#don’t know why I’m punished still for other peoples mistakes

[bullet-prooflove]

Tiger, Tiger: John Shen x Reader

Tagging: @kmc1989 @miraclesabound @cannonindeez @fadeinsol @nommingonfood @yousigned-upforthis

Companion piece to:

Dick Pics - You and John discuss your dating life in the ambulance bay during a rare shift break.

Brunch - John refuses to give up when you miss brunch with him.

Silly Little Boys (NSFW) - John's not like the other men you've been with.

In The Summer - You discover John's secret.

You’re lying on the floor of the boxing ring when John finds you, your hands resting on your diaphragm as you stare up at the stained glass mural above you. The place used to be a church back in the day but dwindling worship figures had led to it being sold off ten years ago to the owner of your boxing club.

It had emptied out over an hour ago after Fight Night finished and you’d offered to stay to clear up because you still had that adrenaline coursing through your system. The crash hit about ten minutes ago, the energy seeping out of your body like you’re bleeding out.

The left side of your face throbs where you caught a punch during your match. It was a stupid mistake, one you walked right into. That seems to be the running theme of the day.

“You’re gonna have a shiner.” John’s voice breaks through your thoughts as he slips underneath the ropes. He knows all about this place and your fights, he’s been in the audience a couple of times with a few people from The Pitt on the charity nights. “You should put some ice on it.”

“And you should leave me the fuck alone.” You tell him as his face appears in your vision. He’s wearing a black, tailored suit with an expensive wool coat draped over the top. His features are cleanly shaven, his hair artfully styled.

An absolutely perfect look for a meal at the most expensive restaurant in the city to discuss your upcoming nuptials.

“I know I fucked up.” He tells you, lowering himself to the canvas instead. You inhale sharply as he lies down alongside of you, his shoulder bumping lightly against yours. “I’m not engaged but I should have told you what was going on, I planned to over brunch but then that got side tracked-”

“Don’t lie to me.” You say tiredly as you close your eyes, your teeth grinding together as you try to shift away. “I read seventeen articles this afternoon about how much your wedding is costing. People don’t throw away that kind of money for something that isn’t happening.”

There’s silence then between the two of you, you think he’s going to get up, walk away but instead, he tucks his arm underneath his head and focuses on the stained glass above you.

“My parents do. When they want something to happen they make it happen by putting so much pressure on you that you break even though you know it will ruin your life.” There’s an exhaustion in his voice that mirrors your own, a burden that bares down on him that he can’t hope that you will ever understand. “It’s why my sister is married to a man that beats her, why my brother has himself shoved so far back into the closet he has to take Viagra to get it up for his wife. Our oldest brother Michael, he killed himself because he couldn’t live up to the weight of their expectations… my parents don’t even talk about him because he was ‘weak’, because he ‘brought shame’ down on the family.”

His voice cracks and you focus on your breathing, on the rise and fall of your chest because as much as you don’t want to forgive this man, you want to understand him. You want to know the real John Shen.

“My parents are tiger parents, strict discipline, high expectations and corporal punishment when you don’t comply. Those tattoos on my back, they cover up the belt marks my dad left on me because although I was academically gifted I could barely still in class because I had ADHD. I was the bad one, the rebel, the disappointment and it has been that way my entire life. My med school wasn’t Ivy League, they didn’t have a surgeon in the family, nothing was ever good enough because it didn’t contribute to their social standing, it didn’t elevate them.”

“But now they’ve found a way to make you useful.” You say quietly, your voice echoing through the empty boxing gym. Your own family were the same, only it was drugs instead of social standing and sex instead of marriage. You were worthless to them until you hit puberty and then suddenly you weren’t.

“Yea.” John says frankly. “It just involves marrying a woman I met once during a charity event, whose as a vapid as the paint on that ceiling over there.” He gestures at the faded white patch alongside the stained glass window that someone’s tried to paint over. “They don’t care that I said no. They’re determined to rail road me into it by planning a wedding I do not want.”

His frustration, it’s palpable you can taste it in the air as his hand settles next to yours, his knuckles brushing lightly against your skin.

“I went there tonight to reiterate my position and my mother threw a glass of water in my face and called me an ungrateful little bastard. If I don’t turn up to the wedding then they disown my completely, that means no contact from them, my siblings, my nieces and nephews. I’ll be completely on my own.”

You’d faced the same ultimatum once upon a time.

Lose your family but keep your soul.

They hadn’t expected you to save yourself, to leave them far behind in the rearview.

“People who love you don’t put you in that position.” You find yourself telling him, your hand capturing his. “They don’t make you choose.”

“I know.” He says, his fingers entwining with yours. “I told her as much which is why she threw the water jug.”

You tilt your head towards him and you can see the tiny shards of glass still glittering in his hair. You reach out, brushing them away from his features with your fingertips and those dark eyes of his, they shine like onyx as they look back at you.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers as your thumb chases over the slender cut on his cheek. “I should have told you sooner. It’s just a really fucked up situation I didn’t know how to explain.”

There’s such earnestness in his voice, you can’t help but believe him. This history, this is the part of him he hides underneath his capability, underneath the lightness he portrays to the rest of the world. This is the John Shen that no one gets to see, not until now, not until you.

“I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it up to me.” You tell him and the edges of his mouth tip up into that handsome smile, the one that makes your heart beat a little harder in your chest. “But you gotta be open with me from now on, forced weddings, tiger parents, secret babies…”

He huffs out a laugh as he shifts into a sitting position, his elbows coming to rest on his knees.

“No secret babies, I always use protection.” He assures you, tilting his head up towards you as you raise to your feet. “But I promise from now on you’ll get to hear all about my crazy shit. The good, the bad and the batshit insanity that is my family.”

“Alright then.” You say, holding out your hand to help him up. “John Shen, you’re second chance starts now, don’t fuck it up.”

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[sodapopper]

Thoughts on calling out toxic fan behavior and the recent musical drama

I don’t often talk about fandom drama, because I prefer to write about the positive instead of the ugly. But with what’s recently come out about a specific group of musical fans, I’ve seen an influx of posts across all platforms expressing outrage at the situation—outrage I share. That being said, the sentiment behind many of these posts confuses me. The anger, while absolutely justified, seems directed at the general fandom, instead of the people actually culpable.

Don’t get me wrong, bad things have happened in the musical fandom. I’m not making light of that; I have friends who’ve witnessed/been victimized firsthand by the toxicity. But many, if not most, of the situations/behavior being spotlighted are not the fault of the general fandom, but a few specific people—the folks in the group chat leaked on reddit.

Brody being ambushed at stage door? It was by that one specific group. Emma, Sky, Trevor, etc being stalked? That group. Weird comments in Soc Saturday live? That group. Rush line bullying? That group. Inappropriate/rude stage door etiquette? That group. Violent commentary and threats? That group. Bullying fans online? Guess who—yeah, it’s still that one specific group.

Make no mistake, I want these people banned from the theater and made pariahs within the fandom. They deserve every consequence coming their way. Their behavior is despicable, their words unforgivable, and the damage they’ve done to an otherwise friendly theater fandom can’t be overstated. These people have repeatedly engaged in unspeakable conduct with little sign of remorse, and our outrage is both justified and righteous.

But it’s because of us, the general fandom—and the efforts of the folks in the reddit thread and the facebook group—that these issues came to light. Management is tightening security, the cast has been made aware, and according to the most recent update, the perpetrators’ families reached out about the situation to say these young people are facing appropriate consequences. (Which is why I haven’t named them, at the request of their parents.)

Besides several extremely bad apples, the Outsiders fandom (for the most part) is a reasonable, friendly place. It hurts my heart to see posts lashing out against the fandom at large, as if 100% were responsible for this situation instead of a few.

Those kids are wrong, and it sounds like they’re facing punishment for their actions. But I hope we don’t turn their misdeeds into a witch hunt within the fandom. Most of the people I’ve encountered here are polite and respectful, who love the show and wish only the best for the cast. As much as we should continue calling out toxic behavior, it shouldn’t be at the expense of everyone who happens to enjoy the show.

Language is important, and when I see posts make sweeping accusations against “the fandom” for things only a minority of folks are doing, it saddens me. Call out bad behavior, but don’t pull your punches and end up hitting everyone instead. Be specific! Know who you’re accusing! And if you’re not comfortable naming people directly, please be cautious how you phrase your anger—don’t lump the many into the actions of a few.

Every fandom has drama. Every fandom has bullies who try to ruin the experience for others. Every fandom has scandals and bad behavior and hateful deeds. But in the grand scale of what’s out there, ours is surprisingly unproblematic, compared to most other fandoms, and I think we should acknowledge that more. I’ve been a fan of many things for many years, and this is the only fandom in which I’ve felt safe enough to stop my habitual lurking and take a place at the table.

I love our cute little fandom, full of artists and writers and imaginative minds. I’m sorry for the horrible things that have happened at the hands of people who called themselves fans. I’m sorry the cast was ever made to feel uncomfortable and unsafe. But I also believe the majority of us are good, kind people, and I will continue to appreciate the efforts they’ve made to keep this space as respectful as possible.

We should never take good fans for granted. To all the people who love the story, who love the show, who’ve been touched in some way by these characters and carry a piece of the magic inside your heart, and who are as grieved by the misconduct as I am—I love you, I see you, and I’m glad you’re here.

Stay gold, my friends! 💗✨

[luckymousey]

Defending Trey Clover, an essay

I just fucking saw a post shit-talking about Trey and I'm so fucking angry that instead of shit-talking them back in my mind I'm going to write an essay about how I see Trey and why he's not a bad character.

I haven’t seen his dream, so there might be some mistakes here, and yes, there might be some slight spoilers for those who haven't seen his dream like me

⚠️English is not my first language⚠️

Trey Clover

We all know who he’s.

He’s like the older brother/mother of Heartslabyul.

The one who takes care of the young ones.

The one who tries to blend in with the crowd.

And also one of the most misunderstood and hated characters in all the fandom.

Like, all the hate directed to him is just because of the fact that he didn’t do anything to help Riddle when his mom caught them eating tarts.

All the haters don’t understand one single thing.

Trey was a kid.

He was just a kid, he didn’t know the real consequences of Riddle sneaking out, he just wanted to have some fun, like any child wants to, he had no real power against Mrs. Rosehearts, even if he shouted, even if he fought for Riddle, it would’ve been of no use, even more, I’m sure Riddle would have been punished in a worse way if Trey stood up for him, AND, his family and him had to endure a five hours yelling of Mrs. Rosehearts; Trey was behind his parents, looking how the tears flooded down his friend’s cheek, how Riddle’s mother was shouting and how his parents were being yelled at by something that wasn’t even bad, god damnit, he was severely affected by everything that happened that day.

They even mention in his dream (I read this as a spoiler, I’m not sure) that his family laugh at what happened that day, but I don't think it's a: “it wasn’t bad at all, just a slight, small scare” laughing, but a “I can’t cry about it, so I can only laugh” laughing (like, everytime the teacher hands out our exams, a lot of my classmates say this)

And Riddle’s mom is someone pretty famous.

Trey once said that they were curious about the kid who lived in the biggest house in the neighborhood, so that means she’s also pretty rich.

In other words, she is powerful.

(Power means the money and fame, but it has another meaning, which I’ll be talking about later)

There was nothing a family of bakers could do at that moment, even if they were kind of famous, much less a 10 year old kid.

And think about how he felt when he realized Riddle wouldn’t be leaving his house for a long time.

Think about how he felt when he received his NRC admission letter (or whatever the crow sends them), thinking about how he probably won’t be seeing Riddle, no matter how much he hoped for it, now that he was going to study somewhere else.

Think about how excited he was about Riddle’s admission in his same school only to be greeted by the reflection of the woman who shouted for 5 hours straight, in his parents’ bakery, some years ago.

Trey wasn’t and isn’t a bad friend, he was a ten year old child and in the Heartslabyul Arc he was an eighteen year old who was still traumatized, no matter how he tried to hide it, he’s not fine, he’s not ok, he’s not alright. He’s not as extremely traumatized as Riddle, who suffered years of abuse from his mom first hand, but he’s still bothered by what happened.

Unlike a lot of people say, Trey did not encourage Riddle to become a tyrant, he did not try to mold him into one, and he did not accept Riddle’s new way of being.

He just didn’t know what to do.

As I said before, he was excited to see Riddle again, he really was, Cater said Trey couldn’t stop talking about Riddle to everyone, so the fact that Riddle had a 360º change (a change that resembled him a lot like his mother), kind of scared him, because that Riddle wasn’t his friend, he wasn’t the Riddle he meet when they were kids, he wasn’t the Riddle who laughed, played and spent his time with.

We could say Trey was paralyzed for one whole year and some months because he was still trying to find a way to digest all the new information he received.

It would be something similar to living but not living at the same time.

He was studying, baking cake as always, taking care of his peers, you know, being his usual self; but deep inside, he was processing everything, he was trying to understand Riddle.

Honestly, I even imagine Trey broke down into tears, in front of his family, when he went back home for the winter holidays in his second year.

I am sure he was affected by how much Riddle changed in all the time they didn’t see each other.

Now, even if he was paralyzed, why couldn’t he try to stop Riddle?

Because Riddle became just like his mom, if someone said something he didn’t like, he would get beheaded, and that only makes Trey think back of Riddle’s mom, because it’s the same situation.

He had no power against him.

And yes, yes, he can overwrite Riddle’s UM, but…would that change Riddle?

Of course not.

And that's what I was referring to when I said he had no power against his mother, it’s not only about magic, money and fame, but also the fact that neither of the two Rosehearts would change their way of thinking so easily, they would be constantly: “I’m right and that’s final” (Riddle’s way of thinking was more like: “my mother is always right, so if she says it’s like this, then it’s like this”)

Because of that, Trey started thinking: ”I can’t change him, so the only thing I can do to not make anyone suffer anymore is to try to please and calm him down”

There was no way Trey would’ve been able to stop Riddle with that thought in mind, so Trey in reality is not a ‘bad’ or an ‘useless’ character, he is the type of person who needed a little push to realize that it was better to try than not trying at all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So, yeah, this is my essay, nothing more, and I hope that those haters finally understand Trey’s whole design and purpose in the history

(Also, a lot of people also say that his dream is dumb and everything, and, again, I’ve not seen his dream, it has not been translated and I sadly don’t have the game, but I know that he’s the type of person who likes to bake sweets and offers them to comfort people, so in reality, I don’t think his dream is dumb, I think that is the way he sees people can be happy, you know, like: “here, it won’t immediately solve your problems, but I’m sure one slice won’t hurt” type of thought (like what happened in one of Vil’s cards, I think it was Vil’s), he just wants to be in a place where everyone can be happy one way or another, and that ended up in them being turned into meatballs, because he believes that sweets always sweeten life (yes, I made pun on that))

[barelylivingscholar]

Arlecchino with a daughter tw: unhealthy family relationships, manipulation, and gore(?), suicidal thoughts, unstable/mentally ill daughter. Not for the faint of heart, heavy angst, a somewhat positive ending in the last part(?) (Do not read if uncomfortable)

An: I am backkkkk, second semester and last semester’s finals kept me busyyyyyy but I’m here again to post some stufffffff!! Not hsr related but like I also write for Genshin now, apparently… Will post a part two, I guess? “Father. When am I able to hang around with the others? I have done everything that you’ve asked for.” A young girl asked, to which “Father” responds with, “You need to focus on the task in hand. I still have many more missions for you to do before I set you free.” The girl sighed, knowing very well that she may as well never be able to be allowed to play with the other kids… For a moment, the girl had wished that she wasn’t the only one to deal with this kind of burden. The burden being, the “successor” of “Father.” She wanted to play with the other kids as well, but alas, her father does not permit her to do so. Instead, excuses are made, and the standard Fatui discipline is instilled in her mind, always have to act proper and professional, not allowed to shed a tear, or to feel strong feelings regardless of what the matters are. I hate it here. I do not wish to stay here any longer. Every day feels like I am only made to be the person that “Father” wishes me to be. I am never truly happy. I am sinking. Father was not  family. This whole thing is and always was, a lie. Do I ever get to be free? Perhaps I can set myself free. There is a way.  ̶T̶̶h̶̶e̶ ̶q̶̶u̶̶e̶̶s̶̶t̶̶i̶̶o̶̶n̶ ̶i̶̶s̶, ̶a̶̶m̶ ̶I̶ ̶w̶̶i̶̶l̶̶l̶̶i̶̶n̶̶g̶ ̶t̶̶o̶ ̶d̶̶o̶ ̶i̶̶t̶? --- After burning the corpse of their enemies, I return to the House of the Hearth, albeit bloody and face that is smudged of dirt, the smell of blood and gasoline lingers around me. With every passing servant, caretakers, and also children as well, unsettled and left shaken up at the sight of me. I stained the carpets red. I wonder if “Father” would notice as the carpet is in the same shade of the blood of her enemies…? Will she punish me and discipline me? Although words are exchanged, no form of physical harm done, I am still left isolated.  Like I am to be a monster kept away from people… I feel caged.

This time, I didn’t bother to clean up and went straight ahead to father’s office. Where I know I’ll be punished for such a careless mistake. “Father, I have returned.” I greet, looking to see her eyes staring straight at me. For once I don’t cower. I simply walk up to her and wait for her response. I have no reason to be scared, right? I don’t think I care anymore. Father’s eyes narrowed. The sight of blood that wasn’t mine, the smell of gasoline, in her eyes, I may as well be the filthiest child in the house. One that is simply, uncouth for the position of “successor.” “Why have you not followed protocol? Especially contingency 8? Have I not taught you well?” Her voice sharp, dissatisfied with my performance. It must be a surprise for her that her “successor” had become disobedient. What is she going to do to me, I wonder? Dispose of me? Or would she find someone else who is to succeed her as the “Father” of the House of the Hearth. “I… I have no other excuses.” I was unable to control my voice. It was shaky, wavering. I hate it. Father’s eyes seemed to had harden. I am interested with what is going to be the left of me once this is all over. I look forward to it. I want her to snap at me. Kill me. Foul words for a child like me, but this is what I planned. Maybe it is best that I sleep in eternal slumber instead rather than live a life full of misery. I have nothing to be grateful here. I am not thankful that I am still alive today. “…You are hereby stripped of the title “successor.” You are no longer worthy of the title. I am disappointed.” Is that it? No severe punishments? My mind raced; I was unable to comprehend why had she punished me in a way that is so… Little? Had she gone soft? I do not remember anything that made her want to punish me lightly. Don’t I deserve… More? My brows had furrowed. “Father” did not miss that. “Daughter… Are you, upset?” Her voice sounded confusing, to me. Why do you suddenly care? I don’t understand you at all. I do not feel safe at all. Are you really “family?” “…I’m fine.” I say, my voice a little tight. Unshed tears on my face, I am no fool. I do not need your love.

“You are now excused.” Never had I ever left her office so quickly after that. I had to get away…! I need to get out of here… I breathed heavily as I ran and ran… Until there is nowhere to go. The heavy snow had engulfed me. And soon… I was unconscious. I awoke to an unfamiliar place. This is not the House of the Hearth. I quickly got up, ignoring the sudden rush of blood shooting up due to how fast I went up. I ignore the throbbing pain on my forehead, I focused on my surroundings instead. Where am I? This place is… Different. I jolted as I felt a hand on my shoulder, immediately backing off and grabbing a hidden dagger in my boot. “Stay there! I will stab you!” I hissed. Glaring at the mysterious figure. They looked… Kind. I am not supposed to feel that way. There are no kind people in this world. Everyone I know will always lie to me, manipulate me for their gain. Just like “Father.” Just like them…

The stranger had knelt down and attempted to soothe me. I only responded with aggression and threats. They weren’t phased at all. “Who are you? I am no ordinary orphan! I am a murderer!” I shouted, clearly agitated. The man in a familiar coat had not reacted violently at all. I am confused. And angry. “I am Pantalone. “Regrator” from the Fatui. I assume you are one of the Knave’s lost children…” My eyes widened at the statement. He is no ordinary man… I should’ve known, I gritted my teeth and gripped my dagger tight. “I am not her orphan! I am no longer a part of that… I could care less if you are a part of the Fatui, I will die gladly in vain if I have to fight for my freedom!” I hissed. The man is amused. I can tell by the look in his eyes. “I have a better proposal for you, child.” “Regrator” inquired. I had not chosen to back down even at the prospect of an offer. “What makes you think I will take it?” I replied, gripping the dagger tight. “I will not surrender you to the Knave. Rather, I’ll take you in as my disciple.”

Disciple? Is this man sick in the head? Why would I agree to that? It seems “Regrator” had heard my thoughts, and so, he added, “Although, it is up to you if you would rather be surrendered back to the Knave… Or join me and I’ll give you a much better purpose, in life… Not that you have any choice on the matter if you decline my offer…” I had no sense of purpose to live for. I am merely an empty shell of what I was once. I have nothing to achieve… In the end, I don't have what it takes to truly end my life. So I will follow my new superior. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be easily obedient. I am rather mad.” And it was the start of something anew…  I had become, “Regrator’s disciple.” I wonder how “Knave” will react to such arrangements… An: Part two will include Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet. There will be other characters who will be included as well but, part one's story was set before Lyney became the sucessor of the House of the Hearth. I am thinking of interesting ideas to write for this story and some alternate routes as well... We'll see once I whip up part two.

[caffedrine]

Keith Howell Sequel 09 - Fan Translation

If you trust me to know what I'm doing, then we have both made a huge mistake. I cannot guarantee accuracy for this fan translation, or even grammatical correctness.

Please support Cybird and pick up this event when it makes it to the English Server

Tonight, at the Sweet Shop “Nekoen,” the unusual guests were a pair of foreigners.

Licht: “We came here yesterday, and now today again... and on top of that, ordering too much.”

Leon: “Since there are two of us, it’s no problem.”

Licht: “I don’t think I can eat that much, though.”

Leon: “Well then, tomorrow you’ll be in charge of ordering.”

Licht: “Planning to come back tomorrow too, huh?”

Leon: “I plan to conquer the entire menu during our stay.”

Leon: “I wanted to invite Emma and the others, but... maybe I should bring dorayaki for their visit?”

Suddenly, a thin line appeared between Licht’s eyebrows.

Licht: “…What do you think?”

Leon: “Can’t say anything for now. But it’s hard to explain away these coincidences.”

Kagari: “Keith shares that opinion too.”

Leon & Licht: “!?!”

(It's not just me. Everyone else thinks he needs another bell as well)

Kagari: “You’ve kept me waiting. Eat up.”

The unexpectedly appearing Kagari placed steaming dishes on a large tray on the table and sat down comfortably in the empty seat.

Leon: “I didn’t order this food, did I?”

Kagari: “This is my treat. It’s delicious.”

Licht: “Why are you here?”

Kagari: “I’m on night duty tonight.”

Licht: “No way.”

Kagari: “Yes, I am.”

Licht: “Are you willing to spar with me?”

Kagari: “Relax. I’ve been prepared from the start. Just wait a little longer.”

Kagari: “Still, I wish Keith had told us earlier that there are people in the Rose Kingdom who love fighting.”

Kagari: “Mind if I sit with you?”

Licht: “Ask before you sit.”

Leon: “You’re very welcome. It’s better to eat with more people—more people make the meal more enjoyable.”

Leon: “So, what’s the main topic?”

After somewhat clumsily dividing the three portions of food, Kagari swiftly ate a fried flower roll.

Kagari: “It’s rude to keep you waiting for good food.”

Kagari: “But I won’t talk about anything complicated. It’s just a quick check.”

Kagari: “We might need your help in the future.”

~Elsewhere~

I cupped Keith’s cheeks with both hands and silenced him with my lips.

Emma: “No, that’s strictly forbidden.”

Keith: “...”

Keith: “...Even more.”

Emma: “I’m sorry, it’s my fault.”

Keith: “........I’m sorry.”

Emma: “I’m sorry. I have no excuse. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize.”

All of her apologies were silenced, and her eyebrows gradually lowered.

Keith: “But I have been hiding something important from you, Emma.”

Keith: “I knew I should have told you... but I didn't.”

(His voice is filled with regret and guilt — I can feel it in my chest tightening.)

His confident posture now seemed so fragile that he looked as if he could collapse with just a touch of his fingertips.

Emma: “...It’s the same for me.”

Emma: “I also sensed that Keith was hiding something, but I pretended not to notice.”

Emma: “I’m sorry.”

Keith: “I was using your kindness, Emma. You have nothing to apologize for.”

Keith: “Please, let me be the one to apologize.”

Which option will you choose?

"Let him apologize" — is not allowed.

“I have already received enough.”

“Then I will punish you.”

Emma: “Then I’ll punish you.”

Keith: “Got it. I’ll accept any punishment.”

Emma: “You agree?”

Emma: “Then, from now on, don’t speak any words of apology. Just accept mine.”

Keith: “Huh, sorry... I—”

Emma: “Did you just say ‘sorry’ now?”

Keith: “I-I’m sorry, no, I didn’t mean it like that just now...”

Emma: “Hehe, just kidding. Please don’t look so troubled.”

In the slightly eased atmosphere, I gaze steadily at Keith.

Perhaps he noticed my intentions behind that gaze, and with a determined look, our eyes met again.

Emma: “...Please, tell me.”

Emma: “What is it that’s been troubling you, Keith?”

The moment I put that question that I’d kept buried deep inside, my heart suddenly started pounding faster.

(I’ve been hesitating to ask all this for a long time.)

(The reason I’ve been holding back is because, by entering Keith’s world, I might make things worse for both of us...)

(And perhaps the root of their trouble is me... That’s why I was afraid to ask.)

(But further delaying it will only crush our hearts more.)

(I can’t keep turning the other way forever.)

Keith: “I was planning to tell you... I was aware that I was causing you anxiety.”

Keith: “But I couldn’t gather the courage to do it earlier.”

He softly relaxed into a somewhat self-deprecating smile and sat beside me.

After a moment of silence, I heard a breath full of resolve.

Keith: “I actually only have vague memories of when I was switching places with him.”

Though I had prepared myself, hearing what Keith said caused my mind to go blank for a moment.

Emma: “It... that means...?”

Keith: “Yeah. It’s a state close to before I met you, Emma.”

Keith: “However, unlike then, I can recall it fragmentarily over time now.”

So, after the switch, he was often absent-minded or lost in thought.

~Flashback~

Keith: “...No, it’s nothing.”

Emma: “Are you feeling unwell?”

Keith: “No, not at all! Honestly, I’m more than fine—probably too energetic.”

Keith: “What did you make this time?”

Emma: “Yesterday’s galette. The one you mischievously ate with such a delicious look.”

Keith: “Ah... right. That galette you made looked very tasty.”

~End Flashback~

(I guess, because they had been switching, his memories had become fragmented...)

Emma: “Do you have any idea what might be the cause?”

Keith: “...Not really, not at this point.”

It didn’t exactly mean “I have no idea,” but rather “I don’t have proof”—that’s how it felt like it was continuing.

(Keith might be aware of the reason why he can’t retain his memory.)

When I first met Keith, it was normal for him not to be able to hold onto memories during the personality switch.

But by facing his past and accepting himself as a person with two personalities, he had become able to retain memories during the switch. The fact that we met and were bound by love was what allowed him to find his true self.

But in reverse, that meant their way of being together, united by love, had become distorted. Even if that was happiness for us, if it was warped and abnormal, cracks would eventually appear.

(What is the real reason why Keith has hidden this problem all along...?)

(Did I think that maybe it was because I loved both of them that I’d feel guilty...?)

The moment I arrived at that answer inside, a sharp pain tore through my chest.

Suddenly, Keith’s thumb touched my lips, and I realized I had tightly clenched my teeth.

Keith: “Emma, you’re hurting yourself.”

Keith: “........”

Keith: “I'm sorry.”

(Even though I’m not at fault... No, the real fault is…)

Keith simply wore a bitter expression and lowered his eyes.

(If this love is the root of all of it, then if I leave Keith and the others, everything will be resolved...?)

(But they don’t want that. I don’t want that either.)

(A life without Keith and them by my side is unthinkable now. I don’t even want to think about it.)

(So, what should I do?)

(If I continue like this, the problem might worsen, or even cause other issues...)

(I don’t want Keith and them to suffer any more... but I can’t come up with anything...)

Emma: “Keith... I...”

The words I forced out were so faint I almost burst into tears, and I clenched my fists so tightly that my fingers turned white.

(I must have sensed that something was wrong... but I was just scared.)

(I’m the worst. I want to punch myself.)

Emma: “Sorry...”

Before I could finish my words, Keith gently cupped both my cheeks and kissed me softly.

Keith: “Just a small return for earlier.”

Keith: “I shouldn’t be the one saying this after making you look like that, but please, don’t blame yourself.”

Keith: “This is our... our problem.”

Keith: “Because you are here with me, we exist.”

Keith: “So please, don’t think it’s your fault.”

Keith’s words were sincere and honest—more than that, they carried a strong sense of guilt.

(I understand Keith is the most anxious, yet I become anxious myself, and because he’s worried about me...)

(Keith decided to reveal his secret with resolve. I should accept it properly too…)

Emma: “Thank you for confiding in me.”

I loosened my tense fingers and placed my hand over Keith’s large one.

Emma: “From now on, I want to work with both of you to find a solution.”

(Another way that allows us not to be apart, something better...)

Keith: “Thank you. Surely, he wishes for that too.”

(Speaking of which…)

Emma: “Is Alter!Keith affected by this problem as well?”

Keith: “No, I haven’t heard anything from him about it.”

Keith: “If there was, he’d be complaining, saying ‘It’s because of you that I’ve gotten caught up in this mess,’ so I’m sure of that.”

(Only the gentle Keith is affected... but...)

~Flashback~

Alter!Keith: “...Yeah, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to lock you in a room, actually.”

Alter!Keith: “At first, it’ll be boring, but if you repeat it, it will become a normal daily routine.”

Alter!Keith: “I…"

Alter!Keith: “ You... don’t mess around.”

Alter!Keith: “Hey, what are you trying to run away for?”

Alter!Keith: “...You tried to kill Emma. There’s no way I’m letting you escape.”

~Flashback End~

(And then, what on earth was that...?)

A cold shiver of unease crept up my spine, but no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t grasp what it really was.

Several days after confiding in Emma about her problems—

When Keith, who had responded to the summons and appeared, Kagari presented him with a sealed envelope without greeting.

Keith: “....”

Kagari: “If you don’t like it, I’ll tear it apart.”

Keith: “No, I’ll read it carefully, thank you.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, Keith carefully accepted the offered envelope.

Inside was a letter written.

~Later~

Emma: “Keith, could you please let me down here?”

Keith, who was carrying me and walking through the castle’s courtyard, blinked in surprise.

Keith: “Please don’t worry about me. Emma, you’re as light as a petal.”

(I think that’s a big deal in itself—though with Keith, it might very well be his true feelings.)

Emma: (Hehe, thank you.)

Emma: “However, since we’re here, I’d like to see the night cherry blossoms with you.”

Emma: “This particularly splendid tree almost covers us entirely — it’s perfect.”

Keith: “Understood. If that’s what you want, Emma.”

Keith: “But if you feel any pain or fatigue, just tell me, okay?”

With the delicate care of handling something fragile, Keith gently set me down on the ground.

(Really, today I relied on him for everything—from morning to night...)

~Flashback~

Emma: “I can change clothes myself, you know!”

Keith: “I beg you, let me help. I don’t want you to feel any pain—even a little.”

Keith: “And, it’s not because I have any improper intentions or anything.”

Keith: “I won’t look while you change, so you don’t have to worry.”

~Later~

Emma: “Keith, is the place we’re heading to now...?”

Keith: “The meeting about the new drug I scheduled.”

Emma: “I thought so. Since I can walk now, I can be dropped off here.”

Emma: “If I were to enter the room while you’re holding me, it might surprise them.”

Keith: “Huh, I was planning to attend the meeting myself…”

Emma: “Huh!?”

~End Flashback~

(After that, convincing Keith was pretty difficult.)

(I repeatedly told him it was a light sprain and that he didn’t need to worry, but he’s very considerate about it...)

(He’s been carrying me the entire way and preparing everything I need...)

(Keith even wraps my bandages so I can walk comfortably, and even the bath...)

While savoring the joy of having my beloved by my side all day, I couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of discomfort.

(Keith’s boundless kindness isn’t strange—of course he’d worry about me when I’m injured...)

(But something feels off...)

—Even now, in this moment, as Keith invites me out to see the night cherry blossoms in the courtyard—

Emma: “Keith…”

Under the fluttering, pale pink flower petals falling with the night breeze, I turn quietly back to Keith.

He’s smiling as usual, as if basking in sunlight — but despite that,

I sense a shadow behind that smile, as if clouds are passing over the sun.

(Every time Keith holds me in a sideways embrace, I can feel his hesitation and nervousness.)

(And even now, as we’re together like this, it hasn’t changed.)

(...The reason I invited him to see the night cherry blossoms isn’t just to cheer him up, I think.)

Emma: “..........”

If I stare intently, Keith’s golden eyes shift away as if trying to escape.

(Keith is hesitating about something. And that hesitation is definitely related to me.)

(Then...)

I gently cupped Keith’s hands and raised them softly, then looked directly into his golden eyes again.

With a firm gaze, I told him everything:

Emma: "I will never be able to surpass you."

Emma: “Hmm........……”

Holding Keith’s hand tightly, I slightly stretched up and pressed my lips to his.

Sharing kisses—breathing in each other’s breath, exchanging gentle kisses that touched our hearts repeatedly.

Keith: “What’s wrong, Emma? To be so bold outdoors today.”

Emma: “Since today has been a day of being thoroughly spoiled by you, it’s my way of thanking you.”

Keith: “Supporting you is only natural.”

Keith: “More than that, I’m grateful you’re letting me help—Huh?”

When I interrupted him with a kiss, Keith furrowed his brows and smiled awkwardly.

Emma: “That was a ‘please don’t say such things’ kind of kiss.”

Keith: “Emma...”

He wore a soft, melted smile, but immediately that expression darkened.

(That shadow has never left Keith’s face since arriving in Kougyoku.)

(In fact, I feel like it’s growing deeper with each passing day...)

Emma: “Keith, may I kiss you again?”

Keith: “Yes, of course.”

I held his hand firmly and kissed him gently again, but I felt that the feelings we exchanged were slowly drifting into the void.

(It's not a lie that I want to thank him for this day.)

(But more than that, I want to soothe Keith’s hesitation.)

(To soothe... No, I want to eliminate it if I can.)

(But what is the true cause of Keith’s hesitation?)

Keith: “Thank you, Emma. I appreciate that you care about me.”

Keith: “I don’t want to make you worried... but I failed.”

Keith: “There’s something I must tell you, and I hesitated to do so.”

Still with a hesitant expression, Keith took out a letter from his pocket.

Keith: “I don’t want to take you back to that place—the place where it all happened.”

His voice, squeezing out painfully, made my chest feel heavy, and I had no choice but to swallow the words I almost spoke.

Keith: “I’m sorry. I know this request is selfish.”

Keith: “You have the right to know why you were attacked... likely even more than I do.”

Keith: “Moreover, to keep you away from this problem is like betraying your responsibility and resolve.”

Keith: “But even so, I…”

The strength gradually returned to Keith’s grip on my hand.

It painfully conveyed how torn he was between his feelings and his concern for me.

(If I had the power to protect myself better, maybe Keith wouldn’t be so troubled...)

(And if I hadn’t injured my foot—)

(No, even if I hadn’t hurt myself, I believe Keith would be just as worried.)

(He’s such a kind person—he prioritizes my safety above everything else.)

Suppressing the overflowing emotions deep in my heart, I looked up at Keith.

Emma: “Thank you for telling me.”

Emma: “I will wait for Keith’s return in the Kuga territory.”

Keith: “Emma...”

The eyes that finally grasped me were filled with relief and guilt.

And because of that, I forced a smile to prevent the confusion in Keith’s heart from growing any deeper.

Emma: “On that note, absolutely do not leave Liam’s side. That’s your promise to me.”

Keith: “...Yes, I promise.”

Keith: “While I’m away, I want you to stay with Leon and the others too.”

Keith: “Being near them will keep you safe. Both you and I.”

(I'm not especially suspicious of Kagari or the Kuga faction, but…)

(Indeed, being with Leon and the others feels more reassuring.)

(This timing might have been fortunate that Leon and Licht are staying in Kougyoku.)

...Fortunate…

Emma: “Did you and Leon’s group promise to meet in Kougyoku?”

~Flashback~

Leon: “Because we want to explore alliances for the future of our countries, I was told Keith contacted me.”

Keith: “About the tea meeting with the Amagase family—what do you think, should I go alone?”

Emma: “Huh........…”

Keith: “I thought we simply didn’t have enough time to properly reunite with Leon and the others.”

~End Flashback~

The “perhaps” that crossed my mind filled me with warmth.

(If that’s true… how much does he cherish me?)

(Despite his current difficult situation, Keith continues to pour his boundless kindness and love into me...)

(It feels like that has only grown bigger day by day...)

(Truly, I’m happy, loved, and grateful... but also a little sad.)

(And I feel like even his kindness directed at himself is being fully poured into me.)

Keith: “...Emma?”

Moved by a mixture of affection and anguish, I unconsciously embraced Keith.

Emma: “It's getting a little cold, so shall we go back to the room?”

Back in the room, Keith gently laid me down on the bed after cradling me sideways.

He immediately tried to detach himself, but I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tight.

Even though our bodies should be touching, the loneliness grew stronger, and I kissed him as if to confirm it.

Keith: “I was supposed to thank you a lot earlier, though…”

Emma: “This is a ‘kiss of hoping everything will be fine’.”

Keith: “…I see. Thank you.”

Emma: “…That’s not all, though.”

Keith: “Isn’t it?”

Emma: “Yes. Because... I’m cold, and I want to be warmed up.”

Emma: “…And this is also a ‘kiss to warm me up’.”

Perhaps sensing my intentions, Keith smiled a softly melting, sweet smile.

Keith: “That’s an unfair invitation, Emma.”

Keith: “I was thinking you should rest because of your injury, but when you say things like that... I start wanting more too.”

Emma: “Huh….”

This time, Keith gently pressed his lips to mine, softly making a “chu” sound, then repeatedly kissed me.

As I lightly nibbled at his tender lips, our breaths gradually grew warmer and more passionate—

While separated, I prayed that my love could envelop Keith’s heart.

Until that feeling melted into silence, we both dissolved into the deep night, melting into each other.

~Later~

When I opened my eyes, the familiar forest spread out before me instead of my beloved fiancé’s sleeping face.

Ahead was the closest thing to me — the figure that I could never, ever hope to see with my naked eye, because it was myself.

It was another personality of Keith — more mischievous, more confident, more daring than the generally known Keith Howell.

The other me, that I hadn’t seen for a while, had an almost divine aura, or perhaps a hesitant expression, like something was holding him back.

—Finally, we can have this conversation.

Alter!Keith: “Yeah.”

Until now, whenever either of us wanted to talk, the forest had welcomed us.

But from around the time issues started emerging, we had stopped meeting face-to-face so casually.

—That surprised me a little.

Alter!Keith: “What do you mean?”

—I thought that you weren’t happy about leaving Kuga’s territory behind.

Alter!Keith: “Are you implying I’d forcibly switch and stop it?”

—...To be blunt, that’s probably what I mean.

Alter!Keith: “Yeah, I do oppose leaving him in Kuga’s territory.”

Alter!Keith: “Even with the people from Rhodolite here, I believe she shouldn’t be apart from us.”

Alter!Keith: “Wherever she is, she should stay close to us. If you say she’s important, that’s even more reason.”

—Yeah, I understand what you’re saying.

—Even so, the reason I didn’t speak up this time, there’s probably something I’m thinking of.

Alter!Keith: “......”

Alter!Keith: “If I hadn’t taken her to the tea party, she wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

The voice that squeezed out was filled with anguish, unlike anything I've heard from his other self.

—You seemed to really want to participate in the tea party too.

—And honestly, I also wanted to keep her within sight.

—What you proposed that time was the consensus of “us.”

—And that injury was no one’s fault.

—No, it’s the fault of whoever set the bandits on us.

—You don’t need to blame yourself like that.

Alter!Keith: “You’re still as kind as ever, Prince Keith.”

—But...

—There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I’ve been hesitating for a long time.

[lipstickmarks]

slain headcanons

— Sloane Mairi x Dain Aetos

Summary: sfw and nsfw head canons for Sloane and Dain

Word Count: 746

Warnings: nsfw, dom!dain, brat!tamer dain, mentions of ass slapping, masturbation (f), hand jobs (m receiving), squirting, smut, nasty sex, size kink, use of a towel as a gag, brat taming, rough sex

Author's Note: originally posted as a reblog

sfw

they both have a glow up once they get together. Sloane starts glowing from feeling so relaxed and stress free and Dain gets a little swagger in his step from how much Sloane gasses him up. Basically, they both look better bc they both feel better

Sloane is obsessed with their size difference and it boosts Dain’s self esteem

Dain loves to spoil. He never assumed he’d be the type to drop all his life savings on gifts for his person but Sloane brings it out in him. He just has the urge to shower her with presents and make sure she’s always happy. When others catch on, they give him shit for it but when Dain starts to get into the really extravagant gifts, everyone’s like “sugar daddy Dain????”

they’re that couple that’s ALWAYS on vacation to the point that it annoys other people😭

sloane loves to cuddle. dain likes it but sloane is always rearranging them and then accidentally elbowing him in the chin and jamming her hair in his mouth. sloane just wants to be inside his skin. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sloane is Dain’s peace. He’s a bit at war with himself, grappling with the things he’s done and the consequences of falling for propaganda. The lives that his obedience and incidental complacency claimed. Sometimes, he straight up fucking HATES himself. Those times, when things get really bad, he’ll wrap Sloane up in a hug from behind, biceps tight across her chest, and breathe her in. Hot tears will prick his eyes as he mutters into the crown of her head, “I don’t deserve you.”

Then Sloane always sits him down and proves that that is indeed not the case. “Dain, I am choosing you. You’re not your mistakes. You are who I love. You have to believe you’re worthy of that.”

Dain needs a lot of reassurance. He had to change his perspective very quickly and sometimes it still makes his head spin. Sloane grounds him, keeps him sane, reminds him that there are certain truths that can never be covered up or altered. Like the fact that they were made for each other. She’ll swing her leg over his in bed and snuggle into his chest. “Look how well we fit, baby.”

Dain proposes while they’re laying in bed. Sloane offers him a simple act of kindness like handing him a tissue or fixing his bed head and he knows right then and there he wants her to be his wife.

they have 3 little girls and they all are identical to sloane. an army of mini sloanes. dain is obsessed with all of them.

nsfw

Brat Sloane and Brat Tamer Dain

sloane be slobbering on it

their spats always end in sex. not big fights like “you risked your life unnecessarily and i’m mad at you” but “why would you tell Aaric about our sex life?!” "We were playing Never Have I Ever!"

dain will be laying in bed, chatting about nonsense and then all of a sudden— whoops! sloane pulls his dick out and starts running her thumb over his head. “Go ahead baby, I’m listening”

sloane gets so hot and bothered around Dain. she sometimes sneaks into his bag while he’s at the gym and steals his sweat towel so she can smell it... then she uses it to get herself off when he’s not around... WHO SAID THAT

when Dain finds out he’s been robbed, he punishes her. he uses that same towel as a gag while he’s fucks her from behind and punishes her with ass slaps.”

they love messy, nasty sex. If the sheets aren’t soaked through from Sloane squirting then did they even do it?

Sloane is addicted to wearing clothes with Dain’s last name on it. Flight jacket? Yes. T-shirt? Yes. If it says "Aetos", hand it the fuck over.

Dain also loves it when Sloane wears his last name. He especially loves fucking her in nothing but those articles of clothing.

Dain calls Sloane “Mairi” when he’s really pissed at her, but only in the field. In the bedroom, she is Sloane, sweetheart, my love, or baby.

Oh, speaking of pet names— Sloane loves to call Dain by endearments. He needs a lot of love and assurance and Sloane is more than happy to comply. Baby, sweetheart, my love, they all turn Dain into a blushing mess. And considering how often Dain has her blushing and stuttering in bed, it’s a nice exchange of power.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Choose Your True Love - Azel Radwan (part 2/4)

This is the from the 4th anniversary event

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. 

Azel (polite): We have 1, 2…3, 4 risk-takers here…Tonight will be a fun night, won’t it?

(Prince Azel?!)

Standing before the large moon, he was cloaked in a holy aura far different from the usual malicious god.

His mysterious presence nearly brought me, an acquaintance, to my knees. The domineering men prostrated in the sand, showing respect.

Ruffian: Living God, we were only going to escort this lost woman back to the city—

Azel (polite): Are you sure? You are making such false confessions so shamelessly. The details of what happened to people who had incurred God’s wrath and received divine punishment have been passed down as legends. However, I am a benevolent god, so I will overlook this one mistake. So—what were you trying to tell me?

Ruffian: ……Our apologies.

Azel (polite): I believe you are apologizing to the wrong person.

Ruffian: Our apologies…miss.

Emma: It’s fine…

(...They’re all trembling)

It wasn’t like Prince Azel wanted to kill them.

There wasn’t even a hint of anger in his words.

Still, the tension was so oppressive that it felt as if a single divine command would erase not just their life, but their whole existence.

Azel (polite): You were about to lay your hands on God’s property. And my policy is to not show compassion to scoundrels who lay their hands on my property. In any case, God’s punishment will come. Be it tomorrow, or the day after, only I know.

There were no objections from the men.

It appeared they understood that they shouldn’t do this sort of thing to the Living God.

Azel (polite): Live piously while trembling in fear. So as to not incur more of God’s wrath.

Prince Azel wrapped an arm around my waist, but as if he remembered something, let go and quickly walked away.

He seemed to be heading toward the city, not the temple.

(...I’ll follow him)

I ran after Prince Azel’s retreating figure.

Now far from the men, I turned my head and saw that they still haven’t looked up.

When the city lights drew closer, Prince Azel finally stopped.

When our eyes met, God’s smile faded.

Azel: Why aren’t you carrying that with you?

Emma: “That”?

Azel: …You don’t have it on you?

Emma: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Prince Azel held his head and sighed.

Azel: That’s right. I wasn’t interested in you at this time.

Emma: …? Setting whatever you’re talking about aside, thank you very much for saving me earlier. I didn’t think you would save me like that… Prayers really do reach God.

Azel: It’s nice to see you’re in a good mood.

I ran after him when he walked away again.

Emma: Are you heading to the city?

Azel: Don’t you want to go home?

Emma: Pardon me for asking, but are you escorting me back?

(That refreshing indifference Prince Azel has toward others…)

Azel: Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just taking a walk.

Emma: Of course you are. …But you’ve never gone for a walk to the city, have you? The reason why I run errands for you in the first place is because you can’t freely walk around the city—

Azel: Are you complaining about what a god’s doing?

A scowling Prince Azel came closer and pinched my cheek.

Emma: I’m sowwy.

Azel: As long as you understand. Look, when I said “a walk”, I meant it. Distrust’s blasphemous.

I nodded and the fingers tormenting my cheek left.

I followed after the footprints left by his long legs, trying not to fall behind.

(Huh? Even when I’m walking as hard as I can, I usually can’t catch up with him. But today, the distance between us isn’t as wide)

(Is Prince Azel matching my pace…? There’s no way)

--

Emma: …Prince Azel, how far are you going to walk for?

Azel (polite): Until I’m satisfied.

Now that he was surrounded by people, he suddenly switched to being polite.

Prince Azel’s sudden appearance startled people passing by.

Usually there’s advanced notice before Prince Azel visits court.

People needed to mentally prepare themselves before their living god appeared, so with his sudden appearance in the middle of the night, a wave of commotion gradually spread.

(Prince Azel didn’t go near the castle because he knew this would happen…)

(Everything really is weird)

(This Prince Azel looks like the one I knew, but it’s as if he’s been completely replaced…At least that’s how it feels)

Azel (polite): …Living in the castle is inconvenient, isn’t it?

It was like Prince Azel didn’t care about the racket around us as he glanced at me.

Emma: Y-yes…As your guest, I’ve always been treated with the highest courtesy.

Azel (polite): That is good to hear. Should you experience any form of displeasure, please let me know. Being disrespectful to my guest means being disrespectful to me.

Prince Azel’s voice was loud enough for everyone around us to hear, making them nervous.

(This concern he had for me was giving me the creeps)

(Just what in the world are you thinking, Prince Azel)

--

Emma: —Wait, why did you follow me into my room?!

[thehandmaidenofcreativity]

Just so cute? Part II

WC: 4.1k

Rating: 18+, fluff (maybe a little angst?) to smut

Comments: idol!Seungmin and female reader. Longtime friend of SKZ and Seungmin find their footing after some confusion the night before. This could potentially have a third part, if people seem to want it. It is a continuation of Part I.

⋆｡°✩

“Truth or dare!?”

After hearing his last truth question, you feel like you have no choice. “Dare, I guess.”

The delight is plain on Felix's face. Maybe you made a mistake. “I dare you to go down to the store and get everyone ice cream!”

Your sigh of relief harmonizes with Minho’s sigh of disappointment. “Yongbokkie, you need to find a happier medium between your truths and your dares. Plus, she shouldn’t go alone.”

“I don’t mind –”

“Seungminnie Hyung should go with her!” You hope the look on your face is attributed to annoyance at Jeongin’s interruption rather than frustration at his meddling. He shrugs. “He’s had the least to drink.”

Seungmin agrees before you can object. I guess it’s time to talk. But first… “Okay Innie, truth or dare?”

His girlfriend looks on a touch worriedly as he chooses dare. “Great. I dare you to take a shot of whatever condiments Minho wants to throw in a glass.” His face goes a little green while the others laugh and offer their condolences. 

You don’t stick around for the aftermath of your punishment, heading to take care of your own dare. As you’re putting your shoes on, a hoodie drops onto you. 

“You know you really don’t have to come with me, Minnie.” You pull his hoodie over your head, savoring the smell of him as it envelops you, and turn to face him. 

“I know, but I’ve been waiting for the chance to talk to you.”

You consider playing dumb to try to put the conversation off, but you just nod when you see the serious look on his face. “Let’s go then.”

You walk for a few minutes before either of you say anything. 

“About last ni–”

“Noona, I–”

The tension breaks with your laughter. This is Seungmin. Regardless of your confusion over your feelings, you’ve always been able to talk to him. This shouldn’t be any different. You’ve been acting silly. 

“I’m sorry.”

“No, no, you’re fine. Go ahead, Minnie.”

He sighs and looks a little like he wishes he’d pushed for you to speak first. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable this morning. I didn’t really think through what I was doing; I didn’t mean to cross a line. I don’t want you to feel like you need to avoid me.”

Despite the darkness of the night, you can tell his ears are red. He’s not looking at you anymore, instead looking down at his feet like a puppy who just got scolded. You take one of his hands in yours before you answer. “You have nothing to apologize for, Seungmin. Did I really seem like I was avoiding you?”

You know you’d been putting off talking to him, but you hadn’t realized that it was so noticeable.

“Kind of?” He steals a glance at you, cheeks puffed out as he considers his next words. “I thought you might stay at our dorm today when the others left or come to my room when you got back. I guess I didn’t ask you to come to me, though, and I’m realizing now that it might’ve looked like I was avoiding you, staying in my room like that.”

“I didn’t think you were avoiding me.” When you get to the store, you have an unspoken agreement to continue this when you return outside. You grab a variety of ice creams and see that Chan texted asking that you bring back the least spicy ramen you can find for a dare. Menace that he is, Seungmin of course grabs the spiciest option, and you text back a smiley and a thumbs up. You can’t help but laugh at Chan’s inevitable demise. When you leave the shop, the mood sombers again, but you’re still close. Seungmin insists on carrying the bags, so you link your arm around one of his. 

“Can I ask why you kissed me this morning?” You’re being a little bit of a coward, still making him carry the burden of the conversation, but you understand where he’s at even less than yourself.

You’re pretty sure he walks for a full minute, lips pressed into a thin line, eyes straight ahead. “Well, it was a combination of things. I’ve always felt like we really connected. Both when we hang out together and when we talk while we’re on the road. I think it’s always been a bit different with you than our other friends. Lately, you’ve been on my mind a lot, but I didn’t want to talk about it and mess up our friendship. I really do value your friendship, and I know the rest of the guys do, too.” He glances at you then, maybe trying to read your expression, gauge your reaction to what he’s saying. You find you’re not all that surprised to hear it. Of them members, he has always been one you felt you could resonate with most. You know how caring and kind, how loving he is with the members, and you’ve seen how his treatment of you is nearly the same. You do have a tendency to gravitate toward each other. God, have I been this dense?

“Anyway, when you kissed me during the game, I got it in my head that maybe you were starting to think of me that way, too. And we never kiss goodnight on the lips like that, though I know we were drunk. And…” He shifts both bags into one hand so he can run his fingers through his hair. He’s clearly flustered. 

“And, Min?”

He says it with a rushed sigh before looking away. “And you felt so good in my arms, and you looked so beautiful; I had to ask.” He comes to a stop, turning to face you. You look up into his eyes, nearly getting lost in their depths. He looks beautiful. “And you said yes.”

You trace his features with your eyes, resisting the urge to run your fingers over those lovely lips, along his strong jaw. Now it’s your turn to be brave. “I did. And it was a wonderful kiss, Min. I can’t say that I’m exactly where you are –”

He starts to look away, his face falling a little bit, so you do reach up to touch him now. Your hand rests against his cheek, turning his head so that he’s facing you again, though he keeps his gaze downcast. Sad puppy vibes abound. “But. I do think I’m starting to catch up.”

His eyes flash up to yours, and you can see his hope. You know you should say more, but for now, you’d rather show him how you’re feeling. You tilt your face up while your hand slides back to wrap around the nape of his neck, drawing his lips to yours. It’s short and sweet. His lips are soft as flower petals; he’s much more reserved than he was this morning. It’s for the best, though. The ice cream will start to melt if you don’t get back soon, plus anyone could see you out here. 

⋆｡°✩

The rest of the walk has a different brand of silence, the comfortable, companionable kind of  quiet shared between people who are just happy to be in each others’ company. 

Reentering the dorm is a little like walking into a riot. Naturally there’s plenty of yelling. Someone (with a death wish, clearly) has strewn as many of Minho’s cat clothes as they could find around the living room. Chan is laughing so hard that he’s crying with Jeongin actively trying to smother Jisung with a pillow on the floor in front of him. It’s perfect.

“Ice cream!” Minho yells when he sees the bags in Seungmin’s hands. He grabs one bag, digging through for his favorite before tossing it to Chan. As he reaches in, he pulls out the ramen with a look of utter betrayal on his face. 

“I asked you to get the least spicy one! Do you want me to die?”

With a laugh, you immediately throw Seungmin under the bus. “I’m sorry, honey. Seungmin told me that one would be best.”

Hand to his chest, fake outrage on his face, Seungmin feigns innocence. “You told me that was for Changbinnie Hyung; I never would’ve gotten that for Channie Hyung.” He stage-whispers to Chan, “watch out for that one, she doesn’t have your best interests at heart, Hyung.”

You venture into the chaos, passing out ice cream, hearing about the shenanigans you missed while you were gone. When you make your way to a less murderous Jeongin and a barely breathing Jisung, you give the latter a little kick. “You guys can quit meddling; we’re figuring things out. 

Jisung beams up at you while Jeongin deadpans, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Whatever you say, Innie.” You plant a kiss on his cheek, bringing out his dimples. 

The rest of the night ends up being a lot calmer than the one before. The group opts to watch a movie rather than getting the games going again. One turns into two, and everyone snuggles up together. When the second movie ends, the others start figuring out sleeping arrangements and who all will be heading back home to their own beds. Seungmin takes your hand, leading you back to his room. The t-shirt you wore to bed the night before is slung over his desk chair. 

He eyes the shirt. “Are you gonna stay over again tonight?” 

You nod, grabbing the shirt as he leaves the room. You’re entering new territory here. It makes you nervous. You consider leaving your clothes on but ultimately decide it would be more awkward to act differently than normal. You’re sitting cross legged on his bed, chewing on your lip when Seungmin comes back in, gently closing and locking the door behind him.

He approaches with a small smile, giving you a peek at the braces he too often tries to hide. You expect him to sit beside you, talk about what you guys are to each other, what you’re becoming. What actually happens is much better. 

His big hands are on either side of your face, lips crashing to yours before he even gets all the way onto the bed. Your tongues clash; he’s kissing you like a thirsty man drinks water, taking as much as he can get. As your arms wrap around his neck, his hands move down to your thighs; he lifts you with surprising strength, sliding underneath you so that you’re straddling him. In your state of undress, his hands easily slide up under your shirt. One stays near your hip, rubbing his thumb over the top of your panties. The other continues up, giving your breast a squeeze before pinching your quickly stiffening nipple between two fingers. 

You gasp into his mouth, excited by his touch and surprised at his ferocity. Your hands swiftly reach down, gripping the hem of his shirt and drawing it up. He breaks the kiss to drop it to the floor and pull yours up and off to join it. Immediately, his mouth locks onto your breast, licking and sucking, while his hand moves to tease at your other nipple. You arch into his touch with a soft moan, one hand in his hair while the other sneaks between your bodies to grasp his cock. It is an impressive length and its girth makes you salivate as you imagine the way he’ll be filling you soon.  

It’s his turn to groan as you start to pump him through his shorts. He drags your mouth back to his and allows you to push him down onto his back. He kneads his fingers into your ass as you grind against him. Even with the remaining layers between you, it feels amazing. Seungmin clearly agrees. “Fuck.”

You smile into his mouth, pleased to hear how you’re affecting him. You start kissing along his jaw, licking and nibbling at his neck, drawing a sharp exhale out of him. With that, his hand appears between your legs, another soft groan escapes his lips when he makes contact with your drenched panties, realizing just how hot he’s made you. The rough circle of his fingers almost makes you want to forget what you had in mind. 

“Noona, I –”

You silence him with a kiss. “Just relax, Minnie. Let me take care of you.” You kiss your way down his body. You’ve seen him shirtless before, but you never imagined you’d have the chance to be this intimate with him. He’s thin, but you can feel how strong he is with each kiss and caress. You stop to nip at his hip, and glance back up to see him smiling down are you, lower lip pulled between his teeth. You tuck your hands into the waistband of his shorts, pausing for just a second before pulling them off along with his boxers, tossing them to join the rest of your clothes on the ground. 

As you settle yourself between his legs, you lick your lips and run your fingertips lightly along his cock. He’s so big. You aren’t sure that you’ll be able to take all of him, but you can’t wait to try. 

Seungmin props himself up on his elbows so he can watch you more easily. He looks almost mesmerized as you drag your tongue from base to tip, eyes locked on his. You wrap your lips around his head and suck hard. A strangled whimper comes from the head of the bed as Seungmin tips his head back, exposing his lovely long neck; you wish you could leave dark marks all over it. 

You take it slow, one hand wrapped around his base while you lick, kiss, and suck along the rest. You gradually take more and more of him down your throat, his melodic moans combatting your discomfort at his size. You can tell he’s doing his best to stay still, to let you do your work, but as you try to take him a little further, his hips jerk up with a “fuck.” You gag, tears springing to your eyes, and pull off for a second to catch your breath. 

“I’m sorry, baby,” he sits halfway up, reaching to cup your cheek and brushing away a tear with his thumb. “It just feels so good.”

You like hearing him call you ‘baby.’ You just smile at him, then lazily drag the flat of your tongue over his tip to collect the precum leaking out. “I’m fine, Minnie. Don’t worry.”

Before you can get back to your work, he pulls your face up to his for a kiss. “As much as I like this, I was hoping we could switch things up.” 

His smile is so relaxed and beautiful. You nod, and he reaches over to dig in his nightstand. “Shit. I’m going to kill Jeongin.”

He flops back over onto his back with a sigh, and you can’t help laughing.

“It’s not funny, Noona,” but he’s chuckling, too. “Things were going so well.”

“They’re still going well, Min.” You lay down at his side and give him a few kisses. “We don’t have to go any further. But if you feel comfortable, I do have an IUD. So as long as we’re both clean, there’s not much to worry about. Granted, I should’ve checked that before I put your dick in my mouth.”

You’re both laughing again. “Don’t worry, Noona; I’m good. I haven’t been with anyone since the last time I got tested. I would never do anything that could harm you.”

And you know it’s true.

“Well then,” you move to straddle him again. You’re still aching for him, the brief interruption doing nothing to slow you down. As you grind your hips, you know he feels the same. As much as you want to take the next step, you loathe to stop. He feels so good. “I guess we’re good to go.”

Before you can do anything else, Seungmin moves suddenly, flipping you so that you’re underneath him. Once again, his speed surprises you as he peels your panties off your body and settles between your thighs. 

He sits back on his heels, his mouth is quirked up on one side. “Almost good to go.”

You pull a face. “Kim Seungmin, it’s rude of you to make me wait for your cock.” 

His smile widens as he leans down to kiss you. But instead of giving you what you want, he shimmies down your body until you’re gifted with the beautiful view of Seungmin’s head between your thighs. You almost want to complain, impatient to have him inside you, but the feeling of his breath ghosting over you paired with that of his hands caressing your hips while he stares up at you with those boba eyes amps up your anticipation. “I got ahead of myself; I need to do something first.”

He teases you at first, kissing the insides of your thighs, your outer lips – his mouth everywhere but where you want it. Where you need it. You slide your hands into his hair, pulling lightly to try to redirect him, and whisper, “Seungmin, please.”

“Patience, Noona.” The smile he flashes at you reminds you that he’s one of the group’s biggest menaces. Luckily, he heeds your plea anyway, and your mind goes blank the second his tongue touches you. He mimics the way you started with him, a nice, slow lick, then swirling his tongue around your clit for a moment before blowing on it gently. You clench and moan at the sensation. 

He works you slowly, teasingly, switching up his technique every time your legs start to tremble. It’s so good and terrible all at once; you don’t know how much more you can take. When he suddenly starts sucking and flicking his tongue up and down, you feel you might implode. If you weren’t so turned on, you might be embarrassed by the whine in your voice.

“Minnie…”

He pulls away and sits up with a grin, almost simultaneously sliding two long fingers into you. His thumb begins circling your clit as they curl inside you. You let out a small whimper. 

He shifts so that he’s kneeling with one hand posted at your side as he pulls his fingers out to stroke himself. You’re disappointed to be left empty, but love watching him spread your wetness along his shaft. 

Seungmin drags the head of his cock through your folds, tapping your clit with his clit a few times before moving to fill the loss of his fingers. When he starts to slide in, you can’t help the moan that leaves your lips. He smiles even wider as he lowers himself down, now braced on his elbows as he slowly buries himself into you. “Tell me how you’re feeling, Noona.”

“Oh, Minnie,” you all but gasp, wrapping your arms and legs around him. Your nails dig into his back as he starts slowly rocking his hips. He fills you so well, hitting just the right spot. “You feel so, oh, so good, Seungmin. God. You’re, uh ah, perfect.”

Whether it’s your words or the squeeze of your body around him, Seungmin can’t go slow anymore. He picks up the pace, and you try to meet him thrust for thrust. He sits back and slides his hands under your knees to fold you so that your knees are at your chest. In this position, you’re unable to kiss him, though it had been getting hard to focus on kissing anyway. Instead you watch the concentration and pleasure on his face as he begins slamming into you; it’s a symphony of skin on skin, heavy breathing, gasps, and moans. 

You start to near your peak, and he must be able to tell. He sits up more, and his hands slide up your thighs to bring your calves up over his shoulders . It’s almost too much for you. You can’t do much more than clutch at the sheets. He pounds into you, his fingers digging hard into your hips. You might end up with bruises. Good as it feels, you need more to put you over the edge. 

“Min… I need…”

He knows. He sticks his thumb in his mouth for a moment before applying delicious pressure to your clit. The friction created with his thrusts has your eyes watering. Your breath is coming out in gasps and moans as you try to say his name. You grab the hand that’s still on your hip. 

“Baby, I’m gonna come,” he pants. 

You can feel the surge in him as he tries to stave it off. It tips you over the edge. Your body is on fire as you convulse around him. Seungmin soon follows you, allowing your legs to fall back down around his hips, he grinds into you. His other hand finds yours, fingers interlocked above your head, and his forehead rests on yours as you ride out your pleasure. 

When the tremors pass, he plants a soft his on your lips before slumping down with his face in the crook of your neck. You wrap your arms around him, relishing the feel of his weight on your body. You lay like that for what feels like forever, breathing each other in as he grows soft inside you. Finally, he sits up and pulls out, grabbing the package of wet wipes from his nightstand for a quick clean up. Then, like the night before, Seungmin lays down, pulling you against him – this time on his back, your head resting on his chest. You fall asleep easily with his arms around you, listening to the steady beat of his heart. 

⋆｡°✩

You wake when you feel Seungmin getting out of bed and pressing a kiss to your forehead. 

“Minnie?” You murmur, trying to reach out and touch him before he moves too far away. He takes your hand and brings it to his lips. 

“I’ll be right back; I just want to start the coffee.”

You let your eyes close again and stretch as he heads to the door. You hear a huffed laugh and open your eyes to see him walking back to you with something in his hands. A basket?

He holds up the note that must’ve been on top. “Minho Hyung thinks he’s funny.”

Your eyes widen, and you sit up as he sets the basket between you. Your cheeks flush as you take in its contents: two bottles of cold brew, two bottles of gatorade, a handful of granola bars and a couple bananas, a package of wet wipes, a bottle of lube, a sleeve of condoms, and – 

“What is this?” You unfold a pamphlet of some sort. It shows a few stick figures doing a variety of stretches to ‘help avoid thigh burn out,’ all with Minho’s signature wrinkly-faced Jureumi. “Do I even want to know what the note says?”

You’re sure your face is as red as Seungmin’s as he reads it aloud:

Darling Puppy, Did you forget you live in a dorm with other people? As proud as I am to know that you’re a competent lover, I think I speak for us all when I say there’s no need to provide further evidence. Here you’ll find a few goodies to aid you in your adventure – remember, it’s important to not only have enough sustenance to maintain your stamina but also to do your best to avoid cramping. Also, keep in mind that not everyone wakes as early as you, so any morning activities should be kept to a minimum volume. In a pinch, biting a pillow can stifle a good number of… interjections.  Don’t make me hurt you, Your Favorite Hyung  P.S. Happy for you, Noona. You’re welcome to stay over any time so long as you keep your dog on a leash.

You’re pretty embarrassed, but luckily you’ve witnessed plenty of embarrassing moments when hanging with the guys. You can’t believe you’d both forgotten to try to keep things quiet. Still, this isn’t even going to be the most awkward sex story from this dorm. Felix will forever hold that crown. And when you’re laughing with Seungmin about it, seeing the unabashed joy on his face, you know you’d do it again, if given the chance.

Seungmin leaves you to shower, saying he’ll go out to get a true breakfast. Typically he doesn’t like to eat in his room, but when he gets back he lays the food between you on the bed then pulls something out of the other bag he brought in. A couple sets of ear plugs. He’s grinning as he brings out a bag of small bows to stick on top. “Think this is a good enough apology gift?”

[harmony867]

As I said in my previous post JKR isn’t good at writing romance.

To preface I’m not a Romione hater, I see the vision but if i was writing the books there are things i would if write differently. The idea is good but the execution is not there.

Out of all the characters Ron reduces Hermione to tears the most. Of course she’d care about what one of her closest (or even only friend) says about her. They hit each other’s buttons; on one hand, that’s a sign of a personal connection. On the other hand, it’s not a good connection- it’s a sign of hurting. If I was JKR i would atleast write about plotline where they bicker because they enjoy it or add flirty banter because in canon their arguments always end up in tears or anger.

See, for the “bickering to love” trope to work, it has to show evolution. Bickering can become flirting, but there has to be a teasing stage. They have to know when the teasing is just sarcasm and banter and not personal attacks. Hermione and Ron don’t banter: they fight. And it’s constant. They make each other absolutely furious.

Remember when Ron got mad at her for saying that assuming that Harry put Felix felicis in his drink and accused her of thinking that he’s a bad player then started dating lavender as revenge. (Which he also had every right to do, not the part where he got mad at her for believed Harry slipped him the luck potion because Ron believed it too but suddenly it’s wrong that Hermione) this is also cruel to Lavender.

Or in GoF, when Ron got jealous and ruined her night at the Yule ball, even though she never was his first choice.

ALSO in HBP, remember when Ron found out that Hermione kissed Krum TWO YEARS AGO from ginny and starts ignoring her and dating lavender basically out of spite. (He had every right to date Lavender as he was single but so did Hermione when she kissed Krum ages ago, it made no sense to punish for a non-existing betrayal that happened two years ago. These are just the ones at the top of my head

Jealousy isn’t the only form that love takes and if I were to write HP I’d write that out, there was no need to include Krum again in HBP. We already had Ron be jealous and lash out at Hermione in GoF, I don’t understand why we had to rehash it again in HBP.

To be clear, that doesn’t mean that Ron didn’t like her, or that didn’t care for her as a person and a friend. Obviously he did, and he stuck up for her plenty of times when others were being cruel to her but most of their ‘romance’ was them fighting and being jealous. Also we can’t ignore the author’s intention, there was point where where Hermione’s character becomes stagnant and JKR refused to show Hermione is a wrong light even when does a mistake (such as sending birds to peck at him) The times when Hermione hurts him are background noise because of the author’s bias (and her tendency to make Hermione her self insert)

Jealousy is a common theme when she writes romance as when she was rushing to write hinny, she made Harry jealous (don’t get me started on ‘chest monster’ ugh) even though he never showed signs of liking her in OOTP and wasn’t jealous when she was dating Micheal corner. If I was writing hinny, I’d add more scenes with them in the third book as they were the only two people in the chamber which is a shared experience that they could bond over and since they spent that time in third year and id show hints of her more cool side as in the third book she was still acting like a fan girl. In the fourth book they could be closer friends and even help him in the tri-wizard tournament.

I like the scene where she tells Harry that she was also possessed too in OOTP. But even that scene is somehow ruined by the fact that he completely forgot that she was possessed. As I said that could have been a bonding moment, Harry could have supported her but he never thought about it???

But alas I’m not the author so now that you know my reasoning can you blame me for liking non-canon ships more.

[greenqueenhightower]

It’s insane how much Otto knows Alicent. He knows she’s keeping secrets just by looking at her, he can guess what the secrets are just by reading her body language. He knows the right things to say to her according to the situation and the tone to use to manipulate and pull her strings. I wish we knew more about her brothers and their relationship with Otto. Can he read them like he reads Alicent? Or is it because Alicent is his prodigy/pupil/muse? She’s like Otto’s successor in a way, for some reason he saw more potential in her than her brothers. Why weren’t any of his sons with him in KL? He can’t have known that Aemma would die in childbirth and that Viserys would remarry. Gwayne and Rhaenyra could have been a match, if they had a son. Otto still could’ve convinced Viserys to name Rhaenyra his heir and his Grandson after her. If Aemma survived and had a son, and Rhaenyra has a daughter, his Granddaughter could’ve been betrothed to her uncle. Rhaenyra aside, Otto was the real power behind the crown as hand, but he wasn’t teaching his ways to his sons so that one day they could be hand of the King or Queen. Unlike Lyonel Strong, he left his sons in Oldtown and brought his youngest child and only daughter to court, trained her in politics and and how to rub elbows with royals and other influential figures instead.

I honestly never thought about how both Viserys and Otto preferred their daughters over their sons until the last episode. Because of the way Otto’s sons are out of sight and out of mind it’s not as obvious as Visery’s preference for Rhaenyra. We don’t see if it has any negative effects on his sons.. Also because Otto doesn’t coddle Alicent, he doesn’t spare her the hard truths, he had expectations for her to follow and she did. Viserys ignored all of Rhaenyra’s mistakes and I’m not so sure Otto would’ve done that with Alicent in the same place but Otto knows- or at least feels that there’s something between Alicole, he doesn’t feel the need to confront her about it however. When she says Baby Jaehaerys being murdered is the Gods punishing her for her sins. Otto has had an inkling about the sins Alicent is alluding to and is basically like “And what sins could you have possibly committed to be punished in such a way??” Stop blaming yourself right here and now. Theres nothing you, my daughter, could’ve done to deserve this. Then when she tries to actually confess this sin, he doesn’t want to hear it because it’s irrelevant to him. He isn’t going to see Alicent any differently in his eyes, what she’s done with Criston is not a big deal compared to the sins of others. To him she’s still his pious and dutiful daughter. There’s nothing that Otto Hightower’s daughter could do that can tarnish his view of her. To him she’s still cleaner than most other people. I saw “I do not wish to hear it” more as him saying “I know Alicent… but I don’t care” not necessarily in a “I don’t care about your feelings” kind of way but in a she doesn’t need to burden herself with the guilt of her Grandson’s murder, it was Daemon and Rhaenyra. A minor dalliance with Criston Cole after she carried out all of her duties and her son sits the iron throne is the least of their worries in the grand scheme of things. she shouldn’t spiral into a bottomless pit of despair, they have work to do.

He definitely would judge Rhaenyra more harshly in the same situation. It’s hypocritical but to him his own girl is nothing like Rhaenyra and he’s turning a blind eye towards it Viserys style.

Excellent essay on the Otto-Alicent dynamic, anon! 💚

Let me first say that I also saw his words "I do not wish to hear of it" as 1) an acknowledgment of the fact that he knows about her "sins" with Criston Cole already, 2) does not feel that she should have to atone to him for them, and also 3) does not know how to offer consolation or how to stop her from loathing herself in any other way. It's a mixture of all three.

Alicent mirrors Otto in many ways; Olivia herself has stated how Alicent becomes "a mini Otto Hightower" and how she tries to think and act in the image of her father. Why did Otto choose to manage her out of all his children? I think it says something about her intellect and malleability. Perhaps she had always been more easily influenced than the rest of her brothers and I also think the timing played a part. Otto began his political maneuvering through Alicent as soon as her mother died and she was in a vulnerable position where she needed guidance and co-dependence. Perhaps he thought that bringing her to KL would be a good change for her and would alleviate her grief.

As soon as Gwayne appears we will get more insight into their family dynamics and see Gwayne's perspective of Otto as a father... would he perhaps say that Otto has changed the Alicent he knew and remembered? That he speaks and acts so much like their father?

I think Otto knew that the realm would always prefer a King over a Queen on the Iron Throne. Perhaps he had always thought that if something were to happen to Aemma, Alicent should be the next consort who would bring forth Targaryen heirs to sit the Iron Throne, thus fulfilling his ambitious mission of placing his own blood on the throne. I think that Otto is a highly aspiring man, somewhat of a megalomaniac, so he considered the highest goal he could achieve with all of his children and chose the one child who would be most likely to achieve it with. That is why he did not precisely care for training any of his sons for the position of the Hand. He did care about making his daughter "Queen of the Seven Kingdoms" and that gave him even greater power and control.

I like your points about Otto's esteem for Alicent and I think the feelings are reciprocated as she, too, reveres her father. Otto's daughter is "the gentlest soul" in the realm because she is his, and she is his pride and joy.

[i-sveikata]

Hello! Just wanted to tell you that I'm absolutely in love with your Vegas/Pete story and that I haven't found anything half as good yet. It's absolutely *amazing* and I'm dying for an update, especially after all your hints and spoilers. You are the Big Fandom Name to me now, so I wanted to ask two different questions.

First, do you maybe have any recs of the fics you enjoyed?

And second: I'd love to hear your take on the show's Vegas post finale. Do you think he'd want to take back his rightful place as the heir/head of the family, or would he let go and simply focus on enjoying a mafia-free life with Pete? Or something in between? I have a feeling I know the answer based on the Graveyards, but it'd still be really interesting to hear your thoughts.

Thank you!

Oh thank you so much that’s really sweet of you to say! Recent update is I’m still working through getting my handwritten journals onto a word doc (I’m at about 30 pages so far and I’m still working through the last journal so I think I’m gonna end up with about 50+ pages worth of hand written fic lmao)

For the fics I haven’t actually read that many Vegas Pete ones and the very few that I have I’ve reccd here somewhere on my tumblr and have been unable to track it down again. If I do end up reading more I’ll share my recs!

Honestly I think the ending of the show for Vegas was a very pivotal kind of lesson learned by him in terms of his trauma and fathers abuse. To me it felt like a very big lightbulb moment because his father has used withholding love and affection as a means to motivate his children and attempt to mould them to his standards- it’s their failures that ensure his dissatisfaction and punishment. So for Vegas to fail so so spectacularly here and to still wake up in hospital surrounded by other people who love him and don’t value him based off what he can accomplish (Pete and Macau) and to forgive him his shortcomings and mistakes without any need for correction or punishment- I think that would be a huge moment for Vegas in helping to understand why his father was different in this regard and not necessarily better.

It’s a pretty similar sentiment that I tried to bring across in the fic and it’s Vegas being surrounded by people who love and are loyal to him despite his flaws and failures. Like he’s at the lowest point in his life at that moment and I would argue it’s the first time he’s ever felt hopeful. From that point there’s nowhere to go but up from there. But yeah in terms of his personality and the way we’ve never seen a hint of reluctance or second guessing on his part in regards to his role in organised crime I don’t see him walking away. Temporarily pulling back just to get his shit together maybe but Vegas loves everything about this life and I do believe he’s arrogant enough to believe that he can protect the people he loves inside of this danger. It’s not an option to run or walk away when it’s their family name and reputation and he’s so blindly loyal like he couldn’t peel himself apart from that without crumbling I think. So I see him with Pete of course but no I don’t think he could live and mafia free life and still truly be living. Like the environment he’s in, he’s a predator in his natural habitat- take him out of that and there’s no telling how he’d survive

[natureboy96]

I hope Tamlin will be able to forgive himself.

I know a large portion of the ACOTAR fandom won’t ever forgive him, and that’s their prerogative. I don’t know if Rhysand would forgive him either, but he’s honestly besides the point.

A lot of people relate to Feyre for her journey of finding her voice and her own strength, and I hope it was something good in their lives. For me, though, I spent a lot of time when I was younger punishing myself for mistakes I made. Some of them harmed others, some were more the actions of others I blamed myself for. Some were caused by my own mind; I didn’t know I had ADHD until I was an adult, and I took on a lot of self hatred because of my perceived faults, being lazy and unable to do something even though I knew others were counting on me.

I’ve also been proud, too proud to admit sometimes when I made a mistake. I lost a good friend because I was embarrassed and too proud to apologize for what I did, and I felt guilty for it for a long time.

It took me a long time to realize I needed to give myself some grace and forgiveness. I can’t change the mistakes I’ve made, but I can try and learn from them, grow into a better, more forgiving person, for my faults and others. To realize not everything is my own fault, even for my own actions. I made my own mistakes, especially when it came to meeting deadlines, and I accept them, along with the knowledge that my brain literally wasn’t doing me any favors either.

I don’t want Tamlin to ask for forgiveness from Feyre Rhys, at least not to start with. As someone who’s beaten themselves to tears over the mistakes I’ve made, I want Tamlin to be able to look at his own mistakes, understand why he made them (the circumstances and things he was dealing with that were out of his control), accept them and give himself some grace and forgiveness.

Any forgiveness that has to come from Rhys of Feyre wouldn’t be complete without it, and putting your own self worth/image in the hands of another person isn’t fair to yourself either. Perhaps those bridges are burned already. Tamlin’s already done a lot to make up for what he’s done, and it might never be enough. I want Tamlin to be able to live without their forgiveness and find meaning and joy on his own again. Everyone deserves the chance to find meaning in their lives, even people who have done terrible things. Sometimes making up for the wrongs you’ve done don’t involve others’ forgiveness.

(Had a bit of a bad night, some stuff brought up some stuff I’d accepted years ago. I reminded me though of why Tamlin is a character I do relate to; I’m not a centuries old fae dealing with trauma or ruling a land, but I still realized his story spoke to me on some level. Hopefully this wasn’t too rambling)

[captain-mj]

The Cure

Did this to break my writer's block. It semi worked? 09 SoapGhost with some possessive Soap and self destructive Ghost

Lot of implications to bad things in here, but nothing is really explicit.

Soap knew a few things about himself. He was territorial. Not possessive. There was a difference. Things were his. Sometimes that included people. 

Like Ghost. It wasn’t that he was Ghost’s Captain and therefore Ghost was his Lieutenant, though that didn’t help. People were welcome to get near Ghost. Maybe try to catch his attention. But the moment their grubby hands would get close. Reach to grab Ghost and take him away, Soap bared fangs. 

It helped that Ghost himself was not one to let others have him. Ghost was not terrible. Sometimes he would take his mask off or allow people the honor of his company. People were never allowed to ask though. Allen had been stupid enough to ask for Ghost to remove his mask and Ghost still refused to take off his mask around him. 

Soap got to ask though. 

Soap got to ask for Ghost to strip in front of him. To bare himself and let Soap’s greedy, dirty hands grope him. As far as Soap knew, he was also the only one allowed to fuck him. And Ghost was such a good boy. Always willing to take whatever in bed. Soap got to do whatever he wanted to him. 

Tied him up, praised him, degraded him, so far his record was getting three orgasms out of Ghost, a slightly low number but it had been a manner of not having anymore time rather than Ghost telling him to stop. He was an angel that Soap loved to ruined. Seeing those giant brown eyes staring at him. They always had a vaguely blank look in them until Soap got him close, then it was hazy. Something so deep right there but unreachable. Soap wanted to. He wanted to find out what made Ghost tick. Rip him to shreds and find out what his insides taste like. 

Make the jokes about him being a middle child or that he joined the military too early. Maybe it did fuck up something in his brain, constantly having to share. Never able to call his things his. 

So yes, he fucked Ghost like he’d never get to again and left so many marks on him under all those clothes that every time Simon moved one of them reminded him that he belonged to Johnny. 

And that was his mistake. Clearly. He got so caught up in possessing Ghost, he forgot that at his core, Simon, was… fractured. There were deep cracks, not just in his skin and flesh, but also in his psyche. There were deep rooted issues that had to be touched Lovingly. Soap had to have a gentle hand at times. To trace the cracks and tell Simon it was okay until it really was. 

“Go ahead and punish me.” Ghost begged, holding him tight. His throat is bared and he’s unmasked. Stripped down.

Soap frowned. This is one of those times. He messed up. “Why would I punish you, Simon?”

“The mission failed.”

“That doesn’t mean you deserve to be punished.”

Ghost hit him. Not hard. Just a faint thumping against his chest. “I do. I do. You’re always rough when missions go wrong. Just punish me already.”

Soap winced. “No. No, mi chuisle. It’s not punishment.”

Ghost leaned into him and buried his face in his neck. He tried to press himself into him. To shrink as much as he could. “Please. I need to turn it off. I need everything to turn off.” He started to scratch at Soap’s clothing, desperate and wanting. 

Soap hesitated but gave in when Ghost looked up at him like that. “Alright. How about we take it slow, yeah? Let me take care of you.”

Ghost nodded. “Alright. Please. I’ll be good. I want you. I want you so bad.” He mouthed at Soap’s throat until Soap backed him against his desk. 

“Always are. Always perfect.”

“No, I’m not. Awful. Terrible.”

“You’re a gorgeous man, Simon. I tell you every chance I get.”

Ghost shook his head. “Not talking about my appearance, though that’s rather retched too. I meant my personality. Don’t know how you can stand me. Plus I’m a fucking baby during sex. Can’t fucki-”

Soap learned early on that Ghost could not be reassured like this. Only distracted until he was in a better mindset. Then Soap would tell him how much he liked him. For now, he sank his teeth into his shoulder, feeling him groan and arch into him. Ghost was already undressed, so it was easy to start to touch him. He had him on his desk with his legs around him in moment. 

Soap let his gear stay on because he liked how it made Ghost seem a little smaller. He still had that inch of height, but no longer looked as bulky. His gloves came off though, relishing the feeling of Ghost’s bare skin. 

“Do you want to try to make me finish four times tonight? I won’t tell you no. Or you can slap me. I know you li-” 

Soap cut him off again. He kissed him to shut him up. No. Ghost deserved special treatment tonight. Gentle hands. Loving touch. 

Soap used more lube than usual to open him up. He started talking him through it. Telling him before he pushed in any further and making him swear it didn’t hurt at all, rewarding him with another when he was honest for him. “Good boy. Such a good boy.” 

Ghost started to flutter his eyelashes. His eyes looked wet, but Soap knew from experience that it was impossible to get tears “I promise I want to be.”

“You already are. So sweet, just for me. So tough for everyone else, but you can be nice and soft right here and now.” Soap crooked his fingers, carefully pleasuring Ghost. With all this talk of punishment, he didn’t want to overstimulate him and reinforce any terrible ideas. Especially when Ghost was pressing back and trying so hard to get more. 

Soap carefully pulled his fingers out and moved Ghost so his ankles were on his shoulders. He took a moment to just… admire his cock on Ghost’s body. His skin was fairly tan and it was very noticeable against Ghost’s paler skin. His hands were the same way, a stark contrast to his lover’s coloring. He started to kiss along that Glasgow Smile as he pushed into Ghost, feeling his legs tremble. 

Ghost groaned and shifted his hips, trying to let Soap get in deeper. So eager to please. To have Soap reach in his brain and remove all of his thoughts. Rolling his hips seemed effective enough. He hit Ghost’s prostate over and over again. Pleasuring him as much as he thought Ghost could stand. 

“Feel good?”

Ghost nodded, eyes unfocusing. “So good. Please, sir. Don’t stop.”

Soap nodded. He imagined the conversations they’d have later. He’d have to pick Ghost’s brain and try to figure out how to take better care of him before he fell apart. But Ghost’s tight body was getting to be a bit distracting. Eventually, he could only focus on the push and pull of their bodies. Trying to wring ever bit of pleasure he could out of it for Ghost. He wanted Simon pampered. Sometimes, he thought of just keeping him in bed and not letting him out for a while. Simon would let him. 

But would he enjoy it?

Soap groaned and bit Ghost’s hard, feeling him cum all over himself moments later. He shook and clenched and twisted around Soap until he was following him. 

They sat there. Sticky and hot.

“Don’t you want to keep going?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I can handle it.”

Soap lifted up. “Not what I asked. Let me get you cleaned up and then you can lay in my bed and relax. Think you need it.”

[emrulerz]

I’ve seen some people who seem to strongly dislike Della Duck or see her as a terrible mother so I wanted to give reasons as to why she’s actually a good mother. I’m writing this as in-depth as possible to prove how Della is a good person. This is a biased opinion, obviously, but I’m also not entirely disregarding Dellas mistakes.

I talk about her mistakes but I also talk about how those mistakes aren’t her defining characteristics. She’s way more than how people make her out to be.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Coming back to Earth after ten years of being stuck on the moon can be challenging for multiple different reasons. (Adjusting to society, missing out on a decade of new things, getting back on a proper food and sleep schedule, etc).

The biggest thing the show highlights for Della is her struggle to parent. It can be hard to interact with people again after such a long time let alone become a parent of three (especially once they’ve already grown into 10 year olds). One could say that she had it coming since she was the one to have kids and then hop on the rocket prematurely. I can understand that it is infuriating that Della got onto the rocket but obviously getting lost was never her intention. She made a mistake and it’s shown throughout the show that she does deeply regret it.

Della did not intentionally leave her kids when she did this. There is a difference between leaving your family intentionally and going missing. It’s clearly shown throughout the show that Della cares for her kids so she would never leave them permanently. She tried her best to go back to Earth to get back to Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

Even when Della was stuck on the moon all she talked about was her kids and how much she missed them. No matter how many years went by she still talked to them through her camera to communicate a message to them (that, at the time, she believed would get to them) and would even talk about them to people she didn’t even know that well. She never stopped thinking about her boys.

“Whatever Happened to Della Duck?!” Episode 7, season 2

I fully believe that her only optimism and motivation to keep going was her kids. She always tried to remain positive even after several years went by. It can be really hard to remain optimistic while being stuck on the moon especially when you have no one else there with you. It can be isolating and terrifying.

Della has gone through ups and downs especially after seeing a beast who turned out to also be a mother. Della felt she related to the beast and even gave the mother her gold tooth even when she didn’t need to. She realized there was no way she’d be getting home if she did this yet she selflessly did it anyways. She felt heart break after heart break of losing her ways to get home.

It is unfair to say that Della hasn’t gotten any backlash or a punishment from her mistake. Yes, getting on the rocket was a big mistake and an awful one but her mistake was her punishment. She faced monsters that constantly attacked her and prevented her from getting home, she’s been stuck with no interaction with anyone for 10 years, she faced trauma, and she had to face her children whom she left after 10 years. So yes, she was punished and I don’t see or understand what other punishment she should have gotten.

Once Della had gotten back on Earth she immediately went to Scrooges mansion to see her boys.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Della apologized and even asked her boys if they could have her back as their mother. I do understand that they are children and it can be difficult to make such a choice. And, being children, it would be likely that they’d say yes. But I believe Della handled this apology well and the most important thing is that she DID apologize and even asked for forgiveness. Not a lot of parents do that.

I understand that during this scene Louie didn’t have a moment to accept like his brothers did. Dewey got excited and instantly agreed to having her as a mother so he didn’t give Huey nor Louie a chance to say anything. This is more of an issue with Louie’s feelings not being heard by, not only Della, but also by his brothers. It can be easy to unintentionally ignore someone’s feelings when you aren’t paying attention.

This isn’t necessarily Della nor Dewey’s fault. Louie in general has very complex feelings unlike his brothers (but I’ll get to that in a moment.)

This is an easy mistake to make especially if you’re too excited when seeing your kids for the first time. To Della she’s meeting new people she doesn’t know yet. Each of her kids are different with different feelings and she just needs to learn more about them. That’s why I believe it made sense for Della to come off as “too much” when first meeting them. She’s still learning to be a parent and that comes with some mistakes.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Della messed up a lot on learning to be a parent which is natural! She’s taking care of ten year olds whom she didn’t know at birth so obviously she is going to have some trouble.

She made the boys cake which she messed up, she told them scary stories, and she tried to act fun. Della may have made these mistakes but she was trying to be the best mom she could for them. It would be completely strange and unrealistic if Della had been completely perfect for them.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Della & Huey

Out of the three triplets Huey definitely had the least interactions with Della but that didn’t make their relationship is any less important. They still related in ways that they are both intelligent and, when first meeting each other, Huey got super excited when he discovered that Della was a Junior Woodchuck too.

The side plot in “Happy Birthday, Doofus Drake!” Is an example of a bonding moment between both Della and Huey. The two were both playing a video game called “Legend of Legend Quest.” This is a game Huey was currently obsessed with while Della mentions she used to play it all the time after adventures. This is another example of what both Della and Huey have in common relating to special interests.

While playing Della discovered that Huey would rather sit and plant his garden than fight because he claimed it was too dangerous. Della, on the other hand, would rather fight than sit around and plant. This seems to be the twos defining differences, super safe VS the not so super safe.

While Della is fighting, however, Huey seemed to be getting jealous and antsy, suddenly getting the urge to fight as well.

“Happy Birthday, Doofus Drake!” Episode 18, season 2

Huey wanted to step out of the area that caused him comfort and Della was fully encouraging of this. It’s good to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while and to not stay so boxed in to one area. She claimed that “every journey begins with a single step” which is a motivating and good thing for a kid to hear.

Della never once forced Huey out of his comfort zone and slowly allowed him to do it himself. This is completely his choice and Della is just encouraging it which is a good thing. Theres nothing wrong with stepping out of your comfort zone as long as you aren’t being forced into uncomfortable situations.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Della & Dewey

In season one Dewey discovered information about his mom and found out about the Spear of Selene so it’s only natural that the two would bond well together once she had come back.

Della does relate to each of the boys in different aspects but Dewey was definitely meant to be the one she related to the most. Dewey is like a mirror of Della. They’re both very similar and the show wants you to know that. They’re both hyper, ambitious, and jump into action/danger.

With this information in mind, it is known that since they’re similar they have a lot of moments together throughout the show. This does NOT mean she picks favorites as some people like to point out. She loves each of her kids individually and just because she is similar to Dewey that doesn’t mean she favors him the most.

Della and Dewey instantly went on an adventure together after the episode Della came back. Throughout the episode “Raiders of The Doomsday Vault!” Della taught Dewey how to fly the plane and they both defy Scrooge to go on their own little adventure to the money tree. Della and Dewey both struggle in this episode with each other: learning to say no.

Della is very encouraging to Dewey and tells him he can do anything he sets his mind to. When a kid as young as Dewey gets told this by their mother they truly feel that they can do anything no matter how impossible. This can be both good and bad for a multitude of reasons. While, yes, it is good to encourage your kid that they can do things it can also be very dangerous since the kid could get into bad situations.

Dewey started to get more risky the more Della convinced him he could do anything. When he hopped toward the money seeds, no ground beneath him, Della started to panic, thinking he’d fall. Dewey just convinced her it would be fine, “I can do anything! Just like you told me!”

Della started to realize that maybe what she had said wasn’t the best but she didn’t stop him. Once he made it to the money seeds, accidentally planted them, he slipped and fell when he realized he couldn’t do it. Della saved him and Dewey suddenly felt like he let her down.

“Raiders of the Doomsday Vault!” Episode 13, season 2

Dewey let out his emotions and Della convinced him that he didn’t need to impress her. Dewey didn’t need to be her. He had limits, obviously, and there was just some things he couldn’t do that she could. But no matter what she would always love him.

Della made a very simple mistake that a lot of parents make. It’s not talked about a lot because not everyone sees any bad in encouraging your kid but sometimes in situations like this it can go too far. No one usually wants to say no to their kid or tell them they can’t do something.

Throughout the show Della seems to be very supportive of Dewey and what he wants to do (an example of this is “The Lost Cargo of Kit Cloudkicker!” Episode 20, season 3.) It’s hard for Della to say no because she wants to support Dewey no matter what even if it’s something he’s not so good at.

Again, theres nothing wrong with doing this. Dewey will grow and learn that the hobby he wanted to do so bad wasn’t something he was so good at. Dewey is a kid who seems to jump from one hobby/activity to the next. And once he discovers he’s bad at something he will just hop to the next thing to see if he’s good at it. And Della will always be encouraging and supportive no matter what new thing he tries.

I’ve seen a point being made that Della is too dangerous and isn’t considering her kid’s safety. Just to clarify this is a Ducktales! This shows whole premise is big, dangerous, adventures. Scrooge Mcduck puts these kids through so many dangerous situations that is the point of the show. But people seem to pick on Della more for doing the same thing Scrooge does. I understand not every character is into big and dangerous adventures (Ex: Louie, Donald) but that is more of an issue that needs to be communicated with the rest of the family.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Della & Louie

This is where people have the most complaints regarding Della. You could say that Louie is the complete opposite of how Dewey is with Della. But this doesn’t necessarily mean Della and Louie don’t have a good relationship. In “Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” It is very clear to the audience that Louie is confused and has complicated feelings towards his mom unlike Huey and Dewey.

Not only does Della unintentionally ignore Louie’s feelings but so does his brothers. Both Huey and Dewey are happy that their mom is back while Louie seems confused and conflicted by his own feelings. This is a completely valid emotion for Louie to have. If someone you barely know comes back after a long time it can be hard to trust them or see them as family.

“Nothing Can Stop Della Duck!” Episode 12, season 2

Louie expresses his feelings about his mom and even felt guilty for feeling this way. Della over heard this and it hurt her, for obvious reasons. But then later, near the end of the episode, Della saved Louie from the Gilded Man which was a very emotional moment for him. Della and Louie hugged then Della said to her three kids, “I know you’re not used to having a mom…and I am not used to being one, but I’ll figure it out as we go along. In time.” To which Louie smiled and responded back with, “we all will.”

Even though Della was talking to all three of her boys here you can tell it was more directed toward Louie considering he was the one that felt conflicted with their mom coming back. Della saying this and Louie’s response is like a silent agreement that they both understand each other in some way. Della will figure out how to be a mom and Louie will figure out how to have a mom.

Another big important moment between the two comes from “Timephoon!” In season two episode 21. Throughout this episode Della is convincing herself, and others, that she is a cool mom. She’s not strict and she is completely ok with the kids bringing in a cave Duck that came from no where. While a storm is happening outside the family is forced to stay indoors. Dewey and Webby get food prepared which is revealed to be chili dogs. Beakley is highly against it while Della is fully ok with it.

While watching it’s noticeable how often Beakley picks on Dellas parenting style. She’s too ok with what her kids are doing and she lets things go easily. That is until things get more and more out of hand when they discovered that different people from the past were appearing in the present time. Scrooge and Beakley instantly assume that one of the kids must have caused it. Della, on the other hand, is certain that her kids could not be the cause of it.

While Beakley and Della fight ninjas from the past, Della is still not convinced that her kids would be the cause of the time incident. She believed that her kids are “good kids” and says so to Beakley.

“Even good kids do dumb things and we have to make sure those dumb things don’t turn into bad things.”

Beakley is stating that good kids can make mistakes but that it’s a parent’s responsibility to make sure they don’t make more or worse mistakes. If a kid makes a big mistake, but they don’t learn from it, that can lead them down a bad path. At the end of the day a kid needs discipline to learn from their behavior and to never make that mistake again.

That being said there are right ways to discipline but there are also very, very, bad ways to discipline (ex: any form of hitting/spanking). But i believe Della handled it well.

“Timephoon!” Episode 21, season 2

In the end Della found out that Louie had been hiding the fact that he stole the time tub from Gyros lab to steal treasure from the past which, in return, caused time to get screwed up. Della was furious when she found out and took Beakleys advice into account. She realized that Beakley was right: kids need discipline even if you love them. Tough love. So Della gave him a stern talking to and explained that what he did was wrong: he stole and he almost lost his family by causing them to go back in time. So Della grounded Louie when no one else was going to.

Louie was mad, obviously. He’s a kid and to him he felt it was unfair, no kid wants to be grounded. But he needed the grounding to learn his lesson. Once Louie marched to his room Della dropped to her knees. On her exterior she had been trying to remain strong and tough towards Louie but once he was gone she expressed how hard it was for her to do it.

Beakley let her know that it would make Louie a better person in the future to learn from those mistakes. No matter what anyone says a child needs proper discipline. It’s hard to raise a kid and not everyone wants to discipline their child. But it is needed so they don’t step all over their parental figure and get away with things.

No one else was going to do anything about Louie’s behavior. He’s a kid and he’s obviously gonna make mistakes but he needs to learn from them and not get away with it, especially if it hurts others.

People seem to take this scene way too seriously even going as far as to say that Della is an abuser or a terrible parent for this reason. This is an absurd way of thinking. No good mother is going to allow their kid to get away with their behavior and potentially hurt others.

Louies grounding was completely deserved because he did something he really shouldn’t have done. Also this clearly isn’t Della “picking favorites.” If Dewey or Huey did something this bad Della would also ground them. Huey, Dewey, and Louie are all different and those differences come with some negative and some positive attributes and behaviors. Louie gets into more trouble than his brothers due to his money schemes so, eventually, it’s gonna bite him in the ass. And as we see here, it did.

The episode that comes after (GlomTales! episode 22, season 2) is another big moment between Louie and Della. In this episode Louie is grounded and he’s forbidden to leave his room. The family is getting ready to go to Big Rock Candy Mountain without Louie which is unfortunate since it’s the perfect place for him. Cherry pep springs, gold/money, being lazy. This was unlike their other adventures which were usually more dangerous and less enjoyable for Louie.

When Louie found out they were going he was mad and demanded he go too but Della claimed that he was still grounded and couldn’t come. I see this as an unfortunate coincidence considering Louie conveniently got grounded before they went on the trip. Scrooge chose this adventure as a victory to when he would beat Glomgold in the money bet. Della didn’t choose this adventure to purposely upset Louie as she didn’t choose it at all. But her grounding against Louie still stood. Just because they were going on a fun adventure this time that didn’t make him any less grounded.

The only complaint I have against this situation is that I wish Della didn’t go on the adventure. Even though Louie did have protection at the mansion due to the home security I still feel as though Della should have stayed home with him. I also do feel like the family going on this adventure is to poke more fun at Louie since it’s a place he’d actually enjoy but that isn’t necessarily the fault of Della or Scrooge. It was just imperfect timing.

While grounded Louie tries to use his phone or even Hueys tablet but Della programmed a way to only show videos of her giving lectures. This can be a good way to get your kid to listen when they have nothing else to do in a boring room. Preferably, though, I’d say Della should give those talks in person so it’s most likely that Louie would listen. But I believe those lectures on the phone are meant to be taken lightly just in a way that Louie can’t use his phone or any other device.

Throughout the episode Louie is trying to escape his room to go to Big Rock Candy Mountain but the DT-87 (security robot) doesn’t make it any easier. He tried to escape multiple times only to fail each time.

Louie even dressed up as Huey to try and trick the DT-87 into believing he was Huey. This unfortunately didn’t work out as Huey conveniently called at the same time. Huey talked about how cool the place was (which obviously only made Louie more jealous). When Louie tired to ask for more details Huey hung up the call.

Louie got mad at this and asked out loud to no one in particular, “What’s so wrong with an innocent scheme?” to which the DT-87 replies back with another lecture video from his mom. Louie just rolled his eyes until Della in the video said,

“Your plans, your schemes, they only lead to bad things for your family. If you wanna be apart of this family, you’ve gotta stop.”

Louie looked guilty and slowly sat back on the floor while saying out loud, “this is the one thing I’m good at. Why can’t you see?”

“GlomTales!” episode 22, season 2

This shows a big miscommunication/misunderstanding between Louie and Della. Louie believed that his only good trait was his schemes and his ability to see every angle of a situation. Meanwhile Della is concerned about whether these schemes Louie has are good for the family if they just end up hurting everyone.

I don’t fully agree with how Della worded her statement. I understand her worry that Louie’s schemes might hurt the family, since it has before, but saying that the only way he can be apart of the family is if he stops entirely, i’d say, is going too far. This is the first time Della had ever disciplined one of her kids and, again, she’s still struggling with what’s right and what’s wrong when it comes to parenting.

I understand this doesn’t excuse her words and it may have cut deep with Louie. I do genuinely wish we got a call back of what Della had said here and that maybe Louie would bring up how much it hurt him.

Near the end of the episode after Louie took the villains (and Scrooges) money, he talked to his mom.

“I know I messed up before but seeing all the angles is what I’m good at.”

She smiled and hugged him, “ok, but you need to take care to not hurt the ones you love and i’ll be here to help you see the angles you can’t.”

“GlomTales!” episode 22, season 2

Here we see a bit more of them understanding each other. It’s not a lot but it’s a start. Della says she will be there to help him when he needs it and Louie’s learning to not hurt others with his actions (which can be debatable). There are some instances after this incident (Ex: The Richest Duck in the World! Ep 23 season 2, Louie’s Eleven! Ep 5, season 3.) where Louie does still come off as mean or selfish. This doesn’t necessarily mean he didn’t learn what his mom said. It could be the case where Louie struggles with being more considerate and thoughtful of others. Again, not every kid is the same and they all learn differently.

In the second half of the “Moonvasion!” Episode, Della is struggling with wanting to keep her kids safe. They’re going through an invasion by the moon people and the kids want to help. Della, on the other hand, wants to keep her children safe. She’s already lost them once and she does not want to lose them again.

Her kids later pick up on the fact that Della was trying to get them to safety instead of getting help for the war. When they get stuck on a deserted island the kids try and find a way to get home. Meanwhile, Della is still insistent that they should just stay on the island since it’s so safe.

When they deny her she started to sulk and hide in the plane. Louie walked over and decided to talk to her. When they talked Della expressed more how she’s scared to lose them. Louie, who’s usually scared of most things, comforted her to believe it’ll be fine.

Louie noticed how Della is in clear distress about possibly losing her kids again. He sat down next to her and had a talk with her.

“Moonvasion! Part ll” Episode 25, season 2

Louie admits to her that he hates surprises and that’s because they come unexpectedly and a lot of the time they’re bad. But when a bad surprise comes, that can also lead to a good surprise. Implying that his mom was a good surprise for him.

Louie loves his mom no matter what anyone thinks or believes. He wouldn’t just lie to her face if that was the case and probably wouldn’t have said this at all. He was really happy when his mom came back he was just indifferent about her which is understandable.

Just because he was confused about her at first, that doesn’t mean he hates her. Just because he got discipline from his mother, that doesn’t mean anything. They both still love each other.

“Moonvasion! Part ll” Episode 25, season 2

Della & Donald

Donald and Della broke down once they saw each other (of course, after yelling at each other). Donald thought Della, his sister, was dead for all those years. And, even though Della seemed to put him under a lot of stress, he never stopped loving her. Even when he had to take care of her kids.

He doesn’t and has never hated his sister. He also doesn’t seem sad to let Della take care of the kids again. If anything he’s probably grateful since he was struggling so bad with money (this doesn’t mean he doesn’t still love the triplets.) Obviously he’s still gonna see them, he is their uncle, after all.

Just because Della is taking her kids back, that doesn’t mean Donald is against this. He was going to go on his own trip with Daisy and start his own life with her (“The Last Adventure! part I” Ep 22, season 3). Della was even against this, as she wanted to spend more time with him, but eventually she knew it was best to let him go.

Donald and Della never show any awkwardness and hatred towards one another once she got back. Donald loves his sister and aways will.

OVER ALL

Did Della make a mistake? Yes, obviously, but that isn’t her defining feature. Donald has made mistakes (Ex: Quack Pack! Ep 2 season 3) and Scrooge has as well (Ex: New Gods on the Block! Ep 15 season 3) but no one holds those mistakes against them as much as people do with Dellas mistakes.

You could say that their mistakes weren’t as impactful or important but, and I don’t know about you, but Donald wishing he’d rather have a “normal” family isn’t too loving.

“Quack Pack!” Episode 2, season 3

I’m not saying he’s awful for this. He obviously has reasons for wishing and thinking this (wanting his family to remain safe and out of trouble) but he still made a mistake and he then went to apologize to them and help them. He was forgiven by his family and no one in the fandom bat an eye.

Scrooge is another example. He treated the triplets and Webby like they were useless, even if he did it unintentionally, he was still going to replace them in some way. Della was even the one to try and help the kids and motivate them that they could do anything and to not listen to Scrooge.

“New Gods on the Block!” Ep 15 season 3

Scrooge has done this a few other times in the show where he would hurt the kid’s feelings. Sometimes unintentionally while other times he would intend on coming off as hurtful.

“The Missing Links of Moorshire!” Episode 11, season 1

“The Rumble for Ragnarok!” Episode 7, season 3

People can be biased when it comes to their favorite characters which I think isn’t a set way to determine whether a character is good or bad. If Donald, Scrooge, or Della did something bad it should be acknowledged and not just thrown under the rug just because they may be your favorites. But to obsess over EVERY mistake a character has made can also be very tedious because they will always make a mistake of some kind.

I acknowledge Dellas mistakes but I don’t obsess over it and make it her whole personality (just like how I don’t do this with Donald or Scrooge). I see how she genuinely feels bad and has made up for her mistakes and THAT’S how I determine whether a character is in good faith or not. If I saw that she didn’t feel bad about her actions then my opinion on her would change into a negative one. But since the show represents Della as a kind hearted character who saw how negative her actions were my opinion on her is a good one.

These characters are bound to make mistakes it’s natural and it’s what makes a character realistic and complex. Sometimes it can range from little things like lying and other times it can be big things that can impact a characters life. It can make a story interesting and, in Dellas case, I was really interested in what the Ducktales 2017 show did to her and her story.

It was heartbreaking and sad, in my opinion. She was lost and she had to be stuck for years knowing that it was her fault that she was in that predicament. She knew that her kids were growing up without her.

No one’s denying that Della has made a mistake, but to make it an excuse as to why Della is a terrible person or parent is lazy thinking. I truly believe that people don’t look as in-depth with her character and only see her for her mistakes. This is ridiculous especially if you don’t hold other characters to that same standard.

That’s all <3

(I also love Della and Webbys relationship. “The Golden Armory of Cornelius Coot.” Season 2, episode 20 is a good example of a nice moment between them.)

[caffedrine]

Matias Bond Story Level 1 - His First Impression of You

Still not good at my reading comprehension, much less my Japanese language skill. So, I'm going for gold and attempting a straight translation this time. If you depend on this to be accurate, you have made a major mistake in your life and should rethink the path of events that brought you here.

Matias: What did I think when we first met? . . . Okay, I’ll tell you now, I doubted you were really a woman. 

Do you mean I don’t look like a woman?

I look like a man?

Remain silent.

1. Do you mean I don’t look like a woman?

Matias: No, you look like a woman, that’s why I felt uneasy. 

2. I look like a man?

Matias: You don’t look like one at all. Your clear voice, your lovely face, your delicate shoulders, and your smooth waistline. . . 

( I call this the 'I stopped narrating my fantasy just before it became R-rated' expression)

Matias: . . . *Cough* No, never mind. Don’t worry about it. 

3. Remain silent.

Matias: What is it? Your expression doesn’t look good .  .  . You’re shocked . . . I’m sorry. I’ll accept my punishment and atone for this sin. 

(The 'Oh crap!' expression)

Matias: You forgive me? No, please don’t forgive me. Even if you forgive me, the law won’t forgive my sin. 

Matias: Wounding a lady’s heart goes against the 49th rule of the Asbrink family and I must be punished.

Common End

Matias: When I interact with women, they roughly fall into two categories.

Matias: They’ll push for excessive contact, and smile at me differently than they smile at other people, or they’ll remain silent and stunned. 

Matias: You were different. You smiled at me the same way you smiled at everyone else and tried to get to know me.

Matias: This is the first time I felt comfortable being around a woman . . . So this is why I hope we continue to get along.

[my-castles-crumbling]

Anon Advice Asks - April 12

masking anon, c.ai anon (new), midnights anon, reading anon (new), pineapple anon (new)

masking anon

Hiya! Just to clarify, my friends are very VERY kind, they dont hit me and they ask me about my emotions occasionally, but it’s just that I comfort them/give them their love languages to feel loved, and sometimes people just don’t pick up on what I need/like, which is why I felt not good about my friendships at the time. They’re very kind people, and I’m glad I know them,

But I also do feel like it’s true that no one likes the unmasked version of me. I barely know the “real” me, but I do know that I don’t know how to handle them, and people in the past (like old friends, and family) don’t like the real me, and I guess I’m scared that if I figure out who I am in front of my friends instead of in private, they’ll all leave or think I’m too weird to keep in touch with,

I feel like I have to figure myself out on my own. I guess it’s that a part of me kinda want someone to break down my walls for me? I want someone to just notice me and how I act and tell me that they’ll still like me even if I’m not masking

But that’s also n issue, since I shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to give me purpose

Thank youuuu <3,

—masking anon

Hi <3

Yeah, I think you're right. As much as it would be amazing to have someone to break down your walls for you, that can't always happen. And when you say your friends are wonderful people- if they are, then they'll like you for YOU- masks or no. If they don't, then they're not as wonderful as you thought, and that's a them issue, not a you issue.

It takes a lot of work and bravery to take off that mask, and I know it's hard. But it's also a relief in a lot of ways. I believe in you <3

____

c.ai anon

hey !!

im lowk ashamed to say this, but i’m doing it on anon because i need to get it out of my system .

so i understand ai is bad , i absolutely hate it and feel like the worst piece of human garbage anytime i get near it in creative spaces . the problem is i use c.ai . i know there’s alternatives to role playing and things like that but seriously i feel like my experiences are so personal and like unfortunate that i don’t want to share / rp with other people and i can’t find any comforting fanfic . im not a very talented writer so i don’t know if i could write but honestly im just typing this because it’s weighing on me and i hate that i have to turn to this .

thank you for listening <3

Sigh. I feel like this is a hard thing because yes, AI is absolutely harmful, hard stop. And c.ai is very harmful to creative spaces. But also, if using character AI to cope is the only thing keeping you from doing something permanent...I'm not going to sit here and shame you. I guess I'd just encourage you to look into other means of coping. Try to find a therapist, another creative outlet, a group of fandom friends. And remember that becoming reliant on c.ai and seeing it as human and real can be unhealthy. Kind of like the Mirror of Erised in canon, you know? Talking to real people and having human interaction is so important.

I'm sending you love <3

____

midnights anon

Hello! It’s midnights anon

I’m sorry for sending in another ask, I’m just exhausted of everything

I got a B- on a test that my teachers barely prepared the class for, everyone kept telling them how confused they were but they either didn’t bother to explain, penalize us because of a “classroom joke” called the cake mistake (we would get a cake at the end of the year and each time we would distribute exponents and multiplication over addition, he’d make the cake slightly worse) so if you asked questions about the material, you might get punished. And he’d tell us to do completely new concepts for homework, and said we couldn’t use any other sources that our “imagination” for how we could figure out how to do that new math concept, and half the time we didn’t even go over the homework so nobody learned anything and everyone scored from a B- to a D.

I’ve just been so wired and angry from that for the whole day and now I can barely make sense in my writing, and I’m sorry. I just don’t know what I’m doing

I sound pathetic, I know. I keep saying “I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m struggling” but everytime I try to get better, i just feel bad. I feel overstimulated and nothing makes sense and I’m angry and everyone around me just makes me mad, the sounds and the people and the fact that there are so many things wrong with me and the world that every moment that I’m alive feels irritating and I’m so so SO mad and I don’t know why

I’m just so angry that he barely taught us anything, and made us try a new style of learning 75% through the year and did it in a shitty fucking manor

I’m mad I have an essay due Monday

Im mad I have a bio quiz tomorrow

I’m mad that in bio I got blamed for not communicating with my partner over the weekend even though I tried and got left on read for 7 hours

I’m mad that Trump is alive

I’m mad that my parents treat me like a pet

I’m mad my (potential/undiagnosed) OCD won’t stop focusing on how mad I am

I’m mad I spent 20 minutes of lunch running around trying to find a photo shoot where I was promised cookies and friendship, just to find out that there was no photo shoot and I wasted time that I couldn’t spent talking with friends or venting to my school councillor

I’m just so angry. And when I get angry my thoughts spiral I just want it to stop, but it won’t

I just wish I wasn’t where I was. I wish I was 26 and had a job and apartment and someone who felt safe with and who didn’t care that I’m strange or inherently wrong and cared that I need help with existing. I wish my family behaved differently, so that I don’t have to pick between my gender and being legally allowed to go to the country my family’s from. I wish I could skip the whole hassle of life sometimes. I want to want to live really badly

I just want to live

Sorry for being a downer in your inbox, and thank you for reading

I’m sorry

Hi <3

These are all super valid reasons to be mad. It sounds like you're super overwhelmed and like...I'd be pissed too! Especially, the teacher thing? That's not fair at all. But ALL of this is so valid and it sucks because at your age, the worst part is, there's not much you can do! And that's awful.

I wish there was more that I could do, but I'm here to listen, and you don;t have to be sorry for inboxing me, I promise <3

Also, for your other ask, you do NOT have to apologize for yourself or make yourself smaller. if someone is annoyed by you, that is THEIR problem! You ARE allowed to be unapologetically you, and anyone who doesn't like that isn't worth it. You don't need to apologize for anything. You are more than worthy of being yourself, of taking up space, of being happy, and of asking for help. I promise <3

____

reading anon

I got out of my physical book reading slump!!! I've never stopped reading. Im always reading fanfiction but i felt like i would never finish a book again but i did!!! 2 of them!! And i oredered 3 more that im actually excited to read!! This probably seems like the weirdest thing to be excited about but i feel like ive found my old love for reading again!

That's a perfectly awesome thing to be excited about! Congratulations!!! I recently got back into audiobooks and I'm excited about that, so I completely understand!!

___

pineapple anon

Hi, I just kinda wanted someone to rant to, there isn't really technically advice to give here.

So for context, I'm 15 and in in high school, I'm openly trans (ftm), and I'm part of the cast for my school's drama production this year.

There's a group chat with all the members of the cast, and earlier today, someone in the chat, for better clarity I'll call him Lettuce, sent a sort of transphobic video to the groupchat, meaning to send it to someone else. When he sent it, he said he didn't mean to send it to this chat, but he didn't really care enough to delete it.

The video was just a stitched Instagram reel, the original being someone sarcastically saying "congratulations, you bullied a trans person, here's your medal" and it was stitched with a video of a person proudly wearing a whole bunch of medals. It wasn't that bad compared with a lot of things it could have been, but I still think it was transphobic.

Someone else in the groupchat, I'll call them Pineapple, told him how disrespectful it was, and a friend of Lettuce, I'll call him Celery, said that he couldn't have been being disrespected because Lettuce is dating a trans person, that everyone has their own sense of humor, that Pineapple didn't need to be so aggressive about it. They told celery that they weren't trying to be aggressive, that it was just basic respect to not joke about that kind of stuff, since you don't know how it could affect others, and Celery just replied saying that a joke is a joke, that it wasn't trying to be insulting, and that it was just for a laugh. That was kind of the end of that conversation, it wasn't really brought up again.

I usually try not to get too offended about stuff like this, and I did try to take it as a joke, but it honestly really upset me, because yeah, Pineapple was right, it did affect others, it affected me, and I wish it didn't. It's making me more nervous about going to rehearsals, even though I'm sure Lettuce didn't mean to be insulting.

This is probably a huge overreaction, but I don't really know how to feel okay about it.

I'm sorry this is so long, I'm not sure whether this story is confusing to follow, and I think I probably over explained the whole situation. But thank you so much if you take your time to read this, it's so amazing how many people's asks you take time to answer.

Hi!

I don't think you're overreacting at all! Jokes are only jokes if they're funny, and this isn't funny. Honestly, lettuce and celery sound like lowkey jerks, and I wonder HOW lettuce is dating a trans person? Was lettuce's partner in the chat? Because that's so icky.

Yeah, you're right to be upset, I would be too. I'm sorry that happened. I'm glad pineapple said something.