#i LOVE ruby and her thoughts i love her i'm enjoying this book and its vibe so much

[rubybaely]

rewatched the darkest minds movie and rereading the book and i think that

a) movie still sucks but

b) i don't think they ever could have made a faithful and interesting movie bc so much of what makes the book and ruby compelling is her internal dialogue and her mental development and it's just so hard to translate to the screen in any way

(though the movie didn't seem to care abt giving ruby any development at all, even if they had tried it wouldn't have hit as hard as the book imo)

[writethrough]

Hello! I just finished reading your Morpheus fics and I absolutely love them! So I thought about requesting something, too. Morpheus x reader where reader is feeling well and calls for him. They spend all evening togheter after a long time. reading togheter, watching some movies, talking and sharing their thoughts... until Morpheus notice it’s really late, almost midnight, and it’s time for reader to sleep, but she doesn't want to ‘cause Morpheus is always busy and she misses spending time with him, even whe she's asleep lately he was never there. Morpheus feels guilty and promises her he’ll be more present, especially in her dreams. A nice ending where he stays with her until she falls asleep, and him appearing in her dreams as he promised? Thank you 💖

A Homemade Remedy

(Morpheus x Female Reader)

Synopsis: After days of dealing with your sickness by yourself, you give in and call your boyfriend, hoping he'll come.

Warnings: Minor language

Word Count: 815

A/N: Stop two on the apology tour. I'm so sorry this has taken so long! And I want to thank you profusely for your patience. And for sending the request in. I really hope you enjoy this fluffy little fic!

Normally, you wouldn’t bother Morpheus with this. He had more important things to deal with instead. But you felt as if Death would appear at any moment, and all you wanted was some comfort from your boyfriend. 

You pressed the ruby pendant he gifted you to your heart, croaking his name. 

“Beloved?” 

You blinked, seemingly slower than usual. 

“Hi,” you whispered, covers pulled to your chin. 

He took you in for a few moments, brows pinched slightly. You could only tell he was worried because of how long you’d known him. 

“You are unwell.” 

“S’just a—” A coughing fit started, only ceasing when he handed you your glass of water. “Just a cold.” 

Between the tissues piled in the trash beside your bed, the bottle of medication without its lid, and the two additional blankets on top of you, he knew that wasn’t the case. You’d been here much longer than a few hours. 

“Why did you not call for me when your ailment began?” 

And there it was, the look you were dreading the more you prolonged summoning him. You’re not even sure he’s aware of his “kicked puppy” look. 

You shrugged, pulling the covers just below your nose.  

Morpheus made no sound—as graceful and Endless as ever. The only indication he had moved was the lifting of your blankets as he slid in behind you. 

“Turn around, my love.” 

You were far too weak and needy to refuse. 

Settling with your head on his thigh, he rested a hand on your hair. 

“I am here now, and I will take care of you,” he said. “Whatever you may need, I will gather.” 

“Just this.” Your voice barely carried on a whisper. 

“Then here I shall remain.” 

Morpheus always spoke softer than you would expect while still containing all the authority in the universe, but it sounded even softer. It held gentleness—kindness—a quality that said, “You are precious to me.” 

“What about the Dreaming?” you asked, eyes closed. 

“In Lucienne’s capable hands,” he replied without hesitation. You were so considerate of him and his duties, for once, he wished you’d be selfish.  

“What if she needs you?” Even as you said this, your arm settled over his lap. 

“She has looked after my realm much longer than you will be ill.” 

You squeezed him as best you could at the reminder. You didn’t like to think about what had happened to him. Though you met long after that, it hurt to know someone could do that to another being—human or not. 

Morpheus had reassured you he had healed. Much of that having to do with you. 

“Could you read to me, then?” you asked. 

A book appeared in seconds, his voice matching perfectly to the cadence of the lines. It didn’t matter what he was saying, hearing him speak in that hypnotic rumble was enough. Even the flipping of the page didn’t distract you. He was captivating from the first word. 

He’d read two chapters when your stomach growled. 

“When did you last eat?” His smile was soft, thumb grazing your arm. 

You shrugged, not wanting to be scolded. 

“Can you eat?” 

You weren’t sure if it was how shitty you were feeling, how tired you were, or how helpless you felt, but his words went straight to your heart. 

He considered how you might feel. He wasn’t pushing you to eat, but asking if you thought you could stomach anything. He wanted to help, but not at the risk of causing you more discomfort. 

You nodded, keeping your eyes closed so he wouldn’t see them watering. 

“Here.” He helped you sit up before picking up the bowl of broth that had manifested on the nightstand. 

You went to grab it, but he tutted, picking the spoon up himself and bringing it to your mouth. 

“I can feed myself,” you said after swallowing. 

“I know,” he said. “Please. Let me help you.” 

You ate the next spoonful without complaint, and soon, the bowl was empty. 

“Thank you,” you mummered, head nestled into the crook of his shoulder. 

“It’s late, you must rest,” he whispered into your hair. 

You shook your head, and tried to snuggle yourself closer to him, like if you planted yourself firmly enough, he wouldn’t be able to leave. 

“Haven’t seen you in forever,” you mumbled. “Don’t wanna waste it.” 

Guilt flooded Morpheus. He knew he had been neglectful of you, but you had been so patient with him. You were the embodiment of understanding—and he had taken advantage of that. 

“Go to sleep, dear one. I will meet you in the Dreaming.” His lips pressed to your crown. 

You hummed, head growing heavy. 

And when your eyes opened, there he was, holding you as you laid in his chambers. 

He smiled fondly, brushing your chin with his knuckles. 

“What shall we do now, my love?” 

Taglist: @sayumiht, @hatterripper31, @snowsatsu, @1950schick, @navs-bhat, @bookshelf-dust, @sapphireonline, @fictional-hooman, @steph-speaks, @ladyredstar1991, @secretdreamlandmentality, @ababycake, @morpheuss1mp, @boofy1998, @alice-the-nerd, @herfantasyworldd, @poemfreak306, @tronnily, @commanderfreethatdust

If you’d like to be added to any taglists, please comment or message me with the character you’d like updates on. 

[nescaveckwriter]

Stethoscopes and Triangles - Chapter Four ❤️

A/N: Urghhh 😱 y'all this is just sad, for Amy, frustrating for Sam and heartbreaking for us! But I hope y'all enjoy this, 💕 and oh yeah guess who we meet in this, yep, that amazing green eyed man😋 so sit back and enjoy. 💕

Warnings: 18+ Only! Some language, angst, heartbreak, cheating, punching, mentions of blood, anything else I missed let me know💕

Characters: Sam Winchester, Amy Summers, Ruby Jones, Paul Summers, Ada Brown, Dean Winchester.

Cover: Created by me. Also images from Pinterest and Canva.

Words:2552 😅

Chapter Four 🤩

Rolling over, searching for the large man, opening her eyes slightly, "Sam?" Glaring at the alarm clock 2 in the morning, removing the covers and slipping on her slippers, her eyes still puffy, from the sleep. Walking in too the living room with its open plan kitchen, she finds him slumped over in the chair, still wearing yesterday's clothes, his head resting on his right arm, his hair hanging over his handsome face. Lightly touching his shoulder, her voice calming and sweet, "babe, my love, wake up, go get some proper sleep in our bed please"

He arouses a little, lifting his head with difficulty showing the stiffness in his neck, "Amy? What time is it?"

"It's 2 in the morning, come get up" she tugs at his arm, and he just follows her, too tired to fight with her, letting her know, that he's not nearly done reading and going through the paperwork. He just stumbles on the bed, work clothes and all, spayed out, on the bed, his voice croaky from the sleep. "I love you Amy" a sweet smile lining across her lips, "you too babe" The light snores coming from him, let's her know, he's fast asleep, and she ain't getting a inch of help to remove his working clothes. Slowly removing his tie, while placing a soft kiss, on his cheek, "sweet dreams babe" She whispers, removing his shoes, and socks, covering him up with the blanket. As she curls up next too him, thinking about how he looked after her, these last few weeks, her fingers lingering across the now healed scar on her neck. But she worries about him, its almost as if his carrying around this burden but she can't quite figure out what it is, and its been coming for some time now, he works so much, and the hours are getting longer, or maybe she's just imagining things, because usually she's at work also working long hours, maybe she just never noticed it before. With those thoughts running around in her mind, she falls asleep. 

She gets woken up by the shift on the bed, glancing at his side, he runs his hand over his face, her voice sweet "morning babe" he's head cocks to her side, he sounds tired "morning sweetie" he gets up walking towards the bathroom, "I'm going to take a shower and get ready to head into the office" sitting half upright now, "enjoy your shower love, what do you want for breakfast?"

He doesn't even look her way, he just walks in, closing the door behind him, and letting her know, that he'll get something on the way, no need for any trouble. Finding it a little odd, but kind off writing it off due to the fact that he's tired, she gets up, to make some coffee. As she waits for the coffee machine, Sam's phone vibrates on the table. She strides closer, thinking maybe its important or the battery is about to die.

 It's a message from a Ruby Jones, : Hey Sam☺️ just want to know for when I should book that little place for the two off...

She just glares at the phone, she can't read what the message said further his phone is locked, but she can't help but too think that's why he's been acting so distant, so different, his having an affair, cheating on her? Her hands are shaking, her chest feels like it going to explode, "how... Why... Is he really cheating?" She mumbles underneath her breath. The tears burning behind her eyes, she places his phone down, her eyes get caught on his suit jacket that's draped over the kitchen chair, she looks a little closer there's a makeup smudge on his collar, she picks it up to take a closer look, then the smell of another women's perfume hits her nostrils, her lower lip trembling as emotions of anger and sadness swirl around in her chest, swallowing down the tears, as she throws the jacket over the chair, pouring some coffee in her cup. Hearing Sam walking towards the kitchen, barely looking at her he throws in the files in his suitcase, taking his phone and walks towards the door, he turns around, "Have a good first day at work Amy, I need to head into work, love you" and heads right back out of there apartment door. She's left standing there shock on her face, knowing that she's right, that man she loves so dearly is cheating on her.

Still left standing there, too shocked too move a muscle, the door flung open, Sam's voice bring her out of her haze, "forgot my car keys" she glares at him, confusion prominent between his eyebrows, "did I do something wrong"

Walking closer towards him, her voice breaking, tears streaming down her face "Am I not enough"

"What are you talking about Amy?"

"If you don't love me anymore give it too me straight, you don't go behind my damn back, and get another woman"

Surprised Sam looks at her like she's crazy "What the hell Amy? What is the matter with you?"

Her jaw clenches, "the Ruby chick with her messages, the make up and perfume on your clothes, you barely look at me, you work later than normal, wanna tell me I'm crazy, please go ahead"

Starting to get irritated with her accusing him of something so far from the truth, he turns towards the door, giving her one last glance as he shouts "if you think I'm capable of doing something so damn outrageous, I don't even know what I'm doing in this relationship anymore, goodbye Amy" walking out and smashing the door closed behind him.

Sliding down the kitchen cabinet, sobbing frantically, shaking her head, never in her entire life would she had thought that Sam would cheat, that Sam would be just like her father. She was always so determined to not end up like her poor mother, scattered and broken through a damn affair, but yet here she is.

 As Sam speeds to work, his thoughts can't help but to race to the sight his just seen, the look of betrayal of sadness of anger on her delicate face, her ocean blue eyes, was filled with despair, making them appear darker than they are. "Dammit" he cusses underneath his breath.

Shaking his head, if only she knew the reason he can't look her in the eyes, the reason his been working such long hours, its not because he's a cheat, no! He's building a case, a case where it looks like Paul Summers her father is involved in.  Recalling the witness that came forth, a older lady in her late forties, scared too death, she was bawling her eyes out so he pulled her into a hug, it can't be easy losing your only child. He recalls the message Amy was talking about, unlocking his phone reading the message, Hey Sam☺️ just want to know for when I should book that little place for the two off you. 

He asked Ruby too book a special place for Amy's birthday coming up, he wanted too treat her, knowing he has been distant. But all that has gone too hell now. Thinking he should probably call her, and try too explain, but knowing her, he needs too let her cool down first, he knows the impact her father's cheating had on her, she was so reluctant, going out with him in the first place, and now she thinks that he loves another woman. "There's only one woman for me dammit" he cusses to himself, as he pulled into the parking.

Walking through the hospital doors, first time in a couple of weeks, she felt so happy too be able to go too work this morning, doing what she loves, and now... now she feels, weak, sad and broken. Walking straight to the ER. she just wants too forget about everything and drown herself in her patients problems, she's caught off guard, by the 'Welcome Back' banner hanging, a few balloons, and some nurses and doctors, welcoming her with smiles, and nods. Ada comes too give her a welcome back hug, as her best friend's arms snakes around her, she can feel the tears damming behind her eyes, she squints in order, to hide them, too push them back.

"Sweetie, I'm so glad your back, and okay, you gave me a good scare, there for a minute"

Amy forces a giggle "Thank you, Ada, and everyone, for everything, but I'm back now, let's get too work okay, we've got lives to save."

Knowing her best friend, better than she knows herself, she agrees with Amy, and gives everyone orders, where to go, which patients to see, and what to do. She won't pry, but she knows, that something aren't right, she'll just wait till she comes and talks too her.

It was a slow day, nothing too serious, just the usual GSW'S and minor injuries. But it was mid shift that, the ER. had multiple injured people entering through the doors, a Navy helicopter full off injured seals, with severe injuries, is about to land.

It was literal chaos, but Amy felt right at home, in fact it's when she felt most alive. Ada said she should check out the man, in trauma bay 2, and she went right in, expecting, no actually hoping it was something challenging. As she took some gloves, she witnessed a man, about mid thirties maybe early forties, something about him seemed familiar, but he sat on the hospital bed, cargo pants and a grey vest exposed his muscular arms, the open gash on his arm, blood seeping through and the right side of his face, there was an open deep wound, blood gushing from it. She walked closer, introducing herself. "I'm Dr. Summers, how are you feeling"

He flinches, his green eyes piercing through hers, "I feel fine, can I go now"

Shocked by his answer "No! I need to check you out first"

His picture perfect jawline hardens, "then do it already dammit"

She just smiles and assures him, she'll do her best and she starts to stitch up the wound to his face and proceeds to the one on his arms, he doesn't say much, he's pretty restless, and every now and again  she need too tell him to sit still, as she finished with the stitching. He got up, towering over her, about too leave but he didn't get far as she kindly told him "Please sit down, we still need to run some tests" 

He looks at her, like she just spoke another language, as he spoke in a rough voice "No! I need to check on my brothers." 

Her eyebrows furrowed, as she got irritated by his demeanor, her voice stern "I said sit your ass down now, I'm not done with you" she steadily pushed him back towards the bed, careful not too hurt him, but stern enough to let him know, she's serious.

He just threw his hands in the air, letting her know, his sort off surrendering, thinking too himself, damn this doctor is hot, any other day, and he would've asked for her number, but not today, his too worried about his team.

"I'm going to order your labs, and see a few other patients, if I come back here and see your not here, I'll get security and let them handcuff you the bed, understood" she warns

He just smirks as he's amused by this woman, who's ordering  him around as if his her two year old, not happy he folds his arms, mouthing "yes mother".

She can't help but too smile a little at the stubbornness of her patient. She proceeds further too attend to some off the other patients.

Sam sits at his desk, going over all the evidence, his gather over these few weeks, his got a solid case, a slam dunk so too say, usually he'd be so happy, but not today, if he wins this case not only will a very bad, dangerous man be off the streets, but he might loose Amy in the process. He is going to make sure her father is behind bars, by the end of this week.  Lifelong if the jury votes in his favor. 

As he sips on the cold bitter brown liquid, he hears chatter outside his door, before he could get up, he's door flung open, hearing Ruby shout, "Sir you can't go in yet" the older man just walks through, his voice loud "He'll see me"

Sam is shocked when he sees its Paul Summers, calmly he tells Ruby "You can go, thanks, close the door behind you"

She just nods and closes the door. The older man's voice angry, a warning tone "what do you think your doing Sam?"

Calmly getting up, striding closer to Amy's father "Good afternoon, Mr Summers, something I can help you with?"

"What do you think your doing, this is going to not only ruin me, but Amy, do you not cares what happens to her, by falsely accusing me"

Sam smirks, "Falsely, I don't think so, I have multiple evidence and witnesses, that can bring you down."

"Ha! We'll see about that, now won't we?" he has a devilish smile on his face. "I'm not the bad guy here, you are Samuel!"

Pointing his finger to door, "I think you better leave Paul" 

"What, like Amy is going too leave you" he provokes the young man.

"This isn't about Amy, this is about you, you are a Crime Boss, ordering your people to execute your demands , smuggling weapons, drugs and people over the border, even human trafficking, how can you, you have a daughter, how do you live with yourself."  

He laughs, "It's only business, and that money is what gave my daughter the ability to be a doctor, I am the reason she is who she is today"

Sam can't take this man's audacity anymore, he starts raising his voice "No! Paul, your not worthy off the name father, Amy, put herself through college, she worked hard to get where she is today, and the only thing she got from you, is a damn voice of you in her head, claiming she is still not enough.!"

The man's jaw tightens and his fist clenches, without thinking it through, he throws a punch, towards Sam's face, grinning as he watches the blood dripping from his now broken nose. "Don't you ever tell me I weren't a good father" as he turns around to head towards the door, he watches Sam take the back of his hand, to wipe off the red , sticky liquid, off his upper lip. "By the way Sammy boy, I bet you my case will get thrown out" he walks out leaving Sam standing there balling his fist's as he wants to punch that stupid grin off the old man's face, knowing he can't it will jeopardize his case, he will just have to wait to get him in court. But the most important thing he can do now, is make sure the witnesses is save, because something tells him, that warning weren't just for show, no! he is planning something, something big!

[lemonlamblaura]

My Husband is the God of Pestilence - chapter 10

Lots of little things going on in this chapter! Trying to build up the cult a little bit, and Kallamar and Lilybell admit they like each other (not in love yet, but getting there!) Next chapter Kallamar will come face to face with Narinder for the first time, stay tuned... 😈

Lilybell found Trenaty later that evening in the women's quarters. After she and Kallamar left the temple, Trenaty had gone to bed with a bad headache, asking the other supervisors to cover for her. Being an older person had its perks, it appeared, and Trenaty was left alone for the majority of the day to heal.

"Hello, dear, how was your day with Lord Kallamar?" Trenaty said, sitting up in bed.

Lilybell sat beside her. "It was really nice. We had a long walk, and ate lunch and a few people played music for us."

"That's nice," Trenaty mumbled, rubbing at her temples. "This headache simply won't go away. Seems I have days like this where all I can do is lie in bed. Old age is a curse, my dear. Never get old."

"Okay, I won't," Lilybell smiled, knowing full well the futility of her promise. Watching her father grow old had been hard enough; she didn't want Trenaty to go through the same things.

"I'm glad you had a nice time," Trenaty laid back down, pulling the blankets up to her chest. "Tomorrow we have some new workers coming. They're gem cutters. They will help us refine the crystals the missionaries have been collecting."

"Ooh, do you think maybe they can make some jewelry for us?"

Trenaty laughed, "I don't think they're jewelers, Lilybell. Still, maybe there are some who could make something with them."

Lilybell started playing with her hair. "I hope the crystals are as pretty as the ruby Lord Kallamar gave me."

"I'm sure they will be."

It was quiet for a few moments, the women simply enjoying each other's presence. "You look like you have something on your mind, dear," said Trenaty.

The lamb thought about how to phrase her thoughts. It had been something she had been thinking about since she and Kallamar agreed on their first date. "Um... how do you know when a boy likes you?"

The look on Trenaty's face was a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "Is this about Lord Kallamar?"

"How did you know?!" Lilybell exclaimed, whipping around to look at the starfish.

"You're will him almost all the time, dear, who else could it be?" Trenaty couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I suppose if a boy gives you presents, talks to you often and appears to like spending time with you, he probably likes you."

Well, there was no doubting that Kallamar gave her lots of presents, they spoke all the time and he certainly appeared to enjoy her company.

"But the most important thing," Trenaty continued, "is if you like him back."

And there was the problem. Of course she liked Kallamar. He helped her, listened to her, and was always there for her. He would do anything for her, and she would try to do the same for him. But is that love? In the books she read, being in love was like having butterflies in your stomach, always thinking of them, sighing dreamily, and wanting to kiss them. But she didn't feel that way about Kallamar. She loved to see him every day and enjoyed being around him. Is that love?

"I do like him," she admitted, "but not like how it is in my stories. Stories are based on real life, aren't they? So if I don't feel like that, are we just friends?"

"Stories are nice, Lilybell, but sometimes fiction can be misleading and... exaggerated. Think of it this way: can you see yourself spending the rest of your life with him?"

She didn't have to think about it. "Yes, I think that would be really, really nice."

Trenaty smiled warmly. "Then, maybe you and Lord Kallamar should have a nice, long talk tomorrow."

*

Kallamar didn't visit Shamura that night, not daring to leave the temple in case an attack happened again. The next day, the gem cutters were given a thorough search before they could enter the temple and set up their equipment. Afterward, the most experienced cutter gave a simple demonstration of how the gems were cut. Huge pieces of crystal, dug from the ground and cleaned, were smashed down into smaller, more workable pieces. Then, a crystal was attached to a small wand, and the worker held the wand in one hand while cranking a hard, coarse wheel with the other. The wheel smoothed down the edges of the crystal, while the wheel collected the crystal dust and dropped it below the wheel in a small dish. When the crystal was the appropriate shape, it was removed from the wand and polished with a soft cloth until it was shiny. The dust was collected in a bottle, marked and shelved.

The worker dropped the gem, smooth and dark blue, into Kallamar's open palm. It was hardly more than a pebble compared to his large hand, and he held it up to one eye to examine it.

"Good work," he said, turning to Lilybell, showing her the gem. "This is sapphire, the one I told you about."

Lilybell picked up the sapphire, turning it over in her hands. "It's pretty! But I like the ruby you gave me."

"Good, because it's not for you," he grinned, putting the sapphire away inside his cloak.

Their next stop was to check on Saleos, who was beginning to train a few other followers to be temple guards. Six men and one woman were watching him in the courtyard, as he passed out long, thick sticks among them.

"These are only to practice with," he said, "when I feel you can practice with real swords, I'll ask Lord Kallamar to get us some."

"We're not kids," said one of them, "I feel like a child swinging this thing around!"

"Then prove you can weild one with dignity," Saleos replied coolly, not one to put up with back talk. He reached beneath his cloak and pulled his own sword out of its scabbard. It hadn't seen use in some time, but the hilt felt just as he remembered it in his hand. He swung the sword around his fingers like a baton, getting used to the weight again.

"Saleos," Kallamar called as he and Lilybell approached, "how goes the training?"

Saleos sheathed his sword. "Very well, Lord Kallamar. We were just about to begin basic training."

"Were you?" Kallamar pointed to the group, looking unimpressed.

The swordsman turned to see his students swinging their sticks around uselessly and hitting each other with them the moment his back was turned. Saleos rubbed his eyes in embarrassment.

"It seems you have much work to do, guard captain. I expect good things from you. Come, dear."

"Don't worry, Saleos," Lilybell smiled encouragingly. "You'll do great!"

The way things have started, Saleos didn't seem to think so. This must be how his own teacher felt when teaching him. He turned back to the group and tried to wrangle them into focusing on him, with only limited success.

They were halfway through the temple when a supervisor came to them. "Lord Kallamar, Astaroth has returned from their mission, and they brought back more followers."

"Oh no, how many?"

"About ten, my lord."

Kallamar sighed. "We shouldn't take anymore people right now, considering what happened yesterday. I will have to speak to them."

The group was waiting in the temple lobby, being watched over by a purple jellyfish with blue tips at the ends of their tentacles and strange markings on their face. They bowed at the sight of Kallamar but didn't put up their hood like the other followers.

"Lord Kallamar, I have brought new worshippers here to work for you," they said with a serious expression. The group was made up of sea creatures, mostly seals. One among them, Lilybell noticed, was a young female about her age with rosy pink fur. She looked around nervously at the new surroundings, clinging to another female seal, possibly her mother.

"I'm sorry, Astaroth, but you shall have to send them away. We are not taking new members right now. I will explain later."

Lilybell looked up at him in alarm. This could be the chance to make a new friend. He couldn't send them away. "Lord Kallamar," she said, taking his hand, "please, can't they stay? They must be tired, and we can use the extra help. Please?"

Kallamar really didn't like the idea. But she was giving him such a pleading look, he didn't want to disappoint her. He sighed, "very well, dear. Will you please show them the temple? I must talk with Astaroth."

"Okay!" She grinned, hopping in place ecstatically. Then she addressed the group, "hi, everybody! My name is Lilybell! If you follow me, I'll show you around!"

The group followed her out, leaving Kallamar alone with Astaroth. "I didn't think you would be married so soon," said the jellyfish with a blank expression.

Kallamar blushed, "we are not married yet. We're only courting... I think."

"What's the point of courting? Just force her to marry you. Gods do it all the time."

The very idea left a bad taste in Kallamar's mouth. The last thing he wanted was to feel like he was pressuring her into doing something. Then he would be no worse than her mother. "I'm not going to do that. I don't want to force her into doing anything."

Astaroth gave him a queer look before looking away. "Whatever. I would have brought more people, but almost everyone is still worshipping," they made air quotes, "the one and only Carcharias."

Kallamar was well aware of Carcharias' influence as the god of the ocean, bearer of the ultramarine crown. There was hardly anyone that did not worship him. Hell, Kallamar himself used to worship him when he was younger, like the rest of his family. As far as Kallamar knew, Carcharias was the only God that lived underwater. At that moment, a light bulb lit up over Kallamar's head.

"Astaroth, yesterday our temple was attacked by people who wanted my followers to denounce me. Do you think it's possible they were followers of Carcharias?"

"Do you know any other gods in the ocean?"

"Watch your tone. You may be my witness, but I am still your god."

"Why didn't you capture the attackers and question them?"

"I wasn't here."

"That's convenient. Maybe you have a spy around here."

Kallamar's eyes widened. "You think so?"

"Probably." Astaroth pulled their hood up and turned to leave.

"Wait! Are you going so soon? Won't you at least stay the night?"

They shook their head. "You know I hate to stay in one place for too long. I need the open ocean, the way you need to be adored. I'll be back."

Kallamar let the insult slide, watching them go. A spy definitely set him on edge, and it made sense considering what happened yesterday. The problem was, how did he find out who the spy was? He really hoped it wasn't anyone important. If it was Lilybell... no, she wouldn't do that. At least he hoped not.

*

Later that night, when things had quieted down and everyone had finished their supper, Kallamar surprised Lilybell by inviting her into his room. There was very large bed, fit for someone of his size, and there was a cabinet with many drawers where Kallamar kept all his crystals, categorized by hardness and then colour. There was also a small chair and table, a huge chest at the foot of the bed, and a tall mirror hanging on one wall. Aside from the furniture, however, it was actually rather bare, at least from what Lilybell could see.

"I expected there to be more in here," she said honestly.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Kallamar said, lifting her onto the table. Then he pulled open a drawer of his crystal cabinet and took out a deep purple amethyst, which he handed to her. "Hold this."

"Why?"

"I want to draw you," he said simply. He pulled over a blank sheet of paper and a quill that was lying on the table.

Lilybell squealed excitedly, "Ooh! Should I pose? How's this?" She laid on her side with her head propped up in one hand, her other hand on her hip.

Kallamar laughed, "you don't need to pose. Just sit nicely."

Lilybell giggled and sat back up, pulling the amethyst into her lap. "The people your friend Astaroth brought are really nice, Lord Kallamar. There's one girl my age, her name is Anna, her mom says she has some kind of illness where she can't speak, but I told her I would help look after her. She's really cute too, it looks like she wants to talk, but she can't! Everybody commented on my clothes too, they said they were really pretty. Those crystal people were so cool this morning, weren't they? I hope someday we can get some people to come make jewelry for us, that would be so cool! Do you think Saleos could teach me to use a sword? I think it looks like it could be fun! And I just think it would be useful, you know? I want to be useful and helpful to people. I would hate to feel like I'm not doing anything to help."

"Stay quiet for a moment," Kallamar mumbled, his brow furrowed, looking back and forth between Lilybell's face and the paper. "Don't worry about learning to fight, my dear. You're plenty helpful already. Besides, I would hate to see you get hurt. That's why we're training the guards, so they can fight for you."

Lilybell stayed dutifully quiet as Kallamar sketched. She recalled what Trenaty had said the night before, and almost opened her mouth to speak, but remembered herself and kept quiet. After a few long moments, Kallamar finally spoke up again.

"All right, you may speak now."

"Lord Kallamar, are we a couple?"

Kallamar looked at her curiously. Was it not obvious? They had already been on a date, to him, that was a sure sign that they were dating. "I suppose so."

She sighed in relief. "I'm glad. I really like you, so I wanted to know."

He smiled at her. "I like you too."

"Lord Kallamar, since we're dating, is it okay if I just call you Kallamar from now on?"

He thought about it for a second. "I think it would be fine, as long as you're respect about it."

"Oh, I will be! I promise!"

"I know, darling... don't fidget now, we have a long way to go."

*

The rest of the week was very quiet, with hardly any incidents to speak of. Kallamar and Lilybell spent a great deal of their time together, and if rumors weren't flying before, they certainly were now. Trenaty was happy to hear about their relationship and offered everything she could to help.

Several days after the attack on the temple, Kallamar finally felt comfortable enough to visit Shamura. He told no one, not even Lilybell, and left after he was certain she was asleep.

"Shamura! I'm sorry for my absence, but... I..."

Kallamar had only expected to see their sibling in their study, just like always. What he found instead, however, was Shamura with a tiny black kitten sitting on their desk. On the kitten's head was a black crown, with a blood red eye staring straight through him.

"What's going on?" He demanded.

Shamura gestured towards the chair opposite their desk. "Come, Kallamar. Sit. We have much to discuss."

Kallamar hesitated for a moment, not being able to take his eyes off the kitten. It was staring at him so intensely, sitting so still that he could have sworn it was a statue. Eventually, he made his way to the chair, and sat down slowly, still eyeing the cat.

"Kallamar," Shamura said gently, "this is Narinder. He is our new brother."

[skyechaser]

Bumbleby Bike Gang AU Part 1/?

The bar was usually quiet on tuesdays. Just the regulars showing up for their drinks and the eventual college idiots getting into shenanigans. Nothing seemed to indicate that this night was going to be any different. She couldn't be more wrong. Yang had owned the place, Ember, for about two years and she enjoyed her work a lot. She liked making drinks and talking to people. The blonde had some of the best stories to tell at parties and sometimes she could even give some well received advice.

It was almost two in the morning when she heard the roars. It was like a pack of wild bears was screaming directly into her ears. When they stopped they were replaced by voices. Then the door was thrown open and what could only be described as a gang entered her bar. There were around twenty five people, mostly men, in matching leather jackets. They all had the same logo on the back: the profile of a wolf like creature and the words "The White Fang".

I hope they don't cause me any trouble Yang thought to herself as they all sat sat down, making significant noise in the process. One of her waitresses, Nora, approached them to take their orders and the blonde held her breath, hoping the group would behave. After a couple of hours and many beers, the gang was starting to get on her nerves. Specially since some of them had made some stupid comments at Nora as she brought them their drinks. She had come pretty close to throwing them out but they were paying very good tips and her waitress said not to worry.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance" a soft voice said, very close to her. She turned her head to see a girl, around her own age, sitting in front of her. She had been so focused on the group she hadn't even noticed her approaching. She had amber eyes and black hair and something about her made it feel like they had already met.

"Its okay" a lie "I've had worst" a truth.

"Could I have a Coke, please?" the girl asked.

"Had enough to drink for the night?" Yang replied as she got what the other one requested.

"Oh, no" she replied "I don't drink" she smiled. Yang's heart skipped a beat. There was something about this girl but she couldn't wrap her finger around it yet.

"I'm Yang. What's your name?" she asked boldly.

"I'm Blake" the other one replied.

"How long have you been riding with these guys?"

"All my life" Blake answered "My parents founded the group"

"That's a long time to be on the road. Are they here?" Yang questioned as she looked at the clearly drunk group sitting not so far away from them.

"They left a while back" the black haired girl said, not understanding herself why she was telling her whole life story.

"And you stayed?"

"Yes"

Silence.

"They seem like an interesting group" Yang said, trying to break the tension.

"They can be... A lot to handle but I'm used to them by now"

"Excuse me if this offends you in any way but you do not seem like the biker gang type girl"

"None taken. I'm more low profile than the rest of our group. I'd rather stay and read a good book than get into trouble" Blake said.

"Any good reads you can recommend?" Yang asked and the other girl's eyes lit up like a child's in Christmas morning. They talked for what seemed hours about books, bar stories and family. Yang told her about her little sister Ruby and how she was studying to become a veterinarian. Blake, on the other hand, told her about all the places she had been in during her travels. Their conversation was cut short by the sound of breaking glass.

"I got it!" Nora said as she walked towards the table, her eyes visibly tired but her pockets full.

"Do they get into trouble often?" the blonde asked.

"It depends on Adam's mood mostly. He's our current leader"

"Blake!" a red haired man yelped drunkly "Come over here, love!"

"That's him. I gotta go. It was really nice talking to you, Yang" she smiled again and the blonde was finally able to realize what the deal was. She liked Blake. Everything about her was charming and enticing. It had been a while since she had liked someone so it didn't surprise her that she had missed the signs.

She watched Blake walking away and that's when she saw it. On her lower back she had a tattoo that read "Property of the White Fang".

Oh.

[dowhatteverer]

An honest critique of FRWBY by someone who actually watched it and was willing to give it a chance

Ok so LF and CS have proven themselves to be disingenuous liars who go out of their way to make rewrites of RWBY look poorly written and bigoted because they have diluted themselves into believing that the show doesn't carry all of the same problems that they accuse these rewrites of having. That being said, Fixing RWBY does happen to carry over a lot of problems from the original show. While I personally believe that Fixing RWBY is a better story structurally from RWBY proper, that doesn't mean that it didn't keep many of the flaws associated with the original show. This is not a defense of FRWBY, nor is it really a bashing because I will come right out and say that I do actively enjoy it and am excited to keep up with its version of volume six. I wouldn't recommend it to any of the people I interact with a lot on Tumblr simply because it's definitely not something they would like very much.

It's impressive how much passion is put into this project honestly, seeing all these fans come together to take the time out of their days without payment just to create something they care about. I definitely think the art and animations are some of the best parts of FRWBY. And I think the story does a far better job of utilizing the amount of characters that the show already had without constantly adding new ones that are completely unnecessary. It also makes a lot of changes to the characters interactions and relationships with other characters that I appreciate. I like that Weiss's time in the Brawnwen was changed from being held prisoner and threatened, to being a taste of freedom and potential new life for herself that she eventually had to ditch for the sake of her friends and the mission. And I really liked Changing Vernal to be Yang's secret half sister and having her develop a friendship with Weiss, it did a lot more to make her death feel more impactful by making her a character that the audience has to care about because these other characters care about her, and goes a long way of proving how selfish and short-sighted Raven could be where her own arrogance and desires ultimately ended up getting her own daughter killed and the tribe she chose over her own husband and first daughter to leave her. And I'm actually quite happy with Roman being Ozpin's host, I think it's handled pretty well and in a way that doesn't overshadow Ruby at all. One change that I thought was pretty cool from a story and representation perspective was having Neo use ASL and have Yang also learn it with her during her recovery period (which was actually a recovery period thank God, not just a showcase of her suffering and then just being fine without seeing her journey). And one thing that I like by default is it going out of its way to humanize Ironwood. That's always an A+ in my book as an Ironwood fan.

Now let's get into the bad stuff that is actually worth criticizing and not just sweeping under the rug just because LF and CS are lying liars who lie.

First and foremost, the Faunus plotline.

I don't like it.

There was very little effort put in to change the actual problems with the Faunus plotline in the actual show. The White Fang are still the bad guys, Blake is at the same time, still a rich princess with parents who love her, and Racism in Remnant is explicitly stated to be an individual to individual thing (though in a Livestream Celtic Phoenix said that racism in Atlas is systemic, so I'm holding out a little bit of hope that will at least be treated like a big deal) and still far more fighting against civil rights activists than fighting actual racists.

There's some interesting stuff in the beginning with Cardin starting out pretty racist, but after being forced to do some actual research on the subject and finding that his views have no historical or scientific basis quickly changing his mind about it and growing into a better person, but that's not enough to forgive the rest of it.

Effort is being put in to make Adam a more dynamic character who seems to have an explicit tragic backstory regarding the racism he faced (and not just implied with his nasty hate crime scar) but that actually makes the whole thing kind of worse. Because I kid you not, in the final episodes of the volume 5 rewrite, when the White fang is defeated, Blake tells Adam, "this isn't the world your mother grew up in anymore" and I'm just like, Adam's mom is implied to have been a Slave woman who was abused and possibly killed by her owner! Who is Blake, in her mansion on an ethnostate where she never had to face racism or cruelty or worry for a family member's safety, to tell Adam how he should react to Racism?! And I know that the reason she has to stop him in the rewrite is because the White Fang are trying to stage a cou that would lead to a war that would cost far more faunus lives than do good for them, but that doesn't change the fact that it's extremely tone deaf that it was Blake who is telling him this when her backstory hasn't been changed at all.

Either make the White Fang the good guys, or make Blake an orphan who has had to experience racism and cruelty her whole life, because you can't have both and still have a story that doesn't feel jarring and pro establishment as hell.

Next, the cultural appropriation. Taking inspiration from multiple Asian cultures for Mistral is kind of unavoidable since Mistral itself is fundamentally meant to be based on a multitude of Asian cultures. (I personally try to mitigate this problem by having different parts of Mistral be based on different Asian countries, and do the same for the other kingdoms too) but I think we all remember the thing about the Brawnwen tribe from a few months ago. Since the Ainu people are heavily discriminated against in Japan and stereotyped as being bandits and thieves, having the Brawnwen tribe be inspired by them in some aspects is definitely a bad thing. It was especially a problem when that cultural appropriation was also misinterpreted and used without fully understanding the culture of what the traditional bear was. And then the attempt to crack down and defend that was just a bad look altogether.

And to bring up the Shay D Mann and Ren and Roman bathroom scene, these are things that I think the creator just didn't realize could come across as queerphobic or a bad look for the character. The joke about Roman not realizing that Ren is a man and then having a conversation about all of tells that would have tipped him off about Ren being a guy and then having them be rebuttaled (at one point pointing out that Weiss has small boobs and that doesn't make her less of a woman, which while I think was well intentioned was just uncomfortable in general) was just in poor taste. And Shiloh (as he's called in FRWBY) didn't need to still be showcased sexually harassing Yang. He was actively physically and verbally abusing the man at register anyway in the rewrite, Yang could have just done the heroic thing and punched him to protect the civilian, instead of trying to ignore him while he comments on her figure and then saying something incredibly abelist about her prosthetic before being thrown out by Neo and her umbrella. Although It's not necessary to make all of your important characters good people. So I guess this has a lot more to do with how you feel about bad people still being important and sympathetic characters. Though I wouldn't say Shiloh is that important to Volume 5, all he really does is provide some Vernal backstory, serve as some comic relief, and is the one who ultimately decides for the tribe to leave Raven after she gets his daughter killed.

If I were to defend these choices, instead of trying to claim that Shiloh didn't sexually harass Yang (which was honestly far more present in the rewrite, no actual dialogue but he is described as complimenting her figure) and that lesbians are stupid, I would instead say that a character doesn't have to be a good perfectly squeaky clean non problematic person to be a character who isn't necessarily a villain. Or alternatively I could just acknowledge that it was unnecessary to have him actively sexually harass a girl his daughter's age because there was already something else that could have been used to show that he wasn't a good person and end up bouncing right out of the gas station anyway.

I think that's everything I want to talk about, because combing through all of it would be like rewatching an eight hour show and taking notes the whole time and I don't have much time for that.

But all in all, FRWBY isn't above criticism just because it's a rewrite of RWBY and has some aspects that deserve to be criticized, but it's also not the worst most biggoted thing in the world. I like aspects of it, but I honestly like other rewrites better. It honestly just feels like watching the original show if the original show had a more coherent story but didn't change any of the more problematic aspects.

So yeah, there's my review. I'll tell you how I felt about Volume six when it's over.

[separatist-apologist]

crawling into your ask box to beg for your monster book recs

i've had my eye on ice planet barbarians for a while, but i thought i would ask the resident monster expert

you already had me picking up the captive prince i'm the captive prince anon so i know you'd never do me wrong

Sorry, Captive Prince anon. I turned anons off tonight and deleted all [garbled number] asks in my box (sorry if your ask went unanswered) so now everyone is forced to say what they think to me to my face for the time being.

My monster fic recc's?

The Hoard King series by Zoey Draven. If you know me then you know how rabid I am about this series. Humans vs alien barbarian dudes (they have tails if memory serves me- perhaps a reread???). Basically humans are resettled on a new planet and a few (un)lucky ladies run afoul with the local warlords. I think it checks a lot of ACOTAR loving girlies boxes

Of course you should read Ruby Dixon's ice planet barbarians but her dragon shifter series was the inspiration for Wonderland and if you liked dragon shifter Lucien/Az/Cassian, you will LOVE hers. The premise is different- earth is also inhospitable thanks to a rip in the world where dragons come through, and surprise! They have human mates.

Opal Reyne is like, 101 monster girlie reading. I really liked her Duskwalker Bride trilogy and that's probably where I would start if you're looking for a legit monster

The Krakens Sacrifice by Katee Robert- it's fine. Something about Katee Roberts writing is just meh to me. Sometimes it's really good and I love it and other times it's just not it. I didn't like her RH Vampire book and I know people raved about it, and I did like this mostly. I finished it, and I think its good.

Finley Fenn's Orc Romance series. God yes, and you can finally see what @/ablogofbipanic is always teasing me about. These books are REALLY good, again I think the ACOTAR girlies would enjoy it. I have one minor complaint about how much the FMC enjoys drinking a certain bodily fluid and when I flippantly said it must taste like diet coke they way they go after it, I have never known a moments peace

Devoured By Monsters by Katie May and Ann Denton. Is this good? No. Not at all. Is it entertaining? yes. And sometimes that's enough. It's reverse harem that leans into the monster genre in the most absurd way (someone can shape shift into a mouth) and the whole time I was like, do I need to re-find religion? Uncertain.

This is where I would start for now. I almost added the spider romance that was the inspiration for Vansssssspider but honestly it has too much spider politics and not enough spider [redacted] which is what we all came for.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

EVERY WEEK I WILL POST VARIOUS REVIEWS I’VE WRITTEN SO FAR IN 2024. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE REVIEWS HERE.

___

60. Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Falling into a new book in this series is always like falling mid-way into a dream--you're not entirely sure what's happening and you need a couple of chapters to recapture a hold of who the characters are and just where we are in the story.

MISLAID IN PARTS HALF-KNOWN is a slight continuation of the last book where we met a character who found herself in the in-between of doors. This is like a very loose sequel to that because we get to learn more about her "world" and how everything has led to the conclusion we get in this one.

I did really enjoy having these characters journeying through different worlds--even if some misadventures were more emotionally impactful for some characters over the others. I loved the exploration because it felt like I was going through these doors with these characters.

Also, why did the ending make me want to cry?

Will await the next one in this series because truly, this series could go on forever with the endless possibilities.

___

61. The Titan's Bride Vol. 2 by ITKZ--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While the cover is pretty self-explanatory for what awaited me inside this manga, I'm also coming to really enjoy the storyline. In this one, we find the MC starting to come to terms with his circumstances and the importance of whatever choice he makes.

I am also intrigued by the secret everyone is seemingly keeping from him.

And yes, this manga is very, erm, sexual, but there IS a storyline in there and it is, at times, quite heartfelt. I also like the fact that the MC has a big heart and his past trauma isn't something he just magically forgot when faced when um, certain large anatomies.

Will read the next volume!

___

62. Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first, I thought that the BARBARIAN'S MATE was going to be my least favourite in the series because of how frustrating the characters were and how much of a let-down it (initially) felt like. But then as the story progressed and I got to know the characters and the reasoning behind their behaviours, my empathy started playing me and I started to better enjoy this book.

Some reviews talk about this having less smut and while this is true, it's also very fitting of the characters. The FMC has a hella traumatic past when it comes to sex and the MMC has a traumatic past when it comes to accepting mates and how they could change his life.

One of the things I'm surprisingly coming to appreciate about this series by Dixon, is how each book perfectly captures the mental health of its characters and the trauma they bring to the table. This was a perfect example of that. And although the FMC has been wanting a mate and a family of her own for forever, she had to work through her trauma before truly being able to accept that she deserves happiness.

Like I've said before on a different Dixon book, this author continues to surprise me because her writing is more than the smut she presents. She's actually really good at diving into the heart of her characters.

Will happily read the next book!

___

63. Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

Ah, the craving to re-read this hit me again. I'm just such putty for this book series. It's so cheesy and the romance is so problematic, but there's just something about her being the epitome of the "not like other girls" trope and he is so clearly also the epitome of the "bad boy player with a heart of gold that likes to control everything" that I just can't not read this book every so often.

If I had known back when I first read this that this would be a tried and true re-read for me every few years to almost every year, then I would have laughed hysterically. I don't know what it is about this series and why THIS series in particular is the one I am destined to re-read as if it were the first time for the rest of eternity, but it is like chocolate covered popcorn--it's delicious, but there's hard bits I will always ignore for the pleasure of the overall taste.

Anyway, if you pick this up, be aware that it was written in like 2012 or something, so that should say more than enough because romance in the early 2010s was....something.

___

64. Never Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

I think this one is where my love for the "surprise pregnancy" trope comes from, which I know is a very divisive trope. But I will always be a sucker for how the characters react to the pregnancy in this and how it changes everything but...doesn't? I think I also just really like the "woe is me" feeling that I get when I read certain scenes.

Listen, I know that if the MMC did half the things he does in this book in real life he would be someone I'd avoid like the plague, but because this is a (problematic) piece of fiction that I have accepted as one with many flaws, I will continue to read this addicting mess until the end of time.

I don't know, maybe it's the blond, big-boobed, blue-eye, thin FMC, or the hotter than sin MMC, but this series has its claws in me. LOL.

___

65. Forever Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

Ah yes, the clusterfuckiest of all the clusterfucks of this series. I love the drama of this series so much. It's one red flag after another and it is so ridiculous, but I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT AND WILL DEFINITELY BE READING IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

So many reveals, so many fun times. I laughed so hard when a certain song is read aloud in the audiobook and the narrator says "this song is available to purchase on ITUNES." I howled.

Past the cringe, the revelations, Rush finally growing a backbone, and the reveal of the next book, I will forever fall too far for this series. There, I said it.

___

66. Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I actually quite enjoyed CANADIAN BOYFRIEND, more than I thought I would. I didn't know what to expect and so I just assumed it would be a smutty rom-com of a read, but we all know what they say about people who assume.

First of all, if you're coming into this book for the smut, you're not going to get it. This is a closed-door romance that starts with friendship and ends under the sheets. And while I enjoyed their progression and growth as characters dealing with their own versions of trauma, I do wish we would have gotten steamy scenes to offset the heaviness of the plot. But I know, sex isn't everything.

I loved the father/daughter relationship between the MMC and his daughter. Grief is messy and when you're the surviving parent, it can be even messier. Being a kid who had to grow up with this type of grief, I know that fear of losing that remaining parent, so I empathized a lot with this kid--even if she came off bratty, there was usually a reason behind it.

I did enjoy how Holiday treated that reveal at the end and how emotionally mature the two characters were coming off of it. I liked that it wasn't made into a bigger thing than it was and that it was a perfect example of how the two characters have grown as people.

What I wasn't a big fan of were some of the smaller details--like the constant use of the MMC's full name. That felt weird--kind of the antithesis of the FMC telling the MMC that his fame doesn't matter to her. Every time she used his full name, it was like she was talking about this celebrity she couldn't believe was in her life. It's kind of how we usually use the full name of a celebrity instead of just saying their first name. It kept this weird distance between the MMC and the FMC and I don't know if this was intentional, but it felt a bit off-putting and admittedly very annoying.

But yeah, for the most part, I did really enjoy CANADIAN BOYFRIEND, more than I thought I would!

___

67. My Love Mix-Up! Vol. 2 by Wataru Hinekure, Aruko, and Jan Cash--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This volume starts to show how this romance is going to get more complicated and how some of the characters might react to the central love story.

I loved seeing some of the character development and the support that other characters offered. I'm also just incredibly excited to get further into this series--especially knowing that I have all of the volumes waiting for me on my bookshelf.

I do find the MC to be incredibly dramatic and I actually love that. It's like the perfect contrast to the other MC's aloofness when it comes to love.

I can't wait to see this love story develop!

___

68. The Titan's Bride Vol. 3 by ITKZ--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really liked the way this volume was done--specifically how it felt like a slice of life manga until the obvious fantasy aspects were introduced. Also, this one was definitely more about that spicy life, but I did enjoy how the author explored some of the complexities of relationships once the honeymoon stage is done.

I read these three books too quickly and now I must wait for volume 4. Sigh.

___

69. Heroes by Alan Gratz--⭐️⭐️⭐️

HEROES wasn't my favourite Gratz novel, but I think a lot of younger readers are going to love the nonstop adventure and action, and heavy dose of history. These two boys somehow survive through fiery danger and deal with some heavy emotions along the way.

While this is historical fiction, I think that the MC could be a relatable character to young readers today because of his anxiety and his reluctance to do anything outside of his comfort zone/safe zone.

I do wish there was a bit more of character build up, so some of the moments were more impactful, but I think that just me wishing to get he REFUGEE emotional experience again.

Wasn't the biggest fan of the author's note, but well.

Will probably continue to read his books because they are super entertaining!

___

70. The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena by R.L. Stine--⭐️⭐️

While some parts of this book were entertaining, the title of this book is a bit of a catfish. Yes, we do get some parts of this abominable snowman in Pasadena, but it's primarily set in Alaska. Which, okay, that's a whole other issue. What parent lets their preteen children roam around a place where polar bears roam? Or where said kids could also get lost because they literally have no idea where they are?

It takes parenting fails to a whole other level and as an adult, I heavily have to suspend my disbelief.

I don't know what I was expecting, considering so many of the past books have been meh, but this was...an experience lol.

___

71. Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a great story that features a heavily misunderstood MC who is drowning in an identity he created for himself that isn't actually him. Wes's level of character growth in SKATER BOY makes this such an enjoyable read. I wanted to know what would come next in his ever-changing life and Nerada delivered.

I think of the great things about this book is that the MC isn't the only one who has the chance to grow as a character. Everyone around him is given the chance to grow and find their true selves. In a way, this whole was a redemptive arc for everyone in the MC's life. And I absolutely adored that because it made all of the characters feel bigger than their background or side roles.

At the beginning of the story, the author's note comments on how he didn't want to make this book about Wes's coming out and I can kind of see that. While yes, him being in the closet and contemplating the dangers and troubles of coming out are a big part of the story, this is more a story about a teenage boy finding his way in a world determined to make a certain role for him.

I loved his mom and their relationship, I loved the self-realizations, and I loved the flawed friendships and relationship. I just really enjoyed this book. It left me feeling so content by the end, to the point where I couldn't immediately start another book right after. I needed a brief break to fully bask in the joys of Nerada's writing.

Will definitely read more from him!

___

72. That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just like the first book, THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND YEETED A LOVE POTION AT A WEREWOLF was a hilarious, sexy, and adventurous romp. I had so much fun reading this book and found myself laughing at least once every chapter. I never knew I needed a series like this one in my life until I finally dived in. I seriously can't wait for the third book to get to me (I pre-ordered these gorgeous covers).

I loved the FMC because she was very relatable in the sense of having the insecurities and thinking that failed past relationships were indicative of what her future with love would be like. I love that she was paired up with the MMC because he was able to give her the love she thought she would never get. And listen, not just the love but wow, the spicy smut was also something I think she very much deserved.

I enjoyed being able to see other characters from the first book and how they all interacted. The way they all work off each other is great comedic work and their dialogue? LOL please, this was so good.

Also, here's a gif without context but that those who've read this book would understand:

___

73. Without You by Marley Valentine--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the things I loved about WITHOUT YOU is how the toxic relationship with one of the parents is handled. I loved it so much that I'm starting this review with this instead of some random introduction. So many times I see stories with toxic parents who somehow find some sort of redemption and it's like nothing ever happened, but from the beginning I already knew this would go differently.

The two MCs find themselves drawn to each other a year after their mutual loss of someone very important in their lives. And while their love COULD be seen as somewhat taboo, I think it was a natural thing because the tension was there even before their connection happened. I DID find that said connection progressed a little too quickly for my taste, but I appreciated the healing it offered both characters.

This was a relatively quick read with some pretty great introspection, conversations about grief, the complicated relationships between parents and their children (especially the more toxic relationships), survivor's guilt, and mental health.

While some parts may have felt more surface level, this book overall dealt with so many important topics that the quick relationships could easily be overlooked. Definitely a great and admittedly sexy read.

___

74. Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I mentioned in my last review that Dixon writes stories that may seem, on the surface, as silly little romances, but secretly, they've got heart and they tackle some pretty important topics. BARBARIAN'S TOUCH isn't any different, since it touches on a disability and I loved how Dixon weaved that so seamlessly into the story.

The FMC is deaf and she herself goes through a process of loving herself for who she is, no matter the expectations others might have of her. I loved how she stood up for herself and how she fought to have a level of communication between her and her mate. I also enjoyed that of all of the girls, she was the one who was most empathetic because she was so new to the world she now inhabits. Of all the girls, I think she's one of my favourites because of her ability to stand up for herself, and her self-confidence in a new place and situation.

The MMC is a sweetheart in this and his empathy for his mate is something that would make me blush in real life. These alien men are better than most human men I've encountered. (Of course, they HAD to be written by a woman.) I also thought his physic-like abilities were pretty cool.

One of the things that really bugged me was the FMC's response to finding out about the resonance. I can understand the reaction, but I was still frustrated. Also, this is one of the longer books in the series, so it read a bit like a slowburn (which I was a fan of, but I know a lot of people who read this series for the smut might have to wait a bit for these two couples to get it on.)

I think that as Dixon wrote this series, she really grew as an author and the relationships became more than just a romp in the sheets. Her characters have continuously taken on more dimension and I'm excited to see what else she does.

___

75. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've had WHEN WE WERE LOST on my ARC bookshelves for years. I remember picking it up at the event I found it at and thinking "this sounds exactly like the kind of book I would love to read." Five years later, I was super correct and so happy that it lived up to my expectations.

I spent all day yesterday finishing this book and stayed up until four in the morning reading BECAUSE I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I'm such a sucker for survival stories, especially when the MC is no-nonsense about it and doesn't give into the teenage dramas happening around him. That being said, he felt more like an adult in a pool of teenagers.

I loved the adventure of their survival and not knowing who would make it to the end. I will admit that it was very coincidental (some of the kids that survived the crash were the perfect people to survive with) and the MC has the most luck I've ever seen, especially considering how his parents died. But honestly, I loved that.

I do wish one of the characters had gotten the karma he deserved, but it's fine lol.

I'm glad I finally read this and hope to find another survival book one day in the near future!

___

Have you read any of these titles? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

[what-wedoing]

Writeblr Intro

《idk why this post feels scary to make haha》

Hi y'all! My name's Zoey (she/her)

I love the art of crafting stories and in theory that translates into a love of writing... in practice its more like a love of staring into space and losing track of time but I'm working on that problem haha.

I'm in my early 20s

I have a goal of writing my first book "A Quest for Wings" this year. Its a children's book about a little dragon named Ruby who was born without wings and faces many difficulties for it. She comes to the false belief that having wings will get her everything she feels she is lacking: confidence, new friendships, new opportunities she never had access to before, etc,. So she sets out on a quest to this mythical forbidden forest that is rumored to have an anxious solitary dragon dwelling within who is capable of healing aliments and granting wishes. But by embarking on this journey she learns a lot about herself and she discovers that she never truly needed wings to fly, ie that her lacking wings wasn't a hindrance to her enjoying the best out of life even with her disability.

Originally the wingless dragon was just a metaphor but i realized pretty immediately that this is a literally disabled character and so i want to take a lot of care with writing this character. The most important thing to me about writing for children is to give them a toolset to yield their natural creativity and imagination to their fullest extent. Abelism is a fact of the world as it is but it doesn't have to be. Compassion could be the norm not an anomaly.

So I'm super hyped about writing this book !!

Lmk if you have any thoughts or you want to talk about ideas i definitely feel like i could (desperately) benefit from a writing partner haha.

[recitedemise]

Gale knows it intimately, the appeal in losing yourself in endless work. He's leafed some novels and tomes, has given fierce chase to words and theories, and as the night lumbered on in its lonesome hours, had burnt through both oil and candlewax. In his tower, he'd become the sole, grave portrait of a ravenous obsession. It had balmed him meagerly, anchoring his mental in the comfort of books, but imagine if he hadn't. Imagine if he'd thought. Imagine had he sat there in the shadows and the dark, his folly in his bones and his guilt on his conscience, every memory hollering. And every doubt in him loud. Madness, he'd wager. A treacherous insanity. Their party's now gathered by a half-cobbled hearth, and he'd have shattered apart like that window to a chapel. Temple glass, he humors. Or cathedral panes. 

Madness, they were spared.

But grief, they were not.

And as Gale gathers his belongings back into his bag, at least his, he knows, he wasn't made to ignore.

"Then by some stroke of luck, you'll be happy to know you're only expected to breathe. We can work up to laurel resting on another foul evening. For now, it would hardly kill you to do away with the semantics. That said, enough with the stalling," he urges. "And get on in."

Even here, the steam off the water clings along his neck. Gale works, hearing the rustling of clothes and the tell-tale ripple of her scalding dip. He clatters on about, back pointedly turned as all manner perfumes start waltzing in the air. However, even as he bumbles, vials click-clacking and stoppers popped in, it's yet the aching of her voice that lingers in his mind...and darkly, somberly, her still-veiled past.

Truthfully, he'd be one hell of a liar to even try at disinterest. Call it the scholar in him, but he boasts an unstoppable, unstemmable, and restless curiosity. Yet, far more than that by both seas and oceans is his unwithering fondness for this tight-lipped soul. It was not at all foreseen, this boldening camaraderie in a new-found friend. But, well, Gale himself is a lover, a man with both warmth and an unstoppable heart, and to hear her story would let him act as her pillar -- her bastion in the fury and tumultuous rain. He can see them still, the flash-crack-bang of that horrendous night. Gods, he had felt like her. There was viscera in his gums. But worse than that, he discerns, were the feelings that surfaced as the adrenaline waned. Hells, that heart-wrenching ache and that filleting regret...

The face of her sire. He recalls that, too.

Nightmarish, Gale thinks. Too haunting and soulless. He startles, tying up his pouch as Dronia's voice stirs like the canopies high up above. Blinking, he hadn't even realized he had held his breath. Oh. "I see," he begins, timbre so unbearably soft. "For what it's worth, I could hardly name a man more fortunate to have held your affections. Even with a thousand years, there'd have never been enough time to enjoy it by your side. Every second spent would have been another second desired." ...still, Gale well knows, he should have had more of it. More and more by several decades! Decades aplenty and tens of springs. Breathing, Gale gathers his words, lingering by the bramble where the rest of their companions are chattering in view. He knows his loves, had kissed and yearned and lost as she had. They'd hardly the same story, her grief a misfortune where he'd been a fool, but to know so keenly that your lover's escaped you... A wedding, she'd said. They could have been wed. Gale frowns, that spawn's red eyes again stark in his memory. He thinks of rubies, garnets, and disastrous greed "Well, you're not exactly a charity as far as I'm concerned. He won't take from you again, and I won't stand here and allow you to suffer a thief. For as much as you've lost, I'd hope you know you aren't fumbling alone. Should he ever find you again, we'll make that painfully clear." It's a daunting prospect, surely, to risk the life of her companions to Alden again--but then, what of it, he'd ask? He's not a man to just bolt. They've all their journeys, every one of them dangerous, and for better or for worse, she's Gale to the most disastrous of ends. Huffing, Gale summons a mage hand and nudges forward.

"It is lavender," he tuts, the spectral thing holding his pouch for her. "Though should you have a hankering for something else, feel free to peruse. Admittedly, I'm finding myself tempted to get in there myself. Waste anymore time, and I'll beat you to it. Otherwise, I'm sure shoving you in with thunderwave would do you wonders."

She thinks the worst of it is that she's never even allowed herself the chance to grieve. When her parents died of illness, there was time to process it, she went back to work almost immediately, but she allowed herself the grace to grieve, to break down and cry. But when Caius died, when every family and neighbor she had grown up with, when all the rest of her adventuring party, had been brutally and viciously killed, she had no chance to grieve. She had nothing but Jalen's kindness and a mission to avenge them. But not grief, not the time to properly grieve. She carried their names in her heart like a makeshift graveyard, their souls weighing down mighty shoulders enough that sometimes even her drawing arm trembles. And even if her turning didn't fully kick in until they were in these Shadow Cursed Lands, she had felt a wrongness in her since she woke that morning among the wreckage.

Only now did she have a name for it.

Everyone here carried something with them, they were all doomed in some awful way, weren't they? It couldn't have just been fate that they all converged. They had to become each others' strength. A shoulder to lean on when they could no longer stand. And while all of them had different struggles, there was overlap. Astarion and Gale both understood her hunger in their own ways, in a strange way, it is nice not to be alone in that, even if she wouldn't wish it on anyone.

They were all in this together.

"I know, I know, but please, I would never try to insult you on purpose. It's not in my nature." She barely even had an insult to throw at their enemies. Threats, sure, but not insults. She was no bard, she would save the witty insults for her funnier friends. Astarion and Karlach seemed quite good at it. Shadowheart as well. Her eyes wander the camp, maybe out of fear that they were talking about her, about her fall from grace. And yet none seem afraid of her, more worried than anything. And yet sharp as her senses now be, she can't quite focus on anything they're saying, a din of voices muddling together to an incomprehensible clutter of noise. "I have to. It's all I know, Gale. I've rarely rested on my laurels. Especially now, especially with so much at stake." But he's read her like some dusty old tome. He's right. She will work herself to the bone and then down to the marrow until she can go no deeper. Anything to get away from her own problems.

Maybe she's a coward when it comes to reflecting on herself. Dealing with everyone else's problems is easier, she can remove herself from her own problems until they are distant thoughts. And yet, every so often her problems force their way to the surface, the visages of death dancing behind her eyelids whenever she closed them, sinking their fangs into her throat and tearing until the entire thing is in shreds. One day, perhaps she will reveal the full extent of the story, beyond the horrific visions. All everyone knew of her previously was the quaint life she lived out in the countryside, learning to hunt alongside her father, a life truly lived off the land in a quiet village. Something so painfully normal and modest. Were a bard recalling their tales at the beginning, little mind would be paid to her story, she suspects. Never mind that her family were known for centuries to be some of the most renowned spider hunters in Faerun. But they all had something remarkable about them, after all. They were all survivors of something, bound together in their turmoil. "Good. I don't think I could bear to part with any of you any time soon." There is a dread in knowing that by the time this is over, she may not see most of them for some time, if ever again.

As Dronia eyes the heated bath, she removes her leather armor until she is in something far more suited for the warm bath, something far less likely to shrink under the heat. "One day, maybe I will. I haven't allowed myself a chance to grieve, no sooner did I reach the city was I thrown into all this, I've been so busy trying to make sure we survive that..." She draws in a deep breath, her voice shaking, "I didn't keep all my heart though. Part of it died that night. The man you saw... his name was Caius, he was my fiance. We were to be wed two weeks after that night. I would..." she doesn't finish the thought. She's here now, nothing would ever bring him back, her mind flits back to Mayrina and how when they got the wand and she asked her to bring Connor back, she excused herself. It was too much, the first crack showing. She snaps herself back to the present. "You're too kind to me, Gale." The scents of the oils and soaps manage to override the blood that still clung so stubbornly to her face. "Do I smell lavender in there?"

[janedoebby]

Thinking out loud about Show!Locklyle (part 1??)

The recent trailer has got me thinking about the potential changes made to Lockwood x Lucy's relationship as it is adapted into the Netflix tv show.

Whenever I describe the relationship between Lockwood and Lucy to my friends (who I haven't YET convinced to read the series) I usually say its the 'slowest slow burn' which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. The way Locklyle developed as characters and also their dynamic throughout the books is just *chefs kiss*.

Personally, I think the treatment of the relationship between these two characters in the adaptation will depend on the decision of whether or not they choose to have Ruby doing some form of narration. If they do then I feel like that will allow for the relationship to take the timeline from the books (where maybe in season 18 we get a kiss on the cheek) and hopefully do justice to the relationship. If they choose not to go with Lucy's narration, I feel they will follow with the typical adrenaline-focused scenes we got in the teaser. While I do enjoy that and this was definitely an aspect of the books I don't think they can entirely build Locklyle to the extent it was in the books by this method alone.

One of the areas of Lucy I related to most reading the books originally and during my (numerous) rereads was her seemingly unrequited crush for someone she perceived as totally out of her league. Even though Jonathan Stroud is a middle-aged man (to who I am forever grateful) I found the way he wrote about feelings of insecurity, especially from a teenage girl very relatable and something I really responded to. While Ruby Stokes is an incredible actress who I'm sure could pull this off perfectly having the narration of this internal struggle Lucy undergoes is one of my most sincere wishes for the show. I also feel like Lucy's narration would add another dimension to the show especially since it would allow for a direct transfer from the books to the screen.

Concerning how the lack of narration would in my personal opinion affect Lockwood is that a lot of interest in his background and how it has shaped him in the present-day stems from Lucy's insight. As the closest person to him throughout the series with their connection deepening as the series goes on Lucy's narration drives the reader's perception of his character that I feel would be missing if they chose not to explore her voice through the show. The mystery of Jessicas room that was so prevalent in the first two books which I think is so important to the growth of the found family of the original trio was a massive part of Lucy's perspective. Lucy's presence in his life emboldened him to share this tragic area of his past but it wouldn't have been so meaningful for the characters and us the reader in my opinion if it wasn't for how Lucy's narration constantly reminded us of the secrecy and what this room represented for her personally and even her relationship with Lockwood.

Overall I do think the most important aspect of Locklyle is the slow burn and whatever happens, I would much rather they get the pacing right even if it means losing Lucy's narration. (But personally, I feel like the narration is the best way for the development to be shown for both book readers and those whose first interactions will be via the show)

P.S - JUST WANTED TO GET SOME THOUGHTS AND PREDICTIONS DOWN PRIOR TO THE SHOW DROPPING ON NETFLIX. I HAVE NOTHING BUT POSITIVITY TOWARDS THIS SHOW AND ALL OF THE HARD WORK THE CAST AND CREW HAVE PUT INTO BRINGING IT TO THE SCREEN. WHATEVER HAPPENS, IT WILL STILL BE A DREAM COME TRUE TO SEE THE CHARACTERS I ADORE INTERACTING ON SCREEN AND THIS IS MERELY ME RAMBLING.

[insomniac-arrest]

Hi there! I'm doing sort of what you did last year with the "here's all the books i read in 2020" post, as part of a resolution to myself to get myself back into reading. I wanted to see if you had a final list - I can't seem to find that post but I remember seeing a couple titles I wanted to read when I made the time :/ And have you read anything in the new year yet? I've read 2 books so far - Beyond the Ruby Veil and Serpent & Dove! The first is about a girl who gets whatever she wants and murders the person who makes water in her city out of people's blood, and subsequently finding out a LOT about the reality of her world. She is hella gay and her best friend is ALSO Hella Gay but it 2 different ways. I kind of hate her but also her story and her emotions are very compelling still???? The second is a typical opposite sides fake!married story with witches and witchhunters set in quasi-Medieval "France." Its very cute and Ansel is now my child. Plus the "twist" writing isn't for shock value like GoT was, the foreshadowing and payoffs actually make sense BUT the payoffs still blow you away!

Hello! Yes, here is my post with most of the books I read in 2020. You can also check out my Goodreads which has even more!

Here were my all-time favorites from 2020 by genre:

Fantasy: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, a money-lender gets in trouble after bragging she can turn silver into gold and is kidnapped and ordered to do so by a fey creature. It has a truly compelling main character and some awesome female friendships. I loved this book!

Literary Fiction: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, a son writes a letter about his life to his illiterate mother. The language in this is truly dazzling and the prose absolutely stunned me to the point of tearing up. 

Romance: Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with seven directives to help her “Get a Life.” I just thought this was a really funny and sweet romance novel! 

I also read “Red, White, and Royal Blue” this year which was pretty good and gets an honorable mention. However, despite the later being gay, I enjoyed Chloe more as a character so that’s why it ended up being my favorite.

Science Fiction: Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, a post-apocalyptical story about a group of traveling Shakespeare actors and a symphony. Soft! Apocalypse! A fascinating look at a world ravaged by a terrible disease (ahem) and the society that comes after it. There is something quiet and compelling about this book that I can’t explain.

Gideon the Ninth: I’m not putting this in any category because I honestly had no ideal what was going on in this book most of the time. BUT I HAD SO MUCH GODDAMN FUN IT’S UNBELIEVABLE. I laughed, I cried, I screamed out loud at the ending. This book reminded me how much I love reading.

I have finished one book in the new year! It was “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn and I hated it so much that I thought to myself “huh, I guess I don’t like the entire thriller genre” and then the next day, still filled with rage, I was like “maybe I just don’t like books anymore, I’m going to become illiterate.”

Anyway, I am back to reading now and I’m doing “One to Watch” by Kate Stayman-London which is a romance novel about a plus-sized fashion blogging becoming the star of a reality dating show! I’m enjoying it well-enough so far, it is a bit heavy for me, but I hear it gets really juicy later on so I’m excited for that. 

[bobasheebaby]

60 Once Upon a Time Prompts

Clearly I’m trying to keep my mind busy. 60 OUAT quotes I love this time. Most of these are angsty again, but some are sweet or hopeful. I tried to pick ones that would work for most if not all books. Another long one so breaking at 15 again.

1 "When I win your heart NAME, and I will win it. It won't be because of any trickery. It will be because you want me." — Killian James Hook

2 “Magic always comes with a price." — Rumplestiltskin

3 "Maybe I don't need answers. Maybe I just need to punch you in the face." — Emma Swan

4 "True love isn't easy, but it must be fought for because once you find it, it can never be replaced." — Prince Charming

5 "Your happy ending may not be what you expect. That is what will make it so special." — Snow White

6 “I will find you. I will always find you.” — David/Prince Charming

7 “Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love has killed more than any disease.” — Rumplestiltskin

8 “Now that I know you love me too ... “ “I don’t.” “ ... what?” “Love you. I don’t. I’m sorry. You said I would always be in your heart, and ... that is too cruel a fate. Go live your life. Live it without me, because there is no place for us together. And fill your heart with love for someone else — someone who can love you the way I never have. The way I never will.” — Prince Charming & Snow White

9 “What do you see in me?” “Evidently the same thing you see in me. A second chance.” — Evil Queen & Robin Hood

10 “I’m sorry, do ... do I know you?” “No. But you will.” — Belle & Mr Gold

11 “I do hope you like apples.” — Regina Mills

12 “What the hell are you doing here?” “Helping.” “Well, you’re too late.” “Am I?” “I thought you didn’t care about anyone but yourself.” “Maybe I just needed reminding that I could.” — Emma Swan & Killian James Hook

13 “I love you, NAME. I just wish I was strong enough to stop all this. I’m just not.” “You may not be strong enough, but maybe we are!” — Regina Mills & Emma Swan

14 “The future isn’t always what it seems. I will see you again.” — Belle

15 “Why should we trust you?” “We don’t have to. If he/she tries anything, I’ll shoot him/her in the face.” “Quite hostile, aren’t we?” “Just being clear.” — Emma Swan, David Nolan & Killian James Hook

16 “We have history together.” “That would explain the distrustful look on her face.” — Regina Mills & Mr Gold

17 “Because hero’s do what’s right ... not ... what’s easy.” — Snow White

18 “You promised me the truth, not a bloody tour.” “The truth is tricky. You have to look for it.” — Killian James Hook & Emma Swan

19 “‘Envy’ is just another word for ambition.” “Well, that’s just ... not true.” — Zelena & Evil Queen

20 “NAME, I’ve seen what life has thrown at you, and you still fight against the darkness every day. Sooner or later, your heart will find its way to happiness.” [sighs] “that doesn’t feel possible.” “But it is. I know you, and you feel things deeply, with or without it, you feel things with your whole soul. Don’t let anything hold you back.” — Snow White & Evil Queen

21 “You must leave, because despite what you hope ... I’m still a monster.” “Don’t you see? That’s exactly the reason I have to stay.” — Mr Gold & Belle

22 “Love is sacrifice.” — Mulan

23 “I know love when I see it.” — Princess Aurora

24 “I suppose this is your doing.” “Most things are.” — Regina Mills & Mr Gold

25 “That thing out there is dangerous. And NAME ... he/she left to protect you. So even if I don’t believe in his/her methods, I’m going to honor his/her wishes. I’m going to keep you safe.” — Mulan

26 “You’ve grown so much.” “You know me?” [smiles] “I’m your mother/father/grandparent/aunt/uncle.” — Anita & Red Riding Hood

27 “No matter what you might’ve done in your past, NAME sees the good in you, and ... that tells me one thing.” “What?” “That it’s in there. So if we can all see it, why can’t you?” — Belle & Ruby

28 “I’m so sorry. I know what it’s like to lose your family.” “I didn’t lose my family today. I protected it.” — Snow White & Red Riding Hood

29 “You saved me.” “No. You saved yourself. I just reminded you of what you already knew.” — Ruby & David Nolan

30 “He’s/She’s not that powerful.” “Love how you underestimate me. Adorable.” — Ursula & Rumplestiltskin

31 “NAME. Shall I move some things, make a bit of space for your rage?” — Mr Gold

32 “Two people with a common goal can accomplish many things. Two people with a common enemy ... can accomplish even more.” — Mr Gold

33 “He’s/she’s a snake, NAME. You need to be careful you get into bed with.” — Regina Mills

34 “You didn’t pick a great friend in NAME, NAME. But he/she does make a superlative enemy.” [smiles] “Enjoy that!” — Regina Mills

35 “I believe you can do anything you want, as long as you can dream it.” — Dreamy (dwarf)

36 [about love] “It’s the most wonderful and amazing thing in the world. Love is hope, it fuels our dreams. And if you’re in it, you need to enjoy it. Because love doesn’t always last forever.” — Belle

37 “Now go, find your love. Find your hope. Find your dreams.” — Belle

38 “You see me as a villain, NAME. But that’s just your perception, you’re wrong. Learn your place in this town/country, or soon enough you won’t be in it.” — Regina Mills

39 “Well, if you can’t beat him/her/them ... drink.” — Sidney Glass

40 “Love makes people do foolish things.” — King Leopold

41 “I thought you’d only risk your life for love or revenge.” “One other important thing — me.” — Tinkerbell & Captain Killian James Hook

42 “There’s not a day that will go by that I won’t think of you.” “Good.” — Killian James Hook & Emma Swan

43 “Please, you couldn’t handle it.” “Perhaps you’re the one who couldn’t handle it.” — Emma Swan & Killian James Hook

44 “There’s nothing more important than family.” — Evil Queen

45 “You were right, NAME. You don’t abandon family.” — Evil Queen

46 “How can he/she remember who you are, when he’s/she’s lost sight of who he/she is?” — Jiminy Cricket

47 “I‘ve spent far too much time looking for my husband/wife. It’s time to bring him/her home!” — David Nolan

48 “Ok, don’t take this the wrong way, but how the hell did you get here?” — Emma Swan

49 “I want justice.” “Tread carefully. It’s dangerous to confuse vengeance with justice.” — Princess Aurora & Mulan

50 “Why can’t you just listen to me?” “Why couldn’t you have trusted me?” — Mary Margaret & Emma Swan

51 “Family is everything, my dear. Losing all hope of having one — there is no greater misery.” — King George

52 “Just who are you, NAME?” “Wouldn’t you like to know.” — Killian James Hook & Emma Swan

53 “You know, there's not a ton about my father/mother that I remember that doesn't suck. But he/she used to tell me that there are no coincidences. Everything that happens, happens by design, and there's nothing we can do about it; forces greater than us conspire to make it happen. Fate, destiny, whatever you wanna called it, the point is... maybe we met for a reason. Maybe something good came from us being together.” — Neal Cassidy

54 “Well, who doesn’t love a surprise?” — Emma Swan

55 “Doesn't matter now. I'm over it. And you.” “Why do you wear the, uh ... key chain/necklace/ring/item I got you?” [stops short to think this over, then pulls the item off and hands it back] “To remind myself never to trust someone again.” — Emma Swan & Neal Cassidy

56 “There's no greater pain than regret.” “Try abandonment.” — Mr Gold & Neal Cassidy

57 “I'm not sad. I'm pissed. Yes, NAME just died, but I lost him/her years ago. All that time thinking that he/she didn't love me, only to find out that he/she did, and it was too late. I can't even tell him/her how angry that makes me, or how much it hurt when he/she left, or how terrified I was when he/she came back. I knew the moment I saw him/her, I never stopped loving him/her.” — Emma Swan

58 “We've only been together eight months. I've had leftovers in my fridge for longer than that.” — Emma Swan

59 “I say we fight!” “Fighting is a bad idea. Giving in to one's dark side never accomplishes anything.” “And how many wars has a clear conscience won?” — Prince Charming & Jiminy Cricket

60 “Oh, you foolish girl/boy! Don't you know? Love is weakness.” “No. It’s strength!” — Cora & Emma Swan

[toldbymae]

𝐆 𝐑 𝐀 𝐕 𝐈 𝐓 𝐘 ~ 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐮

C H A P T E R  O N E: BEGIN AGAIN

Fandom; Choices stories you play

Pairings; Ethan Ramsey x Mc (Lucky-Rae Longford)

Summary; Emotions are the luxury you can’t afford as a Doctor, consider this something Ethan Ramsey learned early. When the sun sets, all hope seems lost. That is, until a wide-eyed young intern tumbles, quite literally, into his life and the sun has never shined brighter. 

Warnings; Swearing, Graphic descriptions of injury, Alcohol consumption, NSFW, Character death, Violence, Mentions of stillbirth, Physical abuse.

Word Count; 1.4k (1,467 including this and the above.)

Author Note; This story is an au and starts at the beginning of open heart book one. The storyline won't entirely be the same, some aspects will change eg; Miss Martinez won't end up dying because of mc...instead it'll be because of someone else. In this story, you’ll hate Landry even more.

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀.

Enjoy!

LUCKY-RAE

After a six and a half hour flight, Lucky got off the plane and made her way through security, grabbing her suitcase and making her way through the crowd of loud and rowdy people. Most of them wore a smile, running into the arms of friends and family, while others were crying and watching as they bid goodbye.

Life is something precious.

It's strong and yet, it's so fragile and easy to take away.

The automatic doors opened and, almost instantly, she was hit with golden rays of the sun. Boston, she smiled and began venturing down the street.

Lucky couldn't wipe the irreplaceable smile off her face, nor did she want to. This is going to be the start of something new. Something good. Something...unimaginable.

The sudden vibration of her phone drew the redhead from her thoughts as she hastily grabbed it out of her pocket.

Landlord guy; 27 Ilford terrace, be there at 3 pm and I'll give you your keys. NO LATER.

Lucky; Sure thing

She tucked her phone safely back in her front pocket and called for a taxi, told him the destination she was heading to, and sat comfortably in the back seat, after putting her luggage in the boot, with the much-needed assistance of the driver.

25 minutes.

The car set off and Lucky leaned her head against the window, watching everything pass her by.

A smile crept back onto her face.

It's happening, it's finally happening. All these years of dreaming, believing, and working hard have led her to where she is right now, where she will be in the future.

Edenbrook Hospital, one of, if not the most, prestigious in the country. Widely known for its efficient and dedicated health care and team.

It hadn't always been her dream to work there, nevertheless, Lucky was determined now more than ever, not to allow the past to cloud her judgment or decisions.

All the people she'd save...all the people she'd be able to help...and those who she can't save...

Seconds descended into minutes which soon felt like hours and the taxi pulled up outside her new home. She thanked him, paid, and dragged her suitcase behind her as she walked up the steps and patiently waited for her landlord to arrive. She spotted him making his way down the road, wearing a blue shirt and loose-fitting black trousers.

"It's nice to finally meet you in person Mister...."

"Just call me Farley." He said delving his hand into his over-sized pocket and fishing for the keys.

"Thank you, I promise to take good care of the property...Mister Farley."

He laughed, "I know you lot will."

She paused, you lot. But there's only one of her...

"What did you mean?" She asked.

"Oh..." He laughed again, "Go inside and you'll see, Doc."

And she did. She unlocked the door and trekked up the stairs and wished there was a lift.

Lucky's breath was instantly taken away. The view was simply spectacular, the apartment was spacious, too spacious.

"This isn't all for me, is it?"

"Turns out you really are as smart as you look." He retorted, turning his head and pointing out all the other bedrooms which would be accommodating other people. Lucky shifted uncomfortably.

"Don't worry." He reassured, "I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine." Without another word, Farley departed leaving Lucky alone.

Her momentary peace was interrupted at the sound of voices and the door flying open. Five people walked in, luggage trailing after them, and meek smiles.

"He really wasn't lying..." Someone moaned, a slim and tall man with wild curly, hazel nut-brown hair, with baby blue eyes.

"I got one can't wait!" The voice of a short, brunette squeaked, smiling from ear to ear. Lucky couldn't tell whether or not she was being genuine.

"What are the odds of us all Woking at ED?" Another woman rolls her eyes and makes her way into the kitchen and raids the fridge.

"Well...I guess I should introduce myself?" The uncertainty in her voice caused Lucky to internally cringe.

"Lucky." She extends out her hand and the small girl, no taller than her, shakes it.

"I call dibs on the largest room." Says the girl whose name Lucky is yet to know, who is currently stuffing her face with a chocolate bar, "I'm Jackie, that's Sienna, Elijah, and Landry."

"Pleasure to meet you." Lucky replies. Sienna smiles at her, "I think we're gonna get along just great and I love your voice, are you, Welsh?"

"Irish, from Killarney."

"Well, is anyone hungry might as well order something." Elijah says getting his phone and looking up nearby takeaway restaurants.

Hours of talking and unpacking later, the interns sat at the table eating pizza and watching TV, feeling nothing except mixture exhaustion and relaxation.

"There's this bar down the road called Donahue’s, wanna go?” Jackie suggests, earning the attention of her new fellow roommates.

Landry shrugged, “I mean I don’t mind...but we’ve orientation tomorrow so...let’s not drinking too much.”

“Alright, let's go.”

...

ETHAN

The bar was still and quiet as the diagnostician drank the last of his whiskey and motioned for the bartender, his long time friend Reggie, to get him another.

"You sure you want another?" Reggie asks, hesitant.

Ethan almost instantly nods and the sound of voices filling the once empty bar drew him from his thoughts.

One in particular caught his eye.

Her laugh sounded like a melody he could listen to every day.

Her eyes, glassy, pure, and ruby green. So beautiful and mesmerizing.

Her hair, long, curly, and auburn shade of red.

Her freckles, as golden as the sun, spread across her face like stars in a midnight sky.

Ethan forced himself to turn away, unable to get the image of her out of his head.

He wouldn't see her again.

Or her dark red lips, so kissable.

He drank the remainder of his drink and decided to call it a night, much to Reggie's relief.

From the corner of his sky blue eyes, he sees her stumbling and about to fall, glass in hand. He catches her just in time and she smiles and drunkenly laughs, before throwing up a river on his green jacket and white top. Ethan sighs and helps her walk over to the nearest booth and sits her down.

“Shit...” She says, “I’m such a lightweight. Sorry, I uh...you know.” Her eyes dart to the ground and her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get you some water.” Ethan walks over to the bar and Reggie gives him a bottle of water, he opens the bottle and passes it to her. Lucky smiles gratefully and drinks it.

“You're a lifesaver...sorry again about your-

“It’s fine, really.”

A hesitant silence falls upon them until Lucky speaks, “I’m not usually like this.”

“I’m really, really, really nervous about tomorrow...”

“What’s tomorrow?” He asks.

“My intern orientation at Edenbook Hospital. Have you heard of it?”

“Yeah, I certainly have. I don’t think you have anything to be nervous about. You're going there for a reason, remember that.”

“...You know exactly what to say. I like that.”

He sits down opposite her, properly able to see her golden freckles in the soft and warm glow of the light.

“I haven’t asked.” He began, “What’s your name?”

She laughs, playfully slapping his knee, “My parents named me something, like, super weird...don’t go laughing okay?”

“You have my word.”

“Lucky. Lucky-Rae to be exact.”

...

The following morning felt like a complete nightmare. Ethan was in the shower and for once, not even lukewarm water could calm him down.

He dreamed about her.

What was wrong with him?

Every time he closed his eyes, he imagined her long red hair tickling his skin as her lips pressed tantalizingly against his flesh, traveling lower and lower...

His eyes darted upwards at the clock and the time was five minutes past six. Ethan didn't bother wrapping a towel around himself and turned the shower head off before getting dressed and making his way to work.

The traffic was even more so annoying than usual.

Cars sped past him and all could hear were the screams of the couple arguing in the car in front and a baby crying in the car behind. Ethan resisted the overwhelming urge to gouge his ears out. Half an hour passed and Ethan was walking in the hallways of Edenbrook, watching the nurses organize patient files.

An hour later the interns arrived and the hospital wasn’t silent anymore. A sudden commotion corrupted, he turns his head and a woman has collapsed and isn’t moving. Without another thought, he rushed over and ushered for space.

Ethan looked around and noticed an intern rushing over, long red hair, dark green eyes...golden freckles. As if this day could get any worse.

[afrodeitiess]

𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞| would you be so kind

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠| f!oc x ruby martinez

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲| in which you and ruby martinez have been best friends since you were kids and you’ve been in love with him half the time but now, you’re leaving for new york and you’ll never be able to tell him how you feel.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞| this has been in my drafts for a while so i figure I’d post it. this is soft and kind of angsty but completely appropriate so enjoy. i had to change tenses and change a lot of pronouns to you so if there’s any weird typos, that’s why

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭| 1,324 words

❝ would you be so kind as to fall in love with me? ❞

         You have never been known for your subtle touch. You’ve been known for keeping things to yourself ; if you feel something, you says it. You are all sharp edges and a silver tongue.

And yet, you can't seem to say the one thing that you really feel.

It's not as if it's anything new. It's young love, a story that has been told a thousand times in different variations. You supposed that if this were a movie, you’d declare your love for him and he'd tell you that he's loved you his entire life. But this is no movie and somehow with your own feelings on the line, it feels far worse. You’ve decided a long time ago that you’d never tell Ruby Martinez about your feelings for him and you don’t think you’ll ever get a chance.

You’ve pushed off packing until the last minute, leaving the boxes that your mother keeps bringing you, in the back of your closet. Somehow you feel as if ignoring it means it'll never happen.

You doesn't want to leave Freeridge. For all its quirks and inadequacies, it's your home. You remember scraping your knee on the swing set behind your house and crying for hours. You remember Ruby taking your arm before bringing you into his room to patch your up. You remember sneaking into the community pool in the middle of the night on a dare and nearly getting caught. Even then, you remember Ruby following you in despite the fact that he complained the entire time but refused to leave your side because he wouldn't let you get in trouble alone.

It's funny now that you thinks about it how all of your good memories of Freeridge are associated with Ruby. You don’t remember exactly when you began to love him. You suppose that it happened slowly and all at once at the same time. It seems inevitable now; you grew up beside each other and chased each other around for hours. You’re not sure that there's any other way that it could have ever gone. You didn’t choose to love Ruby Martinez but you feel as if it's been written in the stars since the very beginning.

          Even now, it's Ruby that you call when you need help. It's always him. It's one of the reasons that you love him. Not because you always seem to be there to save you but simply because he's always there. Even when you don’t realize that you needs him.

          You have no idea how you’ll survive without him.

        He doesn't bother knocking even though he knows how much it annoys you. Instead, he swings the door open to find you sitting on the ground, surrounding by numerous brown boxes and all of your clothes. It's quite the contrast from your usual eerily clean room. You’re so deep in thoughts that you don’t scold Ruby for coming into your room without knocking.

         "When you said you hadn't started packing, I thought you were just exaggerating." Ruby kicks a box out of the way. This one is labelled books. "I was wrong."

         You close your eyes in hopes that when you open it, all of this will be gone. No such luck. "I know. I just kept thinking that I had time. First, it was a month and then three weeks and now we're leaving in three days and I haven't even started. This is a disaster of epic proportions."

         "Okay, not epic proportions," Ruby mutters, eying the pile of books in the corner. It's more of a heap than a pile, really, with loose pages sticking out at odd ends. "It's just a bit of a mess."

          You look up to stare at him with a raised brow, your expression void of humour.

         "Okay, it's a gigantic mess."

          "I know."

           He picks up a floral patterned dress from the ground and lifts it into the air. "What the hell happened?  I thought we had a system. We agreed that you'd fill one box everyday and that way it wouldn't be a huge chore."

            You roll her eyes at him. "Since when have I ever listened to you?"

"Well, you should start." Ruby looks over the mess on the ground and you can practically see the gears turning in his brain. He's breaking it down and separating the chores into little parts. It's the way that he thinks. "Alright, it's a lot but we can do this. You just take the clothes and I'll do everything else, okay? We're good."

He's wearing a cheerful expression with a smile and you cannot share his optimism but you can't say no especially not when he looks at you like that.

"Alright, let's do this."

You manage to get through four boxes in the span of an hour and it's quite impressive considering that you spent half the time talking about absolutely nothing. That's another thing that you love about him. You both can stay up all night and never run out of things to talk about and even if you do, you’re comfortable in the silence as well.

Ruby grabs a red hoodie out of the pile of clothes that you’ve folded into a box marked essentials. He lifts into the air inspecting it with raised brows before he finally exclaims. "Is this my sweater?" He doesn't wait for you to answer. "I've been looking for this forever."

"Come on. You promised to stop stealing my sweaters."

Despite his tone, he doesn't look very angry. In fact the corners of his lips twitch in an almost smile and you mirror the expression. "I'm leaving for New York in three days. Just let me have this. It might be the only thing that I'll have to remember you by."

Although your words sound the playful enough, you don’t meet his gaze. Instead you look everywhere else. At the ground, at the ceiling and at the clothes on the ground; everywhere except at Ruby.

"Come on. You know that's not true."

You don’t answer.

"You don't really believe that, do you?" His tone sounds worried now and you’re sure that you look at him, he'd be peering at you with concerned eyes. He grabs your hand and pulls you closer to him, forcing you to sit on the bed beside him. "Come on. Look at me. Look at me."

You turn to look at him, your eyes hooded. He reaches out to take your face in his hands and you shiver, despite the heat of his skin.

"It doesn't matter how far away you are. I will never ever leave you. No distance, how far, could ever stop me from calling you every evening just to ask how your day has been, alright?"

You nod and tears prick the corners of her eyes because you can't imagine being so far away from everything and everyone that you knows. Away from him. You turn so that you’re laying down on her bed, her knees tucked underneath her. You can't see him and you can't stand to so you turn around to stare at the wall.

"I just don't want to lose you."

You don’t see it but you feel him lay down beside you. You shiver slightly when he puts him arm around you even though you’ve done this a thousand times. You can feel his warm breath against your neck and his heart beating as his chest presses flush against your back. You’re only a few inches shorter than he is so he presses his lips against your forehead before tightening his grip around you.

You nearly don’t hear him whisper against your hair, the words that you’ve dreamed about a thousand times.

"I love you."

You cry then. Stone cold as you are. You feel a single tear slip because no matter how many times he says that, Ruby Martinez will never love you the way that you wish he could.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞| There’s tense mistakes in this. I know it but don’t forget to like and reblog if you liked this

[yvesdot]

June 29 & 30.

A little more free time.

JUNE 29

"Back, back, to your own place! Your time is not yet come. Wait! Have patience! To-night is mine. To-morrow night is yours!" There was a low, sweet ripple of laughter, and in a rage I threw open the door, and saw without the three terrible women licking their lips. As I appeared they all joined in a horrible laugh, and ran away.

Again, I'm hardly the person for this, but I find it an obviously fruitful pursuit to discuss the way Jonathan is passed from man to women. Virginity, sexuality, sex-as-power... I don't know. There's just a lot of it. I really do understand why people love the book; I'm just not personally intrigued by these sorts of possibilities. I'd have to read someone else's (cleanly and simply written) analysis.

JUNE 30

I could not see a key anywhere, but the heap of gold remained.

I didn't take care to annotate this earlier, but Stoker is so set on reminding us how incredibly wealthy Dracula is that I'll do it. WE GET IT. HE HAS SOCIAL POWER THROUGH WEALTH OF MANY COUNTRIES. HE HAS INFLUENCE THROUGH MONEY. Okay now I hope I never have to talk about this again.

There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. It seemed as if the whole awful creature were simply gorged with blood. He lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion.

We all know I'm a swoony sort of writer so my vampires have to be pretty all the time, but I do love the idea of the combination of youth and swollen leechishness. Quite nice description even if I have to wonder whether Dracula would really not wipe his mouth? Me when I have dinner .5 seconds before Shabbat candle-lighting, I suppose.

I am alone in the castle with those awful women. Faugh! Mina is a woman, and there is nought in common. They are devils of the Pit!

Did you know I almost wrote an essay on this? No, instead I took the path of least resistance and wrote about sexual ambiguity in Carmilla; a decent paper but covering absolutely no new ground whatsoever. A hamster could tell you that the crux of Carmilla is ambiguity.

In this case, I thought this passage might be a useful entry point into vampire gender... but didn't feel confident enough to do anything else. The Count, obviously, is also ripe for analysis in this regard, particularly if you blur the lines of (gender/)sex and sexuality, but I still find this the most interesting line in the entire story.

Can evil remove manhood, or only womanhood? Does the Count retain his sex because the dominance of his approach to Harker is natural for men but unnatural for women? What is the nature of male vs. female evil?

I've said this before and will continue to say it, but please, if you have papers you've written or read or liveblogs you've enjoyed, send them my way! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and to see more discussion of all these questions.

General commentary:

Here's a snip from that Carmilla essay, since I know Max @goose-books will ask:

Would you seriously not rather be reading this book right now. There's a vampire bite orgasm in it. There are lesbians-- evil lesbians, who say deranged crap like "love is always selfish; the more ardent the more selfish" and "love will have its sacrifices." What do I even do with this? It's like it was written for me. It was written for Kay Rainier, I guess, but if not her it would have been written for me. By a guy who would have been horrified by every aspect of my being, no less.

Oh well. More Dracula when I rise to it.

Alright fine after FOUR PEOPLE asked me about Dracula Daily I will in fact be participating if only to satisfy the masses. Instead of memes I am going to be talking about what’s going on subtextually and my varied vampire-as-metaphor thoughts. Also, I really do not like Dracula. Alright? Alright. See reblogs for later additions.

NAVIGATION:

May 7 (here) | May 8 | May 9 | May 11 | May 12 | May 15

May 16 | May 18 | May 19 | May 24 | May 25, 26 | May 28 | May 31

June 5 | June 18, 24, 25

May 7: In which Jonathan Harker is racist about books, and the Count declares his intent to fondle England.

Keep reading