#it's just not presented in a way one would think. he criticizes willful ignorance and people who shift the blame

[doromoni]

Take my Advice | MV1

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Ships : Max Verstappen x F1 Driver! Reader

Genre : Fluff

A/N : As per y’all request. A Max fic *tadaaaa*

Summary : Being a female driver in Formula 1 is already an achievement and now you are the leading candidate for the Red Bull seat. But Max Verstappen has some advice.

Masterlist

A question for Y/N please” A reporter stood with a mic in hand, staring you down — the condescension in his eyes was palpable. You could feel your skin crawl as you waited for the man’s question.

Darry? Larry? what was his name again? He was a reporter notorious for asking rude and borderline unethical questions to drivers. How did he continue to have access to F1, you could not answer. You were his favorite target just because you were born with the XX chromosome or that you were too glamorous and girly to be driving at the pinnacle of motorsport — his words exactly.

“People are speculating that you would be moving to Red Bull in 2025 or even earlier, however, you just placed P10 in the last race. How confident are you that you’d be promoted to that seat given your lack of consistency in driving so far? Shouldn’t you think Daniel Ricciardo’s a better option? ”

Barry? Sally? whatever his name was finished talking, yet his sticky gaze never left you.

The smile on your face slowly hardened as you tried to keep your cool. You felt your veins pulsate with rage and your jaw clenched with force. Your hand gripping the microphone that you held till it felt like snapping in half.

Everyone was speechless, including the other drivers that were with you. The people who were seated beside you had their mouths agape. The driver lineup was composed of You, Oscar, Lewis, and Nando, with Alex and Max by your side. Everyone could feel the intense tension in the air. The absolute ignorance and stupidity of his statement hung in on the air…

You were dominating the midfield given the car that RB had given you. You garnered points for your team consistently — only fucking up when your team fucked up their strategies. You were outperforming your teammate by miles and you were pulling miracles out of nothing in that car and in that team.

“Well Danny is a very talented driver and I respect him immensely. I truly do wish the best for him and the team, but it’s not my job to compare stats between us, no?“ You answered with a smile and nothing but praises left your mouth.

Mama said kindness and peace are what make life go around. You lived by this every single day of your life, no matter how difficult it may seem — a smile goes a long way. You chose to make peace and give way to others when opportunities presented itself. Rather catch flies with honey than vinegar right?

You were since then dubbed as the sunshine of Formula 1 — a title that you didn’t want … because it was another thing that you stole from Danny, at least that's what others think. Even when your path to your F1 seat had never been easy, every step you took was criticized just because of you being a girl, but you persevered and faced everything head-on. Through the midst of it all, you, Y/N L/N, were the driver who held smiles, kindness and cheers.

Y/N L/N the driver to always take the blow for the team, the scapegoat, you were always the 1st one to be the sacrifice. But still, you held your head up high and carried on… because it was an honor to have a seat in the first place.

“Let me just get some things straight” Lewis had taken to himself to talk seeing that Gary? Donny? seemed not willing to back down with the intent to make you react.

“Y/N has been nothing but consistent. Look at the charts properly” Lewis argued, his face holding concealed anger as he stared down the reporter

“Thank you for that Lewis, but I did check — Y/N has placed P5, P8, and P10 for the last consecutive races” The entire couch of drivers could only shake their heads in disbelief at the utter nonsense that the man continued to spout

You were driving a car that was projected to be at the back of the grid, yet here you are gaining points regularly. No offense to your teammate but you were dragging Danny through the mud — heck fellow drivers could bet their entire fortune that given a better car, you would be battling Max and Lando for the championship.

“Check again. Check your eyes too mate, cause it seems like you’re going blind” Gaps and oohs filled the room as Max, much to your surprise, butted with all seriousness in his voice.

Max was an enigma to you, the way he switches from a fire-breathing beast on the track to a literal cat-cuddling, sim-racing nerd and overall wholesome person once he finishes a race compelled you to explore and dig into the mind of Max Emilian Verstappen.

Yet you couldn’t because he was untouchable. The golden boy of Red Bull, the champion, their number 1. They would kill you if you got your business entangled with the Dutch driver. Fuck with him and you could kiss your chances at a seat in Red Bull goodbye. Unfortunately for you, you just had to have a big fat crush on the very same driver.

You weren’t even sure when your admiration for Max’s tenacity and sheer talent on the track turned into you looking at the Dutch with hearty eyes and wondering how he would taste on your lips. Maybe he would taste like the Red Bull he always seemed to drink or was it him tasting entirely of something else….. Oh, you were doing it again! Yup, you were indeed doomed.

Everyone on your team said to keep your distance and you did! Not that it was hard because Max did the same. It was weird he was always friendly to Daniel and Checo and even the other RB and Red Bull staff, but Max had this certain “coolness” when interacting with you. He was never rude or anything like that… Max just seemed guarded. Fuck! why did it have to be Max?!

“Y/N, anything to add?” the present hit you quick and fast — and that present was every pair of eyes in the room zoning in on you and your next statement.

You had so much to say and yet you presented the pr smile you practiced way too much, the smile the mirror in your driver's room knew too well. And with that same practiced smile, you stared down the reporter and uttered “Nope, nothing else from me. Thanks”

You swore you could hear Max scoff silently. Your head snapped to the Red Bull driver beside you instantly. You didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t Max directly looking back at you with those piercing blue eyes and an eyebrow cocked upwards.

It seemed that you forgot how to blink because you just stared right into his gaze, your heart accelerating by the second — you had the same feeling you had at every start of a race; the adrenaline pumping in your veins, but instead of pushing your foot on the gas… you wanted to push your lips to his. WOAH. You needed to get a grip on yourself! Where the hell did that even come from?

Neither the two of you were backing down, only breaking eye contact when another reporter asked a question to Max. But before Max had answered, you saw him lightly shake his head sheepishly as the words “so fucking cute” whispered out of his mouth.

***

You were so fucking gutted. It was another race that your team had screwed you over for your teammate once again.

You were leading and you had clean air in front of you and your teammate was 5 seconds behind, everything was in place and you were in P10 when you suddenly heard from the radio to let Daniel overtake you.

You loved Danny, but that was so unfair! You tried to argue over the radio yet your appeals are once again disregarded by the team. You followed team orders and thought that this was for the long run that this would show that you were a team player and that you would be an asset as Max’s teammate in the future.

Yet no matter how much you tried to cheer yourself up or make excuses for the team, the anger and betrayal never dissipated.

You were dragging your feet towards your motorhome when suddenly you were pulled into the dark alley between your motorhome and McLaren’s hiding the two of you between used race tyres.

A shout was ready to leave your mouth when the person’s hand stopped you from doing so.

“It’s me, Max! Don’t shout” Max whispered as his eyes darted to see if anyone was looking.

The space between the motorhome wasn’t that spacious, so Max had you pushed into the wall. You could feel the heat radiating between the two of you, the taste of sticky champagne on Max’s hands transferring onto your lips.

The initial shock and Max’s closeness made you breathless and your mind spinning. What the hell is happening? Max slowly peeled his hand away from your lips.

“What the hell Max? You scared the shit out of me!” You wheezed as you breathed deeply, trying to steady your shakiness.

“There’s a difference between being nice and being a pushover. You can’t just bow down to every command your team gives you” Max had suddenly sprung on you. Your brain was reeling trying to comprehend what was happening.

“Max. I- uh… what?” only incomprehensible words fell out of your mouth.

Max held your shoulders as he bent down, his face now leveling yours. Max's face held all seriousness as his eyes, his eyes still shone with fire behind them even with the darkness that enveloped the two of you.

“Take my advice L/N, fight back and do what you want.” As Max said those last words — he was gone.

The only indication that told you that everything that happened was real was the Winner’s champagne tasting so sweet and tangy on your lips … the same champagne Max’s hand left.

***

“I chose Y/N” Max announced to the host and crew who were on the set. Everybody was shocked at the Dutch’s choice.

Red Bull and RB are filming another media junket for the fans to enjoy and everything was running normally till Max chose you as his teammate. Everyone, including you, was expecting him to pick Daniel when the staff said to choose your teammate from the other racing team.

“Aww! Max you’ve betrayed our years of friendship” Danny acted hurt as he held onto his heart, earning chuckles from everyone— which effectively diffused the atmosphere.

You smiled and rolled your eyes at your teammate’s antics. You made your way to Max’s side, careful not to be too close or too far for fans to overanalyze.

The distance between you and Max was at least 2 feet when he took it upon himself to step nearer towards you and smile his charming smile at you when you looked up at him quizzically.

Your heart was thundering in your chest, but your curiosity won over your nerves. What is going on with Max this couple of races? He had been very attentive and approachable towards you all of a sudden. Opening doors for you delivering water bottles, and giving your favorite snacks during media shoots and lots more. Not that you were complaining!

You couldn’t help yourself but ask the driver what was going on. You surveyed the room and found that everyone was focused on Checo and Danny.

You lifted your hand and discretely tugged on Max's shirt to gain his attention. And it worked as he found himself looking down into your eyes with curiosity.

“What is it Y/N?” Max asked lowly trying not to get everyone else to look at the two of you.

“What’s up with you recently?” You whispered back.

Max’s brows slightly crunched together.

“What do you mean?” He asked confused

“ I mean, you’re being so nice and attentive to me.” As the words spilled put your mouth, you realized just how stupid the question was. It was just Max being a decent person, right??

Max only chuckled and bent down to your ears, his lips ghosting the shell of it, sending goosebumps all over your body

“I’m just taking my advice Y/N. I’m doing what I want to do… team rules be damned”

***

Knocks echoed through your hotel room as you heard Max call for you to open the door.

You opened the door to a disheveled Max.

“Max?” you called out to the driver who pushed himself into your room and sat on your bed.

Ever since that day of the Media junket, you and Max grew closer together. You got to know Max than what was on the surface and you two quickly grew a bond that was more than just friendship.

The tension was there yet neither the two of you were acting on it. From his lingering touches that drove you crazy and the flirting disguised as banter you exchange on the daily— frustrating as it may seem, you loved every second of it.

You joined Max in your bed, you sat beside him and took his hand in your own. Your entwined fingers looked so unusual yet right together, it made you smile.

You feel Max tug on your hand trying to catch your attention. You looked up at him with a questioning stare

“They’re switching Checo and Daniel next season… they dropped you out of the roster” Max spoke carefully.

The smile on your face dropped instantly, as his words ran through your mind. Your face is painted white from disbelief.

They choose Daniel over you?

“What?” You whispered, the hurt and confusion evident in your face.

“You deserve to know before they announce it to everyone… you don’t deserve to be humiliated”

You were speechless. Tears didn’t even come pouring down … you were just in shock. You thought that the Red Bull seat was your, done deal. You’re so far away in the points from your teammate. Your driving was close to flawless … so why?!

You couldn’t even say anything. You just felt Max pull you into his embrace.

“If what I’ve heard from Mercedes is true, take it. Screw loyalty, that team failed you in every way. You deserve so much better”

***

“Y/N, final lap. Verstappen is 2 seconds behind, push the car. I repeat push the car” You hear Vince, your race engineer over the radio.

“With pleasure” you felt yourself smile. The excitement mixed with adrenaline pumping in your veins as you floored your Mercedes, driving the car to its maximum

Everything was a blur, you were on autopilot as you made every turn perfectly. As the past events that led to this moment played in your mind.

How you took Max’s advice and moved to Mercedes. You remember the relief when you penned your signature down on that contract as Toto was smiling wide at you, shaking your hand firmly as he welcomed you to his family.

You remember the feeling of sharing your first-ever podium with Max and him being so proud of you and what you’ve done so far. You were still in that scap RB car and this podium was the final “fuck you” to them, before you announce you switching teams. The self-doubt in your heart is being washed away by the sweet champagne that Max sprayed all over you. You knew you made the right choice.

And you couldn’t forget how Max had been with you when you finally dropped the bomb on RB and Red Bull. He had been through with you with every step.

And here you are now, chasing your first win in Formula 1 with the team capable to give you a winning car. You see the chequered flag waving and you hear the crowd roar as you finally cross the line

“Y/N L/N YOU ARE A GRAND PRIX WINNER!” You hear Toto over the radio and your team is cheering in the background.

“YES! YES! THANK YOU EVERYONE! WE DID IT” You shouted back as you parked your car on Parc Ferme.

you stepped out of the car you ran to the waiting arms of your team as they cheered and congratulated you continuously. When you finally to Vince who smiled so wide as he patted your helmet; his smile grew even wider as he looked behind you.

“Remove your helmet and balaclava.” He said as he offered his hand saying to give it to him. You looked at him confused but did as he said.

“Turn around” He shouted with glee as you heard everyone starting to cheer louder.

You did turn around and there stood Max Verstappen with a bouquet at hand, a smile on his face as his arms were opened wide.

Your jaw dropped and your hand covered your mouth in shock. The entire world was watching yet neither of you cared as you ran into Max's arms. You buried your face in his chest as his arm enveloped you.

“Hi boyfriend” You greeted the Red Bull driver with a grin

“Does Toto know?” Max asked as he looked at your team principal and mechanics that were shocked at what they were seeing.

“Well thanks to you EVERYONE now knows. Your not really slick there buddy” You giggled at the Red Bull driver’s antics.

Max kissed the side of your head before mumbling into your hair “ Well gotta let everyone know you’re mine . Congratulations on the win, Schat! I told you you’ll win ~ I could feel it”

You feel yourself chuckle and shake your head. You gazed up at the Dutch driver.

“Shut up and kiss me you dork” You whispered to Max, a gleam in your eye that he sure noticed.

“Yes, Ma’am” Max’s lips finally met yours in a sweet and passionate kiss — you knew what Max tasted like and you wouldn’t mind having another taste. Everything was just perfect and you would not exchange it for anything in the world.

“I always wondered what you tasted like” You said when you pulled apart. Your hand ran through his hair, something you wanted to do for ages.

“Really? What do I taste like?” Max asked clearly amused. His hand on your lower back now guiding the two of you to be interviewed.

“Sweat” You joked, and he only rolled his eyes and kissed you once more.

***

“ A question for Y/N please” You internally groaned and rolled your eyes as you heard his voice once again. This man was an actual menace.

“Yes, Hillary?” You said into the mic, a sickeningly sweet smile on your lips as you stared him down.

“It’s Harry” He corrected you.

“Oops, sorry Larry! please continue” You hear your fellow drivers snicker and hide laughs beside you.

It was like full circle, the same set of drivers in the interview — sat in the same positions yet now you were driving for Mercedes, clad in black instead of RB’s white race suit.

“Do you think Max let you win during the last race? He does fancy you.” You hear yourself laugh and you aren’t afraid to let others see. You’re no longer holding back for the sake of your team.

“I don’t know, Barry. I don’t know if you watched the race, but if you did might have seen that I already led the race at turn 1 till the final lap. no? And I sure do hope that he fancies me, considering he is my boyfriend afterall” You replied and couldn’t help yourself as you shot him a wink.

“You’re very confident, now that you’re in Mercedes. Huh?” Ohhh he was seething, if this were a cartoon he would have smoke coming out of his ears.

“ Yeah, I’m getting comfortable in my seat, thanks for asking. I’m only getting started” You said with a shit-eating grin.

To your left, you hear Max utter the words “ That’s my girl” proudly.

A/N ++ : I don’t know what to feel about my writing here tbh~ My brain is fried 🙃

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Maintaglist : @myescapefromthislife @peterholland04 @charlottef1 @fangirl125reader @mel164 @gnarlycore @chloelovesln4 @vickykazuya @merchelsea @ln4author @qzmef @nxk1309 @styl1shl1v : open for tag request

[blanceyblance]

A study on Lance's underrated role on the team. Pt 2

Or, the Team Mom Lance Agenda

We are in part two where we continue the analysis of Lance's relationship with Keith

Keith pt 2

We ended the last part with the observation of two times where Lance used calm voice to calm Keith.

At thos point in their interactions is fair ro say that while Keith does get annoyed at Lance and can snap at him. He does show he has confidence in Lance's capabilities to the point he choses him to lead the team to safety when he is gone (even with Shiro and Krolia present)

And while Lance does protest (as he usually does when Keith goes on his own)

He does lead them just as Keith asked.

He can also easily criticize or ignore Keith's orders in less serious situations and Keith and the team will let him, like when he decided who goes with who on their space roadtrip.

Later in the episode we are shown that Kaltenecker is still traveling in Black.

Even when Coran complains about it, they still go on with Lance's plan (until everyone gets fed up with their travel partners)

And again Lance's protectiveness of the team also apply to Keith. He is the first one to say something to Lahn when he was speaking badly of Keith's heritage.

It is noticeable that Lance will quickly jump to the defense of a teammate or ally if he thinks they are being treated unfairly.

And of course, he covers Keith's back of blind spots he is not able to see on time.

Keith has such trust in Lance watching his back that is something he mentions in his speech to him in s8.

Speaking of the speech. Keith seems to be the only paladin Lance actively searches for when he is down.

Showing that the trust and support does go both ways.

Allura

With Allura we have a similar case, when her relationship with Lance truly begins to change after the Lion Switch.

Lance goes onto gracefully lend Allura Blue's bayard and, even when it's clear he loves Blue he is happy that he lost her to Allura.

He is usually very supportive of her when she starts piloting Blue. Being one of the reasons Lance follows Keith to stop chasing Lotor and is quick to reassure her and be proud of her accomplisments.

When he goes to talk to Keith, he mentions that he doesn't want to take Blue from Allura because of how fast she is progressing and how much potential she has.

No matter how much Lance loves Blue or being a Paladin, if Allura is better for the team then he is willing to step aside.

Other than that he also becomes a moral and emotional support for her. From small things like pick her up for a meeting and reassuring her no one expects her to memorize everything.

To actually supporting her when she has disagreements or is doubting herself. I want to talk about that more extensively in next part but again, the pic limit is a pain.

So let's close this mentioning that Allura's safety is no joke to Lance. He has a tendency to use himself as a shield to protect other teammates but it is heavily implied that he even dies protecting Allura.

Lance will readily put Allura's safety over his without thinking.

This also got to be a bit long, but like I said, Allura and Keith's sections would be the longest of all.

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]

[fire-fira]

I am not sure how much you are into analysis but I want to ask. Do you think raph isn’t as good of a fighter compared to his brothers? because I have a feeling either he’s holding back when sparring with them over fear of harming them or he’s not as good as them.

Anon, you just made my day because this gives me an excuse to nerd out at length. (Though apologies that it took me so long to get this fully written out and posted.)

Disclaimer before I launch into it in full: to fairly compare Raph to his brothers I'm going to do a brief run-down of the three of them before breaking into the full details on him. A lot of this is built on extrapolation from details in various canons and at times might edge toward headcanon territory, though I'll be trying to stick with what's actually present.

With that out of the way--

Comparing Raph to His Brothers

So to start with, I can only fairly do this deep-dive by briefly touching on each of his brothers before getting to Raph himself. I'll say upfront that I think it's less a question of which one is the "best fighter" and more that they're each different types of fighters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses and which might land any of them in the position of "the best" depending on the circumstances.

Leo

Strengths: This is an extrapolation based on various iterations (2003, 2007, 2012, 2014/2016, ROTTMNT, 2023, Batman vs. TMNT, and a little bit of the IDW comics), but Leo strikes me as a tactician-- as the guy who can extrapolate to fifteen different possibilities for the outcome of a fight and fifteen steps ahead of everyone else on each of those possibilities. At his best he knows how to play to his brothers' strengths, put them where needed, and let them go to do their own thing. He's also persistent and willing to put himself through his paces over and over again until he 'perfects' what he wants to learn how to do. As a "traditional" (romanticized) example of a warrior, he is the golden boy of the family. Rise Leo might be a little less likely to get every step 'just so,' but most iterations of him aim to be as flawless as possible in terms of his combat skills. In his ideal world, he will never have a misplaced swing of a sword or inflict any damage he doesn't intend to. That depth of knowledge and highly-trained skill can be damned terrifying for his enemies if it's taken to its fullest extreme.

Weaknesses: His perfectionism and desire to get things 'just right' is a double-edged sword. In the 2003 series it got wrapped up in his PTSD and the need to never make a critical mistake again (which... didn't work out well for him-- hi, shades of Raph at his worst); in the 2007 movie it led him to think his efforts to learn how to be a better leader weren't "good enough" and kept him away from home for two years; in the 2012 series it led him to ignore critical injuries and try to bully himself into being 'better' (when realistically what he did during the farmhouse arc probably would have permanently destroyed one of his knees); in the 2014/2016 movies it led him to temporarily damage his relationship with his brothers by spilling over the worst of his internal perfectionistic vitriol onto them; and in Rise it at times has turned him into a showoff who'll act without letting the others in on his plan (which can backfire horrendously in a worst-case scenario) because if he does it without telling others what he's going to do, then he gets bragging rights if it works out like he planned. Underlying all this is what could turn into an unmanageable case of anxiety depending on the version of Leo and how personally stable he is, as well as how susceptible he is to ruminating over where he feels he went wrong. To say nothing of how many versions of Leo have a GIANT self-sacrificing streak when it comes to their families. Under the right circumstances-- and if someone really intended to make it hurt-- they could easily play all that against Leo and get him to freeze due to overthinking. (Though getting him to that level would take an extreme case and some severe emotional damage to weaponize his guilt.)

Speed: OKAY. Here's where things get a little more cut-and-dried in my opinion-- if a fight is down to just speed anyway. Leo might be pretty neck-in-neck with Raph in terms of speed, maybe just a touch faster due to (generally) being more lean-built than Raph. Leo's not a tank; yes he can fight in close quarters or mid-range and hold his own, but if he can then he tends to be 'slippery' about it. He's not going to batter away at an enemy if he can spin out of range before darting back in and dodging whatever hits he can. If it's just a matter of speed without any other factors involved, then there's a good chance Leo will win in a fight against Raph. If it's a question of strength and endurance though... Well, I'll expand further on that when I get to Raph.

Adaptability: This is something that is absolutely dependent on which version of Leo we're talking about and how hung up that version is on his plans without taking the general chaos of life into account. 2012 and 2014/2016 Leo both are guilty of getting so hung up on the idea that their approach to a combat situation is the right way that they fail to plan for the fact that their brothers' ways of doing things isn't their way of doing things. Which blows up in their faces spectacularly sometimes. IF it's a version of Leo who's more likely to fail to take into account his brothers' differing styles, then Raph might easily play that against him and deliberately do things Leo would find unpredictable (though probably not as much as Mikey, lbr). For versions of him that are better about knowing that his own approach isn't the only/'best' approach, then Leo would be better able to roll with whatever Raph throws his way, within reason.

Combat Style/Approach: Mid-to-close-range, tactician, and definitely NOT a grappler. Yes, his skills and training have him moving with muscle memory when he needs to, but even so, there's a split-second awareness of what his opponent(s) could do and instinctively reacting based on what he's met with. A lot of that means he has to be free to move and avoid getting held in place, or things might go bad quickly.

Donnie

Strengths: No matter which iteration of Donnie you're talking about, you're generally talking about an engineer who's able and willing to casually heft up and carry around a car engine with his bare hands. And considering (with a quick google search) it looks like the average car engine weighs anywhere between 300 to 700 pounds, that alone is proof enough that no one in their right mind would ever want to be punched by Donnie. And considering there are instances where he's able to temporarily support the weight of himself and his brothers (a couple of scenes in the 2003 series are what immediately come to my mind, but that's just my favorite iteration showing itself) it's proof that he has that strength not just in his arms. To give you an idea of just how much weight that implies he can lift, here's a size and weight comparison of some of the largest turtle species currently living.*

Notice anything? Like how... Oh... I dunno... a 4-foot-long Loggerhead sea turtle can weigh up to 400 pounds? Or a 3-foot-long Leatherback sea turtle can weigh 550 pounds on the light end? (Note: this is not meant to be snarky or condescending, just a simple statement of fact that all signs point to these boys are fucking HEAVY.) And that huge amount of weight relative to their body size seems to be pretty consistent among turtle species from what I've seen with my digging around. Which logically implies that the same holds true for these boys, and if we play fast-and-loose with the idea that we can roughly translate length to height... well... For general weight of the boys, I tend to assume at least 200 pounds, at least for those under and up to about 5-foot-tall. For the 2014/2016 set I might even suggest somewhere between 400-500 pounds-- but roughly comparing weight to size with that table of large turtle species, I'm probably severely underestimating their weight all across the board. Being generous, hypothetically saying all four of the 2003 turtles are about 240, that then means there are moments in the 2003 series where Donnie is temporarily lifting around 960 pounds, including himself. AND THAT MIGHT BE A SEVERE UNDERESTIMATION. Terrifying, right? So yes, Donnie is unquestionably strong as hell and maintains that strength by working on his various projects, and a full-force hit from him would land someone in a hospital-- if they're lucky. The other main thing working for him is that he's a tech genius. No, he's typically not as rigid or disciplined in his training as Leo is, but if he has access to tech and distance then he has a whole host of weapons and traps he can bring to the party (something which Rise Donnie excels at in spades). Raph's a much more physical direct-confrontation fighter, but Donnie has the capacity to turn entire environments against his enemies, depending on the means he has at his disposal.

Weaknesses: For better or worse, Donnie's primary personal strength-- the one he leans on above all else-- is his intellect and being able to puzzle things out. And again, he's an engineer: yes he can lift and move that terrifying amount of weight, but he's usually not doing it at speed. (Because let's be real, moving heavy and potentially very breakable machinery is not something you want to do quickly when you want to be able to use or repurpose said machinery.) He's not a slouch when it comes to his ninjutsu training, but there's a reason why the concept of Donnie pulling the 'I'm too busy to train right now' is a widespread fandom concept. It doesn't necessarily mean that he's not 'as good of a ninja', but more that he's not a 'traditional' ninja and has had to adapt things to his preferred methods. Yes he has a lot of physical strength, but he prefers to keep a distance from his opponent(s) if possible. Doing so, having that distance, gives him more time to plan and respond-- because unlike Leo, a lot of iterations of Donnie don't have that ingrained ability to read the possible actions their opponent(s) might take and respond on a dime (or at least not to the same level). Raph's tendency to brute force things-- something which Donnie technically could do but clearly does not like to-- might be somewhat unpredictable for him, especially because that puts Raph in close and doesn't give Donnie as much time to respond as he would like. All that said, Donnie could technically win a fight against Raph without his tech if he pretty much said to hell with fighting and decided to do an imitation of an octopus. At the very least he could probably hold him in one place if he was quick enough and managed to get Raph's arms pinned. And somehow kept him from walking. (It wouldn't be a dignified win, but it might still technically be a win.)

Speed: I'm gonna be honest, I do not think speed is on Donnie's side in comparison to his brothers. If he really makes an effort (rather than just going his own route and pursuing his interests) he'd probably be able to keep up with the others going at full tilt for a little while, but he'd probably tire out first. A lot of the work he does due to his areas of expertise is fairly sedentary, and frequently he needs to move with slow and deliberate precision. There's a lot of fine muscle control involved in that kind of work (especially if it involves maneuvering something heavy), but being able to consistently do that doesn't automatically translate to being able to do something similar at high speed. But that's okay, because if he has the distance and varied means of attack he needs, then he doesn't have to worry about keeping up with his brothers for an extended period of time-- it just has to be long enough.

Adaptability: If it involves tech or computer systems, Donnie's ability to adapt to a situation is unparalleled. Give him unrestrained access to an unfamiliar and shiny (and incredibly pervasive) system and he'll be able to make it seem like a tech apocalypse is targeting one specific person if he wants to. If it's a head-to-head physical fight though, it really depends on how desperate he is or how much breathing room he has (or both). If he's frazzled and panicky then there's the possibility he'll miss several opportunities or potential tools and, in a worst-case scenario, he might freeze. (An extreme example of this is how Rise Donnie gave up fighting the crab men when his tech failed, after all his brothers had already failed in that fight.) If he has time and space to think then he's practically unstoppable, but if he doesn't have that breathing room then chances are things won't end well for him.

Combat Style/Approach: Distance fighter, brain-over-brawn, could be a grappler if necessary but uncomfortable enough with it that it might work against him, might as well dub him a 'trap master' for the little surprises he might leave in his wake if he's feeling spiteful. He's a schemer, but not a chess master.

Mikey

Strengths: If there's one thing that can be said for Mikey it's the fact that most versions of him are innately gifted at picking up kinesthetic knowledge, to say nothing of the fact that he tends to be the most spiritually gifted of the brothers. In fact in several series (2003 and 2012 off the top of my head, though I'm certain it may have popped up in others) it's briefly mentioned that if Mikey really buttoned down and was completely serious about his ninja skills he would outclass Leo-- which means that he can naturally slide into the level of skill Leo has worked for years to achieve without even really thinking about it. If he wants to. And most of the time he doesn't want to. (Too much responsibility being that serious, so who can blame him?) However, his not constantly going at the equivalent of Level 99 in a videogame in fights isn't necessarily a detriment to him, because he has other ways to stay true to himself while giving himself an edge. Like being annoying on purpose. And knowing how to aggravate the hell out of his opponents until he tricks them into getting sloppy. Until he tricks them into giving him easy openings they should REALLY know better than to give him-- and would if he hadn't deliberately torn their nerves to shreds. If it's not obvious, I'm saying versions of Mikey like to play mind-games, and if they really want to they can be vicious about it and make it HURT. (Though again, most versions of Mikey are more invested in goofing off and playing around than being outright vicious or serious.) The point is, if he finds a mental opening that sticks, then how invested he is in winning the fight will dictate how serious he is about exploiting that weakness. To say nothing about how creative he can get when he really wants to be.

Weaknesses: The downfall of a lot of Mikeys is how distractable a lot of them can be. (I won't say this is a universal fact because I'm a big fan of there being variation among different realities, but a lot of Mikeys definitely being ADHD doesn't help. How well said version is able to compensate probably also varies.) So depending on the circumstances and the environment, Raph might be able to play that distractibility against him. (Buuuut that would require Raph to play mind-games, and most Raphs aren't the 'mind-game' type.) Plus, for better or worse, it takes a LOT to get most versions of Mikey to the point where he's ready to say 'Fuck everything' and throw everything he can into ending a fight right that second.

Speed: Mikey is, in my honest opinion (and based off most of the series and movies I've seen), the fastest of the brothers-- bar none. Which means if he tore off at full speed with the intention of skipping a fight entirely and just making Raph chase him, Raph probably would never catch him. Until after he wears down anyway. But if he zipped off and found a good enough hiding spot, then he could probably avoid Raph for a while. In a fight, because of his speed, there's a good chance that Mikey might be able to get in more hits than Raph, but that comes with the risk of getting in close to Raph-- and that can easily work against him in very short order.

Adaptability: Mikey's adaptability is through the roof. Most versions of Mikey, you can throw damn near anything their way and they'll roll with it in such a way that they land on their feet while their brothers are still scrambling for stable footing. There's also the fact that he's a very lateral thinker and able to apply concepts from seemingly unrelated sources to scenarios many others wouldn't even think to combine-- and he does so to his advantage. So yeeeeeeaaaaahhhhh, given enough room and space to work with (and not panicking), then there's a good chance Mikey's going to catch Raph off guard with something he'd never expect.

Combat Style/Approach: Close range, flighty, dart in-range to hit and then dart back out of range, mind-games and making his opponents angry to the point of getting sloppy seems to be his preferred tactic. He could be the most terrifying to go up against in a fight if he went absolutely stone serious, but 99.9999% of the time he does not want to and would much rather slip in some fun where he can. (If you don't believe me on that last point, consider that in the 2003 series I'm reasonably sure he has the highest body count of all the brothers, in the 2012 series he killed a kraang and wore the dude's skin on his head multiple times, and in Rise ALL of Dr. Delicate Touch and the frothing maniacal rage he has when angry. 'Nuff said.)

Raph

And here we come to the turtle in question himself, Raph. Hamato Raphael, Raphael Splinterson, Raphie-boy, take your pick.

Strengths: Raph is a TANK. Barring '87, this boy in most iterations pretty much makes it his mission in life to be the strongest of him and his brothers. He's also stubborn as hell and WILL NOT give in if he thinks it's important to stand his ground. Which means he can and will hold his ground and dig in long past when his brothers each have to retreat or fold; he can take the hits they can't and come out the other side still kicking. And what's more, if he feels the need to and is able to get up and be mobile, then he WILL hunt you down for as long as it takes and damned near nothing will stop him-- he is that. damned. STUBBORN. Let's be real, that combination is terrifying. Of course, naturally, this brings up questions of just how physically strong he is. I pointed out up in Donnie's section that Donnie is ridiculously strong, but just how strong is Raph? To answer that question, the infamous scene from 2007:

Just how much psi does it take to snap a katana? WELL, it turns out that finding out that information is really difficult (at least when I was nosing around and trying to find out). When I was doing my initial searching I found a video on facebook examining an anime scene (at the time-- back in September-- it was literally the only thing that remotely came close to answering my question that popped up) that claimed it would take at least 20,000 psi. Being that the person who posted that video didn't include any sources for reference, I'd take it with a grain of salt (especially since despite my best efforts I'm having a hard time finding that video again), but still. If-- for the sake of argument-- we assume that the 20,000 psi measurement is accurate for what it would take to snap a katana, that would mean that our boy Raph is capable of exerting that much force with each hand. And not just a brief spike of getting there either. No, for him to be capable of the force in that 2007 scene (again, assuming the number is accurate) then he has to maintain that force for longer than a second or two.

I don't know about you, but that makes this scene just that much more dangerous and intense in my eyes. It's not just that Raph could have killed Leo by stabbing him; it's also the implication that he could have easily torn Leo apart with his bare hands if he wanted to. So yeeeeeaaaahhhh, if Raph is able to get his hands on any of his brothers and is able to hold on, they're probably toast.

Weaknesses: Whoo boy. In most iterations, point blank, his biggest weakness is his temper. If he gets set off too thoroughly or if someone knows how to play it against him, his temper can make him get sloppy and lead to his defeat-- regardless of how ridiculously strong he is. It also means that, unless it's a version of him who has worked his ass off to keep himself in check, there's a good possibility that he might wind up doing things he'll regret when he's angry (and if someone really wants to twist the knife they can play that guilt and self-blame against him). If you go by 2003 and 2012 there's also his bug-phobia which can be played against him. (Even though 2003 Raph covers it with 'KILL IT WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE'.) If you go by Rise, then you DO NOT. EVER. WANT THAT BOY TO BE ALONE. And on a much more brutal note, going back to his stubbornness which is also one of his strengths

...there's a good chance that this boy might try to push himself past the breaking point if he feels it's necessary.

Speed: I've said before that I think Raph is pretty neck-in-neck with Leo when it comes to how fast he is, Mikey has them both beat in the speed department hands down, and Donnie is most likely to be the slowest moving of the four of them. If Leo has to deal with heavy weights while trying to move at speed however, Raph will have him outclassed due to having more practice in that department. For Raph to have a hope of keeping up with Mikey going full tilt in running away, Mikey would have to be carrying enough to weigh him down considerably. And while Donnie might stand a chance in trying to grapple with Raph, Raph having more experience in moving heavy weights at speed would probably mean Donnie would be better off trying to glom onto Raph like an octopus rather than outright grappling. So Raph's not the fastest, but he's not a slouch either.

Adaptability: As much as I love my boy, Raph is a tank, he's bruiser, he's a bulldozer who freely makes use of sharp and pointy things he can use to stab people with. Adaptability-- barring variation between sneaking in and out versus barreling in as loudly as possible to cause mayhem and destruction as a distraction-- is generally not in his wheelhouse. Given time and learning how to play mind games (and I don't doubt that an adult Raph could pick up and use the skill when he needs to) he'd probably become more flexible, but with where he's portrayed to be at in most iterations he hasn't gotten there yet.

Combat style/approach: Close-range, grappler, brawler, TANK. He WILL hold the line, he WILL dig in and hold his ground, he WILL be the wall and PROTECT with everything he has if he has to. He's also not above being outright brutally destructive when he feels it's warranted. And that "when he feels it's warranted" is key.

Details that affect the outcome:

Raph has a protective streak 500 miles wide. A lot of iterations try to be the wall for his family, the last line of defense when needed. He would sooner see himself hurt than anyone he cares about.

And it's not just his brothers, father, April, Casey, anyone-he-considers-family that he's protective of either.

Seriously, if someone pushes the protective button on this boy and his sense of right and wrong kicks in, he WILL get involved.

Raph cares and feels deeply; to him, family is everything.

You

have

NO IDEA

how much

this boy

LOVES

HIS FAMILY

or how much he'd tear himself up if he ever seriously hurt any of them. So the chances of him ever actually going all-out against any of his brothers is slim. (And the few instances in various iterations where he's come close it's seriously screwed him up emotionally every time. Like 2003 and the pipe incident, 2007 and the after effects of his fight with Leo, the implied guilt Rise had after he snapped back to his senses after reuniting with his brothers after he'd been alone, etc.) He might fight with his brothers, he might disagree with them from time to time, but overall he comes off as someone who firmly believes you don't ever deliberately hurt someone you should care about if you can help it. Which is backed up by instances of him panicking in various iterations where his decisions might result in his family's deaths, as well as the fact that he only really turns on any of them (think SAINW) if they cross the line of not being there for each other like he feels they should be. Some iterations might threaten to run off a lot, but he never will without a damned good reason because he loves his family too much to ever want to do that to them.

Final Assessments

Raph vs Leo: If it's in close and is just down to strength-- Raph wins. If Leo has the time he needs to scheme and play Raph the way he needs to-- Leo wins.

Raph vs Donnie: If it's in close-- Raph wins unless Donnie pulls off an imitation of an octopus and gets all of Raph's limbs pinned and holds on for dear life. If Donnie has the distance, time to scheme, and the means to set traps to his heart's content-- plus tranqs, no one wins against tranqs-- Donnie wins.

Raph vs Mikey: If Raph can get his hands on Mikey and keep him in one place-- Raph wins. If Mikey plays Raph like a fiddle with his mind games and stays out of reach-- Mikey wins.

Raph vs the three of them together: Well shit, that'd be a losing proposition under the best circumstances unless the goal was to try to out-stubborn them at something. 10/10 if he had to, Raph would keep dragging himself along even if all three of his brothers were hanging on to him to try to keep him from reaching his goal. (And if Raph hasn't exploited that fact during some wild-as-shit game of theirs, then Casey Jones is the queen of England.)

Raph vs his guilt if he actually seriously hurt them: Instantaneous loss that Raph would probably have a hard time ever forgiving himself for.

So do I think Raph is as good a fighter as his brothers? Yes.

Do I think he's holding back so he doesn't hurt them? Also yes.

Do I think anyone he went up against if he didn't hold back would be thoroughly screwed? Emphatically YES.

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

*The site I got the turtle size table in Donnie's section is [here], if anyone wants further details on sea turtles.

[mask-of-sanity]

Wicked Games

Will 'Ironhead' Miller x Female OC

Summary: Sabine is turning thirty this year. She's not thrilled. She works in IT, her central heating is broken and she hates how her life is turning out. That is, until she meets Will Miller and finds her life slowly, finally falling into the place she always wanted it to. As her birthday rolls around, she finds herself in a situation she never thought would happen. She's stuck in the middle of nowhere with a killer on the loose who's hell bent on hunting down her and her friends. Can turning thirty get any worse?

Warnings: Explicit 18+ only. Swearing, alcohol, sexual activities, violence, gore, emotional trauma. Warnings will be updated as the series goes on, these are just general warnings for now, they may not be present in this chapter. Please read at your own discretion.

Word count: 3.2k

A/N: This is my first foray into fanfic in my adult years, so needless to say this is nerve-wracking lmao, I really hope someone enjoys this! I've been wanting to write a murder/slasher fic for many years now, so whilst this will contain elements of romance/smut, it will also take a violent turn. I will be adding new chapters sporadically, and I welcome any comments and/or criticism anyone wants to give. As an aside, this fic takes place in England, both female OC & Will are English (sorry I can't write Americanisms and I wouldn't want to put anyone through reading my attempts lmao). P.s this hasn't been beta read by anybody apart from me, so please excuse any grammar and spelling mistakes!

December 31st 2023

If Sabine had known in advance how her 30th year of living would pan out and how far she would spiral, she probably would have partied a little harder on New Years Eve. As it happened, she had done very little partying and a lot more wishing she had never gone out in the first place.

She’d stood in the garden of her best friend Teddy’s house, with a cigarette between her teeth, trying desperately to get her lighter to spark a flame. It gave one pathetic attempt before the tiny wheel refused to move under her thumb any further, Sabine quickly gave up and stuffed the lighter into her coat pocket, before tucking the cigarette behind her ear. She leant against the wall of the house and closed her eyes; she wished she’d never agreed to come out, Teddy was too good at convincing her to join plans she'd never have thought twice about otherwise.

As she tried to think of an excuse to leave early that Teddy would buy, the back door opened, and someone stepped out onto the patio beside her. She didn’t open her eyes or acknowledge whoever it was, instead she silently willed them to go away, and hoped they wouldn’t make any attempt to talk to her. Her wish was soon cut short when there was a gentle tap on her shoulder.

“You okay?” came a man's voice, gentle in his questioning.

Sabine opened her left eye a fraction at the sound of the voice next to her and saw a tall, broad man glancing at her as he lit his own cigarette. He inhaled as the end of it burned dimly between them, the wafts of smoke trailing up and over his short crop of dark blonde hair. Sabine opened her eyes fully as she realised he wouldn’t be leaving and folded her arms.

“I’m fine, thanks”

She flashed the man a small smile to indicate the conversation was over, but he either didn’t see it or ignored it as he settled against the wall next to her. “Did you want a light for that?” he asked nodding at the cigarette behind her ear. Sabine had to admit she was slightly desperate to have a hit of nicotine, and she plucked it from its place and smiled at him again.

“Do you mind? Mine just died and I didn’t bring a spare”

“Not at all, here”

He held out the lighter and flicked his thumb across it, Sabine leaned forward and waited for the flame to burn the end of the cigarette, gladly inhaling once it did.

“Thank you”

“You’re welcome, I’m Will by the way”

Will smiled softly at her as he stowed the lighter in the back pocket of his jeans, taking another drag of his cigarette as he did so. “Sabine” she replied, flicking the ash from hers absentmindedly. “So, how do you know Teddy?”.

“I don't really, I work with her brother Benny; I’ve been on a job abroad for a year though so I’m trying to remember how to socialise these days”

“Oh yeah? Was it for anything interesting or are you not allowed to tell me?” Sabine lifted her eyebrow slightly as she glanced back at him. Will chuckled and shook his head at her in response.

“It was nothing worth hearing about I promise, readjusting to home life is harder than the job sometimes”

“I bet”

A comfortable silence fell between the two of them as the echoes of the party sounded inside. “So, how do you know Teddy?” Will asked, and Sabine let out an involuntary sigh. “Was that the wrong question to ask?” he laughed.

“No, God no, I’ve known her since we were 14 and she’s my best friend but sometimes she can be a bit... full on y’know?”. Sabine blushed slightly and she looked at her feet in embarrassment, God, she thought, if Teddy ever heard her say that she’d lose her shit.

“Well tonight was my first impression of her, and I’d agree with you, she’s definitely full on” he murmured, Sabine looked at him and he winked in response. A smile crept onto Sabine’s face and Will couldn’t help but grin as well.

“As a disclaimer, I love her immensely and she’s the only person who knows me inside and out... Which could be a bad thing, but I choose to see it as a good thing” Sabine said, tapping more ash from her cigarette. “I won’t judge you for your choice of best friend, don’t worry” he replied.

“That implies you’re going to judge me for something else though” Sabine retorted, and Will laughed again, “That only depends on whether you want to talk to me again after this encounter”. She eyed him coolly, and pondered for a moment.

There was no denying Will was handsome, anyone would be stupid to say otherwise. The more she looked at him the more she took in, the way his blonde hair was cropped neatly and his beard was impeccably trimmed made her think he was either exceptional at grooming, or he had a girlfriend who knew just how to present him to the world. He was incredible to look at, even just standing on the patio he commanded such presence in his stature and Sabine felt a tiny pang of jealousy for his girlfriend.

Well, a girlfriend who maybe didn't even exist, she reminded herself. Was it too forward to ask after knowing someone for all of 5 minutes? Probably, she thought, and she was more than likely right in thinking he was way out of her league. Teddy would tell her that in an instant if it were true. She realised slightly too late that she hadn't answered him yet and ran her free hand through her hair quickly, "I'll talk to you again, if you can keep the judgement to a minimum".

"I can't promise anything"

Will was first to finish his cigarette and dropped it into the empty flowerpot that had been designated as the makeshift bin. He turned to Sabine and smiled, “Well, maybe I’ll see you inside?”  Sabine gave him a genuine smile in return “Yeah, thanks again for the light”.

Peals of laughter and the thumping bassline of a song floated out of the door as Will made his way inside, and Sabine closed her eyes again as the door clicked shut. Christ, she thought, 5 minutes with a random stranger and she was almost ready to pounce on him. She felt a familiar sense of shame rising as she realised how lonely she really felt these days, and she swallowed thickly, willing herself not to get emotional.

Sabine inhaled sharply and exhaled through her nose, the 'no fucking crying' pep talk she'd given herself before arriving flashed in her head, nobody likes the crying girl at the party and she wasn't going to be that girl tonight. No fucking way.

She took one last drag of the cigarette before flinging it in with Will's. She turned to the door and reminded herself several times to be sociable, before pushing the handle down and swinging the door inward.

----

A few hours had passed, and Sabine could feel her fake enthusiasm waning rapidly as Teddy hurried towards the kitchen, pulling Sabine along behind her. Teddy slammed the kitchen door and turned to face Sabine, “Okay so, what do you think?” Her green eyes shone intensely under the fluorescent light, and she stared at Sabine waiting on an answer.

Sabine laughed. “About…? Your dress? It’s gorgeous Teddy but c’mon, you know that already”. She turned and opened the fridge, pulling out the bottle of wine they’d both been sharing over the last hour, a dismal serving left sloshing in the bottom.

Teddy rolled her eyes and held her glass out to Sabine as she rested against the counter. “Not the dress darling, although yes I do know it looks great, I’m talking about Will!”. Sabine dumped the wine in her outstretched glass and eyed her cautiously, “What about him?”.

“Don’t you think he’s gorgeous?! I guarantee I can get with him before the end of the night” Teddy took a sip of her wine and grinned. She pulled absentmindedly at a loose thread on the sleeve of her dress, and Sabine stared at her for a moment. There was that jealous feeling again. She squashed it down as hard as she could, pleading for it not to return.

“Well... Yeah, I agree he’s attractive, but is he your type? Doesn't he have a girlfriend?” she asked, turning back and rifling through the fridge for a new bottle to open. “My type? You know I don’t have a type Sab, I just like whoever I like. And where did you get the idea he has a girlfriend from?”. Sabine poured herself a glass out of the new bottle she’d found and took a large gulp as she looked at Teddy and forced a smile on her face. "I guess I just assumed he did, y'know a good looking guy like that, they usually have girlfriends". Sabine knew better than to piss Teddy off, especially at her own house party, and she wasn't going to do it over a guy either.

Teddy narrowed her eyes slightly at Sabine, she folded her arms and sighed loudly, "Nope, no girlfriend. I already asked Benny when they all arrived. Anyway, you're supposed to be agreeing with me and remembering that I'm beautiful". They both giggled at that and Sabine crossed over to stand next to her, wrapping her arm round her waist as they watched the party through the glass panes in the kitchen door.

“Fair enough then, how well do you know him?” Sabine asked.

“I don’t, Benny said he never brought him over before because he didn’t want me pouncing on him. His words, not mine” Teddy tutted. Teddy had almost made it a habit in her younger years to go through most of Benny's friends, and he hadn’t been exactly happy when he’d found out just how many. Nowadays Benny didn't introduce anyone to Teddy if he could help it.

"Do you have a plan or are you going to be your usual charming self?"

"My usual charming self is all I need darling"

Teddy winked at her and raised her glass, Sabine raised her own and clinked it against hers, "Here's to you then, the woman with no plan".

----

Teddy had finally ditched her to find Will and left Sabine to her own devices. She'd found herself in the midst of too many people for her liking, clutching her wine like it was a life vest. Teddy’s house was packed with people, each room was practically filled, and it was so loud Sabine couldn’t hear herself think. She looked at her watch and found it was only around ten minutes to midnight, and a wave of relief washed over her. Soon enough she could slip away unnoticed and go home, all she really wanted was to crawl into bed and sleep.

She made her way from the living room to the kitchen, slowly shuffling past people, her attempts to ask for room to move drowned out by the music. She plucked her coat from a peg on the wall and headed out the back door, shrugging it on as she did so. There were a handful of people chatting on the patio as Sabine shut the door behind her, and she made her way down the garden path to the old chairs that had been set out on the grass. They surrounded a small firepit that had almost burned out, some of the embers still faintly glowing orange. Good enough, she thought, and the best part was nobody else was around.

The temperature outside had dropped a few degrees and was now close to freezing, Sabine pulled one of the woollen blankets that had been draped over the chairs onto her lap. She pulled her cigarettes and lighter from her coat pocket and stuck one in her mouth, as she raised the lighter and went to flick her thumb across it, she remembered how it had refused to work hours before and let out a quiet growl of frustration.

She debated heading back inside but she couldn't stomach the mere idea of it, she'd rather sit in the cold and watch the party goers illuminated by the floodlights that Teddy had originally thought wouldn't be bright enough. How wrong she'd been, as the entire garden was now lit up for everyone to see.

We've got to stop meeting like this” came a voice echoing through the dark from the patio. Sabine looked up to find Will grinning at her as he made his way over. She smiled as he finally came to a stop in front of her, he held up his own lighter and shook it slightly. “Are you in need of my assistance again?” he quipped.

Sabine patted the chair next to her, “As it happens, yes, I am. Please, sit”. He sat as instructed and passed her the lighter as he dug through his coat pockets for his own cigarettes. “How’s your night been so far?” she queried, lighting the cigarette between her lips. He placed one of his own in his mouth as Sabine offered the lighter back, lighting it quickly and taking a drag as he looked back at her. “It’s been alright I guess, I’m not a huge party guy but it’s pretty nice out here”. They stared at one another for a moment and a small smile made its way onto Sabine’s face before she took another drag of her cigarette. How can one persons eyes be so blue she thought, surely it had to be the ridiculous floodlights.

"Anyway, I’m being rude. I haven’t asked how your nights been. Are you hiding out here or just having a breather?” he asked. Sabine sighed lightly and sank back into her chair, “I think this could probably be classed as hiding, I didn’t want to come tonight and I’ve been trying to not make that seem obvious” she answered, taking a sip from her glass. “Ahh so you’re a New Years hater” Will laughed gently.

“Yeah I am, I’ve never had a good New Years and it’s made me loathe the whole thing”

“I’m sure that can be changed”. Will gazed at her, settling back into his chair.

Sabine eyed him again in silence, the distant laughter of the other party goers filling the air around them. She took one last inhale and tossed the butt of her cigarette into the firepit, rubbing her hands together for a hint of warmth. Will pulled the sleeve of his jacket up a notch and looked at his watch, his cigarette hanging from his slightly parted lips.

“Come on” he held out a hand to her and waited.

“What?”

He wiggled his fingers slightly, “Come on, there’ll be fireworks any minute and the view from here is crap”. Sabine laughed at him, “Did you forget the part where I told you I hated New Years?”.

“And did you forget I told you that could be changed?”

Will raised his eyebrow slightly and waited for her response. Sabine tentatively placed her hand in his and nodded at him, “I won’t promise to enjoy myself though, just so you know”. Will chuckled and squeezed her hand, “At least I can say I tried”.

They stood and abandoned the blankets on their chairs, and Will began to lead the way. The far end of the garden sloped upwards, and a set of stone stairs had been laid to the top many years ago. At the top of the hill there was an old metal bench, rusting and mostly forgotten, surrounded by viburnum shrubs which had just begun their winter bloom.

They walked along hand in hand, up the garden path and stone steps until they reached the bench atop the hill, there was the faint sound of premature fireworks in the distance as they sat on the bench.

Will looked at his watch again, “Okay, you have exactly one minute to prepare to enjoy yourself”. Sabine crossed her arms and leant back against the bench, “Whatever you say” she replied, and they grinned at each other. Others were also making their way to the hill for a better viewing point, but Sabine hardly noticed as they slowly flooded the area, instead she kept stealing glances at Will as he sat watching the night sky.

Someone in the crowd started a countdown and a chorus of voices joined in, as they finally reached one several loud bangs suddenly rang out, and the sky was plastered with colourful glittering showers. Sabine raised her face to watch as further explosions were launched from the neighbouring gardens, the hilltop crowd murmuring in appreciation.

Sabine was so engrossed in the display she’d momentarily forgotten Will was with her, she turned to say something to find he wasn’t watching the display but instead watching her with a lopsided grin on his face. “You can admit you’re enjoying yourself y’know”.

She grinned at him and glanced back at the ever-changing lights above them, “I can’t admit that just yet, it hasn’t even finished”. Will laughed and ran his hand across the stubble on his neck, “Okay okay, you’ve got me on a technicality there”.

They sat in contented silence for a few minutes, the people around them gradually filtering off as the fireworks began to slow. Sabine turned to Will again, “Thank you for this, I’ve had a marginally better night than I expected to”. He took her hand from her lap and kissed it gently, Sabine’s eyes widened slightly as she was scoured her brain for a response. Will suddenly looked embarrassed and hurriedly dropped her hand, he turned away and stared at the ground.

 “I’m sorry, I.. I don’t know why I did that. Sorry, we barely know each other” said Will, he fidgeted with the sleeve of his coat and his jaw clenched as Sabine watched him. Sabine sat staring at him for what felt like far too long, before she reached out and turned him back towards her. There was silence between them as they locked eyes. Sabine couldn’t contain herself any longer and the crushing urge to kiss him overwhelmed her, she leant in and pressed her lips to his. Will hesitated for only a second before he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled Sabine closer, his other hand found it’s place at the nape of her neck, like it had always belonged there. Sabine felt almost drunk from lust as their lips crashed together, Will’s scent was intoxicating, and spiced amber mixed with tobacco filled her head. His beard gently scratched her lips but she didn't care, he was already fulfilling the insane hunger she felt for him in that moment and she couldn't get enough.

A small moan escaped her when Will tugged gently on her bottom lip with his teeth, he gave her a final gentle kiss before pulling back to look at her.

Sabine had to remind herself to breathe as she found she'd momentarily forgotten.

"Happy New Year" Will whispered, brushing his thumb along her jaw, his eyes locked on her lips.

"I should fucking think so" she whispered back.

[honimello]

May I humbly suggest Copia getting pegged maybe?? Seeing how you were already thinking about it anyway 😁

Oh you’re in luck because i was already writing a little something for this!!!

Presenting: Copia getting pegged, featuring the critically acclaimed quint strap! (fem!reader)

(I don’t know how long this is and it has not been proofread lol, so i hope it doesn’t suck!!)

—

Slipping into his tight hole was easy after the fingering you gave him. He couldn’t hold back the whimpers and the moans falling from his slacked jaw as your strap rubbed against his insides. He felt so lucky to have found you, someone who was willing to not only engage in but encourage his unique depravities, and this certainly was one.

The quint strap he’d gotten you for your birthday was finally getting put to good use, and in such a beautiful way too. His hands were tied behind his back, and his legs forced to be spread open and locked on the bed posts. You could do anything you wanted to him right now and it drove him crazy, even as his head started to go fuzzy from the sensation of your new cock rubbing against his sensitive walls.

It was starting to drive you crazy too and with all these new sensations, you knew it wouldn’t be long til the strap was filling him with your artificial seed.

“Oh, Papa, you’re doing so good, all tight and slick for me.” Your breath came out in huffs as he mewled and pressed his fat ass against you, trying his damndest to get you to fuck him harder, faster. All it served to do was make you want to tease him even more, especially as he started to whine and cry. His hands tied behind his back begin to fidget and curl, and you wonder how long it’ll take before he starts to beg. His muffled voice, face pressed into the bed, would only serve to make you cum faster.

“You’re so cruel, dolcezza… Chiavami forte… Ti voglio così tanto, piccola diavoletta!” His voice is hoarse and spent, he had been crying and moaning all night from the ministrations of your nimble fingers fucking his ass like it was the last time you’d ever get to do it. It made you want to laugh, his desperation was starting to amuse you and suddenly you thought: ‘Maybe I’m a little more into this than I thought I’d be.’

Your hips begin to push and pull just a little faster and his breath catches in his throat, his mismatched eyes widen in surprise and pleasure.

“Do I turn you into a whore, my little Papa? Do I make you desperate?” It was getting difficult to keep up your calm exterior with the way his tight little ass was squeezing your cock, like his body needed you to fill it up with your cum.

“Sì, sì, doclezza! Chiavami, dolcezza! I am your whore, ti prego… please!” There it was, the begging. You couldn’t hold it back anymore, you needed to fuck him just as bad as he needed you to fuck him.

Your strong hands grip his plush love handles tightly, looking for some stability so you could wreck his hole. It’s only a few seconds of finding your balance before he starts to beg was more, barely making any sense.

The pace you set is hard and the feeling of his little asshole clamping down on you with every thrust becomes too much. But you can’t stop now, no you can’t.

“Fuck, Papa!” You scream as you slide into him over and over, your knees are beginning to hurt and you wonder how he could withstand fucking you like he does.

The tip of your cock rubs against his walls so deliciously, it almost makes you want to howl. Especially with the way you can feel his own cock dripping and flopping around, stiff as ever and leaking. He told you not to touch it, to tease him as much as you could but it’s hard to ignore such a beautiful thing. All pink and weeping, just for you.

Your hand wraps around it delicately and he flinches.

“Oh, demonietta! Please, it’s too much! Fuck me, fuck me!” Tears slide down his face, his papal paints running down his chin like an unfinished painting splashed with water. You almost want to stop, in case you might’ve gone too far, but he doesn’t use the safe word. It couldn’t hurt to check in though.

“Oh, my little Papa, I thought this was what you wanted? For me to use you in any way I pleased?” You say it so teasingly, you almost want him to punish you for it. You continue stroking his cock and fucking into his ass, though at a slower leisurely pace so as to not fill him with your spend just yet.

He turns his head to try and look you in the eye, he looks so fucked out and blissful. The haze over his eyes is the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen.

“Sì, bella ragazza… Sì, use me, please.”

That was all you needed. Your hand comes forward to press into his upper back as you begin your earlier brutal pace once more. He growls and he screams in ecstasy, his cock pumps out string after string of his cum, kicking and pulsing. You don’t stop there, not til you can feel exactly what he’s feeling.

His ass clenches rhythmically and it wobbles just like how it does on stage, and suddenly, an unfamiliar but all the same gorgeous feeling envelopes you.

Your cock twitches and pumps your load into him, and you can feel how slippery he gets as he fills with your cum. Rope after rope of your spend leaves you exhausted and whimpering, it’s beautiful and yet, so natural all at once.

You lay, sweaty and tired, above him. His sweat coats your body just as much as yours does his, and you think for a second that maybe this was how his body was meant to be enjoyed. That doesn’t mean you want him to stop fucking you, though, just that you have a new appreciation for him.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, Papa.” You peel yourself off of him, your skin sticking together and practically refusing to come apart. Nonetheless, you manage to untie him and clean up you both with a soft, damp towel. He makes a little whining noise as you take off your new favorite toy and set it on the end table. You settle in next to him in bed, petting his graying hair.

“Sei così dolce, bella.” His whispers, hands wandering over your breasts. “il tuo seno è così morbido.”

“You did beautifully, Papa… Did you like it?” Your lips press into his forehead to hide your insecurity, and it takes a lot to try and stop your brain from forming worst case scenarios.

“Oh, dolcezza, it was beautiful. You made me feel like I was in the clouds, bella. Like I was far away from here and it was just you and I. I needed that, thank you.” The dried tears on his cheeks look like they might be joined by a few newcomers as his eyes start to well up with fresh tears. He looks up at you like he trusts you with his life, and you realize that he does.

“No, thank you, Papa… Now, it’s time for you to rest, Copia.” You bring the covers up over the both of you, and turn out the light. Giving him one last forehead kiss, you both slip into a peaceful, deep sleep.

——

Amateur Italian Translations:

Chiavami forte… Ti voglio così tanto, piccola diavoletta!— Fuck me hard… I want you so bad, you little devil!

Sì, sì, doclezza! Chiavami, bellezza!— Yes, yes, sweetness! Fuck me, beauty!

Ti prego!— (begging) Please!

Demonietta— demon

Bella ragazza— pretty girl

Sei così dolce, bella— You’re so sweet, beauty.

Il tuo seno è così morbido— Your breasts are so soft

[localsunnet]

monn rach lore because i cannot keep it to myself anymore sobbing (pt 1)

You read the title, monn rach lore (pt 1) because two people said yes

ill try to make it make sense because my grammar kinda sucks ass and i dont know how to properly explain things (and i’ll split it into 2-3 parts because i don’t want the post to be too long 💔💔💔💔)

also if it’s historically inaccurate im so sorry ,,

presented by yours truly (warnjng: i suck at writing)

Monn was born into the religious Rach family in Leipzig on 13th of March 1784, and is the youngest one among his siblings, Meier and Martin.

Since his father was an officer in the Prussian army and wasn’t usually home, Monn’s mother cared for him and his brothers alone, and she usually brought them to church. (you guys will not like his father, trust me)

When Monn is 2 years old, his mother started noticing weird behaviours from him, like not being able to speak properly. At first she thought it was nothing and figured he’ll grow out of it, but those behaviours followed him to his 5th birthday, and since the family’s religious she reaallyy started to believe that he’s cursed in a way and started ignoring him, only feeding him but basically just gave him no attention in fear that he’ll attract a demon or smth (this will NOT cause problems later on /sarc). Luckily his brothers think that’s bullshit so they started to care for him instead and taught him life skills, though mother would always warn them to not interact with him. Monn during this time also started to have small cannibalistic thoughts, which will NOT spiral guys!! /j

So Monn was no longer given attention by his mom and pretty much started to distrust her, only daring to approach his brothers for help. During this time he found an interest in cats, black cats to be specific, and he started to dream of being a veterinarian when he grows up.

One day during mass at age 6, he met Father Silvio, a new chaplain in St. Thomas, and he immediately trusted him with every atom of his being due to him looking like a white cat and followed him around, even though Silvio kind of didn't like him and would push him away every time they’ll interact. (he will come back later in clutch so keep him in mind)

When he was 10, Monn met a scholar (who I didn’t name but feel free to suggest) who was willing to teach him sign language and help him read and write properly after school. Most of Monn’s happy childhood memories came from his time with the scholar and he feels like he owed him a lot for it. Sadly the scholar had to leave Leipzig 2 years later and he never crossed paths with him ever again. Before he left, he did gift Monn a grey wool scarf as a sign of appreciation.

His life after that wasn’t super interesting, his routine was just wake up, breakfast, go to school, come back, dinner, sleep. Maybe add going to mass on Sundays but thats really about it.

And I’ll end it here for this part because im gonna TWEAK after using my brain to write this for 2 nights (which is apparently when my brain usually goes “write now”) (yes i did get sleep because i got tired) im so sorry guys for not writing the entire thing guh…

hopefully you guys can understand this and LIKE MONN’S LORE!!! (Any suggestions and criticisms are VERY welcome, making situations is also VERY allowed!!)

monarchy out and until i return

[caramelcactus]

Teen William ||FNAF AU||

I can’t believe how invested I became in androids William. He was literally the most stereotypical purple guy before I decided to give this au a makeover, and here I am completely changing William from murderous tyrant into harmless mentally unstable mess and actually GIVING him a background

So

William was born in Hurricane and raised in authoritarian family, though with high standards. He grew up obedient and well behaved kid with perfect grades and just all perfect because of a pressure and control from his overbearing family to be the best. The whole «this is our house our rules you’re going to obey them» lasted only while he was a child. Can't say they were necessarily abusive, but still...meh, emotional pressure sucks. There is actually a deep layered drama going on inside his family behind the impression of “completely normal just strict family" that I’ll explain later because:

1. this post is not about it

2. I don’t want to put too much info

But it’s still worth to mention that it’s a bad marriage and William’s birth was supposed to save/keep it, so in addition to everything William was burdened with a role of a fixer. He faced criticism of his choices and questioning of his motives when his way of thinking didn’t match his parents(aka almost always), and even with guilt tripping to comply with their wishes. I mentioned in very first posts that William has BPD, but his mental health was obviously ignored while he was with his family so he didn’t even know about his condition as it was worsening

During high school era William’s rebellious spirit began to emerge as he started pursuing adrenaline and freedom as well as going against his family’s authority after being suffocated and controlled his entire life. A desire for changes and independency mixed with a self-destructive behavior drew a large wedge in his relationship with family. Without his family knowing he worked on part-time job to earn enough money to stop being financially dependent. At 17 he bought a used motorcycle from one of his acquaintances, left Hurricane and moved to Las Vegas(I needed bigger city for this AU. Hurricane is just... bruh). There he enrolled in uni for the robotics course. William had been working night shift as a security guard to afford life. As he accessed to freedom he became completely unmanageable. He could go for a risky stuff like stealing just to amuse himself

He interned in android industry, and after graduating with the highest ranking degree he was immediately hired by it. During internship he met Henry who was already working there, and they quickly became fast friends. Their bond is very strong, almost like siblings. Henry was the first person who gave William support and whom William could finally trust. Henry was fascinated with William’s talent and willfulness so they teamed up to develop androids with unique realistic designs and highly advanced functionality so it would blow away the market. His skills eventually made him known as one of the most professional engineers and programmers. Springbonnie and Fredbear were the first androids he built, that’s why Spring is so special to him to this day

William is 27-28 years old in present days. Henry is older than him by two years

[holyshit]

Amidst all of this I don't want everyone to forget that Blake promoted her hair care line instead of help hotlines and mislead people what the movie was about, causing them to get triggered. Obviously Baldoni did worse and Blake is the victim but this movie should have never been made like that and the press tour should have been handled very differently

of course i think that general promo tour as a whole was entirely mishandled and there's plenty of things that came out of the whole press tour saga that definitely deserved criticism. it was overall irresponsible marketing as a whole for a movie about IPV. and it's also gross knowing now that even the only person who was (seemingly) approaching the subject matter seriously at the time turned out to only be doing it against the production company's marketing plan only as a PR tool to differentiate himself from blake as fodder for a campaign to ruin her. it's very reflective overall on hollywood and how everything is about short-term image and perception- either to sell movie tickets at all costs or to present yourself in a specific way specifically to foster goodwill before bad PR emerges.

but, my main point is not about who did what bad thing. my point lies in how society will often have a specific extra level of glee and excitement when it comes to the idea of "taking down" women and positioning a man as being terrorized by a woman in some way when the woman is the actual victim in the dynamic, in the same way that people were foaming at the mouth to make fun of and villainize amber heard when she had all the evidence in the world that she was a victim of johnny's.

if the roles were reversed and blake was the one making it clear that the movie was about IPV and justin was the one ignoring it, i think he still would've gotten some level of criticism for that, but would it be at the same career-ruining, worldwide reputation ruining, couldn't avoid the topic for months, trending on twitter everyday, twenty 2 hour youtube video essays a day, one of the biggest celebrity dramas of the summer level that it was when it was blake at the center? i highly doubt it would get even nearly the same amount of traction if the roles were reversed. in the same way that i don't think the amber/johnny trial would've blown up half as much if it was the other way around. if blake was the one to have all of the cast and a lot of the crew unfollow her and refuse to interact with her during the promo tour, people would have immediately jumped on that to prove she's evil, but when it actually DID happen with justin, blake still ended up being viewed as the evil one with people making up that she was bullying him and turning the cast against him based on little to nothing. it is alarming that people were willing to avoid the red flags that JB likely DID do something that caused a large part of the cast and crew to quite clearly despise him because they preferred the idea of blake being the Big Bad and him the victim of her evil bratty attention seeking ways, when in reality she was enduring horrific shit on that set.

it's not about whether what blake did was bad, of course it was, but it was the SCALE of the blowback that shows just how effective these smear campaigns are when it's a woman being targeted. and it's so dangerous because this is why so many women do not come forward, for fear of this level of retaliation that is almost always successful when it's a woman being targeted. and it's so awful that people still have "perfect victim" mentality to the point that even after a massive multi-million smear campaign exposure like this, there will still be so many people who only focus on her faults and flaws and think that means that she cannot also be a victim of something so terrifying and sadly still so common.

[just-thoughts-no-vibes]

Every day I think about how the Legend of Korra Season 4 could have been one of the best parts of the entire Avatar franchise if the main villain wasn't a new big evil, but already established issues that should have been dealt with long ago.

Ever since the original series, the authors have presented the Earth Kingdom as a place that even without war has a million problems because it's ruled by incompetent monarchs who do not care about the people and whose lack of interest is used by other parts of this corrupt machine.

We have seen how great the class difference is in all parts of the kingdom, especially in Ba Sing Se, how the army treats civilians, how they are willing to send children to war, how the most powerful force in the kingdom can betray its people in a second, how the queen enslaves her people believing they belong to her, how the prince won't lift a finger to help his people, how the king won't even listen to the peasants until the Avatar threatens him, and much more.

In addition to the problems in the Earth Kingdom, we have also seen the problem of apathy coming from other world leaders who have turned their backs on a country that has fallen into chaos. No one except Tenzin lifted a finger to help in any way. They sent no money, no medical or military aid. Their fix was putting an 18-year-old in charge and leaving her to do everything herself.

Two things specifically catch my eye. The only man who actually tried to do something is a member of a nation that has no material resources, no army, and has just begun to recover from the genocide. On the other hand, the leader of the ex-Fire Nation colony that was never given back to the Earth Kingdom didn't provide any help for the said kingdom. The only thing he did was ask a super-rich person to do something, she said no, and he was like oh well too bad. Also yes, I have a problem with Suyin in this situation, not because she refused to be a temporary leader, but because she had the means to help and chose to do nothing. It would be one thing if she were a regular civilian who couldn't do much, but she is not. She is literally among the top 5 richest people in the world, a ruler of the only province in the kingdom that wasn't affected by the death of the queen, and has a metal-bending army that is acknowledged worldwide. Yet, I don't remember her doing anything to help, be it just sending some funds.

Basically, there are so many issues surrounding the Earth Kingdom and Season 4 was the IDEAL time to talk about them. The setup was perfect: the country is in chaos, the avatar can't help, the richest layer of society does nothing, the only world ruler who tries to help is the air nomad, and everyone is okay with the throne being taken by a spoiled prince who doesn't care about the duties of a king.

And just think how much more interesting Kuvira would be in this scenario. I always saw her being a villain as a cheap way to say "Oh look! She is awful! Now you have to ignore everyone else being bad because she is the REAL bad guy!". And to be completely honest, taking into account her backstory, the way she was raised in Zaofu, the fact that she genuinely wanted to help, a lot of things that were said about her by other characters, and the way she surrendered and acted in Ruins of the Empire, it's completely out of place for her to be a villain. She would work just perfectly as a character who is easy to villainize but is not actually evil. She could have been used to criticize the monarchy and the world leaders while also questioning Avatar's place in the world. Literally everyone would benefit from her being a villain: monarchs who don't want to be seen in a bad light because of her reign, world leaders who don't want to be perceived as bad because they did nothing while a teenage girl risked her life every day to do the job, Suyin who turned a blind eye on suffering and ultimately abandoned Kuvira to do everything herself, and Korra who needs to prove she is still useful even if Kuvira was the one taking care of everything.

With Kuvira as a villain, they don't have to work on themselves and their policies, they don't need to change anything, and the status quo remains. But if Kuvira wasn't a villain, but a character that people want and need to be evil, then we could truly look into the core of the problem, that is, the system itself. The world would be forced into radical changes, or at least the beginning of them. The government would be questioned like never before, the richest would be seen for what they really are, and the Avatar wouldn't be able to just beat a new villain and thus regain importance but would have to adapt to the needs of this new world.

But hey, it's easier to make a villain because of whom we simply can't concentrate on the cardinal mistakes of other characters, than actually criticize the system that is the problem. It was cowardly of the authors and I have to say it's really icky that a character who wanted to retrieve colonized land was evil.

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLtNgUGe/

thoughts on this video?

For those of you who don't want to open the link, the first part argues that it's in character for HoTD Daemon, and after that the creator says that although it's in character, he doesn't like the way HotD has made Alicent and Rhaenyra victims of horrible men. And anon, for the most part I do agree, but with a few caveats.

It is not at all out of character from what they've shown us of Daemon in S1. It's not character assassination, it's not "he would never," in fact it's a perfectly reasonable and even natural progression from the choking scene in S1. While we can argue about book!Daemon, show!Daemon is a violent man who often takes his frustrations out on those less powerful than him. We've seen this from him-- he "cleans up" King's Landing by personally administering violent justice without trial, he bashes the messenger when he gets an unwelcome message from Viserys, he kills his first wife, he makes a plan to take Rhaenyra's virginity so she will be forced to marry him, and later, as her husband, he chokes her. I think that if Rhaenyra isn't doing war the way Daemon wants to do war, he's not going to be particularly patient about it, instead he's going to lash out. Remember what was driving Daemon in S1-- the desire to be needed by his brother. He sought that out in Rhaenyra instead, and probably assumed that as a woman, Rhaenyra would need him the way Viserys never had. I mean, she told him as much, "I need you uncle, I can't face the greens without you." But when she turns out not to be as easily led or willing to let him take the lead as he might have expected, he gets pissed off. This was not what he signed up for! And a pissed off Daemon is a violent Daemon. So this is entirely in character for the Daemon HotD is portraying.

Was it a good idea to go in this direction? I'm of two minds. I admit I'm not a fan of "the women want peace but the men ruin everything," as a trope, but whether or not they're actually going in that direction is hard to say from previews and a few clips. What I will say is that having introduced the domestic violence element in season one, I think the show almost had to follow up on it. To treat it as a one-off that didn't count, or to ignore it completely, would be wildly irresponsible, inconsistent, and just plain poor storytelling. One thing that almost everyone who has criticized HotD has pointed out is inconsistent characterization, and while some fans might disagree with HotD introducing that element, and I think that's fair, introduce it they did and I think at this point fans have to make their peace with it because Daemon is clearly never going to be presented as a good or healthy partner for Rhaenyra.

[badmusejail]

Gaster and Surface Life / Human-Monster Relations.

I don't have any exact headcanon as to where exactly Mt. Ebott is, but usually place is somewhere in Washington state. I don't have anything against headcanons putting it elsewhere and I'm more than happy to use your headcanons instead--I put it in the USA because I live in the USA and have the best understanding of USA politics.

As is probably expected, the world didn't immediately take kindly to the arrival of the monsters, even with Frisk vouching for them. People are heavily divided on their opinions, with some people wanting to kill the monsters, some wanting to force them back into the mountain, some wanting to exploit or enslave them, and the few wanting to welcome them with the same rights that humans have.

Each of the monsters engage with the world in their own way, but the vast majority of important discussions only involve Asgore, Toriel, Undyne, and a couple other designated monsters, sometimes including Gaster.

It's an extremely tense and precarious situation, with monster leadership well aware of how easily things could go south and lead to a complete genocide of the people.

For this reason, Asgore in particular tends to be submissive, willing to comply with unreasonable demands if only to avoid bloodshed.

Undyne has her misgivings, but usually defers to Asgore's decisions. For all of her hotheadedness, she knows better than to make a scene at the wrong time.

Toriel, despite Gaster's negative opinion of her, is likely the most reasonable of the negotiators, working hard to find a fair solution for everyone involved.

Finally, Gaster himself is the most difficult, refusing to bend to humanity's worse demands, and standing with a bluntness in heavy contrast to Toriel's polite firmness.

He has refused to share his technology and research and has barred humanity from entering the critical parts of the CORE. In general, his appearances on the council are stoic and curt, a heavy undertone of aggression beneath icy formal responses.

On at least one occasion, he had to be escorted out by Toriel for becoming too aggressive.

His refusal comes not from a place of malice, but from a seated belief that if they fail to set proper boundaries, humanity's demands will only grow until monsters are no better off than they started. To him, standing their ground and refusing to allow any mistreatment from the very beginning is an absolute necessity.

In contrast, most monsters, including Asgore, take a note gradual approach, thinking that it's important that they emphasize their willingness to cooperate and that they're not a threat, and then working to improve the situation from there. There are monsters that support Gaster's methods, but he is by far the most vocal, stubborn, and famous of them.

This has made Gaster the biggest threat to anti-monster groups and a common target of those expressing their hatred.

He's been known to ignore the harassment when its directed to him, but tends to escalate quickly when other monsters are targeted in his vicinity. Asgore once had to talk him out of killing a few humans that were harassing him.

For as confident and unshakeable Gaster presents himself when formally speaking on the matter, in person he's a much different monster; rather nervous, easily cowed and surprisingly friendly.

Luckily for everyone, Papyrus is remarkably well liked among the humans and Sans is discreet enough that he hardly gets any attention. Woe be onto the unfortunate humans that target them.

Above all else, Gaster wants peace too, regardless of his general dislike of humans. But his opinions are heavily colored by past experiences and should it come to extremes, he would choose his people over humanity and would destroy every human if necessary.

He understands that it makes him just as bad as the humans that would kill them. He would do it anyways.

It takes Gaster several months before he spends any real amount of time on the surface, and he still retreats to his lab often. However, he does enjoy the vast offerings of the surface, and for as much as he hates humanity, he has a very difficult time hating individual humans he meets.

He's easily attracted by colorful lights and noises and is quite fond of the whimsical nonsense humans produce. Yes, he's one of the smartest monsters that ever lived. Yes, you can commonly find him fooling around in the toy aisle of the supermarket.

Asgore asked Gaster to retake the position of Royal Scientist, but Gaster declined. The role remains empty, with some discussions of putting a human in the role to help with relations. Gaster doesn't like the idea but he's willing to go along with it so long as it's a good human.

In the light of the Amalgamates, Toriel has forbidden research into Determination. Gaster does it anyways. However, he has not directly researched the Amalgamates themselves; though he would look into it if asked by Asgore, Alphys, or one of them.

Other than that, Gaster just lives on a day to day basis, trying to protect the people he loves and do the right thing.

[shinydixon]

i know this will fall on deaf ears and i apologize if i sound aggressive but for the love of god and all that is holy STOP INTERACTING WITH VQS!!!!!!!!! JUST STOP! if you see something, mute, block and move on. stop engaging with the con account. they want money, they want their clients to always come back. if they notice their post is being boosted because of a ship war, they're gonna lean towards the one they announced in the first place. that way they win vqs and hc's trust and they, in turn, will consider the possibility of going to a con even if their faves aren't present. you know, because the con was so kind and supportive. it's marketing, it's money, it's greed. they don't fucking care about who's fucking who, all they want is someone willing to pay 170 bucks for a fucking photo that lasts 5 seconds. the vqs think they're winning but they're being manipulated and since they all share one brain cell, critical thinking is nonexistent. and now, seriously, speaking as a steddie---- we already get so much shit, we're constantly threatened, called names, sought out for no reason other than hatred----why, just why in the world are some of you calling out a con account for promoting two actors together...WHY??? they were just doing their job and the vqs were gloating but look how fast that shit escalated. if no one had asked why they were putting joe and grace together, this mess wouldn't have happened. and now the vqs are even more insufferable and we're suffering hate AGAIN for fuck's sake, leave them alone in their corner. like, nonnie, you're telling me you spent 4 hours checking the replies fanexpo was giving to vqs? why would you waste time like that? this is so repetitive and taxing. it's always the same thing. always. every single day someone complains about grace interacting with a vq and how she's feeding this shit into her fans, then there's a break and then someone else complains about the same thing. it already hurts so much that we won't ever get a con with joe k and joe q because joe k was simply so traumatized that he quit doing cons. it hurts even more knowing that if he were willing to attend a con, steddie would never be announced like that because most venues are homophobic as fuck. so why give vqs more ammo? why make it seem like we're falling apart here because two actors whose characters could've very well been a couple, were announced together? and honestly, there's literally nothing wrong with what they said in the very first post. this entire thing was ridiculous and everyone involved, including the steddies that decided to question the con post, are in the wrong. just stop interacting with them and by them i mean the vqs. stop reacting to their ridiculous posts, stop giving them attention. that's what they want. they want attention, they wanna be the winning team. they don't care about grace or joe. they just want to be right. (shiny, when i say 'you' i mean the nonnies and not you, ok?)

I've try to convince people to not interact or ignore but sometimes you have to vent 👁️

[erb23]

It’s incredibly telling that, after this newest episode, the only people using the saline tags for this show both do not like saline and tried to run people who did like it into that tag. And nobody is using the saline tags for actual saline content. They’re using them for anti saline content.

[klutzyroses]

Hi! This is my first time requesting so I'm a bit nervous, I wanted to as of you could do mc who has mommy issues, like her mom mentally abused her, I'm sorry if this is too much too ask you can ignore it if you want(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

P. S I have been a fan of your work lately and have been stalking your account for any new updates lol but keep up the good work your an amazing writer (⁠｡⁠･⁠ω⁠･⁠｡⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♡

Ah, it's people like you who keep me writing, anon! Thank you!💖💖❤❤

IkeVamp HCs: Abused S/O

How do they handle an s/o who has been abused by her mother?

Suitors: Napoleon, Vincent, Isaac, Dazai

Warnings: Mentions of emotional and mental abuse, parental neglect

Napoleon

The former emperor was never one to pry directly into people's affairs unless they were willing to tell him and that went for his nunuche as well.

However he couldn't help but notice a sudden shift in her behavior one day when she started acting a little different.

Any criticism, teasing or any scolding she received, she took especially hard. Harder than she normally would actually.

When Sebastian had lightly scolded her over a mistake she made while Napoleon was present, one would think he had driven a knife in her heart. He hadn't said anything out of the ordinary or anything particularly cruel, but the darling looked so crushed that both men were taken aback, especially when she hurriedly excused herself and ran out the room, near tears.

Was it even a question that Napoleon went after her almost immediately?

He really didn't take long to find his belle at the gazebo on the bench, her trembling form obvious from miles away. He wasted no time going up to her and pulling her into a warm embrace.

He will wait until she is calm enough to open up.

His grip tightens around her just a little, to keep himself from shaking with anger when he hears all about her cold and abusive mother, how she berated her daughter for every mistake she did and made her feel like nothing she did was good enough.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he let's her cry on his shoulder, running his hand up and down her back.

"It's okay, don't cry, mon ange, I'll protect you, and your heart from now on. So don't cry, okay...?"

He is a man of his word and he had yet to break any of the promises he made to the woman he loves.

Vincent

He had been awoken by whimpering next to him to see his sunflower crying in her sleep. Her beautiful face was wet with droplets of sorrow and distress as her soft lips mumbled apologies to someone, and promises to do better.

Worried, he gently woke her from her nightmare, unable to stand her tears for long.

If there is anyone who can understand the pain of being unloved by a parent, it's Vincent. So when she opens up that her nightmare was about her mother, her very vulgar and ill-tempered matriarch who made her life nothing short of a misery.

Vincent tenses as he listens to his beloved weep her sorrows onto his chest, his heart tightening.

With anger? Sadness? Sympathy? All three?

He couldn't be sure, but it was not a pleasant feeling. He could definitely relate to what she was feeling and it was only because of the sunflower in his arms that he could ever rise above it. And he would do the same for her.

He raises her face, holding the pretty visage in his hands as he kisses each tear away with such heart-rending tenderness, that the woman's sobs died down to quiet whimpers which are briefly cut off by a peck to the lips.

"Shh, it's going to be okay, scatje. I'm right here. I'll always be right here."

He would spend as long as he needs to shower her with the adoration she deserves. Until those woeful tears turn to the brightest of smiles.

Isaac

The physicist can very vaguely relate to having an emotionally distant mother, but to be treated in such a way? That was cruel.

He can't help but feel terrible for his darling when she opens up about how unkind her own mother had been to her and how it impacted her from early childhood.

He suddenly wishes he hadn't asked about her family. It had only been a casual question, that led to the poor dear to tear up.

He couldn't understand how anyone could hurt such a sweetheart?

If her mother was so cruel, how did she bring such an angel into the world?

Questions he could debate later but right now, his love needed to be comforted.

He tenderly takes the tearful maiden in his arms, tentatively as to not alarm or frighten her, tucking her close to his heart that aches at the sight of her tears.

The awkward physicist may not be as silver-tongued as the blasted authors that tease him on a daily basis, but he would be damned of he couldn't pour every ounce of love inside his heart into the fragile beauty in his arms.

"Please don't be upset...I can't stand to see you cry. I...love you too much."

He tries, he really does. He just wants to see that beautiful smile and nothing else.

Dazai

His heart aches, more so than usual when he finds his beloved Y/N in tears one evening. She was cooped up in the library, all by herself in just her nightgown, staring far off into nothingness with just a handkerchief to wipe her never ending tears and the many books to keep her company.

He found himself moving towards her before he could stop himself and seating himself beside her before taking her in his arms, earning a startled gasp from the distraught maiden.

He doesn't push her to tell him what's wrong but he doesn't plan on letting her go until she is better. It's then that he finds out about her experience dealing with her cruel and negligent mother.

How she called her names, how she blamed Y/N for everything wrong in her life, how she always insulted her in every possible way...

As she weeps through her tale, she is pressed to her lover's chest, so she couldn't possibly see the tension in his expression. But if she looked up, she'd see his lips pressed into a flat line and his golden eyes narrowed ever so slightly as they gleamed with the almost imperceptible flicker of anger.

He doesn't speak until she is finished and he only holds her tighter, cradling her as her body wracks with sobs as he whispers sweet words of comfort into her ear. He wants to let her know that none of those cruel insults were true. That she was a wonderful person and she meant the sun and moon to him.

"You're adorable, even when you cry but please, dry your tears my love, I'd much rather see you smile. If you don't smile, I'll just have to make you, won't I?"

He may not be able to make her happy, but her smile is his peace and she is his joy. He'd tell her he loves her as many times as she needs to hear it. The man is good with words.

🌸

[twipsai]

well you have successfully opened the floodgates so! here we go, lets do it to it, time to jam and juice, and whatever else that guy says (also sorry this took so long, i had other things to do that were apparently more important than analyzing that blue hog). this might be a bit messy, i made a bit of an outline of this earlier but these are just my thoughts more-or-less off the cuff.

so, my thesis statement, if you will, is that Sonic isnt really softer or more forgiving or anything in IDW, but hes put in messier situations that bring out that side of him more often.

now, i can go on all day about all the rivals Sonic has befriended over the years and how each of them display how Sonic really does not care when they turn good and just rolls with it, not holding their past against them in the slightest. he doesnt bat an eye when Shadow runs in to defend him and Knuckles from the Biolizard in SA2, he helps Blaze out when the pressure of guarding the Sol Emeralds makes her crack, and fights along side Silver even though he was trying to kill him for the entirety of 06. Sonic doesnt really care about peoples actions in the past, and never has, as long as theyre willing to change and right their wrongs.

and, maybe even more importantly, he wants everyone to have the chance and the freedom to change.

(note: this scene happens after Metal almost floods Planet Freedom with lava)

Sonic struggles with this a lot. on one hand, he absolutely despises how there are some people in the world that will destroy just to destroy, who will hurt just to hurt. but, on the other hand, he also believes that the past is irrelevant to ones present and future, and that anyone (yes, anyone) can change -- for better or for worse

"Sonic reached out to save me before I fell to Earth from the ARK. If I hadn't waved him away, Sonic would've fallen with me. But his determination in trying... I'll never forget that."

he doesnt fight for justice. i feel as though i need to emphasize this. Sonic does not fight for justice. he fights for freedom. he doesnt want to play executioner, he doesnt want to force a persons life into one path, he wants everyone to be able to live life to its fullest, their way, their own way.

"My sorrow at its ruin runs deeper than the depths of the underworld. Do you not understand?" "No! And I don't want to!"

i feel as though i hear the biggest criticisms about IDW during the overpowered arc, when Sonic is desperately trying to help Surge and get her to stop destroying everything around her, including herself.

and, i think it's really telling that in Scrapnik Island, the short story that takes place directly after issue 56 (you know, the one where Sonic gets cooked with 1,000 volts directly to his neck) and realizes he cant help Surge, that nothing he does will fix what Starline has done to her...

...its telling that in that story, he is so sickeningly desperate to help Mecha Sonic.

he wants, with all of his heart, for everyone -- EVERYONE -- to get the chance to grow, to change, to laugh and cry and run and be whoever they want to be. to live. hes more overt about it in IDW simply because hes being put in more complicated situations, situations that challenge this morality (which, i think that it succeeded in this, considering how much discourse there is about Sonic's morality), that make him really have to question if what hes doing is the right thing. we see it with Neo Metal, the Metal Virus, Mr. Tinker, Surge and Kit -- hell, even the Deadly Six directly make him question this!

its not a perfect line of thinking at all, i wont pretend that it is, but hes definitely always been like this. i remember a while back on twitter (dangerous territory, i know), people were saying that Sonic, as seen in IDW, would have tried to "talk it out" with King Arthur in satbk,,, sorta completely ignoring the fact that he helped Merlina, who manipulated him from the very start and tried to take over the world, and even comforted her at the very end when he knew she needed it.

there are probably at least 10 more examples of the point im trying to prove (i can think of 5 off the top of my head), but i dont want to reiterate what ive already said. Sonic represents freedom, the present, and change. he will fight for these indiscriminately.

"sonic just wants to be best friends with his enemies"

WRONG thats only in the idw comics. extremely loud incorrect buzzer.

[somethingaboutmint]

I just finished honest hearts for the first time and i really did not like Joshua. I was pretty stoked to finally meet him because of all the legion fear mongering of ""the burned man"" but he ended up being a profoundly weird and kind of unlikable character. I feel like the game is trying really hard to portray him as good/sympathetic which i just...can't see? Ignoring my own moral stances on mormons and missionary work, Joshua feels like a really hypocritical selfish man that keeps failing to learn anything from the tragedies that happen in his life.

When you speak to him about the legion he says that he just "got caught up in it all" and that ceasar kept asking him to do more and more henious acts as if he was some sort of prisoner to ceasar with no choice and not literally the co-founder of the legion. He STARTED the legion, if he was so morally against it why didn't he just bail out? I get that ceasar eventually gains enough power that the possibility of deserting becomes very dangerous, but he has plenty of time to leave in the beggining? The game mentions numerous times that Joshua wasn't just a normal legionary, but a merciless, unkillable, ruthless murder machine. Who am i supposed to believe here? I feel like if he really felt as bad as he did about all the evil shit the legion was doing then he probably wouldn't have that kind of reputation following him.

Then he gets deep fried at the canyon and goes back to his own community that accepts him back as if nothing happened (thanks, christianity). I'd be willing to accept that getting your entire body roasted and tossed down a literal canyon (and the chronic pain that will follow him forever) would probably be punishment enough for his numerous war crimes but like. Thats it? Not even a slap on the wrist from his former family? The family that he abbandoned and whose ideology he directly opposed by smiting the tribes they were trying to """help""" (again, mormon missionary work cringe)?????? And then hes all like "i know god has forgiven me for my sins and im fine with that" like???? I am familliar with the christian concept of gods forgivness, but Josh wasn't "lost in sin" as in like, he indulged himself in one of the main sins or was a general asshole, he killed people! He participated in the slavery and extermination of many tribes/cultures! And the only reason he stopped doing that is because after 30 fucking years, which i had to google by the way, ceasar, a known motherfucker and absolute lunatic, finally turned on HIM. For 30 fucking years the evils of the legion were nothing more than a "hm. This is kind of evil. Oh well!" thought to Joshua and ONLY when he suffered under it he finally realized that oh shit, the legion is evil. Literally no empathy or ability of critical thought is present in this man UNTIL he is the one affected. Is the power of christianity really so strong that literally none of the new caananites looked at this pathetic wet toilet paper roll of a man and were even a LITTLE bothered by what he did?

And like, at this point, im a bit skeptical but i try to rationalize it. I think to myself well, atleast he's trying to do better now. I guess forgivness and growth is what his main character motive is supposed to be. Except no, it's not, because 3 seconds later he runs across the entire map to the sorrows camp purely so he can quote the bible at me and ask me to EXTERMINATE A WHOLE TRIBE. Now, i understand his animosity towards the white legs. The white legs are fucking assholes. I finished lonesome road before honest hearts so i was already fully aware of what assholes they were. HOWEVER. LET US NOT FORGET. The reason the white legs are assholes is because they desperately want to sit with ceasar at the cool lunch table. To do that, they were ordered to kill the new caananites specifically to hurt Joshua because Ceasar knew he was alive. So, the reason the white legs are the agressive assholes that they are is almost purely because of the legion. WHICH JOSHUA CO-FOUNDED. It's almost beautifully ironic in a way that his deeds came back to haunt him. "I didn't know they would exterminate and enslave MY tribe!" Says man who voted for the "exterminating and enslaving the mojave tribes" faction. And still, Joshua learns absolutely fucking nothing from this.

I actually decided to side with joshua instead of daniel. It was for a multitude of reasons, including thinking the dlc was just gonna end if i side with daniel for whatever reason, but i kind of hoped and prayed there was a way to STILL resolve the whole thing peacefully and to talk him out of murdering them all. I was not happy about having to side with Joshua. While Daniel's plan was also potentially stupid and awful, the least Daniel did was respect the tribes' traditions and pacifistic ways. He did not want to turn the sorrows and dead horses into murderers because he thought another option (leaving zion) was available. Joshua wanting to defend the tribes' land was the one selling point on him that had me going "oh shit, maybe i misjudged this guy!" but i didn't. Talk to him for 3 seconds and its so painfully obvious that his motivations for killing the white legs is not "protect the dead horses and sorrows" but his own personal revenge for the slaughter of the new caananites. Which like, fine, understandable, but it just pissed me off so bad because he learned NOTHING from his years as a reformed war criminal. He talks so much about being changed and finding himself again after years of living in sin and the imidiate first thing he does is indulge in exterminating a tribe for his own selfish revenge reasons."I dont enjoy killing, but when done rightously, it is a job like any other" yeah, okay Joshua. Talk to me when you're not legging it down a cliff to shove a .45 down some poor bastards throat from halfway across the map because he looked at you funny. The way he acts as a temporary companion also contributes to my point here - refuses to do shit for you, does not listen, and eventually abandons you after like 15 minutes to go on his own because you're not killing the white legs fast enough. Unfortunately, i think the way he refuses to do shit for you is funny, so this is a point in his favour.

The one part that actually had me sympathizing with him was his speech upon being asked to spare salt-upon-wounds. I happen to like playing new vegas the "bullshit my way out of situations" way so thank god my speech was maxxed out, because if it wasn't, my dislike of joshua would be immesurable. The specific part when he says "i wanted to make my anger gods anger. To justify the things i've done" had me stunned because holy shit, you finally get it buddy! You finally understand that you were not a reformed man, you were still the same selfish bastard you were when in the legion! And i'm very glad this specific ending reflects that. However, if you dont have an ungodly high speech skill, you cannot spare salt-upon-wounds and Joshuas endings fucking suck. Especially the one in which he is the one to kill salt, he just starts another mini ceasars legion, having learned absolutely nothing in life.

Overall, i do think Joshua is an interesting character, somewhat. I enjoy his backstory a lot as some sort of boogeyman villiam and i do think the fact that hes complex enough to piss me off the way he does is a good thing. I think the narrative kinda fails him because it desperately tries to paint him as a redeemed good guy (seriously, why is joshua the only "companion" with good karma? If anything, he makes the most sense as a neutral karma character) instead of just a dude you can form your own opinion on.