#darla my sweet death

[gnomewithalaptop]

Batfam Time Travel Fic Recs

Because @clarenceislazy requested it on my last fic rec compilation, here's a list of my favorite DCU time travel fics! They're all pretty Batfam-centric, but eh niche is niche what can you do

Damian fics:

A Good Place by LemonadeGarden - Damian gets sent back in time to a Batman who's never had a Robin. Very sweet, very fun.

The Rule Stands by Engineerd - After Dick's death, Damian has to deal with a time-displaced ten-year-old Dick Grayson. Love a good Dick and Damian bonding moment, PLUS this gets a happy ending <3

to stay in one place by Jezebunny - Injustice!Universe Nightwing!Damian time-travels/dimension-jumps to a timeline where Dick Grayson is still alive and his counterpart is still Robin. Ugh this is so angsty -- I have an unreasonable amount of love for Injustice Damian

looking for the shapes in the silence by popsunner - In a world where Dick died on the job, Damian falls through a hole in reality where Dick is still alive and finds that some things don't fit the way they used to. SUCH an amazing representation of complex grief -- literally every time I read it, I cry

Steph fics:

time slip by almondrose - A mistake in time leads to six Robins meeting. Honestly, this one is kinda cracky, and only barely qualifies as Steph-centric, but I still like it a lot

and we'll never be the same by almondrose - Steph and Tim go on a road trip to figure out the post-universal-reboot anomalies. This is more of a post timey-wimey-bullshit fic than a real time travel fic, BUT I think it's real cute regardless

Tim fics:

Tractors by lieu42 - Ooh this one is honestly so so fun! In a reimagined universe where DC's heroes operate out of the UK, Red Robin Tim finds himself right back in the year before everything went to hell. He has a duty to get back to his correct timeline so he can find Bruce, but with Bart and Kon still alive, there's a part of him that doesn't want to leave. Literally SO well written and trippy as hell -- this fic deals a lot with addiction, drug use, and grief, so definitely go into it forewarned. TimKon

not for very much longer by CreamOfTomatoSoup - ugh what CAN'T I say about this fic, apart from the fact that it's one of my favorite time loop fics of all time. Post Cult of Dionysus Bernard Dowd finds himself reliving the worst day of his life -- the day Darla got shot. Featuring identity porn, Steph as Robin, Original-Personality!Bernard, the grief of a childhood you can never return to, and the weirdness of having to interact with your significant other when he's currently a sixteen year old who doesn't know he likes dudes. Don't look at the incomplete warning -- it's not abandoned, just a wip, and I legitimately cannot recommend this fic enough. This fic made me read War Games. This fic made me a Darla Aquista stan. This fic made me ship timbern. Please read this fic.

Jason fics:

The View From Jade by lowflyingfruit - Jason Todd accidentally travels back to before Bruce took Dick in. I feel like this is on every time travel rec list, but what can I say: I'm a basic bitch

Two Dead Birds by InsaneTrollLogic - Jason Todd wakes up in the middle of his Mob Boss Era and immediately decides to rewrite his own history. This is very funky fresh of him, just in my personal opinion.

Dick fics:

So It Goes by 60sec400 - Bruce from Dick's Robin era receives a troubling call from Nightwing. Be warned -- this fic is angsty as hell. Implied major character death. Don't look at the incomplete warning -- it's a lie (the author has specified they intended it to work as a oneshot)

In This Or Any Other Universe by wildsofmarch - Dick-as-Batman ends up in Battinson-era Gotham. Again, I think this counts more towards the Dimension Travel pile than the strict Time Travel variety, but I'm still putting it here because I enjoy the hell out of it

a million dreams by CaptainOzone - In the seconds between the trapeze line snapping and their bodies hitting the ground, John and Mary Grayson find themselves transported twenty years into the future. SO GOOD I honestly can't stand it.

If you think I missed a fic you love (or if you've written any yourself and want to self-plug), feel free to drop a link in the reblogs! Especially if you know of any that center around Steph, Cass, or Duke -- istg I've scrolled through fifteen pages of the AO3 Time Travel tag, and I've found like maybe two fics that center around any of them. It's honestly a little ridiculous

[yandere-fics]

♡ You Kill Darla But She Comes Back ♡

(formatted different than the other ones of these I did but this doesn't have city or kingdom magic so her body would start to literally rot if it dragged on too much.)

♡ Darla was your dream girl, so pretty, so sweet, so smart, everything you could ever want but always so out of your reach with that group of bastards she called friends for whatever reason. Everyday you would bite your lip and nails raw mentally pleading with her as she passed you in the halls to get away from them, she didn't need them, you would give her everything you knew she needed if she'd just look your way, she didn't need to be popular or pretend to like those bastards, you knew she wasn't genuinely happy when she smiled at them, but she would be when she smiled at you, you just had to get her to notice you which admittedly was hard but your love for her triumphed and she finally became yours. ♡

♡ Except she wasn't truly yours, she loved you, you knew that, but she still paid attention to those friends of hers. It was a mockery of your feelings towards her and not something you could abide, you just couldn't allow it, it was all wrong, every part of it was wrong. So you did something about it, your Darla would never have to put on a fake smile for any of those friends of hers again because in death she would be yours. ♡

She really had just the prettiest smile, it wasn't hard to make her look pretty even in death, you could tell if she were alive and awake right now seeing all of this she'd hug you, thank you for finally saving her from having to put on a show for all those people.

"Hmm, I should get a better coffin..." Her hair looked so pretty on the pillow you'd chosen for her but your love needed a better bed to rest her head on really. Something expensive would suit her but you hoped your love would understand you were sort of on a budget, for now you would settle for laying flowers on her every day and giving her a soft kiss. You had initially planned to bury her in the forest so you could be the only one who would know her final resting place but when you saw how pretty she looked dead, you just had to keep her near you, it was only fair.

You'd been so caught up in your thoughts that you'd failed to hear her shift in her coffin, not noticing until her hand reached out of the coffin and clutched your wrist.

"Babe, you had better start begging for forgiveness right now, why the fuck would you hit me with a bat?!" She didn't seem to know that a lot had time had passed since then, she seemed to only remember you hitting her and didn't know that she had died from it yet. You bit your lip, sure it was nice to hear her voice again but if she was up again then you'd have to share her and you didn't want that. You'd have to knock her out again.

"Y-you were gonna break up with m-me..." You looked down, you had to fool her by looking ashamed if you wanted a chance to get her down again. You didn't even notice that she was looking around the room and putting together the pieces of what had happened, a plan forming in her own head. You didn't know until it was too late, her scarf wrapped tightly around your neck as she strangled you.

"It's my turn to keep you, it's only fair since you killed me and I probably have no friends left." That was the last thing you ever heard.

[bell-swamp-fitzjames]

Oops all Marines! for the Terror (2018)

As I get closer and closer to realizing this oops! mostly all characters from the Terror uuuh joke with myself thanks to the on going davechella event, I bring everyone a playlist for all of the Marines! I was honestly shocked at how quickly some of these came together, although I've had Tozer & Heather's in the works for a bit (shout out to whoever found Heather's playlist before I made this post, I hope you like the songs I added <3). Speaking of Tozer's playlist, I would like to thank @goddisposez for introducing me to the song Vampire Empire by Big Thief which her Tozer playlist originally had first. Okay, well, thanks to all witnessing this silly fun & thanks if you check them out <3

Solomon Tozer [LINK]

Pink Triangle by Weezer || Gun In My Hand by Dorothy || Low Dogg by Micachu & The Shapes || Blood, Sex, and Booze by Green Day || Tranquilize by The Killers, Lou Reed || Have a Smoke by Head Portals || The Killing Moon- BBC Evening Session January 15 by Pavement || Roundabout- 2024 Remaster by YES || Sleazy Bed Track - BBC Evening Session 1998 by The Bluetones || There Must Be More Than Blood by Car Seat Headrest || I Found A Reason- 2015 Remaster by The Velvet Underground || Bone Machine- 2007 Remaster by Pixies || Why Can't I Touch It? - 2001 Remaster by Buzzcocks || Slaughterhouse by Grandmas House || Plateau by Meat Puppets || Add It Up by Violent Femmes || Host Body by Chad VanGaalen || Vampire Empire by Big Thief || Goin' Against Your Mind by Built To Spill || Raise Me Up by Hercules & Love Affair

Private Heather [LINK]

Hometown Hero by Andy Shauf || Stay up Late- 2005 Remaster by Talking Heads || Ballad For The Brainkeepers by FOE || Down Home Town by Electric Light Orchestra || Walk On The Water by Creedence Clearwater Revival || Sirens of Titan by Al Stewart || Love Is Like Oxygen by Sweet || YOUR HEAD'S ON FIRE by Louie Zong || Imposter by Oingo Boingo || Dracula From Houston by Butthole Surfers || No Way Out Of Here by Unicorn || Splendid Isolation by Warren Zevon || Headstrong by Trapt || Life Is Hard by Timbuk 3 || Ride a White Swan- 2016 Remaster by T. Rex || Waiting For The End Of The World by Elvis Costello || Soul In My Body by Pinc Louds || The Man by The Killers || Smierc W Bikini by Republika || Head Over Heels by The Go-Go's

David Bryant [LINK]

Forty Six & 2 by TOOL || B.Y.O.B by System Of A Down || Just Like Heaven by Dinosaur Jr. || I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself by Elton John || Zero- Remastered 2012 by The Smashing Pumpkins || War Pigs / Luke's Wall- 2012 Remaster by Black Sabbath || Saturday Come Slow by Massive Attack, Damon Albarn || Pepper by Butthole Surfers || Cheap Drunk by Pretty Balanced || Bombtrack by Rage Against The Machine || Creep- 2017 Remaster by Stone Temple Pilots || Kocham Cie, Kochanie Moje by Maanam || Warm Leatherette by Grace Jones || What's In It For? by Avi Buffalo || Pretend We're Dead by L7 || You've Got Another Thing Coming by Judas Priest || Midlife Crisis by Faith No More || Would? (2022 Remaster) by Alice In Chains || My Name Is Mud by Primus || Dura by Daddy Yankee

William Pilkington [LINK]

Shoulderblade by The Teeth || Bone Bag by Superet || Orgasm of Death by The Growlers || Throw Away Children (2019 Remaster) by Dio || The Less I Know The Better by Tame Impala || Natural Disasters by Enon || 16 Mirrors by Alex G || Pantyhose by TV Girl || Deadlines (Hostile) by Car Seat Headrest || Darla by Vundabar || I Dropped Out by And The Kids || The Ballad of Bull Ramos by The Mountain Goats || Caroline, Please Kill Me by Coma Cinema || The Day That I Die by Good Charlotte || You Are Going To Hate This by The Frights || Dear Jealousy by MIKA || Best I Can (feat Sharon Van Etten) by Michael Cera, Sharon Van Etten || Glue by P.H.F || Apricots by Findlay || Big Cloud by Radiator Hospital

William Braine [LINK]

Call Me- Stereo by The Foundations || Out of Touch by Hall & Oates || Africa by TOTO || Pay No Mind (Snoozer) by Beck || Dancing In The Street by The Mamas & The Papas || Poison by The Symposium || Neurotic Nirvana by Fuzz Sagrado || Venus Ambassador by Bryan Scary || Life Is Real (Song For Lennon) by Queen || Girl From Germany by Sparks || People I Don't Like by UPSAHL || Cure For Pain by Morphine || The Stranger by Billy Joel || Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft by Klaatu || Cherub Rock- 2011 Remaster by The Smashing Pumpkins || Save It For Later by The English Beat || Crazy On You by Heart || All Seeing Eye by Blasphemous Creation || All the Rage by Allie X || 25 or 6 to 4- 2002 Remaster by Chicago

For ease of scrolling I will link the rest of the marines in the following style but under the cut

John Hammond [LINK]

Listen to the Music by The Doobie Brothers || What's Chasing You by Marlon Williams || Man On The Silver Mountain by Rainbow || Ruler of Everything by Tally Hall || Post Self by Godflesh || Frank Sinatra by CAKE || Birdhouse In Your Soul by They Might Be Giants || Men by The Dodos || I Am The Walrus - Remastered 2009 by The Beatles || Peaches by The Presidents Of The United States || Blueberry Skies by Loser Company || Golden Years- 2016 Remaster by David Bowie || Evil Woman by Electric Light Orchestra || Grave Dive by Municipal Waste || Tongues by The Frights || Heavy Metal Drummer by Wilco || Hall of the Mountain King by Savatage || We Need A Bigger Dumpster by Cheekface || Puppet Boy by DEVO || She Don't Use Jelly by The Flaming Lips

Robert Hopcraft [LINK]

Cough Syrup by Young the Giant || From Here On Out by The Killers || Lucky in The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles || Lolita by Miniature TIgers || While I'm Alive by STRFKR || NOW'S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A by Toby Fox || Me and Michael by MGMT || Carried Away by Passion Pit || Dead Weight by Jack Stauber || Puzzle Pieces by Saint Motel || Spiderhead by Cage the Elephant || Eat That Up, Its Good For You by Two Door Cinema Club || At Least I'm Not Sad (As I Used To Be) by fun. || Don't Stop (Color on the Walls) by Foster The People || C'mon- Single Version by Panic! At The Disco || Getting Old by Hellogoodbye || Rat A Tat by Fall Out Boy, Courtney Love || Canary In A Coalmine by The Police || Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel || Semi-Automatic by Twenty One Pilots

Henry Wilkes [LINK]

Baba O'Riley by The Who || Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) by Elton John || Windowpane by Mild High Club || Band On The Run- 2010 Remaster by Paul McCartney, Wings || Sunshine Superman by Donovan || Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young || Groovin' by The Young Rascals || Kodachrome by Paul Simon || Good Vibrations- Remastered 2001 by The Beach Boys || Can You Dig It by The Monkees || Dirty Work by Steely Dan || Big Shot by Billy Joel || Eight Miles High by The Byrds || Shiny Happy People by R.E.M. || Oh My God by Ida Maria || Pictures of Matchstick Men by Camper Van Beethoven || (Wish I Could Fly) Superman by The Kinks || Gimme Some Money by Spinal Tap || Louie Louie by The Kingsmen || Just What I Needed by The Cars

William Reed [LINK]

Favorite by Fontaines D.C. || Short Change Hero by The Heavy || The Wicker Man (2015 Remaster) by Iron Maiden || Joyriding by Frank Iero || Cuchito by Kiltro || Bodysnatchers by Radiohead || Wave of Mutilation by Pixies || Headache by Frank Black || Miracle Man by AWOLNATION || Fuck Feelings by Born Ruffians || Obstacle 1 by interpol || It's Getting Boring By The Sea by Blood Red Shoes || Blue Orchid by The White Stripes || Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark) by Unknown Mortal Orchestra || What Do You Want From Life by The Tubes || Give 'Em Hell, Kid by My Chemical Romance || The Rat by The Walkmen || I'm Only Joking by KONGOS || Sentiment Acide- Jennifer Cardini Remix by David Shaw and The Beat, Jennifer Cardini

James Daly [LINK]

Think I Wanna Die by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin || Time To Be A Man by The Airborne Toxic-Event || Head Like A Haunted House by Queens of the Stone Age || I Will, Tonight by The Brobecks || The Shins by Flake Music || The Death of Pop by The Rub || Unless It's Kicks || Someday by The Strokes || This Charming Man by Death Cab For Cutie || Mass Romantic by The New Pornographers || 7:30 AM by Slothrust || Dreaming by Blondie || Shine a Light by Wolf Parade || Now We Can See by The Thermals || Bitchin' Camaro by The Dead Milkmen || The Great Affair Is To Move by Forgive Durden || Medicines (Sawbones Edition) by The Taxpayers || Mad World by Tears For Fears || I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock Of Seagulls || I am a Hologram by Mister Heavenly

Joseph Healey [LINK]

Sabotage by Beastie Boys || Not Havin' A Blast by Demi the Daredevil || The Handler by Muse || Master Passion Greed by Nightwish || Still Waiting by Sum 41 || Me In My Own Mind by Beartooth || wonderful life (feat. Dani Filth) by Bring Me The Horizon, Dani Filth || Angel in Disgrace by The Raven Age || Dreams Where Ur Murdered by X Lovers || Stinkfist by TOOL || Goodbye Gemini by Blood Ceremony || We've Got a Big Mess On Our Hands by The Academy Is... || Brutus by The Buttress || It's Tricky by Run= D.M.C. || Empty Walls by Serj Tankian || Death Before The Mast by Alestorm || Queen of the Masquerade by Crimson Glory || You're Gonna Go Far Kid by The Offspring || Black Tar Marathon by Done For Good, Poor Man's Poison

William Hedges [LINK]

We Are Fucking Fucked by Muse || Yer Killin' Me by Remo Drive || Roshambo by The Network || Okie Dokie Doggy Daddy by Lala Lala || Love Action (I Believe In Love) by The Human League || Bad Spanish by Nervous Dater || @!#?@! by Motion City Soundtrack || Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional || Drowning In Your Velvet Bed by Walt Disco || Razzmatazz by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME || Bullet With Butterflies- Remaster 2012 by The Smashing Pumpkins || Hash Pipe by Weezer || West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys || Kyoto Now! by Bad Religion || Heavenly Peach Banquet by Damon Albarn || Mister Sandman by Bill Muter || MakeDamnSure by Taking Back Sunday || The Shell Shack by Billy Cobb || Light My Fire The Doors || Longview by Green Day

[romantichopelessly]

some assorted Ats ships for the meme: Angel/Darla, Angel/Cordelia, Wesley/Lilah, Fred/Gunn, Fred/Wesley

I cannot rate these no-nuance so prepare for explanations !

Angel/Darla: 7/10. I do not actively ship them, but they’re my divorced favs. Angelus and Darla were so crazy and toxic and fun to watch. Neither is good for the other, but it makes for good tv, yknow?

Angel/Cordelia: 9/10. They’re my pookies. I’m a Bangel truther, but they’re doomed forever and I love love love Cordelia and Angel. They’re also doomed tho bc Angel can literally have nothing ever. Torture him. 💜 (I also love the idea of Ace Cordy and how good that is for the curse and also how they co-parent baby Connor UGHHHH love)

Wesley/Lilah: 4/10. They’re both my enemy, they deserve one another. I think they should be allowed to be sex freaks and fuck off into the sunset never being functional.

Fred/Gunn: 100/10. ARE YOU KIDDING?! Gunn is the perfect man, he and Fred are SO sweet Joss Whedon can’t let woman have anything. I think their breakup was contrived—Gunn understood revenge, I don’t see why he would hate Fred for doing what she did. They’re just so dear to me. Both of them deserved so much better and I’m hunting Joss Whedon for sport.

Fred/Wesley: -1000000/10. I HATE THAT MAN !!!!!! Wesley my beloathed. I want to shoot him into the sun. Every cool direction they could have taken with his character was just ignored or avoided. AND THEN!!! They broke Fred and Gunn up. SET HER UP WITH THIS MAN! AND THEN FRIDGED HER ?! I would have been more okay with Fred’s death if it hadn’t been all about Wesley, and right before the end of the show. What a waste. Fred is a woman in STEM, she never would have fallen for an asshole like Wesley, who 100% would be the guy to show up to a lecture and ask inane questions to appear smart.

[yourdarlingdevons]

New RP Blog on the block!

Darla Devons' adventure has just begun. A 38yo mother of one takes to the road after a messy divorce strips her of her family's land. With no where to go and no one to turn to, she adopts her mothers Desnan faith and hopes the world is as kind as she believes it could be. Rather unconventionally, this mild-mannered, sweet cat-lady's chosen school of magic falls under the art of necromancy. Her morbid fascination with death and undeath is sure to turn heads, as she and her small daughter are accompanied by her undead eidolon, Stella. What adventures await this strange little family?

Be sure to check out Darla's bio, as well as my rules page! My art can be found @pidgeonspen and my personal is @mirelurkqueer

Additionally, while this is a fandomless character written for a high fantasy setting, there are fandoms I'm open to RPing with listed under the cut~

Fantasy/Fantasy adjacent fandoms:

Cult of the Lamb

Pillars of Eternity

Baldurs Gate 3

Divinity 2: Original Sin

The Adventure Zone

Critical Role

Dragon Age

The Elder Scrolls

Non-fantasy/Modern/Sci-fi fandoms:

Beastars

Rick & Morty

The Magnus Archives

Doctor Who

Undertale / Deltarune

Fallout

Inscryption

Space Dandy

Want to interact but don't see your fandom here? Shoot me an ask! I don't bite, I prommy!

[thegrayascendancy-if]

Hello! First I'd like to say that I've absolutely enjoyed reading your work so far! The characters are intriguing and so is the premise. Your writing is very smooth, for lack of a better word, but I very much mean that as a compliment! I also have a question (I apologize if it's already been asked): is Mort's name a reference to the french word? And more generally, did anything in particular inspire the names of the major characters? :)

Thank you, sweet anon! Your message warms my heart 🤍

Mort's name is certainly intentional. Isn't "death" a rather apt name for a healer? :)

If you take a closer look at them, some of the names do tend to follow patterns. The last names of the ruling bloodlines of both mages and Daelan are of French origin*, for example: Arnaud (eagle + power) and le Tellier (weaver). On the contrary, Arthur's lineage, van der Garde, needed differentiation, hence the sort of Dutch* last name and "margrave" instead of "marquis".

In line with that, some of the characters have French names: Manon and Yvette/Yves, for instance. Regarding the latter, in the game's ideation phase, the Gray Regent was female, and Yvette just sort of popped into my head and stayed. Lo and behold, when I decided on making them gender-selectable, the name already had a perfect male counterpart (both mean "yew"), so that was a happy accident, I guess!

I wanted something tender for a name to accentuate Darla's armor-clad look and brash attitude, so that was the inspiration behind her name. For Jax, I always knew their name would be quite gender-neutral and sort of sharp, business-like to reflect the way they carry themself. Gale's doesn't have any particular significance other than sounding rather princely to me. For Arthur it's simply that all my writing has to have an Arthur in it, so that's just a personal quirk. And last but not least, I knew the character that would later be known as Ianthe would have a name from Greek mythology, and I wanted something ethereal, something that sounds like it might just slip through your fingers.

*[at least according to the internet®]

[zahri-melitor]

Newish Comics:

Batman #146: okay so this story is finally actually picking up from where The Gotham War left off, with the same fault lines still in place. This is good actually! I am very soft that Damian's determined to keep believing in Bruce (especially as they're also spending quality time together over in Batman & Robin). Also I'm still enjoying Vandal Savage being annoying (sorry not sorry).

Birds of Prey #8: This comic is being written for queer women who like reading about women and I for one salute the entire team for their (fan)service. Excuse me. Several of those Barda panels and Dinah screaming for Barbara are going on my iconic list immediately.

Blue Beetle #8: Roma quits, Oo’li has a crush on Jaime, Jaime finally finds out Brenda is working for Victoria, and Victoria just gets even more on-page evil. I can't believe this is the last storyline we're getting before this gets cancelled, dammit.

Shazam! #10: I had to stop to howl with laughter about every third panel of this. Do yourself a favour. Read Shazam! Darla’s flying with Hoppy on a Pegasus. Freddy just got his licence and bought the Shaz-van! Also omg the lettering for the dragons!

DC’S Spring Breakout! #1: A mixed bag.

The Harley Quinn and King Shark story certainly happened (and I've read better versions of it).

The Batman and Mr Freeze story was quite predictable but sweet. Hit all the right notes in the space awarded to it.

MegFitz had a World's Finest Teen Titans story it felt, well, very MegFitz. She was writing characters in roles rather than writing the characters. On the upside Garth actually got to be the hero, so that made me happy.

The Metal Men story I honestly couldn't judge on characterisation but it was workmanlike. I was amused by the random Atlantean surfer.

The Katana story however was GOOD and delightfully creepy and just really fun Tatsu writing. Highlight of the issue for me.

The Lex Luthor story was incredibly funny in that Lex is there complaining about the damned aliens and how "The forces against us grow in number by the day" with a picture that includes Kon. I'm pretty sure you don't remember why that's hilariously ironic at this point, Lex, but Kon was very much your own fault here. (Lex also saying to Jason 'having trouble digging yourself out of the grave? Skill issue!)

J'onn story! J'onn getting screwed over again by Batman protocols! (This isn't nice, J'onn had one of the worst protocols of the lot, and all I can think is that this far, FAR milder route of attack is Bruce realising how far the other plan was over the line). But the dual shapeshifter fight scene was quite fun. This was probably my second favourite.

The Superman and Jimmy story was...fine. Why is Manchester Black alive and annoying people? This just felt mostly like lead in to current stories (whatever is happening with Zod and Absolute Power).

The Warlord #46: this week in the Lost World of Skartaris Travis is still hunting Jennifer’s trail when he and Shakira end up in a fight with a dinosaur.

Travis gets knocked around, but Shakira is so badly injured that…Death comes to claim her!

I have never been apart from you, my Champion. I have walked where you walked — drunk the lives you have spilled. I am ever at your side.

Travis then follows Death trying to convince her to return Shakira, into a cavern in hell.

I really like this art for Death?

In any case, Travis negotiates with her to get Shakira back and trades her 10 years of his life.

And Travis and Shakira return to Skartaris. Both alive.

Meanwhile Jennifer arrives at the mysterious tower of the ‘master’ of the hunchbacked man who has been leading her.

[space-battle-royal]

Bracket Time!

I'll post the polls in groups of four to avoid spamming (and a potential shadow ban, apparently). Competitors under the cut.

TARDIS (Doctor Who) vs. The Minerva (Umbrella Academy) vs. Divine Beast Van Medoh (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)

Warp Star (Kirby) vs. Hera (Wolf 395)

The Starship Aurora (The Mechanisms) vs. The Aurora (Subnautica)

Darla (She Ra) vs. Starblaster (The Adventure Zone) vs. 36 Kars on Mars (Jorge Joestar)

Comet Observatory (Super Mario Galaxy) vs. M-Bot (Skyward) vs. Octobot King L3Gs (Splatoon)

Bebop (Cowboy Bebop) vs. ISV Venture Star (Avatar) vs. Serenity (Firefly)

Elon Musk's car (real life) vs. The Skeld (Among Us)

X-Wing (Star Wars) vs. Spaceball One (Spaceballs)

Death Egg (Sonic the Hedgehog) vs. Invincible II (In Space With Markiplier) vs. Arwing (Star Fox)

The Rampion (The Lunar Chronicles) vs. Samus's Gunship (Metroid) vs. Lunar Whale (Final Fantasy IV)

U.S.S. Discovery (Star Trek) vs. The Traveler (Destiny) vs. Lost Light (Transformers)

Ship of the Imagination (Cosmos) vs. ART (The Murderbot Diaries) vs. The Massive (Invader Zim)

Rayquaza (Pokemon) vs. The Imperious Condescension' Ship (Homestuck) vs. Justice of Toren (Imperial Radch (Ancillary Justice))

Millennium Falcon (Star Wars) vs. Battle School (Ender's Game) vs. The Wayfarer (A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet)

Starship Tipton (Sweet Life on Deck) vs. Sputnik 1 (real life) vs. Space Cruiser (Rick and Morty)

Discovery One (2001: A Space Odyssey) vs. The Heart of Gold (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) vs. Bip (Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator)

Rocket (Young Einsteins) vs. S.S. Dolphin (Pikmin) vs. AI (Star Twinkle Precure)

U.S.S Enterprise (Star Trek) vs. The Skullship (Wander Over Yonder)

Please don't complain about seeding, I barely know more than half of these sources but I did my best. May the best ship win.

[moonflowerxox]

Orange Grove - 2

chapter two - home, baby, home

Notes:

Y/n's last name will be Mackey so that it's not constantly written as "Y/n L/n" thanks for reading <3

   The jet landed, each team member standing up one by one to make their way towards the exit doors. You yawned, raising your arms in the air and stretching your sleepy muscles. Having barely slept since the last case, you felt like you were running on empty. You exited the jet with the rest of your team. 

   Arriving at the police station, you immediately met with the sheriff.

"Sheriff Davies, thank y'all for coming." she was shorter than you would've expected, likely around 5'2 with a slight chub to her build. Her face was lightly wrinkled, and she had green eyes with deep tan skin. Her hair was pulled into a sleek bun. Hotch reached out to shake her hand. "Ma'am" he said politely, his face as stoic as ever. "I'm SSA Hotchner, and this is my team. SSA David Rossi, along with agents Prentiss, Morgan, Jareau, Reid, and Mackey."

"You brought a full house" she joked, cracking a slight smile. She continued, "it's terrible what's been going on around here, it's got everyone scared to death. Children are afraid of losing their parents, and the parents are driving themselves crazy. I wouldn't be surprised if a few families were to back up and get out of town." She shook her head.

"Well, we're all happy to be of assistance. Morgan and Prentiss, you take the crime scene and see what all you can find. Reid, Mackey, I want you to interview the families, starting with the latest victims. See if they have any information that might be useful." Everyone nodded, dispersing to work on their tasks. 

   Starting with the Brown family, you and Reid entered the neighborhood of Laine Brown's sister, Darla. you looked around at the houses, taking a minute to absorb your surroundings. Something seemed familiar about this street, suddenly it clicked. Madeline, an old childhood friend of yours, used to live at the end of the block. You hadn't spoken to her since high school graduation. You wonder how she's doing. Focusing your attention back onto the case at hand, you parked the car on the side of the street, you and Reid both hopping out of the car promptly. 

   You closed your eyes, feeling the cool air brush across your skin. You inhaled, detecting a slightly sweet smell. 

"It's going to rain soon" you looked up at the clouds, ever so slightly graying. 

Spencer looked at you. "You know, many people believe that they can smell when it's going to rain. There is some evidence to support this, being that when a higher humidity is experienced as a precursor to rain, the pores of rocks and soil become trapped with moisture, forcing some of the oils to be released into the air." You looked back at him, letting out a playful scoff. 

"Look at you, Mr. National Geographic" you teased.

"Actually, did you know that National Geographic was one of the first magazines to reproduce color photographs?" 

"Uh, no, I did not know that" you responded, you couldn't help but smile. Spencer's knowledge of things had actually always been really impressive to you. "You're an odd one, Spence. Never change." You gently patted his shoulder before approaching the front door of the home. 

"Thank you?" he said, caught off guard by the assumed compliment.

   A woman opened the door, seemingly confused at first; she stepped out onto the patio, closing the door behind her. "Can I help you?" she asked. Flashing your badges, you spoke. 

"Mrs. Aldrich-" 

"Please, call me Darla" she interrupted. 

"Darla, my name is Y/n Mackey, and this is my partner, Spencer Reid. We work at the FBI for the behavioral analysis unit." The woman's eyes saddened, the realization of why you were both here sinking in. "We'd like to ask you a few questions about your sister, Laine" Spencer expressed.

   Darla sighed, "please, come in." She opened the door, moving out of the way and allowing you and Spencer to enter the home. You looked around, taking in your surroundings. It was a beautiful home. The walls were a deep pumpkin, lined with family photos and paintings. At the end of the room sat a sofa, it's yellow creme color and green floral printed throw pillows mixing nicely with the reddish-brown area rug underneath. In front of the couch sat a round wooden table, on top were a few books next to a clear vase filled with purple hyacinths, a box of tissues, and a half finished puzzle of the ocean. On either side of the sofa rested an ivory armchair, each with a light brown diagonal gingham pattern. 

"Please, sit." Darla motioned towards the furniture. You took a spot on the couch, Spencer placed in the left armchair, Darla in the right. She had rich brown skin, and she was wearing a forest green sweater and black trousers. Her hair was in twists, pulled back into a half up bun. 

"Now, Darla, what can you tell us about the afternoon Laine died?" Spencer inquired. "Was there anything that may have been said or done that struck you as odd or out of character for your sister?"

"No" she answered begrudgingly, dropping her head. You and Spencer met each other's eyes, slightly taken aback by how quickly she answered. Before either of you could respond, Darla continued, eyes glued to the floor almost as if she was in a trance. "My sister..." she paused, trying to find the right words. "Growing up, Laine always found herself in some type of trouble. Drugs, men, bar fights. It's like she didn't know how to stop. I tried to be there for her.." she choked on her words. "But we were just kids. I felt like part of me didn't know how to help her."

Your stomach dropped.

"It all became too much. I couldn't put my life on hold waiting for Laine to get hers together. I moved away for college, met my husband. After that, I never gave her a second thought." She paused, stumbling over her words as she choked back tears. "It's been nearly 20 years since we last spoke. I loved my sister. I loved her. That never went away. Even in the years we didn't speak. Never." You handed her the box of tissues from the table as tears streamed down her face, jaw quivering. She wiped the drops away. Holding the tissue in her hand, eyes red and puffy, she spoke once more. "Sometimes I'll just sit here and think about her last moments, the thoughts that must have been running through her head. I didn't even know that she had a husband and children. I never called. Visited. Not even a post card. I almost pretended she didn't exist. She- she must have died thinking that I hated her. I should have been there for her.. maybe things would of been different."

   You felt an anchor in your stomach, the aura of anxiety creeping up on you. You took a breath, focusing on the current moment. This isn't about you. 

   Spencer looked over at you once again, meeting your eyes. Honestly, neither of you were really sure what to say to Darla. You reached over and placed your hands on top of hers, holding them gently.

"Darla, this is not your fault." you swallowed thickly. 

"I loved her" she choked out. 

"I know."

   After getting back in the car, you let out a deep, almost shaky breath. 

"Hey, Y/n, are you okay?"

"Yeah" you replied hesitantly. You two drove off.

   After a few more interviews, you made your way back to the station. You pulled into a parking space and turned off the car. Spencer opened the passenger door, hopping out. 

"You coming?" he asked.

"Yeah, go on ahead, I'll be there in a minute" you pushed out a smile. He shut the door, walking into the building. You took out your phone and dialed a number, a familiar voice answering on the other line. 

"This is Garcia, here to to make all of your deepest, wildest fantasies come to life" she said in a sultry voice. Your eyes softened as you let out a slight chuckle. You had always compared Penelope to the sunshine, she just had this brightness about her. She always knew how to light up a room, just by being herself. You admired her for that.

"Garcia, I need you to look someone up for me."

"Sure thing, babydoll, just give me the name" she said cheerfully. 

"I need you to look up Jordan Makey." 

------------

chapter one

[BAUbxbe on ao3]

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Monday, February 26

ANGEL: (suddenly appears) He's worse. (they all look at him) Once he starts something he doesn't stop until everything in his path is dead. XANDER: Hmm. So, he's thorough, goal-oriented.

~~School Hard~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

The Gift (Angel/Darla, M) by CoffeeHunt

Deep Breaths and a Tall Pointy Statue (Gen, T) by cmk418

[Chaptered Fiction]

A Little Poet in Her Monster Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Desicat

Love Lives Here Chapter 27 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Passion4Spike

You Can't Fight Teenage Angst Chapter 1 (Gen, not rated) by Slaterchest

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:buffy fanart from the past few days by kimodraw

Artwork:Spike by isevery0nehereverystoned

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[Recs]

Artwork:Top 10 Spuffy fics I’ve read (Feb 2024) by mcgnagallsarmy

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[a-little-bit-of-pretty]

To Live Forever, Forever Yours (2/3)

I remember her as the seasons flow and the years drift by. Autumns come and autumns go, but I’ve never had another dog. I’ll never have another dog. I’ve grown up like a pencil line, thin and tall. Hazy like graphite scribbles, gray and fading. My dirty hair has grown too long but no one says a thing. It reminds them of her. My face is like hers too, long and mournful. Gaunt and pale. I know my mother is the same, but her smile chases it away.

“We do not speak of her, we do not speak to her.” Mother whispers, day after day. Her frantic eyes search my face, day after day, but can never find the part of me that died with Darla.

Aunt Odette’s doors are closed and her shop slowly crumbles, like leaves on a crisp autumn day. She does not speak to us, either. She never visits on my birthday. She’ll live forever, entombed in her taxidermy shop. 

And yet she loves me, only me. She sent me a letter, the mailman looked afraid.

“Dear Harris, my favorite of the Townsine family, someone left a baby out on the steps. Out, all alone, in the cold! Come, come at once! Come meet your new cousin!”  Nothing more and nothing less, handwriting scratchy and scrawling like stitches across the graying paper. It smells like her perfume, sweet and cloying, like a flower field of death.

[deadgirlcentral]

Hi tumblr did you miss me

So this basically came to me in a vision (jokes) but here’s a one shot (I guess?) or like a short story about lesbians in the 1600’s, one of them was accused of being a witch and is sentenced to execution but her gf says Nuh uh

TW: graphic talks of blood. murder (but like..consensual murder. If that makes sense.) and scuicide.

-<3-

Darla grabbed the sword, her lover on the floor. Beneath her, as if Darla were a higher power. Elizabeth always worshipped her like one. Now here she was at the hands of her god, her fate lying in the soft hands of whom she’d felt like no other. “Kill me then. Kill me, you won’t do it!” Darla stood stern even at Elizabeth’s raising voice. “You think I’m a witch? Like all of them, do you darling?” Elizabeth carried waves emotion in her voice, rushing harshly like the foam that crashed onto the beach. “If I thought you were a witch, I would’ve lit you aflame. But it wouldn’t do either of us any good…our hearts burn more than any torch a man could kill with. You have to understand, this is out of love.” Darla was too sweet for this world, so everyone thought. Maybe it contradicted her kindness to be stood here, blade to her darling’s neck. But even with her life being threatened, Elizabeth could only see the shining rays of her kindness, outdoing the sun. The softness, the warmth, the roughness, the cold. All sides of Darla that Elizabeth had seen, and had not coward away from. “If it were anyone else…” she started, but Darla was far ahead of her. “If it were anyone else, you’d kick and scream.” But with darla, oh, with Darla…she’d fight every being in the on earth and beyond to be with Darla. And if Darla wanted to kill her, so be it. But it was more than a want, it was a necessity. Elizabeth just couldn’t move along like every other fair maiden, no. When you anger the men, you become their supper. They’ll burn you, hang you, anything to make the ticking clock stop it’s ticking. Anything to make a woman stop living. Darla did not want that of her Elizabeth. If her love was going to die, it wouldn’t be at the hands of injustice and the ostracization of woman. It would be an act of mercy, and pure, raving obsession. Darla’s love had no limits. If she could sow her skin to Elizabeth’s and stay that way ‘till death couldn’t even do them part, she would. “My love, my everything…will you meet me there? Wherever we go after death, promise I’ll find you.” Elizabeth pleaded with a shake in her voice. “You want me to meet you there? It would-“

It wouldn’t take long, Darla realized. How could she survive much longer in a world without her Elizabeth? No, no, that just wouldn’t do. “Before the blade opens yourself to me, I promise. You will find me there, and if not there, then anywhere else. Oh, my Elizabeth…our love is too true, too strong to be held down by one possibility of the universe. We are infinite.”

Elizabeth, on her knees, easing into the cold metal placed at her neck and Darla in a sudden whisper asked her, “Anything you need to say..? Please, don’t hold back.” Elizabeth giggled, she could hear the worry Darla was trying desperately to hide. “I’ve opened myself up to you more than your sword could, my lady. Don’t make me wait too long.” She spoke with a breathy voice, air in her tone that was calmer than a summers day. As her red lips grew into a smile, Elizabeth remembered she wasn’t wearing lipstick. That the blade had already slashed through her neck, a graphic scene where her blood landed everywhere, including her own face. As she lay there bleeding, soft hands run down her shoulders, a tear drops onto her cheek. if only she were able to tell it was a tear through all of the blood. Her love, her Darla now laying next her, keeping her promise. Darla would slay a dragon with more heads than gargoyle has snakes than break a promise to her Elizabeth. Her smile matched her lover’s when she plunged the sword into her chest, gasping, wincing and hurting…but accepting it aswell. Accepting it with honor to die with Elizabeth, and accepting it with honor to die. Her delicate hands found their rightful place in Elizabeth’s. The light called to both of them, assured them that they were in no wrong, and welcomed them. To this day their bodies lay deep under the roots of the tallest birch tree, in the littlest forest. they were never found but this was natures burial. And it was almost as beautiful as the girls were to each other. Nothing could match her Darla, and no one could come close to her Elizabeth.

[pixel7777]

The Downside of Daring Rescues: Chapter 6 - Shadowboxer

Chapter 6: Shadowboxer

Darla and Astarion are still circling each other, all flirtation and sharp edges, but who’s really holding the reins here? One thing’s for sure—Operation Cure-the-Vampires is off to a rocky start. 🩸🎻

Read here below the break or on AO3!

If you enjoy, please reblog or reply here, or comment and leave kudos on AO3! Every comment means so much to me!

Note: the image is the cover of the Fiona Apple album cover for the song that inspired the title of this chapter. If you're wondering whether or not to spend the time listening to the song, just get a look at how perfect even a snippet of the lyrics are for the whole simple-plan-fallout storyline (the whole song is perfect):

You made me a shadowboxer, baby I wanna be ready for what you do And I've been swinging 'round me 'Cause I don't know when you're gonna make your move

Oh, your gaze is dangerous And you fill your space so sweet If I let you get too close You'll set your spell on me

So darlin' I just wanna say Just in case I don't come through I was on to every play I just wanted you

From Darla's Journal, written in flowing script with occasional ink blots and doodles in the margins

Day 1 of Operation Cure-the-Vampires (working title):

Sage Evendur seemed interested when I mentioned "theoretical" research into vampirism, but his eyes lit up WAY too much at the "specimens" part. Cross him off. Not risking my new... associates... becoming dissection projects.

Master Delwind shows promise—she actually asked intelligent questions about vampire spawn autonomy after Cazador's death. Plus, she has access to the restricted section. Worth pursuing, but carefully.

Note to self: Need better cover story than "asking for a friend."

Crossed out lyrics, with revisions:

His fangs were sharp, his heart was cold

A predator's tale, as stories are told

Revised:

In shadows deep, a tale unfolds

Of chains that bind and stories untold

A dance of fate brought him to me

Now freedom rings, wild and free

(Ugh. Still needs work. Less tragic? More... something? It's way easier writing songs about people who aren't going to be there when you sing it… giving you side-eye.)

The look on Astarion's face when I offered my wrist! You'd think I'd suggested he eat vegetables. "My dear, one doesn't simply... drink from a wrist. How gauche."

But he took it anyway, after all that fuss. Even managed to make it seem elegant, the pretentious ass.

Had to bite my lip to keep from laughing when he tried to make it all seductive and mysterious. Please. That angle is burned, vamp-boy.

He's actually funny when he's not trying so hard to be dangerous. Still playing games, of course—I catch those calculated looks when he thinks I'm not watching. But two can play, and I'm rather good at games myself.

Note to self: Remember he's still dangerous. Just because he's amusing doesn't mean he's safe.

(But it is fun to watch him squirm when I don't follow his "seduction" script.)

Margin Doodle: A tiny vampire with exaggerated fancy clothes and swirling cape

***

Astarion's blade whistled through the air, meeting Thal's parry with a satisfying clash of steel. The courtyard's torchlight caught the sheen of sweat on his face as he spun away from their counter-attack, his feet finding purchase on the worn stones.

"Not bad for someone who spent a century as a bootlicker," Thal said, their lavender eyes tracking his movement.

Astarion laughed, the sound sharp and genuine. "And you're quite skilled for someone who looks like they learned to fight in a circus." He feinted left, then struck right, forcing Thal to dance backward.

The drow fighter's practical leather armor creaked as they shifted stance, their own blade a silver arc in the darkness. "That spin you did earlier—the one where you went under instead of over? Clever. Would've had me if I hadn't seen the tension in your shoulder."

"You're very observant." Astarion pressed forward, testing Thal's guard with quick, precise strikes. His muscles burned pleasantly with the exertion, a reminder that his body was his own now, to do with as he saw fit. "Though I notice you favor your right side when you're planning something particularly nasty."

Their blades locked, and Astarion found himself grinning at the pure physicality of it. No magic, no manipulation—just skill against skill. Thal didn't waste words on empty platitudes or unwanted sympathy. They simply fought, offered criticism when warranted, and matched his pace without complaint.

"Getting cocky?" Thal asked, breaking the blade-lock with a move that nearly sent Astarion sprawling.

He recovered with preternatural grace, using his speed to slide past their guard. "Always. But I can back it up."

The cool night air filled his dead lungs, and for once, Astarion didn't think about scholars or cures or the terrifying weightlessness of freedom. He simply moved, blade singing, body remembering skills he hadn't had the chance to properly exercise in many years.

The sharp sting of steel caught Astarion's forearm—a lucky strike from Thal. Blood welled, then vanished as the wound sealed itself. Instinct screamed at him to hide the supernatural healing, but it was too late.

A monk in brown robes had paused their evening walk to watch the sparring match. Their eyes widened at the sight.

Thal's blade swooped in again, drawing Astarion's attention back to the fight. "That healing ring is doing its job nicely. Want to sell it?"

Astarion caught their meaning instantly. "Not a chance. Do you know how hard these are to come by?" He matched their casual tone while his mind raced. Had the monk bought the explanation?

"Worth a try." Thal pressed forward with another attack sequence, but their movements had lost their earlier fluidity. Every muscle in Astarion's body tensed as he tracked both his opponent and the monk's presence in his peripheral vision.

Their blades continued to clash, maintaining the appearance of an ordinary training session. But the joy had vanished from the exercise, replaced by the familiar weight of secrecy and survival. Astarion recognized the controlled fear in Thal's slightly too-wide stance—the same instinct to flee while forcing oneself to act natural.

The monk lingered for another excruciating minute before continuing their evening walk. Only when their footsteps had completely faded did Astarion allow himself to exhale. Astarion and Thal exchanged loaded glances and sheathed their swords.

Astarion followed Thal through the darkened hallways, their footsteps echoing off stone walls. His mind still raced with possibilities of discovery, cataloging escape routes and contingency plans—old habits that refused to die.

"Sorry about that," Thal muttered, breaking his spiral of thoughts. "Didn't mean to cut you."

Astarion nearly stumbled. The words took a moment to process—someone apologizing to him? For a minor scratch? He blinked, caught between confusion and an unexpected warmth in his chest.

"I—" He cleared his throat, forcing his usual poise back into place. "Quick thinking with that healing ring explanation. I appreciate it."

Thal shrugged, the gesture barely visible in the dim corridor. "Next time we should probably use practice blades. Takes some of the thrill out, but better than explaining away supernatural healing to every passing monk."

Next time. They wanted there to be a next time. Astarion's lips curved into a genuine smile before he could stop himself. He quickly masked it with his typical smirk. "Worried about scratching my perfect skin again?"

"More worried about explaining to Darla why her pet vampire got burned at the stake." Thal's dry tone carried no real bite. "Besides, you're not half bad with a blade. Be a shame to lose a decent sparring partner."

Astarion followed Thal down the corridor, quietly scoffing at pet but not sure what to say next. This sort of conversation—whatever it was—wasn't something he'd done much of before. The silence stretched between them, broken only by their footsteps on stone.

"Can't picture you just... hanging around here," Thal said finally. "Helping with research, playing nice with scholars." They gestured vaguely at the library's towering walls. "Seems like you've got talent with a blade. And maybe a taste for the fight."

The observation caught him off guard. Astarion's fingers traced the pommel of his sword, remembering the pure satisfaction of testing his skills without fear of punishment. But what was the point of acknowledging such things? He'd learned long ago not to want what he couldn't have.

"I'm not sure what to picture myself doing," he admitted, the words slipping out before he could stop them. He covered quickly with a practiced smirk. "The possibilities are rather limited when one bursts into flames at sunrise."

They reached Thal's door, and the fighter turned to face him with an oddly knowing smile. "Seems to me you've already done more than a few impossible things. Why start limiting yourself now?"

Before Astarion could form a response, Thal slipped into their room, leaving him alone with that outrageous statement.

Astarion lingered in the corridor, Thal's words echoing in his mind. Why start limiting yourself now? As if it were that simple. As if the world hadn't taught him exactly where his limitations lay.

And yet... here he was, sparring with a drow fighter who'd covered for him without hesitation. Living in one of the most prestigious libraries in Faerûn. Being fed regularly without having to hunt or seduce or scheme. He had cash, a wardrobe he didn't need to patch every night, and rings on his fingers Thal could pretend were magical.

He traced his fingers along the stone wall, appreciating its solid presence. If they found a willing scholar, they could build something here. Something stable.

Wasn't that enough? After centuries of torture and degradation, shouldn't basic safety feel like an impossible luxury?

Movement caught his eye—Darla, heading toward her quarters in a swirl of bright fabric. It was his turn tonight (stupid schedule).

Astarion's lips curved into a familiar smirk, his philosophical state of mind evaporating in an instant. He'd just enjoyed one sparring match—time to indulge in another. After all, what was the point of freedom if he couldn't have a little fun with it?

***

A rhythmic knock echoed through Darla's quarters. "My dearest, sweetest bard, your devoted admirer has arrived for his appointed tryst."

Darla rolled her eyes, but couldn't help grinning. "Enter, oh pining heart. Though I warn you—I'm dreadfully occupied with important heroic business." She shuffled some papers on her desk for effect.

Astarion slipped inside, pressing a hand to his chest. "Two whole days without your radiant presence. How cruel you are to keep me waiting." He draped himself across her bed with theatrical grace. "I've composed sonnets of longing. Shall I recite them?"

"Please don't. Your poetry's terrible." Darla spun in her chair to face him. "And I saw you at the team meeting, two hours ago."

"Those fleeting glimpses only torture me more." He sighed, examining his nails. "To think you've reduced me to scheduled appointments, like some common merchant."

"Would you prefer I pencil you in as 'afternoon delight' instead of 'feeding time'?"

"Much more romantic." Astarion's fangs glinted as he smiled. "Though I notice Dalyria gets the prime late night slots."

"She doesn't try to make every feeding into a seduction scene from a penny dreadful."

"I can't help my natural charm." He patted the bed beside him. "Come now, darling. Let's not waste our precious moments together."

"You're impossible." But Darla was already moving to sit beside him, pushing up her sleeve. "Just try not to get blood on the bedding this time. The washerwomen are starting to talk."

"You wound me, darling. I've never spilled a single precious drop." Astarion pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense.

"No, you haven't." Darla met his gaze, ready with another quip—but something made her pause. There, just for a heartbeat: a flicker of tension around his eyes, a slight stiffening of his shoulders. Her stomach did an odd little flip as realization hit.

For all his sultry poses and bedroom eyes, he didn't actually want her to give in.

"Well then." She cleared her throat, suddenly aware of how close they sat. "Best get on with it before we lose the moment."

Astarion's fangs sank into her wrist with practiced delicacy. Darla tried to focus on the papers scattered across her desk, the way the oil lamp caught dust motes floating through her room—anything but how he used his tongue to control the blood flow, drawing out each moment. Not distracting at all. Definitely not making her pulse quicken in ways that had nothing to do with blood loss.

But her mind kept circling back to that tiny tell she'd caught. If he didn't want sex, what was this elaborate game about? He already had guaranteed meals and their help with the scholars. She felt heat rise in her cheeks as she realized how presumptuous she'd been, assuming that his flirtations, obviously lacking in genuine affection, at least meant genuine desire.

So what did he want?

The question nagged at her as Astarion's tongue traced lazy circles against her skin.

"That's enough." Darla pulled her wrist back too quickly. Her pulse still raced—damn him for being able to hear that—but something in Astarion's posture made her pause.

There it was again. That flash of relief as he released her, though his expression remained playfully wounded.

"Already? And here I thought we were having such a lovely moment." But he didn't press closer or try to recapture her wrist. Instead, he glided to her desk and began shuffling through her papers with exaggerated interest. "My, my. What's all this? Rewriting your song? How… sweet."

The physical distance he put between them felt deliberate. Darla watched him, pieces clicking into place. Every flirtation, every sultry comment—they all pushed right up to the edge without crossing it. Like her own tendency to play along while keeping things safely in the realm of banter.

She'd assumed he was being your average rake, looking for an casual lay and enjoying pursuit. But maybe...maybe he just enjoyed the game itself? The back-and-forth without expectation?

No, that wasn't quite right either. There was something else going on beneath his carefully crafted persona. Something that made him maintain this delicate balance of seduction and retreat.

"Those are private. Not ready for critique," she said, but her heart wasn't in the protest. She was too busy trying to decode the puzzle before her.

"Everything about you is private, darling." He winked, but kept the distance between them. "Except to your devoted admirer, of course. Darla Daring…" he read off the page. "That must be a stage name."

"Guilty as charged." Darla smoothed her sleeve back down, grateful for the familiar rhythm of their banter. "A girl needs a bit of mystery, don't you think?"

"Oh come now, you can't leave me in such suspense." Astarion's fingers traced the edge of her papers. "What dull, ordinary name could you possibly be hiding beneath such a dazzling nom de guerre?"

"That's for me to know and you to wonder about." She leaned back on the bed, finding her footing in their usual game. Better to let whatever revelations she'd stumbled upon settle before examining them too closely. "Besides, what would you do with such dangerous knowledge? Write it in your diary with little hearts around it?"

"I would never be so pedestrian." His mock offense carried just the right note of playful indignation. "Though I might compose an ode. 'To She Whose True Name Remains Hidden' has such a lovely ring to it."

"Spare me. Your poetry's bad enough without adding melodrama to the mix."

Their familiar teasing carried them through the next few minutes, but Darla caught herself watching more carefully now—noting how he maintained that careful dance of advance and retreat, how his flirtations never quite crossed the line into genuine proposition.

When he finally moved toward the door, she felt oddly relieved. She needed time to think, to sort through what she'd noticed.

"Until next time, my nameless muse." He caught her hand, pressing cool lips to her knuckles in an entirely proper courtly gesture that somehow managed to seem terribly improper.

The door clicked shut behind him, and Darla let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her hand still tingled where he'd kissed it—and wasn't that just perfect?

She'd been an idiot. A complete, utter fool.

Every touch, every heated glance, every sultry comment—it was all calculated. But not for seduction, not really. She hadn't actually been considering sleeping with him (well, not seriously, anyway) but it stung to know he hadn't either. Back at Fraygo's, it had seemed he was up for fun with her...

"Oh gods." Heat flooded her cheeks. He hadn't wanted her then either. That had been Cazador's compulsion, forcing him to hunt. To lure. To—

Her stomach lurched. She'd been preening over his attention like some tavern girl with her first admirer, when all along...

"Idiot," she muttered, dropping her head into her hands. She'd thought she was being careful, keeping their flirtation safely in the realm of playful banter. But she'd missed something crucial. Something dangerous.

What did he really want?

Not sex—that much was clear now. Not just the blood either; their feeding schedule took care of that. Not even manipulation for its own sake, though he certainly enjoyed the game.

No, there had to be something else.

The sting of wounded pride faded under a wave of cold realization. She'd been so focused on protecting herself from his obvious tactics, she'd missed whatever his true objective might be.

And that was exactly what he'd wanted.

[batgirlgeek]

Funko Pop Collection

So I got this ask a while back from a mutual (aka @blackcat2907) and I mentioned in the tags that I could show off my funko pops so here I am! I started collecting them in middle school. They’re probably a money waster and will most likely be thrown away by future descendants but I like them🥰

I tried to get them all pictured together since they’re all scattered about my room but that didn’t happen bc I either misplaced some or they weren’t standing right (bc as we all know, Funkos can be finicky with if they want to stand properly on a given day).

My Harlequin Batman/Alfred Hitchcock/Darla/Lock/Mr. Rogers are usually on a shelf together since I don’t know where to put them and I’m not sure where most of them came from. I imagine Lock was purchased around the time when I was making my descendants fics (one of them featured Lock, Shock and Barrel’s Children) but idk for sure😅

From back -> front/left -> right we have:

Carmen Sandiego (she was my first)

Drowned Batman/-11 Batman (I haven’t actually read Death Metal but I really like the aesthetic of that AU Batman😅)

Regular Batman

Harlequin Batman

Darla from Shazam (I really liked the first live action—and the second—and I thought Darla was sweet❣️)

Alfred Hitchcock

Lock (nightmare before Christmas)

Mr. Rogers (I think I bought this when I saw the Tom Hanks’ biopic)

Eric + Ariel (I keep them with my fairytale retellings. I’m hoping to get a Cinderella figure at some point since

Batgirl

Pride month Robin (I usually buy my Funkos from retailers or Amazon but this one I got from funko’s official store since it came out during June last year shortly after Tim came out)

A bonus Dorian from D&D: Honor Among Thieves:

I enjoyed that movie a lot and I have a soft spot for tieflings so when I saw Hot Topic had the movie Funkos, I snagged her. I nearly forgot to include her since she’s usually sitting on a corner bookshelf behind my chair/desk. Since D&D is a roleplaying game, I’ve kept her with my game disks/switch & DS cartridges

The bombshells collection:

Left -> right:

Hawk girl

Supergirl

Batwoman

Poison Ivy

Catwoman

I’ve been trying to collect DC’s Bombshells line because I just love their 40s aesthetic a lot—I’d like to get the comic series also but I’m currently on a book buying ban to curb my physical TBR (there’s 58 books left if my Storygraph’s count is right).

And finally, my minis:

My mom got me this DC funko advent calendar for Christmas last year and it was very fun opening them all up since it gave me something to look forward to every day. Unfortunately, a lot of them were duds as there were so many duplicates (I suspect the company just retooled actual Funkos and didn’t bother to make new ones lol). Also the flash ones don’t stand unless they’re leaning against another mini. But I still think they’re cute so they’re displayed on their own shelf :)

I’ve never officially counted all my Funkos before but in total (excluding my advent calendar minis) we have 18. There’s a lot more I’d love to buy (including a Huntress funko) but at the moment all I can do is stare wistfully at an Amazon wishlist and I’m okay with that for now😅

(I’m sorry this took awhile BTW. I could lie and say I was busy but I really got sucked into the tv series White Collar of all things. It’s good, I’m on s4 <3)

By the way,, before you leave: if anybody is reading this and is collecting the deluxe editions of these dragon age books or knows where I can get copies for a reasonable price, I would appreciate it. They are very hard to find now since they’re technically out of print I think. I’m missing The Calling, The Stolen Throne and Last Flight. Might have to cave and buy them in their original editions which would be a shame bc I think these copies are gorgeous and have incredible art😅

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke

War brings death, destruction, corruption of morals and physical bodies. It brings out the best and worst in men and women who fight, endure, and live through it. This look back is dark and grim…but then…war is just that though some say there is honor and glory to be found…I doubt it.

Having read this author’s work in the past, I was eager to read this book without even knowing what the topic was. As I began to read, I thought it was beautifully written with descriptions of the south that painted a lovely picture…until the picture changed, and one dark ugly scene followed another one.

The story is told by introducing one character at a time who spends a chapter telling what is happening in his or her life till the next character steps onto the stage. Each character returns later in the story to tell a bit more.

Who were the characters:

* Wade Lufkin: pacifist at the beginning of the war working with the wounded and dying, learned he could kill, was riddled with guilt, carries wounds both mental and physical, a bit of a loose cannon but also seems to care deeply about some odd and discrepant issues and people

* Hannah Laveau: slave, wife without her husband, mother who lost her son, abused, has a gift or two or three, accused of murder, strong, survivor, attractive, intriguing to more than one character in the book

* Pierre Couchon: constable, carries out his duties according to the law as stated by those in power, lost part of his foot in the confederate army, born poor but well educated and wants more, a bit conflicted about more than one thing, grows a lot in this story

* Darla Babineaux: once enslaved, free woman, stays on the plantation, has big dreams, sees something in Pierre, keeps her eye on the prize no matter what it might require, taken in by a sweet talker more than once, survivor with a strong sense of justice

* Florence Milton: northerner, abolitionist, strong, pushes boundaries, conflicted about actions she has taken, educates and nurses others, does what needs to be done

* Colonel Carlton Hayes: rather off-putting, charismatic, previous choices has left him riddled with a disease that will eventually kill him, strong, ruthless, difficult to like or admire

* Endicott: heinous evil despicable creature

This story, in some ways, told of the horrors of war but did have me feeling it was more a dark fairy tale than a factual rendition of the past. The times were perhaps much as described but the characters in this story were bigger than what I would imagine was possible at the time and the ending the part that seemed too good to be true.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes and NO

Am I glad I read it? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

From New York Times-bestselling author James Lee Burke comes a novel set in Civil War-era Louisiana as the South transforms and a brilliant cast of characters – enslaved and free women, plantation gentry, and battle-weary Confederate and Union soldiers – are caught in the maelstrom In the fall of 1863, the Union army is in control of the Mississippi river. Much of Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is occupied. The Confederate army is in disarray, corrupt structures are falling apart, and enslaved men and women are beginning to glimpse freedom. When Hannah Laveau, a formerly enslaved woman working on the Lufkin plantation, is accused of murder, she goes on the run with Florence Milton, an abolitionist schoolteacher, dodging the local constable and the slavecatchers that prowl the bayous. Wade Lufkin, haunted by what he observed—and did—as a surgeon on the battlefield, has returned to his uncle’s plantation to convalesce, where he becomes enraptured by Hannah. Flags on the Bayou is an engaging, action-packed narrative that includes a duel that ends in disaster, a brutal encounter with the local Union commander, repeated skirmishes with Confederate irregulars led by a diseased and probably deranged colonel, and a powerful story of love blossoming between an unlikely pair. As the story unfolds, it illuminates a past that reflects our present in sharp relief.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Lee Burke is an American author best known for his mysteries, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series. He has twice received the Edgar Award for Best Novel, for Black Cherry Blues in 1990 and Cimarron Rose in 1998. Burke was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Missouri, receiving a BA and MA from the latter. He has worked at a wide variety of jobs over the years, including working in the oil industry, as a reporter, and as a social worker. He was Writer in Residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, succeeding his good friend and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner John Kennedy Toole, and preceding Ernest Gaines in the position. Shortly before his move to Montana, he taught for several years in the Creative Writing program at Wichita State University in the 1980s. Burke and his wife, Pearl, split their time between Lolo, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana. Their daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a mystery novelist. The book that has influenced his life the most is the 1929 family tragedy "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner.

[zorilleerrant]

Okay, let me practice:

Freddy: what are you…. doing

Darla: Tawny passed out so we're drawing a moustache on him

Freddy: but he already. has fur.

Billy: yeah well now he can have both

Tawny, catnapping on the floor: grrrrrrzzzzz

...

Freddy: Cap's muscles are so big… because they are full of love

Billy: Freddy that's very sweet of you to say, but I would like to make it known that I worked very hard to have muscles this big

Freddy: You said one word

...

Random civilian: I am naming my new daughter after you

Darla: oh that's so kind! :) I'm naming my daughter after Hello Kitty. :)

Random civilian: …

...

Pedro: I'm not worried anything'll happen to our dad while we're gone, because I already know how he's going to die.

Billy: you do?

Pedro: yes.

Pedro: stung to death by bees.

Freddy: ….. excuse me?

Pedro: he gets chased by bees so often, it stands to reason that one day they'll catch him

Billy: how many times has he been chased by bees ??

Pedro: three

Pedro: which I realise isn't that many, but it's a lot more times than most people have been chased by bees

Pedro: for example, I've been chased by bees once, which is a more normal amount of times to be chased by bees

Pedro: and Darla has been chased by bees no times, which is the correct amount of times to be chased by bees

Darla: I'm too smart to get on the wrong side of bees :)

Pedro: yes, and I've learned not to anger them through experience

Mary: unlike our father, who never seems to learn.

Freddy: that or the bees hate him

Billy: fascinating

Eugene: I have been chased by bees 18 times.

Darla: …….. wow

Freddy: amazing

Billy: outstanding

Mary: you could give our dad a run for his money

Pedro: don't you mean, a run for his honey:)

Freddy: … this is why the bees don't like you.

further to my previous posts, i have some suggestions for LOTR posts of mine that would make better incorrect quotes than 'what will legolas eat':

(x) now this one has the limiting factor that it's specific to characters who have moustaches but i think there are enough of those for it to have some reach

(x) similarly to the above requires a character w big muscles but c'mon there are heaps of those

(x) now this one is in reference to specific lotr canon but like i think it could be used more broadly

(x) if ur gonna go 'legolas eats bootlaces' then why not this one also