#i've thought about it before but they usually have themes and i didn't have anything that fitted

[pinktinselmonstrosity]

my uni literary journal is accepting submissions 👀 do i do it

[freyaphoria]

Hey!! Sorry I was busy with school so I didn't get the time to log on.

My ask was a yandere Yunho one where you manage to escape your room (after a... session?🙂), knowing Yunho is still in the house. You try leaving but he doesn't let you. So you run to the kitchen to get a knife and you threaten to hurt him. But he smiles, knowing you would never hurt him. But then you realize that you would never leave the place, and therefore turn the knife around with full intention of killing yourself, and that's when Yunho's eyes widen.

I was thinking that you would finish/write the story however you want, but that's basically what happens. I'm a big fan of your Yandere work especially the Yeo one where he was pulling out nails. I've never read anything like that on Tumblr before.

Yeah that was my ask. It's usually always the good authors that don't have a million works😭

a/n: First of all, I realize this has been sitting in my drafts for a very long time and I apologize for responding after 5262627 years. And please, PLEASE can I have some feedbacks? I'm open to any feedback, good or bad; whether it's about this fic or in general.

Give it a Taste

tw: yan!yunho, yandere themes, implied sex, violence, knife, anger issues, blood, handcuffs, mentions of killing and self harm, yunho is kinda manipulative, stabbing

wc: 1.7k

taglist: @aim-blossom

Living with Yunho was difficult. You were especially tired of the jealousy fights that whenever you went out and the whining when you came home about whether you were paying enough attention to him or not. You usually do the same things every day; come home from school, spend time with Yunho, don't talk to anyone when you go out, come home again, spend time with Yunho again.... This same cycle went on and on and on. When you wanted to take a step and get rid of this cycle, Yunho did something you never expected (or did something you expected but didn't want to admit to yourself) and imprisoned you in his house. At first you thought he was just kidding and would take you out of the house after a few days; After a few days turned into a few weeks, you realized that he was really serious. You screamed at him, told him that you had a life outside and he couldn't keep you here forever, but he never listened to you; On top of that, he took your phone and cut off all your communication with the outside.

When your love for him gradually faded away and was replaced by fear and anger, you realized that you were dealing with a stranger, not your ex boyfriend. He was just a devil in the body of your goofy, loving Yuyu.

Yunho became very angry when you stopped loving him; His anger was increasing day by day and he was starting to explode at you. If you don't hug him, kiss him, or don't do what he wants when he wants, Yunho will grab you by your hair with his big hands and drag you to your room. Usually he would either lock you in your room until you knew your place or punish you with his own methods. In order for him to punish you, you would have to really cross the line and make him so angry.

You were tired of this life. You were tired of all the harm he had done to you. First, he would use all kinds of violence on you, and then at night, to make up for what he had done, he would fuck you as if nothing had happened, as if you were a very happy and passionate couple.

He was using your body completely. He was using you completely for himself, by loving you, by punishing you, by kissing you, by fucking you. Your body was completely in his hands.

Yunho had now become someone who gets angry easily; your Yuyu never got angry, you never saw him angry. But right now, the devil in disguise wrapped his big and strong hands around your neck and dragged you towards your room, while you scratched his arms with your nails and made them bleed to get rid of his grip.

You didn't remember how much he punished you, but when you come to yourself, you were lying on the floor of your room, with your bloody body.

You had to do something now. If you didn't stop him, he would take over your mind as well as your body, and then your soul, turning you into a completely soulless and unthinking doll; a doll that he used only to satisfy his own pleasures...

You pulled yourself to your feet, using your arms as support. Your body was so feeble from all the things he had done to you, so you stumbled when you stood up. You didn't have a plan, you just wanted to get out of here. Maybe he wouldn't want to see you because he was so angry with you today and he would let you go?

But you fell to the ground before you could walk very far. Since you couldn't feel your legs very much anymore, it didn't hurt much when you fell on your knee. You couldn't even walk, where were you planning on going?

You tried so hard not to burst into tears as you crawled towards the door. If he didn't lock the door, which he usually did, that was a message from the universe to you to run away and never come back no matter what.

The door wasn’t locked. Yunho was probably testing you, but you didn’t care. The door opened with a chilling creak, and the cold air from the hallway hit your blood-soaked satin dress, making you shiver. You didn’t know where the hell Yunho was, he was nowhere to be seen. With one last ounce of strength, you stood up and started walking down the hallway. If Yunho saw you here, he would definitely fuck you right there, he wouldn’t care how much you were hurting after the last session.

You didn't want to think about anything but getting out of this hell right now. Just before you reached the front door, you were frozen in place by the arms wrapping around your waist. You felt your heart begin to race uncontrollably. All your muscles were tense, and every part of you that was injured was aching because of the tenseness.

"Why do you have to be so difficult? All you had to do was sit in your room like a good whore and wait for me to fuck you." His hands on your waist slowly moved down to your hips and then to your thighs. "Why you making things difficult when we can be happy together?" He buried his face in your hair, which was getting sweaty from stress, and kissed your neck. "How can you be so ungrateful after all the good things I've done for you?" When he squeezed your inner thigh, every tight muscle of your thigh from last night ached in pain. "Why don't you save your life by being an obedient puppy? All you have to do is surrender yourself to me, and I will give you heaven." When you heard the familiar clicking sound, your brain sent warning signals throughout your body.

The sound of the handcuffs being opened when he's really angry at you and your punishment is going to be very harsh.

You didn't know how you escaped, but you freed yourself from his grip and ran to the nearest room, the kitchen. He had the handcuffs on his right hand and was approaching you. If he put it on you, you would never have a chance to escape from here again.

You had to protect yourself. You should have stopped him from coming towards you. Without thinking, you grabbed a knife from the knife holder next to you and pointed it at him. "Don't come any closer! Or I'll stab you!" Judging by your shaky hands holding the knife awkwardly, it would be impossible for you to stab someone as tall and bulky as him before he stopped you, but you were trying your luck anyway. You would never hurt him; you both knew that. No matter how much he hurt you, you couldn’t stab him, let alone kill him. This meant that you would live with this devil until the day he was done with you, being subjected to his tortures. If you couldn't kill him, why not kill yourself? At least you wouldn't suffer any more.

He giggled at you. "If you hold the knife like that, no one will take you seriously. Let me show you how to hold it-" As he approached you with a smile, he suddenly froze in place and his eyes widened. You turned the knife towards you and placed it against your neck. He was absolutely certain that you wouldn't kill him, but he wasn't at all certain that you wouldn't kill yourself.

You were holding the knife so confident and firmly against your neck that small cuts had formed on your neck and were beginning to bleed. "Am I holding it correctly now?" Yunho didn't know what to do. If he got close to you, you could cut your neck. If he just stood there, again you could. In order not to scare you any further, he put the handcuffs back in his pocket and raised his hands. "I'm not going to hurt you. Just put the knife down." You shook your head. "You're not thinking clearly. Put the knife down and let's sit down and talk. I promise I'll forget about this behavior." Liar. You were sure that the moment you put the knife down he would jump on you. "Let me go. You'll just kill me sooner or later! At least I won't have to suffer any more!" "What are you talking about? I will never kill you! You're overreacting right now. Put down the knife. Don't make me repeat myself."

His usual threat. 'Don't make me repeat myself.' You hated the person he had become. You closed your eyes and thought about your old Yuyu. Your cute, shy lover... If you pressed the knife harder would you see him? Since he was "dead", you would probably meet him again, since you would be dead too. You had a small smile on your face and started pressing the knife to your neck. The warm thick liquid began to flow down your neck towards your collarbone, warming you up in contrast to the coldness of the air.

But unfortunately, this peace didn’t last long when Yunho jumped on you and pulled the knife from your neck, taking it in his hand. "You bitch! You think you can kill yourself?! The only one who can kill you here is me!" He was shaking you and yelling. You flinched as if you had woken up from shock. You tried to get away from him, but he grabbed you by your newly cut neck and held you in place. "No, I won't give you what you want. You won't die right away, do you understand!?" He looked so scary. He was so big and you were so tiny under him. You were so scared of him.

"But if you like the knife so much, then give it a taste." He gave you a smile that was as terrifying as you'd ever seen before, before plunging the knife into your leg.

[utterlyotterlyx]

Hiii <3 Could you do number 4 from the prompt list with Eris? It's my first time asking for a prompt or anything so i hope this isn't rude. 😅

Aw my loveeeee it isn't rude! Request your little heart out <3

I've already done 4 but I'll do it again for you with a different spin on it.

Can't Keep My Hands To Myself

Modern!Eris x Reader

Summary - It's no secret that Eris has always wanted you, and now he has the perfect excuse to get up close and personal.

Warnings - slight pining, some fluff, swearing, hand fetish

The sun bounced off of the hood of Cassian's car, and if you looked closer you could have sworn you could see wisps of steam rising from the matte black finish.

Folding your arms over your chest, you huffed, already knowing what was coming as soon as you'd point out a certain problem.

It had been Elain's idea to go to the coast that day, mainly so that you could all go to the theme park that ran along the beach, all being yourself, Elain and Lucien, Nesta and Cassian, and Eris. The latter of which was leaning against the hood of Cassian's vehicle with a sly grin written on his lips, sunglasses low on his nose, and hands bundled into his pockets.

Eris Vanserra was the bane of your existence, the cocky son of some noble lord in England who had moved to your state for college and had set an unfortunate eye on you. The heir could have anyone he wanted, but he was too busy chasing you to notice.

Eris had crashed one too many of your dates, and when you had made it clear that he needed to stop being an alphahole, he would slyly quip that none of the men you allowed into your life deserved you. He would always show his face at Elain and Lucien's apartment when you were there, which made you certain that one of them, probably Lucien, was sending him updates whenever you would show up. Eris stuck to your side when the entire circle decided to go out, whether that be bowling or dinner, or even clubbing, Eris was always reluctant to leave your side.

Possessive bastard.

You had lost count of how many times exactly you had denied his advances. It wasn't that you weren't attracted to him, you'd be foolish not to be, but you didn't really fancy ensuing a relationship with a future lord, you quite liked your life the way it was.

You majored in architecture, you had always appreciated the beauty of buildings and landscapes, you had travelled Europe and spent weeks in Paris where you sketched and redesigned buildings until your heart was full and bursting with inspiration. There was nothing you couldn't create.

Life as a lady didn't appeal to you, but life as an architect travelling the world and creating masterpieces very much did.

So, you made it your mission to deter the heir in whatever way you could, from cold shoulders to harsh quips, but it only seemed to spur him on more.

Eris stood before you, red hair perfectly styled into pushed back waves, looking far too good in his black jeans and open collared black shirt, a thin chain hung around his neck which matched the bracelet on his wrist, rings littered his fingers and you found your gaze drifting to his hands, hands you had thought about often when you were alone. You imagined them running through your hair and pulling at it, you imagined them around your throat, you imagined his fingers drifting along your thighs and gripping the skin there.

It was so sinful how much you thought of Eris' hands.

The door opened behind you and you rolled your eyes at the Archeron sisters who walked ahead of both Cassian and Lucien, who both looked exhausted from their bickering already.

Unfurling your arms from your chest, you pulled down the edge of your tennis skirt and tucked in a loose section of the deep green polo you adorned, "About time," you told them, "I'm baking out here."

"I know a place that could cool you down," Eris drawled from behind you, and you turned your head slightly to see him at your shoulder, looking down on you with his usual longingly seductive eye, "You, me, the Swiss alps on skis."

"Sounds positively awful," you smiled sickly sweet at him before moving your attention elsewhere, "I also hate to state the obvious but there are only five seats in Cass' car, and there's six of us," you motioned between the circle you had all formed and shrugged.

"What if you-"

You held your hand up in front of Eris' face, shushing him into silence, "If you're really about to suggest that I sit on your lap, I will kill you."

Cassian threw his head back and laughed, a howling one that filled you with pride as he walked to the driver side of his car, "Hate to break it to you Princess, but you don't have a choice."

"Why me?! Surely it makes more sense for Elain and Lucien to cuddle up?"

Elain ticked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, flinging the passenger door open, "It's my birthday so no, plus Lucien injured his knee at baseball practice so he needs to be able to stretch it out. Sorry, Y/N," Elain wiggled her eyebrows at you and dipped into the car, no doubt securing her spot in the middle seat.

Scowling, you turned to Eris who had never looked happier, fluttering your eyes in annoyance, you pointed at him, "Don't get any ideas, Vanserra."

Eris threw his hands up in mock surrender but the smirk didn't leave his lips as he spoke, "Wouldn't dream of it, y/l/n."

It took you a few moments to become settled in his lap, and you cursed yourself for allowing yourself to be friends with bright and shiny Elain, if you hadn't then you wouldn't be sat on some heirs lap, nestled on his thighs like some kind of trophy.

As soon as you were comfortable, you propped your feet on Elain's lap which she was happy to hold since you drew the short straw, and you leaned back onto the doorframe, half on the body of the interior and half on Eris.

His scent was earthy, wafts of pine and freshly blown out matches, you knew he smelled good, but you didn't realise how much.

Eris draped one of his arms over your legs and the other around your waist, and you couldn't exactly bark at him to fuck off when they were the only two places that his hands could go. His fingers delicately danged off of your thighs, his fingertips lightly brushing against your skin with every bump in the road, the coolness of his bracelet clashing against the warmth of your skin.

If only his fingers could go a little higher, and just grab the flesh of your thigh...

No, y/n.

Elain had convinced the car to play a game, a game that you and Eris had quickly denied, you were both quite happy with the silence. That is until you felt him frown and lean over slightly to peer at something, his fingers drifted along the hem of your skirt and he lifted it slightly to take a peek.

Your gaze found him, his russet eyes darkened with intrigue, "I didn't know you had a tattoo," he hummed, allowing his eyes to trace along the swirls of black ink that created an arrangement of delicately drawn roses and geometric shapes that encased your entire hip.

Cassian's car hit a bump and you jolted on Eris' lap, his arms instinctively wrapped around you to keep you in place as your head hit the roof of the car, "Sorry, y/n. These roads are awful," Cassian apologised, one hand on the wheel and the other gripping Nesta's jeaned thigh, rubbing soft circles into the fabric whilst she idly read her book in the front passenger seat.

If that were you, your soul would no doubt be going feral.

Then you felt it, you felt his had travel from your waist to your unbound hair, he ran his fingertips along your scalp and rested his palm on the top of your head, "Are you okay?"

It took you a moment to reply, trying to control the shivers that spread in your soul like wildfire at his touch in the place you had dreamt of, "Yeah, 'm good," your tone was relaxed as he worked his fingertips into the crown of your head, kissing away any pain from the jolting force that had pushed against it.

"Do you like that?" Eris purred, and luckily no one was paying attention to either of you, Nesta was reading, Cassian was driving, and Elain and Lucien were looking out of the window of the travelling car talking about whatever animals they saw in the clouds.

"It might feel nice," you admitted bashfully, knowing you couldn't lie to the sly fox whose eyes always found you no matter how far apart you were in a room.

Eris let out a low hum, tilting his head to the side as his fingers slid from your scalp and rested on the back of your neck, "You're a touch starved little thing, aren't you?"

"No," it came out a little harder than what you had intended it to, but he wasn't wrong, especially when he was the reason that you were so touch starved and basking in his affection.

Eris chuckled, seeing straight through you as always, as his hand ghosted down your spine whilst his other found your thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze, smirking as you wiggled on his lap, "Careful sweetheart, you have no idea how close I am to losing it," his voice was a rough whisper in your ear, he knew exactly what effect he had on you.

"I can't help it."

"I know, you have no idea the effect you have on me," his finger grazed down the earring that dangled against the curve of your jaw.

"Oh?"

Eris hummed, "One date, y/n. It's all I ask."

"Eris..."

His digits slipped between your thighs and he traced circles into the skin he found there, "Just one. Let me show you the life we can live together. Please?"

You weren't sure if it was his deep tone or his hands on your body that made your mind foggy, but he had convinced your head and heart to agree. Moving your head to meet his eye, you narrowed your own and pursed your lips, "Fine. One date. Make it worth my time, Vanserra."

Eris' whisky amber eyes glistened in the sunlight, "I think you forget how well I know you sweetheart. You're not a coffee date girl, or a movie date girl, you're not a hiker either. You're a dreamer, I see you all of the time looking at the stars, I see the heavens in your art, I see the sky in your eyes. I think I know the perfect way to make sure you never entertain anyone other than me."

The confidence he radiated made your thighs clench together, an act that didn't go unnoticed by him as his eyes darkened again with desire, he licked his lips, throwing his head back as you squirmed on his thighs again and did his best to suppress the moan bubbling in his throat.

"One chance, Vanserra. Make the most of it."

Eris straightened his posture and winked at you, letting his hands roam freely over your back and thighs, "One chance is all I need."

Authors Note

Just a short little drabble - I did a 13 hour shift today and your girl is TIRED.

[maxwell-grant]

The Penguin: Episode 1 Breakdown

Thank you Lauren LeFranc, Mike Marino, Colin Farrell and Matt Reeves, we owe you the world for this, good God. It's finally here everyone and I've decided I'm gonna give each episode it's own post/breakdown of thoughts, because hahaha holy shit you guys this is beyond what I even dreamed of, and we're gonna be covering this for a while I think. I've worked out enough madness about this out of my system by talking with friends and I can't seem to be able to work on anything else till I get this done, so let's do it.

Bottom line: This isn't even just a must-watch if you like the Penguin or if you like The Batman, this is something I'd recommend to just about anyone in a heartbeat, something I can point to when people ask "why do you like The Penguin so much" and, instead of the elaborate nerd ramble that usually turns them off, I can just tell them to watch this. A friend of mine (who already loves Batman and digs the Penguin quite a bit) even told me as much, that he's starting to get why I love the character so much, and truly, is there a better feeling than this? Well, there is, and it's watching the show. Let's dig into this first episode:

Right upfront I'm gonna say that this doesn't really seem to be the Sopranos rip-off that people have been calling it before release, although there are definitely Sopranos comparisons to make here. I've spent the past months finally watching The Sopranos in order to get the comparison and definitely want to talk about those comparisons after I finish it (and this show ends). This thing aims to stand on it's own legs as a crime show and it's smashing out of the gate with an extremely promising first episode.

So this just casually opens with the reveal that all along, there was a second rich Gotham the whole time that was completely unaffected by everything we saw in the movie, already throwing a great twist on the events of that movie, and further reinforcing how fucking full of shit The Riddler was. All we saw Batman and the others deal with in the movie was just affecting the poorer parts of the city. All Eddie did was drown rats, and make life worse for the people already in the bottom, while never even getting close to targeting the systemic rot that ruined his life. He retains ideological worshippers in subways obsessed with the corruption of the city without doing anything to actually improve it, and because of him, the streets of Gotham are waterlogged shitholes while the rich Falcone suburbs are doing just fine, peachy even.

I said a while back that, in spite of having about 6 scenes/10 minutes of Penguin runtime, The Batman managed to squeeze impeccably controlled Penguin Trademark Scenes, and this show opens with the last one they didn't get to then: Penguin killing someone for making fun of him. In the movie, he tries doing that with Falcone and is beaten to the punch, so here he gets to actually do it to disastrous consequences.

Fucking adore that the inciting incident of the show is based on the fallout of Oswald killing someone for making fun of him. He pours his heart about the dream he lives his life for, his new boss makes fun of him for being an embarassment to their profession and then he does the most typical Penguin thing by killing him for it and laughing afterwards. And then he realizes how badly he fucked up, and then we get a fucking perfect titledrop with his musical theme, the exact moment we finish The Batman and enter The Penguin.

God it is so fucking cool how the make-up/lighting, the scar across his face, makes it look like he's got a genuine beak from certain angles, how they're able to achieve that effect without giving him a more literal beak for a nose. Everytime they talk about the character, Reeves and Farrell always emphasize how integral the make-up was to them figuring out what to do with Oz, how little they knew what to make of his six scenes until Marino created their monster and suddenly everything fell into place. Mike Marino fully deserves co-credit for the creation of Oz.

Pretty amusing that Victor, as designed to be Penguin's Robin, has exactly the same origin as Jason Todd, a poor street kid trying to steal the hubcaps off the Penguinmobile (I'm sure this bodes very well for his odds at survival), as is the way in which Oz goes on about his recruitment. He press-gangs this kid at gunpoint to help him bury a body arguing with himself and eventually the kid why shouldn't he just kill him to be safe, while trying to impress the kid with his car and air freshener and later that bullshit about "What, you think I hire any schmuck off the street?". From the tile drop onwards, he's doing everything on the fly while also spinning long-term plans set in motion as soon as he's on screen, he's taking this kid in out of sympathy and because he enjoys a power dynamic over someone weaker than him and because he very much needs someone to help him get stuff done. I'm extremely interested in exploring Penguin having a mentorship dynamic and I'm beyond curious as to what happens with Victor from this point onwards, but that poor kid is in for a terrible fucking time.

Found it very funny how much he half-asses the murder threat to Victor. Like it's his first time actually doing it and he's trying to be serious, but not too scary because he's already seeing himself in the poor kid with a stutter and wants the kid to think he's also a cool guy like he wants everyone to think he's a cool guy. I also think having Victor as the POV helps to sell moments like these, because it's still terrifying to him. Even as we follow their stories, these power players of Gotham are still big scary monsters to people caught in the dregs and Victor helps to reinforce that.

I enjoy Oz being friends with sex workers and drag queens off the street as much as I enjoy Oz being depicted as the kind of guy who deludes himself into thinking the prostitute he's with actually likes him, Lauren and Farrell launched into a bit about in on the podcast and I'm curious to see what's going on with him and Eve here.

Lots of perfect funny little character moments across the whole thing. Oz insulted by the idea of taking extra pickles off a poor kid's dirty mouth, but with zero hesitation whatsoever for picking jewelry off his boss' corpse. Dude is governed by principles even as he actively has to break them to survive.

"Technically it's plum." "He is the - or was the - new kingpin", "He's got nurse-like qualities." The show is not overtly trying to get you to find Penguin likeable as much as it wants you to find him engaging - making you think he's likeable is Colin Farrell's job and he's masterful at it, definitely a lot more matured within the character compared to the movie.

If there's anything in particular I'm thankful for regarding Gotham (well okay Gotham led directly to Telltale Penguin which was the basis for this one, so really I do have a lot more to be thankful with Gotham), it's the decision to give him a legit waddle via the broken foot, but the way they incorporate it here with the club foot does so much for him, so much as a modern day reinvention of The Penguin. Adds so much to why he's never been a serious candidate for mob leadership, why he kinda had to spend all his time in the Lounge, why he actually needs someone to help him run affairs, why he has such a gaping ego wound and is so murderously angry at people making fun of him / calling him a goddamn penguin, adds so much validation and so much darkness and nuance to Oswald's overwhelming anger and bitterness over how the world treats him (and so much power should he opt to reclaim it, in turn). It's the kind of thing that frankly feels like it should have always been part of the character, like what all the previous versions were itching closer to or trying to get at. Of course this is a guy gets called a penguin and he hates it badly enough to murder people over it, of course.

This gets to really highlight how differently Oz acts depending on who he's with. Traditionally, one of my favorite things about The Penguin, and one of the things that puts him above the other villains, is that, due to his position, he has to interact with a lot more people than the other Bat-villains. He has to manage a lot more relationships and dynamics, he has to play peacekeeper and puppetmaster. he's the only one in the United Underworld who's regularly interacting with and recruiting other villains to do business with. He's the guy who you pin stuff on like the Gangland Guardians, Team Penguin, doing betting pools with the Rogues taking cover in his Lounge while Joker War is happening, having to rig games to keep good standing with Maxie Zeus and Frenchy Blake in Batman Audio Adventures, and so on. So I greatly enjoy this beat here of him talking about how makes himself smaller before the Falcones, and that moment of him adjusting his outfit and practicing expressions in the mirror before meeting with them. How he contorts himself is present in all of his relationships, and retroactively adds to the way he carries himself in The Batman.

It seems that Oz is functionally regarded as the Paulie Walnuts of the Falcones: useful muscle, loyal for the most part and amusing to keep around, but largely an unstable self-serving dumb asskisser kept where he belongs, a liability if not kept on a short leash. I think the show does a good job of highlighting all the reasons why Oz has never been seriously regarded as a viable option for a boss, even putting aside his disability. He is a fundamentally embarassing person for these serious respectable criminals to be around and of course, the joke is ultimately on them..

Of course, there is only two people in the show who actually know what he's capable of, Francis Cobb and Sofia Falcone, said to be the central relationships defining the show moving forward. Both of them also a defining commonality with Oswald, being people who are looked down on and dehumanized, and characters who are underestimated until it's time to bear their fangs.

Extremely invested in where they're going with Sofia Falcone, Cristine Milioti's been killing it, and will in fact not stop killing it. What a perfect villain for Penguin they've set up with her, someone who has his Kryptonite: she does not underestimate him. Although we know in advance that Oz is going to live and be in the next movie, the question here isn't even so much who's going to win the gang war, and rather how much damage these two freaks will do to the city until Batman gets back. In many ways, Sofia represents the shape of things to come just as much as he does.

She is this embodiment of both the pristine unfathomable wealth and privilege and power that he both detests and strives for, as well as this brutal new breed of madness and violence attacking the streets that he has to survive against and make deals with (and is himself very much a part of, however he denies it). She is Falcone's legacy in every way that matters, both a Kingpin of Gotham whose existence creates the oppressive conditions under which a Batman or a Riddler are created, as well as the Arkham Rogue, the larger-than-life sadist with a tragic origin and a signature torture-murder method and an embarassing name for the papers.

Even the fact that she is The Hangman, and Carmine was defined around his penchant for brutally strangling women - regardless of whether or not she did the crimes that got her in Arkham, she's become this larger-than-life themed expression of a violent obsession in a way that sets her up as every bit the Batman villain that The Penguin is. The two champions of the two Gothams, duking it out in this new world The Batman and The Riddler made, The Penguin vs The Hangman.

I am so glad Lauren LeFranc made the call for binning Alberto in the first five minutes so the rest of the show can focus on Sofia and make a real character out of her in a way nobody's ever really done before, every step of the way so far LeFranc has been perfectly on the ball about where to take these characters and their conflict. And speaking of those,

I feel very confident in saying that this is the first time anyone's ever really had something worth doing with Oswald's mother as a character in her own right and not just a source of anguish for Penguin (Gotham was almost onto something with Gertrude, but not nearly enough). When it comes to Penguin origin stories, my favorite's always been the Pre-Crisis one, where he's poor and bullied but happy with his mom and birds until she dies and the government seizes everything he has, which doesn't necessarily involve her much. But here? Francine Cobb is a real character in what little time we get to know her, and what a character she is. We quickly understand the role she's playing in Oz's life, not just as his mom and person he loves and strives to protect, but the person who's sculpting him into the man he's going to become.

She is vulnerable and she does need meds and she's not quite all there, and Penguin's need to care for her is visible in other actions of his. But then they turn it around by showing how strong and demanding she is, how she is fiercely ambitious and pushing him to be something he would otherwise not be, how much she loves him and sees greatness in him. She knows he's a people pleaser, she knows how to push his buttons, and she wants him to be more, so of course he's going to be more, because he lives to please his mom.

Related to this is this absolute bullseye of a summation of The Penguin, that Lauren LeFranc delivered in the podcast: "Perhaps his greatest fear is that love is transactional. And that yet, everything he does, every decision he makes, is as if that's true. As if "love is transactional" is a truth he abides by". Oswald's conception of power is being loved and revered like Rex Calabrese, and the love he wants most in all the world is the one from his mother. So in turn this, and all extensions of it, drive him to greater and darker lengths.

He doesn't have that ambition quite down yet, it's his mom that does. She who's pushing him to take over the city and not just be a guy scraping by for survival. He's smart and ambitious and extremely good at slipping out of trouble, but she's pushing him to be the guy who will be taking the city by the horns because that's what he has to be for their sake. Her legacy to her son is nurturing him having that dog in him that will make him the supervillain who picks fights with Vengeance. She is the force that's turning Oswald into The Goddamn Penguin and I can't wait to see how she's developed.

Of course he reprimands Victor in that scene for lacking ambition, who do you think he gets it from?

Really love what they've done with Sal Maroni in here so far. I like adaptations that take these throwaway Batman backstory gangsters and make something out of them, in this case, with Clancy Brown lending his power and voice and reputation as The Grand Boss of Villainy to play the last Respectable Gangster of Gotham, this intimidating principled old tiger who's inversely proportional to how much of a petty and scummy piece of shit Carmine Falcone was. Extremely a guy I'd want to see playing a hand in the creation of Two-Face. Just as crucial is the fact that he is the one who gets the most effortlessly outplayed by Oz here, because this is The Penguin Show: no room for traditional or respectable gangsters anymore, their purpose is to be crapped all over by our wacko birdman.

There's a lot about this that re-contextualizes his behavior in The Batman and the one I'm gonna point out is: even though he can't be sure his plan didn't completely go to shit, he is still keeping his wits and not being terribly scared about being beaten up and tortured and staring down the scariest Falcone with a gun shoved in his throat. But he craps his pants at the sight of the Batmobile. He gets pain, he gets indignity, but he doesn't get Vengeance, what kind of sick freak would come up with the stuff that guy does. A gun in his mouth and Falcone torture is just Tuesday, but a car that wants to eat his soul is some psycho shit he's just not ready to deal with.

It is the delicious tasty fucking irony that Oswald thinks Vengeance is this weird freak who doesn't play or bend to any rules and is here to fuck up everything, just like the madman who flooded the city, and thinks of himself in turn as a justifiable guy standing for the respectable old-fashioned empathetic way of doing things, instead of the exact same thing that Riddler and Batman are. Only Sofia gets what he really is, the same thing as her, and that's why she is the arch-enemy / the biggest thing he's gotta defeat in life for now.

God, how fucking PERFECT it is that he gets caught and tortured because he, after stabbing out a man's eye and causing him to get run over by a schoolbus, stops to wave at the kids in that schoolbus while covered in blood. Just the Rex Calabrese of it all, the self-image, this guy who's both a mean nasty son of a bitch and also a real bleeding heart softie and in ways that ruin his life and allow him to slip and wriggle his way out of shit he has no right to, as demonstrated by the finale.

Thinking about Sofia chastizing Oz saying he thinks she is a toy to play with, while rattling off the ways in which she owns him and everything he has, all the ridiculous little accessories her daddy let him play him, and he in turn is a ridiculous little accessory for the family she is twisting until it breaks. Perfect fucking villain for him. Can't wait to see how badly these two are gonna burn Gotham.

I knew deep in my heart that all I wanted out of a Penguin show, the thing that I simply needed to have in it, was Penguin pulling a heist set-up in advance, and it fucking delivered. He doesn't even complain at Victor for being late, because if anything, getting captured and tortured while the car crashed was even better for him. No, he complains at Victor for not being sufficiently gruesome with the body. See, unlike other cowardly anti-hero reinventions of Bat-villains, the show never wants you to forget that Oz is a weird freak and a disgusting piece of shit, even if he is a very likeable and even aspirational one. Only by the most random stroke of fate it wasn't Victor that he fed to the wolves at that moment, that he sees himself in the kid isn't exactly ensuring that he's gonna make out of this in one piece.

Mr. Vengeance gets Nirvana, and Mr. Boniface gets Dolly Parton, perfect credits.

In conclusion: Out of everything they could have done following the thunderous success of The Batman and it's ensuing influence over the DCU, out of all the offers Reeves must have gotten to helm their new universe after delivering a megahit reinvention of their breadwinner blockbuster character, Matt Reeves went "Nah, I listened to my crew, and what we really want to do is 8 hours of television about the waddling freak who's in my movie for 10 minutes", and he and his crew deserve the world for that. I dreamed as a kid of getting to make a big Penguin story or show, a wild impossible idea that would never actually happen, and now it's here and it's better than anything I'd ever imagined.

I'm fit to burst with joy and riding a high of no longer having to hunt for scraps and washing away decades of put-downs for the character and enjoying a Penguin renaissance like one I never imagined happening. I am extremely not an unbiased reviewer here, this show rules and I've waited for it since I was a kid and it's here, drink it the fuck in cause it's only the beginning.

[hedgehog-moss]

Inspired by your last ask! What are the best French books you’ve read that have no English translation yet? I read Play Boy and Qui a tué mon père (really loved the latter) last year and it feels so fun to read something that other Americans can’t access yet

I'm too nervous to make any list of the Best XYZ Books because I don't want to raise your expectations too high! But okay, here's my No English Translation-themed list of books I've enjoyed in recent years. I tried to make it eclectic in terms of genre as I don't know what you prefer :)

Biographies

• Le dernier inventeur, Héloïse Guay de Bellissen: I just love prehistory and unusual narrators so I enjoyed this one; it's about the kids who discovered the cave of Lascaux, and some of the narration is written from the perspective of the cave <3 I posted a little excerpt here (in English).

• Ces femmes du Grand Siècle, Juliette Benzoni: Just a fun collection of portraits of notable noblewomen during the reign of Louis XIV, I really liked it. For people who like the 17th century. I think it was Emil Cioran who said his favourite historical periods were the Stone Age and the 17th century but tragically the age of salons led to the Reign of Terror and Prehistory led to History.

• La Comtesse Greffulhe, Laure Hillerin: I've mentioned this one before, it's about the fascinating Belle Époque French socialite who was (among other things) the inspiration for Proust's Duchess of Guermantes. I initially picked it up because I will read anything that's even vaguely about Proust but it was also a nice aperçu of the Belle Époque which I didn't know much about.

• Nous les filles, Marie Rouanet: I've also recommended this one before but it's such a sweet little viennoiserie of a book. The author talks about her 1950s childhood in a town in the South of France in the most detailed, colourful, earnest way—she mentions everything, describes all the daft little games children invent like she wants ageless aliens to grasp the concept of human childhood, it's great.

I'll add Trésors d'enfance by Christian SIgnol and La Maison by Madeleine Chapsal which are slightly less great but also sweet short nostalgic books about childhood that I enjoyed.

Fantasy

• Mers mortes, Aurélie Wellenstein: I read this one last year and I found the characters a bit underwhelming / underexplored but I always enjoy SFF books that do interesting things with oceans (like Solaris with its sentient ocean-planet), so I liked the atmosphere here, with the characters trying to navigate a ghost ship in ghost seas...

• Janua Vera, Jean-Philippe Jaworski: Not much to say about it other than they're short stories set in a mediaeval fantasy world and no part of this description is usually my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed this read!

Essays / literary criticism / philosophy

• Eloge du temps perdu, Frank Lanot: I thought this was going to be about idleness, as the title suggests, and I love books about idleness. But it's actually a collection of short essays about (French) literature and some of them made me appreciate new things about authors and books I thought I knew by heart, so I enjoyed it

• Le Pont flottant des rêves, Corinne Atlan: Poetic musings about translation <3 that's all

• Sisyphe est une femme, Geneviève Brisac: Reflections about the works of female writers (Natalia Ginzburg, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner, etc) that systematically made me want to go read the author in question, even when I'd already read & disliked said author. That's how you know it's good literary criticism

Let's add L'Esprit de solitude by Jacqueline Kelen which as the title suggests, ponders the notion of solitude, and Le Roman du monde by Henri Peña-Ruiz which was so lovely to read in terms of literary style I don't even care what it was about (it's philosophy of foundational myths & stories) (probably difficult to read if you're not fully fluent in French though)

Did not fit in the above categories:

• Entre deux mondes by Olivier Norek—it's been translated in half a dozen languages, I was surprised to find no English translation! It's a crime novel and a pretty bleak read on account of the setting (the Calais migrant camp) but I'd recommend it

• Saga, Tonino Benacquista: Also seems to have been translated in a whole bunch of languages but not English? :( I read it ages ago but I remember it as a really fun read. It's a group of loser screenwriters who get hired to write a TV series, their budget is 15 francs and a stale croissant and it's going to air at 4am so they can do whatever they want seeing as no one will watch it. So they start writing this intentionally ridiculous unhinged show, and of course it acquires Devoted Fans

Books that I didn't think existed in English translation but they do! but you can still read them in French if you want

• Scrabble: A Chadian Childhood, Michaël Ferrier: What it says on the tin! It's a short and well-written account of the author's childhood in Chad just before the civil war. I read it a few days ago and it was a good read, but then again I just love bittersweet stories of childhood

• On the Line, Joseph Ponthus: A short diary-like account of the author's assembly line work in a fish factory. I liked the contrast between the robotic aspect of the job and the poetic nature of the text; how the author used free verse / repetition / scansion to give a very immediate sense of the monotony and rhythm of his work (I don't know if it's good in English)

• The End of Eddy, Edouard Louis: The memoir of a gay man growing up in a poor industrial town in Northern France—pretty brutal but really good

• And There Was Light, Jacques Lusseyran: Yet another memoir sorry, I love people's lives! Jacques Lusseyran lost his sight as a child, and was in the Resistance during WWII despite being blind. It's a great story, both for the historical aspects and for the descriptions of how the author experiences his blindness

• The Adversary: A True Story of Monstrous Deception, Emmanuel Carrère: an account of the Jean-Claude Romand case—a French man who murdered his whole family to avoid being discovered as a fraud, after spending his entire adult life pretending to be a doctor working at the WHO and fooling everyone he knew. Just morbidly fascinating, if you like true crime stuff

[bcacstuff]

What a cringe fest that event was. What are your thoughts on the booze party?

While Anon 1 is mostly referring to the Steak&Whisky event, and Anon 2 wants my opinion about 'him' last week,I rather prefer to share my overall thoughts about the NYC Wine & Food Festival based on what I saw from all the footage I've watched on several accounts. As I do think, most people here in this fandom only saw the footage posted in the fandom, (including on my blog). So maybe to give a bit a broader view on it and put things more into perspective, these are my thoughts

First of all, last year the SS brand was presented at the festival as well, but it didn't get any exposure at all! It was nowhere exposed on the main accounts, like the nycwff one on IG. Only Chrissy and Melanie were there and all I've seen from their private accounts back then was them going over the festival tasting all the brands... Not once did I see anybody posting about the SS booth (apart from a very few OL/SH fan accounts). Sam, who had been in town in the days before was gone for a vacation at Nevis exactly the day the event started! Something I thought was a missed opportunity, strange and not very smart back then.

It's a very large event, many booths, even more brands and bars/restaurants promoting their business.

And being present promoting your brand, especially when you seek more exposure and want to build your brand beyond the current customer base (read the OL fandom) is a good opportunity to present your brand to a wider public.

It was a 4 days event, 17 - 20 October. I watched the location and the nycwff account and tags to see if there was any exposure on the days before (and after) he was at the booth. But not much was there to see about his brand. Only the SS account posted a video on the 2nd day, which at least showed the booth styled by Ally Amenta, which was compared to last year, an improvement.

Seeing a working team behind it was as well something new. Of course it helps a lot when he's there himself in order to get exposure.

But mind you, most of it were on OL/SH fan accounts. Little on the main nycwff account or location tagged accounts.

Sure, being a 'special' guest on one of the evening events of the festival helps as well. Yes, there were several events, dinners going on in the evening during the festival. Most themed based and one more luxurious than the other.

The Steak& Whisky event was presented by A.1. Sauce and hosted by Robert Irvine. Advertised as an indulgent and sumptuous evening centered around steak and whisky, a walk-around dinner event. Which comes down to a number of tables that presented their produce, steak and whisky. All sponsoring the event of course. People could get their food and whisky at those tables walking around.

You might have gotten the idea that it was all about him, and of course he did get the usual acclaim when arriving and dare I say goofing around. But not only his whisky was presented and promoted on the event, a number of others as well. In fact I was watching the nycwff account live all the time, they posted several stories of this event (as well the other events going on). I saw several whisky brands being posted, but after his arrival I didn't see anything about the SS brand!

Compared to other tables which, dare I say, looked a lot classier, the SS table looked quite chaotic when he was playing 'bartender'

Okay, you say because all the fans around it, yes exactly that - fans-and yeah the dancing... what can I say 🤐🙈

and of course there was steak, and when I say steak... I mean...

I'm more curious though how the random visitor, the ones not knowing him or OL, go home and still remember the brand they might have tasted amongst countless others? I don't know if there were any giveaways or marketing materials handed out which the random visitor could take home to at least remember the name. The Sassenach isn't the most easiest name to remember when you're not an OL fan or never heard of it. And how many times have we seen his name spelled the wrong way... 🤐

And does the visitor know where to go, where to find his product? We know it's not available in every liquor store around the corner, and how many like to order their liquor on the internet? That's if they can find out where to order it! His only exposure is in fact mainly on IG, on the SS account, and his account. They're stories and posts but not really advertisements (as in #ads which will popup randomly on your timeline). And if you check the Datareportal, you'll find out that Instagram is only the 4th social media platform actively used.

A number of bars were listed on his and the SS account, but just 11 bars in NYC (and mind you half of them are owned by friend chef Paul Donnelly), does the random visitor know where to go and order his booze in a bar? Do they order his booze in a bar at all? I have my doubts here... you can be optimistic, and perhaps I'm wrong 🤷‍♀️ I'm afraid though when the random visitor can not find much about it, he/she will quickly forget about it and move on to the next thing.

All in all, good event for promo, but doubts and question marks about the follow up on my part, which imho is equally important. But who knows.... According to Frank Sinatra.... 🎶

Anyway, last but not least about the event itself. I do really hope events like this find a better solution for all the plastic used. I get it, you can hardly use glasses, but in this time it really is necessary to find a better solution for this especially seeing the event so near to the river.

[privatehousesanatomy]

Based on the amusement park idea:

How about House goes into a horror house with the reader?

You know, the ones with real actors in it? :D

And House would be absolutely unimpressed but can play the strong protector for Reader who he has a thing for?

(Maybe with a little make out scene in a darker corner? 🙈🙊)

ooh this sounds like fun! i've been in a spooky mood lately so i am actually so hyped for this one!

GREGORY HOUSE X READER

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

If you were to ask House about what he thought about holidays in general, he'd say they were a waste of time while also making the argument that their only good purpose was time he got off work and still got paid for.

He also was not a fan of amusement parks, and he wasn't even sure how you'd managed to drag him along to one. It was a week to Halloween, and the park had gone from it's usual cheery theme to a haunted wonderland, and House wanted zero part in it. And yet, here he was.

"Oh come on, House. Live a little. Have some fun," you urged as the two of you wandered around the fairgrounds. Wilson had wandered off with the team to go find something to eat, but House has spent the entire evening eating so far.

"I'm not going on any rides," he huffed. "Unless you want those four corndogs I ate all over that sweater."

You rolled your eyes. "I don't think any of the rides are cripple-friendly, anyway," you teased.

"Ouch," he said, feigning offense as he leaned on his cane. The air was cool, and it did help the pain in his leg a little bit, but he could still feel pain searing through it.

"But we're not leaving until you do something. Or until the park closes. I guess whichever comes first," you said.

"We'll be here all night then," he mumbled. You sighed and looked around the park until you spotted a haunted house, and there wasn't a long line in front of it.

"If you go through the haunted house with me, we can go home," you promised, and House raised an eyebrow.

"That's it? You're not going to force me to get my face painted like a ghost or anything?"

"We'll go right home after."

"Fine."

It had been years since you'd been inside a haunted house, and from what you could remember, you weren't the biggest fan of them, but you were determined to make House have some fun.

"Are you sure you want to go in? You're not gonna get all scared on me, are you?" he asked, and you rolled your eyes.

"I make no promises," you teased, and before you knew it, you were walking inside the haunted house. It was dark, and there was a soundtrack of spooky noises playing in the background.

"Fake spiders. How convincing," House rolled his eyes as they walked through the rooms. You stayed close beside him, and the darkness thankfully hid the smirk on his face.

As you turned the corner, one of the actors dressed as a zombie jumped out from behind a chair, and you stumbled backwards.

"Jesus!" you gasped, and House burst out laughing.

"You couldn't hear him shuffling back there?" he asked, and you smacked his arm.

"I wasn't expecting it!"

"Who goes into a haunted house and doesn't expect to get scared?" he asked.

"Oh shut up," you mumbled, but every time someone jumped out at you, you had the same reaction every time, and House laughed every time.

"You'd never survive in a horror movie. You'd be like, the first one that gets killed," he joked, moving one of the hanging cobwebs out of the way so that it didn't get stuck on his face.

"Oh, like you'd do any better. You couldn't run to save your life. At least I have that over you," you retorted, and House feigned offense.

"God, if insulting a cripple was an Olympic sport, you'd take home the gold," he rolled his eyes, a smirk creeping up on his face.

"At least I could compete in the Olypmics," you teased.

"Hey! The ParaOlympics exist for a reason," he replied. He was enjoying the back and forth banter. He always did.

Before you knew it, you came to the end of the haunted house, but not without an entire ten minutes worth of newfound nightmare fuel, but before you walked out of the exit, House grabbed you by the wrist and pulled you into a corner.

"What are you doing?" you asked, barely able to see the smirk on his face.

"We're gonna scare the next poor bastards that walk through here," said, pulling you closer to him so that you weren't visible to anyone else.

"Are you serious? We're gonna get kicked out," you said.

"Oh come on, Y/N. Live a little. Have some fun," House spoke, mocking your tone from earlier in the evening.

"Fine, but we're leaving right after," you said, to which House nodded his head in agreement.

As the two of you waited for someone else to come by, you started to realize just how close you were standing to him, and his voice broke through your thoughts.

"Have you ever kissed someone under the cobwebs before?" he asked, and you raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't it usually meant to be under the mistletoe?"

"Yeah, but cobwebs are a little more my speed," he teased, and you rolled your eyes jokingly.

"Touche," you said, and House pulled you closer (if that was even possible at this point). He pressed his lips against yours, and you found yourself getting lost in the kiss. So much so, that you completely forgot about trying to scare the next people who exited the haunted house. Not that either of you cared, anyway.

[villainscharm]

BLOOD AND BONES | davos blackwood

CHAPTER : TWO

MASTERLIST — ONE

paring : davos blackwood x f! original character

summary : davos and celia were faced with an undesirable offer — a difficult decision between their own pride and duties — and a midnight encounter that led to a deep conversation and something more.

a/n : (smut next chapter!)

english is not my first language. all characters are of age unless stated otherwise.

words count : 3.7k

warnings : arrange marriage. light smut (mdni). angry makeout session. implied masturbation. original house/characters. dark theme. mention of death. implied vampire history. religious theme implied.

Morning came and Davos didn't even know. He wasn't sure if it was because of the station of the castle that was hidden amongst the tall trees or the dark curtains that covered the large windows in his chamber. He heard a servant knock upon his doors, alerting him of the breakfast. Quickly, Davos dressed himself properly before exiting his chambers, following the servant along the empty hall.

“Good morning, lord Davos,” greeted Celia. Her tone meant courtesy but her expressions meant unwelcoming. “I take it as you slept well? Since you've just arrived.” Davos' eyes shot her a quick glare, an attempt to warn her of his annoyance, especially this morning. “I couldn't tell when the sun rose. You have a terrible station, my lady,“ Davos replied after sitting down on the opposite side of Celia — only Celia, her brother was nowhere to be found.

“You're giving me advice on architecture now, Davos?” Celia returned his glare, no longer addressing him as lord anymore. Her fork stabbed deep into the meat on her plate. Surprisingly earning an anger out of her pleased Davos as he continued eating with a grin on his face. When he said nothing in response, Celia continued her mumble. “I'm sure Raventree Hall must be astonishing.”

Since the encounter, Davos almost forgot Celia and he were not different in age. Her behavior seemed mature at first, he ventured it was only a facade she put on in front of new people in order to protect herself and her family. Davos learnt that house Lairwyn had lost their late lord and lady when their two heirs were very young, making the responsibility forced upon themselves.

“It is indeed astonishing, lady Celia,” Davos finally responded. “You should see it yourself,” with that Celia’s gaze shot to him instantly, a small curve flashed on the corner of her lips, “If I didn’t know any better I would take it as you’re inviting me to your home, Davos.”

“And do you?” Davos asked, his tone matched her sarcasm. Celia’s eyebrows perked up, urging him to finish his question. “Know better,” his voice low, some might take it as calming but Celia in fact knew better as it was dangerous. With a smirk on her lips, she replied. “Of course I do. After all, I’ve been living for a hundred years,” her tone was mischievous as well as her dark eyes. Celia was aware of what Davos thought of her, she knew of what he had heard about her house and their reputation. Every bloody person in the seven kingdoms knew. She could feel it in her bones ever since their eyes met at the hall of Bloodstone. But she did not care for it. If anything it made her feel above even more.

Davos’ face dropped slightly at her sentence but he took it as her jesting, still he did not trust her so. But before he could respond, the doors of the dining hall opened, presenting the lord of Bloodstone in his usual black attires.

“Do not scare our guest like that, Celia. It is not ladylike,” spoked Carlos as he took his spot at the head of the table. There was no food in front of him, only a goblet of wine already filled. Davos tried not to be too curious about it, maybe the lord of Bloodstone already broke his fast.

“I've come to consider your terms, lord Davos. Our queen’s terms,” Carlos began, turning Celia and Davos’ attention to himself. “I’ve sent words to her grace this morning. We will pledge our loyalty to her only under one condition,” fingers trailing at the rim of his cup, Carlos could see the curiosity on his sister’s face as they had not discussed this together beforehand. But she made sure to ask about it after the dining was done, just in case Carlos had other plans hidden. “Hopefully her grace is kind enough to oblige.”

“What have you done!” Celia stormed into the library room of Bloodstone, where she sure knew her brother was at. There she found Carlos sitting behind the table, reading some book as if he wasn’t bothered by her presence. A loud thud followed behind as Celia’s fists landed on top of the wooden surface. “I asked you a question, Carlos,” the formality was gone, Celia’s voice filled with burning anger as her brother remained no answer.

It had been a fortnight since the arrival of the queen’s letter — since Rhaenyra sent men from house Blackwood to persuade them into joining her side. After Davos left, Celia tried to have a conversation with her brother about the conditions he had sent for their queen. But it seemed Carlos wasn’t very interested in sharing his plans with her as he kept avoiding his answer. Today Celia finally found out, after old lord Orwyn had accidentally slipped out.

Carlos finally looked up at his sister. His face was blank with expressions and Celia almost didn’t recognise her brother. He wouldn’t do this to her really, would he? “I asked queen Rhaenyra for an offer of marriage to you,” his voice was so calm it was almost scary. Celia’s eyes filled with tears from both wrath and disappointment. Though this matter was expected of her. “You’re aware of what people think of us, Celia. If you expect us to wait for someone to come to our castle and ask for your hand, you are not a very clever Lairwyn,” His voice was sharp, painful but true. Celia was very much aware that no lord in the realm would ever come to Bloodstone and ask for her hand. Even if she was the last woman in the world.

It pained Carlos as well, as a brother he felt terrible for not discussing this with her beforehand, asking of her comfortability. But as the lord of Bloodstone he must act strenuous, earnestly. His voice was softer this time when he explained. “I asked the queen to send word to many houses, to see if any  had responded to the offer. Because we know no one will ever come to our alliance on their own.” For a moment silence filled the air, Celia was struggling to not shed anymore tears and trying to compose herself. Finally she was calm again, a sniff before her voice query. "Has there been any replied?" she huffed out, taking the seat opposite from her brother. Carlos flashed her a smirk before he replied.

"Yes, there has been one."

“Are you mad, uncle?”

Davos' voice shouted, cutting through the air of Raventree Hall. He stood in front of his uncle Samwell, his face red with anger and betrayed. This morning after Davos finished sparring in the training yard, he was summoned to the hall by his uncle. The lord of Raventree Hall was informing his nephew of some good news. One, the queen appreciated the devotation he had done for her fortnight ago, giving her one more noble house on her side. And two, of the betrothal of him and the lady of Bloodstone herself.

“Careful now boy, it is an honour the queen granted us,” Samwell warned sternly, trying to make his hot-headed nephew understand. “It was a request from house Lairwyn. Lord Carlos asked the queen for a marriage offer, her ravens went all across the realm to find her a suitable husband.”

“And so you think it is me?” Davos huffed angrily. He was aware of his duty he needed to perform to his house. Marriage was not always an option for him to decide, but at least he had hoped to choose the bride by himself.

“I've come to consideration with the lord Carlos himself,” Samwell added. And confusion washed over Davos' face instantly. He saw Carlos and had a discussion with him. Davos wasn't even sure if Celia herself was in on it. “You have seen her, she is a beautiful young lady with a good family name.” Beautiful, yes but deadly as well. “Good family name? Have you forgotten what we call them?” Davos' voice was harsh. For he knew Davos grew up with dark rumours of them. The myths and legends of infamous house Lairwyn and their traitorous behavior against their gods.

“It will go against everything we stood for,” Davos tried to reason with his uncle, referring to their religion. House Blackwood had placed their faith with the Old Gods for hundreds of years. An alliance with those who stood on the opposite might not benefit them. “House Lairwyn shares the same faith as ours. Many do not know of it because they were too busy despising them.”

Strangely, it was true. Davos came to an understanding. His house never hated the Lairwyns, if anything they were only afraid of them. Still, it did not change the fact that he would be wed to Celia — the woman with a poisonous tongue.

“As your uncle and the head of house Blackwood, you will do your duty as I command,” and with that Davos was defeated. There was no way out but to accept it. It wasn't like Davos disliked Celia or couldn't stand her. But because he felt like this arrangement would lead them to nothing but a long life of an unhappy marriage. And he would hate to be the reason for it.

After learning of her arranged betrothal to the young lord from house Blackwood, Celia couldn't sleep. Although she and Carlos had come to an understanding of the situation, Celia always knew she had to wed a lord. If not by her choosing then her brother's, he was the lord of Bloodstone after all. Being betrothed to someone who she didn't choose wasn't so bad, but the fact that her betrothed being Davos Blackwood was worse. Of all men in the seven kingdoms, the house that replied to the queen's letter was house Blackwood. Celia didn't hold any grudges towards them or anything. She just found Davos to be somewhat pretentious. His boldness and devotation was nothing to be disliked, as was his good look.

There was no denying of Davos Blackwood’s attractiveness. With his tall and lean posture, the way he carried himself with such proudness. His dark curls and his pretty eyes. If they had met under other circumstances, Celia might have liked him.

Mayhaps, totally.

Hours had passed and Celia’s mind went everywhere but to sleep, insomnia crept up onto her with too much thoughts, so she decided to take her horse to the woods to find comfort amongst darkness.

Celia dropped her feet to the ground when she arrived at her usual spot in the woods, under the largest, tallest tree in her estate. As she was caressing the back of her horse she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned herself around quickly, a dagger in her hand and her eyes fearlessly staring into the dark figure behind the tree. Eventually the figure stepped into the light of moon, revealing himself.

“Davos,” her voice spat, but a relief as she realized it wasn’t someone or something else. “It is late for a lady to be wandering about?” Davos’ tone was a mix of question and statement. Celia couldn’t care if he was asking her out of curiosity or worry, either way she did not want to know. She let out an annoyed sigh before stepping closer to the lord in front. “Were you following me?” her voice stern and her eyes bore deep into his dark ones. Davos didn’t look away, he scoffed in response. “How could I ever know that you’re here?” Despite his annoyance, deep down Davos couldn’t help but worry for her. It wasn’t just any other time, it was midnight. And the sky was as black as her hair, if it hadn’t been for the moonlight, Davos was sure they wouldn’t be able to see each other as of now.

Now, under the soft moonlight Davos could truly see her for the first time. He had never been this close or even alone with Celia. His stay at Bloodstone fortnight ago was only an overnight stay, he didn’t get to spend much time with her. Only if he knew they would be betrothed sometime after, he would have had to try to get to know her. Under the pale moonlight, Davos could see the redness under her eyes. It could’ve been a sign of her sleepless night or maybe that was just how the Lairwyns were built, he bet it was the latter.

“Why are you out here at this time?” his voice was soft and Celia could actually see the worry on his face. He was so handsome, she didn’t even want to admit it but here he was, standing in front of her under the very same tree that gave her comfort, his eyes studying her expressions as he waited for an answer.

“I could not sleep. I suppose you know why,” Celia raised her brows at him for reference while her hand put the dagger back into the sheath on her belt. Davos only nodded in return, his face dropped for he was aware of the reason for their sleepless night. He could see that she was displeased as much as himself. He felt guilty of it. While Celia stepped back before sitting down, leaning her back against the large tree, she invited Davos to take a spot next to her, which he did obediently. They both sat in an uncomfortable silence for sometime before Davos finally spoke up.

“Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything, Davos. We’re to be wed after all,” her voice was bland as well as her face, it sounded bitter — she refused to hold eye contact with her betrothed when she spoke of the matter. She thought it would be better that way.

“My uncle told me that your house is in need of a successor, why must it be you and not your brother?” He was the lord of Bloodstone. Davos thought but did not utter aloud. Celia took a moment to find a proper way to answer, as well as wondering about it herself why it must be her.

“My brother cannot proceed heirs,” she finally answered, her face looking down at her subtly fidgeting hands. “It was a curse I think. Most Lairwyns were born with a curse. But Carlos’ happened twice,” Celia could feel Davos’ gaze on her, he was listening intensely, paying more attention than she would have expected. “Carlos was married two years ago before tragedy took her away,” Davos watched as her eyes saddened, though she tried to remain unbothered. “He loved her so much, he tried everything to take her back.”

And by everything Celia meant it. Every possible way there was to reincarnate his loved one back. Davos wasn’t the type who believed in magic even though he was raised under a family that believed so. But he didn’t argue, he just sat there and listened to his betrothed opening her heart for him.

“Somehow the consequences of bargaining with death had taken every bit of Carlos away — all he held dear. At one point I thought my brother had gone mad. He spoke of a strange horse that looked like it was nothing but bones in our yard, which I have never seen in my entire life. But it was our ancestor's beliefs that the strange horse would only appear to those who had witnessed death.”

Davos listened closely, never dared to interrupt her as he waited for her to finish. He never judged her. And Celia appreciated that he never asked her of their earned reputations, for she did not know how he should react. But Davos has concluded it himself. Lairwyn's myths were only a lore. They did not drink or eat human hearts as they were said to be. Neither were they cruel.

“That day you told your brother we’ve already met, what did you mean?” Davos asked, recalling back to their very first meeting at Bloodstone. “You don’t remember?” Celia turned to face him with a smirk on her lips, she tilted her head slightly, her gaze scanning for his expression. “I was on your horse, before he shook me off.” And Davos suddenly remembered. “You were th—”

“The bat, yes and no, I could only see through his eyes, that's all.” Celia elaborated with a shrug as if it was normal to do so. She could see the confusion in his face before he uttered his confusion out. “You’re a warg?” He had heard of it before, a lore his maester taught when he was young. But never expected to come across them in his lifetime.

“I wouldn’t say that. Bats are our ancient beliefs — hence the sigil — we imitate their ways of living. Therefore they are a part of our soul.” Celia’s explanation had enlightened Davos’ knowledge of the unknowns in this world. What one thought they knew, might not be entirely true.

“I know this arrangement does not please either of us,” Celia started after a quick moment of silence. “But I do hope you know that I have no part in this. It was my brother’s idea. I had no intention to trap or torment you to my name,” her eyes were low as she explained, trying to make the young lord understand that this wasn’t her choice as well. And Davos did in fact understand, he just couldn’t understand why she’d think he blamed her for it.

“I didn’t have a choice either. My uncle only agreed to this alliance because he thought of what your house is holding could strengthen my house,” Davos admitted shamefully. Not only would he take away her happiness and freedom, he also felt terrible that Celia was nothing but a pawn to his house. Surely her house would gain benefits from this alliance as well, but would it be worthy of their despair?

“What my house is holding,” Celia repeated with a scoff, though she wasn’t actually upset with Davos, she was just pitied herself. “Whatever anyone claimed that my house was, was not entirely true,” she turned her head to face Davos once again while she confessed. Davos’ brows immediately frowned in confusion after hearing her words. He said nothing but wait for her to elaborate.

“My ancestors did possess a kind of darkness. They did engage in nefarious customs. And they did feast on people’s blood and hearts. Anything to keep their lives longer than it should be.”

Davos felt his throat go dry, but he tried not to judge her. It wasn’t her fault — it wasn’t her. His dark eyes searched for hers while she tried to avoid him. “Some of us inherited some sort of ability as well as curses, and… some of us weren’t their direct offsprings,” she felt shameful, and expected disgust on Davos’ face. But when she finally met his gaze, she found nothing but sympathy. He felt sorry for Celia, the damage her ancestors had done affected their family line until now.

“Not direct offsprings?“ Davos repeated with curiosity, almost too scared to ask her of it. But eventually Celia told him. “There were those with the same curse as Carlos, and their desperation urged them to do unforgivable things in order to keep the bloodline,” Celia’s gaze dropped to the ground, she considered herself briey before adding, “Carlos and I are one of those,” she gulped, her mouth tasted bitter as she spoke, “that’s why death took our parents away as a payment of their doing.”

She felt Davos’ gaze burn through her, so slowly she turned to meet him, piteous overflowing in her prideful chest — she felt weak.  “I am everything you despise. Everything that would haunt and damn your name,” her voice shook pathetically.

“You take me for a craven, Celia? I have my responsibility and I will noy abandon my duty only because your background offends me,” Davos argued, his tone almost spatting with the feeling of being insulted. Dishonest wasn’t in Blackwood's nature, especially Davos’.

He didn’t remember when his hand went to grip on Celia’s wrist harshly just as of now, but the lady didn’t seem to be in any harm. Almost like she was immune to the tightness of his grip. When he realized, he didn’t let go of her. A silence filled the air as their gaze locked into each other. Before their little spaces between their faces were crushed by an angry hot kiss.

The kiss was harsh and desperate, they couldn’t remember who kissed who first, it didn't matter as it happened now. While Celia’s hand went to pull on the collar of Davos’ tunic to urge him closer, Davos was fighting for dominance as their tongues danced and he eventually won. The next thing they knew was Celia’s settling herself on Davos’ lap, one of her hands found itself in his dark curls while the other placed upon his chest, feeling his heart beated with excitement.

“Gonna rip that out?” Davos muttered with a chuckle, earning a yank in his hair from Celia’s hand.

“Testing me, Davos?”

“I wouldn’t dare, my lady,” a shit-eating grin flashed on his lips, before moving closer to plant open-mouthed kisses to her neck. “This won’t change anything— I still wouldn’t enjoy being your wife,” Celia managed through her panting that was caused by Davos’ burning kisses. Once again, she heard him chuckle into her neck.

“We’ll see about that, my lady,” He said before pulling himself back from the crook of her neck. When his gaze found Celia’s, he could tell that she wasn’t pleased at his interruption, but her pride wouldn’t let her argue. “It’s past midnight now, it'd be best if you go back to the comfort of your shelter.”

Davos explained — with a faint smug on his face — and Celia internally cursed him, as well as herself for letting her emotions get in the way. Abruptly, she stood up from his lap and climbed onto the back of her horse. She didn’t even bid him a goodnight as she left.

As soon as she was back at Bloodstone, beneath the soft of her duvet, she tried to force herself to sleep but the image of Davos and his hot fucking kisses clouded her mind, as she had no other solution but to fill the void he had left and find relief with her own hands.

taglist : @deltamoon666

[ghostofthemost141]

Cherry Soda

Pairing: Ghost x GN!Reader, First POV, no use of (Y/N)

Word Count: 2,062

Themes: Fluff, Angst, Comfort, Self Loathing

!Warnings!: Mention of Self Harm and Scars but nothing explicit

About: After coming home from a mission, Simon sees the effects of how you are coping and knows how to help you out.

Notes: I felt like I didn't great on this one but I hope y'all enjoy it regardless! Nickname for you is Ace. Enjoy!

“Ace?”

“Yes?”

I was almost startled to hear Simon's voice enter the house, but then I remembered the letter he sent me a week ago, that he would be home soon. He didn't say exactly when but soon to him is usually within a week or so.

“Where you at, love?” Simon called for me.

I felt so terrible. Usually I would have his favorite dinner ready for him when he would come home, but here I am, rotting on our bed in solitude.

“Bedroom.” I softly answered.

Seconds later, I could hear heavy, but gentle footsteps come down the hallway and stop at our doorway.

“Are you in here?” Simon asked.

“Yes.” I croaked.

Even though I was happy he was home, knowing he was home means he would have to leave again. And who knows how long he will be home for until he has to leave once again. The bedroom door swung open, with Simon standing there in the doorway in all his glory. His handsome glory.

“There you are.” I felt Simon sit on the bed and place his hand on my shoulder.

“Hey. I'm sorry.” I apologize.

“For what?”

“I didn't have dinner ready.” I said, feeling immense guilt invade my stomach.

Simon didn't say anything back, instead he just rubbed my side, up and down, making sure his skin was touching mine. Despite being in combat all the time, his skin was always soft to touch and so smooth. I guess that's why he always wears his gloves to not damage them. It was silent between us though, and that worried me. Was he mad at me? He has to be. But if he was mad he would communicate with me about it. I wish I could read his mind and figure out how he was feeling.

“Love?”

“Yes?”

“I'm fine with takeout.” He said.

I could feel the guilt increasing in my gut.

“No, I'll get up and cook.” I said as I started to get up but Simon stopped me.

He still wore some of his tactical gear, his boots and his balaclava mask but his blue eyes told me everything he was saying without saying it.

“Let's go eat somewhere. Just me and you.” Simon suggested.

He just got done from a month-long mission and nearly died doing so, as he does with every mission, and he wants to cater to me? What is he on? I should be the one catering to him.

“No you pick, Si.” I said.

“Ace.”

I felt a chill down my spine as Simon spoke my name. It wasn't out of anger nor annoyance but it was definitely in severity. He definitely wants to make it known to me that he is being serious right now.

“Where do you wanna eat at? You pick.” Simon urged me.

I thought about it for a moment.

“Um..I've been kinda wanting Italian. I just don't like going out by myself.” I suggested.

Simon held my hand and rubbed it with his thumb. I loved the feeling of his skin on mine. Just so soft. So comforting. It sent good chills down my spine.

“You been saying you wanted to try that local place, right?”

“Yeah.” I said.

“Well then let’s go. I’ll pamper myself up real quick.” Simon told me as he got up from bed.

“You going to powda yo nose, love?” I asked, in my overexaggerated accent.

SImon laughed in amusement.

“You’re funny, darling.”

Simon stripped off all of his clothing and my eyes were all over his body. I have never been with a guy who was as ‘ripped’ as Simon, but my god was it like looking at a perfectly sculpted statue all the time.

“A picture lasts longer, you know.” Simon knocked me out of my trance.

I rolled my eyes at him as I slowly got my ass out of bed to do the same. I don’t exactly ‘look bad’ but I definitely need to change clothes and whatnot. Before I stripped off my clothes though, I remembered. I didn’t know how Simon would react to seeing ‘that’ on my body. I slowly approached the dresser as he went into our shared bathroom to clean his face up. I quickly opened the drawer and just grabbed the first T-Shirt and pair of jeans that I saw. I don’t want to be suspicious but also didn’t want Simon to see what I did to myself. He doesn’t need to worry about me. He already has a lot on his plate. Right as I buttoned up my jeans, Simon entered back into the room. His mask was off and his face was cleaned off of his black face paint that he always puts around his eyes. God, he was so handsome. How did I get so lucky? He should be with someone else, not me. Someone who is stable mentally and is perfect and has a better figure and body and-

“What’s on your mind, love?”

Simon’s gravelly voice was close and I felt his touch on my cheek. He leaned in close to me, looking down at me. He knows.

“It's nothing. I promise, Si.” I lied to reassure him.

Simon peered his eyes at me. I know he doesn't believe me, I can just tell.

“Alright.”

This conversation wasn't over but he just didn't want to fight with me right now, even though I should be the one to cater to him. I wanted to protest once again but I knew he wouldn't be happy if I did, only cause that's just how Simon is. He would rather me be catered than him even though he deserves to be catered to as well.

“You ready, my love?” Simon asked.

“Yes.”

~

“So many choices.” I comment, eyeing the menu.

Not only were there a lot of choices, but the prices were a bit steep too. Granted it is a local place, but if I would have known about the prices I wouldn't have made the suggestion. I feel awful now. I don't like Simon spending money on me.

“What are you feeling like tonight?” Simon asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. As Simon scanned the menu, I took notice of him and his features. It's not often that Simon will go out in just plain clothes and something concealing his face. I know he does it to protect us, even though I don't think it's necessary. He shouldn't hide his beautiful face. In fact it's me that should be the one-

“Hello, welcome to Mama Rita's! My name is Gary and I'll be the one taking care of y'all tonight. Can I start y'all off with some drinks?” A male waiter approached us with a chipper attitude.

“Do y'all have gin and tonic ‘ere?” Simon asked Gary.

“We do. Would you like one of those?”

“Yes, with water too, please sir.” Simon added.

“And for you?” Gary asked me.

They have cherry soda here. It's one of the very few sodas that doesn't make me bloated nor feel like shit when I drink it compared to the usual cola sodas. But it is quite pricey, since according to the menu they make the sodas the old fashioned way.

“Just water.”

“Actually she will have a cherry soda. I almost didn't see that on the menu, but it's her favorite.” Simon butted in.

What? What is he doing? I don't get it.

“Alright a cherry soda. Do y'all know what you want to eat or do y'all need a minute?” Gary asked us.

“A minute please.” I said.

“You got it!” Gary said and he walked off to give us a moment.

Of course that was just a diversion so Simon could talk with me.

“Love.”

“Yes?”

“What's wrong? You're not your usual self.” Simon said, holding my hand and running his thumb on my hand.

I held back tightly.

“Why did you get me the cherry soda? You know we are trying to save money.” I said, trying to hold back tears.

“What in bloody hell do you mean, Ace? I don't understand.” Simon questioned me, but also tried to comfort me.

“It's nothing, Si.”

I hung my head down to avoid looking at him. I felt so much shame and guilt with myself. I don't deserve him, I don't deserve him.

“Darling, you're about to cry. I need to know what is going on.”

“I'm such a bad partner to you.” I spat out, with it coming out harsher than I meant to.

Simon was silent for a moment and he was about to speak when Gary came back with our drinks. He sat down Simon's drink and water in front of him and my cherry soda in front of me. The piercing red syrupy drink stared at me as if it was mocking me.

“Are we ready?”

“Uh yes, sir.” I spoke.

“What can I get started for y'all?”

Simon stayed silent waiting for me to go first but I motioned for him to go first.

“We will get an order of mozzarella sticks, some spinach and artichoke dip.”

Those are my two favorite appetizers in the world. Simon, stop.

“What else?” Gary asked him.

“For my meal, I'll take the Creamy Tuscan Salmon.” Simon added.

Gary quickly wrote down what Simon said and he took the menu from Simon.

“And for you?”

“Get whatever you want, love.” Simon commented before I could even speak.

He meant it too.

“Just the chicken Alfredo will be alright.” I say, handing him my menu.

“Alright I'll go put those in for y'all.” Gary said.

“Thank you.” Simon and I both thanked him in unison as he walked off.

I already knew what was coming so I hung my head down.

“Ace.”

“I'm sorry, Simon.”

“You don't need to be fucking sorry for nothing.”

His tone was harsh, but only because he wanted me to know he was being serious. I wanted to say something back, but I couldn't find the words to say. Instead, the tears rush down my face. He knew I wasn't crying despite not making any noises.

“I saw the marks on your body.”

I felt my heart stop and start racing all at once, if that was even possible.

“W-What are you talking about?” I ask, trying to play dumb.

“Ace, you're a bad fucking liar.”

He got me there. I indeed am.

“I just..”

“How long have you been doing that for?” Simon asked me out of genuineness.

“I just fucking hate when you leave. I get so depressed when I am left alone and just pray everyday you get to come home, even though there's a high chance that you won't and my brain just gets to me and I hate myself for it.” I spewed out.

I sobbed silently as Simon squeezed my hand in reassurance. I know he was only silent because he was trying to find the right words to say.

“Love, please. You don't need to do any of that to yourself.”

“I didn't mean for you to see it.”

“But I'm glad I did.” Simon said.

“What?”

“It's so I can help you. Ace, you're my special person. If I didn't love you then I wouldn't be with you but here we are. We've been together for a while now. You don't need to think that way about yourself nor do any of that to yourself. I want to help you. You said you hate being alone so maybe we can get you a companion.” Simon suggested.

“Like a cat?”

“Maybe.”

“A dog?”

“Eh, maybe.”

“What about a pony?”

“Okay you're pushing it now, love.” Simon chuckled.

I chuckled as Simon lifted my hand up and placed a gentle kiss on my hand. His soft lips sent little tingles throughout my hand and into my body.

“We will talk more when we get home but for now let's enjoy a meal, ‘kay?” Simon said.

“Okay, Simon Riley.” I said as he peered his eyes at me, “does Johnny or any of them call you Simon?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Cause they would already be dead if they did.” Simon half joked.

I laughed, knowing he meant it as a joke. Simon laughed as well, laughing at me. Even though I still felt the guilt in my chest, I had a feeling that maybe everything would be okay.

END

[whysojiminimnida]

Remember When I Said Taehyung Might Not Be As Gay As We Thought?

Don't judge a man by his milfy wardrobe, he looks goooood.

It was... awhile ago. Maybe as far back as 2021 although I do not feel like link-searching it. It's in the archives if I didn't kill it.

Granted, there was a lot going on, then. There's still a lot going on and until now I had no desire to ever - EVER - return to this hellsite. Because Taekookers are fucking weird, yo. And some of y'all got a lil bit up in my shit too as I (fuzzily) recall. Which: it's whatever. I'm extremely unsocial, don't even answer my own DMs. And it's not personal, so I get it. I don't need or want to defend myself, but I will protect people I care about. With my absence, if necessary.

OT: I also totally kicked the big C while I've been out so that was nice. Yoongi the cat is pleased that his noms will continue uninterrupted. I will be in wigs for at least another year. It's all good. Oh LOOK at what we have here. Don't come at me for publishing this, I will explain.

I got it from actual media days ago, okay, and also: there was no expectation of real privacy. Keep reading. Or don't, I'm not telling you what to do.

ANYWAY. I had to come back, mainly to say TAENNIE IS REAL I TOLD Y'ALL IDK WHY NOBODY EVER BELIEVES ME BUT HERE WE ARE. I'm gloating. Honestly, it's so rude, I'd apologize if I cared. But I am rude and snorfling into my cheerios about this. Tae just made me so damn happy, is all.

LET THE MAN BE BI OR HETEROFLEXIBLE OR EVEN STRAIGHT IDC. Jennie clearly makes him happy. Look at his "I'm going to Paris to see my girlfriend" face!

And in that very specific jewelry look, no less. Foundrae. Again. Still. Hm.

Here's what I can tell you based on my limited third hand no sources no receipts this is probably utter bullshit usual disclaimer: It's a soft open, kids. This whole "oopsie we just so happened to get caught taking a lil walk in public with our managers in tow during which date at least one of us signed several autographs, what a surprise" is in fact a soft open for what will likely be a public confirmation PRETTY DAMN SOON. It might happen before I get this thing published, actually, depending on when I get it up. If it's before May 22 at noon my time, no idea. If after, well. Guess we'll see. Jennie's supposed to show up at the screening of HBO's The Idol that day, screening at the Grand Lumiere at 10:30 CEST. One wonders if she will arrive alone, or bring a plus one. It's a big ask, and if he does it they're probably getting married, that's how big a deal it would be. So I'm not holding my breath, but.

This seems like a reasonable prospect for a plus-one viewing. Might not be the only one but... Jennie's IN IT so.

I'M NOT SAYING THIS IS GONNA HAPPEN. I think it would be a fucking POWER move if it did, but I also do not necessarily expect that it will. It COULD. It... MIGHT. It might not. Either way they're a thing, I'm telling you. They are, have been, a thing. For awhile. And it is apparently quite serious - like up to and including talk of engagement serious.

Remember when a bunch of folk thought that one gummy bear dude was going to jail for "hacking" Jennie's phone only there's been no actual movement on any "investigation"? Yeah. Trickle truthing, they call it. Give 'em a little bit, let them deny it and yell and chew on it for awhile before you give 'em a little more. But c'mon, nobody's wearing half the love-themed couple pieces at Foundrae for no damn reason.

Seriously they got the whole collection almost and both have been seen wearing them almost exclusively. For a year.See airport pic above.

Look, I don't have inside info on Taehyung. I do not. I ain't hang with his friends and I don't know him personally. Never met the guy. But I know a PR move when I see one and this is exactly that.

We all know how toxic stan culture can be. Some ToadlicKKers (and a few of us house elves) are certifiably bonkers, if stan twitter is anything to go by. And the guys, the company, they expect a whole meltdown. They know this is not gonna make half their fans happy. I mean the tkkers have a point in that it looks like they wanted to be seen. BECAUSE IT'S A SOFT OPEN. What Taejen/Taennie/Jenhyung and the companies also know is that based on historic shipper behavior, this is gonna come back on Jimin, Jungkook, maybe Rose' and Lisa. And by extension, the other members. Maybe not as much due to their respective distance, but still. I bet by the time I finish this it will have already started.

Oh look there it is. Fuck those bitches, really.

Good LORDT. I'm not adding the audio, if y'all are that hungry for psycho hose beast Jimin hate hie thee to stan twt.

But, totally off-topic kinda...

... wouldn't it be cool if Jennie, who speaks great English, was hanging out with Troye Sivan and was like "so you know my boyfriend tells me that his bffs..." I'M JUST SAYING NETWORKING IS COOL AND FRIENDS OF FRIENDS GET THINGS DONE OKAY.

You know that girl has the scoop. If Tae knows it, she knows it. Oh heeeeyyy Troye.

Also OT: I love that Taekook have been hanging out a little more lately. It's refreshing. I genuinely think having Jennie in his life has been good for Tae in several ways. And you know, I'm kinda surprised Taennie has lasted this long. I didn't honestly think they would. It warms my decrepit, sad old heart a bit. Turns out I have a lot more to say so IDK IDK, if I feel okay about it I might be back. Right now I'm just waiting for the official Taennie nod and the continued total meltdown.

[imahinatjon]

Vampires and their Spawn

Dazai, Nikolai and Jouno.

It's been a while since I've written anything, I'll put my notes on that at the end, for now, enjoy some Vampire Lords while you play the part of their lovely vampire spawn.

Some dark themes at some point I guess.

Dazai

• I can imagine that, as a vampire, he's kinda useless in terms of being a vampire lord. Like, he's still Dazai, so he's still intelligent and sort of charming in his own way, quick thinker, all the usual, I won't drown you with the details.

• But I imagine his ability - no longer human - translates over to vampirism.

• If he were a spawn, this would be great! He couldn't be compelled like others. But he's not, he's a vampire lord, he cannot magically compel others, he can't change forms, he can't... anything cool or dangerous is off the table really.

• Expect for turning people - he can still turn others into his vampire spawn, not that he's really felt the need.

• Being a vampire means being able to roam freely only during the night, or sometimes on a particularly cloudy day.

• But that's probably the only reason he met you. His damned curse let him meet the most beautiful warm blooded, living person he'd ever seen.

• Your life wasn't difficult to infiltrate, for dazai anyway. Any other person might have had a hard time. But not this guy!

• The how's and the whys are all irrelevant now- facts of the past. All that's necessary to know, is that you became his vampire spawn.

• Not the first, but the only one at current. You never asked what happened to the one or ones before you, and he never told you (but you could probably guess)

• He doesn't treat you any differently from normal just because your now his spawn.

• Your in a relationship as healthy as a relationship with Dazai can be.

• He can't compell you and has no actual control over anything you do, so he has no need to worry that your not genuine, doesn't have to worry that your staying around against your own free will. He's content.

• Just worried.

• More for your safety than anything, you may be undead and permenantly by his side, but you could still die.

• As a result, he perfers you stay away from him in areas that are too public.

• If it's like a dark quiet park with barely any people there, or a really obscure unheard of restaurant, or even a tiny only movie theatre that no one goes to anymore - then its great! He likes having dates and stuff in places like these.

• He just won't take you anywhere with a lot of people incase someone spots you and connects the dots

• Overall - he's not controlling, obsessive, scary or even remotely threatening, he's just a little cautious.

• This... is not a pleasant experience. At first anyway.

Nikolai

• Nikolai is a not so busy, busy guy. And isn't interested in serious romantic relationships, he's a vampire lord with no spawn and no intention to take any spawn.

• Claims he has no need for them. And he doesn't, I mean, his ability is pretty damn cool, and super useful, so that's that.

• How you became his spawn though? Totally an accident.

• You were someone he thought was hot, and someone he occasionally engaged in acrivities with. It was a mutually beneficial thing no harm was being done.

• Until he got a little too adventurous and bit you. It happened on occasion, and was typically fine, but he went too far and ended up turning you instead of just taking a little blood.

• He doesn't know how because that isn't what he intended, he didn't even recognise he was doing it until he realised you felt cold, but was very much still alive and moving about.

• It lead to a whole fight and everything - a massive argument and you didn't see eachother for months. You were understandably annoyed that he turned you.

• He just thought it was funny.

• I mean - he wasn't thrilled either, but like, it was kinda funny.

• Then he realised that he could essentially feel where you were all the time. That got old after a while though, as did avoiding you (technically you were avoiding him)

• So he approaches you. He's not really into the whole serious conversation, but indulges you nonetheless and listens to what you have to say.

• And in turn he tells you it was an accident.

• You leave on slightly better terms and go back to your old routine. Though now it feels slightly different.

• He doesn't realise he's doing it until its too late and he's talking you out on nice dates and looking out for you more often and asking how your day was - and of course, seeing you for more than just the benefits.

• The realisation was not a good one for him and he 100% tried to kill you over it.

• News flash - you survived and begun avoiding him again. Which honestly hurt him way more than killing you would have.

• Don't worry for too long though, after about a year or so, he'll settle down, it's just a matter of wether or not your willing to let him back into your life and potentially have a more serious relationship with him after everything he did.

• If you choose a relationship, he's actually sweet - doesn't use his powers on you unless your in imminent danger of literal death. Also very attentive and gives you basically anything you ask for, even if he has to steal it.

Jouno

• If you'd rather not, we'll now you have an insane stalker who can literally sniff you out like a bloodhound. It's not fun, and the only assurance you really have is that he won't hurt you and will always keep a distance.

• He'd be a scary vampire.

• He's scary enough as a normal human, as a member of the hunting dogs.

• But a vampire lord?

• He's not knowingly a bad guy - let's put it like that.

• Teruko is the only reason the two of you met. It took her a lot of convincing to even get him to agree to date anyone (he seemed tense and was being annoying. She thought he could do with going out and having a good time, a little relaxation, a little distraction, and thought a date was the perfect idea, but ovbiously she wasnt gonna go)

• When he meets you, he's all smiles, extremely pleasant, seemingly caring, AND he has some sort of job in law enforcement? He doesn't tell you what he does at said job, bit he presents as the perfect guy.

• If perhaps a little distant. See, he's good at putting up that act, but if you pay just the right amount of attention, and look closely enough, he's not entirely genuine. Not honest.

• You personally think it's because he's not interested, and your more than happy to leave it at that. It was still a pleasant time. And you weren't really looking for anything particular anyway.

• So it surprised you when he called and arranged to meet you again. He didn't really ask, more so just told you where he was gonna be.

• Still, you turned up.

• It's like this for a while. He's just enjoying your life presence, and it buds from there. He never tells you he's a vampire, he wants you to figure it out for yourself.

• He leaves little hints.

• He makes sure you notice how cold his skin is, he ensures that at some point (probably after a few months) he lays with you and has your head resting on his chest precisely where you should hear a heartbeat - your not going to hear anything, and it will all leave you questioning.

• Especially when his teeth, that are just that tad bit too sharp brush across your neck, surprising you and worrying you a little - why are his teeth so sharp?

• You don't believe in vampires, or didn't anyway. They couldn't have been real. But then he bit you, not enough to actually draw blood, but enough to let you know that he could, if he wanted.

• Of course it scared you, but he'd worked your trust at this point, so you weren't necessarily afraid of him.

• You looked to him, and though he couldn't see you, he could hear your heart rate pick up rapidly, before slowing back down to, only a slightly worried pace.

• And then you let him drink from you.

• That's how it was, for years. He cared about you, sure, he was more than happy to be in some sort of relationship with you, definitely, but it wasn't ever meant to go that far. It was just... well, your blood was not the only thing about you he found thoroughly enticing.

• Still, he kept you around, alive, for a few years until he eventually asked if you'll spend an Eternity with him, if you'll become his spawn.

• If you didn't agree - then the relationship was over. He wanted something more permenant with you than the fleeting moment that was a simple humans life time.

• If you agreed - well, he was quick to turn you. He told you about all the drawbacks, and made sure you understood - you were stronger and better, but you couldn't go out in direct sunlight, and would need to feed on blood.

• And then you were his for an Eternity.

• He was definitely controlling, definitely wanted to know where you were all the time. And definately used his powers on you.

• Granted that was on a very rare occasion and only happened when you put yourself in danger or someone else put you in danger.

• He hadn't noticed as much before, but he definatly noticed a lot more about you after he turned you, and ultimately determined you weren't safe on your own - he was wrong, and you can convince him to give you breathing space, because a bump against the side of a table is not a life threatening injury.

• So, after getting used to having you around permenantly and being his first 'spawn' and by extension serious relationship, he does calm down and leaves you to your own devices most of the time.

• ...by the way, he still never told you what his job was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am seriously out of practice. I've been ill for over 3 months now and still am currently ill 😅 it'll get better eventually but, there's been that.

That and baldurs gate 3 took over my life

I'll try and get back into writing. This was a warm up.

This hasn't been spell checked! Yet

[cuddlecow]

Hiiii! I've got kinda a weird request. How do you think Franco would react to the reader asking if they can use his pacifier. I'm wondering if he would be protective of it or something. Sorry if that's too weird or anything 😅

Oh my gosh, nono, this isn't weird at all! I get curious about this too, especially if reader is sensory, has a fixation, or does it as a nervous habit! I feel like this is another one where it could have it's own story or slightly NSFW themes. I hope I did okay on this one! My brain was running 90 miles per hour while I was thinking about this, so I'm sure I didn't write it too well.

Reader Asks Franco Barbi To Use His Pacifier

At first, I feel like he would be super cautious and protective of his paci. He's scared that once you get up close to it that you might yank it off or cut it away from his bandolier and throw it away.

Even though he's paranoid about that, I feel like he would let you at least put it in your mouth for a few minutes.

If he sees that it seems to soothe you, he'll let you have it for a little longer than he originally would've.

He thinks getting you one of your own pacifiers would be a cute little present for you. He might even hand decorate it with stuff he finds lying around!

If you seem to float off into a different headspace, I feel like he'd be absolutely clueless on what to do, so he'd probably just stare at you or go do something else for a while.

BONUS:

Cleaning. That's all you seemed to do during the day when Franco was out running his trials. You kept his room tidy and sanitized. You were pretty much Franco's handler at this point by proxy. This particular evening when the Barbi had come back to his room, he was actually in a decent mood. You, however, were going around his room organizing, then putting everything out of order, then re-organizing it.

For some reason, today was a stressful day. Easterman and the other Murkoff staff were harping on you earlier in the morning for no apparent reason. You were now in your compulsive cycle, until someone in particular softly swung the door open.

"Baby's baaaack!" Franco said in a sing-song voice before he trailed off a little. You had just finished the 4th round of taking everything down and then re-organizing. You walked over silently, taking a breath to regulate yourself. You had seen Franco do it before when he was stressed, but you wanted to try it for yourself.

"Love, I've got a really.. odd question to ask you." You asked, turning your head away slightly. Franco looked at you, thinking your behavior was extremely off from normal. "Whad'dya want, Sugar?" He put some of his stuff down on the main table that you guys always sat at. You just stood there silently, your face heating up with embarrassment. The silence kept getting thicker, and his big blue eyes kept staring you down.

Nervously, you pointed your little t-rex arm towards his pacifier that was dangling from his bandolier. Franco looked at you, grimacing slightly. Hesitantly, he spoke, "Yeah, sure.. Just be gentle with 'er, will ya?"

He untangled it from his bandolier as you anxiously waited. Once he got it free, he handed it over to you carefully. You took it, putting the cord around your neck before resting it in your mouth. You gently bit on it, gnawing on it shortly after. Franco had gone around a corner of his large room. He thought about it, realizing that since he usually sucks on the pacifier, and now you were, that you had indirectly kissed him.

He peeked around the corner after about 7 minutes, seeing that you had passed out on the couch with the pacifier in your mouth. He waddled over to you, crawling atop your form splayed across the large sofa. He thought you looked rather sweet like this, so gorgeous with your chest rising with every inhale and softly coming down with each exhale. He wiggled the pacifier free from your maw, giving you a quick peck on the lips before he sucked on the paci himself, leaving the cord around your neck.

[angelofthepage]

Thoughts on the "Updated" Bendy Employee Handbook

Before we go any further, let's make it very clear what kind of post this is: we're not here to hate on the book, and none of anything I'm about to say is said with ill intent. I am here for analysis, constructive criticism, and discussion. This post is a little more critical than what I would usually share, so viewer discretion is advised.

Today we're talking about the newly updated Bendy Employee Handbook, which just recently released as of this month at the time of this post. And I have a lot of questions about this entry, and really, game guides as a whole in our modern gaming world. This book appeared to advertise itself as a rerelease of the original handbook with additional content for Bendy and the Dark Revival, but upon comparing the two, I've noticed there's actually a number of changes they've made, some good, some bad, and some that I'm not sure what to make of. So come and join me under the cut, and if you have some thoughts of your own, feel free to comment or reblog and add to the discussion. Without further ado, here we go!

Part 1: The Baffling Amount of Cut Content

Our story begins where most stories do, the table of contents. So right off the bat, when comparing this book to the original, you'll notice something off.

No, your eyes do not deceive you, an entire section of the original book was cut, on top of making other sections shorter. And the weirdest part? Some of these things were exclusive to that original book, they didn't appear anywhere else in the Bendy franchise. So already we're off to a weird start. Some of these missing pages aren't so bad though. In some cases, they're just format changes to make the book flow a little better/take up less room. Sometimes they succeed in that, sometimes they end up feeling more cramped, it's pretty subjective whether or not this improved the book. But it certainly does cut down on pages. Case in point, the beginning of each chapter of BATIM.

Don't worry, Joey's letter hasn't been cut, but it has been moved to earlier in the book, so it's no longer in Chapter 1. This was a very odd change. Other things that are missing are character monologues, but it's inconsistent. Alice Angel's speech about the screaming well of voices and Joey's monologue right before the final boss were kept, but Sammy's "sheep sheep sheep" speech and Bertrum's audiolog right before his boss fight were inexplicably cut.

Here are a few cuts I found pretty significant.

These pages are all missing from the update. In the case of this newspaper article, what does that mean in regards to whether or not this is "canon" or "retconned"? Joey Drew, did you or did you not have plans to expand into a Bendy themed toothpaste? The people need to know! X''D But seriously, while some of this is inconsequential, some of it matters. The mascot costume in particular, that's the only sketch we get (that I'm assuming came from Bertrum or Joey regarding that part of the parks, no one is specifically credited for making it). It doesn't show up anywhere else in the series (to my knowledge). It's strange that it's just, gone now. The Bendyland spread is such an unfortunate loss, that's some of the closest we've ever gotten to seeing the map of the park. Yes you can see it in BATIM, but being able to get up close and personal with it without having to control Henry was really nice. It makes me wonder if they're trying to erase the past details so they can do more with Bendyland in the future, something that's different from the original vision. I don't think that's it, but it could be, though they'd also have to go back on The Illusion of Living too, given it’s discussed there with some really fun details.

Speaking of which, that's the weirdest piece of cut content: the missing section that ends the old book (that was reiterated in The Illusion of Living). It's Joey Drew's tips for making a cartoon. It's formatted differently and has no images in TIOL, but the basic information is still the same. What's not the same though, is the loss of the tutorial pages for drawing the toons. These are another thing that don’t show up anywhere else in the series, making them a much more permanent loss. And even though this section is cut, it’s still referenced on the back cover of the new book, which is a bit odd.

These were really cute and showed so much personality for not just the toons, but for Joey as he described them. Cutting this was genuinely disappointing for me. Same with the paperwork in Joey's apartment. Those were some of the highest quality images we had of what was on his desk and bulletin board, and I liked being able to see them clearer. The biggest loss of the cut content isn’t just the pages themselves, but the personality they gave to this book, and the Bendy world as a whole. 

This was the very first Bendy book to be released, and therefore our first look into this world in this format. And while I don’t think it’s the greatest thing in the world in terms of being a game guide, I didn’t pick up the original for a game guide. I picked it up because I wanted to see if it provided more context for the world. And when it does that, it does a good job. The memos from characters we know, Joey’s financial records, the images from the desks of people like Joey and Bertrum, they give us insight into how things were going at the studio. Some of my favorite details from the original are Joey’s memo about how Susie was replaced by Allison, and the receipt for Joe’s Fine Dining. The fact that that memo was distributed to everyone but Susie enhanced what we already knew from BATIM, and it paints him as a much crueler character than we knew him to be. Not to mention the repeated use of “I have to say, I’m an instant fan”. Having Joey say those words makes the concept of him creating the cycle so much more interesting. Like did he script out every little action these characters take? Or is this something Susie picked up and recycled from him after potentially finding this memo in real life? Oh there are so many delicious possibilities. And the lunch date, oh my gosh. One, it started my quest to build the Joey Drew menu using all the things he eats in the books, because damn does he have good taste. And two, it was so cool to have a look into an interaction Susie told us about in that one tape. Like that was REALLY GOOD. Give me more like that! When you have other parts of the series back up things we’ve heard only one character say, it gives more credence to the idea that they actually happened that way, or gives us a clue that we need to check for character biases when they tell us their side of the story. And in a series where MOST characters are unreliable narrators, that is REALLY IMPORTANT for establishing timelines and figuring out what’s real versus what’s fabricated. That was my biggest hope for the update, for more flavortext and world building that expands on things we already know. 

But um…the dark revival part of the book doesn’t do that. 

Part 2: The Dark Revival’s Minimal Offerings

After an abrupt jump from Bendyland to BATDR, we get into the new stuff. The Bendy and the Dark Revival section of this book is alarmingly short and has very little substance. There is no new expansion of the worldbuilding or insight into these characters. I mean, the book describes Heidi as being a female lost one? So if you wanted a confirmation on her gender, there you go I guess? I guess that detail was never like, stated explicitly, but this is me stretching to find something new that it gives us. Actually, wait, it does give us one new thing, but I’m gonna be honest, it kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

The book refers to Allison having a “pet wolf” when we get her introduction in Chapter 1. It then later describes that Tom “likes being pet” when we get his introduction in Chapter 5. Which by the way, is the only image of Tom in this entire book, since his original render from the old version was cut. Now, I’ll be honest, I used to like that second detail, I thought it was cute that he doesn’t just tolerate Audrey, he actually LIKES being pet. Those are two different things, having some insights into Tom’s feelings and characterization would have been a breath of fresh air. But no, when I reread the book and saw that first detail, that made that really weird and uncomfortable actually. It would be one thing if in-universe, Tom called himself a pet, or Allison called him that with consent. Heck, if there was another character in-universe who wanted to purposely insult Allison and Tom by saying that, that would be fine too, then it’d be reiterating the narrative. But on its own? I take issue with taking Tom of all characters and calling him her pet. The Safehouse Boris never got treated that badly, hell, Buddy in the books never got dehumanized this badly when he became a Boris. But Tom, Tom gets to be the one that’s dehumanized? There is something that really rubs me the wrong way about that. Especially if he turns out to be Thomas Connor or has some connection to him. I can’t assume if he is or isn’t anymore given all the stuff BATDR pulled with Allison and Henry. But on the chance he IS Thomas Connor, do you have any idea how bad that looks, to have a character that, because of details written in Dreams Come to Life, many fans speculate to be a person of color, referring to him as Allison’s “pet”? And even if he ends up not being a person of color (I say as I groan about the inevitable discourse for the DCTL graphic novel that’s coming out), it’s still kind of awful to say that about anyone. Tom is a character that has repeatedly gotten the short end of the stick in this series. He’s relevant to BATDR for all of a couple of minutes, and he’s incredibly underutilized and lacking details or depth for most of the series. Thomas Connor, he gets a bit of depth as of The Lost Ones, that novel does great things for him. But Tom Wolf? Short end of the stick. And I’m sad to see that continue here. 

The one positive thing I have to say about this section is that it’s really nice to have so many of the audiolog character transcripts here. Most of the notes and logs from BATDR are here with all their words typed out. The ones that in-game had a chiller styled font are transcribed a bit strangely, as now they’re written like the messages written on the walls in-game. But it’s not the worst. If anything, all of this gives me a great resource as a theorist. Having a record of all of these and what chapters they appear in makes my goal of constructing a timeline and cross checking information much easier. 

Though from a graphic design standpoint, these pages frustrate me a little bit. They’re so cramped, and there’s several spots where the text isn’t centered properly within its text block. I get the sense on some parts, it’s because it’s placed so close to the spine of the book, so they don’t want any information getting cut off, but it still looks funky. And there are several spots where that explanation doesn’t really apply. There’s also some weird placement of fun facts. While I love that this book lets us in on some secrets, they’re not always placed in an area that makes sense? Like, there’s a note about how to get the Inkjets Concert, but the steps for how to get it are placed way after a point in the narrative where you’d be able to get it, and I’m kind of scratching my head as to why it was done that way. Is it to encourage a second playthrough? Or is it to not spoil the story? Why not split the information up? Or have a dedicated secrets page like they do with the achievements and theMeatly’s cutouts? 

Though speaking of not spoiling things, this book is really odd about what it chooses to focus on. So, Henry’s model is in this book, right next to a passage about a “mysterious man” you can meet in the Cyclebreakers area. They showed his model but didn’t name him as Henry? I don’t quite get that choice. Also, despite the cyclebreakers being very important to this story, they aren’t really mentioned before this very brief section. However, Porter? The character shown for all of a few seconds? He’s got at least three images throughout this book. The balance feels off with what this book chooses to put emphasis on. 

Also, this one really annoyed me: Allison. So for everyone who’s actually played BATIM, you would know that Allison Angel is never referred to as Allison within BATIM. We only know she’s called that because people dove into the game’s files and revealed her and Tom’s names upon the release of Chapter 4. And the book follows suit with this, it does not call her Allison in the original handbook whatsoever. HOWEVER, the BATDR section messes this up. When it introduces her, even though in-game she introduces herself as Alice, the book introduces her as Allison. But when we get to Chapter 5, the part where she’s actually named Allison by Audrey, it suddenly switches to calling her Nice Alice? It’s a weird choice and I don’t understand why this happened. 

It leaves me wondering just how much the new author of this section and their editors know about the Bendy series before going into this project. What context were they given to write this thing? It makes the book feel unpolished to have so many mistakes in its formatting and information. I don’t know what the quality control team for this release looked like, but a part of me wonders how many editors this went through before making it to the final release. I don’t work in publishing to know what that looks like, but I’d genuinely love to learn more on this subject, it’s fascinating. 

There’s also a very strong dissonance in the imagery. While I’m glad to see the renders from BATDR’s advertising so clearly and up close, the difference in their coloring looks strange when put next to the rest of Bendy’s usual color palette. It leaves me wondering what assets the book team was given for use in this release. There’s a lot I could say here about the importance of press kits and brand guidelines, especially in this day and age when so many fans are making just as high quality of content as the official releases of media. And that leads me to the most disappointing part of this book. 

Part 3: Stolen Content

If you’re active in the Bendy fandom and know its many creative members, then you may already know what I’m about to dive into. MLSpence3D is an artist that enjoys 3D modeling, rigging, animating, and rendering. He can often be found engaging in all sorts of corners in the indie mascot horror community, such as playing a notable role in the production of SuperHorrorBro’s upcoming title, Glitched Out, as well as providing the renders used on the Bendy Wiki of the in-game characters. Spence has had his work mistaken for official renders before, and unfortunately, it’s not just fans making that mistake. The render of the Piper used in the BATIM portion of the original handbook is Spence’s, and it unfortunately hasn’t been removed in this update, nor has he been credited or asked for permission to have it used here. I’ll admit, his stuff looks so official that I’ve mistaken it as such too, and it speaks to a much needed conversation on assets, metadata, and protection for artists of all mediums. 

Our fandom is not the only place where this happens. Back when FNAF: Help Wanted was in production, the cover art mistakenly used fan renders as a part of its photomanipulation. Developer Scott Cawthon was quick to apologize and make things right, removing the renders and replacing them with officially made FNAF models. Heck, we had something similar happen right here with Bendy back when the voice cast of BATDR started working with Streamily. The initial post that advertised their Streamily debut used renders from Spence and a few other artists that had to be tracked down, and they didn’t have the rights to use them, nor were they credited. It makes a lot of sense that this happens, when you don’t have sufficient resources and aren’t an active member of the fandom, if you’re a graphic designer trying to make a piece to advertise something, you’re going to need assets to make that. And if you’re not given sufficient assets by the people you’re designing for, you turn to other sources to get the job done. They may not know what on Google is official vs fan content. The fans are so skilled and passionate about what they do, and with the number of series that have fans steadily joining the official teams, it’s incredible what can result from being passionate. But it also makes for a much needed reminder to add metadata to your files so that they can be traced back as belonging to you. Watermark your stuff, clearly mark your work as fan content in the tags, captions, and descriptions, in an effort to protect yourself. Don’t use images you find online unless you have a very clear idea of where they came from, so you can direct people back to the source when they ask about it (or better yet, link the source in your description from the start). Give people another reason to pause and double check their work in the chain of command (they should be pausing to double check anyway, but let's be real, we don't live in a perfect world). In a world where credit and sources are more important than ever, remembering to give credit where it’s due from the start will save you all kinds of headaches in the future. Video game developers, especially those of you in the indie scene: please develop press kits to give to people your teams collaborate with. By giving them assets they can reliably use to advertise for you, you will save everyone a lot of hassle in the long run. And if this is still happening even with a press kit, it merits having some conversations to evaluate why and solve the problem. If there is no other takeaway anyone gets from this post, this is the big one I want to see some positive change on in the future.

Part 4: The Functionality as a Game Guide

This book works for your first time through BATDR, but not for any kind of sequential playthroughs. The way it directs you through the game uses the audiologs and notes as waypoints. Once you pick them up, they are removed from the environment, and so if you’re picking up the game after a long time away from it, you’re not gonna remember where those were, so it’s likely not going to be useful for navigating. It reminds me a lot of the way my parents talked about one of our old hometowns. We lived in Vermont for a little while, and there were two things about our area that we laughed about. One, never leave your car unlocked unless you want it filled with zucchini. Two, if you ask for directions, you’re not gonna have a clue unless you’re a local, because they word everything in a similar fashion to “you’re gonna drive past where the old barn used to be”. At least give me a landmark that still exists, or a map! The BATIM chapters aren’t much better, they sort of give you a layout map, but it’s not helpful. Especially in Chapter 3, the place where you arguably need a map the most, there is no kind of instruction for how to get through Alice’s fetch quests if you get lost. 

In my mind, a game guide is something you turn to when you need help getting through a game. Now, mind you, I am not the target audience for a game guide. I don’t own game guides. There are a few in my household that my siblings own, for stuff like Super Mario Sunshine, and I guess technically my Pokedex for Pokemon Black and White 2 DOES double as a game guide. But like, we now live in the age of the internet. If you want to know how to get through something, there are a million articles and Let’s Plays that detail how to complete the base story, find secrets, and even suggest strategies for tackling difficult challenges. Some of these are designed to be informative, and some are more reactionary and built for entertainment, there’s lots of flavors to choose from! 

And it makes me wonder, what does that mean for the medium of game guides as a whole? I think they still have their place. For one thing, different people benefit from different learning styles. Being able to read a guide may work better for someone than a video depending on their brain wiring. And for people who don’t have reliable or frankly any internet, or rely on a library for that, it’s nice to have a book so that you don’t have to wait to keep playing. I’ve never seen anyone get a game guide from a library, but I absolutely think it’s something a library could have. It’s also just really convenient to have all of that information available in one book, as opposed to having to search through multiple forums and sources and risk getting spoiled. And when they’re done well, sometimes they can have secrets not even the existing player base knew. Like I knew that there was this secret about a ghost train that appears if you set your system’s clock to 4:14, but I didn’t know if AM or PM mattered. Thanks to this book, now I know that it doesn’t matter, both work, which is really handy to know! But uh…most of the secrets that were revealed in this book were things I knew within the first month that BATDR came out. None of them were new to me as someone who’s plugged into the world of Bendy. There have been multiple videos detailing how to get these secrets, and how to play this game, by many different indie horror enthusiasts. It almost makes it feel like this book came out a bit too late, and it’s only released about a year or so after this game came out.

Which really begs the question, who was the target audience for this book? Was it for new fans who were struggling with these games? Was it for longtime fans who wanted a memento of the occasion and a record of all the stuff in these games? Was it for lore hunters hungry for new secrets and world building? Having read both versions of the employee handbook, I still can’t definitively say who the target audience is. That kind of frustrates me, that’s the first thing they taught us about back when I went to school for graphic design. It’s important to keep your audience in mind when designing something, that way it caters to their needs, appeals to them, and gets your message across effectively. 

Part 5: Final Thoughts

I still can’t say for sure what I was supposed to get out of this.The parts of it that I found charming and appealing were not continued or built upon in this update. There is no new world building or lore. It doesn’t do an effective job as a game guide given its reliance on non-permanent elements of gameplay. It doesn’t give us tools to cross reference what we know from previous entries, nor does it expand upon details that lacked clarity within BATDR or BATIM. It removed some of its more charming content, and it still has stolen artwork from its previous iteration. By the time I got done reading this book, I was left feeling disappointed and kind of exhausted. No joke, I grabbed a friend, and we went through it all to compare it page by page to see what changed. It was something you could make a drinking game out of, not that I would recommend that. 

I would struggle to recommend this book to any Bendy fan, unless you’re a completionist like me who wants to own every book as a physical copy. The original employee handbook was a far better read, and if you can find a copy secondhand or at your local library, you’re in for a small but tasty treat (quite literally if you decide to make the bacon soup recipe, which fun fact, originated in this book and was developed by the wife of Bookpast, one of the writers on this series!). The Dark Revival section feels tacked on and not as well thought out as the original book was. There is a very odd disconnect between the two. I’m genuinely confused as to why it was put in a rerelease of this book rather than making an entirely new book for Dark Revival. Dark Revival is a much longer and detailed game than Bendy and the Ink Machine. I would expect a book that describes how to play it and its world building to take up a lot more pages and go in depth on different details than this one did. So why was it done this way? Does this have to do with some sort of contract with Scholastic that we don’t know about? Was there a time constraint, or a page count that had to be met that they couldn’t meet with just BATDR? Did the people working on Bendy have too much on their plates to dedicate the time to a new book? What happened here? I wasn’t expecting to leave this book with more questions than answers, but here we are. 

Overall, I don’t think it was worth what I paid for it, but it’s going to live on my shelf with the rest of my books. This will be handy for when I need to reference the audiologs and don’t want to look up a YouTube video to remember what was said. It’ll also be nice if I’m traveling. See, whenever I visit my grandparents, their wifi is pretty limited, so if I want to draw anything while I’m up there, I have to print out references or download images on my phone before I go so I can do that. Having some of the new renders in this book will be useful if I decide I want to draw Bendy stuff or theorize while on the road. 

Now it's your turn. Tell me your thoughts on the Updated Edition of the Bendy Employee Handbook! Is this something you want to read? If you have read it, did you enjoy it? Were you left wanting more? If we ever get another book like this, what sort of things would you like to see? Let's talk about it. And remember, if you did enjoy it, that's not a bad thing, absolutely no judgement there. Just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it's not going to be enjoyable for someone else. Every work of fiction has its audience. <3 Here's wishing you a wonderful rest of the day, and happy reading!

[butch-reidentified]

Yet another time someone has sent me a screenshot from this random woman spreading 100% baseless, very obviously made-up ('i wonder if") bs about me due to who knows what deep unfulfilled need of hers, though she's never had the spine to come for me directly in any capacity. I so do not understand why I'm coming up again now, given I've not been on tumblr much for months, but 🤷

I'm not going to tag her like I usually would bc I have less than zero desire to invite that toxicity into my life so directly atp (I've @ ed her in the past when she started doing this ages ago), but I am gonna say something ab both the accusations she makes/spreads and ab the behavior itself.

She's been spreading unhinged rumors about me being into men for literal years, including accusing me of fucking my brother, and apparently doesn't find it at all fucked up to be harassing a lesbian trafficking survivor with literally COMPLETELY baseless accusations of sex with m*n (which I have never remotely desired and as I've literally made memes about, would sooner die) just bc I didn't think her treatment of macroclit was entirely fair, as the person who had actually known macroclit for years irl before even being on radblr. I don't necessarily think I would do/say all the exact same things now that I did at that time, for deeply personal reasons I don't owe anybody an explanation of, but that doesn't justify any of the toxicity on her part.

I don't think it's acceptable or even non-lesbophobic to act like lesbians need to be a complete monolith when it comes to their experiences with bi women and views. Nothing I ever said claimed lesbians can be into men or anything of the sort, nor supported polilez, and outside of shit like that, I don't think we need to all have the exact same takes on every single issue down to the smallest nuances.

I also don't think it's acceptable or feminist to completely invent and spread rumors about other women like some wannabe Regina George, as if women don't face enough of that stereotype already. Especially if these rumors undeniably play on themes of your target's trauma history. Especially when you yourself certainly know you're completely inventing said rumors, that they're purely weird parasocial (& blatantly dishonest) speculation.

yes, macroclit is my ex, and we were friends after dating but never "fwb." we did not "meet up and have 3sums," we met up and watched movies and went clubbing, and we have not even slept together since like a couple of years before she realized she was into guys. yes i had a "poly" experimental phase in/around my college years - and I'll admit I didn't formally & vocally end said phase until long after it had materially ended - but this was with exclusively other women, as should be fucking obvious, and frankly was mostly in name only; I just never had any meaningful urge to seek out more partners, and tbqh have never had a very high sex drive. I don't fuck anyone but my wife atp & very much don't want to (nor did I want to feel like I had to air my entire sexual history on tumblr to thousands of ppl).

idk what need is being fulfilled by doing shit like this, i rly cannot fathom it & have never in my life engaged in this behavior toward any other woman. in all honesty, I thought it was just a fully fictional misogynistic stereotype that women do this at all, bc I've never known anyone who does. I've seen rumors spread ofc but usually airing ppls real dirt or exaggerating it, not just lying outright. wild.

all that said, if you want to go toe to toe regarding actual irl feminist action, lmk. otherwise, fix your own shit and drop your obsession w imagining me liking d*ck, it's super creepy and weird.

[yanderefreak1213]

Vee's World (Yandere Shellvision) Chapter 2

Tws: Kidnapping, Forced affection, bondage, constant spying, Villain Vee, Murder, possible gore, Body horror,Abusive relationship, Manipulation tactics, yandere themes, Obsessive thoughts, Possessive thoughts. All around this is gonna be a heavily dark fanfic.

These acts shouldn't be supported in real life, I just wanted to try my hand at horror and my own version of One-sided Shellvision that involved Vee being the one inlove.

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Vee stood in the entry way as she watched Shelly's area be torn down, Shelly already picked out most of what she wanted...Even wanted to add a cute dinosaur themed playground like area for the children. Vee was just double checking to make sure all the items were there and in order...Usually she'd have one of the staff do this...But she didn't trust the ones in Shelly area, she's starting to notice how careless they are. She's heard the crew in her area joke about it and she didn't think it was serious, but she wasn't amused to say the less when she found out how true it was, they were on their best behavior when she was watching them...She may have to pop in more often once Shelly's attraction was back up and running.. It was going to be bigger this time anyways.

Vee's attention was drawn when a certain Ammonite fossil came to stand next to her, looking tired...She must've rushed out of bed "Oh golly...I'm sorry, Vee...I didn't mean to be late- I was...I'm not sure...My alarm didn't go off and-" Vee cut her off before she started rambling "I know, I turned it off." She stated simply, but continued when Shelly looked at her confused "Astro says he hasn't been able to give you dreams lately, which usually means a toon isn't sleeping. So I turned it off to give you more time to rest...Shelly right now you have time off, so enjoy it." She looked at the fossil toon now who shifted "Er..I guess..I could.." She muttered before looking at the construction.

"It's a little sad..Seeing it destroyed." Shelly muttered a bit, causing the taller toon to look at her "Sad? I figured you'd be excited for this..." Shelly quickly nodded a 'yes' "Oh don't get me wrong I am so excited for a new room!"

But her gaze went back to the destruction "But I've also been doing my shows and live teachings in this room for so long now.." Vee just hummed, listening...She just...Did not get it.

The emotions, she didn't feel much when her own room got it's redesign...But then again she didn't feel much of anything..Or well the little sparks she gets when she looks at Shelly.

She still needs to get that checked out.. But a part of her kinda liked it too. She shifted her gaze back to what the crew was doing, she could see them whispering and looking at Shelly, a part of her felt a twinge of annoyance "Quit the chattering and get back to work." She suddenly shouted, causing them to hurry off back to position.

Shelly rocked on her feet a bit "So, what do you have to do today?.." taking Vee by surprised with her question "Just the usual, paperwork, scripts and setting plans for my gameshow...Not to mention the complaints and fanmail I need to sort.." She sighed.

"...Toons get fanmail?" Shelly frowned a bit, causing Vee to tense a bit...Had she ever given Shelly fanmail?... "It's...It's for the gameshow." She quickly corrected, a lie, but it'd hurt Shelly if she knew....Wait why did she care about that?...

The smile Shelly gave Vee made her feel the sparks again "Oh! Alright...Well, can I help you?" Vee stared for a bit before replying with a "No." before walking past her, Shelly gave chase though much to Vee's dismay.

"But why not, I bet it's alot! and I could make it much more fun!" Shelly negotiated, Vee didn't look at her as she continued on her path "Because I don't need the help, and because you'd just get in the way." She said truthfully, though she felt...A sinking feeling when she looked at Shelly to see the hurt look. But before she could say anything Shelly spoke.

"Oh...Uh..Right, sorry..I guess...I could see if Tisha needs help." Shelly muttered, but Vee heard her...And for some reason the idea of Shelly helping Tisha and spending all day alone with the damn tissue box didn't sit right with her. So she quickly turned on to face Shelly, causing the poor Ammonite toon to walk face first into Vee's front, causing her to instantly blush.

Vee didn't get why...All she did was walk into her chest... Shelly quickly covered her face looking away "ohhh my gosh, Vee I am sooo sorry! I did not mean to do that! I- ohhh gosh.." Vee's digital lips quirked into a smirk, a part of her found it cute how Shelly was acting...But she finally spoke ending Shelly's suffering "It's fine, Shelly...Look if you wanna help me so badly, I think..I guess I could use some help."

Shelly perked up smiling brightly "Really?! Ohh Vee! Thank you so much!" Shelly's dinosaur tail wagged as she bounced on her feet, Vee crossed her arms turning away "Lets just...Consider you my personal assistant for the time being, since you don't seem like you want to relax.." and so she can keep her close...Did she really want that? looking at Shelly again...Yes she did.

Shelly didn't argue as she happily followed Vee as they made their way to her office. As Vee opened the door, Shelly could now see the stack of paperwork on Vee's desk "Oh gee...Is this why we never have to do any paper work?" She looked at her curiously as Vee nodded "I don't need sleep like you guys do, and I can do the paper work while charging so..." She shrugged, it wasn't really an issue for her...The only toon up at that time was Astro and while yes he did visit and talk to her, she still liked keeping herself busy. She walked over to the comfy office chair she was given and pulled it out for Shelly. The fossil looked at Vee confused.

"Shouldn't you sit there?...It's uh...You're office.." Shelly muttered slightly, Vee shook her head 'no' "This chair is much more comfortable than that one." She gestured to the one across "It won't mess me up though, you however...You may get a sore back if you sit in that one too long. I'd rather you be comfortable atleast..The only break we're getting is moving the gameshow supplies." Shelly nodded sitting in the chair before Vee pushed her up to the desk, then taking a seat across from her.

"If you need a break for lunch or a drink or whatever you're free to. You don't need my permission to do it." Vee mentioned, not wanting Shelly to think she has to do what Vee does..

Shelly just nodded and started on the paperwork and Vee followed suit.

It was quiet, but it was still morning, probably around 9:00 am...Vee didn't exactly care to look, she did look at Shelly every now and then. To her surprise, Shelly got focused. Perhaps this wouldn't be THAT bad...

It wasn't until 1:00 pm when Vee looked up at Shelly again, not once had she moved to get a drink, or anything to eat or even to use the bathroom... Vee was started to notice an issue with this...And concern blossomed in her "Shelly." Vee suddenly said drawing Shelly's attention "Yeah?"

Vee looked at the clock "You haven't eaten, or even drank anything yet, maybe you should take a break to grab lunch.." She suggested. Shelly shook her head "No, I'm fine!" She hummed before going back to the paperwork. Vee stared for a moment, before sighing and standing up and walking out of her office...Shelly was probably too invested in the paperwork to notice.

Usually Vee banned any kinds of liquids or food in her office. She saw no reason to let anyone eat in there when they'd only be in there for a little bit.. But Shelly was a special case she supposed.

She made her way to the bakery, its where the toons got their lunch at...Since toons could only digest sugar, she made her way to Sprout "Hey, Sprout? You mind giving me what the toons usually eat for lunch?" She asked casually, praying he wouldn't ask questions....But Sprout would never let her get away without messing with her.

"I thought you couldn't eat- or drink for that matter.." Sprout frowned, Vee sighed "It's not for me, you know that.. " She huffed a bit before speaking "It's for Shelly..She hasn't eaten all day, and so I figured I'd bring her some.." Sprout tilted his head confused now "Shelly? Oh she always does that! Usually I have to bring it and make sure she eats it.."...Yeah Vee did not like that. Sprout looked at her "The poor girl gets so caught up in her fossil hunting or work in general. She just seems to forget she has basic needs...Why is Shelly with you anyways?" He interrupted Vee's thought "Oh uh, she's going to be helping me till her room is back in order."

Sprout chuckled "Usually it's the assistant doing the coffee runs." He taunted, Vee rolled her eyes "I'm not letting her collapse because she's being reckless." She scoffed, she'll have to talk to Shelly on properly taking care of her needs though...

Eventually Cosmos walked out with a tray containing what looked to be a cake roll and a soda pop...A very unhealthy lunch to anyone else but to a toon that was their balanced meal. Vee took the tray nodded "Thank you, Cosmos, and thank you Sprout." Cosmos jumped "Oh!!" He dug in his pocket pulling out some stickers, dinosaur ones "Can you give these to Shelly? A kid was disappointed her attraction was closed down and wanted to give her those...So I told them I'd do it!"

Vee felt some relief kids likes Shelly still.. "Yeah, you can bet she'll get them." before walking off...Very carefully not to drop anything...And to make sure she didn't risk the can of pop exploding on her...She didn't feel going through the process that'd take.

Eventually she got back to her office, seeing Shelly rub her head as Vee placed the tray in front of her "See? This is what happens when you don't eat..You get a headache." She said simply "We can continue once you're done." Shelly looked suprised "oh- Vee you didn't..I'm sorry I didn't mean for you to have to go get it.." She muttered, but eventually started eating as Vee took a seat across from her "I don't mind grabbing it for you, Shelly.I'm more annoyed you'd ignore basic needs though.." She placed the stickers "Ah, yes and Cosmos wanted me to give you these, Apparently a kid wanted to see you but...Couldn't. Shelly gasped "Aww! They're so cute! I can't wait to open my attraction again.." She sighed a bit.

The rest of Shelly eating was pretty silent as Vee continued on her paper work. Eventually Shelly went to take the tray back and her and Vee got started on moving around props on her gameshow, eventually Shelly broke the silence "You do alot of this on your own?" Shelly looked up now, as Vee just nodded in response "I mean, usually the staff will make the last minute choices ofcorse... But I do the major stuff." Vee finally looked up when Shelly didn't respond again. Only to see Shelly giving her a sad look "Stop looking at me like that.." Vee muttered "It's not that big of a deal." before going back to work, Shelly shook her head shaking herself out of her thought "No, no..It's just..." Shelly hummed as she picked up a prop "It seems kinda, lonely...Isn't it? I mean..Usually Tisha will help me with my stuff.." She muttered. There's that name once again, Tisha..What was so special about her anyways? Shelly keeps mentioning her....Why was Vee so...Annoyed? No...Mad? Maybe...She never got along with Tisha, but she never had an issue when other toons talked about her.But for some reason right now, she's just...Annoyed hearing about Tisha. Shelly looked at her "Are...You okay, Vee? You look..Upset." Shelly's voice was laced with concern as Vee set her sight onto her once again. "Everything is fine, Shelly. Why would it be wrong." She looked back to the prop she set up "It may get lonely for you toons, but for me...Well I never noticed." Vee thought for a minute "Alot of my emotions are pre-programmed into me."....So why was she creating new ones now? The rest of their work was done in silence. Alot of their conversation was pretty dry, till Vee gets Shelly going on her rambling on dinosaurs.Something Vee use to find annoying was...Actually amusing to her, charming even! The expressions Shelly makes, the gestures she does with her hands. Even somepoint mimicking dinosaur noises was cute to Vee. Vee had this arrangement going for the next couple of months, bringing the two closer and making Vee realize a very important thing...She was finally experiencing her OWN emotions...And it was all because of Shelly. Eventually though, Shelly's room was done. And she was finally able to start getting her show back on air. Shelly was excited and every toon was congratulating her. But when Vee went back to her usual work...It was quiet. She'd gotten use to Shelly sitting across from her.

...Did she miss Shelly? Vee sighed shifting a bit, she tried to continue doing her work but the Ammonite fossil kept popping into her mind, so eventually she stood up and decided to make her way to Shelly new attraction....Deciding to grant herself a break.

She looked around curiously as she entered the room, it was bright...Much better than the dull browns and greens used, those were still there but decorated in color dinosaur prints and theme all around. Children could be seen playing on the new playground and even reading in the new reading section. Vee felt happy to see more children in this room...It was nice, the employees seemed excited too, but her thought went back to Shelly. So she continued her search, ofcorse having to stop and say hi to children who noticed her every now and then.

Then she spotted the Fossil toon, Vee felt something...Spark in her. Joy? She didn't know nor did she care. She made her way over as the fossil was seemingly going over her script, but Vee's footsteps caught her attention and Shelly looked up "Vee!" She stood from the stage hurrying over to her "It's so amazing, Vee! Everyone is so excited! I've never had so many children visit before." Vee felt the spark grow more, her systems heating a bit as she took in Shelly's expression.

Vee kept her usual smirk "I'm glad! It looks like you're handling it well..However I do hope you're not neglecting your needs." Shelly sheepishly laughed "No, no..You scolded me enough on that, you can even ask Sprout!" Vee nodded as she looked around "You excited for you first show in the new room?" Shelly nodded excitedly "You bet! But...Also nervous..." She sighed "It feels...Weird but...Oh I don't know Vee.." She huffed "I just wanna make sure I do good...OH! I know, do you think you have time to watch?" Vee stared for a minute, she sat in on shows and such from time to time, but Shelly was asking for her to be emotional support? Did Shelly find her comforting?

"Ofcorse, Shelly." Vee snickered "Besides I'm excited to see how the live recording goes." Shelly let out an excited squeal before hugging Vee "Ohhh thank you, thank you!!"

Vee felt herself heating up more...Why...Was she acting like this? Why didn't she push Shelly away?

Shelly seemed to have realized what she did and she quickly pulled away much to Vee's disappointment

"Sorry, Vee..I forgot you don't like touch.." Shelly flushed a bit, but Vee waved it off with a swish of her tail "It's not a big deal."

Though...She actually really liked it..Strange..

Vee decided to finish her paperwork till the show started, letting Shelly prepare for it.

Everything went well, she was able to finish the paper work before heading to Shelly's room for her first live-show in a couple months, Vee watched proudly as Shelly stood on the stage talking about dinosaurs, fossils and even ancient plants. It was all going smoothly...Until nearing the end of the show. Vee heard it, a strange...Cracking sound. But that can't be right. It was newly made! Everything put together! She over saw it..Unless...Did someone tamper with something?

Vee stood up from the chair she was sitting in, intending on pulling Shelly off the stage, but she didn't act fast enough as a stage light suddenly broke off. Crashing down, Shelly tried to move, resulting in her legs being smashed under the light. Her head banging against the floor causing a crack to appear in it.

Vee's eyes widen, she looked over at the staff "Get everyone out of here, show is over. The room is off limits. Get Sprout and Cosmos." The staff didn't question anything just started urshering people out as Vee quickly climbed onto the stage pulling the light off of Shelly.

Moving so Shelly was leaning against her, usually she would just take her to Sprout...But the crack concerned her.Sprout and Cosmos were quick to arrive having to end their own lives.

Sprout went to take Shelly from Vee but Vee glared a bit, Sprout huffed "I know you're worried, but I need to be able to see her, Vee..Look, just..Hold her still while I check her legs and such.." He muttered, doing his checking on Shelly "...A fractured leg and cracked shell...It all should heal..Vee, can you carry her to the medical room? That way I can set her leg properly."

Vee just nodded, moving so she could carry Shelly bridal style. The poor girl was still knocked out. After Sprout patched up her leg, Vee decided to move Shelly to her room, instead of taking her back to Shelly's...

Vee didn't need to sleep, but she did have a nice bed...It was nice to be comfortable while charging atleast...But now she's thankful for having one as she rested Shelly on it.

...Vee's tail was lashing a bit, she was angry, livid even. She knew this wasn't just an accident. It couldn't have been! Those staff of Shelly were so..Careless! Sprout tried to convince her it was truly just an accident, but she didn't think it was...

Vee's eyes went over to Shelly again, they did this to her. They're to blame, she managed to catch a glimpse of herself in her mirror...Why were there red dots in her eyes?... Just as quickly as they appeared, they disappeared.. Maybe she was imaging it.

She'd deal with Shelly's staff later. For now she figured she'd wait till Shelly woke up.

[esmedelacroix]

"I hate it when you make me laugh,"

husband!miguel x f!reader ♡

10 Things I Hate About You ← mini-series masterlist

"I hate it when you lie" ← previous part

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You could choose to be a nice mature partner and just communicate why you were angry with Miguel with him. But he decided to be a terrible lying cheating husband last night so you decided to be childish and be mad at him all day.

That started with breakfast. Usually whoever woke up first made breakfast. Unfortunately, that person was you. It was one of his sleep-in days where he didn't have to work until later in the day. You weren't going to starve him just because you were mad at him so you did the next best thing.

You made him something he hated. He didn't tell you he hated it when you made it but you knew he forced himself to eat it. So you had a banana-themed breakfast. Banana bread, banana pancakes, banana smoothies, you name it.

"Buen día, mi amor[Good morning, my love]," Miguel grumbled rubbing his eyes.

You hummed in response and plated the last of breakfast. "Since you ate them all the last time I made it, I thought I'd make banana pancakes again," you said, sliding him a plate.

"Oh, you really didn't have to," he said as he dug in with a neutral facial expression. Miguel ate anything he was giving. But that didn't mean he didn't have an opinion about the food he ate. He still ate it. It didn't seem to visibly bother him but you knew he was suffering on the inside.

You focused on keeping your facial expression on a permanent scowl as you ate. Miguek kept looking up at you whenever he wasn't eating his breakfast. He stared. You could already tell he was analyzing you. God, you hated it when he did that. He probably knew exactly what we were thinking.

"Since you're upset with me about yesterday night, I took the day off. We could go anywhere you want, let me make it up to you," he said.

Darn it, how did he already figure me out? You asked yourself. You hummed in response masking your shock.

"We can even go to the rodeo-themed male strip club you went to at your bachelorette party, but you lied to me about just having a spa night," he smirked. You couldn't wipe the smile off your face and soon you were laughing out loud.

"There's that smile I love," he hummed to himself.

"How do you know about that?" you breathed out after almost doubling over with laughter.

"Who do you think paid for it?" he responded as he sipped his coffee. That made you laugh again.

"Aw, this sucks. I was supposed to be mad all day," you sighed.

"I know but I don't like seeing you upset. Why are you upset?" he asked like he didn't know he fully lied to you about being with another woman late at night.

"Well, I don't know, ask Justine," you replied.

"Oh god," Miguel said, rubbing his eyes.

"Why didn't you just tell me you were with her instead of spending the night with your wife," you asked.

"Because I knew you were going to be upset about it so I planned to tell you today, the last thing I want you thinking is that anything is going on between me and Justine. Babe, I get that she's "young and pretty" or whatever but respectfully I would never cheat on you with someone who is literally in college," He explained.

"She's like a little sister, even a daughter to me," he continued.

"I know, I just can't help myself. I've never been so jealous before. Like in my whole life, I think," you said.

"That's not true," he interjected.

"Okay whatever but you get what I'm saying," you sighed, rolling your eyes.

"Is everything cleared up now?" he asked.

"Not exactly but we can talk more about it today," you answered.

"At the strip club?" he teased, giving you a nudge."Oh shut up," you snapped blushing. How the hell did he find out about that seriously? You asked yourself. Jess would definitely be getting an interrogating phone all later today.

. . .

next part → "Even worse when you make me cry"

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