#because it never does and it never willšŸ˜‚
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pastorfutureletthembe Ā· 14 hours ago
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"The show is about to start."
One more mention of being a spectator, an observer. The idea of the Manipulator implies that he doesn't get his hands dirty, he
And this time Liu Xiao has a flower bouquet, implying he intends to meet his favorite performer (Lu Guang).
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Spiderworts symbolize enduring love, just like Myositis, but also immortality and moral authority. Its other names are Widowā€™s Tears and False Dayflower.
Interesting.
The former, reminds us of the black widow of course. This name is related to the female's bad habit of eating the male after mating. Cannibalism, you say? x) Why does it do it? Nutrition, of course. It enhances reproductive success. So it's only natural behavior, survival instincts. With the spider imagery comes the spiderweb metaphor, which is always efficient to express manipulation and hunt/prey relationship.
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The later forces us to ask, what do you mean false? Dayflower is an actual flower, by the way, meaning reliability and trustworthiness. šŸ‘€ Coincidence that Liu Xiao's flower basically implies that he isn't reliable and trustworthy? I don't think so šŸ˜‚ It also is a call back to the Devil tarot card meta I did last week saying he represents the antichrist, the one you choose to put your trust into for salvation but who's actually bringing you closer to your demise.
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Apparently, in victorian floriography language, a man gifts spiderworts to another man to express esteem (X). Liu Xiao wants to make his feelings known, finally, and he's using flowers to do it. I feel like he has a very parasocial relationship with Lu Guang, though. He's pining hard, but Lu Guang never appears to be aware of him. Even in "The Eye", he's looking at the window while Liu Xiao is reading the same poem over and over again. This Shakespeare poem which, as mentioned in a previous meta, is about two lovers who must be separated for survival reasons. Waiting patiently for the end of the representation to make his presence/existence known hints on his penchant for theatrics as well.
All of this info is cool and all but what does it mean?
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I truly believe that Liu Xiao is in awe of Lu Guang, might it be because of his abilities (and the creative way he might use them to save Cheng Xiaoshi), his achievements (that we barely know about) or his objective/motivation. Think of it like a scientist who bases his own research on his peer's work. Liu Xiao could very much be the mad scientist type, though lmao.
The fact Lu Guang's chess piece is a white Knight but Liu Xiao is kissing the black Knight in his PV? He's either delusional, thinking Lu Guang and he are the same, or he knows all of Lu Guang's dark secrets. As a stalker does, you know.
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ashlynthecarrottop Ā· 2 days ago
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SONIC RANT!1!1!1!
My review for Sonic 3 >>>
Okay, first of all, WHAT!? The story line and character designs are insane!! I love how they created Shadows character and how keanu reeves kept is voice slam or good for whatever reason because of how Shadowā€™s character really is like.
Gotta add points to having Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles still as the greatest team the whole movie, even when Sonic left them out of his rage. I thought it was so sweet when they threw that little party for Sonic when he first got to earth, I just thought the little references with Tom and Sonic from the first movie was so nice to see and just overall a great start.
Tbh, I thought the part when Sonic and Robotnik were talking about family and how he didnā€™t have any was a great part on why he acted like a inspired child towards his grandfather when he showed up. I think it was weird but interesting on how they made robotniks grandfather, also Mariaā€™s grandfatherā€¦soooā€¦does that make them siblings-? IDK JUST A THEORY- MATPAT CMERE
The greatest part of the movie to me was the end when both Sonic and Shadow used the emeralds to use their ability TOGETHER to save earth. The slow-mo scenes of them and just the duo coming into a movie was just so awesome for me to see.
MY LEAST FAVORITE PART IS WHEN SHADOW DIED WITH ROBOTNIK!! LIKE I GET ROBOTNIK BUT WHY SHADOW??? HES MY FAVORTIE WHYD YOU HAVE TO DO THATšŸ˜­šŸ¤š
But to be fair, shadow isnā€™t apart of Sonicā€™s actual team. We can see that through old shows like Sonic boom and all them when we have his team full of knuckles, tail, any, rouge and all them, but shadow isnā€™t apart of it. If he is heā€™s there as the idea of an episode, or just there in the background for a problem. So even though itā€™s sad that he was killed, at least he did it to save the world.
CHARACTER RANT
Sonic>>
Of course, the blue-blur is at it again, never sad, and always has the biggest ego. LOLL-
Iā€™m glad they kept his character the same, it definitely was a plus to keep the movie was flopping like most people thought- only because itā€™s the third movie. I thought it was so sweet and emotional when Sonic near the end was in rage and trying everything to get revenge because shadow hurt Tom. Even though he knew it was wrong in the end, I still couldnā€™t help but feel that he did that more because he cared, then revenge, and that stood with me through that entire scene. So overall, Sonic in this movie, and just like all the others, didnā€™t disappoint
10/10
Tails>>
Gotta say, I have no complaints, over then he didnā€™t get enough screen time. Tails gadgets and positive attitude is cute and just fits him perfectly like it always has. Iā€™m always impressed with the development and change in Tails mechanics because it definitely got better from the holograms to the gadgets stopping Robotnik. And the part when the little girl said he looked like detective pikachu was so cute and true I swearšŸ˜‚šŸ¤š
10/10
Knuckles>>
Just like Sonic, his character didnā€™t let me down with him wanting to be on top, and be the smashy smashy guy and it was just funny to hear him again after 2 years. I donā€™t know if anyone notices but he does speak like everyone else, but he doesnā€™t speak fully itā€™s like he takes away the words that arenā€™t neededā€¦for example
Normal ppl - ā€œSo this is loveā€
Knuckles - ā€œI feel the loveā€
Sooā€¦.yeah
10/10
Shadow>>
LEMME JUST SAY. KEENU REEVES DID NOT DISAPPOINT, and his character design and actions were just so cute to me and I love him so muchšŸ˜­šŸ˜­ā€¦If Iā€™m being honest I could probably do another rant but itā€™s literally just about how much I love shadow. Form him on the motorcycle, to him with Maria, to the flashbacks and change in emotion, to when he was with the emeralds, to him just being him, I love it all. I thought his backstory with Maria really shot through with this movie and I really enjoyed it.
ā€œThe world still shines when the star is goneā€
-Maria & Shadow
100/10
The robotniks
Just..sigh,..no . Only good part of this movie was the dance when they were going through the lasers, nothing more.
Robotnik - 7/10
Grand papi - 2/10
And let me shut say that I feel bad for dr stone bro. He also most drowned, was rejected multiple times by Robotnik during this movie and then got replaced with robotniks terrible excuse for a family memberšŸ˜­šŸ¤š
Justice for stonešŸ™
8/10
ENDING RANT
FIRST OFF. Weā€™re 3 movies in now, if you donā€™t sit in your chair and sit for after the credits to see the downfall of the next movie your an opp and not a real sonic fan ALR!? I said it.šŸ˜¤ BUT ANYWAYS-
WE GOT THE ROBOT SONICS!? I CALLED IT-!
AND AMY?!?!?!??
yo I canā€™t wait 2 or more years for thisšŸ˜­šŸ¤šā€¦it was torture waiting for this movie to be finished. But I think itā€™s gonna be funny and cute to see a bit of Sonic and any shipping and blushing and cute crushing stuff lol.
So overall, I loved this movie and we be watching it on repeat for forever til SONIC 4 BABY!!
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artistsfuneral Ā· 8 hours ago
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Witcher a/b/o ramblings~~~
Geralt keeping the secret that he is an omega and not knowing that Jaskier is an alpha. Even though Geralt is using suppressants, he can still feel something very lightly bubbling away like he's near his heat and it's making him a bit clumsy. This in turn is making Jaskier feel super protective and he's absolutely oblivious about it until Jaskier accidentally uses alpha voice when they are traveling one day, trying to save Geralt from tripping over a large rock šŸ¤­ Geralt's knees buckle and he maybe whines a little because sure why not, let the man whine, he's an angel hahah šŸ˜‚ and they both pretend they didn't just experience that together - but how long can they keep that up....
I like to think of Jaskier slowly peppering in little dominant alpha protective things for weeeeeekkkksssss testing the waters and Geralt nervously leaning into it, wanting to be looked after but terrified that he's not allowed to indulge because witchers shouldn't need looking after, they're meant to be the protectors ...
šŸ‘€šŸ¤­
Oh yessss pls!
alpha voice is such a good concept if you do it right and I can totally see the two of them slowly getting into it like-
Jaskier giving Geralt his half-eaten dinner because he's full and he knows witchers have such a high metabolism, Geralt wants to refuse because he doesn't need babying, he can make his own damn decisions and- "Eat." oh. oh okay, maybe just a bit? šŸ™ if Jaskier thinks it's important enough to use his voice then maybe he should eat?
one day Geralt gets incredibly overwhelmed (sensory overload or maybe task overload) and Jaskier wants nothing more than to soothe his poor hurting omega but he's so stubborn! so after hours and hours of Geralt not getting better because he doesn't want to accept the fact that he's not doing great, Jaskier finally snaps "For fucks sake. Listen to me!" and Geralt's head snaps around and he's staring at Jaskier wide eyed and confused and he whines because he has no idea what to do and so Jaskier gentles him out of his panic with so many soft words
and maybe someone is talking shit about Jaskier and Geralt starts growling, ready to punch that damned motherfucker who dared to- "Geralt, stop." and he freezes, looks at Jaskier wide eyed because what does he mean? isn't he allowed to fend for his alpha's honor? doesn't Jaskier want Geralt to protect him anymore? šŸ„ŗ
but it turns our that "No, sweet thing, I just don't want you to hurt yourself on my account. You're so precious to me."
and Jaskier tries to talk about it with Geralt but Geralt is absolutely not up for that! (feelings? no, never heard of them) until one day, he hisses at Jaskier, that he doesn't need to talk about this because he trusts Jaskier. trusts him to never use his voice against Geralt like others might and Jaskier has his oh. oh. moment.
and then one day, Jaskier asks Geralt to kneel. And oh he kneels so prettily. and it's like something between them just clicks into place
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purble-turble Ā· 2 days ago
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i can 100% see Nezha and mk's relationship (regardless if it's platonic or romantic) being equally beneficial and detrimental. like there so much they could help each other with but also subconsciously cause serious problematic habits/ thought processes/ coping mechanisums for each other and themselves the biggest thing my brain latched onto was how MK could become Nezha's first truly safe space.
Nezha going what i know and understand about his lore and what we can glean from the little we know in the show's canon, definitely has it rough in the celestial realm. he had a very troubled childhood and is clearly haunted by his past and is being defined by it despite his efforts to grow and prove that he's better now. he can command respect for his strength and power but people still question him as a person, always waiting for him to slip up. what relationships he does have he probably doesn't feel fully safe expressing his real self and thoughts because it poses potential risks. then mk comes into the picture. Nezha's given him a safe place to talk openly and he'd want to offer the same to the prince. even if he can't help directly he knows just having someone to vent to can help. its small stuff at first, little complaints here and there about work and the celestial realm, but slowly nezha starts to open up about more personal stuff. stuff with his family, with other celestials, and about his past. and to his amazement and relief is met with only empathy and understanding from mk, even after learning about the darker stuff MK never judges him. Nezha doesn't have to mask anything about himself around mk, infact he's being encouraged to relax and just be his natural self around him. he's truly safe when its just him and mk, that feeling has to be euphoric for the poor guy used to being on guard constantly even around the people he loves.
but of course, could easily lead to a mutually unhealthy co-dependency. nezha's already been isolated to some degree having never had much of a positive support structure, and mk's slowly isolating himself away from his established support structure. resulting in an echo chamber of two very well-meaning but very mentally ill people.
(i'm so sorry this turned into a short essay I've been waiting three hours to get of shift so i can spill my brains out about this. i have more but I'm going to end it here in fear that i'm being a bit much about these two)
Noo donā€™t worry about this being long, I absolutely love it!!
Youā€™re so right, Nezha and MK are at the same time a good counterbalance for each other while also being accidentally self-destructive. MK is a chaotic lil gremlin who follows his emotions and worries about consequences later and Nezha (in LMK at least) seems to be trying very hard to come at things logically and approach from a more grounded, duty-based perspective. They both could use a splash of the otherā€™s energy in that manner, so in that way itā€™s for sure a good thing that theyā€™re getting closer.
Problem is, like you said, these boys are sooooo mentally ill šŸ˜‚ The feeling that they need to constantly be proving themselves, giving a little more away every time, pushing their own boundaries and suffering in silence because itā€™s what someone else needs- these are things they might accidentally end up encouraging in each otherā€¦. Actually, probably not even accidentally. They see the other working crazy hard and being run ragged physically and probably emotionally too, and theyā€™re like ā€œI am SO proud of you for sacrificing so much!ā€ ..and both of them have never felt so seen as when the other says that to them. Itā€™s validating their worst impulses to just keep going and giving because their own feelings about it are less important than everyone elseā€™s.
Also, the fact that they feel like they can expect to get that praise when they admit to being stressed might even make them be more open about it. Only with each other, thoughā€¦ if they were to mention feeling overworked or burdened to their families, they know already that they would not get the response they were looking for.. but again, even if it means theyā€™re being more open, itā€™s still not a super good thing that itā€™s reinforcing destructive behavior. :U
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navybrat817 Ā· 23 hours ago
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I can't wait to read all of the WIPs listed. All the dark/dark-ish Bucky ones already made me weak in the knees just by the hints. I especially want to know more about dark!bodyguard Bucky who's tasked to protect us but the true danger has been alongside us all this time šŸ˜ˆ Protecting us by keeping all the other men away to save his future wife for himself. I'm just speculating sorry lol. I just love the idea that someone who's supposed to protect us has been the one most obsessed with us all along. That has no right to be sounding so hot šŸ˜©ā¤ The other one I'm intrigued by is the feral Bucky just cause that's a rare AU for Bucky šŸ˜ A Tarzan-esque Bucky with all his innocence,wonders and curiosity,maybe not so innocent once attraction does its' work and primal needs take over (the smut part lol)? šŸ˜‚ I bet feral Bucky fucks feral too šŸ„µšŸ˜µ So feral Bucky is the one I voted for but I'm happy with the final results as well. Just wanted to tell you this is the hardest polls I've ever taken on Tumblr because every single WIPs listed sounds soooo good šŸ˜©šŸ˜« To the point that I had to think about it for more than an hour and a half and came back to it again and finally vote feral Bucky WIP ā¤šŸ˜‚
I'm so sorry I didn't answer this right away, nonnie! I'm glad you're excited for more of my nonsense.
I just love the idea that someone who's supposed to protect us has been the one most obsessed with us all along.
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Listen, I love our dark bodyguard. There are bad people out there and he'll keep you safe from them. He just won't keep you safe from himself.
the feral Bucky just cause that's a rare AU for Bucky
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I hope you like my take on it! It'll be canon up to a certain point before things change (I can't say when or what'll happen since it'll spoil some of what I have planned), but he's going to be very happy to meet his mate you and some of those protective and primal urges will come forward. @onsunnyside has a Tarzan!Steve AU that's amazing and deserves all the love.
And the hardest poll?! I'm flattered that you thought so thoroughly and carefully about which one you wanted to vote for. You lovelies supporting my nonsense never ceases to amaze me and I appreciate every one of you. I hope you enjoy what's to come!
Love and thanks! ā¤ļø
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presidenthades Ā· 2 days ago
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At long last: behind-the-scenes commentary for Lavenderā€™s Blue Chapter 1.
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Usual disclaimer that these thoughts arenā€™t necessarily canonical to the fic verse until/unless I write them into the actual story.
Lavender is a recursive fanfic for my own AU fanfic, so I truly, honestly didnā€™t think it would be as popular as it is. Two years ago, I wouldā€™ve said that an Aemond fic (like Compromise) wouldā€™ve been way more popular than any Aegon fic, but life is full of surprises. šŸ¤·šŸ»ā€ā™€ļø
Chapter titles are quotes from Westerosi wedding ceremonies performed under the Faith of the Seven (both book and show verse).
The fic was originally supposed to be a short threeshot. As you can see, itā€™s a full-ass story at 8 chapters and 80k words. šŸ¤” When I wrote the first chapter, I wasnā€™t planning on the moon tea scheme, Dorne arc, or prophecy-mad Vizzy T storyline. The fic was just supposed to be Jace and Aegon figuring out an arranged marriage when they donā€™t know each other. But then I started writing Chapter 2 and I decided I needed plot. šŸ˜‚
We start the fic with Aegon in his pre-Jace state: a medieval frat bro who just wants to chug beer and sleep around. At first sight, he embodies the ā€œuseless heir whoā€™ll probably run his inheritance into the groundā€ trope. But I try to make it evident fairly quickly that Aegon has a profound depth of emotions, and he shouldnā€™t be written off just yet.
Back when the fic was supposed to be a threeshot all in Aegonā€™s POV, Myranda had a different role. Aegon would be teased for falling in love with Jace, and he would try to prove them wrong by going back to Myranda at the brothel. But at the last minute he realizes he canā€™t go through with it, Myranda gets catty about Jace, he says something like ā€œyeah youā€™re pretty but not as pretty as my wife,ā€ and Myranda throws him out. The final draft turned out very different, but this alternate story wouldā€™ve been kinda funny.
When I imagine pregnant Rhaenyra and pregnant Alicent having a huge fight, I also imagine fetus!Jace and fetus!Aemond being very confused about all the clamor they can hear in the womb.
Aegon acts like he hates the idea of the betrothal, but he definitely keeps that portrait of Jace in his room and looks at it every so often. Now Iā€™m thinking of another AU where Aegon goes to Driftmark to see if Jace is as pretty as everyone says, and maximum chaos ensues because he decides marriage isnā€™t so bad actually, so they should just marry ASAP.
The Velargirls get the title ā€œprincessā€ solely because Viserys is desperately trying to win back Rhaenyraā€™s favor. (It doesnā€™t work, of course.)
Alicent is projecting a lot onto Jace, which is one of the reasons she tries so hard to be nice to Jace. Young Alicent in S1 felt very isolated in her early days as queen, so now she frets that Jace will feel the same. This universeā€™s Alicent never had her green dress moment, and she doesnā€™t defy Viserys like she does in S1E6. Here, she tries to exert her influence over Aegon to ensure that at least one other girl (Jace) might be spared some kindness from her husband. This conversation, plus Aegonā€™s core memory of the aftermath of Alicentā€™s marital rape, have a big impact on the way he treats Jace.
Otto is keenly aware of the Velaryonsā€™ many dragons, ships, and wealth. In this universe, he prioritizes making the Velaryons happy, because he really doesnā€™t want the dragons on Driftmark turning against the Crown.
If Jace werenā€™t betrothed to Aegon from the moment she was born, she wouldā€™ve been raised as the heir to Driftmark rather than as a future queen. She canā€™t be both because, like I mentioned in Compromise, Corlys wants the ruler of Driftmark to always make their seat a priority. Yet another interesting AU idea: Jace is raised as heir to Driftmark, but she canā€™t keep her status as heir if she marries Aegon. šŸ¤”
In F&B, Viserys is the one who betroths Aegon and Helaena so they canā€™t marry other houses and gather support against Rhaenyra. Viserys almost does that in this AU before Otto talks him out of it.
Helaenaā€™s quip about Aegon smiling is because she knows heā€™s about to smile so hard that his face hurts. ā˜€ļø
The Green kids get a more functional relationship with their mother in this universe. Alicent isnā€™t worried about securing Aegon as heir or protecting them from Rhaenyra/Daemon. As a result, sheā€™s much more present in her kidsā€™ lives.
Baela and Rhaena have been absorbed into the Velaryon clan because Daemon ditched them. šŸ’€ He originally planned to take them back to Penrose (like he mentions in S1E7), but he saw how much they were thriving with their extended family. So he allowed the twins to stay on Driftmarkā€”but he left because he didnā€™t see a place for himself in the Seven Kingdoms anymore. šŸ˜”
There is NO WAY Jace is making her debut at court in riding leathers, with messy hair and the stench of dragon. Just picture her and the other girls in the wheelhouse on the way to the Red Keep, frantically changing clothes and brushing hair and spraying perfume. šŸ˜‚
Aegon: ā€œeveryone lies at court.ā€ Aegon 5 seconds later: ā€œnice to see you again, Rhaenyra!ā€
It would be fun to see 12yo Aemondā€™s adventure sneaking out of the castle, hitchhiking to Crackclaw Point, and claiming Vhagar. Damn, I need to stop giving myself ideas.
Aegon and Daemon have similar reactions to Joffā€™s name. Truly, they would get along so well in another life.
Aemond fell into horny at first sight. šŸ˜Œ Also I love his and Aegonā€™s brotherly telepathy.
Jace isnā€™t a military person, but she knows how to go on a strategic offensive. Her goal is to make Aegon like her, so she starts off on the right foot by dressing in Sunfyreā€™s colors.
Aegon was told to stop doing frivolous things, like draw and play the lute, because those arenā€™t useful talents for a king. šŸ˜ž
ā€œI donā€™t believe youā€™ve met.ā€ Viserys actually cannot remember if Aegon has met Jace. šŸ’€
Jace is honestly happy to meet Aegon. Alicent made sure he cleaned up well, so heā€™s looking very dapper.
Jace did her homework for the tourney. She memorized sigils, names, and family trees so she could make a good first impression on all the lords and ladies. Aegon could never. (Good thing heā€™s marrying her.)
Because Jace has heard rumors about Aegonā€™s profligacy, she tries to prevent him from drinking too much and potentially causing a scene. The questions she distracts him with are carefully chosen to a) be questions he can answer intelligently and b) help her get to know her husband a bit. She can multitask! And in the end, Aegon is so intrigued by his wife-to-be that he loses interest in drinking. Wins all around.
Aegon notices that he can never catch Jace alone. We learn from her POV this is intentional because sheā€™s worried he might try to seduce her before the wedding ceremony.
Aegon and Aemond have sexual experience, but not romantic experience, so women are a mystery to them. šŸ™ƒ Daeron, meanwhile, is like ā€œwhy donā€™t you just treat girls like people, theyā€™re not a different species.ā€
Velargirls are sneakily interrogating Helaena for info about the Targbros. Helaena knows it, and she lets them do it. Her brothers will thank her for it one day.
Ottoā€™s daily cup of prune juice is one of my favorite running jokes in this series.
The bit about Aegonā€™s ā€œaccessoriesā€ lying around his bed is a reference to the infamous screenshot in S1E8 of Aegonā€™s medieval sex toy collection. šŸ˜³
The handkerchief that Aegon notices in Jaceā€™s room is the handkerchief she gives him later. Itā€™s also the same handkerchief he waves as a white flag to Laenor and Rhaenys in Chapter 6. Luce knitted the shawl for Jace, of course.
Septa Lucinda is another of my favorite running jokes. Modern!Jace definitely secretly reads smutty romance novels.
Rhaenyraā€™s diagrams about sex were also mentioned in The Golds. šŸ¤­
Jace wakes up early enough before Aegon that she has time to primp and dress herself to her usual level of being presentable. But she already feels comfortable enough around Aegon to leave off some of her public-facing layers. She even switches to her usual robe, the kind she wears for lounging alone in her room, rather than the skimpy one thatā€™s designed to make Aegon like her.
Viserys intentionally sent the messenger late enough that Aegon would be late to the meeting. šŸ™„ Luckily for Aegon, his wife is an expert at making people look presentable in very little time.
Even though Larys isnā€™t able to worm his way into Alicentā€™s confidence in this AU, he still offs his father and brother. Larys has ambition, and he has better odds of sneakily climbing up the ladder if heā€™s the lord of Harrenhal rather than a spare.
Aegon is very ADHD-coded in this verse. He also just isnā€™t meant for administrative work.
Toward the end of this chapter, Aegon has the realization that heā€™s been using sex as a band-aid. He wants to feel accepted and wanted for himself. As Helaena says later, he wants to be seen. And he already feels like Jace can give him that. Them giving each other permission to call each other by their first name is another milestone in both of them shedding their masks.
Jaceā€™s job in this universe is being Aegonā€™s wife (at first), and she performs her job like her life depends on it (which it kinda doesā€¦?). She already figured out that Aegon gets hangry. Or maybe hupset would be more accurate.
All the urban planning and governance topics that Jace studies isnā€™t part of a typical ladyā€™s education. But she grew up super close to Rhaenys, who was given an heirā€™s education. And Corlys and Laenor definitely indulge the Velargirls in their interests.
Aegon does indeed fulfill his promise to build a more beautiful and comfortable throne for Jace next to his. šŸ„°
See Chapter 2 commentary here.
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brummiereader Ā· 12 hours ago
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@mischievouslittlecreature Lizzie, please stop šŸ˜©...
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Another chapter that has me raging internally at Lizzie's misplaced superiority in Tommy's life and Arrow House šŸ˜¤. She's never gonna give it a rest, is she?
My heart broke for Lucy when she was watching them during their boardgame. I hate how she misinterprets those moments she sees between them for a happy family šŸ˜­.
As Lucy watched, Lizzieā€™s hand came to rest on Tommyā€™s thigh, her long, pale fingers inching towards brushing against his. Arghhh, Tommy! Why didn't he swat her hand away šŸ¤¦šŸ¼ā€ā™€ļø?? This was such a crushing scene for her to have to witness. No fucking wonder she feels the way she does all the time!
His eyes widened, and she heard him call her name softly but she pretended not to hear, walking briskly towards the stairs. Immediately she felt bad. It was not her intention to make him feel guilty for prioritizing his family over her. Am I cruel? I feel like I'm cruel, but I want him to feel guilty for this. Lucy has drawn the short straw ever since his major fuck up. And Lucy is his family too šŸ˜­!
The next part with Lizzie, enraged me! I can't believe she "changed her mind" which I believe wasn't her having a change of heart but her playing her next move in her endeavour to have Tommy all to herself. I'm genuinely starting to think that that was her plan all along, because she agreed to this arrangement far to quickly for someone that has shown so much hate towards everything.
Yeah, well, she would never pull this kind of shit on me in the first place. She bends over backwards to make you happy and comfortable and all you do is treat her like garbage.ā€ - Tommy rounded on her. ā€œStop making it out to be more than it was! We fucked in a dark dirty canal while I was thinking of someone else. Thatā€™s all.ā€ FINALLY! He's telling her how it is! I know this was a pretty hurtful and a harsh thing for him to say, but I feel like she needed to hear it. She's deluded herself into believing that that quick shag was more than what it was, and that's exactly where she went wrong with it all.
Arghh šŸ‘ŒšŸ¼šŸ˜!! Their reunion sex was so hot! You had me at this line šŸ„“... He froze, slowly lifting his face to look at her. ā€œFeel,ā€ he took her hand, sliding it down to cup his crotch, where his cock was already bulging in his slacks. His fingers flexed around hers, encouraging her to squeeze slightly around him. ā€œFeel how much I still want you, Lucy.ā€ I'm weak šŸ˜©! I can't explain to you how sultry how steamy this was. I live for these moves he makes. It exudes that confident, passionate side to him I love to see between him and Lucy.
Donā€™t stop,ā€ he half begged once they separated for air. His mouth dropped open, breathing heavily and letting her hear him as he drew closer to his climax. Another hot line! Them kissing is enough to have them both falling over the edge...I love it šŸ„“!
It's honestly a relief to see Lucy just relax for once šŸ˜‚. He's the one that stops that constant nagging of thoughts in her head, and he's the only one that can reassure her enough for her to understand that she will always be his only girl! I just wish Lizzie would get the memo. Hopefully she did after hearing some hard truths from Tommy!
I'm on edge as much as Lucy with Lizzie's yo-yo cattiness šŸ™ˆ. It's so hard to see her step around her bratty behaviour like she's a guest in Lizzie and Tommy's house. And as much as they were able to open up and clear the air in this scene, Lizzie still opened with this line...ā€œAnd yet youā€™re not going to stop doing it.ā€ she agreed to this arrangement !! I swear I'm gonna be pulling my hair out by the time this season ends šŸ˜¬! Imagine if Lucy turned around and said "Well, you spoiled mine and Tommy's fun when you got knocked up"?? Tommy was never hers to begin with, and it's like she's playing the betrayer wife or something. It's so hard to understand the way her brain works šŸ¤¦šŸ¼ā€ā™€ļø!
Ok so we left on a better note with Lizzie, for now šŸ˜¬. But it never lasts long. Can we have Dian make an entrance so Lizzie can turn her vengeance to her and give Lucy a break šŸ˜‚? Maybe having a common enemy will do the trick šŸ¤­?
Amazing as always hun! Excited to read more šŸ˜.
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Part 22: This Misery We've Made
Summary: Tommy has to make a choice of which woman he will pledge himself to.
Word Count: 7,520
Warnings: Jealousy, depression, smut, and infidelity (sort of).
Notes:Ā I am so sorry for the high word count of this chapter. I just couldn't find a good place to break it in two. Tommy's a bit of an idiot here, but he is trying.
Thank you to everyone who has read this fic! I have been absolutely blown away by the reception it has gotten. If you enjoyed this and are looking for more like it, I am planning to post another fic set in this same timeline that takes place during season 5, and manages to be somehow even more angsty than this one. So keep your eyes open for that if you're interested!
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Chapter 5: Promises
ā€œMiss. Winters.ā€
Lucy looked up, startled out of the sharp focus sheā€™d been concentrating onto the papers in front of her. Frances was standing there near her desk, peering at her from over the tray of steaming food clutched in her hands.Ā 
ā€œMr. Shelby wanted me to bring this for you. He didnā€™t want you to go hungry.ā€
Lucy frowned, capping her pen and setting it aside. Grabbing a stack of papers, she moved them out of the way to make room on her desk for the tray. ā€œTheyā€™re having dinner?ā€
ā€œYes, Miss. They were just finishing, I think.ā€
ā€œOh. I didnā€™t know.ā€
Frances frowned. ā€œMrs. Shelby told me that you were working and wouldnā€™t be able to eat with them this evening.ā€
ā€œAh.ā€ That made sense, then. Frances stuttered.Ā 
ā€œIā€™m sorry if thereā€™s been a miscommunicationā€¦ā€
ā€œItā€™s alright. Donā€™t worry about it,ā€ Lucy waved away her apologies. ā€œThank you for bringing the tray.ā€
Frances nodded, and departed from the room. Fingertips rubbing together, Lucy glanced over at the plate on her desk. Piled upon it was a filet of salmon, some potatoes, and steamed vegetables. Picking up the fork, she picked idly at the fish, flaking it but bringing only a few mouthfuls to her lips. Her appetite was nonexistent.
Something in Lizzie had changed. That much was clear. Whatever warmth or amiable attitude towards her and the arrangement theyā€™d agreed upon prior to the wedding had evaporated. She must have changed her mind about being okay with Tommy remaining involved with her. Or maybe this was her plan all along; to get Tommy legally bound to her and then push Lucy out.Ā 
She could not say for how long she sat there, staring into space and picking at her food. When she looked up at the clock, it was to find that it was a lot later than sheā€™d expected. Fucking hell, had it really been that long since sheā€™d watched Tommy and Lizzie depart with the children for their picnic?Ā 
Pushing away from her desk, she made her way out of her office with mechanical movements. In her mind, she debated whether or not she should even try to seek out Tommy wherever he was in the massive house. Probably with his wife. Enjoying their time together.Ā 
Sheā€™d just leave them be, she decided, taking the route towards the stairs to head to bed. He clearly didnā€™t want to see her, considering it had been hours and he hadnā€™t even stopped by her office after they got back from their outing. Sheā€™d hate to pop their happy little bubble more than she already had.Ā Ā 
On her way to the staircase she passed by the library. The door leading inside was slightly cracked open, revealing a sliver of golden light. From within, she caught snippets of chatter and laughter. Footsteps coming to a stop, she stared at the wooden door, the feeling of being left out sitting like a rock inside her chest.Ā 
Unable to stop herself, despite knowing it would only cause her pain, she shuffled forward to peek through the small crack between the doors.
Tommy, Lizzie, and Charlie were all crowded around a table, playing a board game together. Tommy and Lizzie were seated next to each other on a couch, both laughing at something Charlie must have done during his turn. As Lucy watched, Lizzieā€™s hand came to rest on Tommyā€™s thigh, her long, pale fingers inching towards brushing against his.Ā 
Ā A crushing sensation squeezed harshly at Lucyā€™s heart. She took a staggering step back, hoping to escape before any of them spotted her, but Tommyā€™s eyes lifted before she could fully dart out of view from the doorway. Maybe he had sensed her there. Or maybe it was just her movement in the corner of his eye that caught his attention.Ā 
ā€œLucy?ā€ he straightened, and the way that the small smile that had been playing on his lips as he watched his wife and child fell just about killed her. It felt like sheā€™d burst in on a private moment that she had no business being a part of. As if with just her presence alone she had ruined all the fun and joy he was experiencing.Ā 
ā€œI was just going to bed,ā€ she said, so that they knew that she had no intention of intruding further. ā€œSo, ermā€¦goodnight.ā€Ā 
ā€œGoodnight, Lucy,ā€ Charlie said, despite most of his concentration being focused on moving his piece across the board. Lizzie said nothing, but Tommy scrambled to his feet, crossing the room to her before she could back away.Ā 
ā€œHey,ā€ he spoke gently, taking her gently by the arm. ā€œIā€™m sorry. Frances said you were busy, and Charlie wanted to playā€“ā€
ā€œItā€™s fine.ā€
He blinked, concern filling his eyes. ā€œLoveā€“ā€
ā€œItā€™s late,ā€ she shrugged him off. ā€œIā€™m going to bed.ā€
ā€œDad, itā€™s your turn!ā€ Charlie called. Lucy started to retreat away. So that he could return to his family.Ā Ā 
Tommy tried to reach out for her again. ā€œIā€™ll be there in just a minute.ā€
Pausing, she looked back at him. ā€œItā€™s fine if you donā€™t.ā€
His eyes widened, and she heard him call her name softly but she pretended not to hear, walking briskly towards the stairs. Immediately she felt bad. It was not her intention to make him feel guilty for prioritizing his family over her. The breaths leaving her lips turned shaky. Hands stuffing into her pockets, her head bowed, she began the walk through the winding halls to her room. Tucked far in the back of the house, away from the main apartments, where hardly anyone ever wandered.Ā 
Hidden out of sight, out of mind. She wondered if he knew she had moved rooms. And if he did, if he knew where she was.Ā 
If he would even try to come looking for her.Ā Ā Ā 
āˆ— āˆ— āˆ—
ā€œAlright, Charlie, mate, it is well past your bedtime,ā€ Tommy said, gesturing to Frances who was hovering by the door, ready to take him up to his room.
ā€œAw, cā€™mon, just one more round!ā€ Charlie whined.Ā 
ā€œYes, Tommy, just one more,ā€ Lizzie agreed, smiling around her cigarette. Tommy narrowed his eyes at them.Ā 
ā€œI donā€™t know if I like this with you two ganging up on me.ā€
They both smiled innocently.Ā 
ā€œPleaseeeeeeeeeeee,ā€ Charlie begged. Tommy chuckled, ruffling his hair fondly.Ā 
ā€œIā€™ve had a long day, son. Iā€™m tired. Maybe tomorrow, eh?ā€
Charlie pouted a little, but relented, saying goodnight to both him and Lizzie before taking Francesā€™s outstretched hand and letting her lead him away.
ā€œRight,ā€ wedging his cigarette between his lips, Tommy eyed the door that led out to the main staircase eagerly. Anxiety constricted within his chest.Ā Ā 
Itā€™s fine if you donā€™t.
God, he was such a fucking shit. He should have gone after her immediately, or at the very least invited her to join them. But she had practically run away from him before he could get the chance.Ā 
The day was almost over, and he had barely gotten to spend any time with her.Ā 
ā€œIā€™m going to bed. If you need anything, just pull the cord in your room and a maid will come around.ā€
ā€œTommy, wait!ā€ Lizzieā€™s voice was strained with agitation, her eyes suddenly frantic. ā€œWhy donā€™tā€¦why donā€™t we go for a walk on the grounds?ā€
Tommy took a long drag from his cigarette, eyes narrowing. ā€œLizzie, itā€™s dark out.ā€
ā€œB-but we couldā€“ā€
ā€œLizzie,ā€ he wasnā€™t shouting, but his voice was firm, stopping her in her tracks before she could say any more. ā€œEnough. I know what youā€™re trying to do. And you need to stop.ā€
Her jaw clenched, and while anger entered her face, the desperation in her eyes did not cease. ā€œI justā€¦I thoughtā€¦ā€
He sighed, turning to face her fully. ā€œYou knew what this arrangement was going to look like,ā€ he was mindful to keep his voice calm, not wanting to be unkind. It was understandable that she might struggle with it all at first. But that didnā€™t mean that he was going to suddenly go back on all the promises heā€™d made to Lucy. ā€œI gave you a whole week in Paris. I need to go back to her now.ā€
ā€œNo, you donā€™t.ā€ She rose to her feet, going to him and resting her hands on his arm.Ā 
ā€œLizzie, this is what you agreed toā€“ā€
ā€œI changed my mind,ā€ she blurted out. Tommy stared at her, lips half parted, eyes wide. Horror twisted deeply in his chest. No. Oh, God, no, Lizzie, for fuckā€™s sakeā€¦
Of course he had known that this was a possibility, but after he and Lucy worked so hard to double and triple check that Lizzie was alright with their arrangement, and to impress upon her how things were going to be, he had hoped she would have known better than to hope for more than what he was explicitly offering her.Ā 
He felt his features harden. ā€œWell, I havenā€™t.ā€
Lizzieā€™s features twitched. He could see her trying to keep her vulnerability hidden behind a facade of sternness, but there were cracks forming in the mask. Especially in her eyes.
ā€œWe agreed to a very specific type of marriage, Lizzie. Just because youā€™ve decided to go back on that, doesnā€™t mean that I have any obligation towards you.ā€
Her eyes narrowed. ā€œThe rings on our fingers and our marriage license say otherwise.ā€
ā€œFor fuckā€™s sake,ā€ he rubbed a hand across his eyes. ā€œHow many times did we ask if you were alright with the deal we were presenting you with, huh? Are you fucking kidding me, Lizzie!?ā€ He pulled back, shaking her hands off of him and half turning away from her. A headache was starting to build behind his eyes. When he looked back at her it was to find Lizzie watching him, hands playing with the buttons on the front of her dress. There was still a tendril of hope in her eyes.Ā 
ā€œWhat do you want from me?ā€ he asked defeatedly. Lizzie swallowed, lifting her chin and squaring her shoulders.
ā€œI donā€™t want you to see her ever again.ā€
He shook his head. ā€œThatā€™s never going to happen. Iā€™m not leaving her, Lizzie. Not ever. I donā€™t know how many more times I have to tell you that before you understandā€“ā€
ā€œYou would never treat her like this!ā€ Lizzie exploded, the mask sheā€™d been trying to keep carefully in place over her features shattering. Bitterness laced her voice as she spat the words out. ā€œIf it was the other way around, you would do what she asked of you in a heartbeat!ā€
He winced at the truth in her words. She was right. He would always prioritize Lucyā€™s desires. It wasnā€™t fair to Lizzie. She deserved better. But for fuckā€™s sake, she knew all of this going into things. It wasnā€™t like theyā€™d pulled a blindfold over her eyes and tricked her into marrying him with promises of more than what he could offer. He had been as upfront as he knew how on what a marriage to him would be like for her.Ā 
She said she was okay with it. Had she been lying? Had she intended to trap him all along? Or did she think she could handle things only to realize that she was in over her head after the fact? Or was she still that delusional to believe that he would somehow have a change of heart once the rings went on and the honeymoon was finished?
ā€œYeah, well, she would never pull this kind of shit on me in the first place. She bends over backwards to make you happy and comfortable and all you do is treat her like garbage.ā€
Shame entered Lizzieā€™s face, head dipping to stare down at the floor while her arms wrapped around herself.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s not personal.ā€
ā€œYou hate her.ā€ He accused, feeling his own resentment and bitterness begin to burn in his eyes.Ā 
ā€œNo, I donā€™t! But she has you and itā€™s not fair! Iā€™ve been in your life longer. We created a child togetherā€”ā€
Tommy rounded on her. ā€œStop making it out to be more than it was! We fucked in a dark dirty canal while I was thinking of someone else. Thatā€™s all.ā€
Lizzieā€™s eyes widened and grew glassy with tears, and he immediately felt bad. But God, he didnā€™t know how else to make her understandā€¦
Silence hung heavily between the two of them
ā€œTommy, I love you,ā€ Lizzie said in a quiet voice. He could hear the hope in it still. For fuckā€™s sake, woman, he thought, closing his eyes. In his head, he debated whether or not to tell her that she didnā€™t. That you couldnā€™t love someone who you didnā€™t really know. Who you didnā€™t understand.
He opened his eyes, and forced himself to meet her hopeful gaze. ā€œIā€™m sorry.ā€ He saw something in Lizzie crack at the words, but forced himself to go on, despite the self loathing he felt for hurting her. ā€œI love Lucy. If youā€™re forcing me to choose between you two, itā€™s going to her, Lizzie. It always will be. That does not mean you arenā€™t important, or unwelcome here. We want you and the kids here with us. We already have an arrangement sorted out. One you agreed to, remember? And weā€™re willing to make adjustments and compromises here and there, within reason. But I love her and that isnā€™t going to change. Itā€™s up to you if you can make peace with that or not.ā€
ā€œAnd if I canā€™t?ā€
ā€œThen we need to talk about other options.ā€
She looked at him as if heā€™d just hit her.Ā 
Swiping a hand across his brow, brushing his fringe to the side, he shifted from foot to foot, suddenly feeling the need to try to somewhat soften the blow. ā€œLook, give it some time before you make a decision. Let yourself get adjusted. It might not be as bad as you think.ā€
The clock on the mantle chimed. Lizzie was still hugging herself, looking seconds away from tears.Ā Ā Ā Ā 
ā€œI have to go,ā€ Tommy said. ā€œI promised her.ā€ He looked deep into Lizzieā€™s eyes, begging her to understand. But she said nothing, just staring at him with wounded, hate-filled eyes. He sighed. There was nothing really left to be said. As he walked past her to get to the door, he reached out to touch her arm. ā€œIā€™m sorry.ā€
She winced away from his touch, turning her back to him. Tommy felt his heart sink at her pain but kept on moving, figuring that it might be better to leave her alone.Ā 
He went to the library door, opening and stepping through it. Right before he closed it behind him, he heard the sounds of Lizzie starting to cry.
His hand hovered over the doorknob, considering, and then retracted, slipping back into his pocket. With hasty footsteps he retreated away from the library, heading towards Lucy. And away from the sounds of Lizzieā€™s heartbreak.
āˆ— āˆ— āˆ—
Lucy stared at herself miserably in the mirror. Hands flexing into fists against the tabletop of the vanity, she was half tempted to smash the reflection of the pathetic, pale, ugly girl staring back at her. She had finished wiping off her makeup, scrubbing perhaps a tad too aggressively at the sensitive skin of her face. And then sheā€™d caught herself fluffing at her hair and adjusting the lay of her lacy red nightgown, and felt so damn stupid. What was the point? He wasnā€™t coming.
Lizzie had obviously changed her mind about being alright with everything. And maybe Tommy had too. It was over.Ā 
Her eyes squeezed shut painfully at the thought, hands bracing on the edges of the basin in front of her until her knuckles turned white. How ridiculous she felt, to have ever thought that the arrangement theyā€™d made with Lizzie would work.Ā 
Should she start packing her things now, or wait until he gave her the official order to get out of his house?
She opened her eyes, wiping at her nose with the back of her hand and sniffling, swallowing down tears. It was amazing just how quickly everything had fallen apart.
Unable to stand looking at herself any longer, she abandoned the sink to shuffle her way into the bedroom.Ā 
Golden light from the lamps set on the two nightstands on either side of the bed illuminated the room. Shivers wracked down Lucyā€™s spine from a chill that she was pretty sure was the result of a draft somewhere by the window. The staff had tried to keep the layout of the room the same as it had been in her previous quarters, but everything was just more cramped in the smaller space. Lucy was suddenly struck with a stab of claustrophobia; the feeling settling nauseatingly alongside the tightness of unshed tears already in her throat.Ā 
Rubbing at her forehead, she took a step towards the bed, just reaching for the sash on her dressing gown to remove it when the door opened.Ā 
Tommyā€™s expression was tightened with stress and exhaustion when he first stepped into the room, but it softened when his eyes landed on her. Features relaxing, a small smile found its way onto his face while he closed the door behind him with a soft click.
ā€œTook me a while to find you. I had to ask Frances what room you were in.ā€ He took a step forward, head cocking. ā€œWhat are you doing all the way out here in this part of the house? No one comes to this wing much except for the maids.ā€
ā€œLizzie moved me here. She had the servants switch around my things during the wedding and reception.ā€
He frowned, inching even closer to her, eyes taking in the dimly lit bedroom. ā€œYou donā€™t have to stay in this room just because she says so.ā€
ā€œItā€™s fine. It might be for the best that she and I arenā€™t that close to each other anyway.ā€
He reached out and touched her face, angling her head up so she was looking at him rather than the floor. His thumb traced the shape of her lips, eyebrow quirking slightly. ā€œYou didnā€™t think that I would come.ā€ It wasnā€™t an accusation or a question, just a simple statement. Lucy shrugged.
ā€œShe seemed very intent on keeping you with her.ā€
ā€œI made you a promise.ā€
ā€œYouā€™ve made promises to her too.ā€
His head tilted. ā€œIā€™d rather keep the ones Iā€™ve made to you.ā€Ā 
He made a move to kiss her, palms coming to rest on her hips, but she stopped him with a hand on his chest. Her eyes searched his face, not even entirely sure what she was looking for.Ā 
ā€œAre you sure you want to do this?ā€ she asked, voice suddenly very hoarse.Ā 
ā€œDo what?ā€
She looked at him sadly. ā€œCheat on your wife.ā€
He frowned. ā€œIā€™m not sure if what weā€™re doing really counts as cheatingā€¦ā€
ā€œI doubt Lizzie sees it that way.ā€
His gaze lowered, thumbs beginning to rub circles into her waist. ā€œShe just needs time to adjust.ā€
ā€œTommy, sheā€™s changed her mind. Itā€™s obvious. She wants a real marriage with you.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s her problem. We both did our part to make sure that she knew what she was signing up for. She really has no leg to stand on if sheā€™s shocked about it now.ā€
ā€œWas she upset when you left to come see me?ā€
He didnā€™t answer, gaze darting away again.
ā€œShe was, wasnā€™t she?ā€
ā€œThatā€™s not your responsibility.ā€
ā€œMy presence is the reason sheā€™s getting her heart brokenā€“ā€
ā€œNo.ā€ Something sharpened stubbornly in his eyes, his grip tightening on her. ā€œDonā€™t you dare try to put responsibility for Lizzieā€™s bad decision making onto yourself. She knew I wasnā€™t going to stop being with you. And she agreed to marry me anyway. That was her choice. We didnā€™t force her into it.ā€ He cupped her face urgently. ā€œIt isnā€™t your fault if sheā€™s miserable.ā€
ā€œItā€™s hard not to feel like it isnā€™tā€¦ā€Ā 
ā€œI know. I know. But loveā€¦even if you werenā€™t a factor at all, I doubt that I would be faithful to Lizzie.ā€ He shot her a sheepish look. ā€œI donā€™t love her. At least not the way that she wants me to. If anyoneā€™s to blame for her unhappiness, itā€™s me. Not you.ā€
She smoothed her hands along his chest, leaning forward until her forehead rested between his pecs. Tommy embraced her tightly, rubbing her back.
ā€œI thought you mightā€™ve changed your mind too,ā€ she mumbled. He drew back only far enough to look into her eyes. That stubbornness that sheā€™d grown so fond of, despite how exasperating it sometimes was, had taken root in his blue irises.Ā 
ā€œIā€™m not going to change my mind. Iā€™m not going to leave you or stop loving you.ā€ Up and down, his thumb stroked across her cheek while his palm cradled it. His face was so close that she could feel the warmth of his breaths on her skin. The stubbornness in his eyes had transformed into earnestness. ā€œI want to spend the rest of my life with you.ā€
Her bottom lip started to tremble, and her voice broke on her next words. ā€œBut maybe thereā€™s no room for meā€¦ā€
ā€œOf course there is. Of course there is; there will always be room for you in my life.ā€
ā€œTommy,ā€ she sighed, feeling as though the weight of the world was resting upon her. The guilt so encompassing she felt that it might swallow her whole. ā€œYou have other priorities now. You have a wife and children. I canā€™tā€¦ā€
His brows furrowed, eyes turning stern. ā€œIf youā€™re asking me to not make you a priority, that isnā€™t something that I can do,ā€ he shifted closer, wiping a stray tear she hadnā€™t even realized had rolled down her cheek. ā€œYouā€™ll always be a priority to me.ā€
ā€œI canā€™t ask that of you.ā€
ā€œYou donā€™t have to ask. Iā€™m giving it to you anyway.ā€
She lifted both hands to rest on his face, throat constricting hard with emotion at his words. One of Tommyā€™s large palms landed on top of hers, squeezing her hand. Face turning, he pressed a kiss to the center of her palm. Then he tipped his head down, so their foreheads could touch. A few more tears leaked from her eyes.
ā€œThis has been harder than I thought it would be.ā€
His strong hands pressed into the middle of her back, encouraging her to press herself closer to him. ā€œYeah,ā€ he agreed, then looked away, clearing his throat. Lucy frowned at the change of expression in his eyes, something ashamed and deeply guilty entering them.Ā 
ā€œTommy?ā€
ā€œI feel like Iā€™ve been unfaithful to you.ā€Ā 
ā€œWhat? Love, noā€¦I said it was okay.ā€
He breathed in deeply. ā€œStill. It was awful without you being there.ā€
Her thumb stroked the length of his cheek, raising up on her toes to get closer to him. ā€œYou didnā€™t betray me,ā€ she said, lips almost ghosting over his. Tommy pressed himself even more firmly against her, leaning forwards and kissing the tears that still lingered on her cheeks. He raised his face enough to brush his nose with hers.Ā 
ā€œYouā€™re not upset with me?ā€
ā€œNo, of course not. I was just scared you might change your mind about us, thatā€™s all.ā€
His eyes softened, hands caressing her. ā€œI would never. I love you.ā€
She drew in a shaky breath. ā€œI love you too.ā€
He kissed her tenderly, lips at first only brushing over hers before pressing more firmly, hands gripping her tighter. She sighed into his mouth, lips parting to him, arms coiling around his neck. When his kisses migrated from her lips to her neck, and his hands started to palm at her needily, she let out a small, desperate sound, latching onto his shoulders while he started to fumble with the strings at the back of her nightgown.Ā 
ā€œOh, I missed you,ā€ he whispered, kisses growing more urgent against her skin. ā€œLet me show you how much I missed you.ā€
She could only moan softly and tilt her head back as he pressed his lips to her chest, right under her clavicle. Fingers fumbling with the buttons holding his waistcoat closed, all the while she let him pull her nightgown from her body. His hands moved to help her in undressing him, shedding all his upper layers and drawing her back into the circle of his arms.Ā Ā 
He purred when his hand slipped up from her waist to cup one of her bare breasts, her breath hitching at his thumb running across her nipple.Ā 
ā€œMy beautiful girl,ā€ he tucked his face into her neck, kissing from behind her ear all the way down the column of her throat. ā€œCome here,ā€ he murmured, as if she were not already pressed flush against him. But his hands still tried to draw her in even closer.
Her chest tightened, fingers stroking along the back of his head. ā€œYou know, I was worried for a while that you didnā€™t want me anymore.ā€
He froze, slowly lifting his face to look at her. ā€œFeel,ā€ he took her hand, sliding it down to cup his crotch, where his cock was already bulging in his slacks. His fingers flexed around hers, encouraging her to squeeze slightly around him. ā€œFeel how much I still want you, Lucy.ā€
A moan shivered from her lungs, lips parting so that when his mouth descended on hers, his tongue entered her mouth with ease. He kissed her harder, a hand on the back of her neck while the other curled over her hip, beginning to walk her backwards towards the bed. He moaned deeply while she palmed him through his trousers, hips twitching.
She let him press her back onto the bed, him taking but a moment to unfasten his trousers and slip them and his underwear off before joining her. He crawled on top of her, slotting himself between her legs and kissing her hungrily. Lucy cradled his jaw in her hand, nuzzling at him while he explored her mouth before beginning to move down her body, spending time palming and sucking on her breasts, tracing the scars that marked her body with his lips, and then seeking out her cunt with his mouth and thick fingers. With clever, practiced movements he coaxed her into arching her back and gripping his hair, thighs twitching in response to his movements.
Maybe it was selfish, or signified something else wrong with her, but any and all guiltā€“or thought at all, for that matter--regarding Lizzie vanished the second that he kissed her. It was wondrous, really, how she could feel so inconsequential and insecure one moment, only for those feelings to almost entirely evaporate when he touched her.Ā 
Terrible as it may have been, her guilt for what she was doing to Lizzie did not outweigh the desire, love, and loyalty she held for him.
She cried out when he added a second finger inside of her, crooking it and pumping rhythmically while his tongue toyed with her clit. Her nails scraped against his scalp while her head fell back against the pillows, thighs twitching. All it took was a strategic curling of his fingers inside her, and she came with a hoarse cry.Ā 
Perhaps it was good that they were tucked away in such a far corner of the house. At least they didnā€™t need to worry about being quiet.Ā 
Tommy brought her down from her high gingerly, withdrawing his fingers and pecking her inner thighs before rising up onto his arms, hovering over her. He wetted his lips, dark tendrils of hair falling across his forehead, pretty blue eyes wide and gazing down at her softly. He was so beautiful it nearly made her want to weep, stunned that someone so gorgeous would ever even consider wasting their time on her.Ā Ā Ā 
As if reading her mind, he smoothed a hand over her hair, cupping the side of her face and drawing their foreheads together. ā€œYouā€™re perfect,ā€ he said, eyes roving over her, dropping his weight onto her. Not enough to crush her beneath him, but enough so that she could feel every inch of his torso pressing into her. ā€œI donā€™t deserve you.ā€
Her brows drew in on each other. ā€œYes, you do.ā€
The look he gave he was affectionate yet somber. She stretched her head up to kiss him.Ā 
ā€œYou do,ā€ she insisted. ā€œI love you. I donā€™t want anyone else but you.ā€
ā€œI love you too,ā€ he said hoarsely, burying his face in her shoulder, hissing as he reached down to guide his cock to her entrance. ā€œIā€™ll always love you.ā€
She drew in a harsh breath as he sank into her, filling her completely with a singular deep thrust. Tommy made a sound of intense relief, face nuzzling deeper into the crook of her neck. Lucy latched onto him tightly, a sharp mewl leaving her lips, solace washing over her potently once they were fully joined. Hand seeking out hers, he entwined their fingers together as he started to move.
The thrusts he gave her were slow and deep, grunts and praises passing his lips against the shell of her ear. Lucy clung to his back, legs wrapping around him. Her head was, finally, blissfully empty of any and all thoughts save for the pleasure he was giving her. All she knew was the heavy comfort of him on top of her, and the stretch of his large cock fitting snugly inside her.Ā 
ā€œTommyā€¦ā€ she spoke without really being aware that her lips were moving. ā€œMy Tommyā€¦ā€
ā€œYours, all yoursā€¦ā€ he agreed, still moving. Her eyes rolled in her head at a particularly deep thrust, trying to comprehend how in the hell she had managed to survive a whole week with him. Without this.
They belonged together; and their bodies knew it. Their coupling was as natural as breathing. His pelvis ground into her clit, making her see stars, and when she pulled his hair to lift his face from where he was sucking marks into her neck, he growled. Instantly, he knew what she wanted, kissing her open mouthed and desperate.
ā€œDonā€™t stop,ā€ he half begged once they separated for air. His mouth dropped open, breathing heavily and letting her hear him as he drew closer to his climax. Hips moving half frantically to meet each of his thrusts, Lucy scratched her nails down his shoulders, legs tightening around his waist.Ā 
She teetered on the edge, wobbling like a trinket about to fall off the edge of a desk. Her walls squeezed and fluttered around him in warning, and when he reached between them to brush his thumb across her clit, she howled and clung to him for dear life. The barely-there touch was enough to send her careening off over the edge completely. Eyes rolling in her head, back arching, ankles pressing down harder into the small of his back, she came violently.Ā Ā Ā 
Tommy shouted, grabbing onto her hard enough to bruise, but that was okay. She was holding onto him just as tightly. His cock twitched, then throbbed hard, and a contented moan emitted from low in his chest as he started to cum right after her.Ā Ā 
He thrusted a handful more times, prolonging both their orgasms and spilling languidly into her before coming to a stop, face pressed into her shoulder, back heaving up and down with exertion. Lucy realized that they were both covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Had they really been going at it that hard? She had been too lost in having him again to notice.Ā 
She wrapped her arms around his back, nuzzling at the side of his head while they both caught their breath. He was trembling a little against her, face turning to kiss her shoulder a few times before pulling out and moving to lay beside her.
It fully hit her then. Seeing him return to filling the space that for the past week had been left vacant was enough to do it. He had come back to her. He had kept his promise. She wasnā€™t going to lose him.Ā 
Tears clogged in her throat, emotion almost entirely overwhelming her. Tommyā€™s arm hooked around her, pulling her into his chest. Immediately she snuggled into the warmth of his bare skin, head laying atop the patch of hair between his pectorals. His fingers stroked along the ridges of her spine, cheek moving to rest on the top of her head. Every once in a while his face turned to press kisses against her hairline.Ā 
ā€œAre you sure youā€™re okay?ā€ he asked quietly after a moment. Lucy dragged in a shaky breath.Ā 
ā€œI think I will be.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t worry about Lizzie. I expect that things will be as they always have with her. Sheā€™ll have her good days and bad. But you donā€™t have to spend time with her or deal with her if you donā€™t want to. Sheā€™s my problem. Not yours.ā€
ā€œYour problems are my problems,ā€ she said, adjusting her head on his chest to peer up at him. He gave her a tiny smile.
ā€œI love you.ā€
ā€œI love you too.ā€
He swept a curl behind her ear. ā€œItā€™s going to be alright,ā€ he decreed, shifting to relax more properly on the pillows, holding her tightly. As if to remind them both they were just as inseparable as they had been before he made his vows to Lizzie. Lucy closed her eyes, clinging to that indescribable, unbreakable bond between them, letting the presence of it soothe and lull her into believing him. ā€œI promise,ā€ he added.
And Tommy never broke his promises to her.Ā 
āˆ— āˆ— āˆ—
Lucy watched Lizzie with a mounting sense of terror building in her chest. Hands fidgeting with each other earnestly, her heart leapt upwards to pound relentlessly in her throat.Ā 
Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe she ought to leave; before Lizzie noticed her.Ā 
And yet she didnā€™t move, frozen in place, just watching as Lizzie poured over a book propped up in her lap, steam from the teacup perched on the nearby table curling up into the air.Ā 
She had slipped away while Tommy was busy returning all the calls heā€™d missed during his absence. They had risen early that morning, first for another round of sex, and then to begin getting him caught up on everything. There was a small mountain of papers for him to sign, and that was just for things to do with his position in Parliament.Ā 
Forcing herself to be brave, Lucy took a step forward. ā€œLizzie?ā€
She looked up, expression immediately souring. Lucy gulped at the chilly reception, but forced her features to remain in an expression of pleasantness, her voice warm.Ā Ā 
ā€œWe didnā€™t really get to talk yesterday.ā€
ā€œNo, we didnā€™t,ā€ Lizzie returned her gaze to the book in her lap, her tone greatly suggesting that the lack of conversation had been by design.Ā 
ā€œWellā€¦did you have fun? In Paris, I mean.ā€
Lizzie looked up at her again. ā€œYes.ā€ Her shoulders heaved with a sigh. ā€œAnd now itā€™s over.ā€
She couldnā€™t bring herself to continue to hold that gaze. Not when it was filled was such heartbreak and accusation. Instead, she dropped her head to stare down at her shoes. ā€œIā€™m sorry.ā€
ā€œAnd yet youā€™re not going to stop doing it.ā€
ā€œItā€™sā€¦itā€™s what we all agreed toā€¦ā€
Lizzie scoffed, slamming the cover of her book shut with a light thwap, placing it on the table and standing.Ā 
ā€œLizzie,ā€ she brought more firmness into her voice when she started to walk away from her. Lizzie froze, back stiffening. When she turned to face her, she had her chin tilted up, only adding to the intimidation of her already considerable height. Lucy gentled her voice, aware that barking at her was likely to get her nowhere. ā€œYou and I have to figure out a way to deal with each other.ā€Ā 
Lizzieā€™s throat worked, but still she said nothing.Ā 
ā€œI know that you want me to leaveā€¦butā€¦I told him Iā€™d stay. I canā€™t just abandon him and Charlie,ā€ Lucy tried desperately to explain.Ā 
ā€œSo devoted to each other,ā€ Lizzie sneered, shaking her head from side to side. ā€œYou donā€™t care who else you both hurt because of it.ā€
ā€œI do care.ā€ She took a step forward. ā€œI do. Thatā€™s why we asked you so many times if you were sure about this, Lizzie,ā€ her voice cracked with frustration. ā€œWhy did you say yes if you werenā€™t?ā€
Lizzieā€™s lips pressed together, head turning towards the windows. Lucy felt her shoulders slump.Ā 
ā€œDid you really expect things to change, once you got back?ā€ That thought had been plaguing her since last night. The question. Did Lizzie plan this along? Did she intend to trap him? Did she know from the very first moment that she accepted the proposal that she was going to change her mind about letting them be together? ā€œYou know who he is, Lizzie. Youā€™ve known for years. Did you really think that he would just transform overnight into what you wanted him to be?ā€
ā€œHe changed for Grace.ā€
ā€œYeah, but that was different, heā€“ā€ she cut herself off sharply. He was in love with her, she had been about to say. Lizzie shot her a wounded expression. Lucy looked away. It felt like too cruel of a thing to actually speak aloud. Even if it was the truth. ā€œEven then he couldnā€™t change the core of who he is,ā€ she decided to say instead. ā€œAnd if he knew you were going to change your mind, he would never have married you. You know that.ā€
ā€œYes,ā€ Lizzie whispered. Lucy took another cautious step towards her. ā€œI have a feeling that youā€™d leave, if I asked you to. If I really pushed hard enough. To try toā€¦assuage your guilt and make things easier for him. Is that right?ā€Ā 
ā€œProbably.ā€ She admitted, feeling a lump starting to grow in her throat. ā€œAre you asking me to leave?ā€
Lizzieā€™s chin had dipped, face turning down to the floor. ā€œIf I did, and you left, heā€™d go after you. Heā€™d bring you back home, and then heā€™d divorce me. Just like he would divorce me if I asked him outright to choose between you and me.ā€ A spasm went through her chest. ā€œI knowā€¦I know that thereā€™s no competition between us where Iā€™ll come out on top. Not in his eyes.ā€
ā€œYouā€™re the mother of his child,ā€ Lucy inched a little closer to her, wanting to reach out, to touch her arm, to maybe even give her a hug. But she was too afraid that any physical contact between them would be unwelcome.Ā 
Lizzie finally looked up at her with teary eyes. ā€œSo are you.ā€
ā€œItā€™s not the sameā€“ā€
ā€œTo him it is.ā€ She sniffled, hands gripping at the material of her dress. ā€œIā€™m not asking you to leave.ā€
Lucy nodded. ā€œThank you,ā€ she whispered. ā€œI can keep out of your way, if youā€™d prefer. Iā€™ll stick to my wing of the house. We donā€™t have to eat together, or spend evenings with each other. You wonā€™t have to see me much at all. The only thing I ask is that I get to have some time with the kids.ā€Ā 
ā€œTommy would never agree to you being excluded like that.ā€
ā€œHe would if I asked him to.ā€ He would kick up a fuss about it at first, she was sure, but in the end heā€™d relent. So long as it was her who asked him to do it. Fixing Lizzie with a careful look, Lucy tilted her head, bracing herself. ā€œIs that what you want, Lizzie?ā€
Lizzieā€™s lips had started to tremble, chin wobbling. She suddenly raised a hand to her face, pressing her palm to her eyes as the tears welling in them finally spilled over. ā€œI donā€™t know what I want,ā€ she started to sob. Lucy reached out for her, touching lightly at one of her shaking shoulders. When she didnā€™t jerk away from the touch, she shuffled close to her, wrapping her arms around her in a hug.Ā 
ā€œThatā€™s okay,ā€ she tried to soothe, feeling a little lost as far as what to do or what sort of comfort would be welcome from her. ā€œYou donā€™t have to decide right now. The three of us are just going to have to feel things out for a little while. Figure out what works best for all of us.ā€Ā 
Lizzie nodded, head dropping to rest in the crook of her shoulder. Lucy rubbed at her back. ā€œIā€™m sorry for how I acted yesterday.ā€
ā€œDonā€™t be. I understand. I knowā€¦I know that I donā€™t have nearly as much to be upset about as you do. Not even close, but, this isnā€™t exactly how I would have preferred for things to go either.ā€
Lizzie raised her head, looking at her with red-rimmed eyes. ā€œNo?ā€
Lucy raised an eyebrow. ā€œYou think that I wanted to have to watch the love of my life have a family with someone else?ā€ Her fingers squeezed around Lizzieā€™s arms. ā€œYouā€™re his wife. Iā€™ll only ever be his mistress.ā€ Weā€™ll never have a full life together, she swallowed around the unspoken words and the hurt they inflicted. Despite what Tommy had said, about eventually divorcing Lizzie, she couldnā€™t help but be skeptical that such a thing would ever actually come to pass.
Lizzieā€™s hands rested on her waist very lightly, and Lucy leaned closer to her until their foreheads touched.Ā 
ā€œIā€™m sorry we canā€™t love you the way you want us to,ā€ she whispered, feeling Lizzie shudder and sob a little more at the words. ā€œBut we do care about you, Lizzie. Please know that. We do care.ā€
ā€œI know.ā€Ā 
ā€œIā€™m sorry.ā€
ā€œMe too.ā€
She let her go, and Lizzie drew from her, space once more finding its way between them. Lizzie sank slowly into a nearby armchair, limbs slumping like a marionette that had just had its strings snipped. Lucy pulled out a handkerchief that she passed to her to dab at her eyes.
ā€œTake some time to adjust,ā€ she said as she watched her. ā€œMaybeā€¦maybe itā€™ll get better.ā€
ā€œAnd if it doesnā€™t?ā€
She forced half a smile to pull at one side of her lips. ā€œIā€™m sure that you can find some other benefits to your life as Mrs. Shelby that donā€™t involve me and Tommy. With just the house, the kids, and the foundation I imagine you can keep yourself quite busy.ā€
ā€œYeah.ā€ Her voice was monotone, not full of much hope; the wall that had briefly come down while she cried in Lucyā€™s arms starting to rise back up. Brick after brick being placed between them.Ā Ā 
ā€œDo you want me to leave you alone now?ā€Ā 
ā€œYes.ā€Ā 
ā€œOkay.ā€ Struck with a sudden feeling of boldness, she bent down, pressing a quick kiss to Lizzieā€™s forehead before doing as asked and going to the door.Ā 
She found Tommy still in his office, just setting the phone down. He smiled when he looked up and saw her, standing and walking around his desk to meet her.Ā 
ā€œWhere did you sneak off to?ā€
ā€œI went to go talk to Lizzie.ā€
His smile dropped. ā€œOh?ā€ At her nod, he put his arms around her. ā€œHow did it go?ā€
Shrugging, she rested her head on his chest. ā€œShe didnā€™t shout at me, so I suppose it can be considered a positive interaction.ā€ She craned her head up to look at him. ā€œThis isnā€™t going to be easy for her, Tommy.ā€
ā€œNo,ā€ he agreed with a sigh, kissing her forehead. ā€œItā€™ll be okay.ā€
ā€œShe might never adjust. Not fully. This most recent conversation between us went alright, but the next could be awful with how all over the place she can be.ā€
ā€œI know. Itā€™s like living with a fucking pendulum.ā€ He sighed, rubbing her back. ā€œWeā€™ll look at getting a place in London like we talked about, eh? Give us somewhere to go hide out during the times when it gets really bad.ā€
ā€œDo you think that it would be better if I lived somewhere else? I could get another flat in Small Heathā€¦ā€
ā€œAbsolutely not.ā€
ā€œIt might be worth thinking about.ā€
He drew back enough to cup her cheeks. ā€œYouā€™re staying with me. Youā€™re living with me, wherever I am. End of discussion.ā€
ā€œStubborn mule.ā€ But she was fighting back a fond smile.
ā€œOi!ā€
Grin blooming, she rested her chin on the center of his chest. ā€œItā€™s just something to consider. If things donā€™t get betterā€¦ā€
ā€œIā€™d go mad in this house without you,ā€ he said, shaking his head, giving her a kiss and then taking her hand. ā€œCā€™mon. Iā€™ve got more calls still to make. Mr. Martenson kept me on the phone for thirty bloody minutes.ā€
ā€œAnd what have I got to do with that?ā€ she asked, letting him pull her along with him. He collapsed back into his chair behind his desk.
ā€œTo keep my lap warm,ā€ he grinned, and promptly pulled her squealing into his arms to sit upon his thighs.
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nyerusnova Ā· 1 year ago
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the weird part about shipping comic book couples is that you generally don't want your faves to "become canon" because it's like... you really do not want your OTP(s) in the hands of comic book writers lmao.... they will not do your faves any justice and then in a few months/years there will be an overdramatic break-up or worse and it'll be a mess one way or another
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starflungwaddledee Ā· 1 year ago
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some rather strong first impressions were made.
required reading for the magical "voice" headcanon and another for starstruck's signature in particular. asked by @trainerbob23 !
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ukor02 Ā· 9 months ago
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Ok bitches listen up. I need at least *one* Hazbin Hotel writer to do this scenario
Reader is a hellborn(idc what species except for hellhound because this is my request fuck off) and homeless and she got knocked up and baby daddy ditched so Charlie being the angel she is offers reader a room.
Fast forward to episode 5 (whoever starts this feel free to do the whole series but this is mainly focusing on ep 5(OMG WHAT IF READER GOES INTO LABOR DURING THE FINAL BATTLE IN EPISODE 8 FHUXHEHDJ. Chille anyways-)) and the reader is ready to pop any day now. Charlie is introducing the hotel residents to Lucifer and they get to reader and he's just wanting to touch the belly and looking at it with almost child like wonder lookin like this emoji: šŸ„ŗ
Normal hotel shenanigans ensue. Thanks for coming to my TED talk UwU
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theegemini92 Ā· 3 days ago
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Everyone's reading tactic is so different. I've never seen myself as any character before, I'm always observing and seeing the story as it goes, I can however like a character. so when people say I see myself in this person it makes no sense to me because i would never make the choices some of these females make šŸ˜‚
Tamlin is better than many males I've seen accross many fae books these days. There is nothing wrong with being sweet and showing love. If today a man did what the bat boys do no one will give them the time of day, why because we all want the flowers, the date, the princess treatment. No woman would want to be cooped up indoors and fucking throughout their whole relationship... B that's side piece relationship šŸ¤£šŸ˜‚ cassian never defends Nesta... yh I would've left his ass yet oh Cassian he's my baby.. whatā€¼ļøšŸ¤£
Many of us agree it is a white womans view and take on the paradise of velaris being the utopia that's why I have been saying Velaris is the city of the dusk court it was never part of the night court. Hence why it may have been sheilded. (The hl of night wanted to keep it from the horrors of hewn) and swallowed by the NC. The thing is the True Night court is actually Hewn City, I don't know how people don't see that. in Calanmai HLs participated in the rites or had strong fae representatives to take their place so I won't be surprised if the their traditions is being done by Keir. Rhys doesn't have to take part in it. So how do they know what the NC true tradition is? It could be bloody and messy and I'd be here for it. Rhysie goosie says he doesn't stay in hewn because they do not like him, yea no shit... when you go there to intimidate them, how does he know what truly goes on?. yes I did love the cruel prince, perfect example.
šŸ˜‚ some of us here have names for them. The Tampon is so overrated and boring šŸ„± they are shook when I say things like that šŸ¤£šŸ¤£ yh it can go both ways.
CALANMAI: Spring Court šŸŒøšŸŖ·šŸŒŗ
I feel like everyone loves to form these think pieces on only the Night court and itā€™s only the night court that has lores and traditions. Basically sjm as put everything there that it makes all other courts less attractive, less important and less appealing, which I think is not fair. Im tired of all the in CC connections to the night court or ToG connected to Rhys etc. it gets boring and stagnant and Iā€™m over it. I want something new and fresh. So I chose the next one in ACOTAR that at least we have some incline of which is Calanmai šŸŒ
I know itā€™s brushed off because of how Tamlin is hated, but besides the spring court we donā€™t know much about the others. Okā€¦.
Calanmai isnā€™t actually a spring festival if we are going to use the welsh explanation. Basically it marks the beginning of summer. But some of the key features of this rite were reimagined in ACOTAR: fire rituals to honor the sun, fertility celebrations (the sexy time ā˜ŗļø) to honor the earth and sky, dancing to promote unity with other courts, the use of flowers and greenery.
So here are my two scents on Calanmai
Itā€™s presented as a sacred rite tied deeply to the magic, fertility, and prosperity of the Spring Court and, by extension, all of Prythian. I say prythian because it was stated that all HLs participate in this rite.
Lucien says:
ā€œIt's the Great Rite, Cauldron boil me! Didn't anyone tell you what it is? [...] Fire Night signals the official start of spring-in Prythian, as well as in the mortal world.
Side thought Did spring offer majority of their land to the humans? Which means they couldā€™ve had so much land as the night court before??? Thoughts?
Continue:
I...] Here, our crops depend upon the magic we regenerate on Calanmai-tonight. [...] We do this by conducting the Great Rite. Each of the seven High Lords of Prythian performs this every year, since their magic comes from the earth and returns to it at the end-it's a give and take."
Lucien then goes on to explain how Tamlin will have magic going through him, etc.
So if itā€™s a give and take, the crown that ferret wanted so badly, what is she GIVING? The HLs all serve prythian so what has ferret done in other courts? šŸ˜‚
So Not only is the spring court important it depends on the spring court to put food on everyoneā€™s table aka rhysie goosie and ferret. I bet she doesnā€™t know where her food comes from.
Also the question of Rhys not taking part in this rite last time is always questioned. Lucien tells Feyre that after Tamlin believed Feyre had been abducted in the Night Court at the time of Calanmai, he refused to perform the Great Rite. Lucien took his place, taking lanthe, the most powerful Fae female in the court at that moment, (tam canā€™t catch a break with These powerful females šŸ¤£) into the cave and performing the Rite even though he hated her. Which means that many HLs can send people in their courts who are powerful like ianthe to take their place when they cant make it.
The HL being power itself are CONDUITS, without them the magic may faulter because we as readers donā€™t even know HOW THE HLs came to be. Tamlin, as High Lord of the Spring Court, channels the primal magic of the season to renew the landā€™s fertility and magic. During this rite, Tamlin temporarily surrenders himself to the raw, ancient forces of Spring Magic, ensuring the continued abundance and balance of his courtā€™s lands and its people. See him surrendering and coming all the way back to bite ferretā€¦ I wish that was meā€¼ļøšŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£ Iā€™d surrender tooā€¦
Anywayā€¦ šŸ˜„Here are some of my theories on how the Calanmai rite at the spring court benefits Tamlin, the spring court and all of prythian:
ā€¢ as HL, it reaffirms Tamlins Role as a Conduit of Magic. he solidifies his bond with the land and its magic, strengthening his power as a protector and ruler. This part is important because his courtā€™s health is tied to his ability to serve, not just rule.
ā€¢ maintains balance to the magic of the land and prythian as a whole.
ā€¢ a very important detail here that people seem to miss, Calanmai is TRADITION AND RESPONSIBILITY! In a time of political tension, it could reinforce Tamlins role as a leader aligned with the natural order. Hopefully in his pov those who deserted him in his court as well as the other courts cannot by pass him if something is to happen to the land without the rites performed. He will be needed. He cannot stay cooped up forever.
ā€¢ I think itā€™s fairly obvious that this rite ensures fertility and growth. Lush vegetation, bountiful harvest etc, I think thatā€™s where the sex part comes him šŸ˜„
ā€¢ so I think Calanmai also is a rite performed to reinforce the warding spells and protection barriers surrounding the Spring Court, safeguarding it from external threats and maintaining the balance of power within Prythian. It makes sense because after the Asteri came and caused interruptions, the HLs wanted something that could protect them when another alien came. And it makes sense that velaris is still strong with all its barrier intact (pretty prison)
ā€¢ I love this partā€¦. The rite Maintaining connections to old magic šŸŖ„ old primal magic that existed before even the HLs. As much as ferret spits on fae tradtions, old magic is not tamed, it goes no where and will always need the old ways to satiate it. The tradition preserves the courtā€™s unique identity and ensures its magic does not wane over time. (And just because peopleā€™s tradtions are different from yours doesnā€™t mean you should not respect it. *coughs* feyrešŸ™ƒ)
ā€¢ Without Calanmai, the ripple effect of unchecked or stagnant spring magic could destabilize the balance across courts. Each court in Prythian is tied to its respective season, and The Spring Court serves as the starting point of the cycle of growth, fertility, and rebirth that sustains all of Prythianā€™s lands.
ā€¢ the HLs participations also brings unity, they arenā€™t secluding themselves, they donā€™t forget why they are HLs and also one people. Iā€™m thinking over the millennia they have forgotten so some choose not to take part in it. I guess. But these should be the times their alliances formed and become strongerā€¦ šŸ¤¦šŸ¾ā€ā™€ļø
Calanmai is not merely a ceremonial event in my opinion , it is a magical and political necessity as I said before and For Tamlin, it reinforces his strength and bond with the Spring Court. For the Spring Court, it guarantees fertility, protection, and prosperity. For Prythian, it ensures that the cycle of life and magic continues unbroken. Participating in Calanmai is both a privilege and a responsibility.
A little side thought: As someone who is heavily into spirituality, I believe that the nature courts deal more with the physical and the celestial courts deal with the spiritual eg. Spring provides food for the physical body, night provides dreams and nightmares for the astral body. (If this makes sense?) šŸ˜„
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jamietwat Ā· 10 months ago
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Jamie and Roy spending ridiculous amounts of time together and Phoebe knowing about it definitely means that Jamieā€™s around Phoebe a lot more in the off-season when sheā€™s off school and Royā€™s off work but still being Jamieā€™s personal trainer for free (and she definitely likes bossing Jamie around just as much as Roy does and finds the ridiculous shit Roy makes him do hilarious)
And you know that thing where kids love to randomly go watch this, I can do a somersault or want to see me do a cartwheel? and then you just have to awkwardly stand there and be like wow whether they actually can do them or not (and sometimes several times in a row have to try to think of something new to say the fifth time they do the exact same thing and then look to you for a reaction)
Iā€™m just saying at some point theyā€™re in some park and Phoebe definitely pulls a look how good Iā€™m getting at cart wheels, Uncle Roy! around Jamie at some point and while Roy just stands there like šŸ§ā€ā™‚ļø and gives compliments that gradually get more and more deadpan and debates turning it into saying how much more impressive that is than anything Jamieā€™s done all morning but he doesnā€™t because heā€™s 90% sure that would just lead to Jamie getting all indignant and competitive and proving he can cartwheel too as if Roy isnā€™t already annoyingly aware of that from when he was dying trying to keep up with Jamie in Amsterdam while he was cartwheeling and practically skipping
But obviously Roy not saying anything doesnā€™t matter anyway and Jamie turns it into being like watch this to Phoebe and cartwheeling too and turning to Roy after like well go on, tell me how good I am at that too
Roy deadpans somehow itā€™s far less impressive watching a grown man cartwheel for attention. Itā€™s just sad, really
But Jamie isnā€™t offended at all and just shoots Roy an obnoxious smirk and insists youā€™re just saying that because you know you couldnā€™t do one. Even trying would probably end with you needing a hip replacement or something
But before Roy can even properly argue or say something bitchy back, Jamieā€™s turning back to Phoebe with a how about this then? But even though itā€™s her he asks, itā€™s Roy he looks to the moment he finishes running a few steps and doing a one-handed cartwheel
And Jamieā€™s like well now are you impressed??? And god, Roy resents that he is and he could make a dig about how useless of a skill it was as an adult and how that wouldnā€™t accomplish anything on the pitch and heā€™d just look like one of the kids that picks flowers on the pitch instead of playing or even paying attention to where the ball is, but instead he rolls his eyes and says yeah okay
And Jamie beams but he doesnā€™t have time to properly gloat and give Roy shit because Phoebeā€™s already bossing him around telling him that he has to teach her how to do that too
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radarsteddybear Ā· 2 months ago
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Ok, Hogan's Heroes fandom, I've got a question for you: if you were introducing someone to the show for the very first time, which episode would you start with? For bonus points, also tell me WHY you choose that episode.
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shalom-iamcominghome Ā· 7 months ago
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I've started to ascribe emotional and intellectual meaning to the prayers we say in shul, so now I can properly beseech g-d when I pray with everyone else
And I've got to say, there's something really special about it. I recommend beseeching Him as often as possible
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soloh Ā· 25 days ago
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Haven't talked about specific details of my life so much on here this year (compared to past years anyway), but, beginning of the year my ballet teacher moved me out of the adult ballet class which she thought would be too easy for me, to put me in with some of the teens doing exam work, just for a bit of a challenge on the ol' brain (and she said she needed someone to demonstrate jumps for them because she's getting too old šŸ˜…). Ended up sticking with them for the whole year, and we just had our end of year show, and there are two moments that stuck out to me from show week with these girls:
1. Them asking me what year I started doing ballet and immediately responding with "we weren't even born yet!" like, yes, thank you, I figured that out, you didn't need to say it out loud in a lovely little chorus like that, it was like having a biblical experience of being told that I'm old
2. One of the girls walking in, plonking her bag down, taking her headphones off, turning to me and without even saying hello, pointing at me and saying "you, you seem like someone who would like Chappell Roan", which, yes, I do, but please 15 year old that I interact with for approximately an hour each week in circumstances where we barely to get to talk, I need to know how you reached that conclusion about me, because I don't walk around in ballet class with pride flags stuck to me
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shadowingfas Ā· 7 months ago
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85 pulls
I have pulled 85 times since getting aventurine, maybe more and nothing....
no 5 star
no robin
no topaz
nothing.
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