#and for some reason DE entered it as 2/1-3/1????

[corvidcall]

work friend reached out to me to ask for help on an account she was working on that confused her, and when i looked at it, i couldn't figure it out either

she just messaged me to tell me that she solved it: data entry had entered a bunch of bills so hilariously confusingly wrong that it made our "former data entry people" heads explode. when i was in data entry i was like "yeah my manager says im good at my job but it's not like it's hard!!! you just have to read the bills and then type all the information into the spreadsheet" but im starting to suspect that maybe the people on data entry cant read

[valentinachatte]

I'm back and i brought an new OC to this blog :3

Meet Arwen Traime, my Twisted wonderland oc

This is some basic information about her

Template by Ai_kan1

Under the cut will be more fun fact about her

All these questions is made by Miriaocs

1. Name: Arwen Traim

- Arwen means a noble maiden, very beautiful, or muse, all three meanings are suitable for Arwen

-Traime Mainly made from Tremaine

- Rook calls Arwen Dame de la pluie, which means Lady of the Rain, which is a nickname people often use (because when Arwen appears, it often rains). Rook also calls Arwen Reine de la pluie

- Floyd calls Arwen stingray-senpai (Akaei-senpai). The reason is because Floyd realizes her danger despite her gentle appearance, but the real reason is because of her ponytail. The stingray looks gentle so I chose that nickname :)))

2. Inpso: Arwen was inspired by Lady Tremaine, when I first learned about the game I also wanted to create an OC, and decided to choose Lady Tremaine without looking at the cast... and then when i finally play the game and saw saw professor Trein, at that time I almost finished building Arwen and couldn't bear to leave her 😅

3. Age/Bday: She is 18 years old. Birthday is on May 20, close to Silver and Deuce's birthday

4. Dorm: Dorm leader of Celfam, when I created her I created her dorm myself. Dorm Celfam is based on Lady Tremaine's flexibility . Arwen is flexible, and knows how to make people do what she wants but is also cold like Lady Tremaine. Currently, she lives with Lucasta (vice dorm leader, who is based on Lucifer), the two are close friends

5. Class: Arwen is in class 3C with Vil and Lucasta. Vil and Arwen talk quite well. Studied together for 3 years

6. Height: Arwen is 1m75 tall, weighs 50kg

7. Hair/Eyes color: Gray-blue hair with white highlights. Two-colored eyes but few people notice because the two eye colors are close together, one eye is jade green, and one eye is emerald green

8. Homeland: Homeland is in the Vault of Memory (imagination country that i created). No one in the cast is from the same hometown as Obv, she knew Kalim and Idia before coming to NRC because her family was familiar with the Asim and Shroud families

9. Club: Didn't join the club because she was too busy with work and because of health issues

10. Subject:

Best Subject: History of magic, Arwen is extremely good at this subject because she is a diplomat and has to remember all the big and small events.

Worst subject: Physical education (make her run 3m and she faints).

She gets along well with Mr. Trein and often asks Mr. Trein to learn more about historical events. Physical education is unavoidable

11. Hobby: She likes sightseeing, especially places with water like waterfalls or lakes, once at the lake near the ruins she met Malleus there, and from then on the two of them often went sightseeing together

12. Pet peeve: chewing makes a sound, she is super annoyed with that. she will glare at the person if they do it near her

13. Food: likes strong flavors because her taste buds are very bad. She has no preference for food, but will not eat poorly prepared dishes. Often shares with Lucasta (Lucista gets it herself)

14. Talent: Excellent diplomacy, very good at talking

15. Unique Magic: "Back to your place"

- Arwen's special magic allows her to control others according to her command (not hypnosis but direct manipulation)

- Incantation: -"heed my words and follow my command, Back to your place"- changed from the sentence - "Cinderella will be put in her place." Lady Tremaine's

- Weakness: very corrosive to the user, the biggest loophole is that you have to know the name of the person you want to use it on before you can use it + the person you want to use it on is too much stronger, it will cost a lot of magic (which can lead to her death, will be explained in the backstory)

16. Quote: -" People may enter and exit our lives, and while it can be difficult to say goodbye, it's a natural part of our journey."- she said to Malleus when talking about her illness, not long after that he Overblot

17. Personality:

- on the outside, she is mature, gentle, kind, and delicate and loves peace but always gives off a very distant feeling. Arwen is considered one of the gentlest dorm leaders (after Kalim ofc) but is still a dorm leader, a trustworthy senior.

- truth is Arwen is always jealous of the people around her, extremely distant from everyone (except Lucasta), cold, cruel, and will do anything to achieve her goals (even harming herself and others). Secretly has a superiority complex, in her heart she always looks down on those she thinks are inferior

- But Arwen is just a child who was forced to grow up too early, living in meaningless compliments but never received any true love or affection, the guilt that she bears. She also struggles with PTSD and Depression . (more will be in the backstory)

School uniform and dorm uniform

Countdown poster

She also appears in Glorious masquerade as an SSR card this is the card that i draw for her

The ref of the outfit is here

[absolutebl]

hi!!! do you have favorite bl movies (maybe with happy endings too)?👀❤️

Top 10 BL Movies

(as of end of 2024, in no particular order)

My personal favorites will always have HEAs (or at least HFN). I don't love ambiguous endings and I hate sad ones. I'm going to include the Korean stuff that has been recut as movies, because I can.

1 Seven Days

Japan 2015

AKA Seven Days: Monday-Thursday AND Seven Days: Friday-Sunday

This is a cheat as it's 2 movies, but that's still less run time than your bog standard marvel tent pole these days, so it counts.

One of the best live action yaois ever made, with perfectly structured angst, fantastic characters and acting, and no problematic tropes. The leads have excellent chemistry although it’s low heat there’s still some really cute mutual kisses.

2 Can I Buy Your Love From A Vending Machine

AKA Sono Koi, Jihanki de Kaemasu ka? AKA Vending Machine Sabi Koi

Japan 2023

This movie is utterly adorable, impossibly awkward, and kinda old fashioned. About a cute nerdy little office worker (he's out!) who has a big'ol crush on the tall hulking vending machine guy. They fall in love. And that’s it. And it’s charming. There’s some first name eroticism (because Japan) and there's emphasis on communication (so not Japan) which turns this into an organically loving and talkative relationship. There’s a bit of an age gap and our office cutie may or may not have a muscles fetish (the hot bod, not the shellfish) because (if I’ve told you once I’ve told you 1 million times) Japan always goes kinky. And you know what, I loved it.

3 Restart After Come Back Home

AKA Risutato wa tadaima no ato de

Japan 2020

Atmospheric study in rural Japan meets complex family dynamics built on a romance framework of city boy meets country boy, grumpy/sunshine. It’s beautiful and icy sweet. Slow moving in places but ultimately worth the patience, low heat, low angst, and stunning.

4 His

Japan 2020

His is about being a grown adult and still struggling with coming out. It addresses the consequences choosing a life disingenuous to identity. Nagisa turns up on Shun’s doorstep with his precocious daughter in tow. This is a touch confusing to Shun since they were each others first love and Nagisa broke his heart. Shun has retreated from society, rejecting the world before it can reject him because without Nagisa he never had a reason to fight. Nagisa went the opposite, pretending to be something he was not, ending up with a daughter he adores and a wife who hates him. This movie is beautiful and the setting is unique and interesting but I'm not wild about the ending, it's HFN (happy for now). Honestly, I think I mostly liked this because I have a mad crush on Miyazawa Hio (Shun).

5 After Sundown

AKA Saengrawi

Thailand 2023

It's from Mandee and horror (neither really my thing), yet I liked it. It's oddly sweet and wholesome, for a ghost story. Phloeng and Rawee enter into an arranged marriage for confusing prophetic reasons. Twists of fate demand that they solve the mystery of a past that is haunting Phloeng's family and harming Rawee. Honestly, it makes no actual sense, but it's kinda historical, and very pretty, so I enjoyed it more than I should.

Korean BL that aired as shows but are cut together as movies & great

In some of these cases the movies are better than the originals, in some they are exactly the same.

6 Color Rush

2021

A unique paranormal twist elevates this classic high school drama into a pitch-perfect allegory for the queer coming out experience and one of the best BLs of all time (I will fight you on this).

7 Semantic Error

2022

The ultimate enemies to lovers, also the prettiest. Sexy older boy discovers pouty younger boy has outed him as a slacker, starts out bullying him, accidentally falls madly in love instead. Korea hits it entirely out of the Parks by doing a university BL with everything we expect from BL just done exactly right. Korea's signature quality executed perfectly with added bonus good story, great pacing, stunning visuals, and fantastic chemistry. You cannot ask for more from a BL, let alone a KBL.

8 To My Star

2021

Hwang Da Seul directing this show about a neurotic actor (actual puppy) who takes refuge with a grumpy chef resulting in sparks, cooking lessons, and LOVE! It’s is a touch quirky to get into, but utterly charming once it hits its stride. This is the ultimate grumpy/sunshine pairing plus the most appealing light-filled kitchen of our dreams. I adore this show so much. Limited use of BL tropes makes this feel more of a sweet contemporary gay romance between an actor plagued by scandal and the chef who accidentally adopts him, but the gentleness will appeal to fans of the BL genre.

9 Long Time No See

2017

This originally aired as a series but I have only ever seen it as a movie. So I'm counting it.

Catfishing assassins on either side of a turf war fall in love not knowing they are on opposite sides. Or do they? Suspenseful plot, good fight sequences, mature characters, hot sexitimes, and even hotter beating the shit out of each other and kissing while covered in blood (this came from KOREA?), plus an HEA. One of the greatest hidden gems of the BL genre.

10 Wish You: Your Melody in My Heart

2020

Set in the music industry featuring a talented singer and the pianist who falls in love with him (and his music), this is subtle and achingly adorable. High production, low heat, short run, very tame, and Korea, so all the pretty. Slow burn and lots of pining.

(source)

[deansapplepie]

The Spitting Image | Part 2

Summary: Years passed since last time you saw your ex-boyfriend and father of your son. Fate decided the perfect moment for you to reconnect was after the end of the world.

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x f! Reader

Warnings: swearing, threatening, a little angsty, pregnancy, mentions of abortion, mentions of abandonment, Reader’s Parents. Minors do not interact. (If I forgot anything let me know)

Word Count: 3,715

A/N: again I didn’t finish this part how I wanted to, but next part probably we’ll have father and son moments. Also I guess the flashbacks are over.

Also, this is fiction so any inaccurate thing just take as it can happen in this world.

Part 1 Part 3

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Daryl and you never said if you were dating or not, but you guessed it was implied because you were always together, you did couple shit, you kissed… he was your best friend, but you wish you had a girl friend you could share how happy you were. One day you thought about telling your mom, you had always been friends, but as soon as you arrived home an ice bucket was thrown on you.

“Y/N, dear, Mrs. Guttenberg told us something very preoccupying. She said she saw you and the younger Dixon together at the public library.” Your father said and you could be a little naïve, but you knew he was looking for information.

“You mean Daryl, daddy?” He was a Dixon, indeed, but he had a name.

“Yes, whatever his name is.” He answered annoyed.

“We’re in the same year. Sometimes we have projects to do together.” You lied, indeed you were in the same year, but you had no classes together this year.

“Avoid having him as a pair for your school projects.” He said, indeed you read well the situation. Your father had something against the boy you loved.

“Why? We’re friends.”

“There’s no such thing as boys and girls being friends, sweetie.” This time it was your mom, and you thinking about telling her about Daryl… you couldn’t have been more wrong.

After this you didn’t stop seeing Daryl, you could never do that. So instead, you did what every teenager would do, you did it either way, but hide it from your parents and how was it even more delicious to hide everything from them. The feeling of the secrets and the mystery being your everyday fuel.

You didn’t even know how you were able to maintain the secrecy until your high school graduation, until your last summer before going to the uni. It was perfect, you’d sneak around say you’d be with one of your “girl friends” and you’d be enjoying yourself with Daryl. That was until middle of the summer, when they discovered your lie. You were surprised how they cared about you to not know you had no friends for years and buying your lies so easily.

It was a beautiful summer evening, both of you were at a small diner savoring a Milkshake you were sharing when the doorbell couldn’t have sounded more horrifying than in the moment. Your parents entered the diner and marched in your direction you froze, and Daryl saw the shift in your mood, the anxiety creeping out of you… and then He saw them too and everything made sense.

Your father yanked you from your sit hastily as if you stayed any more time close to Daryl you’d be contaminated.

“What did I told you? Avoid the younger Dixon, and you’re here having milkshakes with him.” Your father angrily bursted still grabbing your arm and not afraid at all that everyone was seeing the scene.

“Sir, yer hurting her…” Daryl tried to politely tell him to release you.

“I’m not talking to you your bastard son of a bitch! You seduced my innocent daughter!” His intention was to make some noise, he wanted everyone to know what the boy he considered scum had “done”.

Oh if he just knew how ‘innocent’ you were.

“Dad, it’s not like this.” You tried to reason with him. “I’m with him because I want to, I-I love him.”

“Sir, your daughter is off age. She has the right to make her own decisions.” His hands were closed in fists, trying to consider that man was your father, and he couldn’t just break his nose.

“You shut the hell up Dixon! I decide what is better for her! You open your disgusting mouth one more time and I’ll make sure next time you open it is to cry because your drunk daddy and your junkie of a brother are behind the jails with no time to leave it!” He just used his power as an attorney to threaten Daryl with the people that he had to protect even if they were part of his pain. His brother was indeed a junkie, but he was his brother. And his dad… how many times he wished he was dead when he was past drunk and would beat the hell out of him.

“Dad! No!” You protested, why were he causing all of this.

“Mr. Y/L/N” A terrified small waitress approached all of you. “If you don’t stop this, we’ll need to call the police. You’re scaring the clients.”

He looked at the waitress rage in his eyes, your mom was there and did nothing to help you or stop him. He started to drag you to the exit, you tried to fight back. Your father pulled your arm strongly, making you groan in pain. Your eyes on Daryl trying to say a thousand things just with them. ‘I am going to be ok.’ ��Don’t worry’ ‘I will come back for you.’ ‘Don’t give up on me.’ ‘I’m not giving up on you.’ ‘I love you.’

While you were dragged from the diner to the parking lot and then to the car, younger Daryl Dixon was frozen, unable to move. In pain. He had been humiliated many times in his life, but it never hurt like this time. He felt useless. He did nothing to stop him, so afraid of what he could do. He had lost you because he chose to protect people he didn’t even know deserved his consideration, but they were his family… he couldn’t just let it happen. That day would continue to haunt him for many years, and he would never forget the heartache it caused.

“And how this whole story changes my opinion?” DJ asked you, trying to stay firm at his point. It didn’t change his father didn’t look afterwards. Daryl was present while you told him all the story with no editing how your parents were despicable.

“Were you listening to me?” You asked your son incredulous; he was an intelligent boy, he shouldn’t be playing dumb. “Imagine, you had someone you really loved, but their parents didn’t like you, had a stupid prejudice against you, because your family wasn’t like the others. Those people tell you to leave or they’re going to kill your mom, me. They are prepared to pull the trigger at any moment. Would you let me die?”

“No.” He answered reluctantly, he didn’t like to lose. A stubborn little shit just like his father.

“It was nobody’s fault.” You said again. “I don’t expect you to immediately call him ‘dad’ or consider him your father, but I expect you to be open to getting to know him and respect him.”

“It’s ok, if he’s not ready…” Daryl tried to say, he didn’t want the kid to do anything forcefully, but you were his mother, you knew better.

“No, it’s not. You’re his father, you did nothing wrong. He shouldn’t be so resistant.” You stated, sometimes you thought you were too strict but in others you always felt that being a solo mom you needed to be.

“Ya can’t force the kid…” Daryl said, and he wasn’t wrong, but you sent him a sharp glance anyways.

“You see, listen to the old man.” DJ was playing with fire and he knew it, but he couldn’t help being like this when everything changed so much in a short time.

“Ok, enough. Both of you, do it like you wish. DJ, just stop blaming him. Ok?” You asked your son and hoped he would comply with it right now. Daryl’s group was new and you didn’t want them having a hard time because your son was unfairly rebellious.

“Ok, evil grandparents fault.” The teenager stated.

“I don’t expect ya to open to me easily DJ, but I’d like to know ya and I’d like ya to know me and see if I’m fit to be your father. Someday.” All of this was as new for him as it was for the kid. He needed to try, it was as if he had passed all those years waiting for this moment, as if he knew somewhere he had a son… it scared him as fuck, but from the moment he landed his eyes on the kid, he couldn’t stop thinking about HIS son. Also, the punch he received wasn’t something easy to forget. “I can teach ya many things and I know I can learn from ya too.”

“We can arrange it, Daryl.” DJ said, trying to sound more mature. It was strange the name Daryl rolling from his mouth and it being not to talk about himself. He kept the straight face, one more thing he got from his father and didn’t know, he didn’t want to show his true emotions, but deep inside he was a mix of excited and fearful.

“Baby, I think for the next part of the talk, you can go to your room. You don’t need to listen to it.” You didn’t want to tell him how it was when you discovered you were pregnant, the options your parents gave you, what you had to do… what you lived. You were pretty sure he felt everything inside your belly.

“Mom, I wanna know everything. Stop protecting me.”

Some weeks after your parents took you to Atlanta, you started getting morning sickness and your period was late, which made you freak out in silence with no one to vent about it. You could leave the house and use a public phone to call Daryl, but he didn’t have a phone at home, so no way of you communicating with him. If you were still with him, you could worry about it together.

You thought about running away and going back to him, but you couldn’t. Your father swore he would make his life a living hell if you did so and you didn’t doubt him, after everything… you knew what he was capable of. So you hid it. You hid your worries the maximum you could, until your mom started to suspect your constant sickness and resistance to eat certain foods.

One day she arrived at home, a bag from the pharmacy in hands and threw it at you. “Go to the bathroom, now!” She ordered, you looked at her wide-eyed, you hadn’t understood. “Don’t give me that look, you know what it is. Pee on all of them and don’t even try to hide it from me.”

In a short period of time, your parents had become strangers to you. You didn’t recognize them anymore. They scared you.

You took the 5 packs of pregnancy test to the bathroom and peed on all of them, once you finished, you opened the door and let your mom in. You sat on your bed and let she have her time with the tests. You already knew the results; you could feel it in your bones. You were pregnant. You were expecting Daryl Dixon’s child, and in the same way it brought joy to you… it scared you so much more, afraid of what could happen.

Positive. All five positive. A big positive.

Later that day your mother talked to your father thanks the gods she left you out of it, but from your room you could listen the choleric screams of your father. Then, they came to talk to you.

“We need to talk about what we are going to do with the thing growing inside of you.” Your father said coldly.

“The thing? It’s my baby. We don’t have anything to discuss.” You answered a protective hand on your belly.

“We’re not keeping a stray dog in this house.” You couldn’t believe that words came from your mother’s mouth.

“You have only two options, one you can give it to adoption and second we end this freak show.” That needed to be a nightmare, a sick joke… no way your parents were really making all of this.

“I-I need some time to think…” That was all you managed to say. There wasn’t anything to think about. You were keeping that baby, his baby, your baby.

“You have 24 hours to think about it. That’s all I’m going to give you.” Your father said before living the room followed by your mother.

You needed a plan, you needed to leave without they suspecting you. Well, there wasn’t many options for you in Atlanta… there was no Daryl, and your father knew you’d not go to him risking him destroying your lover’s life. Maybe they would let you go out a little to “organize” your thoughts.

You went from your room to your parents’ and knocked shyly on the door, soon you heard her voice telling you to get in. After this, you probably deserved an Oscar, you put your stupidest face, faking confusion and a little of worry, the last one wasn’t difficult to fake, you were indeed worried. You asked if you could go to the mall, as if you were a minor needing permission from your parents. They gave you a curfew and asked for you to go on your car, of course because they could track you down.

You changed your clothes and took a simple bag, with all the documents you had. You told them you were leaving with your “best” destroyed face and really left to the mall. You parked your car, but you weren’t staying there.

You took a taxi to the closest agency of your bank, you waited a little time to speak with someone and asked to withdraw all your money, all the money your parents had reserved for your college. The account was in your name, so it was yours. You took a part in cash and another in check, it would be easier to carry. You decided you’d open an account wherever you went and make the deposit of the checks once you thought it was safe, probably some time after your baby was already born. For now, the money you had was enough.

You left the agency, bought different clothes in a cheap store and changed into them. After it, you left to the bus station and there you’d decide your final destination. And that’s how you ended up in a small city in Ohio, pregnant, alone and working in a Café. Also, it was the place where you raised your son before everything happened.

“ ‘m sorry ya hafta go through it alone.” Daryl said once you finished telling the whole story. DJ remained silent. Thinking about how he could not be there if you had chosen your parents way, also he thought how he hated them even more that he knew everything.

“I wasn’t alone.” You had a small smile on your face. “I had DJ and I found some angels along the way.”

“After I left, I thought about looking for ya at your college, but… I thought you were better off without me.” Now his mind wandered back to the past and he could feel the emotions he had at the time all over again.

‘I’d never been better off without you.’, you wanted to say when you saw in his eyes the 19 year old boy he once was, but you couldn’t. “You’d never find me, as I never went to the university, so you would have frustrated yourself once more.”

You took a glance at your son and you could see there was a turmoil of thoughts and feelings on his mind. That’s why you didn’t want him to listen this part of the history, you knew your son… you knew how he’d get. “Dear… are you okay?” You took his hand over the table and gave a small squeeze on it. You knew he wasn’t ok.

“Yeah.” He managed to say, his voice broke. You could see he wanted to cry. You hated to see him like that. “I’m gonna go to bed. Night.” He excused himself fast and in the same speed stood up and hit the stairs. He was going to cry, he didn’t… he couldn’t cry in front of Daryl, his father. God, he punched the man some hours ago, and now he was afraid if he saw him being emotional he’d not want someone this weak as a son. He didn’t ever want a father, so why did he feel like he couldn’t do this? DJ was 17, almost a man, he used to say he would protect his mom, but now he felt under the weather because of the shit that happened before he was born. Maybe… he also felt it was his fault, but he never asked to be born, right? That wasn’t his responsibility, he tried to tell himself.

“I think I should go.” Daryl said feeling a little weird after DJ left. “Ya probably should check the kid. But I think ya know this n’ don’t need me saying…” he got up from the chair, why was he feeling all nervous now?

“Don’t worry. I’m gonna talk to him. I knew it would do no good he listening to this with all the details…” you stood up and even though the hunter had said he should go… you felt he wanted to say something.

“Why did ya give him my name?” He asked. You had sent letters saying you were expecting and he never answered the letters, because he never received them. So why name your precious son after the dumbass of father that technically didn’t want him?

“ ‘cause he’s yours… If your mind still works the same, I know you’re thinking you didn’t deserve this… that at the time you were supposedly a father that abandoned his son, but the thing is… I know you, Daryl Dixon, and I know you’d never do something like that. He was the last piece, the last memory I had of you.”

You said ‘I know’ not ‘I knew’ and that made Daryl feel nervous in a way he didn’t for a long time. There were years that you didn’t see him and you still thought his nature was the same, you still thrusted him even when he didn’t do anything the day before to show he still thrusted you.

You took him to the door and thanked him. Thanked him for what? There wasn’t anything to thank about when he was presenting to his father duties so late. He answered with a ‘ ‘s nothing.’, feeling strange and didn’t know well what to say or how to behave. He walked on the streets of Alexandria kicking every small rock he saw on his way, he wasn’t frustrated, maybe a little bit, his father never said anything and he and Merle had come back to visit him, even though the bastard didn’t deserve it. He could have said… He was thinking, about everything, mainly about his son, but he couldn’t help but think about you too. Before, you were all he knew and now you had a son together; Also, all that you went through all by yourself…

When he arrived the house that was given to his group, they were all gathered around the living room. If he was honest, he didn’t really want to talk, but he knew he’d need to talk with Rick, or Carol, or both of them. They’d ask for sure. And he wasn’t wrong, once he entered, Rick and Carol dragged him to another room. “What’s it?” He said in his hoarse voice, a little more annoyed than he intended to.

Carol rolled her eyes, but Rick was the first to speak. “How was it? Did you talk to the kid?”

“Ugh… yeah…” he replied scratching the back of his head. “I sorta talked more with her… in fact she was the one that talked the most. The kid was maybe almost as lost as I was.”

He gave them a summary of the conversation, because he knew they wouldn’t rest till he said something. It’s not like they liked to be invasive, but at least the little that Daryl was willing to tell they wanted to know.

“Brother, I can’t imagine how it must be for you. But welcome to the club, it’s not easy being father to a teen.” Rick tried to give Daryl his support and to lighten the mood he tried to joke a little. Daryl appreciated it, but there were so many things on his mind at that moment. “What do you think about the place?”

“ ‘m assuming they’re not crazy cannibals, but they’re weak.” It was visible, most of those people never had to put a hand on a knife or a gun to defend themselves. “ Y/N wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t good and safe.”

“Yeah, indeed they’re week. We need to adjust here and keep our eyes open. Are you sure we can trust her?” Carol knew that would be a delicate subject to him, but she needed to confirm.

“I know her, I trust her.” Daryl was resolute, he didn’t want to dictate all the reasons why he trusted you.

“You. Still. Like. Her.” Carol said a knowing smile on her face.

“Of course, she’s the mother of my child.” He said a hue of pink going to his cheeks.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“Ok, let’s not pick on him today. He had enough for today.” Rick not wanting to pick on him, that was new to Daryl.

Wanna be added to my tag list? Let me know. (Please tell me if you want to be tagged on everything or just specific series)

Everything Taglist: @lilyevanstan1325

The Spitting Image Taglist: @minaxcarter @carlyi @daryldixmedown @argentinian-witch @xmaeyonaiise @poetryhazel @blackvelveteen1339 @queenmizuki @crashlyrose @the1eyedmonster16 @jasminocano @sm4-rty @duckybird101 If your name is here, but you didn’t receive the notification, it’s because I wasn’t able to tag it. I’m sorry😞

Dividers by @cafekitsune

[injuries-in-dust]

My Amazing Digital Circus theory of the people who became the characters:

All of them work at this C&A company (logo seen in episode 1)

Kinger: Programmer. Worked on the digital circus, perhaps he was even head programmer. He entered the game to do some final debugging. Most likely some tweeks to the AI and hopefully fix the issues with collisions we saw in episode 2. Brought his wife along to see the wonderful game he had been working on.

Ragatha: I feel she worked in HR. She likes everyone to get along, tries to de-escalate situations, and tries does her best not to be a bother to others. However she can bring down discipline when he has to (like tying up Jax in episode 3). I think she was put into the game by force. Someone put a headset onto her, to get her out of the way, after she was going to go to the authorities to stop the company, basically, torturing people trapped with the game.

Jax: I buy into the fan-theory that Jax is a rogue NPC within the game.

But if he isn't, then he's an unpaid intern. He either put the head set on willingly, thinking he could get to play this game for free and before its release to the public, or he was ordered to put it on to be a beta-tester. (why pay for a play test, when you can just get the intern to do it.)

He may not even be fully aware of why he's mean to everyone, and I'm sure he thinks he has reasons; "none of it matters, it's not like the NPC's in the games are real." or perhaps, "It's not like we can die or anything."

Honestly I think it comes down to, after who knows how long of being the office gopher and paying for the bosses coffee order with his own money (no reimbursement), he just started out by getting major catharsis against the other company workers.

But he's enjoying doing that way too much, and the fact that there are no lasting physical consequencesto his actions is leading him down a very slippery slope toward becoming a sociopath, maybe a psychopath.

Gangle: Worked on art and design. We've seen Gangle likes to draw and sketch and that may mean they created concept art, or digital designs for some, or all, of the named NPC's within the game , from Gummygoo, to Martha Mildenhall.

I think she also has depression symbolised by how their main body is a big loop of ribbon (empty inside). They've learned to hide it (or mask it) behind fake smiles and insincere laughter.

I also think art is both their hobby and a kind of their therapy, helping them just pour all their feelings out through their creativity.

They do feel joy at times, especially when it's quiet and no one is putting any demands on her, and just let her do her own thing. Episode 3 is evidence of that, where she was happy to be with the group, not necessarily taking part in their activity but enjoying being there and doing her own thing. Namely, sketching.

Zooble: They're non-binary and has issues with dysmophia, or dysphoria.

The reason they ended up in the game is the same as Jax, it was cheaper to get them to play test than hire a play tester. But I think Zoople is an actual paid employee, not an unpaid intern.

The vibe I get with Zooble is "freshly graduated from college and this is their first job." They're young enough that they're still figuring themselves out, which doesn't always mean young, but it more often found in people under 30. However they have a certain level of maturity to them. They set up Kaufmo's funeral, and spoke at it, despite how uncomforatable they can feel discussing their feelings.

Pomni: Whoever is in charge at this C&A company, Pomni worked alongside them. Maybe a business partner, I think more of a PA.

Their clothes are telling; a Jester. Jesters would work for a monarch and entertain their guests, just as a PA would work for the company boss and would handle people that the boss didn't want to talk to. The privilage of being the PA to the company boss would give Pomni more leeway to talk freely without risk of being punished. Just as a jester had that privilege within the royal court.

I'm trying to hint that Pomni may have been the one to pass down the orders that put Jax and Zooble in the game. I don't know if I'm saying it well enough.

Two lines in episode 3 stuck out to me, after Pomni is in hell.

"How's your wife, Kinger?"

Did Caine program that into the game? Did he get that specific insult ready in case Kinger accompanied Zooble into the scary path of the game?

Or did the evil-souls pull the knowledge our of Pomni's head? Because Pomni observed these events on the outside.

Caine did say that any torture is accidental on his part.

The second line: "I knew it would turn out like this... he just wants to torture me."

Was she talking about Caine? I don't think so. I think she was talking about her boss.

For resons currently unknown he forced her to put on the headset, but she knew what would happen if she did; she would lose most of her memories and be forced to play the games until she went nuts. Would her boss listen? No. Her conclusion, whatever reason he gave to get her into the game was a lie and it was just to torture her.

[lovepeaceandtarot]

Pick a card - A friend will reveal something to you.

(Escolha uma carta - Um amigo irá te revelar algo.)

If you want a reading on your energy, just schedule a paid reading with me in DM!

(Se quiser uma leitura na sua energia, basta agendar uma leitura paga comigo na DM!)

If that found you, it was for a reason. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t resonate.

(Se isso encontrou você, é por uma razão. Pegue o que ressoar e deixe o que não ressoa.)

Card 1 - For some, your friend will reveal to you that he has risen in a company. For others, it may reveal a new look different from what you are used to. For others, it may be that he bought a new house. For others, it may be that he reveals that he has a crush on you for years. For others, he may reveal that he needs new friendships. For others it may be that he reveals that he is dating. To others, he reveals that he opened a flower shop.

(Carta 1: Para alguns, seu amigo irá te revelar que ele subiu de cargo em uma empresa. Para outros, pode ser que ele revele um novo visual diferente do que você está acostumada. Para outros, pode ser que ele tenha comprado uma casa nova. Para outros, pode ser que ele revele que tem uma paixão por você faz anos. Para outros, pode ser que ele revele que precisa de novas amizades. Para outros pode ser que ele revele que está namorando. Para outros, ele revele que abriu uma floricultura.)

Card 2 - For some of you, your friend will reveal a surprise to you. For some of you, your friend will give you a gift you really wanted. For some of you, your friend will reveal a surprise party for you. For some of you, your friend will reveal something important to you during a party. For others of you, your friend will reveal something to you during a tea party. For others, your friend will cook for you. For others, your friend will reveal that he learned to cook or that he entered a culinary school. For others, your friend will invite you to a Christmas and New Year's party.

(Carta 2 - Para alguns de vocês, o seu amigo vai te revelar uma surpresa. Para alguns de vocês, o seu amigo vai te dar um presente que você queria muito. Para alguns de vocês, seu amigo vai te revelar uma festa surpresa para você. Para alguns de vocês, seu amigo vai te revelar algo importante durante uma festa. Para outros de vocês, o seu amigo vai te revelar algo durante uma festa de chá. Para outros, seu amigo irá cozinhar para você. Para outros, o seu amigo vai revelar que aprendeu a cozinhar ou que entrou em uma escola de culinaria. Para outros, o seu amigo vai te convidar para uma festa de natal e ano novo.)

Card 3: For some of you, your friend will reveal to you that he is getting married. For others, your friend will reveal to you that he would have children. For others, your friend will reveal to you that he won some money in court. For others, your friend will reveal to you that he is going to have a party.

(Carta 3: Para alguns de vocês, o seu amigo vai te revelar que vai se casar. Para outros, o seu amigo vai te revelar que iria ter filhos. Para outros, o seu amigo vai te revelar que ganhou um dinheiro na justiça. Para outros, o seu amigo vai te revelar que vai dar uma festa.)

#tarot #tarotportugal #tarotreading #career #careerreading #generalreading #foryou #foryoupage #explore #explorar #amorproprio #tarô #tarotcards #tarotcomunity #consultasdetarot #selfcare #autocuidado #freetarotreading #generalreading #acolhimento #loveyourself #pickapiletarot

[youaresimplylovely]

“Fast and Fabulous: A Driven Love” 

---- A love story between a Formula 1 Driver and a Supermodel

Chapter 3 (Chapter 1, Chapter 2) Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

Pairing: Carlos Sainz!Formula 1 Driver x Famous Supermodel!Reader

Words: 1,594 words

Warnings: Angsty! translated spanish, lil swearing, slight smau, fluff at the end, just pretend that the paddock passes are correct :') couldn't find accurate ones for 21'

Proofread!!

Summary: The Night Before the Race

A/N: finallyyyy, chapter 3 is hereee. Thank you for the support, love yall. Chapter 4 is in the making, should i give u guys another spoiler? :0

9:45 PM, September 11, you stared at the clock with heavy breaths. You groan, sitting up from your bed as you look out your hotel room's window. It was the night before the Italian Grand Prix. Sighing loudly, you look out, seeing the beautiful view of Monza. Your family stayed at Hotel De La Ville, a famous hotel, and the hotel drivers stayed before the races. Eyes blinking profusely as you realize you're staying in the same hotel. This feeling you had, you were so nervous, so worried. That feeling you used to get came back. You took deep breaths, trying to calm yourself. 

Suddenly, the loud, sharp noise of your hotel room being opened startled you. You yelped, turning around with eyes widened. Sighing softly as you realize it's Pao. 

"Gee, you look like you've seen a ghost." 

He looks at you with furrowed eyebrows, eyeing you from head to toe. 

"Sorry, just nervous for the race tomorrow." You sigh, sitting down on your bed. 

"Or because you have a crush on one of the drivers?"

Pao laughs, teasing you; he sits beside you, patting your shoulder as he smirks. 

"Oh my god, Pao! I don't have a crush on him!" 

Oh, how you wished you lied. 

He was right; you did. Come on? Who wouldn't have a crush on Carlos Sainz Jr? He's every girl's dream man. That's why you couldn't be happier when he signed that contract with Ferrari. He's one of the reasons why you're a Ferrari fan. Dozing off and being lost in your thoughts was disturbed by Pao snapping his finger in front of your face. 

"Are you high or something?" 

He laughs, looking at your dead-ass blank face, which soon turns to a disgusted face. You playfully and gently slap his face. 

"What do you want?" You roll your eyes, asking him why he's in your room. 

"Dad said to give you the paddock passes." 

He gives you the paddock passes for your whole family, and you smile softly, looking at it. 

"Great, thanks"

You said as you put the passes on the first drawer of your nightstand.

"Get some sleep, Y/N," 

Pao chuckles, gently patting your shoulder as he leaves your room, closing the door. 

You snicker at what your brother said, sighing softly as you grab the paddock passes from your drawer. You took your phone from your pocket and took a picture of the paddock passes. You opened your Instagram and posted a picture of the paddock passes.  

ynlovesu

Liked by f1, scuderiaferrari, and 20,345,601 others

ynlovesu see yah Monza  

  view all comments

f1 Can’t wait to see you there y/n! 

scuderiaferrari See you tomorrow, our Ferrari girl 👋

Yourbsf GIRLIE’S ATTENDING HER FIRST RACEEEEE SLAYED ATE

mercedesamgf1 that’s our future wag

scuderiaferrari excuse me?? That’s OUR future wag  Mclaren back off boys Redbullracing nuh uh, OURS. User3 LMAO NOT THE TEAMS ARGUING WHO’S GONNA BE THEIR FUTURE WAG 

Paodelacruz RED BULL WILL WIN 😍😍🥰🥰🥰🤣🤣

ynlovesu you suck 

Fernandoalo_oficial Tan emocionada de verte mañana querida 😁

After you've uploaded the post, you put the passes back in the drawer. Going to the bathroom, you grabbed a jacket and wore it. You grabbed your things and left your hotel room as you headed to the elevator. When you enter the elevator, you press the button for the ground floor. Once you reach the ground floor, you head to the front desk to ask where the buffet is.  

While you walk to the front desk, you put your AirPods on. Playing the song "Take a Chance With Me." The lyrics hit you hard, knowing so much that you relate to it. Thinking to yourself, what if you saw Carlos? Even though you would see him tomorrow, you still hoped to see him. 

🎶 His laugh you'd die for, his laugh you'd die for. The kind that colors the sky 🎶

Hearing the lyrics caused you to smile as you arrived at the front desk; suddenly, a man pushed you aside aggressively, causing you to yelp. Groaning as, you felt the pain of him making you on your arm, which caused a bruise. You scoff, glaring at the guy. 

"Hey! What the hell was that for? You didn't have to push me! And to be fair, I was first. There's a line for a reason, dude."

 You roll your eyes, looking at the guy with anger. You were fuming, and boy, did he make it worse. 

"You're funny, kid; this hotel is only for rich men. What the hell is a petty little girl like you doing here?"

The man scoffs. He turns his head to the receptionist.

 "Can't you get this girl out of here?" He looks at the receptionist, disgusted, and then eyes you from head to toe. 

"Um sir, no, she's-"

 The stupid man didn't even let the receptionist finish. You scoff, stretching your arms out. You give the guy a stern look, hands on your hips, as you start talking back. 

"Rich men only? You don't own the hotel, man, and for your information. I am not a girl; I am a woman. You don't have the right to say that to me; the owner of this hotel is my father's co-worker. Yeah, and you'll be like, who could possibly be your father?" 

You say in a sarcastic tone, babbling as you coo. 

"My father is Jean Louis Dela Cruz."

While you were arguing and yapping with the guy, just across the lounge, 

A person you wouldn't expect to be there. Carlos Sainz Jr. was with Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris. They see the situation, eyes widened at how you could stand up to the guy. Lando's eyes widened as he recognized you. "

Mate! That’s Y/N Dela Cruz! The famous supermodel. How dare that stupid man talk to her like that." Lando shrugs, shaking his head.

But Carlos can't even listen. He was in awe of your beauty. How can something be so beautiful and perfect? He thought to himself. It's like time stopped, and the only thing he could see was you. Your beauty, your perfection, you. His thoughts were interrupted by Lewis nudging him. 

"Dude, are you here?"

 He laughs, noticing Carlos is lost in his own thoughts. Carlos chuckles, smiling as he nods his head. 

"Yeah, what's happening?"

 He sighs, looking at Lando, Lewis, and Charles.

"Lando was just saying that the guy there was disrespecting Y/N, the famous supermodel."

 Charles reiterated what Lando had said a while ago. 

Carlos didn't need Charles to finish his sentence once he heard the word "disrespectful and Y/N." Lewis was about to say something, but Carlos caught him off guard by storming towards you and the guy. 

"Wait, what-"

 Lewis' eyes widened seeing Carlos march over to you and the guy. Charles and Lando chuckle. They look at each other as they decide to follow him. 

Meanwhile, you were still arguing with the guy and already speaking Spanish. Angry Spanish will always work somehow. 

“¿Quién diablos te crees que eres? ¿Cómo te atreves a hablarle así a una mujer? ¡Claramente nunca te enseñaron modales! Estúpido hijo de puta.(Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you talk to a woman like that? They clearly never taught you manners! Stupid son of a bitch.)"

 You scoff angrily, giving the man a death stare. You could feel your eyes burning from anger. 

"Crazy."

 The man rolled his eyes, laughing at you as he walked away.

"QUE? WHO YOU CALLING CRAZY (WHAT? WHO YOU CALLING CRAZY?)"

You yelled, eyes widened and mouth open, still angry. Scoffing loudly, you see four men in your peripheral vision. You turn to your left, eyes widened to see Carlos, Lewis, Charles, and Lando. You furrow your eyebrows, seeing Carlos stare at you. Your eyes widened, realizing that your wish earlier had come true. The song "Take a Chance With Me by Niki" was still playing. One of the lyrics played, making you blush slightly, trying to keep your composure. 

🎶 Electricity surging in the air 🎶

"You are gorgeous, I'm Lando."

 He smiles at you playfully, going in front of Carlos and reaching his hand out for yours. 

"Stop flirting with girls, Lando."

 Lewis rolls his eyes, approaching you closer and smiling. 

"Hi, I'm Lewis."

 Charles grins, furrowing his eyebrows as he nudges Lando. 

"Sorry about Lando, I'm Charles." 

He smiles. 

"Yeah, I know you guys." I smile softly. 

"Are you okay? That guy was awful." 

Carlos smiles at you; he flutters his eyes with his pretty eyelashes. Giving you the most seductive but loving look. God, how your heart beat so fast, but you had to stay strong. 

"Yeah, men are dogs."

 you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms as you raised an eyebrow. 

"Meow"

 Carlos chuckles, smiling at you, making the others laugh, shocked at Carlos' flirty behavior. 

You couldn't help but chuckle, and you playfully clicked your tongue. 

"Yeah, good luck tomorrow. I'll see you."

 You smile softly, winking at him as you walk away. You let out a deep and exasperated breath. Giggling like a teenager as you saw your crush. The song "Take a Chance With Me " by Niki still played until you went back to your hotel room and went to sleep. 

Meanwhile, down at the lounge of the hotel. The guys stayed there, Lewis smiling and laughing as he teased Carlos, 

"Flirting 101."

 The others laughed along, and so did Carlos. 

"I found my charm now."

 He smiled as they all went back to their hotel rooms.

[fdelopera]

Welcome to the 30th installment of 15 Weeks of Phantom, where I post all 68 sections of Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, as they were first printed in Le Gaulois newspaper 115 yeas ago.

In today’s installment, we have Part II of Chapter 12, “Il faut oublier le nom de « la voix d’homme »” (“You Must Forget the Name of ‘the Man’s Voice’”).

This section was first printed on Sunday, 7 November, 1909.

For anyone following along in David Coward's translation of the First Edition of Phantom of the Opera (either in paperback, or Kindle, or from another vendor -- the ISBN-13 is: 978-0199694570), the text starts in Chapter 11 at, “She had spoken forcefully. She held out her hand to Raoul, as if the gesture would make her words more solemn,” and goes to, “Raoul said the word with so much love and such despair that Christine could not stifle a sob.” 

Note, however, that a large part of this section in the Gaulois was cut in the First Edition. See below.

There are some differences between the Gaulois text and the First Edition. In this section, these include (highlighted in red above):

1) Chapter 12 (misprinted as Chapter 13) in the Gaulois text is Chapter 11 in the First Edition.

2) In the Gaulois, Raoul has an additional exclamation of “hélas!” (“alas!”).

3) In the Gaulois, “cette fois” (“this time”) is repeated twice in this sentence.

4) The following section in the Gaulois text was sadly omitted from the First Edition. This section also continues into the next part of the chapter on 9 November. In this section, Christine professes her love for Raoul, but tells him that she cannot marry him because it would bring shame upon them both. It is unfortunate that Leroux chose to omit this section from his First Edition, since it helps to clarify Christine’s feelings for Raoul, as well as her reasons for being unwilling to marry him.

TRANSLATION:

Raoul spoke this “perhaps” with such love and despair that Christine was unable to hold back a sob; but the strength of her will quickly subdued her emotion, and she had the courage to question the young man without dwelling on her sorrow.

“Why have you asked me his name, since you know it?”

“To know that I was not dreaming! To know that I had really heard it!… … And now, Christine, you have nothing more to tell me!… Goodbye!…”

The young man bid farewell to Mama Valérius, who did not speak a word to detain him, since he had ceased to indulge her ward; then, more coldly still, he bowed before Christine, who did not return his farewell gesture, and “straight as an arrow,” but feebly, to the point where he thought he would faint as he took the third step that led him from Christine, he pushed open the chamber door and entered the sitting room.

The young woman’s hand, gentle upon his shoulder, stopped him there. They were alone, standing between the portraits of Professor Valérius and Daddy Daaé. Christine gestured towards them and said:

“If I swear to you, before them, that I love you, Raoul, will you believe me?”

“I will believe you, Christine,” assured the young man, who only asked to be consoled.

“Well, understand then, standing before them, Raoul, understand that if I have pitied Erik, it is because I love you!”

“My God!” sighed the Vicomte … and he sat down.

Needless to say, he wished to hear more, and the conversation was beginning to entice him.

“Speak, Christine,” he begged… “Speak!… You have brought me back to life, for as I said farewell, I thought that I was going to die…”

She sat by his side, so close that he felt the movement of her gentle breath. He looked at her, unable to sate his gaze with this angel who loved him; but she did not look at him. And she spoke without seeing Raoul, or rather without looking in his direction. She saw him at first as a child, when he had collected her scarf from the sea, and she told him that from that day forward she had loved him, because he was courageous like a man; and then she reminded him of when he would sit by her side and listen to Daddy Daaé’s tales, and she loved him even more then because he was gentle like a girl; and then later, when he had returned, she had hated him, because he hadn’t dared to speak the words that her heart, unknowingly, was waiting to hear, and this was even more proof that she loved him. She had never stopped loving him with the most pure love, for as far back as she could remember.

Raoul, who was crying softly, took Christine’s hand and could not refrain from asking her why she had behaved in such an icy fashion with him when he had thrown himself at her feet in her dressing room, and why she had always attempted to rebuff him when he tried to meet with her.

She replied in a calm and serious voice:

“Because, rightly, I did not want to be compelled to tell you, my dear, what I am telling you today. It was my intention that you would forever be oblivious of the love that I have confessed to you.”

“And the reason for this?” implored Raoul anxiously.

“The reason was that I did not want to distract you from your duties, Raoul, and because I loved you enough to not want you to feel remorse. I live between these two pictures,” she added, gesturing to the portraits of her dear departed; “the day that I am no longer worthy of looking upon them, my dear, I shall die.”

“Christine, you shall be my wife!”

Raoul uttered these words while looking at the two witnesses who regarded him from their frames with exaggerated and stylized smiles. The young woman said to him calmly:

“I knew that you would be ready to commit such folly. And this is again why I have hidden from you the tenderness of my feelings, Raoul!”

"Where do you see folly in this?” protested the Vicomte naively. “Where is the folly in marrying you if I love you? And would you think me wise to marry someone that I didn’t love?”

“It is folly, my dear,” Christine persisted harshly, “it is folly for us to ‘get married at this age’; you, the heir to the Chagnys, and me, an actress and the daughter of a village fiddler, and this despite your family. I will never allow it! People would say that you had lost your mind, or that I had caused you to lose it, which would be worse!”

As harsh as the singer’s response had been, it had at least been tempered by the words, “at this age.” Raoul saw in this a certain hope.

“I shall wait!” he cried. “I shall wait for as long as you wish, so that everyone shall know that my resolve is unshakable and that my heart is in agreement with my head.”

“Your brother will never consent to such a union!”

5) Minor differences in punctuation.

Click here to see the entire edition of Le Gaulois from 7 November, 1909. This link brings you to page 3 of the newspaper — Le Fantôme is at the bottom of the page in the feuilleton section. Click on the arrow buttons at the bottom of the screen to turn the pages of the newspaper, and click on the Zoom button at the bottom left to magnify the text.

[fritzes]

Toronto 2023 aka one of the most bizarre tournaments of the entire season

Even Daniil winning Rome has nothing on this chaos:

First, let us take a look at some of the seeds in this tournament. Casper Ruud is the third seed, having just flopped his way through the entirety of grass season and getting bageled in the final of a clay 250. Fourth and fifth seeds are Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune - we'll get to them later. The tenth seed is Félix Auger-Aliassime, who has only managed to hold onto his spot because most of his points are from the end of the season. For reasons inexplicable to me, Cameron Norrie is the eleventh seed. Borna Coric, holding on to his Cincinnati points, is the fourteenth seed.

In round one, lucky loser Vukic immediately upsets Coric 6-2 6-3. Qualifier Purcell takes out FAA 6-4 6-4. Milos Raonic, given a wildcard into his home tournament, beats tenth seed Frances Tiafoe in a tight match in which there was a ton of drama about what areas of the net it is acceptable to touch and win a point. Speaking of Canadian wildcards, Diallo beats Evans, who had just won Washington the week before. And finally, Alex de Minaur (we'll be seeing a lot of him) beats Norrie in a comfortable 7-5 6-4.

In round two, the top seeds come in and a lot of them immediately head out. Fifth seed Holger Rune, about to enter a massive flop era, loses to qualifier Giron in three sets. Tsitsipas gets crushed by Monfils 6-4 6-3. Vukic continues his run by beating Korda in an extremely close match. With the exact same scoreline as Tsitsipas, sixth seed Andrey Rublev loses to McDonald. Thirteenth seed Zverev is utterly destroyed by Davidovich Fokina 6-1 6-2.

Now into the third round, newly crowned Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz loses the first set to Hubi Hurkacz. And, in true Hurkacz fashion, the next two sets go to tiebreaks, both of which Carlos wins handily. Vukic's crazy run is finally ended by Monfils. And Davidovich Fokina continues to show no mercy to top seeds as he takes out Casper. Now, it seems like Alex de Minaur is down and out, seeing as he is down 1-5 against eighth seed Taylor Fritz. But then he wins a game. And then another. And then another. Yes, he somehow manages to win the set and ends up breadsticking Fritz to win the match.

So into the quarterfinals we go. Carlos Alcaraz's streak, starting all the way at Queen's Club, comes to an end as he loses to the inconsistent roller coaster of a player that is Tommy Paul. Davidovich Fokina just keeps winning and beats McDonald 6-4 6-2. And again, it seems like Alex is done for, down 2-5 against Daniil Medvedev. But what do you know: he wins a game. And another. And another. Alex de Minaur does it again and wins the match in straight sets.

In the semifinals, he keeps his momentum going and beats Davidovich Fokina 6-1 6-3. Amidst all this chaos, Alex de Minaur has pulled off numerous feats of excellence and is surely on his way to a title.

But there's one top seed left.

To say that Jannik Sinner cruised through this tournament is almost an understatement. He only lost one set, and he was gifted a walkover in the third round. Tommy Paul, who just beat Alcaraz? Jannik beats him handily, 6-4 6-4.

Alex's reward for his incredible run is a final against someone he is 0-4 against, an in the near future would be 0-7 against.

Before his miracle run ever sprang from that fateful bin, Jannik Sinner emerged from this insane tournament as the winner. And a few months later, it paled in comparison to everything he would do next.

[fantasylandbitch]

Summary: You take Sam's offer to stay at her place with the rest of your friends going to the bathroom upon entering. When Sam leaves to get something from your car, Tara decides that without her sister there to defend you that she would start an argument before all hell breaks loose in the apartment.

Warnings: Long Story, Fluff, Angst, Yelling,

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2.5 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 4.5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5.5  Chapter 6 Chapter 6.5 Chapter 7 Chapter 7.5 Chapter 8 Chapter 8.5 Chapter 9 (Chapter 9.5 Coming Soon)

Upon entering Sam and Tara’s apartment you are greeted by your friend Anika who waves at you before blowing a kiss from the couch making you smile as you walk around the corner catching Tara and Mindy at the dining room table. As you head to the bathroom you see Sam struggle to open her bedroom door so you go to help her “Hold up. Let me get the door for you” you say as you see her almost fall back, grabbing her belt buckle and pulling her into you as she held tightly to the blankets in her arms.

“Whoa shit, thank you Y/n,” she says relieved that she didn’t fall backward but she stays in your little side hug, feeling comfortable there.

“Not a problem, I was just doing my job,” you say holding her waist as you both look into each other's eyes when you heard the bathroom door open making you both look over to the sound, finding Chad looking at you both with a smile.

“Ladies,” he says smiling between you and Sam “Evening and oh the bathroom is free by the way,” Chad says before looking at your arm as you and Sam suddenly pull away from each other.

“Thanks,” you and Sam say at the same time before looking at each other and a light chuckle leaves your lips “Thanks again Chad, I’ll use it,” you say walking into the bathroom as Sam gives Anika a pillow and blankets.

“Thank you,” Anika says as Sam gives her a smile nodding before running back over to the bathroom to ask you something when the bathroom door closes but you don’t lock it.

“Hey Y/n, Can I borrow your keys?” Sam asks from outside the bathroom door but for some reason, you couldn’t hear her.

“Qué hermosa?” you say, causing Sam to laugh and you smile. “You can come into the bathroom,” you say as Sam opens the door.

(What beautiful?)

“Can I borrow your keys?” Sam says again coming into the bathroom as you cover up.

“Sí here,” you say digging into the pocket of your pants to give to Sam.

(Yes here)

“Gracias,” she says to you before saying "I just needed to get something from the trunk"

(Thanks)

"!De nada," you say with a smile "You don't have to explain yourself, just be careful okay?" You say with concern.

(You’re welcome)

Your concern makes Sam smile brightly "You know your Spanish is improving, right?" she says leaning against the door frame.

"It's only the very basic levels of Spanish Sam, not the level that you and Tara speak on," you say looking away from her briefly. When you look back at Sam again her features are soft as she looks at you making you slowly beam "But I do have a great teacher I see frequently."

You say bringing a proud smile to Sam's face "Anyway I'll let you do your business before you lose feeling in your legs, but I'll teach you more Spanish when we don't have a killer running about" she says as you hum in response watching the door close.

After you got done doing your business in the bathroom washing your hands and drying them in the process, you finally leave and walk towards the couch to take a seat next to Anika when Tara says something to you but you don't catch it right away so you turn your head "I'm sorry Tara, what did you say before?"

"Why did you become friends with me?" She asks, looking directly at you from the dining room table, where you notice the uneasy look on the twins' faces, as Tara’s eyes narrow. You look over at Anika who seems confused as you are as you get up from the couch standing near the divider between the living and dining room. 

"I became friends with you because I was attracted to your extraverted energy and personality. Plus your math skills are great. Why?" you say honestly. 

Your answer made Tara nod from the table "Because I don't trust you and you remind me of two people I hate."

You gave her a perplexed look wondering what would have made her say that, as you remember after grocery shopping with Sam that Tara was starting to give you attitude for even remotely liking her older sister. But you also remembered how Tara was giving you a limited pool of relatively decent people to choose from. Of course, none of them could ever beat how attractive her sister is in mind, body, and spirit.

"Tara, where is all this coming from? Is this about your sister and I going grocery shopping together the other day?" you ask, really trying to figure out where all of this hostility was coming from.

"This is about how you are most likely Ghost face!" she yells at you. "It would make sense that you would befriend me and my friends! You're quiet, loyal, and let's not forget to mention that you are outgoing just to mask how you really feel!" Tara says before continuing "You skip the parties I invite you to and to do what? Plan a way to kill us and get into my sister's pants?!"

Her words drip with venom, some of it dropping onto your heart making your chest hurt as you watch Mindy and Chad look at you with slight pity as Tara tries to turn them against you.

"I can see where Tara is coming from, Y/n you had to have known Tara was going to Blackmore University for college so you can go there in advance and later befriend us," Mindy says looking at her brother who nods slightly not entirely agreeing with her.

"Mindy I love you but stay out of this," you say to her as she puts her hands up backing out as you try to regulate your emotions but they spill out of you. "Why would I spend my precious hours planning out how to get close to you guys just so I can kill you later for fame? Do you know how exhausting that sounds!?" you say starting to tear up as Anika gets up from the couch to comfort you. "And Tara, sometimes I don't go to those stupid parties because they're too loud and every time we go, you get drunk. Like you don't want to be present anymore!" you say spilling your guts before continuing "Damn it, Tara! We don't hang out like we used to, you avoid painting, going to watch one of your favorite movies in theatres, or having a sleepover with me and I'm not sorry if I feel more or less calmly stimulated by interacting with your sister!"

You say allowed, suddenly the room is silent as everyone looks at you with surprise as you cover your mouth in disbelief. With anger swimming in Tara's eyes, she wants to gouge your eyes out but she settles on insulting you as Sam unlocks the door "You are just like Richie and Amber getting close, just to stab us in the back later" Sam overhears her as you walk away from the group heading for the front door when Sam cages you between the door and herself her hands holding the door close while her front is fleshed against your back.

"Sam, let me leave," you say as you start to cry from frustration while leaning your head on the door as you wipe your eyes.

"I can't Y/n, you are just as in much danger as the rest of us and I can't take that chance." Sam says putting her chin on your shoulder "And Tara didn't mean what she said, we're all on edge here" she whispers to you, when her group got a text message from the boy next door, getting distracted. 

Opening the message on her phone like Tara, Mindy, and Chad have, you look over at Sam's hand and notice a picture of Quinn being brutally murdered by Ghost Face, making everyone run to her door to try and open it but it's locked. All you guys can do is hear the sound of Quinn screaming in agony as she is being stabbed repeatedly making you feel powerless as the sounds of her screaming cease, making you guys look at the door in anticipation when the hairs on your back started to go up in waves. The anticipation made everyone huddle up to protect one another waiting for what is to come, making Chad pull Tara into his chest, Anika pulling Mindy behind her, while Sam held onto your waist as you stood in front of her.

Then Mindy says in a low voice “Run.”

Suddenly, the door to Quinn's room opens as her body rushes into Anika pushing her down and making everyone scream while Chad and Tara book it for the front door leaving you guys behind. The scene leaves you and Mindy on the floor when she looked up to see Ghost Face horrified at first, while Sam helps Anika to pull Quinn’s body off of her Mindy says “Oh Fuck!” causing you to look up when Ghost Face goes to slash her arm causing Sam to pull you backward with her so you wouldn’t get hurt.

But when Mindy got attacked Anika took it upon herself to fight Ghost Face “Stay the fuck back!” she yells trying to beat the shit out of him but it doesn’t work. Ghost Face pulls Anika up by her throat as you get up and yell for Sam who had gone into the kitchen to get something when Ghost Face closed the front door.

“SAM!” you yelled as you watched Ghost Face pull Anika to the fireplace and stab her before twisting the blade and going up, hearing her scream in pain. But you couldn’t wait for Sam any longer so you run over to Anika before forcing Ghost Face’s weapon out of her lower abdominal region. Then you picked Ghost Face up as your muscles worked to get his feet off the floor before running into the dining room with him, hitting his back against the corner of the wall as you hear his knife drop when you let him go. When Sam came back into the room she was surprised to see you hunched over and breathing heavily as her eyes followed to where you were looking seeing Ghost Face on the ground in the dining room when Mindy pipped up. 

“Damn Y/n, have you been holding out on us?” she questions as Sam dropped the scabbard to help Mindy up while you went over to pick up Anika to move her to Quinn's bedroom when Ghost Face came to, getting out of his stupor.

Sam yells to you when she notices him getting up "Y/n hurry!" she yells when you turn around to see him pick up his knife. This causes you to act quickly so you pick Anika up and over your shoulder hearing her scream into your ear, whispering sorry to her in short breaths. Before you put her down on the bed as Sam locks the main door and when she turns around she realizes that the bathroom door is open "Mindy close the bathroom door" she points at the door when you put your hand up.

"Wait Mindy, stay where you are" you whispered to her before looking at Sam "I got this mi tesoro," you say walking through the bathroom as Sam gave you soft eyes before you slipped on blood hitting your head. 

(I got this my treasure)

"Are you okay coriño?" Sam whisper yells to you.

(Are you okay darling?)

"Ah damn," you said, getting up while holding your head “Yeah I’ll live” you respond. When you fully stood up, you looked to your left as your skin crawled seeing a dead guy in the bathtub making you jump before you noticed something black in your peripherals. Instinctively, you put your hand out to close the door but when you tried Ghost Face stabs you in the back causing you to scream so you kick the door in, momentarily stopping him from hurting you further as you run back to your group closing the door behind you as Sam runs over with Mindy to block the bathroom door with whatever is in the bedroom.

"I don't want to die, baby," Anika says to Mindy as Mindy gives her girlfriend a look of sympathy.

"Me neither baby," she says holding her arm.

"You won't die Anika nor will you Mindy not while me and Sam are still breathing," you say to comfort them as you walk over to the window. Where the next-door neighbor extends a ladder between the buildings as you bring your arms out to secure the ladder for everyone's safety. "Think Y/n," you thought to yourself while examining Mindy and Anika causing you to take a step back, looking around the room for something.

"What are you looking for, Y/n?!" Mindy yells at you when you spot the pads underneath Quinn's bed picking them up. "What could you possibly be using the pads for? Because now is not the time to put one on!"

"They're not for me," you say running over to the bed where Anika is sitting "Anika can you lift your shirt up for me?" and she nods knowing what you're using it for.

"Don't push your luck, Y/n" Mindy jokes as she and Sam are pushed a little by Ghost Face's relentless attacks on the bathroom door.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Meeks," you say to Mindy as you apply the pad to Anika's stomach before going to Mindy and applying the same treatment to her as you take her place to block the door with Sam. "Hey, Sam, the boy next door provided a ladder for us to cross to the other side of the apartment. Do you think you can help Mindy and Anika get to the other side while I hold down the fort?" you ask Sam and she nods before removing herself from your side to run to the window.

Running over to the window Sam sees the boy next door and he waves for her to climb over but she backs away from the window, turning to her friends on the bed. "Mindy, do you have enough strength to climb over to the next apartment?" and she nods groaning as she gets up but not before kissing Anika on the forehead mouthing 'I love you' to her. The scene stings your eyes as tears start to form, making you wipe the tears away while you remain hopeful that Anika will see Mindy on the other side.

"Okay Anika, now it's your turn," you say to her as Sam walks over to her to help her up but for a second she refuses.

"I don't think I can!" she says crying as she holds her stomach. "I've lost too much blood," she says next because she's afraid that her guts will spill over onto the ground if she tries.

"You can do this Anika, Mindy is waiting for you on the other side," Sam says, making Anika lean over to the window where she can see her girlfriend, partially in pain but also being supportive which motivated her to get up and on the ladder while Sam holds it down. After Sam watches Anika successfully get to the other side of the building she looks over at you "Your turn Y/n" she says and you shake your head.

"No, you climb over, I won't be far behind," you say to her as you refuse to remove yourself from the barriers she and Mindy created by the door. "I don't want your death on my conscience nor your sister hating me because of it," you say sweating when you duck because Ghost Face managed to break the upper part of the door slicing at the air. 

Your words have Sam walking over to you as she cups your face "I can't do that Y/n, I need you to climb over because I wouldn't be able to live with the fact that you died for us when I could've saved you" she says putting her hands on either side of your head as she pushes you towards the window, taking your place by the door. 

But you walk back to Sam "Sammy…" you say feeling afraid for her.

Sam nods while smiling at you "I won't be far behind, I promise, now go!" she says as you turn around to climb out of the window.

As you climb over you suddenly realize the genuine gravity of the situation before you and it causes you to stop mid-way as you panic on the ladder making you look around for a familiar face for comfort. Then you hear Mindy and Anika call for you as you look away from the ladder to focus on them as they waved you over in support, and when you get in the boy next door asks you a question.

"Hey new girl, where's Samantha?" he asks bending down to see out the window before introducing himself “My name is Danny by the way,” he says walking away while running his hands through his hair out of stress. 

His actions cause you to look outside the window as your eyes follow the ladder where you later make eye contact with Sam. "Sam.." you whisper to yourself when the boy next store walks back over and smiles.

"Come on baby!" he yells to Sam as you look at him before watching Sam as she begins climbing over getting just as nervous as you did before Ghost Face walked over the window. 

You and Danny watched as Ghost Face examined the ladder before jabbing his knife into the windowsill when you realized what he was going to do. Then you quickly looked at the ladder yourself placing your hands on the end of the ladder and putting your weight into it for reinforcement as you looked at Sam. 

"You got this Sam, keep your momentum" you encouraged her when she stopped to look up at you to examine your features before she noticed the reflection in the window above your head.

"SAM WATCH OUT!" Tara screams from below making Sam look down at her sister before continuing to climb over. 

As Sam continued her climb over a rumbling sound can be heard as Sam stopped to take hold of the ladder as Ghost Face started violently moving it. His actions cause Sam to scream before calming down when the shaking stopped taking a deep breath, before continuing. When Sam got closer, you and Ghost Faced looked at each other. He would look at you and then the ladder for a second making sure you got what he was about to do when you yelled at Sam."SAM GRAB M-!" you yelled mid-sentence as you watched Ghost Face flip the ladder over causing you to kind of jump out of the window to grab Sam's hand as your hip slammed against the windowsill. "Aaaugh!" you screamed in pain while holding Sam's hand before offering your other hand for Sam to grab as Mindy and Danny hold on to your legs as you started to feel blood drip from your shoulder slowly making its way to your arm. “Sammy hold on for me! Don’t let go!” you yell to her while you look around the wall to see where she can perch her foot so you can pull her through the window and when you find it you inform her “Sam! I need you to put your right foot up on that ledge closer to your other elbow can you do that?!” 

Sam nods looking at the ledge you're talking about before replying “I-I can do that!” she says scared trying to swing her right leg onto the ledge but at first, it doesn’t work.

“You got this Sammy” you encourage her trying to take your mind off the pain in your back while trying not to alarm Sam about the blood that is now coming down your right arm.

“You got this Sam just one foot on the ledge and then jump up,” Sam says to herself swinging again, the second time she succeeds, jumping into you as you pull her through the window as you both became entangled with one another. 

“Thank god,” you say to Sam as you both hug each other before sitting up, soon you both catch sight of Ghost Face pacing back and forth in the other apartment like a lion waiting for his prey before disappearing out of view as you both take a deep breath. But Sam noticed how your breath was shaky and before she could say anything Danny helps her up when he hears the ambulance outside. Eventually, Danny comes back to help Mindy and Anika up as you get up from the floor to follow them out of the apartment building where you, Mindy, and Anika eventually get patched up by paramedics.

“You did a good job staying alive baby,” Mindy says to Anika in an ambulance not far from the one you're in as you watch their interaction and listen to them.

“Thanks, baby I have a good support system,” Anika says glancing over at you before bringing Mindy in for a kiss causing you to smile.

Before you look over at Sam who was talking to her little sister by the gate in front of the apartment building with soft eyes before she looked up from her sister to look at you when the paramedic asked you to step out of the truck so they can examine your back while your relaxed pulling the back of your shirt up revealing your back. The reveal causes Sam to stare at your semi-toned back before looking away briefly and eyeing you again as you walked away from the truck to go see if Chad was okay when her sister asked her a question. Then Danny pushes you to the ground “What the hell is your problem!?” you yell angrily at Danny as you look up at him while slowly getting up from the ground as Chad and Mindy walked over to see what was going on.

“That should have been you on that ladder earlier!” he yells at you before grabbing your shirt and when he did you struggled to get out of his grasp so you kicked him in the groin because you were short enough to do so.

“Sam is alive you prick, be grateful!” you say trying to catch your breath and backing away because you didn’t feel safe, the commotion causes Sam and Tara to look over. After recovering from the kick Danny walks over to you ready to fight when Chad and Mindy step in the way trying to push him back but he continued to push getting a little bit closer every time making you walk backward until a familiar pair of hands held you in place as Sam got in Danny’s space yelling at him.

“What the hell is your problem, Danny?!” Sam yells at him shoving him back and suddenly he’s speechless.

“S-she she put you in danger, Samantha,” he says holding onto her arms to stop her from shoving him again refraining from getting loud with her. “A-And I am your friend trying to protect you” he stutters looking between Sam’s eyes and her lips when she shoves him again and this time hard.

“That's right Danny we’re just friends nothing more than that,” Sam says to him before turning around to look for you when she noticed Ethan talking to you, her eyes narrowed at him causing the twins to look behind them as Chad got mad pushing him into a car.

“Where were you!?” Chad yelled at Ethan

“What? When?” Ethan asked concerned but scared.

And while you watched Ethan get ripped into, you hug Mindy before telling her that you needed to go home and Sam watched those words pass your lips ‘Why are you leaving?’ Sam questioned in her head not realizing that her little sister was watching her. “Y/n!” she calls for you getting ready to run after you when Mindy and Tara got in her way stopping her even though they both have different motives for doing so.

“Let her go, Sam, she just needs some time to recover from last night,” Mindy tells Sam as Sam never took her eyes off of you while you walked away until you got into a taxi you hauled for as it drives away.

“It's okay, Sam” Tara tells her older sister rubbing her arm for comfort when she notices her eyes getting glassy making her rethink why she yelled at you in the first place when you saved her sister when you could have let her drop to her death. “Y-You’ll see her again” she reassures her older sister when someone in pink catch her eyes. 

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2.5 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 4.5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5.5  Chapter 6 Chapter 6.5 Chapter 7 Chapter 7.5 Chapter 8 Chapter 8.5 Chapter 9 (Chapter 9.5 Coming Soon)

The part that had me crying with laughter while I was trying to explain the scene to my brother was when " you kick the door on Ghost Face after being stabbed" and for some reason, I couldn't talk about it with a straight face.

Stay in my mentions crew: @daddy-carpenter @lummaland @screechcat @grandpatrolnut

Scream 6 : A Love so Understanding Playlist

[princess-of-pearls-and-stars]

Miraculous Ladybug Writing Prompts for the fanfic writers here on Tumblr I've come up with that don't turn Miss Bustier's class into irredeemable bullies ( Please comment which prompt you use + please tag me once oneshot/fanfic is posted )

All the prompts below involve Adrienette

1.) Françoise Dupont gains a new student that moved to Paris, France from ( country of your choice that isn't France ) that gets put in Miss Bustier's class. Lila is not impressed since their arrival results in her ' sheep ' paying less attention to her. Bonus points if they either a.) Call Lila out on her bull, b.) Play the long con to lull Lila into a false sense of security while they gather info, or c.) Are a precious little cinnamon roll who's caring nature & obliviousness plays a part in Lila's downfall. Another set of bonus points if the new kid's rich ( up to you as to what carreer(s) their parent(s) have ) & if Lila tries to threaten the new kid [ If you choose to do this prompt, comment if you choose a, b, or c. Also you get free reign in terms of what they look like along with some of their personality ]

2.) Lila lies about knowing the lead actress of Solitude. Cue a crying Adrien, a very very VERY livid Marinette, Nino, & Chloé, & a VERY furious father. Oh, and two very furious Graham de Vanilys that are more than happy to blacklist & sue Lila. Up to you if someone gets akumatized ( Don't know who originally came up with the idea of Lila lying about Adrien's mom, but whoever it is is a genius cause if Lila actually lied about Adrien's mom in canon she would be oh so very screwed )

3.) Marinette enters a design contest run by a famous female fashion designer that Marinette is a huge fan of. Lila tries to sabotage/steal Marinette's outfit design for the contest. Lila forgets that security cameras exist

4.) Rose knows that Lila is lying about Prince Ali & tells Ali this during one of their video calls. Things don't end well for Lila

5.) Jagged Stone hears about Lila's lies. The rockstar is not happy for several reasons and he & Penny plan a little suprise

6.) The sibling/cousin/best friend of one of Lila's previous victims or a cousin of Lila's enrolls in Françoise Dupont with the intent of bringing all of Lila's past deeds to light ( you get free reign in terms of their appearance, personality, and what their parents do for a living ). Bonus points if Lila tries to threaten them

7.) Félix cares about his cousin, so when Adrien tells him about a certain liar getting all handsy with him during school & modeling, Félix concocts a little scheme to get said liar fired and blacklisted and have a restraining order against her ( and he might also be playing wingman because it's clear as day that Adrien has romantic feelings for the bakers daughter - Marinette )

[amateurvoltaire]

I'm still neck-deep in my studies of the Vendée, and what I've found particularly fascinating is that nearly every (1) prominent general not only boasts an impressively cool portrait but also sports a rather fetching nickname.

The nicknames are sourced from the Memoirs of the Marquise de La Rochejaquelein. How reliable is she? The lady lost her father and both her husbands in two separate Vendéen royalist uprisings, so she's hardly an unbiased chronicler. However, it's a reasonable assumption that, irrespective of one's views on the beliefs of these six men, they exhibited considerable courage and grace in their tragically brief lives—something even their Republican foes, begrudgingly, acknowledged.

Moreover, even if the cool monikers might be embellished, they're somewhat incidental to the broader mythos surrounding the Vendéen generals(2)

The truly intriguing part is the blatantly obvious piece of Royalist propaganda embodied by the six portraits and what they reveal—not so much about the portrayed subjects, but about the man who commissioned them: Louis XVIII (3).

Every Vendée General needs a Good, King-approved, Profile Picture

Now, I'm no expert on Louis XVIII, but he seems considerably more sensible than either one of his brothers. During their reigns, both the previous Louis and the subsequent Charles X appeared to have missed the memo that the times were changing, managing to piss off masses of people. Louis XVIII, in contrast, was painfully aware of the precariousness of his position. These portraits show as much.

Understandably, imagery during the First Empire tended to avoid commemorating the Revolution or acknowledging its victims. The Bourbon Restoration opted for a different tack: it sought to acknowledge the allegiance to the crown of those who opposed the revolution without reminding the public of the implications of such loyalty: namely war; a very bloody war.

In 1816, Louis XVIII commissioned a series of portraits to adorn the Hall of the Guards at the Palace of Saint-Cloud, depicting generals of the Vendée. Since he is often (apocryphally) quoted as saying that he owes his crown to the Vendée, the subject matter makes sense. The result, as you can see, was suitably glorious (4).

However, comparing these paintings to those of the Vendée created during the Third Republic by artists like Julien Le Blant, Paul-Émile Boutigny, Alexandre Bloch and many more reveals a notable omission: the blood, the violence, the enemy. Now, before you argue that it's just the era's style, go take a look at some of the paintings of Napoleon’s generals—many depict the enemy lurking ominously in the background. Yet, for portraits of six men who fought in a conflict so brutal it's sometimes termed a genocide, these images are remarkably sedate.

*Spoiler Alert*: It’s intentional.

Louis XVIII wasn’t an idiot. He clung to the throne by the skin of his teeth. Now, I’m speculating, but he probably liked his head enough to want to keep it firmly on his shoulders. He might have been grateful to the Vendéans and eager to indulge in a bit of old-fashioned Royalist propaganda, but he wasn’t about to spark another civil war over it.

Thus, these portraits, intentionally devoid of any overt warfare imagery, focus instead on symbols of monarchy and religion. We see the white flags of the Bourbon kings, rosaries, sacred hearts and white cockades adorning men who appear more like martial saints than soldiers.

Bonchamps's portrait lacks even a weapon (he holds a quill). In his painting, Cathelineau (5) is so laden with rosaries and crosses he might as well have raided the Vatican Gift Shop. Lescure's portrait drowns in Christian symbolism to the point of satire. Charette appears to be triumphant and is dressed in the outfit he had on when he entered Nantes after the Treaty of La Jaunaye. D’Elbee is an outlier, painted during the reign of Charles X after a decade of rosaries and white cockades, allowing the artist some leeway with the excessive symbolism.

Of all the portraits, that of Henri de La Rochejaquelein by Pierre Narcisse Guérin(6) stands out as the most striking. The young leader is portrayed in a dynamic posture, which projects a sense of forward movement and leadership yet avoids any overt display of aggression. La Rochejaquelein is the only one clearly portrayed amidst battle, in a heroic poise, aiming his gun at an invisible off-the-canvas enemy. Guérin gives us just a hint of the Republican army by showing the tips of Republican bayonets in the background—just enough to suggest opposition, yet not enough to relive the battles.

Notably, while dripping in Royalist symbols, his portrait eschews overt religious iconography beyond the Sacred Heart. In fact, the painting goes so far as to replace what is known to be La Rochejaquelein’s flag with a more royalist-focused one.

The Conspiracy of La Rochejaquelein’s flag

How do we know this? Well, the actual flag was preserved by the Beauregard family, whose ancestors held commanding roles in the Vendéen army. What’s written on the flag is not “Vive le Roi” (7) but “PRO ARIS REGE ET FOCIS”, translating to “For Our Altars, King, and Hearths”. Notice the order—king follows altars? Now, before you suggest that neither Guérin nor Louis XVIII could have known what was inscribed, I will concede that Guérin might not have, but Louis XVIII actually handled the flag a year before commissioning the portrait.

After Rochejaquelein's death, his comrades took the flag to Charette's army, which continued to use it. In 1814, one of Charette's former officers presented it to Louis XVIII. The king then gifted it to Louis de la Rochejaquelein during the 1815 uprising. After his demise at the Battle of Les Mathes, Auguste, the last of the three La Rochejaquelein brothers, preserved it until 1832 before, prior to his exile, bequeathing it to the Beauregard family, to whom he was related.

So, putting my metaphorical tinfoil hat firmly in place, I will conclude that it seems the King didn't want to share the dashing young Compte de la Rochejaquelein with the Pope.

Jokes aside, Rochejaquelein’s portrait was the first completed, likely reflecting the true intent of the King’s propaganda effort: to reaffirm a Royalist identity and provide a heroic image that could encourage unity rather than division. Over time, the overt Royalist symbols were toned down—probably because someone hinted to the king that he was being a bit much—but one element remained consistent: the absence of violence.

The remaining five Vendéean generals' portrayals as dignified, pious leaders rather than battlefield warriors are a rather perfect metaphor for the narrative Louis XVIII sought to promote throughout his reign—a narrative of reconciliation, remembrance, and a gradual, non-confrontational restoration of the monarchy to what he perceived as its rightful, almost divine, station. Essentially, Louis XVIII was too smart and fond of his head and crown to go all-in on the whole absolutist monarchy thing (8).

... If you've actually made it this far and read this whole thing, please know you're one of my favourite people in the whole wide world...

Notes:

(1) Apart from Stofflet, for reasons I won’t speculate on here because this thing is already over 2000 words long…

(2) This was all I intended to mention before I tumbled down a rabbit hole into the realm of early Restoration imagery and emerged with a mini-essay on early Restoration propaganda...

(3) the former Count of Provence and brother to the guillotined Louis XVI)

(4) The Louvre Collection has a number of paintings marked as being commissioned for the guard room in Saint Cloud. In chronological order, they are:  

Henri Duverger, comte de La Rochejaquelein - Guérin, Pierre-Narcisse (1816)

Louis-Marie de Salgues, marquis de Lescure (1766-1793), général vendéen by Lefèvre, Robert (1816)

Charles-Melchior-Artus marquis de Bonchamps (1760-1793), général vendéen by Girodet de Roucy-Trioson (1816)

Jacques Cathelineau (1759-1793) généralissime vendéen by Girodet de Roucy-Trioson  ( comissioned in 1816 but exposed in the Salon of 1824)

Pierre Jean Baptiste Constant, comte de Suzannet by Mauzaisse, Jean Baptiste(1817)

François Athanase Charrette dela Contrie by Guérin, Paulin (1819)

Louis Duverger, Marquis de La Rochejaquelein by  Guérin, Pierre-Narcisse (1819) – this is Henri de La Rochejaquelein’s baby brother, he died leading the Vendee revolt in 1815

Louis, comte de Frotté, général vendéen by Louise Bouteiller

Maurice Joseph Louis Gigost d'Elbée by  Guérin, Paulin (1825) – Comissioned by Charles X

Antoine Philippe de la Trémoille, prince de Talmond, général vendéen  by Cogniet, Léon - (1826) – Comissioned by Charles X

Louis-François Perrin, comte de Précy (1742-1820), général vendéen by Dassy, Jean Joseph (1829) – Comissioned by Charles X

(5) Fun fact: Cathelineau’s son stood for his father’s portrait

(6) Not to be confused with Guérin, Paulin

(7) According to his wife, this would have been Lescure's flag

(8) Very in character for a king who refused to be crowned. And this is a good thing. Especially seeing how his little brother turned out…

Sources:

Crosefinte, Jean-Marie. Les Drapeaux Vendéens.

La Rochejaquelein, Marie-Louise-Victoire. Memoirs of the Marquise de la Rochejaquelein.

Mansel, Philip. Louis XVIII.

[doomxdriven]

The whole 'vampires need permission to enter a home' thing does apply to Bount but its not at all as black and white as the legends make it out to be.

Bount don't necessarily need permission to enter a home, they can technically barge into any home they please, but there are caveats to this, caveats which are collectively known among Bount as the Intruder's Curse, or Fluch des Eindringlings;

1. By entering someones home without explicit permission from its owner, a Bount loses the ability to hide their Spiritual Power/Pressure for as long as they are trespassing within the boundaries of said home. When this happens, a Bount's existence, location, and the scope of their power, are essentially broadcast to EVERYONE in the general area who can detect Spiritual Power or Spiritual Pressure, and that can be troublesome for a number of reasons.

2. Entering someones home without explicit permission will result in a Bount not being able to access the abilities of their Doll for as long as they are trespassing-- their Doll will effectively lose contact with them, and that can be a major detriment if trouble comes their way (of which there is a heightened chance since they will be on the metaphorical radar of every High-spec individual in their general area on account of #1).

3. Trespassing in someones home will manifest great physical discomfort within a Bount-- the exact location of this discomfort will vary between individuals, but the most common discomforts are splitting headaches, intense chest pain, dizziness, and nausea. Older Bount or Bount of sufficient power can deal with these discomforts easier than their less fortunate brethren, but these discomforts will still pose an issue for any Bount-- making it harder for them to concentrate or move, which will compound the possible problems they may face.

4. Any benefits a Bount would normally receive from devouring Souls is drastically reduced while they are within the boundaries of a home they were not invited into. More than that, it becomes very difficult for a Bount who is trespassing to actually devour a Soul-- its very likely it will slip away from them, and be claimed by the cycle of rebirth instead.

Because of these detriments that can befall a Bount, they will usually avoid entering someones home if they are not invited in or given permission to be there-- they can enter if they really want to, there's nothing that will physically stop them, but such a scenario is usually far more hassle than it's worth.

It should also be noted that these caveats, this 'curse', only applies specifically to a Bount entering someones home (be it a house, an apartment, a hotel room, etc etc) without permission, it doesn't require them to seek permission to enter every building or enclosed space they happen upon (that would be silly).

Continued: How or why this phenomena occurs, however, is a bit of a mystery. What exactly enforces this stipulation and then 'curse' (if its ignored) upon Bount isn't definitively known to them or their Dolls, but there are many theories.

In olden times, Quincy thought this phenomena was a form of holy protection that was dealt out by their 'God', to keep their homes and their Souls safe in the event Bount happened upon them in the middle of the night. This idea was eventually watered down and passed into common Human lore with many of the other myths associated with the 'Vampire', that Bount were responsible for.

Jin, on the other hand, believes this 'curse' is something that was woven into the Souls of Bount back when they were still fledgling experiments in the Soul Society's clutches, but this is more of a hunch-- even for all he knows about the Soul Society and the history of the Bount, he has no proof on this.

But, regardless of why it happens, it is a very real phenomena, and one Bount must keep in mind when hunting for Souls at night, or otherwise seeking to enter someone's dwelling for some reason.

[sleepyslepu]

lo siento si me e tardado para publicar la historia pero la universidad no me quiere dejar respirar, además que me han surgido ideas, para la historia, así que me surgieron unas preguntas:

1- puedo utilizar el hermano menor de DD, si es posible si lo puedo utilizar como personaje dime por favor que el al menos es adolescente o ya es un adulto cual quiera de las dos edades me serviría mucho, ya que me surgió una gran trama de historia que el puede hacer

2- que edades tiene los critters en redcrescentau, esto me ayuda para hacer las edades del grupo de critters que serán los protagonistas en esta historia secundaria

3- de pronto es porque solo vamos en el 4 capitulo pero bobby no a aparecido (eso o que estoy loco y no me di cuenta) esto me da curiosidad ya que bobby se supone que es amor y cosas buenas, con la situación que hay ahora dudo que ella esta de acuerdo con eso, es posible utilizar también su personaje o tienes planeado ya algo con ella como dije hace poco (amor, amistad, bobby tu sabes)

No te disculpas, todos tenemos cosas que ser. Yo ya emepeze la escuela también 😅

Claro que puedes usar el hermano de DogDay! Tiene 20 años de edad desde el comienzo de Capitulo 1. También tienen una hermana de 16 años.

2. Las flechas significan que van a cumplir en acto 1.

Canonical ages, Act 1:

 (second)DogDay: 24 ——> 25

Became head of the House at 18 years old and married at 20 years old

Catnap: 27

Became head of the House at 20 married at 22

Kickin:23

Bobby:24

Bubba:29 

Became head of the House at 23

Picky:25

Crafty:21

(first)Hoppy: 24 ——> 25

Married and became head of the House at 18, divorced at 20

3. Bobby iba a aparecer el proximo capitulo jaja, tengo cosas planeadas para ella y los demás, pero eso va ser hasta el segundo acto (pienso que el primero va ir rápido, es corto al menos como yo lo tengo planeado). No esta de acuerdo con lo que están haciendo, pero igual como DogDay, no tiene poder para pararlo, nada mas puede quedarse callada y ver lo que esta pasando.

Pero puedes hacer lo que tu quieras :)

Aqui les tengo un sneak peek del capitulo 5 que quizás puede ayudar, una parte de una conversacion entre Catnap y Bobby en ingles (algunas cosas pueden cambiar, no es el final producto):

Sneak Peek Chapter 5 (Not edited):

“At least…on the bright side you have a good reason to not let them near him...” she said, though the tone of her voice seemed unsure. DogDay’s situation—when you put it like that really does sound miserable.

Catnap has tried to make it comfortable for the canine no doubt. To the point of spoiling him rotten, he would gift him anything he could ever want. But since Day never really asked aside from the necessities, it was starting to make Catnap uneasy. Going as far as increasing the number of spies in the Queens Quarters to keep a close eye on the dog.

DogDay was smart though. He had a couple of servants that were loyal to him and would watch the “new” ones from afar and report things back to him. It was normal for some of the new maids to be kicked out of his quarters. Isolating himself proved to be good for him, but how long would he be able to keep it up?

“And yet the guards couldn’t stop his mother from entering the palace.” Catnap scoffed, “She’ll bring nothing but misery to him…”

He couldn’t touch the Sunlight House.

DogDay would get even angrier than what he already is.

Catnap took in a deep breath and let out a long tired sigh. He patted his face gently, feeling the soft fur being smoothed back down. “Did the Prototype leave a message for me?”

“Not yet. The Guardian hasn’t found any signs of the Prototype being awake. He says it might take around three to a month more until he does.”

“More time huh?” he frowned.

Just how much longer will his God remain dormant for?

“You should eat breakfast first.” Bobby suggested, “I can have Picky make you something to eat before you head to the meeting—”

“Not hungry.”

Bobby glared at him; he always chose to act this way. “You didn’t eat dinner yesterday due to being busy with work. The least you can do right now is eat at least something.”

She then got a quick idea—“What if you invite his Highness over to have brunch with you?”

This peeked Catnaps interest. She didn’t even have to look at him, to know it did touch a little spot in his mind. “Brunch?”

“I think it would be a good idea, it has been a while since you last saw him. Maybe you can gift him something to make him feel better about the last encounter you two had. He didn’t try to stab nor hit you if I recall?”

“He didn’t.”

She clapped her paws together excitedly, “So that’s a good thing! That means your relationship might be improving...”

He eyed her suspiciously, “You don’t sound so confident.”

“He might’ve just been holding back from what I can imagine. I actually don’t know but it’s good to think it could be a possibility right?”

[lovepeaceandtarot]

Pick a card - Random Message

(Escolha uma carta - Mensagem aleatória)

If you want a reading on your energy, just schedule a paid reading with me in DM!

(Se quiser uma leitura na sua energia, basta agendar uma leitura paga comigo na DM!)

If that found you, it was for a reason. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t resonate.

(Se isso encontrou você, é por uma razão. Pegue o que ressoar e deixe o que não ressoa.)

Card 1 - “Seek to find the balance in life between peace and chaos. For some of you, you are entering a period of peace and balance. There are some people who will prove to be fake to you, that is, they will bite their own tail.”

(Carta 1: “Busque encontrar o equilibrio na vida entre a paz e o caos. Para alguns de vocês, vocês estão entrando em um periodo de paz e equilibrio. Existem algumas pessoas que irão se revelar falsas para vocês ou seja vão morder a própria cauda.”)

Card 2 - "Stay more in touch with nature and go for a walk in a park or in a forest to go hiking. Face things more simply. For some of you, life is about to become simpler and you will be reaping all the fruits of your victory. Maybe number 8 will become important to you..”

(Carta 2 - “Fique mais em contato com a natureza e vá caminhar em um parque ou em uma floresta para fazer trilha. Encare as coisas com mais simplicidade. Para alguns de vocês, a vida está prestes a

ficar mais simples e você estará colhendo todos os frutos da sua vitoria. Talvez o número 8 venha se tornar importante para você.”)

Card 3: "Walk slowly and barefoot without worrying about tomorrow. Try to live in the present moment and enjoy every moment of life. If you feel that you are living on tiptoe or that you are stepping on eggs, just talk and understand why and impose limits and put an end to this situation.”

(Carta 3: “Caminhe devagar e descalço sem se preocupar com o amanhã. Procure viver no momento presente e aproveitar cada momento da vida. Se você sentir que está vivendo na ponta dos pés ou que está pisando em ovos, basta conversar e entender o porque e impor limites e colocar fim nessa situação.”)

#tarot #tarotportugal #tarotreading #career #careerreading #generalreading #foryou #foryoupage #explore #explorar #amorproprio #tarô #tarotcards #tarotcomunity #consultasdetarot #selfcare #autocuidado #freetarotreading #generalreading #acolhimento #loveyourself #pickapiletarot

[canonical-transformation]

Let's just assume that v5.2 is giving us a highly desirable 5★ Pyro character who is at least Raiden levels of versatile, and maybe Furina or Nahida levels of "changes what teams are viable". (I'll be using female pronouns but let's also assume it's not a Himeko expy. Expectation management etc.) Let's also assume no new reactions / buffs, etc. Worst of all, let's assume the "Pyro is passion damage" truism holds.

4 potential Pyro kits that I hope we don't get (and 2 I'm okay with)

1: On-field Pyro DPS

(Why I don't like it: power creep.)

You know the drill. Big numbers, Pyro infusion, low enough ICD (or fast enough attacks) for reasonable XQ+YL reverse vape setups.

Less shield-dependent than HT+Arle, less poise-dependent than Yoimiya and Lyney, faster than Yanfei and Diluc, and, idk, stupidly high multipliers. ATK buff that scales on ATK because why not.

Example:

Press E to enter the Fiery Fire state, gaining a Pyro infusion increasing ATK by 50% of her current ATK.

Talent: after dealing a certain amount of DMG, deal a blast of AoE DMG.

Talent: when in the party in the overworld, if playing on mobile, all enemies move at 50% speed

2: Off-field Pyro DPS

(Why I don't like it: power creep.)

Example:

Press E to summon a Pyronado (20s duration 10s cooldown).

Press Q for a few hits of burst damage (Miko but 2× speed and homing), which simultaneously count as NA CA Skill and Burst DMG.

Talent: Elegy of the End

Talent: Alley Hunter

No ICD on anything.

When crafting Character Talent Materials, 50% chance to receive double the

3: fast weak off-field Pyro application

(Why I don't like it:) Burgeon is a niche, Thoma. I love and respect you but it's a very specific niche.

Example:

Press E to summon the Salon Des Dragons[...], which deals frequent Pyro damage and also coordinated attacks.

Talent: Burning can stack up to 3× damage and remains even after the Pyro or Dendro aura leaves. The Salon's attacks do not deplete Hydro aura. Overloaded pulls enemies in.

When crafting Character Ascension Gemstones, 50% chance to refund a portion of the materials used.

4: ATK buffer

(I.e. power creep)

You know, Pyro!Bennett. Less circle impact and more Navia's deal (or a Nahida sized circle). Swap the healing for damage prevention, perhaps, or follow Furina's footsteps and throw in some all-Element DMG% or Crit DMG% buff.

Green eyes optional.

5: Debuff (Pyro!Mona, Pyro!Lisa)

If Pyro is the "more damage" element and we don't want a Bennett 2.0, how about shredding RES better that Zhongli, or a less front-loaded Mona, or... all of the above?

Apply a debuff however we see fit. Nahida (E), Arlecchino (E), Mona (Q), Hu Tao (Q or E+CA), all have reasonable debuff triggers, as is a passive off-field effect. For wave clearing specifically(*), Yoimiya's target-jumping burst aura would also be pretty reasonable.

(*) after 4.1 (Peaks and Troughs) and 4.4 (Triumphant Frenzy) I think an endurance wave-clearing mode might be a viable endgame mode direction, RIP Nahida.

As for the debuffs, RES shred and/or DEF shred seem fine (the former being a nice boon for transformative reactions). Status curse that lowers enemy level if you want to be fancy :P

6: Off-field chip damage support

Consider our favourite leyline disorders, Smoldering Flames and Tracking Fire Ball, I guess this would... work? Arle+HT already do a little bit in the "DoT" niche but that's not their main deal.

E: Grant party a Curtain of Smolder. While under this effect, gain a Morning Star every 0.8s. If there are 4+ Morning Stars, consume them and launch a fireball at a nearby enemy (prioritising high HP) for stupid amounts of AoE damage. Whenever a party member under the Curtain of Smolder uses a Burst, gain a Morning Star. Whenever a party member deals DMG (max once per character per 1s), gain a Morning Star.

Q: oh yeah also all the enemies are taking ATK scaling Pyro DoT. Yeah it ignores defence. Yeah not removable.

Talent: While in the Curtain of Smolder state, the active character's attacks deal additional poise damage if they're not a Claymore user, additional fixed DMG if they're not a Bow/Catalyst User, and have increased ATK SPD if they're not a Sword/Polearm user.

When forging Mystic Enhancement Ore, 50% chance to receive 1 Primogem