#but he perceived it as a threat xD

[starrcrossrose]

LEO’S SMART BUT NOT THIS KIND OF SMART!

leo might be clever cunning but hes not Smart smart - @xinrouska

[married-to-google-translater]

HIYAHIYA HIII!! May I request L Lawliet and Mellow headcanons⁉️⁉️😆💗 really just for being a relationship! (Separately please by the way) if you don’t do two characters at a time then just Mellow please!

OK CYAAA HAVE A LOVELY DAYAAYAYYYY💖💗💖💗💗💕

Mello

Mello would come into your life suddenly and almost out of nowhere.

However, you got along really well with each other and your relationship started quickly.

This would probably be Mello's first relationship.

A relationship with you would do wonders for his inferiority complex.

For once he would have something that N doesn't have.

Mello would really love you and not hide his feelings.

You would be really important to him.

Mello is a guy who shows his love in actions more than in words.

He could easily become hot-tempered if Mello perceived someone as a threat.

Mello would be a bit overprotective of you.

He wouldn't be stupid...

Mello knows he's putting you in danger by dating you.

However, he can't stay away from you.

You are one of the few who see Mello's softer side.

He should hold you and share chocolate with you.

Tenderness would be a new thing for Mello.

However, he would try for you.

L Lawliet

You and L would meet before he became the best detective in the world.

It was a sweet crush at first.

Pretty normal relationship.

You went on a lot of dates in different cafes.

Your relationship would change when L became the world's best detective.

L would like to protect you.

A lot of people would want to hurt him in some way and they would stop at nothing.

L would share all the sweets with you.

However, maybe not as much sugar for you as for him.

L's sleep rhythm would be really bad and only you could change it XD

You should also make sure that he remembers to eat properly.

L wouldn't be the best to take care of himself.

L would usually be able to concentrate better in your presence.

Sometimes L would also ask your opinion on his work matters.

It would help him more than you know.

[tulipscomeinallsortsofcolors]

you mentioned in the tags of that burnout post that its been 6 years and you still havent gotten to everything you wanted to in laoft, just out of curiosity are there any fics youve had in mind since the beginning/early on that youre still planning on writing but havent yet?

mostly prequels ive referenced but never gotten around to actually writing

the time as young teens/middle schoolers roman fell out of tree, hit his head and lost consciousness and logan had a week-long catastrophic meltdown about it (this is titled 'logan and the terrible horrible no good very bad week' in my documents)

a fic about very early LAMP dealing with/talking out romans habit of agreeing to or initiating things he doesnt actually want to do in order to protect himself from anything he perceives as them being mad at him

midquel during what you choose to put in the ground, were patton and logan discuss roman the day after meeting him and whether or not theyre going to try and be his friend

Virgil misunderstanding a human cultural thing because of movies/tv and assuming its like, Legally Required Of Him to ask permission of LMPs parents to marry them, so he goes to shelley first sweating bullets and shelleys like 'oh sweetheart' and we get a little bonding moment for them

more companions to Wit where i show all of the lamp combos moment of Realization when they fall in love

silly tea leaf reading fic that been languishing 3 sentences long for like 5 years

may and night!roman the first time she teaches him magic

logans flower shop opening

death threat jar.... TWO

gc goes camping

may and roman visiting abby's grave when he's a kid (9-10) and him feeling conflicted about it because he doesnt remember her/worrying he doesnt love her 'enough'

a more bittersweet companion to Requiem with Linda and Remus and their families

i really want to do more guidebook entries but i got a new computer and lost my copy of clipstudio and cant figure out how to get it back XD so i have to wait until i figure that out or buy a new copy

May + virgil hurt/comfort reminiscing about Greta and Trudi.

Dot and Larry romance fic featuring alternating cheerleader and heckler abby

analogical word association games (analogical because logan has a ginormous vocabulay and virgil is hundreds of years old, so the goal winds up being trying to say a word the other doesnt know or doesnt know enough words to play off of)

We've had badass protective LAM but i have one for Patton thats languishing as well

Virgil stumbling up on the Gage's hunting blind, which used to be Greta and Toby's house and is now derelict

fae specific idioms vs wickhills specific idioms

fire poker drama with roman and dot - he finds out about it and is uuuuuh. unhappy, to say the least

roman doing knot/weaving/braiding magic like his mom on his and linda's hair

a day in the life of dr. emile picani the only psychotherapist in a town full of magically traumatized people only he is qualified to treat (AKA So Much Pressure)

Dot and Larry with a very young Logan realizing that they have a child who physically can't lie and that it would therefore be extremely easy for them to violate his boundaries and privacy without even meaning to, and them talking about how to handle that

theres other stuff in the someday file, but these are the once ive had from or almost from the start

[skimmingmilk]

Any thoughts on Tails and Maria parallels?

Oooh... I wanted to think on this for a bit because I don’t really have a strong stance on Tails and Maria parallels usually, though I have been considering similarities between them more based on events that will happen in a few of my ongoing fics. 

I'm torn on leaning towards Tails as Maria's parallel or Sonic being her parallel. I think in a way it's both? Shadow and Tails are the younger siblings, brought out of the dark and given a home in the light of their positive, hopeful older siblings. Tails has also experienced the perceived loss of his older sibling, even if none of Sonic's deaths lasted the way Shadow's loss did. Sonic and Maria both love the planet and I feel like Maria would love traveling if she had the opportunity. And they're both heavily associated with the color blue, of course~

But I do also like Shadow and Sonic being in the same position of having the responsibility of their siblings' lives and futures in their hands—Shadow by being the only hope for a cure that Maria has and Sonic by being the only one who can consistently stop Eggman and protect the world from complete chaos. I like Shadow and Sonic being able to recognize that they share a similar drive and love for someone in each other, even if it's not something they talk about or acknowledge.

There's also the new information that Maria was creative and inventive and really smart, just like her grandfather and cousin—and just like Tails himself! She was a gentle soul, and Tails is often described as being a gentle fox in character bios. Maria and Tails both have been pictured with the aurora borealis, which I think is significant in some way. She was limited by her body, isolated from society as a result, and Tails faced a similar isolation that was out of his control by the way his body is, even if it isn't a physical limitation, it still made him different. And then obviously there's her blonde hair and blue eyes that are very reminiscent of Tails's orange-yellow fur and blue eyes.

Not to mention Tails had to watch a capsule be shot out of the Space Colony ARK that had his brother in it, just like Maria did, even if Shadow's capsule wasn't rigged to explode like Sonic's, heh. And Tails could've been shot by Eggman in their fight right after! Luckily he wrecked his mech first xD but still! The threat was still there. Eggman was already threatening to shoot Amy after all! (who is also a Maria parallel... are there any other Maria parallels here I should know about??? xD)

In the end, it could really go either way between Tails and Maria or Sonic and Maria when comparing their sibling relationship to Shadow and Maria's, and I like seeing both parallels play out in other people's art and fics :)

Thanks for the ask!

[fancyfade]

Thinking of the way that fandom perceives Dick and Damian's relationship vs Bruce as Damian's relationship as very different even though there are really more similarities than we often give them credit for.

Like this is b/c I saw a fanart where someone was like "oh mean Bruce ignoring Dick when he got injured, nice Dick comforting Damian when he got injured" but... canonically, the Dick and Damian one has no basis.

We see Bruce emotionally lock dick out after Dick gets injured in robin: year one. we see Dick ignore Damian when Damian is shot in Batman and Robin 2009, focused mostly on talking to Jim Gordon and then going to England to lazarus-pit Bruce. Even in Battle for the Cowl, Dick doesn't comfort Damian, he just talks to Alfred about how he realizes Damian is his responsibility after Damian gets shot, then leaves to fight Jason. Dick's experience with Bruce after being injured as a child would be that Bruce emotionally locks up and is avoidant and controlling (saying he can't be Robin anymore). Damian's experience with Dick after being injured as a child would be that Dick is more focused on the mission than on him and absent. Which, I think the generally being absent is easier for the fandom to imagine something else happened than being emotionally locked up and controlling, because you can just say 'oh well maybe dick comforted Damian behind the scenes'. And it's fine to make that headcanon! I sure prefer it to what we have in canon! But that doesn't change what we actually see in canon.

I also see fandom reasonably drag Bruce for viewing Damian as something that needs to be fixed and a threat in B&R 2011... But Dick also views Damian as someone with an arrogant supervillain sneer and someone who needs to be saved by him in B&R 2009 (and the dialogue is when Damian is not there, but Dick doesn't have reason to believe he's in danger). He talks over comms to other people about Damian "See what I have to put up with?" (when Damian is still on the comms and can hear) Even if the most fluff Dick and Damian canon thing we have, Nightwing Must Die, Dick throws Damian to the ground in frustration when Damian is getting on his case (Verbally) and then yells at him, like I know if Bruce did that fandom would have his head XD like this isn't to Dick hate, it's to point out how fandom often glosses over the instances where Dick views Damian similar to how Bruce does, or when Dick is rude, for a 2-D "Dick good Bruce bad" sanitized fluff that does not really exist in canon.

anyway I wish fandom would let them both be complicated people and not demonize 1 or the other. they each can have good moments and bad moments, and good writing and bad writing.

[elfecassepied]

hellooooo!!!

yap to me about your Dsmp x Epic AU!! I'd love to hear about it!! :DDDDDD

Yeeeesss *vibrating*

Me with this au right now:

Ok so. I'm a big fan of the Odyssey and Epic the musical, the story of the AU isn't a 100% copy of these sources materials mostly characters like and lore like. For what I've seen now the narrative course is the same than the musical until the Vengeance Saga (the Vengeance Saga rocks but I want to do something a little different and maybe closer than the original Odyssey. I'm not sure yet but I just love the Phaeacians so much I will do something including them). I don't really care about the Troy war (I mean in the au, I love classicals Iliad included) so I didn't bother matching dsmp's characters for Iliad's characters, like Diomedes, Aganemnon, Helen and all.

Dream is the reigning king of Ithaca(™) who is dragged, literally, in the L'Manberg war away from his family. George is his wife (we don't believe in gender in this house) and I chosed Tubbo to be Telemachus (inspired by one of the dynamic I sometimes see in fanfiction were Tubbo and Dream are brothers coded).

George gets a little more, proactive role I would say, in defending his house from the suitors. Suitors started to come since 11 years or something like that. He can't really fight all these men who are youngs, well equipped and full of energy when himself runs a kingdom low on resources and men where the current military force is young and unexperienced (missing the prev generation to teach them). So he uses more sneaky ways, and it's not so rare than some suitors suddenly change their mind and leave or were never been seen again after getting a little to bold. Callahan is George's confidant and "right hand man" and yes he helps him hide the bodies. George also has an ongoing deal with the god HD (Hera's role).

Tubbo doesn't know what's going on but George said him to always tell me if one of the men was rude to him (the ones who threatened his son always disappeared first). But he tries to help is own way which mostly translate by being a little shit and sometimes got into fights with the assholes, like the small feral gremlin he is.

On the other side of the sea, Dream just lost around ten of his men including his little-brother/almost-son figure Ranboo to the hands of an angered cyclop, Ponk. And follows it by having a fight with his protector god and perceived friend Technoblade, resulting in the god leaving him alone to face the new challenges on his way: especially the wrath of the god Sam, who was Ponk's boyfriend oops. He will encounter threats and allies equally, including: the god Philza and his crows minions, the shape-shifting enchanter Quackity on his island of Las Nevadas, visiting the underworld to have a chat with the prophet Karl Jacob, slaying some sirens and feeding the sea monster Nikki with some of his own men.

At first I wanted to make a parallel between the human trio Dream, George and Sapnap (Eurylochus), and a god trio XD (Zeus), HD (Hera) and PVP (as Apollo or Ares I wasn't sure). However I changed my mind, made Punz Dream's best friend and right hand man and yeeted PVP to make Sapnap himself a god because I wanted to have an unnecessary Karlnapity storyline in the background. Take it, it's free.

Also I separated Wilbur in two characters: L'Manberg Wilbur/Ghostbur named William who was the crown prince of L'Manberg and died in the war before the beginning of my story and Pogtopia Wilbur/Revived Wilbur who I call Wilbur and who is an exiled titan, ancient friend of Philza and Technoblade, playing the role of Calypso. Tommy was William's little brother and a literal toddler Dream killed by throwing him from L'Manberg's walls.

I have an ongoing theme with how mask/hiding face is linked to inhumanity and how gods or godly beings Dream will meet on his way will somehow hide a part or their full face ; and how he himself started to wear his iconic mask as he chose the path of monstrosity ; and at the same time George assassinated suitors in silence, wearing a veil and pretending to grief his husband ; while Technoblade even if he said he was done™ with humans will be befriended by Tubbo until he stops wearing his mask around him because he's growing closer to humanity. So yeah shits like that.

I will end this little vent with a non-fixed list of the gods I talked about and their domains:

XD (Zeus), king of the gods, god of order, power, lighting, possibilities and civilization

HD (Hera), queen of the gods, god of night, sleep, oaths and destiny

Sam (Poseidon), god of sea, strength, earthquakes, energy and creativity

Technoblade (Athena), god of blood, battles, vitality and strategies

Philza (Aeolus), god of winds, tempests, travelers, sailors and change

Sapnap (Apollo), god of the Sun, fire, protection and loyalty

Wilbur (Calypso), titan of music, song, chaos and free-spirit (for now *wink*Fundy*wink*) (ex titan of fire and war)

[reverieparacosm]

Yandere Gamer Boyfriend Headcanons

GN!Reader x Male Yandere!OC

Warnings: Yandere, possessive behaviors, manipulation, mentioned cyberbullying, stalking, A LOT OF FLUFF

Note: It's essential to remember that the concept of a "Yandere" character is based on unhealthy and toxic behavior. These headcanons are meant to explore a fictional scenario and should not be considered as a healthy or ideal relationship dynamic in any way. Ngl, I felt a bit lonely playing video games and then this OC came up xD

Your Yandere Gamer Boyfriend is extremely possessive and protective of you

He becomes intensely jealous and paranoid whenever you spend time with other people, especially if they're male

Gaming is a major part of his life, and he expects you to share that passion

When he perceives a threat to your relationship, he's willing to go to extreme lengths to eliminate it. This can range from cyberbullying and hacking your rivals' accounts to more dangerous actions like stalking or even physical harm

"I'll always be here to protect you, my darling. No one else can have you but me."

Your boyfriend is more comfortable expressing his love and affection online rather than in person. He might shower you with extravagant gifts in games or write lengthy love letters through text messages and social media

Your boyfriend is not exactly a romantic kind of guy

However, he knows exactly what you like and love

One day, you come home, and the entire room is covered in red hearts. There's also a giant bouquet of roses waiting for you. Your boyfriend had prepared a romantic dinner for two, complete with your favorite dessert. His goal was to show you how important you are to him, and he did just that

He closely monitors your every move, both online and offline. He keeps track of your social media activities, checks your messages, and might even install tracking apps on your phone. He wants to know everything you do and everyone you interact with, just to ensure that you're not betraying him

He loves to keep you under his desk and pets you while his game loads

He often plays video games, but he'll stop and set aside his controller whenever you want to spend time with him

He's the kind of boyfriend who constantly talks to himself out loud as he plays games. You find it endearing, and it makes you feel closer to him

Your Yandere Gamer Boyfriend is incredibly passionate about gaming setups and technology. He spends hours researching and planning the perfect gaming setup for himself and you

Whenever your boyfriend loses a game, he gets so frustrated that he can't focus on anything else. That's when you come in. You sit beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a comforting smile. His anger slowly melts away, replaced with a sense of peace and calm. And, of course, you're ready to play the next round with him

"No matter how many games I lose, I'll always have you. And that's a victory in my book."

Whenever you have a bad day, he'll drop everything he's doing to come over and comfort you. He'll listen to you vent, make you some hot chocolate

He'll often tell you about game lore and theories that he's read online or heard from his gaming buddies. You don't mind because you love the sound of his voice and the way he gets excited when he explains things

Even though he can be a bit needy and demanding at times, he's always supportive of your hobbies and interests. He'll even try out new things just so you can spend time together

"Sometimes I can get a bit carried away with my video games, but you always remind me of what's really important in life. Thank you for being there for me."

Your boyfriend loves to tease you, often in the form of playful insults. But you know that it's just his way of showing his affection. One day, he takes it too far, making you feel insecure about yourself. You tell him how much his words hurt you, and he immediately realizes his mistake. He takes you in his arms, kisses your forehead, and says, "I never meant to hurt you. You deserve the best in life, and I'll make sure you always feel that way."

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

ACTUALLY- WHILE THINKING WHAT TO ASK ABOUT THE YAN GANS, I SAW U REBLOG BOWSER AND THE IDEA OF YANDERE BOWSER WONT LEAVE ME.

How do you think Bowser would act as a yandere? (He seems pretty yandere leaning to me tbh xD)

I love Bowser! I love Yanderes! I will be happy to give in to the ask. He is already kinda Yandere-ish, but lemme crank it up!

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

Bowser as a yandere would be a force to be reckoned with, combining his already obsessive and possessive nature with the darker, more extreme qualities of a yandere. Here's a detailed breakdown of his tendencies and behavior:

Tendencies as a Yandere

1. Obsessive: Bowser's obsession with his Darling would be all-consuming. He would think about them constantly, plotting ways to ensure they are always within his reach and no one else can have them. His obsession would drive his every action, from his daily routines to his grand schemes.

2. Possessive: Bowser's possessiveness would be intense. He would view his Darling as his property, someone who belongs solely to him. This would manifest in him keeping close tabs on them, perhaps even going as far as to lock them away in his castle to ensure their safety and fidelity.

3. Jealous: Any interaction his Darling has with others would ignite Bowser's jealousy. He would see potential rivals everywhere, and his responses would range from intimidating those who get too close to outright violence if he feels his claim is threatened.

4. Protective: Bowser's protective instincts would be heightened. He would be overly concerned about his Darling's well-being, often to the point of being smothering. His protectiveness would be a double-edged sword, as it would come from a place of genuine concern but also a desire to control.

5. Violent: His natural tendency toward aggression would be amplified. Anyone perceived as a threat to his relationship would face his wrath. This could range from scaring off potential suitors to outright eliminating them to ensure his Darling remains his alone.

Before Being with His Darling

Before being with his Darling, Bowser would display typical yandere stalking behavior. He would watch them from afar, learning their routines and preferences. He might kidnap them multiple times under the guise of wanting their company, each time trying to convince them that they belong together. His schemes to bring them closer would become more elaborate and desperate over time, with Bowser justifying his actions as being for their own good.

With His Darling

Once he has his Darling, Bowser's yandere tendencies would become more pronounced and intense:

1. Constant Surveillance: Bowser would have his minions keep a close watch on his Darling at all times. He would install surveillance systems in his castle to monitor their every move, ensuring they never leave his sight.

2. Emotional Manipulation: Bowser would use emotional manipulation to make his Darling dependent on him. He would shower them with affection and gifts, creating a sense of gratitude and indebtedness. At the same time, he would isolate them from friends and family, making them feel like he is the only one they can rely on.

3. Displays of Affection: His affection would be overwhelming and, at times, suffocating. Bowser would be physically affectionate, always wanting to hold, hug, or kiss his Darling. He would also be verbally affectionate, constantly reminding them of his love and devotion.

4. Punitive Measures: If his Darling tries to escape or defies him, Bowser's response would be severe. He would not hesitate to punish them, either by restricting their freedom further or using more drastic measures to ensure they understand the consequences of their actions.

5. Grand Gestures: Bowser would go to great lengths to prove his love. This could involve grand, over-the-top romantic gestures, such as building entire worlds or conquering lands in their name. These acts, while seemingly romantic, would also serve to reinforce his dominance and control over his Darling.

6. Mood Swings: His mood would be volatile. He could switch from being incredibly loving and affectionate to being terrifyingly angry and possessive in an instant, especially if he feels his Darling is not reciprocating his feelings or is trying to leave.

Conclusion

Bowser as a yandere would be a terrifying and complex mix of obsession, possessiveness, and aggression, all driven by a twisted sense of love and devotion. His actions, while stemming from genuine affection, would be extreme and often dangerous, making him a truly formidable yandere.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

BONUS:

The Mushroom Kingdom was unusually quiet that evening, a stillness hanging in the air as the residents went about their business. Princess Peach had just returned to her castle after a day of visiting her subjects. She was unaware of the looming danger as Bowser, the King of the Koopas, prepared yet another plot to kidnap her.

From the shadows, Bowser's keen eyes locked onto the castle. His heart pounded with excitement, not just from the thrill of the chase, but also from the prospect of finally having Peach in his grasp again. He motioned to his minions, who began their silent approach.

As they neared the castle, Bowser noticed something that made his heart skip a beat. Standing in the courtyard, admiring the sunset, was his true obsession: his Darling. The sight of her took his breath away. He hadn't expected to see her here, and the thought of her being so close yet out of reach drove him mad with desire.

Abandoning his original plan, Bowser signaled his minions to change course. His eyes never left his Darling as he stealthily approached. His massive form cast a shadow over her, and she turned, her eyes widening in shock.

"B-Bowser?!" she stammered, taking a step back.

A twisted smile spread across Bowser's face. "Well, well, what a pleasant surprise," he rumbled, his voice a mix of genuine affection and sinister intent. "Forget Peach. You're coming with me."

Before she could react, Bowser's large, clawed hand reached out and grabbed her, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. She struggled in his grip, but it was futile. Bowser's hold was firm, and his eyes glinted with a dangerous mix of possessiveness and excitement.

"Let go of me!" she cried, fear and anger in her voice.

Bowser's smile only widened. "Oh no, my dear. I can't let you go. You're mine now."

With a swift movement, Bowser turned and began to retreat to his castle, his Darling still struggling in his grasp. The Koopas followed, ensuring no one interfered. As they made their way back to Bowser's domain, he couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. His Darling was finally with him, and he would never let her go.

As they reached the safety of his fortress, Bowser set her down gently but kept a firm grip on her wrist. "Welcome to your new home," he said, his voice softening slightly. "You'll learn to love it here. And you'll learn to love me."

His Darling's eyes filled with a mix of defiance and fear, but Bowser knew he had all the time in the world to make her see things his way. After all, in his twisted mind, this was a love story—one where she had no choice but to play her part.

[starays13]

Sun is so gently with Moth!Eclipse, and I am living for it.

It’s partially because he doesn’t perceive Eclipse as a threat XD

Kinda hard to be intimidated by someone when they look like this

[ashesandhackles]

HP Reread - Order of Phoenix (part 1)

OOTP - Chapter 1,2,3

love how oppressive the atmosphere is from the beginning. It's a drought and Harry is lying in a flowerbed that is dying. It's also a great way to show Harry's desperation for news. Also that he scavenges newspapers from rubbish bins :(

Vernon grabs Harry by the throat and Harry has to magically throw him off. ( Harry takes care to "stop short of the point at which Uncle Vernon's outstretched hands could resume their strangling"). Not the first time the threat of physical violence exists from Vernon.

Harry feeling comforted by Sirius' letters even though they are just as empty of news. (also amusing that Harry recognises the hypocrisy of Sirius asking him not to be rash XD the "do as I say and not as I do" parent)

Harry's neighbours being terrified of "that Potter boy" who they have been warned is a hooligan (and they keep muttering about his "delinquent" appearance). Petunia will also refer to Snape as "that awful boy": drawing similarities in how they are perceived in the Muggle world.

"This is night Diddykins. That's what they call it when it goes all dark like this" LOL

Right after Dudley taunts him, hits him and Harry fully feels his hatred of 14 years for him, Harry's first instinct is to yell at Dudley to come back when they are in danger. I love how his priorities immediately shift when he knows someone is in danger.

Harry casts a spell without a wand in his hand.

As angry as he is with Ron and Hermione, it is their faces that gives his Patronus the force it needs.

This is the book where Dudley faces a Dementor, and is implied to grow up and reflect in the next two books. I think this is significant: especially because this is the book James is also humanised. We get a lot of fandom complaints about how we don't get to see James growing up - that it is told, and not shown. James (and Lily) are meant to be thematic ghosts, Harry will never fully know them and that's the point. And bullies grow up: Dudley did, and so does James. (Harry makes the Dudley-James connection in SWM, and then later on compares James to Ron.)

Is Mr. Tibbles a Kneazle? The cat warned Mrs Figg when Mundungus left.

I really feel for Harry - who gets a "mingled feeling of dread and anger" when Dudley names him. And the odd feeling of calm he gets when he is threatened with the worst - the risk to his wand.

The awful boy Petunia is referring to is Snape.

I really, really love the moment between Petunia and Harry here, where her walls crumble and she shows fear of the man who killed her sister.

Love that Dumbledore sends a Howler: and it is described as an "Awful voice" that filled the confines of the kitchen. I've always interpreted that Dumbledore is surprised by how much he cares about Harry, and this is a moment Dumbledore allows himself to be angry with Dursleys, in particular, Petunia. (I back this up with his admission at end of the book: "I cared too much about you" - and I think him loving Harry was a surprise to him)

Harry addresses the first letter to Sirius, second to Ron, and third to Hermione. I think the order is who he feels most ownership of. Sirius is his.

Harry feeling guilty about being irritable with Hedwig <3 although now I want a Hedwig POV of how she pecked Sirius, Ron and Hermione after Harry asked her to xD

Kingsley talks of James with familiarity, even though he was not part of the Order before.

love how Tonks and Mad Eye are interacting this chapter. She is the charmingly impertinent protege, questioning his paranoia. XD

Remus being cheeky by calling Tonks "Nymphadora". He had to have known at this point that she wants to be called Tonks.

Elphias Doge: Dumbles friend who he was supposed to travel with prior to Ariana's death i think? Also comments on Harry having Lily's eyes.

love that Remus, quite like Sirius, also reads the expression on Harry's face and answers the thought.

we also get the info that Ted Tonks is a slob, while Andromeda is so neat that she gets socks to fold themselves.

the chapter, even with threeway dynamic with Tonks, Kingsley, and Mad Eye, also places Tonks and Remus as a team.

Chapter 4,5,6

There is no keyhole or letterbox in Grimmauld Place, but Remus taps the door with his wand and chains clatter. Something Orion added or Dumbles?

"it was as though they had entered a house of dying person". Thanks for that JKR. But also - its about the Ozymandias vibe of the dying line of Blacks.

aiyooo, Harry being momentarily happy at the sight of them but the reminder they were sworn not to tell him anything, so he pays attention to Hedwig and ignores both of them. Hermione and Ron, bless them, try to get him to talk because they both see how broody he is lol. They even exchange looks that Harry catches XD

Also, Ginny's favouritism for Bill. Bill's opinions "settle the matter" for her.

Ginny, the good liar. (she accuses Crookshanks of putting Dungbombs on the meeting door, when it was her to Mrs Weasley) I think its such an interesting shade of her - and combined with the offscreen storyline in CoS, gives a good dimension to her.

aww Harry feels ashamed of shouting at Ron and Hermione because they both look nervous when everyone is gone :( and the fact that he is apologetic is immediately picked by both of them, with Ron shaking his head (similar to GOF where harry cuts him off before he can apologise) and Hermione assuring him that they really did try.

Snape is in the center of the Order group: his work is crucial to the Order.

What a charming portrait, this Walburga. Also, what a fun introduction to Sirius this book : "blood traitor, abomination, shame of my flesh" "Hello Harry. I see you met my mother."

Mundungus wakes up from sleep and reflexively agrees with Sirius as though they were in a meeting. Lollll.

Walburga puts a permanent sticking charm on back of her portrait, Sirius has permanent sticking charm for his very specific room decoration. The apple doesnt fall far from the tree, lol. (Thanks @artemisia-black this particular insight)

Crookshanks takes the time to greet Harry and jumps into Sirius' lap :<3 best friends.

The moment Sirius says he is stuck inside the house for a month, Harry immediately frowns. The boy knows what it is like being stuck inside a house that does not want you.

Snape taking jibes at Sirius by asking him how the cleaning is going, lol. "how is the cleaning going?" "fuck off"

Bill being the family peacemaker when Mrs Weasley drops Percy's name and Mr Weasley immediately freezes. Remus being cute and handing her a plate of stew after the awkward moment.

"Harry heard the sarcasm in his voice, he was not sure anyone else did." The way Harry is so attuned to Sirius.

lol at Hermione and Ginny requesting favourite noses from Tonks.

the discussion between Bill, Mr Weasley and Remus about goblins is so interesting! Both Bill and remus have practical POVs, while Arthur is more of an idealist, emotion driven. Also love that Remus identifies himself among oppressor of goblins by saying "we", when he himself is a class of people oppressed by the wizarding society. Gentleman werewolf <3

LOL at Mrs Weasley throwing a Look at Sirius about Mundungus and he immediately Gets It ("She still hasnt forgiven him for slipping off duty when he was supposed to be tailing you"). The two hosts of the house having an issue and Harry is like "what is happening?" XD

Sirius is also so attuned to Harry. He knows that the first thing Harry would do is start asking questions about Voldemort the moment he arrived.

"Harry's been trapped in that Muggle house for a month": the way both Harry and Sirius intimately know what this means.

"it is not down to you to decide what's good for Harry": it's interesting to me how Molly challenges Sirius' guardianship here. There is an element of possessiveness over Harry they both show - but I wonder if Molly is also a bit shaky cos of loss of Percy at the moment, and stress of war.

Arthur is so allergic to conflict that he will take his time cleaning his glasses before deciding on a reply lol. Remus ends the conversation by rephrasing what Sirius said. XD

Remus deescalates the tension in this scene, but he is also offended on behalf of Sirius (he speaks "sharply"). Also Molly recognises that she has gone too far in the scene, her lip trembles after she says this and the next time she addresses Sirius, she is trembling then too

Sirius and Remus tag teaming to tell Harry info. (also they exchange a look when Harry asks about the weapon. I know Sirius answers this, but Remus also takes ownership of this moment - "we said too much" and thats an interesting characterisation moment for me for Remus)

love the bitterness in Sirius' voice about how Ministry does not want to face the fact that Voldemort's back. He is so angry - on his behalf, on Harry's behalf. Most of his anger about how his life has turned out is directed to the Ministry.

lol at Dumbledore not caring what they do as long as he is not taken off Chocolate Frog cards.

Fred betting that Ginny is lying awake waiting for Hermione to tell her EVERYTHING XD

Phineas makes his presence felt even though his canvas is empty: he snickers during the argument, and they can hear him sleep. I suppose for portraits: they can hear things of the canvas they are connected to even though they are not there?

"he's got the Cruciatus curse for causing pain. He doesnt need anything more efficient than that." Oh Harry.

lol at Sirius and Molly being extra polite to each other after their disagreement.

love the moment where George sees Harry watching Fred pocket a Doxy, and explains their products and experiment to him.

"my mother didn't have heart. She kept herself alive out of pure spite" :( "I've had enough": something harry says in POA when he leaves.

Alphard gets blasted off posthumously for leaving Sirius gold lol.

"my idiot, soft enough to believe them": the way Sirius minimises his brother's agency and leaves the blame at his parents' door about Regulus being a Death Eater. "i bet my parents thought Regulus was a right little hero for joining up at first"

Harry, sensing Sirius' feelings actually asks him tentatively about Regulus' death: "was he killed by an Auror?" also when Mrs Weasley comes back with lunch, Harry remains with Sirius.

Sirius getting angry at the suggestion he is related to Bellatrix. And yet, the interesting thing narrative does in the books is evoke strong parallels between them - the exhilarated laugh before their defeat, the good looks being wasted but also traits that don't get pointed out as much: first borns of their family who chafe against the rules of the society they are born in. Bellatrix becomes #girlboss terrorist while Sirius rebels.

Ginny slamming the creepy musical box lid shut: her experience with the enchantment of the diary coming to play a bit here.

i love all these little descriptions of how they are waging a war against the house and how visitors stayed to help: Tonks with a murderous ghoul, Remus with a grandfather's clock and how Mundungus redeemed himself in front of Mrs Weasley by saving Ron from purple robes that tried to strangle him.

ah Harry actually wants to ask if Sirius would come to the hearing as Snuffles. I LOVE THEM.

Chapter 7,8,9

Scrimgeour- the head of Auror office and Minister for next book - is onto something. He is asking Tonks and Kingsley "funny questions."

why is there no fanart of Arthur in a bomber jacket and pinstriped trousers?

ok, I am a little endeared by Mrs Weasley attacking Harry's hair with a wet comb and asking whether it ever lies flat XD

Sirius trying to cheer Harry up with a joke about seeing to Amelia Bones for him, and Harry actually smiles weakly. I am sorry, I think this entire book I am just going to be savouring all the Sirius-Harry.

the magical fountain where goblin, house elf and centaur "look adoringly up at the witch and wizard". implicit power dynamic even in the lie. #imperialist moment

Magical Maintenance giving them two months of hurricanes when they wanted a pay rise Imao.

Kingsley and Arthur interacting as if they dont know each other is really cute, especially when they do sotto voice for the real info they want to give. Also, Kingsley asking Arthur to pass a magazine for Sirius :<3

a demonstration of Arthur's standing in the Ministry: his office is smaller than the broom cupboard and his request for window is denied.

for future plot point: the regurgitating toilet (whose culprit will inform Umbridge of the DA meeting), and Harry sees Bode!

they changed the time and venue of Harry's hearing to a courtroom they dont often use. Dumbles will imply they were trying to sabotage Harry next chapter.

the courtroom Harry is in, is used for terrorist trials of back in aftermath of first war (there are even chains on the seat "threateningly" clinking at him). Arthur had implied they haven't used it for a while, and this really drives home how much this trial is meant to sabotage Harry's chances as well as unsettle him.

Umbridge in shadow. A foreboding introduction to antagonist of this book.

I love that when Harry sees Dumbledore, there is a hopeful feeling in his chest that he connects with the phoenix song. It's beautiful imagery, an indication of how safe he feels with Dumbledore. Also callback to Priori Incantetam in GOF.

Harry suspects that Mrs Figg had seen a picture of a Dementor, and that she was coached about what she would say. Dumbledore relied on the Ministry not knowing about whether or not Squibs can actually see Dementors for Mrs Figg's speech. Love how Dumbles uses their ignorance against them.

When Dumbledore suggests that the Dementors being there wasnt an accident, Umbridge's shadow moves. Nice.

Dumbles gets "cool" when Fudge hints at not having Hogwarts under Ministry control.

Love that Dumbles overturns the power dynamic of the room and tells the Wizengamot to make a decision after he was done talking.

Dumbles basically runs out without giving an indication to Arthur how the trial went. This is possibly because Arthur is already suspected of being close to Dumbledore, so he wouldnt want to stick around and relay info.

"Harry felt winded" at the sight of Lucius Malfoy, the man who was both witness to and jeered Harry's predicament at the graveyard, and just weeks after he told Fudge that Malfoy was a DE. and Arthur, bless him, can sense Harry's feelings, because he holds his shoulder in a warning.

Ron is so happy about Harry being cleared that he is serving mashed potatoes onto everyone's plates <3

Sirius. I love the detail that both Sirius and Harry (later in the book) retreat to Buckbeak's room when they are both upset.

Hermione getting increasingly bothered by the twins dragging Ron, that she speaks up angrily <3

I really love this little moment of Harry sitting and probbing his own feelings about Ron getting the badge instead of him. There are so many things happening here - one Harry is a bit competitive, so I can imagine him taking a hit that his best friend has overtaken him in something. But I think it's (strongly implied) because he feels overlooked by Dumbledore (which is a theme through the book). Kingsley and Lups conversation at the dinner confirms Harry's feelings.

I like all these little hints about Ginny's comfort with Sirius. She includes him in a conversation when she is with Tonks.

And Sirius is also right beside Harry. I love that Harry is this little duck who just gravitates to where Sirius is in the room.

Harry feeling "doubly fond" of everyone in the room when he is told that James was not a prefect either. At this point in his journey, so much of his identity is rooted in who his father is.

Moody showing the Order photograph and recalling tales of gore lol. (Lups is on a different side of the photograph than Jily + Wormtail)

I really feel for Mrs Weasley in the Boggart scene. It is described so vividly too, as is Harry's initial reaction to seeing Ron's body.

Sirius keeps staring at the patch of floor where he had seen dead Harry (a memory of James' dead body intrudes? or a future where he imagines failing Harry? Both is possible)

Lups gently comforting Molly, while Sirius's offers his version of practical comfort - that its only a matter of time when Voldemort moves into open, and he will see he is wrong.

The chapter ends with harry thinking how he feels old after looking at that picture of the Order of Phoenix and Mrs Weasleys' Boggart. The full weight of the stakes they are facing hits him.

Chapter 10, 11, 12

Padfoot snapping at pigeons, chasing his own tail and scaring cats for Harry's entertainment <3 (also Lee says, "Nice dog, Harry!" and Sirius wags his tail "frantically". I cant deal with how cute this is.)

and when Harry is about to leave, "the great black dog reared onto its hind legs and placed his front paws on Harry's shoulders" :( and then Sirius chases the trail until it rounds the bend. How did it get from sweet to painful already.

Ron becomes "intensely interested in his fingernails" when both Harry and him realise it is going to be their first Hogwarts ride without each other, since Ron has to go to the Prefect's carriage. And then Ron being anxious at leaving Harry behind and implies that he'd rather be with Harry ("I'm not enjoying it -I'm not Percy"). I mentioned in prev discussion about Ron's awkwardness about being a prefect in wake of Percy's departure, and the "I'm not Percy" line shows it so deeply.

Ginny being really sweet! She asks Harry to look for compartment, encourages Neville to come with them into Luna's compartment. And while she did call Luna "Loony" privately outside, she was all smile-y inside the compartment. And when Neville goes, "I'm nobody", Ginny intervenes and introduces Neville to Luna. (btw this book is full of very organic Ginny character writing! I really like how she is integrated here)

Love that Harry audibly groans after Cho leaves, seeing him covered in Stinksap. Ginny noticed, of course and goes, "never mind" and cleans it up after. (Also, we have a parallel scene in HBP where Harry, instead of being embarrassed to be with Neville and Luna, defends them in front of Romilda Vane)

Ron comes back and just plops himself next to Harry after his hour at the prefect carriage. :hug_blob:

Harry excited to read the article Kingsley thought would amuse Sirius. XD and after the first line he is like: "Since when had Sirius been a singing sensation?"

"Tell me how it feels to be second best to Weasley, Potter?" Love that Hermione is nettled by this - she is angry on behalf of both Ron and Harry. And then when Malfoy mentions "dogging", she actually stands up. She is so worried about Sirius :( (she mentions before that she thinks he shouldnt have come with them)

Harry and Hermione share a look about Malfoy saying "dogging" and they are both unnerved.

Luna offering to help Harry manage the pets as everyone else is gone :heart: love the little moment in the end where she assures him that she can see the Thestrals too.

"seeing Hagrid again was one of things he was looking forward to the most." Oh harry <3

lol @ Hermione and Luna, intended foils, are on same page about Hagrid's teaching skills.

cute atmosphere detail about students taking note of each other's new haircuts etc after a summer away. Its details like that gives it a school feeling.

"Who's that?" : Hermione meets her antagonist for the year: Umbridge.

Even with bitter feelings, Harry is soothed to see Dumbledore. Such intense feelings of safety are associated with Dumbles. (also love the detail of Dumbles throwing his beard back over the shoulder to eat, lol)

the trio smirking when Dumbles warns that Forbidden Forest is out of bounds ("few older students should know this by now too" XD)

McGonagall and Sprout annoyed that Umbridge is interrupting Dumbles speech (which is obviously intended as a power move). They also exchange a glance during Umbridge's speech.

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan" Parvati lol

The speech was interesting and very subtle with how the Ministry is pro-pureblood: she refers to magic as a generational thing within wizarding community ("the treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors").

Dean <3 love that he sides with Harry and assures him, but is also unable to say a bad word about Seamus since he is a friend. He is a good guy.

love how in sync Harry and Ron are here: Harry can tell from Ron's silence that Ron doesn't find the idea of stopping Fred and George inviting, and Ron responds for Harry when Hermione asks what's wrong, because Harry couldnt say it. (also Ron especially doesnt want to stop Fred and George - which he was happy to do previous book with the whole blackmail business - because of the large absence of Percy and reminders of Percy)

Hermione thinking its best to know what the enemy is saying and reading the Prophet. Really getting a lay of the land here. Its incredible how political her arc is.

love that George mentions that one of the reasons they came back for their 7th year is because they didnt think Molly could take them leaving the school early after the whole debacle with Percy.

lol @ romione banter. Hermione lays into them for not paying attention in class, and Ron compliments her brains and memory, and while she says, "don't give me that rubbish" because she knows what Ron is doing, she also looked "mollified" lol. XD

Cho did not have a good summer either, and I like that Harry recognises the connection in someone else who would be affected by Cedric's death.

love that as resolutely as Umbridge is ignoring her, Hermione keeps her hand in air . And the book is so boring, everyone ends up watching her XD. Also, Hermione not opening a book feels like her form of protest lol.

the moment Hermione confronts her about her course aims, the trio is in sync. Ron exclaims, "we're not going to use magic?" + Umbridge does the power move of asking students to raise their hands if they want to speak in class. And Harry, Ron and Hermione's hands are up.

Dean being the VERY BEST, by both backing Harry's assertion when he was cut off, and defending Remus when Umbridge makes a jab, and then saying they still learned loads from Fake!Moody. XD (also Parvati spoke up too. These two are the bold kids)

Harry standing up and speaking up against Umbridge and the whole class is holding a breath. Seamus is half scared, half facinated. Neville says later on in DH that Harry speaking up when he felt things are wrong "gave people hope".

lol at Harry repeating Umbridge's speech and interpretation of it, and McGonagall immediately knows he knows this because he listened to Hermione XD

[katyspersonal]

I've had a really fun dream tonight oh my god;;; In retrospective it was short but it felt like eternity.

I recall Kaathe being there after nightfall and he was suggesting me to unleash the darkness promising it'd be a good time, and I knew in th dream that was a load of barnacles but wanted to do it anyway in sort of nihilistic rage.. the way I did that though, was by "hunting" several zombie-like people, specifically variant that was dripping so much poison they had a green hue around them. And after they've dropped enough poisonous crystals, I was able to turn them into a sword that actually functioned like a key; I "stabbed" a big metal door with it, and it was the one thing that opened it.. Past that point, the "videogame" aspect of the dream ended, and a lot of darkness flooded in.

However, nothing really bad happened? It became very dark yet lanterns and candles that weren't melting were present! A lot of monsters, and characters, and just people were brought with the flood, like shards of a shipwreck, but they were not fighting and instead had fun. Time got broken as a concept, so many met despite skipping centuries of existence.. Also all deceased or distorted characters were not healed beyond what was needed to "revive" them (so like Reah's friends were still Hollow but just not hostile, Gwyn was still burnt out, Maria still had her wound open just not bleeding..... yes, she just randomly showed up amongst DS characters. Val said it was basically &Knuckles moment and it killed me gfhfhfu). The moment that I remembered the most was when Aldrich was washed ashore, though with literal dark waves (makes sense), in his slime form. He wasn't hostile either, though was eating all the snacks and the table gghggvb In retrospective it felt like a party. But Sulyvahn was the one happy to see him, basically cuddled him like he was his big messy dog and told him that he missed him XD Seeing him so happy and genuine still is shocking a bit, but it was wholesome 😔 Also made me think about Heaven, because "even predator animals don't eat other animals" and no monster was eating anyone there.. Woke up in a very good mood after this dream, everything was so cozy

One of the things I love about my brain is how self-explanatory all dream metaphors get.. Hunting "venomous zombies" was of course finally starting to block and scold aggressive people when I was on my 'they have to EARN it tho' attitude, and it accumulating into a sword, weapon, was "choosing violence" and finally snapping yesterday, thus unleashing repressed, "dark" emotions. Suly and Aldrich represented public image and the hidden, repressed "shadow" respectively.. I am not scared of hate and drama, but I can be bribed. Hiding "undesirable" feelings and traits from public, censoring, pretending, silencing myself before venting in my own blog: to not scare away cool people I want to impress, to let the web of mutuals grow beautiful and neat and to get positive attention. Because it's been such. a long. time. since anyone but close friends shown approval.

But in the end it isn't me, so I've been "missing" showing more of sharp corners and dirty spots as opposed to only giving hot takes that guarantee approval. Vanity and neediness. And Aldrich not being hostile despite expectations might reflect how I severely exagerrate the ugliness and "danger" of those repressed dark feelings when they're more akin to an animal who isn't harmful unless provoked and just driven by fair instincts. JUST like a dog that growls at the perceived threat to self or others. I both want to be "bad" and know I am not "very" bad.. I wonder if anyone else developed the habit of Souls characters and themes being a mirror of their psyche too.. these games do something with the minds.

[tearlessrain]

13, 14 and 17 for the OC meme thing (for my favourite boys so Khatte and Kalarros, but feel free to toss in others in too be i love em all uwu)

hello thank (ask meme)

I probably will continue the streak of answering for the SWTOR Gang at large because why not xD

13. If you met your OC, would the two of you get along?

Khatte — depends. because on the one hand his job is to get along with people and he is extremely skilled at it, at surface level he is the kind of person who's really easy/enjoyable to talk to and will make people he's with feel liked/listened to even if they're not socially adept themselves. so as far as superficial interaction, yeah he'd be super fun to hang out with. as far as actually getting to know him as a person though, I guess I have the advantage of knowing exactly why he is the way he is but then he'd also hate that about me and frankly I wouldn't be well equipped to deal with his bullshit. so best not.

Kalarros — yeah tbh would love to hang out with that guy. he can get kind of obnoxious and full of himself but I have a distinct ability to work with that and despite it he'd be really interesting to talk to.

Jial-ro — yes but who's to say if it would be by choice or because of the Force glamor

Valdrynn — absolutely, love that guy

Qohi — absolutely not, fuck that guy

14. How does your OC want to be seen by other characters?

Khatte — well, if he could push a button and turn human he would. but failing that, he absolutely Needs to be the best at what he does to make up for it. he goes out of his way to imitate human mannerisms and social cues to the point that other cathar find him a bit weird and uncanny to interact with, but his priority is seeming Normal to the Imperials he's spent most of his life dealing with and it's a source of constant insecurity for him. at the same time he's careful to give the impression of someone who isn't really trying at all, and beyond that how he wants to be perceived at a given time really depends on what his goal is or what he's trying to get from someone.

Kalarros — he's had it impressed on him from a young age that he's a representation of his family/bloodline and to act accordingly. so for a lot of his life his priority was for everyone to know that he's Sith nobility and to be feared/respected accordingly, but by the Alliance era that's fallen by the wayside to a degree. He knows that he's perceived by the Republic at large as a monster and kind of revels in it, but he's also determined to sort of be a source of stability in the chaos. he wants to be seen as absolutely safe to the people he loves and extremely unsafe to anyone who might pose a threat to them.

Jial-ro — he wants to be liked so so so so much. he is desperate to be liked. please like him.

Valdrynn — he would prefer not to be perceived at all and generally makes himself kind of unapproachable on purpose. he spent his time during the main storyline trying very hard to be perceived as a Proper Sith in spite of the fact that he never wanted to be a Sith and hated everything about it, but once he's Commander of the Alliance? fuck that, he ditched all the mannerisms he picked up in order to be respected in the Citadel including the affected Kaasi accent and if people don't like him this way they can go fuck themselves.

Qohi — he stands at parade rest in line at space Starbucks and posts space instagram reels about respecting our troops.

17. What is the worst thing you have put your OC through story-wise?

okay so this is a bit tricky because these are ocs but they're also debatably canon SWTOR characters. so I'm only answering for the main two because I don't have concrete answers for most of them lol.

Khatte — the worst thing I've personally put him through was when he hit rock bottom during the timeskip and was as close as he's ever gotten to actively suicidal. fortunately Lana found him before ImpInt did but he was pissed about it for a good while.

Kalarros — definitely the aftermath of Ziost. I know that's not technically something I put him through since it's a canon game event, but I did line him up to get hit as hard as possible emotionally. he loved the Emperor to the point that it blinded him to the reality of the situation, and even after Yavin he believed that he was on a mission to save the Emperor, not to stop him. he thought that something must be causing it all, and Ziost was the point where it hit him that this was the Emperor's intent all along and all his devotion had meant absolutely nothing. and on top of that most of the Empire turned on him because they believed, for obvious reasons, that he'd been a part of the Emperor's betrayal knowingly. basically the foundation of everything he rooted his self worth in crumbled out from under him and it was rough for a while.

[piracytheorist]

What's your take on Fiona Frost?

Quick reminder that I don't read the manga so all my views here are only from what the anime has shown! Which, considering she's only been in like, 3 and a half episodes, it's a lot. (I also don't want spoilers for what happens next!)

I enjoy her presence in the story purely for the dynamic she brings in. I don't like her character, I don't like how she treats others (even with Twilight whom she supposedly cares for, her adoration is completely unhealthy for both of them) but I like how, because of her obsession with Twilight and how actually good at her job she is, we get to see a side of Twilight we weren't allowed before. I like that she's not a mere romantic rival to bring tension and an always unnecessary love triangle (love triangles are stupid fight me on this). First of all, I don't think anyone's naive enough to think she poses any threat to twiyor, so she barely even counts as a "rival", but she's also not as shallow-written as most such rival characters are.

She is delusional about Twilight's feelings for her (or his potential to grow feelings for her), she is obsessed and willing to throw others under the bus to get what she wants, but she's calculating and perceptive in parts that make her an interesting part of the story. If she were less obsessed and perceptive, she wouldn't have noticed the truth behind Twilight's smile in episode 21 (that scene is an entire changing point of the family dynamic you cannot change my mind). If she were less ambitious and confident that Twilight could become her partner, she wouldn't have pointed out that truth in the smile because it wouldn't have hit her as hard. In her mind, it's a given that she'll end up with him, there is absolutely no question about that. And it's exactly because of that that she's able to notice and confirm to the audience what we've been sussing all along; that he's slipping and falling in love.

Now, you'll tell me, you enjoy a female character's existence in the story only because she promotes a man's story? Well, here's the thing, Nightfall has something most such characters don't have; surprisingly honest methods. While she's fully willing to step on others to promote herself, she doesn't use deception. She doesn't make herself look better, nor try to make someone look worse than they are. Her intentions with Yor are to expose any weak spots Yor may have that would make her a bad asset in Operation Strix. And as for Twilight, she wants him to see the real her. She wants him to admire her for her true strengths and skills and achievements. And that's honestly quite rare for romantic rivals - usually they're depicted as sly snakes that will use any means necessary, first and foremost lies and deception. But Nightfall actually strives for honesty. She knows that a good relationship needs honesty, she craves for Twilight to respect her for who she is (and is confident enough about who she is that she doesn't seem to give a shit about what other spies say about her behind her back, pretty much to the detriment of her romantic plans), and she is unwilling to make up false weaknesses about her enemies.

With all that, she's pretty fucking interesting and I hope that down the line we get to see more of her, that her place in the story grows past the "plot device to prove to the audience that Twilight is actually growing FeelingsTM" and that her dynamic grows past her "notice me senpai" thing. I'd like to know her backstory and what inspired her to become a spy (we know that having Twilight as a mentor inspired her to work hard but I'd like to know how she got into that line of work in the first place) and I'd like to see her grow into a person whose happiness doesn't depend on a single person noticing her, who can define herself outside from how that person perceives her, and who will stay the fuck away from Yor and Anya until she learns to control herself XD I think just from her short appearance in the anime there was enough given from her that such a progression can be justified. Maybe I'm a little too hopeful, but Endo's writing seems so conscious and well-informed that I can't help it XD

[twistedtummies2]

How jealous do your TW boys get, and what do they do when they perceive a ‘threat’ to the relationship with their partner?

I think nearly all of my TW characters can get at least a LITTLE jealous at times; the exact variations of degrees are hard to say. The only one I can specifically pinpoint is Smitty, because I don't think he gets jealous easily at all. XD

As for how they would deal with a "threat" to their relationship...unless you're looking to get eaten, hexed, or threatened with a cane sword, you probably don't want to find out. :P

[thoughtfulfangirling]

Brooklyn really means it here when he said they meant no harm. When they scared the people off, they literally stood in place and made zombie-like motions, and Bronx growled menacingly. They did not approach or try to attack.

But Goliath knows that doesn't matter. To the humans, the threat was real. That's who they perceived it and that's how they will react.

Demona looks to Goliath when Brooklyn says this, hoping he will change his mind about the punishment I think, but she doesn't say anything to him until the punished have entered the rookery.

And he says to her what I've been saying. He simply can't have the fighting. It puts too much at risk, can cause too much harm, even if the intent wasn't there. But I appreciate his last statement. I only wish I knew what making it up to them would have looked like. XD

[bardic-perdita]

20, 26, 27, 29, 30 for the tav asks! (as usual, for all the fellas :> )

Thanks for the asks! The never-ending wall of text returns, despite my best efforts to summarise XD

Answers under the cut:

Breoch

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

Breoch craves touch, but is initially very wary of it. Unless he's given implicit permission for a person to touch him, any unexpected touch would be perceived as a threat and his body reacts instinctively. That reaction might be as subtle as him jumping aside or more aggressive like throwing an ice knife in someone's face. He could never be too careful in Menzoberranzan.

Once he's comfortable though, then he will seek out physical affection. He'd find excuses to press into a person's side, or rest his head on them. Most people are warmer than him, so he finds that warmth comforting. The more stressed/anxious Breoch feels, the colder his body feels, so being hugged by somebody warmer really does help him to relax.

26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets!

Kind of following on from the last point about touch, but Breoch has a secret 'off switch'. If somebody he trusts scritches his ear just right, then he will instantly fall asleep. Not just an elven trance, but a properly deep draconic sleep. Whether he wakes up in 8 hours or 3 days depends on just how tired he is.

27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love?

Where to start! Breoch has done and said countless terrible things to the people he loves and especially those that love him. The latter years of his relationship with Varna was full of such things.

If you were to ask him what he thought was the worst thing he'd ever done, he would say it was not telling his family where he was going on the day that he died. He never told anybody about Varna, no matter how many times his brothers questioned him about his strange injuries or long absences. To his family, Breoch was still mourning the death of Yen and then simply vanished...for 100 years. They assumed he was dead, but there was no way of knowing. Breoch doesn't cry easily, but thinking about what his family went through during that time would truly break him.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Varna scrying on him and knowing how to find him. Also, being discovered by Varna and subsequently captured. The thought of becoming nothing more than the necromancer's puppet terrifies him more than anything.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

To be loved in the way that his parents love each other. It's simple really, but he was blinded by ambition in pursuit of it.

Shrike

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

Shrike does enjoy touch, though they do shy away from it. Not just because of 'The Urge', but they also just don't know their own strength. After accidentally breaking one of Wyll's fingers when giving him an overenthusiastic fist bump, they try to be more careful.

They adore hugs though, especially really tight ones. Shrike and Karlach would spend a lot of time hugging once she's able to touch people again. Halsin would be a close second.

26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets!

Despite being very charismatic, they are a terrible liar. Shrike hates lying under any circumstance, even though rationally they know that sometimes lies are necessary. Any situation where they need to lie is far more stressful than any enemy they could ever face.

27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love?

Unlike most other durges, Shrike's adopted mother is still alive and well. They've always had enough self-restraint to resist killing their mother— their love for their mother fuelled their initial paladin oath after all. But the worst thing they ever did was hurt her, both physically when they were younger under the influence of their urge and later emotionally if she was to ever learn what became of the sweet child that she had raised.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Accidentally/unconsciously hurting the ones they love.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

Shrike just wants to experience some peace. At least, until they get the desire to take up their paladin oath again and venture out to save others just like them.

Zeke

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

Zeke loves touch and is quite touchy-feely himself. He quite often pats people's shoulders or grabs people's arms as just part of his usual show of friendship. He will hug just about anything and anyone that will let him.

He has an awful habit of not really paying attention which tent he clambers into at night, so most of his companions have had a very snuggly, very sleepy Zeke nestled in their bedroll at least once.

26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets!

One of Zeke's biggest secrets is that he's able to keep a secret at all. The simplest explanation for this is that his adoptive father/warlock patron is very intrusive, and will modify his memories to make him forget unpleasant things.

For more ramblings, I've gone into more detail here and here

27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love?

Zeke is also a bhaalspawn, so he has murdered a lover before. Fortunately, he doesn't remember doing it.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Zeke's biggest fear is being abandoned. So much of his early life was spent completely isolated and neglected. He never wants to feel that lonely again.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

The opposite of his fear— to be surrounded by so much love and affection. To be known and cherished by his family, his friends, and his beloved purple wizard husband.