#here's to you ye small but faithful fandom

[ronandhermy]

Title: Harvard Boys

Fandom: Breakfast with Scot (2007)

Pairing(s): Scot LaTour/Ryan Burlington, Eric McNally/Sam Miller

Chapters: 2 of 2

Word Count: 83,162

Status: Complete

Summery:

In the summer when they’re both fourteen, right before they hurdle into high school, Ryan implements the shirtless rule. Sometimes the journey of a lifetime begins on an old green-grey couch in a quiet Toronto neighborhood.

[whathorselegs]

I think one of my favourite character journeys in BSD has to be Kunikida learning to be better with kids because you'd expect it to be a fun wholesome character arc. Only, it ends up being heart breaking as it's immediately turned against Kunikida.

Despite the 'Dad status' that the fandom has given Kunikida, he was actually terrible with kids towards the start of the manga.

Take how he treated Atsushi in the first chapter. (Yes, Atsushi is not a little kid, but he was a starving and vulnerable orphan when they met.) When Kunikida and Dazai mention the 'man-eating tiger' Atsushi immediately freaks out and tries to run away.

What does Kunikida do? He grabs Atsushi, slams him to the floor and then threatens to break his arm for information.

It's Dazai of all people who has to reign Kunikida in reminding him "The boss himself warned you that the gathering of intelligence needn't be an interrogation". Dazai was the sweet talker and Kunikida was threat, even to a terrified, starving orphan.

Later with Kyouka, he's not much better. He attempts to intimidate her into giving the agency information. Whilst Atsushi now fulfils the role of the gentle approach. She's a mafia assassin after all, even if he knows she had no choice in it, Kunikida treats her as a threat before he treats her as a child.

Even with Aya, the interaction that gave Kunikida his 'dad status', he started off badly. But, it is here we start to see Kunikida trying to be better, trying to take a softer approach, even if he's clumsy with it.

When he realizes Aya was just handed a bomb, he snatches it from her and gets rid of it. That can't be helped it was a literal ticking time bomb, he then phones the authorities to deal with it. He was planning to leave, it's only because he caught sight of Aya sitting alone did he approach her. It wasn't his first instinct.

If he hadn't seen her in that moment, he might not have gone looking for her at all.

He asks her if she's alright and then she shocks him by wanting to hunt down the culprit. He rightfully tries to dissuade her, but again, he's not good with kids, he's blunt and argumentative with her.

Obviously, that's not going to convince a kid with a hero complex to not chase the bad guy.

However, his turning point, in my opinion, is when he realizes he has to choose between Aya and the people on the train. Now, he had already set off the stun grenade and is putting all his faith in Yosano finding them. He trusts her so he knows they are most likely going to be okay.

But Aya doesn't know that and he can't explain it all in the time they have. He sees a child who thinks she's about to die and is trying to be brave about it. And Kunikida comforts her. He needs her to know that she's not alone, that she's not going to suffer, that he is with her and he hugs her.

There was no need for him to step into that explosion with Aya except to comfort her. He chose to do that. Above his own life, he chose her needs.

And that's where this journey starts to get heartbreaking, because Kunikida hadn't always been like this. He was obviously always going to try and protect children, his ideals state as much, but he also didn't believe himself to be a hero. He doesn't see himself as someone capable or even worthy of that role.

So he built up a barrier around himself that made him harsher and more callous. He called it a professional detachment. He had to, it was to protect himself, to keep his sanity in those moment when they couldn't save everyone. Now it's breaking down and he's showing more and more how much he cares.

And it's immediately used against him.

The very scenario that got him to open up is placed in front of him again. A child with a bomb around their throat. Only this time Yosano isn't there, and this time Fyodor is orchestrating it.

And Kunikida does everything right. He tells Atsushi to leave and carry on the mission so he can stay and help the child. He gets on the child's level, makes himself small and none threatening. He reassures the child in gentle voice that everything will be okay.

And then, it's the line "How about a magic trick?" that really gets me, because he's trying so hard to present himself as someone trustworthy. And a magic trick is exactly what he pulled off with Aya, but it's what goes wrong here.

Because Fyodor planned it this time. He didn't just target children to get at Kunikida, he made a twisted mockery of what happened to Aya. Except she doesn't live this time and Kunikida can't bring this child any comfort or safety because Kunikida is the threat. This child dies alone and afraid because Kunikida was there, just like Fyodor planned.

Fyodor saw Kunikida bare his heart once and immediately reached in his chest and crushed it.

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Dangerous Game: Part 1

Fandom: Star Wars - The Acolyte (Biker AU)

Pairing: Qimir x F!Reader

Summary: A stranger on a motorcycle arrives in your small town and you can't help but be intrigued by him and this mission that he's set on.

A/N: uuuummmm have another qimir series i guess??? i'm gonna TRY to keep this to three parts. major emphasis on TRY.

Qimir Masterlist

You sit across from your mentor, Sol, at the cafe downtown. He looks over your thesis while you anxiously sit across from him. Your hands are clasped in your lap while your knee is bouncing.

"It's good," he says after nearly ten minutes of silence.

"I'm sensing a but," you murmur, looking at him in anticipation.

Sol looks up, an expression on his face that says something along the lines of 'I'm sorry you have to make more revisions', "I don't think your connection to the material and the study is strong enough. There are some weak points that I've marked and think you should further build upon."

You let out a deep breath, "Yeah. Okay."

"You're almost there, Y/N. I have faith in you," he hands back your thesis.

"Thanks, Dr. Sol," you slump in your chair, looking at the notes he made.

The music and chatter in the cafe create a calming ambience for you as you skim through the notes. You occasionally pause to take a few sips from your vanilla latte.

However, your concentration and peace are broken when you hear a loud roar down the street. Your spot next to the window allows you the perfect few to see a motorcyclist approaching the sidewalk right outside the cafe. The bike is so loud the windows shake a little and then come to a halt when the rider kills the engine.

From the build, you can tell the rider is a man. He unmounts his bike, taking off his matte black helmet to reveal long black locks and an incredibly handsome face.

"Who's that?" you ask.

Dr. Sol looks up from his own paperwork and peers through the window. He makes a sound of distaste, "I don't know, but he looks like trouble." Your mentor looks away, going back to his work.

You? You continue to watch the stranger as he unzip his jacket and fasten his helmet onto his backpack.

As if feeling your eyes on him, he looks up, directly at you. Usually, you would look away, but there was something about this guy that didn't allow you to.

He smirks and gives you wink before swinging his backpack over his shoulder and heading towards the cafe.

"He's coming inside," you state to not really anyone, but yourself. But your voice has Dr. Sol looking up and over his shoulder as the stranger enters the establishment.

The stranger immediately looks your way, winks again, and then approaches the order counter.

Dr. Sol turns back to you and gives you a disapproving look, "Y/N, I know I'm not your parent, but I do advise you to be wary around people like him."

You can't help but roll your eyes at the older man, "Are you seriously judging someone from how they look?"

"The emblem on the back of his jacket," Sol points as the stranger orders from the counter. You see a smiling skull with a red slash going diagonally through it, "That symbol is from a gang a few towns over. They're bad news, Y/N. You stay away from him and anyone else associated with him."

He looks at his watch and sighs, "I need to head back to campus for a meeting. Will you be alright here?"

"Yes, sir. I can take care of myself," you wave off your mentor as he quickly packs and exits the cafe.

You go back to reading through the notes Dr. Sol made when you see movement in your peripherals. Just your luck, the stranger sits at the table near yours. The one right behind where Dr. Sol sat. This gave you the perfect view of him and it seemed like this handsome stranger knew that because he was already looking at you with a hint of a smirk on his lips.

He lifts his hand and gives you a little wave. Unsure if he's actually waving at you, you glance over your shoulder to see if someone was behind you. There wasn't.

You turn back around and he's chuckling. He proceeds to stand and walk over to your table, "Alright if I sit here?" he gestures to the empty seat across from you.

"Uh, sure, if you want?"

He sits with a grunt, setting his backpack under the table.

"You're not from here," you state.

He chuckles, "You are correct. I'm not. I'm Qimir," he holds his hand out and it stays there as you narrow your eyes at him. He slowly closes his fist and brings his hand back, "Alright. Not a handshake kind of person?"

"Why're you here?"

He cocks a brow, "Do you usually interrogate strangers at a cafe?"

"Only when those strangers are part of a dangerous biker gang."

You pique Qimir's interest. You can tell with the way his eyes brighten and his back straightens. He clasps his hands and rests them on the table, "So you know about us?"

"Well, not really. My mentor, the guy who was previously in your seat, told me you're a part of some dangerous biker gang from a few towns over."

Qimir leans back in his chair with a chuckle, now crossing his arms over his chest, "You small town folk with your small mindedness. Someone new comes into town and doesn't look or act like the rest of you, we're immediately labelled as dangerous and trouble. Typical."

"So you're not dangerous?"

He scoffs, "We can be, but only when necessary," he states with a smirk and you get chills. You're not sure if it's from fear or...something else.

You clear your throat, "Well, whatever you're here for, I just ask you not to cause any trouble. We're a peaceful town. We don't want any trouble."

Qimir scoffs again, "Peace is a lie. All of the people who runs these towns say they're the safest or nicest places. But they're usually run by corruption, deceit, and lies."

You become defensive, crossing your arms over your chest, mimicking his posture, "That's not true."

"It is. Many leaders use power, money, exploitation, and extortion to get where they are and stay where they are. Yet, they preach about keeping their towns safe and clean, when they're some of the dirtiest assholes out there."

"So is that why you're here? To expose these people?"

He shrugs, "I wouldn't say we expose them. It's moreso revealing the truth." he holds his hand out and grins, "Wanna join me?"

[sitp-recs]

My AO3 Wrapped: Drarry Recs

This year I’ve embraced a change of pace and read way less than I intended to. This made me feel a bit disconnected from fandom but also allowed me to put this list together in record time so let’s not complain too much 😂 this is shorter and lacking my usual commentary but I didn’t want to break the tradition of sharing my fave reads of the year! Be it for their creativity or peak romance, these 16 amazing fics made my heart beat faster and got me even more in love with Drarry. I’ve read most of them in the first half of the year and it was interesting to see so many fics over 40k, as my usual sweet spot is 10k - 20k. I love the mix of tropes featured here and am very excited to rec authors I’m reading for the first time. ps: I haven’t included any Erised fics since the fest is still ongoing.

Thank you dear creators for sharing so many brilliant works with us this year! 2023 wasn’t my best year fandom-wise, but life has been so generous in other areas that I can’t help but feel humbled today. I wish everyone a lovely start to the new year! As always, please mind the tags and take some time to shower these authors with the appreciation they deserve. Oh, and stay tuned for a rare pair list sometime soon ;)

🍆 Snug by @moonflower-rose (E, 6k)

8th year | touch-starved Harry | soft cock kink

Potter can't keep his hands off himself. Draco can't look away.

🧩 Muscle Memory by @corvuscrowned (E, 8k)

curse breaking | partners to lovers | memory magic

There's something just beneath the surface, just at the periphery of Harry's mind. They've been here before — they've done this before. If only he could remember it.

👹 draco malfoy's substitute murder service by @oknowkiss (E, 10k)

odd jobs | D/s undertones | open ending

When Harry joins the Curse Breakers shortly after his twenty-fifth birthday, he’s surprised to find himself assigned to the Department of Creatures, Cryptids, and Associated Calamities.

🏰 the earth from a distance by spqr (E, 15k)

time travel | Wizarding history | only one bed

“Well,” Harry said gamely, once they’d managed to find the Leaky Cauldron – still under construction but mercifully open for business – and he’d turned up a few knuts from his pockets, enough to get them a room for the night, “it could be worse.”

🎚️ O Come, All Ye Faithful by @toomuchplor (E, 20k)

vicar Draco | established relationship | Church of England

Aunt Petunia died, that was what began everything. Or rather, Aunt Petunia was dying. In the act of dying. In which Draco finds faith in the church, and Harry finds faith in Draco.

🎄 Waking Up Slow by @sweet-s0rr0w and @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm (E, 22k)

shop owner Draco | summer romance | light angst

'Twas the night before Christmas, although it’s July / Draco’s a shopkeeper, no-one knows why / There’s hiking and witch caves, freak snowfalls and more / Bad Christmas jumpers, nosy neighbours galore / Narcissa’s here too, but… something’s amiss / And what’s in those chocolates that’s making them kiss?

🚬 Sun Thief by @floydig and BlackRose532 (E, 28k)

slice of life | fast sexual burn | dark humour

It’s 2005, and Draco Malfoy says, “Fuck the Ministry,” Harry works as a handyman in muggle London, and Draco should really stop pissing off the Squib gangs.

🍷 Winner Takes It All by @skeptiquewrites (E, 41k)

break up make up | down & out Draco | hurt/comfort

As with all his friends’ wagers, it starts small. Fifty Galleons for one kiss from Harry Potter is easily done.

🏖️ LA, Who Am I To Love You? by @epitomereally (E, 42k)

Draco in the Muggle World | pining Harry | recreational drug use

Harry’s summer in LA is not going as expected. Pansy Parkinson keeps inviting him to parties in the Hollywood Hills and harassing him to finally go to the physical therapist, Blaise Zabini keeps slipping new strains of his company’s magical weed into Harry’s pockets in hopes of an endorsement, and Draco Malfoy keeps having sex with everyone but Harry.

🫃Shine On, You Crazy Diamond by @lagerloutfic (E, 42k)

fwb to lovers | gay awakening (Harry) | mpreg (Draco)

Harry has probably always wanted Draco, it just took him a few years to figure that out. A story about the joy of discovering exactly who you are and how easy it can be once you do.

🚣‍♀️ Our Objective Remains Unchanged by @citrusses (E, 46k)

rowing AU | enemies to lovers | university setting

Harry Potter, returning member of the Oxford University Boat Club, has two goals for the spring of 2005: beat Cambridge, and beat Draco Malfoy. Perhaps not in that order.

🧶 Polar Night/Midnight Sun by @toomuchplor (E, 54k)

cabin fic | wintery vibes | only one bed

Harry travels to arctic Norway on the trail of dragon egg poachers, only to find he's been assigned to work alongside the only NorMagPol Auror north of sixty: one Draco Malfoy.

🎩 Nights With You by @the-sinking-ship (E, 58k)

holiday fic | fake relationship | mutual pining

Draco is mortified when moments prior to departing for the most anticipated destination wedding of the year, he is cruelly dumped. But when he learns that Harry Potter has, at long last, split with his horrible boyfriend, Draco is certain his luck has changed.

👮🏻‍♂️Rookie Moves + Again And More So by peu_a_peu (E, 75k)

auror partners | slow burn | humour

Aurors Potter and Malfoy crack the case.

🖼️ where all the veins meet by @saxamophone (E, 146k)

sad bois | Grimmauld Place | found family | 8th year

It's the summer of 1998. The battle is over, and Voldemort is dead, but Harry still has more questions than answers. Who is he without a piece of Voldemort's soul in his head? What is he supposed to do now?

📼 Always Already by @aibidil (E, 170k)

time travel | forced proximity | mutual pining

Harry and Draco are perfectly fine, separately minding their business in 2004, when the Unspeakables conscript them into service... in the First War against Voldemort.

[blackdagger456]

Let's Talk About: MHA 430, How This Fandom Can't Read, How Leaks Ruin Chapters And While Imperfect This Finale Was A Good Sendoff

So, here we are.

Ten years. Ten years and 430 chapters we've been with My Hero Academia. Ten long years of excitement, fandom interactions and so many fics I won't bother to count saved, subscribed and bookmarked.

It's strange really. To be apart of this fandom for so long...and find out that so many still can't read.

Like holy cheeseburgers Batman, so many of my fellow MHA readers/fans can't read it's astonishing.

So, for what'll be the last time for this series, let's go over the latest chapter of MHA and allow me to inform you of what it means. Or at least, that was the plan before the leaks came out. Just with the added addition of going over how people have reacted to chapter 430 before it was even officially out, and we're going to start with the first stone that began toppling Dominos.

[Official Spoilers Below]

This. Oh god, this sentence has been nothing but a headache for me and so many others. Because of the leaks ,and subsequent mistranslations, being taken as fact the reaction to the finale started out as shit. This entire week leading up to today has been frustrating for me and many others as we tried to explain what should be obvious.

Firstly, none of this is coming from any official translation. What people were seeing before today were things fans and unlicensed translators are spreading around as if it's fact. This does NOT mean that they are correct and therefore these translations shouldn't be treated as such.

Secondly, in no way shape or form does Izuku imply or state that his friends abandoned him after he lost his powers. All he said, was that it was a bit more difficult to meet up regularly. Something that makes sense not only because they were working in different fields but also because work in general is like that.

It can be hard to meet up with the boys n girls for hang outs but that doesn't mean you don't talk. That doesn't mean you don’t call or text or keep in touch. Something which is easier to do when you've fought and lived through an entire war together!

His friends didn't abandon him. They didn't stop caring about him because he became powerless. Hell, the ending of the chapter proves this wrong if nothing else!

Now, is it a shame the ships didn't get officially confirmed? Yes. But I think the implications are more than enough to satisfy. Even if they aren't, there's no reason not have fun with things being open ended. It opens the door to so many fun possibilities OUTSIDE of this whole NTR trend people are trying to start. [Thankfully that's a small part of the fandom]

But moving on, lets go into what he's been doing since becoming OFA.

In what way shape or form does him becoming a teacher make him 'fall off'/make the Mc Donald’s meme become a reality?

 First off why are we hating on the man for enjoying his life without conflict after saving the world? We doing my boy like Gohan now? If he wants to retire to a teaching role, one he very clearly enjoys, let him. What do people think they can take him? Ya'll forgetting exactly what he had to do BEFORE he was able to get OFA in the first place. Izuku is still physically stronger than most normal people both in MHA and in reality.

But, I'm getting off topic. The point is Izuku has and continues to be an inspiration to those that will follow after him. Even to the point of mirroring his starting point with All Might when he inspires yet another young kid to become a hero.

Is he a bit sad he isn't an official hero? Yes. Is he frustrated or unhappy with where he is in life? No. Not at all. He's content. His goal was never to be the No.1 Hero it was to be like ALL MIGHT. To inspire and protect people like his mentor had.

He's done just that and for it---for it he's rewarded.

His kindness, his determination and his faith in those around him comes back to him in the best way for it was those people he spread said traits too that spent those eight years putting together the thing that would bring his dream back to him.

That would bring HIM back to standing by their side on the field of battle. For Izuku Midoriya never truly stopped standing by his friends. For they too had become their own inspirations to Japan and the world. But now, finally, their friend...their inspiration...their Deku could lead them on the frontlines once more.

They, and he, couldn't ask for anything less.

[hephaestiions]

author reclist: toomuchplor

a few months ago, when i was coming back to fandom in earnest, i came across this post from @sitp-recs. explorations of faith, divinity and worship are some of the tropes i find most furiously compelling, so i had to jump into o come, all ye faithful as soon as possible. i did, only to fall headfirst in obsessive, wide-eyed, awe-inspired love. @toomuchplor writes a desire that's both slow and heady, relentless and gentle, all-consuming and a rest stop to breathe easy. i couldn't help but read through (most of) their catalogue in a matter of days. this author's thematic range is astonishing, their characterisations lead to delicious stories where two headstrong, wilful and perennially longing men crash, fumble and rush into achingly sweet love and burning lust.

what always spools me in with plor, though, is their use of circumstance, especially in longer fics. every fic has a premise iron-clad in its fascinating, inventive, raw and exciting potential. more often than not, i've found them doing something i haven't encountered before in fandom at all, or reworking a popular trope in ways that make you go, 'oh. oh, i never thought about that happening, how did i never think of that happening?'

i've loved everything i've read from them, but here's a selection of some of my absolute favourites that i'll be going back to, over and over:

i've got a beautiful feeling (everything's going my way) (E, 3.5k)

“I’ve got such a boner,” Harry says, voice scratchy, just slitting his eyes open now, turning his head on his pillow to face Draco. “Oh, lovely, good morning to you, too,” Draco says.

a slice of life like the plush inside of a ripe mango— a love that's mature, constant, beating like a strong heart. the filthy, hilarious, gorgeous portrait of harry and draco's married life— the familiarity of sex, the rush of wanting each other as much as ever.

o come, all ye faithful & all the angels cry amen (E, ~22k total)

In which Draco finds faith in the church, and Harry finds faith in Draco.

an achingly tender rumination on faith as love, and love as worship. one of the most heartbreaking and realistic depictions of the reckoning it would take for harry potter to accept he has found refuge and rest in draco malfoy's arms. i loved the non-chronological, dual timeline storytelling— that particular form works so well when there's a taut, twinging thread holding both narratives together, and harry and draco's gravitational attraction to each other, fraught in parts and at peace in others was the perfect anchor.

time and too much don't belong together (E, 23k)

A Malfoy family heirloom gets triggered in a raid, binding Draco Malfoy to Ron Weasley; neither of them is too chuffed about this.

a masterclass in revelations. the reader can tell, from the outset, there's more here than meets the eye. the reader can also guess, from the beginning, what the dynamic in the shadows is. tense and breathtaking writing, you know what's coming, but every time you're fed a morsel you cling to it with both hands. one of the most inventive takes i've seen on the lust potion/spell trope in this fandom, and done in a way that makes you want to see it over and over and over again.

polar night/midnight sun (E, 54k)

Harry travels to arctic Norway on the trail of dragon egg poachers, only to find he's been assigned to work alongside the only NorMagPol Auror north of sixty: one Draco Malfoy. It's been ten years since they crossed paths, and Malfoy isn't exactly what Harry expected or remembered. For one thing, he wears a lot more hand-knits? When a sudden winter storm strands the pair, unable to use magic to rescue themselves, they take shelter in a one-room Norwegian hytte.

exquisitely atmospheric. uses extenuating circumstances in some of the most delicious ways. builds character and interpersonal dynamics through those small little elements of storytelling (draco in knitwear! brynjar the dog! the mundane pillowtalk! the quirks of their miscommunication!) that go the longest way in having characters leap off the screen into your personal space. also the sex in this is absolutely mind-blowing, i was hooked on every glorious word.

truth to materials (co-written by lately) (E, 58k)

In which Harry learns to appreciate art and other pleasures of the flesh.

decadent. in premise, in language, in characterisation, just absolutely decadent. this version of harry, bewildered and captivated by draco's out-there artistry is one of the funniest and most endearing i've encountered in fic, ever. his head, so full of determination and good intentions and terribly flawed and completely believable thinking, was such a brilliant place to set this fic. and draco— lord. you know that moment of transition, that click, when a piece of art goes from something untouchable and distant to a soulful thing you keep close because you recognise it as a cultural, emotional response? this fic felt like a literary project trying to capture that click, except it's a shift in perspective about a person. draco— the cool, untouchable, subversive artist who becomes irrevocably, warmly, achingly human.

probationary action (E, 63k)

As part of the terms of the probationary contract, DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY shall submit for inspection his WAND on the last day of every month, such inspection to be carried out by a duly registered and fully qualified AUROR in the employ of the MINISTRY OF MAGIC, and such inspection to include a PRIORI INCANTATEM spell to ensure that no PROHIBITED MAGICS as heretofore described have been practised by the aforementioned probationer.

*incoherent screaming*. a fic that starts with a premise so lighthearted and filthy that you think it's going to be a long, kinky fic about two rather hilariously perverted men getting it on, except it also gets into some of the most resonant discussions of post-war revenge tactics and human rights neglect i've ever read. the dynamic between harry and draco is simultaneously so light and so weighted, this is a fic that holds you down and keeps you there till you're done.

in conclusion: an entrancing author, a gift of a writer. i can't wait to see what else they have in store for this fandom.

[softxsuki]

Alo!!

1.5k is such a huge number omg! Congrats!!!!!!

Id love to participate in your trope drabble event.

Trope 15 with the haikyuu fandom and a fem!reader.

Thank you and congrats again!!! Many hugs 🤗

1.5k Follower Event Trope #15 Haikyuu

Trope 15: You fall first, but he falls harder

This event is now closed. You can view the masterlist here.

| Pairing: Oikawa x Fem!Reader | Genre: Fluff | Post-Type: Drabble | Word Count: 630 |

Warnings: Kissing

Note: ...hi. The way I keep promising to finish these on time and it just never happens bc writers block slaps me in the face. Shout out to my friend for giving me some inspo with this since Oikawa is her man. IDK why he was the first face to pop up in my head when I thought of this trope, but it worked out. I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS. I've come to realize how hard it is to write a whole trope progression in just 500 words. These need to be full chapter stories honestly. BUT HERE WE GO a snippet of what this would look like with Oikawa! ANON, I hope you're still around to see this NFKEAKJ. I'm the worst.

“Eyes on me gorgeous,” Oikawa hums against your lips before his game, possessing your lips in front of the crowd with a smirk, as a few of his fangirls whine in the background.

You wore one of his spare jerseys he had given you a few months after getting together and you’d worn it to every match with pride ever since.

“Of course, who else would I be looking at?” You laugh, pressing another quick peck to his lips, taking his hands in yours.

“Hmm Iwa-chan?” He pouts, remembering how loud you cheered for his teammate and best friend at last week’s match when he scored the winning point. He wasn’t pleased at all and was a pouty mess the whole time when walking you back home. Cute.

“Oh stop you big baby, you know I’m your biggest supporter here, so knock them off their feet, Toru,” you smirk, giving his hand a squeeze.

“You better be,” he smiles, patting your head. “See you after the match?” He asks slowly, his eyes bright.

“Of course. I’ll be watching the whole time. Now go before your coach pops a blood vessel,” you laugh, shaking your head as the coach screams for Oikawa again, clearly stressed about the match. With one last nod, he waves at you with a little wink before running off to the court.

The crowd roars with excitement as each group huddles together for their pregame pep talk, hyping each other up for the match that would soon start. You slowly make your way back up the bleachers, taking your seat where you’d cheer for your cocky setter boyfriend, feeling a little reminiscent of how you got here.

It felt like only yesterday when you were on these same bleachers cheering for Oikawa before he even knew you existed. It took one leap of faith to approach him after the sea of his fangirls had dispersed, leaving him alone after his successful match. You had quietly approached him, handing him the small gift bag you had prepared with a few snacks and other things you hoped he would like. 

It was at that moment when he felt his heart melt. The girl he had never seen before had then taken over his every waking minute. Your attention and praise was more wholesome than the compliments he was thrown by his fans. He couldn’t help the thought that crossed his mind as you quickly ran off as soon as your friends called you. I’m gonna marry that woman. Cliche, yes, but his heart was completely yours after that day. 

Knowing you were his fan, he’d look for you in the crowd before his match, wanting to catch a glimpse of you before the game, hoping you were there watching him and cheering him on. One match in particular made his heart stop when he spotted you standing there, a beautiful smile on your face as you wore a fan-made jersey with his number on it. He felt glued in place, until Iwaizumi smacked him on the shoulder to bring him back to their game-plan to make sure they were all on the same page. That was the day Oikawa decided he’d make you his one day.

You shake your head, remembering the day he had asked you out; how nervous the cocky captain was, though it had all paid off in the end. At that moment, Oikawa smacks the ball, shaking you from your thoughts. He had just won the game for his team as they all run to smash him into a group hug.

As usual, as the boys surround him, his eyes dart to the crowd until they find yours, a large smile appearing on his face as he sees you already screaming in celebration from their win. What a lucky man he was.

Posted: 8/26/2024

[starwriterulia]

Perversity and Loathing - Chapter 2

CONTAINS HEAVY SUBJECT MATERIAL THAT MAY TRIGGER READERS WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND PTSD. SOME CHAPTERS CONTAIN 18+ CONTENT.

This is a reboot of Tomb of the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon. (Masterlist)

Fandoms: DC Comics, Batfamily, Thalassic Space (OC)

Characters (In order of appearance): Bruce Wayne (Batman), Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Dick Grayson (Nightwing), Urania (the Boeotian muse) Faith Lawson (self-insert)

Word Count: 7243

TW: None, I think? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thank you!

A/N: This only took over nine hours over the course of today to write, hooray! Also, if you read the previous chapter, you should read it again, as its ending has been changed, and other details have been added. Tag list in the replies of people who liked/reblogged any part of the previous version of this story, or the previous chapter(s). You’re not obliged to read or leave a comment. Thank you for reading! ^w^

Dividers by @cafekitsune

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3

The Batplane touched down, and when the elevator lowered to the metal platform, Batman carried Faith, Nightwing and Batgirl behind him. They walked to a stair that dipped into the shallows of the stream. Nightwing and Batgirl stayed on the platform. Nightwing's left arm wrapped around Batgirl's back, and Batgirl leaned into him.

As Batman's knees settled into the water, Faith's feet dipped into the stream. He took a few steps and was hip-deep, while Faith's lower body and back were in the water. He lowered his arms, submerging the young woman's upper body, keeping her head above the surface. A white-blue orb shone through the scallop seashell, casting a celestial globe onto the ceiling. Two seconds later, a beam of light cast into the water, just in front of Batman. A black, curly haired, dark eyed and fair skinned woman in a toga and sandals, appeared.

Urania spoke Greek, of course. "Thank you for not leaving her there."

Batman replied in Greek. "It would have been cruel."

"Do you know who I am?"

"You came through the light of a celestial globe. You are Urania." The muse of astronomy and astrology nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Faith is important to you?"

"I have watched her journey as a writer. She chose me as her patron. I was her teacher in her third life, at least in her book."

"This is her first life, out of her book?"

"Yes. On Earth, there is only Faith. In Thalassic Space, there was Myth Claus, then Eafla Volen. Last, she was Ønske Ulia Lost."

"Were her lives long?"

Urania shook her head. "In her first two lives, she was murdered at two days old. The two eldest children of the high vampires of Thalassic Space were especially awful. The galaxy she made is great. She is good at combining ideas that she likes." Urania chuckled once. "She loves to talk for hours about her stories."

"So she will be happy to tell us what we need to know to help her."

Urania bobbed her head. "It should not be hard. The Domain will be pleased to make things right again." Batman nodded. "My sisters did not want me to come here. They told me it was acceptable for her to be dead."

"But I do not want my student's passion to die. She is also very kind. Yes, she will be unable to work with you the way most of your wards do. But I know you will think of something for her to do, without magic." Batman nodded again.

Batgirl said, in Greek, "There was a time I couldn't use my legs, either." Urania looked at her and gave a gentle smile. Batgirl mimicked the muse.

Batman asked, "Will she be a mermaid now?"

"She will be able to become one, if her knees are submerged. She could not swim. This, along with the return of her life, is my gift to her. It is her most basic wish. It was her first wish, as a child, not including the wish to ride the back of her first imaginary friend, the unicorn named Bella."

Batman said, "This is why she brought out the seashell necklace."

"Yes. If you warm her body and pat her legs with a towel like a fish on a plate, her legs will return." Batman nodded more.

Nightwing asked, in Greek, "Does she have a magical voice, now?"

Urania giggled. "Yes." Nightwing nodded with a little smile. "Have I answered your most urgent questions?"

Batman replied, "Yes, thank you." Urania nodded. She placed her right hand over Faith's left breast, and her left on Faith's pelvis.

"This song is written in English, and so I must sing it in that language." Batman gave a small nod.

"I ascend under the autumn sun while you cry for me.

Thinking of the smile I had as a child.

You will have me in your heart, even when I have left you.

And so winter comes, but the sun is still warm and kind.

Oh please, let the Double Eight rise!

Connect my life to yours, again!"

Faith gasped, her eyes blinking open, and in her first pant for air, she saw Batman, and her eyes moved a little to see Urania. She sighed, and her cheeks turned a little red and rose in a smile. "Hi! Wow, you actually came! Thank you!"

Urania replied in English. "Of course I came, Faith. And, you're welcome." Urania kissed Faith's forehead. "I hope you are able to find happiness, here."

"Thank you." Said Batman, in Greek. Urania nodded once.

Urania said, in English, "I must return to Pierian Spring, now. Be good, and be safe, Faith."

"I will." Urania nodded again. She looked upwards, and returned to the celestial globe, which faded away. Batman turned and walked to the stairs and onto the platform, letting Faith down.

"Br!" Faith hugged her arms, clutching the damp towel.

Nightwing said, "Yeah, that stream is cold."

Batgirl said, "And your towel is wet! Come on. Let's go upstairs and get you dry." Faith nodded and followed Batgirl, Nightwing and Batman casually trailing behind. "I brought you some clothes."

"Aw! Yeah, I saw 'em in your arms! Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

"You still have the Clicker, right?" Faith asked, as they began climbing the stairs.

"Yep. It's in my pocket."

"OK, we're gonna need that. I can take away what Ra's stole easily, with it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah! I just have to change the spell associated with its usage."

"So, if I had accidentally used it again, would I have sent you and Ra's back to the dream world?"

"No, because an artificial Clicker, like the one you have, turns off after one spell, or one rotation. You can destroy it by crushing it or burning it, by the way."

"Oh, OK." They entered and exited the study, ascended the closest stair, on the right side, and went into the first guest bedroom. Batgirl led Faith into the bathroom, Batgirl flicking on the light and closing the door. Nightwing and Batman loitering on the far side of the bed. Faith shivered as she unwrapped the towel and stood on the balls of her feet to hang it on the towel radiator above the toilet. "Oh, nice! She healed you right up, too."

"Yeah!" Faith replied, accepting a dry towel Batgirl obtained from under the sink. She began using it on herself. "Only thing is, now I can't use Ra's' sperm as a bargaining chip."

"For the Hallway?" Said Nightwing.

"Yeah. I could have offered it to the entity as payment for taking my magic from Ra's."

Batman asked, "Are you going to use it, when you get it back?"

"Nope! It's gonna go back to the altar, in my dungeon." Faith went on the balls of her feet again.

"No no, wait," Said Batgirl. Faith relaxed her feet. "Let me dry your hair."

"Oh! Thanks." Faith gave the towel to Batgirl.

"You're welcome, hon."

Nightwing said, "You have a dungeon?"

"Yeah, it's where my Animus, Argophael, and I were buried, when my third incarnation and Argophael were murdered by his father, who tracked Argophael down because, in Thalassic Space, Bartholomew Roberts is a transphobic blizzard warlock pirate."

Batgirl laughed, "So Blackbeard is a wizard, now?"

"Warlock."

"Warlock, sorry."

"Wizards and witches are chaotic neutral or chaotic good, sorcerers are chaotic good or lawful good or lawful neutral, and warlocks and viragos are chaotic evil or lawful evil."

"Ah, OK."

"Anyway, um, y'all are probably wondering about the Navidson Hallway."

"Yeah. All done. You can get dressed, now." Batgirl said, hanging the towel on the radiator. Faith swiftly dressed in the clothes Batgirl provided her.

"OK, I need to explain the three Magical Occupancies of Thalassic Space, first."

"Ooh, that sounds cool."

"I'm pretty good at naming things. Anyway, there are Domains, Realms and Plains." Faith, now dressed, opened the door. Batgirl followed her out, turning off the light. Faith sat at the centre the bed, and Batgirl sat on its right side. "A Plain is a magic island that has shores in multiple planets and is inhabited by magical peoples who govern themselves. For example, the 28 Mansions of the Four Symbols of Chinese astrology. The Mansions are the constellations that make up each beast, but were classified as magic islands when first explored by the Oracles, the most powerful and only immortal Dreamer mages of Thalassic Space. The Mansions are lived in by the deceased atheists of Thalassic Space, allowing them a good variety of different places to live in whenever they want. The Mansions are also a key part of how the Dream World on Paper takes form, using the Mansions and their assets as inspiration for many of the possible common events in the Dream World on Paper."

"Oh, so you weren't just in the dream world, you were in your own dream world."

"Yeah! As a child, I drew a desert with a sinkhole and mountains, a snowy mountain overlooking an ocean, and a city surrounded by a forest on three pieces of paper that I glued to different coloured construction paper. I saw those papers in a dream in the past six months. Hence the name."

"Wow, that's kind of amazing." Said Nightwing.

"Do you remember most of your dreams?" Asked Batgirl.

Faith shook her head. "Nah. Only some of them. Lots of times, I'll be sitting at my computer, and go, 'What was that dream, again?', 'cause some of the ideas are directly taken from media I've seen and liked, or have been scared by."

"Oh yeah."

"Uh, a Realm is a moon planet inhabited by magical people and governed by an entity that can be accessed by portals. The two most infamous examples are the Lightless Realm and the Lightful Realm, the original homes of the Astral Elves and Snow Elves. Krampus was the mayor of the Astral Elves, and Santa was, and still is, the mayor of the Snow Elves. They and Bartholomew are the sons of Nerobzal, the great evil Fallen Angel of Thalassic Space. Bartholomew is eldest, then Krampus, and Santa is the youngest, and the only one of the brothers who isn't evil."

"Right, OK."

"Nerobzal used to be Erophael."

"E-ro." Batman mimicked.

"Yeah, if you look up 'ero meaning' and read the Wikitonary article, and all of the different etymologies, I happened to pick a perfect name for this character! 'Cause it was originally Argophael, but I realised I liked it better for my Animus, so I typed out the first closest sounding three letters I thought of, and boom! Magic."

"Magic." Batgirl imitated. She, Nightwing and Faith giggled.

Batman said, "So, under Creek, it refers to how people in Oklahoma say squirrel."

"Oh yeah, 'cause of their southern accent."

"In Esperanto, it is the back-formation of element. Its accusative singular is eron, plural eroj, and accusative plural erojn." Batman said. Batgirl hummed. "Oh, there's plenty more. In Finnish, it belongs to erä, meaning apart, plus o to make eräo. It means difference, distinction, is an Ellipsis of avioero, 'divorce', and means resignation, discharge or dismissal, and separation or parting. Ido has also era, and Ingrian has difference. There is also the Rōmaji transcription of エロ, while the Jarawa definition is angry. In Kari'na, ero means 'this', in Ladino it belongs to hero, in Latin, as a verb, it is sum, and as a noun it is erus," He made eye contact with Faith. "Meaning 'master of the house' or 'merchandise'." Faith nodded. Batman returned his gaze to Batgirl. "Old High German, in which it means earth, and, lastly, Teanu, in which it means water, fresh water, stream, or river."

"Wow!" Said Nightwing.

"Yeah, I got lucky!" Faith replied. "Erophael was made from the first white ebony tree by Uriel, and brought into Paradiso, where Uriel taught Erophael arts and science. Erophael favoured literature and theatre, and so he wrote poems, songs and plays about the early times of Man to Yahweh, and he was loved for this. Then, Emperor Nero died of suicide, and Erophael laughed at this. For two seconds, all life on Earth had violent thoughts, but only Yahweh sensed this."

"Yahweh removed Erophael's holiness and renamed him as Nerobzal, telling him that he would understand 'bzal' soon. Yahweh gripped Nerobzal's wings and tore them off as he threw Nerobzal down to the Ninth Circle of Inferno, which froze his wings upright. Lucifer had been expecting him. A white door had appeared on Lucifer's pelvis, and Lucifer knew that Nerobzal was fated to open it. The only catch was that Nerobzal would have to kill 16, 777, 216 humans within its halls, which Lucifer would use to free himself and the 200 Fallen Angels from Dudael, and they would go to Earth from the Most Hidden Realm and begin Armaggedon."

"So Hell is considered a Realm, in Thalassic Space." Said Batman.

"Yes. Its portal is the selva obscura, of course, which can extend to any dense forest or savannah where a leopard, lion or wolf can be naturally found." Faith raised her hands in front of her chest. "I know what you're thinking: can this happen, and is Earth in danger? The answer is, yes, but it wouldn't be dangerous. Ra's might think it's dangerous, if he were to find out about it. It's actually a Special Event using the assets of the 28 Mansions. It's a divine spectacle controlled by the Four Symbols. After forty-eight hours, all of the living or dead Fallen Angels, plus Lucifer, participate in a Curtain Call, and return the lives and bodies of any person or animal taken, and rebuild any buildings and all of nature that were likely damaged."

"A divine spectacle."

"If you were to ask Zeus, Odin, Ra, Vishnu or the Four Symbols, they would say this is fair and isn't breaking the rules of Thalassic Space. You can't ask Yahweh because he's not a Bay God. He was sent home by the voice of Qinglong because he wanted to destroy the O-type star of Thalassic Space, believing it was unnatural for humans to live under such a hot sun, much less a magic sun. He was the only god who thought this way." Batman hummed.

"So, Lucifer pulled Nerobzal out of the ice, and Nerobzal skated on his bare feet towards the door. Eight greater humanoid demons chased him, but Nerobzal made it to the door. Upon touching it, Nerobzal knew how to open it. He knocked upon it five times. As the demons closed in, the door knocked back twice. The demons were gripping Nerobzal's arms, legs and torso as Nerobzal opened the door and fell on the floor of the stone hallway. The demons turned into pale grey jumpscare people with neon orange eyes, the first Nero Spirits, called Ghouls, and just laid there. Nerobzal pulled himself from beneath them. When he stood, an angel of the lowest caste, so, uh, just an angel, looked at him from the doorway. Nerobzal pivoted and ran into the hallway. The angel roared and leapt into the hallway, the wing of his wings closing the door. As the angel soared over the Ghouls, he lost his voice and transformed into the Umbrella Man, and stopped where his feet landed as Nerobzal found the dead end and came back, the way ahead having opened, and a window showing them the planets, O-type star and Sagittarius A* of Thalassic Space, confirming to Nerobzal that he had escaped. Nerobzal led the Ghouls and Umbrella Man further until they found the Grandest Room, and there they made a series of stairs and platforms to live in. They spied upon its people, chose the most cruel among them to form the cult of Kaleido, for you cannot understand or hear the word of Yahweh from the outside of a chapel, but you can comprehend and obey the whispers of Nero Spirits in the darkness of high noon, or the light of the midnight." Faith snapped her fingers, actually using the nail of her thumbs and the underside of her middle finger, making a muffled sound. Batgirl and Nightwing softly laughed, and snapped their fingers for her, Batman snapping his fingers too. "Thank you. I-It's all just supposed to be art, y-you get that by now, right?"

"Yeah, we get it." Said Nightwing.

"Um, and Nerobzal waited for the O-type star to be incarnated for the first time in response to the people of Thalassic Space being in peril from the actions of Kaleido. Human trafficking, enslavement, the usual things, but all done under the influence of the Nero Spirits whisperings in the dreams of manipulatable people who were already a little cruel."

Batman said, "You mentioned the angel become the Umbrella Man. Anything special about him?"

"Oh, I stole him from the Team Fortress 2 ARG "Project Skybox"." Faith cackled. Batman discreetly interacted with his gauntlet. "But I gave him new lore!" She compressed her voice to sound like Toad from the Mario franchise. She raised her arms and altered her voice again when hollering, "Woo!" Batgirl and Nightwing chuckled.

"This guy?" Batman said, showing Faith an image projected from his glove.

"Yeah!"

"Ooh, he's kinda creepy." Said Nightwing.

"So what does he do?" Batgirl asked.

"In the ARG, he crashes the game of players who use the Interlope console command, in certain maps. It's a sentient AI. But in Thalassic Space, he was an angel who was unlucky enough to follow Nerobzal into the Domain of Platonia."

"Ah, OK."

"The Domain of Platonia?" Batman repeated with a tone of intrigue. "Now, where did that come from?"

"Oh, shit, right." Faith laughed. "That's why I was telling you the story of Nerobzal!"

"The Navidson Hallway is the Domain of Platonia."

"Yes." Faith shook her hands happily. "So, originally, I was looking for a word that was like 'Platonic', and the first letter I tried subtituting c was a. I clicked on Wikipedia's 'Platonia (disambiguation)', and the second bulletin read: Platonia (philosophy), a hypothetical timeless realm by Julian Barbour containing every possible momentary configuration of the universe. And I was like," Faith raised her right index finger. "Oh." Batgirl chuckled. "Oh yeah, I can work with that! So I combined "Project Skybox" with Julian Barbour's Platonia, and adjusted Nerobzal's story so that he would find it."

"Ooh. Well, it works really well!"

"Yeah, it all flows together nicely." Said Nightwing.

"Thank you! OK, um, a Domain is a fortress, sailing ship or space ship created by an entity to etiher imprison, torture or observe whoever or whatever is inside. The Domain of Platonia is, of course, a hostile liminal space stone fortress entity. There was also Palette, a man o'war owned by the wealthy humans and high elves who were members of Kaleido on planet Bafsina, meaning basin. They forced merfolk, harpies and poor humans, elves and other anthropomorph people into labour on ship and land, raping many men, women and children. This happened during the actual eighty years of the Golden Age of Piracy, and at its end, the protagonists of the story I've been mulling over for Bafsina have their victory, and the ship is sunk, and the members of Kaleido associated with it are executed."

Faith chuckled thrice with a grin, resting her chin in her hands, fingers spread across her little cheeks, fidgeting her small feet. "So, uh, you three are all really smart. What do you think is the spaceship Domain?" Faith looked at Batgirl, saw her brows furrowed, and heard Nightwing hum in thought, saw his lips puckered to the side. Faith looked at Batman, who had a little smile.

Nightwing guessed, "Platonia? Spaceships have windows and bays, and maybe the Greatest Room is a cargo bay, of sorts?"

"Nope!"

Batgirl guessed, "The 28 Mansions?"

"Nope, those are Plains."

"Oh, right."

"Can we have a hint?" Nightwing asked.

Batgirl said, "Yeah, give us a hint, please."

"It is the biggest spoiler for my book that Ashanti, my cat anthro Wish Child, ends up finding out while trying to figure out if I'm really going to birth the Anti-Christ or not after I return to Thalassic Space without her parents or I knowing who summoned me, or why."

"Wow, you like to make bold choices in your writing, huh?" Said Batman.

Faith shrugged. "What can I say? A fantasy-horror author has to be bold, sometimes."

"OK, now I'm lost." Said Nightwing.

"Yeah, now I'm confused." Batgirl added.

Faith said, "Batman, if you would like to reveal?"

"Gladly."

Nightwing said, "Not surprised you already know, Bruce."

"Not at all." Batgirl replied.

"It's Thalassic Space." Batman said. Nightwing and Batgirl looked even more perplexed. "Platonia is an immeasurably large Domain. The 28 Mansions are constellation Plains. And Realms are moon planets. If they all exist in the same galaxy, we need the biggest possible Magical Occupancy to contain all of this, plus the planets. How many planets are there, by the way, Faith?"

"It's our solar system, but behind Mercury is a .75 times bigger twin planet, and that planet is Bafsina, in front of Venus is planet Grace, which is the size of Uranus, Earth is replaced by Yotutrnaeyl, meaing 'journey, and is 1.75 times bigger, and planet Judge, Little Path and Sia are non-visible, share the same orbits and sizes as the visible planets in the listed order, but are only accessible via spaceships and portals, such as Doors to Platonia or traditional chalk door portals."

"Wow, that's cool." Said Nightwing.

"Thank you!"

Batman said, "The existence of Platonia suggests that there can be an even bigger Domain."

"Ohhh, and that bigger Domain is Thalassic Space!" Said Batgirl.

"Yes. Isn't that right, Faith?"

"Yep!" Faith giggled and cheerfully shook her arms. "And now I need to draw the Double Eight to finish explaining all of this, and why we don't have to worry about Ra's or any other villain taking advantage of Thalassic Space after I use the Clicker to return my dark magic to the altar!"

"I'll come back with paper and a pencil." Batman said. "Or do you prefer a pen?"

"A pencil, since I probably won't draw the loops and inner leaves big enough on the first try because I drew it digitally, and also pencil crayons!"

"OK." Batman exited the bedroom.

"You certainly look alive, Faith." Said Nightwing. "You feeling OK?" Faith nodded, cheeks smiling. "Good."

"I'm glad that my basic wish worked. If it didn't, you guys would have no idea how to properly stop Ra's from proceeding."

"I was going to ask:" Batgirl said. "What are you going to offer Platonia, now that you can't offer Ra's' sperm?"

"Yeah, and what would it have done with it?" Nightwing added.

"It would have just eaten it." Faith shrugged. "And now, I will have to give it a cup of blood and a quarter of a cup of hair."

"That's it?"

"Yep! It's only hostile if you enter without being prepared and willing to give offerings like that."

"Should we maybe go down to the kitchen and get you those measuring cups?"

"Sure, if you'd like to. A Ghoul can measure it, too."

"Let's maybe do it ourselves." Batgirl said, rising from the bed.

"Yeah." Said Nightwing. "You're gonna get it, Babs?"

"Yep." Batgirl paused in the doorway. "You just stand there and make sure nothing pops out and grabs her, yeah?"

"Yeah, OK." Nightwing replied. Batgirl continued. A few seconds passed. "Do you mind if I ask a personal question? Sorry, I actually have two questions. Been wondering since you've been handling this, uh, differently than most people would."

"Sure, I don't mind."

"What's your orientation? And, um, have you been raped before?"

"Oh, aceflux pansexual demiromantic. And no, I've never been raped before. I was a virgin, actually."

"Oh! So it's, uh,"

"Complicated." Faith glanced to the left, and her voice warbled. "And it hurt a lot."

Nightwing sighed. "Yeah. I'm sorry you had to go through that, too."

Faith nodded. "Thanks. I know you've been there." Nightwing nodded. "It's like, most of the time, my brain squints at sex, and I'm like, 'OK, are these people doing it for leisure, or procreation, and why are they doing it this way?', and other times it's blowing an airhorn at itself, and I'm down bad."

Nightwing chuckled. "OK then!" Batman entered the room, a notepad, pencil and pencilcase in hand. He put the items on the bed, at Faith's left.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"I love genders. They're just so interesting and authentic, and I get so happy whenever I meet someone or talk to my Homestuck friends who are gender-queer."

"Aw, that's nice."

"And then, since I spent so long trying to understand friendship, and then all of the sudden I had puberty, I got really confused about how monogamy works, since everyone writes different stories about all the different ways it can go, both good and bad, and I've tried," Faith sighed. "I've tried, and I just... I dunno if I really get it like everyone who's happy with monogamy does."

"What do you mean?"

"It feels so restrictive. Like, what do you mean, I belong to you and you belong to me, and nobody else, and if there's any side-stepping, it's a huge problem? Why is it so easy for people to be sneaky instead of just be honest and tell the person they established a bond with that they prefer to be free, sexually? Wouldn't it be easier if everyone just, like, was unbound by, eugh, marriage? I don't even know how it actually works, I just heard that some things are shared, and I don't know if I want to share everything!" Batgirl cautiously entered the room, two measuring cups and a bottle of water in hand.

"I want to own me, I want my partner to own themselves, and I want to be open to helping people I trust with their needs, and not hide it from my partner. And, if I'm lucky, I'll have more than one partner, and we all just are honest in our actions, and we tell each other if we think the person one of us is interested in is dangerous or parasitic, and we protect each other from those people, and our community from them! 'Cause everyone who's smart and has a good heart knows that gay people like me aren't dangerous, and we're not corrupting anyone. We've been around since God made us, or since we evolved from mammals into humans. The only thing that's changed is language, and it needs to keep changing so that we can continue to understand each other, and accept and nurture each other."

"No one should be left behind or raped or killed just because they don't want A-B-C, and want X-Y-Z instead! They're all logical, and they're helpful, and they're part of the same alphabet, the same order. You just have to remember the rest of the letters, and it will all make sense and feel natural, and then hopefully you will confirm not just to society but to yourself and whatever deity or demon you worship, if that applies to you, that you are worthy of people's time, love and the planet's resources." Faith panted. She swallowed. "Ugh, I'm parched from all of this talking." Batgirl appraoched the bed and gave Faith the bottle of water. "Oh, thank you."

"You're welcome." Batgirl responded, while Faith twisted the cap off and drank.

Nightwing said, "Wow. Um. I don't even know what to say. No offense."

Batman said, "You want to be in love, but you don't want to be tied down to marriage, and you want to be honest with who you've been with or are interested in so your partner can help you see if they can be trusted or not." Faith nodded. "You want to return to someone or a small group of people and be welcomed, not shunned or abandoned for your views on how you want to love and be loved." Faith nodded more. "You want your partner or partners to share this idea, but you know that most of society doesn't think this way and blames this on homosexuals, but you know it's a matter of poor communication and coupling, hence why you were garrulous while describing this feeling to us."

"Yes." Faith sighed.

"You feel more comfortable having friends and having sexual and romantic freedom." Faith nodded. "You're afraid of love because it hurt you."

"I just... haven't had good experiences, especially with men. And my foster parents sucked, and my adoptive parents tried to help but couldn't do much."

"Oh, you're adopted!" Said Batgirl.

"Yeah. My brother is biological, we were just put in different foster homes 'cause my dwarfism meant I was considered special needs."

"You still are." Said Batman. Faith bobbed her head.

Batgirl asked, "Have you ever dated a woman?"

"No." Faith sighed heavily. "They only ever want to be my friend."

Batgirl sat on the bed side facing the door and softly said, "I'm sorry."

"I'm missing something that I've felt since I saw Ariel," Faith's voice became stifled. "And how free and happy she was, curious about the world, collecting things she likes, lucky enough to find someone who truly loved her, and I loved her too, and I just..." She sniffled and shook her head, wiping moisture from her left eye. "All of my life, I've wanted to be normal, but I can't be because of my dwarfism and how I think." Batgirl gently placed her left hand on Faith's thigh.

"I've been autistic this entire time, but I'm only diagnosed as having Reactive Attachment Disorder,"

"Ah."

"And that makes sense, but everyone who knows me knows there's more. And I just," Faith swallowed. "I just have had to help myself, had to teach myself why incest is wrong when my mom wouldn't explain why after I almost did it with my little brother." Batgirl batted her lashes, and looked at Nightwing, who also looked stunned, and at Batman, who was unreadable. "She heard us and stopped us, and I told her where I got the idea from, it was character shipping in the Vocaloid fandom,"

"Rin and Len?"

"Yeah! And someone said it was taboo, and I looked the word up, but I didn't trust my mom enough to ask her because I knew I'd get yelled at just for trying to understand why it was bad, and my dreams won't leave it alone. I see my teenage brother in his bedroom at the trailer house, I come in with my adult brain, then he suggests it, and I force myself to sit up and end the dream. I had to do all of my thinking myself 'cause I was 'impossible to teach'." Faith quoted with her fingers. "I wasn't!"

"I had to use words and words, and pictures and videos, and I understood very well. But I can't talk about what I've learned, 'cause then people will think, 'Wow, she needs to be medicated', which I am, by the way! Regular Quetiapine and Quetiapine XR, a small dosage of both. Have since 2021, and I even got an upgrade last year, the anti-depressant form of it that I mentioned!" Faith panted. She licked her lips and swallowed.

"I'm so angry at myself, and all I'm allowed to do is put on my work-face and work-voice, and I just want to be with friends who know that I've got mood swings, and I'm tired of trying to belong to a man, and I'm sad because no one else wants me." She sobbed. "'Cause, 'cause I know the definition of happiness, but I'm only ever OK. I have very few good days. And I've scarcely known a great day, and I don't think I've ever felt fantastic."

Her breathing was heavy as she stared into Batgirl's eyes. Batgirl looked back with sympathy, and rubbed Faith's right arm with her right hand. Faith calmed her breathing and spread her fingers across her forehead, hiding her eyes. "I just want to be free, like the women and people who died before me. So I made a galaxy, I gave myself a cat family, and, and I have all of my toys in my head so Mom can't take them away."

"And I live by myself and try to be single so I can be free, and I'm genuinely happy and fortunate to have my job, it's, it's great, for retail. I just... what Ra's did to me, not to my body, even though, yes, that was a literal nightmare, it's what he's done to my toys. He's taken what isn't his, and it needs to go home." Faith sobbed, wiped her eyes. "Sorry, all of this is supposed to stay in my head for a reason."

Batgirl said, "Thank you for sharing all of that with us. That was very brave and honest of you, Faith."

"Thank you for not interrupting me."

"You're welcome."

Batman said, "You shouldn't give Platonia your blood. You likely don't have enough to spare, right now."

"Yeah. It will accept other people's blood, if the ritual leader can't offer their own. No strings attached, just a different option."

"I'll give it mine, then. Should we get this over with, then?" Batman asked. Faith nodded, and climbed out of bed. "Let's go down to the kitchen." Faith, followed by Batgirl and Nightwing, followed Batman down the stairs. "I bet you're hungry, too."

"Yeah." After descending they passed the stair down to the Great Hall, at the corner entered and exited the servery, then entered the first room in the next corridor. They stopped at the pantry door. Batman stepped aside.

"Would you like to do the honours?" Batman asked. Faith nodded. She knocked five times. The door knocked back twice. Faith opened the door, and the Hallway returned.

"Hello-o? Platonia? I've come to make an offering." Faith stepped towards Batgirl, who spread her hand to offer the measuring cups, which Faith took, pocketing the smaller cup in her borrowed pants. Faith hovered the full cup under Batman's left hand. He made a cut on his forearm, and the cup steadily filled with blood. Once it was full, Batman produced a small pouch from his belt, and Faith carefully walked into the Hallway with her left hand under the cup to catch the little splashes, although droplets fell onto the stone floor. A path opened on the left, and pair of neon orange eyes on a pale grey head poked from the nearest, lower edge of the doorway. Faith proceeded and slowly knelt on both knees, left knee down first, and put the cup in the opening, inches away from the hand of the Ghoul. Faith brought out the other measuring cup. "Uh, I need something to cut my hair with. You can just slide it on the floor, or toss it over." Batman tossed a Batarang that lodged itself into the wall. "Thank you." Faith positioned her hand to pry it loose. "Oh, wait."

"She'll cut herself." Said Nightwing.

"Yep." Batman found a grey hand cloth from his belt. He entered the mouth of the Hallway. "Catch." He threw the cloth, and Faith sort of caught it, fumbling as it collided with her neck and upper chest. Faith used the cloth to free the Batarang with her left hand, transferred it to her right hand, collected an inch of her hair in her left hand over her left shoulder, and cut her hair into the measuring cup.

The Ghoul grumbled like a lizard in warning. "Wzhzazt doz yabozuz wzisrhz phzozr, Srtazrwzriter?"

"I know what he's saying." Batman quietly said to his wards.

"You know the language?" Replied Nightwing.

"No, but it's a letter-swap. It said, 'What do you wish for, Starwriter?'."

"The man who stabbed me and raped me took the dark magic I'm guaranteed to have when forcibly summoned. Take it back without killing him so that he may never use Thalassic Space, and return the magic the altar in the Dungeon of the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon and the Obsidian Moondancer Dragon. Do you see him?"

"It isr diphz'icuzlabt toz sree hzimam. Yabozuzr vazginanaz dozesr nanozt srmamelab' labike hzimam, aznanyabmamozre."

"It is difficult to see him. Your vagina does not smell like him, anymore." Translated Batman.

"Eugh." Said Batgirl.

"I know. Urania removed his sperm, when she resurrected me."

"Wze azre azwzare ozphz thzazt."

"We are aware of that."

"You know what a Lazarus Pit smells like, though."

"Yabesr."

"Yes."

"The oldest man from Earth Prime who smells like that is who you are looking for. The younger man is not your target."

The Ghoul scoffed and growled. "Thzisr ozphz'erinang isr nanozt enanozuzghz."

"This is not enough."

"Oh, of course it's not." Batgirl scoffed.

"But it is protocol." The Ghoul growled deeper. "I am not your master, and I know that my status as your Author means little to you. But the order of Thalassic Space, and of Earth Prime, will not be correct until you do this." Faith sighed, her eyes darting on the floor before finding the Ghoul's face. "Your... your master, the Greatest of Sagittarius... he may visit my dreams tonight."

"Hze isr azlabwzazyabsr thzere." The Ghoul laughed for a few seconds, first low and demented, then shrieking and rigid.

"He is always there."

"What does your master wish of me, then?"

The Ghoul said nothing for four long seconds. "Yabozuz azlabreazdyab knanozwz, phzoz'labisrhz girlab." Faith looked at the floor as the Ghoul laughed for several seconds.

"You already know, foolish girl."

"Hze wzilab' azccept thzisr mamozrtazlab mamaznan'sr bzlaboz'd azsr az labighzt bzeverazge, oznane ozphz phzazr labesr' richznanesr' aznand renanozwznan azsr yabozuzrsr,"

"He will accept this mortal man's blood as a light beverage, one of far less richness and renown as yours,"

"Aznand hze wzilab' azccept yabozuzr hzazir, aznand chzerisrhz it azsr oznane ozphz hzisr giphztsr phzrozmam yabozuz."

"And he will accept your hair, and cherish it as one of his gifts from you."

"Bzuzt nanozwz thzazt yabozuzr wzozmamb isr clabeaznaned," The Ghoul said. Faith gasped and shook her head with a shocked expression.

"But now that your womb is cleaned,"

"No!" Said Batgirl.

"We need to get her out of there, Batman." Nightwing rapidly said.

"Wait." Batman answered.

"Thze mamazsrter wzozuzlabd labike toz ozph'er yabozuz hzisr chzilabd."

"The master would like to offer you his child."

"Batman!" Batgirl shouted, drawing Faith's attention to her.

"We have to trust her." Batman answered. "If any of us enter, this negotiation will be nullified, and then Faith will be in peril, and we may be unable to save her."

Faith turned her eyes back to the Ghoul. "And if I refuse?"

"Tzhzenan yabozuz srtazyab hzere inan thze dazrk wzithz yabozuzr phzeazr ozphz it, aznand ozphz his penis,"

"Then you stay here in the dark with your fear of it, and of his penis,"

"UGH!" Nightwing's upper body trembled in anger, and he clenched his bangs, wrists pressed against his temple.

"Aznand thze srmamelab' ozphz it wzilab' tazuznant yabozuz uznantilab thze dazrk mamazgic thzazt wzazsr srtozlabenan hzazsr bzeenan retuzrnaned, regazrdlabesr' iphz yabozuz sruzbzmamit toz yabozuzr labuzsrt."

"And the smell of it will taunt you until the dark magic that was stolen has been returned, regardless you submit to your lust." Batman translated. Batgirl scoffed, changed her posture, couldn't stand still and tried approaching the doorway. Batman caught her wrist and pulled her back.

"Stop." Said Batgirl, freeing her hand.

"How long will that take?" Faith asked. Batgirl entered the Hallway, and took three strides to stand behind Faith.

"Enough of this! Time to go, Faith. He won't let you go, if you stay any longer."

"Doz yabozuz nabozt uznandersrtaznand, mamozrtazlab wzozmamaznan?"

"Do you not understand, mortal woman?"

"I understand just fine." Batgirl said, taking hold of Faith's left arm and making her stand behind Batgirl. "Do as you were asked with the gifts you were presented. Your master considers Faith sacred, right?"

"Ozhz, srhze isr mamozre thzaznan srazcred toz Hzimambz'azlab."

"Oh, she is more than sacred to Himbzal."

"What about me? What if he used me, instead?" The Ghoul sat on its haunches, tilting its head over its left shoulder.

"Babs." Nightwing said with urgency.

"Barbara." Faith said with awe, meetin the taller woman's eyes.

"Am I valued less to your master because I'm not magic? Because I'm not your Author? Am I just food to him, to this Hallway, like all the other mortals? Do you know why she dyed her hair red?"

"Toz mamirrozr yabozuz."

"To mirror you."

"Yes, to mirror me. She has the most beautiful hazel green eyes, you know that?" Warmth came to Faith's cheeks, and Batgirl glanced at her. Faith bat her lashes as their eyes met. "Wouldn't you know, from the mind of your Author, that she is worth more than her body? And that I am the same? That all people are the same?"

The Ghoul sighed. "Thze mamazsrter isr tired ozphz hzeazrinang yabozuz."

"The master is tired of hearing you."

"I will not be ignored."

"You are not being ignored. You are being honoured. Leave. Both of you. It will be done."

"Yabozuz azre nanozt bzeinang ignanozred. Yabozuz azre bzeinang hzoznanozuzred. Labeazve. Bzozthz ozphz yabozuz. It wzilab' bze doznane."

"You better leave us alone."

"Wze wzilab'. Azt laneazsrt, toz thze extenant it wzazsr bzephzozre thzazt mamaznan bzrozuzghzt thzisr plabazce toz yabozuzr exisrtenance."

"We will. At least, to the extent it was before that man brought this place to your existence."

"Fine."

"Enter again, Faith, and you will answer for your trickery."

"Enter again, Faith, and you will answer for your trickery."

"This isn't trickery! This is fair. What your master wants is cruel, and Faith has had enough of that. Not just today, but in her life. If you really won't leave her be, the next time she comes in here, asking for your master's help, she'll be with me, or one of her new friends. And there's plenty of us to go around and kick your master's ass."

The Ghoul growled like a lizard and backed away. "Bze czazrephzuzlab wzhzazt yabozuz wzisrhz phzozr, Bzazrbzazraz Gozrdoznan."

"Be careful what you wish for, Barbara Gordon."

"We need to go." Faith said, rapidly.

"Yep!" Batgirl picked Faith up princess style,

Causing Faith to say, "Whoop!" And ran out of the Hallway, stopping in front of Nightwing and letting Faith down while Batman stepped forward and slammed the door, leaning on it and knocking five times, the door hammering back ceaselessly.

"Faith!" Batman shouted.

"The Clicker!" Faith answered.

"Time to use it?" Batgirl replied, quickly taking it out of her pocket and holding it in her left hand.

Faith rapidly said, "Don't look out the window, be still, breathe quietly, imagine any hallucination caused by neon coloured eyes, scary faces with lots of teeth or impossible figures as the face of a loved one, or their voice, whatever reminds you of life, and wait until the lights come back on and it's quiet for eight seconds! Batman, you'll have to move away from the door as soon you hear the click. You probably know this, but it's best to stand with your hands relaxed at your sides and your head looking forward with a relaxed neck and face." Faith did this herself, and Batgirl and Nightwing quickly nodded and stood as suggested. "NOW!"

Click.

A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger lasdkjflasdfjsladkf

Proceed to Chapter 3

[aziraphales-library]

Hello!

First of, thank you for all the work you put into this blog, you guys are truly amazing.

Secondly, I wanted to ask of you know about any fics in which either Aziraphale or Crowley get hurt (preferably without being unconscious for the majority of the fic. Whether its a small injury or full on whump doesn't matter) and the other gets super protective afterwards and won't leave their side?

Thank you for everything you're doing for the fandom!

Hi! We have #hurt aziraphale, #hurt crowley, #protective aziraphale, and #protective crowley tags, so check those out. Here are more to add to all of those tags!...

When the Blood Burns by EdosianOrchids901 (T)

Crowley is already having a bad day when he runs into a group of humans trying to rob Aziraphale. Furious, he leaps to the rescue. No one is allowed to hurt his angel.

Bathed by aliteralpissbaby (G)

Aziraphale draws a bath for Crowley after he was involved in an accident. Crowley has to go through the trauma of falling from grace.

Togetherless by Kyndoor (T)

After Aziraphale escapes Hell, he no longer remembers his demon. Crowley nurses him back to health and tries to restore his happiness and faith.

Balanced There, Between Those Eyes by stinkybarnacles (G)

"Crowley! Please!" Aziraphale repeated. A mixture of desperate and assertive. Crowley held his breath and tried not to move a muscle, since it seemed the slightest movement would launch him into agony. "Just - open the door! You're frightening me." The angel cruelly knew the exact buttons to push. Crowley's chest ached and he couldn't tell if it was his abused ribs, or just burning guilt. If he was smart, he'd stay exactly where he was. He wouldn't make another noise. He'd wait until Aziraphale got annoyed with his stubbornness and left, and then he'd put himself to bed the minute he could drag himself across the floor without being heard. But he wasn't smart. He was desperate. He just wanted to see him. OR Crowley recieves a demonic beat-down for his good deeds and has a lot of trouble allowing Aziraphale to help him afterward. (Please read note at the beginning.)

Re-Canonized by Snarky_Synesthete (T)

Aziraphale remembers who his heart was made for, long before The Beginning...but if that secret is revealed, it will only cause more pain. Hiding his longing and fear from Crowley throughout the ages leaves him desperate for a way to protect them both, once and for all. Saying yes to The Metatron's offer, however, causes some unintended consequences. Now Aziraphale has to figure out how to both protect Crowley as well as earn back the demon's trust.

Feeling Love by Storyteller_of_the_Forest (G)

Crowley has always been able to feel when Aziraphale is on Earth and has an uncanny ability to find the angel when Aziraphale needs him most. It's an ability Aziraphale shares, though neither realizes it. When Aziraphale escapes from Heaven, mortally wounded, he hopes to see Crowley one last time. But is it too late? Can Crowley still sense him?

- Mod D

[toboldlymuppet]

cranky fandom wank hours

It sucks that this is my post after a while of not updating art here but I have to say something about it. The level of vitriol and hate I’ve gotten as an Izzy fan (why yes, that fictional little pathetic man over on that little queer pirate show that speaks about kindness & acceptance, of growing past your trauma & toxic mentality, That One) has been 10x as worse than in any fandom I’ve been in, and I’ve been in fandom for more than a decade now. I’ve modded a fairly large game discord (at 100k+) and even then, I haven’t had death threats lobbied at me so aggressively until I got into this show. I was never shy about my anti-colonialism stance, my Filipino heritage, my sexuality or gender identity, especially having recently realized that I fall into the nb spectrum. Or all my stances on shitty IRL things that are both morally and legally reprehensible. And yet, the number of “racist/pedophile/rapist/colonizer/abuse apologist” I’ve gotten in my dms has pushed me enough to close my twitter dms & asks here, something I haven’t done at all (most especially on twitter where I’ve kept it open since 2014). People I know who enjoyed staying in our own lane & enjoying one rat bastard has gotten hate and death threats, we’ve had someone doxxed, many of us fear doxxing, I’ve been thrown into a list of ‘known rapists/abusers” for daring to do fanwork of my current favorite pirate. A lot of us fans are POC and trans and nonbinary, or somewhere around that spectrum, and yet we’ve been constantly drowned out by people who think that fandom = activism? Who act like surely it’s just a conglomerate of white cis fans who flock around Izzy. Nice, way to fuckin misgender and act like a white savior to us, oh wait, we POC/non-cis Izzy fans don’t exist, do we? Even then, so many fanwork of other POC characters on the show are by Izzy fans. Roach & Frenchie fanworks, iirc, where they’re not relegated into the side or disregarded, where they’re main characters in their own right, are primarily by us fans. We show the crew a good amount of love, and even then, if you don’t find the fanwork of a character or ship you’re looking for? Don’t attack the fans enjoying our own thing and do your own, commission an artist/writer, cultivate your own circle instead of attacking others. Izzy Hands is by far the least morally decrepit favorite I’ve gotten in many years, he’s nothing even remotely close to being ‘unredeemable’,  to apply morality to him & his fans, despite being a pirate in a fucking pirate show, totally known for their Goodwill To All Men and Upstanding Code of Ethics, is ridiculous and full of bad faith criticism. Also, can people stop tagging hate in his tag, what the fuck happened to fandom ethics or consideration, stop airing out your dirty laundry for the fans to see where we’re just here to have a good time and Stay In Our Lane. Anyway, I have a shitload of more to add but it’s 6am and I’ve frankly never been this exhausted by fandom before. This is why I’ve never done G/B stuff lol, despite having done so many wips on my initial watch. Is it cringe to have an entire vent about a sad small fictional man? Yes. But is it even cringer to focus all your time and energy into hating that guy & his fans? Also yes.

Good morning.

[utilitycaster]

Hi, you've mentioned for a few times that people tend to react harder on everything Liam does compared to other male cast members. Why do you think that happens?

This is a good question, and I think genuinely someone could write an entire graduate thesis on fandom and gender, misogyny and backlashes of hate, and I am not the person to do that for a number of reasons. With that said I think there's a couple reasons Liam gets a lot of hate, but I think it's worth noting that literally every cast member gets a pretty significant amount of hate, and that post-Campaign 1 it's honestly been pretty even, from what I've seen, just coming from different quarters.

The first is that, and people who were around while C1 was running feel free to jump in (yes I understand the irony of me, a person who joined the fandom with the start of C2, saying this), but there is a really ahistoric understanding of the fandom in Campaign 1. It's obviously true that there was a ton of misogyny, particularly towards Marisha and Laura (and probably Ashley was spared the worst of it at the time simply by being absent and not out of any respect) but there was also no small amount of homophobia/biphobia (hating on Liam for playing Vax as an openly bi character, hating on Taliesin for being a bi person). There was also, from what I understand, a not-insignificant amount of backlash hate for Vax being bi but choosing to pursue a romantic relationship with Keyleth rather than Gilmore; and people not liking generally that Vax was on the surface the cool fast rogue guy but also was extremely emotional and explored grief and depression in depth.

(I think there's a similarly ahistoric reading that Travis and Sam were the heroes of the dudebro crowd, and to an extent they were, but the downside is, as I said in my post about Marisha, the dudebro crowd of C1 has, thankfully, waned over time, but the backlash towards it hasn't, and so years later people still don't take Travis and Sam's characters seriously and treat them as stupid jokes, despite that never having been the case. Also the dudebros who liked The Player Who Was Asked To Leave have hated Travis from early on, since is feelings on the matter were pretty transparent.)

Moving into Campaign 2, Caleb was quite popular and the "ew, a man having feelings?" crowd was, as mentioned, drifting away, but you got the Marisha Character Defenders who were mad that sometimes characters argued with Beau, or that sometimes people just preferred Caleb to Beau, and you got shippers (largely Beau and Jester shippers) who were furious about Caleb and Jester as a ship. My own feelings aside re: Caleb and Jester and the shippers thereof and their behavior since that ship was sunk, at least they weren't in the habit of harassing cast members over their music choices or sending death threats. A lot of them assumed Fjord was not interested in romance, so Travis was left out of it until pretty late in the campaign, and a lot of them would not admit to being mad at Laura or Marisha, even though they were, ergo: Liam.

The final reason? Liam is on social media and responds to things. I hate to sound like my parents here, but like...Travis and Taliesin get hate on tumblr but also I don't think either of them pay attention or care, so it's not satisfying to people who like being an asshole. Liam actually responds to this stuff (this is not a judgment, I understand the impulse) so people keep doing it. I don't think Liam is actually swayed by the fandom in his gameplay, but I do think he tries to be generous and kind and good faith on social media and so people attempt to take advantage of it. I think Matt is similarly sensitive to the fans but as DM cannot really address all questions/got over it sooner; and Taliesin, Travis, and Sam are all to an extent openly dismissive or oblivious, so while there's some hate it hits a dead end.

[jazeswhbhaven]

I saw your post on hating on 2D or fictional characters and I agree. I can joke about hating and slander on a character cause comedy.

But when people are hating on the character for just existing or have bad faith argument when they just hate a character have a trope and such.

I use the example of Scrappy Doo. I never gotten the hate for that character, yet in all of Scooby Doo's history, all I hear is hate on that character to the point the first Live action movie, James Gunn made him the villain.

Like, you can criticize and have your opinion. But its a whole another thing to hate that character because they're not your thing. This worse with being a fan of villain characters, these people need to understand that others can separate the characters from their action (in fiction)

What's worse, they'll insult people who like that character, like yes. There are cringed with some people in social, but not everyone is bad.

You'll see people hate on a character and call them worse things because they like them and that, I was like... "Okay? why insult fans of that character?"

Sorry for ranting, its just tiring to join in a new fandom and immediately hit with this kinda of hate cause you like a character. When you are just here enjoying the series/story/characters.

Anyway, I'll go back staring at Glasya's back and Barb's thigh. Have a nice day Jaze :3

Ty Spark, I hope your weekend was great! :D (and you got to enjoy Glas and Barb to your fullest contentment)

But all of this is so true. I was disappointed when I saw Scrappy as the villain when that movie came out because I enjoyed the spin off with him in it! Never understood what they didn't like about him...he didn't do anything jarring to me anyway. It's like hating on Wishbone LMAO (another doggo character I enjoyed in my youth)

There's only been a small handful of character's I disliked for petty reasons but yeah again I'd never insult ppl who like the character. I'd just scratch my head and be like okay i don't get it but i'm sure there's things I do that they don't get either.

This is also a big reason I'm very choosey with the fandoms I interact in. Others sometimes jump on you for liking or disliking a certain character so hard it's almost as if you came in their house and spat in their face.

[valar-did-me-wrong]

Ok, but I dont think this season is the right one for Adar to die...It would be a bit rushed if he dies by betrayl of the orcs and them switching sides to Sauron...Especialy since Sauron also still has to spend time in Numenor which propaply will happen in s3...So Middel Earth still needs its residentual Bad Guy which could/should be Adar and his Orcs...Maybe he grows paranoid and keeps on searching for Sauron and that leads to conflict with the Orcs and everybody else...And maybe more and more of the Orcs that know him personaly will die so when Sauron returns he has the perfect combination of (paranoid) Adar who loses (has lost) control of the situation and Orcs that only know him as their Boss (and at some point was their father)...so Sauron just has to swoop in and take control...

Omg I'm so sorry this got lost in my asks for so long!!

Now, let me tell you my friend that everywhere I go I hear the same thing you said here that "this is not the right season for Adar to die"

It's one of those universal things rn! Sam plays him in such an amazing way that it's almost impossible to not get caught in his magnetism. So yes killing Adar off (by orcs or by Sauron) might bring his narrative to a full (albeit small) circle but it'll not be the smartest move by Amazon!

I also agree with you that, realistically orcs shouldn't side with Sauron instantly after Adar is removed, but sadly I see a lot of people mentioning that it actually might happen in E8!

I'm a bit appalled by this decision of building orcs up to this more than just pawns status in 2 seasons & then instantly turning them into pawns again!

I'd rather hope; as you mentioned, that Adar survives S2 somehow (either healed by Nenya or not) & season 3 is basically repercussions of his hastey war, where he slowly looses his hold on most orcs & we see the orcs slowly get pulled back into Sauron's clutches!

(someone also mentioned that in the end Adar can be left with a small band of orcs faithful to him who fight in the Battle Of Last Allience on the side of elves against sauron; which would be VERY canon & SOOOOO COOOL to watch!)

As for Middle Earth needing another bad guy while Sauron is in Numenor, I am not really sure if that storyline is coming in s3 or if it is a S4 storyline..

(I can go absolutely delulu here & mention that Bear did post a pic of the book Fall of Numenor today, & though the caption says its totally unrelated but I cannot help but think maybe he's trying to pull a Taylor Swift on us?! Is it apparent yet that I've lost ALL my mind over Adar's fate??)

All in all.. I agree, you agree, your neighbour agrees, my grandmother agrees & even some haters agree that Adar just shouldn't die this season!! And I guess Sam must sleep good these days knowing he absolutely won over not only the fandom but it's critics too!!

[rabbitzk]

Dutch Van Der Linde x Reader! Singer

Warnings: Blood

Type: fluff

Fandom: Red dead redemption 2

It was a beautiful evening in Saint Denis, rich and petty people walking the streets with no concern for anything other than their own money and rich lives.

In a theater not far from the town square, a beautiful voice could be heard, so soft and angelic to the ears of the listeners, known as the daughter of yet another of the city's many great wealthy families, and also as an angel. No one knew her name, she was just known as the singer from Saint Denis.

Everyone applauded yet another perfect performance from the girl, as she smiled, before leaving the stage and heading backstage.

— You were perfect as always! — Her friend Kate spoke with a big smile as she handed her a glass of wine, her favorite.

— Thank you, Kate. Could you find me a more comfortable outfit?

— Of course!

She might have been considered an angel, but... she was nothing of the sort, with words on the tip of her tongue and a false personality, she stood on the podium of fame in the great city of Saint Denis.

The Van Der Linde gang, John Marston, Arthur Morgan, Javier Escuella and Dutch Van Der Linde, were walking the streets another day. They were planning to steal information from the theater owner, who apparently had information about where Colm O'Driscoll was.

Javier and John were disguised as theater employees, while Dutch and Arthur were dressed to blend in with the wealthy people who frequented the large venue.

— Dutch, do you really think they won't find out?

— Arthur, son, are you really losing faith in me? Everything's under control, now come on, we've got some things to sort out.

And with that, Javier and John enter through the back door, while Arthur and Dutch enter through the large front door. The place was full of luxury, it was almost difficult to blend in, but nothing was impossible for Dutch.

They pick up their tickets and walk deeper into the theater, which has a small bar and a stage with a microphone and some red curtains behind it. They sit down at a table, trying to be as discreet as possible.

— Hello gentlemen, would you like a drink?

— Whisky.

Arthur replies, and the waitress quickly leaves to get the drinks.

They were about to try to discuss a plan, until the lights went out, and the stage lights came on, the curtains opened, revealing a beautiful woman who made the men in the theater feel pleasure just looking at her. Dutch realized that this woman was beautiful, young, but not his style.

When the woman smiles and begins to sing, even Arthur's eyes widen.

— She sings well.

— Yes, but we came here for a reason, remember the plan.

He didn't want Arthur to be distracted by this, as they spotted Javier in the corner of the room, signaling to them that it was time.

Then they get up and leave without anyone noticing.

— Where's Colm O'Driscoll?!

Arthur screamed at the theater owner while punching him in the face.

The frightened man was crying in pain, his face bloodied and his nose broken.

— I-I don't know! I swear I don't know! Let me go, please...!

— That's enough, Arthur, this bastard doesn't know anything, do what you want with him, I don't care. Just make sure he doesn't tell on us.

And with that, Dutch left the room, and only the man's shouts could be heard from afar, but they were drowned out by the loud music in the next room.

He was walking towards the exit when he bumped into someone.

— Hey! Don't you see where you're going?!

The woman shouts at him and gets up.

— I almost got my dress dirty because of you, and... what are you looking at?

The woman realizes that he was standing still and watching her, Dutch realizes how beautiful she was, without all that stage make-up.

— Nothing... what's your name, Lady?

Dutch asks with a smug smile, taking her hand, the woman mocks, pulling her hand away from his.

— I don't have a name. You can just call me Angel, that's what they call me here.

The girl says, not very happy with Dutch.

— Okay then, Angel.

She blushes, surprised by the way he spoke.

— I have to go, sir.

And she walks off.

She's not so bad...

My angel.

[thewingedbaron]

Owlcatober Day Five: Forgiveness

A bit of a different take on this one (like I've been sticking the script at all). There's a certain character throughout Act 1 and 2 that I've always had mixed feelings about. How far can heroes fall when their people no longer want them?

Heroes and Traitors (764 words)

Fandom: Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous

Warnings: Mentions of death

Ship: Arueshalae/KC (Allix)

Read here under the cut on Ao3 :)

The graveyard was all but abandoned at night. It had been long months since the soldiers had moved their not-so-secret gambling ring to the warmth of the Half Measure Tavern. Without them, very few had any reason to dwell amongst the headstones. The names of crusaders, heroes, cowards, opportunists, equally revered and forgotten there in the mist. A shame, Allix thought as he carefully stepped through the wrought iron gate. A gods damned shame. 

He picked his way between the graves at a snail’s pace, stopping every so often to read the names and whisper a prayer to Iomidae, or Erastil. He did not need to go far to reach his destination. 

The headstone stood alone on its own patch of dried grass. It was nondescript, nothing to mark it as special other than the heavy name carved into its face, and the lack of any kind of symbol to denote any kind of faith. The crusaders had not known under what god’s eye to bury the traitor Stanton Vane. An unmarked grave seemed to be a statement all its own. It stood alone because no comrade, nor family wanted to bury their dead close to the headstone, out of fear that the marks upon his soul might seep from his coffin and infect the souls of those interred nearby. It was hard not to be superstitious when your enemy was the horrors spat out by the worst place imaginable. 

Allix sat down before the headstone, legs crossed, gazing sadly at the name carved there. He had ended hundreds of lives. Cultists, demons, Gods. Yet it was here where his soul felt the quietest. The Knight Commander silently brushed the fallen leaves off the top of the stone, wondering where the dwarf’s soul might have gone. 

“Who were they?” A quiet voice asked. 

“A hero.” Allix replied, shifting to make room before the grave. A moment later, he was joined by the winged form of Arueshalae settling in beside him. “And a traitor.” He continued softly. 

“Stanton Vane.” Arueshalae read off the grave. “I’ve heard his name whispered amongst the crusaders. I’ve heard him called many things, but never a hero.” 

Allix nodded. “I can’t imagine you have.” 

For a long moment, they sat in silence. Arushalae’s head on his shoulder, their tails intertwined. Touch had become easy for them since their return from the abyss, and Arueshalae’s ascension. It had been slow at first, but now even the most mundane of contact felt natural. As natural as breathing. Small touches of support. 

“Why do you call him a hero?” Arueshalae asked. 

For a long moment, Allix did not reply. “We wouldn’t be here without him.” He said slowly. “He helped take this fortress. Fought back the tide of demons for years in the first crusades.” 

“But that’s not why you call him a hero.” Arueshalae said. 

“No.” He agreed. “I believe he’s a hero for what came after. He lost Drezen, seduced by a demon to charge out in a blaze of glory. In one fell swoop, he lost our greatest fortress, and our greatest defense in the Sword of Valor. Hundreds of heroes died in the battles that followed. And yet…” 

Allix’s voice trailed off, a half formed thought on his lips. Arueshalae shifted closer, her weight a comfort on his side. 

“He fought on. For so many years he fought on as his allies and friends turned on him. The crusaders spat on him, outcast him, and yet he still fought, all the way to the Gray Garrison.” Allix whispered. “And I killed him.” 

“He betrayed you.” 

“He did.” 

“And you feel guilty about his death?” Arueshalae asked. 

“Yes.” Allix nodded, his eyes far away. “He betrayed us because we gave him no other option. For all the people these crusades have protected. For all the people we’ve saved… we hurt people. The crusades have allied themselves with anyone willing to supply the bodies and swords to throw in front of the world wound, no matter how young or old, willing or unwilling. I sometimes wonder just how many cultists we’ve created over the years.” 

“It can’t be all bad.” Arushalae argued. “The crusades are the only reason the demons don’t rule Glarion.” 

Allix nodded again. “You’re right. It's just… sometimes I have a hard time forgiving the harm that we cause in the name of good.” 

They were silent for a moment more. “Have you forgiven Stanton Vane?” Arueshalae asked. 

“Some day. I hope that I can.” Allix replied. “If I can forgive him. Maybe there’s hope for us all.”

[hekate1308]

It's alright, I'm here now

Prompt: “It’s alright, I’m here now.”

Fandom: Good Omens

Pairing: Ineffable Husbands

Crowley taking a nap is nothing new. His dearest loves to sleep, and Aziraphale would never begrudge him such a simple joy.

The problem is that it comes with… repercussions. Now and then. Not always. But just often enough that part of him wishes Crowley wouldn’t indulge in sleep, if only so this wouldn’t happen.

He miracle himself upstairs as soon as he heard the shouts, of course, and is now busy soothing his demon.

Crowley shot up in bed and is now breathing heavily even though they don’t need to breathe, but there are some things you just pick up when you’re around humans for too long. “Angel?”

“Yes, dear.”

“I – you – he blinks at him. “You didn’t leave.”

It’s the one kind of nightmare that still makes him scream, the one kind that makes it difficult for him to remember that they moved into their lovely cottage several years ago, and rarely spend a day apart. It breaks Aziraphale’s heart every time, although part of him keeps insisting that he deserves whatever consequence he has to bear.

“It’s alright, I’m here now.” As always when he says the words, when he reassures Crowley, his words are tinged with regret. They will be forever. No matter what his dearest says or does, Aziraphale will carry the guilt that he chose Heaven over him – and not just once, again and again, although the worst time was certainly when he was convinced that he could change the system when this was never going to happen.

Crowley looks at him and his eyes soften as he reaches out to take his hand. “I know, angel. It’s just nightmares.”

Juts nightmares. Aziraphale knows that Crowley has other nightmares too, mainly from the war and falling, but the ones where he leaves him are the only one he wakes up screaming from.

Crowley kisses his hand. “Forget it. What time is it?”

“About tea-time”.

“Perfect.”

As if Aziraphale didn’t notice millennia ago that Crowley actually doesn’t like to eat all that much but enjoys watching him do it.

Still, he knows this means that Crowley doesn’t want to talk about it, so he agrees that it is, indeed, perfect.

They found the small bistro soon after they moved here, and the owner, Pauline, is a good friend of theirs by now. “Mr. Fell and Mr. Crowley!” she beams at them. “How nice to see you! And how are you on this wonderful day`?”

Crowley doesn’t answer, so Aziraphale is forced to answer that they are well even though he is very aware that Crowley is not yet over the dream. He takes his hand and gives it a squeeze, and he smiles at him even though Aziraphale thinks he doesn’t deserve it.

“Really, angel, you don’t have to look at me like that” he tells him when they sit down. “I’m fine.”

“I Know. I just wish…” he trails off because words are not enough to explain how sorry he is that they got this wrong for so long, and that they will both be having to live with that for the rest of eternity.

He reminds himself that at the very least it’s going to be an eternity with Crowley, and that that’ s what’s important because – it’s just the truth. And yet…

Pauline doesn’t bring them a menu anymore since she knows what they like, so they are just waiting for the food to arrive when Mrs. Sintclair and her daughter. Faith (Crowley had a bit of a laugh when they were first introduced, although he made sure that they did not hear) immediately runs over to them and grabs Crowley’s leg because she, like all children, loves him. “Mr. Crowley!!!!” She frowns. “You look sad.”

“Faith –“ her mother immediately tries to quiet her, but Crowley simply shakes his head because if there is one thing he never stood for, not even back when he was still kind of working for Hell, it’s lying to children.

“I had a nightmare” he tells her.

“Oh” she bites her lips. “I have nightmares too. Did Mr. fell hug you? Mummy always hugs me after I’ve had a nightmare.”

“Yes, he did” Crowley confirms. “Mr. fell takes very good care of me.”

A gently smile directed at him, and the worst part of this, at least when it comes to this, is that he actually means it. He is firmly convinced that Aziraphale takes good are of him, that he deserves this, deserves him.

He can’t help it, he just has to reach out and take his hand again. Crowley smiles once more, but is busy with Faith who’s babbling on.

“Sorry about that” her mother begins, but he just shakes his head because he loves watching him relax.

I’m here, he repeats a silent vow to himself, I’m here and I’m never leaving again.