#it was very well written/felt very genuine and sincere

[behold-the-daybreak]

noël sure is an episode of television. josh is there having some of the worst nights in his life, and also yo-yo ma is there.

[loveinhawkins]

gently prise the feeling out

ao3 Written for @steddie-week Day 2 prompt, “hands.”

It’s the movement that catches Steve’s eye: Eddie’s hands flexing gingerly as they walk through the woods.

At first Steve dismisses it as a nervous habit—honestly, he’d say Eddie’s holding up pretty well for someone who recently swam into an alternate dimension—but then his flashlight illuminates the side of Eddie’s face at just the right moment, and he sees the clenched jaw of discomfort.

“Are you hurt?”

Surprisingly, Eddie doesn’t look like he’s been found out; he just looks puzzled. “Uh, no?”

“Your hands,” Steve clarifies. “You keep…” With his free hand, he imitates the motion.

“Oh,” Eddie says. “I didn’t know I was—it’s nothing, man, really, just—” He laughs slightly. “Was swinging the oar around, managed to hit a bat—Jesus Christ, those fuckers are heavy. Honestly, it’s, uh, kind of a miracle I hit it at all, d’you remember how shit I was at baseball?”

“You weren’t that bad,” Steve says—vaguely recalls the days of shared phys ed and thinks, you were just left-handed, and no-one threw the ball at you properly.

Eddie’s lips twitch into a smile. “You’re very generous, Harrington,” he says; the words sound like they’re placed somewhere in between teasing and genuine. As he speaks, he subtly shakes his hands out.

Steve angles the flashlight down to them. “Lemme see.”

Eddie blinks. “You’re kidding.”

Steve stands his ground, just raises an eyebrow expectantly. Robin and Nancy aren’t that far ahead; they’ll catch up again in no time.

Eddie shakes his head in disbelief. Scoffs. “Um, I think I’ll live, Steve. I can’t believe you’re even—like, you’re—” He gestures wildly, and it takes Steve a second to realise that he’s referring to the bat bites.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Steve says with practised confidence; right now, he doesn’t have time to be anything else.

“Then I’m fine, too.”

Steve resists the urge to roll his eyes; he doesn’t want to be locked in a stalemate out of their mutual stubbornness.

“Dude, I could’ve already looked by now.”

Eddie actually rolls his eyes at that. He turns his hands over quickly, darting in and out of the flashlight’s beam like he’s saying ta-da!

“Wow,” Steve says in mock astonishment. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you were five.” He makes a beckoning gesture, like an impatient teacher waiting for homework.

Eddie smirks as if he’s trying not to laugh outright. And then he joins in on the act, too, stomping over with theatrical reluctance.

“Watch the vines,” Steve says, amused.

“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie says, “that’d be a real stupid way to go.” He stops right in front of Steve—and this time, he shows his hands properly: cupped together, arms outstretched.

“Can you just—need ‘em a little more—” Instinctively, Steve puts a hand underneath Eddie’s, gently pushes them up, further into the light. “Yeah, there.”

Eddie’s skin is cold to the touch; it reminds him of how Robin’s hands had felt the night of Starcourt and, less distressingly, whenever she’s nervous before a practical music exam.

He moves the flashlight back and forth in assessment. It doesn’t seem like anything’s swollen—he remembers the ache of his own hand that night in ‘83: the erratic pulse of Christmas lights as if they were possessed; the crack of the baseball bat; Jonathan and Nancy’s screams.

But what the flashlight does expose is…

“Ouch,” Steve says sincerely.

Eddie’s hands are embedded with splinters.

Eddie shakes his head again. He nods at the bandage across Steve’s middle. “C’mon, man, I don’t—these aren’t exactly war wounds.”

Steve decides not to fight him on it. Opts for a lighter touch, “No more oars for you.”

Eddie chuckles the tiniest bit. It’s a sad sound.

“Yeah, that’s not—they’re from Rick’s. The, um, the boat, y’know? I…” Eddie bites his lip. “It’s kinda… fuzzy, but I’d fall asleep in there, like just for a second, and then I guess I’d—” His fingers twitch above Steve’s palm. “Panic.”

Steve can picture it: Eddie starting awake, hands scrambling across the rough wood, as if in desperation for it all to be a nightmare; that maybe if he kept searching the splinters would melt away, transform into the softness of bedsheets.

“Remind me later,” Steve says, and he pats the unmarked skin of Eddie’s knuckles in reassurance. Keeps his touch there so he’s still partially holding Eddie’s hands up. “I’ll get them out with a pin, I’m good at…” He falters at Eddie’s silence. “I’ll be careful,” he says—it feels important, suddenly, that Eddie should know.

Eddie looks at him. The reflection of the flashlight’s glow flickers in his eyes.

“Yeah, I know,” he says softly.

One of his hands tilts ever so slightly, fingertips brushing against Steve’s palm. Then he steps back, hands falling down to his sides.

Steve resumes illuminating the forest floor. They walk on, and in the quiet, the air feels different, changed—for the better, Steve hopes: like something tender’s been exposed to the surface.

[come-see-our-show]

I saw an early screening of the Mean Girls movie last night, so here is a summary of my thoughts, comparing the movie musical to the Broadway musical, which I was lucky enough to see live in 2018!

Changed that I liked:

The usage of social media in the Broadway show made it very clear that it was written by adults who didn’t know much about Gen-Z. It was probably one of the worst parts of the show in my opinion. But Tina Fey must have done her research since 2018, because the way the movie uses TikTok, memes, vlogging, and FaceTime to push the story forward worked VERY well. I think there were some influencer cameos, but it didn’t feel they were included to show how “young and hip” they were, It actually added authenticity.

The diversity within the cast and changing last names to reflect the characters’ backgrounds (Karen Smith ➡️ Karen Shetty, Janis Sarkisian ➡️ Janis 'Imi'ike)

Cutting down “Meet the Plastics.” It’s a very exposition-heavy song and doesn’t need to be super long, even though the full version is quite catchy and fun.

All of the new jokes landed so well, probably because Tina Fey’s writing style is better suited for the screen as opposed to the stage.

This is more of a comparison of the musical vs. the original film, but a big change was The Plastics’ weaponized wokeness (which I talk about here).

The production design for most of the songs was very different. The stage musical has a lot of rock songs, which were changed to a pop sound for the movie. I personally prefer rock musicals, but it was a good way to give the movie a separate identity from its predecessor so it doesn’t risk becoming a carbon copy. It worked on some songs (“Someone Gets Hurt” and “World Burn”) but not on others (“A Cautionary Tale” and “Revenge Party”).

Cutting the joke about Regina’s ass being big. It was a very low-brow joke, which I’m not a fan of, and was just really immature. Thank God that was changed to her falling, which still shows her being embarrassed without her body being the joke.

Explicitly making Janis a lesbian! (It’s only implied in the stage show with “It’s not even true… I only have one butt”) And she goes to prom with a girl while Damien dances with a boy! ALSO THERE’S REJANIS LORE AND IT’S SO HEARTBREAKING I LOVE IT

megan thee stallion just… being there

Miss Norbury and Principal Duvall being a couple and owning a dog together!!!

As a low mezzo, I appreciated whoever decided to lower the key for “I’d Rather Be Me.” I felt very represented 🩷

Having Cady be raised in a single-parent household so it focuses in more on her relationship with her mom. Jenna Fischer was so motherly and sincere and brought a warmth to the movie. Their scene together near the end made me emotional (you’re never too old to ask your parent to stay with you until you fall asleep) (also this is my request to make jenna fischer my mom)

Changes that I didn’t like:

Cutting BOTH of Damian’s solos??? (SHE’S LEAVING!!!!!!!! JUST LIKE MY DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Cutting “More Is Better.” It wasn’t necessarily a memorable song, but it did give both Cady and Aaron more depth, both as separate characters and within their relationship.

While cutting some of the songs helped with pacing, cutting HALF of the score made me forget that it was a musical sometimes, which sucks because I really like musicals!!!

Other stuff:

The movie was marketed horribly. One of my friends didn’t even know it was gonna be a musical because there were no songs in the trailers 💀 (Also, this isn’t just a Mean Girls problem. The Color Purple also didn’t have any songs in the trailer. I didn’t even know Wonka was a musical until I saw it in theaters, so that was a bit of a shock.) If you’re producing a musical movie, maybe your focus groups should be musical fans, because that’s still a HUGE market.

Auliʻi Cravalho’s voice is STUNNING! She and Jaquel Spivey had great chemistry and their friendship felt so genuine!

The opening and ending transitions from the garage were everything to me

The EDITING

Angourie Rice is a great actor and fit Cady perfectly… except for her singing. Out of the entire cast she was easily the weakest in terms of vocals and it was pretty disappointing since she’s the LEAD. I could barely hear her in the new song “What Ifs” because of how quiet and breathy she was. I think it’s a better written song compared to “Roar” though.

Jon Hamm cameo!

Ashley Park cameo!

I cannot stress enough how funny this movie was. I was probably laughing louder than everyone else in the theatre.

I lost my shit during “Meet the Plastics” when Regina unzipped her jacket and Cady was staring at her boobs. She’s just like me fr 🏳️‍🌈

I know that Regina is a horrible person but I couldn’t find it in me to dislike her in the slightest. She just served too much cunt 😩

Christopher Briney is a good actor, but I don't think he was the right choice for Aaron Samuels. I would hate to ridicule anyone for their looks, but it still plays an important part in casting. Aaron is supposed to be a somewhat naive, wholesome, hot jock (and Regina has high standards, so he better be a fucking model). Briney is definitely a cutie, but gives off “smoldering badboy with a secret sensitive side” energy, which isn’t what Aaron should be.

The fantasy sequences (Stupid With Love, Revenge Party, October 3rd). I LOVE when movie musicals USE the medium to tell stories in a way that they can’t on a stage!!!

THE CHOREO!!! Everyone freezing then shaking in “Someone Get Hurt” AHHHH that entire number was HYPNOTIZING!!!!!!!!!!! My friend told me the choreographer’s name is Kyle Hanagami, so shout out to him. (also reneé rapp was so fucking hot while singing that oh my lord)

I will be calling my pimples “face breasts” from now on (avantika ilysm)

DAMIAN’S FRENCH COVER OF THE ICARLY THEME SONG 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

why was there a 0.5 camera shot of cady during revenge party 💀

“I’d Rather Be Me” was so much fun and I felt so fucking empowered. And the transition from the song to the bus was just *chef’s kiss*

“donut worry i am still your freend” 🥺

Lindsay Lohan cameo!!!!!!!!!

NOT ENOUGH RENEÉ RAPP 😭😭

Overall, the movie was not perfect, but the Broadway show already had plenty of flaws, so it’s understandably how that would affect the adaptation. I still a LOT of fun and would definitely see it again. Go stream Snow Angel by Reneé Rapp. i love women 🥰🥰🥰

[himezoro]

their reaction to hearing a famous love song written for you ! (with luffy and zoro)

After a long hiatus I’m finally back to writing!! I’m very sorry for my absence and hope this fun drabble will bring you joy (just to make you wait for drabbles with deeper themes haha). I had the idea on the subway on the way to work when listening to music, feel free to use any music you like from any group/singer/rapper, and feel free to share it in the comments <3

i used kpop songs because I was listening to this playlist at the same time lmao.

Luffy – Gravity by EXO

He saw Nami, Usopp and Chopper singing loudly and dancing to catchy music and decided to join. Luffy loves having fun and genuinely thought the song to be good, and these vocals? Impressive!

He enjoyed reproducing the choreo and singing to the lyrics on display and had the time of his life. His flexible nature made it easy for him to get the moves right, but his energy resulted in him bumbing into his crewmates, stepping on their foot and punching them in the face.

Kept on calling your name to show you his moves, his bubbly attitude trying to catch your attention ruining the choreography Usopp took very seriously.

When he hears Nami say this love song was written for you, he suddenly stops, Chopper tripping on his feet at the sudden stop.

He thought the song was great, and that it was cool you had your own song!!!

Yet, he feels like it was something he should do for you. Considering he loved you a lot more than anyone, and that anyone includes the one that wrote that song in homage to you, he simply knew it was his duty to write one for you as well.

It did not matter that the lyrics he just heard made it clear to the world the writer’s feelings for you were real and that you two probably shared history. All that mattered to him was the fact that standing next to him as future King of Pirates, would be you.

So in the middle of his fabulous performance, he ran away and asked Brook for help, for Usopp’s greatest pleasure.

Comes back a few hours later with a whole new arrangement he sings in front of the whole crew with the scratchiest voice ever, but with an amount of pride, sincerity and love that could be heard to the depth of the ocean.

Needless to say you had to quickly shut him up with a hug or else he would have awaken the dead.

Zoro – Eyes, nose, lips, Taeyang.

He was fed up with Usopp, Luffy and Chopper’s karaoke with Nami’s lovesick playlist. It felt like hours and he was trying to sleep.

(Yes it is the middle of the day, but it is the perfect time for a nap and hearing the lousy trio was giving him night terror.)

You could feel his grumpiness from below the crow’s nest and debated going up to ease his pain but decided not to, to avoid having a fuming Zoro to deal with.

When the bridge of the song hit and Luffy tried hitting the high notes alongside Nami that decided to join in, this was the last straw for our swordsman.

He got down angrily and stormed towards the deck where the now quartet performed and turned off the music, only realizing it only triggered his friends’ energy more as they simply went acapella on the song.

Sighs in exasperation and starts walking away when he hears Nami say, “Gosh, (Y/N) is so lucky to have had a guy writing this for her. It’s iconic. Guys, let’s sing it again!!.”

His already bad mood just got worse. Not only the nightmare would go on again, but this stupid song was written for you? Such a pathetic sad love song was written for you? How weak could this man be to weep on the international entertainment scene as he sung for you? Making a show out of himself, how preposterous.

Would throw the speaker overboard if it weren’t Nami’s and would have to pay it back.

Keeps on thinking about the “pathetic song” on his way back up to the crow’s nest and as he laid down on his hammock. Zoro is far from being insecure indeed. He knows you cover him with a love so unique and special, it was bestowed for him. Yet, he could not help but thinking about how he had never been able to express his feelings for you with… this much words and nuances. Hell, he can’t barely remember the last time he ever told you he loved you with words, and had he even said it at all ? And with a love expressed so loudly, maybe your past history was more meaningful to you than the one you’re sharing right now ?

Surprises himself overthinking.

If you decided to hop on the crow’s nest to spend some time with him, be prepared for a needy boyfriend that aches for your touch, reassurance and mostly, to tell you how much you mean to him (but not by singing, that’s still a no.)

[rarityroo]

Dating Shōta Aizawa HCs

Hey, I haven’t written fanficion in a while (about 3 years) so please be kind and if you have any criticism let me hear it. This isn’t proofread and also written with a fem reader in mind, I whipped this up today while I work on requests! Enjoy!

You two have known each other since you were teenagers. You both attended UA and became friends after Hizashi introduced you to him properly, having seen him around whether it be in the halls or passing him as you left the school to go home.

It was very obvious you had a crush on him, so Hizashi being the outgoing guy he is, he decided to play matchmaker and do everything he could to get you two together.

Hizashi started small, he would make plans with the two of you and either "forget" to be there or "something would come up". Unfortunately, it didn't work quite the way he wanted it to as Shōta would be too nervous to be with you one-on-one for an extended amount of time and would often go home. 

This made you very sad as you assumed that meant he didn't like you romanticly in the way you liked him. Hizashi noticing this decided to go to more extreme measures, he planned to put fake love confession notes in both of your lockers.

Causing the two of you to finally face each other and confess your feelings.....

You look at the note in your hands lightly trembling peering down at it, your heart clenches in a mixture of anxiety and excitement at the thought that this is genuine. A confession from the man you had a crush on for so long, God this felt like a dream! The note says to meet him at the top of the rooftop of UA, this felt unreal, it felt too outgoing and too forward, this was so unlike Shōta. Despite it all a part of you wanted to believe it anyway.

With anxious steps, you go up toward the rooftop, you see him with his back turned to you the wind lightly sweeping his hair, he turns to you with an unreadable expression he pauses before finally saying, "So...you wanted to meet me here?" You're struck with confusion "W-What? I thought-" Completely bewildered by this situation, Shōta looks at you, you look at him, you both blink in bafflement. "Hold on I thought you wanted to meet me here?" Shōta declares, his eyes holding a look of hurt confusion. "I do! Trust me I do, I just thought...you wanted to meet me here." You say. As you stand there, caught in this whirlwind of misunderstanding, "I think Hizashi had something to do with this." you say sheepishly finally understanding the situation. Shōtas confusion shifts to a mix of annoyance and amusement, while you can't help but feel a rush of embarrassment. But amidst the chaos, something clicks inside you. You take a deep breath, gathering your courage.

"Actually, Shōta, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," you begin, your voice shaky. "Even though this whole situation is a mess, I have to say. I... I have feelings for you. And not just because of this note mix-up, but because, well, I've liked you for a while now."

Shōta's expression softens, his eyes widening in surprise. "You... you do?" he stammers, his usual stoic demeanor faltering.

You nod, a blush creeping onto your cheeks. "Yeah, I do. So, um, would you maybe want to go out sometime? Like, on a real date?"

A smile spreads across Shōta's face, his eyes sparkling with soft admiration. "I'd love to," he replies, his voice gentle yet so sincere. "And... I think I might have some feelings for you too."

After graduating from UA you two stayed together the entire time even getting an apartment together. Despite you and Shōta being proheros while Shōta is an underground hero with a chaotic schedule that usually makes him return home at ungodly hours of the night, you try to keep a somewhat domestic lifestyle. Making him lunches or making dinner and leaving it in the microwave for when he gets home.

You two also have two cats together, a Russian blue named Cheese and a long-haired tabby cat named Azuki. Shōta is an amazing cat dad, after patrol, he sometimes gets them treats and will always get them the best toys, food, and the nicest food and water bowls. 

His students know about you, he doesn't talk about you very often because he values his privacy but Hizashi likes to tease him about his "pretty partner" making Shōta very flustered and annoyed.

One thing you were always sure of is that no matter how difficult either of your days was, no matter how much physical and mental pain both of you were in you would always come back to each other. 

After a long night of patrol, his body was sore and his mind was clouded and tired, aching limbs carry his body into the shared apartment, Shōta looks at the clock on the wall, 3 AM "Damn", Shōta says rubbing his hands across his face in exhaustion, a soft mew pulls him out of his fatigued state. Azuki looks up at him, soft round eyes staring, "Hey Azuki, you keep momma company?" Shōta reaches down to pet the cat's head Azuki meows happily in response. He smiles softly and walks over to your shared bedroom, slowly opening the door not bothering to undress out of his hero uniform. Plops down into the bed exhaustion taking him completely he falls asleep comfortably, Shōta mind feels no longer plagued with weariness and anxiety just peace and clarity always with you. Forever with you. 

[fieldofheathers-stuff]

The Silco Saga, a restrospective after Arcane Season 2

Part One: Silco, Jinx and Canon VS Fanon

After rewatching the entirety of Arcane, I’ve been reflecting on some recurring points of contention in the fandom with the show's second and final season, particularly from the pro-Silco side. A common sentiment I’ve seen is that Season 2 diminishes the significance of Silco and Jinx’s relationship by excluding him from the narrative. This criticism often hinges on the idea that their father-daughter bond was central to Season 1, and sidelining it in favor of Jinx’s connection to Vander—which was only hinted at in the first season—cheapens their relationship and his role in the story. Initially, I sympathized with this take, especially as Silco was (and still is) my favorite character in Arcane. His limited presence in Season 2 felt disappointing, and the season overall didn’t seem as cohesive as the first. But after rewatching the show, my perspective has shifted. I think the fandom, especially Silco fans, might have viewed their relationship through fanon-colored glasses, forgetting how ambiguously it was written in the canon, and therefore have a skewed perspective on the reason for his “diminished” role in season 2.

Canon vs. Fanon: Silco and Jinx’s Relationship

In the show, Jinx is referred to as Silco’s daughter by only three characters: Sevika, Singed, and Silco himself. Sevika uses the term twice—once as a jab to Vi, and once to Silco directly, comparing his bond with Jinx to her own relationship with her father. Singed uses the term during a critical scene where he prepares to "revive" Jinx. Silco calls her his daughter twice as well: once while speaking to Vander’s statue and again during the climactic dinner confrontation. Notably, all of these acknowledgments occur within Silco’s inner circle. Characters outside this circle describe their relationship differently���Ekko says Jinx “belongs to” Silco, and Finn crudely refers to her as his “dog.” This suggests their father-daughter bond was deeply private, recognized only by those closest to them. Even for Silco himself, the acknowledgment of Jinx as his daughter is not immediate. He only explicitly calls her that in moments of extreme emotional vulnerability—after being faced by Jayce’s ultimatum and again during the final confrontation, when he’s forced to bid for her affection against Vi. This delay suggests Silco might not have fully understood or articulated their bond until those moments. His closed-off nature and trauma from Vander’s betrayal likely made it difficult for him to consciously embrace or display genuine paternal affection. While Silco has moments of vulnerability with Jinx, he often reframes them to maintain control or serve a larger purpose, consistent with his characterization as a man who repressed empathy to achieve his goals.

Jinx’s Perspective: Complicated Feelings

Silco’s presence in Season 2 hinges on how Jinx feels about him. As he is dead and was not widely beloved in Zaun, there is little reason for other characters to dwell on him. Jinx, however, is deeply affected by his absence, yet, when looking back on Season 1, it is clear that their relationship was far from simple. She's not just a girl mourning her dad, and the show addresses this point very precisely, albeit subtly. So subtly, in fact, that I feel like a lot of people are missing it.

What does Jinx feel about Silco, then? I feel like in order to answer this question, we first have to understand Jinx as a character. Her defining traits are her insecurity in attachments and her avoidance of difficult emotions—traits stemming from her traumatic childhood. Even during Season 1, she frequently doubts her place with Silco, as shown by her desperate attempts to prove herself. Her kidnapping of Silco in Episode 9—prompted by her fear that he might betray her—underscores her deep-seated anxiety.

By the end of Season 1, Jinx’s doubts regarding the sincerity of his affection are dispelled when Silco’s final words affirm his love for her. However, their relationship’s tragic end—accidentally killing him after finally realizing his affection—leaves an indelible mark on her psyche. Her guilt over his death compounds her existing trauma, making it difficult for her to process her feelings about him. The father-daughter bond that some in the fandom want so badly to be acknowledged can't be explored in its purest essence, because it barely had time to exist before it was irrevocably marred by another layer of trauma.

Furthermore, there’s the unspoken reality that Silco played a role in the events that led to her family’s death. While Jinx primarily blames herself, she is likely aware on some level of Silco’s involvement. This complex mix of love, guilt, and unresolved feelings creates a psychological minefield that she is unlikely to navigate openly, and thus Silco's role in Season 2 is diminished.

Silco’s Rebirth Narrative: A Misguided Legacy

Silco’s trauma from Vander’s betrayal led him to create a narrative of personal rebirth—a psychological coping mechanism that allowed him to suppress his pain and embrace a ruthless new identity. He tries to pass this philosophy on to Jinx, encouraging her to adopt a dual-identity framework to overcome her own trauma. However, this mindset is ultimately a form of avoidance, preventing true healing. Silco’s dichotomy of "before" and "after" ignores the reality that trauma does not erase or replace one’s identity; acceptance and integration are the only paths to recovery.

Season 2 subtly critiques Silco’s influence on Jinx. In her funeral monologue in the Pilt, she still employs the avoidance tactics taught to her by Silco, externalizing her pain, blaming an unnamed "someone" for her suffering (“someone put all those holes in you”). However, following two very brief appearances as a hallucination, Silco is conspicuously absent from the first two arcs. Early in the season, she seeks his guidance but receives none—a sign that, perhaps, she is subconsciously realizing that his lessons no longer serve her (and, perhaps, never have). Instead, she finds solace in other connections, which were denied to her while Silco was still alive. The all-encompassing codependence they developed towards each other allowed for no outside influence.

I find it particularly poignant that the character she offers her the most genuine solace in Season 2, Isha, is mute. Jinx’s doesn’t need someone, to rearrange her feelings into a well crafted narrative like Silco would have done. She needs the innocent enthusiasm of a child who believes in her no matter what, to finally start believing that she’s still worth something, that she can do something right. She needs to feel, to grieve, to accept the totality of what happened to her and what she is, because it’s the only way to overcome the tragedy of her life and move towards healing.

The Genius of Silco’s Season 2 Scene

Silco’s brief appearance in Jinx’s hallucination in the final arc Season 2 is, to me, a masterstroke of storytelling. In her subconscious, he delivers a message about breaking the cycle of self-perpetrating violence, guilt and shame that has trapped them both. This speech is uncharacteristic of the Silco we knew in Season 1, but that’s the point—it’s not really him. It’s Jinx’s way of processing her trauma and finding a path forward. By conjuring Silco to voice this revelation, she symbolically redeems both of them. It’s a poignant moment of closure and growth, showing how far she has come in her journey toward healing. It’s her looking at Silco and going: “Look dad, I fixed it. I fixed it for the both of us.”

Conclusion

Far from cheapening their bond, I think Season 2 offers a very nuanced yet subtle exploration of Silco and Jinx’s relationship. It acknowledges their mutual affection while addressing the darker, unhealthy aspects of their dynamic. Silco’s absence forces Jinx to confront her past and begin to heal, ultimately allowing her to honor his memory in a way that reflects her growth. This portrayal adds depth and complexity to their story, proving that even in death, Silco remains an integral part of Jinx’s journey.

[yuzurins]

# reluctant to love

desc: in which rin writes a long essay proclaiming his long suppressed love for you

warnings: not proofread… lots of rambling, maybe ooc, itoshi brothers are not estranged, minuscule amount of angst but majority is fluff, some curse words here and there, rin is still at blue lock btw!

rbs and interactions are appreciated !!

————————————————————————

‘dear y/n,

i am writing this letter to inform you that i have taken a liking to you for a while now and would like to—‘

————————————————————————

rin grumbles to himself as he scribbles out the complete trash of a confession that he had just wrote.

he doesn’t even know why he decided to take this approach at all. it all started because isagi and bachira told him that, “he was beating around the bush,” and “he’d probably win the world cup before being able to utter a word in front of them.”

so of course, rin said some very harsh words in response, leading to isagi challenging him to confess to you before the next match (that was in 72 hours) with his football career on the line.

which is how he found himself sitting at his desk after practice, spinning his pencil around trying to write a stupid love letter for his best friend.

because in the words of bachira, “everyone loves poetic men!”

despite immediately denying the words of his friends, deep down he knew damn well that they were completely right. if he wasn’t forced to, he would probably quit football before ever speaking about his feelings out loud.

but because the itoshi rin can’t risk his ego and pride, he’s reluctantly willing to write a silly letter.

turns out writing that silly letter was harder than any football game he’s ever played.

————————————————————————

‘dear y/n,

i remember the first time we met.

it was first day of junior high, and you were sitting on a bench in front of the school with red puffy eyes, fiddling with the little kumamon plush on your bag.

i was late to class that morning, and after seeing you i purposely tried to walk faster in order to avoid any human interaction. but you saw me and grabbed onto my blazer, refusing to let go even though i didn’t spare you a glace. you asked for help getting to your classroom, and because i didn’t know what i was getting myself into, i lead you there (like the kind person i am) expecting to never see you again.

but i guess the world had other plans, because it turned out we were in the same class. you stuck to me like a parasite, annoying me every chance you got and never shutting the fuck up. but i enjoyed the company, though younger me would never admit that.

fast forward a few years and nothings changed. or has it? you’re still yapping your mouth off all the time and clinging beside me in every class. except something’s different, and i don’t know what it is. you laze around at my house after begging me for homework help, we occasionally go get food, sometimes fall asleep together and— [this part is illegible because rin drew over it too hard]

i don’t know. i think around this time i started distancing myself from you because i always felt uneasy around you. my heart was always beating rapidly, my stomach felt uneasy, and i just felt anxious. all the time. nii-chan told me it was because of you, so i just stopped talking to you. i’m sorry.

i’m sorry i didn’t tell you i was leaving. that i’d be gone for a while because i got scouted by blue lock. i didn’t mean to because i thought i’d be okay before i left. sorry i’m rambling now. i know i don’t speak a lot in person so i’m writing my thoughts down for you to understand me better.

i was a kid in denial, and sometimes i still am because even now i don’t understand that part of myself. to be honest, i would’ve never confessed these feelings of mine if my friend didn’t push me to. it sounds like a dick move but i swear on my career that everything i’ve written on this stupid paper is genuine and sincere.

and what i am certain of is that i want you to be by my side. i want you to be there cheering for me when i win a game, i want you to be there beside me when i wake up, i want you to spend your afternoons lazing around me, i want you to tell me all about the small unnecessary details of your day,

i just want you

because you make me feel safe

————————————————————————

rin’s biting his lower lip now, feeling super embarrassed about how vulnerable he just let himself be on a piece of paper. he doesn’t read over it at all and shoves it into the envelope immediately. doesn’t even check whether he wrote your address right or not because he’ll chicken out if he looks it over at all.

he’s super anxious about this letter, to the point where he’s fucking up his plays, so imagine his surprise when he sees you sitting on his porch the day he finally gets to go home.

you jump up immediately at the sight of him and run to hug him. rin stiffens at the sudden impact but drops his bags a second later to sink into your embrace.

though as if that wasn’t enough of an answer for him, he’s still uncertain about your feelings. you hear the rapid beating of his heart and look up to give him a lovesick grin.

“i love you too, itoshi rin.”

BONUS: 2YRS LATER.

“i can’t believe you forgot to sign off a letter confessing that you’re head over heels for me.” you giggle as you walk over to your boyfriend, who was staring at his letter that you pinned to your pegboard. “what if i ended up responding to the wrong person?”

rin huffs and turns away, embarrassed that you caught him reading that. “shut up, you have no other friends anyways.”

you smile teasingly at him as you notice his ears turning red. “you never thought about the possibility that someone could’ve liked me during the 10 months you ignored me for?”

he frowns, though you can’t see him, and droops his shoulders down. you know he still feels bad about it, but it’s fun to tease him because in your eyes he looks so adorable, like a big puppy.

and as he still stares at the floor, he turns around and walks over to envelop you in his warmth, resting his head in the crook of your neck.

an endearing smile finds its way on your face as you hug rin back. he’s not a words person; this was his way of expressing his apology.

“it’s okay, you big baby, as long as you’re here with me now.”

[dark-and-kawaii]

With the way you write Haarlep, I can just picture them being blindsided by Tav giving them aftercare (because we all know that Raphael doesn't) or tending to their injuries after Raphael "disciplines" them. Like after Raphael punishes Haarlep for acting a little too familiar with Tav, she takes one look at the incubus and is doing what she can to make it better. Nothing sensual (at least not intentionally on Tav's part), just honest to goodness tenderness. I'd love to read a thingy about that.

༺ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐮𝐬 ༻

Soft Haarlep Prt. 2

I just want to say thank you for sending in this request because this has became one of my favorites I’ve written!!!! I really hope you enjoy it ◟( ˃̶͈◡ ˂̶͈ )◞!!! and would love to hear your feedback!!! I made this as a sequel to the previous Haarlep request!!!

Angst - Comfort - Injuries

- PRT 1 (Click Here) - PRT 3 (Click Here) - PRT 4 (Click Here)

Ao3

Haarlep lay on the ground, battered and bruised, their throat burning from the punishment inflicted by Raphael. You were discarded like rotten flesh in the corner, your skin adorned with fresh bruises, your hair matted… And the rest of your body… Well that didn’t really matter because you did beg Raphael to spare Haarlep. Which he did in his own sick twisted way. Haarlep, that’s what mattered at this very moment. Summoning the strength within you to rise from the ground to tend to them, that’s what mattered.

The moment your hand touched Haarlep's cheek, they felt a mixture of surprise and a flicker of warmth amidst their pain. Your thumb gingerly tracing over their cracked lip, and with a soft voice, you spoke, "Don’t move, okay?” Your eyes were filled with sadness, not for your own pain, but for theirs, “I'll be right back." You then proceeded to stand back up on two wobbly legs, Haarlep could see the struggle… It reminded them of a freshly born Nightmare foal -horses of the hell realm- learning to stand for the first time. Just as you were about to lose your balance and collide with the cool unforgiving ground, Haarlep interjected. Their tail pressing against you to help keep you steady for a moment.

Mouthing thanks to them, you make your way to the center of the room where the bath was. You grabbed the nearest cloth, dampened it, and returned to Haarlep's side. With gentle care, you pressed the cloth against the bruises on their neck and their tender skin. Haarlep's tail, instinctively swishing back and forth, reflecting their initial amusement at the irony of a vulnerable mortal attending to them, an incubus whose very nature was one of darkness and desire.

"How utterly amusing," Haarlep began with a weak chuckle, trying to mask their inner bewilderment. "The crippled mouse tending to the cat that led it to its own demise." The familiar playfulness of Haarlep’s nature collided with the unfamiliar tenderness they felt towards you. They couldn't fathom why you would show such kindness to them

Your eyes brimmed with tears, your lips trembling as you fought back a cry. Witnessing their cracked lip bleed, a single tear cascaded down your cheek, "I'm so sorry, Haarlep. This is my fault," you whispered, your voice trembling with genuine remorse.

A laugh escaped Haarlep's lips, but this time, it lacked mockery. It held traces of vulnerability, an acknowledgment of the empathy that defied their role. "Ha! What a perplexing situation," Haarlep smiled, their tone still of his nature but with a tinged of newfound sincerity. “What am I to do with such a fragile little thing.” Their hand embracing your chin gently as their head cocks to the side, their fiery eyes still locked onto you, “Why stay and tend to a fiendish creature like myself, who hails from the very depths of the hells?" It was only for a fleeting second, but Haarlep’s fingers kissed your chin with a tender caress just before their hand fell back on their knee.

Your sullen gaze softened as you continued to tend to their wounds, your hand unwavering, "You're trapped here, aren't you? Bound and alone," you said softly, your voice carrying an unmistakable truth, "No one deserves to be alone, not even an incubus."

Haarlep sat in the silence watching you. Despite the darkness that surrounded you, your kindness and understanding had silenced Haarlep. They didn’t know what to say nor do, it was the first time they’ve ever experienced such a gentle and pure soul even after Raphael’s assault. Your body was more broke than even Haarlep’s yet you sought to comfort them first…

Haarlep's tail, a physical extension of their emotions, gently moved to rest against your thigh. Their unspoken way of saying thank you, expressing the depths of gratitude best they could.

Taking notice of the feeling of Haarlep’s tail, your eyes wander towards it. Placing your hand atop of their tail, symbolizing acceptance, “I won’t leave your side, I promise Haarlep.” With that, Haarlep decided to bask in the comfort of your touch, their eyes closing as you pressed the damp cloth to their temple.

[fernlessbastard]

You guys aren't ready for the conversation of how Quackity sincerely loves bottoming

I'm not at all saying he wants to always bottom, I'd say he still prefers topping most of the time, but whenever he's down to get something up his ass, he's DOWN to get something up his ass, if you know what I mean

(the switching applies to position only, tho. I sincerely can't see him genuinely enjoying subbing, and neither can I see Wilbur actually domming unless they're both being influenced by years of internalised homophobia and patriarchy and all that bullshit, but even then it's just cringe and they're just both pretending it's not cause it's easier that way (and the sex itself isn't like, actively bad, not to mention that it provides some degree of an emotional connection which they both desperately crave), plus it's still basically vanilla just with a little bit of dirty talk - that's how i see them in Pogtopia (with Q bottoming - if you want another huge post on their Pogtopia dynamic let me know cause I have so many thoughts on it and how their traumas affected them and their relationship and how complicated it all was))

That being said, man's 10000% intensely fucking traumatised

(tw personal hc and following the logical path from canon implications idfk)(also exaggeration) like, if he were ACTIVELY evil and had ZERO (even personal) moral code, then the amount of anger he feels towards Schlatt for taking away the enjoyment of it is probably enough to ignore all ethics and torture Dream so utterly unimaginably he ends up violating entirety of the Geneva convention, and then having 50 new ones written specifically to condemn his actions, just to break every single one of those as well on the way, just so that Dream gives him the revival book so that he can re-kill Schlatt with his own hands

Also he absolutely re-traumatised himself with Karl and Sapnap cause he was for sure like "I shouldn't be having an intense panic attack right now, I'm going to push all my energy into pretending that everything's ok and that I don't want to cry and scream and rip my skin off. I'm just being silly and dramatic anyway ha ha" which just resulted in them unknowingly hurting him all over again. I take no criticism. Q's got MASSIVE communication issues when it comes to validating his feelings and Karl and Sapnap are "everything's fine"-ing way too much on the daily. And whole Quackity should work on his issues, it IS a partner's job to at least try to check up on the other(s) (and vice versa), and Karl and Sapnap clearly always preferred to ignore any hints that something might be wrong as a general life rule. The relationship was immaturely focused on "fun and good vibes" from the very start, so any bad topic obviously felt out of place. It started off with lack of communication and it died cause of it too.

That's also actually why I will always firmly stand by the fact that Wilbur (during las Nevadas era) is the only person with whom he could ever heal, btw (yes, including Charlie as a hypothetical romantic interest). Cause Schlatt's abusive, Karl and Sapnap "deserve better" in his eyes (so he pretends to be fine until shit hits the fan and everything falls apart)(that also applies to his hypothetical relationship with Charlie). But with Wilbur there's enough distance to feel safe and call out his bullshit without retaliation in form of abuse, and on the other hand he doesn't care to pretend to be perfect - hell, he probably purposefully shoves his issues onto the guy cause he's like "you think you're so strong and stubborn you can handle me??? You think???? Think again." (Wilbur does the same btw). They're purposefully trying to push each other away, destroy the "relationship", show each other just how fucked up they are. They're psycho-competitive. Even being the first one to be "too much" and get abandoned turns into a competition.

But it backfires. They bond. They're real with each other. They're stubborn, they're determined enough to stay just long enough to see each other's walls crack. And once they do, the feelings are quick to spill. They're each other's only people to be GENUINELY themselves with - no masks, no manipulation, no bullshit. Just themselves. And that's the first, CRUCIAL step to developing a healthy relationship (or at least healthier than all their other relationships).

So with Wilbur he probably only tries to bottom either once he ACTUALLY begins to feel like he could maybe try to reclaim it, or even if he tries it in a self-destructive way, (considering their history+patriarchy and shit) Wilbur'd know and care enough to realise Q's just trying to hurt himself. And as shitty as Wilbur can be sometimes, he's not a bad person - he'd stop Q if things'd go too far, or give him (at least a temporary) safe space to safely go through a breakdown without hurting himself like that. He wouldn't take advantage of such a low moment, and he would know enough to recognise it's a low moment in the first place.

Anyway once they figure all that out and Quackity's genuinely comfortable with it again, it's for sure not uncommon for him to enjoy some nice aggressive pounding, all the while having one hand in Wilbur's hair, pulling it to hold him close, and the other hand on Wilbur's neck, lightly choking him as they're intensely making out

All that to say Q's a massive sadist but he's also a huge massochist and he'll absolutely have Wilbur on a nice leash and call him a pathetic, desperate, horny dog or something like that as the man's (purposefully) sloppily thrusting in and out of him, causing the most "carnage" he can (Wilbur will be double fisting Quackity and Quackity will be just looking at him unfazed like "your hands are small" (they're not)/hj)

Oh btw to clarify [TW ok more direct talk of SA so please be careful and take care of yourselves]- yes, I'm absolutely saying Q got repeatedly SA'd by Schlatt throughout their relationship. The guy was canonically generally verbally and physically abusive, AND basically the whole point of his character is that he's like, the epitome of everything wrong with society. Add to that the sexual comments which were constantly used to demean, insult, and objectify Q, as well as Quackity's intense, palpitable discomfort which noticeably grows each time the topic comes up when they meet after Schlatt's death during Las Nevdas era, it's a pretty safe bet to assume Schlatt didn't stop at "just" verbal and physical violence. Sexual violence is almost a guarantee when you consider all that context - it's hardly even "reading between the lines". And you can't tell me that in our society that views being penetrated during sex as something negative, especially for men, while viewing penetrating someone as an act of "conquering" and "winning" and all that a character who's supposed to embody as many of this world's faults as possible wouldn't shove his dick where it's not wanted, even just purely to prove he can despite lack of consent.

[foxy-eva]

Worship

Summary: Spencer knows exactly how to make it up to you after being late for date night

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Category: Smut

Content Warning: (18+, minors DNI) facesitting / oral (fem receiving)

Word Count: 1k

Masterlist

Even though you already told him on the phone that you wouldn’t be mad at him, Spencer still felt bad when he arrived at your apartment two hours later than promised. He hated to make you wait, especially now that it was too late to still catch the movie you really wanted to see. 

When he entered your living room he looked at you with guilt written all over his face. 

“I am so sorry I’m late,” he sincerely apologized. “Hotch wouldn’t let any of us leave until we finished our paperwork.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck to give him a chaste kiss. “It’s okay, Spencer. I’m not angry at you.”

He still wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure? I feel bad for making you wait this long. I know how much you wanted to see that movie.”

With one raised eyebrow and a smirk spread over your face you suggested, “Well, you could always try to make it up to me.”

Spencer recognized the playful tone in your voice instantly, purring “Tell me how. I’ll do anything.”

Your lips found his, not wasting any time to deepen the kiss. It was then that he understood that the movie wasn’t the only thing you had been waiting for. With your hands roaming over his body Spencer had trouble keeping up with the pace of your actions. The urgency you displayed was unusual for you but still very exciting. 

He would have been happy to take the lead in your encounter but it seemed like you really wanted to be the one in charge tonight. 

With your hand around his wrist you led him to the bedroom and demanded, “Take your clothes off and lie down on the bed.” 

The harsh tone surprised the both of you but Spencer didn’t hesitate to unbutton his shirt as he chuckled, “Yes, ma’am.” 

The new nickname let heat rise to your cheeks but it was nothing compared to the warmth spreading through your body as your boyfriend revealed himself to you. It was obvious by his growing desire that he really enjoyed following your lead. When he was completely bare, he lay down on his back in the middle of the bed. You let your eyes wander over his body, smirking when they landed on his erection. 

“So pretty,” you snickered while beginning to undress yourself. 

You locked eyes with him but he couldn’t stop himself from glancing over your body as you slowly shed each layer. Once you had gotten rid of the last piece of clothing, you joined him on bed, straddling his lap. 

“So here’s the deal. You are going to make me come twice, one time for every hour you made me wait for you,“ you explained to him. 

Keen on doing as he was told, Spencer reached out his hands to touch your breasts. You stopped him by grabbing his wrists and pinning them down on the mattress. 

He sounded genuinely confused when he asked, “How do you want it?” 

To his surprise, you moved up along his body, positioning your hips right above his face, one leg on each side of his head. Spencer couldn’t move his eyes from in between your thighs, your folds already glistening and looking so ready to be tasted. 

Before he could start you told him, “Just tap my leg if you want to stop, okay?” 

He wrapped his arms around your thighs to pull you down, chuckling, “That won’t be necessary.” 

“I don’t want to suffocate you,” you snickered. 

“I’d die a happy man.” 

That was the last thing he said before burying his face between your legs. He let his tongue glide through your silken skin and you instantly started to rock your hips against his mouth. With one hand in his hair and the other grabbing the headboard of the bed you tried to keep balance. However, there was no way to stop your legs from shaking once he closed his lips around your little bud and started suckling. 

“Fuck, Spencer, you’re doing so good,“ you praised him and he hummed in delight. 

You ground your hips against his face at an accelerated pace, your arousal covering his chin as he pleasured you devotedly and relentlessly. You let out a whine and dared to look down to lock eyes with him. 

“When I saw your pretty face for the first time...,“ you paused to catch your breath and let a sigh fall from your lips. “...I knew I had to sit on it someday.“ 

Spencer smiled against your heat for a moment. When he noticed the telltale signs of your impending climax he tried to keep you steady with his arms tightly wrapped around your thighs. Your whole body shook when you found relief, whimpering when Spencer still continued to move his tongue. Only when you tugged on his hair did he stop, giving you a chance to lift your hips slightly as you leaned against the headboard with a heaving chest. 

Even from this angle Spencer stared at you in awe, letting his eyes roam over your body as if he had never seen anything more beautiful. When you lowered your hips once more, you felt like a queen finding her place on her throne, ready to be worshipped. 

Spencer was gentle at first, making sure you were ready for him to keep pleasing you. When you started rocking your hips against his face again, he didn’t hold back any longer. He focused his attention to your bundle of nerves, still swollen and sensitive from your previous high. You were quick to come undone a second time, moaning as you reveled in the sensation of pure ecstasy.

When you had caught your breath again, you moved away from his face to lay down and curl into his side instead. 

“Date night is saved,” you snickered and Spencer joined you in your laughter.  

If you enjoyed reading this story you should check out the other smut blurbs in my Blurb Collection!

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[yanderesimp2000]

alastor ships part 1 charlastor

written by a friend because and he gave it to me so shout out to Ramazan also you owe me 200 Manat

(CANT FIND ARTIST)

ALSO IM DOING A LOTTERY I WILL RANDOMLY PICK A FOLLOWER BY USING A RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR AND SCROLLING THAT NUMBER OF TIMES SO IF YOU WANNA ENTER FOLLOW PREEXISTING FOLLOWERS ARE ALREADY INCLUDED DEADLINE IS OCT 18TH 2024

The streets of Hell were never quiet, but tonight there was a kind of serenity, a strange calm that had settled over the chaos. The red glow of the underworld's sky cast a warm light over the towering buildings, the jagged silhouettes of demonic architecture reflecting against the fiery horizon. Within the hotel—Hazbin Hotel—things were different, quieter, though there was still an underlying tension that never seemed to leave. It was a hotel meant to reform sinners, after all, not a sanctuary of peace.

In the heart of the hotel, Alastor, the Radio Demon, leaned against the grand piano, his fingers lazily dancing over the keys. A crooked smile tugged at his lips, but his crimson eyes were focused on the figure sitting on the couch across from him—Charlie, the princess of Hell. She was sprawled out, her blonde hair cascading in waves, and her bright, hopeful eyes seemed to dull in thought. It was rare for her to be anything but optimistic, and the fact that she wasn’t smiling filled the air between them with a thick tension.

The relationship between Alastor and Charlie was not one that anyone had expected, let alone understood. Alastor was a notorious overlord, a demon with a penchant for chaos, who delighted in manipulating others and watching Hell burn. Charlie, on the other hand, was the very opposite—bright, hopeful, always searching for redemption for others. She believed, perhaps foolishly, that even the worst of sinners could be saved. Somehow, their contrasting natures had drawn them together in a strange, unexpected dance.

Alastor's smile never faltered as he watched her, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Darling," he said, his voice as smooth as honey but tinged with something darker, "what seems to be on that precious mind of yours?"

Charlie blinked, snapping out of her trance, and glanced at him. A soft smile pulled at her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "Oh, it’s nothing, Alastor. Just...thinking."

He raised a brow, amusement clear in his expression. "Thinking? In Hell? My dear, that’s dangerous. What could possibly have you so preoccupied?"

Charlie sighed and sat up, crossing her legs underneath her. Her gaze wandered out the window, looking at the flames that licked the sky in the distance. “It’s just...I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing anymore,” she admitted softly. “The hotel, trying to help all these lost souls... What if it’s all pointless?”

Alastor's smile faded for the briefest of moments before returning, though this time it was less playful. He stood up from the piano and crossed the room, moving with his usual eerie grace, until he was standing in front of her. He knelt down, so they were at eye level, and cupped her chin with his gloved hand, tilting her face to meet his gaze.

"My dear Charlie," he began, his voice low and rich, "you've always known that this little...project of yours was a gamble. But you're not one to shy away from the impossible. In fact, I daresay that's part of what I find so...enthralling about you."

Charlie blushed, her heart fluttering in her chest. She could never quite tell when Alastor was being sincere or simply toying with her emotions. But in this moment, his words felt genuine, even if they were wrapped in his usual charm.

She reached up, placing her hand over his. "Do you really think it’s possible?" she asked softly. "That I can actually help people here?"

Alastor chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. "I think anything is possible, my dear. But whether or not you succeed—well, that’s entirely up to you." His crimson eyes glittered with something dangerous, something seductive. "You have the passion, the drive, but this is Hell, after all. You can’t change it without getting your hands dirty."

Charlie frowned slightly. “I don’t want to become like the others here, Alastor. I want to do this my way.”

“And I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he said, his tone laced with amusement. He stood up, pulling her to her feet with him. ���But that doesn’t mean you can’t...bend the rules a little, does it?”

Charlie hesitated. She had always tried to maintain her ideals, to stay true to her vision of redemption. But Alastor’s words stirred something inside her, a part of her that wondered if she had been too naïve. Could she really bring about change in Hell without becoming a part of it?

Alastor, ever observant, saw the conflict in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You know, darling, there’s nothing wrong with a little darkness. After all, it's what makes life—or death, in our case—so...entertaining."

She shivered at his touch, at the way his voice sent chills down her spine, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she rested her head against his chest, listening to the rhythmic hum that always seemed to accompany his presence. Despite everything—despite his manipulative nature, despite the fact that he reveled in chaos—she found comfort in his arms.

“I don’t know if I’m strong enough,” she murmured. “To do what needs to be done.”

Alastor chuckled softly, stroking her hair. "Oh, but you are strong, my dear. Stronger than you know. And if you ever doubt that strength, well..." He pulled back slightly to look at her, his smile sharp, but his eyes softening ever so slightly. "You have me by your side, don't you?"

Charlie gazed up at him, her heart swelling with emotion. She knew that Alastor was dangerous, that his affection for her came with its own set of risks. But in this moment, she didn’t care. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah... I do."

He leaned down and kissed her, his lips soft against hers, yet there was always a hint of darkness in his touch, a reminder of who he was. But Charlie had come to accept that part of him, just as she had come to accept the darkness within herself.

When they pulled apart, Alastor's grin was wide, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Now, my dear, enough of this melancholic musing. What do you say we take a little break from all this...redemption nonsense and have a bit of fun?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow, her smile returning in full force. "Fun? What kind of fun?"

Alastor twirled her around, making her laugh, before pulling her close again. "Oh, I’m sure we can think of something. After all, Hell is full of...opportunities for entertainment."

She giggled, her earlier worries fading as she leaned into him. “Alright, Mr. Radio Demon. Lead the way.”

And so, with a flick of his hand, the shadows around them seemed to shift, bending to Alastor’s will as they disappeared from the room, leaving the quiet of the hotel behind.

As they stepped out into the chaotic streets of Hell, hand in hand, Charlie realized that, despite the odds, despite the uncertainty of her mission, there was one thing she was sure of—she didn’t have to face it alone.

And in Hell, that was enough.

[simplydnp]

So OKAY here are a just few parts of dans birthchart that made me scream into the void because of how scary and crazy accurate it is (disclamer: This is is actual birth chart and was not written by a phannie even if looks like it is bc accuracy lmao.)

''His neck and upper chest are erogenous zones. He generally doesn't jump into a new relationship. If he does, they feelings grow gradually. A partner who makes him feel safe and secure is ideal for him. Once committed, his love is long lasting and sincere. He has have strong values and others will find it hard to sway him in this area. Sensual, the world of touch and smell is most appealing to him. Complex or mysterious partners are not as intriguing as simple and genuine ones.'

''He is amorous, not a peaceful and calm lover but a passionate one with a strong temperament. He is demonstrative in love, and usually fully enjoys healthy pleasures and life to the full.''

''He is hard or reserved at times, and doesn't always know how to express his emotions. He may be frightened of showing his love, and this can lead to disappointments, break-ups, lack of satisfaction. He has doubts, can be suspicious, worries too much, possibly jealous but more likely insecure. He will learn how to be happy in love, to be at ease with himself and to control his jealousy or gain more assurance and sense of self-worth in the second half of his life, possibly thanks to a mature person, who helps him learn to trust.''

''He must have a job that allows him many freedoms, something non-routine. He likes change, possesses a lot of energy and knows how to influence others in spite of his originality. He may have difficulty expressing himself, especially when young. He does not talk much, he does not speak just for the sake of it, but when in the mood, can talk a lot in a big burst of conversation. He may prefer to work in remote and quiet places. He is discrete and philosophical.''

''In the first half of life, he may hold onto his past, childhood, or the freedoms of life when there are fewer responsibilities. He is sensitive, loyal, and wonderfully warm and nurturing. However, happiness and satisfaction come from accepting and embracing responsibilities. Denying his need to excel in the outside world has a way of holding him back. Learning to be more self-sufficient improves his life many times over.''

''He is good-hearted and generous, possessing a good character. He likes well-being, comfort, a life of ease, without problems. He has good relations with his social circle. He is easy to approach. All the same, he may fall in love easily. He has a successful partnership and professional life. People usually trust him.''

''He has a love-and-friendship union. An unproblematic, quiet relationship. A few hiccups, but nothing really serious. Faithfulness.''

''He loves to court and be courted, and needs to feel very special. Warm, generous, and even grand. Though really quite loyal to partners (remember that love is THE most important thing in his life). Thrives on attention from lovers or love interests.''

So... are you screaming with me? LOL

one of my favourite things is to pontificate about love and how it's seen, felt, and shown. security seems to be something important to dan, so seeing it brought up here repeatedly is fascinating. along with the desire for performance/entertainment. (á la needing to feel special too)

the 'does not talk much' was throwing me for a bit of a loop, but i think it's fair to say that we really only experience dan when he's comfortable and willing, therefore open to being more talkative.

'complex or mysterious partners are not as intriguing as simple and genuine ones'.... well. i think we all know who that pertains to 🥺 'he has a love-and-friendship union' something something real best friends companions through life actual soulmates

'he will learn how to be happy in love, to be at ease with himself and to control his jealousy or gain more assurance and self-worth in the second half of this life, possibly due to a more mature person, who helps him learn how to trust' something something for the first time in my life i felt safe.

my only dispute is that dan's talked about enjoying having a purpose (& how touring wad was great bc of it), so while he enjoys the freedom of a 'upload whenever' mindset, i think he likes having more structure. not the pressure of it being entirely set in stone, but a framework.

now, i don't intend to come off as rude or insensitive so i apologize if i do:

generally, i don't put a lot of stock into stuff like this--birth charts, tarot cards, psychics. it's something i struggle with as a very science & logic minded person. however. there is something to be said in that the stars are gay for dan and phil. cause the more angles we look at it, the more we can't deny the destiny of it all

[chronoghoul]

Hi :-)

I read your the Vees from Hazbin as Parents and i loved the View we got on them it felt super in Character of what we have known about these slight crazy Overlords yet, very well written.

If you still take Request, i really love to see something similar with the Overlords Carmilla, Rosie and Alastor as Parents of an shy introverted girl maaaybe ^^?

If you dont want to write it, thats totally fine no stress :-)

Keep up the good work! I really enjoy reading it.

╭﹒⊹⋆﹒ @ 𝖈𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖔𝖌𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖑 2024.

୨ ,, overlords as parents, shy/introverted!fem reader, daughter reader, sfw hcs .ᐟ

𖦹 ｡° note : ahh tysm! my requests are currently open and the status is always listed in my pinned post so dw :), glad you thought it was well written and wanted to request! Like this was such a nice compliment my heart lit up 💙 𖥔 ݁ ˖.°. ⭑

﹒｡ꔫ﹒wc : ~ 700+

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

Carmilla

Carmilla is not the kind of mom who gushes over you with hugs and kisses. She’s more about giving you an ironclad shield from Hell’s brutal world. Her love is quiet but unyielding—she may not coo over you, but she’ll be the first to step in if anyone dares to cross you. She’s fiercely devoted, the type who handles your issues with poise but with a steely protectiveness. She won’t let anyone see her care so obviously, but it’s there in every small, subtle gesture.

Carmilla is not known for her patience with anyone else, but with you, she tries. She slows down, speaks softer, and always gives you the time you need to gather your thoughts. For a mom as intense as she is, this quiet respect is her way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m listening.” It’s these softer moments that remind you she’s proud of you, no matter how reserved or quiet you are.

Carmilla has mastered the art of social manipulation, and she uses it to guard you in subtle but effective ways. If someone makes you uncomfortable or tries to pry into your personal life, they’ll suddenly find themselves snubbed, or they’ll face a series of misfortunes that seem all too coincidental. She won’t say she did it, of course, but her small, satisfied smile always gives her away.

She knows you’re gentle, and while she respects that, she also worries. Her love often comes out as overprotection, keeping you close and guarded against the chaos of Hell.

Rosie

Rosie is the most affectionate mom you could ask for. She’s always hugging you, holding your face, telling you how proud she is of everything you do—even the little things. It doesn’t matter if it’s just you finishing a book or speaking up in a group, she’ll shower you with praise as though you’d conquered Hell itself. Her love is constant, warm, and so sincere that it almost makes up for how embarrassing she can be.

Rosie always believes in you and isn’t shy about letting everyone else know. When you’re too shy to speak up for yourself, she’ll do it for you, with all the charm and enthusiasm of someone who just won the lottery. “Isn’t she amazing?” she’ll beam, making you blush under all that attention, but her pride in you is so genuine, it’s hard not to feel a little more confident.

Rosie loves to cuddle you, ruffle your hair, plant lipstick kisses on your cheek that you’ll find hours later. Even if it makes you shy, she can’t help it—she just adores you, and she’ll always make sure you know it. Her love is a bit overwhelming, but it’s full of warmth, and you never doubt for a second that she cares deeply.

She knows she can be a bit much sometimes, and she tries to tone it down when you need her to. But when she senses you’re nervous or uneasy, she’ll squeeze your hand or give you a warm, knowing smile that makes everything a bit easier.

Alastor

He’s not exactly a natural with a shy, introverted daughter, but he’s determined to help you find confidence. His methods can be a little... over the top. He’ll give you “lessons” on how to project your voice and hold your ground, with his usual theatrical flair. “Come on, smile! Be bold!” he’ll say, probably much louder than necessary. He means well, but sometimes his enthusiasm is a little overwhelming.

Alastor likes to push you just a bit out of your comfort zone, loving the way you blush and stammer when he encourages you to speak up. He’ll smirk, playfully prodding you to be “a little more confident,” even if it’s just in front of him. “That’s my girl!” he’ll say, eyes bright with pride, and though his teasing can be a bit much, you know he only wants to see you succeed.

As loud and boisterous as he can be, there are rare times when Alastor watches you in silence, a faint smile on his face. He might catch you reading or humming to yourself, and though he won’t say it, there’s a strange softness in his gaze. He respects your need for peace and lets you have it, his presence a quiet but constant support.

[inamagicalhallucination]

natsuo not forgiving his dad but making peace with his past and moving on was actually really great; and i liked where endevour ended up -- even now its hard to say everyone's fully moved on from his abuse -- becuz thats not how it works, i think ive said it before but endeavors redemption arc always confused me becuz compared to characters like bakugo, his was so weak -- and that i thought (and still do) it was done on purpose

bakugo's growth is shown at a very slow and gradual process, when he apologizes to izuku, he's not only realized he was awful, he's already been actively better and he's already grown -- also bakugo's pre-arc self doesn't compare to endeavor who literally abused his entire family, leading his wife to a breakdown, his son to death and then villiany, along with many other things -- im only comparing them becuz they both had redemption arcs written by the same author not becuz i think theyre comparable

bakugo's actions werent good by any means but he, per every arc, gradually changed over and over, not only how he treated izuku but how he thought of him and how he acted overall (all the while retaining his loud personality lmao)

endeavor on the other hand essentially got what he wanted, realized he was a piece of shit and /then/ tried to make it up -- it wasnt like bakugo who was already being better when he apologized -- who was waiting to apologize -- endeavor's arc, in that way felt insincere

altho the scenes where endeavor tries to be a better father and todoroki ignores him are funny, they also show that endeavor just kind of tries to flip the switch -- there's not gradualness, no process, one day he's just like "well enough of being awful" but the thing is, why would siblings who have been hurt their entire life not want some aspect of love? of course it makes sense that even tho natsuo was the least likely to be willing to forgive endeavor, some times u thought that maybe... but natsuo could never forgive him, could never pretend that nothing happened and that they were family now, and that was perfect for him becuz he didn't owe endeavor anything

even when the dabi-touya reveal happens, endeavor fails to actually take action/responsibiltiy over his abuse of his family -- he's vocal about wanting to change, he tries to play up some reselblance of a father, but he fails to genuinely show growth most of the times (not to say he's never had moments where his regret is obvious, just that there are a lot of moments where he should be doing something but doesnt)

endeavor's arc is a show that sometimes u regret what u've done and u try to change, but u fail at it, sometimes apologies dont account for anything, sometimes people dont forgive u -- its a show that no every character arc is meant to end with the character forgiven --- endeavor says that he'll continue apologizing and give reparations for his crimes for the rest of his life, he accepts that that means nothing to natsuo and that natsuo wants to move on w/o him, he says he'll take the blame, that he chose to dance, so he'll take the consequences -- its a very bleak ending but it fits his arc the best -- endeavor was not able to really fix anything -- he did not fix his family, he did not save touya, he did not earn the love of his children, but he finally became ready to actually repent, without expecting anything in return

to clarify, i dont think that endeavor's regret is insincere, by the way, i think he does regret what he did to his family, however his regret for the abuse he forced hsi family through does not dictate how his family should react, no matter how sincere the regret, the apology, or the love, no one is required to forgive and move on -- and natsuo could not do that, but at the very least, becuz of endeavor's change, he was finally able to have some peace with it all

finally, the touya situation

the todoroki family is genuinely hell for me, the touya/dabi-shoto interaction killed me, i think ppl forget that touya's so called hatred for shoto is stemmed from the endeavors actions and abuse, touya is able to recognize that its not really shoto's fault but he cant /help/ but have all that anger in him anyway becuz of endeavor -- all of touya's siblings were born for the sole reason of being his replacement

in another life, the todoroki siblings would have loved and cherished each other, in another like touya would have been shoto's big brother and shoto would have been his little brother, they would have had soba together, they would have trained together, they would have all been a family

the "shouto im sorry" and touya crying was the worst and best thing horikoshi has ever done

[bookinit02]

bookinit’s byler fic recs

happy new years! to celebrate, i’m posting a list of some of my favorite fics of this year, sorted by word count. i tried not to include a bunch of super well-known, commonly-recced fics, and of course, there are SO many more that i didn’t include just because there isn’t enough time in the world. but i really wanted to lift up some amazing authors, my friends included, as well as some more underground fics. happy reading!!🥳

my top byler fics of 2022

1 - 10k

- it’s a choice (getting swept away) by @wiseatom. i just skimmed this again to see if i wanted to include it, and even just SKIMMING, i was having goddamn heart palpitations. there is something so special about healthy communication and resolving misunderstandings with emotional intelligence and kindness instead of anger. don’t get me wrong, big dramatic blowups are lots of fun to read, but this one stands out for how quiet it is. how gentle. not only is the willel done FANTASTICALLY, but byler here is so soft and tentative, and i was eating up every minute of it. as always, with thea, a phenomenal read. (categories: post s4, mileven breakup, painting conversation, getting together, willel)

- the body is a blade by inblue. this author is severely underrated—incredible prose, such unique fics, and so much genuine emotion in such a short space. i sincerely recommend all of their works!! phenomenal, and despite their short length, they’ve stuck with me since i read them—this one in particular. (categories: poetic, unique, character study, will byers needs a hug)

10 - 20k

- i’m caught up in you by @wiseatom. the first half of this is genuinely novel-worthy—beautifully written & crafted, to the point where i couldn’t stop writing down sentences as inspiration. the second half kicks you into an apocalyptic adventure, filled with byler banter, miscommunication, wound tending, a Painting Debacle™️, and literally everything you could want out of byler in the upside down. thea’s byler is SO much fun to read—they absolutely are best friends, and they don’t let you forget it! the banter is so realistic and snarky and fun, and i’ve read this a million times over at this point. infinite kudos always💗💗 (categories: byler in the upside down, miscommunication, angst & fluff, tension, wound tending, will has a gun)

- i hate accidents (except when we went from friends to this) by blackdeathmamba. a classic, and for a good reason. great tension & pining, super butterfly-inducing, with a twist at the end that simultaneously had me yelling and giggling into my pillow. ADORABLE. so, so wonderful. (categories: pining, miscommunication, college byler, roommates, fluff)

- running up that road by @smoosnoom. i had a really hard time trying to figure out which of moon’s fics to rec bc i feel like all of them, in general, defined my 2022. and of course, everyone and their mother has recced tearing you asunder! but going back over the fics, i think this one truly had the biggest impact on me. first of all, it was the first fic i ever read while listening to the accompanying playlist, and that experience literally changed my life. it is so hard for me to read without listening to music now😭 but seriously reading this w/ moon’s song choices felt like watching a movie. second of all, i really got inside mike’s head here. his character was great, and the fic displayed some of his more unpleasant qualities that some people might shy away from, like anger or resentment. this was just a very real portrayal of byler, and of mike in general. and a lot of the scenes in here—specifically the beginning and end—have stuck with me since i read them. overall, incredible experience, and i’d read it again in a heartbeat. (categories: post s4, character study, mike centric)

20 - 30k

- the gaps and the silence by delusionaltogether (whyyyyy) aka @parkitaco. i read this last night and cried my heart out—not big dramatic sobs, but more of a silent & continuous cry that would pop back up without warning. this was just so exquisitely written—the best of parker’s work that i’ve seen, which is such an impressive feat because i love absolutely everything they publish. the resolving of miscommunication, the healing of byler’s fractured relationship, the responsibility taken on both sides, and the love that still persists through all of it—this is a masterpiece. it is a triumph of human emotion, and a truly excellent mark of good writing. cannot recommend enough—along with absolutely all of parker’s other works. (categories: angst, miscommunication, reunion, college byler, first dates, mutual pining)

- mike wheeler’s guide to falling in love with a superhero by @smoosnoom. this was my first introduction to spiderwill, and i loved every minute of it. this is fun, fast-paced, a little crazy, and just SUCH an enjoyable read. plus, i get a cameo as bagel girl, which in my opinion, is the best part!! but fr this was honestly so well done and even as i’m writing this, i’m getting the urge to read it again. loved, loved, LOVED. (categories: spiderwill, fluff, light-hearted, energetic)

30 - 40k

- you can hear it in the silence by @astrobei. there is truly not enough praise in the world for suni’s fics, or her writing in general, but this one was really something special. mike in this fic is one of my favorite mikes ever, and i think about his big conversation with robin at least once a day. this is truly just a magical coming of age romance. it is so soft & tender & real, and i genuinely could read it every single day and never get bored. also, as someone who worked in food service, i appreciated the accurate portrayal🫡 but also. never again. customers can suck my dick. getting off track here :) (categories: coming of age, friends to lovers, mutual pining, soft)

- i know, i know, i know by aude_sapere. season 4 rewrite!! the writing of this is incredible, the plot is fantastic, and it was one of my first really notable reads in this fandom. really gives will his main character moment, as he deserves!! (categories, s4 rewrite, main character will, pining, action)

40 - 50k

- i’ve come home, i’m so cold by @astrobei. this one is just. ohhhhh my god where do i even start?? this is my ideal college byler fic. it’s literally so perfect, start to finish. will’s narration is incredible, and additionally the plot is just so, SO interesting?! there’s something about suni’s writing that i just can’t get enough of. she writes exactly the way i think and it results in prose that flows effortlessly and is so much fun to read!! i am just chomping all of her fics up one by one and i am still hungry☹️ i think suni needs to write just for me forever & always actually. (categories: college byler, mystery, pining, best friends to lovers, roommates)

- boys don’t cry series by @padmedala. this series is so special to me, specifically the first installment. it was one of the first works i really read that focused on will’s queerness in other terms than his relationship with mike! there was so much queer joy & healing & growing up in this series, and it was really beautifully explored in a way that left me crying, but still unable to put my phone down. really, really wonderful, and criminally underrated. (categories: coming of age, season 4-5, queer joy, healing, romance, pining)

50 - 100k

- chiron in gemini by babydraygen. this was one of the first season 5 fics that i read, and i still think this is a REALLY interesting take on it. eddie’s alive, mike is kind of a dick, and the apocalypse is in hawkins, but everyone’s pretty chill about it. i think the characters here were so complex and interesting, and i was honestly hooked the whole time. (categories: season 5, coming of age, angst, getting together)

- there is a season by ghostlin. yet another s5 fix-it, mike-centric this time. really well written, great character development, and truly so much fun to read. to quote my original bookmark: this is, without a doubt, one of the best fics i’ve ever read. writing is impeccable, everything (EVERYTHING) is perfect, and i cherished every single word. this is my season 5. if you are reading this right now, stop and read this fic. yes, me too. read it again. (categories: s5, character development, slow burn, apocalypse, drama)

- i’ll find a new place to be from by @andiwriteordie . clearly i have a thing for s5 fics, but this was honestly so amazing!! i think about it a lot, and am definitely pulling inspo for my own eventual s5 fic (hopefully coming next year!) andi has written so many (and i mean SO. MANY) wonderful fics for this fandom, which is a gift in itself. but there’s nothing that i think about more than this one. (categories: s5, drama, will byers has powers, getting together)

100k +

- you are the heart by touchthesky. i spent months reading this one, chapter by chapter, as it uploaded, and i don’t regret it one bit. this was such an interesting, complex, and well-done take on season 5. there were some really shocking plot twists, gripping moments of turmoil, and satisfyingly resolved arcs for every single character. the action sequences are god-tier, the internal dialogue is fascinating, the worldbuilding is INCREDIBLE, and i honestly just cannot say enough good things about this fic. will probably be giving it another read soon! (categories: s5, angst, the full package, slow burn, will pov, intense worldbuilding, main character death)

again, there are SO many more—and yall are always welcome to search my bookmarks on ao3—but those are the ones i was thinking about today. here’s to more great fics in 2023!!🥳🥳

[sleepyfireball]

A Quiet Acceptance of Love | A Bridgerton Story

Chapter 7: Harmony

Fandom: Bridgerton (TV) Rating: Gen Pairing: Violet Bridgerton/Marcus Anderson Summary: Violet Bridgerton slowly but surely falls in love with Marcus Anderson. A character study of Violet Bridgerton in Season 3. Notes: Well, this is the end! Finally here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally have a completed story fully released. I really hope you guys all enjoyed the story and I love every one of you. Massive thanks to my duckies @lifesizehysteria and @cptn-nash for betaing this whole story and genuinely being the best support in this whole crazy journey. I never thought that fandom would bring me some of my closest friends, but I am so so thankful that it did. Chapter 6 Chapter 5 Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1 AO3

Francesca and John’s wedding was, in Violet’s opinion, perfect. They were so clearly comfortable with the small wedding, and with each other, it warmed Violet’s heart. Her doubts had vanished after her conversation with Francesca. She could appreciate that their love was a slow and sure one, rather than one that was explosive and quick. 

Violet smiled to Agatha during the ceremony, and when Agatha had smiled and nodded back, Violet felt her heart become a little more full. Her season had turned out better than she could have planned, with two children successfully gaining a true love match, her friendship with Agatha now stronger than ever, and her own ventures back into the romantic fray. 

Speaking of the romantic fray, her eyes slipped over to Lord Anderson, standing just behind Agatha, as he smiled softly at her. Violet dipped her head and smiled giddily, feeling her heart flutter, just a little, remembering the last time that she and Marcus had been in the drawing room together. She swallowed and hastily returned her gaze to the happy couple, pushing such thoughts from her mind.

As Agatha made her excuses to leave Violet alone with Lord Anderson, Violet felt her pulse quicken in her veins. She watched Agatha speaking to Hyacinth briefly, then heard Marcus’ voice speaking lowly in gentle conversation.

“It was a beautiful ceremony.” She turned her attention back to Lord Anderson, smiling at him as she nodded.

“I thought so,” she said. Lord Anderson smiled before he continued as if she had said nothing. 

“Second only to the beauty of its hostess,” he said, and Violet almost thought he may have rehearsed his words before he said them.

Violet laughed softly. “You flatter me.” She felt a flush rising as she swiftly took a drink from her glass, desperately trying to prevent herself blushing even more. How was it that she could look at him and have entirely impure thoughts, but the moment that he spoke to her, she turned into a blushing debutante once more?

“I am sincere.” Lord Anderson continued, still watching her even as she turned away briefly. “And sincere in wondering, if you would be so kind as to, uh…” He trailed off. Violet watched, smiling, as he uncharacteristically avoided her eye contact. She felt lonely without having his warm eyes watching her and she sought them out once more. “Save a dance for me at the next ball?”

Violet blinked. And blinked once more. Had he– Had he just asked her, Violet Bridgerton, to dance?

“Uh, wha-- The, uh… Uh… Dankworth-Finch Ball?” Violet’s words escaped her as she desperately tried to pull herself together enough to be able to answer his question. “I… Uh, well…” Violet cast about the room, laughing slightly, hoping she would find the words she wanted to say written in the curtains. “Yes.” Marcus chuckled and Violet’s heart skipped a beat. “Ye-- Uh, That… That would be most adequate.” Violet finished feebly. 

She took another sip of her drink as she exhaled, disappointed in herself for being reduced to stuttering. Again. She felt, rather than saw or heard, Marcus next to her as he also appeared to sigh in relief.

“Good. Very good.” He said as he huffed out a laugh, Violet hearing it as if from very far away. She heard her blood rushing in her ears and the tips of her ears pinked in embarrassment. As John clinked his glass and began his toast, Violet heard her own words to Francesca, from earlier that morning, repeating in her head. 

“You know, when I first met your father… I could barely speak my own name; I was so taken by him. I stumbled over words most familiar.” 

Had love really snuck up on her in such a way that she had not expected it, but welcomed it home with open arms anyway? Perhaps she understood Francesca’s own love better than she had thought. 

“So, instead, I shall offer a few humble words to your family, especially your mother.” John’s words pulled Violet from her thoughts. “Lady Bridgerton,” I really must remind him to call me Violet now, we are family. “I see your openness reflected in Benedict, your charm in Colin, your wisdom in Eloise, and a brightness you have instilled in both Gregory and Hyacinth.” 

Violet felt the blush warming her cheeks as she looked down, uncomfortable in the face of such brazen praise, especially from John, who always chose his words so carefully.

“In this moment, when I feel so much gratitude for my new wife,” John continued, “I feel it in equal measure for the remarkable woman who raised her.” Violet looked up to him, overcome, smiling softly as tears pricked the corners of her eyes. “I thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.” He finished, raising his glass for the toast.

Violet laughed gently as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She felt both Marcus and Eloise’s hands on her arms, taking comfort from them. She had certainly not intended to cry at another of her children’s weddings, but the emotions of the day, coupled with John’s heartfelt toast, had overwhelmed her.

Seeing her tears, John spoke up once more, smiling. “Ah. Forgive me. Tears were the last thing I meant to evoke.” As everyone chuckled, Violet breathed a sigh of relief as the attention moved from her.

“Hyacinth has been crying this entire time.” Gregory said, much to Hyacinth’s indignance.

“One day, you, too, will have a heart.” Hyacinth retorted and Violet could not keep the smile from her face in watching her two youngest bicker. At least, not everything would be changing by the end of the season.

“Mama, will you play a duet with me?” Francesca turned to Violet, a pleading smile on her face.

“Oh, heavens, when-- Now?” She chuckled awkwardly, torn between having one last moment to bond with the daughter that she was soon to be waving away or maintaining the last shred of her remaining dignity after being reduced to heartfelt tears. “I… Well, I am dreadfully out of practice.” She had not played the pianoforte since she and Edmund had played together, serenading the children. It had simply been too painful to play without him, but, perhaps, with her children, new memories could be formed.

“I believe the last time I nearly moved you to tears was when I first started playing.” Francesca said and Violet was no longer torn, deciding that whatever her mischievous child was about to do was worth it if it meant that she got to celebrate this time with her.

“She was not the only one. I wept in my room from the hideous chord combinations.” Eloise interrupted, prompting soft laughter from everyone and a gentle tap on the shoulder from Violet.

“Oh, haha.” Francesca dismissed her sister’s taunt, turning back to Violet and taking her hand, saying. “Thankfully, Mama did not abandon me.” Violet smiled, as Francesca continued. “And I shall not abandon you now.”

“Is that a threat?” Violet said laughingly, suddenly very nervous that Francesca would not simply let it go.

Francesca nodded wryly, and Violet chuckled softly, hearing Marcus echo her from where he stood beside her. Violet allowed herself to be dragged to the pianoforte, handing her champagne to Eloise. She felt her nervousness rise, and she took several deep breaths as she sat next to Francesca, who started their duet.

Under the watchful eye of her family and friends, Violet drew a little strength from Francesca, who had grown so much during the season. Violet could still scarcely believe that she was married, and would be leaving for Scotland all too soon. She laughed with Francesca as the chords clashed, releasing some of the nervous energy she felt, but, in following her lead, Violet found a harmony with her daughter.  Her words with her from the start of the season echoed in her head.

“When you play with another person, there is a certain vulnerability which can be quite frightening, I would imagine. But it is worth it, once you find that person with whom you make an unexpected harmony.”

Perhaps her words had applied to herself this season as well, not just with Francesca.

As Violet played her duet, she was overcome with the overwhelming love for her children that always threatened to spill out. She had always tried to steer her children in the right direction, but it appeared that Francesca had managed to steer her, too. Francesca’s insistence for her own happiness had warmed Violet’s heart, to know that her daughter felt comfortable enough to stand for what she believed in, but it also opened Violet’s eyes to a new perspective. Violet looked up and caught Marcus’ eye as she played. He smiled, oh so softly, and Violet felt her heart fall a little more in love.

***

As Violet entered the Dankworth-Finch Ball, leading her children, she took a steadying breath. Tamping down the nerves that constantly threatened to arise was proving difficult. However, when Violet’s eyes settled on Marcus, she felt her nerves suddenly calm and explode simultaneously. The butterflies in her stomach took flight and Violet swallowed, to ground herself. As he noticed her, he excused himself and walked over to her family.

“Lady Bridgerton.” Violet would never tire of hearing her name in the rich timbre of his voice. “May we take a turn about the room?” Marcus offered his arm to her. Violet swallowed once more, before taking his arm in her hand. The moment she touched him, felt the warmth of him through his coat, her nerves finally settled. It was not explosive and powerful as it had been with Edmund; it felt like coming home after a long time away. A different love, Violet supposed.

“I would like that.” Violet said softly, smiling. She could feel the eyes of her children, watching her, but, for tonight, she put her worries aside. Her children were bright enough to realise that she was being courted, especially if Benedict’s parting wink was anything to go by. Violet entered the ball as a partner and not just a mother for the first time in 12 years.

***

Penelope’s speech had both worried and impressed Violet. She was so proud that she had finally managed to find her voice after so long hiding herself underneath the voice of Whistledown. Violet, however, worried of how the ton would react, but, seeing the ball return to its festivities, she realised she need not worry so much. Her children were growing up and she had always counted Penelope in that number, ever since her yellow bonnet had blown Colin off of his bicycle.

Marcus turned to Violet, his voice low. “Did you know?” 

“That she was Lady Whistledown? Not until earlier this week. I received a letter, much like Her Majesty.” She turned to him, seeing a quiet look of amazement on his face.

“I am quite impressed, she seems like a very bright young woman.” Marcus said, looking over to see Colin speaking to Penelope.

“Indeed, she is. And, if I am not mistaken, Colin has finally realised just how lucky he is to have her.” Violet watched the pair as they began to move to the dance floor. She felt Marcus shift beside her and her attention turned to him, to see him offer his hand to her.

“May I have this dance?” Violet stood, for a moment. She knew he would ask, of course she knew, it was the primary cause of her nervousness tonight. But it had slipped her mind through the commotion with Penelope. She blinked, still staring at his hand. Before she realised it, she felt her hand in his, her attention focusing on the warmth spreading from his hand to hers. Her other hand rested on her stomach, as it always did, a shield between herself and the rest of the world. He led the way to the dance floor and Violet swallowed, pushing her nervousness down as best she could.

I have not danced in so long, what if I do not remember the steps? Surely people must be looking. A widow dancing with a widower, it is sure to -- Violet’s racing internal monologue was silenced by the feeling of Marcus’ thumb stroking over her hand reassuringly. He watched only her as they moved into position on the dance floor. He stepped in toward her, slightly closer than what was proper.

“I’ve got you.” He whispered to her. At his words, Violet felt herself relax slightly. She was not alone in this; every courtship took two people and she felt safe by his side. She had felt safe by his side for far longer than she was willing to admit. 

As the music began, Violet remembered the steps for their dance. It all came back to her surprisingly quickly. While it had been 12 years, she had coached all of her children through their dance lessons and it appeared Violet’s own dance lessons were still embedded in her memory. Glancing over to the other couples for a cue of the next steps, Violet felt Marcus take the lead. She focused on him. 

As they danced, she remembered the last time she had danced. With Edmund. She felt a wave of nostalgia and melancholy wash over her. In a perfect world, she would have been here with Edmund, dancing with him. However, he had passed on and Violet had made her peace with that. 

As she danced, she was brought back to the present, instead of lingering in her memories. She smiled softly as Marcus spun her under his arm. She could not deny that she was excited to explore whatever this would become with Marcus. As the memories of dancing with Edmund flooded her, she allowed them to come to her, but not to overwhelm her. She wanted to stay in the present, with Marcus, enjoying her first dance with him.

He took her in his arms, the closest that Violet had ever been to him. She felt him behind her, solid and sturdy; safe. The longer that she danced, the less the memories of Edmund overwhelmed her and she truly began to enjoy herself. Of all her deportment lessons, dancing had always been her favourite.

Violet beamed at Marcus, seeing him return her smile with one of his own. She realised that she had fallen in love with that smile the moment that it had graced his lips. She looked up to his eyes, to see them twinkling with happiness. She spun underneath him once more, unable to hide her own happiness shining through, and as she danced, she found that her heart was making room for this new love for Marcus alongside her own, ever enduring, love for Edmund.