#Valencia College

[twstfanblog]

Are there any other schools like NRC and RSA in your worldbuilding that aren't branch based schools? Defunct dorms no one talks about anymore? Is Noble Bell laundering money from somewhere? I wanna know the education situation, so to speak.

Honestly, in my canon, RSA isn't a branch school. That's purely on the fact that we haven't seen any RSA NPCs with different colored mage stones like NRC students have. RSA has halls for each 'hero dorm', but they're more like. Oh, they gave us support and to show our appreciation we made this themed area of the school. Instead of housewardens, they have a student council that mirrors the NRC boys.

I've talked about it before, like way before hand; but I made Ramshackle the abandoned dorm of Peter Pan. He gave his support because he thought it'd be a good way to have a constant stream of lost boys. But then he realized how boring school was and quickly removed his support. Ramshackle, from that point, fell out of use and didn't get the same updates that the other dorms gained being moved to the mirror chamber.

NRC and RSA are listed as the top schools. But that seems unfair since they're both supposed to read as all boys' schools. So I added the fanon fact that NRC is never written as an all boys school in the charter. It's just been a wild coincidence that everyone admitted so far has been male presenting.

Sadly, I don't have much about Noble Bell as a school so far. I also wanna know why they'd be laundering money XD.

Education wise, there are more schools that aren't purely magic based but offer a few classes for weak mages where they can learn to control their magic and have access to resources. But magical education is expensive and dangerous.

And just as there are all boys' magic schools, there are all girls' magic schools and coed magic schools.

[incorrectdmp]

Hailey and Valencia: A woman’s place is on the battlefield!

Percy: So you think women should die?

Grace: Bold of you to assume that the women would lose the battle. Misogynist much?

Percy: You’re right. I will reflect on my behavior.

Percy: Sorry, women.

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

HBCU CONFESSIONS.

Erik x Valencia

Smut

Part One.

What am I going to do? I’m pregnant and it’s my freshman year. I don’t know if I should keep the baby or not. Any advice?

-Florida A&M

My stupid boyfriend cheated on me so I fucked his homeboy. Now both of them are fighting over me 🤭

-Hampton

I think my roommate has a thing for me. I’m not gay, but I’ve caught myself staring at his dick a few times. This shit is confusing me. I don’t like dick I like pussy!

-Morehouse College

My girlfriend wants me to eat her butt. She keeps begging me to do it. Who on here ever ate ass before? I need some advice because gahdamn she won’t leave a nigga alone.

-Morgan State

I already know what yall gonna say but I don’t give a fuck. My homegirl keep telling me about how her man is cheating on her. He’s cheating with me. I’m the side chick. The D is just too good. At this point I’m already too far gone. Judge me if you want I don’t care 🤷🏿‍♀️

-Clark Atlanta University

I had a train ran on me the other night. No, they didn’t fuck me. They ate me 😩 and it was a bunch of Omegas! Since they like to show their tongue so much I wanted to see which one of them could make me cum the hardest 😘

-Howard University

-I wish to remain anonymous. I’m not as experienced in the sex department and I am 21 years old. I want to hook up with someone here. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations, but I want it to be with someone I’ve been eyeing around campus. He doesn’t know I exist, but he’s so beautiful. If I could just have one chance with him…

-Texas Southern

“I did it.��

Valencia shut her MacBook Pro and fell back against her bed within her dorm room. Across from her sat her roommate, Brielle. They’d been roommates since freshman year.

“It was an anonymous submission, right? Nothing to worry about.” Brielle replied while looking over her notes for her A&P lab practical.

“I know, but what if someone figures it out?—

Her phone buzzed next to her thigh again.

“Jesus…he keeps fucking calling me.”

Brielle chuckles, “His ego is bruised. He probably wants to make sure you don’t say anything about it.”

“It’s been a week. He needs to let the shit go.”

Valencia ends the call for the eighth time that rainy evening. She’s already angry with herself for even allowing that man to have his way with her body. It was the worst experience. Worse than her first time.

“Head was trash, dick was trash…”

“So, I guess it isn’t all true that Que’s are great in bed, huh?” Brielle jokes.

“It’s definitely not true. I just wish it was with him.”

Valencia grabbed a pillow and screamed into it. Brielle simply laughed at her antics.

“Isn’t he a Que too?” Brielle questions.

“He is. Maybe he’ll be the exception.”

Valencia slowly removed the pillow from her face and blinked her eyes up at the ceiling. Butterflies formed in her belly just thinking about him.

“He’s so damn fine, Brie. Like, why couldn’t it be him that had all of this instead of Isaiah?!”

“Who is this again? Girl, you know my attention span is fucked up.” Brielle replied with a laugh.

“His name is Erik. He’s getting his doctorate.”

“Hm,” Brielle highlighted a section in her textbook orange, “How old is he?”

“I don’t know, like…thirties maybe?”

“Since when do you like them older?” Brielle asked with a shocked tone of voice.

“Since now! He’s too fine, Brie. And he’s really smart. Like a genius. He has so many accomplishments. A sexy nerd.”

“He sounds like he’s out of your league—”

“He’s also a TA—”

Brielle’s eyes went wide.

“A TA? Girl…don’t do it.”

Valencia had to admit that Brielle was right.

“It’ll never happen anyway. That man walks past me everyday like he doesn’t see me. I’ll just crush from afar at this point I don’t even know why I sent that fucking message.”

Valencia pouted in bed. Silence filled the room as she laid there staring at the television. Brielle was completely absorbed into her notes to care. Valencia could be doing some schoolwork herself, but the thought of her anonymous ask kept circulating in her mind.

Valencia sat up on her elbow and reached for her laptop again. Brielle cut her brown eyes at her and smirked playfully. Valencia checked the blog and noticed one note. Clicking on it, it was just a like. Her submission is nothing compared to the other wild confessions.

“There he goes again,” Brielle motioned with her eyes at Valencia’s phone, “Do you want me to cuss his ass out? Block that nigga!”

Valencia grabbed her phone and proceeded to block him.

“You know I have Chemistry with that limp dick fucker, right?” Brielle said.

“Just ignore him, Brie. He’ll be alright.”

“He keeps harassing you!”

Valencia sat her laptop on their shared desk. She shut off her lamp light snd slipped beneath the sheets. She had an early class tomorrow and needed to ease her mind into slumber.

“Goodnight, Brie. Don’t stay up too late.” Valencia said.

“I’ll try. You know I’m a night owl.” Brielle grumbled.

The rain seemed to flow into the following afternoon. Valencia ran as fast as she could back to her dorm after the boring lecture she had to endure. A fellow student held the door for her and she made it inside although she was drenched from head to toe. She smoothed wet braids from her face and adjusted her cropped T-shirt. The brisk air of the building caused goosebumps to form along her sepia skin. She could even feel her teeth chattering.

Removing her heavy school bag from her shoulder, Valencia took long strides towards the elevators. She waited impatiently while rubbing her wet arms to try and warm up. She silently cursed herself for not bringing her umbrella. The sunny morning and clear sky deceived her. She stared down at her black and white Adidas Campus 00s for two seconds before the elevator doors opened. Valencia took a step forward and just then a deep timbre sent a shiver up her spine.

“Going up?”

Valencia was halfway into the elevator when her chocolate orbs fell upon the one person she wasn’t expecting to see in her dorm building.

Valencia may have met her match with Erik Stevens.

“Yes,” She stepped to the side so that he could enter.

“Thank you.”

Valencia scooted towards the corner of the elevator.

“Which floor?”

“Six.”

“Bet, that’s where I’m going.”

He has a dorm on the sixth floor? She thought.

She focused on him like she was studying a passage out of one of her textbooks. First, her eyes took in the style of his hair. He kept the sides and back tapered but the rest was beautifully loc’d and braided back. His eyes were shielded with gold-rimmed glasses that complimented his face and made him like artsy. She trailed her gaze down his neck to his broad shoulders. He wore a cream-colored hoodie and khaki cargo pants. On his feet were a pair of boots and in his firm grip was a dripping wet umbrella.

“After you.”

Valencia picked herself up and slipped past him since he was holding the door for her. She could smell his cologne and it was her new favorite smell.

“Thank you.” She said.

She instantly felt warm and fuzzy. He had this effect on her she hadn’t felt in a long while truly. Not even for that lackluster lay she had a week ago. Isaiah who?

Valencia walked into a crowded lounge area with a confused look on her face. She spotted Brielle near the window sitting on a lounger. She was chatting with a few of their mutual girl friends. The grey clouds outside began to allow the sun to peek through. She walked over to them and dropped her bag to the floor.

“Cindy, Skai…”

Cindy jutted out her petite hip and smiled with her braces in greeting. Skai raised her hand and fluttered her fingers covered in various gold rings. Skai was playing in Brielle’s ginger-colored coily hair as she typed away on her tablet.

“Why is everybody sitting here in the lounge?” Valencia questioned.

“Rumor has it, Rochelle isn’t our RA anymore.” Skai revealed.

Valencia furrowed her brows and squinted her eyes.

“Really?—”

“CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!”

The chatter amongst everyone died down to a pregnant pause. Everyone looked towards Erik. Valencia caught his eye briefly and she could feel herself squirming from that small interaction alone.

“My name is Erik. I’m sure some of you have seen your emails, and for those that haven’t, I’m here to fill you in. Rochelle had a personal emergency and she will not continue as your RA for the final months of this semester. I will take over that position from here on out.”

Whispers circulated around the room. Erik stood there with his back straight, arms folded, and poker-faced.

Elusive nature.

Mellow.

“Uh-oh…”

Valencia turned her gaze towards Brielle. Her friend gave her a mischievous smirk. Valencia suppressed a laugh and threw her hands in the air dismissively.

“I will be staying on this floor for the remainder of the semester to keep an eye on things and act as a guide. I know a lot about TSU and I’m more than happy to help. Does anyone have any questions for me?”

Erik scanned the room through his glasses intently, similar to a drill sergeant. For some reason, his presence evoked a feeling of obedience.

A quiet Alpha.

“Well, that’s all I have to say for now,” Erik clapped his hands together in finality, “You can resume studying or whatever it is you were doing. Matt, right?”

Erik pointed to a freshman sitting at a desk. Matt was tall and lanky with designer braids in his hair and dressed like he was ready for a runway. A lot of designer. Definitely attention seeking.

“Yeah. How you know me?”

“I’m a Que Dog. You still interested, right?”

Something in Matt shifted. He stood taller and raised his chin with confidence.

“Absolutely.” Matt replied with excitement.

“Your probationary period starts tonight. You got a lot of work to do.”

Valencia could sense the nervousness in Matt.

“I’m ready.” Matt replied.

“We’ll see.”

Erik walked past Matt and towards the elevators. Valencia watched him leave and when he’d finally gone she let out a shaky breath.

“I don’t think I’m going to enjoy a man being our RA,” Cindy said with obvious disdain.

“Same,” Skai stood up and pulled her tight denim skirt down over her rotund backside and generous thighs.

“Valencia is going to keep me up playing DJ hero every night since her crush is our new RA.”

Valencia glared at Brielle.

“You have a crush on him?!” Cindy questioned with a surprised expression.

“What happened to Isaiah?” Skai asked.

“Isaiah was a disappointment. He talked a big game after that party and when we went back to his room he pretty much did the opposite of what he said he was gonna do.” Valencia recalled with frustration.

“I’M GoNnA MAke YoU CuM,” Brielle mocked.

“I’Mma GiVe YoU THIs DiCk AnD HaVE YOu BeGGiNG FoR MorE.” Valencia said

“oh my fucking GOD,” Cindy giggled, “It was that horrible?”

“Cindy, horrible isn’t even the word. If I could find a word to describe how awful it was I would. Can’t eat pussy for shit, constantly tried to stick it in my ass because he couldn’t find my pussy, has a big dick but can’t fuck, kept asking me if I liked it, it was terrible.”

“I’m so sorry for you, sis,” Skai shook her head, “I really thought he was going to knock the Sonic rings out that coochie.”

“Maybe he was drunk?” Cindy said

“He wasn’t. He had a little bit of weed, that’s it.”

Valencia reached for her bag and stood up to leave.

“Let me go study, I’ll catch up with ya’ll later.”

“Sure you don’t wanna come out with us for drinks tonight?” Brielle asked with a smile.

“I have to train. I have a swim meet coming up.”

“Fine! Maybe Saturday!”

Valencia put a thumb up as she walked away towards her dorm room.

Thirty notes.

Girl if you don’t approach this man!

Who is it? I wanna know 👀

If he hasn’t taken the hint by now he don’t want you.

Valencia’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Most of the replies were nothing but discouraging. She wished she could take back her anonymous submission. Sitting at their shared desk in an oversized yellow Nike hoodie and her braided hair in a messy bun, she clicked on a tab on her MacBook to continue reading about Erik’s accomplishments at TSU. He’s an alumni receiving his doctorate in Computer Hardware Engineering. Summa cum laude. Pledge President. Star Football player. Leading place in various academic clubs and competitions. Tutor in multiple complex subjects such as quantum physics, chemistry, mathematics, and philosophy. Fluent in languages such as French, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, and signing.

Overly intellectual.

Valencia could go on and on about how perfect Erik seemed to be. She was infatuated past the point of no return. Far gone. The sexist fucking nerd she’d ever known. But still, it was just a reminder that he wouldn’t be concerned with a twenty-one-year-old chick with no experience and nowhere near as much maturity as him. He probably wanted a sophisticated woman. confident, in charge, and calm. A lot of experience and knowledge about the world and about culture, art, and literature. Someone who can quote Aristotle.

Studious.

Oh? He was in the Military? That explains a lot.

Valencia clicked out of the tab and back to the HBCU Confessions blog. As she scrolled the page, she wondered to herself who could have created it? She’d heard whispers around campus about how the infamous blog became active again after some years.

As she scrolled, an instant message icon popped up. She shifted her hips in her seat and leaned in to click on the message. It was probably some old man asking if she wanted to be their sugar baby or a bot. Valencia’s dark brown eyes scanned the message.

-Hi:)

It was the blog. HBCU Confessions. The owner.

-Hello ❤️

Why would they message her?

-I read your submission. Probably the most innocent out of them all.

Valencia didn’t know how to take that. Was it an issue?

-Unfortunately for you, I don’t have THAT MUCH excitement in my life lol

-Nothing wrong with that. It prompted me to message you personally.

-It was that interesting? Lol

-I’d like to understand and see if I could give you some advice.

-Thank you! I’d actually love some advice. 🥰

-Perfect. What makes it an unrealistic expectation? Because I can tell you now, I doubt it is.

-He’s on a different level than me. He’s also older than me. Idk I just get this vibe that he wouldn’t be interested.

Valencia grabbed her hot pink Stanley cup to take a sip of water.

-How much older? I know you’re 21.

-All I know is that he’s in his 30s.

-I’m still not seeing where it’s unrealistic. Have you tried anything at all? A smile? Anything?

-No. I’ve been too shy to.

-Shy or afraid of rejection?

-BOTH.

-You gotta break out of that.

-Do you know for sure if he’s single?

-I’ve seen him around campus with this professor sometimes for lunch but that’s it. I’m not sure if they are dating or just friends lol

-What school are you attending again?

-Texas Southern

-Really? 👀

-👀👀👀

Valencia made a face at her laptop screen. Did they know something she didn’t?

-Is there something I should know?

-I think I may know who you’re talking about. He’s not available from what I know…

So, this person attended TSU as well? Makes sense now why they singled out her confession.

-Who am I talking about then? 😌

-He’s 33 by the way.

Valencia’s shoulders slumped.

-This still doesn’t confirm that we’re talking about the same person.

-He’s a Nupe, right?

-No. he’s a Que. lol

-You sure? He’s about 6’0, teaches chemistry, spends time with that one English Literature professor…

Valencia considered their description of Erik but she was sure he said that he was a Que Dog earlier. And he’s a TA for quantum physics not chemistry. The only similarity is the English Lit teacher. Professor Boyd.

-I don’t think we’re talking about the same person. Send me a picture.

Valencia waited two minutes before a picture popped up in their chat.

-His name is James Parham.

-He’s cute but that’s not my crush 😂

-Well then I have no idea who you’re talking about lol.

-wait!

Valencia waited. She stood up from her seat at the desk to grab her phone from the charger. Checking her notifications, she received a text from Brielle an hour ago. Valencia opened the text thread and there was a video. She pressed play and it was a lot of motion to keep the phone steady until the video zoomed into a table far off in the corner. Valencia squinted her eyes and recognition washed over her face.

Erik.

He was sitting alone in a booth with a drink in his hand, bobbing his head to the music.

Ping.

-Is it him?

-Yes!

-😌 ohhh so Erik?

-He’s definitely single.

-Make a move before it’s too late.

-what do you suggest I do? Can you give me some advice please?

-Erik is introverted and often mistaken for being timid. He is indeed an Omega and takes pride in that. You can find him around campus reading a book or working out. He’s a homebody for sure. Sometimes you may catch him out and about. He’s a chill dude with this mysterious aura about him. That’s what I’ve gathered from just seeing him around campus.

-I would start off by playing into his interests. He likes to read so find out what books he likes. From what I know he’s big on poetry. He likes to run around campus at 6 am. Need help tutoring? See if he’s offering some study hours for that. Start there and see where it goes.

-This is really good advice! It’s very subtle and a perfect way to get his attention without being too obvious. Thank you! ❤️

-You’re welcome love 💗 I’m here if you need anything. Feel free to chat with me.

Intent listener…

“I really don’t know what to do about it, Erik…”

Andrea, Erik’s friend from college and English Literature professor at TSU walked alongside him in the early afternoon the following day.

“He’s so confusing half the damn time, I can’t even tell if he’s into me or not.”

Erik had both hands in the pockets of his slacks. Today was his day to assistant teach quantum physics. He really wasn’t up for it because he’d been up so late in the dorms trying to settle a sneaky party. Apparently, Rochelle allowed them to party and have drinks which is against the rules and grounds for expulsion. He just walked and listened. Out of his friend group, he’s the one they go to to vent because he doesn’t disrupt them, and he gives great advice.

“How long have we known James, Drea? That nigga can’t express himself for shit. Just know, he’s feelin’ you. He’s always had a thing for you.” Erik replied.

Andrea took a sip of her super green smoothie.

“Well, I’m not gonna wait around for him to speak up. What is he so afraid of?”

Erik turned his gaze onto Andrea through his gold-rimmed glasses.

“We’ve been friends for about ten years, Drea. Maybe he’s afraid that if things don’t work out with you two romantically, it’ll mess up the bond you both had as friends.”

Andrea mulled over Erik’s words. They settled in front of the school fountain and sat down on a bench facing it.

“You have a point. We’re going to a spoken word tonight. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Spoken word, huh? Wow…I haven’t done one of those in forever.” Erik replied with a smirk.

“Coming back to Texas is nostalgic, ain’t it?” Andrea said with a giggle.

“It is—”

“Oh! Guess what?”

Andrea leaned into Erik with a playful look in her eyes. Erik narrowed his eyes at her in response.

“Are you gonna guess?” Andrea pestered.

“Aight, You’re finally gonna write that book you’ve been talking about all these years.”

“No! I changed my mind about the book,” Andrea rolls her eyes, “the blog…”

Erik’s eyebrows shot up.

“Yep. It’s been so long I had to see what was going on with it.”

Erik chuckled, “Nah. You’re back on there? Drea,” Erik shook his head, “You’re a professor now! What if somebody finds out?”

“Who’s gonna find out, Erik? We never revealed ourselves when we used it. Nobody knows what school we went to or who we were. Well…I think I may have slipped up last night…”

“What the hell did you do, Drea?”

Erik surveyed his surroundings to make sure they were safe to talk about this.

“I got the sweetest confession from a student here and I just had to message them.” Andrea said.

“Okay, what did they say?”

“So, they pretty much confessed to having a crush on someone here and being afraid to approach them…”

“Who?” Erik said impatiently.

“You.”

Andrea laughed at Erik’s expression. He furrowed his brows and looked at her like she was talking gibberish.

“…Did they say who they were?” Erik asked.

His interest was peeked.

“No. All I know is she’s twenty-one, very shy, feels as if she has no chance in hell with you.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Erik fussed.

“Because I thought you’d want to know! You need some action in your life, Erik. When was the last time you had sex?”

“Aye, don’t worry about it, girl,” Erik playfully shoved Andrea, “I’m just saying, what am I supposed to do with this information? Like…I don’t even know how the girl looks.”

“You will eventually. I gave her some advice. She may pop up today…”

Erik couldn’t deny that he was intrigued. Could be fun to see how things play out.

“Okay, okay…the log in still the same?”

Andrea smirked, “Still the same. You remember?”

“Yeah…it was my idea, wasn’t it?” Erik smart-mouthed.

“Alright, smart ass.”

Andrea checked the time on her Apple Watch.

“Let me head back to my office. When does your class start?”

“In an hour. I’m gonna head over to the library and do a bit of grading to kill some time.”

Andrea and Erik stood up at the same time. Andrea opened her arms to accept a hug from Erik. She squeezed her old friend and then kissed his cheek.

“Aight, Daka, I’ll catch you later.”

“Have a good class, Drea.”

They parted ways and headed in opposite directions.

Valencia felt cute today.

She did her makeup for once. She dressed in a body con black dress that enhanced her curves. She wore her favorite Carolina Herrera perfume. Anything to get his attention.

On her way to the library after her philosophy class, Valencia entered the library with a grace that turned heads. She took the elevators to the third level of the library, her stomach doing flips because of how nervous she was. She exited onto the third level and walked further into the silent area until she was near the windows that overlooked the campus.

Valencia took a seat and proceeded to retrieve her MacBook, and textbook. She wanted to format her notes with bullet points and colors while the information was still fresh on her mind. It was Friday evening and she didn’t want to spend her weekend catching up on school work. Her cafe noir eyes would look up to see if her crush had shown up yet.

After some time, her attention veered back to the HBCU Confessions blog. She was excited to see that there was a new message from the blog.

-Any luck today?

Valencia typed.

-No 😪

Erik strolled over to a desk diagonal to Valencia. He quickly took his laptop and other work out of his bag. It was the last thing on his mind after what Andrea told him. He opened his laptop and found his way back to Tumblr. Being back sparked memories of mischief and lust. Erik started this blog for laughs and he honestly didn’t expect it to transform into what it is today. What started out as a blog strictly for TSU, expanded to other colleges unexpectedly. So many scandalous things go down at college and it sucked that our people didn’t really have their own way of connecting across HBCUs. So, Erik started the blog for fun, and it quickly evolved.

He’d known secrets about people across colleges. It didn’t matter if you were the dean, a professor, a student, or a coach, your deepest darkest thoughts and feelings were exposed for everyone to see with the option of remaining anonymous. Erik witnessed breakups and hookups. It was a guilty pleasure of his, like watching hentai. Erik had many guilty pleasures. Who didn’t?

He successfully logged back in and found himself staring at hundreds of notifications. The only thing he was concerned with was whoever this anonymous person was that had a crush on him. It’s been a while since he’d been with a woman. Being in the military as an engineer was a busy job. He worked a lot and on top of that he moved around from state to state. Hardly any time to settle down or date. He did date a few women, but it was all a dead end.

Erik found what he was looking for.

ebonygoddess1990s_-No 😪

Erik read the entire thread and couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. He was tickled by Andrea’s advice to his secret admirer. She knew him like she knew her classic literature. He was indeed laidback, quiet, nerdy, and ambitious. The more he read the messages, the more he wanted to find out who this woman was. He decided to respond to their message. Why not? It would be fun to play along. Just like the old days.

-Where are you right now?

Meanwhile, Valencia’s head shot up at her MacBook when she heard the ping of a new message. She read the message.

-Where are you right now?

-Library ☺️

-Usually he’s there around this time.

Valencia looked up and she was staring at him sitting at a table diagonally from her table. He didn’t know that she was eyeing him down since he was focused on his laptop. He wore a pair of slim fit paisley and gray pants with a white button down shirt and brown loafers.

-He’s here now 😳

Erik sat up straighter and his eyes locked with Valencia’s. She quickly averted her gaze to her laptop, tucking her braids behind her left ear. Erik took his time admiring Valencia. His eyes started at her feet. She wore a pair of black gladiator sandals with silver spikes on them. She had red painted toes and smooth, brown legs. His onyx eyes ascended further up her body, over the curve of her hip, the hourglass shape of her waist, her toned arms, ample cleavage, neatly braided hair, and then finally her beautiful face.

He really really liked the shape of her lips. Large and wide set with a plump, pouty appearance and equally full on the top and bottom. He’d seen plenty of beautiful women every day, but whoever this girl was, she was the most beautiful. It was her rich, brown skin. Her pretty doe eyes. That body. Erik was certain that she’s his secret admirer, but he needed to be sure. Excitement brewed in him as he typed a response.

-You should say hi. Get his attention.

-I’m nervous 😭

-Don’t be. Just go for it. How else will you know if he’s interested?

-I dare you to give him a flirty wave with a seductive smile. 😏

Valencia’s eyes went round with surprise. That was bold. Bolder than she initially planned to be. She cleared her throat and turned in her seat. Crossing one leg over the other, Valencia flipped her braids so that it gave her a messy look and then she made her eyes look sleepy and hypnotic like Dorothy Dandridge. She took a deep breath in and focused her gaze on Erik steadily. After five seconds, he looked up and did a double take. Valencia raised a small hand and waved at him slowly while her lips were formed in a smile.

Erik simply smirked at her and raked his eyes up and down her frame. That’s all. He just smirked at her and then he dropped his gaze back to his laptop. Valencia gripped the back of her chair to try and calm her racing heart. That slight interaction had her bewitched. He smirked at her and he checked her out. She wanted to jump up and down.

Ping.

-How did it go?

-He smiled at me and then he looked me up and down. 😭 clearly he likes what he sees!

Erik nibbled on his bottom lip to control the urge to smile with all of his teeth. This was so much fun. The most fun he’d had an a long time. It was good to be back.

Erik packed his things so that he could be on his way to the class he needed to assist. As he was getting ready to leave, he felt his phone vibrating with an incoming call. He plucked his cell from his pocket and brought it to his ear. His eyes connected with Valencia’s briefly before turning away.

“Hello? Hey…I was headed there now—really? You sure? Okay…no, no…it’s all good. Uh…I’ll just finish grading everything and drop it off later? Perfect. Alright…see you next Friday…”

Erik ended the call. Fuck it. He didn’t want to assist that class today anyway now that something and someone had his attention more. He stole a glance at her and she was reading from a philosophy textbook. He knew philosophy well. So well that he tutored for it. Erik had an idea. He took his seat again and brought his laptop back out. He opened it to the messages and began typing away.

-That’s a good thing 😌 What’s he doing now?

-He was going to leave but changed his mind. I wonder why. Hmmm…maybe he can’t get enough of me lol

-maybe 🤔 lol. What are you doing now? Are you studying?

-I am. It’s philosophy. It’s so boring but I have to do it.

-Philosophy, huh? He actually tutors philosophy.

Valencia giggled to herself and shook her head.

-Why am I not surprised. He’s so smart 😍

Erik licked his lips. She was infatuated with his intellect. He liked that.

-You want another dare?

Valencia looked heavenward. Erik peeked over at her.

-Okay. What do you dare?

Valencia’s eyes veered from her laptop to Erik again.

Ping.

-I dare you to ask him to be your tutor.

Valencia exhaled louder than she’d expected to. She brought a hand to her belly to calm the butterflies. That actually wouldn’t be a bad idea. She just needed to calm her nerves. Valencia counted down from ten in her head and stood up from her seat. She paused with her fingertips against her philosophy textbook before lifting it from the table. She pressed it against her, beneath her cleavage, hugging it with both arms like those school girls from teen dramas.

She started making her way towards him slowly. Erik didn’t look away from his laptop until she was standing next to him. Being that close to him, his features more prominent, Valencia couldn’t find the words to speak. Erik looked up at her through his glasses and gave her a friendly smile before recognition washed over his face.

“Hi.” Erik said.

“Hi…”

Valencia shifted her focus on the empty seat at the table. She took a moment to gather herself before scooting out the chair and making herself comfortable.

“Weren’t you in the elevator the other day?” Erik said.

“Yeah…yeah that was me,” Valencia smiles.

Erik nodded his head, “You look different.”

She wasn’t as dolled up and she was soaked from head to toe.

“I didn’t look very flattering,” Valencia released a dry chuckle, growing more bashful the more his eyes were on her.

“No, what I mean is…you’re not all wet.”

Valencia blinked at Erik. Heat crept up her face. The way he said wet…

Erik’s eyes fell to the book that pushed her titties up.

“Philosophy. What’s your major?”

“Psychology.” Valencia replied.

“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you don’t stop…”

He sounded those words out so smooth like he was serenading her. Valencia furrowed her brows at Erik’s response. Her full lips parted invitingly.

“…What?” She questions.

“Confucius. Confucianism? the importance of having a good moral character?”

“Oh—oh!”

Valencia sat her textbook down and giggled.

“Right, right…I had a brain fart.”

Erik laughed.

“Uhm…do you tutor?”

Valencia leaned in, unknowingly exposing her cleavage more. Erik fought the urge to look, focusing his penetrating gaze on her face.

He adjusted his glasses very studiously, “I do actually.”

“That’s perfect actually,” Valencia folds her arms against the table, “I could use a tutor. You seem to be well versed in the subject.”

Valencia looked at Erik expectantly with those doe eyes and honestly she could have whatever she wanted if she kept staring at him like that.

“Are you asking me?” Erik quirked a brow.

“…Please?”

Valencia folded her hands and pouted her bottom lip. It was adorable.

“Are you free after five?” Erik inquired.

“I am, actually. Tonight I have plans with friends but I can meet at five.”

“Alright,” Erik shut his laptop, “We can study in the lounge at the dorms. Wait…”

Erik touched Valencia’s arm, stopping her from standing. The hairs on her arm stood up like a jolt of electricity coursed through her.

“I didn’t catch your name…”

“Oh…sorry. Valencia.”

“Nice to formally meet you, Miss Valencia. I’m Erik.”

“I remember.”

They smiled at each other. Erik stood up, placing his laptop in his bag. Valencia took her time retrieving her textbook, unsure of what else to say.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye for now—”

“Valencia?”

Isaiah.

The last person she’d hope to run into. He looked irritated with her as he approached them. Valencia fixed her face into a look of frustration and Erik noticed straight away. The tension between them was palpable.

“What it do, shawty? You avoiding me?”

Valencia looked between Erik and Isaiah. Isaiah loomed closer, draping his arm around her shoulder. Valencia rolled her eyes.

“What can I do for you, Isaiah?” Valencia quipped.

“Did you block me?”

“I did—”

“For what? Didn’t we have a good time?”

Valencia pursed her lips and shut her eyes.

“Isaiah, don’t make me embarrass you…”

Truthfully, she was the one embarrassed at the moment. Erik’s eyebrows ticked up and the corner of his mouth twitched. Isaiah cut his eyes at Erik, sizing him up initially before he recognized him.

“Oh, shit what’s poppin’, Poet?”

Isaiah raised his hand to dab Erik. Erik slowly brought his hand forward and their palms collided with a loud smack and a firm grip. Erik released his hand and watched as Isaiah discreetly flexed his fingers.

“Don’t mind us, just tryna see why my girl mad at me.”

Isaiah clearly couldn’t read the room.

“I’m not your girl, Isaiah.”

Valencia lifted his arm from around her and turned to leave. She threw Erik a furtive glance before retreating quickly.

“Valencia!”

Shhhhhhhhhh!

He was in a library after all.

Isaiah was ready to chase her down but Erik yoked him up by his backpack to stop him.

“Gahdamn, Bro,” Isaiah fixed his bag.

“She’s not interested, One Pump Chump.”

“Fuck you and that nickname. That was one fucking time. I was drunk.”

“Yeahhhh and I’m sure the same happened with Valencia?”

Isaiah glared dangerously at Erik.

“If it didn’t happen that way, it shouldn’t matter, right?”

Erik slapped Isaiah on the back and proceeded to walk away.

“I’ll catch you later, little bruh.”

Erik threw up a hook and twisted his tongue before descending the stairs with a laugh.

[davey-in-a-minivan]

bahaha these are ARE across the board the less traumatic ones but GOOD FOR THEM

hiiiii happy six month pasithea finaleversary, which is your favorite au concept? :)

i like that you used the same opening every time 😭 BUT ALSO HOW COULD YOU ASK THIS BECAUSE I LOVE ALL OF THEM??? ok well i think my *current* fav to roll over in my brain is royalty au because it’s just. the glitz the glamour the DRAMA. it’s all just sooooooo delicious to me!!!!! but i think also maybe my number one is pr au because of how we poured over it like we have established outfits, we’ve essentially got full scenes, and ofc the sophie green coffee table book. it was a lot of fun. and then ive also got a soft spot for college throuple au 🤭🤭🤭 i think i just like the less outwardly traumatic ones…. UM wait am i allowed to mention your Big au yet? because to me that is The au like nothing compares it’s just so. and then of COURSE i can not forget to acknowledge the truth serum variant 😌

[anastasiareyreed]

dear world, you have the opportunity to show your support for Ukraine in real life! please share!

you can support Ukraine and call on your authorities to help Ukrainians survive the ecocide and expel the russian invaders from our territories!

in the coming days, a peaceful march in support of Ukraine will take place all over the world! please join and show by your example that the world need to be on the side of good!

please spread the word and look for cities where you can join the march, Ukrainians really need your support!

📍Bucharest, Parcul TNB 19:00 10.06

📍Sydney, Town Hall 14:00 11.06

📍Batumi, Europe Square 19:00 11.06

📍Paris, Place de la Republique 16:00 10.06

📍London, 10 Downing Street 16:00 10.06

📍Kraków, Rynek Główny 1 16:00 11.06

📍 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Dam Square 14:00-16:00 11.06

📍Danmark, Aarhus, Molleparken 13:00 11.06

📍Adana, Ataturk Park 16:00 10.06

📍Porto, Praça Aliados 13:00 11.06

📍Lyon, Pl. de la Comédie 18.00 10.06

📍Prague, Staroměstské náměstí 17:00 10.06

📍Wroclaw, plac Solny 18:00 11.06

📍Nottingham, Speakers Corner, 16:00 10.06

📍 Barcelona, Passeig de Lluís Companys 16:00 11.06

📍Strasbourg, Parlement européen 17:30 12.06

📍Brisbane, Australia, King George Square 14:00 11.06

added new cities and dates:

📍Stockholm, Norrmalmstorg, 12:00 11.06

📍Tel Aviv, HaYarkon St 120 18:30 12.06

📍UK, Bristol, College Green 12:00 11.06

📍Vancouver, Jack Pool Plaza 14:00 11.06

📍Poznan, Adam Mickiewicz Square 11:00 11.06

📍Warsaw, Ukrainian embassy, Szucha 7 18:00 12.06

📍Valencia, Monument Antoni Ferrandis 16:00 11.06

📍Brisbane, King George Square 14:00 11.06

📍Freiburg, Platz der alten Synagoge 18:00 10.06

📍Kassel, Deutschland 17:00 10.06

over time, new cities and dates will be added

more information here!

[portraitsofsaints]

Saint Thomas of Villanova

1488-1555

Feast Day: September 22

Patronage: Students, the poor, orphans, Villanova University, PA. The Provence of St. Thomas of Villanova

Saint Thomas of Villanova was a Spanish Augustine Bishop of Valencia. He was an absentminded professor of theology and philosophy who was committed to the poor (called the “Father to the poor”) and impoverished, and the spiritual and material life in his diocese. He founded colleges, organized priests for service to the Moors, and promoted the Tridentine reforms. He died of natural causes after giving all his wealth to the poor.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase.(website)

[kquil]

THE PICNIC MASTERLIST

REQUESTS COMPLETED : 71 | REQUESTS PENDING : 11

🥪 : sandwich | scenarios → moodboard [18]

poly marauders take their princess shopping @loving-and-dreaming cuddling marauders @loving-and-dreaming picnic date by the lake w/ james potter @aresriot movie night w/ marauders @loving-and-dreaming poly marauders x rockstar r. @futurecorps3 study date at a cafe with remus and regulus @starchaser-lily modern college au w/ remus and sirius @aadapaadakaunpaada doing your make up with sirius @wicked-sprite-66 baking w/ the marauders @bxffy-sxmmers going to the bar w/ the marauders @prongsio halloween w/ the marauders @mooniethesimp31 hockey player james x figure skater reader @wicked-sprite-66 heroes in tattoos poly marauders @diputy swimming in the lake w/ the marauders @thisclose-to-arson mafia bosses jegulus x reader @3473-warrior remus fighter au @michealeamidalajedi poly marauders help set up your boho classroom @loving-and-dreaming poly marauders w/ chubby r. who loves pink @loving-and-dreaming

🧁 : cupcake | shipped with a marauder [30]

🍰 : cake | moot special [5]

not hers | sirius x vanessa @loving-and-dreaming his florist, her tattooist | sirius x lilly @somewereinthegalaxi when stars align | wolfstar x lola @futurecorps3 friendly competition | sirius x cassandra @cassandra-nerezza-black passing notes | remus x eryn @diputy

🍪 : cookie | short imagines [14]

(rq.) remus lupin | not so secret admirer prt.2 @jennieasfrance (rq.) poly marauders | filo cooking @lyne-lyne remus lupin | patience with an inexperienced gf @loving-and-dreaming poly marauders | princess shopping @loving-and-dreaming poly marauders | meeting their match in slytherin reader @valencia-rou remus lupin | first dance @loving-and-dreaming james potter | dancing in the rain @aresriot sirius black | opening up about family issues @loving-and-dreaming james potter | wizard and muggle magic @loving-and-dreaming james potter | husband, wife and baby take a bath @loving-and-dreaming sirius black | husband, wife and baby take a bath @loving-and-dreaming remus lupin | husband, wife and baby take a bath @loving-and-dreaming james potter | picking you up after work @klerity poly marauders | three to four @vampbloodbunny2

🍕 : pizza | song inspired drabbles [...]

to be written

🍙 : onigiri | questions for kquil [7]

what activity immediately calms me? who would i get along with in the marauders? my hobbies? what pets i want breakfast? lunch? dinner? my fav marauder, what got me into the marauders, how i got into writing and my motivation fav colour and aesthetic my dark interests and horror story reading recs

[kiwiana-writes]

2023 Writing Round Up

Thanks @welcometololaland and @rmd-writes for the tags! It’s been a weird year; there was definitely a point at which I thought I was done with sharing my writing publicly, but here we are 😂

JANUARY

Brain break 😁

FEBRUARY

We knew we were the fortunate ones [The Last of Us; Bill/Frank; rated E; 2,294 words]

First times are both awkward and exciting, apocalypse or no apocalypse.

MARCH

My mind has been expanded [Schitt’s Creek; David/Patrick; rated T; 422 words]

In which the author David finds out their his spouse has never seen Rocky Horror

Got me an appetite, now I can taste it [Schitt’s Creek; David/Patrick; rated E; 3,002 words]

Kink!verse s05e12: chastity cage for @minerforaheartofgold

APRIL-JUNE

Brain break 😁

JULY

We were supposed to find this [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated M; 3,384 words]

The canon-adjacent soulmarks fic

Honey lips and words so true [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 1,580 words]

A smutty little prompt fill for @rmd-writes

All the city lights on the water [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated T; 500 words]

A series of NYE drabbles as a prompt fill for @hullomoon

Before this all goes grey [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated T; 455 words]

A painfully soft Paris morning prompt fill for @stereopticons

Looking like our bodies might fuse [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated T; 637 words]

Post-canon paparazzi feelings prompt fill for @hullomoon

Just come along, baby, take my hand [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 1,335 words]

The ‘Alex and Henry watch Netflix’s How to Build a Sex Room’ fic @celeritas2997 made me write

Feel your hands in my hair and you whisper my name [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 2,508 words]

The barbershop meet-horny for @celeritas2997

AUGUST

With so much of my heart (that none is left to protest) [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 65,586 words]

Actor AU, Alex and Henry performing in a queer reimagining of Much Ado About Nothing

SEPTEMBER

Bukkake Breaky Heart [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 2,532 words]

Alex has a fantasy. Henry makes it happen.

Empty your heart of its mortal dream [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated G; 3,641 words]

Alex steps inside a fairy circle and Fey Prince Henry appears

The star to every wandering bark [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated T; 3,895 words]

A 5+1 coda set during the epilogue of With so much of my heart (that none is left to protest)

I don’t know if I should go with XX Pro or Valencia [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated T; 2,854 words]

Henry sends a thirst trap to his ex… or does he?

OCTOBER

Kinktober 2023 [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 6,200 words]

31 days, 31 kinky double drabbles

I’ve carried this song in my mind [RWRB; Arthur&Henry, Alex/Henry; rated T; 2,529 words]

Five times Arthur tries to get Alex and Henry together from beyond the grave, and one time two times his intervention isn’t needed.

Handprints in wet cement [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 2,421 words]

Five things Henry learned during his Oxford Slut Phase that he shared with Alex, and one thing they learned together.

NOVEMBER

Puck It [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 9,739 words]

College AU, Alex as a NCAA division I, NHL-drafted hockey player

Kinda think that I might be his type [RWRB; Alex/Henry, Alex&Bea; rated E; 12,864 words]

Alex agrees to be his friend's fake boyfriend for a weekend. He is not prepared for his friend's brother.

A Practical Arrangement [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; WIP 1/3 chapters, 6,136 words published, to be finished before the end of the year]

An anachronism stew, royalty-arranged-marriage AU

DECEMBER

All Those Christmas Clichés [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated M; WIP 16/25 chapters, 4,800 words published]

Daily triple drabbles: snapshots of the lead-up to Christmas 2023.

Puck It Real Good [RWRB; Alex/Henry; rated E; 1,793 words]

A smutty interlude set during Puck It

Tagging @affectionatelyrs @anincompletelist @cha-melodius @clottedcreamfudge @cricketnationrise @dumbpeachjuice @getmehighonmagic @happiness-of-the-pursuit @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @indestructibleheart @inexplicablymine @myheartalivewrites @sparklepocalypse @stereopticons @tintagel-or-cockleshells and, as always, anyone who wants to play!

[artstudyes]

I normally don't like to post about politics or what's happening around the world, I know what's happening but I need this little space of the internet to be blissfully unaware of it. A little content warning ⚠️ I'm going to talk about it in the most realistic way possible, if it triggers you don't read it, I'm going to talk about deceased people and the reality of the people of valencia at this moment. So if any of these things aren't your cup of tea I get it, don't read, mental health comes first.

So this is one of the few times I'm breaking that no post policy to speak about what is happening in Valencia, Spain, I'm not from that specific comunidad autónoma but is something that affects all Spain, not just economically, also on personal levels, I know people that has been affected by it and they told us that they were speaking one another to go and be able to identify the corpses of their loved ones, that the death's on the news are way lower that the reality, we have over 2000 missing people. This is a very serious hit to our country, it has passed over night and the governor of valencia is doing a nefarious work in trying to mend it, we had the king and queen, the president of the Spain and the one of the comunidad Valenciana going there and being thrown rocks, and other things,( I would also like to add that people were calling the king and queen everything, that's normally considered treason, but with how people were reacting to them and the fact that with one wrong move we would have the third republic the had to bear with it, not to pity them, just an important fact) because no helping has been able to go there and they are wasting resources and time in cleaning and getting food for the people. We have underground parking that are graveyards, the people of the UME (the Spanish special forces for things like this) are going to need a physiatrist for all they are seeing, the same with normal people. They don't have anything and all because the president of the comunidad Valenciana decided to not listen to Aemet and cutting on the emergency unit a few years ago. If the UME and the people don't clean the streets we are also going to have problems with various quite dangerous virus, like typhus, but the military nor volunteers can access most of the towns nor there are enough people because the president of valencia, doesn't want to accept help from anyone, not form other of the 16 community's or from other countries, France sent 200 firefighters with out permission because we couldn't handle it, and the president of valencia ended up asking for 500 military men and the president of spain sent 5000.

I kind of needed to rant, because we have boxes and boxes full of basic need things, food, clothes... And buses full of volunteers that also aren't being distributed because they don't know how to do it, and they put the wrong people to do the things.

In my page there are a few charity webs that I'll also link, and artists that will do commissions and donate it to Valencia, if you are from Spain and prefer to donate food and other things instead of money, like me, in all big shopping centers there are places to do so, and if you are a college student at least in madrid they are also taking donations to send to Valencia.

Thanks so much for reading all this.

https://www.tumblr.com/artstudyes/766163921086398464?source=share

This is one of the most complete post about everything I could find.

[docgold13]

Batman: The Animated Series Paper Cut-Out Portraits and Profiles

Tim Drake

Timothy ‘Tim’ Drake lived a difficult life.  With two absentee parents, Tim spent much of his childhood fending for himself.  His father was a low level hood who ran afoul of the villainous Two-Face.  Tim’s father had discovered Two-Face was planning on extorting Gotham with a powerful and deadly neural toxin.  Afraid of what might happen, he stole the toxin from the villain and hid the canisters.  

Two-Face murdered Tim’s father and would have killed Tim as well had it not been for the timely intervention of Batman.  A wounded Batman took Tim back to the BatCave.  It was not long before Tim discovered Batman’s true identity as Bruce Wayne.  Although there was no time to contend with that matter; Two-Face had re-obtained the neural toxin and was threatening to release it on the city.  

Batman and Batgirl rushed off to deal with Two-Face.  Unwilling to be left out of the action, Tim stole one of Dick Grayson’s former Robin costumes and followed.   

Tim proved himself in combat, Two-Face and his men were defeated and the day was saved.  Afterwards, Bruce agreed to train Tim and the youngster would go on to become the next Robin.  

Tim excelled in the role and proved an invaluable asset to Batman in battles against the likes of The Scarecrow, Clayface, Klarion the Witch Boy and even Brainiac.  Bruce Wayne formerly adopted Tim and having a family, a sense of purpose and high flying adventures made for the best years of the youngster’s life. 

Then tragedy occurred...

Responding to what he believed to be a citizen in distress, Robin was ambushed by The Joker and Harley Quinn.  They abducted the lad and The Joker tortured him for days at the abandoned Arkham Asylum. The villain used psychological programing to make Tim his ‘son’… his ‘Joker Junior.’  When Batman and Batgirl finally tracked the Joker down, The villain tried to use Tim to kill Batman. And yet Tim was able to resist the programming.  Using all the will he had left, Tim turned on The Joker and killed The Clown Prince of Crime.

Severely traumatized, Tim was placed under the care of Dr. Leslie Thompkins.  He gradually made a recovery but was forever changed and his days of being Robin were done.  Tim would go on to college and earned a degree in electrical engineering.  He grew more and more distant from Bruce until he and his adoptive father were entirely estranged.  Many years later, after Tim had a family of this own, he and Bruce finally reconciled.   

Actors Mathew Valencia and Dean Stockwell provided the voice for Tim Drake, with the tragic hero first appearing in the debut episode of The New Batman Adventures, ‘Holiday Nights.’  

[katttkhaos]

ANOTHA ONE

ENEKO RUIZ-ARROYO

Head of Radiology, PPTH.

ask blog: @headoradiology

Basic Information:

Age: 28

DOB: 11th August, 1976

Specialties: Radiology, Haematology

Ethnicity: Spanish, raise in Britain from 12 - 18 and then moved to the US for education.

Sexuality & Gender: Bisexual & Demiboy (He/they/it)

Fun facts!!

- Lives very close to the hospital. Literally wakes up 20 minutes before his shift starts and gets there on time.

- Refuses to wear a lab coat unless they're going into a sterile environment.

- Doesn't have a favourite band, but likes Radiohead and MCR. His favourite song is Me Gustas Tú by Mano Chao. Listens to songs in a variety of languages.

- Has a wii at home, will absolutely cook on it. Loves playing Rasputin.

- Can play the electric guitar.

- Born and raised in Valencia, Spain and returns home every March for Les Falles.

- Favourite food is Valencian Paella, also loves pan con tomate.

- Always celebrates Christmas in a traditionally Spanish way, eats 12 grapes on new years eve.

- Knees are always clicking even tho he's young (damn bro me too)

Backstory:

Had a rather normal upbringing in Valencia, with nothing amiss. Always dreamed of being a doctor, but wasn't sure what specialty to go into. He decided on Radiology when he picked up a book on it from Waterstones at 14. When he went to College (US College, UK Uni) he decided to do a double-specialty in Haematology and Radiology. Did a residency at Princeton General and was soon asked to work in Radiology, and quickly became Head. Literally no trauma, the trauma happens in the years 2004 - 2012.

made him on picrew cause im art-blocked 💔

[litcest]

The House of Borgia: From Valencia to Rome (Part 1)

| Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | References |

The House of Borgia has been a subject of extensive speculation, both among their contemporaries and in modern times. Allegations against them began during the Renaissance and have persisted through numerous portrayals in popular culture. The family has been accused of all sorts of crimes, ranging from adultery and incest to murder and diabolical pacts. However, by today's standards, there seems to be a lack of concrete evidence to support these claims. Many scholars argue that the Borgias were targets of a defamation campaign during and after Pope Alexander VI's reign.

Despite making their fame in the Italian Renaissance, the family has its origins in the Kingdom of Valencia (part of today's Spain). In fact, 'Borgia' is a Latinized version of their original last name, 'Borja'. Their early days are still shrouded in mystery, the official genealogical records of the family are difficult to trace. In an attempt to make themselves of royal lineage, a fake genealogy tracing Pope Alexander/Rodrigo Borgia to Pedro de Atarés, an 11th Century nobleman of the House of Aragón, who, in actuality, had died childless. Rodrigo Borgia's family line were actually low ranking aristocats, which at some point in the 14th Century, held the title of Señorío de Torre de Canals, a property near the town of Xàtiva, where many Borja's also inhabited. 

It was in Torre de Canals that, on 31 December 1378, was born Alfonso de Borgia, who would become the first Borgia Pope. Alfonso went on to make himself an ecclesiastical career, first being named Bishop and then Cardinal, after which he left Spain and moved to Rome. There, on 20 April 1455, Alfonso was elected Pope and took the name Pope Callixtus III. Callixtus III was the first Spanish Pope, and the Roman elite didn't take kindly to it. Knowing he would need allies in the Church, Callixtus III began to appoint his nephews and cousins to senior posts,  which wasn't unusual for the Popes of the era. To Rodrigo Borgia, son of Callixtus's sister, Isabel, the Pope gave to the rank of Bishop of Valencia, a role that Callixtus himself once held. It was due to Alfonso's support that Rodrigo was able to make such an infamous career in the Church.

Born in Xàtiva, on 1 January, 1431, Rodrigo Borgia was the son of Isabel Borja and Jofré Llançol, who seems to be a distant cousin of Isabel (given that her mother was also a Llançol). Although it was traditional to take the paternal surname, Rodrigo adopted the Latinized version of his uncle Alfonso Borja's name after his rise to the papacy, styling himself as Rodrigo Borgia. 

In 1455, Rodrigo was made bishop and, in 1456, he became the Cardinal. Rodrigo would prove to be an efficient cardinal, successfully quelling a revolt in one of the Papal States. His uncle, however, was having a less than successful time while trying to start another Crusade against the Ottomans. Not content with Rodrigo being just a Cardinal, Callixtus decided to further elevate him to the position of a Vice-Chancellor of the College of Cardinals. From this point on, Rodrigo became very involved in the Curia, the papal administration, and under his uncle's command, brought more Spaniards into its staff.

On 6 August 1458, Pope Callixtus died from the plague. Callixtus had long been sick, following the outbreak of 1456, during which the Pope had refused to leave Rome despite the danger, and so his death didn't come as a surprise. With the death of a Pope came the need for the assembly of a Conclave to elect another, and Rodrigo helped to secure Pius II's victory, as Pius had promised to keep Rodrigo as the Vice-Chancellor. As such, even without his uncle being the Pope, Rodrigo kept his power and influence in the Church.

While Rodrigo was efficient in his role, his behaviour would soon become subject of much speculation. In 1460, Pius II received disturbing reports about Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Cardinal d'Estouteville, which included rumours of immoral behaviour. The Pope, though furious, admitted that the accounts might be a mix of rumour and hearsay and, in his letters to Rodrigo, reaffirms their friendship, saying "be assured that as long as you mend your ways, and live discreetly and modestly, you will have in me a father and protector". Although the reports may have been exaggerated, the event was the first sign of Rodrigo's indiscretions, raising concerns about the behaviour of trusted church leaders.

Despite the Pope's warning, it was around this year that Rodrigo would father his first illegitimate child, known either as Pedro Luis (in Spanish) or Pier Luigi (in Italian). Of unknown maternity, Pedro Luis was sent back to Xàtiva, to be raised by Rodrigo's relatives. Perhaps because of this indiscretion, cracks began to form in Rodrigo's and Pius' relationship. Luckily for Rodrigo, Pius died soon after, on 14 August 1464, before any strong measures against Rodrigo were put in place. 

Ever the schemer, Rodrigo allied himself with Cardinal Pietro Barbo, who became the next Pope, under the name Paul II. As such, once again, Rodrigo managed to retain his position as vice-chancellor and regained his high standing with the Pope. Perhaps even better, Paul II often found himself uninterested in the daily affairs of running the papacy.

Clearly, even with these extra duties, Rodrigo still found time for his sexual escapades as, in 1467, he became father to Isabella and, in 1469, to Girolama. These two daughters are also of unknown maternity and, like Pedro Luis, were raised in Spain by other relatives.

On 26 July 1471, Pope Paul II died. By this point, Rodrigo knew very well how to have the future Pope on his side and helped Sixtus IV be elected, ensuring that the new Pope would be grateful to him and allow him to keep his place as vice-chancellor. During Sixtus IV regency, Rodrigo helped to unite Aragon and Castille into one kingdom by securing the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.

However, it wouldn't take long for Rodrigo's behaviour to turn sour once more. After returning to Italy from his successful Spanish mission, Rodrigo met Vanozza dei Cattanei, who is believed to be a widowed courtesan from a minor noble family. Rodrigo was captivated by her beauty and intelligence, forming both a sexual and deep emotional attachment to her. Their relationship became as close to a marriage as his position allowed.

To maintain discretion, Borgia arranged for Vanozza to marry an elderly lawyer, Domenico di Rignano, who understood the arrangement and was well compensated for his compliance. Remarkably, Borgia attended the wedding in his full cardinal attire.

On 13 September 1475, Vanozza gave birth to the couple's first son, Cesare Borgia. Cesare's birth was followed by Juan (also called Giovanni in Italian) in 1476, Lucrezia in 1480 and Jofrè (also called Gioffre in Italian) in 1482. Although Rodrigo and Vanozza were not married, Pope Sixtus legitimised Cesare, which meant that Cesare could, when old enough, join the Church. The other three children, though not legitimised by the Pope at this time, were later publicly acknowledged by Rodrigo.

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

Erik is gonna tear Valencia ass up!

I love the build up between them. The sex is gonna be so good.

Yes he is!

I want it to be strictly lust between them. Hot and steamy sessions with lots of chemistry. Just fucking & vibing! Give Valencia a college experience to reminisce on when her future husband ain’t around and she moaning Erik’s name 😂😂😂

[hashtag-girlblogger]

how to live like it's 2014 again

If you're anything like me, you're nostalgic for everything. I am constantly wishing to be somewhere else or in some time else. I'm nostalgic for the 60's (I was born in 2001), nostalgic for the early 2000's (pop is just not the same), and most of all–I am nostalgic for 2012 to 2016. I think it is widely agreed that these years, especially on Tumblr, were the last best years many of us have ever had. I was a baby, still in middle school and just 15 years old in 2016. But wow, what a time to be alive. Music, movies, TV, pop culture, fashion, the internet–the world was a better place.

I have been toying with the idea of exiting mainstream society (as best I can) for sometime now. I've been thinking, "Is it possible to live in another era while stuck in the constantly evolving 2024?" Can I abandon social norms or things of "the time" and just live like it's 2014 again?

I've thought about what this would mean, what it would look like. Only listening to Halsey, Calvin Harris and Marina. Splurging at Victoria's Secret and wearing the iconic Tease perfume at all times. What's TikTok? You don't use Valencia on your Instagram posts? I'm obsessed with WeHeartIt. Look at my new Penny board!

Alternatively, I could take the Arctic Monkeys, soft grunge, American Apparel and Marlboro cigarettes route. All black, watching AHS Coven and wondering if I have secret witchy powers too.

I think where all these feelings come from is that the current state of the world is just not feeling so good (to put it nicely). The world is accelerating at a speed I do not want to keep up with. Social media and technology are great but it has literally become this crushing weight. "Just delete social media then." Yeah fair. I guess I just feel so disconnected from my life. From my real life. Like I spend so much of my time venturing into other worlds I've made up in my head. Like 2014 Tumblr. It's not here anymore, it's gone, but I live there. A part of me is still there.

I'm like 12 or 13 years old. Was still a competitive cheerleader, which I regrettably quit when I got to high school. I spent everyday after school with my friends, making video stars or doing gymnastics in the field. We would walk around our neighbourhood, talking about god knows what and enjoying every minute of it. I looked at the future and it could be anything. I could be anyone and do anything I wanted. I feel like that's what I really want. Maybe I miss the music and clothes and vibes of that era buy what I'm really craving is how purely simple and free I felt, how connected I felt to my own life.

Now I'm 22, soon to be 23. Graduating college soon, heading into my big girl job, big girl career. Totally terrified and also excited. But I spend my time alone, so much time alone. My social battery is always empty, I rarely catch up with friends. When I do, we always have to be doing something. Dinner, drinks, movies, parties, dancing, classes. It's never, just come over let's hangout. And I get it, we're young adults, we are supposed to be doing stuff, we are meant to be out and about living our best lives. I guess I just want it to feel different. I want it to feel like it used to.

Okay sooooo.

This is how to live like it's 2014.

Talk to your friends, often and without any agenda. Create the ultimate playlist, this one's pretty good:

Binge CW shows and trashy reality TV. Totally freak out when someone says you look like Violet from AHS (this actually happened to me at work the other day and I couldn't stop smiling). Say screw the trends and wear some skinny jeans and those Alexander McQueen ankle boots, Alexa Chung approved. Get off your phone and be alive now. It's 2014, you don't have a worry in the world.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (October 10)

Francis Borgia was born on 28 October 1510 in Gandia, Valencia, Spain.

The great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, he was Duke of Gandía and a grandee of Spain. 

Francis’ grandmother joined her daughther in a convent of Poor Clares after the death of her husband and held a pious influence in the court of the Borgia, to which Francis is indebted.

It was with these two women that holiness penetrated into the scandalous lineage of the Borgia family.

Francis grew to be a pious young man, posessed of many natural gifts and a favorite at the court of Charles V. 

It is recounted that one day, Francis passed through Alcalá, followed by his escort, and exchanged an emotional glance with a poor man being escorted to prison by the Inquisition. This man was Ignatius of Loyola.

At that moment, Francis could not have had any idea what an important role this man would play in his destiny.

In 1539, Francis was appointed Viceroy of Catalonia.

He built a university there, received the degree of Doctor in Theology, and invited the Jesuits to his duchy.

His wife died in 1546, and Francis entered the Society of Jesus in 1548.

However, he was ordered by the Pope to remain in the world until he had fulfilled his obligations to his ten children and his duchy.

Two years later, he left Gandia, never to return, and joined the Jesuits in Rome.

He immediately set about initiating grand projects. He convinced Ignatius to found the Roman College.

One year later, he left for Spain, where his preaching and example sparked a renewal of religious fervour in the country, drawing pilgrims from far and wide to hear him preach.

In 1556, he was placed in charge of all the missions of the Society, and his energetic work transformed them. He also initiated the missions to Peru, New Spain, and Brazil.

He was elected as general on 2 July 1565, and although in poor health for his last years, he executed the governance and initiated projects of the Society with great energy.

He introduced so many reforms to the society of Jesus that he was considered in some ways to be its second founder.

Francis was a man of contemplation and action in the fullest sense, and clearly drew much strength from the silence of his prayer.

He died in Rome on 30 September 1572, two days after returning from an apostolic journey to Spain.

Saint Francis Borgia is one of the great saints of the Catholic Reformation.

He was beatified by Pope Urban VIII on 23 November 1624. He was canonized by Pope Clement X on 20 June 1670.

[rachurrl]

photo dump #2: architecture

my favourite thing to take photos of!

Lisbon, Portugal

2. Valencia, Spain

3. New College, Oxford (Harry Potter!)

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

5. Copenhagen, Denmark (2)