#at least my family is supportive of me learning sign. you know there's people out there that would be like

[bordonfreeman]

I just got the best Christmas present and it's not even Christmas yet

[abbyshands]

PALESTINE LINKS

in honor of the media blackout this week, i wanted to compile a list of links and resources regarding what’s going on in gaza. i advise all of you to give these links a look at, or to at least reblog them. the people in gaza need the bare minimum from us in that sense. &, well, if you can’t take enough time out of your day to give these links at least a look, a like, or share, then, bye !

& for all the the last of us fans out there, you need to see this. it’s genuinely a must. not to call anyone out, but i see a lot of people who have not spoken out about this at all, who, for example, keep publishing or reblogging fics etc during the blackout. i love a good fic as much as anyone else, but you can wait a week. there’s really no excuses here. if you didn’t know about the previous blackout, then now is your chance. don’t turn a blind eye to this.

at the end of this post are links specifically for those engaged in the last of us tumblr. if you aren’t going to look at the links before that, then at least look at those.

oh, & for the dumbasses who are unfollowing me for spending a week to post about a fucking genocide? fuck you, & good fucking riddance. you are not and never were welcome on my page. i don’t want you here anyways!

PALESTINE LINKS

SEVERAL ways you can help the people in gaza. some of which are fully free.

SEVERAL links regarding info around this genocide, such as places to boycott, and ways to learn more about the nature of it all.

SEVERAL ways you can help, including ways to donate, petitions you can sign, and campaigns you can join.

places you NEED to boycott. don’t buy from them, regardless of if they really fund israel or not. if they support them, that is more than enough. boycotting is a way to resist, so do it. at the end of this post are also places that are helping those who are in gaza, and families you can help escape by donating.

know that this issue did NOT begin oct. 7th. this is so much deeper than you know, and has been going on for 70+ years. click the above link to educate yourself on that front.

CLICK HERE TO HELP PALESTINE! this site has already been debunked on if it really helps the people in gaza or not, and it does. just one click is all you need. one button, once per day. you can even do it on different devices or browsers so you get more than one click in. click it daily!

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES using this link, and this link (this will help you find ways to call or email them depending on where you live). also, urge biden and congress to do right by the people in gaza. the U.S. sends billions of dollars to israel every year, funding the genocide that’s ensuing as we watch on from the comfort our homes. do the bare minimum, & hold them accountable. please.

HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN DONATE or find a PROTEST near you! not everyone is readily available to do these things, i know that. but looking into them could never hurt, or at least sharing it elsewhere so there is more awareness surrounding it.

LEARN OF AFRO-PALESTINIAN EXPERIENCES, & the efforts they have made over the years. i think it’s so, so crucial that we hear their voices, &, god, learning of all that they’ve been through, & all that they’ve done, is so inspiring.

here is some more info regarding BOYCOTTING. boycotting does, and has been proven to work. this post explains the subject a bit more in case it happens to confuse anybody, along w/companies and such that need to be boycotted, & why. as i said before, boycotting is a way to resist. so do it!

HERE IS A 🇵🇸 MASTERLIST including ways to educate yourself, donate, books you can read, & films you can watch. this is one of the best links i have regarding this genocide, and i highly recommend you look at it!

SOUTH AFRICA took israel to court for this genocide! read about it in the above link.

FOR THE LAST OF US FANS

do not remain in the dark about the last of us’s link to the ongoing conflict in gaza. neil druckmann, the director of the game, is a ZIONIST. he grew up in israel, and TLOU2 is rooted in israeli themes. now, no one is saying you have to quit playing the game, or dislike it, for all you dense ones out there. but i ask that you remain aware of this aspect of it, especially if you are regularly engaged in the last of us tumblr.

this is a link that i highly, highly recommend you read through. it discusses the HEAVILY ISRAELI THEMES TLOU2 displays. click the following link to learn more on TLOU2 & NEIL DRUCKMANN.

DO NOT BUY TLOU, TLOU REMASTERED, TLOU2, TLOU2 REMASTERED, OR ANY GAME FROM ND! neil druckmann has donated money to the IDF in the past. & where do you think he’s getting his money from? yeah, you got that. watch gameplays, pirate these games, or buy them secondhand. several shops sell used games. & for those of you who went and purchased the game anyway, knowing about all of this? fuck you.

if you think your $10 doesn’t matter, then think about this: okay, one person spends $10 on the game. whatever. but when 100,000 people do it? that’s a million dollars, going into the hands of a zionist, who is using YOUR money to help kill innocent men, women, and children. put that in your pipe and smoke it.

it is not just the games you need to boycott. HBO’S show also needs to be. follow this link to learn of more movies and shows you need to boycott, & the reasons why, including the last of us. let’s also not forget that dina & abby’s actresses are in support of israel, and BELLA RAMSEY, ellie’s actress, has also shown support.

boycott. the fucking. show. there are a million websites where you can pirate it, so you are not giving any of your support to it. resist.

i understand that not everyone is educated on this subject, and that not everyone knew of the previous media blackout. for the last of us fans, i understand that not everyone knew about the game or show’s israeli nature. but it is never too late to take part. it is never too late to care. i promise you that. if you purchased the game, at least donate to one of the sources above. that’s just bare minimum.

get educated, get loud, & GET PROUD! these are innocent people who are dying as you read this from your bed, couch, whatever. the least you can do is like & reblog so this reaches more people. your voice matters, big account or small.

FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE 🇵🇸🍉

[trapastrology]

~Astro Notes From Aris~

~11H Virgo tends to be the "mom" friend of the group. They make the schedules. Make sure everyone gets home on time & in one piece. The one who's always prepared. Make sure everyone is fed & okay. Usually, the friend ur parents will always let you go out with because they know you'll be okay.

~Sag & Pisces Mercuries (sometimes aqua) sound more attractive in their native tongue/accent to ppl. So instead of hiding ur accent, embrace it! These are usually ppl who don't ever lose their accent even if they've tried to. It will also feel more natural/comfortable as well.

~Ppl tend to be very jealous & don't believe that 2H pluto ppl deserve the good things they get/have which in return, overtime, will cause the 2H pluto person to feel this way as well.

~Aries NN usually keep the peace & avoid conflict when they should be doing the complete opposite. They will only find true peace when they learn to stand up and stop letting ppl trample them.

~7H Uranus in Solar Return doesn't always mean a breakup for a romantic breakup; it can be an ending of any relationship where you deem the person to be ur other half or y'all are just very close to one another.

~North Node in Pisces must learn forgiveness towards SELF

~For my fellow steven universe lovers, moon sq pluto synastry is equivalent to the relationship & situation between Spinel & Rose Quartz. Spinel would be the Moon person.

~12H ruler in the 3H-keep a lot of things to urself becuz more often than not ppl don't want the best for you & things will go array after you speak about it. If your 12H is in libra with the ruler in the 3H, things pertaining to relationships esp should be kept under wraps. As well as ur gifts, talents & things that bring you peace

~Air sign/house Chiron & Lilith's, were you ever bullied for being a "nerd" or having an interests that weren't the norm then but is now?

~Venus (trine/sextile) NN synastry is the way the Venus person shows love is what the NN person needs. For example, A Cap Venus's love is steady, stable, longlasting, devoted & gives true old romance which is something that a Taurus NN needs but would also be foreign to them due to their Scorpio SN. The Venus persons way of loving will bring the NN person closer towards where they need to be.

~2H/Taurus plmts are usually big cookers/bakers. Or at least they should, it's one of the many things that'll bring them peace.

~12H Libra/5H Pisces love romance/fantasy/magic/supernatural shows & movies!

~11H Cancer are the "emotional support" friend. The one you can go and talk to about your feelings, emotions and family issues. The one that is the more emotional person of the friend group & sees their friends as their family.

~Sag stells/nep-asc/1H Jup- Do people easily guess ur ethnicity or suspect ur from somewhere else? You may not know what gives it away, but someone will ask "oh are you from ____?"

Follow & Like for more!!!!!!!! Dm to book a reading with me. Dm to purchase my book on 12H synastry. Prepare for the new content aheadddddd!!!! Comment any content suggestions as well.

[bloodpen-to-paper]

Gonna throw my hat into the ring here, as someone who very recently had a streamer they loved and supported go down for serious allegations and crimes. Feel free to skip around my long ass response, I'll break it down into parts:

---Public Reception

Part of the reason I despise these situations is because people online don't ever know enough to make 100% accurate assessments, but will act like they do anyway (I don't care if its authoritarian, I want a bill where people on Twitter can't post about drama until after at least 5 minutes of being forced to critically think). Having said that, here's my opinions on how everything should go forward:

-Shelby shared her story in order to spread awareness on domestic abuse and the signs, so that others can read those signs and keep themselves safe (or leave an actively abusive situation they've been convincing themselves isn't that bad). That is the priority here, that is what people should be focusing on. If you make this situation about stirring drama with the other CCs, you're a dumbass and you need to stop posting. Give support to Shelby, uplift the voices of women like her sharing their stories, spread awareness on what domestic abuse can look like so everyone can learn, and wait for more information. Its that simple.

-CCs don't owe statements for conflicts they weren't involved in. Philza, Tommy, Quackity, Charlie, and other CCs close to Wilbur who aren't part of this don't owe you an explanation. They're people, they're most likely having to come to terms with the fact that a dear friend, someone who could've been like family, isn't who they thought he was. Have a fucking heart and cut it with the parasocial entitlement. I'm hoping Quackity will remove Wilbur from the Qsmp, but just like with Forever, he probably won't make a big announcement of it, and that's perfectly ok. I understand wanting to make sure you're not supporting a CC who would defend someone guilty of committing domestic abuse, but its still not your right to get anything from these people. If they share, they share. If not, then they don't. If you can't handle that, then leave.

-Having said the above, its worth noting that CCs aren't just a fun group of friends, they're coworkers. Much of what they say publicly and when they say it can be shaped or restricted by situations that can affect their careers or get them in legal trouble. You don't know these people personally or what goes on behind the scenes, its a network and you can't measure their responses the same way you would your own opinion piece. The CCs will always need to be careful about how they respond to an issue, and they will most likely respond in "safe" ways considering what's on the line. Not accusing anyone of anything, nor demonizing them for it, just something to keep in mind. They're human, but they're also working a job.

-If you have Lovejoy or Wilbur-related merch, DON'T THROW IT AWAY OR DESTROY IT. I've seen lots of people pointing out merch can be donated to thrift shops or shelters, and its more eco-friendly than burning or trashing. Remember, anything can be repurposed; a book, a hoodie, there's always someone who can find a use for it. Likewise if you want to keep your old merch, that's fine to. You can wear it if it brings you comfort, or if its something you just like the look of. As long as you're not supporting the source, you already have the merch so don't let people pressure you into thinking you're bad for keeping it if you're not ready to let go/throw away those $70.

---My Opinion Regarding His Response

Everyone and their cousin has been dogpiling on Wilbur's response (rightfully), but I think people online don't understand how public responses work when there's legal team and PR interference. The tweet for me had a weird lack of personal touch and emotion from the guy I've observed to be very personal in his writings, whether its his music or a community post about a life update (blah blah parasociality I know, but I'm letting you know the observations I've made of his behavior simply as someone who notices these things). He also never explicitly stated Shelby's name, rather saying "that person" (you even had the textbook 'black text on a blank white background' screenshotted response). Finally, there was a consistent standing on Wilbur 'not being aware of how the other person really felt' regarding his actions. What I'm trying to say is... y'all really gotta start putting two and two together. Its a textbook PR response. As in, I'd be surprised if Wilbur had over 50% involvement in making it because the wording is exactly how it reads when a response has been initiated by someone's lawyers rather than themselves. The reason he doesn't take more accountability and openly admit to having abused Shelby (other than the obvious public backlash) is probably cause his lawyers are banking on the feigning ignorance angle, that Wilbur didn't intentionally abuse Shelby and was ignorant to how his actions affected her. Its the best way to get him out of hot water on the legal side, because again, this isn't messy drama; its a genuine accusation of a crime. I don't think the response is tone deaf and unaware, I think its a deliberate and measured legal move not even fully created by Wilbur himself. This isn't to say I think he's innocent, but I do know that Shelby and others have brought up some serious accusations, and Wilbur is lawyering up as a result.

---Nuance

Prefacing this part by saying that things are not looking good for Wilbur in regards to what other CCs have brought up about him, and I fully believe and support Shelby, hence why I support that the community should start distancing from him and his work. But I would like to take this opportunity to look into the greater aspects at play. We are within a system that brings up men to do what they want without teaching them to be considerate and aware of the consequences. Men are taught their harmful behavior is perfectly fine, often at women's expense, which makes these situation a very different story depending on who's telling it. Its because of this that we need to critically analyze the system and how it causes men to turn out as they do, instead of giving an immediate opinion without any nuance.

There's a possibility that Wilbur is being genuine in not realizing how bad his actions were. There's a possibility he truly is a manipulative liar who knew exactly what he was doing. He could be a piece of shit. He could be genuinely trying to improve and do better. We don't know. I'd say its pretty cut and dry that he hurt Shelby, and for that I'm glad she's getting justice for herself and spreading awareness. But if we're to entertain the idea of redemption, we need to look at situations like these with nuance so that we can understand the "why". I'm not trying to justify Wilbur's actions or even give him the benefit of the doubt, I have no idea what's going on in that guy's head. I'm just putting this out there because its something I want everyone to think about, especially when it comes to topics regarding narcissism and mental health issues. Don't support him or Lovejoy, just keep something like this in mind for the future.

---The Community/Now Displaced Fans

To everyone who's immediately telling Wilbur's fans (the ones that don't support his actions and are actively mourning no longer being able to enjoy his stuff) to just listen to other music or move on, and who are celebrating each negative new thing that comes out about Wilbur's current status, sincerely, shut the fuck up. You are completely lacking in empathy or emotional intelligence, and what you're doing is the last thing the community needs. Wilbur and his work could have and for many did get fans through some of their hardest moments, and losing that wonderful sense of community you get from streamers and their work (especially with the roleplay stuff) is awful. It fucked me up losing that after almost a year, for some of his fans its been even longer.

If you're a (former) fan of his, its ok to feel like shit. We're human, we get attached and we grieve losing something like this because that's how capable we are of loving. Take your time, as long as you know where to stand (supporting Shelby and raising awareness on domestic abuse), you're doing good. You can keep enjoying his characters and work and making content about it, separating the art from the artist (though don't stream his music from platforms that would give him the money, find a way to pirate it).

This sucks. I feel it as a casual fan who was once hugely into his content, I can imagine what its like for those who were huge supporters all the way up until now. You didn't do anything wrong supporting someone you thought was a good person, its just a thing that happens and its so fucking shitty. You ain't alone though, I know some of you have that knee-jerk reaction to avoid anything to do with him but reaching out to others in the community and actually processing it all is way better, you won't be bottling it all up. Don't be afraid to continue engaging with this part of your life until you're ready to move on from it in your own time, and be kind to yourself. From someone who went through exactly what you are now, trust me, you'll get through it.

[nanowrimo]

When Is a Small Press a Good Fit?

When it comes to publishing, many writers will think about big publishers first. However, there are a lot of different publishing options out there to explore. NaNo participant and author, Clara Ward, talks about their experience publishing with a small press and gives you questions to consider while you think through your publishing options!

NaNoWriMo inspired me to write. Signing with a small press gave me the support I needed to publish a book I love. 

I’d published books before—starting with NaNoWriMo sponsor deals in the early days of online publishing—but I never had the right skill set to promote those books. As a result, they never truly found their audience. 

In November of 2020, I poured my heart into a genre-blurring near-future tale of sailing across the Pacific and building a neurodiverse, queer, and possibly magical chosen family. In 2021, I titled it Be the Sea and asked myself: What am I going to do with that?

1. Are you looking for fame or family?

Small presses are as varied as the people who form them. If you read widely, you may already have a treasured book on your shelf from your publisher-to-be. Try asking NaNoWriMo friends who share your interests if they’ve discovered any surprising or emerging sources for great reads. (At the very least, you may find books you’ll love in unexpected places!)

Admittedly, a small press doesn’t have a fortune to spend on paving your path to fame. But I have never felt as seen as when my soon-to-be publisher, E.D.E. Bell at Atthis Arts, wrote back, “I’m really in love with what you are doing and would like to talk about it.” 

2. Do you have the bandwidth for working with others?

Even with the most supportive small press, you may have to push outside your comfort zone. I know authors who love the absolute control and freedom of self-publishing. For a time, I felt very comfortable just posting my NaNoWriMo fanfiction novels on Archive of Our Own. At most, I had one or two beta readers to offer feedback on those works. Whereas E.D.E. told me in one of our earliest conversations that in addition to our three rounds of editing we’d need “a good number of betas” to cover the range of topics we were working on together.

I was delighted! I knew what I’d written was ambitious, and I welcomed all the feedback I could get. But it turns out, each extra person in a process adds new challenges and delays. I had to stretch my empathy as well as my publishing timeline because, to quote E.D.E. again: “It’s a lot of emotion (as well as brain cycles) to go through...” Outside perspectives will only improve your writing if you are willing to work with them, to truly listen and learn.

3. Can you handle the two-way commitment?

No form of publishing is easy. The myth that authors write while others handle business and promotion is not true at the top, and certainly not with small presses. In my experience, working with Atthis Arts was like joining a team or chosen family. Beyond certain paid tasks, such as editing and sensitivity reading, I discovered a community of authors who freely offered coaching before my first public reading, social media boosting, tips for author webpages, and an extra pair of eyes on letters requesting bookshop readings or other events. While not all small presses work the same way, this supportive culture proved to be an excellent fit for me. Naturally, I wanted to give back whenever possible.

Small presses can only succeed with community. This month, as I promote the launch of Be the Sea at bookshops in Mountain View, Davis, and Sacramento, I will be introducing many Californians to my Michigan-based small publisher, Atthis Arts. When I stand up as a panelist at Norwescon in Washington state or at various science, library, or Pride events later in the year, I’ll be promoting more than Be the Sea by Clara Ward. I’ll give back by sharing my appreciation for small presses, the supportive and inclusive practices they can normalize, and the opportunities they open up for future writers and readers. 

Clara Ward lives in Silicon Valley on the border between reality and speculative fiction. Their latest novel, Be the Sea, features a near-future ocean voyage, chosen family, and sea creature perspectives, while delving into our oceans, our selves, and how all futures intertwine. Their short fiction has appeared in Strange Horizons, Decoded Pride, Small Wonders, and as a postcard from Thinking Ink Press. When not using words to teach or tell stories, Clara uses wood, fiber, and glass to make practical or completely impractical objects. More of their words along with crafted creations can be found at: https://clarawardauthor.wordpress.com

Photo by Hümâ H. Yardım on Unsplash

[luminouslywriting]

Hii wanted to request a Bob headcannon, them with a French risistant

Ahh this is a super fun idea! Admittedly, I don't know a ton about the French resistance, but I'll give it my best go! Reminder that my requests are open for BoB, MOTA, and the Pacific!

More under the cut, cut for length:

Dick Winters:

-Really impressed with your work and works with you well.

-The relationship is born from a mutual respect and friendship—combined with shared goals, it makes it easy for the two of you to connect and fall in love.

-You promise to take him to Paris one day and you are the one who accompanies him on his leave :)

-Admittedly, he does worry about you because your job puts you in the line of fire, but he trusts you and your ability to handle yourself above all else.

-Does his best to learn some French and it's very very American sounding still, but hey, he's trying haha

-Waits until the end of the war to make a move because he doesn't want to mess things up with you

Lewis Nixon:

-Enjoys getting to know you during intelligence reports and other espionage acts. Is very impressed by you. -Loves talking French culture and appreciated your music and art a ton….he’s an educated man, after all haha. -Thinks you need to let loose every now and then with a drink and definitely offers it more than once haha. -Comes to talk to you about the most random things; from strategy to drinking to his marriage problems to your life story. -Always expresses gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices you make to help Easy Co along. -Probably hooks up with you at least once and then admits he’s fallen for you shortly before the war ends lol

Ronald Speirs:

-Pretends not to listen to any of the stories about you and mostly succeeds. He just figures out the truth and has mad respect for you and your job. -Scary girlfriend with scary dog boyfriend privileges?? Sign me up. -Loves getting to work with you in any capacity and will swap tips and tricks for taking people down haha

-Please just have a hot spar session with him. It’s life changing, I promise. -Learns French quietly and on his own to better communicate with you. -Probably comes back to Europe after the war to sweep you off your feet and admit his love.

Buck Compton:

-In awe??? You’re very cool and he’s very aware of that haha. -Compliments you very sincerely and probably tries to get into whatever sports teams that you have in France. -Also a college boy who is considering doing college in Europe solely so he can see you after haha

-Learns all of your body language so he can better understand how you’re feeling about things without having to ask you plainly. -Is a great support system so please be a great support to him as well. -Invite him to come recover in France, he’ll love that!

Carwood Lipton:

-Painfully shy about being impressed by you and your skillset. But he’s also paying close attention and praising your work. -A great friend and ally to have wherever you travel. He’ll always have your back. -He’s quietly harboring a crush that he would be mortified if anyone found out. Easy Company does find out and ships you two quite a bit. -Is not going to make a move until Austria though because he knows that the war is a messy situation and relations between countries are already stressed. -Very sweet about supporting you and always checks in on your emotions and how your family is doing. He CARES okay??? -Everyone is convinced you two are going to be married one day haha.

Joe Liebgott:

-Love at first sight?? Like DAYUM he is impressed and starry eyed and immediately flirting with you the first chance he gets. -It does not go well and he needs a whole redemption friend arc where he proves himself to be a good friend first. -Has cute German pet names for you that he will never speak aloud lol. -Probably invites you to his foxhole for warmth (there’s only some slight innuendos in that instance)

-Makes a move shortly after Bastogne because that was sobering to realize mortality was so frail and it all just works out. -You are the only person he will share his chocolate with haha.

Donald Malarkey:

-Meets you on D-Day and is just ???? Shook??? Bc who are you and where did you come from and how are you so cool? -He’s super easy to talk to and connect with. He loves talking to you and hearing about your life. -Also just wants to introduce you to American food and sports haha. -Writes home to his family about you in passing and they are sus as hell about that haha

-Really gets to know you after his friends die and leave after Bastogne and relies on you a lot. You’re a great strength to him. -Probably asks you if you’d like to come home to the US with him :)

Eugene Roe:

-HE SPEAKS FRENCH, YOU SPEAK FRENCH, instant besties, if only because he understands exACTLY what you’re saying haha 🤣

-You two gravitate easily towards each other for this reason but also, it’s really nice to have someone with actual medical training on your side. -He loves hearing French folktales and legends and he’ll share some American and Cajun ones with you

-Always is the first to check on you after espionage missions or after you’ve been on the line. He wants to make sure you’re doing okay. -Honestly very devoted to you but knows that the timing isn’t right and you both have jobs to do. -But a hand hold here or there wouldn’t hurt…and neither would inviting him to France and to meet your family after the war haha

Bill Guarnere:

-An Italian American and his French S/O walk into a bar….truly the start to an iconic joke….except you two are great together?? -He falls for your devotion and the way in which you are so passionate about things. And he definitely lets you know that. -He starts planning things out pretty early on and if you don’t have any family left, he’d be happy to make an honest Italian American out of you lol. -Consistently had your back in battle and watches out for you. -Go home with him to the US after he gets injured and he’ll take care of him. You’ll get a home and a family and someone who will love you forever. -Honestly?? Too cute.

Joe Toye:

-Not about to admit that he thinks you’re badass but he certainly tells everyone else that haha

-Likes to see you relax and have fun with the guys and prioritizes making sure you feel included

-Is a great listener if you ever want to talk about how you’re feeling or what’s been going on lately

-Trains with you on shooting and hand to hand combat and is eager to learn from you as much as he wants to teach you too

-Definitely wrote back home to his family about you and admitted his feelings before Bastogne.

-Go home with him please :) he’ll love you forever

George Luz:

-This man probably has so many nicknames for you (a la Tony Stark style) and it’s a witty banter filled friendship. -He’s not afraid of telling you how he feels and is very good at watching your six in the field. -Is the type of guy to attempt horrible flirting in broken French. It’s painful for everyone haha. -Everyone is aware that you two like each other and they’re coming to with increasingly deranged ways to get you two together. -Loved hearing you talk about history and your culture and hobbies. It’s one of the few times he’s completely quiet and attentive. -Comes back to Europe in a romantic grand gesture after the war to sweep you off of your feet.

[destroy-some-evil]

So... I'm watching Until We Meet Again while waiting for more episodes of The Sign (because I need more reincarnated soulmates please and thank you).

And I can tell the narrative says this:

But my theory presupposes that maybe:

Look I get it - the narrative really wants us to buy that Korn is the "strong silent" type and Dean, as his reincarnation, is similar in attitude but a way better Dom because he learned from his past life and became better at caring for his loved ones. Meanwhile, Intouch was the "adorable cinnamon bun" in the past who couldn't cook and occasionally pushed Korn's boundaries, and now as Pharm, who can cook (character development!), is basically the perfect sub to Dean's Dom (yes, I read @lutawolf's post about the soft D/s moments in the series and clicked subscribe -what off it). I get that's the story they are showing. Also, I like the story it's been fun to watch and I'm looking forward to the last two episodes.

But - but what if

Korn who basically was forced to be the strong silent type because he was the eldest and not allowed to be soft with how his dad raised him. He just wanted read literature volume 4 or what ever but circumstances and society expected different of him. I don't know there is something sweet to think that in his next life he gets to be that soft boy who likes cooking. Who still takes care of those around but he doesn't have to force himself to be the visibly strong one all the time. Both Korn and Pharm were both the ones who were initially afraid of what it meant to love this person in front of them.

Meanwhile, Intouch, who just wanted to care for Korn, makes that the core of who he is in his next life. He's not as carefree as he once was, but he still loves to be in the water. (All In's suggestions for vacations related to water. The beach vacation they took and the raft one they never got to do.) He still loves teasing his boyfriend and he still makes it his life goal to make him happy. Also, he can now at least follow directions for cooking but it's not something expected of him. And on a more serious note, he's more able to protect Pharm than Intouch was able to protect Korn. Korn probably would have never allowed Intouch to protect him because he had to be the one in charge; even if, maybe, he didn't want to be. Also, both Intouch and Dean are the ones who see their other half and go, "yes, that's him. He's the one I'm going be with for the rest of my life." No hesitation, just plans for how he's going put a ring on it. (I also have a headcannon that Dean was the one to suggest the red thread faculty tours. His fellow classmates tease that Dean's thread is already picked out for Pharm. And in the past Intouch is the one to tie the red thread on Korn.)

I also get that visually the show wanted to associate that Intouch and Pharm look similar and that Korn and Dean look similar because that makes it easy.

But you know what stupid romantic is this post about the Japanese legend that you have the face of the person you loved the most in your previous life (okay so the post applying that legend to Avatar the Last Airbender but it's still stupid romantic).

Apply that to these two and tell me it's not sweet and romantic to think that they get reborn into the same families they were originally in and that they are surrounded by people who loved them in both their lives and now those people have grown and learned to support them AND they have the face of the person who they loved most in their past life.

Yes, I'm late to the party (I only found found out about how to get easy access to Thai BLs in October 2023 - thank you @talistheintrovert) but I have thoughts. Also this was fun.

[bridgertonbabe]

I love your bridgerton siblings support group chat.

What would be in the group chat the morning after the families Monopoly night ended in a screaming match with several death threats?

BSSG Group Chat

Sophie:

Lucy:

Phillip:

Michael: Well at least we got the game night out of the way for this year 🙃

Penelope: and thanks to last night we can dissuade them from having one for another couple of years

Penelope: I hope 🙏

Kate: Wait what?

Kate: Are you serious?

Kate: Last night wasn't that bad!

Gareth:

Lucy: I...

Sophie: Kate

Sophie: Sweetie

Simon:

Sophie: In what world was last night not that bad????

Kate: Oh you guys are being so dramatic!

Penelope: Kate

Penelope: you do understand that a trip to a+e is the epitome of a bad night

Penelope: right?

Penelope: please tell me you get that

Kate: Yeah but it was only the one casualty this time!

Kate: So it was a way better night than the Cluedo incident of '19

Lucy: i'm sorry

Lucy: THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME A GAMES NIGHT HAS ENDED IN A TRIP TO A&E???????????????

Michael: Ah Lucy

Michael: So young

Michael: So innocent

Michael: So pure of heart

Sophie: Wow I had forgotten all about the Cluedo incident. I genuinely think I had repressed it.

Phillip: Lucky you.

Phillip: Btw Simon how much was the vase that El broke? I'll Venmo you.

Simon: Honestly Phil don't stress about it.

Simon: I hated that vase anyway.

Phillip: Are you sure?

Simon: Yeah and besides Daph's never gonna learn otherwise that this is always going to happen when she decides to host game night.

Gareth: also apologies about hy

Gareth: i wasn't aware she would bring her penknife to a fucking games night

Gareth: but more fool me

Penelope: Gareth we can't control our spouses

Michael: No matter how much we'd like to.

Penelope: So don't beat yourself up about it x

Lucy: so none of you are going to expand on what happened with Cluedo?????

Lucy: just how many people had to go to a&e that night?????

Lucy: how long into the night did it all descend into chaos????????

Lucy: why would any of you allow a games night to happen again after that???????????????????????????

Sophie: Lucy, were you under the impression that any of us wanted to be there last night?

Kate: I wanted to be there!

Michael: Community note: Kate suffers from a mental illness which only flares up in competitive circumstances.

Kate: Fuck off Michael!

Lucy: well at the very least you guys could have warned me about it!!!

Gareth: i did warn you about it

Lucy: gareth sending me this

Lucy:

Lucy: is not warning me about it

Gareth:

Gareth: i-

Gareth: please tell me you get the reference?

Gareth: if this is the way i find out you have never seen the film

Lucy: relax i know it's get out

Lucy: i understood

Lucy: i just thought you sent it as a joke because of how family game nights can be in general

Lucy: you never specified the severity of a bridgerton game night

Gareth: see for me sending you the pic was a warning about the severity of a bridgerton game night

Penelope: Also Gareth's warning aside, I did tell you to brace yourself when you arrived last night.

Lucy: again i thought you guys were joking

Michael: Did you miss Phil catatonic in the corner before the monopoly board had even been set up?

Michael: Or the fact Simon was half-cut from pre-gaming?

Sophie: Or the mad glint in each of the Bridgertons' eyes?

Lucy: ok fine

Lucy: perhaps i willfully ignored all the warning signs

Lucy: i was naive

Simon: Look don't stress Lucy, we've all been there.

Phillip: Yeah at some point we were all young and naive about game nights before we met the bridgertons

Michael: Not Kate tho

Kate: Fuck off, I'm not that bad!

Simon: ...

Simon: Kate I know it was you who keyed my car last night.

Gareth:

Lucy:

Phillip:

Michael: Fucking hell Kate

Kate: What

Kate: Simon

Kate: No

Kate: That wasn't me!

Simon: Multiple people saw you.

Kate: Like who?

Sophie: Me

Kate: Sophie you're mistaken

Sophie: I can assure you I'm not

Kate: No, you're mistaken. Besides you were too busy crying last night to see things properly, the tears must have distorted your vision.

Penelope: I also saw you.

Penelope: You were not discreet.

Kate: Pen I have no idea what you're talking about.

Phillip: Not Kate in her gaslight era

Simon sent a video

Gareth: ayyy lmao talk your way out of that one

Kate: You filmed me???

Kate: While somebody was getting loaded into an ambulance???

Sophie: Bitch you were keying a car while somebody was being loaded into the ambulance!!!!!!!!!!

Michael: Wow now you've gone and done it

Michael: Provoking Sophie into using bitch

Kate: Instead of filming me why didn't you just stop me???

Simon: I wasn't the one filming you.

Simon: Amelia was.

Gareth:

Michael: welp

Penelope: 😬

Kate: Ok look I'm really sorry, that was really out of line of me to key your Audi, I took things too far, especially when it was your car and not Daphne's.

Kate: But in my defence

Simon has left the chat.

Sophie has removed Kate from the chat.

Sophie has added Simon to the chat.

Sophie: Don't worry I removed her.

Simon: Thanks Soph x

Sophie: I'll leave her in time out for a couple of days and then add her back.

Michael: She never learns.

Lucy: ...

Lucy: are you telling me kate's been removed from the gc because of game nights before????

Phillip:

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Migration

You know, for a while, I thought Luka was one of the smartest characters in the show, and the fact that he's hightailing it out of Paris in this episode only continues to prove my point.

Let's get into the thirteenth episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fifth season: Migration

We start off with Marinette running over to the Liberty (with her friends laughing behind her back like the supportive people they are) and tries to talk with Luka about her relationship with Adrien once they're in private. Luka is pretty supportive, and it's a nice scene. Marinette then bumps into Adrien, who also wants to talk with Luka, and while the two try to get unstuck, we get a nice visual of Luka seeing the two as Ladybug and Cat Noir, which is there to remind the audience that he's known who both of them are ever since “Wishmaker”.

Adrien then talks to Luka about how he's worried something is keeping Marinette from being honest about her feelings. Luka gives him some advice on how just because he doesn't know everything about Marinette, it doesn't make her feelings for him less valid, and vice versa.

After Adrien leaves, we get an appearance from everyone's favorite deadbeat dad, Jagged Stone. He asks Luka how he can be a better father like he didn't miss years of child support, but all Luka really says is that he needs to spend time with his damn family. Of course, what I like about this scene is that it avoids the usual narrative pitfall of trying to say that Jagged and Anarka, Luka's mom, should get back together, and instead shows Jagged developing feelings for his agent, Penny.

Speaking of, after Jagged leaves, Penny comes in to come to Luka for advice. Okay, is Luka just the Dr. Phil of this show's universe? Penny talks to Luka about her sudden feelings for Jagged Stone.

Penny: No, I don't know why I'm in love with your father. He's disorganized, childish, selfish, and musically speaking, he's no David Bowie. Truth be told, your dad's a walking disaster. So why do I love him?

Luka: Does he make you happy, Penny?

Penny: Yeah. I just can't figure out why!

It's almost like this show will randomly pair people up at the drop of a hat. But hey, at least Luka hasn't asked if Kagami is single yet.

Before Penny leaves, Bob Roth, Jagged's producer, demands to know where he is, as he needs to record a new album. Bob learns that Jagged had children with Anarka (ignoring the potential scandal it could create), so Anarka promptly throws him out of the boat in a scene that I'm pretty sure is meant to be a reference to that one running gag from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Either way, Jazz's scream was funnier.

Kitty Section then practices their latest song about how you don't have to be rich, because even the songs in this show aren't exactly subtle with their messages. Bob somehow gets back on the Liberty completely dry, and offers the band a contract.

Bob: How would you like to sign a contract with me?

Luka: Actually, Bob, you already offered to sign us... Marinette: And you never followed up. Did you forget?

Bob: Huh? Uh... of course! I remember! I was just waiting for the right reason—uh, I mean, the right time! I was waiting for the right time to have you guys sign the contract!

My God, even the characters in this show want to forget it used to have good episodes.

Anarka throws Bob off again, where she and Luka talk about how everyone deserves a second chance and that change is possible.

Yeah, funny how that message almost never came up with Chloe, Lila, and Felix last season, isn't it? And given that they're going to use Bob as an example of this lesson, I don't think it's going to be a positive one. So right after Luka generously decided to give Bob a second chance, Bob offers them a new contract to sign... and as soon as he does, he screws them all over thanks to a lot of fine print they didn't stop to read.

Ivan: He can fire us whenever he wants?

Bob: Yep, and I just did, by the way.

Rose: The name Kitty Section belongs to him?!

Bob: Yep. It’s ugly, but it’s mine. Marinette: He owns everything you’ve made and will make over the next thousand years!? Bob: Gotta cover all bases.

Zoe: Marinette's costumes, the music video Nino shot, the website Mylene runs...

Bob: All mine!

Adrien: And you can’t even start another band together?

Bob: Course not, that’d be unfair competition! EVERYTHING belongs to me! Everything you are, everything you say, everything that’s in your hearts belongs to me!

See, kids? This is why you should never trust bad people. It doesn't matter if they say they want to improve. They just want to trick you and ruin your life, so if you're ever wronged by anyone, that person is never able to redeem themselves, especially if they're rich. As we all know, rich people are far worse than insane supervillains who want to rewrite reality. Just ask the biggest monster in the show, Chloe Bourgeois.

So yeah, Luka's optimism being taken advantage of is enough to attract the attention of Monarch, who attempts to akumatize him into Silencer again. Monarch realizes that Luka knows Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities (why he didn't think to look into it, given Viperion's powers, is left unanswered), and angrily smashes his guitar to free himself of Monarch's influence.

So not only did he stop himself from getting akumatized, he's also one step closer to becoming a true rock star.

Somehow, Bob thinks only keeping Luka on board would mean he wouldn't hate him, but Luka isn't buying it. Bob is shocked that Luka wouldn't want to work for an asshole like him as Luka tears the contract in half, but Bob has backups. Monarch decides to settle on Bob instead, akumatizing him into Gold Record.

Gold Record's design is... okay. It's still better than Sole Destroyer, and it's definitely better than Moolak. The gold coloring looks nice, and the euro symbol on the record is a nice visual. His powers are pretty much just a combination of Pixelator, the Collector, and Truth's powers, transforming people into records who sing their true feelings while using the Horse Miraculous' Voyage to throw the records into space. Nothing too original there, but it's a good metaphor for sleazy music producers, and it works for this story.

Rose and Anarka are the first of Gold Record's victims, and in a hurry, Luka lets Adrien know he knows he's Cat Noir, giving him a place to hide. Just as Juleka is hit by Gold Record, Ladybug and Cat Noir arrive on the scene. While Cat Noir holds off Gold Record, Ladybug tries to come up with a plan.

Ladybug summons her Lucky Charm, getting a knitting needle. She realizes her plan will need to involve using Luka as bait. Luka is forced to reveal that he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are, and what will happen if Gold Record gets him, setting up a tough choice that will force Ladybug to rethink her plan... and then the next scene happens, where Luka lets himself get hit, where Ladybug manages send Gold Record's record flying with a makeshift bow and arrow created from the knitting needle and a nearby fiddle, which Cat Noir immediately Cataclysms.

Ladybug de-evilizes the Akuma, uses Miraculous Ladybug to fix the damage, and gives Bob Roth a Magical Charm that even he knows is useless at this point. Ladybug and Cat Noir decide to call it a day and let Anarka throw Bob Roth out again.

Luka reveals that he knows Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities (because once again, sharing that information with your friends is totally fine for some reason), and that he can't stay in Paris. After revealing that he had Fang eat all of Bob's contracts so Luka isn't bound by them anymore, Jagged offers to take Luka around the world to finally make up for years of absence while Luka makes Juleka the new leader of Kitty Section. And so the episode ends with the Couffaine family sharing a hug while Luka gives one last look to his friends Marinette and Adrien.

This episode was just average, all things considered. The plot and the lesson it was setting out to teach, while not terrible, felt a little tacked on. It was if the writers were trying to acknowledge the stuff that happened with Chloe and wanted to show an example of redemption arc done right in the case of Jagged. It falls flat because once again, more focus is given to showing how easy it is to be screwed over trusting someone than showing the benefits to trusting someone, especially since Bob is already an outlandish villain we already have a lot of reasons to hate.

I'm also mixed on the handling of Luka here. While I'm glad Marinette isn't being forced to learn a lesson here, I don't get why Luka had to be the one to be taken advantage of. He's already aware of how easy it is for Monarch to learn his secrets, so it feels weird that he lets himself and his friends get taken advantage of so easily. Outside of the scene with Ladybug's Lucky Charm, I don't get why he needed to tell the others the stuff he knew. I can sort of see why he'd tell Adrien, but why would he think telling his friends he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are wouldn't endanger them too?

Speaking of that, despite being established for almost an entire season, we really don't see enough of Marinette and Adrien reacting to Luka revealing that he knows who they are. Marinette only gets a few lines, and Adrien doesn't even get to say anything. While I am glad that Marinette and Adrien aren't dominating the plot for once, it feels weird that we don't get to see their reactions to something so shocking, especially with how often the identity rule has been enforced.

On the other hand, the writing is still handled a lot better than usual. I like how Monarch chooses to change his strategy to focus on Luka halfway through the episode, and the idea of the risk using Luka for Ladybug's plan brings is an interesting one, even if they don't really go anywhere with it. The running gag with Bob constantly getting thrown off the Liberty is a funny one, and it proves you can actually write slapstick that doesn't involve humiliating Marinette. Who knew?

As a whole, while I think this is the best episode of the season so far, this episode still has its fair share of problems.

THE BIGGEST IDIOT OF THE EPISODE IS... LUKA

Not counting the time Marinette got the award in my review of the Shanghai Special, we have the first character this season to get the Biggest Idiot Award twice. For someone who is usually smarter than the other characters, Luka made quite a few bad choices this episode. He decided to trust Bob Roth after he screwed him and his friends over in “Silencer”, he didn't think to read the contract he was offered, and after being endangered by what Monarch knows now, he decided to tell his friends and family that he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are, potentially putting them all in danger too. Yeah, the next few episodes will probably just ignore it, but there's always a chance Monarch could try another Optigami, even if he doesn't have the Peacock Miraculous anymore.

And with that, I'm officially done with the first half of Season 5. What do I think of it? Well, I think Immortan Joe said it best:

Yeah, this season was pretty boring, all things considered. To be perfectly honest, I struggled here more than I did last season because I wasn't sure what to say about half of the episodes I watched. There was almost nothing of substance these past thirteen episodes, and I could barely say anything other than “this episode is okay” or “this episode is bad”. Whenever I had ideas, they were usually extensions to things I've already talked about, like the Marinette angst, the historical and cultural inaccuracies, and the villains genuinely being incompetent. If you showed someone a few episodes of Season 1 and this season, outside of Monarch's new appearance, it'd be pretty hard for them to tell the difference.

But hey, maybe things will pick up in the second half of the season. Hell, maybe the next episode will be even better than this one, and... huh. Does anyone else hear an ominous whistling in the background?

[linkemon]

Matryoshka (Childe x Reader)

Friendly reminder that English is not my first language. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here. Consider supporting me on Ko-fi. You can also check out my commissions if you’re interested.

Other oneshots can be found here.

ᴛꜱᴀʀɪᴛꜱᴀ ʜᴀꜱ ʀᴇɪɢɴᴇᴅ ꜱᴜᴘʀᴇᴍᴇ ɪɴ ꜱɴᴇᴢʜɴᴀʏᴀ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ. ʜᴇʀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ - [ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ] ᴡɪʟʟ ᴛʀʏ ᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄʜɪʟᴅᴇ'ꜱ ʜᴇʟᴘ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱ-ꜱᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏꜰ ᴠᴀʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ꜱᴛᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ, ᴇxᴘʟᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ᴡʜʏ ᴀᴊᴀx, ᴀʟᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜ ɪꜱ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ, ɴᴏ ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ᴇxɪꜱᴛꜱ…

ᴀᴅᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: 1. ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ꜱᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴄʜɪʟᴅᴇ'ꜱ ʙᴀᴄᴋꜱᴛᴏʀʏ. ꜱɴᴇᴢʜɴᴀʏᴀ ʜᴀꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ʏᴇᴛ, ꜱᴏ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪꜱ ʙᴀꜱᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀʏ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴄᴀɴᴏɴ. 2. ᴀꜱꜱᴜᴍᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀᴊᴀx ɪꜱ ᴀ ɴᴀᴍᴇ, ᴄʜɪʟᴅᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴅᴇɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴀʀᴛᴀɢʟɪᴀ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴛᴜɪ.

[Reader] looked around the area. She always tried to be careful. She covered up footprints left on forest paths, most often with dry branches but she knew that if her mother really wanted to find her, it wouldn't help her. No one could hide from Queen Tsaritsa, least of all in her kingdom. For now, however, she either didn't know where her daughter was going or she simply didn't care.  

The girl was surrounded by expanses of pure, unsullied white. Only a small, gray fox wagged its tail and disappeared behind a withered bush. A mature figure emerged among the snowflakes swirling around. She breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the familiar red head of hair. Ajax looked up and smiled broadly. He slowly got up from his makeshift straw bed. He went to meet her. He carefully placed his feet on the thick ice, looking for air bubbles. She knew he was putting on a good face for a bad game. The uncertainty in his blue eyes let her know that he wasn't used to coming here without his father.  

— Follow me. — He grabbed her hand.  

His hand felt unusually warm in the frosty, cold air. She squeezed it tightly. The dark depths under her feet terrified her. In the palace she saw only fountains or shallow ponds. Almost every one of them was frozen to the bottom. It was her first time around such a large lake. And she certainly never tried to walk on one.  

— Look ahead. — She wasn't sure if the boy was saying it to her or to himself.  

Ajax repeated to himself what his father had taught him. She wasn't entirely sold on this whole fishing idea. He dropped it in passing during the last conversation and then somehow it felt stupid to back out. Maybe it was because [Reader] seemed genuinely excited about the idea of something new. In theory, she could do whatever she wanted in the palace. In practice, it was usually the same, boring activities. She could choose between embroidery, painting, playing instruments and a number of other activities but nothing interested her. Her mother deliberately kept her away from planning war tactics or learning how to use weapons. Her daughter was never supposed to replace her. Once Tsaritsa achieves her goal of overthrowing all the gods, there will be no need for this.  

Even simply going beyond the ice walls involved an escort and had to have some sensible purpose. It's no wonder that when Ajax made his offer, she immediately beamed. Any change brought her joy. He knew how much she loved her home. However, she dreamed of escaping this cold place. She wanted to visit the far reaches of Teyvat, where Archons other than her mother ruled. Where people didn't look at each other with suspicion at almost every step. Where no one reported anyone. Where no one signed documents condemning unfortunate people to death during breakfast. He didn't think she had it worse than his family. After all, it was people like him who were affected by all decisions coming from the court but he also felt that it couldn't be easy for someone like her to watch all this and be unable to do anything.  

He also partially agreed to the trip because he was flattered by the fact that he could give her something she didn't have, despite her status. He had often wondered if there was any point in knowing her, given all their differences. However, he explained to himself that no one really had the right to impose anything on them. If they both liked each other, why couldn't they play together?  

Before he knew it, they reached the ice hole. He reluctantly let go of his friend's hand. He handed her a flexible wooden fishing rod. It's time to put the bait on. The companion looked into the small box full of wriggling worms.  

— Aughhh. — She grimaced, looking away from the largest individual.  

— The fatty ones are the best — Ajax laughed when he saw her reaction. — I can do it for you — he added, taking the hook.  

— NO! — [Reader] interrupted him, snatching the fishing rod away. — There's no fun in it if you do it for me — Besides… — she hesitated. — Someday I'll probably have to do a lot of worse things.  

She grimaced for the last time. The pink-gray earthworm squirmed for a moment before being brutally impaled on the sharp end of the fishing rod. She looked at it with a strange determination. As if there was more to catching a fish than just having fun. 

— Is this about your mother? — asked the boy.  

It wasn't hard to guess when she was thinking about her. Queen Tsaritsa usually clouded her thoughts, making her face look sad or angry.  

— One day — she lowered her voice — I will overthrow this entire system. — She closed her fingers tightly around the wooden handle. — And then no one in Morepesok or Snezhnaya will have to fish to avoid starvation!  

Ajax opened his eyes in surprise. He didn't think she saw the poverty of ordinary people so deeply. For him it was everyday life. His father turned finding food into a game to make him more willing to help. In fact, he forgot about it a long time ago. Some things he had become accustomed to stopped bothering him over time.  

— If you ever need someone to be... you know... general in charge of putting worms on fishing rods, I'm on it! — Saying this, he pulled a fish out of the lake. It was small, gray and uninviting to eat. As usual.  

The girl laughed, her voice echoing in the silence. It wasn't any particular laugh at all. It was rather plain. Average. And yet, as he listened to it, his heart swelled and there was nothing he could do about it. And he knew he could clown like this for the rest of the day if she just looked at him the way she did now.  

— I think I could use someone like you. You'll be my deputy, what do you say? — [Reader] asked.  

He was about to answer when she grabbed his hand, interrupting him before he could say anything. She stared at the ice beneath her feet, weighing her words.  

— I'm serious, Ajax. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but if I ever had to... — The words didn't come out of her throat. — Will you help me?  

Her friend felt that the question was downright crazy. The queen reigned supreme in Snezhnaya for several centuries. No one managed to overthrow her, because anyone who tried to confront the goddess died a cruel death. He had no desire to be next at all. On the other hand, in all the stories his father told him, heroes had to take risks. Why shouldn't he be the next one?  

— I will help, I promise. — He nodded.  

A cool wind blew, tugging at the red strands of his hair. He brushed them away from his forehead with an impatient movement. The blizzard was getting more and more intense. It was time to go back.  

— Hold on. My subordinates can't freeze. — [Reader] extended her fur towards him.  

He didn't think it was so obvious that he was freezing. He usually moved more or just stayed outside less on days like this. However, he didn't want the meeting to end too quickly. That's why he discreetly moved his stiff fingers, trying to warm them up. His clothes also left much to be desired.  

— Come on, princess, I'm not that…   

The girl stubbornly put the white cloth over his shoulders.   

—...cold — he finished resignedly.  

He had to admit that he immediately felt warmer. The fur warmed his frozen back. [Reader] grabbed his cool hand. It was as cold as his own but somehow he didn't want to let go of it. They slowly walked across the lake to the edge of the forest. Here their paths diverged.  

— I almost forgot. — He reached into the leather bag. — It's for you.  

There was a small doll resting on his hand. He made them every year for his entire family. Now he decided to make an additional one. Matryoshka had many little sisters inside her. He painted a different face on each one. Dressed in blue winter robes, they gleamed with fresh varnish.  

— Is that a matryoshka doll? — she made sure of it by examining it closely.  

He nodded.  

— So you won't forget about me during the winter — he said quietly.  

He knew that after the next blizzard they wouldn't see each other until spring. Only here the winters were so cruel. The snow will cover the paths and no one will be able to get to his village for a while, even if they wanted to.  

He sincerely hoped that she would think of him when she looked at this gift.  

— See you! — he said goodbye quickly and ran away.  

***  

[Reader] got out of the sleigh. She stopped for a few moments next to the gray horses. She stroked their faces gently. They snorted quietly, munching on the barely visible grass. She was always impressed by this only green area near the palace. One of the few places in all of Snezhnaya where the snow melted enough to see what was beneath it. Even her mother seemed to like this patch of land. Otherwise she would never want to come here. They came here every year. Even if the girl didn't know why. She was usually left alone and the Tsaritsa went away to archons know where.  

— Childe, keep the princess company! — The guard commander left to enjoy the rare rays of sunlight.  

He delegated the tedious task to the junior. Nothing could have pleased [Reader] more. She had been waiting for this moment. Her dream finally came true. She slowly walked along the well-trodden path. She desperately wanted to speed up. However, she had to be careful, so she gracefully grabbed the folds of her snow-white dress and took small steps towards the meeting.  

She had to admit that the old Ajax had grown a lot since she last saw him. The closer she got, the more she felt her heart speed up. She only saw him from a distance when he was training in the barracks. She managed to slip away a few times but a quiet meeting was out of her reach. The soldiers respected the restrictions. Everyone was severely punished for insubordination. Tsaritsa did not tolerate lack of discipline among her subjects. So her daughter had to swallow her selfish desire to talk to her friend. Until this day.  

She couldn't stand it in the end. She ran the last steps and threw herself at his neck. He didn't lose his balance as she expected. He stood firmly on his feet.  

— I'm so glad you're okay — she said, pulling away enough to get a closer look at him.  

His hair was cut short. Dressed in uniform, he carried a spear on his back. She had no doubt that he could use it. Pulcinella slowly spread his exploits to the court. He certainly had some great interest in this.  

— I was worried — [Reader] admitted. — Just before the snowstorm, I realized you were gone. People in Morepesok said you disappeared. And then it covered up the pass.  

It was one of the worst winters of her life. She had no idea what had happened to Ajax. She risked a lot by going to the village. The residents she interviewed said that the entire family had gone to look for the young boy. Apparently he didn't come back for three days. Given the prevailing weather conditions, they wrote him off. Most believed that he was long dead. Surviving one night in such frost was bordering on a miracle. Let alone three...  

— As you can see — he pointed to himself dramatically — I'm doing better than ever.  

When the first thaw came, she went out to check the situation. Upon arrival, it turned out, to her great relief, that Ajax had survived. Unfortunately, she didn't find him alone in the village. His father sent him to the army, which she didn't understand at all. She had never imagined him in a place like this. The neighbours mentioned something about it being meant to temper him. However, it didn't add up. After all, she knew him very well. All the stories about fights and troubles sticking to him didn't fit him at all. So she concluded that there must have been some deeper reason.  

Then all she could do was watch from afar as she quickly climbed up the hierarchy. When she heard about his exploits, she almost didn't believe them. And yet now he stood here before her. Living proof of all he has done.  

— What even happened? How on earth did you survive these three days? — she asked a question that had been bothering her for months.  

— I'll tell you another time. — He looked away.  

She saw a moment of hesitation in him. She decided not to push. He probably didn't want to remember these terrible events. She'll find out another time. Besides, it wasn't important right now.  

— You still have it? — asked the boy, seeing the matryoshka doll hanging around her neck.  

A thick strap held the weight of all the sisters. Only the outer layer was visible. It looked old and worn out. It must have worn out from frequent wear.  

The girl's slightly confused reaction didn't escape him.  

— She kept me company while you were away. — She touched the gift instinctively. — I missed you so much, Ajax. — She looked up.  

He smiled in a way she had never seen from him before. Rakish. His eyes shone with determination. As if with some new depth and strength. It seemed familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.  

— It's Childe now — he corrected her. She knew it would be difficult for her to get used to his new codename. — And… I'm really glad to see you again, [Reader] — he whispered directly into her ear.  

Immediately afterwards, he kissed her unexpectedly on the cheek. If her heart wasn't beating fast enough before, it was certainly beating fast enough now. She felt like she was melting like snow in the sun.  

— You can't do that… — she trailed off in frustration.

— Do what? — The boy must have had a great time at her expense.  

— Kiss me — she said quietly.  

— Can you repeat? Because I don't think I heard...  

Her childhood friend had definitely become a lot more adventurous than before. He used to be afraid to simply talk to girls from the village. And now he was embarrassing her.

— You can't kiss me! — [Reader] protested.  

— Ah yes? Then I won't do it anymore… — Childe crossed his arms over his chest.  

— You know very well that's not what I meant. — The girl rubbed her temple.  

— Just admit you like me too! — he said, seeing her leave.  

— You can dream!

She didn't want to admit it to him. Not yet, when he had just reappeared in her life. She first had to see how much he had changed. How much of the old Ajax is still there and how much of the new Childe. However, this was an investigation she was definitely willing to undertake.  

— We'll be seeing each other a lot more soon! — said the boy.  

He was right. The rumors she heard outside must have reached her too. A promotion was coming. And not just any kind. Childe was to join Fatui as the next, eleventh member of the group. Pulcinella whispered a few words of approval to her mother. What worried her was the attention Tsaritsa showed in her friend. This rarely ended well. The missions they were sent on were everything [Reader] had wanted to fight her entire life. But there was nothing she could do about it. She was left to look for the bright side of the situation. Soon he will be officially allowed in the palace, so she will be able to meet him. And then she will find out...

***  

— Are you sure this is a good idea? What if someone sees us? — [Reader] asked, tying her skates on her feet.  

She was afraid that even here in Morepesok, someone might be watching them. And for some time she was responsible not only for herself. A whole group of people were counting on her. Any strange encounters or sneaking outs were grounds for snooping around her. She wanted to avoid this at all costs.  

— When you were younger, you wanted to try everything. Are you scared now? — Childe definitely thought his idea was great.  

She didn't answer because he was right. The older she got, the more she lost her childlike desire to learn new things. On the other hand, maybe this was what she needed. She was always busy and if she could spend some time with her lover this way, she should at least try. If she forgets about her duties for one night, nothing will probably happen.  

— I'll hold your hand the whole time — he assured, pulling her upright.  

— There is no need. I can do it myself — [Reader] muttered, making a few test slides forward. She felt her legs falling apart.  

— Is that so? — Childe laughed.

The moonlight illuminated only part of his face but even without it she would have guessed he was smiling. He loved teasing her.  

Before she knew it, he grabbed both of her hands. He started driving backwards without looking back. He pulled her along. She moved with him at dizzying speed. The cold wind whipped her face but there was something exciting about it all. Over time, she began to move her legs on her own. The metal skids glided smoothly across the surface. For a moment, she broke away from all the problems that were weighing on her. She looked at her lover. He was now gliding alone, right in front of her. In the past, Ajax was more afraid of this surface than she was. Dark water looming beneath. Places where the ice was thinner. He used to walk on it carefully. Like his father. But that has passed. Now he was no longer afraid of anyone or anything. He said he liked coming to this place. It allowed him to remember that. She loved it too but for a completely different reason. It reminded her of their first meetings.  

At some point she felt that the burden on her neck that always accompanied her was lifted. The matryoshka broke from the strap and rolled across the lake. Before she could go back for it, a fox crossed her path. Silvery, in the night light, caught it in his mouth. He started running away with it towards the forest. She tried to catch up to him but in vain.  

Suddenly she heard a whistle right next to her ear. The animal fell motionless. There was an arrow sticking out of his side. One but accurate. She glanced at Childe. She was angry, although she didn't really know why. She knelt down next to the fox and took the property.  

— You didn't have to do that. — She couldn't hide the reproach in her voice.  

— Would you rather have it ran away? — asked the surprised boy.  

She didn't want to admit it out loud but she probably did. One more death before her eyes. Even if it was just an animal, she didn't want to see it.  

— Since when have you been shooting a bow, anyway? — [Reader] saw him try a long time ago. He failed every time, so he quickly stopped.  

— No weapon is a challenge for me anymore. I want to try with a bow because I'm the worst at it. Then my winnings will make sense. — He stroked his arm.  

— You treat it all like a game, Childe. — These words sounded hollow in his ears.  

Because that's what fighting means to me, he wanted to answer. Ultimately, however, he bit his tongue. She didn't like it when he mentioned it. He had no intention of ruining this night.  

— Come on. — He brushed a strand of hair from her face. — Sorry. Next time I will ask whether to let the thief get away.  

He was relieved to see her smiling slightly. The joke might have been stupid but as long as it made her laugh, it was worth it. Nothing has changed in this regard over the years.  

He kissed her. She relaxed, pulling him closer to her. In moments like these, he felt like everything was simpler. Problems seemed to disappear and the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them. To the touch of her lips. To making her heart beat faster. To cheeks pink from frost. To the light dancing on her face. He wanted to remember this sight. Engrave it in his memory so that he could return to it on cold nights, when memories of the Abyss filled his sleepless hours.  

— I have to ask you something, or it won't leave me alone — [Reader] began, breaking away from him. Do you remember when I was a child and I asked if you would help me if... if I wanted to overthrow my mother?  

— I promised you this. — Childe nodded.  

— I need to know if you still stand by that answer. — He knew this question was important.  

She had seemed different for a few days. Nervous. He didn't think the others would notice. Even Tsaritsa. She didn't care enough about her daughter to get to know her well. But he knew. Over time, he learned to sense her moods. He saw through her better than everyone else and he was proud of it. He knew she trusted him. There was no one else who was this close in her life. 

— I haven't changed my mind, [Reader]. — The boy squeezed her hand gently.  

— Then I have a task for you. Maybe it won't be your dream position as a general in putting worms on fishing rods but...  

— I'm all ears. — He smiled.  

***  

— I hereby find [Reader], my daughter, guilty of the crime and sentence her to death!  

The girl looked into the eyes of the woman who had played her mother all her life. She was hopeless but she tried sometimes. Did she feel even a little sorry for her? If so, she didn't show it. Apparently the daughter reminded her too much of her past loss. Steel-gray irises stared intensely at their future victim. Cold, uncaring and proud, the goddess stood before her throne of ice. Her flawlessly fair, milky white skin touched the blade. She sharpened the sword with her own hands. A drop of blood dripped to the ground as soon as it touched the tip.  

— What's the point of this whole show? — [Reader] asked.  

She knew the answer to that question. She just wanted to stay in this world for a while. Even if the person who would extend this stay was to be the most hated in her entire life.  

Laughter filled the air. Delicate as snow fluff and frosty as Snezhnaya. No one in the chamber dared to utter the slightest sound. Everyone froze.  

— You know why, darling. — The words were so warm that she could almost imagine her as a kind mother. — To show what I do with traitors — she told the crowd.  

Everyone who had any influence in the country gathered here, although none of them had the illusion that they had real power. They served their Tsaritsa. Only her. Until the end of their days, which were to come soon. When the queen's plan succeeds, there will be no one left in Teyvat.  

She allowed herself to look towards Fatui. Ajax stood among them in a perfectly straight line. His red hair was disheveled. His face was covered with a mask as red as blood. He looked straight ahead. Not on her. She was happy about it. If he turned his gaze to her, she might not be able to bear it. And she had a duty to anyone who joined the rebellion. She had to die with dignity so that their spirit would not be broken. Otherwise, all her hard work will be in vain. She couldn't let this happen.  

At least he was saved. He will survive until better times. He will have a chance to continue everything she started. Fight against all the injustice that happened to them.  

Tsaritsa gracefully stepped down from the dais. With each step, [Reader] felt more and more cold. She couldn't stop her teeth from chattering. The shackles on her hands were covered with frost. Her fingers were fading at an alarming rate. The breath turned to steam. She no longer had the strength to be afraid. The fear evaporated as her entire body seemed to stiffen.  

— She'll come here. You know about it. — The girl raised her head proudly. She knew that in a moment she wouldn't even be able to move it. She had watched her mother's executions too many times to have no idea what was coming. — Lumine was in Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, and Natlan. Only you are left. I sent a letter. She will come for you. And then we will all be free…— Her mother touched her lips with her hand. She couldn't move it anymore. She knew she wouldn't say another word from then on. Never.  

— You think you're smart. That your death makes sense, the queen said in a calm voice. — It's quite the opposite. You could have it all. Stay here with me. Watching the end of Teyvat. Watch me get rid of all the evil that consumes this world. Instead, you chose a fight that you lost from the very beginning. Do you know why you're not standing in my place right now? Because I don't trust anything or anyone. You made a basic mistake. — She slowly raised the sword above her head. It seemed to weigh nothing in her hands. — Tartaglia, come forward!  

Her lover stepped forward.  

— You owe your premature death to him. My loyal Eleventh. She smiled at him. — You are an example, [Reader]. If the traitors stay quiet, I will let them live to see the end of everything.  

The condemned woman felt a tear gathering in the corner of her eye. But it didn't matter. It froze before it could run down her cheek.  

What she wouldn't give to know his thoughts now. Why did he do it? Did he have no choice? Maybe he was protecting his family? He loved them so much. Tonia, Anthon, Teucer and his old, tired parents. Maybe it was just a bluff? The only way to protect people before help arrives? Her life in exchange for everyone who helped her. Maybe it was a price that had to be sacrificed…  

Behind the mask, however, she saw the glow of eyes. The blue and strangely dead ones. So familiar, yet different, since he disappeared for three days one winter. As if there was something else lurking there. She knew he had fallen into the Abyss. He never told her about it. A few days ago, she came across ancient books and reports. She read them behind her mother's back. She didn't have time to ask about it. Now she will never know. But what if he did it of his own free will?  

She didn't feel the moment the blade touched her skin. The cold killed her faster.  

The head rolled a little and became still. The eyes froze, fixed on one point. Tsaritsa turned around. She threw the sword to the floor. She won't need it anymore. Soon everything she's always wanted will come true. The blood solidified immediately. She looked dissatisfied at the spots on her snow-white dress. She walked away towards the door. She didn't turn around once. Now she could only look ahead.  

Everyone left the room in deathly silence. Everyone except Childe.  

The boy knelt on the floor. There was a matryoshka doll lying on the ice surface. The same one he gave her years ago. He smiled, taking out the dolls one by one. Many faces. He put them all in his pocket and moved forward.  

[not-poignant]

Hi Pia! I actually started your original works through UTGold and then UTB before deciding to start all the way back from SAL (yea idk how i figured out that order either lmao) and now I've finally reached the end of it with TND! And now rereading UTB again, I realised just how much whiplash there is with Temsen in both stories. Don't get me wrong, the vibe is the same. But he's so much more threatening as a peak alpha compared to his vench self, and it's also funny bc in TND you had to almost permanently hold hands with him to stop him from collapsing. I wanted to ask how much of his TND self is similar in UTB? Are there parallels in how he grew up or his family structure? After reading TND I've kinda liked to imagine he comes from a really remote but close knitted community, and that has influenced how he views the secondary genders differently (and less discriminatory) compared to others.

Ps. I will always rmb Gywn's official debut appearance being him marching up to Santa's workshop xD

But he's so much more threatening as a peak alpha compared to his vench self, and it's also funny bc in TND you had to almost permanently hold hands with him to stop him from collapsing.

This is so interesting to me! I almost feel like you're talking about a different character - I know you're not, but these are all the ways I feel like Temsen is actually the same amount of threatening in both stories in different ways. Like, Temsen is the one who:

Threatens to go to war with the Unseelie Court and King and implies very heavily that he would win.

Which is then confirmed when the Raven Prince candidly tells Gwyn that Temsen is much stronger than he is, and that he has a lot to learn from the vench but,

Understands he never will because they don't want him to.

Temsen is the one who physically supports Gwyn while walking.

Temsen is the only one in the world strong enough to heal Gwyn.

Stronger than even the Raven Prince or his healers or any of the other vench.

It's strongly implied that if there were hierarchy among the vench he'd be a prince, but it's clear when he interacts with the Raven Prince, he behaves more like a very strong king.

He literally lectures the Raven Prince more than once free of consequence because of how powerful he is.

Like, yes, Temsen was vench, and needed a lot of intimacy to stay healthy (although - not constantly! And he's also the one who asks for it and decides how it happens), but imho Temsen to me is actually a lot more threatening in The Nascent Diplomat because he literally takes on the Raven Prince and the Raven Prince is the one who yields and basically goes 'oh no no you're totally right we don't want war haha you're so much stronger than me oh my god.'

Idk for me if you get much more threatening than 'squares up against the Raven Prince and wins so easily there's not even an exchange of magic because everyone just knows how strong Temsen is.'

His needing intimacy to live imho is just not a sign of weakness or doesn't detract from his being powerful or threatening in The Nascent Diplomat. It would be like forcing the Raven Prince into the sea - he still needs to breathe air, it's not a sign of weakness, it doesn't make him less threatening (at least to me! It's just occurred to me that people having basic needs and needing them met might seem like it detracts from someone's personal power which is like, something I've never thought of before, because everyone has basic needs and needs them met, even the world's worst dictators - i.e. being threatening exists completely independently to that in my mind).

I wanted to ask how much of his TND self is similar in UTB? Are there parallels in how he grew up or his family structure?

I definitely think he has strong family support in both stories, but otherwise to me both Temsens are extremely similar. Both:

Weaponise cheerfulness to gain control.

Are the most powerful person in the room while pretending they aren't.

Are strong enough to make executive decisions and override other people if they need to (esp around someone's health)

Are healers

Enjoy sex but aren't bound to any one person and like it that way

Do not need to be bombastic about showing off just how powerful they are

Use kindness and compassion as a form of manipulation, especially in matters of health

Infodump at times

Feel very passionately about ethics, health and politics

Are relatively open minded and quick to apologise, but sometimes still do harm simply as a result of holding so much power

Have gone through seeing a particular large instance of trauma that shaped them towards wanting to make sure things like that stop happening (the fungal infection in TND, omega experimentation facilities in UtB)

Appear to get along well with everyone

Have a strong drive to meet personal needs (i.e. Temsen needing more intimacy than the others admit to in TND, Temsen complaining about Gary's job constantly + often talking about food etc. in UtB - He has this strong sense of refusing to compromise his needs or quality of life for anyone)

Can influence the energy of another person (meridians in TND, pheromones in UtB)

Prefer to come across as less powerful in the first meeting in order to strategically assess what's in front of him

Extremely strategy-minded.

Manipulative, but in a very 'I'm using my super powers for good' kind of way.

Tbh, for me personally, Temsen is one of the characters who needs to change the least to become a peak alpha, and I actually invented the 'peak alpha' designation specifically for him, because I knew he'd be stronger than pretty much all the other alphas. I later added Gary / Augus / Crielle etc. to that list, and then Gwyn because I thought it would be funny. But peak alphas exist because Temsen does!

Obviously how I see the characters isn't how everyone else will! But yeah in my mind, they're both so similar I don't have to change nearly anything about Temsen's personality, even down to him having a more visceral reaction to other alpha pheromones because he's so strong in UtB, is a direct parallel to Temsen having higher intimacy needs because he's so strong in TND. One just naturally flowed into the other!

[caliburn-the-sword]

Honest thoughts on Lonnie(and family) in descendants?

Thanks for the ask, anon!! I love getting these

I am half Chinese and Mulan was my favourite disney princess and I barely had any Asian rep as a kid so I LOVED Lonnie in the second movie

However the first?? Yikes. I was not the most popular kid back when the first movie came out and she (among Audrey and the other girls) reminded me too much of my bullies for me to permit myself to fully enjoy her back then, but she quickly jumped to being equal favourites with a handful of the VKs once the second movie came out

However, my judgement as a child was not as nuanced as it is now. Lonnie, like the other royal kids, had preconceived notions and prejudice towards the VKs. She was complicit in the harassment they faced, and was only friendly to them when she was getting something out of it.

However there WAS a self awareness to her actions. She knew that Mal would never spell her hair without incentive. Even though at that point we hadn’t seen her be mean or unwelcoming to Mal, we can infer from the payment and the line “I know you hate us” she had probably not been the most friendly or nice towards them before she asked for that favour. Someone that’s GENUINELY mean would deflect the blame or think that the hatred they’re showing for the other group is deserved, but Lonnie knew that her behaviour wasn’t acceptable

We know from the second movie that she or her mum are not people that really fit in. They’re not like the other heroines, they fight and they go places even if they’re not wanted. So it is likely that Lonnie feared social ostracism, and her solution to that was to blend in with the crowd, and let herself be peer pressured into doing what the other girls do, even if hey, that actually involves vilifying others, because that at least means she’s safe from social persecution

And this a clear trait that she had to overcome in between the first and second movies that I WISH we got to see her overcome. Because she jumped on the train of getting a magic hairdo right after Jane did, despite not ever displaying any signs of self consciousness. She sensed the crowd going in one direction, and she wanted to hop on that trend so she could fit in. Which was also the exact thing she did towards the end of the movie when they all started hating on the VKs again

But by the time the second movie comes around, she realises that hey, these guys were ostracised and managed to turn people’s view around, and so can I. And she develops confidence and the stubbornness and a fearlessness that drove her in the second movie to stop being so afraid of what other people think and to DO what she wanted to do and act how she wanted to act instead of taking the safe option to avoid social rejection (a valid fear, seeing how Chad treated her)

And the best part is is that when she needed it the most, Jay showed her solidarity and supported her joining the fencing team. I think that between the first and second movies, she went above and beyond what the other royals did and made a proper, heartfelt apology for her treatment of the VKs because Jay’s willingness to fight for her when she didn’t for them I think would’ve been helped for that

All in all, I think that there was a depth to Lonnie that a lot of people miss out on. She was a physically strong character, yes, but had to learn emotional and mental strength. She went through significant character development and growth throughout the movies, and SHE was one of the most empowering Asian role models for me, being someone that was afraid yet CHOSE to be brave and put herself out there

[primaviva]

my experience with rashad.

tw: racism, use of the n-slur (hard r for context) proceed with these things in mind and also don’t go and bring him attention by going to his page as he should not be on the internet for his own peace and everyone else’s. this is going to be long and have a lot of receipts/descriptions. do not send him shit on my behalf i ain’t move like that.

before i start, i want it to be clear that this is not confirmed. however, he has a history of doing fake anons to himself and to his (ex) moots from what i learned to either start drama, topics, or fw them so he can act as a supporter or victim if he sent the anon to himself. and this is NOT me jumping on the rashad toxic gossip train of tumblr 2023 but this type of behavior is disgusting and inexcusable. i am very convinced that it was him and want to share it to you all while leaving it open to criticism and speculation but PLEASE be careful and pick up the warning signs with these people from everyone coming out with stories about him.

now let’s get tf into it cus it’s a lot…

me snd rashad became moots after he noticed me like a post of his i think. his first inbox to me was him trying to do self promo for a fic of his he was writing which i thought was odd and a little weird so i ignored it but he ended up continuing to inbox me random things (which i don’t generally mind) so we ended up building some mutual association or sum on here.

however, around 9-10 days ago, rashad had got “sent” something in his inbox about afro latinos. this was the ask:

now, i am not going to invalidate afro latinos who have experienced this. as a latino, i have experienced prejudice but that is never comparable to a black latino or a black person in general who is mixed/has another ethnic group of origin. these things are said to people and have been said to me in a different context. however, this ask was directly after he had posted it and on top of that it simply is not something someone would say as an ask. i don’t know how to describe it, but it’s too directed, crafted in a way that it’s wording seems like someone trying to be racist, and so on. we had never talked one on one either so i was confused when i first saw he had tagged me in a post since i hadn’t seen what it was about yet. i don’t know how to describe it but there’s something in the wording and just the context of it all that made this ask so in genuine almost as if it was something he had asked himself on another account.

this was me tagged in it:

i of course reblogged and said my peace and now disgusting and ignorant it was because afro latinos are a minority even in their own community because of generationally taught racism from colonization and just our traditional way of life and teaching stripped from us and our culture. but at the time, i had no idea of his “track record” of doing this type of thing or even the drama he was getting messy with behind what everyone knew of him.

i wanna say this as it’s very important as to what i have to show next. i am not black. i have never stated that and my day one followers and moots know that i have black family and in fact most of my relatives are afro latino but i, myself, am a lightskin latina which is something i feel i have always made known at least in sum damn context clues. i also want to add that this took place september 18th and that’s alway really important to the story.

ok now lemme get into why this is even a post.

shortly after this, i had gotten sick and ended up going on a break from just the internet in general because i needed to rest my ass up before even doin a thing like school and writing n allat. i was gone for around 3-4 days. so this post was long “old” or at least not being seen by anyone. and the thing is my spam posts never get hella reblogs unless i add hashtags or say something that makes everyone and they mama wanna join in on the conversation. so tell me why, exactly three days later, around the day i came back, i receive this in my inbox:

what the fuck is this? like genuinely.

i had not seen this the first day i came back because my inbox was flooded with my actives rambling to me, compliments, requests, etc until yesterday morning when i was taking the time to reply to some stuff and it had come up. i was gagged like this language was so vile, nasty, ignorant, and dumb as fuck. why? for starters, i am not afro latino or black. me and others believe that rashad was under the impression that by the few posts he saw of me talking about the issue that he just assumed i was afro latino as well. i am not and people that follow me from long before all this know that.

and like let’s really read the text and what it says because it’s speaking about black latinos not being latino because they have no “true” spanish or indigenous blood, which is something that this man is always talking about and presents, to me, as an insecurity (a valid one DONT get it twisted) as a afro latino. he, or “anon,” goes on to call me the n word with the hard r multiple times and tells me i should have stayed a slave and then goes on to bring up taino ancestors (my ancestors) which i just found beyond disrespectful and crossing a big ass fucking line. im not sure if im describing this well, but just by the way that these anon asks are worded they seem very “fake” as in not that this couldn’t happen or hasn’t been told to anyone, but it doesn’t feel organic and just feels like forced racist comics to give you content.

he also texted me for the first time in tumblr dms the same day as this post or the day after the ask was sent to me, i believe, so coincidence or not …

i am 85% sure this is rashad.

to me, it feels like he did this as a way to maybe validate how he feels as a afro latino with other mixed latin im him since afro latinos face so much prejudice. however, to seek validation by doing an anon to yourself about your own post to get others to hype you up and validate YOUR ethnicity is completely unhealthy especially in this way. THIS was vile. THIS was uncalled for and beyond einstein level comprehension skills. THIS is inappropriate and a sign you shouldn’t be on tumblr.

rashad has been involved in a lot of drama public and not and has a constant thing to blame it on his “episodes” and such. while i think that self diagnosing is valid because people, especially poc, can’t get proper mental care rn, to state it as a fact is something that self diagnosers do not do and acknowledge it isn’t right. even so, it is not valid to blame bad behavior on your mental health. and even if you did “take accountability,” in your so called apologies rashad, you go from saying you don’t use your mental health as an excuse but at the same time use it in that context for why you shouldn’t get hate and we should all stop criticizing you and your actions because it should all be forgivable in a way where we can just move on with no consequences.

yes, rashad does suffer from mental illnesses or some type/types of mental issues whether they are underlying or not but the problem is that the internet is literally his scapegoat from this and is feeding into his problems which is why he does the anons, the posts putting people on blast, etc. if you have not seen he has taken this drama from tumblr to discord to instagram. but it is clear he does not feel any microscopic ounce of guilt or genuine sorry in this specific situation. he says he’s “acting like the big person” but goes to attack people who tried to talk some sense into him in his petty onika miraj type posts sayin shit about shoving ice dildos into peoples puss puss and sneak dissin mfs who have a right to see what he’s doing when he is continuing to be petty in the heat of this whole thing by talkin abt people.

he’s struggling with so much and the internet is not for him and it shows in the way he handles confrontation, parasocial relations w people online, and how he copes with his issues by running to tumblr or any other social media. he has stated before he is an ex manipulator and so on and a place like this is not where he needs to be. so do not feed into the anons he sends, do not feed into the petty and compulsive posts he puts together, and just don’t interact with him. he needs to find his own inner peace on some preacher to the church type shit like this a tyler perry movie and not effect those around him with his own internal mess.

so don’t take this as me trying to like ride off this situation or just me saying these things just because all my moots or in it and i wanna be involved on some nosy bitch shit. but something like this is very serious and i was gonna be quiet on my suspicion but something as disgusting as this being said to me and not put on some blast by my classy ass just didn’t feel right. do not go to his page like he his “gone” just take this in a way to educate yourself on the typa person he is and as an example of why you shouldn’t get emotionally attacked to the internet or get involved with people like this.

pay attention to how ppl act and the red flags so you can just cut them off and save y’all both the “i survived” trauma. again, this isn’t confirmed (the racism post) because i have no way to prove it but he has a history of it and i just wanted to come out with this because it made me uncomfortable and disgusted.

NOT EVERYTHING IS FOR THE INTERNET !

[torialefay]

hello.... it's me...

haha, hi my flower! pls can i have a skz compatibility reading? i'm new to this and very intrigued. here's my chart, excited to see what comes from it 🤭 byeee

For my baby reign <3 😘

Your ascendant and mars in virgo:

The ascendant tells us all about first impressions and how you come across to others. A lot of times, it can also represent our trauma responses or how we’ve been taught to act while navigating the world- this makes sense in new situations that we may find ourselves feeling uncomfortable in. Mars, on the other hand, is the planetary ruler of action and aggression. It shows us how we go about putting plans into actions and overall just how we get shit done. It also contributes to our responses in fights and the way we unconsciously present ourselves and our arguments.

Virgo is a mutable Earth sign that is known for being very grounded, practical, hard-working, and smart. Genuinely one of, if not the, smartest signs of the zodiac. And though they can be lumped in with the “smarties” of the bunch, they still do retain empathetic nature through their mutable qualities.

This is likely expressed through your ascendant as automatically coming across to others as someone who is smart and competent. It’s likely that this is something that you’ve learned in order to present yourself in a way that will be accepted by others. This isn’t to say that you are STRICTLY academic. Like I said, Virgo is mutable and can easily adjust depending on who they’re with. But overall, it seems that your first impression would be someone who has high intelligence and knows what to do. This is supported by your Mars being located here as well. Mars being in Virgo means you direct yourself and your actions into performing and enhancing, probably something academic or service related. You likely are very detail oriented and would rather sacrifice time & sleep rather than turn in something that you don’t think is 100% your best. It’s literally wired into you to make sure that shit gets done, and as a result, a lot of people learn to depend on you right off the bat. That means that right away, people probably feel very comfortable around you as they know that you will be able to figure out anything that they need, but it could be almost exhausting to have a ton of things resting on your shoulders all at once. In arguments, it probably takes you a while to get to a breaking point, as you’d much rather be a problem solver. But when you do get to that point, you probably respond in one of two ways: (1) trying to use logic and rationale to prove your point, (2) adapting to whatever argumentative style the other person has and matching them on that. No inbetween.

Sun and mercury in gemini in the 10th house:

10th house is the house of career, public image, and authority. The sun is our personality- or at least our outward expression of it. It’s usually who friends and family know us as. Mercury represents our communication style & the way that we connect with others. Having both planets in your 10th house means that both your personality and the way that you are able to talk with others will heavily be involved in your place of work, who you are known as, and even your online image.

Geminis are the mutable air sign of the zodiac. They are most known for being very easy to talk to, as they know a little about a lot of stuff. They’re easily able to connect to other people and find common ground with them. And they’re good at doing a one two switch up to figure out who you need for them to come across as in order to make you feel comfortable in an interaction with them lol. In a lot of ways, Gemini could be considered the strongest communicator of the zodiac. It is by far one of the most cerebral placements.

Now, if we’re gonna incorporate Gemini into sun and mercury, we’ve got to look at how the placements would interact. Not only would you probably come across as relatively bubbly or “lively” even to friends and family, you likely express this through everyday conversation as well. You’re good at making people feel heard, and people probably love that about you. The only drawback to this that I would normally say is that this can sometimes lead to people feeling like Gemini doesn’t have a strong stance on anything, but that rather they just go along with what people are telling them at the time. I don’t think this is the case for you though considering your Virgo placements, and especialllly your Mars in Virgo. I definitely think that beats those allegations. And all of this transcends into both your career as well as your online persona. Bottom line: good at talking to people, connecting with people, and communicating with them effectively. You kinda know how to get them to like you lol.

Moon and Venus in Taurus in the 9th house:

The 9th house placements are just so iconic for you to have because it basically backs up everything we’ve already said. The 9th house is over education, travel, exploring new cultures, and advancement. Development of the person is a good way to put it too. The moon represents our emotions and basically the baseline vibrations that we give off when we’re alone with ourselves. Venus represents love and our approach to love both in the bedroom and platonic.

Taurus is a beautiful, but steadfast and practical sign. It is a feminine sign and values aesthetics, but at the same time, it offers more of a “motherly” nature- mature, resilient, and even stubborn at times. With a moon in taurus in the 9th house, it’s likely that you are a very loving and kind person at your very core, but in a way that brings a sense of responsibility. You may feel, deep down, that you need a sense of beauty in your life and that it can be found through creating that in yourself. With 9th house aspects, you probably connect these emotional thoughts to your education, culture, and traveling. You may feel like you need to travel and experience new cultures in order to make better sense of the world, understand others more, and overall to find fulfillment. It’s almost like you have this deep need to care for the world, to try and support every single person in a loving way, and that is what brings you peace and stability. As for Venus, it translated very well with this. You LOVE by doing for others. You LOVE by taking care of others. It’s simply how you express yourself. Especially bringing that Mars in Virgo into this, it’s likely that you look practically at what you can do for your partner to make them feel loved and appreciated- and you probably like this too. So simple things like cooking for others or taking care of them when they’re sick, even just buying them a tiny gift to perk up their day. Superrrr Taurus Venus 9th house energy. But of course you’re going to connect culture and travel into this… so maybe idk *cough cough* long distance relationships *cough cough* might be something that are just in the stars for you wow idk that’d be pretty crazyyyy.

As for who is most compatible in SKZ, I’m going with Chris or Hannie, each for their own reasons. I would also throw Changbin and Felix in there, but if I have to pick a top two, that’s who I’m going for right now. I’m gonna talk about Chris here, but I’ll add on a bit for Han in my video :)

Christopher has a tonnnnn of 6th house placements, which is the house of work, service, and health (his Moon, Venus, and Mars all fall here). Because he has so many placements here, it’s an area of his life that is quite substantial for him & likely he feels most in his element when he is under 6th house energy, The ruler of the 6th house is Virgo, which happens to be your ascendant and mars. So I think automatically, if he met you, he’d sense a sort of familiarity and an instant bond. He really values people who have that energy & it’s not only what you exude when first meeting you, but also what your actions show & what you strive toward… so he’d def be into that.

Where I think things could get tricky would be in communication. He’s a Libra mercury, while yours is in Gemini. Both are air signs, which seems compatible at first, BUT they are also very non-confrontational signs. Both of you would be able to spark fun conversations, spiral into weird theories, and even talk about some dark shit. The problem really comes when you’d have to initiate hard conversations… neither of you want to do it lol. Gemini and Libra are both signs that really want to be well-liked, and they’re great at talking… but bring that tough, emotional aspect and it can make things hard. I could see you both stewing on things for quite some time & not talking about things that you should, which could lead to a fight. When you do fight though, it takes you a lot more to get mad, so you usually have the upper hand in the arguments but Chris can get a little hateful and flighty so you’d have to deal with that and probably be pretty pissed 😭😂

To compare your Venus signs, it’s actually pretty interesting. Both your Taurus and his Scorpio have the strongest ties to “beauty” and “aesthetics”, especially in relationships. So when you’re drawn to each other, there’s definitely going to be that feminine aesthetic that you bring (Taurus is pretty fem hehe) vs his dark, Scorp aesthetic. It makes for a pretty cute, contrasting pairing. I could see yall doing some slightly cheesy shit like having outfits that don’t match, but still go together 😭 I think they’re both romantic signs too. I think the only problem would be making sure you are okay with and into Chris’ kinky shit and COMMUNICATING* this to him. But overall very loving and stable hehe.

that’s all, love you <3

[mbrainspaz]

Look when my gran called me yesterday to convince me to go out for drink with my no contact fundamentalist mom expectations were set accordingly. Did I need 'mom finally tries to make amends for calling me demon possessed when I came out as gender fluid' on my Moving Over An Hour Away And Starting A New Job In The Same Week bingo card? No, I did not. But I'm also feeling tough as nails until the inevitable collapse, so why not? Gran was like "don't worry—I'll be there to support you both!" [That'd be a first.]

Predictably most of our conversation consisted of mom going 'why can't I just love you even though I disagree with "the decisions you've made"' and me going 'if you loved me you'd at least try to understand how ridiculous you sound when you say that.' And I did go into it a bit more. We were definitely trying to build some kind of bridge. Well, mostly she was making excuses for why she didn't want to try, but at least she wasn't trying to be hurtful. She acknowledged a lot of the points I made but I've come to learn that that won't mean anything the next day.

Gran sat in the corner of the booth watching Reels about how to disassemble a faucet or something after she lost track of the conversation. I started with a metaphor about religion as a box and she was checked out for the rest.

I don't feel like we resolved much after talking for over an hour. The main point I tried to make was that identity labels are just a tool for people who want to be better understood by other people, and that self-knowledge and self-acceptance are the path to... doing more good than harm, within and without religion. I ended on a plea for her to ask more questions and show an ounce of curiosity about 'the gender stuff' if she actually wants to have a relationship with me. She was noncommittal about that so I was noncommittal about unblocking her number.

I'm afraid what she still really wants is to be a spectator. She basically said as much. She said she misses seeing my facebook stories (she could watch them on instagram where my profile is public but she never tried that hard) and watching shows with me. I miss that too, I miss her a lot, but the superficial-ness of our relationship after I came out and she refused to acknowledge it really got to me. I tried to explain that again too. I know I have before.

Went to the restroom on my way out. I usually use the women's because they're cleaner but it's whatever. I was washing my hands when someone else walked in, did a double take, checked the sign on the door, and muttered 'oh it's right.' Took every last shred of my self control not to cackle at the absurdity of some stranger seeing, in .05 seconds, what my family have been willfully blind to for years. It happens all the time.

[jukkariart]

DA4 - Rook/ OC - Alectris

You know what, I'm gonna be a bit insane on here. Tagging as spoiler, just in case, but it's mostly just info dump on a character that's probably not even gonna be Rook really but a separate OC.

I thought her up initially last year and now with all the DATV things coming up she's been taking up most of my brainpower.

Details under the cut, ask me anything I guess?

Name: Alectris (possibly will stick with Mercar, it's a good surname me thinks)

Nickname: Tris

Age: 29

Nationality: Tevinter

Family: Comes from a Laetan family

Long standing mage family but with no confirmed links with the ancient dreamers, so they never made it to Altus status

5th child

Her siblings are all older than she is, 2 sisters and 2 brothers

Looks: Rather tall at 178 cm Alectris is average build, yet quite physically strong for a mage. With slightly off torso to arms and legs proportions, people sometimes compare her to a young foal. She has fair skin with freckles, which are most common on her face and shoulders, but can be found on her whole body. 

Her shoulder length dark brown hair usually in a semi up-do to keep them from falling over her eyes. She has brown-amber eyes.

Skills:

(Based on the mage skill tree and whatever the heck i want) Primarily a spell blade, front line combatant using sword and casting shields.

Skilled elemental mage, primarily focused on lightning magic with fire to fill in the mix.

Crap at hexes and couldn't heal a paper cut if her life depended on it.

Personality

Alectris is rough around the edges. Witty and sharp, she prefers to deflect personal questions with sarcasm instead of addressing her feelings head on, very much unlike her approach to pretty much anything else in her life. She's resilient and focused when needed, but needs a goal to channel her energy into or she becomes restless and apathetic. Pragmatic and self-sufficient she tends to prefer simple solutions that she can count on herself to complete.

In the field she tends to favor group effort, after years of military service, she has learned the value of a good team that she can rely on. A front line fighter she specializes in close combat and shields to keep her team out of harm.

Background

Alectris has managed to fumble through most of her early life with a mix of bad luck and surprising resilience.

The youngest child in the family, she didn't produce any magic until the "ripe old" age of 11, making it the latest in the recent family memory.

She's been taught at home since then with barely any breaks to catch-up to her peers and when deemed satisfactory she has joined the circle of magi in Vyrantium by the age of 15, where she's remained for the next 4 years with mixed results. While determined and sharp, she's excelled in evocation magic, but fell short in most other fields like hexes and healing, making her a rather uninteresting protege. As she was aging out of the circle slowly without the scientific inclination her family has decided to push her towards military service. If she could not support the family's good standing by her apprenticeship she could at least show their devotion to Tevinter at the border.

After signing up she's done her first 4 years by various imperial borders, spending most of her time by Nevarra and Anderfels. Faced with either returning to the capital and her parents who would see her join the nobility on the salons or signing up for another military contract she chose the latter, this time initially stationed by the Free Marches she ended up sent to Seheron where she's spent nearly 2 years, fighting for Tevinter.

By the end of the second year there was not much left in her to give thus, ultimately she's been discharged at 27 and sent back to her family in Minrathous, where shortly after her return they've made sure to parade her around as a proof of their devotion to the country. Having already lost nearly third of her life for the service, Alectris fails to blend in with the socialite, who are either too arrogant or too stupid for her tastes, while they in turn see her as someone too brutish for their refined sensibilities.

About 2 years pass by the time Solas' ritual happens and Tris feels disconnected from both her fellow soldiers by the nature of her background and the higher society by the lack of shared experiences. At this juncture she finds herself drawn to both Lucerni in the magisterium and the Shadow Dragons as a means of carving out some space for herself in the world that does not seem to be used to people in her position.

Trivia:

Morning person (extremely morning person, usually one to be up first)

Loves storms and rain

Loves the sea

Loves watching the sunrise

Has a lot of physical ticks (taps fingers on the table, taps heel on the floor, bites nails)

She plays piano (always wanted to play violin, but her eldest brother was made to learn it first and why would you have multiple children playing the same instrument?)

Loves fruits, sour the most

Dislikes sweets

Loves herbology, alchemy and poisons studies, she can craft basic potions if needed, but best keep her out of any laboratory (or kitchen, this lady doesn't know how to cook)