right? Because for me it was. This is what should flip them on a personality or, at least, on an alignment level. A step up or down being True Neutral, basically, except that I see Pump being more extreme with it.

So, by that logic, because of the ending we got I consider my Pump to be leaning towards Chaotic Neutral. After all, all the characters I see him being influenced by are not particularly star citizens (mainly Frank, I like him a lot), and also Eyes is always egging him on.

"A chaotic neutral character is an individualist [...] [and] values his own liberty [...]. He avoids authority, resents restrictions, and challenges traditions. [...] A chaotic neutral character may be unpredictable, but his behavior is not totally random. He is not as likely to jump off a bridge as to cross it."

But?? If we added Father Gregor to that list of influences, or even made him a main influence as a result of the scrapped ending, would he lean Lawful Neutral? Or perhaps Neutral Good?

Goodness is such a complicated concept to put into words because a lot of the time it is dictated by a code of conduct or a sense of morality, but this is a seven-year-old we're talking about. That's a tad too complex when, at that age, all you should be worrying about are your hobbies, your friends and school. Add Eyes to the mix and, y'know, you got a lot of conflictive things going on.

I don't think I would be writing as many shenanigans as I'm doing now if I went with the whole "conflict of interests" way of looking at this subject. I think Pump would have been effectively humbled by this experience and would be more of a straight man to Skid's funny man. More observant, willing to question the things they have always done (much like how Father Gregor did throughout SM6), less... like how his best friend is.

And, Idk, I don't think I'd want that to be the case for him. I think Pump is too young to be constantly doubting himself, what Eyes tells him, what could or could not be going on, why do they do what they do- it sounds draining. What, would be become a buzzkill? Would he simply hide his opinion on things more? Or would Pump be willing to break more rules?

If he took his mask off already, then nothing stops him from, one day, realizing he and Skid are in danger during one of their adventures. Maybe he would worry more about Skid, or his family's situation, or especially about Eyes... not being what he seems like. That would ruin everything!

All because he wanted to see what the inside of a church looked like.

I don't think it'd be worth it, I think he's too young for that level of moral complexity. He just wants to set dolls on fire and catch bugs lol, having to remember that Moloch is dead, and that his parents will still not call, is probably already difficult as is.

UGH, good riddance, I say again. Eyes saved us from one hell of a timeline.

[ivoryminitower]

Echoes of Home: 104 - Tsu'na ("midlife crisis")

Echoes of Home: FFXIV AU OC – WoLs on Earth

I did not like mining bauxite.  The mining was no different from any other mining.  But each chunk of bauxite ore gathered, and each aluminum ingot made from it, brought us one step closer to making Husband's airplane.

I did not want him to fall down and crash.  I did not want to fall down and crash with him.  Yet I had taken a bus with him, and dined on barbecue and "cheese dip" with him, and camped with him, all to make it more possible for that to happen.

I had claimed to be tired, and it was true.  We had not slept enough, and not well on the hard ground near the quarry, so we rested and relaxed and did not try to smelt until yesterday, when there was no reason not to.

We had gathered stones along with the bauxite that can perhaps be used for jewelry, but that is not our current project.  We had stored them in ammo boxes, but did not want to keep them with us, so we dumped them into a drawer in the workshop for when we are ready.  They are now a new thing for Deputy Frank to find if he searches the workshop again.

We made aluminum.  The recipe was simple: five pounds of bauxite made a one-pound aluminum ingot.  We wrote both blacksmith and armorer recipes, so that Husband could use fire shards while I used ice shards.  We made hundreds of ingots.

When we were done, Husband got busy with the ultralight blueprints, figuring out how many ingots would make how many bars to be how many components for the skeleton.  After a while he said he would mow the Hartman lawn before dinner.  I said I had some thinking of my own to do, which was true.

I went to the Pit.  Sam brought me Coke.

"So, I hear ya got yer bauxite."

"Yes.  We have started smelting aluminum."

"How's that goin' for ya?"

I brought an aluminum ingot from inventory and set it on the bar.  Sam picked it up and studied it as he turned it over in his fingers.  "Huh.  An' this is what yer usin' for the ultralight frame?  Y'all are really makin' one, then…?"

"It would seem so."

He grinned as he handed the ingot back. "Bet Steve's heart's just warmed all to hell by yer enthusiasm."

I shrugged. "If it is not built yet, it cannot crash and burn yet.  But perhaps that will never happen."

"Get built or crash an' burn?"

I made myself smile.

"Hey, at least ya got somethin' the two o' you can do together.  Y'all go off an' do yer own thing too much, ya might forget about each other.  I've seen it happen."

"I think living in this world together is our adventure."

"Heh.  Not a bad way o' lookin' at it."  Sam looked thoughtful.  "Ya know…if Steve was twice as old as he is, I'd think he was havin' a midlife crisis…"

"What is a midlife crisis?"

"That's a thing that happens to some men -- maybe some women too, I dunno -- when they get to about middle-age an' think they ain't gonna live as long any more an' there's stuff they've never done, so they get an itch to start doin' 'em.  'Course, the classic thing is gettin' a red sports car an' a hot blonde an' drivin' off somewhere…"

"A hot blonde what?"

"It is my understandin' that in these modern times it is not politically correct for me to speculate in that matter."

Googling "hot blonde" later mostly showed me images of women, though there was also a type of tree, a type of coffee, and something called a CBD.  Since Sam was talking about middle-aged men, I assumed he meant a woman, though perhaps he meant the CBD.

"The ultralight is not a sports car," I said.  "Am I a hot blonde?"

Sam smiled. "I prob'ly shouldn't answer that where yer husband might hear.  Anyway, it's not like Steve's middle-aged or anything…unless it's a combat thing."

"You mean being on deployment?"

"Yeah.  After all, people out in the field -- no offense -- tend to die kinda early.  So…I dunno, never served myself, you'd have to tell me…maybe it's like that?  He gets done with his tour, he ain't riskin' his life any more, he's back home an' with you…new life, new wife…"

I found myself saying, "New adventure."

"New adventure.  Sure."

"New adventures are important to us, yes."  I finished my Coke and stood.  "I suppose I will help my husband with his."

I have learned I can use my laptop as an orchestrion.  There is much music in youtube, including long videos of music with a theme.  We would use a playlist with our house orchestrion in Eorzea, playing a few pieces of music over and over.  Though in the room we made into a sort of gallery of things we found, Husband often selected ambient wind chimes for music.  I went from the bar to the workshop, set up my laptop, and found a long video of wind chimes to play while I thought.

Husband is not a middle-aged man.  If his theories are correct, the man I live with in this world is but a few moons old.  Yet he remembers being a middle-aged man.  Perhaps he sometimes thinks like one.

It seems a middle-aged man thinks of new things to do.  "New life, new wife, new adventure."  Perhaps there is a middle-aged man, whom Husband remembers being, that once thought of having a new adventure, and who was once very fond of a game he played.

Rifts happened in Eorzea, through which people and voidsent traveled.  I do not know where the rifts came from.  Perhaps it was studied in Sharlayan, but I cannot ask a Sharlayan scholar about it.  There are many things I would ask a Sharlayan scholar about in this world if I could.

But Husband thinks, and I think I remember some people in Eorzea thinking, that aether can take on form from will.  If everything is a manifestation of aether, would rifts also be?  And can they be formed as an act of will?  Teleportation to and between aetherytes was an act of will (and an expending of gil) that navigated an aetherial stream.  If everything in both worlds is aether, is a rift simply navigating a stream between them?

What if a middle-aged man, having a midlife crisis and craving adventure, and enamoured of a computer game and a character he created in it, wished strongly enough for it that he formed a rift without meaning to, and manifested a copy of himself on the other side of it?  It seems unlikely, but Husband insists on not using the word "impossible."

And what of a much younger man who remembers being that middle-aged man?  A man who, as Sam said, was a "combat veteran," who had just gotten done saving the world by defeating an entire hostile race in the depths of the Tempest, and who perhaps wondered what he would do next?  Could he open a rift as well, without meaning to, looking for the next "new life, new wife, new adventure"?

Is being in this world, in this life, with his wife, the adventure he sought?  When we appeared in the woods near town, he did not seem to have expected to be in Earth, and certainly not in Oklahoma.  Perhaps it being unexpected was part of the adventure.

Husband came in as I was thinking.  He stopped and smiled as he listened to the wind chimes. "Youtube or program?"

"Youtube.  Am I a hot blonde, Husband?"

"The hottest.  Why, did someone call you one?"

"Sam mentioned hot blondes when I was talking with him."

"Really?  His wife's a brunette.  Wonder if he's having a midlife crisis."  He approached and gently stroked my hair with his fingertips.  "Do I need to prejudicially explain to him that this hot blonde is taken?"

"I think he knows."

I will help Husband build his airplane.  I agree we need to travel.  I think we need to travel far to the east, to the place he remembers as his home.  Perhaps he will like seeing it again.

And I think I want to meet Original Him.

[aellathedreamer]

in a world of boys, he’s a gentlemen

“Got lovestruck, went straight to my head. Got lovesick, all over my bed”

A look through of Stacy and Edward’s relationship right after he proposed. The royal life, a whirlwind of emotions.

Chapter 9/40

Pairing: Stacy x Edward

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51843736/chapters/131078110

Days rolled into nights, and time's unrelenting march continued unabated. Stacy was entangled in a delicate web of need and frustration in her Chicago apartment. Despite her best attempts, Edward's rigorous schedule and the time zone difference became daunting obstacles.

The phone became a source of excitement as well as a silent witness to the growing distance. Stacy's messages to Edward frequently went to voicemail, her words echoing in the digital blank. When Edward finally dialed, the hands of the clock conspired against them. His voice would be heard on the voicemail, a bittersweet reminder of the bond that had crossed miles and time zones.

Edward's calls would break the silence in the middle of the night, when Stacy was sleeping soundly. The phone on the bedside table was silent to Stacy's slumbering body. Edward's messages, unbeknownst to her, carried the weight of his need, a delicate appeal for connection in the great expanse of darkness.

The physical barrier, which had previously been an abstract concept, began to reveal itself in the minute nuances of their relationships. The wordless discussions that had once flowed easily were now hampered by mismatched schedules and the tiredness that came with a life entrenched in royal obligations.

Stacy, stuck between awareness and dreams, couldn't help but wonder if the love that previously seemed limitless was vulnerable to the restrictions of time and distance. The longing in her heart, echoed in unanswered calls and late messages, foreshadowed the difficulties that lay ahead.

Stacy found solace in the fact that love, strong and enduring, had the potential to overcome even the most insurmountable barriers as the moon shed its silvery illumination over the metropolis. The weight of the unspoken and the uncertainty of when their voices will harmonize again lingered in the darkness of the night, leaving Stacy to negotiate the delicate dance of love in the face of temporal restraints.

—

The luxurious halls of the Belgravian palace were abuzz with excitement as the royal family prepared to issue an official statement confirming Prince Edward's engagement to Stacy, with plans for a Christmas wedding. The grandeur of the venue, on the other hand, did little to alleviate Edward's anxiety about the impending press conference.

Edward stood by a window, his gaze set on the manicured gardens below, as the allotted hour approached. He felt the weight of the impending public declaration on his shoulders. His gut lurched at the prospect of being surrounded by prying cameras and intrusive inquiries.

Queen Caroline approached him with a soft touch on his arm, sensing her son's anxiety. "Edward, my love, this is a necessary step for the public to embrace your union with Stacy. It's an opportunity to share your happiness with them."

Edward nodded with a strained smile on his lips. "I understand, Mother. It's just... the intrusion feels overwhelming."

The grandeur of the press conference chamber awaited, draped with royal regalia. Edward took a deep breath, collecting the poise required for public scrutiny.

The conference, on the other hand, proceeded as planned. The flashing lights of cameras, the bombardment of inquiries, each one probing a little too far into Edward's secret refuge. Stacy, who lives in Chicago, was most likely affected by the media tempest.

As the conference came to a close, Edward went to his private quarters, a look of frustration on his face. The prince's sadness was seen by Frank De Luca, the prince's ever-loyal butler.

"I'd be honest with you, Your Highness," Frank said calmly. "The press conference will just add fuel to the fire. The more attention, the more scrutiny. It's the nature of their relentless pursuit."

Edward sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just want Stacy to be spared from all this. The constant intrusion, the speculation."

—

Stacy's busy bakery in Chicago was filled with the delectable fragrance of freshly made pastries when she sat down with Kevin. Kevin, not only her valued confidante but also a fellow baker, joined her at a little table in the corner, amidst the rhythmic noises of the kitchen.

"I'm glad you're here, Kevin; I need someone to talk to," Stacy said, her voice tinged with worry.

Kevin took up a chair, wiping his flour-covered hands on his apron. "Of course, Stacy. What's on your mind? You seem a bit on edge."

Stacy sighed and leaned back, her attention locked on the flour swirls on the counter. "It's the paparazzi, Kevin. They've been relentless, especially after that press conference."

Kevin's face grew solemn, and he nodded knowingly. "Stacy, you know how paparazzi and royals don't exactly mix well. Look at Princess Diana, may she rest in peace; they couldn't get enough of her, and we all know how that ended. I'm worried about you, especially with all this attention."

Stacy nodded, acknowledging the common anxiety. "I never signed up for this, Kevin. It feels like I'm living in a different world, one where every move is under a microscope."

Kevin provided a comforting squeeze, his hand softly resting on Stacy's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Stacy. But you've got to be careful. Paparazzi can be ruthless, and your safety is my top priority."

Stacy gazed up at Kevin, taking solace in the bakery's familiar warmth and the real worry reflected in his eyes. "I never imagined my life would take such a turn. It's like I'm navigating through uncharted territory."

Changing the subject, Kevin inquired, "Hey, have you managed to get ahold of Prince Edward lately? I'm sure he'd want to know how you're holding up through all of this."

Stacy sighed, understanding Kevin's remarks were true. "Not really. It's been a whirlwind, and I'm not sure how he'd react to all the chaos."

Kevin nodded in agreement. "Well, maybe it's time to reach out. He might provide some support or at least offer a listening ear."

Stacy pondered Kevin's offer as they resumed their chat, understanding that amid the chaotic sea of paparazzi and royal expectations, a bond with Prince Edward may be the anchor she urgently needed. 

—

Stacy made a deliberate effort to reach Prince Edward in the center of the crowded bakery, holding the phone in her palm. When she dialed his phone, she waited for a response, wanting to hear his voice on the other end.

Frank, much to her chagrin, answered the phone. The ever-present butler had inadvertently become an impediment to her bond with Edward.

"Hello, Frank. It's Stacy. Can I please speak to Prince Edward?" she said, her voice urgent.

"Lady Stacy, I'm afraid Prince Edward is currently occupied with royal matters; how may I assist you?" Frank, ever calm, said.

Stacy inhaled deeply, fury bubbling beneath the surface. "Frank, please, it's important. Tell Edward to call me as soon as he's finished with his duties. It's urgent."

A brief pause lingered on the line before Frank acknowledged, "I will convey your message, Lady Stacy. Rest assured, he will be informed."

With a reluctant gratitude, Stacy hung up, realizing that the intricacies of royal life meant navigating through layers of protocol.

—

The magnificence of the Belgravian castle couldn't totally conceal the tension that lingered in the air after the meeting. Frank approached Prince Edward cautiously, his demeanor a blend of worry and subtlety.

"Your Highness," Frank started quietly, "there's something you should know. Lady Stacy called during the meeting, and she sounded rather upset."

Edward wrinkled his brows in real worry. "Upset? Why? Did something happen?"

Frank paused for a time, carefully selecting his words. "Well, it's been two weeks since the two of you spoke, and Lady Stacy seemed quite distressed. Is everything alright between you two? Perhaps lovers quarrel?"

Edward exhaled, a glint of recognition in his eyes. "Two weeks? Has it really been that long? No, Frank, we haven't had a row. It's just the demands of the royal duties, and the press attention has been overwhelming."

Frank nodded, realizing the intricacies of Edward's situation. "Your Highness, I would advise you to call Lady Stacy. It might be essential to bridge this gap and reassure her. Long-distance can be challenging, especially with the current circumstances."

Edward agreed, understanding the wisdom in Frank's statements. "You're right, Frank. I need to speak with her. It's just been a whirlwind lately."

Realizing the severity of the situation, Edward moved to a quieter place and pulled out his phone. The pressure on their communication had unintentionally created a chasm between them, and it was now more important than ever to repair that gap and reestablish the bond that had brought them together in the first place.

The massive  maze of corridors of the Belgravian palace appeared to go on forever as Edward retired to a more quiet spot to make the call. With the rich tapestries and opulent furniture as his backdrop, he called Stacy's phone, an uneasy anticipation developing inside him.

The quiet ringing on the other end was received with a mixture of optimism and anxiety. As the phone call connected, he realized it had been two weeks since they had spoken. The weight of royal obligations had created an inadvertent gap, and the strain on their relationship was becoming obvious.

Stacy's voice welcomed him, yet there was a hint of surprise in the way she pronounced his name. "Edward?"

"Stacy, darling," he started, his tone tinged with relief and regret, "Frank mentioned you sounded upset. I... I didn't realize it had been so long since we spoke."

On the line, there was a brief moment of stillness, the unsaid emotions lingering in the air. "Edward, it's just been a lot. The paparazzi, the constant scrutiny, not hearing from you... It's overwhelming," Stacy said, her voice soft and vulnerable.

"I'm sorry, Stacy. The demands of the palace and the press have been relentless," Edward said, a weight lifted from his shoulders as he finally expressed the underlying tension. "But none of it compares to how much I miss you."

On the other end, Stacy exhaled, the tension slowly diminishing. "I miss you too, Edward. It's just... it's hard not having you here."

Even though she couldn't see it, Edward nodded. "I understand, Stacy. I promise I'll make more time for us, no matter what. We'll figure this out together."

Long after they hung up, Edward's mind returned to the talk with Stacy. The unmistakable strain in her voice struck a chord with him, and he couldn't get away from her. He made his decision and went to see Frank, the ever-loyal butler who had become a trusted confidant.

"Frank," Edward said, his voice steady but laced with urgency, "ready the private plane; we're going to Chicago."

The butler, observant to the unsaid feelings, agreed without hesitation. "Right away, Your Highness. I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Edward felt an exciting sensation of purpose as Frank worked diligently to coordinate the logistics. The palace's magnificence, with its marble hallways and towering arches, faded into the background as the approaching adventure took precedence.

The private jet, a vehicle of both luxury and convenience, waiting on the tarmac. With a determined attitude, Edward boarded the plane. The city of Belgravia, in all its royal beauty, slipped behind the clouds as the plane soared into the sky.

As Edward pondered the problems that faced him on the other side, the miles between Belgravia and Chicago appeared to merge. The press, the paparazzi, and the intricacies of a transatlantic connection were all secondary to the compelling desire to be with Stacy.

As the private jet flew into the sky, Edward took comfort in his determination to transcend the physical and emotional divide. His drive was inspired by the warmth of Stacy's bakery, the elegance of Chicago, and the possibility of reestablished connection.

He fumbles with the box that held their promise for a lifetime. It was time to make things right.

[megkana209]

Ch 2

"Cassie I have a few things I didn't get done on my shift" my coworker points to a stack of papers left on the desk by our main computer. "Just some new orders and X rays."

I nod my head in a silent confirmation that I was listening. Good the voice was going to leave me alone during the day time today as well. I used to exclusively work the night shift as the night time always scared me while sleeping but sense the voice appeared I began picking up day shifts not wanting to have a crazy conversation with myself during my work hours. I admit I'm a bit of a scary cat during the night, always feeling something was out to get me, so when the voices started I felt my fears confirmed. Most night now I anxiously cower near my husband before sleep takes me.

"Now let's go count the narcotics so I can get out of here." Connie prattle on.

"Ready to get home to jeff?" I asked genuinely curious. "Ow yes you know how he can be the big baby. He can't survive without me. I have to go home and cook him a meal before I can relax." She laughs a little at her own situation. "You got lucky with your husband being a chef I'll tell you. That lemon chicken you brought us last time was spectacular. Tell him thanks again."

I took the keys to the narcotic box and smiled at her gingerly. "If I tell him thanks one more time he'll think he has to cook you a feast to keep his biggest fans praise going lol. But seriously you should come over one night and we'll do just that."

"I'd love that" she replies simply in-between firing off narcotic numbers.

With my keys in hand I set off to begin my medication round, humming joyously to myself. Today would be a good day then. "Hello Tim, marcus." I call down those long yellow halls. They great back with a simple wave of the hand and a smile on there face. Ow yes a good day and one I will spend theorizing again on my down time.

I have a list of clues and theories for my mystery speaker. All of which seem silly and uninventful but I soldier on, determined to catch him and prove the paranormal as real, and myself not being crazy.

"Cassie we have a problem over here. Someone's complaining of pain." Rachel my cna calls out. "Coming" I reply pulling myself from my own thought as I lock my cart and begin my way to my patient. "I'm already ready to head home" I mutter to myself.

"Rachel do you ever have night terrors?" The day had slowed immensely and the two workers had taken there spots at the nurses station to begin their paper work for the day. "Not particularly" she replied bored and playing on her phone.

"I've been getting these waking dreams that have been freaking me out lately. I'm afraid my anxiety is going to go through the roof if they continue." I reply. My computer screen humming as I click away the hours charting.

"Havr you tried anything for your anxiety? You know go to the doctor or just light up a good Ole joint. Cannabis helps me with my anxiety"

"Rachel! We are in the health care field!" I laugh aloud "you'll loose your job."

"Let them fire me ill get a new job in a second and then I wouldn't have to deal with our good old friend frank anymore." She smiles.

Frank is one of our biggest trouble patients. He has a habit of not only sneaking off into the female residents rooms but harassing the staff as well.

"Cannabis is a no but maybe your right maybe I should go see a doctor, but you know me I hate doctors."

'Doctors won't help you anyways' my male voice said into my mind.

My fingers fumble on the key board, dread and shock coursing through me momentarily. I gulp but continue my conversation.

"My dude, there's nothing wrong with seeing the doctor. Don't be a chicken lol. You don't get poked with a needle everytime you go."

I scowl but continue on with my work, ruffling through a few more order papers.

"Night terrors could be a sign of some repressed shit though Cass. You may need to work something out."

"Ow I'm working something out." I mutter back.

[cherrygummycandy]

Romance and Rock

Frank and Len (Ruby Gloom) x Reader

An: Requested recently, this is not a fandom I usually write for, so I couldn't resist!

👻🎸👻🎸👻🎸👻🎸👻🎸👻🎸👻🎸👻

"B-b-b-bored..." you said to yourself, laying upside down on the edge of your bed. The fact you were bored frightened you a little, when you thought about it. You couldn't remember the last time you felt this way, considering before you could even run out of things to do Iris usually burst into your room because she set something on fire, or Ruby needed to vent. Gloomsville forbid that Skeleboy test his genetic theories alone for once. That's when you realized, no one had interrupted you in several hours. Not good.

Sliding out of your bed directly onto the floor, you hop up and head out the door. Walking down the dimly lit hallway, you hear some shuffling in the library. Poking your head into the book-filled chamber of learning, you see Poe sat by the fireplace, typing quickly while simultaneously ripping paper out of his typewriter. "Poe? Wha... what are you doing?" You ask as you step towards the strange black bird. "I'M AN ARTIST, AND I DEMAND-" He squawks loudly at you, before stopping when he realizes it's you. "Oh, Y/N... sorry, I thought you were those two..." He grumbles, turning back to his typewriter. 'Those two?' You wonder. "Who are you talking about?"

Poe sighs, and waves one of his hands as he tries to recall. "Uh... the, you know, the blue and green lads... with the, the music?" His feathers seem too ruffled to even allow him to think. "Oh, Frank and Len?" You say, and he nods. "What were they bothering you about? They don't really seem like," You look around the library and think. "Literary types." You finish. Poe sighs once more. "I couldn't tell you, really. They burst into my tower half an hour ago, and they asked for writing advice. I told them I'd help later, but they INSISTED," He squawks, before trying to calm himself. "Woo, apologies. They insisted it was urgent. I tried to help them, they wanted to write some love song. But, they insisted on ignoring my classic literary suggestions!" He complains. "I mean, again, I'm not sure Len even knows how to read." You joke, standing to leave. "Thanks, Poe! I'm gonna go see if they still need any help!" As you head off, you can still hear him ranting. "WHO TURNS DOWN 'A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME IS NOT AS SWEET'? IT'S PERFECT-" You shake your head chuckling. You'll have to have them apologize to Poe later.

You head upstairs,the sound of your footsteps almost muffled by the heavy rain pattering against the windows. As you reach the door that opens onto the small outer bridge, you consider grabbing an umbrella. 'Nah,' You think. 'I like the rain.' You open the door and step across the large bridge that leads to Frank and Lens room. As you approach, their presence in the room is confirmed by the sound of guitar blasting through the door of the tower, the vibration practically knocking you off your feet. Stopping for a moment to steady yourself, you knock on their door. "Hey guys!" You knock on the door. You're prepared to wait a bit, since it's hard for them to hear over their music. Plus, they are usually pretty busy with their songs. To your surprise though, the music immediately stops, the silence replacing it almost bizarre. You hear quick footsteps, and the door flies open, nearly knocking you over for the second time since you left Poe in the library.

"What's up-" Frank starts, before Len yells over him. "Y/N!!" He exclaims happily. You smile, and Len only looks at him silently. "Oh, sorry." Len apologizes and shrugs. "Ya' done?" Frank asks, and his brother nods quickly. "What's up, Y/N?" Len finishes his earlier statement. "Nothing much, Poe said you guys needed help with a song?" You say, and try to recall the theme. "A... love song, right?" You snap your fingers as you remember. The two of them go pale, before Frank clears his throat awkwardly. "Uh, could you give us a sec', Y/N?" He asks, and before you can respond, he slams the door in your face. Your face falls in conclusion, but you decide to give them the time they need. However, since they aren't exactly quiet, you can hear bits of their conversation through the rickety wooden door.

"... Why did you tell Poe about this?! You know he's a loud mouth!" Frank whisper-yells. "We needed lyrics ideas-" Len responds, but the end of his sentence is muffled. "Well, now they're onto us! What do we, like, do?" You hear Frank sigh. "Just don't...." His voice is muffled. "Got it?" Frank finishes before he opens the door. Frank has a fake, overly happy smile on his face, while Len looks like he's about to explode. His forehead is sweaty, and he's puffed out his cheeks to keep his mouth closed. "Uh, is he okay?" You ask Frank. He looks at his green-skinned brother, and double-takes, before smacking his shoulder. Len coughs as he lets out the breath he was holding. 'Knock it off, dude!" Frank mumbles, trying to keep his smile on his face. Your eyes narrow, looking at the two suspiciously.

"So, do you guys want some help? I could think of some lines maybe." You give them a cheesy thumbs up. "Not to brag, but I did get 4th place in my third grade poetry contest." Frank smiles. "No thanks, we'll be sure to show you the song when-" Len cuts him off, unable to remain silent. "WE DON'T WANT YOUR HELP, GOODBYE!" Len yells. He slams the door in your face, panicking. You blink in surprise, frozen in place for a few moments. After a few seconds, you shake your head and head back downstairs, trying to figure out what on earth that encounter was about. 'Those two sure are strange..." You think.

Back in the tower, Frank's arm is flailing as he yells at a panicked Len. "DUDE! What the hell was that?" He asks, not being able to fathom why Len responded that way. "I gave you one job, stay cool!" Len shakes his head. "You gave me two jobs! Don't tell Y/N about the song, and stay cool!" Len complains. "I, like, can't handle that much input, man!" The two of them are silent for a minute, out of breath from all that yelling. Sitting down on their couch, Frank sighs. "This is... harder than I thought it would be." He says, and Len nods. "Yeah, it's like, harder than playing a six string F chord." "Yeah." Len and Frank look at the paper laid on the table, titled 'Love Song (Please listen this took 3 days to write)'. Frank grabs a pencil. "We can't let this set back stop us, bro." He begins to write down a few opening notes.

"Let's get back to work."

[catholicdaredevil]

How about some reassuring words of “the world could be on fire and i’d still be happy as long as i'm with you.” for my beloved frank because I think he needs it 😌

ugh paige your mind is unparalleled

-

"frank this is a mess, this is a big cluster fuck of a mess," you pace the room, rhythmic steps burning a hole through the floor below you. frank frowns as his eyes track your every move, brows knitting together in concern at your stressed state.

"i'm sorry. you shouldn't 've gotten caught up in all this." his voice is gruff, words short and for a second you think he's actually mad at you. then you turn to look at him and there's no question.

the guilt is etched into him, the furrow in his eyebrows, the slump of his shoulders, the way his mouth twitches down like he's fighting a frown. he feels bad. like somehow it's all his fault that this has become a mess, like he lit the match that set this whole thing ablaze.

like he's doing this to you, not with you.

"listen very closely frank castle i won't say this again. the world could be on fire and i'd still be happy as long as i'm with you. the world is not on your shoulders alone."

his mouth wins the fight, curving down into a frown and you worry you've said the wrong thing. not properly conveyed the conviction you have for him, with him. franks eyes dart to the dirty floor of the abandoned building you both stand in, feet scuffing the floor for a couple moments as he battles with himself in his head.

you don't know what about, and you don't want to push either. but it doesn't take long. he lets out a sigh, shoulders sagging further with the movement before taking in a deep breath and nodding to himself.

frank looks up to meet your eyes and nods again, "okay sweetheart, i'll try my best to remember that."