#i can be clever at certain points of the day and in certain situations such as. you know face to face conversation

[thebirdandhersong]

Born to engage in lively in-class discussions with much animation and excitement, forced to participate in online discussion forums that leave both writer and reader rather cold

[jamespotterismydaddy]

Spoil of War

dark!aegon x niece!reader

summary: aegon enjoys his time with his prisoner of war

A/N: my bad y'all, it took me forever to get this up

TW: MAJOR DUBCON, smut!!, bondage, incest, violence, kidnapping, degradation, body worship perhaps

word count: 2,245 words

You sit in your childhood bedroom, stewing with your thoughts. It was all so quick, the battle with Daeron, the demise of your dragon. You should be grateful; she spent her last moments cushioning your fall so you wouldn’t die on impact, but you can’t help thinking that you would be better off dead. There’s hardly anything worse than being a prisoner of war, except being Aegon’s prisoner of war.

Speak of the Devil, Aegon has the guards open your chamber doors and the smug bastard strolls in. “Ah, my sweet niece. I finally have the chance to lay my eyes on you.” He regards your nightgown with great interest. You haven’t had a chance to dress yourself for the day yet. “You’ve been quite the subject of controversy as of late.” He says with a light smirk.

“Which part is controversial, the fact that you’re keeping me prisoner, usurper?” You say back to him with spite.

“Oh, don’t be so melodramatic. It’s a temporary situation.” He says, unconcerned as he walks over to your dining table of untouched food and picks up an apple, taking a bite of it. “Once your mother bends the knee, i’ll return you to her. It’s as easy as that.”

“Or they’ll take control of King’s Landing and Daemon will slaughter you where you stand.” You’ve never heard your voice filled with such hate before as when you speak now.

“Come on, the threats are hardly necessary. You are safe with us - for the time being.” He makes a stupid joking cringe face at the second part of his sentence. “You could do with being more amicable.”

“Amicable? I’m your fucking prisoner and if her Grace the Queen doesn’t bend the knee to your spoiled, traitorus ass, you’ll execute me.”

“War doesn’t often give you many options. And you, my dear niece, are a very valuable bargaining chip.” As he speaks, you know he takes the utmost pleasure in you being in his control. You want to wipe the smug grin off his face.

You reach for the piece of glass you had hidden, ever so slowly. You feel your hand clutch it and your gaze is filled with rage as you launch yourself at him. “You traitor!” You aim for his throat with the sharp point but he catches your arm. The broken glass barely grazes him, leaving only the thinnest line of blood as proof of your attack. He twists your arm and the piece of glass clatters to the floor. Your uncle releases you only so he can backhand you so hard that you fall to the floor.

“Gods, you’re a feisty little thing, aren’t you?” He wipes the drip of the blood off his neck. “Clever girl, going for the throat.” He laughs at you. You just tried to kill him and he laughs at you.

You glare up at him, your face distraught and full of vengeance. You quickly reach for the glass that you had dropped but as soon as you manage to grip it again, Aegon kicks you in the stomach. You curl into yourself, whimpering.

“Okay that’s enough of that. Guards!” The guards immediately enter the room, ready to defend their king. “Restrain her. Use… rope.” He has a certain look on his face as he says the last word, seemingly pleased with himself as he struts out of the room.

You’re left on your knees, by the fireplace for an hour until Aegon returns. Your hands behind your back, the bindings keeping you in place. There is, what you consider to be, an unnecessary amount of rope tied around your body that is seemingly for decoration, for your uncle’s pleasure.

“Are you calm now?” He asks as he strides back into your chamber with arrogance. “I wasn’t sure what the cool down time was for Strong bastards.” His stare is hungry as he looks upon you. “What a pleasant sight, my combative niece tied up at my feet.” He almost mumbles the last part.

“I will be calm when I watch your body burn.” There is heat in your words, your threats.

“That is a lot of big talk for a girl who is kneeling for her king. You’re much more desirable like this… when you’re helpless beneath my gaze.” His fingertips graze under your chin, tilting it up so you have to look at him. You jerk your head away.

“Don’t touch me!” You spit at his feet.

“Silly to say such things when you’re at my mercy.” He kneels down to look at you better, his fingers run along your soft hair. “I’ve never been more tempted. And i’ve been tempted many, many times.” He leans in to whisper in your ear. “I had forgotten how divine you are.”

You know where he’s going with this, what he wants. His finger trails down your nightgown, to your breast, giving it a light squeeze. “You’ll burn in the Seven Hells for this!” You say as you fight against your restraints.

He ignores your words. “If I were a more brazen man, i’d ravish you right here and now… oh wait.” He chuckles at his own joke.

The fire burns bright behind you and his dagger gleams in the warm light as he unsheathes it. He cuts one of the cap sleeves of your nightgown. “You have no right.” Your eyes flare bolder than dragonflame as you speak.

“Oh, my lovely sweet niece, I absolutely have the right because you are under my protection. If I want to rip that nightgown off and ravage you, who’s going to stop me?” He says sadistically… lustfully as he cuts the other cap of your gown.

“It’s not a proper way to treat an important bargaining chip.” You say softly. To be truthful, younger you would be preening at the chance to be so close to Aegon. Up until now, you had thought that part of you had died with Luke. Now, he’s so close, so... alluring.

“It’s not, but when have I ever been known to behave properly?” He then cuts your nightgown off of you, down the middle and as swiftly as he can without cutting through your bonds, leaving you naked other than the smallclothes that barely cover your lower half.

His eyes darken as he takes in the sight of you almost completely naked. His hand falls to your thigh, rubbing the smooth soft skin. “You’ve always had such a lovely figure, niece.”

You flinch and squirm some more. And then you begin to scream bloody murder. Aegon winces before grabbing part of your torn nightgown and shoving it in your mouth. “Such a noisy girl. Now, that’s better. You shouldn’t scream so much. I only intend to show you a good time. I promise you’ll love it.”  He smirks again. “Well… i’ll love it.”

His other hand trails up your navel, to your breast, giving it another squeeze. He then pushes you back on the flocculent carpet and what a sight you make with your hair splayed around you and your pretty mouth gagged. The pillows are strewn about you, in place so you can sit as close to the crackling fire as you wish. Now, it has become the perfect scene for Aegon to take you. He looks at you as if you are the maiden herself, descended from the heavens to be gifted to him. To him, your fairness outmatches Psyche… it outmatches Aphrodite. 

“You don’t know how long I have waited for this, princess.” He then rips your remaining small clothes off, leaving you completely nude. His eyes just rake over you for a moment before he speaks.  “Ah, a sight I could get used to.” He leans down to kiss your breast, focusing on your nipple, focusing on making you feel good? He litters little marks all over before moving to the other and giving it the same attention. He then begins to methodically kiss down your chest, to your tummy, past your navel. You know what he intends his final destination to be. You keep your legs clamped firmly shut, not fully because you want him to stop, and partly because of the wetness that lies between your thighs.

“Hm, a little shy, are we? How sweet…” It isn’t difficult for him to pry your legs open and he grins at the sight of you dripping for him. “Naughty little girl, all wet for her uncle.” 

You turn your heat to the side so you don’t have to make eye contact with him. He grabs your chin and turns your head back. “No. You will watch as I fuck you with my tongue.” You try not to groan as he licks up between your legs, his eyes on yours as his pupils blow wide. He kisses, licks and nips at you, taking you to places in pleasure you’ve never been before. When his tongue pierces your entrance, you can’t stop the whimper that falls from your lips. You hope the gag muted the sound enough that he wouldn’t hear, but your hopes are dashed when he lifts his head.

“I think I want to hear all the pretty little sounds that you make. No more screaming though. Unless, they’re screams of gratification.” He pulls the torn cloth from your mouth but you keep your lips stubbornly sealed. He shakes his head and chuckles before he is between your thighs again. The man eats you like you’re his last meal but you don’t let a single sound out, much to his displeasure even if he can tell that you don’t do it with ease. 

“Why must you be so difficult?” He asks exasperatedly.

“I want you dead.” He rolls his eyes at the statement. “Perhaps you aren’t as good at pleasuring women as you believe.” That pisses him off.

“You’re such a little liar.” He flips you over so your ass is in the air and your chest and face are squished into a cushion, your hands unable to hold you up due to their bindings. “Perhaps I need to fuck that bratty behaviour out of you.” He says and you hear the rustling of clothes behind you. You know he’s undressing and you know there’s no way you can stop him from taking you now, not with how you have pissed him off, not with how your cunt is so deliciously presented to him. But it won’t stop you from trying.

“Aegon don’t you dare.” You say with all the confidence you can muster. You don’t fear your maidenhood being taken, you fear the possibility of a bastard being put in your belly.

“Don’t you ever presume to tell me what I can and cannot do, wench.” With that, he shoves himself inside of you, all the way to the hilt. You let out a strangled moan and he laughs. “No keeping your sounds to yourself now.” He then begins to piston himself into you, the head of him brushing your cervix with each thrust. You feel so full every time his hips meet yours. “Gods i’ve never felt a cunt so tight and wet.” His hands grip your hips roughly so he can bring them back with each thrust, making it feel like he’s hitting deeper inside of you. 

“Aegon…” You whine out and squeeze a little around him.

“You like it, don’t you? You like it when your uncle fucks you. I’ve taken you as a prisoner and now you’re moaning in pleasure as I use you. What would your brothers think, what would your mother think, if they saw you taking my cock so well?”

You just whine his name again in response, your head too cloudy to give him an answer.

“I want you to say it. Say how much you love having me inside you.” He fucks into you so deeply that all you want to do is obey.

“I l-ove it, uncle. I love it when you fuck me.” You whimper out again as he stretches you so perfectly.

“That’s what I fucking thought.” His finger comes between your legs to rub your clit and you almost scream. “God, you’re such a little cockslut. Am I your first, little niece?”

“Y-Yes…” You say softly and he grins.

“I thought so. Nobody gets so worked up like a maiden.” He rubs you harder, so fast that you see stars. You begin to squirm a little as your walls begin to squeeze around his thick cock.

He grasps your hair at the roots and pulls your head back so you have to look him in the eye. “That’s right, cum around my cock, baby. Do it.” You fully reach your peak with his command. He watches your face contort with pleasure as you finish around his cock, drawing out his own orgasm. He gives a few more hard thrusts before spilling his seed in you. “Good girl.”

You wince as he pulls out, feeling empty now. He easily manoeuvres you back to your knees and stands up with you at his feet. He tilts your chin up so you have to look him in the eye again.

“I’ll be visiting you much more often now. You don’t have the kind of cunt a man can handle only fucking once.” His thumb strokes your cheek. For the depravity he speaks, his voice is surprisingly soft

“I hate you.”

He smiles gently. “Hate me all you want. I can take it.”

taglist (comment to be added): General: @valeskafics @urmomsgirlfriend1 @girlwith-thepearlearring @darylandbethfanforever9 @lovellies @juhdoche @papichulo120627 @watercolorskyy @ophelialaufey

[shamixlour]

The Newsreader - 1x06 _ The Looks

I was rewatching the show and could not help myself notice these looks, so I decided to make a small analysis of them and what they supposedly mean. Grab something to drink, a snack because despite my attempts to keep this relatively short, I just know it is going to be long.

Anyways, let’s get into it!

There is something about the art of looking in this scene that makes me absolutely devastated for each single one of those characters: Dale, Helen but also Tim. It is so interesting to me how through the gazes they are able to instantly paint the very specific and unique emotional turmoils they each are going through at that moment. It is so vivid, almost palpable the way their emotions get carried via their glances. They look and we watch and we directly know. 

But yeah, I just love how they used the looks to expand and highlight a certain aspect of each relationship. I adore how the gazes are a witness of that specific instant. I don’t know, it is such a human thing to look at people, it is instinctive, we do it even without thinking of it most of the time and yet I found the use of eyes in this scene quite genius. Like, imho, it is genuinely clever to employ something as inherent as eyes, as looking to human beings to express feelings that cannot be perceived, because they are there, the emotions, the feelings, we can see them in the actions of/their eyes. 

First, we have Tim and for some context, we learn in that scene that this is Tim’s last day at work and that he is leaving his job, partially, imho, because Helen discovered what had happened between him and Dale and because the whole situation had become too much for him to handle. The news drops like a bomb, and they all seem awkward, but then we catch Tim spare a quick glance in Dale’s direction after it is known that he has quit his job. It’s barely a look, so furtive and somewhat almost innocent. He wants to look at Dale so badly, he wants to look at his reaction upon the sudden news, he wants to see something but he refrains himself even before he has the chance to see it and averts his gaze which is a pity because we, the audience, see the something, because it is there, on Dale’s face but Tim misses it out. It feels like Tim believes that he does not have the right to look at Dale anymore, which makes this look even more morose. 

Then we have beautiful Helen. She is obviously distraught and emotionally overwhelmed by the revelations regarding her relationship with Dale but also the events in general, with the news they are trying to broadcast. She glances toward Dale at some point, and I read that look as a quiet cry for help, for peace. Dale is the one bringing peace to her. She is used to looking at him and falling under a serene calm wave, but it is not the case anymore. Her eyes are watering, her traits carry so much emotional turmoil and she looks at the man she loves, the man that betrayed her and Helen is stuck in the room with the source of what makes everything crumble down and she can’t find her peace anymore as she looks at Dale. It is all gone. She looks at him, and the anguish is still there. It torments her, and we know, with her eyes that something is broken. 

Speaking of broken. Dale. His look is horrendous. It is so painful for me to watch. It reeks longing. It is longing in its purest form. Longing for Tim, for who he is, for this man that embodies SO fucking much for Dale. It is yearning for something, a love, a life Dale refuses to let himself have. It is pining for a love story that could have been beautiful. Essentially, it is burning for Tim who is leaving Dale behind and looking at it again, it makes my stomach knot itself into a billion horrible ties. With just this look alone, Dale is able to show us, the viewers, how meaningful Tim is for him and not only as a love interest but merely as a human being entangled in his life. With this look, with these eyes on the verge of sharing tears, Dale silently paints his pain, his sorrow, his utmost surrender for us all to see. He is not going to fight for Tim regardless of the longing and oddly vicious eagerness for more. He has given up and Tim is leaving and it makes Dale sad but he is mostly defeated. His eyes yearn but he has given up. Dale’s gaze slides away and with it vanishes everything. 

I believe it is interesting to note that it echoes with Helen looking at Dale because Dale used to look at Tim for peace, too. Whenever they worked together, whenever he felt the anxiety crawl up his insides as he faced the camera, Tim was there, behind it, bringing peace to him, telling to relax but he can’t do that anymore. Dale can’t look at Tim and find comfort there. 

I just love what they did here, resting upon the looks for storytelling instead of actual dialogue. It is a charged scene but in a very subtle way which, again, I find genius and so in harmony with the show’s sensibility, AND it reminded me of a quote I like :

A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of the poet by Orson Welles. 

And here, not only the camera is an eye in the heart/head of our characters but we quite have this inception kinda silly theme where the camera on the eyes is literally the eye in the head of our stunning Helen, Tim and Dale.

Thank you so much if you read until here <3  

[nextstop-fixationstation]

Personally I think that the temples were written in a very clever way with how obvious and yet cryptic they are, because there are multiple meanings to take from their lessons. You have humility and persistence from the temples of wit and strength, which are the only two lessons that are kept rather purposefully obscure (as Valeriana seems to only address Anne directly, for whatever reason).

(This got longer than i thought it would, so i'm putting it under a readmore)

Humility has strategic benefits, as knowing when to throw battles to win the war is often key. Marcy is actually already very good at that, as shown when they play their game, but this is not true humility. At first brush, the idea of being "humble enough to lose" sounds like it's referring to only losing a game, but it actually refers to being wrong in general. "Lose" can mean being willing to lose something of yourself in order to maintain the relationships you have or accept new viewpoints. Loss itself is not a bad thing in this situation, and avoiding it can actually have dire consequences. Marcy's real trial actually technically ends when they accept that they were wrong about Andrias and about, specifically, wanting to cling so much to Anne and Sasha that they'd hurt all of them in the process. They were also wrong to view their friendships with so little faith, which is technically the crux of their insecurity. Insecurity and fear are the way that Marcy and the Core act as foils for one another as well. In this case, Marcy basically loses their life and potentially their friendships to save them, and that seems to be the actual culmination of the temple's lesson. Insecurity and pride are closely linked as opposites and as things of the same basic nature.

When talking about persistence, we also already know that Sasha is already persistent. We see it with toad tower and with the fact he takes over Newtopia, and the statement, "End of discussion," denotes a certain amount of stubbornness. He forges forward with his plans regardless of what his conscience might tell him throughout the series, until something changes in Turning Point. In that sense, it's not the idea of relentless persistence towards a goal that the temple refers to. Rather, the temple here is referring to persistence in change or becoming someone different. People make mistakes while finding their way. Sasha constantly makes them on screen, and that's why he loses Braddock and Percy. He nearly loses Anne completely. When he finally does turn around, he's persistent in trying to make things right. Something that I wouldn't consider a mistake but rather just an instance of reasonable hesitation is that conversation with Anne about how he's not sure he can forgive Marcy after this. It's a small interaction, but it shows just how persistent and dedicated he is to change. A previous Sasha wouldn't have put down his front long enough to even have the conversation. There's a lot of growth that's very apparent by the end of the series, and this "true strength" is what allows him to say with confidence, by the end, that he's "not that person anymore."

It should then be noted that these double meanings come from the fact that the aspect of the Heart, Anne's aspect, is what links all three of these traits (Wit-Stength-Heart) together to form, essentially, the power of a hero. Anne is the only one of the three to have any tangible feedback from a character to detail what the point of the trial is, and what worthiness actually means. In the end, Anne is worthy because 1) she admits she's wrong and has flaws, and 2) also tries every single day to be better. If you take those two statements into consideration, she already fulfills the other two criteria from the temples of Wit and Strength -- humility and persistence. Thusly, Anne Boonchuy is the most worthy of all three of the Calamity Trio. Perfection and embodiment are not required -- such a requirement would be antithetical to the series' thesis. Instead, Anne embodies the idea of metamorphosis and change, and that makes her a hero to everyone who loves her.

[windvexer]

Hey Chicken!

I have a question. In your opinion are there any fundamental differences in the way one would communicate and interact with a deity or with a spirit?

Also, do you have any tips for suspending disbelief when it comes to spirit work? I really want to believe, but my agnostic roots are making it hard sometimes.

Thanks! Fern

Hello, Fern.

I do not perceive any difference in communication between gods and spirits. The line between what constitutes a god and what constitutes a spirit is nebulous, and further shifts depending on culture and personal beliefs.

A fun, but perhaps intimidating, aspect of neopagan spirituality is that you are empowered to pick and choose your own beliefs. But, inasmuch as spirituality is an integral part of how you perceive the universe around you and your role within it, these beliefs shouldn't necessarily be picked up without a pretty good reason for wanting to do so.

Beliefs aren't all or nothing. You can take them out for test drives. Ask yourself what you are looking for in your own spirituality.

Beliefs about incorporeal beings are vast, contradictory, and sometimes mutually exclusive. You do not have to buy every single belief about spirits at the dealership.

I recommend starting with whichever one takes you from point A to point B. A nice reliable vehicle.

If your point A is, "spiritually I feel unfulfilled and I want there to be more to the world," then perhaps point B - where you would like to end up - is, "the universe is full of spiritual life, some of which is capable of awareness, and which I can connect with in a real and meaningful way."

If this is your point B, then a belief which may deliver you there is animism.

But you do not have to say, "okay, I'm an animist then." You can take it out for a test-drive.

You can say to yourself, you know what, I'm going to get in the driver's seat and take a cruise through my next couple weeks as if animism is real.

And see if you dig it. Do you like the way the vehicle drives? Do you like the view from the driver's seat? Does the suspension carry you across bumpy roads? Does it come with an early-alert system that helps you navigate life?

Maybe. Or maybe not. You can take that bad boy back to the dealership and give the keys back.

Maybe it's not animism. Maybe it's just one god. If one certain god was definitely real, what would that be like for you? Drive it around for a few days and see. Does that vehicle of belief challenge you to be a better person? Does it check your flaws, promote your virtues? Does it provide relief and comfort during stress, or empowerment during adversity?

I'm not really a proper pagan, or a pagan at all if you ask me, but I am a spiritual person. My witchcraft sometimes intersects with my spirituality, but sometimes it doesn't. I am currently finding there to be a pretty big difference between them, though.

I believe it is vital for us all to have agency in our own spiritual beliefs. Some are thrust upon us, like landslides that alter the face of our inner landscapes, which we must learn to navigate around, or build roads through.

But, if you are in a situation where you have the privilege of choosing your own beliefs, they should be those which make navigating your inner and outer landscapes peaceful, enjoyable, and fulfilling. They should be beliefs which help us to always feel at home, or to provide shelter from the storms of life.

This is apart from witchcraft, which is standing at the liminal boundary between the inner and the outer, pulling at the threads we find there. We spool up the yarn and we make something from it, which weaves both the inner and the outer together in something gestalt and more real than either thing on its own.

Witchcraft and sorcerous work demands more than just what is within. It spins yarn also from the threads of what is without, and demands a certain level of synchronicity between the two. A clever spinner may be able to make yarn from the most discordant threads, but nonetheless there must be compatibility.

This is a rigorous, demanding exercise. It is a skill which must be learned through learning, practice, and outright trials. It is where we hammer the ore we have found within ourselves and test it for brittle impurities.

It is not a drive through the landscape. It is not peaceful navigation of the Within.

And it is probably a bad idea to immediately apply the verification and proof required for successful sorcery, to spiritual beliefs themselves.

"This vehicle of belief sure does handle well on the highways of life, but I haven't yet been able to use it for applied sorcery, so it must be broken" is no way to go through life.

Spirit Work, as a skill, bunches up in wild skeins in that infinitesimal, infinite veil between what is within us and what is without us. When we draw on it, we tug at our inner beliefs and begin spinning them with our outer verification.

Here is the problem:

If your inner landscape only has budding, first-year sprouts, pulling on that yarn is just going to rip them up from their roots and knit them into a half-finished set of mittens that will stall out forever because there was never enough within you to finish it.

"I was never able to make a whole set of mittens, so this vehicle must be broken."

Or perhaps,

"I was never able to find a way to spin the Threads Within with the Threads Without, so this entire brand of wool must be a scam."

Sometimes, you've just got to let your inner landscape grow wild for a season or two before you try to harvest its bounty. Let what is within push against what is without. Build little spirit houses. Make shrines. Pray. Behave as if they are real.

Explore it. Get to know it. Learn all about it, without demanding it reveal to you how to spin it into yarn. Learn within yourself how it should best be handled and worked with, when the time comes.

Isn't it the tiniest bit thrilling, to let your beliefs push outwards without burdening them with work, to demand your beliefs do a job, to prove to you the spinner that the yarn is of high enough quality and quantity to pass muster?

Perhaps what is within needs a little confidence that it is free to grow without being uprooted and sacrificed to the spinning wheel. Maybe what is within is eyeing the threshing machine and the sharp spindle, and deciding that sprouting is the wrong way to go.

And, anyway. If that inner growth advances forwards in all the wrong ways, take the car back to the dealership. It was only ever a test drive to begin with.

[kaesileigh]

479 Tri-type description

479s typically tone down their hyper-emotionality and suffering when around others. They don't want to be difficult, and they don't want to be drama queens. They find such a self-image embarrassing, and they are certain the future holds great promise and potential, so aren't they a little pathetic for focusing on their tragedy? They may self-dramatize and bring attention to themselves at times, but it's typically followed by a down-playing of the tragedy and a reframing of the situation- "All in all, it was probably worth it, and not really a big deal, anyway..."

479s view themselves as special, clever, elite, talented, and regrettably, ordinary. Attracted to the new, the known, and the emotionally intense, they can feel a bit of the will-o'-the-wisp, never quite knowing where their fancy will take them- will the day be mundane or exhilarating? Dramatic or comforting?

Intellectually and emotionally curious, yet liking balance, 479s tend not to push things 'too far'. They may play it safe in a lot of ways, getting their stimuli and emotional depth via books, film, music and other artistic media versus through gritty life experience or putting themselves on the line (although they likely swing through levels of mania or hyper-excitability and depression or listlessness). 479s are somewhat risk averse- the four may dive into dangerous waters but the seven wants to keep things pleasurable and light while the nine would really rather take it easy, so the 479 ends up swimming back to shore, reads a good book in a hammock and then falls asleep, all the while wondering when something big will happen in their life, when they will finally reach their full magnitude.

The 479s' tendency to take the easier road can quite likely lead to a regretful place where they find themselves mired with difficult questions: "Why do I fall so easily? When will I get my drive, determination and self-discipline? What will it take for me to stay committed to one thing, no matter how difficult it is? When is my life going to be how I expected it to be?" These questions (and the failings they acknowledge) may lead to depression and a loss of self-esteem, but that doesn't mean thinking about them and recognizing their flaws is going to get them anywhere. The only way 479s will truly have lives which please them is through sucking it up and getting down to business. This doesn't mean a life of drudgery, but rather acknowledging what matters to them and making it manifest- honestly expressing their emotional range vs sugar-coating it; recognizing that potential doesn't equate ability and experience (and then making a point of acquiring that experience and ability); and not getting tired and apathetic when life throws challenges their way.

With accomplishments and self-fulfillment, 479s can't help but recognize that they possess great worth. They are innovative and creative in an inspired and life-affirming way. They see beauty in all things and beings and recognize the necessity of both pleasure and pain. They are wholly aware that they are entirely unique yet simultaneously connected to every living being, and they are joyful to be living their life, with all its messiness, struggles, and simple pleasures.

Core Fours will have a harder edge and go deeper. They will be more emotionally expressive and darker than the 974 or 749.

Core Sevens will be lighter and more energetic. They will be more upbeat, fun, and enthusiastic/excitable than the 974 or 479.

Core Nines will be more gentle and accommodating. They will be more easy-going, relaxed, and have more of a healing presence than the 479 or 749.

Credit: https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/4-7-9-tritype.117159/

[ask-the-denalis]

I got a curious question for the whole coven

You guys were turned in different time periods way back when, but you guys also went through a bunch of different time periods, just going through the centuries. As well as moving around at some points going through different languages and perhaps the ever changing slang/lingo/phrases

Did you guys ever have trouble with learning a new language? Or when different time periods came, and updating phrases and such? Like, do you guys ever slip back to maybe really old phrases some people might not use? Do you ever get frustrated when an old word that perfectly describes something no longer gets used and there isn't an equivalent in the modern day?

Like, do you guys ever slip back to maybe really old phrases some people might not use? Do you ever get frustrated when an old word that perfectly describes something no longer gets used and there isn't an equivalent in the modern day?

*cough* Tanya *cough*

Katrina...

Pay her no mind, Carmen. Any kind of recognition will only further encourage her.

Pfft.

Hello love,

as my sister so charmingly pointed out, I am indeed quite fond of maintaining a sophisticated manner of speech. There is a certain grace to it that, unfortunately, seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way as the centuries progressed.

And thank God for that.

I agree with Tanya. It is truly a shame...

That being said, I aim to preserve this family´s linguistic heritage, as far as I can. With...varying degrees of success.

Bite me.

However, I think I speak for all of us when I say that adapting to any new language has been fairly uncomplicated. Our kind is quick to adjust, if needed.

Yup. We´re awesome. (I´m the best though.)

Sure.

Agreed!

Indeed.

Yours truly, 💋

- Tanya, leader of the Denali coven

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Sooo...

I think I can answer all of the above in one and the same way:

No.

...

I dunno what else you want me to say, honestly. It´s as simple as that. 🤷‍♀️

"Simple" describes it well...

Stay charged! ⚡

- Kate the Great

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Hello mortal,

as Tanya already mentioned, learning a new language (or any skill, for that matter) comes with little difficulty for us. One of the "perks" of our nature, I guess...

And the muscles.

As for "updating phrases:"

It's quite similar to the language matter, I'd say. We´re quick to adjust, if needed. In fact, I'd argue that most of us see it as a welcome change...

Hm...

Say it louder!

I myself don´t have a preference for any particular style of speech. I use of a variety of them, depending on the situation as well as my mood that day.

The mood in question: 💩

Do I ever get frustrated? Getting "frustrated" would imply caring enough to let it ruin my day. I can think of a million better ways to spend my time.

Her majesty doesn´t concern herself with common folk problems.

Busy Regards, 📖

- Irina Denali

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Hello dear!

And what a clever question! Or rather, questions. 🤭

First and foremost, I find that every time period I have experienced so far has had its own pleasures and deserves recognition. While I agree with Tanya that the older, more formal ways of speaking carry a certain charm, that doesn’t mean newer generations don’t offer something of equal value. They each have their own merit.

I suppose...

Well said, my love.

With that said, I never really minded adapting my vocabulary to current times. On the contrary, I found it quite exciting! When one lives for as long as we do, you take any chance at "staying sharp" that you can get. 🤭

I was just glad to see ppl finally getting that stick out their asses.

...However, I have to admit that I find myself "slipping back" from time to time. As they say, old habits are hard to break. 🙈

I cherish those moments. They´re quite fetching. ;3

With love, 🫶

- Carmen, passionate home stylist

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Greetings,

as you might have discerned from my previous remark, I myself practise a more...traditional form of speech. Although, I must admit, it is less a matter of preference and more a matter of...well...habit, for lack of a better word.

You are too precious, my heart. <3

Nevertheless, it was quite disheartening to see long-established linguistic customs disappear over the centuries.

Truly...

Now, as my coven members rightfully stated, our kind is quick to adapt to new circumstances. My penchant for a more formal manner of speaking is purely habitual, as mentioned beforehand.

Meaning: Your inner party animal´s just waiting to come out. B)

I also agree with my wife that there is value to be found throughout many stages of linguistic history. It would be rather presumptuous to assume that one era holds supremacy over the rest.

Yes...how presumptuous indeed...

<3

As for "getting frustrated:"

I think you will find that I am rather composed fellow. :)

This coven is truly blessed to have you, dear.

No shit.

"Composed" is one way of putting it. ;)

One of the countless reasons I fell for you, querido. <3

Best wishes, 🙏

- Eleazar, admirer of the written word

[fipindustries]

my personal version of the trinity

im talking about the dc super heroes, batman superman and wonder woman, not the son the father and the holy spirit.

i've always had my own version of these characters is my head and i would like to put it here for you guys to see. im sure a lot of this is going to overlap what a lot of what's already been done, that is inevitable give these characters longevity.

in a general sense, before we get into specifics, the way i think of these three, and of dc heroes in general, is that wherever they are they are the adults in the room. they are the conception that a kid has of an adult. professional, mature, always in control, always knows what to do in any situation, nearly omnipotent capacity to make all problems go away.

for these three i think of them as first responders, as firemen or paramedics. they are the people who come into a diaster, assess the situation and have a plan and a script to tackle it in the appropiate manner.

they know how to evacuate civilians, how to administer first aid, what is the order of priorities, etc. when they come in to save the day they are doing a job and they are good at it, they are the best at it, they are the people you want handling whatever it is that is happening.

all of this implies a certain level of maturity and professionalism that i expect from them. im not a fan of whenever these heroes are shown as super emotional, wether it be driven by rage or brooding, we have marvel for that. like yes, things can obviously get to them and enemies can deploy psychological attacks but generally they are emotionally mature enough to handle most things thrown their way.

i also like to think of them as mainly problem solvers rather than fighters or combatants (with the exception perhaps of wonder woman, more on that later). them simply going with raw fists to punch problems away is an absolute last resort if there is no other way to solve the problem. otherwise they toolset is wide enough that they can find clever, efficient, practical ways to deal with threats. im sure there are few threats superman cant solve without making judicious and calculated use of his super speed and his laser. double and triple goes for batman.

also, if i were to have absolute dictatorial control over DC i would make it so that they are not necessarily fighting a monster of the week style threat but rather that they have overarching goals and every mission is a step closer to that goal. and once their respective cities are stable enough they are free to establish the justice league to protect the world of overzised threats like alien invasions or pandimentional attacks.

without further ado here we go

superman.

honestly not much new, the guy has been done flawlessly plenty of times. i am particularly fond of the superman from My adventures with superman. perhaps i would write him a lot less childish but otherwise it seems there are plenty of writers that get the guy. he is a decent, truly kind man from kansas, who was well raised by a loving family and who grew up in a stable enviroment surrounded by friends. probably one of the healthiest persons out there, also one of the most resilient, in more ways than one. a guy who is willing to lend his surplus of strength, both physical and personal for the sake of others since he understands not everyone can handle things all on their own and so he is happy to help wherever he can.

he is perhaps a little corny, a little too straight laced, almost to the point of coming off as naive. if you didnt know him well you'd think he is just a boring goodie two shoes boy scout, but once you get to know him you realize he is just disarmingly earnest and sincere in all he does. he is such a dad, too. he makes bad jokes and gets overly excited for big sales and wears shorts with socks and sandals and he insist that you get horrible matching sweaters on christmas. his clak kent persona is not a mask, he is genuenly a dork. also he is a true journalist, he actually cares a lot about his job at the daily planet and takes super seriously whenever he has to do investigative journalism or an interview of a high profile figure.

i dont think he hates lex luthor, he is just really frustrated that a man that brilliant would waste his gift in such petty sillyness. his biggest flaw is that he can be overcome by self doubts, maybe its is wrong that he shoud be having all this power, maybe he is becoming too authoritarian by trying to fix all the worlds problems, how does he know what the most responsible way to use his powers is? is it his right to interfere in affairs of humanity when he is technically an alien? oh god maybe luthor has a point, maybe he shouldnt be here, he doesnt know what he is doing! he is just a farmer from kansas!

his ultimate mission, his overall, overarching goal, would be to take lex luthor down, the main source of most villainy and evil happening in metropolis. but he insists on doing it the right way, getting proper evidence, writing actual news articles, showing through all legitimate channels that lex is a crook and a criminal, which is the reason it takes so long. of course he could capture luthor in ten seconds flat but then he would have to deal with attacking a private citizen, with the criminal system, with the trials and with the terrible hit that it would signify for superman's reputation.

he thinks bruce needs to relax a little, and honestly the whole bat thing is a little silly. but also he deeply profoundly respects the fact that bruce is doing all of it on his own, no kriptonian powers gifted from on high, and he genuenly thinks of him as a true friend. he sometimes even feels a little inadecuate next to bruce because bruce is obviously the smarter of the two and the guy who always seems to be most in control of the situation and who always has a plan, making clark feel like he is just making it up as he goes along and he is just wasting his time picking cats from trees and stopping petty theft.

as for diana he is downright intimidated by her and he is a bit put off by the fact that she is clearly way more comfortable with violence than the other two guys. but again, he can sense she has a kind heart and is also a true hero.

clark secretly feels like the lamest of the three because he is just a guy trying to help around and the other two are like parangons of righteousness and borderline demigods, he doesnt realize the other two basically idolize him.

batman.

he is a really intense dude.

again, im not interested in a batman that is too tortured. the batman from the 70's-80's hit a pretty good balance in my mind. he is still a person. a very obsessive, intense, dedicated and disciplined person but a person at the end of the day, none of that "there is only batman" nonesense here, at least not early on. yes he is a guy haunted by his demons and carrying a terrible turmoil on the inside, but he is generally good at keeping in check. this does manifest in issues on the long term though, on a macro level. on the way he keeps cycling robins, the way that as the years go by he never seems to be able to move on to something better and specially in the way that he ends up by the end of it all. batman of the future did this perfectly, a bitter lonely old man who pushed most people away.

but on a day to day basis, on a mission to mission rythm, he is well adjusted. he is a team player, he doesnt push his sidekicks or collaborators too far (but he does go out of his way to carry most of the weight of the mission, which makes many of his robins think he underestimates them or doesnt take them seriously, when in reality he is just trying to protect them) he knows how to dial down the whole dark knight persona when dealing with civilians, he keeps his strength firmly in check so as to never unnecesarily brutalize the criminals he fights against. he puts way more priority in stealth and trickery than face to face confrontations.

he is stoic and he is overtly serious and formal, but when its just him and clark and diana he does allow himself to make more casual commentary or maybe ever crack and incredibly wry, dry as pavement joke. whilst around most civilians he comes off as intense and brooding clark and diana can tell he is just a little awkward (and possibly autistic?) and his rigid behavior is just a shield he uses.

bruce wayne is just him masking, we all know his playboy millionaire persona and im not going to go too deep into that. he can be "normal", he can relax when he is at the manor with alphred and dick or todd or tim or damian. he is generally a quiet guy, very introspective. very ocassionally he will let out his more impish side (there is still inside of him a child who never got a chance to be a child) he is an adult who chose to dress up as a bat and build himself a bat cave and a batmobil. he is a little whimsical, and he will pull little pranks on robin or alphred or whatever. but when the cowl is on he is back to strictly bussiness

he doesnt hate the joker, honestly he has bigger problems in his plate, but he does find him incredibly annoying and aggravating, that someone would cause so much evil for basically no reason. his biggest flaw is that he can be a bit too cold and calculating and he has a tendency to be self destructive in how he insists carrying all the problems of the world and push himself too far

his overall cause would be to try and fix the fundamental rot in gotham that is making it so that it keeps producing nothing but corrupt politicians, brutal cops and deranged lunatics, where any attempt at reform or to inject money into the system to fix things keeps getting absorbed and redirected into the city's criminal underbelly. batman is there as a shock to the system, trying to surgically unclog and fix a broken machine so that the actual proper channels and institutions start doing their goddamn job and set the city on a better path. honestly the colorful supervillains are almost a distraction of his day to day work, they are just the symptoms of a deeper problem and not the disease he is desperatly trying to cure.

he doesnt for even a second think that clark is lame or naive or silly. bruce almost idolizes clark because he sees in him a shining resplandescent example of a healthy, kind, pure good man, something bruce is convinced he could never be due to his "inner darkness" (this is just bruce being silly). to bruce superman is what a hero should be and batman is what he has no option but to become since he is only a man. in time he will come to see clark as a person rather than an idol in a pedestal and finally as the one friend he can truly trust on and even be vulnerable around.

diana he also deeply respects because he sees in her a disciplined warrior ready to do whatever needs to be done in the name of justice. and again, his more whimsical side cant help but find it a bit cool that she is a true mythological figure who came from a mystical lost island. whever he is on a mission he feels she is the only person who speaks his language, except when they butt heads over her wanting to confront a problem head on and him trying to do more sneaky meanuvers.

wonder woman.

she is a woman of the world.

in my head she would be the most cosmopolitan of the trio, also she can be a bit of and outsider given that bruce and clark are ultimatly americans and she is a foreigner from a wildly different culture. but she finds enough things in common with the other two that she can make it work out.

in my head she is primarily a warrior from a warrior culture. she is a paladin, righteous, devoted, and perhaps a little single minded. but she is not just a fighter, she comes from themyschira as a diplomat, she is after all a princess, she is adroit at politics, at diplomacy, at negotiation, although she does tend to prefer to negotiate mainly by projecting strength. she is above all things honorable. she makes oaths and she will give her life for those oaths.

she is also incredibly kind and warm. of the three she is the one that loves humanity and all of its children with the most warmth. whereas superman can come off as too nice and batman too correct she is the one that can be genuenly comforting when she needs to. she loves to learn and interact with new cultures, after all there is a whole world out there to explore. she speaks like 30 languages, is very well verse in world history and she is familiar with world politics. she has shaken the hand of multiple kings, queens and presidents. of the three she is the easiest to talk to, even if she does come off as a bit old fashioned at times.

but once again, she is a warrior. of the three she is the fastest to go to the sword and the one who has the least issues with killing if necessary. superman absolutely never does it unless its like a kaiju or an eldritch abomination or an army of robots. batman doesnt do it *directly* but he is not going to go too out of his way to stop a villain from getting hoisted by his own petard. diana will just do it, with her own hands if she has to. she doesnt take glee on it and she doesnt rush to do it but she wont hesitate either.

she can be a little brusque and a little strongheaded. once she makes a desition is incredibly hard to make her change her mind or slow down. batman has learn to work with it and try his best to make plans that accomodate that. clark will protest a little and then throw his arm in the air and follow her in whatever she decided has to be done.

her overall mission is of a larger scope than the other two. again, she is a woman of themischyra but more than that she is a woman of the world. the threats she faces, gods, demigods and other mythological beings, tend to operate on a world stage and so she is flying to multiple countries trying to contain the capricious whims of the gods and protect mortals from their dangerous games.

she barely sees her enemies as people. to be fair most of her enemies are manticores, minotaurs, plagues, or gods. but also when she comes across people like max lord she just sees evil that has to be vanquished and that is the end of it. her biggest flaw is that she has a tendency towards black and white thinking.

she is the tallest of the three, by like a full head. also the bulkiest. batman is musuclar but lean, fibrous, he puts emphasis on stealth and cleverness than raw strength. superman is muscular but in a very sculptural way. his big muscles are more a battery of the power he absorbs from our sun. his strength doesnt come from how big his muscles actually are. diana is a tank, she has a big frame and is built like a lumberjack. she is not perfectly cut and shredded, she has body fat, she is beefy.

she sees clack as basically a god since is the primary frame of reference that she has for someone whit the kinds of powers he has. she doesnt have the highest opinion of gods given her greek upbringing, so she sees clark a bit as "one of the good ones". she finds his boy scout routine adorable and his refusal to kill a little childish, and sometimes she is a little patronizing with him, but ultimatly she loves him like a brother. she's so proud of him.

she sort of doesnt know what to make of bruce. he is obviously a formidable warrior, and for a mortal man, the things he can do are truly impressive, also he lives by a code of honor and has a higher calling, and she respects that a lot, but sometimes she doesnt get why he wastes so much time sneaking around and playing with his little toys. that is not the way a warrior is supposed to fight. but, well, he does get results, so ultimatly she trusts him

***

at the end of the day, they are friends. maybe coworkers at first but after a few years of putting their lives on the line for each other they have true loyalty. driven closer for their work but also for the fact that they are truly at the top of the hero game and it can be pretty lonely at the top and sometimes all they have is each other.

[tonireadstoniwrites]

The Calamitous Bob (Books 1-5)

Author: Alex Gilbert

Genre: Fantasy/isekai/LitRPG

Physical book/E-Book: E-book, Kindle

Date read: May '24

Overall rating: Solid 4/5 for the four books in the series I've read so far (Book 6 came out a couple of days after I finished reading 5. I'm planning on buying 6 soon!)

Viv is probably one of my favourite main characters in a book I've read this year. She's pragmatic and clever, and despite being dumped rather unceremoniously in a new world, she remains in relatively good spirits. I adore Solfis and Arthur, and the supporting cast of characters are fabulous - there are some isekai'd/taken-to-a-new-world novels I've read where the side characters can be just a tad too much.

The plot doesn't grind too long, there's plenty of action, and Viv's development (both in terms of character and her magic) takes just the right amount of time. She's suitably OP for certain things, and other times she needs to develop her skills to figure out her current situation.

All in all, a good read. Will probably end up purchasing Gilbert's other series at some point.

[beatricebidelaire]

f/b. implied nsfw //

"F," Bertrand says. "Why are they re-assigning a new volunteer for next week's 3M operation and switching me to theater role, at the last minute?"

"It's not literally the last minute," Frank replies. "Technically, there are still three days."

"I can tell J's been spending more time at the hotel," Bertrand says dryly. "My point is, I've already planned for the infiltration into Mulctuary Money Management, and now a new volunteer without experience at the Victorious Financial District is taking over, and I'm going on a mission at the theaters instead?"

Frank grimaces. "It's orders from above. Apparently it's come to light the details of what happened during your last operation at Mulctuary's, and therefore concerns have been raised, and they came to a decision." He pauses. "I'm not most pleased about it either."

Bertrand raises an eyebrow. His tone is deliberately polite with a faint hint of sarcasm underneath that Frank has come to recognize all too easily. "May I point out that those were situations outside of our control and would've turned out the same way even if it'd been someone else on the scene?"

Frank shrugs, business like. "I'm aware. But apparently this is standard protocol for these kinds of situations. It's written down somewhere in the headquarter manual. Once again, I don't like this either. But protocol is protocol."

Bertrand narrows his eyes slightly. Thoughtfully. "Part of your role at the hotel includes distributing missions and adjusting to scheduling and personnel changes as you see fit, if necessary, right? There's flexibility here and you have certain authority to override the decisions that came from above."

Frank looks back at him, evenly. "True. But a report needs to be submitted afterwards."

"I can take care of the report part, if that's what you're worried about," Bertrand says.

"It's not," Frank says, simply. "More like, I'm just wondering if this is all enough reason to convince me to go against the protocol."

They look at each other.

"Is it convincing you're looking for," Bertrand says slowly. "Or are you open to bribery as well?"

Frank's expression remains a carefully neutral and business like one. "Depends on what you're offering."

Bertrand arches an eyebrow.

Frank folds his arms across his chest, and leans back against the desk. The barest hint of amusement flashes across his face.

Bertrand's eyes turn calculative. Then, all of a sudden, he drops down to his knees with remarkable agility and grace. His hand lands on Frank's belt. "If you're not above accepting bribery, may I?" He enquires, tone ever so polite.

Frank sighs. "No." He says. "Get up." He stands straight again, nodding at the desk. "Bend over." He says.

Bertrand looks at him.

"If you're still interested in and not above offering bribery, that is," Frank adds.

Bertrand resists the urge to roll his eyes. He does stand up, though. "What about 'protocols'?"

Frank shrugs, easily. "Part of the organization tradition. How do you think we managed to operate in The City for this long?"

__

[later]

"You were going to override the order anyway, weren't you?"

"B, you're far too clever to ask questions you already know the answer to," Frank admonishes lightly. He's wearing his businesslike expression again, but there's a hint of slyness underneath.

Bertrand rolls his eyes.

"Anyway, I'll take care of the report, don't worry about it," Frank adds.

"Thanks," Bertrand says. "You know, if you're too busy, I could type it up."

"No need." Frank says. He gestures at the cabinet. "It's in the topmost one, if you want to read it."

"............ you wrote it already."

"Obviously," Frank says. "I like to be prepared."

[solhaechan]

as a fellow gemini who doesn't really know much about astrology what are the most common gemini traits? maybe the ones you see in yourself and other people you know irl

Okay disclaimer, not trying to stereotype here, but this is what I've observed in myself, gemini's I know and those I idolize

Adaptable/versatile/multifaced

Tendency to adapt themselves to situations and people around them; what would be acceptable in this situation/with this person? I have many different faces and very few people get to see all of them because I pick what I show you based on what you reflect back at me. If I seek to interact with you, I will mirror you where I find common ground. But then again, if I do not seek to do so, you will be met with a closed door and a sarcastic politeness at most. This is often the case when the social battery is empty or simply because I don't vibe with you. I can clearly see this with Haechan; we often see the bright bubbly personality, but there are some vids where you can see he's tired and speaks only out of duty or to make dry/sarcastic jokes.

Curious/inquisitive/noisy

Natural curiosity when it comes to my direct environment; I want to know everything from my direct circle and can even be noisy. What's the latest tea? What did you do the other day? Oh, you're doing something and I don't know what? I'll be looking over your shoulder to see for myself. On the other hand, true to the two faced nature of the gemini, there can also be an utter disinterest in matters that don't spark my curiosity. I can be completely uneducated on certain matters and not care in the slightest bit, nor can you change my mind because I'm stubborn. The change of my mind will occur from my own accord; usually by chance when I come accross something about the matter that suddenly does spark my interest. This is were gemini's can be considered fickle/volatile, because now I've suddenly changed my mind? If interest is necessary, e.g. adult responsibilities or school work, laziness is sparked and things will be explored at a snail's pace or procastinated. This whole paragraph is something I also saw in my ex, a fellow gemini, a lot.

Witty/cocky/smartass/clever/funny/no filter

I have grouped these all together because they often go hand-in-hand.

Quick with responses especially in arguments, to make a point myself or to immediately make yours invalid; the responses/reactions can come so quickly and unfiltered/with no thoughts behind them that it leaves others flabbergasted and often amused. Dry, sarcastic, witty responses, you name it. They come naturally and a gemini will be smug about it; you might experience a urge to punch them in the face (*cough* Haechan *cough*, my father's gemini bestfriend). I have heard so many times in my life that my irl reactions to things are hilarious and I am often a source of unadulturated laughter for my loved ones. A mood lifter if you will. This is also a key trait of gemini's; we can act unhinged, publicly and without shame, if we know for certain it will lead to a desired reaction. The desired reaction not always being laughter.

(Emotional) Intelligence/observant

Can read the room well; goes slightly hand-in-hand with the adaptability. Will observe first to decide how to interact. Quicker to read between the lines and recognize implicit meanings/thoughts; quick to reassure loved ones when these implicit thoughts are self-depreciating (I've seen Haechan do this and I do it myself too). Seeks intellectual matches in their relationships and the ability to have philosophical conversations as these are highly stimulating. These are the people I tend to be closest with. If these matches are found, I find that a gemini is extremely loyal. When this is not the case, for me personally, the popular stereotyped 'easily bored, quick to lose interest' gemini comes out.

[yokelish]

A sin in two parts (Second part)

✏ Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs ✏ Characters: Nakajima Atsushi, Dazai Osamu, Armed Detective Agency ✏ Part 1. ✏ Warnings: someone will die! of shame!

Dazai was a clever man indeed. He understood things instinctively, immediately, interminably. His mind was a sharp blade, a steel trap, a machine of incredible computing power. Yet if you asked him what the meaning of life was, define the value of living, he wouldn’t be able to measure it. Despite the weight of existence he experiences each and every grueling day. The same dilemma was posed by his relationship with Fisher. It was light, it was ephemeral, natural and instinctive as breathing air. It was heavy, it was complicated, ever-changing as the moon. There were days it was a beautiful flower blooming. There were days it was needles in the collar. Extraordinarily rare it was for him to encounter a person he couldn’t define, place into a neat little box, and unravel like a simple ribbon. The complexity of Ryōshi wasn’t their fault, after all, the fault couldn’t be placed solely on them.

“We can’t force you to join,” Dazai said, sounding rather accepting of the situation, “but then I can’t help but worry for your future. You’ll need to vacate the room company got for you, and you don’t have any special skills, or friends in the city, so a job will be hard to come by. Not to mention—"

He could tell Atsushi was half-listening ASDbut that was half the point. Overwhelming the newbie would only help achieve the outcome desired. He had to start fretting about his future not because of having to worry about shelter or food, but because of his newly discovered ability. And the value it held.

“Shot dead?!” Nakajima screeched, leaning forward.

“Now, if you were with our agency, that would be a different story,” the dark-haired man offered a signature smug smile. Hook, line, sinker.

“Then that means…” Atsushi gripped the bomb tighter, closer, and fell against the back of the chair. 

Naomi stepped in first. She was always quick to read the air. “We look forward to working with you, Atsushi!” She threw her hands around Jun’ichiro. “Don’t we, brother?”

“Follow the rules, brat,” Kunikida added flippantly.

Dazai had to take the reigns of the conversation again, “Well, not that the matter was settled—”

The door to the office opened with a swing as a new person entered the office. “Is the newbie here already?” they asked, excited. They too were always quick to catch up.

It was a mystery to Dazai still. How can a person understand him so well, play into his hands like a loaded dice, without prompt or instruction. It was rare for him to have such synergy with a person. He had only ever experienced it twice before. It was similar with Fisher, like having a partner he could depend on no matter the circumstance, they had unique submissiveness to them. As he said, it was simple, it was light, like a beam of sunlight. And equally unique stubbornness and strength of will. Ryōshi tossed the dice with him just as much. It wasn’t that he gained their trust or was forced into it. They allowed themselves to trust him and his schemes just as easily as they defied them. As he said, it was complicated, it was ever-moving like tides obeying the moon.

“Ah, you are just in time,” Dazai welcomed them.

As ever, Ryōshi had a certain aura around them. It always seems to fit in with whatever air surrounded them. Calm in the face of adversity, welcoming when least expected, distant when seeming within reach. When they first met, Dazai assumed it might have been an unexpected side-effect of their ability. What is the mood if not a probability? But he was wrong to assume. This effect was simply Ryōshi. No greater mystery behind it.

“Meet the newbie, Ryōshi,” he spoke, bemused, offering his hand to them. “We’ve just finished his employment paperwork.”

“Yeah, no,” Fisher shook their head, “I was standing behind the door for a few minutes now,” their touch against his skin light and gentle, fleeting as if startled. But before it could end, the bandaged hand trapped their fingers between his, “I know that was more of a blackmail than employment negotiation.”

He could feel it, the balancing of the scales, the impossible trapped between their fingers. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Yet here they both were, destroying.

“It was nothing but negotiation, right, Atsushi?” Dazai looked at the boy again. The shared touch lingered for a moment longer before finally breaking. Atsushi took a deep breath in.

Ryōshi directed their attention to the white-haired boy and smiled. One thing about Ryōshi that was as constant as anything can be is the smile. Never fake, never treacherous. Always genuine, always. They introduced themselves first.

“I’m Nakajima Atsushi,” weretiger said, sounding dumbstruck.

“You have a lucky name, Nakajima Atsushi.”

Atsushi was following Dazai as they were supposed to help Ranpo back to the Agency after solving the case. Today was a productive day. Not a successful day. He didn’t manage to drown. He never did manage it. Perhaps drowning wasn’t destined for him? Perhaps it’s a fateful sign that he is destined to leave this dream-like world by other methods. He found the weretiger. Then, he arrived at a crime scene as planned. The only issue was Atsushi mentioning anything about a suicide attempt in front of Fisher. That would certainly complicate and taint matters for a bit.

“I get it now,” Atsushi said, contemplative. “Ranpo doesn’t have an ability, but everyone else does, right?” Dazai hummed in agreement. “Then, do you know what Ryōshi’s ability is? Can I know what it is?”

“Oh?” Dazai flashed a grin. What a curious question posed. Revealing. Atsushi could only disclose more if he made an outright confession. “Why the sudden interest in my partner?”

“I thought Kunikida was your partner,” the boy replied, confused.

“Kunikida is my partner, but Ryōshi is…” the man thought for a moment. How could he describe something so complex and wonderful and damning? How could he define something he himself contemplated often and came up with a different answer each time? Is there a way to describe the beauty of a storm without installing fear of it? Dazai couldn’t think he could find the right words, not concise ones. Partner is too professional to be applied to the touches they shared; friends was misjudging the sort of trust they shared. Everything was a misnomer. Everything was a contradiction. A smile appeared on his lips, growing wider and winder.

“Haha! Nevermind!” he shook his head, still smiling. “Anyway, yes, I do know their ability, and, no, there is no reason you can’t know. You are a member of the Agency, after all.”

“What it is?” Atsushi sounded too excited.

“Probability manipulation,” Dazai offered a flippant answer. He long had lost interest in Fisher’s supernatural ability. There are many other things he found intriguing now. Things unspoken. “Or, simply put, luck is their ability.”

“Huh?”

“What, don’t get it? Ryōshi manipulates probability. The odds are ever in their favour. Imagine a deck of cards, shuffled between you, me, and Ryōshi. They would be the one with a royal flush, every time.”

“Woah. That’s…That seems like a very powerful ability. In a casino, especially.”

The bandaged man shrugged. “Luck is zero-sum. Once Ryōshi draws a royal flush, all other bad cards must go into someone else’s hands.”

Atsushi stopped in his tracks. “What?”

The man stopped two steps ahead of him. This odd sensation began to bother him, nonetheless, he provided an answer. “Exactly as you heard it. When Ryōshi gets lucky, it always means someone must receive a dose of bad luck. Zero-sum, equivalent exchange.”

“Why would someone like Ryōshi be in the Agency?”

The questions didn’t stop. Nakajima was being greedy. And greed is a known sin.  Dazai could understand the curiosity. It was, after all, very rational to question things, people around you. But the frequency of the questions irked him right now, deep inside he could feel a single needle prodding at his sternum.

“Protection,” the man replied. “Such an ability could be viewed as highly beneficial by many powerful people who would like to have even more power. Politicians, businessmen—”

“Port Mafia?”

The man smiled mischievously, “Alright, I’ve told you quite enough about my Fidus Achates. If you want to know more, ask them yourself.”

Perhaps Atsushi committed a sin of coveting. Just for a moment, he gave in to the temptation of greed. Dazai later reflected that he was no pious man either. He had committed the very same crime.

It was nice to see familiar faces, visit familiar dungeons. But every game ends, and time for reminiscing and walking the memory lanes was over. He got what he wanted. He infiltrated Port Mafia again, now as a traitor, and came out of there a victor. And the suicidal maniac would rejoice in his easy victory if not for understanding the complications that came with it. He had been toying with a line for some time now, almost ritualistically. As if he wanted to summon divine retribution upon himself. He had no doubt with this little stunt, he had succeeded.

Once he returns to the office, there will be consequences to face. Ryōshi will not welcome him with a smile on their face. There will be no smile at all. Those eyes would be filled with anger and with hurt. And there is no stopping a storm, only weathering it.

There were days when what they shared — whatever its name was — was like a feather’s brush, a sea breeze, a fire in the hearth. There were days that were reminiscent of stormy seas, thunderous skies, and raging bonfires. The calm weather is lovely. Tempests have their beauty and purpose. He has called upon a storm himself.

It’s not as if they didn’t trust each other. Trust was there. They could turn their backs to each other, knowing no knife would come. They’d put their hand in his, knowing the grasp would be gentle and easy instead of entrapping. He’d speak the first wicked thought that crossed his mind, and they’d merely tell him to think again. Perhaps they cared too much. Perhaps they both didn’t care enough.

The moment Dazai showed his face at the office, Ryōshi asked for a private conversation in the infirmary. There was no escaping just like there were no hiding. The sheer absence of any tangible emotion attached was deafening. Just like that, the two of them were gone behind a closed door. And only they will know the weight of the words they’ve shared. Only they will know the sharpness and cold steel of it, the gentleness of the hands that swung the sword.

Only Dazai will know the accusations, but everyone would confirm it to be true. He was no gardener; he knew nothing of nurturing. He was an observer. He’d watch whatever came his way — sunlight or rain — he’d weather it with nothing but entrapment of life.

Dazai watches his subordinate’s blank stare with unbridled curiosity. It’s like reading a novel. Every thought projected on Nakajima’s face like an old film. He contemplates, remembers, analyzes, and tries to understand. He covets. Dazai appreciates inquisitive minds. He, too, is often perplexed by his complex relationship with Ryōshi. He, too, tries to explain it, define, and explicate it. It’s not Ryōshi alone that pulls him like a moth to a flame; it’s what they create together. No, they do not work well together, their skills aren’t complimentary in the slightest. They both rely on the same weapons: schemes, wits, and human faults. Their abilities are about taking something away from another. Yet, despite their likeness, they are just as equally different. It’s not opposite forces at work when it comes to the two of them. It’s complimentary. Ryōshi is guarded, wanting nothing but peace of mind. Whether they are alone or in company, all is an active choice. Dazai enjoys indulging in the idea of their unusual harmonious cooperation as natural, but he suspects that, too, is a choice. And he covets it. For the odds to be in his favour, for luck to be on his side, to draw a good hand each time he plays, to manipulate the probability.

“At-su-shi,” the bandaged man says in a joyful staccato.

The boy flinches at the sound of his own name. “Yes?”

“You are not eating,” Dazai points at the plate.

“Ah, sorry,” the boy mumbles, “not hungry, I guess.” He rubs the back of his neck and avoids eye contact. It’s not hard to read his thoughts that are so shamefully unhidden. The boy doesn’t care about the food being taken off his plate.

Dazai reached into Atsushi’s plate without asking. “Yen for your thoughts?”

The man doesn’t need to ask. He could tell every thought Nakajima conjured in his head. But that would be tactless and embarrassing for both. Then their eyes meet.

“Go on then,” the nullifier prompts, picking up a strip of grilled meat with chopsticks, “I can tell something is on your mind.” He offers a knowing smile. “Or should I say someone?”

Atsushi recoils in his seat, face turning furious pink. He chooses to look at anything but his mentor. Dazai would tease the newbie about age-inappropriate crush but then again, he could understand it. An orphan who never received affection meeting someone who had no qualms about giving it. Rationally, the suicidal man understands the innocence of such a sin as coveting. Just as he could understand the lack of innocence in his own. He covets the same things, just grander, greedier.

“They are a good person,” Nakajima says still averting his eyes, “that’s…”

Dazai continues to regard his subordinate with an intrusive stare. “Mhm.”

Atsushi drops his head on the table, pressured under a scrutinizing gaze and the weight of his own thoughts. “That’s why I want them to be happy.”

The man cannot help the smile forcing its way. “That so?” What an innocent desire. Perhaps that’s what keeps Atsushi from corruption. Nakajima is doomed and saved by selflessness.

“I don’t want them to hurt, Dazai-san.”

Something stirred in Dazai’s mind, but he couldn’t say anything to that.

[redwinterroses]

genuine question here, in regards to not commenting on videos (and fics, and art, etc.) Is there, and if so, where is there, a distinction drawn between people who do not care about commenting, and people who literally do not have the spoons to comment? I can't speak for everyone obviously, but personally, every time I've decided "alright, it's time to be loud and supportive of the things I like through comments!" I end up stopping consuming that content completely, because I literally don't have the mental brainspace and energy to comment. (This isn't a conscious choice I make, either. What happens is I'll sit down, decide to read or watch something, but then when I remember that means commenting as well, I become suddenly actually unable to consume the content in the first place. Like regular procrastination, but guiltier and more bored!) Again, this is a genuine question and I promise I'm not coming from a combative position here. Just tryna get some clarification, because all the talk about it lately is getting a little... aggressive, without much in the way of nuance.

No no, this is a good question, and a good aspect to address. Especially on This Webbed Site where most of us are neurodivergent and/or low-spoons of some flavor.

Here's my short(ish), probably-not-nuanced enough answer:

You have to a) find a balance that works for you, personally, and b) don't take it too seriously.

The first bit of that means that you don't have to force it on days that are tough -- but also don't just say "well. it's not worth it because I 'never' can do it." All or nothing aren't the only two options. And you have to decide for yourself: at what point is it worth it to me to output a bit of extra energy to repay the person who is providing me with something that gives enjoyment? There's a certain entitlement that seems to come into play in the way a lot of people are talking about this, in a "how dare you suggest I make an effort when that's hard for me" kind of way. (to clarify: that's not this ask. It's just a vibe that comes up a lot anytime "leaving comments and feedback" comes up. As if people get insulted at even being asked. Beware: yon way lies the path of the Karen.)

So you have to find a balance that works on your level between "what this is worth to me" and "what I can do right now." That balance can change. Should change, honestly. But it's not a 0% or 100% option -- there's room for gradients.

And the second bit is something I'm seeing a LOT in the tags. People saying things like "I just don't feel like I have anything to contribute" and "I only comment when I have something to say" and "I just never have anything interesting to comment."

Ditch that notion. Literally write it on a piece of paper and toss it in the fireplace. Writing a comment on youtube or tumblr is not in any way a situation that requires meaningful or insightful wordage -- and I mean that in the most /pos sense.

Type "I loved this!" and hit post. "So excited for a [creator name] video today!" "These videos put a smile on my face." "Thanks for a great vid!" Heck. I've seen comments that are literally just "<3!!!!"

And you know what? Those count. Maybe more than the paragraph-length comments tbh, because they're quicker to read through and get that little bit of "oh, that's a drop in the positive bucket."

They help engagement. They contribute to CCs knowing their content is enjoyable and hitting the right audience. They help stats and tweak the algorithm in the CC's favor. It doesn't need to be a deep dive or an original suggestion or a clever quip or whatever. Don't put that pressure on yourself.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you "No, bud, you don't have a choice. If you want to be a good fan you have to push through your own struggles and leave comments, no questions asked, no quarter given." That would be ridiculous and actually cruel.

What I will say is... yeah. Don't take it too seriously. Just, whenever you can, drop a "Cool build!" comment. And let the fact that it really, genuinely can be that little and still make a huge difference to someone's day lower the spoon-rating a little. If you don't see it as That Huge A Thing, it might not require as much energy to actually do.

...anyway that wasn't short at all but I hope maybe it made some sense.

[anincompletelist]

sarah. oh my god sarah. SARAH!!!!!!!!. i was reading your new work and jesus christ I'm sooooo in love. it's so amazing how casey did and amazing job creating alex and henry as characters and giving them so much dimension, they have certain traits that are essential for their personality to be the way it is, that need to be there when other people are writing them but the authors also have the liberty of exploring how these traits gonna play in certain situations, and the way you did it in this work.. is simply magnificent. you were SO CLEVER doing a dual pov, it's amazing how much i could relate to both alex and henry and it gives sooooo much perspective and depth to them. it gets your attention and makes you want to read it more and more and more. i said it once and I'll say it again, your writing is literally MAGICAL. sooooooo excited to see the next chapters <3

listen. LISTENNNNNNNNNN. the way I genuinely teared up at this.

I've been having a bit of a hard time with this one because it's really important to me and there is so much of myself in this fic. I adore and have never related more to fictional character's than I have with casey's, and I always hope to toe the line nicely between holding onto those cardinal traits while also expanding on them and providing other perspectives and to know that that's resonating with you is PRICELESS!!

thank you a million times over not only for reading along but also for leaving such kind words in my inbox. you've made my day, and I really can't tell you how much it means to me that the characters in this verse can provide even half the validation to you that they did when I was writing them <3

also, new chapter tomorrow yeeeeeeeeee! we've definitely hit a turning point, and some of the upcoming chapters are my absolute favorites. I hope you enjoy them as well, friend!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I hope you're well and hope to hear from you soon! :D

xx

[readingtostaysane]

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson - Review

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)

Open Water is a book about what it feels to love, what it means to be honest with your partner, to share experiences, to achieve freedom. It deals with Blackness and how it can be beautiful and exquisite, but also sufocating and burdensome. All of this is told from second pov. 

Going into this i thought it was simply a love story, two people knowing each other intimately, learning to love. From the prologue alone I could tell this was going to be a different kind of love story. This book gives so much more. It details the pleasures in the small things such as music and photography and literature and how each of them have the power to impact our lives. 

"You’re like a pair of jazz musicians, forever improvising. Or perhaps you are not musicians, but your love manifests in the music. Sometimes, your head tucked into her neck, you can feel her heartbeat thudding like a kick drum. Your smile a grand piano, the glint in her eye like the twinkle of hands caressing ivory keys. The rhythmic strum of a double bass the inert grace she has been blessed with, moving her body in ways which astound. A pair of soloists in conversations so harmonious, one struggles to separate. You are not the musicians but the music."

Without art forms culture is dead and without culture we, as a society, as humans, are dead. The novel goes on a path to correlate these things, the multiple references from musicians and writers help to sustain the main character’s background story, and where he stands in life. It controls and shapes his thinking and his morals and sometimes even how he interprets the situations in his life.

"You have been going and going and going and now you have decided to slow down, to a halt, and confess. You are scared."

At first I was hesitant due to it being narrated in second pov, but there was no need for it. This book uses this narrative device extremelly well, the best i’ve read. It uses it in a way that reaches the reader and takes you into the narrative, into the experiences of the main character. You are able to immerse yourself in the story and feel it. The prose is astonishingly beautiful and sometimes too clever and pretty for me to understand. It is not linear, it jumps throughout space, grasping concepts isntead of plot. And while it works for most of the novel, at times it felt to abstract to comprehend. Sometimes it needed to be more specific and concise intead of the endless ramblings that, while beautiful, can leave the reader a bit lost.

“Besides, sometimes, to resolve desire, it’s better to let the thing bloom. To feel this thing, to let it catch you unaware, to hold onto the ache. What is better than believing you are heading towards love?”

This at least has given us some gorgeous quotes.

Nelson writes characters that are inherently human, they love, they hate, they fear, they mistrust, they’re selfish, they’re selfless, they cry and they fight. All of that adds up to dazzling characters. 

While the love story is the main point in this book I would like to point out two another relationships that captivated my attention. 

"This is your brother, your charge, your duty, your son."

Mayhaps this made me weep. Siblings relationships are something so fulcral to one’s being and fundemental to one’s growth. The bond between siblings goes deeper than many people take notice, you raise them and then they comfort you as you go through breakups, and a love is forged, a connection is made that can never be broken. A love and understanding that is so uniquely yours that outsiders will always be estranged to it no matter how hard you try to explain. You love your sibling so fiercely, but they’re also the person you fight with the most. Nelson was able to capture this in ten words, a setence.

"No one has bars harder than your mum as she prays for you every day that this will not be the day."

Black mothers go through a certain pain that I can’t even begin to understand. Nelson describes it better than I ever could.

"You realize there is a reason clichés exist, and you would happily have your breath taken away, three seconds at a time, maybe more, by this woman."

The relationship between our two characters is so tender, so precious but also so fragile and heartbreaking. They understand each other, they know who they are at their core and become a little codependent. However, not in a way that they don’t have space for development, but in a way that incentives that self growth. Vulnerability is a big theme across this book, and our main character learns how to deal with it. He battles a lot with the question of whether vulnerability is connected to love and what can it mean in a relationship. It also explores how the black experience with police brutality can affect your relationship with your loved ones. Should you be vulnerable about subjects that also affect your partner on a personal level, that being honest with them about how you feel could bring up their own trauma? These are questions Open Water seeks to answer. The scenes where police brutality is explored are quite descriptive and graphic so be aware of that. In conclusion i enjoyed this book for its beutiful prose as well as for the love story between the main characters. It tackles interesting topics about the human condition and what it means to enjoy life. While still providing insightful social commentary. 

[thenamesblurrito]

SKYWARP NOOOOO!

hheehehohohoho rest in pieces Skywarp :))

yup! a lot of the kids start realizing the bleedthrough of powers from their hero personas could be pretty handy in kid form, although it takes practice. and it’s possible for them to manifest their relic even when not in hero form, since their relic is still there in subspace, but it again takes practice. so Skywarp starts skipping around a little bit when he’s in a hurry, and at this particular moment he is, uh, really really in a hurry to destroy Bludgeon

maybe he should’ve slowed down a little, huh?

thank you! Skywarp had a very bare bones plan that mostly consisted of “find Bludgeon, interrogate Bludgeon, kill Bludgeon, save the day with the info he learned” tbh. he was counting on a showdown and the opportunity to answer some rather pressing questions about the final plans of the big bad, rather than getting distracted by a certain someone accidentally caught up in this whole thing. he probably would’ve teleported Bludgeon out of the school if only to prevent Trypticon from appearing and ripping the campus apart, but he was really not thinking ahead

i looked back through my blog to see if i had said anything like that and i don’t think so? technically he can, it would just be a LOT of effort and as of SNAP’s storyline i don’t think he’s anywhere near practiced or competent enough to really do so. that’s something even a Skywarp millions of years from this point would find challenging. Blitzwing can see into the afterlife with his masks, Orion gets kicked down to the edge whenever he dies as Optimus, and there are a few other folks relevant to this general area, but no, Skywarp wasn’t planning to dump Bludgeon in the Well. it’s a clever plan though!

mm yes it’s a little bit ambiguous, isn’t it? tell you what, i’ll give you the aftermath of that comic to reassure you

in a moment of distraction, Bludgeon runs Skywarp through with the Terminus Blade. oh no! Tailgate is wailing and reeling and trying to reconcile the idea that Skywarp is Cyclonus and also dying right in front of him! Bludgeon is smugly twisting the sword with each word, explicitly naming his secret identity to rub it in! Skywarp has the heebie jeebies from an entropic flaming weapon stuck right through his gut! but let’s consider: this kind of mishap has been going on since season 1 (thanks Tailgate). that’s a lot of time to learn an instinctual defense mechanism, which Skywarp absolutely has. took a lot of time, and a lot of pain, but he learned two things:

it’s very important not to be distracted on the battlefield

when he is, inevitably, distracted on the battlefield, the best defense is simply not being there at all

typically, as Cyclonus, he’d end up noticing Tailgate and just check out of the fight entirely, leaving to get them both away from danger. but that’s not always possible! so what is he to do? maybe use his time and space powers to phase just slightly out of reality as soon as his attention is caught, making any oncoming unexpected attacks just phase right through him!

and forcing Cyclonus to develop the habit of going incorporeal when distracted is how Tailgate saves his life

but! Skywarp is still in a room with a defenseless civilian in the danger zone, a demonstrably murderous relic user, a lot of questions he no longer has the chance to get answers to, and an entire spoiled secret identity! he was not very clever going into this situation, but as soon as Bludgeon stabs him, his mind goes into overdrive trying to fix this. he can’t just teleport away and leave Tailgate, but he also can’t teleport Bludgeon away because he’ll just become Trypticon and provide exactly zero answers, and he might have allies still in the school who will go after Tailgate too. powering up would only dangerously escalate the situation. alerting Bludgeon to the fact he’s onto him was a last ditch foolish move and he was counting on being able to interrogate him, or at least prevent him from enacting whatever plan he has, but now all he’s done is alert the bad guys that they need to accelerate their plans before the heroes catch up. and the sword through his middle hurts

so! priority one: convince Bludgeon he’s done his work and can leave without bothering with Skywarp or Tailgate anymore. how? well, he does currently have a sword through his body, and while it isn’t lethal because of his slight incorporeality, it is VERY uncomfortable. so he lets himself react to it, shocked and cringing and doubling over to hide the fact that there’s no wound. forcing the Terminus Blade to portal through him takes focus, given the waves of power rolling off it, and he’s trying very hard to convince Bludgeon that he’s succeeded, he’s killed Cyclonus, yes this is definitely a real stabbing, look there’s energon dribbling out of my mouth that totally didn’t just come from biting my lip or anything, i’m definitely dying in your arms and am no longer a threat and you don’t need to pay attention to me anymore. (i tried putting a little pink teleportation glow and the lip biting in those panels there)

luckily for him, Bludgeon loves gloating and is happy to yank the Blade out and let Skywarp gracelessly, carefully fall in such a way to arrange his arms and wings over the supposed stab wounds. between an A++ performance of a dying mech and spitting a little more energon, Bludgeon discards him and seems to consider him completely neutralized, focusing instead on taunting Tailgate with nothing more than a kick to the helm for Skywarp. (the gloating isn’t unwarranted, really, the Terminus Blade is lethal enough that even an Allspark user may not come back from a wound!) Bludgeon tells Tailgate he’ll have plenty of time with his hero now, and locks the room before leaving to conduct his evil plot

Skywarp is still facedown on the floor holding his breath, a little scared, a little relieved, a little baffled. he managed to convince Bludgeon! the bad guys won’t be expecting him to be alive and kicking anymore, that’s actually a pretty good advantage! of course there’s some fallout to this mistake, and he’ll have to make sure to catch up with everyone else. he’s about to pick himself up and get back to work when--

Tailgate FLINGS himself onto Skywarp’s “corpse”, sobbing his spark out.

Skywarp failed to consider that if he successfully convinced Bludgeon he’d been horribly murdered, then he likely also convinced Tailgate. yknow, the very emotional, reactive kid with the biggest crush on Cyclonus who just had to contend with learning said crush’s identity as he watched him die in front of him. whoops. awkward...