#also I know I usually list everything out in the question but given how many are on this poll I'm just doing the options themselves

[hoonieyun]

question and answer

welcome to, "is he mr. right?", the dating game! where a lucky girl who is looking for love has the opportunity to go on a date with four handsome and eager bachelor's who are also looking for love.

this is an interactive dating show au where the readers can vote on "yn's" decisions, ultimately leading to who she will be with at the end... but more on that later!

heeseung 𐐪♡𐑂 jongseong 𐐪♡𐑂 jaeyun 𐐪♡𐑂 sunghoon

warnings: not much! lmk if i need to add smth though! 18+ not proofread.. hehe!

wc: 3631

episode two: question and answer

the reception you received from the first episode was very kind. you didn’t expect so many people to like your personality and to root for you to find love. you were scrolling on social media and looking at the comments about you from the first episode, people were posting clips from the show and screenshots of their favorite moments. 

“yn is so pretty. how is she single??”

“yn if you don’t find your mr. right, i will be mr. right for you.” 

“does yn like girls… by any chance?” 

you laughed as you read some of the comments, grateful that people were so kind and complimentive towards you. you’re waiting for filming to start as you sit in your makeup chair, the hair and makeup stylist doing their part to make you look tv show ready. they had provided you with several outfits to choose from and although they were all very pretty, you decided to choose the blue outfit as it seemed to be the most comfortable to wear for long hours on end. 

they had done your hair the same way as the first time and kept your makeup simple, just the way you liked it. you had gotten pretty close with the stylists because they were taking care of you and it felt nice to have other women on your side as you tried to navigate the world of tv dating shows. 

“yn, 5 minutes until we start filming. we need you in your spot.” one of the PAs says as he pops into your dressing room with a knock. you give him a nod before the stylist does their final touches and wish you good luck. you thank them with a small hug and follow the PA to your spot so that filming could begin. 

you weren’t necessarily nervous anymore to film after how great the first episode went and how nice everyone has been to you online. you were also excited to get to know the bachelor’s of the show as you hadn’t learned anything about them from the previous episode. you weren’t allowed to watch the episode so everything you saw last night was only provided to you by the show’s production team. they took your personal phone and provided you with one from the show, it only had a few things on there where you could only see content about what people are saying surrounding you that the show picked out for you to see and document your personal thoughts for the show’s behind the scenes. 

there seemed to be so much more that went into filming a show and you were grateful to just be on the other side of the camera where you didn’t have to think much about the logisitcs that went into making a whole tv show. 

you can hear the love guru doing her usual routine of getting the crowd hyped up for the episode and setting up the structure for the second episode. she explains that this episode would be focused on the question and answer where you would have the chance to ask the bachelor’s questions to learn more about them. 

the production team had given you a list of questions to ask the boys and from that you chose a certain amounto of questions that you would have to give to production so they can build the storytelling of the episode around those questions. 

before you knew it, you were once again being announced by the host but this time you would be walking down the stairwell they had built for the set that was in the center of the stage. you smiled brightly and waved towards the audience as you walked down the stairs and made your way towards the love guru, a stool waiting for you to take a seat on. 

“hi, yn! how is our little dove doing?” she asks and you tell her you were excited and so happy to be there. the love guru briefly touches on what happened in the last episode and even brings up all of the positivity you’ve been receiving online. 

“from what i’ve seen, everyone has been really nice to me! so shout out to production for only showing me the nice comments and keeping the mean ones away.” you jokingly say and the audience laughs along with you and the host. 

“of course! we try our best to uplift our contestants so all of those assholes online can kiss my ass.” the love guru says, winking and blowing a kiss towards the camera. “so, i’m sure you know how this episode will go, we’re going to bring out our bachelor’s and you’ll be able to ask them questions so you can get to know them better before you ask them on a date.” she explains while you nod and smile in response. 

“ready?” she asks and you enthusiastically answer. 

the crowd goes wild as the parition slowly descends from the sky, blocking your view of the boys as they all take turns walking down the stairs and taking their seats. the love guru greets them one by one and asks them a few questions before going into the nitty gritty, the Q&A. 

“well, i’ve done enough talking, now it’s time for our dove to get to know our bachelor’s. yn, what is your first question and who is it for?” the love guru asks and before you ask your first question, you take a deep breath and take a look at the cards in your hand that have the questions written on them. 

“i’ve only got a few questions but i think they’re the perfect questions for me to get to know all of you… so here it goes..

this question is for all of the bachelor’s, do you believe in love at first sight?” you ask and the crowd interjections with a curious sound while you wait for their answers. 

bachelor no. 1: no, i don’t; but i think that love is built on memories and if your first sight with someone is the stepping stone to love then, sure.  bachelor no. 2: yes but i think it isn’t always romantic, sometimes when you see someone for the first time you know they’re going to be a part of your life forever. so, yes? kinda..? haha.. bachelor no. 3: yes, i feel like knowing how you feel about someone at first glance is really important because it’s your first impression of them and when you feel those sparks and it seems like a love song is playing in your head; you know that it’s love.  bachelor no. 4: i would say�� yes! i’ve definitely felt like i’ve loved someone when i’ve first seen them but it doesn’t mean it will last, sadly. i probably shouldn’t say this but that’s how i felt about my ex, seeing her for the first time i knew i’d love her and i think that’s something that people should experience with love at least once in their lives. 

you processed their questions and although you appreciated all of their responses, bachelor number one’s short and clear response stuck out to you, especially because he was the only one that said that he doesn’t believe in love at first sight. you also took the time to take in their voices, tone and inflection, and how they’d look depending on their voice. 

it was hard to try to come up with how you think they would look but you took note of their voices and how it made you feel. one had an australian accent, another was smooth like honey, one was deep and low, while the other was surpassingly comforting. 

“interesting answers guys.. personally i don’t believe in love at first sight because you can never know if you love someone until you’ve grown to learn who they are but i loved all of your answers…

bachelor’s one and three… who is your favorite person?”

there was a comfortable silence as the two bachelor’s tried to come up with their answers, you watched as the crowd intensely watched the guys on the opposite side of you to read their reactions but there wasn’t much besides furrowed brows and heart eyes for them. at least you could deduce that they’d be handsome even if you don’t know how they look. 

this was an important question for you, one that you had asked to write in, and although you wanted to ask all of them this question, production only allowed you to ask two of them because they had chosen certain questions to be for all or some. 

bachelor no. 1: my favorite person is my mom. it may seem like a generic answer but she’s the best person i’ve ever met. she is kind, loving, and everything i owe my happiness to. she’s taught me how to live a life where i won’t regret who i was and will be proud of the person i become. she’s my hero.  bachelor no. 3: my favorite person would be my dad. i attribute a lot of things to him because he introduced me to many things as a kid to allowed me to exercise my brain in different ways. he was a strong, respectable, and kind man and he’s fully supported me in everything i do and i know it’s cliché but i wouldn’t be the man i am today without my dad. 

both bachelor’s answers were very touching and it made your heart swell to know that both of them answered with a family member in mind. family values were important to you but it wasn’t a deal breaker; it’s just nice to know that they have people in their family that support them. you watch the crowd closely as you listen to their answers and much like before, it was all adoring looks and you couldn’t help but feel more eager to meet them all as you take in their responses to your questions. 

you also make a point to remember that bachelor number one had spoken quite a bit and knowing it was because he wanted to share his admiration and love for his mom, it was very endearing. 

bachelor number three’s answer also brought the same type of warmth as number one since both of them chose one of their parents. you loved to see that they both admired their parents and attributed the good things in their lives to the way they were raised and treated by their parents. 

“for bachelors two and four… give me your best pickup line!” your question is instantly met with laughter and cheers as people seem to think the question is very amusing as everyone in the studio awaits the two bachelor’s pickup lines. this was a question on the list they had given you and you thought it was a good way to test their charisma and humor. 

bachelor no. 2: if you had three wishes, what would you wish for? well… i guess you only have two wishes left now that i’m here.  bachelor no. 4: do you play soccer? because you’re a keeper!

the crowd laughs at both men’s pickup lines and although you weren’t expecting much as the question to you was more of a personality test than anything serious like the question you had asked prior, it told you a bit about each of them. 

bachelor number four must play soccer since he was keen to include soccer in his answer opposed to just using a typical pickup line while bachelor number two surprised you with his answer. it was not only a pickup line you hadn’t heard before but it was smooth and you could feel butterflies form in your stomach as if he said it to you directly while looking into your eyes. it was so direct yet playful. his voice also added to the effect, it was deep and smooth; like a warm cup of tea. comforting.. 

the other guy’s voice felt oddly familiar to you but you weren’t sure why. his accent was strong and it definitely lingered in your mind as you replayed his voice over and over. it was sweet and you could tell the crowd loved his accent as they’d swoon whenever he spoke– you found yourself intrigued but not in the same ways the crowd had fallen for him. maybe you just needed more time.. 

“wow! those surely were some pickup lines..” you say with a chuckle and the crowd laughs alongside you and the love guru as you poke a bit of fun at their pickup lines as if you didn’t enjoy them. 

“okay, this question is for number one and four: in one action, how would you impress your girlfriend’s parents when meeting them for the first time?” this question was somewhat important, obviously you cared what your parents thought about your boyfriend but it doesn’t necessarily mean it would be the end all be all if they didn’t like him, unless he did something incredibly bad, then yeah; it’s over. this question was more to test their skills with parents and a way for you to analyze they’re ability to present themselves to people that mattered a lot to you. 

“now remember boys, these are all hypothetical questions BUT we are airing this show so our dove’s parents will most likely see this.” the love guru adds in and all of the boys nod as if they weren’t aware of that circumstance in the first place. 

bachelor no. 1: for me, i’d probably take care of the whole night. instead of meeting them half way to some restaurant or having her parents take care of the meal, i’d plan the meeting myself and all they’d have to do was show up. that way i can show them that i’m not only capable of taking care of their daughter, but also them.  bachelor no. 4: i would impress them by showing her parents how well i know their daughter. i think a lot of parents are turned away from their children’s partners because they think they may not be worthy but by showing how well i know their daughter on more than just a superficial level, i think i’d make a good impression. 

both of their answers were very good, you were constantly impressed with bachelor number one’s answers because they were so well thought out and clear but number four’s seemed to always leave you with a sense of curiosity that led you to want to know more. “number four, can you elaborate? what do you mean by “more than just a superficial level””? you asked with a shrug and everyone’s eyes were glued onto him. 

it was like he was put under a spotlight and although you didn’t mean to do that, you were genuinely curious and wanted to learn more. 

number four didn’t hesitate or falter to answer, “by that i mean i want to show them that i know their daughter enough to take care of and that means also knowing everything about who and what she loves. i’d do my best to accommodate and alleviate all of her worries, always consider how things would affect her and doing that will show her parents just how much i love her. of course i can go on and on about how much i love their daughter, but showing them is a lot more effective, don’t you think?” 

it was in that moment that the familiarity you felt with number four finally hit you, the realization was like when you suddenly realize you may not have turned off the stove or if you had forgotten to lock your front door.. an uncertainty that lingered and it instantly made you feel anxious. 

“everything ok?” the love guru asks as if she had caught onto your shift in behavior. you nodded and put on a smile that was convincing enough because everyone cheered as you straighten yourself out and moved onto the next question. 

“okay! moving on..” you say with an awkward chuckle, one that doesn’t go unnoticed by quite literally everyone in the studio, you even noticed a weird expression from one of the cameramen.

“numbers two and three, how would you react if your girlfriend introduced you to her best friend who happens to be a boy?” although there was a clear answer to this question and you didn’t even have a best friend who was a boy, you wanted to hear their answers and have it be in front of an audience just in case that they ever turned their back on their word.

bachelor no. 2: i’d be like… that’s cool. to be honest i’d be somewhat intimidated, not because he’s a man but because he probably will be protective over her so he’s just another person’s trust i’d have to gain. my girlfriend’s friends are my friends.  bachelor no. 3: i wouldn’t care much. i’m secure enough to know that my girl only has eyes for me and that we can trust each other. we’ll become friends because of our mutual love for her. 

their answers weren’t anything out of the ordinary but you liked that number two admitted to the possibility of being intimidated by another man but following it up with his reasoning made you breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he was secure in his manhood– same with number three. 

“this is my last question and its a very important one.. if you were a season.. what season would you be?” you had hyped up the question like it was some complex and well thought out inquiry but it was very simple– but to you; it told you a lot. 

bachelor no. 1: autumn bachelor no. 2: fall bachelor no. 3: winter bachelor no. 4: spring

you were a bit surprised that no one said summer because you associated summer with joy and hanging out with loved ones– but it wasn’t your favorite season either. 

to you, summer means spending time with your loved ones, being outside in the sun, enjoying the warmth on your skin, being lively, bright, and energetic. summer was bright and wild, something for the extroverts. 

spring was about renewal and rebirth, a fresh start, and a way for people to enjoy something new. it’s for people who look forward to the first ray of sunlight after winter because it represents perseverance but also a new day. it’s like stepping outside after being cooped up indoors all day and taking your first breath of fresh air. 

autumn, a fairly popular season, is all about cycles. when the leaves fall from the trees after they transition to the array of vibrant colors that represent warmth partnered with the crisp air that fall brings; this season is for those who find comfort in the simpler things like enjoying the way leaves crunch beneath their shoes or slowly watching the last leaf fall from a tree. it’s a season that brings warmth despite often being chilly. 

winter, of course, is usually connected with the holidays. the icy cold air and the fluffy white snow, it’s nostalgic as you’re reminded of the holidays as a kid. hot chocolate made by your mom without her reminding you to put on warm socks and a sweater, getting excited to open gifts, looking out the window with wide eyes as you wait for the first sign of snowfall. winter was nostalgia with a mixture of desire as you think about the new year. 

“thank you guys! i won’t elaborate further but telling me what season you’d be tells me a lot about yourself.. think of it as a little secret just for me! 

i really appreciated all of your answers, they were all so thoughtful and funny and i’m very excited to get to know more about each of you as we go on dates these upcoming weeks!” you announce and the crowd cheers as they all get excited for the upcoming episodes where you’d go on a date with all of the boys and finally get to meet them. 

you thought about the dates too, since you had no control over the dates and the boys would be the one planning it out, you were a bit nervous.. it also doesn’t help that the audience today and those watching at home are the ones choosing who you go on a date with first. you also recalled the awkward tension between you and one of the bachelor’s. the wall separating the two of you was so thick yet so thin, like it was a veil that served no purpose to it’s intended use. 

there was no reason for you to feel that way with him since you didn’t know him so you just tossed it up to nerves and that you were equally nervous to meet all of the boys.. even if you were more nervous to meet one over the others for no apparent reason besides of a weird inkling. 

you’ve began to tune out the rest of the filming as you get in your head a bit, not paying attention to the love guru as she signs off for the show’s closing; nudging you a bit to pull you out of your thoughts as you say goodbye to the crowd and blow a cheeky kiss to the camera, one that is received well by the crowd as they applaud in glee at your gesture. 

“isn’t she cute, guys?” the love guru says and with a simple phrase, the producers and directors call for the end of filming. you immediately get up from your seat and jog to your dressing room, earning awkward stares from the production team and the crowd. 

all of the bachelor’s unaware of your sudden action. 

prev ep 𐐪♡𐑂 next ep

hoonieyun notes: the mystery begins!! you guys now have the opportunity to vote on who you want yn to go on a date with first based on the answers to her questions! keep in mind that the pictures do not reflect who each bachelor's are depending on what or who answered for the question the pictures are sectioned with or the order of the photosets. it's simply just for visuals as how i think they'd dress for this week's episode! don't forget to vote below but i will be ending the poll two days early so i can write out the chapter and leave it a bit of surprise on who won the poll! also PLEASE leave your theories below on who you think each bachelor is based on the answers!! i tried to match it the best i can to what i think each hyung line member would say :3

update: poll has been completed and ive deleted it so it can be a surprise every week on who the next date will be with! (feb 10, 2025)

copyright 2025 - present © hoonieyun all rights reserved all writing here is fiction & not in any association with characters mentioned. if you enjoyed reading this please consider reblogging and following <3

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[xoxonyxx]

What Should've Been (Azriel x Reader)

A/N Apologies for any grammar mistakes. This hasn't been spellchecked. Also this isn't really a part 2 to What Once Was b/c it doesn't follow where WOW ended, it's more like a glimpse into the past when Azriel was falling for Y/N. Hope I break some hearts a little more. Enjoy.

It was during one of the times that Rhysand had brought both Cassian and Azriel back home to visit. He had been trying to tame the eagerness he felt at the thought of seeing you again which was no easy feat. Lately, Azriel had no control over his feelings when it came to you, his internal struggle wreaked havoc in his thoughts. You were Rhysand's little sister and a dear friend to him, one of the very few he had and he knew you deserved someone so much better than him. So he’d try to push down whatever inappropriate feelings he’d have and attempt to convince himself that the only reason his heart stumbled upon itself when he heard your voice was because he was overwhelmingly happy you were near as any friend would be. The list was endless of how many senseless and idiotic reasons he tried to convince himself of.

Obviously, it was an ongoing battle that he wouldn’t wager on being the victor of.

Unfortunately for him though, he hadn’t seen you last night when they had arrived due to it being so late already and this morning you had already been up and about before anyone in the house awoke. 

You had been gone all day but that hadn’t been odd as you were often off with your own friends usually getting into trouble or entertaining yourself outside of the castle when your father was in a foul mood. However, once you had missed dinner he had been tasked with finding you by your worried mother as she saw how the sun began to disappear and you still had yet to return. That’s how he found himself searching all of your favorite hideouts only to find you sitting near the edge of the lake surrounded by books, illuminated by lanterns all around you and the moonlight above. 

“So this is where you’ve been hiding all day.” He sighed as he approached you, watching as your concentration broke upon hearing him. 

You turned to him with a small glimmer in your eyes and a hint of a smile on your full lips, so small that if he were anyone else, he wouldn’t have noticed.

“If I had known you were missing my company, I would’ve made sure to not leave you all day Az. We all know how needy you can get when you’re not given the proper attention.” 

Gods, what he would do to see your smile but as of late you had seemed to carry around a bitter sadness in your eyes that he couldn’t figure out. And no matter how many times he or Rhysand and even Cassian asked, you shrugged it off and said nothing to shed light on the issue. 

“Well how about we try not to disappear for a whole day next time, can’t have me starved of your attention, princess.” He responded as he took a seat next to you on the grass, close enough to feel your warmth. His shadows immediately made their chaotic way to you, gliding up your arm as you reached out to caress them. He blushed as he tried to restrain the shadows and call them back to him. 

Giving up when he couldn’t gain control, he finally looked around at the mess of books surrounding you. “Looks like you took every book from the library. What are you up to?” 

You glanced down at the book you were holding on your lap before closing it shut, fully turning to face him causing him to do the same. His eyes trailing your face, appreciating the glow the stars and the moon shone upon you, committing the image to memory and thanking every being in the universe for allowing him to exist in your presence. 

“I’ll tell you as long as you promise to listen to everything I have to say first and ask questions once I’m done.” Curiosity filled him before he gave a nod allowing you to continue. “Ok well for the past month I’ve been collecting every scripture I could possibly find on anything written on Shadowsingers which was incredibly difficult might I add but I should’ve expected that considering how rare you are. Anyway, I tried to learn everything I could find on where your shadows come from and what they are, even on how they work which by the way they’re actually so incredible Az, you have no idea. I went down the rabbit hole and actually found out that although very difficult it’s possible to hide from them.” 

You paused for a second, taking in a nervous breath before looking into his eyes and continuing.

“ And I don’t know… I just thought that getting to know them would make them a little less terrifying to see them as a part of you?” He silently stared for a moment, taking in everything you had said until he finally spoke.

“You did this for me?” He asked, softness lacing his voice as he felt warmth flood through him. 

You gave a slight nod as you played with the rings on your fingers. 

“Why?” He had to ask, he had to know why you would put in all this effort for someone as undeserving as him.

You shifted slightly, reaching out to grab his hand, stroking his scarred hand as light as a feather and with the softest voice he’s ever heard from you up until today, you respond with an answer that sets his heart off racing. 

“You’re my friend Az, I’d do anything for you. And I just want you to see yourself as I see you. You think that no one notices but I do, I see how difficult it’s been for you to adapt to your shadows even after all these years and how desperate you are at hiding them at times and I want you to know that there’s no need. No need for the shame that fills your eyes whenever you catch a glimpse of your hands, no need for the embarrassment that you feel when you can’t control your shadows. There’s no need to hide, they’re a part of what makes you who you are and you as a whole are perfect Azriel.” 

His breath caught in his throat as emotion consumed him and from that moment on he knew that there was no coming back from loving you. He had never met a person with your heart, the heart that loved so fiercely and with so much passion that it could bring him to his knees. You would hold his own tainted heart in your hands until you decided you no longer wanted it and even then he wasn’t sure he had it in him to take it back. 

So for the rest of the night, you laid side by side underneath the stars explaining everything you had learned while he listened attentively, hoping you didn’t realize that you hadn’t let go of his hand yet. 

And as he rested his eyes upon you, determination flooded his veins and realization struck him. He could no longer be just friends with you. He could no longer pretend that he didn't burn with need to have you at his side, could no longer bring himself to forget that you were his very last thought before he drifted off into slumber and that it was you who consumed his every waking thought.

[hard-core-super-star]

i think i love you still [K.Bishop]

pairing: kate bishop x reader

summary: you've spent four years trying to understand the complicated mess of thoughts that make up kate bishop. after dealing with the pain of her absence, and the more significant pain of her return, you finally get it right.

warnings: none; light angst with happy ending; childhood best friends to idiots in love who are too stubborn to admit it; my writing style changing ever other paragraph

wordcount: 2.8k

a/n: this very loosely follows the events of hawkeye up until the day before the christmas party. it's also heavily inspired by babyblue by xana. you don't have to listen to it for the fic but it's an incredible song and i can't recommend it enough. enjoy! <3

* * * * * * *

People say absence makes the heart grow fonder but you call absolute bullshit on that.

Although to be fair, the problem isn’t the saying. The problem is Kate Bishop.

You’re definitely not the first person to think that, and you certainly won’t be the last considering the kind of person Kate is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be upset about it. Especially considering the years that have passed.

You’ve always given her the benefit of the doubt, not because you think she deserves it but because you would have driven yourself crazy from the amount of unanswered questions Kate left behind. Or more specifically, from the fact that she left you behind with no explanation.

Kate deciding to leave you and Bishop Security behind to go to university outside of the city wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was her refusing to tell you about her decision until the day she had to leave, making sure to tell you how unambitious she thought you were for taking the job her mom offered you as her secretary.

You still didn’t know what hurt more, her disappearing from your life or the insults she hurled your way before she left. Kate Bishop has many flaws and being an overachiever is definitely near the top of the list. Hence the amount of effort she put into shoving you out of her life.

It should have made working with her mom incredibly uncomfortable but Eleanor seemed to understand your pain better than you could have imagined. Being left behind by the young archer wasn’t an experience that was unique to just you and yet it didn’t make you miss her any less. You're usually good at ignoring the pain her absence left inside you but tonight is different. You look around the bustling party, the smallest of frowns on your face.

This was definitely the worst part of your job. You didn’t mind the long meetings, the stacks of reports you had to look through every day or even the miscellaneous tasks that Eleanor assigns you because you’re the only one who won’t complain about having to bring her another cup of coffee every few hours.

All of that was nothing compared to having to go to stupid galas with even stupider people. You’ll never understand why your boss insists on you accompanying her to every Bishop Security gala considering the lack of something to do. You have a sneaking suspicion it’s her way of trying to get you to interact with more people to hopefully find a way to get over Kate but you’ve never questioned her about it.

You catch sight of your boss while scanning the room for something to take your mind off a certain purple archer and she calls you over to her. You force a smile onto your face as you approach her. “Is everything okay?”

“You don’t have to sound so formal, y/n,” Eleanor says with a small smile. “We’re out of the office.”

“Right. My question still stands though.”

She affectionately rolls her eyes at your insistence. “Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted you to hear the news from me. Kate is home for the holidays…and she’s coming tonight.”

You force yourself not to react even though your first instinct is to run as far away as possible from the party. You try to be calm but your voice comes out a tad harsher than intended. “And I’m supposed to be interested in that information because?”

“Because she’s been looking your way since I called you over.”

Your eyebrows raise in surprise and even though you really shouldn't do it, you lift your head up and scan the room for Kate Bishop. You don’t have to search for long. Even with the years gone by, your eyes are immediately drawn to her tall, suit-clad frame. She meets your eyes from across the room and you swear everyone else disappears until only the two of you remain. You notice the clench in her jaw even from this distance and you hate yourself for finding it extremely attractive.

Some things never change.

“You should go talk to her.”

You tear your gaze away from Kate to stare incredulously at Eleanor for even suggesting that. “I’d rather get fired than spend five minutes with her.”

“Then you’re lucky we’re not at work,” she says with a playful glare. “Come on, y/n, how long has it been since you’ve seen her?”

She already knows the answer. She was the one you called to pick you up from Grand Central Station after Kate left you behind to chase after…whatever it is she was hoping to find out there. You’re not sure if you’re hoping she found it or not.

“That doesn’t matter. She’s visited New York how many times since she started college?” You let the question hang in the air for a few seconds to avoid sounding as bitter as you feel. “And how many times did she come to see me?”

The older Bishop woman raises her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, I get it. I won’t push. Just think about it?”

She walks away from you with a small smile, probably going off to find Jack to tell him all about yet another failed attempt at getting you and Kate back on speaking terms again.

When you turn back, Kate’s gone and you do your best to ignore the ache her absence leaves inside you.

You decide to go back to your apartment a few minutes later which means you successfully miss the drama that unfolds. What you don’t miss is the news report recounting the events or the text from Eleanor telling you you don’t have to go to the office for the next few days. You find it strange but you’re not about to say no to some much-needed time off.

That does mean you miss Kate’s surprising return to Bishop Security which leaves you completely unprepared when she shows up at your door with a ridiculous request and an even more ridiculous outfit.

“I need you to take care of my dog for a few hours.”

That’s the first thing she says when you open your door. No greeting. No apology. No explanation as to why she has the audacity to ask you for a favor after avoiding you like the plague for almost four full years.

Unfortunately for you, your anger is momentarily forgotten at the sight of the adorable golden retriever standing happily at the brunette’s side. “Since when do you have a dog?”

“Since last night,” she replies with a shrug. “I saw him outside of the party yesterday and my heart wouldn’t let me leave him behind.”

You have no doubt that she was trying to be cute with that reply but all it does is make you remember all the reasons why you should slam the door in her face. She seems to read your mind just from the shift in your facial expressions because she ‘accidentally’ lets go of the dog’s leash and lets him run straight into your apartment.

“Listen, I can explain, and I will, just not right now. But I promise you it’s important.”

Of course.

You were kidding yourself if you thought Kate had actually changed. It’s always been this way with her. There’s always something to chase that’s infinitely more important than you. So important, in fact, that she can’t even stop for five seconds to explain what the hell is going on.

“You haven’t changed a bit, Kate.” There’s a flash of something in her eyes, maybe it’s regret or maybe it’s disappointment, but it’s gone just as fast as it came. She opens her mouth to say something but you interrupt her before she can dig herself into a deeper hole. Yet another habit that you’re sure she hasn’t learned to break. “It’s fine, just go.”

She hesitates for a second before giving you a small nod and walking away. You watch her go just like all the other times before. Except this time there’s an excitable dog waiting inside your apartment. You try not to think about how badly you wish the furry companion by your side was Kate instead as you go about your day.

To no one’s surprise, you don’t hear from the archer for the rest of the day. You would be disappointed if you weren’t so used to it. At least this time, Kate’s broken promises only result in you having to take care of the golden retriever, who you’ve affectionately started calling Lucky, and nothing else…or so you think.

It’s not until late morning the next day that your door receives another urgent knock. Lucky immediately reacts, jumping down from the couch and running over to the door, his tail wagging rapidly as if he can tell his new owner is waiting on the other side. You chuckle despite yourself before following after him. “I don’t think you’re getting this dog back, Kate.”

The smile on your face disappears once you take in her appearance. Her face is littered with small cuts and you can see the outline of a bruise forming on the side of her jaw. Your eyebrows furrow the longer you look at her but the answer is given to you by the purple costume she’s wearing. Even without a bow in her hand, it’s obvious what her outfit represents and you can literally feel your heart sink into the depths of your stomach.

“y/n-”

“No. Save it.” There’s a mix of concern and frustration in your tone but you don’t have nearly enough time to figure out which feeling is stronger. “Just take your dog and go.”

“I can’t,” she says, tinges of desperation painting her voice. “I owe you an explanation.”

You scoff. “Oh, you owe me much more than that. You have no idea what the last four years have been like for me.”

The brunette takes a step forward, clearly asking a silent question. “Then tell me what I’m missing. Help me make it right.”

“I’m not a stupid Avengers mission, Kate!” You hate the way your voice breaks under the weight of your repressed emotions. “If you're looking for someone to save, you're in the wrong place. I don't need you. Not anymore.”

You're ready for that to be the end of the conversation and you reach out to grab hold of Lucky’s leash. You're about to hand the leash over to Kate when her next words stop you in your tracks.

“What if I need you?”

You stare at her with wide eyes almost not believing what you've just heard. Four years of silence and absence. That's what it took to hear those words you've desperately longed for.

But it's not enough.

“You're a little too late.”

She wants to fight back against your words. You know her well enough to recognize that spark of determination in her eyes. Despite what you've just said, a part of you hopes that's what she's going to do. That this time she’ll fight for you.

Instead, all you get is a mumbled apology as she snatches Lucky’s leash and walks away again. You shouldn't have expected anything different…but you did. You expected whatever mess she seems to be in to be more than enough motivation to fix what happened between the two of you.

Kate Bishop is many things but predictable isn’t one of them.

The next few days go by far too slowly for your liking. Eleanor denies your request to go back to work (multiple times) and without a place to travel to for the holidays, you’re stuck in the one place you’d rather not be. You don’t think there’s a single corner of New York that won’t remind you of the one person you don’t want to spend any more time thinking about.

It’s not until the day before the Christmas party, a party you helped arrange even though it’s definitely not a part of your job description, that you run into the purple archer once again. Or more specifically, she runs into you.

You’re on your way out of your apartment despite the heavy rain that falls outside. You open your door expecting to be met with an empty hall only to find a soaking-wet Kate Bishop standing on your doorstep, looking like the world’s largest golden retriever. You do your best to ignore the way your heart skips a beat just from the mere sight of her. It takes a few seconds for you to get over your shock but you manage to find your voice. “Kate? What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry, I know I’m the last person you want to see right now.”

You briefly consider slamming the door shut in her face but decide against it. For the moment. “That didn’t answer the question, Bishop.”

“I just…” She sighs. “I had to see you again.”

“So you decided to walk here in the pouring rain?” You’re stuck between wanting to call her an idiot and wanting to admit how cute she looks. Yeah, you’re still a sucker for her puppy dog eyes.

“I know I don’t deserve another chance after everything I’ve done but please. I can’t keep this inside any longer. I need to talk to you.”

A long moment of silence goes by before you make up your mind. You might be signing yourself up for more disappointment but you have too many unanswered questions to let her walk away again.

“Come in before you catch a cold,” you say as you open the door wider for her.

She wastes no time in complying and you’re almost certain the shakiness of her hands has less to do with the rain and more to do with her nerves. You take a deep breath to calm your racing heart before shutting the door and following after her.

She stands awkwardly in the middle of your living room, her eyes scanning every picture frame and random poster that adorns your walls. You can tell the realization she comes to by the subtle slouch of her shoulders. There’s not a single thing in your living room that carries the memory of her. No pictures, no posters, no trace of the role she played in your life at some point.

“Let me get you a towel or something.” You start to walk away but a hand on your wrist stops you. You let her turn you around, not putting up any sort of fight as she pulls you in closer to her.

You wait for her to say something but all she does is stare into your y/e/c eyes, her grip on your wrist tightening ever so slightly. You can practically see every thought that flickers through her mind and you want nothing more than to spend the rest of the day deciphering the walking contradiction of feelings that make up who she is.

“y/n…” Her voice trails off as her blue eyes travel down your face. You’ve never seen that look before but you’re almost certain you know what it means. And it makes your head spin. “I shouldn’t have walked away. Not the first time, not the last time. But I…I’m so afraid of hurting you. Again. I thought dealing with my feelings would be easier if I was away from you but I was wrong. All it did was make you a stranger and you have no idea how much I regret that. How badly I want to make things right between us because I…I love you. I always have. And I can't go another second without you knowing that.”

You’re stuck between who you’ve been and who you want to be.

You’ve spent the better part of four years cursing Kate for leaving you, regretting the love you couldn’t help but foster for her, wishing she had never stepped foot into your life. But now…with her standing in front of you, looking at you with sincere eyes strong enough to make any other girl weak in the knees, you accept the truth you’ve been pushing away for so long.

You don’t blame Kate for leaving. You don’t regret the years you spent by her side. You don’t wish you never met her. You don’t hate her.

You love her.

It’s been that way since the day you met her and no amount of stupid mistakes or misunderstandings can ever change that. Hell, not even both of your stubborn personalities could change it.

“Say something,” she whispers. “Please.”

She leans in toward you. It’s a small move but you pick up on it immediately. Your breath catches in your throat before you do the only thing you can think of.

You close your eyes and take a leap, trusting Kate to catch you.

And she does. For the first time, you embrace the uncertainty that makes up your strained relationship and she doesn’t leave you hanging. She meets you halfway and the feeling of her lips against yours holds a promise you know she’ll fight tooth and nail to keep. She's not leaving.

This time, and every time from here on out, she's staying. And that's all that matters.

[newsfmember]

Hello🙃! have been an observer for a while but new to this side of the community - down to chat if interested (about anything and everything snz related or not, DMs open / ask whatever😎)

(M, mid 20s, only into F, minors DNI)

Wavs are tagged as #mywavs — love hearing feedback on them :)

get to know me below the line

Get to know me better!

Found these online and thought I’d try to give the community some more insight into who I am given I’m quite new here!! Mostly non-sneezy, but if anyone has good sneeze prompts send my way!!

****************************************************

Questions

1. What do you do for work?

2. What playlists do you have on your phone?

3. Guilty pleasures?

4. Something you regret.

5. Celebrity crush?

6. How many languages do you know?

7. Make a confession.

8. What’s your favorite book?

9. What was your childhood dream job?

10. Do you have any pets?

11. How many siblings do you have? Are you oldest, middle, or youngest?

12. How tall are you?

13. What’s something you’re insecure about?

14. Embarrassing memory?

15. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

16. Have you ever had a one night stand?

17. A song that evokes a good memory?

18. A song that evokes a bad memory?

19. Do you prefer phone calls, facetime, or texting?

20. What’s a controversial opinion you have?

21. Do you believe in second chances?

22. 3 things you love about yourself.

23. What is something you are sure you’d NEVER do?

24. How different is your actual adult self from how you pictured it when you were little?

25. Have you ever met a celebrity?

26. Free Pass! (Ask whatever question you want to know that’s not on the list)

****************************************************

Answers

1. I’m in investment banking (yes finance I know lol).

2. I have a ton but pretty much only listen to 2 these days. One is my alternative / rock ish playlist and the other is my EDM playlist. I LOVE music though (play guitar and enjoy making edm music for fun) and am always down to talk tunes lol.

3. Secretly being infatuated by women in my life sneezing… of course lol

4. Honestly my major in college (majored in business but didn’t think it was one bit interesting unfortunately)

5. Well way too many to pick one (also side note always like imagining celebrity sneezes given how in the spotlight they are / feel like this gives way to good embarrassing / loss of control content ahhh 😂) but to name a few -> Kelsey Asbille, Lilly Collins, Margaret Qualley (side note, interesting that the first that come to mind here are all like dark-toned / brunette, all of my girlfriends have been blond)

6. I speak 3 languages! English / French fluently, and Arabic semi-fluently (minored in Arabic in college, long story haha)

7. Confession: Id be lying if I said i haven’t imagined essentially every girl I’ve ever been attracted to sneezing in my arms… sorry!!! (Not 🫣)

8. Favorite book is the sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

9. Cosmologist for sure. Still love anything space / universe related, find it so crazy / interesting

10. Don’t have any pets in my apartment, but yes I have a dog and two cats at my parent’s house

11. Im the oldest of two - have a younger sister ~2 years younger than me

12. ALMOST 6 ft. Lol no but actually 5’11.

13. Honestly a pretty comfortable in my own skin type of person. My sneezing around people kind of feels like a cop out answer but I’d have to say that one — I’m shy about it and have a (usually impenetrable … but not always…) mental block

14. ^ having to stifle sneezes next to a *very* cute classmate / project partner in college when a mystery illness was going around the extended friend group. Ended up not being sick but in the moment was like “pls don’t be grossed out I stg I’m good lol” after haha

15. Not a huge spender but probably one of my multiple guitars that wasn’t gifted to me

16. Indeed I have .. 😶

17. I want you by Chris Lake — heard that pretty much every tailgate in college which were some of the best days of the year

18. Cool and calm by sticky fingers — reminds me of a breakup (long time ago / over it … but still will always be tainted. Great song though I love that band 😂)

19. Phone calls / FaceTime I guess if I’m close enough to someone? I find like flirty / hinge style shallow texting to get quite boring especially with people I don’t know well / don’t know me well lol. Chatting about snz stuff here with new friends is a different story obviously (again somewhat new here and I’m loving it).

20. Not sure how controversial this is (but it might be idk let me know I guess 😂) but I genuinely believe that many, not all, physical and mental problems can be solved by eating / sleeping well and exercising. Certainly has been the case for me but know everyone’s different

21. I do. Think you have to be careful about handing them out with no thought, but I definitely believe in them / have been given them before myself!

22. Hmmm I’m kind definitely not one to talk about myself in an overbearing way, but I guess 1) my eyes 👀 haha my whole family has the same greenish / yellowish / hazel eyes with little dark spots scattered about and I’ve found that people tend to find them quite cool. 2) I’ve always been a (calculated) risk taker / never really afraid to fail which I attribute to getting good at languages / guitar. 3) I think I’m funny … with the right audience lol

23. Go on one of those deep sea commercial submarine explorations. Not trying to dive thousands of feet in a crammed metal box to look out of the window at a pitch black / endless ocean just to implode at the bottom. Anyway I’d go skydiving though 😂

24. Honestly not that different aside from the job I’m currently in. Feel like my physical / personality traits have remained pretty unchanged

25. Eh none to really shout about. A few smaller djs who I like but that’s about it.

26. Ask whatever here (snz related or not!!) and ill answer to the best of my abilities. Really enjoying interacting with all of you so far🙃!!

[redux-iterum]

Oh!! Maybe this is a silly question, but do you have a preference between tumblr asks and A03 comments?? Because on one hand, the tumblr asks are definitely good for the sort of casual air and call and response type deal, but A03 allows for commenting on specific chapters, which is good for organization and referencing specific scenes.

Anyway, I’m not very good at taking breaks it turns out. I wanted to say I REALLY enjoyed the choice to kill Ashpaw alongside Swifttail (and maiming Brightpaw) in this rewrite. One thing I took notice of immediately within the first book was that, while everything has been tightened up and streamlined and Just Completely Improved, the VAST majority of plot beats are the same— which means that while I know the general direction the story is going to take, there’s always that slight hope that “well, maybe this will be changed…” I held onto this, like I’m sure many people, with Tigerclaw, since he was so different and I absolutely adored his relationship with Fireheart. Keeping that plot point the same, but making it more emotionally devastating, meant that all of us in the ‘know’ of the original plot were reacting VERY similarly to Fireheart— the evidence was piling up, we knew there was no other way it could go, and yet we still didn’t want to believe it.

and, from the other direction— something happens that is different from canon and thus COMPLETELY unexpected. Like Ashpaw! I didn’t think Brightpaw would take Swifttail to do it, after he got his name and just given the age gap between them in this rewrite (making him siblings with Cinderpaw was so cool), but I assumed Brightpaw would take one of her siblings- I was predicting Brackenpaw, honestly. I was sure she would still go through with some sort of dog plan, but some apprentice was gonna have to come with the mirror canon. Thornpaw is too much of a rules follower and Snowpaw… he is too precious. I did not want it to be Snowpaw. Brackenpaw seemed plausible, he’s sort of similar to his sister in enthusiasm. ASHPAW, however, was not on the list, of course he wasn’t! So finding him torn to pieces was HARROWING. Those slight twists to canon help keep everyone guessing and also allow for some misdirection for us readers, because even when we KNOW something is coming… there’s a small chance it’ll change, allowing us to be In Denial About It. Really cool way of making the story have suspense even when we know most of the plot beats in a logical sense

Also, also, aside, sorry there is no order in my mind, if it was chapter by chapter comments I would do better I prommy, but I love how you characterize the kits on this story. From what I remember in canon, kits in the background usually act very similar (ie they are all rambunctious babies and personality develops, if at all, as apprentices) but in your rewrite you came SEE each kits personality as soon as they exit the nursery, and you can see that same personality grow over time. Cloudpaw is a wonderful example, with how he is a blunt, sort of quiet but confident kit, who doesn’t take well to being scolded, and that… follows him, to being an apprentice. He grows around it. I love the way that he responds to people being surprised by his tracking abilities with just simply ‘it’s obvious.’ It’s SO funny but it also FITS JUST RIGHT!! Because you set him up to be like that!! He has a character arc!! He’s having one right now and I get to see it!! His actions make sense and have a through line!! Erin Hunter could NEVER

First, your initial question: comments or asks are equally fine with me. AO3 comments are easier to respond to, but they don't get answered as often as asks do. So it's entirely up to you!

Secondly, these are so many nice things in a row, goodness. I'm really glad to hear all of this, thank you. I don't have much I can respond to it with except a huge "THANK YOU FOR READING AND SHARING YOUR LOVE FOR THE STORY". I have to credit Lynx, our editor, for two of the big plot points you gushed about: Tigerclaw's relationship with Fireheart and Ashpaw's death were both her idea, and they worked out wonderfully. It's as much a compliment to her as it is to me that you loved them both so much!

[accirax]

DRDT Secret Swap AU: For Better and Worse

The following is an ask sent to me that, while numerically present in my inbox, is invisible and inaccessible, and thus, I was only able to read it through its corresponding notification email. Tumblr be a functional website challenge; level impossible.

What a great question! Up to this point, I’ve been more of an AU enjoyer than an AU creator (other than the BNHA thing), so this will be an exciting foray into the realm of possibility! The task of creating both the best and worst outcome also provides a lot to think about when it comes to characterization. I’m excited to get talking about this! But first, some rules.

(And the usual CW for DRDT spoilers, as well as mentions of murder, suicide, self harm, eating disorders, and implied homo/transphobia. You know, standard business for DRDT secret discussion.)

To keep things simple, I’m going to be assuming that the true owners of the secrets are as follows:

While I’m by no means asserting that this interpretation of whose secret is whose is 100% accurate, it’s what I see widely agreed upon by the fandom, and what I currently believe myself. Having to factor in a bunch of different permutations of secret distribution seemed terribly complicated, so I decided to avoid it. If anybody disagrees with where I’ve placed any of the secrets, please just consider it as another facet of the alternate universe.

Additionally, I’ve kept up the “rule” that no one is allowed to receive their own secret. I’m also assuming that everything is the same up until when MonoTV hands out the motives, such that Xander and Min are still dead. However, a different distribution of secrets could have changed the details of the Chapter 2 murder, so I kinda have to speak about it in hypotheticals. I was just talking about how I didn’t want to make things needlessly complicated, so I’m not throwing in a bunch of speculation about how the secrets may have factored into the AU killer’s motives when I can’t even say for certain who the canonical killer was.

I also decided to interpret the prompt as “what’s the best/worst overall shuffle” as opposed to “who is the best/worst recipient for each individual secret.” The latter seemed like it might repeat characters too many times, and “the ch2 secrets [getting] swapped in a different way” implied to me that each character was still limited to receiving one secret. Hopefully that’s what you were going for with your ask!

Okay, I think that’s it. Let’s get started with the best case scenario, given that I think that’ll be easier. I’ll go through the characters’ secrets in the order they’re listed in on the board, so that it’ll hopefully be easier to follow along.

The Good Timeline

Eden receives Levi’s secret

If someone was going to have remorse for the remorseless killer, I think it would be Eden. Even if the concept of someone killing in cold blood might frighten Eden, the pair is already off to a good start with the conversation they shared at the beginning of Chapter 2. Eden knows a bit more about Levi’s family situation (which may have been the cause of his callous killing) and how he is trying to be a good person, even if he feels like he might be failing. Compared to others in the cast, I feel like Eden might be more willing to hear Levi out.

Specifically, we know from canon that (under David’s encouragement, at least) Eden planned to share her secret– which was a pretty severe one already– in a closed environment with just her and the secret’s owner. Of course, we haven’t yet seen from canon how Levi would react to getting assigned this secret, so it’s possible he could flip out in a similar manner to how Arturo did when Eden confronted him. However, I think there’s a good chance that he would be more resigned or neutral, which might also give Eden hope that he isn’t a lost cause… again, under the assumption that he isn't. This secret does have a chance of backfiring, but I’m making the choice to have faith in Levi– much like I think Eden would if she saw his secret!

Nico receives David’s secret

Now this is kind of an unconventional one, but, hear me out.

I don’t know if there really is a “good option” for David’s secret in the sense that I think anyone who would choose to reveal the information to the group would be the type to do so in an accusatory, non-constructive way. Similarly, a lot of people who wouldn’t reveal the secret might face problems if it caused them to quietly simmer in their distrust. That suppression of emotions could lead to a big blow up in the future.

Because of that, you might be wondering why I didn’t assign this secret to one of my throwaway slots– namely, Xander, Min, or Rose. Well, it’s because I also wanted to consider what would happen if, even in this good universe, some number of students still needed to attend a Class Trial where the secrets are unknown. Certain secrets, if left unassigned, would lead to paranoia and distrust amongst the students. And, by throwing this secret away, this secret could basically never be confirmed as David’s other than by process of elimination or (highly unlikely) self-assignment. Therefore, all of the students would have to assume that anyone whose secret isn't known has a decent chance of believing that everyone exists to be manipulated. In my opinion, that would make productively discussing a murder really difficult.

So, I decided that the best course of action would be to give this secret to the person who would make the smallest deal out of it, and that turned out to be Nico. Nico already believes that socially interacting with other humans is a complicated and confusing process, the rules of which force you into expressing yourself in a specific, “acceptable” way. Basically, I think that Nico might already see a lot of conversation as manipulation, and themselves as the manipulee. The secret says that David is really good at interpreting those rules and acing the bullet points of “acceptable” conversation? No shit, he’s the Ultimate Inspirational Speaker.

I’m not trying to say that Nico is “dumb” enough to not realize that this secret is generally threatening, but I think that, if word of it were to come out, Nico would present it in a subdued enough manner that it wouldn’t make things worse than they need to be.

Hu receives Ace’s secret

Oh boy, this is a dangerous choice given Ace and Hu’s tumultuous relationship. Although, to be fair, I don’t remember exactly how established that rivalry was prior to the distribution of the canonical secrets. To the extent that they didn’t already hate each other to the point of no return, I chose this one because I think that Hu having the context of Ace’s secret might actually help to mend their relationship.

As I said up top, this AU is predicated on Hu having the “hopeless child” secret. Thus, in this AU, we can say for certain that Hu has a prior history of self harm/self destructive tendencies. If hopeless child Hu does turn out to be canon, it would support the theory that part of the reason why Hu won’t share the “harm yourself for fun” secret is because she knows that mental health is a sensitive subject, and doesn’t want to force someone to open up about it. Given that eating disorders are a form of self harm, we can rest assured that this isn’t a secret Hu would share, no matter how much David suggests that she does.

Given Hu’s history, she might be one of the people in this cast who could best understand Ace’s plight. With this additional context, his quest for power over something in his life might feel more sympathetic, and Hu might be able to muster more concern for him. And, I’m not gonna lie, part of this assignment was granted in the slim hope that the Ultimate Mom Friend Hu would be able to make a big grandma-style meal for Ace to enjoy. They could be an improbably wholesome duo if not for… The Circumstances.

Those circumstances won’t fade anytime soon in canon, but exploring hypotheticals like this are the whole reason why AUs exist!

J receives Eden’s secret

Compared to everyone else, Eden’s secret is a pretty nonthreatening one that, especially among this pretty queer cast, shouldn’t raise a whole lot of issues. The biggest problem I can see arising from it is if someone decided to out Eden, sort of like what happened to Nico. Therefore, I wanted to give Eden’s secret to someone who would be unlikely to share it without Eden giving the okay. And, J seemed to fit that description pretty well.

Obviously, some of J’s canon behavior was spurred on by the fact that Arturo non-consensually revealed her secret (which, spoilers, will not be happening in the blessed half of this AU). But, given J’s preference for privacy, I don’t think J would jump to sharing even a “harmless” secret. We directly saw that J only revealed Charles’ secret once he gave express permission for her to do so, which is what I would ideally want for Eden. Eden’s secret being given to a girl who would presumably be cool with her lesbianism is an added bonus to assuage her fears that (straight) girls who know she’s gay wouldn’t want to be her friend.

Unless, of course, J is also a girlkisser… then maybe the motive secrets could turn into a meet-cute…….. (/j)

Rose receives J’s secret

Finally, our first throwaway slot. After what J’s been through, I think she deserves to have her secret not be a topic of discussion at all– or at least not until all of them are listed out on the board.

There is also some logic behind which secret I gave to Rose as opposed to Xander or Min. We didn’t really see this in canon, but if Whit had let his secret go unclaimed, I could see some people being mad at Rose for inadvertently throwing away valuable information. This sentiment would only increase if Rose’s secret was something more relevant to the case at hand. Like, could you imagine how mad Teruko would have been if Rose had received the “murderer without remorse” secret? They could have had the answer to which person among them was a murderer without remorse, but Rose just carelessly threw it away because she was worried about people’s privacy?!

Therefore, I think the best case scenario for Rose is to receive one of the low-stakes secrets. In the case of J’s secret, it’s possible that someone like Arturo would be able to figure out that it was J’s secret without any confirmation from Rose as long as he had the information that someone in the cast was Mariabella’s daughter. No harm, no foul if Rose throws out the secret only for it to be instantly solvable anyway.

By giving J’s secret to Rose, J gets the blessing of privacy for as long as the secrets don’t become public knowledge, but Rose also doesn’t garner any backlash if they do, for one reason or another.

“Xander” receives Arei’s secret

Just to clarify, there isn’t any meaning behind which secret Xander vs Min got; they both just mean that the secret is un-confirmable.

Arei’s secret is a good one to bury because of how easily it can be misinterpreted. From the phrasing of the secret, nobody would know that Arei’s sisters abused her unless Arei told them herself, and without that context, Arei appears quite villainous. Hell, some people believe that learning of this secret was a reason why Levi would have chosen to kill Arei! If this information about Arei just isn’t out there to be known, then nobody could make that fatal oversight.

Also, Arei already knew what the vague contents of her secret would be, presumably without having seen the actual text. In Ace’s flashback, she quotes David’s secret from memory (because she read it), but when she unveils her own secret, she throws in the detail about reform school which isn’t at all present in the secret’s text. I think it was really important for Arei’s development that she had the agency to reveal her secret at her own pace. By making her secret inaccessible, it removes the possibility that someone else would reveal it before she’s emotionally ready.

Arturo receives Min’s secret

Look at me, pairing Arturo and Min together yet again. What is it about these two that causes me to keep coupling them…? Well, at least this time, they’re paired up because they, like, never talk in canon.

Arturo has proven himself to be a problem when it comes to revealing secrets. Even if he hadn’t been handed Miss Rosales’ dirty laundry, I would believe that he would air out the secrets of whichever nobody he learned about simply due to disrespect. Therefore, I think that giving Arturo a secret that really doesn’t matter is the best course of action. Whether he reveals it on the day the motives were distributed or the day of the Class Trial, most people probably wouldn’t make much of a fuss about an already-dead student’s secret, least of all Arturo. If he doesn’t care about what Min was up to, he wouldn’t stir up any drama by revealing or concealing information.

David receives Xander’s secret

Not gonna lie, I mostly gave this one to David as a form of damage control. I don’t know what he’s going to do with the secret he did canonically receive in the future– whether it belongs to Teruko or someone else, or whether he’s dying immediately or in it for the long haul– but giving David the silver bullet of “the killing game is all your fault” seems like way too much power to hand over. With a dead student’s secret, he doesn’t gain much by telling the truth or have much of a basis to execute a good lie.

The elephant in the room, of course, is that David received Xander’s secret, which is all about the tragically heroic backstory that probably led him to find comfort in David’s speeches in the first place. (And it does paint Xander in a decently positive light– “it wasn’t your fault” erases the possibility that Xander killed his family or whatever.) I imagine that, had David received this secret on the first day, basically a little buffering symbol would appear over his head and he would have to go lie down and stare at the piece of paper for a few hours. Or days.

By distracting David, we can hopefully avoid any of the decidedly negative side effects that him attempting to deduce and reveal everyone else’s secrets caused. While everyone else is growing as a person and whatnot, David can just be… looping the Literature Girl Insane MV in his head, or something. Is that really good for him? Probably not, but these are the heights you can reach when you set out to cause problems.

Arei receives Whit’s secret

Arei already didn’t reveal whose secret she had to anyone, as far as we know. So, if she had the secret belonging to Whit, arguably her closest friend at the start of Chapter 2, I really don’t think she would say anything. That’s good for Whit, because, similar to what I said about Arei herself, I think it’s better for him to have the ability to come forth with his secret when the time is right. Anything else and it might shake up his persona too suddenly and send him fight or flight mode.

I think the biggest potential flaw here is that we don’t know how Arei felt about her mom. Arei is willing to go confront other people about their secrets, so if Arei either really loved or really hated her mom, maybe that would lead her to go confront Whit about what his secret meant. And then, that could lead into him deflecting and looking shady.

That’s not really a huge liability to me, though, so I think this one will be fine.

Veronika receives Charles’ secret

Veronika is a weird case, because whether or not she reveals a secret seems to be based solely on entertainment value. In canon, we’ve seen that she hasn’t yet revealed the “hopeless child” secret because, for whatever reasons, she thinks that’ll make the killing game more interesting. But presumably, if she thought that revealing someone’s secret would make the game more interesting instead, she would have done that.

Because Charles doesn’t remember his brother’s death himself, I don’t think Veronika would see much value in holding it over his head, saving it for a dramatic reaction down the road, or whatever the hell she was trying to accomplish by not revealing Hu’s secret. Therefore, I think Veronika would find it most entertaining to see Charles’ reaction to learning about his amnesia, and tell him pretty quickly.

On the surface, that seems bad. However, I actually think that Charles learning about his secret is… for the best? If you assume that Charles is going to have to learn about this factoid someday, it’s probably better for him if he does it before a Class Trial is called, so that he can be in a more stable mental state. It’s also better for him to do it while he has Whit there to support him, and who knows what could happen between those two in future chapters? Much like Arturo’s assignment, we defuse Veronika’s chaotic power with this one, with the added benefit of potentially helping Charles on his journey to self-understanding.

Levi receives Arturo’s secret

Arturo’s secret was a hard one, because I think most people would react to it pretty negatively, especially with the confirmation that it belongs to Arturo of all people from the start. You could leave it with Eden as someone who seemingly didn’t judge, but given how poorly that situation played out in canon, it felt wrong to leave it in her hands.

Therefore, I gave it to someone who could potentially relate: Levi. He, too, came from a tense family background which he had to leave, and as such, he might better be able to put himself in Arturo’s shoes. While it is possible that Levi could resent Arturo for “ruining” a “good(?)” relationship with his sister (given how Levi struggled to coexist with his siblings), I don’t think it would irk Levi so much that he’d take drastic action against Arturo.

At the very least, we saw that Levi didn’t spill the beans about Arei’s similarly anti-sister secret. By that logic, he probably wouldn’t tell anyone about it, possibly including Arturo. In that case, we avoid Arturo blowing up on whoever was unlucky enough to have to break the news. And, even if Levi did tell Arturo, and Arturo decided to attack, I trust that even an injured Levi could defend himself far better than Eden could.

Ace receives Veronika’s secret

I just don’t think anything particularly bad would happen here. When I imagine Ace receiving this secret, I kinda just think of him going, “what the fuck?!”, and then putting the paper away. As someone who cares immensely about his own safety and image, I can definitely see this secret confusing Ace, but I don’t think to a point where it would really mess him up. It might make him think that Veronika is dangerous and weird, but… well, he already thought that.

Speaking of, especially with this information, Ace is too afraid of Veronika to try to bully her in the same way that he did with Nico. I don’t see any reason why Ace would benefit from revealing this secret, so it would likely remain hidden, which is probably for the best. Honestly, I don’t know if Veronika would care if this secret of hers got out, given that the main reason why people think this is hers is because of the similar sentiments that she already shared with Teruko in a public location. But, regardless, it takes away any ammo Ace might have by making his only target someone who he’s too afraid to take shots at.

Teruko receives Hu’s secret

Completing our little triad of sadness, this is the third instance of me giving a secret involving self harm to someone else who engages in self destructive practices– first Hu with Ace, then Ace with Veronika, and now Teruko with Hu. It obviously sucks that there are so many people in this cast who are struggling with this same issue, but I think it works out well to have them overlap. They’re probably the ones who best grasp the severity of each other’s problems, so they understand the gravity of sharing the information and would take steps to avoid doing that unnecessarily.

But, yeah, there wasn’t much of a reason beyond that for me to assign Teruko here. As a further extrapolation of the above point, though, if Teruko decided to ask Hu about her secret in the same way that she did with Rose, maybe Teruko could provide Hu some comfort about the situation and they could become friends.

Although, thinking about it more, that would actually have a decent chance of backfiring, as Hu might not appreciate having to take on the role of the helped as opposed to the helper, and Teruko might freak out if she felt herself letting her walls down around Hu. But that’s only if Teruko chose to talk to her about it, which is dubious in the first place. I don’t think Teruko would intentionally use this as any sort of weapon against Hu, which is the main criteria I was looking for.

Charles receives Rose’s secret

More unproblematic people being unproblematic. I don’t know if anything weird would happen as Charles’ upper-class upbringing came into contact with Rose’s cash-strapped past, but if it did, it would probably be a positive development for Charles. Y’know, like “realizing that it’s not only wealthy academics who can have talent” or “further learning to recognize his privilege and have sympathy for other people.” Much like what Charles canonically did with Eden’s secret, this one would probably go under the public radar until a Class Trial occurred, at which point Charles would reveal it. And, hey, that’s kind of like Rose’s secret’s canonical fate as well.

I also don’t think that we’d run into any trouble with Teruko possibly learning this one from the note that Charles passed her either, because… again, this was Teruko’s canonical secret, and nothing bad happened. Sometimes no reaction is the sweetest reaction of all.

Whit receives Nico’s secret

Yup, like you implied, Whit receiving Nico’s secret would probably be one of the best options for them. It’s not too much of a surprise. Whit seems to be a pretty securely out bi guy, so he would obviously support of Nico’s identity, and possibly even be someone Nico could look up to for being confident in who they are. On top of that, Whit greatly values privacy, and thus wouldn’t go around immediately shouting, “wow, Nico, it’s so awesome that you’re nonbinary!” He’d only do that if Nico wanted him to, after asking them first. I’m not even sure if Whit would contact Nico about it directly, but even if he didn’t, I feel like Whit would try to find ways to subtly encourage Nico so that they would feel safe coming out themselves. At least, that’s what my bias is telling me.

As a side note, I’m still playing with the rule that Arei sees whatever Whit’s secret is over his shoulder, which is actually what gave Nico’s secret the nod here over Eden’s. We saw that Ace, along with some others, were confused about what exactly the text of Nico’s secret meant. Meanwhile, if attached to Eden, her secret is pretty explicitly about her being sexually attracted to women, and therefore homosexual. I’m not at all calling Arei homophobic (in fact, the concept of doing so makes me very uncomfortable, so please don’t joke about it), but given that the two had been fighting beforehand, it’s possible that Arei would have tried to use the content of Eden’s secret against her somehow (but again, not in a homophobic way).

At the very least, Arei would know something about Eden that Eden might not want her to know, which is bad. I’m not sure if Arei would inherently understand Nico’s secret enough to gain anything of use from it, while Whit and his intuition would definitely understand what’s going on.

“Min” receives Teruko’s secret

Here we go; our other throwaway secret! Part of the appeal of leaving this one in the dark is because… well, we don’t know if it’s true. While the secret doesn’t explicitly state that its owner is the mastermind of the killing game, it’s definitely designed to make you think that’s the case. And, uh, I don’t know if Teruko is the mastermind or not. I recently wrote 1000 words about it, which is equal to one picture.

So, let’s explore both avenues. If Teruko isn’t the mastermind, then sharing this secret around is obviously bad. It would cause people to unwarrantedly distrust Teruko, and possibly even cause Teruko to distrust herself. That could impede the progress of Class Trials, if people don’t trust Teruko’s reasoning anymore, and the progress of deducing the actual mastermind. Therefore, by taking this secret out of circulation, we stop the misinformation from spreading.

Alternatively, if Teruko is the (evil) mastermind, then… aren’t I doing a disservice by not allowing the students to encounter this information? Well, yes, and no. I am preventing them from accessing the deus ex machina of David just outright saying, “oh, and by the way, Teruko is the mastermind!”; that much is true. But, by leaving that information out… aren’t I just leaving them in the same position that most killing game casts are in? They know that one of them is the mastermind, they just don’t know who. And, actually, they have a leg up on the other casts because the mastermind’s identity would still be a logically deducible fact that they could basically confirm if they all worked together. I don’t think it’s too much of a blow to the innocent students if we leave this one out, is what I’m saying.

So, that’s the good ending! A quick graphic to show how everything shook out:

(I swear, I didn’t mean to make it look like Whit was laughing at Nico’s identity. I just reused the sprites from my archetype analysis because I was too lazy to go get new ones…)

Now, on to the bad ending. This one was a lot harder to assign. Given that these secrets were meant to sow discord, there are only so many ways that things can play out well. There are lots of ways that things can play out poorly.

But, hopefully I’ve found the aggregate worst answer! Given that this is, you know… the one where things go horribly wrong, things may get pretty dark in this section, so proceed with caution. Nobody’s going to die or anything like that, but know that your faves may not be depicted in the most positive light in this section. Grab something comforting and put on some happy music, or lean hard into the angst, ‘cause we’re about to get started.

The Bad Timeline

Ace receives Levi’s secret

Look. I 100% agree that the whole Ace/Nico situation is a Major Yikes Situation /pos. However, I’m hopeful (in the sense of trying to craft the worst possible outcome) that we could still get a More or Less Yikes Situation even without the pair obtaining each others’ secrets.

Although Ace revealing that he was in possession of Nico’s secret closely preceded Nico’s death threat, that wasn’t actually what specifically led Nico to intimidate Ace. It was Ace’s comment that Nico was such a weakling that they could only solve their problems by getting people like David to help them, as well as the culmination of several days of Ace’s torment beginning in Chapter 1, which led them to do it. What I’m saying is, Ace and Nico were already rivals before the secrets even came out, so even without the direct connection to one another via the motive, it’s possible the high tensions would still cause similar events to unfold.

All that preamble hopefully helps to justify my choice to put Ace on Levi’s secret, because, my god, you can open a whole other can of worms with this one. Ace gaining the knowledge that Levi is a killer without remorse the day after Levi threatened to kill him would freak Ace out like nothing else. Being as loud as he is, I would think that Ace wouldn’t be able to stop himself from sharing this one with the class, starting a conflict right from the start.

While do I think the other students would believe Ace in the end– especially if he showed them the paper on which Levi’s name was printed– I also think that some people might doubt Ace’s words at first, thinking he’s overexaggerating as usual. However, that moment of being Boy Who Cried Wolf-ed by everyone else would also really fuck with Ace. He’s literally right, and has the paperwork to prove it, and yet people are still disinclined to believe him because they see him as a fool. It would draw an even deeper wedge between Ace and his classmates than we saw in canon.

Tying back around to the beginning, I think that this extra layer of powerlessness would just make Ace even more inclined to seek out a feeling of power elsewhere. So, I’m thinking that would still result in Ace bullying Nico, and, assuming he still keeps it up for long enough and calls Nico a weakling, we might be able to loop back around to Nico’s death threat anyway. Major Yikes Situation not averted!

Veronika receives David’s secret

Here’s a chaotic choice. Given how open-ended and accusatory David’s secret is, I definitely think it’s one that Veronika would have chosen not to reveal. However, just because she doesn’t want to reveal it doesn’t mean that the information won’t get out… in a way.

We’ve seen time and time again that Veronika is fascinated with morally questionable people, first with Arturo and later David himself once she knew about his secret. Therefore, if she knew about David’s secret from the start, I don’t think she would be able to stop herself from following him around and making some clever comments here and there. Can you imagine how concerning it would be to watch David try to give hope speeches and guide people while Veronika is peering over his shoulder and grinning at him, refusing to elaborate?

It would definitely be worrying, but I don’t think it would fully stop everyone from listening to him– but in this case, that’s a good thing! David’s tactics wound up causing more harm than good, so it was important for me to give his secret to someone who wouldn’t call him out immediately and stop him from enacting these bad policies. Veronika is a great choice for allowing that to happen, but also causing a lot of stress and doubt speculating as to what exactly Veronika could know about David that would make her act this way. Honestly, it might be the worst for David himself…

Levi receives Ace’s secret

This one isn’t that terrible on its own, but in the context of Ace also having Levi’s secret, I think it gets pretty hairy. I can’t really see any scenario where Levi knowing Ace’s greatest secret goes over well for them. If Ace blows up at Levi right out the gate, there’s a definite possibility that Levi can’t keep his cool and winds up firing off Ace’s secret in front of everyone else as retaliation. Betraying Ace’s trust like that (even if Ace was the one to mouth off first) would make their relationship even more unsalvageable.

Even if Levi did manage to keep his mouth shut, knowing Ace’s secret would just generally make it harder for Levi to talk to Ace when explaining himself or trying to make amends. Like I discussed with Hu in the good timeline, there’s a lot you can learn about Ace in the contents of his secret and the way it’s phrased. I feel like Levi would be able to pick up on some of that knowledge, but he would then find it even harder to interact with Ace without accidentally spilling the beans on some of that newfound understanding. This secret shuffle would make their relationship basically irreparable in my opinion, and the increased frustrations from both boys might make one of their tempers flare and lead them to do something inadvisable.

“Xander” receives Eden’s secret

First of all, giving “Xander” this one means there’s one less problematic person who could draw a relatively harmless secret, which is a pro in this scenario. Leaving this secret unconfirmed could also cause problems in a Class Trial. Given that this secret doesn’t include murder, blackmail, manipulation, etc, it’s a pretty nice secret to claim for yourself, even if it can basically only be claimed by one of the girls. This means that, even if Eden tried to be truthful about her secret, people might believe that she’s lying.

Furthermore, the DRDT cast seems to be a pretty queer group of people overall. 6/15 of the non-Edens are confirmed LGBTQ+ themselves (even if not all of them are out), and everyone has treated Nico and Whit’s identities with respect since learning about them. Canonically, I would say that Eden has nothing to worry about with regards to the other girls treating her differently for being a lesbian.

So, by making Eden’s secret far less accessible, it becomes less likely that she’ll ever get that moment of recognition and affirmation. Instead, as Eden’s secret remains hidden and irrelevant, it becomes easier for her to stick to what she knows is safe. An accepting environment was right there in front of her, but with the convenience of periphery, she might not ever see it.

Arturo receives J’s secret

Yeah, I agree with you on this one– J truly did roll a crit fail. I did consider giving J’s secret to someone else, as long as they would definitely publicly spill the beans, if it meant that Arturo could learn the content of J’s secret while receiving an additional bad secret as well. However, I couldn’t think of anyone who would be so guaranteed to tell everyone about J’s secret that I could be confident Arturo would hear of it, nor could I think of any particularly catastrophic secrets I’d rather give to Arturo. So, this one stays. J really is living in the worst timeline already– like if you cry every time.

Hu receives Arei’s secret

Hu was a tough nut to crack, because I think the ideal bad situation for her is that she gets a secret that’s problematic enough that it would cause major issues if news broke, but not so problematic that she wouldn’t be willing to share it as a part of David’s “let’s tell each other about our secrets” plan. Operating under the logic that the mention of self harm was the reason why she wasn’t willing to share the secret she got in canon, 3/15 options immediately disappear. More options vanish when you start eliminating not-super-problematic secrets like Xander's family, Charles’ brother, or Rose’s debt.

After some consideration, I landed on Arei’s being the best balance of thorny and not. It’s a secret that discusses a serious crime without incorporating murder, and there’s lots of room for public interpretation that could cause things to go really poorly for Arei if folks jump to conclusions. Given that Hu already didn’t super like Arei (I’m basing this off of her chastising Arei for bullying Eden), I could totally see her being willing to share this secret publicly in order to help everyone see that Arei is someone not to be trusted.

Making Arei’s secret publicly aired also removes the very important aspect of Arei’s agency that I wrote on in the good section. If Hu is sharing this secret, it’s probably pretty early in the chapter, which means that Arei might not be prepared whenever the news drops. The context of the secret sharing doesn’t involve Eden at all, so Arei might have a harder time putting two and two together about why she acts the way she does and how she wants to change. Not to mention, if Hu shares the secret in a way that directly agrees with David’s scheme, it automatically pits David against Arei, which means that he can’t offer her any help (to the extent that what he said helped her canonically). It’s just bad all around. But that’s why I’ve come to feel pretty confident in this choice.

Rose receives Min’s secret

Following up on Rose’s last entry, this is not one of the secrets that the rest of the students could either easily deduce or ignore. It would be very easy to assume that the owner of the poison secret was a murderer– possibly a mass murderer, and even one who didn't regret what they did. Even if poison wasn’t used in the Chapter 2 murder, people might suspect this person of being the killer, and/or it could throw suspicion on Charles as the only one (who we know of) who has a poisonous custom weapon.

Now, obviously, this secret did not cause much of a scene in the canonical Chapter 2 trial, but I think at least part of that is because it was Xander’s. Everyone knows that the person who has that secret can only be determined by process of elimination no matter who they ask. The same would be true if it were the secret Rose got, but people might grow upset that Rose threw away such a valuable piece of evidence. And, with Min incapable of claiming her secret, it might appear even more that someone was trying to hide something when nobody spoke up to claim it. It’s not much, but Rose made it difficult to come up with something bad.

Teruko receives Xander’s secret

Funnily enough, the logic behind me giving Xander’s secret to Teruko is quite similar to the logic behind me giving it to David. Much like how David would be taken out of commission by reading this secret, I think that Teruko would act the same– it would just be worse for her and the group as a whole.

Like I said for David, Xander’s secret paints him out as a tragic hero. He loved his family to pieces, and regrets their passing so much that he wishes he could have died with them. Even though it was textually not his fault, Xander still beats himself up every day for not being around to do the right thing and save people when it counted. …What does it mean that the guy with this secret was the one who felt he had to kill Teruko for the greater good?!

Reading Xander’s secret would only pull Teruko deeper into anger, self-hatred, and confusion. She was already pretty off kilter in this Chapter from trying to ignore her mixed emotions regarding Xander, and I think that having to relive her trauma and his betrayal any time someone brought up the mere concept of secrets would basically take her out of commission. I mean, check out how many times I was able to say the word secret in these three paragraphs alone. I don’t imagine Teruko would be able to fare much better in the hellish environment of this terrible swap, which might lead her to hole up in her room all day and grow increasingly bored and bitter.

Now, I’m not saying that Teruko needed to be up and at ‘em in the daily life because her running around and pressing knives to people’s throats was just so helpful. But at least, unlike David, she wasn’t actively making the situation worse. Her presence may have even made potential friends like Eden, Charles, or Rose feel better. At the very least, Teruko learned some key social context in the Chapter 2 daily life prior to the Trial, so removing Teruko from those interactions would make it much harder for her to fully grasp what was going on should she be forced to solve a murder once again.

Charles receives Whit’s secret

I agree with you here as well– Charles acquiring Whit’s secret is probably the worst case scenario for Whit. As one of two people who actually heard Whit talk about his mom in Chapter 1, Charles is one of the only people who would know that Whit doesn’t just “omit that truth” by not talking about his mom, he actively talks about her like she is alive. This would raise a very big question for Charles at a crucial point in their friendship. Charles has just come to start trusting this guy, so what do you mean he was lying about something so odd…?

There’s a chance that the reveal of this concealment of the truth would cause Charles to determine that he couldn’t trust Whit anymore, and it would drive them apart. But, I think that’s pretty unlikely. More likely is the option where Charles (who’s in a fragile state from his meltdown yesterday and only JUST started learning how to be a good friend) tries to question Whit about it, only for Whit to panic. I don’t really think that Whit would try to keep the ruse going, seeing as Charles literally has the answer right in front of him, but he still might be full of deflections, or try to avoid the subject with jokes. (“Huh? No, I totally said that my mom passed away a few years ago! You must’ve just not heard me– did you fling some detergent into your ears with that laundry machine?”)

I’m not sure if this distribution of secrets would fully split them up, but it would definitely cause a rift in their conversation and bonding that might stop Charles and Whit from growing as close as they did. And, all this isn’t even taking into account that–

Whit receives Charles’ secret

Did you ever notice that Whit and Charles’ secrets are both about a hidden dead relative? I didn’t put two and two together until now, but boy does it work out poorly for purposes of this AU.

Much like Levi with Ace’s secret, I don’t think this is an inherently bad draw for Whit, but it kinda sucks in this context. Whit gets placed into a really weird trolley problem: do you tell and comfort Charles about his dead brother when it’ll definitely segue into discussions of your own dead mom, or do you keep it hidden, not helping Charles and leaving yourself open to the possibility of him feeling betrayed later that you kept this secret from him? It’s these kinds of questions that Whit would be forced to ask himself in the moment that Charles first confronts him, and the time needed to process would only throw him off his game and make him appear more suspicious to Charles.

To be fair, a lot of this does depend on how deep in the lie Whit is. Is he usually pretty quick to admit that his mom is dead to anyone who digs deeper into the issue, or has he been lying about his mom’s status to everyone, his father included? If it’s more like the former, then maybe the two of them could actually come to bond over the tragedy of losing someone you care about. But, if it’s more like the latter, then this distribution of secrets could get in the way of one of the (seemingly) most stable and healthy relationships in the killing game.

Arei receives Arturo’s secret

At first, I actually considered giving Arturo’s secret to Arei in the good universe, because I thought that Arei could understand having complicated relationships with your sisters. But then I remembered something critically important. Arei herself is the younger sister. She wouldn’t relate to Arturo; she would relate to Felicity. And then, all hell would break loose.

Arei knows what it’s like to be a younger sister who, even if she never considered it herself, had other people try to pressure her into committing suicide. So, to have a younger sister lucky enough to actually have a big brother she cared about, only for him to leave her alone and cause her death? Arei would be furious. She would absolutely call him out for it immediately, and use all of the bullying tactics she learned to make his life a living hell.

Despite all that I wrote about what Hu would do with Arei’s secret, I don’t actually know if Hu would be more or less likely to share Arei’s secret if Arei was acting this way. Would Hu take it upon herself to join in shaming Arturo for his actions, or feel that Arei was being a hypocrite and want to share Arei’s own truth? Either way, with both of these secrets, I think that the option of Arei’s character growing at all (or becoming friends with Eden) any time soon is pretty much dead.

And then there’s Arturo himself. While we’ve seen that Arturo does genuinely seem remorseful and haunted by Felicity’s death, I doubt Arei would know or care. I also totally think that J would join Arei in absolutely demolishing the man. Having Arei’s offense be backed by the Julia Rosales might just break him. Whether it would be in a victim way or a killer way I’m not sure, but it would definitely be bad for funni beauty standards man. The good news is that it might stop Arei from dying…? Unless Arturo just decided to kill her. There really isn’t a lot of good news.

David receives Veronika’s secret

Alright, back to David and Veronika. This is the third time I’ve had two people just swap their secrets, I guess? And, it’s kinda for the same reasons again. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Since we’ve been through a lot since we last discussed this pair, let’s get a quick recap: Veronika knows that David is a manipulative bastard, but won’t tell anyone that yet because she thinks it’ll be more interesting if she keeps her mouth shut. Thus, everyone is kind of wary of David, and David is definitely wary of Veronika, but not so much that it stops David from doing his information-seeking “let’s all share our secrets” plan.

I think that learning this about Veronika would make David pretty confused, very concerned, and extra conscious of Veronika in a way that would be hard to conceal. He could probably guess from the way Veronika was acting that she had some kind of dirt on him, and therefore conclude that, if he ever tried to share her secret, she might just fire back at him. David does not want that. So, the two of them remain at an uneasy stalemate that would make everyone else increasingly troubled.

Furthermore, I think that Veronika’s secret is a good balance of an unexpected yet potentially relevant piece of information about a living student that David would want to seek more of, while also not being so grim that it would appeal to whatever morals David may have. (Don’t get me wrong, Veronika’s secret is very worrying and tragic, but at least the inclusion of “for fun” makes it less grim than Arturo’s or Hu’s, to me.) David would be inclined to continue on his quest of acquiring the most knowledge-as-power as possible, and Veronika would be thrilled to watch! Both of them would just be giving off… really weird vibes about it.

Nico receives Hu’s secret

(extra suicide TW just in case)

If I say anything offensive or incorrect in this section, I deeply apologize. I don’t mean to portray either of these characters, their issues, or people who relate to them or their issues in a bad light, and I definitely don’t mean to demonize mentally ill people. The reasoning behind why I think it would be bad for Nico to get Hu’s secret is complicated, and may be based on uninformed thoughts or unfounded projections. However, based on what I do “know,” I think it makes sense, so I’ll try to explain myself as best I can.

Basically, I think that receiving Hu’s secret would be bad for Nico because it might make Nico less likely to speak up for themselves when Hu talks over them. If I were Nico, I might be worried about reacting too strongly to what Hu is doing, and accidentally sending her back into the hopeless state of her childhood. Just interacting with Hu in general might lead someone (like David) to start questioning Nico about the secret they received, and cause the information to accidentally leak out. It would make Nico saying anything on how Hu was acting difficult.

Again, I am not trying to villainize Hu, or mandate that you have to walk on eggshells around suicidal people because they’re loose cannons or whatever. I just think that, especially for someone as uncomfortable with socialization with Nico, navigating the sensitive subject of past suicide attempts in this incredibly hostile bad AU environment might prevent them from speaking up for themselves when they’re feeling belittled. And, that would be bad for their personal development.

I wish we could move on to something happier to combat these bad vibes, but unfortunately, we still have a couple more to go.

“Min” receives Rose’s secret

Well, at least we can cool down a little bit with this one. Not a ton going on here; basically just that Rose’s secret is pretty lowkey and I could cause more damage with other secrets elsewhere. I don’t think it would cause a particular stir with either other students becoming paranoid or Rose’s characterization and growth. I suppose that, without the excuse of being able to explain her past, Rose probably wouldn’t have had that chance to vent to Teruko, which was probably a good experience for her? The conflict-avoidant Rose will be suffering enough with all the turmoil going on around her, methinks.

Eden receives Nico’s secret

Make no mistake, this is not a decision made to hurt Nico. It’s meant to hurt Eden. With her compassionate heart and non-judgmental attitude, Eden is a great draw for any secret-holder to have in order to not cause trouble. That’s why I thought that the best move here was to use the secret as an offensive weapon to lessen her impact, as well as preventing a more problematic secret from being absorbed into her positive vibes.

Eden’s greatest secret is that she’s a lesbian, and she fears that people will come to hate her or discriminate against her if they find out about her identity. Therefore, the worst thing to do to her is to affirm those fears by shoving the homophobia someone else suffered in her face. Learning that Nico was mocked for their identity would make Eden less confident in hers, and might dampen her spirit enough that some of the good effects of her optimism are negated. She might become more hesitant to discuss secrets and more fearful of her peers, knowing that one of them probably knows about her identity and could use it against her at any time. Little does she know, it’s actually in the morgue alongside the Ultimate Rebel.

But, the fact that is just further feeds into my idea from Xander’s section. If Eden has just been reminded of how cruel the world can be to LGBTQ+ people, she wouldn’t be jumping at the opportunity to reveal which secret was hers. This would 1) allow another troublemaker to perhaps successfully claim it as their own, 2) make Eden look suspicious as she tries to come up with a solid lie of her own, and 3) postpone or deny (if Eden dies on a short timeframe) Eden’s ability to feel comfortable in herself.

Also (not to say that David forcing Nico to share their secret was a good thing), if Nico’s secret never becomes available to the public, they might have to go through the rest of their time in the killing game getting misgendered. Diversity loss!

J receives Teruko’s secret

J could stay quiet for a lot of things, but I feel like if she knew who the mastermind was (assuming she doesn’t know that she herself is the mastermind), that’s something she wouldn’t stay quiet about. I think that J at least wanted to see Teruko as her friend, given that she approached Teruko on the day she tested out her universal remote and roped Teruko in as part of her plan to get away from Arturo. Teruko double-crossing J by “being the mastermind” would, I think, be enough of a betrayal that J would set out seeking answers. Publicly.

Teruko, having just seen Xander’s secret, is also in a terrible mood, meaning that her ability to defend herself against J’s accusations and keep a cool head would be lessened, and possibly devolve into a screaming match. This would send the students down the incorrect(?) path as to the mastermind’s identity, further encourage Teruko to distance herself from everyone else, and cause J to lose faith in one of the few people she liked just before Arturo starts to get on her ass. Needless to say, the group would be in shambles.

That was rough, but we’re finally done. Let’s take a look at how things shook out.

(Once again, I really didn’t mean to make it look like Whit was laughing at Charles’ dead brother? A little treat for everyone who believes Whit is evil, I suppose.)

Blech. Even though torturing characters can be fun sometimes, speculating about the worst case scenario isn’t usually the kind of energy that I like to bring to this blog. Hopefully I was able to deliver something satisfactorily devastating, though!

As a final note, assigning all these secrets to everyone did get me thinking a little about what would have happened in this chapter if the motive had gone as planned, and everyone had gotten their own secrets. While it obviously wouldn’t have been as good as the good universe, I do think that people learning of their own secrets is a lot better than many of the bad scenarios that could have been created with a shuffle. Charles and Teruko definitely would have been a bit thrown, but at least in Charles’ case, I don’t know if it would have resulted in murder.

In my opinion, I think it’s probably most likely that David or Nico would have killed? David obviously cares a lot about his career and the prospect of his secret being shared with the world, so he could have tried to ride his good social graces and fake “family history of depression” secret to a Class Trial clear. Nico also has a lot to worry about with their secret getting out, and, already facing pressure from Ace’s bullying, it’s possible they would have made the same decision to kill Ace if Ace’s harassment continued. I suppose this is a question I can ask back at ya, Gremlyn, if you feel inclined to answer! :D And, thank you for the ask. Even if it got a little bleak, I had fun with it.

Stay safe and happy out there, everyone, and make sure your deepest, darkest secret doesn’t get handed to your worst enemy. Or really, just try to avoid entering a killing game at all. Until next time~

[sleepingdeath-light]

rosie + segmented smut alphabet ; 18+

requested by ; anonymous (part of an event)

letters used ; a / i / k

masterlist(s) ; here

minors and ageless blogs do not interact

A — Aftercare

what they’re like after sex

Rosie tends to be extremely vocal and upbeat after you two have had sex — not to the same extent as she is beforehand as she’s usually at least a little out of breath, but no matter how intense your romp has been she always seems to come out of it frustratingly well put-together compared to you — which usually means that she’s the one who takes the lead for both physical aftercare and pillow talk.

Physical aftercare with Rosie tends to follow a very lineare formula with only occasional deviations when necessary: her taking a short while to check you over for any injuries that were more severe than intended, leaving to run you both a nice hot bath (complete with bubbles and a scented candle you can both agree on) once she’s certain that you’re unharmed beyond what you’d consented to beforehand, her fetching you some water and very sternly telling you to drink it, frequently popping her head back into the bedroom to see if you’ve actually done what she’s asked, going and getting some snacks for you both to share from her kitchen, sharing a bath with you (usually with plenty of teasing), and then going to bed for some well-earned casual intimacy.

Pillowtalk, meanwhile, mostly consists of lighthearted banter interspersed with praise, reassurances, and the typical sort of questions you’d expect from someone like Rosie. One moment she’s brushing your wet hair out of you face and reassuring you that you did so well for her and you’ve nothing to worry about with her, and the next her smile goes from genuine to flirty as she (lovingly) teases you for being so reactive and responsive to what she was doing to you — her teasing is very rarely outright explicit but her tone and expression get the message across clear enough on their own for you to want to bury your face in a pillow… or, alternatively, throw that same pillow in her face to get her to quiet down. She also makes a point to ask you whether you enjoyed yourself and were okay with everything she did, and welcomes any suggestions for things you want to try — she always encourages honesty above anything else and wouldn’t dream of shaming or punishing you for being open with her (of course she’s still going to tease you here and there, but you know its never done maliciously and that’s just the sort of person Rosie is).

I — Intimacy

how romantic are they?

Though Rosie is someone who is very traditional and romantic in how she approaches your relationship in general, this doesn’t always translate directly to her behaviour in the bedroom. Of course she’s still the same woman you fell in love with and she never misses the chance to praise you until you can barely stand to look her in the eyes, but there are times where she can be a bit less romantic and a bit more direct about having sex with you — usually when she’s had a particularly frustrating day or if you’ve made a point of being a brat or a tease beforehand.

K — Kink

some of their kinks

There are a vast array of different kinks that Rosie would love to incorporate into your sex life, but I’ll just list a few:

Lingerie — she’s more than willing and excited to dress up for you and has done so many many times, but the idea of you dolling yourself up just for her really just gets her hot under the collar.

Bondage — bonus points if it’s a more intricate style using materials that are both beautiful and firm, but generally speaking Rosie’s happy to have you all tied up and at her mercy no matter what’s being used to restrain you.

Knife Play — her profession has given her a fantastic and intimate understanding of the human body which means that she knows where she should and shouldn’t cut you and how deep she can go to leave a mark without causing serious harm (all skills she’s more than willing to make use of in the bedroom if ever you ask).

Dom/Sub — though she’s not opposed to play-fighting you for her dominance or you being a bit of a brat every now and then and going through the whole ‘make me listen’ routine, it goes without saying that Rosie is always going to be the dominant one in the bedroom.

Praise Kink — mainly this is about her showering you in praise and affirmations while she absolutely ravishes your body with her mouth/hands/pussy/toys, but she’s certainly never going to complain about you praising everything she is or does (it doesn’t even have to be sexual, she’ll get that same giddy grin whether you’re calling her ‘gorgeous’ and telling her how amazing she makes you feel, or salivating over her baking and offering her a string of compliments that would make any chef preen)

Marking Kink — again this is almost exclusive to her being the one to mark you as a way to claim her territory and ward off any potential suitors (she’s also equally content with more long-lasting marks, like bruises and cuts, as she is with more short-term marks, like lipstick prints on your face and neck, and will only go as far with indulging this side of herself as you allow her to)

[m00nsbaby]

The calendar.

Will Dempsey x F!Reader.

Tags & warnings. Yes, I did this only because I hate this man and I wanted to make him unhappy, lol.

Word count. 2.9k

Summary.

There is simply nothing worst than knowing how it ends.

He had his strengths, unfortunately, socializing wasn't part of that extensive list. So when you, a natural chatterbox, took a seat beside him, he knew he was condemned for the rest of the day.

Will didn't know that you were also terrible at making friends.

"I saw you in the literature class, you did great," you whispered with a smile, adhering to the library's rules, and he sighed, thinking that he only responded to teachers' questions because no one else did.

"Uh-huh."

A few seconds of silence, and you picked up on it. After having five people reject your friendship, you understood the message loud and clear. It seemed you would finish your university career without knowing a single friendly soul on campus.

Although, well, in this case, maybe it was your fault. He seemed a bit older than you. Perhaps the weariness of university life had already consumed his soul or something like that.

You didn't say anything more, you crossed your arms and buried your face in them, close to tears. It was only a few seconds before a tap on your shoulder made you turn.

Without looking at you, the curly-haired guy was pushing his coffee cup towards you, as an invitation.

Did you look that exhausted?

In silence, you took the cup and had a sip. Maybe not everything was so bad.

It became a routine; you didn't say anything when you arrived at his side at the same table that only the two of you shared.

You learned that the two free hours you had between classes were the same ones he seemed to have; you always found him in the same spot, writing as if his life depended on it. Many times, the only sound accompanying you was the noise of his old laptop, whose fan you compared to the engine of a broken-down car.

"I didn't see you in class today." It was the first time in a long time that he spoke to you as he pushed the remainder of his coffee towards you, as usual.

You drank it, trying to hide your surprise at his words.

"I overslept."

He scoffed. And you smiled when you discovered that he had more than just one facial expression.

You figured that the encounter for that day was over because he turned towards his backpack. However, instead of packing things, he seemed to be rummaging through it.

"I'll send you what we covered in class." He wrote on a post-it note before pushing it towards you; his email address was written on it.

Very formal, very him.

And you smiled even more, if that was possible.

With time, things became a bit of a frenzy for you two. Before you knew it, you were in Will's arms, already accustomed to his way of covering your eyes and hugging you from behind.

"Who am I?"

"Mhm, let me guess…" He always laughed when you pretended not to recognize him.

Slowly, he slid his hand from your eyes down your face and rested it on your neck. You knew there were people watching you, there were always people watching you at school.

Maybe everyone wondered what you had given to the quietest and most introverted guy in school to have him so enchanted with you.

Slowly, you turned around in his arms. He pressed you against his chest, and you smiled.

"Do you want to study together tonight?"

Study sessions one day turned into make-out sessions.

"Is this okay?" He leaned over your body to look at your laptop screen.

His body rose and fell with your breath, and you tried not to complain that he was crushing you with the weight of his body.

"Poor wording," he teased, and you realized it when he pressed his lips together to stifle a laugh, and you pushed him.

"I won't ask for your opinion ever again."

"I tell you for your own good." He rested a hand on the pillow next to your head, looking at you with that mocking smile that annoyed you so much.

"You always say that." You pouted.

He leaned further forward, the tip of his nose brushing against yours.

"And you keep asking me to review it," he whispered, his huge brown eyes fixed on you.

Your hand rose, and you gently caressed the light beard that began to grow every three days. The same one that tickled you whenever he rested his chin on your neck.

"You're a lousy tutor."

Seconds of silence before he pushed forward, his lips crashing against yours with desperation.

It seemed like Will had been waiting for this his whole life. He was devouring your mouth, claiming it as his own.

This became a habit, meeting every week to kiss until your lips hurt, him squeezing your hip until his fingers were imprinted on you.

All of this under the title of "best friends."

Your story had its ups and downs, needless to say, both of your characters were somewhat special. Because even though you worked perfectly together, you both had too much pride to acknowledge your feelings for each other.

You met his girlfriends; he met every idiot who tried to be with you without realizing that you were too good for losers like them.

You argued, gave each other the cold shoulder on multiple occasions, and reconciled just as many times.

And before you knew it, you were living with him.

Not only that, you had already had an established relationship for about two years.

"Are you going through a phase?" He slid his arms around your waist, and with little force, he pulled you close to his chest as your gaze remained fixed on your phone.

"Can't I listen to One Direction albums on repeat without you judging me?"

"No." Sometimes he was so good in his performances that you had no other choice but to elbow him to take the air out of his lungs.

Still, he laughed.

"Listen, it's a masterpiece." You turned slowly. You placed one of the earphones in his ear, and you kept the other in yours.

As the music played and you hummed along, Will just stared at you. He used to do that often, but he never told you that in the meantime, he was thinking about how lucky he was.

About how he prayed to heaven, to God, to fate, to whatever was listening that life would stay like this forever. With you in his arms and your horrible musical choices.

"It's awful."

You both burst into laughter, and he didn't even complain when you hit him again. Nor did you when he pushed you beneath him, kissing you like a hungry man.

Your shared closet was full of little colorful notes - yellow, pink, green, and orange - and you read each one carefully.

Behind you, Will was biting one of his nails, looking at you as if Jane Austen herself were judging his work.

Exactly 36 minutes passed as you finished your reading, and in the end, you turned to him with a smile that brought his soul back to life.

It turns out that Will had always dreamed of being a writer, and you, better than anyone, had known this since that disastrous afternoon when you first met. In fact, you were surprised that he didn't already have four novels completed, given the speed and desperation with which he always wrote.

"It's perfect, love!" Yeah, it was just a storyboard but you still jumped into his arms, and with the coordination of two people who were born to be together, he lifted you off the ground.

Of course, you supported his dream, even if it meant quitting his job to write full-time. You knew it would be tough, exhausting for you as the primary provider, but in your eyes, it would all be worth it when you saw him dedicate his first book to you.

That had been the deal. You would get the first copy, the first page would clarify how important you were to him (that part was his suggestion), and the book, adorned with his autograph, would be part of the house's decor.

"I can't wait to read it." Your forehead rested against his.

"I love you." He told you all the time, in fact, he had been saying it since you were best friends, but this time it was different.

Special, sincere, and intimate.

Will wanted to tear out his heart and leave it in your hands, like the dramatic writer he had been for years.

And you wanted to take care of it, to take care of his heart, to take care of him, until your time ran out.

"I can't take it anymore, Will." You sobbed in his arms as he gently rocked you back and forth.

The edge of his desk was digging into your ribs every time he leaned forward, but you didn't complain; you knew he was doing his best to console you.

He could only think that it wasn't fair; you were giving up your life to let him fulfill his dream.

It turned out that when you started taking extra shifts, your body began to succumb to physical and emotional exhaustion. You were utterly drained, and in recent days, your boss wasn't making it any easier for you.

"Quit," was the first thing that came to his mind.

And that made you sob even more because you were no longer a child.

Because even though he offered you the easiest way out, you knew when things were possible and when they weren't, and losing your job without a backup plan was by no means an option. That was probably the most frustrating part, not seeing a way out.

Your boyfriend's beard tickled your forehead, and when your breathing synchronized with his, you thought what you always thought. 'This will be worth it someday.'

Will was worth it. Will was worth even more than this, and you knew it. You would never have the strength to ask him to be unhappy again for a little more money.

"We should get married."

Will choked on his cereal, his gaze leaving his laptop for a few seconds.

It wasn't the first time you had made such comments, and although you thought Will was simply too dumb to understand hints, he had decided to start ignoring them.

And he wasn't even sure why. Maybe he had never been attracted to the idea of marriage, maybe part of it made him feel like his youth was slipping through his fingers.

But this time you were too direct to ignore.

"I don't know, love," he scratched his beard, finally pushing his laptop aside.

Lately, you didn't spend as much time together without him writing, without the sound of the keys resonating in your head.

Anyway, his answer was enough to make you swallow hard.

It hurt that he doubted.

"I think we don't have enough money," he cleared his throat with the excuse.

You nodded silently.

That night you turned your back on him, and he unconsciously did the same. He didn't like it at all; in fact, he didn't want to repeat the experience ever again.

"How long are we going to keep this up?" Your voice was almost a cold whisper as you stared at your coffee cup.

Of course, Will had noticed for weeks that things weren't right between you, but by his own choice, he hadn't said anything.

He knew that talking would mean facing many things, maybe hearing from your own mouth everything he had been doing wrong. Losing you.

No scenario seemed tempting to him, so he chose the best way out of all this, pretending that everything was fine, playing dumb when you hinted in some way that things weren't going well. You see, perhaps Will's worst flaw was being selfish.

He could see you losing yourself over time, little by little, every day more, rather than letting you go. Letting you be happy somewhere else.

"Keep what up, love?"

Life was weighing you down. Your job, your relationship, feeling stuck in the same place. And on occasions like these, he reminded you that you weren't ready either.

You didn't have the strength to argue.

Your eyes were tired of the constant burning of tears.

You simply shook your head, and your boyfriend's heart returned to its normal rhythm.

He didn't know how long you would hold up like this, but at least for today, things would stay as they were.

You would sleep in his arms, and he would pretend that hugging you tighter was just an involuntary move and a way to silently comfort those sobs that you always thought would never wake him up.

Sometimes you felt like you were just exaggerating. That you, like all couples, were simply going through a rough patch.

Will was the same. He always was.

The one who made you laugh, the one who saved his last sip of coffee for you, and the one who promised to share his dream of a lifetime with you, which you confirmed on an ordinary Saturday.

He invited you to dinner and temporarily got rid of that beard that always scratched you when you kissed him. He took you to the movies and let you choose the film.

You made out in the last row of seats like teenagers with little time alone, and you laughed out loud when your lipstick ended up completely on his now swollen lips. And things only got better at home.

Yes, you were one of those ridiculous couples who had matching pajamas, and that night, after many, you wore them at the same time.

"I love you." Your stomach fluttered as it had the first time he said it to you, and you kissed his lips until you got tired.

Will watched you sleep, thinking about how lucky he was. He prayed with all his heart that the day would never come when you realized that he would never be worth it, and that unfortunately, living through those terrible ups and downs wouldn't be worth it someday either.

He prayed that you wouldn't notice how his face fell when you proposed the idea of starting a family, or how the excuse of an expensive wedding went to hell when you suggested something small with his family and yours.

Both of you slept on the couch, although the next day you woke up sore, you could ignore many things if Will held you that way with his arms.

Things came to an end exactly three months later when you realized that all the previous times you said, "I can't take it anymore" didn't compare to what it truly meant to not be able to take it anymore.

Will knew it; for a week, it could have been any day.

Still, no matter how much he prepared mentally, it felt like someone was ripping his stomach out when he woke up one day and found you sitting on the couch, a coffee cup in your hand, and your suitcases in front of you.

He thought it was ridiculous that you had to leave your own home, but to the very end, you were thinking of him.

"Don't go," was all he could say, and you looked at him.

You were exhausted.

"I can't stay, Will." You sounded so determined that he almost felt happy to hear you being yourself again. In fact, he couldn't remember the last time he heard you speak so firmly.

He wished it hadn't been this way.

"Every morning…" Your voice broke, along with his heart. "Every morning, I feel like I have to put my hands on my chest and check to confirm that I'm alive."

This was precisely what Will had been trying to avoid for so long.

"Please, don't do it," he repeated softly. For a writer of some of the most dramatic stories you'd ever read, he didn't seem to have much else on his mind than this, repeating over and over not to leave.

"Promise me it will be different, and I'll try, Will."

He swallowed hard.

"Make me your wife, make me your everything," you begged through tears.

And he couldn't. He couldn't even walk behind you to stop you as you left, dragging your noisy suitcases.

He knew he would dream for the rest of his nights about that broken hug and painful kiss on the cheek you gave him to say goodbye. And although his ears played him a continuous ringing, something he had only seen in movies, he managed to hear that you said something about taking care of himself.

It tore his soul apart to think that even in the last minute, you were thinking of his well-being, something he had stopped doing a long time ago.

Will's life spiraled downhill, but that's something he had predicted a long time ago. He knew that everything in him depended on you to be okay.

His writings lost their meaning, his novel remained half-finished when he realized that maybe it wasn't worth completing if he wouldn't have someone to dedicate it to in the end.

He always believed that misfortune could bring out the potential in any artist, but unfortunately, he wasn't one of those cases.

He never listened to any songs he recognized from being on the same playlist you used to play on any occasion, and his bed started to feel colder and colder, even in the summer.

The only thing he sometimes liked was that period of time between lying down and falling asleep; he liked to remember.

Sometimes, he even laughed at all those times he begged not to lose you. He wished he had done more than just pray.

[incorrectmahabharatquotes]

HI! I've been reading through some old posts and i was wondering if you could explain how Arjun did raas with lord krishna? <3

Hello!

So the bit you're referring to is not actually from the Mahabharat. It's from the Padma Purana's pātāla-khanda.

This tiny story is a part of the dialogue that occurs between two people in the future as is the typical narrative style of these tales. It goes something like:

Arjun is curious to know all sorts of details about the raas-leela- where does it happen, how many gopis are there, who are they etc etc. Krishna is cryptic, as usual, and tells him that a man simply cannot perceive it even if the said man is more precious to him than life itself to him. Therefore, it's no use asking. Arjun is Disappointed™. Krishna is soft for him so he tells him it's fine and that he shouldn't worry about it because he'll see for himself. Then he instructs him to go to a goddess(Tripāsundari, to be exact) who will help him.

Arjun goes to her, prays to her and calls to her. She appears, pleased by his devotion and adoration. She also asks him a rhetorical question, that I personally find funny, which basically is along the lines of "What makes you so special that Krishna is letting you have this one thing that no other mortal, deity or ascetic can have?" She doesn't wait for an answer, because I think she already knew and then proceeds to give Arjun a list of prayer related tasks to worship her properly. After he follows her instructions, she and her friend show him Radha's house and vrindavan. Then she tells him to take dip in an auspicious lake and he does and emerges as a beautiful woman.

(At this point, I will be using she/her pronouns for Arjun/Arjuni because that's what the story says.)

Arjuni rises from the lake, having forgotten everything about her male self. There's a lot of poetic waxing about how alluring and attractive her voice, physicality and personality are. She happens upon a bunch of women(the gopis, obviously) who are equally as beautiful and charming as her. All the gopis are very lovely, actually and ask her who she is and how she happened to end up there and kind of soothe Arjuni's anxiety and then all of them introduce themselves. They say that they used to sages in their past life and are now gopis who participate in raas leela with Krishna.

They take her to lake, play with her, bathe her etc etc. It's all VERY sapphic, trust me. There's also a lot of praying involved. After the initiation is over, Arjuni meets Radha. More praying and devotion.

Pleased by all this devotion, Krishna asks Radha to bring Arjuni to him who promptly breaks out into sweaty excitement upon seeing him.

(Okay, now, I guess I'm obligated to inform you that what follows is very...sexual in nature. BUT a lot of Indian spiritual texts consider the sexual and the spiritual to be interconnected. Take from this what you will, I guess.)

The text goes on to describe Krishna's body in HEAVY detail (including equating his thighs to tree trunks?) that makes me genuinely worried that whoever wrote this was incredibly horny. He takes her hand and they um... participate in the leela.

When it's over, Arjuni is Exhausted from all the activity and Krishna tells her to go take a dip in the lake again. She does.

(Back to he/him pronouns people, keep up.)

Arjun surfaces and is dejected from the loss of something so wonderful. Krishna consoles him by saying that they are Dear Friends, as the historians say, and that only he knows something that no one else in three loka does. And if Arjun tells anyone what he has experienced he will curse Krishna. Again, hilarious because if you remember I said that this story is being told to us in a dialogue of TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. Which means other people already know. Clownery of the highest order, really.

And then they go home. The end?

I hope this helps. I paraphrased a lot but I couldn't just paste the entire thing here. I've given you all the tools to go search for orginal text and translation yourself.

TL: DR Arjun gets instant lake-HRT for one night, participates in the raas-leela, and then goes home.

-Mod S

[arcane-vagabond]

Arcane-Vagabond's FAQ

Hi! Welcome to my FAQ page! Here is a list of the different questions I get asked fairly frequently or things I've had to address more than once.

✨ Can I tag you in my fics?

Did I ask to be tagged? Then no.💛

(You will be blocked if you do this anyway.)

✨ Can I make fan art of your fics?

My brother in Christ…..we will have a spring wedding.

(Just let me know/tag me/give me credit)

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I do not have a taglist. If you would like to be notified on when I post, follow my sideblog ( @sailoraviator-library ) and turn on post notifications. I will ignore requests asking to be put on a taglist from here on out.

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Yes! But please keep in mind that I might say no if I'm not interested or comfortable with the topic. Usually, I will send you over to an artist/writer who I think might be able to fulfill your request if I cannot.

✨ You haven't answered my ask/request/questions or updated my favorite story in a while. Why?

While I try to get to requests, sometimes the writing juice just isn't plentiful for an idea. Also, I'm a grown woman with a full time job, friends, family, and other hobbies/obligations outside of this blog. I travel for work which means at any given time, I'm sitting in a hotel room after multiple hours of driving. If I have time, I try to answer everything, but I also have (as of 7.30.24) 94 requests sitting in my inbox, with some from a couple of months ago. Please be patient.

✨ I want to write a story, but it's similar to yours. Is that okay?

Listen, my love, as long as it's not a complete ripoff of one of my stories, I really don't care what you write. You want to write about mermaids? Please do! You want to write about cursed pirates? Go ahead! The nature of AUs is that you are going to use similar tropes for the stories, and the nature of tropes is that you are going to have similarities to stories that use the same ones. There's only so many ways you can write a meet cute in a bar.

✨ Will you promote my fic?

I try to reblog fics I come across, and promote the ones from smaller authors as much as possible. However, that does not mean my blog is a billboard for you to promote your fics on. I was once a small time author, so I know how hard it can be to get your stuff out there. Shoving your work at me is a guaranteed way to get me to NOT read it and actively ignore it in the future.

✨ Why do you have so many WIPs (Works in Progress)? You know you probably won't finish all of those, right?

I do, and that's okay. That's the nature of writing fanfic, unfortunately. Not everything is going to get finished. You also have to understand that just because I haven't touched a story in a month or two doesn't mean it's been abandoned. The writing muses just haven't given me inspiration or motivation to write for it. I will make an announcement and take something off of my masterlist if I have decided to abandon it.

✨ What are some thing I can do to get my writing noticed?

Tag appropriately. I cannot tell you how many people are going to scroll past your writing if you tag a character fic with the actor (for example, tagging a Jake "Hangman" Seresin fic with Glen Powell). In fact, you are more likely to get yourself blocked versus someone reading your fic. Make use of the "Read More" feature on your fics. People are more likely to block you than read your fic if they have to scroll endlessly past your fics. People will find your fics by searching the appropriate tags. Just give it time.

✨ What are some things I should do when posting/writing?

Do NOT write real person fic. It's one thing to write about a character that doesn't exist, it's something else writing about a real life person who will suffer the consequences when people will inevitably mix reality with fiction. How would you feel if someone wrote a story about you where you did all of these things you'd never do?

Put appropriate trigger/content warnings above your fic. If you are going to write about sensitive topics, it is SO important that you warn people before they reach the story. Writing about losing a child, cancer, or sexual behavior? Tag it explicitely so people can filter it. Do not censor your warnings and do not use "angst" as a catch all. Allow people to protect themselves.

✨ I didn't like [insert fic here].

I literally don't care. Telling me you didn't like something instead of scrolling without a hateful comment makes you a loser, actually.

✨ Do you take non-fanfic related questions?

Yes!! I encourage them, actually! Never feel like you can't shoot me an ask that's not related to fanfic or fandom because I love chatting!! Even if you want to chat with me about fics, I'm more than happy to do so!

✨ Who do you write for?

Mainly Top Gun Maverick at the moment, but I might write for other fandoms in the future! I write reader inserts, and it’s good to note that my reader inserts are female unless otherwise stated!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, and will be updated as I get more questions!

[decks-writing-blog]

Whatever the Fuck Benrey Is: Chapter Three: Feel Bad For Him

Chapter One: Never Stayed Dead

Previous Chapter: But You Owe Me

~

‘Sulky’ was the only way that could describe Benrey’s attitude. Short noncommittal answers were his only replies when Gordon asked him about this or that clothing item. And he didn’t say anything unprompted as he followed. He was utterly unhelpful in every way but he wasn’t being an active nuisance or wondering off again so it was preferable.

Gordon put up with it for as long as he could bear before giving up and just picking stuff out for Benrey without even bothering to ask. Probably because he was used to see Benrey in blue, he ended up picking out mostly blue and other cool coloured clothing. It would make the inhuman yellow he’d chosen for to put in his eyes pop but most people would likely assume he was wearing contacts. Anyone wearing such contacts would want them to stand out, thus making them less suspicious.

Blessedly after paying for everything, they were allowed into the changing rooms so they could spend the rest of their shopping trip in real clothing. Immediately Gordon felt better; he was clean, safe, and wearing proper clothing again at long last. And their group no longer stood out even a little, making the fear of anyone noticing them and asking too many questions much less potent.

As they set to grocery shopping, Benrey continued to sulk as he followed along at the back of the group. Apparently he was really upset about no one being willing to buy him a new PS3. As long as he was expressing that in sullenness and not trying to kill them though, Gordon didn’t care. Let the bastard be unhappy for once, he deserved it after all the misery he’d put Gordon through.

Without easy access to a fridge and the only means to cook anything being the microwave in the hotel’s cafeteria area, the kinds of food they could get were limited. But anything was better than living off of vending machine snacks and dead pigeon that was always undercooked in some places and burnt in others. Somehow though despite how much soda they’d drank during that same trip through hell, Gordon just barely managed to convince to not add it to the list here. They could spend their money how they wanted of course but packs of soda were always bulky and they had enough to carry already.

Luckily the walk back to the hotel wasn’t long even if it was uncomfortable carrying so many bags at the height of the day’s heat. Not so luckily though, upon inquiring at the front desk, there were no new rooms available. Gordon had to continue sharing with Benrey. Tempting as it was to complain to the receptionist or the rest of the Science Team again, he didn’t bother.

As soon as they were back in their room, Benrey dropped the bags Gordon had given him to carry and wondered over to flop face first down onto the bed. Ignoring him being the easiest thing to do, Gordon set to putting stuff away. Including Benrey’s clothing, not a job he should have to do but he wasn’t in the mood to start something. Their share of the groceries, he put some in the night stand, the rest he left put in a box next to it.

Once everything was put away, he sat in the chair and pulled the phone out of its cradle, resting it on his lap while he dialed. By some miracle he remembered his supervisor’s phone number after only a little bit of thought. As usual, because the asshole never picked up his phone, it inevitably went voice mail.

“Hey, if you’re not dead,” though there was a good chance he was, “it’s Gordon Freeman. As you probably know, stuff kinda exploded and went to hell during my last shift. So I’m calling because I don’t know if I technically still have a job at Black Mesa or not. So I’d like news on that as well as compensation since it was a workplace accident and all that. Also uh… I got a thing that I need help handling. I can’t talk about it over the phone because it’s sensitive company stuff,” and because Benrey, the exact thing he was talking about, was right there, “but it’s important. So get in touch soon.” He gave the hotel name and his room number before hanging up with a sigh.

Probably the guy was dead so he’d have to go further up the chain of command if he wanted any hope of getting confirmation on his job status, compensation for his suffering while on the job, and/or answers on what he was supposed to do with Benrey. Perhaps all the way up to Administrator Breen,himself. Normally he would’ve balked at such a thought but after everything he’d been through he’d run out of fucks to give.

Though the situation with the US military did make it a bit more complicated. They could threaten to turn him in if he tried to demand anything from the company. But then he could in turn threaten to spill the news of the incident to the public if they tried. Or heck, he’d taken part in plenty of top secret experiments even before this latest fiasco that he could threaten to reveal too. He didn’t currently have any proof of any of it – it had all been in his office or living space at the Black Mesa facility – but he could bluff and say he did. Perhaps he could even head down there to get that proof.

The thought of returning so soon sent a chill down his spine. But… it might be a smart idea. Everything should’ve calmed down by now both in terms of the aliens as well as the military. They could check to see if any of the possessions were salvageable and well, there might be survivors they could help. And if Gordon really did have to black mail the company to get them to compensate him and the rest of the team, having the means to actually do so before he even needed to threaten it would be helpful.

If they were going to go down there, the sooner, the better. … He didn’t want to though, not today. It was too soon, he needed some some time. Tomorrow would be better. If they heard nothing from Black Mesa by then, he’d talk to the others about renting a car and heading down there to see if there was anything to see. For now, he was done thinking about it.

Instead, he looked over at Benrey, still lying face down on the bed. It couldn’t possibly be comfortable but he didn’t seem inclined to move any time soon. “How long you planning to sulk for?” Talking to him might be a bad idea but the silence was too heavy.

Benrey’s response was so muffled by the pillow his face was pressed into, it was indecipherable. Gordon could just get up and leave him there, would be justified in doing so too, and go talk to the others instead. But Tommy had made a good point about all their fun stuff being gone or at least currently inaccessible. Fun stuff wasn’t necessary for survival but it was necessary for thriving and after everything they’d been through, fun distraction would not only be really damn nice but also much deserved.

Since starting college, Gordon hadn’t had as much time to play video games as he’d have liked. Getting hired at Black Mesa had given him a little more time since he lived and worked in the facility but he’d mostly been focused on work. They’d been working on some pretty cool projects after all… though they seemed less cool now. Getting lost in video games was more appealing of an concept than ever. And there were by far worse coping mechanisms he could be tempted to turn to if he resisted this one. Benrey being a gamer too meant he could kill two birds with one stone; fun distraction for himself and something to keep Benrey occupied and hopefully content enough to not cause more problems.

With a sigh, Gordon stood back up and put his shoes back on. “I’m about to head to the used game store, you wanna come with?”

For a moment it seemed Benrey hadn’t heard or wasn’t going to respond but after several seconds he twisted his neck to look up at Gordon. Far enough that it looked painful but he wasn’t human so he was probably fine. He opened his mouth but Gordon quickly cut him off before he could say something stupid.

“We’re getting an old, used, cheap console with old, used, cheap games, nothing new or expensive. I only got so much in savings. But I am willing to buy a couple games solely for you if it’ll keep you from being a nuisance and if you promise to behave. Understood?”

Benrey pushed himself up and was back to his feet in seconds. “Yeah, yeah, understood.”

“You promise to behave?”

“I promise to behave. Let’s go.” It was quick and Benrey was already starting for the door so it would have to be good enough for now.

~

Despite having made it clear that he was a Sony fanboy, Benrey was the one who suggested they get the Game Cube instead of the original Play Station because, “There’s more good games for it.” Which was true, the store’s selection of Game Cube games was almost twice as big as it’s Play Station section.

He was also the one to suggest they get multiplayer games. Gordon didn’t like the idea of playing games with him but after some thought he agreed that it was a good idea. Since they had to share the console, they were bound to end up fighting over it, having some games they could play together should mitigate that to some extent. Besides he did like the idea of occasionally playing with Tommy, Bubby, and Dr. Coomer if they desired to as well.

In all, the shopping trip was quick, easy, and Benrey was relatively well behaved the whole time. They walked away with a Game Cube, four controllers, two memory cards, a decent handful of games and three Beyblades from the toy box next to the cashier for less than a brand new PS3 would’ve cost. Gordon had checked to see if he could get Dr. Coomer a SNES and Super Punch Out but the latter wasn’t in stock so he put the idea on the shelf for later.

For now instead, during the walk back to the hotel he stopped by the 7/11 to get everyone their own two litter bottle of soda – all on brand, unlike the cheap stuff available at Black Mesa’s vending machines – and at Benrey’s suggestion a box of on brand candy too. It wasn’t much but he owed the Science Team his life so he wanted to do something at least kind of nice for them. Benrey got included solely because he was physically with Gordon at the time and well, he was feeling generous so why not?

“They got pizza too,” Benrey said as he bumped his shoulder into Gordon’s as he made his third and final trip to the counter – having only one real hand meant he couldn’t carry it all at once until it was bagged and Benrey’s arms were full with their game purchases, meaning he couldn’t help.

“Yeah, and?”

“Could get some… maybe?”

“What? No. Have you ever had 7/11 pizza?”

“Nope. This is my first time inside a real 7/11.”

Damn, another reminder that Benrey probably spent his whole life locked up inside Black Mesa. Gordon still refused to feel bad for him though. The world had been better and safer with Benrey contained. Now apparently it was Gordon’s job to prevent him from running amuck and causing untold chaos until he could get him to someone who could contain him again.

What were the pay rates for babysitting whatever the fuck Benrey was? Had to be pretty high, right? Between that and the compensation he was owed, he should be set for life. Maybe he really could retire and spend the rest of his life goofing off and playing video games online.

For now though, he finished putting the last of his purchase on the counter and said to Benrey, “Well, trust me, unless you’re high enough that you’re happy to eat literally anything, convenience store pizza is garbage. Like, it’s worse than frozen pizza.”

“Oh, no thanks then, frozen pizza’s pretty bad. It’s too cold and the plastic wrapping gets stuck your teeth, real uh… real awful. The cardboard ain’t bad but can’t save it.”

The cashier ringing everything up chuckled, clearly believing it to be a joke. Gordon wasn’t so sure. It was tempting to ask but he didn’t need to know and just laughed along instead because Benrey eating a frozen pizza straight out of the freezer, packaging and all, was a pretty funny mental image.

~

Upon returning to the hotel the first thing Gordon did was unload all the sodas and candy, much to the delight of the Science Team. Especially Tommy once the Beyblades were brought out for him too. Sunkist had apparently caught up and seemed excited too. Gordon would have to get her a bone or toy of some sort eventually. Which he would have to talk to Tommy about to ensure he got here something that wouldn’t be dangerous to her health if she had an allergy or whatever. That was for later though, for now he just wanted to go back to his own room and relax for a bit.

Even before Gordon was quite finished closing the door behind them, Benrey was off and starting to plug the Game Cube into the TV. Being an older console and an older TV, they were perfectly suited to each other. “Wanna play Melee?” Benrey asked as he turned towards Gordon, holding up the appropriate game box.

“Sure. Go easy on me though, I’m, uh, down a hand.” Later he was going to have to do some research on how difficult it would be to get or make a controller meant for use with a single hand.

“Of course, of course. Gotta go easy on the noobs otherwise they ain’t gonna wanna play anymore and then that’s no fun.”

Gordon could perhaps find reason to be annoyed with being called a noob but it had been a long time since he’d played the original Smash Bros back on the N64. Back when the Game Cube was new, he’d considered himself too cool for Nintendo. So this was his first time owning one and thus, he was a noob. Nothing wrong with that though.

***

Even when going as easy on Gordon as he could while still actively playing the game, beating him was almost trivial. Benrey had never even played Melee against real people before but Gordon took only slightly more effort to beat than the easy bots.

Normally Benrey would’ve teased him to hell and back for being so bad but he knew why Gordon was playing so poorly. Game Cube controllers were designed to be used with two hands. Gordon straddled his on his gun hand while awkwardly splaying his left hand over it. Technically he could press the buttons and move the analog stick at the same time but not with any degree of finesse.

If Benrey had known leading Gordon to the soldiers would result in him permanently losing a part of his body, he wouldn’t have done it. There was being bad because he’d been wronged – and so Gordon would pay more emotion-filled attention to him – and then there was his actions resulting in Gordon having only one functioning hand for the rest of his life.

“If humans don’t grow back cut off bits does that mean they also don’t, uh… come back when you kill them?” He eventually had to ask once he’d knocked Gordon down to his final stock for the third time.

“Nope. As a popular meme says, ‘people die when they are killed’. It’s permanent unless it’s the kind of thing a doctor can resuscitate someone from. That’s pretty rare though.”

“What about Bubby? He comes back when he dies and he’s human.” Or at least Benrey was pretty sure he counted as such.

“He does?”

“Bro, you saw him die at least like… twice, I think. He comes back.”

“Well… Bubby’s special. He was made in the lab so even if he is human, he’s got stuff going on that the rest of us don’t. Normal humans stay dead when they die and don’t grow back lost body parts. Heck, you injure us bad enough and we’ll be permanently fucked up because of it.”

“Damn. Your species don’t got much going on, huh?” And their little fight took on a whole new meaning. Benrey had thought they’d been mostly still chill even if they’d been actively trying to kill each other. But if death was permanent for humans that meant the nothingness between it and reformation would be permanent as well, right? Making trying to kill someone a much bigger deal than Benrey had thought.

“Hey, we got plenty going on, we’re just not immortal or whatever like… whatever the fuck you are. What even are you?”

Before answering, Benrey won the round. It was so easy it wasn’t as fun as it could’ve been. While the announcer claimed him the winner, he looked over at Gordon sitting on the chair next to him. “I’m not human.”

“Yes, we’ve established that but what are you?”

Benrey hadn’t considered that question in a long time and it had been even longer since he’d cared. “I don’t know.”

“What? How do you not know what you are?”

“Just don’t.” He was Benrey and he wasn’t human, what more mattered?

“They made you in the lab too, didn’t they?”

“Um… maybe. I’m not really sure. All I remember is the lab though so probably, I guess.”

Gordon was silent for a few seconds, his face full of thought before it scrunched up in sudden anger. “God fucking damn it!”

“Whoa bro, why you so angry?” Benrey wasn’t always great at telling what kinds of things would make people mad at him but he was pretty sure that that shouldn’t have. What did he know though? Sometimes people just got mad at him even when he didn’t intend for them to.

“I’m not… or I guess I am angry. But not at you and it doesn’t matter right now. Let’s just shut up and keep playing.” He turned his attention back onto the TV, pressing start to get them back to the character select screen.

After switching characters to Link – he had a sword so he was cool – Benrey rested his controller on his knee and bent his right arm around behind himself. Playing one handed was only fair, right?

Somehow Gordon didn’t seem to notice until he won the round and turned to look at Benrey again. Whatever he’d been going to say died on his lips and his eyes widened a bit surprise. “Oh, I guess that explains why you were playing so much worse suddenly. You don’t uh… don’t gotta do that for me.”

“Nah, beating you’s too easy, gotta even the playing field a bit to make it more fun.” And it had been more fun, certainly it meant he could put real effort in without it being a steamroll. He’d even lost that round, pretty handily too because Gordon had more one-handed practice at this than him, but it was only a matter of time before he got his mojo back. And then when he started winning again, he could tease Gordon for being bad.

“Oh, um… okay then, I ain’t gonna complain about that, thanks.” Gordon turned his attention back on the game and started the next round.

***

Gordon had been planning on not tolerating sharing the bed with Benrey again. He’d been intending to insist Benrey sleep on the floor or in one of the chairs. But then Benrey had inadvertently made Gordon feel bad for him. No wonder he was so fucked up and weird, he’d spent his entire life in the lab and didn’t even know if he was made in it or they’d just found him super young and kept him around to experiment on. Idiot didn’t even seem to understand how fucked up that was which just made it worse.

Bubby had a similar life story – though he at least seemed to understand that it was horrible to some degree – which largely had to do with why Gordon had forgiven him for his part in the betrayal. Just like he’d forgiven Dr. Coomer for the whole clones trying to kill him thing. Being part of or the product of an unethical science experiment was bound to result in acting out a little, being a little strange, and maybe not fully grasping the ethics and impact of one’s actions. And so Gordon should forgive Benrey too, shouldn’t he? He didn’t want to though.

And so after wrestling with the thought on and off for hours, reaching no conclusions, it was finally time to go to bed. He’d planned what he was going to say earlier at Target; ‘You’re sleeping on the floor tonight.’ A statement, not a request, brooking no room for argument. ‘You’re not human so you don’t need to sleep in a bed. Beds are for humans,’ if Benrey tried to argue. But even if he didn’t forgive and thus very much wanted to not share the bed with Benrey again, he did still feel bad. Bad enough that making Benrey sleep on the floor seemed too harsh and with no other options available, that meant sharing the bed again.

It was big enough for two people though, no cuddling or touching necessary if they stayed close enough to separate sides. Which would leave them close to the edges, perhaps more than Gordon preferred but not so close they’d for sure roll off. They were both full grown adults, they could handle sharing a bed without making it weird. But wait, Benrey wasn’t human so…

“You’re an adult, right?” Gordon asked as stepped out of the bathroom, wearing the pajamas he’d bought from himself earlier.

Benrey looked up from where he sat on the chair by the window. “Uh… why you asking?”

“Just you know, you’re not human so I figured maybe you’re in like a larval stage or something and you’re gonna one day make yourself a cocoon and transform into something more monstrous. Like how caterpillars turn into butterflies or whatever.” Or like he had in Xen but more permanent.

“Nah… I don’t think I can cocoon myself. Though I guess I’ve never thought about it before. I could try it.”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t. I mostly just want to know if you’re a child or adolescent version of whatever you are. I’ve been assuming you’re an adult this whole time but like, I don’t even know what you are and neither do you apparently so I could be wrong.”

“I’m full-grown. Or uh… full-grown in that sense. I can physically grow bigger, just don’t want to.” Great so he had no excuse for acting like an immature little brat at times. Except he still did because he’d been raised in a lab as a science experiment. Probably no one had ever bothered to try to teach him how to behave and thus even now as an adult he had no idea how to properly interact with others. That didn’t mean Gordon had to like him or forgive him but it was another good reason be the bigger man and not let Benrey get under his skin anymore. And so…

“Good, great. That means we can both be mature adults about his sharing a bed situation. There doesn’t have to be anything weird or uncomfortable about it. We were too tired to discuss or even think about it last night so let’s do this now. You sleep on one side of the bed and I sleep on the other and we don’t touch, got it? I request the side closest to the door.” That way if anything tried to attack through the window, he could make a run for the exit. Though, probably an attack was more likely from the door so maybe window side was better. It’d be easier to get cornered there though so actually…

“Oh, I thought you liked touching.”

Gordon flinched out of his thoughts as he looked over at Benrey again. “What made you think that?”

“You slept in the middle last night.” He stood to walk over and point to said middle. “Made it hard to join you without touching so I thought you did it on purpose ‘cause you wanted to touch.”

“No, I just wasn’t thinking.” That at least explained why they’d woken up so close. “Sorry, I guess. But we’re on the same page now though, right? No touching.”

“Lame bro, that sucks. But fine, whatever, no touching.” He genuinely sounded disappointed.

“Why is that lame?” And should Gordon really ask? It was too late now though, his bad tendency to speak before thinking coming back to bite him again.

“You’re warm. It feels nice.”

Oh, that wasn’t so bad. A bit weird but not anything super creepy like Gordon had feared. “All right, uh… good night then.” He turned off the lights and got into bed, staying just far enough way from the edge for there to be only little danger of rolling off in the middle of the night.

Chapter Four:

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Hi Lofty!

Fellow Healthcare worker here, I think I remember you saying you work nights? I'm a dayshifter that will be transitioning to overnights in a month, and am both excited and scared since this will be something new not just for me but for my whole department.

I was curious, did you specifically choose nights, and how do you like it compared to days? I would think nights would be quieter, but I also know to expect the unexpected, and things can go from dead to hectic in an instant.

Also, do you have any advice for going to an overnight schedule? I'm sure my sleep and eating habits will be messed up for the first few weeks until I get into a routine, are there any other challenges you think I should expect?

Sorry to talk work, I know you probably come here to get away from that, but I don't really have anyone else to talk to and felt you are a safe person to talk to.

Anyway, have a good day/night/whenever you happen to be awake! (I am well aware our schedules can be very wacky)

Hello! :D

I did in fact specifically choose nights. On my unit you have the option to do just nights or to rotate, and you can request to go on a waiting list to work only day shift. I prefer nights, but it’s a mixed bag to be perfectly honest. (This got long so I’m putting everything under the cut)

What I like about nights is that there are fewer people (there aren’t eight thousand teams rounding through the room who never introduce themselves to me and come and go without telling me a darn thing, or they ask me a million questions), visitor restrictions apply (I love family coming to see the patient… just don’t love having to entertain them or be interrogated by them while I’m trying to do stuff lol), the coworkers are much chiller it’s a very different vibe between day workers and night workers, and no management.

What I don’t like about nights is essentially not work related - it freaking kills your life outside of work. Let’s say you work three nights in a row. When you get off it’s the morning of the next day, and you can either make yourself stay up and be a zombie but awake to enjoy that day off, or you sleep the entire day, which wastes a day off, and then you’re still nocturnal for your remaining time off, which makes doing normal people things difficult. It can strain your mental health, especially with lack of sunlight, so you just have to find a way to handle it that works best for you.

I will say, there is one more thing that I don’t like about nights: many providers feel like nights are just “status quo time,” in other words, don’t do any interventions to rock the boat. I’ve fought and argued with doctors multiple times for patients who are showing warning signs of decompensating only to be ignored because they don’t want to do anything drastic on night shift. Had it happen pretty recently and just about wanted to punch an intensivist (I had told the resident that we needed to temporize the patient’s K because it was 5.5, and given his AKI and low UO we should consider options like diuresing or even CRRT and since the resident was brand new she listened, but the intensivist later was like “eh you didn’t need to do that” and wouldn’t do anything about the pt’s nonexistent urine output and ATJEIWOAJFDKSALJFEIWO I do not like that man)

Advice for going to night shift! I’ll make it bullet points so I stop having these giant paragraphs:

When possible, try to cluster shifts together. That way you’re not constantly jumping back and forth with your sleep cycle

The day before you work, there are multiple ways to make yourself nocturnal in preparation. I usually push myself to stay up as late as possible, and go to bed between 4-7am. Others will take a nap in the afternoon before their shift.

Black out curtains are your beloved. They make sleeping during the day so much easier. If you can’t afford those at the moment, an eye mask is a cheaper and effective alternative.

Many of us need some kind of noise to help settle our minds after work since many go to bed directly after work. A fan, a white noise machine, anything like that. I personally like ambience videos off YouTube, rain and thunderstorms or crickets and stuff.

If you’re trying to fall asleep after a shift and it just ain’t happening, there are a few things you can try. If benadryl makes you sleepy, you can try using that, though I don’t necessarily recommend making it a habit so much as a backup plan. Some people say magnesium makes them sleepy. I’ve used alcohol before to help me sleep but it doesn’t promise the best sleep. Another option is carbs! I’ll eat just a couple slices of bread or something and then you get a nice little food coma feeling.

Try not to kill yourself with your caffeine intake lol. And note when to stop caffeinating so you can fall asleep! I usually have to stop by 4am or I won’t be able to sleep right after work. (Though lately I’ve given up on falling asleep right after work, it usually takes my mind a couple hours to settle down so I fall asleep closer to 10/11am or so)

Note that working nights is probably gonna take a toll on your mental and physical health. Take vitamin D supplements to compensate for the lack of daylight, it’ll help boost your mood too. A lot of us have light lamp therapy stuff too, especially for winter. Try to find a good balance of letting yourself rest at home to wind down and being with some kind of support system.

Have fun! Night shift crew is almost always awesome, we’re wacky and fun and laid back! :)

[thenightling]

Human Magical Familiars (a real "How to" Manual) Human Magical Familiars in real Occult practices.

Human Magical Familiars in real Occult practices.

This is a way to safely, sanely, and consensually, have a human Familiar / Master relationship in the real world using a combination of real occult practices and borrowing from some BDSM / S / M lifestyling.

The result is a real and sincere method of magically claiming a Familiar or becoming a Familiar following S / M and BDSM principles and safety measures. Safe- Sane- Consensual.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a role play scenario. This is for actual magical practitioners who happen to want this type of relationship dynamic and are willing to sincerely apply it ritualistically with their magical practice.

There are many BDSM and S / M reasons and many non-BDSM and S / M reasons one may wish to be claimed as a Familiar or wish to claim a Human Magical Familiar. Non-BDSM or non-Sub / Dom reasons why someone might want to become a Human Familiar or why someone might want to own a Human Familiar are also listed in this surprisingly long post. (I didn’t think it would be this long when I started to write it!)

There is no judgement or shame in this document. Please know this is much longer than I expected. By the time I was finished writing this it was thirty-eight pages long. So before asking any questions, hit control and F and do a search to see if I address any issue you might have with this. I addressed some things multiple times.

Do not proceed with any plans on becoming a Familiar or being a Master to a Familiar until you have entirely read this document. I thoroughly cover everything as best as I can.

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This is an in-depth how-to guide of safely, sanely, and consensually, creating and maintaining A Human Magical Familiar.

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I am an asexual, pan-romantic, with some mild sub leanings. But I also have, what may be considered, a reasonable amount of occult knowledge and skill so there won't anything sexually graphic to this post but a bit of an instruction on how to safely, sanely, and sincerely establish a Human Familiar and Master relationship into your personal magical practices. It is designed to be safe both physically and magically but it is to be taken very seriously and sincerely. First, you follow the basic BDSM rule of Safe, sane, and consensual. Consent is the most important aspect. The consenting party will be transformed into a Familiar for a Master. A safe word should be chosen in advance and in the instances described where speaking may be impossible, a safe gesture should be chosen before all else. And neither should be ignored! Now to begin. A Familiar in traditional magical practices is a supernatural entity slave or pet of a magick user or supernatural being. Usually this Familiar is a spirit or an animal but as with vampire fiction it can be a human or in the case of witchcraft another willing magical practitioner who is given the status of Familiar. The intended Familiar (in becoming The Human Magical Familiar) is surrendering their energy, power, and ability to cast spells on their own, and submitting themself to being claimed and owned by a Master magical user. In return that would-be Familiar gains the comfort, guidance and protection of the Master practitioner. To be claimed by a supernatural being or magick user shields you / your very soul from being claimed by other magical users or supernatural threats. If you have seen Lost Girl, think of how Bo claimed Kenzi only more elaborate and binding.

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Phase 1. The would-be Familiar must first talk out with their Would-be Master, the prospect of becoming their Familiar. It does not matter who (would-be Familiar or Would-be Master, or even if suggested by another) broaches the issue first so long as that the situation is consensual and understood.

It can be as simple as "I want to make you my Familiar." or “Would you like to be my Familiar?” or “I want to be your Familiar.” "I feel that something has been trying to ensnare me my whole life. I would feel safer if you claimed me as your familiar." "I love you, I want to be yours forever, magically enslaved by you." Or more romantically "I love you. Is it weird that I want to own you? May I own you, magically?" or as a coven “We feel you have incredible and very useful power and magical knowledge, and we will offer you protection, compensation, and comfort if you surrender yourself – your power and wisdom to The Coven and submit to becoming our Familiar.” or "We have decided it would be safer and in everyone's best interest if you were made into a Familiar. You are dangerous but could be of use to us. Will you consent to this binding and transformation?" (It IS more effective than most binding spells, which I don’t believe actually work anyway. And making someone into your Familiar makes the punished individual a creature of potential use for other practitioners.) or "I think you should be (Master's name here)'s Familiar." "I think (Familiar's name here) should be your Familiar." Or it can be that a would-be Master NEEDS a familiar to help fuel their magick or advise them and provide information when desired. “I think you need a Familiar.” “(Name here) should be your Familiar.” Or “You should have a Familiar.” It can also be much more complex and nuanced as to how you may arrive at the situation of deciding on becoming someone’s Familiar or deciding to claim and own someone else as your familiar. The whole situation may be very personal and should be respected no matter how it came about.

Try to not be offended if someone asks or suggests turning you into a Familiar and you do not want to do it. Treat it as you would a marriage proposal. It is usually meant to be a loving or protective gesture or it is because they value all of the potent magick they see inside of you and want perpetual access to that magick. If someone offers to be your Familiar be considerate. From both sides, even when it is being offered to the would-be Familiar as a punishment option, be compassionate. As a punishment it is a generous mercy but it is still meant to be forever.

It is a serious decision and it is meant to be forever. it should be approached seriously and sincerely.

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Phase 1 part B.

If The would-be Master is a member of a coven and the coven is willing they may take part in the next steps but this can also be done by a solitary practitioner. In some situations The would-be Master might even choose to share some dominion over their Familiar with the coven, making the Familiar property of the coven as their pet, mascot, status symbol (there’s clout in having a willing Human Familiar), and possible magical battery. Remember, this is a relationship with another practitioner becoming The Familiar. There are practical uses to having a Familiar besides interpersonal relationship reasons.

A Familiar and Master relationship should be a healthy one of trust and respect despite how it may seem to some. It does not have to be a romantic relationship. It could be platonic, queer platonic, or the Master and Familiar may even just be a very trusted friend. There are also purely practical / magical reasons to want someone to be your Familiar but that is rare. There should be trust and some form of love, whether romantic or platonic.

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Phase 2. The ritualistic surrender or self-binding.

This is also called a Geas or Geasing and It is an important multi-step procedure in creating a Human magical Familiar and binding that Familiar in such a way so that The Familiar will never be able to be anything other than a Familiar again. (Reminder: This must be with consent! Yes, The Familiar may choose not to be seen as a Familiar later but the assumption, as with marriage, is that this is supposed to be forever! You are allowing a ritualistic ceremony and incorporating magick into this after all.)

Please note: This is NOT meant to be role play. This needs to be taken seriously and sincerely. And the intention is -Forever-.

The notion is that a magical practitioner is willingly symbolically destroyed and a Familiar is created from them. It is not supposed to be reversable. The intention (though willing) is meant to be forever, a metaphysical transformation.

Again: The Familiar may later decide they no longer wish to be seen as a Familiar and that is acceptable but for the purpose of the ritual the intention is forever.

This should be done with at least one witness present though if that is not optional, The would-be-Familiar and Master serve as witness for each other. If a Coven is willing to attend then they may all bear witness to the ceremony or even aid in it, such as preparing The Familiar before hand, writing up the contract, lighting candles, drawing a circle on the floor, etc.

I, myself, have little faith in magical binding spells against other practitioners abilities to cast spells but when it is self-imposed that is another story.

The Familiar must stand within a circle big enough to contain them while standing, usually drawn in white salt or chalk where the majority of this ceremony will take place.

An office chair on wheels is an ideal option if you wish to tie down or otherwise restrain your would-be Familiar in the wheeled office chair for the duration of the ceremony. It also reduces chances of resistance within The Binding Circle or chance of The Familiar trying to leave the binding circle during The Ceremony.

Alternatively the would-be Familiar may also be forced to kneel for the ceremony (with or without restraints). That is an option.

You will have to personalize the oath but the Familiar must pledge themself to their master (or Master and Coven or even just to a coven). They will vow to surrender all of their power and magical potential to their Master. They surrender their ability to cast spells on their own and give their will to their Master. The Very soul of The Familiar may be mentioned but that is already assumed. No demon or other entity may claim their soul if their Master or Master and Coven already own them entirely.

The would-be Familiar acknowledges that from now on they are no longer what they were (witch, sorcerer, etc). That now, in the realms of magick they are magical property and that they surrender themself to this status willingly.

This pledge can be made specifically by the Familiar or a version directed toward the Familiar by the Master. I.e. "Do you swear to surrender all of yourself to me forever? Do you accept that within the magical community you will now and forever be my property?" and the Familiar provides confirmation. If this is done by an entire coven laying claim to The Familiar, or to certain members of the coven, they may each ask for a similar pledge. "Do you bequeath to us your magical potential in all spell casting purposes? Do you promise to love and obey us? Do you acknowledge that you belong to us, as our Familiar and do you acknowledge us forever, as your Masters?"

The Familiar does not have to be restrained for this part but it is optional and it IS recommended. If the restraint chosen is one that prevents speech (i.e. a gag or tape or some other mouth restraint) than confirmation can be given via nodding while the would-be Master asks the vows.

Note: If you use tape, first make sure the would-be Familiar consents to it. Tape may not be safe. Make sure they can breathe comfortably. If they cannot breathe comfortably do NOT use the tape!

You may even choose, with consent of your would-be Familiar, to have their mouth sewn shut (temporarily of course) before the ceremony and have the stitches removed after the ceremony. I ONLY recommend this if your would-be Familiar is into body modification. There are places that will do it for you. Or you can find “How to” instructions online, using a sterile needle and sturdy thread. Heathens might see this as a gesture of respect for the mischief God, Loki, whose own mouth sewn shut.

IF sewing the would-be Familiar’s mouth shut is chosen for the ritual of becoming a Familiar, than please cut ahead to the part of the ritual with moon water and do that part of the ritual before sewing the mouth shut. The rest can come after.

A Would-be Master might choose to prevent The Familiar from speaking during this ritual to symbolically suggest that there is no going back now. And for the would-be Familiar it is a gesture of wiling subjugation for their chosen status as a Familiar.

Rendering your Familiar unable to speak (by whatever method you choose) fairly regularly is good because it forces The Familiar to be more thoughtful and expressive in other ways outside of speech. It helps in meditation and could also, theoretically, aid in developing psychic potential. It can actually be very beneficial to render The Familiar silent fairly often. There are re-usable (and some aesthetically pleasing) restraints for such things, available online and some that even lock in place with a key. Your Familiar IS a pet and there are many who will tell you that a good pet should be seen and not heard.

Tip: There are sellers online (particularly on Temu) who have mouth gags with tongue restraints that force the tongue still and can lock behind the head with a strap. This one will allow your Familiar to breathe easily but also render speech such as verbal spell casting impossible while they wear it. And this one can be worn for several hours or a day or so without being taken off. (Keep your Familiar hydrated and fed if using such a device regularly!)

Allow your Familiar the physical ability to talk only when or if it is convenient for you as their Master. Otherwise silence IS golden and duct tape is silver. (Side note: Obviously don’t keep your familiar restrained as to be physically unable to talk when in public. This is for in private or in the presence of your Coven or other magical practitioners in your home).

This sort of restraining (making the would-be Familiar physically unable to talk) during this ritual is actually -highly- recommended as it implies to witnesses that during the ritual The Familiar has consented to be prevented from possibly trying to stop the ritual and it symbolizes the surrender of power. They may symbolically attempt to speak out loud to show that they are unable to talk or to deny the ritual. If they can speak, a better restraint (or adjustment to the restraint) should be made to make certain that they cannot interrupt their own ceremony and that they are truly subjugated. Also it allows the would-be Familiar’s previous self to symbolically die quietly without being able to protest as a Familiar is created from them. The Familiar is regarded as a new entity created from the sacrificed magical practitioner, made from a transformed flesh and soul. There is a profound metaphysical transformation.

There are unusual sensations during the ritual and transformative spell and such a restraint will also prevent the would-be Familiar from accidentally crying out or instinctively trying to use verbal magicks.

A re-usable restraint that can hold the mouth shut or keeps the tongue from moving is much more practical.

The voluntary physical inability to protest this has symbolism. It also allows all spiritual realm witnesses to see that this magick user was captured and bound rightfully within the laws of magick.

Again: Such a restraint is not necessary, but it is recommended.

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Phase 2 part B of the ritualistic self-binding / geas.

This has to do with personal preference of The Familiar or Master but should be chosen and accepted by both in advance.

The Familiar must (before-hand) choose a particular style of spell casting that they surrender all right to ever cast again even with others. This can be hand gesture related spells, candle magick, moon magick, Earth magick, vocal invocations / incantations, harmful spells, etc. Depending on which is chosen, is what restraint will be used later. The Master may even arbitrarily choose to change which style of magick is forfeit at will so long as one style of magick has been forfeited. All other magick use is allowed but only- and I cannot emphasize this enough- only with The Master or Master and other Coven members. The Familiar surrenders all right to cast any magick alone at this point. It is said in the mind and heart and implied and indicated in the vows and later contract. The Familiar is forbidden from casting magick alone ever again!

The forbidden magical style chosen can even be as simple as “harmful” or (black) magick that is forfeit. But some specific form of magick must always be denied to The Familiar even when with Master or Master and Coven. This choosing also determines how The Familiar is to be restrained during magical gatherings, rituals, Sabbats, and spell-castings.

This is done so that The Familiar understands the seriousness of what they are offering up. That to be someone’s Familiar is both the greatest honor and sacrifice- so one style of magick must specifically be denied. One specific type of spell casting must be entirely surrendered as a gesture of humility, and to help specify how The Familiar will be restrained later. A Familiar must be restrained in some way during all magical gatherings, ceremonies, and spell-castings as to prevent the loss of their very useful magical energy. And this allows the choosing of that method.

What needs to be restrained later during magical gatherings, rituals, Sabbats, or spell-casting, in regard to which type of magick that has been forbidden:

Vocal invocations or incantations = Mouth restraint / prevented from speech.

Moon magick, water magick, or Earth magick (Herbs, crystals, plants) or potions = ankle restraints to prevent dance or running or hand / wrist restraints to prevent the touching or using of elemental ingredients. Optional: both wrist and ankle restraints.

Fire magick / candle magick = Blind fold or similar device to prevent sight.

Hand gestures (or alternative for Earth magick) = Hand / wrist restraints or both wrist and ankle restraints.

Or basic for any variation and especially if The Familiar swore off harmful magicks = Just tie or chain The Familiar by their collar to the wall. Give them enough slack to move about the area but to not allow them to physically touch any magical circle, chalice, or candle. Another member may hold the chain to pull The Familiar back if necessary to keep the Familiar from accessing any tool or spell component.

It is a symbolic and serious gesture of sacrifice in becoming a Familiar.

The restraining of the Human Magical Familiar for magical gatherings, rituals, and spell-castings, prevents The Familiar from possibly accidentally violating their magical contract, which could lead to psychic or magical harm if violated. It is for the good of The magical Familiar and for those who want to use The Familiar’s power. The restraining is symbolic to also show that they are willingly claimed to any magical entity that may be invoked. It is honoring the contract of The Familiar. There are strong emotions in being restrained and this helps to summon and later channel those emotions. It also prevents The Familiar’s power from accidentally going anywhere other than to its rightful owner, their Master or Coven. It is the saving of energy within a living battery. So it is for the good of The Master and Coven as well. There is a practical purpose in making sure The Familiar is restrained in some way during all gatherings, rituals, and spell-castings.

You do NOT restrain a NON-human animal pet Familiar such as a dog or a cat! This is strictly in regard to a Human Magical Familiar!

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Binding / Geas alternate version: A would-be Familiar may (in advance) request to be “Forced” into becoming a Familiar. This can be done in many ways, including "I want this but I cannot bring myself to surrender my power to you. You must take it from me." or "I will let you decide what is best." or "Don't make me make this choice." or "I cannot bring myself surrender my power. You must take it from me by force." or variations of "I know this is for the best but I will resist this. You must stop me." This will be taken as a signal to proceed with it but make sure there is some consent in there.

Do NOT confuse the simple word "No." for a hidden signal. A plain "No" means no. It must be respected.

If The would-be Familiar accepts being forced into becoming a Familiar this means that they relieve themselves of the burden of choosing to become a Familiar and relieve themselves of the burden of making the vows and instead allow all stipulations to be made by their would-be Master.

A safe word and safe gesture should be chosen if The would-be Familiar truly decides not to go on with it. In this instance all vows are replaced with commands. “In the magical realms, now and forever, you will be my Familiar- my property, so mote it be!” “I claim you as my Familiar and bind you as my slave by the Laws of Magick!” “You shall serve me loyally and forfeit all right to cast and practice magick on your own in becoming my Familiar. I ensnare and enslave you by laws of magick.” or similar. Every vow and request are swapped out for a command variations and claims upon The Familiar. In this version the contract may be signed first before the ritual geas / binding and collaring.

The Familiar should be restrained in some way was to prevent them from leaving the binding circle for the duration of the ceremony. Seating the would-be Familiar in an office chair on wheels is an ideal option if you wish to tie down or otherwise restrain your would-be Familiar in the wheeled office chair for the duration of the ceremony. It also reduces chances of resistance within The Binding Circle or chance of The Familiar trying to leave the binding circle during The Ceremony.

The would-be may also be forced to kneel for the ceremony (with or without restraints). That is an option.

In this version the would-be Familiar MUST be restrained in such a way to prevent speech so that they cannot scream, interrupt, or otherwise vocally protest, or interfere with, the sacred processes. Other restraints such as to prevent running are optional. And all resistance and protests from the transforming Familiar should be ignored and contained by The would-be Master and witnesses except for the use of safe words or safe gestures. Those must be heeded.

Optional: If the would-be Familiar is into body modification, The Master or another person may sew the would be Familiar's mouth shut for the ceremony. (only with the consent of The Familiar). This has a secondary symbolism for Heathens as it shows respect for the suffering of the Mischief God Loki, who had once had his mouth sewn shut.

But before doing this with your Familiar, make sure The Familiar has been fed a mixture of blessed moon water mixed with three drops of their new Master's blood or (If The Familiar is squeamish about drinking blood or there is concern about transmittable disease) a mixture of blessed moon water and salt. This an important part of the ritual. (The details further in this document.)

Some would-be Familiars might prefer the "Forced" version of the ceremony as it might feel as if it relieves them of accountability in having to choose to become a Familiar. For many there is a sense of surrender or even blasphemy in giving up their right to cast spells on their own and consigning themselves as property and this relieves them of having to swear it. Instead The would-be Familiar allows themself to be at the mercy of the intentions and will of their would be Master. This version also indicates a just and righteous capture and creation of The Familiar within The Old Laws of Magick. For various reasons some magical practitioners may consider this version more sincere and binding.

And for some Masters this variation might enable them to feel as if they have full power of the situation in fully creating their Familiar. In feeling as if they are single-handedly creating their Familiar from a physically and magically bound magical practitioner that is metaphysically destroyed and then re-created as a new and beloved Familiar, The Master might feel a tighter psychic and emotional bond with their Familiar. There is a spiritual intimacy to this version of the spell- a sense that The Master literally metaphysically made their Familiar. The Master does not just own The Familiar. They literally created The Familiar. Some Masters may definitely prefer this variation of the binding / Geas and collaring.

It's roughly the same ceremony but instead of vows and requests toward the would be Familiar, these are replaced with commands and stipulations from The Master that do not require confirmation from The Familiar and all resistance from the transforming Familiar should be contained and ignored. (Again: Except for safe words or safe gestures. Those must be heeded.) Suggestion: For all versions of this and the collaring ceremony, iron or silver manacles or shackles (or both) locked on The would-be Familiar are highly recommended (besides the mouth being restrained). It helps prevent The would-be Familiar from resisting too much or even magically lashing out by accident in the more intense moments of the ceremony.

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Phase 3. The sacred Contract.

A contract with similar statements, promises, acknowledgements about the master or master and coven and restrictions of The Familiar. This can be drawn / typed and printed up and signed (usually with a drop of blood from The Familiar as the means of signing.)

Verbal and written contract together is preferred so there is a documented record of it. But sometimes verbal is considered enough. It is not legally binding but it is considered magically binding and usually by will of all involved- unbreakable.

The contract can be written by The Familiar themself or Master or by The Coven leader or a chosen member of The Coven and then agreed upon by Familiar and Master.

Again, the contract is not legally valid but recognized within magical circles.

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Phase 4. The collaring ceremony and True Naming.

This should be done with at least one witness present (or whole coven) as it is considered as serious and sacred as a marriage. If a witness cannot be present than the would-be Familiar and would-be Master must act as their own witnesses. The Familiar must stand (or be seated or kneel) within a circle drawn in white salt or chalk. The Familiar should probably be restrained in some way as so they cannot leave the circle until the ritual is done. Tied or chained in a wheeled office chair is an option that allows easy placement of The Familiar, while preventing breaching the circle.

While within a circle big enough for The Familiar to stand in (usually drawn with white salt or chalk) a collar is gently placed around the throat of the Familiar by the Master, possibly (But not necessarily) bearing a tag that says "Familiar" or "Familiar of (name here) and (Coven name here) or Familiar and the sigil of The Master. A tag is not necessary.

The collar is locked in place, usually with a tiny key lock / small pad lock. The Master keeps one key and if the Familiar is shared by the coven, another trusted member of the coven keeps the other key in case of emergencies. The Familiar may not take this collar off. For those who are absolutely certain that they want to perpetuate this lifestyle indefinitely (which is the idea as you're getting magick involved) than permanent locks or permanent collars are an option (There are some permanent locks and collars on Etsy. Some even made of titanium so that they cannot easily be broken.) Keys that the Familiar is forbidden from touching also have symbolic value and are probably better.

This part is strictly and simply optional and not required at all. (This not recommended but it is allowed). Though consent must be given in advance for this, a key-locked collar’s key may be ritualistically destroyed after locking the collar around The Familiar’s neck. This act is to symbolize that this status of Familiar and Master is forever.

Having The master hide a key to the collar and a Coven member or another trusted individual hide another key to the collar (in case of emergencies) is practical.

The Familiar consents to not knowing where either key is and being forbidden from touching the key or keys. The Familiar must acknowledge that the collar is supposed to be forever.

No matter the style of collar, it should be sturdy enough that it cannot be pulled free and broken with the hands. The Familiar is then welcome to or even verbally invited to (symbolically) try to remove the locked collar by hand to show that it cannot come off easily and that this represents being forever bound as a Familiar. There should be a sense of relief and safety for both Familiar and Master when it cannot come off at pulling or tugging efforts.

The collar is never supposed to come off except to possibly replace it with another collar. Without the collar The Familiar becomes vulnerable to supernatural entities that will see them as an unclaimed Familiar and possible magical prey. The familiar must always wear something identifying them as a Familiar and a collar is best as they ARE a pet. The collar is infused with the aura of their Master and shows other magical entities that The Familiar has a Master and is claimed.

If the Familiar absolutely needs to remove the collar for medical reasons or going through security, The Master may remove the collar for them before-hand but a sigil of The Master must be drawn somewhere on The Familiar’s body and that sigil must stay there until the collar can be placed back on. This isn’t just for kink. A Familiar without a marking of ownership becomes fair game to supernatural predators, and the sigil is actually a safety measure.

The act of Collaring can be equated to a marriage ceremony. The Familiar is surrendering themself, their power and their will and The Master is pledging love, comfort, support, and protection. It is a sincere act of trust and love for The Familiar and it is a sense of honor to be so trusted, and a willing and loving responsibility for The Master. It should be treated as seriously as a marriage (if not more so since it is magically binding and not mere BDSM!).

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During the collaring a new magical binding is placed on the Familiar by The Master. This is done by giving The Familiar a new True Name during the collaring. While locking the collar The Master says “(The Familiar’s True name.) I now name you (True name said again). This is now your True Name! I bind you and claim you (True Name said a third time here) by the Laws of Magick. I am now your Master and you are now my Familiar! So mote it be!”

A True Name is usually not your legal name. It is the name you most heavily associate with yourself and believe you will recognize as your identity in any discorporate and posthumous form. It is precious and magical and it can tug at your very soul.

This can be discussed and or chosen between Master and Familiar before the collaring ceremony. And the name may be whispered into The Familiar’s ear if The Master does not want anyone else to know it.

(Another reason restraining The Familiar in such a way as to prevent speech during the ritual of collaring may be a good idea is that it also prevents accidentally blurting out the True Name and symbolically suggests The Familiar may not object to this name. Though this entire ceremony must be willing, there’s a symbolism in that they are also physically unable to object to the naming, it symbolizes the willingness to accept the status as being owned as this magical user’s Familiar, sealing their status with their willing and forced silence combined. Some sort of restraint, even just ankle shackles during the collaring symbolizes that The Familiar was justly and rightfully ensnared within the laws of magick.)

All supernatural entities and magical users respect the power of a True Name. The one who knows your true name can hold dominion over you magically, and this is even more true when giving a new True Name. It is powerful and transformative. It is a type of binding spell, sealing The Familiar’s role as property of Their Master and as a Familiar forever.

Another part of why it is a good idea to render The Familiar physically unable to speak for the ritual is the willing submission combined with the physically enforced silence symbolizes this surrender of will during the naming part of the collaring / spell. And to symbolically show that The Familiar was claimed within The Laws of Magick. It is not required but it IS strongly suggested.

Note: An older True Name of The Familiar or the original True name of The Familiar is optional if The Familiar does not want their True Name altered, but their Master is laying claim to the name by saying it and by extension claiming The Familiar utterly, and must say whatever The Familiar’s True Name is or will be thrice (three times) as the collar is locked.

A Master may pick a discrete, necklace-like, collar that they can easily unlock for The Familiar, though a permanent collar is also a Master’s right. Do not put a permanent collar on your Familiar without consent from your Familiar! They must be willing. If you want them in a collar that can never come off, you must have The Familiar’s thorough consent first.

If the first and only collar is a permanent one, make sure you, as The Master, talked it out with your Familiar first before the collaring ritual. It is like getting a tattoo and you need to make sure it is comfortable if The Familiar is truly going to wear it forever. A familiar collaring is always assumed to be forever, even if it’s locked with a padlock. The intention is the collar is never coming off.

A leather collar is recommended as it has more “pet-like” symbolism and is traditional. This is, however, entirely the choice between Master and Familiar.

A silver or iron collar of some kind indicates restriction from using magick and protection from supernatural threats.

The type of collar is a big decision because the intention is forever, not a fashion accessory to be changed later. It does not have to look like a collar (though that is preferred). What matters is that The Familiar IS placed in a collar. This step cannot be avoided.

The ritual magically marks The Familiar as property in the realm of the supernatural. Removing the collar does not remove this status and The Familiar becomes vulnerable to other magical practitioners or entities that might want to harm or claim them. The collar marks The Familiar as owned and is laced with the aura of their Master. It doesn’t just mark them as a slave, it marks them as being under protection. Removing it could be spiritually / magically dangerous. It is advised to never let The Familiar go without a collar if possible. There are some locking collars that are easily mistaken as necklaces and are sold as Day Collars. The type of collar is optional. Leather is recommended. _____________________________

Phase 5:

This one may be substituted as the only phase if you’re in a situation where you have to rush but it is advised to go back and do the rest of the ritual later if possible.

This is the final step of the ritual of creating A Human Magical Familiar. If The Familiar is restrained against speech the restraint is removed at this point in the ritual.

For a very quick version of Familiarizing AKA Making a Familiar, you can bypass all else that came before and do this step but I do not recommend doing that. Doing only this step should only be in an emergency situation and if possible, later do the complete ceremony.

If it had been decided (only if The Familiar is into body modification) that The Familiar’s mouth would be sewn shut for the ritual, than the following step should be done first before proceeding with sewing The Familiar’s mouth shut.

The Master must feed The Familiar (preferably from a chalice) a mixture of Moon Water (water that had been bathed the waxing, nearly full, or full moon light) mixed with three drops of The Master’s blood. This is an easy spell to assure eternal submissiveness, and loyalty from an animal familiar or magical slave (Human Magical Familiar). If The Familiar is squeamish about drinking blood or there is concern about HIV or other transmittable illness, the three drops of blood can be substituted with a sprinkling of salt with the words “I bind you, O creature of Earth and claim you. You shall obey me forever. So mote it be.”

The moon water with salt version is best if an entire coven is claiming The Familiar. “We bind you, O creature of Earth and claim you. You shall obey us forever. So mote it be.”

You, as The Master, may have to force food the moon water and blood mixture or moon water and salt mixture to The Familiar if they chose to be "forcibly" transformed into a Familiar.

Needless to say, do not force or trick anyone to drink blood against their will. If The Familiar cannot or will not consent to blood, than the salt and incantation in the water is fine.

Whether using The Master’s blood or salt, if the making of The Familiar is intended as an act of contrition, punishment, or being “Forced,” than black moon water is recommended. This is also an option for a more romantic Familiar creation. Black Moon Water is moon water bathed in the “Light” (read: Darkness) of a new moon night that happens to be the second New Moon of the month. It is not necessary but it does add a little more binding power to the spell.

On the other hand, Moon water made with Blue Moon Light (a second full moon in a month) grants luck and success, but not necessarily more power, behind the spell. Either is an option. More conventional moon water is fine. Note: When doing the three drops of your Master’s blood spell for an animal familiar, just hide the three drops of blood in their food. Don’t bother with the water.

After The Familiar drinks this mixture of either Moon Water and three drops of their Master’s blood or blessed Moon water and salt, any mouth restraint (if one was chosen) is placed carefully back into place, or replaced for the time being with a new one.

This is a rarity but if the Familiar identifies as (or is suspected of being) a vampire (psychic or blood-drinking), then The Master must complete the ritual by driving an iron nail through The Familiar’s shadow.

Driving an iron nail through The Familiar’s shadow is an old and slightly obscure superstition on how to enslave a vampire. In such a situation this is necessary. Even if you only suspect vampire tendencies it is better to be safe than sorry.

If The Familiar truly is a vampire do not be startled to know that this moment may be when The Familiar truly starts to take the situation seriously and might start to show some possible apprehension. If The Familiar chooses to stop the ceremony (only via safe word or safe gesture) you must stop. Consent is key. If The Familiar just becomes anxious or agitated, you may calm them and continue the ceremony. If The Familiar resists or protests but does not use the safe word or safe gesture, you do not have to heed this resistance, in fact it is The Master's duty to contain it or ignore this resistance and struggle. If the Familiar identifies as a werewolf or is suspected of being a werewolf than adding a silver five pointed pentacle or star (or drawing one) somewhere on the collar is advised.

Now The Master breaks the circle that The Familiar is standing within and leads them out toward any and all witnesses and presents them. “I present to you, my Familiar (Familiar’s chosen name or nickname is then said.)!” The newly recognized True Name is optional here but not necessary.

It is done. The Familiar has been ritualistically created. A full practitioner has been ritualistically destroyed and a Magical Familiar has been born and created from them. The Familiar is treated like a newly made entity created out of the magical practitioner.

Once all these things are done The Master may kiss The Familiar. If The Familiar is gagged or otherwise mouth restrained, The Master will kiss the forehead at the third eye. The ritual is complete. The chosen Familiar is now and forever seen as a Familiar within the realms of magick and the supernatural. They are claimed property. They may no longer practice magick alone. They are bound within the laws of magick as slave and pet. They are owned. They may never be seen as a witch or sorcerer (or whatever title they previously used) again. They voluntarily chose to forever be seen as a Magical Familiar- a being created from magick to serve a Master.

The restraints (if any, again, it is recommended) come off when The Master feels like it, at their leisure. This can be within hours or a day or two after this ceremony.

At the very least, the restraints should stay on for the rest of the night until a little after dawn after the sun has completely risen. This symbolizes the permanency of the matter since many spells end at day break. Restraining until a little after the sun has completely risen shows that this is not intended to end, The Familiar is a Familiar forever. After the sun has risen entirely, The Master may leave the restraints on for a few more hours, or a day or so, as is their choice so long as The Familiar accepts it.

The Familiar’s collar, however, is NOT intended to ever come off! That is never to come off except if being replaced by another collar. The collar doesn’t just mark The Familiar as being owned, it also protects them from any magical entity that might want to claim them. The collar shows that The Familiar is claimed by another magical being or practitioner. Without it, The Familiar looks like easy and unclaimed prey to magical or supernatural entities.

Becoming a Familiar is meant to be forever, not temporary. It is a very serious and sincere surrender and commitment to become magical property to a Master. That is why I emphasize it has to be willing and it is as serious and sincere as a marriage ceremony (if not more so). As The Master, creating and choosing to keep such a being as a Familiar needs to also be taken seriously by The Master. You, as The Master, created this entity in metaphysically destroying a magical practitioner and transforming them into your Familiar. You must forever be accountable for your magical creation. You own them. They are your property. So take care of them.

Despite what some might think, a relationship between Familiar and Master can and should be a healthy one of mutual respect and love. The relationship can be romantic or even (believe it or not) strictly platonic. In situations where The Master may have rendered the Familiar unable to physically speak, a gesture or some other communication must be devised so that The Familiar can communicate a “Stop.” Or “I do not wish to proceed with this.” If such a gesture is made, The Master must heed it.

The Master of The Familiar could be a lover, platonic, Queer Platonic, ace-romantic, or a good friend. ___________________________________________

The metaphysical transformation / The Psychic death of The Magical Practitioner who was transformed and The Spiritual birth (Creation) of The Familiar:

The actual scary part:

During and right after the ritualistic binding and creation of The Familiar both Master and Familiar may feel certain unusual sensations such as a sharp increase of energy or a steep loss of energy or even both. Rushes, high-like sensations, sudden bursts of energy, or sleepiness (or even somehow both) are perfectly normal. This is the magick of creating and Ensnaring The Familiar and binding them to the will of their Master. It is a transformative energy and it is intense and can be frightening. It may manifest in many unexpected ways but it is a sign that the spell is working and weaving its way through your Familiar and binding them to you as The Master. It will be felt and it can be very strange and scary if you did not expect it. The sensation of this magick might frighten the new Familiar because to feel it could be the moment they take the spell seriously. There will be some sort of sensation and it could make The Familiar panic or want to stop. Masters, try to get consent in advance to ignore The Familiar resisting this part. It doesn’t usually last long but there is a sense of substantial change, or even a sense of Death and Rebirth.

The most mild sign that the ritual and spells are working is an ASMR-like sensation (tingling in the scalp and behind the head or also down the neck and spine) felt by The Familiar and possibly by The Master as well. That tingling in the scalp is to be expected at least with The Familiar. It means the spell is transforming them into a Magical Familiar. The sensation might even be pleasant.

If The new Familiar uses a safe word or gesture to cease the process or choose not to be a Familiar you must heed it but magick is not easily undone. (Further on in this document is a section on “What if you don’t want to be a Familiar anymore?”)

This part is specifically a note for Masters.

This part may sound scary, especially if you love the person you chose to become your Familiar and merely wish to forever claim them because you love them. That person is NOT dead but they ARE transformed! There has been a very real magical, psychic, metaphysical re-shaping so certain changes are to be expected and embraced.

Though your Familiar’s memories and personality are in tact there will be certain permanent changes to The Familiar’s nature. You may even come to like these changes as they enhance perceived positive qualities of your Familiar.

As there has been a metaphysical transformation, do not be surprised if the sleeping habits of your Familiar are not what they once were before the ritualistic transformation / creation of your Familiar. Most Familiars are instinctively nocturnal. That is just their nature.

Most Familiars will take on at least some minor, harmless, habits, behaviors, and instincts, that may be seen as animalistic or pet-like. This may include The Familiar finding comfort in being pet or scratched like a puppy. Almost all Familiars develop a liking of and finding comfort in having their hair stroked, especially while being restrained. Some like to have their cheek stroked as well but most will permanently like having their hair stroked. This phenomena is to be expected and is quite normal after the transformation / creation of The Familiar. These new traits will not go away and should be accepted as new aspects of their nature.

Animals whose mannerisms you may start to see in your Familiar include one or more of the following:

Wolves Owls Cats Dogs Bats Crows and Ravens And whatever animal you may have associated with your Familiar’s personality.

New animal pet-like behaviors and instincts may be more extreme with a vampire or werewolf made into a Familiar.

To compensate for the suppressed magical energy in not being allowed to cast spells on their own, your Familiar may develop certain new capabilities including mild clairvoyance, Psychometry, ESP or other similar abilities.

Longevity is often slightly extended along with youthful behavior of The Familiar.

The Familiar will also develop an innate talent for formulating and creating new spells, and that spell’s parameters, for their Master or Master and coven, specifically for The Master or Master and coven to cast. Most spells created by a Familiar are highly functional and will definitely work. Just because The Familiar may no longer cast spells on their own does not deny them the ability to conceive of useful spells. In fact this new talent may be slightly frustrating for The Familiar because this ability usually drastically improves but it is for their Master(s) benefit. The Familiar may never cast these spells alone.

These changes are not reversable. Consider them gifts from The Universe, thanking you, for the transformation and creation of a Human Magical Familiar.

Even if later The Familiar decides to no longer be considered a Familiar anymore, these new traits are most likely to remain.

“Once a Familiar, always a Familiar.”

The Familiar’s intellect and emotional capabilities will remain in tact and potentially only grow stronger. They do not lose human intelligence or emotions because of this. Those traits may even improve.

There may even be some slight improvement to The Familiar’s physical senses.

Though your Familiar IS still mortal there was a very real metaphysical transformation. One could even argue that the term Human Magical Familiar isn’t technically correct because despite still being mortal, The Familiar is not entirely human anymore. By aura, energy, and soul they are now a magical creation, an entity born out of magick, and many who are sensitive to such things may sense this. Mortal, yes, but now also a magical entity. A soul cannot be destroyed. All Familiars have souls. They / their soul just isn’t entirely human anymore. They have been magically transfigured.

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Phase 6. Preparing a Familiar for use during a magical Gathering, Spell-casting, or Sabbat.

At possible Weekly spell casting, magical gathering, moon ritual, or during a Sabbat, the Human Magical Familiar is brought by The Master to the gathering or to the spell-casting. The Familiar is NOT to be addressed as a Sister, Brother, Witch, Sorcerer, etc. They may be called by a chosen name or “(name here) the Familiar of (name of the Master)” or something as casual as “Steve’s Familiar.” The point is that The Familiar had forfeited that right to be called sister, or brother, or witch, or sorcerer, etc, when they signed the contract to be a Familiar. They are a created Familiar. What that Familiar had been before no longer exists for them. There is honor enough in being the magical slave of their beloved Master or Mistress. The title Familiar should be respected. i.e. “This is Marius and his Familiar, Jacob.”

There is no shame in being a Familiar. It is to be respected as the status of one chosen and kept by another magical user with great power. It is status of being under protection forever. It is the status of having been chosen by someone who wants to keep them. A magical practitioner might even have been chosen to be made into a Familiar because The Familiar is very powerful themselves and their Master wants perpetual access and control of that immense power. It is an acknowledgement of a commitment and of having ritualistically become something of use and value to another Magical user. It is symbolic of showing how much trust The Familiar has in having consented to be a Familiar to a master. And it protects The Familiar from being claimed by another supernatural entity. Again, there is no shame in acknowledging the title of Familiar. Embrace it. It is meant to be forever and irrevocable. It transcends all mortal roles. To be addressed as a Familiar is to acknowledge this status is meant to be for now and forever.

So The Familiar should not be ashamed of being called a Familiar and no one should feel guilty for acknowledging that this (former) magical practitioner is now a Familiar. I say former because, again, The Familiar is forbidden from casting spells on their own. They may only use magick with their Master or with their Master and their Master’s coven, depending on what is allowed to them.

Also The Familiar is treated as a new magical creation, the magical practitioner that they were made from was metaphysically destroyed. Their body and soul has transcended beyond being a magical practitioner. They are now considered a type of magical entity creation despite still being physically mortal.

Now comes into play whatever form of specific style spell casting The Familiar surrendered away entirely in their contract.

If the Familiar has surrendered their right to vocal invocations or incantations it is important that they are gagged or otherwise restrained in such a way as to prevent speech through the entire meeting, full Sabbat, or spell-casting and at all such meetings forever. It is not enough that they are told to be silent, they must be made physically unable to talk and The Familiar must be unable to free themselves from this restraint without aid or without tools to talk. Any restraint during a magical gathering must be one The Familiar cannot casually physically remove themself. This is why the sacrifice of a type of spell-casting is chosen in advance.

The choice of restraint is up to The Master or It is up to a trusted coven member chosen by The Master to prepare The Familiar for The Gathering. What matters is that The Familiar cannot be able to physically undo the restraint themselves. This can be a cloth gag, scold’s bridle, duct tape, electrical tape (which is much harder to get off) or something else that prevents speech if the restriction is speech. If the restriction is in the hands, taping the wrists, or tying them together with rope, use of handcuffs (They sell actual silver or heavy antique style ones if this sort of restraint will be routine), or zipties are optional. You can be creative about it.

Electrical tape is fast and practical over the mouth when silencing because it will hold even if The Familiar takes a bath or shower while wearing it, however it should be checked after a shower or bathing to make certain it did not come loose, a second layer or re-securing may be needed to insure inarticulation, if they showered and still need to be prevented from speaking. (Electrical tape is infamously hard to remove. Rubbing alcohol gently applied along the edges, might be needed later when you want to allow your Familiar to speak again. Electrical tape is fast to apply but may take time to remove). And again, I remind you, tape may not be safe so this is not ideal. There are re-usable non-open-or-o-Mouth restraints and muzzles on Etsy and Ebay. Always make sure your Familiar can breathe comfortably. If a closed mouth restraint is unsafe for your Familiar for medical reasons, you should probably choose a different method of restraining such as the tongue restraints available on Temu that have a small plastic sleeve to hold the tongue still, attached to a lockable strap that buckles behind the head. This one will make all articulation impossible if secured tightly but they can still safely use their mouth to breathe.

You can even let The Familiar retain the ability to speak and restrain the wrists, ankles, or wrists and ankles instead. such as shackling or handcuffed (hands in the front) or both.

If The Familiar swore off hand gesturing in magick, their hands must be restrained during all gatherings or spell-casting, either with handcuffs (Frontal position is fine and again, they sell silver or antique style ones if this is to be a routine restraining- you might as well go for pretty or ornate and symbolic), or tape the wrists together, or whatever is chosen by The Master or dutiful coven member to keep The Familiar from using their hands during sacred times of magick (or if The Master just doesn’t want them able to use that ability).

If The Familiar swore off fire magick or candle magick, they must be blind-folded or otherwise have their eyes covered during all The Gatherings or spell-castings as so they cannot see the flames used in the spells or rituals.

If The Familiar swore off moon or potion magick, then their ankles must be shackled (fancy antique style or silver ones are available if this is to be a routine form of restraining), or otherwise taped, or tied to prevent dance or running. If shackled, The Familiar must not have access to the key at any point until The Magical Gathering is over. They are restrained for a reason!

Even if those sort of specific spells are not being cast at that particular gathering, the restraining is still done for the symbolic promise of fulfilling the surrender in the contract.

The restraining of The Human Magical Familiar for magical gatherings, rituals, Sabbats, and spell-castings, prevents The Familiar from possibly accidentally violating their magical contract, which could lead to psychic or magical harm if violated. It is for the good of The magical Familiar and for those who want to use The Familiar’s power. The restraining is symbolic to also show that they are willingly claimed and this is shown to any magical entity that may be invoked. It is honoring the contract of The Familiar. There are strong emotions in being restrained and this helps to summon and later channel those the magical and emotional energy attached to The Familiar. It also prevents The Familiar’s power from accidentally going anywhere other than to its rightful owner, their Master or Coven. It is the saving of energy within a living battery. So it is for the good of The Master and Coven as well. There is a practical purpose in making sure The Familiar is restrained in some way during all magical gatherings, rituals, and spell-castings.

Do NOT restrain a non-human pet Familiar such as a dog or a cat! This is strictly in regard to a Human Magical Familiar!

If The Magical Human Familiar is sulky because they realize they are now forbidden from dancing during magical gatherings and festivals and have to wear ankle restraints, sit and comfort them, and reassure them that they can dance elsewhere and at other times- remind them that this was what they swore at a sacred ritual.

If the situation or restraining of a particular body part is too unbearable for a Familiar, The Master may choose another method of restraint for them. So long as they are restrained in some way, the contractual promise that a style of magical was surrendered, is symbolically preserved.

This restraining should be done quickly and efficiently as to not interfere with the actual magical practice and should not take up too much time or serve as a distraction from the real reason to be there. It should be done quickly, and take up no more than five minutes time to complete. A slapping on of a strip of electrical tape over the mouth, or locking of shackles, or fastening the collar to a chain with lock attached to the wall will suffice. (Note: There are better re-usable non-sexy mouth restraints out there that can be placed on quickly. Do your research! They even sell functional versions of the mouth restraint worn by Loki at the end of the first Avengers movie. Some Heathens might appreciate that one as a gesture of respect to The Trickster God and even the way he suffered in the story where his mouth had been sewn shut.

Sewing the mouth shut is not ideal but if your Familiar is into body modifications there are places that will do it for short stretches of time, or you can find “how do” information online).

This restraining of The Familiar must be done for every and all Sabbats (and the restraint kept on for the entire day), gathering (for the entire gathering) and for every spell casting or ritual ceremony. And also whenever the Master or appointed coven member feels it should be done (i.e. if they just think The Familiar should be restrained at that particular time, even if it’s just movie night and they don’t want The Familiar talking over the good parts) or if The Familiar should be disciplined or humbled.

Note; it is optional on if this or other restraints are used during the initial collaring ceremony. It has symbolic meaning so it might be good cause to make sure The Familiar was restrained properly while initially being collared. It suggests that they were rightfully and justly caught and enslaved by the laws of magick.

If the mouth restraint one is chosen to be done for a long stretch of time (i.e. the entire three days of or week of Yule) than it is important to remember to free The Familiar ONLY temporarily for meals or if out in public (restraining in public is frowned upon) and, again, if the restraining is vocal, they are not to speak while temporarily freed. This is a time of sacred magick and they surrendered the right to use that ability with magick, so it is the duty of The Master and or coven to make sure that The Familiar cannot violate that vow. The pay-off of having a Familiar is usually worth this babysitting-like bother.

If The Familiar does speak during a temporarily release, they need to then be punished or forfeit the meal and earn another full day and full night of being silenced.

If The Master wants The Familiar restrained for multiple days at a time and the gag or other restraint is uncomfortable to sleep in, find a variation that is comfortable without risk of choking or bodily harm to The Familiar. This can be as simple as a silk cloth around the lower face while sleeping and tied behind the head in a tight knot to avoid choking risk or strangulation, or if comfortable enough, a tongue restraint buckled and locked behind the head. (Not actually recommended for sleep.) The Master must see to The Familiar’s safety, which includes making sure they can breathe and sleep safely. If necessary, remove the gag for sleep but extend the time they are restrained from speaking in daylight hours to compensate for the unintended freedom.

If The Familiar is congested and cannot breathe well from their nose, it is not recommended to seal the mouth closed. Simply find some other way to prevent speech, i.e. tongue restraint, or choose a temporary other style of restraint. The safety of The Familiar is more important than conforming to the contractual stipulations. One option is an open mouth bridle-style cloth gag tied around the head and held in the mouth, bridle style, still allowing for mouth breathing. Another option is just secure the collar with another lock and chain attached to a nearby wall so that The Familiar is still restrained and subjugated. These restraints (based on what had been forfeited in the contract) are symbolically important. The Familiar swore away all right to this ability in magical work so it is forfeit and must be restrained during times of power, for their own sake because to not be retrained of these abilities, would violate their magical contract and could cause The Familiar psychic / magical harm or leakage of precious magical energy (which will have significance later).

it is important to remember that based on what type of magical casting was sworn away, The Familiar must be restrained in that way at all future spell castings.

What type of spell casting was sworn away / and by extension what type of restraining was sworn to, may be arbitrarily altered by the will of The Master. What matters is The Familiar is restrained in some way, even if it is just by tethering or chaining their collar to the wall so that The Familiar cannot get too close to the ritual but can get close enough for usage.

What needs to be restrained in regard to which type of magick that has been forbidden:

Vocal invocations or incantations = Mouth restraint / prevented from speech.

Moon magick, water magick, or Earth magick (Herbs, crystals, plants) or potions = ankle restraints to prevent dance or running or hand / wrist restraints to prevent the touching or using of elemental ingredients. Optional: both wrist and ankle restraints.

Fire magick / candle magick = Blind fold or similar device to prevent sight.

Hand gestures (or alternative for Earth magick) = Hand / wrist restraints or both wrist and ankle restraints.

Or basic for any variation and especially if they swore off harmful magicks = Just tie or chain The Familiar by their collar to the wall. Give them enough slack to move about the area but to not allow them to physically touch any magical circle, chalice, or candle. Another member may hold the chain to pull them back if necessary to keep the Familiar from accessing any tool or spell component.

A Familiar is allowed (with permission from their Master) to take part in spell casting with Their Master or their Master’s coven so long as they are still properly restrained against the specific casting they forfeited in their contract. They cannot cast spells alone, they are only allowed to cast spells with others and only with consent from their Master.

Helpful hint: The restraint or restraints chosen for The Familiar to wear on Samhain may be antique-style iron shackles or manacles or both, locked on, so that they can be publicly worn by The Familiar as part of a Halloween costume of a prisoner, Condemned Witch, Condemned sorcerer, Condemned pirate, contained werewolf, Jacob Marley’s ghost, etc. This would allow your Familiar to continue to take part in Halloween festivities while sill submitting to their contractual subjugation. (Do not allow The Familiar to place these restraints on for themself and do not allow The Familiar access to the key or keys to the restraints. The restraints are real but just to look like part of a Halloween costume as well. The Master may remove the restraints, if they want, when Samhain is over or leave them on The Familiar at their leisure. The only exception here is if a safe word or safe gesture is used by The Familiar.)

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Phase 7. The practical magical application of using a Human Magical Familiar.

This is using The Familiar for the benefit of The Master and The Master’s coven. / Using your Familiar as a spell amplifier or magical battery, magical conduit, or magical reservoir.

The Familiar has sworn away the ability to cast spells on their own but that does not mean they swore away their magical potential or ability to be used to cast spells. It just means they are transferring that power and energy to Their Master and if The Master so wills it, to The Coven.

If The Familiar wants a particular spell cast, The Master or Master and coven may cast it for them while also using The Familiar to fuel and power the spell.

During a casting of any spell cast by The Master or Coven, The Master may place a hand on, or otherwise take a hold of their familiar to use as a sort of conduit or battery, drawing out their energy to help fuel the spell. The Familiar is no longer officially a self-spell-caster, but they are still magical and still can and should be used in casting.

The Master must consciously draw the magical energy from their Familiar and channel it into the spell. This will not harm The Familiar though they may get slightly dizzy or be very tired later.

Outside of any kink factor, restraining The Familiar helps them to obey their contract and the restraining also prevents any leakage of precious energy that now rightfully belongs to The Master or Master and Coven. By laws of magick The Familiar’s Master and if The Master allows it, their coven, own right to The Familiar’s magick. The Familiar willingly gave this away in the collaring ritual.

There’s a great deal of emotional and magical energy in a well-cared for Familiar, and that energy should be used in magick. That is another reason to keep a Familiar. They are a living magical battery and their Master has a right to take into that energy and magick. (Magick is a form of energy).

Energy cannot be destroyed, only changed or transferred and the contract gives full right to use The Familiar’s magical energy or their ability to draw magical energy. If The Master allows it, then other Members of The Coven may draw power from the Familiar in their spell work too, making The Familiar useful to The Coven. The Familiar becomes a useful and potent amplifying tool. A convenient, clever, useful, sentient spell-casting tool.

Spells cast using magical energy drawn and tapped from a Human Magical Familiar almost always work.

The fuss and bother of creating a Human Magical Familiar pays off here. The power is exceptional to boost and amplify the range and strength of any spell. A full witch’s worth of magical energy is in The Familiar at most times and completely at the disposal of their Master and those The Master allows. This makes the creation and maintenance of a Human Magical Familiar worth the effort. Almost every spell cast with a Familiar used to amplify it will definitely succeed. That is the prize and reward for creating and maintaining a Human Magical Familiar.

Not only is this a substantial power boost in spell casting that almost always guarantees that a spell will succeed but it also provides a magical, energy, rush from the tapping into of The Familiar’s Magical energy or The Familiar’s magical potential. This rush is similar to a high and can be addictive. The Familiar’s Master must Try to not become addicted to the magick of their Familiar. The suppressing and restraining of a Human Magical Familiar’s magical abilities might possibly also grant The Human Magical Familiar useful mild clairvoyant, psychometry (sense things by touch), or even ESP abilities or enhancements to abilities that were there. This is theoretically triggered by the build up of the unused magical energy within The Familiar. There is a metaphysical transformation in becoming a Familiar.

When not being used as a conduit or battery / amplifier in spell-casting, a familiar must serve as confidant, advisor, secret keeper, and companion to their Master. They may even serve as a living book of Shadows or grimoire, a repository for some spells.

If The Familiar is used as confidant and Secret Keeper, or even as a walking Book of Shadows or Grimoire, then a consistent mouth restraining is recommended for when The Familiar is in the presence of other magical practitioners as to not risk any sort of slip up or mistake. This is especially true if The Familiar knows their Master’s True Name.

It is not necessarily but it is just a good safety measure if The Master chooses to make it so that The Familiar physically cannot talk in front of (or to) any other magical user. This is why I recommend having a re-usable mouth restraint of some kind, or multiple of such devices in easy access at all times.

As mentioned earlier, rendering your Familiar unable to speak (by whatever method you choose) fairly regularly is good because it forces The Familiar to be more thoughtful and expressive in other ways outside of speech. It helps in meditation and could also, theoretically, aid in developing psychic potential. It can actually be very beneficial to render The Familiar silent fairly often. There are re-usable (and some aesthetically pleasing) restraints for such things, available online and some that even lock in place with a key. Your Familiar IS a pet and there are many who will tell you that a good pet should be seen and not heard.

Allow your Familiar the physical ability to talk only when or if it is convenient for you as The Master. Otherwise silence IS golden and duct tape is silver. (Side note: Obviously don’t keep your Familiar restrained as to be physically unable to talk when in public. This is for in private or in the presence of your Coven or other magical practitioners in your home).

That is part of why it is convenient if the method of spell casting sworn away by The Familiar might be invocations or vocal incantations. This would give multiple reasons to want to keep your Familiar physically unable to speak during magical gatherings, rituals, ceremonies, Sabbats, and spell castings and it would limit how many restraints your Familiar must wear in front of other magick users. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Most Familiars also develop an extremely valuable and useful creative talent for devising new spells for their Maser or Master and coven. These spells may even include types of spells within the method of magical style specifically forbidden to The Familiar. Most spells invented by Familiars are highly functional. Just tell The Familiar what sort of spell you wish for them to invent for you and let them go about coming up with the formula for the spell. They may never cast the spell alone but this is a very useful Familiar trait.

A Familiar is not allowed to refuse if their Master demands that The Familiar devise or compose any sort of spell for them. Even if The Familiar is morally against the spell, they may find themselves instinctively devising the formula for the spell at least in their mind.

It is advised to only claim a Human Familiar of high intellect, creativity, and Occult / Arcane knowledge so that they may be useful as a magical advisor and source of new spells for their Master or Their Master’s Coven when they are allowed to speak or otherwise communicate if The Master does not want them able to talk in front of other magick users. If the restraining is inarticulation, The Familiar’s Master may choose to allow The Familiar to speak to other magick users so long as it is not at a spell casting, ritual, or Sabbat.

A clever Familiar is coveted and prized.

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Phase 8. Reward for The Familiar.

A good Familiar is treated like a well-pampered pet and must not be needlessly abused but must also remember that they are a Familiar, which is a well-cared-for slave, and as such they can never be a self-styled practitioner again, they can only now and forever be a Familiar, hopefully to the one Master, however with consent of both Familiar and Master, ownership can be transferred to another or to an entire Coven.

Though not legally recognized, a Master can Will ownership of their Familiar over to another practitioner or to The Coven as a whole (with the leader of the Coven or Priestess as the main keeper). This can only be done with the consent of The Familiar, mind you.

The Familiar can and should be physically restrained on occasion but must never be physically harmed or verbally abused in any way.

If a Familiar is being claimed by an entire coven as a collective, The Priestess or leader (by any other name) leads the ritual as the main Master. In general though that Familiar is collectively owned. “You belong to us.” “That is our Familiar.” “We own that Familiar.” “That Familiar gave themself to us ritualistically and willingly.”

A well-treated Familiar is pampered and spoilt like a beloved pet because they are a beloved pet. And as such The Master must protect them from both mortal and supernatural threats.

A Familiar must not be harmed or used in menial labor, but must be kept in luxury and comfort. This pet / slave is your advisor, spell source, magical energy battery and or conduit, and assistant, not The Master’s scullery maid.

Any time a spell cast using The Familiar’s channeled power, or a spell that The Familiar invented, succeeds, The Familiar should be given some sort of gift or other treat to show that their magical use was appreciated. You, as The Master, or your Coven may even pay your familiar with money but this is not advised as they are a slave and it undermines their status as a slave if they are seen being paid in money for their service. It is just better if The Master spends money for / on them instead. (i.e. The Master or someone in The Coven pays for their housing, nice clothes, jewelry, furniture, collectables, books, and food, etc).

Buying a Familiar a small house and spot of land near the Coven gathering place is a good example of both rewarding The Familiar and making sure they are in easy reach for The Coven at all times though it IS strongly advised that The Familiar lives with their Master / Owner. Paying for their home and giving them property is actually a wise investment if you find The Familiar’s gift for spell inventing, and magical power boosting substantial and functional.

Pampering, rewarding, and spoiling your Familiar prevents them from possibly regretting becoming a Familiar and will make them not even consider rebellion. They may come to love and appreciate what they are if they are rewarded well enough by their Master or Coven that owns them. A Familiar should be treated in such a way as to appreciate and like being a Familiar.

If a Coven collectively owns a Familiar than The Familiar should probably live in The Coven house (where meetings and rituals take place) or with the leader of The Coven.

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Non-Kink reasons someone might choose to become a Familiar:

1. One might choose to become a Familiar as an act of contrition or voluntary punishment for an offense against another practitioner or their coven. A coven may not sentence a practitioner to become a Familiar except if the practitioner voluntarily chooses it as an alternative to a different punishment such as banishment from The Coven. i.e. “Instead of being exiled from our group, you may choose to surrender yourself as our Familiar, you would be owned by this coven collectively, collared, and magically bound in such a way so that your magick can only be of use to us. You will be loved and cared for and taken care of but unable to do magical harm. Do you accept this option?” I cannot emphasize enough that it MUST be voluntary. In any event it is more effective and binding than any binding spell that I know of. (I don’t really believe most of those work anyway.)

2. Another reason one might give themselves over to be a Familiar is if they are in immediate danger of a supernatural entity attempting to harm, kill, or lay claim to them. Once owned by another practitioner or collectively by a coven, another entity may not lay claim to The Familiar, and The Master may even be able to protect their property (The Familiar) from this threat. This can include perceived demons, malevolent hauntings, Skinwalkers, Windigos, Shadow People, Unseelie, etc. No demon may lay claim to your soul if you have already given all of yourself to another or even to an entire Coven.

3. Someone may find the role of Familiar simply less stressful than as a Witch, sorcerer, etc. It can be quite personal and for some even feel liberating and strangely freeing. They are relieved of accountability or guilt. The Familiar’s Master becomes responsible for The Familiar’s well-being so you no longer have to take care of yourself, your Master takes responsibility for you and thus will take care of you, as is their duty. You belong to them.

4. If one finds that they have become addicted to harmful or (perceived) Black Magick and want to continue to reside in the magical community without the burden of that temptation they might choose to become a Familiar so that they can be stopped, like an extreme magical rehab.

5. Surrendering yourself as a Familiar can be a gesture of love if the would-be Familiar knows someone important to them wishes to own them. It is the ultimate sacrifice by a magical user while also gaining the status of being claimed by the one they love.

6. It serves as a promise to never be abandoned by one who may have abandonment issues.

7. Protection from yourself and others if you fear you are dangerous or are in danger. There is no shame in acknowledging that you could be addicted to black magick, or that your spells back fire, or that you know you may do terrible things with magick or already have done terrible things with magick. The simple fact is some magical users MUST be made into Familiars for the good of everyone. This is not a psychological defeat. It is an honorable gesture to consent to it. Some magical users NEED to be made into a Familiar for the good and safety of everyone, even yourself. It’s that simple.

8. If you know you have a great deal of untapped magical energy but are bad at spell casting / have spells and rituals that backfire, it might just be safer to be a Familiar. And you find you are still useful in the magical community.

9. The Familiar wants to be taken care of.

10, A wiling Familiar that gives themselves to a coven, if well treated, can be quite comfortable as a beloved communal pet.

11. You want to give yourself as gift to your would-be Master or Coven as a way to empower your would-be Master or the other members.

12. The possible trade off that in surrendering your ability to cast spells alone, you might gain other compensating abilities such as mild clairvoyance, or psychometry, or ESP. For some the possible trade might be worth it. Remember, there IS a metaphysical transformation.

13. A sincere and profound gesture of love and trust given to their would-be Master to surrender all their power and will to them.

14. Atonement, that is if you are surrendering yourself to become a Familiar is an act of contrition or chosen punishment for wrong doing. It is a karmatic justice that cleans the slate for most magical wrong doing.

15. The gaining of rewards or comforts for usefulness as a Familiar. You may even have sold yourself into becoming a Familiar. There is no judgement here. The want of being pampered and spoilt like a beloved pet, or material gain isf ine. There’s no shame in liking material or pretty things or if The Familiar is crow or raven-like, sparkly objects. (Shiny things are nice!)

16. Some magical practitioners NEED to have a Familiar. Their spell casting is too week, or they need constant and easy access to magical fuel or advice, someone to talk them out of doing stupid things, or they are perpetually lonely and function better when there is someone dependent on them as they will depend on you. Sometimes it is an act of compassion to become a Familiar if you know a Master -NEEDS- you to be their Familiar.

17. The prospect of having a mild boost to the physical senses. (not guaranteed but it is possible.)

18. The newly gained ability to formulate and conceive of highly functional spells for your would-be Master or Master and coven or coven. Familiars are usually naturally adept at coming up with new and functional spells for their masters. Though a Familiar is forbidden from casting magick alone a Familiar also usually gains a substantial new ability to come up with highly functional new spells.

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Non-kink reasons someone might want to own a Human Familiar:

1. Spell amplifier. The repressed power in a Familiar works great as a battery and conduit to amplify spells up to triple their original magical potential, range, and power. There are lots of intense emotions in being restrained, which also add to this potential, which is why it can be triple the original magical potential instead of just double that you gain in your magical work when having a Familiar.

2. An easy access magical advisor at any given hour.

3. A repository for secrets and information you don’t actually want to share but know you can keep safe within your Familiar, like a living journal or Book of Shadows.

4. A (usually) live-in companion.

5. Clout. There is a lot of implied power behind owning a Human Magical Familiar. The Familiar becomes a status symbol in magical circles that The Master was able to claim dominion over and transform another magical practitioner into their willing Familiar.

6. A gesture of love if you know someone who wants to be owned as a Familiar, to take on responsibility for them and a promise to protect them. It is a powerful gesture of love to promise to keep them Forever.

7. A binding spell that actually might work! You could be protecting others from a dangerous magical rogue if that rogue has consented to become your Familiar instead of carrying on their harmful and willful behavior. You are saving people from them or saving your Familiar from themself. Some magical practitioners are too dangerous to be allowed to be anything other than The Familiar of another practitioner. This is a simple and hard truth. Sometimes it truly is for the best and needs to be done for the good of everyone. There simply are some Magick users who should not be allowed to be anything other than a Familiar.

8. Someone to take care of and treasure if that is what you want. 9. Honoring a sincere and profound offering of trust and submission in that they chose you to be their Master.

10. The possible gaining of a slave / pet that might develop useful abilities such as clairvoyance, psychometry, or ESP. Whatever power they may develop is completely at your disposal. 11. Having a living grimoire or book of shadows at hand at any hour of the day.

12. A sense of satisfaction and justice if you are, by claiming them as your Familiar, fulfilling an act of contrition or punishment willingly submitted to by The Familiar. You, as their Master, have fulfilled Karmatic justice for some wrong that The Human Familiar chose to surrender themself for. You have become a divine server of justice and will be karmatically rewarded for your efforts in containing and keeping this Familiar.

13. An assistant in all magical work.

14. The satisfaction and pleasure of knowing that The Familiar consented to be owned by you and trusted you enough to surrender themself utterly to you.

15. Being trusted completely and utterly.

16. Having a Familiar (in theory) almost certainly improves all spell work to succeed.

17. You literally have a henchman or henchwoman or henchperson or minion.

18. Some magical practitioners NEED a Familiar, whether to help fuel their spell or advise them on magick, to make certain a spell will definitely work, or to aid in spell casting. Your Familiar is your helper and some Masters actually NEED to have a magically bound Familiar at the ready.

19. An easy and ample source for new and functional spells. Familiars become innately adapt at formulating highly functional new spells. The magick that binds them also grants this talent. However The Familiar may never cast these new spells alone. They are for The Master or Master and Coven. A Familiar is forbidden from casting magick by themslf but they usually become quite gifted at inventing functional spells for th benefit of their Master’s use.

if there is someone you wish to claim as your Familiar and you suspect they might be open to the idea of being your Familiar there is no shame in asking the person about it, and / or suggesting it to them. They might actually say yes. They MUST go into it willingly though. It is as serious as a marriage proposal, if not more so.

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What you surrender when becoming a Familiar.

1. The right and ability to cast magick on your own. Once you are officially a Familiar you can never again cast magick without the consent and aid of your Master or your Master’s coven. And even then what you are allowed to do is limited by what you agreed to in your contract and your master.

2. You are now forbidden the specific magical style surrendered in the contract, which includes being physically restrained against that ability during Sabbats and spell castings. Only your Master can change which magical style you surrendered.

3. Your status as a witch or whatever magical user title you had before is gone, like the surgical removal of an organ. You are now and likely forever a Familiar. Even if, at some point, you end up having to find a new Master or Coven to give yourself to- you are still a Familiar, you submitted yourself to this role eternally during the collaring ritual. You can be freed but it is not likely you would ever be seen, in The Supernatural world, as anything other than a Familiar without a Master, waiting to be claimed again. Once a Familiar, always a Familiar so do not go into this lightly. Even if you call yourself a witch (or other previous title) again, there are entities that will only and forever see you as a Familiar once you take on that status.

4. As far as the supernatural world is concerned now you are property, that is part of the burden of being a Familiar, you ARE property in the world of magick. Though this protects you, it also means you cannot offer up yourself or soul to any other entity. Many beings will not want to bargain with you but instead with your owner. You may not be taken seriously without your Master present.

5. The right to attend Sabbats or spell castings without being restrained in some way. It is the duty of your Master or your Master’s coven to make sure The Familiar is properly restrained at every gathering or ritual. This can be inconvenient so Masters, try to have it done swiftly, and discretely as possible or before The Gathering if possible instead of as it starts, unless The Coven likes taking part in helping restrain The Familiar and think it is somehow fun (Some might.).

6. In choosing to be a Familiar, you lose the right to -Not- wear a collar. You are supposed to wear your collar forever and it is only to be removed when replacing it with another collar. If you have to take it off for a medical reason or going through Security try to make sure you have or are wearing your Master’s sigil somewhere on your body at the time (including drawn on with marker). This protects you from supernatural entities that might see your lack of collar as meaning you are no longer claimed. Once a Familiar, always a Familiar. And without a Master’s mark or collar, another entity (or magical user) may try to lay claim to you. Your ritualistically were collared. You open yourself up to threats without that protection of a Master. Going without a collar, or being freed might be unsafe if you are a true believer in the magical ritual you took part in.

Outside of magical circles, the Familiar has the legal right to take off The Collar or ask that it be removed by one who has the key or tools needed to cut it off. Consent is still required in all of this. It is just not recommended that you do remove it.

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What Burdens you take on if you choose to be The Master of a Human Familiar.

1. Responsibility for another Human life. You have to protect them for themselves and others.

2. The burden of preparing your Familiar for any spell-casting session, ritual, or Sabbat. i.e. restraining them according to what they forfeited in their contract, i.e. taping their mouth shut, or fitting the gag, taping the wrists together or shackling the ankles. And remembering to do this at every session or spell-casting. 3. Making certain your Familiar is content.

4. Protecting your familiar from themselves and others.

5. Casting spells on behalf of your Familiar since they are no longer permitted to use magick on their own or by themselves.

6. Comforting your familiar if they become frustrated at their status and limitations in the magical world. Saying soothing words to them, stroking their hair in situations such as getting frustrated if they now have to have their ankles shackled during all magical get-togethers and this starts to frustrate them a bit even though they accept it as necessary, because they really want to join the dance but can’t because they swore away that type of magical use.

7. Bearing the possible burden of gaining magical addiction. You now may tap into your Familiar for a magical boost to amplify spells since your Familiar has a lot of repressed magick. This excess power may cause something like a high and as such may become highly addictive. Try not to let yourself become addicted to your Familiar’s magick.

8. Finding someone you can trust as an emergency back-up to keep the key to your Familiar’s collar or restraints, or someone else willing to help restrain your Familiar for you before a Sabbat.

9. In the event that The Familiar became a Familiar because they were felt they were harmful otherwise, you take on the burden of being the keeper and perpetual prison guard to this dangerous, former-free practitioner. It is a difficult but noble decision in that situation.

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Wiccan note:

As a Human Magical Familiar is a voluntary surrender of power and status, and the Familiar is not to actually be physically harmed, owing a Human Magical Familiar will NOT violate The Wiccan Rede.

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Heathen / Greco-Roman Neo Pagan / Gaelic / Druidic / Kemetic practitioner Note:

All of the cultures that these practices came from allowed for and often encouraged “well treated” slaves. It may not be socially acceptable outside of the magical community but as it was willing, it is perfectly acceptable in nearly all magical circles or even encouraged in some circles to have a Human Magical Familiar.

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Rules for Familiar and Master:

1. A Master is not allowed to do physical harm or otherwise physically, sexually, or verbally abuse their Familiar. All things must be by consent. You may not mutilate, maim or change the body of The Familiar in any way.

2. If you want your Familiar to be tattooed with your sigil or some other thing, you must ask first. And if they say no, you must respect this.

Also if you want your Familiar's mouth temporarily sewn shut for a ritual or sabbat or the initial collaring, this must be by consent and only if The Familiar is okay with body modification.

3. Do not put any permanent piece of jewelry or collar on your familiar without consent.

4. When restraining your Familiar do not let them apply the restraints themselves. They must be secured by their Master or by someone else to make sure The Familiar cannot physically get out of them on their own. It would be inappropriate for The Familiar to put on the restraints for themelf.

5. A Familiar must always be restrained in some way during magical gatherings, rituals, ceremonies, spell-callings, or Sabbats.

6. You cannot forcibly turn anyone into a Familiar. A Familiar must surrender themselves willingly even if they are choosing it as an alternative to a different punishment for an offense against a magical practitioner or their Coven.

7. A Familiar may NEVER be allowed to cast magical spells alone! If they try to, things will go horribly wrong. This can be dangerous for The Familiar or others.

8. A Familiar can be given away or even sold to a new Master or Masters but The Familiar must consent to this transfer.

9. A Familiar must be collared or otherwise marked in some way to shield them from other supernatural threats that may want to claim them.

10. A Familiar must be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect, even when being restrained.

11. A Familiar must be respectful, loyal, and obedient, to their Master.

12. A Familiar is not to be addressed as witch, wizard, sorcerer, or similar titles. They are a Familiar. There is status and honor in being a Familiar. There is no shame in it. A Familiar is a beloved slave and pet combined. It means you are under the protection of a powerful magical practitioner or coven. It means you, yourself, are a magical entity transformed and created by magick. You have transcended beyond being considered a witch or sorcerer. You were created by magick. Embrace the status of Familiar. The person you were before that status is no more.

13. In all situations there must be some sort of safe word or even safe gesture (if speech is prohibited or physically prevented) and if The Familiar should use the safe word or gesture, whatever is unfolding must cease immediately. Consent is key.

14. It is the duty of The Master to see to the comfort and protection of The Familiar.

15. A Familiar must always refer to their Master as “Master” or “My Master” or “Mistress” and “My Mistress.”

16. Masters, you may not control or have a say in what your Familiar chooses to wear, EXCEPT in regard to collars and / or restraints. This is not The Handmaid’s Tale. Do not treat it like The Handmaid’s Tale. Magick is about freedom of expression and your Familiar is still a Creature of Magick with the right to express themself creatively.

17. Do not do ANY of these things with an actual animal pet Familiar. This is strictly for a Human Magical Familiar, except for three drops of The Master’s blood. That might be added to an animal pet Familiar’s food to guarantee loyalty and officially declare them your Familiar.

18. If your Familiar invents, devices, or otherwise composes spells for their Master or The Master’s Coven, than The Familiar is STILL to retain credit for the inventing of that Spell. Never take credit for your Familiar’s work. “This spell was invented by my Familiar but it was because I commanded that they invent such a spell for me.” Is a variation of what is acceptable to say. The Familiar is your property, their spells are not. The spells are for you to use, but not to take credit for inventing.

18. If a Familiar chooses to not be a Familiar anymore and wants to be released from their collar this must be respected even if you fear for their safety in the freeing. This is their decision and right though being a Familiar was never supposed to actually end- it can.

19. Yes, you, or a coven, may own multiple Human Magical Familiars but it is traditional to only have one. Do not be greedy!

20. A former Familiar also has the right to ask their former Master if they, the former Master, would like to become their Familiar.

21. A former Familiar may lay claim to a Familiar and have a Familiar of their own. Consent is key. A Familiar (still bearing the status of Familiar) may NOT own their own Familiar as they forfeited their magical status and power when becoming a Familiar. Only a magical practitioner (not a Familiar) may own a Familiar.

22. If a former Familiar chooses to go back to being considered a Familiar, The Familiar does not have to be ritualistically re-bound but a new collaring is recommended. The returned-status Familiar drinking of moon water mixed with three drops of the new Master’s blood, or moon water and salt mixture described earlier is also advised. 23. If a Former Familiar owns Familiars of their own but wishes to return to BEING a Familiar, they must give their current Familiar or Familiars over to a new owner or release their Familiar(s). Transferring ownership is best but it must be with consent of The Familiar. You cannot consider yourself a Familiar while owning a Familiar.

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What happens if I no longer wish to be a Magical Familiar?

Well, this is why this status as a magical Familiar should not be taken lightly. This is not a role playing game scenario.

Consent is key. You can decide not to be a Familiar anymore and ask to be uncollared (or have your collar removed at any time, except if you and your Master opted for a titanium collar with a permanent lock, I don’t know how you even cut those off, they’re not designed to open… ever…).

You can choose to not call yourself a Familiar at any time. You can go back to calling yourself whatever your chosen title was before the ritualistic collaring and geas.

However you may find spell casting more difficult if not entirely unsuccessful. You voided what was supposed to be an eternal contract. And the supernatural world knows that. That is why this should not be gone into lightly.

Even if freed by your Master and or your Master’s coven, many magical entities will still perceive you as a Familiar, just now an unclaimed Familiar, which means you have placed yourself at higher risk of being a target of supernatural predators that might want to lay claim to you or harm you.

You may abandon your status as Familiar at any time and have your collar taken off at any time (so long as it is not permanent locking titanium, again, I don’t know how to remove those). However once you consign yourself to the status of Familiar I do NOT recommend attempting to -ever- leave it. It’s just safer to let someone have some claim to you. This is not a status that was intended to end (though, yes, you have every right to end it.) Leave the status of Familiar at your own risk. It’s not a status that was meant to end, the intention was *Eternal,* period.

Once you abandon your status as a Familiar you may return to being called a Familiar at any time if you so choose without need of another ritual though if you return to being a Familiar later, being re-collared is recommended. It is also advised that you be fed the mixture of blessed moon water and three drops of your new Master's blood or the blessed moon water mixed with salt described earlier.

A former Familiar also has the right to ask their former Master if they, the former Master, would like to become their Familiar.

A former Familiar may lay claim to a Familiar and have a Familiar of their own. Consent is key. A Familiar (still bearing the status of Familiar) may NOT own their own Familiar as they forfeited their magical status and power when becoming a Familiar. Only a magical practitioner (not a Familiar) may own a Familiar. A former Familiar also has the right to ask their former Master if they, the former Master, would like to become their Familiar. A former Familiar may lay claim to a Familiar and have a Familiar of their own. Consent is key. A Familiar (still bearing the status of Familiar) may NOT own their own Familiar as they forfeited their magical status and power when becoming a Familiar. Only a magical practitioner (not a Familiar) may own a Familiar.

If a former Familiar chooses to go back to being considered a Familiar, The Familiar does not have to be ritualistically re-bound but a new collaring is recommended. The returned-status Familiar drinking of moon water mixed with three drops of the new Master’s blood, or moon water and salt mixture described earlier is also advised.

If a Former Familiar owns Familiars of their own but wishes to return to BEING a Familiar, they must give their current Familiar or Familiars over to a new owner or release their Familiar(s). Transferring ownership is best but it must be with consent of The Familiar. You cannot consider yourself a Familiar while owning a Familiar.

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Note: Being a “Former Familiar” is probably Temporary!

This is not meant to frighten you but due to the rituals and spells used to transform you, metaphysically, into a Familiar, there is a very high chance that even when freed, sooner or later you may feel an overwhelming urge or compulsion to surrender yourself to the status of Familiar again, perhaps to a different Master but still a Familiar. There is a reason I said “Once a Familiar, always a Familiar.” This is why becoming a Familiar or claiming a Familiar should be approached seriously and sincerely. Magick may compel you and even make you want to go back to being a Familiar. Familiars are supposed to be forever. If you choose to no longer be considered a Familiar and have your collar removed that IS still entirely your choice and legal right!

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Here are some fictional Human Familiars and Human-like Familiars in pop culture to consider:

Most Human familiars in pop culture belong to vampires though there are exceptions.

Kenzi in the Canadian TV show Lost Girl = A human claimed by a succubus / faery.

Lauren in the Canadian TV show Lost Girl = Human familiar claimed by The Light Faey Court.

The sorcerer Faust in Goethe’s Faust / Dr. Faustus in Christoper Marlowe’s version of the story = Owned for most of the story by Mephisto (Freed in Goethe’s Faust Part 2). One might argue that Mephisto was his Familiar but Faust was owned by Mephisto, not the other way around, and Mephisto had eternal claim to him (until Goethe wrote the 2 part version where Faust is saved from that fate at the end.)

The Apprentice in Goethe’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice = Human Familiar, more of a Familiar than an actual apprentice in Goethe’s poem.

Renfield in the novel Dracula = Half-turned vampire claimed by the vampire known as Count Dracula.

Willie Loomis in the TV show Dark Shadows. Human familiar owned by the vampire Barnabas Collins.

Billy Cole in the original Fright Night = Possibly half-turned vampire owned by the vampire Jerry Dandridge.

Evil Ed in the original Fright Night = Vampire created by the vampire Jerry Dandridge. He called Jerry The Master. He wasn’t just his fledgling, he was a vampire enslaved by another vampire. He was Jerry’s familiar.

Julius in Vampire in Brooklyn = Half-turned vampire.

Guillermo de la Cruz in What we do in The Shadows. = Human familiar to a vampire.

Diaval in Maleficent = Shapeshifter from Raven to human, Familiar to Maleficent.

Aresteas from The Sandman = Human soul turned into a raven Familiar to Morpheus.

Jessamy from The Sandman = Human soul turned into a raven Familiar to Morpheus.

Matthew from The Sandman = Human soul turned into a raven Familiar to Morpheus.

Dennis from the novel Interview with The Vampire = Human child belonging to Armand. Kept like a pet until he was killed.

Sandor from Dracula’s Daughter = Familiar to the vampire Countless Zeleska

Maleva, from The Wolfman and Frankenstein meets The Wolfman and Universal’s new Dark Universe in their Epic Universe. = Witch and fortune teller. She was the willing Familiar to her werewolf son, Bela and later to Lawrence Talbot.

Bob in The Dresden Files TV series = Ghost of a deceased sorcerer, now the Familiar of the wizard Harry Dresden. He also served as his familiar even when he was briefly restored to life for one episode of the short-lived TV show. This status of being a Familiar was a punishment. Bob in the novels is also a Familiar but he was apparently never human, that version is a spirit of air and intellect.

Salem in Sabrina the Teenage Witch = multiple versions now. First depiction is a transformed male witch. Familiar to Sabrina and her aunts. This status of being a Familiar was a punishment.

Binx in Hocus Pocus = Human boy turned into an immortal cat, briefly served the young white witch, Alison.

Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 (Movies) = Zombie Famiiar, briefly unwillingly served Winnifred Sanderson before showing his true loyalties and serving the young witch Alison, and later the bungling sorcerer, Gilbert in Hocus Pocus 2.

InuYasha in the manga and anime InuYasha = Half-Yokai semi-unwiling familiar of the human Kagome.

Haruka in the anime Tactics = A Tengu magically ensnared and made the Familiar of a mortal practitioner.

Alucard AKA Dracula in the anime and manga Hellsing = Vampire defeated and magically bound as the Familiar of The Van Helsing family line.

Arguably Rapunzel in the movie Tangled was The Familiar of the semi-immortal witch, Mother Gothel. Jaskier in The Witcher = Human Familiar to The Witcher Geralt. (What? You know he is!)

Billy in Agatha all along = Powerful male witch claimed as a Familiar by the witch Agatha Harkness.

Agatha Harkness in Agatha all along = Powerful witch’s ghost now the Familiar of the male witch, Billy. (Role swap.)

[zahri-melitor]

Okay, Babspoll thoughts.

John Ostrander & Kim Yale: it’s all about Oracle Year One. Their combined rehab job of Barbara as an effective hero on the pages of Suicide Squad, then writing her reasoning? It’s beautiful, I know why they’re popular.

Alan Moore: I did say everyone significant. Unfortunately Moore simultaneously wrote the most significant thing that ever happened to Barbara as a character, while failing to centre HER in the narrative of her injury.

Chuck Dixon: as much as I respect Ostrander and Yale’s work, we wouldn’t have the Oracle we know and remember today if Dixon hadn’t given us Birds of Prey and Dick/Barbara (and Barbara & Dinah what do you mean this is completely straight). He made her an essential part of the nascent Batfam. He gave her so many community connections and made her a central figure among the heroes. He made her a team leader. Plus he wrote Batgirl Year One, which is the main reimagining of Babs’ Batgirl period post-Crisis and well beloved.

Gail Simone gave Barbara what nobody else had ever bothered to do - more women friends. She also altered the feel of Birds of Prey to be less “single agent sent in on a mission” James Bond style and to be a more complex juggle of experts with different skillsets for larger missions. She gave Barbara more scope. Simone also ups the ‘Barbara as a mentor’ stakes and has her training more teenagers, and I love Babs as a mentor figure.

Tony Bedard managed two particular stand out moves in his run, in my opinion. The first was the fight scene with the Joker, where Barbara got to tell him in person “you have taken nothing from me”. The second is the way Babs moves everyone to Platinum Flats and openly denies this is partly due to proximity to where Ollie and Dinah are living, I don’t know what you’re talking about, also agent please keep spying on the Arrows and reporting everything they’re doing to me.

Kelley Puckett as much made this list for his two Babsgirl issues as for Batgirl 2000. He’s one of the few writers who writes her both as Batgirl and as Oracle in this period, so he’s thought about the difference. Also he created the Barbara as mentor dynamic, which I love and which has provided so much over the years.

Bryan Q. Miller is probably my least favourite Babs writer who isn’t Alan Moore. His best stuff with her is with Wendy/Proxy - I feel he missed the mark with her otherwise.

Grant Morrison gave us the main Oracle on the JLA run. And respect for putting her in that weight class and respecting how important her skills were to the whole community. She’s helped save the planet a time or two.

John Francis Moore I popped in as he actually has an interesting overlooked duology of issues with Barbara and Selina: one while Babs is Batgirl and one while she is Oracle. He also wrote Batman: Family which has one of the broadest scale Batfam team ups of post-Crisis (I think the only event with more core and peripheral members involved is Battle for the Cowl). And I’m always interested in more pre-Oracle content.

Devin Grayson uses Barbara a lot but has the usual issue that she’s SO dramatic. Her best stuff with Babs is probably the Dick/Babs breakup phone calls in Nightwing #100, and how she counsels Dick and Tim in Gotham Knights #26. Unfortunately Grayson also wrote GK #6 which turned the already-complicated ‘how is Barbara biologically related to Jim’ into an even more painful snarl. Jim’s her dad no question but didn’t need to be her bio dad, you know?

Overlooked (ran out of slots): Barbara Randall Kesel. Kesel wrote both Flawed Gems and the Last Batgirl Story, and established the immediate post-Crisis state of Barbara. A lot of this was later overlaid/retconned by Batgirl Year One, but Kesel’s important as she’s the writer who brought Babs over to post-Crisis.

[tonguetiedraven]

Ao No Summer 2023 Prompt: Shopping!

I went bonrin for this one. Short and sweet!

(⁠♡⁠ω⁠♡⁠ ⁠)⁠ ⁠~♡~(⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)

Shopping with Rin was always a bit of an adventure. Ryuuji had been on many adventures with Rin, but shopping was the chaotic sort of adventure that felt like it really shouldn't be one.

But then again, Rin had always made food and adventure. Rin also managed to feed the two of them, Kuro, whatever other random demon had found its way into their house, lunch for Yukio for each work day, and something to feed any random visitors they might have. (And it couldn't be something as simple as instant ramen because Mephisto had given Rin a personal grudge against that for a meal and he had a tendency to growl anytime that Ryuuji mentioned it as an option.)

All of which meant that shopping trips with Rin tended to be a bit long, and strangely involved. Ryuuji would suggest making a list every time they had to go to the store, and every time they went to the store, his idea was shot immediately down. Usually with a look from Rin like he was questioning his boyfriend's intelligence for even bringing it up. Ryuuji didn't get looked at like he was stupid all that often, but there was something about shopping, specifically grocery shopping, that made Rin use that look far too often.

The lists were never made, and the trips were never quick.

Part of the problem was that Rin liked to look at everything. He would pick through all the produce, move every can, squeeze every loaf, pick up every spice and squint at it, check the prices and check them again, and spend long enough in the freezer section that Ryuuji almost always wished he had brought a coat. The boy Ryuuji intended to marry someday simply could not leave a grocery store unless he felt like he knew everything it contained in its depths.

The boy Ryuuji loved also couldn't remember something for longer than 5 minutes, so every time they came back to the store Rin seemed to have to once again reacquaint himself with the entirety of it.

It would be utterly exasperating if it wasn't also so fascinating to watch Rin create new recipes and ideas right in front of him. A random vegetable would give him an idea for a brand new masterpiece that sounded slightly strange, or entirely incomprehensible to Ryuuji while Rin eagerly described it at a quick ramble, usually with incorrect words, and then the moment they got home, Rin would start to create his new masterpiece and it would be delicious and the memory of their lengthy trip would begin to fade.

The second reason for their lengthy trips, other than the aforementioned need to know everything in the store, and the tendency to create new recipes while he was roaming the aisles, was that neither Ryuuji or Rin (or Yukio for that matter) made anything close to a lot of money. Exorcist had fairly meager salaries, and there was rent to be paid, insurance to be bought (because Rin's method of fighting did tend to result in some things burning, and a few buildings or furniture being mildly destroyed), new clothes to be bought because the fighting and flames were rough on them too, and they never had a lot of money to spend on food.

Yet, one would never know with the quality and the quantity of food that Rin managed to produce. Ryuuji could happily tell them that it was because Rin spent hours on finding the best deals. Rin—who had failed most of his math classes and had only passed any of them because Ryuuji, Yukio, and Konekomaru had dragged him through them—would stare at the prices and compare them and figure out substitutes or how he could completely remove specific ingredients just so that he could fit their price range.

Most people considered Rin to be an artist in the kitchen, and Ryuuji would be the first to agree to that description. Rin was able to create masterpieces on a whim in the kitchen. He could sculpt beautiful items and create exquisite new tastes all while making it feel like love, but...

Ryuuji thought that Rin was also an incredible sight in a grocery store. He was an artist there as well, not as one traditionally thought of them, but there was something beautifully creative and incredibly resourceful and the way he would take the challenge of their tiny budget and make it last and stretch and be something delicious and exciting. And while he would not be opposed to shorter trips, he still thought it was fun to watch Rin work.

[maniacwatchestheworld]

Two-Face ought to be a top Batman sexyman!

Of the candidates left in @batman-heritageposts' Batman Sexyman tournament, in my mind Two-Face is the best suited to be considered the best Batman sexyman, even though unlike Scarecrow, he does not even have an actual entry on Sexypedia! To prove my point, I have gone onto Sexypedia's trope list and taken the liberty of actually compiling a list of all the sexyman tropes that I believe can definitively apply to him. So for your viewing pleasure, the list:

Angst Tragic backstory. Lamenting the life he's lost as well as his own present existence. Two-Face is FULL of all kinds of angst! And given that he used to be besties with Bruce, he even makes Batman angst too!

Chaoslord Comes with the territory of his gimmicks. He is often noted as being Batman's most unpredictable villain because he lets a coin make all of the decisions for him! Even he can't predict what he's going to do next! Chaos vs order is a persistent theme with him.

Criminal Obviously.

Dealmaker More in a gambling way than in a supernatural 'deal with the devil' way. But he often makes promises and deals and will keep to them so long as the coin flips the right way. Also he used to be a lawyer. Kinda comes with the territory.

DILF He may not be a canonical parent right now, but boy does he have the vibes for it!

Distinctive Voice (Two-Face) While Harvey tends to talk in a pretty normal voice, Two-Face often talks in a growl. Depends on the iteration though.

Divorced We know for a fact that Harvey was married... And while in current canon his wife is supposed to be dead, in many canons it's often unclear whether she's dead, they split up for whatever reason through whatever methods, or whether they're still together. Because you know. Continuity! In any case, him being divorced from Gilda isn't an unpopular theory. A valid one, certainly given how he's caught up in a cycle of being at Arkham and on the streets as a criminal.

Dominating (Two-Face) Usually Two-Face, not Harvey so much, and through sheer force of personality. Big step on me vibes here!

Duality The basis of his entire character and gimmick!

Egotistical (Two-Face) Harvey tends to be a pretty humble guy. He certainly has a lot to brag about, being a legitimate legal genius and all, but he tends to keep it on the down-low. Two-Face on the other hand? He ABSOLUTELY thinks that he's hot shit and will brag about it, and will shoot at anyone who doesn't want to listen or disagrees with him!

Eye Imagery His whole asymmetrical deal leads to him having very... Interesting eyes... In many iterations he doesn't have an eyelid on the scarred side, making that eye look bulbous in comparison. Also the whole getting half of his face melted off thing led to his eye color changing in many iterations. So as a minimum, he's usually portrayed as having some form of heterochromia.

Gay/Questionable LGBT Rep The fact that this man who is Bi everything NOT being confirmed as interested in men should be considered a CRIME! Let Harvey make out with Bruce already!

Hot-headed (Two-Face) Harvey can usually keep his cool, but Two-Face is noted for being very hot-headed. When Harvey loses his temper, that's usually when Two-Face ends up fronting.

Intelligence (mostly Harvey) While Two-Face is certainly no idiot, Harvey is likely the smarter one by sheer virtue of he's an actual genius when it comes to matters involving the law. Law genius also translates pretty well to criminal genius, turns out. There was a reason that Harvey was District Attorney. He was just the best damn lawyer in all of Gotham and for good reason!

Knifemurderer Yep! Two-Face sure has murdered a whole lot of people! Two-Face is probably most well-known for deciding whether to kill people or not based off of a coin flip.

Magnificent Bastard In many iterations, fits this trope to a T.

Power of Love In his third ever appearance, he decided to stop being a criminal because Gilda still loved him despite his appearance. Since then, this is a theme that continues to pop up now and again with his character- that so long as people love Harvey, he can be saved.

Questionable Neurodivergent Rep Is explicitly shown to be plural and having OCD. The representation is often... Not so great... Though it does seem to be a thing that many writers are trying to improve on.

Scars Literally half of his entire face, and oftenhis body will be scarred up too! It's where he gets his moniker of "Two-Face" and is therefore deeply tied to his character and gimmicks.

Tall Usually.

Twisted Freaking Cycle Path Yep! Usually with DID.

Unkempt (Two-Face) Harvey usually keeps pretty tidy, but sometimes Two-Face will be unkempt on his side of the body.

Villain Obviously.

Morally Grey Obviously, again. Also this is like his entire deal!

Well-Dressed/Suitguy He's practically THE suitguy of the Batman rogues gallery! With snazzy two-tones suits that are split down the middle too! Definitely among the best dressed of the rogues.

White Hair Often his disfigured side will have messy white hair, if he has hair on that side at all.

Meanwhile, how many sexyman tropes apply to Dick Grayson? I'll be honest, I know nothing about the Talon iteration of Dick Grayson and therefore more of the sexyman tropes likely apply to him than your bog standard Dick Grayson... BUT IS IT 27 TROPES!!!??? Even Scarecrow doesn't have 27 tropes attributed to him on his sexyman page! And I didn't even include the more subjective tropes the require a fair bit of popularity like Johnlocked, Controversial, or Fanon Splintering!

Do the right thing and prove that Two-Face is the best Batman sexyman!

Vote Harvey "Two-Face" Dent for Batman sexyman!