#hazel needs to have substance

[probablywhisper]

An entire page of Pyroclastic sketches!!! Oopsies someone is sickly

Dust!Sans belongs to Ask-DustTale

Hazel Froslight belongs to me ( @probablywhisper )

[bayetea]

seeing non-black people critique rick's portrayal of black characters is interesting sometimes. only like 30% of the critiques I see make any sense to me to be honest

[muffinpink02]

Pre Game Nerves

I don't think this was a request, but I like the idea. So, thank you anon!

Warnings - smut 18

“Aleeeee, fuuuck.” You whimpered as you pulled at the restraints that were tight around your wrist.

“Shhh, it's okay baby. Just take a little more.” She mumbled with her wet mouth around your nipple.

Your mind was mush. A massive wet puddle of mess. 

All thanks to Alexia.

Your usually self-assured girlfriend had confessed to feeling nervous today, and it was understandable. You knew it was an important match today, the team needed two points, and even though you were confident they would achieve it, Alexia couldn't share your confidence. 

She needed to calm her nerves. She needed a distraction, something to keep her mind off the nerves. 

And that's exactly why you were on your back. Your wrists were bound tightly to the bedpost, Alexia’s plump lips were wrapped around your perked nipple, sucking and biting on your flesh with no care of being gentle. Her right hand played with your left nipple, twisting and tweaking as she lost herself on your chest.

Her hips were slotted between your thighs, though she wasn't really fucking you, the vibrating strap was doing enough damage to make your cunt clench tightly around the thick plastic. 

For 40 minutes she had you like this. 

40 long minutes she had you withering underneath her. 

Your body was trembling under hers, you could feel every nerve in your body screaming for some release. The constant stimulation you had on all your most sensitive areas was mind numbing. Your body was drenched in sweat, glistening as all your muscles were fighting for a let up, needing some kind of rest bite, but that wasn't her plan.

No, her plan was to watch you crumble, cry out her name as she watched you take her. 

And you had been so good for her, you had taken so much already. Your arse still stung from the 10 smacks she had given each cheek. Your clit could still feel the way her lips had wrapped around the sensitive bud, sucking and licking the bundle of nerves into her warm mouth, but of course stopping just before you could have any kind of orgasm.

Because that was the point, she wanted to work you up to the point of no return. 

“Ale, baby. Please. I-I don’t think I can take it anymore.”

The blonde lifted her head, you watched as her lips pulled at your nipple, making you wince. 

“No? My good girl can’t take any more?” 

You could tell by the tone of her voice that she was about to make you take a lot more.

“I thought you were my good girl?” She kissed your other nipple, quickly taking it into her warm mouth.

“I ammm!” You pouted before biting your bottom lip.

She hummed, her hazel eyes looked up at you. You could tell she had lost all those nerves she had felt earlier. 

“Well then. Be my good girl, and take a little more, amor. I know you can.”

Before you could reply she began to gently thrust her hips.

“Fuck!” You gasped as the vibrations began to hit deeper inside you.

“That's it. Just like that. I know you can take it.” 

“O-Okay.” You stuttered. 

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as she continued to drive her hips into you, bringing you closer to your climax, but she knew exactly what you needed to come, and she wasn't about to give you that. 

The vibrations from the toy made your walls spasm and clench, stroke after stroke. It was all too much, your body felt like it was losing consciousness from the stimulation of it all. Your vision began to blur as the mix between pain and pleasure bled together. 

Alexia’s lips came down on your own, it made you flinch. 

“One more thing, I promise. You’ve been so good for me. Just one more.”

Alexia leaned forward, ignoring your groans as she pushed herself deeper inside. You heard her fiddle with the bedside draw.

Your eyes popped open as you realised what she was grabbing.

She pumped a generous amount of lube and covered the plug in the sticky substance.

“Think you can take it, Bebé?” She smiled at you, her mischievous eyes made your cunt squeeze around her. You wished she could feel it.

“Yeah, I can take it.” You whispered. 

“I knew you could.” Her voice was low as she spoke against your lips. 

She deepened the kiss as she began to push the plug between your cheeks.

You nearly tapped out when you felt the toy slot inside you, all you could do was concentrate on her mouth. The way her tongue danced alongside your own was maybe the thing to keep you from floating away.

Her hips began to speed up, her mouth moved to your neck sucking hard on your skin before moving down to bite at your collar bone. She pulled back to look at the many bites and bruises she had painted on your body, the different colours splattered on your skin. She looked down proudly at her work before adding more to your breast.

Your core was tight with the new toy inside, you could feel your pussy clenching impossibly tighter around her strap, each stroke of her hips was hitting your g spot.

You were losing the impossible battle. 

The muscles in your arms were starting to scream as you pulled at the restraints. 

“Trying to go somewhere?” Alexia chuckled as she took a long lick along your breast.

“A-Ale- fuck. Baby, I’m close.” 

“Don’t. Don’t you dare.” She warned.

Your eyes began to tear up as a hot shiver ran up your body. You could feel it, your climax was growing over your nerves as it created a hot swirl of thunder in your stomach. The drenched sheets clung to your sticky skin and she pushed her hips deeper inside you. 

Alexia watched as the tears rolled down your cheeks, her thumb stroked along your face, catching the tears. 

“You're so pretty when you let me use you like this, you're my special, bebita. Aren't you?” 

You nodded weekly, you couldn't form words at this point.

Alexia’s hazel eyes scanned your face, landing on your lips. Her thumb pulled at your bottom lip, opening your mouth. 

“Swallow.” She commanded as she spat inside your mouth.

You moaned as you swallowed her fluids, you felt a rush of wetness drip from between your legs as you let her use you. Then her thumb pushed between your kiss swollen lips. 

“Suck.” 

You didn't think twice before your lips wrapped obediently around her digit, your tongue circled her thumb, just like you would if it was her strap.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she felt your slick mouth suck on her.

“Merda, you feel so fucking good.” She bit at her own lip.

You continued to suck, it almost distracted you from the throbbing pain that sat between your legs, the way your sensitive clit cried to be touched. But it wasn't enough.

You closed your eyes as you felt your orgasm building, your thighs began to quiver around her hips.

“Ale!’ You warned.

Alexia hummed as she brought her lips to yours. Her fucking smug smile was not helping.

“Are you close, amor?” She knew the fuckign answer. 

You nodded, your tears were now mixing with the sweat on your neck.

“Have you been my good girl?” She murmured before stealing your breath with a deep kiss, her hips pushing deeper as she looked into your eyes.

“Yes!” 

“Shall I let you come?” 

“YES!” You cried out.

Her chuckle was enough to know she wasn't going to give you that pleasure.

“No. Not now.” She kissed you deeply again before gently pulling out of you. 

“Aleeee!” You cried out.

“Later, amor. I promise. I’ll make you feel so good. Would you like that?” 

You nodded, pouting cutely up at your infuriating girlfriend. 

Alexia laughed as she stripped herself of the harness.

“You’ve been such a good girl.” She kissed your nose as she untied your wrist from the bedpost.

She didn't give you a second glance before she left you to lay in your wet sheets, taking a shower as she got ready for her match, her nerves all but disappeared. 

You laid on the bed, your muscles twitched and ached all over. You were a fucking wreck and you hadnt even been wrecked. 

You knew you couldn't touch yourself, even though the urge was hard. 

You were her good girl, and you knew she would be disappointed if you finished the job. 

So you stayed strong. 

“Amor, I’m going.” You heard your girlfriend call out as she entered the kitchen, where you had taken yourself to distract from the throb that was still beating between your legs.

You turned to see your gorgeous girlfriend sporting a very swarve trench coat. She looked like a sexy business woman. She looked fucking hot.

The throbbingggg.

“You look good, baby.” You smiled as she gently kissed your lips.

“Thank you, cariño. Thank you for helping me earlier.” She lovingly stroked your cheek.

“Always.” You whispered as you brought her lips back to yours.

“I’ll see you later.” 

—-------------

Alexia walked through the tunnel to the stadium, her nerves had completely disappeared, she felt a lightness in her step, all thanks to you.

Her mind wandered to you, to the way you gave yourself up to her. To the way your legs squeezed her sides as she felt you getting closer to your climax. 

You were so good for her.

She didn't realise she was smiling when she thought about all the things she would do to you again. 

She didn't even realise her photo had been taken, her thoughts miles away. 

—------------

You scrolled on your phone, waiting to see if Barca had posted any pre match fit photos on insta. You smiled when you spotted the blonde, looking like a sexy CEO. 

The smile on her face was telling, but only to you. 

The fucking throbbing.

—------------

Alexia kept her promise. Giving you orgasm after orgasm. 

That’s when you finally had to tap out.

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

Just a tiny blurb below on how Alexia kept her promise when she got home.

right here!

[jockwrites]

Can you write something aggressive please 😩

RIGHT HERE - p.b

warnings: smut, (r receiving,) use of drug substances, cursing

a/n: this is pretty short, not that aggressive tbh..but i’m trying a new writing style! also please please please send requests <3

for @billiesmainchick @doyouknowhowtob3nd

paige is manspread on the couch, the aroma of weed sorrounding her.

at the moment, she’s mad because you’d rather spend time with your friends than her. but this isn’t a one time thing—you always do this.

she thinks maybe she’s just overthinking, maybe she’s just in her mind too much. but regardless, if you called she’d answer. if you came in, angry, upset, she’d comfort.

no matter how mad she is, she’s always there for you.

but you aren’t answering her calls, and she’s starting to get heated minute by minute. that’s when she decides to call you one more time, just for closure so she can go to sleep. she’s already high as it is.

you giggle & laugh with your friends, noticing an incoming call from paige before accepting it.

“hello?” you speak into the phone, your smile blatantly obvious through your voice.

her voice is shaky, and there's a hint of anger in it "hey, where are you right now? who are you with?" she asks, trying to keep her tone even. but it's clear she's on edge.

you roll your eyes, knowing she’s just in one of those moods, “im with my friends, paige,” you huffed.

“why can’t you spend time with me? and why the fuck won’t you answer my calls?” she questions, her voice wavering. she’s getting upset, her voice shaking a little. she’s a bit too high.

you shake your head “paige, they’re my friends. and i didn’t answer because we’re having fun, i’ll be back soon.”

she scoffs, getting more heated “so i'm not important enough to answer? i'm sitting here alone, waiting for you. and you're out having fun with your friends. do i not matter to you?”

you get agitated, rolling your eyes as your hand comes up to rub your temple in distress and annoyance, “paige, i’ll be home soon. stop overreacting. yes, you do matter, but they just wanted to spend time with me.”

she laughs bitterly, “stop overreacting? really? you're telling me to stop overreacting when you're the one who keeps blowing me off?” her voice raises. she's definitely high and definitely pissed, “i've been waiting for you all day.”

you scoff, “paige, God. chill the fuck out i said i’ll be there soon.”

she pauses, her breathing heavy. silence. then she speaks, her voice low, “you know what? forget it. i don't give a fuck about your friends.” and with that, she hangs up the phone. you stare at your phone, confused. that was harsh.

you look around, then eagerly tell your friends you need to go, “hey guys, im gonna head out. paige needs me”

you get a simple, in sync, “bye bye,” from everyone before you get up to leave.

you don’t know what’s gotten into paige.

by the time you arrive to the apartment, she’s high as can be, her eyes bloodshot red. she’s in some joggers and a white tee on the couch, her legs manspread. her eyes are low, the expression on her face enough to scare a child. the stench of weed is thick in the air.

you walk in, noticing the unusual disposition she has, “hey baby, are you okay?”

she looks up at you, her gaze hazy as she speaks with sarcasm dripping in her voice. “yeah, im fine. just chillin.” she reaches for her phone, texting someone quickly before putting it down. “so, what made you come back after you fucking left me for those bullshit excuses of ‘friends’?” she asks, her voice husky and low.

you roll your eyes in annoyance, putting one hand on your hip, “paige,” you speak calmly, “i just wanted to have fun. am i not allowed?”

“take a fucking look around hazel,” she says, her voice a low mumble. her eyes are heavy, the high she’s on making her lazy, “they’re not your fucking friends. i’ve already explained this to you. i can’t let this shit keep happening, it happens again and again and i’m sick of it. fuck them.”

you furrow your eyebrows, “but they’re my friends paige. i can’t just not hangout with them.”

she sits up, her eyes finally focusing on you. her gaze is intense, serious. “bro, hazel, i don’t give a fuck about your friends. i’m right here, why can’t you see that? i’m the only one who’s been there for you. they just want you to come out with them so yall can drink and get fucking laid.”

you look at paige in annoyance, wondering why she’s so bitter all of a sudden, “paige, i do see you. but you need to stop, they are my real friends. you’re just jealous.”

she stands up, her face slightly red with anger. “real friends? really? are you fucking kidding me? they don’t give a shit about you, hazel. they only care about themselves. but you, you care about me. you always have. and i care about you more than they ever could.”

you’re getting agitated, the frustration clear in your voice.“paige, yes they do,” you protest.

she gets in your face, her breath reeking of weed. “no, they fucking don't. you're just too stupid to see it,” she grabs your dress, pulling you closer. “i've been waiting all night for you. you wouldn’t answer my calls.. you wouldn’t text me back.. i’ve been rolling crazy all damn night.”

you look paige in the eyes, going from a bright blue to dark grey. you lean in to whisper, “paige.. im sorry. i didn’t mean to keep you waiting on me.”

“you don’t act like you’re fucking sorry,” she hisses, her voice low and seductive, “you gotta understand baby, i don’t give a fuck about them.”

paige backs you into the wall, the dark scenery of the living room making it hard for you to see, “paige, please.”

she presses her body against yours, pinning you to the wall. her hand comes up to grip your throat, not squeezing, just resting there. “please what, hazel? please stop? please let you go back to your so-called friends?”

you look up at her, this interaction slightly turning you on, “no, paige. i meant could you forgive me,” you whisper, breaking eye contact in guilt.

her grip tightens around your throat slightly as she leans in close, her lips brushing against your ear, “forgive you for what, hazel?” her hand moves down your chest. her touch is so scary, yet so gentle. “for making me worry? for blowing me off?”

your breathing is speeding up, you gulping as her hand comes back up to your neck, “yeah, kind of.”

she leans in closer, her lips barely touching yours. her voice drops to a whisper. “you gotta let me prove i love you more than they do.” her hand moves from your neck, slowly sliding down to grip your waist as the other hand mimics.

you can feel paige starting to kiss your neck, biting your soft spot which makes you bite back a moan, “you can prove it baby.”

her hands move, groping your boobs softly as she kneads them. her kisses trail to your jawline, “it’s not gonna happen again, is it?” she whispers into your ear, her right hand going to grip your ass.

you moan, your arms wrapping around her neck as you speak, slightly breathless, “mhm, no baby, it won’t happen again i promise.”

she growls softly, nuzzling into your neck, her touch getting firmer. she picks you up by the back of your thighs, wrapping your legs around her waist. she carries you to the couch, lowering you down gently. she climbs on top of you, pinning your arms above your head.

you look up at paige, biting your bottom lip in pleasure, “what, you gonna punish me or something?” you provoked, pushing your chest up slightly.

she grins mischievously, leaning down to bite your bottom lip, tugging it gently. she kisses your neck, your collarbone, your chest, slowly pulling the shoulder straps of your dress down. she looks up at you, her eyes cold. “you wanna be punished?”

you smirk, “maybe.”

she growls softly, her hands trailing down your arms, your sides, to your thighs. she grips them tightly, parting them. she leans down, her breath hot against your core. she looks up at you from beneath your dress, her face neutral. "maybe?"

you nag, body desperate for friction, “yeah, maybe.”

without warning, she tugs your panties aside and dives in, licking a slow stripe up your slit. she moans at your taste, the vibrations sending shockwaves through you. her tongue circles your clit teasingly before sucking it between her lips.

you immediately moan, the sudden traction of her tongue onto your clit making you go senseless.

she continues to eat you out, her hands spreading your legs wider as she laps at your pussy. she sticks a finger inside you, curling it to hit that spot that makes you see stars. “you gonna stop acting like a bitch?”

you bite your bottom lip, hands going to grip her hair aggressively as you buck your hips against her face. practically grinding, “mm paige fuck! yes baby!”

she moans into your pussy, the vibrations intensifying your pleasure. she adds another finger, pumping them in and out rapidly as her tongue flicks over your clit. her free hand comes up to pinch and roll your nipple through your dress. “that’s my good girl, always listening to me.”

you let out a wave of curses and moans, the whimpers eliciting a sudden burst of energy in paige,“oh! paige just like that oh my-”

she growls into your core, her fingers pumping faster and harder as you buck your hips against her face. she can feel you getting closer, your legs shaking against her shoulders. she wraps her arms around your thighs to hold you in place as she doubles her efforts, “come for me baby, let me know you know i love you.”

you moan, grinding against her face as you grope her hair tighter. you use your free hand, going to pull your dress down further to knead your tits, “fuck paige you’re gonna make me cum-”

she sucks hard on your clit, her fingers curling inside you as she presses her palm against your ass. she holds you in place, not letting you move as she devours your pussy. she feels you tighten around her fingers and knows you're about to cum.

you start to approach your climax, your legs quivering, “paige please don’t stop ohmygosh!” you whine out.

she can feel you tensing up, your breathing hitching as you get closer and closer to the edge. she growls encouragingly, her fingers beckoning inside you as her mouth sucks hard on your bundle of nerves. “that's it baby. keep being a good girl for me.”

you reach your climax, riding out your high. she keeps going, drawing out your pleasure until you're boneless and gasping. she slowly eases back, wiping her face with the back of her hand as she grins up at you. “you did so good,” she climbs back up your body, kissing you deeply so you can taste yourself on her.

you kiss her passionately, wrapping your legs around her waist as you cup her face, “i’m sorry baby, i promise i won’t leave you alone like that again,” you promise, still out of breath from the static orgasm.

she deepens the kiss, her hands roaming your body possessively. she breaks the kiss to bury her face in your neck, breathing heavily. “you’re mine, you hear me? no one else gets to touch you like this.”

“i know, i love you.”

“i love you more baby.”

a/n: ok this took forever and it’s still bad but i wanted it to be perfect bc i didn’t like my other fics also new writing style who cheered! nobody. anyway thanks for reading pls pls pls send requests/asks other than just “smut” because that’s literally all i have .. also i used this website to help with words to use for my writing and it works like magic bro😭😭 ok bye yap yap

[bright-side20]

A little Elriel scene 😁

Elain stood near the edge of the crowd, her gaze flicking toward the dais where the royal family sat. The King and Queen of Valahan, wearing their crystalline crowns, looked like cold statues on their high thrones. Beside them, the Crown Prince stood tall and proud, his piercing eyes sweeping over the room.

Azriel stood at her side, his wings slightly spread, the faint brush of them against her shoulders like a silent reassurance that everything would go as planned.

“To peace and prosperity, and to the Night Court’s alliance.”

A wave of polite applause followed, and the guests raised their glasses. A chill ran down Elain’s spine as a servant handed her a goblet.

Azriel hesitated beside her, his sharp gaze fixed on the drink. After a moment, he lifted his goblet and took a small sip, his face unreadable. Elain noticed his hand tighten slightly around the glass.

She raised her own goblet, but before it could touch her lips, Azriel’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. “Don’t,” he said firmly, his voice low but urgent.

Elain blinked, her brow furrowing. “Is it…?”

“Not here,” Azriel cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We need to leave the room. Now.”

Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze darted toward the dais. The Crown Prince’s eyes were on her. “They’ll see us,” Elain whispered, her voice tight with worry.

Azriel followed her gaze, his grip on her wrist tightening. One of the nobles stepped forward, bowing deeply before the royal family and launching into a speech. Elain seized the moment, gently tugging at Azriel’s arm. Together, they slipped toward the nearest exit, moving through the crowd.

The moment they were free of the hall, Azriel stumbled. His shoulder brushed against the wall.

“Azriel,” Elain whispered, stepping closer to him. Her voice filled with concern. “What’s happening?”

“The drink,” he muttered. “There was something in it. I didn’t want you to…” He shook his head, trying to clear it, but his steps faltered again.

Elain quickly wrapped an arm around his waist, steadying him. “We need to get you somewhere safe. Come on,” she urged softly.

By the time they reached her chambers, his weight leaned heavily against her, and his usually graceful movements were clumsy. She managed to guide him to the bed, her heart racing as she helped him sit down, half-laying him back against the headboard.

“Azriel, talk to me,” she said, brushing strands of hair from his face. “What do you think it was? Could the royal family...”

“It doesn’t matter,” he interrupted, his hazel eyes fluttering open to meet hers. “You’re safe..”

She shook her head. “Of course it matters! If they’re targeting you...us...we need to know.”

Elain glanced toward the door. “I’m going to find a healer. You need help..."

“No,” he said sharply. “We can’t risk it. If the wrong person finds out I’m unwell... We’re already on fragile ground with this treaty.”

Her stomach churned. “Azriel, you’re hurt. They poisoned you.”

“And we can’t let them see it worked,” he said firmly. His head tipped back against the Headboard, his chest heaving.

Elain felt her pulse quicken, fear spreading through her. If only she knew exactly what was in that drink, maybe she could cure him with one of the remedies Madja had taught her.

“Do you have any idea what it could’ve been?” she asked

Azriel shook his head, unable to speak.

She sat next to him, her hand reaching to touch his face. His skin burned under her fingers, a faint sheen of sweat covering his brow. His breathing was uneven and ragged, and his eyes were hazy. Whatever poison or substance was in that drink was dragging him under, and she could feel how wrong it was. The fear of something happening to him clawed at her chest.

“We need to get you to Velaris,” she said. “Can you winnow us?”

Azriel shook his head again, his hand gripping the edge of the bed as though he was fighting to stay conscious. “I… I can’t. Not like this,” he rasped, his voice low. “I don’t trust myself to get us there safely.”

His head lolled against the headboard, and his hand fumbled at his side. Elain watched, frozen, as he pulled Truth-Teller from its sheath and held it out to her.

“Take it,” he rasped, his hand trembling. “If… If something happens, you’ll need it.”

Her lips parted in shock. “I’m not leaving you,” she said firmly. “Don’t even think about asking me to.”

Azriel let out a weak, frustrated growl, his hand dropping the blade onto the bed. “I just sipped a little… nothing will happen to me. I just need to rest. Elain, you...”

“No.” Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. “I’m staying.”

His shadows curled protectively around her, as if agreeing with her decision. She glanced toward the door. “Azriel,” she said softly, brushing his damp hair back. “I need your shadows to watch the door, to make sure no one is coming.”

The wisps of darkness immediately darted toward the edges of the room. Elain let out a relieved breath and turned her focus back to Azriel’s flushed face. His temperature was climbing...she could feel the heat radiating from him even from inches away.

She stood quickly, hurrying toward the bathroom, fighting the burning in her throat. If only Feyre or Rhys could contact her, but they were too far, and she knew their daemati powers couldn’t reach this far. She grabbed a clean towel, soaked it in cold water, and wrung it out.

When she returned, Azriel was slumped against the headboard, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

“Azriel,” she said softly, placing the cool cloth on his forehead. He flinched at the touch but soon relaxed, a faint sigh slipping past his lips.

Her gaze shifted to his Illyrian leathers, dark and heavy against his overheating skin. She knew they had to come off. "Azriel," she said hesitantly, her cheeks warming. "I need to…" She gestured awkwardly toward his armor.

His eyes flickered open, and he gave a faint nod, too weak to speak. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the clasps on his chest. The intricate buckles and straps were tight, and she fumbled as she tried to undo them.

"The buttons… are at the back," he murmured, his voice low and rough.

She climbed onto the bed, helping him lean his weight on her. Her hands brushed over the smooth expanse of his back as she searched for the fastenings. Her fingers accidentally grazed the base of his wings, and he shuddered violently, his body jerking.

She froze, her hands going still. "I’m sorry," she whispered, her heart pounding. Cerridwen had once explained how Illyrian wings were extremely sensitive. But before she could pull away, his hand shot out, gripping her waist and pulling her closer. Her breath hitched as she found herself pressed against him.

"Don’t apologize. I should," he said hoarsely, his hazel eyes red and locked onto hers. Before she could respond, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her neck. His lips were soft, almost burning, and she bit her lip to stop a sound from escaping.

"I… I tried," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "Tried to stay away. But you… you make it impossible."

Her lips parted as she whispered, "Azriel, you’re feverish. You’re not yourself."

He let out a low, humorless laugh. "No, Elain. For once, I think I am." His fingers brushed lightly against the underside of her breasts, making her shudder.

Undressing him now was probably a bad idea, but she didn’t have any other choice. She had to do something to bring his temperature down. She reached for his back again, unfastening the armor and gently slipping it off until his chest was bare. And gods, his muscles were sharp and defined. She wondered how many centuries of training it had taken for him to have a body like that. The tattoos covering his chest and shoulders made him look even more powerful. She couldn’t stop staring, and she hated how her fingers itched with the urge to touch him.

Elain swallowed hard, her fingers trembling as she reached for the cool cloth again. Before she could press it to his skin, his hands found her waist. In one swift motion, he rolled, and she gasped as she ended up beneath him, his head resting heavily on her chest. His fingers brushed against her thigh, his touch light but enough to make her shiver. The weight of him was overwhelming, his wings spread wide like a fallen angel.

She tried to move, but the moment she shifted, he let out a low sound of protest, a quiet growl that made her heart race.

“Azriel,” she said, her voice shaky.

His head moved slightly, nuzzling closer to her, his breath warm against her breasts.

“Yes, love?” he murmured, his voice rough and low.

Her breath caught, her chest tightening at the way he said it, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. She reminded herself that he was hallucinating, whatever he had drunk was playing with his mind.

"Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She brought a hand to his hair, brushing it back gently. "You need to let me help you."

"But you are helping," he murmured, his lips brushing against the soft curve of her breasts, and she nearly whimpered. "I just need to feel you," he added, his hand slipping under her dress, dangerously close to the edge of her underwear.

"Don’t leave me," he continued. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to hers. His hazel eyes, usually so guarded, were wide and filled with something raw...fear, longing, hunger...it made her chest ache

“Elain…” he murmured. “You always disappear when I wake up. You’re always... a beautiful dream.”

She brought her hands to his face, cupping his jaw gently, her thumbs brushing over his high cheekbones. His skin was burning, a feverish warmth that made her worry deepen.

"I’m here, Azriel. I’m not going anywhere," she said as her fingers trailed along the sharp line of his jaw.

His eyes fluttered closed at her touch, a quiet sigh escaping him. She shifted slightly, moving her hand to his hair, threading her fingers through the soft, dark strands. Slowly, gently, she combed through his hair, her touch soothing him.

Her fingers continued their soft path, brushing over his hair, down to his jaw, and back again. She couldn’t stop herself from memorizing every detail...the sharp angles of his face, the curve of his lips... She couldn’t help but think how beautiful he was...the way everything about him seemed to draw her in.

He let out a soft hum, almost a contented sound, as his breathing evened out completely. His wings, which had been taut and tense, relaxed against the bed, draping around them.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself imagine a life where this was real...a life where they were just a couple, safe and warm, in each other’s arms. But that wasn’t the truth. The truth was that poison was burning through Azriel’s body right now, and he might not even remember what he’d said to her. The truth was that she didn’t know how to help him, the royal family might have already noticed their absence, and she was supposed to give a speech by the end of the event. Everything could fall apart at any moment.

Tears blurred her vision, burning hot against her cheeks.

A hot liquid seeped onto her chest, and she had to clamp her hands over her mouth to stop herself from screaming when she saw blood trickling from Azriel’s nose and mouth.

Panic surged through her as she quickly moved from beneath him, turning him to face her. “Azriel,” she cried, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. “Stay with me, please.”

But he didn’t respond. His face was pale, his breathing shallow.

If anything happened to him, she swore she would destroy this kingdom. She would burn it to the ground.

A wave of power surged through her, making the Truth-Teller hum where it rested on the bed. She froze, her gaze snapping to the dagger. It buzzed with an energy that felt alive, calling to her as if it was trying to speak.

Her trembling fingers reached for the blade. The moment her hand closed around it, a strange sense of calm washed over her. She remembered how she had once commanded it to save her sister, and now, she closed her eyes, focusing on her power...the blade’s power.

“Undo what’s poisoning his blood,” she said, her voice firm despite her shaking hands.

A shadow flowed from the dagger, dark and cool, like smoke wrapping around her fingers. It glided over Azriel’s chest and sank into his skin, disappearing as quickly as it came. She held her breath, watching for any sign of change.

Azriel twitched, his brows furrowing, and his breathing hitched. His lips parted as a low groan escaped him, and she pressed a hand to his cheek. Relief flooded her when the heat began to fade from his skin, and the blood stopped.

His eyes blinked, hazy at first, but gradually they focused on her. For a moment, he said nothing, just looked at her as if trying to figure out if she was real. "Heaven" he murmured, his gaze shifting over her face as though she was an angel.

Before she could respond, an overwhelming urge to hold him swept through her, and she unconsciously leaned forward to hug him.

Azriel's hand gently rested on her back, and he whispered hoarsely, "You saved me."

But as the words left his lips, the shadows in the room stirred, shifting uneasily. They whispered urgently in his mind. He lifted his head, eyes narrowing as the shadows warned him.

"It's time," he said, his voice more forceful now. "You have to give your speech."

[everythingannoyingpjo]

Octavian: Final Thoughts

I don't actually think this is the last time we will discuss Octavian on this blog. However we've had a lot of good discussion about his character so I wanted to finalize my thoughts on the subject so that I have a reference I can look back on going forward.

Facts

Octavian is not 100% Evil:

Octavian is a child.

Octavian is a product of the culture he was raised in.

Octavian has reason to believe that the attack on New Rome was legitimate.

Octavian has reason to believe he is doing what the gods want.

Octavian is Definitely Guilty of:

Warmongering

Seeking power.

Being a jerk.

Octavian Might (Not) Have:

Killed Gwendolyn

Blackmailed Hazel

Prophetic Abilities

Been manipulated by Gaea

Intentionally allowed Bryce back into the military despite his questionable history.

Octavian's Narrative Function

An entrenched power for Percy, Hazel, and Frank to overcome. (But they already had the giants to overcome and didn't need a secondary antagonist.)

To make Hazel, Percy and Frank's quest more difficult. (His only opposition was in not giving them very much money and a crappy boat, but that could have happened whether Octavian was present or not.)

To make Reyna appear more sympathetic. (I feel like this could have been better handled a different way.)

To create a sense of urgency. (Again, there are other ways.)

Conclusions

Octavian Doesn't Make Sense

His actions, implied or directly stated, contradict his motives.

This could be because he's "complicated."

This could be because he's a plot device and Rick never intended him to be a "Real Character."

Octavian is Frustrating (Because)

He could have been "complicated."

Now I will never have the satisfaction of piecing his mysterious pieces together.

No one likes him.

I know how it feels to be unliked and the butt of everyone's joke. I don't like seeing people treated that way unless their truly irredeemable.

He doesn't make sense.

I can't even enjoy disliking him because he has no substance.

He serves no larger purpose.

The story would have been just as good as, or even better, without him.

Final Conclusion: Octavian is a poorly written character and an unecesarry plot device. We all cry for the villain he could have been. RIP.

[importantgalaxyrunaway]

Unexpected visitor (Matt Murdock x reader)

note: WHEN I SAY THUS TOOK FOREVER I MEAN IT ITS FINALLY DONE

warning ⚠️: injuries, Matt in pain, mentioned kidnapping, amazing reader, fluff and angst, a bit long

(takes place in season one) Crash! I hear my plants pot fall and the pictures on the wall shattered. I jolt awake at the noise. What could cause that noise in Hell’s Kitchen at 3 am? Only one answer a robber. Stupid! I’m so stupid! I had left the fire escape window open to temp in some cool air on this summer’s night. Well it had worked my apartment was filled with the crisp night air and all its smells. However I should no by now to not leave my window open during the night in Hell’s Kitchen. But the place was so hot and muggy I couldn’t stand it. I tentatively creep out of the comfort of my bedroom. I grab a book as a makeshift weapon incase I need it. I cross to the living space and with all the courage I could muster flipping the light switch on. And nothing could have prepared me for this sight…..

The devil on Hell’s Kitchen was bleeding out in my living room. Gasping desperately for air his blood seeping into the carpet.

now you had heard tales of the man in the mask, many tales in face from the news. They say he’s a terrioist that he blew up those buildings and shot those cops. Personally I didn’t believe that, he was the devil the city needed. Police don’t do anything there all in someone’s pocket though I don’t know exactly who yet. When my little sister got kidnapped by human traffickers we did everything we could with the police. We filed for a missing person and searched and searched but they said that there is nothing they could do. We knew that wasn’t true. They could have done something! They could have helped her! But nobody helped her nobody but the devil. She showed up at our doorstep one night saying that she had been saved by a man with a mask covering his eyes. In a dark suit but she had said that he had beat up her kidnappers and left her unscathed he had saved my sister. The man in the mask, the devil of Hell’s Kitchen, bleeding out on your carpet.

(third person-ish)

She rushed to his side kneeling down next to him, not caring about the bloody situation. She was a nurse after all. There was a long gash across his side it was so deep you could see the bone. “n-no hospitals”

the mystery man croaks out. Well at least you knew he was still conscious and you had no time to argue.You put pressure on the wound to stop it from bleeding out at first. He let out a sudden cry of pain that broke your heart. Even though you didn’t fully know him yet you feel somehow responsible for him and to care for him he had saved your sister afterall. You gently pulled off his mask to see whose life you were saving to see who you were saving and exactly how bad the damage was. A gasp leaves your mouth. His face was nothing as you had expected. He had chestnut brown fluffy hair, his beautiful hazel eyes were….unsighted?

was he blind? He looks almost…angelic

his face though covered in blood struck you with how beautiful it was. It wasn’t intimidating as it was with the mask on. As scary he was with it on beating up criminals it surprised you how vulnerable he looked. Covered in blood and confused sightless eyes darting around as you gently lifted his eyes up. (Like in the gif) he looked almost like a puppy who’s been kicked to many times. Your heartbeat quickened a considerable amount and you saw him slightly tilt his head to the side and groans at the movement.

“Don’t move” you hushed in a gentle tone. “This is going to hurt a lot but I need to clean the wound”

you unscrew the rubbing alcohol and wet the gauze with the substance a considerable amount. He grits his teeth in anticipation. I started cleaning the wound pouring more rubbing alcohol, he lets out an agonized scream. His back arches off the floor slightly in pain abs flexing. You then start the process of stitches….

——/

“shh shh” you soothe him as soon as your done. Caressing his face and brushing his hair out of his face a thin layer of cold sweat had come over his body. His hair had stuck to his forehead and you pushed it back away. He leaned into your touch like a man starved, savoring the feeling.

how long has it been since he’s been touched like this? It must have been ages. Hes so much more beautiful than I could have imagined

“it’s over now. It’s over it’s ok, “ you keep stroking his face.

he looks up at you with desperation in his eyes. “T-thank you.”

He manages with a quivering voice. But even so you can tell he’s very grateful. You scratch his chin lightly and he hums in pleasure.

“your so brave, you risk your life saving our city. Take so much pain. No one forced you to do that. Your so brave—“

“Matthew” he tries to prop himself up on his elbows but instead cries out in pain “or Matt” he chuckles bitterly clutching his side.

“y/n l/n” you say pleased to know the strangers name, it was a show of trust. “And than answers my next question of weither you can stand” you put your hand on your hips still kneeling at his side looking at this beautiful man. His eyes shut in pain.

“Matthew” you cooed in a voice and sweet as honey. In Matt’s mind the sugary voice engulfed him for hours in his pained state it was like a line in a storm. His eyelids fluttered open. She stroked his hair and went down to scratch his slightly bloody stubble. He let out a small moan almost unable to hear it but it was there. He leaned into her touch placing his weight of his head on your hand. You keep scratching his stubble as you ask your next question. “Are you blind Matthew?” You ask tentatively not knowing if it’s a touchy subject.

”yes i am” he breathes out

poor thing he must be in so much pain

“how are you fighting then?” You still couldn’t wrap your head around it.

“there are other ways to see” he smirks but the little gesture even seems to take energy out of him.

“Well who did this to you?” You put your hands on your hips. He doesn’t answer his eyes are screwed shut. Then suddenly his body goes limp and his head falls back on the pillow. “Matthew! Matt?” You quickly check his pulse and breathe a sigh of relief. He wasn’t dead. He must have passed out from the pain. You get off your knees and stand up. He didn’t deserve this. None of this. He’s helping people. And he certainly doesn’t deserve to be on your couch if you were in that much pain you’d know that you would want to atleast be on a bed. So with determination you start to carry his body. You struggle to get him off the couch a bit but eventually you scoop him up, and half carry half drag him to your bedroom. Normally having a man this attractive in your bedroom would be a good thing but you can hardly celebrate how much pain he’s in. You hoist him up onto the bed pushing his feet on. Carefully taking his boots off and setting them on the ground. Then tucking him in with your softest blankets and comforter. You’ll sleep on the couch Tonight he deserves this bed more than you. Thinking about anything else he need you set a glass of water on the nightstand.

I’ll tend to his other needs in the morning

you think before taking a blanket and pillow and retiring to the couch for the night.

——-

when Matt wakes up he is immediately aware of a few things. He’s tucked in to a soft bed with a comforter. The scent of something cooking fills the air. And there is an awful throbbing pain in his side. He feels so warm he doesn’t want to leave. He can’t put his finger on it but he feels like he’s being comforted, like he’s safe, like someone took care of him. He opens his eyes just for convenience not to see obviously and hones his senses in. Hes on a bed not his own he knows he doesn’t have a comforter this soft and fluffy. Tentatively he touches his side, it’s stitched up neatly and cleaned it doesn’t seem to be infected. Then a collage of scent hit his nose. Pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes and orange juice. He blinks rubbing his face to see if he smelled that right, sometimes when he’s hurt his senses don’t work as intended. But he did. He sits up with a wince to his side. And a woman’s form hurries to him from the kitchen and sets down a tray on the side table

“Jesus woman, your an angel” he says rubbing his side

“didn’t know what to make” plus you stress cook a lot “would do that if I were you, could irritate the wound”

“You saw my face that, you shouldn’t have—” he says stopping rubbing his side

“should I have let you die!? No. Eat.” You firmly say, basically an order. Pushing the food towards him and he scarfs it down. Matt didn’t realize how hungry he was. Many time more than often he forgets how to take care of himself. You eat your plate of food alongside him.

her food is heavenly. Matt thought. He doesn’t even remember the last time he’s had a home cooked meal like this. Finally you break the silence after your both done eating

“I didn’t expect you to be blind. Going around fighting criminals blindly. That either means you’re very brave or very foolish.” You state matter of factly

he gives a devilish smirk “do I have to pick one?”

you chuckled and your heart fluttered a little bit, for a man who had been bleeding out last night he was surprisingly charming

“I like you already Matt”

the day goes on as you let him stay there and insist he rests. The both of you talk not about his personal life of course, he’s so mysterious he won’t let you know anything else. He says that he’s already made a mistake telling you his name and blames his bloody delirious state for that. But at the end of the day he’s well enough to be upright and as soon as that happens he wants to go.

“I don’t want to endanger you angel” he brushes a strand of hair behind your ear. “I’ve already been to much of burder” though the touch was relatively friendly it feels electric, your heart beats incredibly fast.

“you help a lot of people, if you ever need a nurse again or just want to visit don’t be afraid to slip in” she chuckles a bit, trying to make lightheartedness even though it felt like your heart was beating out of you chest. strangely, he tilts his head to the side as you do so but he decides to not comment, strangely you get the feeling he somehow Knows how attractive you think he is. Before putting on his mask that cover his eyes he steps towards you and puts his hand under your chin.

“I hope one day we can meet up without me being hurt” he says with a slight humor. Then he leans in and kisses me. I waste absolutely no time in reciprocating. His plump pretty lips move against mine in tandem easily his tongue traces my bottom lip asking for permission and I let it slip in moaning as he does so. There is no question of Matthew Murdocks experience finally he pulls away and you know he has somewhere to go

his tongue darts out to lick his lips he feels the taste of your lips on it but the action looks like it’s second nature. “I have to go” he puts on his mask and now he’s fully in his “man in black” “devil of Hell’s Kitchen” getup. “I’ll be back…eventually” and he opens the window and slips through the window sill and onto the fire escape and into the now; night. When he slipped through the window sill and bent over you had seen just a little of his back as his too tight shirt rose up. The sight and thought alone made you shiver with arousal. And then mysterious man went into the night

[ellemaru]

Simon "Ghost" Riley General Headcanons

A/N: This is just headcanons that have popped up in my head or whatever but I'm trying my best to keep it lore accurate/based off of lore. There will be some mentions of abuse, mental health, substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) and body dysmorphia due to how his character is.

General Appearance:

Starting with appearances, I think he's 6'2-6'4 and weighs 200-230 lbs (189-195 cm and 90-104 kgs).

He has prominent muscles, but they aren't Arnold Schwarzenegger huge but still large enough to the point that most people are impressed.

He has short, blondish hair where in the winter, it darkens to a light sandy brown if he doesn't go outside.

He had more of a fair and cool undertone but after spending time in the Middle East he darkened up slightly.

Everyone he knows always debates whether his eyes are green, grey or hazel but he personally thinks they are hazel with a light blue on the edges.

His nose is slightly hooked but is also kind of crooked from the front due to it being broken a gazillion times.

General Personality:

As proven previously with the "Alone" mission, Simon is a pretty funny guy.

I feel like there's a common misconception about him that he's super serious and cold and has no emotion but that's FAAAAAALSE.

When he's not on duty I'm a firm believer he acts sassy with the others to be funny.

He obviously knows that there's a time and place for everything but he also knows when a joke or sarcastic comment is needed to lighten the mood up.

I feel like his enhanced ability to read the room kind of stems from him having to always observe and walk on eggshells with his dad in the past.

Like if he misread his mood he could've potentially gotten hurt, leading to Mama Riley defending him causing her to get hurt too but that's for another post.

Back to the humor I feel like a lot of times he's just unintentionally funny like he'll say something, and because of his delivery people laugh and he just sits there confused like "???? I didn't make a joke"

100% a workaholic with no work-life balance because who needs that when your job is your life!

Once the guy starts working, he ain't gonna stop until he says so.

Super observant, he notices the fine details so if you think you can cut corners around him? You're mistaken.

Simon is moody af but that's definitely heightened by his kinda crappy mental health.

General Family:

He hates his dad.

Did I mention he hates his father?

For sure a mama's boy but not in an "I was my son's first girlfriend" kind of way.

He looks up to his mom like crazy and still has an emotional attachment to her from when he was young due to his father being emotionally, physically, and mentally abusive to him.

Anytime he comes back from a mission, has a rough day, or just needs advice on a decision or life he ALWAYS calls Mama Riley.

She's literally his rock because he sees her as someone who is steadfast and strong who goes based on the facts and how she takes things for face value, similar to Simon. I think this also gave Simon an admiration of single mothers and women in general since he grew up with more of a perspective from his mother than his father.

He loves Tommy to bits and pieces, and they were hands down partners in crime back in their teenage years before Simon enlisted.

If you go around Manchester, you can still see some of their graffiti tags on different things.

When Tommy became a drug addict, Simon was there for him from day 1 till he finally got clean.

A/N: This isn't much but if y'all want more I can work on another that's more detailed! Requests are always open so leave some suggestions on things you want to see!

[wondereads]

An Extended List of Retellings

It was recently Tell a Fairy Tale Day (02/26), so here's an updated and expanded list of retellings for all fairy tale- and folklore-obsessed readers!

*Key at the end of the post*

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (Fairy Tale-esque)

Alice's grandmother is known for her collection of stories that has spawned a cult-like following, spawning plenty of fanatics to follow Alice and her mother around. But this new group is strange, weirder than the rest, and when they take Alice's mother, she must literally dive into the world of her grandmother's stories to save her. (YA, low fantasy)

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold (Fairy Tale-esque)

Ama remembers nothing. All she knows is that she was saved by Prince Emory from a vicious dragon. It seems she will be taken care of for the rest of her life as a pampered princess, but as she learns more about her new home, the more darkness seems to well up around the edges. *read trigger warnings* (NA, high fantasy)

The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker (The Frog Prince)

Princess Emeralda is about to be caught in an unfortunate engagement, but she finds an escape in a talking frog. A frog who claims he is a prince, a perfect excuse to escape a betrothal. What she doesn't expect is being turned into a frog herself with no clue how to change both of them back. (MG, high fantasy)

The Wide-Awake Princess by E. D. Baker (Sleeping Beauty)

Princess Gwen was tragically cursed to fall into a magical sleep, so when her younger sister, Annie, is born, she is given only one christening gift—the ability to resist any magic. When the curse comes true and Gwen falls asleep, Annie sets out to find her sister's true love and wake the kingdom again. (MG, high fantasy)

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Peter Pan)

From an orphanage in London, Peter and his mysterious friend, Molly, arrive at a faraway island. There, pirates and adventures abound, but nothing is as exciting as a precious new substance that can cure wounds, give flight, and keep people young forever. (MG, low fantasy)

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor (Alice in Wonderland)

When Wonderland, land of dreams and imagination, undergoes a bloody coup, Princess Alyss Heart is forced to flee to the real world, taking on the name Alice Liddel. Years later, she is needed to win Wonderland back, but is it time for Alyss' imagination to be saved? (YA, low fantasy)

The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley (multiple)

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm have bounced from foster home to foster home before their formerly-unknown grandmother takes them in. She seems like everything two children could want, but Sabrina doesn't trust her. Not only does she serve outlandish foods and have an outrageous amount of locks on her house, but she seems to believe their town is full of fairy tale characters, all with mysteries that need solving. (MG, magical realism)

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani (multiple)

Agatha and Sophie are best friends, but they couldn't be more different. Agatha is ugly and unpleasant and Sophie is pretty and kind, so when they're taken to the School for Good and Evil, it seems obvious who's Good and who's Evil. However, when the girl's places are switched, they must put things to rights. (MG/YA, high fantasy)

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (The Little Mermaid)

Lira is a vicious siren, known for her collection of prince's hearts. However, a serious mistake of hers leads the Sea Queen to transform her into a human, trapped until she can bring her the heart of Prince Elian. Lira is a practiced killer, but Elian is a trained hunter, and sirens are his prey of choice. (YA, high fantasy)

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer (multiple)

Alex and Conner have had it rough since their father's death, but they find comfort in their grandmother's book of stories. When she leaves it to them on their birthday, they never expected for it to be a portal to another world. This world is full of all the fairy tales they know and love, but they're trapped there, and ways back are hard to come by. (MG, low fantasy)

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (King Arthur)

In an attempt to move on after her mother's death, Bree attends an early college program. However, she starts to see things, things her friends can't, and she soon discovers a secret society on campus made up of the descendants of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. However, this group, the Legendborn, may be tied to Bree more than she knows. (YA, magical realism)

Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson (Caribbean and Yoruba Mythology)

In a futuristic world modeled off of Afro-Caribbean history and mythology, criminals are sent to the world of New Half-Way Tree. No child has been sent before until Tan-Tan is taken by her father, who is on the run from the law. When Tan-Tan's experience takes a turn for the worse, she finds strength the figure of the Robber Queen from myth. *read trigger warnings* (adult, science fiction/fantasy)

Splintered by A. G. Howard (Alice in Wonderland)

Alyssa is a descendant of the famous Alice Liddel, but it's not all roses and tea parties. Madness runs in the family, and Alyssa has heard bugs and flowers speak to her since she was young. It's only when she's a teenager that she learns it's a curse, and the only way to free her family from it is to return to Wonderland and put the original Alice's mistakes to rights.

Stain by A. G. Howard (very loosely The Princess and the Pea)

Princess Lyra is destined to bring her kingdom, one of perpetual day, and their rival, a kingdom of perpetual night, together. However, when her wicked aunt steals her identity and casts her out, she loses her memories and is taken in by a witch from an enchanted forest. There, she lives in disguise, known as a young boy named Stain. (YA, fantasy romance)

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis (The Frog Prince)

Sunday is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, a powerfully magic number. Anything Sunday writes comes true, so she takes care to only write what has already happened. She finds someone to share those stories with in a talking frog near her home. Little does she know that the frog is an enchanted prince; specifically, the prince responsible for the death of her older brother.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Cinderella)

Ella was given a gift at her birth from a fairy, but it's done nothing but make her life miserable. Forced to obey every direct order, Ella loathes her gift of obedience, especially when she is forced to deal with a demanding father and a horrible stepfamily. Ella takes it upon herself to track down the fairy who 'blessed' her with some help from her family's cook, Mandy, and the charming Prince Char. (MG, high fantasy)

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine (Snow White)

Aza is by no means the fairest of them all, but she has the unique gift to imitate others and throw her voice. In the kingdom of Ayortha, which values song above all else, it's an invaluable trait. One the new queen of Ayortha, Queen Ivi, plans to capitalize upon. Ivi lacks singing talent, so she hires Aza to help her deceive the kingdom, but how long can they keep up the charade? (MG, high fantasy)

The Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine (multiple)

Six stories: The Fairy's Mistake (Diamonds and Toads), The Princess Test (The Princess and the Pea), Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep (Sleeping Beauty), Cinderellis and the Glass Hill (Cinderella), For Biddle's Sake (Rapunzel), and The Fairy's Return (The Golden Goose) (MG, high fantasy)

Ash by Malinda Lo (Cinderella)

Abused by her horrible stepmother, Ash finds solace in stories. Those stories seem to come to life when she encounters a faerie, and her wishes of being stolen away may finally be granted. However, Ash begins to doubt that course when she meets the king's huntress and she finds herself torn between two worlds. (YA, fantasy romance)

Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell (Peter Pan)

Gwendolyn has always thought her mother was crazy for thinking monsters were chasing them, but then she and her best friend are kidnapped. The place they're taken to, Neverland, is full of deception, and Gwen must find out how to get them both home and whole again. (YA, low fantasy)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Cinderella)

Cinder is a cyborg in a futuristic world ravaged by sickness and prejudice, but she scrapes by as a mechanic. One day, during a job for no one other than the prince, she discovers information that could tip the balance between the people of earth and the dreaded Lunars. (YA, science fiction)

The Squire's Tales by Gerald Morris (King Arthur)

A series retelling the tales of the Roundtable, beginning with Terence, an orphan who becomes squire to the famous Sir Gawain. Together, they must foil a plot against King Arthur as Terence discovers his own abilities. (MG/YA, historical fantasy)

Uprooted by Naomi Novik (Beauty and the Beast)

Agnieszka is forfeited by her village to the wizard known as the Dragon in exchange for his protection against the horrible Wood. She finds herself more of an apprentice than a servant, but the Wood is stirring, and it's up to her and the Dragon to drive it back. (NA, high fantasy)

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (Rumpelstiltskin)

Miryam has brought her family's moneylending business back from the brink of bankruptcy. All is going well until an ill-timed boast on the roads lures the attention of the king of the Staryk, fae-like creatures made of winter and obsessed with gold. But there's a bigger threat that threatens to consume humans and Staryk alike. (NA, high fantasy)

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes (Alice in Wonderland)

Dinah has trained her whole life to become queen of Wonderland alongside her father, finally earning his love. However, out of the blue, her father brings home her half-sister, his illegitimate daughter. With conspiracies brewing, Dinah must hold onto her throne now that another candidate has entered the picture. (YA, high fantasy)

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh (Shim Cheong)

As their home is ravaged by storms and floods, the people of Mina's village sacrifice a young girl every year, hoping she may be the "true bride" of the sea god. One year, the offered girl is Shim Cheong, Mina's older brother, Joon's, beloved. In an effort to save her, Mina throws herself into the sea to find a fantastical world under the surface. (YA, historical fantasy)

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (The Wizard of Oz)

Amy is a friendless teenager from modern-day Kansas, so a surprise trip to the land of Oz would seem like a blessing. But this version of Oz is twisted, dark, and ruled by none other than the other girl from Kansas, Dorothy herself. (YA, low fantasy)

The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine (Snow White)

Lorelai is the crown princess, but she's also a fugitive. Ever since her kingdom was taken by a wicked queen, she and her brother have been forced to run for their lives. She and the queen share one quality, magic, but if Lorelai ever uses it, she'll be guiding the queen straight to her. (YA, high fantasy)

The Blood Spell by C. J. Redwine (Cinderella)

Blue is an aspiring alchemist, hoping to turn other metals into gold to help the people of her city. However, when her father tragically dies and a cruel woman seizes everything Blue knows, she has to turn to her childhood rival, Prince Kellan. Kellan has his own issues, such as a growing pressure to marry, but the worst is the disappearances that seem to rise in number every day. (YA, high fantasy)

Half Upon a Time by James Riley (multiple)

Jack the 13th is supposed to be a hero, save a princess. He thinks that isn't likely to happen until a 'princess' from our world literally falls into his arms. Soon, Jack realizes that this girl's grandmother can be none other than the famous Snow White, but she's been kidnapped, and it's up to Jack and the 'princess', Meg, to save her. (MG, low fantasy)

The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter (Snow White)

Everly lives the life of a normal teenager until she discovers she's not of this world. In this other land of magic, she's a part of a prophecy, one that mirrors the classic tale of Snow White. That would all be great if she weren't destined to become the story's villain, the Evil Queen. (YA, low fantasy)

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan (Chang'e)

Xingyin's mother, Chang'e has been imprisoned on the moon for years for stealing the Celestial Emperor's elixir of immortality. When Xingyin's magic flares and she is in danger of being discovered, she must flee the moon. She ends up in the Celestial Kingdom, where she works her way up, hoping to find a way to free her mother. (NA, high fantasy)

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu (The Snow Queen)

The Snow Queen made a mirror meant to show people the worst in the world, and when it shatters, a shard gets stuck in the eye of Hazel's best friend Jack. When the Snow Queen whisks him away, Hazel must travel through a treacherous, wintery forest to save him. (MG, low fantasy)

Malice by Heather Walter (Sleeping Beauty)

Alyce is the infamous Dark Grace, whose powers bring curses and misfortune, unlike her sisters, who can conjure gifts and beauty. She dreams of escaping the prejudiced Kingdom of Briar, but her growing powers and an involvement with the royal family could keep her trapped forever. (adult, fantasy romance)

KEY

MG: middle grade, ages 8-12

YA: young adult, ages 13-18

NA: new adult, ages 18-early twenties

adult: ages 18 and up

high fantasy: fantasy stories set entirely within another world

low fantasy: fantasy stories split between our world and another

magical realism: fantasy stories set in our world, often interwoven with aspects of modern life (not the Latin American literary movement!)

historical fantasy: fantasy stories set in a historical setting of our world

fantasy romance: fantasy stories focused on romantic plotlines instead of other forms of plot

[districtunrest]

wip wednesday (hijacked version)

another week, another tag game! please share your last sentence; or, if you don’t have one, share a plot bunny or idea!

tagged by @thelettersfromnoone - thank you!! I am so excited bc I actually have 4 WIPs right now!! me!! who only ever works on SOO!! granted, they are all SOO-adjacent

so I will share something from each if that's okay 🤓 bc this is momentous for me, lol

tagging @ongreenergrasses @lasthaysileeshipper @atleastmymomlikesme @mollywog @carnationhes @lorata

firstly, chapter 28:

Hazelle doesn’t go home. She goes to the only place she can think of and lets herself inside. 

When she finds him leant against the kitchen counter, eating oatmeal, he greets her with a very bemused look.

“Sure, come on in,” says Haymitch, his mouth full, as she crosses the kitchen to him. She notes in a distant way that he’s in his underclothes. 

Facing him, Hazelle opens her mouth to tell him what happened - only to turn and vomit into his sink.

second, this new cut scene (kind of) I've spent the last two days working on, that details Haymitch's detox in D13 through medical and nursing notes... I'll try to make it more accessible before posting, but here's the first entry:

Triage Note, signed by Nurse Alara

Patient H.A. presented to triage with complaints of facial lacerations and trauma to the left eye. Pt stated, “Doesn’t matter how it happened. I just need it checked out.” Pt reported he was sent here upon arrival to D.13 via hovercraft.

Height: 5’10”. Weight: 201 lbs. 

Vital signs: T 37.1, HR 89, BP 149/82, RR 18, sO2 99% on room air

Left eye bloodshot and watering. Laceration noted to eyelid, with dried and oozing sanguineous drainage. Sclera intact. Vision intact and equal. Pupils equal and reactive.

Lacerations x 10 to bilateral face, from eyebrow to jaw. No active bleeding. Cleansed with antiseptic solution and sterile gauze. Butterfly bandages applied to 4 lacerations with deeper wound beds.

Followed up with Pt about hypertension. Pt stated, “We just started a war and my district is on fire.” Pt became impatient and expressed wanting to leave. Smell of alcohol noted to Pt’s breath. 

Belongings searched by security. Small bottle of spirits was found. Informed Pt of policy regarding prohibited substances. Alcohol confiscated per contraband protocol. 

Attempted to obtain a blood and urine sample but Pt refused. Pt arguing with security. Informed Pt of protocol for active alcohol abuse. Pt expressed disagreement with this. Notified Dr. Billmore. Orders for involuntary admission.

Total triage time: < 30 minutes.

third, the cut scene about Selene and Kennet, two 20-something year olds who meet in the Capitol during the war and end up at Haymitch's house after the boarding house fire:

The soldier lying in a heap on the pastel tiles is still onto holding his rifle. He stirs a little and swallows a groan, taking a second to come to in the dark. Selene steps back and checks their surroundings as she waits. It's clear but only for now. The Peacekeepers tend to flock to activated pods for survivors.

She knows better than to run away or hide now. He might be awake enough to hear her and assume the worst, and she’ll have a hard time explaining herself as it is, let alone with her back turned. 

Selene hasn't seen a rebel up close this whole time. He's thinner than she would have thought. She's heard all they eat in District Thirteen are little flavorless cubes that have what they need for the day - and more, if they enlist. But she also heard they ate cake, when Annie and Finnick got married. 

All Selene knows is heresay; she hasn't watched television for almost two years now, ever since the shop went bankrupt and her family couldn't keep her above ground anymore - the funds originally set aside to support her through University, gone like everything else.

lastly, the Alice cutscene, where we get an outsider perspective on Haymitch & Hazelle at a sewing circle, that's really more of a triangle:

"Anyway, sorry I'm late - and loud. My kids make me crazy. Should've just kept myself home."

"That'd be for the best," agrees Haymitch Abernathy.

Alice startles, sound and all.

He's sitting off to the side, in a way where he could see her enter before she could see him. For such an uninterested expression, his eyes pin her in place with a bright, needle-like gaze, as though he can read her next move but no matter what it is, it'll bore him.

Which is probably true, because Alice has always thought herself more of a lover than a fighter - or a runner - but that's neither here nor there.

She intends to say hello but what comes out of her mouth is, "Since when do you sew?"

"Since my mom taught me," Haymitch answers, not bothering to look up again from the scrap blanket in his lap. Even from the door, Alice can see the white thread that marches along its seams, replacing what's been pin-basted together.

He did answer her question but she's not any less confused.

[fantasyismyonlyrealescape]

Whumptober 2024: No. 5 - Sunburn/Healing Salve/Heatstroke

Characters: Jey Uso & Sami Zayn (SamiJey)

Rating: General Audiences (fluffy!Jey/Sami at the very end)

Word Count: 849

A/N: Another addition to Whumptober. Cheers!

Summary: Sami Zayn and the Arizona sun don't mix well during an outdoor wrestling event, something that he finds out the hard way. Jey Uso is there to help him out afterwards.

Cross posted on AO3 under user wrestlinginjeans.

“Ow, Jey!” Sami complains loudly, wrenching his arm out of the other man’s grip from where they were sitting on the bed in Sami’s room, medical supplies strewn all over the bed spread.

“Come on, Sami.” Jey sighs, reaching out for Sami’s arm again. “We need to get this taken care of before it gets any worse.”

“I’m good, Uce.” Sami declares only to wince slightly as Jey’s fingers wrap around his reddened skin once again.

“Nah, you ain’t, Uce.” Jey retorts, a pointed look directed at Sami’s face while the redhead tried to hide the fact that he had just winced. Jey’s grip on Sami’s arm loosens then, the Samoan bending slightly in order to grab the bottle of aloe from its place off to his right.

“What made you think that wrestling three matches in the Arizona heat shirtless was a great idea?” Jey admonishes, depositing a generous amount of the green aloe substance onto his hand and rubbing them together.

“It was for a fundraiser!” Sami retorts quickly, arching his back slightly at the introduction of the cooled liquid on Jey’s hands as it makes contact with his badly burned back. “I didn’t know what the facilities would be like…”

“Sami, that’s your Canadian talking.” Jey says without any real heat to his words, shaking his head a little at Sami’s unpreparedness. “It’s July in the desert. Did you even bother to pack sunscreen?”

The silence from the redhead answered the Samoan’s question loud and clear.

“Okay, so next time, pack sunscreen. I’ll help you remember…” Jey sighs, shaking his head a little at Sami’s predicament. Truth be told, the redhead in front of him was burned, badly. His normally pale skin was a brutal display of a variety of various reds and pinks, his skin already beginning to blister in some places. The aloe appeared to be providing some relief, but Jey could feel the heat coming off the burned man in waves every time his own skin got anywhere close to Sami’s.

He makes slow work of applying the aloe, wanting to make sure that he covered every square inch of Sami’s body that was exposed to the elements that day. Sami had been mostly quiet through all of this but judging by the tension in the redheads shoulders that Jey could feel as he worked on that area, he was hurting.

“Sami, I’m almost done here and then you can lay down…” Jey says sometime later, rubbing the last bit of aloe from his hands onto Sami’s chest. Finding a comfortable position for the sunburned man would be a challenge as both his front and back seemed equally burned. Sami, having been mulled into a semi-sleep state as the aloe had begun its work, nodded lazily.

“Here, Sami. Let’s get you laid down and then I can see about getting you what else you need,” Jey states, jumping off the bed and arranging the pillows slightly before helping a sore Sami onto his back as gently as he could. Jey takes a moment to study Sami, noting how much more tense Sami was since laying down.

“I’ll be right back, Uce…” Jey states after a period of silence, giving Sami a small reassuring smile before disappearing out of the room. Moments later, Jey returns with a bundle of items in his hands.

“Cool cloths, Ibuprofen and water for you,” Jey explained as he put the non-spillable items down on the bed, noticing that Sami’s eyes were closed. “Hey, Sami. You with me?” Jey asks, brown eyes meeting pain filled hazel a moment later as Sami’s eyes open. “Good, now this’ll help,” a cold cloth is placed gently onto Sami’s chest, the redhead letting out a shudder as the cool material is pressed there. “It’ll help soothe the sunburn, Sami,” Jey explains, making quick work of the childproof cap on the medication bottle. “Now, take this,” Jey instructs, holding out a pill and a cup of water. “Here, let me help…” Jey adds, passing the pill to Sami before placing a hand behind Sami’s head to help him take a drink. “You need to keep drinking, but imma stay with you so that I can look after you…” Jey explains, watching as Sami’s eyes begin to drift closed.

“Thanks…” Jey hears Sami mumble, his expression tight with discomfort as he tries to relax against the soft fabric beneath him.

“I got your back, Uce… Always.”

Jey can’t help but notice the small, tired smile that forms on Sami’s lips at Jey’s admission that he would always watch his back as he settles into bed next to a sunburned Sami.

“Likewise, Jey…” Sami manages to mumble before sighing softly and drifting off to sleep.

Jey had more to say to Sami, so much more, but for now this would have to be enough.

“Love ya, Uce…” Jey whispers softly in the direction of Sami, knowing that the injured man could not hear him. Still, it felt better to say it. Carefully, Jey bent down and pressed his lips to Sami’s warm forehead. “I’m right here…”

[steveharrington]

i'm the opposite of you when it comes to booksmart vs. bottoms (i think booksmart is p much perfect and the only thing i liked about bottoms was ayo's wardrobe) and I was just wondering if you would expand upon how you felt about each movie. i was so excited for bottoms so it was disappointing when i didn't like it.

oh man i have not watched booksmart since it came out in 2019 BUT i personally just found it pretty unfunny and some of the aspects that are meant to be empowering for women and teen girls just came across very. insincere and surface level to me. best example i can give is the two main characters saying “malala” to each other as a code word in their friendship? to me that is very 2012 leslie knope #im with her writing where they think simply namedropping an outstanding feminist public figure in a throwaway joke makes their movie overall More Feminist. like look we mentioned malala! when really they’re invoking her name without any substance, yk? i don’t really know why we’re supposed to applaud beanie feldstein’s character for finally seeing the girls around her as people with their own skills and values at the ripe age of 17 years old and then giving a big speech at graduation where she’s essentially like “hey good news i finally see you all as people :)!” BUT i do think it has some funny jokes and a rlly good cast

bottoms to me is just endlessly funny. i do get that it has a very specific type of humor that probably is not for everyone, the incoherency and surrealism of the world the characters live in might be off putting or frustrating for some viewers. i love bottoms because pj and josie, to me, feel like real teenage girls instead of the personification of feminist bumper stickers with catchy slogans. i love that they are not setting out to change the world, they literally just want to lose their virginity and have lesbian experiences. i think one of the funniest jokes in bottoms is when hazel says like “if we keep this up we might be able to take on huntington you guys” and pj responds “no if we keep it up we can put our fingers inside each other, grow up” like her ONLY goal is to have lesbian sex and to me that is so real and refreshing. plus, the movie doesn’t frame pj and josie at the end as these models and paragons of feminism, but rather as real girls who are figuring out their own wants and desires

i guess i would say i simply identify more with pj and josie’s experience in high school. josie definitely understands the value of a community of girls coming together and learning self defence, buttttt that ultimately comes second to her crush on isabelle. that feels authentic to me. josie and pj do not consistently model textbook feminist practices (pj’s favorite show is entourage, she’s not a feminist!!!), they antagonize and manipulate other girls, and they really only understand the value of their community of other girls at the end of the movie. BUT that all makes them feel more like real people than the characters in booksmart to me, and the narrative doesn’t frame them as heroes that we need to be looking up to. if anything, the end of bottoms acknowledges that they are murderers <3

to me the strongest and most empowering women in fiction are those who feel realistic and true to life, and i literally feel like i’ve met pj and josie as a teenager. the characters in booksmart, as well acted as they are, didn’t feel authentic to me when i was 18 years old watching it just post-graduating high school myself

[martyrdeer]

THE PROPHECY

synopsis: a dark past begins to haunt a woman residing in france. her violent memories and the emotional scars left by a destructive relationship continues to follow her. she is consumed by her former sins and crimes as she attempts to live a normal life.

tags: my original characters!! themes of violence, graphic descriptions of death, psychological trauma, substance abuse, sexual content, self-harm/body trauma, emotional abuse, mental illness, murder/serial killing, cannibalism, manipulation/coercion, childhood trauma, death of loved ones, and gore. sorry if it seems rushed! if there’s any grammar mistakes or something doesn’t make sense, let me know!! this can be read as a stand-alone but this is a part two to the manuscript.

word count is 1.4k!!

My ashen hologram stumbled into my solitary abode anew. Unlike my university years, my limbs were free from the entanglements of unknowns I encountered at bars. Though it has been years since then, my mind is convinced it was eons ago. When I was supposed to be playing, and frolicking in sandboxes rather than dissimulating my vexation about the environment with my father, I was vehement about leading a draining life. That little girl who refused to take her poodle skirt dress off would be displeased in my acquiescence.

In the wake of my arrival in France, my red wine lures me to sleep like the lullaby that was nonexistent in my childhood. From time to time, its sanguine shade tarnishes my Yves Delorme. My gaze studies it like I used to do with my prey. Unfortunately, it never tasted as saccharine as they did. No matter how much I prayed it would. After I suppress the nostalgic longing, a sense of chagrin fills me. I was aware of how my addiction was going to affect me. I went cold turkey faster than a racing heartbeat. I read self-help novellas that ended up being flung across the room. It’s been almost a decade, according to my calendar. I should be better now. But the craving hasn’t been as seldom as I hoped for it to be.

My palate once held the ambrosia of anthropophagy—not something you would desire to divulge to your crime-hunting-thirsty colleagues. Compared to now, I only eat Bouillabaisse or Coq au vin every other day. They became interlopers to my lavish nourishment. My ravenous appetite still yearns for the past. Yet my mind will always remain haunted by that elegant but precarious era. There were miscellaneous reasons why I lost my footing. Why did the dagger slip across the provocateur’s neck? As I lay in my bloodied bed, heady from my awaited alcoholism, her languid, withering body appears in the secret gardens of my psyche.

Even when I’m encapsulating my forensic anthropological findings at work, her taut, lifeless frame glares up at me. Her bloody hand near my foot after she gave up saving herself. But still, she reached out to me, hoping I’d answer her puzzling questions. Even if I stayed silent, she would have been able to tell from my hazel eyes. She teased me about that once. How I was her favorite open book, that she was the only true connoisseur of my behaviorism. I used to enjoy it when she was in my reveries. And all the titillation she brought along the way. But this time around, I had deserted my meliorism with her. Once upon a lifetime ago, her visage was incredibly picturesque. Somehow, now, as I recall her, a gruesome creature stares back at me. Like I had trapped her in a menagerie.

In her manuscript, she had the potential to become a raconteur. Possibly that’s why she loved me so dearly. I was her twisted muse to mold to fit her needs. She was the albatross, particularly on my maudlin nights. Showcased me off in a dépaysement, tricking my sinful complexion to appear eesome. To become an amorist despite my lustful past. To disregard psithurism reminds me of my wicked ways. I would always fall frail to the prophecy. I’ll always fulfill it, no matter how much I fight against it. There was a lot of that these past years. Especially when my morals were already amorphous. Before I knew it, I would transform into a beldam. I won’t be the belesprit I once was. If I ever was one, to begin with.

As I rot in some abusive nursing home, blithe families will surround my acquaintances, assuming that somebody cared enough about me to overthrow my pride and place me in an institution like that. Whilst I’m scrutinizing the rancid woman I cursed out over bingo with her insufferable grandchildren, I’ll fantasize about allowing a caterwaul to escape from my feeble throat. But since I’ll be too desultory, I’ll be left to denigrate the only mortal enemy I have left. And I might be disconsolate enough to regret not procreating like most men have declared to me.

There was never a single fleeting moment where I wished I was in my blossoming thirties. I spent most of my mornings in that godforsaken apartment brewing her French Vanilla coffee. Her arms would engulf me from behind, breath bruising my ego and tainted neck. She’d purr against me, continuing to blind me to peril. Her egregious lies about time's uneven tether and planting seeds of tomorrow should’ve discerned me sooner. She crafted them so dulcetly, it makes me sick thinking of it now.

Amidst my disappointment in the dry spell that had become my job, I took up teaching. I had recognized quickly I was entering a bleak juncture. Assemblages of postgraduates with fading ambitions rotting upon me. I happened to be the youngest in the league, which is most likely why I drew such a throng. Through their echoes of indecisions, that all-too-familiar spark in them vanished in a breath. Presumably, my own breath. I may have been young, but somehow Mr. Archambeau—a fellow professor who witnessed seventy revolutions of the Earth—possessed an abundance of enthusiasm compared to myself.

When the awkwardness arises in my nanoscopic classroom, I examine their complexions as if they were the skeletons from my closet. Mostly the younger women who seemed to be a mirror of my past self. I observe them, and I would not be my father’s daughter if I began to ponder. Although their frontal lobes are fully developed according to science, all my eyes can see are juvenile children. They’re particularly still wearing bibs. As the years give me these wonderful wrinkles, the foulness of her seduction revolts me. To say I’m free from any sin would be hypocritical. The martyrs I brought down with me and I know better than that.

In spite of her voice haunting the depths of my intellect, resentment lingers towards her execution of my humanity. Even if I never had that in the first place. In the short-lived experience of my mentorship, the urge to inveigle these dependents was nonexistent. As the red wine bottles empty themselves when I return home, the dwelling gets too loquacious. The dwelled quondam soon got overanalyzed. Was it the allure of the sacredness my father mandated for that transformed me into a lecherous beast? Did she smell it on me? Was she so desolated by her darling husband? Did my daunting worship elevate her vanity? Was it my knavish antiquity that was destined for meekness? Did she have a machination for my kismet? Was I just an imperious Machiavellian affluent scion to her? Did my piety get unknowingly preyed upon? Was she sent by somebody who wanted to see my head on a shrivel?

The ruminating reopened old wounds. Old wounds that ought to be rehabilitated forevermore. Nevertheless, the multitude of my doorway bolts was all too simple. Child’s play, truly. My bones went out with somebody new. Her wraith reclined in the shadows of the bar. Only I could behold her wretched howls. Yet they were not for me. It was for the tempted, incognizant stranger whose fingertips were dancing around my thigh scars. Her screeching followed us homeward bound. It didn’t cease even when my bare vulnerability and Yves Delorme were marked by crimson. In defiance of my hunger for consumption, the repugnance of the state of another affair nauseated me. I’ve been so good. My bloody and bruised corpus huddled in the corner of my room. Knees up to my chest as I shuddered. My wide-eyed gaze towards my bedding where an unsolved echo, tinged with scarlet, lay.

As I was thwarted in navigating my convulsion, her apparition stood poised over me, shaping me into a youngling once again. Even in death, she still manages to do that skillfully. Acid rain falls on the cheeks she caressed in another life. I softly beg her to remain silent, whimpers slipping from my cracked lips. She reflects my abhorrence and sneers at me. Her voice—cold, accusing—whispered in the dark, “You haven’t changed, have you, you sick child.”

[alitgblog]

i forgot what volume we're on but THOUGHTS

first off what do you meeeaan we're getting the finale next week 😭

heart rate challenge is fun because of the costumes and dances and flirting in front of someone's partner you get to do, but god the results sucked. I don't care for the drama of Jin having the highest heart rate with Sienna and I don't care about Sienna rubbing it in MC's face. Can we move on???

Especially because literally on the other side of it, I just picked that MC would have her heart rate raised the most by Logan for fun, and that resulted in NOTHING. Maybe like one comment that flew under the radar during Logan's date, but nothing fun. I just had to hear about Sienna sticking her tongue in Jin's ear or whatever.

Speaking of Logan, he's just another victim of not enough screen time. Like Tyler, Hari, and Logan all seem great but you barely get any chance to talk to them outside of their intro episodes and then by then you're expected to have already made a decision on who to pick. At least Hari is around for a while, but I simply have not really talked to him since Casa aside from hearing how he's fumbling Hazel. And between Tyler and Logan, who in my mind are basically the same personality going only for MC, I kind of prefer Tyler because at this stage in the game, Logan needed to have put more pressure. Or have been an angel sent like Oliver idk he has some substance. Once again, just a waste of a good looking sprite.

I also miss LIs that had their own personalities. Like I think that's why the OG boys are fun at first: each of them being distinct enough but all having reasons to go for MC. But the bombshells this season all seem to kind of just be "yeah I like MC because she's confident and knows what she wants" and that's it. It feels gameplayer-y which is maybe why I'm less intrigued for their routes. Even small things like Lucas liking a girl that puts in effort vs Henrik liking a girl that tells it like it is, so then you kind of have to "compete" with the other characters even though it doesn't make a difference later on with who you pick feels like it gives the characters more dimension.

I also think this is why Bea and Claudia have such compelling routes this season compared to the male bombshells (and vs. some of the other wlw routes in other seasons). They have potential partners that could give them what they want, although we know ultimately probably not. Also why I think if Hari's storyline was more fleshed out and you got time with him, that when he comes back with Hazel, his story could be more interesting.

Also I liked Logan better with the hat on, he needed a different haircut lol.

Stop it please with the texts interrupting conversations there has GOT to be a better way

also fusebox trying to squeeze out as many gems as they can out of us with more of those "i heard gossip do you want to know?" choices 🙄

the pancake challenge is lame. it just made me miss s2 cake decorating challenge 😭

also at this stage in the game, i feel like we should've gotten Mr. and Mrs. (I can't remember if we already did that). But a fun food challenge is fine too, it's just that this one wasn't fun. Also the options all being either "do it correctly" or "fail on purpose?" was very lame and probably contributed to it being boring. Once again, make it more like the s2 cake decorating challenge or paint challenge in difficulty if you're gonna do this.

Also no one else flirting with MC at this point? the other LI's don't have a CHANCE. That's why it's called tempting fate, because it's all temptation and yet while they all claim to want MC, no one is really talking to her what a shame

How does Sienna have the energy to be this much of a hater?? I kinda wanted her to have a small redemption at the end of her time but we never got it. And plus with her being so mean, it's so hard to imagine that at one point she charmed Jin into even considering her, so I feel like for logic's sake, we should've seen some of what Jin saw in her.

And once again we fall into the same problem this season has had which is way too many things at once because what do you mean they had three SEPARATE firepit meetings to dump islanders?? Give them some room to breathe!!

But yeah for some reason a couple is getting dumped right before the recoupling. We say goodbye to my frenemy couple Emel and Oakley. I hated them at times, but I miss them so dearly. They do not deserve to leave. I think that should've gone to Sienna/Max or Liam/Bea. If anything, since it's a public vote they should've had those three couples be at the bottom and then everyone else vote on who they'd like to dump and then however the math works out it ends up being Emel/Oakley, just for realism if the game really wanted to dump them. I understand that it had to be them because there are LI's in every other couple, but that's why I think they shouldn't have this dumping here in the first place.

Then the final recoupling. I touched on this briefly already, but oh my god no one got a chance. This may be the first time since season 2 that I'm sticking with the original person I chose to couple up with the first time I played through (ok technically S5 I did end the game with Suresh but that season is special and in a bad way). And maybe it's just the way I've been playing, but it does seem like in the last few volumes, you really only get to talk to the OG boy you chose or the Casa boy you chose. But I haven't really talked to Claudia since Casa and I'm so sad about that. Haven't talked Max much either, so I thought maybe he was sticking with Sienna? Haven't talked to Hari. Haven't talked to Bea. For some reason before the final recoupling, MC had a chance to talk to THEO? I was under the impression that if you're on a Claudia route then you're not on a Theo route but I guess he was an option the whole time, which was becoming clear in the last few volumes, but I'm still in awe every time he shows up trying to talk to MC. (Side note: a well written Theo friends to lovers route is brewing in my head and I think it would've rivaled a Jake S1 route so that's a shame it doesn't play out that way). Logan also had that chance, but both of those were gem choices, so they don't count in my head.

So no Claudia and Bea? I literally wanted to scream when Claudia said she was choosing a boy 😭😭

Logan is with Bea just because she needs to escape Liam, so I understand why, but they just seem so odd to me. Especially when Oakley and Emel were right there! Should've let them stay, at least they pretend to like to each other!!

Oh but I will miss Liam actually. Unfortunately he has much more personality than Logan so that's a shame but unsurprising that the more boring person stays the longest in love island lol.

Shouldn't have to pay gems to get people to not watch Jin's girlfriend announcement

also fusebox you already got your dig at us for thinking it was gonna be a zodiac themed season, are you really doing this again?? 🤣🤣

And then Max and Sienna go home in ANOTHER dumping. I'm exhausted. They couldn't have written one more volume to spread these out?

yeah yeah and hideaway again

anyway to prevent this post from being too too long I'm going to make a second post (yet again) with my ideas for how to fix these episodes because I've been okay with most of the recent volumes but idk this one in particular, although having the same problems as before, annoyed more than the others lol

still one of the top seasons of the game imo and definitely an improvement from s7 which I still haven't finished

[pleasejustletpercyrest]

I’m surprised I haven’t caved and done this yet, but I NEED to talk about how fucked up it is that ole Papa Ricky missed out on prime ace/aro representation via Leo Valdez in favor of? Ruining part of his character arc? Let’s get into it.

Essentially, Leo’s entire character is based off of the loser boy who relentlessly flirts with anything that moves because he’s desperate. We see this in almost every book until he starts to get serious, and of course when the Calypso plot line begins. IGNORING THAT ENTIRE SECTION OF THE BOOKS, and instead looking more closely towards the whole “seventh wheel” thing, I would very much like to point my gay little finger and declare Leo on the a-spec.

Leo as a character is very performative, and we see him taking the role of the comedian, or the resident funny guy along with his throwaway usefulness as the engineer and repairer. In his POV multiple times we see a deeper exploration to his thoughts and actions, while in everyone else’s eyes, he’s just annoying, funny, and hyperactive. While this is an entirely different post I should be making in the name of Leo Valdez and all of his quirks and flaws, I also think that this inherently plays into the loneliness and separation that we see over and over again casting him as the third/fifth/seventh wheel.

I think there’s also something very telling about that desperation. Besides Rick very quickly throwing him into a romance to solve most of his “problems”, a lot of the earlier books show him flirting and throwing himself at women, but there’s no SUBSTANCE to it. In my personal experience, and in something very often seen in the aro/Ace community, to fit into social norms, you often try to attach yourself quickly to people, or convince yourself and your peers that you are experiencing crushes/attraction for a way to fit in to conversation and convention. Unintentionally, Rick wrote this little playboy character who is SO EASILY read as queer, specifically ace/aro!!!!

While we can only give the books so much credit for diversity and representation (as they are written by a cishet white man well past his 30s), the way that Leo is written so stereotypically gives me FUEL to headcanon that he is better than written. I like to think of his third wheel era with Piper and Jason as a sort of PART 1 to this realization, and then PART 2 comes around with Hazel and Frank. There could have been so many silly interactions if he was actually pursued as a queer character, and I will forever rage because of the sloppily thrown labels after HoO with Nico’s coming out arc.

(Once again, big W for the representation being shown, but I do have some issues with the execution)

I just imagine Leo, confused, watching these relationships on the Argo II and taking notes about what romantic attraction looks like. He has messy notes scribbled on his palm like:

-Laughs at joke that is NOT funny because they are blinded by love???

-Look like idiots holding hands and staring into each others eyes

-‘I would die for you’ but in a sexy way (aka how to date in demigod 101)

-Whatever the fuck Percy and Annabeth have going on

Relationships, specifically romantic ones, seem to be the only way that Rick truly allows important interactions to happen. What happened to declaring your loyalty but in a platonic sense? What happened to fighting for the power of friendship? What happened to Grover?!?!!!

I also truly believe that there could have been an entirely new angle explored between Nico and Leo’s relationship, and how they could’ve become tentative friends after Leo comes back from the dead, especially after the death of Jason Grace. I see perfectly an interaction that would go something like:

Leo, approaching Nico wearily at the dining pavilion: hey man, how did you realize you were gay?

Nico, not paying much attention, absolutely destroying a bowl of cereal: didn’t like women, liked men

Leo, nodding seriously, knowing full well that he isn’t gay but also not straight: I see…

ADDITIONALLY there could have been such a fun friendship with Piper and Leo if Rick Riordan wasn’t a coward and actually gave Piper a character arc where she was established as queer instead of just sprinkling it in at random. Piper, as a daughter of Aphrodite, with that ‘love sense’, I truly believe they’re could have been such fun scenes such as:

Piper, suspicious that Leo isn’t straight: so…you have any crushes?

Leo, panicking because now he has to think of someone who could reasonably be seen as someone he was crushing on: uh, um, uh, what’re you? A cop???

Piper, getting literally no vibes of any attraction whatsoever from Leo, throwing her tf off: uh, maybe

This also leaves the very real, very hilarious question of what Leo would see if he ever met Aphrodite. As Jason sees a lot of Piper, and Percy sees basically just Annabeth, I think it would be interesting to have an internal dialogue of Leo meeting the goddess of love and having her features shift constantly to try and fit an impossible attraction by melding together traits that are stereotypically pretty or beautiful.

Not all of this was entirely coherent, but I have very strong feelings on this headcanon and I am HORRIBLE at articulating anything in a way that makes sense. Thank you for, once again, coming to my Teddy Talky.

[cwarscars]

" You  know  what  the  hardest  part  is?  Knowing  they  died  for  nothing. "

UNSEEN  WAR.

A  collection  of  angst  prompts  that  delve  into  the  struggles  of  soldiers  facing  PTSD,  survivor’s  guilt,  and  the  lingering  scars  of  war.  Themes  of  mental  health,  trauma,  substance  abuse,  suicidal  ideation,  hypervigilance,  combat,  loss,  identity,  and  alienation.  Feel  free  to  add  your  own  edits  as  wanted  or  needed.

this banquet has the two of them forced to be friendly - opposite sides sat at a table, sharing food and drink and if there's no risk of any beverage being poisoned. despite it, heidegger's sure to taste the food before the emperor even gets a whiff. none of it is of course, poisoned. but it's better to be safe than sorry - especially when cosying on up with the army of rosaria.

still, hours have passed and bottles are long empty - speech had turned to song and song to drunken grumbles. as of now, two men sit side by side, staring off into the space ahead of them, far from the dying party and now embraced by the cold breeze of a night coming to an end.

'you know what the hardest part is-"

the words have heidegger's attention; the hazel hue of his eyes darkened by the dark sky. he waits for the kicker, anticipates what the other will say. the battle? the losses? the fact that when the night is through, he'll lie beside his wife in bed - awake forever from the nightmares that plague him?

'knowing they died for nothing-'

elwin confirms his thoughts - and would quickly find heidegger agreeing with a nod. for a second, only silence sits between them, interrupted by the odd hum of night-time bugs and ongoing party chatter.

the soldier breathes a sigh, eyes still on the horizon.

"there was a time..." he confesses, his breath hesitant "where i'd be able to tell you each and every man to have fallen on our side." heidegger pulls his glass to his lips, takes a sip before he carries on "i knew my men well. could list each and every one to have fought and died...now-" he shrugs, refrain apparently uncaring and yet he'd not deny the pain. "...not so much."

his confession comes to an end when heidegger snaps himself out of it with another swig of booze - he turns eyes to face elwin, a question in the cock of his brow.

"if they died for nothing - what do you tell them that they're fighting for before a battle? a comfortable grave?"