#NEIL FOSTER

[haveyouseenthismovie-poll]

[sapphicfugue]

path of night fandom i hope you appreciate this contribution (with two versions!!) for our favorite losers

[mydysfunctionalvampirefamily]

[all-thestories-aretrue]

Here are the Thoughts™️I promised @discordkittenterumi

This post is a much longer follow to this post from last night as I was listening to episode 60.

This post is also in conversation with with something @peppedstep mentioned about Neil’s loyalty to the coterie, which I touch on briefly.

Everything sort of solidified in my brain after finishing 60 at like 2 am last night.

In 60, we see Neil wake up in a strange place with Weathers and Amara with him. The last thing he remembers is running from his sire which seems to be several days ago.

Neil also does not remember much of Baghdad (which is a whole separate post that is coming. I have many thoughts about Nara and Neil in that situation).

He routinely has panic attacks, some of which lead to dissociation. For example, before his trial in 37 and 38, we see him go catatonic when he realizes his haven is under attack. Dissociation is not usually something that happens to someone once and then never again. It’s a coping mechanism, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it’s something he experiences, perhaps not regularly, but with some sort of frequency.

In addition, many of his rituals require his mind to be separated from his body, and we know kalif also impacts his cognitive function as also seen in Baghdad. He has the capability of astral projecting which leaves his body behind, defenseless. The ritual with the bull in 6, he had others stay nearby just in case something were to happen. The second time he completes the ritual, Johnny escorts him.

Neil is often dependent on the people around him to keep him safe, and we see him repeatedly look to others for their judgement before he makes a decision on his own. He looks to Nara to trust Jubair, and he looks to Amara to trust Catherine and this mission. In these two cases in particular, he’s forced to rely on others’ assessments of the situation because he cannot make his own. In addition, relies on Britta and Miles to defend him in court while Johnny and Wynn take care of his haven. He also places an immense amount of trust in the coterie and their decisions, generally speaking.

Peppedstep mentioned that family is important to Neil, the coterie is important to Neil. He consistently revolves around the idea of keeping them together and spending their final nights together. I agree, but to add another layer to that, Neil trusts everyone in the coterie, and as has often been discussed, trust is an extremely rare commodity for Kindred, and in some cases doesn’t exist at all. What Neil has with the coterie almost seems to be unprecedented given the general picture of the Camarilla and Kindred society the audience is presented with. He knows these people will protect him and/or his body when he is unable to.

I would imagine, without them, his quality of life would be diminished, and all it would take is one mistake, one bad episode, for him to meet final death or another horrible fate, especially considering his abilities. It was a stroke of luck that Amara and Weathers picked Neil up.

His drug use, mental health issues, and magical abilities all work closely together to form a complex web of memory loss and a distrust of his own opinions. Even further, I would argue that his memory loss contributes to his lack of a sense of identity.

I believe it’s been mentioned a few times that Neil doesn’t really have a strong sense of identity (I am not going to sort through all 60 episodes to find those sources though, sorry! I do think it might have been brought up at the party when Fester was preparing him?), and that’s proven by how he talks about his worth early on when Wynn confronts him after the bull ritual. He, and I am paraphrasing here, believes he is useful because he can provide the coterie with knowledge. Later on, he mentions that Miles kept him around because of his specific abilities which again, his worth is tied up in his usefulness to people.

This mentality is compounded by his early history with his sire. In 51 or 52 (I can’t remember which and I’m not going to look it up), it’s described that Neil looks at his sire the way one might look at an abusive parent. Neil is absolutely terrified of this person even now. Based on Neil’s nonconfrontational personality, some of his coping mechanisms in the face of this abuse could easily be making himself small, agreeing with his sire, etc. leading to the people-pleasing nature we see in Neil now. Peppedstep also posited that Neil could have been Embraced to be made in his sire’s image. We know he is a loner, we know he has visions, and maybe he also feels the need for family in his own demented way. Regardless of if that is true, Neil’s sire had a massive effect on who Neil became as a Kindred and without question would influence his sense of identity. If Peppedsteps’s theory is true, then Neil’s sire would have stripped away any sense of who he was to remake him in his image.

TLDR: Neil has memory loss from a combination of drug use, mental health issues, and magical abilities which make him reliant on others for his safety in certain circumstances and further exacerbate his lack of a sense of identity.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

[midnightellis]

I absolutely cannot handle the parallels between Neil and Britta.

Neil was kidnapped at the end of season one. Britta at the end of season two.

Neil was drugged and used for visions by Nara. Britta was enraptured by pretty things and used for politics by Pendragon.

They both have absent and abusive (?) sires.

They both have some type of memory loss issues.

They foil and parallel each other in such interesting ways! And they fuel each others compassion and rage and compassionate rage.

I just - AAHHH!!!

[rdmxc]

sometimes I want to just post about my OCs, but my OCs are part of an ongoing show so I can't without spoilers

[fundashnee-rott]

Oh my boy my dear boy Neil. My poor little boy Neil. He really went "ehhehehe nap time" my baby boy really got that haha I'm eepy time.

[scottwellsmagic]

761: Dale Salwak - The Gentleman of Magic

While at the Magic Castle during the week of March 13-19, 2023, I spoke with Dale Salwak who most of you know as the teacher for the Chavez Studio of Magic. He is a professor at Citrus College but has been a well-known figure in our community for many decades having produced many magic shows other than his own, too.

Dale tells us this week where he got his moniker of the “Gentleman of Magic” plus he reminisces about Houston’s Magic Island, what people need to do if you are interested in getting booked at the Magic Castle, meeting and learning the Chavez way of magic through Ben and Marian Chavez then going on to become and instructor himself, plus performing at the Magic Castle, producing the AMA shows, and touring magic shows along the western seaboard.

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[dumbledorathexplora]

In fuerteventura rn this place rlly lives up to its name it’s so windy here

[owlcracker]

back in february when my friend and i were talking about how neil doesnt have a funko or anything so i drew this up in 2 hours (i edited the scott pilgrim funko)

[haveyouseenthisseries-poll]

[aftgficrec]

Some fic with andreil kids, i need that to survive

Our most recent ask for this has all of our previous recs. Enjoy! -A

latest ask:

Andreil & kids here

Kevin and his dads by Monsterputt03 [Not Rated, 646 Words, Complete, 2023]

Kevin's life with Andreil as his parents. 

Want by TheBreadWinner [Rated G, 19938 Words, Incomplete, Updated May 2024]

Andrew and Neil are finally in a position without worries. They have a nice home, money, and dream jobs. What more could they want? Their closest friends and family are raising kids and experiencing something Andrew never pictured wanting. Now, in his thirties, he sees families everywhere: in the stands during games, at the park during his runs with Neil, and in the lobby of New York Presbyterian. Andrew knows what he wants, and he wants it with Neil.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse and neglect, tw: implied/referenced torture

you got the heart without the ache. by PatientIsTheNight [Rated G, 2483 Words, Complete, 2024]

[Andrew] cannot kill every abuser in the world, though it would be nice. More importantly, he knows that he cannot allow himself to be visibly angry, or upset - it would give the wrong idea. He isn’t angry at Kylie, after all, and refuses to give her even half of an inkling of that idea. But he is still angry, in the way a wounded animal is. It takes more than he thought it would to keep himself from hiding in corners and lashing out. - Andrew and Neil foster their first kid, and face how hard it is. It’s a kidfic, you know what you’re getting.

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Whose Your Daddy Series by chaoticas_hell [Not Rated, Collection, Incomplete, Updated June 2024]

Part 1: Whose Your Daddy [47865 Words, Complete] Andrew Joseph Minyard didn't do regrets. But letting Neil in, allowing himself to want, for letting Neil slip through his fingertips- it was the closest he would get to feeling regret. It had been fourteen years since he last saw Neil, since Neil was taken right from under his grasp by his psycho-killer father and lost forever and Andrew had to make peace with that, had to stop expecting Neil to walk through his front door like he had never left. Except, one day, it all but happened. One day, a small kid with horribly cut short platinum blonde hair, striking blue eyes that plagued Andrew's dreams and nightmares, freckles and an achingly familiar horrible fashion sense showed up at his office door with the strangest question. "Are you Andrew Joseph Minyard, yes or no?" The kid asked in a British accent. Andrew could only nod. "Oh good." The kid said, suddenly unsure of themself. "Cause I think you're my dad." What the fuck?

tw: assumed major character death, tw: implied/referenced torture

Part 2: The Before [11385 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2024] basically a sequel to my fic Whose Your Daddy taking a look at how Neil dealt with single parenthood, how Andrew faired after Neil's faked death, Jo's abysmal childhood, and judgmental family members

tw: assumed major character death, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: violence, tw: choking, tw: unplanned pregnancy, tw: transphobia, tw: gender dysphoria 

Fragments of Light series by DarkD [Rated G/T, Collection, 2 complete works, Updated Jan 2023]

Part 1: Baby mine [T, 18609 Words, Complete, 2022] Andrew could practically see the image of Neil sleeping on his chest, one of the pairs of shoes he'd bought still lying there in bed with them. Neil looked so peaceful, Andrew couldn't stop looking at him. His hand was right on Neil's belly, he could almost imagine what the girls' heartbeats were like there. Neil had sung a song that night, and Andrew memorized every note because, someday, he would also sing that same song for Neil and his daughters. (They couldn't) be more wanted, they've probably never wanted anything more in their life. “You won't touch any of them again.” Andrew said. His voice was low and his throat hurt. “You're not getting anywhere near my fucking family.”

tw: gun violence, tw: attempted murder, tw: major character injury, tw: blood, tw: unplanned pregnancy, tw: transphobia, tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: destructive thoughts, tw: vomit

Part 2: My dear Nebula [G, 10086 Words, Complete, 2023] “Andrew, Andrew.” Neil whispered in his ear, the warm air against his skin making him shiver. “It's time for our nebula.” ... Neil then asked what a nebula was and he replied: Nebulae were nurseries for stars. Birth of stars. Birth… “Fuck”

tw: unplanned pregnancy, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced murder

Retired by IKnowWhoYouAre_Damianos [Rated G, 1855 Words, Complete, AFTG Summer Exchange 2022]

Neil turned 35 two months ago and was finally ready to retire. A vacay will be just the right thing for his restless mind.

Neil Loves Dinosaurs series by infernalstars [Rated G/T, 32616 words, 17 Complete Works, Updated 2020]

Part 1 recced here

Part 4: Asking For Help [1501 Words] In which Kevin Day has to shift his perspective on things and he seeks out Neil for help.

tw: ableism, tw: implied/referenced abuse

Part 5: Babysitting and the Conditions of Love [1492 Words] Neil and Andrew babysit for Matt and Dan

tw: transphobia, tw: self harm

Part 6: To Live in Peace [908 Words] Meet Henry!

tw: homophobia, tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Part 7: Nightmare [2149 Words] Andrew bonds with his foster kid. 

tw: graphic nightmares, tw: implied/referenced murder

Part 8: Family [1491 Words] Henry comes home to Neil having a breakdown.

tw: homophobia, tw: ableism

Part 9: Again (Family pt. 2) [2034 Words] in which Neil has a chance to bond with his kid

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: nonconsensual kissing

Part 10: Again (Family pt. 3) [1604 Words] The Resolution

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: implied/referenced nonconsensual kissing, tw: implied/referenced nonconsensual drug use

Part 11: Ruby Red [1910 Words] Adopting one kid was always apart of the plan, but another kid...? Unplanned.

Part 12: Second Chances [3329 Words] in which Neil tells Ruby how him and Andrew met

Part 13: Roses and Thorns [1943 Words] Andrew is happy ft. some twinyards, catching up with Kevin and his daughter and a lil snippet of Liam!!

tw: implied/referenced self harm

Part 14: Something Real [3140 Words] How Andrew finds out Neil's Autistic. 

tw: nonconsensual drug use, tw: nonconsensual kissing, tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Part 15: Conditions of Love [2104 Words] A mini series that explores Liam Wilds (Matt and Dans kid), his life and his relationship with Henry Josten-Minyard.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: transphobia

Part 16: Anniversary [1180 Words]  The anniversary of the death of Neil's mom brings up some unpleasant memories and Andrew bring him to the museum to comfort him.

The Josten-Twinyards hc by @detectivebambam [Tumblr, 2024]

Andreil daughter and the word “please” by @starrycassi [Tumblr fic, 2024]

the monsters having kids with cool uncles andreil hc by @the-inner-musings-of-a-worm [Tumblr, 2024]

Miles Minyard-Josten age 7 fandom fun post by @andrews-jort-loving-pipe-dream [Tumblr, 2020]

Art

Minyard-Josten siblings also here art by @allfortheslay25

Nicky meeting Asher Minyard-Josten comic by @riceballannie

Andreil with Michael art by @dshr-art, hc here

fanart by @bluetheking for ‘Noah Minyard-Josten,’ fic recced here

[boatshoesdude]

Andrew, a man who was never given the option to ask, to want, in his life finally being able to have desires is so special to me. Just imagine, Neil sitting on the couch in their apartment (not someone else’s apartment that Andrew happens to be staying at, but his place, his and Neil’s home) and Andrew walks up to him, not sitting down immediately but standing hesitantly for a moment. He’s still learning what he wants, what he needs, what he can find in Neil. “I want to try something” this snaps Neil away from whatever show/book/thing that had his attention before. “Okay”. It’s a blanket statement, it means permission, it’s Neil allowing Andrew to try whatever he has in mind, because Neil trusts him and wants his to learn to act on his indulgences. “Is today a good day for physical touch?” Andrew asks because he needs to know the limits, Neil is so relaxed (a more common sight nowadays) and he can’t be the one to ruin it by overstepping. “Yeah” Neil pays attention to every movement Andrew makes, not watching him to ensure his own safety, but out of curiosity. Andrew sits on the couch next to Neil, then he tucks his feet up onto the couch, he lays on his side with his back to the couch and leans his head on Neil’s lap, almost like a cat would. After a second, tests the waters, seeing if he himself is okay with this, he relaxes his muscles, his head sinking deeper onto Neil. “Shoulders and up” he says. Neil runs a hand through Andrew’s hair and Andrew closes his eyes, not to sleep, but in content. Neil turns back to whatever show/book/thing had his attention before, still running his hand through andrew’s hair, sliding his fingers down his neck, rubbing circles into his shoulders. Andrew wanted this, this confort, this sense of security, this undeniable show of trust and love, and Neil gave it to him without a moment of hesitation.

[mydysfunctionalvampirefamily]

I've just relistened to Neil's conversation with his sire in episode 52,and I have a lot of thoughts, but I need to relisten so I can pull up receipts for my thoughts and opinions.

But in all of this I just keep thinking of a young kid (I know Neil was not a child when he got embraced, he was early 20s, but I think his emotional maturity must have been lagging somewhat). This kid who loves his family, of course he does, but knows they don't love him back. At best they are indifferent towards him and at worst they hurt him.

He has no friends (why else would he be out there alone at the night of his embrace) and then someone comes.

And for the fist time you feel seen, you're special, you're loved, you're worthy. And sure there is pain, but you know that's part of the deal, it's what you deserve and have always deserved. It's to make you better, stronger, smarter, to make you try harder. Because he knows you can do it, if you just applied yourself.

He becomes your whole world, you'd do anything for him, for his praise, to hear you're a good boy. Sometimes you get so close, you can feel how important you are to him, other times though you're nothing but filth on his boot, a disappointment.

Sometimes you see it coming, other times it catches you by surprise, his disappointment. That's always when it hurts most, because not only did you disappoint him, but you were stupid enough to think you were doing a good job.

Even though it hurts, you know this is much better than what you had before, you never want to go back to that.

And then one day he leaves; and he doesn't take you with him. You're left alone, the one person who saw you for you is gone. You're so scared and lonely, becauze even though it was painful sometimes, he was the first and only person who really loved you. Just not enough to take you with him.

You start to try and figure out this sorcery on your own, as a way to stay close to him, as a way to get smarter. And though you don't want to admit it maybe also because you're hoping he might check up on you, and he will see how smart you are, how good, then he can finally be proud of you, and maybe he will keep you with him.

[all-thestories-aretrue]

Showed my sibling Neil's art and they immediately went "oh sad boy era" and then "he looks a little emo"

And like... accurate.

[midnightellis]

“Someone took one of our buddies”

The VENOM in Neil’s tone is absolute perfection.

I love how this parallels Neil’s disappearance at the end of season one. It’s someone who was taken against their will recognising the same and saying “no.”

The whispering rage and pain within Neil’s tone and demeanour in this scene is killing me. On the one hand it reflects his diminishing humanity. On the other it’s this deep rooted love for his coterie.

Absolutely top notch Rob.