#even if those dreams aren't similar to theirs

[koicrimes]

literally only 16 minutes into megan's documentary and im already on the verge of tears.. hell, I was on the verge of tears by the five minute mark. lol I don't usually care for celebrity docs but I am just soooo fucking proud of her. I mentioned before I only recently got into rap fr fr and she's one of my reasons. I love the persona she plays. I love her confidence, her work ethic, her ability to rose above when people try to tear her down and I love that she's one of the faces of black American culture rn and she's a fucking proud nerd.. like, the shit I used to get made fun of and told horrible shit for loving is part of HER BRAND and there's just something so fucking motivating about a beautiful, young black woman being this successful and still being herself. no matter what people have to say about it.

she represents an image of something that i was made to feel was impossible growing up. and it warms my heart so much.

[internet-freakkkk]

how my oc ray looks at the TWST characters, because I'm bored

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle:

They look at him like he's a close friend... likely because he IS a close friend to them and their most trusted person, even above the teachers. They care a lot about him, and he cares a lot about them.

"Wonder when our next tea party is!"

Trey:

They look at him and wonder how the hell does he make those macarons look so good.

"TELL ME YOUR SECRETS TREY!!!!!"

Cater:

they look at him in mild concern but in good light. He's a friend of theirs and is a club mate of theirs, but they can definitely tell he's not doing great.

"I should probably ask how he's doing at some point."

Deuce:

They look at him and roll their eyes usually. He's a friend of theirs, but it wouldn't be a first year friendship without Ray teasing the hell out of him! They can easily tell what he's thinking, and usually help him study since he struggles with it.

"wonder where the other one is.."

Ace:

Ah yes, idiot 1. They look at him in mild annoyance and friendship, similar to deuce except he actually causes problems. They help him study as well but mostly because it's easier for them to all do it as a group. A little bitch sometimes but still a close friend

"wonder where the other one is.."

SAVANNACLAW

Leona:

They look at him with a glare. While they do understand that his issues are serious and need to be dealt with, they don't pity him for giving up so easily and for putting HIS workload onto someone else, and complaining about not being king while still being in a position of power most would only dream of

"fuckass housecat."

Ruggie:

With understanding. They know of how he grew up, and while they do find his haggling mildly annoying at times, they consider him a friend and their only normal coworker at the mostro lounge.

"Wait, are we on the same shift today or not?"

Jack:

As if he was an enigma. Somehow, he is one of the few people at this school who even gives a damn about morals, and yet he acts like he cares about no one. Talk about tsundere. They aren't very close to him, but he isn't that interesting to them.

"Why does he even hangout with us??"

[paperlovesadness]

Miles Kane & Alex Turner as the actual definition of Twin Flames

So I read about twin flames and couldn't get these two out of my mind while doing so. Because of how the article seemed to be specifically about them. So here we are. Miles Kane and Alex Turner fitting all 11 signs of finding your "mirror soul" / twin flame (based on this arcticle. Quotes taken directly) I linked most sources within the screenshots/images themselves. This post could go on forever - so I had to stop at some point. Still, welcome to my most unhinged post yet! Enjoy!

_________________

Definition: A twin flame is an intense soul connection with someone thought to be a person's other half, sometimes called a "mirror soul." It's based on the idea that sometimes one soul gets split into two bodies.

1. When you met, there was instant recognition

When you first encounter your twin flame, Spinelli says there will be an intense sense of attraction, recognition, and longing. "Meeting a twin flame often feels like home," she notes. "They feel familiar—an undeniably intense bond as though you have known them before."

____

[screenshot / translation from the lovely @i-m-a-leaf-on-the-wind's post / linked in the image] ____

____ 2. You're very similar

You and your twin flame may find that you have a lot in common as far as values, past experiences, and interests, Spinelli adds. "Both of you will find that your past story has a lot of coincidences and similar experiences."

____

____

And of course: similar taste in music, similar interests, similar goals & dreams & approach to life (still no wives / children? [Alex as the only one in AM] -> Oriented around their own lives/dreams/hobbies), similar sense of humor, kind of similar sense of style honestly (or complimentary) & tons more.

3. You complement each other

In those areas that you aren't similar, you'll find your differences complement each other, almost like yin and yang. Their shadow, for example, will be complemented by your light, and vice versa. And because a twin flame mirrors you, you're likely very aware of how your relationship highlights your shadows, and theirs.

I know they've probably spoken about this / shown it much more. But this post is long enough on it's own. I think we all see they match / complete each other very well with their differences. Very well shown in TLSP - their music and lyrics are normally disctinctly their own style - but they come together and those differences make up something really magical (aka some of my very favorite music). And overall in personalities - where Miles is much more extraverted, outgoing. More talkative in interviews, a charmer with tons of friends. A performer first and foremost. Alex is more of a self-proclaimed introvert, on the calm, quieter side. Didn't even want to be the lead singer - wanted to write and play. Seems to enjoy process/studio more than performing.

4. Your insecurities and doubts are amplified

"The purpose of your twin flame is to support and help you with your divine mission and purpose," notes spiritual author Shannon Kaiser. "So, often this type of relationship will reflect your problems and deepest insecurities so you can work through them to heal and grow."

so obviously we don't know much about their private conversations and such. But honestly the way their differences complement one another (more on that below) - the way they've been friends for years (and close ones - constantly in contact/visiting each othert etc.) and have mentioned they can talk to each other about anything in their lives and also what I take away from some of their lyrics; with all that I just know this is true. Also quite literally they do support one another beautifully in their journeys and purpose in life (which yeah. I believe in big part is music and art). Truly believe there wouldn't be a TBHC or The Car without TLSP influences. Same with Miles' new stuff. (Also TLSP in itself is to me - their most valuable work of all). Also Imma leave some Miles Kane lyrics here. Make of them what you will.

Miscommunication Tailored altercations Sing to yourself at night So come a little closer, dear You know I find it kinda hard to hear When you are whispering like that And you're diving in the deep The world at your feet An oyster but you can't break the shell We're sitting on the carousel, bang, bang My God, I know this all too well

So let me save you from yourself because

Caroline, you're living on the edge this time But it ain't nothing personal, no, no It's something that you need to know It's problematic cosmological

Take my hand And go and lead the life that you've planned 'Cause you're gonna be just fine My Caroline My Caroline

5. They feel magnetic

From the moment you met and still to this day, you feel drawn to them physically when they're near you, as well as magnetically, when you're apart. It's as though their energy is always with you, always wanting to be closer.

UM... Do we even need me to even put any examples here? But ok, ok. Just a few little ones to not leave it empty

and then, for the being apart part, of course:

6. The relationship is tumultuous

Twin flame relationships aren't all smooth sailing, and actually, they're usually not. Being with a twin flame is like constantly being confronted by yourself, namely the parts of yourself you may not like. It can be incredibly challenging, but it's facilitating major growth for both of you.

Well there's:

which people say shows some tension between them (kind od agree) there's Miles' lyrics from his last two albums, which I am convinced are about Alex and could be taken as light diss tracks honestly. Either way - there've been theories about some tensions between the two around 2018ish? And maybe later. Seems like they've smoothed it out. But song lyrics can say a lot about potential hurt and love between the two. Also if you believe this twin flame thing is about romance - well then the fact they keep being in other relationships is the biggest thing (but still can't keep their hands off each other? potentially?) If you choose to see it as a deep platonic connection only - then just ignore the girlfriend-reference part above. For a bite-size example I'll leave you with some more Miles Kane lyrics here (I think these are most commonly & widely agreed upon to be about Alex). I'm gearing up to start doing some thorough MK lyric dissections / crazy theories soon!

You're walking around, your head in the clouds You're acting as if you're Mr. Johnny know-it-all Mister come and watch me fall

You're feeling alive, a Jekyll and Hyde You're riding the tides and everybody's just doing fine Leading that double life

I'll be right here, I'll see ya when I see ya I'll wait right here, I'll see ya when I see ya You're dancing with death in a bulletproof vest There's no other way to say it, brother Better watch your step Before all goes west

The king and the queen, the milk in your tea The partner in crime you only ever found once in life Don't let it pass you by

7. The relationship is very intense

There's a definite emotional charge between twin flames, says Spinelli, and they often develop quickly because you already feel so familiar. And as Kaiser adds, "Because you are so connected at a soul level, you feel things deeper together, which often makes for more intensity and passion."

I mean here's another one where we don't really need much material, do we? It's just there. And also previous quotes are examples for this one too. About how quickly they became the closest of friends: long conversations on the phone, sleeping at each others houses, getting to know each other's parents etc. And then they write music together (stating that if they met earlier they'd have been a band together for sure) and hop onto a plane to record an album in the French countryside, spending all their time together there. As still relatively fresh friends at that point.

I also needed to include this somewhere because I 100% also perceive Lennon/McCartney as twin flames - and think that this is where many of the comparisons between them lay (and also big part of why Miles & Alex can relate to the two on a deeper level) (we're not gonna talk about the sad ending for those two though. Okay? No).

-- And yeah. Also all that chemistry.

8. You keep coming back together

"The chase" is most definitely a part of the twin flame relationship. At some point, one of you may walk away, out of fear, anger—you name it. But you'll often come back.

"If you're in an 'on and off'-again-type relationship, it could be with your twin flame," Kaiser says. "You'll find that things just keep bringing you together in random ways. Could be months, years, even decades; you just always find your way back to one another."

+See: many of the other things already stated above - but especially under point 6. Also the fact they're in each others lives since they were pretty much kids and still after years chose/choose to spend so much time together, practically living next to one another at one point (Miles moving to LA partially for Alex) and talking about how they never do more than 2 months without seeing each other (and that's caused by big stuff, like tours). Also... I think if someone belives there's more going on bewteen the two then yeah... This seems like a description of what it seems like from the outside (with one of the bigger "on-agains" being around EYCTE era? And off- around TBHC / CDG album eras?)

9. Your connection feels divine

When you find your twin flame, there's a certain larger-than-life quality that likely feels divine or predestined.

"There is a feeling that you have been brought together by a higher power," Spinelli notes, and that creates a very strong bond between the two of you. (These can also sometimes be karmic relationships.)

See stuff from other points: esp. 1 and 2 I guess. All of them though. And just the way they read each others minds... But that's for the next point.

10. You have an almost psychic connection

You and your twin flame can likely communicate with just a glance, and you always know what the other is thinking. You may even feel each other's emotions or symptoms, Spinelli adds.

The way they finish each others sentences, connect via eye contact (like just glancing at the other and suddenly laughing knowingly?) all the mirroring and inside jokes. Yup. We all know all that, there's a lot. Too much. So just a symbolic amount of examples here.

___

11. They push you to be and do better

Because twin flames act as mirrors, they challenge us to do better, and oftentimes, your purposes are aligned in a way that pushes both of you to new heights. It's a very expansive relationship that promotes a lot of growth.

“Sometimes it can be a pressure being the fella in the band who writes the songs. Getting together with Miles I’ve got someone to bounce ideas off and that is something new for me. Also, it gives me somewhere to hide because he’s up there singing with me. In the Arctic Monkeys, there’s nowhere for me to hide.” - Alex As stated in another point - Miles is the more extraverted / loud / cheerful one, while Alex seems calmer, more reserved and on the serious-or-even-sad side. Well guess what - when they're together they balance each other out - and Alex is much more happy and outgoing. Even in interviews - which he famously doesn't really enjoy/do well in. (Take this from a fellow anxious/shy/quiet person. It's a GIFT to find a peron who opens you up this way). Miles also definitely gains a lot from Alex's presence and contrasting way of being.

I know that I could put so much more in here and it's driving me a little mad. There's quotes I have in my head but couldn't place and gave up on the search and stuff I probably just forgot too. But Imma let go of my perfectionism and leave this as is - because I believe it gets the message across. Hope you enjoy my insanity with me! XO

[octaviareina]

Breaking my hiatus from this account because I'm emotional about all the love Charles is receiving. And as I was scrolling through all the photos and videos, I found some ecstatic and curious comments about the motivation behind Charles receiving so much love, and a certain fanaticism (Italian men, you do everything and are the best for it), some questioned why the treatment wasn't the same for the other driver, some said Michael only received this love after winning a championship, that Kimi and Seb were loved, but not at the same level as Leclerc.

Let's go, I'm not going to give a concrete explanation, because there isn't anything concrete, these feelings are hard to put into words (hence, that's why are many demonstrations with actions for him), and for different people there are different reasons, but to try to simplify, Ferrari is the dream of many drivers because it's Ferrari, you enter history just by being there, it stays on your resume, who doesn't want that, it's an addition to YOUR story. But then we have this kid, who like us from day one, dreamed, cried, searched, and desired the red, he literally imagined the factory as something magical like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, how many of us haven't thought the same or something similar? He has a sparkle in his eyes when he talks about the red, he respects the history, he respects those who came before him, and those who are with him. He doesn't make outrageous demands, he doesn't disrespect, and he never puts himself above history, (sometimes he should), he always asks for the basics, the minimum: a fast car and support from the team, and the rest he does, and man, oh man... he does, in moments when he only has to worry about racing, he works miracles, he gives us magical moments, but always at the end of the day it was never him, it was always the team, he never wants to go beyond for himself, he always wants it for the team, he wants to go far, but he wants to bring the team along with him. And maybe it's this common love that makes him drag crowds with him, the relationship of love between Charles and the Tifosi is one of the most genuine kinds of love. There's no way to explain it, there's no way to measure it, there's no way to buy it, it's such a pure and true exchange, there are no demands, there's just a "be with us, because we're with you", and that's the thing about Charles, he's one of us, there's an understanding, a comprehension so great in the relationship, because he knows exactly what we feel. We're connected by a cause, by the passion we feel for something, by the desire to live something extraordinary and glorious. But we don't rush (although impatience hits, because we know Charles's potential), we don't throw it on him as responsibility, we just know that one day it will come, and we'll be here when it comes, we support him on difficult days, just as he's there on difficult days, as he doesn't turn his back despite the frustrations of difficult years. What driver would endure so many bad days, without venting their frustrations, or taking on so many responsibilities that most of the time aren't even theirs?

Charles has this inviting aura, a glow of his own that lights up wherever he goes, that's why he's the sun of Maranello, and the il predestinato, there are so many things about him, and at the same time we lack words to explain this relationship... But in the end it's not necessary, he knows why we're here, and we know why we support him, in the end, it's the sharing and understanding of emotions, loving something in common that unites us. You just have to be a fan of Charles to understand, no matter what happens he has us, and that's why he never drives alone.

Ps: none of this photos are mine, I just save a thousand from everywhere, so... credit to the owners.

[maedelin]

X-Men Vol 6 #35/#700

It ended like I thought it would; every mutant we need to come back is given the chance to. Every chance we could to synthesize the stories of the past, we did. This was a phenomenal era, even if you didn't like the story, we haven't seen this level of coordination across so many books and so many teams in the X-Office. To date.

I'd like to take another moment to talk about the implications they're laying here: Like Moses, unable to enter the holy land, so too are our favorite mutants unable to enter their Promised Land. Yes, the story puts the onus on the characters, which the story must do. They need to decide whether or not they wish to remain behind. Though, my own gleefully bitchy personal headcanon is that Exodus was asked to stay behind. Because Krakoa didn't want to deal with him yet.

Aside from it being those who remain; it's perfect for the story and narrative. Their reactions are beautiful. What they made is something to be proud of. They partook of it for a time, and may once again. But the tools were damaged in the making. They aren't ready, perhaps they aren't made for Krakoa. But for a moment, they saw the dream realized. The work was done. It was not the ending of the work, but it was the ending of the work on Krakoa. (A small Wheel of Time reference. Not the ending, but an ending...) The rest of the world, the rest of this reality waited. And they're going to go back to it; made a little better for spending a short time on paradise.

I'd like to take a moment to point out Gambit's reaction next to Rogue in the last group shot of everyone, with tears. Gambit is not crying, but his gaze is averted. (I added Kurt because we love him) I'm of two minds of it: 1) He is upset, because he wanted to go with that Krakoa and continue on in another reality, like when he almost ascended to Heaven in X-Treme X-Men. I'll be honest that I like this interpretation because it might be the thing that breaks up Remy and Rogue. Her commitment to duty, and his desire to "set the mountain down". (Yes, two slight Wheel of Time references in one post)

Or, 2) He's just so ingrained when part of his childhood was raised by Catholics who called him literally a White Devil for his dark eyes, that he cannot behold something so holy with his same sinful, mortal eyes. Maybe he thinks he's not good enough to enter Heaven, or even look at it. That makes me sad. Folks know I'm mostly on the side of demanding good character stories for Gambit, even if I want him away from Rogue. I think he deserves to outline himself as the hero he wants to be.

As an aside to that, I actually think the person who would really bring it out of him would be to have him date Frenzy. The two of them are on similar journeys and are very near to each other's story paths, in a meta-textual sense. Both look to be regarded as wonderful heroes, but both feel they haven't super-earned it yet, perhaps. I'd love to see that story.

Anyway, just a few more thoughts as our mutants watched the paradise they built move on without them, into a new tomorrow.

And they into theirs.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Hello! Request hc 🌹, ✨, 🦄 Past time activities for Nero? (Plus a🤫, and 😆 too if its not too much). Gotta give sweet birb lady some love 🥰 .

Yes!! Secre our sweet birb lady! ^^

🌹-Love language

Her love language is largely in acts of service and support. She'll support your dreams, and do little things to make it easier for you to reach them. Even if the actions themselves wouldn't be directly connected to your passion, she wants to make your life as smooth as possible so that you have more time for fulfilling those passions.

The things she does, she doesn't mention. They're little things, after all. But sometimes the little things are the big things.

🤫- Unpopular headcanon if any

She developed a thing for berries while living as a bird. That's why she enjoys a good berry smoothie during the summer.

Not sure how unpopular this is, but it's a headcanon that I have of her.

😆- Funny headcanon

Sometimes she enlists antimagic birds to annoy the Bulls, in the form of misplacing an item of theirs, or soemthing similar. Little "pranks", which she does when she's annoyed with one of them. But she does give the items back eventually. She just muses with said person frantically looking for whatever reason was taken, while quietly sipping her tea (or a berry smoothie).

✨- Secret wish

She wishes to have that, which she had with Lumiere, again. The experience of wishing nothing but the best for someone, feeling like her presence meant something for someone else. The memories she made whole living with him in the castle 500 years ago still makes her smile, and she wishes that she could go back.

🦄- Free space/Nero's free time activities

I think that her pastime activities include mainly reading and research on magical items, similar as to what she was doing while helping Lumiere.

But at times she just stares at the ceiling and thinks about life. Or goes on a walk, or a flight.

Her pastime activities aren't anything special per se, but they bring her comfort.

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

You sharing your story inspired me to share mine too, although on anonymous bc reasons.

When I was 19 I met the person of my dreams, after living a life similar to Col's (fuck we even grew up in the same hood as middle schoolers before he went to Cleveland) you had to grow up fast there, in those days, I was drinking and smoking weed by age 10, in a gang by age 11, selling dope by age 12. Anyway, this person...It seemed we had everything in common. They understood me in ways no one else ever had before. They were a few years older than me, but not too many that it felt weird, just felt that they had a little extra experience and that made me feel safe with them. We started out as just friends with benefits, and then they drew bigger lines, slowly claiming me from others who wanted to offer me more. It was such a gradual process the way this person got their claws in me. At first it felt safe to be with them. But eventually it felt dangerous to be with someone other than them. They convinced me that because of my past I was unlovable (something the parental figures in my life convinced me of as well) that no one but them got me. That we were destined for eachother. They began cheating on me when I was out on deployment, would even post it to MySpace (yes I'm old). And id have to explain to everyone in my Division that it was fine, that we were just FWB. The only part is, I wasn't allowed to have side flings. This went on for two years. He convinced me that I was the love of their life, but would take my car and go to the bar with their side piece, they would take my credit card and spend my money on the side piece. Even when I was layed up in the hospital alone with a late term pregnancy about to be lost, they took my car and my credit card to spend on the side piece. I felt so alone because no one understood why I stayed with them but the reality was I truly believed I was worthless after all the love bombing I got from this person in the beginning and how gradual the tearing down process was. They made me feel that I was the reason our relationship had gone sideways, that if I had just been this way or that way or whatever that we would still be happy, that they wouldn't have cheated over and over again.

The thing with Narcissistic Abuse is that they fully make you believe that you are worthless and that everything is your fault. They do it gradually by giving you the love you've always dreamed of, always needed from your parents but never got, a promise that there IS love in life and that you're worthy of it! But then they convince you that they've learned that you aren't worthy of it at all, and then slowly, strategically they take it away,piece by piece, bit by bit, day by day and each piece taken is blamed on your behavior or lack of behavior. They make it all your fault, not theirs. They make you believe that you are worthless, undeserving of the love they gave before they got to know you. They make you believe that now that they know you, you make them sick, you're disgusting, they don't know why they put up with you. They tell you to change. They tell you they're perfect and you are broken so it's your responsibility to change or to "heal" to better the relationship.

To those dropping Colson bc of him staying with MF, please consider this: have you ever been neglected by your parent that was supposed to love you? To the point of running the streets just to have a pseudo family? Have you ever gotten everything you ever needed, ever got the love you dreamed of since you were little and had it turn from a dream come true into a waking nightmare? If not. Maybe try to see it from his point of view. Maybe stop thinking the world is as narrow as your experiences and remember there's a whole world out there you've never even witnessed. Let alone lived in, let alone fought to come up out of. ✌

"at first it felt safe to be with them. But eventually it felt dangerous to be with anyone else." This line. This line right here. That's exactly it.

I'm so sorry for all you've been through and you're amazing for still being here and sharing this. Thank you. I was terrified to put my story out there but it hurt seeing him attacked. You understand it better too because while I hung out with a bad crowd, you were truly where he was really.

I'm sorry for your loss, I think you said you lost a child. I had two miscarriages with him and one after an assault when I was young and it always hurts to hear others going through it. If you ever need to talk my messages are open and I won't tell who you are. Just saying, I'm here.

I'm not ever happy to hear someone else was in such a terrible relationship with a narcissist but that... Understanding I guess? always helps so seriously thank you for sharing and thank you for letting my page be the safe space to do it. Love you, even though I have no idea who you are. Thank you for helping me feel less alone today. You're very brave 🖤

[foxounderscorecube]

Halo: The Fall of Reach - Eric S. Nylund

3½ ⭐

I had a lot of fun reading this, but it feels a bit rushed. That's the short version!

My friend and I play video games once a week and we played through the Halo series - it was a childhood favourite of theirs, and I'd never played it before. I didn't expect to become SO invested in it!! I adore the series more than I could have anticipated - I'm not exactly a huge sci-fi person, usually.

As a result, having some background on the SPARTAN project and our good friend, John-117 (or as I call him, inventively, John Halo) was great. I found the timeline jumping around a bit confusing to begin with, but when I got used to it - or maybe when the story began to flow better, not sure if it was a me thing or the book - it was no issue.

I think John gets treated as a faceless everyman sooomewhat unfairly, generally speaking. He is deliberately a stand-in for the player, but I do enjoy the bit of personality we see in-game - his humour, his love for Cortana, and his complete dedication to whatever task he's given (which, in the context of, well, essentially his entire life, is really rather tragic). This book builds upon all of those things really brilliantly. The short version is that [slaps John on the back] this bad boy can fit SO much trauma!

The framing of the SPARTAN programme and the character of Dr. Halsey is really interesting. Although we see a lot of her perspective and that of the Spartans themselves, the story doesn't actually seem to excuse the moral awfulness itself. Hell, even Halsey sometimes wonders if what she's doing is right, but she strongly believes in what is ultimately a eugenicist's wet dream, especially when the conflict with the Covenant arises - even if that is serendipitous, honestly, and the Spartans were originally just to "calm down" rebellions on Reach and the human colonies. Her stand-in as a maternal figure for the Spartans is twisted but still sometimes manages to be endearing: she does genuinely love them all so much, but ultimately, they're a science project for her.

I do think one of my favourite aspects of the series is how UNSC and the Covenant are two sides of the same coin: totally different at first glance, but more similar than either faction would ever want to acknowledge.

Of course, all my ramblings aside, most of this book is cool sci-fi action stuff. The training of the Spartans is harsh and, through trauma and close proximity, they become bonded to each other in a way that's adorable and also really rather sad. The rest of the military think they're freaks - especially ODSTs, a hardcore branch of the Marines that all have the vibes of someone who'd wear one of those t shirts with a fiery skull on it and it says something like "Don't mess with a guy who was born in August, eats scrambled eggs for breakfast, and loves Dachshunds". They aren't exactly well-socialised because they're trained for nothing but combat and unwavering obedience to UNSC in the first place. It's no wonder only they can understand each other, and the action sequences show how they work together really well.

The issue with the book, as I mentioned briefly earlier, is that it feels a little rushed. There are stupid, stupid consistency errors that should have been smoothed in early editing, and the pacing can be kind of all over the place. When it's going, it's going, but there are lulls in the plot that didn't keep my attention so well. A little personal thing that I'd have liked, as well, is to have Covenant character perspectives - but I'm just a big fan of the aliens, so, you know.

For a fan of Halo, this is a good bit of backstory with a load of action and fleshing out of the characters we see in-game. Is it ground-breaking literature? No. But what did you expect from a Halo book, honestly.

[sailforvalinor]

38-40 and 50 for Kay, please?

38. What are their dreams like? Any recurring dreams/nightmares?

I imagine his dreams are pretty wild, but strangely concrete--I'm immediately reminded about how when my younger brother was in his preteen years, and would come downstairs twice a week in the morning and regale me for an hour with the intricacies of his latest dream where he was Spider-Man. Kay of course doesn't have Spider-Man, but it would be similar in that he's usually on some sort of quest or mission--i.e., he's always running towards something, not away.

On the other hand, I'd imagine his nightmares are extremely mundane, and probably pretty often involve his siblings.

39. Would they ever crash a wedding?

Depends on the wedding, I guess? Large social events aren't really his thing, but he might sneak in to steal some cake.

40. If they found a sword in the stone would they try to pull it out? How would they react to being able to pull it out or not?

Absolutely. He'd probably think it was fate or destiny or something, and would be immensely disappointed if he couldn't pull it out.

50. What is your favorite thing about them?

Ooh, that's hard. He's an extremely fun character to write--he's one of those "if you mention one of my hyperfixations, you WILL be getting a TED talk" sorts of people, which makes his dialogue very fun to write. But I think my favorite thing is, while his circle of people he cares about is pretty small, he has a way of making those people feel extremely special, and is always eager to draw them into his interests and try to learn about theirs, even if it's difficult for him.

Thanks for the ask!

[joonzrantz]

━ NON-ASIAN IDOL MARKETING

To start of there's nothing wrong with non-Asians dreaming to be a k-pop idol, just long as that dream doesn't escape the mind as there is no reality of success for them there. Also not being profitable marketing-wise or in general, to the demographic, they so wish to take part in.

I mainly witness this inside and outside of the media so many non-Asians believe they can go into Korean pop music marketing with ease and be successful within it. They'll even join international companies that without a doubt scam them into thinking they'll be in a k-pop group when their only real purpose is for international success or money for the company. Not to mention not even experiencing the whole social domestic marketing in South Korea or even the country's awareness of the company, to begin with. To me, it sounds like plain mockery or obsession, depending on what said dreamer believes in.

My questions to them are why does one need to see black or white or whatever in K-pop? why don't people see how unmarketable they are to the industry they wanna be in and how that dream is unachievable in most areas? Why subject yourself to a place where you won't be welcomed and get treated more like foreigners than the other foreign members who are or aren't east Asian? Why not just try your home country or even shoot big in America where most are welcomed? Why, why, why, why? All of these questions are just to see how Rosey pink those glasses are on their face for not knowing the reality they so desperately want to be in, as it's not just training they're getting into, but the culture as well. Let alone the music industry...

There is also the fact that they can home if they fail, others don't have that option. Then again the idols you see who don't give a fuck normally have good connections or untouchable reputations in general, something that could ruin a foreign person if they decide to even dare dream of that too early on. Even with all that and the known negatives you could experience with one company, it pushes them more to be the 'most successful whatever' in k-pop. ...

most can't even be on top of their own, why do believe you'll be more successful in ours than your own? That feels very odd...very, very odd. Not to mention the lack of support you've shown to groups who share similar ideals as you, why do you think you'd be different than them?

That now brings me to the superiority complex so many of them have about being in Asia without knowing is insane, paired with a media-impacted view and obsession with the industry in Korea....which scares me deeply, knowing how negative it could turn out. While it also makes me wonder what their views are about the people and country they will learn to co-reside in. [ as in how much privilege do they believe foreigners have for simply being foreign in a very homogeneous country/society]

eventually, the ego will see darkness with this unrealistic dream of theirs...

[livebloggingmydescentintomadness]

what do you do when you feel like you're not doing anything with your life? im late 20s. yesterday two of my friends told me they got raises in a field they're good at, while i'm working a dead end job. one of them is also moving out and i just feel like everyone in my life is moving on with theirs, and living theirs, while i'm stuck in a position where i can't. i help out at home and i can't just up and leave (even if i wanted to) i start to wonder if i'll be here forever. if i'll ever get a job in something i want to do (im self studying but idk how far i'll get) i had a goal to get a job in the field but im starting to think it wont happen. it just makes me hate myself so much. i feel so behind and i know i shouldnt compare myself but seeing everyone get married, moving up in their field, having places for themselves make me feel i wont ever have those things and how my life is to live it for others and not myself. idk how to live for me. i never had the chance... at least not the last 10 years due to helping my family out which i still am... i feel like its only stunting my growth. i don't think im growing as a person at all and it scares me

hey sweetheart, i completely understand where you're coming from; i'm pretty much the epitome of 'doesn't have anything going for me'. i started becoming disabled when i was 18, so i wasn't able to finish high school until my early 20s, didn't go to college, and i've never had a job, much less a career. i'll be 34 in a couple months and i've never had a romantic relationship, i'm mostly homebound and spend the majority of my time stuck in bed with chronic pain and severe fatigue.

so, believe me, honey, i get it.

however, i think you've got two separate issues going on here and it's important that you separate them. first, you have the entirely normal and valid longing to have a life that's yours, and the life that you want to be living. of course you don't want to spend your whole life doing nothing but helping your family and working a job you dislike. you have every right to feel unhappy about not being able to make your own choices or go your own path.

but secondly, i think you're really suffering under the capitalist propaganda about "being the best" and how you fucking suck if you're not constantly "moving upward".

now, i'm not saying that it's any way wrong to want to do what you love, be good at it, or get paid well for it - no, of course that's great for you if you achieve that. but if you stop and think about it for a sec - it's literally impossible for everyone to be the best, isn't it? i mean, if everyone is the best, no one is the best; if everyone is rich, no one is rich. this idea that you have to do more, be more than someone else kind of inherently means that people who do less or "are" less than you are inferior to you, right? is that really the ideology that you want to live by, that you're only good enough as long as other people aren't good enough?

trust me, i get how much it sucks to feel useless. i love off my family's money, i'm not able to do so many basic things that an adult is supposed to do. i've been watching my cousins get married and have children while i live with my mother. it's so, so easy to give in to the crushing feeling that you're a failure.

we have to stop and interrogate those thoughts, analyze where they come from, and dismantle the ideas they're based on. why is a minimum wage job a "failure"? does society not run on the labor of minimum wage workers? why is not getting married or having children by a certain age a failure? because the rigid constraints of the patriarchy demand it?

really, really stop and look at all these assumptions, face every thought and ask it why? if all else fails, think about someone else in a similar situation to you, or someone like me, and question if you'd label them the same way you'd label yourself.

but again, i'm not in any way invalidating your feelings about not being able to pursue your dreams, or not being able to simply live your own life. you unquestionably deserve that, and you have every right to make the choice to head in that direction, even if your family tries to guilt you for it. this is your life, not theirs, isn't it?

and yet, as you work on pursuing your own life, know that it doesn't have to be the "best" life, it just has to be one that makes you happy.

furthermore, a whole lot of people who make major life choices in their early 20s go on to regret them. a lot of people who marry young wind up divorced by middle age. a lot of people who choose a profession early wind up working in a completely different field. i think there's a lot to be said for not rushing into big decisions like marriage, children, and careers, because you're going to keep growing and changing with time, because the rest of your life is a lot longer than you think it is.

you've got time. so, so many people don't find their dream job or the love of their life until their 30s, 40s, 50s, or later.

all of us, even the people who look happy and successful and confident, struggle to find our place in the world, or wish we were different somehow. nobody actually knows what the fuck they're doing, i promise you. everyone has deep dark places inside where they're scared and lost, no matter what they brag about online.

you will find your way if you don't give up, sweetheart. don't give up on yourself.

[sparkbeast20]

Eldritch Fae that's the equivalent of a Avatar - just the closest approximation of them for the fae. Still an Eldritch Being but not demonic - they are nature, storms, and dreams or shadows under the thin veneer of a human. One in particular is a fae linked with shadows and the Unseelie. Malicious and mischievous similar to the old myths about the Fair Folk.

This Fae!MC though? Was summoned as a human to the devildom and well it would be so rude to ignore such a friendly invitation. The fae are similar to demons when it comes to pacts and boons. They don't necessarily need a soul - they'll trade for memories, dreams, and things not quite tangible. Of course those things may as well be a soul.

Fae!MC who found Lilith's human reincarnation as a very small child and stole her away. She was loved and cherished as only the Fair Folk can do. Her fae parent would have done anything for their beloved child. Of course Lucifer doesn't know this is what had happened to his former sister.

Now does Fae Parent!MC turn Lilith into a fae like themselves - so they will never be parted by Death that always follows a mortal. Or do they find her mortality precious? That a mortal's beauty is because it does not last. Though even after Lilith's death her parent would still speak to her. Physical body or not Lilith is theirs and they will always be with her. In this life, the next or the in between of Death and Rebirth.

Lilith might not be the only child they've stolen away over the years. It happens more often in a timeline that Lilith dies as a mortal. Though learning from Spirit!Lilith about her previous life concerns fae!MC. Father and the Celestial Realm will never have their child's precious soul.

Maybe even after MC becomes a student (how quaint that they were the ones stolen away this time!) they still speak with Lilith's ghost. Telling her how they found an adorable little demon (It's a Little D) and maybe it can be a new sibling for their family.

Can you imagine the brothers reactions (Belphie's would be so tragic because he tried to kill someone so very precious to his sister.) to learning that fae!mc raised Lilith as their own child?

Fae!MC's nickname for Lilith is probably something like Lile (it's Irish for Lily) or A Leanbh (My Child).

Granted the next time Lilith is reborn fae!mc is 100% going to steal retrieve their child.

Just Lilith being more than a dead background character.

Bonus: All the embarrassing stories fae!mc can tell the brothers about Lilith's mortal childhood as the child of a fae.

This more on @house-of-laminations thing, since I more leaning on Demonic/supernatural head canons.

Eldritch/Lovecraft aren't my thing.

I do like this this head canon though :3

[m00n-miaka-cb]

𝓕𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭

𝓜𝓲𝓪𝓴𝓪 𝓒'𝓼 𝓦𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰

What does it feel to be wanted?

A common question. A common wonder.

What is it like to hear your name come from the lips of someone, one you see as not jewelry easily replaced, but someone irreplaceable? Someone that doesn't even need to be a diamond, but hold properties unlike no other?

Wouldn't that make you happy? Wouldn't it cause you to feel a surge of unexplained feelings, feelings that are blissful?

What is like to have someone open your eyes to new possibilities, to new feelings, and ideas?

They don't need to alter your perceptions, change your ideas, or belief. It's a way for them to help expand your knowledge. Knowledge that some choose to turn from. But it can't just be anyone. They say, it needs to be the one who holds the greatest significance in your life.

What about a friend?

A friend could do that by encouraging you. They can smack you around playfully, pull you from dark depths of despair, and push you to strive for your goals or to people you need in life. They can make you laugh, they can take you places and help you out of your comfort zone. They can listen to your struggles, and even fight for you. But it's platonic. Platonic love.

What about your family?

Family could do that, one who shares your very blood and always connected to you, but they guide you and influence you in different shapes and forms. And sometimes, you can't always stand them despite the love you have for them. Sometimes, you need it from those who aren't family. Who aren't of your bloodline.

What about people in your daily life? Workers and celebrities?

They are not different, also having the ability to make you feel wanted. But it's not wanted. It's gaining the feeling of being validated, noticed, or having a similar struggle. Or, someone too look at and feel motivated by. A worker could inspire you, motivate you, or assist you with work and files, or idols you look up towards and aspire to be. But to have someone labeled as "special." That does not mean that they are better than the rest, outshining those who hold great value to you, as they value you.

Perhaps I don't have a full grasp or understanding of such a thing either: that feeling, that wanting of someone, and feeling wanted as someone special to the other. But we've all heard what those say about it:

Euphoric. It's beyond what you could have wanted. You can be heard, receive love and appreciation at every hour of the day, and never feel alone. Even when miles away, you feel their heart thumping and beating for you. You still feel their love thriving and growing for you, as yours throbs like there's. That one person becomes your rock, your pillar that holds your ceiling, the building of your very being, and the shoulder you can cry on and never feel judged.

Magical. It's like entering into a world of millions of possibilities, fantasizes, and stories waiting to be told and made by you and them. It's like writing. Together, you hold the pen, the pencil, the quill that will assist you in embedding the world the two of you imagine. Let your mind open, and hand glide swiftly in theirs, above the paper to create a world of your own. A world that is separate from reality, holding secrets and meaningful moments in life that no one but the two of you will understand.

Comforting. Having the chance to expose yourself to them, and them only without fear. You're given the opportunity to show not only your highest moments, but your lowest moments in life. You can show them that you're vulnerable, and they're always there to catch you. They can hold you so tightly, so close, and feel so loved and warm. Even without words being exchanged, you feel comfort. You feel comfortable. You are safe with them, like they're safe with you.

But there's also the negative factors some don't focus on . . .

Stressful. You're constantly making it your responsibility to always ensure they're happy and safe. You want to be there for them, as much as they want to be there for you, but things don't turn out as the two of you wish. And when the other is suffering, you pressure yourself to make them feel better and to fix the issue. You put them first before you, them becoming your top priority. But then you overthink. You overthink the simplest of things involving them, that it can lead to you making it larger than what the real picture is.

Terrifying. The fear of the possibilities that come from being with that significant other. The fear of possibly hurting them, or them being hurt without your knowledge. The feeling of your blood running cold if ever the other finds themselves in trouble, and you're unable to help for whatever reason it may be. The cold sweat running down your face as you wait anxiously for them, worried of what others may say about the other, or you, or the two of you in general. The fear of possibly losing them, and most importantly, the fear of being enough for them.

Misunderstanding. When one misunderstands, things can spiral and slowly crumble, even over the littlest of things. One could misinterpret a gesture, or a saying. One could misunderstand the relationship between one another and become defensive, sometimes creating shocking accusations that may or may not be true. And sometimes, you receive mix signals. Signals you may not understand, or you're able to comprehend, process.

But, that's what happens when you're in love with someone. When you find the one you cherish above all things. Someone you'd want, and that person wanting you in return. It can sometimes be terrible, making life difficult. But that's the beauty of it sometimes. The push and the pull, making mistakes and learning from them to prevent it from repeating again, doing what seems like the impossible, and in the end, possibly achieving the need for affection despite the long journey following it.

Then what do you want? Do you want to feel that? Go through the journey?

I want that love. To feel wanted, cherished, and appreciated. I want to feel that, and take on the journey even if it might not end happily. The journey is the most memorable, and I want to be someone who can also return such a thing. Call it foolish, cliché, or typical. But I'm not the only one who wants this. I'm not the only one seeking this eventually. Maybe it won't happen now, maybe it will soon, or maybe, never. But even if I got just a small piece of it, then, I'm content. I'm content with that: just a small fracture of love, being wanted.

It doesn't matter of gender. Why should that change the fact that they want love too? It doesn't matter of the past, because no one can always have a life of happiness because we all experience the cruel thing in life. Life itself, the struggles, the reality. It doesn't matter who they are now, because it reflects the person they've built, they've created to survive in this life. What matters is how they choose to act to me, their feelings, their dreams, their goals . . .

It may seem as too much to ask for, but let there be someone who can at least do me one thing: Say my name. Then, I will be satisfied.

Tell me. Tell me what it is you see in me. Say my name. Say my name like you mean it. You can scream it, you can whisper it, you can sing my name. But let me hear my name, even just once, from you. Even though there's a chance I can't have you, let me hear your voice say my name meaningfully. Say it like you accept who I am. Say it even if you're mad at me, shouting at the top of your lungs. Say it even if you're disappointed in me, and I will understand. Say it in sorrow, and let me comfort you before I go.

That is all I want.

What a curious want . . . Simple, but meaningful. Why?

📜 @incubusxjeonghan [The Pursuer] @pup-hendery @yoursjennie @kpop-shelter @empress-jiaqi @shin-haneul @yoonhana @seventeen-chatbot @fairy-dejun @singledad-yibo @roomiesihyeon @m00n-purplerose-chatbot @floristluda @hi-its-your-sungie @vampiremomo @ateez-treasure9au-chatbot @mafia-chaeyoung @moonlit-jaemin @ghoulxbaekhyun @singledad-wonwoo @yanderexmingyu @yarindere @hunter-chaeyoung @la-soleilmafia-cb @vbmnl @fallenangel-oc @julia-oc @werewolfkai-foxaliceoc @yanlee [DM for +/-]

[kallistcs]

Paris would really rather explore how easily Enkidu had hoisted him up against himself. Get to really explore the shift of the muscles in Enkidu's arms and chest, though his weight had seemed but very slight to a man such as this.

The hand curving warmly around part of his ass to cup a cheek would also be much more interesting, in truth, and Paris shifted his stance into that hand, arching a little. Let one hand still rest against Enkidu's chest while he licked his fingers off in a slightly twisted mirror of Enkidu cleaning up his own lips, watching him. And those lips, which had closed around the tips of his fingers, teeth just barely scraping skin.

But he was listening, head cocked and gaze intent up on Enkidu.

It was familiar, what he was saying, but rawer than the language of the stories and songs. It was, after all, his own life Enkidu was describing, not just a story, no matter how much emotion the singer might infuse into the words.

He said, I do not wish to bring it upon you and your people if so, and Paris closed his eyes briefly.

A similarity, almost, though his heart shied away from it, would rather not acknowledge it in any way. It wasn't more than, what, not quite two years ago he'd asked his parents why he, the only one among the king and queen's many children, the even more numerous children of Priam alone with other women, had been exposed.

"You're come far," Paris agreed, a soft little smile on his lips and a gentle caress to Enkidu's chest, following the shape of the pectoral. "And the gods who cursed you would have to come far, as well, to follow you, if you still displease them. But you've already paid the price, haven't you? Why would they come here, to lands that aren't theirs, now that you've already wasted away and the Dark Earth have held you for ages already?"

He glanced down to the finely woven piece of fabric that seemed like little more than a scrap of cloth even tied ever so carefully around Enkidu's hips.

Burial veil.

His heart twisted, understanding, and Paris looked up again.

Trailing his hand up through Enkidu's beard - which was rather difficult, it'd require quite a lot of combing or perhaps better yet shaving altogether to make it neat again - Paris curved his hand along the jaw, hidden though it was.

"And since you've already paid, maybe this is another chance, generously given?"

Even if the life Enkidu had paid with couldn't be regained, the beloved person lost through the loss of that life still lost. Smiling, Paris shook his head.

"You'll be a guest like any in Troy, and even if I should be wrong---" He paused, worrying his bottom lip, and then laughed, shaking his head once again. "Sometimes we worry when there's no reason to. For, see, my mother had a dream when she was pregnant with me, dreaming of giving birth to a flaming torch wrapped in snakes. It burned down Troy. A half-brother of mine was a seer, an augur, an interpreter of dreams, and he told the queen the child had to die."

Cocking his head, Paris ignored the brief, strange twist to his heart and smiled.

"Neither my father or my mother could do it. They gave their infant to a servant to take to Mount Ida, sacred to Zeus, lord of Olympus and father of gods and men, and leave him there. The child didn't die, though. A bear nursed the him for five days and nights, and then a cattle herder found him. He took him in and named him Paris. I found out my father had named me Alexander almost ten years ago, taking me back. Troy will have less reason not to welcome you, too."

Paris nodded, a little smile on his face softening his teasing flirtatiousness. He did love them. Had grown up near cattle like he had with Mount Ida in the close distance.

And, while he would undoubtedly have been closer to horses if he'd grown up from birth with his family in Troy, surely he would've been drawn to the cattle either way. He liked to think so, anyway. He couldn't quite see a life without them, so much so that he'd chosen to take this task of summer herding as soon as he'd been allowed to do so.

Not necessarily odd among Trojan royalty, or among their neighbours either, but his level of involvement was, perhaps.

"Our horses are already well cared for, so it is only fair the cattle should get some extra attention as well," he said, tipping his head back to be able to meet Enkidu's gaze.

This close, it was quite a strain on his neck to do so, but even if he hadn't had the table partially blocking any retreat, Paris didn't want to put distance back between them. The warmth of their bodies were trapped between them this close, and while the heat outside was only slightly mitigated by being out of the sun, there was an intimacy in the thickening air.

An intimacy, too, in watching Enkidu's beard ripple around his chin, the bobbing of his throat as he drank of the wine disguised by the thick, long beard. Slightly disappointing, perhaps, but there was so many other things to catch the eyes, too.

Enkidu's lips against the rim of the cup, the gentle shift of the muscles in his arms. His eyes, lit up warm by his delight and promptly downing the rest of the wine. Paris laughed, shifting a foot forward so his toes - though clad in a shoe - touched Enkidu's and stealing a caress down Enkidu's arm as he lowered the cup again.

"I haven't yet drunk any wine from Troy that didn't taste delicious, but I admit I might have taken a particularly fine vintage with me at one point," Paris said with a shameless little smile. "They'll be glad to hear your praise..."

A hand on his chin, and Paris trailed off. Leaned into the light grip, rising up on tip-toe as if the whole of his was pulled upwards along with his face.

There was a sweetness to the kiss Paris might not quite have expected, but he fell into it breathlessly, tilting his head both deeper into the kiss and into Enkidu's hand. Pressed himself close, one hand stretching up to hook around Enkidu's neck under that thick, dark hair, thumb stroking the side of his neck like his other fingers briefly followed the shape of a pectoral before his hand landed to rest against Enkidu's chest.

Humming, smiling into the kiss and the smile lingering as he finally let his weight drag him back down to his feet, Paris also scraped his teeth against Enkidu's bottom lip in the safe downwards movement.

"And I think the beer will bring you equal delight, though that will have to wait until we're there, if you do want to come with me back down the mountain," he said, lashes briefly lowered. "But it'll be my pleasure to entertain you up here, no matter what."

Paris snatched up another piece of meat, biting off half of it before offering Enkidu the other... and stealing a couple of the handful of berries Enkidu still had.

[kosmiklove]

What is Cisco and Del's dynamic like? Is it very buddycop or more father/daughter? Does Cisco accommodate for Del's disabilities a lot? What's his "No, you aren't doing that" point with Delmire? With Ty? Does Cisco feel any specific bond with the Toydarian siblings? In an AU where Cisco adopts Del and Ty as kids, how would everything be? What are some of Cisco's pet peeves? Does he feel/act more open around Ty and Del? How does Cisco feel about Ghalos? Tybee? How does he feel about Tigelle?

Del and Cisco’s dynamic is very sibling like. At least in my mind, Cisco acts a lot like an older brother for both Ty and Del. He’s like that brother you have that was born a full ten years before you, so he’s already off in college by the time you’re in middleschool. His age gap with Del isn’t that severe (he’s only a year older than Ty, if that), but the way their dynamic seems to work is that he’s supposedly older and wiser than her. Which. Isn’t exactly true. He’s older, sure, but the wiseness mostly seems to come because he’s calmer by a long shot. It takes a lot more to ruffle Cisco’s feathers than it does the rest of the Liberator crew, and he’s very good at seeing a solution long before the others, simply because his brain works a bit differently than theirs. I really do think that Cisco considers Del like a younger sister, but he’d never really vocalize that because of a slight fear that it would alienate Ty a bit. 

Cisco also has a crazy massive criminal streak. He comes from a crime family, which is something that most of his friends tend to forget simply because he doesn’t mention it much. But, where Del and Ty are both mostly chaotic, Cisco is neutral, and that neutrality leans toward a lot of casual crime. In this vein he will sometimes encourage in Del what would otherwise be seen as bad habits to Ty. Where Ty would say “no, Mire. We try to negotiate and don’t steal from our allies.” Cisco is flat out like “We have to talk to keep them happy, but if they can’t catch us stealing, they aren’t allies to be had anyway.”

Cisco accommodates for Del’s disabilities as much as Ty does, he’s just quieter about it. Cisco and Ty learned sign language right next to each other in the modern timeline, and they both worked together to make sure it was something they both knew backwards and forwards as Del grew up. Now, in the Baby Dels, they do this along with both K and Rux, but in the universe where Ty plans to adopt her, it’s a big deal for Cisco to make the house acceptable by adoption standards, and it was actually Cisco’s idea to have the whole house learn sign language. Ty was more focused on knowing it himself, it was Cisco who insisted that the entire home needed to be a welcoming environment. 

On the Liberator that just means that once Cisco learned that Del was deaf, he spent countless hours learning how to sign from holos and videos and while it was difficult and kind of rocky to start, he stuck with it until he could communicate with her in a way that didn’t require her hearing aids. Because it was important to him that, once Ty decided that she was a member of the crew, she was as comfortable as possible, because people on the Liberator aren’t just assets, they’re family.

Cisco’s main “no, stop” points happen when Del is making a decision that will ultimately hurt her. And I don’t mean like, “oh no you can’t date him because he’s bad for you”, I’m talking Cisco walking into her room and flushing her drug supply, not even caring that she’s yelling at him and telling him that he’s completely out of line. And it wouldn’t even be the first time, it would be after something happens, like Del stumbling with no memory of where she’d been, smiling a ditsy smile and unable to find her room without him. He thinks about how heartbroken Ty would be to see her this way, and does his best to put a stop to it. Cisco always seems to deal with the things he doesn’t want Ty to see, because he knows how perfect Del is in Ty’s eyes, and he doesn’t want to see that image shatter if he can help it.

He will also stop most other self distructive behaviors, but he does this more subtly in the form of going “hey it’s time to eat” or “I’m trying something new want to help me taste test?” which of course always works on both Ty AND Del, because they’re perpetually hungry gross people.

With Ty, Cisco’s “no stop” is less specific. Ty is a...very very tough cookie to figure out, if he doesn’t want you to. And he doesn’t. His trauma is very real and very visceral for him, so he developed a lot of really bad habits to deal with it instead of, like, talking about it. So, on the Liberator, he paces the corridors and checks the hangars and cockpit and double checks to make sure he can hear everyone breathing behind their doors. He doesn’t sleep on fabrics that are too soft, and sometimes can be found sleeping on the floor, no blankets or pillows or sheets or anything. He has issues sleeping alone, and on a certain day of the year, he can be found piss drunk to the point that he doesn’t remember his name. So, Cisco keeps an eye for these behaviors and sort of... gently herds Ty back to more healthy things.

When he has insomnia, Cisco will walk and talk with him, and then talk him into sitting in the kitchen as he makes something warm and filling so that Ty starts to drift off. They’ll keep talking, and Cisco will lead Ty to his room and help him into bed, though Cisco doesn’t get in himself. He might sit at his bedside and drift off there instead. When cisco finds him sleeping just wherever, he’ll toss a blanket over him and sit by him to read or do inventory reports or plan the meal until Ty wakes up. And when he comes back drunk? He’ll fill him with water and bread and lie him down, listening to all his ramblings and nodding and speaking softly back. If he can catch Ty before that day and fill his schedule, he will, that was the man forgets to drink his memories away. but it doesnt’ always work out that way. It translates mostly into Cisco going “no,Ty.You aren’t doing this to yourself anymore. You deserve so much better.”

As stated, Cisco really feels a brotherly bond with Ty and Del. He cares a lot for them both, but he also knows that they worked so hard to bring their family back together, and he would never dream of getting in the way of that. He is content with just being an outsider, a friend to go to when they need to talk. But in that way he doesn’t really comprehend how important to each of them he is in turn. Cisco is super important to both siblings, even if he can’t always see it. And that’s why when they showed him the kitchen on the Liberator II and explained that they had  to show him because it was important that he know about it he teared up and hugged them. Because Cisco is generally used to his family not giving a shit how he feels about things one way or the other, and he’s used to the people who are important to him using him as a crutch and a support but not feeling any inclination to give that sort of feeling back. And then there are these two people who barely know what family is themselves, just so eager to show him this kitchen because it’s the first thing they wanted to renovate on their new ship, and they put it first just for him. It’s a lot for Cisco. It means a lot to him.

An AU where Cisco adopts both Toydarikids would be LIT. And I mean, there would be a lot of similarities, but the main thing in this AU is that NOTHING BAD HAPPENS TO ANY OF THEM!!! Like. Cisco is aged up, so both Ty and Del get full childhoods, with plenty of food to eat and clothes on their backs and always, 100% knowing that they are loved. And yes, Cisco is not always the most vocal of people, but he is a great listener and he gives great advice. He is very very carefully about their education and making sure they’re happy, and while Cisco is not exactly wealthy, he’s well off enough that they could get new clothes maybe once a year for school. Plus, Cisco is scary and would narrow his eyes and scare away any bullies his children have. I just. This AU is a very dear one to my heart because it’s like Everyone Is Happy And No One Gets Traumatized And These Characters Deserve That.

Cisco doesn’t have all that many pet peeves. The #1 way to annoy the shit out of him is to badmouth Ty, though. I don’t really have much of an explanation for this except that Cisco has seen Ty grow from the moment he got on the Liberator to the caring Captain he is now, and he really REALLY appreciates the way that Ty is still able to trust people and bring them in if he think their in need, despite his paranoia and all that he’s been through. So, if you’re one of the people who have been brought in, or if you’re just a crew member butthurt about something, well. Cisco’s not going to take you talking shit. You wanna complain? You wanna say that Ty is being unfair and shitty and that he’s a shit captain and that you could do better? You better be prepared for Cisco to get in your face and tell you that you are walking a very thin line and that if you have any issues the air lock is over there.

In that one AU where Del was shit talking Ty because she’d been raised by Tybee and had never been on the Liberator before wooooooo Cisco was this close. She is so lucky that no version of Ty would be okay with her death, okay. That’s what I’m saying.

Cisco is a bit more open around Ty and Del. I say this because Cisco is an extremely private person. He doesn’t talk about his past, no one has been in his room ((not even me, lmao)), and he in general will listen to you speak, but he doesn’t care enough to speak back. This changes when it comes to Ty and Del (and Tigelle as well, but that’s something else). He will smile more and tell jokes more often when they’re around. He also is actively more in the conversation when it’s those two, and that includes Tybee and Tigelle as well. He still doesn’t talk about his past much, not counting to Tigelle, who is a part of his past technically. 

Cisco is pretty indifferent about Ghalos. He wants to say that he doesn’t care one way or the other about the man, but as someone who has grown to care about Del, he care about Ghalos as a person who shows a bit of why Del is the way she is. He doesn’t trust him, really, and I doubt he ever will. But that’s more because Cisco is a fundamentally untrusting person. If he doesn’t see something that makes a person seem more real to him (read: a criminal background or some sort of ex-ill intent) he either finds them unrealistic or boring.

He is sort of iffy when it comes to Tybee. He doesn’t really know what to do with himself when Tybee is around. He feels kind of awkward, like maybe Ty and Del’s dad will see that he’s been masquerading as a family member, when he knows very well that that’s not what he is. However, he also isn’t quite buying what Tybee is selling. He’s the one who’s skeptical about their long lost dad only showing up at this point. Where was he when Ty was sold into slavery, or when Del’s wings were cut off? Why is he only reappearing when things aren’t going as bad? And in fact, the only thing that made his suspicions abate is when Tybee himself started asking these questions. Demanding where he was and saying that he felt he had failed. It was this conversation that helped humanize Tybee to Cisco a bit, and made him... well, not trust him, but not downright despise him either.

Cisco is also very taken to the way Tybee grieves. There’s something very honest about it, something very open, and Cisco respects that about the older man. Which is why the two of them can get up to shananigans like mildly poisoning Triis with hallucinogenic worm venom.

Tigelle is an entirely different story. As someone who knows Cisco from Before, when his family and her crime organization did business, he regards Tigelle with some combination of suspicion and, suprisingly, relief. She is a woman who is open about her criminal nature, and it’s refreshing to have someone else onboard like that, seeing as most of the Liberator crew are clawing their way tooth and nail for redemption. Cisco has never once claimed to be something he isn’t. He’s a criminal, he’s a cook, and he’s a pirate, in that order, and it’s really nice to have someone aboard who counts themselves a criminal as well. 

Tigelle is also someone who doesn’t take anyone’s bullshit, and after his initial asking about his sister (the only person in the family Cisco actually gave a shit about) it was easy to fall into a rhythm. Tigelle has expensive taste the same way that he does, and they forge a quick friendship based less on trust and more on understanding. They know of each other well enough to gauge how the other is from a strategic standpoint, and as criminal masterminds (or, a mastermind and an ex-mastermind, accordingly) they can problem solve and challenge each other the way that no one else on the crew is really trained to do quite in the same way.

It’s not unusual to pass by the kitchen in the Liberator II and see Cisco and Tigelle, companionably cooking something  together as they debate the rising price of illegal goods, and really I think that Tigelle might evolve into something of a really good friend for Cisco.

[fly-sky-high-bug-games]

The Empire of Butterflies

Which I was gonna name beforehand as Eversing but realized I used that name for a specific group of butteries so nvm, let's just call it the empire for now.

Location is inspired by the hanging gardens of Babylon but are actually hanging platforms with buildings and structures under the arching cliff/stone that tend to get a lot of sun. The only structure embedded is the palace itself with the royal family residing inside. All of the hanging platforms are covered with foliage, flowers and plants with large or long leaves.

Despite the inspo for the idea, the structures resemble roman style of architecture but a little more godhomey? The decor of it is similar but arcs play a bit role and there are ton of passages, entrances and pillars with the same. Even so, the society isn't fully aware godhome but someone there might be~ :3c

As mentioned, it's filled with butterflies~ of all kind~ and other bugs aren't as common but due to the location itself, it comes into a similar situation as Taka's home (Temples of the Raising Gales) and due to the height and winds, wings are more or less a necessity. Other bugs WILL need some sort of flying transportation to get around and much like in Highgrove, flying ones would offer a ride to none flying ones.

-The Royalty-

Despite having an emperor and an empress that lead the citizens, the family as a whole is not small. I have yet to think of the details but they're a family of red spotted purple butterflies, supposed descended of the original Monarch that was the Daydreamer. If it sounds familiar, it's because Hitch is one of them too and, ironically, the true inheritance of the original ability, despite being so distant in the line from the royals.

Now technically, a lot of the butterflies of the empire posses passed down snippet copies of the Daydreamer's ability but not to the extreme extent of the original (that Hitch has). The Royal family can preform some form of creations from the dream but it takes a lot of effort to pull something out of the dream realm, as essence is not to be wasted on showing off.

Naturally, they have pitch perfect singing voices.

-The residents of the empire-

Various and colorful, they're considering themselves a proper society. They are loyal to the empire and the rulers but with reason of actually having a good life, help, care, business and alike within their homes. It's also part of their pride so they can come of as stuck up too boxed in their little cozy world of the hanging gardens.

They do have their cultures and habits, some parts of the empire a little different (say those closer to the ceiling or cliffs that live away from the bustling cities) but those who have lineage of many generations share the same thing called a Blessing.

It's not so straight forward, even if they do consider it a gift of Daydreamer, it more or less works like a small spell that uses up essence instead of soul. The rituals they preform are all the forms of sleep where they gather the essence every night into their special lanterns or charms they can carry around. The Blessing is often a prose, a small rhyme, a whisper or a hum of a melody that can preform a simple effect (physical boost, trick, kind of like in game buffs or debuffs, bursts of energy and such). These are perfect for safer flights. Speaking of...

-The Racers and Air Combats-

These butterflies love sports! And combat! It's all about Sky Arenas and their setups that are usually racing courses with obstacles or open for fighters to duke it out in flight. Or both! And Blessings are more than allowed, just limited to the use per race or match. They really took that agility aspect of theirs and rolled it to not just theatrical performances but also sports! Teams aren't uncommon but most notable names are those who carry their own names to victory.

Since these are popular they're also common professions for butterflies to go after, as preforming for the royal family is a great honor. As you can tell, fame can get to their heads. Winners do get rewarder well.

-The Eversing-

Just like any large society, the empire has its own little unground. There is a cult of butterflies, matriarch lead who specialize their own Blessings. Akin to sirens, they use songs and melodies, charming voices to somewhat brainwash people into following their orders. The leader use to be one of the Royals but now has her own followers who manipulates and pulls bugs into trust. They are all strictly butterflies and often target children, kidnapping them from young age to keep them in clutch of the group forever.

They were almost completely broken and ruined at one point but the matriarch escaped, slowly rebuilding her followers as a traveling group, banished from the empire forever.

-The Arch of Daydreamer-

It's only a legend but it's told that the whole archway that holds the hanging empire was a door to the dream Daydreamer opened and created the whole hanging gardens from his own dream he brought to waking world. However, students will learn it was all bug made as a collective effort.

Even so, there is a platform at the very center of the archway completely covered in foliages and flowers that has its own stone arched doorway that leads to nowhere. The doors don't exist but the view through the doorway has a nice look towards horizon where the sun sets. It's just a memorial spot at this point but the structure is weirdly sturdy and as withstood tests of time almost unnaturally.

It's said to give butterflies prosper dreams if they walk through but that's probably just a placebo. :P

Me: I should maybe work on my own original story at some point

Also me: WHO WANTS TO SEE ME RAMBLE ABOUT THIS EMPIRE OF HOLLOW KNIGHT BUTTERFLIES AND DAYDREAMER?