#Overt Hostility

[rawliverandgoronspice]

can I just say, I genuinely love working with stories that have a set destination the audience is aware of (and partially why I love tragedies so much), because knowledge does so much inherent work for tension and stakes. You know shit is gonna hit the fan eventually. But when? How? Tune in to find more. :)))

[fideidefenswhore]

Had circumstances been just a little different, Anne Boleyn might still have lived. Had she produced a son, Jane would have been a passing distraction, Anne's enemies would have been silenced, and her fiery character might again have seemed, at least at times, beguiling to Henry. During the course of their brief marriage, which lasted just over three years, there had been many fluctuations. After the final miscarriage, Anne fought back, saying she had been frightened by Henry's accident, but also broken-hearted at his paying attention to another woman. This kind of criticism was not something Henry was prepared to tolerate in a wife; one of Katherine's strengths, as she herself acknowledged, was that she had never shown any sign of animosity or distress in response to the king's infidelities. Henry and Anne's relationship had been a genuine love-match, however, and the volatility which helped bring about the extraordinary events of the break with Rome remained a part of their relationship ever after.

Henry VIII, Lucy Wooding

[dclovesdanny]

DcxDp prompt

An idea I just thought of

I have read a few prompts in different places where Danny is a Fae or is assumed to be Fae and I was just thinking of this story I learned when I was little about how the Fae would lure children who felt unwanted by their families and whisk them away into their realm.

So now I want someone more talented than me to write something about Danny befriending either Damien or Tim, and it being focused on how inadequate the bat family member in question feels, or their feelings about not being a part of the family, and the family thinks that they are being lured in by the Fae. So, naturally, they start trying to show their love to the person, hoping to avoid losing them, while also realizing that this would only happen if the person felt unloved and oh my God, did we push them away to the point where they don’t think we see them as family?

The thing is, the bat family is all somewhat emotionally constipated. They also don’t talk to each other about things, so I don’t think this would go very well. Maybe one of them even overhears the family member in question talking to Danny about going with them somewhere, and immediately assumes that Danny is going to kidnap said family member.

I’m trying not to be very overt about which member of the family it is, because honestly, I feel like it could go whichever way you want to. I’m personally picturing Tim or Damian, but I could also see it happening with Jason post resurrection after he and the bat family are sort of uneasily friendly or even Dick or Duke(I don’t think Cass would be the one being ‘lured’, she would more be on the sidelines just watching this unfold.)

Maybe they even think Danny was originally human that was turned into Fae due to being taken away from his family, and one of them sees clockwork or something and assumes that clockwork has sort of set up a system where Danny lures away people for him, while Danny is under the delusion that he is saving these people. This would further work if it’s a bad Fentons au, because the bat family would look into it and notice how Danny has not physically changed in all of this time since he went ‘missing’(in reality, it was a reveal gone wrong and Danny is just staying with clockwork now.)

Meanwhile, Danny is making friends with the cute boy who he finds very interesting, even if the person’s family keeps being weird. She might have a little bit of a grudge against some of the family members from what his friend has told him, so he might make a few comments about things, but he doesn’t understand why they’re acting so hostile..

The angst! The misunderstandings! The total difference in point of views from the bat family to Danny! The absolute chaos! The bat family being forced to communicate emotions!

Someone please write more for this and let me know if you want me to elaborate on my ideas for the different routes it could take.

[avoidingthehaters-alt]

There's definitely an "it's not my job to educate you" aspect that I think is underestimated. Like yeah, absolutely there's men that are already pretty shit about their values, and offsetting that onto others isn't the way.

I DO also think de-radicalization (and more to the OP comment's point, preventing it) is a useful avenue, and I think making sure there ARE non radicalized spaces for the men in question to explore is a part of that equation.

Like, for sure we want to steer clear of coddling, or sanitizing criticism for the sake of comfort, but it's not really unthinkable to recognize that spaces where you and your demographic are constantly cast as antagonists non-stop are extremely draining to participate in. If there aren't spaces on the left SOMEWHERE where they can participate without immediately being villainized, I dont think it's surprising that they gravitate to spaces on the right that provide that.

Tl;dr: idk I do think it makes sense that men (even men who understand they live in and benefit from patriarchal systems) don't really want the spaces they try to make positive influences in constantly filled with "kill all men" or "men are ontologically evil" types of perspectives, and I don't think it's unreasonable to say as much

if mens reactions to women reacting to centuries of male violence against them is “welp, guess that gives me a perfect reason to continue the cycle!” then they didn’t give a shit to begin with 👍

[missy4176]

Protective Instincts

Kim Dokja x Reader

Kim Dokja has always been someone who’s difficult to read, a man with a thousand faces hidden behind that ever-present, enigmatic smile. To most people, he’s an enigma, someone who effortlessly blends into the background, observing the world through his dull eyes as if he’s merely a bystander in his own life. But to you, the person he’s chosen to let in, he’s more than that. Beneath the layers of apathy and self-imposed distance, Kim Dokja harbors a deep, unyielding protective instinct—especially when it comes to you.

It’s not that you can’t defend yourself. You’ve proven time and again that you’re more than capable. The world you live in demands nothing less. The apocalypse, with its brutal trials and life-or-death scenarios, has honed your skills and instincts to a razor’s edge. Kim Dokja knows this; he’s seen you fight, seen you survive, and yet, despite that knowledge, there are moments when his concern for your safety overrides his typically detached demeanor.

The first time you notice it, you’re caught off guard. A sudden attack from a group of hostile survivors leaves you both cornered. You’re prepared, muscles tensed, ready to strike back, but before you can act, Kim Dokja moves. His body shifts instinctively, stepping in front of you, positioning himself as a shield. It’s a split-second decision, one that speaks volumes about his true feelings—feelings he often keeps buried deep within, masked by layers of self-loathing and detachment.

“Dokja, I can handle this,” you protest, even as you feel a flicker of warmth at his concern.

“I know,” he replies, his voice calm, almost too calm. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t protect you.”

His words are simple, matter-of-fact, but there’s an underlying intensity in his gaze, something that makes your heart skip a beat. It’s in these moments, when his guard is momentarily lowered, that you catch glimpses of the man beneath the mask—a man who, despite his best efforts, cares more than he’s willing to admit.

It doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s guiding you through dangerous terrain, subtly steering you away from potential threats, or using his quick wit and vast knowledge to outmaneuver enemies, Kim Dokja’s protective instincts manifest in various ways. Sometimes it’s subtle, like a quiet warning before you walk into a trap, his voice low and serious as he murmurs in your ear. Other times, it’s more overt, like when he pulls you out of harm’s way, his grip on your arm firm but not painful, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary.

“Stay close,” he often says, his tone leaving no room for argument. It’s not a command, not exactly, but a plea disguised as practicality. And you listen, not just because it makes sense, but because you know it’s his way of showing he cares.

Kim Dokja isn’t a man of grand gestures. He won’t sweep you off your feet or shower you with flowery words of affection. He’s too guarded for that, too aware of the fleeting nature of happiness in a world that’s constantly trying to tear you apart. But his actions, the way he places himself between you and danger, the way his gaze sharpens when someone threatens you, speak louder than any words ever could.

There are times when you catch him watching you, his expression unreadable, but there’s a softness in his eyes, a rare tenderness that he doesn’t show to anyone else. In those moments, you realize that his protectiveness isn’t just about keeping you safe—it’s about holding on to the one thing in his life that makes him feel alive. You are his anchor, the person who reminds him that he’s not just a character in a story, but someone who deserves to live, to feel, to protect.

And so, you let him. You let him be your protector, even though you don’t need it, because you understand that it’s his way of showing he cares. You don’t push him away when he steps in front of you, don’t protest when he pulls you close in the midst of danger. Instead, you accept his protectiveness for what it is—a testament to the depth of his feelings, a reflection of the connection you share.

In the end, Kim Dokja’s protective instincts are just another facet of his complex personality. They’re a reminder that beneath the layers of detachment and cynicism, there’s a man who cares deeply, even if he doesn’t always know how to express it. And in a world where everything can be lost in an instant, that protectiveness becomes a lifeline, a quiet, unspoken promise that no matter what happens, he’ll always be there to protect you—even if it costs him everything.

[possessiveandobsessive]

When people ask me what's so special about Dragon Age 2, I like to remind them that it's the most hard-core and unhinged game in the Dragon Age franchise. This game has:

A serial killer

A major act of terrorism performed by a main character

A hostile takeover/occupation of a city

Corruption amongst the city guards

Corruption amongst the templars

Slavers/slave trade

A slave confronting the trauma and pain inflicted on him over his entire life

Overt racism against elves

Gang violence

Attempted genocide of every mage in the city

Intense grief and loss over every person in the main character's family

Oh and I almost forgot:

FINE DWARVEN CRAFTS DIRECT FROM ORZAMMAR

[glitchyrobo]

Ceres-class Missile Battleship

spaceship =>

(description & fiction under the break!)

Video Description

Several views of a large, long, and slightly bulky Terran warship in space. The ship has repeating triangle motifs in with various paneled textures throughout. Near the pointed front the nameplate of the ship is visible, reading 'CNS Temeraire'. The long front hull has a flat section on the top, covered in massive missile launch bays. Amidships, several armor plates, painted bright red with the Jovian Eagle in gold, protect the armored hab rings and a series of tubes. Aft, the radiators glow brightly as the engine burns hot. Embedded heat pipes run from the tip of the engine to the radiators

The first view is of the ship from above and in front, showing a dramatic angle. Several 'running lights' blink down the length as navigation lights flash

The second view is located to the side, looking forward, again showing the various lights

The third view is focused on the engine, showing it powering on to 100% thrust, then beyond. As it powers on the heat pipes glow in sequence

The fourth and final view repeats the engine power on sequence but from further, allowing the viewer to also see the coolant vents venting coolant

Excerpt from History of Pre-Domestication Terran Warships (3rd Revision), §685.8: Late Terran Accord & Pacification Program Era Battleships (Guided Projectile), Eltrin Yne, Forty-Seventh Bloom, xe/xem, Elly Yne, Twenty-Sixth Floret, et al.

Designed in 2521 CE (33 BT) by a consortium of Jovian shipbuilding corporations and first commissioned in 2526, the Ceres-class missile battleship was envisioned as a platform to launch massed missile strikes against enemy fleets while providing enhanced point defense and electronic warfare. At 750 meters in length and nearly 100 meters at its widest extent, this class represented one of the largest mass-produced spaceframes fielded by the Cosmic Navy.

Over the course of its service history, the class had numerous revisions. Most notably, the type-3 revision in 2539 (2521-CERES-III) which added coolant vents ahead of the hab rings, reducing their size in the process. The vents were positioned forward of the hab rings to expel hot coolant from over-driven point defense domes and electronic warfare equipment rather than the main engines, though they had a limited ability to expel engine coolant in extreme emergencies. These coolant vents essentially functioned as expendable liquid droplet radiators, which may have led to the development of more practical liquid radiators, had domestication been delayed. (See also §359, Speculation on Terran Shipcraft Development)

While there were no major engagements which featured a Ceres functioning in this intended role, classified TCN documents obtained after the fall of Terra stated that one of the primary goals of the class was to counter contemporary corporate navies, which largely consisted of small anti-piracy vessels, should a coalition of corporations ever come into direct conflict with the Accord.

However, the most significant hostile force that the Accord encountered prior to pacification were various pirate flotillas, which would generally consist of smaller, older, and less militarized vessels. While in a direct engagement a Ceres-class or other contemporary Accord capital ships would easily destroy such vessels, smaller ships were quite capable of outmaneuvering and escaping their would-be-predators.

At the start of the Terran Pacification program, there were 157 Ceres-class vessels active. After the signing of the treaty, only a handful of these ships refused armistice, as the amount of logistical support that the Ceres required to function effectively and the implausibility of that support without the Terran core sectors dissuaded overt feralism. Several dozen of the surviving vessels now serve as museum ships across Terran Protectorate space.

[quenthel]

Ok so I saw some people being confused Abt Avowed, claiming that it's themes are similar to recent fantasy games, and being upset that it's not like regular (western European medieval) fantasy.... And it's crazy to me.

Like both Pillars games and Avowed too are mainly stories about colonialism. These stories focus on these themes admittedly to a fault (the gods are more stand-ins for an ideological weapon as a tool of colonialism that they are gods in a religion ppl are part of, so we don't actually see religious people in this world where gods are extremely important) but that's the main focus.

In pillars one we see the aftermath of a failed colonial project and the political and religious fallout caused by this.

In deadfire we see an ongoing colonial struggle where multiple large empires are wrestling with each other for the privilege to exploit the natural resources and the people of a less technologically developed culture.

In Avowed you see the very beginning of a colonial struggle where a large empire is setting up a large landmass inhabited by smaller fragmented communities for a potentially hostile takeover.

Like this is the political set up of the setting. It's not medieval fantasy because it's not medieval at all (there are guns...) it does not take place in a Europe looking place bc the main theme IS colonialism and colonialism never took place in western Europe.

I don't really think the themes of colonialism are something at all explored in other triple A fantasy games. At all. Much less this explicitly.

I understand the world of Eora can seem confusing bc it's dense. There are a lot of different countries and empires with various geopolitical ties to one another AND with their specific national struggles bc this is a setting that is more concerned with exploring a more "realistic" approach to fantasy politics and nation making and whatnot. Like there are no ethnostates here. There is no international one currency.

The other main theme I would point out w Avowed is that of discovering a lost culture which got destroyed by the overt ideological war machine left behind by an empire whose legacy still shapes the world. Something new and different became real in a very isolated place under very specific circumstances and precisely bc of that imperial powers destroyed it all.

For new players who are a bit puzzled by the setting I can only suggest: stop relying on your previous knowledge of what fantasy is like ( like in DND etc.) and treat this setting as a backdrop for stories that are interested in our human history and wish to reflect on it. If you abandon those pre-concieved notions it might make understanding easier. Or you might discover this type of shit is not for you and leave it at that.

Imo eora is one of the smarter and more unique fantasy settings out there, and it's existence itself is just very very cool. It's a lot smarter in it's construction and exception that most other stuff you can find out there so it's worth exploring and enjoying. Even tho Avowed is not as good as the first two pillars games and even tho it's a more expensive game, I think it's enjoyable and an overall good time.

[drdt-oclock]

now, and hear me out, here is how acevi can still win (a thesis)

i have my personal suspicions that ace’s line “i needed a reason to hate you” has implications about his friendship with taylor—considering the only thing we know definitively that levi and taylor have in common is that they are both people that ace, at some point, has considered a friend. taylor's death is vaguely alluded to in a line of dialogue where ace states he doesn’t want a third death on his hands—a line that also shows he feels responsible—however, we can assume that taylor’s death was not maliciously ace’s fault, as ace’s motive secret is about his eating disorder; if he had truly committed a murder by the standards of the law, chances are that would have been written instead (see: levi, min). this being said, i believe that ace was deliberately hostile towards levi in an attempt to drive him away and discourage any form of friendship out of fear of deepening any pre-existing attachment he may have felt towards levi in the earlier half of chapter one.

levi, in turn, is shown to be confused by this, though we can gather from his lack of empathy or internalised morality that said confusion doesn’t stem from a place of anger, nor spite. subjectively, i believe that levi was, in some genuine way, intrigued by ace and his seemingly erratic behaviours, and this lack of overt distaste or hatred prompted ace to deliberately press his buttons, trying (and ultimately succeeding) in breaking levi’s composure. levi snapping at him, in some way, comforts ace, affirming his self-deprecating belief that he is incapable of being cared for, speeding up the process that he believes is inevitable; that levi will tire of him.

upon the revelation that whether ace lives or dies—and more broadly, ace in general is of no concern to levi, ace is very quickly forced to come to terms with the fact that all his efforts were effectively meaningless, and ultimately it would not have meaningfully contributed towards levi’s opinion of him. in a way, he mourns this; in his efforts to drive levi (and honestly, the entire cast) away through hostility, he placed a target on his own back, resulting in an attempt on his life from nico. in his final hours, ace is able to see the broader picture, formerly obscured by the tunnel vision given to him by his own debilitating anxiety, but is ultimately too proud (or too scared) to apologise to levi directly, doubling down on his efforts in the conversation they have post-trial.

i believe that ace did not necessarily account for forming an attachment—much less any form of attraction to levi, and that this oversight only further infuriated him. this culminates at the end of chapter 2, wherein levi is shot, perhaps fatally, and ace has to confront himself and the person he has tried to be throughout the narrative. in his final moments, not only does he plead for his own immediate execution—something he has been, quite literally, scared to tears by, with his general fear of death being highlighted continuously the entire series—but delivers a monologue to arturo in open defiance of his own vices, encouraging him to save levi’s life and not be petrified by the same fear he himself has now succumbed to. i am of the incredibly strong opinion that this dictates a strong level of care, or at the very least responsibility for levi and his wellbeing.

how will this culminate in acevi still winning? through levi. if he survives to chapter 3, which he very well may, he will be left to contemplate this; to attempt to unpack ace’s motivations for both his hostility and his seemingly unprecedented choice to face his own death to save levi’s life. while i think it’s unrealistic to expect any sudden empathy for ace in a hypothetical levi character arc, ace would undoubtedly occupy his thoughts well into later chapters.

thank you for reading keep in mind i am a sad little man with very strong and very biased opinions on things i have too much time to talk about ❤️

[txttletale]

what do you like so much about Inside? Always hears it was just the Covid Lockdown Comedy Special so never gave it a watch, its actually something good?

i've seen this take a lot and honestly i find it pretty confusing. i guess you can read the film as being About Covid (and i agree a lot of the marketing and press material pushes that) but i think that's a boring viewpoint to take that kind of ignores all the stuff that's actually interesting about it.

like, what i like about inside is its deep concern with 'authenticity' vs. deception and specifically the inherent deception/distortions of mediation, whether through the internet or through the medium of the film itself. stuff like the "candid, authetnic" 30th birthday sequence allegedly during midnight with sunlight visibly streaming through the blinds--it explores a theme that's been latent throughout all of burnham's earlier (less good and interesting) work and really came to the forefront of 'make happy', right, which is like the overt problematization of the creative-audience relationship.

inside is a film about--i guess a lot of people read it as, like, a 100% sincere and biographical film about how being famous makes bo burnham sad. and if that's your read i understand how people came away thinking its a bunch of kind of vacuous masturbatory white guilt. but i just don't think the film is that sincere, i don't think bo burnham wants us to see inside and be like "wow, this is about the personal individual stuggles of human being robert burnham." it is about the relationshpi between creative and audience, how art changes upon being observed and interpreted.

and to this end there's this constant edge of hostility and trickery to burnham in the film, right, he's an illustionist and at times ("get the fuck up", the extremely insincere and bored "don't kill yourself" monologue) an active antagonist to the audience. the subversion and rugpulls are mean-spirited and pointed. and the audience in turn is an antagonistic, almost alien force, staring through that perfectly black camera lens. and that's the level on which inside really works for me, right, it's this deep and meticulous examination into the tense and duplicitous relationship between art, artists, and audience. COVID and indeed burnham himself as a person both serve more like framing devices for the film than the fodder for its substantive thematic content imo

[sailorblossoms-rankane]

Going through Ranma 1/2 after a first watch/reading is like realizing you’re not watching slow burn, you’re watching a couple of youths who develop feelings for each other, assimilate into each others’ lives, and grow to care for each other so much that their affection transcend words.

Mid to late stage Ranma 1/2 is straight up one big inside joke where everyone knows that these two are emotionally dating, and those who haven’t picked it up are being played for a sucker.

Also, I find it interesting how quickly anime watchers for the new Ranma anime got the message that Ranma is so fond of Akane since day 1. Compared to audience reception to the 90s anime. Could it be due to the faults of the old anime, or the new anime making things more overt?

thank you for this inbox, i really enjoyed reading it...

i think the answer is both: just looking at the first couple of episodes, the old anime has original scenes or changes in the vein of "ranma and akane are hostile to each other" and making the tone of the insults SO MUCH MORE MEAN than they need to be

here are some examples...

meanwhile, the new show adding new scenes feel so in character, there were some i didn't even notice they WERE NOT in the manga when i first watched them... part of it is that they're not inventing anything, everything new can be traced to a similar manga moment...

when ranma tells akane to try to avoid getting close to the creep who wants to kiss her, this is his go-to jealous face

when i see that face, it FEELS familiar ....

we all know about the anime changes that borrow from the final arc, but here's another example in that same episode...

[kqutie]

THE PRINCESS' SEVEN MERCENARIES

CHAPTER SEVEN : AN AWAITED TRUTH

relations. : cevans various/reader -- steve rogers/reader ; curtis everett/reader ; ari levinson/reader ; lloyd hansen/reader ; andy barber/reader ; jake jensen/reader ; ransom drysdale/reader

chpt. sum. : You're forced to tell the truth but it comes at a price Ari refuses to pay.

tags. : snow white and the seven dwarves au ; fairy tale au ; fluff ; domestic fluff ; angst if you squint ; a/b/o universe but it's not the central point ; disney princess reader and her seven sexy mercenaries hehe~ ; world building ; the truth comes out ; apologies are made ; steve is a good captain ; lloyd has conflicting feelings ; discussions on you becoming theirs ; ari makes everything better ; reader makes everything better too

length. : 8.4k

navi. | series masterlist

← six. the foolish genius

“I didn’t lie to you that first day; I told you my real name.” You look up from where you usually sit at the dinner table with pleading eyes. Seeing the transparent honesty in your expression and mannerisms, Andy nods when Steve looks to him for confirmation. That was all he needed. Over their time spent together on missions, Andy had become a reliable human lie detector. He knew what signs to look for in people they needed to interrogate or seek knowledge from — he worked with Ransom for quite some time until he was able to impart his knowledge to the Beta, who used it alongside his charm on overt missions. 

“It doesn’t explain who you are,” Lloyd huffs, still openly belligerent towards you that it makes you flinch. If he saw the effect he had, he didn’t draw attention to it; his gaze narrowed as much as his mind. 

“I understand your hostility, but I was only trying to escape and start a new, peaceful life for myself.” You avoid everyone's eyes, ashamed of your origins despite your ambitions of ruling one day and helping your kingdom thrive. Which had all now been tarnished by someone you didn’t dare cross while growing up. 

“... what do you mean by that?” Steve asks quietly, worry involuntarily spiking within him and making his chest ache. Were you in danger? That was the singular thought on everyone’s minds, and they simply couldn’t believe it— rather, they were in complete denial of the fact. Apart from the omissions of your true identity, you were a sweet, loving and kind individual, they can’t picture you wishing harm upon anyone. Nevertheless, because of the work they do, they cannot simply let it slide that they don’t know more about your background anymore, especially with the behaviours and knowledge you’re displaying, all of which aren’t typical of any normal person. 

“I-It’s hard to explain.”

“We have the time,” Andy says gently in an attempt to comfort you. However, there isn’t a significant change in your stiff posture, rather, you remain all the more rigid. Curtis, offering his silent comfort, reaches for your hand, where it rests on your lap beneath the table. In return, you muster a small but still rather stiff smile.

“I’ll make some tea first. It’s all too tense here, and our angel can’t comfortably talk to us if that’s the case.” Ari stands from his seat and easily moves to the kitchen, where he goes about putting the kettle on. 

“O-Oh umm… I made a relaxing tea blend earlier,” you helpfully point towards a small tin at the corner of the kitchen counter.

“What’s in it?” Ari asks curiously, opening the tin and taking a moment to smell the blend. 

“There’s lavender, apple, chamomile and vanilla. It goes well with honey.” You smile as Ari turns to you with approval written on his features, quickly closing the container again. 

“It smells really good.” He turns to the team. “Who else wants tea?” Everyone except Lloyd raises their hand and Ari scowls. “Majority vote, eh?” Ari smirks at their grump of an assassin, “I’ll just make tea for everyone then.” Lloyd huffs, tensing his already folded arms. 

“Why did you even bother to blend such a tea?” Lloyd asks without thinking and is caught off guard by your thoughtful response. 

“Everyone was looking a little tired recently, so I was hoping to invite you all for some tea after dinner. Hopefully, you’d be able to have more restful sleep with it,” you admit softly, looking down and playing with Curtis’s large hand in your lap. The silent giant of a man manages to smile warmly at you and lean forward to press his face into the side of your head. It’s a small, affectionate gesture that makes you look at him with gratitude and squeeze his hand in silent thanks. He’s a man whose actions speak louder than his words, and you hope that by engaging in his silent communication, you’d be able to understand him better. 

“Thank you for your consideration,” Andy expresses from across the table, sitting beside Steve, who looks conflicted but grateful for Andy’s utterance. The captain doesn’t feel as though he can comfortably voice his opinions right now, and not until you’ve revealed your true identity and that they can confirm you bring no danger to them. You’ve been a great presence to have around the cottage the few days you’ve been here, and you’ve made such a positive impact on everyone, but he just can’t risk the safety of his pack. He just hopes that, when the dust is settled, and you turn out not to have bad intentions, you can forgive him for raising his voice. He’s ashamed for doing so towards such a gentle-mannered lady like you. For now, he isn’t Steve, he is the Captain and the leader of his incomplete but complete pack. He needs to keep a level head to make the best decisions for his team. 

“Yeah, thanks a lot, princess!” Jake cheers positively from where he’s sat. “You’re always so considerate and sweet. Not like anything we’ve known.” Lloyd clicks his tongue and looks away, finding offence in such an innocent and truthful statement. He’s going to stand his ground on this, he knew you were too good to be true. There’s just no way someone could be so kind without having hidden intentions, he needs to nip this in the bud before the rest of his idiotic, whipped pack gets negatively impacted. 

“It’s alright.” You smile sweetly, and everyone waits in silence as Ari prepares the cups of tea. It feels slightly odd that you weren’t the one serving everyone for once. No matter how short your stay is, you’ve already become accustomed to the routine of attending to the men here. You weren’t complaining, though; you enjoyed helping them unwind after a long day, and they were all very sweet to you, too. Hopefully, they’ll be willing to let you stay after your explanation. It saddened you that it has to come to this, but it’s only fair that if you want to stay longer, there needs to be trust on both sides, and that means being honest with each other. 

Finally, Ari returned with eight cups of tea, a teapot if anyone wanted to refill their cup and a jar of honey so that anyone could sweeten their drink to their liking. Jake and Curtis were the first to reach for the honey pot. Words of gratitude for Ari’s gesture were muttered around the table, even from Lloyd, despite having no intention of drinking from his cup. 

“Take your time,” Andy assures you once again whilst everyone (except Lloyd) sips at their tea, and you give him a look of gratitude. It took a while, but your nerves finally calmed, and you felt as though you could speak again without stumbling over your words. 

“I am the princess of this proud kingdom...” You deduce that it’s best to just come out and say it as it is. It will make it easier to explain everything else as soon as everyone’s reactions have settled. 

“Th—… that can’t be…” Steve utters, eyes wide with disbelief as he takes you in. Ari collapses into his chair as Andy runs his fingers through his hair. In your lap, you feel Curtis’ large hand squeeze around your own, and when you look up, it’s hard to read his eyes or expression. 

“I’ve been calling you princess all this time—” Jake stumbles over his words, looking lost and confused, “I didn’t even...” he shakes his head and tries to distract himself by stirring more honey into his tea. 

Ransom furrows his brows at you, his eyes searching, “It must be a lie.” But when you shake your head and give him a solemn look, he bites his lip and looks away, muttering incoherently to himself. 

“Isn’t the princess a myth? The King never had a daughter, did he?” Lloyd breaks the tense silence in stubborn denial of your truth, but you know it’s just a hard fact to process; the queen made sure your existence faded.

“That’s just what she wants you to think.” 

“By ‘she’, you mean, the current Queen?” Andy asks and hums when you nod in confirmation. 

“My stepmother, yes.”

Andy tuts in disgust with a shake of his head. “Her ambitions are too high.” He meets eyes with Steve, who takes on a pondering stance, covering his mouth with his fingers and rubbing at his chin. This was a turn of events he was not expecting.

However, with your words and the bits of information he’s piecing together, Steve begins to speculate, “Then was the King actually killed in battle?...” or was it murder?

You sigh, “I don’t know... the war did happen, and my father did participate, but I never found out whether my father’s death was a fated event or one that was manipulated into a reality.”

There was another silence as everyone digested your existence. They want to deny it for how preposterous it sounds, but as they pondered deeper, it all began to make sense. You know things normal people couldn’t so easily divulge, and when asked to explain why, your default explanation is that you’re a well-read person who fostered knowledge from books available to you. However, such knowledge couldn’t possibly be obtained from readily available books found in common libraries — even their tech genius, an expert in all things magic-related, couldn’t match your understanding of magical artefacts and their history. From your warm lunches, they know that you have a high affinity for magic and can use it safely and consistently — a trait found in most high-standing people, especially the nobility. You’re articulate, and your mannerisms are too elegant for a normal individual to have; you move with a grace and presence that is gentle but powerful all at once.

Of course, you’re the princess. It makes too much sense that you are. On the other hand, there are also traits to you that aren’t typical of a royal. Primarily, you know how to do common chores, cook, clean, do laundry and repair clothes. High-standing people, especially the nobility, wouldn’t know how to do any of these things as they had servants for such minimal tasks. 

Despite that, it can’t be denied that you had the traits of a princess. But that begs the question of why you’re all the way out here and not at the royal palace.

“Then what was your life at the palace like?” Lloyd interjects eyes hardened into a disbelieving stare, “How did you survive under someone who clearly despised your existence?—”

“Lloyd!” Ransom hissed at his fellow mercenary’s harsh words and kicked his shin beneath the table, but Lloyd continued, undeterred. 

“Surely the Queen wanted you gone, especially when you finally reached adulthood. How did she even manage to keep your existence a secret for that long?” 

“I had already come of age and was hoping that I’d finally be able to inherit the throne,” you confessed, biting your lip from how naive you had been in retrospect. Your 21st birthday wasn’t even grandly celebrated as it traditionally should have been, but then again, you were never able to make your debut into high society between 11 and 15 years of age. You shouldn’t have set your expectations so high. “But it was foolish of me to think in such a way.” They wait for you to continue with bated breath, not wanting to stress you out even more when it looks like you would collapse from just having to relive what you had to go through. “The staff took care of me after my father died, ensuring that I was well educated and kept up with noble practices despite the Queen standing strongly against my education and development as a royal. She made sure that I wasn’t treated like a princess by giving me chores around the palace, making me sleep in staff quarters and constantly overlooking my presence despite having many eyes on me, reporting back to her regularly. Slowly, she had turned me into a common maid.” Andy shook his head in disbelief and met eyes with Lloyd, whose expression looked unreadable — even the assassin couldn’t begin to comprehend what he was hearing. 

“The Queen guaranteed my existence was wiped from public knowledge by imprisoning the staff and swearing them to secrecy. She went so far as to develop a new knight order who were loyal to only her and had them replace my father’s original order of knights. Thankfully, not everyone on the staff wanted to be ruled by her, and they rebelled silently by supporting me behind the scenes.” A small smile grew on your lips as you recounted fond memories with the staff while the mercenary group looked on with a tightness in their chests. “I will forever be grateful to those kind-hearted, courageous people, who I’ve grown to see as my own family. They truly only wished the best for me, and yet—” you couldn’t bring yourself to continue and face the reality that you had been forced to abandon the one true family you have grown to know since young. 

“You said you had to escape and build a peaceful life for yourself.” Ari begins, seeing that tears fill up your beautiful eyes and approaches the topic gently so as not to upset you further. “What do you mean by that?”

“My 21st birthday passed without celebrations, and I believed I wouldn’t be acknowledged at all in the months that followed. The world had gotten so dark, and my false hopes had resulted in failing my people; I didn’t know what to do. But it all came to a head when the Queen sent me out with Sir Remfrey, a huntsman of the palace who was loyal to me in secret. He had been tasked with killing me somewhere secret.” The group sucked in a breath. Unbelievable. Jake couldn’t believe what he was hearing and sought Ransom’s hand beneath the table for comfort. Thankfully, the Beta complied without complaint; admittedly, Ransom also needed comfort after knowing the terrible fate that had been orchestrated for you. None of them could believe someone could have such bad intentions for someone as kind and sweet as you. But that was a reality their occupation fulfilled, and the actualisation of it was harrowing. 

“Sir Remfrey took me to the outskirts of the city, under the guise that he would escort me for my first excursion outside the palace in belated celebration of my recent coming of age. He was meant to bring my heart back as evidence of his deeds. Thankfully, rather than follow through on her orders, he set me free with a basket full of essentials collated by the staff — my family. I will forever be grateful to Sir Remfrey and the staff for the second chance they have given me... a chance at a new life, a peaceful one.”

Steve meets your eyes when you look up at the end of your explanation, and his heart clenches painfully. He readily ignores it, however. As the captain, he needs to be the responsible one who weighs out all sides before making a final decision, even if that means being black-hearted, leading up to a settlement. Remaining silent and keeping his thoughts locked, Steve turns to Andy and Ransom with a pointed look; they would know if you were telling the truth or not. Andy nods solemnly. Ransom follows with a stiff nod of his own. 

So this was the truth.

“And in your escape from the palace, you happened upon our cottage,” Steve asks, meeting your eyes once more to watch as you nod affirmatively. 

“I really didn’t mean to stay as long as I did but—“ you give a bashful look and stare down at your lap once more, thinking it best not to explain further. 

“No need...” Steve raises his palm and offers a soft look, happy to finally be able to comfortably lower his guard again. At that moment, he realised how wrong it felt to be guarded around you. “We’re partly to blame.”

“It was great coming home to a warm dinner each night,” Jake grins widely, eager to dispel the thick tension of your interrogation. “And you’re so nice and kind, we love you!” he blurts without thinking, making his teammates tense up as they wait for your response. 

Ransom’s glare conveys his thoughts at the Beta clearly: You’re so stupid, Jake! You can’t just say that! What if she gets weirded out and leaves us for good?! But Ransom’s glare is cheekily ignored. 

They don’t expect your sweet smile, but it makes their shoulders relax instantly. “I love you all too.” Lloyd looks at you with a frown, fully expecting to be excluded due to his harshness but is surprised when you take a moment to meet his eyes as well, your loving expression unchanging. And as much as Lloyd would hate to admit that he enjoys the image of you looking sweetly at him, he looks away with a huff, his mind conflicted but his heart warm. 

“Thank you for your honesty.” Steve begins, fixing you with a soft stare as he silently solidifies his resolve on a significant decision. Now, it was a question of how he should go about approaching it. “…Now that you’ve been honest with us, it’s only fair that we be honest with you as well.” The implication of his words has all of the mercenaries snapping their heads towards their captain, Lloyd is the most vocal in his protests but everyone else remains silent, eyes wide and mouths agape; silently pleading for some sort of explanation. 

“Captain,” Andy cautiously starts, looking at Steve with somewhat narrowed eyes, “are you sure about this?”

“Of course, I am,” Steve hums. “Trust goes both ways and I believe in her, don’t you?” From across the table, Steve takes a moment to meet eyes with each of the pack. It was a silent, two-way communication that waited for gradual acceptance of his decision for the team; slowly, they gave their consent in a small nod. Lloyd is the most defiant in his narrowed stare and stiffened stance but he doesn’t outright refuse, he only looks away grumbling. He’s seen that everyone but him has already come to match Steve’s resolve, all he can do now is trust in his pack, even if every cell in his body is stubbornly screaming to go against them. It would be for their own good that Lloyd protest but would it really, when they feel so strongly towards you? 

“Wh…what is it?” you ask in a soft voice that barely rises above a whisper.

“We’re more than we appear.” Steve’s statement comes off a little cryptic and you don’t quite know how to comprehend it. 

“We aren’t don’t work on fraud cases.” Jake provides, referring to your earlier conversation when discussing replicas of magical artefacts. 

“So, what do you do?”

“We’re private hires.” Lloyd snaps firmly, looking at you with daring eyes. He dares you to challenge his words, dares you to look shocked, dares you cower in fear. Lloyd isn’t the type to feel ashamed of his and the pack’s occupation; it’s what’s kept them alive, after all, it’s also the reason why they’ve bonded so closely. No, he will never be ashamed of the truth, and he isn’t about to let the pang of anxiety in his chest consume him entirely. “Mercenaries. We’ve been hired to do many bad things in the past, Princess. And we have a lot of blood on our hands because of it.” Ari doesn’t know why Lloyd is acting so hostile but doesn’t step in, no one does. They all seem to silently agree that giving you the harsh reality of their true background would be for the best — there’s no use sugarcoating things. “Are you sure you still wanna stick around? We’re dangerous, cold-hearted mercs, this cottage is no place for a Princess.”

The expression you hold is unreadable. It’s as if you don’t know what to say, and while you contemplate what you should say, time slows to a painful pace for the tea. Being transparent with you means many things to them and different things to each person. Unanimously (even Lloyd), however, they cherish your presence; it gives them a break from their harsh way of life because you make them feel like they deserve more than what the world has so harshly given them. You’re their reprieve, a safety and peace they have no hope of finding elsewhere. You’re the final missing piece of their incomplete pack — their omega. It would be hard to let you go if that’s what you choose, but this is why Steve chose to be transparent with you and why they agreed. It’s to give you a fair choice and a rightful say. This is how it should be, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t secretly hoping you make one decision over the other. Holding their breaths, their hands clench into fists as they await your answer. Even Curtis has slipped his hand out of your hold so that his touch can’t influence your final decision. 

“But… did you not give me a safe place to live while I was seeking refuge?” you ask, and they don’t quite know if it’s a rhetorical question or not. Regardless, all of them are too stunned to even answer you. What were you getting at? “Did you not treat me kindly during my stay? Did you not share your food with me? Did you not give me a warm place to sleep?” they watch as your beautiful face slowly brightens with a smile. “I’m afraid I can only judge you on what I’ve been able to see thus far. Regardless of the truth in your occupation, that is not your defining factor, and I can see that you don’t let it be the defining factor, either. Of course, I’d love to stay for longer… as long as you’re willing to have me, that is.” You look adorably bashful by the end, and most can’t believe their ears or eyes at the sight. You truly couldn't care less about their background. 

Jake laughs, bright and loud, cutting through the tension, making it evaporate with hardly any effort. “Of course we want you to stay! You can stay as long as you need and want!” the tech genius turns to their captain with shining eyes and a wide grin, “Isn’t that right, Cap?”

Chuckling lowly to himself, Steve nods, eyes glowing with affection as he looks at Jake before trailing his eyes to you. What a relief this all is — things went better than expected; Steve fully believed you would take the chance to pack your things and leave. “That’s right, Jake.” Steve sees you flash him a grateful smile and his chest warms with affection. 

“Great!” Ari laughs, the weight on his shoulders and chest immediately lifting. It looks like you were here to stay. He couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. “This is the best news we’ve had all day!” Ari gets up from his seat and makes his way over to stand behind your chair. With a self-satisfied grin, he leans down to meet your eyes as his voice drops into a low whisper. “Greedy as we are, I’m glad we get to have you all to ourselves for longer, sweet angel—” As Ari turns his head to speak directly into your ear, you turn to give him your full attention and unintentionally meet his lips with your own. 

Gasps echo about the room as everyone freezes in place, unable to comprehend what’s happened. They’re all waiting for someone to react some way and break them all out of their shock. Unable to resist, Ari is the first to respond and leans into the kiss further, his hand coming up to hold your chin in place as his eyes close slowly, urging you to do the same and get lost in the kiss with him. You don’t know what comes over you, but it’s far too easy to reciprocate — it just feels right, somehow. Ari feels it, too, and smirks into the kiss from the amount of glee he feels in that moment. He was right. You’re destined to be theirs. And, them, yours. You complete their pack; you’re their missing piece, their omega! Their luna!   

“Ari! You can’t do that!” Andy shouts, rising from his seat but it’s clear that Ari isn’t eager to let you go anytime soon, rather, he angles his head to deepen the kiss further and hums with deep satisfaction when you wrap your arms around his neck. It seems you haven’t registered the chaos that has broken out around you.

“Unfair!” Ransom huffs, “How come you get to kiss her first?“ 

“This isn’t about who goes first or not, Ransom!” 

“Let her go,” Curtis growls lowly but is ignored and intensifies his glare at Ari’s broad figure. Oh, if a look could kill a man… 

“This is not how things are supposed to go, Ari!” Steve protests through clenched teeth. He had been fully on board with potentially making you a part of their pack, finally completing their circle with a worthy Omega. However, with the discovery of you being the princess, Steve had hoped to discuss this with Ari— a vocal supporter of the decision —a little longer before taking any action. 

“Not to the Princess, Ari! This has to be treason!” Jake’s whining cry reaches your ears and you finally pull away, panting slightly. You were already quite flustered from the sudden intimate act but the image of Ari licking his lips and giving a pleased grumble at your lingering taste on his lips makes your chest want to explode. Now that your lips are no longer attached to Ari’s you can fully comprehend the havoc of the room and gasp silently at the amount of attention fixed on you. 

“I-I think I better get started on dinner,” you smile at everyone shyly before hurrying to the kitchen, but not before Ari catches your hand and brings your knuckles to his lips. 

“Thank you for letting me be the first to kiss you properly, darlin’.” He whispers with such affection against your skin that you can barely speak up in response. The only thing you had the strength to muster was a hurried nod before pulling away to distract yourself with dinner preparations. Glimpsing the clock face on the wall, you sigh in relief — just in time, not too late but not too early. 

Ari was subsequently scolded and glared at by many of his pack mates, but he doesn’t care. It was all worthwhile. Honestly, he didn’t expect to steal your first kiss with them in such a way, but it still went better than he could ever imagine — perhaps the surprise element was a contributing factor. Nevertheless, Ari could, at least, put up with this much, especially when still on a high from the taste of your sweet lips. He’s never tasted a sweeter candy in his life and, as much as he loves his pack mates, he already knows it’ll be hard to share you. 

“You’re a pig, Ari!” Ransom snaps at him, huffing and sulking away to a corner with Jake when Ari does nothing but look smug in return — he’s unfazed with taunting eyes that say, ‘I know you’re just jealous, Ran~’. Away from Ari and the other alphas, the two Betas get lost in their respective books, both pouty and sharing in the feeling of unfairness. They couldn’t even blame you for it because everyone could tell that it was an accident. 

Lloyd is nowhere to be found, but by the shout that comes from their back garden area, followed closely by the familiar sound of an axe hitting a tree, Ari can hazard a guess as to what may be happening. “I will join him,” Curtis announces in his usual low voice, deep and mellow but the irritation behind his words are tangible. It should make Ari feel, somewhat, guilty since Curtis is usually the stoic type but he just couldn’t. No, Ari could never feel guilty when it comes to you.

In the far corner, Steve and Andy were discussing something heatedly. There’s a tug in Ari’s chest that pulls him forward and urges him to join the discussion. “You’ve put us in a difficult position, Ari,” Steve sighs as Ari smoothly slots himself in between the two. 

“Oh yeah?” Steve and Andy narrow their eyes at Ari’s laidback attitude and smug grin. 

“And you’re happy about that, aren’t you?” Andy sighs, eyeing you in his peripheral as you potter about their kitchen.

“I have no regrets. But you can’t blame me, it was an accident. And weren’t you accepting of her becoming our Omega?”

“Yes, but that changed when we found out she’s the princess,” Steve hisses under his breath, his mind racing with potential future scenarios. 

“This can go one of two ways, either she continues running away from the throne—” Andy starts, aided by Steve with helpful remarks along the way. 

“—which she seems reluctant to if given the option to return to rule rightfully,”

Andy nods at Steve who leans against the living room wall with his arms crossed, brows furrowed in thought. “Or she returns to the throne after banishing the Queen.”

“If it’s the former, we can make her our omega but if it’s the latter, she cannot.” 

“Don’t most monarchs rule better when in an established pack?” Ari argues, receiving a pointed look from the two. 

“Yes, but it’s not appropriate when we’re mercenaries, and she’s the Princess and future Queen. She deserves to be surrounded by a decent council of high-standing nobles as bachelors, to be supported by a pack who are familiar with that type of word. We aren’t that, Ari.” The emphasis in Steve’s words cuts through Ari’s chest. Maybe he was being too optimistic, but he couldn’t let the feeling go. It feels too right to have you in their lives, it feels too right to have you in his arms, it feels too right to be kissing you. He just needs to make them see it too.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

The evening ended with full stomachs and a warm atmosphere, while the next morning began with grumbling stomachs and a quiet peace. It appears as though everyone has decided to carry on as normal. The group have unanimously agreed that it’s a blessing to have you in their lives like this despite knowing their background and occupation. They weren’t going to spoil the one good thing in their lives for something as little as their own insecurities. It’s a good thing you were willing to go along with them on it too, oblivious to the silent turmoil in your eyes. 

As much as you were happy to extend your stay with the group, you had been tossing and turning the whole night. When left in the quiet alone with your thoughts, your mind couldn’t help but return to the topic of the 'Mirror of Aleth’ replicas. It didn’t sit well with you that they were being created in the first place, and it was a fight with yourself to bring the topic up or not. Yes, you can only speculate on the intentions, but there’s never a good, moral reason for their creation no matter how speculative your conclusions. The issue needs to be addressed with the same amount of importance as the truth of your identity — this underground scheme poses a great risk to your kingdom and its people.

With a deep breath, you interrupt breakfast with a soft call for their attention. Despite how gentle your voice comes, all movement stops, and the attention turns to you without question. It’s a similar respect they demonstrate towards Steve, their captain. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have something important to say.” They nod firmly as Steve silently urges you on with an encouraging look, “I understand that it’s not my place, but I have a horrible feeling about the replicas Jake mentioned yesterday. Would you mind telling me more about them? Maybe I can offer some assistance…” your voice remains soft and, somewhat, shy but not hesitant. There’s a firmness in your words as you break the peaceful silence at the breakfast table. The mercenary pack share a look but there aren’t any outright protests to your question, not even from Lloyd. It appears as though he and Curtis had quite the productive talk the evening before, bonding as they threw axes at trees together. Even going so far as to cut more firewood for the fireplace together. 

“We were hired by the King of Okisha to retrieve the stolen magical artefact, the mirror of Aleth.” Andy provides after sipping his morning coffee. 

Your eyes widen in horror. “It was stolen?”

“That’s right.” Lloyd cuts in surprisingly, his focus remaining on the plate of breakfast before him. “And, judging by the high security surrounding their royal vaults, it was done by a skilled individual.”

“Do you have any suspects?” You ask, tone serious and eyes hardened by the gravity of the situation. It was an appearance the mercenaries weren’t used to seeing on you but it was a welcome change. They can discern your education and royal class through that look alone and it was comforting, in a sense. Andy’s sure that you’d be proud to know such a trait has become a permanent mark on you despite the struggles of oppression you’ve faced in your own palace. 

“Our investigation so far points us to the current Queen of your kingdom, your stepmother,” Steve announces but you’re not shocked. Rather, you only appear to grow more worried, the food on your plate remaining mostly untouched. 

“And those replicas… are they related to her too?” 

“We don’t know but they might as well be,” Ari answers this time as Jake hums in additional confirmation. 

“If it’s not too much to ask—” the entire pack give you their full attention, even Jake stops chewing on his food. “Please may you destroy all the replicas you’ve found? If my stepmother is truly a part of this, I don’t think it would bode well for her to get her hands on a successfully made replica.”

“What are your suspicions?” Steve asks, curious as to how deeply you think the Queen’s association will go. 

“If she is involved, it must mean she was the thief. That’s a guarantee, knowing her.” Your eyes wonder as you contemplate deeper, your mind flashing with memories of the Queen’s somewhat unusual behaviour leading up to your attempted assassination and eventual escape. “I remember her beginning to spend hours in a singular room at the palace leading up to my escape with Sir Remfrey. Yes, she likes to be on her own and rule fully independent of the royal council, she doesn’t even have a pack to rely on — she’s very self-sufficient. And while many of the staff knew her to spend hours alone, across various rooms, this particular room was located in the depths of the palace, somewhere isolated and barely touched by the staff. It was ominous but no one dared to question her, she’s the Queen after all.”

“What do you think she wants from the mirror? What truth does she seek?” 

You give a weak shrug of your shoulders, your brows furrowing further, “I don’t know… but she must have realised that she can’t make the true mirror work. Though I’m not sure she’s fully informed on the reasons why. Abraham was always reluctant to impart his knowledge on ancient, magical artefacts because he had always sensed that the Queen was, somewhat, unwell.”

“Unwell?” 

“Abraham didn’t elaborate on it further, but I suspect it concerns her psyche. He was only adamant about withholding as much information from her as possible, that was what was important to him as the royal mage. Thankfully, he’s been able to get away with it using the excuse that, although she has lived past my father, she will forever be the Queen Consort only, meaning that she remains lesser than a Queen and will forever be without full constitutional power. That would also include knowledge of things that would be otherwise confidential. Only I am allowed those privileges as the rightful, living heir.”  

“And these replicas?” Jake asks, searching your eyes for some kind of answer. If they can pinpoint a firm motive, it’ll kick their asses into better gear for tackling the assignment swiftly. They’re already feeling the drive from the precious intel you’ve provided them atop the current conversation. The sooner they complete the mission, the sooner they get to their retirement. 

“Replicas can’t function as well as the original. I don’t think she’d settle for a half-truth or a truth that’s told in a roundabout way. I think that, as long as she can get one, coherent truth out of a replica, she’ll be satisfied.” You conclude and the boys have to hand it to you, your theory makes sense. If she doesn’t know the truth about how the Mirror of Aletha works and that it only answers to true descendants like you had told Jake the day previous, she must be pretty desperate to go searching for that truth elsewhere, squandering the royal funds as she does so. 

“You want us to destroy those replicas then?” Steve deduces, his eyes becoming firm with resolve when you nod your head. 

“Please…”

“Sounds easy enough,” Lloyd comments as Curtis hums in agreement beside him. 

With one firm nod, Curtis’s eyes also become focused on the decision. “We will do it today.” The pack’s designated assassin and guard turn to each other and share a similar look. It appears a commodore has been reached between them. 

“Thank you.” You speak with such sincerity and with the sweetest smile on your face that Lloyd has to look away. He couldn’t bear the sight of you. And he only had himself to blame for that. He had been too impulsive and aggressive — the typical, doltish alpha who acts before he thinks. Many believed that the pheromone suppressant jewellery current laws required the public wear, helped individuals conquer their secondary gender’s instincts but Lloyd was not one of them. He has to accept that truth. His talk with Curtis the previous evening was a much-needed one. That was the most he’d ever heard Curtis talk, but he appreciated it — not that he’d openly admit the fact, but that’s why Curtis was the perfect one to have such a dialogue with. Lloyd didn’t need to say anything because he could tell that Curtis knew what he wanted to say. The stoic giant of a guard was a man of few words himself, so he understood the fundamentals of body language and often expressed more with his own body than with his words. 

‘Thanks,’ was Lloyd’s silent message that night. 

‘Any time,’ was what Lloyd could comprehend from Curtis’ stoic but kind stare. 

“Even if the replicas are incomplete or said to not work, destroy them all.” 

“Roger that!” Jake grins, doing a small salute as Steve huffs a light chuckle to himself. Many others about the table also give a short laugh, grinning wider when they see the curious tilt of your head to one side. You would have laughed too if you knew the teasing jab Jake had made at Steve’s last name. 

“They can do all of that while I stay behind with you, Angel~” Ari smirks and winks at you from across the table as glares swiftly point at him.

“What do you mean, Ari?” Andy asks with furrowed brows. Admittedly, the group’s appointed negotiator was mainly protesting because of what had happened the night before and had become overly cautious (and jealous) about how close Ari was getting to you. “We need you out there to help locate the replicas.”

With a simple shrug, Ari leisurely leans back into his chair and smirks, “Jake knows everything I know, I even made sure to write it all down for him. Besides, don’t you think our princess needs to be protected while you’re all away? Especially after what the Queen had planned to do with her?” That was a reasoning Andy (and everyone else) couldn’t argue with and he could do nothing but sigh in defeat. 

“Gear up; it’s time to leave.” Was Steve’s only instruction as he moved away from the table and prepared for the day ahead, quickly followed by the rest of the team. 

As was routine, the group prepares to leave as soon as breakfast is finished. Despite the civil atmosphere, however, Steve didn’t want to get too hopeful as he finished lacing up his boots by the door. He was the first ready to leave as always and yet, you weren’t by the door for the usual farewell. It was too optimistic a thought to expect things to continue as they were after the frightening confrontation he had put you through the day before. Steve was, at least, grateful that you were willing to pack them lunches again, though he doubts they’ll still be receiving your sweet notes. Looking at the faces of his team, it appears as though they were coming to the same realisation and acceptance as him. Only Ari appeared unfazed as he stood behind. 

The confrontation was a much-needed one but Steve admits he could have handled it much better…

“Right, we’re off,” Steve announces before eying Ari directly, “Keep her safe.” Turning, Steve reaches for the door with his lunch in hand, determined to follow through on your request. It would be the beginning of his apology. Once he’s done that, he would be able to face you sincerely with a proper apology — his behaviour the day before was appalling; even though that was how he felt like he had to act, there was a better way. Determined, Steve already configured a solid plan for how he wanted the team to go about dealing with today’s assignment, and his shoulders straightened from the resolve behind it. 

“Wait! Steve!” Frozen in place, Steve can’t bring himself to turn and meet you. What were you calling him for? He waits stiffly by the door with a racing heart as you hop up beside him. 

“What about our usual goodbye?” you ask with pouty lips. “You can’t leave without it, none of you can.” A sudden wave of timidity comes over you at Steve’s obvious hesitation and lack of response. “A-as long as that’s okay with you, that is… it’s quite the routine now so…" 

Steve’s body takes over as he turns his full body to face you despite his slow-to-comprehend brain. “No no, you’re right. It’s routine now.” he gives you a soft look and leans down, “It feels wrong to leave without our usual goodbye.” Smiling once again, you cup Steve’s jaw and hold him in place as you press a lingering kiss against his cheek. Although it was nice to feel you this close for a little longer than usual, Steve couldn’t help but be suspicious of the oddity in your kiss ‘farewell’. Usually, it was a quick peck and he was swiftly on his way after. But he doesn’t complain. Just as you ease up, he finally leans away but is caught off-guard, yet again, when you suddenly wrap your arms around his neck and pull him close enough to place your lips beside his ear. 

“I forgive you…” You whisper before pulling away to look at the mercenary captain with a gentle smile. Shocked, Steve didn’t know what to do. For once, the captain was stunned into silence, his entire world coming to a stop at the sight of your beautiful smile and sweetness. You didn’t even let him say ‘I’m sorry’. But you must have been able to sense it coming from a mile away. Steve’s awe turns into a smile of gratitude, and kissing your temple before he leaves. The same way you allowed your lips to linger on his cheek, he allowed his to linger on your temple. As he steps through the door, the warmth of his lips remains imprinted on your skin.

“Take care, Steve,”

“You as well, Princess,”

Up next was Andy, whose earlier shock melted into a warm smile when he realised you weren’t going to hold yesterday’s hostile confrontation against them. As a man of habit, he goes over his usual farewell routine with you. He takes your hand and brings it to his lips before leaning down to savour the kiss you deliver to his cheek. At the last second, he turns his head and buries his nose into the intimate space just below your ear and whispers a soft but sincere ‘thank you’ into your hair before he follows Steve outside the cottage with an easy smile on his lips.  

“Have a great day, Andy,” you call as he steps out the door, shooting you a proud grin from over his shoulder. 

“And you, sweetheart,”

“I’m next!” Jake cheers as he surprises you with a hug from behind. Turning in his arms, you smile and prompt him to also lean down so you can kiss his cheek. Happily, Jake obliges but doesn’t untangle his arms from around you just yet. He quite likes the feel of you tucked up against his chest, getting on your tip toes to press a kiss onto his cheek. It makes him smile like a goof but gets pouty when you have to pull away finally. With a whine, he nuzzles the crown of your head and tries to monopolise the short moment with you for as long as possible. He would have stayed there the whole day if he wasn’t inevitably dragged away by Andy, who was prompted by Ransom’s impatient grumbling. 

As soon as Jake is gone, Ransom steps up and pulls you close by the waist, where he kisses your forehead first before kissing both of your cheeks as you giggle in his arms. The twinkling sound of your laughter makes him smile warmly and aims a kiss for your lips but pouts when you turn your head, mistaking it as your turn to finally kiss him on the cheek too. 

“Get home safe, Ran. Take care,” Ransom doesn’t stay pouty for long, however, not when you’re so sweet to him. 

‘I’ll get home safe as long as you’re there to greet me at the door,’ Ransom is tempted to say but leaves with a silent smile and a similar greeting instead. “You take care too, sweets. Make sure to keep Ari in check, will you?” Ransom tuts, directing a pointed glare at the bearded man in question, who simply smirks at him. 

“Will do, Ran!” at least the Machiavellian knows you’ll put in the effort and can leave with a level heartbeat. 

Curtis approaches you next. Like the previous day, he hugs and picks you up around the waist so that you’re looking down at him and have to stabilise yourself with your hands on his shoulders. You search each other’s eyes for a moment before you finally lean down to kiss his cheek, and he takes a moment to affectionately nuzzle your neck. Ever since the day he escorted you into town and had to be calmed by your scent, he’s grown quite an addiction to your fragrance — he will take every opportunity to bring you closer and take in your aroma as intimately as possible. Never has he felt so calm and at peace than when he’s breathing you in. 

“Have a good day Curt, please get home safe,” you whisper, smiling sweetly as he finally lowers you down. 

“Yes, ma’am,” the stoic guard answers with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

The last one to leave was Lloyd, who holds your packed lunch for him in his large, calloused and shaking hands. He’s no longer entitled to a sweet farewell by the door, he knows that. So he avoids your gaze and shakes his head— almost apologetically —as he gently brushes past you. Unlike your usual routine, he hadn’t taken the time to lean down or hurry you for his kiss farewell. It makes you stutter in place, not knowing what to do or make of his dismissive behaviour. Lloyd, however, cannot make it past the door because of Curtis. As the designated guard, Curtis’ stance is firm and wide and Lloyd knows that there’s no way he’s getting past him without Curtis moving aside voluntarily. 

“What are you doing, Curt?” Lloyd asks, his voice sounding more tired than irate, “Step aside, we’re wasting precious daylight here — we’ve got work to do in the city!” Curtis doesn’t flinch at the rise of his pack mate’s volume and simply gestures with his eyes to whatever’s past the assassin’s tense shoulders. Lloyd swiftly turns and frowns. There you are with a small frown and downcast eyes. Never before has Lloyd or any of the group seen you look so downhearted and the aching grip of guilt around Lloyd’s heart only tightens at the sight. He knows what needs to be done, but it’s not deserved. If he leans down and you don’t kiss him, that’ll prove to Curtis that he’s only wasting everyone’s time by insisting on this. 

Lloyd doesn’t let it show how happy it makes him when your expression brightens when he returns to you. He doesn’t let his happiness show when you call his name lovingly as he leans down. He doesn’t allow himself to smile when you don’t hesitate to wrap your arms around his neck and press a kiss against his cheek so hard that you're practically burying your face against his own. For once, he doesn’t sigh or protest or show any sign of disapproval. But this only makes you smile brighter once you pull away and his heart does a stupid flip in his chest over it. 

“I forgive you, Lloyd,” you whisper loud enough for only him to hear, just like you did with Steve earlier. Lloyd doesn’t know what to do, freezing up as he stands before you, dumbfounded. “Be safe, have a nice day,” 

“…yeah…” Lloyd replies simply, an unfamiliar expression drawing itself onto his face as he looks at your much smaller frame. His once cold eyes shine with a warm fondness as his lips stretch into a handsome smile for your eyes only, “We’ll be back soon, princess…”

navi. | series masterlist

eight. the lumbering repairman →

a/n : i'm so sorry this took such a long time, my lovelies but i hope you still enjoyed the read and hopefully the longer chapter can make up for the longer wait time haha! this was supposed to be the Ari-centric chapter but it was getting too long and i want to give Ari a chapter all to himself. nevertheless, a lot has happened in this chapter so feel free to tell me your thoughts. hopefully, the next chapter won't take me too long to write and post for you but we'll have to see how life treats me (⸝⸝⸝╸﹏╺⸝⸝⸝)

taglist : @imyourbratzdoll @lovinglimerence @saturdayrj @baw1066 @whereismymindnow @urmomw4ntsme @oneandonlybbygrl @graciehams

[andy-wm]

On a personal note...

This is a personal story, so feel free to scroll on past (if you're only here for the Jikookery I can respect that).

I'm posting this because it's connected to what Jimin and Jungkook (specifically Jimin) may or may not be doing with this album and their travel series "Are you sure", and by that I mean coming out publicly as queer and as lovers. If it sounds vague, it is, because I don't know what they're doing yet. I don't know how far Jimin is taking this or what direction he'll go. But if he is going to make his private life public, then my post is relevant even though my experience is a microscopic spec 0f what he will encounter.

I live in a conservative little town on the edge of a big city, we're almost the last stop on the metro train line. This place has 10 000 residents and a reputation for being a little on the rough side. It's not a bad place and the people are not bad people but they won't step aside if you pick a fight, lets put it that way.

There's one high school in our little town, and I am the school librarian. I also run the school's pride club and when I started it 5 years ago (that's when I joined this school) it kicked up a bit of a stink. The community had mixed feelings. I wasn't out as trans at that point, only as queer. The school principal supported the club but wanted me to keep it quiet (I didn't). She wanted me to be appeasing (I wasn't). And when we had challenges from homophobic students, she wanted me to 'let her handle it' ( I didn't).

I responded to bigotry with patience and kindness, modelling the behaviour I expected and having many many conversations about prejudice, the patriarchy, learned behaviour, fear of the unknown, and minding your own damn business....

When I came out as trans to the school community - changing my name and pronouns - I faced some real push back from both staff and students. Students were less openly hostile but sometimes the subtle attempts at bullying are worse. My line manager was really difficult about it. I was a hot topic of conversation. It wasn't a good time. But I stuck with it, partly because I couldn't go back and partly because the Pride Club students were so empowered by what I was doing. They thought I was really brave. I couldn't let them down.

It was a tough time for me personally. Every day was a struggle as I navigated my wavering sense of identity and tried to be true to myself. Most of my family and friends were okay with it but some were not. Some flipped back and forth, some thought I had lost my mind. I had to let a few people go from my life, including one of my closest friends. I've lost a few more since then. I've cried more in the past few years than I have in my whole life and I am pretty tough, so you gotta know - it was a lot.

Fast forward to now. The pride club is well established, homophobia still exists but it's less overt and it's no longer ignored, and we have staff who are active allies. It's definitely a success. Our students to have a safe place where they can be themselves, and slow change is coming to the culture of the school.

It has come at a personal cost though. Not a HUGE personal cost but enough for it to matter. I am recognised and known around town because, well, most people in small communities know each other. But more so because of my role in the school, and because I am the only out and vocal queer person on school staff (yes, there are other LGBTQIA+ staff but they keep it quiet, and I don't really blame them).

At school i still have to correct people on my pronouns on a daily basis, and occasionally a student will throw a comment my way but it's not often these days. I have to come out to all the new staff pretty much as soon as I first meet them otherwise it's awkward. It's just an everyday thing. It's not a big deal but it's tiring, and it's something cis/straight people don't ever have to think about.

What is tough, though, is sniping from the community at large every now and again. I have been targeted on community socials and I've had had some pretty brusque service from local shop owners and service personnel in local businesses. Sometimes I see kids from school at the shops and they point me out to their parents. I pretend it's because they're happy to see me (what the fuck else am I going to do - hide in the apple crate?) They may say a friendly hello... or they may following me through the aisles of the supermarket trying to menace me - yes, that has happened - I just have to wait and see.

I do have allies in the community too - like the gorgeous pharmacist who always gets my name and pronouns right and compliments me (on whatever he can think of) every time I collect my meds. There's a stern woman in the hardware store who makes a point of loudly correcting herself when she uses the wrong pronouns (often). I appreciate this, I really do, but honestly it would be great if she could be a little quieter.

I am not a celebrity by any means, just a small town school librarian. But wherever I go in my small town - to the doctor, the supermarket, the park, or the gym - there's a chance I'll encounter someone who knows my face. Sometimes that makes me nervous.

The point of this long and boring post is to give people who may not know what it's like, a bit of insight into the experience of a regular, everyday person who lives in a conservative place and who is both recognisable and queer. It can be exhausting, and from time to time I struggle with mental health issues. So I have no doubt that for people who are really well known, it would be much, much worse. They would be the subject of public debate on news sites and TV. They'd be tossed into arguments by politicians on both sides of the divide. They'd encounter hostility in person too, and that's really frightening.

So please remember that if the celebs you admire choose NOT to come out, it's because they've weighed up their choices and that's the safest option for them. Support them where they're at, so they can live their best life under the circumstances.

If they do come out, they'll probably need even more support. Please love them, defend them, celebrate them, and validate them. They need you more than you know.

And above all else, be a good human.

PS, no need to comment here, this is purely a PSA <3

[trentsgirl]

— 📞 ⋆⭒˚｡⋆

⟡ summary: your cat, nemo, is an absolute menace. will he get along with your boyfriend’s dog?

⟡ note: thank u so much for the request, i absolutely love this idea:))

⟡ request: here:))

⟡ masterlist.

“she’s glaring,” joão points out solemnly, body sprawled over the couch in a relaxed manner, and with you by his side.

nemo, your orange cat, fixates her gaze upon joão’s dog, floki, emanating an aura of palpable hostility. her eyes, brimming with an intensity that signals imminent peril.

your lips subtly take the form of a slender line, discerning the overt animosity that permeates nemo’s eyes. positioned a mere few inches away from floki, she assumes a defensive stance, her demeanor reflecting a mix of caution and hostility, as evidenced by her elevated tail.

“she’s just checking to make sure he’s not dangerous,” you confidently assert, although a hint of hesitation lingers in your words. deep down, you can only hope that nemo won’t unexpectedly lash out.

she’s quite the menace.

“nah, can’t you see those eyes? she obviously wants to annihilate floki,” joão proclaims, his voice dripping with solemnity, despite the situation not being so grave.

however, both of you are resolute in your determination to make your pets get along. after all, you hoped that one day you would move in together, and it would be challenging to handle if nemo and floki despised each other.

“annihilate? you’re exaggerating now,” you roll my eyes. “she’s just a cat, not a murderer,” you add, playfully ruffling joão’s hair.

joão gazes into your eyes with a serious expression. “she could be with those eyes,” he retorts, removing your hand from his hair. “and stop messing with my hair,” he adds, slightly annoyed.

as your banter and minor disagreement persist, nemo takes a few more cautious steps towards floki, who lies on his dog bed, brimming with trepidation.

“even your dog is scared of her, both you are such cowards.” you deadpan, voice laced with a thick layer of sarcasm, as you cast a scornful gaze upon your boyfriend.

“mind you, your menace of a cat almost clawed my eye out the first i’d met her,” he asserts, his words evoking an unsettling memory that causes a shiver to ripple down your spine.

“she may not have taken an immediate liking to you, yeah. but, she’s very fond of you now,” you assert, feeling a surge of defensiveness rise within you in support of your beloved nemo.

joão falls silent, his gaze fixed upon the two pets, his eyes widening in astonishment. you tear my eyes away from joão, directing my attention towards nemo and floki.

a heartwarming sight greets you as you witness the two furry pets snuggled together, their bond evident in their affectionate embrace.

“am i dreaming or is nemo finally acting… civil,” joão muses, his voice tinged with bewilderment and astonishment. the unexpected behavior of nemo has left you both perplexed and amazed.

“i can’t believe this…”

yourusername posted…

liked by joaofelix79, yourbestfrienduser, and 192,024 others

yourusername teaching them to be like us 🤍 [tagged joaofelix79]

view comments…

yourbestfrienduser i’m genuinely surprised nemo let anyone touch her

yourusername trust me, us too

joaofelix79 your cat is a mence.

yourusername and urs a coward.

[pjo-tvs-version]

So I I’ve been thinking about Percy’s relationship with masculinity, him being a male demigod and his relationship with male gods and the men in his life, how that can affect him, how he feels about it, Ect.

I wanted to ask what your thoughts are on with Percy and women, and the women in his life. Cause honestly while Percy’s relationship with older male figures in his life is complicated, some being abusive, neglectful, murderous, Ect.

The exception being Paul, but he’s limited in what he can help and guide Percy with.

Most of the guys he’s friends with have their own lives and complicated consistency in his life.

His relationship with the women is his life can take a different tone. Percy loves his mother but was always kind of afraid of not being worthy of her love or thinking she doesn’t want him around before he finds out the truth.

Then there’s Annabeth, Clarrise, Thalia, Rachel, Reyna, and Calypso. All very different relationships, but there’s always this subtle undercurrent of Percy wanting in some way or form their approval or acceptance.

With Thalia and Clarrise it’s more combative and aggressive but you see him despite their strained relationship try and make peace.

Then there’s his relationship with the Goddesses Athena, Hestia, and Artemis. Lots of times Percy is on guard or inherently suspicious of gods, and with Artemis and Athena that’s true too, but he seems to take special not of when they approve or disapprove of him.

All this is to say while has a more strained relationship with masculinity and men, Perhaps he has the opposite problem with women. A need to seek their validation or approval.

Obviously it’s not overt, if a goddess or older demigod woman hates or wanted him dead he’s gonna meet fire with fire, but I do think he has a unconscious habit or need for that.

What do you think?

I apologise for answering this ask after such a huge delay. The thing is that life goes on and I really wanted to think before answering this.

Okay, seriously, this whole take on Percy's relationships is chef's kiss. You've dug into something really core about his character arc, especially that whole dynamic between the guys and girls in his life and how he navigates seeking... well, something from them. Let's unpack that vibe a bit more, going deeper.

First up, let's talk about the male figures in Percy's orbit, because honestly? It's kind of a mess a lot of the time. When you look at the powerful dudes, especially the gods, the pattern is pretty stark. You've got Poseidon, his dad, who clearly loves him but is also super distant, bound by ancient laws, and often feels more like a powerful, occasionally helpful, enigma than a present father figure. Then there's Zeus, who basically radiates suspicion and hostility towards Percy from day one. Hades starts off firmly in the antagonist camp, representing death and grudges. Ares is just a straight-up bully, embodying the worst kind of aggressive power. Even figures like Hephaestus are more gruff and preoccupied than supportive. And Apollo? He’s a whole chaotic vibe unto himself. The overwhelming energy Percy gets from these divine masculine figures is that power is dangerous, conditional, neglectful, or outright hostile. Trust isn't freely given; it's barely earned and easily broken. This is reinforced by the sheer number of male monsters and antagonists he has to face, from Luke's betrayal to Kronos's manipulation to Gabe's abusive behaviour back home.

Sure, there are exceptions, but they often highlight the rule or exist outside the main power structures of his demigod life. Chiron is an incredible mentor, wise and caring, but he's not human, occupying a different space. Paul Blofis is a gift – a stable, loving, supportive human stepfather, and a genuinely positive male role model. But his influence is largely anchored in the mortal world, separate from the godly drama and life-or-death quests. Then you have his peers like Grover, his absolute best friend, but their relationship is built on mutual support and shared chaos, not mentorship or authority. Jason Grace offers a parallel, another leader and son of the Big Three, but again, it’s a relationship between equals navigating immense pressure. So the overall message flashing in neon lights for Percy? Powerful dudes are often dangerous, unreliable, or just plain absent when you need them.

But then you look at the women in his life, and it's like stepping into a whole different universe, even with all its own complexities. It starts, obviously, with Sally Jackson, the absolute queen. She is Percy's bedrock, his moral compass, the reason he keeps fighting. His initial fear in this new world isn't just about monsters; it's about protecting her and understanding the massive secret she carried for his sake. That drive not to disappoint her isn't just seeking approval; it's rooted in profound love and respect for her sacrifices and unwavering belief in him. She's his rock, his 'why,' and letting her down feels unthinkable, like failing everything that truly matters.

Then there's Annabeth Chase, and let's be real, Percabeth is foundational. Initially, yeah, maybe Percy is looking for her approval. She's smart, experienced, knows this world inside and out, and maybe seems a little intimidatingly capable to a newbie like him. But that dynamic evolves so quickly into this deep, powerful partnership built on mutual respect and absolute reliance. He doesn't just want her approval anymore; he needs her insight because he genuinely believes in her strategic mind and trusts her judgment implicitly, often more than his own. They become this incredible team, equals who cover each other's weaknesses and amplify each other's strengths. He values her opinion not just for validation, but because he knows it's valuable.

It plays out differently with other powerful young women like Clarisse and Thalia. With them, the dynamic is initially pure rivalry. What Percy seeks isn't warm affection, but their respect as a capable warrior, someone who belongs on the battlefield alongside them. He wants them to acknowledge his strength and competence, especially Thalia, who shares that unique, heavy burden of being a child of the Big Three. Making peace often starts pragmatically – they need to work together to survive – but it grows into a genuine if sometimes grudging, respect for each other's power. He respects their strength and wants that respect mirrored back. Later, encountering Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, the Praetor of Camp Jupiter, brings another dimension. Here, Percy needs her trust and acceptance primarily as an ambassador and potential ally. Gaining her approval is crucial for bridging the gap between the Greek and Roman camps; it’s about proving his worthiness and reliability to a strong leader representing a whole different culture. It's strategic respect he's fighting for.

Even his interactions with goddesses carry this undercurrent, though warped by their immense power. Athena's disapproval is a huge deal, partly because she's Annabeth's mom (talk about scary MIL vibes!), but also because she represents wisdom itself judging him. He desperately wants, if not her blessing, at least her tolerance. With Artemis, a figure of immense power and independence whom he respects deeply, gaining her respect feels like a validation of his honour, especially after his interactions with Zoë and Thalia. Her disapproval would signify a major moral failing in his eyes. And then there's Hestia, the quietest goddess, representing home and hope. Percy treats her with innate kindness, and her gentle, often silent, approval feels like a profound confirmation of his core decency, something fundamental he strives to maintain amidst all the fighting and godly politics. It just hits differently.

So yeah, is Percy seeking approval or acceptance from these female figures? Definitely. But it's not some generic neediness; it's nuanced. With Sally and Annabeth, it's woven into love, loyalty, and deep personal connection. With Clarisse, Thalia, and Reyna, it’s about earning respect as an equal, a capable fighter, or a trustworthy leader. With the goddesses, it’s often about proving his honour, his worthiness, or his strategic value against the backdrop of immense power and ancient biases.

And honestly, this whole pattern makes SO much sense when you remember the male side of the equation. With positive, powerful male role models being so scarce, unreliable, or downright dangerous in his world, it feels natural that Percy gravitates towards seeking stability, wisdom, reliable strength, and moral guidance from the women around him. He learns through experience where he can find trustworthy anchors, sharp minds, and dependable allies in his chaotic life, and surprise! It's often with the formidable women he knows.

The amazing thing is, that this doesn't make him weak or lesser. It actually shapes Percy into a kind of hero and a kind of man that's... genuinely good. He learns to value partnership, to respect female strength and intelligence intrinsically, not as an exception but as a norm. He isn't afraid to rely on others, to show vulnerability, or to admit when someone else (often Annabeth) has the better plan. It’s a stark contrast to the often toxic, distant, or power-obsessed masculinity displayed by many of the gods and monsters he encounters. He's not threatened by strong women; he partners with them. That's a strength, not a weakness.

So to wrap it all up, your observation is spot on. Percy's constant navigation of approval, respect, and acceptance from the major female figures in his life feels absolutely connected to the often negative, unreliable, or dangerous landscape of the male figures he encounters. He finds his strength, his counsel, and his most reliable partnerships there, shaping him into the loyal, respectful, and ultimately heroic figure he becomes. And honestly? It’s one of the best parts of his story and his character.

Also I truly am sorry for how late I am to post this @darkmist111

Edit: This comment by @intellectual-punk has to be shown up here too because every single word of it is 💯💯💯

[acorpsecalledcorva]

If you're on the plural side of the community, whether a CDD or an endogenic system where your system is experienced as multiple present people and it's like having a big family and never being alone and stuff, and you've ever wondered what the animosity from the non plural side of the community is all about or what's so different about their experience that they do not identify as plural or declare that you're having fundamentally different experience from them, then I'd like to introduce you to this concept from the book/film What Happened To Monday?

When psychs talk about CDDs being a disorder of "hiddenness", this is what they mean. Rather than the much more overt presentations seen in media like United States of Tara, What if it Works?, or heck even Split, where the different alters all really do present as wholly separate developed identities, and rather than the more imaginary friend style presentations in something like Mr Robot or Fight Club that come off more like Drop Dead Fred than DID, many people with CDDs experience their system more as multiple subjective experiences of reality built on fragmented memory allocation.

'What Happened to Monday?' is obviously an extreme example but let's run with the idea. Imagine you, as a singular alter/headmate, could only experience Mondays. Everyday you've ever experienced has always been a Monday. Your only experience of the world around you is in the context of Mondays. What would you know about the world and the people around you if all you knew was what the world and people were like on Mondays? Everyone's probably a little tired and grumpy and short tempered right? You would learn how to cope with the Monday people, how to avoid stepping on their toes and setting them off. You'd probably become very guarded and meek believing the world to be a cold and hostile place.

Now compare that experience with the alter that only fronts on Saturdays. Can you see where the differentiation will start to come in? How those two alters would have vastly different experiences and thus beliefs about reality? How differently they would behave and interact with the world? How over time their separation would grow making their beliefs more and more incompatible with each other? Now let's say something happens that causes Monday to front on a Saturday Or Saturday to front on a Monday. Can you imagine how terrifying that would be?! How wrong and alien the world would feel?

In reality it's more different environments than different days. When people say "everyone has parts such as a work self, family self, out with friends self" this is very true, the difference with something like DID is that the work self ONLY knows what it's like to work. They only have the subjective experience of being at work, they weren't present on the weekend when the host went to the park and had a picnic, they didn't experience the two hours unwinding watching TV last night after they got home from work, they just clock in and clock out and that's it. That's their reality. That's all they know. So what happens when they've had enough and can't do it anymore? What happens when their boss shouts at them in a voice that's too similar to the way their dad shouted at them? What happens when a child alter or the alter that only comes out when their drunk at the club gets brought to the front in a work environment they've never been to before?

Even if there isn't blackout amnesia, there's a big difference between knowing what happens when you're at work and being the one who was there and experienced it.

This is the difficulty and distress of a lot of people with CDDs are facing on a daily basis. It's not internalised pluralphobia, they just aren't experiencing what you are, they can't even imagine what it's like to experience what you are. They're just trying to get through the day as best they can, to pass as "Karen Settman" in a world that feels increasingly alien and hostile to them. Is it any wonder that when someone comes up to them and says "omg you're a system too? Isn't it amazing having a head full of friends? You should meet my Twilight Sparkle fictive" that they go "what the fuck? No? What are you talking about?". Yes the world is wild and weird and wonderful, but that's just not their experience of it. It's not their reality. All they know is drink coffee, make hot spreadsheet, and lie.