#i wish my brother or one of my cousins was trying to learn this with me bc I would be in a much better headspace

[natalia-lafourcade]

I made my dad check my Nahuatl homework and he told me that the verb prefixes in our Puebla Central variant are completely different from the prefixes in the Huasteca variant I'm learning. It's so frustrating because that means I have to learn two different verb conjugations and I feel like I'm not at a stage where I have the capacity to learn both. That and he told me that Nahuatl was easy and that if he could learn English at my age, I could learn this variant, but it just made me feel so much worse. He's absolutely right but I am nowhere near as linguistically gifted as he is. I was feeling horrible but I read the passage in the library book that has a profile on NYC Nahuatl speakers that also speak my variant and reading their words was so much more reassuring.... Hearing them talk about how isolated they feel being the only speakers of their language is single-handedly giving me the motivation to continue but mannnn I wish I had learned it earlier.

[fsugirl1]

Some days are so big…so PACKED with content…so unexpectedly swoon-worthy that they demand an edition of

⭐️ FSU’s Occasional Newsletter ⭐️

Is That An Earthquake Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

The day began with a vague disturbance. Was it seismic activity? Inbox tomfoolery? A very happy birthday wake up for @lila-rae?

That last one is between her and Mr LR but

Bottom line: we could sense something coming.

It’s Not The Size Of The Entourage, It’s What You Do With It

We knew Tom was in Scotland and we figured it might be for golf but we did not know until this morning that he brought every single one of his brothers and best mates. So many of his closest dudes in one place made us 🤔

Lord knows he’s a generous friend and his circle is tight, but we wondered what they might be celebrating?

The delulu? It was percolating.

Our Italian Romance: Starring Tomdaya 🎥

We were already abuzz and the delulu was bountiful on the dash when suddenly the most cinematic and romantic photos of our favorite couple dropped. We learned they were canoodling at the gorgeous Castillo di Reschio, with such romantic activities as pasta-making (watch those fingers, Z!) and horseback riding.

And if that wasn’t enough, A POOL DATE. Both of them sunkissed and beautiful, reading books and looking like the movie stars they are.

No, your eyes don’t deceive you. They did switch books. 🫠

Every single one of us immediately wondered why our partners weren’t offering to read aloud to us in the pool at an Italian castle. But then, who hasn’t wondered that at least once?

Dad Said His Tea Was Cold But We Say It Was Piping Hot

As if we weren’t all twitterpated enough from the Italian romcom baecation pics, Zendaya’s Father In Law Dom felt like we needed a glimpse into their everyday life at home. He shared that the newest member of the Coleman-Holland family, Daphne the dog, is a “beautiful” addition to the clan and that her youthful energy has found a fast friend in her aunt Rosie, who is just a year older. Big brother and recent outcast (banished to live with Uncle Darnell, what did he do?) was said to be too old to enjoy the young pups.

Dom was feeling chatty I guess because he didn’t stop there. He went on to share that Zendaya had recently joined Nikki and Dom for dinner at the local pub.

He further said that Granny Tess, siblings, cousins, all the boys and “the dogs” would soon be accompanying him and Nikki on an anniversary celebration trip to Portugal. Dare we hope for more family photos?

Even if we don’t, that’s another bingo square, baby.

Aunt May Has Shipped It For Years

To top off the content-crazy, your favorite aunt and mine, Marisa Tomei, said at an event in Canada that one of her favorite parts of her Spider Man experience was watching Tom and Zendaya grow up and “fall in love.” 🥰

That face she’s making? The I can’t take it they’re so cute face? We were all wearing it. Even the strongest soldiers among us were grinning and kicking their feet. (We saw you, don’t try to deny it!)

While we await word from the pixel analysts on what people starring in their own epic love story read to each other on vacation, and while we bask in all the little details that make the story more real and more beautiful every day, let’s take a moment as I close to appreciate just how hot Zendaya’s back is in this dinner photo.

Until next time, remember my friends: be kind to each other. I love you. I’m wishing that each of you will find the one who thinks reading to you in the pool (Italian or otherwise) is the most perfect day.

And I hope your birthday is as filled with happy surprises as @lila-rae found hers for the third year in a row!

[myocsfanfictions]

THE WRATH OF FIRE

House of the Dragon Fanfiction

MASTERLIST

Princess Ysilla Targaryen is the only daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and lady Rhea Royce. The affection that she felt for her mother was strong, while her father had never been there, acting as if Ysilla was not even his. But she was. The dragon egg that had been put in her cradle hatched. An outcast of a dragon was born. A dragon with no legs. An outcast of a dragon for and outcast of a dragon rider. Ysilla’s hair were dark, but streaked with white. She was a Targaryen and her wrath was not different from the one that burn inside the members of the House of the Dragon.

《 Previous - Next 》

CHAPTER 3

Ysilla had loved her time in King's Landing. Her uncle was a sweet man, and he liked Ysilla's company. It had been strange for the little princess because no man had ever treated her like family. She had only her lady mother in Runestone. But King Viserys had been very kind to her, allowing one of the Maesters of the Dragonpit to follow her back to the Vale so that he could attend to her dragon.

"Your grace," she had asked timidly one morning as they were breaking their fast. Queen Alicent was with them as well.

"Tell me, dear niece," Viserys answered with a smile.

"I would like to learn High Valyrian," she noticed how the King shared a look at his Queen. A hint of sorrow was in his eyes, and Ysilla wondered if she had asked too much.

"That would be a lovely idea," the King said, smiling gently at her. Ysilla blushed, happy that her uncle appreciated her wish. "From your mother's words, I know you like to learn."

"It is true, your grace," Ysilla answered, nodding her head. The Queen chuckled softly.

"Let's hope our Aegon will have the same endeavor for knowledge," Vyseris said.

Ysilla had met the little Prince Aegon, who was almost two years old. The girl did not know what to think of him; he could not even talk properly yet.

"Is my father happy to hear it as well?" Ysilla asked curiously. But then again, she noticed how the King shared a look with his wife.

"I... I'm sure he is, dear." Those words should have made her happy, but they didn't because she was not sure how true they were. Was her father not happy with her? Was she disappointing him?

"Did I do something wrong?" She asked, confused.

"Of course not," her uncle was quick to say, "Your father is at war; it's been long since I last saw him."

Ysilla looked down. She was truly so silly. She was only two when the war on the Stepstones started. But she wanted to meet her father and talk to him.

She had been trying to talk about him sometimes, but no one would talk about Daemon Targaryen. She was not sure why, but it seemed to her that the Hand of the King didn't like her father, while the king seemed pained to talk about his brother. But no one explained anything to her; she was too young, they said.

She had hoped to get to know her father better in King's Landing, but he was far even in a place that he had loved. Or so her mother would say.

Ysilla missed Runestone, but she could understand why her father loved King's Landing so much. Her favorite place was the Dragonpit; she even loved the smell of dragons. And it seemed that her own dragon liked to be there, too. At first, she was afraid he would not have recognized her, but he did, happily and clumsily crawling in her direction.

"Is Vhagar in the Dragonpit as well?" She had asked curiously at Rhaenyra one morning under the Heart Tree.

"She is too big," Rhaenyra answered. "Why? Do you want to see her?"

Ysilla smiled, "Visenya was Vhaghar's rider," she explained, "I like stories about Visenya."

"I like them too," her cousin answered, sitting closer to Ysilla, "I would have liked to have a sister like you."

Ysilla felt like blushing, but then she got curious, "You've got Aegon, though," but Rhaenyra's eyes lowered silently.

Did she not love Aegon?

Ysilla wondered why. But she dared not to ask, not wanting her cousin to get sad.

"I hope my dragon will be as big as Vhaghar," Ysilla confessed, "And that I'll become as strong as Visenya." And that her father would be proud of her.

"I'm sure you will," Rhaenyra promised.

Ysilla was enjoying her time in King's Landing. She enjoyed spending time with Rhaenyra and the Queen, but never together. The two of them didn't seem eager to stay in each other's presence, Especially Rhaenyra.

"You truly look beautiful," said Alicent the morning of Aegon's second name. The Queen was wearing a beautiful red gown, and her auburn hair was held together by a net of jewels. Ysilla blushed at the compliment. No one ever complimented her appearance. Her mother didn't want her to focus only on her physics. She was a woman of the Vale, stronger than most. But Ysilla wished to be pretty. She sometimes wished that her hair was silver like the rest of her family and not strange like hers. Dark and streaked with silver. It always looked messy; it didn't matter how many times she'd brushed it.

"I wish I was as pretty as you," she said, biting her lips.

"You are just five of age," the Queen told her gently. "You've got time to think about those things." Then she put her hands on her shoulders and said, "Shall we go?"

That would have been her last week at the Capital, and she was very sad about it. She enjoyed that visit as much as her dragon. He was little, but he was not afraid of other dragons, and he was growing healthier by the day.

The feast for Aegon's name-day was like nothing Ysilla had ever seen. So many people were dressed in rich, embroidered clothes and the finest jewels. All the ladies fussed about Aegon, and they were all happy and made a lot of compliments. They seemed to love him very much, the first son of the King.

"May I introduce you to my niece Ysilla Targaryen, Lady Redwine?" The King said, lightly pushing Ysilla towards an old lady. The woman looked at her. Her eyes lingered on her hair, but then she smiled. It was a tight smile; it didn't fully reach her eyes. "The daughter of Prince Daemon," Ysilla nodded her head proudly at the woman's words. "It is a pleasure to meet you, princess."

Ysilla bowed clumsily, "The pleasure is mine."

"What about Lady Rhea?" Lady Redwine asked the King. "Is she not present?" Ysilla didn't like her tone. She seemed to be judging and mocking. But she had no right to speak in such a way about her noble mother.

"Lady Rhea is a very busy lady," her uncle answered, "But Ysilla is here in her place."

The woman nodded, "To not let people forget." Ysilla frowned, looking up at her uncle, who was glaring at her for some reason.

What should people remember? Ysilla asked herself. She did not understand that woman.

"How about Prince Daemon, your grace?" Lady Redwine asked Viserys, "What words are from the Stepstones?"

Viserys smiled with tension. Ysilla could tell he did not like the question. "A war of little concern for the realm." Ysilla frowned again.

Her father was fighting. His brother. Why was that a little concern?

"Ysilla," Alicent called her, gesturing to get closer to her. The little princess looked at her uncle once more before doing as she was asked. "What about you sit here with Aegon?" she asked, gesturing to the wet nurse to put Aegon on a soft carpet. You could play together."

Ysilla was not sure what she should have done, but she nodded nonetheless. Then, she sat quietly next to the little prince, but her eyes remained on her uncle.

I wish I was older, she thought. I could understand better.

Ysilla started to play with Aegon a little, but her eyes kept looking at the people around. And she noticed it. They would whisper as their eyes lay on her.

Is it for my hair? She asked herself. But even if she hated her hair, she was not quite sure that was the reason behind their gaze and whispers.

Then suddenly, she felt something pulling at her dark lock, not enough to hurt her. When her eyes moved, she noticed Aegon looking at her hair curiously before his lips turned up into a smile. He seemed to like it.

It is not for my hair. She thought, looking back at a man with golden hair and a roaring lion embroidered on his chest, whispering to his twin brother.

Did they know something she didn't? Did something happen to her father at the Stepstones, and no one would tell her?

She wanted to know.

Ysilla managed to get away from Aegon's grip before telling the wet nurse that her tummy was empty and that she would have to go to eat something and then come back. Ysilla walked to the table, observing the food as if she were truly hungry, hoping to catch someone talking about the Stepstones and her father. But she didn't catch anything. Women were talking rumors, and men were looking forward to the hunt that would have closed the Prince's celebration.

Nothing of her interest, then she heard it.

"The King does not want to help," she heard the Hand say to a man with the sigil of House Hightower on his chest. "Daemon and Corlys Velaryon acted without His Grace's word," Ysilla was as quiet as a shadow as she walked closer to hear them better.

"He has always been a disgrace," the other man said, "And the folly about Dragonstone."

Otto Hightower nodded. "His Grace wanted him to go back to Runestone, but he never wanted to."

"We all know how he disrespects Lady Rhea and his daughter." Ysilla felt her hands shaking. What did it mean? She did not understand.

Otto took a breath, "The goat and the goat's daughter. He truly is vile."

Ysilla felt her eyes fill with tears, but she was quick to walk away. Wanting to forget about that conversation. But she couldn't. Her father couldn't have talked about her and her mother in such a way. Why?

That could not be possible. They must have been lying. The Hand didn't like her father; she knew that. But could that really be a rumor? What was his end?

Those words had been repeating themselves in her ear for all the rest of her visit to King's Landing. And they never went away. They've kept coming louder and more painful.

_____________________________________________________________

Taglist: @watercolorskyy @darylandbethfanforever9

If you want to be add to the taglist just let me know.

If you liked it, please leave a ♥️ and reblog!

[baronessvonglitter]

Cherry, Cherry 🍒 Chapter 3 🍒

"Chicken Fight"

pre-outbreak! AU! Joel Miller x f!Reader

Word count: 2,231

Summary: at a pool party, your on-again-off-again boyfriend tries to start drama, and you start to realize the extent of what Joel feels for you.

WARNINGS: 18+ Only! Mature and Explicit, language, accusations of cheating/verbal abuse from a jealous bf, accidental(?) hard-ons, brief mention of masturbation, age gap (reader is 18, Joel is 35), reader's race not mentioned, no use of y/n

Series Masterlist

You'd caught glimpses, but not really interacted with Joel since that day at the coffee shop. You wonder if maybe bringing up your sort-of-boyfriend Trevor had given Joel the sense that you were trying to warn him off of you, but in fact you had no idea why you'd mentioned him. And only after you'd invited Joel and his family to your party did you get the call from Trevor that he'd be in town that weekend to come and see you. You'd groaned about it, but there was no way on earth you could disinvite either him or Joel.

Trevor shows up early to help set up for the party, coming straight from his motel (as your cousin would not allow him to stay at the house). Though it's been a few weeks since you've seen him, you feel a lack of excitement when he's around, He tries a couple times to put his arm around your waist or to kiss you, but you manage to sidestep him, wishing to remain polite. Trevor's not the kind to force anything on you, but you can tell he's hurt by your lack of affection.

You cheer up when guests arrive and each time you run to the door hoping it's Joel. Every few minutes you pause to make sure your new swimsuit looks good, accentuating the parts of your body you love and downplaying the parts you're still learning to love. You pull on some denim shorts to keep Trevor's eyes off you.

You start to think Joel won't come by after all, then you hear the doorbell and answer it, finding him and Sarah on your doorstep, along with a younger man bearing a strong resemblance to Joel. You let the trio in, excitedly greeting Sarah, shyly saying hi to Joel, and being introduced to Tommy, Joel's younger brother. You smile and shake his hand, already able to discern their disparate personalities. If Joel is a smirk, Tommy is a grin. You catch him giving you then Joel a look, and you see Joel glance away. What is that about?

Sarah and Tommy head outside to the pool, leaving you alone with Joel. You both start to say something at the same time, then laugh. Trevor joins you at your side, his arm around your shoulders, prompting a questioning look from Joel.

"Oh, uh, Joel.. this is my boyfriend Trevor," you feel your heart pounding as the two finally meet.

Joel's smile almost looks forced. "It's nice to meet you, Trevor. I'm Joel Miller."

Trevor seems polite enough towards Joel, but his cell phone chirps and he excuses himself to answer it. "He's probably going to be on that thing the rest of the day," you sigh. "Do you want a drink? We have beer.. I'll have one too if you promise not to tell on me."

Joel smiles and you feel those little butterflies in your stomach again. "Well, in that case, I could go for one, yeah," he agrees. "A cold one would hit the spot."

You lead him outside where Sarah and Tommy are already in the pool, and a few of your friends and family are also swimming or eating. You grab a couple bottles of beer from the ice chest and pop them open. "Long time, no see," you say casually, handing him a beer.

"Yeah, I guess." He blushes a little and you notice it. He gives a casual glance over your body and you notice that too, while inside you're shrieking in excitement.

But he's a man of few words, this Joel Miller, and you have to remind yourself of that. "How's work been?" you ask. "I'm still hoping for a ride along."

"Work's been fine," he gives a little laugh. You can tell he's trying to keep his focus on your face and not let his eyes wander. "You really want me to take you on a ride along?"

"Would that be okay?"

He is quiet a moment before answering. "Yeah, that'd be fine. Sure you won't get bored or anything?"

"Of course I won't get bored. You're going to play all of country music's greatest hits while we're driving around," you tease.

He laughs. "Okay, you got me. I'll let you know when I'm available to bring you with me."

Surreptitiously you watch Joel sip his beer.. you watch the way his lips cushion the opening, watch the way his Adam's apple bobs as he swallows, watch him lick the tiny droplets of beer from his lips. If you kiss him right now you know just what he would taste like.

Trevor approaches, breaking your little reverie. "Hey. I'm leaving."

You turn to him. "Already? Why?"

"You should fucking know why." He walks away but you put your hand on his arm. Trevor swats you away.

"Talk to me," you plead, following him inside. You realize you're not upset he's leaving, you just don't want a scene made in front of everyone there.

"Who's that guy? The one you were talking with?" he asks accusingly.

"He's my neighbor. I'm friends with his daughter," you defend yourself.

Trevor doesn't look convinced. "He's been checking you out the whole time he's been here. I caught him checking out your ass, looking at your tits. But I guess he's the one you're wearing this slutty swimsuit for, huh?"

You're taken aback by everything he says, but a small part of you burns within. Joel was checking me out?? "Trevor, he's only been here five minutes. You're imagining things."

"Am I? I drove all the way here to be with you. Are you still mine?" He cups your ass, pressing himself against you and you wince. Sensing your discomfort he steps away. "Are you fucking him?"

Eyes wide, your mouth is agape. "Of course not! And stop cursing, my family's here!" But you're blushing. You can feel it and Trevor sees it. He just shakes his head and goes out the door to leave.

"Have fun fucking your old-ass neighbor!" he shouts over his shoulder as he heads to his Jeep. "He only wants you 'cause you're barely legal."

"Wait!" You chase after him, not really knowing why. You watch helplessly as Trevor drives away angrily. Standing in the middle of the street, you think about your fight, about what Trevor has accused you of. Was your attraction to Joel that obvious? You hear your name being called and turn to see Joel. "Hey.. don't mind him, he's being an idiot."

Joel slightly raises his brow. "Did somethin' happen between you guys? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine.. How much of that argument did you hear?"

"Not much of it, but he shouldn't cuss at you the way he did back there, in front of your family. Fuckin' lowlife," he grumbles.

You cast a quick glance at him. "I guess he was just jealous of us talking."

"Jealous.. of us talking?" Joel repeats.

You shrug. "He's the jealous type. He'll get over it." You force a smile. Thinking again about Trevor's accusations you don't sense any of that from Joel right now. Maybe it really was all in Trevor's jealous, overactive imagination. "Come on, let's go back to the party."

Trevor's words linger on your mind as you and Joel sit together, have some food, and catch up. There's not a lot going on in your own little life, but you could listen to Joel for hours, and after another beer he's a little more talkative. Soon Sarah and Tommy join you, and you genuinely enjoy getting to know the Millers. Even your family members come up to say hi to them, and you're glad that everyone is getting along, that Trevor's negative energy is gone.

The music is booming, people are laughing, having fun. The evening turns to night and the tiki lights are lit. The pool lights turn the water a brilliant aqua blue. Sofia and Tommy, who have been getting pretty chummy with each other all day, want to play chicken fight, and ask for another couple to play. They both point to Joel and you.

"Come on!" you tug at Joel to get him to the pool with you. "You ever played before?"

"A few times," he says, taking off his shirt. You watch a moment then look away, pulling your denim shorts off. You wade into the pool where Tommy and Sofia are splashing each other before getting into position to play.

Joel swims up to next to you and you realize this is the first time you'll ever touch in such a way. With a shy smile you get up on Joel's shoulders with some help from him as he lifts you up. You steady yourself, resting your hands on his head and he puts his hands on your knees. Perched on his shoulders, your thighs on either side of his head, it feels almost like an act of intimacy, and it makes you blush. Tommy and Sofia are in position opposite you. "Come on, I'm ready to win," you tell Joel, your fingertips lightly grazing his scalp.

His grip tightens on your knees. "I'm ready when you are."

You square up against Tommy and Sofia in the middle of the pool and push Sofia into the water easily. Joel cheers for you and give you a high five, and you gently tousle his hair. The next round lasts a bit longer, with you and Sofia struggling against each other until she uses Tommy to knock into Joel, causing you both to topple into the pool together. You both laugh as you resurface, wiping the water from your eyes. "We've got to win the next one, okay?" you tell him. He nods as he helps you onto his shoulders again. Once more you're incredibly aware of how close your bodies are, and if you move against him a certain way it creates a line of fire right to the pit of your stomach. You force yourself to concentrate on the game.

Round 3 starts. You and your cousin are tied and you both keep yourselves on top longer than before, both of you putting up a good fight. Ultimately you push your cousin into the water. "We won!" you shout. You get off Joel's shoulders and hug him in the spirit of victory, thinking little of it at first. Then you press a little too close. Joel tries to keep you away, but you already feel it.

Underwater, through his swim trunks, pressed against your belly, you feel Joel. He's hard. For you.

A jolt of desire shoots through you but you step back, unsure of what to do. He looks embarrassed and is obviously doing his best to get his situation under control.

"Best out of five!" Tommy shouts, unaware of what is going on with you and his brother.

"I'm retiring," you joke. "Find someone else to lose to," you smirk. Glancing at Joel, who has completely turned away from you, you get out of the pool.

The night goes on, the music seems to blare louder, the drinks flow freer, and it's mostly the younger crowd who's staying this late. Joel spends his time away from you, catching up with other guests, ignoring every glance you cast him. You can't help feeling pushed to the side. But you consider it's better than attempting awkward conversation with him. That moment keeps replaying in your mind: you'd caused that reaction in him, even if it was only because of the physical closeness you'd shared that was suddenly too much, even if it was just because you're a young woman.

As the party winds down in the wee hours after midnight Joel does finally approach you. "Hey, I can't find Sarah.."

You help him search the house and find her in your bedroom, fast asleep. "Poor little thing, she's tuckered out. She can stay here if you don't want to wake her," you offer.

Joel smiles. "That's fine. Just.. send her over if she starts being a pain. It's about time for me to head home. Tommy's still hangin' out with your cousin."

"Let me walk you home."

He hesitates. "All right."

You start outside, going next door to his place. Crickets chirp, their sound ringing through the Texas humidity. You reach his porch together. "Thanks for coming tonight. I hope you had fun."

"I had a great time," he smiles at you.

"Y'all can come by and use the pool anytime. I'm usually at work and Sofia travels a lot for the airline."

"Thanks. I appreciate that. Maybe we'll take you up on that offer."

"Don't forget you owe me a ride.. I mean, a ride in your truck.. a ride along," you stammer.

He gives you a warm smile. "Oh yeah, of course. I'll give you a ride. We'll have some fun.. in my truck. Definitely."

You blush at his words, the double meaning of them. You remember the feel of him between your thighs, his hardness against your pelvis. "Good night.."

"Good night." he says in return as you leave.

You hurry home. Showering doesn't help you relax. The only relief you find is when you slip your fingers inside yourself, wishing they were Joel's. You remake the night's events to form your own little fantasy, all while smiling. You know now that he definitely likes you back..

<- prev chapter

next chapter ->

divider by @saradika-graphics 👑

[starsexplodeatnight]

John Price X Reader!

My first published piece!

Captain John Pricex Reader!

Minors do not engage!

You loved him, really. But, John Price is a lot to handle. Yes, he is a family man, a great husband, a wonderful provider. But he holds on too tight. Tight enough to strangle. You- You had to do it.

even though it felt like your heart was being ripped out of your chest when he found out... Oh, his poor watery blue eyes you loved so much...

You cried your eyes out in bed that night, alone.

Price is eh, heh- heh, heh, heh. He's not letting you go, love. Not ever.

You live in this incredible house, curtesy of your husband's high paying career in the military. It's the perfect place for children to grow up...

Toxic Ex-husband Price never leaves. "The house is ours, love. Ours is ours." And leaves no room for debate. He'll live in the in-law apartment above the detached garage, yeah? He's not happy about it and uses every instance he can to weaken your resolve and stop this silly 'separation' nonsense.

Walk's out onto the balcony in the morning in his robe, coffee in hand. The robe is open, exposing his chest to the neighborhood. He doesn't care that the women jogging by can see and stare. He only cares when he sees you stop and stare out your bedroom window, all alone. Before you aggressively close the curtains, trying not to fall for his tricks!

Semi Toxic Ex-husband Price, who still wants all the gossip you used to share with him when you were married. He'll just stroll into the house from the back door and hear you chatting with your friend from Pta.

He does what he used to, sit his ass right next to you and press his ear on the other side of your phone. Does he care about the gossip? Not really, it's amusing, but not really his thing. What he loves? He loves how you used to turn to him and go off. You look so happy, chattering on and on about what you'd just heard. Including him in your life...

He says he doesn't really like the gossip but will get upset if you don't tell him every detail. His job is to know, love. You can't just leave him hanging! He will demand to know more about Patricia from the parent-teacher conferences. She slept with the teacher! You can't leave him hanging on that, luv! Just to get you to talk to him the way you used to.

Semi Toxic Ex-husband Price, who is your mother's favorite.

She hates your sister's boyfriend; she hates your brother's wife. You? You landed the cream of the crop!!!

How could you have left him??? Your grandma, your mother and your aunties LOVE him, smug bastard. He eats it the fuck up...

They greet him like the long-lost son they wish they had! Meeting him at the door with kisses on the cheek, beckoning him towards the kitchen, treating him like royalty. He is the favorite, and he's not even blood!

"Oh, such a handsome man! So nice!" "So polite!" "And respectful!" "Here, is she feeding you enough?" Oh, when they learn you've served him with divorce papers? They all cry out in alarm. Everyone, not just the women. Uncles, Grandpa, Cousins, all of them.

"What you talking 'bout divorce? fah! He still come to family parties!" They would totally be on his side… They all help in his case to get back together with you.

It'd make him so much worse….

Especially if your youngest kid is going to her first day of school. You both drop her off and you bawl your eyes out and he's there to comfort you, just like he had with all the times before… cradling you to his strong but soft chest. So warm... familiar... soothes the heartache you're experiencing.

Do you want another baby? You miss having a little one around now that your youngest is off to school, yeah? He can help with that…

Maybe- Maybe you... Maybe you were too harsh on him. Maybe, give him another chance...

[inexplicifics]

hi inex that one warlady milena and noble lambert ask has my brain whirling. i'm trying to think of how that would even come to be, and what milena's court might be like, because i can't imagine it'd be entirely like the kaer morhen we know.

and i keep thinking about how much happier lambert would be there, against his best wishes, without having to keep a polite face on since the nobles/witchers there would be much harder to offend, and finally being free of the pressure that comes with being third in line -- not the heir not the spare, but knowing that he'd be married off anyway.

(on that train of thought, i'd love to know exactly what his father's reasoning for sending him and not geralt or eskel instead) (or maybe they're brothers at heart, but he is his father's only actual son? the only one who might make political alliances, and lambert would hope that his father would keep him as an heir rather than have his cousin or wtv on the ducal seat, but he doesn't? that'd be so fucked up)

but anyway i'm heavily thinking about. warlady milena who is still a gently bred noble lady, as much as she has toughened up over the years, she'll never be as coarse as the men and women she leads, and her tribute which... what is she even meant to do with a noble tribute who doesn't seem to want anything to do with teaching witchers/warriors about political acumen or manners? the answer is to let him learn about alchemy and bombs, but that probably only shows up ue to circumstances, not right away. so lambert is in a sort of precarious position there and it's sooooo delightful

and i'm thinking about geralt and eskel who i'm assuming would be like. guards ? in the eventuality where they're really just chosen family, and them quitting lambert's father service days after they learn where lambert has been sent, and making the trek by foot which lambert would have done by portal, showing up a month or two later to their little brother being reluctantly happier now than he ever was before, and resolutey out of his father's crutches

this is so long but i'm thiinking so hard

I gotta admit I'm going in a very different and rather more batshit direction with this concept, but yours is awfully fun! Poor confused both of them!

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

I feel like bayverse leo would be like a lost puppy by following his crush around and trying to learn her family and cousin ways.

Y/n teaching him stuff but they went camping and they are on the beach, and y/n is collecting shells.

( sorry I stole the beach and camping idea off of the new story you made 😭 IM SORRY )

And I don’t mind if you change the story up or fix it because I suck balls at explaining stuff. 💀 💗

Family Camping and Sea Shells (Fluff)

Bayverse!Leonardo x reader

A/N: That’s a-okay💚 That’s how inspiration work💙 This is probably not exactly what you asked for, but I tried to get it close. Hope you enjoy💙

----------

(C/N) = Cousin’s name, (Y/M/N) = Your mother’s name.

Warnings: Spelling and an annoying cousin.

----------

It was at moments like these, that Leonardo thought about what exactly he had wanted to happen, when he asked to come with you and your family on a camping trip. Well, he obviously wished to be close to you, his best friend, and to learn about you and your extended family. They had always been so nice to him and his brothers, ever since that day all those years ago, where you brought them to your home in order to meet your parents. And as the years went one, and you and Leo’s friendship grew, your family and home almost became a home to him. But now, as he helped your dad and uncle bring the beach chairs and coolers out to the beach, listening to every single thing they had to say, he couldn’t help but think about what the real reason was. Well, that was quite easy to answer; you.

Leo wasn’t fully sure when it first had started, but at some time during your long friendship, he had developed a crush on you. And now as he listened intently to every detail your dad and uncle had to tell him about fishing, he could not help but think about you once more. The things he would do just to feel close to you and your family took him by surprise sometimes… Speaking of you, where were you? You, your mom and aunt had told him and the other’s to go ahead before you, and now Leo couldn’t help but get anxious. Sitting alone with the father and uncle of his crush felt strange, even though he had known your dad for years. Leo’s leg started to jump restlessly, his blue swimming trunks rustling slightly, and his eyes darting between the two men in front of him and the first.

When you and the rest of your family finally emerged from the trees, he could finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Sorry the wait”, you smiled, throwing your towel onto the beach chair Leo was sitting in, adjusting your bathing suit just slightly. “We couldn’t find (C/N)’s bathing wings”.

“Hey! It’s not my fault mom packed them in such a fucked up place!”, they yelled.

“Launguage!”, your aunt exclaimed, making your cousin cross their arms in annoyance. Boy, that was a scene Leo could relate to.

—

Leo followed you closely around on the beach, not really sure what else to do. With you around he would much rather be close to you, feeling safe and calm when he stayed close to you. When you went into the water with your cousins, he followed, staying close as he threw them into the water, finding enjoyment in their giggles and laughs. And when you left the water in order to spend some time in the beach chairs, Leo did exactly the same, taking the time to bask in the sun, just like any other turtle would do.

After some time, the rest of your family started moving back to the campsite, just behind the trees and bushes, in order to get started on the first cooking. Your family, knowing what a terrible cook Leo was, had allowed you and the blue clad turtle to stay back on the beach, enjoying the wind and the somewhat quiet nature around you. You could only very faintly hear your cousins fight among each other, as you and Leo moved to the shadow just by the trees. Here you started talking about the small things and the big things, just like you always did when you were alone together, before the two of you would stay silent, enjoying the nature around you. The birds in the leaves above your head, as the waves crashing against the beach.

As you sat there in peace, your eyes started wandering over the sand, until you noticed something down by your foot. A shinny curved shell, glistering at you in the small amount of sun that poked through the leaves. You leaned forward to pick it up, with Leo watching you curiously.

“What have you found?”, he asked, confusion washing over his face as you held the shell up to your ear. “What are you doing?”

“Here, listen”, you said with a bright smile, bringing the shell up to his ear. “You can hear the sea”.

“(Y/N), we’re right next to the sea”, Leo chuckled, nodding towards the big open waters in the horizon.

“Yeah, I know smarty pants”, you chuckled, scooting closer to him, wrapping one arm around his, as you held the shell up to his ear. “But listen anyway”.

Leo shook his head at you, finding the way you held onto him adorable. But he gave in, leaning his head against the shell, and thereby closer to you. You were biting your lip, waiting in anticipation for his reaction. And to Leo’s surprise, you were right. Through the shell, he could hear what sounded like the wind of the sea.

“Okay, I honestly didn’t expect that”, Leo said with a small smile, taking the shell from your hand, turning it between his three fingers. He tried his best to ignore how you were still wrapped around his arm, staying as close to him as you did before, making his heart beat faster and faster in his chest.

“You should listen to me more often”, you teased. “Sometimes I can really teach you some cool things”.

“Yeah, apparently so”, Leo said, still toying around with the shell in his hand, yet never taking his eyes off you. And that was how the two of you sat for a moment, just looking at each other, in comfortable silence, taking in each other’s features. Leo bit the inside of his cheek, wondering if he should go for it. Was this the moment he had always dreamed of, when he could just lean in and kiss you? And he would be so lucky that you would kiss back? Leo was just about to build up courage, just about to lean in, when the air suddenly was pierced with the high pitch voice of your cousin. Of course they just had to come out and check on the two of you.

“Auntie (Y/M/N)! (Y/N) and Leo are kissing!”, your cousin yelled towards the campside. Leo’s face got so hot and his body stiffened up in panic, while you almost choked on the air in your lungs, being caught in the middle of a daydream about how Leo’s lips would feel against yours. But then your mother answered your cousin, purposefully yelling so loud she knew both you and Leo could hear it.

“I’ll say it’s about time! Now, leave them alone, (C/N). People don’t like it when others watch them kiss!”

You and Leo looked at each other, eyes wide, none of you knowing what to do or say, other than wondering how the two of you were going to survive this camping trip. And how you were going to throw your cousin back into the sea, before finally making that little daydream a reality.

[asa-do-your-thing]

The Maelström

Alyrie Targaryen, the middle child of King Viserys and Queen Alicent Hightower, embarks on a diplomatic mission to the north just before her brother Aemond heads to Storm's End. Contrary to her mother's description of Lord Stark as a savage, she discovers a refined, honorable and handsome lord. However, her former fiancé, Jacaerys Velaryon is also present and tries to hinder her interactions with Cregan, wishing to have his attention for himself. When Jacaerys learns of his Lucerys' death at Aemond's hands, his rage erupts towards Alyrie. In a bid to protect herself and to escape a potential war, Alyrie urgently asks Crgan to marry her.

For the whole story, check out AO3 <3

Thank you @hotd-bigbang and @darushi-chan for everything ^-^ dividers by @targaryen-dynasty Below are some excerpts... :)

Jace.

She wondered what he had been doing these past few moons. Was Rhaenyra also looking for a new match for him? Who would he marry? Was he also being pushed around to try and convince Great Houses to support their side? Of course he was, she thought bitterly, he was Rhaenyra’s heir.

Her fingers halted their meticulous dance across the fabric, her mind awash with memories. Jacaerys — Jace — had been more than a cousin to her; he'd been her confidant, her companion through countless dreams and adventures within the castle walls. His presence had been like a beacon of light in the shadowy labyrinth of courtly intrigues, his laughter a cure for the lonely hours spent amid lessons and meaningless teas and dinners with her ladies.

She missed him - missed the sound of his voice, the way his eyes would twinkle mischievously before he pulled one of his harmless pranks. The memory brought a smile to Alyrie's face, quickly dimming as she remembered the circumstances that now separated them.

A sharp jab brought her back to reality, her thumb having strayed too close to the needle. Sucking at the small wound, she cast a long glance at the darkened window. The moon hung high in the sky. She wondered if Jace was looking at that same moon wherever he was, thinking about her.

Alyrie bit her lip, her mind spinning. Why was Jace in Winterfell and why hadn't she known about this sooner? She thought back to their last meeting, the words left unspoken, the feelings left unresolved. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked towards Lord Cregan.

"And why is he here?" She asked, striving for casualness but only managing to sound frail.

"I don't know," Lord Stark admitted with a shrug, leaning back in his chair. "He arrived unannounced a fortnight ago. He claimed that he needed some time away from court and that he would be staying here indefinitely."

Alyrie's brow furrowed in confusion. That didn't sound like Jace at all. He thrived at court, loved the thrill of politics and the bargaining of alliances. For him to abandon it all so abruptly... something was amiss.

"And you just accommodated him?" Alyrie questioned, her violet eyes flickering with suspicion.

Cregan held up his hands in surrender. "He is still Prince Jacaerys," he pointed out. "It is not my place to refuse him shelter. And if I might remind you, your Grace, that I have accommodated you just the same."

Alyrie nodded slowly, mulling over his words as she paced around the room, her eyes gently scanning the ancient books scattered across the shelves.

"Would you wish for me to leave?" She finally asked, turning to face Lord Stark once more.

"Well," Cregan began, his brows knitting as he mustered her carefully, “there is no need for that. Winterfell has welcomed you with open arms and I will be willing to listen to King Aegon’s… wishes. As long as you do not start a fight here, you are more than welcome to stay.”

Alyrie let out a soft breath she didn't even realise she had been holding. She knew she wasn't one to start brawls, but with Jace... well, things could go awry quite easily. If not physical, then emotional, at least. "I will do my best to avoid conflict, my Lord."

In her solitude, she hoped for a sign from the Seven or any gods that would listen – a sign that she was on the right path, but none came. Well, in one way or another it did come, a few hours later - as promised, Lord Cregan came to collect her to show her Winterfell’s glass gardens.

He leaned against the wall on the other side of her chamber’s doors, waiting patiently for her to come out. “Your Grace, I hope you’ve had a peaceful day, doing… your womanly things.”

Alyrie grinned and nodded. Gods, he was so charming, she thought to herself and thought back to her mother ranting about him. ‘He’s as hairy as a bear, has a child with no septa tending to it and has almost no manners, I’ve been told! I cannot fathom how a man like him can be a Lord Paramount. Or maybe it is even better like that… If he is such, then how are the other people from that frigid wasteland?’

“Oh, ‘twas very peaceful indeed. I played the high harp and embroidered. How was the fight with the mopey Prince?”, she cheekily asked back and took his offered arm. Gods, how big it was, she thought with a small blush and held her head up high as they walked through the corridors out towards the Godswood.

He chuckled deeply, a sound that resonated through his chest and caused the arm she linked with to vibrate slightly. "Mopey? Hm. The young Prince can fight, I'll give him that. But he definitely needs a stronger grip."

A curious smile spread across her face as they walked, her eyes darting around the corridor. “Oh?” She arched one thin brow at the lord alongside her and let out a soft giggle. “And what can you tell me about your grip, my lord?”

Cregan glanced down at their arms linked together, a slow smirk spreading on his lips. "Strong enough to hold my own in battle, my princess." He let the words hang in the air for a moment too long, loaded with double entendre.

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 4/?

Prev | Next

TW: Mention of Suicidal thoughts

Short little hurt/ comfort as Jason's and Danny's family circle grows by three

Jason and Roy watched as Lian and Danny played with Raven.

It was a warm summer day, so Jason made sweet tea to cool them down. It had been three days since Roy had found Jason, and he couldn’t help but want to hang out with the kid. It helped that they both had a child that could play with each other.

Besides, Danny needed to interact with people his age.

“So, what’s with the red hair?”

“Had to make sure the bats had a hard time finding me, so I dyed my hair.”

“Okay, but why red? It doesn’t suit you.”

Jason rolled his eyes, “You think I care what does or doesn’t look good on me? Besides, I bought the first box I got my hands on.”

“I think you should’ve gone light brown or blond,” Roy said with a hint of laughter in his voice.

“I love how you went for the full ginger look and gave yourself green contact lenses.”

“They aren’t contact lenses.”

“What,” Roy asked, confused.

“They aren’t contact lenses. They’re a side effect of coming back from the dead.”

An awkward silence settled between them. They watched as Raven levitated both children, but Raven was eying both men on the porch. Danny was staring at Roy with a piercing gaze while Lian was oblivious.

“Sorry,” Roy said after a while.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

“Still, I was trying to lighten things up and made shit worse, huh?”

Jason sighed and put down the glass of iced tea. He turned toward Roy.

“You don’t have to make things ‘less awkward.’ You’re here, giving me a chance even after all the shit I’ve pulled. You haven’t run to the Bats and told them where I am and that I have a kid now. Trust me; not many would do that.”

“I would never do that, Jay. Your death almost destroyed me. I was reckless, I was drinking, and I wanted to kill myself via Killer Croc. He sponsored me, y’know, after he figured out my game plan. Besides, I know how it feels like to fear someone will come in and take your kid because you’re a fuck up.”

The laughter of the two children echoed in the forests as both men watched them. Both men felt a lightness as their children played.

“Dick was rarely there when I was younger. I wish I had the brother the other little birds got,” Jason said suddenly. “I have this jealousy eating me up inside, and instead of fighting it so I could have my family again, I fucked up. I’ll never be allowed in their circle again.”

Roy said nothing. He knew Jason had to take this off his chest.

“I was so angry that Bruce had not only replaced me but hadn’t learned his lesson and put another kid in those damned colors. I don’t know if the pit was an excuse I used to do the horrible things or if I was always capable of everything I did, but I regret it.”

Roy saw tears on Jason’s cheeks but didn’t comment.

“Now, Danny will be raised without aunts and uncles, without a grandfather, without cousins. And it’s all my fault.”

Roy put his hand on Jason’s shoulder.

“I don’t know what Dick or the rest of the bats are thinking, but I consider you my little brother, Jason. Lian will be Danny’s cousin, and in the same way, you will be Lian’s uncle, I will be Danny’s. That is, if you are okay with it,” Roy finished, a bit hesitant.

“Yeah,” Raven came up to them as the two children played rock, paper, scissors, “and I will be the cool aunt.”

Jason gave the two Titans a watery smile and hugged them both. Soon both children ran up to their small family and made a dogpile.

Jason had lost a family, but he was rebuilding a new one.

For those that wanted this to be slash or romantic, I'm sorry all of this will be wholly platonic. Not because I don't like slash but because I want to concentrate on the found family aspect, and also I kind of don't have faith in myself in being able to write DC or Danny Phantom Slash yet. Next up, Jazz finally finds Danny.

@idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @vythika96 @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @kilasmess @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68

[astharoshebarvon]

Aemond/Lucerys ABO AU

Where everyone dies except for Aemond & Luke and his uncle and half-sister’s Daemon and Rhaenyra’s youngest children, baby Aegon and Viserys

Aemond is too tired and grief ridden and does his best ensure his youngest nephews/cousins safety and becomes king regent for them.

A lot of people are happy with him on throne since no one liked Aemond’s brother and were pleased he was dead but equal amounts feared the alpha king because alphas are unpredictable(reason why there had been only two alphas on the throne till then) and Aemond was not a drunkard or easy to mould.

Some foolish councilman brought up the topic of heirs and he was found maimed, his arm gone the next day. No one dared say anything again.

Whispers were abound as people across the realm spoke in hushed voices of how their alpha king had murdered his true omega mate, Lucerys Velaryon and thus had almost brought the dragon house to extinction. That he still loved the boy he himself killed in his anger.

Two years after the war Aemond learns something, he takes Vhagar to the remote island where rumors were heard of a boy falling from the sky two years ago.

When Aemond sees his lovely mate, looking at him in confusion and the slightest bit of fear he lets tears slip from his eye for the first time ever. His tears had dried after he’d thought he had killed his omega. After that, it was just an endless cycle of death.

When Aemond brings Luke back, his youngest brothers cry tears of joy at seeing their older brother back. Luke does not remember anything, his memories only consist of the kind old couple who took care of him, taught him how to fish and kept him safe.

Aemond again has to maim another councilman who suggests there might be an heir now for the throne since Aemond’s omega is alive and well.

Luke keeps his distance from Aemond after learning about the death of his mother, father, brothers and everyone. His whole family gone except for the young ones. He feels longing and love when he looks at his alpha mate but that feeling diminishes when he recalls hearing of the death of his family.

Luke does marry Aemond since he fears Aemond might try to hurt his little brothers if he doesn’t. Aemond laugh and laughs until tears slide down his cheek when he hears Luke reassure his brothers that he’ll keep them safe no matter what. He doesn’t understand why Luke thinks he would hurt them now when he didn’t before.

Aemond and Luke remain virgin even on their wedding night. The alpha king just bites his omega’s nape before turning around and falling asleep, leaving Luke wondering if Aemond really is as horrible as the stories he’d heard. He could have taken him if he really wished but he didn’t.

Eventually Luke again falls in love with him again. He tries his best to not but his emotions get the better of him and when his heat hits him after nine moons of their marriage, he urges Aemond to take him to bed.

Aemond and Luke spend weeks in their chambers with only prince consort’s young brothers allowed entry in the rooms.

When Luke is in third moon of his pregnancy his memories return. He hits Aemond, hurls obscenities at him but in the end tearfully confesses he still loves him.

“You will never hurt my only family left! You must promise me that Aemond! My baby brothers will remain safe, you will not take their right from them like your family took from my mother.”

Aemond smiles wistfully as he caresses his beautiful boy’s cheek, “I won’t. Some may argue though you are the second son, so you and I should rule together with our children being our heirs.”

Luke laughs incredulously, “they hated a lady on the throne, they dislike an alpha on it, you think they’ll want an omega on it?” His gaze turns fierce, “I don’t care what they want. I don’t care for the iron throne. I don’t want it anywhere near me. It was my mother’s, then Jace’s. Neither of them are alive. It will be my baby brothers.”

“Then your will be carried out, my darling.” He gently brings Luke closer and brushes his forehead with his, making Luke release pleased pheromones. “Whatever your heart desires, I’ll give you, Luke.”

The alpha king, Aemond Targaryen and prince consort omega Lucerys Velaryon Targaryen welcome twin boys after six moons, both having Targaryen hair and eyes of their alpha father with the beautiful features of their omega bearer.

Aemond once again decrees Aegon III or Viserys II will inherit the throne once they come of age at 18.

He names his sons, Daelon and Rhaegal Targaryen as future heirs of Dragonstone and Driftmark.

“He was kind to us, we didn’t think, you know — he would be.” Viserys says, smiling softly at the infants, Daelon and Rhaegal. “It’s odd he named them after — ” he looks at Luke who smiles at him as he leans down and lays a soft kiss on his head, making his brother smile happily. “Our parents?”

“Yes.”

Luke ruffles Aegon’s hair who was looking at baby Rhaegal with curiosity, “Aemond did bad things,” he smiles sadly as his brothers look solemnly at him, shifting closer so they were leaning on their older brother.

Luke wrapped his arms around them, squeezing them in reassurance, “but he has the courage to admit his wrong doings. There was death on both sides. Aemond knows none of it would have happened if he hadn’t chased me across the skies.” He looks at his children and gently caresses his newborns heads, “ more importantly he loves me like I love him.” His voice is soft as he speaks again, “he won’t hurt me again.”

“My brothers find it hard to believe you let me name our children after my parents.”

Aemond hums as he drops a kiss on his head, “did you tell them the next one will be named Laenor if it’s a boy and Aemma if it’s a girl?” He glances at Luke’s flat abdomen knowing it will be a while before he shows.

Luke shakes his head, “no. but I believe that would make them just as happy.” He lifts his head to meet Aemond’s gaze, “do you regret your part in my mother and father’s death, my brothers? Your family?”

Aemond nods slowly, trying to ignore the pain that goes through him, “I do.”

Heavens, the way Luke had yelled at him when he’d learned how they had taken out his father, by trickery and cowardice. He didn’t want to hear that tone ever again. 

“I am surprised you didn’t steal his sword after he was dead and take it for yourself!” Luke yelled. He should stop, this much anger couldn’t be good for his babies but he couldn’t. His alpha father was a man of few words but he had cared a lot for all of them. Daemon loved them as much as their father Laenor did.

Aemond clenched his hand into a fist, “I did not touch your dear father’s sword. It was placed next to the skull of Balerion as a prized artifact.”

“Really? That doesn’t sound like you, alpha of mine.”

Aemond snapped. He glared at his mate, knowing he shouldn’t say the next words but he couldn’t stop. Luke was the only one who could make him feel like a hopeless fool in love in one moment and a deranged fiend in next.

“You would have loved it if I had died by his hands instead, wouldn’t you my omega!” Aemond spat, not caring how Luke flinched and backed away from him as much as the bed could allow. “You would have been happy if your mother’s beloved husband Daemon, your alpha father would have driven that sword of his through my body. Would that have satisfied you my sweet Luke if I was dead?!”

Next second Aemond cursed himself again as Luke burst into tears, his slender frame shaking as sobs wracked through his body. He tried to touch his husband but Luke hunched in on himself, clearly conveying he did not want his touch.

“How—how— could you—” Luke sobbed. “How? I never — never wished you—” He glared at his alpha husband, his eyes shining with tears, “you almost killed me, your nephew, and your omega mate! Your actions drove my mother and father to grief, my brothers to their demise! You led your whole family to death. Don’t you dare say I wanted you dead ever! You know exactly the circumstances which led to the loss of your eye.”

Aemond looked away as familiar pain washed over him as Luke said what he’d long accepted.

Luke was right, everything he’d said was true. Maybe that’s why it hurt to hear him. He was the reason rest of their family was dead. Luke was right about Daemon too. That was the only way they could ever get rid of the Rogue Prince.

If they hadn’t, Aemond was sure the alpha father of Rhaenyra’s children would have relished in ending his life. Daemon had literally burned the whole storm’s end save for one small child since he saw them as accomplice in his son’s demise. He had ended boros’ line, the child he spared was his cousin’s. boros and his daughters had been fed to Caraxes, that’s how livid he’d been.

Luke goes back to rest his head on Aemond’s chest, making the alpha come out of his thoughts, “then you will be forgiven.”

Aemond laughed bitterly, “they are all gone, Lucerys. The only one’s forgiveness I seek is yours.”

Luke feels his heart clench in pain, “It will hurt, you know that. it will always hurt.” He doesn’t say anything for a while. When he does speak again, his voice is soft and broken, “you have it. We would have never had Daelon and Rhaegal if I didn’t forgive you.”

Aemond tries to hold back tears that threaten to fall from his eye but fails. His anguish only becomes greater when Luke leans in and presses a soft kiss to his scarred cheek, his sapphire in his eye socket, his forehead. “I love you, and I’ll always stay with you, my alpha.”

[russian-spider]

I rewatched Richie and Tiff's scene from "fishes" today (the one they have in Donna's bedroom), after binging the show recently, and I realized I had overlooked something, because there was so much going on and it was exhausting. Something about Carmy. Richie and Tiff talk about him, how he made sprite for her, but instead of praising him, they just keep saying he's weird and why would you try to get him to date Claire when she's so nice. And even though I wish Richie had said something good about Carmy, I don't hold it against him because that's what their relationship was like then and we know how much he loves him. But I feel like, from the start, I had been taking Richie's side, in a way, because he was so funny and interesting to watch, he was this loser looking for a purpose and I could not not root for him. I was rooting for Carmy too, but when we met him he's already a big time chef, he's made it in the world, we know he's talented and successful and too good for the Beef. He's this man who Richie has known since forever that's younger than him but has achieved so much more and is now his boss, how can Richie not feel shitty about it? So, I watched the show hoping Richie would earn Carmy's respect, get some self-esteem back. But I think I got it wrong. I think he already had Carmy's respect, but Carmy didn't had his.

I believe that, when you grow up around someone, no matter how many years pass, you will always be who you were to them, and no matter how much you change, you will always regress a little when you're with them, back to that old dynamic. The Carmy we met is not the one Richie knows. His Carmy is shy and bad with people, lonely and artsy and different. He's Mikey's baby brother, always following him around and trying to get his attention. Always on the defensive, because they do give him a hard time (assholes). He's young, he's short, he's… weird (as if they're all so normal!) And Carmy's Richie is not this middle aged divorced man with nowhere to go. He's someone that became part of his family because Mikey of all people loved him so much. He was his best friend, his right hand man at the restaurant, always part of his stories. I believe when Carmy said "I always thought my brother was my best friend, except everybody thought he was their best friend" he was thinking of Richie specifically. How could he not be hurt by that? Richie had what Carmy wanted, and he could have simply hated him, but he saw his good qualities, the ones he was lacking ("he believes in you, he said you're good with people") He never rejected Richie the way he did Pete, for example. And it's different but it's the same because Pete's an outsider who became part of the family through (Natalie's) love, but they don't like him (which I think it's super unfair btw).

And what I didn't realize at first was that Carmy was also looking for Richie's approval, not just Mikey's. That's why when Richie judges him and calls him Donna in the finale it hurts him so much, not because how dares this loser lecture him, but because his opinion matters. He screams about how Richie is nothing without him and how much Richie needs him as a defense mechanism, because he's so afraid of not being needed by the people he loves and he needs Richie too (of course it makes him furious when Richie says it). Even in the first episode he's like "how fucking dope is that, cousin?" like did you see what I did? did you see how I brought all these clients to the restaurant? He insults him, but he listens to him, asks for his help, cares what he thinks. Meanwhile Richie scofs at Carmy's achievements, partly because they make him feel less than, and partly because this is Carmy, so how impressive can this really be? Just some pretentious shit he learned from people as pretentious and weird as him. Until "forks". Until he finds purpose in a place where Carmy is so respected that there's a picture of him framed. And later Richie tells him "I get it" and I thought 'how nice he finally understands what Carmy is trying to do and how they want the same thing now' but it's so much more than that. He finally gets the importance of what Carmy has done, how difficult it was, how amazing he is. For the first time he saw Carmy from the outside, not like the kid he knew but like we the audience see him, and understood. Maybe that helped with his self-esteem also, because having Carmy as his boss doesn't mean he's a loser, it means he works with the best.

Anyway, I hope at some point we get to see Richie defending Carmy when he hears someone talk shit about him, or just talk proudly about him to someone, maybe even to Tiff, to show his growth.

And I know Richie said "you're all I've got" and Carmy said nothing back and I felt so bad for Richie, but Carmy's just not used to that, he doesn't know how to react, because that is -was- not how they talk to each other. But he's trying so hard to not be shitty and to be there for the others while his mind is screaming at him that he's a failure and needs to give up joy if he wants to feel like he has value, because his self worth is so tied to his job that he'd choose it over love... Idk I think it's very important not only that Richie loves him, but that he values and respects him, because these are two very different things and Carmy isn't used to getting that from him. Mikey never told Carmy "good job" like he wanted so badly to hear, but Richie could.

[nhasablogg]

Heartstopper season 3 thoughts

Under the cut:

I love love love Tao and Elle and how much he cares for her and wants to do everything for her, but I do hope we'll get to see her do more of the same in season 4. Tao was very happy and in love this season, while we got to see more of his fears in the last, so I'm aware this was just this specific season, but I did notice how he was just dragging Elle along (and Elle mostly let herself be pulled along) without allowing her to do much for him in return. I think, since we're seeing Nick and Charlie trying to find more of a balance in their relationship (and Darcy and Tara doing a pretty good job with it from the glimpses we saw), it would be great to see that happening for Elle and Tao too!

I do love that we got to see even more of Elle this season with a mix of plot points that allowed us to get to know her even more.

While I would've loved for them to get more screen time, I think they did a pretty good job of naturally showing Darcy's gender journey alongside the rest of the things that were going on. I hope Kizzy got to work with them and do things how they wanted it to go (I know they talked to Alice about it a couple of years ago) and so maybe they just didn't want it to be a big deal.

Same goes for Tara's struggles. While I would've obviously loved to see her issues take up more screen time, I'm aware that they have many characters and not too much space, and seeing her struggle and learn how to deal with it was still lovely since it wasn't just brushed under the rug.

I LOVE TORI SPRING AND I'M SO EXCITED TO HAVE MET MICHAEL

I'm seeing so much discourse about how Charlie doesn't deserve Nick and that Nick always puts Charlie's mental health first etc etc and honestly shut up!!! They're making a great point about being there for someone who is struggling not necessarily meaning you have to or even can fix them. And Nick acknowledged his own struggles and I'm sure they will touch on them in season 4. It's about codependency and how they have to learn to be okay without each other too. Nick (or Tori, or any of their friends) doesn't see Charlie as a burden and the fact that some people think so makes me think the entire season just flew over your head. You deserve love and support when you're mentally sick AND when you're okay! They're communicating and learning how to navigate their relationship alongside the rest. Nick's issues aren't just ignored, but you also have to remember what Charlie's been through and how Nick doesn't always talk about how he's feeling. It's natural for Charlie to not notice everything and I'm sure they will get to that eventually.

I love Nick and Tara's friendship so muuuuch but it does make me think about the dynamics of the group. Like, would Charlie and Darcy ever hang out alone? (if they have, I've forgotten about it lol). Would Nick and Elle? They are so many and work well in groups, but it's just interesting to think of which one of them would hang out alone. Obviously Nick and Tara (and I love how Nick and Tao's relationship has evolved, but I just don't think they would purposely hang out alone), Charlie and Tao and Isaac and any combo of those three. But Nick always seems slightly awkward alone with others? Which would be interesting to explore, although I loved their little roadtrip.

I loved that Oliver got a cameo even though he's a cousin and not their brother in this one.

Loved seeing Imogen discover more about herself!! Part of me wants her and Sahar to get together, but another part of me kinda wants at least SOME characters to be single even if they're not aro/ace? Like come on now

Obviously loved the aro/ace rep, I love Isaac!!!

I had hoped we would dive into Tori's asexuality, but I feel like they're saving that for season 4 or a possible Solitaire adaptation??

All in all I wish I had these books/show when I was a teenager, but Alice Oseman is in fact only a year older than me so we can't have it all I guess

EDIT: OH MY GOD THAT SCENE WITH YOUNG MR FAROUK I NEARLY CRIED

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

The Berzatto's Emotional Growth

What's with the tears and The Berzattos?

This is my further elaboration on these previous posts of mine:

Now I wanna broaden my perspective. I wanna talk about all of THE BERZATTOS as a system, not just focus on Carmy.

Richie

I consider Cousin a Berzatto. Richard Lawrence Jerimovich Berzatto didn't cry either when he was brokenhearted. This is Cousin at his BFF's funeral. Not a tear. He was so broken he couldn't even cry about it.

03x01 | Tomorrow | The Bear

Carmy

Just like someone I know...

03x01 | Tomorrow | The Bear

Richie did shed some tears with Carmy though, a few months later, in the car, when Carmy bailed him out, but those were gratitude tears, not the other kind:

Donna

Donna cries as a manipulation tactic.

02x06 | Fishes | The Bear

Well, actually not anymore:

03x08 | Ice Chips | The Bear

Michael didn't cry either, not with tears anyway... Mikey kept it all inside and tried to numb himself by popping pills, till he erupted like a volcano, and we all know how that ended up... but his tears remained unshed, even when he cried and his eyes were obviously teary. That means he didn't allow himself to take it that deep, he actually slapped himself to snap out of it when he felt the tears coming:

02x06 | Fishes | The Bear

Natalie

Sugar is different. She is light years ahead of them in terms of emotional development.

01x01 | System | The Bear - 03x01 | Tomorrow | The Bear

Back to Carmy Sydcarmy & Richie

Now that Carmy has learned to cry like a man, I know for a fact he will break free from this toxic cycle that represented him not leading with his heart, he's on the mend, just like Richie. Although Richie is more emotionally mature because he is growing and really trying, to be a better father for Eva.

03x04 | Violet | The Bear

What's next? Where is this going?

S4 will show us how this emotional growth that all the Berzattos have undergone in these last 3 seasons will really affect them. It's totally realistic that it didn't happen overnight and that it will continue. I wish the best for all of them of course, however, my MAIN GOAL is to determine when and how the Sydcarmy dish I have been waiting for for sooooo long will be served. And quite frankly, it is looking good to me, because all those blockages that Carmy had, like:

Seem to be in the process to no longer be an impediment for Sydcarmy to FINALLY happen, they are all on the mend, they have hit rock bottom in a lot of aspects and they will have to change, but no one can do all of that alone, so it's important that they all seem to be pretty much on the same page.

Like I said back in May, if it's not perfect, it doesn't go out:

Bonus track: Sydney Adamu. Syd will be is a Berzatto, as I mentioned before ↓

There's another post Tumblr is not letting me add where I show exactly when Syd entered the Berzatto clan back in S2, it's called "Syd has been part of the Family since Bolognese 02x08, which means the agreement is just a formality" and it's under my #gingerpovs tag

And this is her emotional growth's arc, which mirrors Carmy's

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs 💋

[moorishflower]

I'm watching Much Ado About Nothing, the Tate and Tennant version, which I have somehow managed to go without seeing until this night, and the palpable carnal desire that they have for each other is outstripped only by the fact that neither of them would piss on the other to put out a fire. Truly the most enemies to lovers of all time so obvs I noodled around w/it

London is as London always is in summer: the temperature is agreeable enough, but outside the skies are dim, wetting the ground with incipient rain. The cobblestones of the path leading to the governor's manse have turned dark grey with damp, and all beyond that, out into the countryside just beyond the city proper, is mud.

Dream sits in the parlour, watching the rain pattering onto the ground outside. His cousin, Jessamy, does much the same; when the weather is thus, there is little else they can do but mark it.

She must see something through the mist, though, that he does not, because her head lifts, and after a moment of contemplation says, "Is that a horse?"

Dream peers over her shoulder. It is, indeed, a horse, a mud-splattered creature whose rider hies hell for leather up the long drive. There was a time when Dream would have said he could not be a man of any import, for he travels not by carriage, but times are much changed now from what he knew as a child. A prince will sit a horse as well as a footsoldier, as his younger brother had said before he had left for war, and so Dream is up upon his knees trying to get a better look at the same time as his cousin.

"He looks a messenger," he says, and indeed, not ten minutes pass before there is the sound of slamming and laughing and a great deal of chatter, and then the doors to the parlour are gusted open on the wind of his eldest brother's good mood. Destiny, for once, is no staid and stern taskmaster, but buoyed by cheer, the messenger walking beside him with one arm outstretched in offer, though Destiny will never take it. Though an imbalance of humours has left Destiny without some of his sight, there is no crack nor crevice of the manse that he does not know by heart.

"I've learned in this letter that Lord Constantine comes this night to London!" Destiny crows. In his gnarled fingers he holds said letter, still trailing a few scraps of reddish wax from its edge.

"She must be very close by now," the messenger adds. "When I left, she was not three leagues off."

"And how many gentlemen were lost in this action?" Destiny asks. He helps himself to the seat beside Dream, settling down with a sigh and a creak of his joints.

"Not many, sir, and none of any importance."

"A victory is won twice when all involved are brought home safely. And the letter said also that Lord Constantine has bestowed much honor on a young man named Matthew."

"Much deserved on his part," the messenger says, coming to stand obsequiously at Destiny's elbow. Dream raises an eyebrow at him. He knows not that he will gain no favours here through kowtowing, and so Dream is content to let him make a fool of himself if he so wishes. "Matthew has borne himself beyond what any could expect of one so young. He wears the face of a lamb, yet performs the feats of a lion, and has so greatly exceeded all expectations that I should fail to describe them now."

There is some further talk of letters -- what Dream surmises from the messenger is that this Matthew has an uncle in the area of London, and that upon receiving word from his kin he had burst into tears. Destiny appears to think this a most sincere display, though Dream is privately of different opinion. He cannot say that he enjoyed tears before the annulment of his first marriage, and he cannot much say that he enjoys them any more now.

"And what of Lord Montanto?" he asks, cutting in before the messenger can extol the further virtues of Sir Matthew. "Has he returned from the wars or no?"

The messenger visibly flounders at being addressed so directly. "I know none by that name, my lord," he says. "No Lord Montanto in our army."

"Speak plainly, Dream," Destiny says, waving one hand and nearly flicking Dream under the chin. He knows his brother too well to think it an accident.

"My cousin means Sir Robert Gadling," Jessamy pipes up. She is a sweet girl, Dream thinks. Too sweet, by far, to bear his tart company.

[bethanydelleman]

Northanger Abbey Readthrough, Ch 10

Oh Isabella Thorpe, you delightful, ridiculous girl. You know if she was just a vacation friend she'd be fine; there are lower standards for vacation friends. Catherine and her would be close for a few weeks, be pen pals for a few months and then totally forget about each other. But no, she has to pull shit like this:

I assure you, my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. Tilney—but that is a settled thing—even your modesty cannot doubt his attachment now; his coming back to Bath makes it too plain.

Oh great, Thorpe is in love with Catherine. I also love how Mr. Tilney returning to Bath is absolute proof of his love. We will learn quite soon that it had nothing to do with Catherine at all, Henry went ahead to book lodgings.

Isabella "discovers" that she and James have exactly the same tastes, which I suspect was found in exactly the same way that Willoughby "discovered" that Marianne shared all of his:

We soon found out that our tastes were exactly alike in preferring the country to every other place; really, our opinions were so exactly the same, it was quite ridiculous!

Their taste was strikingly alike. The same books, the same passages were idolized by each—or if any difference appeared, any objection arose, it lasted no longer than till the force of her arguments and the brightness of her eyes could be displayed. He acquiesced in all her decisions, caught all her enthusiasm; and long before his visit concluded, they conversed with the familiarity of a long-established acquaintance. Sense & Sensibility, Ch 10

This also seems to be how Lucy Steele won over Robert Ferrars and how Caroline Bingley is attempting to secure Darcy. James is certainly falling for it, so it must work some of the time. There you go, A+ dating advice, just like everything they like!

Isabella claiming that, "I know you better than you know yourself" to Catherine seems to be grating our heroine a little. Of course, despite massive hints Catherine still doesn't seem to get that Isabella is gunning for James, but Catherine also dislikes being assumed to be improper. We see that Catherine does try very hard to do the right thing, though Mrs. Allen isn't the best source of guidance.

Catherine becomes a third wheel:

They were always engaged in some sentimental discussion or lively dispute, but their sentiment was conveyed in such whispering voices, and their vivacity attended with so much laughter, that though Catherine’s supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one or the other, she was never able to give any, from not having heard a word of the subject.

before running off to speak to Miss Tilney.

“How well your brother dances!” was an artless exclamation of Catherine’s towards the close of their conversation, which at once surprised and amused her companion.

"Artless" comes up a lot in Austen's works, and it's generally a good thing. It's like the opposite of conniving. Here are some examples:

The next morning brought another short note from Marianne—still affectionate, open, artless, confiding—everything that could make my conduct most hateful. - Willoughby, Sense & Sensibility

Fanny’s feelings on the occasion were such as she believed herself incapable of expressing; but her countenance and a few artless words fully conveyed all their gratitude and delight, and her cousin began to find her an interesting object.

Mrs. Price’s manners were also at their best. Warmed by the sight of such a friend to her son, and regulated by the wish of appearing to advantage before him, she was overflowing with gratitude—artless, maternal gratitude—which could not be unpleasing. -Mansfield Park

She was not struck by any thing remarkably clever in Miss Smith’s conversation, but she found her altogether very engaging—not inconveniently shy, not unwilling to talk—and yet so far from pushing, shewing so proper and becoming a deference, seeming so pleasantly grateful for being admitted to Hartfield, and so artlessly impressed by the appearance of every thing in so superior a style to what she had been used to, that she must have good sense, and deserve encouragement. An unpretending, single-minded, artless girl—infinitely to be preferred by any man of sense and taste to such a woman as Mrs. Elton. -Emma

(There are several more quotations noting that Harriet is artless, from both Emma and Mr. Knightley)

Artless means without guile or deception, and it seems like Miss Tilney picks that up about Catherine right away. We readers of course know that Catherine is extremely honest, almost to a fault. Because not only does she shy away from lying, she also wants the truth to be known, which is why she is so quick to explain why she had to turn down Mr. Tilney for a dance. This will come up later...

This civility was duly returned; and they parted��on Miss Tilney’s side with some knowledge of her new acquaintance’s feelings, and on Catherine’s, without the smallest consciousness of having explained them.

Awww, Eleanor already knows that Catherine is crushing hard!

A great quote:

Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone.

I love that Catherine's old aunt read her a lecture on how she shouldn't be vain about her clothes. It is funny though, Henry Tilney may be the rare type of man you could impress with a good muslin.

Catherine then tries very hard to avoid John Thorpe and hopes that Henry Tilney will again ask her to dance:

Every young lady may feel for my heroine in this critical moment, for every young lady has at some time or other known the same agitation. All have been, or at least all have believed themselves to be, in danger from the pursuit of someone whom they wished to avoid; and all have been anxious for the attentions of someone whom they wished to please.

Then when Henry does ask her, "With what sparkling eyes and ready motion she granted his request, and with how pleasing a flutter of heart she went with him to the set, may be easily imagined" It can be easily imagined! Catherine is just so cute and uncomplicated in her love.

John Thorpe is hilarious, having seen that he has lost Catherine for the dance, he tries to sell Henry Tilney a horse (!?!?). The man has way too many schemes to keep track of.

Now we get into the similarities between marriage and a country dance, wherein Catherine is largely lost but she ends up giving the right response in the end. We can see both the success of Catherine and the ultimate failure of Isabella described here:

You will allow, that in both, man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal; that in both, it is an engagement between man and woman, formed for the advantage of each; and that when once entered into, they belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their duty, each to endeavour to give the other no cause for wishing that he or she had bestowed themselves elsewhere, and their best interest to keep their own imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbours, or fancying that they should have been better off with anyone else.

James will uphold this contract, but Isabella absolutely fails. She is the one seeking but not giving advantage, she is not exclusive, she gives James the wish of bestowing himself elsewhere, she lets her imagination wander and does fancy herself better off with someone else... How very predictive! Catherine, however, only has eyes for Mr. Tilney and she gives him, "a security worth having" by artlessly saying so.

Henry gets very close to mean here: “Only go and call on Mrs. Allen!” he repeated. “What a picture of intellectual poverty!" but I love how Catherine doesn't pick up on any hints to show herself in a good light. Henry is like, "Oh you spend your time more studiously in the country?" and she's all, "No, I'm generally looking for fun, I just can't find it." Isabella would be all over proving how rational she is in the country.

So many people ask what Henry sees in Catherine (people who tend to see Catherine as an idiot), but I think we do see her good qualities in this chapter. She's honest, she's loyal, and she's happy! "Not those who bring such fresh feelings of every sort to it as you do," Catherine doesn't try to be cooler than her surroundings, she just enjoys them. And her only wish is that her family was there to enjoy it with her too. How can you not love someone like that? Someone who loves and enjoys life is a joy to be around! "her spirits danced within her, as she danced in her chair all the way home."

We end with a planned country walk and Catherine being fairly excited to learn that Henry's family is all good-looking.

Also, the term "bloom" is talked about a lot with Anne Elliot in Persuasion. I haven't seen a lot of exact explanations of what that word means, but I think we can all agree, it isn't just a term for girls: "He was a very handsome man, of a commanding aspect, past the bloom, but not past the vigour of life." It's odd that people think it's a sexist term because even in Persuasion:

Sir Walter might be excused, therefore, in forgetting her age, or, at least, be deemed only half a fool, for thinking himself and Elizabeth as blooming as ever, amidst the wreck of the good looks of everybody else

I should do a full post about that someday. Mysterious word.

Wow, that was a long chapter, but so much good stuff going on. Glad the Tilneys are back because just having the Thorpes is misery.

[mysticstarlightduck]

Personality Through Quotes Tag

I was tagged by @illarian-rambling (here)! Thank you so much (:

MY PROMPT WAS: "A quote about siblings"

YOUR PROMPT IS: "A quote about their relationship with money (in the past and nowadays)"

I'll go with the main cast of "Of Starlight and Beasts" for this one!

Corah: "Oh I wish I had siblings! I've always wondered what that would be like - I mean, I've seen enough siblings around that I have a rough idea, but that's always such an individual experience. It would've been cool to have someone my age, other than just regular friends, around at all times. Though I'm sure we'd have driven Dad crazy with our antics if that was the case - I was chaotic enough on my own (giggles)."

Arammys: "The bond between siblings is among one of the strongest there is, and often one of the purest. At least that's what I...think - in my intuition, I mean. I haven't had any progress in recalling my memories, so I can't speak of my own experiences with siblings - if I had any at all - yet. But something tells me that my intuition might be right, at least in my case. At least I hope so and I want to remember whoever they were, or are."

Eidan - "I didn't have any siblings or parents, but my older cousin fit both of those roles perfectly throughout my childhood - he was the closest thing I've ever had to a true family. We didn't have much - we often had nothing at all - but we had each other, and he always kept me safe, and was always there for me when I needed him the most, even if we sometimes annoyed each other to no end. And though he was not my brother by birth he was by choice - and I just wish I had known how lucky I was before it was all too late."

Masen - "You know, having siblings ain't what it's cracked up to be. Especially if you have a twin. Yeah, it's all loyalty and mushiness until they've got something else they want to achieve - and that something's more important than you. Then they stab you in the back when you least expect it and run off with the people with the money into a perfect new world where you're not invited - Yeah. (shrugs awkwardly) I realize this got a bit too specific, my bad."

Kyran - "What even is there to say? You're born, and so are they, you grow up trusting one another until they start hanging out with shady people and become someone you barely recognize, and then you annoy the hell out of each other and don't speak for the next five years. Oh, and then they blame you for leaving them when they were the ones who made that mess to begin with -"

Elias - "(Without a drop of emotion in his voice) My siblings are the reason I truly believe I will have gone fully grey before 30. I'm almost certain they're trying to make it a competition. They're twins. I do not know where I went wrong with my life but here we all are. Now pass me the rum."

Tomasa - "I don't have any siblings, Gods know Ma had enough trouble keeping me in line when I was a little ankle biter. But I've been told having 'em is like flipping a coin. You are either best friends for life or want to kill each other. Sometimes both, from what my friends tell me, ha! I don't really fancy having any siblings of my own, if I'm being honest - but having someone I could prank 24/7 does sound really tempting. I guess Arammys will have to do (laughs, already plotting her next prank on the poor, unsuspecting mage)"

Nimwen - "I've learned your true siblings aren't always those you're bound to by blood. They may be, sure, but not always! Sometimes, the strongest family bonds are those we choose, bonds nurtured like a small weed that grows into a mighty tree - and I personally know that to be one of the most important truths of life. "

Rin - "I never really cared for that. That's just another word - and that's it, a word. Most bonds are a fantasy made to comfort the hearts of the common folk from the harsh truth. Real people are fickle, they don't care for you when they've got no use for what you have to offer. My Nest surely didn't. (There's a moment of pause and a sense of sorrow behind his eyes before he shakes it off with a sly smirk, hiding it) But who cares for that sentimental junk. Besides, gold's a much more reliable company, don't you think?"

Leora - "Family is the most important thing in the world - by blood or by choice it matters not as long as the sentiment is there and it is pure. I would do anything for my siblings and I know they would do anything for me. I know this all too well. Where we come from, you learn to make your actions and your words count - you never know what tomorrow might hold and you must cherish those you hold dear, always, because they can be taken from you. At least, that's my perspective."

Florynce - "Mine have been dead for many years now. I remember all of their names." (You think she's about to say something else about them, but she changes the subject so jarringly you almost feel whiplash) "I don't wanna talk about that. Do you want to see this cool bug I found? It's glowing."

Tagging: @mk-writes-stuff, @eccaiia, @the-ellia-west, @memento-morri-writes, @little-peril-stories, @littleladymab, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @talesofsorrowandofruin @doublegoblin @oh-no-another-idea @cowboybrunch @ybotter @thepeculiarbird @crowandmoonwriting @your-absent-father @rickie-the-storyteller @jasperygrace @jay-avian @saltysupercomputer @winterandwords @autumnalwalker and OPEN TAG