#catharsis au

[themoldysausage]

Hey, if we're getting a stage adaptation, can we get some Catharsis for Odysseus in the dialogue?

Like when Eurylochus says "but we'll die" during Thunder Bringer, can Odysseus crash out?

Eurylochus: But we'll die

Odysseus: Yeah? Well you should've thought of that before you opened the wind bag, maybe next time you'll think when I tell you not to kill the suspicious island cows!

[thebibliosphere]

I’m not sure if this counts as a healthy coping mechanism, but every time I have a shitty interaction with a doctor or my insurance provider I open up the crackfic Deathstroke flower shop AU I started messing around with after I had a dream inspired by reading too many Nightwing comics/playing too much Garden Life simulator before bed, and I get Deathstroke to shoot the fucker.

Not fatally. Just somewhere really painful that would make you reframe how you treat chronic pain patients as “drug seeking” and hand them leaflets about mindfulness instead of offering actual help :)

Anyway. I’m having a normal one today. How are all of you?

[yallstar]

kinda in love with the uncanny-valley, almost horror elements of the ep7 world..... like imagine being ekko, and you wake up in a life where all social and economic disparity has been corrected and you get to reunite with all of your lost loved ones..... but it's at the cost of the one surviving family member from your real life. and everyone you reunite with is a defanged version of their old self, absent all the motivations that defined them - for better or for worse

he lashes out at silco and vander because to him silco was the biggest villain he knew of up until like, a week ago, and vander had legitimate reason to hate the guy even before vi's death. "the greatest thing we can do in life is find the power to forgive" said by the most vindictive son of a bitch ekko ever met - said to EKKO, a revolutionary who, whether he likes it or not, was following in a younger silco's footsteps. silco and vander built the lanes and ekko built the firelights. and now he's watching these two former revolutionaries play house while the child they vowed to protect is DEAD.

and powder? powder, content to play assistant to ekko's innovation? powder, docile and quietly mourning? there's a catharsis in seeing this path for her but for the ekko that came from a world where powder's grief literally toppled regimes? that must have been BRUTAL to accept. ekko going home at the end willingly makes a whole lot of sense when you realize the world he got dropped into is the dream come true of a little boy who died the same night as the rest of his friends. the boy who woke up in that body wasn't meant to be satisfied by that world, he was meant to save another.

[chronologically-challenged]

There was this one art a little while ago about the family stuck in a situation where they're forced to play ISAT in some post game scenerio. I keep having many thoughts, but here's some about them figuring out who Loop is:

1) They all BAFFLED by how Loop usually talks. They all thought Loop was this shy little star person. Immediately, they get hit with "have you tried not dying~~~~" into "I think you deserve help" and do not know what to think.

2) Odile is in charge of the controller. Mainly bc no one else wants to control Siffrin and they all have equal amount of video game experience aka none, so Odile is being practical about it. This has the side effect that Odile gets to be all investigative. Odile makes it her MISSION to find stuff out about Loop.

3) Siffrin has complicated feelings about them finding out about Loop??? Like okay they HATE their family has to see all this, ESPECIALLY THAT THEY CAN SEE HIS THOUGHTS!!!! But. Loop. Siffrin hasn't told his family the truth. It's not his story to tell. But. If they figure it out...? In a way that proves Loop wrong, right? That they can recognize them. Maybe it takes a bit because Loop looks different is and actively trying to be different from Siffrin. But. Maybe...? Either way they encourage Odile to talk to Loop. If this is a simulation... if this is real in some way even... yeah he wants to talk to Loop.

Anyway here's a list on how they find out one by one:

Odile: She catches the little stuff. She notes the royal We, the fact that Loop alludes to having an old body by accident, the casual familiarity in some places. All of that. She is also the first to note their eyes being different shades. However, Odile doesn't make the connection 100%, not until Isabeau. Well.

Isabeau: He gets some of the weird stuff Loop says but not as many as Odile. HE finds Loops side comments weirder. He sees Loop's reactions and they're a bit. Uncanny.... and then he has another realization, Loop and Siffrin have the same eyes. When Isabeau notes this, it all clicks for Odile.

Mirabelle: Okay, so. You cannot tell me that Mirabelle has not read fantasy stories with weird guide characters. She has to have!!!! So at first, she's not even looking for who Loop is. And tbh? She has the best read on Loop's personality otherwise. Sassy, but clearly caring. A bit of a shit, but serious when needed. And mainly, she appreciates Loop Being There when the rest of them couldn't. That being said, the moment where the "have you wondered who I am" happens. And suddenly Mirabelle Is Thinking Of the Possibilties. And then the ME option pops up!!!! Odile was already about to pick it but Mirabelle YELLS to pick that one!!!!! Uh. Shortly after that they all have a conversation about how yeah, Loop is VERY likely Siffrin. Mirabelle justifies herself with tropes. Of course!!! Of course they're Siffrin!!! If they're anyone they have to be Siffrin. Siffrin got transformed and became the guide they needed!!!! It Just Makes Sense.

Bonnie: ....Tbh doesn't really figure it out on their own? But also. Loop. Feels like Frin. Not exactly like Frin. But they're Frin enough to be trusted so who cares. It takes awhile for them to really get it too because... it's weird. Also they're the one to really ask why there would be two Frins??? Duh??? And why would Frin become Loop???

Anyway, basically, after picking "Me?" They pretty much are all on the same page. They got that it was wishcraft. They got Loop is Siffrin somehow. I think Odile might figure out that "hey, uh if Loop is the guide then what happens when Loop doesn't have a guide" and Mirabelle probably says "wait Siffrin didn't you say to me once that without Loop you wouldn't have made it?"

Meanwhile Siffrin is a mix of sad and very emotionally touched. Because. Yeah. Even when trying to actively hide, their family recognized them.

Notably, Siffrin gets them to twohats (Siffrin remembers that they understood Loop most after showing them the coin. So yes, the family does get to see Siffrin's "I will forget everything I love" moment. Goes as well as you expect. Lots of hugs and the reassurance that they will bug Siffrin until the end of their days so he can't forget him so HA!)

But yeah. Siffrin really wants to make sure they can get little simulation Siffrin to realize Loop is Siffrin as well. Because if there is any chance of this being real and that they're guiding a Siffrin in another reality, then they want to make sure they can get Loop to know just how much they did. How much they helped and changed Siffrin's fate for the better.

To note: I'd imagine in this scenario, Odile wouldn't go do any of the side stuff. At least not too much of it. There wouldn't be as much exploration either. Siffrin likely would be very underleveled as a result.

So perhaps in this scenario? Imagine if you will that while the Siffrin watching definitely defeated Loop, the simulation Siffrin loses.

And Siffrin finds out that... no. No! Of course Loop couldn't kill him. Of course they wouldn't. There is a catharsis to that realization.

(After they finish the game, either a) prologue playthrough time or b) they're freed and the group IMMEDIATELY try to figure out a way to find Loop bc uh??? Even if they weren't Siffrin, they want to find them. But like. Two Frins. Two Frins they know are different but who cares, no matter who Loop chooses to be, Loop Is Family Too).

Anyway, family plays isat featuring the Loop Saga.

[ghostjustliketherest]

you're listening to prayer from ghost quartet performed in a lovely echoey space in pitch dark, a storm has just rolled in and you can hear thunder and the rain on the tin roof <3

[moldypoff]

God, I want to make a fanfic where you kill (accidentally or not) Jimmy after you find out that he assaulted Anya and the crash doesn’t happen but now you have to deal with the consequences.

Even if you do the “morally right” thing everyone’s gonna hate you (they won’t say it but they’ll think it).

With the way Pony Express operates I think Curly will have to severely punish you. Either A. Lock you up in a secluded space for the rest of 8 months or B. Kill you, as per policy because you’re mentally unstable and at risk of harming the rest of the crew.

Besides the mental strain that’ll be on just you for the next few months, everyone else has to bear the consequences as well.

(Elaboration under the cut)

Explaining the situation to the company and cops is going to be hell for Anya, because when you explain that you did it on Anya’s behalf they’re immediately going to assume that she may have been an accomplice/and or orchestrated the attack. Not even that but you’ll permanently stain her already half-baked resume since this can be seen as her being an ineffective healthcare provider since she’d clearly misjudged your mental state during psyche evals.

What’s worse is that Curly might not get that promotion because of you since he failed, as Captain, to settle the dispute. Not only did you kill his long term friend but you ruined his life and now he has to deal with keeping everyone calm and Jimmy’s rotting body on the ship.

Daisuke? Considering you’re probably the closest to him out of everyone in the crew because of his friendly personality he’s going to feel so betrayed on top of stressed from living in the environment you created for the next few months. Again, rotting body. Next, everyone’s going to have to decide on how to collectively come up with a solid strategy to get out of this somewhat or completely scot free WHILE continuing to perform their usual tasks on the Tulpar.

Swansea’s probably furious right off the bat. Not just because he already know’s there’s going to be so much work when you all get to your destination (too which he will simultaneously be unemployed), but because he thought you were better than this. Jimmy’s an asshole and rapist, but you? Adding to their troubles of already being laid off and traumatizing them at the same time just because you felt like playing hero? You’re almost just as bad as Jimmy.

Of course they didn’t know how things would play out if they kept Jimmy alive, but is this really any better?

They’re filled with impending doom, they need to keep the smelly, rotting crime scene untouched to prove their innocence, and worst of all they probably still have to take care of you, if you’re alive, AND take over your tasks for your role on the ship as well as Jimmy’s.

Inspiration + Reflection:

Tbh I feel like this is a good reflection of how society treats heros. I remember hearing about this dude who had his daughter SA’d and out of pure rage he killed her abuser, and upon realizing that he was going to jail he went on a spree to kill as many predators and rapists as he could.

That man will never see freedom again but he saved countless young girls and women from being taken advantage of.

It’s also interesting to think about the families and friends of the predators and rapists. Did they even know about what their friend, brother, or husband was up to? Do they comprehend the sheer capacity for cruelty at which this person they trusted operates themselves at? And are they sad to see them go? Are they mad at the person who took them away? Are they willing to accept the fact that they were a bad person or do they desperately cling to the memory of them when they were ‘good’?

I’d really like to explore these topics with multiple endings. Writing a whole fanfic is hard man- I’d rather just get to the important stuff, I’m sorry 😭

Speaking of, I have a couple in mind.

Endings:

Estimated reader satisfaction: # / 5

Bad Ending: -1 - 0 / 5

Everyone dies under the pressure of it all.

Mini Bad Ending: 0.5 - 1 /5

Curly kills you.

Neutral ending#1: 1/5

You live, everyone’s alive (except for Jimmy, duh), all of the expected consequences occur, you’re in jail, you all go your separate ways and struggle like hell. (The most realistic ending.)

Neutral ending#2: 3/5

You only kill yourself. Everyone else is proven innocent and gets to live a somewhat “normal” life, but is forever haunted by your sacrifice.

Good: 5/5

Pony Express is sued, and you all (well… maybe except for you) are awarded a shit ton of money in compensation. You all live happily ever after (you’re actually in jail but the others can easily bail you out). <- Very unlikely, kinda vanilla if you ask me, but fix-it AUs do go hard tho, I just wouldn’t write it myself.

Side notes: Did I remind you that Anya’s pregnant this entire time? Also, this can serve as justification for Curly for his ‘inaction’. If this were him instead of you it might be two times-ish harder on him to be honest.

[alagaesia-headcanons]

I will always be so sad and angry that Eragon never recognized how horribly the elves treated him and that no one else helped protect him from it either. Oromis is so insidiously and inexcusably cruel to him and Eragon truly deserved the chance to escape that and see the damage he caused, and also to then beat Oromis into a bloody pulp. And Glaedr too, honestly. He's mostly gone unscathed in my past rants, largely because at least his personality isn't so insufferable, but he ain't shit either. He's fully complicit in all of Oromis's vile abuse, and adds to it himself in certain places. They more than earn Eragon's ire, but they all constantly belittle him and insist that they inherently know better than him about everything, and poor Eragon believes them, so he doesn't fight back. No!!! Every misgiving you have about them is true, and not only should you stand your ground, but you should also start maiming them!!!!!

Oromis's mannerisms are respectful, kind, and gentle, but they in no way indicate his actual feelings. It just serves as a guise, while their actions demonstrate that both he and Glaedr don't have a single shred of respect for Eragon. They don't trust him, they don't put faith in him, they don't care about his wellbeing, and they have so much contempt for him. And they do all that while they take everything from Eragon, demanding he sacrifice himself constantly, and not always just in the interest of beating the Empire! In some cases it's solely an expression of their resentment of him or a way to cut away at the parts of him they don't like.

And Eragon gives them everything, so earnestly and generously. Then they give him jack shit. They only give him whatever suits their intention to use him as a weapon, and even in that, they pick and choose things to withhold according to their disdain for him. Contempt is all he gets in return for his trust and loyalty.

And it makes me sad how Saphira isn't there for him in this. In her defense, she's very young and they harm her also by prioritizing her utility to them over anything else, which she sadly does not recognize either. But beyond that, the elves and Oromis and Glaedr specifically treat her far, far better than they treat Eragon. She's in no way responsible for their actions, but there are places where she enables the abuse. Most often through overlooking it, but sometimes when Eragon rightfully balks at their mistreatment, then turns to Saphira for her input, she tells him, "I trust them and I think you should be deferring to them."

Eragon is so earnest and compassionate and he deserves care, both in the form of other people caring about his wellbeing, and also through the chance for him to learn how he can and should care for himself. Yet at the end of the series, he's so conditioned to accept manipulation and abuse and I just want my poor boy to have a chance to rest and HEAL 😭

[the-barefoot-hatter]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63239368

Relationship: Bill Cipher/Ford Pines (Implied), Bill Cipher/Ford Pines (past implied)

Characters: Bill Cipher, Ford Pines, Stan Pines (brief cameo), Henchmaniacs (discussed), Jheselbraum the Unswerving (discussed)

Additional Tags: Bill Cipher Actually Was Just Minding His Own Business, Ford Pines Has Issues, Ford Pines is Trying, Bill Cipher is Trying, Bill Cipher Has Issues, billford relationship status: still so very complicated, henchmaniacs are not actually good friends, you know that story about the kid who always has m&ms and uses them to bribe others into friendship, well Bill is out of M&Ms, Bill Cipher has a pretty messed up view of friendship, Friendship is not magic, Ford probably yelled half of this at Bill's grave, catharsis doesn't work when they come BACK TO LIFE though, here it comes, The rain and sun, The what I was & what I have become

I can walk you back to Heaven but it's just too far

Summary:

Ford thinks he found a loophole in the Axolotl's decision to send them his worst patient- they just have to pass the problem into anyone else willing to help him! Good thing Bill has so many caring friends, right? AKA, that loophole might as well be a noose. (Blind Bill AU, early, probably the first weekish)

[alilyamongroses]

ASOIAF bitches have made an entire genre of literary criticism out of twisting themselves into giant, angry knots over how unfair and misogynistic it is that such a huge swathe of women in this text get murdered or tortured or raped for the purpose of influencing the male characters’ storylines but you make a single inadequately deferential point about how many women of color are made to swallow up huge amounts of graphic, intense suffering for that same purpose in the service of white women and they turn into stupefied, pearl-clutching children who just can’t understand why you’re being so mean to their Stronk Female Lead Who Has Been Through So Much

[authenticcadence18]

i want to highlight a passage from my new Isabella-centric one-shot that I’m particularly proud of!

for context, Isabella is in her car at the stop light from “Act Your Age”. she and Phineas are no longer together, and she sees something about him on accident.

…

Phineas.

For a moment Isabella found herself outside the car, being pulled in for a kiss that had haunted her for over half a decade. Her heart rate skyrocketed, breath coming in short bursts as she attempted to claw her way free of the awful wonderful memory, of the sensation of Phineas’s hands cradling her face, of knowing how much she’d enjoyed that moment in spite of all the heartache that followed.

The light flashed green, leaving Isabella no choice but to hastily snap herself free of her first kiss and step on the gas.

Her chest caught, eyes burning and vision blurring, knuckles whitening as she gripped the steering wheel and turned in the direction of her apartment, trying to slow her breaths down.

Today had been better. She hadn’t cried at all, she’d gone out for a bit, thought she’d finally started making progress in regards to letting go of Phineas.

But one glance into the outskirts of his life, of his success, of how fine everything was going for him without her, from someone that was supposed to be safe, who up till now Isabella hadn’t even known was connected to Phineas, was enough to make her shatter all over again.

…

here’s the rest if you are interested! I’m really proud of this piece :)

[landinrris]

On Our Terms- Chapter 5

Pairings: Carlos/Lando

Rating: E

Tags: Football Player Carlos, Artist Lando, More specifically Lando does pottery, Unintentional Outing, Explicit Sexual Content, Established Relationship, Minor Angst, Always a Happy Ending, Fluff and Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Euro Cup, Introspection

Chapter: 5/?

His legs give out without his permission, the ground rushing up to meet him. The grass is overstimulating against the backs of his arms and his neck, but he doesn’t move. He lifts his arms to rest over his eyes and tries to take steady breaths to calm himself. This isn’t real. This is a dream. He’s still sleeping next to Lando in their hotel room. He wasn’t just subjected to one of the worst referee performances in his life.

Read Chapter 5 || Start from the beginning

[rainbowvamp]

I don't know which one I want to write

Vote in this poll so that when I see the results I will have feelings about it and know which one I want to write.

Note: DID - Dissociative Identity Disorder

I have some bare bones for all three of these ideas, but I cannot write them all and I cannot decide which one to write, so if you vote I will know.

Feel free to ask clarifying questions. Not tagging because girl... This is me about to write another intensely personal/emotional fic. I am not putting that out there in the tags. it's okay to reblog though!

[quaz-art]

Send me your Grishaverse AUs that "nobody cares about" and I will draw art for them because motherfucker I CARE

[discordiansamba]

chapter eight of once in a blue moon (or: the werewolf rin AU) is done! you can read it here or start from the beginning!

Yukio made it to Rin's classroom just in time to watch his brother open the window and leap out of it, his bag slung over his shoulder. As his classmates just stared in confusion- and mild horror, since this was the third floor- but Yukio just felt his brow twitch. Ah. So his brother really was avoiding having a conversation with him. At least Kuro lingered behind for a moment, the cat sidhe giving him a sympathetic look- and then promptly followed Rin out the window. Yukio stormed over to it just in time to watch Rin disappear around a corner with Kuro hot on his heels. Heaving a sigh, Yukio pointedly ignored the muttering of Rin's classmates and left. Fine. If Rin didn't want to talk to him about it, then he knew there was someone he would talk to about it. And if he didn't miss his guess... ...well, he was pretty sure Rin would be heading straight to her.

(or: even in a new universe, Rin is still So Great at talking to Yukio about his problems (lying), but at least he has someone else he can always talk to.

also: godaiin is starting to understand his roommate might just possibly be a cryptid.)

[comatosebunny09]

It goes something like this:

You’re a little bruised and battered. A little rough around the edges, yearning for the comfort of your bed. Maybe some brandy to chase away the ache and mask the throbbing between your ears, but…

Well, he’d sent for you. Of course he did. You’d barely stumbled back into Baldur’s Gate when he received word of your resurgence—gods damn his spies for occupying every nook and cranny of this city.

He could’ve at least granted you the luxury of a cold shower beforehand. Maybe even a change of clothes and the acrid sting of a beer at the back of your throat. You’ve just endured training from hell and deserve to push it all into the darkest reaches of your mind.

But nooo.

He wants to see you. Now. As if the stars will fall from the sky if you don’t show face. Given his might and overabundance of magic, he could very well make that happen.

So, here you stand. Before the towering, oakwood doors of the king’s quarters, a little worse for wear, a little over this shit.

Your uniform’s heavy and mottled with dirt. You’re still sweaty. Still achy, grinding your teeth and shifting your weight between your feet to take the pressure off them. Your exhaustion outweighs everything, burdensome on your shoulders like the buckles and leather ornaments dangling from your cloak.

You look and feel like utter shit, for lack of better terms. Not like it matters. He’s seen you at your worst and still beckoned you with a crooked smile and the curl of his elegant finger. And you always come running like the ever-faithful guard dog, exhaustion be damned.

The frigid metal of the door handles sends a shiver through your bones. Cold. Grounding. Much like him.

You heave a sigh. Your shoulders slump, and your head thuds softly against the door as you contemplate your life choices. Perhaps you were better off a street urchin, peddling stolen goods and picking pockets. At least then, you’d have the blessing of a night’s rest.

A few maids scuttle by, tickled by the pathetic scene you paint. In your peripheral, they wear omniscient grins as they pass you, and their giggles and whispers linger long after they turn the corner.

Like it’s some secret known to everyone else but you onwhy you’re here. Not in bed. Not licking your wounds and nursing your migraine with cheap booze.

Ugh.

You should be grateful. Not many have the privilege of being summoned to the king’s chamber. You’ve been here more times than you can count. More than the maids, his royal advisors.  

You’re typically around for business, standing in good form on the other side of the doors. Quiet, attentive, obedient, loyal. You have to be. Your life is literally bound to his. 

He’s your charge—your king. 

You’ve seen him bleed. Trance. Sweat. Cry on rare occasions. He has kissed you. Touched you. Written the sweetest words into the junction of your shoulder with a sweltering mouth. Fed on you. Promised the best of things as he nibbled on your lip.

You’ve held his hand. Ran cautious fingers through alabaster curls. Whispered words of admiration into the stilled air of his room. You’ve been his confidant more than his bodyguard. Experienced segments of him his subjects could only dream of witnessing.

You count to five in your head. Grip the handles, your shoulder blades tensing, nails digging into the meat of your palms. The doors creak open with some effort, granting you a cool gust of wind on your tired, fevered skin.

Whatever conversation was taking place before your grand entry peters, and there are suddenly two sets of eyes regarding you with different levels of interest as you stand, weary and bone-tired, in the entryway.

Gale’s lips quirk into an awkward smile, brows creasing with sympathy as he cautiously rounds the desk. “Erm, how was your training?”

“Shit,” you answer quickly. Flatly.

Gale blinks, utterly floored by your brazenness. Then again, you’ve never been one to filter yourself in the royal advisor’s presence. Doesn’t help that you’re exhausted and itching for a bath.

Astarion arches a humored brow. ‘Atta girl,’ reads the proud twinkle in his eye.

Gale chuckles uncomfortably, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Like you two are poised to pounce on him. “Er, right. My apologies for your…hardships.”

You shrug. “I survived. Got my ass kicked around a few times, but I’m here.”

The clearing of a throat draws your attention to your king. You straighten. “Right. Well, as riveting as this conversation has been, I think it’s time we wrap this up.”

Gale casts Astarion a pensive look. “Your Majesty, there is still much to discuss. The peace treaties, the plans for reconstruction. We’ve staved this off long enough.”

Astarion scoffs, rolling his eyes. Hands thrown up in dramatic flair. “Well, stave it off longer,” he commands, ushering Gale towards the entry of his quarters. “I’ve more…pressing matters to attend to.”

You don’t miss how Astarion’s mouth twitches when his eyes skim over you. Feel it tingling beneath your skin.

Halfway to the door, Gale looks between you and the king, fully aware of the implications of that statement. “Right. By pressing, you mean someone will be pressed up against a—”

“Get out!”

[malkaleh]

So @themalhambird wrote a thing in Gold Cages about Sauron going to Elrond just after the first sacrifices in Numenor aftermath and uh, This Happened in my head.

TW: rape, blood, references to sacrifices, self harm, dissociation and violence.

@plotdesigner @nocompromise-noregrets @conundrumoftime @eowyn7023

There are bloody handprints across Elronds tunic - it had been left on the floor and for one horrific moment Galadriel thinks the blood is his. Until. Until. She names herself before gently taking his hands but there is no reaction. His mind however.

Sauron with bloodied hands, smiling as he catches Elrond up, spins him about and kisses him, the blood imprinting upon the fine tunic. A trophy, a precious jewel he possesses.

His brother. His brother. His brothers peoples blood coats Saurons hands and now Elrond and Sauron is smiling, is joyful and celebrating.

“Oh my darling little bird, look at you. I’ve a mind to take my time, my joy. Soon, dearest you and my other treasures will be gone from this cursed island - I will destroy it.”

Sauron does not notice Elronds stricken face, kissing his neck and throat as he now is and by the time the maia looks upon it again it is carefully compliant.

And he had taken his time - slow hands in hair, on his body - marking with gentle kisses and even gentler bites as though Sauron was worshipful in some horrific way.

Galadriel shies away from the rest of it. They all have little enough shielding from what Sauron does to each of them and she wants to give Elrond what she can.