#hot take but in terms of who should be leader I think it should be less who’s the better leader-

[turtleblogatlast]

I love Raph and haven’t said that enough so to be more specific I love that Raph is a soft boy who loves bear plushies, a gross boy who eats an assortment of things that are definitely better left alone, a smart boy who is more than capable of taking down villains through planning and fortitude alike, a strong boy who is dedicated to training his muscles and fighting prowess, a teenage boy who loves his brothers but is more than happy to tease and roughhouse with them, an angry boy who sometimes lets his anger take a hold of him to cover the fear, a gentle boy who is generous with hugs and affirmations to those he loves, a capable boy who takes on more than should ever be expected of a teenager, a good boy who just wants to be a hero and slowly comes to realize the cost of that duty, a good boy who has no reservations about putting himself in the way of harm coming to his family, a good boy who’s a great brother and son and person and deserves only the best the world has to offer.

[kiame-sama]

Warnings; bg3, full party (because I want them all there to talk), Druid Tav*, Slight druid path spoilers I guess?, Owlbear, Protector type Tav, yandere companions (ALL of them), basic identity spoilers for first act followers, slight early story spoilers, they/them reader, yandere Raphael makes an appearance too.

* Tav is the name that always appears in the character generator first, so technically Tav is the unofficial term for the player character- or Reader in this scenario.

~~~~~~~~

The large owlbear lumbered slowly amongst the fallen undead, using the sharp beak to pick around the bodies for anything useful. Of course, not everything picked up by the defacto leader of the group was typically deemed useful. Such was the way of the unusual soul the group found themselves following the every whim of.

Countless battles had been won with their leadership and each companion had true respect for their leader, even if respect for the other companions was variable. To take them from desperate and hopeless about their plight to truly believing they could succeed their impossible mission. Each odd soul brought in to the fold by the odd druid may not believe, but they believed in how much their leader believed. For them, this was enough.

This meant that when their trusted leader wandered around as a creature that could feasibly carry three of them, they just followed along and grabbed what they wanted if their leader didn't pick it up first. They trusted their leader to distribute loot and treasure adequately based off of who could best use what was collected. Still, that didn't make the experience any less surreal, even for those who were familiar with druids that favored their bestial forms.

"Astarion, do you ever feel like we, as a group, just adapt to everything around us a little too well?"

Gale, the wizard of the group walked next to the rogue vampire spawn, his arms crossed in a contemplative way. Never before would he have imagined himself having light banter with such a being without bloodshed, but here he was regardless.

"Do tell me you are joking, right?"

"No, should I be?"

"God's, Gale, we're all stuck here as a group with only one thing in common- the fact that we're facing impossible odds to simply survive- and we can barely keep ourselves from killing each other. On top of that, just what do you think we're doing right now? Hm?"

"... Collecting the spoils of our battle?"

There was a distinct moment of silence as the beautiful vampire spawn stared at the wizard with a look of disbelief and disgust. The apparent pause catching the attention of the rest of the party- minus the owlbear lumbering ahead of the group- as they all decided to listen in. It was good fun to hear the others squabble and it gave a sense of comradery despite the situation they were in, misery loving company in most ways, though things weren't seeming too miserable now.

"We are in a temple that is inside of a crypt- some depth underground- picking amongst the remains of reanimated corpses that have all been stomped to death by our Owlbear leader. Not to mention this leader who just so happens to be the most balanced person among us and somehow isn't corrupt as all hells while doing it."

Some of the others nodded along in their own ways, knowing Astarion's assessment wasn't too far off from the crux of the situation they found themselves in. A few cast glances at the afore mentioned owlbear leader who seemed rather content rooting through what little remained from their earlier rampage.

"And they're hot as the hells while doing it."

Karlach, the literal flaming tiefling barbarian, commented, putting herself in the conversation with a wide grin.

"You're one to talk, Karlach," Wyll playfully jabbed back, "You've literally got fire coming out of you!"

"You know I'm right though!"

"Well, I didn't say you were wrong."

Before the two could continue, Astarion cut them off, bringing the now group conversation back to Gale.

"Anyways, my point still stands. We are not the ones who make this all work. They make it work for us. We are stuck together- like it or not- and they call the shots. We can get used to anything because they can get used to anything. Don't pat yourself on the back too hard now, it might get you excited."

Gale slightly winced at that jab, given the fact that he was the most obvious about being smitten with the group leader, and yet his beloved was completely unaware of how hard he had fallen. How hard they all had fallen.

"Are you all fools," Shadowheart hissed in a low voice, "you know they can hear us, right?"

It was Lae'zel's turn to bark out a laugh, her lips curled in a sly grin as she regarded the Sharian cleric. It gave the Githyanki soldier a sense of satisfaction to know something about their leader the cleric didn't.

"They can't understand us in that owlbear form. Why else would these fools talk so plainly?"

Unknown to them, their leader could understand them, but simply didn't want to cause in-fighting or favoritism to arise. So they simply carried on as if unaware of the conversation, just trying to focus on finding what was salvageable.

Unknown to them all, a demon watched from the rafters. His arms were crossed and a grin played across his lips. He had to admit, that druid was certainly a fetching prize as they clearly enamored not only their mismatched companions but him as well. Time would leave him the last among them by the druid's side, he would ensure it. Besides, he had plenty of time to wait.

[m-ilkiee]

What’s mikey, izana and shinichiros ideal type

Sorry I didn't reply on time. This weekend was... a lot.

Full disclaimer, this is NOT a solid or end saying of these character's type. I'm basing this solely on my discretion and the Monster's universe aka the fanfiction that I'm writing. Okay with that said, let's get into it:

Solely based on Monsters (cause idk in canon what's that going to be):

Mikey Sano: His type is someone that can match his energy. He's very energetic and sometimes brash, so he needs someone who can either match his energy or go with the flow of it without getting worn out. If he's up, your up, if he's tired, you're tired too cause HE wants to cuddle. Bonus if you're pretty too and have a nice set of boobs (people don't like adding physical attraction but trust me it plays a BIGGG part in having a type), he will definitely want to cling on to you or use your chest as a pillow.

In monsters, he likes someone who is sexually experienced as well. Not that he won't be gentle when he wants to, but he prefers not having to teach someone everything from start to finish what they should do. He may also like someone independent who can hold their own, preferably soneone with a strong character who won't let anyone push them around, not even himself. This is why he's not a fan of Reader in monsters at the beginning.

Izana Kurokawa: I feel like his type is someone who is intriguing. He'll have to know the person first but he's very observant and would notice if something in that person piques his interest. He rarely falls in love but surprisingly, he gravitates towards kind and gentle people, despite being the opposite and thinking they are weak. Being hot lookwise is a factor, but Izana doesn't really care about that or your body type.

He can be very clingy during sex, so he'd like if you're responsive and cling on to him or indulge him that way. He needs to be in control at all times and someone who fully surrends themselves to him is a dream come true. Overall, in character, loyalty to a fault is what he values the most. He wants someone who can trust him and blindly follow him, even if it's to hell and back.

Shinichiro Sano: In terms of Monsters, he also likes kind people. People who are inherently good and try to do good. People with a pure heart and a gentle soul. Someone that will accept him for who he is no matter how odd he is. Physically if you're hot, you'd catch his eye, but really this man thinks every girl is hot so you're in luck. Bonus if you're thick anywhere.

He's the sweetest during sex so he won't mind a virgin or experienced. He's very patient and would match whatever pace you want. Just being vulnerable is enough for him.

I also think he'd like someone who wants to take care of him. He's been a father to his siblings, a leader to his gang and he's always watching other people's backs, so it'd be nice if he can switch off his brain to be with you because he knows you got him.

[malleusarcanum]

⚠️: When things started to get. ~~~~~~~~~~~~good~~~~~~~~~~~~~

⚠️: not meant for green minded,

⚠️: just make sure not to imagine to much about this

Mc: I know! Let's watch an anime!

*Mc swiped the remote from Jade who is currently scrolling at Maginstagram using a smartmirror Tv*

Jade: I'm not done yet!!

Mc: shut up you're just looking at unsuitable pictures, look what happened to Deuce and Ace, even Epel didn't take it.

*pointed at Deuce, Ace, and Epel that is lying on the floor after they fainted out of over blushing.*

Leona: Awwww... Things are starting to get good.

Jack: *nodded*

Grim: Fnyaahhhhhh!! Henchman?!!!!!

Kalim: What a party pooper!!!!

Jamil: I've never felt this kind of sensation

Malleus: my soul just awoken, it desires to seek more

Lilia: I never thought huge things are better.

Sebek: Human! Don't take away the things Waka-sama likes.

Mc: Why don't all of you consider what I feel!

Floyd: It's not our fault shrimpy that you're the opposite of our gender~~~

Riddle: it's unjust and selfish if you only think of your side rather than the majority's.

Cater & Trey: Well said.

Mc: trey?! Even you?!

Trey: Well.... I can't disagree to our dorm leader or..

Cater: our heads might roll

Azul: We can do some arrangements unless if you agree to the terms of the contract

Mc: I'll do it...

*Azul's eyes brightened*

Mc: AFTER I DIED

*Azul's shoulders went down*

Vil: What about consider my Model offer instead dear apple.

Mc: *didn't bother to look at him* Sh7t! Did I heard a fly talking?

Rook: Roi de Poison?!

*panicked after Vil dropped his head on Rook's lap while Vil's eyes are weeping*

Silver: *snored loudly*

Ruggie: I want to see the part where--

*Mc threw a pillow but only smacked on Ruggie's face.*

Ruggie: Ouch!!!!

Kalim: Nice throw!

Mc : *mumbled* I wished that it flew away with his furry messy brain

Deuce, Ace & Epel: Ow snap!

Ruggie: I heard ya!

Mc: well good

Ruggie: Geez, you're just hot headed cuz yours is small

Deuce, Ace & Epel: ouch, savage!

*started to fight and their words and insults are not so clean*

Grim: nyahhh?!..... *Asked to them with worry* Should we stop them?

All Dorm leaders replied: A good show mustn't be cancelled

Mc: Well... Your!....

*Mc stopped because she can't pick an appropriate word for it*

Mc: I could just gobble you up!!!

Ruggie: Go on Flatty

*Mc's eyes darkened and grinned*

Mc: now you reached my murder limit

All of them: ruggie run!!!

*Ruggie ran around but did not left the room because he enjoyed it while Mc's anger meter is rising 5 times faster, if she can overblot she have definitely exploded Ruggie's body parts*

*Mc stumbled when someone held her leg*

Mc's thought: first I'm ashamed of seeing improper image of my same gender, then insulted my balloon as inflated and now I had a chance to get a first kiss from this nasty floor.

*Mc looked at who did that ready to kick him out of the world*

Kalim: Is silver really sleeping?

Lilia: Yep... I too was surprised that he had this unique talent. Attacking while snoring

Silver: Mc.... *Talked while sleeping*

Mc: *crawled to him then glared at Ruggie* I'm not done with you

Mc: *turned again to silver* what is it?

Epel: he's talking while sleeping..

Lilia & Sebek: *nodded*

Silver: Mc...

*Mc's eyes softened while waiting, her anger before lowered down*

Silver: Mc... Your's is small but soft... I want to squish it...... especially at bed

*Mc's eyes softened while waiting went darker than h3ll, her anger before lowered down now multiplied to a hundred times. Her intent kill level reached to maximum*

All of them whispered: this is far worse than overblot

*Sliver rubbed his eyes*

Silver: What happened---- why is there a devil in front of me???

*Cluelessly spoke and looks like his mind is still into sleep*

Lilia: Silver!!!!!!!!!

All of them: Scram!!!!!!!!

*Silver ran while crying and thinking of the moments he had with his wonderful dream where the Mc gave a small crochet bear to him*

Silver running: I wished I never woke up!

••••••••

I'm dearly grateful for the creatures reblogging, following, voting and commenting at these post.

I shall continue these kind of entertainment

Now I shall grave myself once again to rest in peace.

[nerdygaymormon]

The LDS Church & homosexuality

Some church goers are uncomfortable that I identify as gay. They think how my Creator made me is somehow against God, but I’m allowed to stay in my church because I’m single and celibate which means I am following my church’s teachings on sexuality, which also matches historical Christian teachings on sexuality.

You know who isn’t following those historical teachings? Straight couples who use birth control. Also breaking the historical rules are straight couples where one or both of them divorced a former spouse.

By historical, I mean the majority Christian understanding of the past 2000+ years. But we don’t even have to go back that far. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which I’ll refer to as “the church” or “LDS Church”), let’s look at some of it’s more recent teachings & practices: 

In the 1960′s, at General Conference it was taught that using contraception was a gross wickedness. 

In the 1980′s, the LDS Church told bishops not to issue temple recommends to married couples who engage in oral sex.

Even up to 2020, the Handbook said church members had to consult with their bishop before getting a vasectomy or tubal ligation because this was seen as a moral issue since it would prevent them from having more children. 

This is not ancient history! 

Over the past 50 years, the church has liberalized sex for straight married couples. Current LDS policies are that birth control is considered a private matter for the married couple to decide and bishops are instructed not to ask married couples about their sexual behaviors. Oral and anal sex, or any other sexual act that may not result in pregnancy, are no longer considered moral dangers which the church needs to stop straight married couples from exploring. As one friend of mine described it, once you’re married, anything goes as long as there’s consent from both partners.

————————————————————

For gay couples, there’s been a little bit of movement by my church, but nothing like what has happened for straight couples. 

Gay individuals are now allowed to call themselves “gay” without getting in trouble, they’re allowed to date and hold hands and kiss without having to confess or have their church membership put in jeopardy (unless you attend the church’s schools where you may get punished for those behaviors). However, for gay couples, marriage or sex will both bring discipline and possible expulsion from the church.

————————————————————

The Biblical viewpoints on sexuality come from a time and culture that valued women for their ability to produce children. Infant mortality rates were high and overall population growth was slow. Any kind of sex that couldn’t result in a pregnancy was forbidden (even if not the intent of the original text, that’s the interpretation made by Christians and taught for centuries)

Today, infant mortality rates are low, life expectancy is high, and the world’s population is at a whopping 8 billion (it first reached 1 billion in 1804, 2 billion in 1927, and has continued to expand at a quickening pace). The reality of our lives has changed.

Biblical understandings of orientations were very different from today’s. Even modern understanding has evolved as prior to the 19th century, the concept of a sexual orientation was absent from Western culture. 

————————————————————

Let’s take a look at the evolution of the LDS Church’s positions on homosexuality.

Labels

In the 1960′s church leaders took a hard stance against even identifying as gay. Calling yourself gay or a homosexual could result in excommunication. 

In the 1980′s, the church separated having gay feelings from behaviors. Feelings and attractions were no longer a sin, just the behaviors. However, what labels queer members should use was still a hot topic. Same-sex attraction was the preferred label.

I remember being told in the 1990′s that the terms gay, lesbian, or bi should only be used as adjectives to describe behaviors or feelings, not people. People were encouraged to say they experience same-sex attraction (SSA) and not call themselves gay. 

While calling yourself lesbian, bi or gay is still not encouraged, in 2016 the church finally said it’s okay to do so.

—————————

What causes someone to be gay

The church taught people developed homosexual feelings due to a variety of reasons. These reasons changed over the decades, but here are some of the things the church taught as causing homosexuality: masturbation, sexual abuse, wearing gender non-conforming clothing, or even just talking about homosexuality. In other words, having gay attractions was a mental disorder for which someone needed help. 

Gay people have been disagreeing for decades, explaining we didn’t choose to be gay and it isn’t the result of abuse or other such causes, it’s just how we are.

Since 1990, there’s been a steady accumulation of research to show that a person’s sexuality is determined before birth. Yet the church resisted change. Recognizing that it’s previous statements on the causes of homosexuality conflict with the research, in 2006 the church stated that it has no opinion on what causes someone to have homosexual attractions. 

In 2010, Boyd K. Packer taught in General Conference that since God’s Plan is for men & women to have sex with each other in a marriage, God wouldn’t give people same-sex attractions without a way to change them while also prohibiting them from being able to act on these attractions. "Why would our Heavenly Father do that to anyone?" That is a damn fine question to which the church has yet come up with a good answer. It leaves the church in a quandary that it acknowledges people are gay, they don’t choose to be gay, and they can’t choose to not be gay, and yet they're still prohibited from having sex or getting married

—————————

Reparative/Conversion Therapy

Given the way the church thought about what causes someone to be gay, it’s little wonder it also taught someone could be ‘cured.’ The 1960′s saw a big increase of statements from top leadership in the church teaching this.

In Sept 1969, the BYU Psychology Department begins electroshock aversion therapy research against ‘sexual deviancy.’ 

In 1978, gay students who attend BYU are still required to do conversion therapy, but no longer will aversion therapy be used.

In 1992, the church discouraged leaders of local congregations from encouraging members to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual as that generally leads to frustration and discouragement.

In 2016, the church created the Mormon and Gay website which declared conversion therapy or sexual orientation change efforts are unethical. It seems that it’s around this time that BYU ceased conversion therapy 

It took until 2019 for LDS Family Services (the church’s therapy arm) to say it no longer tries to change a person’s sexual orientation, in other words, no more reparative therapy.  

—————————

Mixed-orientation marriages

In the 1970′s and 1980′s, gay men were actively encouraged to marry a woman with the promise this would "cure" their homosexuality (the church is focused on gay men while barely showing any concern for lesbians). I suppose this could be seen as another attempt at reparative therapy.

In the April 1987 General Conference, Gordon B. Hinckley said marriage shouldn’t be used as a way to cure homosexuality. But for men who were able to have some attraction to a woman, or who had a great desire to be married with a family in spite of who they are attracted to, mixed-orientation marriages were still encouraged.

In 2006, it was stated mixed-orientation marriages are no longer encouraged as therapy or a solution to deal with homosexual feelings. It’s a little more expansive from the 1987 statement which was only about using marriage to cure homosexual feelings. While this is the official policy, many leaders still encourage gay people to enter mixed-orientation marriages, and not just at the local level. David Archuleta shared in 2022 that an apostle had encouraged him to marry “a good girl.”

Mixed-orientation marriages don’t have a good track record, even for LDS couples, about 70% of them end in divorce. This is why I think the church stopped encouraging them.

—————————

The fight against gay marriage

In the 1990′s and 2000′s, the LDS Church’s fight against gay marriage invoked the fear that if gay marriage was legalized, within one generation the world’s population of humans would be wiped out. 

Somehow they thought homosexuality was so alluring that everyone would choose it and no more children would be born. Makes me wonder how many repressed gay men were in the ranks of the church leaders. 

Once gay marriage was legalized, the church moved to explain why it still wouldn’t allow gay marriages among its members. Here’s some of the attempts:

The church has continued to teach that God only approves of a man & a woman who are married and sealed together. They will sometimes refer to scriptures as if that settles the matter, but even a casual reading of those verses will leave a person wondering what they have to do with a gay couple, or why a verse about polygamy is used to support 1 man + 1 woman. 

With the growing acceptance of gay people and calls for change, in 2019 Elder Oaks introduced the idea that the 2 great commandments are in conflict and we need to not accept our gay neighbor too much because it would conflict with obeying the 1st command to love God. Later in a 2023 YSA fireside, Elder Oaks  backed off of the idea that there's tension between the 2 great commandments.

In 2021, Elder Oaks introduces the idea that the church is only about helping people aim for the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom, and that requires a straight couple being sealed. Queer people can’t fit that, so they will go to a lower kingdom, and those are really good, so they’ll be fine. (it feels like an attempt to placate those who want more, like how the idea of civil unions was meant to satisfy gay couples and keep them from wanting to get married)

In 2023, Elder Oaks added the idea that everyone who “keeps their covenants” are assured of having a sealed relationship. I think this is his way of saying gay marriage isn’t needed because that won’t last and eventually after you’re dead you will get to be in a straight marriage so just be patient.

In 2023, a survey by PRRI shows that as of 2022 50% of active LDS members of the church in the United States approve of gay marriage. So I would say these attempts against accepting gay marriage are not yielding the hoped-for results 

—————————

Status of children of gay couples

In 2015, in response to the legalization of gay marriage across the United States, the LDS church implemented a new policy which forbids children from joining the church, or advancing in church, if one of their parents is in a gay relationship. Sadly, this mostly affected children who grew up in church as they were born to a couple in a mixed-orientation marriage which had broken up and the gay spouse found a same-sex partner. 

In 2019, as part of undoing the 2015 policy, it was shared that many exemptions to the policy had been granted since 2015, and that the policy against the children is no longer in effect.

—————————

Law of Chastity

For many decades, “acting” on same-sex attractions was considered against the law of chastity. Many took this to include not just sexual acts but also dating or even hugs and holding hands. 

In 2019, as part of undoing the 2015 policy which banned the children of gay couples from joining the LDS church, the statement was made that "immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the same way." Many interpret this to mean dating, hand holding, and other activities that single heterosexual adults are allowed to engage in before marriage, these are now allowable for gay people. Not all local leaders agree with this interpretation, and in 2023 the BYU Honor Code was updated to forbid “same-sex romantic behavior.”

————————————————————

Within my lifetime, the law of chastity restrictions on straight couples have gone away as long as they’re married.

For gay people, the church now acknowledges they exist and it isn’t a choice to have these feelings. You may be allowed to date and hold hands and kiss but it is not encouraged because it can lead to a gay marriage.

Church leaders and members from a few decades ago would be shocked at the current teachings and practices of the LDS church in regards to sexuality, both for straight and gay people.

It is odd to hear church leaders claim the law of chastity isn’t subject to change, that doctrines never change, our teachings about homosexuality will never change, and yet we have a history of change. What's the point of being a church of continuing revelation if we say there will be no further revelation?

I hope for our leaders to receive "further light and knowledge.” We claim to be a church of revelation, so let’s get inspiration on how God’s queer children fit into God’s plan, on the blessings available to them, on how they bless the rest of the church, and their purposes in life. Let queer people have joy and hope in this life. 

[magnuswuff]

In defense of Brambleclaw

I have a hot take about the Warriors series, and that's that Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight have one of the *best*, most realistic, and most stable relationships in the whole series. I'll cover a lot of the things I've seen about Bramble, starting chronologically, with TNP.

I've seen a number of things claiming that Bramble was bad for his outburst towards Ashfur and Squirrelflight. Now, while I do think he was a little harsh, I can fully understand where he is coming from. Firstly, he was used to people associating him with his father, and knew that his half brother had to deal with the same, both fighting out from their father's shadow. And his mate's sister claimed that his half brother, who he was spending time with daily, was evil. He didn't want to believe anything but the best of this brother, so much like him. Squirrelflight left him because of it. But only a couple days later, Brambleclaw saw her cuddling Ashfur, who would have known full well about the breakup. Bramble was going through a lot right then, and saw his ex, who had just dumped him, snuggling up with some other dude. And so made a mean comment. Not saying that he should have, but I don't think he's entirely in the wrong for it.

On to the next point, of PoT and OotS. Bramble broke up with Squirrelflight after finding out that she had been lying to him about his kids being his. However, from then on, until the conclusion of OotS, he just doesn't really talk with her. He asks her why she hadn't trusted him to know, he's clearly hurt, and felt betrayed. But despite that, he doesn't try to make her life hard, treating her like any other warrior in the patrols. He didn't give her the harder jobs, he just acted like she was just another clan member, who he wasn't on speaking terms with. Which, to be frank, is a fairly more mature way of handling things than he could have taken, especially with how people point out that he was over her in rank. He actively chose not to abuse his rank. He does, after quite a while, fairly close to a year, or longer, talk to her, and asks her to be his deputy, and she accepts. Some say that changed their power dynamic, but it really didn't do a ton there, since they're now working closer together. And, as I'll get to later, he gladly listens to her ideas. I would also like to point out that despite the kits not being his, he still tried to be a good dad. They were still, from his point of view, his kits, regardless of the fact he'd been lied to about their parentage.

Now for Bramblestar's Storm. I'll keep this part shorter. He had feelings for Jessie, which does happen to a fairly decent number of married couples, one spouse gets feelings for somebody else. But he chose not to pursue it. Thus, in that instance, he chose to stay with Squirrelflight, and to stay true to her, instead of leaving her.

Now for Squirrelflight's Hope. Which many consider to be fairly bad writing, but that's not the point here. The argument that Squirrelflight and Bramblestar have in the first chapter is started by Squirrelflight. But Bramble openly admits that she was right, just that her timing in telling him the idea was bad, which it was. Generally speaking, at gatherings, it's considered bad form to disagree with the leader in front of everyone, especially if they're proposing something that might be unpopular with other clans, to show that you're serious, and united. It's fairly standard politicing. And she didn't do that, which got her chewed out. But, despite Bramble being upset that, in front of everyone, including his warmongering nephew, she had contradicted what he said his clan was gonna do, he admitted that she was right. Later in that same conversation, she brings up the topic of kits. And he says that he does want more kits, but not right then. Which I do not believe is unfair. Things are a *lot* more unstable now than they were between OotS and A Vision of Shadows, with Tigerstar breathing down Bramblestar's neck, wanting to start a fight, a whole new clan that Thunderclan is helping to get set up, and Bramble is also leading the largest clan, and still trying to be a good father and mate. He's got a lot more going on than he did when he and Squirrelflight had their last kits, so saying not right now is not an unreasonable reaction. However, she then spirals into thinking that the very faithful Bramble, who had chosen to stay with her over Jessie, would abandon her and have kits after she died. And spiraling and bringing up things that aren't the initial cause of an argument is pretty common in arguments between people. Especially people who enjoy bantering and playful bickering, like Bramble and Squirrelflight. But the next day, she realizes, like in most arguments, she said some things she didn't mean, and that he did too. And they make up at the end of the book.

Also, Bramble choosing to to let the rogues in was likely influenced by having the prospect of war if Tigerstar found out, and he was likely trying to avoid it. But at the end of the book, he changed his mind, and admitted that he made the wrong choice.

Please tell me what you think, and if you have anything that either supports or disproves what I have to say in defense of Bramble.

I always liked him when I read the books in the mid 2010s, and found it really weird that people didn't like him now. And I still think that it's a little weird. :p

I'll sum things up with a bit from one of the old Warriors rap battles, between Bramble and Squirrelflight, where in the end they agree that most of their problems are Leafpool's fault.

[moltensmusings]

Ok there’s this fic I read where Lucy doesn’t do the s class trials because she becomes the temporary guild master and it’s her building relationships with other characters and making sure Fairytail doesn’t fall behind and I was wondering how that would work in your redesign and rewrite of Fairytail? I think it would make her and Juvia closer and allowing her to become more confident in herself as a mage and leader! (Also jellal is in that fic and it’s so cool how the two interact and it gave jude a redemption arc)

So short of it: within my rewrite it wouldn't fit, but that doesn't mean it's not an interesting concept to explore!

Longer explanation, starting with why i'd keep lucy not staying behind and also explaining how it would effect her dynamic with Juvia if she did stay behind:

while it's been years since I watched Tenrou Island, so much happens in that arc that I feel Lucy being absent would make it feel incomplete. Mashima isn't the best at showing it but she is the main character and should he present for canon major events that happen throughout the show timeline.

I really loved seeing her bond with Cana and I think the tragedy of her being just barely too late to see her father again was one of the few heavy plot points we got that actually made me emotional (shocker most of those moments happened when lucy got actual focus.) I also like the idea of us getting a fair bit of chapters showing the people that stayed behind and what was going on with them to lead up to the tenrou crew returning. So I think not having major players for a bit of the series to allow the side cast to shine would be really cool.

That said: how would lucy staying behind and eventually taking over as guild master change things in my opinion. I think we'd see Lucy bonding with a lot of characters she has minimal interaction with. Macao being one as he'd no doubt be the one to acknowledge her skill and potiential. Since Lucy is so young even in canon I don't think she'd actually get the role for a few years. She'd have a proving stage where she showcases her skills and gains the guilds trust as an authority.

For juvia, I've always imagined Lucy was one of the people who encouraged Juvia to befriend Droy, getting him to teach her about plants as a hobby which leads to Juvia joining shadowgear. I could see Lucy actually kind of integrating into shadowgear in the absence of her normal team and running missions with them to both improve her abilities and help people. They started out on very rough terms due to Juvia's obsession with Gray, but with Juvia actively working to change herself and figure out things she enjoyed, I think Lucy's friendly nature and incredibly supportive attitude when it comes to creativity would've lead to a strong friendship and trust forming. Lucy likely being the first person Juvia makes something for.

Now I can't really speak on jellal because it has been a hot minute since I watched any of his arcs and I honestly just kind of thought he was so-so as a teenager (no hate, just wasnt personally for me. Its one of the reasons im lacking in content for him rn 😔). But I do know he really was lacking in interactions with anyone on team natsu outside of Erza, so him and Lucy would be very interesting to see unfold.

All in all fun idea to play around with but within how I imagine canon not for me.

Thank you for the question and I hope this answered things for you!

[butterflydm]

revisiting my WoT s2 speculation now that we have some more info

Okay, we know a bit more the shape of the season to come, so I want to poke at that a bit. Includes tidbits of pretty much all the season 2 spoilers that we've heard so far. My previous speculation is found here: wot speculation. Also spoilers through The Shadow Rising in the books.

Mat and Min being together on a poster feels like it adds weight to the possibility that Mat and Min are going to go to Falme together.

(Min could then return to the White Tower in s3 in the company of Verin, if the Wondergirls don't go back there for plot reasons)

Now, there was that glimpse of Min where it looked like she was standing in front of a window that has slats that resemble the ones in Foregate, where Rand is staying (I have not been able to find this again when searching the internet though!). One of my speculated paths was Siuan taking Mat to Cairhien -- Siuan, Logain, Mat, and Min could all theoretically go to Cairhien, either together or with Mat and Min secretly following Siuan because they don't trust her or because they're hoping she'll lead them to Egwene, Nynaeve, & Elayne, who have all vanished.

The big question remains of 'how do Rand & whoever else might be with him get to Falme, on the opposite side of the continent?'. Will it be the Ways again? (but they don't have anyone as a guide) Will we get the Portal Stones? (which would also mean that Rand would be able to use them in S3 to toss them all to the Waste) (the Portal Stones would also be an opportunity to show hints of some of Rand's future relationships before the show actually gets there?) Will it be a boat? (we're supposed to get Doman but... it really doesn't seem like a boat would get there quickly enough, unless a lot of time passes in Perrin & co and Egwene & co's storylines in Falme itself, which they could do)

We now know that Rand is going to start in Cairhien itself and Lanfear being an innkeeper in Cairhien is... a much better cover story than "noblewoman who just happens to be in a parallel world where no other people exist". Lanfear's cover story in the books is... so flimsy. We have to really be willing to believe that Rand overlooks all sense because Lady Hot in order for that plotline to work. So I think this is a very good change that suits the fact that Rand is being written as much more emotionally mature than Rand was in TGH (it isn't until TSR that the ta'veren boys really start to feel emotionally their canonical ages, I think? They mostly feel like they should have been 14-15 years old in the first three books, I think... definitely the first two. iffy on TDR, I guess.)

But we may get flashbacks to what happened right after the Eye, or maybe we'll just follow one character (Moiraine?) from the Eye and she gets to be Lead Detective again, like she was in the first couple of episodes of the first season. Because in some of the previews of Moiraine, it looks like she's still in a similar situation as she and Lan were in at the end of S1.

If we think in terms of relationships...

Early season -- Perrin's relationships focus on Loial, the Shienarans and his growing connection with the wolves.

Mid-to-late season -- Loial captured by the Seanchan; Perrin meets Aviendha, and we get to know Aviendha through Perrin (I like this idea a lot; they never interacted in the books even a single time, I think, but their storylines could potentially complement each other a lot). Is Perrin the one that Ingtar begins to see as a leader and lord, and Perrin the one who has a final moment with him? Perrin successfully hunting the Horn would be a good moment of victory for him. We're also going to be further setting up Perrin's conflict with the Whitecloaks.

Early season -- Egwene and Nynaeve have a rift in their relationship (mentioned in interviews) due to Nynaeve being a powerhouse in the Power while Egwene feels overshadowed by her. This may lead Egwene and Elayne to (emotionally) bond with each other?

Late season -- after Egwene has been captured by the Seanchan, Elayne and Nynaeve will spend a lot of time working together on how to free her. If Min and Mat get to Falme on their own (without Rand & Moiraine, etc), then they may be intersecting with Egwene and/or Elayne and Nynaeve's storylines at this point, much as Min did in the books. The question here is how the Horn gets into Mat's hands. It seems like the boys would need to all meet up at some point in Falme for that to happen.

Early season -- Rand in Cairhien, 'connecting' with the innkeeper Selene and struggling with his powers.

Mid-season -- Rand with Moiraine in Cairhien; we can assume that 'Selene' has left by this point, I think, since I don't think they'll want Moiraine and Lanfear's paths to cross. We know (I think) that Barthanes's party is happening and I believe Moiraine's sister has also been cast, so we should get Damodred Shenanigans.

Late season -- Rand finds out (from Siuan??? From Min and/or Mat???) that Egwene & Nynaeve are in danger on the west coast? Rand runs across and/or gets threatened by Fain, who tells him to go to the west coast? Did 'Selene' say she was going to the west coast? Is it in a dream from Ishy? Lots of question marks. But for whatever reason, Rand makes his way to Falme and confronts the Seanchan.

Early season -- Moiraine struggles with not being able to use the Power. She and Lan begin to have a rift in their relationship (mentioned in interviews). She learns that they've released the Forsaken and not killed the Dark One.

Mid-season -- Moiraine and Lan both trying to mentor Rand in opposing ways, perhaps? Making their rift worse?

Late season -- does Rand leave for Falme without Moiraine or does she go there with him?

I do like the idea of the viewers getting to know Min better via Mat (Min talking to Mat about That One Viewing rather than Elayne would be such a great change that would improve Min as a character a lot; though I'm also good if we get her talking about it to her aunt); getting to know Aviendha through Perrin; and getting to know Elayne through Egwene and Nynaeve. So all of them are full characters even before we get into future romance stuff.

But even with all the new info, it feels like there are still a lot of remaining questions (which is great!). Fingers crossed for a final trailer next week.

[vine-and-fig-tree]

Here's the full text of the article, because I really think people should read all the details.

By Maya Mirsky | October 30, 2024

Jonathan Hirsch said he didn’t know he was walking into trouble when he stopped by the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland on the afternoon of Oct. 26.

Hirsch, who lives in Oakland, said he was looking for a latte after he and his 5-year-old son grabbed hot dogs at a stand across the street. He’d paid for his order and was playing chess with his son when a man, who he later learned was Abdulrahim Harara, the shop’s co-founder, accosted him.

Hirsch provided video to J. that shows Harara approaching Hirsch, who was wearing a blue baseball cap embossed with a white Jewish star. The cap is a piece of New York baseball memorabilia, Hirsch said. 

“Are you a Zionist?” Harara demanded.

“I’m going to call the police if you don’t leave,” he also said. 

The Jerusalem Coffee House is a year-old cafe in North Oakland that celebrates Palestinian culture. It was recently in the news because of two controversial drink offerings on its menu, which is festooned with inverted red triangles, a symbol used by Hamas to mark Israeli military targets.

One of the drinks is called the “Sweet Sinwar.” Yahya Sinwar was the Hamas leader and architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel, the worst terrorist attack in the country’s history. After receiving negative attention for the drink, Harara denied that it was named after the terrorist leader. (Sinwar was killed in Gaza on Oct. 16, days after the cafe released its new menu.)

Another drink is called the “Iced In Tea Fada” (pronounced “intifada”).

Hirsch said that while he had heard about the controversy, he did not know he was entering the café in question. He saw that it had Arabic lettering but said he didn’t anticipate a problem.

“It’s not my experience that Muslim equals conflict, or I’m not welcome, or something like that,” he told J.

Hirsch said he didn’t even know that the man who approached him worked at the café.

“At first I’m like, oh, he’s a patron in here and antisemitic and I’d better start filming him, right?” Hirsch recalled. “So I start filming him. And it just escalates from there.”

Hirsch said Harara brought another man over during their confrontation, and the other man grabbed him.

“The guy grabs me by the shoulder and back, and I think, ‘Get your hands off of me, what’s going on here?’ He’s like, ‘You’re trespassing,’” Hirsch said. “And the second he put his hands on me and my son is in the mix, I decide, OK, the safe thing for me to do here and de-escalate the situation is to sit back down in my seat.”

The video shows Harara continuing to demand that Hirsch leave the cafe. “This is a violent hat, and you need to leave,” he said.

Hirsch responded that under California law, religion is a protected class and a business cannot refuse to serve customers because of their religion.

“I’m not asking you to leave because of that,” Harara replied. “Are you a Zionist? Are you a Zionist? Leave!”

J. reached out to Jerusalem Coffee House but did not receive a response.

Hirsch told J. that he was sitting quietly with his son when he was first approached.

“I never engaged with him,” Hirsch said. “I didn’t get into a conversation about apartheid. I didn’t get into a conversation about Israel or Zionism or any of those things. I simply asserted my right that he wasn’t allowed to kick me out for a Star of David.”

Harara said he would call the police, and Hirsch said he would wait.

Video shows Oakland Police Department officers attempting to de-escalate the situation. Hirsch said they were confused by some of the terms being used.

One of the police officers “was asking me to spell Zionism, to spell Israeli. She asked me, she’s taking notes, ‘Tell me what Zionism means to you.’ I said, ‘Why are you asking me these questions? Why, did I say anything about Zionism or Israel?’”

He said he was deeply disappointed in how little the officers seemed to understand about what was going on or how to handle it. Hirsch said he also called a synagogue acquaintance who was an attorney to come by and help out as he talked to police.

Hirsch said the police recommended he leave when protesters started arriving.

“There’s people pulling up into the parking lot screaming ‘Free Palestine’ at me. Some woman pulls up with a car, opens up the trunk and starts taking out signs, like cardboard signs that say ‘Free Gaza’ and ‘Zionism is racism’ and all these things, and the sergeant says, you know, we’ve got all your statements.”

In an email to J., Oakland police said they are investigating the interaction as a “disturbance.” “When officers arrived, they learned that an argument occurred between two individuals inside a business,” the email said. “Officers responded to the scene and are looking into the incident to determine if it meets the criteria of a hate incident.”

“The cops told me there was zero chance that they were going to prosecute a simple assault under these circumstances,” Hirsch said, adding, “I’m desperate to know what institutions here are still going to protect us.”

Hirsch said he felt terrible that it all happened in front of his son, but also felt it was a moment to show that Jewish people aren’t spineless.

“Just in that moment, I was like, I can’t leave here, not for my son,” he said. “I can’t show him that, uh-oh, an antisemite is screaming at me, we better scurry, we better run off.”

Hirsch said the situation shocked him in deep ways and has left him in real doubt about his future in Oakland, a city he moved to because of its reputation as a vibrant and inclusive multicultural place.

“I need to know, does the city actually not think that the Oakland I believe in is real, that it’s supposed to be safe and inclusive for everyone?” he said. “Because I just don’t understand what is going on here.”

[killervelveteenrabbit]

I am so painfully sick of all the major news outlets breathlessly announcing every last congressperson, newspaper editor, and movie star who thinks Biden should drop out, all while publishing a thousand and one editorials and "hot takes" arguing the same.

The primaries are over, and the voters have decided on Biden, knowing he was no spring chicken. Two of America's arguably best presidents, FDR and Woodrow Wilson, experienced periods of infirmity during their terms of office. It doesn't matter if they stick Biden in a rocking chair for four more years and let his aides run around and do everything. That's especially true considering how unacceptable his opponent is and the danger he and his allies pose to the survival of our democracy.

All the newshounds slathering for the latest morsel of gossip about Biden's latest gaffe will be mortally embarrassed if their yellow journalism results in Trump's election. They may find themselves censored, even arrested, for any coverage that doesn't paint Dear Leader in the most glowing terms. Will it matter how many papers they sell today and how many clicks they get this week if tomorrow, the only news they can report is White House-approved agitprop that endorses Trump's past and future atrocities?

[opheliasam]

Thoughts on Stanford Era SamBenny 👀 ? Potentially? Perhaps?

Hmmm

I’m a staunch samjess truther re: stanford era, i do think they met in freshman year, which makes it a Little harder for Sam to meet anyone else. But as far as one night stands/ explorations go… very appealing

It’s late, Sam’s at the bar, final exam just ended. Maybe it’s a dare, maybe it’s a thing he brought up shyly that Jess wants him to further explore… or maybe it’s a one night stand pre-jess..

BUT.

Update: Okay, wow, this ran away from me. Absolutely didn’t intend for it. Gencest-Mature.

It’s a late night in some indistinct bar, off the corner of a shady part of town and Sam’s hunched over in a quiet corner, laptop propped up on a surface that’s surprisingly, magically, not sticky.

It’s a Monday night, and the bar is worse off for it; lighting dim and mood somber. Drifters and grifters.

Sam had a quiz today. (Mondays are quiz days.) Sam’s quiz went fine - more than fine if he allows himself that, but that’s not the point. The point is.

To be very frank, Sam doesn’t even know what the point is—about why he’s here and not in the library and he’d rather not investigate it, thank you. He just knows that it’s sometimes easier to study at noisy bars than elsewhere. To just be. And that’s fine. It is.

He sighs. The glare of his lap offending. He won't get done with this paper tonight.

Sam likes college. He really does.

He does, it's just - Mondays were heavy, and so were Tuesdays, and so were Wednesdays and Thursdays and well, Fridays were a blur of office hours and discussion sessions. Sam hadn't quite figured out what to do with his weekends yet, they were mostly reserved for passing out and freshmen events. Needless to say, Sam's schedule was less than “ideal”.

It's not something Sam really wants to admit to himself.

12-15 units is ideal for your first quarter, the UG Handbook had said. Sam remembers scrolling down stubbornly past that until he got to the part . The maximum number of academic units a first-quarter frosh may enroll in is 20, the rough equi—

Well, then.

He remembers his Cohort leader frowning upon hearing his plans for the semester, kind brown eyes wide with concern, "You should slow down, Sam. Take a breather."

Remembers stubbornly thinking then that coming to Stanford was the breather. Just getting there. Cursed may be the freshmen who take a full course load but it’s nothing that Sam’s not used to. He could do it. The rigour made him feel purposive, focused; free.

That had been five weeks ago.

People trickle in and trickle out, their presence noisy and solid, and Sam thinks vaguely about sleep studies and ocean sounds. Sleepless people desperately needing sleep. Sleepless people wanting to be whales.

Chastises himself for the judgement—they don’t want to be whales. They just—they just want sleep. It’s fine. It’s normal. It’s all fine. It’s—

The thing is, Sam knows need. He knows desperation too. He’s just never known this specific shade of desperate need.

If you walk out that door—

His chest suddenly feels tight with rage, white-hot and grievous. Ugly. Sam clenches his fist.

A glass clinks down in front of him. He watches it grumble at it is slides closer; wide fingers wrapped around it.

An Old Fashioned, served in a stern looking glass except for one little addition. it’s got a little umbrella in it. His lips quirk up, the rage settling into something gentler. Wait—Sam looks up, confused, “Hey, I don’t think I ordered—“

“My man, bar’s closing, and you’ve been in here for the last 5 hours treating it like it’s a goddamn library. It’s on the house, come on.”

It’s the Bartender.

Sam took notice of him when he arrived, but it was nothing more than cursory at the time.

But now...

The Bartender is a big dude. He’s dressed comfortably, a plaid overshirt draped casually over a black tee. His shoulders are very broad. He’s handsome, there’s no question about it.

He's bigger than Sam too—at least in terms of muscle mass; stockier.

He seems older, and he has one of the most impressive goatees Sam's ever seen. It would look stupid on almost anyone else, but it frames the bartender's solid jaw just right.

Sam smiles. Alright then.

Can’t hurt.

“Only if you drink with me.”

Mr. Cool-Beard-Guy-Bartender looks surprised, his eyes glinting in the dark. They look like church windows against the frigid, a frigid glass tone. His pupils are very, very black.

“Alright, Chief.” He answers, smiling with too white teeth.

Sam’s breath picks up.

“It’s your call.”

Easy.

The thing is, Sam shouldn’t be doing this. He really, really shouldn’t.

There’s something about this guy that Sam can’t put a finger on, and it should make Sam rethink this drink, should make him shove his laptop in his bag and get the hell out of here, should should should—

Instead, heat curls in Sam’s stomach. The conflict a siren song; the line between fear and arousal so thin it makes him hazy.

The door rattles loudly as the last customer heads out, snapping Sam out of his head. A slurry “G’night Brother” signaling a less than grand exit.

Watches the bartender as he mock salutes at the closed door, then winks at Sam. “ ‘Smiracle he still knows night from day.”

Sam can't help his smile. Funny. Mr. Cool-Beard-Guy-Bartender’s funny.

Sam’s way too sober for this but - what the hell, It’s 2 am, and past curfew anyway; he’ll have to spend the night outside.

He will, and if a handsome stranger is offering.

Well. It’s not like there’s anyone waiting for him.

Looking out for him.

He watches as the bartender gets another glass out, pours into it. It’s all very slow and deliberate. A show. A performance.

A seduction.

Sam inhales sharply and tastes air that’s thick with anticipation.

Before his brain can overthink this to the point of ruin, he clinks their glasses together and gulps the whole thing down like a shot.

He immediately regrets it; coughing and spluttering viciously as the acrid liquid settles in his stomach.

He can hear the guy chuckling while he’s having his near-death experience. It’s just rude.

He looks up at the Bartender, trying to make his eyes as disapproving as possible. It’s not very successful because it just makes the Bartender grin harder.

Dick.

Sam hasn’t had a drink in a while. Well, not since his freshman initiation, that’s for sure. And that was well over 5 whole weeks ago.

Cool Beard Guy Bartender hands him a lemon.

“Suck on that.” He instructs.

Sam wants to make a dirty joke. It’s funny. It’s actually, really funny and Sam’s trying very hard not to giggle.

“Uh…”

Cool Beard Guy Bartender puts his hands up, as if to say “hey I didn’t say anything.” Typical. Cool Beard Guy—alright, you know what, Sam can’t keep doing this.

“What’s your name, I mean,” sucks on the lemon. The sourness of it is grounding. It actually helps. Sam wonders if his thumb is going to taste like the lemon later. “—you don’t have to say it if you don’t want to—you know, it’s just I can’t keep calling you Cool Beard Guy—.”

Shuts up. Oh no. Oh no.

He flushes red.

You’re such a lightweight, Sammy.

Stupid big brother laugh. Stupid big leather jacket that didn’t fit right. Stupid big brother hands holding him up; cheap metal rings digging into his ribs. At the center of it all, a promise in the shape of a charm. A gift revoked, and a gift given.

So much warmth it threatens to suffocate—so much joy Sam’s giddy with it.

“Benny.”

“Hm?”

“My name.” He says, with a grin.

Right. Fuck. Focus, Sam chastises inwardly.

“Short for Benjamin?”

“Short for nothing at all.” The Bartender says with a smirk. It's restrained.

There’s a distinctive southern drawl in his voice that’s making it so much harder for Sam to think properly.

Sam’s feeling fidgety. There’s something about this guy that reminds him too much of hunts. Too much of scattered homes, and monsters and D—

“ ‘Nother.”

“You sure about that, Chief?”

Sam nods, grinning. He likes that. He likes being called Chief.

Benny’s quiet. His hand wavers where it’s holding the bottle and the silence stretches and squeezes.

His gaze is piercing, both hungry and conflicted. Sam knows that look. He’s seen that look, so many times.

“Nah, I think you’re good, Big Guy.”

The thought vanishes.

Sam’s eyebrows scrunch up. He thinks he must pout because Benny ducks his gaze, laughs a little breathlessly and downs his own drink. It was bigger than Sam’s own.

Must have—must have been. Sam feels very drunk.

Benny pours another and downs it too. It’s almost impressive.

Almost.

Sam watches. And watches; waiting.

He’s pouring a third one for himself before Sam clasps his hand over Benny’s wrist. Turns it over. He’s very cold.

“...Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.”

Sam needs him. Sam doesn’t want him to get drunk just because Sam is drunk. That’s not—it’s not right. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

“No.” Shakes his head. “No.”

Benny looks at him, searching. Closes his eyes and clenches his jaw. Breathes out. When he opens his eyes, they’re much darker.

“Okay. Alright then, no.”

Sam’s still holding his hand. Slides it down so it’s covering his palm. They’re slightly smaller than his, but wider. Rougher, like a carpenter. Or a hunter.

Sam shudders.

He can feel Benny watching him, careful. The way you track a prey. Sam would know, wouldn’t he?

Drags the glass to his mouth. Both of their hands clasped over the drink like a ritual. Or a promise. And tips it over into his drying mouth.

It still burns. And he’s going to have a hell of a hangover later. Scotch on rocks.

Just like Dad, huh Sammy?

His eyes burn. He blinks furiously. Not now. Not now.

“What’s the matter, Darlin’?”

Sam snorts at that, shakes his head. He’s not—he’s not.

“Are we—we just. We just gonna talk all night...Or ?” He slurs. Waves his hand between them meaningfully.

Benny laughs at that. Bemused.

“Whatever you want, Chief.”

Back to Chief again. Good. Good.

“I … I know what I want.”

Benny’s staring straight at him, his eyes calculating. It makes Sam feel—

“Do you…also want?”

Benny chuckles at that. His tone is sombre when he replies though, darker. Voice, gravel.

“Like you wouldn’t fucking believe.”

The honesty of it is staggering, has him feeling a little faint.

He watches as Benny swallows hard, then mirrors him.

And that’s that then.

Sam leans forward the same moment Benny leans back, catches him by his shoulders; his head knocks into Benny’s chest.

Whomp.

The embarrassment hits him like a pail of cold water.

He pulls back, flushed red. Confused. The anger comes easily enough.

“What the hell, dude?”

“Sweetheart...”

“It’s Sam. It’s Sam.”

“Alright. Sam. It’s late. It doesn’t matter what I want but I don’t want...I don’t want you waking up in the morning and punching me in the face, alright?”

Sam stares, confused. What the hell was he talking about.

Fuck this guy.

“What? What is it? You suddenly grow a moral compass? You don’t wanna fu—”

Sucks in a breathe. He suddenly wants to punch the guy. Feels so small.

“You don’t w—.” Clenches his teeth. His tongue betrays him anyway. “Me?” He breathes out, struggling.

Benny looks surprised, to his credit.

“Darl-"corrects himself, "Sam. I haven’t been able to take my damn eyes off of you since you walked in here with that scary lookin’ gadget of yours.” His southern twang playing with the vowels of the sea.

So easy admitted. So easily given away. The sincerity of it stuns. Sam’s heart does a thing. Idiot.

He makes him so shy. Makes him needy. He’s so drunk, and he misses home so, so terribly. And he wishes He were here. He wants-- He wants his big brother. He wants his big brother beside him. Looking out for him. Keeping him safe. He needs.

The admission burns like shame.

“Please.” His eyes blur over.

“What’s wrong?” Easy, warm. Inviting. Worried.

Worried.

Sam shakes his head.

Benny's eyes furrow.

“I want—I want to go home.” His voice breaks, and it’s humiliating.

Benny’s eyes are so, so kind.

“Come on, kid.”

There’s hands dragging him up and there’s hands holding him there. One of Sam’s hands slung over Benny’s neck. A parody of a memory long lost.

Big burly hands. Salt and brine. The back of his neck is so cold too. This should mean something. This should.

“You’re fu-fucking cold, you know that?”

Gets a chuckle in return. “I’ve been told.”

“Are you drunk?”

Pause. “…Unfortunately, yes.”

“Well, yeah...yeah. I mean—two drinks is a-a lot.” Eyes wide.

Silence. Sam can feel Benny’s breath growing more laboured.

“It’s not the Whiskey doing it.” The admission is strained, quiet. Followed by a dark chuckle.

Sam doesn’t quite follow, but it’s okay. It’s getting harder to think. He trusts. He trusts Benny.

Benny, the kind stranger with a no-name bar and too white teeth and the darkest pupils he's ever seen.

“Where are we going?”

“Back to my place.”

Sam doesn’t struggle or startle at that. He wants this. He does. Lets himself get bundled into the car. Let’s Benny take the wheel. Curls up in the backseat and stares at the moon.

It’s so warm in the car.

Blankets shared over winter nights on the road, a crooning lullaby - spoken in staticky tones. A rattling vent spitting out waves of heat that still don't entirely warm him up.

"Dean, turn it up!"

“It’s really warm.”

Benny hums at that. “Do you want me to turn the heater down?”

“No, I mean—it’s nice.” Pauses. “It’s really nice.”

He catches Benny’s eyes in the rearview mirror. Smiles.

“Thanks, Sugar.”

Sam wants to take offence at it, but it fails him.

Sam doesn’t remember much of anything else, but he does remember hanging on to him like a vise. He remembers clinging on and trying to breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Remembers being put to bed. Doesn’t remember much after that.

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

Sam wakes up with a start, disoriented, to the sound of a motor bike starting. There’s a blanket wrapped around him and one of his shoes is on the floor.

He's barely out of the bed when last night decides to rear its ugly head; nausea swells like a wave and Sam scrambles to make to make it out of bed -

Vomit hits the floor with a wet dripping noise, sincere in all of its awfulness.

Sam groans. Great, can't help but sit down and stare despondently at the stupid mess. He wants to clean up, but it's just too much effort, he wishes he could just lie here a while, but it's not an option.

One, two, three - okay, again.

One, two, three - up.

Empty house. Empty flat. He walks around for a while, searching for water - his head an angry throb. He staggers over to the fridge and opens it to see it empty except for a singular water bottle, something that looks like dirt water, and a note.

He opts for the bottle first, downs the whole thing in one go, and groans. Too soon. His stomach grumbles unhappily, acrid bile pooling on his tongue, souring his mouth.

Sam sits down, parched throat now burning, and tries not to think about how he should have read the note first, shouldn't have acted so hastily.

Shouldn't shouldn't shouldn't.

He's so tired, already.

He knows what Dad would have said, what Dean would have said, and they're starting to sound like the same voice.

Something blisters beneath his skin.

The note.

When he reaches for the fridge door, it is urgent. He feels unsettled. The note is a neatly folded white printing paper, it says - "Drink the brown stuff first - it's good hangover cure." Handwriting scribbled, but still cursive, still elegant. It's sweet.

It's also surprising - it's not what he would have expected a dingy bar owner's (or was it bartender?) handwriting to look like. He tries to smile but there's something here.

Something he's not willing to accept here, he knows that.

Vamp -

He slams the fridge door shut.

There's nothing here that remotely suggests that. Nothing happened, there's nothing that incriminates Benny in the least. It's not like that - nothing happened.

Why'd he just leave all of a sudden, Sammy?

Fuck OFF, Dean.

It could have just been a bad one night stand. It was a bad one night stand - that's all. He embarrassed himself, Benny left. It was fine, it didn't mean anything. It didn't.

Okay. Focus. Did he bring his bag? Did he bring anything at all. His laptop. He needed to find his laptop. Sam wishes he weren't being as frantic as he was now, but fuck it, Dad wasn't here to tell him to get it together - he was allowed to freak out about this. It was allowed.

It was normal.

In. Out. In. Out. In. Out.

A single thought keeps flowing in his head, turning over and over like a strand of DNA, extending vertically across himself. He feels like the thread and then, doesn't feel at all.

Home isn't real. Home isn't real, home isn't real. It's just you, alone.

He just has to go from here, that's all. He just has to leave and he just has to make sure that they doesn't get to know.

He doesn't chug the brown mud-water down (herbal hangover, c'mon), doesn't investigate anymore than he needs to (knows it is a conscious overlook on his part, knows he's doing it for a reason, knows that he is running away-)

His hands shake when he goes to dial his phone. His hands tremble with it. He doesn't know what he's doing, he needs - That's when the phone rings.

'Dad.'

oh fuck, what the hell, what the actual HELL.

He feels dangerously on edge, slanting - the precipice so much closer than he could have imagined. He feels equal parts trepidation and relief, doesn't know what to call this. The knot in his throat screams.

He could scream, he could scream at the phone and tell Dad to fuck off, to help him, to try and get him because he's fucking scared, but he won't. He won't.

He neutralizes himself. He's not this person, he doesn't run to fucking dad. He knows how to deal with this.

The phone stops ringing.

When he leaves the delipidated building, he doesn't look back. It's much too familiar a gesture to investigate, so Sam doesn't. His backpack is simultaneously heavier and lighter, the letter and the hangover-cure tucked securely in the second zip-pocket of his bag.

He pretends not to notice the phone booth outside of the house, and if there is a shadow in the bushes - he hopes it is imagined.

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

Okay ! Well, that took me way to long to write, over nearly 40 (or what it feels like) weeks of downright terribleness (re: personal life) but yayy

[reasonableapproximation]

What I remember of The Iliad so far

(Emily Wilson's translation, listening to the audiobook so I can't easily look things up. I could check against wikipedia but it's more fun not to.)

A priest of Apollo is sad that the Greeks have his daughter and asks for her back with threats and maybe also bribes. Most of the Greeks want to give her back but Agamennon is like nah fuck off. He fucks off and prays and Apollo starts shooting them with arrows, these particular arrows are disease so they start getting sick.

Achilles is like "geez Ag, give the girl back already". Agamennon: "fine but I'm taking this other girl you've kidnapped instead". Achilles objects because she's hot and Agamennon gets all the best prizes. He gets close to drawing his sword on Agamennon but Athena tells him not to.

Odysseus goes and sails off and returns that girl and they sacrifice a hecatomb with the people they're returning it to, they eat and drink and be merry and I guess Apollo stops shooting them with disease arrows.

(Wilson talks about how she tried very hard to use language that would be familiar to modern readers, and then uses words like "hecatomb" which I had to look up, and "argive" which I eventually realized probably means "from Argos". Also: apparently they ate their sacrifices? That makes a lot of sense in terms of not wasting food.)

So instead he goes and sulks, and prays to his mother Thetis. He wants the Greeks to start losing without him. She says she'll talk to Zeus. She does that and the gods squabble a lot. It seems Zeus likes Troy but Hera really doesn't for some reason? She tells Zeus he can sack three of her most favorite cities if he lets her sack Troy. No idea why she hates it so much.

Anyway Zeus tells someone to give Agamennon a dream where if the Greeks attack that day they'll win glorious victory. That person gives Agamennon a dream where if the Greeks attack that day they'll win glorious victory. Agamennon wakes up and describes a dream he had where if the Greeks attack that day they'll win glorious victory. The same dream is described three times over, I guess Homer was paid by the word.

So the Greeks line up and we get backstory on all of the leaders and how many ships they brought, but I think no mention of how many men they brought. The author says in the notes why she likes these lists, I just found it boring. I think there was one for the Trojans and their allies too?

(Aside, the logistics of this war are a mystery to me. It's been going... maybe not ten years yet but I think at least seven? How many combatants on each side? How many of them have died? Where are the Greeks getting food? Where are they getting all the animals they sacrifice?)

They fight, which is described like: Diomedes stabbed (name) in the chest. He was from (town) and had once (random piece of backstory), and he died. (Name) was killed by Diomedes, who stabbed in the throat; his wife and children would never see him again. Then Diomedes stabbed (name) in the thigh,

Anyway Diomedes is amassing a kill count but Paris challenges someone to single combat, whoever loses their side will give up. I have a feeling it's Meneleus he fights. Meneleus is winning but then a god teleports Paris back to his bedchamber. So the Greeks have won but then a god convinces one of the Trojans to shoot Diomedes, it hits him in the thigh and it all begins again.

Athena tells Diomedes to go on a rampage, he'll be fine, just don't fight any gods except Aphrodite. So he does that, and he encounters Aphrodite and injures her, and some other god has to come save her from the battlefield. Then he encounters some other god, maybe Ares, and doesn't fight him.

(The gods' powers are not at all clear to me.)

(Maybe it was during this rampage or maybe some other time, Diomedes encounters someone who for some reason tells Diomedes his backstory, and Diomedes is like "bro, your father was my father's guest at some point! You should totes come over some time after all this! Let's swap armor!" So that's a thing they do instead of fighting.)

I think there's some more godly bickering at this point, and then Hector comes out to fight and Zeus is slinging thunderbolts at the Greeks from Mount Ida, having told the others that he's the strongest god and they can't stop him even if they all band together, which Athena and Hera get mad at. Or maybe he's mad at them. Or both.

So now the Greeks are losing, Hector kills lots of them and then challenges one of them to single combat. No one wants to accept because they'll lose but someone tells them off and then some of them do, and Ajax fights him. Ajax seems like he's actually winning but then Apollo talks to Athena and Hera and they agree to break things off, so that fight stops? And Ajax is sad because now he thinks he could have won.

I've lost track of when this happened, but at some point the Greeks built a wall to protect themselves. Poseidon gets pissy because it's better than the Trojan walls that he helped with, but man, if they can out-build you in a few hours you maybe didn't do a great job. But Zeus says when they go he can tear it down so fine.

Fighting is happening and the Greeks are losing, and one of them says "there's nothing we can do, nothing can change Zeus's mind", and then a bit later someone prays and changes Zeus's mind a bit.

And I think around now night falls and they settle down.

All the greeks are asleep except Agamennon who is thinking about what to do. He runs into Meneleus who wasn't asleep either. They agree to wake others and talk. Nestor also wasn't asleep, and scolds Meneleus to Agamennon for sleeping but Agamennon defends him because no! Meneleus was not asleep!

They agree that they need Achilles. Agamennon sends some of them to talk to him, and tell him that if he'll come back to fighting, Agamennon will give him twenty cauldrons, and twelve tripods (no idea what these are in context), and seven race horses whose winnings alone would make a man rich, and seven Lesbians, and the girl he took back at the beginning whom Agamennon swears he has not slept with as would have been normal, and three towns, and one of his daughters in marriage with no need for Apollo to pay bride price.

So they go and tell Achilles that if he'll come back to fighting, Agamennon will give him twenty cauldrons, and twelve tripods, and seven race horses whose winnings alone would make a man rich, and seven Lesbians, and the girl he took back at the beginning whom Agamennon swears he has not slept with as would have been normal, and three towns, and one of his daughters in marriage with no need for Apollo to pay bride price.

And Achilles is like yeah but I gotta be honest, I'm pissed so I'm not gonna fight for you. I'm just gonna sail off in the morning. Phoenix, you can stay and come with me if you want. Phoenix is old and scared and once got in a fight with his father over a prostitute (whom his mother had him sleep with so that she wouldn't want to sleep with his father any more), so his father cursed him not to have kids of his own, so he raised Achilles like a son, so he's tempted to leave with him. He stays overnight.

That plan is sunk. So Diomedes and Odysseus go do some spying. At the same time, someone goes to spy on the Greeks in exchange for a promise from Hector for all sorts of rewards. But Diomedes and Odysseus capture him, and get him to tell them the layout of the Trojans and their allies, and then kill him. And they go to the furthest allied encampment and kill a bunch of dudes and steal their horses and come back.

And I think that's as far as I've got so far. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff. Notably I know that Helen (remember Helen? this is a war about Helen) appears a few times, I just don't remember when. I don't remember if we quite find out what she thinks of this whole business. I'm pretty sure she loves her father in law, but I think maybe she wants the Greeks to win, but maybe also likes Paris when he's heroic and fighting the Greeks and looks down on him when he's cowardly? Super not confident.

[ninjago-x-lmk]

What if there were two?

So…me and my sister were talking about the lore and stuff and trying to think of its definitive timelines.

Even trying to make the Ninjas grow, since LMK is set as New Generation from Ninjago.

Then we got to Kai and Lloyd and how they tend to mirror each other in a lot of the time.

Both Kai and Lloyd mirror each other from their backstories to their characters.

-Both basically grew up with no parents

-Both were power hungry for the sense of control and to protect those they love

-Both fell in love with people associated with the enemy.

-Both grew up with hardships or had to grow up quicker compared to the other ninja.

-Both are hot-headed and ill-tempered.

-Both prefer to use blades as weapons

-Both are basically the premise of what a dragon is supposed to symbolize (Fire and Positions of High Power)

-When angry their powers show off like flames (Lloyd’s Oni powers look like purple fire)

-Both actually take Wu’s teaching’s and warning carefully pre-season 8, the only reason they stopped is both because of season 11 and because they’ve worked without Wu for so long, they actually don’t seem to depend on him for a long time after Season 7 (I refuse to believe it was in a span of a few months)

-Both of their elements usually symbolize Creation and Destruction (Fire is used to Heat food, warm people and light ways in darkness, but also bring destruction everywhere, same with Lloyd’s powers if he chooses to uses the other)

So…we were like…what if…there was two possibilities for being the Green Ninja?

One was Lloyd…the other was Kai…

Both had a possibility of being the Green Ninja, but only one could ever be.

And when one was chosen, the other was supposed to be the Yang to the Green Ninja’s Yin.

As Lloyd and Kai can also be opposites in some way.

-We noticed that Lloyd could possibly mirror Wu more than his own father, via morals, leadership skills and holding himself back with his powers (They really nerfed him in the newer seasons) meanwhile Kai seems to mirror Garmadon, he tends to be more destructive and aggressive than Lloyd when it comes to combat and leadership (Lloyd takes things into thought, while Kai seems to take things head on)

-Both come into terms with death differently, Kai uses it as a chance to grow his strength and take out his anger, while Lloyd matches it to his identity. When Lloyd grieves he uses his identity to change when he does, if he couldn’t save Zane, he should be a better leader, if he couldn’t save Nya, maybe he’s not cut out to save anyone. While Kai uses his anger and either influences or takes it out on other people, like being in a fighting ring or training kids to basically be soldiers.

-Speaking of identity, Kai and Lloyd take being a ninja through different ways, Lloyd makes it his whole identity, Kai thinks it’s his purpose. While both are the same, they have different roles to play for it. Lloyd thinks he HAS to be the Green Ninja because that’s who he is, as seen in Crystallized, he seems to hate being the Son of Garmadon more than being the Green Ninja or a nobody, causing me to believe he chose the path of destiny because If he couldn’t be the ‘Evil warlord son of Garmadon’ then he should be the Green Ninja, while Kai sees it as an occupation for purpose, being a ninja to him is to be a soldier for others, he feels like he has to be a ninja in order to protect people, and that’s its only true purpose (Notice how when Kai’s ‘Sensei Kai’ in Crystallized and how Kai’s ‘The Red Shogun’ in Tournament of Elements. Kai doesn’t do hero work, he only fights and teaches how to fight)

-Both see the world as different views of black and white, sometimes even grey. When it comes to enemies, Lloyd and Kai sometimes see the world as black and white. Lloyd and Kai both see an enemy as an enemy, but the moment they see reason within an enemy’s eyes and can change it depends on both of the two men. If Lloyd were to see the world in grey, he would find the goodness in people’s hearts (IE, Harumi, Zane and even his own father) That alone takes a lot of effort to convince him otherwise, while Kai sees the world in grey but the darker side to Lloyd’s sight, one Kai believes he can’t trust you, he can’t, it would take a lot of convincing as well, but you really need to prove yourself, Lloyd on the other hand is just magic of friendship convincing at this point.

-Lloyd tends to be less confident compared to Kai, for Kai has trouble admitting when he’s wrong because he’s more stubborn and won’t let anyone boss him around while Lloyd tends to need the support of everyone around him.

That’s all I can think about them being similar but opposites in a way that makes it think that there were two possibilities that Kai or Lloyd would have been chosen. I think the reason why Lloyd was chosen, is considering his way of thinking, it was more plausible for Lloyd to become the Green Ninja, since Cloud Kingdom decides past,present or future.

I also think that’s what Fennwick meant by the chose Lloyd, because he was talking about that there was another possibility for the Green Ninja, they just ended up with Lloyd because the role seemed to suit him better.

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Sins of the Father - Chapter 36

Summary: Din makes a decision about his future

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

I’m sorry for not posting last week, but it has been absolutely hectic since we came back to work from the winter break. 

I’m currently working on a request from AO3 for a continuation of It’s Over focusing on Hunter, I’m not sure if I’ve said it before, but if anyone would like to submit a request, please feel free to. It just might take some time for me to complete it. 

Anyways, enjoy this very Boba-Din centric chapter. 

FYI: Special treat below

Italics - Din’s thoughts

Italics and Indent - Flashback

Warnings: derogatory remarks regarding clones and Jango Fett, threats, I think that’s it, if I miss anything please let me know. 

AO3 Link |   Words: 4,695 |   Previous -> Next

Main Master List   |   Sins of the Father Master List

CHAPTER 36: THE NEGOTIATION

Din had been silent since he entered the room. Simply taking his seat across from Bo Katan staring at her without shifting or showing any indication it bothered him to see her again. He watched her every move from behind his visor, every flick of her eyes, the appearance of calmness and authority she liked to exude, just like before she seemed unmoved by seeing him once again. Yet in between the fringes of appearing calm, there was the subtle hint of irritation, either from the heat of Tatooine’s suns, the damp and coldness seeping in from Boba’s palace, or just the fact she had to sit there with him and Boba.

Time eased on between the three of them, none speaking as though it was a mere contest between Din and Bo, to see who could outlast the other. The only sounds filling the room was the creaking from their gloves, as they all clenched and unclenched their fingers, and the whirring from Boba’s droid assistant. 

Boba glanced between the two stubborn wugav (leaders/cheiftains), and as enjoyable and delicious as the palpable tension between the two had been, nothing would progress during her stay if they refused to speak.

“Well” Boba clapped his hands together gaining their attention and the slight surprise from his droid assistant at the loud noise, “as enjoyable as the silence has been between all of us.” Truly, after thirty minutes of unspoken tension, enough was enough, he had other things to contend with, namely making sure everything was going well on Kashyyyk. He was no stranger to how Czerka operated, and he wanted to be able to do more than sit here watching these two make an even bigger fool of themselves, “One of you needs to start speaking in order to progress these negotiations.”

“Negotiations?” Bo narrowed her eyes as she focused on Boba, scoffing at the term. She wasn’t there to negotiate. She was there to give a simple ultimatum, and frankly being on the disgusting hot and dry planet was more than she had bargained for. “There is no such thing as negotiations for something that is rightfully mine. Has been mine. Will always be mine. Not to mention …” she turned to look at Din, “I recall you were suppose to join our ranks to help us reclaim Mandalore?”

“If I recall correctly, that was suppose to be a request, not a demand.” Boba answered on Din’s behalf, “And now that’s he the Mand’alor, should he really be following what you have to tell him? Or that’s right you don’t have authority over him.”

“As I said before, some of us serve a higher purpose” Bo slowly turned her head back to Boba, narrowing her eyes at the man. 

He simply laughed to himself, “Yet, you never actually won the right to wield that authority. Have you?” Boba responded, his fingers tapping in front of him, Bo didn’t acknowledge his statement, nor did he expect her to, especially since he knew all about her history. He’d heard all the rumours while he was on Concord Dawn and seen proof of Death Watch’s destruction. The only reason he held back for now, was because Din may not have been aware of what that meant, but he was, “Am I wrong, Lady Kryze?”

“You certainly picked up quite a few annoying habits from your donor, didn’t you?” She tilted her head towards him. She had enough of clones, had enough of Jango Fett, looking at Boba’s face just irritated her even more. 

“Feeling mighty brave aren’t we?” His hand clenched against the table.

“Well I heard your guard dog was on holiday” the last thing Bo wanted to do was face that annoying woman she had met previously. What was her name again? Adar? Alar? Who cared?

“She’s not the only guard dog in this place” Fennec’s voice echoed throughout the room as she walked down the stairs as silent as a tooka, moving to stand beside Boba. She couldn’t stand Bo-Katan, though she respected her abilities to lead and to fight, she was definitely someone she had no desire to see again. 

He turned to look at Fenn, only reason she’d interrupt the meeting was because something urgent came up. 

Bo didn’t say anything in response, simply eyeing the assassin’s movements. Preparing herself in the eventuality of an ambush. Though her weapons were confiscated and stored before coming into the conference room, however unbeknownst to the others she still had two hidden vibroblades on her. 

Fennec leaned down, narrowing her eyes at the red-headed Mandalorian, whispering into Boba’s ear without losing eye contact, “Just heard from them, they arrived, things are worse than they imagined. Asks if you could come sooner rather than later.” He simply nodded, he didn’t need the ins and outs of the message, he could already guess it was from Mara, and if she was asking for assistance then things were rather dire. He cleared his throat, their pleasantries were clearly going nowhere, it was time to get down to business.

He simply nodded sending Fennec away, he cleared his throat drawing the attention of Din and Bo once again, “Let’s get to the point at hand, the reason you two are here. Kryze, let’s begin with you, why don’t you tell us what you want?”

“Simple” her eyes focused on the shiny armour in front of her, “You” she pointed to Din, “Come back to Mandalore and face me in a duel or take up the mantle as Mand’alor. Either way I need you to come back to Mandalore.”

Din listened as Bo laid out her terms, there were so many things he wanted to say, especially with her attitude towards Boba. He could already hear Oyar’e’s voice in his head.

‘You’re the Mand’alor, Din, you’re the one your people are waiting for. You know what it’s like to struggle, to live on the outskirts, to not be viewed as a Mandalorian. You know what it’s like not to have someone to count on. You’ll be able to understand your people better than most leaders, and because you understand that pain, you can be all those things for your people. They deserve a good man like you as their leader. Not that woman.’

Even in his own mind he couldn’t really argue against her, not that he wanted to, at least not for something they both agreed on, even if at times he still didn’t think he was the right person to be Mand’alor, one thing was for certain, Bo-Katan was definitely not the right person. In fact, he could almost see O’yare sitting there beside him, narrowing her eyes at Bo-Katan, mocking her in some way about wanting to be Mand’alor. 

“Why Mandalore?” He finally spoke, tapping his fore finger against the table in no particular pattern. She didn’t answer, simply a quizzical look on her face. “I mean if you’re so eager to prove you can take on the mantle, and be Mand’alor, why the song and dance of going back to Mandalore? Let’s just get to it, face me now.”

‘That’s it bare (dear), tell her where you stand. Be the Mand’alor, I know you to be’

Again she didn’t respond to his statement, “It seems to be me we should simply just get this over and done with,” though he knew Ara would have supported any decision he made, the longer he thought about, after everything she’d been through recently, the last thing he wanted to do was uproot her. He was genuine, when he told her he’d rather stay here with her, Adi and Grogu, to live out his life helping out where he could. 

‘Do you think I’m weak? I am able to handle more than enough.’  

Bo simply smirked at Din’s statements, both he and Boba were Mandalorians who hadn’t been taught anything with regards to customs or even how a true Mand’alor should behave, she wondered how much she could twist to her advantage. How much she could get him to give up, in order to have the power and authority she desired. 

“As much as I would love to beat you now, there are many things to consider with regards to the customs of becoming Mand’alor. Namely, our people deserve to see the rightful Mand’alor take their place; that can only be proven by winning the sword. In short, when I do beat you, I want it to be front and centre, in front of all my people. Leaving no room for doubt as to how the title was won and by whom.”

Din simply shook his head, as his visor focused back on her, “Is that truly the custom?” He glanced over to Boba, he seemed to not think much of what she said, he tapped his finger against the table again, Boba simply leaned back against his chair, nodding slowly. 

Bo didn’t answer simply letting out an exhausted sigh, at his lack of knowledge. 

He ignored her flippant and arrogant attitude, “If I understand correctly, rather than lose in private, you wanna do it in front of what …” he motioned with his hand, “… five people? After all the last time I saw you, you had what two people by your side?”

Boba stifled the laugh that wanted to erupt, simply biting his cheek instead, keeping a stoic countenance as much as possible. 

“You really think you’re worthy of being Mand’alor? To handle the responsibility or even what it truly means to lead Mandalorians? Remind me, how many are following you?” She motioned with her hand, “Let’s see …” she glanced around the room, “none.”

Din wanted to rebuff her statement, wanted to show her that she was wrong, but as he reflected, who could he say was following him. Was he meant to be the Mand’alor? He thought back to all those times he had wanted to get rid of the sword, and now here he was ready to battle for it, but yet no one to actually follow him. When did it all change? When he first arrived on Tatooine?

His mind flashed back to his first meeting with Boba.

“You should get use to not being able to see your desk, when you decide to take over your rightful place as Mand'alor, you’ll be buried in more than just paperwork, you’ll be buried in political and governmental issues too, and I shall have the last laugh.”

“I don’t want the throne, Boba”

“That much I know, but you have to think about what Mandalore would be like with someone like Bo-Katan as the leader. She may be a warrior, and the rightful heir, she may even be schooled in the way of politics, but there is a certain air of arrogance, of elitism coming from her. Would you think that such a ruler would be beneficial to reunite the clans?”

“I don’t care. I don’t want it.” 

“Maybe or maybe you don’t think you deserve it, as a Child of the Watch, as a foundling, or as a bounty hunter.  Maybe you feel you are unworthy. I’m a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe, but you, you are thrusted into greatness again and again, and are destined for more.”

Maybe it was when he learned how Boba’s people viewed him, when he first spoke to Aola. 

“Great Boba and Mistress Fennec are the best masters … masters is wrong, they are the best leaders to ever grace this place. They treat the servants, as workers, they make sure we all are treated with dignity and respect, not as slaves or playthings, the same way they treat the guards and bounty hunters. I would and will gladly die for either of them. A good ruler or leader, makes those under him feel elevated they feel dignified, safe, protected. Before Great Boba, many of the servants were harassed and abused, when he took power, Great Boba removed all the undesirables, he gave them one chance, they could either follow his rules or end up on a one-way trip to a sarlacc pit.”

“A great leader respects and understands the power behind those who follow him. For without them, he is a man talking to the wind”

“I think you would make a good leader, the people of Mandalore will be blessed by having you as their ruler.”

Yet, there were times when it felt as though the galaxy wanted to make sure he didn’t give up on himself, that’s how it felt, when Amara first told him he’d be a good leader. 

"Honestly, I think you would be a good ruler for Mandalore, if that is something you choose.  There are not enough leaders who understand the struggle their people face, it's what makes Boba such a good leader.”

He almost wanted to chuckle, when he thought about the time he accused Oyar’e as a drug dealer, only to have her reaffirm how she thought of him.

“You did what you thought was right, Roe, you were trying to save me, and not just me but Adi too.  How could I be mad at you for that, and on top of it you were so upset on Adi’s behalf.  That …that’s exactly why I know … why I know you’ll be an amazing Mand’alor”

If he was being honest it was probably at that moment when he fell in love with her. Yet, despite how much he thought about giving up, once again Amara showed him why he was the perfect Mand’alor even if it scared her. 

“You really want me to be the Mand’alor, don’t you Ara?”

“No … not at all”

“You don’t?”

“Well, … would you be a great Mand’alor, if you decide to take up the mantle? Absolutely.  Do I personally want you to be the Mand’alor? That’s … that’s harder to answer”

“Why?”

“I … I don’t want to see you hurt”

“Ara, being the Mand’alor doesn’t mean I’m going to get hurt”

“Din … seeing you … when the Vurk jumped on your back, seeing him stab you over and over again, I … that was one of the hardest things for me to see. You’re my friend, I don’t want to see my friend injured. When you didn’t wake up right away, I was freaked out. I know I tried to play it off like it didn’t bother me, but I … what happens if something happens to you? I … need you safe, Din. I know there will always be someone who wants to challenge you for the title. Do I think you’ll be a great Mand’alor? Yes. Do I want to see you in a position where you are constantly fighting for you life? No, you’re my friend, Din. I don’t want to see my friend hurt or worse.”

She understood better then most how dangerous being Mand’alor could be. Yet she still was willing to follow him and support his decision. 

“Wherever your future leads, I’ll be by your side to support you.”

Even when he had finally admitted not only to himself but to her that he was considering taking up the mantle, she was still supportive. 

“Does that mean you're going to take it up?”

“Not sure yet, but I'm leaning more towards yes. Seeing how you help the people of Mos Eisley, inspires me. You do so much for those who need help, with barely any resources. I can’t help but wonder, how much more can I do for my own people? For others in the galaxy who need it?”

“You'll be amazing at it, I have no doubt people will appreciate your kindness." 

Even in her last message to him, when she thought she’d never see him again, she made a point to remind him of who he was and to not forget.

“…There are so many things I need to say, but my time is running short … I should have said this when you were leaving to meet Grogu, but I thought … I thought I had more time. You’re the best man I’ve ever known, I know you think your past defines you, makes you unlovable because you’ve done things you’re not proud of, however that’s not true. I know it’s not true because … because I love you. I love you, Din. I’m so proud of you, of the man you are, despite all that has been thrown your way, you didn’t allow it to defeat you, you got back up. I should’ve told you when we were on Sorgan, should’ve told you when we were on Papsr. I think I realized it that night at the orphanage, how deeply in love with you I am, I’m sorry for wasting so much time. I love you, Din. With all my heart, and it’s okay if you don’t feel the same because … because you gave me something I didn’t think I’d ever have again. Hope. Thank you, Din. Look after Adi for me, tell him I love him. I love you both. I have to go, but never forget you are a good man, and I love you, cyare.”

Throughout his time with Amara, his time on Tatooine, he’s been able to see what a good leader is, what a true ruler should be like, and Boba was right about one thing, this woman sitting in front of him was definitely no ruler. 

“Well you’re certainly charming in your own right aren’t you?” The sarcasm flowing out of Din’s mouth oozed down the walls and all around them. “As clever as you may think you are, I will not simply lay my hand down and give you the sword. Not anymore.” If he could regain his Manda status by swimming in the living waters underneath Mandalore, then his own people wouldn’t need to hide anymore, they’d be able to be recognized and accepted. 

Boba couldn’t have been prouder of his friend, he didn’t falter simply because she tried to provoke him. 

Bo simply shook her head, “How an ungrateful useless piece of osik like you became Mand’alor …”

“Say one more disrespectful word to the real Mand’alor in my presence and you’ll see what my father truly taught me” Boba cut off her disrespectful uttering mid-sentence, he may not buy into the whole Mandalorian custom with a burning passion these two seemed to possess, however it didn’t mean he would allow someone to disrespect his friend and the King of a Sovereign nation before him. 

“Who knew Jango’s DNA could hold such passion?” she teased, “… Or such loyalty that wasn’t programmed”

“Keep that mouth going and I’ll show you what loyalty is” Din responded on behalf of Boba, his hands clenching against the stone table, his disgust of her attitude and disrespect rang through in his tone. This woman most definitely could not be Mand’alor.

“Just when I think maybe … just maybe you might have a chance at being a somewhat passable Mand’alor, you go and open your mouth and stand up for this …” before she could finish her sentence, Din moved in one motion pushing the chair back and igniting the sword.

“I told you …” his adrenaline coursed through his veins like a stampeding force, his breathing quickened as his anger began to build. He wanted to knock of her head, cleanly from her shoulders, before anything could happen, Boba knocked his gauntlet against the table, the sounds of it echoing through out the room. Din turned to look at Boba.

“I was clear” his voice was strict, firm, and commanding, his full authority as Daimyo of Tatooine displaying itself as clear as day, “when I commanded everyone to leave their weapons. Was I not?” 

Din bowed his head towards his friend, “I apologize Great Boba.”

Boba didn’t say anything more, simply holding out his hand towards Din, almost like a father scolding his young son. Without any more words, he turned off the shimmering blade and handed over the darksaber. 

Once Boba laid it, in front of him, Din retook his seat. Boba looked over to Bo-Katan, “As for you, Lady Kryze, regardless of what you may or may not think of me, I am Daimyo of Tatooine. I am the one who allowed you to come here and discuss terms in a civilized manner, yet you rather throw barbs and insults at me. My father was Jango Fett, the previous Mand’alor, he raised me, he trained the clones in his care, with determination and a sense of pride, teaching them the ways of Mandalore. Yet, you disrespect his memory! Simply because of your own willful conceit and arrogance!”

“You’re father was a poor excuse of Mand’alor”

“Watch your mouth, Death Watch princess”

Din’s head swivelled quickly, “What did you say?”

Bo let out a sigh of exhaustion as she leaned against her chair, “Well damn. You just had to open your mouth, didn’t you Lord Boba.”

“You … you’re Death Watch?” Din asked shocked at the revelation.

“Correction, was. I was Death Watch.”

Somehow that made him dislike her even more.

“I see”

“You see?”

“I knew you liked to adjust the deal whenever it was convenient to you, didn’t realize that expanded towards your oaths too.”

“Need I remind you despite my faults, I am still more qualified than you to be Mand’alor. You on the other hand, have no lineage, betrayed your own to work for the remnant Empire, the very people who are responsible for the death of Mandalore. Yet, I suppose that’s something the two of you have in common, isn’t it?” She used her finger lazily pointing between the two of them. 

Neither responded simply keeping their eyes on her. All Din could think was, how in haran (hell) did she find out who he worked for? 

She put a smile on her face, “Then again what can I expect from a Child of the Watch, you all turned on your own, when we needed you the most.”

“They did what was right, Death Watch strayed from the Way of the Mandalore, only to allow an outsider to lead them” Din did his best to defend his people, remembering the way the Armourer used to tell them about the history of their people.

“Oh so you do know a little something”

“We all know the failings that had been Death Watch”

“There wouldn’t have been failings if more people rallied to our cause”

“You mean without creating your own way to rally people?” Boba shifted

Bo glanced over to him, narrowing her eyes, “Aren’t you suppose to be a mediator?”

“It’s my job as mediator to make sure everyone knows what they need to be aware of before making a decision” Boba pointed towards Din, “and he needs to be aware.”

Din was lost in the conversation, what exactly did he need to be aware of?

“There are things that outsiders won’t understand”

“Who are you calling an auretti (outsider)?” Din narrowed his eyes as his hand clenched against the table.

“I didn’t call you an auretti, I said outsider. Someone who is outside of the Death Watch is unable to understand how things were conducted and planned.”

“Oh he may not understand but I do” Boba clenched his fist, “My father told me all about Death Watch’s treachery. I mean let’s face it, it’s not the first time, you’d let innocents suffer just to make Death Watch appear more valiant.”

Bo gritted her teeth, there were things that had been done in the name of Death Watch that she never full agreed with, yet, she still went along with Pre Vizsla’s plans. The last thing she needed was for Fett’s DNA to inform this man about past deeds that didn’t need to be brought to light.

“What are you two talking about?” Din refused to be left in the dark, any longer; there was clearly something she didn’t want to reveal, something that would affect him.

“There were rumours I heard back in the day. Death Watch was in dire need of public support, especially after the separation of the Shadow Collective and Death Watch …” Boba turned to look at Bo, “I imagine recruitment was low.” She didn’t answer simply glared at him further, if that was even possible, yet he could imagine all the things she was saying in her head.

“What are you trying to say Boba?”

“Death Watch staged some - how should I put it - much needed rescues, isn’t that so, Lady Kryze?”

“I wasn’t part of Death Watch at that point.”

“Maybe … yet, you were and are working with the remnants of Death Watch, no?”

“Are you really that petty?” 

“Excuse me, can we get back to the topic at hand?” Din interjected into this weird conversation of speaking without talking. It was as though there was some great secret everyone was aware of except him.

“He’s right, we should be discussing the rightful ruler of Mandalore. Not petty past squabbles.” Bo simply let out an exhausted sigh.

“No, we should be discussing whether or not he should even listen to your demands.” Boba clarified. 

“Enough!” Din lost it with those two, he’s not sure what the problem was between them, he could guess what the issue was, but none that currently dealt with the topic at hand, “I will go to Mandalore, yet I do not agree with the need for a showy display. It seems more that you want to make sure of your own name sake, and not what is best for the people of Mandalore. We’ll meet on Mandalore and have a duel, however, I need time. I need to finish wrapping up some pending work and get certain things in order.”

“That’s fine by me, I don’t need you to like it, I just need you to show up. I expect to see you in two months, or else the bounty goes back on your head.” 

With that Bo stood, thankful Din had agreed to her terms, however reluctantly, before actually learning the truth of what Boba was hinting at. She stood, putting on her helmet and walking out of the room, as guilt began to eat away at her. 

She hadn’t been lying about leaving Death Watch. She wasn’t there when the remaining members  decided to stage attacks on Separatists planets and cities yet untouched by the war; hoping the oppression, deaths, and destruction would move many to join their ranks, as they swooped in like heroes to ‘save’ the survivors. She simply hoped by working together with Death Watch, some may have chosen to join the Nite Owls instead. Who could have predicted the Mand’alor would have been from a planet subjected to the same opportunities. The only difference was instead of Death Watch or Nite Owls rescuing the people on Aq Vetina. After the incident on his planet, the Children of the Watch had received a call for help, arriving just in time to save many.

Din retook his seat, annoyed with Bo even more than possible.

“Good thing Amara wasn’t here huh?” Boba smirked at Din, sliding back the darksaber towards him.

“Agreed, I have no doubt Bo would’ve been dead.”

Boba nodded chuckling to himself, turning his attention towards the droid, and motioning for it to be on its way. “The message I received earlier was from Amara, things aren’t what she expected when she arrived on Kashyyyk, she needs us to go. Sooner rather than later.”

Din nodded, “I brought everything with me, everything else is on the Sintas, so I’m good to go when you are.”

“Then let’s go” Both stood as one unified force heading towards Boba’s ship, “You know she’s gonna smack you, when she learns of what you agreed to.”

“I know, but either I become the Mand’alor in more than name only, or I find someone to become the Mand’alor. Either way, I’ll let her know I’m not agreeing to Bo’s terms because I want to, rather, if I want to be able to see my covert again I need to swim in the living waters below Mandalore. I’ll be able to resolve everything once we’re there.”

“Either way you have my support.”

A Special thank you for loving the SOTF:

Adi in his armour

Previous -> Next

Main Master List   |   Sins of the Father Master List

TAG LIST: 

@degreeinsimping​ @damn-stark​ @firstofficerwiggles​ @cousinwingding97​ @liadamerondjarin​ @badbatch-simp24​ @spicymcnuggies​ @lady-ren​ @bookloverfilmoholic​ @darkangel4121​ @discofern​ @kavecika​ @monako-jinn-stories​ @ladykatakuri​ @avathebestx​ @theroguesully​ @furyhellfire66​ @carodealmeida​ @ciramaris​ @sprout-fics​ @twinkofthedink​ @dindjarin-mandalorian​ @mmkkzz @tortor-mcgee​ @viarogers​ @hello-th3r3​ 

[inuiiwonderland]

Which fic should I write once I'm done with my twst fic...

Tokyo revengers fic

Tenjiku or Bonten?

Reader is a member of Bonten. But little did everyone in bonten know was that reader has been seeing someone lately. Reader had been having a late night out hook up with this random guy she met at the club 7 months ago.

God was he fine

He was hot as fuck and Reader just had to have a taste of this fine man. Reader and the stranger talk that night and later went somewhere private to hook up.

This has been going on for a few months until recently her boss [mikey] said that they were going to have a meeting with a rival gang. Reader didn't think much of it and just went about her day. When it was the day for the meeting they all made it to the gang headquarters.

Imagine the shock when the reader sees who the leader of said gang was.

Izana kurokawa 

The man she has been hooking up with for the past 8 months. Now izana and mikey were never on good terms. And you never knew that both Mikey and izana were brothers. 

As they discussed partnership for both gangs,  izana couldn't concentrate as he kept Sneaking glances at you every now and then. You ignored it and paid attention to your boss, which annoyed izana.

After the meeting was over you made your way out with the others so izana wouldn't catch up to you. After that day you block him in all socials and number.

Reader didn't know he was a gang member, especially a leader! You felt like you betrayed mikey in some way. So it was for the best that you block izana from your life. Even though you did gain feelings after all those months together you put mikey and the gang first than everything else.

Which made izana furious. He was angry that you were in bonten. Not that he blames you but he was jealous that they get to see you everyday than he does.

The talk about tenjiku being Allies with Bonten was all a big lie so that tenjiku can take Bonten's place as the number 1 powerful criminal organization in japan. 

Mikey, being mikey at first thought that his brother actually wanted to straighten their bond until you told him that it's all fake. 

When he confronted you about how it's fake you let out a big sigh and told him the truth.

So now mikey sends you as a spy so you can know tenjiku plans.

-

Demon slayer fic

Mission failed

demon reader who went undercover as a hashira for a mission that master Muzan sent her too a couple years back.

The mission was to train at the demon slayer corps and become a hashira. Once reader finally becomes a hashira and gets even more powerful, reader would then destroy/kill all the hashiras and trainers there so no one could get in their way. 

She was sent to train for 3 years and once she was powerful enough to defeat the hashiras, she waited another 2 years before finally letting the plan go into action.

But while she spent her time there, reader sees herself slowly grow fond of one of the hashira in the demon slayer corps. 

Rengoku 

He has been very nice to her ever since she got there. He was amazed and in awe with her skills and strength. He could see her becoming a very good and powerful hashira in the future. At first, reader didn't really have the time to make friends, especially people she would kill later in the future. But rengoku didn't leave her side for one bit. 

As the years went by she slowly let herself talk to the guy and also the other hashira. Because of this she made friends with the hashira and became a hashira herself later on.

But she knew this wouldn't last since her goal has already been complete and her time to take action has begun.

But what would she do when a boy and his demon sister along with his two friends show up? Would the newcomers get in the way of her mission? Would the hashiras and rengoku find out her true intentions and the reason why she came here in the first place? And what would rengoku do when he finds out that the girl he loves is a demon and her mission is to kill him and everyone in the demon slayer corps.

-

Help a girl out🙏🏼 which one should I do once I'm done with my twisted wonderland fic?

They both will contain smut, angst, and fluff

© 2023 inuiiwonderland; Do not copy, steal, or post my work outside of Tumblr.

[uservarric]

since you said to send some questions i would like to know your opinion on adam warlock and his relationship with the guardians? (comic or game or mcu wise) but overall your opinion on adam ♥

happy to talk about adam!!! i love him!!! i think (and i’m not the first person to say this recently but it’s worth repeating) that some people take him VERY seriously which is a mistake because he’s just so goddamn weird. he’s a weird philosophical space wizard guy. glam rock space jesus as it were. taking him as the Serious Character is a disservice.

in terms of his relationship with the guardians, i wish more was done with it! outside of annihilation: conquest and gotg2008 he’s just been kind of…. floating around? a huge deal was made about his return in the duggan run but then nothing really happened with it. would’ve loved to have seen him show up in ewing’s run (he did everyone else well, i think he would’ve done adam justice too!) but that run was also pretty overcrowded already.

in terms of what we do get: his friendship with phyla in a:c was very sweet, and i wish it hadn’t lost significance as 2008 went on. her believing she could bring adam back leading to her death is genuinely so very sad

his relationship with gamora is fantastic, obviously they have so much history already and have been part of a team together before (read the infinity watch!!!), and i love that their closeness is shown by her sticking with him throughout the run. also her comments that she used to find his comments “annoying” but now they’re “weirdly hot”. she speaks for us all i think 🫡

he and peter are a both strong leaders and butt heads a lot, i enjoy that immensely. peter has a manipulative streak and will make decisions for everyone without consultation so i like that adam will stand up to him and hasn’t got time for his bullshit facade while still respecting him. they have different ideas on how to handle situations and although adam can be a bit of a loose canon in terms of following instructions (i mean that goes for everyone really but adam has no qualms about arguing and storming off when he doesn’t like the answer he’s given) they both ultimately want what is best for the group and the galaxy. they’re literally the team parents. also whatever the fuck this was.

<3

gotg2008 was my first experience with adam so him turning into magus was such a twist for me the first time i read it and i remember clearly how upset I was when he had to be killed. one of the most incredibly memorable gotg moments for sure.

in terms of his adaptations, i liked both of them! mcu adam was fun and was very reminiscent of his early comics. they did tone him down, i guess to not go full on cosmic entity space guy straightaway. i do think he should have been introduced earlier because i don’t understand how you can have any plan for him not involving thanos and the infinity gems but it is what it is. i also just like will poulter as an actor anyways so i was happy with his casting, i think he can do drama and comedy really well (and Adam is so WEIRD it needs to be FUNNY sometimes ok???). loved it when he tried to join in on the group hug at the end. i’m not really planning on watching any more mcu so good luck to them i guess. i wish he could’ve interacted and built relationships with the team more but him fucking them up was funny (sorry rocket) and him dancing to rocket’s music at the end was cute.

i LOVED game adam. i loved that the entire game ultimately ended up being about him and the magus and the church and I loved that they dialled up his hamminess to eleven. it was genuinely hilarious to me i want to send a gift basket to the guy who decided he should talk in alliteration. i loved that he stole peter’s bedroom, and was also a loose canon and fucked off and did his own thing. he was just so memorable and ridiculous i couldn’t not like him. they really did the opposite of the mcu and leant right into the batshit cosmic entity thing. AND he had a huge bum <3