#and I hope that these people learned their lesson

[crescenthistory]

begging for a fic where regulus says “i love you” to reader for the first time and it FLOORS them bc reggie is not one to voice his feelings a lot, much less something as powerful as the feeling of love

listen, when i saw this ask i sat down and wrote this in ONE sitting, THANK you. you probably intended for this to be a scene at the beginning of a relationship, but i instead decided to psychoanalyse my poor darling reg for a few thousands of words and give him a patient partner. hope you'll forgive me lols<3

Words: 3k

Warnings: not proofread, the most ancient and noble black family trauma (including descriptions of abuse and neglect), gn!reader, black brothers angst and reconciliation, sunshine!reader, reader is very patient and understanding with regulus, kinda past bartylus, barty is a hugger here, reg pov so some spiraling, vague implied references to sex (so implied that i believe it's safe for minors, but just putting that out there)

on the tip of my tongue

It’s not that Regulus didn’t love you. Quite the opposite, actually. 

It’s just that love had not been a spoken matter in his life until you barged into it. Love was implicit as much as it was hidden and reserved; something you grabbed greedily at while you had it and rationed carefully over the next few weeks or months, hoping to get by on it. 

For a long time, Regulus thought his mother loved him. She was strict and firm, but when he came to her for advice, she would give it and might even pat him on the cheek if he accepted what she had to say readily enough. He would hold his cheek afterwards and syphon the warmth left from her touch, wishing there was a way for it to stay with him forever.

When he got to Hogwarts and experienced true, unrestrained friendship he realised there was a way for it to stay with him forever – the other party just had to not withhold it. His cheek would be warm if the people who loved him kept holding, kept returning. With them, attention was not something he was occasionally graced with, it was always on him, within easy reach.

It took him a while, but Regulus eventually got used to the physical affection, at least from his friends. He came to expect it and lean into it, which in and of itself felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. There were hugs and pats on the back and tousled hair. There were pretend-scuffles on the quidditch field and the common room. There was that one term in third year where Barty decided he and Regulus simply must learn how to kiss and the boys spent most nights sneaking off into the empty common room and unskillfully, sloppily making out through kisses. There was that one night in fifth year where they picked it back up again. 

Still, with the hands-on approach to love that Barty and Dorcas had and infused into their little safe haven of a friend group, it remained unspoken. There was the occasional “mate” or the nicknames he brought with him from home – “Reg” was fine and while he did not much care for “Reggie”, he let it slide due to the affection it held. The closest they got to spoken love were the promises to fiercely protect each other, to kill and die by each other’s sides if must be. To beat the living daylights out of anyone who lays a finger on the other and then hex the pain to stay with them forever. An oath of loyalty was their "I love you".

Other than them, Sirius had been his one source of affection throughout his life, but as everything else in Grimmauld’s Place it had been quiet. 

Sirius was the perfect big brother, whether Regulus wanted to admit that or not. He held his hand when they crossed the street and held Regulus at night when he cried. Sirius taught him as much as he could, and though he occasionally was arrogant or impatient with his lessons, he didn’t give up on them. Regulus knew he loved Sirius at the very least, even if he had in more recent years questioned if that love was returned.

The problem with Sirius is that Regulus does not know of most of the affection the older boy showed him. Sirius insists that the two spent the majority of their first years attached at the hip, but Regulus struggles to remember much before the age of 12, which you had once told him he might want to look into with a professional at some point. To which Regulus emphasised the “at some point” more than the rest. So any hugs or touches or love Sirius showed him has been long since forgotten. Apart from the bed-sharing; Regulus remembers that vividly. Crawling into his older brother’s bed at night when he had nightmares, hoping Sirius could chase the monsters away. Regulus didn’t think he did it that often, but Sirius swore he once slept an entire three months solely in Sirius’ bed.

The most significant way Sirius loved Regulus, though, was through what he did for him, not to him, which Regulus did not himself see. He was such a good shield between their parents and Regulus that the young boy didn’t even realise the service he provided. Scoldings, blames and beatings – there was nothing Sirius did not take for Regulus.

If Regulus’ childhood was painful enough not to remember, he could not stand the thought of how Sirius’ must have been.

That is part of how he learned not to resent him for leaving Grimmauld’s Place – even that he did in part for Regulus. When left alone with an increasingly vexed Walburga Black, Regulus learnt quickly how severe some punishments can be. Consequently, he learned what Sirius had endured for him, how strong of a shield he had been. 

Sirius knew he could no longer withstand the weight of that house, so he left, in hopes that he could be a better protector for Regulus from afar. Finding a good home full of warmth and smiles, and coaxing Regulus into joining him there under safer circumstances than he himself had. When the two had their infamous heart-to-heart, it was Sirius choking on the words “better protector” that finally broke Regulus – the first time he had cried in front of his older brother since they were little.

Now he knew well that Sirius loved him, beyond most words. And the things they said to each other during that talk where he convinced Regulus to leave might even mean more than a simple “I love you”. Still, it remained unsaid. 

It was simply not tradition for Regulus Black to speak them.

Then, he met you. 

What was that thing James always says? Game-changer? You were that for him.

Somehow, affection just came pouring out of you like you were overflowing with it and just had to share it. With your friends and your family, even strangers – it just came naturally to you. And when Regulus entered your orbit through his reunion with Sirius, you more than happily let that extend to him as well.

It absolutely floored him. 

The first time you said “I love you” to him was long before you got together or before he even had the nerve to actively flirt with you. You ran into him in the hallway and stopped him, trying to squeeze as much conversation as you could out of him in the few minutes you both had between classes. It was evident you were soaking up his presence as if it was truly enjoyable, and it warmed something in him he was only able to name later on. When you had to run, you ended the conversation with a casual “okay, see you later, I love you, bye!”. Regulus was left gaping. Nearly ended up late to McGonagall’s class because of you. 

Saying it as a form of temporary goodbye reminded him of how he used to ration his mother’s touches, it carried him until the next time he saw you. Except next time with you was dinner later the same day, and then breakfast and then hanging out in the library. He never had to wait long, never had to go wanton.

The love kept flowing freely from you in all the ways he had gotten used to over the years and then many more – physical touch, quality time, acts of services, words of affirmation, you checked off the whole list. He began calling you soleil, French for sunshine because of how you shone with that love for everyone. It was a slip of the tongue one day, and when he saw how it made you smile, he just kept calling you that.

With such a loving and lovely creature, Regulus thought he couldn’t help but fall in love with you; he was not at fault for it, you were entirely to blame with your loveliness.

His voice had shook some when he first confided in Sirius about it. The older boy had smiled fondly and joked, “That was not quite what I meant when I told you to make yourself at home with my friends, but I’m glad you’re comfortable.” Regulus argued he in no way shape or form felt comfortable with the emotion, but Sirius would have none of it.

His voice shook even more the first time he told you how lovely you look today, but unlike Sirius, you didn’t notice. You smiled and returned the sentiment with ease. He realised then that he would likely not be able to talk himself into a relationship with you, given his lack of skill and your lack of deducing any intent behind sweet words, so he went the Regulus-route as Sirius had called it.

Meaning, he pursued you through quiet, unwavering loyalty and company, attaching himself at your hip for as long as you seemed comfortable with it. When he realised there was no limit on the amount of time you were willing to spend with him, he went further. 

Regulus went to hold your hand for the first time in Hogsmeade. Looking back on it, you both laughed at how he spent ten whole minutes inching his hand closer and closer to yours, practically holding his breath, awaiting a rejection or harsh response. Ever so slowly, he interlinked his pinky with yours. An opening both for you to take it further or cast him aside, whichever you pleased he would accept. The beaming smile you flashed as you looked up at him then, lacing the rest of your fingers together tightly, never left his mind for long.

Hand holding led to walking arm in arm which led to prolonged hugs which finally, finally found you both sitting in the Astronomy tower, kissing with large, dumb smiles on your faces. The same night you had your first kiss Regulus surmises you probably had your first hundred kisses.

Now, laid in bed beside you, two years into dating, Regulus could not imagine not being comfortable around you. He smiles fondly when he thinks of the boy he was before you decided to simply drown him in affection, but he does not relate to him anymore. There is no place he would rather be than here by your side, in the flat he purchased for the two of you straight out of Hogwarts – the last time he can remember panicking before asking you to take the next step in your relationship – playing idly with your fingers as you hummed some melody he could not place. It felt right.

The one thing that had remained the same throughout your relationship, both before and after it turned romantic, was that you overflowed with “I love you”s and he had not said it once.

You had talked about it before, of course you had. Sirius had given Regulus a stern talking to about communication when you first started going out, unwilling for his baby brother and friend to get hurt by their own stupidity. 

“I don’t know if I can say it,” Regulus had said then. “It sounds ridiculous, but I don’t know how.”

“It’s a good thing you don’t need to then,” you had said so simply, through a smile that made his heart spin happily. “I know what I need to know. I like saying my truth because that’s how I am; but I am more than happy to accept you showing yours because that’s how you are. And I love you as you are.”

Regulus had known in his bones that you meant it, and that made it all the more sweeter. He attacked you with kisses after that, relishing in the giggles it drew from you.

“If it ever changes, will you tell me?” Regulus asked after, when you quieted down in each other’s arms. “If you ever need to hear it?”

You had said something about how you “do hear it”, always with your metaphors and abstract ways of viewing things. When Regulus, ever the pragmatist, had insisted on getting an answer to his question because “you know what I mean”, you had promised to tell him. You never did need to because it never changed for you.

It was Regulus it changed for.

In your shared bed, your hand in his as he followed its outline and your bare legs entangled, something deep in him shifted. You were sleepy and content above him, reading some paperback he borrowed you ages ago that you only picked up once you moved in together and all your books were in the same place anyway. He was laying half on top of your chest and staring at you with what had to be love in his eyes because that’s what he felt in his soul. He had been staring for the past half an hour, not even realising it, lost in his train of thought.

He had expected that when he would finally say it, there would be some grand reason, some special moment. Something that would cause that shift, something that required him to voice what he felt and you knew.

There wasn’t; it was just you and him, and he was so unbelievably happy and comfortable. He had tried microdosing love and you ended up giving him a lifetime supply instead. You were everything.

“Sol?” The question drawled out of him, mouth ahead of his brain but heart running miles before both. 

You looked up with a smile, stopping your absentminded humming. “Yeah, love?”

His eyes crinkled at the corners and he spent another minute just looking at your face. You let him, indulgent and sweet as ever.

“I love you.”

You froze. The smile remained on your face, the same contentedness there, but your eyes widened and your hand on his back stopped mid-circle. “What?” you whispered.

He kept staring at you with a smile, almost finding humour in your increasingly shocked expression, though some old part of him remained alert for rejection. Which makes no sense, she tells you it every day, he reminded himself. Still, old habits die hard.

You decided to trade one question for another upon his silence and your mental recalibration. “Why?”

“Why?” Regulus repeated through a laugh, as if the thought was incredulous. “Have you met yourself, soleil? Have you seen what you’ve done to me? I’ve always loved you.”

You sat up quickly at that, jostling Regulus up with you, though he was less graceful in the change of position as he did not anticipate it. You looked at him with the same wide-eyed expression. “Not what I meant,” you said then.

Regulus opened his mouth to say something, though he wasn’t sure what.

“But you didn’t have to,” you blurted out before he could. Rushed, almost frantic. “Don’t say it because you think you have to.”

Regulus furrowed his brows in confusion before they cleared up in realisation of your fear. He shifted to sit closer to you, practically pulling you between his legs, and grasped both your hands softly. They had been hovering between your forms, as if over an injury you did not know how to treat. Slowly, he dragged his thumbs back and forth over your knuckles. “Amour, soleil,” he whispered, emphasising the words with all his might. “I know I don’t have to. I wanted to. I want to, it feels right. I– I love you.”

The second time, the phrase flowed more freely from his tongue. Easily. He found he quite liked the taste.

You opened and closed your mouth twice, eyes flickering all over his face as if to deduce whether you trusted his words. Then, ever so slowly, he saw that smile he loves so much begin to grow over your lips, that looked increasingly more kissable to him.

“Yeah?” you asked him breathily through your oncoming grin.

“Yeah, baby,” he whispered. “I love you. I always have, you know. But I felt like saying it now.”

Your laughter was almost watery as you squeezed his hands in yours. “I do know. And I love you,” you asserted clearly, as if there had ever been any doubt.

“So I’ve heard.” The cheeky remark was the last thing that left Regulus’ lips before he moved forward and captured yours.

Just like that first kiss in the Astronomy Tower, one led to possibly a hundred more. Giggles and sighs all mixed together into what Regulus was proud to call his life.

A life with you. A life of love.

[mskenway97]

Wanting to follow up on the previous snippet of titan!Orion and cityspeaker!D-16 I came up with this: D-16 was processing everything that had happened that day in finding the titan: he found a race of titans that Sentinel Prime had said was extinct, but Orion seemed alive even though he couldn't transform so D-16 thought it was for lack of Energon. Secondly, finding the way out of that place was the most difficult thing because that titan didn't let him go at any time, he almost crushed him in his servos. Thirdly, as he explained to the miners, maybe someone would recognize them and they would come after him. Many things were going through the bot's head as he put down his tools while he went to berth to rest and have some peace but… -Deeeeee - a voice sounded in his head making him sigh, he tried to ignore it but the voice sounded again in his mind - Deeeee, come on I know you can hear me. We have a connection, buddy

-Some people sleep at this hour. Besides I've had a long day - said D-16 trying to find a position to sleep.

-But D… come on, I've been sleeping for I don't know how many cycles. Come on, get back here,” said Orion. So they stayed all night, some miners saw D-16 with the marks and what looked like the optics somewhat off that he had not been able to rest as he should. He had the same day as always taking the miner's tools to repair until he saw a bot in his path. Darkwing.

-Excuse me, sir - said D while Darkwing pushed him.

-That aside, miner, you are more absent-minded lately. One more mistake and you'll be back to level 1 or sub level 40… - Darkwing said as D-16 was about to respond, tremors were felt throughout the cave causing everyone to panic. D tried to keep his balance so as not to fall until the tremors ended. 'What just happened' thought D as he picked up the tools and left leaving Darkwing confused.

-That guy shouldn't have treated you like that I hope with this. Learn your lesson,' said Orion as D was somewhat shocked to hear him.

-Was it you with the tremor, what were you thinking? You could have done a lot of damage,” said D-16.

-Come on, I'm very careful, just give the necessary touches. Besides, sitting in the cave is very boring…. I need to move around a bit - said Orion leaving D-16 sighing.

-Yes, I'm going to see you, will you stay still? - said D-16

-You have my word - said Orion A moment later… After dodging the security system and a few guards. He had finally arrived. The cave had the illumination of the optics of Orion who did not hesitate to put his servo on the ground to climb up to D and see him more closely with a smile.

-Listen we have to have some rules, your movements threaten the foundation of the mine area. So I guess you'll have to find your way out of the place,” said D-16 while Orion nodded.

-I was just trying to defend you… You're the first being I've seen since I woke up. I want to know everything that happened and for you to tell me,” said Orion as D sighed.

-You are a pain in the spark… It's okay I can give you that information,” said D-16 letting Orion closer to D's face making him feel helpless as he received a gentle caress. D-16 had a small blue blush, he didn't know what intentions this titan had but it was clear he was going to get him all riled up as much as he could but on the other hand he wouldn't mind if he did.

[stxneflxwers]

tough love.

⋯⁂ summary. he could use tough love, but only yours.

⋯⁂ a/n. this glorious idea hit me... i had to write it immediately !! also if it reads weird halfway thru, it's cuz my internet fucking died and i had to finish this at two different times D:

⋯⁂ characters. aventurine x gn reader.

⋯⁂ cw. post-penacony. all lowercase. reader is brutally honest. aventurine gets some tough love. hurt/comfort. you knew each other pre-penacony. some cussing. awkward confession. you give him a hug.

aventurine is tired. fatigued. exhausted.

penacony has been one brutally eye-opening experience after another for him, and many others. a part of him wants to sleep for so long, so so long. perhaps not permanently, but when he feels well enough to face the world again. maybe.

this place is a goddamn nightmare, he thinks with a wry and weak chuckle.

right now, he's standing in clockie studios theme park – a place he's grown to partly resent, partly appreciate. he stares down the repaired big screen with crossed arms as he leans against a wall. it's now so isolated here, but people have bigger fish to fry, he thinks. yet... he can't help but feel so small in comparison. briefly, he feels relieved he isn't in the spotlight.

"you know, that was pretty shitty of you. maybe the shittiest. but... maybe you've learned your lesson, hm?"

a familiar voice nearby echoes in his ears – your voice. your sweet yet painfully forthright voice. you're perhaps the only damned person in this unforgiving universe that could hope to understand his inner machinations.

now, he finds himself appreciating you more than ever. maybe he's ready to be seen, even just a little. but only by you.

he smirks, "yeah, maybe i did." he laughs weakly.

silence casts a thick blanket over you two. maybe for a moment too long.

"you know," you start again, "i've been incredibly worried over your dumb ass." you sigh, yet it's the sweetest sound to him.

"ah," he mutters shyly, "my bad." he can't stop smiling, but it's hardly one borne from his false bravado.

"...damn right it's 'your bad'," you frown slightly, the sight hurts to see. and then you stride up to him with tentative confidence, "...i missed you, too." you stand a couple of paces away from him.

"you know what? i missed you like hell too." he confesses, there's something mysteriously soft in his gaze as he stares you down. his gaze lacks its usual lightlessness, it's the first time you've ever seen a shimmer of something honest in him.

"you're finally changing, then!" you grin, finally closing the distance, "i believe in you, aven. i always have, i always will. and, well…" you hesitate, a rare occurrence. "…i'm honored to witness your growth and change. you're not immutable… and, inevitably, everything is mutable." you whisper.

aventurine can't stop himself from blushing.

he's not sure why he's blushing – is it the proximity? no, he's used to standing near you. is it your words? no, not that either. is it your mere presence? ...maybe.

you notice his pink cheeks immediately. and you grin.

"what's with that look on your face, huh–"

"i love you."

you damn near choke on your own oxygen. (not that oxygen is entirely a necessity in a dream.) now you're the flustered one. actually, both of you are flustered – his red face rivaling your surprised expression.

"i–" he starts, "uh..." his mouth hangs open. why in the absolute hell did he just blurt that out? "haha! got ya! you know me and my–"

"that wasn't a prank, so don't even try pulling that on me..." your surprise shifts into a half-hearted glare, and a little pout that he wants to kiss so badly.

"haha... o-okay, not a prank..." he raises his hands defensively.

and then there's naught but silence. very awkward silence. the most awkward silence. he's still blushing, you're still glaring. he glances around, as if searching for the nearest exit, and when his eyes land back on you, you've taken a step closer to him.

"i love you too, you reckless idiot."

you sigh as your expression softens, even your voice is as light as a halovian's feather. it's music to his ears. he cracks a small smile, it's genuine and bashful with the way it curves his lips.

"...and i know my love can't fill the holes in your heart," you whisper, "but... you'll let me at least help you out with putting band-aids on for now, right?" you smile, he can taste how bittersweet it must feel for you.

"heh," he laughs breathily, "as long as it's you helping out."

"good. i can't keep pushing my way into your world, anyway, so... please... let me stay a while longer." you pull him into a tentative, careful hug – holding him like he's made of glass. and maybe he is.

"i..." he trails off as a sudden surge of emotions threatens to overwhelm him, bubbling in his chest. "stay." he hides his face in your shoulder.

"for as long as you'll have me."

"then... always?"

"always."

[bookwormjust]

Shadows and Remedies (established relationship with Azriel, you are a healer who go to some formation to multiplied your skills because their is new poisons in Prythian)

The days had become longer since you began your healer training, specializing in poisons and their antidotes. It was important work—critical, even. Poisoning had always been a threat in Prythian, and new, deadlier toxins were constantly surfacing. You’d taken it upon yourself to deepen your knowledge, learning how to manipulate and counteract the poisons that could harm your people. It wasn’t just for strangers, though. It was for your mate, Azriel, and for everyone you loved in the Inner Circle, who so often found themselves in dangerous situations.

But it meant long hours.

Your classes stretched late into the evening, and it wasn’t uncommon for you to be completely exhausted by the time you finished each night. The intricate work of studying toxins was mentally taxing, and there was always something new to learn—a more potent poison, a subtler symptom, a more complex cure.

Tonight was no different. The clock had just struck past 8pm, and the quiet halls of the training center were dimly lit, the day’s lessons weighing heavily on your mind. You stretched your sore muscles as you gathered your things, thoughts drifting to the townhouse where Azriel was likely waiting for you. You hadn’t seen him all day; both of you had been swept up in your respective responsibilities.

As you stepped outside, the cool evening breeze brushed against your skin, soothing the tension that had built up in your body. The stars twinkled overhead, but your focus was on getting home, seeing Azriel, and just… unwinding in his arms.

The walk through Velaris was peaceful, the Sidra shimmering nearby as you made your way back to the townhouse. Despite the long days, you felt fulfilled. Your training was important, and you knew it could make a difference—not just for the soldiers and spies who faced poisons in battle, but for anyone who might fall victim to such a cruel fate.

As you approached your home, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, leaning casually against the front door. Azriel. His wings were tucked neatly behind him, his hazel eyes gleaming softly in the dim light. He was still dressed in his leathers, though his stance was relaxed, and there was a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched you approach.

"Hey, you," you called softly, a tired smile spreading across your face.

Azriel straightened, walking toward you with that fluid grace he always carried. "You’re late," he teased gently, though his voice was full of warmth. His eyes swept over you, assessing whether you were okay—whether the long day had taken too much of a toll on you.

You rolled your eyes, reaching for his hand as he came close. “Classes ran long,” you said, squeezing his fingers. “There’s always something new to learn about poisoning. I swear, they keep coming up with new ways to kill people.”

Azriel’s eyes darkened slightly at your words, but he pulled you closer, his wings extending slightly to shield you from the chill of the evening. "Which is why you’re doing this," he murmured, his voice low and serious. "You’re going to save lives."

The sincerity in his words sent a warmth through your chest. Azriel had always been your biggest supporter, and it meant everything to you that he understood how important this was. You leaned into him, resting your head against his chest for a moment, letting the steady beat of his heart calm the lingering tension in your body.

"Let’s get you inside," Azriel said softly, pulling back just enough to brush a kiss against your forehead. “I made dinner. It’s waiting for you.”

You looked up at him in surprise, a smile blooming on your face. “You cooked?”

He shrugged, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I tried. Don’t get your hopes up—it’s edible, at least.”

You laughed, the sound lifting the weight off your shoulders. “I’m sure it’s perfect.”

Inside, the townhouse was warm and inviting, the scent of whatever Azriel had made filling the air. You kicked off your shoes and let Azriel guide you to the dining table, where two plates were set out—simple, but thoughtful. As you sat down, Azriel poured you a glass of wine, his eyes watching you closely as you took a sip.

The evening passed in a blur of quiet conversation, the two of you catching up on your day. Azriel shared some of the details from his latest mission, though he kept the more dangerous parts vague—he never wanted to worry you unnecessarily. And you told him about the new poison you’d studied today, the rare herbs required for its antidote, and how you’d practiced creating the cure in class.

But as the night wore on, Azriel grew quieter, his gaze lingering on you longer than usual.

“What is it?” you asked softly, setting your glass down as you noticed the way he was looking at you.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before meeting your eyes. “I just… I worry about you,” he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re learning all these things about poisons, and I know you’re doing it to help others, but… I can’t help but think about the risks. About how dangerous it can be.”

Your heart squeezed at his words. Azriel was rarely this open about his fears, but you could always sense them. His protectiveness over you was fierce, but it was also rooted in love.

“I know,” you whispered, reaching across the table to take his hand. “But I’m careful. And I’m doing this so that if—no, when—someone needs help, I’ll be able to give it. I’m doing this for you, too, Az.”

His gaze softened, and he squeezed your hand gently. “I know. I just… I can’t lose you.”

You stood up, moving around the table to slip into his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck. His arms immediately came around you, holding you close as you pressed your forehead against his. “You won’t lose me,” you murmured. “We protect each other, remember?”

Azriel nodded, his breath warm against your skin. “I’ll always protect you,” he promised, his voice fierce with determination.

“And I’ll protect you,” you replied, brushing a soft kiss against his lips.

For a long moment, you just held each other, the world outside fading away. In the quiet of your home, with the warmth of his body against yours, you felt safe. No matter how long your days were, no matter the dangers that came with your work, you knew you had this—Azriel, your love, your bond.

And that was all the protection you needed.

[creatingblackcharacters]

i'm a big horror nerd, so i loved the recommendation you had of the BlackHorrorMovies blog. i could literally read movie reviews for hours, you have completely enriched my enclosure.

also a fun occurrence this week: there was a guest speaker (dr. candice wilson, though i don't think she has content online) at my college presenting a talk called "Black horror, Black joy: the fantasy of Black male spectatorship", about exploitation horror and new Black horror. she had *fantastic* points and i wish it was online.

i've brought this up because she actually touched on a lot of topics that you did, and i wanted to thank you for your essay. i'm deeply sorry this website has been hiding your content. your elegant writing skills and digestible essay structures are out here for free while i'm attending professional lectures at a closed campus college. these topics are relevant, they are necessary, and open learning experiences are extremely valuable, especially on this website where i'm sure you've already gotten the brunt of people with very little experience in Black media discussion. we will always appreciate the patience and skill you put into all of your lessons, and i also hope your break was enjoyable. take care.

I'm glad I found something you'd like! And 🤣 look, I try to reach the folks who can't go to the college lectures. But the lectures are still important! I'd teach all this out loud to a class if I could, it'd be kinda fun. Alas. I would have loved to have seen that.

Yeah idk why the site wouldn't let that lesson take off. It was one of my favorites to write fr.

Also, "elegant writing skills and digestible essay structures" 😤🤌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 you better say that then! I appreciate it! Thank you so much for your kind words in general.

[katherinakaina]

Okay, so I’ve watched the recent interview because I became very curious what this whole “becoming Simon” thing was about. By pure coincidence I was thinking about Simon and what he represents the day before (I have books worth of Pathologic analysis in me) but I wasn’t going to write anything about it.

But this was concerning news. Because, well, we already have a protagonist who’s meant to be or become Simon during their 12 days, right? It’s Clara. And it’s very significant that Clara is Simon. Very very significant.

What is Simon? He is the creator and the keeper of the Town. The Town existed before him. But he is the one who molded it into its current form. And in doing so he molded himself in the image of the Town as well. Simon is a Bos Turokh transfigure. A semblance of the Town.

Simply put, Simon is the author of the game. Simon is Ice-Pick Lodge. He made it and now he steps aside. He has to die (death of the author, yes) for you to be able to enter it and interact with it. Their hands and their soul are everywhere you look. Every house, every street, the earth itself. But it is still in disarray without its creators and is dying to be understood again. Now you have to decide what’s best for it with your limited knowledge.

But knowledge does not remain limited. You start as a newcomer, continue as a local and finish as Simon’s reincarnation. You play the game three times and discover its remaining secrets and end up in the position where you know it as well as the people who made it. You have changed in the Town’s image and it has changed in yours. You are a Bos Turokh transfigure now. You have become Simon. You can see the whole picture now and understand that the whole Town is worth saving.

In the remake we play first as Artemy and he is pretty far from understanding the world he’s in. He doesn’t even really care for Simon. Daniil definitely cares a whole lot more. This time you return to the Town actively looking for Simon. You crave the next piece of the puzzle. And that’s why Daniil can go further than Artemy in his understanding of the world.

But only Clara can truly become Simon, right? What will she be doing then if Daniil already figured everything out?

So I went and listened. Basically, no, Daniil does not become Simon or time traveling Simon or anything like that (we’ll see what happens in the game but it definitely not what’s being said in the interview). But my vision seems to be correct in the way that Simon is deliberately setting up a puzzle for Daniil. A lesson for him to learn. And it is up to every individual player how fast they’ll learn it if at all. In this sense Simon is your teacher and you yourself is the student. And while learning you become more and more of a teacher yourself. So, become more Simon-like gradually.

I still hope you won’t become Simon completely. Like, you can’t, right? One whole third of Simon is yet to be discovered.

How I imagine it will go:

Daniil: “I’ve figured it out. I know all his tricks. The student becomes the master”

Clara: “MASTER OF SHIT!” - tears the layers of reality to pieces and shows the programming code underneath.

[gem-de-lune]

Chit Chat and Updates

Hey guys, how are you all doing? I hope you are keeping strong!!

I have a few things I wanna cover for today.

1. I plan to do a reading today focusing on us and what we can still do that can ultimately have an effect and support RII7E.

As many of you know, I am unable to proceed with the usual method i use due to the sensitivity of the situation and there being some boundaries in place. But I am still monitoring and trying to see what little bits I can divulge when possible. Until then, we will be focusing on us.

Similarly and not related to this, I will reiterate to new people- Please do not ask:

When will SH come back?

What are the chances SH will come back?

Will SM bring him back?

When will SM bring him back?

The answer to all of these is: it depends on how long and hard we fight for the outcome. If we give up it is 100% over. Please do not ask me these questions. Instead of wanting an easy answer lets ask HOW we can make it happen, yes? I want to support everyone but we cannot just sit around hoping the outcome we want comes naturally and use a guaranteed answer as a means for motivation...that's like only studying bc you know you will get 100%. Who does that? Not only is it impossible to guarantee something with 100% certainty, but it just incites complacency. We don't need that.

2. Recently, as yall may know, I have been on the bird app to post my readings and incite some motivation....but good god, i am reminded of why I absolutely detest that app. The hyper consumption of knowing everything going on, both good and bad- yet still being within a tiny bubble community is so so so emotionally draining and even though I understood this was the cause of a lot of your negativity and depression before, I FEEL it now. I am not depressed or anything abt the situation in my personal realm, but it's more like I am forced as an empath to feel everyone else's feelings with every new post. It is soul sucking and gut-wrenching.

I wanted to stay updated and just help people, but it's insane the amount of literal life sucking energy that app has even amongst the silly bits.

So i want to say this to yall: PLEASE GET OFF OF TWITTER SOMETIMES.

Get your news, get your general vibe, like some posts, and gtfo until you need another BRIEF checkup. The longer you scroll, the more it sucks you bone dry and the more likely you see stupid things that make you upset.

Please please please get off there sometimes and spend some time in nature outside or at least on Tumblr.

My blog, while I wanted it to be a safe and positive space, has become a little tension filled due to this vibe i have been carrying with me, and i want it to end. I will be doing what I stated above too bc gosh, I really need my safety bubble back.

I hope you all heed this advise a little. It's okay to stay updated but scrolling for hours is not necessary and is going to take a toll of you mentally and emotionally even if you are not an empath.

3. I am thinking of doing live readings.

Idk abt the logistics yet, but I'm thinking a voice call situation so people can ask things realtime (this is lowkey bc i am tired of typing lately, hehe but pls do not blame me)

Some options are a Discord or maybe even just voice notes for my tumblr readings. Idk though. Yall lmk if you would bee interested in those!

I could also do little beginner lessons for new readers on a live format since some of yall are interested in learning tarot. It could be fun! Lmk if yall have any ideas.

That's all for now, I hope yall are doing okay. Just trust and wait!

For the outro pic, here is a pic of the cutest manhwa cat i have ever seen from this manhwa i have been reading lately:

Love yall!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

[d3athmaskd1v1n3]

Hello, welcome to the Yandere side of fanfic! I have seen your first fanfic, and it is good! Can you write another one with Dr.Crane as a psychology professor who takes an interest in his quiet student and decides to kidnap her one day because he feels he is the only one who truly knows her?

Case studies

Johnathan Crane x Fem!reader

(Squueeeee! My first request! I hope you like it. I took a few creative liberties with it, I hope you don't mind. I got to writing as soon as I got the request.) (TW! Kidnapping and inappropriate student/teacher dynamics)

She was a good student, but she was… spacey. One could call her meek, odd, quiet, like she'd shatter and break at any moment. She had the demeanour of a prey animal.

She would often space out during lectures, lost in her daydreams. Because of this, she often asked her professors to repeat themselves. As you could imagine, plenty of professors found (Y/N) annoying, but Professor Crane was different. He took his status as an educator very seriously, and almost seemed delighted to help (Y/N).

The small chats they had after class, the emails she’d send to him to inform him she was late, the questions she’d ask during lectures, it all painted the image not of a dimwitted girl, but of one who was clearly intelligent yet far too…

Fearful.

It was elementary to deduce that was the source of his obsession. Fear was his domain. It's what his research was built on. To see somebody who's natural state of being seemed to be that of trepidation was like dangling a piece of meat in front of a hungry dog.

“I'm sorry for asking too many questions during class today, sir.” she said one day after an especially lengthy lecture. “I didn't mean to drag it on like that. I know I must have ticked off the other students.”

“It's quite alright, Ms. (L/N). In fact, I was glad to see you speak up more.” he smiles as he reassures her. He isn't the most handsome man, being rather tall, gaunt and gangly, but his words and his smile filled her with a warm, comforting feeling.

“You did?”

“Of course! It makes me happy to see young people who are so eager to learn.” he paused for a moment, the gears in his head turning.

“You know, I find it interesting how quiet you are. You're an intelligent young woman, yet you go about your day constantly worrying about the thoughts and feelings of others. Tell me, Ms. (L/N), why is that?”

That question made (Y/N) falter for a minute. It came out of left field.

“To be honest, I don't know. I’ve always been like this, I guess.” she answered.

“Most people don't know why they do the things they do, or act the way they act. They simply believe it's in their nature. I disagree, however. People tend to learn unconscious lessons in their childhood that carries into how they behave in adulthood.” Crane explains.

“Yes, yes, I know. We’ve covered this in class, remember?”

“Of course I do, Ms. (L/N). I'm merely thinking out loud, you see.”

“You're wondering what happened in my childhood that taught me to be so flighty?” (Y/N) asked. This made Crane let out a soft chuckle.

“Always quick to follow, aren't you? I like that about you.”

“So what is your guess?”

Crane liked how bold she’d become when they spoke one on one. Seeing her come out of her shell made him feel prideful.

“You were bullied and your teachers didn't do anything about it. Because of this, you learned to keep your head down and not to complain when things go badly for you.” Crane replied with confidence. “You learned that other people are out to get you. That anyone can be a potential bully. Those who aren't bullies are enablers, and enablers are always those who have authority, like your teachers.”

“That's pretty specific. Suspiciously specific.”

“Did I get it right?”

(Y/N) took a deep breath before nodding. It was eerie how spot on he was.

“I'm a psychologist. I know how these things work. I also get the feeling you have had your brain picked before. Have you ever gone to see a psychiatrist?”

Again, he’s spot on.

“Yeah… I’ve been to my fair share of psychiatrists.”

“I thought so. You have a unique mind. It's a shame people dismiss you.”

She couldn't lie, hearing him say that makes her feel happy.

With that, she quickly and politely said her goodbyes and left the lecture hall. Crane lingered there for a while, still thinking, analysing and dissecting everything about (Y/N).

As she got off the city bus and made her way home, (Y/N) felt the November chill hit her skin. It was dark out.

Damn these late classes. She thought to herself.

She didn't hear the footsteps behind her.

With one swift motion, her assailant grabbed her, putting a cloth over her mouth and nose.

She thrashed about, trying desperately to shake her attacker off of her.

“Deep breaths, Ms. (L/N), take deep breaths.” a familiar voice rings out in the night. Is that…?

Before she can finish that thought, the world around her fades away.

When she awoke, the first thing she noticed was the smell of food wafting in from another room. Then, she looked around. It appeared like she was in a guest bedroom. The bed was covered with warm quilt blankets, and the room was nicely yet sparsely decorated. It would have been rather cozy if she knew where the hell she was.

The next thing she noticed was the fact her hands were tied. Shit. She can't do much without the use of her hands. She can't even grasp the doorknob.

She felt panic start to set in. Just what the hell is going on?

The door to the small guest room opened, and Jonathan Crane entered with a plate of eggs and bacon.

“I knew you'd be hungry when you woke up. You slept through dinner last night.”

Last night? So it must be the morning, then.

“I can't eat without the use of my hands.” (Y/N) said. Despite the panic she felt, she had to be smart. There's no use in putting up a fuss if it could get her in trouble.

“Right you are. I didn't want you sneaking off while I wasn't in the room to watch you. You sleep very soundly, you know?”

He set the plate on the bedside table, then untied her hands.

“Now, I know you must be very alarmed, but do not fret, my dear. I’m not going to harm you like my other students.”

“Huh?!” she couldn't even hide your shock at what he just said.

“Oh, surely you've noticed a few of your peers missing from class as the semester went on.”

“I-I just assumed they dropped the class.” she stammered a bit.

“No, no… I merely needed some test subjects for my research. I can't study fear without scaring the living hell out of people, now can I?” he let out a laugh like he just told an innocent joke.

“But don't worry, dear (Y/N). I don't see the use in subjecting you to such a thing.” he watched as she picked up the plate of food and slowly begin to eat. She didn't even feel like eating after hearing your professor just admit to torturing people, but she was hungry.

“Do you like it? I hope you enjoy scrambled eggs. If not, I’ll make sure to make them differently next time.”

“Why aren't you going to torture me?” she asked, setting the plate back down on the table.

“Why? I have much more interesting things to learn from you than how you’d respond to fear. After all, you're always such an anxious mess, aren't you, dearest?” he responded with honey in his words, as if he was talking to his beloved and not his student. “No… I want to know about the rest of you. I want to know the sides of you that even you don't know about. The parts of you that are buried beneath that fear.”

He lifted a hand up to her face, cupping it gently. She looked into his eyes. His eyes were full of warmth, but that did nothing to comfort her at all.

“(Y/N), it's alright. I’ll take care of you…

As long as you let me study you.”

[vampiredungeon]

In my time at high school there have been (at least) two student accidents directly caused by phone use WITH THEIR YOUNGER SIBLINGS IN THE CAR because apparently texting is more important then human life.

[dawnthefluffyduck]

Sunday doodles, design is ER!ralsei from @lynxgriffin 's Eldritchrune AU (hope the tag is okay!)

[waterlinkedgirl]

Musical Touken Ranbu: Michinooku ~ Hitotsu Hachisu (Michinooku ~ A Single Lotus)

Here we go! Only a few days after the archive release and toumyu's ninth anniversary (congratulations!)

Michioku, or Michihasu, is a myu I have many conflicting feelings about, both positive and negative. However, I do believe that with the right amount of care in the next Mika-related story myu, the negative can still be cleared. Plus, I'm glad about a lot of things being re-established. The writer does need to step up her game a little on the plot-writing side of things, as well as the understanding-and-respecting-past-myu side of things, but as long as she does, this can still be given a proper place within what was already established.

Keep in mind that these are only the subtitle files, timed and tled to the DMM senshuuraku and the bluray respectively. The archive version will have a talk at the start, so the starting times of the subs will have to be delayed accordingly.

You can find the subtitles and my TL notes document here!

[professional-bulshitter]

i think it's because of Rose actually?? in the way that when Rose is taken away (so violently and jarringly, mind you) the audience doesn't really know how to react? Because they got too attached to Rose as a character (one, as a self insert but relatable character and two, as a person that humanises the doctor) and this had a very doctor like response to the idea of someone like Martha replacing her?

Because here, Martha is doing all the things that Rose used to do and her unrequited crush on him is making it worse because ten and Rose's relationship did have a canonically romantic undertone which means that when Martha desires him, so close to the doctor and the audience having lost Rose, they have a very aversive reaction to it

Additionally, there's the fact that Rose was the first companion that the doctor had post the revival of the show which means that again, the audience got very attached to her in a way, that when she was taken away, they felt ill equipped to deal w that kind of loss and so the insertion of Martha in that role meant the starting of an audience-character relationship on a very turbulent note very much like that of doctor and Martha.

Doctor's hot and cold dynamic with her again didn't help because the doctor is essentially the character that the audience uses to judge who to trust and who to like (in most cases) and that worsens the way that Martha is viewed in a way that the show runners literally needed to have her commit the absolute act of loyalty when there was no other hope she travels for a year and saves doctor by spreading the message and her departure then, (to me at least) feels like a mesage of not realising what you had till you lose it and then there's no going back, which again, is a great lesson to learn for that doctor in particular but also, the audience of the show who are just getting used to this format of changing actors and characters (esp because a lot of the audience of the show was people who hadn't watched the show pre-revival)

but absolutely, Martha deserved better and I'm so happy that she chose to leave the doctor and recognise her self worth instead of waiting around (because she is so so cool and deserves so so much!!)

ps- i think it's v v fascinating the way this kind of relationship between the characters and the audience manifests because Batman fandom experienced something similar when Jason replaced dick as robin and a lot didn't like him because they felt like dick was being replaced and only started liking him after the tragedy of his narrative unfolded.

but yeah :)

Honestly, I don’t understand some of the criticisms against Martha. I’ve watched several videos, and it’s always the same comment: people blame her for falling in love with the Doctor. But let’s be real—she’s not the only one who developed feelings for him. Many companions have been in the same situation, and no one seems to have a problem with them.

Take Rose, for example. She not only fell in love with the Doctor, but their relationship was framed as a romantic storyline. River Song is literally married to him, though their dynamic is much more mature and balanced. Clara shares an incredibly deep emotional bond with the Doctor; while it’s not always romantic, she’s willing to do anything to stay by his side. Even companions like Sarah Jane or Madame de Pompadour had feelings for him.

So why is Martha singled out and criticized for something that’s a recurring theme in the series? What bothers me even more is that people also criticize her for being jealous of Rose. Yet, Rose herself showed jealousy—like in School Reunion, when she was clearly uncomfortable with Sarah Jane’s history with the Doctor. Jealousy is not unique to Martha.

I feel like Martha is judged much more harshly than other companions. Maybe it’s because her relationship with the Doctor was unrequited, which made her more emotionally vulnerable. She felt invisible to him, especially compared to Rose, whom he still idolized. But is that really a reason to hold it against her? Her jealousy is a human reaction, an understandable response to a painful and frustrating situation.

In my opinion, these criticisms lack nuance. Martha is a strong, brilliant woman who eventually recognizes her worth and chooses to leave the Doctor—a bold and empowering decision that few companions have made. She deserves to be appreciated for her entire journey, not reduced to these unfair criticisms.

[concordewillfly]

i have to learn not to read the reviews on goodreads unless its my friends because everyone on there is stupid and its genuinely upsetting to me personally... i need to stop looking for goodness in that hopeless place

[i-still-mask-because]

I still mask because I want to be on the right side of history.

Masking is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but I know it's the right choice for me bc it aligns with my morals and values. I believe in protecting others as much as I believe in protecting myself. I don't want to get anyone sick! And I believe, many years from now when they teach the history of the Covid pandemic, history will smile on the helpers and the doers and the ones who continued to mask.

I often feel so depressed at the current state of the Covid pandemic, but I feel hopeful and confident in my choice to respond by continuing to mask and avoid high-risk events or situations. And I sincerely love and appreciate everyone who is doing the same.

❤️

😷

[thelightfluxtastic]

#I feel like Qifrey's Fear is also shown when he tells Coco and Tetia about the ancient Romonons#and he concludes the story with how scary humans can be and how people neglect how such terrible things can happen again#While Coco is immediately like. But magic should be used to make life vibrant! 🥺! And it completely takes him by surprise

I hope it's ok to steal your tags here. Because you're so right! And also, ironically, Qifrey is the one who taught Coco that, in a way! So much of how Qifrey treats his students is about giving them more positive experiences than he had. Qifrey, as a child, would have had his memory wiped and been abandoned if not for Beldaruit. (Which, side note- no wonder he doesn't like hanging around the Grand Hall! No matter how friendly other witches might be, Qifrey has deep-seated knowledge that their whole society would abandon him if they needed to. The lesson he learns is "Brimhats will hurt you but pointed hats don't care about you either"). When Coco first comes to the atelier, she's terrified of magic, given what happened to her mother. She's worried about so much as touching a spell (such as the water globe). Qifrey makes a point of both giving her hope (the tower) and giving her positive, safe experiences with magic (the flower-petal spell). Coco's trauma doesn't go away, but Qifrey makes sure she gets to love magic, and not just be afraid of it.

That love of magic is a huge part of what Coco brings to the atelier. Her passion is what Qifrey argues to Olruggio about, and seeing her unabashed joy at his paving stone spell is what sways Olruggio. Agott loves magic, but until she starts spending more time with Coco, she had lost her connection to the pleasure and wonder of magic. I think Qifrey (even subconsciously) might be trying to recapture his own joy-of-magic by having Coco around, even though he's the one teaching her. So Qifrey teaches Coco that magic is about vibrancy and beauty and making life better for people, even though in his own spells, he's still coming from a place of feeling threatened and defensive, where other people and malicious magic are a constant danger.

This is more unrelated, but I've also been thinking about how the fear Qifrey has for losing his loved ones is actually realized in more recent chapters. Qifrey puts so much effort into protecting his apprentices. In his fight with Engendale, Coco jumps in front of him to take a shot meant for Qifrey. You could not construct a more perfect example of "loved one hurt for helping him" if you tried, and she even almost loses her eye! He manages to get Coco to the hospital, and she's eager to jump into the fray again! We really see Qifrey at his most desperate here, shouting/practically begging her to not endanger herself for him.

Of course, Qifrey is Coco's master, he is an adult and she is a child. Trying to keep her from getting hurt is his job, and this is a reasonable response. With Olruggio in chapeter 40, it's different. Qifrey's motivations are the same, but Olruggio isn't a child and he's not someone Qifrey is responsible for. He's an adult that can make his own decisions. Both of them know that Olruggio would always choose to help Qifrey. So the only way Qifrey can avert his fear of losing Olruggio is to violate Olruggio's agency/bodily autonomy and take away his ability to choose to help.

Qifrey and fear

Ok so I've made a post about how Olruggio's spells constantly come from a place of comfort, but Qifrey's still regularly come from a place of fear. We know he started to learn water magic because of his experience nearly drowning. And while Olruggio encouraged him to embrace what he feared, and he's become a specialist, it hasn't actually lessened his fear. His mastery of water spells is still aimed at not being touched by water as much as possible. And Qifrey's obsession with the brimhats and defeating them is still as sharp and fear-driven as ever. It's what Beldaruit is afraid of when he warns Coco- that in his quest to uncover or avenge his past, Qifrey will completely miss or neglect that he's already built a good life. Ironically, this is a fear Qifrey has for Agott- that she constantly is so focused on learning and advancing that she's not celebrating her achievements or enjoying magic.

When Olruggio confronts Qifrey, he's not threatening to expose him to the other witches. He directly offers to help. He makes that very explicit- he's not here to interfere with whatever plans Qifrey has for Coco. Qifrey's answer is about how terrified he is of losing all the comfort and safety he's built at the atelier. His fear has shifted from the past to the future, but it's still his core drive. He's not any less scared than he was as a child. All the good things in his life have just become things he could lose, in his mind. Things that are being threatened.

Qifrey outright states he believes Olruggio would help him, even knowing the truth. I've often seen Chapter 40 described as "Qifrey wipes Olruggio's memory to avoid being caught". But I really don't think that's what he's worried about. I think he's worried about endangering or losing Olruggio, if Olruggio were to get involved in this highly illegal secret plot to unlock his past and stop the brimhats (both Olruggio and Qifrey know very well Olruggio would help).

[bacchuschucklefuck]

the never stop blowing up vhs is where cute twinks go to get harmed