#if you don't know dates you might know Victorian Era = Old.

[confuzing]

Today on Sometimes I Forget People Don't Know History:

Daily Office Trivia Question: Who was crowned Queen of England on January 15 1559?

-Elizabeth I

-Elizabeth II

-Victoria

The people who answered the question before me: Victoria. Definitely.

[dead-dolphins]

Idk what this is about, but I really think you're a great writer, indeed.

The point about Mikasa's age is completely valid, though... Like, would you be comfortable with a teenager dating a grown ass man irl?? I bet not, if you have decency, I mean... It’s NOT NORMAL, it doesn't matter how much you try to make it look harmless, it'll never be okay, I think it's time to question yourself if that's really good, otherwise, don't be mad at people for calling you out, don't be the kind of author who takes any criticism as a personal attack, especially if you plan to be a pro writer one day. Ask yourself why you always want your female characters to be a cute, innocent teenager? You don't even need to respond, Ik you won't so just think about it, because there's not an ethical answer for putting a 18 old girl to f*ck with middle age man, Mikasa's age in your stories is a weird problem, period, even suspicious imo, I promise you, romance between two ACTUAL ADULTS can be just as good, dear author! Anyway, have a nice day.

I'd like to address a few points and clarify my stance.

First, if you believe I wrote a teenage Mikasa, please provide specific examples from my published works to support this claim. To clarify, 18 is considered the age of consent in most countries, making Mikasa an adult in my stories. Here you have a screenshoot of Google in case you can't search for yourself:

Regarding your question about my recurring motifs, my inspiration largely comes from medieval, gothic and Victorian novels that often explore similar themes. Additionally, I enjoy writing period and historical dramas where I strive to remove any modern mindset to accurately reflect the era I'm portraying. It's important to understand that judging such stories with modern reasoning is not appropriate, as the context and norms of the time differ significantly from today's.

As for the notion of accepting criticism in silence, I respectfully disagree. This post is on my platform, and I have the right to respond. True constructive criticism comes from a place of transparency and accountability. If you wish to offer genuine feedback, I encourage you to do so openly, without hiding behind anonymity.

Additionally, I assure you that romances with age differences have been published throughout history and will continue to be. It seems you might be new to reading works but rest assured, I don't write stories where Mikasa is underage.

And well, dear anon, I hope this clears things up for you. As for my writing, I won't be changing my style or the themes I explore. In fact, while I hadn't felt like writing recently, your comments have reignited my passion. So, thank you for that, truly!

Warm regards.

(By the way, if you censor "fuck," that already tells me everything I need to know about you.)

[cookinguptales]

In the intro to WWDITS Nadja and Lazlo are wearing modern (for the time period, presumably the 70s?) clothing, but in the present they’re back to wearing their Victorian era clothes. They constantly poke fun at Guillermo’s sweaters etc but he doesn’t really dress ultra-modern either. Why do you think this is?

tbh, I think it's because at a certain point, the vampires started becoming insular homebodies. Most of the time when we saw them dressing in more modern ways, they were out with humans. Out at parties, clubs, concerts, protests, amusement parks. Out with significant others, familiars, friends.

But they really stopped doing that, didn't they? Nadja wasn't running with The Rat Pack anymore, Laszlo wasn't out at clubs picking up humans, Nandor wasn't out going on amusement park dates. As those people died and/or left them, they just... stopped meeting new humans. Maybe they got out of the habit, or maybe they were never good at it in the first place. Maybe it was always the humans who made the first move.

In s1, it seemed like Guillermo had been the only long-term familiar they'd had in years, and they didn't seem to have any living human friends, either. Moreover, Guillermo was a pretty tentative familiar at the beginning, and he wasn't exactly pushing the vampires to go out and do things like some of their other familiars had. So... maybe they just weren't being pushed out of their comfort zones anymore.

Overall, I think it's just that, y'know, humans live and grow and change with the times and vampires don't. So in the absence of humans who were going to force them to modernize, they just didn't.

I think it's telling that most of the time when we've seen the vamps wearing casual clothes in recent seasons, it's when they've been with humans they care about. Laszlo dressing up to meet Nadja's Antipaxon family, all of them dressing in Sean's Pride wear, Nandor wearing Gail's shirts, etc.

(Nandor dressing like The Dream Team. lmao)

They're still not really used to being around humans again, though, so they still don't really know how to dress. Just look at how they all tried to dress up for Baby Colin's school interview. They had no idea what they were doing. But they are getting better, and more importantly, they're starting to try again.

As for Guillermo... I love him dearly, but I think he's just never been particularly fashionable. lmao. He was bullied a lot in school, we know that. He likes to wear sweaters his grandma gave him. When he tries to peacock to show off his new wealth, he mostly just comes off as kind of tacky and not... fashion-forward.

(To the point where other humans comment on it, hurting his feelings. There's also some homophobia in there, but like... I think Guillermo was also giving off nouveau riche vibes.)

Guillermo seems most comfortable when he's wearing clothes that are smart, practical, and physically comfortable. Maybe a little old-fashioned. He might have picked some of that up from vampires (or.... vampire movies) and some of it might've just been that he picked it up from grandma. lmao. Thankfully it's at least better tailored these days.

He cleans up nice, though.

[soleminisanction]

10 15 and 18 for the book ask if you’d like!

10. Do you have a guilty fav?

Not really, as I don't tend to feel bad about the things I like even if they're trash. I do feel a sense of sorrow when I think of how much I used to love the Harry Potter series though. I've let it go because it's absolutely not worth it with all of you-know-who's... everything, but it was a big part of my childhood, and foundational to a few friendships that also ended poorly and are now sore spots to look back on. So, guilty is the wrong word for that but... it's one of the things that I wouldn't be able to get back, if I had to live my life over again, y'know?

15. recommend and review a book

Might as well pick something a little lesser-known for this one... There's a Japanese revenge thriller novel called Confessions by Kanae Minato that honestly had me on the edge of my seat. Starts with the death of a 5-year-old child and just doesn't let up from there. You will not see the twists coming, it's brutal and it's fascinating, I really enjoyed it.

As a bonus one -- there's a YA novel called Gated by Amy Christine Parker that I always thought deserved way more attention. I had a special interest in cults when I was a teenager and that book is one of the most accurate and well-rendered depictions of one I've ever read, done at a perfect level for the age group. Highly recommended, damn good thriller.

18. do you like historical books? which time period?

There's not a particular time period of historical fiction I'm interested in. If I take an interest in a time period I'll mostly read books from that time period if I can, just to check some of the classics off my list. Otherwise, the time period of historical fiction I've read the most of is roughly the Victorian to the Edwardian eras, partially due to doing research for something of my own, partially because I've got a taste a certain series of pulp historical fantasy gay romances, and partially because it almost scratches the same itch left as my favorite dating sim.

Book meme!

[nevenabadr]

50 Shades of You! Tom Hiddleston X Female! Reader

Note: This is my first ever fanfiction for Tom Hiddleston. I have not written fiction for ages. English is not my first language.

Inspiration: this is inspired by:

“I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes.”

–Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Word count: 2660

Warnings: Romance, sweet words, and smut–this is +21 and not for everyone.

Enjoy reading and please comment with your feedback. 💚

-------------------------------------------------------

During the summer Cambridge University was having a conference "Gothic Elements In John Milton's Paradise Lost." As you the young professor of literature, the coordinate manager suggested that the University alumnus could join for not just attending, but acting a piece of the tragedy. Amongst the candidates was the Classic department graduate and famous actor, Tom Hiddleston. 

You know that he might have scheduled issues or time conflicts, but you suggested the committee email him. To your surprise, he accepted the offer. 

 

The scene of choice was casting the devil out of hell.

On the stage during the conference eve, you did not have the perfect time to watch him, but you took a glimpse of acting from far.

He even caught your show and face attending the rehearsals.

The conference day was pressuring. You were trying to get everything right, in the middle of your so-close meltdown. A voice brought you to reality, "Hello, is this professor Y/N)?"

You turned to find the British handsome alumni smiling peacefully at you. "Yes, how can I help you?"

"Indeed, I am the one offering help." As he adjusted his glasses, I asked the committee manager to take upon some errant backstage. Maybe I can assist with the front ceremony?"

"Of course," you paused for a moment, "can you help me with the dinner's seats arrangement? My assistant is absent and I have to print and arrange them myself."

"Just show me a computer and all will be done."

Both of you took your time arranging an evening missing up some seats. 

 

"Here comes my name. You will be seated with the professors, of course!" He was busy putting name tags over the table.

"Oh! Don't remind me." You replied as if it is a conversation with an old friend and continued "the Classic department and Literature."

"They might start a war." Both of you started laughing 

"I have an idea." He took a tag from his table and moved yours next to his. "Now you will be with a friend"

The presentations finished, you had to go for the gym showers to change and wear your conference and dinner dress.

By the time you arrived, the scene from the tardy was about to be played. You took your place in the front seat.

Tom was playing Satan. He noticed that you were reciting the lines with him. He even almost smiles at you. Could not hold himself from looking at you in the front row while playing the scene of...

 

"All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield; (And what is else not to be overcome?) That glory never shall his wrath or might Extort from me to bow and sue for grace With suppliant knee and deify his power, Who from the terror of his arm so late Doubted his empire[.] (I, 106–114)"

 

Your facial expressions captured his eyes, the movement of your lips and then the flame of your applause. 

At the dinner, he was interested to hear all about your work and writings. His eyes could not able to leave you.

 

By the end of the dinner, he walked you to your car, "this was lovely, thank you for tonight" 

You smiled at him, "thank you for accepting our invitation."

You shake hands and opened your car door like the gentleman he is.

"Would you like to go out with me, for a coffee? Books and coffee, maybe." He did not hesitate to ask.

"I would love to. You already have my number within the conference contact information." You raised an eyebrow and smirked.

As your car drove away, he knew he was up for an adventure.

Three months later, you are happily dating and sharing sweet kisses. He suggested a film marathon. Each week one of you chose a topic.

That Saturday's topic was Russian Literature and you had to add: "or inspired by it" 

"Excuse me, but Tolstoy has no comparison!" He grimaced

"Shadow and Bones, love!" You teased him, "it the Netflix adaption of the era" 

"After Anna Karenina, please," he sounded like an old professor.

"Alright then, deal." You tickled him and kissed his lips softly

Both of you enjoyed Anna Karenina, however, you were crying in his arms.

"That dreadful ending." 

He hugged you "Hey, Shadow and Bones will make it up to you, let me make extra popcorn." Once again, he kissed you.

He came back with popcorn that will at least survive three episodes. You snuggled between his arms.

"Look at Alexie, how he said 'Make me your villain.'" 

You were swooning as a fangirl.

"I beg your pardon, I am literally a villain," he complained

Oh! I would literally," stressing upon the last word, "let him have me"

His face was irritated and you not coming close to making love made him anxious, that you might not be ready. He never inquired about you.   

You caressed his tummy, "hey, a penny for your thoughts, sir." It sounded like one of the Jack the Ripper prostitutes, about which you have constantly been talking.

His voice evolved deeper and his eyes did not leave yours "your deepest sexual desire. What do you crave?"

Comparing to your age, you were nervous and inexperienced. "My life was spent between books. I..."

He did not let you continue speaking and took your lips between his drawing your body closer to him, uttering between his hot kisses "I am not just a villain" his lips made the earth move "I am a God" whispering against the sport skin of your nick " a king" his hands were moving down the same tomes his lips reached the line of your bosom whilst his hand slides prevailed touching down pussy and dug his fingers driving you till the edge.

"I want you," you whispered between your soft moans.

He neglected your cravings and maintained his rhythm, watching your complexion and closed eyes till you arched your back in awe.

You collapsed between his arms heavily breathing "that was extremely wonderful, but I need you"

He kissed your lips playfully. "you are a delicious girl, Y/N, but..."

You hashed him with a kiss that he pulled from "if your life was between books, I want you to write me your deepest desire."

"Darling, it was a series, Alexie is fictional." You wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Fictional or not, he is a man, you are paying for this." 

He was deadly serious "write me your longing."

You laugh "What? Like the 50 Shades of Y/N?"

He gazed into your eyes "aiming to please and punish you, darling, avenging my honour"

The next morning when you were with your family on Sunday's lunch, he opened an email titled "50 Shades of Y/A"

 

The content was as follows:

"You!"

 

He grinned to himself and determined to show her how fiction can become real.

Your week was busy. He had signed a new contract for a mini-series and was supposed to film soon.

Not replying to your email made you nervous, even went meeting for dinner. He was quiet about it. 

You checked your sent box millions of times to make sure it arrived. Still, you knew he was busy working, and you were busy with the finals coming soon.

Thursday’s dinner, nothing yet, nothing but gaggling and discussing your days and current reads. 

"Darling, we did not decide this week's marathon" 

He did not take his eyes off the menu "Are not you having a big family week, you should go" he was confident and calm. 

Deep inside you wanted to grab his neck and jiggle him, but for the lady you are and the restaurant, you were calm.

"Wonderful!"

The dinner was over; he drove you home, kissed you goodnight.

Saturday morning, a ringing at your door. Apparently, you received a package, a big one.

You kept thinking that some books might have come early from your publisher. Unwrapping it to a surprise satin 1950 coat with Ruby red entourage and black heels.

There was also a note, she recognised the handwriting:

 

"Wear nothing but this for your punishment. If other pieces were found upon your body, then fear my fury and vengeance.

Love, 

T"

 

So, it was her version of Mr Grey. But have you ever been ready to comply with anyone?"

Suddenly, a message arrived on your phone 

"Reminder, a black will pick you tonight at 8, don't disobey me, Princess."

Your heel clicked on the floor as a man dressed in an old fashion suit opened the car for you. The windows were blacked out, so you did not see where it was heading.

"Welcome, Princess," he greeted you as if you were royalty, "My master is awaiting your presence."

You took his hands. The place was carved out of one of your favourite dark fantasies, a mansion with gargoyles, dark lighting, and a vast garden.

You could not believe your eyes. Tom knew your deepest desires indeed.

But that is not the end.

The inside was as of a dark enchantment with deep red flowers and candles. The servant showed you the way to a dining room fit for a feast. Tom was not there. 

"My master requires you to await his arrival." The servant bowed and left.

You were like a child been left inside her favourite toyshop. The ornaments, the lighting, and even the shapes of the food. That aesthetic you only could dream of but never reach.

"Enjoying yourself already?" You turned to find your man dressed in a black Victorian suit. His face was shaved, shorter hair, no glasses. Just all of the handsome glory.

You took a step forward "no princess, I shall come for you"

He kissed your hand and then sat on the table's head, while it sat on the opposite side and faced you away indeed.

"Are you pleased, princess?" He raised his glass of red wine.

"Yes, my Prince." You smile.

"In here, you shall address me as your king." His eyes lit with fire, and his voice was harsh.

You played along and raised an eyebrow "my king."

"This is not a game, princess, you are my prisoner"

You dined quietly, as he did not drop his eyes from you.

"Enjoying yourself?"

You flirted "deeply, my king"

He left his chair and came closer to you, his fingers left your chain so you can gaze into your eyes.

He asked, "care for a dance?"

You smiled "I would love to."

You stepped forward and took his hand to a ballroom, just for you and him, the dark king.

The following piece of music was sensual and moving.

"The coat, princess, I want to see nothing but heels on your body,"

You obeyed the king, but for a tick. When you took it off, underneath it a short emerald green strapless corset dress tight upon the curves of your body and pushed your bosoms to their glory.

He grinned and his eyes darken "looking for further punishment, I suppose?" 

"Anything to please the king." You took his hand and kissed it. He did not expect it.

He turned furiously and the next song was romantic. He wrapped his arms around you once again, waltz, you sneaky woman, deserved joy before being punished.

Twirling you on the dance floor like the earth has no one but the two of you.

By the end, he carried you "to my chambers, little one"

You were nervous and anxious. What if he did not like what was underneath the dress?

He entered a candlelight room with a four-poster bed in the centre. The curtains of the bed were black and emerald. 

He laid you in bed, kissing your lips and playing with your hair. 

His breathing was heating against your skin.

"You won't miss that dress, will you, princess?"

He did not wait for your reply as he lifted a dagger amongst the layers of his suit and cut the corset down to the last piece of the dress.

You wore nothing else. You were lying exposed as he stood to look upon your naked curves for the first time. 

You spontaneously tried to cover your bosom and private parts.

"No, do not you dare" he was angry and you could not distinguish reality from fantasy.

You throw the rest of the dress away. Hands laying by your head and he stood there for a juncture, gazing at every inch of your body.

"Turn," he ordered angrily as if the soul of Loki took over him, "I said, turn" 

You nearly dropped tears "here my king" 

You felt the softness of his lips upon your delicate shoulders.

Kissing the line of your spine. He knows this will work like magic. You tickle from your back, now trying to lick you, taste you, slap you.

He flipped you to face him. You were sobbing. He could hear it under your moans.

"You are not a princess, you are not a queen."

He wipes her tears from her cheek "you are a goddess and I am your slave."

You giggled between your tears, wrapping your arms around his neck "my king"

"Your, slave" As his voice became softer, he hushed you with a finger.

He kissed every inch of your body. You were playing with his short blonde locks.

"Let me worship your bosom, my goddess" he kissed, licked and played with your nipples and cupped your bosoms gently.

Kissing down till he reached your pussy, "Let me worship your temple" as he licked your clitoris.

You were moaning loader now

“Not this time, my king I want you inside me."

"Alright, as the pleasure of my goddess, I shall obey." 

He adjusted his weight on you and asked, "wider for me, my goddess of beauty" 

You opened for him as he enters you for the first time. You let out a loud breath "are you alright" he took your hands between his.

"Continue, my king."

He is just thrusting himself gently inside you. Your moans filling the room 

"I am a villain, a king, a god, and a man"

Your hands were free to run along his back as he continued, "a man, no, a slave for my goddess"

You were moving with him and moaning louder, "my king, what else?"

 Thursinting himself harder and moving with a faster pace.

"My goddess, the sculptures of beauty," between his breathing and moaning "Da Vinci would not be able to capture your grace"

You were kissing as your nail dug inside his shoulders.

His last whispers as moving himself inside your pussy which was clutching around his manhood. He moved with pace, as you rocked your lap against him

"I will live in thy heart," kissing your lips as you bite his lower lip between your steamy breath. "Die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes.”

He was going faster now and you were in tremendous awe and your skin was heating up with your pleasure.

"Look at me goddess" you were closing your eyes as you become close to you your orgasm "look at me," he ordered 

"I love thee, Tom," you said as your pussy was clutching around his manhood and trembling underneath him. His enormous climax followed your orgasm. 

You were shaking. He used his hands to keep himself from crushing you with his weight.

He rested his forehead on yours till both of you caught your breath. Gently took you between his arms as resting on his side "and I love thee, Y/N"

kissed you and as you were falling asleep, yet muttered, "I made you my villain, did not I?"

He giggles, "I beg your pardon, your God, King, and lover"

You kissed for the last time of that night and snuggle between peacefully each other's arms.

----------------------------------------------------

Tag list:

@shafverani

@imsebastiansta-n

@brokenwitty

@221bshrlocked (awaiting your feedback)

@sinner-as-saint

@zemosimp05

@buckys-fairy

[wayan-nila]

I love reading fics from a few fandoms that I love!

For this past 5 years, I mostly read fics from Shirbert and Cloti fandoms...there are a lot of amazing authors in that fandoms, not gonna lie.

Sometimes I read some fics to feel nostalgia from my childhood 😆 (ShikaIno, my first ship...when I even don't know what's 'ship' back then).

I read ShikaIno fics when I was 11 years old. And the interesting fact is I learn English to read those fics, because at that time, fics in Bahasa Indonesia only had a small amount of stories than in a foreign language, especially in English.

But one fic that has a special place in my heart is a fic titled 'Scar Tissue' from Neon Genesis Evangelion fandom. The author, deathbringer374 is a top-notch writer! He doesn't write angst stories just for dramatic' sake...he cares about the characters that he wrote.

He also has genius writing skills! Although he is a wordy writer, he doesn't use meaningless words.

Even though Scar Tissue has a controversial plotline, he wrote that arc well! I love everything about that fic. I even cried when I read that hospital scene.

Another fic that I also love from his work is titled 'Relapse'. That story is about how Asuka and Shinji's life after the Eva war. How Shinji hates her and loves her dearly at the same time. It's complex, but it's realistic in that story.

Same as 'Scar Tissue', Relapse also has a controversial plotline...including drugs addiction, harassment, etc. That arc is might feel disturbing for some others.

But I love reading that fic, it feels like the breath of the fresh air, especially for anybody curious about how their lives after the war.

Hey deatbringer374! Congratulations on your wedding! Although we are strangers in the fandom I respect and admire you!

For Shirbert fics, of course, I love it when they're in the Victorian era...especially I love reading fics about their courtship after s3 ends, and their married life.

I also like to read fics in modern settings. Whether high school, workplace or something else. Especially when Gilbert is pining after Anne (honestly Gilbert always has an 'eye' for Anne in every universe).

I don't know why, but I rather read stories about Anne getting any boyfriend (you know like a Roy) than Gilbert dating anyone else than Anne...because in my heart Gilbert is Annesexual. So sometimes it's difficult for me when reading Gilbert has girlfriends.

About Cloti fics, I love everything about this otp. Whether CC, Remake nor Advent Children...all is good 😉

I think it's one of otp that has a childhood friends trope that I love. Especially when reading the official novel 'Trace of Two Past', how Nojima-san wrote Tifa's past is remarkable.

Ohh and of course, I love reading 'E' rated fics about them 😚 back then it was called lemon fics 🤣 it's too hot and amazingly well done!

[xuyaa]

Age gaps

Ahh... I dread this but I'll speak anyway. I keep seeing people have a problem with big age gap couple in fandom. Now before your nostrils all fluff up let me say this, if you can't have an open mind or too fragile for my input please take your leave. This would be wasted on you.

About age gap on fandoms couple (canon or crack) I personally have no problem as long as both parties consent (without child grooming or forced relationship aspect) and considered legal at the start of their relationship and the legality here is not referring to our modern standard but on the couple's world and time. I'll try to explain but it might get long and boring but if you're still okay, continue.

I'll give an example, during the age of samurai if the situation permits like Uesugi Kenshin they can join battle at age 13 and there are still other examples of other famous child samurai. We call it child now because time change but during that time they were considered an adult once they enter battlefield. Why? They already trained years prior to kill and to protect their lord. Example of this in anime would be Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin. His first marriage was when he's around 16 and that was an acceptable age at that era since he was considered adult at age 14. So even though I find it icky if modern day teenager marry at that age, I can understand Kenshin's situation. If I'm still okay reading about him killing people around at even younger age I'm not gonna complain about him wanting to marry (although it's not that simple white and black for him).

You get what I'm trying to say?

More example of the acceptable norms in past era. During certain era in certain place like for example Victorian England and prior, 14 year old boys and 12 year old girls are passable for marriage depends on whether the family want it or not as it's more political than anything else. Same in China for example during the Manchurian Dynasty 14 year old girl is considered adult enough for marriage. And usually the age of the husband is always older by few years up to few decades (officials and emperor). But of course over time all of the above would change. Not by much maybe? Depend on the country I say.

Still we can't just hold the old days custom and norms on our modern day standard that would be akin to the present you calling your two or three year-old self a moron for defecating and not wiping your own ass. Or like when you do something stupid at your young age (pick whatever stupid situation that you have take as a lesson. Done?). You just didn't know better back then but now you do and from your failure you learn, although it would be better if you learn from other's lesson but I say pain is an effective lesson for oneself. Would you rather have that memories of your lesson be removed or ignored? I wouldn't. I don't know if I might do the stupid thing again just to find out whether I can or not. Same as this this whole age gap, young age marriage in the past and present in some customs thing. Don't erase the fact, don't gloss it over because people have and can still learn from them. My grandma married at young age and I came to be as the result of her choice.

Have you ever seen high schooler called Robert D Jr handsome? I've seen it recently on youtube. They call him very handsome and another video talked about cool and handsome senior male models. I've scrolled through the comments and no one seems offended that these high school girls simping for male old enough to be their granddad. These girls called them daddy and commenting how hot they are and the comments either agree or saying the girls reactions are cute. Huh... reverse the situation if these old models commenting female korean idol for example and calling them cute or hot what would people think? "creepy" "pedobear" even though senior female might think the same lines, heck maybe even we think the same lines. See the double standard people use? Maybe not everyone, but the loud ones are there. They're so loud I don't even know if they're majority or minority. I have celebrity crush too when I was young and as it happen, he's my father's age and to be frank, I would not mind an older partner if said partner is compatible and emotionaly mature. My sister is 17 years younger than her husband and they turn out well because her husband is matured enough to understand her ups and downs emotion back when they're dating, even before. Are all men mature emotionally as they became older then? No, just as not all oranges is sweet. My sister is 10 years my senior but she's more bratty than I am sometimes. Is it wrong of my bro in law to be with my sis?

Oh you're just trying to defend pedophilia anywayヽ(`Д´)ﾉ.

No stupid, I'm trying to make you think. I don't accept pedophilia, shotacon or lolicon. My sis is old enough to be called spinster when they go out. Anyway, when you follow a certain series, try to see it from their era and custom's perspective. Some era is okay with 16 year old marrying. Some tribes in Asia allow marriage between cousins while others and the majority of the world frown upon them. That's just how they see and do things. For me as long as both side consent without pressure and not in the case of 'parents sending their child for marriage without their input' thing I'm okay to leave that alone, I'm pretty much sure we're on the same page there. I hope.

So, just as when you come to another country, you adhere to their rules and norms or you have no right to complain if they deport you out for not learning beforehand and breaking their rules. Or when you have a guest come to your home and they suddenly start demanding you to do stuff their way, you should kick them out if not slapping their face. Or if you want to be kind, explain how you do things in your home and hoping they would understand and respect it.

I'm jumping around but see what I'm trying to say? I'll get to another anime example.

In Naruto for instance, they became genin at 12 and killing people left and right. People are okay with that right? Yeah well, since it was soo popular I suppose... besides it's pretty glossed over in both manga and anime. But the same people that's okay with children killing left and right, would they be okay if suddenly the mangaka put in story about one of the chara going on seduction mission? If it's carried out well as in the chara being bamf, maybe no problem. But if things went south for the chara? I'm sure there will be outrage, especially if that's a female chara or worse if it's one of the main like Sakura. See? People hold the characters, the series and the mangaka to their own convenient double standards. Back to the age gap when shipping, I pick Naruto as example because apparently Sakura was just so shippable that people actually ship her with Kakashi and even Madara and she makes easy example. Don't ask me why she's shipped with Madara and I don't ship any of the two with Sakura. Anyway, if Sakura is mature enough to choose to kill as a teenager (and don't give me crap about Sakura never killing on screen. Their line of work involves lots of death and she's been through war) she's mature enough to decide her romantic partner even if it's suddenly Orochimaru(ㆆ_ㆆ) (did they even exist?). You can say her taste is terrible because he's an asshole but don't say it's gross cause the age difference because apparently Orochimaru can just rejuvenated to new body and be as good as a babe (I wish I could too). Anyway saying it's about age on these kind of chara is just straight up lie on people's part. Another example I can think of atm is snk. I've seen people against pairing the 104th with the veterans because of age gap. Now I'm not trying to be rude, but hear me if you please. The whole 104th are trained child soldiers and they're killing titans and even humans. You're all okay with that? If you still follow the series far enough and liking it maybe you enjoy seeing the action sequence, drama and intrigue? The fact that you still come back to the series after this long proves that you're still okay with all the gores and blood spilled with all the glorious child soldier most of all. They become soldier because of circumstances you say? I'm glad you think so too! Although I must point out, the 104th did CHOOSE to be soldiers (just as Naruto and co choose to be ninja). They could be farmers or thugs for all we know. All the soldiers in snk choose their occupation, thay all trained and decide to join the Survey Corps, in fact the only one that join reluctantly in the first place is the former thug although he continues in the end. That aside, their circumstances certainly are different than us don't they? They don't even know a car and blip exist before Marley... They must have a whole lot of different mindset and norms than ours too for a civilization whose life are about survival against titans that's 100 years behind than other civilization in their world. Ever think of that?

Seeing modern day teenage in romantic lights are indeed hard as I'm sure the majority can't even survive without their gadget and parents' money. I certainly can't at that age. Immature. Even those in their twenties and thirties are immature these days. But now when one of those child soldier who have a whole lot of different mindset and maturity level is being shipped with older chara, you're against it. Okay. Maybe it's indeed easier for you to see 15 year olds regardless of their profession to commit act of violence and even kill than to love... (does that sounds okay to you?)

...I'm not saying killing mindlessly is alright because it is NOT. But that would need a whole lot different threads and time to spare and maybe someone else can do it or already done it before me.

But here's the good thing, even when the ship starts when they grow and at the modern legal age of 18 and 19, or even far above like centuries, it's still not okay for some people to ship them. I don't mind if it's your preference and you don't go disturbing other's corner when they don't even enforce their ship as words of god and even acknowledging that 'yes, maybe it's not canon and just our bits of fun' but sometimes it got to the point of belittling those who do ship age gap couple and treat them like a criminal in need of help or wishing them death. Seriously? Yes. People are that immature.

If you don't like a ship because you think your own is better, fine. Do your thing in your corner but don't go to other people's corner just to talk shit without even knowing why they ship what they ship. Most of this ship is just in our head in the end, and even if your ship is canon it does not make you any greater in real life.

I can't think of anything else to say now, but thanks for reading with open mind. ◝(⑅•ᴗ•⑅)◜..°♡

Now before anyone waste their time typing out comments, I refer to my first paragraph. Here's some imaginary flower for you all🌷

Apparently I'm not clear enough so I fix my wording. I'm here not defending minor and old people relationship but age gap couple who happen to be aged up to acceptable age despite their profession. Here's some choco🍫

[abybweisse]

🛳️❓Sieglizzy annon here !

I was definitely talking about the girls having an age appropriate relationship since they don't seem to be around other girls their age much and they could definitely build a solid friendship and find comfort in each other .

I'm sorry but Phips is a grown adult already working for the queen while Lizzy is still underage right ? I feel like the gap in their maturity and life experience level is still pretty big for them to relate to each other , no ? They seem to approach life very differentoy and seem to be polar opposites ? Has The double charles ages ever been disclosed too ?

🚢 to discuss a specific ship

I’m glad you meant something age appropriate for them and for it to be about friendship and comfort.

I believe Charles Grey is 24, while Phipps is canonically younger than that, but I don’t know how much younger. I realize that when Lizzie is 18, Phipps will also have aged another four years. But I don’t think that’s a huge gap.

Vincent was several years older than Rachel. Yana-san says he was so self-conscious about the age difference that he did whatever he could to look younger than he was. She must have been about 18 when they married. He died at the age of 34, when the twins turned 10, so he was probably about 24 when he married. That’s an age difference of six years.

If Phipps were 24 now, he’d be 28 when Lizzie is 18 — a difference of 10 years — but he’s younger than that. If he’s 20, then he’s no older than Lizzie... than Vincent was older than Rachel.

Also, keep in mind that it was very common during the Victorian era for older men to marry younger women.

The biggest age gap we have seen in the manga — that’s known to be canon, so far — is Irene Diaz and Grimsby Keane. She’s 12 years his senior, and he apparently didn’t know. Last we saw, she’s dating someone new (Pittman) who might be even younger than Grimsby.

As to differences in experience? Let’s not forget that:

Lizzie has been training her whole life to be the wife of the queen’s watchdog,

She had to deal with the death of her fiancé and then deal with his supposed return,

She’s destroyed dozens of bizarre dolls (don’t forget that Double Charles were not on the Campania in manga canon, only in the anime adaptation, so Phipps hasn’t fought bizarre dolls),

She’s dealing with finding out her true betrothed is “alive but ill” (not true) and her supposed betrothed is a liar (true but for reasons),

And she’s fought a literal demon.

For a 14 year old, she’s had a lot of experiences she shouldn’t have to deal with. No one should have to deal with any of this stuff. And she’s been a total badass.

I say they are actually quite well matched, Lizzie and Phipps. He’s very professional at this job, but he also appreciates “cute” things, like the chick 🐣 that hatches in ch66, and he’s lightning-fast at embroidery! (Finny’s hat.) He even canonically (now, anyways) added the lace to Grey’s uniform. I think they would give each other balance.

I say give Lizzie at least four years and let her choose her own mate. I also say Phipps would be a great choice. 👍 👍

[badass-at-fandoming]

Image IDs under the cut!

[[Image ID 1, a transcript of Beckett speaking with Monty Coven,

[SILENCE]

Beckett: Has anyone ever told you, Mr. Coven, you have a very disturbing grin?

Coven: I'm still growing used to it myself.

Beckett: Never mind. So you summoned me to save me from Queen Anne. Why? We've never met before and I'm no ally of the Sabbat.

Coven: Not now, perhaps. But there is every chance your Lasombra friend may ascend to become Regent. Perhaps she'll be grateful if I save your life?

Beckett: Lucita as Regent? Galbraith might object.

Coven: Galbraith. [laughs] You see, Beckett, I like you. And by extension that means I like Lucita. I don't plan to be a friend to the next Regent, whoever he or she or it is. London is a great city, once the greatest in the world. It should not bow to the rule of someone who lives an ocean away.

Beckett: You want an independent city. That's becoming a trend.]]

[[Image ID 2, transcript of Beckett and Coven's conversation, a little later,

Beckett: The Camarilla...will negotiate peace...with an Assamite antritribu less than 30 years dead?

Coven: I've advantages making up for my relative youth, Mr. Beckett. For one, I know where a lot of bodies are buried. Literally as well as figuratively. Now come, let us collect your ghoul from down below and get you on your way. I have a private plane waiting to take you to France. [shudders] Unless ya don't belives me and wants to take ya chances with da mamby crab.

[PAUSE]

Beckett: I assume you mean Queen Anne. I'll err on the side of caution for the moment. I'll allow your people to conduct me out of the city. I was planning on leaving in a night or so anyway. But don't imagine for a minute that this means I trust you. To be brutally honest, I think you're as balmy as any Malkavian.

Coven: [laughter] Very droll. Give me six months. When I'm in charge, you come back and visit. As long as I rule here, you'll always have a place in London.

[RECORDING ENDS]]]

[[Image ID, 3 Beckett's Diary in his own hand,

Libertatia, East Africa

My encounter with Coven was six months ago, and while he hasn't conquered London yet, it's clear he's only biding his time. Last night, I received a package from him through intermediaries. It held a flash drive with a half dozen video files taken from spy cameras. While rather fuzzy, the recordings seem to depict Queen Anne committing diablerie against a succession of bound Kindred. The package also contains information about her putative victims verifying their identities and dates they went missing, as well as details about the means by which she conceals the black marks of diablerie from discovery. Finally, there was one last document in the package, one marked for my personal files as "a memento of earlier times." It is a handwritten note on Victorian-era stationery. It raises more questions than it answers, some of which fill me with dread.]]

[[Image ID 4, a handwritten note on previously folded paper. There is a reddish stain on the bottom right. It's unclear what the stain is*

My dearest Bindusara,

In my dotage, I find I am quick to anger and slow to forgive. But your spirited words in defense of the Gangrel do not fall on deaf ears. Moreover, I am cognizant of the debt I owe you for the aid and advice you have given me over the centuries. If this is truly what you desire in recompense, then I shall grant the boon you request.

Henceforth, my enmity with the Gangrel Beckett is at an end. I swear now that as long as I claim praxis over this great city, Beckett shall always have a place in London.

Your brother in blood,

Mithras]]

*According to the Victorian Trilogy, Mithras only lets his most trusted friends even glimpse him feeding, and he rarely gives anyone his blood. Giving Beckett something that touched his blood, even if it's a centuries old stain, is a high compliment. It could also be Bindusara's blood, in which case Mithras might be warning Beckett that Bindusara means him harm.

Do you think Beckett boned either Mithras or Roger de Camden?

This question makes me giggle. @rayshell22livejournalcom, you must know better than to put a hard limit on who and who hasn't Beckett fucked.

Hahahaha, but I guess if you want, like, "have they boinked in World of Darkness lore," the answer is no. BUT as always, World of Darkness "canon" is just random authors spit-blowing dandelion seeds into readers' faces. Bit gross. Bit everywhere. Bit making me sneeze. Bit beautiful and full of yearning.

Since February, I've been very, very slowly reading Beckett's Diary. By "slowly," I mean I zoomed through half of it and came to a careening halt when our tabletop group started our Gehenna arc. I was too sad to devour anything but romance novels and haven't wandered back yet. I did manage to read the "London Calling" chapter, and Monty Coven aka Mithras is extremely chummy with Cuthbert.

Previous to...whenever the fuck this takes place, Beckett and Mithras met at least once. In the Victorian Trilogy, Beckett is part of the Avengers the group that saves Mithras from the Tremere and reminds him of his responsibilities so he won't go off honeymooning with Keminitiri. Previous to that, we don't know if they ever met. Mithras is off traveling when Beckett shanks a dude in London and gets slapped with a Blood Hunt.

"As long as I rule here, you'll always have a place in London" says Britain's Bottom Bitch since 71 CE.

He sends Beckett a memento. Said memento:

Which plugs the plot hole of how Beckett's Blood Hunt is rescinded. Now, one can interpret all this as Mithras finds Beckett an amusing chess piece, but yanno, maybe Mithras genuinely likes Beckett and would bone for fun (and maybe a little profit).

Due to the magic of Ctrl + F, I possess foreknowledge that Roger de Camden pops up in "Death Has Many Faces," but I have yet to read that. Roger doesn't appear in the Victorian Trilogy, iirc. On the surface of things, Roger is a pleasant fellow who likes books, and Beckett is a (reasonably) pleasant fellow how likes books, so I think only Kindred politics would prevent them from getting along. Or if Roger is connected to that fucking Rosselini scumbag who has Emma's Wraith. IDK.

I must return to work now, but I promise to type out image IDs later. Thank you for the question, Rayshell! It's fun to speculate! :D

[joiedecombat]

100 Days of Writing: the List

Since it seems there is some interest, why not? List of works (nominally) in progress, old unfinished fics, and Stuff I Want To Write below the cut. Feel free to ask about any of these.

Works (nominally) In Progress

Fanfic

"Reason or Rhyme" (Time Princess - Gotham Memoirs). The Vittorio expansion/fix-fic, because I will be forever disgruntled at how little romance content was actually included in the Mafia romance route.

Galactic Date Night Shenanigans aka "The one where everything is Balkar's fault." (SWTOR - Theron Shan/Jedi Knight). Theron "disaster spy" Shan is goaded into trying to take his wife out for a nice date for once, and it goes like every other plan these two have ever had anything to do with.

#3: [I] trusted [you] (SWTOR - Theron Shan / Jedi Knight). A post-Nathema prompt fic I swear I will finish one of these days.

Original

super secret short story/novella project - Okay it's not that super secret, but it is something I'm mostly keeping under my hat for now as I work on it because of reasons, and is actually (inconveniently, for 100 Days of Writing purposes) the main thing I've been working on lately. I expect to be able to say more about it later. Maybe even within the 100 days! We'll see.

southern gothic urban fantasy procedural romance - Faerie Animal Control Warden meets FBI Elf during investigation of a suspicious death out in the kudzu. A little bit of Bright, a bit Mushi-Shi, a drop of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Stuff I Want to Write

Distinct from works in progress in that I have not actually gotten past the planning stage on any of these - if that. A few of these have been rattling around in concept for long enough to have gone through several distinct evolutions without ever getting any writing done on them. Still, hope springs eternal and ideas are never wasted.

Fanfic

the rival bands AU / the rock opera playlist fic (Sailor Moon - Makoto Kino/Nephrite). Currently exists entirely as an incomplete playlist.

space opera Pride and Prejudice retelling - exactly what it sounds like on the tin. Do y'all know I have yet to encounter a futuristic/space AU? Surely there's one out there somewhere, but I have yet to see it. If you know of one, for the love of God don't tell me.

"Ten of Swords" - (Archer EMIYA/Minako Arisato). fate/stay night + Persona 3 Portable crossover what's even wrong with my brain.

Original

the Regency fae story - a Regency-era fantasy in which a lot of the needlessly complicated and restrictive social rules followed by the upper classes are actually an attempt at defending against the Fair Folk. Sort of Pride and Prejudice vs Changeling: the Lost vs Labyrinth. Could turn into a whole Pride and Prejudice retelling, I guess?

drinking games - fantasy imperial court intrigues involving a romance between a court poison taster and a master spy/assassin.

untitled - East/southeast Asian-inspired Beauty and the Beast retelling in which the Beast is a mountain god whose appearance is based on a tiger. I'm probably too white to write this.

untitled - Private investigator hired to investigate local bad-boy-made-good for insurance fraud, turns out it was actually an ill-advised teenage deal with the devil coming due. Might fit in with that other southern gothic urban fantasy idea, I am not sure.

the ciphered letter - This one started off as a combination of a Mage: the Awakening campaign and a really, really weird spam email I got one time. Orphan gets mysterious ciphered letter, meets snarky Welsh mage, awakens to magic and maybe almost gets made a human sacrifice to an eldritch abomination.

Forfeit - Regency/Victorian-esque fantasy involving reincarnation, a race of immortals, and a half-immortal teaming up with a mortal who sacrificed his future reincarnations for pseudo-immortality to uncover and stop the sinister secrets that power a colonizing empire. It makes more sense in my head... probably?

untitled - Slow burn enemies to lovers between the world-conquering emperor and the rebel leader who's opposing him, over the course of a time loop. AKA Lord of Heroes Kartis/Monarch with the serials filed off. Or I guess I could just write Lord of Heroes fanfic?

low fantasy Magnificent Seven Samurai - Farming village scrapes together a group of starving mercs to protect them from marauders, drama ensues. That's it, that's the whole idea.

Unfinished Fics

Distinct from works in progress in that these are all old enough I can no longer claim I intend to finish them. Some of them I may come back to, especially the few that had substantial progress made before they fell by the wayside. Most will probably be left abandoned, either because I have lost interest in continuing to work on them or I have just plain forgotten what I was planning to do with them.

dreameater - A very old, loosely Forgotten Realms-inspired concept involving an aging half-elf, his fully elven partner, and a mysterious magical threat that's devouring people's dreams.

"Fortune Favors the Brave" (Baccano! - Luck Gandor/Eve Genoard). The Luck/Eve shipping fic.

"Intermezzo" (Blood+ City of Nightwalkers). Follow-up fic to an obscure manga prequel/side story for the vampire anime Blood+, involving Hagi and the Hong Kong cop who semi-adopted him that one time.

"The Art of Losing Everything" (Dragon Age: Origins - Alistair Theirin/f!Cousland). An Alistair/f!Warden fic with themes of loss, duty, and sacrifice.

"In Pieces" (Dragon Age II - Fenris/f!Hawke). A terrible horrible no good very bad AU where Hawke actually turned Fenris over to Danarius and then came back to try to fix her mistake, which I can never finish because I can't make that initial decision make internal sense no matter how hard I try.

"Pas de Deux" (Final Fantasy VIII - Squall Leonhart/Rinoa Heartilly). Exploration of how Squall and Rinoa's relationship could develop after the events of the game.

"With Good Intentions" (Final Fantasy VIII - Squall Leonhart/Rinoa Heartilly). An AU in which Rinoa discovers that technically you can change the past, it's just that if Squall has an actual decent childhood the world ends. Way too ambitious for me to ever actually finish, probably, but I can't quite give up on the idea.

"I've Loved These Days" (Gundam SEED - Mu la Flaga/Murrue Ramius). One of several partly-written Gundam SEED fics kicking around in my files.

"The Last Night of the World" (Gundam SEED - Mu la Flaga/Murrue Ramius). Another Gundam SEED fic, one that began as a prompt in ye olde LiveJournal days. "I've Loved These Days" might have been a prototype, though they don't appear to have any text in common. Could in theory still get finished, maybe.

Valentine's ghosts (Gundam SEED Destiny - Andrew Waltfeld/Murrue Ramius). I'm just saying, Andy/Murrue would have been so much more interesting than the whole Neo thing in Destiny.

"Lion Passant" (Kingdom Hearts). Something something Leon as a failed Keyblade Bearer. The Kingdom Hearts franchise has rewritten its own lore at least three times since I originally had the idea, I can't imagine I'll ever continue it now.

"Vigil" (KotOR - Carth Onasi/f!Revan). Carth/Revan retrospective somewhere around the tomb of Naga Sadow on Korriban.

"Semper Fidelis" (KotOR/KotOR II - Carth Onasi/f!Revan). Post-Sith Lords Carth/Revan resolution fic.

"Clarity" (KotOR II). Atton Rand backstory study from the POV of that one nameless Jedi.

"A Simple Game of Cards" (KotOR II - Atton Rand/Jedi Exile). Spoilers: it is never a simple game of cards. Turns out someone already did it with more or less the same twist I had in mind.

the besieged base fic (Mass Effect - f!Shepard/Kaidan Alenko). A fic rendition of the "Besieged Base" mission from the first Mass Effect.

"Get Up, Jonah" (Mass Effect). I woke up thinking about Turkish drummers. Didn't take long; I don't know much about Turkish drummers. Virmire, before the other shoe drops.

"Long Night" (Mass Effect). Ashley on Virmire.

"My Heart Dances" (Mass Effect - f!Shepard/Kaidan Alenko). Liara POV of Shepard/Kaidan.

"No Way Out" (Mass Effect - f!Shepard/Kaidan Alenko). Heading up the Citadel during the ME1 endgame.

"Right Here, Right Now" (Mass Effect - f!Shepard/Kaidan Alenko). An ME1 epilogue / pre-ME2 sort of fic.

"While the Night is Still Young" (Mass Effect - f!Shepard/Kaidan Alenko). Shepard/Kaidan en route to Ilos.

Apparently I had approximately a million little Mass Effect shortfic ideas I never finished and in some cases never started. Apparently they're all for the first game. (I think there was a Thane idea or two for ME2 that I just never started on at all. RIP.)

"To Absent Friends" (Tiger and Bunny). Sad, sad futurefic of an elderly Pao-Lin reflecting on the deaths of all the other heroes over the years.