#and we see the mother would rather defend the father than believe her children are being abused. because even though she thinks its a

[theonlyadawong]

reading people reviews of home movie and either im a genius and im the only one in the world who understands this movie or im an idiot and everyone else understood the movie and i didnt

[cosmic-walkers]

"isn't it funny how alicent's sons are misogynistic but rhaenyra's aren't"

I think we've been over this before but we will do it again. Alicent was forced to have her children, while she was a child. These children were not born out of love, or passion, they were born simply for Viserys to fulfill his need for a son and to push for the Targayrean dynasty. Alicent was an unwilling vessel for that. She did not have the loving environment to cultivate a healthy relationship with her sons because she was always under the thumb of misogynistic, sexist, abusive men (Otto, Viserys and Larys). Up until this moment, Alicent has not even existed for herself. She doesn't understand what it means to exist out of the gaze of misogyny, nor what it means to put herself and her desires above men. So yes, her sons are misogynistic toward her, Aegon dismisses her or tries to, as does Otto, it is a pattern and just now Alicent is learning to defend herself.

LIKE please understand Alicent herself, until now, has only existed as a vessel to push what men want. Even making Aegon king is in her mind, what Viserys wanted. Her sons are misogynistic toward her because up until recently, she's been taught that was her purpose.

Rhaenyra grew up in an environment where her father, despite her being a girl, still made her his heir and at that very moment went back on hundreds of years of tradition. He valued Rhaenyra as more than a vessel or a tool to push the Targaryen dynasty, he did not see her the same way he did Aemma and Alicent - he viewed her as someone who deserved agency and power. Therefore the men in Rhaenyra's reflected that when interacting with her (most of them).

If the king of all people valued Rhaenyra and made her his heir despite being a woman, then she would grow up to believe that women existed outside of the whims and desires of men. She grew up in an environment where her worth as a woman was elevated and she was genuinely seen as a person. She did not have the same life as most women around her and of her generation. She had far more freedom and grace than Alicent. And again the men in her life who lived in proximity to that reinforced that; Laenor, Corlys, Viserys. She was also blessed to be in the company of women who grew up privileged enough to believe that women did not exist only for men's consumption - i.e, Rhaenys and you can even consider Laena.

THAT SAID, of course, when she has that support her relationship with her sons will be different. Her sons don't see her as an obstacle or as someone to ignore because she had the ability and the foundation to correct, or rather, never instill that form of teaching.

I actually loved seeing the contrast of motherhood. We have all been saying Alicent was forced to have Aemond and Aegon, and we can see that as the show goes on, she starts to detest them - barely seeing him as sons IMO. And well, that makes sense. The things she hated and that confined her she begins to see in her own sons. i think it's realistic.

Wherein we have Rhaenyra, who has a very pure, and loving relationship with her sons, Jace specifically. Jace enters, calls her 'Your Grace', and respects her as a queen first and mother second. Then he crumbles into her arms and they cry together. He doesn't just see her as an equal, and i'd venture to say he doesn't. He sees her as above him, as his queen, she has to break the barriers to be seen as a mother. And it isn't a failure in her relationship or raising him, it is the opposite actually. It shows that he respects her, and that he understands her place as rightful queen, and his place as her heir.

REGARDLESS, I'd love to have discussions on Alicent and Rhaenyra without either being shamed or torn apart for things they couldn't control. There is so much comparing and contrasting to be done that would be fun if not done through the scope of misogyny and stan wars.

[moonshine999]

Aegon and Gold 

Side note : this is a very mixed up “analysis” that sort of combines both show elements as well as some popular fan theories/assumptions since we barely had time with the character (may I remind you all, to possible infuriation, that we never saw Sunfyre up close). So yeah <3

So I do think it is said quite a lot that Aegon would wear gold to honour Sunfyre and what not and I do believe he would happily do that, it’s just he can’t.

Okay so first let’s just get straight what gold can mean for him. 

Yes of course, it’s the colour of his most beloved dragon. They aren’t strongest dragon - rider bond in all of Targaryen history for nothing. Sunfyre was able to kill dragons much larger than him, defended Aegon in crisis and would not go down without a fight even when he was on the brink of death. Looking at the larger picture I think Sunfyre represents a sort of freedom for Aegon. To fly anywhere he’d like, on his own terms, never to be found and be freed from these shackles of duty that he (initially) does not want. Sunfyre also symbolises him finally having bonded with someone. His father acted as though he didn’t exist ; his mother was too young and pressurised to shape him into a worthy heir (and taking whatever means it takes to do so). His dragon is his very first true bond, him claiming the dragon alone is proof enough that he is a worthy Targaryen (in his head) 

Other than Sunfyre however, gold is also the colour of the first dress we see (a grown up) Helaena in. His lady wife and younger sister. Now going off the show alone, sadly we do not have any scenes of them together but in context and background clues alone (Helaena laughing at his taunts at Jace, Aegon getting jealous when she accepts Jace’s offer, Helaena looking at him with pity/worry when he is crowned - knowing what this means for both of them and so on) I do not think that their marriage is a utter disaster (as some fans suggest). Gold is the first impression of his wife, the mother of their three children. Who do you think he had the courage to vent his heart to when he got too drunk in their shared rooms? Who do you think he constantly sends gifts to, as an apology for not being around? Who do you think Alicent brings up first when the Dyana situation happens? (“think of the shame on your wife..on me”). I do believe that Helaena is some source of happiness for him. It may have taken years to develop a strong bond ,as he did with his dragon, with her but they are there. After three kids and six kingdoms to manage, I think it is fair to assume that they get along fairly well.

Now obviously there is a lot more to Helaena and Aegon’s marriage than “getting along fairly well” but for the convenience of the post and the topic at hand, I have had to make it somewhat more concise. 

So Gold is definitely a positive colour for him. But one thing that is not gold is the very symbol of his title, claim and rule. His crown.

The crown of the conqueror is black with the red ruby in the middle. I’ve also heard some people call it a dark silver (which would be the direct contrast to gold). So while gold represents his freedom and happiness, silver (the direct contrast) or black (the title colour representing the opposing faction) represent the cage of duty he has to put himself in for his and his family’s safety. During the coronation itself, he does not wear dark green (as he did earlier) or gold (even though he may prefer it) but rather black to represent this in a way. 

In comparison, the crown worn by Rhaenyra (the key figure of team black) is gold. And I think arguably Rhaenyra (even as a Royal woman in Westerosi society) has more freedom than Aegon.

Also the gold crown of The Old King was also worn by Viserys. I do not think that in Aegon’s perspective, his father was a source of happiness in any way. But what could have been, was his crown. Gold and the symbol of King Jaehaerys I, someone who had a long, relatively peaceful reign over Westeros. Since the idea that he was to inherit the throne was put in his head so early, he must have thought about it quite a bit. He did not want it of course but if it had to be done then perhaps, he would have desired a reign like the Old King’s. (Not to mention, he and Helaena named their first borns after Jaehaerys.)

A few comparisons to my Alicent “analysis” : 

So similar to Alicent leaving her childhood memories with Rhaenyra behind when she became queen (abandoning the colour blue), Aegon also leaves his freedom behind when he becomes king (not wearing gold or green but black)

Both her eldest children and now king and queen (Aegon and Helaena) are following her patterns and reaching their breaking points and have had a shift in their wardrobe to symbolise as such.

[thesunfyre4446]

I wanted to know your opinion of Jacaerys. I always see that Team Black believes that he would have been a good king and it is also mentioned in the text, I, on the other hand, like to analyze what I read and draw my own conclusions. This guy's decisions were largely...bullshit. The first one that comes to my mind is the idea of riding their dragons and not sending ravens because then everyone would know they were "Targaryens" because only Targaryens ride dragons (he sounds like a self-conscious person if you ask me)...then he proceeds to propose the idea of dragon seeds with bastards XD who haven't lived with his privilege claiming and riding dragons...and we already saw how it turned out.

He also seems to me to be a very bad negotiator since to get support or maintain it he had to make quite important concessions and promises. The idea of sending away their little half-brothers who are not old enough to defend themselves and who only have little Stormcloud, when Rhaena and Joffrey were perfectly fine in the Vale does not seem logical to me.

I always see that he died trying to save his half-brothers but this is not mentioned anywhere, Vermax decided to fly low...yes, but at no time is it mentioned that it was to rescue Viserys, I have read this fragment in the books that talk of the subject, not only fire and blood and it does not appear, I don't know if the source is this video that appeared on YouTube years ago where the Strong Boys had Valyrian traits 😂 there we see the credibility. They also say that he saved Aegon but the truth is that he was saved by his dragon... who did not allow himself to die until he was safe in Dragonstone, this decision did not have any positive impact on his half-brothers, rather it condemned them, Aegon to live with the guilt that did not belong to him and Viserys to be married at the age of 12...after spending years kidnapped.

Then there is the issue of Driftmark, something tells me that the legitimization of Addam and Alyn and consequently setting aside Joffrey as heir to House Velaryon was Corlys' condition to maintain his support, the people of team black usually say that this is so because Joffrey couldn't inherit the throne and also Driftmark (😂 sure, Corlys would be very upset if he was really his grandson) but Jacaerys was also alive when this agreement was reached.

In short, I do not see brilliance or political cunning anywhere, besides the fact that with his situation as a bastard he should not have rights to the throne, but in his case no one speaks of usurpation to his half- brothers Aegon and Viserys, to Alicent's children, and to Daemon's daughters,in the end their claim was based on a very very bad lie. The dance is very poorly written, the truth is that this fact should have had more impact, I understand that they were going to die and George did not worry, but that Rhaenyra continued to be heir and retain so many supports being a woman with three very obvious bastards in a feudal society....It doesn't seem credible to me at all. They give the example of English Anarchy but the truth is that it has nothing to do with it. Matilda had no siblings and it was a cousin, son of her father's sister, who claimed the throne. She also had no bastards, she had no children from her first marriage, in fact in the end it was her legitimate son, who she had with her second husband, who ended up on the throne and she fought more for his claim than for hers. It is not as similar as Team black points out, there are quite a few differences, Matilda and Rhaenyra are not the same, Rhaenyra was very selfish, and looked out primarily for her own good. Team Black sells you that she is the best mother in the world, but the truth is that she held a party for the appointment of Joffrey as her heir when she had already lost a lot of children and she used her last words to curse, without worrying about what they could do with her son, any mother would have asked for clamency...she was too proud for that. Helaena, on the other hand, is constantly criticized by them, but this woman offered her life in exchange for that of her children and they criticize her for becoming depressed after what happened to her.

hi there <3 thank you for the ask!

well, first of all it's important to mention that jace is like 15-17 during the time of the dance. he's a teenager. so we shouldn't be so hard on him for making bad decisions. i think the kid's got his heart in the right place lol

he wants to prove himself. especially because he knows he's illegitimate. he wants to make up for that in skill. but what i find interesting about his character is that every time someone brings out the "bastard" allegations his immediate response is violence. we see that in driftmark when he pulls a knife on aemond, and after the "strong" speech he lunges at aemond - not a great sign for the future king if you ask me. because the bastard allegations will always be there. so while i do think all things consider he's a good kid - it's obvs that he can't handle people calling a bastard. he explodes.

wrt to his death, i think he died from an arrow? his suggestion to send the boys away was actually smart (especially after b&c) but unfortunately they were attacked. did he try to reach his brothers? i honestly don't remember, but that's in-character for him. since, again, he's a good guy. (prob why i can't get into his character. sorry jace you're too normal)

corlys and rhaenyra's alliance was ruined after rhaenys's death.

and yeah the dance doesn't make sense lol and wrt to rhaenyra's motherhood, well, i think she loves her kids and tries her best. i think that she prob thought that aegon was going to kill aegon the younger no matter what. especially considering how daemon killed jaehaerys and she killed maelor. and rhaenyra's rhaenyra. she wasn't going to beg no matter what haha she's a good mother IMO.

[elvispresleywife]

Precious Light.

Today in Australia anyway....is the day we lost a kind, fierce, loving and humorous spirit. Lisa (Yisa) Marie Presley. Today is hard. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out. To know that it's been a whole year since the news headlines, and Instagram stories came out displaying headlines like "Elvis Presley only daughter hospitalized after cardiac arrest" and so forth. I remember the day I found out it happened. I was getting ready for the dentist, and all of a sudden I go on Instagram and see the headlines. Immediately I do all the research I can, and begin praying for her recovery....but it was not meant to be. She was called home.

When the world lost Lisa Marie it was awful. I cried for hours after I found out. I didn't even know her, and yet....I miss her so badly. Just like her father, she carried an incredible light and legacy wherever she went, bringing joy to those who were joyless, and light to those who were in the dark. One of the qualities I most admire about her, was her ability to protect her family, especially her children and father at all costs. She wasn't ashamed to point out the wrong, and speak up, she was a fierce defender of the Presley name. She kept Elvis's legacy going on strong, and wasn't afraid to fight for it, even at her own expense.

When she lost precious Ben, at such a young age that he was, I believe that was the beginning of the end for her. She had experienced a life time of heartache and tragedy, more than any one person should. Being in the spotlight since she was born, only for the person who put her there to be taken away when she was 9 years old. Her mother put her in scientology and in her words 'kicked her out'. She was married 3 times, to different characters, and then went to court for multiple reasons regarding her latest ex-husband, and her battle for custody of the children. She openly admitted the fact that she was addicted to drugs, and that I believe made people love her more. Respect her more for coming out with it, rather than hiding.

In this time, we must also think and pray for her family. Her children, her grandchild, and her mother. Many people have conflicting views about Priscilla, but we must remember that Lisa is her daughter too, and we must acknowledge how hard it must be on this day, for her. I could never imagine losing a child nor how hard that would be.

So with this all said, Lisa honey, I hope your happier where you are. I hope your with your father, catching up on lost time, and laughing at old memories. I just know your father was your biggest fan, and he would be so proud of the gorgeous, courageous, incredible, beautiful woman you became. We miss you and we love you.

Love always.

Xxx.

[rphelperblog]

House of the Dragons Quote Rp Meme : Part one

inspired by @multistoty @ofvalyriansteel @westerosiqueens @wcrriorhearts

The gods have yet to make a man who lacks the patience for absolute power. "

We have always been meant to burn together."

What is this brief, mortal life, if not the pursuit of legacy?"

The road ahead is uncertain, but the end is clear."

The gods give just as the gods take away."

You cannot live your life in fear, or you will forsake the best parts of it. "

When I’m Queen, I will create a new order."

A marriage is a duty, yes. But that doesn’t stop us from doing what we want. From f***ing who we want.

I do not wish to rule over a kingdom of ash and bone.“

In what way, sweet boy?“

I’m the queen of the realm. And you are all traitors.”

“When I’m queen, I will create a new order.”

“Without them, We’re just like everyone else.”

“For men marriage might be a political arrangement. For women it is like to be a death sentence.”

I hope for my father that he gets a son. As long as I can recall, it’s all he’s wanted.“

We perform our duty to our fathers and to the realm. And when it's done each of us dines as we see fit.”

Many that are tested only wish to have been spared it."

Meat without wine is also a sin."

Do not allow your temper to guide your judgement. "

Dreams didn’t make us kings. Dragons did."

"How many more must die to slake your thirst for vengeance?

”Reluctance to kill isn’t the same as weakness.”

“To have every young knight and lord fawning over you… What misery.” 

You may do as you wish, husband... when I am cold in my grave.“

We must not rule with cruelty and callousness. “

You imbecile.“

I? What have I done but what was expected of me?“

Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again“

Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do all as you please.

 “When I wish to talk to him, I know I must make the effort.”

I wouldnt know what to say.”“

You have an easy way about you, your grace.”

“I never jest about cake.”

Fire is such strange power.”

“I will never be a son.”

“Our city should be safe for all its people.”

Yet it has cost us both what we loved.“

You know my oath reaches beyond our personal ambitions”

“What mother wouldn’t”

“All anyone sees when they look at me now- the queen.”

“Sjhe swore her innocence and I believed her.”

A good queen offers to bring comfort to her subjects.”

I wanted whatever you impressed on me to want.”

We are both mothers and we love our children.”

I saw him last night.”

One day, you will be our king.”

“My dearest love.”In the end, honor and decency will previal.”

“I find I have few friends there.”

“No but he will be partial to me.”

“She will move to cut off any obstacle for her succession.”

We must defend our own.”

“No one to take my side.”“

You are wiser than I believed you to be.”

“Rather a piece to be moved about the board.”

“Mine own father doesn’t know the language of words. to not.”

And bastards are monsters by nature.”

We do not rule but we may guide the men that do.“

How sweetly the fox speaks when it’s been cornered by the hounds.“

“That is my castle you’re living in, uncle.”

“To be restored as heir, you’ll need to kill me. So do it.”

“Mother would have understood this, just as I do.”

[scaryspears]

How the Devil Gene in canon still works after Tekken 7

From what most Tekken enjoyers understand is that the Devil gene was retconned. But what if there was a way to watch all endings and past revelations without getting confused? Which brings my presentation. 

How the Devil Gene in canon still works after Tekken 7

To be clear, I haven't refreshed my memory of what went down in the storyline but I remember the basics, so feel free to call out any incorrectness. Most of this is just a ramble and I wanted to show it to anybody who would read it, along with using a bunch of gifs for artistic reasons.

When Kazuya was a small boy his father (Heihachi) threw him off a cliff, in Tekken 7 it is because Kazuya tried to fight him after Heihachi killed Kazumi, his mother. The reason Heihachi killed her is because he found out she came from a family of devil genes (or something). 

I don't think Kazuya was raised to know what the Devil gene was, so when Devil made himself present he naturally made a deal with Kazuya out of instinct of knowing what itself was but not the family history. Kind of like a kitten having the same tendencies as its parents but was taken from the litter and mother it belonged to. I think you guys know what I mean here.

I theorise that the gene itself isn't present until something tragic and emotionally distressing activates it. At least that may be the case for those with it who go untrained not knowing that they have it, I don't know how it must've been for Kazumi. Devil Jin was activated through stress, and whilst Jin was in his teens, while Devil K grew with Kazuya.

Dude's mum just disappeared and the person that's supposed to protect him betrays him with the actual intent to harm. I think Heihachi throwing Kazuya was kind of a disciplinary thing, because Kazuya still grew up with Heihachi, while Jin was left for dead. But Kazuya was 8-10 (poor memory) when he got thrown off, so his emotional/mental tolerance was... lesser. Not to say Jin losing his mum at an older age wasn't just as traumatic, but teenagers and children are different. Jun's presence also must also have something to do with it, as Devil Jin tries to resist her good powers.

Devil Jin must've been waiting to appear for quite some time, in the back of Jin's mind watching everything. What we know of Devil Jin is that he's an absolute menace to society and a typical delinquent teenager. He's very playful in comparison to Devil Kazuya's maturity. He takes his time being a menace, knowing Jin would take control eventually. TTT2's special win poses between Devil K/Kazuya and Devil J make Devil K/Kazuya look a disapproving father. From DJ firing his laser out of control and flying away, with DK either crossing his arms or showing no reaction.

In Tekken 4 the Devil in Kazuya says that he lost a part of himself and wants to take it back. In a way, when you put in the whole genetic thing he's kind of not wrong. Devil K is acknowledging that he has a son but not to the full grasp that he should. We all know how DNA works, reproduction, ect.

Devil K however believes that 'part of himself' should be taken back, not getting that the gene is in Jin's blood. While I do believe Jun was protecting Jin, I don't think that's why his body rejected the gene getting taken away. Now, as seen with Kazuya's TTT2 ending he can absorb the evil off others for his own gain which is what he did to Unknown. Thing is, Unknown is more of a possession rather than an 'in the blood' situation. Sure TTT2 isn't canon, but it has shown 'what if' scenarios. Not only that, but we see Zafrina use Azazel's ball thing for her own use.

So the Devil gene is still a thing, and it started out as just that, a gene. They can take power away from other forms of evil, but not their own family members. That may have been why Kazumi wanted Kazuya killed, because Devil couldn't be taken away from him, and she's no Jun Kazama or Angel so it's not like she could take it away from him. Not to defend her or anything, just saying.

[hemera989]

i see fellow billy stans contemplating billy’s violence and i bring you: intermittent explosive disorder.

this isn’t the first time i’ve headcanoned a character with IED but it is the first time that i’ve been serious about it. honestly, if any of the stranger things showrunners or book writers treated billy and his trauma with any sort of sensitivity or seriousness, i would say that this is probably canon.

okay so for those who do not know what IED is, it is an impulse and emotional disorder in which people suffering from it often experience episodes of incredible anger and violence in response to triggers. the key aspect of this disorder is that the anger is completely uncontrolled, it is not planned, and the episode doesn’t often last more than 30 minutes at a time.

usually (but not always), the people in question are young male children. however, the symptoms can persist from childhood to adulthood if they are not treated properly.

how do i think this relates to billy? uh.

okay jokes aside, i think the entire fight at the byers house is a pretty good example. the way that it intersects with what i believe is his PTSD makes it even more interesting. we already know that billy is in an unstable state when he’s coming to the byers’, what with being fresh off of an incredibly unsafe and upsetting situation with his father berating and hitting him in front of a witness.

so the proverbial gun is cocked and ready to fire, in this situation. and, in all honesty, none of what physically happened in the byers house is a proper trigger for how severely billy beats steve. he’s not in immediate danger, he’s obviously physically stronger than steve, and he already was winning the fight by the time it got bad. there’s no reason why he couldn’t have left steve and taken max home, but we can clearly see that while nothing physically has happened, billy has clearly been psychologically triggered.

you could really come up with any reason as to why he was psychologically triggered during this event. the most common of which is that he was just in a situation (with his dad) in which he was in danger but was not allowed to defend himself, and he’s redirecting what he wants to do to his dad (which actually gets referenced in the runaway max novel**) to steve.

there is also one that has been coming up more recently, which is that when steve hits him, billy reacts as if steve were actually neil himself. the entire fight, he’s not even seeing steve. the trigger that i like the most, which is the most tinfoil hat but can easily be explained with context clues, is that steve has become neil in billy’s mind, and billy has become his mother. the outfit, the punch, the plate smash—it all says, to me, that he’s recreating his mother’s abuse. but, in his mind, his mother is winning. he’s winning for her.

(short sleeved red shirt unbuttoned, blue jeans and a belt, their hair, etc)

so yes, his trigger itself could be any number of things, but whatever that thing is to you, it triggers an episode. we don’t actually know where billy would have stopped in this situation. had max not drugged him, i can’t confidently say that billy would’ve stopped himself before it was too late. it’s not intentional effort on his part, he is not in control of himself in that situation. an episode has been triggered and he cannot stop himself until the episode is done, which could have been well after steve was dead.

this is an example of a high intensity-low frequency episode. episodes of this intensity do not occur often, and are rather rare in comparison to the frequency of low intensity episodes. i think max tends to be a trigger for a lot of the low intensity episodes we see. (DO NOT!!!!!!!!! take this as me blaming her, i am not blaming her for his episodes occurring!)

**i saw this a lot more when i got the chance to look at the runaway max book the other day. i don’t necessarily consider that book to be canon (there are obvious timeline issues, plus the fact that if it were canon, it would introduce a whole host of disturbing implications about max and billy’s relationship), but i do think more of his symptoms can be observed there simply due to the fact that more importance is placed on him in that book as opposed to the show.

violence against animals (although already dead), violence against people, etc etc. i honestly wonder if that author (and even the show, honestly) was trying to portray billy as being a ‘psychopath’ which, as much as i’d love to talk about that and how much i hate it, it would need to be an entirely different post.

it also makes sense how billy might have acquired these symptoms. for starters, most disorders tend to be passed down genetically, and though i don’t know enough about neil to say anything about his anger (and i don’t particularly care to), i think it’s safe to say that billy could have inherited it from him. additionally, trauma, abuse, and exposure to violence as a child are also environmental causes of this disorder, which

self explanatory.

to me, this makes a lot of things about billy’s character make sense. it also makes me really sad because, once again, this disorder can be treated and mitigated with proper help and intervention.

[sunglasses-for-vampires]

Parents and informing dynamics

I've been seeing a few posts about how Enid's parents aren't great, and I just saw another piece about how Morticia tells Wednesday what Enid whats to hear from her own mother.

First of all, block me (may have to block my main blog, vynsvision, but fucking block me) if you think Enid's father isn't doing enough. He's doing the best he can. Enid's mom is pressuring, and I would say even verbally abusing Enid- and her father is very quiet during these moments. It is clear that he experiences the same verbal attacks as Enid does, although probably on a different subject. (Not sure what, as we don't see it. Maybe that hes not man enough? Clearly the mom is the leader of the pack here, not dad.) His encouragement to Enid is the best he can do safely.

Anyway, I think the parents of the students we see and their relationships and dynamics with their kids, and how their kids react, is SO fascinating.

Wednesday's parents love her and are so proud of her. They don't want her to be a new version of themselves- that's something Wednesday thought they wanted. Many parents do put expectations and hopes on their children to be better than themselves, but their kids fall short or reject those plans. Many children look at their parents and are afraid to become them. Morticia and Gomez just Wednesday to find her own way. They truly will be proud of her and accepting of her whatever she chooses. Once she realizes this, she settles more comfortably into Nevermore. After all, she's defending the school in a prophecy, and there's a serial-killing monster out and about. Morticia and Gomez didn't directly seem to deal with that. Shes well on her way to doing her own thing.

Enid, as mentioned, is not living up to her parent's expectations. Or rather, her mother's. She's 13 (or so?) and hasn't wolfed-out yet. Her mother wants to send her to a camp that will help the wolfing-out happen, no doubt by being put through scary events (kinda like She-Hulk's first episode in the show, but. With worse results.) and other motions and steps. Enid, from the start, tells her parents she doesn't desire this for herself, but her mother wants to send her anyway. Her father understands Enid's desires, but has no courage to stand up to her mother, or can't because (as mentioned) it wouldn't be safe for him to do so. His seeing her as she is and accepting her as she is is the best he can do. And I think its enough.

Xavier's dad being famous and then also not showing up on parent's day/weekend... oh honey. I dont know if a mom is mentioned, but I dont believe so. If no mom is present in his life, he actually seems to parallel Tyler pretty well. Both boys seemingly just have their fathers, and their fathers are much more interested in their jobs than talking about the elephants in the rooms- for Xavier, Mr. Thorpe doesn't seem to appreciate or approve of Xavier's inherent ability to make his art almost come to life. For Tyler, Sheriff Galpin is focused on the case and also refusing to talk about Tyler's mother. Tyler wants, I guess, to be left alone by his father, and Xavier is left alone.

Bianca Barclay, apparently the closest thing Nevermore has to royalty, and she ran away from home to be at the school. She changed her name and sirened her way into the school, hoping it to he a refuge. She pretends to know that her mother isn't coming, and that Bianca doesn't care her mom won't show, but then is shocked and uncomfortable seeing her mother there. Then we see that Bianca left because her now-step-father and mother made a wellness cult, basically. * Bianca doesn't want anything to do with her mother or step-father.

*[this wellness cult storyline seemed to not really go anywhere, but I think her mom said she had until the end of the school year to say her goodbyes, so maybe s2 (which would be the Spring semester?) well delve into this a little more and have Wednesday help Bianca prove that the cult is dangerous and just wants peoples money, resolves Bianca's relationship with her mom, and stays at school??? No idea. A pal can hope. I also hope that its not thrown to be convoluted, but that "wellness" influencers n shit is/can be genuinely dangerous in the real world.]

Eugene's moms aren't in the story a lot, but personally I just think it was really sweet that the were super loving and supportive of him. Of course, we only saw them like once and it was when their son was in a coma. But still very sweet.

Seeing the students' relationships with their parents really helps form and clear what we might expect from the cast. What forms their decisions, what formed them.

[everafter-ashley]

Some of my art for my Arcane OC Adelaide and her interactions with Viktor and Jayce, and in the last piece her father (who she doesn’t have the best relationship with)

An excerpt from whats going on in the bottom picture:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seizing the authority that he assumed he had, Mr.Avaleer, with his wife along side him, moved past Jayce and into the heart of the lab. “What a terrible thing, that attack last night. It’s exactly the reason why we believe it would be best for our daughter to return with us to Avaleer.” Jayce and Viktor exchanged confused glances. All the while Adelaide remained as still as a statue, hands planted firmly on the desk in front of her. “But it seems my daughter lacks the sense to see such danger. Perhaps you boys can talk some sense into her?” Mr. Avaleer did not face either scientist as he spoke, his gaze remained planted on his daughters unmoving form.

Jayce was the first to speak up. With a calm tone to his voice he attempted to reason with the stubborn old man. “With all due respect sir, you shouldn’t be forcing her to leave if she doesn’t want to.” 

Mr. Avaleer scowled at Jayces response. “Perhaps you’ll understand one day, if you decide to have children of your own.” He made his way over to his daughter and grabbed her by the wrist. Adelaide yelped as her father began to drag her from the lab. “Until that time I must do what’s right to protect my family”

Both Viktor and Jayce immediately took action. Viktor grabbed Adelaide by the shoulder with his free hand while Jayce grabbed Mr. Avaleers wrist, stopping both of them in their tracks. Mr.Avaleer let out an agitated sigh. “What do you think you’re doing boy?” 

Jayce looked Adelaide’s father with a more serious expression than Adelaide had ever seen on his face. If only she had looked behind her, should would have seen Viktors eyes sharp as knives, giving her father a look that could kill.

“You cannot force her to leave if she doesn’t want to.” Jayce repeated.

Viktor gently squeezed Adelaide’s shoulder. Whether it was his way of supporting her or claiming her as his, she didnt care. Whichever one it was it left Adelaide with the fleeting confidence she needed to stand up to her parents. “I-I am a grown woman, you can’t make decisions for me.” Her voice shook as she spoke and tears threatened to fall from her eyes, but she pressed on. “I have lived in Piltover for well over 10 years now. You can’t rip that out from under me just because you are scared of one attack on the city!”

Her parents were both stunned by the sudden show of confidence, though they would never show it on their faces. Mr.Avaleer released his grip from Adelaide’s wrist. He took a moment to think, glancing towards his wife. She glanced at Jayce, then to Adelaide, before returning her gaze to her husband. As if they had shared a silent conversation with one another Mr.Avaleer nodded and cleared his throat. “Perhaps we could work out an arrangement for you to stay in Piltover.”

“An arrangement?” Adelaide didn’t like the feeling she got from her father or the look he was giving Jayce in particular.

“If you had someone in the city to look after you, a husband perhaps, then we would feel better about letting you stay.” Adelaide gawked at the proposal.

Before she could even respond her mother had walked beside Jayce. She placed a hand to one of his toned arms. “Mr.Talis, you are a good man, strong, with a fine name attached to you. It seems like you and our daughter get along rather well. You’re even keen on defending her. Perhaps we could make an arrangement for the two of you to unify our families.”

“No!” Adelaide shouted maybe a little too quickly a blush rushing to her face. 

“No?” Jayce almost sounded hurt by her outburst. 

“N-no, Im sorry Jayce. It’s just- I-I don’t like you like that.” Adelaide felt the need to clarify so as not to hurt Jayces feelings. “You’re a good friend, and you’re like a brother to me, but I won’t be traded away like livestock just to continue living in a city that I have made my home.” 

Jayce smiled in understanding, however Mr.Avaleer scowled. He turned his attention towards his daughter where he noticed that Viktors hand still grasped tightly to her shoulder. He quickly came to a conclusion, one that he detested, that Viktor held feelings for his daughter. “The Undercity scientist, you must be joking.” He scoffed quietly to himself. 

“Excuse me?” Unfortunately Jayce had heard what Mr.Avaleer had said and was not happy about the tone in his voice.

“You’re the scientist from the Undercity. Viktor, right?” Mr.Avaleer spoke louder this time and Viktors hand squeezed tighter around Adelaide’s shoulder in response. “How an urchin like you managed to make your way in this city I’ll never know. Now, please remove your hand from my daughter.” While it was a phrased as a request the tone of voice suggested a demand. “I don’t want someone like you touching her.”

Mr.Avaleers words stung Viktor to his core, though he didn’t show it, and it hurt Adelaide’s heart even more so. Both were stunned to silence as Viktor slowly removed his hand and took a step back. 

The absence of his touch left Adelaide panicked and her legs began to shake. She no longer felt like she had the strength to fight back. All of the years of being powerless against her parents fell right back into place, almost as though she had never left that prison of a town that bared her name. Why couldn’t she move? Why couldn’t she stand up for Viktor? She loved him so much, so why couldn’t she just tell them?!

Jayce could see the unrest in both of his friends and in their silence he stepped forward. “I think it’s time for you to go.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Someday I’ll actually finish writing a fic for Adelaide.

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

Gabriel Agreste: Interesting Villain, Horrible Character (400 Follower Special)

I'm honestly surprised more people didn't want me to talk about Gabriel, especially with how often I rag on how horrible of a person he is. But, three character analysis posts later, and we're going to talk about why the main villain of Miraculous Ladybug is a real letdown.

Gabriel Needs to give the Whining a Rest

The interesting thing is one of the few things I actually liked in Season 3 was Hawkmoth. His plans actually made sense (for the most part), and by playing the long game, he managed to turn Chloe against Ladybug and deprived her of several key allies. Granted, Season 4 immediately undid the latter, but I was still impressed by his strategy.

Generally, one of the better aspects of Gabriel as a character was just how over the top he was as Hawkmoth. Keith Silverstein is clearly giving it his all with his performance, and he is just so enjoyable to watch as a cartoonish supervillain.

And therein lies the first major problem with Gabriel as a character. While he is fun to watch as a simple supervillain, the show tries to give him more depth and unintentionally makes him worse.

In Season 2, when it was revealed that Gabriel was Hawkmoth, many fans speculated on what he needed the Miraculous for, until the Queen Bee Trilogy showed it was to save his possibly dead wife, Emilie. The idea of that is so the show can give more depth to its main villain, and I think it's an interesting idea in concept. After all, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

The problem is just how radically different Gabriel is normally compared to how he is as Hawkmoth. He always goes on about how he's “doing this for Emilie”, but it's hard to really sympathize with him when you consider he constantly gives evil monologues and evil laughs, really getting into the supervillain role. And let's not forget all of the “I'm going to wear Ladybug's skin as a suit” faces he loves to make.

Clearly this man is the picture of mental stability.

Gabriel's motivation for being Hawkmoth when compared to what he actually does as Hawkmoth is shady enough, but the thing is that the writers clearly want the audience to at least feel a little bad for him. They want to make the audience sympathize with him despite the way he acts with or without the mask. Without Miraculous Ladybug, he is routinely putting innocent lives in danger and never once shows regret for his actions. All he talks about is how “he's doing this for Emilie”, or that “he'll get their Miraculous soon”. There's no real reason to feel bad for him other than “because the script says so”.

Let's compare Gabriel to Malcolm Merlyn from Arrow. His big plan in the first season of the show is to create a machine that will cause an earthquake to destroy a crime-infested portion of Starling City, claiming to be trying to help everyone, but it's clear he is only doing it out of revenge for his wife getting killed by a criminal from that part of the city. In addition, throughout that season and future seasons, he always makes sure his plans lead to him benefiting in some way, showing he isn't just some noble man trying to achieve his goals with a less than noble method.

If we got some moments that showed that what Gabriel was doing was selfish, it would make him a more complex villain. But we don't get anything like that. What do we get instead? Well...

I Could Really Care Less About Emilie Agreste

We have known Gabriel's motivation has been to save his wife for a little over two years at this point, but at the same time, it's hard to believe that motivation because of how underdeveloped Emilie is as a character.

There have been a total of two lines in the entirety of the show that explain what happened to Emilie, and they're both vague as hell. One of them was from “Feast” that implied Emilie used the broken Peacock Miraculous.

Adrien: My mom used to have dizzy spells… just like Nathalie.

And the other that outright tells the audience what's happening to her in a clip show that most people will skip.

Nathalie: As I've watched Emilie falling deeper into an endless sleep, my sadness for her has deepened, too

That is literally all we get for an explanation, and nothing else. We have no idea of what she's like as a person or what her relationship with her family was like other than Gabriel and Adrien saying they miss her. Other than the way the narrative says she's important to Gabriel and Adrien, we don't really have a reason to care about her as a character. There have also been some lines that imply she went along with Gabriel's questionable parenting techniques, like how he was apparently only homeschooled as a kid (Origins) and never had a birthday party growing up (The Bubbler), so how do we even know if she's a good person? In fact, why not set up this question as a mystery to make the audience wonder if Gabriel has another reason to bring Emilie back?

It ultimately turns Emilie into a plot device and not a character that Gabriel and Adrien only bring up to make the audience feel bad for them, and meant to justify Gabriel's actions by saying that he's “doing this for his family”.

But hey, if he's doing this all for his family, surely Gabriel's redeeming traits come from his relationship with Adrien, right? Right?

As a Parent, Gabriel is Far From the Best

I've talked about this briefly before, but parenting in Miraculous Ladybug is written in such a black and white way, even by the standards of this show. Parents are portrayed in one of two ways. They're either amazing people who love and support their children unconditionally, or they're awful people who treat their own children like trash. And much like a lot of things in this show, there are times where the latter is treated like the former.

There are so many times where the narrative insists on making you see Gabriel as a troubled, but wellmeaning person who tries his best to be a good parent to Adrien, but it is far from the truth.

I'm not going to beat around the bush. Gabriel is a terrible parent. Like, he is awful at being a parent in so many ways, even before you find out he's Hawkmoth. In his first appearance, “The Bubbler”, he delegates getting Adrien a birthday present to Nathalie, his assistant. He literally can't be bothered to take time out of his schedule to get his own son a present for his birthday. And as the show goes on, he becomes more controlling and forbids Adrien from going out with his friends in other episodes (Captain Hardrock, Silencer). While this could be used to show Gabriel getting worse, it's never acknowledged in-universe, with Adrien continually defending his father essentially keeping him on house arrest.

“But IOTA!” You might say. “Gabriel has made efforts to bond with his son in some episodes.” While that might be true, most of those come right after his Akumas have almost gotten Adrien killed. He only hugged Adrien and made an attempt to learn more about him after Simon Says invaded their home, he only decided to watch that movie Emilie was in with Adrien after Gorizilla nearly dropped him off a building, and he only hugged Adrien again in public after he was turned into a gold statue by Style Queen.

In fact, let's talk about how Gabriel acts in the Queen Bee Trilogy. He actually decides to quit being Hawkmoth, but it's not because he realizes all the damage he's caused. Instead, he gave up because his “magnum opus”, a stronger than usual Akuma that only got the advantage on Ladybug ironically because of dumb luck, failed. Sure, he says he can't keep putting his son in danger, but he rarely ever acknowledges that he does so in the first place. When Riposte wanted to fight Adrien, Hawkmoth did nothing to stop her other than giving her a stern warning earlier on and nothing else. Where was this attitude earlier?

Hell, even then, he immediately goes back to being Hawkmoth as soon as he sees an opportunity, not even a day after his “mAgNuM oPuS” blew up in his face (because I guess Scarletmoth was just Plan B). If he made such a big deal about caring for his son, why didn't he try harder to spend time with him? Has he ever had doubts about what he's doing before? If Chloe didn't show up as Queen Bee, was he going to follow through on his promise and try to be a better father to Adrien instead of trying to get Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous?

And yeah, the whole irony is that Gabriel is doing this for his family when he is unknowingly fighting his own son, which could lead to some interesting drama if done right. The idea of how Gabriel would react to his son being Cat Noir could really lead to some internal struggles for him to go through. But then we got “Cat Blanc”, which shows just how terrible of a character Gabriel is.

In an alternate timeline where he found out his son was Cat Noir, what does Gabriel do? Does he try to steal Adrien's Miraculous while he's sleeping? Does he reconsider his actions or realize he was endangering Adrien's life?

NOPE! He just decides to akumatize him all while emotionally tormenting him, before causing the end of the world.

This is honestly one of the most appalling things I've ever seen in any TV show, because it's basically an abusive father ordering his son to listen to him all while referencing his (kind of) dead mother to back up his point. And rather than use this to show how despicable Gabriel is, the episode decides to blame Marinette for this happening. Yes, according to the show, her present to Adrien caused several events to happen which caused Cat Blanc, but this logic makes no sense. It's like blaming the JFK assassination on the man who sold a gun to Lee Harvey Oswald, instead of, you know, Lee Harvey Oswald.

Not only was this episode yet another excuse to blame Marinette for something that wasn't her fault, it leads into the biggest problem I have with Gabriel as a character.

Sympathize with Gabriel? Surely, You Jest

After everything I've gone over regarding Gabriel as a character, after all the awful things I've talked about, are you really surprised that I don't feel bad for him at all?

Gabriel is just an awful character and a despicable human being, but the show just keeps wanting me to feel bad for him. It's just so hard to when you consider everything he's done has made him anything but sympathetic. I'm just saying, it's kind of hard to feel bad for someone who tries to start World War III with the only justification being “i'M dOiNg It FoR mY fAmIlY”, especially when he treats his family like crap.

The writers go out of their way to show how horrible Gabriel is as Hawkmoth/Shadowmoth, but they think because they throw in a few moments where he looks conflicted, we'll immediately feel bad for him. What makes so many people interested in seeing Chloe become a better person is that they can tell she's the victim of a troubled upbringing, and know that because she's only a teenager, she still has room to grow as a person, represented by having more honest moments of vulnerability. Gabriel is a grown man who once caused the apocalypse because of how terrible of a parent he is, and has even fewer sympathetic moments than Chloe does. Which one of these two is supposedly irredeemable? The answer may surprise you.

But the frustrating thing is that this kind of villain could have worked. Instead of making him this mustache-twirling psychopath, show how much Gabriel regrets what he has to do, but keeps pushing onward despite all the lives he's risking if it means that he can save his wife. Instead of making Gabriel like Lex Luthor, make him like Mr. Freeze, who is basic a better written version of him.

But as it stands, there's a good reason why Gabriel gets little to no respect as a character in the Miraculous Ladybug fandom, as a villain, or as a father.

[lisinfleur]

Misunderstood

The request:

Universe | Vikings Pairing | Ivar x Reader Info | Viking Age AU, requested by anon for 5CW Ivar II, posted for HTGI Event Words | 1415 ⁑ Warnings: Ivar’s self ableism again.

When you were dragged back to that hall, you were sure that, more than your father's image, you destroyed your husband's pride.

Putting a maid in his bed on his bridal night and running away the way you did was definitely not the smartest of your plans. But what could you do?

Entering that corridor like a dog brought back to its owner seemed better than ending up like a tattered doll, shared by her husband with all his brothers and the gods know who else.

So, although escorted by the men of Kattegat, you entered that room with your head held high, ready to face the consequences of your attempt to get rid of that cruel destiny.

"So, this is the woman who was supposed to be behind the veil of that over-covering dress in my marriage ceremony..."

That wasn't the voice you were expecting to hear.

Your husband would surely be the elder one! Your father said you would sit beside a king!

Who would be the king among the sons of Ragnar if not the elder one alive, Ubbe Ragnarsson, the sharer?

"I would have been pleased. Perhaps, if you'd chosen to be gentler, I would have spared you from the night by my side once it seems to be a nightmare in your eyes."

No!

The younger one walked forward, speaking imposingly. His sharp blue eyes freezing yours as he approached.

"But you chose to flee..." he said, standing in front of you.

Making regret fill your veins instead of blood, spreading like a cold sensation when you were able to read the deception inside his blues.

"I thought..." You gasped with the words.

Your eyes oscillated from him to Ubbe's figure, resting bothered beside the throne, leaned against a pillar as if the whole scene wasn't his business.

Ivar has not lost that detail. His eyes followed her gaze, trying to understand why, suddenly, the determined woman who entered her salon was shaking on her legs, exuding nervousness through her pores.

You watched as he followed your eyes towards Ubbe, curiously looking at you before he frowned, surprised.

"Excuse me?" he asked.

His voice sounded a little shrill, making you lose your composure even more than the discovery of your big mistake had done a few seconds earlier.

"I didn't know! I ... My dad told me ... I ..." You gasped again.

And this time, even Ubbe moved away from the pillar. Thoughts of him doing the obvious math of how absurd and surprising that moment was.

He'd calmed his younger brother when the discovery of your plan, but part of him had been hurt by Ivar's acid words about your decision.

What woman would do it differently under the obligation to marry a cripple like him?

However, it seemed that his younger brother was wrong for what could be the first time since he could remember.

"Did you think you would marry me?" he said.

Making it even more outrageous for you with that sarcastic smile on his lips.

Once again, you straightened your posture, looking at him on top of your arrogance as a woman proud enough to face her actions.

"I would rather die dry and shame my family than put myself under a womanizer like you, Prince Ubbe!" you answered.

Making his lips curve a little more, opening his smile when Ivar took a step back, and your father squeaked like a dying squirrel struck by your words.

"Mighty Odin! What did I do to deserve this curse?" he cried. "Forgive my daughter, Prince Ubbe, she ..." he began with his usual conversation about how you were as crazy as your mother was.

Of course... Because facing men or spitting out the truth, however crude, was crazy! It had to be!

You rolled your eyes.

"I am not a sharer, nor a doll to be shared!" you cut your father, maintaining your position concerning Ubbe, irritated his smile was bigger and bigger as you spoke. "I'm not going to submit to stupid games to your satisfaction, and I don't see what's so funny about what I'm saying, Prince!" you raised your tone when Ubbe couldn't help giggling.

"Well, brother," he said, not looking at you but at Ivar, whose eyes were fixated on you, surprised by your statements. "It looks like she didn't leave because of you, after all," the elder one giggled again.

And there it was again: your posture was completely destabilized by the realization of your grotesque error.

Your fiancé was neither Ubbe nor Hvitserk - another one you knew: he would follow his brother wherever the eldest went!

But you had tried to deceive Ivar, The Boneless. Just the most brilliant mind of its time! Just the only one among the children of Ragnar that you had sworn to accept without reservation.

"That's it?" Ivar asked, still shocked by the realization of what was really going on before his naked eyes. "Did you think your fiancé was Ubbe and were you trying to refuse my brother?"

You bowed your head, defeated.

"Gods!" your father exclaimed again. "What a shame!"

"If you only knew ..." Ivar started.

His eyes on yours like sharp blades, certainly ready to see clearly any lie in your next words.

"If you had known that I was the man you were going to marry, what would you have done?"

You lifted your head, looking him straight in the eye.

Your answer came so direct and clear that it was impossible to doubt your conviction.

"I would have been late for our ceremony, as I certainly wouldn't have been able to finish in time all the sacrifices I believe the gods would deserve for their benevolence regarding my destiny, my lord."

It was easy to see that your answer shocked him.

"Did you... Want to marry me? Were you refusing Ubbe on my behalf?"

"What's so surprising about that?" you asked, confused by his reaction. "Forgive me, my lord, but what has Prince Ubbe done with his life besides becoming famous for sharing his wives like toys? There is nothing about him to do in the halls of history, except the things he did under your brilliancy, my lord. You, on the other hand..." you said.

Feeling your cheeks slightly warm as you spoke.

"Your achievements are counted as legends wherever our steps can reach. How you've won York not once, but twice from the hands of the same Christian king that your plans bent to his knees. How could I not be flattered to be the chosen one of the man who defeated the untouchable Björn Ironside?"

"With my indispensable help," Ubbe finally spoke, feeling slightly diminished in his ego by your words.

A manifestation that you almost completely ignored.

As if Ivar the Boneless was not going to find a way to win that war whether Ubbe had turned against his older brother to help him or not! The news said that he was already winning even when all the brothers were against him!

You could bet that Aslaug's two eldest sons had only changed sides in the face of the obvious defeat!

"I think the first ceremony was worthless, and I believe that we can ignore this shameful moment in the history of our alliance if my father-in-law agrees to fund a new ceremony, so my fianceé and I can celebrate our wedding with real vows and in the right way this time. No more mistakes," Ivar said.

Almost blaming your father for the mistake you made.

On second thought... If he hadn't kept that secret about who he was engaged to...

"Oh, without a doubt!" said your father. "But allow me to introduce you to my second daughter. She is more like me than Y/N, who took after her mother."

You crossed your arms, ready to defend yourself against that absurdity.

But it was your future husband who touched your chin, smiling with satisfaction.

"I like this one. And I don't accept alliances if I'm not sure that my wedding will be with Y/N. By the way, no more veils." he completed, stroking your chin. "I want to be sure that I am marrying the woman I want this time."

You smiled. His eyes were full of satisfaction this time.

Your manner had somehow captivated him, and your smile followed the increase of his on his lips.

What was a terrible marriage had just become a dream for you.

And you definitely wouldn't miss your wedding a second time.

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[aomineavenue]

Summary: Six years ago, L/N Y/N wouldn’t exactly say that she loves her life. It had always been problematic but her best friend, Miya Atsumu, since she was eight when she moved to Hyōgo, has always been there for her, and she wouldn’t change it for the world. However, things would always fall apart for her ever since, so she should have expected of such. Running away from her problems seemed like the easiest route to take at the time, so what happens when the past comes barging back into her life demanding answers? Will she be able to confront her demons?

Pairings: Miya Atsumu x f!Reader

Genre: Angst, ANGST I LOVE ANGST, a lil bit of fluff here and there.

Warnings: Language, etc.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters except for the reader and my ideas. I do not claim any images used for content in this fic, everything goes out to their respective creators unless it is mentioned that it is mine.

Status: completed. | series masterlist

↩ at peace | dearest daddy

mia speaks!: 

okay, wow. So it took awhile for us to get here and I apologize for that but we’re finally done with Homesick, wew. It’s been a challenge but I’m so happy and grateful for all the positivity you guys have been sharing with me. Also, thank you so much for your patience. 

It’s been an emotional ride but we’re finally done. There may be a few short stories after this chapter but no promises. Hopefully I get the chance to though, I do want to be able to. But for now, if you guys have any requests for imagines/scenarios with this series, don’t be afraid to send them over!

Also, big thanks to @oii-sugasan​ and @sunshinesero​ for beta-reading this for me! I apologize if this chapter is any way lacking compared to the first nine chapters, it’s been awhile since I wrote anything so I hope this was a great way to end this series. 

I love you guys so much, I’m so glad to be (sorta) back. I hope you guys enjoy this!

Time was a funny and fickle thing. Sometimes there was never enough of it, and other times it stretched out endlessly. It had been seven months since your life had once again made drastic changes. It often surprised you how time flew by so fast.

Seven months since your two precious boys had been introduced to the man that they now call their father. And well, seven months since you had been reunited with the love of your life. Sure, it had ups and downs, it wasn’t bound to be perfect since the two of you were your own person. It was inevitable for such different personalities to clash, it didn’t help when there were two children present, one of them being as handful as their own father.

Atsumu had shown that he was a doting father, despite only being a part of their lives for less than a year, he had put his new family as his top priority, wanting to make up for lost time. He would instantly drop anything and everything, sometimes even volleyball when he could for times when his family needed him. Not that his new family had been a burden since then, his sons and of course you, have been nothing but loving and supportive. Showing up to games to cheer him on and the twins attending his training to either join or just watch their father and new favorite uncles.

It had been a rollercoaster ride since it was officially announced that Atsumu was off the market and that he actually had sons. Some fans were supportive, believing the news and claiming that both the young twins were striking replicas of the volleyball player. And of course, there were fans that were against it, raging how you were nothing more than a money-grabbing harlot and that you had probably lied to Atsumu about the twins being his.

They were quickly shut down, of course, by not just fans but various people close to the volleyball setter who defended you without you even asking for it. You weren’t going to lie, that particular month filled with venomous words thrown your direction stressed you out but it was mostly because of your motherly instincts, wanting to keep your sons away from such unnecessary drama. You and Atsumu had decided to ignore the majority of the vile comments but seeing you so emotionally exhausted had only fueled the already tiny flame in Atsumu. He was quick to announce that he would no longer tolerate any form of slander towards his family and would handle things legally if anyone were to step out of line.

And by the next few weeks, the hate simmered and the stress that had engulfed you and Atsumu in its grip had vanished. All that was left that made you both worry was Atsuhiro’s health.

Fortunately, Atsuhiro’s sickness didn’t grow worse as time passed by since his first transfusion. If anything, the boy was healthier and it was very much evident in his features. The healthy glow returned to his skin, he was smiling more and had shown his usual energetic-self like before he had fallen ill. Atsumu on the other hand, much to Atsuhiro’s dismay, had started becoming such an overprotective father. It took a lot of begging from Atsuhiko for their father to spend the day outside of the protective bubble of your apartment.

It took time and patience from everyone’s side to get this far, and for Atsumu, (and of course, you) he didn’t mind it one bit. He had grown more mature, despite his twin brother’s disagreements, he not only took care of himself more but he had become a role model to his sons.

Not only that, but as his relationship with his sons grew stronger, the love the two of you had for each other only seemed to intensify as well. Sure, the two of you had ups and downs back then in your friendship but it was as if time and distance hadn’t kept the two of you apart. If anything, it was as if it made your bond stronger. Two best friends, reuniting and finally expressing their true desires, it was easy for the two of you to fall into a comfortable routine.

“Where are the boys of the hour? I’ve been wanting to see how good Hiko looks in my jersey!”

Bokuto interrupts your thoughts for a brief second before you return your focus to your duties of cutting up the vegetables in the kitchen. You can’t help but chuckle at the sour expression that graces Atsumu’s expression as he fills a tray of refreshments on one of the island counters. “Don’t remind me, Bo-kun.”

“You’re just jealous that your sons didn’t want to wear your jersey," he teases, a playful grin on his lips as he lifts himself off of the ground by his hands to sit on the counter.

The scowl on Atsumu's face only deepens at the reminder, "Get off the counter, Bo-kun. Don't be rude. Why don't you actually start to help and give out these refreshments to the guests?"

You watch in amusement as the two exchange their usual banter around the kitchen of your home in Hyogo. It was decided a week ago after Atsuhiro's second transfusion was a success, that the twins would celebrate their birthday back at Hyogo instead of having the guests cramp up in your small apartment in Kanagawa.

It was also then decided by your sons what theme they would be having for their birthday. It was traditional for the twins to have their birthdays themed depending on their current interest. Lately, since the two were very fixated on volleyball due to their new favorite uncles and of course, their father, it was decided that they would be having a volleyball themed birthday where the guests were required to wear their favorite player's jersey.

For a minute, your new friend Bokuto had been rather excited upon hearing the idea.

"So show up with our own jerseys? Great!"

And as for Atsumu, he was excited at the prospect of seeing his own sons wearing his jersey. That is, until his sons destroyed such dreams.

"Are the two of you really sure?" you hear Atsumu's voice echoing from the twins' bedroom throughout the walls of the apartment as you stepped inside, shutting the door behind you as you ventured further into the comforts of your home. “Like really? Those are your choices?”

You grew curious as you slipped out of your shoes and let your hair loose from its tight bun, wincing slightly from your tugging. There was a tinge of whininess dripping from Atsumu’s voice that you couldn’t help but wonder what the three of them were talking about. It wasn’t unusual for Atsumu to be around when you had to work on days where the boys came home from school or when they didn’t have school.

At most times, when Atsumu didn't have training, he would be the one taking care of the boys instead of your mother or Osamu. Majority of his free time away from volleyball was spent with his sons, wanting to make up for the time he had lost. And there wasn't a day where the young twins wouldn't ask about their father and if he was going to visit. It was as if they were scared one of them would disappear, wanting to spend the entirety of their lives together.

"Maybe we can go with superheroes this year!" Atsumu's voice grew louder as you reached the door to the room where they occupied. Leaning against the door's frame, your eyes land on the back of Atsumu's head as he's seated on the carpeted floor facing the twins who were playing with their action figures. A small grin curling upon your lips at the sight of Atsumu’s slightly dishevelled bleached hair.

Atsuhiro, who seems to have the ability to sense your presence, looks up from his toys and in an instant, his eyes widen happily. He was about to greet you but you quickly pressed your index finger against your lips to signal the little boy not to announce your presence just yet, wanting to see Atsuhiko and Atsumu's interaction. The smart little boy that he is, nods and returns to his toys.

"But daddy," Atsuhiko protests, his focus still on the action figures in his hands, "We did superheroes last year! I wanna wear Uncle Bo's jersey!"

You fight the urge to burst out into a fit of giggles as soon as you catch a glimpse of Atsumu slumping his shoulders dejectedly. Now you understand as to why he had his moppy voice on. "But don't you want to wear daddy's jersey for your birthday?"

"But daddy," Atsuhiko lets out a sigh, looking up at his father with a look that meant the little boy wasn't up for any arguments on the matter, "Uncle Bo is the best! So I wanna wear his jersey!"

You could have sworn you heard Atsumu whine, suddenly wishing you had decided to film this from the start. "But it will make daddy really happy if you wear his jersey!"

Atsuhiko shakes his head as he continues to play with his action figures, "But I want Uncle Bo and I to match!"

Atsumu sighs in defeat before turning his attention over to Atsuhiro, looking hopeful. "What about you, Hiro? Would you wear daddy's jersey?"

"No, daddy. I wanna wear Kageyama-san's jersey," he nods with a proud smile, "Wanna be just like him! He's so good!"

"But daddy's just as good a setter as Tobio-kun!" Atsumu cries out, throwing his hands up in the air, "betrayed by my own children. 'Samu isn't going to let me live this down."

This time, you let your presence be known by finally releasing a bubble of laughter. Atsuhiko instantly drops his action figures and rushes over with a happy squeal. Atsumu pivots his body, looking up at you with such a pitiful gaze as he juts his lower lips out ot a pout, "I want new children."

Needless to say, Atsumu had been pouty ever since and has been dreading today due to the reason that every single one of his friends had found out about it. He had tried a handful of times to change their minds, unfortunately, the young twins won't budge.

“It’s not my fault your kids like me better than you,” he huffs, folding his arms across his chest, “I am an ordinary ace after all!”

A scowl graces on Atsumu’s features which causes the other occupants in the room to chuckle in amusement. It wasn’t as if Atsumu didn’t like the idea of his sons becoming close to his teammates, but lately, it was getting harder for the setter to share. “Get your own children!”

“Ah, about that...” Bokuto trails off with a nervous chuckle which causes everyone to fall silent and look at him in curiosity, “I actually will be getting my own child soon, I think.”

“You think?” you ask with an arched brow, “You can’t just think you’re having a child, Bokuto-san.”

Atsumu interjects, “And aren’t you in love with that best friend of yours? What happened to never being with anyone else but her?”

He waves his hand in the air dismissively with a frown etched on his lips, “Well, I can’t exactly be with her when she just got married.”

“You are so getting your ear torn off by the management when this news gets out,” Atsumu snickers, which he earns a smack to his shoulder from you. “Ow!”

You narrow your gaze at your boyfriend, completely unamused with his behavior. “Don't be dramatic, I didn't hit you that hard!" Letting out a huff as you wipe your hands on the apron you were wearing, "You aren’t helping Bokuto, ‘Tsumu.”

His lips curl up to a cheeky grin at the sight of your expression. He leans forward to nuzzle his nose against your cheek, your cheeks growing warm from the public display of affection. His heart swells from your reaction to his gesture, murmuring teasingly, “Sorry, darling.”

“Please, don’t make me barf.” Osamu interrupts with his features scrunched up in distaste from the interaction between you and his brother.

Atsumu sticks his tongue out at his brother who returns the gesture with a shake of his head. His arm snakes around your waist to pull you closer to his side as he returns his attention over to his teammate, “Well, is the woman making you marry her?”

“Making you pay for child support?” Osamu quickly adds.

Atsumu quips with a chuckle, “Threatening to expose your sins?”

You interrupt the two with a glare towards them, “Stop ganging up on him!”

Bokuto lets out a laugh as he begins helping your mother set up the desserts onto one of the trays to bring outside to the guests, “Nothing like that, she’s pretty chill and we’ve gotten pretty close lately. So we’re going to co-parent.”

“That’s very mature of you, Bokuto-kun.” your mother compliments him with a smile before patting his back.

He feels his cheeks grow warm from the compliment, his heart swelling with pride. “Thank you.”

“Maybe you’ll end up falling for her anyway,” Osamu teases with a smirk playing on his lips, leaning against one of the kitchen counters.

He shakes his head at the idea as his brows knit together, “Jess and I won’t fall in love.”

“Jess?” Atsumu blinks at the familiar name before his eyes widens at the realization, releasing his grip from your waist, “Jess, that journalist that you showed around town when she first visited Japan?”

Bokuto nods with a smile gracing his features, “Yeah, she’s pretty cool.”

“Maybe you’ll learn to love her in your own way through your child,” you suggest with a shrug of your shoulders as you began untying the apron you were wearing upon realizing what time it was.

Atsumu shakes his head and responds before Bokuto could utter a single word, “No, no. That’s impossible. Bo-kun’s heart belongs to his best friend.”

“Stop teasing him,” you scold your boyfriend with a shake of your head, handing over the apron you successfully took off, “make yourself useful and help out here in the kitchen,"

"Bu—"

Cutting him off with a stern glare as you lift a tray from one of the kitchen counters and handing it over to Bokuto, a small smile gracing your lips, "Don't mind him, Bo. Can you bring these to the backyard and help out if anyone else needs help? I think Reiji needs a hand setting up the bouncy castle,"

Retrieving the tray from your hands, his eyes lighting up from the excitement, "bouncy castle, you say?"

"That's for the kids, Bo-kun." Atsumu scoffs but soon lets his lips form into a pout when he had been ignored, turning his attention over to you once Bokuto slips out of the kitchen, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to check on the boys to see if they're ready for their big entrance," you muse with an amused grin. Of course, you knew what your sons had prepared for the big entrance that they insisted. Atsumu had pestered both you and the young twins since he had heard of their plan but as your sons refused to budge, you had feigned clueless, claiming that your sons had opted it to be a surprise.

Little did Atsumu know that you had helped your sons pull off such an idea.

"I don't get why they have to have a big entrance," he sighs, brows furrowing as he racks through his thoughts on what the surprise could be. It didn't help that he was both curious and excited at what his sons might pull off.

Osamu lets out a snort, rolling his eyes at his twin brother as a smirk curls upon his lips, "What do you mean? They're your kids."

"What does that even mean?" Atsumu scowls as he slips on the apron you had handed over, walking over to where your mother was situated to take over what you were doing.

You shake your head at the two bickering older twins and shoot a look of sympathy towards your mother that was going to be left with them in the kitchen before she waves you off. Your heart was swelling from happiness at how natural everything felt, despite the silly banter thrown around. It was home.

As you step into your childhood living room, you're hit with a nostalgic wave from the memories surrounding the whole area. Though it may be a mixture of good and bad memories, since you had come to terms that you were no longer running away from your past, you only feel comfort. You made your way through your childhood home over to the bedroom that had been renovated to the liking of your twin boys.

The mere thought of your boys growing to love the place where you had grown up yourself was enough to bring a smile to your face. You press your knuckles against the wooden door to signal your presence by knocking on it repeatedly, “Are you two ready?” you ask, your voice probably muffled on the other side. Your fingers wrap around the handle of the door and as you were about to twist and push it open, the door instantly snaps back shut with a loud thud. “Can’t-”

“No, mommy!” Atsuhiko screeched causing you to blink from both the surprised force and tone. Pressing your palms and ear against the door to hear what the commotion was all about, you frown upon hearing only their shuffling feet, “What are you two doing? Guests have arrived and your party will be starting soon,”

“We’re almost ready, mommy!” Atsuhiro assures you from the other side.

A chuckle escapes your lips at their antics as you decide to not interfere any further, “Alright you two, just be sure to be out in a few. You don’t want your daddy to come fetch you. It’ll ruin the surprise.”

“Okay mommy!” you heard Atsuhiko yell out, their excited muffled voices purely obvious from the other side that you couldn’t help but smile.

On the other hand, back in the kitchen, the father of your twins was having his own little dilemma back in the kitchen. It wasn’t as if he was uncomfortable being around your mother, but it was more like he felt he was still lacking.

Despite him knowing that your mother and you hadn’t had the greatest relationship when your father passed away, he still wanted to be someone your mother would approve of. He didn’t know whether your mother knew the whole story of the relationship between the two of you but being away from you and your sons during most of their childhood was enough to make him worry. The mere idea of his sons looking up to him sent his heart soaring, but of course, he also wanted your mother to feel secure enough for him to be together with you and the twins.

“I’ll bring out these sliced up fruits outside,” Osamu cuts the clear tension surrounding the kitchen. Atsumu resists the urge to glare at his twin for leaving him behind with your mother, knowing full well that his brother knows his current insecurities. A small smirk graces Osamu’s features but not the obvious one that would make your mother notice.

Atsumu watches his twin slip out of the kitchen with a tray full of food for the guests before flickering his gaze over to your mother situated at the other side of the room, making final touches to the cupcakes. “Is there anything else that I can do?”

Without looking up, a smile etches on your mother’s face. “No, it’s fine. We’re just about done with everything.”

“It looks good,” he states with a nod of his head, not really knowing what to say.

Placing the piping bag to the side, your mother lifts her head up to look towards the direction of Atsumu and wipes her hands on the apron she’s currently wearing, “You know you can always start calling me mom.”

The mere sentence made Atsumu want to leap in excitement, but at the same time he was nervous, a sudden fear of messing things up engulfing him. “I don’t want to overste-”

“Oh please,” your mother waves her hand in the air with a light chuckle, “I’ve known you since you were eight. We’re practically family. So you might as well call me mom.”

Atsumu couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth tug up to a wide smile, “Alright, mom.”

“I’m really happy that the two of you decided to work things out,” your mother spoke with a smile as she delicately places the cupcakes on the cupcake stand.”

His feet shuffled across the room to help your mother stack the cupcakes onto the stand, “We had to for the kids anyway.”

Your mother hums in thought for a second before responding, “I think the kids were just the push the two of you needed. If anything, I’ve always thought the two of you would always end up together since the two of you always leaned on each other for anything.”

He nods his head slowly, leaning against the counter as he feels his heart swell with happiness. “I guess you’re right, mom. I did lean on her majority of the time when we were growing up. I guess I still am now. I just wish I could make her happy.”

“Don’t worry, you do. Before she left Hyogo, I know for a fact that she was miserable in this house after her dad had passed. You were the only one giving her a reason to move forward,” your mother spoke, sadness dripping from her voice.

A sigh escapes Atsumu’s lips as his features scrunch up to something that resembles pain. “I was also the reason why she left. I may be even the biggest reason why she left.”

Your mother extends an arm out and places a hand on Atsumu’s arm, trying her best to give assurance and comfort, “You weren’t the only reason behind that. I don’t know if she’s told you, but I had neglected her. I’m not proud of it and apologies are probably never enough for forgiveness. I was barely a mother when my husband had passed. I was almost an empty shell and instead of being a moth-”

“Mom,” Atsumu cuts her off and grabs hold of her hand in his own, “Don’t blame yourself. She loves you very much. It’s all in the past. We’ll be able to move forward, we already are.”

The two were interrupted with Osamu’s arrival, knocking by the kitchen’s door frame to announce his return. A smile etched on his lips at the scene before him, “Hey, Y/N wants everyone in the living room. Apparently the boys are ready to make their big entrance.”

Your mother excuses herself as soon as she removes the apron tied around her, excitement clearly evident in her features. Atsumu knew it well, despite the relationship that you had been slowly rebuilding with your mother, she was just as excited as him to have the twins into her life. She has equally doted on, if not more, on the twins ever since and well, Atsumu wouldn’t have it any other way.

Atsumu knew for a fact that you adored the time you’ve been sharing with your mother. As long as you were happy, nothing else mattered.

Osamu gives him a pat on the back, arching a brow in curiosity as they make their way out of the kitchen, “Everything alright?”

Atsumu gives him a nod, giving him the largest grin that he could muster. “Yeah, definitely.”

“You look disgusting,” Osamu jokes, pretending to shudder which causes Atsumu to give him a shove as they step into the living room where most of the guests have already gathered.

“Hey ‘tsumu!” Bokuto calls out from next to you as soon as Atsumu comes into view. “Hurry up! I’m excited to see Hiko in my jersey!”

Atsumu rolls his eyes as he approaches, grumbling to himself. As soon as he reaches your side, he places a quick kiss to your temple before snaking an arm around your waist to pull you closer. “Yeah, yeah. You have to stop rubbing it in. We get it.”

You couldn’t help but let a laugh escape your lips as you lean yourself into Atsumu’s warmth, “Oh come on now you two, focus on the big entrance will you?”

Bokuto just snickers from the side while Atsumu sends him a glare. If you were to describe the two of them, they were practically acting like petty children but you know those two will eventually switch attitudes as soon as your twins step out to make their entrance.

You flicker your gaze over to Osamu who was situated a few steps ahead from your little group, trying his best to act natural with his phone up. The two of you had discussed prior to the party that he would be the one to film the whole thing going on. Your little boys had practically begged their uncle to film their big entrance but mostly, what you hoped Osamu to capture was Atsumu’s reaction.

A part of you expects that he would be a grinning mess at the sight of his kids but also, you’re also hoping he’d be speechless from all the teasing his kids put him through of having to wear someone else’s jersey.

“What’s taking them so long?” Atsumu asks, tilting his head slightly hoping to meet your eyes as his fingers play with the hem of your shirt.

As you were about to answer him, the familiar voices of your two boys echo throughout the room from the top of the stairs. You didn’t even have to look to know about their surprise since you know very well of what they had planned. Well, obviously, you had helped them out with picking up the jerseys that they were going to wear.

However, you had wanted to capture Atsumu’s reaction to your boys with your own two eyes instead of just watching it from a video. And honestly speaking, you didn’t think you’d fall in love with this man any more than you already do but here you are.

Just the mere sight of his features scrunching up to a look of awe was enough for your heart to swell. It looked as if he was close to tears as watches the twins descend the stairs with the prodest smiles they could muster.

You pry yourself away from his side as soon as the twins approach Atsumu, knowing full well what was going to happen as they had practiced what they were going to say. Flickering your gaze over to Atsuhiko and Atsuhiro, seeing them in Atsumu’s high school volleyball jersey made your own eyes water despite the fact that you were the ones who had gotten them the uniform a week ago.

“Wh-What are you guys wearing?” Atsumu almost chokes out his words, “What happened to the jerseys that we bought that you said you were going to wear?”

Atsuhiko throws his arms out in the air, smiling widely. “We changed daddy!”

“We wanna wear your jersey daddy,” Atushiro nods his head enthusiastically, lifting his hand up to grip onto Atsumu’s shirt.

Atsuhiko wraps his arms around Atsumu’s waist, “‘cause you’re our favorite volleyball player daddy!”

The scene itself was enough for everyone to watch in awe, a few of the guests that were invited had their own phones up to capture the moment with smiles on their faces, the others were almost practically in tears themselves, and well there was also Bokuto by the side with his pouty self at the realization that neither of his nephews were wearing his jersey like he thought they would. Atsumu on the other hand, had eventually dropped down to his knees and wrapped his arms around his two boys, burying his face in between them as he let out his own tears stream down his face from the overwhelming joy that coursed through him.

Yes, this is your family.

This is your home.

You stare out the window from the kitchen of your childhood home, a smile on your face at the beautiful afternoon of your backyard full with people you adore and have missed so much. 

The party was still in full swing despite the sun about to set, the laughter from the guests and a few children present rang in the air. Happiness had engulfed your heart and honestly, you had trouble believing it yourself but here you were. 

You wouldn’t trade this for anything. 

An arm snakes around your waist from behind and you would have been startled if you hadn’t felt Atsumu’s presence a minute ago. Despite not having seen each other in years, everything about him was still familiar. Sure, there were a few things about him that you didn’t know but that didn’t mean that he still wasn’t your Atsumu that you’ve grown to love. 

“Thank you,” he whispers as he nuzzles his nose into your hair, a smile playing on his lips. 

You place your hands atop of his and lean yourself back into his warmth, your brows furrowing in confusion. “What are you thanking me for?” 

“For everything,” he lets out a sigh, causing a shiver to run down your spine from the heat radiating from his breath close to your ear, “For giving me two amazing boys and for existing yourself.” 

Pivoting your body around so that you were facing Atsumu, your hands settling on his chest as you look up at him with your lips curling up to an assuring smile, “Thank you.” 

“And what for?” Atsumu questions, matching your own smile with his own as his hands cup your face. He lowers his head slowly, nudging your nose with his own as the pads of his thumbs brush delicately against your skin. 

Heat spreads across your cheeks at his gestures, feeling shy yourself but despite that, the majority of what you felt was only comfort in being in his arms. “For loving me as much as I love you.” 

He hums in response, placing a quick kiss to your lips. “No, I probably do love you more. More than you can imagine.” 

Before you could respond, he places his lips back firmly on yours and your eyelids flutter shut as if on instinct. The hands of yours that were resting on his chest eventually found their way around his torso to pull him close. Tilting your head to the side, the kiss itself deepens as he runs his fingers through your hair. 

It just felt so natural being with him.

Before the kiss could grow more heated however, a loud yell from outside had interrupted the both of you causing you to pull away much to both of your dismay. Your heads turn towards the direction of the commotion, the bouncy castle coming into view.

Or rather, the depleting bouncy castle with Bokuto and Hinata coming out hastily in laughter. 

You shake your head at the scene, a bubble of laughter leaving your lips before turning your head back over to look at the man before you. Just when you had decided to pull back and return to your duties of being a mother, he wraps his arms back around your waist to pull you back against him. Another laugh escapes your lips as you playfully slap his chest, “What now? We have a party going on, we have to entertain our gue-” 

“Move in with me,” he interrupts, his features showing nothing but seriousness. 

You meet his sincere gaze with your own and your heart makes a leap out of joy. There was only one answer you could possibly give. 

“Yes.”

[hellzabeth]

i have opinions about The Prince of Egypt musical adaption and you’re going to listen to them: An Essay

So, quick disclaimer: The Prince of Egypt is one of my favourite movies of all time. The casting, the music, the animation, I think it’s one of the top-tier movies that have ever been made. I went into seeing the London West End production of PoE with a full expectation that nothing I saw on stage would ever live up to how much I love the movie. I was fully aware there are plenty of limitations to what can be shown live on a stage with human actors and props.

That being said, I was enormously disappointed with how the whole thing was handled.

The Good

Now before I launch into a whole tirade of what I didn’t like about the production, it does behoove me to say what I think they did do well. 


The casting of the role of Moses was done fantastically, as was Miriam, Tzipporah, and Yocheved. The swings and the ensemble were really engaged and well placed, going through lots of quick changes to go from Hebrews to Egyptians to Midianites and back.


The two Egyptian queens, wifes of Seti and Ramses, are actually given names, lines, and character beyond being simply tacked onto their respective kings. We get to see how they feel about the events happening around them, and there’s even a scene where Ramses meets his wife and courts her, whereas in the movie, she stands in the background and says nothing. This is one of the areas I was hoping the musical, which would naturally have a longer run-time, would expand on, and I was pleased to see the opportunity was taken.

Light projections on enormous curtains were used to very good effect, taking us instantly inside the walls of the palace and then out to the desert. 


Over all, the work was really put in to be engaging and emotional, and the orchestra really worked to deliver the right musical beats.


One of two stand out scenes as being done very well was the opening “Deliver Us”, which included a bone-chilling moment of Egyptians separating a mother and her baby, with her screams as she’s dragged off-stage, and the blood on the guard’s sword. It really brings home the fear as Yocheved tries to lead Aaron and Miriam to the river with her, not to mention Yocheved’s actress nailed the lullaby. 


The second was at the other end of the show, “When You Believe” was beautifully performed by the whole cast, though it was somewhat stunted by what came before...

The Bad

Oh boy.

So the main problem with this show is not the music, not the staging, not even that sometimes the ensemble was a little off-beat (the lai-lai-lai section in Though Heaven’s Eyes comes to mind). Any mistakes there can all be forgiven, since sometimes things just happen in live performance, someone’s a bit off or something’s just not possible to do on the budget allotted. 


The problem is in the script.

The Prince of Egypt movie is a story that stands not only on the shoulders of its fantastic music and visuals, but also on its emotive retelling and portrayal of the characters within - mainly Moses and Ramses. And while the stage musical does spend a lot of time with the two mains, it neglects two other, incredibly important characters.

Pharaoh Seti, and God. 


In the movie, Seti strikes an intimidating figure. He is old, hardened, and wise in the ways of ruling his kingdom - and is voiced by Patrick Stewart, who brings his A-game to the role. Both Moses and Ramses admire him and look up to him immensely as young men, and the relationship he has with both of them deeply informs their characters as the story progresses. It’s from Seti that Moses learns that taking responsibility for your actions is the respectable thing to do (and later, the true horror of having your idol turn out to be not what you think), and it’s from Seti that Ramses takes a huge inferiority complex.

There are two lines that Seti gets in the movie, one spoken to Moses, and one to Ramses. These two lines define Moses and Ramses’ actions later on in the story:

To Ramses - “One weak link can break the chain of a mighty dynasty!” To Moses - “Oh my son... they were only slaves.”

Guess which two lines are absent from the musical?

One Weak Link is turned into an upbeat song, rather than shouted at a terrified and cowed young Ramses. Instead of being openly a traumatic, internalised moment of negative character development for Ramses, it’s treated as a general philosophy that Seti passes down to his son. Instead of a judgement that is hung over Ramses’ head like a sword of Damocles, lingering in his mind through the whole story and coming up in a shouted argument with Moses later, it’s said and then moved on from. 


The “they were only slaves” comment, on the other hand, is absent entirely. This changes Moses’ relationship with Seti enormously, as well as his relationship with the Hebrew people. Upon finding the mural depicting the killing of the slave children, Moses is appropriately horrified, and Seti shows up to comfort him and defend his terrible actions. Moses leaves this interaction... and then sings about how this is indeed all he ever wanted! He has no moment of horrific realisation that his father thinks of the slaves as lesser, as lives that can be thrown away. This means that the scene where he kills the guard doesn’t lead into a discussion of morality with Ramses as he runs away, but rather Moses breaking down about his heritage as though it’s a negative, instead of something he’s realised is just as valuable as his life as an Egyptian. Instead of Moses being shown as having a strong moral core that protests against the idea of any life being lesser, he bemoans his Hebrew blood loudly, and makes little mention of the man he killed. His issue that causes him to run away is being adopted, rather than his guilt that he’s a murderer, and nothing Ramses can say will change it.

Later on, we don’t see Ramses express this opinion either (in the movie - M:”Seti’s hands bore the blood of thousands of children!” R:“Hah, slaves!” M:“My people!”) so it seems the core reasoning for the necessity of the extremes God had to go to in order to convince Ramses to let the Hebrews go is completely gone.

Which leads us into God Himself, as a character. 


God is a tricky topic in general. He is hard to talk about as a concept and as a character, and even harder to depict in a way that won’t offend someone. The Prince of Egypt movie always struck me as a very good depiction of the Old Testament God - vengeful and strong-willed, commanding and yet nurturing, capable of great mercy and great cruelty in one fell swoop. God is incredibly present in the story, a character in and of Himself, speaking with Moses rather than simply commanding him. The conversation at the Burning Bush is bone-chillingly beautiful. Moses is allowed to question, he’s allowed to enquire, he’s allowed to express how he feels about God’s choice, and God is given the chance to respond (and reprimand, and comfort).

In the musical, the Burning Bush scene lasts all of two minutes, during which God (the ensemble cast, acting as one moving flame, speaking in unison) monologues to Moses, and Moses is not given room to question, talk to, or build a relationship with God. Later on, once some of the plagues have gotten underway, Moses rails against God, flinches in his resolve, and tries to back out... and God says nothing. It’s Miriam and the spirit of Yocheved that convince Moses to keep going. As a character, God is nearly absent. Even when it comes to calling upon the Plagues, or parting the Red Sea, God’s voice is absent. Moses does not pray. He does not even use the staff that God encouraged him to pick up as a symbol of his becoming a shepherd of the Hebrews out of Egypt. 


It’s these little changes, these little absences of such vital lines and presences, that ends up changing the whole vibe of the show. Seti is more like a dad than an emotionally distant authority figure, and God is more like an emotionally distant authority figure than a character at all. Ultimately, the whole feeling that one is left with at the end…

The Ugly

… is that the script doesn’t like God, or religion in general.

A bold statement to make, considering the source material is one of the central biblical stories in EVERY Abrahamic religion. Moses as a figure is considered so important and close to god, that The Prince of Egypt, even with its sensitive portrayal, cannot be aired in a number of Islamic states, because it’s considered disrespectful to depict any of the prophets, especially an important one like Moses. Moses is arguably the MOST important prophet in the Jewish canon.

However, I haven’t highlighted one of the most noticeable script changes - the elevation of Hotep, the high priest, to main antagonist.

In the original movie, Hotep is a secondary villain, a crony to the Pharaohs, bumbling and snide and two-faced. He and his fellow priest Hoy are there primarily to juxtapose how charlatans can control power through flattery and slight of hand, reassuring Ramses that Moses’ miracles are merely magic the same as what they can do. They even get a whole villain song, “Playing With The Big Boys” which is a lovely deconstruction of lyrics vs visuals, where while the priests boast that their gods and magic are much more powerful, in the background the staff, transformed into a snake by god, devours and defeats the priests’ snake handily. The takeaway from the song is that God’s power is true, and doesn’t need theatrics.

It’s a good little nugget of wordless world building. And it is completely absent from the stage musical, with only a vague reference to the chant of all the gods names.

Hoy is gone, and Hotep is the only priest. He actively speaks out against the Pharaoh, boasts about having all the power, and is played as bombastic and proud. He’s a wildly different character, even threatening Ramses at one point. In the end, it’s shown that Ramses won’t let the Hebrews go not because he has inherited his father Seti’s cruel attitude towards the lives he considers beneath him, but because he is being actively bullied by the priest, and will lose his power and credibility if he doesn’t do as he’s told. Ramses is even given a whole song about how little power he really has. The script desperately wants us to feel sorry for Ramses’ position and hate the unrepentantly, cartoonishly evil priest.

That’s another matter as well - a LOT of time is dedicated to making the Egyptians more human and sympathetic, portraying them as largely ignorant of the suffering beneath them, rather than actively participating in slavery. Characters speak out of turn without regard for formality and class, even to the royal family. They are casual, chummy even. And this would be fine - in fact, it’s good to have that sort of third dimension to characters, even ones who are doing reprehensible things, to show the total normalcy and banality of evil - if it were not for the fact they still include a completely open-and-shut case of evil right next to them.

Hotep has no redeeming features. And on the other side, God is barely present, certainly not in a relatable context. Moses has several lines about how cruel and unnecessary God’s plagues are - and you know what, in this version, they are unnecessary! Ramses is not the stone-hearted ruler that his movie counterpart is, he has no baggage over being a potential failure, because it was never really given to him in the same way! By taking away Ramses’ threatening nature, numbers like the Plagues lose half their appeal, as the back-and-forth ‘you who I called brother’ lines between Moses and Ramses are completely absent. Moses is faithless, and is less torn between the horror of what he’s doing and the necessity of it for the freedom of his people, and more left scrabbling for meaning that he doesn’t find. And the only thing hanging over Ramses is Hotep nit-picking everything he does and threatening him, which is considerably less compelling than the script seems to think it is.

This is best exemplified at the end, when all the issues come to a head. The angel of Death comes and takes the Egyptian first borns (which was actually a well done scene), and the Hebrews leave to a rousing rendition of When You Believe. But then we cut to Ramses and Hotep, with Hotep openly threatening to revolt against the Pharaoh - whom was believed, especially by the priesthood, to be a living god! Hotep is so devoid of redeeming features he cannot even be trusted to stand by his beliefs! - unless Ramses agrees to chase after the Hebrews. Reluctantly, Ramses is badgered into the attempt.

Back with the Hebrews, Moses parts the Red Sea… not with his faith, not by praying to God for another miracle, not even by using his staff as in the most famous scene of the movie… but by holding out his hand and demanding the ‘magic’ work. Setting aside the disrespect of Abrahamic religions to call one of the most famous miracles “magic” (and my oh my, if there was a fundamentalist of any religion in the audience they might have gasped to hear it), it again belittles the work of God, and puts all the onus on Moses, not as a conduit for God’s work, but as the worker himself. Then, the Egyptians arrive in pursuit, lead by Hotep, not Ramses. Moses sends the Hebrews through first, lead by Miriam, and stays behind with Tzipporah… to offer his life in penance to Ramses! The script has completely stripped both Ramses and Moses of their convictions towards their causes, and Moses cannot even stand by his decision to lead his people.

Then, in a moment of jarring melodrama, Moses has a sudden vision that Ramses, his brother, will one day be called Ramses the Great (an actual historical Pharaoh who reigned 1279-1213 BCE). There is no historical evidence that this was the Ramses that ruled over the Hebrews (there are 11 Pharaohs called Ramses through the history of Ancient Egypt), and maybe if the scene was acted a little better, it wouldn’t have been so sudden or jarring. Even more jarring, is that then Hotep arrives with the rest of the army, and Ramses refuses to lead the charge into the parted sea. Hotep does so himself, and is the one to have the final dramatic moment, being crushed under the water.

The Takeaway

After watching the show, I’m afraid I could never recommend it as either a play, an adaption, or even as a faithful retelling of a bible story. Its character drama isn’t compelling enough to be good as a standalone play, with it two main characters declawed and their core motivations reduced to a squabble between brothers rather than a grand interplay between two cultures and ideas and trauma handed down from their father. As an adaption of the movie it’s upsettingly bad, with grand numbers like the Plagues rendered piecemeal and fan favourites like Playing With The Big Boys missing entirely. As a retelling of the bible story, it’s insulting, completely cutting God out of the equation, taking no opportunity to reintroduce Aaron as an important character (which he was, in the bible, as Moses was a notoriously bad public speaker, with a stutter, and Aaron often interpreted for him) and more importantly, completely erasing God’s influence from the narrative.

I don’t know who this show was… for, in that case. If it wasn’t for drama lovers, movie fans, or people of the faith, then who the hell was it for? Why change such a critically acclaimed and well-beloved story? Why take away all these defining moments? If you wanted to tell a story about how religion is the true evil, how God can command people to do terrible things, and how those who uphold organised religion like Hotep are unrepentant, one-dimensional monsters… why would you tell that through the Prince of Egypt?

Underwhelming at best, infuriating at worst… just watch the movie. Or read Exodus. At least the Bible’s free.

[crying-over-spilled-feels]

Simply Kate

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are owned by Julia Quinn, Shondaland, and Netflix and are thus not owned by me. In addition, I am also not receiving any monetary gain from this drabble. Based on the Kate being Kate day challenge paired with the prompt “Mallet of Death”.

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Dear good people of the ton,

               I am writing this as a note to say that you all need to afford the amazing woman known as Kate Sharma (now Kate Bridgerton as it has been for over a year) all of the respect in the world. No, I am not just saying this because she is my dear wife, though that is sure to have some matter of bias on my part. I am simply stating that in a world where people are often afraid to be their true selves due to the way society presents them, that this has never been a concern or worry for my darling Kate, a trait which I have always deeply admired in her even before we were wed.

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               Good people of the ton, if you see my wife shooting a pistol and besting my younger brothers and most of the other men at target practice, please mind your own business. My wife is quite adept with a gun, a skill I rather encourage in the hopes that if something dreadful were to happen to me that my dearest Kate would know how to defend herself and little Edmund until further help were to arrive. With the exception of my wickedly talented sister Eloise, whom I still believe is quite possessed when she is holding a gun with how accurate she is, Kate is the best shot I currently know. (Brothers and Simon, the Duke of Hastings, if you are reading this, I must apologize, though you all are aware of the skill this woman contains within her.) All this to say, if you see my wife holding a gun or joining us Bridgerton men plus the Duke in target practice, I will not hear one single negative word uttered of her partaking in such.

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               Additionally, good people of the ton, if you overhear Kate speaking (almost in tongues, mind you) about a rather dreadful sounding “Mallet of Death”, you do not need to fear for my safety. Actually, yes, do worry greatly for my safety, as I’m sure one of these days I shall be mortally wounded in regards to the attempts my wife has for obtaining my Mallet of Death before I may win the lucky mallet myself. We being Bridgertons, Pall Mall has always been a large part of our lives due to the fact that Aubrey Hall is where we were raised. My dearest mother and father ordered us a Pall Mall set years ago before Hyacinth and Gregory were even born, and us older Bridgerton children would play the game for hours. If nothing else, the game has grown more competitive over the years, especially now that I have let Hyacinth join in our escapades, provided she steer clear of my lucky Mallet of Death. I do not know if you all remember the event held at Aubrey Hall by my mother the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton during the Season of 1814, but during that particular time, a grudge match was formed over Pall Mall. That, ladies and gentlemen of the ton, is the day I can admit that I first began to desire Katharine Sharma to be my wife. Seeing her determination, wit, and overall stubbornness to win that then turned into her desire to simply keep me from winning made me fall in love with the beautiful and incomparable Kate Sharma. I would not recognize it at the time, but it was the event that kick-started my belief that we would be better suited than a match between myself and Edwina Sharma. (No offense in the slightest, dear sister-in-law, but you know how head over heels I am for your sister.) I do believe that seeing this competitive, unafraid, sarcastic, and downright beautiful woman playing Pall Mall with myself and my siblings is what made me fall in love with Miss Katharine Sharma. Kate was simply being Kate in those moments, and I revel in those moments even now that we are married. I would never want my wife to change a thing about herself, even if society dictates she should be obedient, close-lipped about matters of the household, and only care about pleasing her husband. If Kate did any of these things, she would cease to be herself, and that is not the woman I fell in love with. I fell in love with the strong-willed, communicative, and free spirit Katharine who loves to feel the sunshine on her face in the morning and will not hesitate to banter with me over matters that may seem ridiculous to an outsider of our rather chaotic Bridgerton family. Do refrain from telling me any negative comments about my wife’s demeanor, for I cannot promise that you will not end up like the man who dared to speak to my sister Daphne when the Duke simply went to procure a glass of lemonade for his wife.

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               Another trait of Kate’s that is so uniquely hers is the scent that lingers about her, tantalizingly close and yet far away enough to drive me mad. Good people of the ton, I know you have smelled a scent of lilies and a lavender soap when you have attended balls, parties, and social events. Yes, that is indeed my darling Kate every time you smell this. If someone had told me prior to the Season of 1814 that I would ever be able to identify my future wife based on her scent alone, I would have called them daft. And yet, I could be in a room with hundreds upon hundreds of guests and still be able to locate my darling wife. Yes, some even say I have a sixth sense for being able to navigate a room or several rooms and know exactly where my wife is. I guess that all must be from helping my mother care for my seven younger siblings after my father passed away suddenly. Such a talent shall definitely come in handy when our little Edmund begins walking, of this I have no doubt. (Or when I am having to become the overbearing father knocking away unfit suitors for any future daughters Kate and I may have…) The truest tantalizing scent that belongs to Kate and Kate alone is when her lilies and soap scent mixes with the natural sweetness and milky scent of our precious son. I cannot even begin to express my feelings on paper about how absolutely ecstatic I am to be a father to Kate’s children and how lucky I am to have such a handsome and healthy son in Edmund.

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               Keeping with the flow of my insights into Kate, I know you expect for there to be sections in this letter about how I believe Kate to feel and taste. This would be only natural, given I have already covered the other three senses of sight, sound, and smell. However, those two particular senses and feelings are best left as a close-kept secret between my wife and I. Only we can know those intimate details of ourselves, of the pieces of who we are that are not show to the ton around us. We are gentle, kind, and madly in love with one another in all the best ways, and Kate has opened a part of me that I did not know I needed nor did I even know it was missing within me in the first place. Those of you who have known me since the death of my father perhaps knew me to be a cynical, hard to please, and over-controlling man. Yet, here I am, only a year later, utterly changed and all the happier for it thanks to the love, devotion, banter, and challenging statements given to me by none other than my darling Katharine Sharma Bridgerton, the type of wife I didn’t know I wanted but the wife I absolutely will always need.

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           Setting his pen down, Anthony smiles at the work in front of him before he tucks the manuscript in a drawer of his desk, pleased with the words he had written. Now the viscount understood why his younger sister Eloise was so insistent on hiding away in her room and writing. Nothing was quite so cathartic as being able to channel negative energy into something positive, particularly when that negative energy was brought forth by one Mr. Dorset practically gawking at Kate as the viscountess laughed with Francesca and Simon undoubtedly about a joke between his younger sister and the Duke of Hastings.

“You certainly missed out, Dorset. The finest gem in England and the rest of the world is now my wife. Pity I didn’t realize that about her sooner,” Anthony breathes before blowing out the candle, shutting the door to his study behind him and climbing the stairs to his and Kate’s bedroom.

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Author’s Note: This was a bit different than my other stories posted here and under my pseud “Outsiders Obsessor” which has most of my works written from 2014-2019 when I first began FanFiction. (I will refrain from posting some of the works I am rather shy of sharing since my writing has improved extremely since I was 14 and first writing stories.) Never before have I done a story based nearly entirely around a letter, but I must say that I rather enjoyed writing this one! The idea came to me as I was trying to fall asleep one night, and I knew that it would be perfect for Kate Week. As always, thank you all for your support and for reading. I am in awe of the outpour of support on my page here on Archive of Our Own, as I have just re-invented myself as a FanFiction writer since I long thought that part of me was gone as I matured. Though, it is nice to say that I was wrong and have a new safe space in which to write and share. Have a wonderful day, afternoon, or night! Until next time, dear readers!

[rphelperblog]

Alicent Hightower Quote RP Meme

inspired by @westerosiqueens​ @bcbliophile​

"How many more must die to slake your thirst for vengeance?”

Reluctance to kill isn’t the same as weakness.”

“To have every young knight and lord fawning over you… What misery.” 

You may do as you wish, husband... when I am cold in my grave.“

We must not rule with cruelty and callousness. “

You imbecile.“

"I? What have I done but what was expected of me?“

Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again“

Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do all as you please. “

When I wish to talk to him, I know I must make the effort.”

I wouldnt know what to say.”

“You have an easy way about you, your grace.”

“What mother wouldn’t”

“All anyone sees when they look at me now- the queen.”

“Sjhe swore her innocence and I believed her.”

A good queen offers to bring comfort to her subjects.”

I wanted whatever you impressed on me to want.”

We are both mothers and we love our children.”

I saw him last night.”

One day, you will be our king.”

“My dearest love.”

In the end, honor and decency will previal.”

“I find I have few friends there.”

“No but he will be partial to me.”

“She will move to cut off any obstacle for her succession.”

We must defend our own.”

“No one to take my side.”

“You are wiser than I believed you to be.”

“Rather a piece to be moved about the board.”

“Mine own father doesn’t know the language of words. to not.”

And bastards are monsters by nature.”

We do not rule but we may guide the men that do.

“How sweetly the fox speaks when it’s been cornered by the hounds.“

A true queen counts the cost to her people.“

“My husband would not have wanted her married.”

She will never bend a knee.”

Our hearts were never one. I see that now. Rather, I have been a piece that you moved about the board.

This is not a game.”

“He used to say that I had a lovely voice.”

The city is yours, Princess, but you will not hold it long."

“All they have sowed, now they may reap.”

"The boy is the father to the man, and bastards are monstrous by nature.”

“It was an ugly thing. I regret it.”

“the rats play when the cat is gone.”

“let us together summon a great council.”

“mother have mercy on us.”

It’s not so long and the last baby came out back.”

“I am glad you are home.”

“Nor will they spare my children.”

Our hearts were never one. I see that now. Rather, I have been a piece that you moved about the board.“

“It is rare for girls in this realm to get a choice between two suitors, no less two score of them.”

I disgraced myself. And ensured my husband's favor will forever rest on her.“

and to even that, you feel entitled.“

“I have to believe that in the end, honor and decency will prevail. We need to hew to that and to each other.” 

For all her faults, she is your sister, your father's daughter...“