#he was feeling some kinda way so i was compelled to reply to this.

[venstm]

@malumae continued.

He exists as a dichotomy between past and present, the culmination of his previous life manifested in imprisonment, adamantine shackles bereft him of his freedom, his world extending only as far as the darkness; those dreams and memories inextricably woven. Dan Heng’s banishment was extricating, to witness the vast cosmos both as infinite possibilities and a constricting, liminal space. The time between their paths crossing is unpredictable but he cannot forget the tactile memory of cloudpiercer’s shaft pressing firmly into his hand and the fetid scent of death searing at his senses. Whether transient or harrowingly drawn out they were invariably steeped in a macabre red. Alike the cascading stream of his past incarnation’s memories, those of ren begin nebulous and with each laboured breath they take on a terrible clarity. He cannot forget, even as he brandishes denial and calls it his truth, his mind is not a place he can escape from. ❝—  there is nothing for us to talk about.❞ those terse words are something Dan Heng had recited before. Once, his belief in them had been unfaltering, all that was left for them was the collision, the haunting last breath before ren’s life ended. Now, there was a part of him that was ambivalent, that could no longer rely on that sequence to remain unchanged. It is with that hesitation that he becomes transparent, the limpid waters of his gaze tempestuous. Dan Heng observes him attentively, an ingrained response to his guttural voice; as quarry might it’s inescapable predator. His features might be compelled to remain reticent but the blanched skin drawn taut over his knuckles and his bated breath are traitorous things. There is so much to talk about, a life-times worth, yet he remains dithering at the cross-road between uncharted territory and the visceral flood of relief at eluding him. When did that feeling become so unfamiliar?  Then you’re clearly still running. His body no longer keens beneath the impact of ren's blows, his ire relentless but consistent — a variable he could predict. As the other turns on him, through the dark undulation of his hair Dan Heng is transfixed by his gaze, his pliant skin invites it to bury its rancour beside his fluttering heart-beat. He had devoted himself to emphatically separating himself from that past, to cast even a cursory glance back was to tempt the dragon’s jaws to close around him. Was there ever going to be a time where the ground beneath him felt solid enough for his stubbornly moored feet to turn back without the encroaching shadow of trepidation submerging him. He meets ren’s gaze, anchors himself in the intensity of that hue, in the lethal edge of his pupils. As his breath is expelled, soft, like the golden light dispersing between narrow branches and the visages of friends the past still harboured with such a painful fondness, he could almost envision it. The high elder and the craftsman, two who shared such a profound bond, the vestiges of which still lingered in the echoes of their present. His expression is complicated, as if that distant memory unfolded before his very eyes and he was but a bystander to his previous incarnation’s candour.  ❝ It could also be that I’m wrong. ❞ he reciprocates the sincerity within Dan Feng’s memory with a precarious brush with his own subsiding reluctance. He witnessed himself immured in ren’s eyes, a countenance both wholly familiar and an anomaly where he could have sworn the ethereal features of the vidyadhara’s high elder stared back at him. ❝ I used to be certain.❞ Dan Heng’s disquiet is patent, unable to find his answer wading through the shallow waters of his own heart nor in the other’s gaze. ❝ … that has changed.❞ 

[ruewrote]

𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒.

PAIRING: ghostface!joshwashington x gn!reader WARNINGS: it's pretty self explanatory, no use of y/n GENRE: horror? bro idk SONG INSPIRATION: static by isq [slowed] WORD COUNT: 827 REQUESTED: yes (kinda) NOTE: a very quick one in the name of halloween

navigation | ask | josh washington masterlist

halloween night feels like any other. outside, trick or treaters call out in muffled excitement, but inside, you’re content wrapped in a blanket on your couch, lights low, fully absorbed in your annual scream marathon. 

there’s a thrill in these movies you can’t get anywhere else. the tension, the mystery, the masked killers with their twisted games. you’d never admit it to most people, but there’s something oddly compelling about ghostface, about the mask, the danger.

as you sink into the cushions, your phone buzzes on the coffee table. glancing over, you see a message from josh.

josh: what’s up?

a small smile pulls at your lips. he’s usually the one making plans, always rounding everyone up for something, but tonight, it’s just you, the killers on screen. 

you: just watching some movies.

josh: home alone?

you: i can handle myself.

his response arrives almost instantly.

josh: sure you can.

you frown slightly, something about it caught your attention. he’s not usually so cryptic. for a second, you wonder if he’s being serious. but it’s josh, if he were pulling something, he’d probably hint at it first.

you shrug it off, getting lost in the movie again, until the lights flicker, then the whole apartment went dark. 

grabbing your phone, instinctively switching on the flashlight.

your phone buzzes with another message.

unknown: don’t feel so brave now, do you?

a chill crawls up your spine. you stare at the message, logic giving way to a nervous edge as you scan the room, shadows stretching and shifting in the dim light. you swallow, convincing yourself it’s just josh playing tricks on you.

then you hear a knock on your door. three steady, slow knocks that echo through your dark, empty apartment.

you freeze. it’s halloween. it’s probably just a prank. right?

your pulse thudding in your ears as you get up, each step cautious. “josh?” you call, half expecting him to reply.

silence.

you step closer to the door, hand resting on the handle. opening it, you’re met with the empty hallway. but as you turn back into the apartment, your breath catches.

a figure stands in your hallway, draped in a black robe, face obscured by the unmistakable white mask of ghostface. your blood runs cold, heart racing as you stare, unable to fully process what’s happening. you’re rooted in place, caught somewhere between fear and disbelief.

the figure doesn’t move. he just stands there, watching you, tilting his head in a way that’s almost… curious. “josh?” you whisper, voice trembling, hoping for an answer.

but they don’t respond. instead, they take a single step forward, then another, each slow movement deliberate. panic bubbles up in your chest as you back away into the kitchen, hands gripping the counter behind you as they round the corner, closing in on you fast. you try to focus, eyes darting to the nearest exit, but theyre already there, blocking your path.

with nowhere else to go, you press yourself against the wall, trapped as they approach, their gloved hand resting on the wall above your shoulder. for a moment, you’re left staring into the blank eyes of the mask. then they lift his hand, pulling the mask back slowly, revealing josh’s familiar face, his eyes glinting with amusement.

relief floods over you, but it’s quickly replaced by a flush of frustration. “you’re unbelievable,” you mutter, half out of breath.

“ugh i knew it was you.”

his grin widens, but there’s fondness in his gaze that catches you off guard. “happy halloween,” he says softly, his voice dipping lower, laced with something playful, something that makes your skin tingle. he doesn’t move away; if anything, he leans closer.

you let out an exasperated laugh, rolling your eyes. “was this your idea of fun?” you ask, more curious than angry, though your heart still pounded in your chest.

josh’s gaze drops to your lips, and he inches closer, his voice low now, barely audible. “i wanted to see how close you’d let me get,.” his thumb grazes along your jaw, a soft touch that leaves you breathless. 

"and yet here you are…"

you hold his gaze, his words hanging between you. "maybe i wasn’t planning on stopping you.”

before you could fully process it, his lips were on yours, the kiss was sweet . his hand slips around your waist, pulling you against him as he deepens the kiss, both of you caught up in the moment.

when you finally break apart, his gaze lingers on yours, his thumb going back to brushing your cheek. “guess i was right,” he whispers, his voice warm, familiar, with a softness that sends a thrill through you.

you let out a quiet laugh, still catching your breath. “maybe you should try being wrong once in a while.”

he laughs, pressing a kiss to your forehead, his arms wrapping around you as he holds you close. “nah,” he says. 

“i think i like it better this way.” 

comments and reblogs are appreciated ˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

© ruewrote 2024.

[unintentionaloracle]

The Honorary In-Law (Part One) [Fic]

Hoo boy this took a while (so long I said "screw it" to trying to make it plausible to the current timeline of events in actual kayfabe) but now my baby is done! And boy do I need it between The Jhea Drought and whatever is happening with Zowens. (Trips why are you hurting me specifically?)

Summary: Rhea and Jey have been keeping it casual for a while. But when Jey tries to arrange a meeting with her and Sami, can Rhea handle the pressure to not screw up her new romance? And will Kevin throw a wrench in them taking their next step?

(Also I do have Liv and Dom in here and mentions of Rhea having had relationships with both of them, but I'm not tagging those so far because it's only for like, a scene and it seems rude to tag past relationships that are only mentioned in passing. IDK I can tag those if you need me to I'm so tired, y'all.)

Part One: Double Your Trouble, Double Your Fun

 Rhea chuckled mischievously, planting one last kiss on Jey's lips. She glanced down at her handiwork: his mouth coated with her black lipstick. Her own probably looked like a mess, but it was worth it. She shifted her position on the couch from pinning and straddling the Intercontinental Champion to one that allowed her to curl up on him–head on his chest–almost like a contented cat.

 She could practically feel Jey grinning ear to ear as he held her. “I know I say this every time we make out, but...damn, Rhea...”

 Rhea grinned, rubbing his chest. “Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet...” She purred.

 “...Baby, this stuff is gonna wash off easily, right?” He asked, trying to check for himself.

 Rhea laughed. “No, you'll be walking around with that for a while. I got the good stuff,” she joked. “I gotta mark my territory, after all...”

 “I mean...I could've just written “Mami” on my sunglasses...”

 “Yeah,” she looked up at him with a smirk, “but then I wouldn't have had to kiss you.”

 “...Okay, nevermind...”

 A content warmth spread through Rhea. “Although, to be fair, I've got a million excuses to kiss you...” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.

 Jey laughed. He shifted them both around so Rhea was on the couch and he was on top. “Oh really? Do you need one?”

 Rhea smirked. She cupped his face as she pressed a spellbound Jey’s forehead to hers. “Nope. Especially not if you ask me nicely...”

 “Well then...Miss Rhea Ripley, may I please kiss you?” Jey said in a low, flirty tone as leaned in for another kiss.

It was then that Priest walked into his and Rhea's hotel room. “...Really? On the only couch?” He said as they turned to see him. Then he glanced at a flustered Jey. “That’s not your shade, man.”

 “Oh, come on, Damian. We aren't even screwing yet.” Rhea replied, making Jey choke on air. “And True Abyss is absolutely his shade!”

 Damian scoffed, trying to hide a smirk as he shook his head. “Just give me some heads up next time you have your new boytoy over, okay?” He said, heading to the bathroom.

 “Oh, fine.” She turned her attention back to Jey. “I swear, sometimes he's like a brother in an annoying way. Where were we?”

 “Actually,” Jey said, putting a finger to her lips...before he appeared to remember Rhea was an absolute menace of a flirt. He removed it before she could even open her mouth to do anything with that finger. “That reminds me: there's something I wanna ask you...”

 Concern rose through her body. “What?”

 “It’s nothing bad, I was just thinking...I kinda wanna introduce you to Sami...”

 Rhea somewhat relaxed, concern replaced with confusion. “...I've met Sami, Jey...”

 “I meant re-introduce him. You know, somewhere where you're not beating him and Kevin up to help The Judgement Day? A do-over.”

 “Why?”

 “Because you're important to me. And Sami's important to me, too.”

 Rhea felt touched, but also compelled to ask: “wouldn't it make more sense to introduce me to your family first? Or re-introduce me, I guess?”

 “I mean, Sami’s practically family,” Jey said plainly. “And right now, introducing you to my family is out of the question...”

 “Not even Jimmy?”

 “Nah. We're still trying to fix things between us...”

 “Roman?”

 “I can't stand to be in the same room as him longer than I have to.”

 “Your dad?”

 “No, no. Definitely not him. Trust me.”

 Rhea sighed. “And obviously Solo and his Bloodline are also out, even if I could take them...”

 “You could, but...” Jey cupped her face, rubbing his thumb against her cheek and smudging her initials she'd written on them. “Rhea, I don't want to make you have to deal with them, too. The Bloodline takes almost every good thing I have from me,” he pressed his forehead to hers. “I don't know what I'd do if they somehow took you, too. Plus, with all the crap you've been dealing with? I’d hate to get you tangled in my family ish because of me, baby. Know what I mean?”

 Rhea blinked. She didn't think she'd be touched by such a sentiment, but here she was, thinking of all the times she had to fight the men of The Judgement Day’s battles (especially Dom’s). And now Jey was here, not asking such a thing. He never would. It'd almost make her cry, if she didn't want to spoil the mood. Especially at this phase of their relationship: the “we aren't putting labels on it yet” phase.

 So instead, she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer, cupping his face back. “Yeet,” she purred.

 Damian left the bathroom, but this time the lovers barely registered his presence as they lovingly stared at each other in the far more suggestive pose. “WEPA! Jey, I'm taking your hotel room key and I'm crashing in there!”

 “Uh, that might not be a good idea, Uce. Kevin's crashing with us right now, and he and Sami have been really–”

 Damian swore, mumbling something under his breath about “how can Sami still be with that guy?” before declaring “Guess I'm heading out.”

 Jey gave a thumbs up before Rhea dragged him back down for a quick kiss. “Is that a yes?” He asked.

 “Yes...” She said, tangling herself around him.

---

 The next night on Raw, Rhea prepped for her match backstage. Liv wanted to make sure Rhea couldn't get her next shot at her and the title so easily. So she had arranged for there to be a Battle Royal to determine her next Number One Contender. Idiot. I’ve won a Royal Rumble from the Number One spot. A Battle Royal is nothing. Rhea thought.

 Still, Rhea knew she didn't exactly have friends in the women's locker room. She'd done some terrible things to a lot of the girls over the past two years. Stuff she hadn’t exactly apologized for. So, naturally, it was awkward between her and everyone else in the locker room. So much so that, when she went to get her gear, she just got changed in the bathroom and hung out everywhere but the locker room, instead.

 (She knew it was bad when Damage Ctrl shot her dirty looks.)

 As she made her way to gorilla position backstage, she had a brief run-in with Raquel. Rhea opted to ignore her and the impulse to forget everything she was aiming for to get some sweet revenge. She had a match to win, she just couldn't get distracted by any annoying–

 “Daddy Dom, it's gonna suck having to be away from your handsome face two matches in a row,” Liv said, pouting before Dom rubbed his nose to hers.

 “Son of a bitch,” Rhea said to herself, rolling her eyes at the display.

 “Yeah, cuz right after you observe the battle royal, I have my Intercontinental Championship match against Jey, and he’s got you and the guys banned from ringside. It's not fair...” Dom whined.

 Rhea couldn't help but gag. “That you have to fight your own battles like a man for once?” She said, aloud.

 The couple finally noticed she was in the room. Liv rolled her eyes. “Don't listen to him, Daddy Dom. You're plenty man for me. She's just jealous she has to settle for Jey, now.”

 “Oh honey, I am not settling with Jey. I'm more than satisfied...” Rhea replied, shooting Dom a look that made him avert his eyes.

 “Yeah, well... you're still probably gonna screw up with him! Just like you did with me!” Dom fired back, throwing his arm around Liv.

 “And me.” Liv added, cattily.

 Rhea felt a slight pang, but she couldn't let either of them notice. Or dwell on it. She put on her best smug smirk. “Uh huh...so tell me: do you enjoy making out because you're so into each other? Or is it because you both can still taste me?”

 Liv nearly lunged at her as Dom yelled, holding his girlfriend back. Rhea braced herself, motioning for them to bring it. She cackled as Liv flailed in Dom's arms and Dom struggled with her. That's when Rhea felt a hand ease around her waist.

 “Is there a problem, here?” Jey said, lowering his sunglasses. Rhea glanced at him, he was wearing black and purple on his gear, along with his signature blue and pink, and a pair of “Mami” sunglasses. She grinned a little at him before going back to glaring at her exes.

 “No...” Dom said (earning a groan from Triple H as he motioned for the cameraman to leave). “Just control Rhea...” He said, finally (and ungracefully) putting Liv down.

 “Yeah, control her!” Liv said, straightening her hair and outfit as she glared at Jey.

 “Y'all know nobody can control her,” Jey said fondly, squeezing her closer as Rhea threw an arm around him. He looked at Dom. “We'll finish this later,” Liv's music hit. “I think that's your cue to go...”

 Liv rolled her eyes. “C’mon, Daddy Dom! Walk me to the announce desk?” She said with a pout before they headed for the curtain. “And by the way, Rhea? The gear’s a bit much...” She added before leaving in a huff with her boyfriend.

 “YOU’RE ONE TO TALK IN THAT MINISKIRT WITH “PROPERTY OF DOM” ON THE ASS!” Rhea yelled back.

 Jey gave them a stern yeet goodbye before he finally seemed to notice Rhea’s outfit: white, blue and pink gear with a “YEET” collar. She even had sunglasses that had “R+J” written on them (her makeup had the same written on her cheek). He grinned. “Well, I like it.”

 “Yeah, they aren't really my colors, but I love them on you...” She said, grinning back. “Oh, did you talk to Sami about tomorrow morning? Doing breakfast or brunch or whatever together?”

 “Yeah. I actually came to talk to you about that...”

---

 Jey gave a gentle knock to door of his and Sami’s hotel room. Sami sent him a quick text telling him to wait a moment, followed quickly by the all clear to come in.

 Jey entered the room to find Sami, half-dressed and still sitting in bed. “Mornin’, uce!” Jey said brightly.

 Sami tried to motion for him to be quiet.

 Kevin, who was lying beside him with his arms wrapped around Sami's waist, stirred. The Prizefighter had been crashing with Sami and Jey since his fights with his friends and subsequent suspension. (“I'm all he has left, Jey,” Sami had pleaded. “He needs somebody in his corner right now.”) He seemed to be chill with Jey, therefore Jey was chill with him. Besides, he knew there was no talking Sami out of helping someone, especially Kevin. 

 Kevin said something sleepily in French, eyes still shut.

 Sami rubbed Kevin's back and said something sweetly in French. Jey guessed it was something like “It's just Jey, my love.”

 Kevin nodded, squeezing Sami tighter. He said something else in French.

 Sami replied in French.

 Kevin repeated what he said in French as a question.

 Sami huffed and repeated himself, apparently correcting what he'd said before. Kevin chuckled and settled back down.

  “Merci, beau,” Kevin said, smiling contently as he cocooned himself in blankets. He actually looked relaxed...and happy. More than Jey had seen him in weeks...or ever. It honestly kinda scared him a bit. Jey knew how to handle an angry, rampaging Kevin. But a blissful one? A blissful one felt like a trap.

 But Sami's the happiest I've seen him in weeks, all things considered, Jey thought. So I can live with that...

 “Someone looks like he had a good night with his girlfriend,” Sami teased, his voice a whisper.

 Jey covered the hickey on his neck and tried to wipe the lipstick smudges from his mouth again, flustered. “Ah, c'mon, man. We haven't made it official yet.” He said. “We're taking our time...”

 Still... Jey thought. He was more than willing to give Rhea the time she needed, but sometimes he kinda worried that maybe she wasn't as serious about him as he was about her.

 “I know...” Sami replied. “But seriously, you seem happy.”

 “I am! I did have a good time...” Jey said, rubbing the back of his neck. “And I asked her about meeting up with you...”

 “And?”

 “She's down for it! She thought maybe we could get breakfast on Tuesday. Or brunch. She just kinda thought it might not be as awkward as a dinner after work or something,” Jey said.

 “Oh! Okay, yeah. I think I could work with that...” Sami said.

 Kevin stirred again. “You're going to breakfast with Jey?” He said, now more awake.

 “And Rhea,” Sami said. He explained the plan to “re-introduce” the two to Kevin. Kevin stared at him groggily the whole time, his eyebrow raised.

 “Can I tag along?” Kevin asked.

 Sami blinked. “You want to “re-meet” Rhea?”

 Kevin nodded. “We're a package deal, aren't we? Plus, what if this is all a ploy and she turns on you guys? You need some protection. What're they gonna do? Suspend me more?”

 It's called firing, Uce. Jey thought. He had other concerns, too. Kevin was so unpredictable, lately. Did he really want to bring that around his girl? Especially when he didn't want her around his mess of a family?

 “I mean, if she's cool with it, I'm cool with it,” Sami said. “It'll almost be like a double date...”

 “See!? A package deal!”

 Jey chuckled awkwardly. “I can run it by her...”

---

 “So...” Jey said, one hand on his hip. He scratched at his goatee with the other. “How are you feeling about that?”

 Rhea folded her arms, thinking. The idea of Kevin hanging around didn't exactly thrill her. Not for his behavior, of course. (She knew she could lay him out if he acted up.) But she was already somewhat anxious about trying to win over Sami, given their history. Throwing his unstable boyfriend in? Who held a hell of a grudge? You might as well ask her to do an MMA fight with a kangaroo, that'd be easier.

 Still, Dom and Liv’s taunts about their failed relationships with her started to echo in her head. I'm not gonna screw this one up! She thought.

 Her music hit. She jumped a little, startling Jey. “Oh, damn it...” She said. “Sure, he can come! I gotta go!” She quickly kissed him. “Bye!” She said, making her way to the curtain.

 “Uh, bye...Good luck, baby! You got this!” Jey called after her.

 Rhea smiled, confidence returning. She shoved the personal drama aside in her head and went into Match Mode. As she did her signature stomp in her entrance, she thought: I do got this. I'm gonna get my title shot, then I'm gonna crush the whole “winning over Sami and Kevin” thing!

---

 Rhea threw some stuff around backstage after the match, screaming. Priest ran up to her, “Hey, take it easy, Rhea! What's up?”

 She stopped her rampage, breathing heavily. “Did you not see that match!?” Rhea asked. 

 “No, I was talking to Pearce about getting my title back. I take it it went b–?”

 “Raquel and Liv cost me my shot by cheating after I eliminated Raquel because they're bloody cowards!” She shouted. “Now MAXXINE has my title shot!” Rhea let out another yell before burying her face in Damian's torso and hugging him.

 Damian patted her back. “Ouch. I'm sorry, Rhea. But hey, good for Maxxine, at least...”

 “Whose side are you on?” She asked, as if she hadn't enjoyed a hyped-on-victory Maxxine performing an arm drag on Liv when they faced off after and the latter held up her title in the ring, trying to act like she was the baddest to ever do it.

 “Yours. Always. Need me to put the fear of God in them? Maybe put Dom on the shelf?” Damian asked.

 “No, I don't want you suspended...” Rhea said. “Besides, I need to take out Raquel first...” She was gonna get nowhere with Liv's little bodyguard around. She clung to Damian a little tighter.

 Damian chuckled. “Alright...” Damian hugged her back. “Hey, is that all that's wrong?”

 “I'm just stressing about this breakfast thing I'm doing with Jey and Sami. Kevin apparently invited himself along so now I have to deal with that too.”

 “Oof. Need me to come along?” He asked.

 “I'd love you to, but I gotta do this on my own, Priest...” Rhea replied. “I don't want to make this messier...” Or more awkward.

 “Okay, but if you need me, or an excuse to leave, just hit me up and I'll get you out of there, all right?” He said, giving her a kiss on the top of her head and a pat on her back before letting her go.

 “Thanks, Priest. I appreciate it.” Rhea waved goodbye as Damian walked off. She took a deep breath, ready to just take a moment to collect her thoughts...

 Cathy came by, mic and film crew at hand. “Rhea, tough loss tonight. How do you feel—?”

 Rhea let out a scream of frustration and stormed off, in search of a breakable outlet for her rage.

To Be Continued...

[novemberevenings]

somewhere between the stars | chapter 1

Azriel is your best friend. The best, most brilliant, and dearest friend you have ever known. It gets harder and harder to separate your platonic and romantic feelings for him.

A/N: first chapter of this series!!! honestly wanted to write my own rendition of an angsty, mutual pining fic w my azzy <3 anyways this first part isn’t the longest but i’m posting it to motivate myself to write the next part!! (btw italics indicate a flash back!)

The night sky seems peaceful tonight, almost as if it were at ease. A chill night breeze brushes past, swirling in the soft grass in greeting. The branches of a nearby tree sway, the only sound being the soft caress of leaves. Lying with your head laid back against the grass, eyes closed in a mix of exhaustion and ecstasy. 

At the feel of a soft, scarred hand brushing against your own, you open your eyes and tilt your head to the side. You’re greeted with a familiar and comforting sight. Your best friend's questioning gaze and furrowed brows make you quietly ask, “What's going on in that head of yours?” 

It’s a phrase that you both have claimed as yours. When either of you needs to be dragged out of your thoughts, the other won’t hesitate to ask to ground you back to the present. 

He’s quiet for a moment, trying to find the words that are jumbled up in his head. He turns to look at the sky once again before asking, “Do you think they’re watching us?” 

“Who?” His question puzzles you, not quite understanding where it's coming from. 

“The stars, the moon. I dunno, maybe the entire sky.” You’re used to his weird questions. It’s become a thing that you’ve got going on between the two of you. “If they are, I hope they don’t snitch on us.” 

This earns you a light chuckle, his head slightly shaking from laughter. Realistically, the sight of two younglings watching the stars at night shouldn’t be a problem. But for a boy who has to wake up for training early in the morning and a girl who has to continue with her apprenticeship, they could get punished for being out this late at night. 

“I like to think that they are. Watching over us, I mean.” 

“Az, that’s kinda really creepy.” 

He laughs indignantly, lightly shoving at your shoulder. It’s silent again, but you can tell he wants to say more, so you wait. “There’s just… so much out there, you know? It’s so big, and there’s so much we don’t know. I like thinking that, somewhere out there, someone’s looking out for us.” 

You take a second to just marvel at the way he thinks. A sudden feeling of gratitude and pride washes over you at being one of the few people who gets to see this side of him. The side of him that’s bright and curious, hopeful. 

You turn your head back towards the sky, looking at the stars and the empty spaces between them. Your best friend’s words are still in your head, trying to form an answer. 

When you look back at him, you find his gaze already on you. He looks at you just like how he looks at the night sky, with reverence and utter devotion. It compels you to reply, “Well, regardless of who’s out there, I’ll always look out for you.” 

He gives you a soft smile, the one that you’ve come to treasure and look forward to. “I’ll always look out for you, too.” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Tucked into a corner in the library at the House of Wind, your eyes roam over the page you’re reading. You were catching up on some old texts, brushing up on your knowledge of some spells. As the sorceress of the Inner Court, you always wanted to ensure you could protect your family. 

A clock nearby chimes, and you poke your head out to check the time. It was almost time for dinner, but you still wanted to finish the chapter you were reading. Going back to your book, it wasn’t long until the doors to the library slammed open, surprising a couple of priestesses nearby, an arrogant General waltzing in looking to find you. 

“You know, Cass, they expect silence in a library.” Closing the book with a resounding snap, you stand up from the cozy armchair you’d been sitting in, returning the book to its rightful place on a nearby shelf. “Lovely to see you too, my dearest Y/N.” 

You half-heartedly roll your eyes at him but take the arm he’s offering as he leads you out of the library. The two of you exchange stories of the day, Cassian recounting training with the Valkyries that morning. You listen to him intently, but you stop in your tracks when he says, “Az is coming home tonight.”  

“He is?” Your eyes widen as relief washes over you, not realizing how worried and tense you have been throughout the past week since Azriel was gone on a mission. 

“Yeah, sent Rhys a message ‘bout an hour ago.” 

At your look of shock and surprise, Cassian follows up with, “He didn’t tell you?” 

You softly shake your head, dismissing him. “I’m sure he was just really busy with work. It’s fine, Cass. Nothing to worry about.” 

Your soft, encouraging smile did nothing to ease Cassian’s worry, but he didn’t push on the subject. 

There had been this rift growing between you and Az. Both of you had been quite busy with your duties, Az especially. But you can’t help but feel there’s something else that’s causing this, and you hate it. Your friendship with him is one of the best things in your life, and the idea of losing him was… devastating. You don’t think you would be able to survive it. 

But you plan on fixing it as soon as he gets back. A simple conversation will fix this, you’re sure. 

“Alright, come on then.” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

It was a calm night in the House of Wind. Everyone had gathered for weekly family dinner, and all was well. Everyone except for Azriel, that is. 

To say you were tense and anxious would be an understatement. Even a blind man could see just how worried you were. While everyone else was lounging in their seats and sipping their glasses of wine, you sat with your back straight, hands fiddling with each other nervously. 

“Loosen up a little, Y/N! Cauldron, you look like someone just killed your puppy.” You roll your eyes at Cassian’s teasing. Sometimes, you worry your eyes would be stuck at the back of your head whenever you’re with him. 

“Oh, give her a break, Cass. We all know why she’s acting this way.” Mor says, trying to lighten your mood. 

And it’s true. Everyone gathered around you knows exactly why you were so tense and worried. Despite Azriel sending you a message that he would be back tonight, your worry would not disappear until you saw him with your own two eyes, safe and unharmed. 

It was no secret to anyone how close the two of you were. Best friends ever since you met each other in Windhaven. Your friendship was one of the constants in your life, forever a source of comfort. He was your closest confidant, the shoulder you could always lean on, the first person you celebrate the good news with, and the first person to wipe your tears away when you cry. 

He wasn’t just your best friend. He was… your best everything. 

You tried your best to enjoy the night, joking with your family and catching up on each other’s day. Although your worry wasn’t completely gone, the presence of your family always put you at ease, love pouring through every interaction. 

“As I was saying, wing-warmers should totally be a thing. You don’t know just how much the cold affects our wings. I feel like an oversized icicle flying around the–”

Cassian stops mid-rant as a figure appears in the doorway. Everyone follows his line of sight at his silence, your head quickly snapping towards the doorway. 

And just like that, a week’s worth of worry and anxiety melts from your body. The sight of Azriel in his leathers, all seven siphons gleaming, is one you’ve longed for. 

“Az,” you sigh softly in relief. 

“Hi,” he replies. That soft smile you think is reserved just for you spreads across his face, eyes crinkling a little at the edges. 

That one word was all it took for you to fly out of your seat, running towards him at full speed. He catches you, bringing you into his warm embrace immediately. You tuck your face into the crook of his neck, wrapping your arms as tight as you can around his neck. In response, Azriel buries his nose into your hair, tightening his grip around your waist. 

You pull back slightly, your arms holding his shoulders so you can better scan his body for any injuries. 

At the worry in your face, Azriel asks, “What’s going on in that head of yours?” 

You notice his attempt to lighten your mood and snark right back at him. “Nothing, just thinking about how much you stink.”

He lets out a chuckle, and you can feel his chest vibrate from your proximity. “And here I thought you missed me.” 

You stay in his embrace for a little longer, feeling grateful that he’s returned unharmed, and take a moment to just look at him, reminding yourself that he’s back. A cough sounds from somewhere behind you. “Hello? Care to share him with the rest of us?” 

Rhys’ impatient yet teasing tone makes you and Azriel laugh, pulling apart to let the other members of your family greet him. 

You stand back, watching him embrace everyone else. Finally, you feel settled, like a part of you was missing, and now you’re whole again. You try your best not to think too much about what that might mean, wanting just to enjoy the fact that your best friend is back.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[myhaikyuuacademia]

Hey May i have a scenario of OPLA Sanji encouraging a female reader who's introverted and lacks confidence into following their dreams

yes, you may! Here you go~

Dreams | Sanji x reader (OPLA)

[Request] Summary: Sanji encouraging you to follow your dreams A/N: he's such a sweetheart. It's a bit short sorry!

It started when the strawhats declared their dreams. Everyone, one after one declared their big dreams and ambitions, but when it was your turn, you weren’t sure. It felt stupid to say, but you felt compelled to tell them something, anything, to alleviate the feeling of stares and uncomfortable silence. “um. I guess. I guess my dream is to find my dream?” You fumbled with the hem of your shirt and avoided their eyes. Already then you felt the burning of Sanjis eyes on you. “Don’t worry about it darling, we’ll surely figure something out.” He said with his signature drawl. “Yeah!” Luffy chimed in enthusiastically, pumping up his fist. You just nodded slightly, wanting this to be over and done with.

Ever since that day, Sanji has been, well, pestering you. You expected this from Luffy, who was so unbelievably passionate about personal dreams, but in the end it was Sanji who disturbed you every single time without fail while you were trying to read or do some mindless tasks to keep you occupied on the ship. Like right now for instance. Even on the crow’s nest where you’d tried to escape and find peace from him for once, he’d found you, nose buried in your journal. He grinned at you, arms folded over the edge of the reeling and his head atop them. He’d been chipping away at you bit by bit and that smug little bastard knew it. “Hello Darling.” He purred. “Found you.” Ignoring the way your stomach fluttered you put down your book and scrunched up your face. “Hi Sanji…” He just smirked at your less than enthusiastic tone. Effortlessly he got up and swung first one of his legs and then the other to join you inside the small, enclosed space. Slowly you lowered the journal and closed it, leaving it to rest in your lap. “Why you hiding, gorgeous?” Sanji asked after he settled in next to you, legs crossed. It still made you very flustered whenever he called you a pet name, but he did it so often, that you slowly got used to it. And he did it with other girls too, so that made you calm down more as well. It was just a thing he did, you told yourself. “You know why.” He rolled his eyes, grinning. “Aw come on sugar.” You refused to meet his eyes and instead kept them trained on your lap where you were playing with the pen in your hands. “You still have no idea what it is you want in life?” His voice was gentler this time, trying to coax a reply out of you. “No… I kinda do.” You admitted finally. It just seemed so unattainable you didn’t even know why you should bother, so you kept quiet once you figured it out. “Then what’s the problem?” He was being so sweet, it made it hard to resist doing whatever he wanted you to. But you really didn’t want to tell him and have him get your hopes up. “Nothing, just forget about it.” You sat in silence for a few moments, when he reached out to put a finger under your chin, guiding your face towards his, to make you look at him. “Come on, tell me.” He said softly, removing his finger slowly when you didn’t turn to look away again.  “It’s…”  you started, hesitant. “I mean. It’s not like I can accomplish it anyway. So it doesn’t matter, y’know?” Even though you didn’t turn to look away again, your eyes had trouble staying on his as you confessed your lack of confidence to him and they flitted from place to place to avoid eyecontact. “What are you talking about?” He almost seemed offended. “You don’t think you can do it? Darling, you’re extraordinary! Why are you doubting yourself?” Your cheeks burned and you bit your lips in a nervous habit, still avoiding looking directly into his eyes. “no no no, this won’t do. Come on.” Sanji stood up and held out his hand for you. You took it hesitantly and gentleman he was, he helped you stand up. “You, sweetheart, can do anything. Especially something as important as following your dreams. And if you can’t believe in yourself I will believe in you twice as hard.” His hand was still holding yours and he gave it a squeeze. “If you don’t think you can do it alone, I will help you, hell, the whole team will. We have your back.” He was saying it so emphatically, like he believed every single word. “From the bottom of my heart, I truly think you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” It made it hard not to believe him too, even if just a little bit, for now. Feeling yourself get emotional you tried to lighten the situation and rolled your eyes playfully while you pulled your hand out of his. “Man, you’re a really good cheerleader aren’t you.” Mock-annoyance in your voice as you sniffled, trying to get rid of the tears that were almost on their way. “Only for you.” He winked with a grin. “I mean it though.” You knew he did.

He was still by your side every day after that, cheering you on and helping you to believe in yourself.

[dreamwreaver]

Kinda hoping the Lucilith flashback references the way Charlie and Alastor met. So I imagined how the scene would go:

After being scorned for his dreams by his fellow angels, Lucifer flew down to Earth for a reprieve from them and had been enraptured by a sorrowful song, compelling him to find the source of these doleful notes and finds the first woman, Lilith, by her lonesome. She sings of her rebellion, refusing to bend to her destined spouse's will and yearns for her own autonomy and freedom with a saddened cadence.

The seraphim, perched on branches of a nearby tree, resonates with her words and wishes to know more and attempts to talk to her. "Hel-," but before he could fully blurt out his greeting, the branch under him broke and he plummeted to the ground at Lilith's feet, startling her.

Lucifer rights himself up, attempting to quickly recover from such an ungraceful fall and is nearly stunned silent by the beautiful yet suspicious stare of the first woman in front of him. He finishes weakly, "-lo."

She is wary of the angel in front of her, not saying a word in reply so Lucifer tries to diffuse the awkward situation. "Uh, I'm Lucifer Morningstar! One of the archangels who just got shunned by heaven for having wacky ideas, haha... So, I'm uh, taking a little break from their judgemental stares and, uh, may I sit here for a while? I-if that's okay by you?"

Still cautious of the strange being in front of her but slightly charmed by his weirdly adorable mannerisms, she stiffly says, "You may."

(The show would most likely never have their meeting go the nearly same way as their daughter and her hotelier did but it's nice to imagine, considering the show did unintentionally make Lucifer and Lilith have parallels with them.)

I agree that there's far more parallels between Charlie's parents and charlastor than the canon pairing. Charlie and Lucifer are both fairly fantastical, and while we know next to nothing about Lilith I cannot see her having more similarities with vaggie aside from being some sort of grounding force for her partner. And given that their separation likely stems from Lilith being disappointed in how Luci gave up hope on their people rather than try to empower them like she did; I can't see vaggie doing the same for Charlie. We saw in hello Rosie she'd sooner defer to Charlie while knowing she'd wallowing rather than try to do anything on her own. And I feel like I'm in the less vocal camp about this; I don't hate vaggie. I just think she's better matched with literally any other woman in the show rather than the one she has. As of right now post season 1 at least, I'll hold out hope that season 2 does them a bit better but given there's only 8 episodes I doubt it.

This is perhaps partially motivated by spite but since Lucifer still wears his ring; I want Lilith to come back and for those two to be so sickeningly in love that it's nauseating. I want full gomez and morticia vibes from them.

[confirmeddead]

Thank you so much for replying to my super long ask! Really liked hearing your take on it all! And I look forward to your planned post about JA’s comments!

First, just to clarify I’m not against an enemies-to-lovers plot for Daniel and Armand, I just fear it would be the old rom-com trope of “hate each other but have sexual chemistry resulting in hooking up and then just eventually liking each other”. Cause that is a pretty shallow relationship dynamic, and I just want there to be something more to it. I agree there’s potential for something really interesting! Especially given San Francisco, Armand turning Daniel, them literally being ’bonded’ and the kinda enforced intimacy between them (sent an ask about that a long time ago, if you recall?^^).

I fear that the show is not halfway as interested in the relationship as we fans are. Like the above trope between them just doesn’t make any sense, but what if that is where the show is going? Especially given AZ’s comment about the line being thin between hate and love. Or in light of the fact that one of the show’s trademarks being foreshadowing and playing the long game - but there not being any real foreshadowing about DM? I know they’ve promised to do DM, but the lack of any personal moments/scenes between Armand and Daniel (the exception being ’rest’) just makes me worry it will be shallow and come out of nowhere. Like my nightmare is that Armand and Daniel will just be like “Guess we’re even/I freaking still hate your (both to each other)” -> cue make-out as a consequence of the sexual tension fueled by hatred-mixed attraction”. Obviously it would be done with better and more subtle dialogue, but the scenario itself isn’t… great. Because I agree with you that SF and Armand’s (and Daniel’s) respective past should add dimensions to their dynamic!

Could you clarify for me what you meant with Daniel not dropping the subject? I’m very curious and I don’t think I really understood what you meant? I assume you don’t mean the subject being why Armand turned him, if it was out of spite like Louis said (and AZ and Rolin stated)? Because if it’s due to spite/hatred there isn’t really anything more to nail down for Daniel, I think? I do like you theory that Armand still to some extent stalked Daniel, even if pastDM wasn’t a thing - it does make sense - and that in turn could be be part of why Daniel would now chase Armand - to nail down what Armand’s been doing around his life, if that’s what you mean? Possibly figuring out how to be fascinating and ending up curious about Daniel?

Or do you mean Daniel will pursue Armand as the subject because Armand is the (fascinating) subject to nail down? Cause I can see that being pretty compelling, and a good start of something between them. However, I don’t know if Daniel chasing Armand and demanding his story/time/guidance with vampirism would be something this Daniel would do - because of San Francisco/the Dubai turning (if it was out of spite). Daniel seemingly hates Armand after s2e5, because of what he put him through, understandably so (confirmed in interviews by EB). So I don’t see him expanding any great effort or in any way compromising his pride to ask/persuade Armand to share his tale or guidance. Daniel’s chasing after Armand to get him to tell his tale/or for guidance just feels out of synch with where Daniel is emotionally with Armand at the end of the season in that case? Maybe Daniel is emotionally over it after Dubai and due to exposing/breaking up Armand’s relationship with Louis as revenge, but I don’t know…? I have a hard time seeing Daniel asking anything of Armand at this moment, because of their past and bad blood (haha - see what I did there? :P). I could possibly see Armand starting to stalk/chase Daniel, falling into his old pattern of attaching himself to who broke apart his previous status quo though maybe?

I could easily see Daniel being fascinated with Armand and wanting his story (and I like that as a plot) and it could believably fuel a chase, but we never actually see this Daniel being fascinated by Armand in the show. This lack of foreshadowing is honestly what trips me up, because no matter the limited time the writers had there was definitely time for a single scene or even a just a moment hinting at it. Daniel was curious about Armand-as-Rashid, but after the season one finale he became mostly only suspicious and determined to expose him - which makes sense in context and doesn’t rule out any further curiosity, but we never got to see even a tiny hint of any? Not even in s2e3? Maybe I’m missing something though? We do see them make eyes at each other - so sexual chemistry, but no single line of dialogue revealing any hint of fascination or curiosity. Possibly Armand’s line about the proposal does reveal that he stalked Daniel, so that could be something but I’m not sure if that is the case. Daniel wants to write more books and know more of the vampiric world - he evidently decides to do a documentary of Lestat. So I guess I could maybe see Daniel demanding Armand share his tale as a kind of “least you can do since you attacked/turned me/tortured me back in the 70’s” - but I don’t know if that emotionally makes sense to Daniel at the end of s2 or why would Armand would acquiesce.

Rolin’s comments have irked me as well, especially him talking about Armand turning Daniel like it’s “the” DM thing. Of course it’s important that Armand is the one to turn Daniel, but that fact is a pretty small part of that makes the DM relationship what it is. The turning itself is arguably a bigger thing, but that apparently isn’t important enough to do on screen? Rolin also saying that any interaction between Daniel and Armand is DM annoyed me, because I can wait but please don’t put the bar of what DM is on the floor. I assume he said so because he’s surprised about the interest in the pairing and because we won’t see anything substantial still about DM in s3, so a way to manage expectations.

Very grateful for your previous reply, sorry for long ask (again) - I really like reading your ideas and speculation, and obviously feel free to disagree with any of my takes - I’m very curious to hear your view! Thank you!

Hi!

I actually don’t agree that there hasn’t been foreshadowing for them getting together. I think every moment between Armand and Daniel is important. I don’t mean “all moments are DM”, but every snarky comment, smirk, moment alone is just building viewers up to gasp at the Armand turned Daniel reveal. He interacts with Daniel SO MUCH in the show, even when he was playing Rashid. That shouldn’t be overlooked.

So funny story, I know people in my life (and others I’ve seen online) who have no clue about Devil’s Minion and aren’t on socials for the show. They’ve specifically pointed out the “weird vibes” between Daniel and Armand aka the flirty vibes. It’s funny that they don’t even realize this is a thing in the books.

And the moments between them in Dubai are always so… odd. The prayer scene and 2x3 one-on-one interview? I’m not saying they were flirting, but these were the moments people were seeing and going “huh” about. A lot goes on with just the eyes. Remember Eric’s comment about the eye acting going on in S2?

“We do a lot of looking at each other," he said of Daniel and Armand. "I do a lot of listening to Jacob, but we do a lot of looking, checking out each other as this relationship continues to go through quite a lot of changes in all the episodes."

I think this does say a lot. Armand’s eyes say so much. The small laughs during their moments together. SF Daniel could never make Armand smile like that. They’re asking us to use context clues- Armand can’t help but be drawn to Daniel.

And opening himself up to Daniel in 2x03, however embellished it may have been. He didn’t exactly portray himself in the best light. In 2x04 he tells his story in the museum. This is the same guy who asked Louis not to do the interview, tortured Daniel over the first one in SF, hid from Daniel in S1. And now he’s telling him about his abuse. It wasn’t necessary to the story, but he let Daniel know KNOWING Daniel’s history using someone’s past against them. There’s something there, something important.

The writing is never that black and grey, to me. I trust that it’s not going to be brushed off because, frankly, Eric is Rolin’s favorite. Like, his DREAM casting. He’s gonna put his whole foot into the writing (as the show has already done!). Eric’s enthusiasm for his character and future with Armand should be exciting for them. They can’t outright say things because a lot has changed in their dynamic and less is known to us about our Daniel’s future. Talking about plot lines for his future relationship seems like an irrelevant question from the press to the writers. It’s like asking where Claudia is in the present when season 2 hadn’t even aired- we’d get there eventually!

So with Daniel not dropping the subject, I’m talking about him being a journalist.

“'... Interviewed a fallen Catholic archbishop, four Enron vice presidents and if they've got something to hide they always start with some kind of disguise.'”

He’s good at his job- maybe not the wives and kids business, but his job? He nails it. He did that with and for Louis with the S2 finale reveal. Daniel doesn’t give off the vibe that he’d just sit back and shrug that his maker walked out on him. It’s not even about the hatred and spite, but about the why. We don’t know why, I don’t think he does, either. I definitely don’t think Louis does! No one knows what’s running through that thick skull of Armand’s. And with Armand’s backstory with Marius coming to the forefront at some point in the season, he’s getting puzzle pieces to the person Armand is. What does he do with them? He finishes the puzzle.

Again, I don’t think Daniel needs the guidance anymore. Daniel hasn’t needed guidance in years- he figures it out. Armand’s a fascinating subject but it’s gonna become more personal than that. It’s gonna be personal for him. This is his life now, that’s his maker. He can’t separate himself from his subject now. It’s going to come to a head when Marius is revealed to be alive, that’s my working theory. Oh, another lie from Armand? No… not a lie. Not at all. Armand’s been lied to and doesn’t even realize it. I’d love to see Daniel approach Armand with a white flag waved. Maybe he hates his maker, but Marius? He lied to his fledgling for damn near 500 years. Maybe he can almost forgive the crazy for a second to TELL HIM.

I genuinely think the “all interactions are DM” comment is bullshit. Like that man was SO tired of Devil’s Minion comments while beginning press for the TVL season. He’s had to hear it for years now. I don’t think they’re surprised at all that DM is popular, but Rolin takes me as the person to wear his feelings on his sleeve. Any comments he’s made are very “STOP ASKING ME. Here, have this or whatever.” I think when the DM questions become relevant, he’d happily answer.

Sorry if my comments are all over the place but thanks again for your ask!

[presidenthades]

⚠️HOtD season 2 ep 7 spoilers❗

Your thoughts on this ep and Alicent reconnecting with nature?🎤 Also, I hope your pillow is cold on both sides and everyone who pressures you or is rude to you steps on lego🥰🙏

I actually had some genuinely positive thoughts about Ep 7. Then I read about the Ep 8 leaks and all my nice thoughts are gone again. 😔 I won’t talk about Ep 8 spoilers in this post, but if I’m not as happy about Ep 7 as I could be, it’s probably because of Ep 8.

Also, I will continue with my “here’s what I’m harvesting for fanfic material so hopefully I’m not being too negative” methodology because that’s my coping mechanism. 🥲

Very minor scene, but we glimpse Elinda Massey, highborn lady, running around the poor parts of KL in her bright red velvet cloak as if the hood will help camouflage her. I had a giggle at that, and it reminded me of Aemond in Compromise Ch. 6 going “my fancy green cloak is a great disguise.” 🤭 (Compare to S1E9 Aegon who was a hungover mess, but his clothes were spot-on for blending in with the masses.)

Show is strongly insinuating that Hugh’s mom is Saera. I’m not sure how that would work, because there’s no way Saera could’ve stayed in a KL brothel for years without Jaehaerys doing something about it. So either Hugh was born somewhere else and moved to KL (possible), or his mom actually isn’t Saera but maybe a bastard of Jaehaerys (also possible, maybe a bit convoluted). I’m still undecided about how much of Hugh and Ulf’s show versions I want to incorporate in my fics. My Ulf is way closer to his book counterpart, but Hugh is malleable enough that I could incorporate more show lore, e.g. he’s married to Kat in my fic too.

I liked Rhaenyra taking a dark turn this episode. I have been dying for the show to give her some more life this season, and Rhaenyra going on a messiah arc hits the spot. If this is why they’ve been hamming about the prophecy so much in the show: 👍. If you’ve read my fics (and some of my replies in comments), you know that I think prophecies are super fun to play with in fiction, but I think they’re best when people misunderstand or try to thwart them. The PTWP prophecy is not about Rhaenyra, but her believing it’s about herself is very Greek tragedy material.

I have a fic idea that’s been on the back burner for a few months. It’s supposed to have fairy tale vibes, with the trope of three brothers (Targbros) going on an adventure to the spooky island fortress (Dragonstone) where they have to negotiate with the dark queen figure (Rhaenyra) to get some dragons. And of course something about maidens in the tower (Velargirls) who help them on their quest. The E7 shots where Rhaenyra looked kinda villainous have been inspiring ideas for this fic again. 👀

Jace’s argument with Rhaenyra was very juicy. Stories are best when there’s conflict and tension, and infighting among TB is definitely interesting. I don’t think Jace is at a point when he would actively work against Rhaenyra (yet?). He’s still loyal. But those conflicted emotions add to his character, and the cracks in their relationship might lead to even more drama later.

I was starting to get a little tired of Harrenhal, but the Riverlords scene was 💯. It reminded me of early seasons GOT when there was more talking and less battle/dragons, but things were still INTERESTING because those conversations were important to characterization and plot. And now I feel compelled to incorporate more of the Muppet Tullys somehow.

The Aegon scene was painful to watch. Larys is definitely still manipulative, but he also seems to genuinely care about Aegon (although it does benefit him if Aegon gets better). I might try a more sympathetic depiction of Larys in a future fic.

Orwyle deserves a raise.

Re: Alicent in her nature phase. Man, if I ever felt guilty about making the royals’ security detail not as secure as they could be (e.g. Jace at the Sept in The Golds), all that guilt is gone. If Alicent can go to the woods with one single Kingsguard in the middle of a war, anything goes.

No not really. I’ll still try to make things realistic. But I’m not going to fret too much if the guards aren’t sweeping every corner before they let the royals into a building.

Now the ending. Dragonstone is close enough to KL that in the book, Rhaenyra and Daemon were said to race there and back somewhat regularly. So I imagine the two places are not terribly far away, BUT it still requires some time to travel. Even dragons can’t teleport, and Vhagar is especially slow. So Ulf and Silverwing went on a prolonged detour to KL, then Aemond and Vhagar gave chase for a few hours before retreating. Idk about you guys, but that seems like a LONG time to be on dragon back without a bathroom break.

And I know the show says Vhagar is too large for the Dragonpit, but I choose to ignore that. In the book, Balerion resided in the Dragonpit until he died, and he was way larger than Vhagar ever was. But we can headcanon that Vhagar prefers to be outside during her retirement era, and Aemond has to deal with it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[selarina]

TW mention of suicide, mention of fire, emotional distress

Even though it's in the middle of a frigid winter, Superhero!Satoru Gojo soars across the sky, slicing through relentless winds that assaults his face.

Below him, the citizens of this quaint town looked upon the God of blue streaks hurtling himself across the sky. There was a manic sense of urgency to his flight that was palpable to even the most cursory of onlookers.

They were confounded though, no one could make sense of this. Why would someone akin to Superman himself deign to come all the way down to overlook some measly little town? Should he not be in distant galaxies fighting aliens and other fiends alike?

But he soared on, until he finally stopped — midway in the air, his eyes zeroed in on the burning house below him. And then, in one swift descent, it was all over in less than five seconds.

You couldn’t even comprehend what just happened. One second you were seeing flames, sweating and screaming. In the next, you found yourself perched upon a cold park bench, your world tilting at an unsettling angle.

You don’t make sense of anything, and for awhile you just sit there in silence.

Your gaze remains set upon the mosaic of green tiles at your feet, your eyes fixed like they're the most interesting piece of art you’ve ever come to lay your eyes on.

“Are you okay?” The voice comes from beside you.

Your lips remained unresponsive, as you continued to study the tiles. And then you turn after what seems like after hours, you turn and smile. “I’m fine,” you reply.

“It’s okay to not be okay you know,” the superhero murmurs. His voice comes out low and unfamiliar yet somehow comforting all the same.

Your eyes studied the man. He's the one they call the Honoured One, or was it the Blue Phantom? There's too many superheroes to keep up with, but you know of him. You once heard that to some he's just — God.

You’re not joking when you say this, you have actually heard of rumours; there were those who had birthed entire religions, all in his name.

"No," you replied. "Truly, I should be fine. I uh— I lived in the city so this is not that scary," you chuckle feebly. "Kinda expected it to happen to me in the city at some point if I’m being honest."

You pause again, your breath quivering with the weight of unshed tears. "This is just stupid," you choked out between sobs. "But to think that this would happen on my very first day back in my hometown. It’s all so stupid and scary—"

He stares at you, or at least you think he does. He’s wearing a blindfold, fashioned through a sheen white cloth wrapped tightly around his eyes.

“I thought I’d be fine dying, but I guess not," you say when he doesn't respond again.

“You were fine dying?” he asks softly, his tone steeped in incredulity. You are fairly young after all, a whole life to live. Or at the very least, only half a life — you don’t really plan on living until you’re 100 and such.

“Um— not that I’m suicidal or anything," you hasten to correct my previous statement, in case he misunderstood. "I thought I would be fine dying, having lived a decent life and all but I guess I still have some regrets,” you say.

You’re not sure what was compelled you to unburden your soul to the man who had just saved you but the spell was broken now and suddenly you felt like a burden.

You rose to your feet, feeling light and hungry all of a sudden. You turn back to the man. “Thank you for saving my life. I’ll never forget it.”

He stands up with you, as he meets your extended hand in a hand shake, before he pulls you gently into a hug, you stay there snug against the warmth of his body for barely a few seconds before he pulls away.

“Thought you’d need it and it’s protocol,” he smiles a grin.

You think he may be lying but truly you couldn't care. You met his gaze, with only a hint of disbelief because frankly you've been through so much this week that all of this seems oddly mundane.

"See you then. And thank you, once more.”

As you make your way back to a hotel in the back of a police car, you feel the urge to call someone — after all, you did just almost die.

Despite your recent separation, you retrieved your phone, navigating your way to the list of favourite contacts. Your gaze settles on the contact name: Husband.

You should probably change that soon, but you've thought this numerous times but strangely enough you could never do it. But having almost kissed Death himself today, you change it back to his name.

And then you click away, drafting your message before you click send.

You: hey, it's me. you can come take your stuff if you're free this weekend. take care until then.

You: and let me know if the weekend doesn't work, we'll work out another time, or I can figure out a way to mail them to you instead.

His response was immediate.

Gojo Satoru: I'll be there.

You sighed, sinking back into the rough plastic-like texture of the seat. Your thoughts drift to the visual of the blindfolded phantom from earlier.

You think that despite all the odds, your first day back in town wasn't entirely bad.

[softplushiee]

RONIN X VIVIENNE (OC)

cw: character death (ronin), vivienne being weird ??, spoilers for ronin’s bad end, quick talk about suicide (it’s one line), blood, hurt no comfort, murder (duh)

—

Ronin ruined them.

He ruined them, he ruined them, he ruined them.

That damned bastard.

Though, as Vivienne looked down at Ronin’s body, mangled and bloodied up, they couldn't help but think that maybe they were already ruined.

It was an ugly sight, his body. Ronin still had that stupid grin on his face even in death. Vivienne crouched down where the dead body was propped and took the devil man’s face into their hands, their yellow eyes gazing into his dead ones.

Vivienne closed their eyes and closed the distance between their faces, they pretended that he was kissing them back.

They pulled away, tasting blood on their lips. His blood.

It was addictive.

They stood up straight, looking down on Ronin before looking at the knife that they used to kill him. The knife that he gave them to kill him.

Vivienne raised the knife up to their face. They gazed at it for a moment, looking at the blood that dirtied it. Ronin’s blood.

They felt a strange urge to lick the knife clean. The crimson fluid called to them. Vivienne hesitantly dragged their tongue across the knife, cringing at the metallic taste. Obviously, the blood tasted horrible but the taste was strangely addictive.

Maybe it was because it was his.

Soon the knife was licked clean. Vivienne felt dirty. Whether from killing a man or licking a blood-covered knife clean they don’t know.

They slid the knife into their back pocket and gave Ronin’s pathetic body one last glance before hurriedly exiting the alleyway.

They guess they’re on their way to officially becoming a serial killer now.

–

Vivienne planned to take a shower when they got home to scrub all the filth away but something compelled them to go to their computer.

They logged on and opened Discord, just in time to see a notification pop up in the announcement channel.

They didn’t bother opening up and reading the article. ‘Huh, just a few minutes after he was murdered they found his body. If I stayed there any longer I would’ve been caught.” Vivienne thought to themself. Maybe rotting in jail is what they deserved.

What really stuck out to them about the announcement was that Ronin was labeled their lover.

They didn’t have enough time to think about it because not even a minute later, they received a DM from Angel.

‘Are you fucking kidding me?’

‘Explain yourself. Right now.’

They couldn’t bring themself to properly reply, feeling numb. Angel was rightfully angry, she sent two more replies before finally sending ‘I’m gonna kill you.’

Vivienne stared at the promise for a moment. They imagined that they would be the one to take their life in the end but it seems fate has other plans.

They were shocked out of their daze when they received a message from the very man they slaughtered.

They clicked off of Angel’s message log and clicked on ‘goreboy’.

‘hey baby how are you Doing’

‘i’ve missed you so much’

Vivienne knows that it was futile but they hope that maybe, just maybe, Ronin was alive. Like they didn’t see the life drain from his eyes as blood poured out of his body. His stupid grin haunted their mind.

‘Aren’t you dead??’ They quickly typed out.

‘yes Baby i am!’

‘i’m so fucking Proud of ya’ Seeing that, Vivienne felt a pang in their heart.

They asked how he was doing this, sending messages even though he’s supposed to be dead.

‘well i Anticipated some of your Questions with Keywords’

‘you’re kinda Predictable.’ Vivienne furrowed their eyebrows.

‘but Hey if you’re bored you get to Ask Me Anything!’

They sighed. Well, they might as well kill time until Angel kills them.

‘You’re insane’ They sent and waited for the Ronin bot (?) to reply.

‘im so fucking Psycho i know’

‘but that’s the Butcher for ya baby!!’ Vivienne huffed, Ronin really captured his stupidity in this thing.

Vivienne had a grin on their face, albeit sad. They decided that there wasn’t much harm in talking to the ‘fake’ Ronin until they reunite with the actual Ronin in hell.

—

A/N: put the rotten tomatoes away !! i promise i’ll write something better for killer chat soon maybe

[otherworldseekers]

It Had to be You: chapter something or other (to be edited when I figure it out)

A while back I posted a confession scene and then decided I hated it. I ended up completely reworking the way the confession goes in as much as it's more a progression of escalating confessions over like a couple weeks. These two don't do anything the easy way.

Meanwhile there was this Omega questline scene where Severia gets kinda drunk I'd written like 3 versions of already but was never totally satisfied with. That has now been integrated into the Great Severia x Nero Confession Arc, as I've started calling it to myself, and the result is this scene I'm about to post.

So, this takes place on the last night at the Yawn after defeating the Deltascape and everyone has been celebrating. This is part of the It Had to be You fic, which covers the Omega questline events, but since I've written it out of order I'm not sure what chapter it will be.

As the alcohol ran low the revelry died down and the members of the Ironworks crew one by one began to make their excuses and head for their tents. Severia rose and collected the empty bottles left behind, piling them into an empty crate. Then she stretched her arms over her head, leather and armor creaking. “I absolutely need to get comfortable,” she declared as she made for her own tent. 

Nero was left alone, lounging on the ground with his back against a conveniently placed log and staring at the campfire as he sipped slowly from the last cup of sake. The celebration had lasted hours, but Nero still felt wide awake. He could not free his mind from images of Severia, laughing and smiling and imbibing with the rest of them, acting out some of her battles from the previous week, more carefree than he had ever seen her before. It was a side of her that was new to him, and it was radiant. 

But, truth be told, he was feeling a bit grouchy. Though it certainly had nothing to do with the fact that her smiles and her laughter had had nothing to do with him. 

“You’re all alone.” A voice broke him out of his reverie. 

Nero’s head snapped up to see Severia walking back toward the campfire from her tent. She’d changed out of her adventuring gear, opting for a tight fitting tank top underneath a loosely worn open flannel tunic, a pair of scandalously short shorts and tabi. Her hair was loosed from its regular side braid and fell in glistening waves around her shoulders and thank the gods she had left her hat behind in her tent. She looked much more relaxed as she approached him from the other side of the campfire. 

“Can’t sleep?” she asked. 

“Apparently not,” he replied, raising his cup as if in toast to her and then emptying it. 

“Mind if I join you?” She tilted her head imploringly. 

“Never.”

She favored him with a bright smile, a smile just for him, and he found that suddenly he was in a far better mood. Brandishing a porcelain bottle she had been hiding behind her back she grinned and said, “How about we bring out the really good stuff?”

Nero smirked and held out his empty cup. She leaned over to pour for him and then fetched an unused cup for herself before settling down on the log next to him. They sipped in companionable silence for a few minutes before Nero felt compelled to say, “This is good.” Had she been saving it to share with him? Or was he just lucky enough to be the last man left?

“A gift from the Lord of Doma himself,” Severia said. “I’m told it’s the very best Doma has to offer.” Severia let out a soft sigh of contentment. “I don’t drink much, as a rule. But it’s been nice tonight. With everyone. And now. With you.”

From what Nero had seen, and admittedly, he’d been watching rather closely, Severia hadn’t indulged all that much over the course of the evening. But there was a light flush defining the scales on her cheeks and a subtle alteration to her body language. She seemed more comfortable in her skin, and more comfortable showing it off. He allowed his eyes to travel leisurely up the bare expanse of her legs. Dared he hope that this change of attire was for his sake? 

She turned to him and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. Nero wondered if she had any idea what an enticing picture she made. Not that her shirt was particularly low cut, but when she leaned over like that, well he certainly wasn’t going to complain. 

“What’s it like, having a Third Eye?” Her head tilted again, this time in curiosity.

“What’s it like having horns?” he returned with a smug smile. 

Severia laughed softly. “I suppose I don’t know how to describe it any better than you do. It’s just normal.”

“How does it feel to use magic?” This time his question was sincere. He had always wondered, but normally his pride wouldn’t let him ask. 

“Hmmm.” She took some time to think. “Like having fizzy water flowing through your veins and stars shining under your skin.” She made a sweeping gesture toward the night sky with her hands, inadvertently spilling her drink. “Oops,” she said with a giggle.

An actual giggle. He’d never heard such a sound from her before. Normally he had no patience for gigglers, but somehow when she did it, it was adorable. 

Severia removed her flannel tunic and used it to wipe off her legs then discarded it onto the log next to her. Nero sucked in a breath. Without that cover, she was now shockingly underdressed. Not, again, that he was going to complain. But it was unlike her. Perhaps she was a little more drunk than she seemed. 

“May I touch it?”

“What?” Nero surfaced from staring at her breasts, unsure he had heard her correctly. 

“May I touch your Third Eye?” she repeated.

Nero gaped. She wanted to touch it? He searched her face but there was no indication that she was teasing him or that she had any idea what an invasion of privacy she was casually asking for. She was just curious. And he loved that about her. “All right.”

Severia clapped her hands with glee. Nero expected her simply to reach over from her seat on the log and give it a quick tap, but she had nothing so innocent in mind. He sat, wide eyed and dumbfounded, as she proceeded to lower herself from her perch and swing a leg over him. To his utter and complete astonishment, she was now straddling his lap and seemed to be completely at ease doing so. Leaning forward until her breasts were practically in his face, she studied the little pearl on his forehead. 

No one had ever asked to touch it before, or wanted to, as far as he knew. His heartbeat accelerated as he watched her bite into her lower lip as she reached out toward his Eye. 

“Oh, it’s hard,” she observed. 

It was certainly becoming so. Nero let out a slow breath. It was fortunate that the Eye wasn’t sensitive. He was already far too excited by this turn of events. Severia sat back, her weight on his legs. 

“Would you mind if I lick it?”

“Wha-?” It came out something like a squawk. He cleared his throat. She was drunk. That was all there was to it. There was no harm in humoring her. “Why not?”

And then her hot little tongue was on him and he might not be able to feel it through his Third Eye but he could feel it on the skin all around and it was possibly one of the strangest things that had ever aroused him. The evening certainly had taken a turn for the interesting. 

“Well?” he asked, forcing his voice to stay even. “Was it a fruitful experiment?”

“Maybe,” she said with a considering look. “That depends.”

“On what?”

“On what happens next.” Her ruby eyes pierced him, her expression expectant. 

And she looked, in the moment, so like the Severia that had been tormenting him in his dreams of late that his breath hitched and words failed him. She wanted something to happen. And she wanted him to initiate it. He shouldn’t be so surprised. She had, after all, been flirting with him all week, and he had been flirting right back. And unless he wanted their relationship to stay at that stage forever, he was going to have to make a move at some point. 

The problem was, when it came to Severia, he was a coward. Because the way things were now was so much better than those days after she had rejected him during the Crystal Tower expedition. When she had kept him at a distance, insisted there never could be anything between them. Those days when he had wandered the World of Darkness, fighting out of sheer stubbornness, wondering if anything mattered anymore. When he had nearly lost all hope as the darkness slowly consumed him. 

Anything was better than that, wasn’t it? Any small crumb of her attention was better than her rejection. Even now, when she was practically throwing herself at him. They had been drinking. What if it was just the alcohol talking? What if he gave in to his desperate desire to touch her, to tell her how he had never stopped wanting her… and then the morning came and once again she was ashamed of what had passed between them. What if he messed it up again and she disappeared from his life forever?

So he took the coward’s way. “What do you want to happen?”

Then he watched, his hands held cautiously idle at his sides, as her lips formed into an adorable little pout. Her eyes turned down shyly. “I’ve been waiting and hoping. But maybe you just don’t want to…”

“Don’t want to what?”

She squirmed on his lap, as if rallying the courage to say the words. “To kiss me.”

Nero closed his eyes. The squirming was having a definite effect on him. If she didn’t stop tempting him like this something was going to happen and he wasn’t at all sure she would like it. He exhaled slowly. “Of course I want to kiss you.”

“Then why haven’t you?” she demanded. 

“The last time I tried, you told me not to.” An excuse, really. He had simply been afraid to risk it. 

Again she squirmed, this time in irritation. “But that was years ago! Things have changed.”

“Have they?”

“Don’t you think so?”

“Nothing has changed for me,” he confessed, hoping she would understand. That his regard for her, and his desire for her, had never faded. 

She stared at him for a few silent moments before her eyes widened slightly as she grasped his meaning. Her hands, that had been resting lightly on his chest, grabbed at his shirt, using it as leverage to pull herself into him. The meeting of their lips was soft and sweet. Severia tasted exactly as he remembered, exactly as she did in his dreams, and he wanted nothing more than to wholly devour her. But he held back, letting her take the lead and choose their pace. 

When she broke off the kiss he couldn’t help a strangled groan. But she didn’t pull away. Her tongue darted out and he felt it slowly slide across his lower lip. When his jaw dropped in surprise, Severia’s tongue plunged into his mouth, seeking, exploring, taking his breath away. He couldn’t keep his hands off her any longer. They moved to grasp her thighs, sliding upwards until he was gripping those delicious scales on her hips that always taunted him as they peaked out beneath her shorts. He’d wanted to touch them for ages, and Severia made an appreciative sound into his mouth when he did. When she pulled back once more they were both panting. 

“Fuck, Severia, have you been practicing?” Nero asked between breaths. 

She leaned back and he saw her flush deepen. “Sort of,” she said a little sheepishly. 

Interesting. Nero smirked. “Tell me.”

Severia took in and exhaled a deep breath. “Lord Aymeric.”

Nero raised an eyebrow. “He’s the one you kissed?”

“He’s the first one I kissed.”

Nero thought he had been prepared but a sharp spike of jealousy speared his chest. 

Severia sighed again. “He invited me to dinner once all the Dragonsong War business was over. And well, we were talking afterward and I could tell he wanted to kiss me so… I thought, why not? Because… well, I wanted to know if kissing someone else would be like kissing you.”

“And?” Even burning with jealousy, Nero wanted to know what conclusion she had reached. 

“It was nothing like kissing you,” Severia said, staring down at her hands to avoid meeting his eyes. “It was… extremely awkward and I knew right away that I didn’t want to kiss him again. So I tried to politely let him down and fled as soon as I could. But I was still uncertain if… If there was something special about you or if there might be other people I would enjoy kissing.  So… I thought I’d better ask an expert.”

“I see.” That was logical, Nero told himself. And he had learned by now that Severia was perhaps even more logical than he. 

“I asked Thancred to kiss me,” Severia explained, fidgeting with her hands as they rested on his chest. “It was… well, it was better than Aymeric. I expected as much. But even with Thancred it wasn’t anything special.”

Which implied that kissing Nero had been special. He grinned smugly. “And was your curiosity satisfied then?”

“Mostly. I still didn’t understand what made kissing you so different.” 

“Perhaps I’m just that good.”

That coaxed a smile out of her. “Perhaps.”

“So, is there anyone else I need to be jealous of?”  

Severia put a finger to her chin as if considering. “Well, there was Hilda. That was somewhat unexpected, but it wasn’t bad. Then there was Hien and Yugiri. We were all a little drunk that night.”

“Hien and Yugiri? At the same time?”

“Well, obviously they took turns.”

“You have become quite adventurous it seems.” Nero was surprised and impressed and not a little envious. “Hien is that lord you mentioned?” She nodded. “Another bloody lord.”

“It makes you jealous, that other people have kissed me?” she asked with a coy grin.

She seemed a little too delighted by the idea. Nero’s hands moved up to grip her waist. “I’m a very possessive man, Severia. I want you all to myself. Is that so hard to understand?” He pulled her close again until their lips were almost touching. 

Severia combed her fingers through his hair. “And in return? Do I get you all to myself?”

Nero scoffed, hoping to hide just how much her bold manner was flustering him. “Allow me to remind you that I am not the one who has been traveling across the lands kissing other people. In fact…” He swallowed nervously. “In fact, there’s not been anyone I wanted to touch… Nobody since you.”

Her confident air fell away, showing something far more vulnerable. “You really do want me, Nero?” she asked tremulously. 

It occurred to Nero that Severia was a woman who was used to being needed and relied on for her strange power, but had trouble believing that she could be wanted for herself. And he was hardly innocent of causing her to feel that way. In the beginning, he had only wanted to use her. But this past week had shown him that he no longer wanted to consider his future without her. He could only hope there was a place in hers for him. 

He took her face in his hands. “Severia, Severia, forgive me for making you doubt it.” He pressed their foreheads together. “I desire you now more than ever.” 

And then she was kissing him again, her mouth hot and hungry. Nero wrapped his arms around her, crushing her into him, reveling in the feel of her. He wondered how he had managed to hold himself back this past week. If he had known that he could have had Severia like this, soft and eager and delicious, he never would have been able to. Now he never wanted to let her go again. 

The sound of a tent flap banging open startled them apart. One of the Ironworks interns stumbled out, mumbling to himself as if still half asleep, and headed toward the camp’s makeshift outhouse. They both breathed a sigh. Severia laid her head down on his chest. A minute or so later the intern shuffled back into his tent and soon they heard his snores resume. 

That was when Severia started to giggle, with her face still pressed into him and her shoulders vibrating. Nero wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. He lifted her back into a sitting position and raised a questioning eyebrow. 

“I’m sorry,” she giggled, a relaxed smile on her face. “I’m just so relieved. I’m so relieved. I feel light as a feather.” At this she began to flap her arms as if she would fly away and Nero realized that the alcohol and exhaustion of the day must have finally gotten to her. 

He smiled in amusement and kissed her nose. “I think it’s time for bed.”

“Oh?” Severia asked, her voice becoming low and sultry as she twisted her fingers into his hair. “You want to take me to bed?”

“You little temptress,” Nero growled, gripping her waist. Gods, of course that was what he wanted. But Severia was undeniably under the influence. He couldn’t be confident that she had unimpaired judgment. So he would bide his time. Closing his eyes and clearing his throat Nero said, “I will escort you to your tent and wish you goodnight.”

Severia pouted, but he lifted her off his lap and as they both got to their feet, Nero had to steady her. “I’m fine,” she protested. “I’m not drunk.”

“That is what people who are drunk say,” Nero pointed out. 

She pouted again and stomped off to her tent, Nero following. He grabbed her wrist before she entered the dark interior and spun her around, holding her against him. “Severia, when I make love to you, it will be because there isn’t a shred of doubt that it’s what we both want.” He smirked when she blushed and leaned down to give her a final lingering kiss full of longing. She whimpered when he pulled away and tried to cling to him. So he took her hands in his and brought them to his lips one at a time. “Goodnight, Severia.”

If you've read this far, thank you so much! And remember, I love getting feedback.

[hinamie]

Thank you very much for replying! To be fair, I didn't think you hated hated him, just that you didn't like him very much as a character or person, or whatever, but then you seemed so appreciate precisely how complex he was, and his most interesting traits, so I wondered. It makes so much sense what bothers you is fandom Gojo. I agree with what you said entirely, that's where I stand too, as a gojolover lol I kinda disliked him before getting actively into JJK because of what I had seen around in the fandom, but then I was struck with how good he legitimately was as a character, in part precisely because of his flaws and faults and how his own... prejudices we waved with the worldbuilding.

I guess those traits are what some parts of the fandom appreciate of him as well, if love takes them to view him and deal with Gojo as a character in a way in which I personally stop enjoying it. Love blinds us all a bit, I guess. To me, those takes simplify him, and renders him shallower and less compelling. But to each their own!

But yeah, it makes so much sense you, "colder" in your approach, portray him playing so interestingly with those traits that make him so good. Again, thanks for replying!

no problem, i'm happy to clear things up <3

i try not to be intentionally malicious when i hate on him, i think i make it fairly clear that what i'm saying isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but i guess u can never be sure unless it's stated outright

regardless of how i may feel about him ik he's integral to jjk as a story and means a lot to a lot of people so who am i to take that away from him :> at the end of the day, he's fun to draw and I'm happy I can at least show my appreciation for his character through my art

[lost-inanotherlife]

Hey, it's the same anon again. Thank you for the reply, I completely relate to everything you wrote!

I'd like to add that people often call Jack an asshole who "doesn't understand" other survivors, but the truth is, other survivors don't understand him either.

For example, I've seen many viewers bashing Jack for snapping at Kate in s1e12, after she retrieved her toy airplane, but they seem to forget the events of the earlier episodes.

Jack was the one who ultimately had to put down the marshal and even buried him by himself (Kate asked him why he didn't burn the marshal with the other bodies in the fuselage, and his answer was "I had to bury him").

Obviously, taking this man's life was a difficult moment for Jack (it's also implied that he sees mercy killing as murder), then just a few days later, Kate casually asks him to dig up the marshal's body, essentially asking him to reopen a painful wound. She then tries to deceive him with the key, and when he keeps his promise to her despite everything, she pulls out a random plastic airplane and shuts him out as if he didn't just desecrate a grave to help her retrieve this seemingly useless toy...

(I love Kate btw don't get me wrong hehe)

Omg Anon I love your cut-to-the-chase approach because YES! "Other survivors don't understand Jack", say it louder for the people in the back!

Let's be clear: I'm NOT making excuses for Jack's behavior. If people check my blog they will see that I call him out quite often. The thing is that I think that the way he reacts kinda makes sense with how the narrative treats him.

Let's take Kate as an example since you've brilliantly pointed out how people tend to side with her and call Jack a douche. Which okay, fair BUT.

Premise: I love Kate. I don't find her relatable at all but she's a goldmine in terms of characters whose potential was squandered because of a love triangle that ended in S3. But I digress.

Kate is a deeply, deeply flawed chatacter like honestly ALL characters on that damn island. This is not a flaw but she is like the other losties in that she sees Jack as an IDEAL.

Of course, compared to other people she actually gets to know him etc. But she's primarily fascinated by Jack because she wants his approval and validation so badly (I'll link some of my metas about this specific topic) sometimes it makes her look a bit... confused.

Take for instance that episode in S1 or maybe 2? where she drugs Jack. Not cool, am I right? Well, Jack finds out and takes it out on her but he's also quite soft about it. Well, to that what does Kate reply? She actually tells Jack in the face something like "how could you even think that I'd do something like that?".

I meaaaaaan, guuuuuurl. Come on. This is Manipulation 101. You can't get mad cause he got you. Change tactics. But no, she insists because she wants Jack The HeroTM to tell her she's a good girl.

I find all this absolutely compelling and fascinating because it makes Kate feel more 3D and alive and real. As any human being who's full of contradictions and unknown desires.

To sum it up: even Kate tends to see Jack not as Jack Shephard, A Real MessTM but as Jack The Good Guy.

If you ask ME who on that crazy island better understood the real Jack I'd say Sawyer.

Their relationshio could have been so much more than a love triangle and I'll forever be mad about it.

Thanks again Anon! Your smart takes give me the excuse to yap and I'm loving every second! Hahhaha!

My Meta about Kate (THEY ARE VERY LONG POSTS): detailed but incomplete analysis of the ep "I Do' (it's incomplete cause nobody was reading it so I stopped posting it).

foundational analysis of Kate, "What Kate Did" is THEE Lost episode.

[joifee]

Alr, I've been thinking again about my Flower Husbands reicarnation (?) idea.

Scott has been always a flirty person, but especially with Jimmy, he's fun to tease. But like, I imagine that S1 Scott when he gets his memories in S2, he like kind of, isn't himself anymore towards Jimmy. His flirts wouldn't be just teasing anymore but genuine and kind of soft and sweet flirting, basically appreciation towards the guy.

But Jimmy obviously would be suspicious as heck. No one in Empires actually appreciates him, so he would be so suspicious of Scott and try to like to push him away. Especially since for him, it all came out of nowhere. Tho at the same time, he would be desperate for allies, and want his attention bc he lacks it.

At the same time, Scott definitely would give off like faraway feeling, or when he looks at Jimmy like he was a dead man (for Scott he is, but he obv wouldn't know that). I just imagine Jimmy thinking that Scott looks lonely and the both of them would just feel awkward around each other as well bc there's just something unsaid from Scotts side.

I also was thinking that Sausage might realize the fact that S1 and S2 Scott are now the same person, but I heavily doubt Scott would want any help from the guy. S1 Scott obv didn't have a good relationship with him in his own timeline. So I kinda think that Scott would be VERY wary of the guy. Especially when he notices that Sausage also teasing Jimmy with the toy joke. Kinda like a "history repeats itself" kinda vibe. Scott would feel that way at least.

Since it is also heavily implied that Fwhip and Jimmy we're in some kind of queer relationship (for example Jimmy calling Fwhip his ex), I feel like Scott would start to rethink some of the past events as well. Fwhip in S1 really did a lot of mischief, especially directed toward Jimmy, which feels like he just wanted the guy attention.

Also, I didn't answer before, but you are always welcome to come to my asks and talk about your drafts or headcanons! Anything tbf. I love hearing other people's ideas!

sorry for late reply! omg yes its like an immediate switch from teasing to genuine and nice and jimmy is just confused af and definitly convinced scott is planning something mischievous or is out for trouble. like he is smitten by the compliments, yes, but will take them with a grain of salt. but then he also, like you said, is in need of allies so he cannot really say no despite being suspicious fareaway like in it feels like home but also like a growing distance when he looks at jimmy. like in a way he knows its just what he wants but also fearing it at the same time. and jimmy knows something is on scotts mind but he doesnt know how to ask or if he asks, if he is able to believe it due to his suspicions but then in this season i have the feeling they get along better? i mean sausage grew since then like he did become a better man than the king of mythland. so maybe scott is not really about talking to him at first, but the more time goes on the more he is compelled to talk with sausage about it but doesnt really know how to reveal that he can remember his past life even tho sausage might already know he does. but i dont see sausage as the guy to like push scott to talk to him. maybe that fact of them being exes makes scott also a bit unsure if he should pursue it more. Like thats different from the jimmy he knew. maybe its like still the same fwhip but then he didnt knew fwhip in his past life that well after they had the fallout due to scott accidently freezing gem. i might shoot you an ask then soon^^

[murdockmeta]

What dd run do you recommend for someone who wants to get to know Matt as a character?

Or better question; what issues?

"get to know Matt as a character" hm. fantastic question. I personally read volumes 3, 4, and 5 first before going back and reading some of the older stuff in volume 1. and it's really only been recently that I'd say I have a good grip on Matt's character.

Important parts of Matt's character are his resilience and integrity, his insistence on fighting for others' fair treatment, his admiration for the value of all life, his compassion for others no matter their situation, and his dedication to those he considers family.

Other important parts of Matt's character are his pride, his impulsivity, his lack of regard for his own safety/well-being, his destructive tendencies, and his poor coping mechanisms (which are plentiful in number; most notably perhaps being how he isolates himself from others).

These all tend to feed into one another. I'm going to try and suggest what I think showcases these parts of him.

fair warning: I definitely haven't read everything, namely volume 2 and a large bit of Miller's run, which most people consider very important.

if you're looking for a specific volume that's beginner-friendly, I'd say volume 3 is a good place to start, but if you want (in no particular order) a list of specific issues--

Daredevil Volume 1 issue 1 (Lee) - this one I have to rec out of pure respect. it gives you Matt's origin story and shows you a lot of his values that are still present in the modern-day character. though, if you're really not into older comics, I could say it's probably safe to skip until you feel more comfortable with the character

Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #1-5 (Miller) - this is probably considered the most iconic daredevil arc ever written, and for good reason. as many issues as I have with miller, he's a fantastic writer, and this retelling of matt's origin is gold.

Daredevil Volume 3, issues 28-36 (Waid) - waid just really Gets matts character, we get to see matt beat up bigots and really show off his positive traits while combating the more negative ones

Daredevil Volume 1, issues 301-306 (Chichester) - Re-introduction of the owl in a compelling way, slice of life interactions, spider-man crossover. what's not to like. chichester is excellent at highlighting matt's endless compassion and value for life while also remembering matt's destructive tendencies

Daredevil Volume 4 issue 000.1 (Waid) - showcase of matt's compassion and impulsivity; probably one of the best attempts by ANY writer to capture what matt's radar sense is like

Spider-Man: Daredevil (Matthews) - kinda shows off the inherent Weirdness that comes with matts abilities, I love how this issue gives you a good glimpse at Matt and Ben Urich's relationship, and it really just hits the nail on the head for matts characterization while giving you enjoyable slice of life moments

Daredevil Volume 4 issues 11-12 (Waid) - again, shows off matt's compassion (that's his most admirable quality imo), shows him combating his pride so he can help others, and displays how his willingness to see the good in people can be used against him

Daredevil Volume 1 issues 609-612 (Soule) - imo the best dd arc ever written, right next to miller's tmwf. just. perfect, no notes. i tear up and get chills every time I read it. Ill cry thinking about it right now. it sums up everything matt is and represents as a character, the good and the bad, and i could gush about it all day

If I had to suggest any kind of reading order, save v1 #609-612 for last. it's called "the death of daredevil" for a reason. it's not gonna have nearly as much impact if you don't already know something about the character.

thank you so much for the ask!! I really enjoyed replying to it and I hope this was helpful :)

[purplewitch156]

Ooh, I'd love to hear about Strange Horticulture or the White Road!

Strange Horticulture is a video game. It’s quirky and chill and atmospheric. You run a plant shop, receive mail, find cryptic notes in your desk from the previous owner, and make concoctions from your plants to sell to customers. Periodically you get to travel and source new plants for your shop. It rains often. It feels very Victorian. You can water and rearrange your potted plants. You have a cat.

I’m aware that by making Harry a plant shop owner, I’m pulling him pretty far from his canon blueprint. That’s more the kind of thing Neville would do. But I think I can make it work. I love the idea of how much Lily could have influenced Harry with her Potions expertise. I easily imagine little Harry tagging along with his mother when she set off into the woods to find mushrooms and sap and plants, etc, and help her chop and brew. The fact that you do get to make potions fits in nicely.

It's been a while since I’ve played the game so I’m stretching my memory, but the protagonist has memory problems that seem to hint toward something big and dramatic and there is a cult in the town that is trying to resurrect some kind of demon and you’re kinda in the middle of it.

ALSO, I recently read (and bounced off of cuz I wasn’t enjoying it) Into the Woods by Tana French. In that story when the main character was a child, he and his friends were in the woods and were attacked. The two friends are never found again and the survivor has lost all memories of the event. That was a very compelling idea to me and it’s something I’m mulling about in regards to this story, especially if I decide to lean into the memory loss/amnesia that is implied in the game. But I also may not do any of that. Or I may go down an entirely different road.

I don’t have a whole lot of ideas yet for this one, so I’ll just list some of the big ones down below.

Instead of a cat, Harry has Hedwig.

Snape will be a friend to Harry. I’m leaning more towards making him the same age as Harry, but we’ll see. I think he could still have a crush on Lily but in a childhood/innocent kind of way that would make Harry often say, “EW. GROSS!” We’ll see. This might change.

Tom will obviously be involved in the cult and trying to utilize Harry for his own gains, but I’m not all that sure what that’s going to be yet. I kinda like the idea of him playing Harry – being a charming, handsome, helpful member of the community who is there to welcome the newest addition to the village and get into bed with him as soon as possible while also unleashing a hellish demon.

When Harry gets particularly stressed, he waters his plants and between this cult and rumors of a demon creature terrorizing the countryside and the romantic drama that I imagine Tom might cause, and the possibility of old memories returning of his two childhood friends getting eaten by said demon, Harry’s gonna be watering his plants a LOT. I have such a vision of him in one of these nervous/frantic states and he grabs the watering can and starts pouring it over some poor plant and Tom saying, “Don’t you think that’s enough?” And Harry notices what he’s doing and the poor plant’s practically drowning, flailing its tendrils, and he replies, “It can take it.”  

>>>

The White Road is a short story by Kelly Link. It follows a group of traveling performers in a post-apocalyptic setting. The story is very loose and doesn’t explain a whole bunch which means there’s a lot of room for interpretation. In the story, these strange entities walk the White Road. The White Road is always there, always following, always in the corner of your eye. At night, the creatures that walk the road seek others out and if there isn’t a dead body around, they kill everyone, so if night rolls around and you don’t have a dead body, someone pretends to be dead and everyone else pretends to be mourning them. The traveling group goes from town to town, performing and delivering mail.  

Now let’s talk about Harry. Harry will be a member of the group, along with Snape and Tom. (I’m not sure yet who else will be part of the caravan.) Whenever the caravan comes to a town, it’s a big deal. It’s a big deal because they have a doctor (Snape) and they have Harry who can see and communicate with the dead. People will flock to him to seek closure and the caravan is extremely protective of Harry because he (along with Snape) turn out the crowds more so than their renditions of Much Ado About Nothing.

Tom is the interesting one in this. With his personality, you’d think he’d be the guy in charge, but I’m not sure if that’s what I *want* to do. I do think of him as the protector of the group. The one who doesn’t mind taking care of threats and problems with violence and he’s killed quite the number of people. Harry’s going to be a later addition to the caravan and Tom is fascinated and scared of him for what he can do. He’s never really thought about the people he’s killed and the idea that they might be (and some of them are) following him and talking shit about him unnerves him. He’s also extremely attracted to Harry and will be pretty irritated when Harry refuses his advances every time. He will be EXTREMELY irritated when, for example, he learns that instead of sleeping with him – the most handsome bloke for miles – Harry decides to sleep with Snape. It’s gonna be that kind of dynamic, where everyone in the caravan knows everyone’s business and everybody’s hooking up with everybody else.