#i also said that peoples right to protect their work HAS to be protected

[with-my-calamitous-love]

i’ll be in denial for at least a little while / what about the plans we made?

ya! k. bakugou x reader

after a month with radio silence and encouragement from concerned friends and family, you end up at katsuki’s doorstep. themes of depression/isolation, mentions of death (katsuki failed to protect a family on a mission), angst with some comfort at the end.

one of those ones i just needed to write. special tag for @crushmeeren <3

song: tv

11:03 pm.

"he doesn't normally do this." you have eijirou on speaker phone while you look for your keys. you can't see him, but you know already the worried look in his red eyes as he speaks. its the same worry he's had for katsuki back when they were still in UA. its the worry you'd expect from a best friend.

he can't see you, but he knows you're worried, too. because anyone who gets thoroughly ghosted by their boyfriend with no warning would also have shaky hands as they drive over to check on them. anyone who cares about someone else, worries.

"you said he's still coming to work, though?" you know the answer. yes, you've heard from shouto that he's still heading to the agency regularly, going on patrol and field missions as normal. but what you don't know, what you aren't able to confirm from what people are seeing, is what scares you: what if he's dragging himself out of bed, exhausted because he didn't sleep? what if he's skipping meals? what if he's going on missions, secretly hoping that something goes wrong?

"yeah, but he barely talks to anyone. i mean, i know he doesn't care for small talk, or whatever, but... somethings wrong. i can feel it."

your stomach churns, making the turn onto his street. for a while, you sit in the driveway, trying to see into the windows. maybe he's asleep. maybe he's perfectly fine. but most of that is just hope.

"what if he doesn't let me in?"

literally, because theres always a chance he's asleep and doesn't answer his door- though he's always been a light sleeper since going pro. but theres also the chance that he lets you inside his home but not into the walls he's built around him this past month.

"he will. he has to. he loves you." eijirou's voice feels like refuge, even over the phone.

you take a deep breath, hands clutching the sweater your wearing. its his, and you almost feel a little bad that you've taken it from him. does he have other things keeping warm? he has other sweaters, or blankets, hot showers and even his own explosions, but is he still feeling cold? alone?

eijirou drones on a little more. he's not the one sitting in his abesent best-friends driveway, but like you, he's stalling. "what happened was... it was terrible. but no ones blaming katsuki for that."

"yeah. except katsuki probably is."

he's silent over the phone. you both knew it, but didn't want to say it.

"i'm going in."

the redhead nods, though you can't see him. "i'm here if you need me."

"alright, by eiji."

"bye, [y/n.]"

your heart is pounding, bracing yourself for whatever may happen. but part of you knows that whatever you're feeling, your boyfriend is probably feeling tenfold and alone. its why you need to do this.

tentatively, you raise your knuckles to the door, knocking.

theres silence for a moment. you hear some footsteps that pause just before the door, like he knows its you.

on the inside? he feels pathetic for trying to hide, hoping you'll go away. he knows you won't, you both know it.

"katsuki?" your voice is quiet, afraid of disturbing any ghosts. "c'mon, i know you're in there."

he tenses. he wants to make up an excuse, tell himself that he's fine, that he doesn't have the time, that leaving everyone behind suddenly isn't a sign that something is wrong. but he's a liar and a bad one.

"go away."

he winces to himself, knowing he sounds like a child. but truthfully, its what he wishes he were, right now. a child who didn't have to feel the weight of failure pressing down on his ribs.

"i'm not going away until you let me inside." you say, firmly. "please."

its the first time you're hearing his voice in weeks, and its enough to bring you to your knees. he's been doing this for a month, but you wonder if he's felt lonely or scared or confused for longer than that.

"...i don't want you to see me like this."

you fight back tears. "maybe i do. maybe i wanna see you."

he's leaning his forehead against the door, knowing it's gone on too long. he knows he can't keep this up forever, and that at one point, you'd come to his front door. he expected more anger, anger for being a shitty neglectful boyfriend that never opens up about his feelings.

but he doesn't hear any anger in your voice, at all. and that makes him feel worse.

"please." you plead again, ringing the doorbell, hoping it'll annoy him enough to open the door. you'd rather have him pissed off, annoyed or angry than have none of him at all.

he shakes hid head, hand on the doorknob. its already unlocked.

"you're fucking stubborn, aren't you?" a sentence that comes out with something like a laugh. your chest tightens, worried he's about to tell you off. for a minute in the silence, it seems like it.

but then he opens the door, letting you see him.

you want to run towards him, feeling his strong arms wrap around you, pulling you into his home and back into his life. but the fear of him rejecting that holds you back as he lets you inside, closing the door behind you.

you first note how dark it is. obviously, because its near midnight. but he's never been one to go without at least a window open, to let some moonlight in. he can't stand artificial light, anyway. he's always bitched that it messes up his sleep.

"you mind if i open some curtains?" you ask him, softly gaging his reactions.

he scoffs quietly, but reels in his attitude- most of it, anyway. "i don't care, do whatever."

you ignore his spite, walking over to the living room window and drawing the fabric. it's a perfectly clear night, a sky so full of stars you could swim in it. its something so beautiful, something he hasn't let himself experience in weeks.

you presence in his home is felt like that of a ghost. you take more time to look at his surroundings. you can hear his voice before this: "i like shit clean. and you're bad at that."

but now, he doesn't seem to care. theres dirty mugs and unwashed laundry. you're not saying anything, but he's expecting it. he's expecting you to call out his hypocrisy, or just how shitty he's let his place become. the thought makes his anxiety skyrocket, and following that, shame.

but instead, he watches as you collect a few of the cups and rinse them off in the sink. somehow, that makes him feel worse. what the hell did he do to deserve that?

"what are you doing?" he asks. you notice one of the mugs he got as a gag gift for his 20th birthday, though he took it seriously. a world's greatest hero mug, now dusty and forgotten.

"don't worry about it." you say, turning back to face him.

neither of you know where to start. he's hoped that if he stayed alone, drowning in his own depression, he wouldn't have to watch when you inevitably leave him.

"you know it's been a month?" you gently approach him. he's not moving away from your presence, which should be a good sign.

"i know." he says fast, cold. you know his tell that he's angry- short replies, pissed off red eyes and distance. he's not even mad at you, though. just himself.

"eijirou called, said he was worried. we all were, i mean."

his eyes dart up to meet your for a brief moment. the mention of him makes his chest tighten up more, knowing you're not the only person he's disappointed. he feels like a true, honest coward. he's not getting along with anyone. maybe he's the problem.

his silence makes you panic, wondering if he's listening. "i wanted to give you space. you're my boyfriend, i care and i-i didn't wanna push you."

he nods, arms crossed, looking at the floor.

"i'm just sorry it took me so long to get here."

his eyes meet yours again, this time holding your gaze. he wants to cup your face and tell you that you have nothing to apologize for. that he's hard to approach and hard to love, even though he knows you'd disagree with that. but the words get caught in his throat, and filtered by unresolved anger.

"yeah, well... you're here now, aren't you?"

you just nod, grateful that you're both, at least, talking. thats more than anything else in the past month.

you think back to the articles of what happened. how two young parents with kids even younger were tragically injured during a bank robbery. how pro-hero dynamight successfully captured the criminals but couldn't prevent what happened to the innocent.

whats worse is how neatly packaged and sanitized it became. "a physical altercation." "an unforeseen criminal event." "and unfortunate and untimely demise." he hated the way they tried to save his name, to not pin any blame him or his failures. he was blaming himself. why wasn't anyone else?

"you know no one blames you for what happened, right?"

because no one does. but for katsuki, thats the worst part. he should have bee faster, better. if he had been seconds earlier, maybe they could have gotten to the hospital faster. maybe he could have prevented it, all of it. if he was just a few seconds faster.

but he wasn't, and it'll haunt him forever. "they should be blaming me." he says solemnly.

you shake your head, stepping closer to him, hands itching to reach out. you want to take his blame and guilt away, even just for a moment. you wanna be able to touch him again. you wanna feel your boyfriend and everything he is.

theres tears in his red eyes as he recounts everything, breaking down. he once swore to himself he'd never cry in front of you, or anyone. now, he's starting to see that you're the only person he could cry around.

"how many people are grieving because i fucked up?" his voice raises slightly, but you hear through it.

"they know you tried."

"yeah well, not hard enough!"

he takes a deep breath, the thing he always tells you to do when you sprial. he lets the air sit in his lungs before finally pulling you into his arms, pressing a kiss to your head as he holds you. he's tired of being alone.

"has it really been a month?" he asks, quietly.

you just nod into his chest, speechless. he's letting you in again, letting you touch him, feel him. its the closest you've been in what feels like decades.

you pull away just a little, hands cupping his face, looking into his teary eyes. its the first time in a while he's let himself cry, feel. and it makes his chest ache. his bones are exhausted from pushing down his feelings, of saying that he's fine, that he deserves the exile he's placed upon himself the past month.

"i'm sorry i'm shitty a boyfriend." he sobs. "and a shitty person. you deseve so much fucking better, they all did."

you shake your head, hushing him compassionately, wiping his tears. "i don't want better. i want you." he pulls you in tighter, and for a moment, time stops, the way he's wanted it to for the past few hours.

✧.* ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚ ✧.* ✧.* ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚ ✧.* ✧.* ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚ ✧.* ✧.*

2 am.

you both sit on the living room floor, backs against the couch. you're pressed against him, holding his hand while he rests it against your thigh, his thumb gently stroking over your skin. he's been exhausted as of late, but he doesn't want to close his eyes and miss this moment with you.

but when he looks over at you, your head on his shoulder, he feels more and more that he's allowed to let his guard down. you're still very much awake, but it's the first night in a while you can sleep without aimlessly worrying about him.

"you know idiot, for what its worth, i haven't been completely alone." he says looking over at you.

your eyes perk up. if there was anyone else who made sure he wasn't suffering in silence, its someone you wanted to know. "really? who?"

he pauses for a moment, like he's recalling a conversation in his head. one thats been buried by guilt and anxiety for the past month. but with you, he's letting himself admit things.

"...i spoke with a member of the victims family. she was the sister to the mother of the family. she was at the hospital the day it happened."

his answer took you off guard. in your head, he boarded himself up in his house, isolated and alone. you're not completely wrong, but you do feel a pang of guilt for not thinking better of him.

"how did that go?" you push gently.

"i expected them to be angry. to blame me for it. hell, i blame me." he starts, reminiscing the event. "but she was kinder than i deserved. said she didn't blame me."

you can tell he doesn't believe her words, or anyone's. that he still replays it in his head, living the guilt, the guilt that he survived and others didn't, eating at him.

"she sounds really sweet." you squeeze his hand.

he nods. "yeah, she was."

"you know," you start, trying to give his mind a brief holiday from the turmoil. "if everyone is saying it, it kind of has to be true."

his lips twitch into a reluctant smile. "whatever, idiot."

you sit up, facing him as you piece together your next words. he pulls your hand up to his lips, kissing your knuckles, wanting to hear your voice. right now, its the only thing keeping him afloat.

"the hardest part about this job is that you can't save everyone. you can't change that."

what you say isn't new, its a reminder. that no matter how many things he blows up, how many villains he handles and how many times he climbs to the top, he'll have to endure the pain of loss. he's seen it in every teacher and every hero who came before him, and all the up and coming heroes who still have lessons to learn. and deep down, he knows that its no reason give up. he's determined to be the best, to be everything he said he'd be.

he nods, hearing the truth in your words, knowing that he'll need to make peace with it. he has no witty remarks or curses to add. just a drive to do better.

"but knowing you? you'll probably still try."

he brings his face to yours and then your lips to his, kissing you. his hand comes up to your cheek as he lingers for a few moments before pulling away.

"of course i will."

[nightghoul381]

S-Tier Mission: Sadistic & Sweet

Ellis Twilight ~ Chapter 1

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

Ellis always spoiled me.

Like marshmallows in hot chocolate, my body and mind would melt away—

Before I knew it, like the bitterness of chocolate, the thorns had become a part of me.

Kate: “Ellis, I’m glad your wound has healed nicely.”

Roger had just confirmed the diagnosis that he was fine after suffering injuries during a recent mission.

Ellis: “Yeah. The injury wasn’t serious, but I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Kate: “No don't be, I’m very glad that you weren’t seriously injured, Ellis.”

(…Even though I said that.)

If I was being honest, I didn’t think I’d ever get used to witnessing the bloody scenes on missions.

Ellis made sure that I didn’t get involved in situations where someone got hurt.

(But as Crown’s Fairytale Keeper, I can’t just be shielded like that…)

Kate: “…I need to be more responsible.”

Ellis: “Huh?”

(Oh, I said that out loud.)

Kate: “If I get stronger, maybe I can protect you too, Ellis.”

Kate: “I want to improve more, so I figure I have to work harder.”

Ellis: “Kate, I think you’re still doing your best…”

Ellis: “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll support you.”

As we walked, his large hand gently embraced mine.

I was always spoiled by this kind of warmth and kindness.

Ellis: “If there’s anything I can do for you, would you please tell me?”

--

Victor: “Well then, here it comes—The mission you’ve all been waiting for!”

Victor: “I’m calling it an ‘S-class mission’! Wow, that’s exciting!”

Kate: “S-class… is it really that difficult?”

Victor: “Nice to hear from you, Miss Kate.”

Victor: “The ‘S’ stands for… ‘Sexy’ and ‘Sweet’, so it’s the perfect mission for you!”

Harrison: “…How dare you say something so embarrassing.”

Ellis: “You think? I agree with him.”

Kate: “!?”

Victor: “Really? I knew Ellis would understand!”

Victor: “There have been a lot of kidnappings and murders targeting women recently.”

Harrison: “It seems the police have already determined that the series of crimes were committed by the same perpetrator.”

Harrison: “But it also seems that powerful people with connections to higher-ups are involved in the incidents, and the details are being covered up internally.”

Harrison: “So, instead of the police who aren’t taking action, we at Crown will carry out the purge.”

(They want me for such an important mission?)

Kate: “Um, what exactly is the plan?”

Victor: “Yes, yes, of course you’re curious!”

Victor: “First, I want to get more information about the mastermind behind these incidents.”

Victor: “So we must make contact with the key man—Oliver Robbins.”

Harrison: “All the women involved in the incidents have been wooed by him.”

Victor: “So, with your charm—”

Victor: “Can you get any clues from the guy?”

Ellis: “…!”

Kate: “I’m to get clues…”

(Can I get close to my opponent… without them realizing my plans?)

Ellis: “…”

Noticing Ellis’ gaze, I remembered our previous conversation.

--Flashback—

Ellis: “Kate, I think you’re still doing your best…”

Ellis: “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll support you.”

--End Flashback—

(This time, I’m not only expected to act as a fairytale keeper, but also as a member of the mission’s team.)

(This might be my chance.)

Kate: “Okay. I’ll do my best!”

Ellis: “I’ll support you. That’s okay, right Victor?”

Victor: “Oh, of course, that was intended. And Roger too.”

Roger: “Me?”

Victor: “Roger, you’re willing to use your enhanced hearing ability to keep watch of their surroundings, right?”

Roger: “Well, I guess that can’t be helped. But in return, I expect a lot of money.”

Kate: “I look forward to working with you, Roger and Ellis.”

Victor: “Kate, once you complete the mission successfully, I’ll have to give you a special reward. This is an S-rank mission after all.”

Victor: “To be honest, I’d like to accompany you and help you out as well, but…”

Roger: “Don’t be greedy, Victor. You have plenty of work to do, Mr. Queen’s Aide.”

Roger: “Besides, isn’t there someone more qualified to protect and evaluate Kate?”

Victor: “Yes, you’re right. Ellis, could you do me a favor?”

Ellis: “So you’re saying I’ll be protecting Kate… what do you mean by evaluating?”

Victor: “’Sweet’ or ‘Severe’…”

Victor: “I look forward to hearing about it.”

Leaving the dining hall, I exchanged glances with Ellis.

Kate: “…I never thought I’d be evaluated by you, Ellis.”

Ellis: “Yeah. But I was already going to support your efforts.”

Ellis: “I want to be the closest person to watch over you, so this is good.”

Ellis: “To be honest, I feel like I’ll be giving you perfect scores for trying your best on your mission.”

Kate: “N-No, Ellis. You’re not allowed to pamper me like that just because you’re my boyfriend.”

Ellis: “…Really? Why not?”

I felt like I was being drawn into his twilight-colored eyes that were staring intently at me, but I held myself back.

Kate: “I-I appreciate your kind thoughts, but this is also a chance for me to train myself, so you have to be strict with me.”

Ellis: “Okay, I get it. But then can I help you try to train yourself?”

Kate: “?”

Ellis: “If you perform well, I’ll give you a sweet reward.”

Kate: “…Well, what if I don’t do well?”

Ellis: “If that happens… I guess I’ll have to punish you.”

Kate: “What?”

I was startled by Ellis’ mischievous smile.

Ellis: “Let’s do our best, Kate.”

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

[bookdragonlibrary]

I want to list them all below : (My interpretations and others I saw here (that I also reblog for most of them if you wanna check) and Twitter)

First, Thomas Astruc confirms Marcaniel isn't official yet. That's why they said "my friend" et didn't kiss in the episode.

Nathaniel has the bi flag as paint stains and Marc Anciel is a pun: (M)arc-en-ciel means rainbow in French and has a rainbow theme in his character design.

Nath's father comments are heteronormative with a rush het couple making more sense for him than a slow burn because it's gay. (We can say friend ennemies is indeed what people want to read, especially these days, but a gay x homophobic doesn't make any sense... I don't have any thing against friends to ennemies) plus the heteronormative view that love is higher than friendship (which is also a kind of love)

Comics aren't a serious art like same sex couples aren't mean to last from homophobic perspective

People don't want to read that = comics as they don't want to see queer characters in media (just like other minorities) because it feels forced to them (whenever the couple is good written just like Sun-Heart and Rain-Piercer seem to be)

Sun-Heart + Rain-Piercer = Rainbow = being queer

Marc's mother having rainbow earrings to contrast with Shirel's ones and a sunny dress. Could imply that Marc's parents are supporting him (both as a writer and as a queer) Does he father wear sunglasses?

When the knights show their true faces (reveal identity) but also love reveal with their true feelings

Being afraid of the teachers, friends and family reaction to the comics = coming out. Heaving on parents in Nath's tone.

That's the story of all of us = all the characters in the room, as queer teenagers discovering themselves, could relate to the story

The fear and hesitation of Nath of drawing something true to his heart but also revealing for others

The unfairness of the knights for loosing their powers because they show who they truly are (gay) = queer people loosing their human rights (or even being killed) for being who they truly are

Hiding things whenever his mother enters his room which is really blank outside his desk (where he creates) as to not say too much about him to his parents

In French : "your mother will never love comics" than also sound like fags with BD / PD

"Maybe we should keep this issue for ourselves" = for the two of us or just their queer circle where they're safe

"It's the most beautiful thing we've done together" "What we did is true and genuine" = love is beautiful and genuine even in same sex couple whatever people may say. And they're also speaking of their art like it's their baby?

Parents found the script = parents found gay porn/romance

Noble and real art as opposed as pop art could be seen as straight romance are always cute and same sex romance inherently sexual you have to protect your children from (even if it's just kiss and hands holding)

Destroying the evidences to save his friendship with Marc (any clue?)

Wanting to force yourself to try something else to become someone else like the homophobic comment "how could you be sure if you didn't try the other side?" / "you didn't try hard enough" and of course conversion therapy for queer kids

Breaking up the art team up to not be forbidden to see the kid that "make you queer" from the parents' point of view

"My friend doesn't hide who he truly is" = self explanatory

"Nath's will change his mind when he's ready" (to come out) "He can't change his mind if his parents didn't change too = homophobic parents are the problem, not the queer kid that doesn't need to change

"Their work could change people mind" = having characters from minorities in media could make them appear like real people and not the stereotypes attached to the minority and indeed change people's mind for the better

"you're going to go straight" = self explanatory (but only in English)

"Convert your son to your vision of the world" = conversion therapy + homophobic view of the world disguised as wrong tools to protect your kid from the homophobic world

The ruler could be seen as the control parental authority. Plus her weapon is a stamp she used as an architect on her creations, symbolise how she sees her son as her propriety she created just like her drawings

"you will never do comics again" = you won't be queer anymore

"he's done nothing wrong" = there's nothing wrong of being queer

"You're the one that convinced him to make comics" = you're the one that made my son queer (of course it's a lie, both with comics and makin Nath bi)

"You'll never get near my son again" = so he won't be queer anymore if his love interest isn't in his life anymore

Nathaniel coming out of a litteral closet because he's done hidding

Caprikid draws a carabiner which is a secret way for queer people to recognise each other, just like tumblers and shoeslaces

Reading the comics = coming out to his parents

His father realises it was genuine feelings and was moved. "It's perfect like that" = "you're perfect like that"

"I finally understood. You're really put your heart in those drawings" = this is the real you. "I apologise. I love you, my son". = I love you as you are

Family hug + Marc = acceptance plus his parents might have understood their son is in love with Marc

Gay kiss with a rainbow = self explanatory

"I nver thought making a comic would have such an impact in real life" = sometimes you are harassed by people for making queer stories or about other minorities even if you're not part of it yourself

"We were attacked for it when we were just talking about love" = harassement or physical/verbal violence on the Internet and in real life just for the person you are or supporting those minorities

"Deep Darkness or someone else, the Great Hate hasn't been defeated" = even if you turned or defeated one homophobic, that won't stop the whole homophobia situation in the whole world

"They can keep the fight! / "Kinda like us!" = for your human rights in the real world and for the love to win at the end

Hero revelation = coming out to each other (love declaration off screen with Nath's delight face?)

Tell me if I missed some and I will add them!

they really went; how many queer allegories can we cram into 22 minutes huh

[miss0atae]

Random Thoughts about The Next Prince (EP 1)_PART 1: What makes a family and is lying always wrong?

I was really struck by the sentence Khanin said to Charan. When the latter told him he was here to protect him, Khanin retorted that he was actually destroying his life. It made such an impact on me because it made me think about the “double effect”. Sometimes you can cause a harm as an unintended side effect of doing a good action. In this case, Charan merely came to protect Khanin and to be able to do this, he became the catalyst to reveal the truth of Khanin's real identity. He also unveiled that the foundation of what Khanin knew to be true were in fact not real.

We learn from Thatdanai that Khanin's grandfather asked him to raise him to protect him. When Khanin was only one year old, his mother was ambushed and died. Fortunately, Khanin was saved by Thatdanai and they went abroad to avoid any other attempted murder. Only a few people know about the truth, the others think Khanin died along his mother. However, in London, Thatdanai raised Khanin like his own son. I have to admit, I had so many questions after learning this:

Why Khanin’s grandfather could ask Thatdanai to rescue Khanin, but didn't ask him to save his mother?

Is Prince Tharin aware that his son his alive and if it’s true how does he cope with this?

Who decided it was a good idea to pretend Thatdanai was Khanin’s father? Was it a decision from his grandfather or Thatdanai decided to take this role by himself?

Would it have made a great difference in their relationship if Thatdanai always told Khanin he was adopted?

What lies did he tell Khanin when the child asked him about a potential absent other parents’ figure (like a mother)? I bet he had questions at one point.

How did they plan to tell the truth to Khanin before and how much the way Charan dealt with Khanin’s protection changed this plan?

What is sure is that Thatdanin has been a great father to Khanin because upon learning the truth, Khanin can’t stop mourning the loss of Thatdanin as his father. He doesn’t care about his true identity as the sole heir of a noble/royal family. It doesn’t matter to him too that his biological father is still alive and that he also has a grandfather. What matters is that he is losing Thatdanin, the only father he has known and the one who was here in every moments of his life until now. The loss is so hard and it takes such a toll on him because he is literally begging Thatdanin to remain his father. Khanin doesn’t want to go to Emmaly to fight to be the next king. Even if he has been raised in the Emmalian’s culture, he isn’t really looking for going back to this place. He is actually quite happy about his life in London: he has a good life, a loving father, great friends and he is doing both good in his studies and in his chosen sport. Why would he go to a country where he has none of this to fight for something he never asked for? It’s true that Charan’s arrival “destroy” the life he has always known. After all, what makes a good father and is blood thicker than water? Khanin would say the answer is no.

His biological grandfather decided with Thatdanin that it was better to lie to Khanin until now and they shouldn't be surprised that Khanin doesn't take it well. Both never took actions to make that big reveal easy to cope with. I think the rightness or wrongness of lying works hand in hand with ethics and morality. So what is commonly admitted as morally wrong? I think we could say that if you are doing something harmful and causing harm to someone, it's morally wrong. So when you're lying and you're causing harm to the person you are lying to, then it's morally wrong. However, there is an ambiguity when it comes to tell what is harmful. Khanin's grand-father and step-father decided to lie to him in order to protect him and thus they probably believe that theirs lies were not harmful because they have a selflessly intent at core. In fact, the rightness or wrongness of a lie depends on the consequences of the lie. However, by lying to Khanin both his grandfather and his step-father robbed him of the opportunity to decide for himself. It also had an impact on the trust Khanin have for Thatdanin and will probably also have an impact on the trust he can give to his biological relatives. There is one thing that is sure, no matter what intent you had when you make a lie, it will always harm someone in one way or another. Khanin's harm isn't only on the trust he will have for his family, but also on other parts.

Indeed, he will certainly experience being lost because he can't trust what he has lived until now and probably will question himself, his choices, his hobbies or passions. Are the truly him or something his family and protector wanted him to be? (could be both to be honest) I wouldn't like to be Khanin right now because it is not easy to reassess your entire life. There is no doubt he will need to be helped. Charan, despite being the catalyst of everything that changed for him, may become the support he needs, after he forgives him of course. However, Charan will probably be the only person he can trust after this, especially in Emmaly where he knows no one.

On a side note, I wonder if Khanin will find it easy to adapt to Emmaly. Despite the fact his step-father taught him the culture of Emmaly, it seems like he still can't fully grasp it (he still ignores parts of it as it was shown with the tale of Emmalian kiss). Will he feel the cultural dissonance when living in Emmaly and how will he be able to overcome this? I wonder if the story will show us this.

[paigegonerogue]

Phenomenal Episode

I saw other people posting their thoughts and stuff, so I wanted to as well lmao

Just a bunch of random stuff I wanted to talk about that I couldn’t dedicate a full post to! I adored this episode, so I’m just spreading the love.

If you were telling someone about me, you could say “I feel her love for The Last of Us”…

…sorry

Spoilers!!

Right off the bat, a stellar opening scene. Isaac already has so much presence. The way he just walks to the tank, throws the grenades in, and shuts the doors so calmly is utterly fantastic to watch. Jeffrey Wright is one of my all time favorite actors, and him being in my favorite show is just such a treat.

I posted before about how meaty the characters’ dynamics with queerness are, and this episode feels like a thesis statement to that fact. Everything about it is so well done. Apocalypse kids not knowing about pride and struggling with their identities even after the collapse of society because people cling onto the way the world worked before. Dina’s arc with Ellie is so beautiful, and the way the show handles queerness is just unparalleled.

Ellie’s comment about Apollo 13😭🤣 I’m so glad we got one episode of Ellie being, if not “okay”, then almost managing at times. It’s going to make her downward spiral all that much more painful. We can see how if she just leaves, she might be okay. She might be able to make herself a happy life, but we know she won’t. She’s going to tear herself apart, and seeing the paper worn but still intact beforehand just adds to the hurt.

Take on Me made me choke up. I’m not totally sure why, but that scene exudes this palpable tenderness that is, just, unbelievably beautiful. Also, holy shit, Bella’s voice is angelic. A perfect scene.

The tv station to subway sequence was so tense! My heart was pounding the whole time. It was fantastic! The editing of that scene, the visuals. Right before the infected attacked and we saw the blue lights shining through the red smoke was one of my favorite visual moments from the entire series. It was genuinely unreal.

Isaac’s interrogation scene is so stellar. Like I said, Jeffrey Wright absolutely exudes stage presence. He’s just giving us so much. He looks fantastic, not gonna lie. The sweater, the cooking, the screaming, that perfectly sets the tone of a character.

Ellie getting bit to protect Dina😭 Bella and Isabella are unreal, despite knowing they weren’t gonna die, the part right after where Dina holds Ellie at gunpoint kept my heart in my throat. When Dina begged Ellie not to fight, to not make it any harder on her, it was just about all I could do not to explode. And oh boy, the confessions. Ellie’s “sometimes I wish it wasn’t true, but tomorrow I’ll wake up exactly the same as I am now” is so telling. It’s such a blink and you’ll miss it line, but it tells us so much about Ellie as a character.

They did incredible with the sex scene. You could feel the tension rising up before them. How it was so imperfect, fueled by adrenaline and raw emotion and the need to be close and be together. The Last of Us has really cracked the code for how to do sex scenes well, and that’s not to make them sex scenes at all. They aren’t there for enjoyment, they’re there for the characters. It was really, really well written.

“I’m gonna be a dad”😭🤣 I would die for Ellie. And I probably will die, because oh my gosh Craig is twisting the knife!

I genuinely deeply love every single episode, but this is one of my new favorites. It was just pitch-perfect. 10/10, 100%, 5 stars, masterpiece.

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

A woman not to be taken lightly

Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial with the prompt #FFF303 ~ out of the box. Inspired by last night’s 41st episode of “The Apothecary Diaries.” An imagined conversation, a continuity filler. Suirei, Shisui and Maomao in between.

—

Fandom: The Apothecary Diaries

Characters: Suirei, Shisui, mention of Maomao and Jinshi, also Lakan and Shishou

Word count: 787

SUIREI slumped in the corner of the ship, she watched her half sister and the Apothecary Girl huddled together. Suirei was not aware of it, but she looked dangerous. The lantern fire reflected on her blue irises were devilish that were focused solely on the Apothecary Girl.

The ship swayed gently with the moon lighting its way. With Suirei’s left arm dangled to the side while her right was on top of her left knee, she was aware that Maomao paid her small glances, who released an audible sigh that she was keeping for so long. Good thing, the girl was also not prone to seasickness. A small blessing.

So, Maomao, is it all worth it? Is the goddamn resurrection drug worth it following me?

Suirei could only smile inside betraying the lack of expression on her face.

A few minutes later Suirei noticed that Shisui’s head lolled next to Maomao. She didn’t believe it was acting on her sister’s part, god knows, what would happen to them now.

If a high-ranking consort escaped from her post, it would deem as an affront to the emperor. An act of rebellion. But Shisui trained her ladies in waiting well, for all they knew what to do. Besides, they had never been caught. They had people watching their backs.

There was only one miscalculation. The Apothecary Girl was not supposed to be here in the first place. She was on the wrong place at the right time. How curious that her sister found her way to her. Their hands held as their heads were next to each other. They seemed to be very close. To think Maomao used to follow Suiren like a puppy all because she held the key for the immortal drug. It was so easy to lure her. Speak about herbal plants and their medicinal properties and she was scurrying next to you.

A year ago…

“That’s the girl…”

Suirei fiddled with the book she was holding. Shisui stared at her sister then to the person in question. She was dressed up as a servant girl, totally ordinary. Funny thing though that even their own father was not aware of it.

“Well, she’s cute, all right.”

“She’s so smart and, yet, the only thing she talks about is herbal plants and apothecary.”

Shisui laughed at that. Suirei, who was admitted as a court lady, was inconspicuous as Shisui’s present disguise.

“Sounds like you.” Then her face turned serious. “A formidable opponent then. Yes, I heard about her. The Eunuch has marked her as his favourite. She’s doing so many things for him.”

“She followed me one time, cornering me in my own turf, asking me if I have found the correct solution to the immortal drug. One could see how serious she is obtaining it.” She shook her head but it brought a smile to her face.

“Hhmm..” Shisui touched her chin, she had not decided to mingle with Maomao and her friend yet. She was still observing, gauging, committing to their initial plan.

“But we have to be careful. She has powerful backers. For one the Eunuch. Not to mention, the Strategist. Father never likes him at all. The Fox versus the Tanuki.”

“Indeed,” Suirei agreed. “The game has begun. The Eunuch is said to be preparing for the purification.” Her fist clenched at the thought of it. Their father thought that the Eunuch should be out of their way if they wanted to usurp the throne. His closeness to the monarch was a hurdle. Suirei was working in the background while her sister marched her way to the rear palace where the consorts and the concubines stayed.

“Are you sure of this? The physician only experimented with the rats and he.. “

“Don’t jinx it… I changed a few things.”

“Take care of yourself, Sister.” Shisui would protect her older sister with all her might.

Suirei wanted to hold her hand assuring her that it was all right. They had their roles defined for them. If they wanted to avenge their family, her position, no day but today.

~~

Months later, Suirei died. Shisui eased her way to the company of Maomao. The Eunuch was still alive after the attempted assassination all because of the Apothecary Girl.

And now, they met again as the fates ordered them to be. Fully resurrected. Sometimes, one had to think out of the box to reach for the goal. Literally.

Suirei wondered if the Apothecary Girl would finally realise the truth between her and the well-endowed fake servant girl, who was holding her hand at the moment.

The Eunuch and the Strategist were probably losing their minds right now. The corner of her mouth turned up in a lopsided smile.

~tbc~

[thatbitchery]

Being open and being open-minded are forms of self-sabotage that, like all other forms of self-sabotage, come wrapped up in the glittery pink gift box of being a "good person." I tell my girls: dump the blue hair, you're hurting your hair, and if your piercings aren't traditional—like you're Indian and your septum/nose ring is you fulfilling a cultural obligation (in which case the rest of your style must reflect your roots)—dump it and find some religion to shield yourself under and adopt a conservative exterior so men don't even try the ArE YoU OpEn MinDeD bullshit, which is just them asking you to be their cum dumpster, pOlYgAmOuS 50/50 ethical pack donkey slave who's also PoLyAmOrOuS and willing to sixsome with him and his homies. You're right, style and clothes are modes of personal expression, and your blue lipstick and facial rings are saying you're open to being society’s jokester. Yes, of course, presentation is personal expression, you're right, I'm with you here—it's just you think YOU decide what they say, but that's not how it works. Society has a template of what says what, and you pick what you want to say from the provided template, not Will Of Mind.

So on being open—I have said it over and over and over again that you need to learn to be a friend to all and a friend to none at the same time and never pick sides unless you're playing the numbers game (security is found in numbers) or you're getting paid to, and I see how this can be confused with being open to all. I see it. But that couldn't be farther from what I'm telling you to do if it tried. Being centrist and being open are not even the same species.

I obviously do not perform free labor if there is no payoff for me, idc, but I remember when I came to this blog and opened my asks and DMs and said, "Well, you can ask me anything" and did the stupid thing of being open because, you know—it’s simply typing, is that even labor? And I felt like I was too harsh before so I wanted to be softer and kinder because I am Mother and it's motherly to not ask your kids if they think they're stupid or if it's just you that sees it. And the WhAt iS yOuR HeiGhT, WhAt dO yOu thiNk aBouT tHe cOloR oF tHe SkY, WhErE dO i MeEt a RiCh MaN (btw, hypergamy gang I am NOT your ally, I don't like y'all) were bad, but I remember this ONE user that asked me a genuine question and I answered because why not. So they asked a follow-up, and I answered because isn't that the whole idea of having anon open? And at some point, it got to mental labor point, and I was like, Hey, I do online coaching, we can do that, but I don't do free labor, and this girl goes, YeAh OkAy BuT (repeats question). I stare at the screen baffled because maybe my dyslexic ass didn't write the right thing? English isn't even a language I am fluent in, so OH? I text a friend the message and say, Hey, what do you think this means? She says—that you want to be paid for your expertise? SO OH, I did, in fact, send the right message, you're just trying to lowball me. So I'm like, why would they just so blatantly push a boundary I literally just set three seconds ago? And I go back, read all of it, and OH MY GOD—it’s my fault. Hate it when that happens. Like, look at that, my actions having consequences, isn't that funny? MY fault for talking to girl like we are some sort of besties.

Formality is feminine protection. Sit with this here as long as you need to—THIS is the thing I'm trying to tell you. Formality is how you draw the line between not picking sides and also not being "open" to everyone. Formality is THE most powerful boundary there is. How Do I Draw Boundaries With People?—By being formal with them. I met this girl on a boat and we had a conversation, and I remember her saying she prefers Arab and Russian guests/bosses because they are formal and operate hierarchically over Americans that act friendly and fun, and it's almost impossible to know when you've crossed a line and get fired for the mistake you didn't know you made, or they start flirting and it makes the workplace hard to be in. Societies with formality ingrained—Japan, S. Korea, Africa, Arabia—are generally more coherent to be in because you know where the lines are and you're not patting your way through the dark. You need to understand it's possible to be friendly without upsetting formality.

My boss is my boss and he's very friendly with everyone, which makes work difficult, but with me, no—because I hold the boundaries between us. If he makes a joke I don't like, I stretch a smile that everyone can see is obligatory, and when he says something I do like, same thing—obligatory smile. We are not friends. This is not comedy central. Give me my monthly assignment and sign my paycheck. Same with my workmates—when they gossip, I don't cut myself out and alienate myself, but I also don't take part in it. Mostly I bring my headphones when I'm working in the office and keep my eyes on my screen so when it's gossip central, I look up and listen, and if someone directly addresses me, I simply look around like a lost thing and tighten a smile and act lost. What are you even on about? Halfway through explanation—Hey, did you see Sara's shoes? What size does she wear? I want to borrow them for dinner this weekend. Dinner where? You’d like to know, wouldn’t you? Uh huh—turns back to work.

How to let people know you're not open space? Be formal. Tight smile that everyone can see is tight, and blank reactions. We are not enemies, no, but we are not friends either. I'm glad I learned to be formal with the way I answer questions. Now see how no one is asking me about the size of my pp? Yes. Or I'll just ignore you.

Relationships are SUPPOSED to take time, so when people feel like they have won you over easily, they don't respect you. I wanted to not be as harsh as I was in 2023 and be more approachable, and well—the pendulum had to swing. So I went full bestie mode and got upset. Now I've found the midpoint and don't groan every time I open my inbox. We are not enemies, but we are not friends either.

Also, takeaway no. 2—get paid for your labor and expertise and experience. Martyrdom isn't for women and we don't doormat in this house. Money or nothing, ok? And charge your worth.

BMAC

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation:

The City Council of Spokane, Washington, has passed an ordinance enhancing protections for LGBTQ+ people, with a focus on protecting trans folks. Council members voted 5-2 to implement the ordinance, which updates the city’s human rights code to define gender-affirming care and ensure equal protections for LGBTQ+ people.

A press release explained that both Spokane Municipal Code and state law already provide protections for LGBTQ+ people, but the ordinance adds language to “acknowledge the inherent risks faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Spokane, particularly due to federal policies and interjurisdictional legal processes from states that do not recognize LGBTQIA2S+ rights or are working to deny such individuals access to essential medical care, including gender-affirming care.” The policy “prohibits the city from collecting or disseminating information about anyone’s sex assigned at birth, unless it’s related to a criminal investigation.” The ordinance also adds a definition of gender-affirming care to the human rights code’s glossary of terms and adds a section requiring city-provided healthcare to cover it. It also requires the Spokane Police Department to keep an LGBTQ+ liaison officer on staff.

“LGBTQIA2S+ people deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and deserve to feel safe in our community,” Council Member Zack Zappone said in a statement.  “That freedom and safety are under threat across the country. This ordinance ensures the City continues to protect LGBTQIA2S+ people and that they know that in Spokane, we all belong.” “I want to thank all the powerful and heartfelt testimony in support of this ordinance that is about supporting safety, freedom, and dignity,” added Council Member Paul Dillon.  “Spokane is a city where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated, and this ordinance shows our commitment to our city motto that in Spokane, we all belong, especially in a time of targeting and discrimination…” Councilmembers Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart voted against the ordinance, with Bingle attempting to add five amendments, including measures to ban trans people from using the bathrooms and playing on sports teams that align with their genders and to ban those under 18 from receiving gender-affirming care through city insurance. None of the amendments passed.

Good news: Spokane, Washington's city council passes an enhanced LGBTQ+ rights protections bill to protect access to gender-affirming care and other LGBTQ+ rights that are under attack by red states and the Trump regime.

See Also:

The Advocate: Spokane City Council passes measure protecting LGBTQ+ rights and gender-affirming care

[wrenfea]

The burden of keeping training data free of copyrighted data-poisoned works should be on the company using it, not on the people just trying to protect their works.

[cent-scratchnsniff]

it was just going to be a few warmup doodles but then she infected the rest of the page like the ever eternal and spreading spores. hod!!! hod. hod :)

[thedreadvampy]

I really can't substantiate bc it's an ongoing situation but one of my best friends works at a formerly extremely inclusive and queer-friendly women's charity which has recently come under new management

and they told me the other day

that their 'gender interrogation' is this week (their words, not the employer's)

apparently, they and 2 other employees out of about 30-40 have been singled out and asked to say whether they self-identify as women. implicitly as a condition of continued employment.

because it's a women's charity they all already self-IDed as women when they started there for the purposes of the Equalities Act exemption on gender-specific services.

oh also as a Strange Coincidence all 3 of the staff who've been asked to reassert their gender are butch/GNC and there are femme nb people there who aren't being asked. My friend is nonbinary (but uses she/her at work), but is a dyke in Dickies and buttondowns so has to pinkie promise they're a woman in order to Protect The Women.

they're so fucking mad about it cause they're like. wild that as an afab person I have to self-ID as a woman for it to count, but self-ID means nothing for amab people (the charity has already jettisoned all its transfem staff)

and I'm just like

jesus well that's not a good sign on the Weimar Mindmap is it.

[caterpillarinacave]

i saw in the tags of your henry and mortmain posts that you’d like people to ask you about them :) — and tbh i’d love to hear more about the parallels between them that you mention in the post :D

Before I begin, I’m so sorry I took so so long to answer! I have been pretty busy and could definitely do a longer breakdown of all this but it’s already been a month and it’s going to drive me insane if I leave thing unanswered any longer. 

I’ll need to do a full re-read of the trilogy to really answer the questions but here are some thoughts that are very interesting to me. Please excuse any incoherent-ness, (and grammar issues, and repetition issues, and poor citation, and spelling, and rambling, etc, etc) i have spent so long staring at the document i wrote this on trying to get my brain to work I may have totally lost the plot. Just trust me guys I’ve got a PhD in Henry Fairchild.  

Lets start off with the most obvious parallel, that being their work. On a strictly physical level the work they do is very similar- they both approach magic through science and vice versa in a notably unique fashion. Stylistically and functionally the things each of them create has a decently sized overla and Henry has no problem understanding Mortmain’s creations. Mortmain favors clockwork for his creations and while Henry doesn’t specifically focus on such things he is very familiar with them, and interested to boot. 

Mortmain is quite brilliant, in multiple ways. Most people could not manage the type of thing he pulls off consistently; Henry *probably* could. It’s worth noting Henry is severely limited by Shadowunter laws; in the third book we see the only reason he hasn’t invented a portal entirely by himself is because he can only work with a specific set of runes (Clockwork Princess, pg. 282). Even working in the tight restraints of Shadowhunter resources, and only being around 21 in the books, he’s extremely competent. 

Furthermore, Henry does not approach things with the period typical Shadowhunter judgement; as a matter of fact he essentially does not function within society as a Shadowhunter. To unpack that lets look at where Mortmain and Henry stand in relation to broader society. 

The London Shadowhunters in this time period can be described, for lack of a better word, as pissy. Judgmental, bored, aggressive, whiny, chronically dissatisfied, dramatic, dismissive, sometimes downright cruel, etc, etc. Pissy. They’re really pissy. 

Henry, objectively speaking, does not fit into all this, and is punished for it (see pgs 281-283 CP3). The general public treats him horribly. Recall in Clockwork Angel Charlotte tells Tessa that Henry was the one who told Mortmain what a Pyxis was (which is, again, a different rant), that he wants her to tell the Clave and that she won’t because “they already treat him so badly”. And they do- nearly every single interaction involving him and broader Shadowhunter society involves some sort of insult, mockery, slight, etc. Almost nobody but Charlotte ever objects to this behavior and her objections have zero effect. “Making fun of Henry” is pretty much an unopposed standard. 

There’s no fair reason for this. Henry is, by all accounts, an extremely pleasant person. He’s repeatedly described as “kind”- Tessa has him pinned as a trustworthy person almost immediately (“it’s only Henry, after all”). He’s rarely upset, laid back, well intentioned, and generally polite. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. 

Imo he probably would have been treated better if he did respond in kind- or even if he had just fully withdrawn from Shadowhunter society. His persistent refusal to hold a grudge, a generally positive trait, shoots him in the foot. This is only compounded by his general disinterest in things like physical fighting, politics, and social structure. He hasn’t done anything wrong- quite the opposite- but he’s being punished by his peers for the crime of being earnestly odd (coughhasblatantlyautisticcough). 

Mortmain, being a human child raised by warlocks, obviously does not fit into any particular standard. He doesn't have any particular loyalty to a party. Rather, he mostly defines his identity with his hatred for Shadowhunters, and connects with other groups transactionally with this in mind. 

He has been wronged by the Shadowhunters, when his parents were killed and then in the aftermath. The Clave denying his request for reparations and, by extent, denying any wrongdoing in their actions, is a smack in the face from a powerful society. 

With this in mind they would be both well within their rights to resent the Shadowhunters and they respond to that in fully opposite ways. 

Henry doesn’t resent them- at all. Despite how horribly he is treated, which, one can note, does not stop after the battle of Cadair Idris, he chooses to let it go and actively work to make life better for those same people. (Clockwork Prince; “You know it isn't just tinkering for me. You know I want to create something that will make the world better, that will make things better for the Nephilim.”), He views that cruelty as a part of life as a Shadowhunter but not the defining part of that society. It’s just a thing that happens- it sucks, it hurts, but he’s not going to blame or punish the whole group because of it. 

Mortmain’s is entirely the opposite. He hates them and views all the Shadowhunters as irredeemably wrong, fully deserving of a violent fate. All of them. He’s obsessed with destroying all these people despite most of the individuals who hurt him directly being gone. He blames them all, intends to carry out a mass punishment and doesn’t care about anything else.

He is deeply resentful, yeah, but he also wants more for himself. He doesn’t just want revenge, he wants a disgusting amount of power, a total victory over anything he choses, power mainly for the sake of having power. 

Now we can circle back to that earlier point- Henry could be like Mortmain. 

Recall in Clockwork Angel when they first bring back the automaton for Henry to examine in his lab he’s not just interested in the machine- he’s excited about it.He recognizes it to be a brilliant work of science and design, something incredibly impressive and compelling. This is not the sort of thing anyone sees everyday and it’s certainly not the sort of thing a Shadowhunter would interact with. This is exactly the sort of thing he loves, the sort of thing nobody else ever brings up, and it’s exciting to see. 

As the books continue nobody else is ever caught up on the functional skills of the machinery itself. People talk about Mortmain, about what is happening, what to do, etc, etc, but the fact that the automatons are a feat of engineering is just not on anybody's radar. It’s not the sort of thing any Shadowhunter gives shit about, save Henry. 

So Henry has the same intellectual capacity as Mortmain, the same scientific and magical capacity, and a not dissimilar approach to thinking. 

He could pretty much disappear and do whatever he wanted forever. He could ditch the Nephilim. He could walk off without telling anybody and never bother with the Clave’s again. He could go off and study all the things Shadowhunter’s are banned from. He could create whatever he wanted completely unencumbered by the restrictions of the Nephilim (see pg.283 of CP3). Chances are nobody would pick up on it. One of the major flaws of that group of Shadowhunters is that they’re very self focused. If someone they aren’t particularly fond of, who doesn’t fit into their narrow view of someone that deserves respect, stops showing up and interacting with them they are not gonna make any real effort to figure out where they’ve gone. If Henry wasn’t around to “annoy” them none of them wouldn't go looking for him and they don’t have enough respect for innovation to wonder what he’s up to. 

Remember, nobody cares about what he does (Clockwork Princess: Henry blushed a scarlet color. It was clear that no one had ever complimented his inventing before, except perhaps Charlotte. Pg. 282 ) 

He could have a whole new world of resources without having to deal with a society that thoroughly rejects him. He could do the one thing everyone thinks he loves the most. Hell, from an outsider point of view, the only thing he loves. He’ll happily spend days straight working, forgetting to eat, sleep, or anything else.

It’s theoretically not difficult to imagine a universe where he skips out of Shadowhunter society completely and has been wandering around the same circles as Mortmain for forever. 

(He doesn’t ofc because that would be betrayal. It would require breaking the law, throwing away all social and civic responsibility, abandoning the whole kit and kaboodle, blah blah, certainly not related to other very elaborate thoughts I have about this character.)

The point here is that they are so similar save that fact. Their scientific approach to the world, which absolutely defines that way Henry exists and, at least at some point in his life, probably defined Mortmain, are so similar. If you laid the basic facts all out to someone with no context other previous knowledge on the characters (here is what they do, here is what they’re best at, here is what they bring physically to the table etc and exclude personality, morality, relationships, etc) and asked them to point out a character most like Mortmain they’d probably point to Henry. 

Hell, I’d point to Henry. I’d say yeah, that’s a set up for someone to go full mad scientist and wander off to do whatever he wants. I’d say that's the character most likely to agree to use human bodies to power machinery. 

Recall back to Clockwork Angel (and like, two paragraphs ago) about the automatons that are so fascinating to Henry. The beginning scene is the most exciting he  ever is about this incredible tech:

“[The automaton] is not precisely a living creature at all… A mechanical creature, made to move and appear as a human being moves and appears. Leonardo da Vinci designed one. You can find it in his drawings- a mechanical creature that could sit up, walk, and turn its head. He was the first to suggest that human beings are only complex machines, that our insides are like cogs and pistons and cams made of muscle and flesh. So why could they not be replaced with copper and iron? Why couldn’t you build a person? But this. Jaquet Droz and Maillardet could never have dreamed of this. A true biomechanical automaton, self moving, self directing, wrapped in human flesh.” His eyes shone. “It’s beautiful.” 

“Henry.” Charlotte’s voice was tight. “That flesh you’re admiring. It came from somewhere.” 

Henry passed the back of his hand across his forehead, the light dying out of his eyes. “Yes- those bodies in the cellar.” (pg. 160-161, Clockwork Angel. )

That characteristic earnest excitement that he displays towards nearly everything new dies on the spot. “Miranda” and the other automatons are not less interesting because they’re made with human body parts- if anything that should make it more interesting. But the scientific brilliance is negated by the cruelty associated with it. It’s impressive, it’s “beautiful” and it’s not worth it. Innovation that opposes life, as opposed to promoting it, doesn’t count (see tags). 

So their work, especially in this context, is interchangeable- it’s their intentions that make the whole difference. 

Tessa says it best in Clockwork Princess; Henry brings things to life. Mortmain destroys. Where one of them has devoted his life to protecting people, regardless of how he’s been treated, the other one has devoted himself to slaughtering people, because of how he was treated. Where one invents with the specific intention of protecting life 

In other words, two very very similar people differentiated by a fundamental love for humanity and a fundamental disregard of it. 

TLDR: I need to reread the books to make this post but their style of work, approach to science and magic, and interests parallel. Also I have no idea if I’m coherent anymore please ranting in the tags for thoughts on everything here. 

TLDR the TLDR: They’re both inventing shit in a series hinged around these things that have been invented

[slothmonth]

I agree that "in Germany your boss legally has to provide you with work while you're at your job" is a bit funny considering the German stereotype. But I am really annoyed at people who act like this is some horrible hypercapitalist thing on that post about pushing people out of their jobs by just not giving them anything to do. When really it's very basic worker protection (within the context of German emplyment law.) Because under most circumstances you can't just be fired from your job. Your employer has to provide a reason for firing you if they want to get rid of you. You also have a right to specifially the work you were hired to do.

So your boss having to give you appropriate work makes illegal any of the following:

a) Making you clean toilets instead of (or in addition to) the clearly defined office job you agreed to do

b) Not giving you work and then firing you for not doing your work

c) Waiting for you to crack under the intense boredom of having to stay on one place with absolutely nothing to do for eight hours a day while your coworkers are roped into it to shun you (or hate you because for some reason you're the only one who doesn't have to do any work) until you quit "voluntarily"

or d) waiting for you to crack under the aformentioned pressure until you do what the people in the notes said they'd do, like watching movies or doing a second job instead which is something you then can be reprimanded and fired for

[reasonsforhope]

Kamala Harris just announced that her vice president will be Minnesota governor Tim Walz. Based on the coverage so far I'm really reassured by this decision.

The Washington Post did an obviously great job of making a prepared article for each option, considering how long an article they had up 7 minutes after the announcement.

((Okay technically it's not an official announcement yet it's "according to three people familiar with the pick, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a decision that is not yet public." But listen. I am 99% sure this is a weather balloon. (Meaning: a deliberate leak to gauge reaction.) Because the sheer weakness or incompetence on the part of the Harris campaign that it would take for three people to all confirm that within a few hours hours of each other and the planned announcement it is massive.))

-via The Washington Post, August 6, 2024

Honestly this decision, from everything I've read and can tell, looks like it's brilliant politics.

Important Context: The vice president(ial candidates)'s job in an election is not to be similar to the president. The vice president's job on the ballot is very, very much specifically to be different from the president. Why? So they can cover each others' weaknesses. Especially regionally.

(Sidenote: I feel a bit ridiculous saying this. But genuinely if you want to get a stronger understanding of how US elections really work. Go watch seasons 6 and 7 of The West Wing. Genuinely, a lot of politicians have said - especially back in its day - that that was the most accurate depiction of an election they'd ever seen. Also specifically features an entire arc about a contested Democratic primary convention, so also very good if you're interested in understanding weird nominating convention shenanigans.)

From the article:

"Harris’s choice for a running mate was among the most closely watched decisions of her fledgling campaign, as she sought to bolster the ticket’s prospects for victory in November and rapidly find someone who could be a governing partner. In picking Walz, she has selected a seasoned politician with executive governing experience and signaled the importance of Midwestern battleground states such as Wisconsin and Michigan.

Walz’s foray into politics came later in life: He spent more than two decades as a public school teacher and football coach, and as a member of the Army National Guard, before running for Congress in his 40s. In 2006, he defeated a Republican to win Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District--a rural, conservative area--and won reelection five times before leaving Congress to run for governor.

Walz was first elected governor in 2018 and handily won reelection in 2022. Though little-known outside his state, Walz emerged publicly as one of the earliest names mentioned as a possible running mate for Harris, and in the ensuing days he made the rounds on television as an outspoken surrogate for the vice president...

“These are weird people on the other side. They want to take books away, they want to be in your exam room. … They are bad on foreign policy, they are bad on the environment, they certainly have no health care plan, and they keep talking about the middle-class,” Walz told MSNBC in July. “As I said, a robber baron real estate guy and a venture capitalist trying to tell us they understand who we are? They don’t know who we are.”

Walz also has faced criticism from Republicans that his policies as governor were too liberal, including legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, protecting abortion rights, expanding LGBTQ protections, implementing tuition-free college for low-income Minnesotans and providing free breakfast and lunch for schoolchildren in the state.

But many of those initiatives are broadly popular. Walz also signed an executive order removing the college-degree requirement for 75 percent of Minnesota’s state jobs, a move that garnered bipartisan support and that several other states have also adopted.

“What a monster. Kids are eating and having full bellies, so they can go learn, and women are making their own health-care decisions,” Walz said sarcastically in a July 28 interview with CNN when questioned whether such policies would be fodder for conservative attacks, later adding: “If that’s where they want to label me, I’m more than happy to take the [liberal] label.”

Walz also spoke at a kickoff event in St. Paul for a Democratic canvassing effort, casting Trump as a “bully.”

“Don’t lift these guys up like they’re some kind of heroes. Everybody in this room knows--I know it as a teacher--a bully has no self-confidence. A bully has no strength. They have nothing,” Walz said at the event, sporting a camouflage hunting hat and T-shirt.

Walz has explained that he felt some Democrats’ practice of calling Trump an existential threat to democracy was giving him too much credit, which prompted his decision to denounce the GOP nominee instead as being “weird.”

“I do believe all those things are a real possibility, but it gives him way too much power," Walz said on CNN’s “State of the Union” regarding the Democrats’ rhetoric. “Listen to the guy. He’s talking about Hannibal Lecter, shocking sharks, and just whatever crazy thing pops into his mind.”

If Walz is elected vice president, under state law, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) would assume the governorship for the rest of his term. Minnesota Senate president Bobby Joe Champion, a Democrat, would become lieutenant governor."

-via The Washington Post, August 6, 2024

--

This guy. Sounds like. fucking Moderate swing-state/rural/Midwestern/southern/"heartland"/working class white voter catnip. He sounds like he's also a very smart politician and strong campaigner. And he's apparently genuinely a good guy with a good record, too.

He sounds like he's going to do a really good job of appealing to voters in several of the big deal swing states without being from any of them specifically. Which means it doesn't feel like pandering to one of the states involved (and thereby spurning the others), which is also great.

(Also he was the one who started "weird" @ conservatives and I think we should take that seriously as a very good political instinct/move. Judging in large part by how it has so clearly hit an actual nerve with conservatives like so little else. Also hugely relevant: that post going around about how part of why conservatives are so upset about "weird" is because in the Midwest, "weird" specifically also implies anti-social or harmful behavior.)

Officially feeling more optimistic about Trump not winning in November

[breannasfluff]

“Tony’s Pizza delivery!” Danny knocks on a door and stands back slightly, waiting for the answer. Silence. He knocks again. “Pizza order! For…” he checks the box, “Rob!”

There’s the thud of footsteps behind the door, but it doesn’t open. It’s like someone walked right up to it and is waiting. The house itself has blacked-out windows and piles of trash on the lawn. Something about the situation feels…off.

Danny pulls out the taser, which he usually keeps in his pocket. The other hand tightens slightly on the pizza box. He doesn’t go intangible, not yet, but his powers bubble around his core, ready at a moment’s notice.

The door swings open. There’s a gun pointed at his face. 

Acting on instinct more than thought, Danny snaps the taser forward and presses the button when it meets the man’s arm. There’s a roar of pain and the gun is dropped. 

Keeping a hold of the taser, Danny drops the pizza box on the steps. “You owe us payment next time you order thank you goodbye!”

He bolts, grabbing the bike and wheeling it next to him instead of jumping on it. Pulling on intangibility it spreads to the bike as well. As soon as he’s around the corner, Danny goes invisible. His heart is hammering against his chest and all he wants to do is curl into himself. 

Still, he keeps a hold of the bike–no good if it suddenly pops into existence–and breathes through his panic. The taser worked. Sure, he didn’t get paid, but he also didn’t get shot. If Tony’s upset, Danny will ask him to take the cost out of his wages. 

After another few minutes of breathing exercises–thank you Jazz–he’s settled enough to flicker back to visibility and bike back to the shop. 

Tony glances up at him when he enters and does a double take. “What happened, kid?”

“Didn’t get payment for the pizza. Sorry.”

The owner’s eyes narrow. “This wouldn't happen to be because someone pointed a gun at you, would it?”

“Er…”

Laughter is not what he expects. Tony just grins at him. “Kid, I just got a call saying the delivery boy had a taser he wasn’t afraid to use and skedaddled without payment.”

Danny winces, waiting for the beratement. 

“Rob gave you a five-star review. Said it’s the smartest move he’s seen in a while. Paid over the phone for once. You’re good, kid.”

He lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Do people often answer the door for pizza while holding a gun?”

A shoulder shrug. “Around here, it’s more common than you’d think. But if you think you’re in danger, you act to protect yourself, got it? The pizza shop will recover if someone decides to order elsewhere. Besides,” and Tony’s grin edges on feral, “they don’t get many other choices.”

Crime Alley residents, Danny decides, are a rare breed of people.

Read the rest here!

[weixuldo]

Baby Fever

Anakin x f!reader

This is based off of number 2 of this list :)- I havent really delved into kink writing s sorry if this isnt the best haha- think of the reader as a padme- type figure

After seeing you interact with a lost child- Anakin thinks it’s time you had your own baby to look after…

warnings: P in V, smex, ani has a mean breeding kink, multiple orgasms, mentiond of pregnancy

________________

Floods of invigorating politicians and citizens exited the large Coruscant city center after a successful senate meeting. You had just finished pitching a plan that would excel the economy while also protecting labor’s rights. 

You smiled as you stood from your podium once the majority of the crowds had exited- the whole public eye thing was a bit new to you. 

For the longest time you worked behind the scenes helping other politicians with similar goals; it wasn’t until a few months ago that you, yourself, were appointed as your district’s senator. 

You fixed your dress as you exited your booth and headed for the dimly lit corridors of the massive building. Most of the clamor had moved outside into the city square so the halls were mostly empty. 

As you turned the corner a small smile found its way onto your face once you saw a familiar figure leaning against a marble pillar. Unmistakable robes and lightsaber clipped to the man’s belt. 

“I wasn’t aware Jedi had any interest in politics” you said with a smirk as the man snaked a gloved arm around you before you could pass. 

He pressed his face into your hair as he hugged you tighter to his chest, “We don’t, but you know all of my interest belongs to you”. 

You sighed as he pressed a passionate kiss to the column of your neck. 

“Ani- not here” you almost whimpered. 

He quickly twirled you around to face him before holding your face in his hands, “why not?” he asked with a charming smirk- “we should let them all know”. 

He glanced out the large windows down at the crowds of excited civilians- from up here they looked no larger than ants running for a sugar jar. 

“They all love you, so why can’t I?” Anakin asked with a pout. 

You sweetly smiled before placing a tender kiss to his pretty lips, “you can, and you do- you know the ramifications Anakin, you know we ca-“. 

Anakin cut you off with another deep kiss before releasing you and playfully slapping your ass. 

“Yeah yeah, I know” he huffed, “but they don’t know that”. 

You rolled your eyes at your lover’s childish desires before leading him out of the building. 

To avoid the spotlight and attention of the crowds, you dawned a hooded cloak before exiting the center.

Anakin followed closely behind; a hand already on his saber just in case. Thankfully being in public with Anakin seemed normal to some degree because you had become such a public figure- Jedi were often tasked with protecting political officials.

So Anakin looked no different than a routine bodyguard. 

The crowds were easier to navigate now that you had some practice under your belt. You had almost made it to your reserved speeder when you felt a small tug on the hem of your long dress. 

You smiled once you realized the tugging was coming from a small child, probably no older than four. 

She looked up at you with wonder as she mustered up the courage to speak to you. 

“Senator?” She finally asked. 

You nodded with a smile before turning to her. A wide grin settled onto her small face as she looked you up and down. 

“Pretty” she giggled. 

Anakin stood a few feet behind you, trying to see what was going on over the people standing in the way- he became anxious when you dipped from view.

The Jedi quickly weaved through the remaining people to see you crouched down speaking to a small child. His expression immediately softened as he watched you interact so sweetly with the girl; making exaggerated faces at the child’s comments, pointing out her cute accessories to make her giggle, picking her up to shield her from oncoming pedestrians-

Anakin never really thought about having kids- of course he wanted them someday; he wanted to create life with you and wanted to raise his children with a childhood he never got to have. But it never seemed like the right time.

The two of you had been careful when engaging in those activities to avoid an unexpected surprise when you still hadn’t quite figured out how to navigate your secret relationship. 

But each time Anakin fucked you he got closer and closer to giving up on the unspoken rule; he got closer and closer to cumming deep inside of you without any intention of pulling out. 

You knew Anakin was a passionate lover but you never considered that your sweet, respectful Jedi lover fantasized about locking you into a mating press while he fucked his children into your fertile womb. 

Anakin had no timeline of when he wanted them, but he knew you’d make a great mother no matter how long (or short) he waited.

Though seeing you interact in real time just made him want the fantasy to spring to reality. 

_________

“Hello sweetie, where are your parents?” You cooed at the small girl in your arms. 

She giggled and shrugged, making you frown. 

“Well that’s not good, they’re probably worried about you” you said, scanning the crowd for anyone who held any semblance to the tiny child in your arms. 

She, on the other hand, had no interest in finding her guardians- instead she was focused on the shiny tinsel that had been put into your hair prior to your speech. Innocently, she flipped your hood off and began to touch your face as she admired your beauty in childlike wonder. 

Before you could react, Anakin was by your side; he gently placed the cloak back over your head to protect you from interested onlookers. 

“Ani! You came out of nowhere” you giggled lightheartedly as he guided you off to the side of the still buzzing city square. 

“Who’s this?” He asked with a smile as the little girl in your arms hid her face in your shoulder. 

“It’s ok baby, he’s a Jedi- he’s very strong and he’s here to protect us” you whispered to the little girl in your arms. 

“Jedi?” her green eyes brightened as she became excited at the title. 

She continued asking you questions but all Anakin could focus on was how beautiful you looked interacting with such a young child. How natural you looked. 

Is this how you would interact with your own children? With his children?

He couldn't help but adjust his pants as he felt them becoming increasingly tighter. 

Soon the overexcited child had fallen asleep in your comforting arms; shortly, you began cautiously walking around in hopes to find her parents. The jedi beside you watched as you subconsciously brushed the girl's hair and gently bounced her on your hip. 

Before long you finally stumbled across two very worried adults calling for who you could only assume was fast asleep in your arms. 

“Oh Maker! There she is!” the woman gasped as she reached for her baby. 

The Man she was with breathed out a sigh of relief and quickly joined her as you handed her the sleeping child. 

“Thank you so mu- Senator!” the man’s eyes widened once he realized who it was. 

“We are so sorry to have troubled you- please forgive us for our carelessness” the woman bowed. 

“No, no! It was no trouble at all- you have a beautiful daughter” you smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair away from the girl’s face. 

“Thank you, thank you so much. We loved your speech- you are just what this city needs” the mother offered before turning to her husband. 

You bowed and met the silent figure watching from the sidelines; “Sorry Ani, we can go now”. 

Anakin just nodded silently and trailed you with an uncharacteristically dazed aura. 

Once you were in your speeder, Anakin hopped in the driver’s seat and jetted off towards your apartment; his strong jaw clenched as he imagined you full with a child.

He flinched as you placed a tender hand on his tensed thigh, “Ani- are you alright?”.

________________________

A cacophony of moans and groans ricocheted off of the walls of your penthouse bedroom as your lover continuously plunged his cock in and out of your abused hole. He had been at it for two hours already and had already cum once (while you came thrice). 

Once you entered your private apartment, all of his carefully crafted will-power snapped and he went feral; the natural urge to breed you, hit him like a bus.

He was all over you; your lips, neck, breasts, cunt- you were his and he was going to make damn sure it stayed that way. 

“A-Ani! S-slow down!” you cried as he jetted his thick cock in and out of you. 

“S-Sorry baby, C-can’t- I gotta- gotta fill you up” he winced as he fucked you through his own overstimulation. 

His heavy balls slapped against your ass and a ring of foam from your combined juices formed at the base of his cock. 

He already came inside of you once, what more could he want?

“Baby- t’s too much! You're-spilling all over”.

“N-no, not enough- gotta fuck a baby into you” he grunted against your bruised neck. 

His confession had your eyes snapping open, “What?!”. 

“Looked too damn good with that baby on your hip- I-I wanna see you with my child on your hip in-instead” he babbled as he pulled you flush against his chest and rutted his desperate hips into yours. 

So that's what this was all about. 

Admittedly you didn’t mind his desires, deep down you wanted the same thing… you wanted him to reach so deep that he fucked one into you on the spot. 

“Oh Fuck Ani- I wan- I want your kids” you admitted ad you raked your long nails down his toned back. 

“Shit babe- squeezing me so tight” he whined as he gripped onto your hips with a caging grasp (surely you would be bruised tomorrow). 

He slammed his hips flush against yours with intense force as he felt the coil in his stomach begin to snap- this was it, this was the orgasm that was going to give you a child. 

He just knew it. 

“Ahh c-cumming! Gonna give y-you a child- Shit! i-i ‘m going to fuck my baby into you” he babbled as he felt his hot, thick, warm seed shoot out of his oversensitive tip into your gushing cunt as your own orgasm washed over your like a crest-fallen wave. 

“Ani!” you cried as your legs began to shake from the overpowering climax mixed with your exhaustion. 

You clawed onto him so hard that you swore you drew blood. Anakin, on the other hand, dove down and captured you into a tight embrace; his mechanical hand making you gasp at the sudden coolness. 

His body shook with pleasure and overstimulation as he struggled to rut his hips into you to push the last bit of spend further into you with shaky breaths. 

Once you came down from your high, you were so tired that you couldn’t even bother to ask Anakin to clean you up; you half expected him to fall asleep inside of you based on how tired he also looked. 

“Gonna make you a mommy- you’ll look s-so good- so round with our child” Anakin mumbled into your neck before slowly turning over so that you were on top of him (his dick still inside). 

You hummed in contempt before drifting to sleep as he gently brushed your hair with hsi flesh hand. 

“The two of you should get some sleep now- I love you” Anakin whispered before drifting right after you. 

You would have giggled at Anakin’s addition of “two” when speaking to you and your hypothetical baby, but as usual your lover was right. 

The famed “Jedi perception” was affirmed 9 months later when you cradled not one, but two small bundles of joy. You sat on your couch as you fed your children and Anakin couldn't help but smirk at the scene before him, this is just what he wanted… he couldn’t wait till you could have another one. 

***

(a/n: ngl im not crazy big on kids but breeding is hot 🤭🤭 hope this lived up to the idea on the list :0)