#but with the combination of passion i have and the way i write (which isn't for everyone! but i can't in good conscience call it BAD)

[lucky-clover-gazette]

ngl the enthusiasm cs pacat has for her own writing in old livejournal posts and interviews and commentaries makes me want to reconsider my "i'm not going to attempt publishing original work in any serious capacity bc the industry depresses me too much" stance

[raelemond]

actually, let me contextualize this a little: I'm talking about a specific stage in your writing where you're feeling ready to put your work out there! a lot of writing advice is aimed at beginner writers or people who otherwise aren't at the "putting work out there" stage and still need to develop more basic skills. I absolutely encourage everyone to write for fun and work on their passion project--hell, if you have a final draft already, I wouldn't even discourage you from publishing (self, trad, whatever)

BUT ☝️

let's take a look at the video game developers I that helped me form this advice: Toby Fox and Omocat.

(full disclosure, I could have absorbed this opinion from a video essay I liked, or heard it from an author, but I wholeheartedly stand by it)

for those of you who don't know, they are respectively the creators of Undertale, a video game about a child who falls down a mountain into a world of monsters, and Omori, a (much more adult and less well known) video game about a teenage hikikomori (essentially an profoundly socially withdrawn person who purposefully isolates from all social relationships and seldom leaves their room) and the fantasies he engages with to avoid the extreme stress and loneliness of his life.

Omori is an alright video game. it has interesting themes, but tends to drag and is oddly paced. Undertale widely considered to be one of the best indie videogames of all time, and is certainly one of the most popular. Omori took six and a half years to make, and was frequently accused of being a scam, rife with drama; Undertale took under 3 years, and had minimal upsets.

the difference between the two? Omori was a passion project. Undertale was the project its creator decided to make before his passion project so he could learn the ropes.

here's the big three things that this advice does for writers:

one, you learn the process. advertising's hard. publishing is hard. figuring out the markets, what appeals, and what you need to do is hard! if you're an indie developer you have several more jobs you need to work on and skills to improve. doing ALL OF THAT while fretting over your passion project being Perfect is a recipe for burnout.

two, you need to learn to take feedback. as an early writer, any feedback but positive is poisonous (incidentally why getting into art is way easier as a kid; you're not held up to high standards and you're ideally just having fun) - but once you cross the threshold into preparing your stuff for an audience, feedback starts becoming much more important. sometimes you need to hear that your idea that you thought was really cool sucked. feedback is what elevates good art to great art, in my opinion. and it's really really hard to hear when it's something you hold close to your heart.

three, and this is much more philosophical; you learn to let go. this is Advanced Art stuff - like any parent, once you put that piece of yourself out there, it is no longer yours. it grows and morphs into something much bigger than you that is held in the minds of hundreds or thousands of people, potentially across years or decades - or centuries for a select few. time for some potentially unpopular opinions, but I am of the firm belief that once a piece is out there, the artist should not comment on or try to defend the intentions of a piece. you had plenty of time to refine your piece during development, now it's time to see if it stands on its own. it's hard to watch this happen to your passion project, and you have a better chance of portraying exactly what you want to say if you practice beforehand.

if I have to give any advice for aspiring writers (and video game developers actually), it's don't make your first published work your baby. hang onto your baby. add to it if you want. refine it a dozen times over. but literally just put something else out there and use what you learn from that for your passion project

[bamfkeeper]

Anger.

RQ: 'Heard that ur taking requests ! Love your work and the writing is great ! I was wondering if you could do reader x Kurt where reader is opposite of Kurt. Anger issues less understanding etc and has a mutation where they have two sets of wings and eyes ? So like really arch angel type of stuff but a real sinner. Being the other half then Kurt <3 have a great day and remember to drink water !' - @toxic-chainsaw-666

Pairing: Kurt Wagner x GN!reader // Warnings: None

A/N: I was actually really happy to write this rq because I tend to have some anger problems irl. I've always imagined how he'd be with someone who's less understanding and more hostile than him, so this was really fun! Written as a collection of hcs.

Kurt is known as being the sweetheart of the group of X-Men, his heart of gold and aversion to violence, (unless absolutely necessary), makes him well liked by everyone. There isn't a single mutant who doesn't like to strike up conversation with him, he makes everyone feel welcome.

That's why when he began dating you...it rose a few eyebrows.

Your reputation was quite the opposite. Hot-headed, short tempered, aggressive...to name a few.

You were not very approachable, sometimes vulgar, and you had a habit of snapping at people before you spoke civilly.

Kurt tried his approach, your first instinct was to yell, but he just seemed so...sweet, so you found yourself holding back. His presence felt better than everyone else's, no judgement in his eyes.

He'd have a knack of calming you down too, or helping you cool off better than other people might. His presence helps your nerves a lot.

When you get angry, your appearance shows your extra features, which often makes others wary and scared. Kurt is never really bothered, he just does what he can to help soothe you.

He doesn't want you to be ashamed of yourself, he never makes you feel bad for being the way you are, he knows you can't help it. But he does try to guide you into reacting to things a bit better, just so you don't get yourself into trouble.

He would never try to change who you are though, he respects you enough to know that.

You both had very different ways of reacting to situations, your personalities were black and white, but somehow mixed together okay. You balanced one another out.

Sometimes you worry about religious differences too, since you feel like a sinner a lot, because you are, and Kurt's Catholicism is very important to him. He comforts you though, he offers support and guidance for you.

If someone is bad to him, he will forgive and forget. You will not. You will make sure that person apologizes, even if you have to hold them up by their collar and force them to.

Your first instinct is to fight or choose a physical way to solve a problem, Kurt tends to try to talk things out instead. You two vary that way, but it's a funny combination to see.

"Liebling, no need for such violence, they bumped into me by accident," Kurt says gently after you threaten to hurt someone quite graphically.

You scowl back and cross your arms, while Kurt worries about your impulsivity, he does find your passion quite endearing, even if he doesn't agree with your methods.

You're the one to ask a food worker for no pickles on Kurt's order while he stays behind you shyly.

He's the one who often apologizes for your attitude, but also uses you as a back up, he gains confidence because of you. He knows you always have his back no matter what. You are his 'scary dog privilege.'

You both love one another despite the obvious differences you have. You both bring out the best in one another, and you support the other's weakness.

Opposites certainly attract.

Thanks for reading.

*BAMF*

Dividers by @/adornedwithlight

[ddejavvu]

hiii!! can i suggest some hotch x bau!wife!reader where reader is pregnant and she doesnt know, but at work she goes on about how she doesnt know whats wrong with her lately and spencer suggests that she might be pregnant and then she find out that she is!!

I love your writing sm btw😚😚😚

i think i might finally have enough time to write whole blurbs again :'))

--

"No flamin' hot for you today, Mrs. Hotchner?" Derek eyes your bag of plain cheetos where they lay open on your desk, and you grimace at his phrasing.

"God, no," You groan, "Don't make me sick."

"You love those things," His brows furrow, and he leans on the edge of your desk with one hand, his thick fingers splayed out over the wood, "I'm pretty sure your tongue is permanently stained red by now."

"I like them when I'm not in the middle of some weird stomach bug," You admit, "I woke up sick. I don't know what did it, but it was probably something Jack brought home."

Derek pointedly removes his hand from your desk, but he's kind enough not to tell you that he thinks you're contagious.

"Feel better, mama." He offers with something that you're sure is supposed to be a sympathetic smile, but looks a little more like a wince. Emily isn't so easily scared off, though, and she continues munching on the carrot sticks she'd brought for a snack.

"You look tired," She comments, and you almost want to take offense, "You were up all night with your stomach thing?"

"No, just when my alarm went off," You hum, swallowing a bite of your sandwich and trying not to heave at the texture, "It was nice enough to let me sleep, but-" Your sentence is cut off with a well-timed yawn, "I feel like I've been awake for days."

"Probably just your period," Penelope hums softly, trying and failing to keep your menstrual cycle a secret, which isn't surprising considering her track record with secrets. Everyone is kind enough to ignore the information she revealed, but when you shake your head and grumble, 'I'm late.', Spencer snaps to attention.

"You've missed a menstrual cycle, you're feeling extreme fatigue, and you're experiencing morning sickness?" Spencer verifies, and it's only with his discerning brain that you feel a weight sink in your stomach - preferably not your unborn baby.

"Oh my god," You breathe, your hand coming subconsciously up to your stomach, "Oh my- oh my god! Aaron, Aaron!"

Aaron rushes out of his office with the combined urgency of boss and husband, his eyes locking on you sharp with concern.

The air between you is thick as the members of your team grin up at Hotch, leaving you the silence to cheer, "I'm pregnant!"

His eyes are no longer viciously worried, their sharp edge melting into something far softer. His lips part, barely enough to let air through, until they crack and curve upwards in a dazzling smile that the bullpen doesn't often get to see.

"You took a test?" He confirms, but when you shake your head, he dims slightly.

"Reid said I am," You offer, and his zeal is back. You're sure he wishes he could wrap you up in a truly breathtaking embrace, complete with kiss far too passionate for your work environment, but you'll save it until you're at home, away from prying eyes and phone cameras. Regardless, you can feel his exhilaration from where you stand, and you're already planning out a nursery in your mind.

"He's probably more trustworthy than the plastic stick," Derek claps Reid on the back, and the doctor looks like the wind was knocked out of him. They're both smiling, though, and you feel JJ's hand on your shoulder, squeezing happily.

"Congratulations," Rossi pats Aaron on the shoulder, much gentler than Reid had been subjected to, "But a word of advice, Hotch? Don't have any more. If I have to split my inheritance another way, it won't be worth killing me over."

[fernslivers]

MODERN MIZU THOUGHTS

Kicking off my Hyperfixation with some silly little thoughts about modern-day Mizu!

Just a mix of headcanons and imagines, maybe I'll write some of them out into proper imagines if there's any interest! I have some spicier movie imagines already partly written!

Let me know if you like them, I definitely have MANY more thoughts--

This is my first time attempting to post my writings like this, so apologies for any errors.

(TW: canon-typical mention of SA due to Mizu's backstory)

So, of course, in the modern day, she wouldn't be as immediately ostracized the same way, but...

The closest I could think of was that her father was one of four very rich men/CEOs and her mother/baby Mizu were targeted to try to keep the "affair" quiet.

Still believes herself to be the product of SA (I know there's speculation among some fans as to whether this will be true, but since it's what she knows in the show, I'll just say that's true as far as she knows here too)

This still left her with a similar huge complex about her self image, bc she knows she has her dad's eyes, and that he got her mother killed

Went into the system after her mother’s mysterious “death”, got adopted by Eiji after she just wouldn't stop sneaking away from foster care to bother him/stare at his swords

He's still a swordsmith because people DO still do that in modern day. It just would make him even more famous/special.

The whole thing with M*k*o did happen, they divorced, she is aware that that woman is not her biological mother and they are No-Contact

Since she knows that was a maid, she still has the belief that her mother was killed for the reason listed above and still wants revenge.

I debated SO HARD about what she would go to college for. Because her two biggest passions are the sword-making, and revenge, both of which are hard to translate to modern day by themselves, much less in a combination.

(I thought about business, like maybe she wanted to take down a CEO father by taking over his company, or about law enforcement/law school, but they all felt wrong for her character.)

Because let's be honest, those four men in modern days would be involved in organized crime, so Mizu would probably just go straight for that kind of situation as well in order to tail them.

She isn't one to play by the rules of ANY organization

So, she's involved in organized crime on the down-low while going to college.

She doesn't work for anyone in particular, but she does run in shady circles and knows certain names and places. Nobody knows much about her, though.

She's definitely made enemies.

She's only in university at all because Eiji demanded she do something good with her life, and she can't stand to disappoint him so she does try somewhat hard to balance both.

I saw someone else on here say she would pursue Materials Engineering, and I think that’s probably a great option for technical sword smithing. (Sorry, I can't remember who it was, but it was NOT my suggestion.) That or something involving Metalworking in art (my fav cuz it's what I do).

She does sword training privately. She's not in any clubs on campus because, similar to in canon, she prefers a mix of them and actually does use her skills when she's "working", not just for what she considers play-sparring.

She's an older student that went back to school after her divorce.

DON'T ask her about that.

You two meet because you're both looking for a roommate halfway through a semester.

You had a nasty cheating-related breakup that culminated in you kicking your ex AND old RM out, leaving you with an apartment you couldn't pay for alone.

She used to room with Ringo, but just simply could. not. stand. Ringo’s intensely social atmosphere. He's a culinary student who is very respected in classes, and constantly inviting people over for dinner. (Edit: This was also partially someone else's!)

She noticed your ad that specified looking for someone quiet, in an off-campus place that offered a small courtyard for her training.

Perfect.

Your first thought when you meet her is “god damn.”

A tall drink of water with gorgeous eyes and a voice like crushed silk.

Haha I'm in danger

But you keep that under wraps. You tell yourself that you don't need to be rebounding with the person that just moved in.

So much for a roommate that doesn't offer any distractions, though. Her training in the yard pretty much means you get zero work done in that time unless you close the curtains.

…She is very quiet, at least. Even if she keeps odd hours with her strange "job".

However, Ringo is going to be stopping by almost every day to make sure she eats, so expect a lot of humming and a LOT of friendly questions.

Ringo is actually responsible for the two of you getting to know each other initially, because he asks questions of you that Mizu won't ask, and subtly makes sure to do it when Mizu is around to hear the answers.

She pretends to ignore you both, but can't help but tune in a bit.

He also chats a bit about Mizu, as long as it isn't anything she's told him is a secret, and ignores her glaring at him.

She stays stoic about it, but secretly she's rather flustered when you seem interested in a positive way by what Ringo blabs to you about her.

She also appreciates that you don't bug her about it when Ringo isn't around even if she kind of wishes you did

He is Very Excited that Mizu now has TWO friends! :)

Mizu acts annoyed by him, but she is secretly pleased when you seem to like him.

She would not fw you if you didn't. He's like a beloved sibling; she gets to complain about him, but she'll fight anyone else that doesn't like him.

You finally get to ACTUALLY start becoming friends when you both happen to stay on campus over a break.

You aren't on good terms with your family, so you assume you'll have the place to yourself, but...

Walking by Mizu’s room you notice that she's still here.

Her door is open for once because she also assumed you would be gone.

After staring at each other in mutual surprise, you awkwardly ask her if she wanted to maybe hang out over dinner and watch a movie or something.

She would normally have said no, but with nothing else to do over break, she chose to focus on doing homework continually (She is perpetually behind because of those Extracurricular Revenge Activities of hers), and she is just so done with it

So she awkwardly agrees

And you learn the hard way why Mizu is not allowed in the kitchen EVER.

You try, you really do, to keep that first bite in your mouth, but…

She shamefacedly asks if you're alright while you're still coughing over the garbage can, but your coughing turns to giggling.

You joke to her that you're actually glad to know she isn't perfect at everything, and she seems surprised that you admire anything about her to begin with

You're willing to start over ON YOUR OWN, but she insists that would be unfair and orders you both takeout.

Since she bought dinner, you insist that she gets to pick the movie.

She kind of wants to put on that new slasher flick that just came out on streaming, but she isn't sure what you like and you seem like such a sweet little thing.

And after nearly killing you via spices, she didn't want you to think she was a TOTAL psycho.

(She doesn't want to talk about why she even cares what you think.)

So she chose a documentary on modern sword-smithing that she knew Eiji had been interviewed for.

(This surprised you, because you were EXPECTING her to choose a horror. She just seems like the type. And maybe you were hoping for an excuse to snuggle closer…)

But this is actually really interesting, and you find yourself fascinated. You never knew about the details and craftsmanship that went into this!

She tries to sit quietly, as usual, but she just can't resist the urge to point out Eiji when he appears.

She's just too proud of her sword-father. That pride is obvious in her voice and makes her seem almost soft for once.

This makes you feel ever so slightly brave, and leads to you pausing after his section (because you don't want to talk over him), and asking all sorts of questions.

Normally she wouldn't be thrilled about this, but she can't resist questions about Eiji the way she can about herself.

Somehow this leads her to ask some minor question about your major, related to something you told Ringo, and she's startled at the jolt that runs through her when you light up, just beaming at her.

“I didn’t know you listened to any of that!”

You start excitedly explaining, but she's distracted by the strange thrumming in her chest at the way you smiled at her.

(This is not going to be a problem for her. It's NOT. )

[suugarbabe]

hii penelope, how are u doing? i have a writing sugestion

slytherin boys headcanons on the yule ball season, like how they would invite reader to dance and so on

i practice dance for hobby so i thought it may be a great ideia, hopefully you'll enjoy writing this!

Yule Ball Headcannons

Mattheo Riddle:

he doesn't ask you in a grand gesture, more so like he kind of traps you against the wall in a corridor, tone dripping with honey and silk telling you he'd go mad if you don't go with him

when you agree (because of course you do) he insists on buying your outfit for you, whatever you want (as enticing and flirty as you want because he can fight so he's not worried)

his dress robes match you effortlessly

some form of him is touching some form of you all night, there's never not a hand, finger, lip not touching you

he's a surprisingly good dancer, both traditionally and relaxed when the better more current music starts playing

you and him definitely leave early for some 👀 alone time before the others make it back to the dorms

Theodore Nott:

Theo is a shy boy at heart, especially with those he fancies (like really truly fancies)

he asks you by passing a charmed note, a cute little drawing of the two of you dancing drawn in the corner

you immediately say yes, nearly knocking him over when you jump on him after class

Theo's a little awkward on the dance floor when it comes to traditional dancing, but he does his best effort to twirl you when he should twirl you

and he's fantastic at dipping you because then he gets to kiss you passionately like the men he sees in old muggle movies that you show him

Theo takes you to the astronomy tower once you're both tired of the ball activities

hes obsessed with the way you disregard your attire and just sit on the floor, legs hanging over the edge while all the fanciness of your outfit pools around you as you share a spliff back and forth to cap out the night

Lorenzo Berkshire:

when Lorenzo asks you, it's not a grand gesture but an incredibly sweet one

he would buy your favorite candies and probably some flowers and come up to you in your common room, he'd kneel down in front of you, tell you how breath taking you were and ask you to accompany him to the ball

you'd of course say yes (because who can deny this sweet faced boy)

and then you'd go shopping with Pansy so Enzo would be surprised with how well you looked the night of

and it’s she who would convince you to get the perfect combination of classy and flirty

so when you come down the common room stairs wearing it Enzo's hands are immediately in front of him because there's no way you look that good (he thinks hes about to pass out)

all throughout the dance Enzo does not take his eyes off of you

he ends the night with the sweetest, longest, most passionate make out session that your brain goes fuzzy and he leaves you chasing for more

Draco Malfoy:

Draco is money; scratch that, Draco is wealth; not just wealth but generational wealth

when he asks you it isn't necessarily in person

but one day you get home from dinner and there's a large box on your bed

and when you open it you find the most impressive and (dare I say) gorgeous formal wear that you have ever seen, in your exact measurements, with a hand written poem

of which at the end just says 'all my love xx D'

so when you see Draco the next day at breakfast you wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him deeply

and when he pulls back he's laughing lightly with a "so is that a yes darling"

at the dance he's similar to Mattheo, surprising you with how good of a dancer he is

and you're enjoying each other so much that you're some of the last students there and you didn't even notice until you hear the last call

Blaise Zabini:

when Blaise asks you it's with jewelry in your birthstone

Blaise is elegance and silent power and it drips off him with everything he does

he pays for your outfit, and your shoes, and your jewlery for the evening

at the dance he accompany's you for a few songs

but he's secure enough to let you dance with just your friends for a couple songs as well

does the gentlemanly things and asks to "cut in" before wrapping his arms around you and holding you close for a slow song

at the end of the dance is when he tells you he loves you for the first time and it makes your heart swell because you're both dressed so fancy and it makes your brain go wiley thinking about what it would be like to be married to him once you both finish school

[jesncin]

hi!! would you kindly tell us the comics you used for your passionate defense of martians' gender fuckery?? i would very much like to read more!

Haha sure! J'onn and the Martians are a case of "they're genderqueer coded through science fiction shenanigans but because they don't have the constraints to be Representation they get to be really fun and interesting in a way most Corporate Canon Representation don't get to be". With that, here's the comics I pulled from for queer readings of J'onn and the Martians:

Justice League Infinity Takes place in the DCAU world, where J'onn takes a break from the League to live a quiet life as Amrit Jessawalia. This one's cute, I like it- and the writing feels really intentional that it's meant to be a queer reading of J'onn as it's written very compassionately.

New 52 Martian Manhunter Solo: Epiphany The great Monkey's Paw of J'onn Queer Texts. The New 52 Solo is unintentionally the gayest and genderfunky story of all time for J'onn, at the expense of being extremely convoluted and edgy. It's about J'onn splitting himself into multiple identities to escape death, and all those identities need to unite in order to become J'onn again. This is where J'onn kisses Aquaman, and his heart is represented by a woman. This story is so queer that is spawned this write up on Screen Rant about it.

Martian Manhunter 2019: Identity While this solo is polarizing in the MM community, I still recommend it because it has a lot of merits as a J'onn take. This is written by Steve Orlando, a Jewish bi man who purposefully integrated his Jewish heritage and queer identity into his reimagining of Martian lore. While J'onn isn't technically queer in this story, his narrative is paralleled with that of a bi woman (a cop, barf. Very copaganda run unfortunately), and Martian lore is reimagined as nods to Jewish culture and customs (which is incredibly cool). Martian shapeshifting culture is more thought out in this run, down to Martian pro-creation/pregnancy being a thing both J'onn and his wife M'yri'ah combined do together. This is the most explicitly intentional J'onn queer allegory I've read so far.

JLA 1997 issue 63 This is where the iconic "J'onn identifies as asexual" panel comes from. It's real!! Definitely unintentional representation moment but I think it's funny that this canonized J'onn as "not a cis man" just because the writer wanted to avoid Diana calling out J'onn for being sexist lmao

Carl Lumbly's Interview with Watchtower Database Highly recommend this interview because not only is it rare to hear from Carl Lumbly (the beloved voice actor behind DCAU J'onn) but he speaks in a way that's so profoundly poetic, it's clear J'onn is a character that personally means a lot to him. His headcanon for Martian shapeshifting culture is my favorite of all time, and I love how his take in particular respects the identities J'onn shifts into (maybe I'm making a comic inspired by his take because it's that good). He talks about how he informed J'onn's characterization with his immigrant experience, which I adore as well. My hot take is that Black actors have contributed the most interesting and nuanced takes on J'onn :y

Those are the big holy grail of Queer Martian texts (minus the really cringey transphobic Joan J'onzz story)! The rest is me reading into/projecting onto other Martian characters which is incredibly easy to do when they're a shapeshifter alien species that swap into men and women casually, haha.

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

Okay brief post before I sleep, re: the problem of "fantasy dwarves"

Obviously I am no authority on any community that I'm not part of, so I cannot be a final voice on whether or not any particular use of various fantasy people and creatures are good or bad.

However, it also means that when I run into issues like this, it's important to me to get info from multiple sources (even if I don't reblog or share everything I've found) in order to make my own choices for my work. And I recommend the same to everyone!

Because human history is the way that it is, it's pretty much inevitable that the common fantasy people or creatures you want to use in your own new work have at some point, maybe even a lot, been portrayed in ways that are very offensive and bigoted towards real human people. (and this goes for scifi too)

Orcs have commonly been portrayed as some manner of "barbaric savages" with aesthetic details that call to mind Mongolian warriors, Native Americans, and African people, frequently combined with animalistic features.

There was a huge debate on the antisemitic features of goblins in mainstream fantasy, especially around the time JK Rowling was becoming more and more openly bigoted and the issues of racist caricature goblins and house elves in Harry Potter were being made more relevant.

The lore of drow in Dungeons and Dragons is a whole mess of racism and misogyny with their evil matriarchy and slavery situation, not at all helped by their dark colored skin.

Elves are certainly not exempt from this, though they're often taken in the opposite direction and portrayed as wise and beautiful white people who are more civilized than everyone else. And a lot of people have decided to subvert that by making elves into the oppressors. I've done that a little myself.

I'm also writing a lot of characters who don't match my own identity, including some in rather sensitive categories like being trans or having dissociative identity disorder. Those are my two main characters in the book I'm currently writing. I've seen people with DID write very passionate posts trying to dissuade people from ever writing any character with that condition. And I've seen other people with DID encourage the existence of those characters.

Fact is, there is no universal answer to the conundrum of whether or not a particular type of character or fantasy people or creature should be written. There are, I think, clear traits and tropes to avoid because they just can't be subverted in a meaningful way, especially not by people who aren't part of the marginalized groups that are harmed by them.

Like I don't think anyone who isn't Jewish should try to lampshade and openly subvert the antisemitic goblin tropes like the ones you see in Harry Potter.

I have been using fantasy dwarves in my writing, and I've reblogged a post from a person with dwarfism who is very much on the side of fantasy dwarves no longer being used. And I respect that, which is why I reblogged it and why I am still pondering a name change for my own "dwarves". But while I have not posted any links to it, I have in fact watched a video by another person with dwarfism who thinks fantasy dwarves are cool! There is no singular answer here. I'm still thinking about using a different word, and I plan to keep on hearing out different opinions.

I think the most important thing, though, is whether or not my many fantasy people come across as nuanced and respectable or if they come across like bad stereotypes and offensive caricatures. I can rename them all I like, but whether I'm using the word "orc" or "boarin" or whatever you like, does that make it any less offensive if I write them to be savage uncivilized evil barbarians regardless? Is it less offensive to remove the title of "dwarves" and replace it with "cavern folk" if you're still going to write them as angry little men with big heads who only exist for comedic effect?

It is important to be careful of the use of specific words and I think coming up with your own names for fantasy people is a great idea, of course. It's why I have the stroi as another species of elf. But it does kinda bother me when people act like the very use of a word is the main problem and not just one more detail on top of a pile of problems.

[flowerandblood]

The Prince and The Fox (8)

[ modern! • Aemond x friend! • female ]

[ warnings: fingering, smut, mention of grooming ]

[ description: After the events of her childhood, despite her best efforts, her neighbor and the younger brother of her friend Helaena, Aemond, does not want to know her. This state lasts until a house party organized by his older brother, Aegon, during which an incident occurs that will change their relationship forever. Slow burn, angst, toxic ex-Alys, rough Aemond. This is several anon requests combined into one fic. ]

WARNING: The main plot between the characters takes place in high school. Yes, in high school. The belief that teenagers wait with an intimacy when they are in love in high school is ridiculous to me. Aemond and the character here are the same age. Don't ask me how old they are, in my country you are of the age of consent in your first year of high school and an adult in the last year of high school, so if it is more convenient for you, think about it that way and decide for yourself. In this story, I am not following the trail that they are magically friends right away, but how they become friends and what that even means. I'm writing this fic to give the perspective of young, lost people, not adult women who want to see exactly themselves in everything they read. If that's all you expect, this isn't the fic for you.

I don't want whining about this in my comments or asks. I will delete these and block you. You have been warned.

Aemond + Evans Series Moodboard

This is my first story that has its own playlist, but yes! Get in the mood!

Story Music Playlist.

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Next chapters: Masterlist

_____

She woke up hearing the clacking of dishes in the distance. She opened her eyes and furrowed her brow, not knowing for a moment where she was. She looked around and recognised Helaena's living room in confusion, only then remembering with a blush on her face the events of the evening before.

Their passionate kisses, his hand on her soft breast, his arms embracing her throughout the night.

He had slept with her on the couch, his face snuggled into her shoulder, his hands on her palms.

She thought they really were together.

She got up and followed the sounds that led her to the kitchen. In it she saw, amazed, Aemond standing over a frying pan, apparently just making scrambled eggs, next to him water was boiling in a kettle on the burner.

He heard her footsteps and glanced in her direction; she saw that he too was embarrassed and swallowed loudly, stirring in the pan with a wooden spoon.

"Will you eat with me?" He asked lowly, and she agreed with a smile, walking slowly closer.

"Can I help you somehow?" She asked and he nodded, pointing with his head to the mug standing on the countertop.

"Choose what kind of tea you want to drink. I don't know if you want sugar. There are plates upstairs in the cupboard, take three out, I'll ask Aegon if he'll eat with us." He said turning off the fire under the pan and went out into the corridor, shouting from downstairs to his brother if he would have breakfast with them.

After a while Aegon joined them and the three of them sat down at the table. Aegon looked at her wrinkling his brow, sleepy, not yet fully awake.

"Did you stay overnight?" He asked puzzled, and she lowered her gaze, embarrassed, swallowing the bite she had just eaten.

"Yes, I fell asleep on the couch and Aemond probably didn't want to wake me up again." She said in a slightly trembling voice, trying not to give herself away or look at them, taking another bite of scrambled eggs into her mouth.

Aegon raised an eyebrow and looked at his brother, then grunted loudly, clearly amused, already concentrating on his food.

"Helaena returned safely?" She asked uncertainly wanting to change the subject, worrying if anything had happened to her.

"She texted me a while ago that she was staying with a friend for the night and that she would be home this afternoon." Aemond replied, and she nodded.

Aegon left them alone, saying that he needed to sleep for at least another hour and Aemond looked at her uncertainly, fiddling with his cup in his hand.

"If you want, take a shower. I'll give you a clean towel. We can still play here or in my room. Or watch something." He muttered quickly, as if suddenly throwing out ideas and reasons why she could stay longer.

Her heart was pounding like crazy.

He wanted her not to go home yet.

She agreed and, at his suggestion, bathed, then they moved to his room to play games on his computer. They took their pads with them and spread out comfortably in two leather armchairs, one of which he had brought for her from Helaena's room.

She saw him looking at her, her hair was still slightly damp and completely loose.

She knew that, like her, he was thinking about what had happened between them and that for him it had been an equally groundbreaking experience.

He paused the game they were playing after a while and looked down at his thighs, his lips tightened.

"Can I ask you a question?" He asked without looking at her, fiddling with his pad in his hand, his voice trembling as he spoke the words. She nodded.

He licked his lower lip, as if he was gathering what he wanted to say with great difficulty. He was silent for a moment.

"Do you have any physical experience? I mean…one with yourself, for example." He mumbled embarrassedly, sliding lower in his chair as if he wanted to curl up and hide. She lowered her head feeling the embarrassment that was visibly painted on her face.

"…I've never had a boyfriend before, if that's what you're asking." She said quietly and he swallowed loudly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, pale.

"But have you…you know. Have you ever touched yourself?" He asked uncertainly, and she gave him a concerned look, furrowing her brow.

"Why do you ask about it?" She asked in a slightly trembling voice, and he looked at her surprised, feeling subconsciously that he might have crossed a line with this question, even though he didn't want to.

"I just…I just don't want to hurt you. I want to know what point you're at so I can…adjust to you. You know." He shrugged his shoulders pressing his lips together; she felt some kind of pain and at the thought that he was more experienced than her, that he had done it with his ex-girlfriend in all sorts of ways.

She lowered her gaze, looking at her pad with a blank stare, thinking about how she would be a disappointment to him.

How would she give him what she had?

She felt tears under her eyelids, her lower lip beginning to tremble a little. She heard him lean forward in his seat wanting to see her face and seeing her state he moved quickly towards her, touching his hand to her cheek, taking her hair back with a light flick of his fingers.

"− hey − what's going on? − tell me −" He mumbled out, frightened by her condition and the fact that he had offended her. She swallowed hard, looking down at her thighs and shrugged her shoulders.

"− it doesn't make sense − you'll be only frustrated with me − I can't give you what she had −" She uttered with difficulty, and he pressed his forehead against her temple, tightening his hand on her hair.

"− stop − okay? − you don't understand this − I regret a lot of things − I regret that I didn't wait with them − I regret that I couldn't erase all of this and start over, with you −" He whispered, and she felt a strong squeeze in her heart, breathing unevenly through her slightly parted lips.

"− I was proud of the fact that she treated me like a man − that she wanted me like a man − but inside I was terrified − she didn't care, she took what she wanted − I was left with this sickening sense that she used me, that I am just a flesh and nothing more −" He muttered, and she looked up at him, shocked by his words, her eyebrows arched in pain.

"Don't say that." She said softly, quietly, and he swallowed loudly, his jaw clenched, his fingers running over her cheek and lower lip.

"− but it's true − that's how I feel − I did fucked up things with her − I felt like an animal − when I came home afterwards I didn't know what my fucking name was − I couldn't look my mother in the eye −" He choked out with difficulty, his face and healthy eye red, his voice trembling making her feel a tightness in her throat.

"− but with you −" He stammered and chuckled under his breath, shaking his head, his thumb circled and returned back to her cheek.

"− I didn't know it could be like this − so tender − so peaceful, safe − − just your scent and your closeness makes me want you so badly that I can barely keep my hands off you −" He exhaled and bit his lower lip, sighing quietly.

"− that's why I just want to know what you need, how much I can allow myself − you're my girlfriend and I don't want to hurt you − okay? −" He asked in a trembling voice, and she nodded quickly, feeling hot in her heart at his words.

You're my girlfriend.

She looked up at him, swallowing loudly, her lips slightly parted.

"− I'd just like to please you − I'd like to be enough for you −" She whispered in a trembling voice, and he drew her to him, forcing her to sit on his lap and embrace him, his large chair creaking under their shared weight.

She felt safe in his arms, his hand stroking her hair, his lips kissing the top of her head with a tender click. She could hear his heart pounding fast.

"− I want you − I want to wait for you − I want to be worthy of you − make us slowly discover everything together −" He murmured tenderly, placing affectionate kisses on her hair again and again; she snuggled into him tightly, touched, lingering like this with him in the embrace, feeling that they were closer to each other than ever.

"− can you kiss me? −" She asked in a shy, trembling voice. He hummed contentedly and lifted his head, his nose gently rubbed against hers before his lips pressed to hers in a soft, innocent, warm kiss.

She hugged his neck and pressed herself tighter to him wanting to show him how much she needed him, how much she desired him, how happy she was. He murmured contentedly as he embraced her around the waist, their kisses loud, sticky and slow, she could feel his fingers trailing down her back.

She pulled away from him and looked at him with a misty gaze, thinking with a fast beating heart that she wanted to do this, she wanted to open up to him, she wanted him to think she was beautiful.

With a light movement of her trembling hands, she grabbed the material of her T-shirt and pulled it over her head, exposing her bare chest to him. She saw the pupil of his healthy eye narrowed in shock, his breath caught in his throat, felt his manhood pulsate hard beneath her in his trousers.

She looked at him uncertainly, feeling a slight chill, feeling vulnerable, exposed, however at the same time realising that she was safe, that he would never hurt her.

She saw him swallow loudly, his gaze running from her face to her breasts and back again, his hand gently running over the side of her naked waist. She felt him slowly move forward and press his face against her sternum, placing his hands on the bare skin of her back.

She could feel him pulsing hard beneath her, his fingers trailing up and down her body, but beyond that he didn't move. She slid her fingers into his hair, stroking his head and kissed the top of it leaning over him, pressing her cheek against him with a blush on her face.

She felt his lips place soft, tender kisses on her sternum, and then he pressed the side of his face into her warm flesh, one of his hands tentatively running his fingers gently over her soft, plump breast as he looked at it.

He traced his fingers up and down, a pleasant shiver passing through her every time he ran his fingers over her nipple. He felt it, his thumb deliberately beginning to tease and play with it; she felt a pulsing between her thighs and a pleasant heat in her lower abdomen, involuntarily rubbing against his erection she felt underneath.

She heard him sigh softly, his hips responded to her movements with slow rocking, their bodies in some subconscious reflex begin to press against each other with their breaths speeding up.

He surprised her when he lifted his head suddenly, his lips finding hers in greedy kiss, his hands gripping her armpits in such a way that both his thumbs brushed and teased her nipples.

She moaned into his mouth, feeling a pleasant shiver that shook her whole body, she felt him smirk.

"− feels good? −" He murmured between one sticky kiss and another, and she only nodded, unable to focus on anything other than the wetness and pulsing between her thighs, her hands stroking his cheeks and hair, holding him close.

He pulled away from her and looked at her in a way that made her hot, and then he leaned over and grabbed her right breast in his mouth, sucking and licking her nipple, making her clench her hands in his hair and tilt her head back, a moan escaping her lips again, her thighs speeding up their movements, rubbing against his manhood faster and faster.

"− quiet −" He gasped out between one lick of his tongue and another, starting to suck her again, and she pressed her lips together with difficulty, remembering that Aegon was asleep in the next room. The tension she felt was indescribable, she had never felt this good before in her life.

She heard him let go of her breast with a loud click of his saliva only to deal with her other breast in the same way, making a quiet mewl escape her throat, his hands sliding down to her buttocks forcing her to press harder against him.

"− fuck −" He growled, panting loudly along with her; she had the feeling that they had both lost control and surrendered completely to what was happening between them.

She squealed quietly as he stood up with her, grabbing her under her hips and walked with her towards his bed, thrusting himself onto it with her pulling away from her breasts, looking at her.

"− did you ever touch yourself down there? −" He repeated the question in a trembling voice, and she swallowed loudly, embarrassed, feeling that she had never been so wet before in her life.

"− yes, but − nothing ever came out of it − I mean −" She mumbled out, feeling that she was red, though she didn't know how to put it into words.

She touched herself and it felt good, but she couldn't bring herself to orgasm and had no idea what she was doing wrong.

Never then, however, had her insides pulsed as hard as they did now. She saw that he licked his lips, breathing hard, restraining himself with all his might not to just throw himself at her.

"− would you like me to try? − you know −" He muttered, and she swallowed loudly, looking at him with wide eyes.

"− we don't have to − we can only do what we've been doing − I just want to know −" He added quickly, terrified that he might have imposed too fast a pace on her and frightened her. She swallowed loudly, looking at him with her lips slightly parted, feeling her heart pounding hard.

"− we can try −" She mumbled embarrassedly and saw that he swallowed with difficulty, letting the air out loudly. He nodded, laying down beside her.

"− lie with your back to me − yes, just like that −" He murmured, pulling her to him, embracing her with his arms, she could feel his hard length pressed between her buttocks.

She swallowed loudly as his fingers gently began to tease her nipple again, and his other hand slowly slid lower to the material of her shorts, his warm breath surrounding her ear and cheek.

"− tell me if you get uncomfortable, okay? − promise me −" He whispered in a trembling voice, and she nodded quickly, feeling like her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

"− okay −"

She drew in a loud breath as his fingers slid under the material of her panties, in a slow, unhurried motion sinking into her most intimate place. He stopped as her whole body tensed through this new, foreign sensation.

"− do you want me to stop? −" He asked uncertainly, but she shook her head.

He swallowed loudly, gently exploring her condition with his hand, sinking into her hot, soft folds, his fingertips ran gently over her slit, so wet because of her arousal; she gasped, hearing his sudden, surprised, quiet groan.

"− oh fuck − little one − what happened here? −" He asked with some kind of appreciation, spreading her moisture all over her womanhood, his fingers in gentle circular motions began to tease the space around the spot from which shivers ran through her.

"− I − I don't know −" She mumbled embarrassedly and he chuckled softly, his lips placing a gentle kiss on her neck.

"− but I know − my little fox got all wet for me −" He whispered, and she felt his words between her thighs, a wave of heat went through her, the space inside her throbbed hard.

"− ah −" She moaned helplessly, his hands simultaneously teasing her nipple and her clit made her body all hot, she felt like the tension in her lower abdomen kept growing, that she was no longer thinking soberly, her hips began to move to the rhythm of his hand.

"− that's it − just feel it − such a good girl −" He praised her, kissing her hair tenderly, obviously feeling her leaking onto his fingers.

She squeezed her eyes shut, panting loudly along with him, feeling him rubbing against her from behind, feeling his hardness pulsing aggressively pressed against her buttocks, feeling that he was turned on by what he was doing to her.

She shuddered and barely stifled a loud moan when she suddenly felt the tip of his middle finger slide into her a little, pushing her tight, throbbing muscles apart.

"− shhh −" He hushed her and she swallowed loudly clenching her lips, reaching back with her hand, grabbing his hair with his murmur of delight, with subconscious movements she sank down onto his finger, letting it fill her, both of them sighing loudly.

"− fuck − so tight − we need to prepare you a bit before you feel this inside you one day, hm? −" He asked, rubbing his hard erection against her buttocks. "− I wouldn't want to tear you apart −"

She let out a loud gasp at his words, all hot, moaning and panting as quietly as she could, his finger sliding in and out of her with a loud click of her moisture.

She arched her back as he found a spot inside her that every time he rubbed it made her go dark before her eyes, his thumb teasing her clit as at the same time the fingers of his other hand massaged and pulled at her nipple.

"− A-Aemond − I think − oh my God −" She mumbled out and opened her mouth wide with a loud moan, sensing that something was coming; he managed to cover her lips with his free hand before she whimpered again and again, her body shook with a wave of pleasure that took her completely by surprise. She breathed loudly, quivering and moaning his name, falling and rising on his finger.

"− oh baby − so much flowed out of you − fuck, I want to feel you so badly −" He breathed out into her ear as her body shook with convulsions, his hand still clamped over her mouth.

He let her go when he felt her calm down; she could feel him looking at her but she just lay there with her eyes closed, concentrating only on how wonderfully intense the experience was.

"− how was it? − did you enjoy it? −" He asked in a trembling voice with some kind of pride, and she just nodded, unable to get anything more out of herself.

"− I'm going to go to the bathroom for a while, okay? − I'll get you some tissues so you can wipe yourself off −" He said quietly and she nodded again. He kissed her on her cheek and got out of bed, walking quickly towards his door, closing it behind him as soon as he left.

He'd been gone quite a while, but she didn't think about it, happy and fulfilled, thinking about the fact that she felt a little more like a woman now, not a little girl.

That even though her whole body was trembling, it felt good.

She opened her eyelids when he returned and took the packet of damp tissues from him, slipping them individually between her thighs, wanting to get rid of that uncomfortable, sticky feeling.

She tossed them into his bin standing next to his bed and lay down again. He settled behind her back as before with his arms around her, kissing the bare skin of her neck and shoulder; she felt that the hardness in his trousers disappeared.

"− what happened to that? −" She asked with amusement, rubbing her buttocks against him; she heard him hum behind her, she knew he was smiling.

"− it's my dark secret −"

_____

Aemond Taglist:

(bold means I couldn't tag you)

@its-actually-minicika @notnormalthings-blog @nikstrange @zenka69 @bellaisasleep @k-y-r-a-1 @g-cf2020 @melsunshine @opheliaas-stuff @chainsawsangel @iiamthehybrid @tinykryptonitewerewolf @namoreno @malfoytargaryen @qyburnsghost @aemondsdelight @persephonerinyes @fan-goddess @sweethoneyblossom1 @watercolorskyy @randomdragonfires @apollonshootafar @padfooteyes

[make-friends-with-the-rats]

Take this yap card!!

Feel free to yap about whatever in extensive detail:)

:O

for me?

I'll spare you Victor Hugo level yapping on some random subject and instead talk about how the musical adaptation of newsies took something away from every major character from the original.

Now, I've said several times before that I do not have any hate for the newsies musical and I really do mean it. If you've been here for a while you should know that I really do love the uk production and tutsies, but ultimately I prefer the 1992 movie. Really, I just think that Harvey Fierstein ran into the exact same problem in his adaptation that Kenny Ortega did two decades prior: newsies is just too complex a story with too many multifaceted characters to fit comfortably into a two hour runtime.

I think Fierstein tried too hard to make it fit and in the process had to cut important aspects of several characters. Namely: Jack, David, Medda, Sarah, Denton, Racetrack, and Crutchy. (For now we'll skip over the fact that most of the original ensemble was replaced.)

Beginning with the most obvious cut, Sarah and Denton were replaced with Katherine Plumber/Pulitzer. I personally really love Katherine as a character in her own right, but I think the issue with her replacing Sarah and Denton is that she is an attempt at combining two characters who serve two very different purposes. And the purpose that I think Katherine ends up serving turns out to be something very different too.

Denton is more than just a reporter who decides to report on the newsies strike, he is representative of all of the real adults who supported and aided the 1899 strike. If you aren't too familiar with the history of the 1899 strike, the newsboys' rally at Irving Hall was literally sponsored by the NY state senator, Timothy D. Sullivan (who by the way had once been a newsboy himself). The newsboys (and girls) had a lot of support from adults, and Denton in the film is helping the newsboys not because he's itching to further his career but because he truly believes from the start that the strike is an important story worth writing about. Yes, he gets reassigned and 'betrays' the strike, but he never stops encouraging the newsies to fight for their cause even when he feels he himself no longer can.

Denton is also very important in David's development as a character because Denton's betrayal (which comes before Jack's) is what really forces David to lead and to stop relying on other people to speak for him.

Sarah's purpose is to connect the strike to the other child workers (though admittedly, this isn't very well executed.) Sarah is the one who, in the aftermath of Jack scabbing and in the middle of her brother's anger, discovers Denton's article and becomes a catalyst for the Newsies Banner. It is she who realizes that the strike is so much bigger than Jack and her brother and she who understands it's impact better than anyone else because she's seen both the impact of child labor (being a newsie was actually a pretty good occupation in comparison to the jobs and working conditions of other kids) and the passion that Jack and the strike inspires first hand.

Again, Sarah's role in the film isn't as fleshed out as it should have been because so many of her scenes were cut, but when you fill in the blanks with context clues or by looking back at the scripts and what was cut, the purpose of her character becomes clear.

Keeping all of this in mind, Katherine isn't an adult like Denton and she isn't a child worker like Sarah. Katherine is very different from the both of them and brings an entirely different purpose to the story simply because she is her own character. And this isn't a bad thing by any means, but the meaning that Denton and Sarah brought to the story is lost by not including them. Katherine doesn't really 'replace' Denton and Sarah. So, to get the most out of Newsies, it shouldn't be Denton and Sarah or Katherine. It should be Denton and Sarah and Katherine.

Moving on to Jack and David, what these characters lose in adaptation is pretty similar. Jack visually loses his cowboy hat and bandana which might not seem like a big deal, but it is when you consider what these things represent. Jack's dream of Santa Fe in the film isn't about Santa Fe at all and Santa Fe itself is simply a form of escapism. It's a child's dream. The idealistic dream of a boy who's lost his family and is running from both his past and his fears. Jack also loses his moral ambiguity. In the musical, Jack isn't lying about his name or his family. His family hardly ever comes up and he freely tells Crutchie about his dad. In a way, the musical doesn't let Jack be a child. And not just because he's played by a grown man.

The musical sets Jack up to be misunderstood, he stole food and clothing to help his friends and dreams about Santa Fe because he wants something more out of his life. Yeah, that's fair. That's actually really darn reasonable. Jack isn't a scared little boy anymore, he's a young man who acts with a degree of maturity and clear moral intelligence. I don't like that change.

To me, Jack is seventeen and he feels trapped. He feels like he's suffocating. He has no family and he's left vulnerable because of their loss. 'Cowboy' is a façade to hide his fear. The musical just doesn't portray this as well as the original did.

David also loses a kind of childishness in the musical. Musical David (or Davey) scolds his brother for not wanting to go back to school/thinking being a newsie is better than school. Meanwhile in the film, Mayer Jacobs scolds David for expressing a similar sentiment. Maybe this change was simply to compensate for the exclusion of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs and somebody had to say that David and Les were going back to school for plot reasons, but it's still at the expense of David. David isn't a parent. At the youngest he's fifteen, and at the oldest he's seventeen. He should be allowed to be selfish. He should be allowed to daydream about leaving school behind and doing something significant, or of being the 'man of the house' like his father. David should also be allowed to get angry and the musical robs him of that opportunity. Katherine's 'betrayal' doesn't effect Davey the way Denton's did and from what we see Jack's betrayal didn't effect him much either. He's disappointed, but he's not allowed to lash out. He's level-headed and reasonable and he knows that the show must go on. He isn't allowed to be impulsive, he isn't allowed to make mistakes, and he isn't important enough for other characters to have to earn his forgiveness.

Now you might be wondering how Medda's character loses anything from film to musical. First, we have to agree that there are really two Meddas. The first Medda is 'Miss Medda Lark[son/in] the Swedish Meadowlark' and the other Medda is the lady behind the stage name.

When Medda is on the stage, she's simply putting on a show. That's her job, after all, and we see this in both the film and the musical. What changes is the Medda we see in between her performances. Both Meddas very clearly care for Jack and the newsies and they are both given moments to show this. However, like the loss of Denton, the musical doesn't give Medda a moment where we see the injustice of how other adults treat the newsies in comparison to Medda. There's a heartbreaking scene in the original film where Medda, in the chaos at the rally, slaps a thug who's attacking Racetrack before she's dragged off the stage and out of harms way. "He's just a child! Can't you see that?" she screams. It's a case of an adult defending the newsies and shows us that these other adults are in the wrong. It's a small thing, but we just don't have an equivalent scene in the stage adaptation. Medda very clearly supports the newsies, but she's never given a scene that lets her directly challenge the adults who are actively harming and silencing the newsies, and I think that's a loss.

Finally, Racetrack and Crutchy(/ie) are both watered down. Racetrack's snark and serious side were projected onto the stage character Albert, leaving Racetrack himself to be mostly portrayed as comic relief. His older brotherly attitude towards Les is also lost.

Crutchy also looses his snark. His is more subtle, but it was still important because Crutchy isn't just a happy-go-lucky ball of sunshine. Remember when Crutchy snarked the Delancey brothers? Remember when he spat in Snyder's sauerkraut? Remember when he told Snyder to make friends with the rats? He also loses the line "I don't want nobody carrying me. Never, ya hear?" It's so important that Crutchy had pride, that he didn't want his friends to pity him or treat him any differently because of his disability. It's so important that his friends respected him and never did, even if they were just trying to help out of love for their friend. It's so important that Crutchy was defiant, that he fought back in his own ways.

There's just so much that wasn't included or explored in the stage musical in regard to the primary characters and it leaves them with less of themselves.

[berrywinner]

Hey! Saw your last post. Could you write something about Taubner? I really like the ship and I feel no one writes about it.

I was thinking maybe headcanons about their relationship, or whatever you'd like.

I don't really know how this works, so I hope this isn't too direct or too much to ask for ;)

Thank you!!

Taubner Headcanons

Kutner's passion for comics and Taub's passion for Dr.Who combine into a perfect reason to attend comicons

During the day, they slip affectionate notes into each other's locker

They turn obligatory medical conferences into mini-vacations, exploring new cities together after attending sessions.

They discover a secluded rooftop spot at the hospital, it becomes their place after they share their first kiss there.

Taking turns, they surprise each other with personalized coffee combinations.

Spontaneous kitchen dance parties become their way of unwinding after a long day at the hospital

They create playlists for each other, the first song Taub put into Kutner's playlist is "Can't help falling in love" and the first song that Kutner puts into Taub's playlist is "Good old fashioned loverboy"

Kutner has a hidden passion for stargazing and he loves to take Taub with him

They have a shared diary where they document their thoughts, and experiences. Taub has never had a relationship so sincere

Even in the chaos that is the diagnostic department they always find a way to have lunch together

Taub reveals his talent for basketball and since then Kutner keeps asking him to teach him something. It ends up with a make-out session in the middle of the field

Taub incites Kutner to rediscover his culture, and he's happy to do it with him.

Their age gap is often a problem when sharing affection in public but every time Kutner takes Taub's hand, Taub looks at him like he just hung the moon, because he's so lucky to have someone who doesn’t care about what the others say or think

Taub discovers Kutner's depression only when they start living together and does everything to help him.

Taub said "I love you" first, which is weird because Kutner was sure he was going to say it first

They're very clingy like they've always been. Both of them remember their reaction to House's prank, how they had to stay close when they were afraid. It's funny to remember that for them because at the time they were still in denial

Late night conversations are one of their favorite things to do

Kutner loves to lay his head on Taub's lap when he's tired, it's soothing

Every morning, Taub asks Kutner which tie he should wear to work and he always choses the one Kutner likes the most

Every year they organize the most out of pocket and silly activities for their anniversary.

Last time they made a blanket fort and had a powerpoint night with the theme "Why you should take MY last name when we get married"

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REQUEST, I LOVED WRITING THIS.

Requests are still open everyone!

[kiestrokes]

i like had this thought in the back of my head of like what ateez would be like with an S/O who has a physical illness bcs i actually have one which causes a lot of pain to my bones and i'm like in a constant state of pain and discomfort, been going on for about 12 years HELL YA ✊🏻, if i don't keep up on my meds (currently don't have the proper meds so it only tides me over for a little while-) then im basically fucked so IDK i feel like there isn't a lot of stuff written about this kind of stuff (im a sucker for shit i hardly ever am able to read abt) ALSO IM NOT 100% SURE IF YOUR REQS WERE OPEN BCS I DIDNT SEE ANYTHING POSTED ABT IT SO- YA- if you don't want to write it obviously you don't have to !! no pressure at all lovely

ATEEZ Caring for You: Chronic Illness Edition | SFW

⌛Pairing: ATEEZ x Gender Neutral!Reader/You/Yn ⌛Rating: SFW ⌛Genre: fluff, slice of life, headcanons, imagines, scenarios. ⌛Warnings: chronic illness + immunocompromised talk.

🗝️ Note: Hey atiny anon! You actually asked the right person; I have fibromyalgia combined with a few other annoying chronic illnesses. Because you can't just have one 😓 I hope that you can find a decent fucking doctor and get on the proper medication soon. That's the biggest part of the struggle, finding a physician that will listen and is competent. I hope this was enough, I tried to assign each member a caring task that I felt fit them! Has not been beta-ed.

Disclaimers: This is a work of fiction; I do not own any of the idols depicted below. 

Seonghwa 

He’s here to help you prevent all the chronic pain that he can. Booking you massage visits. Trips to the hot springs. All the arnica rubs. Silly little games the two of you play, to keep your mind off the pain and depression spirals. His favorite is seeing who can build their new Lego set the quickest. Hwa is the biggest advocate for you, he would never return a dish at the restaurant when its wrong. But he will fight for you at every appointment, every pharmacy, wherever you need him to. Because he knows you've grown tired of fighting all the time.

Hongjoong

HJ's specialty is flexibility. You have a sudden burst of energy? He’s down to go explore that new pop-up market with you. You’ve come down with a bout of bone numbing pain? That’s cool, you’re getting changed into comfy clothes and piled up on the couch. Swaddled in your heating pad with all the snacks. Where he falls asleep on your shoulder. HJ never gets frustrated with your rapid change in mood or plans. Nothing but the most understanding partner you could ever have asked for, and boy is he so cute and snuggly when dozing on you. Small hands seeking your face for drowsy kisses that soothe your aches just a smidge.

Yunho

The quiet presence, the one who knows what you need before you say it. Passing you tissues, making you a cup of tea and most importantly holding you so that you can cry. Shedding angry tears about how frustrated you are with your own body for betraying you. For feeling weak. For missing out on things. He's gently calming every frayed nerve in your brain. Reassuring you that you're exactly where you need to be in this moment, and he will bring all of the fun to you. And he does, in small, manageable doses.

Yeosang

His way of caring for you is through caring for your outside. All the skin masks, hair treatments, skin softening lotions because if you feel cruddy, at least he can make you feel cute and comfortable. They do heal though, in their own way. The extra moisture of the humidifier and every cream and essence he buffs into your skin helps keep some of the aches away. Subsiding the itchiness of the nerve pain, just a little. And you can’t get over how cute Yeosang looks in each animal themed headband or with his hair tied back into teeny space buns or how nice his hands feel every time they glide over your skin.

San

Where Yunho is quietly attentive, San is passionately attentive. You cry, he cries (while holding you). Quite literally your pain, is his pain and he’s here to be with you through each step. No judgment is ever passed when he has to pick up your extra chores around the house. Because to him, that is the smallest act of service he can perform for you. San is the one who wishes he could take on your pain, that he could fight it and destroy it and it pains him that he cannot. So he will simply have to do everything else.

Mingi

He thrives on making you laugh and smile through tough days, because he understands feeling burdensome. Mingi never wants you to feel that way, he wants to make sure you verbally know that your presence is needed and welcome. His favorite thing is cuddled up in bed with you wrapped in your heated blanket watching shows. You looking so small in his arms, giving him the feeling of protecting something. He reassures you constantly, because he himself seeks constant reassurance. Mingi never tires of this, he will reaffirm every single self deprecating thought with a compliment even on his worst days.

Wooyoung 

He cares for you with his skinship, which is incredibly healing. His happy heartbeat encourages yours. His strong hands make you feel loved and needed. Who would cuddle him if not you? Woo often reminds you, whispering the phrase into your ear as he traces his nails through your hair, or while rhythmically drawing circles on your spine. Making you float into dream land and anchoring you in the moment with him at the same time. Woo also loves making you whatever dish you’re craving, knowing you need energy to fight off fatigue and pain. And cooking is one of his many, many love languages.

Jongho

Needing to hoard all the extra rest you can get; you seek out solace at Jongho’s place for nap time. Jongho has taken notice, he’s also taken inventory as to which blankets of his you prefer, the pillows that keep you asleep the longest, what temperature you prefer the room to be based on what you’re wearing. All your favorite snacks before or after. New blackout curtains. He’s made his place your ultimate nap zone. New heated blankets. Duplicates of your fave lounge wear and socks. And he takes his payment in cuddles. Holding you tightly in his bed or sprawled on the couch. Sometimes he falls asleep himself and flips you onto your back to bury into your side like a full-sized teddy bear.

© COPYRIGHT 2023 by kiestrokes

All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission from the author. This includes translations.

[magicalmanhattanproject]

hey sending me an ask with jsut a portion of léa's interview when i mention i'm reading the whole thing myself so i can digest it and come to my own conclusions isn't super helpful

anyway here are some observations so far. i have to leave for therapy soon so i can't finish reading the whole thing just yet

man there sure were some dogshit bosses and labor practices and that sure did fucking suck for léa

a lot of what she says about quackity directly contradicts what everyone else says about quackity including her in the past, which makes me not really want to believe it

oh hey looming specter of wilbur soot what are you doing here? reminding me that things i don't want to believe can still be true? thanks man! for this and literally nothing else!

that being said, léa's perspectives are Real and Valuable but not necessarily entirely objective. for example, she implies that he must not really be that passionate about the project because he doesn't write his own lore when his passion has always been about the server and translation tools and people playing minecraft together, which doesn't necessarily require the story

in general, léa has a lot of very good reasons to interpret everything in as negative a light as possible, which distorts her perspective

in general, i am still trying to interpret everything in as positive a light as possible, which distorts my perspective

combining two distorted perspectives until they cancel out does not automatically equal truth and is not a good way to arrive at truth

seeing the specifics of the ways things were fucked up and bad in the past does not necessarily provide insight on how the repair efforts that we do not have access to are going

people closer to the project who i trust as bellweathers like pierre, bad, and phil are still signaling that they think things can be repaired.

there's still a lot i haven't read yet and i'm going to have to spend a lot of time chewing on all of it

[astrovian]

My 'controversial' opinion is that I'm frustrated by the amount of projects RA does that I don't care at all about. I understand why he picks them and I know other people seem to like them, but I just want him to do something I'm actually excited about that will stretch his acting muscles. I also think his writing technique is solid enough to write different genres and wish he wouldn't stick to crime/thrillers. I guess what I'm realizing as I type this is that I want him to pick more projects for (apparent) reasons other than working with his friends or marketability. But I don't want to seem like a snob :/ I don't mean it in a snobby way, I just don't like suspense and I think he doesn't get to show off his acting skill very often :/

Thank you for this anon!!! Tbh, I'm not even sure I'd call that ✨controversial✨ because I think that's a fairly common sentiment, but thank you so much for bringing it to my attention, because of course I have thoughts on this and I'm so, so, sorry this is so long

So hear me out (and I should say this is all pure speculation): I think this really boils down to RA not deliberately pigeonholing himself into the crime/thriller genre in terms of acting (we'll come to the writing later), but also not deliberately un-pigeonholing himself. Let me explain what I mean:

We know RA has his fingers in a lot of pies, and has had so for the past 3 - 4 years, really. Always consistently running in the background are: Audible commitments - obviously we don't know what his contract is like with Audible (nor should we), but at the rate he regularly pumps out audiobooks, I would hazard a bold guess that his contract will continue for the foreseeable future Writing - this seems have been the main background occupation we're aware of since he started writing Geneva years ago. Since Geneva's fairly good reception, and given that he has found joy in writing, he's kept this up and it seems to be his 'main focus' right now White Boar Films - we'll come to this later, because I fell down a rabbit hole of company records which has led me to believe that the work that White Boar has been doing has been stalled somewhat (outside of RA's control), so may not be a priority for him but I'm sure is still running in the background Given that he has all of these background things taking up his time (and passion), I think it's fair to say that he's stepping back from acting, little by little Now - that doesn't mean he's done, but I think he's made it pretty clear in previous interviews that he's starting to re-direct his energy elsewhere - partly out of following things that are interesting him, but also he did seem to have a whole thing about 'being past his prime' (*cough*bullshit*cough*) as time ticks on So I am making a bold assumption, with absolutely no evidence except a gut feeling, that RA is probably not being as active as an actor looking for work would be, and as he has been in the past That is to say - if a project comes across his desk, and seems interesting - great! He'll do it. But that also means that if a script or idea doesn't come his way, maybe he isn't actively seeking it out This is why I say he's potentially not deliberately pigeonholing himself into the crime/thriller genre re: acting - it might just be that he's getting similar offers from studios (as, my understanding is, tends to happen when you excel in a particular type of role) and is too pre-occupied/busy/just not actively looking elsewhere to counter these offers with something outside the genre

Now, in regards to his writing:

I haven't actually read any Harlan Coben, but RA's bromance with Harlan Coben seems to have been a big influence on his writing projects - I think it's a combination of:

having a mentor figure/friend who writes solely in the field and learning from Harlan (actually, even just from Harlan's TV adaptations) is likely to make him lean in that direction for genre - you're inspired by the things you're surrounded by, right?

perhaps just a genuine love of the genre 🤷‍♀️

the success of Geneva - he clearly has some sort of deal with Audible, wherein they get first dibs on texts. We also don't know what sort of deal he has with his publisher - if his contracts with either/both pigeonhole him into genres or not. Also, as a fledgling writer... you're likely to stick to what you know works, right? Geneva did well, and it seems The Cut has as an audiobook, so why, when you're perfecting the craft, attempt something a bit more out of the box?

This is all not to say that I disagree with you, anon - I am 100% on your side, and I don't think that this makes you snobbish at all. I also *really* wish we would see him branch out of these genres - and I actually like this genre of book/media!

I just really wish we had something more lighthearted coming out from him - which is why I hold Claude Becker up as an example of a role I wanna see more of. Was Claude a super interesting, complicated character? No. But he was kinda fun and so different to what he's been doing lately!!

I feel like getting the man to attempt anything related to comedy/rom-com/light-hearted dramas would be a bit of a stretch because I think he just doesn't see himself as that kind of person (which, again is uh... bullshit because he would be great at it), but I would LOVE to at the very least see some more Claude-esque roles from him - just something to stretch his chops outside the dark crime/thriller. However, I think his attention is so split between projects right now that I can't see him making any moves off the path he's on right now for the next little while 🥲

In regards to whether he's having to spend much time on White Boar Films - we know this is kinda his baby, but I think his writing, as a result of both the fast-track Audible is able to put it on and the success of it so far, has taken a front seat compared to his producing which is now on the back-burner. This is likely because White Boar's initial partners (at least, for The Fens) have caused some roadblocks, and while Imaginarium Productions (the other production company White Boar is working with) has faired better, there still doesn't seem to be much progress from what I can tell

Looking at the White Boar timeline:

April 2020 - the White Boar Films Twitter & Instagram accounts are created 2nd December 2020 - White Boar Films is incorporated with Richard as the sole shareholder 31st December 2021 - RA remains sole shareholder of White Boar Films, with 0 employees in the year to date, and with just a bit under ￡500,000 invested as funds Early January 2022 - RA formally announces White Boar Films & it goes live on social media, with Emily Marr also named as an Executive Producer/Head of Development July 2022 - I have good reason to suspect this is when RA starts to mostly base himself out of London as opposed to NY. I don't want to give any more specifics, or want to speculate on any other reasons, but nursing White Boar might also play a part in this change 26th of October, 2022 - social media announces that the company has bought the rights to The Fens, and White Boar Films will be producing it alongside Sprout Films & Adam Barth at Eccho Rights. These will be 6x 60-minute episodes with RA attached as Rowan Jackson 22nd of December, 2022 - Sprout Films applies to the UK govt. to be struck off as a company 31st December 2022 - White Boar Films continues to retain 0 employees in the year to date. RA is still sole shareholder, and no particular progress is made in regards to company projects or assets, but the amount invested as funds in White Boar Films doubles to over ￡1,100,000. 21st March 2023 - Sprout Films is officially dissolved 31st December 2023 - White Boar Films continues to retain 0 employees in the year to date. There is limited financial activity, with RA still sole shareholder, but the amount invested as funds in White Boar Films increases to over ￡1,600,000 October 16 2024 - Adam Barth, who is supposed to be working on The Fens for Eccho Rights, leaves Eccho Rights. He is then hired by another production company, Avalon Unknown date: White Boar Films is not listed on The Fens project as a producer according to the screenplay writer's agency, with the production companies listed as the now-dissolved-Sprout Pictures & MJZ

I think White Boar just has some normal teething problems for a starter-company - but even the two (potentially stalled?) projects they're supposed to be developing are crime/thriller based... and with Sony developing the Geneva TV show, I think his mindset will be in these genres for the forseeable future, really

I think surely there has to be some real passion in him for the genres, anyway, for all aspects of his projects to be so centred around them - in which case I love that he's getting what he wants to do

(but also if he could just bless us with some different genres in either his writing or producing or acting, that would be much, much appreciated)

[moon-mage]

heaves a heavy sigh because fucking crap I am in LOVE Okay so. This was not meant to even go this far but here I am. Absolutely far gone. My INITIAL plan was to try to come up with a big bad villain to write a TWST fanfic about because I love taking all my favorite characters...throwing them in hell...and then orchestrating the drama and chaos while going: "why would anyone do this to these poor innocent peoples?" and "hahaha this is SO fun their suffering fuels me!".

One of my all-time favorite movies growing up was Anastasia. The 1997 animated Don Bluth film. So, I was like "oh boy what if I did a twist on that version of Rasputin?" Which holds promise considering he is a powerful lich sorcerer coded in death, ghosts, limbo...all my favorite tropes that I cannot get enough of. But Rasputin aint shit without his sassy bat familiar, Bartok. Their dynamic is interesting considering Bartok spends the entire movie telling Rasputin to get a life and stop trying to kill Anastasia. So, I thought on twisted Bartok more and....it just...it hasn't stopped. It hasn't stopped.

Now we got Sashmir Magnifico. The twisted version of Bartok AND Anastasia. Originally, he was just going to be twisted Bartok, but I ended up adding in elements of Anastasia to him as well and I liked it.

Sashmir is a bat beastman and a lot of people assume he is an albino bat, but his lack of pigmentation is a side effect of his Unique Magic; "Together In Spirit". He doesn't go further into details about it other than 'the adults around him growing up were not knowledgeable of magic and forced him to use his magic for the benefit of others without thought of the consequences on him'. Only a few people know his UM and its capabilities, and he wants to keep it that way. The incantation for his UM is: "I am the key...that unlocks your potential...I promise we shall stay...TOGETHER IN SPIRIT." Sashmir is a 2nd year student at Night Raven College in Ignihyde dorm. He is interested in biology and the combined use of magic and science for enhancing and healing the human(oid) body and mind. He also has a passion for music, having learned how to play most instruments to a passable degree and he taught himself how to write sheet music. He does so with popular songs and makes them available to the public while recording himself playing them online. He loves teaching...and tutors for free on Monday and Wednesdays at 12AM in the Ignihyde dorm lounge. He had hoped to one day become a music teacher but decides the more practical route would be to continue magical medical sciences. He doesn't like shoes and has lost his shoes when taking them off and leaving them places. One of the first time of magics he had learned was levitating as it felt natural for him to not be on the ground all the time. Personality wise, he is rather chill and easy going. He speaks in a Romanian accent and isn't afraid to clap back with the sass or defend himself if challenged. Sadly, Sashmir is under the thumb of a powerful and dangerous sorcerer...and the days are numbered until his master makes his grand appearance and destroys the "peace" of NRC. All according to plan and...all that evil jazz. I have a LOT MORE THINGS TO SAY but I will make a post specifically for his info dump I guess. I'm sorry I love this boy... Also you see the candy and coffin...if you know...you know.

[cometomecosette]

"Les Misérables" musical character interpretations: Enjolras

Next on my list of characterization comparisons: our favorite revolutionary leader, Enjolras.

Once again, each of these three interpretations can work by themselves, or else they can be combined with each other. For example, I've found that some of the best Enjolras actors (e.g. Anthony Warlow, Ramin Karimloo, Kevin Earley) have combined "the Soldier" with "the Marble Lover of Liberty." And while Aaron Tveit's movie Enjolras is basically "the Marble Lover of Liberty," he's more subdued and boyish than most stage examples, with a possible undertone of "the Young Student."

While writing this, I also remembered the 2011 fan comic Enjolras and His Singing Brethren. Of course that comic isn't really a comparison of different characterizations, but mainly a way to praise David Thaxton's Enjolras and to make fun of Michael Maguire, Drew Sarich, and various bad actors in the role. But connections can still be drawn between my more earnest comparison and that silly one. A "G.I. Jolras" is "the Soldier," obviously; an "OMGjolras" is "the Young Student"; and a "Pwnjolras" is either "the Marble Lover of Liberty" or that type crossed with "the Soldier." A "Hunjolras" is just "the Soldier" overacted, while a "Hohumjolras" and an "Umm?jolras" are just weak actors with no stage presence.

The Soldier

            This robust, fiery Enjolras lacks the ethereal qualities of Hugo’s Enjolras, but he compensates with his unbreakable fighting spirit. While dignified, he’s also quite a rabble-rouser, who blazes with anger at injustice and charges into battle with the force of a cannon. His passion and vigor can be heard in his frequent emphatic shouts (“Where are the SWELLS who run this show?!” “…to call them TO ARMS!” “DAMN their lies!” etc.) and seen in his commanding presence on the barricade. Rather than Hugo’s “flower,” this Enjolras is a sturdy, towering tree. At times he might seem almost smug, and he might seem slightly overbearing and preachy toward Marius in “Red and Black.” Nonetheless, he earns our admiration with his staunch courage and our sympathy with his devotion to his friends. This Enjolras will be warm and demonstrative toward the other students, evoking the deep bonds of military comrades, and to Marius he’ll be like an older brother, sometimes impatient yet fiercely protective and caring. At first, he might have little patience for Grantaire, but will sincerely strive to convert him to idealism too, and will ultimately give him a heartfelt reconciliation, either in “Drink With Me” or in “The Final Battle.” His two truly vulnerable moments are after Gavroche’s death and, more briefly, Marius’s apparent death: while outwardly stoic, he’ll convey silent desolation at both. But then his grief will turn to fearsome rage, and he’ll charge onward to make the enemy bleed while he can. Although he dies, his strength and fire will never be forgotten.

The Young Student

            This Enjolras can best be compared to the student protestors of the 1960s, or possibly to John F. Kennedy. A passionate, charismatic idealist, whose vision for the future is grand and inspiring, but whose youth and inexperience make him unprepared for the battle, which he pays for in blood. His courage and zeal for the cause are just as fiery as the Soldier’s, but he lacks the Soldier’s sturdiness: instead, his fire is wildfire, blazing with boyish energy. The news of Lamarque’s death might make him nearly manic with excitement because the chance for revolution he’s been waiting for has come. Yet he can be kind and gentle too, and in his idealism, he relates to everyone – whether the poor in “Look Down,” or his beloved friends, or strangers – as an equal. When he lectures Marius or snaps at Grantaire, it never seems too harsh, because there’s no air of superiority in it. And as the barricade scenes unfold, though he stays strong on the surface, private expressions reveal his increasing distress, fear, and struggle to lead as the rebellion’s doom becomes clear. This might culminate in a total breakdown at Gavroche’s death, where he collapses in utter anguish and tears; or if not there, he might do it soon afterward over Marius’s “dead” body. (Or in a non-replica staging, over the body of Grantaire if he dies first.) But even if he doesn’t break down, we’ll feel his despair. Nonetheless, in his last moments, he picks himself up and faces his foes in a blaze of courage and defiance. Hugo’s “marble” Enjolras he isn’t, but as an all too young, very human martyr, he’s compelling in his own way.

The Marble Lover of Liberty

            This is Enjolras as Hugo wrote him, at least as much as the musical allows. He lacks either the Soldier’s machismo or the Young Student’s liveliness and vulnerability, but instead comes across as an almost angelic symbol of revolutionary idealism. His demeanor is stern, thoughtful, and defined by stately dignity and quiet strength. While his anger at injustice and his fervor for revolution are clear, and while there might be a subtle quality of wildness in his passion, he isn’t defined by fire. His anger is controlled and even-toned, not loud, and he’s able to command without aggression, but with a meaningful stare or simple gesture alone. When he sings of the future, gazing into the distance with a beatific expression, we see what defines this Enjolras: a shining vision of justice and freedom, which he worships with priestly devotion. He might come across as slightly cold and aloof, especially compared to his friends. But in his own quiet way, he’ll make his love for them clear. He likely won’t be overbearing toward Marius in “Red and Black,” but gently reason with him, outlining what he views as objective facts. He might treat Grantaire with cold disdain until the end, or he might show him a blend of frustration and caring from the start, but either way, their ultimate reconciliation will be meaningful and moving. As the barricade’s fall draws near, his sadness is quietly felt, but he never breaks. He dies with the same dignity, courage, and majestic idealism with which he lived. The sight of his body will inspire not just sadness, but reverence, and the resolve to keep his ideals alive.

More comparisons to come!