#and the judgement that come from such a condescending place and from people who in most cases have never written anything outside of school

[hxhhasmysoul]

JJK is over? if so, final throughts?

It is over. There was no announcement of continuation as far as I know.

I think my overall rating for it is B.

It has some A and A+ arcs, some B arcs and the last arc is very uneven, mostly D or C with some A moments. The ending is kinda the same.

That doesn't change the fact that i love it deeply and am very attached to a lot of its characters and that is not likely to change anytime soon, it's my second fandom ever and I've never moved on from my first.

I think Gege Akutami is actually a good writer and has potential to be even better if they won't get bitter after JJK and kinda do a proper analysis of what they managed to do well and what not so well.

It's really clear Gege didn't manage to wrangle the plot in the end, didn't manage to explore all their ideas be it for health reasons or because the ideas crystalised too late and well there's no easy editing previous chapters in a weekly published manga...

I don't know how many one shots they've published before the JJK main series, but JJK is their first long form work. It makes a lot of sense that they stumbled in it. People don't fucking get shit right on first try.

I'm sure that JJK's sudden popularity has taken a toll. Especially sudden popularity with people who are not really the audience for a manga where part of the enjoyment comes from trying to dissect the lore and the power system. Or that has concurrent plots it focuses on... like that has anything that requires focus, that might require you to reread the chapter to actually get it, that requires you to keep track of what came before. There are a lot of people who do not enjoy stuff like that. Which is okay... but the JJK fandom is over saturated with them. Also with fucking bigots of all stripes. Or leftists who think that since JJK is not the most left leaning and enlightened work in the world that means the writer deserves death threats and there's nothing worthwhile about the work.

Gege did not stick the landing but that not a big deal tbh, it gave me trauma and brain worms really early on. If it hadn't done that, then yeah the ending would've mattered more. I was also ready for the ending being meh for a while now. There was a turning point when it was clear Gege's passion for JJK dwindled, at least for some parts of it because even in the last part there are moments which Gege really nailed.

Like @/cursedvibes once said that parts of the last arc felt ghost written. The ending kinda feels like that too. Like someone put something together for Gege from Gege's note but kinda missing the themes set up earlier. So like either that or Gege was just sprinting to the finish line, chucking everything away to just run faster.

So like yeah, JJK is a solid B for me. I'm curious to see more from Gege.

[maxdibert]

The sad thing is that we don’t even get to see any uncomplicatedly happy memories of his innocent childhood friendship with Lily. There’s this pervasive sense from the start of that chapter that JKR thinks that even 9 year old Lily was too good for him (the horrid judgemental use of the word ‘greedy’ and that quote she once gave where she said Snape’s tragedy was that he was drawn to but couldn’t emulate Lily’s innate goodness makes me hurl - what was so innately different about them aged 9 other than her good looks and middle class parents?) and so every single scene is her chastising him for something or other. Like she couldn’t allow saintly Lily to be seen as genuinely choosing and enjoying the company of someone as prickly and offputting as Snape, so she time skips 5 years and just tells us instead of showing us that they’re best friends. Unfortunately by failing to show any gentle, unspoiled moments the whole thing comes off like Lily sees him as a charity case she condescends to hang out with on occasion, while Severus fails to get the picture that clinging hard to someone who doesn’t want that is always going to end in a toxic place for both parties. Sorry for the super long post! It’s just rare to find someone who doesn’t buy into JKR’s intended reading of the Potter parents.

This is quite an interesting topic because even years ago, when I re-read the series at 19 or 20 and was quite involved in political groups and unions at university, I got the impression that Rowling creates a world where classism is constantly justified unless you are on the side of the bad guys. That is to say, Draco being a classist is wrong because he’s Draco, and he’s bad, and he’s Slytherin. But then you have quite a few characters who have clear classist attitudes and nothing happens because they are part of the heroes of the story, and so we’re going to completely overlook it. For example, Sirius is a classist; he always has been and even has nothing against slavery and treats his house-elf like rubbish. He doesn’t even consider him a conscious and independent living being; he’s just a bug to him. The Weasleys have a clear class resentment; they are humble and are sold to us as open-minded and tolerant people, but the reality is that if someone doesn’t fit into their narrow standards of “goodness,” they shut down and are just as petty and prejudiced as any blood supremacist. The best example of this is how the Weasley women treat Fleur simply because, instead of being a humble pick-me girl, she’s posh. But the fact is that Fleur has done absolutely nothing wrong for Ginny and Molly to treat her that way; her only sin is being beautiful and feminine, end of story. It’s supposed to be a story to learn that prejudices are wrong, but Hermione spends her life labelling other girls like the Patils or Lavender (before Lavender gets involved with Ron) as frivolous because they like doing things that are traditionally classified as feminine, which reveals that Rowling has quite a few prejudices against certain groups of women and their attitudes, stemming from a clear internalised misogyny that is present throughout the novel. You only have to look at how she glorifies motherhood as the pinnacle of female fulfilment and the real way to become a moral and brave example within the saga (Lily and Molly, Narcissa being redeemed ONLY because she loves her son) compared to the female characters who either haven’t seen motherhood as a dream come true (Merope Gaunt) or who have no children (Bellatrix), who are portrayed as little less than the worst of the worst in the story.

What I mean by this is that Rowling has quite a significant cognitive dissonance when it comes to establishing the moral values of the story. Because this is not A Song of Ice and Fire; it’s not a multi-voiced story with various perspectives from which you can develop your own complex criteria. It’s a story told from a single point of view where the dichotomy between good and evil is a central point of conflict, but is often blurred by quite a few contradictions that have no explanation, not even theoretically. I mean, the social themes in this story are terribly mismanaged and portrayed in a very superficial way. In the end, the conclusion you draw is that Gryffindor’s mission, the Order, or Harry’s is basically to defeat Voldemort to continue preserving the same status quo in which the magical world has always been immersed, with no intention of going to the root of the problems and taking action for real change. But well, we’re talking about a story written by a woman who turns her protagonist into the magical equivalent of a cop. I mean, LOL. I mean, ACAB, what can I say.

I say all this because when we talk about James and Lily, all of this applies in the same way. James and Lily make no sense. James and Lily are an example of what should NOT be done when writing a script, for instance. In screenwriting, the premise is always show, don't tell. But Lily and James are purely the tell. Lily and James are known for what other characters tell us about them, totally subjective characters, especially those who were friends with the couple. They are presented as great heroes when the reality in canon is that they did nothing. They joined the Order, were in it for a year, and then spent a year and a half holed up at home with their child, then they died, and that’s it. They can be treated as something tragic, but heroic? I wouldn’t say so.

They are also shown as paradigms of "the good ones," of the "correct morality," especially Lily, who is basically the Virgin Mary of this story and seems to have no flaws at all. But the reality is that if we go to canon, everything Lily does is a constant failure. Lily is condescending to Severus from the very beginning, probably because he is poorer than she is. Then she treats him as a charity case, which is already annoying her because he’s too geeky, odd, and marginal, causing her problems in her social circles. Then she half-smiles at his abuser while he is mistreating and humiliating him in front of the entire school. And then she marries that abuser. You can tell me whatever you want about Lily Potter, but what you’re showing me is rubbish, and if you show me rubbish but tell me wonderful things, there’s something that doesn’t add up, and for me, that’s the greatest failure of all.

If I have to be honest, I go back to what I mentioned before: for me, Lily had a huge inferiority complex. She felt inferior in the Muggle world because perhaps she wasn’t poor, but her family didn’t live in a good area either; they were probably lower middle class, without status or a promising future. At Hogwarts, she felt inferior for being the daughter of Muggles, so throughout her life, she secretly wanted to be part of the elite, to stand out, to be popular, to be seen as something important. That a boy like James Potter—handsome, wealthy, popular, with pure-blood status—would take an interest in her never displeased her. Deep down, she liked it; it was what she wanted. In the end, she gave in and married him, and she was probably very happy with her decision because that way, she ended up at the pinnacle of the social ladder. Of course, she liked James deep down for a long time; as Rowling once said. She liked what James represented, what he could mean for her. She would no longer just be the good student, pretty, nice, and popular; she would also have one of the most popular boys in school as a partner, who was also rich and of pure blood. I think that deep down, she and Petunia are quite similar in that regard, both seeking social ascent, each in their own way. After all, they were sisters.

[guardsbian]

Re: your post about Everlux's and why would you think the post is about you is missing the fact that actually fucking far people are getting dogpiled, condescended to, and talked over when they critique the goddamn art that looks like it was drawn by someone who's never drawn a fat person in their life. people are going full toxic positivity and invading a thread meant for venting/catharsis. It's just frustrating seeing people have such a well ass time feeling all self righteous. Like I promise you don't have to lick boot so bad. If this scares FR away from trying cool shit they were shit allies to begin with.

unironic use of "boot licking" in reference to pet site staff. opinion disregarded

But, real talk, none of that changes the fact that some people have been outright fatphobic, which is what I care about.

Saying the art "looks like it was drawn by someone who's never drawn a fat person in their life" is purely individual, subjective opinion. It is not one that every single person who likes or dislikes everlux shares. A lot of people have been pointing out that many of the critiques of the anatomy or proportions do not reflect their own lived experiences as fat people. They have also pointed out that a lot of the language used in these discussions is fatphobic in nature. This is what I primarily care about, over random pet site forum minutiae or negativity/positivity. The amount I care about a dragon breed being well-received or not is minimal.

Because, honestly, who in the world do you think I am— or anyone else is— here to "lick boot" for? Staff? People who like Everlux? These toxic positivity people you're talking about? Personally, I have and express my own opinions because I stand by them. I'm not trying to impress anybody. I doubt anyone would care if I didn't bother saying anything about Everlux, but I have spoken out because it's what I believe in.

My point in that post was that, regardless of "side," it is pointless and damaging to try to distance yourself from ill-intentioned people— in this case, people being fatphobic— just for the sake of defending yourself, and without actually condemning, critiquing, disagreeing with, or even acknowledging those people in the process. Your intentions should already come across in your words and your actions, and anyone who feels the need to insist that they aren't being fatphobic would probably benefit from reflecting on why they felt the need to defend themselves from something they— apparently— did not say, did not do, or do not believe in. I do not want to see genuine fatphobia being swept under the rug because people think that they're somehow going to look bad by association in a situation where they have every opportunity to distance themself in a meaningful way.

As for staff— staff is looking at the threads. They're giving criticism room to breathe while also moderating the users who are using this opportunity to be hateful. I'm sure they can make their own judgements about who's being overzealous or trying to talk over other people and act from there. Like I said, I don't think most people are speaking up because they think the criticism is going to "scare" FR staff away from making bold choices in the future. Just like how I don't think that every criticism about the composition or design of the Everlux is coming from a place of fatphobia. But, in both circumstances, through context I can make my own judgements about individuals' intentions based on what they're specifically doing and saying.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Before I say anything else I want to be clear about two things.

One, if you don't have the energy to respond to this/don't want it on your blog I totally understand.

Two this really is in good faith. I'm not playing devils advocate and I'm not trying to prove a point or do a gotcha or anything.

In regards to the involuntary treatment for addiction(and for mental health issues in general), I don't entirely see the problem, and I was hoping you (or someone responding to your blog) could explain why it's such a bad idea.

I understand that these systems provide the perfect opportunity for serious abuse, and I also understand that they fundamentally are violating a person's freedoms.

I also understand that harm reduction options, like safe usage sites, are the best way to go, and that we should be putting our energy and resources into those.

But I also know in my own experiences I do not always have my best interests in mind, and sometimes I need someone to make me do the right things for myself.

My mental health has never gotten so bad that I have been institutionalized, so I may just not be fully grasping the depth of the flaws in the institutions, or I may not be properly understanding the state of mind of someone who is institutionalized.

However, it feels like assuming everyone will always make the right choices for themselves in the context of addiction and mental health, which doesn't seem like a responsible assumption to make.

Obviously I'd rather these institutions not have to exist, and instead provide people support before it reaches the point these systems are used, but we are not at that point yet, and it seems to me like involuntarily treatment is important in the interim.

Is this a situation where we should allow people to make a decision destructive to themselves rather than remove their freedom to make that decision? Or am I oversimplifying it?

I really am asking genuinely, and I'm very open to someone changing my mind. I just can't understand the issue at the moment.

Answer by @politicsofcanada:

There are a few reasons why I oppose involuntary commitment/involuntary treatment.

First of all, it doesn't work. Overwhelmingly, being institutionalized against your will does not benefit your mental or physical health. I studied this in college as well as having firsthand experience. The isolation and judgement that come with being institutionalized make people more likely to use substances to cope. Also, it is akin to being sent to jail for being mentally ill (which also happens but I won't get in to that right now). I've been in these places and they are not comforting, welcoming, or supportive environments. The concept of being sent to jail for being mentally ill should be more than enough to make people oppose this.

These places are rife with abuse and mistreatment. Staff are often violent, condescending, and sometimes sexually abusive. Much like the prison system, (because it operates in nearly exactly the same way) people of colour, poor people, and lgbtq+ people are overrepresented in the system. Marginalized people are more likely to experience addiction as a result of alienation from society, and involuntary commitment only makes that sense of alienation worse. Overwhelmingly, the best support one can offer someone experiencing addiction is safe supply, safe consumption sites, and community support.

Community support is far more effective than institutionalization. The only reason people prefer to lock people with addictions away is because its more convenient not to deal with them. Actually caring about people dealing with this means including them in your community, not locking them away.

[noa-de-cajou]

Yavana belongs to @thal-ent

_________

There’s something kinda mind blowing about standing in the bathroom of a church, a pharmacy paper bag in hand, with your best friend tapping his foot nervously and your best friend’s girlfriend staring at you with complete and utter confusion. What a life we live.

“So… Um… Why are we here?” Yavana asks, hesitantly.

“Because this is the only place I can do this. No way I'm doing this at uni, or at home, or at Bazyli's.”

“Do what?”

Urgh. I hate this.

“My period’s two weeks late, there’s no way I'm taking a test at home or at uni or at Bazyli's, and you're the only people I can bring along.”

They gawk. I expected no less. Bazyli raises a hand, dumbfounded, clearly trying to process everything I just blabbered.

“Wait. Wait. Hold on. So you chose… a church of all places?”

“I’m not doing this in a public bathroom, I have standards.”

He raises a doubtful eyebrow. Hey, sure, I've done other things in public bathrooms that were not meant to be done in public bathrooms, but that doesn't mean I can just… Urgh.

“So what you’re saying is… you might be pregnant,” Yavana articulates slowly, squinting in disbelief.

No shit, what do you think a late period means-

No. This is Yavana. And I’m already intruding at her workplace for something less than catholic.

“Yeah.”

I'm not sure if I want to know. But I kinda have to, don’t I?

“And what do you need us for?”

“Support.”

Bazyli scratches the back of his neck.

“So we just stand outside the door while you pee?”

“Mostly. Is that too much for you? Do you need a chair and little biscuits? Tea maybe?”

Dammit. I shouldn’t behave like that. He could have just walked out and left by now, but he hasn't, and here I am being a bitch. I just don’t want them to see how sweaty my palms are or that I'm holding my crutch way too tight.

“Nah, we can do that. Yav, are you okay with it?”

“Um, sure. I just never took a pregnancy test before, so I'm not sure if I'll be of much help.”

“Don't worry about that. Bronya, have you taken a test before?”

“Yeah. Once.”

In high school. Negative. And I took a morning after pill a bunch of times. Still remember the face of some pharmacists, how they looked at my tattoos and my clothes, the judgement in their gaze when they realized how young I was, too young to be such a whore.

Mom doesn't even know half of it. It's probably for the better.

“Okay. Want me to read the notice for you?”

“I’m not five, I’ll read it myself, thank you very much.”

I pause. Come on, Bronya. He’s being considerate here, not condescending.

“But thanks. For asking.”

His expression goes from troubled to straight-up worried. Great. That’s what I get for thanking people once every blue moon, I guess. I don’t know how to face that kind of eyes so I just go into the toilet with the test and lock the door.

“You drank enough today, I hope! Otherwise you won't have enough piss to tell!” Bazyli shouts from behind the door.

Oh for fuck’s sake.

“Yes, I have! God, could you be more embarassing?!”

“Easily. Want me to demonstrate?”

“Bazy, aren’t you being a little-”

“Don’t worry, Yav, she loves me.”

I do, that's probably the worst part. Anyways, pants off, I guess. And then squat above the toilet like a true slav. Ha, ha. More like shaking like a true motherfucker.

“... Could you guys talk to me? About, like, anything. I need a distraction.”

“Sure! So, who’s the father?”

… What else was I expecting from him, exactly?

“I don't know.”

And it’s true. I don't know. How ironic. There was a time I could fuck ten different people in the same month and never had a single pregnancy scare, and now… now I'm in a relationship with two men and technically they could both be the father. And I have no idea how they’d react. Shit. Is this a pipeline? The slut to polyamorous pipeline?

“You don't- oh my god that means you fucked them without protection. Both of them. Girl. One of your boyfriends’ a volunteer at Planned Parenthood and you didn't use condoms??”

I’m going to kill that fucker. I’m going to kill him because he’s actually doing exactly what I asked, making me angry about something so I don’t think too hard about the little plastic stick in my hand.

“Both our tests came back clean, I'm on the pill, am I allowed to have a latex-free dick in me once in a while or is that too much to ask??”

There's a snort behind the door, followed by a little oh no, sorry, and I snicker. At least Yavana thinks I'm funny.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a big girl, but still-”

“Stop talking to me like you've always taken your damn pill on time, Zielinska, I will fucking end you.”

“You know I've stopped taking it!”

“Did Zuza scold you?” Yavana asks with an amused voice.

“Nah. She just asked if I wanted an IUD. I'm still thinking about it.”

“I should have gotten one,” I mumble.

Or should I have? I don’t know. I’ve always wanted a kid, but…

“Bronya! Did you pee yourself laughing yet?”

… Well I sure as hell did now, you bastard. And he heard me laugh too, because he starts cackling harder. Even Yavana can barely contain herself.

“I’m always your guy if you need to pee on pregnancy tests!”

“Oh my god, s-stop-”

“You're the worst, Bazyli,” I say, but I sound too grateful.

I put my pants back on and I wait as Bazyli keeps spouting random bullshit to keep me distracted. It quickly becomes background noise. There’s too many thoughts in there.

I’m twenty-two, going on twenty-three. I have to work retail to make ends meet and I still live at my mom’s. I’m finally close to getting this godforsaken law degree she wanted me to have so much. She's always told me about how having a kid too young can just fuck up your whole life, and she'd know. I’m disabled and it’s hard to move around on my own. Can you imagine with a kid?

And more importantly, I don’t know what kind of face Milosz and Louis would make, if they knew. They both have their whole future ahead of them. Hell, so do I, I still want to be a tattoo artist. I can't just-

“Hey, Bronya? It should be done by now.”

Yeah. It should be.

His voice is too gentle. It’s grating.

Let's get this over with.

I take the stick.

…

“Bronya?”

Two lines.

Two fucking blue lines.

I start laughing. I don't know why. I sound fucking hysterical.

From behind the door, Bazyli clears his throat.

“I guess that means no smoke breaks for you anymore, huh.”

I nearly fall against the sink in laughter. Fuck, this is actually hilarious. It shouldn’t be.

My mom is going to fucking kill me.

My boyfriends might actually be mad.

I’m ruining my life. This is terrible news. This should be terrible news.

So then, why can’t I stop smiling?

[starlit-seadragon]

Day 24 - Bar

Yume, before she was Yume, arrives in Eorzea at last. It does not go as planned.

Ending rushed to meet the deadline aaaaaa

CW: panic attack, harsh language

My FFXIV Write Masterpost here.

Limsa Lominsa was like nothing Izumi had ever seen. Kugane had been bright and loud, with more people than she had ever seen at once in her life, but Limsa was something else entirely with its white-washed walls and open, spiralling paths. It seemed louder, brighter, even stronger-smelling.

She could not wait to leave it.

Passage from Kugane to Eorzea had only a single destination: Limsa Lominsa. But, Izumi reasoned, once on Eorzean soil, she could make her way to where she willed. And so after a brief exploration of the city, she returned to the docks.

"I seek passage to Ishgard," she told the Lalafellin man standing there.

He looked at her and laughed.

Izumi drew back, uncertainty drenching her in a wave. Had she prononuced something incorrectly? Used the wrong words? She was sure she'd gotten the Eorzean right.

He gave her a puzzled look and scrutinized her closely.

"Sodding sacks of shite, yer serious, aren't ye?"

She was tempted to ask why she wouldn't be, but the Lalafell looked as though he'd say more.

"Lass, ye can't sail t' Ishgard. Not on a ship by sea, at least. An even if ye could, they'd turn ye away at the gates."

Yume said nothing. She hadn't been certain how exactly Ishgard was meant to be reached. When she'd first read about it, there had been so many words that meant nothing to her: mountains, clouds, snow. Living with grandmother had taught her that the sea could be traversed by navigating atop it in a vessel of wood, the hawks in Kugane had shown her that birds could swim in the sky as did fish in the sea, and both locations had glittered with the blue light of those towering crystals. Teleportation. By the kami, the world was vast.

"Why would they turn me away?" she asked after a pause.

The Lalafell blinked at her. Izumi fought the urge to run.

"I... take it yer not from around here," he said. She shook her head. "Since the business with Dalamud, Ishgard hasn't exactly been friendly with the rest of us. The Gates of Judgement have been closed for nigh five years now."

Izumi staggered. Five years. Five years. Her dream had been dead since the moment she rose from the sea. Five years she had scratched out a life with someone who cared for her, now thrown away, and for what? To chase a ghost? There would be no sea of clouds. No star magicks. No dragons.

She must have looked as distraught as she felt, for the Lalafell raised his hands before her and spoke in a soothing tone.

"Look, lass. I'm sorry. I truly am. It seems ye've come a long way for this. Have ye the coin t' get back home?"

Home.

The sneers, the whispers, the condescending smiles. The eyes that darted away.

"I will wed you for duty, but I will harbor neither love nor affection for you in my heart."

Her breaths came rapidly now, tears spilling down her face. The Lalafell's eyes were so wide that the whites of them seemed to swallow the pupils.

"Easy, easy now. Peace, lass, ye don't have t' go home if ye don't wish t'. The world's a big place."

"Wh-where should I go?" she choked out.

"Well, erm, if... if ye've no one to go back to or to look out for ye... " He inhaled deeply through his nose. "Limsa is a fine city, but it ain't kind t' folks fresh as yerself. Mayhap you'd have better luck in Gridania."

Gridania. The name sounded familiar. A forest, which she had learned was a place of many trees. Her breathing slowed.

"Gridania is lovely and green, very relaxing. And the Shroud does border Coerthas. Should things change in Ishgard, ye'd be right nearby."

Gridania then. She would go to Gridania.

[lightcreators]

@tiimecrash

  He  was  a  king.  He  was  the  Master  ruling  the  realm  of  the  Ocean  ----  that  sweetness  emotion  to  touch  his  rightful  place  without  possible  obstacles  on  his  way,  that  pleasant  emotion  to  be  wrapped  inside  a  kingdom  of  power  when  he  would  always  gain  the  upper-hand  …  Oh.  There  was  fragmented  part  within  his  mind  that  still  aspired  of  the  comfort  of  his  people,  nevertheless,  inside  happiness  of  his  current  position,  he  simply  admired  to  having  the  throne  for  himself.  Deciding  whatever  he  wanted  without  someone  or  something  bother  him.  Remaining  condescending  over  the  primitive  people  coming  from  the  surface,  who  never  get  the  strength  to  learn  their  lessons  as  they  should  be,  as  they  remaining  as  stupid  as  they  always  had  been  even  since  he  came  to  accessing  some  knowledge  about  them.  If  only.  If  only  he  had  showing  up  to  the  humans  inside  the  ground  how  really  he  was  threatening  ---  If  only  he  could  find  an  pleasant  excuse  to  making  entire  world  of  the  surface  fully  his,  imposing  his  laws  as  he  desired,  taking  over  each  country  by  ocean’s  threats,  as  an  simple  gift.  It  was  something  he  will  have  time  to  figuring  it  out.  It  will  be  something  he  will  have  pleasure  to  think  about  ---  and  removing  every  potential  problem  standing  on  his  way.  Nevertheless,  thinking  as  the  people  of  the  surface,  there  was  amusement  concerning  how  he  could  easily  imposing  judgement  from  the  sea  every  time  he  wanted  ---  and  would  appreciating  all  these  nice  destruction  imposed  by  the  power  of  water  within  his  fingers at any moment.

  Not  enough  people  flattered  his  name,  and  it  was  quite  disappointing  …  Nevertheless,  when  it  was  about  power,  he  always  had  been  the  hungry  type  ---  having  one  fragment  of  it  was  never  enough  and  he  always  wanted  more,  he  always  dreamed  of  an  worldwide  domination  than  the  position  of  king  just  seemed  the  beginning  of  an  long-term  conquest.  It  has  been  quite  a  wish  he  had  been  aspiring  since  day  one,  when  he  wanted  no  concurrent  within  his  race.  In  all  cases,  if  his  people  were  happy  to  his  reign,  he  will  have  his  desired  margin  for  requesting  more.  Immediate  smirk  flattered  his  features,  wrapped  within  happiness  on  the  compliment.  Though,  mocking  expression  resonating  within  his  eyes,  as  it  was  reminder  of  something  totally  who  have  to  be  expected.  ❝  I  don’t  think  the  earth  people  even  perceived  how  much  I  could  be  dangerous.  ❞  He  mused  amusingly,  as  the  thought  remained  tempting  every  day.  His  gaze  had  been  watching  the  water  that  could  be  perceived  inside  the  oceanic  room,  in  which  he  appreciated  the  show  at  each  moment  …  when  even  considering  how  much  he  was  working  on  his  powers;  he  desired  level  up  his  abilities.  Someday,  if  he  grows  bored,  maybe  for  fun,  he  would  create  one  tsunami  or  two  as  warning  coming  from  the  sea.  Someday,  if  boredom  finalized  to  taking  him  whole,  he  would  attempting  some  other  amusements  into  his  selves.  ❝  Dangerous  is  just  a  usual  compliment  for  me,  you  know,  Sola.  I’m  a  king.  As  a  king,  it’s  my  duty  to  rule,  it’s  my  duty  to  show  no  one  should  mess  up  with  me.  No  one  should  even  attempt  something  against  me.  I’m  their  Master,  and  humans  need  a  reminder  of  that  for  cherish  my  name, always cherishing my name.  ❞

[lovely-lynn]

O'Malley the Alley Cat (And I'm Very Proud of That)

This is for @karmawillcollectyourdebt who requested a birdflash fic based off of the Thomas O'malley song in the Aristocrats.

_________________________________________________________

The annual Wayne Family Christmas Gala. Also known as the cesspool of rumors and fake smiles and the bane of Wally's existence.

Galas were one of the very few things about dating Dick that Wally found less than enjoyable. The were stiflingly hot, loud, and everywhere you turned there was another influential person ready to pass judgement. Wally had lost count of the amount of galas he had attended that ended in some tabloid article that the Wayne Enterprises PR department would have to try and cover up.

Dick generally laughed and told him it was no big deal by Wally would be lying if he said it didn't bother him. Maybe it was because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the hang of it. Generally Wally was a pretty fast learned but it seemed that, with these things, the harder he tried, the worse he failed. It infuriated him to no end that he couldn't find a way to successfully make it through a gala without a scandal, or offending some wealthy prospective partner to Wayne Enterprises.

Maybe the reason it bothered him so badly was because everyone else seemed to be so good at it.

Everyone in the bat clan, save Jason and Damian, had an alter ego they pulled out especially for social event. It was frankly quite startling. Bruce had Brucie. Tim had Timothy. Dick had Dickie. Cass, though much more subtle than her brothers, had Cassandra. Duke usually made himself scarce but on the occasion that he did make an appearance, he too pulled out a different persona. Wally had yet to give it a name, mostly because he hadn't spent that much time around Duke yet.

Bruce was probably the most startling of all the personas. He wasn't dark and overprotective, communicating in grunts and glares that sent chills through Wally's body. Nor was he an overprotective and exhausted father of way to many kids. No, here he danced around the ballroom filling it with booming laughter. He made a great show of being slightly tipsy but Wally knew just how sober he was. He was hyper vigilant during these events. His blue eyes constantly scanning the crowd, searching for any threat that had managed to slip past Jason and Alfred, while also taking a mental headcount of all his children.

Tim smiled, looking uncharacteristically rested. His eye bags expertly hidden with an absurd amount of concealer. He was speaking with a prominent businessman ,whom Wally couldn't be bothered to remember the name of, his shoulders pushed back in confidence. Seemingly unburdened by the weight of his night life.

Dick was always bright, energetic, and happy but when it came time for galas, he turned it up to a whole other level. He was the life of the party, sometimes even giving Brucie a run for his money. He danced around, chatting with people, and bringing attention away from any uncomfortable questions people might try and bring up.

Cassandra moved with the grace of the dancer she was. The lethal edge to her gait carefully hidden like the knife she kept in the folds of her dress. No one knew how she managed to sneak it in and everyone had long since given up on trying to stop her.

And then there was Wally an awkward speedster that was just along for the ride. He felt horribly out of place. He didn't belong and everyone in the room made sure he knew it. The wealthy families, the ones that even deemed it suitable to talk to him, spoke to him in a condescending manner. Like he was a child getting to sit and the adult table. Though honestly that's kind of what it felt like. He had to endure these underhand and often hateful remarks until Dick would notice and come over with a bright smile on his face but burning fire in his eyes.

No one dared to publicly go after one of Bruce's children, especially with him in the room. The entirety of Gotham knew what happened when you messed with them. It had only taken a few long forgotten reporters and overly nosy businessmen to get the message across. Unfortunately that meant that Wally took the brunt of it. Not only because of his overall status but also his relationship with Dick.

When he was out on the streets, in his suit, at the watchtower, Wally was confident, probably overly so. But here he was out of his element and he felt like he was in way over his head.

It was time like these that he was reminded that Dick was way out of his league. Dick was talented and seemed to succeed in everything he did. Even in the uncomfortable and boring events, Dick exuded confidence and optimism. It should have been discouraging but in reality it just made Wally feel lucky.

Galas had so many rules and expectations, not all of which were spoken. That was something Wally had learned the hard way. Because, sometimes it was those unspoken rules that were the most crucial. After his first gala, where he had made an absolute fool out of himself, Dick had sat him down and explained all the rules to him. It was enough to make Wally's head spin.

In order to survive in the world of the aristocrats, you had to be a shark. You had to be a master of manipulation. You had to frame your words in such a careful way that you could assert your dominance, for lack of a better word, without seeming as if you were doing so. It also took incredible patience and a strategic mind.

In comparison to the Wayne's, Wally felt like a simple old alley cat. He was brash, impulsive, and blunt. Patience and subtly were no skills that he excelled at. No matter how hard he tried, or how much he practiced, he couldn't seem to nail it. And so these galas continued to be absolute torture. Though Wally would rather saw of his own arm or live a life at normal speed than face the puppy dog eyes of doom if he admitted it to Dick.

Dick had this look that he got that completely mimicked a kicked puppy. It was mostly unintentional and it never failed to make Wally feel like the worst person on the planet. Dick would insist that it was fine and he would attend the galas himself, suffering through them on his own. He would never ask Wally to come again, no matter how desperately he wanted to. Wally didn't think he could handle that.

So he continued to attend the gatherings for Dick's sake. Even though the aforementioned man usually ended up either wandering off the mingle or being pulled away, leaving Wally to his own devices. Despite not being physically close to him, Dick had expressed in the past how much calmer he felt when he knew Wally was there. When he could look over and see, what Wally thought to be the absolute train wreck he called his support system. Wally smirked as he imagine Dick rolling his eyes when he referred to himself as a train wreck.

Luckily, they generally didn't stay for longer than two hours, unless the gala was held at the manor. Which was incredibly rare, and those generally ended early anyway. Wally glanced down at his watch, an expensive one that Dick had picked out to go with his suit. Dick himself wore a matching one, Something th other man had found highly amusing when he bought them. He was relieved to see that they were nearing the two hour mark.

He scanned the crowd in search of Dick, intending to find him and whisk him away, preferably back home. However, he quickly averted his gaze when he met the intense, burning, soul sucking stare of Bruce Wayne. Wally couldn't stop the shiver that crawled up his spine.

Wally didn't think Bruce hated him per say but he knew he definitely wasn't Bruce's favorite person in the world. Bruce is incredibly overprotective of his children, especially when it comes to metas. Though Wally had a suspicion that Bruce was going to have to get used to it if the shared glance between a certain bird and Kryptonian meant anything.

Nevertheless, despite his obvious dislike, Bruce recognized that Dick was happy and therefore never openly opposed Wally. That didn't stop him, and the rest of Dick's family from making it incredibly, and in very gruesome details, clear what would happen to him should Dick ever not be happy. Still, Wally tried, and often times succeeded, to interact with Dick's family. Because, loving Dick meant loving all of him. Overprotective fathers, coffeeholics, and angry murder children included.

Pushing his way through the thick crowd, and silently praying that no one would stop him, Wally made his way over to the coat room. An agreed upon meeting spot should they be unable to get away before ten o'clock, which it was rapidly approaching. Logically he knew it would probably be closer to ten thirty before Dick could politely claw his way out of the party but there was no harm in waiting a little early.

He pushed into coat room and sigh as his ears were met with blessed silence. The sounds of the party could still be heard, loud music and fake laughter coming through the thick oak door. However, the relative silence was still a blessing to Wally's ears. Now that he wasn't surrounded by people and their judgemental stares, he finally felt like he could breathe again. He closed his eyes and leaned against the wall, basking I'm the silence.

He lost time of how much time had pasted before the doors the coat room opened. His eyes shot open as the door clicked shut. He listened intently, desperately hoping it wasn't another patron. It would be hard to explain why he had decided to hide out in here. At least not in a way that wouldn't start all kinds of wild rumors. He could see the headlines now: "Wally West caught cheating on Richard Grayson at the Wayne Christmas Gala (more on page 4)".

" Wally?" All the tension faded out of his body at Dick's quiet whisper. Wally stepped forward, an overly fluffy brown cloak smacking him in the face. Dick tried and failed to stifle a snicker.

"Yeah Yeah, laugh it up. You try being assaulted by sounds and lights all night and see how your coordination is," Wally grumbled, choosing to ignore the fact that Dick had in fact been doing just that and looked as graceful as ever. He expected a smart remark pointing out that very thing but instead Dick's expression shifted to one of worry.

"Are you feeling over stimulated? " He questioned, lowering his voice even further and stepping closer. Wally instantly felt bad for making him worry. Sure the sounds and lights were a bit much a few minutes prior and he had the small beginnings of a headache, but he was no where near a sensory overload. Definitely no reason for the concern rolling off of Dick in waves. No matter how cute he looked with his face all scrunched up in worry.

"No, I'm okay," Wally soothed, "I just don't think I'll ever get the hang of being pretending I'm fancy. I never was one for undercover work," He teased getting a smile from Dick.

"Wally West, you will never be an aristocrat. But you're you and that's enough," Dick said , his thumb slowly stroking over his cheekbone. Wally let himself smile, allowing his shoulders to drop. Dick was right, he would never be the perfect picture of class nor would he ever have the approval of the people in attendance. But maybe, just maybe, He was something to be proud of. And as Dick leaned down to capture his lips in a gentle kiss, Wally found himself being very proud to be exactly who he was.

___________________________________________________________

I apologize that this, as many of my other fics, is so late. As I mentioned in a previous post, my best friend recently lost his battle with cancer and I haven't really had the motivation to write, especially as finals creeped up on me as well. Thankfully finals are over and I'm starting to kind of get my motivation back. This fic isn't exactly how I envisioned it. I think I ended up focusing more on the difference between the alley cat and aristocat . I hope its okay and let me know if you have any requests.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Skin & Scale (Part 13)

Azula’s second awakening is significantly less pleasant. It comes with less fog and more clarity. And now she has the sense to remember why she had been afraid.

It comes with memories, terribly unpleasant ones. 

Ones that come with phantom tingles that dance up and down the massively extended length of her spine. Her body had fallen apart and with it had shattered her sense that it was something she could return to if this whole dragon thing didn’t work out. 

Her talons shake, her whole body trembles and she can’t even go inside and have the servants fix her something warm to eat. She can’t find a spot on her bed and surround herself in pillows and blankets. She is too big for the palace, her tail alone deals too much damage and she doesn’t want to have to scrunch herself up or punch more holes through the walls. 

Her mind had always felt too big for her old body. Now she misses it, now it feels as though it had been the perfect size for her. This new body is too large for her, almost incomprehensibly so. It lacks grace and agility. Or, rather, she lacks the ability to make it graceful and agile. She is almost scared to move lest she completely ravage the palace garden or damage the palace and remind everyone why dragons no longer have a place in this world. 

Azula loves dragons.

She wants to handle dragons, ride them, and find companionship with them. She doesn’t want to be a dragon.

She likes the concept of being a dragon–the freedom, the power, the frightening beauty. 

The reality is nothing like the concept. The reality is confinement, pain, and embarrassing clumsiness. 

She has wings but she feels more trapped than ever. 

These wings have no room to spread out and even if they could, she wouldn’t know what to do with them. 

She can’t read her scrolls, she can’t enjoy the royal spa, she can’t firebend or play pai-sho. She can’t do anything but lay down and try not to make the kind of mess that only a dragon can make. 

It leaves her with a lot of time to think. 

To remember her conversation with father. The one she hadn’t gotten a chance to tell anyone about. The one that still bothers her more than she cares to admit. “You’re a helpless, useless monster!” Over and over again she had reminded herself that it wasn’t true. That she can take care of herself and has accomplished a fair amount for someone who had fallen as behind as she had. That she isn’t a particularly kind person but she isn’t evil. 

But now?

Now she is having trouble agreeing with her own assessment. She doesn’t know what to do and her only option is…she grits her teeth…trust. Her only option is to rely on Zuzu of all people and trust that he’ll bring Ran and Shaw to meet her.

And what if he can’t? 

What if they won’t go with him?

What will happen to her then?

Maybe she should stop being so meek and afraid and try to stand up on her own instead of laying there just as helplessly and uselessly as father had predicted. Were she to stand before the fourteen year old girl who had conquered Ba Sing Se she would be embarrassed for herself. Humiliated at what she has become. At least by what she has become on the inside. On the outside she is everything that her younger self could have dreamed of. 

“A waste of potential.” Father’s voice intermixes with her own. She hates the sound of it. The sound of his voice. The sound of hers–condescending and cruel, judgemental. If this is how Zuko had always heard her, no wonder he hated her. 

Azula takes in a shaky breath and gets to her feet–can she still call what she has feet?

Her limbs still ache and she isn’t sure if she owes that to the violent nature of her transformation or if she is just stiff from having been laying for too long. 

Either way, giving her new limbs a second try is significantly better than lounging about and dwelling up what it had felt like to watch her body break. 

Rising to her full height is just as dizzying the second time, the world beneath her comes in and out of focus, it seems to undulate and roll. She thinks that her head, possibly the entirety of her long dragon neck, is swaying with it. To think, this isn’t even her full height. Her full height, should she reach it could be as big as the palace or larger. She is thankful that she can still fit inside of it at all.

She closes her eyes and inhales.

Breathing is different to, her breaths are deeper, she feels them with her whole chest. It takes more time to fill her lungs. And she exhales, with that exhale comes a plume of smoke. Her stomach flops and it occurs to her that if she breathes the wrong way, the whole palace will be in flames. 

But the world isn’t spinning anymore, slowly it comes back into focus. Everything looks so small now. The trees, the bushes, the birdbaths, the water siblings.

When had they gotten here?

“Morning, Azula!” Sokka greets. “How are you feeling?” He asks as though she can answer.

Katara finds a spot in the grass and sits down. “If you want I can…” She gestures to the tin basin that she has just put down. “The gash is almost healed but it couldn’t hurt to do some more healing.”

But Azula has just gotten up and she doesn’t want to lay back down yet. She wants to pace about, test out her legs and get used to using them. Used to walking around without bashing her tail into things.

But now that the siblings are here it is that much harder. Her dragon hand is as big as Sokka’s head, if she steps the wrong way she could crush them and everyone will hate her all over again, accident or not.

Decidedly, it is not time for a walk. But she still doesn’t want to lay down. Instead she lowers her head and lets Katara bring the water to meet it. She dips her head closer to Sokka, testing angles and heights to find the most optimal viewing position. 

She no longer has front facing eyes. This too is disorienting. Her field of vision is much wider, she can see so much more at once it is almost overwhelming. Distracting in a way that she isn’t used to.

She expects Sokka to back away but he smiles and puts his own hand on her snout. “You’re really warm.” He remarks. 

Her heart sinks. 

They are going to forget that she was human or maybe they won’t realize that she still has a human mind. He would never do this to human Azula, he wouldn’t dare put his peasant hands on her…would he?

She has never really gotten close enough to anyone to say for sure. She supposes that she could imagine him cupping his hand against her cheek and remarking that it is warm. But that isn’t what this is. He is treating her like an animal. 

Like a ‘wittle baby dwagon’. 

.oOo.

 Sokka retracts his hand. He shouldn’t have reached out in the first place. Human Azula didn’t like being touched, he can’t imagine that dragon Azula finds it anymore pleasing.  “Sorry.” He mumbles. “I forgot that you have a no touching policy.”

“So we’ve been trying to figure out what to feed you. The scrolls say that a baby dragon should eat at least a half a hippo-cow. Some baby dragons can eat a hippo-cow whole…”

He watches the dragon’s face scrunch.

“But Katara and I kind of figured that a princess wouldn’t want to eat a live hippo-cow which kind of complicates things. The chefs are trying to figure out the best way to cook a whole hippo-cow for you so it doesn’t…ya know…look like a hippo-cow while you eat it.” 

He isn’t entirely sure but he thinks that this relaxes Azula at least a little bit. Her snout isn’t as crinkled and that disproving rumble is quieting.

Katara withdraws her water and Azula lifts her head again. He watches her circle around the yard a few times. She finds the most spacious part of the palace garden and gives her wings a little flap before resuming her pacing.

“I think that she’s scared.” Sokka muses. “She paces when she’s nervous.” It is a habit he picked up on quite some time ago. He had learned the hard way not to interrupt her pacing lest he get snapped at. 

“That or she just wants to test her new legs.” Katara shrugs. “I wouldn’t want to lay around all day.” 

But he knows that pacing, the rhythm of it and he certainly can’t blame her for being restless. He can’t blame her for pacing around and pawing nervously at the grass while the royal gardener looks on in horror. He stifles a chuckle at the man’s distress as Azula uproots a bush. He stifles a second one when she meets the gaze of the gardener, when they both stare at each other with mirrored looks of distress. The gardener at the prospect of how hard it will be to salvage that poor bush and Azula at the prospect of having this much power to be responsible for.

“Why don’t you sit back down, Azula.” Katara suggests. “Or maybe you can try to move you to somewhere more open?”

Azula pauses her circling and considers for a moment before returning to her initial sleeping spot and laying back down again. 

“It shouldn’t be too much longer.” Katara promises. “Aang, Zuko, and Toph should be here any time now and you’ll get to meet your parents.” 

Sokka tries not to think about what would happen if they returned without Ran and Shaw.

[triviareads]

Releases May 16th

Summary: Lila, the illegitimate daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, is the popular hostess of a gambling salon she runs. She is wrongfully accused by Ivor Tristram of being her father's mistress, but rather than deny it, uses it to leverage Ivor into helping her find the true culprit behind the attack on Ivor's cousin and exonerate an innocent man.

My review:

First I applaud Amita Murray on the diversity portrayed in this book. England at the time was a lot more diverse than a lot of historical romance readers like to believe, in part because historical romances tend to keep to the upper classes. Here, Amita writes not only about Lila and her sisters who skirt the edge of respectability as educated but biracial women, but also an Indian lascar (sailor) and a Black woman of Caribbean ancestry who was previously forced to prostitute herself. All from places England has colonized.

Lila lives on the fringes of a hypocritical society. People flock to her salon for entertainment after hours and indulged in Indian culture to a degree, but that also doesn't stop them from hurling out the microaggressions. Because of this, Lila does not talk about her Indian mother, and she does not speak Hindi either. Men are attracted to Lila even as they disparage her morality and her country of birth. It's difficult to stomach at times, particularly since Lila's own half-brother is one of those men.

The main conflict in this story is fast-paced and grew a lot heavier than I expected, which made me more invested. It begins with Maisie, a childhood companion reaching out to Lila about her beau Sunil, the aforementioned lascar. He has wrongfully been accused of assaulting a white woman who happens to be the hero Ivor's cousin. As the mystery unfolds, it also exposes the overlying power dynamics of nineteenth century England: Sunil, an Indian man, is being wrongfully accused of assault by an upper-class white woman, Tiffany. A white aristocrat is targeting a poorer people of color by using law enforcement and the courts against them. Tiffany is upset after the attempted assault because she feels like the men around her are condescending her. They are all situations that resonated with me, I imagine will resonate with many other historical romance readers.

There's surprisingly little animosity between Lila and Ivor initially, despite Lila ostensibly being Ivor's father's mistress when they first meet. They're immediately attracted to one another and there's little mention of "oh I'm attracted to them despite my best judgement because I totally hate him/her". This is a progression that worked for them: Lila is not looking to marry, and Ivor doesn't offer initially despite them sleeping together. However, as their feelings continue to grow, Ivor's jealousy over what Lila's hostess duties entail come to a head. It's always interesting to see a historical romance hero skirt the line between outright slut-shaming and expressing hurt feelings but Ivor did an admirable job lol.

The sex:

Lila and Ivor's first sexual encounter actually made me laugh a little: The second Lila admits she's not anyone's mistress, Ivor IMMEDIATELY fingers her. The Fingering of Triumph, if you will. Otherwise, the sex in this book was fairly standard for HR. Neither Ivor nor Lila are virgins. They both knew what they were doing. I did appreciate that Lila was always an active participant and wasn't afraid to ah, adjust Ivor, if necessary.

Overall:

I enjoyed this book, and the main conflict kept me on the edge of my seat. I only wish we'd gotten a little more of Ivor and Lila throughout the story rather than most of their romantic development occurring during the first half of the book. I would recommend it to anyone looking for diverse historical romances that don't skirt around societal issues that are still very relevant today.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[koraesrambles]

Winchesters vs batboys pt 3

John and Bruce would hate each other. Just, no holds barred, absolute loathing on sight. John would think Bruce doesn't do enough to protect his kids, he'd be soooo judgemental of Bruce's no kill rule. John (at least in the graphic novels) went on a murder spree to kill anyone who knew that Sam had the potential to become evil later in life. John is a representation of everything Bruce hates. John does not believe in second chances. John believes his family's life is more important than other people's. John is willing to spill gallons of blood to keep his kids safe.

Bruce would be sickened by the fact that John thinks himself able to be judge, jury, and executioner. He'd be disgusted by the criminal activity John regularly engages in in order to survive (not everyone is a billionaire Bruce.) Bruce HATES guns and thinks that John fetishizes a weapon of destruction. He can't believe that John is okay with just murdering every monster he decides isn't redeemable.

They reluctantly bond over being paranoid bastards with contingency plans though. Bruce is sickened that John asked Dean to save Sam or kill him. John is downright condescending about Bruce's "my family is my failsafe" plan.

John is actually kind of impressed by Bruce giving his son Super Anxiety as a way to control him. He acknowledges that it is super messed up and definitely leaning toward super villainy, but he's impressed despite himself. Though he does think Bruce is a moron because now his son is kind of useless? Like, what was Bruce really trying to accomplish here?

The bats love each other but none of them are as codependent as the winchesters (who are absolutely in a league of their own when it comes to that). Bruce always needs to know where his kids are, but doesn't really stop them from going places. John needs his kids to be where he put them at all times. He needs to know that Sam is in the motel room and Dean is by his side. Even when Sam goes to college he's constantly checking up on him (which is very Bruce coded of him, honestly. "I love you so much and am terrified for your safety but instead of telling you this like a sane person I'm just gonna stalk you like a creep.")

When John finds out Bruce chips his kids with trackers, he acts like that's a horrible human rights violation but is also like 🤔 Dean also kind of likes the idea. Sam is horrified.

John and Bruce would come to blows regularly but also be subtly taking notes. John wants Bruce's resources. Bruce wants John's ability to control his kids.

[yourfaveisamuppet]

So It's April 1st Again

i'll be honest, i really don't love april fools' on tumblr. every year folks feel the need to make saccharine, feel-good "pranks" that are just... kind of condescending. oh it's two kitties, not one! that's not a prank, that's peekaboo. which is fine. some people love it and i can avoid it. but i don't go around telling horror fans that rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is actually horror because it scares me. (true story - to this day that movie is on my blacklist because it can and will give me nightmares.) and i certainly don't try to ban halloween just because i don't like wearing costumes.

anyway, i think that a lot of the problem stems from the fact that there are a lot of mean, bad-faith pranks out there - and also perfectly innocent japes that escaped their target audience and found someone who was genuinely hurt by them. so in the interest in making one of my favorite holidays more bearable, have a non-exhaustive guide to fun and safe tomfoolery.

(this guide was written for an audience of adults, as i have no interest in the responsibility of adapting it for minors. if you're under 18, talk to your parents or a trusted adult about safe pranks.)

intention matters. before deciding to pull a prank on someone, take the time to figure out why you want to in the first place. every prank, no matter what it is (yes, even the kitten peekaboo!) carries the risk of actually hurting the person being pranked. if your only goal is to trick someone else for your own amusement, stop here. if it's to feel better or smarter than them, stop here. personally, i love pranks (pulling them and being pranked) because they're basically elaborate trust falls. you get a little jolt of adrenaline, but at the end of the day someone is there to catch you. you might have other reasons! maybe you love watching your friend's face as they realize what's going on and dissolve into giggles. maybe it's a way to be creative and lighthearted. maybe it's something your friends do for an excuse to be together. whatever the reason, knowing why you're doing it will help you decide if it's worth the risk of miscalculating and hurting someone. and it also helps you figure out how to make things right if they do go wrong.

safety is paramount. physical and mental. to bring back my metaphor from before, i wouldn't do a trust fall off a roof, no matter how much i trusted the person catching me. there are plenty of ways to fool your friends without risking injury or illness (including mental harm). as a rule, i avoid food-based pranks and risky physical comedy, and never lie about safety or wellbeing (i.e. no "i lost the cat" texts or fake hospital visits). i also make liberal use of the unreality tag online. but this is sort of a "use your best judgement" thing, because what is risky to one person is another person's tuesday. which brings me to my next point.

know your audience. this one is where a lot of internet pranksters fuck up. you can't go out into a random public space and start messing with people indiscriminately. there's no way of knowing who is in the crowd and what their individual limits may be, and it's incredibly difficult to warn ahead of time. websites like tumblr are a little easier, because there are widespread blacklist tags (like unreality), but it still carries a pretty big risk. tag liberally, warn your followers ahead of time that you'll be participating in april fools, set limits, and stick to them. when it comes to pranking your friends and loved ones, make sure you know their limits. including if they don't want to be a part of any pranks at all. double- and triple-check. use your words. ASK if they're okay with pranks and what their limits are. contrary to popular belief, knowing a prank is coming doesn't actually ruin the fun.

consent is necessary. if someone asks you to tag, you tag. if someone asks you to stop, you stop. check in to make sure everyone is feeling safe and happy. consider picking a safeword that your friends can use if they need to confirm what is real and what is part of the prank. (or to tap out entirely.) keep your pranks limited to your pre-determined audience, and stick to your pre-established limits. pranks can easily escape containment on the internet, so keep that in mind when planning online pranks. if you don't think you're up to the task of keeping your prank contained, err on the side of caution and don't do it.

check in. ask your friends how they're feeling after a prank. debrief and clarify any lies that you told. renegotiate boundaries. find other ways to spend time together as well. basically, post-prank aftercare is important.

you don't have to participate. i know it sucks to feel left out, but you're also (presumably) a grown-up. i don't particularly like halloween, but i don't go around calling people mean and insensitive for dressing up or watching scary movies. i also don't force myself to dress up or watch movies i don't like. i update my blacklist, i wear my everyday clothes, and i buy some candy in case i get trick-or-treaters. the same thing applies here. tomorrow will be april 2nd, and things will be back to normal. in the meantime, find something fun to do that doesn't involve pranking anybody.

your boundaries are not universal. contrary to what tumblr would have you believe, there are people out there who love screamers and jumpscares, and they are spending today gleefully sending videos back and forth. i hate most food-based pranks, but some people get a kick out of them. lots of people can't stand bugs, but i love them and would be over the moon about any spider-based pranks. (so long as the spider and i are both safe.) if you hear about a prank you personally wouldn't enjoy, consider minding your own business. make sure your blacklist is updated in late march. take reasonable steps to keep yourself safe, and communicate if you feel that someone has overstepped your boundaries. unfollowing and blocking is always an option on tumblr as well.

[shaaaaaaar]

hi it is 1 am and i am here to complain

i’m really fucking tired of people treating me like i’m soft or fragile or innocent/naive, that kinda stuff. it’s been a thing for most of my life no matter how much i try to prove its not really true, and its so frustrating. because i’m easily startled and i have anxiety, i’m some fragile boy meant to be protected and whose too soft for stuff.

most people don’t actually mean any harm with it. the concern is good willed and comes from a place of kindness, but ends up feeling condescending. i’ll be shielded from anything mildly scary and i won’t be told specifically why but it’s pretty easy to deduce that it’s because the tone is horror or it’s mildly violent or whatever. the sensitivity is appreciated, but it often is either over exaggerating things i’ve said i don’t like (for example i don’t particularly like gore but that’ll be overblown to like. someone avoiding telling me about shit like yandere sim. because people die. exclusively me.) or shit i’m fine with but there’s a darker tone so “he wouldn’t like it”. a lot of the time it doesn’t feel like there’s consideration for me specifically and instead an assumption of me not liking darker-toned stuff.

a lot of the time people treating me softly comes off as patronizing. something that really sticks out to me is i was asked recently to hold onto something while a person left for a moment and got told that the thing i was told to hold was there to protect ME. the legal adult. an inanimate object. another one is i’ll be told for HYPOTHETICALS i’m not allowed to have sharp objects because “i don’t trust you to not accidentally cut yourself”. i’ll be told i can have blunt objects, but nothing sharp. i’m always characterized by being weak-willed or the anxious one and… it gets very tiring. especially when none of this treatment is given to anyone else, only me. it gets noticeable.

another part of it is i tend to be less harsh on people. i try not to be too judgemental and harsh on people, maybe to a fault (i’ve got more shit to work on than that). so when i run into assholes, i’m treated like the innocent “too sweet for this world” guy because im… not a dickwad to people? i had a friend group once who all became friends bc they made a groupchat to complain about basically an entire community of people. i had nothing to add with complaints (even if i did wanna rant to the extent they did, i barely knew the people they talked about), i was just willing to listen and found it morbidly interesting. hindsight 20/20 i should’ve figured these guys were assholes (and christ they were assholes) but that isn’t the important part. in that friend group i was ALWAYS treated like the little innocent bean and if i knew something mildly fucked up it was a shocker. which got exhausting.

at the end of the day its because i have anxiety problems. that’s the smoking gun. anxiety has always been a part of my life and mine is considerably worse than a lot of people’s nervousness. with my friends i’m the guy who has “more anxiety problems” and i don’t like being boiled down to that sure but i agree that i have a lot. but frankly, being treated like i’m weak actually makes me feel more anxious. because it leaves me feeling pathetic and humiliated. being treated like i need to be protected only serves to make me feel either defenseless or disrespected. i’m well aware that i’m not a weak person. i’ve been aware of this for a long time.

yes, i am a more sensitive person. sometimes i’m pretty fragile. i get nervous very easily and treating me more gently isn’t exactly bad because the gentility is mindfulness of my sensitivity. there’s a line, though. because at some point it stops being sensitive and becomes being patronizing. it stops being mindful of my anxiety and becomes making me all about my anxiety. cradling someone with anxiety, or at least cradling me, isn’t the solution to anything. it makes things worse and only serves to solidify the notion that i’m weak. to be blunt, being sensitive, being anxious, hell, being fragile, doesn’t mean being weak. it doesn’t mean i need to be protected and my world needs to be baby-proofed. i mean hell, i spend a lot of my time trying to push myself outside of my comfort zone because what’s the point of baby-proofing? nothing will change.

ironically i have no clue how to go about actually telling people this (despite the fact i’ve had the intention to find some opportunity for months now) and somehow i’ve ended up on tumblr at 1 am rambling about it. which isn’t solving anything. i really do need to go about that because it’s important

ok it’s 2 am now so i’m leaving bye

[lightcreators]

No  more  miunderstandings.  No  more  misinterpretations. 

He  suffered  enough  of  both  these  situations  inside  various  other  exchange  with  another  person.  During  decades,  his  introduction  always  came  twisted.  During  decades,  lies  often  followed  words  he  was  spoke.  During  decades,  he  was  reflecting  what  the  other  person  wanted  to  see  of  it,  which  usually  was  summarized  to  be  seen  as  an  villain,  someone  who  wanted  causing  hurt  to  the  humanity.  Usually,  it  was  depending  of  the  person  next  to  him.  Nevertheless,  an  druid  didn't  have  that  kind  of  expectation,  right  ?  At  least,  inside  current  circumstances,  no  one  will  question  his  existence.  His  presence  wasn't  an  illusion.  However,  old  habits  inside  an  twisted  introduction  of  himself  accoustumed  him  to  not  feeling  comfortable  inside  first  meeting.  Old  habits  to  be  playful  will  remain.  Old  habits  to  be  mocking  will  remain.  Old  habits  to  be  condescending  will  remain.  Besides,  his  mood  was  a  bit  all  over  the  place  when  one  kid  he  had  to  carefully  keep  watching  every  second,  and  managing  from  his  position  to  lower  down  emotional weight  of  Lelouch  vi  Britannia. 

Since  he  admired  the  other  druid  reaction,  he  expressed  slowly,  as  an  reminder.  ❝   No   mortal   can   summon   me.   ❞   Another  mockery  can't  help  to  be  expressed.  ❝   As   it   could   be   possible~   ❞     Neutrality  position  stayed  nevertheless  the  same,  when  his  features  showed  no  judgement.  Nevertheless,  as  reassurance,  he  insisted  over  how  harmless  he  was.  He  disliked  to  be  considered  as  an  piece  of  an  chessboard.  He  disliked  to  be  used  by  other  deities.  He  disliked  to  his  presence  to  serve  an  an  manner  to  level  up  someone  else,  without  having  deciding  himself  to  do  such  action.  Showing  happiness  to  have  that  gun  put  away,  he  sighed,  as  it  was  reminder  about  how  he  was  usually  treated.  .   ❝   I'll   pretend   I   didn't   hear   anything   this   time.   You   never   expect   one   of   the   deities   you   have   on   you   to   come   and   say   hello.   ❞   Normally,  Alice  should  have  been  one  showing  up.  Not  him.  It  was  for  the  best  he  presented  himself   though.  ❝   Hecate   monitors   everything   that   is   done   around   an   altar.   She   sometimes   likes   to   scare   people   if   some   limits   are   exceeded.   I   came   instead,   taking   advantage   of   an   opportunity.   The   moment   will   be   more   pleasant.   I   didn't   come   to   scold   you,   reasure   you,   nevertheless,   avoid   to   have   Hecate   personally   scold   you.   It   can   be   …   an   experience.   ❞   He  laughed  at  it.  ❝   I   did   that   often   to   other   souls.   One   day,   I'll   came   accoustumed   to   it.   ❞   There   was   another   laugh.   ❝   Not   too   far   off   from   Ares   ?   If   you   have   some   message   to   communiate   to   him,   I   can   pass   the   message   around.   He   have   many   reasons   recently   to   came   see   how   things   are   going.   Though,   as   much   you   didn't   realizing   who   I   am,   having   the   support   of   the   Underworld   is   something   you   need,   right   ?   ❞  

Standing there, the merc stood there, mouth gaping like an idiot. Well, an idiot with a gun. He had better things he could be doing than placing his offer to Hades down. Another item from one of his hits. He wasn't expecting to summon another god instead of the one he followed so closely. Hell, even he wore Hades and the Triple Goddess symbol around his neck and his tattoo was a tribute to the goddess as well. The tree branches wrapped up his hand to his forearm. He should be streaming live now instead of doing this, but he was well overdue for another tribute. Aeron knew better than to push it off. It was one thing his mother told him never to do. Bad fortunate could drop on him like flies that stayed near one of his neighbors doors. Nasty fucker. Keeping the gun on the entity that came into his studio, he blinked slightly in surprise. "Hades? I didn't summon you." He said bluntly. How did he know he wouldn't smite him just for fun. He really should be putting his sword under the altar, just in case. Myricks had been led in a dream to where it rested, and he took it home. With care, he cleaned it up, not realizing its worth until a flashback of him as Jacob came to him after the crimson blade had been cleaned. From what he knew it was a dragon killer, a god killer. One that he didn't plan on anyone having. "... Thank you, I guess." The Druid said after putting the gun down. He didn't put it away just yet. "I didn't open a door, as far as I know, or I didn't mean too." Aeron told him as he holstered the gun on his belt finally. "I suppose it's not too far off from Ares, then. You just took me my surprise."

[alyjojo]

December 🌲 2022 Monthly - Libra

Whole of your energy: 4 Cups

This is definitely a karmic situation, one you may not have had a lot of say over with all of this major arcana energy here. Trials & tribulations that had to happen so you could learn xyz. You seem to be getting scammed, or have been, either by a business or by a romantic relationship. You never really felt chosen by this person/place, because you never really were. Or that could be their feelings for you and why they’re gone. Someone has been disrespected long enough, they aren’t *an* option, they’re *the* option, for someone else. You or they have realized your self worth and aren’t putting up with this or that mentality, there’s no confusion, there’s one option and always should have been.

What’s going on in December:

10 Swords:

This is a card of feeling betrayed, being stabbed in the back by someone close to you, or work which is here too. Something you relied on, cared for, invested in, has left you with The Hermit. You’re distraught over this, how could they do this to you? Other options seem to be on the table with 4 Cups, though it’s a feeling of not being happy with any of your options so you just choose nothing and act all disinterested. Either them or you, and then that person left for whatever is greener somewhere else. Definitely a Libra lesson in action, but some of you are on the receiving end and are hurting due to this from someone else. Or this is the karma for those sorts of actions, the reading ends with karmic lessons.

7 Pentacles:

Having put in the work, effort, time, resources, etc., you’re waiting for Ace of Wands to come to fruition. Passion 💯 A new beginning, probably with the King of Pentacles here, whether a person or a job. It’s hurt you before and you’ve healed from it, that could have been a conscious decision you made if it’s a person. They’ve already hurt you once before, and still you’re willing to work it out with them.

Ace of Wands:

You or they are passionate about this commitment to the other person…who may be a scammer. This is the scam, and one of you fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Page of Swords rev with The Magician and 7 Swords is a master schemer, a liar, and someone who knows exactly what to say and do to manipulate other peoples’ actions and reactions. Could be a job pulled the wool over your eyes, made big promises and filled you full of hope and faith, and then never came through. This could also be a person. Could also be you with a person, or them. One person was committed and the other was a fraud.

5 Swords:

Bitter bitter bitterness. Nasty conflicts, painful words and arguments, petty “one-upmanship” and acting like a condescending know it all prat. This was because of the heavy burden of Death, an ending, being put into this Hermit energy. Being hurt. That’s the reaction, whether it’s yours or theirs. To be fair, most people don’t respond nicely to being hoodwinked, nasty words are expected.

Judgement rev:

This is the karmic row. There is no second chance, no re-do, no reunion. That’s the Justice, with Wheel of Fortune showing karma working in the background of this situation. Someone has been cruel, and because of that gets no chance to make it right. Or they never wanted to in the first place. Fair enough. Could be a fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice…sort of situation. Could be a shitty company that doesn’t value it’s people properly. Either way some Justice has come about where you don’t get access to keep trying, it’s a done deal, and that’s the lesson. What it is specifically will differ for everyone, but it has something to do with 4 Cups. When you choose something, choose it with everything you’ve got, and expect the same, or lose it 🙏 Cool Lemonade adds to the reading by saying you got what you wanted, are you still in 4 Cups? Forever dissatisfied and waiting for something better to come along? Is it the things or is it you? And if it’s not you, do you keep putting yourself in these situations, like a Wheel of Fortune cycle would indicate? How can you be more present & happy, today?

Signs you may be dealing with:

Every sign except Leo, maybe that means something, they’re good 😆

Oracles: ✨

13 Abundance 💰

Abundance takes on many forms: material possessions, friendships, excellent health, emotional stability, unique experiences…

When you lock yourself into a narrow view on what defines abundance, you lose out on the whole picture of what it *could* mean. Open yourself up to as many forms of wealth and abundance that are possible and watch your blessings multiply. Always remember that focusing on what you do not have is a sure-fire way to feed the energy and make that your truth. Every day watch for signs of abundance from the universe - acknowledge and be thankful, thus encouraging the continued flow of energy. Remember the universe will always provide you with what you need.

We enter into December as:

Brad Blueberry 🫐

“While I worked, my life happened.”

Are you waiting to complete your career to live your life? What are you so busy for anyway? Sometimes keeping busy hides us from the real issues. Is there something you’re putting off doing? What are you avoiding? This card says go live your life! Work is not all there is, you must set aside what is driving you and regain some perspective on your life.

What is to be learned in December:

Cool Lemonade 🍋

“My dreams got answered.”

There are times when chasing dreams leaves us winded and unhappy. If this gift has been given, it’s to remind you there is always a plan. If you fear you’ve been sidetracked from your right path, have faith you’ll be guided back to it. There is not always a complicated reason why things didn’t work out how you wanted them to, it may be simpler than you think. Are you sure your prayers weren’t answered? Or was it a reply you refused to hear? You will find total peace when you appreciate the gifts you have, rather than pining for what you lack. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that the point of prayer isn’t to get what we want, but to ask to be of service. Cool Lemonade reminds us to only seek to be of service in our lives, closeness with Spirit must always be put before what we’d like to have.

Yellow may be a lucky color 💛

Didn’t some sign get these exact same cards? Cancer maybe? Gemini? One of them. Could be dealing with them or have it in your own chart.

[angstintensifer]

Harry Potter Next Gen as modern family moments

Harry: *reading a letter from Teddy after he leaves for Hogwarts*

Ginny; Harry?

Harry: Make sure to take care Harry, I’ll miss you guys so much

Ginny; nice huh?

Harry, full on crying: Nice! Im gonna go mail him another robe

****

Hugo; you know that hero essay we have to write

Hermione: Mhmm, what about it

Hugo: Well dad kinda assumed I wrote it about him, but I didn’t

Hermione: don’t worry I’ll talk to him

Hugo; you don’t think he’ll be upset, I wrote it about you?

Hermione, touched: you wrote it about me?

Hugo; you know me, I didn’t think much. What’s a hero? Someone whose not afraid of anything and whose strong, that’s you

****

Bill: Im actually relieved, the day that I’ve been dreading. The day you two have finally have out grown me has finally arrived.

Bill, crying; I’m handling it really well.

Victoire: Dad are you crying?

Bill: No

Dominique: are you sure you’re okay?

Bill: Yep

Victoire: Oh Merlin he is crying

Dominique: I’ve never seen dad cry before.

Victoire, starting to cry: but dad if you cry then I’ll cry.

Bill, still crying: I’m not crying

Dominique, also crying; we made our dad cry

Bill: you totally did

Victoire: Because you are our daddy!

All three: *harsh crying and sobbing*

****

Ron and Hermione after Rose got a bump in the head.

Hermione: can we please just call your sister?

Ron: No way, Ginny will be all judgement and condescending, like she’s perfect and I don’t know how to take care of a baby

Hermione: Ronald, she is your family.

Ron: Right so-

Hermione picking up the phone: Of course she’ll be judgmental and condescending

****

Louis: I remember crashing through the wall and the ambulance ride to St Mungos

Bill: That wasn’t an ambulance, I drove you

Louis: then what was that siren?

Bill: that was your mother

Fleur: I ‘as worried!

****

Harry: I did not pick Lily up early from play school

Ginny: Lily, did Daddy pick you up early from school?

Lily: No

Harry: See? Case closed

Lily; we didn’t go

Ginny: Case open

Lily: we went shopping

Harry: Ha Ha, shush now, Lily-

Lily: we bought matching hats

****

George: Act like a parent, talk like a peer.

George: I call it “peer-renting”

****

Percy: There are very few parenting issues where I come out on top.

Percy; You know I’m distant. I work too much, my French braiding is sloppy

Percy: finally, something that isn’t my fault.

****

James: Whoa, you’re being a little-

Rose: Obstreperous? Recalcitrant? Truculent?

James: I was going to say “cray cray”

****

Ginny: Hermione and I are going to go on this beautiful hike while you all sit and think about how selfish and thoughtless you’ve been

Hermione: *nods in agreement*

Rose: if we’re thoughtless how can we think?

Ginny:…

Hermione: …..

****

James: In Legally blonde, Elle won her case because she was true to herself and dressed cute

Harry: James, this is real life, not an excellent movie

****

James: Al, before you say no-

Albus: No.

James: I haven’t even told you yet!

Albus: I’m sticking with no.

****

Ron: Marry someone who looks sexy, while disappointed

Hermione: *looks to Ron in disappointment*

Ron: see?

****

Ron: I’ll get you fixed up *bandages Hugo*

Hugo: Where’s mum?

Ron referring to Hermiones work: She belongs to the people now

Rose coming in: My allergies are acting up again

Ron giving her medicine: well it’s your lucky day, because missy, doctor dad is in the house

Rose: where’s mum?

Hugo: some people took her

Rose: …..

****

Dominique & Victoire arguing

Bill: Ah ah ah, let’s this in court, the food court. The honorable judge Cinnabon presiding

Victoire: That place smells like the inside of Louis Quidditch Robes

Dominique: I like the food court

Lily: me too

Bill: don’t worry girls. We’re not gonna deprive ourselves because of Victoires aversion

Dominique: *cackles*

Victoire: ….

Bill: …..

Dominique suddenly stops: Oh, Victoires aversion, I thought you said-

Victoire shakes her head rapidly

Dominique: Never mind

Bill 0-0 *slowly realizes*

****

Angelina walking until she slips on eggs

Angelina: Fred! Why?

Fred: Im making my egg dropping project

Angelina: maybe don’t make such a mess in the hallway

Fred: Got it! What if I’m the container!

Angelina: there’s a thought- wait no Fred!

Fred, on the edge of the stairs with Roxy putting an egg in his mouth

****

Fleur: What a wonderful dinner

Bill: I’m impressed

Teddy with his arm around Vic: Thanks next time let’s do it at our place

Victoire realizing he accidentally told them they’re moving in together

Louis: I’m in, just give us a owl to let me know

Bill: our place?

Victoire: Well since I’m finished school now, Teddy and I were thinking of getting a flat

Bill: I-

Louis: are you doing sex?

****

Hugo: I’m moving into the attic

James: Cool

Albus: The attic?

Hugo: Hey, at least it’s big, Teddy said you used to live in a closet

Albus: *gay silence*

****

Ron taking care of Rose alone

Hermione over the phone; Keep an eye on rose she has a tendency to wander off

Ron realizing Rose did exactly that: ‘Mione I’m completely capable of-

Hermione: You lost her didn’t you?

Ron: No no no, she is right here, hi honey

Hermione: I can it in your voice, check the dairy case

Ron finding her and trying to open the door: Do you honestly think-

Hermione: doors don’t pull they slide

****