#and his holier than thou ml

[xxcatchingcloudsxx]

I need people to stop hating on my mans Jiang Cheng or else imma have to come back to writing fanfiction just so I can give this man some love he deserves

[mermaidsirennikita]

almost done with Darling Beast, the Maiden Lane I remembered least and considered the most mid of the series (there's not a BAD ML, but this was the weakest imo, having... not read the very first book yet oops I'm sorry I should but it's one of like two full length Hoyts I have left!!!).

and it's so good????? Like we have:

--a giant ugly hero (I love an ugly hero, especially when he's Big) who can't speak for the first half

--a kid who actually works mostly because he's there to be like "THIS GIANT MAN I FOUND IN THE WOODS IS MY BEST FRIEND" while the hero is like "well I guess"

--SEKRETS

--some legit rockin' sex scenes, and I did remember that this book had great sex scenes, but I forgot that it included like, him launching onto her puss with one leg thrown over his shoulder, him fucking this girl on like a table while being like "ONE DAY I'LL FUCK YOU IN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM", this whole thing where she's like bent over in yet another inopportune location, "presenting herself like a mare"

--because, and I should add this, one of the best things about the way Elizabeth Hoyt writes sex scenes is that she tiptoes riiiight up to the point where her descriptions might seem a little gross? but she has the balance you need, so instead it's very EARTHY, and even though you're like "oh, like a horse?" (and it's not that she writes the most insane sex scenes EVER, but I do think they kind of get closer to a Grace Callaway-type scene than most trad historical authors, and they are...... pretty hot) it's like................... I don't know how to say this other than like, her writing evokes the way real sex IS, while maintaining a degree of romance novelocity; like, real sex is kind gross but also fun and most of all very physical even when you're emotionally connecting with someone, and I think a lot of romance authors do miss that mark and she never does

--my point being that the sex scenes in this book are very good

--there's a whole murder plot but there's also the fact that Asa Makepeace is still desperately trying to make his THEATER ENTERPRISE work because otherwise his holier than thou family will LAUGH AT HIM FOR SURE, and then you have random Valentine Napier cameos where he like, cackles evilly but also helps the leads like a horrible fairy godmother

--she's setting up the next book by having James Trevillion, the Maiden Lane Jim Gordon, desperately try to be an effective officer of the law even though he got like medically retired, and at the same time he's like "NOBODY TOUCH THIS GIRL CHILD I'M PROTECTING" because he has to think of her as a girl child and not the grown woman she is because otherwise he'd have to admit that he wants to throw down

--towards the end my boy, Maximus, Duke of The Home Gym, BatDuke He Is The Night TM, shows up to be like "everyone leave my wife's stupid twin brother and whoever this bitch he's with is alone, or there will be consequences", and basically they tell Trevillion that they called Maximus rather than THE MAIDEN LANE POLICE because he'd be "more effective"

--and I'm like AT WHAT???? like normal ducal intimidation???? or were they like "worst case scenario Maximus kills this man because he's, you know, CRAZY, and because he's a duke nobody will arrest him"????

anyway great book would recommend am going to raise my rating on GR and StoryGraph for sure and idk maybe listen to a billion more of these books all over again

[miraculouscontent]

Anonymous submitted:

Honestly, I’ve liked a lot of flawed characters from all kinds of series.  And those flaws have ranged all over the place, too, from ‘mildly annoying’ to ‘irritating’, 'cringeworthy’… I’ve gotten secondhand embarrassment from some of the stunts that characters I enjoyed pulled in their respective series.

And that’s fine!  There’s nothing wrong with any of that!  Liking somebody does not mean automatically being 100% on board with everything they do!  It’s okay to criticize your favorites – to admit that 'OK, I didn’t like that.'  Sometimes you’ve just gotta suck your teeth and go 'Oh, honey, no.’

It’s good to have perspective.  To be able to step back and acknowledge that even your favorites have flaws.  Flaws that may well be dealbreakers for others.

Unfortunately, what we keep seeing with Adrien is that canon actively encourages viewers to ignore all of his issues, gamely insisting that he’s perfect just the way he is.  It pulls out every excuse in the book, when it’s not just glossing over his problems entirely.  There is Nothing Wrong with Adrien.  Everything can be blamed on Marinette.  Or Gabriel.  Or other outside factors.  But mainly Marinette.  Because Marinette Always Makes Mistakes while Adrien is (supposedly) blameless.

Everyone has flaws.  Nobody is perfect.  Perfection is an unreachable illusion, the metaphorical brass ring – heck, the pursuit of perfection itself can give rise to all kinds of flaws!  It encourages inflexibility, ego trips, superiority complexes, 'holier than thou’ attitudes…

So many of my issues with Adrien boil down to how incredibly frustrating it is that this incredibly flawed character will never see his issues addressed in any meaningful way in canon.  Because ML don’t play that way.  A series with so much potential has ultimately been constructed around propping up this wooden idol, trumpeting his 'perfection’, refusing to acknowledge any of the very real, very clear problems on full display.  And it encourages this same 'all-or-nothing’ mentality in its audience.

I’ve seen this happen with plenty of other series, and plenty of other fandoms.  And yes, typically it’s centered around a 'troubled but cute’ boy.  Yet ML goes above and beyond in rooting that 'Adrien Agreste Did Nothing Wrong’ attitude in canon, leaving a lot of us going 'Uh… actually, he’s done quite a lot wrong.’

It’s important to be able to criticize even your faves.  To acknowledge when they’re at fault.  This toxic narrative ML pushes of constantly shifting the blame and ignoring Adrien’s agency and responsibility for his own choices would be disturbing in any series, but in one aimed specifically at young audiences, pushing this as ’romantic’… well, that just amplifies the creepiness.

I don’t mind anyone liking Adrien.  You do you.  And you let others do themselves, rather than attacking and berating them for daring to dislike your darlings.  It’s hardly the end of the world if somebody doesn’t like Raymond, especially when it’s because Raymond is kind of a douche.  It’s not a personal attack on you, and it certainly doesn’t justify attacking anyone 'in their defense’.

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

If the stans consider Adrien “perfect,” then they’re presenting the exact problem, because either the show has created a deuteragonist that’s “done nothing wrong” while the girl has to make all the mistakes, or “perfection” is now defined by all of Adrien’s incredibly flawed actions and is apparently something all people should strive for.

[critical-thinking-is-mandatory]

i just love how adrien is supposed to be a main character and yet his entire personality can be summed up with: sad because marinette/gabriel doesn’t love him, sexy houseplant, and holier than thou self-righteous rich kid.

where is the depth, the nuance to his character?? he’s supposed to be a main character and a compelling love interest and his role in the story could basically be done by a sexy houseplant.

ml keeps introducing new characters, and yet one of the titular characters in miraculous: tales of ladybug and chat noir has the character development of an inanimate object. 

[teannamon]

The Black Cat and the Princess (ML Fic) 4

Marinette Agreste (outfit mentioned in Chapter 2) and Gabriel Agreste

Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng with their adopted son, Adrien Dupain-Cheng

Art by the lovely and talented @deryuj​ tysm :>

[ Family Switch AU ]  Marinette’s the only child of fashion icon Gabriel Agreste, and Adrien is the adopted child of Sabine and Tom Dupain-Cheng, two of the best bakers in Paris. What happens when their paths meet?

↫ Chapter 3

Chapter 4 :  The weekend is here and Marinette has been invited to a gathering.

Nathalie entered the young designer’s room with the item she requested-a black belt with a silver buckle which is, of course, of the Gabriel brand.

“Marinette, here’s the belt you needed”

“Thanks Nathalie, you’re a lifesaver” she said as she placed the belt in the middle of her black skater dress. Nathalie nodded and was about to leave when Marinette stopped her.

“Yes? Is there something else you need?”

“Kinda?” She shrugged, “Can you tell me if this is appropriate for a Freshmen get-together?”

Marinette gestured to her outfit. A black skater dress with rose embroidery at the sides, a denim jacket, stockings and heeled boots.

The assistant looked her over with a straight face. Not thinking too deeply about her choice of clothing she replied, “I would think so, I wouldn’t say you’re overdressed, and your fashion choices aren’t questionable to say the least”

“Thanks, I guess” with that, Nathalie finally left the room.

As soon as she did, Marinette texted Chloe saying she’s ready. Not a second later, she received a reply that she will pick her up in five minutes.

Exactly five minutes later, Chloe’s limo stopped in front of the Agreste manor. Marinette walked out not even bothering to say goodbye to her father.

Why not? She already asked for permission and he gave her a strict curfew. Why is there a need to bother him if he already knows?

In the back of her mind however, she wishes that her father could at least show some semblance of a parent figure especially ever since her mother has gone missing. True that Gabriel has been a strict and cold man probably ever since he was born but Marinette won’t deny that her father was at least kinder and caring in his own subtle way when Emilie was still around, albeit she lives a much busier life as an actress-travelling to many locations for new movies, auditions and attending premieres.

“You’re doing that face. Alright what’s on your mind, Blunette? Talk to me” Chloe said with a huff, clearly noticing the way Marinette is sulking by the car window thinking about her father issues.

“It’s… nothing important” she sighed.

Her blonde friend sighed in annoyance but didn’t press any further, “Fine, have it your way. I’m no good with sappy and emotional talk anyways, they’re utterly ridiculous and unnecessary” she said in a joking tone.

Marinette chuckled, she sat up straight and decides to change the topic. She’s supposed to enjoy this night, her first party with people her age that doesn’t involve industry talk and acting like what a Gabriel representative would.

“So what is this party about? I have no idea what to do”

Chloe lit up at her question and talked enthusiastically, “Just stick with good old Chloe, aka The Party Queen, and its smooth sailing from there. Just imagine, me and you walking in that party looking fab as hell… we are the perfect BFF goals!” she squealed the last part and Marinette smiled at her enthusiasm, making her feel better ever since she left the house.

“You should’ve rebelled a long time ago against your old man, we could’ve dominated Collegé and Lycée together”

“Well I guess things changed after you know what happened,” she started but quickly diverted the topic again to stop the conversation being about her sad thoughts “but hey, I thought you had Sabrina helping you since Kindergarten”

“Well she decided to pursue her studies in Harvard or something, she is pretty smart but not charismatic at all to join me in taking over Francois Dupont. Bless you, Sabrina” Chloe joked.

“And what makes you think I’ll take over Lycée with you? For all you know, I’m here to take it over myself” Marinette scoffed. Chloe always had this idea of ‘taking over’ the school, and by that she means being in the highest position at the student council.

She comically gasped, “You wouldn’t!”

Marinette smirked and raised a brow, “Maybe I would”

“Oh puh-lease, you may be famous but I know you don’t know shit about managing a school body even if you win” Chloe waved a hand dismissively at her as they both laughed at their banter.

“We’re here, Ms. Bourgeois, Ms. Agreste” Jean said as he stopped the vehicle.

————————

Adrien, Nino, and Alya walked into the venue together and saw that the event has already started. The sophomores and seniors are already at their respective tables and booths. Nino and Alya already left towards the snack bar, more like Alya dragged Nino but it’s the same thing.

“I’ll see you around, just make sure Alya doesn’t get drunk again please” Adrien yelled to the couple. He looked around to see if he sees anyone he knows to hang out in the meantime. He spots Juleka and her girlfriend, Rose, tuning a guitar by the stage and decides to walk over and talk.

“Hi guys, long rhyme no see” he greeted, emphasis on the pun. Hearing that Juleka groaned and immediately knew who it was before turning around, “Hi Adrien”

“Hi Adrien! Do you want to play with Kitty Section for tonight? I finally learned how to play the keyboard but another one would be better” the blue-eyed blonde happily offered.

“I’ll see if there’s nothing else to do, I’m kind of looking forward to meeting other people first” he said as he looked towards the entrance where more and more people came in.

“Ok! We’ll be here when you change your mind. Juleka’s brother will be doing all the singing tonight though, just so you know” Rose said sweetly as she went back to helping Juleka tune her guitar. Adrien waved at them as he left to find other people to talk to, he spotted Kagami with the other sophomores hanging by the ‘Club Applications’ table set up near the entrance.

He already applied for Fencing at the start of enrolment, so he didn’t bother approaching the table until after the party. Adrien was about to walk around some more before the band starts playing when he caught a glimpse of Marinette walking in the building with Chloe.

Her outfit stood out a lot, it was simple yet alluring, Adrien thought.

He approached the pair. “Hi Marinette, Hi Chloe”

“Adrien,” Chloe just nodded as a greeting.

“Hi Adrien, how’s it going? I mean we always saw each other during class but how’s the party so far?”

“Band hasn’t started yet,” he pointed to the stage set-up behind him with him thumb “Alya and Nino started hogging the snacks, and if you want to apply to a club my friend Kagami is over there to help you join one” he pointed to the snack bar and the table where Kagami is respectively.

“Thanks for the heads-up, baker boy, I don’t want to see her pompous ass in my peripheral tonight” Chloe commented as she glared at Kagami’s direction.

“I don’t understand why you don’t like Kagami, Chloe. She’s cool”

“Hmph! That’s because you’re too nice to see how holier-than-thou and stuck up she is” she retorted with a huff.

“I can tell, that’s why I’m still nice to you after all these years” Adrien teased and Marinette stifled a laughter.

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes but she’s obviously smiling at his clever clapback. She linked her arms with Marinette “c’mon Mari”

“Um actually, Chloe, I want to walk around myself if that’s fine” she unlinked her arms and stood in front of Chloe. As much as she enjoys her company, she wants to get to know other people in school. And as much as Chloe wanted to walk around the party with her very talented friend to show everyone how amazing she is, she understands that Marinette always wants to experience new things by herself.

“Fine fine, but we’re going out together ok?”

She nodded, “I’ll be fine, it’s not like I’ll be kidnapped in the middle of this party”

“Oh is that a challenge?” Adrien nudged her to which she playfully pushed him away.

“If you want to face the wrath of my father then feel free to try, Dupain-Cheng”

The blonde diva smiled at the sight and turned around, but not before reminding Adrien “Take care of her Adrien, if anything happens to her you will not hear the end of it”

“Yes madame” he said with a two-finger salute as she walked away to where the drinks are.

“Has anyone told you you’re such a dork?” she asked.

“What can I say, my face is adorkable” he winked at her as they started walking around aimlessly, just talking while walking.

“Yeah right, if I recall, I wanted to punch that face of yours in the first day” she said while hitting him lightly on the cheek.

They stopped exactly near the performing stage when the music started. Juleka’s brother, Luka, approached the mic as he played a tune with his guitar to catch everyone’s attention.

“Good evening freshmen!”

Majority of the crowd yelled enthusiastically and formed a crowd in front of the stage. The rest of the band started playing a catchy beat while Luka continued with the opening remarks.

“Enjoy this night, make some friends, drink responsibly and let’s rock n roll til dawn!” he raised his fist as the students cheered. Luka received a text in the middle of cheering and peeked at his phone, he went back to speaking, “and don’t forget to register for a club at the registry near the entrance. Just find the pretty lady with stone cold eyes named Kagami”

Luka winked at said lady’s direction as he started playing, “This first song is for you”. Kagami growled in annoyance as the students turned around to look at her. She turned her back to the band and focused on her phone instead.

The band started playing their first song and Marinette turned to Adrien, “What’s up with that? Is that senior dating your friend Kagami?”

Adrien scratched his chin in thought, “I… don’t know exactly, but it’s kind of a this and that relationship. I’m not even sure if they hate or like each other. Luka used to hate Kagami but now he just teases her a lot and Kagami is still Kagami to him”

“Seem like you know a lot about almost everyone here”

He shrugged, “Just the ones I knew back then, which is actually a lot since most of us promised to attend here for Lycée.”

She was intrigued, before she could ask him to introduce everyone he tapped her shoulder and pointed towards the band members performing on stage.

“I’ll tell you about everyone I know here, so this band is called ‘Kitty Section’” he said closely in her ear now so she can hear him as Luka started singing.

“Sounds cute”

“Just the name is cute, they mostly perform rock songs and guess what?”

“What?”

“That cutesy girl playing the keyboard,” he pointed to Rose and Marinette nodded and ‘uh-huh’.

“Her name is Rose Lavillant. She writes their original songs and she’s the lead singer, her voice is really something when she sings”

“Wow! That’s amazing!” she exclaimed in awe while taking out her phone to take pictures and record the band.

“That’s not all though…”

A good hour of walking around and introducing his old classmates and acquaintances to Marinette, they stumbled upon Nino and Alya still by the snack bar, talking to Lila.

Lila had their backs turned to them when Nino called out, “Hey Adrien and Mari-dude”

Alya grinned widely and waved at Marinette, “Hi Marinette! Nice outfit mind if I take a pic again?”

“Sure no prob” she posed then Alya took quick shots of her outfit to add to her blog. Alya has gotten over her fangirling on Marinette after talking and hanging out some time with her during classes and seeing her as a clumsy student like any other. Marinette and Alya were quick to become friends after that.

“Oh by the way, Lila was actually looking for you” she said after taking the pictures.

Lila turned around with a sweet smile and moved closer to the young fashion designer, “Hi Marinette, I really wanted to apologize for my attitude a few days ago. Alya told me about your situation and I totally feel for you” she dramatically placed a hand over her chest and the other on Marinette’s shoulder.

“You… do?” she suspiciously raised a brow at that. Lila’s apology didn’t make sense to her, she basically glared at her everytime they see each other. Marinette swears that she’s doing this for show and she should be careful.

“Yes!” she said rather abruptly “In fact I was talking to Alya about things I can do to make it up to you”

Said brunette piped in, “Yup and since Lila here knows a lot of people and has a lot of connections she can be your personal guide for the school year”

‘Oh hell no, I’m spending another minute with this crazy bitch alone much less a whole year!’

“What a nice offer Lila, but…”

“But what, Marinette?” Lila tilted her head looking slightly disappointed but Marinette felt her grip tighten on her shoulder like a silent threat.

“But,” she lifted Lila’s hand off her shoulder “I like to do things on my own and Adrien already introduced me to a good number of people for the past hour. I can handle my own”

She didn’t mean to brag to Lila about that fact but with the way she was trying to look like a saint in front Adrien and the others, gives Marinette a not-so-good gut feeling.

For a moment Lila’s eye twitched but quickly washed her annoyance off with a devious smile, “It’s no problem, but I do like to talk to you in private if possible”

She looked at Alya who’s giving them both a reassuring thumbs up. She was about to protest but she was the stranger here and clearly Lila has known them longer than she has so of course they’d side with her. Deciding to just let it go she agreed.

Alya nodded at Lila and grabbed Nino and Adrien with her to head to the dance floor.

“Ok, so what’s this nice girl act you’re pulling Lila?” Marinette gestured at her, clearly confused and suspicious. Lila, however, just snickered.

“Nice girl act? What are you insinuating Marinette? You barely even know me, for all you know I’m actually nice”

“I barely even know you, yet I can still smell your bs a mile away” Marinette retorted.

The brunette shook her head, “Tsk tsk tsk… You really have no idea now, do you?”

Lila got dangerously close to Marinette and hugged her tightly, Marinette choked on her breath.

“Stay away from Adrien or else I’ll turn every one of your new friends against you, and I mean everyone” she harshly whispered in her ear.

Marinette tried to wiggle out but Lila just hugged her tighter, “And get this, you won’t ever know what I’ll do or when I’ll do it. So. Better. Watch. Out.” She spat out the words and swiftly let go of Marinette.

She was stunned but she was not fazed, it’s not like she can do much these are all empty threats she convinced herself.

“Excuse me guys, punch refill coming through”

“Oops!” Marinette heard Lila say before she got drenched in something sweet and sticky. And she sees Lila walking away from her.

↬ Chapter 5 ↬ AO3 Link

I’ll be adding the Lukagami side of this story as a oneshot sometime later, I still need to proofread it. Anyways to anyone who’s reading my fics, tysm for reading these stories of mine you guys are the real MVPs ;> Mari’s outfit for this chapter is still being commissioned so I’ll reblog it with the art soon enough ~

[ourpickwickclub]

You know I really don't care if these up and comers or those who really need some PR country musicians work or are friends with ML, even if they've been seen trying to cozy up to Blake prior. But stop trying to act like you're holier than thou when Blake in featured in a Pitbull MV, while you support your friend who is a known homewrecker. Or stop shading Blake over his album sales, when your supposed headliner is practically giving away tickets and buying awards. Bunch of hypocrites.

Yes!!

-L

[tricktster]

this is a weird fish rant incoming

i wrote that post about my newest aquarium with darkmantle the betta fish about 18 times because on the first 17 passes i kept trying to find ways to reassure whoever found it through the tags that the tank was big enough and cycled and my parameters were great...

because, like, in my experience aquatics as a hobby at large (but particularly on tumblr thanks to anon asks) has the potential to be incredibly judgmental! Which... like, honestly i get!

A lot of us love tech and we love learning new techniques and how to care for species with really specific needs, but when it comes down to it... there are really just a few things you have to do to keep everyone in your average freshwater tank thriving, and i’m gonna hazard a guess and say 60-70 percent of people don’t do any of them, at least not at first!

like, fucking it up is almost baked into the hobby. we still give out goldfish at carnivals, we still see products claiming that you don’t need to change water ever if you just buy their additive or throw a plant in it and call it aquaponics, and we still sell tanks specifically marketed for betta fish that wouldn’t be a humane place to keep any living being. and how do you beat that mentality, you know? when there’s a full industry saying “no, these animals actually like! living in unheated, unfiltered plastic cubes,” or “they’re great favors for parties, put them in mason jars as a centerpiece!” there’s always gonna be some percentage of people who don’t ever question that, and it’s upsetting!

worse, the people who are really into the hobby? like i said, bad care is basically where most of us started out! most of us made those same beginner fuckups, and we didn’t provide proper care for our underwater buds because we were kids, or information wasn’t available because we had dial up, or even the information in books was often wrong, or the clerk at the pet store said it was okay, or the fucking instructions on the box did. we learned that we were wrong when our pets died. then like, we got a little knowledge, and now we feel guilty that we caused any living being to suffer in the past because we didn’t know enough or do enough to prevent that suffering.

and this is kind of a wild thing about this hobby i stumbled into, because, unlike many other hobbies, there is a measureable cost to fucking it up. tiny lives are on the line, and if you’re bad at it, they die early and unnatural deaths. for those of us who find joy in figuring out how to help our charges thrive, it sucks to know that for some people who claim to love it too, an aquarium is where you put a fish until it dies a few days/weeks/maaybe months later and you get another fish. there’s some moral weight involved that other hobbies don’t have. like, there’s a lot of bad artists out there. some people genuinely suck at knitting or the harmonica. i cannot in good faith call the thing my body does to music “dancing.” generally, the errors people make if they’re bad at a hobby do not lead to suffering and death. (exception: see, my attempts at dancing, supra.)

also, the people who are really fucking it up in the aquarium sphere don’t have a huge overlap with the people who are enthusiastically showing progress pics or asking questions about the science or art underlying these little closed ecosystems. i think people really dedicated to the hobby don’t get the opportunity to interact very often with the subset of people out there fucking it up hard. like, you know it’s happening, and it’s easy to find pictures of a shitty tank if you go looking, but most people are doing pretty fucking good if they’re already actively engaged in the hobby.

so, this is my theory about judgy, judgy fishblr. i think all that anger at people who don’t care about their animals mixes with our own shame for our early mistakes and emotions run high; then, like anything else people are passionate about, some people become holier-than-thou fundamentalists about the whole fuckin thing. if they call you out, they can stay above reproach. if they can claim that anything different from how they engage with the hobby is wrong, they can’t be accused of ever making a mistake, and maybe they don’t need to grapple with their own guilt about their own fuckups that way either. like, i know this all sounds really overblown but...seriously, my tiny following on this site is because I Am A Person Who Wrote 475000 words of Fanfic About Sans Undertale, Including His Dick, and for that crime against decency, i’m sure i DO deserve some anon hate. yet somehow, in spite of my many public sins, my most unpleasant interactions on this or honestly any social media site have been about aquarium stuff? it’s not even directly mean, it’s concern trolling like “uhh sweetie good try but you really shouldn’t have a betta unless you’ve got the space for it 😏😉” and inside i’m like “BITCH IT’S 6.6 GALLONS, it’s ONE FISH, IT’S A NANO TANK,” and yet my response is always closer to “thanks for the tip 😁😁😁😁. here’s why you’re wrong but i’ll be CHEERFUL AND FRIENDLY about it because deep down i STILL need validation that I’m not hurting my animals, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW I’M DOING GREAT”

(this, i swear to god, happens often enough that it’s a joke on the aquatics subreddits? like someone will post a pic of obscenely enormous empty tank, drained swimming pool etc and be like “any ideas what i should put in this?!” and the comments will be like “maybe big enough for a betta???” “no way. with a tank that small, one amano shrimp tops, and that’s PUSHING it”)

so there my dumb ass was last night, trying to write jokes about my fish while still preemptively demonstrating that i know my shit to stop any doubters from fishsplaining at me? and i just COULDN’T get it, and i was getting really frustrated, because it’s so obnoxious to be lumped in with people who never change their pets’ water and don’t know to cycle their tanks and certainly don’t regularly find themselves hunched over 5 ml beakers waiting for the reagents to assure them their ammonia level is as close to 0 parts pet million as possible...

and then i remembered how i deal with anyone who questions my competency in literally any other field. I don’t smile and emoji my way through being attacked by some asshole on the internet when any other topic is on the line. i certainly don’t scramble for the reciepts to prove they’re wrong. instead, i use every debater’s most feared technique:

I threaten to crawl into their house and put things in their ears while they’re sleeping.

Hmmm, oh, are you implying that I don’t know how to care for my obviously healthy, thriving animals? not anymore, because you can’t question my commitment with your EARS FULL OF GOOGLY EYES, JARED!

...this went so far off the rails. in conclusion, take care of your pets, and don’t be insecure in your abilities.

oh, and saltwater tank elitist snobs can eat my farts. give your balls a tug ya shitheads.

[forlornmelody]

Traitor, Martyr, Spy Chapter 1-- Against All Odds

Rating: Explicit (later chapters will have smut)

Ship: FemShep x Miranda Lawson

AO3 Link: Here

Summary:   Against all odds, Cerberus Spy Miranda Lawson and Alliance Marine Artemis Shepard have fallen in love. But Miranda is on the run and Artemis has turned herself in to Alliance custody--and the Reapers will arrive any second. Can these two defy all odds a second time?

Note: This is a sequel to About That Uniform

“Maybe we’ll see each other in prison.” Artemis smiles lazily up at her, worming her fingers between Miranda’s and squeezing. After a few cocktails in the Lounge, they’ve come back to Shepard’s cabin

“Not funny, Shepard.” Miranda feels a slight tug on her wrist. Come back to bed, Artemis tells her with her touch, but Miranda can’t sleep. She’s sitting on the bed with the sheets crumpled up around her waist. 

“We’ll figure something out.” Artemis finally relents, sitting up next to her so she can sling an arm around Miranda’s hip. She plants a soft kiss against her cheek.

Miranda wants to believe her, but. “You know the Reapers are coming. You heard what that indoctrinated scientist said, Artemis.”

 Artemis Shepard’s smile vanishes at the mention of her first name. She knows Miranda only mentions it when she’s feeling strongly about something. In this context, it means trouble. “If I knew another way, you know I’d take it.”

“Why does it have to be you? Why does it always have to be you?”

“Miranda, listen.” Miranda looks down at her love, already tired of her reasoning, so done with her pleas. “We’ll get through this. I promise.”

Miranda rubs her forehead, feeling a headache forming between her temples. “So says the woman who died.”

Artemis takes Miranda’s hand away, kissing it softly. “So says the woman who brought me back to life.”

“I did damn good work.” Miranda relents, allowing Artemis to pull her back to her side.

“You always do.” Artemis kisses her fervently, tracing her skin slowly, methodically, as if she’s committing her body to memory. And of course, Miranda enjoys their time together, but the fear still lurks at the back of her mind. Nothing this good can ever last.

 Vancouver should be among the last places Miranda visits while she’s on the run from her former employer, but she lands anyway. She uses a commercial space port far from the Alliance base and takes a cab instead of a private shuttle--easier to lose a tail. Using a fake ID, Miranda slips through security, wearing a blond wig and makeup that seemingly alters the contours of her face. Miranda settles at the back of the crowd, holding up binoculars as the Normandy lands. It seems half of the base showed up as extra security. You shouldn’t be here, Miranda.

The docking arms clamp onto Shepard’s ship like a vice. Miranda feels the metallic clang deep in her gut, as if someone stabbed her. Joker hobbles out first, squinting as lightning tears through the sky. Rain dumps on the crowd, drenching their shoulders, backs, and chests, but no one seems to notice the weather as a shadow emerges from the Normandy.

Commander Artemis Shepard of the SSV Normandy, Alliance Military, steps out with her arms held up and her head held high. She walks slowly down the ramp and toward the military police with laser sites dotting all over her head and chest. Most people present would probably mistake her stony demeanor for pride or defiance--but Miranda’s learned to see through it. Now she sees the distance in Artemis’s gaze as she halts so the MPs can cuff her wrists. Shepard had been imprisoned in her own heart long before she surrendered to Alliance Custody.

After Shepard passes by--so achingly close yet so far away--Miranda sweeps the crowd with her binoculars. They come with scanning tech the former Cerberus Operative assembled after passing through security. She uses them to look for armed assailants--Hegemony sympathizers, black ops assailants--hell, even Cerberus agents here to cut a loose end. All clear. Miranda breathes a sigh relief. Maybe Alliance Security isn’t a joke after all. More than likely it’s her contacts doing their jobs. However, next to the door, Miranda Lawson does spot one familiar face. Time to go.

 The streets surrounding the base swarm with press and curious onlookers, so Miranda weaves her way through the crowds on foot. Ducking into the Lions Pub, Miranda sits down in a booth with a glass of sangiovese--eyeing it like it’ll tell her what to do and where to go next. You’re no good on your own. The last voice she wanted to hear right now was her father’s.

“I know you.” Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams stands next to her table, looking down at Miranda with a burning stare. “You’re that Cerberus shill I saw on Horizon.”

Miranda goes to stand, but Ashley places a hand on hers to stop her. With a sigh, she sits back down across from the marine. “I don’t work for them anymore.” She throws a glance to the rest of the bar, looking to see if they gathered any unwanted attention. “And keep your voice down.”

“Why are you here?” Ashley sits with no drink in hand.

“Same reason you are.” Miranda eyes her from the table up. “You’re off duty, aren’t you? No reason to watch her arrest unless you wanted to”

Ashley’s eyes narrow further. “What I do is none of your business.” If smoke could come out of Ashley’s ears, it would. Miranda should feel attacked, if not threatened, and yet….

“It is if you threaten her. Or put her in danger.”

“You’re here to make sure she’s okay.” Ashley’s eyebrows scrunch together as she digests that information, and then they shoot straight up. “Wait. You’re...with her?”

She’s good, Miranda will give her credit for that. Scrutinizing her glass of wine, imagines what Artemis would say if she was here. Probably make a face and try to hide it. Alcohol and her didn’t get along any more. “It’s...complicated.”

“Kind of hard to date someone who’s incarcerated.” Ashley says simply, sitting back, but keeping her eyes trained on her. “Speaking of--”

Miranda snorts. “You’re going to arrest me? Good luck with that.” She doesn’t hate Ashley, and she isn’t jealous of her history with Shepard. Alright. Maybe a little. The things she would do for a little more time with Artemis--if it wouldn’t jeopardize them both. However, Miranda isn’t fond of the “holier than thou” mentality so common with Alliance soldiers. As if they didn’t also kill for money. As if they didn’t also do the wrong thing for the right reason. The only difference was who gave the orders. But Miranda had a feeling Ashley Williams wouldn’t see it that way.

“No.” Ashley rubs her face. For the first time, Miranda notices the dark shadows under the officer’s eyes. The gray hairs poking out of her hairline. “I thought you were here to kill her, actually.”

Miranda blinks. “What?” Oh, right. Former Cerberus Operative. “No. I don’t work for them anymore, remember?”

“So you say.”

“Pleasure meeting you, too.” Miranda can’t fault Ashley for her suspicions. Sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night thinking she’s forgotten to file a report, only to remember she doesn’t have anyone to report to. But she should check in with her contacts. Shepard isn’t the only one she has to worry about anymore.

 Miranda checks in with Ori before the relay jump. It’s the only time where she can’t be traced. She would kill (even literally) for a vid call, but her sister prefers instant messaging. I think better in writing, Miri.

Username: Oril

Username: Miral

OL is online

ML is online

15:29: OR: Hey sis. Long time no chat.

15:29: ML: Hi. Sorry. Been occupied.

15:30: OR: Saving the world and all that? The usual?

15:31: ML: Something like that. I miss you.

15:35: OR: When are you coming back?

15:35:  ML: When it’s safe.

15:35: OR: When is that?

Miranda logs off, knowing she doesn’t have a good answer. The Reapers lie just outside their front door. And if preparing the galaxy for an invasion isn’t enough, she must hide from The Illusive Man. There are two people in the universe Miranda wants to see, and she can’t see either of them without risk. But she has to be strong. For both of them.

[veshialles]

🖤💔💓💗 for the writer asks!

I think I’ll put this one under a cut. Two long rambling posts in a row feels like just a bit much, and this one is even longer whoops

🖤: what are your MC names? 

KTR: Darren Gladstone, Ariana Chatham, Tabitha Crystalford, Tolgatus Irogh, Persephone Asardotha, Galather, and Jiadoray Thynerus.

TCS: Anajada Markmay, Unis AL-482515, Sterling OAI-971, Pherousa Cuparia, Teshima Johakki, Slingar’eth Bowtithexilon

WP: Cynthia Vaughn, Katherine Vickers, Harrison Carver, Jenna-Ruth Graves, Jocelyn Sparks

ML: Isaiah Reynolds, Noemi Castilla, Noelle Reynolds-Castilla, Shauna Reynolds-Castilla, Amber Reynolds-Castilla

💔: give a brief character bio of your MCs

~Keys To Raetira~

Darren is an alcoholic with a knack for finding himself in trouble. He’s usually friendly, if not somewhat naive, and he doesn’t really know a lot of things, but he has good intentions. Maybe he needs some positive encouragement. He’s still figuring out his sexuality, but he’s probably bi or pan.

Ariana’s a lovable nerd who clings to obscure knowledge and picks up things fairly quickly. Though she’s not exactly great with people, and prefers to be alone. She’s probably straight? Maybe??

Tabitha is a wizard who lives in a cave. She’s a kind and caring soul, and is talented in a variety of spellwork. Though, enchanting objects is her specialty. She’s a lesbian.

Tolgatus deserted from the orcish military and now lives as a farmer. He’s a little bit paranoid, little bit obsessive over his “honour”, and very tall. Maybe just a bit gay? He doesn’t like to talk about it.

Persephone is a former slave who sort of co-founded an anti-slavery network, murdered her previous owner, and also staged a mass break-out. To some, she can seem cold and ruthless. She is, of course, but she also has a fun and cynical side to her as well. She’s been through a lot, and is also very bi.

Jiadoray is a runaway elven princess. Maybe just a bit spoiled and holier-than-thou. She’s trying her best though.

Galather is a dog. Literally. He is a good boy, and sometimes he picks up sticks.

(I’m feeling too exhausted and sick today to elaborate on the other characters right now, sorry)

💓: is it part of a series or standalone?

KTR: It’s sort of a planned series? I guess? Like, I only plan it to be one book long, but I’m kind of writing it in parts. (Like I previously mentioned, kind of an RPG style, with the main story and several smaller stories alongside)

TCS: It’s not gonna be a coherent series, but I have several ideas that are set in this universe.

WP: Same as above.

ML: I have no idea at this point, to be honest. 

💗: what genre is it in?

KTR: It feels like a hybrid of high fantasy and low fantasy?? Eh, let’s just say Fantasy. Keep it simple.

TCS: Sci-fi

WP: Is… is Superheroes a genre? If not, then it kinda changes depending on the story, a little bit? But the general focus has to do with superpowers, I guess?

ML: Modern day?? I have no idea, I write so few things that are actually set in a modern or real world-ish setting lol

[nabilfekir]

u know what blows me abt tebas getting pissed at psg for the mbappé deal?? real madrid literally got most of its funding from the spanish crown and was seriously pushed by the franco regime 😭😭😭 these old clubs are literally nostalgia merchants and rely on their past glory for looking down their noses on everyone else when they're in shitty positions themselves 💀 they'd be just as shameless abt money & transfers if they had it like city and psg do but they forget that for their own convenience 😭 the English clubs are getting taken over by rich americans who literally know piss all abt english fútbol and are trying to make their own MLS they need to relax, laliga is on its way down bc there's no one there that's interesting anymore, bundesliga lost another promising star and are abt to lose lewandowski while being a fucking bayern monopoly and serie ass.... don't make me laugh please 💀 all the other leagues are jokes within themselves they have no right to talk abt psg ruining the sport when at least the emir/nasser are gonna spend money on the club which not a lot of those clubs can say that with certainty anymore 🤣 fútbol is not a charity... you have the money to spend, spend, spend or u don't and u struggle simple as that sorry to everyone who's still naive about it 💀

this man tebas literally has me praying on his downfall. the fact of the matter is that this sport is all about money and this is not new it’s not even like new in the past decade it’s ancient fucking news going back to exactly what you said about real madrid’s funding

no one who’s winning the champions league out here is going to be poor, that’s how uefa has made it it’s just that simple. ✨ history ✨ doesn’t pay bills or wages or win you trophies unfortunately for these clubs

honestly the holier than thou attitude is boring and if there was a psg/man city in la liga tebas would have a hard on for them

never mind that premier league money is literally the reason most other clubs and leagues struggle like the money in that league is impossible for any other league to keep up with so tebas should focus on la liga b4 that shit ends up lower than eredivisie

[cherylreeves]

Christian Head Covering

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HEAD COVERINGS, FOR MEN AND WOMEN ?

 Head coverings for women at Church (and men taking their hat off at the door) is something that has fallen out of favour late in the 20th century.

The Bible verses on this subject are predominately contained in a single chapter – 1 Cor 11.

So which are the key verses?

1 Cor 11: 4 & 5 – “(4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonours his head. (5) But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.”

Also 1 Cor 11: 7 – 10 – “(7) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (8) For man is not from woman, but woman from man. (9) Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. (10) For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”

Note that to prophesy does NOT mean to teach or preach. Prophesy (propheteuo – 4395) – to foretell events, to exercise the prophetic office. To allow a woman to teach or preach would be a contradiction of the explicit commands of 1 Tim 2 & 3. However these verses allow for women to pray and prophesy; certainly at the time the book of Corinthians was written anyway.

Now that the New Testament has been completed, it could be debated whether the spiritual gift of prophesy still has a significant role to play in the Church, but that is a separate question to the one before us here.

What is a head covering?

Later in v15 we are told that a woman’s hair (specifically long hair), is a glory to her, and it is her head covering. In a similar manner, v14 says that it is a shame for men to have long hair.

So, on face value, hair is the head covering. It is, but only in a natural sense, and as we will see, the concept of a woman having a physical head covering (such as a hat or veil), and likewise for a man to not have anything covering his head, has a deeper spiritual significance. It is designed to reflect a spiritual truth about Christ and his bride, the Church.

So why does the Lord want a man to have his head uncovered, but a woman covered? V7 answers this – the man is the ‘image and Glory of God,’ but ‘woman is the glory of man.’ So if a man covers his head, he is denying that he is made in the image of God. Refer Psalm 8:5 – the Lord has crowned man with ‘glory and honour.’

Do the Greek words provide any further detail?

1 Cor 11:5 uncovered (akatakaluptos – 177) – unveiled.

1 Cor 11:2 head (kaphale – 2776) – literally or figuratively, head.

So these verses allude to spiritual authority and responsibility, rather than just natural appearance. They present men and women as on equal footing to exercise the spiritual gifts of intercessory prayer and prophesying, but to reflect gender distinction, men have their head uncovered, but women covered.

 So who is going to benefit from this spiritual lesson ?

There are two primary candidates ��� the world, and the angels.

The world – a Christian husband and wife are to provide a living example of Christ and the church, where the ‘church’ was once a mystery. Eph 5:22-33 clearly presents husbands and wives as a type or example, of Christ and the church, where husbands are admonished to love their wives as their own bodies, and wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, as to the Lord. See especially v32 in Eph 5 “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Also Eph 3:9 – “…to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery…”

The angels – 1 Cor 11: 10 “For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” This implies that angels are present when believers gather, and from 1 Peter 1:12 we can confirm that there is something about the relationship between men and women that the angels desire to look into. Could it be that there are lessons here about Christ and the church that the Lord expects the angels to learn?

The symbol of authority worn by the woman represents her submission to her husband, or in the case of single women, the spiritual leadership of the Church.

1 Corinthians is not trying to enforce a 1st century dress code on the Church for no reason. It is important to retain proper male and female distinctions, which the world (and behind it of course, Satan), would like to blur, water down, confuse, or even reverse, in order to draw the Church away from the Lord’s instructions as laid out in His Word, and consequently to damage this important lesson about Christ and the Church.

The head covering is a symbol of a more important spiritual reality. It has little meaning in and of itself, but is a practical way for men and women to correctly present the differing roles the Lord has for them.

If there was a different symbol or covering which could fulfil the criteria set out in 1 Cor 11 it would be worthy of consideration, however the few suggestions out there (eg wedding rings) do not suffice, as they signify relationship, but not anything about headship or submission.

It is hard not to conclude that the disappearance of the head covering for women in church corresponded to a rise in the unpopularity of the concept of a man having spiritual headship in the home, and of a wife submitting to her husband. So more of a nod to the feminist movement, rather than current fashion. As men took a step back in leadership in their homes, and more recently the church, some women have come forward to fill these roles, perhaps not caring, or at best not realising, that this may well be contrary to the Lord’s best plan.  

However, like many considerations in the Church which are peripheral to the core gospel message of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, those who feel a personal conviction about head coverings should follow that conviction, but cannot be tempted into a holier than thou mentality, judging others, or ceasing to love their brothers and sisters in Christ.

   ml>

[ourpickwickclub]

Trace is almost like a father figure to Blake , please leave him out of this . I don’t want offended anyone , but sometimes I think you Americans are really messed up nowadays, like everything has to do with politics, everybody has to take sides, Everybody are angry

Ask 2:F#%K politics! I LOVE Trace Adkins! If u hate Trace cuz of his political beliefs, then ur no better than ppl who hate anyone outside their own race. What's happened to this country?!!!! Breaks my heart that we can't just all get along and love one another! #ChooseLoveAsk 3:’m not going to not like someone due to their political stance. That’s their business. I’m sure he’s still a nice guy and will conduct himself accordingly on the show. Politics have nothing to do with the voice. Let’s leave them out please anon.Ask 4:Trace is almost like a father figure to Blake , please leave him out of this . I don’t want offended anyone , but sometimes I think you Americans are really messed up nowadays, like everything has to do with politics, everybody has to take sides, Everybody are angryAsk 5:Trace is no angel. He has demons. But he has been a true, loyal and stalwart friend to Blake forever. He supported Blake early in his career, like a big brother. Yes, Trace has a seriously jacked-up personal life. That is why I love Blake even more, because he remains loyal and accepting to those he loves. Maybe B is trying to pay T back for all he did for him during his D and throughout his CM career. Don't ruin season #14 for me with all the holier than thou crap.Ask 6:His decision to have Trace as an advisor could sway both ways. If internet assholes decide to dig into his political views it could potentially cause some fuss for B. But it could be argued b/c he's also great friends with people who are very vocal liberals (Chelsea, Kelly). In this case I think he was chosen b/c he's been a supportive friend. Personally I don't know much about him or care to learn b/c he's still somewhat cool with the adulterer & that's just a no in my book.Ask 7:It was bad enough he was taking Trace on tour with him. Making him his mentor is worse. His new song is about standing for the flag. If they let him sing that on the Voice it will be terrible. Blake knows this shit and is asking for the Shit to hit the fan.IMO.Ask 8:Trace is not who I would have chosen for B's mentor. Not only his reputation shady, he's pretty much a has been and not likely to help Blake attract the streaming audience he needs. And yes I also hate his politics.Ask 9:I will always boo ML and her fans. I know Trace was on CA and was friendly with Trump but I don't recall him publically supporting him for president. Or performing at the WH. He might be a Republican but don't know if he gets that involved. Not sure. I myself am very anti Trump but I like Blake and Trace's friendship . Trace will be a good advisor. It does seem like the ran fans I dislike the most are Trumpsters. Cant be a coincidence. Lol.Ask 10:TBH I don't think enough people know who Trace is outside of country, or know about his problematic stuff for it to matter. But just like Ashely M is still friends with ML, Blake has some problematic friends too.Ask 11:The handwringing that goes on around every facet of Blake's life is exhausting. Trace is an almost father figure to Blake, a longtime true friend, and a respected Country music figure, which is why Blake chose him. It's not his job to pander to the liberal 'woke' media. It's his job to represent country music as a genre on The Voice. Not everyone will like that. Too bad.-------We wanted to acknowledge all the asks that were sent in about Trace as Blake's advisor. We appreciate all the contributions to the discussion, but this is one of those topics that could have us all going back and forth and debating all day, so we're moving on from it after this post. While opinions on politics and whether or not Trace's role as advisor will cause backlash for Blake differ, I think we can all agree that Trace is one of Blake's close friends and mentors, and Blake was undoubtedly excited and happy to have him work with his team. -- M