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piracytheorist · 1 year ago

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The Briar Siblings' Lies

It's very interesting that in the family of lies and secrets, the lies of the Briar siblings are included, and I'm pretty sure that will play a role whenever they find out about each other.

I expect Yor to be heartbroken and angry at Loid when she'll find out his lies, but I'd also expect her to be heartbroken and disappointed when she finds out how much Yuri lied to her.

Yor might have kept her own very dangerous secrets, but there are huge differences in their circumstances.

Yor took up her assassin gig when she was just a teenager, orphaned and with a little brother to take care of. Amidst the cold war brewing, there would be various criminal organizations looking for people to drag in, and a poor, desperate, kind, and almost supernaturally strong teenage girl was the perfect recruit for Garden.

Whether this is Garden's initiative or not, Yor has a strong determination to kill her targets as quickly and as painlessly as possible, along with avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. She has studied human anatomy specifically for this very reason, to be able to kill her victims with mercy. She's realistic about the situations she's in, but if talking things through is even a tiny bit possible, she'll give it a try.

Though her morals are slightly skewed for the average civilian - it's understandable to kill someone in self defense, but her main targets are situations where she plays judge, jury and executioner - she's still retained a lot of her humanity that allows her to be a kind person and a caring sister, mother and wife.

And then you have Yuri.

Yuri fell victim to a more sinister kind of indoctrination - extremism and bigotry. Having grown up in poverty caused by the war and the deaths of his parents, and having an overwhelming wish to protect his sister, he was the perfect target for Ostania's nationalistic propaganda.

But the tragic background leading up to this choice and the want to protect his family is where his similarities with Yor's case end.

Yuri wasn't left with no other choices. Yor was already supporting him financially when he started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that was a job that he could stay at and be independent. He was older than Yor was when she became an assassin. I can assume that some underhanded methods were used to lead him into the duties of the SSS, but even so Yuri had more control of the situation, more choices to choose from, and more information at hand. It's directly opposite to Yor's circumstances.

Yuri tortures people. The SSS specifically want him, despite his young age and lack of experience, exactly because he won't hold anything back, even when it makes him feel conflicted.

The SSS may be taking advantage of the ease with which he tortures people, but it's still something Yuri willingly participates in - and again, considering the fame of the SSS among civilians, it's almost certain Yuri knew what he was getting into. He's giving up his own humanity, going down a path of "us vs. them" and while Yor plays judge on who gets to live, Yuri plays judge on who gets to be treated like a human being.

While two similarly dangerous and demanding professions, and (at least according to what Franky says) following the same government's orders, it's two highly different cases. I think Yuri will be mostly horrified to learn what Yor went through for his sake, but Yor will be very understandably heartbroken. Yuri could understand that Yor had no other choice, but Yor will know that Yuri had all the best choices right in front of him, and yet he chose this.

And it's why I believe this is the revelation that will hurt Yor more. She could explain Twilight's lies by the fact that they didn't know each other before, she could explain Anya's secrets by her young age and innocence, but there will be very little for Yuri to stand on - and the thing is, Yuri knows that. He knows that what he's chosen to become isn't what Yor raised him to be.

Currently he may be seeing himself as a martyr for his cause, that he needed to potentially break his sister's heart in order to protect her and "the country she lives in". He'd rather have her feeling heartbroken and betrayed by him than with her life and safety in danger. He'd rather her hate him than get hurt.

How will it hit him when he realizes she's already been doing the same for him, and has already been endangering her life for over a decade for not only his sake, but for the world in general too? When he realizes all the work he's been doing to protect her was in vain because she has been walking into danger herself all along?

It's a really interesting dynamic, because the revelation could either break them or make them. They both have a very heartwarming background together, they both love each other deeply, but it's a trial they'll both have to go through at some point.

(Anime only fan here, don't spoil me for the manga)

#Spy x Family #sxf meta #Yor Forger #Yuri Briar

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harrystylesfan2686 · 11 months ago

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Battle

Pairing: Rhysand x Reader

Summary: You and Rhys talk things out after he refuses to let you go into hybern war.

A/N: hehe First Rhysand fic. I love this. Also I'm so bad at writing titles you guys I swear. Please tell me a better title so I can change this one.

Masterlist

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"Are you kidding me?!" You yell the second you enter Rhysands tent, knowing full well the anybody outside can easily here but you don't care.

"You ordered Azriel not to send me out?" You were in the middle of a battle and apparently you High Lord had told his shadowsinger not to give his second in command any assignment.

It only fuled your anger when he answered without looking at you,"Yes I did."

"Do you realize how embarrassing that was for me?"

"Embarrassing?"

"Yes!"

"That's what you're thinking about? How embarrassing it was for you?" His displeasure clear in his voice.

"Yes! Everyone had positions, everyone had tasks and I was just standing there with nothing as my Spymaster told me to stay back because the High Lord ordered him so." The mock in you voice makes him look at you, finally leaving the papers.

"I didn't sent you because I don't want to endanger you. I don't want be on that battle field and worry about you every second. I don't want to be wondering if you are safe or laying there in the pile of bodies where I probably wouldn't be able to find you. So I apologise, if it embarrasses you to stay where you are safe but I wont-," His voice cracks. "I can't see you in danger."

Oh.

The realisation flared your eyes and you look down in an attempt of hiding you surprise.

The two of you had been kind of a pair before he got stuck under the mountain. You loved him, still do but never told him because how can a High Lord love a mere spy like yourself. The two of you were clearing interested in each other before you got the news that he is stuck with Amarantha.

You wanted to go after him, to save him but Azriel had strictly denied you to do so. And when he finally came back, after fifty years, you thought maybe he had moved on. There was no way he could still be interested in the same person after five decades, only you were stupid enough to do so.

So you didn't do anything about it, only keeping things strictly profession after he came back. Until now.

The two of you were silent for a few minutes before he sighed and said in a tone a lot calmer than before,"I'm sorry I shouldn't have talked to you like that."

He puts in hands one his face, resting his elbows on the desk table in front of him, refusing to look at you anymore. You don't know what to say, so you just say the first thing that comes into your mind.

"I thought you and Ferye were..." You trail off, wincing as he looks at you, his expression making you regret your words.

"No, no. We are just allies, that's all. Friends maybe but not anything more." He looks physically ill at the thought of them together and your lips curl upward a little. He then again looks down, can't seem to look at you for more than a minute.

You slowly walk upto him, standing beside him and turning him around by his shoulders to look at you. "Rhysand, I understand that you fear for me but I'm Azriel's second, I can look after myself. I mean being the Spymaster's second has to mean that I'm good at surviving, right?"

His violet eyes look for your reaction as he gently tugs you to him, when you dont push him away, he hugs you. You now stand between his legs, him sitting gives you a small advantage of hieght and he rests his forehead to your chest, wrapping his arms around your waist, he sighs. "I just don't want to lose you."

His voice melts you, sounding so small and vulnerable, turning every thought in your head about him. Your hands lift to wrap around him too, one resting on his shoulders and the other gently running fingers through his silky hair.

"I'm going to be alright, Rhysand. You are too, we are going to need every help we can get in this war. And I can't just sit hear worrying about you all, while you go fight for your life out there. I'm a big girl, Rhys, I can handle myself."

He sighs and you know you've won this argument. He lifts his head to look at you with the most serious expression he can master and says,"Fine. But if something happens to you out there, I'm bringing you back, screaming and kicking, even on my shoulder if you don't listen. I'll even tie you to the bed if I have to."

"Promise?" You smirk.

His eyes narrow,"Yes and I'll fuck you senseless after as a punishment for not listening to me."

You laugh, silently agreeing because you're looking forward to doing that either way.

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#acotar #acotar fandom #acotar fanfiction #acotar fluff #rhysand x reader #rhysand #rhys x reader #rhys #Rhysand angst #rhysand fluff

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laniusbignaturals · 3 months ago

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Please more modern Edward!

I’ll assume this is the same person who asked for titplay headcanons, so this will be NSFT. There’s also violence and grotesque toxicity. Be wary of that.

Absolutely disgusting first one but whatever - his nose is huge, and he likes to bare knucklebox, so naturally it’s been dislocated several times. Often he will just snap the bone back into place with his knuckles. This sounds cool on paper, but it doesn’t do anything to alter the ridiculous, nasally, congested tone that develops in his voice every time he sustains this injury, so. Cringe!

Edward doesn’t have as many tattoos in this universe, but he does have a branding on his arm from his time spent in a fraternity in college. He used a frozen brand, because he’s scared of fire. (I know.)

Joshua would love to strangle him but his neck is really thick and Joshua’s hands aren’t that big, so he can never do it as effectively as he would like to. This frustration increases the thrill for both of them, tbh.

Edward likes short bitches because he is a short bitch because he looks bigger standing next to them and they’re often just as pissy, spiteful and tense as he is.

As I’ve referenced in the past, Edward has done coke, but he’s not as big of a speedfreak/accelerant lover as you might assume of a man like him. Edward, constitutionally, is hardly ever calm, content or relaxed. Alcohol might soothe that need for others, but Edward severely dislikes the way heavy drinking debilitates his control over himself, so he doesn’t do it unless he’s desperate. Other depressants, like Xanax, Oxy and Neuroleptics have been known to work well on him. But these trips bring him dangerously close to like, meaningfully doubting himself. So he doesn’t do them often, and always acts like he’s forgotten their contents completely once they’re over.

On that note: Edward forgets a lot of stuff. It’s his superpower. It’s cus he’s a gaslighter, it’s cus he grew up without a sense of objective truth, it’s cus he saw a lot of things that small children can’t comprehend and learned how to stop accepting reality on command to stave off an immediate breakdown. It just sort of comes naturally to him, so much so that he’s confident this is human nature. And he’s sure as shit not gonna let objective fact get in the way of that judgement anytime soon.

Edward worked enough Real Jobs that he could always live comfortably before solidifying a corrupt position of power. By the time he’s in his late 50s/early 60s, they’ve really stacked up. He’s been an editor, a foreman, a bail bondsmen, a landlord, a professor (for court mandated community service hours,) a chef, and pretty much every other profession that’s easier if you’re a complete jackass. The long term affect of this Jack-Of-All-Trades lifestyle is that he doesn’t have shared life experience with most other people. This helps him isolate himself more comfortably.

Joshua once watched Edward slice up someone’s throat with a pair of garden shears. Afterwards, they went out to eat and Edward got him to break some Mormon food rules. It was a cute date.

Joshua’s got a big family, and he was fond of most of them. Edward might have an extended family, but if he does, he is rejecting them like a bad limb transplant. He actively does not want to know if he’s got any living half siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or cousins. He doesn’t even talk to his old high school friends. He will be an only child till the grave.

This is not an original thought, but he’s a beer guy. He’s that beer guy. The one who uses it as a part of his personality the way toxic white girls do iced coffee. Not only that it’s a weird sadomasochistic performance of gender, but also that he uses its purveyance and consumption as an expression of intimacy and camaraderie. Asking if you want a beer is Edward’s idea of affection.

Another thing Edward does for people he thinks he cares about is protect their ego. He will take your side when you’re obviously wrong and buy you a new blouse when you ruin yours and roll up all the windows in the car when you’re having a meltdown in the passenger seat. This behavior exists alongside intense possessiveness and sporadic cruelty because of course it does. Edward is sweet as antifreeze. The state of possession and the loss of autonomy is the only dynamic he believes to be worth maintaining, and even then, it’s more about the attempt than ever being fully successful. To receive his love is sickening.

Joshua has torn the buttons on Edward’s shirt to lick rivulets of wine off his breasts and pistol whipped him before jerking off on his bloody face and ashed cigarettes on him mid-fuck and called him every filthy degrading name in the book and Edward still identifies as the dominant between them. He is clinging to that pitcher’s mound like a ship in a storm.

He doesn’t believe in god, but there is room in his mind for hell. Deep down, he craves it. The grandiosity, the submission, the finality. Joshua likes this about him.

Have you ever broken into a house or apartment while the owner was at home? Edward has. It used to be for the purpose of stealing, but he didn’t give up the practice when he became economically stable. The truth is that he enjoys it. He enjoys busting in doors and breaking windows and hearing wives and daughters scream and making people feel scared & helpless in a place they thought was safe. This is such a brazen maladaptive recreation of his own trauma that he’ll sometimes find himself having uncomfortable emotions while doing it, so it’s an occasional occurrence. But still.

He had the most control over his body in his early and mid twenties, so during that era he had a quiet exhibition fetish. He’d get into bars, gyms, classrooms, bathhouses and libraries after hours with whoever he was fucking that month & get totally naked, savoring the fantasy of being seen and admired by dozens of eyes. His idea of beauty is an empty room. (No this doesn’t indicate anything about him what are you talking about.)

#edward sallow #joshua graham #sallowgraham #otp: philautia #nsft #ask to tag #asks

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dinthoqaf · 19 days ago

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I HAVE A QUESTION. When it comes to villainy - I think a number of folks experience this uncertainty where to tread on a day-to-day basis. Many people are driven by goals, etc. But with a different perspective and reception to the world, how does one do a day-to-day as a baddy? :3 You know who this is.

I do know who you are!

So, this is a really good question but it's got a bit of an elaborate answer to it, so please forgive my wordiness!

I can really only speak about Din as a Baddy cause there's at two primary types (with a lot of shades in-between) I feel and Din falls under the one I like to call Methodical.

Methodical Bad Guys tend to have their Day to Day structured around their end goal. Their appearance, their profession, the people they're around regularly and the people they employ to help them achieve their goals, is all part of the day to day. Hell, they may go so far as to even structure the way they eat, drink, or sleep if it means promoting and progressing with their goals if they're so devoted to it. If it helps, let me give you a Day to Day in Dinthoqaf and maybe that will paint the picture for what I mean.

Dinthoqaf wakes up, gets himself dressed for the day, typically in finery that makes him look regal and respectable, if not a bit dark or mysterious as to draw just a little bit of curiosity. (It's intentional.)

After getting ready, seeing Zali and his kids for the morning, he begins his work as the Headmaster of The Sanctum. The Sanctum got all intents and purposes is an organization dedicated to protecting people and Azeroth from dangerous magical studies and practices by giving the people within it a place to do those things. All in all, to the public it has a well known reputation for protecting its people, cleaning up various issues that arise from those lacks of training, and helps guide new magic users in their pursuits while giving those same people room and board. It co.es off as very charitable.

It's through this establishment that Dinthoqaf is able to work with numerous individuals, companies, Houses, and the occasional arm of government to help 'Promote Safer Practices' and it's because of this that Din has his fingers in a -lot- of pies. Why's this important? Because when your end goal is knowing which groups will directly oppose you, which ones will stand with you, and which ones need a chair 'replaced', you want to be ready to move on that when the time comes.

Once his Day is done, Zali and Himself head out in public to put their own ears to the ground, to scout for viable talent, and generally to 'unwind' like a normal person does. It's also on par for making him look like a normal citizen as well! It's all carefully catered to give that appearance and when he has something 'evil' to do?

He can make the excuse of travelling for The Sanctum to acquire or help some new member, to acquire new supply rights, meet with some official to go over policy's that may effect The Sanctum's ability to help those who are magically unfortunate, whatever it is, while still appearing on the Up and Up.

Dins 'evil' day to day doesn't come off entirely evil, but putting all the individual pieces together gives his steps towards a well paved road of Godhood he intends to acquire (but never will, not that he knows that lol). Mix in not caring who gets used as debris to build his road upon?

Well... Let's just say you pretty much have the makings of a vile CEO who wants power over money and he will uplift any shareholder who helps him acquire it. (If we were to put it into today's modern political terms.)

I hope this helps! If I missed the mark here or made things even murkier, lemme know and I'll give it another shot! <3

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pascaloverx · 9 months ago

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DANGEROUS

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary: You are a retired spy trying to live a normal life. Some time ago, a hired assassin named Tangerine tried to kill you. In response, you sought the help of an old acquaintance who could fake any death, August Walker. However, now your false identity is in jeopardy, along with your life.

Warnings: For now, the fanfic will not contain explicit content, but it will be flagged if it does in the future. However, there will be the use of strong language and moderate violence. Readers are advised. The characters August Walker and Tangerine do not belong to me but to their respective creators. Some other characters that belong to both Mission: Impossible (2018) and Bullet Train (2022) may appear in this fanfic. Other characters who are not part of these movies will be of my own creation. I hope you enjoy the reading

chapter four chapter six

You wake up in Walker's arms, feeling the warmth of his body enveloping you. He seems to be in a deep sleep, so you decide to get up and make some coffee. Tangerine is in the kitchen already, making pancakes. He's shirtless but wearing one of your kitchen aprons. He's also wearing tight dress pants that don't seem very comfortable. When he sees you, he smiles as if he hadn't recently tried to kill you. But it reminds you of how your old relationship used to be.

"No point in smiling at me. I'm still mad about what you did. Trying to kill me and Walker wasn't enough; you had to reveal our past." You criticize him as you pour yourself some coffee and grab two pancakes already on the kitchen counter.

"I thought you'd thank me for that, considering your night ended quite nicely. But honestly, I couldn't care less about what you or the pseudo movie villain up there feel. I want my brother back, and I won't care about anyone else's life but his." Tangerine speaks harshly, but you know he's lying. He still cares about you.

"Jealousy looks so cute on you, but remember that I know when you're lying. But I agree that Lemon has to be the damn priority. Which doesn't give you the right to screw me over." You stare at Tangerine, who looks at you almost understandingly. He nods in agreement.

"Rich coming from you. The woman who abandons her husband because she can't get over her breakup with the great agent Walker. Aren't you ashamed?" Tangerine seems to be holding a lot of resentment towards you. You should have known this conversation would end like this.

"I didn't abandon you. I never did that. Let alone to be with Walker. You married me because you were desperate to prove that you weren't just a hitman. And when we became a normal couple, with normal jobs, you preferred to go back to work with Lemon. You betrayed my trust. Remember that?" You speak angrily to Tangerine. It's funny how you two seem both so familiar and unfamiliar to each other at the same time.

"What trust? You never trusted me. In fact, I always wondered why you married me. Revenge or curiosity to know what my name was?" Tangerine moves closer to you, staring deeply into your eyes. You laugh at him. But then he pulls you closer by the waist.

"Is this how you flirt now? By questioning me? Well, let me tell you, I married because I was bored. What's surprising is the fact that you're a failure even in marriage. I guess the only decent thing you did was sex." You speak, trying to hurt his ego, because in fact, he was a great husband. You just wouldn't let him know that.

"The reason we didn't work out with each other is exactly this. You lie very badly. Our marriage would be standing if I hadn't chosen my profession over you." Tangerine speaks so next thing that gives you goosebumps.

“You think you know me John but you don’t. But thank you for saying so frankly that you abandoned me." You say getting too close to your legally husband.

"I hate it when you use my name. I don't think it suits me to be honest. But we both ended our relationship because you weren't over Walker. And I chose to work with what I'm good at." Tangerine speaks and you feel like this conversation is going nowhere. So you walk away, wanting to end the subject and go back to your breakfast but Tangerine pulls you by the arm. You look at him without understanding until he kisses you. You immediately push him away not really understanding what is happening.

"You think it's that simple? You kiss me and it's all over?" You say questioning him, but still caught up in the feeling of his lips against yours.

"I think instead of discussing the past, we can enjoy all this unresolved sexual tension. Because no matter how much we want to blame the other, we both still want each other." Tangerine comes closer to you, as if to tease you. You look at him, disgusted knowing he's right.

"So let's focus on resolving your brother's situation. That way we can go back to avoiding each other and pretending we don't want each other. Because if you think you can kiss me without first apologizing for having you tried to kill me, you are wrong. You accepted the mission to kill the woman you promised in a church to love until death do you part." You say, still upset about everything you've been through involving Tangerine.

"Let's do this. Focus on rescuing my brother. So whoever wants you and Walker sent me an invitation to a party. Let's go to a masquerade ball, baby." Tangerine says showing you the electronic invitation and you realize that it will be a decoy. And clearly any plan that Tangerine comes up with will be a risk to your life.

#tangerine x y/n #tangerine bullet train #tangerine x reader #tangerine x you #august walker x you #august walker x reader #august walker fanfiction #spotify #mission impossible #henry cavill characters #aaron taylor johson characters #spy au #Spotify

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regina-cordium · 13 days ago

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🌧️👎🎨🌌🎭 for 2 ocs of your choice!

hi tabby!!

let's doooooo cecilia amd nell

(tagging @blurglesmurfklaine for the Cecilia Lore™️)

🌧️ What is the favorite thing for you OC to do on a rainy day?

Cecilia cozies the FUCK up. wrapped in the softest blanket she owns. mug of tea. favorite book. maybe a lavender candle, maybe some quiet music.

Nell is running around splashing in puddles. she's 11, it's essentially baked into her dna

👎 Is there someone your OC can’t stand, despite them being on the same side or sharing basic values?

Cecilia always sees the best in ppl, so she's always willing to make excuses for/brush off a lot of stuff. even when she is angry, she's really quick to forgive. something something abandonment issues.

I think Nell is too young to have really had to work with someone she can't stand for the good of the bigger image.

🎨 Does your OC have any craft skill, as a hobby or profession? If so which?

Cecilia paints! she doesn't think shes too good at it quite yet, but it's a nice outlet

Nell does n a w t have the patience for any of it lmaooo

🌌 If your OC has a nightmare, what’s it most likely about?

Cecilia's nightmares are all about losing her family. between the literal times theyve all almost died and them having a dangerous job just in general, its a very real fear. sometimes they'll be like. conglomerations of all her mental illness/self esteem issues. we love an anxiety nightmare!

Nell doesnt get nightmares often, but theyre usually a similar vein in that theyre abt losing her family. lately theyve been abt the death of a Specific family member

🎭 What is the one thing your OC regrets most? Would they undo it, considering how their life turned out?

In her darker mental health moments, Cecilia thinks that if she'd been a better daughter her parents would've, like, actually cared abt her. she knooows its stupid and nothing she couldve done wouldve made them care, but theres a part of her that kinda regrets not doing more to be that Perfect Daughter she thought they wanted

Nell is convinced she couldve stopped [Redacted]'s death. she regrets not being there when they needed her help

#thanks for the ask :D #signed and delivered #thewildmother #oc: cecilia buckley #oc: nell

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semper-legens · 2 months ago

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119. House of Hunger, by Alexis Henderson

Owned: No, library Page count: 288 My summary: The House of Hunger is looking for bloodmaids; young women who can bleed for the satisfaction of the lords and ladies of the Northern aristocracy. In poverty and desperate, Marion sees the House of Hunger as her ticket out - the pension she would receive will see her set for life. But as she draws closer to Lisavet, the lady of the House, she finds herself in a dilemma. Is she falling for Lisavet? What secrets is her lady hiding? Marion needs to find out - and fast. My rating: 4/5

Well, this was an interesting one. I read The Year of the Witching a while ago and found it intriguing; odd and gothic and brutal and bloody all in good measure. So when I saw this on the shelves, it piqued my interest. From the same author, but with a far more Victorian, vampiric bent - the rich supping on the blood of the poor as a cure for all their ills. Human blood, in this world, is said to be something of a cure-all, and so servants are emplyed to bleed. It's a tightly regulated profession, and one the poor see as barely different to sex work. But Marion, alone in the world after she accidentally kills her abusive brother Raul, has her posting as her one potential ticket out of poverty and misery. Intriguing premise - so how did the book fare?

Marion is a very strong protagonist, in the way that such protagonists often are. She's plucky, she's spunky, she never quite fits in the established social order of the day. But the thing about Marion is that she has this dark edge running beneath her. Yes, she tries to be kind and tries to help her fellow bloodmaids, but at the same time this is a woman who abandoned her previous life after an accidental murder. Sure, she had good reasons to be standing up to her brother, but she can't deny the fact that she killed him, her only familial link left in the world. And that darker streak is what helps attract her to Lisavet, similarly a murderer, though Lisavet's means are far less justifiable. They make for a strangely symbiotic pair, too alike to ignore each other yet too different to truly be happy with one another. Marion's attachment to Lisavet, and that attachment breaking down when she discovers Lisavet's secret Bluebeard-style, makes for an interesting push and pull throughout the book - at certain points, you're almost rooting for Marion and Lisavet to get together, even suspecting that Lisavet has some skeletons in her closet! It's interesting writing, and writing that is really engaging to read.

Bloodmaids are the central idea of the book, the young women (and they must be young) who bleed themselves for their employers, who are thought of poorly by their contemporaries. We see a little of how this social order is meant to work in Lisavet's household. She has five bloodmaids, all ranked; Marion starts at the lowest rank of Fifth Bloodmaid. She is given lessons in etiquette and comportment and history, to help her to fit into the elite social world of the North. But the aristocrats are a dangerous, debauched lot, who treat dinner parties like orgies and play deadly games with one another. Marion, thrust into this world, needs to think on her feet to stay ahead. And that's not even mentioning the daily bleeding - bloodmaids are fed rich foods and bled every morning, trying to make the sweetest blood for their employers, so that they might enjoy the taste of their lives.

So, the metaphor is very obvious here, right? Rich people taking poor people into their homes on an indenture, promising them riches in return for their literal blood. I mean, even in the text we see the comparison between Marion's life as a scullery maid in Prane and her life as a bloodmaid in the North - she's just as beholden to the whims of her mistress in both professions, though the bloodmaid job is made somewhat more pleasant by her interest in Lisavet. The countess wants to find a match, find a peer, find someone at her level, but when Marion finds out the awful truth, she wastes no time in discarding her like yesterday's trash. Those on top use up the lives of those at the bottom, and think nothing of it even when the young women are bleeding their last over their spotless tile. It's a delicious metaphor and never quite spelled out in so many words; all the more intriguing for it. I was delighted with this book, and I'd love to see more of Henderson's work if it crosses my path!

Next, teenagers are evaluated for their flaws so they can find a match.

#House of Hunger #Alexis Henderson #bookblr #book blog #book blogger #4

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collieii · 2 years ago

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back on my wolfwood bullshit! i'm using a lot of the same ideas from my other post so i'll try not to repeat myself, but as i said, a major theme of wolfwood's arc is autonomy and freedom, and the idea that having freedom to choose also comes with the responsibility to act and make good choices.

throughout trimax, wolfwood is in a strange position. he's beholden to higher powers - the eye of michael, knives, even vash in a way, while also simultaneously having a lot of freedom to act, particularly in the moment. the things that control him are more like swords of damocles - present, inevitable, but not immediate. he's constantly struggling to figure out what he should do - take knives out, kill vash, and more generally, things like his profession as assassin. he's very torn about the choices he makes (or doesn't make) and the life he lives because he's dissatisfied with his position, and there isn't an easy way out.

there are a lot of parallels between midvalley and wolfwood. midvalley, similar to wolfwood, was forced into a place he really didn't want to be in. he's hyperaware of the danger of his situation, knows he's expendable to knives, and that knives has so much power - how can anyone escape it? so he has to ask himself - how is he going to spend the time that he has? should he risk his life or play it safe? we know what he decides - he's likely to die either way, so he might as well try to get his way, release himself from knives' control.

midvalley pretty easily identifies wolfwood as someone who is allied with vash, who has no true loyalty to knives. he says they have no reason to fight - midvalley and hoppered have officially moved against knives and made their choice. is wolfwood going to resolve himself, follow what he truly believes - in vash, against knives? or will he keep playing the game of someone who doesn't have their mind made up, still working under knives thumb? (midvalley has always called wolfwood chapel, right up until this moment - he's breaking through the pretenses, acknowledging that he knows what wolfwood really is).

(using the overhaul translation here bc it's much clearer!) midvalley basically says that wolfwood does have power, but at that point in the story, he's mostly just going along with what's safe, as opposed to midvalley and hoppered. midvalley is aware that wolfwood might have similar goals to him. as someone who, like wolfwood, fears knives and what he can do, midvalley criticizes wolfwood's passivity or inability to fight for what he wants.

still, we see that when midvalley does act against knives he dies. immediately. both him and hoppered made their choice, and it didn't end well for them. maybe they knew it'd be that way. still, it's a poignant reminder to wolfwood about the power of choice, and the risks that come with it. he has to confront what other people are willing to risk and ask himself if he can do the same.

then we get to volume 8. wolfwood, who spends so much of the story agonizing over his choices, is finally resolved. he goes against knives and frees vash. he chooses not to kill unless absolutely necessary. his autonomy is realized at the price of his life. and that's the equation he has to figure - save myself, and damn everyone i care about? be dissatisfied with myself, my life? or save what he loves, do what he wants, and risk himself? wolfwood is keenly aware of his own morality. he has so much he wants to protect, and he can't do that if he's dead. i think one of the reasons he's able to take a stand against knives is because of his relationship with vash - he knows that there's someone with similar goals and values who will fight to protect humanity after he's gone. he goes out having taken care of chapel and livio, and trusting that vash will handle knives. he can die peacefully knowing he's assured the safety of his family.

by volume 10, wolfwood is showing everyone who he is and what he stands for, for better or worse. he was willing to fight - and willing to die - to do what he believed was right. trimax shows, again, and again, that there's often no easy answer, no easy way to live, no easy choice to make. that's sort of the idea that's communicated with the bird imagery - a life of freedom is a life of struggle. it's not a new idea, ofc. but we see with wolfwood - the right thing and the safe thing are often not the same. what are we willing to do? how far will we go? what will we sacrifice? and what will leave us most satisfied at the end?

#nicholas d. wolfwood #trigun maximum #trigun analysis #trigun meta #trigun #this is so disorganized but i had like three separate ww posts in my drafts so i bundled them all together into this thing #idk what im saying i just wanted to talk abt midvalley ig #love u midvalley #should i tag him #midvalley the hornfreak #maybe this is a reach but dont his and wws designs parallel each other?#they have similar silhouettes #they both wear suits but wws is dark and midvalleys is light?#this is why they should kiss. with tongue #.lieii #also smth smth ticket to the future you always have a chance to change your life no matter what was your past #you can choose to be better? idk this post is too long already #i should cut it short but im lazy and it's been in my drafts forever i will release her #trimax spoilers #nicholas d wolfwood #.lieii txt #linked the other ww post i mentioned bc i think it is helpful #tho ik it won't show up in any rbs...ik

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sassenashsworld · 1 month ago

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Trashcan Carla in a shack

(Trashcan would have preferred to avoid a meeting)

The list

Carla stands stiffly, giving the man a dubious glare. She can't say she's afraid of him because she's been through too much to pretend to be fearful, but she also can't say she feels safe.

Who could feel easy in front of him?

“What do you need from me?” She replies bluntly, unwilling to waste time or avoid such a menace.

“A trade of favors, if you will.”

“You think I’m some kind of fool? There’s no way I’m doing business with you.”

Kellogg sniffs in distaste, but then lets forth a faint, dry, sarcastic laugh.

“You've got some serious spirit, I’ll give you that. Not many would dare to face me like this. You might have some potential, but it’s buried under all that weakness.”

Carla carefully examines the mercenary. In her long career as a traveling merchant, she has faced threats, however not on this scale. In the Wasteland, her profession frequently proves too valuable for her life to be seriously jeopardized, regardless of the group posing a threat.

Except for the institute. The Institute does not care if the Commonwealth is thriving.

“What do you want from me?” Carla asks, on edge.

Kellogg smiles.

“Just here for a little conversation. I've got a hunch you're gonna play nice, aren't ya?” He slouches against the wall, arms crossed, observing her closely. “Why don’t you just have a seat, huh?”

The woman looks around. There aren't many options for seats, and she surely won't put her bottom on a filthy couch that appears to have absorbed an unhealthy quantity of blood at some point. With a shrug, she disregards it.

“Your gun uses to have a lot to say; why your tongue for little me?”

Kellogg's smile remains unwavering; in fact, it appears to widen as he senses challenge in Carla's tone. He tilts his head to the side, scrutinizing her with a calculating expression.

“You've got some nerve,” he says with a smirk, “maybe a bit too much for your own sake, but hey, it's gutsy.”

He takes a step towards her, reducing the distance between them. And even though she's standing, she needs to glance up to meet his gaze. Carla feels her breath seize in her throat as Kellogg gets closer. She attempts to disguise it beneath a blank expression, but she knows damn well she can't keep anything from the mercenary.

“Well, I could say the same thing about you,” she retorts, her voice a bit hoarser than she wishes.

Kellogg chuckles again, if such a heartless sound can be considered a laugh. Carla would not.

“You got a clue about who pulls the strings here, right?”

“Who wouldn't be aware?”

The man flashes a fierce smile.

“Nobody else. You have a true talent for sorting things out, and you’ve got a knack for keeping your mouth shut when it counts. That's why we haven't put a stop to you all just yet.”

Carla tries not to show any reaction, but Kellogg’s words hit hard, more than she’d like to admit. She knows he’s right—she’s aware that she’s been playing a dangerous game all this time.

“And here I am, still standing,” she says bluntly.

Kellogg appears delighted by her resistance. He moves closer, finally standing squarely in front of her, towering above her.

“How long you think this is gonna last?” he asks, his voice dangerously soft.

“For now or later, what does it matter for whom? Definitely not the Institute; I know it for a fact.”

The man snorts.

“You couldn't be more mistaken, my dear Carla. The Institute got a soft spot for you. Listen up, we could just replace you. It's hardly worth losing sleep over. No one’s gonna give a damn, are they? Who really cares about you, huh? Who could be close enough to notice what’s it’s really going on if you were no more… yourself?”

Carla feels a sting at those words. She recognizes that he is saying the truth. She is not important to anyone, really.

“Just like you, huh?” she counters, but it’s a weak attempt to hide the hurt in her voice.

Kellogg presses her chin between his fingers, forcing her head up to meet his gaze.

“We ain't cut from the same cloth,” he growls, his tone dripping with menace. “You're nothing but a tool, a mere cog in a machine that can be swapped out without a second thought. A pawn.”

“I am not a pawn in your sick scheme's organization,” she spits at him.

Kellogg finds her wrath entertaining rather than intimidating.

“Oh, but you really are,” he smirks, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Every last one of us just a piece on the board.” He inches in, and her pulse quickens beneath his stare. “You’re quite the unique specimen. But you think you’re tough, and I’ve seen better. You’re shaking in your boots.”

Carla tries to suppress the slight shudder coursing through her body. She doesn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her weak, but his proximity is overwhelming.

“You don’t scare me,” she states, her voice faltering ever-so-slightly.

He just keeps laughing, a harsh, icy cackle that makes her stomach twist.

“Oh, absolutely, I am,” he insists, his fingers digging deeper into her jaw with a firm hold. “And you better be.”

He lets go of her face, tracing his hand down to her shoulder, then her arm. His skin is rough, and the way he’s touching her is almost intimate. She jerks to the side, attempting to escape his presence, but realizing the futility of running away, she turns back to face him.

A mischievous smirk spreads across his face as he watches her try to flee then give up.

“Tsk tsk,” he sneers, yanking her arm and dragging her back closer to him. “You really ought to understand that there's no way you're getting away from me.”

“I’m just trying to get away from this stench you’re putting out, that’s all. We can have a chat from a nice, comfy distance so you don’t end up suffocating me.”

The mercenary can't contain the bark of a laugh.

“Now that's a real piece of work! Fifty years younger and I'd be on top of the world!”

“Quit messing around! Just spill it, or put me out of my misery!”

The poor woman feels all her nerves about to snap, and she wants just one thing: to be really far from him.

“As I said, you've got a knack for sniffing out details that others overlook, and your ability to keep things under wraps is worth its weight in gold. That's where your skills could really come in handy for the Institute.”

Carla listens to his words, feeling a mixture of fear and anger stirring in her chest. It’s a dangerous offer, and they both know it.

“What sort of details are we dealing with here?” she replies carefully, her gaze never leaving his.

Kellogg releases her arm, moving around casually, his voice softer now.

“We gotta need our ears to the ground about everything happening in this godforsaken Commonwealth,” he says, gesturing broadly as if to encompass the entire wasteland around them. “Any bunch of fools or outfits that might stand in the way of what we're building. Wayward synths wandering, searching for a slice of paradise in this desert. And folks who might just have… a soft spot for that Railroad bunch.”

“So, a little rat for the Institute, huh? And what about... nah?”

Kellogg's smile fades, replaced with a cold, stern expression.

“I figured you had a bit more sense than this, but clearly, I gave you too much credit. Listen up, you fragile little thing: Turning me down isn’t a smart move.”

Carla can feel her heart hammering in her chest. She knows that she's in a terrible position, and Kellogg is perfectly aware of it.

“Oh, so what if I just say no?” She asks nevertheless, attempting to maintain a calm voice.

Kellogg snorts, the sound of it vicious, and he is on her in a blink.

“You don't want to be a problem for me, do you? You’re aware the Institute has a real problem with anything that could be seen as a liability, right?”

His fingers follow the curve of her jaw again, but this time the motion is almost threatening. This touch sends shivers down the merchant's spine. She understands that he is not simply threatening her; he is telling her the reality.

“Looks like I’m stuck with this, then?” She asks quietly—more to herself than to him.

Kellogg is obviously amused by her defeat.

“Well, look at that. Not so tough after all, huh?” He inches in, his breath brushing against her ear. “You’re gonna be a real good little spy for us, aren’t you?”

Carla swallows, trying to ignore the way her stomach twists at his proximity.

“So, what’s the plan here?” She still asks quietly, her voice a hoarse whisper.

Kellogg pulls back slightly, looking her up and down with a devious gaze.

“You’ll stay sharp, keeping your senses peeled for any whispers and shadows, just like the old days,” he commands, his tone dripping with menace. “And you’ll report back to a Courser the second something seems off. Nothing should slip by you. Got it?”

Carla nods slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Got it,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kellogg smiles again, satisfied by her submission.

“Good girl,” he sneers, gushing with condescension as he gives her cheek a patronizing pat. “I had a feeling you'd see things my way.” He drags his fingers through her hair, a move that seeps with a twisted sort of affection. “And just so you know, I’ll have my eye on you, so don’t even think about double-crossing me. Every move you make, every whisper that escapes your lips, I’ll know. You're mine now.”

Carla clenches her jaw, trying to ignore the way her stomach clenches at his words. She feels like a trapped animal, with no way to escape.

“How long is this gonna take?” She can’t help but ask.

Kellogg lets out a low chuckle, his fingers brushing through her hair, lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

“As long as I have use for you,” he sneers, his malice unmistakable. “Or until you’re no longer useful. Whatever happens first.”

The merchant feels even more anxious as he speaks.

“Just fantastic,” she mutters, her tone laced with disdain. “I’m just itching to be your loyal little pet forever.”

“Oh, I like you,” he smirks, a sly grin spreading across his face. “You've got some serious spunk. Just keep it under control, alright? I wouldn't want to have to put you in your place with the right discipline, sweetheart.”

Carla fights to brush off the way her throat tightens at his words. The mere idea of facing that kind of discipline is enough to chill her to the bone. She shoves the thought away, putting on a brave front like it doesn't bother her one bit, doing her best to sound defiant again.

“You ain't gotta worry about that. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Kellogg raises an eyebrow.

“Oh, I know you will,” he replies with confidence. “You’re going to follow my orders, and you’ll do it happily, understand? In the end, your existence rests entirely in my grasp. You really don’t want to see what I’m capable of if you get on my bad side.”

Carla feels a mix of fear and anger boiling inside her chest, but she swallows it down.

“Nah,” she grumbles, her teeth clenched tight. “I ain't.”

“That's my good girl,” he murmurs, his fingers brushing softly against her cheek, a hint of approval in his voice. “You're picking things up fast. That's a fine choice, ain't it? I like that.”

As he backs away, he gives her a final glance.

“Remember, little bird, you are now flying for a new master whom you should never deceive.”

And with an intense blue flash, he disappears.

Carla lets out a long, shaky breath as the sound of Kellogg's teleportation fades away.

She is now all alone in the shack, alone in the silence, only broken by the mooing of her Brahmin waiting outside from time to time.

She feels her legs suddenly weak, and the weight of the situation hits her all at once. She sinks down, sitting heavily on the edge of the couch she was reluctant to approach earlier, and rests her head in her hands.

“What in the Wasteland did I just get myself into...” she mutters under her breath.

#noskipnovember #no skip november #trashcan carla #fallout 4 #fallout #fo4 #npc #fallout npc #kellogg #short #fanfic #short fanfiction

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werekit · 6 months ago

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You should to categorize the scientists! That's not a very specific term. It's like just saying medical practitioner. Are they a vet, a surgeon, a heart doctor, nurse, mortician. All of those professions tend to attract wildly different people to them. The same with all the science tracks.

A good question to ask for what they would talk about, What do they want to learn from studying the creature? Are they biologists that are just interested in a new species or are they hired by a higher organization that wants to see if it's useful or dangerous. Reaction to stimuli is something that you would want to know+it's biology and habits. They wouldn't go out of their way to trap it. They would probably tranquilize the animal to take blood, checking out its teeth, nose and ears, pressing against the ribscage, think vet check up. They do it really fast. In-N-Out. If already trapped they probably would keep it for an hour or two documenting anything that they can from the cage. If there is a really intriguing thing about its biology/something that stands out. Most biologist will geek out over it/talk about it. "Whoa that thing has one hell of a snap. Probably could take off a finger or 5." "Look at how cool those stripes are! They are almost iridescent." If you want to get an idea of how real life scientists talk about creatures that they see on a expedition. nautilus live has live streams/videos and you get to hear the scientist talk about the creatures they're studying.

The one thing that alot of scientists have in common is they tend to be odd and eccentric. I watched a environmentalist scientist eat pizza off of a ore because we didn't have plates.... One studied raccoons and the parasites that come with them. He doesn't actually even like raccoons he hates them. Also cheered when he got the van stuck in the sand. In first conversation I had with one of my teachers that is a botanist randomly started explaining on how you would get a bee on a leash. I do not have much experience with any non-nature related scientists but I do know that they are a lot more likely to be a lot more rough and mean to the creatures.

Hey random and totally not important to the Lab Arc question:

In a professional/scientific setting, you’re researching a new animal (lots of close observation and table work). As far as you know this animal can’t understand your language. What do you say to/about it? What do you discuss around it?

Thanks!

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lunaescribe · 3 years ago

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An Interracial Reading of Ed & Stede

After writing about how the racial dynamics of Ed's character in the show affect his choices, it got me thinking about the interracial romance dynamics set up between Ed and Stede. (This is a little more Stede focused than Ed since I already wrote about Ed at length)

Unlike some shows OFMD recognizes systems of privilege and oppression in its world. Colonialism, racism, and homophobia all exist-but no marginalized person in the show is forced to have an arch revolving only around these oppressive forces. The sea within the show, is especially used as a metaphor-and transgressive space where some of these oppressive forces lessen in power, or are more easily resisted. (I.E. Calico Jack's comment "Anything goes at sea" in reference to homosexuality). The show has deliberately set up piracy to be an anarchistic, and rebellious force to traditional society's colonialism and heteronormativity-which is a key element to how Ed and Stede come together.

Stede clearly comes from a place of white, male, and wealthy privilege. It lends itself to a lot of arrogance that he charges into situations with, and a very valid reason much of the crew and other characters are frustrated with him. He isn't afraid to invade spaces which often belong to marginalized people, the poor, POC, and women (Like Spanish Jackie's).

He underestimates piracy is often a forced profession (as told to him by Olu in episode 1) to those in the most marginalized positions. He can be dismissive of the crew's frustrations or worries often (fails to notice when they are in danger like Lucius going missing)-and doesn't often comprehend how racial violence works. When the English Officers are making microaggressive comments against his crew in episode 1 he does appear uncomfortable, but also fails to entirely understand the weight of those insults to his crew or stand up against them (even if it would've been dangerous). The indigenous group are right to be wary of him in episode 2 and address his internalized bias and racist reaction when he assumes they are cannibals which ate the hostages. He is a self-focused white man, even if he is capable of emotional intelligence and empathy with others.

Rightfully so, the Revenge crew has plenty of reasons to want to mutiny and kill him-as a privileged outsider who's impulsive decisions, and invasion of space for the marginalized, is going to put all their lives in danger (as he does in episode 3 on the Spanish Ship).

Despite his very expected of-the-time-period (And unfortunately still persist in modern times) ignorance, privilege, and microaggressions Stede still appears to be an outlier of the elite white men of his society. Unlike the English, or French aristocrats he does not showcase any overt prejudice to members of his crew-and even seeks out their advise and council (when his own excitement hasn't gotten him to make an impulsive decision). In fact by coming to sea-Stede surrenders a degree of his privilege, since it is the pirates like Spanish Jackie, Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and even Izzy who through experience and physical force have earned the most power and respect on the high seas. Being a white, wealthy, man doesn't carry the same immediate access to power as it does in Barbados-and Stede is seemingly willing to make to make that sacrifice to learn along the way. While part of this must be a-credited to the excellent writing on the show more focused on creating a modern, inclusive, experience-credit must also be given to the writing for showcasing historical subtext which demonstrates why Stede would have more progressive viewpoints.

Throughout history, there are multiple instances where marginalized groups end up bonding together-because they're all pushed to the outskirts of society. It makes sense a lot of the most staunch abolitionists of the 19th century (amongst white people-since there were plenty of POC who did the majority of the work) were women. Enduring discrimination is painful, but can have the affect of building empathy-which seems to have been one of the effects in Stede's case. Episode 1 establishes what a menace Stede is to his more marginalized crew-but it also importantly showcases how intensely marginalized Stede was in his own society. Stede experienced abuse in his own house AND from his own peers due to his overt lack of traditional colonial masculinity.

We're told he cries easily and picks flowers (Stede confirms he did), which make him the ire of the more traditionally masculine boys in his school, and provokes their physical and mental abuse. Stede's queerness has ostracized him from his society and some elements of his privilege ever since he was a boy.

While his marriage does not continue his overt abuse-it's a further situation of Stede trying to exist in a colonial role that is just miserable for him as a queer man. What's interesting to how Stede responds to his marginalization though-is he chooses to walk away from the abusive heteronormative, colonial, society-rather than become embittered (and lashing out-which he does do once he tries to return in episode 10) trying to exist in it. It's part of the reason he feels a kinship to the other pirates (even if it isn't alway reciprocated or over-assumed on his part), and finds life more comfortable amongst others who have also been outcasted from colonial traditional society. He finally has a space he can be openly queer (Not in the immediately seducing men sense-but in ignoring the demands of traditional masculinity sense)-because it is a transgressive space in and of itself. I would argue one of the most important pieces of Stede's arch in the show-is realizing resisting the colonial, violent society he was told is normal-is not something to feel guilty about-but needed for justice and happiness.

As much as Stede questions what he's done or who he is becoming upon killing Nigel, when he actually pauses to consider his death-he finds he doesn't feel guilty at all about it. He recognizes what an abusive and horrible colonial force Nigel was. What he really feels guilty over is the harm he could've caused to leaving his family vulnerable without him-or I would argue-the overall guilt he feels each time he transgresses against the traditional societal role he was told he should respect. It's here, he begins to let go of his privilege that was apart of that abusive colonial system, which also abused him.

Enter Ed. After hearing stories of his success and adventures, and freedom of anarchy Stede is instantly starstuck by the idea of Blackbeard before even meeting him. Ed is equally intrigued by Stede before they meet-someone who doesn't seem to be overwhelmed by his reputation-and also an apparent 'gentleman' at sea-a persona difficult to exist in a hyper-violent power structure of pirates. I would argue Ed's initial interest in Stede is split between that intrigue-and as we learn at the end of episode 4-his plan to kill him and steal his wealth & assets. And why wouldn't he? As far as he knows Stede is just another wealthy white man who would put him down the moment he gets a chance.

That is until Stede wakes up. As others have pointed out, immediately, without even knowing he is a Captain Stede treats Ed with respect as though they are equals. Ed is clearly perplexed by that, and it extends his fascination toward Stede even though he is still heavily invested in his long-con. However it's when Ed shows interest in the untraditionally hyper-masculine fabric-and Stede responds not only with equal adoration, but invites Ed into his secret cabinet of more, his perception of Stede begins to shift. Stede is not the same as the previous condescending white aristocrats Ed has come across previously who would've never invited him to touch their things-none the less wear them in the next scene. Their clothes swapping also gives us the visual cue of the equal playing ground Ed and Stede meet at on the sea. Stede still carrying some of the power of his wealth and whiteness, and Ed carrying the power earned from being Blackbeard for years, and the biracial influence able to earn loyalty from pirates of different identities across the board. Not at all how it would have been if they met in Barbados.

From there, relieved to find someone who has an appreciation for the same untraditionally masculine interest they share-the pair open up further. Sharing their mutual exasperation with the role they've been forced into by society, due to their marginalization.

By the end of the episode-bonding on their mutual eccentricities they've developed in response to learning to cope and make life interesting for themselves-Ed is already beginning to doubt his plan. It's obvious on his face when he turns from Izzy after sharing his plan to murder Stede. This long-con of playing hyper-violent, hyper-masculine, to survive has become draining.

The following episode we get an instance of Ed learning high class manners from Stede for said con, when a French Officer racially insults him referring to him as "Donkey". While Stede recognizes Ed is upset-he does not seem to understand entirely why it's so deeply harmful to him. Clearly having an old wound reopened Ed is especially eager to go to the fancy French aristocrat party to prove to himself, and perhaps even Stede, he can be more than those insults. That he could even pull off the con if he suceeds.

Initially, Ed is proud he's somehow outdid Stede at the party, a white man in his own element, by being more 'liked' at the party. Stede however, knowing society well, is most likely familiar enough to be wary of the overt or passive aggressive racism that exists in these spaces. He warns Ed they can be fickle. We know first-hand he's been mistreated for his own version of masculinity, so he's more aware of what discrimination looks like in this setting, as opposed to the previous microaggressions he underestimated from the officers He's not at all surprised when Ed leaves the party distraught-and his desire to get revenge on the French aristocrats is an extremely huge shift for him and Ed.

While the comedy of the scene is overt-many have pointed out Stede is shockingly unfazed with the obvious destruction and clearly loss of life on the French ship. It's burning behind them as people jump into the sea and Stede smiles proudly. It's a massive change from Stede's panicked response to 'accidentally' killing Nigel. He's quite content-proud of himself! Just like Nigel, the aristocrats represent and showcase colonial violence, their deaths are all played for comedy and without sorrow (unlike Karl or Lucius) because the show is so anti-colonialist-and has no sympathy for those who represent it. While Stede struggles to feel righteous anger for himself in terms of responding to Nigel's oppressive force-he is plenty able to on Ed's behalf.

For Ed, this act completely changes how he sees Stede. In this scene, Stede has not only demonstrated he is willing to be rough and fight back when needed (not just a simple tender rich man), but he willing to betray his own class and race for Ed. "Cut loose" is a significant line-cut loose as in-have fun, be unhinged, but also cut ties from his own people. It's only BECAUSE Stede does this we can even have the moonlight "you wear fine things well" scene. Ed no longer sees Stede as a rich target he won't feel bad taking out-he sees someone who cares about his feelings and willing to resist the forces colonialism with him and more importantly FOR him.

"You wear fine things well" is an unwitting seduction on Stede's part-because to Ed it is reassuring him-he is just as fine, worthy, and precious as he hoped to be as a boy. Stede is showcasing he does not view Ed in the stereotypes of his race at all, which have marked many of Ed's interactions at sea for the majority of his life. By the end of this episode Ed is infatuated with Stede: they're similar in their eccentricities, Stede empathizes with his plights, and he's enchanted by his courage to defy convention. Not that he'll ever lay his heart bare to tell Stede at this point. Especially when he sees Stede doesn't go in for a kiss like he does. He's never had this kind of equal and relatable relationship with another person-and most likely never assumed it would be with a white man.

So he starts flirting.

Many have pointed out the "Stab me" scene is clearly Ed's attempt to flirt-to get Stede physically close to him, it's also demonstration of how in a hyper-masucline setting so much bonding is done via violence. We can imagine this may have been how the sexuality went between Calico Jack and Ed. But Stede's version of masculinity, romance, etc, is so different from this high seas violent courtships-the attempt goes over his head. That's why Ed is agonized with the push to kill him by Izzy in episode 6. He does his best to convince himself, like Izzy says, Stede is a pet, a passing infatuation/lust, but the reminder of his childhood trauma from the 'fuckery' is too much to bear. Stede is not like his Father, or other white men he's killed, he's Stede, he listens, he's already protected and defended Ed once-and joined Ed in his absurd behavior stepping outside of all masculine expectation with him, so he's willing to open up and tell Stede what happened-especially since Stede seeks him out after his panic attack.

Obviously this is an extremely intimate scene on its own, but the fact Stede is someone Ed can fall apart in front of, cry, express his distain for the tenants of his own power, brings Ed even closer to him. This kind of emotional showcase would've had the opposite effect with any other men Ed knew as Blackbeard. But unlike Jack, or Izzy, Stede makes so much space and empathy to comfort Ed's emotions. It's not often a man of color's vulnerable emotions are put on screen as a central important plot point to be given weight and tender time to.

It's worth noting how Ed being the seducee and attempting to anxiously win back Stede's affections is a departure from historically racist depictions of interracial romances on screen. Quite often in the past we saw the POC member of a pairing containing a white person, was often characterized as being more animalistic, rough, or aggressively sexual. While Ed is clearly more traditionally masculine and hardy as pirate-he's given the role of the infatuated one-the one pining tenderly (plus we see Stede commit more violence on screen than we do Ed!). Ed's given a beautifully rich emotional score of being romanced, in a setting on the sea where the pair have equal footing of privilege. They're pair of equals bonding over their odd (to everyone else) behavior.

While Ed refers to himself as a Kraken, a mythical monster-that imagery is part of the racialized violence he'd endured all his life. The fact in that scene Stede does not reinforce that imagry but instead tells Ed he's his 'friend' is so monumental for Ed. As someone who has been on a journey of learning violence is at times unavoidable to survive against oppressive forces, Stede answers Ed's murder plan with empathy and relief. It completly undercuts the racist idea that either one of them is more 'naturally violent' with Ed in tears over the fact he no longer wants to commit murders to survive. Ed's humanity and tender emotions are put at the forefront of the show multiple times-asking the audience not to stereotype him in a caricature-even if other white characters are willing to. (Which is why fan depictions that lean into making him a literal monster are regressive at least, and racist at worst)

Episode 7 and 8 really showcase how Ed has no idea what to expect of Stede. He spends most of episode 7 feeling rejected and far too vulnerable (after that bathtub confession), since Stede has not openly returned his flirtations (And perhaps rightfully wary from his previous experiences with white men) and it is only when Lucius spells out to Ed that the entire expedition is meant to be a gift to Ed from Stede, he relaxes. Once he knows Stede is somehow returning his affections, he reconsiders his plan of running away and agrees to co-captain with him.

When Calico Jack shows up in episode 8 he throws a wrench in everything-but also provides us interesting backstory for Ed and his relationships with white men. He tells Stede "You two have a lot in common", which can seem like a humorous throw away line since Jack and Stede couldn't be more different in their presentation of masculinity. I would argue what Ed sees and is referring to-is that Jack and Stede are two white men who seem extremely uninterested in prescribed colonial masculinity and that is what stands out to Ed. That isn't to say Jack's version of toxic, violent, frat-boy, immature, masculinity is healthy-but Ed can recognize they are both outliers from proper navy officers. (Ed's perspective is demonstrated in episode 9, when he tells Chauncey "you all look alike", a joke yes, but also how much these proper colonial white men blend together for Ed.)

Stede has made enough of an impression on Ed though-and shown him such a space of alternative masculinity-he is willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING for him by getting back on the ship instead of rowing away with Jack. Once again the English officers attempt to re-affirm their structure of colonization on the sea-such as when Chauncey tells Ed "He's from my world not yours" in regards to having the right to execute Stede. Ed however returns the previous gesture of Stede's- betraying his legacy as a pirate by taking "An Act of Grace".

Piracy is once more a metaphor for colonial resistance since Chauncey attempts to argue Stede isn't a 'real pirate' and therefore can not have an "Act of Grace". But once again we see Stede's chaotic, more tender version of masculinity shine through, as his 'piracy' is proven from his simple abduction and nourishment of a plant-not any amount of bloodshed. Chauncey throws a fit, as it is another example of piracy and masculinity not playing by traditional colonial rules.

Despite being thrown back into a colonial setting at the reform school-Ed and Stede are now in position where both have been entirely stripped of their power. It is what lets them kiss on the beach without the imbalanced power dynamics of colonial society-and just themselves. It's truly touching moment because it's the pair of them wanting each other, even without all their fineries or power attached-which is why they're in the same outfit. It's a really remarkable way of doing an interracial relationship in media-Ed and Stede's power dynamics are communicated via their outfits throughout the show.

When Stede chooses to return to his family-it's only after he receives a scolding, for betraying the colonial role he was given (A Father, obeying naval officers, etc) he chooses to leave Ed feeling such immense guilt for straying from his designated role and privilege (plus the idea his tender form of masculinity as emasculated Blackbeard). There's even an element of white privilege Stede is able to return his comfortable life immediately, rather than being tracked down by the English for abandoning his post. But once home, the show demonstrates so well-and Stede can finally acutely see-he never belonged in this abusive colonial system. And the people who manage to find happiness within it-only do so by deviating (Mary having her affair, widows riding themselves of toxic husbands, etc) from that abusive system's demand. Stede leaves Barbados, free of guilt from Chauncey's death, and walking away from the abusive system this time recognizing it is the right thing to do. Most significantly, Stede relinquishes one of the sources of his colonial privilege-wealth.

It's a complete commitment to change, the world of piracy, and Ed. It's Stede finally recognizing violence against colonial forces (such as killing the Badminton twins) is needed, because they are so oppressive and violent in and of themself. It's Stede recognizing walking away from colonial forces (the heteronormativity of his previous life) is needed for happiness and freedom-and that includes sacrificing the comfort of wealth. Stede returns to the sea without the pomp and flash of his former privilege, ready to commit to a life of rebellion with Ed, against that world. It makes sense coming from this place of privilege, and choose to let it go (rather than having it revoked) Stede finds himself in a 'happy' ending at the end of Season 1.

Ed however, is ending the season feeling the brunt of colonial violence. Stede leaving him (which we can perceive is how he sees the interaction, since if he imagined Stede dead he probably wouldn't of thrown out all his things) is an example of Stede behaving how Ed feared an upper class white man would see him as. Disposable, which is what drove his anxiety in episode 8 to leave with Jack "You would always see what I am". Ed has been trying to avoid being hurt this entire relationship with Stede and he failed. Izzy's threat, another example of white violence, pushes Ed over the edge to make him shut down completely to protect himself all this white violence. It's a violent change for Ed because not only did he believe someone saw him past all the stereotypes he'd been pushed into in his life-he also must be furious at himself he dared to think Stede could be better than his previous interactions with white men.

Ed has every right to be furious and feel deeply betrayed. I would even argue he has every right to attack Izzy after Izzy spent so much time threatening him and berating his new-found more tender masculinity. It's worth noting if you watch Ivan and Fang in episode 6 they remark how nice it is to see Ed so 'open and available' and when Ed is singing in episode 10, Fang watches on with a tender sympathetic expression. The other men of color understood how monumental it was for Ed to have a chance to be seen as more than just a vehicle of violence. Unlike some people I don't think 'utterly heartbroken in a robe singing sad songs Ed' is 'true' Ed entirely. I think he still has plenty of chaos and anger against colonialism in him-but surviving via violence and constantly bearing his teeth has grown draining for him, and he would prefer to be softer and more expressive if he has the choice.

Stede completed his arch resisting colonialism-so I wouldn't be surprised if we DO get season 2 from Ed's POV. Stede's ignorance is part of the reason he did not pause to consider as much as he thought leaving Ed would help him-would also wound him. Stede returned to his privilege and power, and while it finally helped him see the light-it caused an immense amount of harm to Ed-and did not consider how deep his feelings were at all. It would be likely in a show that has done so well to set up a stage that an interracial relationship can flourish challenging previous structures of power, and putting two wildly different men on the same power level-it now shifts to the man who's at the crisis and crossroads of his identity like Stede was at the start of season 1. It's my hope season 2 would conclude with the pair of them standing firmly in their identities, knowing they can exist outside of the role colonialism attempted to press them into.

#ofmd #our flag means death #edward teach #stede bonnet #blackbonnet #ofmd meta #poc of ofmd #shit this is LONG #I'm sorry but this show is brilliantly written i had to scream #also #stop making Ed into a literal monster #PLEASE #this is very stede focused since I already wrote at length on Ed #my writing

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sukirichi · 4 years ago

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like crashing waves

Love comes to you like waves crashing upon one another.

REQUEST. mutual pining au + best friends to lovers + breeding kink

CONTENT/WARNINGS. beach sex, unprotected sex, fingering, titty sucking, smut, nanami being a sweetheart <3 + the mandatory unedited note!

NOTES. thank you for requesting and joining the milestone event! I hope you like this <3

Your squeals echo as you run out of the car, arms flinging behind you with your best friend, Nanami, trailing behind you. His brows furrow upon seeing the familiar scenery of a light ultramarine sky, the sound of crashing waves calming upon his senses. His gaze falls on your waving form, figure jumping from the sand as you call out to him. Your smile is a lot brighter than the sun right behind you, and captivated, he follows your motions, his hands falling into the spaces between yours before allowing you to tug him closer to the beach.

“You brought me here,” he announces a little dazed, subconsciously gripping your hand tighter. “You remembered.”

“Of course I did!”

This isn’t just some regular beach. This is the place where the two of you first met when you were both little, awkward stubby legs running around the sand and scooping sand castles. As always, Nanami’s been more of a timid child, frowning at how you splashed on the water, uninterested with simpler tasks like the one he’s busy with.

When you see him silently enjoying himself, you trudge up to him. His hands immediately come up to protect his castle, having had his other friend Satoru kick and destroy them one too many times.

He’s surprised when you only gasp in awe, carrying your own plastic shovel and helping him build a bigger one afterwards. Your connection was natural – instantaneous.

Everything goes downhill from there. Despite living in another town, your family kept close contact, leading to you enrolling into Nanami’s middle school and staying solid all the way until he has to go attend Jujutsu High. He’s made it clear that he wishes to not be too attached to anyone or even get a wife, firm in his belief that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone by leaving a loved one behind. You, though? He makes an exception for you.

You’re his best friend and everything more, the one who pulled him away from being a salary man and telling him he could be capable of doing something wore instead of just fattening his bosses up while he does all the hard and honest work.

Nanami isn’t...cynical, per se, but he has a painfully honest outlook in his life while you’re more of the type to enjoy the little things, claiming that it’s never a sin to be happy despite the darkness looming. He’s been so used to you being a lot brighter and more cheerful than him, total opposites, really, that when the tables have turned and you’re the one holding his face as you scold him to save people and be the hero he is, he can’t really find it in himself to refuse.

Until now, he’s surprised you’re taking his profession extremely well. You never once blinked when he told you about his abilities and even takes away a fly head off your shoulder once, jumping in his arms instead to thank him.

He wonders how he ever came lucky enough to find someone like you, one that he actually cherishes more than he values the rules he’s set to keep himself in line.

Nanami doesn’t get the chance to think any more when you start stripping in front of him, your bubbling laughter syncing perfectly with the lapping of waves when you fling your clothes at him. He regrets ever letting you meet Gojo; you’re naughty, but never this pressing. His glare is half hearted as you run straight to the beach, however, and the blond man sighs.

His birthday was planned perfectly down to a tee. He’ll invite you over to celebrate, spend the silence and read books with you, have coffee, cuddle, and call it a day.

You had other plans in mind the moment you barged into his room though, dragging and pushing your friend all the way inside your car. His queries are silenced by the blasting radio, the man leaning back in his seat as his fingers tap against his thigh, wondering what you had in mind. There’s never really any telling with you and your spontaneous habits, so he just closes his eyes, allowing his blond hair to be swept away by the wind.

The last thing his wildest dreams could ever imagine is you taking him right back where everything started, his hands deft and careful as he unbuckles his belt. His cheeks tints a little because you never gave him the chance to pack, save for you throwing in hoodies and random underwear into a duffel bag.

Nanami folds both your clothes on the sand, shivering a bit from the chilly liquid. He glares at you once more with a tired sigh, about to ask how you have so much energy after driving for four hours straight when you splash water on him.

He is silent in comparison to your mocking laughter, waddling all around him until you’re whisking the water at every direction of his body.

Nanami stands there still like a statue, eyes closed to prevent the saltwater from hurting him, his hair sticking to his skin. His muscles are tense the whole while, preventing himself from just reaching over – not yet, anyway – for you were still too far away. But your guard is lowered, forgetting for a moment that your best friend is a jujutsu sorcerer and he’s spent years honing his senses until he’s mastered them to the extremity of his capabilities.

As your laughter grows closer, the splashing turning harder as it pads against his skin, Nanami opens his eyes and grabs you by your wrist hard.

You let out an ‘oop’ when he effortlessly pulls you into his chest, your forehead knocking against the solid muscles of his chest. “Ow!” you rub your forehead, lips formed into a pout and about to complain when your eyes snap wide open, the first thing in sight his pecs. Clearing your throat, you try to push yourself off him, suddenly completely aware of his warmth and his other hand sliding down your hip, lower, lower, and lower. “Nanami—”

“Having fun?”

His voice is low, a tinge of warning behind his words. Guiltily, you glance down at your wrist wrapped around his large, bony hand, noting the size and strength difference between the both of you.

You don’t want him to see you’re flustered – even if it’s painfully obvious already – so you snicker up at him, tilting your jaw upwards until he’s looking down straight at you. Nanami cocks an eyebrow in challenge, awaiting what snarky response would leave your lips when you smirk, using your free arm to splash on him one more time.

Nanami reels back when the water shoots straight in his eyes. Okay, you have to admit that maybe that was a little mean, but you’re having so much –

You’re immediately hoisted up into his arms, the water sliding off your body and the ground slipping off your feet. Panic rises in your system when you’re lifted off the seafloor, hands desperate and slippery as you cling onto his broad shoulders. “N-Nanami!” you protest, clinging to him like a koala when he only smirks, walking farther until he’s reached a spot he knows you can’t reach. “Hey, that’s cheating, put me down this instant!”

“Do you really want me to do that?”

Nanami knows you’ve surrendered to loss when you huff, leaving you with no choice but to wrap your legs around him tighter, nails subconsciously gliding down his back. He stiffens at your movements, brows furrowed as he ponders if bringing you here and rendering you helpless really is the best idea.

You’re pressed so close to him until space becomes nothing but a myth, your breathy intake of air wafting into his ear like bait. Nanami tightens his hold on your grip a bit, his swallowing audible at the feeling of your breasts pushed and flicking against his chest.

Fuck, of course you’re wearing your best bikini.

Nanami tries to push those lewd thoughts at the back of his head, drilling into his mind that you’re his best friend and you’re untouchable. He opts to stare beyond the horizon instead, train of thought too distracted of not letting himself be distracted by you that he doesn’t notice you pulling away to look at him.

He’s brought back to life when your wet palm caresses his cheek, thumbs smoothed over his cheeks. Nanami’s gaze flickers back to you, a sigh on his lips as he presses closer, daunting enough to leave a kiss on the crook of your palm.

That snaps something inside you.

You take his breath away – literally – as you cup his cheeks with both his hands, panting as you dove straight to his lips. Nanami’s reaction comes like reflex, both hands cupped under your ass as he meets your kiss with the same hunger and longing that has always been blossoming between the both of you the moment you both knew what love meant like.

Nanami’s groans are masculine and low when you begin to grind down on him, teasing as you push your breasts harder against his chest. Your nipples are hard enough that he feels the pebbled buds grazing across his chest, the sensation sending blood rushing to his cock.

He pulls away, cock swelling harder when he sees you all breathless with lips bruised. There’s something about knowing he’s the cause of you nearly falling apart like this, his mind wandering off a dangerous path at the fantasy of what you’d look like if he does something more.

The voice at the back of his head is responsible to keep him in his reigns, something he’s more than thankful of; otherwise he’ll completely ravage you senselessly at this moment.

“Do you really want our first time together to be out here in the open?” he rasps with short, quick pecks while you whine in his arms, the desire for that something more an aching and almost painful image on your face. “Won’t you like it more if we’re behind closed doors...” he brushes a thumb on your lip, coaxing your lips to part for him obediently. Nanami clenches his jaw when you eagerly suck at his thumb, your eyes dark and hazy with lust as you swirl your tongue around his digits. “...and I’d get to do whatever I want with you?”

“Are you going to hold back if we’re here?” you tease, popping his thumb off with a loud and wet pop. “It’s kind of romantic, don’t you think? The sun is setting behind us and it’s just the two of us anyway,” your words are breathy, panted and needy in its manner of delivery. Really, you can’t think straight anymore, not when his fingers are grazing over the swell of your ass and his face is bathed by the golden glow. Right now is perfect. “I just really want to be with you.”

You shudder when Nanami finally tugs your underwear to the side, the feeling of his fingers smoothing over your inner thighs and just hovering right where you want him to be enough to make you go crazy. You’re shaking, panting, almost crying.

Who knows how long you’ve wanted him – you’re simply too impatient if he plans to take his time with you.

A demand is ready to fall from your lips to just get him to take you already, but Nanami beats you to it, his pointer finger grazing against your slit. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promises, gritting his teeth the moment his thick, long finger sinks into you beautifully. Your head falls back in a moan as he pumps his fingers inside, testing the waters, and your pleasure is only amplified with the struggle of him trying to quicken his pace under the sea. “You’re so wet already.”

“Shut up, I-I wasn’t—”

“You’re beautiful,” Nanami growls, taking you by surprise when he takes two fingers to spring the knots of your top away. You gasp when your top slides off at the curve off your breasts before your erect nipples are revealed all for him, hard and swollen while he inserts another finger in your heat.

Clutching harder on his shoulders and bouncing yourself off on his finger, Nanami’s self control is tethering dangerously across the edge.

He leans down to suck at your breasts dutifully, fighting against the water that’s surrounding you both. “You’re extremely beautiful,” he praises, “Thank you – for letting me have you this way, for trusting me,” An elongated groan falls from both your lips when he sinks you down on his cock, your heat a great and mind-numbing contrast to the chill of the water. “I think you’re the best birthday gift.”

“Always so romantic, Nanami,” you managed through a laugh, allowing him to fuck into you senselessly. You’re all over him, hands wrapped around his neck, fingers tugging at his hair and tongue swiping out to taste the saltiness of the water on his skin. He’s amazing, so fucking good, and you snap your eyes shut while the soft, crashing waves match the rhythm of his thrusts. “No one could blame me for falling for you.”

“You are?” he grasps your ass until he squeezes it hard enough to make your walls clamp down on him, your grunting muffled by the teeth nibbling his earlobe. “Do you love me?”

“For so long.”

Nanami smiles even if you can’t see it, but it doesn’t matter. He’ll just have to show you, make you feel the words and emotions weighing heavily at his heart. Nanami leans sideways to capture your lips in a wet kiss, hands heavy and harsh compared to his passionate kisses as he keeps bouncing you up and down his cock. He’ll just have to show you.

“I’ll make up for the lost time then.”

You��re wearing your favourite hoodie of Nanami’s as you stand before the counter, stirring both mugs with your hands wrapped around it to warm you up. After your lovemaking session that has turned into more than two rounds, you’re downright spent, the both of you too tired to drive back home and opting for a hotel instead.

The aroma of coffee along with Nanami’s scent lingering on his clothes brings a smile to your face, your heart and skin still fluttery from today’s event.

Just then, strong arms wrap around your waist, soft lips coming down to press at the apples of your cheeks. You giggle in his arms as Nanami sways you both side to side, his head resting on your shoulder.

“I love you,” he announces quietly, so softly and tenderly as if it’s a secret only you’re allowed to know. You already became aware of his feelings – he’s shown it enough – but hearing it come from his own lips feels different.

Growing up, you always believed that love would come to you rapidly, overwhelmingly. But as Nanami swoops down to kiss you once more, his lips tasting faintly of the cake you both got on the way, you realize love is more like the soft crashing waves that comes gradually, slowly, yet constantly until you’re surrounded and it consumes you whole. It buds and grows larger until the crashing waves expand into an ocean of feelings that can’t even comprehend the depth of what you feel him, and you kiss him hard, embrace him hard – you just want to show him.

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claireclaymore · 2 years ago

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My chapter 66 (scene 1)

First draft of a fic

"Melinda Desmond...Melinda Desmond! Desmond!!!"

Yor's face seemed to fall into a puddle of despair as she realized the gravity of that revelation.

"Wait a minute." One of the mothers said hastily, as if she was trying to remember something important, "Wasn't Forger the name of that girl who punched your son in the face?"

A dead silence fell over the table, the friendly atmosphere gave way to the same tension as a gunfight and Miss Desmond's (previously friendly) smile now emanated a menacing energy.

"Er...Oh my god! It's time! I need to go." A frightened lady had the courage to break the silence. "You too Jessica. You're late."

Jessica, the gossip, was dragged by the lady and soon all of them, one by one, took the cue to flee from there. Only left in restaurant Melinda, Yor and her despair.

Yor's highly dangerous profession had already put her in many dangers, but this was the first time she had faced a problem without being able to kill or injure anyone. And what was worse, because it was her fault, it was now her duty to stoically endure any humiliation or reprisal from Melinda.

Yor stood up and Melinda figured she was going to back off too, but instead she said:

"I...I'm so sorry Miss Desmond!" Yor exclaimed firmly as she bowed in an awkward curtsy. "It's all my fault!"

"Why...There's no need for that. Please have a seat." Melinda is disconcerted by the girl's attitude and her vindictive gaze seems soften . "Why are you apologizing? It wasn't you who did that, it was your unruly stepdaughter." She went back to drinking her tea. "A troubled kid causing trouble. It's not your fault."

"No." Yor vehemently denied it still standing. "I taught her that."

"Is it your family's custom to teach violent habits to children?" Melinda countered, her eyes attentive.

There was a moment of hesitation. Yor could tell the truth, talk about the kidnapping at the market and her desire to teach her daughter how to protect herself. But she didn't think it was right to expose Anya, even if it caused a misunderstanding and resulted in Damian's mother's eternal enmity.

"I'm really sorry." Yor returned to submission position. "I really hope your son is okay. It's all my fault. Please don't be mad at my daughter. She's not unruly or violent child." Yor sighs sadly. "Her only problem is that I'm not a good mother."

Again, Mrs. Desmond feels disarmed by Yor's words. But just as Yor is talking about paying the restaurant bill and returning her gifts, Melinda interrupts her.

"Why didn't you tell me you taught that for her protection." Melinda took another sip of tea. "There was an attempted kidnapping, wasn't there?" Now it was Yor time to be livid. "You're at a market, there were a few days left for classes, she probably drew attention because of her uniform."

She couldn't resist and ended up laughing discreetly at the young mother's frightened expression.

"Oh, forgive me." She said with a menacing calm. "I have a bad habit of wanting to know everything. And that obviously scares a lot of people." She was still smiling but the tone seemed melancholy. "But ever since I heard about the incident, I've wanted to know everything about your family Mrs. Forger. And you know what else I found out?"

Yor's breathing was quick. She couldn't think straight. How many witnesses were there? What punch could she deliver hard enough to cause amnesia but weak enough not to kill her?

"Nothing extraordinary." She revealed. "You work at the prefecture, your husband is a psychologist, you live in a simple building in the suburbs and I assume the apartment is not big at all. A typical middle-class family." Finally she finished that tea and looked at her smiling. "Am I right?"

She was sure that was far from all that woman knew. That conversation had evolved from an embarrassment to a real threat to her cover and her family's safety. Was that woman an SSS agent?

She didn't know what to do, but running or fighting was out of the question.

Yor took a deep breath. And she decided to fight.

"Mrs. Desmond. I understand your concern and desire to understand where Anya's violent behavior came from." All signs of fear and insecurity evaporated as Yor was protecting her family. "And I admit I'm not quite sure what it's normal for mothers to do in this situation...But I believe that snooping into my family's life was not a reasonable thing to do."

The waiters, who didn't seem to be paying attention to the drama, soon stifled a sigh of horror. Who was that woman who dared to challenge the most powerful woman in town?!

Melinda, very elegantly, stood up and came face to face with Yor.

"I agree, but I think you should forgive me, Mrs. Forger." She said in the same combat tone as Yor, closing the distance between them. "Circumstances have led me to have this unseemly attitude."

"So in that case..." Yor didn't back away an inch. "I forgive you."

Yor grabbed her hand, mimicking Melinda's gesture of friendship.

"Tha...thank you so much for today! I had a great time!" Yor smiled at her, just as Melinda had smiled at her. "It's a shame we met like this. But you don't have to worry anymore. I think your son must have told you by now, but he and Anya are getting along well. She even told me he would bring her a cake."

Mention of the child opened up a vulnerability in Melinda, as she recalled how absent she was being and how, aside from the slap, she knew very little about her son's life.

"I won't bother anymore. Goodbye."

As Yor was leaving, Melinda took her arm, and Yor almost didn't mistake it for an attack. Melinda almost got punched, but Yor held back.

"Wait, Yor." Melinda looked a little hesitant. "I really wish we were friends." She regained her confident tone and sharp look. "What do you say?"

[to be continue]

#spy x family #yor forger #melinda desmond #fanfic pr

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