#but genuinely i love how there’s no perfect ‘therapy friend�� in the series because it’s so unrealistic when someone is dealing with trauma

[odetojupiter]

so, we know that abuse and victim responses to abuse are very central to aftg, but what i find interesting is how other characters respond to the victim’s reactions, especially when it comes to mourning their abuser. there’s something about kevin mourning riko, aaron mourning tilda, neil mourning mary, andrew mourning cass, thats so important to me because it really truly highlights how even when people are united through similar traumas, the differences in their situations makes it impossible to fully understand the relationship a person has to their abuser. neil, aaron, and andrew are united through the abuse, neglect, or - what the fuck is the word i’m thinking of? permit? condone? i mean, knowingly allowing it to happen and not intervening - stemming from a maternal figure. but neil can’t understand why andrew would hold on to cass for so long - he refused to let her go until aaron came into the picture. and andrew can’t understand why aaron would mourn for tilda, potentially viewing aaron’s grief as a betrayal of their promise. and they all ridicule kevin for his reactions to riko. of course, neil and andrew are also abused by riko, but they still can’t understand the complicated relationship between kevin and riko because, at the end of the day, they just weren’t there.

i mean this is primarily an observation but i really love how trauma and trauma response is depicted as nuanced, complex and overall just difficult to understand from an outsider perspective in the books. it reads as really real, and though it can be frustrating when a character doesn’t understand a different character’s response, you have to understand that their perception of said character’s response is warped by their own experience of abuse.

andrew bounced from home to home, never had stability, so obviously he held tight on to the first mother-figure that didn’t outright hurt him. his self-worth was probably low enough that he thought living with drake was a fine price to pay to keep cass.

neil only ever had his mother, and he’d willingly accept her harsh hands because he believed she was just keeping him safe from the very real dangers that were closing in on them.

aaron was dealing with an addiction, and so was his mother; he was equally dependent on her to avoid withdrawal as he was scared of her anger.

i don’t really have a point anymore but you get what i’m saying

[cyanidas]

⚠️SHSL Detective ! Kazuichi Souda 🕵️‍♂️

I'm hoping to make a small series of fun lil sprite edits with my talentswap AU that scrambles the talents of Class 77 and Class 78, and has its own weird lil story to go with it

(someday I'll think of a cool shorthand title. maybe. perhaps. as a treat. i would also like to write this story someday... we will see, since evidently im allergic to projects)

Headcanons? Headcanons for Detective Souda?

(also a lil comparison between this one and normal Kazu, and some AU info)

For this AU, characters' original body types, general interests/inclinations, and much of their personality is intact - the only parts of their personality that change are things influenced by their line of work alone. A lot of who we are and who we become tends to be influenced by our interests, which in turn is influenced by our upbringing, which also influences who we are... but I intend to keep the characters as close to how they are outside of their original talents as possible.

This AU also swaps the end twists between the 1st and 2nd games, and in some way keeps original relationships (like Makoto and Kyoko's partnership, and Souda's inclination towards Sonia). Some personality aspects are allowed to bloom or forced into hiding, depending on the upbringing I imagine would have been needed to allow these talents to shine within them and rise to Ultimate status.

ok Souda Headcanon Time:

The teeth are actually natural - he has a disorder which effects a number of things but especially effects his teeth, which are sharp as a result (something that evidently exists?? tho i forget the name, and it's not as perfect as drawn here ofc but.)

I think og-Souda would have a great skincare routine, one that Detective Souda lacks, since he never gained the motivation nor inspiration to care more about his appearance in front of others. So, he has some zits.

When he was very young, he was living with his father in their bike shop, but his dad went too far one night. A worried neighbor called authorities on them after witnessing his dad's aggression. At some point, the situation tips over, and Kazu's removed from his father's custody.

The detective investigating his father's abuse took care of him, and eventually adopted him after his dad was incarcerated. New Dad was not physically abusive, and genuinely cared for his new son, but due to his line of work he wound up kind of a sad sack of a person, so he's still a pretty cringefail/wetkitten father figure.

Kazuichi would accidentally stumble across his files around the house, and witnessed far more corpses than he likely should have as a child. Terrified at first, he eventually suppressed his fears in favor of trying to become a stronger person, and insisted on applying himself to learn his caretaker's line of work... inadvertently witnessing even more death and dying than he should have, from a young age.

As a young teen, he took interest in therapy and self care, and came to realize his trauma regarding his father and his guardian / upbringing. New Dad has his full love and respect and he tries to change for his son. This kind of expands Kazu's self-respect a little, while adding new depths to his hatred/fear of violence and conflict.

Due to his new caretaker, he never went to the same schools, and lost his original friends as a result - so he doesn't suffer from the same trust issues as OG-Souda, and as a result, easily clings to the people around him and allows himself to get lost in his head a tad more often than OG.

He specializes in forensic investigative work, because his brain is still wired better for calculations, spatial reasoning, and mathematical speculation.

He also still loves learning about how things work, and now, he's especially interested in how things have happened / come to be - finding satisfaction in analyzing evidence, instead of reverse-engineering parts/machines.

He even still has a mild interest in mechanics! But he is firmly convinced that being handy and technical is nothing to boast about.

He is also now convinced that he wouldn't make a good repairman/mechanic/engineer, anything of the sort. Part of this apprehension is due to his hatred of his father.

He is still pretty timid, and jumps easily at any sudden or loud noise, is afraid of the paranormal, gets upset easily when socializing, and feels terrified when there is any perceived threat.

However, death and dead bodies are some of the things that no longer frighten him. Upset, sure, but nothing like OG-Souda. He sees dead bodies as objects to investigate and solve, as opposed to feeling the horror of seeing a deceased fellow human, or feeling too overwhelmed if it's someone he knew. Because of this, it's easy for him to get lost in his work and feel totally disconnected while investigating.

[alolanrain]

I’m really rethinking the TA!Au because it has actually gotten a lot darker then I originally intended, it’s one of the reason’s why I haven’t really written anything is because I’m actually planning out a full series that will stay contingent, and I’ve decided to make a whole new au instead. ’ve mentioned it before but I’m naming the new verse is named Traveling Teacher!au. I’m also cringing how I’ve type au so far.

This is also almost a 180 turn from it too.

Traveling teacher!au is where Ash actually goes to therapy, i’m not joking, and after he’s deemed ready by his therapist. Ash will be leading the International Leagues new mandated Buddy System. Where respected trainer’s slightly older between the ages of 17 and up will be there for support during trainings and battle. They won’t ever actually battle someone else, during “support time” but instead give advice on certain techniques that the professors deems right. Like all the Pokémon are loved dearly and they form a unique strong bond. Or as we know it, main characters basically.

Professors and or both an Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy together have to judge the team and deem everyone of at least three basic things. What makes it hard is that each region have different rules to apply to the buddy system and you legally have to meet each regions standard or else you are disqualified. The only reason Ash’s entire project he worked his blood sweat and tears into actually became a world wide thing is because, if he hadn’t been the luckiest motherfucker in the whole wide fucking world, so many well know people joined and public spread it with praise and pure delight of all ages. Anyone seventeen and above can join and freely offer good, qualified and respected advice. To many young children have died in almost every tragic event Ash has been in. Let alone his friends when they first come to face is Ash’s personal hell.

Yet they somehow an bare the trauma and laugh at their good times instead. Looking forward and accepting help when they can’t. They also go for the position of a version of a “shiny” trainer. Getting that iconic silver/golden sparkle over their picture on their legal trainer card. There’s other smaller requirements but’s it’s so easy to be re-qualified. Behind the scenes though? There’s so much more.

He had to convince a slew of fucking people this was a good idea and had to defend himself again and again at every step. It made him vicious in debates and arguments. Every INL member hates dealing with him when he’s mad because Ash is usually fucking right. He was already contracted as a “regional inspector” when crime rises rabidly through the entire nation. He’s widely considered to be fluent in fucking Evil Teams now. He has his moments, he’s not perfect at all but he’s trying. So far, his last break was by choice and not by the mental abuse of dying over and over again.

So… progress, somewhat.

Now that he no longer has to defend what was basically his fucking baby for so fucking long, he’s being sent to Alola for a trial run.

They don’t have a league in the island region. Choosing to go back to their religion, practices and ways of life after Unova had briefly colonized their islands. Before the INLwas established way back in time. It was going to be fought over by Paldea and those two had major beef between each other. quick Pokemon history recap in au. It was going to get dangerous real quick for the entire world of some people didn’t step the fuck in.

No one quite remembers how the INL was created, each region has it written it down in their history differently, but their here know and everything has genuinely been good… mostly because their in human disguises. They where distant and relatively cordial to each region and their own. Regardless they cared, especially since humans can be a danger to Pokemon it’s better to lead them then fight them.

Ash has made that very clear them in the years he’s been alive and cognitive enough to start blaming the legendaries who, for no reason, loses their shit just to lose it and nothing else. He’s had screaming matches and arguments with them to get their shirt together. Their led by the ear by Ash to make social engagement with the public. Both as INL members and as regulars “people”.

He may or may not caught having dinner with Kanto board member Gia Lu and KoKe Kahekili from specifically Melemele, Alola. Stirring the pot of rumors and gossip off what they have going on.

There’s obviously so much more but I’ll stop here for know.

[lesbiandanhowell]

you know what time it is

Sam reacts to: Dan and Phil are Getting Divorced

First of all the title had me GAGGED but also I love the way they clickbait without clickbaiting? They know thar we've learned not to take any of the titles too serious so it's just like an inside joke by now.

- I have played this before with a friend so I know the story and can judge if they are being stupid or good at it. UPDATE: They are incredible, like they are endlessly better than me and my friend were. Funfact: I played it with a friend after she broke up with her girlfriend and didn't have anyone to play it with anymore

- The different buttons on Xbox vs Switch IS A CRIME so true Phil.

- It looked like Phil wanted an answer after "we can do team work!" and just didn't get one, sad moment.

- The household chores banter is so domestic fuxk me j am crying (live reaction I will leave this unedited)

- "That is also sucking not blowing" OKAY THEN. Despite all the openings for innuendos this video has surprisingly little innuendos or even half dirty jokes? Very kid friendly language.

- I am sorry but Dan's lack of reaction at Phil calling himself husband has me raising an eyebrow, like Dan is not fazed because it happens all the time.

- They are working together so much better than I expected you can tell they have a inherent connection. This is obviously the type of game they are more used to playing and their shared brain from sharing a life for 14 years becomes so clear in the way they play together.

- How are they already codependent in a game they played about 20 minutes... (Phil saying he doesn't want to play alone).

- "Highfive me motherfucker!" That made me laugh out loud because it is SO Dan.

- "They could just go to therapy" - the friend who recommends everyone therapy after they went, we all have them.

- They have such a intrinsic way they work together? Like when they are confronted with a task where they have to work together, they don't even have to discuss who does what it just works out organically. That only comes from being together as long as they have and being such a perfect match.

- Phil knocking Dan's head >>>> love language for real

- "Which one?" Daniel Howell you are a homosexual I don't think Phil was asking if you'd smash the woman?!

- This is the most real Dan we have ever seen. Yes he will trick Phil into getting him killed but he also GENUINELY compliments Phil when doing well or winning a minigame, like that we don't get in their competitions.

- "Excellent work Lester" The last name use got me feeling some type of way not sure why.

- Dan: "I've been on grindr" Phil: "You literally made me die saying that"

- They are SUCH a good team, nothing shows this more than co-op games.

My biggest take away from this was just how much they praise and compliment each other? They are so polite and appreciative and say thank you and everything so many times in this video, probably more than in any other gaming video we have seen before. I think this is how they play video games together personally and I am glad we got to see this calm, less chaotic and to me more real version of them. I enjoy their competitiveness but this was a very wholesome insight into another side of them.

Can't wait for the next part because if they don't finish this game series I will commit crimes.

[prettygirl-gabi]

Garden Of Love

---

---

Rating: General Audiences

Warning: Fluffy fluff

Category:F/M

Fandom: Seventeen (SVT) (boyband)

Relationships: ! Next door neighbor Junhui x ! Next door neighbor f reader

Summary: And that’s how the boy next door became so much more than just a neighbor.

Trope: The boy next door

---

Hiiiii everyone who is reading! Welcome to the Fouth installment of my new mini series called "Oi! Not this again!" They do not have to be read together or in order! I hope you all enjoy!

---

Have you ever had that feeling where something, or in this case, someone, so simple and everyday changes your entire world? That’s exactly what happened the day I finally noticed Wen Junhui, the boy next door.

---

I remember the first time I really saw him. Not just in passing, not just as a neighbor, but truly saw him. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I had decided to get some fresh air and read outside. My backyard is always a quiet haven – the perfect place to escape into a good book.

As I sat there, sinking deeper into the fictional world, I heard a rustle from the other side of the fence. Curiosity got the better of me, and I peeked through a gap in the wooden structure. And there he was – Jun, as his friends call him.

Jun was busy tending to his garden, completely immersed in his work. I must have watched for a good ten minutes before he looked up and noticed me staring. Embarrassed, I ducked my head back and pretended to become suddenly fascinated with my book.

"Hey, Y/N, right?" Jun's voice called out, smooth and friendly.

Cautiously, I peeked over the fence again, a shy smile creeping onto my face. "Yeah, that's me. And you’re Jun?"

He nodded, his bright smile lighting up the morning even more. "Nice to formally meet you. I don’t think we’ve ever really talked."

---

Our little conversation over the garden fence became the start of many more frequent and casual interactions. Jun would wave whenever he saw me outside, and sometimes we would chat about the weather, gardening tips, or whatever mundane thing came to mind. I found myself looking forward to these small pockets of interaction – they were like a sprinkle of stardust on my otherwise ordinary days.

One day, as the afternoon sun dipped lower, Jun came over to the fence with a basket of fresh tomatoes from his garden. "Hey, Y/N! Do you like tomatoes?"

I looked at the basket, eyes widening at how vibrant and juicy they looked. “I love them! Thank you.”

He handed me the basket, our fingers brushing slightly, sending an unexpected thrill down my spine. "You should come over sometime. I can show you the rest of the garden and maybe give you some gardening tips."

---

That weekend, I took Jun up on his offer. His garden was a sanctuary of colors and scents. Flowers of all kinds bloomed, and there were neat rows of vegetables. It was clear how much care and attention he put into it.

“Wow, this place is amazing,” I said, genuinely in awe.

Jun beamed with pride. “Thanks, Y/N. Gardening is like therapy for me. It’s my escape.”

We spent the rest of the day chatting as he showed me around. I learned that he loved cats, was in college studying art, and had a quiet but infectious laugh. Talking to him was as easy as breathing – everything just felt right.

As the evening rolled in, Jun walked me back to my house. “Do you play badminton?” he asked out of the blue.

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s been ages, but yeah. Why?”

“Because I need a partner for a friendly match sometime,” he said with a playful grin.

---

Our badminton matches became a regular thing. Every weekend, we’d meet in his backyard where he had set up a makeshift badminton court. Sometimes, we’d get so caught up in the game that we’d lose track of time, playing until the stars peeked out from the sky.

One fine evening, after a particularly intense game, we collapsed onto the grass, panting and laughing. “I swear you’re getting better at this just to beat me,” Jun teased.

“Maybe I am,” I replied, giggling. “Or maybe you’ve always underestimated me.”

He looked at me then, his expression softening. “I could never underestimate you, Y/N.”

My heartbeat quickened as our eyes locked. The air seemed to thicken around us, filled with words unsaid. And then, as if sensing the moment, Jun’s phone buzzed, snapping us out of whatever was happening.

---

Weeks turned into months, and our friendship grew deeper. We began spending time in other ways – watching movies, studying together, or just hanging out and talking late into the night.

One cozy autumn night, as we sat on his porch sipping hot chocolate, Jun’s eyes met mine and held their gaze. “Y/N, can I tell you something?”

“Of course, what’s up?”

He took a deep breath, eyes earnest and serious. “I feel like I’ve known you forever. And these past months have been some of the best in my life. I… I think I’m falling for you.”

Time seemed to stand still. The world faded, leaving just the two of us. I felt warmth blossom in my chest, happiness bubbling up. “Jun, I feel the same way.”

His eyes lit up, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face. “Really?”

“Really.”

He reached out, taking my hand in his. Our fingers intertwined naturally, as if they were always meant to fit together. We sat there, hand in hand, under the blanket of stars, knowing that this was just the beginning of something beautiful.

---

And that’s how the boy next door became so much more than just a neighbor. Jun and I found something special, built on simple moments and shared smiles. Sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them.

---

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

-Thank You For Reading!🩶🩵

-Prettygirl-gabi🎀

[monsamborabutterfly]

Different anon: If you go line by line for everything Sam did in the series, I understand how someone might see her as toxic and messed up. But I think the fact that she’s genuinely not doing it out of ill will, she’s not doing it intentionally, makes her a lot more sympathetic. She’s someone who has been severely repressed, abused, and isolated. Barring years of therapy, it’s hard to expect ideal behavior from someone like that. This is her first ever real relationship, the first time she really went against her grandmother. It’s a big change. The fact that she tries to improve herself and recognizes where she’s done wrong shows that she’s not acting with malicious intent and isn’t a bad person. This is also why her friends stick with her. I relate to Sam somewhat, because I was also abused as a kid, the only difference is that I went to therapy for years but it wasn’t easy.

The show also takes care to show that while Sam has more money, Mon is not afraid to tell her when she’s wrong or even walk away. Sure, it’s not a perfect relationship, but a lot of m/f or even m/m relationships are about imperfect people having imperfect relationships. The important thing is that the wrong behavior is called out in the show and improved upon.

Exactly my thoughts! It's something i really enjoy about the show. Flawed people being in flawed relationships. It's sometimes hard to watch but it's also relatable in many ways. I personally really enjoy messy stories. And there's been some great character development for both Mon and Sam so far. I love that they're not afraid to acknowledge their messiness and always thrive to try for the other even if it's difficult.

[mxrainbownoodle]

Tumblr I am so sorry

You have been forgotten and updated the least and for that I apologize I wouldn't be the artist I am today without you. This is a doozy but long over due and my first step in returning back to falling in love with art again

The bottom pictures are a small "series" I did it started in mid 2017 when I returned back to Savannah to pursue art

And right before I started therapy

My therapy application had a line that said "what do you want to get out of this" and when I went in I didn't know, but when I saw that question much like when I wrote in Rain into a name bar without thinking I wrote " I want to know who I am"

2017-2019 those pieces on the bottom were done.

These would be done 3-4 YEARS before top surgery or even starting T. I literally came back to school indirectly changing my name subconsciously and now was asking who am I to myself, over and over.

Up until this point I'd been living the way I thought I should, the way I thought would please the most people, what was most acceptable, but when I went into therapy and I saw that box, I realized I had not a damn clue who I was under all I thought I had to be, I needed to, I should try to be.

I didn't know Rain yet and they very much was who was trying to form at that time. I had their name, OUR name, but I didn't know what Rain should look like. Everything I liked or thought I liked was all things I learned I should like or was okay with in reason to like or if I were to be weird or gay or trans then I had to look that sort of way to, but I wasn't fitting the perfect (fake as fuck) androgynous mold either

I never envisioned an ideal of myself that wasn't influenced by what I thought would be acceptable enough of family or friends to honestly leave me alone and not ask any questions above bare minimum, because I'd learn in therapy I never felt safe to explore myself nor had the chance with all the trauma with sperm donor and more. I paused.

I paused a long LONG part of my development and finding myself that most people do in their late teens that lay the foundation.

That who am I series was for the first time in my life I was in healthier environments where people were asking me my interest, what I like, what I did for fun and I struggled to answer any of those simple questions and that's because I was with people that genuinely were asking about my core and I didn't need to super mask anymore, but I unfortunately didn't know and cause I didn't need to mask I wasn't saying practices responses or things I know I needed for approval instead it left me with a lot of questions for myself.

The picture on the top is from 2022 I did it for my graduation photo and when paired beside these "who am I series" it makes for a beautiful complete story of where I started finding me nodding to whom I even was in 2017-2019 and where we ended up by 2022

Which is: We're neither one thing or another. We don't need to look any kind of way. We don't have to ever recognize a reflection that's gonna change with age what we needed has always been inner peace a sense of control of our own body with choices that only survey to make us feel good. Cause we aren't chasing what pleases others anymore we are chasing what feels good to us and in that is where broken pre me has had the journey of becoming whole and grounded and confident in who we are as a person. We found ourself at the end of the day or years and it was never in the reflection because it's been buried so deep within

You know how you hold a prism to the light and all the colors show through? I was looking at a prism reflection without ever shedding any light inside to get to the RAINbow I've had to shine light on myself in order to come through

This has just extremely humbled me and my own existence and happy art coming full circle unknowingly and I wanted to share it with you all

[cringefaillosersummit]

shadow the hedgehog

One aspect I love: how much he cares for those he loves and how he is made up of each of them. everyone he has ever loved is part of the picture that is shadow, makes up every atom of his being.

One aspect I wish more people understood about them: his whole character arc is about self-autonomy and doing what he wants to do, not because others have told him to do. sth is a series about finding personal freedom and sonic helps those around him find their way to achieve that specific freedom. for shadow, it's moving on and not letting the promises made to those who have long since passed dictate who he is or what he does. not letting anyone dictate his path. it's about passing on from grief and starting fresh, while still honoring those you have loved. there's a reason why majority of his villains have all wanted to control shadow in some shape or form. gerald, eggman using him as the basis for the androids, black doom, mephiles, even infinite. and each time he comes back, reasserting himself and piecing himself together. im gonna cut this off here bc i am way too wordy when it comes to shadow the hedgehog.

One (or more) headcanon(s) I have about them: he's actually shorter but his air shoes give him extra height the airshoes are actually mobility devices!! This Hedgehog is Trans Masc. he/they pronouns frfr chileno. trust me. he has sharp claws! he's a living chaos energy battery basically. the way the inhibitor rings work is that they regulate his innate chaos energy by helping it circulate more easily. once he takes them off, his power is no longer restrained but its because the chaos energy is coming out of him at a greater quantity so he is effectively a glass canon. he ended up leaving his super form because while sonic has harnessed his chaos energy to go super, shadow honed it into his chaos control/snap/spears/etc. his favorite color is actually yellow because it reminds him of maria's hair and he loved playing it when he was a kid maria called him "mi sombrita" (my little shadow) and thats where he got his name he knows how to dance! is very good at it!! he started staying with rouge and omega only after shit went down in shth 2005 before that he was wandering and thats why he looks unkept in the renders

One character I love seeing them interact with: TEAM DARK RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH TEAM DARK LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

One character I wish they would interact with/interact with more: need more interactions with surge and metal sonic dear god there's something i can say about being created/changed for a purpose and trying to figure out if there is more to you than just that. i am going to scream.

One (or more) headcanon(s) I have that involve them and one other character: he loves cream and charmy and is so willing to babysit whenever vanilla or vector asks he and omega have been banned from 8 different rage rooms because they rage a little too hard and destroy fucking everything he enjoys spending time with amy and tails because they remind him of maria knuckles will sometimes let him chill on top of the emerald like he lets rouge do just because the natural powers of the chaos emerald help his chaos energy feel more calm. perfect nap spot. he and omega gave the shovel talk to knuckles but then they ended up just fighting bc they were bored. they knocked over some trees. sonic drags shadow to different places to get him fully familiarized with the 21st century. shadow makes a show about protesting but he genuinely considers sonic a good friend. sonic and shadow had a big conversation about what happened in sa2 and shadow doesn't remember everything but sonic just had to let some things off his chest (their therapist recommended talking it out. 5 months ago.) shadow helped sonic out after the aftermath of frontiers shadow and metal are friends. fuck you sega. vector was the one who actually mentioned the idea of therapy to shadow and rouge after shth 2005

OKAY THATS ENOUGH I HVE TO STOP IT HERE THIS IS ALREADY SO FUCKING LONG

Send me more characters!

[problematiquearts]

the Definitive strilonde robin preferences this is all objective opinion. ive got no narratives im pushing

Dirk: would fucking love Tim Drake. I dont think tim is his first robin at all, but tim would end up being his favorite in the end. tim is ride or die for his friends, a lil unhinged, and has that 'everything is my fault forever' kind of mentality that i think dirk would relate to too hard at first and then, ultimately on going to therapy and putting the work in, would look back on with a fond kind of exasperation. But in the end, he has a soft spot for Stephanie Brown that's a mile fucking wide. You look at that girl and tell me he wouldn't project Roxy onto her. When asked his favorite robin he will say Steph', but if you ask him who he relates to it's a Tim.

Hal: Damien. Next question.

Bro: lol his fave is Azrael Jason Todd, but only post resurrection Jason ala under the red hood 'the only way everything is good is if it's under my control' behavior. This is a man who would look at batjokes and call it relationship goals. Unhinged <3 He doesn't like any of the robins when they're robin, but Damien is the one he tolerates the most as robin, if only because he knows what it's like to be a hyper competent baby with a sword that everyone says he shouldnt have and he respects the murder. Prefers the injustice timeline where he kills Dick on accident and gets abandoned by the family for it because he's a jaded old fuck who assumes that the worst will always happen forever.

Roxy: Projects deeply onto Dick Grayson. Eldest Daughter Syndrome is a bitch when youre an only child and only she and dick grayson understand. real 'you are the only bitch here who gets me' hours. The silly goofs, the look at me all the time or I'll combust discowing suit mellowing out into the one with their shit together TM? the fact that their shit is still not together and the only thing in the fridge is dubious food and a wilted head of lettuce because they were going to eat a salad but kept putting it off is also in character. yeah Dick Grayson is her poor little meow meow (and she projects a lil onto the aforementioned Stephanie Brown for obvious reasons)

Mom: Ace the Bathound! She watched Kypto the superdog growing up and she counts him as a robin because what else would he be? (in truth shes doesnt have much of an opinion. but she does think it's funny how Bro would get pissy with her for saying it. she can be a little bit of a troll. for funsies) I think she'd like Lucius Fox for human batfam members. Alfred as well, she loves a charming man.

Rose: Her favorite batfam member is Barbara or Kate, but her favorite robin is probably Duke. I think his search for his family would probably just hit her too close to home not to immediately latch onto him. Plus he's really smart, like trained to take down the riddler smart? Like refused to be a robin and is only an ex-robin by technicality smart. (and rose would love arguing both that he does and doesn't count as a robin depending on who's asking because she would think it's funny)

Rosalind (alpha mom): Huntress, but the og Huntress would be a get for her. a little bit more modern and she's saying Kate as well. Jason is her favorite Robin, but only conceptually. She hates most comics he's in and has taken to writing her own version of him that using bits of canon she likes. as is the prerogative of all comic fans eventually. All blades Jason + magical pit rage as a metaphor for ptsd is her canon

Dave: Difficult one... I think, much like Rose, he's got a favorite batfam member but his favorite robin is harder for me to pin down. Cassandra's backstory gets to him. I think he'd have a soft spot for her and Harper Row? Terry McGinnis is his favorite though. No Doubt. hes the perfect age for animated series batman beyond to be his Go To batman that all other batmen must stack up to. Sorry, bruce wayne whomst? As for robins... hm. I think he might genuinely not care? I can't say one that sticks out to me as dave bait in particular. i dont know. I could see robin jason having his own appeal to Dave. A sweet kid that's put into terrible circumstances, becoming a symbol of protection and safety to people just like him would really appeal to him. I think Jason's death would fucking gut him though and I dont wanna subject dave to that :(

Davesprite: For Sure Jason now, but he says it's Tim. Tim being replaced as Robin probably fucks with him the first time he reads the "Bruce lost in the time stream" arc.

David (alpha bro): His fave is Selena Kyle (which is dubious on how in the batfam she is depending on the writer, but she is in his heart) I know this man still watches Saturday morning cartoons on the reg, so he also latches onto Terry as soon as he see him, but... (and this is sacrilege David, I could have you burned at the stake as a witch for this) ... he considers Terry a Robin.

[zehecatl]

2024 media thread PART AUGUST

6th August: Fear Street 1994

despite my love for the horror genre, i've honestly never watched much horror- in fact, i'd say this is probably my second horror movie, ever? and while i did very much primarily pick this because of the sapphics, holy shit, what a fun time

i'm not very well-versed in the genre, but i really liked the combination of slasher and supernatural. the set up is so interesting, and i'm very much looking forward to learning more over the next two entries. i love how the movie works both as a stand-alone, and as a set up for the rest of the trilogy

also, what a fun cast!! i really liked the dynamic at play here, and how grounded everyone was; outside of the very beginning, i never had a 'oh my god, why are you acting so DUMB' moment. also, a small moment i really loved was how, despite the town's differences, Sunnyside and Shadyside both refused to tell the cops anything. ACAB, and all that 👏

definitely looking forward to watching the other two :]

13th August: Jujutsu Kaisen 0

tfw a friend makes you go watch a movie, and you come out of it with another black haired boy to cry about

okay, for real- while i don't know everything about JJK, i do know enough to watch this, and it's definitely a really good movie. i think Gege's writing actually really shines in it, because it perfectly encapsulates a lot of what he does best- tragedy, human connection, that perfect note of horror that really makes his series special. it was a little rushed, like i think a two-parter would have been really good, but we did get enough to make everything make sense, and, like. this got me attached to Geto. i literally stopped watching s1 before he really got to show up (yes, i know about the thing, but you get what i mean). and i nearly cried at the end

it's! a really good movie!! it did make me really attached to Yuta and Maki and Inumaki (i feel like Panda is more of a gimmick character to round out the cast, than a real character? like, obviously that could change in the actual series, but he did fall a bit flat here) and it does showcase enough of the Geto/Gojo relationship to tease the fans, and all around, it's. a nice way to restart my watch into the series?

it does kind of make me want more time with the kiddos tho. can we get a spin-off. can we get to watch them train together and be babies. that would be nice

(also get Geto therapy. please. i know he's dead, but i think maybe if you give enough therapy to his corpse, that could fix some things)

21th August: WIND BREAKER

how the FUCK is this anime not more popular, how the fuck has the whump community not devoured it whole, how the FUCK is there not more fanart and fanfic, like hello? hello??? the most tumblr-catered thing to ever exist, and NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT...

literally, genuinely, this is just. it's one of the best written shounen i've ever seen. it's so well done- every character is distinct and has an unique and compelling design, and the way the plot and character arcs are weaved together, even just from what little you're getting from the anime, it's just- it's so well done

Sakura, as a protagonist, is so so interesting too. he's completely out of his comfort zone, he's basically a feral kitten forced into an affectionate household, like he has no clue what to do with himself, or anyone- but he wants, so much, to Do Good. this is a guy who has been starved for affection, for kindness, who craves is so deeply he can't even handle other people holding hands. like the whole set up is just. chef's kiss. absolutely delicious i'm eating so good

and then there's the Shishitoren arc, which the anime covers, and which broke my head open and filled me with Love Togame, like just. the whole arc. it's so well-written and perfectly paced, and the way everything is done is just. UGH. UGH!!!!!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH

and just. i could gush for days. about this anime. i could gush about the characters, about the plot, about the ANIMATION. THE FUCKING ENDING AND OPENING?? ARE SO GOOD?? and the FIGHT SCENES, UGH, they're so fucking fantastic, like just. this is genuinely one of the best series i've ever seen, and it's a crime it's not more loved. if we don't get a season 2, i am throwing hands

23th August: Fear Street 1978

pretty good! i do think it suffers a bit from being the middle child, with lots of focus on set up, but i had fun anyway. honestly, i don't have a lot to say about this one?

i liked the sibling focus, i liked the characters, i liked the background we got fed, and how it kept itself tied to what it already set up (Ruby Lane's mother! neat!), but it's- yeah, it's the middle child. not much to say

i will say i fucking died when we got the self harm reveal, because that shit was so crap. also i wish Alice and Cindy had kissed. the tension was there, okay. we could have gotten 3/3 lesbians :(

27th August: Yomawari: Midnight Shadows

usually i wouldn't put this on my list, since i didn't play it, but- i have already played it once. and i did watch Shae play all of it, so. like. it can be here. primarily because i just wanna GUSH about this game for a hot second, like. aaaaaaaaaah

i love this game. like, i ADORE this game. so much. it's so up my alley, with its japanese horror (yokai!! spirits!! SHRINES AND GODS!!!) and kids-going-through-it energy, and just. OUGH. LETTING ME EXPLORE A SPOOKY LITTLE TOWN?? YES PLEASE...

and Midnight Shadows, which is the second game in the series, and also the only one i've played, is just- it's so good. the story is genuinely so well-written and crafted, and yeah, it's not super in depth- you're basically getting a RPGmaker game, here, but. man

Yui and Haru's story hits. the twists hits. there is something so elegant in its simplicity, and i adore it so very much

also, also- Chaco is the best boy. and i love him. and i would die for him. and the fact that you get to walk around with him in the post-game is everything

(also- also- i love the art. there's something about it that just hits my brain real good, and i would absolutely buy an artbook. i would buy multiples. Nippon Ichi, please)

31th August: Fear Street 1666

if 1978 stumbled a bit due to being the middle child, 1666 fucking nailed it by being the youngest- or the finale, more accurately

it absolutely hit all the beats it needed to, and tied up everything so good- even its twist was done fantastically, and makes perfect sense. i do think this whole trilogy was really improved by being filmed at the same time, though i can't imagine it was an easy time. i especially really love the little call forwards, they're cute :]

also, honestly, the 1666 section was probably my favourite- which is mostly because i really like folk horror, and the witch bits, and just. the setting 💖 give me more of that please 💖

also really like the finale bits, and just- idk! it tied everything up really well! i'm ignoring the post-credit scene, because that was so unnecessary, but outside of that, Fear Street is just a really good trilogy. it also had sapphics, which improves everything, in my humble opinion, so like. hell yeah

[pennylaneforthoughts]

After some thinking, a conversation with my sister-in-law with a psych degree, and a couple of sessions with my godsend of a therapist, I think I've finally put my finger on the thing about Mobius that Loki (and a lot of the fandom tbh) so quickly latched onto like a man dying of thirst at the first sign of water:

Unconditional positive regard.

This concept is at the core of client-centered psychology and basically is a stance that a therapist will take in relation to their client, where they simply accept and support their client as a person, regardless of what they do or say.

My therapist uses this framework with me, and when the Loki series came out, I immediately saw Mobius and was like "holy crap, this man has the exact same energy as Sami what???" And I couldn't for the life of me figure out why until I was talking about it with my sister-in-law and she mentioned unconditional positive regard. And then it clicked.

Mobius radiates unconditional positive regard from the minute he meets Loki in episode 1, and arguably even from the first time we even see him onscreen. He approaches everyone he interacts with using a basic framework of "I see you and care about you as a person, and nothing you do or say can change that," so we immediately get the impression that this man is soft, kind, and shaped like a friend. However, it's most obvious and pointed in his interactions with Loki.

While yes, Mobius' primary objective in episode 1 is to interrogate Loki, it's important to note that it's not an interrogation where Mobius is trying to find proof of guilt for a crime like we'd see in a typical detective procedural. Rather, Mobius is trying to see if this variant of Loki is self aware enough to be able to help him in his hunt for Sylvie. It's fundamentally a test to find out Loki's current place in his emotional and psychological development. It is not maliciously intended, and it is not designed to harm Loki. On the contrary, the intent is clearly to help Loki begin to come to terms with the reality of who he is and the choices he has made.

In fact, the whole time this is happening, Mobius very purposefully strives to foster an environment where Loki knows that A.) Mobius sees him. Truly sees and knows him. B.) Despite knowing what Loki is and what he's done, Mobius loves him and regards him positively, and C.) nothing Loki can do or say will change that positive regard.

Loki, however, is super not used to receiving unconditional positive regard. He has no idea how to respond to it. He feels like it's a trick, like there's another shoe just waiting to drop. I related to him hardcore in this scene because that's exactly how I felt when my therapist presented me with unconditional positive regard for the first time. It's confusing and strange and difficult to believe at first. Especially because it sets the stage for honest self reflection and personal growth that can be incredibly painful.

Loki is not a perfectly innocent person. He has done a lot of really bad things and hurt a lot of people in his life. He has a lot of very deep seated trauma that has informed these actions, but he still made those choices and he needs to take responsibility for them. This is not a fun process. Mobius knows this is actually a really awful, sucky process. But he also knows that change and growth requires two things: acknowledgement that a change needs to be made and the expectation that change can and will occur when properly cultivated. Mobius clearly laying out the reality of Loki's actions and who he is in the Sacred Timeline is the first part of that equation, and his unflappable, unconditional positive regard towards Loki as a person despite knowing that reality cultivates an environment for the second part to flourish.

"By definition, it is essential in any helping relationship to have an anticipation for change. In the counseling relationship, that anticipation presents as Hope—an optimism that something good and positive will develop to bring about constructive change in the client's personality. Thus, unconditional positive regard means that the therapist has and shows overall acceptance of the client by setting aside their own personal opinions and biases. The main factor in unconditional positive regard is the ability to isolate behaviors from the person who displays them." (source)

Mobius is not Loki's therapist, but he does take on a therapeutic role in Loki's life. He shows Loki that he is fully aware of all of Loki's faults and mistakes. He's seen them over and over again and knows them by heart because it's his job. And in the face of all of that he looks at Loki and says that he doesn't see him as a villain. That he likes him anyway and believes that Loki has the potential to help him and what he believes is the cause of good. (Yes the TVA is corrupt, but neither of them know that at this point, and the fact that both Mobius and Loki believe this to be the side of good to varying degrees is important here)

Mobius maintains this regard throughout the series and his subsequent interactions with Loki and when talking about Loki to Ravonna and others, and it's a big part of why Loki so quickly trusts and feels comfortable around Mobius. I know some people say it's unrealistic how fast it was, but it made a lot of sense just based on my experience. I mean, after one (1) session with my therapist, I was 100% ride or die for him, and it was kind of absurd. But the feeling of being seen like that is so potent when you're starved for it, that extreme reactions to it make a lot of sense. And if anyone's starved for unconditional positive regard, it's Loki.

Mobius is only human though, and he's not perfect at this. Over the course of the series, it's clear that Mobius has emotionally invested a lot in his Loki, and he struggles to maintain a professional distance, though he usually is able to keep his head enough to give Loki that positive regard he needs. The only time we see this regard slip is in episode 4 when Mobius is feeling betrayed and jealous. In these moments, Mobius is unable to step back from his feelings enough to get into a headspace where he can separate Loki's actions from who he is. He calls Loki an asshole and a bad friend, and it comes from a place of hurt and jealousy. It's also what drives Loki into a defensive mode we haven't seen since episode 1. He's no longer receiving that unconditional positive regard from Mobius and he feels betrayed. He worries that maybe it was all an act in the first place and Mobius never really cared for him at all. For the first time, Loki feels like Mobius doesn't see the best in him anymore and it hurts.

Mobius' unconditional positive regard was genuine, though, and this is reinforced in the subsequent scenes where we see him act on his instinctual desire to assume the best of Loki and investigate his claims. We see it again when he returns to Loki and he reaffirms both his desire to trust Loki and his belief that Loki can be "whoever, whatever he wants to be, even someone good." At this point, Loki is able to accept it and no longer pushes back against Mobius' belief in Loki's goodness and that he "has within himself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his self-concept, attitudes, and self-directed behavior." He's grown and begun to see himself in a more realistic and positive light and it's a direct result of the time Mobius has spent cultivating that relationship based on unconditional positive regard.

That's why their relationship feels so comfortable and satisfying. Unconditional positive regard isn't only a therapy principle. It's something everyone craves in a relationship. To be seen as you are, flaws and mistakes and quirks and all is terrifying and mortifying, but when that person then just smiles and says I love you anyway because you are not your mistakes and you are not your flaws and nothing you can ever do or say can change how I feel about you, the relief and joy and comfort is more than worth the discomfort. So I think the idea that Mobius can look at someone as deeply flawed, broken, and jaded as Loki and love him exactly as he is right there and then, eyes wide open and smiling, believing that beneath it all Loki has the potential to be good, gives us hope that someone could do the same for us. I know that's what Lokius does for me, at least. Mobius represents to me the ideal of unconditional positive regard, and having an image of what that looks like in the character of Mobius gives us the opportunity to apply it to ourselves when we may not get it elsewhere in our lives. And I, for one, think that's very sexy of him.

[throwaway-yandere]

Hi! Very late but i just wanted to congratulate you on your follower milestone!

Feels a bit weird when I'm not a follower myself but haha. Your type of yanderes aren't what I'm really into, but I still periodically check on your blog like some ghost stuck to a place bc your writing is really really good and i absolutely adore how creative your ideas are. Speaking of which, i really love how you handled the matchups! They're still made for a certain person but so open that they're also accessible to everyone else, which isn't something I've ever seen before but definitely seems the best way to go about it.

I'm super curious to see how your series will progress and all the other unique ideas you'll come up with in the future (and sometimes just reading the anon interactions, as a Frequent Visitor and really socially awkward person I'm like the physical manifestation of the word "lurker", but it's really a bit like watching a friend group interact and have fun which really warms my heart. It's just super good vibes!)

Please remember to look after yourself, get enough nutrition and rest. And hope you don't mind me haunting this blog a little longer :p

Hey don't feel scared to interact even if you're not following!!! I adore asks lololololol, it makes writing worth it. Feel free to stick around!!! But like how I start most my fics, if you're not in a mentally well state it's best to avoid these!

I'll be honest, I would NEVER hang out with any of the yanderes I've written except for SPK!Childe & Thoma and HysHum!Dainsleif. I think the only "soft" yanderes I wrote are those three.

Childe just wanna fish & Thoma just wants to listen whenever the reader rants about their problems. Then there's Dainsleif, who's sane but is one chip away from losing his marbles because his reader is about to turn Teyvat upside down lmao.

The rest? They're all insufferable meow meows <333 Other than the three I mentioned whenever I write about these yanderes I keep slandering them in my head <333 it's so much fun <333 okay i lied dain's not an exception I still insulted him in my hyshum drafts <3333–

I'm not sure if it's incredibly obvious in my writing but I'm asexual and quite possibly aro, so I think I "excel" more on the "yan" side than the "dere" since romance isn't my forte. I mainly write for the horror so I don't expect people to come to me because they're into the yanderes I've written but more on the story (... I'd be a bit concerned but won't question if you're into stuff like cannibal!cat!ayato and horse feeder!diluc). That's why everytime I post I don't expect anything AND IT'S VERY MUCH THE REASON WHY I'M CONFUSED THAT THIS BLOG IS STILL ALIVE. THIS WAS MEANT TO BE A THROWAWAY ACCOUNT–

I'm not sure if I'm making sense lol but that's pretty much my two cents on that so I wholeheartedly understand if my yans aren't your cup of tea! They're not mine too– I want to bury them all with my hatchet!!! <333 I want them to go to therapy!!! Eat lasagna!!! Play farming games!!! Literally just don't bother (y/n) anymore 😭!!!

About the event: I was genuinely hoping for match-ups set up like this because there's some sort of "togetherness" in it?? Hold on I just woke up cuz I accidentally slept while reviewing for Algebra when writing this so I'll probably rewrite this draft or something if I'm not lazy lol. It's just that I like it when readers are characters I can add some quirks and details to (of course, cept for things like physical descriptions and what not) since it makes pairing them with a yandere more natural. And you know what? I'm super glad the anons are all very nice and interesting huhu. They truly make the event more alive!!!

I adore otome games and trust me, almost everyone in r/otome_games prefer an MC who has a personality rather than an eyeless self-insert too lol. Much like there's no such thing as "absolute justice", I believe you can't have a "perfect self-insert" fic either because not everyone shares the same mold. It's just not as entertaining to me when the reader is silent so I guess that reflects on my writing too ;;--;;. It's just too much fun pulling up an mbti and going "ah yes, I'm using this type."

Anyways, yeah!!! Is it bad if I'm satisfied about how I set it up as well haha it feels like my 1 braincell was actually put to use ;;----;;;

Oh sht i ended up rambling my bad umm tHANK YOU!!! Haha it feels strange celebrating this milestone and I appreciate your kind words!!!

(out of curiosity, is there something I can call you? Like "lurker anon" or something haha)

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2022!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

___

133. November 9th by Colleen Hoover--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: Suicide, Grief I really liked this Hoover book. It's probably one of my favourites because of the depth it had and Hoover's ability to create such a moving story set only on one specific day of the year. She told us so much without the extra stuff that normally fills in the monotony of the days in between. I'll admit I didn't see where this story was going, although I should have, but I enjoyed being surprised. There were so many emotions in this book that I won't lie, I teared up a little. I think this author just loves making us cry. Another Hoover book down! Will I read most of her books by the end of the year? I'll surely try. ___

134. Without Merit by Colleen Hoover--⭐️⭐️

TW: Depression, Suicide and suicidal thoughts, SA, Cheating Not my favourite Colleen Hoover novel. The characters were younger and with it came a slightly more dramatic situation. Although I definitely thought, "How does this author come up with these ideas?" I feel like the MC was definitely infantilized a lot by the people around her. I get that she was very much in a hole of her own depression, but I feel like this is one of those situations where I get frustrated with the people around her. I don't know if it's my annoying empathy connecting too much with the MC again, or if this is something that genuinely upset others, but I hate when I read a book like this and it's so blatantly obvious that it was written by an adult because they us adult logic in a situation that requires a bit more finesse. I think everyone in this book needs therapy, not just the MC. Sure, she was the one that took it the furthest, but like...everyone needs therapy. Especially her twin sister. I was just so upset for the MC. While I also get that her POV is unreliable because of how much in her bubble she is...I think all of the other people who told her that she didn't understand people as well as she did, or told her that she needed help were hypocritical and stuck in their own bubbles too. This is a great example of a dysfunctional family and Hoover did a good job of that. But I feel like I want to hug the MC because something just didn't sit right with me by the end of this. Also, wow, those revelations.

___

135. Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is, by far, my favourite book in this series! I was hooked immediately because I love this concept and getting to know the mermaid of the group. I loved the idea of fighting to both remember and forget the things that scare us because sometimes those are the things that can help define us. I felt for the MC when it comes to her bigger size being a topic of ridicule, but I think these moments of bullying sadly made her even more relatable. Especially the idea that no matter what you eat or how you eat, some bodies are not meant to be anything other than what they already are. I'm intrigue by how this book ended because it opened up the possibility for a fresh arc in the next few books. I want to know where this leads and honestly, I'm excited to meet even more characters. After all, there are endless doors.

___

136. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover--⭐️⭐️

** spoiler alert ** TW: Grief, Depression, Cheating, Miscarriages This was an incredibly rough read. It started out so strong and really interesting, but as I listened to the audiobook, my anxiety levels just kept going up and up. I think one of the things I disliked most about this book was the constant going back and forth of the timeline. I know why it was included in the story, but it made me pause every time it came up and I seriously contemplated DNFing the book. The interruptions actually made me weirdly uncomfortable because I just wanted the present story to end. I’m trying to read all of Hoover’s books this year, but this was one of the hardest ones for me to finish. Reminders of Him was a hard read but it felt like it was worth it. This one had so much miscommunication and had an instance that I absolutely hated that just made me feel even more ick. I’m just glad it’s done.

___

137. Howl by Shaun David Hutchinson--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

CW: Homophobia, Offensive language about mental health, Bullying, PTSD I might be wrong, but I think this is the first book I've read by this author! It took me a second to adjust to their blunt way of phrasing things like derogatory comments, but I think in this case it kind of helped towards bringing the metaphors of this novel together. I think Hutchinson does a good job of creating a situation where a story can have allusions to a literal monster and the metaphorical monster of being LGBTQ+ and living in a small town with antiquated POVs about representation. I think the constant reminders of that night the attack happened acts as a way for the reader to experience the PTSD effect of intrusive thoughts at the most random of times. It was jarring at first, but now as I think about it, I can see that that was the point. Those reminders are meant to make me uncomfortable and never forget that the MC was scarred both physically and mentally by the attack--which can potentially be an allegory for homophobic attacks and how they linger long after the fact. The MC being ridiculed and called a liar is also a sad and great example of how it might be for victims after they've come out with the truth of their assault. I really enjoyed this and how everything felt like there was more meaning to it. There were also instances where the author sprinkles in some hints as to the MC's stage of acceptance with his situation. Like when he constantly thinks about how everyone he loves is on the other side of the country, but one day that sentence chances in the slightest of ways. If you're going into this expecting a horror novel, know that it isn't just in the obvious way. Sure, there are monsters and things that go bump in the night, but this is also a horror novel about the monsters inside of people and towns. This is a horror novel about the monster that could live inside of us, or that we might create of ourselves if we allow ourselves to be treated a certain way. After all, the MC (in his battle to fight his inner growing monster) allows some pretty homophobic comments and shit to pass so he doesn't rock the boat. If you're going into this book, be mindful of the content warnings. There are some strong and hurtful words used in this book.

___

138. Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm going to say this right now: I am at the mercy of my libraries, so I will not be reading these in order LOL. I enjoyed this one! It wasn't mind blowing or anything, but it was short, sexy, and fun. Had some surprisingly good spicy scenes and I loved the dynamic between the two characters--especially how he's a tall and gruff silent mountain of a man, but can be brought down by a teeny tiny woman that he cares for. The misunderstanding that led to their not talking was a little bit of a reach, but fine. I won't harp too much on that one. I think the downside of these short novellas is how insta-lovey they can be. I think it's incredibly sweet how they met and immediately hit it off, but I find it hard to believe, also, that a woman who is so cautious and a man who is so cranky can fall into insta-love like that. But I also know that sometimes that's what we need for love. I'm excited to read the other novellas! I want to see how the other couples get together and okay, fine, I want to see their spicy times too.

___

Have you read any of these? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

[xo-alie-xo]

PORTWELL LONG GAME OR RINA SLOWBURN.

You can only choose one poison.🍷

Listen up my Wildcats.🐱

We all ship each character with happiness. No matter how much you love to hate them, a majority of us simply adores the characters and want the best for them. Then comes relationships and it's okay to ship our favorites.⛴

I'm a diehard Rina shipper and I know in my heart that they are series endgame. The set up, the natural chemistry, their mutual understanding, the surprises and angst literally put me on chokehold. So I'm 100% a Rina shipper till the end. I'm here for the slowburn and their development rather than one shots. They are worth the pain. 😭❤

Let me start with Ricky Bowen now.

Ricky shouldn't to be with Gina because he's hurting her mentality. He's not insensitive on purpose. Like when he tried to stop Big Red from telling her his message to Nina because he KNOWS it'll hurt her.

If you think, that Ricky didn't understand clearly when Gina confessed, think again. He shushed her. Kept their thing a secret from everyone. He knows he feels some type of way and she feels something too. But this boy is so used to safeguarding his childhood norms and has very little adaptability. Hence, he pretended to ignore everything between them because his home stability was falling apart and he clinged on to Nina, his constant childhood love.

He's a traumatised 16-17 year old boy that needs to heal and grow. This episode was heartbreaking because he had to accept that he had to let Nina go because their once upon a time fairytale had become toxic.

People change. I'm not the same person I was when I was 16 lmao. Being together as childhood lovers means growing together and accepting each other's growth. Which Ricky couldn't. He clutched to the idea of Nini. Even his love confession. It was sooo sweet but all he did was focus on their history.

This boy needs time to heal and maybe seek professional therapy. It would be so DAMN HISTORIC if Disney decides to take psychological issues seriously and show how he's dealing with his anxiety, pills and psychotherapy. He needs to breathe before he can be with any girl for that matter. He's hurting and isn't trying to hurt anyone on purpose. Including Gina.

Him asking her for advice on Nini was a dumb, insensitive move. But he's trying to find a way to build some supportive friendship that they shared in early season one.

As for now, this boy needs to get his own grip on life and heal.

As for our Queen Gina

In Gina's confession, she focuses on their future. She basically said, "I wouldn't quit on a possible future of us being together despite obstacles. Because I never quit. But moving away isn't in my control." Ricky deep down knows this, encouraged her to say it, teary eyed, despite right after getting back together with Nini. Gina is his future. She went to his new house. And I also have this feeling that when she was given a chance to stay, she stayed partly because of Ricky. She left a chance to be with her mom because she prioritised their relationship. Because she never quits. 💪🏼

But she came back and found out Ricky has gotten back together with Nini.😭 What she doesn't know is Ricky got together with Nina before her confession, and after Gina kept dodging his messages. She's hurt and questions why she returned because she isn't particularly close to anyone. Hence, she was so silent at the after party. She thinks it'll be fine, "she'll live", and finds other reasons to find permanence. Her arc this season has been settling down in East High, despite the pain of losing and being 'betrayed' by Ricky, she finds other reasons to stay. 🏡

This kind of contrasts her with Nina. Nina left her dream school and came to Salt Lake because she missed her established home, and not just because of Ricky. Nina returned and was loved and embraced by Ricky Bowen.💕 Gina came back to a semi new place called Salt Lake because of her promise of a future to Ricky. But she got stabbed and she bled. 💔🗡

Think about her situation. She feels confused, alone, heartbroken, out of place and seperated from her mom. She's broken and hurting too. And she doesn't need more from Ricky's accidental or intentional 'sick burns'. That's the one line where he was such a jerk and I can't defend him here. 😠

Here comes the Caswells.

Her second family. A place of healthy stability. A home that accepted her. Ashlyn, her roomie and her confidante. EJ, the misunderstood boy who saw her value and bought her plane ticket.

Let's get to EJ.

At first, I wasn't too keen on seeing Portwell's development. But then that video chat where they talk about the possibility of her staying and him convincing her. Had me sold for a solid brother-sister relationship. Few episodes later, when Gina's pain seemed to be oblivious to everyone, he was the only one who asked her how she was, and saw her glow. The comfort she must've felt.

Not that she needs a man's validation, but she must be feeling like a second choice and feeling a little insecure because of Ricky. But EJ lifts her up and I genuinely saw her smile. This boy has her back whenever. The man she can lean on and truly sees how special she is. She no longer feels alone now that she has his entire fam and other friends. She genuinely feels a place of belonging and happiness when she's the apple of his eye. Notice how happy she is? How happy this boy is? She's going through her own issues and she has found ground with EJ.

I was very doubtful when they started hinting at a romantic direction. Because EJ would be used as plot device again for a girl to get to Ricky.😤 This man doesn't deserve to be second best to anyone, just like Gina.😑 That's why I'm still hesitant on shipping them at least temporarily. EJ needs to be something even more special to Gina. They need to show each other how special and treasured they are to each other despite feeling like rejects. They are each other's source of comfort.

I'm sure they can keep EJ at East High for the next season. Whether it's the drama club, or the AV club or going to a local college. So he will be there for Gina. I don't know how they can work out a relationship with much distance as Rini's fell out when she moved away. So, if EJ leaves again, it'll again shake up Gina. Her being worried whether he'll date college girls, second thoughts, etc. I don't want them to go through that. And if they do move on to romantic Portwell, make sure it's not plot device for Rina. So you can either have Portwell endgame or Rina Endgame.

Basically I want Gina to be treated so right that she understands she doesn't need Ricky. And when he does ask her out, and he makes her feel like a second choice or a rebound, she says NO. Because EJ has helped regain her self assurance. Eventually I want Gina to confide in EJ about her and Ricky. EJ is jealous but also angry about how Ricky has been hurting her. And becomes damn protective of his 'babe'. Ricky gets jealous of their relationship, restarting Ricky and EJ's old rivalry. But this time, it's not because Gina is his girlfriend, but because she's EJ's best friend who he has a crush on and wants what's best for her.

If it's meant to be Rina endgame

EJ- RICKY, YOU IDIOT! You have no clue how to treat her right. You don't put her first. You mislead her. Get the hell away from her! She's too powerful and beautiful, she doesn't deserve your scraps. I know how she feels for you. I wish I were you. I would treat her like a queen. I don't mind even waiting years till she's ready. She deserves that. You're so lucky you have even a small chance that I may never have. So get your act together, prove you're worth it to win her over. All I want is for her to be happy. Even if it's with someone else. And maybe then I'll stop threatening you to stay away from her.😠

Ricky- .....I don't know what I'm more scared of. Change, or losing the girl I fell for or YOU. Okay, losing her but you're a close second.😬

If it's Portwell endgame.

Ricky- I messed up. Make sure you don't mess up with her. You'll regret it forever.

EJ- I'd rather get hit by thousand basketballs than ever hurt her. I'll be her plus one and her best friend until she's ready to be with me. I know she's ready now too. But I want her to know I'm willing to wait till she graduates before we make it official. I'm in it for the long game.

As for their age gap. I'm 100% sure Portwell won't kiss this season. If they do, it'll be next when Sofia turns 18. They are professional actors who are cast because they are the perfect fit for the role and are expected to carry out the storyline. But I suppose fearing some outbursts, they might delay Sofia kissing anyone till next season. It's so weird because Olivia was maybe 17 when Matt was 21-22 when they kissed in season one. But no one had a problem with that. But for this, they do. Remember, they are professional actors. They are acting! Sometimes, actors are over 10 years apart (but above 18) and act as romantic partners.

As for their characters, they are only two years apart. That's hardly any difference once you're over the age of 18. Age of consent is 16. But adults above 18 are only allowed to have sex with adults above 18. So, age isn't a problem here because EJ is a gentleman and is genuinely interested in her and isn't trying to get in her pants. So age isn't the issue when it comes to dating. It's the maturity. Gina is very mature and gives very sound advice. But I can see EJ being patient enough till she turns 18 just to kiss her because he loves her. 😚

As for the Ashlyn remark, "You look like a kid to me rn". He was JOKING.😂 Don't take things out of context. I tell my cousin sister that all the time. But she's three years younger than me and a grown adult. I don't see her as a kid but it's just a cousin teasing her younger cousin that's she's a little immature. I'm Matt's age and I'm very mature for my age and since I was a teenager, I always matched up with boys a little older than me. Now that I'm in my early 20s, I've dated boys even close to 30. So age is just a number.

EJ dating Gina and giving her quick kisses is fine. But to have a strong sexual element in their relationship (including making out), he'll have to wait till she's 18+. And I'm sure for that he'll wait till she's ready even past her early 20s. Age is really just a number and we can't help who we fall in love with. Trust me, I've been there.😂 So I can see EJ feeling conflicted about his feelings that are clear at this point.

They might not be a perfect fit, but they make each other sooo happy. They deserve a lot more than a short lived fling.😟 They are either endgame or Rina is. You can't have both as a Rina unless you're an EJ hater who wants him to exist as plot device. Nope! He's sooo much more precious than that.

But Jack on the other hand....I'm okay if he's the one to make Ricky or EJ jealous. Because he's just been introduced and it's okay if a character is used, but only once, for someone else to realize their feelings. 💁🏽‍♀️

In short.

Ricky needs help and needs to be on his own. No girlfriends allowed.🙅🏽‍♀️🚫

Needs to give both Gina and Nina space for them to grow on their own too.🌳

Ricky needs to understand the core of his problems and become more adaptable via therapy. Maybe the psychologist will point out his unresolved feelings for Gina, or he will conclude it himself. And in comes Ricky-pining-for-Gina season three.

Ricky needs to fully get over Nina before he moves on to anyone. Same for Gina if Portwell were to happen. No one deserves to be second choice.

Gina isn't Ricky's cushion. She's a living person with strong feelings for him and shouldn't be subjected to share his pain. She already struggles with her own issues.

Ricky needs to stay single till he wins back Gina and prove he's worth it. He needs to show even if another girl wants him, he'll never quit on Gina ever again. Even if he has to watch her be with someone else. *cough parallels*.

It's either romantic Rina then Portwell endgame OR Portwell flirty besties but Rina endgame. You and I can choose only one because my boy EJ shouldn't be used as plot device for a girl to leave for Ricky ever again.

Portwell's age difference can be practically solved and isn't much of an issue unless they get hot and heavy before Gina turns 18 which is impossible considering this is Disney. 🤣🤣

Jack and Gina will be plot device material and purely so sentimental to us OG Andi Mack fans. More than any ship, this is what I'm looking for. Sort of an Andi Mack crack ship for season 3a. It's gonna be soooo funny. 😍😂

I respect everyone's ship. I see what you're seeing. And I'm not going to invalidate your ship. But unless it's done right, I won't jump from the Rina ship. I liked Rini. I like Portwell. I like AU Juffy crackship haha.😂 But as for me, I'm still holding on to Rina slowburn.

Preparing myself for the pain. 😭🔥

(But if I had to pair two characters without Disney getting in the way, it would be Gini. The power duo. Undeniable chemistry. They can be written so well because of their layered relationship and contrasting personalities.🤩 The classic rivals to friends to lovers. But that's a talk for another day lmao.)

Thanks for reading my opinion, Wildcat!🐱❤

[manonblaqkbeak]

How We Met

here it is, my last fic for rowaelin month! thank you so much to everyone that’s read, liked and commented on my fics, it’s been so much fun reading and writing these last four weeks! i’m glad to know that i’m not the only one that is in dire need of more rowaelin content (srsly, i would pay sjm a truck load of money for a strictly rowaelin book bc i miss them sm)

here’s part 4 for the little series i had going on. i was so tempted to make this an angst piece but held back lol.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

cw: none

1.8k words

enjoy and thank you again!!! :) 💕💕💕💕

Gathering the ingredients for the cake that she and Ophelia were going to make for Rowan, Aelin plopped them down on the kitchen counter and tied her and her six year old daughters hair back. Even in the kitchen light, Ophelia's hair was a vivid shade of silver and when she turned to look at her mother, the golden ring in her eyes were just as bright.

“Up, mama!” Ophelia asked, pointing to the step ladder that Olive made for her little sister in her woodshop class at school. Getting it off from atop the fridge, Aelin and Ophelia started their baking session for today. It wasn't often that Aelin baked cakes from scratch but it wasn't every day that her firstborn turned sixteen—not that Aelin could really comprehend that her Olive was sixteen—but Aelin wanted to do this for her, wanted to make something special.

She hoped that it wasn't going to taste as bad as the last cake she baked. Rowan had been sick afterwards and didn't go to work the next day.

That was five years ago, so surely with gaining wisdom as people said when others got older, her baking skills grew too.

“Where did everyone go?” Ophelia asked, her little tongue poking out as she helped Aelin sift the flour.

“To get dinner for tonight. We're having Ollie's favourite.” Which was cuisine from the Southern Continent, there was a restaurant that specialised in the spicy food, and Aelin couldn't wait—she and Rowan often tried to recreate their favourite recipes, but it was never right, so Olive wanted to have the genuine stuff for her birthday and not her parents shoddy attempts.

Not that Aelin could blame her.

They continued making the chocolate cake, Ophelia babbling on about her day at school, when her little one asked, “How did you and papa meet?”

Aelin blinked at the sudden question, but answered it nevertheless. “At the grocery store.”

Ophelia furrowed her brows, and with the way her nose scrunched up, she looked so much like Rowan that it made her heart sing. When Aelin first realised that she was pregnant, she was nervous, they had only been married for seven months and while they spoke about having a child of their own, she didn't think it would happen so quickly—but Rowan's enthusiasm melted away her fears. She would never forget his tears of joy when she showed him the pregnancy test, his beaming smile when they heard her heartbeat for the first time. Aelin would walk through hell, as long as Rowan was by her side, or waiting for her at the end.

It wasn't always perfect, however, they had their ups and downs like every long-term couple, they had moments where it felt like they were walking on tightrope, either because of their own personal issues or marriage issues, or when Egan was fourteen and completely lashed out at Aelin, accusing her of replacing his mother—but she worked with her son, telling him that she had never intended to do that, that Lyria would always be the woman that brought him into the world, and that Aelin was raising him. Her heart broke in two at his pain, but she understood, he grew up with photos and stories of Lyria.

Or when they had the awkward conversation when Olive was eleven and asked why she didn't look like Rowan, and Aelin had explained her story, about Sam being her biological father, but he had given them space for Rowan to raise her instead. That had lead to brooding silences and confusion, but otherwise, Olive still saw Rowan as her dad, but she did ask from time to time about Sam, what he was like and what he was doing (the last update Aelin received from him via email that his wife was pregnant with their second child. Aelin was so happy for him that he was able to have a family, a feat that was made easier since Arobynn had been dead for years by this point) and that she would like to meet him properly one day; Aelin had kept that to herself, not wanting to tell Sam in case Olive changed her mind—Aelin hoped that she wouldn't.

Overall, their life together was what she needed, she went to bed each night loved and fulfilled. It was better than what she might have had with Chaol all those years ago, she was fairly certain that if she had married him, it wouldn't have been a long marriage.

“How did you meet at the food store?” Ophelia asked, her brow still furrowed as she and Aelin stirred the cake batter. It surprisingly smelled good.

“I needed something from a high shelf,” Aelin said, “and I couldn't reach it. Your papa was only a few feet away from me, so I asked him to get it for me.” She might have also subtly ogled him as his shirt exposed his tanned skin, and Aelin had damned near swooned at the sight of his six pack.

“Did you get married at the food store?”

Aelin laughed at the question. “No, we got married at the beach. And then you arrived not long afterwards.” Sometimes they wanted another, but things financially were going so well that they didn't want to jeopardise that by adding another mouth to feed.

“Can you have another wedding?” Ophelia asked, looking at her mum with wide eyes. “So I can go? Please?”

“I'll talk to your daddy about it, but I like the sound of that.” Kissing her daughters forehead, they continued. Just as they were putting the cake in the oven and the icing mix in the fridge, the front door opened and three booming voices infiltrated the house and the mouth watering goodness of food.

Aelin's eyes widened at the amount of food that Rowan piled on the table. It looked like they were feeding a small army and not a family of five.

Ophelia helped her older brother set the table, Egan ruffing her hair as he recounted their little adventure to the restaurant.

As they sat down, Aelin mentioned Ophelia's request. Rowan pretended to mull it over as their daughter pleaded, giving her best puppy dog eyes. It didn't take for Rowan to relent—he really had trouble saying no to her—saying that a second wedding was a great idea.

Ophelia squealed in delight and squealed even more when food was placed in front of her (she was very much like Aelin in that regard).

“How did the conversation of another wedding start?” Rowan asked as they all started eating.

“Phia here wanted to know how we meet.”

Olive snorted. “Yes, the ever romantic story of meeting in the toilet paper aisle.”

“It was not the toilet paper isle!” Aelin protested. “It was the cereal aisle.”

“At least you kids have inherited my manners,” Rowan said, “your mother didn't even ask nicely. She just came over to me and said, 'You're tall, could you get that box for me?'” It had taken him a moment to realise he had been spoken to, too focused on deciding what box of porridge to get when Aelin showed up, wearing a faded band shirt and shorts, pointing to the box of cereal that had far too much sugar to be healthy. He had said 'yes' because it was the nice thing to do, and had stayed behind, talking to her for so long in the aisle that his vanilla ice cream had started to melt.

It was the best decision in his life back then, he never thought he would have gained a friend in the grocery store—and that the friend would become his wife.

“I have manners. I said, 'Excuse you' first before I told you what I needed.”

“That's not really using manners there, ma,” Egan said, smiling as poked her tongue out. He looked so much like Lyria that it was almost scary—he still loved flowers and plants too, and was currently studying to become a florist and then one day horticulture. The backyard was full of flowers and plants thanks to him, making into a little wonderland instead of the barren plain it used to be.

“I did say 'thank you' afterwards.”

“You said 'thanks',” Rowan interjected, laughing as Aelin threw a chunk of her flatbread at his head. Ophelia's cute laughter rent through the air.

“It's the same thing!”

“If you say so, love,” Rowan muttered, his lips twitching. Aelin rolled her eyes in the dramatic way Rowan was used to, but he saw the mirth behind the movement.

“Like I said Phie, it's very romantic,” Olive said drily, sounding very much like Rowan. She had even inherited his scowl, which she was wearing now as she sniffed at the air. “Is something burning?”

Aelin had never run so fast as she did right then, the kitchen filling with smoke as she took in the blackened cake. Swearing viciously under her breath, Aelin chucked the cake into the bin, apologising to Olive as she did so.

“It's okay, mum, dad got me an ice-cream cake earlier today anyway.”

Aelin narrowed her eyes at her husband, who simply gave her an innocent smile in answer.

Rejoining her family, they talked well into the night, helping Aelin to forget her failed baking attempt. Ophelia asked more questions about their time in the grocery store and how that moment lead to friendship, to pining for the other without realising it, to a life together.

And to think, Aelin almost didn't go to the grocery store that day.

Rowan thanked the gods that he had remembered at the last moment that he had no porridge left, otherwise, he might not have met Aelin at all. Might not have had this life, this family. Part of him would always be sad that things had gone so wrong with Lyria, and he would always miss and love her. But he learned in therapy that it was good to have a life, and Rowan was glad that he heeded that advice.

He thanked the gods all the time.

And thank the rutting gods he did right now for the umpteenth time that Aelin deemed him tall enough to get her food for her, to stay in that aisle with him as they got to know each other.

Rowan was a very happy man indeed as he and Aelin went to bed that night, the smiles still on their faces at Olive's unrestrained joy at the sight of the car they spent weeks looking at second-hand dealerships at, hunting for the perfect car for their daughter.

Thank the rutting gods for all those moments in the past, present, and future.

Rowan couldn't wait to marry her again, and neither could Aelin.

Life was good.

[walkerismychoice]

Queen of My Heart - Chapter 38 (The End!)

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake X MC, Liam X Olivia, Hana X OC Lydia

Rating: PG-13

Summary: The show comes to and end, and Riley contemplates her future

Author’s Note: I can’t believe I’ve finally brought this series to an end. There was quite a long time I thought I may never finish. I want to thank all the readers and friends who’ve read and encouraged me along the way. I want to especially thank @debramcg1106 as of late for helping me work through the ending and pushing me to finish it out. This is the technical end of the story, but I do have an epilogue planned as well.

Tag List: @khakie4 @dreadpirateemma @ritachacha @blackcoffee85 @choices-fanatic @boneandfur @butindeed @simplyaiden-blog @bobasheebaby @traeumerinsworld @theroyalweisme @umccall71 @lizeboredom @debramcg1106 @enmchoices @withice @viktoriapetit @mfackenthal @drakesfiance @drakelover78 @speedyoperarascalparty @silviasutton1989 @krisnicjack @devineinterventions2 @choiceswreckedme @notoriouscs @blackcatkita @hamalu @akrenich @drakewalkerfantasy @jamielea81 @andy-loves-corgis @jlouise88 @jovialyouthmusic @sleepwalkingelite @i-miss-trr @dragonball-luver @gkittylove99 @lovingchoices14

Word Count: 2230

Queen of My Heart Chapter Index

Due to everything that transpired, filming of the finale was delayed two weeks. Riley was grateful for the time and hardly left Drake’s side during his recovery. He was sent back to the palace after a couple days, and Riley had to convince him that whiskey was not a suitable replacement for the antibiotics and pain medication the doctor prescribed. Reluctantly he obliged. He worked with physical therapy, and by the end of those two weeks, you’d have hardly known he’d been injured at all.

Olivia was salty her ball had been ruined, but the production staff made up for it, giving her and Liam an overnight filmed at Olivia’s northern Lythikos retreat. She was still worried the country would favor Riley with Liam, but Kat assured Olivia between her heroic actions, personal growth, and some favorable editing, it would be hard for most people not to be on her side.

As for Madeleine, it was still unclear if she would be charged criminally or would be incompetent to stand trial due to her mental health, but either way, she wouldn’t be a danger to anyone for quite some time. It was questionable if Jo’s involvement in the whole thing broke any laws. She wasn’t Cordonian, so she couldn’t be charged with treason for skirting security and endangering the life of the crown prince, but authorities were looking to see if there was anything they could make stick. At the very least she was blacklisted and would never work in television again.

So finally, on a calm, clear, day, there was only one obstacle left. Riley met with Liam, adorned in a stunning, body-hugging, Swarovski crystal filled dress, to put on the performance of a lifetime and act as if he’d shattered her heart. Of course, it wasn’t that easy. There were a couple of takes where neither of them could keep a straight face followed few that were unbelievably dramatic, but ultimately Riley was able to tap into her vulnerability and the tragedy she had faced to bring genuine emotion and tears to light. It didn’t matter that it was unrelated to what was happening in the scene, it was real. Kat said it was perfect, and Liam was free to propose to Olivia.

-----

Now that all is said and done, who will Liam choose to be his future Queen? Will it be the fierce Duchess Olivia, or the plucky newcomer Riley? Stay tuned for the finale of Queen of My Heart.”

Maxwell draped his arm around Riley’s shoulder. “What do you think, sis? How did I do on my television debut.”

Maxwell, Bertrand, Savannah, Hannah, Lydia, Liam, Olivia, Riley, and Drake were all huddled in the palace screening room to watch the finale as it aired.

Just about anyone would have been an improvement over Chad,” Riley teased, ”but the squid suit was definitely a nice touch. Your delivery was great, but did you have to call me plucky?”

“You know I had to play it cool,” Maxwell explained. “Plucky is good, but not over the top. Don’t want anyone thinking I’m playing favorites because you’re my sister.”

Riley rolled her eyes. “The suggested ‘noble newcomer’ would have been sufficient.”

“It was a stylistic choice.” Maxwell made a gesture with his hand indicating a mock hair flip.

"Ugh, enough about Maxwell," Olivia groaned. "I'm ready to get to the good part. Can we just fast-forward through any mushy Liam and Riley stuff? Nobody needs to see that."

"I second that." Drake raised his hand in rare agreement with Olivia.

Liam just shook his head. "I know nobody watches live network television anymore, so you must have forgotten how this works. There's no fast-forwarding. Not even through commercials."

"That's fine with me." Lydia chimed in. "More time for making out."

"Lydia!" Hannah's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink.

Lydia pecked her on the lips. "Sorry babe. You're just too damn cute when you blush."

Hannah remained quiet but her smile gave her away. Lydia, with her outgoing, bold, and slightly unpredictable personality, was the perfect complement to Hannah being so shy, proper, and focused. They brought out the best in each other, and the difference in Hannah between when Riley met her until now was night and day.

The friends watched the show and Riley only cringed at herself in a few places, which was much less than she thought she would. Things did get a bit awkward during the montage of kissing scenes between Riley and Liam, and Maxwell and Bertrand made a show of covering their eyes for the steamier parts. They all laughed inappropriately when Liam dumped Riley since they knew it wasn't real. And then finally when Liam proposed to Olivia, everyone cheered.

Riley thought of her friends and family at home. She pictured aunt Susan, Sarah, and Daniel all rooting for her and how disappointed they must have been that she "lost." She couldn't wait to tell them, however, she hadn't lost at all.

"Wow, Livvy." Drake quipped, bringing Riley out of her deep thoughts. "How much did you have to pay them to give you such a flattering edit?"

Olivia threw a pillow at his head which he deftly dodged. "Fuck off, Walker. You were so desperate to get on the show, you leapt in front of a bullet."

"Now, now children." Liam said in a mock scolding tone. "Let's all play nice."

"Yes, father," Drake and Olivia replied in unison, causing laughter to erupt around the room.

Riley still didn't have all the answers about what her future would hold, but she had found her people. Where she was in that moment was where she needed to be.

Savannah yawned. "It's getting late. We should probably go and relieve the sitter." Riley hasn't wanted to pry into Savannah and Bertrand's relationship, but they were working together to parent Bartie and things seemed to be falling into place for them.

"Yes, yes." Bertrand agreed. "Time is money!"

"Oh my god, Bertrand." Savannah rolled her eyes. "Life isn't all about money."

"She’s right." Maxwell propped his arm on Savannah's shoulder. "Besides, now that the show is over, we'll be getting some money, and Kat said if viewers responded well to me, they would probably offer to extend my contract in the franchise. By the looks of these tweets, I'm going to be rolling in dough. 'That Maxwell guy is so hot...ridiculously funny...just what the show needed.' Should I read more?

"Please no." Bertrand groaned. "We can talk finances later. Goodnight, all."

As the rest of the crowd dwindled, Liam asked Drake and Riley to stay behind. He kissed Olivia and promised to join her when the conversation was through.

"So what's up?" Drake got right to the point once only the three of them remained.

Liam cleared his throat. "Well as you know, I highly value your loyalty to the crown."

"Heh." Drake let out a terse laugh. "I don't really give a fuck about the crown, but I do care about you."

"In any case, you take your job very seriously and I could see you as head of the guard one day, once Bastien retires." Liam paused before continuing. "However, I do have another proposition for you."

Drake raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Go on."

"How would you like to be the head of Valtoria?" Liam asked expectantly.

Drake' eyes narrowed in contemplation. "I thought Valtoria was unoccupied. Is there a new Duke or Duchess there now that needs a security detail?"

"No, no." Liam laughed. "Well, there could be. That's what I'm trying to ask you. I would like to give Valtoria to you."

"No fucking way. You have to be kidding me. Did you sign up for some royal version of a prank show now?" Drake scanned the room as if searching for hidden cameras.

"I'm serious, Drake. I think you would make a fantastic duke."

Drake scoffed. "I'm a commoner who despises most nobles and everything the monarchy stands for."

"That's exactly why you'd be perfect for the role." Liam explained. "Cordonia needs a fresh perspective - someone who can resonate with the people the monarchy serves. Just think, you could have a real voice in creating change. I don't want to rule like my father has and his father before. I want the people to have the representation they deserve, and you are a key to that."

Drake sighed deeply. "I don't know Li. Even if I could do this - if I wanted to - what makes me worthy? What's everyone going to say when they find out you gave an average dude the title of Duke just because he's your best friend?"

"I'll tell them that Drake Walker is anything but average. He's smart, capable, and fiercely loyal. He's saved my life more times than I count and has more integrity than anyone I know. Public policy can be learned, but these qualities cannot be taught. He may not be noble by blood, but he is my family, and he belongs."

'Wow, Liam." Drake ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what to say."

"You're quiet over there." Liam directed at Riley. "What do you think?"

"Me?!" Riley had been as shocked by this as Drake, and she didn't know what to think. This was about Drake, not her. Did her opinion really matter? "I, uh.... think this is really Drake's decision."

Drake took Riley's hands in his. "But it's yours too. I mean, if we are going to be together..."

"Oh, well..." How was Riley supposed to help Drake decide such a life altering thing when she didn't even have her own life sorted out?

Drake didn't leave her fumbling for too long. "Liam, I really don't know if either of use is equipped to answer this question right now. It's a very generous offer, and the fact that I'm not totally shutting you down for suggesting such a ridiculous thing as me being a Duke should tell you I'm genuinely willing to entertain the idea."

Liam chuckled. "I completely understand. This life is new to both of you in different ways, and to navigate a new relationship on top of all that is a lot to ask. I'm in no hurry to fill the vacancy. Consider it an open-ended invitation. I trust that you'll be ready to make your decision long before the public pressures me into making a new appointment."

"Thanks, Liam." Drake gave him hug and patted him on the back. "Now get back to your fiancé before she blames me for keeping you too long."

-----

Back in her palace guestroom, Riley nestled into Drake, her head resting on his chest. "It's been quite a night, huh?

"You could say that again." Drake pulled her tighter against him.

"I kind of feel like we're moving so fast, we're skipping steps - like we're being asked to decide the rest of our lives before we even know what we want to do tomorrow." Riley knew nobody was outright asking for an immediate decision, but she felt the weight of everyone's expectations. Whether she stayed in Cordonia or went back home, she'd probably be disappointing someone.

"Who says we have to?" Drake asked. "You heard Liam. He doesn't need an answer right away. I Know you haven't decided what you want, and I sure as hell don't know what I'm going to do yet. Why don't we take some time together to just...be. Do normal couple things and see where the relationship takes us."

"Normal couple things... I mean I don't know how I can go back to my normal peasant life after attending weekly balls dressed in couture gowns," Riley teased, "but I think I could make that sacrifice for you, my commoner boyfriend."

"Hey, watch who you are calling commoner." Drake pinned Riley down and tickled her sides until she begged him to stop, and he collapsed beside her again. "I just may outrank you soon if I so choose."

Riley laced her fingers through Drake's. "It's crazy to think how our lives have changed in a few short months. I don't think I could have made it through all of this without you, and not just because you kept literally saving my life."

"You may not have taken a bullet for me, but you've saved me too. For once in my life, I see multiple paths with meaning and purpose. I've seen so much of myself reflected in you, but it id the version of me I want to be, not the one I was. You've shown me trials and hardships don't have to make you bitter, and that you don't have to fit the cookie cutter mold to find your place here... Oh, God, listen to me. What have you done to me Bennett?" Drake shuddered in mock disgust.

Riley softly pressed her lips to his and pulled back with a smirk. "I don't think I can take all the credit, or the blame as you might put it. But enough talk about the future. You said we should focus on the now, and right now all I need is you."

"Well then, your wish is my command." Drake pulled Riley tight to him and then they lost themselves in each other, completely unencumbered by any decisions about their future. Those could wait for another day.