#did i introduce Edith

[bluebellowl]

Pulling ALL my favorite characters and OCs into The Sea Beast Uniserve! They're now part of James' cursed crew. And Vincent gets a new name for a new century! Edith is a witch of wicca. She's like a little sister to James, as they grew up together after he was kicked out of his own home. She was one of the first to sail with him.

Killian, here, is a shipwrecked former general who lost an arm in battle. Lucky for him, the first mate specializes in prosthetics.

Vincent is the captian's husband and first mate. A former blacksmith and merchant, his ship was eaten by James' ship, the Samael (more on that later/here). Due to his revival abilities, he was the only survivor of the attack and joined the Samael crew to avoid the alternative, yet he came to love the pirate life and the captain over time.

[testrella]

you're my religion priest! s. geto x f!reader pt.1→pt.2

synopsis: y/n moved into a small and tight knit town to take care of her elderly grandmother. what happens when she attends a sermon with her grandmother, and finds herself lusting over someone she cannot have.

fandom: jujutsu kaisen ⌗ priest suguru geto x female reader⌗ modern au content warnings: mild cursing, smut, head (giving), religious themes(?), slight degrading at the end, angst(?) public sex, NSFW.

author's note: over 11k words, u guys have fun

“..in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit. amen.”

father geto finishes off the sermon with the routine prayer. he takes the opportunity being on stage to scan the loyal audience. it was the regular, older people he preaches to. the same people who boast about him being so devoted to God at such a young age. how that when they were his age, they were off sinning. he thinks about the constant praises about being a young devoted follower, but it immediately stops when he sees her. 

a young lady, who seemed to be around the same age as him, sitting in the very back with an elderly woman. even though she was dressed as modestly as possible, the black floor length dress immersed your body in all the right places.

when did he allow his immoral thoughts come to mind

 “oh father! you must meet mrs. johnson’s granddaughter- maybe you can convince her to turn to God.” an elder of the church whispered to the priest. she gently pulled him to the side, off of the stage. 

“as you must have heard by now, edith’s grandbaby is out of control. rumor has it that she’s been caught using multiple different contraband, and premarital sex! can you believe edith would allow this to go on for so long?!”

geto mentally sighs, gossiping was always an issue at church. especially since it was located in a very small town, there wasn't much to talk about. when you were new to town, the locals went wild. fabricating very detail of your life, and spouting that nonsense through their teeth.

“with respect dear mary, the scripture speaks strongly against gossip. i’ll talk to the young lady, but please watch yourself. for there is no greater sin than sin.”

she nods while looking down, unable to meet geto’s gaze. too embarrassed to voice her concern furthermore, she mutters “yes father, please forgive me.”

“i am not the one you should be asking for forgiveness, ask the man above. now if you’ll excuse me, i’ll introduce myself to the newest member of our church.” he smiles gracefully before making his way towards mrs. johnson and her ‘scandalous’ granddaughter. 

he takes small steps towards you, puffing his chest out as he walks with a sense of pride. sure you were a pretty girl, but he was only interested to guide you through your religious journey. 

“father geto, i introduce you to my granddaughter. this is y/n. she’s only 20, and she recently moved into town to take care of me. isn’t she the kindest?”

he loses his train of thought. he's unable to bring himself to utter a single word. you were much more gorgeous up-close. if he were to describe your beauty, he’d be too overwhelmed, and wouldn’t know where to start. maybe he’d start with the way your nose fits your face perfectly. or, how your smile molded perfectly with your faint smile lines. 

geto snaps out of his trance, and quickly introduces himself. 

“i’m father geto. welcome to this church, i hope your stay has been great so far.” he purred. 

you squint your eyes at him. almost as if you already knew the rumors going around. nonetheless, you shake his hand. 

“like my grandma said, i’m y/n. i do hope we cross paths alone in the future.”

he blushes from the way you shaked his hand, but also put your other hand on his. solidifying the handshake more than it needed too. not only that, the last comment you made. crossing paths.. alone?

“my confessional booth is always open before my sermon, and at 9 PM on sundays. if that’s what you mean of course.” 

you puff your chest out and let out a dramatic sigh. taking in your arms, and letting them rest to your side, you open your mouth to speak. he stares at your lips, refusing to make eye contact.

“the sermon did end, i guess i’ll have to see you later tonight.” you assured him before walking over to your grandmother who made conversation with someone else. he watched you walk away, allowing himself to sneak a peek from behind. 

later that day, geto was having lunch. he finds himself unable to focus on his best friend's story, the words going in one ear and out the other. all the plays in his mind is you, and what you could possibly up to.

“satoru, i think i was seduced today after my sermon.” he spilled out, no longer able to contain his thoughts. 

“gross! how old was she? 50? 69? HA, get it? 69?” 

geto rolls his eyes at the blue eyed ��man’ who acted immaturely any chance he got. maybe he really should have kept his thoughts to himself. it was better than trying to converse it with an actual man-child.

“goodness satoru, no. she was a few years younger than me. 4 years to be exact. she’s one of the elder’s granddaughter, and the way she spoke to me made me feel like i was sinning. i didn’t even do anything!”

“well..”

his eyebrow quirks as satoru began his sentence. 

“did she have big tits?” 

geto’s face quickly turned from curiosity to disgust. he abruptly stood up from the table, placing both hands on it for support, and got all up in satoru’s face.

“how could you ever speak so unashamedly about a lady like that?! let alone speak like that in front of a priest!”

“well forgive me father, i didn’t mean to offend you and your girlfriend,” satoru said sarcastically while putting his hands up defensively. “i’ve said worse, and you’ve never had a problem with it until now. she must’ve had big tits for you to go all preacher mode on me.“  

as much as geto didn’t want to admit it, satoru was right. there were many time's geto allowed the white haired man to say the most diabolical stuff known to man. even listening when satoru would describe women’s bodies in detail and occasionally his one night stands. why was this any different?

“excuse me, is that you father?” 

there is was.

the seductive voice he met only hours ago. both boys slowly turn their heads to the h/c girl standing right in front of them. their eyes met with the beauty talked about earlier. only now you were wearing a shorter version of the dress you wore earlier. 

“m-miss. y/n? i’m afraid you’ve caught me at a bad time. what brings you here?” 

you only acknowledge one of the two men in front of her, and of course it was geto. your eyes met his, and never shifted away. it was almost like a dance of temptation, daring him to do further than just eye contact. the dark aura coming from you was overwhelming him, or maybe it was just your strong perfume. 

“i apologize for the disruption, father geto. my grandma asked me to run some errands. i guess i’ll have to speak with you later tonight.“ 

before geto could get a word in, you once again walk off. just like before, he once again glances down there. 

forgive me Lord, for i have sinned. 

“dude what the fuck was that..” the white haired man questioned. he also noticed the thick tension that was stirred by non other than you.

“i d-don’t know. i cannot see her tonight. i’m scared she might tempt me into.. into doing something that’s against the scripture.”

he now finds himself in the confessional booth, anxiously waiting for your arrival. it was currently 9:47 PM, you were late. it did not help his anxiety at all. he’d give you until 10:15 for you to arrive. anything later would have to just be scheduled on another sunday. 

he lets out a deep breath before he hears the clattering of heels. geto takes a peak out of his curtain only to be met with a sultry gaze. he quickly closes off his curtain, and subconsciously wipes his sweaty palms on his lap. this was like any other confessional, there was nothing to be conspicuous. 

“father geto? are you there?“ you ask in a voice just above a whisper. 

geto swallows whatever was in his mouth before speaking.

 “of course i am.“ 

“ahem, forgive me father. i have sinned since i first moved into this town. actually, i sinned today after the sermon.“ 

he stays silent. he’s tempted to ask what you’ve done, and if it possibly had something to do with him. but you answer his unspoken questions before he can think about it for too long.

“before moving into this lovely town, my grandmother sent me a picture of her priest. goodness, i didn’t know what to do with myself.“ 

he was determined to stay stoic, and not to speak unless it was to say a prayer. but her hushed voice and the strong tension made it difficult. the air seemed to thicken every time she finished a sentence. geto couldn’t escape your magnetic pull of lust.

“a-and if i may ask, what did you do to deal with your problem?”

“i couldn’t resist myself. after i saw the photo of him, i began to have lewd thoughts. every night leading up to my departure, i’d touch myself thinking about him. then..”

she lets out a small moan, but geto would describe it as a small whine. now he was breathing heavily as his boxers started to tighten up. there was no way he could get hard in the church. it was sinful. but he was here to help you, and allowed you to continue.

“i met him today. after the sermon i started using objects to make myself feel satisfied. but it was nothing compared to his large hands shaking my hand. i can only imagine him using his hands going inside of me instead of holding a bible. even now, i cannot resist his voice..” you confessed as heavy breathing came from your end. 

“..come over to my side dear. let me help you.” he whispered.

you waste no time he notes from the sounds coming from the other side. your heels clacked once or twice before you pulled the curtain from his side. 

he studies your face very carefully. there was a light red tint spreading across your cheeks, and your ears were bright red. his eyes then wander down to your very revealing shirt that showed a lot of cleavage. the shirt was accompanied by a matching skirt, a very, VERY, short skirt.

you walk into the tight fitting booth. before he can get his hands on you, you kneel down in between his legs. your pretty little head lays on his left thigh.

“forgive me father. how can i ever make you forgive me for my sins?” you lift your head and your hands start to wander on the edge of his pants. “tell me father, there must be a way..”

geto feels a bead of sweat going down his forehead. there were many times that grandparents introduced their grandchildren to him, in hopes they get married. or, when satoru would convince him to agree to a blind date. his answer of rejection was always the same. 

‘i am devoted to the man above, i musn’t be distracted.’ 

where was his reasoning of rejection when he watches you pull both his pants and undergarments off? 

you grab his dick and painfully slowly lick the tip of it. leaving any pre-cum on his tip, now in your mouth. a slight moan leaves his mouth. this was a pleasure that he’s never experienced before. devoting all 24 years of his life to God has never brought this much fulfilment. 

where was his reasoning of rejection when you put his whole dick in your mouth without any hesitation?

your sudden move of deep throating him caught him off guard. he’s now holding your head in a gentle manner, as gentle as he can be. geto is lost at words, he can only moan uncontrollably while playing with your hair. the only thing he can fixate his eyes on was your beautiful hair getting tangled into his fingers. 

where was his reasoning when you made him finish in under five minutes even though it felt like an eternity for him?

you continue to suck him off, hollowing your cheeks for a better suction. your hands wander down to his balls, giving it a small massage. you're not sure what you did right, but it worked. geto was now praising your name instead of the lord’s. he feels an unfamiliar knot unwinding itself. 

“y/n.. please i feel..” he lets out a breathy moan instead of finishing his sentence. his eyes shut close to full enjoy the euphoric feeling. why did he want to reject your advances in the first place? he can't seem to remember. 

“father..” you cooed while taking off his shirt. of course, the hot pastor with a big dick was also very nicely built.

“oh geto, why do you hide this from me?”

your hands wander his chest then it starts to follow his happy trail. your movement was haltered when he reached out for your chest.

“the same could be said for yourself. show yourself to me, please. i beg.”

his eyes looked like a puppy who had been kicked. there was no sane woman in the world who would say no to his violet eyes. your hand then reaches out for his, and then place his hand on the hem of your shirt.

“take it off for me, father geto.”

being enchanted with your hypnotic gaze, it drew him like a moth to a flame. he lifted your shirt, taking your bra off as well, and stared with admiration. you had an art of seduction that was compared to no other. he watches you sit on his lap as you lift your skirt. 

this is sin. he was sinning. 

but he didn’t stop you as you sat slowly onto his dick, moaning in joy. he watches you go up and down painfully slow.

“c-can you go a little faster..?“ he moaned into your ear. being too embarrassed by his request, he buries himself on the side of your neck. taking in your scent, leaving small pecks on the spots you sprayed perfume. 

“you’re t-too big geto~” you whined into his ear before you attached your lips onto his. 

he was an inexperienced kisser. an inexperienced everything actually. it was easy for you to take the lead by biting onto his bottom lip. he opened his mouth to let out a small whine of pain and you took the opportunity to slip your tongue in. 

you feel yourself juices slide down your thigh onto geto’s lap as you continue to bounce on his dick. large hands start groping your ass, giving you a smack on one of your cheeks. you yelp in response. it was unexpected from a priest.

“father, use me. be as rough as you want with me.” your hands start undoing his bun, turning his hair into a disheveled mess. 

“i-i shouldn't be so mmm- rough on you.” 

you felt honored by his insistence on being so gentle. his grip on your waist tells you a different story. it was obvious he wanted to go faster than the pace you set.

“please geto, for me at least.”

oh, how could he ever deny your requests? 

his grip on your waist tightens as he lifts you up and rams into you. all pent up sexual frustrations he’s ever had in the past 24 years are being taken out on you. throughout the heavens and earth, you were his only sole purpose in life. the way you took him in so good without any complaints was proof enough. 

marks form on his shoulder and back from the scratches you were leaving. it was the only way you could hold yourself up. if not, you’d fall right into his arms while he’d continue to show no mercy on your pussy. 

geto was starting to feel what he felt earlier when you were in between his legs. his eyes gaze at yours, and gets a site he’d never unsee. small tears started forming, threatening to leave your eyes. your mouth agape as one hand held onto his shoulder, the other groping yourself.

“father geto, i-i’m ahh, i’m so close~”

on sync, the both of you came at the very same time.

geto found it more ironic than disgust when he saw the scene unfold. priest of six years, never had a temptation once in those six years. his lap was now covered in cum from not only his but the new girl in town. the new girl who easily seduced him

“forgive us lord, for the father and i have sinned.” you purred right into his ear, almost biting it. 

he massages your waist before finally putting you on your two feet. you're barely able to stand up without the support of the wall.

"y/n, we can never do this again. never speak to me unless it's about my sermon."

now it was his turn to leave before you could get a word in. he pulls his pants up and swiftly puts his shirt back on.

"you were sent by the devil, and i've failed my lord. stay far away from me you whore."

[cinderellaenjoyer]

The Meryway School for Unusual Girls - Protagonists

Introducing my newsy original story and it's two main characters - Edith Calista (left) and Ruby Summers (right)

The story follows Edith and Ruby as they attend, and uncover the mysteries - of their boarding school - The Meryway School for Unusual Girls - an all girls boarding school with students and teachers that are magical and strange as can be. I imagine this being a Book Series or a TV show, or perhaps a book series that gets adapted into a TV show.

Edith Calista is the new girl at the school. She's always had an interest in learning about Witchcraft and magic, but doesn't really have many friends and faced a lot of bullying growing up (she did kick quite a few of her and other bullies' butts though). Her parents do care about her, but When she's accidentally able to cast an actual spell, the Meryway School suggests she's a witch, and offers her to attend the school. Wanting to connect with people who are 'unusual' like her, Edith takes it.

Ruby Summers has been attending the Meryway School since nursery and knows it like the back of her hand, though she only started boarding in Year 7. She's a mermaid, and grew up in a Seaside town Her parents love her dearly, but decided it was better to send her to the school to avoid her getting bullied at a normal school. She loves the colour pink, anything cute, and the Ocean, wanting to connect with her mermaid heritage. Most people at the school really like her, it's impossible not to!

They're both 13 at the start of the series, with Edith joining mid-way through the Autumn term. A friendship sparks between them almost immediately, and they become extremely close.

@ollieedolliee @missusfuzz @insomniac-jay @punkeropercyjackson @aishabellasbigblogofeverything @refrigeratedboombursts @jewishdainix

[allthingsfern]

Five (+1) overlooked photography related movies

Listed below are 4 movies “about fictional photographers” I think are superb but sadly overlooked and I explain why I recommend them. The last one is a documentary, but also sadly overlooked. And I mention one other film about fictional photographers briefly but did include the trailer because it is a superb, if forgotten, thriller.

Last Summer

A short, gentle, intensely languid, visually luxurious LGBTQIA+ coming of age story with sublime, swoon-worthy cinematography that exalts the everyday, this movie also features, funnily enough, the protagonist’s discovery of the art of photography with photos that mimic the cinematographer’s style and subject matter. What fascinates me is that photography becomes part of the story, yet there is no specialness about it. Photography, at least during the plot’s timeline, just becomes a way of life for the central character, a way of seeing and recording “last summer.”

Touching and photographically thought provoking.

NOTE: Depending on what country you live in, the full film may be available on Youtube. It is available now in the US, but there is no guarantee it will be left up.

Funny Face

Is anyone who follows me here, on Tumblr, surprised I included this one? After all, at least once every 6 months or so I post a clip from this film, one of my all time favorites.

Loosely based on the early career of Richard Avedon, who did the still photography for the film and was a technical advisor, this is a dreamy, romantic frolic full of great visuals and lovely fashions. I mean, come on, Edith Head AND Givenchy both are the designers for the film, and they both were nominated, as a team, for an Oscar. Mr. Givenchy was responsible for all of Hepburn’s looks and Ms. Head designed the costumes for the rest of the cast. (Here is a great article about the creative cinema relationship and friendship between Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy.) Funny Face also has a sometimes annoying, anti-French intellectual bias, but at its core, the film is, paradoxically, a love song to Paris (“Bonjour Pareeeee”), French fashion, and the American fashion magazine industry.

Odd photography related coincidence re this film: Kay Thompson's magazine editor character is based on the real life fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar at the time, Diana Vreeland, who would move on to become the fashion editor of Vogue and then the artistic director for the Costume Institute at the Met in NYC. (BTW, I think it is safe to say there would be no Dame Anna Wintour if there had not been a Diana Vreeland.) Vreeland discovered and/or nurtured the careers of many photographers, including Avedon, Penn, David Bailey. But the odd connection re Diana Vreeland and photography is that her grandson, Nicholas Vreeland, was a photographer who left his career and became a Buddhist monk. I recommend watching The Eye Has To Travel, about Ms. Vreeland, and A Monk with a Camera, about her Buddhist monk photographer grandson.

Roman Holiday

Yes, another Hepburn film that has photography as a central theme in the plot, and the way photography plays into the plot makes it relevant to much of the discussion of photographers’ rights and/or individual’s privacy. This is about the paparazzi before Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita introduced us to the character Paparazzo, the main photojournalist in that film.

And, a fashion note (let’s face it, most all of Hepburn’s films feature her wardrobe in a co-starring role), Edith Head designed all the costumes and won an Oscar (1 of 8 Oscars she won during her career) for this film.

NOTE: There is another Audrey Hepburn film with photography as part of the plot, though it is not a significant plot ingredient: Wait Until Dark. In this one, her husband is a photographer and it is his equipment, specifically one of the chemicals he uses for developing film, that plays a crucial role toward the end of the movie. Photography itself is not integral to the film. Also, interesting bit of irony here: She plays a blind woman married to a photographer. FYI, this film is not the typical elegant Audrey Hepburn movie; she and her husband live in a rather claustrophobic basement apartment (which works to the film’s advantage) a great setting for a nifty “lady in distress” thriller and Givenchy is not listed as Ms. Hepburn’s costume designer. (Actually, the credits at IMDB only list an art director, no costume designer.)  Does anyone else remember going to see Wait Until Dark during its initial theatrical release and how they lowered the theater lights as much as possible for the last 8 minutes? Scared the shit outta me the 6 or 7 times I rewatched it at the theater, at the gorgeous old film house, the Olympia Theater in downtown Miami.

The Photograph

Smooth. Romantic. Great visuals and performances; the cast features Issa Rae, Lakeith Stanfield, Courtney B. Vance, Lil Rel Howery, Chanté Adams.

This movie is about the choice one woman made between her successful photography career and her romantic life and the story she tells her estranged daughter about those choices. This film uses gorgeous cinematography and photography to create and enhance and bring back to life the echoes of a famed fictional photographer’s career and life choices.

Over-Exposed

A mid-50s, not quite film-noir, low budget movie about a young woman who becomes a top photographer but gets in trouble because of her work, this is sometimes cheesy but also shows how she takes her profession seriously and how she learns her chosen trade. The section of the film about her apprenticeship as a professional photographer is fascinating and is, far as I know, the only time the learning process is depicted in a movie.

Of course, the issue of her sex, of her being a woman (and a beautiful one), complicates her efforts at getting work as a photographer. The way she gets photography work eventually gets her into trouble with the law and is caused, in part, by her good looks.

That said, be careful what assumptions you make about how she gets to the top, becoming a famed fashion photographer. Note that in the film, the lead character is depicted as intelligent, strong willed, talented, and beautiful. Though her beauty is central to the story, her other qualities are more prominent.

Much better than I expected, though it is also very much a film of its time.

NOTE: Depending on what country you live in, the full film may be available on Youtube. It is available now in the US, but there is no guarantee it will be left up.

Faces Places (Visages Villages)

I cannot believe classic feminist French film director Agnes Varda’s Faces Places (co-directed/created with photographer JR) is not in articles about movies related to photography. This film is a cinematic journal of a wildly creative photography road trip adventure undertaken by the them in 2017.

While they go about working on their photo project, they also share about their professional and personal lives. Ms Varda gives some insights into her career and her marriage to Jacques Demy. There are poignant moments and moments of humor, joy. And the visuals, both photography and cinematography, are stunning.

This film is about life and creativity and aging and friendship and just watch the fucking movie, ok?

Watch all of them.

[blunder-bat]

Why I ✨️Love✨️ Killian Rudwick

(Spoiler warning)

I fucking Love Killian's character growth. I knew he would improve as the story goes but fucking hell, that man has exceeded my expectations. Dare I say he is one of the rare Manhwa FLs who is both an absolute green flag BUT a 3 dimensional character whose only thought isn't "FL this, FL that" this man has actual rationale and logic going on alongside becoming more aware of his surroundings.

I love the way he is shown thinking about things in contrast to Edith's POV and having different viewpoints than her that keep him worked up (Like when he is pondering about her🥰)

One such example is the family dymanic. His behaviour with his family isn't something that is shown to be rebelious since the beginning , sure it's a sour spot but he is compliant. That is why he agrees to marry Edith despite not liking her.

But when he takes responsibility of Edith and starts catching feelings for her, he ends up fueding with his family on increasing frequencies. Like the time he snapped on them for giving the light of Lorraine to Rhyse instead of the first DIL like tradition dictated. He even shut his Father up, on whose dictate he married Edith, when the prospect of divorcing her was introduced.

Let's not forget the way he actually begins doubting Cliff and Rhyse as suspects for sabotaging his wife when his mind is no longer subservient to theres in the story. (And the way he continuously fights the mind control and tries hardest to not let his thinking be clouded by it? To the point he actually starts breaking its control on him? The man actually makes efforts to be a good man and passes with flying colours.)

You see that growth? 🥰 And I don't mean it just in the sense that he was falling for someone who prompted these changed by giving him confidence, I also mean him coming out of his shell more as the story progresses.

And I love his romantic side in more than one ways. Him being an absolutely respectful lover and husband who looks after and coddles his woman based on his observations and of her and the environment around her. He trusts her and loves her in a very healthy way, which I really appreciate since this webtoon doesn't make him toxic or absolutely one or at most two dimensional love interest.

I really love the way this Manhwa shows his thought process as well so it can be seen how he thinks, his anxieties and rationale when it comes to confronting his feelings about her. I love that he thinks about her in a way which makes it a husband wife relationship rather than thinking of her as a Goddess whose wish is his command.

He respects her but at the same time shows concern for his wife, not just her physical.well being but mental as well, wanting to protect her despite knowing she can take care of herself. Its not about him not respecting her autonomy, he does that very much and only speaks up on her behalf when she isn'talready doing that, but about how knowing that your loved one can handle themselves doesn't make you worry any less. I love it.

He notices her in ways which aren't just "this thing reminds me of her" but also remembers her tastes, her peculiarities and her little habits. (Notice how he picks clothes for hers? Tarts? The way he is often anxious and thinking of the problems that surround her?)

I love how Killian opens up to Edith to a point where his cardboard personality in the novel just blossoms into showing the human he is capable of being.

I did not have high hopes when I started this Manhwa, but boy am I happy that the love story turned out to be as amazing as the art!

Tldr: I love Killian because he grew, because he is greener than amazon, and because he feels so soo real he is fun to read

[elexuscal]

Temeraire fic i'll probably never write

but i'll throw the plot into the void so people can cry about it with me

AU where Temeraire's egg never hatched-- maybe the Aimite sank, or the egg got damaged in the fighting, or pitched overboard by an overzealous French soldier. whatever.

so the consequences spread out. the biggest one being a LOT of draconic death. somehow, eventually, the mushrooms from the Tswana got introduced to Europe, but it was a lot of Too Little Too Late.

General William Laurence is enjoying peace-time after war.

He's married to Edith. He has one or two children. He has more time to spend with them now. A tidy, comfortable estate with a green lawn, his own little slice of domestic peace. He could not be happier.

... Or he could, if not for the apparitions of a black serpent who keeps whispering to him.

Something something: This was not a natural AU. it was forced somehow. Maybe Lien did some ritual to re-write history so Temeraire never hatched. But Temeraire knows. They can fix it.

If only Laurence will listen to him.

How do they fix it? I'm not entirely sure. But I believe it at least partially involved William Laurence needing to intervene in the hanging one Tenzing Tharkay, accused of being a spy against the British crown.

[chillinglikeashilling]

Pilot Program Band AU

Some background: I'm still thinking about Meet Me @ The Altar and which of their songs best fit each member of the pilot program, and I just remembered this absolutely fucking stellar reincarnation AU Yu Yu Hakusho fic (Find Me Through Your Reprise by SZFiction) where Kuwabara and Yusuke get together due to Kuwabara making Yusuke mixtapes and introducing him to his favorite music and then ends up being reincarnated as rock star.

So Sam and K stay in touch more thab they did in canon before getting to Gowpenny.

They have their pink pals thing but when K starts leaning away from this they both decide to lean pop punk instead of emo. I'm especially picturing Sam with Edith's (mm@ta) fantastic hair do's from various shows.

They get really into pop punk music and they start writing and playing together online as a way to maintain that closeness. K plays base and Sam does the majority of vocals.

K writes alot of the songs but doesn't like singing because everytime they go to sing they can't stop themselves from leaning into this Disney princess vibe and the entire reason they stopped the pink pals thing was the discomfort that was caused as their magic began to start manifesting. Not enough to be obvious but enough to make K uncomfortable for reasons they're not sure of.

Sam and K are doing covers and posting them to a YT channel K made them. Sam's magic is also starting to manifest at this point, she's magnetic, they're magnetic. Their fanbase doesn't jump to the thousands over night but the fans who find them, who their music resonates with, are locked in.

They both start taking this more seriously and they realize they need a drummer.

Jammer is still doing basketball but he also fucking loves drumming. The feeling of nailing a cover is almost as good as the feeling of winning a game. And sometimes when it feels like he's being pulled in too many directions, he can just put in his earplugs, focus on keeping the beat and let the rest of the world fade away.

One of his teammates shows him a video from K and Sam's YT and it's like a switch flips. There's an instant connection to the two of them, he listens to all their covers and the original stuff they've put out and e-mails them to ask about being their drummer.

Sam and K get this email and watch a video of Jammer playing, and he's really good. Also he seems very chill and I think maybe both of them are a little weary of a guy coming into this thing they created to remain close and not fitting or trying to throw his weight around but even with just the email and the video - there's just something about Jammer that's reassuring. Plus he mentions he has older sisters so the three of them agree to try it out online at first.

Things go pretty well. It's hard making covers from three different cities/states but they manage with the magic of the internet. And things go so well they decide to arrange a meetup so they can record some covers and the new song K just wrote in person.

Another switch flips. Jammer has always been great but there's something about being together, being able to see each other or learning to be comfortable in each other's spaces, and suddenly the synergy is off the charts.

The stuff they filmed/recorded during that one trip is enough to really start to put them on a map and they start booking small shows here and there. Nothing too much because Jammer still has basketball but they can book stuff in the cities he does away games in and that helps.

Evan Kelmp is largely the same lonely, angry, cursed teenager that he is in canon. He still has the shadow, and the fights in gas station parking lots, and the wish that he could just be normal.

And he almost feels normal when he's listening to the music from this band one of the older teens at his last group home introduced him to. They were kind enough to give him their old Zune with a bunch of stuff loaded onto it. Obviously none of the members have his specific brand of issues but their lyrics speak to his lonelines, his self loathing and confusion. The stuff that's still there even when the demons are quiet for once.

Evan gets a text from that same teenager telling him that the band he loves is going to be playing at a show in some local guy's basement and he's almost too afraid to push his luck. Surely actually going to that show will break the illusion that he can have this one thing, but then he goes anyway because how can he not. And it's so good and he gets to actually talk to them after the set and say how much their music means to him and they're so kind and warm (and the last switch flips).

Anyway a week later all four of them get a letter and a pellet from a weird ass bird, wild.

[winterrrnight]

could i request something with a fem reader that’s of another cast from a different show of your choice, & she meets drew through madelyn. maybe they hit it off on their first meet and start texting one another almost every night. basically a mutual pine and by the end they admit their feelings. make it real fluffy!!

love your writing btw 🖤

thank you for the request anon!! The idea sparked a huge inspiration in me and I loved writing this! I definitely got carried away while writing so this is longer than most of my stuff. I added a small twist of my own and made the reader gender neutral :)

love affair

PAIRING: drew starkey x actor!gn!reader

SUMMARY: the reader and madelyn cline are co stars on glass onion. on being invited to madelyn's birthday party, the reader meets a certain someone.

WARNINGS: small mentions of anxiety, alcohol consumption, getting sick

EDITH SPEAKS: my first request! this is LONG, and this is GOOD and I LOVE how it came out!! I hope you like it too! I wasn't able to come up with a title so I decided to go with a song based title, love affair is such a good song i definitely recommend listening to it :)

Please like and/or reblog if you enjoy it 💌 feedback is always appreciated!

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It's your co star Madelyn's birthday today, and she is throwing a massive party. She's invited her friends from all the shows or movies she's been casted in before, and it's safe to say you're excited yet nervous at the same time.

You haven't been in the film industry for as long as Madelyn, you did a few minor roles here and there before you landed your major role in Glass Onion alongside Madelyn. That's where you met her for the first time, and you both hit it off really well. Glass Onion is your first project which got you a lot of exposure, so before Glass Onion you hadn't been to many parties thrown by big celebrities. This is the first one you're going to, and you're determined to make it one of the best nights of your life.

You quickly get ready, wearing an outfit which looks absolutely gorgeous on you and gives you loads of self confidence. You prepare yourself to socialise with many new people and to try to make new friends. There are going to be so many other people in the film industry; who knows, you may land a deal in another blockbuster project.

Your cab pulls outside of your house and you get inside it. You direct the driver to Madelyn's house and he takes you there in under 20 minutes. Before you can even reach the party, you can hear the music a distance away from her house, which tends to overpower your nervousness over your excitement.

The cab driver drops you outside her house. You walk up to the closed door and take in a deep breathe before ringing the bell. You can hear the chattering of the people inside. The door opens and you see Madelyn on the other side. You grin widely upon her presence.

"Happy birthday beautiful!" You say ecstatically, hugging her and kissing both her cheeks.

"Thank you darling!" She says laughing. She beckons you to come inside. You walk in to see the biggest crowd of people you've seen together in a house.

You turn to Madelyn and hand her her gift. "Oh my god you didn't have to bring me one!" She says, taking it from you and hugging you again.

"Nonsense! It's your birthday, you definitely deserve to get one."

"Thank you so much. Come on, let's get you some drinks and I'll introduce you to some people." You follow her lead to the kitchen, where she gives you a drink. You thank her and take the cup from her.

"Hey Madison!" She yells out. Madison turns around and sees the both of you. She comes up to you rushing.

"Oh my god hi!" She says, smiling widely as you hug her. "It's so nice to finally meet you!"

"You too!" You say, smiling just as widely as her.

"You were so good in Glass Onion, like, come on. That's some Emmy level acting right there." You feel your cheeks slightly warm up at her compliments.

"Thank you girl, but let's talk about Kiara! She's amazing and you're so talented!"

"Oh stop it," Madison says, laughing. You take a sip of your drink as you make some more small talk with her.

"Look there's everyone else," Madelyn says suddenly, looking across the room. You see she's looking at the group of the cast of Outer Banks. You recognise all of them. Madelyn takes you by your hand and you three make your way to the bigger group.

"Hey guys!" says Madelyn, and everyone replies with a varied version of 'hello'. Madelyn introduces you to everyone, and you hug all of them one by one and make small talk with them.

You and Madelyn now walk to the only person in the group who you haven't met yet: Drew Starkey. You may or may not have found him attractive in the show.

"Hi Drew, it's so nice to meet you!" You smile, and give him a hug.

"You too! I finally got around watching Glass Onion some time ago and you were out of this world," Drew compliments. You feel flattered from all the compliments you've been receiving today.

"Oh my god, thank you! But you as Rafe is just something else. I really cannot imagine anyone else playing him. You embodied his character so well."

"Thank you so much," he smiles. You feel your heart flutter at the small motion. You both join the group, and watch everyone talk and laugh among themselves. You look on your side at Drew, and take in how pretty he looks in the suit he's wearing. You notice the earring dangling from his ear and the rings he's wearing. You feel yourself almost swooning.

Drew whips his head in your direction but before you both can make an eye contact you turn your head away. You feel your cheeks heat up when you hear him chuckle. He totally caught you staring. You down the entire drink in your cup.

"Do you need some more?" Drew asks you. "I've run out of mine too."

"Oh... yeah sure." You both excuse yourself from the group and walk to the kitchen. Drew fills both your cups and you thank him for it. You start to feel your head slightly throbbing from the loud music playing from the speakers which are right next to you and Drew.

"Hey uh Drew?" You call him out. He hums in response. "Would you like to go out in the garden?"

"Are you okay?" He asks, slightly worried.

"Yes, yes I'm fine, it's just, the music is too loud and I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed by the number of people here," you say honestly.

"Yes of course," he says. "You'll feel better if you get some fresh air." You both leave the house and go to the garden. There is a small fountain set up in the centre of the massive garden, so you and Drew sit next to each other on the edge of the fountain.

"Thank you for coming out with me," You say, feeling grateful there's someone with you to help you feel more relaxed.

"You don't have to thank me sweets, it's all fine. I'm guessing big crowds aren't your thing?"

"No, they really aren't. I haven't been around in the industry to be used to such a huge amount of people in one room. It does make me anxious."

"Don't worry about it," Drew says softly. "It takes time to get used to it all, the big crowds of people, the paparazzi on the streets, the overwhelming number of events to attend. Your mind will slowly start to feel relaxed as you spend more time in this industry. Becoming famous comes at a price." He laughs.

"Oh it definitely does," you giggle with him. You both sit in silence, the sound of the music muffled. You have already starting to feel more relaxed, and you think it's because of Drew's presence next to you.

You like this feeling.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

"Okay now I have to try this casserole, you've mentioned it atleast five times already." You laugh. Your and Drew's position has changed from the edge of the fountain to the grass on the ground. You both sit in the grass, your legs crossed as you play 20 questions.

"What can I do, it's just that good," He says proudly. To every food related question you asked him, Drew managed to give "my famous chicken casserole" as the answer.

What you both have not realised is that it's been over two hours since you both have been sitting out here and chatting. The party had started to die down in the last half hour. So many people had left, and the music was now playing at a low volume. You feel your phone vibrate, so you pull it out to see Madelyn calling you.

"Hello?" You say.

"Where are you? Did you leave?" You hear Madelyn on the other end. She sounds frantic.

"Oh no I'm outside with Drew, we're in the garden," You reply. There is a silence on the other end of the phone. In a few seconds you are met with the constant beeping, signalling Madelyn ended the call.

You hear the door open and watch Madelyn walk out to you both. "Way to go guys, you could've atleast told me you're here! I was worried when I couldn't find you inside. You aren't the kind of people who leave without saying goodbye so I knew you hadn't left for your homes, which made me a lot more nervous when I couldn't find you inside." She rambles, and then starts to breathe heavily after she finishes.

"We're so sorry Madelyn," you say, getting up from the ground. "Me and Drew got so lost in conversation that we didn't even realise where the time passed."

"Yeah, it's also getting late now, so I think we both will just leave now," adds Drew, as he stands from the ground too. You nod along his words.

"Unless you need any help inside?" You ask.

"Oh no, don't worry about that." Madelyn is quick to connect two and two together. She sees the spark between you two, and starts to feel all giddy upon the possibility of you both getting closer. "I hope you had a fun time." She smiles at you both.

You turn to look at Drew who looks at you back, both of you just softly staring into each other's eyes.

Oh you definitely had fun.

And so did he.

"We did," you say, turning back to look at Madelyn. "We'll just leave now. I'll book a cab."

"Oh no, I'll drop you," Drew pipes in.

"No it's okay, it'll be such a hassle for you. It'll only take me a few seconds to book one."

"No no, I insist. It can be unsafe to be alone with an unknown cab driver this late at night."

"He's right, he can drop you. It's best you don't go home alone." Madelyn adds.

You look at the both of them, and give in. "Okay, thank you Drew."

You both exchange your last goodbyes with Madelyn and wish her a happy birthday again before you leave her house together. Drew's car isn't parked that far from her house. You reach the passenger door but before you can open it for yourself, Drew opens it for you.

"Oh, why thank you kind sir," you say in a posh accent as you sit down. He just giggles at your reply and walks around the car to sit in the driver's seat. He starts the car and begins to drive.

You connect your phone to his Bluetooth speakers to put on some music. After searching around your playlist for a few seconds, you find your favorite song.

"Oh my god I love this one!" Drew says, bobbing his head to the beat.

"You do?" You say happily.

"Yes! Their recent album is just simply a work of art."

"Right! It's my all time favorite album! It's everything." On the drive to your house, you and Drew vibe to music and surprisingly, you both have a lot of common music taste.

Drew drives up to your house, but he just doesn't want you to leave. Not yet. This is too soon. He wants to spend more time with you, get to know you better.

But it's getting late at night. And as much as you don't want to leave either, you know you have to go.

"Drew, could we exchange numbers?" You ask, shyly. He just nods his head with a smile and gives you his phone. You put in your number and ask him to text you so you can get his.

"Thank you for the drive Drew," you say softly. You stare into his eyes yet again. There is so much you have to explore, so much more you need to know about him. He's lived a different life before you came in it, and you want to know about it all. You want to know every single thread that's been woven together to create this beautiful man in front of you.

"You're welcome," his voice just as soft as yours. You want him to stop you. You want him to tell you that he doesn't want you to leave. You want to stay with him and talk some more.

But he doesn't say anything.

You give him another smile and step out of the car and walk to your house.

Drew is controlling himself from calling your name out. Why are you getting distant from him by each passing second? Why aren't you staying? He doesn't want you to leave.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

You freshen up in your washroom and change in some comfortable clothes before lying in your bed. You hear your phone vibrate so you pick it up to see it's a text from an unknown number.

unknown number: hey it's Drew :)

You smile at the text. You quickly save his number and shoot him a text back.

you: hey :)

drew: oh you haven't slept yet?

you: nope, not sure if I'll be able to fall asleep tho, my insomnia keeps on kicking in

drew: ugh same, insomnia gets the best of me

And you both kick it off again. It's almost 3 am at night, but you're up texting Drew. You feel like you are 13 years old, and you are getting to text your first ever crush. The nerves, the skipping of your heartbeat each time Drew uses a heart in his texts all make you feel like a little teenager again.

And you love it.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

It's been almost three weeks since you met Drew, and all you have to say about this is that your life has changed for the better. He's there for you every single moment you need him; when you need someone to celebrate your small successes with, when you need a shoulder to rest your head on when you're sad, when you need someone to just listen about what's been bothering you.

In return, you love to be by Drew's side as much as you can. You try your best to reciprocate every little thing he does for you.

But one of the biggest things Drew has done for you is get in contact with one of the directors he has worked in the past, who now has casted you in his upcoming movie. The script impressed you a lot, and you're super excited to start working on it. And you just don't know how you can thank Drew for it.

"Sweets it's the fifth time today you've thanked me for it and it's only 9 am! I swear, I've done nothing, all I did was just call him up." He smiles at you, as he hands you a plate of the pancakes he made.

"But now I'm getting to act in this big movie Drew! You really don't know how grateful I am for that," you say, digging into the pancakes.

You were over at Drew's home last night to watch some Netflix together. You ended up falling asleep in between the show, so Drew carried you to his room carefully. When you woke up this morning, it took you a few seconds to realise where you are.

"I have to do something for you in return, otherwise I'll just feel guilty." You tell him.

"What? There is nothing to feel guilty about. No more talks about this okay? You and me, we're close friends, we do things for each other without expecting a thank you in return."

Friends. He didn't intend to say that, but what else can he do? He doesn't want to risk what you both have created so lovingly by admitting his feelings for you. What if you don't like him back?

Friends. Why do you feel a pang in your chest upon hearing this word? But, that's what you are right? You haven't told him how you feel about him, so that makes you friends, right?

An awkward silence falls over you two which only involves the sound of the forks and knives scratching against the plate and of you both chewing. Once you're done eating, Drew takes your plates and puts them in the dishwasher. Meanwhile you gather all your stuff and get ready to leave. You say nothing except a simple goodbye and leave his home.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

You're sitting in your room with your script in your hand as you read it and try to memorise your lines along with it. The sound of your phone ringing makes you lift your head up from your script. You see it's Drew calling you. You get slightly worried because he doesn't call you very often, you both usually prefer texting but when he does call you, it's something urgent.

"Hello?" You say after accepting the call.

"Uh... are you free?" You hear Drew's voice on the other end. Except, he doesn't sound the same. He sounds sick.

"Oh my god Drew are you okay?" You ask worriedly, getting up from your bed and finding your shoes and other things you'll need if you have to leave the house.

"Just a little sick," he then coughs, which definitely doesn't indicate to a 'little sickness'.

"I'm coming okay? Just give me a few minutes." You cut the call and quickly pop on your shoes, pick up all your stuff and leave your house.

You reach his place really quickly and rush inside. You realise you didn't ring the bell but then you remembered he's alone and sick so it's best to not disturb him from his bed.

You enter his room to see the lights switched off, the curtains drawn, and Drew's body lying under the covers. You walk up to him and carefully lift the duvet from his head. You softly gasp at how pale he looks. There are loads of scrunched up tissues lying around on his bed.

"Hey," he says, his voice hoarse as he tries to smile at you.

"Drew, bub," you say nothing else. You feel so bad for him, he must be feeling so sick. He notices your frown and lifts one of his hands up to your hand.

"Hey I'll be fine, now that you're here to take care of me," you softly chuckle at his words, as you caress the back of his palm. You lean in to press your forehead against his to see if he has a temperature. At that moment, Drew feels his cheeks heat up, and not only because of the high temperature he has.

When you feel his forehead scorching hot against yours, you quickly rush to his medicine cabinet and find the pills you need. You then get a glass of water for him. You carefully wrap your arms around his body and help him sit up in his bed. You hand him the water and a pill.

He takes the pill and you tell him you're going to make some vegetable soup for him. You go to his kitchen, find all the ingredients you need in his fridge and start to whip up the soup. You work quicker than usual, because you know you need to get this to him as quick as you can. When the soup is simmering away on the stove, you go back to his room. He's still sitting in the same position, his head leaned back against the headboard and his eyes closed.

You drag one of the chairs in Drew's room closer to him and sit down. He opens his eyes and looks at you.

"I'm so sorry for bothering you, I really didn't know who to call." He says.

"You don't have to apologise, I'm here for you always," you say softly, taking his hand in yours again and rubbing his skin just as you did before. He seems a lot more relaxed upon this gesture from you.

"You are sweets, you are always there for me. You're there for me when I need someone to talk to, you're there for me when I need someone to tell my dad jokes to."

"And you are always there for me Drew," you add. "You're there for me when I need someone to listen to my crazy theories about the movies I watch."

Drew gives you a soft smile, and you both look into each other's eyes just the way you always do, and you find yourself getting lost in them again. It's like you've found a home in those striking blue eyes.

"Sweets?" He calls you out. Your heart flutters each time he calls you that. "Can I tell you something?" Maybe it's the high temperature that he has that's making him do this, or maybe he's just tired of being just friends with you. Whatever it is, he is ready to tell it to you.

"Yes?" Your heart starting to beat faster. You have a small hunch of what he might say, but you don't want to get your hopes up just to get hurt.

"I think... I think I've fallen for you." He whispers. You look at him with your eyes wide, his hand still in yours.

You can't believe your ears. He said what you had the slightest hunch he'd say. But you didn't think you would have guessed right.

The person you fell for because he told you he will always be there for you no matter what has also fallen for you.

On the other end, Drew looks at you and tries his best to read your expression. Are you going to tell him the same, or are you about to reject him? He can't tell what's going on in your mind. He breathes deeply as he watches you look at him with wide eyes.

"I'd never thought I'd hear this but Drew, I fell for you too, so fast, so hard." You whisper back. He lets out a sigh of relief.

The person he fell for because they told him taking care of him is one of their topmost priorities has fallen for him.

You lean in and press a soft kiss on his forehead and another one on his cheek. "I'll give you a real one when you get well." You say, smiling so widely.

That night, you stay over at his place. You sleep next to Drew, his head resting on your chest as you rake your fingers softly through his hair and occasionally press a kiss to his forehead, his cheek, his temple, his chin, his nose.

He's yours, and you're his.

The world has finally fallen in place.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

TAGLIST: @runningfrom2am @ragingsammie

[eileenslibrary]

can I request a modern time zhongli x reader age gap trope where in the reader is 22 and zhongli is 31, it's like a CEO x secretary scenerio almost like a sugar daddy kind of relationship but a wholesome one, it could be suggestive but not smut

Rainy Day Curry

A/N: This is a long one, and you can tell where I got hungry and very invested and lonely, I also struggled with the sugar daddy part but I did add a little bit to introduce the dynamic because I don't work with it a lot but I hope this answers your ask Iand that this fills you with warmth reading it the way it did writing it.

Modern! CEO Zhongli x Modern Assistant F! Reader

(Facial features, body shape, and skin color are not mentioned and any readers who may align with her/her or she/they are welcome to this work of Fanfiction)

Warnings: Rain a lot of rain, OOC Zhongli (For like two seconds), Cats, Cheesy movies (The Princess Bride), spoilers (The Princess Bride), falling in love, Tumblr being toxic and gaslighting me about character limits, Good food that will make you hungry, Pure fluff, Sharing a bed.

Song recs: (It's been a) Long Long Time by Kitty Kallen, Come Away With Me by Norah Jones, Sunrise by Norah Jones, La Foule by Edith Piaf, Bygone Days by Joe Hisaishi, The Time Of Cherries by Tokiko Kato 

What kind of chocolate would Zhongli be? Dark chocolate with caramel filling and sea salt on top of course.

Cold fall rain pours on the tall buildings. Cars driving down the wet streets, you type out a document on your monitor the light illuminating the barely lit room, only a few lamps that cast a warm orange glow across the room keeping the atmosphere from being uncanny, you sip hot tea from the mug its calming aroma wafting through your senses providing warmth through your bones. Your boss works on the other side of a big burnt umber door with gold embellishments. He is currently meeting with Ningguang CEO of Jade Chamber Bank or JCB for short, you put the mug down and stretch your arms above your head looking over at the time 2:57 PM, eighteen minutes until the meeting is over then you can go home.

You sigh and finish your tea, standing from your chair letting your legs stretch and wake up for a moment, then walking towards the kitchen to wash your cup placing it on the drying rack. You hear Zhongli’s voice as he opens the door for Ningguang “When should we meet again for the finalizing?” She inquires “I would discuss that with my secretary she knows when I have a free day.” He hums peeking his head out the door to see if you’re there “Very well then, It was pleasant seeing you again Mr. Zhongli” You walk back into the room as Ningguang goes to leave “It was nice meeting you Ma’am have a good afternoon” you say nodding your head towards her, she sends you a smile “Nice meeting you as well secretary” she waves her hand back at you her gold heels clicking on the marble floors towards the door and walking into the hallway. You smile at the woman her confidence radiating wherever she goes, you go to head back to your desk but Zhongli’s silky voice stops you “Can you come in here for a moment?” “Yes sir” You Respond walking towards his office he holds the door open for you, and you walk over only for you to plop down in one of the comfy seats in front of his desk. He sits in his office chair his amber eyes focusing on you as he laces his fingers together and his elbows on his desk “I have a proposal for you” he hums “Oh? And that is?” You ask genuinely curious. “I need a companion of sorts” he looks away from you ‘Is he embarrassed?’ you wonder “What kind of companion?” tilting your head to the side and slightly raising a brow he takes in a deep breath “I need you to be my girlfriend” he admits his eyes meeting yours, you feel your face heat “Mr. Zhongli t-that's widely unprofessional” you look down at your palms “Wait before you assume” he puts a hand up “I simply need you to help me out for a few weeks, I need to stop relieve some stress” his voice remains steady “It’ll come with pay” his eyes making you nervous as you look at him “Can I have time to mull it over?” you ask looking at the clock on the wall 3:15 PM “Yes, please give me your answer as soon as possible so I can have time to prepare” he sighs. You agree and quickly slip out of his office pressing against the cold wood of the door. 

You sit back down at your desk, the rain pattering the only thing making noise. You try to get as much work done as possible but your mind is swimming, but you come up with your answer. You stand up and walk to his office door knocking on the wood “Come in” his smooth voice resonates, you step in and your ears perk up at the soft jazz he plays from his small speaker “I have made my decision.” “Oh?” He looks up his eyes gaze curiously at you “I have agreed.”

He grabs your hand his wide gloved palm and slender fingers warming your cold hand, he shifts the umbrella so it covers you more “Mr- I mean dear there is no reason to do that” his shoulder getting the blunt of water “It is quite fine love” His warm eyes stare at you “I- we can just go to my apartment it’s only two blocks away” You invite as Zhongli tightens his hold “Fine if you think that is best” you were originally going to dinner for publicity but it began pouring and you refuse to get sick any less Zhongli. You bring him to your apartment building, close the red umbrella, and walk into the elevator clicking your floor. The tan walls and black rails give Zhongli nostalgia like staying in a nice hotel out in Fontaine, he watches as you dig into your purse for your keys pulling them out of some hidden pocket “I wish they would just give us some damn pockets on our pants” he hears you groan making him chuckle under his breath, you send a playful glare his way zipping your purse back up. You stand in silence as the elevator finally approaches your floor opening the doors, “Ladies first” he hums placing his hand on your lower back noticing the reddening of your cheeks.

You stride into the hallway and find your door unlocking the door, and stepping in. Zhongli closes the door behind him taking off his shoes and placing his wallet and keys in the basket where you put yours “I’ll go find you a sweater, feel free to make yourself at home” you call as you walk further into your apartment, He looks around at the pictures hung on the wall, the nice but cluttered kitchen, the small dining table pushed up against the big window next to the balcony door, the living room with a few plants in the windows. You come back holding a black and beige sweater and a pair of black pants, you also now wear a fluffy hoodie with white pet hair on it and a pair of shorts also covered in pet hair  “Here this should fit you, oh let me hang that up to dry for you” You trade off the clothes and you disappear into your bathroom hanging it up in the closet where you dried your clothes and kept your towels “Alright bathroom is yours” you hum walking into the living room “Thank you” Zhongli walks past you as you pick up the clutter from the coffee table, he closes the door and undoes his tie and his undershirt hanging it up on a hanger next to his coat as well, he unfolds the sweater and pulls it on doing the same with the pants. He takes off his gloves and his hair tie and puts it in his coat pocket combing through his hair, he hears you turn off the weather channel to see when it’ll stop. He walks out “How is the weather looking?” he asks stepping up beside you and noticing a small white cat on your lap “It won’t stop raining until later tonight, I can drive you home if you’d like” you offer looking up at him, blushing slightly as you admire his long hair now free from that tight ponytail “Do you want me to go home?” he questions “No of course not, it’s just well, I- to be honest I hate being alone on rainy nights” you pet your cat as she purrs louder, Zhongli tilts your chin to look at him “Then I’ll stay” you nod “Well I don’t have much in my fridge, and we haven’t eaten yet. How about we order something?” You offer, and pick up your phone much to your cat's dislike “Sure, since our plans have been foiled, what do you suggest?” He hums “Pfft, you make this sound like we are plotting villains or something” You chuckle “But I do know this good Sumeru curry place that does take out” You pat the seat next to you for him to come sit. He smiles and does so, your cat surprising him by stretching and finding a place in his lap “What’s her name?” he asks scratching under her chin “Lettie it’s a character from Howl’s Moving Castle” you sigh stroking her long soft fur, he feels you lean against his arm “Here are the options you can get” Zhongli feels a warmth spread through his chest at the simple act he watches as you scroll through the menu recommending your favorites “How about this one?” He points to one that looks very good “I was thinking of that one too” you hum leaning your head on his shoulder, you call the restaurant and place your order with some butter and garlic naan on the side. 

You grab the remote “What should we watch?” you inquire “You pick, dear” he looks at your expression watching as your face pinkens at the nickname “Are you all right with Princess Bride?” Zhongli surprises himself as he lets out a laugh “I never thought you’d be into that kind of movie” he exhales in contentment Lettie’s tail moving in disruption you chuckle with him “I am gonna go grab a blanket I’ll be back” you stand up and go into your bedroom coming back with a fluffy weighted blanket you turn down the lights and turn on a lamp that casts a comfy orange light setting a warm and romantic atmosphere, Zhongli lifts the cat so you can slip some of the blanket on his lap you switch on the movie.

There's a knock on the door “Let me get it” Zhongli whispers “Okay, let me pause the movie” You sit up from his chest and grab the remote pushing pause. Zhongli slips off of the couch and to the door grabbing his wallet and handing the man a ten-dollar tip “Thanks man, stay warm” the guy says “You as well” Zhongli hums closing the door, bag of food in his hands he walks into the kitchen and sees your already there with two bowls, a plate, and silverware all waiting “Would you like some water or anything?” you question grabbing two mugss from a cupboard “Do you have tea?” “Mhmm, I have Green, Jasmine, or Earl Grey” You look through your lazy susan “Green, please” You put the bag on the counter, filling up your kettle with water and putting it on its stand so it can heat. Zhongli washes his hands the aroma of lemon and mint resting on his hands, he walks over and puts the curry into the bowls and the naan and rice on the plate, he hears the kettle beep, and as you start steeping the tea. He looks back over his shoulder letting the gentleness of it all fill his heart with warmth, he walks over to you “Can I hold you?” he whispers into your ear “If you want to” he quickly wraps his arms around you and nuzzles his face into your neck your hair ticking his ears “Are you alright?” you inquire “I realized it’s been so long since I’ve held someone like this” even if it was for pretend he can pretend with you. His hot breath warms the cold spot on your neck your heart swells at the sweetness of the moment, like sitting by the heater on a snowy day reading with hot chocolate and cookies. You lean into him “I could get used to this” you mumble focusing on the tea, you hear your cat run down the hallway the little jingling bell on her collar announcing when she is nearby, and her little “Mrow?” and trills when she can’t find you or feels left out. You snort as she runs into the kitchen weaving between both of your kegs “Is it dinner time Lettie?” you tease your wide smile making your speech slur a little, Zhongli presses a kiss behind your ear unwrapping himself from you “Thanks I needed that” he clears his throat “Any time” you hum “Do you want me to feed her?” he asks picking up her food bowl “If you would that would be great, it’s in the fridge second shelf purple can.”

You both sit back down on the couch and resume your movie, shoveling the hot food in your mouths scratching that persistent itch as the curry fulfills your cravings.

In the end, Westly gets Buttercup, Inigo, and Fezzik are close friends, everyone lives happily, and the boy has a wonderful memory with his grandpa.

"Let's head to bed" you yawn "Where am I sleeping?" he yawns himself "Don't be silly, there's enough room in my bed for the both of us." "That woul-" he tries to interject "It's my job" He sighs but smiles and follows you.

And now two people and a cat cuddling under soft blankets as cold fall rain patters against the glass.

[seriousfic]

The way Far From Home should've been done is to advertise with no mention of Mysterio--instead, push it as the first team-up between Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Give no indication that Miles Morales isn't on the up and up until halfway through, when Peter gives him EDITH. Then he turns into the Chameleon and goes "well, that was easy."

I could keep going from there: maybe replace the Elementals with Magog or some other vaguely real-sounding threat to sell it. Or be topical and make the whole thing about 'Miles' using his Spider-Man's fame for a pump-and-dump stock scheme--that would at least explain how he intends to get away with it and profit from being a fake superhero. But yeah, that's the basic twist. Don't try to fool people that "oh, this version of classic Spider-Man rogue Mysterio is really a good guy". Did anyone fall for that? Fake that you're introducing Miles and then have him be a villain. THAT'S a twist.

[dvmm13]

Spider-Gwen

“Spider-Man?! The convoy’s being ambushed!” Gwen yelled into the comms, trusting Edith to deliver her message to the more experienced vigilante who was occupied with the relentless drones.

“A little bit occupied here, Spider-Woman—Oh, I know you!” Peter’s voice grunted through the comms, and a huff made its way through before he added “Keep them off the convoy as long as you can!”

Gwen huffed in annoyance after her eyes fell upon the speeding form of the Beetle tailing the truck again, she quickly rushed to the front and knocked on the driver’s window before it rolled down “Can we go any faster?”

“Not possible, ma’am; the load was too heavy.” The driver answered with his eyes never once left the road.

“Damnit…” Gwen cursed under her breath and maneuvered her body out of the fired bolt onto the roof, lowering herself into a crawl to minimize the available targets. “Guess I’m doing this!” Gwen pounced into the air with a planned corkscrew to follow the warnings of the Spider-Sense, evading the valley of bolts that can shatter bones as one already did to Officer Morello of BPD. Following her intuitions, Spider-Woman aimed and shot a line of webbing at a streetlight nearby to create a pivot before delivering a heavy double kick into the rushing Beetle’s helmet, missing the center by an inch but connected firmly, nonetheless. Using the face of her enemy as a springboard, Gwen pushed with both feet and introduced a gap between them before latching another web line on the truck, reeling herself in to stay with it.

Spider-Sense blared again as Gwen dodged to her left before a tackle came from behind, and blindsided her unnatural awareness using a feint attack. The Beetle quickly established their superior techniques in hand-to-hand combat as several punches, kicks, and elbows connected to the superhuman’s ribs and sides kneading her like a dough. Gwen gritted through the substantial amount of pain ramming into her body from the lapse of Spider-Sense caused by the surprise, but eventually, she could somewhat follow the attacks and deliver a series of decent counters utilizing her superior brute force against the mechanical enhancements of the assassin. Both women exchanged blows and counters for a moment before the Beetle decided to sneak in some close-range projectile with her twin railguns. Several spiked bolts shot high and low, grazing and missing the superhuman in their struggle on top of the moving truck.

Gwen strained herself almost to the limit trying to incorporate every Judo and Jiu-Jitsu move she’d ever learned under NYPD and Yuri Watanabe’s tutelages to try and keep up with the trained fighter opposite her, culminating injuries, albeit shallow and inconsequential, over time. The only advantage she had was the Spider-Sense, but that requires more attunement on her part to be as fluid as her boyfriend. Utilizing her stronger and more resilient muscles, Gwen decided to change her tactic to tank whatever she could while looking for a slip-up or opening that the Beetle might be unknowingly presenting during their scuffle.

A fist came from her left, so she instinctively evaded to the right just to be clocked squarely in her jaw by a blindsiding uppercut following the feint jab. Losing her balance, Gwen got tackled and flipped with an impressive Taekwondo throw into the metallic roof of the cargo, knocking the wind off her lungs. Spider-Sense screams deafeningly in her brain, and she manages to keep her face from being caved with a piercing bolt that goes through the hull into the space inside of the cargo. Spider-Woman wraps her legs around the Beetle and pulls her closer before shooting a spray of webbing into the assassin’s face with her free hand gripping the protruding antenna firmly, and delivers a strong push kick dead at the assassin’s stomach, knocking them back and down on one knee.

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 32 - 1920s evening dresses

Precisely none of Edith’s and Rose’s evening dresses have sleeves, while Sybil, still a young woman but already a wife and pregnant, wears a sleeved dress. So, there seems to be a correlation – it’s just not consistent.

Edith’s official introduction to gold (come on; I could barely see the dress she wore for the Christmas ball) is a lovely, flowy damask number with a pattern that I cannot really identify. Something vaguely orientalistic with wings and vines? Well, it’s gold thread in satin, and the neckline is one I tried to implement on a dress myself. If I understand the situation on her hip right, this is another of those apron-shaped dresses worn over an under layer that has some gathering on the side of the drop waist.

Hm, this is okay, but I don’t love it. The coral silk satin is nice, but the embroidery seems a little perfunctory. The draping tries to give the top some shape, but it looks like the silvery decoration element with the tassels that they attached to her hip might be a tad too heavy because this ends up looking lopsided. I do like that the skirt has enough volume to pull off some gathering; imo it looks nicer than most of those smooth rectangle skirts.

A bit peachier color, but this looks a lot like the previous dress. A gathered skirt, an asymmetrical hip decoration, although this one doesn’t pull down the top so lopsidedly, and its much more colorful to match the embroidery around the neckline. Another drop waist, another sleeveless dress, another round neckline – this doesn’t do a lot new.

Neither does this, but I have to admit I’m hopelessly biased in favor of the fabric. Look at that shimmery damask! That’s probably why it doesn’t do much in the way of embroidery, but this does have a new design element: There seems to be an extra bit of fabric down from Edith’s left shoulder that adds a layer to one side of the dress, giving this a bit of a toga look.

The return of Edith’s pale emerald shade and she keeps this dress into season 4, although it looks a little plain. Keeping the embroidery to the neckline and sides leaves the majority of this dress bland, which I think would work better if the fabric did a little more on its own or if Edith would have opted for a showier necklace.

See, this fabric does all the work on its own. I can’t even guess what material this is, and I would love to know if this is a costume or one of Edith’s famed originals. This wild pattern! And since Edith loves her orange shades, she picked a headscarf matching the piping trim and the sash. A very vivid look, and one that returns for season 4.

As does this sage green dress with various parts of its surface covered in what I think is silver beading; this actually even stays on into season 5. I like the skirt on this one; it seems to be layered, the beaded fabric over a plain green long skirt, fluttering around her legs with the sash and giving this a little movement. On different occasions, Edith chooses different accessories to go with this, a little beaded headband or one of her knotted headscarves.

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

I should really stop whining about grey; it makes me out as a hypocrite on dresses like this. Because this shimmering velvet is gorgeous. And then someone sat down and turned the lower half of the skirt and the sleeves into big, massive masses of embroidery. The effect is wonderful, even though not much coloring gets added to the whole deal. I apologize to grey; it really just needs to be put to right use. Favorite.

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

Here we have Rose in her good daughter color, although she still likes her risqué pieces. I’m reasonably sure she is the one who introduces some of the shortest skirts we’ve seen on this entire show – this seems to just barely pass her knees. The sash repeats the same plain fabric the under layer seems to be made of; it peeks out at the hem of her skirt. But the dress is beaded on main, a lot of floral motives in white, silver and grey shades. The overall image is quite lovely, although I personally am glad when Rose doesn’t frizz up her hair around her face anymore.

Shorter skirt, deeper cleavage – Rose, ffs, you are barely eighteen and that guy is married! Get away from that creep! Granted, the dress goes a bit into the understatement, letting the little bit of embroidery and Rose’s jewelry set some lines of sparkle here and there. It’s not like the girl doesn’t have taste; she just likes to provoke. The night club also had some glorious 1920s headpieces on other clients; I wish I could have gotten some shots of them. But bad lighting and everything is in motion all the time, so I didn’t.

Of all her dresses, this is the one that gets repeated for next season? Eh, okay. It’s not one of her nice, flashy signature colors, but the embroidery is roses, so I guess it’s got Subtle Symbolism™ going for it. To be honest, I’m wondering why she didn’t wear this one to the club, what with the material being 100% shimmer. It still doesn’t end up looking very glamorous because that shade of green reminds me of dung.

Honestly, this dress doesn’t deserve the ire it gets from Rose’s mother. Especially since she’s in her good daughter color. “Looking like a slut”? It’s fine. Calm down; you haven’t seen the cleavage and the knee length on the red one. This one is longer, the neckline isn’t a scandal even though it could have used a necklace. The back dips rather deep, granted, but not unusually so for the time. I like the playful design, the additional sashes from the shoulders and around the skirt, and the beading on the front is pretty. The design and color combined with the flower embroidery of the upper blue dress would make for another favorite.

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

With that, the season 3 outfits are done (except for a couple extra categories that get separate collective posts). Some characters are waved out, some new ones are ushered in, shenanigans are getting increasingly zanier. To more fashion choices and beyond!

[letmereadinpeace4]

I just finished "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton. It belongs to the (large) category of books that have been in my bookshelf for years because I never got around to read them out of some misgiving about their entertainment value. Like many of the books belonging to this category, it turns out it is a masterpiece! I enjoyed it much more that I thought I would.

I really enjoyed the depiction of this period and of the social politics that dominated and ruled the New York of that time. It creates such a brutal, cold and superficial world that everyone both submits to and maintain. However, the highlight for me were the three central characters:

Newland Archer is a character that I didn't like as a person, but that I found utterly fascinating as a character. He sees the failings and the superficially of the world he is part of and wants to rebel, but at the same time he does not have the resolution and strength to actually do any meaningful rebellion. While his love for Ellen was somewhat touching, I am really convinced that he saw her more as an ideal of the romance and escapism he wishes he had than as an actual person. The conclusion of his character was tragic, but perfectly in line with how he has been depicted so far. What really caught my attention however was his arrogance, especially when directed towards people he sees as inferior. From the very first time he is introduced he speaks of "freeing" his future wife, May, from the ideals she has been taught. He never considers whether she might actually been interested in arts or literature, or interests himself in what she actually likes. He just assumes she is a product of the society that raised her and even when she proves she is much more than an innocent ingenue, he never quite makes the effort to see her as a real person.

Ellen Olenska was a brilliant character. Running from an abusive marriage, she hopes to find a stable life in New York society, and slowly realizes the cruelty and rigidity of that world. Her story was tragic, and the way she is completely misunderstood and criticized by society and her own family really shows the cruelty women of that time faced when they tried to rebel against convention. However, what Archer Newland couldn't accomplish (even though he had more ressources than her), she actually accomplishes, and finds some semblance of freedom in Paris. I really hope that once she left New York, she had a great and fulfilling life and (hopefully) some romantic affairs with men (or women) that had more character and resolution than Archer.

And finally, my dearest and my favorite character of the novel, May Welland! I didn't expect to like her character as much as I did. She really shows how women of that time, however conventional or "boring" they might seem, managed to get what they wanted through manipulation and the usage of social politics. May gave one chance to Archer Newland to get what he really wanted, and when he blew it, she was like "Well I gave you one shot and you didn't take it, now you are going to face your responsibilities!". She had such a pragmatic attitude towards her husband and his affair, and I can admire that. I really wish she had the chance to find who she truly was beyond the conventions and values she had been taught, but I am glad that she managed to get some form of happiness or at least contentment in her life.

[dragonflylady77]

Camboy Billy and/or Steve Harringrove Fics Masterlist

(you know the drill, they're not mine, if you want any added that I missed, DM me)

Camboy Billy and Camboy Steve

Ride The Lightning by socknonny for Turbocharge College AU - THEY WERE ROOMMATES Steve has an epic plan to Get Back At Daddy after his parents don't embrace his new-found bisexuality. An epic, epic plan, inspired by his favorite camboy. There's no way this can go wrong.

Camboy Billy

Not Your Prince (But I’m Your Pretty Boy) by ImNeitherNor for thebilliamhargrove  College AU - THEY WERE ROOMMATES “Not desperate,” he told himself, staring at the page while heat crawled up his chest and neck. “So not desperate.” Which was a lie because he was getting a membership just to comment and view more videos of the guy with the pierced dick. He licked his lips and tapped his thumbs on the space bar, deleted it, and almost hit his forehead against his desk. It was a username. Why did it matter so fucking much? Christ.

Love Is A Sickness (And Lust Is Absolute Madness) by StevesKhakis (orphan_account) Steve snaps a pic with his hand around his dick, angling the camera so that the stream is visible in the back. He can’t help but stroke a few times before sending it, wishing he had the balls to just put his webcam to good use so SuckMeDead could see him in all of his wet, messy, horny glory. Realistically though, he knows that full-on cybersex isn’t something he’s ready for, not until— Not until he’s made sure this camboy isn’t Billy Hargrove.

Sticky Side Up by Ribellione  College AU - THEY WERE ROOMMATES Steve's roommate Billy can be a bit of an asshole sometimes. Steve doesn't understand why, until his new best friend Robin and her roommate Heather figure out Billy's secret. Then it all finally clicks for Steve.

Virgin Territory by @jellyfishloveletterghosts College AU - THEY WERE ROOMMATES Steve accidently admits to knowing about Billy's cam work, things go a lot better than he ever thought they would.

Camboy Steve

Ardent Attention by @edith-moonshadow  A/B/O After being kicked out by his family for being an Omega Steve earns a living as a cam model.

On air! by Aspen_munson (short fic)

Dionysus by @edith-moonshadow for @jellyfishloveletterghosts A/B/O After presenting as an Omega Steve is forced to leave home and moves to New York to get a fresh start. However, he struggles to make enough money to live on as a single Omega until he meets Brittany who introduces him to a special website called Dionysus where Alphas will pay good money for an Omegas time.

December To New Years by @jellyfishloveletterghosts Camboy Steve and his budding relationship with Billy.

never gets old by brawls (brawlite), @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger & [podfic] by limescale Falling in love with a cam boy named KingSteve isn't the smartest thing Billy Hargrove has ever done, nor is it the most healthy -- but the good choice is rarely ever the fun choice, and Billy is all about living life fast and loose.

Knights to the Sundae King by @neonponders (not complete) Billy watched him for a year, give or take, surprised beyond believe that his internet locale had become a camboy's streaming channel. A year of Billy denying to himself that he liked this camboy a hell of a lot more than a regular viewer should. But the live streamer known as Scoops_Ah!y, or "Scoops," isn't a regular piece of dessert. And a year of Billy's interaction in the channel earns him a special message, directly from the host himself - the invitation to join the moderators, to get a seat behind the curtain, and maybe not be a regular viewer, after all.

[tugoslovenka]

Flowers & Honey

I have returned to tumblr after about 8-9 years. I have no idea what's going on, but I do know that Halsin is a man that needs more smut written about him.

Here's my attempt.

I also post on ao3, if you would be so kind to visit!

She could not tear her eyes away. Not since their encounter in the grimy, neglected dungeons of the Temple of Selûne that is.

When they reached the cage, her Potion of Animal Speaking had worn off, which is also when she found herself face-to-face with a ferocious brown bear that had almost singlehandedly dispatched a group of goblins on watch duty.

Edith had certainly not anticipated that the beast would transform into a tall, muscular, and, well, rather handsome elf after the battle had ended. He introduced himself as Halsin, the First Druid of the Emerald Grove — and was certainly the largest elf she had ever laid her eyes on.

From that moment in the goblin camp to her current absentminded lip chewing while sat on a rickety stool in a long-forgotten inn in the depths of the Shadowlands, Edith was fairly certain she had spent a significant portion of the past few days unabashedly staring at the man's backside.

He had been polite even after she helped him solve a dispute between the Tieflings and the Druids in the Grove. Even after he had spotted some of her other companions rushing into the woods with partners of their choosing. Even after she mustered the courage to subtly invite him as well.

Too polite for her liking.

Edith's temper ran hot most days, but there was something about his gentle demeanor, his knack for resolving conflicts, his ability to discern people's intentions, and his overall kind-hearted nature that ignited a fiery passion within her, turning that spark into a full-blown wildfire.

That rang especially true after an incredibly difficult encounter with the cursed creatures and Shadows a little ways away from Last Night Inn - where she was almost certain she was going to lose him were it not for some of Shadowheart’s clerical abilities.

A few days had passed since then, and Halsin was reunited with Thaniel’s complete self. Edith still couldn't decipher some of his riddles or understand how this young boy would aid them in their battle against Thorm. She did however know not to ask too many questions on this journey, since it had gone well beyond strange.

Halsin had his back turned to her, focused on mending the broken wooden floor of the inn. They were alone in the room, bathed in the soft glow of a lantern in the corner where she perched. True to form, he declined her offer to help, since, as he noted, she had already done a world of favors to him and the others.

“Do you always study people, Edith?”

Edith’s concentration was broken momentarily when he spoke. She felt her breath hitch in her throat. Could he be hearing her thoughts? There were a couple of Potions of Mind Reading left around the place and she sincerely hoped he didn’t drink one in the past hour.

She cleared her throat and gently let herself stand on two feet. “What do you mean?”She could hear a soft chuckle come from him. “You have been observing my movements for quite some time now.” Halsin said. She tried to ascertain if he was annoyed or offended by the notion, but she couldn’t sense any irritation in his voice.

She supposed this was as good as time as any.

With a quiet prayer to all the Gods, Devils and Demons in the Forgotten Realms, she crossed her arms. “And what of it?” she challenged, a smirk forming on her lips.

Halsin turned to her in that instant, still kneeling on the floor. Even at this height, his head could probably reach the tops of her chest.

“I may be a few centuries your elder, but I am not ignorant of people’s advances. You certainly do not hide your desire for me.” he spoke in a low tone, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Edith involuntarily laughed at his comment. “Well, you’ve also made it quite clear that you want nothing to do with my advances, which is why, I study from afar.” she retorted in response.

“I have never denied your advances, sweet Baldurian. The only time you have sought my companionship was in a very intoxicated state, and I did not wish for you to have any regrets going forward.” he explained, rising to his feet in the process.

His tall frame overshadowed hers. She was not the smallest human, but she was also acutely aware of the size difference between them. Her head barely reached his ribcage. She reckoned she could fit two of her frames into one of his.

“Maybe I needed some liquid courage to get me going.” she murmured, trying her best to remain in control while she felt a pool of heat form in her belly.

“Aye, but I would have preferred you in a sobered state, where we can explore each other to our heart’s content.”

Edith felt as though time had stopped upon hearing that. She reached behind her back to pinch at her skin, making sure she hasn’t been put to sleep. Before she could respond though, Halsin slowly made his way to her until she could feel his breath graze her face.

They had never been that close before. Not even during her embarrassing attempt at trying to seduce him had she smelled his scent. Wood, with a hint of sweat and a plant she could not recognize. She saw a small bead of sweat run down his forehead until it reached his cheek.

Halsin's hand extended, hovering just before her face. "Have I misunderstood your intentions, little flower?" he inquired, tilting his head slightly.

Little flower. It was a nickname he had given her on account of her flower picking. Having been born and raised in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate, lush gardens and vibrant plants were not a sight she was familiar with, hence her need to collect some for her notebooks along the way.

"No," she replied, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty as her senses overcame her. "I... We're not— There are people around."

Halsin smiled in response. His outstretched hand lowered until he held hers, which felt small and delicate in comparison. His gaze moved upwards to the ceiling, where Edith knew there was a private bath for the inn's residents to wash away the day's grime.

Without saying any other word, he began making his way through the hallways, keeping her close by while Edith tried to process what was happening. This man was good at hiding his intentions and feelings, and she was good at, well, not, but even she couldn’t help but be taken by his grace and intimidating presence.

Usually, being the loudmouth that she was, she would have opted to respond with a sly comment or attempt a few witty comebacks. However, not a word escaped her lips as her legs seemed to move on their own, following Halsin up to the second floor of the tavern, where a few Harpers were on patrol.

By the time Edith had thought of a response to give him, they were both already in the small, makeshift storage room that had one wooden bath in the center of it. The only light was the translucent glow from Isobel’s protective spell, which also illuminated Halsin’s large body as he began taking his garments off.

Edith stood there, suddenly feeling insecure as she wrapped her hands around herself. Halsin didn’t pay her any attention for the time being, ensuring to pour an adequate amount of water into the bath and tempering a metal basin with the Heat Metal spell as he mixed both thoroughly.

Once he was satisfied with the temperature, he turned his body towards hers. Her eyes immediately fixated themselves on his lower half, widening slightly once she saw his member. He was quite well-endowed, even when not standing at full attention.

Seemingly taking note of her nervousness, Halsin outstretched his hand, smiling warmly as he did so. “I realize those who do not spend their time in the wilderness are not as comfortable being in the nude, but you should not be afraid of your own body, little flower. The contours of your form are a tapestry of nature’s wonders - a mosaic of petals and blooms, an ode to the beauty of this world.”

Gods damn this man and his mouth.

Edith nodded, only being able to muster an “okay” in response. Or maybe an incoherent mumble. She wasn’t entirely too sure.

Halsin raised her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss there before stepping into the bath. He stood waiting, a small smile playing on his lips once he saw Edith begin to step out of her garments, and then her smallclothes. She lightly grasped his hand as she carefully got into the tub.

The water was not too cold nor too hot, just perfect enough to calm the goosebumps on her skin as she lowered herself. Halsin had some difficulty in managing the manouver, scooting a few times until he finally found the right position. His knees were poking out of the water and on either side of Edith’s arms.

It was honestly a shock they had both managed to fit and not break or overflow the whole bath.

Halsin reached for some soap with one hand, while the other took hold of her hair. “Tell me, little flower.” he began massaging her scalp, making sure to dip the bar into the water before squeezing some of the soapy water onto her curls. “What is it you require of me?”

“Mmm,” Edith murmured as she slumped back onto Halsin’s chest. “Where do I start?”

Halsin leaned in until his lips found the crook of her neck. “Your efforts in helping my cause have gone above and beyond what I had expected. It is only right of me to return the favor in whatever manner you see fit.”

Edith responded with a hum. In truth, she did not anticipate any of this tonight, although she had experienced countless nights fantasizing about something similar. It always began with his fingers. Something about them, meaty and large, roaming their way across her body made her insides tingle.

She heard the sound of something small falling into the water. A beat later, his other arm wrapped itself around her belly.

So much for the bath, she thought.

“In truth, I too have desired you for quite some time now.” Halsin confessed, gently arranging a row of kisses from the crook of her neck to her shoulder blade, stopping momentarily before moving her hair so that he could reach the other side. “I was just hoping, and maybe praying to the Oakfather, that you would make an advance soon.”

“Have you, now?” Edith giggled, closing her eyes so that she could fully appreciate his affection. A moment later, the hand on her stomach reached up until she felt her nipple being tweaked, grazed over and gently pulled.

“That sound,” Halsin growled, moving his head forward until she could see his gaze from the corner of her eyes. “Do not make it unless you wish for me to lose control.”

“Halsin, that is precisely what I was hoping would happen for the past few—”

Edith gasped when she felt his fingers quickly retract from her nipples and nestle themselves between her legs. He traced the lines of her lips teasingly, and it wasn’t long before he stopped his middle finger on her clit, gently rubbing it.

It enticed a surprised moan from Edith. “Halsin…”

“How I have longed to hear you sing for me, little flower.” he confessed, keeping a slow and steady rhythm on her clit while she continued to whimper. Edith was certain everyone in the tavern could hear her noises, but she chose not to engage her current mind with future worries.

Her hips began to unconsciously grind against his fingers as she attempted to help guide him to more of her needs. “I don’t think you realize how much I have— how much I’ve— needed this. It’s not going to take much— much to make me come.” Edith moaned, turning her head so that it was resting between his neck and shoulder blade.

His looked at her. “Your eyes, my heart. They are glazed like the morning mists.” he said huskily before leaning to kiss her deeply. It was one way to swallow out her moans, because her tongue soon reached out to capture his.

The ministrations didn’t take long to get her close to the edge. What wasn’t exactly helpful was his pace, steady and slow, torturously so, but with enough pressure that she felt her hips buckle at the finger that stroked her clit. Halsin seemed to notice and switched his middle finger with this thumb, while his hand moved lower to reach her opening.

The pleasure she thought was experiencing only heightened when she felt not one but two fingers enter her gently. Edith had spent a decent amount of time getting herself off in a similar fashion, but nothing could compare to his thick digits pumping inside her — curling to the hilt as she cried out in surprise.

“You are so sensitive, little flower.” he mused, increasing the pace of his fingers while doing so. “Like a primrose, or maybe even a poppy. Do you think I could fit another finger in?”

Edith panted in response, feeling completely distracted at his words and movements. All she could focus on for the time being was the toe-curling pleasure he gave her. “Yes. Yes, please, Halsin. I need… I need—“

Halsin watched her closely, giving her temple a kiss as he moved a third finger between her legs. “You’re doing well. I can smell your release coming.”

She couldn’t stop the whine that escaped her lips once three fingers well well and truly nestled between her legs. It was almost painful, had it not been for her muscles being stimulated for some time. Her chore ached angrily and his words only helped spur on the pleasure.

Halsin groaned when he felt her squeeze his fingers, his lips moving to nip at her neck hungrily. “I need your release. Give yourself to me.”

She did not need to be told any more encouragement to let go. She felt his free hand grip onto her hips to push them down, since between her grinding and squirming, it must have seemed like she was going to escape the bath altogether. With a cry of pleasure, she felt herself shudder as one strong pulse of pleasure followed the next, a well and true release overcoming her body.

Halsin was patiently waiting for her to finish. One final ripple jolted her hips momentarily before she fully relaxed, almost sinking into the water in the process. It was only him submerging himself lower that helped feather her fall as she breathed heavily from the come down.

“Your body seems to respond well to my touch.” he grinned, reaching a hand to her hair so as to gently run his fingers through it. She was still panting heavily, her arms barely being able to find the sides of the tub to pull herself up. It exposed much of her lower back, where a lot of her scars were.

“You carry many marks for someone so fragile, little Baldurian.” he mused, clearly studying her back. Edith let out a huff in response, turning around to face him. The tub was not nearly big enough to hold both of them comfortably, which is why she settled herself on his thick thighs instead.

“And you carry quite the mouth for someone so ancient.” her hands found themselves wrapped around his neck as she closed the distance between them, ultimately sitting on his member with a swift glide. She hadn’t noticed it before, being preoccupied with his touch, but it was somehow larger and thicker than she had anticipated.

“I never quite realized how burdened I was, until I met you. The threat of the shadow curse, the politics of the Grove.” Halsin let his gaze drop for a moment, looking out into the distance, somewhere far away. “I was forgetting who I was, but you lifted the fog. Thank you.”

Edith was taken aback at the sudden change of mood. She hadn’t quite anticipated his sincerity in this state, although still deeply appreciated his nurturing nature despite what had just occurred.

“You’re welcome.” was all she could muster.

She could hear him chuckle. “You’re too modest. I wager you don’t even know how extraordinary you are. But I do.”

Edith responded by leaning in to kiss him. She had barely remembered the first time they did it, the intensity of their coupling making her forget her manners and not even allow him more than a tongue battle before he was three fingers deep inside of her.

His lips were surprisingly soft. For someone whose voice, hands and general posture were as rough as stone, the velvet on his lips was a stark contrast. She hadn’t noticed it before, but took her time in exploring his mouth. Halsin was a good kisser, letting her take the lead while his hands stayed firmly on her waist.

Her hands grabbed at his hair, now party wet from the ears down, as she gently pulled. All she longed for was to get as close as possible. This exact fantasy she had mused about many nights before, and she was determined to remember every detail of this encounter now that the initial shock had worn off.

She noted the hardness between her legs, semi-floating and partly stuck in place by her own body. Her legs were being tickled by the hair on his thighs, and she noted his muscles squeezing with every other beat. His chest was firm, as if it was made from chizeled rock, and her nipples occasionally grazed over his in the heat of the kiss. His hands were firm, holding onto her sides while she ever so slightly ground her bottom half against his.

He was trying to gain control of something. She sensed it in the kiss, too. The way his tongue suddenly fought hers, teeth occasionally knocking hers, a bite or two coming down on her lower lip.

“Halsin, are you alright?”

His eyes snapped open. The familiar chestnut brown was replaced by a yellow glow, an almost empty stare into her own. His breathing was heavier, more ragged. He was trying to focus.

“I apologize, I am— I believe nature calls to me in more ways than I had anticipated.” he said, blinking a few times before she saw the gold from his eyes transform back into a dark brown. “I am but a bear, in way.”

Edith smiled. “All this time and you’re still battling your Wildshape?”

“I have lived… a very long time. I have taken many lovers. My heart does not stir lightly. But it does now.” he said. “And you, little flower, are not helping my affliction in the slightest.”

“Affliction?” Edith retorted, crossing her arms in return. “Am I the cause of your suffering, now?”

Halsin’s grip on her waist loosened. “Forgive me, I did not mean to cause offense. I simply mean a different kind of suffering, one that—“

Edith interrupted his rambles with another kiss. She bit her lip once pulled away. “I know, old man.” she giggled in response.

That fierce grip took her by the hips this time, slamming her body down on top of his member. Halsin growled in response, and she could see those glowing eyes return. “I asked you not to make that sound.” he reminded her, his teeth finding their mark on the side of her neck.

“I’m sorry.” she gasped, half-joking as she felt his mouth start to suck at the very spot between her ear and throat. “I didn’t realize my laugh would poke the bear that easily.”

One of his hands left her hips and she soon felt it begin circling her clit instead. Edith’s hand quickly grabbed a hold of Halsin’s head, pushing him deeper into her skin at the unanticipated touch. “Fuck, Halsin.”

“This bear pokes many areas.” Halsin murmured in her skin, moving his head down until he reached her breasts. Taking one into his mouth, he suckled at the nipple until she hissed at the sudden pain of his sharp teeth. His lips moved away with a popping sound as he leaned his forehead against hers. “So I ask you again, to not invite it. Not unless you desire it in full, that is.”

Edith pondered for a moment. What would that feel like? Being taken by a beast, with no regard for any customs or strange looks? Would it feel strange or would it give her a pleasure she had never felt before? Would she be interested in exploring more of his Wildshape, maybe have a taste of different—

She must have been quiet for long, because Halsin’s praise broke the silence in the room. “My heart, my little flower,” he repeated the words over and over as his lips found their way on her breasts, her neck, her lips, anywhere that wasn’t occupied by his hands.

Desire overtook her. His words, his touch, his lips, all making her core heat up again. His member had to have been hurting by now, since she had barely paid any attention to it. If only she could find some control again and not behave like some wanton, mindless harlot.

“Halsin, I need you to fuck me.” she said breathlessly.

“Yes, my heart. As you wish.” he signed wistfully, staring down at her lips with hunger. It didn’t take long for his large hands to start digging into her soft flesh, positioning her so that she was placed along the length of his cock.

Edith reached down to touch it for the first time. The sound that Halsin let out was more rewarding than any loot at the end of a long day. It was as melodic as a harmony of birds, as sweet as the tarts in the inn — especially when his head rolled back in the process.

Her hand gently began dragging his foreskin down, making sure to keep a watchful eye of his face. She noted his sharp intake of breath and hissing when she touched the tip, which she made a mental note of to occasionally do. Her other hand had reached between her legs to keep herself occupied, since the sight alone was not enough to give her release.

Halsin seemed to notice the movements and raised his head to look at her. “I want to see you.” he demanded.

In a moment’s notice, he had her bum between his hands and raised to his feet. In another, she felt the wooden floor of the tavern as she was dropped on the boards with Halsin on top of her. Both of them were covered in water and leftover soap, panting as they looked each other in the eyes.

“Touch yourself, little flower.” he commanded, resting his body weight on one elbow while his free hand moved between his legs to grab a hold of his member.

Edith didn’t need to be told twice before her hand moved on her clit. With an index and middle finger, she began circling them around the sensitive skin while her gaze fixated on Halsin’s movements. He was doing his best to match her, although she could tell he was nearing his release.

She did not want his spend on the floorboards. She wanted it inside her.

“Halsin,” she whimpered needily. “Please fuck me.”

“I must rest, for I will not be able to contain myself.” he responded quickly, his hand massaging his cock and his eyes not leaving her own while he did so. “I will not leave your request unattended, I gave you my word.”

Edith could only moan in response. She could see the thick vein on the side of his cock, smell the musk coming from his body as her rhythmically stroked himself, almost taste the pre-come that was dripping ever so slightly from his head.

That was when she felt herself release again. Her hand paused its movement while an earth-shattering orgasm overtook her body. She bit her lip, close to bleeding, to stop herself from screaming out in pleasure. All the while, Halsin was fixated on her. His hand was no longer rubbing in a pattern, but almost forcefully pulling at his skin.

And then he stopped.

It took all the willpower he must have had to not drop his entire body on her. Rather, both elbows hit the side of her face as he almost howled in frustration. In a few short breaths, he turned his head so that it was facing hers. “I… I believe the urge has abandoned me, for now.”

Edith’s hand moved from her cunt to his lips, where she gently parted them so that he could taste her. “Not for long, I hope.” she replied, moving her other hand in his hair to stroke it.

Halsin sucked on her fingers like a needy babe. He moaned while doing so, letting his tongue go over each digit carefully. “As sweet as you smell, my nectar-filled lily,” he hummed.

Edith made a sound of disapproval in response. “I prefer lavender, actually.”

“I will roam the Feywild until the end of my days to bring you the last lavenders in this existence and beyond just to relive this very moment again.” he said once he finished working on her fingers, leaning his head down to give her a passionate kiss.

“Well, I hope that’s not it, Archdruid.” she stifled a giggle, knowing it was apparently what set him off in the first place.

As if on command, his lips moved down her body until he reached her lower belly. She couldn’t tell if it was his eagerness of the velvet in his voice, but she could’ve sworn she felt a gush between her legs. It was too simple for him to get her body going, as if it betrayed her entirely.

Edith gasped once she felt the first swipe of his tongue against her lips. She didn’t bother contemplating why he was so good at it, seeing as he had three centuries to practice. He hooked her legs over his shoulders, lapping hungrily like an animal starved, with growls leaving his throat as he did so.

“I once told you I’ve something of a sweet tooth and that honey was my favorite taste.” he said in between licks. “I was wrong. You are my favorite going forward.”

She whimpered and moaned, arching her hips towards him in need. One of his hands moved up until it reached her breasts, flicking one nipple back and forth. His tongue was circling her clit, then pressing against her lips, before adventuring across her entire cunt, so delicately, as if he hadn’t drunk in months.

Looking down, Edith saw his face. It was covered in her. It didn’t take much before she was sparkling with need. Her heels dug into his shoulders and she, once again, came with a loud, and very long moan. She felt her legs starting to shake, but he did not stop. He devoured her entirely, until her clit could no longer take the sensitivity. Her hand reached out to push on his forehead until he looked back at her, her juices dripping from his chin.

“I do believe I may just pass out if you continue this.” she uttered, just barely being able to catch her breath. He climbed atop her body, placing both palms against her head before giving her a soft kiss.

The unconscious grind against her folds was enough to tell her that he was ready to proceed. There were a few words he muttered, not loud enough for her to hear, but she was certain it was a prayer to Silvanus, one of protection or wisdom.

“May I?” he asked, smoothing the sweaty hair out of her face.

Edith bit her lip and nodded in response, spreading her legs in the process. Halsin settled his weight between her legs, and soon enough, grabbed a hold of his hard member. She gasped for air when she felt the tip of his cock press against her.

It had been quite a while since she was with anyone so… blessed. She would even wager he was the largest she had ever been with. It made her nervous, which he seemed to pick up on.

“My heart, if there is anything that will make you uncomfortable, you will let me know of it?” he whispered, kissing her deeply while sliding his head up and down her core. Edith nodded once again, opening her eyes to give him a silent approval.

She immediately let out a loud mewl when he pushed in, the initial stretch being so intense since she did not anticipate it. Her hands immediately grabbed a hold of his shoulders, squeezing down while he stood in place, being careful not to push too hard.

“Well, I can safely say I did not expect you to be big everywhere.” she joked while gasping, allowing herself to accommodate his size.

He watched for her reactions cautiously, making sure to only push further when she felt comfortable enough to say so. By the look on his face, she could tell that Halsin was holding back. The veins protruding from his arms, the shaking muscles on his thighs, the concentration on his face — all too careful.

The sensations overwhelmed her the more he moved. At some point, she wondered if he would ever stop coming. Thanks to his previous work however, she was still so incredibly slick that it was only mild resistance that he was met with. Her heels continued to dig into his back, partly from the pressure and the incoming pleasure.

She had often wondered what people meant when they craved the feeling of being full. Edith thought she finally understood. Each part of her seemed to be completed with his throbbing member, his girth stretching her to impossibility while her cunt attempted to swallow him entirely.

Halsin pressed hungry kisses on her lips, then her neck, before finally stoping at her breasts. “My heart, may I please move?” he sighed in desperation, hanging his head low while every bit of him seemed to vibrate.

“Please.”

He did not need to be told twice.

He began to slowly pull out, which made Edith wince. Then whimper. Then moan. Then groan. As slowly as he was inside, it felt as though he was twice as fast in pulling out. A feeling of emptiness overwhelmed her, and she could feel her own juices dripping down her thighs as he did so.

“Eager, are we?” Halsin cooed, stopping just his head was pressed against her entrance.

“Shut up and fuck me, bear.” Edith finally snapped, looking up at him with fire in her eyes.

“As the lady requires.”

His pace picked up then. Not enough to give her discomfort, but enough where he was no longer trying to be cautious in his movements. The loud groans that followed reverberated through his chest, and Edith could swear she could hear a bear growl in the midst of it.

She on the other hand, couldn’t explain how she was feeling. It was as if he was hitting new spots the more times he thrust inside, helping her feel fuller the more he did it. The gentleness of his words and touch was gone, now replaced by what seemed to be a rutting animal with only a need to release.

The feeling was mutual, in all honesty.

The Druid slid one arm underneath her head while another grabbed a hold of her thigh, raising it so that he had access to her deepest parts. His cock jabbed at her insides, and Edith swore she was seeing stars. No longer was she able to look at his face, since he was buried deep in her neck. The one thing she could focus on was the wooden ceiling of the Last Night Inn.

“Oakfathe— Father— Do not let— Preserve—“

She could feel him grow, feel more hair that was now turning into fur. For just a moment, she could see his hand turn bigger, his nails growing into that of a large animal - before he slammed his hand down onto the floor and almost breaking it.

He growled like a beast, letting out a sound that she had never heard before. “You are pooling for me, my heart.” his voice was a mixture of his own and a deep, low monstrous tone she had never heard before. “So delicate.”

Edith could only lay and observe him. Her clit was raw, her insides felt like they were being rearranged and she could only crave more. “Release inside me. I wish to be coated in your seed.”

Halsin slammed his fist on the same board again, this time cracking some parts of the wood in the process. The words seemed to spur him on and he picked up his pace, the hand under her head gripping her so tight that she felt it would pop if he pressed hard enough.

“Fuck, fuck, Halsin please,” she mewed, barely being in control of her own body as his cock assaulted her entrance over and over, the feeling turning from discomfort to pleasure to pain and comfort all in one. There was no way anyone wouldn’t hear of this, and at this point, Edith did not care.

Edith didn’t last much longer. She was crying out in pleasure, tightly coiled around the giant elf as her inner muscles clenched and released. It was the tightening of her core that lasted him two full thrusts before he released.

Trickling warmth covered her insides. It turned into a heat she did not anticipate. What surprised her though, was that it just kept coming. Halsin halted his movements entirely, and the only thing she could feel was the twitching of his cock as he kept coming inside. Thick ropes of cum, all coating her entirely. She swore she could feel some of it seep out of her entrance too.

Once he was fully spent, Halsin raised his head to look at her. The scar on his lip had some blood pooling, presumably from the bite he had self-inflicted during his rutting. There was sweat pooling down his face, his long hair stuck to the sides of it as he panted. She could feel his heartbeat on top of hers.

“What an… interesting turn of events.” Edith said breathlessly, reaching up to cup his face with her hands.

Halsin turned his head to give her palm a kiss before groaning in what seemed to be agony. Edith furrowed her brows in confusion as she followed his gaze which ended next to her head.

Another floorboard had cracked.

[positively--speculative]

Sorry to make this rant again, but there's more to the gothic genre than just "dark and twisted fucked up stuff." And I think the mindset that it is probably comes from being exposed to it at a time when you're not ready to consume it.

I had several friends and acquaintances in my late teens and early twenties who liked/loved Anne Rice. Only one of those friends recognized how fucked up some of her writing and approach to certain sensitive topics were. When I finally did read Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, I found myself waiting for some sort of moment where the writing would make it clear that many situations are, in fact, unsavory and awful...but they never are. Daniel doesn't interrupt Louis about the slavery. Nothing pushes back against Lestat or Gabrielle for the incest. It just happens and the reader just has to accept it. And when you have bright-eyed teens and early twenty-somethings wanting to delve into the subject of gothic literature and vampires without having been introduced to better-written gothic stories, they just kind of accept it and pat themselves on the backs for being able to enjoy something so "mature."

I know I've mentioned Crimson Peak before, but it's amazing how it just...does such a better job at not only including disturbing things but at framing them. No, it doesn't beat the audience over the head to explain why incest and seducing multiple wealthy women into marriage to murder them for their fortunes is horrific. We see things from Edith's point of view, so we are therefore able to fall in love with Thomas just as much as she does, and we can feel her horror when she finds out the truth about him and his sister. Their incest is never romanticized. And the disturbing part is knowing that Thomas has actually fallen in love with Edith--because it shows that someone who has done such horrible things can still have the ability to fall in love with someone and hurt them. Yes, Lucille was pulling most of the strings, but he was not blameless.

Anne Rice's writing, to me, talks down to readers who are, rightfully, disturbed by these kinds of things and it seems to reward apathy. It's like she was giving gold stars to readers who can just consume gross stuff and be unphased. And I kind of wish that her writing was treated as just shock porn rather than reading that challenges her readers intellectually because they really don't do anything to challenge her fans. I'm not begrudging her the "gothic" title, but I will say her gothic books are not really good at all aside from making some interesting characters. And it was because of her interesting characters that I was actually excited when the TV adaptation was announced, but I knew as soon as it was announced Louis would be Black that Rice's fans were going to be on their shit.

I think it says a lot that the show created a better gothic story than Rice ever did, and I think a lot of white fans resent it for that, because the show is asking them to think and be challenged in a way Rice never did. Even the ones who claim to like the show resent Black fans for "bringing race into everything" when one of the show's most central themes is race and racism. Maybe it's mean to keep saying they have the media literacy of a peanut, but there's no way to talk about this adaptation *without* bringing up race. But I really don't think they get that, because they're used to racism just happening (again, Louis was a racist slave owner in the book) without being made to pause and examine it.