#having to be emotionally vulnerable at the same time as a child while your an adult is hard :(

[cowboy-kidd]

complicit // a regressor bruce wayne & caregiver alfred pennyworth drabble (pt. 4)

x - x - x

—DNI NSFW—

The bags are heavy when they fall into the well worn crannies of his fingers. He doesn’t ask Bruce for help, the boy is asleep and Alfred would appreciate it if it stayed that way. (He is hit with an overwhelming sensation of deja vu that digs into his chest like that of a prairie dog. There is the premonition that this deja vu will continue long into the night.)

The rain caresses the awning of the house loudly, the lightning painting its way across the world in a bright flash of cool white light. When the front door is shut behind him and he manages to shed his plethora of layers- there is the shadow of his young charge down the hall that quickly disappears. The pitter patter of bare feet has him sighing out into the open. The house is cold, the floor is even colder. Bruce will, without a doubt, be sick by tomorrow. Still, he grabs the paper bags by their strained handles and moves towards the kitchen, he’s got a job to do.

As expected, the boy is nowhere in sight by the time he makes it to his actual destination. He sets the paper bags down with a huff and wipes imaginary dust off of his slacks. His eyes drag from the window held above the kitchen sink to the apron. It is hung on the pantry door. A soft off-white, colorful mismatch patchings neatly sewed into the fabric from accidents many years before, a weary embroidery of soft purple and black flowers making a home at the hip of it.

Has it really been that long? Had Martha and Thomas been gone for that long? The apron was by no means recent, but the jelly stain from when they were still alive is much less prominent than before. The marmalade markings (soft chubby fingers grabbing onto the fabric surface only to slip off because of their messiness. To have the material soak up into its fibers the tartness of a fresh batch.) had all but gone.

His hands are shaking again, breath caught in his throat. Still he reaches out for it, still he slips it over his head and grabs the thin strings, expertly tying them into a nice knot against his back. He cannot make out the past from the present. The laughter from the quiet. The boiling pot that he puts upon the hot burner- that this very apron had been scorched by. Unsure if he’s been burned or not, he grabs two ice cubes and places them on his open palms, watches as the cold burns and melts his skin. The kitchen is no place to lose himself.

When the apron doesn’t feel as heavy as the present and said present isn’t enmeshed with the past he makes way for the binky and bottles he’s bought. He remembers very well how to sanitize them and carefully drops them into the boiling hot water. They fall into the liquid with a soft plop sound. He stares into the wildly moving water, the steam pressing into his nose.

And then the oven beeps and he’s folding the rest of the paper bags down and stuffing them into their designated cabinet. The cookies come out as they always do, the familiar scent coaxing out more warm, painful memories. He frowns, rethinking his choices. But the memory of Martha makes a vicarious reemergence—Her smile sharp and kind whenever she talked about her baby—and Alfred is quickly pouring sweetened milk into a sippy cup and plating four cookies onto a sectioned dish.

His loafers come onto the carpeted hallway with a muffled shuffle. He gets to his charges’ room quicker than expected and hesitates. The day is gloomy and the lights have long gone unused so no shadows can be seen under doorways. Alfred still feels exposed. Left out in the open to fend for himself—in a way, that is exactly what has happened.

Nonetheless he places the cookies, sippy cup, new coloring books and their accessories on a silver platter beside the door and knocks. Then he pivots and walks away.

[celestialxgarden]

🐚 Message you are meant to hear right now. 🐚

“Carry me into the infinite night. Beyond all earthly limit.”

- Rabindranath Tagore

Masterlist

: ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ : ✦ : ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ :

Pile 1

I get the idea that there is a new direction that you are wanting to take your life into. A new passion or dream that you want to follow. I feel like you’ve been wanting this for a while, but didn’t feel confident enough to persue it. Your energy now feels very optimistic and motivated. This is something that you are really passionate about and have been dreaming about for a while.

I feel like that you are in a very secure place right now that gives you the opportunity to explore this new venture. I feel like there is a lot of support available for you if you might need it. This new direction will bring more abundance and prosperity into your life. It will allow you to be more at ease and to feel more comfort. I do think this process will take a while, but you’re probably already aware of this. This is something that you need to built slowly over time.

It might feel a bit risky and I think that you sometimes worry about the future because you are not exactly sure about how your dream will manifest. The best thing is to trust the universe and to embrace the unknown. I get the strong message that you should really continue to pursue this, because it will be so worth it in the end.

This new direction feels very inline with your destiny and purpose.

: ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ : ✦ : ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ :

Pile 2

I feel like you are in a phase of learning and growth. You are very focused on yourself, but not in a narcissistic way. You are trying to improve your life and to become more confident. I think your goal is to become more attractive and magnetic and to overall just be the best version of yourself. A lot of this is happening subconsciously. I feel like you are doing a lot of inner work to improve and better yourself. You are really putting in the work of analyzing your behavior and trying to understand why you are the way you are. This is really good because as you heal yourself and become more balanced, this will reflect itself on your physical body and outer world. Your internal and outer state are very much linked to each other. So as you become more harmonious internally this will mirror itself in your material reality as well.

I feel like you’ve already made a lot of progress. You are a lot more emotionally balanced than you were in the past. You have a lot more control over your emotions now and I feel like this is allowing you to tap into your intuition and to trust the universe more.

I feel like the message overall is to just keep going because the more you work on yourself the more abundant you’ll be in every aspect of your life.

: ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ : ✦ : ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ :

Pile 3

I feel like you are in a time of exploration and forward thinking, focusing on growth and expansion. There is a surge of optimism and a desire for fulfillment driving you forward. The plans you had are now in motion. You can expect success and growth.

There is a very strong focus on the future and the potential that lies there. But at the same time, I feel like there is a message of going within. There is a need for inner reflection and introspection in regards to the past and your childhood specifically. I feel like there are some emotional blockages that could be holding you back that stem from past memories.

It’s important now to seek solitude, so that you can spend some time with your inner child. I feel like there is a lot that your inner child wants to communicate with you, and there is a lot that you could learn. This is a time to be vulnerable and it’s important that you are really honest and open with yourself, so you can go very deep within. I feel like you might think that you already know yourself well or that you’ve already done this period of introspection in the past, but I’m getting the message that there are still some aspects of you that you are unaware off. It’s necessary now to explore and face these sides to you, so you can have more understanding of who you really are. Its important to remember that healing and growth don’t happen in a linear way.

By taking this time away and focusing on your inner development, it will really help you in your journey going forward. It will give you more clarity and ultimately more wisdom and make you feel more empowered.

: ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ : ✦ : ・ෆ・┈・┈・ᕱ⑅ᕱ・┈・┈・ෆ・ :

Thank you for reading my tarot message. I would love to know if this resonated. 🩵

[luneemeritus]

Stella was depicted as an abuser since her first appearance in LooLoo Land. Stolas wakes up next to her, miserable. Defeated. The way she steals all of his blanket, leaving him vulnerable and cold, while denying to check on their child that was screaming for help, is VERY CLEARLY a sign of her disgusting behaviour.

In "You will be okay", Stolas melancholically sings about how his life is over and how he would never find love nor happiness, yet even still, he is able to find strenght and be with his daughter. Stolas is a SURVIVOR. He isn't whiny, he isn't dramatic, he isn't responsible for Stella's abuse. He was a teenage boy forced to be a father, a husband and a guardian of legions and powerful magics. He is a VICTIM and, most importantly, a SURVIVOR.

Later in the Episode, Octavia wakes up with her mother screaming, yelling and destroying Stolas's belongings. This is abuse. This isn't she being "reactive over his cheating", this is abuse. She is not a hysterical silly woman angry because her husband cheated on her, she is an abuser. Octavia, growing up in a dysfunctional house and unaware of the abuse her father was going through, doesnt understand the situation around her and thinks both her parents are to blame. She is a 17yo clueless child that grew up with a physically, emotionally and sexually abusive woman as her mother. OF COURSE she thinks her parents "used to love each other until Stolas cheated". But the audience KNOWS what is truly going on. Yes, Stolas's haters, Stella's defenders are also audience. They know Stolas is a victim. They just don't care, they pretend the show brought Stella's abuse "out of nowhere" when no. It was always there.

When Stolas offers to take Octavia out, he says "anything but staying in this house". Their house is hostile. Neither Via nor Stolas call it home. And the responsible for this hostality is NOT Stolas, it's Stella. When Stolas takes accountability for putting Via in an uncomfortable situation that she didn't consent to (what a good father would do), he tries to tell her about his and Stella's relationship.

"You have to understand. Your mother and I... we weren't in.. she hasn't been... I haven't been... I'm sorry, I don't have the words."

This is a victim. Stolas is unable to tell the truth, because he doesn't want Via to see her mother as a villain. Even though she is. Stolas is a victim, trying to protect his daugther from what he knows will hurt her. He was about to tell her that he and Stella were never in love, that she hasn't been a good person but a nasty abuser that ruined his life, but he couldn't let it go. This is trauma response. I know it's all obvious, but it's tragic that we still need to explain the obvious.

During season 1, Stella was shown emotionally abusing Stolas, neglecting their kid and abusing him in front of their kid, throwing objects and people at him, destroying his things and paying an assassin to kill him. All because she felt offended because he cheated on her with an IMP, a class that she ACTIVELY and PROPOSELY mistreats (no, it's not the same as Stolas's internalized bigotry, which is still bad, but Stella knows what she is doing and she enjoys doing it). She was always an abuser, it was NEVER a "mutually destructive" relationship. Her defenders chose to not see this.

After The Circus, we had the three reveals about Stella that made it impossible to defend her: 1, they were forced to marry, 2, she physically abused him as well, and 3, Via only exists because Stella raped Stolas multiple times. Neither of these are retcoms, neither of these "came out of nowhere". Stella was always depicted as an abuser, the show just added more context. THIS IS NOT BAD WRITING, this is a depiction of a type of abuse that society REFUSES to believe that happens.

Stolas is not responsible for anything. His "cheating" doesn't make him a bad person. As himself quoted, "cheating implies that there was betrayal. This woman never gave two fucks about me, nor our so called arranged marriage". There is no cheating. Stolas was forced to marry her, he was abused by her and he chose to move on with his life. He doesn't have to be forever stuck with his abuser and never meet anyone else in his life just because. IF they had a consensual, loving marriage and he suddenly decided to cheat, then yes, he would be the one to blame (YET EVEN STILL, KILLING THE PERSON THAT CHEATED ON YOU IS UNJUSTIFIABLE. CHEATING SUCKS. TAKING SOMEONE'S LIFE IS PURE EVIL), but this is not what happened. Stolas did nothing wrong regarding his relationship with Stella, he didn't "cheat", he didn't deserve to be abused nor having his life threatened by her.

Yes, Stella was also forced to marry him. Yes, she was also forced to be a mother in her teenage years. You know what she wasn't forced to do? She wasnt forced to hit Stolas, she wasn't forced to rape Stolas, she wasn't forced to host parties to humiliate him, she wasn't forced to pay an assassin to kill him. She chose to be an abuser. If she was a decent person, they could have been allies in a bad situation. But she isn't a decent person, she chose to make his life miserable.

As Stella's defenders are unable to understand that rape and abuse aren't ok just because they were done by a cishet rich racist woman, let's change the perspective: is Angel Dust cheating on Valentino? It's heavily implied that they had a consensual relationship, full of love on Angel's side, until Val became more and more abusive. Is Angel, by disobeying him, sleeping with other men (outside of work) and falling in love with Husk, cheating? Does he deserve to be raped, enslaved and trafficked because he's "also to blame"? No, he doesn't. Angel is a victim, Valentino is an abuser.

Stolas is not a flawless person. But pretending Stella "did nothing wrong" and is just "bad written" while hating Stolas for evils that he never did (x) (x) (x) (x) is just vile. A media is not "bad written" just because you don't like it, this is an accurate depiction of domestic violence where the victim is a gay, neurodivergent, socially isolated man and the abuser is a woman with every single social priviledge that a queerphobic, patriarchal society expects. This is not bad writting. You just have bad faith against the authors, ops I mean, agaisnt the only queer woman working on the writing procress.

[radioactivewisdom]

The collective loves to parrot lies such as, “children are sacred,” “innocence needs to be protected,” and “there’s no love stronger than a parents.” Does our world really reflect that?. To distract from the filth they’ve made, one must fear monger about the childfree for not wanting to interact with kids in public. Our real concern needs to be what’s going on behind closed doors, and the mass scale grooming that these “family oriented” freaks partake in.

Children are the most vulnerable members of society, particularly girls. Yet, they continue to be brought into this world, being raised by doormats and wild beasts. Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and neglect against children is almost exclusively caused by those that publicly declare love for them. The childfree woman who doesn’t wave back at your child in the grocery store is an easy target to project onto. Parents and those who wish to become them, blame everything and everyone, besides themselves and their participation in upholding a failing family system.

You know who’s leaving bruises on children for making simple mistakes? Parents. The most likely person to prey on your daughter? Her family man of an uncle who is always around kids. Broken body image is caused by mommy dearest practicing beauty standards, and then encouraging her own daughter to partake. It’s the “sweet” and “well meaning” neighbor who raised 3 kids of her own, who’ll ask your preschool age child when they’re getting a boyfriend.

Actions WILL always speak louder than words. Parents and their enablers have always been responsible for the degenerates they raise, who make up the majority of this society. The little is the big, and every wide scale societal issue is a manifestation of what happens in the home. Women and men replicate the same demented dynamic they share with each other, once they have children. That’s why you see mother’s emotionally immeshed with their sons, as women attempt to dominate men through emotions. While Fathers become obsessed with controlling their daughter’s physicality, just as they seek to rule over women through sex.

Emotionally healthy and intelligent individuals never wish to posses others. They’ll never see another person as an extension of themselves, don’t get into power struggles, and don’t need outside sources to complete them. %99.9 of the population is excluded from such a description, and have no business being around children, let alone raising them. The average individual is a lust seeking dopamine addict who lacks discipline and needs constant reassurance.

Sovereign women have no societal obligations in this worldwide shit show. I actually do love children, that’s why I will never have any of my own, or participate in parenting them. A positive healthy role model for kids can simply go about their life, and do more good than any parent or teacher. It’s very obvious that those who spend the most time around children intend to destroy their innocence, as they normalize the sick world around them. The populace’s souls have been rotten from the start, and they seemingly can’t wait to sign their own offspring up to slaughter.

[st-dorothy-minority]

"Hurt" - an emotional, angst-filled Radioapple fic

I greatly hesitate to post this. It is very, very special to me and feels more vulnerable than anything I've written. (And honestly, I may delete it at any point 😩)

I would love it if you could spare a comment if you read this and share your thoughts.

I wasn't going to finish this, but I've been seriously struggling this month myself, and it's one small thing I can contribute for Suic*de Awareness & Prevention month.

Based on the song "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera (please check that out before reading to get the full impact. Imagine the song sung by Charlie https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christinaaguilera/hurt.html)

Dedicated to @persephoneblck - thank you for your love and support through my struggles ❤️

-----------

“Charlie, I-”

“Just don't! I can't do this anymore! For once, I wish you'd show up when others need you, when I need you!”

“But Charlie-”

“Mom was right. You don't know how to be a husband. You don't know how to be a leader. And you sure as hell don't know how to be a dad! I won't ever ask for anything from you ever again. I don't want you in my life anymore!”

As she turned her back on her father and returned to what remained of the hotel with the other residents, Lucifer felt himself quickly losing composure. Still, he made one last attempt to talk to her by calling out, “I’m proud of you, Charlie!” When she didn’t turn around, he lowered his gaze to the ground and added sorrowfully, “More than you could ever know.”

****

It was a couple hours before Alastor was able to check on his emotionally wrecked lover.

It was no surprise he found Lucifer still in the throes of depressive anguish.

Taking a seat on the floor where Lucifer sat next to the bed, Alastor placed a consoling hand on his back and rubbed it affectionately.

“We both know she didn’t mean what she said,” Alastor assured.

A few tears splashed onto the glass of the picture frame Lucifer held in his hands, which housed a photo of himself and Charlie that Vaggie had taken not long ago.

“She gets into fits of passion, like you, and ends up saying things that aren’t true,” Alastor continued when it was clear Lucifer wasn’t going to respond.

After a minute passed with more silence, Alastor gently pulled the picture away, set it aside, and took Lucifer’s now restless fingers in his hands to hold.

“Luci….No one is perfect. Mistakes happen. Hurt feelings happen. It’s a consequence of the human heart that seems to remain in us demons, including Charlie. She’s still a child with much to learn. You are doing a much better job than you give yourself credit for. Give yourselves some time to be apart for a bit. There is nothing wrong with maintaining some distance for a little while as she cools her head.”

Lucifer sniffled, wiped his eyes, and uttered pitifully, “But she’s right. All of it. I was never there when she needed me. I fucked up with Lilith….I’m a shitty, fucking failure, Alastor.”

“Now I absolutely have to disagree with you about all of that. You are trying. You are learning. You won’t get it right all the time. Let the past be the past with its wrongdoings. She’ll have to learn to do the same.”

Heaving a heavy sigh, Lucifer nodded. “Yeah….I guess you’re right….Thank you.”

“Of course.” He brought Lucifer closer, placed a soft kiss against his temple, and asked, “Care to lie down? You should rest.”

“Not yet. Think I might go take a bath and try to relax.”

“Want me to join you?”

“No, I, um....I think I want to be alone tonight.”

“Are you sure?” “Yeah. Plus, you should go back to check on everyone and help with whatever they need….since she doesn’t want my help….”

“Alright then. I’ll report back tomorrow with how things are and to check on you.”

Placing a finger under Lucifer’s chin, he tilted the devil’s head up to kiss him tenderly. When they pulled away, he was content to see Lucifer smiling.

“I missed that smile,” Alastor purred, causing Lucifer to giggle.

“Funny that you never give me the chance to miss yours.”

“If it’s any consolation, you certainly bear witness to my genuine ones more than any other demon in this Hell.”

“I’ll take that,” Lucifer conceded happily.

Doting one last kiss onto Lucifer’s hand, Alastor took his leave.

****

----Five Years Later----

Clutching her phone tightly in her grasp, Charlie blinked through the tears to find the most precious contact in her list. From the moment she saw the adorable duckie profile pic and the name, the relatively quiet crying became uncontrollable sobbing.

It was approaching mid-evening, and it was tradition to conclude the horribly painful day with a call to the person she missed more than anything. The person she longed to hug again. The person she yearned to see his smiling face again.

The person she owed everything to, the one she wished to apologize over and over again to.

The one who had taken his life because of her.

It was rare that a day passed when Charlie didn’t replay the last exchange she’d had with her father and felt her stomach twist into knots and the guilt consume her from realizing how cruel and heartless her final words to him had been. To have not even acknowledged his final words to her of how proud he was of her.

Attempting to take several deep breaths, she at last touched the screen to call her dad.

She knew he would never answer, yet his voicemail (and the messages he’d left on her phone that she hadn’t deleted) was the only way to hear his voice, even if it was brief and impersonal.

Hello fellow citizen of Hell! You’ve reached the head honcho himself, Lucifer Morningstar. If you aren’t in my contacts, how the fuck did you get my number? If you are, I’ll call you back at some point. If this is Charlie, I’ll get right back to you, sweetie! If this is an emergency, well, I don’t know what to tell you other than you’re probably S.O.L. Still wanna leave a message? Be my guest!

*beep*

“….Hi dad,” Charlie began in a tiny, constricted voice. She paused briefly due to the uneven breaths attacking her, closed her eyes, inhaled deeply as best she could, and tried again. ��I um….I miss you….so much. I’m so sorry for what I said and blaming you. I didn’t mean it….I was wrong….so, so wrong…..I wish you were here….I still have so many questions and….I need you….I need you, dad….I was mad, I didn’t mean it….I love you and I just want you back. I want to understand. I love you….”

She was able to end the call before the phone slipped from her hand and she hugged herself as the crushing grief overtook her.

I wish you were here….I need a hug….I’m so sorry….

She felt the presence of her new company before he even sat next to her. On the balcony of the hotel overlooking her inherited kingdom, Alastor joined her on the bench without a word. This had also become their tradition – to share the remainder of the evening together in silence with the only other person who understood more than anyone else how suffocating the loss felt. They each had very different relationships with Lucifer, but the fact remained they each loved him beyond measure.

While Charlie’s regret plagued her in the form of her last words to Lucifer, Alastor’s was rooted in having left him alone that night. If only he’d insisted on staying, denied Lucifer’s request, and remained at his side. The memory of finding the king of Hell submerged in golden-tainted water in the bathtub, his wrists and neck sliced open to the bone by the only weapon in the realm that could mortally wound him, haunted Alastor just as vividly all these years later. He could still recall Charlie’s screams of denial and sorrow when he told her what had happened, remembered how she grabbed onto him as her knees gave out and they held each other for nearly an hour, drowning out everything and everyone around them.

Once Charlie regained her composure for the most part, Alastor eased his arm across her shoulders and drew her closer to rest against him in a loving embrace. His other hand took hers and held it, and they stayed this way for hours.

Eventually, Vaggie came to help Alastor escort Charlie to bed, which Alastor appreciated because he knew Charlie would continue to be cared for during the hardest night of the year.

As for him, it was the one night he returned to Lucifer’s home and laid in the bed he’d shared with the fallen angel. He fetched Lucifer’s favorite over-sized duckie plushie to cuddle with – the one he’d always teased his lover about whenever Lucifer chose to hug it at bedtime – and breathed in deeply. The scent was fading, but it was enough to revitalize the memory.

Letting the tears fall at last, Alastor whispered, “I’m sorry I left you when you needed me most. I love you.”

[ofallthingsnasty]

May I request yandere reo mikage manipulating his s/o making them think they need him. This causes Stockholm Syndrome and they later get married and have a child. Reo is praised in the public for being a billionaire, pro-soccer player, good husband and father.

tags: yandere, reo is 20+, emotional abuse, sfw but minors please dni, pregnancy discussion but no pronouns are used word count: 0.7k

Oh, Reo... deceptively sweet and caring Reo. Who needs Stockholm Syndrome when your boyfriend never gave you any weird feelings in the first place, when he showers you with gifts and affection? He is all you could ever ask for, attentive beyond belief and willing to do just about anything for you. He seems to be too good to be true, really: a pro-athlete, rich, only has eyes for you. Who wouldn't get swept up by that? And my, isn't he just like a lovesick little puppy with how he sends you flowers to your workplace, how he picks you up whenever he can - whisking you away for yet another expensive dinner, a new mini-vacation every other weekend. Sweet and handsome and above all, generous - you don't want to leave. It's easy to simply ignore what lurks beneath the surface of that bright smile and boyish enthusiasm: How much he needs you, how he doesn't let go of people he has picked - he's either extremely hot or cold with those few, chosen ones. We've seen how he treats Nagi when all is well, when he can put his faith in someone - but we've also seen how he gets when those feelings get trampled into the ground. He's definitely the type to always try to smooth the waves, who never wants to fight but also has a very peculiar way of communicating any issues he has with your behavior. He doesn't like it all that much when your attention strays from him, for whatever reason. He's extremely emotionally manipulative. Never the one to outright forbid you from going out or even keeping you - but he'll act so cold, will mope for days after you spent a night out, when you dive into one of your hobbies instead of spending time with him. Everything that doesn't suit him is some sort of betrayal to Reo, makes him turn frosty until you apologize for something you don't quite understand. It's subtle and very gradual but you'll soon try to phase out everything that upsets him. It's just so hard to weather his depressive moods, to be in the same house as him while he can't face you without a look of clear disappointment and hurt in his eyes. Not only does he wean you from all your silly little distractions, he rewards you for not giving any of your precious time to your friends and family - even more expensive gifts, the finest food and above all, so much love and praise that it makes you feel dizzy and desperate when he punishes you again after a perceived mishap. He has the art of manipulation down and no matter how much you try to fight against it - you love him. And seeing someone you love so dearly all vulnerable and hurting is bound to shape your behavior. You'll find yourself so entangled in the webs he weaves after just a few months of being together, so dependent on him that you question your ability to ever be single again.

He doesn't view having a child with you as a way to shackle you to him - he genuinely wants a baby, dreams of that picture-perfect little family, of raising a little human with you. A child is the ultimate union between the two of you, the purest declaration of love. That's why it hurts him all the more when you tell him you don't want one right now. Reo just doesn't understand - he has all the money to support you, you've been together for quite a while, had your fun - why not take that jump with him? It feels like you're rejecting him and his love. He won't force you into anything but he'll give you his coldest shoulder yet. He takes your gentle later, honey, just not now and twists it into you completely blindsiding him. He can't even look at you - leaves the house without saying goodbye, doesn't sleep in the same bed as you - hell, you'll even catch him crying once. Reo wears you down emotionally, makes you feel so ungrateful and selfish for denying him this simple thing that you'll fold just after a few days. Does it really matter if you wait another year before you start trying? Doesn't he have all the money in the world to hire a whole gaggle of nannies? What will really change? You only have things to gain. And if it keeps him happy, keeps his eyes shining and you in his good graces, why not start now?

[they-are-a-prolife-autist]

My right to bodily autonomy is more important than the right to life of anyone using my body without my explicit consent.

Thanks for the ask, anon!

I agree that your right to your own personal choices is very important, and that no one has the right to force your body from you.

I would disagree however that pregnancy qualifies as one such situation. In the case of pregnancy it is A: definitely preventable almost 100% of the time. (0.085% of abortions are from pregnancies occurring due to rape, source below.) because the baby in this instance is not a malicious intruder, but rather a vulnerable dependent, I don’t believe it to be morally just to treat them with the same harshness as one arguably should treat a rapist.

I have seen recently a rise in awareness of abusive parenting. (Both physically and emotionally.) One consistent thought I continue to see repeated is this idea of “your children owe you nothing because they did not ask to be here.” This as a counter argument to the “my house, my way,” sentiment that so quickly becomes abusive. It is generally agreed that when children are treated as objects or intruders while simply living a life they did not ask for, in the home of a parent they did not choose, it is wrong. Children exist due to choices their parents made and should not suffer punishments because of those circumstances.

I would apply this same logic to a child that exists in the womb. They did not ask to be there. They are there because nine times out of ten, their parents thought It would be fun to engaged in reproductive activities, which… surprise… caused reproduction. I would agree that the if, when, how, and with whom choices are 100% matters of autonomy and personal choice. But when your personal choices cause an innocent child to become dependent on you, it is no longer morally just to use your choices to harm them.

One could equate it to inviting a toddler onto your boat, or into your home for a period of time. This child is under your care and you’re responsible for their wellbeing until you can safely pass this responsibility onto another if you don’t want it. It would be unacceptable to kill that child, or even neglect them to death because you decide you don’t want to anymore. The same goes for a pregnancy.

[gamerbearmira]

More resident evil 8 Au things!

So first thing Miranda is absolutely Insane/delusional in game at least to me she was (she quite literally fits the definition of insanity by doing the same things over and over again expecting different results) and I wanted to explore that a bit more in this AU than what we got in the original game, we did get more insane/delusional Miranda in the DLC but it wasn't enough for me because I find her insanity/delusional thought process to be fascinating. Does she need to chill? absolutely! Will she? Never. She's the absolute worst and she will continue to be the absolute worst until Ethan kills her. And your right Miranda is stuck on f tier on everyone's tier list! (Even the Lord's except Monroe because he's a suck up)

Part of Miranda's reasoning for removing Mirabel from Alcina was because to Miranda she was ready to start her lording duties (which she was not she was a young child and that's a lot of responsibility for a young child) but it was mostly because Miranda was getting jealous and kind of paranoid over the relationship that Mirabel and Alcina and her daughters were starting to form at the time and separated them.

Because while you are correct that Alcina and her daughters wouldn't be the best at raising an emotionally vulnerable child like Mirabel was, they to me wouldn't be the worst and would try their best to give her the best childhood they could while she was with them. Were they perfect? of course not, but they tried really hard to be better for her. They all tried to be as nonviolent as they physically could because they could tell that violence bothered her, they spent as much time as they could with her playing/reading/ teaching her things etc, they would give her anything she asked for without asking her to do anything in return and if they did ask her to do something it would be something small like 'finish your school work' or 'clean part of your room/playroom', and most importantly if they did something to hurt her even if it was on accident they would take the time to apologize and try to make up for it. All in all while she was there they absolutely spoiled and doted on her and for the most part Mirabel was actually fairly happy with them, Alcina and her daughters really stepped up to make a safe space for her and treated her as one of their own. Of course she was upset and sad about being away from her family and so far away from home obviously she would have been a lot happier at home with her family but she couldn't be with them because of Miranda. And Maribel does love Alcina and her daughters she isn't just grateful to them for what they did for her. She genuinely loves and cares about them as her adoptive family and will sometimes call Alcina mother and the daughters sisters (never in front of Julieta or her actual sisters though she feels too guilty). She just wishes that they could be better people but they can't because the specific mutation that they have makes it to where they need to eat human flesh and to me their mutation also affects how they act and increases their aggression to the point where it's impossible for them to be in control of their anger and that causes them to lash out a lot and because of that Mirabel tries to keep a distance between them because it hurts her that they can't be better people because of their mutation.

And you were right the creepy casita was not alive when Mirabel first got there it was originally just a regular house that was modeled after her family home with a couple of changes. Like how Casita has their courtyard but it is made completely of tiles The creepy Casita has a garden type courtyard in it with patheways around it and obviously the creepy casita has a very large basement for Mirabel's experiments. And whereas casita is mainly a yellow color with orange tiled roof the green tower and the pink and kind of maroon highlights that it has on the one wall in front and then the one wall in back The creepy casita is a mainly gray color with a black tile roof and a dark purplish Tower and two different types of darker blue colors on the walls The darker of the two shades on the back wall. The way that The creepy casita basically comes to life is that one day a little bit after being sent there (let's say 3 months) Mirabel kind of has an emotional breakdown because of how lonely she had felt and all of the pressure that she had been under and kind of explodes this black mold out of her body during the breakdown and it seeped into the floorboards and walls which Mirabel didn't realize until suddenly the house started to comfort her like Casita used too and the house has been alive ever since.

Miranda forcing Mirabel to experiment on her family just months after getting them back was something that she was always going to do. Her intention when she went to get them was that they were going to be experimented on and it was going to be done by Mirabel because she wanted to experiment on the miracle/magic but at the same time she wanted to test Mirabel and see where her "true loyalties lied" it was just a very happy bonus to Miranda that Mirabel had stopped doing some of her experiments so that she would have an excuse to have her experiment on them and that she could pin the blame for having Maribel experiment on them on Mirabel herself saying things like "if you had just continued to do your job none of this would have happened".

As for ideas for how the family looks. For the most part everyone looks the same the miracle protected their bodies from too many physical mutations so all of them only really have one mutation. Antonio has his eye and I do like the idea of the mold spreading a little bit but not too far across his face I feel like it would spread up to the side of his nose and a little bit into his hairline (kind of like zuko scar from Avatar but a little bit more scar going towards the nose).

Alma has a fairly decent size scar on her throat That kind of looks infected by the black mold like there's a little bit of black veins coming from it and sometimes the scar will start leaking black mold but other than that she looks normal

Julieta has no physical mutations besides the times that her hands start to open up and leak black mold she has scars on the top of her hands though just underneath her knuckles.

Peppa Felix and Augustine don't have any obvious physical changes Peppa's back has scars that look like lightning strikes but are completely black. both Felix and Augustine have autopsy scars across their chest that also look like they're infected with the black mold having little black veins near them and also will leak black mold.

Isabela and Luisa's mutation affects their arms Luisa has scars underneath her biceps and both of her arms have black veins instead of regular veins whereas Isabela has vines that are completely covered in black mold wrapped around her arms.

Bruno's mutation comes and goes basically his eyes start filling with the black mold to the point that it is leaking out of his eyes it makes his eyesight go completely black and he can't see anything for a random amount of time.

Dolores's mutation is barely noticeable because it covers her ears and her ears basically look like they are completely infected with black mold on the inside in a little bit on the outside.

As for bugs for each family members redesign I picked bugs a little bit based off of their personality so

Dolores: house fly

Pepa:Yellow jacket

Felix: rhinoceros beetle

Alma's I kept the same from the movie: monarch butterfly

Camilo: Firefly / lightning bug

Julieta: Honey Bee

Augustine: Red Ant

Isabela: Jumping spider

Luisa: Ironclad beetle

Bruno: sweat-fly

As always any and all artwork is appreciated!

I'M SORRY THIS TOOK. SO LONG 🥴😭

As an apology, I will be writing a snippet and doing more art. I'm so sorry for taking so long I got busy 💀💀

ANYWAYYYY. Miranda being insane, like an actual psychopath??? Like is it really surprising. In the backstory, and the main game AND DLC she is literally making some of the most insane decisions. And she doesn’t have anyone’s best interest in mind,except in this instance maybe Mirabel. And even then,it’s only because Miranda wants to use Mirabel to get back Eva. She will never chill 😭

Her getting jealous of Alcina is wild lmao 🧌 she’s one to talk,I mean. Be so fr Miranda,,,,At least Lady D and her daughters did their best to care for Mirabel, to some extent. And they taught her stuff. The most that Miranda ever did was give her some clothes and some infected toys. Other than that??? Trauma and some terrible scars and the ability to fly 🤕

Also shoutout for dupe Casita coming to live and coming in clutch I mean. Mirabel was probably so scared and stressed out, like that must’ve been a God send for Mirabel cause me??? I would’ve tapped out SO fast 🙏

As for the experiments. The fact that she was always planning it?? Like sort of implies sge had to have been watching and been aware of the Madrigals for a while, planned to take Mirabel, probably break her down and then make her experiment on her family. How low does she have to go 🌚 Also thinming, Miranda also took some residents of the Encanto right??? Bro 😭 you think Mirabel sees some of the people she used to help??? Crazy

Guess the residents weren't very evil 😔 BUT THE BUG IDEAS SO COOL...will eventually make designs for anyone, but for now, these residents who aren't evil

Also very random question, but do you think Pedro has any relevance?? I mean. Do you think Mirabel might've seen that consciousness can be stored and thought about Pedro? Not bringing him back tho, though she's not as crazy as Miranda lmao 💀💀

Idk just thinking. ANYWAY. WILL BE DOING A SNIPPET WITH ART...probably with Alma, Antonio, and Mirabel somehow. Idk, it's after Antonio's experiment so he's still recovering. But idk if it should be before or after Alma's experiment because I kinda want Mirabel to just apologize, but then I kinda want Alma to be self-aware and realize that she's going to be next, or up next at any given point.

[bones4thecats]

Shadow Raker x Fembot spider reader, both are Conjux, the reader has the same personality as her and acted like a mother towards Slipstream and Jetstrom, the reader always told them that stealing is good, on earth she is also upset with Drift for taking Slipstream and Jetstrom, also that Shadow Raker and Reader were Airachnid's parents, (I have a Headcanons that Shadow Raker is Airachnid's father and I had to say it)

Shadow Raker's F! S/O Being A 🕷️Mother

Characters: Shadow Raker Requester: @zinnia1506 A/N: PEOPLE GIVE THIS GUY SOME LOVE. HE MAY BE A MANIPULATIVE ASSHOLE, BUT HE'S A LOVEABLE ONE. ⚠️ Spoilers/Trigger Warnings for: War, insinuated horrible parenting/teaching, kidnapping, and fighting. Also, spoilers for Robots in Disguise (2015) S3 Ep9 ⚠️

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Shadow Raker ═══════════════════════════╝

🗡️ As fellow Mentors to many young Cybertronians, you and Shadow Raker began your friendship fairly early, specifically just before the war began

🗡️ When it started, the two of you and your students were affiliated with the 'Cons, before leaving the planet to find some more prizes you could come across. Whether it be another student or a thing, living or not, worthy of a cost

🗡️ It took quite a while before you actually bonded, since you had high demands to meet with making sure your students stayed in line with your ideals. But, once bonded, the others could tell you two were far from easy when it came to harming the other. Even if someone tried to touch your shoulder in reassurance, Shadow Raker would be right there, glaring at whomever it was, student or not

🗡️ Once again, it was a while before you became a Carrier and he a Sire. Your sparkling, whom you named Airachnid, was destined to be just as 'amazing' as you both. Maybe she would even lead her own group of students. Highly unlikely, but still

🗡️ In honor of yours and Shadow's closest student, you nicknamed Deadlock, now known as Drift, the 'older brother' of the young spider 'Con

🗡️ Unfortunately, the peaceful life you both lead went to Hell when Deadlock ran off with the two minicons that Shadow Raker was teaching and you were practically raising alongside Airachnid

🗡️ You were pissed when he left. It wasn't that much earlier that your child had left the ship in pursuit of her own life during the war, heading more towards Megatron than her parents did. And you were proud, but got even worse when you lost all contact with her

🗡️ So, having the only two beings that could've come close to replacing the female just get taken and cut off from you got you to the brink of insanity. Thankfully for you, Shadow Raker pledged he would find the boys and bring them back, dealing a proper punishment for the egregious actions taken by Deadlock

🗡️ Searching for the minicons and older one took far longer than anticipated. And in that time, you were made aware of Airachnid's banishment for attempting a mutiny against Megatron not once, but multiple times, and you were appalled. How did you raise that beast?! You taught her to always succeed, failure was never allowed

🗡️ Shadow Raker, during your search, was your only consultant, since the rest of your students had either left your holds and passed, or had just been gone after being called upon by another high-ranking commander in the cause

🗡️ As you landed on Earth and came across the trio of brightly-colored bots, you were shocked to see how different they looked. Drift was far more emotionally attached than you believed, and the boys were so, so much more vulnerable than how they were with you

"Deadlock, my boy, do please allow us to raise the boys once again. Come now, we were the ones who practically raised you to be what you are. You can't hate us now because you side with those brainwashed and corrupt hierarchy Autobots." You said, a memory of picking the then youthful Deadlock up from the ashes of the self-destructing planet.

"My name is not Deadlock, Y/N. And the Autobots do not believe in such a horrific cause. They believe in justice and honesty, in the name of not a tyrannical and energon-thirsty mech, but a honor-filled and benevolent leader. And you did not raise me into what I am now. You made me into a monster, I made myself into a being deserving of two well-meaning students."

🗡️ Shadow Raker cocked an eyebrow and laughed before declaring a punishment was well-earned in the fake scenario he was placing in your children's mindsets

🗡️ As the past mentor and student fought, you aimed for your boys. Allowing yourself to become the form similar to your daughter's and picked them up with webbing around them, keeping them balled up before they could hit your Conjunx

"Now, now, Jetstorm and Slipstream. I'm sure you two will be right at home back on Mother's ship, right?"

"You are not their Mother!"

"Oh, do hush up, Deadlock. You know how much the two matter to Y/N. Wouldn't want to hurt her feelings, now would we?"

I'm to lazy to write the rest of the episode, but the rundown is that Shadow Raker and the Reader escaped onto their ship before being arrested and put into a stasis pod. So, in the end their whereabouts and unknown and the trio of boys get closer than before! Cute I know~

Also, this is how I imagined the reader looking like (credits to art_retr0 on Twitter/X or retr0inactive on Instagram)

[liannelara-dracula]

Hi love,

Thanks for asking this so obviously this pertains to the S bros so that’s where I’m sticking w this. Not including Kino bc he’s not really involved in this whole S bride thing anyway.

-Liannelara

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Prompt

Requests are open

Rules

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Who is capable of falling in love with their S bride? (MTL) + how much they value their S bride?

Subaru—He’s very vulnerable and he’s with this woman 24/7 and if she’s nice to him/gives him attention he’s roped in. But would never admit it. It might just be puppy love even but he’d end up liking her weather or not he does anything about it.

Value: he’d value her if she was tolerable and likable in the sense that she didn’t bother him. If she was gentle He’d especially value that. On a scale of 1-10 it’s have to be a 6.

Reiji—this may come as a shock because he is very head strong and a perfectionist but he his capable and we see this in the game routes numerous times. Even if Reiji has a different way of expressing his care or love, when he loves he treats his partner very well. And it takes a while for him to gain feelings but it’s through all the trouble and pain that he’s caused you but it’s mostly through getting to know you emotionally that he is able to love. But feels quiet guilty.

Value: 8 or 9/10, if you bare his kids, your a respectable lady and you got it all down he’s appreciative that you’ve brought his kids into the world but what doesn’t give you 10/10 is that he’d doesn’t value nor care for you as a partner. He may see you as his wife and mother of his child but not as a romantic partner. If you don’t have redeeming qualities you are just worthless to him. 3/10 or lower.

Shu—gosh, he seems like he could but also might not. Either way he’s lazy about it. In the game routes he is seen to fall in love sometimes but I think it’s quiet dry. There’s not much to it and he doesn’t seem all that into it. He’s just there and it’s comfortable to him. I would say it’s a practical convient love not a deep love unlike Reiji.

Value: 5/10 not too bad because it’s free s3x. He is annoyed but also amused at the same time. Not interested to know much and doesn’t know half of what you do bc he’s doesn’t care. If you don’t bug him often you get the 5/10 you won’t get more because he wants little do with you and since your not annoying there’s a flip side to it.

Kanato—he loves women, and that can mean many different things. But as deranged he may be he isn’t as complicated as his other two brothers, well may be just as complicated—but differently! Though if it’s about love this changed his behavior and he may drop the psychotic behavior altogether especially if there was character development but it’s hard to say. But he seems like he’d have feelings even if they are not the healthiest, he’s more capable of loving and liking than the other two.

Value: you could have 0/10 where he’s just going to m*rder you. Or you could have 11/10 were he is opposed and will not give you to others and protects you at all costs. There is no inbetween.

Laito—he’s to damaged to be capable of understanding his feelings. So while he may feel something he can’t distinguish it nor how he feels about it. All he knows is that it’s different and he’s not going to go further than that. I also believe he has a lot of trust issues with women so loving one is just not practical needless to say he’s a damn mess.

Value: 3/10 if not 0/10. You are like every other woman, why should you be different? Amuse him but also don’t get involved and he won’t be mad, but it doesn’t mean he likes not trust you at all so 3/10. You are merely convenience.

Ayato—he doesn’t really love and I got to say if he did he’s not sure what is going on. He’s quiet selfish and might confusion attraction and convince as love. In fact, he thinks that his S bride loves him so therefore he has a mutal feeling of love for her. He’s okay with having her love him but not that he loves her. He’s too narcissistic to fall in love.

Value: 3/10 or 7/10. 3 is your stubborn and boring to him and you’ve given him nothing. 7 is you give him what he wants and are obedient for the most part.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

˗ˏˋ 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 ˎˊ˗ ©𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔~Present

[littlehypnone]

Sorry to say so but even I got nlocked by moonie just for giving them advice. They clearly take anything as hate even if it is meant well.

I can only say as a trauma survivor you need to be made of steel if you start working or talking about trauma on social media in any form. If you are still emotionally sucked into the same feelings you will only gonna hurt yourself in the process.

Trauma is a process and a vulnerable time but don't expose your innerself to the outside world if you are not ready to deal with people who have never been hurt. There is so much stigma around trauma and dealing with PTSD some unsocialized fucks just live to press your buttons.

I really mean this genuine. They don't deserve hate but people won't stop. That's what internet culture has become.

okay first of all I don't want this blog to become a shelter for all the anons moony has blocked plus Im nobody's lawyer so, and this is to everyone, that's enough. also look at what I'm saying here through a filter because I'm tired and angry at something irl and in pain and I don't have energy to be polite anymore today

second of all, I don't know how your asks to moony were wonder but she is too nice for her own good and blocking people is her way of protecting herself and good for her. unsolicited "advice" is a lot of times no better than straight up hate. you seem to be under impression that moony is a dumb child who does not know how the world works. she's an adult, a very smart one let me add, and this is not the kind of "advice" she needs. if any

it can be hard, sharing stuff on the internet, and yes you should be aware of the effects it can have on ones mental health but it seems like the perfect solution for you would be to just stop. for many people, myself and moony included, writing and sharing it with a world is fun but also a coping mechanism of a kind. yes the world is messed up and internet sucks but we won't just stop doing everything to avoid that. and even though we realize all the hate has unfortunately became nearly a norm nowadays we can and will complain about it because it still sucks

no, moony does not deserve hate and unfortunately we are aware that it is not very likely to stop. but it's not moony that is to blame because she simply tries to enjoy herself and share her creations with the world. no, the only people to blame here are the haters. you, dear anon, have to understand that moony (or the general we) is only trying to have fun on here and is getting undeserved hate for that. she deals with that hate but it's still overwhelming and discouraging as hell and it should not be happening. that is all and while from this ask of your alone I can see that your intentions are, more or less, good, it's not that that counts

that is all from me and that's enough on the topic

[serenityhime1]

Reflections Commentary and Q&A

I'm going to put a cut below to avoid spoliers for anyone who doesn't want them, but I'm going to answer some questions that I was asked about Reflections and share a little commentary. Please feel free to ask further questions if you would like!

I am truly overwhelmed with the support I got for writing Reflections. It was a fun idea I had to write two stories that started in the same place but diverged due to a single change, and the way that played out in telling two different stories. It was important to me that chapters updated simultaneously to give the reader the experience of seeing both stories at the same time, rather than read one story and then the other in their entirety, because it was about how things were different moment-to-moment rather than telling two stories that started with the same premise.

Writing these stories was an exercise in patience as I went back and forth between stories to confirm details and make sure everything was in the right place and the right time. It was only 10 chapters, but definitely felt like the 20 chapters it actually was. Both stories together were over 80k words!

I didn't think anyone would really care too much, but it was well-received and I am incredibly appreciative. It was a strange creative project that was just meant to explore the way we tell stories, but people enjoyed the stories, too, and that means a lot. Anyways, questions below the cut!

@loverinthesnow asked:

Hi! Reflections was such a pleasure to read. I’m going to miss Bulma and Vegeta so much! My question for you: did Vegeta make any choices in the few weeks before each version of the fic that may have influenced the very beginning of the story?

Thank you for the kind words! Vegeta did a lot of self-reflection before the story started. At the time the story picked up, he'd been single for a few months and spending a lot of time thinking about what he wanted out of life, and out of a relationship. It takes time to unwind a lot of the damage an abusive partner can do to you.

Fortunately a lot of that self-reflection led him to a place where he was at least appreciative of the loud, beautiful woman he kept running into at the coffee shop, but he couldn't quite bring himself to talk to her. In a lot of ways it felt too soon, and too late. In one story he accidentally finds a way to start a conversation, and it takes him by surprise. In the other story, he makes a realization and uses his knowledge to his advantage to get her to start the conversation.

It's a little manipulative, perhaps, but it works!

@vegetasmyheart asked:

Reflection was a unique experience. Thank you for sharing your creativity. I was just curious if you prefer one version over the other?

First of all, how dare you ask if I have a favorite child, and the answer is yes of course I have a favorite child. I'm kidding of course! I'd say that taken on their surface I prefer Chiral, because I like a good, confident Bulma who goes after what she wants and gets it. She inspires the best in her partner, and even though she makes mistakes she navigates those with aplomb and we love her for it.

Taken together though, and in the spirit of the project, I really love Achiral. There was a long stretch where people felt like I (or the universe) was a little harsh on Achiral Bulma, but I think that it's important to recognize that insecurity is something we all deal with, and vulnerability is not a bad thing. I definitely don't see Achiral as the "bad" storyline - Bulma and Vegeta get together at almost the same time and they have sex there first, and it's wildly passionate. Perhaps it's a little less emotionally grounded, but we get to see over time that develops just as it did in Chiral.

I also had someone mention they were a little concerned about Krillin living with Roshi, and while I reassured them I just want to reassure all of you that Roshi, while an utter creep to women, is also weirdly progressive and therefore not interested in Krillin at all (since he's a man).

Thank you all for the kind words, loving comments, and questions. I am so glad I got the chance to work on this and had so many people who were invested in it. I appreciate it more than words can say <3

[ceedaryaps]

Fourth Wing yap sesh pt1

!:Don't hate me guys lol it took forever to get back to posting but I swear I've been reading. I've finished fourth wing AND iron flame and i decided i was gonna do two parts in my reviews from now on 1 will be my thoughts on the characters. 2 will be my thoughts on the plot so these yap sessions are gonna have two parts per book.

So without further adoo here are my opinions on the fourth wing characters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Violet Sorrengail

I genuinely think Violet is so funny but not in a " she has good jokes" but more of a "damn she's kinda real". Promising to stay away from Xaden went out the window QUICK. First glance and homegirl was hungry I respect it. Giving Rhiannon her shoe without even hesitating just shows you what kina person Violet is she rides for her friends fr and she barely KNEW Rhiannon. People doubted her sooo much (looking at you dain) but they would always compliment how smart she was but their compliments never really extended to how she applied her mind to doing stuff. I mean who would even think to come up with that way of clearing the gauntlet. She dosent let anything stop her and I got mad respect for it.

Xaden Riorson

Don't jump me guys please....sometimes he gives me the ick. Don't get me wrong he's cool but i feel like he's very...cut and paste in my opinion. He just reminds me of a less emotionally available Rhysand. Even the looks are the same. BUT, i respect his character, Xaden is still young but took over the responsibilities of every marked child, every last one. He loves his folks real bad and I fw it.

Rhiannon Matthaias

Queen. That's it honestly. Bad Bitch. Cuntress. What else do I say. Rhiannon was the first to witness Violets vulnerability and didn't say SHIT. Any time Violet needed cover Rhiannon got her. You fw Violet? Rhiannon is on your ass. And she kicks ass like what more can we want. I defiantly knew she was leader material the more scenes I read of her, this is a Rhiannon stan account.

Dain Aetos

Brother eugghhhhhhhhhhhhh. It's always the first love interest that ends up being the ick. And I know I said Xaden gives me the ick but Dain Aetos? Yucky. I truly cant stand that no matter how many times Violet succeeds with flying colors he still believes she cant make her own decisions, having conversations to move her elsewhere not on her behalf pisses me off, and he's so possessive for what, I understand the whole childhood friends thing but its weird and I don't like it. Also the millisecond we knew what his signet was I just knew he was gonna peep into her thoughts from the jump. And then after Violet nearly got murdered in her sleep he REFUSED to believe that it was Amber who let them in. You're telling me an alleged fling meant more to him than his childhood friend getting killed in the night. Dpmo.

Liam Mairi

The best to do it fr fr. At first he was just assigned to violet as a favor for xaden but after a while violet was his buddy, I also feel like he assisted in bridging the social gap between the marked ones and the rest of the cadets. He will be missed.

Mira Sorrengail

Typical older sister tbh, I dont have any overwhelming thoughts of her, kudos for going toe to toe with their mom about Violet joining the war college.

Jack Barlowe

Definition of a crash out, is responsible for a good portion of the cadets deaths in the first year and that blows my mind bc........for what purpose. Like what does this do for you. And going after Andarna????? What business is it of yours if she had decided to bond with someone why kill her? And why did he think the dragons would just LET them kill her. Tairn should have cooked him in that moment ong. Baide weird as hell for bonding with a mf willing to kill a baby dragon for no reason.

Imogen Cardulo

She gives me the vibes that she can talk some major shit, ik she gotta be a notorious shit talker and one who can back it up too.

Lilith Sorrengail

I don't like her. Girl your son died, your husband died, you eldest daughter could get cooked at any moment and you're so eager to send your youngest too? For what reason? "All my children are riders" well one is dead allegedly, the other ones squad keeps getting attacked and you knew damn well violet would be a target. Otherwise i feel like she's a boy mom.

Andarna

Sweet baby love her

Tairn

Tairn is so funny, "You're bleeding stop it" LMFAO?! Truly one of my favs tbh

Ridoc Gamlyn

Everyone says Xaden this Xaden that, I'm in love with Ridoc. He's funny but not the annoying funny, trying to keep things lighthearted for the group so they don't get depressed. Cracking jokes after an asshole got torched Infront of you is one way to calm your friends down lmfaoo. Bi icon

Edit: To add Brennan

Brennan Sorrengail

Bitch where tf have YOU been?!

Now other than these characters there are not a lot of characters that I find too much of an interest in nor do I have many comprehensive thought's about them so that's all for the Fourth Wing Review part 1!

[jadeacereigen]

i also always felt like the fandom depicting reigen's childhood as abusive and neglectful never really quite fit. i know that most of it is probably just projection, and it's something i really understand because i've done it before with other characters.

i feel like there's a difference between giving a character trauma that makes sense when taking their canon self into account and giving a character trauma for other unrelated reasons, like comfort or even for fun, to be able to explore the scenarios that would come with it. both are very valid. let the people do what they want, y'know?

but something i feel like people tend to gloss over sometimes is that parents can fuck up when raising you and still not be outright shitty evil people. they can judge you on your career choices and still love you. your friends can make an off the cuff comment that ends up sticking with you in a bad way without realizing, people can suck at showing they care about you while still caring about you, they can be imperfect just as much as you are. it's their first time on this earth too. and it doesn't excuse the times they may have hurt you or made you feel bad about yourself, but it's up to you if you wanna keep them in your life. everyone can change, but that's also up to them.

it gives reigen an added charm [or should i say humanity?], to know that he is a flawed person and that it stems from the things that happened when he was younger, and the people that were in his life, and to know that things don't need to be catastrophic for them to affect and/or change you, whether good or bad. it's a good thing to remember i think. to know that there's so many greys between the white and black. that he has layers. his experiences are very valid.

anywho. sorry for the long ramble i just had to get this out there hehe.

ask game time!!!! 25, 9 and 22

Oh my god no don't apologize you're so right. I agree 100% so I'm gonna answer with my own long ramble.

(Discussions of child abuse below, though nothing that's not present in MP100 canon.)

Yes, it almost feels like people want to dismiss all flawed parenting and strained relationships between parent and child as abuse. There's certainly something very wrong with Reigen and his parents' relationship but I'm gonna be honest, I don't understand how people can find redemption in Toichiro who literally beat up his own son but then at the same time demonize Reigen's parents for the crime of disapproving his life as a CONMAN.

Yes, Reigen actually helps his clients and refuses to take money for things he cannot fix, but he's an incredibly special case and his parents are like most people who have no clue that the supernatural is even real. I personally think IRL psychics are full of shit and prey on the naive and emotionally vulnerable. If I had a kid who quit their normal job and spent all their savings to become a psychic I would not be happy with them! I would hope I wouldn't be as cold and that they wouldn't live in fear of my messages to them but I would definitely be encouraging them to stop that shit and get a "real job". To think that his parents should support his choices in life when he's pretending to be a psychic with no additional context is wild to me. (Also, I can't find the translation anymore but Reigen says in the fanbook that his mom thinks he's being tricked into doing his current job.) Again, they could go about this in a much better way but this disapproval does not inherently point to abuse.

(Sorry this rant got very long so everything else is below the cut.)

I think the biggest thing that points to Reigen's parents not being as awful as they are in fan content is that even after Reigen gets publicly exposed for being a con artist, his mom does tell him to learn his lesson from this but she also takes the time to prepare him an apology, tells him that he should come home (instead of telling him he's not welcome home/disowning him) and emphasizes that she's on his side. Maybe you could consider that the bare minimum of a decent parent but this to me just doesn't feel like she's the hateful abusive mother so often depicted. She could be warmer about it but she's obviously super concerned and wants Reigen to know she cares about him regardless of his actions.

(As for his dad, all we know is that he and Reigen don't talk to each other at all and that he thinks Reigen is unemployed. This relationship is definitely worse than Reigen and his mom's but there's little to go off of in terms of if his dad is a terrible parent or not. His mom seems to think he's worried about Reigen and that would definitely not surprise me.)

In terms of how Reigen feels about his parents, in the fanbook he acknowledges that there have been misunderstandings from both sides and that he'd like to talk things out with them and visit them more often. That's such a real thing lots of people can relate to and I'd love to see that get explored! I want to see Reigen patch things up with his parents! Maybe I'll write out my stupid fic idea for it idk.

I also don't want to stereotype but I am from an East Asian family myself and grew up surrounded by others so I feel like it's safe for me to say that Reigen's parents really remind me of your typical older generation of Asian parents. (Reigen was born in 1984 so his parents would definitely be of the boomer ilk, potentially even the Silent Generation if they had him on the older side.) Reigen also says in the fanbook that his parents are very serious people. Oftentimes with that older generation they just don't really show their care the way you'd normally see it. There may never be any "I love yous" but they'll cut you a plate of fruit without you asking or remember the show you liked 10 years ago and assume you're still into it...

Of course, parental norms in a culture don't justify hurtful parenting. (I mean just watch Everything Everywhere All At Once if you want to see the pain of having a disapproving Asian parent despite knowing they love you and just want what they think is best for you.) His mom fussing over his job and his lack of a girlfriend may be a super "Asian parent" thing, but it definitely hurts Reigen's feelings and she should cut that out. So yeah, Reigen's parents could do a lot better in terms of making Reigen feel supported and loved regardless if they approve of his life choices or not, but Reigen wants to patch things up with them for a reason and I'm hopeful that they can all reach a better understanding with each other.

One thing I also wish the anime showed was that Reigen's mom talks to him on the phone after Separation Arc! We see that in this omake:

Reigen definitely didn't tell his parents his phone number or his home address if his mom had to resort to emailing his business address just to talk to him. But I like to think that after Separation Arc he started letting his mom into his life a bit more...

God this was such a long rant, I'm sorry. One final thing before I get to your questions is that if we really need abusive parents to hate, Teru's non-present parents are ripe for the picking... Just saying.

(ask game)

I'm assuming you mean Reigen for all of these btw

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

Gosh I initially thought he was just a silly goofy character who could be annoying and pathetic at times, but I enjoyed his presence on-screen. Then he got deeper in the Season 1 finale and showed just how much he truly cared about Mob... That part definitely got me shook. He only got better and better from there and now he's one of my favorite characters in the story.

9. Could you be roommates with this character?

Jesus christ uh I definitely don't think he'd be a bad roommate and we'd probably get along just fine but I also think I'd annoy the shit out of him. I'm not the best at keeping my space neat and clean. Also the thought of meeting Reigen in person is actually terrifying... Reigen should never exist outside the world of fiction because his pure chaos would be too much for reality.

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it comes to ths character? Something you don't like?

Hmm I answered what I don't like last time, but I do like fics that explore his relationship with Mob or Serizawa. I also like seeing him confront more of his personal issues and grow as a person even if he gets a little hurt in the process-

[cafesanscreme]

The Family You Want vs The Family You Need?

When watching Ep. 7 I was struck by Yuzuko’s death and how brutal it was. At first I felt like it was a bit overdone and overall, the entire causal loop of it caused me more questions than answers. However, at the same time, I also feel like Yuzuko's death had to be brutal as a sort of 'consequence' for Kazuki not being entirely honest with Yuzuko (or himself) about his life, his career and how he would, in turn, support a young, vulnerable family. His 'potential' family had to contrast starkly with his 'new' family. I think there is something to be said for showing that, while maybe Kazuki was getting the family he always wanted his new family is the one he needs. 

Yuzuko and their unborn child are innocents and likely fully unware of what Kazuki does for a living. Their innocence gives Kazuki the normalcy he missed while growing up; with Yuzuko and their unborn child, he gets a chance at having a typical family -- one that allows for him to ‘protect and provide’, something Kazuki seems highly inclined and attracted to. He gets to be the father he never had and proudly watch his child receive the motherly affection he missed out on. However, on the other hand, this family of innocents forces him to live a double life that puts everyone at extreme risk. Yuzuko and their unborn child would not have been equipped to handle the consequences of Kazuki’s job. The reality is, eventually something would’ve happened. Not maybe or potentially, eventually. 

Rei, on the other hand, not only knows that Kazuki is an assassin, but is also an assassin himself. Miri, as their child, maybe doesn't know they're officially hitmen, but has seen them shooting at people and knows they keep guns in the house. She’s innocent but not totally unaware like his unborn child would've been. Overall there’s less secrets and less stress between Kazuki and Rei compared to Kazuki and Yuzuko. With Rei, there’s no need to hide where he gets the money from, and they both know the risks and subsequent consequences of their profession. He does not have to worry about Rei being a back-stabbing partner who uses his family against him because it’s Rei’s family too. So, while Kazuki and Rei are not perfectly suited to parenthood, they are much better placed, as a team, to protect their ‘family’ and what they have. They are much better placed to mitigate the risks of the job on their ‘family life’. 

Beyond that, he wants to raise a child with Rei like he wanted to raise a child with Yuzuko. And I’m not saying the sentiment is exactly the same in terms of his feelings for Rei vs Yuzuko, but the crux of the desire is there. He wants Rei to co-parent Miri with him, he says this very clearly to Kyu. He’s decided to do this with Rei not in-spite of him. Kazuki does not see Rei as Miri’s older brother or just someone who is there to help Kazuki out when he’s busy. Kazuki see’s Rei as his partner, not just on missions, but in life. It’s a big step in their relationship however you interpret it. And I know some people think Rei was forced into it, but Rei was willing to care for something with Kazuki too; the cat for example, and all the other strays he brought home before that. 

And no, Kazuki will never have a ‘normal’ family with Rei and Miri, but in a way, this is closer to normalcy than what he would’ve had with Yuzuko, and, dare I say, mentally and emotionally, it’s healthier too -- it’s one thing to never have met your partners parents cause they don’t get along or are estranged. It’s another thing entirely to not know your partner kills people for a living. 

I really sympathized with Kazuki this episode. Not just because of what happened in his past but the issue of knowing you need something but not allowing yourself to have it because you don’t feel you deserve it. Feeling ashamed of himself for not only finding fulfillment in his partnership with Rei, but beyond that, and probably what he felt most guilty about, finding happiness in co-parenting Miri with Rei. For having a new family and actually wanting it to work. For wanting the joy it brings it. For coveting it. 

Kazuki needs this family. He needs a partner who he can care and provide for and a child he can protect and provide for and without the same level of stress and secrecy and risks he would’ve had with Yuzuko. He needs the family he has now. And he wants it too. 

[monimccoythings]

SFW alphabet: Arlong

A= Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

He is not one to show a lot of affection, specially in public. He is a rough and tough fishman with a repuptation to keep, the only affection he has ever shown is that kind of brotherly affection he has with his crew. However, when you two are alone, he will sit you on his lap, and his webbed fingers will trace lines down your skin while he covers your neck in rough kisses, his sharp teeth close to breaking your skin but never managing to. He also likes to bring you close to smell your hair. That's as much as you can expect from him apart from the occasional kiss and nuzzle.

Sometimes you can hear coming out from his chest little growls that resemble purrs, though he will deny it and will threaten anyone who dares to mention them.

R= Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He has no favorite moment, but there are moments that he particularly likes. He likes that time where you stood up for fishmen against a slave owner, he found that very funny and endearing, as if they needed protection from a human; he really likes the minutes after he has had sex with you, just watching you sprawled on the bed with only the moonlight illuminating your body does wild things to him that he would never admit out loud. He also likes those private moments he gets to share with you, just watching you doing your own thing while he calmly observes you from his seat.

If you have children, there will definitely be a number one moment and it's the first time he sees you holding your child in your arms. That moment alone will awake something very primal inside him.

L= Little ones (How are they around children?)

He likes fishman and mermaid children and he has proven to be able to take care of them, just like he did with his younger sister; but he is a terrible influence over them, just look what happened with Hody. Human children, he does not like them very much, but will tolerate them if needed. If you two ever have children, he would be surprisingly doting and loving of them even if they are half human. I think he would feel the need to compensate for his lack of parents when he was younger, he doesn't want his kids to struggle the same ways he and his sister did.

O= Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

It takes long for him to open up to you. Even if you were a mermaid or a fishwoman, he still wouldn't open up to you so easily. Arlong doesn't like to talk much about his past or his feelings, the only people that seem to have his full trust are his crew. When he does open, he will only reveal small details about himself and his backstory, not too much that could leave him emotionally vulnerable before you.

N= Night (How are nights spent with them?)

He pulls you close to his chest, drapping a possessive arm around you. He buries his nose in your neck, and he will never tell, but you know that's because your scent calms him down, if the way his heavy breathing starts to slow down when he sniffs you is any indication. Just feeling his big warm body embracing you is enough to make you sleep peacefully and feeling protected.

G= Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He is a brute. That's the truth. He was raised on the Fishman district and every day of his childhood was a fight for survival. He may act coy and sly and polite enough for a man of his temper to lead his foes into a false sense of security, but can be pretty ruthless and raw if he wants to.

But don't worry, he realises quickly that you are no match for him physically, so he tries to be as careful as he is able to with you because to him, you are made of glass.

(Okay, as your relationship develops further, he starts becoming a bit softer and gentler around you, but not enough to look weak in front of his comrades and enemies, he wants to keep his status as a feared fishman pirate intact. Don't expect him to act all lovey dovey and prince charming, though).