#if you can't tell I am very normal about the Titanic

[phantom-does-a-thing]

ok. so. The Olympic was one of the sister ships of the Titanic that had been greatly damaged in some incidents prior, I think it had a collision with another ship or something like that. This is before any of the world wars so I don't exactly know what happened to the Olympic. But basically. It was damaged, yknow. And the Olympic had been running for a while iirc.

so what people claim, is that when the Titanic was set to go on the maiden voyage, they SWAPPED the two ships so that it was instead the Olympic (pretending to be the Titanic) going on the voyage, and that the new Titanic would be instead switched to take the place of the Olympic. And on the journey, they would sink the Titanic (actually the Olympic) for whatever reason. I do not know why they wanted to do this, probably for the rebuild costs being too high, thats the only reaosn i could think of, but like. This theory literally makes no sense to me but I am so intrigued by it.

They wanted to get rid of the Olympic, claim the insurance money and then have the Titanic pose as the Olympic for the rest of its functionality since the Titanic was a newer and better built ship w/out all the damages I guess. It's an insane theory.

There's like some SOLID evidence too, like the porthole evidence that the Olympic had 16 (I believe) porthole on the deck and the Titanic only had 14 and on the pictures of the Titanic on the day of the maiden voyage, it had 16 porthole windows. That is insane evidence I don't know how to refute it. There's other evidence like a ton of rich people cancelling right before they were supposed to set sail possibly because of some inside information that they were going to purposely sink the ship. There's a ton of evidence like that. And the thing is that since the two were sister ships, they were near identical.

but also there's a ton of evidence against it OBVIOUSLY because wtf thats THE most insane theory ever. Firstly, the Titanic was UNDERINSURED Iirc it was insured for 5-7mill but it couldve been insured up to 7-9 mill. That's if my memory holds and im not good w numbers but basically the Titanic was insured for less than it was worth. In the wreckage, a TON of stuff found was stamped w the 404 serial number of the Titanic. Bc yknow. Titanic. and also who the hell in their right mind would think of doing that. Literally just decomission the ship or dismantle it if you don't want it anymore. It's INSANE, it makes me insane to think about and its so incredibly stupid but also god I can't help but consider some of the evidence.

It's an insane theory, but I cant stop thinking about it

Lua. Lua did you know there's an entire conspiracy theory that the sinking of the titanic was on purpose as an insurance fraud ploy and that they allegedly "didnt sink the titanic" and instead sunk the Olympic (sister ship) because I learned that a few days ago and cant get it out of my head

....what??? no i had no idea abt that. is it one one those 'oh the costs of a repair/rebuild would be (financially) greater than the consequences of an incident so fuck it' kind of situation?

[transwolvie]

every day in our world poor innocent people die in horrible ways. people drown in pig shit when they fall into the literal rivers of it on pork farms. people are crushed to death and suffocate in grain and rice and quinoa. people drown in literal human feces trying to retrieve something they dropped down a toilet, and spend the rest of their after-life mocked for it. right now, within the time that you are taking to read this post, someone will be crushed to death within a steel death-trap, the same ones you and I drive along the road and ignore the highly likely death rate of because we need to get place to place. people die every day, every few seconds. many of those deaths are unpleasant. a man trapped in a sewage pipe, boiled alive by gases and screaming as the rescuers can do nothing. a man tangled and held down in freezing, dark water by the corpse of his friend he went to retrieve to finally bring back to his family, decades after he met his own demise in the lightless depths of an underwater cave. desperate migrants forced onto a boat by gunpoint going under a third time and succumbing to the water in their lungs. babies born blue who will not have the holes in their hearts repaired. the person who you see on the street in the cold rain every morning on your commute home finally curling up, passing out, and succumbing to the fact that they haven't eaten in weeks. every single day. every single minute.

I think about them all the time. right now there are men who will not come out of the mine they are in. right now there are prisoners breathing their last breath on death row who never even committed a crime, prisoners who were taken in on a drug charge who will shudder their way to sleep and pass in the night because their cell is freezing. the mourning never, ever, ever stops.

the sheer ridiculous gall that I should take a break from every instance of human suffering that happens every day on this planet because the ones who deserve some extra time, some extra thought, some extra air time, the biggest news stories, are people who can spend more money than what my house cost to face literal crushing depths in a jury-rigged can is almost laughable. we're free to laugh at other unfortunate deaths, even of the desperate and desolate--the man who drown in human shit? that's real. three people, actually, died. one man trying to retrieve his cell phone, and two desperate family members trying to save their drowning son or at least retrieve his body. it became a headline. a joke. they drowned in a toilet. how funny. three lives lost to become a headline. but feel pity for the rich. feel pity for the rich. it's not funny when they die. how horrible of a death, when it's those that can pay $250,000 for it.

[thevoidstaredback]

Okay, so maybe giving his calling card to a kid was a bad idea. He sees that now. Unfortunately, it's too late to take it back. On the bright side, the kid wasn't going to be able to figure out who he is yet based solely on a summoning circle. In the pitch black void of things, Danny can sense the card and the person who's holding it.

Maybe if he leaves Fawcett fast enough he can keep plausible deniability because there's no way that the tiny homeless kid he just met is Captain Marvel. Nope, no way. Not his circus, not his monkeys. He's leaving now.

"What happened to you?" Deadman had an insufferable grin on his face. Did he have the House drop him in Gotham? Danny wouldn't put it past him.

"Don't wanna talk about it."

"Where ya going?"

"To the basement."

"Why?"

Was the other ghost always this annoying? "Because leaving was a terrible idea. I'm going to go hide in the basement until the day I fully die."

"Aw," Deadman tried to pout, but he failed and started to cackle. "Don't be like that. Did you not enjoy your trip to Gotham?"

Danny was a lot of things. Violent usually didn't make it onto that list. However, he was willing to make an assumption. "So it was your fault."

Another cackle. "Don't be like that! You've never been to Gotham before. You can't tell me you at least didn't have fun."

They were at the basement stairs now. "For your information, I have been to Gotham. I didn't get to do much exploring this time because Batman and his gaggle of sidekicks surrounded me!"

"You've been to Gotham?"

"Not important."

"Oh?" The glee on the full ghost's face made Danny uneasy. "I sense a story behind that."

Oh, no. "No. I'm not telling you." He marched past and down the stairs, not bothering to unlock or open the door.

"Please!"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I said 'no'."

"Party pooper." he huffed. "You know I'm just going to keep asking, right?"

A sigh. "I'm not gonna cave. No."

"Ah, but you will!" That was the confidence of a ghost who knew he was right. Danny did not like how that bodes for him. "You, my friend, are a younger sibling. I am also a younger sibling."

Shit. "That....That means nothing. My answer will stay 'no'."

Deadman had the gall to chuckle darkly. "We'll see." Then, he disappeared.

Danny didn't sigh because he doesn't need to breathe. He was not going to tell what happened because what happens in Gotham stays in Gotham. It's a rule of thumb that people don't cross. Besides, Deadman doesn't know that Danny's actually the middle sibling. Dani, introduced to his parents soon after he'd told them he was a Halfa, was the embodiment of younger sibling because he had once been the embodiment of younger sibling.

***

"Please get Deadman to stop!" Danny begged Zatanna three weeks later. Maybe he'd overestimated himself a little bit.

The sorcerer raised an eyebrow as she looked up from the book she'd been reading. Something on runes? "What's he doing this time?"

"He won't stop asking me to tell him about my first trip to Gotham."

"You've been to Gotham?"

Danny groaned into the throw pillow he was clutching. "Yes. Please make him stop!"

"Sorry, hun," she focused back on her book, "But I can't see him."

"Oh. I forgot about that."

"Why don't you just tell him?"

Danny shot up, appalled by the very idea. "It's a matter of principle!" he exclaimed, "I am both the older and younger sibling: The middle child. If I give in, I'll have failed! I can't do that. Do you want me to fail?!"

"Okay, okay, geez!" she surrendered, "Don't gotta be so overdramatic about it."

"I'm not being overdramatic! I'm being just dramatic enough!"

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, kid."

"I'm not a kid!"

"You look like one."

"Yeah, but I'm not! I'm-"

"King of the Infinite Realms," Constantine interrupted, "We know."

"Then don't call me a kid."

"Yeah, yeah, kid,"

"I'm not-!"

"Look, we can have this argument all day and we'll still end in a tie. I've got a case in San Francisco near Titan's Tower. Raven's coming along. Do you want to come with?"

"Don't you normally work solo?" Danny asked. Zatanna still hadn't looked back up from her book and he was pretty sure she'd tuned them out.

"Is that a 'no'?"

"No! No, I'll come with." Maybe having Constantine with him will deter the JL from hounding him. What do they even want with him? If they're upset that he died at fourteen, he's gonna scream.

The Brit smirked. "You sound almost desperate to get out."

"Shut up and let's go."

"Alright, alright."

Part 3 Part 5

Tag List: @zaiothe4th @someonebored0100 @wolfeyedwitch @angelheartgamer @nymanders

[pluckyredhead]

The Lost Titans in Canon: Jason and Eddie

Because I am very normal and VERY excited to finally start posting The Lost Titans on Monday (mark your calendars!), I'm also going to start doing some in-depth posts on the canon relationships between these characters. Some have a lot of history, some have only met in passing, and some (Koryak) have never been allowed to hang out with anyone outside of the ocean.

We're starting with Jason and Eddie, whose relationship is referenced in exactly two (2) comics, but it has me in a chokehold anyway.

The first of these is Blue Devil #19, where we learn that Jason and Eddie are pen pals:

THESE BABIES. I AM DYING.

(In case you can't read the cursive, Eddie's letter says "That jewel thief had been hitting the posh Rodeo Drive shops like clockwork - one every Saturday! So when I learned Miggles' was displaying the Star of Pakistan, it was an easy guess where he'd show up next!" and Jason's says "Dear Kid Devil, Thank you for writing to me! I think being pen pals is a swell idea and I'm looking forward to reading all about your adventures! But to start with, let me tell you about a case I'm working on right now...!")

It does sort of make sense that Jason and Eddie would have been teamed up, because they were pretty much the only kids in the DCU at this point - it was 1985, and the Titans were all around 18, while Jason and Eddie were like...12 or 13, maybe? And I genuinely can't think of any other kid characters from around that time.

Anyway, it is a very short story - only four pages - but it ends with the boys realizing they fought the same bad guy and teaming up to catch him:

I love how much shorter Eddie is than Jason. What a little nugget.

The only other reference to this friendship comes literally 22 years later, in Teen Titans #42, after Eddie gets his powers. While running over his origin, he drops this:

THAT'S RIGHT, EDDIE BLOOMBERG IS RIDE OR DIE AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT. Fun fact: Jason had actually come back from the dead two years before. It's unclear if Eddie knows that, because he uses the word "was" here - Jason did attack Tim in Titans Tower in #29, but that was before Eddie joined the team, so who knows?

Anyway, that's the Jason and Eddie friendship in canon! Now I am going to go back to writing letters to DC begging them to let these two team up again.

[moonspirit]

Do you think annie have some like jealousy issues? Like idk

Do I *think* Annie has jealousy issues?!

Boi, anon.

I've got some news for you.

(I'm gonna assume you're an AruAni shipper since... Since *I* am, and you chose to ask me I guess?)

I made a few posts about this last year but I can't find them now so I'll reblog them later maybe, if you want, but see, the thing is, both Armin and Annie are jealous people.

It's just that this jealousy doesn't show up in the ways we're most often exposed to in media. You're not likely to find Annie making big accusations, pointing fingers, or gritting her teeth with a snarled "back off bitch". Nope.

Annie's jealousy (like Armin's) stems from a place of insecurity over her own image and self worth. Given her closed off childhood and dehumanisation by way of Warrior life and the titan power, she has known nothing of what love really is. Moreover she doesn't consider herself worth any of it; this is evident from how she doesn't believe Armin at first on the boat when he confesses his feelings.

Annie hasn't lived anything of what a normal, ordinary girl's life would've been like. So imagine then, that she sees a potential... Let's say, "competitor"? vying for Armin's attention and this new person is so different from her - all smiles, outgoing, easy to talk to, open heart. What do you think is going through her head then? "Oh this person is better than me... Ofc, why would Armin want to be with me after something like that? I'm incredibly boring, I don't smile, I don't open up; surely, he's better off with someone more cheerful like that." -> thus resulting in a mixture of sadness and jealousy.

At the same time, she's dependent on Armin's love for her now. She's actively seeking it out, verbally or otherwise, finding great comfort and solace in his acts of caring and affection. It's not going to be easy for her to just "let go" and maybe "walk away" the way she's probably telling herself to.

Putting both together, we can simply say that her jealousy is going to be expressed in a very quiet, withdrawn manner, with Armin unlikely to even know of it unless he notices a change in her behaviour and coaxes it out of her. Cue; plenty of cuddling, kisses, reassurances and teasing (from him, because she's adorable in jealousy).

That's all on jealousy. On a related note, Annie being possessive? That's a whole other issue!

[tiktokonaclock]

The Siren and The Demon Chapter 10

Zenet was feeling guilty about everything. She was, truly. She was feeling like she had used him, exploited his trust, betrayed him. But that was before.

Under all the rage and sorrow, she was relieved. Because everything she had done, and everything she would do in the future was now justified.

From now on, she would do whatever she needed to do.

The seats were all occupted. She needed to push someone out to get a seat for herself among titans.

And she was not afraid of pushing the others out anymore. She had the necessary driving force now. Something had snapped inside of her, to the point of no return. And she was glad. She was ready.

"Zenet you are scaring me.”

“Why?”

“You are looking at me weird.”

"I am thinking.”

“Thinking about what? Murder?"

A small smile appeared on her lips.

“No, Contestir. I am not thinking about murder. At least not yet.”

Her phone's ringtone made her flinch. She took it out of her jacket's pocket.

"How did it go?" Barodius’ voice was full of curiosity. She would never Imagine the Emperor of Gundalia being so interested in petty drama.

“It went spectacular." She answered with a sarcastic tone, "I called him a son of a bitch and he slapped me across the face. A loving and doting relationship, y' know.”

There was silence Then a slow “What?"

“A total heart- to-heart. It was so wholesome.”

“Are you making fon of me, Zenet?”

"No, I am 100% real with you right now.”

“He beat you? Really?"

“Yeah. You could tell his fortune by looking at my face right now."

“Hey I-" He hesitated. “I am really sorry. I put you in that situation. I shouldn't have.”

“Am I hallucinating or is the Emperor of Gundalia apologizing to me right now?” She puffed. “Was the brain concussion that bad?"

Barodius laughed slowly. “Don’t worry, you are not.”

Zenet heard the footsteps first. And the breathing next.

“Okay dude. Let's… let's meet up. ls coffee good? Yes we have a lot to catch up on don't we?”

“Gill walked in? You can't talk?”

“Yes. Yeah, totally.”

“Okay, got it. Talk to you soon.”

“Alright, see you there. Bye!” She hung up and put the phone back in her pocket. She didn't furn to look at Gill when he asked: "Who was that ?"

“You gotta stop being so nosey.”

He sighed and walked towards her. Then he sat down next to her on the stairs.

"It was my friend. She said after he settled in his Seat, "From the Orphanage.”

“Okay.” Gill answered. His Voice was unsure and low as a whisper.

Zenet needed to get into his house if she wanted to collect any cues for Barodius. And she needed to make peace with Gill if she wanted to be re- invited.

“I am sorry.” She said and turned to him. "I- I shouldn't have said those things.”

Gill was shocked to see his hot headed daughter be so mature to apologize first, but he didn't get suspicious.

“It's alright. " He Said. "You are still very young. It is normal for you to make such mistakes.”

Seriously? She thought, You will play the wise and noble father instead of apologizing for slapping me across the face? You son of a-

“Can I still come over to your house tonight?"

Gill smiled, "Of course you can.” He slowly got on his feet. "Come on. We are about to land,”

"Uh- dad? Zenet asked, lowering her tone. “Yes?"

“I didn't do anything to make the empenor look out for me.”

“Then why did he do it?"

“I don't know. But if I had to guess I would say he thought my shapeshifting ability could be useful for him.”

Gill paused and looked away. “Makes sense." He took a small breath and turned to her. “What do you want for dinner?"

Zenet smiled. " Can you make the chicken soup we had last time?”

“Sure.”

“What is this place?"

Kazarina asked curiously as the door slided down behind her.

“This is a top secret lair I had built." Nurzak tilted his head, “Back in the day.”

Kazarina arched her eyebrows. “Without anyone poticing? That's pretty impressive.”

Nurak let aut a small laugh. “You know how us sharks are. We want it, we get it.”Kazarina put her palms on the counter and pulled her body up, sitting on it. She crossed her legs as she Watched Nurzak light up fire place.

“It got romantic in here."She smiled. “Have you ever brought a girl here? Be honest.”

He started to laugh as she said “Yes you did! Oh my god!"

“No didn’t!”

“Then why are you laughing?!”

“Because you are laughing!”

“Because it is funny!”

"Okay, stop it.” He put his hands up in a surrendering manner. “We are here for business. Not for giggles.”

“Oh come on. As long as they don't hear us from outside, it is fine.”

“About that, you don't have to worry.” Nurzak pointed at her. "This room has 100% sound insulation.

“Wow." Kazarina looked around and turned her head to the ceiling on which the warm light of the fireplace was dancing. "You really tor thought of everything.” She gulped. "Anyway. Speaking of business. I plan on hypnotizing more than half of the emperor's soldiers.”

“Why not all?"

"If would be an overload.”

@Okay then, Let me rephrase the question.” He Said as He pulled his chair closer to Kazarina and looked up at her. “Why don't you Just hypnotize Barodius and Gill and get on with it?"

She locked eyes with him. "Because I want both of them to be completely aware of the fact that they lost everything to me. I want to see those face expressions." She smirked. “An easy Victory? Where is the fun in that?"

Nurzak arched his eyebrows. “I like your enthusiasm. "

“Are you reassured of my layalty now?” She shrugged. "Maybe you had some doubts about me before.”

He smiled, "I am reassured, my little witch.”

Meeting, Throne room.

Barodius was as Just as scepticle as he was in real life while texting.

Kazarina walked into the throne room to only find Gill and Barodius. So she supposed this to be a short discussion.

She made an appropriate bow. “Sire.” “Welcome, Kazarina. Get into your spot so we can begin.”

She climbed upstairs as she held her skirts above her ankles to Keep her from tripping. The emperor Could not See the Mischievous look a She sent Gill. Gill however, had to keep a straight Face. He knew the emperor would realize even the Smallest chance in his expression.

“We need to finalize our strategy on destroying the restored second shield.”Barodius brought up the topic directly.

"I could do it with the upgraded Exocor. How much longer untill it's ready, Kazarina ?”

" 3 days. 2 if we hurry.

“It was 3 days the last time we spoke, was it not, Kazarina?"

Gill Smirked. "Well, maybe it is because I was Kept busy with unrelated tasks.” Kazarina answered with a Sarcastic tone.

“So you do accept that it is your fault that we hove not progressed at all?”

“Maybe if I had co-workers sufficent enough to take my place on the expedition duty we would be launching the attack right now."

“Well, it is entirely your fault that the second Shield is restored in the first place, so…”

“Is there a way to reverse time and change the past? No. We have no other choice but to fix the Sitation and instead of working on that you are busy with…”

“You can't put the blame on me-“

“You are as Immature and petty as a fire year old-"

“You two seemed So happy last night.” Barodius' thick voice cut right in. "I had thought you would leave this bickering behind you.”

Kazarina's long fingers pointed at him as if she was asking a question. “He started it.” "I do not care who started it Kazarina. You will need to continue fighting like a married couple elsewhere.

Kazarina made a disappraving sound upon hearing the words Married couple. “If he was my husband I would put arsenic in his coffee, sire.”

Gill smiled, way too brightly. “If she was My wife I would drink it, sire.”

Barodius turned his head to the ceiling like he is asking god to grant him patience. “Kazarina. Can you draw your design for Exocor in a few sketches so I can see? I can’t visualize it with only the descriptions.”

“Of course Sire.”

Kazarina could draw? Gill hadn’t known that before, Or perhaps he simply did not care. Selective perception.

"Gill?"

It was her voice that brought his attention bock to the throne room. She looked deep into his eyes as she Spoke.

“We need to examine your battle gear as well. Can you bring it to The lab after the meeting?" She tilted her head as if she was inviting him to her side. So I can... have a look at it?”

He nodded with a completely poker face.

Kazarina checked the time on her watch. "It is almost 2 pm so can you meet me there at 2.30 ?”

“Works for me.”

Half an hour. It should be enough to Freshen up a bit.

She thanked herself for having a stock of all the essentials in the bathroom of her lab.

She brushed her teeth, used mouth wash and re-applied her make -up. Then she put on her perfume and took off her hair tie, letting her hair flow through her shoulders. She put her fingers through it to give Some volume.

She heard the door of the lab sliding up and back down. Her heart was racing in her chest. She looked at herself in the mirror One last time before leaving the bathroom.

Gill Smirked as their eyes locked at each other.

"Arsenic, huh? He said, taking slow steps towards her direction. She nodded. "And what would your approach be?”

Gill leaned closer to her ear. “Something more direct.” His right hand found its place on her neck once again. His fingers wrapped around her throat. "Because you look so prety like this.”

Kazarina's hand held the fingers on her neck, "Come with me.”

She turned around and started to pull him deeper into the laboratory. Finally, she took him in a room and closed the door behind them.

The room was extremely plain; with only the cabinets filled with chemicals and a long table, which Gill assumed was for examination. The room smelled like a hospital and it was mostly dark, the only source of light being the window.

Gill lifted her by the armpits and put her on the table easily.

She perched on the table with a smile on her face, swinging her feet.

Gill stood in front of her. She looked into his eyes to see the burning desire come back to life again. He put his palms on the table and leaned closer, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss.

Kaxarina s hands glided over his chest for a while before curling behind his neck. She pulled him ever closer as her nails scratched the area. Gill gasped slightly to the sensation. Then he put his hands on her thighs with a firm, yet gentle touch. He broke the kiss and leaned down to capture the long skirts of her dress. Then he lifted it up, revealing her legs completely. He kissed her once again as he stroked her thighs without any Coverage this time. He held her knees and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Kazarina Pulled him closer to her with her legs as his fingers moved to the upper side of her body, pulling the dress down to reveal the lacy lingerie she wore. He let out a low growl as she smirked. She held his chin to pull him into another Kiss as his fingers hooked under the thin straps, slawly sliding them down to her shoulders. As his lips moved to her collarbone, he pulled her even closer, until there was no space left between them. Kazarina’s head fell back, a moan escaping her lips. Her hands tugged the fabric of his pants, trembling as she shed the last barriers between them.

“Gill.” She gasped with desperation. "I need you.”

“I am here.” He murmured against her lips. “I am not goin anywhere.”

She gasped when she finally felt the sudden penetration. “Perfect.” she whispered, She pulled her head back for a Split Second to look at his face. He closed the gap between their lips shortly.

“Why do you always have to make things So difficult?" Gill gasped between kisses, his hands gripping her waist.

“Maybe I just like seeing you lose Control.” Kazarina whispered.

Another gasp escaped her lips when he pulled her hair down to reveal her long neck to him. “You think have the upper hand dont you?" Kazarina asked, her voice breathy.

“Always-“

His mischievous smirk froze on his face as he heard the Footsteps echo on the marbel Floor of the lab, "Did you hear that?” He whispered in panic.

“Kazarina?”

They heard Nurzak’s voice calling her. Loud, clear and from a quite short distance.

[lostcauses-noregrets]

Since I love your takes and it's Erwin's month, I want to share a interpretation of mine about Erwin and see your opinion about it! I'm sorry its damn long, and excuse my English. I hope you can read it properly. I know many fans think the opposite but: I don't see Erwin as a dad. [1/6]

I've read a lot of fanfics were Erwin has kids, either his own or adopted. And every time I read them, not matter what, I don't buy it at all. I don't see Erwin as a family man. I think he's a person that values his own freedom and his passions. And I think a kid would be too much responsibility. When you have a kid, they become your number one priority and now everything in your life has to take them into account. And honestly, I don't see Erwin doing that. [2/6] Lot of people see him as a dad (I do think he has dorky dad energy haha) because of that smartpass where he says if titans didn't exist he'd probably start a family. Which imo even doesn't sound credible at all. His response being "Retire to a reclusive area, or maybe have a family." He doesn't even sound sure. I even think that his real answer is the first one but then went 'I need to be more relatable and likeable for this interview. What do normal people want? Right. Having a family.' [4/6] Also he tries to ignore the question until Levi presses him to answer. I think Erwin's personality is intrinsically linked to his dream, so there's no life in which his dream does not exist. He even expressed that in canon when levi asked him what would he do after his dream and him saying 'I don't know'. I think he is a man of passion and goals, and even in a peaceful world he'd still be that passionate over other things that is not being a family man. [5/6] Not that you can't be both...but I don't see him that way. It seems too mundane and (like every other Scout) he is anything but so. I see him as a character that is way too 'think outside of the box/ reject and question what you are told' for his dream being so mundane as having a nuclear family. In a happier au, he is your history professor who very passionately criticizes imperialism and capitalism and has no kids (but probably a certain short, black-haired husband) [6/6]

Hi Anon,  unfortunately part of your ask [3/6] has gone awol, but there’s enough here for me to understand your question.  First of all, it goes without saying that you’re entirely entitled to view a character any way you want, however since you asked my opinion, I’d say that while I agree with some of your reasoning, I don’t agree with all of it. 

Personally I’m not a fan of fics where Erwin is a parent, but that’s not because I can’t see him as a parent, it’s more to do with my own taste in fiction.  There are simply other things I’d rather read about.  That aside, I do agree that Erwin doesn’t seem entirely sure about his future plans in the Smarpass interview, however the same could be said for Levi, and yet very few fans question his desire to open a tea shop.  I think the whole point of this exchange is that both Erwin and Levi are so focused on their goal of saving humanity that neither of them have thought beyond that.  Here’s the exchange in full from @yusenki's translation.

J: Then let’s not talk about that for now. How about just your own future dreams? L: Talking about future dreams at this age…how interesting. What do you think, Erwin? E: As for me…right. Retire to a reclusive area, or maybe have a family. J: I am surprised that commander seems surprisingly relaxed about this. E: My mind is currently filled with matters concerning the world, so I’m not in a position to pursue any dreams. But either way, you could say that I have an ordinary dream. L: How interesting. Your kids won’t be cute for sure. E: How about you, Levi? Would you go from hero to politician? L: That’s impossible. How could you even ask something that is so obvious?! J: Please tell us about your dream, captain. L: Just like this guy, my mind has no room for dreams right now. However if you want me to give you a casual answer, then…how about opening a black tea store? E: This is also so interesting! From a hero who flies around slaughtering titans outside the wall to an owner of delicious tea shop within the wall? J: Both of your answers are so unexpected. Is this because of the harsh realities you live in at this moment? E: Yes. The realization of our own dreams is less important than building a world for people, a place where humans can accomplish their own dreams. L: I don’t have much concern for my own matters, but it’s interesting to think about.

I know that there are a lot of fans who believe that Erwin’s dream is so intrinsic to who he is that he would be lost without it, and like you, they cite this scene in chapter 70 as evidence.  I've never believed that’s the case.  I think Erwin’s reply to Levi here is simply honest and pragmatic.  He’s not saying he has no interest in future plans, he’s just saying he’ll have to wait and see. Under the circumstances, that seems perfectly reasonable to me.

Anyway, I’m getting a bit off topic here.  You said that you can’t see Erwin being a parent because he values his freedom too much, it’s too great a responsibility, and having a family seems too mundane a fate for him. Raising children is certainly a responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be mundane, far from it.  I’ve never seen Erwin as the kind of man to avoid responsibility and I think it’s exactly his “think outside the box” qualities that would make him a brilliant, if unorthodox, parent. Erwin is a generous man with endless curiosity, I can see him as the kind of parent who would delight in children’s natural curiosity and encourage their sense of adventure. 

Having said all that, I suspect there is one thing that would prevent Erwin from becoming a parent; I don’t think he would believe himself worthy of the privilege of raising children.  Even if Erwin had survived the war and lived to see his father’s theories vindicated, I think he would still have carried a huge burden of guilt from his father’s death and that would have coloured his own view of his fitness to be a father himself. 

Thanks for your ask Anon, this is certainly an interesting question, and I hope you don’t mind if I partially disagree with your perspective. 

[hinatastinygiant]

34 | Titanic

Pairing: Ominis Gaunt x Fem!Reader

Serpents and Roses

Back at your house, the air is thick with the scent of potion-brewing. Garreth stands around the cauldron, which bubbles with a bright blue liquid. Sebastian hands you the clothes you'll wear as part of your disguise, and you change into the casual white dress.

"Do you really think this will work?" you ask Sebastian, a mix of hope and uncertainty in your voice.

Sebastian meets your gaze with reassuring eyes. "Absolutely. Trust me, it will work."

Garreth, having finished the potions, hands each of you a vial. "On the count of three, you drink. Remember, this is your ticket into the Ministry."

You nod in unison, and with a shared breath, you drink. Almost immediately, a peculiar sensation envelops you. The world blurs, and you feel a shift within your body. It's almost as if you're being pulled and pushed all at once, and a moment later, you feel the strange sensation fade.

As the effects of the potion take hold, you reach a hand up and run it through your long, cherry-red hair. Unexpectedly, your hair gets stuck on the ring on your left hand, and that's how you notice it—a dazzling engagement ring on your finger.

"That ring is huge," Sebastian chuckles. "Wonder what your fiance is trying to compensate for."

Garreth nudges his shoulder, shaking his head. "Oh, stop it. It's a beautiful ring, and Madeline is a lucky woman."

"Madeline?" you repeat.

"It's your name," he nods. "According to Ominis, all three of us have reasons to be at the Ministry, but what those reasons are precisely... Ominis didn't say."

"Great, so we're all playing guessing games," you grumble.

Sebastian grins mischievously, "Well, at least it looks like you're getting married."

You roll your eyes, feigning excitement, "Oh, thrilled. I hope it's you." Sebastian passes a wink your way.

Interrupting your banter, Garreth walks between you, a serious expression on his face. "Enough chatter, it's time to go. Y/N, you are Madeline Fallen, I am Archie Baker, and Sebastian is Henry Stevens. Stick to those names and act normal, or else this will all fall apart."

With a final nod, the three of you turn to leave. As the front door closes behind you, a wave of anxiety washes over you.

Led by Garreth and Sebastian this time, you make your way to a public bathroom downtown. They then explain the way to get into the Ministry is through the toilets. It's a strange idea, but you decide to trust them.

Once you walk into the women's room, you glare down at the toilet. "Flush myself down?" you repeat to yourself. "I must have heard them wrong. This isn't a prank, is it?"

With a deep breath, you step inside the toilet, and then, before you can think too much about it, flush the toilet. In a sudden rush of water, you're sucked downwards. In an instant, you find yourself appearing in a green burst of flames within the Ministry. However, there's no sign of Archie or Henry.

As you walk down the hallway, a woman in a powder pink dress approaches you. "Come on, Maddy, you'll be late!" she exclaims, grabbing you by the hand and running with you to the elevators. Once inside, she turns to you and fixes your hair.

"The cherry red looks good on you, much better than the navy it was before," she remarks.

"Navy sounds like a good idea," you mutter as she continues fixing your appearance.

"I had been telling you to change the color for ages, but no. Now look at you. Hot!" she laughs.

You can't help but chuckle awkwardly, not entirely sure how to respond. Whoever this person is, she's clearly very close with Madeline.

The elevator doors open and the woman leads you down the hall and into a courtroom. A judge high up asks you to repeat your full name.

"Madeline Fallen," you gulp, crossing your fingers in prayer that you remember her name correctly.

"And where is your fiance?" he then inquires.

"Apologies, Your Honor. I'm afraid he's running a bit late. He'll be here any minute," you stammer, hoping the excuse would be sufficient.

"Hmm. Alright. You may take a seat and wait," he waves his hand dismissively, and you breathe a sigh of relief. "But if he's not here in ten minutes, I'm moving on to the next couple."

A few moments after you and Madeline's friend sit down to wait, Sebastian, dressed as Henry Stevens, comes running out of breath into the room. You stand up with a gasp, surprised that it's him of all people.

"Merlin, he's so fine," your friend remarks as she stands up too.

You look at her with eyebrows furrowed before pushing her back into her seat. "This is my wedding day, not yours," you remind her, causing her to pout.

Henry walks towards you, taking your hands in his. "Don't worry, Garreth's on it," he whispers to you.

The judge then calls for your attention, "Henry Stevens and Madeline Fallen. Please come forward."

"Let's go," you say, grabbing Henry's hand and pulling him forward.

The judge then proceeds to marry you with something called a 'binding kiss'. According to your friend, you and Henry had been having some issues in your relationship and requested the spell as a way to strengthen the bond between you two. It's all very bizarre, but you can't really say no.

"Just make sure you think of him," she whispers from beside you as the judge readies his wand. "It makes you fall in love with whomever you think of first!"

At that moment, your mind flickers to Ominis.

"Let's begin," the judge declares, pointing his wand at the two of you.

Suddenly, a surge of magical energy flows through your body. Sebastian locks eyes with you and you can see the moment it happens. It's like a spark has ignited inside of him, and the light in his eyes has shifted to something else.

"You may kiss the bride," the judge announces.

Sebastian leans forward, cupping your cheek and giving you a gentle kiss. His lips brush against yours, soft and smooth. A shiver runs down your spine, and the moment seems to last forever. You can't not kiss him back but you can tell he's trying not to deepen it.

When you pull away, the judge is staring at the two of you in awe.

"Well," he starts. "That's certainly the most romantic kiss I've seen all day.Glad to know my spell still works."

"Thanks," you smile, feeling a little guilty for what you just did.

As the two of you silently walk out of the room, the guilt settles deeper.

"That was, uh..." Sebastian tries to speak, breaking the silence between the two of you. "Not what I was expecting," he hums as you get into the elevator.

"Yeah, me neither," you nod.

He then turns to you, "Did you, uh, think of Ominis?"

"I did," you smile softly as you look down at your feet. "How about you? Garreth, maybe," you tease.

"No," he chuckles. "I actually, um, I thought of... well..."

Just then, the elevator doors open and the face of Archie Baker stands before you, completely changing the course of the conversation.

"Come on, you two. We don't have all day!"

Serpents and Roses

[violetjedisylveon]

Solid Ground.

Eda Raises Two Gods AU chapter 19

Summary: Ho Ho Ho and happy holidays. Eda finally has the big talk she's been dreading.

Word count: 2.8k

Warnings: ⚠️mentions of past trauma, anxiety, panic attacks and child abuse, but it's only talked about.⚠️

A/N: Here's your gift, it's got other gifts inside it. Ngl, this chapter is almost entirely Eda and Enzo talking about therapy and going to therapy and stuff like that so there's not much going on. It's just a lot of talking. The next chapter, the long awaited DSM-5 chapter, will be similarly talk heavy.

I hope you still enjoy it!

Here are some other gifts for you all, Noodle In A Blanket + animatic sneak peek, Celeste The Titan

Eda Raises Two Gods AU Masterpost

________________________________________________________________________________

Today.

It had to be today.

If she didn't do it today she didn't think she'd ever work up the nerve to do it again.

This was for Enzo, her kid needed this.

She could only hope and pray she had the right words for this.

Eda took in a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair, then she knocked on the door.

Enzo was curled up in the nest with a picture book. They preferred picture books over written ones since they couldn't read yet. Nibs was happily dozing on their shoulder. They glanced up at her and gave her a small smile.

She went over to the nest with the plate she'd brought and held it out to them, they gave her a confused glance before taking it.

“Mind if I sit with you?” She asked softly.

Enzo nodded. She climbed into the nest and sat next to her kid, Enzo almost immediately leaned into her side. The kid looked so damn peaceful snuggled up next to her, she didn't want to ruin it, she really didn't.

“Can we talk?”

Eda really didn't like the way Enzo froze up, she definitely didn't like the way they pulled away from her.

“I'm not mad at you, I swear it's not that.” She quickly reassured them.

The kid shot her a wary glance but didn't turn to look at her. She let out a small sigh of relief when Enzo settled near her again, although they weren't as close as before.

“I promise I am not mad, I'm just worried. I'm really worried.” She started.

Enzo's ears flicked towards her, he still refused to look at her. She didn't want him to.

“What happened after you fell,” She paused when Enzo flinched, “it was really scary… for you and for me…” Enzo pulled their legs to their chest, shrinking away from her, “it means a lot more than you think, kiddo.”

“You remember how you felt, right?” She asked gently.

The kid gave her a hesitant nod.

“That thing you felt, it's called a panic attack.”

“A panic attack is this thing that happens when you have extreme anxiety or fear or stress. They can be random and happen without a trigger… but certain things can cause them…” she closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

“I get them sometimes… I get really scared of specific things and then boom, I'm having a panic attack.”

“And sometimes I get into a situation where I feel like something really bad is happening again, it's like I'm stuck in that moment or bits and pieces of it, and that experience causes a panic attack too.” She pretended not to hear Enzo's breathing stop for a few seconds and continued on like normal.

“It's a very troubling experience, it hurts, and it's very scary to feel like I'm stuck in such a bad place again.”

She waited a moment, or maybe she waited an hour, for Enzo to soak up the new information.

“did that happen to you when you fell?”

Enzo squeezed their legs closer to him and tucked their head down. Eda gave them their space, she needed to be careful about this.

“It's okay if you did, you can't control that, or having a panic attack.” She said.

Enzo tilted their head but didn't raise it up, his eye snapped open with that yellow glow it sometimes had.

“You don't have to tell me what it was, I don't need to know, all I need to know is if you had a flashback.” She continued.

The single glowing red eye stared at her, filled with darkness and distrust and fear. She met the fearful gaze, not even the slightest bit afraid of the darkness it held. There was only fear beneath that darkness.

They finally looked away. They blinked and the yellow glow vanished. Their body shook as they nodded.

“Papa isn't ever coming back, is he?”

“No starshine, he's not.”

“He's dead then, right?”

“I'm so sorry starshine, I think he is.”

Enzo turned to her with tearful eyes and then the dam broke.

Enzo cried uncontrollably. They might have been saying something, but she couldn't understand it through their sobbing. Eda sat silently and let Enzo cry, she didn't make any move to comfort them yet, he would come if they wanted it.

Her kid did end up cuddling up against her again, she loosely wrapped an arm around them, not too tight but enough to tell him she was there.

She sat with them for an hour before they calmed down enough to say anything.

“How do you stop them?” Their small, broken voice asked.

Alright Eda, don't fuck this up.

“There is this thing that you can do, it's called therapy. A therapist is the person who gives therapy, they spend a really long time learning how to do their job and how to help people with all sorts of things, there's lots of types of therapy.” Eda said.

“You know Gailine's mom, right?”

Enzo nodded.

“Well she is a therapist for trauma, which is really bad things that happen, she helps people understand their emotions and work through them so they can feel better. She's very good at her job.” She explained.

“So the therapist makes the bad feelings stop?” Enzo asked.

“Not exactly, they don't tell you what to do, and they can't solve the problem for you. Their job is to give you the tools and examples of how to do it yourself. They are also someone who you can trust with whatever you want, they're under an oath to not say a word about anything you tell them to anyone.” She gently corrected.

“Have you seen how Clover uses her magic?” She asked, switching over to the part she was sure Enzo wasn't going to respond to as positively.

“She uses the mind magic, right?” Enzo guessed.

“Yeah, Oracle Magic, and she's really good at it but she's a little odd because she uses it through plants, she really can't do it any other way. Her office is full of plants and they all smell really nice.” She explained.

Enzo gave her a fearful look and tightened their grip on her.

“is she gonna get in my head?”

“Enzo, she's not going to do anything without asking permission. You have every right to say no and she won't be mad at you.” She told them.

“And she's not allowed to do things you say she can't. She has a lot of rules she has to follow, respecting privacy is one of them.” She added when Enzo still looked a little uncertain.

They gave her a cautious half smile and relaxed again.

“What else happens at the therapy thing?” They asked, absently pulling at a loose thread on their sleeve.

“Well, it depends on what you need, so its different for everyone, but when she works with kids like you, Clover does a lot of playing. She has a lot of toys, games and activities that you can play with when you go meet with her. She'll play along with whatever games you come up with.”

��She's got a really big garden at her office, there's lots of plants and some friendly animals, and there's a really nice pond that's got lots of water creatures in it, Gailine keeps sneaking wild animals into it.” She said.

Enzo snickered at their friend's antics.

“That doesn't sound too bad.” They mumbled.

“Eh, it's not all fun and games starshine. It's a process that takes time, and in order for anything to get done, you're going to have to talk about some things that might be uncomfortable, you won't have to go into too much detail, Clover just needs an idea of what she's working with to help you.” She warned.

Enzo narrowed their eyes skeptically.

“Like what?”

They were surprisingly not turned off from the subject entirely. I thought that would have shut this conversation down immediately.

“At the first visit, she's just going to ask you some questions, you can just say yes or no and don't have to go into anything deeper if you don't want to. And after that she can figure out the best way to help you, but sometimes she might talk with you about the bad things.” She paused to gauge their reaction, he was still surprisingly calm.

“It's very important to remember that she isn't trying to hurt you, but all that stuff has to come to the surface so it can be taken care of, and that stuff is what's hurting you. This is to help you handle the bad stuff.” Eda said.

“A lot of bad things have happened to you, haven't they?” She prompted.

Enzo’s skeptical eyes widened with terror.

“Did you look?!” They shouted, jerking away from her again.

She rested a gentle hand on their shoulder.

“It's very clear to see without any magic, starshine. I see it in the way you act and how you talk, a lot has hurt you. It's still hurting you.” She explained calmly.

“Oh…”

“So what do you think? Do you wanna give it a try?”

Enzo frowned and bit their lip.

“So it's going to be fun and I get to play but it's going to make me feel bad while I'm trying to make the bad feel better?” They wondered.

“Yeah, something like that, Clover will also teach you ways to handle stressful situations so you don't have as many panic attacks. It will help make the flashbacks happen less too.” Eda said.

Enzo's eyes lit up at that.

“It stops the nightmares?! And the blue blood and the bad thoughts?!” They asked eagerly.

Blue blood? He's never mentioned that before.

“Uh, yeah, er, kinda after a while… does that happen often?” She asked gently.

“Sometimes I think things I don't mean to, I don't like it when that happens, those thoughts always make me feel weird.” Enzo answered.

“It'll stop all that?” They asked.

“It will make it happen less, and when it does you'll be able to manage it a lot better than you do now.” She clarified.

“It will feel better, right?” 

“Yes, after a while.” She repeated.

“But it will feel better, right?” Enzo asked again.

There was a strained, cautiously hopeful look in their eyes. They were tearing up again. They rubbed at their teary eyes, mumbling apologies to her and trying not to cry. Eda gently pushed their hands down and cupped his face. 

“i don't want to hurt anymore…” they whispered.

“Oh Starshine…” Eda cooed.

“It will feel better after a while, you don't have to hurt forever.” She said softly.

Enzo broke into a tearful smile and hugged her, crying more out of relief this time. She brought them closer and started humming a soft tune until they calmed down.

During that time, King wandered into her room and the little gremlin must have assumed it was cuddle time since he forced his way into the nest to join them.

Enzo stroked King’s soft fur as they calmed down.

“Is this why Gailine’s mom was coming over so much, cause you were talking about this?” Enzo asked.

“Yeah, sometimes we were talking about this. More times we were talking about other stuff, like old school stories and how old friends are doing or what crazy plant Eibhlín made this time. Normal adult stuff.” Eda said.

Enzo nodded and spent a few more minutes playing with King's fluffy fur.

“… philip always got mad when he was called anything else…” Enzo started quietly.

Eda glanced down at them, the owl beast growled in the back of her mind. This can't be good.

“…he got really mad at me when I called him “Pip” once… I didn't know he didn't like it… he yelled at me for a while…” Enzo trailed off again, she felt them tense under her hands.

“…do… do you get mad when people call you my mom…?” They asked.

“I mean… well it's just… Gailine always calls you my mom… and I never stop her cause I kinda like it… but I'll stop liking it if you don't like it!” they blurted before she could respond.

The Titan clearly had it out for her. She was barely prepared for the big conversation she set out to fail at having, now her kid was asking the other big question that was eating away at her and- wait, Enzo likes it when people call me their mom?

“I don't mind it.” Eda said.

Enzo let out the breath they had been holding since asking the question.

“…I thought you didn't like it cause your face always got red when it happens, like how when you get mad… are you not getting mad?” Enzo asked timidly.

Oh.

“Nope. I'm definitely not getting mad. I'm getting embarrassed.” She said.

Enzo stared at her for a moment then the light went off in their head.

“Like whenever Datura talks about that bird you like so much?!” They guessed.

Right on que, her cheeks started to warm.

“Right now! You're doing it right now!” He pointed out.

“I know starshine.” Eda mumbled.

“Why do you get so red over a bird anyway?” They asked, relaxing into her side.

“They aren't actually a bird. That's just what Datura calls them.” Eda said.

“So who are they?” Enzo asked.

“They’re an… old friend of mine.” she settled on saying.

“Enough off topic questions” Eda said, stopping her kid from prying more into her past.

“Do you think you can go to a therapy appointment? I'll go in with you, if you want me to.” Eda asked.

“I… I think I can… I think I'm ready now.” Enzo said.

Eda gave her kid a light squeeze.

“I'm really proud of you, starshine. You're an amazing kid, you know that, right?” she told him.

“You really think so?” They asked, looking up at her in awe.

“Oh absolutely.” Eda swore.

“Thank you m-Eda!” 

“Excuse me?” Eda asked.

“Nothing! I said Eda! I just said Eda!” Enzo squealed, their face flushing pink with embarrassment.

Eda raised an eyebrow and gave her kid another light squeeze.

“C'mon starshine, what did you wanna say?” she asked.

Enzo squeaked and buried their face in his hands.

“…mama…” they mumbled.

Not that long ago, Eda would have rejected that title instantly. Even a few weeks ago when she had just started to get more comfortable with it, she still wouldn't have accepted it. Hell, just a few minutes ago she panicked that the kid liked it.

Now that they had actually said it, now that it was out there, she didn't hate it as much as she had thought she would. She kind of liked it.

She absolutely knew she wasn't the best as far as parents went. She didn't have the best example for herself and she was a wanted criminal and a cursed witch. That didn't exactly scream stable child rearing environment, but…

Enzo had just called her “mom”, they thought of her like a mom, their mom.

Even if she wanted to, she was in way too deep to back out now. 

This was her kid, she wasn't going to abandon them.

That being said, her face still turned bright red. Emotions were weird.

“Do, um, do you want to call me that?” She asked, clearing her throat with an awkward cough.

“is it okay? I don't want Papa to get sad…” Enzo asked.

“Starshine, I'm sure your dad is happy for you.” She assured him.

A fond smile formed on their face.

“… yeah, he would be…” they giggled.

“So I can call you mama?” 

“Sure starshine, if you want.”

“I want to.” They said.

“Alright then.” Eda nodded.

Enzo beamed and hugged her with an adorable little giggle.

“Thanks Mama.”

“Anytime kiddo.”

XXX

Eda grabbed her scroll, the kids were fast asleep in the nest beside her after dinner and a nice warm bath. King needs a haircut soon. She thought absently as she searched up the name of Clover’s office, “The Garden House, Resources and Services For Healing The Mind And Body.”, she was going to make Enzo's first appointment.

She had already talked it over with Enzo and told them that she would try to get it done some time this week, it really all depended on how busy Clover was.

From what she had been told, the first appointment was easy to make, and all the important information got sorted out afterwards. So all she had to do was make the appointment. That was the easiest part of this whole day.

She submitted her request for a Friday first appointment and put her scroll away. She would tackle that tomorrow, now she was going to bed with her kids.

[mundrakan]

I often wondered why child-fics are so bad. But then, when I had my own children, it clicked. Children are very rarely written by people who actually have them, because with all the cuteness they are exhausting little devils.

Therefore here is some writing advice to non-kid-owners to make them write more realistic kids instead of little angels. And yes: my kids do all of that at some point, and yes, it's bloody annoying ;) (and yes, I still love them)

This only applies to small children (up to... 7 or so, but feel free to update with older kids behaviour)

Awful timing - you just need another minute of sleep? Or some naughty time with your partner? Or you just have this one thing to do to perfect your art? Guess who is standing in the door and NOT leaving?

Persistence - I mean the not leaving part. I do. You can literally carry a child of the room and tell them to stay out. Guess who is back in two minutes?

Impatience - Everything you are supposed to do for them has to happen IMMEDIATELY. They have literally no waiting span and come to think of it: no attention span.

Egotism: Don't get me wrong. Kids ARE compassionate. But only as long as it doesn't infringe their own happiness. The moment it does they go batshit.

Emotional blackmail - I am not sure, but in my experience EVERY child can cry on command. EVERY child

Tantrums - Yes, they will throw tantrums. They will scream, they will jump around like little devils, they will fault you for everything including the sinking of the Titanic, and they will kick, bite, slap you, if you get to close. There are two things to make it worse: one, it can happen within a heartbeat with literally no warning, the other: they have no in between phase. Not only can they go into full tantrum mode at the drop of the hat, they can go back to normal in the same time span, and then expect you to be "nice" with them again.

Rational thinking exists only for special occasions - you can argue with kids, they will understand. But when it comes to the specific situation more often than not it gets down to: I understood your opinion and it's likely valid, but I like mine better.

Disturbance - if you are at home, the kids will assume you are available. If they assume you are available, you will be literally unable to sit two minutes in peace and quiet. This is of course situational, but more often than not it is true .

Eating - You might have heard it, but even totally normal kids have this phase where they will eat NOTHING but pasta and maybe mashed potatoes without protest. Oh... and sweets. Everything else prompts lengthy discussions about why they should eat that. (that's not true for every kid, but for many)

Refusing tasks - they don't want to do it? Prepare for hour-long discussions or severe conflict. Bonus points if you are in a hurry.

Everything only after it's too late - not all kids do that, but most don't have any understanding of timelines. If you give them a deadline, they will literally start at the very last moment and inevitably fail, then wail and scream, when consequences are on the table. Ironically the same is true for punishment. They will only realize they effed up, once the punishment IS in place - and then of course it's all your fault, even when said punishment literally is just due to the circumstances as in: now we can't go to eat ice-cream, because it took you so long to dress that the parlour is closed.

Cuddling - don't get me wrong, I love cuddling the kids. But the thing is: they do not just want that when you want them to (more often than not that's the time when they don't). They want to cuddle when you have no time, when you are angry at them or dead tired. When you have to do literally anything other than that - and you cannot just tell them no either, because they need to feel loved.

Rules - all kids reach the point somewhere, when they treat rules like cats do. They constantly have to test them and see what they can get away with. Like... I wasn't allowed to eat chocolate before breakfast yesterday... but.. how about today? Only consequent keeping those rules will save you. Maybe

Energy - it's not per se a bad thing, but still true. You have gone out with them, ran around for hours and hours. You are exhausted. You get home, looking forward to put your feet up, and the kids... they just drink something and are like: can we go again?

This list is of course far from exhaustive, so feel free to add, but I hope it helps with some writing on kids.

[itwoodbeprefect]

911 season 7 episode 2:

we know this man waving a gun around and shooting people is eeeeevil because he says lady captain.

mr. cruise director has the dongle! because he's eeeeevil too. or at least stupid

fjdk i was expecting them to pull a "i'm not a medical doctor" with how this guy was acting, but no, he IS a gp, it's just that for the drama we need bobby to have to tackle this alone

asshole driver: "are you important? do you matter?" fjkdfd. cool it with the existential questions, my guy

"you come at me again, i'll have your badge." "i'm not a police officer." "a- and you won't be anymore either!" smooth save! well done! also love that when chimney says he's not police we see him just turning away from giving hen a confused Look. besties!

ah, of course we need to give hen a guilt complex over a choice she makes as captain.

having a firefighter be in charge of taking care of your gunshot wound is really...... gambling with your life! ba-dum tss!

bobby answering to "are you happy?" with "yeah. yeah, i am." somewhat bafflingly had me close to tearing up. god, i love that for him.

said "nooo" out loud when machine room man followed the cable and opened the door. the poor guy did not deserve that :(

anyway, a bomb! if only starsky and hutch had been on this boat doing tense homoerotic bomb collection in weirdly long sweaty scenes, this could all have been prevented

not at ALL the point here (everything is sad and awkward in understandable ways, i'm not getting into it), but this is such a gorgeous jacket

guy who desperately wants his chips cashed out: "did we hit an iceberg or something?" fjdkfd. do you think they ever play titanic in cruise ship movie theaters, or is that a subtly banned sort of movie? also, second titanic reference in two episodes, together with the comment athena's therapist made! can we get three?

i know the wife guy trope has fallen out of favor, but. bobby is doing it very well.

SO annoying that athena doesn't pick up her phone while she's on a sinking cruise ship taking on duties that the injured captain can't perform. >:(

fdjkf i love that karen is absolutely right when she tells hen that athena and bobby's cruise is going to be totally fine and there's nothing to worry about, except this is the world of People Who Are Involved In Big Giant Emergencies Every Two Weeks, so hen, in worrying way too much, is the one who's actually right. these two episodes are just married couples with one partner WAY overreacting in a way that turns out to be Correct. if things keep going this way in a few more seasons they might start to figure out they're main characters.

now bobby is WET and still looking for his wife. the universe just doesn't want to give this man the normal sweet honeymoon he was trying to have.

"where is she?" "saving the ship." "of course she is." tired wet middle aged golden retriever man considers wishing his wife were a little less heroic: part [insert number here].

fjdkfd. hen on her hunch going straight to the 911 call center, my god.

"you wanted an activity we could do together." taking a wild guess, i'd say this wasn't on bobby's list, but at least you've got some nice mood lighting

they ARE getting me with the bobby/athena scene here. they absolutely are.

also. i can't not think about due south mountie on the bounty at least a little bit. truly impossible not to do that

fjdkfd. always nice if you're a fictional character who does terrible things and then gets a very dramatic chance to prove you're maybe also an okay person

the chief going "YOU can't find their cruise ship?" seems like a deeply correct sort of response to me

fjdjfkdjk. hen looking shocked and upset when the chief tells her that the los angeles fire department isn't responsible for actively looking for ships that haven't sent out any sign of distress and are in an area they're not responsible for in the middle of the ocean, which is also not the fire department's usual sort of thing... that's very funny, very 911.

"i really don't feel like being second-guessed right now" says hen, while following a slightly insane hunch that could cost her her job and probably deserves a little second-guessing. or one-and-a-half-guessing, at least. love you so much, hen, but the only reason this will work out is because you've got writers behind you.

fdjkfdjkfdfd. of COURSE a man had to drop onto the (very pretty!) skylight after the boat turns upside down. we can't be told about a goofy thing athena fears because it happened in a tv movie and then NOT have that pay off at the end of the next episode! wonderful, i love it, this is huge dramatic 911 nonsense at its best. <3

[linkspooky]

Hiya! I love Donna Troy and want to know more about her but don't know what comics to read or shows to watch. Can you recommend anything? Also, I too am team cyborg needs to be back on teen titans lol

Okay, so it is a bit difficult to reccomend Donna Troy stories because she tends to be a supporting character in others arcs but you probably don't want to hear me say "Just read ALL OF NEW TEEN TITANS" and you'll get it.

Here are my reccomendations for individual storylines.

#1 Who is Donna Troy? New Teen Titans #38

This is the chapter that made me love Donna, it is very different from most comic book story arcs it's heavily noir, and it tells a much more down to earth story. This is also the Donna Troy backstory I like to go with when interpreting her character. The other origin stories are all dumb, she is best when she's just some girl that Diana rescued from a fire and brought to live on Themyscra. Donna's entire character is she's just kind of normal... BUT THAT'S INTERESTING when everyone else in the friend group is insane.

#2 New Teen Titans 18-21 HOMECOMING

Homecoming story arc, this demonstrates number one a lot of the personal flaws of Donna's character. Dick leaves Donna in charge of the Teen Titans and Donna is bad at it, the team falls apart under her leadership because she can't manage her personal life. At the same time this points out the flaws in Dick and Donna's relationship, Dick expects her to be perfect, Donna is not.

Donna has what I call "Second oldest daughter syndrome" everyone expects her to be Diana, but she is not, she is not as strong and selfless as Diana but she tries to live up to that anyway (ironically, I think Cassie is actually a lot more like DIana in terms of self confidence she just has a meaner edge to her). Donna's biggest recurring story arc is how much other people's opinions on her influence her because she always tries way too hard to conform to other people's expectations and suffers herself because of it.

3. Darkstars 1-38

The Donna gets divorced and flies around in space with Kyle Rayner her rebound guy, Era. Once again an arc that focuses on the humanity of Donna Troy and the faults underneath her good girl image, her marriage falls apart (like wow the marriage of a 35 year old college professor and a 20 year old wasn't exactly healthy, surprise surprise), Donna became a mother way too early and she has no idea how to balance being a superhero and raising a kid. This arc also has like, the most horribly tragic consequences for Donna's character I don't want to spoil it.

2. Titans (1999) #1-50

If you want a Teen Titans run more focused on Roy Harper, and the fab five while throwing new members on the team this is for you. I say Donna is usually a supporting character but this series Donna and Roy are essentially the most major characters (there's a lot of Garth too!!!). Donna's story arc especially early on in the comic follows on what I find compelling about Donna's character in that she is so focused on living up to the Donna that everyone else sees she's completely lost sight of herself.

5. DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy

This is Donna's only solo, and it's basically a tribute not only to everything Donna Troy has been as a character so far, but also all of the connections she has made with other characters, including the Teen Titans, and the wondergirls. If you want a short comic about who Donna is, and what she means to the people around her this is the one! Though I would reccomend reading this last because otherwise you'll have no idea what past events they are referring to. This was also DC's attempt to just kind of move past Donna's weird backstory problem and focus back in on who Donna Troy is as a person, because Donna's greatest character trait is the connections she makes to the people around her.

Also the only adaptation Donna ever appears in is Titans the live action series on HBOmax where she is fantastic and I highly recommend her it adapts the best part of her character as baby sitter extraordinaire and her relationship with Dick. Without the backstory bullshit. If you want a taste of her character I would watch that first.

[mliter]

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet.

For my birthday, Tomokush offered to give me some money and told me to pick out a game. I chose this one cause why not. I was morbidly interested. Thank you Tomo!

Nowadays, i play Pokemon games because i am more interested in their world building and character design. The Pokemon themselves rarely interest me.

An open world game. With the new decade, everyone seems to be giving it a shot. Why not pokemon? Fans have been making mockups of that open world game they've been dreaming about since the early 2010's. Now that the switch has some power, it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot.

The game takes place in the region of Paldea. Based off of Spain and Latin America. This place seems to value academics the most. Their captial has a massive school anyone of any age can enroll in. I love seeing the differences between the regions. I have friends that are familiar with the place and they were very excited to see the land they know be reimagined in the world of pokemon. I loved witnessing them point out the culture they've grown up with such joy. Gamefreak brings a certain brand of tact and wonder when they created their worlds that are based off of real world locations. From characters, to story, to the land itself. As long as i live, i'll never not be fascinated by this. You think we'll see Africa soon?

The characters are so much fun! Especially in design. School staff, gym leaders, everybody is fantastic. Another gold standard of character design. I one against state that i wish to be get to this level.Unfortunately, the batch of NPCs didn't have anything that caught my eye.

The main three will be remembered for generations. Especially Nemona. That girl is nowhere near normal. The best part is that since this takes place in a school, most of the characters know each other before you arrive as a transfer student. Arven particularly doesn't like Nemona. I like seeing them butt heads. (or Arven try to get at the upbeat Nemona...)

These are the best characters in the franchise, they put their best foot forwards when telling the story they wanted to tell with these characters. The fandom is very invested in them. This time, they feel like a group of friends, rather than some rivals that know each other through you. Especially after that final act.

For an open world game, your story needs to be pretty open ended to give players the most freedom. They did a good job here. You play as a student, sent out on a independent study to find your "treasure". After you finish the tutorial, which introduces you to the main characters and plot points, you're free to go out on your own. Right there. You can challenge the gyms, the titans, and the team star admins at your own pace. Doing all of these moves the plot forwards. You get fun pictures as you complete one. And you can do it with your friends by your side. They can only stand around and take pictures with you though.

The story is fantastic. This rivals, if not is better than Pokemon Black and White's story. You learn about this world through it's story, and it's fun. The endgame is also PACKED. The world of Paldea will be amazing to see in an animated format. I'm excited to see how the anime will expand upon it. (I won't keep up with it though)

Let's get real. Unfortunately, this game runs like dogshit. You can't sugarcoat it. The current release model that the pokemon company is pushing gamefreak to do is stretching them thin. It's a shame. This could've easily been a 10/10. I still had fun regardless.

[besidesitstoowarm]

"The Last of the Time Lords" thoughts

i knowwwww they had crazy gay sex offscreen

and so we say a temporary farewell to martha jones. i'll expound in a series retrospective probably tomorrow but may i say, "mamma mia!" take that however you like

so this is the best series finale of all time bc the hobbit doctor is here. i forgot how NARSTY he looks. respect. i have to respect the audacity of the graphics dept to put that beast on screen

anyway we kick off at one year later. "martha jones, they say she's gonna save the world" YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT SHE WILL!!!!

martha's family are all servants in uniform to harold saxon. i get why, but again this is an example of race-blindness coming off very. woof. cause a black family in service to a white man who calls himself "the master" is QUITE sus.

the doctor references "the sea devils and the axons" he actually references the axons again later this episode. i love how big a nerd davies is. now bring back the zarbi you coward. we get confirmation that the doctor is 900 years old, which i think we must have heard at some point already but i don't recall

hobbit doctor appears and my bf said "it's the megamind 'no bitches' meme" which it is. it literally looks so bad i want to throw up (compliment) i honestly think doctor who is at its best when it has a $5 budget and i am not kidding. get creative with ms paint and bubble wrap

the master starts talking about the drumming "that's when it chose me, the drumming, the call to war" i honestly don't really know what he meant by this. i'm willing to accept the doctor's previous explanation that looking into the time vortex drove him mad, but i'm not sure what "call to war" could mean

we get the plot thread from "utopia" that i had previously forgotten! all those souls trying to reach the promised land became nasty fucked up heads in spheres. "dying" says lucy saxon. "everything dying. no point. no point to anything" she's such an underexplored character to me. what is lucy's deal? she knows who he is. what does she want? who is she, really? she shoots him, she loves him. "just the dark and the cold"

martha saves the world by planting a macguffin and lying hardcore. "no weapons, just words" she is everything. the master gets shot by his wife and the doctor says "i forgive you" oh yeah? okay. "we shall stand upon this earth together as it burns" you guys are so fucked up. "dying in your arms. happy now?" i can't take this. the master refuses to regenerate and afaik this is the first indication we get that regeneration is a choice; maybe bc the doctor loves life too much, we never got another perspective, but this is interesting. they can choose not to regenerate. closest we get to this perspective i think is my beloathed "twice upon a time" where the doctor wants to die and is ready to get OUT of here

so the master dies and they burn him to ashes. martha, the doctor, and jack all vibe back on earth in normal timeline and jack tells a story from his childhood and says "face of boe, they called me" and honestly i don't understand how this can possibly make sense so i shan't think of it any longer. martha breaks up with the doctor by telling a story about her friend who lost herself being obsessed with a boy who didn't notice her at all and again i say. they did martha so dirty. and the doctor crashes into the titanic. whatever

series retrospective up soon! series 3 whips ass thanks!!

[blorb-el]

i was like 'im gonna do weekly lil comics reactions,' did one, and then immediately skipped two weeks. on brand.

this week: world's finest: teen titans 2, last week knight terrors: action 1 and superman: last days of lex luthor 1, and from a While ago superman: lost 5

WFTT 2:

brief moment of 'who the fuck are lilith and gnaark' but then again almost all of these characters are relatively new to me, so shrugged and carried on

other than that one moment i really appreciate how frictionless this book is in terms of new-reader-friendliness. i gather that's the point of the world's finest imprint rn and it's working. waid is a careful craftsman. sneaking in donna's backstory much appreciated

[i'm thinking of issue 1 of the adult titans by tt, which i stuck my nose into. it was frictionless in terms of team dynamics and friction-filled in terms of newcomer friendliness... taylor titans issue 1 felt like i was walking in on a conversation that's been going on 40 years. this book feels like walking into a room and it's throwing a hand around your shoulders and saying hey come meet the gang (and the gang is interesting).]

lupacchino's art feels like such a good pairing for this. soft edges, exaggerated faces.

interesting choice by bellaire on the coloring to make the horror house/dalisay's mindset of closing in on herself and hiding duller than the vibrant normal, light, teens-hanging-out world.

why garth ourple

knight terrors: action 1

laughed out loud at the last page, which is proooooobably not what a horror comic is aiming for

'nightmare, but an ensemble cast' is. meh for me... the other knight terrors have drilled down onto an individual, but this one, if it IS just one person's nightmare i can't tell who. it would make sense for kon to be afraid of being weaponized into an artificial superman but then the rest of the issue isn't from his pov, it'd make sense for otho and osul to be afraid of cyborg superman who they literally just saw but i don't think they'd have any reason to be afraid of kon specifically turning into that, jonno already has multiple! evil dad supermen to be afraid of and they're not this one, and kenan has yet to be given one (1) single speck of narrative significance so id be surprised if it's his nightmare specifically.

i don't like the homogenizing nature of saying 'this is one of the worst fears all four of you can come up with [you all are afraid of the same thing].' i'd rather have a solo or duo focus on someone who hasn't gotten narrative attention in action or elsewhere. i love the gang but i think this would have been much stronger if it'd been, lets say, just kenan and the twins facing down a cyborg superman telling them they're outsiders/not useful/whatever

some nice touches in the art (otho and osul have been consistently sleeping curled up next to each other on the floor which is a little🥺) but i loooved the coloring. another romulo fajardo jr w, i've loved his work since flashpoint beyond.

meanwhile the power girl story has the opposite problem where it's one character but facing ten different fears. it was kitchen sink-y :(

superman: lost 5

clark continues to be Very Sad. this is like catnip to me. i will read 9000 pages of clark being Very Sad no problem. i love love love the physicality of his issues remembering to breathe and filter his hearing

very funny cover bait and switch

i continue to eat the art in this series it's. so good. the spacescapes are gorgeous the buildings are gorgeous the expressions are wonderful and the colors are perfect. thank you pagulayan thank you cox

also i love it when i am writing a fic where clark gets lasso of truth therapy'd and then i pick up a comic and the exact same thing happens. wmm is giving a thumbs up from the grave about the Power of Therapy Bondage

lois at the end of her rope. frustrated and snippy and inventive and tender all at once. they didn't need to write her sniping at diana's costume but i do like her being overly mad at little things (because she's powerless about the Big Thing)

yandere gl hope is fun. the little detail about the contrectatio destroying her planet sets her story up so well

love it when clark is immune to Sexey Lady Temptress. (hope i dont eat my words next issue but for now) i slide this issue into my demisexual clark folder. maybe they wanted me to believe that he was thinking about it but he literally went 😑💨. ma'am this house is my exact recreation of my childhood home as a way to deal with my trauma and helplessness and i know i put a shower curtain in here so please use it instead of dribbling water on the floor in your seduction attempt

superman: last days of lex luthor 1

you guys i made a noise approximating a lawnmower at the mention of rondors. and the drygur moliom. i made noises out Loud. there might have been a lets fucking goooooo at clark getting pulled outta there at ten dendaro. i am the target audience for this trivia shit.

its been a while since i've read anything with lex fully unleashed in Horrible Evil Bastard Mode and. enjoying it fully. corporate lex is fine whatever i guess but only if they let him off his leash every once in a while to do horrible mad science mass killings to further his little plots

lex's vibes being so rancid that the entirety of the phantom zone was like OUT YOU GO was so fucking funny

some of the smallville sections felt a leeeeeeeettle bit like recap but that's only because i have a dual bachelors degree in Bronze Age Dweebery and Birthright Enjoying so i'm already fully on board with whatever waid wants to do

the only really jarring section to me was the hero worship in kandor. it makes sense to set up the dichotomy between clark and lex and the 'public' attitudes toward them and also makes perfect, economical sense as to why a superman who is more superman than clark would not spend more time in there...it's a good choice for the storytelling... but. i really love kandor's bizarre silver/bronze age culture as a reflection of kryptonian culture, even though it's distorted by the citywide trauma of being in a bottle for years and years, and part of that is a fascinating dual trust and resentment many kandorians feel for superman, who is both their protector and the guy who has made almost no progress getting them out. (until he does). ah well. this comic is not about kandor

'lex freaking luthor' let him say fuck. he killed like 10 people at absolute minimum i think he should say lex fucking luthor. its legal

also read:

knight terrors 1-3: a little zzz to me

knight terrors: batman 2: nice, but overall this felt different from the rest of the kt oneshots in a little too 'bruce is the main character of the dcu' way

superman vs meshi: cute <3

superman 2023 annual: artwise had some nice stuff but writingwise only really confirmed my h8er opinion on lois as daily planet editor in chief (why put her into a position that actively takes her away from doing interesting shit)

[bekindtoyourselff]

I am 26 years old and still undiagnosed. I honestly feel like I may be Autistic. I've done many tests online with results saying that I am. I relate to so many people online who are Autistic. However when I tried to tell my family they all said they don't think I am. Looking back at my childhood though I feel like there were definitely some red flags.

1. When my parents talked about me as a baby they also said that I was so quiet. They even say I cried quietly.

2. Growing up I was always told I'm in my own world too much. My family started saying I'm in LaLa land and it became a joke for quite a while.

3. There were specific cartoons I would watch every single day at the same exact time. My mom said she didn't know how I knew what time my favorite show would come on but I would always sit in front of the TV right when it came on.

4. I don't remember a whole lot from when I was a young child, but I do remember when I was probably middle school age and up, I would always smell things before I ate or drank them. (Still do that to this day) and my family thought it was silly.

5. Very sensitive to smell and it affected what I would eat and drink. (Still like that to this day but I've gotten a little braver and have tried foods even though they don't smell good. Like sushi lol)

6. Also sensitive to textures. Was very picky with how food felt when I ate it. Also with drinks. I couldn't drink orange juice with pulp because I don't like how it feels. (Still can't drink orange juice with pulp)

7. I hated school growing up. I had so much anxiety about going to school that I would beg my parents to let me stay home and constantly have break downs. I started saying I was sick some days and my dad always let me stay home.

8. When I was in middle school, everyday after school I would go straight to my dad's room. It was the only room besides the living room that had a TV in it. My brother would have friends over and I was done being around people so I watched TV in my dad's room. I literally watched the same 2 movies. It was either Titanic or the Disney channel move Starstruck. Like I can't tell you how long and how many times I watched those movies over and over everyday.

9. Whenever my dad would have people at the house and have parties I always hid in my room because there were too many people and it was too loud.

10. I played with barbie dolls until I was in middle school and my parents had to tell me I was too old to be playing with them.

11. Whenever I found a show or movie I liked I would watch it over and over everyday. I was obsessed with the Avengers movie and no joke would watch it at least twice a day for months.

12. I also used to spin around and around for hours because I liked how it felt.

There's so many more things I can add but I think I've added enough. It's just crazy because I've never thought about all of that until pretty recently (last few years). And I thought it was normal until I tell someone and they're like, that's not normal lol. I don't know, like I said I've never been diagnosed. I don't know for sure if I am autistic or have ADHD. I just find reassurance following and reading posts from those who I share the same experiences with.

undiagnosed or late-diagnosed autistics, time to reveal yourselves. what is one memory from your childhood or pre-teen years that should have suggested to people that you might have autism, but didn’t. 

for me, i made my mom sing me a lullaby every night until i was 12, because i didn’t like the idea of my nightly routine ever changing. if she didn’t sing me one, i would get out of bed, go get her from wherever she was in the house, bring her to my room, and make her tuck me in and sing one to me. i wasn’t able to fall asleep until she did.