#i love this episode but it's hardly a feast for the eyes as they say hahaha

[lucindarobinsonvevo]

Eerie Indiana: The Other Dimension: Last Laugh (S1E7)

Maybe I should have been happy for Stanley but when I looked into his eyes I saw something new. Something mean, and hungry. And it was growing.

[soniaxdixon]

The New World; Series Pt 2

Okay so this is my first time writing a fic and obviously will be my first series but I’ve just rewatched TWD for like the 17th time and my obsession with Daryl has reached new levels. I hope that it isn’t too shit and that you guys actually read/like it. Thank you in advance for baring with my average writing but I mean, how else will I learn? Anyway, enjoy!

Sonia x

Set pre to early season 1, back story for when the world ended.

Part 2 of ??

Summary: Y/N Grimes is Rick’s younger hot headed sister. When Rick gets shot and falls into a coma, Y/N’s world ends. Y/N Finds herself at a quarry near Atlanta with her nephew carl, sister in law Lori and her best friend Glenn where she meets her new family including the equally hot headed redneck Daryl Dixon. Over time Y/N and Daryl begin to form a friendship, finally allowing one another to open up to someone and maybe finding someone they can actually love.

Warnings! Slowish burn but the feels are there from the start, swearing, A little angst. 

Words; 1774

This part focuses more on Season 1 Episode 3 ‘Tell it to the frogs’ We have a little reunion and start to explore Daryl and y/n’s relationship a bit more. - Sorry in advance if there are any errors, I didn’t really edit it properly

Like every morning, you were woken up by the sounds of your friends talking outside and the morning light forcing your eyes open. You rose, got dressed and stepped out of your tent your heart jumping when a big figure grabbed your shoulder suddenly, without warning.

“Jesus fucking christ, Daryl. A little heads up that you’re behind me next time? Shit.”

The ends of his lips curled into a small smile that made your stomach flip with butterflies. The power this man had over you already was immense. “M’ goin’ huntin’, shouldn’t be too long. Let Merle know if he gets back.” And with that, he was gone, not even giving you a chance to respond, his crossbow over his shoulder, hastily making his way into the woods. You couldn’t help but stare until his figure finally disappeared among the trees.

You looked over and saw Carl getting his haircut by Lori. He locked eyes with you and mumbled a plea for help. You shook your head and laughed at his suffering face. Catching on to the end of their conversation, you sat down next to Shane who was cleaning his gun.

“Frogs, plural”

“Why do we need ‘Frogs, plural?’” Carl questioned

You zoned out for a second, looking off in the direction Daryl had headed. Your mind suddenly racing. What happens if he comes across a walker? What happens if he comes across lots of walkers. Did he have a gun or just his crossbow? Why did he go alone?

“What do you think, Y/N?” Shane’s voice broke you from your silent panic.

You just stared at him for a second and he read your confusion, he knew you had a habit of zoning out. “Cajun style kermit legs, what do you think?”

“Oh, gross. No thanks.” Your face contorted with the thought of eating frog legs cooked by Shane. “You can keep your frog legs, I’d rather eat dirt.”

Your conversation was halted by the sudden sound of a car alarm.

“What the fuck?” You questioned, your eyes focusing on Shane.

“Talk to me, Dale?” Shane leapt from his seat and made his way over to the RV

You stood next to Shane, your arms crossed protectively across your chest.

The car sped up the hill suddenly screeching to a halt, Glenn climbing out of the drivers seat instantly being hounded by questions and yelling.

“My sister, is she okay?” Amy asked glenn over and over.

“Yes, she’s fine, everybody is. Merle not so much.”

Your stomach dropped quickly at the thought of Merle not being okay. What would you tell Daryl?

You turned and shuffled quickly towards your tent, climbing inside and finding your water bottle. You sat down for a few minutes, taking steady drinks. Poor Daryl you thought to yourself. You knew what it was like to lose a brother. You were drawn from your thoughts by the sound of a truck pulling up. Exiting your tent again you made your way over to Lori and Carl, placing your hands on the boys shoulders.

Everyone was reuniting and for a second, everyone was happy. You felt Carl’s shoulders begin to shake as he started sobbing. Lori knelt down and comforted him as he cried again for his dad.

“How’d y’all get out of there anyway?” Shane asked

“New guy, he got us out”

“Hey helicopter boy, come say hello. Guy’s a cop, just like you.”

You looked up at Morales’s words and felt your knees turn in. Tears filled your eyes as he stood there in front of you.

“Holy shit” was all that came out of your mouth before you saw carl running past you

“Dad!”

You’ve never seen the boy run so fast as Rick pulled him to the ground in a hug. Picking him up and walking to Lori. Your heart swelling with love as he let go of them and his eyes found you.

“Oh my God.” He uttered as he grabbed you and you finally allowed your knees to drop. He held you up as he hugged you, tighter than you have ever hugged before. You had him back. The only thing that could keep you calm. Your big brother was alive.

That night you sat around a fire and listened to Rick talk about his experience. Waking up in the hospital only to find the world had fallen apart. They spoke about Merle, how he was handcuffed to a roof in Atlanta, how T-Dogg had dropped the key, how they would have to tell Daryl.

You couldn’t think about it anymore, you pushed yourself off he ground and leaned down, placing a kiss on Carl’s forehead and hugging your brother one more time for the day.

You walked over to your tent and went to sleep for the night. As usual, the only thing on your mind was Daryl but tonight, it wasn’t the usual thoughts of what it would be like if you were together. Tonight they were thoughts flooded with worry.

————

You scrambled for your clothes in the morning, pulling on some blue jeans and a black tee, pushing your way out of your tent and over to your group. The sudden sound of screaming had you running before you could even register what it was, pulling your knife from its sheath you sprinted towards the sound.

“Carl?” You yelled, Lori’s voice followed yours with the same question as she and rick ran behind you.

Lori grabbed him, “Nothing bit you, nothing scratched you?”

You ran with rick and the others to the source of the screaming. A lone walker feasting on a big deer. A deer with bolts in its side. The men began to beat the walker, forcing it to the ground before Dale cut its head off.

Sudden rustling drew you from your thoughts as you watched the bush intently.

“Son of a bitch, that’s my deer” the southern drawl all too familiar. “Look at it all gnawed on by this, filthy, disease bearin’, motherless, poxy bastard.”

You followed him back into the camp as he yelled out for his brother, “Merle! Get your ugly ass out here, got us some squirrels”

“Daryl, slow up a bit, I need to talk to you” with the words that Shane said, your stomach began to churn.

“Bout what?”

“Bout Merle, there was a problem in Atlanta.”

“He dead?” Daryl asked, you could see the panic etching his face slowly.

“Not sure.” Shane answered

“He either is or he ain’t” obvious venom dripped from his words as he stared at Shane, waiting for his next answer.

Your eyes turned to Rick as he stepped in suddenly, “no easy way to say this so I’ll just say it.”

“Who the hell are you?”

“Rick Grimes”

“Rick Grimes” Daryl mocked “You got something you wanna tell me?”

“Your brother was a danger to us all so I handcuffed him on a roof, hooked to a piece of metal”

Before you knew it, things escalated. Daryl threw the squirrels and pulled out a knife.

Within seconds the knife was on the floor and Shane had daryl in a choke hold. You couldn’t control yourself and you threw yourself at Shane, hitting his back, “Let go of him” You were grabbing at his shirt trying to pull him off when Glenn grabbed your arms as you struggled against him.

“Fucking let him go Shane or I’ll cut your fucking hands off.” At this point Glenn was forcing his hand over your mouth to shut you up and you finally complied when Shane let Daryl out of the choke hold.

You stormed off to your tent so you wouldn’t react again. Thoughts raced through your head. Why the hell did you do that, what on earth possessed you? You and Daryl had hardly spoken and yet you were suddenly threatening one of your closest friends just so he would let him go. Get your head on straight Y/N, Daryl’s gonna think you’re a crazy bitch now.

About 30 minutes later, Rick headed over to your tent to check on you, you had calmed down at this point but you were still pissed at Shane.  “I’m taking, Daryl, Glenn and T-Dogg back into Atlanta to get Merle.”

“Okay, I’ll come.”

“No, I want you to stay here.”

You snapped “What the hell is with everyone thinking they have say in where I go.”

“I want you here in case something happens, You’ve taken care of Lori and Carl since the start and I need to know you will protect them while I’m gone.”

Your eyes softened as you shot him an apologetic look.  “Where’s Daryl?”

“He’s in his tent, packing his bag.”

You squeezed ricks shoulder and found yourself walking to the edge of your camp, to Daryl’s tent.

“Hey, are you okay? I’m sorry about your brother.”

“Why the hell would ya even care? Just leave me be” He was obviously hurt and his tone stung you.

“Geez okay, sorry for checking on you, prick.” You mumbled the last word walking away before his hand grabbed your shoulder, sending chills down your back as he quickly pulled away.

“M’ sorry. Thanks for checking.”

You just looked at him but your face eased out of the scowl you had before hand.

“Why’d ya jump on Shane like that before? I thought that asshole was your friend.”

“Yeah kinda. We grew up together, he Rick and I. He’s just kinda always been a part of my life ya know. When I thought I lost Rick, he became an even bigger part and I think seeing him dismiss your brother like he was nothing riled me up because I know what its like to lose a brother. I was just lucky enough that mine came back somehow.”

Daryl never broke eye contact with you, watching as slight tears stung your eyes when you thought about losing Rick. “You’re gonna find him. He’ll be fine and you’ll bring him back.” He just continued to look at you as his mind raced with thoughts. This was the longest that you two had spoken, you were actually telling him something about yourself and something in his chest felt like it was on fire. You reached out and he flinched slightly, you put your hand carefully on his shoulder. “He’ll be okay Daryl, You’ll be okay.” You gently squeezed as you turned around to head back towards your tent.

You heard him barely whisper “Thanks.”

“Come back in one piece please.” You whispered back, just loud enough that he could hear you and the fire in his chest grew.

[silvia7272]

8 ~ The Blog-Off

I thought it would be time to meet some of the secondary characters I haven’t introduced yet. Also, I think this might be the third to last one before Piper is introduced to the gang? Maybe, just soon, I hope. And I think it’ll feel like a massive info dump but oh well, I wanted more people than just the class.

Also, I want to give these characters some actual personality traits, hope you like them.

Since I’ve made it that Timetagger isn’t canon in my storyline then I’ll have to add that Alix’s watch is just a unique watch and not a Miraculous since she’s a part of the class salt. Hopefully, that makes sense. Also, the episode Feast hasn’t happened either.

Word Count: 5698

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me​ @luleck​, @themotherofhogwarts​, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

.

Ok, so I just checked on the fanon website information for Miraculous Ladybug and it says Juleka and Alix are 15, how? And why couldn’t they just make it simple so they’re all 13 at the start? I really don’t get it, could someone explain it to me, it just seems so odd to only have 2 people at different ages, (Just saw that Kagami is 15 as well)? For now, they first became heroes at 13, Adrien 14 because his birthday was in the bubbler. Including those 3 cause it makes more sense, because if Juleka really is 15 it's said that Luka is 2 years older than her so that means he’s 17 and that makes me extremely iffy about him liking a 13-year-old Marinette. Yikes, I like Luka leave him alone damn it.

So, the second year of Miraculous Ladybug, they’re all 14-15.

***

It was a particularly sunny day at Collège Françoise Dupont. There hadn’t been any Akuma’s for a while. Leaving everyone a chance to relax.

Well, most could relax.

“Aurore I’m sure its fine, you don’t need to stress so much” Her friend Mireille tried to calm her friend down to no avail. She was still staring at her phone.

“Y-Yeah cheer up. It's only been a day. Maybe people just haven’t l-looked under that tag yet?” But that response only made the blonde glare.

“How could they not. Its an actual Akuma battle I was able to get hold of and nothing? Unbelievable!” The video itself was of the Akuma SleepSis, Aurore was able to get some footage, shaky, but she was able to upload that battle.

Unluckily for her, it seemed that no one was interested but a few people. She couldn’t understand, it had Ladybug and Chat Noir as well as that new hero everyone wanted to know. But because she was new no one paid any attention to it.

“Hey, it's only the first video. Maybe if you make more people will see you.” Mireille suggested, she didn’t want to see her friend upset, they had started to become closer after their rocky start and she didn’t want her to be Akumatized because of this.

“It's so not fair, my video is the latest Akuma fight and nothing has come of it, meanwhile little miss blogger gets all the attention and she hardly does any posts about Akuma’s anymore, it's all about this Lila girl, who by the way is completely fake. Nothing on Akuma’s, more about Ladybug’s love life, why should we give a damn about that-” And here we had a completely wild Aurore, she was ranting while her friends were trying to calm her down. Marc already knew Lila was lying when Marinette told him after… Certain events happened. And Mireille was a good friend, believing Marc and Aurore right away, they had come at separate times and besides, after hearing the girl, all Mireille could see was fakery everywhere.

“Excuse me? Can we sit here?” A voice spoke, breaking the three out of their conversation.

“Huh? Marinette! How are you?” Aurore stood to hug the bluenette who was overjoyed with the fact they saw each other again. Their class schedules were so spread out, this had been the first time, before Rosina joined in fact, that she could see them.

And boy did they change.

“Err Marinette I don’t want to tell you this but Chloé is behind you, extremely close behind you” She pointed to the blonde who didn’t seem amused at all.

“Geez blondie, don’t talk about someone who’s in-ear reach!”

“Well maybe if you weren’t so close to us you wouldn’t hear!” They glared at each other so hard you could see the literal spark in their eyes.

This was going to be a long day.

***

“Sooo you two are friends now?” Mireille concluded after hearing this whole story.

“I find that extremely hard to believe” Aurore spoke, her eyes still not breaking away from Chloé.

“Well, no one's forcing you!” She retaliated.

“Eheh… So where is this miracle worker?” Marc but in, he found it better that Chloé was trying to mend her old ways, and try to redeem herself. It seemed to be working at least, she wasn’t insulting everyone at the table, only Aurore.

“She said she was coming later, she wanted to go explore something” Marinette explained, oblivious of Chloé’s horrified expression.

“And you let her!? You know she needs to be kept in check, what if she’s halfway across Paris by no-” Arms appeared around the girl's shoulders.

“Mari! Chlo! Hiya” It said.

“Ahhh! Don’t scare me like that!” Chloé hit her head, she was too surprised to realise who it was, but she wasn’t sorry, no one should scare someone and expect nothing to happen to them.

“Hey, no fair, it was only as they say a jest” Marinette held an embarrassed smile. Taking Rosina’s arm as they sat down at the table.

“Anyway Rosina, these are the friends I was talking about. Aurore, Mireille and Marc” She pointed to them as Rosina excitedly waved.

“H-Hi-” Marc couldn’t finish that sentence.

“Wow, I love your pigtails they look so cool. Aww, you look so cute in that outfit, like a cute little panda. Wow, I love your t-shirt I so want one for myself.” They all seemed confused. Why was this girl flattering them?

“Don’t worry she does that to everyone,” Marinette clarified.

“Yep, I read if you want to make a good impression you must compliment to provide a friendship with them, now that we’re friends what should we do?” She smiled an enormously large smile, she looked cute and happy, like they could feel the positivity radiating of the girl.

“You’ll get used to this as well, she’s always this happy.”

It was silent after that. No one really seemed to talk, because there was still a big elephant in the room. And it was all pointing to a specific blonde.

“Ugh fine I get it. I’ll go and leave you all in peace” Chloé got up and started to walk away. But two hands pulled her back.

“Wait Chloé it's fine. You seem like you’re really trying so I’ll give you a second chance.” Mireille said.

“Mmhmm, yeah Chloé you’re getting so much better, she even got me a phone” She held it up, her charm still intact, she wanted to take good care of it.

“Wow really?” Marc was surprised, Chloé actually gave someone a present? Was she an imposter? No, it didn’t seem like an Akuma.

“Yeah wanna see?” The redhead excitedly showed off her first-ever phone to the boy. Even explaining things Marc knew but didn’t have the heart to tell her.

“Mhmm buying your way into friendship now?” Aurore so wasn’t convinced at all; sure, people could change but she wasn’t about to forgive Chloé after all the years of her bullying her.

“For your information, Rosina was in need of a phone because she’s never had one. So, it was a gift” She retorted, arms crossed as Marinette put her hand to her forehead. Her and Mireille had given up trying to hold them back, it was obvious they weren’t going to like each other, it might take more time for them to get along.

“As if I’ll fall for that trick. I’ll see you crack under the pressure real soon Chloé Bourgeois.” She huffed as her head turned, refusing to look at her anymore.

“Whatever Aurore Beauréal” The other four were paying attention to Rosina as she was showing all her new apps.

“Err, R-Rosina I can’t understand any of it, what language is it in?” It wasn’t in French that was for sure.

“See see, since I’m still getting used to the French, so I’ve put it in Arabic since it's easier, that way whenever I text my friends they won’t get confused if I get anything wrong.” She gleamed as she put it back in her bag.

“It's fine Rosy, we can help you just tell us ok?”

They continued to talk as they had 1 hour of a free period left. And a previous topic came back to relevance.

“So, you’re a blogger as well?” Rosina was told what a blogger was after Alya overheard her uncertainty. She was dragged off by the girl as she explained. She showed all of her videos to her. Rosina was amazed by the fact one could capture motion and replay it. She had heard about a blog before but had yet to see it. Chloé and Marinette were able to steal her away after causing a distraction.

“A beginner, I was kinda inspired by Alya’s, but it slowly derailed into fake news, so I wanted to make one myself, for Ladybug. She’s been amazing for us and she deserves to be respected. Not pry about her love life or identity” Marinette was beaming on the inside, finally, someone wanting facts and information, plus she knew Lila was bs anyway. She couldn’t be more relieved.

“But… No one seems to want to watch it” Her confidence wavered, Marinette felt dejected, how could she help her she wondered?

“Can we see it? I wanna see what it's about” Aurore beamed with joy, she happily showed her, watching for any change in the girl's faces.

But before the redhead could state her opinions, the blonde beat her to it.

“There's nothing special about it”

“What! H-” She held up her hand, she so wasn’t done.

“It looks like a video that Césaire girl could do, hell I could do that with my eyes closed. There isn’t anything special here” Aurore had enough, how dare she walk in here and disrespect her like this. The pigtailed girl was so close to being done.

“Chloé’s right”

“Rosina you can’t just say it like that!” Marinette was concerned, please don’t make her have to face off Stormy Weather again!

“No wait- I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry Aurore, I just think you can change it, that’s all” She frantically waved her hands around as Aurore blinked.

“Huh?”

“I just mean, Chloé is right that it does look like Alya’s, so maybe you can make different err- what's the word… Content yeah that. Make different content, like an analysis of Akuma, and their powers and weapons.” Marinette shot up, ideas filling her mind.

“Maybe you could interview the heroes about questions regarding Akuma’s? I know people would feel better having their queries answered.” Mireille then joined in.

“You could include tips on how to stay safe during an Akuma attack? That could be useful.”

“I-If you want a script to use, I could help with that?” Marc piped up.

“And since I’m feeling generous, I guess I could lend you some space to use for your videos. Anywhere else would be barbaric” Aurore would’ve glared at her, but she couldn’t make herself do that. They were all encouraging her to continue, to make it unique, to make it her own.

She smiled.

“Thanks, you guys. I’ll be sure to remember this. And you too Chloé” Said blonde smirked.

“What? Sorry I didn’t hear that” She became irritated.

“Chloé please stop teasing her, that’s not a very nice thing to do” Rosina grabbed onto her arm, trying to stop the inevitable argument.

“Ugh fine, it wasn’t any fun anyway” Now they felt shocked. Chloé willingly giving up her teasing? That was unheard of- maybe Rosina really was a good influence after all.

***

[This is great, love the special guests]

[Thanks so much for the advice!]

[Thank you, sweetie, I’m sharing this with everyone xxx]

Hundreds of comments like these appeared within minutes of her second video. Amazingly Ladybug had somehow heard of what Aurore wanted to do and brought Crisono along for the ride as well. Because it was a quiet night, they were able to gain so much information, and Aurore was able to stop fangirling and have a proper conversation with them. They got so many recordings done in a single night Aurore was able to go to sleep feeling peaceful.

Her second video consisted of self-defence demonstrated by Ladybug, it held a serious yet comedic approach as Ladybug demonstrated what would happen if someone, Akuma or not, attacked you using Crisono. Ladybug playing the hero while Crisono played the villain, and what a funny villain she was. It was a huge hit and the viewers wanted more, wanted to know more about Crisono.

Luckily her third video would consist of who exactly Crisono Tassa was? They knew she didn’t hold a Miraculous, so the mysteries surrounding her were endless.

She was so happy by the boost she couldn’t help her locking onto Rosina the minute she spotted her at school.

“Thank you thank you thank you! They love it, and Ladybug and Crisono came to help me. Rosina, you’re the best” Rosina could only pat the girl on her back as her limbs were constricted from moving.

“I didn’t do anything really. But I’m so glad you’re happy Aurore, I mean I know my acting wasn’t the best bu-”

“What?” Mireille asked, what acting was she talking about?

“In the v-” Marinette clamped a hand over the redhead's mouth.

“Well I think I heard the bell go, and you know how Mlle Bustier can be with tardiness so byeeee!” Once they were out of earshot of the three new friends Rosina had made Marinette gave a glare to Rosina.

“You can’t keep doing that?” Rosina tilted her head.

“Doing what?”

“Revealing your identity to people Rosina. It was fine with Marinette because she’s Ladybug, and there were circumstances with Chloé but you can’t do it with other people it can be really dangerous” Tikki came out lightly reprimand the girl, Tikki had long ago deemed Rosina safe to be around as well as hold a secret, and came to care for the girl just like Marinette, she only wanted to protect her.

“But it's fine, it doesn’t matter if people know it's me” She tried to reason. But the bluenette shook her head.

“Yes, it does Rosina. Your friends and family could get hurt if Hawkmoth ever finds out your identity. Please Rosy. Don’t reveal yourself to anyone else”

“But Mari, I only have you, Chloé, Kagami, Adrian, Chat, Aurore, Mireille and Marc as my friends” Marinette would’ve winced at the mention of the blonds but now wasn’t the time.

“Yes but-”

“Plus, I have no family, so he can’t use them to get to me”

.

.

.

“W-What?”

“I don’t have a family, I only have 8 people to protect, so that’s why I’ll strive to protect all of my friends.”

“B-But what about-”

Riiiiiiiiiiing

“Well class should be starting soon, c’mon Mari, we don’t want to be late ok” Before the bluenette could answer she was already being dragged off, she couldn’t stop her as the words went around in her head.

I don’t have a family

‘How can she say that so casually? And what about Franchezca, what about her?’

These questions whirled around the girl’s head so much she couldn’t pay that much attention to the lesson. Not like Bustier called on her. She was glad for that.

Maybe she could ask later?

***

“Rosina?”

“Yep,” A voice spoke, popping the ‘P’. They were walking around the city; they were meant to be meeting everyone as they had planned to all hang out later but Marinette was able to convince Rosina to go earlier. And Marinette felt it was a good enough time to ask Rosina what she meant beforehand.

“You said you don’t have any family to protect. But you also call Mlle Franchezca Aunt? So, if it’s not too much trouble, could you explain?” She stopped walking.

“I mean you only want- I mean, only if you want to. I don’t want to force you or anything” She really hoped she hadn’t offended her.

“Its fine Marinette, I just don’t know where to begin”

She placed her hand under her chin, looking to reminisce on something.

“Let’s see, how did Aunty say it again?”

~

In the middle of a desert, an older woman with a cane walked.

She was searching for that damn forth Trinklet and it was nowhere. But she needed to find it fast, if not then it would crack.

And she really didn’t want to spend any more time in this stupid desert than she had to.

But then she saw a glow.

‘Perfect’ She thought, making her way towards it, believing that would be the end of it.

But it was only the beginning.

As she came closer to the glow, she saw a bundle of blankets next to it. She was surprised about that discovery.

But that was nothing, because then she heard a cry.

“What the-?”

She rushed to the blanket, if it was what she thought it was then she had to move quickly.

And like she was able to predict… It was.

A baby.

“Who would leave a kid all the way out here?” Franchezca decided that she would try and find out who the baby belonged to. Of course, she wasn’t going to get attached to her.

No, of course not.

That would be absurd.

~

“She always blamed my smile was the reason she couldn’t give me up” Rosina had finished her story as Marinette stood there.

“So, you really don’t have any other family members?”

“Nope, I don’t know anyone related to me. And Aunty always told me to call her Aunty cause she didn’t want to be called Grandma.” She laughed as she remembered the embarrassed look she gave when the Silver-eyed girl said Grandma once.

“You were just… Left alone?”

“Yeah, she told me this poncho was the only thing I had on me. That’s why I wear it everywhere. But it's alright. Aunty took care of me for all that time, and then I got the chance to train to fight all the Trinklets in the world. It's great” She raised her arms in the air to exclaim she wasn’t even sad.

Swish.

“I didn’t know you wanted a hug, Mari?”

‘She doesn’t seem bothered at all; I want to feel sorry for her but… Should I?’

“You do have family”

“Mari I-” She was about to repeat herself but Marinette jumped to cut her off.

“You have me and Maman and Papa. We’re your family. All of our friends are family and your Aunt. That’s why you can’t reveal yourself to anyone” Rosina paused. She wasn’t expecting… That.

“Really?” It was barely audible but Marinette heard it. And it was so sincere.

“Yeah, so please promise me you’ll stop doing that”

“…Ok. But if I can’t transform in time you can’t blame me if anyone sees” She cheekily replied her usual self-returning.

“Fine, but that’s only if, ok?” She shot back; Rosina nodded before they continued on their walk. Apparently, there was someone she wanted Rosina to meet. All she knew was that he didn’t attend Collège Françoise Dupont.

***

“Rosina, this is Luka. Luka this is Rosina.” They had arrived at *Pont des Arts the meeting place Marinette had organised earlier, all of her friends arriving later gave Rosina enough time to get along with the newcomer, everyone else knew him, it was only fair if Rosina got some time too.

“Pleased to mee-”

“Wow, your hair looks so cool, were you born with it or did you dye it? Wait, are you by any chance related to Juleka? Wow you look so cool” She repeated as he stood back just a bit, he had predicted her melody to be calm and slightly childish, now it had just changed dramatically… He needed a moment to adjust.

“Sorry Luka, I should’ve warned you she was hyper.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, it’s good to see you so happy, Rosina seems to have drowned out that melancholy you had” That caused Marinette to blush before she looked back at Rosina. They continued to have a small conversation, at least before everyone else arrived anyway, although it did surprise Marinette when Luka kept looking around and checking his watch, was he waiting for someone? Was he just biding time before leaving them? Was it going to be his girlfri-

“Hayo, Luka long time no see? It’s been like sooo long” A girl who looked like the same age as Luka approached the gang of 3. And she looked so pretty.

She had green hair that complimented her dark skin, her orange jacket looked of high quality and red trousers, was this who Luka was waiting for? Was this his gir-?

“Noémie, it’s been a while, I should have asked before, but I was wondering if my friend could hang out with us?” Marinette was slightly put off, ever since the Lila situation she’s been ever so slightly apprehensive of new people, but she guessed since she’s a friend of Luka’s she would soon be a friend of hers.

“-Gasps- Luka is this the Marinette ya keep talking and gushing about? Oh, my life. She is the cutest little thing ever. Selfie child” Before Marinette could respond she’d already taken a selfie.

“You look even cuter on camera, oh stop ya gonna kill me smols” Noémie’s hand was then grabbed by someone else, it wasn’t forceful at all, but she did lookup.

“Hiya Miss, I just wanted to say that I love your green hairstyle, it looks super cool on you”

.

.

.

‘Is that a tear-’

“Oh my god these two smols are so like adorable, I’m officially adopting you two, my precious little babies.” Marinette would soon learn she would never be able to finish another thought around the green-haired girl. Ever again.

And adopting?

“Eheh no thanks, I have a Mother and one is more than enough” She tried to get out of the hold but couldn’t.

“What’s adopting?”

“I’ll… Tell you later” Mari sighed, this seemed to become a long day.

“I was going to tell you that she can be a bit extreme, but she beat me to it.” Luka sent an apologetic smile towards the two, more to the bluenette since Rosina seemed to be enjoying the affection. It wasn’t like Noémie was doing anything harmful, but he knew she could be a bit… Overbearing at times.

“Selfie time”

“But you just took one?”

“Like girl, ya can never have too many selfies with smols like ya. All these photos can stay online forever. All these memories we can have and keep and look back on is like sooooooo cool. Now say cheese!” her monologue was filled with so much passion for selfies Marinette was able to giggle.

Ok, she liked her, she seemed really quirky.

Whether it was luck or not the others arrived not too long after, unluckily Noémie tried to use that same trick on Chloé because she was apparently a fan of the Mayor’s Daughter…

Yeah, that didn’t turn out well.

But she got over it when they both started taking selfies.

To the extreme.

It was a selfie war at this point.

The 6 were put on edge, but they decided to stay with them, so it was their fault.

Although there was one thought a young blonde had since the day they met.

And it was starting to get to her. And considering they were at the mall anyway she could enact on her plan.

“Rosina let’s get you a new outfit. My treat” She had to try and slowly ease her into it. If not, it would sound mean, and she couldn’t possibly do that to the redhead.

But said redhead couldn’t reply before a new blonde nuisance had to but in.

“Why? What's the occasion Chloé, you wouldn’t happen to be buying more ‘gifts’ to keep your friends, would you? Or could it be that you simply don’t like Rosina’s fashion sense?” She wrapped her arms around the redhead, her new innocent friend who didn’t deserve to be tricked by anyone, even if she knew Chloé was trying to be better.

“Aurore” Mireille tried to ease the tension, but she knew it was to no avail.

“No, I just thought we could all go on a shopping spree. But of course, you wouldn’t know anything about fashion to begin with.” She shot back, two could play at that game and so far, she was winning.

“Chloé” Marinette was now trying to keep the piece as Luka squeezed her shoulder in support. He knew they were just teasing, and it was kinda fun to watch.

Marinette.exe has stopped working.

While everyone else was concerned over a passed out Marinette, Rosina started smiling. The two blondes grew confused before their hands were grabbed.

“Ok, let’s go shopping. I’ve never shopped for clothes before so let’s go” They were dragged off with a bouncing Noémie following as the others were preoccupied.

Chloé and Aurore both wanted to drag the girl off to separate stores but unfortunately, they found out if you start pulling on a person, it will eventually hurt. Marinette had to pry them off her before scolding the two, the others either laughing or taking photos, although I think you know who was taking photos, with the caption: new Mum of the group.

Rosina’s first pick from Chloé was a lovely white knee-length dress, black leggings and a light blue jacket. It seemed lovely before Aurore gave her own pick. A floral pattern navy blue dress with white leggings. Of course, the two bickered which one was better as Marinette gave her own pick. And she looked so cute.

A blue tank top with a matching skirt with a teal bodysuit underneath.

“Wow, this is so stretchy, look look I can do the splits in these.” That earned her a clap as she excitedly bounced up and down. And Chloé couldn’t help the feeling of happiness in her gut. It never happened before with Sabrina or Adrien, was it because she wasn’t just bossing them around?

Yeah, that might be it.

“Hey, I could probably sew something onto it to make it stand out if you want?”

“Really? That would be so cool Mari, thank you bestie?” They hugged before Mireille and Marc chose a new outfit as well.

Did she deserve this? After everything she’s done? Did she really deserve this?

Did she-?

“Hey, your friends are trying to help you Chloé, you are included blondie, don’t screw it up” She nudged her shoulder gently.

Huh, she must’ve been able to tell what she was thinking?

But Chloé wasn’t about to admit that. Especially not to Aurore of all people.

“Whatever, I know I’m their best friend, something you could only dream of having” She gave a playful smirk back, they were starting to get along without even knowing it.

“Hayo guys, let’s take a selfie to mark the beginning of this beautiful like friendship with all of you smols. Hope we all hang out some more” Holding out a camera for the 8 people there, posing for the camera, Noémie planning to tag them all later.

“C’mon Chloé! I wanna buy you something too” they were all dragged off to continue their shopping spree. So many clothes were brought, including the ones that the blondes had chosen, Rosina really loved them as well.

They all ended up getting some really cool shades as well, as well as the fact Chloé was able to spot a jacket that had the words ice queen written on the back. She so had to get one for her and Marinette to wear at school for kicks.

Rosina got everyone a bracelet with some colourful charms on. She got one for 3 others, but they weren’t there. They all beamed with glee as the girl was tackled with a hug by them all.

Marinette felt as if she could finally relax around them. They didn’t just hang out with her to try and make a plan for how to get her together with Adrien, they didn’t just hang out with her to just talk about her crush on Adrien, they actually all just wanted to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Something she never got the chance to do before Lila came in… Not like she thought she’d be able to do, no doubt the topic would soon go towards Adrien eventually.

But she was able to take in the calm atmosphere around the group of 7.

She knew deep down in her heart that they would all soon be the best of friends.

***

The weekend had ended, and boy was a lot packed into that.

A lot.

Not only did everyone have tons of bags pack with new clothes and various items, but they also decided to dine out in Chloé’s hotel. Friends discount was applied here.

And amazingly Kagami was there along with her Mother. Rosina and Tomoe surprisingly had a conversation about fencing, Kagami was still apprehensive considering her Mother’s opinion about friends but it seemed to dissipate once Tomoe heard her Daughter laugh for the first time in a long time.

Tomoe also heard how fond Kagami was of Rosina after hearing about their fencing match, she wished to challenge Rosina to a match of her own to which Rosina happily agreed, much to everyone's surprise.

But they knew the girl could handle herself, 3 more so than the others but it was fine.

Also, remarkably, Rosina was able to convince Kagami and Tomoe to attend more get-togethers with the rest of the group. It might have something to do with Rosina speaking to her in Japanese and found Rosina to be a good influence.

So that’s how the group of 8 became 9.

The next day Rosina had finally started her contract with the Agreste’s. Rosina would start to be Adrien’s “bodyguard” at school, at fencing lessons as well as at photoshoots. On Sundays, she would be a language tutor for him as Saturdays would most likely be a day off, unplanned photoshoot or more piano lessons.

Adrien was ecstatic once this was all sorted. Finally, he wouldn’t be alone anymore, yeah, he wouldn’t be able to talk to Plagg as often, but as long as Plagg had his cheese he was sure he’d be alright. Besides, since Rosina was actually Crisono, he didn’t have to give a reason for his disappearances.

It did give him more of a reason why secret identities shouldn’t be so secret, but he knew he couldn’t reveal himself for his Lady and Master Fū.

The girls, however,

They were less than impressed with Rosina’s decision considering they told her they weren’t friends with Adrien anymore, but, it was Rosina’s choice and they couldn’t tell her not too.

Besides, it was who Rosina was. If she thought of Adrien as a friend, they couldn’t stop her, they may not like it but if they forced her to deny any interactions with him, they would be as bad as Lila.

So they had to learn to accept it and slowly, it didn’t faze them, sure they couldn’t hang out as much, but when you have a girl full of energy you find that they can and will spend as much time as possible with them.

So, when they arrived at school, they weren’t surprised to see Adrien hug Rosina.

“Thanks for agreeing Rosina” The latter nodded as they headed inside. Even if the blonde still hadn’t accepted it fully, the bluenette was there to help.

But then they heard something that made them both smirk.

“Alya are you alright, that new blog just skyrocketed up, it's halfway to the number of followers you have” Mylène seemed devastated but to that Alya waved her hand around, not the least bit interested.

“Oh please, that blog isn’t half as good as mine, where’s the pizazz? Its soo boring to look at I got tired after that first video.” Rose and Juleka didn’t look convinced.

“But her other videos are so much better. They even have that new hero no one knows about on it.” That perked the girl's interest.

“WHAT! How in the world did she get an interview with Crisono?” She soon watched that video and was furious to find Ladybug there as well.

“She’s even provided tips and other stuff with Akuma’s” Juleka joined in as Alya furiously search through the contents of the Let’sBugOut page. It somehow featured Ladybug in most of them, whether it was by video call or in person.

“So, she doesn’t accept interviews from me but from some amateur! How could she?” Alya didn’t know what she had done to receive the cold shoulder from Ladybug but she supposed that maybe she didn’t want her to be in any danger, that maybe if they stopped talking, Akuma’s wouldn’t be so interested to pick her as a target.

At least… That’s how Lila put it when she had come to the girl for help.

“Very easily, don’t you think? At least Aurore doesn’t pry about unnecessary details about Ladybug’s life. And she actually provides facts, something the LadyBlog is really missing.” Chloé retorted, returning to the desk at the back, everyone glaring at her she had become accustomed to it.

“Chloé how could you say that about Alya? Is this just because you aren’t Queen Bee anymore? And you're taking out your frustration on Alya. If you want, I could always ask Ladybug for advice on how you could improve and be a better person?” The girls swarmed around Lila appeared to be shocked while the other two were annoyed, how dare she sully Ladybug’s name!

“Girl there's no need to help someone like her, I know you're extremely kind, but you don’t need to extend it to the likes of her” Alya replied, that girl had a heart of gold.

“Are you sure, I wouldn’t want Chloé to become too upset at being rejected by Ladybug, I couldn’t imagine the shame she must be feeling now.” The duo was able to see that obvious jab made towards the blonde. How no one else could was a definite mystery?

Marinette paused, how Chloé decided to answer may decide on her future prospects of being a hero, what would she say?

“I wasn’t rejected by Ladybug, and how dare you lie about being friends with someone way out of your league.” The girls were quick to retort but Chloé paid them no mind.

“And I am still Queen Bee, in or out of costume. I don’t need it to define me. I’m more of a hero than you’ll ever be” She smirked at the last line before grabbing Rosina from Adrien, who was talking about schedules by the way, and promptly sitting down with Marinette. The blue-haired girl impressed by the blue-eyed girl's words. She didn’t spill the fact that technically she was still Queen Bee, just changed.

Chloé was learning.

She just wished the others would as well.

***

*Pont des Arts = A Pedestrian Bridge In Paris.

I hope you enjoy my new OC I put out. I just thought I wanted Luka to have more friends so here we go.

After making that outfit for Rosina I couldn’t stand it and knew I needed to change it, so I thought why not throw some Chloé sugar in there as I’m at it. Also, I think it’s reasonable for not everyone to believe or accept Chloé’s redemption since not everyone is so ready to forgive, right?

And with that, Rosina has kinda met all of the Marinette Protection Squad members (Minus Felix, he’s gonna be a special case)

1 more chapter till Piper, I really can’t wait for it, the next one will contain some unexpected salt towards a certain bluenette. Hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as me, I just think it’ll be great and clarify stuff.

Also, could someone help me with Rosina’s backstory? Or be willing to read and see if it's alright? Since she was found in a desert I was going to put her birthplace as Egypt, but with Franchezca travelling around she doesn’t really know anything about it, but later she learnt Arabic after her Aunt told her the story of how and where she was found.

Is that alright. I’m not offending anyone with that am I? do I need to change anything with that?

Sorry if it sounds stupid, I just want to make sure it's not insulting anyone.

Also, maybe some help with accents? Her first language was Spanish, but her favourite is Arabic, so what sort of accent would she have?

Anyway, I hope you liked this part can’t wait for the next it will be shorter, maybe haven’t planned it all out yet, but I hope that’s alright.

Note: Updated the pictures. Also, I keep updating Noemié’s design because of the artist in me, haha. hope you like hers.

[a-night-like--this]

STRANGE TIMEZ Damon Albarn says The Cure’s Robert Smith is the ‘ultimate night owl’ after collaborating on new Gorillaz album

WITH his mop of unruly black hair, full eye make-up, gash of red lipstick and general air of mystery, The Cure’s Robert Smith seemed a tantalising prospect for those pesky Gorillaz.

So it was with some trepidation that the virtual band’s co-mastermind Damon Albarn shared a file containing the bones of a song with Goth-pop’s dark prince.

“I just sent him this skittish piano track, a drum beat and my nine-year-old niece’s mad trumpet playing,” he says.

“Robert said he absolutely loved it and I left it in his hands . . . ” Then silence.

Damon explains that “the months passed with hardly any feedback,” just “oh yeah, I might get the chance when I’ve finished something else.”

By this time, he is well into the latest Gorillaz project, Song Machine Season One: Strange Timez with co-conspirator, animator Jamie Hewlett.

He’s in lockdown in Devon with his family, where he’s set up a studio in a barn, while Jamie’s in Normandy turning the songs into riotous visual feasts for a season of YouTube episodes.

“Luckily for us, the one industry that never stopped was animation. If you’ve been an animator, you’ve been very busy,” reports Damon.

As ever with this creative chameleon, he’s also doing another piece of music . . . in this case putting the finishing touches to The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows, written in and inspired by Iceland, where he has a house.

He picks up the story: “I was so relieved that I’d done it that I had a few drinks with Sam, my engineer. On my way out of the barn, I fell over, hit my head and I don’t remember getting back to the house.

“These things can happen when you’re in the middle of the countryside. When I woke up, I had a massive bump on the side of my head but, in my inbox, was an email from Robert Smith.

“It must have been five in the morning. I opened it and there it was, Strange Timez, the song that provided the title of the album.”

Damon Albarn and animator Jamie Hewlett make up GorillazCredit: Thomas Chéné

I strongly advise watching Gorillaz Song Machine Episode Six featuring the track, not only for seeing the characters 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs and Noodle in space suits “spinning around the world” but also for glimpsing Robert Smith’s inimitable features imposed on the moon.

Damon smiles when he considers his interactions with The Cure singer.

“He’s the ultimate night owl. All of his emails were nocturnal… they would start as the sun set,” he says.

“I didn’t realise it at the time but I also discovered that he’s very into astronomy.”

So how far back do they go? I ask. “I met Robert in 1990 in the urinals at Brixton Academy,” he replies.

“I went, ‘Oh you’re Robert Smith’ and he went, ‘Who are you?’ And he said, ‘Hello,’ and we parted company. He’s a man of few words.”

And was Damon a fan of The Cure during his teenage years before founding Blur with Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree?

Goth-pop’s dark prince, Robert Smith, is a confirmed 'night owl' according to Damon AlbarnCredit: Getty - Contributor

“Oh, I loved The Cure, absolutely brilliant,” he says. “Robert’s one of the most wonderful individuals. In fact when I got his contribution, I just thought, ‘Oh God, now I get a chance to sing with him!’ ”

But he adds, “When I actually tried to, our voices just didn’t work together, so I had to do my Sprechgesang, as they say in Germany.”

Sprechgesang is a vocal technique that lies somewhere between speaking and singing and goes back to Richard Wagner’s romantic 19th-century operas.

“I’ve been in the opera world for a while now,” smirks Damon, alluding to his operatic exploits Monkey: Journey To The West, Dr Dee and the new Mali-inspired Le Vol Du Boli.

‘It was nice to have my niece playing trumpet’

I tell the man who once sang Parklife that he’s getting quite high brow these days. “Not really, it’s just an illusion,” he decides.

Damon also describes how Strange Timez came to feature the free-spirited trumpet playing of his niece.

“She was down in Devon during lockdown and obviously homeschooling was tough,” he says.

“Thankfully my daughter is old enough not to need it but I saw how difficult it was for my sister to do it and she reflects all parents during this period.

“So it was nice to get my niece to come into the studio because she’s learning the trumpet and she just joined in on this particular tune.”

Although the Song Machine project began last year, it has evolved through the most challenging year in all our lives.

If the song Strange Timez reflects a world shifting on its axis, so does The Pink Phantom, featuring Elton John and rapper 6Lack.

Damon says: “That’s a song of this moment with lines like ‘seems to me I’m in a dream.’”

He remembers catching a glimpse of himself wearing a mask, like we all do. “I’m thinking, ‘Hang on, I’m walking down the street and everyone’s got masks on.’ That in itself is kind of mad but I’ve become used to it.”

Read more

[cantgetoutofmyheda]

Falling in Love in a Quarantine: Part 7

OP | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

---

PART 7: Day 15

Confused at the ingredients on the counter—enough to look like a feast for a large family was being prepared—Clarke knocked on Lexa’s bedroom door to inquire.

At the indistinct sound of Lexa telling her to come in, Clarke opened the door. It was then when she realized that she was truly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Lexa’s eyes were affixed onto the screen attached to the stationary bike, and Clarke’s were affixed onto the sweat trickling down the brunette’s exceptionally toned arms—more toned than she had remembered, likely an outcome of the upticked time Lexa had been spending adding Peloton’s spin and strength classes to her daily routine.

“Clarke?” Lexa’s voice snapped the blonde out of her gaze, her signature raised brow and smirk were plastered on her face—she definitely knew Clarke was staring. Lexa finally pulled an earbud out of her ear and a faint sound of an instructor telling the virtual class to take a water break sounded the room, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Clarke fumbled. She knew she was caught and all she wanted was to be out of Lexa’s eyesight, “Sorry, didn’t know you were working out. I’ll catch you after.” With that, Clarke immediately exited the room, closed the door, and ran to the living room to make a call.

It didn’t take long for Raven to pick up, “Sup, Griff?”

“I’m mortified,” Clarke let out as she plopped into the depths of her couch. “I walked in on Lexa while she was riding the Peloton and she was glistening with sweat. Rae, I couldn’t stop staring,” she went on, not giving her friend a chance to talk. “I was fucking staring and she knew it and had her stupid, shit-eating grin on her face.”

“Wow,” Raven laughed into the phone. “A few days was all you needed before you turned into yourself from a decade ago, huh?”

“It’s not funny,” Clarke snapped. “I ran out of the room like I had seen a ghost and her class is ending soon and I’m going to be confined in my stupid house with her stupid grin.”

Raven chuckled, “The Ghost of Crushes Past?”

“It’s not funny,” Clarke repeated.

“So,” Raven started. “Are you going to be an adult and address it, or do the normal thing where you pretend like nothing happened and make a stupid excuse if she brings it up?”

Clarke rolled her eyes, “Obviously the latter.”

“What if the shit-eating grin you speak of is because she feels the same?”

The comment piqued Clarke’s interest, “Is there something you know that I don’t?”

“You’re both foxy, you’re both single, you love each other, and you’re stuck in a house together for an unforeseeable amount of time,” Raven evaded the question. “Just makes sense in my head, that’s all.”

Clarke thought about it, and all points were more or less true, “So what am I supposed to do? Tell her that I’ve been into her since sophomore year and hope she feels the same way?”

“Why not?”

“Because maybe she doesn’t, and maybe it will ruin our friendship. Maybe she’ll see me differently. Maybe she’ll go home,” Clarke listed.

Raven took a pause to think about how to approach her friend’s train of thought. Clarke was right—and knowing that Lexa hadn’t actually admitted anything to Anya, she re-approached just how pushy she wanted to be, “Look, Griff. You guys have a real connection, whether it’s strictly friendship or possibly something more. You’ve been through a lot, and if this is something you want to explore for the sake of your own happiness, then I fully think you should go for it. You’re both adults that care a fuckton about each other—if Lexa doesn’t feel the same way, you two will figure out how to maintain that friendship, okay?”

“It’s a terrifying thought,” Clarke relinquished.

“It is,” Raven replied. “But like I said, I really think you owe it to yourself to go after what will make you happy. And I personally think that you and Lex would be perfect for each other.”

“Please don’t say anything to Anya about this, Rae,” Clarke asked.

“The words of this conversation will never leave my lips, Griff. You have my word on that,” Raven said into the phone, before turning around to face her girlfriend, offering her a shrug. She wasn’t lying, per say—she technically wasn’t repeating anything to Anya, her girlfriend just happened to be in the same room while the conversation was being had on speaker.

“Thanks, Rae. I’ll think about it,” Clarke offered. “I’m going to let you go, she’s probably finishing her class now and I need to figure out what to say if she brings that little episode up.”

“You got it, Griff. And just remember—no matter what, Lexa loves and cares about you. Whatever happens won’t change that.”

“Yeah,” Clarke sighed. “Hopefully you’re right.”

---

The sound of the blow dryer turning off signaled the end of the brunette’s post workout routine, and Clarke knew that the moment she had been anxious about was drawing closer. The bathroom door opened and just a few moments later, Lexa sauntered into the room clad in a matching sweatsuit and a messy bun atop her head.

“It always baffles my mind that you blow dry your hair just to put it up like that,” Clarke greeted her.

Lexa offered her a smile, “If I didn’t dry it, it would be a wild, unruly mess.”

Clarke shrugged, “I think your curls are pretty.”

“Well,” Lexa sat down next to her. “My curls thank you. But I, for one, hate dealing with them.”

Lexa settled into the couch close to the blonde and reached for the remote. After clicking through a few channels, she finally landed on what appeared to be an early 2000’s romcom. The pair sat in silence for a few minutes, both lightly chuckling at the cheesy movie on the TV and enjoying the comfortable silence, until Lexa finally spoke up, “Was there something you wanted to talk about?”

Clarke immediately froze, her whole body stiffened up, “No. Why would you say that?”

Lexa raised a brow, “Because you looked like you had a question when you came into the room while I was on the bike?”

Clarke blinked, and was thankful that her moment of ogling was not mentioned, “Oh, right.” She snapped out of her aforementioned anxious moment, “I went into the kitchen and saw all the food laid out. Just wanted to ask why you were whipping up a meal for fifty people.”

Lexa smiled, “I was going to meal prep for the week after my shower. Work’s going to be a bitch this week so I wanted to get ahead of it.” She shifted her position to slightly face Clarke, “And I know you’ve been wanting to eat healthier so I’m just making a few different things for the two of us, and enough so that you don’t get sick of eating the same exact thing for lunch and dinner every day.”

“Well that’s incredibly thoughtful,” Clarke offered. “You don’t have to do all that for me, though.”

The brunette shrugged, “I want to. It’s the least I could do. Gotta keep you satiated, you know.”

It was Clarke’s turn to raise her brow, “Oh, is that so?”

“Mhmm,” Lexa hummed, before leaning her head on Clarke’s shoulder. “Gotta keep my girl happy.”

“Your girl, huh?” the blonde grinned towards Lexa.

The brunette lifted her head from Clarke’s shoulder and offered a shrug, “Well, yeah. Other than Sandy, I suppose you’re my number one.”

“Am I your number one for the sole reason of you being stuck here with me?” Clarke laughed.

“I’d hardly say I was stuck here—in fact, I’m happy I’m here, but you knew that already. You’ve been my number one since I’ve known you, but you knew that already, too.” Lexa leaned her head back down, before adding, “And plus, now that I caught you gawking at me, I know I’m your number one, too.”

“I wasn’t gawking,” Clarke scoffed.

“Sorry,” Lexa laughed, before correcting herself. “Admiring?”

Clarke knew her cover was blown, but decided not to give in just yet, “More like wondering how it is that you’ve only been adding that to your workout for a week and you’re now so suddenly toned, and I still look like I barely have biceps.”

Lexa turned her face in towards Clarke’s shoulder, before placing a soft kiss on the fabric of the blonde’s shirt, “Well, regardless of that, I still think you’re perfect.”

[itsyourchoice-hp]

Year 2: Dementors

Author’s Note: I do not support JK Rowling’s trash opinions!  _______________________________________________________   “But did you see the look on his face?” Draco howled, keeled over in the middle of the Corridor. “It was like-” he did an awful impression of somebody being afraid, and then proceeded to cackle, clutching a stitch in his side. Harry pulled his cloak over his head, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Honestly, Draco, you were just as frightened,” Hermione said. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone scream so loudly before,” Ron snickered. Draco stopped laughing long enough to shoot him a glare. “What happened?” Ginny asked, joining the group. “Nothing!” Harry groaned. “I have to go to Quidditch practice…” “Watch out for Dementors!” Draco called after him, still laughing. “Draco, honestly…” Hermione rolled her eyes as he continued imitating Harry. It had already been two days since Cath had returned to for her second year on the Hogwarts Express. During the ride from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade Station, the train had been stopped by ghostly black figures cloaked in tattered robes - Dementors. They had inspected each compartment, opening the sliding doors with spindly, rotting hands. Their cold breath sucked the life out of everything around it. It was a horrible feeling. Nothing like that had ever happened on the Hogwarts Express - it was a shock to the whole student body. “Somebody, please tell us what’s happened,” Cath demanded. “When the Dementors came aboard the train… Harry didn’t take it too well,” Hermione began. “He sort of passed out-” “And screamed,” Draco put in. “I don’t blame him - it was an awful feeling,” Ron defended Harry. Everyone was quiet for a moment, remembering the cold dark feeling that the Dementors had brought to the train. “I still don’t understand why Dumbledore’s letting them be at the school all the time,” Draco said, frowning. “I’d rather have Dementors here than Sirius Black,” Ron pointed out. Everyone agreed. It had been all over the news that summer - a mass murderer named Sirius Black had escaped Azkaban prison after twelve years of imprisonment. Black had murdered about a dozen people at once, using a very dark and dangerous curse. Nobody knew how he had managed to escape the prison, but Professor Dumbledore had announced at the welcome feast two days again that the Dementors, who were guards of Azkaban, would be on Hogwarts grounds for safety reasons. “Dad said the Ministry was nearly in pandemonium when the news came out,” Ginny remarked. “My father doesn’t think that Cornelius Fudge has what it takes to catch Black,” Draco drawled. “He says Fudge is too used to everything going smoothly. When Black escaped, he had no idea what to do. Father had some excellent ideas on how to catch Black.” “Your father should just become Minister for Magic then…” Ron muttered. Malfoys and Weasleys didn’t typically get along too well. the Weasley’s father as well as Cath and Draco’s father worked at the Ministry of Magic. Cath and Draco had been raised in a family who was very proud of their Pureblood status, and though Cath didn’t much understand why it was so important, Draco adopted nearly every one of their father’s opinions even if he didn’t understand them either. “Father wouldn’t make a good minister either,” Cath said, giggling. “He’s got an awful temper. And he couldn’t do anything without Mum.” Just then a tall man approached their group. He looked worn and tired yet had a mysterious sort of aura, and wore dress robes in muted tones. Professor Dumbledore had introduced him as Professor Lupin, their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. “Harry,” he said. “Could I have a word?” Harry followed him down the corridor, out of ear shot from the rest of them. “What do you think he wants?” Cath asked. “He was in our compartment on the train when Harry had his… episode,” Draco said, still biting back a smile and earning a slap on the shoulder from Hermione. “I suppose he’s just checking in. Cath and Ginny checked their timetables. “Damn,” said Cath. “I don’t have Defence until tomorrow!” The bell rang and Ron groaned, slumping his shoulders. “Ugh,” he said. “Divination… it’s torture! Enjoy second year while you can.” Cath and Ginny walked to the dungeons where Potions class was held. Looking out the windows before they descended the last flight of stairs, she could see Dementors floating around the castle grounds through the fog. “Five points from Gryffindor,” Professor Snape said as soon as Cath and Ginny entered the Potions dungeon. Cath sighed as they found a seat with a few Hufflepuff students. They had hardly been five minutes late to class, but then again Professor Snape was not likely to show sympathy to a student. He was moody all the time, and hated Gryffindors the most of all the houses. “Open your textbooks to Chapter 1. We will begin with the Sleeping Draught technique,” he instructed them. “I heard that Sirius Black was spotted in Croatia,” said Margo Peterson, a Hufflepuff student, leaning forward and whispering seriously.  “Where’d you hear that?” Ginny frowned skeptically. “My father is friends with a special correspondent from the Daily Prophet,” she replied. “Was he looking for a nice, sunny vacation?” Cath said sarcastically. Professor Snape interrupted their whispering conversation with a whack of his metre stick on the blackboard. “I have already taken five points from you both. Unless you would like to continue your conversation in detention, I suggest you listen while I am instructing you,” he said, glaring at Ginny and Cath. A few students stifled their laughter while Ginny and Cath quickly busied themselves by finding the right chapter. “He’s probably looking for more people to murder,” Margo whispered before opening up her textbook. *** Ginny and Cath walked to the Great Hall together during their lunch break and joined a cluster of students at the Gryffindor table who were all engaged in excited chatter. “…we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet,” Fred Weasley was saying. “Zonko’s Joke Shop,” George cut in excitedly. “A pranksters haven… Fred and I are their most loyal customers.” “I heard Honeydukes has every candy and sweet imaginable,” said Ron, who was listening with wide eyes. “Everything you can imagine and more, dear brother,” Fred replied. “What are they talking about?” Ginny asked Cath. “Hogsmeade, the wizarding village,” Cath replied. “Draco’s been going on about it all summer. Third years get to visit on weekends.” “That’s not fair,” Ginny pouted. “There’s an excellent Quidditch supply shop too,” Draco put in. “Father got me my Nimbus Two Thousand One from there this summer. We visit Hogsmeade every now and then.” “Your daddy must really love you, Draco,” Seamus Finnigan said in a patronizing voice. “He loves the Slytherin Quidditch team too,” Draco replied with a smirk. Cath rolled her eyes. “What’s he on about?” Fred and George demanded to her. Both were Beaters on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, whose biggest competition was the Slytherin team. Cath sighed. “Draco begged father to buy the team new brooms.” The twins mouths dropped open in outrage. “New brooms can’t rival the skill that Gryffindor has,” said Hermione absentmindedly, engaged in a textbook. Cath saw her glance at Draco with a smirk, who returned it with a grin. “I suppose your team must be that desperate to win the cup this year if they had to beg for new brooms,” said Harry. “We’ll see about that, Potter,” Draco replied. “Draco!” Everyone turned and looked around. A few Slytherin third year students were looking at the Gryffindors with disgust, waving for Draco to come over as though they couldn’t believe he was sitting with them. Draco frowned, going red in the face. The others began helping themselves to food, the conversation coming to a halt. “See you later,” Draco said, quickly taking his school bag and joining the other Slytherins. Hermione looked at him over her shoulder until he sat down at the Slytherin table and then busied herself with her reading again. “Slytherins will be Slytherins,” George shrugged. “So, Hogsmeade,” Cath quickly changed the subject, grabbing a sandwich from a silver tray. The conversation about Hogsmeade began again, and Cath noticed Harry looking glumly at his plate, pushing a half-eaten sandwich around with a fork. “Are you going this weekend, then?” she asked him. Harry looked up at her and shook his head. “No, I - er, can’t.” “Why not?” Cath asked. Harry looked back down at his plate, scowling. “My aunt and uncle didn’t sign my permission form.” “You could send it to them by Owl post,” Cath suggested. “No, they wouldn’t sign it,” he replied. “They’re Muggles. They hate magic, and anything to do with Hogwarts. They nearly tossed the permission form in the fireplace before I grabbed it back from them. So, I suppose I’ll be staying here at the castle.” “Oh,” Cath said. “Well, you can hang out with Ginny and I then.” “Thanks,” Harry replied, smiling.

[littlepurinsesu]

V Watches MagiReco - Episode 9 Review

*Spoilers for Magia Record Anime Episode 9*

I... have mixed feelings about this episode O___O While some parts were definitely well-done (like, REALLY well-done), there were some others that left me a bit underwhelmed and wanting something more?

Don’t get me wrong, by no means was it not a good episode, because it was. But I’m gonna try my hardest to pinpoint why I felt that while some parts were amazing, others really could have been done better.

The phone conversation with Iroha and AI had some top-notch imagery going on in the background. As expected of a PMMM spin-off, every single frame probably has some deep and profound symbolism if you really wanted to pause and analyse each one. There’s never a dull moment on screen; even when all that’s happening is a phone conversation, they know how to hold your attention by giving your eyes a feast with that amazingly trippy and surreal kind of art style that PMMM is known for.

I, too, was a bit disappointed that Madoka and Homura didn’t show up, and by the looks of it, they probably won’t be making their appearance during Sana’s arc at all, which makes yet another major deviation the anime has made. But it’s not that huge of a deal to me because I know they’ll appear at some other point and I’m sure they had their reasons for making this change (hopefully for something better!). I’m happy to let the new characters take the spotlight; I actually think it’s a better choice than constantly relying on the Holy Quintet to build hype and satisfy the fans, which could actually draw attention and focus away from the main plot sometimes. This is how I personally feel, at least ^^;;

That being said, although I didn’t mind Madoka and Homura not being there, I did have some issues with Iroha’s entrance into the Rumour. It just happened... way too quickly and suddenly? I expected a bit more dialogue between the characters, especially since Yachiyo’s expression and comment about jumping off the tower not killing magical girls should have been a big indicator that she knows something (wink wink). I think that might have been a good chance to foreshadow the reveal that comes with Chapter 6, and maybe add a bit more mystery to Yachiyo’s unrevealed past. But the biggest problem I had with this scene was the way Iroha jumped lol. She just... jumped. Like it was no big deal. And it was even weirder because she technically “fell” while reaching out to catch Lil’ Kyubey, but there was hardly any reaction xD She also happened to be in the middle of a sentence while talking to Yachiyo LOL clearly that “jump” wasn’t a planned or prepared one xD I just really felt like the dialogue wasn’t finished or something was cut somewhere in there? They were talking and suddenly down she goes. I know I probably sound extremely nitpicky and this is just a minor detail that doesn’t really make much difference to the story (none at all, in fact), but I just found her apathy somewhat unrealistic and strange, which broke the immersion for me during what should have been a very crucial and heart-pounding moment. Unless Iroha’s just super brave and isn’t afraid of heights at all? Maybe? xD

Anyway, back to the positive stuff! Sana’s backstory was depicted really well. Again, absolutely amazing visuals (I especially liked the use of shoes and dinosaurs). And Sana’s bond with AI was portrayed even better than in the game, in my opinion. It was the most heartwarming and bittersweet relationship, and it’s amazing to see how AI slowly changes in Sana’s company. By the way, their chess game with little puppies and kittens was adorable omg x) I’d love to write more on Sana and AI, but I don’t really have anything specific to say except that I just really, really loved how their relationship was portrayed. Definitely the best part about this week’s episode.

And now comes my biggest complaint: Alina’s debut. As one of the most popular and interesting MagiReco characters, I’m sure the entire fandom was looking forward to how the anime would go about introducing her. I don’t know if I just set my expectations too high or anything, but her entrance was extremely underwhelming for me. And a lot of the reasons were exactly the same as my dissatisfaction with Iroha’s jump: too rushed and too many missed opportunities. She just kind of appeared out of nowhere, and while I do appreciate the “shock value”, what annoyed me was the lack of of a proper “introduction” she got. AI stated her name, and Iroha questioned if she was a member of the Wings of Magius, but we didn’t get any answers. There was no explanation on who she was or what she was doing there, how she got in and what her relationship with AI was. Game players would know, of course, but I’m concerned that anime-only viewers will have no idea what’s going on and probably also have no idea that they just met one of the most important and popular characters of the franchise right now. Essentially, they’re just gonna be seeing a very flamboyant and crazy girl enter and wreck havoc but with no explanation about why she was doing what she was doing or what her connection was with the current situation and the bigger picture of the plot thus far. She just comes in and steals the spotlight, and while game players know that she definitely deserves the spotlight given who she is, anime-only viewers are probably going to be left wondering why this random green girl just came in, who the heck she is, and why everything is about her all of a sudden.

Another crucial piece of information that got lost in that very rushed and chaotic introduction was the fact that Alina actually used the word “Doppel”, which is the first time the term has been dropped in the anime. But again, no one even responded or reacted in any way (at least do the cliche thing where the protagonist repeats “Doppel?” or something LOL), but no she just keeps rambling on and yet another crucial piece of information is lost in the shuffle. What makes it possibly even more confusing is that her Doppel really doesn’t look like the Doppels we’ve seen so far; it could pass as her shooting random bits of paint-like oozy stuff instead, so I’m really struggling to see how anime-only viewers are going to make that connection and put the pieces together.

And if her entrance was underwhelming, then her “exit” was probably even worse lol. She just... disappears xD It’s quite anticlimactic considering how it looked like we were gearing up for Sana vs. Alina, and then she just suddenly gets kicked out lmao. I get that she’ll be back really soon, but it still felt way too abrupt? I think my main gripe about everything to do with Alina’s debut can be summed up in two words: too rushed. There’s so much about her character that’s interesting and vital to the story, but everything either gets glossed over really quickly or just dropped here and there with no response from the other characters. Even if they didn’t want to get into details right away, which is also fine, they could still have slowed down and built up some mystery and tension so that we’ll want to find out more about her because we’re interested and curious, and not because we have no idea what’s going on. Her appearance should have brought some answers to the questions raised throughout the story thus far, but instead she just brought more confusion and chaos lol.

But her entrance wasn’t all negative! They absolutely nailed her mannerisms. Basically everything that makes her so infamously crazy was delivered flawlessly. Her expressions, her movements, her voice, her speech, her word choice... she definitely entered with a BANG and she’s no doubt going to leave a deep impression on viewers, whether they understand her deal or not lol. The voice-acting was also top-notch, as expected of her seiyuu. Alina’s one of those characters where you really need to hear her speaking and see her moving to experience the full extent of her "charm”, and I’d say the anime definitely delivered in that respect and portrayed her uniqueness in a strong and memorable way, so props to them for that :D

^ I really wanted to use this image for this week’s review, but it’s technically Sana’s episode so I stuck with Sana xD Oh, and another thing I definitely loved about her entrance was hearing her saying so many of her lines from the game battles ^^

... Wow I just rambled and ranted for four whole paragraphs about Alina’s introduction, sheesus... Onto some other stuff now, shall we? ^^;;

One of the most interesting things to me about AI was how her appearance changes to become more and more like Sana. This is another example where the anime is able to illustrate things that the game isn’t capable of, and while I’m not sure if it’s a change or I simply missed it in the game because of the static AI sprite, I definitely liked this little detail. It not only shows how AI slowly becomes more and more human, but also highlights the fact that her form resembling Sana implies the influence that Sana has had on her. Sana is all AI has really ever known about humans and the “real” world, and all the human feelings and emotions she gains are because of Sana. It makes perfect sense that when she takes on a more human-like appearance, it’s going to resemble Sana in some respect. The little detail with the crown near the end was also really sweet ;___;

I really do think “mixed feelings” is the best way to describe my overall impression of this week’s episode xD Sana’s backstory and her relationship with AI had me in tears, but Iroha’s jump and Alina’s debut definitely had me raising my eyebrows a few times. I can overlook the Iroha part as just me being nitpicky over a trivial detail, but I really do hope that they step up their game with Alina next week. They definitely did her justice on a surface level, but in terms of her significance and relevance to the plot, not so much. She’s such an important character and her appearance marks a major plot point, so I hope we get the explanations and clarifications needed soon.

I have even higher expectations for next week, since not only is the showdown with Alina something I’ve been looking forward to for a while, but I’m also hoping that they “rectify” some of the issues this week lol. Fingers crossed that Alina gets some better writing, and they continue doing the amazing job they’ve done so far with Sana’s story! ^^

Sorry I’m so much more “negative” this week compared to how I usually am with my reviews, but I was looking forward to Alina’s appearance so much and was really sad to feel any ounce of disappointment :( Hopefully next week’s review will be back to just me fangirling throughout hehe~

[vesuviannights]

hello!!! is there any way i’d be able to RQ muriel comforting/loving up on a nonbinary!apprentice during a rough depressive episode by like? 👀 eating them out and fucking them until they forget their own name? thannk you fhdhdhc your writing rocks my world tbh 😭

!!!!! By GOD it is time for some more solo Muriel love on this blog!!

Much like my Val/trans reader piece I posted yesterday, I’ve had this one outlined for a few weeks now but wanted to be sure everything was safe and accurate and respectful. If this does not come across as exactly these things, please let me know.

Overall, this piece came out a little angsty due to the nature of the topic, but has some wonderful verbal praise and love from Muriel and him doing his best to understand and support you. I hope I’ve done your request justice, anon! 

Please be advised that this piece has a mental health warning. The reader is going through a rough depressive episode, and while it does not reference things such as suicide/thoughts, please tread carefully and only read it if you are in a healthy state of mind. Tagged dubcon for this reason, but enter into this knowing that you do consent in the story.

Muriel/You. Non binary reader (they/them pronouns used). Lemon.

During a rough depressive episode, Muriel struggles to understand how to help you. Together, you decide that the best way to comfort you and show his love is for him to eat you out and ravish you until you forget your own name.

TW: mental health, depression

**

“Love?”

Muriel’s voice stirs you from the doorway, but not enough to lift your gaze. There’s a crumpled pile of your clothes in the far corner of the room from earlier in the week. You’ve been tracing it’s outline with your eyes for hours, pausing sometimes when even that become a little too much.

He says it again, a little louder, and your eyes sweep shut so slowly. There’s another voice. You think it’s Asra.

“Have they been eating?”

“Sort of. I think they had soup. Bread, maybe? Salasi’s. But I don’t…it was a while ago.”

“Muriel. It’s alright. They’re strong, even though they may not seem it now. They just need you, someone there to help them, understand them, comfort them. Be with them even when they say they don’t want it.”

Muriel pauses. “I…I can do that.”

“No one else I know could. Go to them. I’ll come back in the morning with Ilya.”

You want to tell Asra to leave, tell Muriel to leave, neither of them can see you like this.

Your mouth is dry. You know you need water. But you also need more sleep.

Heavy footsteps enter the room. You hear Muriel shrug off his coat.

Asra knew all of your tells, always helped you watch your triggers, your self-care, he was so patient and understanding and you felt so safe with him.

This thing with Muriel, though…as beautiful as it was, it was still so fresh, so new, that he didn’t know what to look for, didn’t know how to help. You had seen it on his face when it had first started to settle, when you had slept in a little too late, then napped, then skipped lunch, forgotten to douse the fire at the shop before you had left because your mind had been so addled and yet so fuzzy.

“Asra says he’ll come back in the morning,” Muriel says to you. He waits for your answer, and you murmur a response.

“Did you want some more of the soup?” He asks.

It takes you about five seconds, and then you force out, “Sure.”

You hear him shift on his feet, open your eyes to watch him shuffle. You tug the blankets a little tighter around yourself, force your voice to be level as you say, “Muri, it’s okay. You can go home. You should.”

Even those words are tiring, and the effort of them is wasted. He bristles, his frustration clear even though he’s trying to very hard to hide it from you.

“I don’t understand. What—how am I supposed to help? What caused it? Is it something I can take away so it won’t happen again?”

He crosses to the bed, hovers over you. Reaches for your hands and pulls you up. You let him do it, your muscles aching at the movement, and tuck your hair behind your ear. The movement is slow.

“What can I do, my love?”

You just stare at him, eyes heavy. Your gaze drops down to his lips, and then away.

He shouldn’t be trying.

And he’s right to feel frustrated, after all, it’s what you would be feeling if you could. He’s been here all week watching you, putting off other things he needs to get done. Who would want to put up with this? Someone who can’t even answer the simplest of questions, give out a single yes or no?

“That’s not true,” Muriel growls.

You frown, just barely, wondering how you had managed to say any of that but not give him a single-word answer. Pathetic.

“I didn’t need to hear you say it, my love. I know you inside and out, you are everything I need and want, of course I can see your thoughts even if you don’t have the energy to show me with your lips or your brows or tell me with your words. I know all of you.”

He puts his forehead to yours, you nod to him.

“I’m sorry,” you tell him. “I’m not…I promise I’m not doing it on purpose. I just want to sleep. Can’t I just sleep?”

“You’ve been sleeping. A lot.”

You swallow, throat dry. “You shouldn’t be here when I’m like this.”

“I belong nowhere else.”

“I told you to go!”

You snap it, voice cracking a little, and the feeling of frustration that bubbles inside of you—at him for not leaving you, at yourself for wanting him to, at your fucked up mind for doing any of this—is almost terrifyingly foreign, a swell of emotion you were not prepared for that you stuff and cram back inside of yourself until there is nothing but blackness again.

“I know all of you,” he tells you again, murmurs. “And I love all of you, every piece no matter how dark or wounded. Your words, your body, your mind, even as it punishes you and makes you think things you can’t control.” He brushes your bottom lip with his thumb, kisses you softly. “Tell me what you need. What can I do? If I take your mind off it, will that help? Is that what you need?”

You shrug, nod.

“Lay down,” he tells you.

You blink, confused. “What?”

“Lay down. Right now.” His voice is firm, almost dominating, and you don’t have the energy to fight him on it. He places a hand on each of your knees, drawing small circles on the insides. “I’ll bring you back, I’ll make you feel, even if only for a moment. I’ll fuck it out of you until you’re screaming and sobbing and you can’t even remember your own name.”

You inhale, slow and careful, as he parts your knees. He kisses the inside of each thigh before lifting your hips and drawing down your underwear and the shorts you had pulled on a few days ago.

“Let me tell you all my favourite things about you when you are spread out like this before me,” he murmurs into your skin.

You nod, just to appease him, just to let him know you are there, that a small part of you is peeking out from the darkness, waiting to see the light.

“It’s when your thighs shake as I tease you.” He grazes his teeth against. “The way your lips part as you sigh.” He kisses a little further up. “The flush of your cheekbones as I praise you.” And that is certainly there now. “The way you look down at me like I’m your sun and moon, your sea and sky.”

You nod, a little more to the movement this time, and you look down at him, your eyes meeting. He is at the apex of your thighs now, lips so close to where he promised to be, where he wanted to try and make you feel.

He waits for you there, waits for you to completely process what you’ve agreed to, waits to give you the chance to back out, but you just nod, and then he dives in like a feral beast.

His tongue runs the length of you while his hands pin your thighs down, the tip of his tongue circling your hole as he moans against you, savouring your taste and heat. His hands comes up to tease you, one finger gently testing and probing you while the other hand moves around between your legs, finding every sensitive spot he knows.

As he’s lapping at you, as his fingers slip into you and crook and pull and spread you apart, you shake and sob, fingers digging into his hair, telling him its already too much, your chest is so tight, too much emotion all at once but you need it so bad, you know that if you feel too much you can become so blissfully numb, forget his name, forget your own name, forget the world.

His fingers pull out of you and he smooths his hand up your body, arm long enough to reach your mouth. He pulls your bottom lip down with his thumb. You take in the two fingers he is offering you, biting the fingertips and suckling softly.

“Look at me, my love.”

You do, and you shudder. He is feasting on you with slow, long sweeps of his tongue and lips, the sound absolutely filthy and wet and carnal, a growl rolling in his chest with every movement he makes.

You whine in your chest as your orgasm approaches, your body coiling like a spring, your muscles (already aching from disuse) screaming at the action.

You let out a sob as you crash, and he keeps devouring you, his fingers and hands moving around, guiding you, coaxing you, showing you every way he knows how to love you.

You try to push him away, gasp out that it’s too much, your body is so sore, your mind is turning numb, but he keeps going, keeps feasting, growling into you, the sound coming from low in his chest.

Your back arches, fists ball in the sheets as a second orgasm takes you. You sob his name. You try to push him away again.

“Please—please—”

But you aren’t asking for anything. He keeps going.

You come again, again, again, until you can’t count, until your voice is raw from your screams and sobs, until everything about you is numb except for the place he is, his mouth devouring you, wet noises as he laps at your hole, as his fingers probe and push and spread you apart.

Your cheeks are wet with tears, and you hardly notice it until he finally pulls away and starts kissing up your body. When he reaches your chest, the tightness there seems to have dissipated a little, but he doesn’t give you much longer to think on it.

He lines the head of his cock up and pushes into you completely in one smooth movement. You cry out as he sets an immediate and brutal pace, his fingers almost crushing your hips in their grip, tiny purple bruises already starting to form on your skin.

You keen and gasp and babble and sob, and with each new tear that falls and each sob that erupts from your chest, your body unravels, the tightness on your chest, that feeling of something dark and impossible and unknown sitting on it seems to fade to the back of your mind, just for now, just for this moment, along with everything else you have ever known, except this—the feel of his cock, large and thick and stretching you and taking you so deep that it seems as though he might never escape.

You come again, hands to your face as you try to keep yourself in check, try to hide the mess you have become, but he rips your hands away and pins them to the bed.

“I love you,” he growls. “I love you. Do you know that? Tell me you know.”

You nod as he talks, hurried and jerking movements.

“I know! I do—you love me, I—"

“Let it out, let everything out, do whatever you need to make yourself feel better, my love—”

You scream and curse and sob as you come one last time, the world going a spotted black for a few seconds, brought back only by the feel of him coming inside of you, his seed warming you, filling you, marking you.

Your breaths are short gasps as you come down, as he twitches and empties inside of you. You barely register him taking your chin and crushing his lips to yours, sweeping his tongue in, claiming you.

Everything after is a little fuzzy. A little wonderfully so.

He doesn’t pull out of you, stays fully seated as he softens inside of you, rolls you both onto your sides and pulls you into his chest.

You think he asks you if it helped.

You think you nod.

You think some of the weight is still there on your chest - actually, more than a little, but it’s less than before, and Muriel is cradling you, cocooning you, stroking your hair.

He might not entirely understand how or why your mind does what it does, the dark ways it speaks to you and changes your world so savagely and suddenly, but you do know this – he will be there with you every step of the way, helping you, protecting you, making you forget if it’s what you need.

[thelawyerthatwaspromised]

Sansa Stark is in love with Jon - Where does Jon stand?

It’s probably been long enough not to tag spoilers, but I’ll put this under the cut.

[under the cut]

Let’s get this outta the way - holy crap is Sansa Stark in love with Jon.

They also make this BEFORE Sansa even finds out about R+L=J.

The biggest hurdle for “Jonsa”, at least when it comes to the GA accepting the idea, has always been “but they see each other as siblings!” and as a close second “Sansa doesn’t want to be with anyone after what she’s been through”...and this episode emphatically put that to rest.

Perhaps just as importantly, we need to have an idea of what’s in Jon’s head - as his POV has remained frustratingly obscured by the show. All we’re left to do is interpret his actions. Words are wind, as they say, so seeing past his words and focusing on his behavior is the best way to get to the core of Jon’s current struggles. 

First, the framing, again, told a very specific story.

Jon as the public head of the house. Speaking for them all.

You have Jon burning the body of Lyanna Mormont...the girl who died very much having lost respect for Jon because he gave up his crown. Then Jon shoots a look right at Dany. It’s...very negative as far as Jon having any type of love for Dany. She was the first one to pledge for him to fight the Boltons. She was the first one to proclaim that he should be king. Do you think he forgets that? No. What was Lyanna’s (LYANNA) favorite saying? The North Remembers. 

The feast scene continued this Jon-Sansa-Dany framing as it opened with a clear image of Jon stuck in the middle between Sansa and Dany. Are Jon’s feelings also “torn” between these two women?

What can we tell about Jon’s POV?

Meanwhile, Gendry is observing Jon awkwardly looking over to Dany...he clearly senses something is amiss. Then his attention shifts to wondering where Arya might be. It’s subtle but it’s later confirmed by Tyrion and Davos that all is not well between Jon and Dany. 

We also get a really subtle confirmation that Jon and Davos have NOT told Dany about who Gendry is...as evidenced by the momentary panic they both display when Dany announces that she knows who Gendry is and she’s going to reward him with Storm’s End. We find out later she wanted Jon to remain “Ned’s bastard” and I 100% believe she intended to legitimize him and name him the Lord of WF to usurp Sansa’s authority.

So Dany is specifically wedging herself between Jon and Sansa. She doesn’t do this unless she views Sansa as a threat when it comes to Jon. She doesn’t view Sansa as a threat if she can’t tell that Jon has a different vibe with Sansa. It’s a heavy clue, already, that Jon IS clearly having trouble keeping himself reserved.

Sansa’s look after Gendry is legitimized also tells the story that she knows what Dany just did and what she may be planning to do next.

Then we have the rather adorable little moment when Tormund is encouraging Jon to drink and they just HAD to slip in the subtle little, “go on, I believe in you” from Sansa. Again, on its own, it doesn’t really mean anything. But taken in the context of the rest of the interactions we see - Jon is ONLY at ease when Dany is not in the frame. Sansa being mildly flirtatious. Then giving Jon GIGANTIC heart eyes. Followed by her noticing that Jon is looking at Dany and Sansa stands up to leave. I mean...

These aren’t the behaviors of siblings. They removed Arya from the scene and it makes it even more obviously non-sibling in it’s framing. Sansa is very clearly pining for Jon and still very much bothered by Dany’s presence. The fact Jon turns around immediately after Sansa leaves to look for her is even more indication that, yeah, he has to keep up appearances with Dany, but his heart and attention lie completely elsewhere.

We’re then shown Jon having the love of the people in the Hall. Dany is shown having her Viserys-esque realization that she will never have the love of the people that Jon possesses. Varys takes keen interest in Dany’s internal meltdown, too.

Then, humorously but intentionally, we see Tormund lamenting that Brienne was taken from him by Jaime...and it’s a funny juxtaposition but it’s framed in crazy similar manner but infused with humor.

Sansa politely shuts Sansan down forever next, which was pretty great.

Also, she shuts down the notion from the Hound AND from some people in the GA that she made some mistake by leaving with Hound at Blackwater after the asshole talks about Sansa being raped by Ramsay. Beautiful. Also, fuck you, Hound.

I’ll skip ahead to what’s likely the most talked about scene: Jon and Dany in chambers. Jon is pretty clearly depressed when Dany walks in. He’s also drunk. Dany very clearly is not. Jon opens up talking about Jorah, and Dany talks about loving him and not being able to love him back like the way she loves Jon. Does Jon say “I love you?” when it’s teed up? No. He kisses her. Then - he freezes up and stops undressing her. 

So...why did they stop? Are they uncomfortable about being related? No...Dany says what makes her unhappy IS HOW BELOVED JON IS BY HIS PEOPLE. (well, SHOULD be his people). Dany realizes that Jon will ALWAYS be more loved on “this side of the sea” than she will. And THAT’S what she can’t stomach. It’s her articulating that she cannot allow his claim to the Throne to become public BECAUSE SHE KNOWS THEY PREFER JON. That’s not love. That’s not even like. That’s pure pure envy and resentment. 

Breakdown how she says things, “what happens when they press YOUR claim and take what’s MINE.” Damn. Talk about twisted entitlement. This isn’t about being kept from Jon for her. It’s about Jon exceeding her. She absolutely will not have that. 

Jon knows this fear of hers. And so he goes absolutely desperation mode by bending a knee and saying he’ll refuse the crown. And then Dany does something that Jon finally...FINALLY...cannot accept. She tries to put rules on how he can behave with his family. She wants him (IMO) to stay Ned’s bastard and then be legitimized and take WF from Sansa. She puts an ultimatum on Jon - and Jon defies her. 

I’ve seen it posited that Jon won’t want the Throne so much that he would keep it a secret forever. Aaaaaaaaaaaand that got exploded. Telling Sansa (and Arya but Dany very clearly emphasizes that Sansa is the one she fears) is more important to Jon than maintaining his relationship with Dany. Bada-bing. Bada-boom.

I strongly feel that Jon sees no way out of his relationship with Dany and that he’s resigned to living out his days with her in the south...being miserable. But it’s the price to pay to keep his people protected. He still believes he can’t defeat her. It’s all about safety. This is why he tries to make Sansa and Arya promise not to tell anyone. It’s explosive information. It’s dangerous. But - he prioritizes telling them over keeping it within. He makes the choice that Ned never could. This, I believe, shows that his family is the only

Dany’s monologue is pretty amazing: she’s talking about Jon’s claim and what it WILL DO TO PEOPLE (herself). No matter how many times he bends the knee. No matter how many times he swears he doesn’t want it, he will always be a threat to her if his claim is known. 

Dany then INCREDIBLY says Sansa is not the girl Jon grew up with...not after the things that have happened to her. Ugh.

1) How fucking dare her?

2) How fucking dare her?

3) She doesn’t know who Sansa is or was in any capacity.

4) Jon hardly knew her when they were growing up.

5) She’s implying that Sansa’s traumas have made her a terrible person; meanwhile just last season Dany told Jon that her own traumas are exactly what gave her the resolve to rule Westeros.

6) Maybe she’s right - Sansa has also far exceeded Dany. That’s why Dany can’t have Sansa knowing about Jon’s identity.

7) Still, how fucking dare her.

And NOW I’m seeing why Dany is so obsessed with taking the Iron Throne immediately.

She needs the Iron Throne very very badly. It’s highlighted in her next war council scene. [talking about Cersei] “No matter how many lords are lined up against her, as long as she sits on the Iron Throne, she can call herself the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Why might this not be just about Cersei? Because Dany just told Jon how he will always be more loved than Dany. She’s seen the loyalty shown to both Sansa AND Jon over herself. She knows Sansa is intelligent and worthy as a politician and schemer. She starts a race to the Throne because she has to get there before Jon or Sansa do. 

This shows that Dany does NOT trust Jon anymore. She sees him primarily as a threat - but she understands she has leverage over him in the form of the threat of dragonfire. 

So Jon is a subdued threat, in her mind. Sansa is the one she can’t rein in. This is why, IMO, she legitimized Gendry and very likely had the same plans for Jon and WF to undermine Sansa’s authority. She’s trying to play the Game of Thrones with Jon. That’s not love either, that’s greed and that’s fear. 

Jon has ALWAYS tried to preserve lives. He endorses a blockade. He’s trying not to anger Dany. He’s JUST heard how much Dany fears Sansa’s political influence. Jon is afraid for Sansa - which is why he goes hard in the war council to try to defuse Dany’s anger. 

Then a HUGE fucking line from Dany’s mouth:

“The longer I leave my enemies alone; the stronger they become.”

She doesn’t want to press the attack because of Cersei. She wants to press the attack because she’s sensing she’s losing power to Jon and Sansa. Look at how the damn camera focuses in on Sansa’s face as she says this. It’s not even about Cersei. It’s about keeping the Starks from gaining too much influence before she can take the Throne. She’s a runaway train and Jon is trying to delay her as much as he can because he KNOWS what she can do if the dragons are focused on Winterfell. 

Jon’s desperately trying to get Sansa to see what he’s saying: “we’re gonna honor our promises to the queen of the seven kingdoms”. He’s not saying this because he believes it. Right after this he tells them he has the better claim to the Throne!!!! He’s saying this out of fear. Jon is still afraid. Because now there isn’t even a NK to distract Dany. 

Jon’s behavior shows fear but it’s very very very plain that when push comes to shove, he chooses Sansa and Arya. He defies Dany’s demand by telling them about his identity. And he knows Dany is scared that Sansa will maneuver to make Jon the king. I completely believe he knows this himself. And he tells them anyway. It’s obviously already happening - with Sansa telling Tyrion - but I think the larger point is that Jon knows that it’s basically inevitable. Dany said if he tells anyone, it will tear them apart. He tells them anyway. 

That’s where Jon’s mind is at. He pushed this along with Dany as long as he could. Now it’s reached a breaking point. And it totally involves Sansa. He chose his duty to Sansa over Dany’s begging. 

It’s frustrating not to hear Jon say these things. But remember that words are wind. Actions define who people are. And Jon chose Sansa. 

[dreadwulf]

*sigh* Okay, I just had to write this all out to get it off my chest and hopefully get over it and move on.

People tell me I look just like Brienne of Tarth. I’m tall, blonde, broad-shouldered, and homely. I get mistaken for a man, even when I have long hair that goes all down my back, even wearing a dress. I’ve gotten used to it.

My earliest memory of school is lying on the ground while a crowd of boys are kicking and hitting me, because I was an ugly freak. Girls grow earlier than boys do, you see. I was the tallest kid in my elementary, and I was hated for it. I endured constant abuse. When I got a little bit older, and I was almost 6 feet tall when I was 12, the abuse mostly turned away from being physical and into emotional and psychological. Girls followed me into the bathroom, laughing at how my clothes didn’t fit, how awkward I was, how masculine. Boys no longer hit me, just ignored or ridiculed me. Because it was the 80s I heard constant references to the East German olympic team, how I looked like a member. I didn’t understand the references at the time, but I knew it was yet another reference to how I didn’t measure up as a woman. Much later I learned about how those women were dosed with testosterone by the government against their will - a terrible story that the people around me regarded as a joke.  There’s nothing funnier than a manish woman, apparently.

When I was young I was undatable, never considered an option to anyone. I never kissed anyone until I was in my twenties, and was a virgin until I was 25. It’s bizarre when I look back now at photos of myself, because I’m expecting a hideous monster, and all I see is an ordinary girl - a little taller, broad-shouldered and plain, not pretty, but ordinary. But it all got into my head, you see. Inside I still feel like a freak. Undesireable. Unloved.

I started watching Game of Thrones from the first episode (mainly because I’m a big fan of Peter Dinklage!), and I was intrigued. Intrigued, but not obsessed, not yet. I’m a grown woman and I don’t have time for that sort of thing. But the first time Brienne of Tarth took off her helmet onscreen and I saw her face, I literally pointed at the screen and said out loud, “that’s me!”

Never in my life have I reacted that way before. Never before, and never since.

Granted, the actress who plays her is a great beauty, but the character of Brienne I latched onto instantly and felt a deep kinship with, especially after reading her story in the books. How as a child she was a girl very much like Sansa, who loved songs and romance and dancing and other girlish things, but the adults around her told her she was too ugly. Her septa told her no one would ever love or want her. She was shamed for wearing dresses and trying to be feminine, was told she was embarassing herself because her body was not womanly enough. She was made to feel like a failure just for existing, for being umarriagable, for causing the end of her house by being so ugly that no one wanted her. But instead of just crumbling and disappearing, Brienne of Tarth took up a sword and decided to make something else of herself. She wanted to help people, she wanted to contribute something to the world, and she decided to find a good lord and serve them as a knight. Brienne is brave and caring and defends the weak and wants to protect the people she loves. Brienne is a hero. She is a hero while not being tiny and delicate and pretty but large, sturdy, and ugly. In that she is completely unique, and completely wonderful.

A lot of old wounds opened up, watching that story and reading A Feast For Crows. Old issues I thought I was over all came back up. I identified powerfully with having your femininity stolen from you because your body is different, with being abused for not being woman enough, and with longing for love in a world that hates you. I remembered being hated, constantly and visciously hated, just for existing. I relived the bone-deep belief that I would spend my entire life alone, because no one would ever want me, a belief that was constantly validated by the actual people around me. I became painfully aware of the sense that I still have to this day of being constantly too big, too loud, too much, that has me slouching and shrinking and taking up less space and whispering timidly and the effect that those things have had on my life and career to this day.

And watching Brienne’s story, I saw how someone can endure the same things I did, and keep trying. Can keep struggling to succeed, and even fall in love. That was the most amazing thing of all, you see. This woman on television who looked like me, she was a love interest! She had her own romantic storyline! I could hardly believe it at first. I watched through my fingers trying to talk myself out of hoping. Because this never happens - an ugly woman, a masculine woman, is never desirable in fiction, never important enough to the story to be a love interest, and never worthy of romance. Yet here it was, it was happening right in front of my eyes.

Her love story with Jaime Lannister was a competely unique thing on television. An ugly woman with a beautiful man. A bond of deep respect and admiration, with undeniable sexual tension. Here were two people who can understand each other because they have both been hated for reasons beyond their control, who sought refuge in honor and knighthood and were loathed for it. Brienne understood how hatred can warp a person, make them someone they never meant to be, just the way she herself had been made to harden and close off to the world. She saw the person that Jaime might have been, if things had gone differently, and the man he could still become. Jaime for his part saw worth in her when everyone around him called her ridiculous, even though she was his enemy. He still knew that she was more deserving than any knight in Westeros, and believed in her when no one else in the world did. He gave her a sword and a quest and even a squire, lost his hand defending her, and he put his own life on the line to save hers.

Jaime openly adored her, looked at her like she was the most wonderful thing in the world, and I have never seen anything like that. A woman who looks like me, being looked at like that. Do you know what that felt like for me? Can you imagine it?

This story meant a lot to me, is what I’m saying. It was healing for me. I believed in that story, and I expected that even if there wouldn’t be a happy ending, at least there would be that respect for the character, and that she would be taken seriously by the narrative and her story would be completed in some fashion.

And then they aired Season 8.

In season 8 we learn that not only did the show never bother to adapt her storylines from the books, where she is slated to face Lady Stoneheart and the Brotherhood Without Banners, they gave her no story in replacement. She has no material impact on the storyline of the show, she simply doesn’t matter in any way. The only major storyline they kept from the books was her romance with Jaime Lannister, and in Season 8 they destroy that story in the cruelest possible way.

After emphasizing that Brienne is an adult virgin, they give her one scene with what we thought was her love interest, where they share one kiss. One. Onscreen within seconds of Brienne being naked Jaime looks dissatisfied and unhappy, and in the same episode, leaves her to go back to his traditionally beautiful ex. Leaves her crying and pleading with him to stay. And then her story ends, except for a brief bookend where she writes an entry in the White Book showing she still loved him, even though he abandoned and betrayed her in the worst way possible.

Right now I’d really like to know if anyone involved with this show ever gave a moment’s thought to what it would be like to watch that happen. After years of patiently waiting to get the love story we were promised for five seasons, instead, to humiliate and punish Brienne for daring to think she deserved love. Did anyone ever consider what that would feel like for women like me? If they did think about it, I hope they enjoyed the hurt they caused me, because the way this story played out felt outright malicious and hateful. They could have given me one tender moment, one declaration of love or affection, just to know what it would look like to see that onscreen for a woman like me. Instead they deliberately withheld that. And then went out of their way to invalidate absolutely everything about the storyline we had been watching, as if it had never happened, as if we had imagined it all, and been foolish to believe in it in the first place.

Yes, I know, it’s only a story, but stories matter. We wouldn’t put nearly the effort and investment into them that we do as a culture if they didn’t. My story has never mattered before, and it meant something to me over the last 8 years that someone was telling it. So was this ending intended as a deliberate slap in my face, or was that collateral damage that the show simply did not care about?

The messages sent by our media are sometimes unintentional, but they are usually given at least some consideration. So I wonder what sort of message was trying to be sent by giving the gender non-comforming woman who dared to open her heart an immediate rejection, and have her then swear to serve a celibate organization for the rest of her life? Giving up her inheritance, her island, her own sworn vows to Sansa, and everything else she cared about? Am I meant to regard this as a happy ending, I wonder? Her feelings and dreams don’t matter, but hey, she has a position in the small council, so Girl Power! Was there a single woman anywhere involved in this production who might have pointed out how awful this is?

I understand that what’s done is done and there’s no fixing this, and complaining about it is pointless. But what I really want, what I wish for, is for somebody to confirm that at least at some point this was a love story, and that for whatever reason, network interference or showrunner decision or whatever it was, it was changed at the last minute. Just tell me that at some point the intent was real. To know that would be helpful. Because right now I feel like a stupid chump for ever believing that anybody wanted a woman like me to have a love story, and you cannot imagine how much that hurts.

[deltaengineering]

Imagine there was a summer 2020 anime season

Sorry I bailed on the season impressions, it just got depressing. Though that does mean I actually watched only decent and up shows this season.

No Guns Life

Well, “decent” is somewhat debatable. No Guns Life is still nothing but its key visual voiced by Junichi Suwabe. But it’s a very cool key visual, and a very cool voice actor. The noir mood, when present, delivers - the long and short of it is that every scene with saxophone music is good. I didn’t feel the rest much though, because I just can’t bring myself to care about Tetsuro, or Mary’s brother, or fucking Pepper of all people. And a lot of the season, including the climax, sure did revolve around them a lot, huh. Not to mention that there is of course nothing that could be considered an ending, but I knew that already. And I knew the rest of the problems already too, to be honest, so I’m hardly disappointed. Everything about Juzo, character development, flashbacks, having a gun for a head, etc, was still good. 6/10

Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater

Well guess the fuck what, Doga Kobo made a Kiraralike about fishing. 6/10

Okay, okay, fine. Breakwater is well above average for this kind of show (better than Koisuru Asteroid if nothing else), but it’s still not outstanding or even memorable - It’s not as good as Yuru Camp, and that’s not mentioning examples I think are actually significantly better than Yuru Camp. On the other hand, it does nothing wrong (drunk teacher character probably gets the closest, but it doesn’t amount to a whole problem) and several things right, such as, yes, being chill and unexciting. So it’s better than expected, but the score doesn’t change. 6/10

Deca-Dence

Hey, Deca-Dence is cool. Not the most innovative, but a nice mashup of action anime things with some cool visual flair. It’s pretty fun! Even if everything related to the tankers (including Natsume) eventually turns out to be nothing but a prop for Kabu’s development. Oh and the monster CG is fucking terrible, so I can’t call it a feast for the eyes. But yeah, fine seasonal consumption anime.

Of course that’s not the story with this property though. D-D is fine, good even, but it was hyped up to nauseating levels because the creative team Mob Psycho 100 and other overrated nonsense was involved. I don’t want to talk about MP100 yet again but D-D looks nowhere near as good, not does the writing stink as much. The point of this isn’t MP100 anyway, but that this review is dedicated to the people who convinced themselves that D-D was amazing before they ever saw a frame of it, continued to call it amazing when it continued to not be, then fantasized about it was the most savage takedown of capitalism since Das Kapital when the best it had to offer was some generic “authoritarianism bad, yo” takes (not wrong, but also something so tepid that even noted thematic tire fire Darling in the Franxx managed to do it), and finally docked it half a point from perfection when the ending wasn’t at all about the thing the show never was about in the first place. A moderately clever, mostly good looking, generally entertaining anime with an insufferable fanbase. 7/10

Appare-Ranman

So here’s where we get to the real good stuff. Appare-Ranman has low to moderate ambition (the idea here is to be goofy and fun first and foremost), but the execution is ace - especially the writing, which is essentially perfect for what it wants to do and introduces just enough realness on the edges to not turn into a complete frivolity. Once you get used to the character designs (which are definitely an acquired taste, but I can’t say they don’t fit the show), it’s smooth cruising. The pacing is on point as well, turns out that there’s something to the idea of writing an original TV show in a way that perfectly fits its episodic presentation. And yes, Kenjiro Tsuda completely obliterates the scenery in the role of mild-mannered, low-key gentleman racer Richard Riesman, which seems oddly outside of his wheelhouse but okay. 8/10

Great Pretender

Now this is a hard followup to write, because most of what’s rad about Appare-Ranman is also rad about Great Pretender. Except GP is just, on average, even better at it, and it features a more interesting conceit and more ambition to boot. I love how it looks (yes, really), I love the character designs, and I love me some heist movies. This is the closest we ever got to a real Cowboy Bebop of this generation, and by that I mean that it’s another instance of “Lupin III, with some contemporary updates, and what if we just make every episode good”. There’s still some problems that keep it from being excellent, but it’s mostly minor things and not core issues -  things like the occasional overuse of insert songs. Or that the villains are set up as being more than just a bit too evil for how lighthearted everything always plays out in the end (this matters less than you’d think because it doesn’t lead to whiplash, it’s very gradual). And yes, more ambitious than Appare-Ranman, but hardly very ambitious on an absolute scale. In the end, all of those are fridge problems – something that lowers the score when I gots me thinkin’ trousers on, but not much of anything that dampens the enjoyment in the moment. In fact, it’s better than Kaguya S2 so  fall season will have to try unusually hard to keep this from AOTY. 8.49998/10

[uminohotaru]

Chapter 2: The story of the lingering night

Summary:

Takes place directly after The Story of Flowing Water. Tahomaru returns for his father's funeral after having spent the winter with Nui and Jukai as a simple villager. Tahomaru's perspective.

Notes:

Finally, I'm posting the continuation. Actually, it was written long ago, back in summer-autumn of 2019, but at that time i was still unsure whether i am truly going to proceed with this fic. My head started to develop a large plot full of new adventures, but my RL was so busy and hectic i couldn't balance the both. Then, about half a year went down the drain in depression and other issues. One of those was desire to hide from any human contact (i felt so much like Taho in the previous chapter lol). So, this whole year, i've been writing down small bits that appeared in my head from time to time without any clear purpose to post them, until there was enough material for a dozen of chapters at least. I am the type to get stressed easily by schedules and expectations, so this relaxed approach was refreshing. At the same time, the lack of schedules and expectations resulted in the work hardly progressing. Was it even something worth writing, or i shouldn't waste my time, i began to wonder (well, if i could, i would've probably ditched it around the time i realized it's going to be so long. But no use. It haunted me and wouldn't let me go). Fuck it, i decided at last, let's just post it and come what may.

Tldr: this chapter is only the beginning of the mess, and the things won't be progressing fast, all because i love the characters and the world of Dororo too much, and wanted to indulge myself for as long as i can :D You may notice that each chapter is preceded by a short introductory scene after which goes the title. This is the anime pattern i wanted to follow (like, a short scene - OP - episode itself) for no particular reason. I will try to post a chapter per week for now (say, on mondays), since ~6 chaps are already written completely, and then we'll see how it goes.

~ The story of the lingering night ~

Fwoosh. A flare of orange in the dark. He brings the fire to the wick, protecting it with his palm. This one… is for the child who was lying on the barren ground, his ribs sticking out, one of his arms devoured by the hungry dogs feasting on the dead flesh like heinous vultures… He squeezes his eyes shut, but it doesn’t drive the image away. Nothing ever will.

Tahomaru, a blunt pain in his chest, resumes his way up the long corridor—an illuminated path he is arranging to welcome his enemy—and stops before another lamp. This one… is for the woman who sat by the wrecked house, her features indistinguishable, rotted to the bones by the illness. Maybe it is for the best that she had fallen in the battle before the plague could turn her face like that, too, he can’t help but think.

“This one… is for the little girl in her arms,” he whispers, his throat squeezed tightly, as he ignites another fire.

Hundreds of faces light up before his eyes, flashes of warm fire against the blackness. So bright and so fragile. His memory holds way more faces than there are lamps in this castle. They all had died so the one could live on. If the deal was wrong, shouldn’t they have existed in the first place? Should they have never been born? Is it the law of the merciful gods his mother has always been praying to?

Another flash. He is setting his life aflame with his own hands. A few moments later, this fire will spread all over the castle. It will become the funeral pyre of the Daigo domain. He doesn’t know it yet.

Or maybe he does.

“My brother and I were taken hostage by the enemy when we were young. Had the Daigo land not flourished, we would not be here.”

“This one is for Hyogo. This one… is for Mutsu.”

Twin flames of fire behind his shoulders, one on the left and one on the right, illuminate the room.

Tahomaru stabs his sword into the floor and squeezes all his eyes shut, centering himself. This is his home. He can sense the familiar presence behind and knows that they are here, with him, silently watching him. And yet, now, he is alone. Alone to face the demon.

The lights go down. Tap, tap in the dark. He’s here.

Here, in the core of the Daigo castle, in the room where they both were born, their paths are colliding for the final clash. Here, only one of them will remain.

…They could have been brothers. They could have grown and played here together. This is what he used to imagine, in those rare moments between sleep and wake, when his mind was wandering, untamed. The remnants of the naivete of the stupid boy who had died by the Banmon. Tahomaru knew better now than to fall into the trap of illusions; for in this story, there were no “if’s”. Had the demons not gotten his brother, Tahomaru would not exist either. Or if he had, he would not be the same: just a boy who looks up to his elder brother, sharing with him the burden of responsibility; a boy who is cherished by his mother, as there would be no reason for her to hate him. She would not look through him as if he were a ghost. He would not be dying inside each time, desperate to understand what he had done wrong. Maybe he would not even be called like that, for Tahoumaru, “Many Treasures”, is the name suited for an heir, not a second son.

The Tahomaru he is was born upon the sacrifice of his brother. Now, it is for their swords to decide whether that was wrong. And if that was—then he will go down with his people whom he has sworn to never forsake.

Day and night cannot coexist. Just like that, their paths can never merge.

The enemy, whose dark shadow appears against the dim light of the entrance, two bloodied blades in his hands, certainly believes the same. Continue on AO3 ->

[multi-fandom-imagines8]

Fate

Part 3

Summary: In the North, you expected them to welcome you, but instead you were met with dislike and glares. Jon informs you about his real parentage and the army of the dead arrives.

Part one, part two.

Warnings: Season 8 episodes 1-4 spoilers.

Word Count: 1906.

You and Jon rode into Winterfell towards the crowd of people standing within. When you arrived at the castle, Jon’s family was waiting for him. He hadn’t seen his brother Bran for 8 years or so. He dismounted his horse, walked up to him and kissed his forehead. Then he hugged his sister Sansa.

“Queen Y/n of House Targaryen. My sister, Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell” he introduced the two of you.

“Thank you for inviting us into your home, Lady Stark. The North is as beautiful as your brother claimed, as are you” you complimented.

“Winterfell is yours, Your Grace” she didn’t seem to like you.

“We don't have time for all this. The Night King has your dragon. He's one of them now. The Wall has fallen, the dead march south” Bran informed you.

Sansa and Jon summoned their Bannermen to the hall to discuss the plan of fighting the Night King. Many of them didn’t like that he bent the knee to you and hardly accepted you as their queen. They argued with him , but Tyrion managed to interfere and remind them of the bigger problem that you have now.

After that, you and Jon walked together outside as the men started preparing for the war.

“Your sister doesn't like me” you remarked.

“She doesn't know you. If it makes you feel any better, she didn't like me either when we were growing up” he informed you.

“I find that hard to believe” you chuckled.

You went to check on your dragons and Jon followed.

They growled softly. “What's wrong with them?” Jon asked.

“They don't like the North” you climbed on Drogon’s back and waited for Jon “go on” you gave him permission.

“I don't know how to ride a dragon” he looked at Rhaegal unsure what to do.

“Nobody does. Until they ride a dragon” you encouraged him.

“What if he doesn't want me to?” He was still hesitant.

“Then I've enjoyed your company, Jon Snow” you smiled. He walked around the side of him and climbed on his back.

“What do I hold onto?” He questioned.

“Whatever you can”you flew high and the dragons kept turning right and left, until you were far away from the people near a canyon.

“You've completely ruined horses for me”. You giggled and walked until you noticed a beautiful waterfall.

“We could stay a thousand years. No one would find us” you wished.

“We'd be pretty old” Jon stated.“It's cold up here for a southern girl”.

“So keep your queen warm” you ordered and he pulled in and kissed you.

Drogon growled softly causing Jon to pull away.

“Don’t be afraid” it was easy for you to say, they’d never harm you. You smiled and continued to kiss in each other’s embrace. Jon opened his eyes to see Drogon still staring at him.

The next day, Jaime was captured and you summon the council to decide his fate. You wanted to execute him and Sansa agreed with you for once until Brienne vouched for him and Sansa changed her mind. Jaime informed you that Cersei’s not sending her army but he intends to fight for the living. You asked Jon about his opinion and he told you they need everyman they can get. You agreed and let him stay.

“Thank you, your grace” Jon existed the hall. He seemed different, distant, uncertain.

Later that day, you wanted Sansa to get to know you and went to speak with her.

“Lady Sansa, I was hoping we could speak alone” you interrupted her conversation with Royce. And she walked with you until you found yourselves at the library.

“I thought you and I were on the verge of agreement before. About Ser Jaime”.

“Brienne has been loyal to me, always. I trust her more than anyone” she informed you.

“I wish I could have that kind of faith in my advisors” you remembered it was Tyrion’s idea to talk to Cersei.

“Tyrion is a good man. He was never anything but decent towards me”.

“I didn't ask him to be my Hand simply because he was good. I asked him to be my Hand because he was good, and intelligent, and ruthless when he had to be. He never should have trusted Cersei”.

“You never should have either”.

“I thought he knew his sister and I had my doubts”.

“Families are complicated”.

“Ours certainly have been” you started to bond.

“A sad thing to have in common” Sansa expressed.

“We have other things in common. We've both known what it means to lead people who aren't inclined to accept a woman's rule. And we've both done a damn good job of it, from what I can tell.And yet, I can't help but feel we're at odds with one another. Why is that? Your brother” you asked.

“He loves you, you know that” she remarked.

“That bothers you?” You were confused.

“Men do stupid things for women. They're easily manipulated” she stated.

“All my life, I’ve been raised to achieve one goal: the Iron Throne. Taking it back from the people who destroyed my family, and almost destroyed yours. My war was against them. Until I met Jon. Now I'm here, half a world away, fighting Jon's war alongside him. Tell me, who manipulated whom?”.

“I should have thanked you the moment you arrived. That was a mistake” she placed her hand on yours and you placed your other hand on top of hers.

“I’m here because I love your brother and I trust him, and I know he's true to his word. He's the first man in my life I can say that about”.

“And what happens afterwards? We defeat the dead, we destroy Cersei. What happens then?” Sansa questioned.

“uhm, I suppose I take the Iron Throne” you weren’t sure as you should be.

“What about the North? It was taken from us, and we took it back. And we said we'd never bow to anyone else again. What about the North?” She reminded.

You sighed and were about to say something to her before the maester interrupted and informed you of Theon’s return.

In the evening, you were gathered in the library to discuss your plan. The plan was to be near Bran, but not near enough that Night King could see you. That way you could trap him and kill him. After done discussing the plan, people started to leave, Jon included.

“Your grace” he hasn’t looked at you all day or said any words other than these. You started to grow suspicious and decided to confront him about it.

After searching for him and not finding him, you asked Bran about his whereabouts and he told you he was down in the crypts.

You saw him staring at a statue of a woman. You walked up to him and he glanced at you and smiled.

You held his arm and looked at the statue “who’s that?”.

“Lyanna Stark”.

“My uncle Rhaegar, everyone told me he was decent and kind. He liked to sing. Gave money to poor children. Actually, you remind me of him, but then he raped her” you were confused as to why he’d do such thing.

“He didn’t. He loved her” now you were even confused more than you were before.

“They were married in secret. After Rhaegar fell on the Trident, she had a son. Robert would have murdered the baby if he ever found out, and Lyanna knew it. So the last thing she did, as she bled to death on her birthing bed, was give the boy to her brother, Ned Stark, to raise as his bastard” he revealed.

You looked at him, slightly concerned as you connected the dots.

“My name. My real name is Aegon Targaryen” he admitted.

“That's impossible” you exhaled sharply.

“I wish it were”.

“Who told you this?”.

“Bran. He saw it”.

“He saw it?”.

“And Samwell confirmed it. He read about their marriage at the Citadel without even knowing what it meant”.

“A secret no one in the world knew except your brother and your best friend. Doesn't seem strange to you?”.

“It's true,Y/n. I know it is”.

“If it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen. You'd have a claim to the Iron Throne” you realized and before you could finish a horn blared and you had to leave. The army of the dead has arrived.

Everything was dark, half of your Dothraki army was gone, it looked like you were losing. You and Jon rode Drogon and Rhaegal and tried to fight the Night King who had Viserion, but with the darkness and the storm it was hard for you to see anything. Rhaegal and Viserion fought and Rhaegal got injured, making his landing rough and Jon fell to the ground.

As soon as Jon saw the Night King, he ran towards him but before he could reach him, The night Kong raised the dead and now Jon was surrounded by them, fighting his way out.

“Dracarys!” Drogon lighted them up and freed Jon.

“Bran!” He shouted.

“Go!” You were left on the battlefield alone after many wights tried to climb on Drogon and he flew away.

A wight was about to attack you, but Jorah appeared and killed him. Both of you fought side by side and he died for you then and there.

You came to Westeros to take back what’s yours and to return home, but you’ve already lost a dragon and your best advisor and warrior. The worst part is, it wasn’t over yet. Who knows how much more you’ll lose before getting to the Iron Throne”.

Arya killed the Night King and with it, the great war was won.

At dawn, the bodies of the fallen were gathered and Jon gave a speech before burning the bodies. Everyone had a day to mourn their loved ones.

At night, there was a feast to celebrate your victory. You legitimized the bastard Gendry, son of Robert Baratheon and appointed him Lord of Storm’s End.

“All of it. Go on!” Tormund handed Jon a drink.

“No, not in one go” Jon was surrounded by his friends and Sansa, while you were alone.

“Go on. I believe in you” Sansa encouraged.

“We have to celebrate our victory” Tormund told him.

“Vomiting is not celebrating” Jon stated.

“Yes, it is” Tormund was convinced.

“I saw him riding that thing” Tormund told the others.

“That's right, you did” Davos said.

“I did. That's why we all agreed to follow him. That's the kind of man he is. He's little but he's strong. Strong enough to befriend an enemy and get murdered for it! Most people get bloody murdered, they stay that way. Not this one” he kept complimenting him.

“Yeah, I didn't have much say in that” Jon smiled.

“Ah! He comes back and keeps fighting. Here, north of the Wall, and then back here again.He keeps fighting.

He keeps fighting. He climbed on a fucking dragon and fought. What kind of person climbs on a fucking dragon? A madman or a king!”.

Jon turned his head back and gave you a smile and you returned it.

Never in your life have you felt that insulted or alone. You felt like a foreigner, you missed your mother, Jorah even the Land you were raised in.

Tags: @simonsbluee @octaviareina @winterscommander @patdsinner @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @doctorswife221b 

@marvel-addict-95 @capsheadquaters

[cchellacat]

Could you write a Darcy Bucky face sitting fic?

Winter Is Coming

18+  For smut.  Warning for really terrible comedy.

“Have you seen my Kitty?”  Darcy is peering under the couch, glaring, she’s lost he cat again, he seemed able to walk through walls ever since they moved into the Tower.

“Not since last night doll, why don’t you come over and I’llhave a look at your pussy for you?”  Bucky’s eyebrows wiggles comically when she sent him a dirty look.

She threw a cushion at his head and huffed as he laughed andducked, catching it effortlessly in his hand.

“You need to work on your aim.”

“And you need to work on your manners.  I thought you old timers were supposed to begentlemen.”

“Sorry Darce, think you’re barking up the wrong tree withme.  That would Steve that’s the gentleman,I never claimed to be one.”

“Oh really?  So whatwere you then?”

“I think back then they would have called me a skirt chaser.”

“Huh, man whore.”

He nearly chokes on his beer.

“A what now?”

“You heard me Barnes. Man.  Whore.”

“You sure do have a mouth on ya doll.”

“Says the guy who can turn anything into a dirty innuendo.”

“It’s a skill sweetheart.”

“Yeah, sounds like you had plenty of practice.”

“You jealous doll?”

Me?  Jealous?  Please?… I could do so much better than an old man whose all mouth and no action.”

He prowls towards her, beer placed down on the

“All mouth and no action? You sure you you’re not just angling to find out sweetheart?”

Darcy winks and grins at him, leaning casually against hecounter.

“What else am I supposed to think?  All the talking you do?”

He narrows his eyes playfully, reaching for the waist bandof her jeans, tugging her forward till she was pressed into his chest.

“Never had any complaints before…”  he murmured, brushing her hair back from her shoulder,lips tracing the shell of her ear as her breathing sped up.

“Maybe you were too busy listening to the sound of your ownvoice.”  She bit her lips hard as hegrowled at her, searing open mouthed kisses trailing down her neck.  She was playing with fire, but she lovedit.  He had been circling her for months, teasing and flirting and generally being an adorable menace,  the only thing stopping her from perusing this was the string of dates he’d had when they met.  But the more the tension between them rose, the less she saw of all the pretty one night stands.  The last few weeks he’d not set foot outside the tower except for missions or to go running with Steve. 

“Words are wind…”  she croaks out, still defiantly teasing him.

“You’re quoting Game of Thrones at me?”

“You know nothing Bucky Barnes…”

“Well, I can‘t have my honour questioned like that.  I guess there’s no choice.”

Before she can react he has her slung over his shoulder. 

“Barnes….  Barnes, put me down damn it.”

“Doll, you should have chosen your words better… I choose Trial by combat”  His tone is almost gleeful as she pinches his ass from the perfect position she has.

She wheezed a giggle, her hair hanging down as he threw her onto the bed

“I wish you good fortune in the wars to come.”  She cackled, then sucked in a sharp breath as he stripped her panties and jeans off in one go.  Everything about him had her whole body humming, but the effortless way he manhandled her was the finest.   She couldn’t breath as their clothes went flying left and right and all she could manage was a long low moan as he settled her on her knees above his face. 

The first strong stroke of his tongue through her folds had her gripping the head board tight, fighting the urge to grind down on his face.  She needn’t have worried, he kept her still, controlling her movement with gentle but firm  hands on her hips.  And dear god he really hadn’t been bragging before.  He knew exactly what he was doing as he licked and sucked and lapped at her core.  She could feel the flush of heat rising in her skin as he thrust his tongue into her pussy, humming and moaning like he was at a feast and not eating her out in the cramped confines of her bedroom.  Each vibration and kitten lick left her panting his name and telling him how good he was.  Fuck, she was done teasing, she could sit on his face happily any day.  Then his hand moved, ghosting along her inner thigh before he’s gently teasing her entrance, his mouth now kissing and licking at her clit as he pumps two fingers into her.  She could feel her walls clenching as she let a litany of praise and promises fall from her lips. When he fastened his lips around the swollen nub she let out a cry and then she was coming as he suckled on it, fingers crooking, finding her g-spot, stroking relentlessly.  She shudders in delight as it washes through her, orgasm sending a rush of wetness to coat his face.  He brings her down gently, soft long licks as he cleans her with his tongue, drinking her desire with pleased hums.

She can barley move, but it doesn’t matter, he has her safe in his arms, sliding her down till she’s lying on the bed beside him, a pleased smirk and a twinkle in his warm blue eyes.  Darcy just smiles and pulls him in for a kiss, her hands gripping his shoulders and pulling him till she has him where she’s wanted to have him for months, cradled between her legs, the heavy weight of his cock pressing into her. 

It’s both everything and nothing like she imagined it.  He was both gentle and hard, his strength a constant presence as his powerful body caged her in his arms, hips thrusting, his hands, caressing and pinching.  He took her apart and put her back together again until she could hardly remember her own name.  She came around his cock, her pussy fluttering around him, as she clung to him.  She knew he was close and when she felt the way his muscles bunched beneath her hands she held him tight as he stiffened, hips snapping into her erratically and then there was the tiniest whisper in her ear…

“ Winter is coming….”

Screw season 8 she though, biting back a laugh,  she was never letting him watch another episode of that damn show again.

@the-ss-horniest-book-club

[chid-sen-gan-blog]

My Reaction to GoT 8.04 (”The Last of the Starks”)

Hello, everyone! So, I’m back once again for another recap/review of the latest GoT epsiode. I’m sorry this took so long, but I spent most of my week in a deep depression over it, so I only got around to editing it now…

Anyway, this review is as much of an emotional roller coaster as the actual episode was, so read at your own risk. 

Once again, these are my thoughts from my first time viewing it (I read the leaks prior to seeing the episode, but I took them with a grain of salt, so everything written is based purely on my own emotions), and, once again, it features running commentary from my Dad and Brother because I love them and they’re amazing.

WARNING: Spoilers for the episode, if you haven’t seen it yet. Though considering how late I’m posting this, the warning may be irrelevant

WARNING #2: Please excuse my emotional state throughout. This show is designed to break me in many, many ways

Thanks you to everyone who supported the first three installments! I hope you enjoy the fourth!

Considering there are only two episodes left in the series (not counting this one), I think it’s kind of pointless for me to say that I’m still not used to the opening credits. If they haven’t grown on me yet, then they’re not going to in time for the finale

Every time I see D&D’s names at the start of an episode, I die a little inside

YES!!! I CAN SEE ACTUALLY SEE THIS EPISODE!!! (#still salty about squinting in 8x3)

Ugh. Dany. On second thought, I’ll take the poor lighting back. Please? Thank you

Aww, Sansa giving Theon her Stark pin. *tears up*

*quickly wipes tears away* Nope, not now, I’m saving my crying for later

I really hope that I’m not going to have to bring out the tissues for this episode even though all the leaks are pointing to it

Yikes. That’s… a lot of bodies

And just think of how many of them could still be alive if the dragons had just lit some ice zombies up instead of getting lost in a snowstorm

Or if the Dothraki hadn’t charged right into the Army of the Dead when they could hardly see where they were going

Then again none of us could really see anything with last episode’s lighting, so…

#still salty about squinting

Noooooo! Ghost!!! My poor baby’s covered in wounds!!!

“Alright, which of those undead creeps beat Ghost up that badly?! Because I will kill them all over again!” – My Wonderful Dad

“By the looks of it, he did a lot more fighting than the dragons. Point: Team Direwolves.” – My Wonderful Brother

Once again, just when I think Jon can’t look any more tired, he raises the bar

(at this point he could probably list “being tired” as one of his skills on his resume)

So, with this lighting, I can finally find out who survived. Okay, so let’s see… Jaime, Brienne, Davos, Gendry, the Hound…

Good speech, Jon. I’m surprised Dany let you take the reigns and make it

The score is fantastic once again. I can’t express how happy it makes me that Ramin Djawadi always brings his A-Game

(even when certain members of the crew don’t seem to *cough D&D cough*…)

Okay, this scene is really touching, I admit

Though I’m honestly a little confused why we still have to burn the bodies with the White Walkers gone, but, oh, well…

Oooh, a feast. Nice. I’ll stick to my potato chips and gummy bears, though

Gendrya’s canon and I’m glad

I wonder who curses more: the Hound or Bronn?

Oh, shoot. Dany, no. No, don’t call to Gendry…

NO!!! WHO TOLD THE WHITE-HAIRED DEMON THAT HE WAS ROBERT’S SON?! WAS IT YOU, DAVOS?! IT WAS YOU, WASN’T IT?! YOU AND YOUR OBSESSION WITH HER “GOOD HEART”!!!

I SWEAR TO EVERY DIREWOLF THAT’S GONE BEFORE GHOST THAT IF YOU LAY A HAND ON GENDRY I WILL TWIST YOUR DOUGH HAIR INTO A NOOSE, DANY!!!

Anyone else think it’s rather telling how everyone looks absolutely terrified when Dany’s speaking to Gendry?

“If Gendry dies, I will riot.” – My Wonderful Brother

Wait… Dany legitimized him?

No, there has to be something more to this. Dany never does things unless it’s for her own benefit…

Aaaaand there it is. Typical. Figured it was some ulterior motive

(my Dany bitterness is seriously at an all-time high tonight, and I’m not quite sure why)

Jon smiles more around a kid he barely knows (Gendry) than he does with Dany. And that’s the tea

“Sure, Dany, you just told everyone in this room now that Gendry has a claim to the Iron Throne that supersedes yours, but, yeah, you’re soooo clever.” – My Wonderful Brother

Even Tyrion looks done with her at this point. ‘Took him long enough

Jaime putting his hand on Brienne’s reminds me of a similar scene with them from S3, E6 (“The Climb”). *sighs* Ah, the early seasons. Those were good days…

Aww, the way they look at each other. *heart melts*

I’ve never been much for shipping, but when it comes to Jaime and Brienne, I’m shipping trash. And I’m proud

“JUST KISS ALREADY, YOU TWO!!!” – My Wonderful Dad (edit: apparently, I’m not the only one who’s shipping trash)

“Just nudge Brienne a little closer to him, Pod. Just enough for their lips to meet.” – My Wonderful Brother (edit: my whole family is shipping trash, and I couldn’t be happier about it)

Ah, Davos, Tyrion. Discussing Melisandre, are we? Pour one out for her on my behalf, would you? I owe her for lighting things up last episode

#still salty about squinting

Good question… what does R’Hollor want? Not that I expect D&D to explain it, but still…

Bran’s still a robot. Wonderful

Please tell me he has some purpose in this show other than creeping out his family and their guests

You know how you have that one friend that just won’t take no for an answer and tries to talk you into all the worst things and then acts like they’re doing you a favor? Yeah, that’s Tormund

Aw, Sansa encouraging Jon is everything. Even if it’s encouraging him to drink

Tormund, why would you toast to Dany? Why would you hurt me like that? Is it because I ship Braime? I always said Briemund was fine, too!

(though some Briemund stans that I’ve met… less so)

Dany toasting to Arya. Wow, it certainly looks like someone read their kiss-up handbook, doesn’t it?

“That woman is saccharine, spice, and nothing nice.” – My Wonderful Brother

The Hound barely acknowledges when Gendry’s named a lord, but is visibly amused when Arya’s mentioned. Oh, Sandor, you softie…

Seriously, though, the fact that we have Northmen, Free Folk, Southerners, Starks, Lannisters, and Varys (from Essos) all together in one room is amazing. And beyond that, they’re happy; they’re not fighting, they’re not trying to kill one another – they’re celebrating. Together. It’s actually making me tear up a bit

Well, we were all happy until Sansa saw Dany and left

I can’t blame her there, though. Wanting to book the moment you lay eyes on Dany is a personal mood of mine

Okay, confession time: I really want to play the drinking game one of these days with my family (though I’ll substitute the wine with something non-alcoholic)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I adore Lannisbros, and I always will

Like, Tyrion’s charm has been lost on me since S5, but whenever he’s with Jaime, I can’t help but fall in love with him all over again.

And whenever Jaime’s around Tyrion, it always brings out a sweeter, softer side of his personality that we don’t normally get to see, and I live for it

Honestly, I can’t credit Peter and Nikolaj’s performances enough

Honestly, I can’t credit the entire cast’s enough

(especially in this season where the acting is pretty much the only thing worth watching for)

(well, the acting and the score)

“I can’t believe Jaime’s seriously using the drinking game as a way to show Brienne he remembers what she tells him.” – My Wonderful Brother, with a mile-wide smirk on his face

“The guy’s such a dork. I love it.” – My Wonderful Dad, smiling like the proud papa he is

I honestly can’t help but laugh at how Pod seems to be enjoying this as much I am

Okay, drunk Tormund’s funny. I admit

Tormund really seems to be intent on making Jonmund canon, I’m just saying

Awww, how I’ve missed Jon’s smile

… is that a Starbucks coffee cup?

Is that why they had such poor lighting in the last episode? To cover up coffee cup cameos?

#still salty about squinting

*opts to ignore it for now*

“A madman? Or a king?” Very telling words, Tormund. Very telling, indeed

And as if to confirm it, the score gets sinister, the noises muffle, and Dany starts to get… uncomfortable, for lack of a better term

Kudos to the cast and crew on this scene; it’s chilling my bones more than anything in the last episode did

Varys sees. Varys knows. And what Varys sees, Varys doesn’t like. Trust Varys

Back to the drinking game, and my children are still acting as dorky as ever

So, I’m curious. How did Tyrion and Sansa’s marriage get annulled, exactly?

*Jaime smiles at Brienne* // *Brienne smiles back at Jaime* // *my heart stops*

Woooooah. Tyrion, too far. Too far!

Pod grabbing a drink and downing it uncomfortably is me right now

And Jaime trying to cut Tyrion out is my wonderful Brother, who’s saying “stop” in the most warning of tones

And Tormund to the… rescue, I guess?

Tormund’s joke didn’t make me laugh, but Jaime rolling his eyes at Tormund’s joke sure did…

… while Jaime blocking Tormund’s path when the latter tried to follow Brienne only added more mirth to my mood

Tormund’s expression of rejection and anguish is the same one I wear whenever Dany’s being lauded onscreen

Yep. Drink up, buddy. You did your best

Pod’s smile gives me life. That is all

Me: *sees Tormund talking to the Hound about his heartbreak* // Me: *spits out soda two seconds later*

(And now I want to write a fic where the Hound’s a psychologist. Someone help me)

“No, really… could he have picked a worse person to talk to about his feelings?” – My Wonderful Dad

It took Tormund approximately two minutes to get over Brienne. … yikes

So… to everyone who said his feelings for Brienne were simply lust, I just want to apologize for ever doubting you. *shakes head* Really, Tormund, I had more faith in you

Oooh, Sansa and the Hound. This should be interesting. I don’t ship SanSan in the slightest, but I always did like their dynamic

“Broken in rough”? Really? *sighs and rolls eyes* That’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one

Okay, so just to be clear, the show basically just said that it’s a good thing that Sansa was abused all those years, ergo implying that – on some level – someone who’s been abused should be grateful to their abusers. *flings confetti listlessly* Quality writing, everyone. From the minds of D&D

“With sentiments like that, it baffles me how there hasn’t been a petition to fire D&D yet.” – My Wonderful Dad; a man who gets it, who I will forever love and forever stan

Ugh. Well, that scene was a train wreck. Time to try and get back on course

(sadly, that’s become my motto for most of these episodes recently)

Oh, good. Gendrya. Save me, Gendrya

And of-fricking-course she’s in BAMF Arya mode. Because when is she not anymore? *groans in annoyance*

Honestly, why do writers feel compelled to turn every single female warrior into variations of smug ninjas? I mean, is it too much to ask for a powerful woman who’s both in-tune with their emotions and a fighter?

(on a side note, that’s why I love Brienne; because she’s both)

I have unpopular opinions. I’m sorry

Gendry… Rivers. Rivers? Seriously?

His surname is WATERS. Every fanfic writer worth their salt knows that

“Please tell me Joe Dempsie accidentally got the line wrong and that D&D didn’t actually write the wrong surname into the script.” – My Wonderful Brother

“To echo what you told me last week, you’re asking for waaay too much.” – My Wonderful Dad

Anyway, let’s try to get back on track, shall we?

Tip #1 for using a fork, Gendry: Stick ‘em with the pointy end

This has to be the dorkiest proposal of all time, and I love it

… yeah, I knew she was going to reject him. But, hey, the score’s still pretty

*heartbreak level: 1000*

Ah, Brienne, I missed you… even though it’s only been a few minutes since I last saw you, but I digress

So, moment of truth: I’m in love with Oathkeeper, Brienne’s sword. Like, unnaturally so. I would fricking marry that sword, and regret absolutely nothing

*instantly loses all followers because I’m crazy*

Ah, Jaime, I missed you, too… even though, again, it’s only been a few minutes

Okay, series, so Jaime shows up at Brienne’s door significantly more disheveled and drunk than he was earlier, and you just expect me not to question how he came to be that way? Nice try, HBO. I know you have footage of him pacing and drinking in the hallway like a nervous wreck until he finally mustered the courage to knock. Release it

………… Yep, nothing like casually taking off your clothing with a lame excuse like “it’s hot in here” to set the mood. Sheesh, Jaime. You’re so awkward you’re making me cry

(on the other hand, to everyone who told me he’d be suave-as-suave can be when trying to flirt… I win. Prepare to part with your money)

Even when these two are going back-and-forth in flirtations, they’re still arguing like an old married couple. I love it

Hey, Mr. I-Hate-the-North? Yeah, sorry to be the breaker of bad news, but you’ve hardly stopped smiling since you got here. So, don’t give me that

Don’t know why, but Jaime admitting he doesn’t want things growing on him kind of breaks my heart…

… As does Brienne seeming surprised that Jaime sounds jealous of Tormund. Seriously, these idiots are going to kill me

And again with the “hot in here” excuse. Really, Jaime needs to get some flirting tips from Tyrion

These. Two. Dorks. That is all

Like, Jaime has no chill, and no idea what he’s doing despite being the, erm, “experienced one”. And Brienne is so rough-around-the-edges but so fricking gentle, too, I just… ah! These two will be the death of me, seriously…

On another note, I’ve been paying so much attention to how adorkable these two are that my mind didn’t register what was actually happening until right now and………… *screams and squeals like a group of pigs*

“OH MY GOSH, IT’S HAPPENING!!! STAY CALM!!! STAY FRICKING CALM!!!” – Me to Me, clearly not heeding my own advice

*meltdown intensifies*

(*briefly notices that D&D didn’t give Brienne her scars from fighting a bear but opts to ignore it for now*)

*meltdown seriously intensifies because, aside from Jygritte/Jongritte, this is my fricking OTP and I’m going to enjoy it, because, dang it, I’ve earned it after S7… and the last episode*

(#still salty about squinting)

Brienne looks so darn majestic and Jaime looks like a lost little puppy and I just… Really, it’d be sort of hilarious if it weren’t so cute

AND THERE’S THE KISS!!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!! I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCE SEASON 3!!!!!!!

(random note, but I love how it’s sloppy and awkward. It’s believable, and it’s sweet, imo)

“WELL IT’S ABOUT DARN TIME!!!!” – My Wonderful Dad, who just jumped out of his seat to cheer

“NEVER STOP!!! NEVER. FRICKING. STOP!!!” – My Wonderful Brother, who’s also abandoned his seat to cheer

I love them so much. Bless them

I love everything right now, honestly

OH COME ON, SERIOUSLY?! NOT NOW, DANY!!! NOT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

My Wonderful Dad: *turns the tv on pause* “Nice try, Dany, but we’re celebrating first!”

Which is why I’m now typing away while eating a giant ice cream sundae made by my wonderful Dad, bingeing on excess candy, and drinking a liter of pineapple soda as both he and my wonderful Brother dance around to “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” blasting on the laptop

Can you believe we’re all completely sober? Because we are, we’re just nuts

I really adore my family

*twenty minutes later*

“Okay, party’s over. Time to suffer through Dany.” – My Wonderful Dad

“Daddy, the party will never be over. Even if Dany is present.” – My Wonderful Brother (huh, and I always thought he was a cynic)

Dany: “Are you drunk?” // Jon: *stumbles in response* // Dany: Oh, good, time to manipulate you

Honestly, this woman reminds me of Cersei more and more every time I see her, but with none of the charm

Ewww. No. Stop kissing. Stop kissing this instant

Oh, thank goodness

(can’t believe my OTP’s scene got cut off for my NOTP’s scene. Yes, I’m petty. Sue me)

Oh, brother. She’s really complaining about how she’s not happy? Like: Yes, Jon, your entire life was a lie, but let’s make it all about me, shall we? Give me a break

I mean, okay, you’re upset. That’s fine. But how about adding an “I can’t imagine how you must feel” or “it must be even worse for you” to the end of your sentence to at least show you care? That’s just relationship 101, honey

Sheesh. And I thought I was self-centered

So, does anyone else notice that Kit is acting oddly akin to how he did in that scene with Jon and Littlefinger? The little sighs and the head motion and all? Or is it just me?

“Kit’s kind of acting like he did in that scene with Jon and Littlefinger in the crypts.” – My Wonderful Brother, confirming my thoughts

Well, congratulations, Dany. Now you know how Viserys felt in S1. Don’t think that’s a good thing, though…

Ugh. Okay, so Jon and his whole “you’re my queen” schtick is annoying as all heck, but I can’t deny that it’s pulling at my heartstrings. Whether political!Jon is real or not (and I’m sure by the time I post this, so many of my wonderful mutual will have made new posts explaining how it is), the sheer desperation in the guy’s voice is horrible. It’s not the voice of a man in love, or a man who would do anything for his SO. It’s the voice of a man who’s terrified, who’s trying to do everything in his power to keep the peace, who would do anything to keep the people he truly loves safe. And – political!Jon or not – to see someone who we’ve known and watched grow since the start of the series be broken down to such a pitiful extent is heartbreaking

I mean, the guy’s on his knees claiming that he doesn’t know what else she wants from him, and, instead of comforting him or trying to work things through with him, she takes his face in her hands and tries to swear him to secrecy? To swear his “brother” and his best friend to secrecy? How can anyone ship this?! How?!

And to top it off,  her telling him to never tell anyone who he really is has to hit hard even on a personal level, too; given that his greatest insecurity in life has always been finding out who he really is, and if there’s anywhere where he really belongs. But, then again, I wouldn’t expect Day to know that, considering the guy never reveals anything personal about himself to her! But, no, they’re sooooooo in love. How adorbs uwu

No, Jon, don’t just tell Sansa and Arya. Pick them up and run away with them. Take Bran, too. Take all the redeemable characters and hightail it out of this terrible relationship and show and never look back

(it would be so ideal, if not for the fact that there must there always be a Stark in Winterfell)

Oh, nice victim-blaming there, Dany. You’re right, though. Sansa’s not the girl Jon grew up with. She’s better

Funny how Dany’s tears magically disappear the moment she thinks she’s getting what she wants

Wow, would you look at that. Dany trying to cut Jon off from his family, and giving him the “me or them” ultimatum. It’s a beautiful parallel to other such great moments, such as Balon telling Theon to choose between the Starks and the Greyjoys in S2, Cersei telling Jaime to choose her and Tywin over Tyrion in S4, and Joffrey forcing Sansa to pick sides between him and her family pretty much throughout the entireties of seasons 1 and 2. I mean, can anyone say life goals?

“So… where am I supposed to call if someone fictional I love is trapped in an abusive relationship?” – My Wonderful Dad

On a happier note, my OTP is together. I’m happy

(and maybe I’m wearing my shipping goggles, but Jaime looks like a man who just realized that he’s in love. Fight me)

Now why D&D won’t give me more of them, I’ll never know. Oh, wait… it’s because they hate their fans

Aaaaaand… this might be the tensest war council ever. How will Jon try to keep the peace this time?

Anyone ever notice that people tend to handle Dany like they did Joffrey – which is to say, like you would a petulant child?

And on today’s episode of “Let’s Just Listen to Sansa”, Sansa says something sensible and everyone ignores her… again

Okay, so I can already hear everyone calling for Jon’s head for apparently snapping at Sansa, but just from a different perspective, the look he gave her seems less like someone who’s taking sides, and more like someone trying to keep their family member out of trouble, imo. In fact, it resembles the look my wonderful Brother gives me whenever I get carried away with my big mouth (which is often)

Sansa knows, Brienne. That is all

Yes, Dany. Go get the throne already. But when Cersei kicks your lizard butt, don’t say Sansa didn’t tell you so

Finally! All the Starks together!!! (and, yes, until Jon starts saying “burn them all”, I will continue to view him as a Stark, thank you very much)

And on today’s episode of “Jon Tries to Keep the Peace”, Jon has to realize that he doesn’t need to shoulder everything on his own

Yeah… no offense, Arya, but I don’t really think we needed Dany and her scaly babies all that much. They were pretty much useless in the fight. At least from what I could see…

#still salty about squinting

Oh, boy. Arya saying Dany’s not one of us. I can already hear the D stans screaming how she’s pocket-sized assassin Donald Trump

Awww, Sansa coming to Jon’s emotional aide and assuring him he’s Ned’s child as much as the rest of them are

Awww, Arya coming to Jon’s emotional aide and telling him he’s her brother – just her brother, nothing less

“Darn it, kids! Just hug it out! Hug!!!” – My Wonderful Dad

This is seriously tearing Jon apart inside, and Kit is nailing it with his acting

Yes, you are family. Never forget that *tears up*

So, I kind of wanted Sansa and Arya’s reaction to the news, but since I don’t trust D&D to effectively  write such a powerful scene, I’m okay that we didn’t get it

(fanfic writers, on the other hand – please, work your magic)

I want a spin-off series with Jaime and Tyrion hanging out. I said what I said

Jaime being an awkward dork in love is my aesthetic. Again, I said what I said

It’s probably just me, but the fact that Jaime didn’t fully loosen up with Tyrion until the latter said something snide kind of pulls at my heartstrings. Like, he was fully expecting to get mocked – he was fricking waiting for it, almost – and that look of disbelief when Tyrion said he was happy for him… I just… *curls in a corner and cries*

Can I please just give everyone in Westeros a hug. Please? The Starks (Jon included), the Lannisbros… heck, I’ll even hug Cersei and Dany, why not?

(I’ll hug them with less gusto, though…)

Bless the acting on the show and its actors, who help me forget how much I absolutely detest the writers

And Ramin Djawadi. Bless him, too

And his score

*sighs* Oh, Tyrion. Leave it to you to turn a nice, normal conversation into something dirty

Wait……… what the heck is Bronn doing here? How did he get here? Where did he come from?

Judging by how the Lannisbros are reacting, apparently, I’m not the only one confused

“Great. Now Bronn’s a ninja, too.” – My Wonderful Brother

“I still stand by what I once said: Bronn should’ve been written off in “The Spoils of War”.” – My Wonderful Dad

Tyrion gets punched in the face. Jaime immediately gets to his feet for a fight. As it should be, and I love it

So… remember how I asked who curses more between the Hound and Bronn? I think it’s Bronn, going by this conversation

Bronn: Cersei’s screwed // Jaime: *message checked and read at 9:58pm*

A.k.a. my boy doesn’t care and I’m living for it

Hey, Bronn… kindly refrain from shooting arrows at my problematic child’s head. Thank you

Yep, this is definitely a D&D episode. Even if I didn’t look at the opening credits, I could’ve figured it out. Want to know why? The abundance of manhood jokes

So, what I’m getting is that Bronn basically just came by to see if his ship was confirmed and to negotiate for a castle. Sounds legit

Arya accompanying the Hound on his journey was Beric’s last wish, so that she may continue their legacy of buddy-cop movies

(or, at least, that’s what I’m telling myself to overlook the fact that Arya heading off to tick names off her kill list is a huge step backwards for her character)

Yeah, Dany, stop smiling. Rhaegal still has holes in his wings. If you really loved your “child”, you would let him recover completely before dragging him into a war

Wow, Sansa is really ticked. Like, really, really ticked. I’m expecting some very interesting metas on the subject…

Yes, Tyrion, you’re afraid of Dany. Admit it. There’s no shame in it – I’d be afraid of her too, if I knew she sucked everyone’s purpose and personality out of them just by interacting with them

(which I do, so I guess I’m scared of her, too)

Alright, so I can already hear the Dany stans bashing Sansa for “betraying Jon’s trust”, but she promised not to tell if Jon told her. Bran told her, so therefore, loophole

Also, she’s doing it to protect Jon. A nice little foil to how Dany tried to make Jon keep the secret earlier, knowing full well it would hurt him

And got to love how Sansa adds “someone better” to the end of her statement. She believes in Jon, and not just when it comes to drinking

*sighs* It feels like all the Starklings are leaving, and it saddens me

“When Jon Snow cares more about Rhaegal’s well-being than Dany does, take warning.” – My Wonderful Brother

Tormund: *makes quip about Jon’s weight* // My Wonderful Dad: “You know, now that he mentions it, the guy could stand to eat more. Matter of fact, so could Jaime. And Bran. They all need to go see Hot Pie, stat. Seriously, doesn’t anyone feed these guys?”

“Not since Dany burnt the wagons of food, apparently.” – Me

“And now part of me wants to ship supplies to Westeros.” – My Wonderful Dad, making a joke that I laughed way too much at

Cue my wonderful Brother and I sharing a smile over how protective our wonderful Dad is of his fictional grandchildren

Awwwww… Ghost. My poor baby

Yep, Tormund’s still trying to make Jonmund happen

Jon instinctively knowing Gilly’s pregnant brings me so much joy, for some reason

On another note… GILLY’S PREGNANT! SAM’S GOING TO BE A DAD!

(shout-out to @cantfightfatetoo, who speculated with me. You’re amazing!!!)

Aw!!! Baby Jon and Little Sam!!! My heart…

“I hope it’s a girl”. Yet again, another arrow through my heart – but this one not as joyous. Jon just comes off as so broken down in this episode, I can’t help but feel badly for him . It feels like I’m watching someone trapped in a toxic relationship while the rest of the world keeps moving on around him. It just feels like he’s at his lowest point, imo… even lower than when he came back to life. And that’s just sad

Good thing he still gets the best hugs, though

“WHAT?! REALLY, JON?! YOU’RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE GHOST LIKE THAT?! REALLY?!” – My Wonderful Brother

“TAKE HIM! HE’S WORTH MORE THAN ANY DOOFY DRAGON!!! JUST TAKE THE GOODEST BOY IN ALL OF WESTEROS!!!” – My Wonderful Dad

Okay, so a part of me wants to believe that if Jon did properly say good-bye to Ghost, he’d never again muster the strength to leave Winterfell and his family. Another part of me is really ticked. And another part of me still is annoyed at the fact that this was all to cut down on the CGI budget, most likely… even though it was totally fine to spend the cash on that dragon-riding scene from episode 1

*sighs* ANYWAY…

On the less depressing side, it’s sort of like Jon left his past behind to figure out his future. Ghost, Sam and Gilly, Tormund… they’re all physical manifestations of who he was, and he has to come to terms with who he is, so……….

Nah, frick it. YOU SHOULD’VE SAID GOOD-BYE TO GHOST!!! DARN IT, D&D, LET THE MAN SAY GOOD-BYE TO HIS DIREWOLF!!! LET HIM!!!

#JUSTICE FOR GHOST

*ten minutes later*

So… I’ve calmed down. Now, where were we?

Grey Worm smiled. That definitely means something bad is going to happen

Oh, dear. Tyrion told Varys. Welp, there goes that secret. Good

No, Tyrion. Everything that happened didn’t happen because Lyanna didn’t love Robert back. It happened because Rhaegar was the literal embodiment of Mambo #5

“She’s his aunt.” Thank you, Varys. The last of only two sane people left in Westeros

Tyrion is trying waaaaay too hard to convince himself that Dany’s a good person/a good ruler, and I respect him less for it

“Look, Tyrion. Jaime saw the warning signs with Dany, Varys sees the warning signs with Dany. They both served under Aerys personally. If you were really as clever as you like to boast you are, you’d hear them out.” – My Wonderful Dad

Tyrion, the #1 Dany stan, everyone. *Blackfish voice* I’m disappointed

Say what you will about Dany and her reptile children, but their score is epic. Unfortunately

Oh, shoot! Rhaegal got shot?!

(I mean, I’d read it in the leaks, but I didn’t think it was true…)

So… a dance of dragons 2.0 with just one dragon? I wonder if musical chair rules apply in deciding who gets to ride it

Euron makes the creepiest faces

NOPE. SCRATCH THAT. DANY DOES

Aaaaaaaand… she just left everyone behind. Inspiring

“Did a ship mast just land on Tyrion’s head?” – My Wonderful Dad

“Good. Maybe it’ll knock some sense into him.” – My Wonderful Brother

Grey Worm looking for Missandei is breaking my heart all over again. Especially if the leaks are to be believed

And back in King’s Landing with Cersei, and… ACTUAL VIBRANT CLOTHING OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!

Lena Headey, you are rocking that red

Euron and Cersei still have more chemistry than Jon and Dany, and that’s disturbing

Ah, Qyburn. I had this really weird dream that he and Cersei were a thing, and… well, never mind. I have really weird dreams

(For instance, there was this one time when Jon and Jaime opened up a restaurant called “J&J’s” and all the other characters were their employees. Let’s just say it was chaos)

Soooooo… Cersei’s baby. Is there a baby? Was there ever a baby? Why does she seem all disoriented when the baby’s brought up? Tell me about the baby!!!

Nooooooo. Not Missandei. *resolves not to cry because, dang it, I know I’m going to sob later*

Oh, hi, Dany. Yeah… I’m not in the mood for you right now

Varys, you’re my third favorite character. Congratulations

Man, I knew Varys cared about the people, but I had no idea just how much. Seriously, why has no one made this guy the hand of the king yet?

Oh, yeah, because every person he’s served thus far has either been evil or an idiot. Or, in Dany and Joffrey’s cases, both

…… Dany’s talking about destiny now. First official villain achievement, unlocked

Talking in third person. Second villain achievement, unlocked. All she has to do now is spin a globe… or stroke a map, considering these are medieval-esque times

So, Dany’s going to save the world from tyrants by… becoming a tyrant. Okay, then

Bravo to Emilia Clarke’s acting, though. She’s nailing Dark!Dany

Varys echoing what I said about destiny speeches being in a villain’s wheelhouse. Thank you

(Turns out I really did learn something from binge-watching multiple animes)  

Dany’s convinced she’s here to save us all, a.k.a., she has a savior complex. And yet my extended family laughed at me when I diagnosed her with that during our Thanksgiving get-together. It’s going to be fun to see them again this year

(Now I just need Varys to confirm that Jaime most likely has PTSD, and I’ll be completely vindicated)

No, Tyrion, Jon “bent the knee” because he needed flying, fire-breathing lizards to help him destroy undead popsicles. Not because he wanted to give up his crown for lolz

Any more manhood jokes and I’m going to pull a Tommen right out my bedroom window

Varys is me. Varys has always been me. I love Varys. The end

Okay, I’m starting a petition to get Jaime some new clothes. Who’s with me?

Yipee. Cersei’s winning. And if she wasn’t winning, Dany would be. I. Just. Can’t. Win *bangs head against wall*

Oh, no, Sansa. I still think you’ll have your crack at Cersei. At least, you’d better

No, Jaime. No. I know that look. That’s your “I’m about to do something so ridiculously dumb that no one else would ever dare to do for reasons” look. Don’t even think about doing what you’re thinking of doing

In other news, has anyone else ever noticed how the guy seems to age about twenty years whenever Cersei's in the picture (or mentioned)? Just saying…

Brienne has super-hearing. Take that, wights from the last episode who could hear droplets of blood

Jaime, no. What are you doing, you idiot…

Awwww, Brienne. The way she just straight up takes his face in her hands and tells him how much she believes in him… it’s just… *tears up*

And the way he looks at her like he wants to believe her even if he doesn’t fully believe it himself… I mean…

(Don’t even try to tell me that this isn’t a direct parallel to Jon and Dany’s scene before, because I won’t accept it)

No no no no no no no… don’t cry, Brienne. Jaime, listen to her. She loves you, she really does. Don’t make her cry…

Nooooo… the way he holds onto her wrist and strokes it and looks down. I can’t…

Jaime, you know you want to stay. You know you do. So stay

Oh, shoot. There’s that heartless façade he used with Edmure in S6. Oh, no… not against Brienne. Don’t use it against her, no matter what the reason

Yeah, yeah, Cersei’s dandy. You did a lot of terrible things for her. We know. That doesn’t mean we’re just going to accept you leaving

You would’ve killed everyone in Riverrun for Cersei, but you didn’t kill anyone in Riverrun… because of Brienne. So there

“She’s hateful, and so am I.” Yeah, maybe I’m just putting you on a pedestal, pal, but I don’t think that’s entirely true

I mean, you love Tyrion when you could’ve hated him just as much as Cersei and Tywin; you saved a city from being blown to smithereens because you couldn’t just sit by and let innocents burn alive; you jumped into a bear pit with no plan and no defense to save a woman who up until that point hadn’t done much for you except call you by your name; you rode North to fight an army of undead popsicles to protect the people of the Seven Kingdoms – most of whom detest you and would be perfectly happy if you died. So are you hateful? Nope. Bitter, yes. But hateful? Try again. (I mean, you’re, like, the only member of your family who’s never killed anyone on-screen for vengeance. Honestly, for all that you claim to hate, I think the only thing you sincerely hate is yourself)

Ummmm… sorry, what was I saying again?

Honestly, though, this whole scene is just heartbreaking. I mean, Gwen and Nik just nail it. Give them their frickin’ Emmys already

(If they don’t win any, I’ll riot. And, for the love of all things good, give one to Lena Headey, too)

I’m crying my eyes out right now. My wonderful Dad and Brother are crying their eyes out right now. It’s a tearfest

I still have faith in you, my problematic child. But in D&D’s writing… not so much

If they built all this up just to have Jaime die with Cersei I’m seriously going to be ticked

Honestly, out of all the ways I would like to see his ending go, that is at the literal bottom of my list with “burnt alive by Dany”. Jaime deserves better

So does Brienne fight me

Well, I can’t really see straight because I still have tears in my eyes. But I still know Varys looks like a boss

“Umm… Cersei. You have all those scorpions and Drogon’s right there. Why not just shoot him?” – My Wonderful Dad

“Who cares? He’ll probably be written off next week, anyway, for the CGI budget’s sake.” – My Wonderful Brother

So, what I’m getting from this meeting is that the battle for the Iron Throne has come down to the war of the two pyromaniacs. Lovely

Tyrion doesn’t want to see the city burn, yet he’s still rah-rahing for Dany. I have no words

Cersei, once again, doesn’t kill Tyrion when she has the chance. Then again, she hasn’t killed Drogon yet, either, so…

Tyrion claiming Cersei’s not a monster, yet I have such little faith left in his judgement that I don’t believe him

Got to say, red really brings out Cersei’s green eyes and golden hair

(at least one of the Lannisters still has their blond locks)

And… they’re not seriously going to end things like this, right? Right?

And… they did

Just like that, it’s over

So… Missandei’s last word was “Dracarys”. How utterly terrible

And they killed Missandei. Just to further Dany’s plotline. Jorah and Rhaegal and the Dothraki weren’t enough for her to snap, oh, no, they needed to kill Missandei, too

I would rage, but I’m sure there will be plenty of metas already written about how wrong this is by the time I post this, so I won’t bother anyone with my anger

“Screw you, D&D.” – My Wonderful Dad

“Yeah, thanks for ruining everything.” – My Wonderful Brother

I share the same sentiments

They’re lucky their cast is so wonderful, otherwise I’d honestly quit watching

Meanwhile, Dany’s officially on the brink of turning dark. I do wonder what her stans will say to justify things this time

If I had to guess, it’s that she has a good heart. Haven’t heard that one 60,000 times before

Welp, that’s the end of the episode. I miss Bryan Cogman and Dave Hill

Thank you every single actor who made this episode worthwhile. I love you all more than you’ll ever know

I’m going to go eat some more ice cream

[joshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Alicization 19

Okay so

I think in my review of like episode 10 or 11 or whatever

I said if SAO were to ever use rape again in any instance

I’d drop it

And

SAO used rape again

But

I won’t drop it

Because

And I actually can’t believe I’m saying this

The rape was

Get this

DONE

WELL

So that was a whole lot of enters in a row there but I did it for emphasis because I’m still kind of in disbelief that SAO of all products did rape well. And that sounds like one hell of a loaded statement if you’ve not seen the episode but like I’ve got my reasons for saying so. First and foremost, it’s Eugeo who’s getting raped. This is big. Because in having a male be raped, not only is Kawahara breaking free of his established chains of only raping females, but he’s pushing boundaries in that male rape is hardly portrayed in fiction in general. But that’s kinda superficial, so what else have we got? Well, in being Eugeo, the character being raped is someone we’ve actually come to know and love and genuinely want to protect. Compare that to the last rape victims - Tiese and Ronie - who don’t really have a personality and largely exist to be raped for shock value. In other words, this rape actually has emotional weight to it. Secondly, or thirdly idk, the rape here isn’t a case of some generic angry asshole dude forcing himself on whatever female he feasts his eyes upon; it’s Administrator - a character who’s already been hyped up as something of a manipulative scumbag - actively prying on Eugeo’s negative emotions and psychologically manipulating him to where he ends up in such a uniquely depressing emotional state that he basically “consents” and then things go on from there. Rather than some infuriatingly violent rape scene with no actual tension beyond “rape is bad”, it’s a scene that happens as a result of one manipulative character taking advantage of the weakened mental state of another, while said other feels walled off from all of his loved ones as a result of that - and ends up not acting in his own best interest. It’s infinitely more interesting than all the prior rape scenes and being engulfed in Eugeo’s despair already feels pretty heckin’ sad even before the sad music is played. Also that sad music is better than other sad music because it’s more subdued and plays sometime after the sadness has already begun so it doesn’t feel manipulative or anything. All in all the rape here is used to strong narrative and emotional effect and with a complete absence of sexual violence in favour of psychological torment and imagery and direction that reflect as such, and it’s just good. I still think Kawahara should stay away from rape in his works (something he’s said he’d do anyway) since the majority of the time he isn’t good at using it and I’d rather not risk another shitty rape scene, but it was used well here and I don’t think the presence of rape in this episode actually detracted from the quality of the episode or the pleasure in my viewing experience. And that’s that, basically.

Also there was a first half of the episode - Kirito recaps a touch of Alice’s life story for her (which is fine by me because if I rewatch this I want episodes 18 and 19 to flow well together without feeling compelled to watch 18.5) and then she’s like “oh well I’m motivated now”. I’m being way more dismissive of what actually happened not because it was bad or anything but because the rape stuff is the real talking point of the episode. This first whatever long amount of time the episode occupied with Kirito and Alice was cool. Alice even like explodes her own eyeball out of sheer motivation to reclaim her life from the Pontifex and IRL scientist dudes or whatever. It’s neat. Still, I do hope Kirito and Alice get a move on soon, because they’ve been chilling on that wall for a bit too long at this point. Thankfully Eugeo’s shenanigans are there to break it up so the pacing doesn’t grind to a halt, but I do want more than just dialogue out of Kirito and Alice. 

So yeah, good episode. I’ve still got absolutely no predictions for what sort of final score I’ll end up giving Alicization when it ends but god damn do I appreciate how much every individual episode leaves me to say. Kinda makes me hate whatever garbage I wrote for it way back in my Fall Season in Review. But that’s in the past sooooo.