#italian bi woman my heart

[ambixvalence]

Alessandra brings THE new bisexual anthem 😭 🩷💜💙

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Marie Doro (Lost and Won)—I had never heard of this woman before the prelims a couple of weeks ago, but oh my GOD I have not been able to stop thinking about her since. Look at her!! She was often typecast as delicate, fragile types on stage and screen, but in real life she was "intelligent, an expert on Shakespeare and Elizabethan poetry, and possessed a penetrating humor and a sometimes acid wit"(!!!!) and known for bringing vibrancy and intelligence to all of her roles. Unfortunately most of her films have been lost, but she was considered a highly sought-after lead actress through the '20s, at which point she retired from acting. In her later years, she went back to school, taking university courses in theology, physics, metaphysics, and philosophy. She was also reportedly close friends with Maude Adams and Mercedes de Acosta, both known for their lesbian relationships, which has led some (me) (but also others) to speculate that she may have been lesbian or bi herself. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! She was Charlie Chaplin's first love! She was so beautiful??? I want her to recite poetry for me while we picnic in the park.

Pina Menichelli (The Fire, Padrone delle Ferriere)—ITALIAN SILENT MOVIE STAR!!! SHES HOT!!!

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman. (remember that our poll era starts in 1910, so please don't use propaganda from before that date.)

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Marie Doro:

Unfortunately nearly all of Marie Doro’s movies are lost, and I don’t know a lot about her, but as soon as I came across Marie for the first time, I fell in love with her. The early Edwardian era is my favourite decade for fashion, and Marie wears it all so well! In every photo she looks like an angel made out of porcelain, too perfect to be real. She was Charlie Chaplin’s first love, and he remained in love with her for years after their first encounter, and let’s be honest, who can blame him? He said about her in his biography:

‘She was so devastatingly beautiful that I resented her. I resented her delicate, pouting lips, her regular white teeth, her adorable chin, her raven hair and dark brown eyes. But, oh God, she was beautiful! It was love at first sight. At the theatre I would time the moment that she left her dressing room so as to meet her on the stairs and gulp 'good-evening.' When I met Marie Doro again, it was like the second act of a romantic play. After we were introduced I said: 'But we've met before. You broke my heart. I was silently in love with you.' Marie, looking as beautiful as ever, said: “How thrilling”.

Doro retired from filmmaking in the 1920s and became very reclusive after that, so unfortunately there’s hardly any footage of her to watch. I feel sad that more people don’t know who Marie Doro is, because she’s very important to me.

Linked gifset to see Marie in action

Pina Menicelli:

[calabria-mediterranea]

Dalida - The Beloved European Singer’s Calabrian Roots

Although she became famous worldwide as Dalida, she was born Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti in Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt, on 17 January 1933.

What is Dalida's Calabrian connection? Her father Pietro Gigliotti (1904–1945) and mother Filomena Giuseppina (née d’Alba; 1904–1971) were born in Serrastretta, Calabria, in Italy. Pietro studied music in school and played violin in taverns; Giuseppina was a seamstress.

Dalida was born in Egypt after her parents settled there, a move they made so that her father could pursue his career as a concert violinist.

By birth, Dalida automatically gained Italian nationality through jus sanguinis of both Italian parents.

Dalida singing the traditional Calabrian song "Calabrisella mia" (translation: "My sweet Calabrian girl") with actor John Dorelly on Italian national television:

She and her parents have maintained a strong bond with their roots over time, not only emotional, but also cultural and bureaucratic.

Dalida, in fact, even after moving to France, maintained her Italian citizenship and became French, with dual citizenship, only with her marriage to Lucien Morisse in 1961.

Dalida's visit to that small mountain town in Calabria, where her parents were born, Serrastretta, was unforgettable.

The singer decided to include an extra charity concert date in Catanzaro in her Italian tour, precisely to travel for the first time to the town that was the birthplace of her loved ones. Here she visited the house where her parents lived before moving to Egypt:

And she also met her cousins and her great-aunt who was still alive, played the tambourine and embraces the football team that bears his name.

The much idolized Dalida, the first woman to win the Platinum Record and for whom the Diamond Record was created, took to the stage of the Municipal Theatre of Serrastretta. All the newspapers talked about it. And at the moment of her departure from Sant'Eufemia station (modern Lamezia Terme), the tears flowed freely, so much so that a few days before the end of the tour, Dalida wrote to the mayor.

A shot that immortalizes Dalida's visit to the mountain village of Serrastretta, photographed next to the then mayor, Menotti Mancuso (1962)

«I would like to express to you again all the joy I felt in getting to know my family's town - wrote Dalida following a visit to Serrastretta in the 1960s -, and thank you for the warm and enthusiastic welcome you gave me. I will never forget the emotion I felt in finding myself among all of you and I ask you to pass on, both to my cousins and to all the inhabitants of Serrastretta, the thanks that come from the bottom of my heart."

Dalida in Calabria in 1962, photographed by Ezio Arcuri, upon arrival at the Sant'Eufemia Lamezia station (reportage archive)

Dalida spent her early years in Egypt’s bustling Italian Egyptian community but she lived most of her adult life in France.

Beloved singer both in Italy and France, unforgettable queen of the Paris Olympia, during her career she sold over 170 million albums all over the world, also earning the first diamond record in history in 1981, created specifically for her.

Away from the spotlight, however, many great sorrows accompanied his life, which was interrupted - at the age of 54 - on 3 May 1987 by an overdose of barbiturates. «La vie m'est unbearable. Pardonnez moi/Forgive me, life is unbearable for me" wrote Dalida in her farewell note, found on the bedside table of her bedroom, in the villa at number 11 bis Rue d'Orchampt in Montmartre.

Follow us on Instagram, @calabria_mediterranea

[leafweaverryn]

*brings in another shitty pot*

this is just an experiment. i'm only playing with this au. i'm not writing any more after this. this isn't my next longfic. this is just an experiment to see if i can make shitty pots and learn from them.

...

*sobs*

here's more of a lilanette utena au that two people asked for because i'm an idiot who wanted a throwaway prompt for a day.

link to the first one

cw: lila being lila, lila rossi, lilanette, lila/marinette

Before Chloe could answer, a murmur at the other end of the cafeteria cut her off. Lila lifted her head in interest and smiled excitedly at the new handful of students coming in. Among the half dozen faces was that pretty little thing she’d seen before. Her sapphire black hair was in two little space buns decorated with dangling red ribbons, framing ivory skin, pink cheeks, and a smile that lit up the room. Even though Lila had yet to see her up close, she knew in her heart of hearts that the young woman would be poetically pretty, if not completely beautiful. Though she was wearing the same standard puffy sleeves and skirt as all the other girls, her uniform was decorated in pink.

“Oh la la,” Lila cooed. “What pretty girls your school has. Miss Chloe, since you seem to know so much, could you introduce us? I’d like to get to know her very much…”

Too late, Lila saw a sparkle in the blonde’s eyes, as if she had just caught the Italian vixen in the act of sneaking in men after curfew. Chloe smiled darkly, then turned in her seat to sing a sweet “yoo-hoo!” and wave for the young woman and her entourage to join them. The pretty thin waved back, and Chloe placed a hand on Lila’s shoulder, resting her chin there as she leaned on the transfer student. Her voice was a whisper as she answered, their attention joined in admiring the young woman from their seats. 

“Her name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” she answered Lila’s question at last. “I imagine you’d like her. She’s majoring in fashion design and business management, with a secondary in restaurant management. If she can’t be a professional designer, she has her family’s bakery to fall back on.”

“A designer? How delightful. Perhaps she should consider being a model as well…” Lila licked her lips, approving of every glimpse she saw of the young woman’s slender legs. “She certainly has the figure for one… But someone as lovely as her couldn’t possibly be single, could she? Please, tell me the truth, is she dating anyone right now?”

Go on, tell me… Who’s the competition? Who do I have to exploit to get to her? Who do I have to weave and lie and turn the world against to make her mine?

Who do I have to kill?

Chloe nodded pointedly at the group. “She’s with Luka right now.”

Her lip curled in a dark scowl as she noticed the young man standing at Marinette’s side, his hand touching the small of her back as they shuffled through the line.

“I see him…” Lila hissed in disapproval. He wasn’t bad looking, with a smile on his sunkissed skin, blue hair, and a blatant disregard of the school uniform, with his blue jacket tied around his waist, almost hiding the cutlass at his hip.

“Rumor has it that he cheated to win her, using a hook when a secondary weapon wasn’t agreed upon,” Chloe continued. “But Marinette’s mad at Adrien, to the point that she’s refusing to speak to him, so she ruled in favor of Luka, who won her. Give it time. Someone else will snap her up soon enough. I believe Felix has already declared his intention to challenge Luka, or I’d do it myself. It’s been too long since I last had her yummy scones.”

Lila’s heart sank. “Oh. So she’s straight.”

“Mm,” the blonde hummed, shrugging with one shoulder. “No, she’s bi.” She smiled knowingly as her whisper became more hushed, so quiet that it drowned out the rest of the world. “Marinette is whatever you want her to be. Do you want an obedient servant? She’s an excellent cook, and positively magical with a sewing needle…” Her voice became a purr that, combined with a touch brushing Lila’s neck, made the vixen’s skin prickle. “Do you want a lover who guarantees you’ll come first every time? She’s every bit as soft as she looks, and her lips are sweet, like strawberries.”

“Why?” Lila asked before she could stop herself. “Why would such a sweet looking woman reduce herself to a playtoy to be passed around?”

“Because she has to…” Chloe’s lips were so close, Lila could almost feel them brush her ear. “She’s our rose bride…”

The words sent a shiver of something cold down Lila’s spine. One of her mothers once told her that that chill meant, long ago when Lila was a young girl and had them frequently.

A touch of destiny…

“Once every four years or so, a random student is chosen,” the blonde went on. “It is both a blessing and a curse. According to legend, whomever is her prince will receive a great reward. Money, fame… her. The prince is her champion, her lover, her soulmate, and can only claim her by dueling others. No one else may touch her, else they would become cursed. And no one knows who her prince is, not even her. Only the castle and the crest knows…”

Lila didn’t get a chance to ask what the fuck does that mean? Her target was too close, and Chloe peeled herself off the vixen as Marinette, Luka, and a few other students in their wake stepped up to their table. Marinette had a tray of several teacups and a couple plates of snacks in her hands. Without having to be commanded, Sabrina began shuffling chairs to make space for the newcomers.

Up closer now, Lila’s suspicions were confirmed.

Her “pretty little thing” had been a beautiful goddess all along, with plush pink lips, clear skin, and blue blue blue eyes that sparkled more brilliantly than any sapphire Lila had ever seen. She had a natural, resting small smile that hid a wealth of secrets.

“Come sit at our table,” Chloe invited them. “At the very least, it’ll save me from having to repeat myself for introductions. I promise, I’ll behave…” She smirked behind her hand. “But I can’t say the transfer will promise the same…”

“She better,” the young man in blue, Luka, replied with a smile. Light glittered off the ring piercings on his lower lip, like moonlight on a viper’s fangs. His cold ocean eyes were locked on Lila’s. “I’d hate to ruin your first day by starting a fight before you’ve had a chance to settle in.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lila scoffed, flicking her hair. “I want no part of your stupid sword games.”

Marinette tilted her head at the vixen. “So there’s nothing you want more than anything? You have nothing to fight for?”

“Absolutely not.”

Slowly the young woman nodded, though her eyes were narrowed in suspicion. “Curious… very curious…” She snapped out of her thoughtfulness with a smile. “In that case, we’d be happy to join you for tea.”

Chloe squealed in delight and clapped her hands as the little friend group circled the table and took their seats. As Marinette set her tray down and claimed a spot across the table from Lila, the vixen lamented the distance between them, but decided it was a much better angle to admire the gentle curves of her face and neck. Luka sat beside her, a chair between him and Chloe. Joining them was another red-head, though this one was voluptuous and wore an orange jacket with uniform pants and had a rapier at her hip, another young woman with purple hair, a purple jacket, black skirt, and cutlass like Luka’s, and a blonde pixie in pure pink, who ended up beside Lila, who scooted away a little so she wouldn’t get a cavity just by being near her.

“If I may,” Chloe hummed once everyone was comfortable and tea and snacks were served. “Miss Lila, some of your fellow classmates and students of note. Luka Couffaine, lead guitarist of one of the school indie bands. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, I’ve already told you about. Alya Césaire, head of the yearbook committee and academy journalism department. Juleka Couffaine, Luka’s twin sister. And Rose Lavillant, head of the school charity and fundraising committees.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you,” Lila said to Marinette. “I am Countess Lilaousia de Francesca Emelia Catharine Rossi the Third.” She sighed and rested her hand to her cheek. “Ho hum, that is so long for you to say if we’re to be friends… I suppose I have no choice but to let all of you call me Lila for simplicity sake.”

The pink pixie at her elbow cooed in wide-eyed wonder. “Oooh, a real countess…”

On her other side, the goth in purple mumbled something that Lila didn’t hear, but Rose giggled softly.

“What are you majoring in?” Alya asked.

“I haven’t decided yet,” the vixen lamented. “I already have a masters in philosophy and nursing, plus my CNA certification, so there’s so much more I could possibly do. Perhaps something in law or public administration…”

Luka’s eyes narrowed on her. “Clubs?”

Again she shrugged. “Same same. I value my free time, but there are some clubs that look interesting…”

“You should join the fencing club,” Chloe hummed. “There are too many boys, and you have the body for it.”

“Mm, no, I’d rather not,” Lila replied, waving her off. “I don’t like getting gross and sweaty if I can help it, and besides, I’m not very good at it.”

Behind her teacup, Marinette smiled knowingly. “What a shame.”

Lila smiled and rested her chin on her hands. “And what about you? What clubs are you in? Perhaps I could be persuaded to join, if it meant seeing your beautiful face more often.”

“Oh, I’m not involved in much,” she answered, her eyes falling shyly. “I help out with the drama club and bake for the fundraiser committee…” Her eyes flicked up to Lila’s with a raised eyebrow and playful smirk. “But most of my free time goes to refereeing for the fencing club.”

Fucking swords again! Lila masked her annoyance behind a smile.

“Well! If I have nothing better to do, I might swing by to observe,” Lila conceded. “Where do you usually meet?”

“Our usual sparring ground is on the roof,” explained Luka. “There’s a rose garden with a view of the whole castle. First timers take the stairs until their first victory, then they’re allowed to take the elevator up.”

She kept her attention on Marinette. “You’ll have to show me sometime.”

“Only if you join,” the young woman countered. “It’s off limits to non-club members.”

That’s so fucking stupid, Lila scowled behind her teacup. She scoffed and waved Marinette away. “I’ll think about it. Depending on my workload, I may not have the time for silly games.”

“It’s not a game,” Alya snapped. “And if you’re not a player, you’re a pawn. Sword or no sword, you’re fair game, same as the rest.”

Lila narrowed her eyes on her. “My my… You say it’s not a game, yet you still call others pawns. Fluff your tail all you want, but no one tells me what I can and cannot do, what to do, sword or no sword. And Heaven help the bastard who tries, I will shred them with my bare teeth.”

“You can try,” Juleka mumbled, her voice so quiet that Lila almost missed it. Her visible amber eye had a sadness to it that was soul deep. Slowly, she shook her head. “The only way to resist is to escape.”

She bit her tongue to keep from shivering.

Above them, the bell rang over the intercom in a pleasant chime.

Lila stayed seated as the others stood; Marinette was equally unmoving, a mirror to the vixen across from her. Someone, probably Sabrina, gathered all the dishes and trays onto one neat stack. Books were picked up and jackets were put on. Murmurs of conversation were exchanged, but nothing existed beyond the veil of space wrapped around the two still seated, as if they were hiding together under a blanket universe.

“There’s still time,” Marinette said, her voice low and songlike as the rest of the world melted away. “The castle hasn’t dug its thorns into you yet. You still have time to escape.”

“And why would I want to run away?” Lila leaned forward on her elbows. “Pretty women, my choice of classes, a living space, and a weekly allowance… Why should I give up any of that? Because of some spooky talk and sadistic threat of being owned by my peers?” She smiled darkly. “I don’t scare that easily, princess. If you want me gone, you’ll have to try harder.”

She tilted her head to one side, eyebrows raised. “What made you choose here? Was the academy a whimsical choice or a last resort?” Marinette leaned forward as well, mimicking Lila’s pose. “What are you running from?”

The vixen swallowed hard. “Who says I’m running from something?”

“We’ve all done something to hide, to run from. We’ve all committed some sin or another. We all have at least one skeleton in the closet. Some figurative… Some literal.”

A chill ran down Lila’s spine.

A touch of destiny…

“I’m innocent.”

Lila smiled skeptically. “Then you have nothing to be afraid of.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Then why are you shaking?”

“I’m not shaking.”

Marinette held out her hand across the table, and Lila reached to touch her. Even before her fingertips brushed Marinette’s palm, the vixen could see and feel she was right; Lila was shaking.

Her smile softened as Marinette ran a gentle thumb over Lila’s knuckles. The touch made her skin tingle. Marinette gave her hand a gentle squeeze and let go, standing.

“Do what you want Lila,” she said.

Marinette gave her a last look over her shoulder, Luka’s hand at her back to guide her away.

“It’s what you’re best at, after all.”

[strawberryspence]

fifth time's a charm

Fluff | Spencer Reid x FEM! Reader

Summary: Penelope just wants Spencer to be happy. So, she sets him up on various of dates, each one ending in a disaster.

Word Count: 2,38k

Warnings: mention of bi!spencer, s12-s15 arcs, some sexual innuendos, mention of threesome, kinks, and sex, just overall bad dates, pregnancy, a few swear words.

Writer’s Note: Hello! I wrote this one for @spencers-dria and @reidsbookclub! Thank you for liking my idea! I really just went crazy with this one. It's just a cute meet cute, so I hope you guys find this funny and fluffy! <3

Gif of is mine! Look at that glorious hair 😆 Tumblr stop ruining the quality!

Penelope basically grew up with Spencer. They were both young when they first met and watching Spencer grow and go through all the shit and trauma he has gone through is chipping away at Penelope.

After the whole Cat Adams fiasco, Spencer’s relationship with Max ends a week after that, Spencer understands that not everyone can handle a relationship with someone like him, especially the fact that her family was put into danger because of him.

A month after the break up, Penelope finally decided that enough is enough and that she’s going to set Spencer up with as many people as possible until he meets someone who will fit him.

Spencer, on the other hand, can’t say no to the ever positive and cheery Penelope Garcia. In his heart he knows that Penelope just wants him to be happy, so if its setting him with a dozen of people, then okay.

Spencer won't admit it but he was also jealous of her and Luke's growing relationship and he just wants something like that for him.

At the same time he was happy that she was happy. More than anyone in this world, he believes Penelope Garcia was the most deserving of true love.

But after 3 dates, god almighty, Spencer wants to end it all.

The first date was with a woman named Shelly. She was cute and all, Spencer even thought that it could lead to a second date, but then she started babbling about how her ex just broke up with her and she’s just looking for a “fun” (code for I want a one night stand) time.

Penelope bailed him out by calling with a fake emergency.

The second date was with another woman named Tiffany. Its was going okay and Spencer was staring to really like her until Spencer tells her that he had an IQ of 187 and Tiffany said, “Oh! You’re a nerd!”

This time Penelope bailed him out by literally getting his car towed.

The third date was the weirdest one. Spencer finally agreed on a date with a man, and its not that he has a problem with it, it’s just he has never tried dating another gender. It was with a man named Travis and the date was going pretty good until the very end where Travis finally told him his true agenda: He was looking for someone for a threesome.

This time Luke bailed him out by having Roxy literally chase him down the street.

Tonight was the fourth date. Penelope says its with a woman named Erica and all Spencer can think about is that he needs to learn how to say no to Penelope Garcia.

Spencer gets ready for the date with Erica. They were going to eat at an Italian Restaurant that he choose.

He just hopes this night would be the night that it works out for him. If it doesn’t maybe he needs to go to a shaman or something to fight away the bad spirts and the bad luck.

“Hi! I am Erica!” Spencer stands up from his sit on the restaurant to shake her hand, “Hello. I am Spencer.” Careful to not say Doctor, in case its another “nerd” situation.

“How do you know Penelope?” Spencer asks as both of them settle down and after ordering wine.

“Oh! I don’t know her actually.” Spencer can’t help but make a face, “Excuse me?”

“I don’t know her actually. We’re actually water aerobics classmates but that's it!” Spencer nods and makes an audible OHhHH before looking down at the menu.

“How about you? How do you know her?” Erica asks, “Oh! I work with her in the FBI.”

“FBI?!” Erica almost chokes with her wine and sits up straight. Spencer can’t help but squint his eyes, she suddenly looked nervous. He can’t help but think that maybe Penelope set her up with a criminal? Which is impossible because he’s pretty sure Penelope does background check for everyone around them.

“Yes... FBI. Is there a problem?” Erica immediately shakes her head, “Uh.... I am going to the bathroom.” She says in a hurry and runs to the bathroom.

Oh dear, his bad luck is endless. Spencer immediately takes out his phone to call Penelope.

“S-spencer!? What’s up!?” Penelope’s voice comes in as a yelp, making him pull the phone away from his ear.

“Penelope! Did you set me up with a criminal!?” Penelope yelps again, “No! Erica has a clean background! She’s not a criminal. How could you say th-ugh... at!”

Spencer sighs, “Penelope Garcia, are you talking to me while having sex with Luke Alvez!?”

“N-no, I am not!” Her voice is more breathy now and Spencer is even more disgusted, “Oh god! Bail me out of here you two!” He says.

“Yes! YES! I’ll bail you out!” Spencer immediately turns off the call as he hears Luke’s grunts. Ugh, those two.

Erica comes back 10 minutes later, looking flushed and nervous, she's also out of breathe and her dress is crumpled.

“Are you okay?” Spencer asks, looking more scared than worried, Erica laughs, “Yeah, I am good. FBI agents is... my kink.”

This time its Spencer’s turn to choke on his wine. He was unlucky. He was the unluckiest man alive right now.

“It is...?” Spencer asks, unsure on what to say.

“Yeah! Do you... do you have the kevlar vest? You know with the FBI logo?” Oh god. What is this? Why was he here?

A bulb lights up on his head and finally everything makes sense.

“I am sorry. But did you...,” He lowers his voice, “masturbate in the bathroom?” Erica smiles at him and nods, enthusiastically.

“Do you want to get out of here?” Ohhhhhkay. Maybe asking her that was the wrong decision because she was now thinks that he is interested. He starts shaking his head to say no when he feels a hand on his shoulder.

“Honey!?” Spencer turns his head to a very pregnant woman, who was about his age, now looking at him with eyebrows raised.

“Honey?” He repeats, “What? Did you forget your married? Now galavanting around and dating some...” You look Erica head to toe, “chick?”

“I— I...” Spencer can’t form any word. What the hell is happening? You widen your eyes on him, before leaning down and pretending to pull on his ears, making him yelp.

“Pretend. I am Penelope’s bestfriend.” You whisper to him and Spencer’s eyes finally widen at agreement and nods.

“You’re married!?” Erica shrieks at them.

“Yes, sweetie. This guy you’re dating is married and is about to have his fifth child! So we’re leaving now! Before I go into labor here! With mucus and stuff!” You act distress while holding your womb and still holding unto Spencer’s ear while pulling him out the restaurant.

When they’re finally out of sight, you let him go.

“I am sorry for hurting you. Damn, how bad is that date that Penelope had to call me while having,” You pause to give the word more emphasis, “sex!?”

“It was so bad! She started acting weird when I said I worked with the FBI and then she rushed to the bathroom to masturbate!” You can’t help but laugh holding unto your stomach.

“I am so sorry you had to do that while pregnant.” Spencer says, now finally having the chance to look at you properly.

For a pregnant lady, you looked as beautiful as ever, giving the famous “pregnant glow” a whole new level.

“Oh please! This!” You look around before taking his hand and crossing the street to a park.

Spencer guides you to a sit, because he felt bad that he made the pregnant, beautiful, lady stress out over his bad date.

Weirdly, you started pushing your stomach down the skirt of your dress making him look away immediately.

“Ta-da!” Spencer looks back at you and the pregnant stomach is now gone. You were now holding a hollow styrofoam belly with snacks in it.

Spencer raises an eyebrow and gives her a look. But truth to be told he's kind of happy that the woman who he's finding extremely attractive is not really impregnated by someone else.

"Oh! Don’t look at me like that! I was going to watch a Star Trek rerun in the movies down the block and the snacks are always too pricey!” You wag your finger in front of him as he sits beside you.

"Where did you even buy that?" Spencer asks laughing as you started opening a bar of twix, "Oh. Michael's." He nods at your answer.

“That’s why I was able to run so quickly to the restaurant.” Spencer cringes at this statement, “I am sorry if I ruined your evening.”

“No, you didn’t! It was fun to play a pregnant lady with a cheating husband. Plus I get to meet the famous Doctor Spencer Reid, with 10 PhDs, IQ of 200 and can read 100,000 words per second.” Spencer laughs and almost chokes on air, “It’s 3 PhDs, IQ of 187 and 20,000 words per minute.”

“Well, you know Penelope and her hyperbole. That’s how her stories go.” You laugh and Spencer finally realizes that he doesn't even know your name.

“Oh! I am an idiot! I am sorry, what’s your name?” You laugh as you bite down on the twix, "And why have I never seen you before?"

“I am Y/N Y/L/N. I am Penelope’s childhood best friend, I just moved here like 6 months ago.” You offer him another bar and Spender happily accepts it.

"Why'd you move here?" He asks, happily munching on the chocolate bar, finally realizing that he never got the chance to eat.

"I got an offer to teach in Georgetown and Penelope was also here, so I said you know what? Why not? Its always an adventure with her and with what she made me do tonight, I am so happy with my decision." You wink at him and his nose scrunches up as he laughs with you.

You were sure Penelope was overselling this great Doctor Reid but, oh man, why did she never mention that he looked this good?

"What do you teach?" Spencer asks, "Astronomy."

His eyes widen at this, "Really? I didn't expect that." You laugh at his statement. "Yeah, a lot of people say that. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy."

"That sounds awesome! Maybe I should get mine too..."

You gape at him. You're so dead. Tall, good looking, fbi agent and always wiling to learn? Its like your dream man came out of the movie screen and was presented to you, which was hard to believe because your dream man is Matthew Gray Gubler and that man just raised your standards through the roof.

"Another one?!" Spencer laughs at you before he protests, "Hey! You can never have too much!"

"You're not wrong with that." You agree with him and you both sit in silence eating chocolates.

"Too bad we met late, we could have went together to watch Star Trek. The ticket selling has been sold out since last week." Your face scrunches up into a sad smile, and Spencer has never felt so bad.

"Hey, we can watch it at my place?" Oh god, that sounded to forward and its evident when your eyes widen, "I mean! If its okay with you! We can watch it at my place and I have popcorn. For free." Spencer rambles on as he mentally face palm himself, his bad luck streak continues.

You laugh because he looks so nervous, "Its fine, Spencer. I should call Penelope first tho." You pull out your phone but then make a face when you remember the last time she called you.

"You know what, I'll call her later. I don't need to hear her and Luke's grunting. Ugh, they're disgustingly sweet and gross at the same time." Spencer laughs as they both start standing up, "You're right. But you know what I've never seen Penelope that happy with anyone."

You happily agree, "Yeah, it's been a while. She deserves it. You know I always told her that I've met so many people in my life, but she's the most deserving of true happiness." His smile grows bigger at what you say, being the same exact thing he said.

"You're right." You both start walking quietly, Spencer helping you with the hollow belly.

"So... Star Trek..." Spencer starts and you immediately yelp, feeling defensive over a movie series, "Hey! Its a good movie!"

Spencer immediately panics, "I didn't mean anything bad! Its actually a good series! There aren't many scientific errors in it especially considering how long ago it was made!"

You can't help but smile, you already knew this but you still nod as if you didn't know this because... well... how can you correct this cute man?

"Okay. Good. I don't want to watch a Star Trek movie with someone who doesn't respect it." You say sternly and it makes Spencer laugh, "Relax, Y/N, I also love it."

The walk to his apartment was quick, it turns out you both live near each other. The walk was full of many random talks and just wonderful topics.

"Penelope tells me this is your fourth blind date?" You tease him and the pink that colors his cheeks is the prettiest shade you've ever seen.

"Yeah... Its all been bad, or weird, or just out of this world." Spencer can't help but scratch his head. You chew on your lips, trying to gather your courage.

"So... Do you consider this your fifth date....?" You look up at him with wide eyes. He looks at you, a smile slowly growing on his face. "If you want it to be." He supplies and you immediately nod with a smile.

Spencer's smile grows bigger at how excited you look. Maybe he's bad luck streak was ending with you by his side.

Spencer's fifth date was a success. It ends with both of you fast asleep on his couch after eating all the popcorn and candies your bodies can take as Star Trek plays on the background.

Penelope finally stops setting him up on dates when he comes to work the next day with a smile so big, its competing with the huge bouquet of tulips he bought for Penelope as a thank you.

-

taglist (if you want to be added, please message me 🥰): @all-tings-diego @shemarmooresfedora

[inky-duchess]

21 History Ancedotes for my 21st Birthday

So today I celebrate my 21st birthday and I have decided to gift you all with 21 of my favourite historical Ancedotes. Some are funny, some are sad and some are plain bizarre but I hope the make your day 💜

Mary Maloney, an Irish-born suffragette in England followed Winston Churchill around while he was campaigning for a seat in Parliament, drowning out everything he said with a very large bell and calls for him to apologise for his comments on women's rights and suffrage movements.

Clodius Pulcher was a well born Roman noble during the last day's of the Republic. He gave up his Patrician status to become Tribune of the Plebs (an office in which one had to be a Pleb) by being adopted by a much younger Plebian man who became his "father". Clodius was a bit of a riot, sneaking into religious festivals dressed like a woman to sleep with Caesar's wife, building a shrine to Liberty in the ruins of the Conservative Cicero, vetoed the last speech of one of the Consuls (who basically did nothing all year and was apparently going to roast Caesar) and burned down the Senate House with his funeral pyre (the Plebs who loved him literally tearing up the furniture to build his pyre). He was honestly the best fun.

When laying on her deathbed, Queen Caroline of Ansbach turned to her husband George II of England and told him he should marry again. George refused to ever wed again... But added he would have mistresses. Caroline said , likely with a roll of her eyes, "oh my god that doesn't matter."

Florence was a pretty cool city in the Renaissance until Savanorola came to town. He disliked the loose living artists that crowded the city, with their naked pagan gods and rampant homosexuality. He expelled them all with help of the French hoping to make Florence Holy Again. When the Borgia Pope excommunicated him and sentenced him to death, one man in the crowd was reported to have said. "thank God, niw we can return to sodomy." One Floretine man in the 1490s said Gay Rights.

So this list couldn't be complete without an entry of the only American politician I love, Alexander Hamilton who was just a walking entity of sass. I could go on about his sharp sarcasm or his disaster bi vibes with John Lauren's but my all time favourite Alexander Hamilton ancedote has to be this exchange with Thomas Jefferson "There are approximately 1010300 words in the English language, but I could never string enough words together to properly explain how much I want to hit you with a chair."

Caterina Sforza was an Italian noble woman during the Renaissance. She was apart of the powerful Sforza family, which drew many enemies to her. One fateful day at Forli, Caterina's children were snatched as hostages. The besiegers threatened to kill her children if she did not cede the castle. Caterina refused, lifting her skirts and shouted to the besiegers that she had the means to make more children.

Hannibal Lecter's creator Thomas Harris was happy to end his great character's story with the original trilogy. However his publishers forced him to write an unneeded prequel explaining why Hannibal became Hannibal. Thomas Harris agreed lest he lose the rights to his character so he wrote Hannibal Rising, where Hannibal as a young man hunts down the Nazis who ate his sister with a katana.

Nell Gwyn is my favourite mistress of Charles II, mainly because of her sass. Once while trapped in the middle of a riot where Londoners swamped her carriage thinking she was Charles's Catholic mistress. She popped her head out the carriage and told the people "Pray good people be civil. I am the Protestant whore." She also dosed her rival Moll Davis with laxatives in order to free up some of Charles's time and she once flashed her underwear at the French ambassador after asking him why the Franch King did not pay her to spy on Charles because she was with him every night. A true Queen.

Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty of China once rose from his bed to go do some ruling when he realised his lover, Dong Xian was sleeping on his sleeve. Rather than disturb his lover, the Emperor cut his sleeve off at the wrist to leave Dong Xian nap. Nothing has ever been more romantic than that. Y'all could never.

Princess Margaret the sister of current Queen Elizabeth II was a socialable Princess and often tasked to visit the up and coming music stars of the day on behalf of the Crown. When meeting the Beatles one evening, she noticed George Harrison was acting a little odd. When she asked what was the matter, he replied "We arent allowed eat until you go." Princess Margaret laughed and promptly left so the Beatles could get some dinner.

During the Siege of Jadotsville, Irish soldiers under the flag of the UN were attacked and besieged by local insurgents allied with the Katanga Regime. The insurgents numbered thousands while the Irish only had 158 soldiers, all who were lightly armed. They radioed to their allies assuring them that "we will hold out until our last bullet is spent. Could use some whiskey though".

Napoleon was famous for writing raunchy letters to his wife, the Empress Josephine while he was away. She used to reply with really mundane letters or not at all. She really just could not be bothered with him.

Josip Broz Tito was so fed up with Joseph Stalin sending assassins to kill him, he wrote to Stalin personally to say "If you don't stop sending assassins to kill me. I will send one to Moscow and I won't have to send another." It didn't work but Big Dick Energy.

Successful Roman soldiers returning from war often got to march along in parades known as Triumphs. During this, it was customary for them to sing bawdy songs about their commander. One surviving one about Caesar goes like this "Romans, lock up your wives. Here comes the bald adulterous whore. We pissed away your gold in Gaul and come to borrow more."

Matilda, Lady of the English was a woman so badass that history cannot handle her. She was the daughter of Henry I who left his throne to her after the death of her brother. She was away in France when her father died and her throne was snatched by her cousin Stephen. They battled back and forth for years with neither side ceding any ground. Matilda was once besieged in a castle during a snow storm, with Stephen's men all around her. Instead of fighting her way out. She simply donned a white cloak and walked out of the castle. Just walked out without any of Stephen's men seeing her.

Pedro of Portugal once fell in love with a beautiful lady in waiting called Inez de Castro. For years, they lived as man and mistress, popping out a few kinds. Pedro's dad really did not like Inez and wanted Pedro to find a legitimate wife so he had her killed. Pedro returned home to find the mother of his children dead. Pedro went a little crazy. He had all his father's assassins killed, ripping out their hearts as they had done to him. When Pedro ascended the throne, he demanded the Pope legitimize his children by Inez. The Pope not wanting to upset the King, said he couldn't because Inez was never crowned Queen. Pedro dug Inez up and crowned her as Queen, having all the nobility swear loyalty to her corpse. The Pope had no choice but to agree to his request.

A famously clever general once saved an entire city with an ingenious stragety to sit outside the city waiting for the attacking army to come. The attack had come to fast for the city to ready themselves for a Siege so, the general had to move quickly. He evacuated the city and took his place waiting for the army to come. The enemy forces stopped and took one look at him and bolted, thinking he meant to lure them in one of his famous traps.

Michaelangelo was really badly treated by the Vatican when he was painting the Sistine Chapel. He constantly fought with the Popes over the design and his work, which he was paid peanuts for. Michaelangelo got his revenge in his work, painting the gates of Hell behind the Papal Throne and an angel flipping the ol' fig (the Renaissance version of the bird) toward the Pope's chair.

Peter the Great was not a perfect guy. He kept serfdom as a practise in his kingdom, he had his son tortured to death and he could be an unpleasant guy. But Peter was a dreamer. He wanted nothing more to build a fleet for Russia and bring Russia beyond its borders. Peter took a gap year from ruling Russia to wander around Europe. When he stopped in England, he was granted Leicester House to chill in while he did his shipwright studies. It was here that Peter found a new passion. The wheelbarrow. Cue Peter and his new found English buddies drinking in Leicester House, punching the artwork and rolling each other around in barrels across the house's Great gardens.

Diogenes is hands down a walking shit post. He was a great thinker in Greece during the reign of Alexander but a rather dry, sarcastic wit. He lived in a pithos/a jar because he shunned all vanities and values of society. He trolled other philosophers, attending their debates to heckle them and eat loud foods through them. When Alexander the Great came to fan boy over him, saying that if he were not Alexander he would like to be Diogenes to which Diogenes just said "yeah me too, now get out of my sunlight."

Cosimo de Medici was the son of a Floretine banker with a great knowledge and love of art. Cosimo wished for Florence to release its potentially and join the Renaissance. He hired Filippo Brunelleschi to finsh the Great Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore which had láin unfinished for over a century, a symbol of a failure of ambition. The builders had lost the knowledge of creating a dome so large so it remained unfinished. Despite much opposition from the other nobility and denouncers of the Renaissance, Cosimo's dream of the completion of the dome was completed, making it the largest brick dome in creation at that time. There is nothing like achieving your dreams and certainly nothing like leaving a lasting reminder that screams 'I was right and you were wrong' to stand for centuries.

[jaskierswolf]

The Grass is Greener Pt.3/3

CW: More shitty parents...

Previous

Dinner was an absolute nightmare. The food itself was delicious. They ordered from the lovely little Italian place in town that was one of Jaskier’s favourites for board game night with his housemates. Geralt and Jaskier both ordered pizza, which was the totally normal thing to do when ordering takeaway. His mother ordered sea bass with new potatoes, spinach and mediterranean vegetables.

Ciri was snoring quietly in her pram. Geralt had popped home to get it whilst they were waiting for the food as Ciri threw a bit of a tantrum when they’d tried to get her back into her carry cot.

They were eating on the patio table. Jaskier had insisted. They had spent over two hours trying to clear up the garden and his mother was going to fucking appreciate it, seeing as she’d found every reason to pull apart his house.

The carpet was the wrong colour, the oven was shit, his bedroom was a mess (it wasn’t), the bathroom stank even through the jammy door (it kind of did, thanks Regis), the windows were filthy, there were too many beds…

It went on and on and on.

Geralt, who was supposed to be helping to charm his darling mother, was just glaring at her across the table. Jaskier was trying to joke and make awkward conversation but the tension was just too much. He couldn’t do this. Everything he said was met was snide comments from his mother, who’s current favourite topic was Geralt being a single father, because how could Jaskier ever be good enough to help raise a child. Geralt didn’t once defend himself against his mother’s remarks which Jaskier found infuriating but he was immensely glad that Geralt was there to serve as a buffer. He was struggling to remember how he coped in past years without Geralt’s assistance. How on earth had he managed this battle on his own every year?

Geralt had held his hand throughout the entire dinner, which was both amazing and really awkward when it came to eating. Luckily pizza didn’t require a knife and fork. Occasionally, Geralt would lean in to kiss his cheek or brush Jaskier’s fringe from his eyes. Jaskier hadn’t known what to expect from fake dating Geralt. He’d assumed that he would be the better actor out of the two of them, but his mother was throwing him off and Geralt seemed to have slipped into the role as if he were born to love Jaskier, and didn’t that just make him feel all giddy?

Still he could do without the death glares being shot towards his mother whenever she said… well, anything really.

“Geralt. A word, please.” He said firmly, squeezing Geralt’s hand and standing up.

Geralt grunted and turned to flee into the house. Jaskier sighed. “Mother, can you watch Ciri?”

His mother nodded and stabbed at the poor dead fish on her plate. He nodded back and ran into the house.

“Geralt!” He called after his neighbour.

Geralt was now the one pacing in the living room. “What the fuck is her problem?”

Jaskier frowned. Why was he so angry? It wasn’t as if they were actually dating…

Jaskier shrugged and tapped out a rhythm on his leg with his fingers as he tried to recap an entire lifetime of terrible parenting as quickly as possible. “I’ve always been the problem child, according to my parents. I came out when I was sixteen after years of running around in my sister’s high heels and dresses. Mother and Father didn’t exactly welcome the news and proceeded to ignore it until I left for uni. When I said I was going to study music they all but kicked me out the house. Apparently being bi was tolerable but not having a ‘proper’ career was a step too far. After uni, I sofa-surfed for a few years until Pris suggested we all get a house together, that’s when Regis practically adopted us and… well… here we are. Present day.”

Geralt put a hand on his shoulder and then pulled him into a hug.

Jaskier yelped, surprised by the sudden show of affection. “Geralt?” He mumbled against Geralt’s chest, trying to ignoring the blooming love in his heart.

“You don’t deserve that.” He grumbled. “Any of that.”

Jaskier pulled back and furrowed his brow. “Yeah, and how would you know?”

Geralt… blushed?

“Geralt?” Jaskier asked, cupping Geralt’s cheek.

“When you moved in you made me cupcakes.” Geralt mumbled.

Jaskier stared in shock at the man in front of him. He’d forgotten about that. They’d been a complete mess and the icing had leaked all over the bottom of the box, but they’d still been edible and Geralt had insisted that Jaskier stay for a cup of tea to try them.

It had just been Geralt in the house at the time. He’d still been waiting for the paperwork to be finalised to be approved as a potential adoptive parent and the house had seemed so empty. It was the same size as Jaskier’s and Jaskier shared with four other people, well, three others and Valdo Marx. Apparently, Geralt had come into some money following a death of a family friend and he’d been able to afford a family sized home. Jaskier had just seen the hot guy next door and decided to spontaneously make cupcakes in a half-baked attempt, pun intended, to get laid. It hadn’t worked and Jaskier had settled for pining for his hot neighbour instead.

How had he forgotten about that?

“Geralt.” He breathed.

“And when I got the flu you came round with groceries and made soup.” Geralt added.

Jaskier swallowed nervously. “I was worried about you. You hadn’t left the house for days and I don’t think I’d even seen you miss a day of work before. You leave every morning like clockwork.”

“You’re a great person, Jaskier.” Geralt chuckled almost nervously, in a way that was making Jaskier’s heart run far too fast in his chest. “And seeing you with Ciri, Jask, you’re incredible.”

Jaskier scoffed trying to calm the torrent of feelings in his poor bisexual heart. “This fake dating is getting to your head, Geralt.”

Geralt hummed and pulled away from him. “Right.”

“Can you please just try and get along with my mother until I can send her off to the hotel room she inevitably booked so she doesn’t have to stay with us, me, with me.” Jaskier stumbled over his words. “Please?”

“Then we can get the pictures for Yen and I’ll be out of your hair.” Geralt grumbled.

Jaskier laughed nervously. Why did that suddenly sound like a death sentence?

God, he was already addicted to Geralt being in his life.

“Right.” He mumbled.

They both sulked back outside to the patio where his mother was cooing at baby Ciri in her pram.

Jaskier turned to face Geralt who had a matching confused expression on his face.

“Geralt, she is just the cutest.” His mother cooed.

“What the…” Jaskier muttered.

“Thank you, Mrs Pankratz.” Geralt said slowly, as if he didn’t trust his words.

His mother bopped the young girl on the nose then turned up to look between Geralt and Jaskier.  “Now then, what’s up with you two? Julian, don’t tell me you’ve managed to ruin your relationship with this young man already!” She snapped.

Jaskier gaped. What the fuck?

This wasn’t his life.

Dear god this wasn’t his life.

Geralt wrapped his arm around Jaskier’s waist pulling Jaskier towards him and placing a kiss on Jaskier’s temple. Jaskier’s heart fluttered in his chest he couldn’t help but lean into Geralt’s embrace.

“Not at all.” Geralt said in his lovely deep voice that made Jaskier’s insides turn to goo.

“Geralt was just worried about me.” Jaskier chimed, the fake smile back on his face. “All sorted now.”

“Worried?” His mother scoffed and then turned to give Ciri a smile that, if Jaskier didn’t know better, would have been described as motherly. “Whatever for?”

Geralt smiled too sweetly. It looked wrong on his face. Jaskier gulped and looked between them. “He’s tried so hard to make you proud, Mrs Pankratz and you have not been kind. As his guest you should be grateful that he’s invited you into his home. Yet everything he does is flawed in your eyes. Makes me wonder, is there something wrong with your eyes? Because your son is… he’s one of the best people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet.”

“Excuse me?!” Jaskier’s mother shrieked and Jaskier decided it would be rather lovely if a big hole would just open up under his feet right.

“And yet, you look at my daughter as if she is an angel.” Geralt growled.

“Oh well. She is rather amazing.” Jaskier mumbled.

“If only you had treated your son with the same respect, maybe we could have gotten along better.” Geralt carried on as if Jaskier hadn’t said a word.

“You have no right!” His mother pointed at Geralt. “No right!”

Geralt shrugged. “Perhaps, but Jaskier was too good to say what needed to be said.”

“Geralt, love.” Jaskier squeezed Geralt’s hand, probably too hard. “You promised.”

Geralt closed his eyes and growled. “Jaskier, I can’t just sit here and listen to her bullshit.”

“Why not?” Jaskier pouted. “I’ve done it for years. One day, Geralt, you had to do it for one fucking day. Why couldn’t you?”

“Because I love you!” Geralt snapped.

Jaskier froze and stared at Geralt.

It was an act.

It was all an act.

Except…. what if it wasn’t?

Jaskier lunged forwards and pulled Geralt into a bruising kiss. He needed to, he needed Geralt like he needed the oxygen in the air. He’d been pining after this man for a year and hearing those words, fake or otherwise, it was too much. He felt a prick of tears in his eyes and he sniffed.

“Oh bollocks.” He mumbled against Geralt’s lips. “Fuck, Geralt, you made me cry. You bastard.”

Geralt pulled back to stare intently into Jaskier’s eyes, searching for the answer to some unasked question. “Jask?”

He sniffed and wiped the tears from his eyes. “I love you too, Geralt.”

Geralt brushed his thumb across Jaskier’s cheek and laughed. “You promised you wouldn’t.”

Jaskier snorted. “You promised to be nice to my mother.” He countered.

They both ignored the squeak of protest from the woman in question.

Geralt scoffed. “Some promises are worth breaking.”

“Can someone please explain, what is going on here?” His mother snapped, causing the girl in her arms to start screaming again.

Jaskier gave Geralt another chaste kiss and winked before turning to face his mother with his hands on his hips.

“Mother, dearest. Please return Ciri to her father and kindly fuck off.” He sneered.

“You can’t talk to me that way!” She protested as Ciri was pulled from her arms.

Jaskier tilted his head. “Oh ho ho! I think I can. You!” He pointed at her. “Kicked me out, or do you not remember that lovely little detail?”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“I’m really not. Now as wonderful as all this has been. You should know that this house is not just mine, I live here with my friends.” He snorted. “As if I could afford the rent on a house like this on my own, Geralt here, is not my boyfriend—”

“Yet.” Geralt added with a smirk.

“—Yet.” Jaskier agreed and winked at Geralt. “He agreed to help after spending over two hours mowing the lawn because it was so overgrown it resembled a small forest. The only reason he helped was because I have no idea how to actually do basic gardening tasks because I am terrible at anything that isn’t music and writing.”

“Jaskier.” Geralt growled.

“Oh and falling in love with my incredible gorgeous neighbour before he even asked me out on a date. It’s an oddly specific talent but has served me remarkably well, I think.”

“Julian!” His mother gasped.

“Oh and I did babysit Ciri a few times, but get this… I didn’t even ask for money!” He laughed at the shock on her face. “I did it because Geralt asked me to and she’s actually rather cute.”

“I can’t listen to this.” His mother started to head back to the front door.

Jaskier was absolutely fucking delighted! Oh he should have done this years ago! He should never have let the woman back into his life. It had only hurt him, but then again would he have tried to fix the garden without her? Would he have ever worked up the courage to ask Geralt out?

Probably not…

He scoffed.

She would hate that he had only gotten a boyfriend because of her meddling.

“I’m leaving!” She called over her shoulder as she stormed out the front door.

“Thank fuck for that!” Jaskier waved after her and then turned to go back in the house.

He almost ran straight into Geralt who was stood right behind him with Ciri in one arm.

Thirteen years he’d put up with his mother’s torture. More than that if you counted the years before he’d come out. All that time trying to be someone he wasn’t just to please her when he could have just left her and his shitty family behind.

Why had he’d been so scared?

Geralt pulled him into a hug and kissed his hair with a hum.

Jaskier scowled as the thought hit him. “Geralt?”

“Hmm.”

“Did you really mean it?” He asked as he rested his head on Geralt’s chest, listening to his  heartbeat.

“Yeah. Did you?” Geralt pulled back so they could see each other’s faces.

Jaskier laughed and cupped Geralt’s face in his hands. “Oh, dear heart, I’ve never been more serious in my life.”

Geralt tilted his head and glanced down at Ciri. “And you don’t mind, about Ciri?”

Jaskier giggled.

“Geralt, darling.” He kissed his new boyfriend chastely and then crossed his arms, putting on his best scary Geralt face. “The child must not be an obstacle.”

Geralt shoved him and he fell over laughing, as Geralt stalked back into the living room.

“I regret nothing!” He called after Geralt before scrambling to his feet and chasing after his grumpy, and still insanely hot neighbour/boyfriend. 

________

More witcher fun!

[giuliafc]

Betrayal -- Chapter 19 and 19bis: Inside the Mind of a Criminal (snippet dal 30) + Pigella (LadyNoir July day 30)

<< 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 -- 19: Ao3 || FFN – 19 bis: Ao3 || FFN -- 20 >>

Betrayal Chapter 19: Inside the Mind of a Criminal

Written by: JuliaFC

Beta: Agrestebug and MyImaginationFlows

Summary: We learn the background story of Lila's father, Richard Sphinx, the new Papillon, and how he's going to be much, much worse than the first one...

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by (c) Thomas Astruc, TS1 Bouygues, Disney Channel, Zagtoon, Toei Animation. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

TW: mention of extreme manipulative and obsessive behaviour and cruelty against family

Written for the "Snippet July" challenge of the Miraculous Fanworks Discord server @miraculousfanworks

oOoOoOoOoOo

"Well done, Lila. Now head back to the monk and get his staff. If there are more jewels like these, we need to get our hands on them!" Richard sat at the desk of his office, staring at the nothing in front of him. His elbows pinned on the wood of the desk, his face resting on the length of his hands. His body was wrapped in a purple and grey suit and a grey mask covered his face, making his green eyes shine.

Briefly, he broke contact with Lila's akuma and stood up; he slowly paced the room to the fireplace. His gloved hand picking up a photograph on the mantle, portraying a woman with short brown hair wrapped in an elegant blue tailleur.

He still remembered the day he'd met Melania, Lila's mother. She was a petite Italian lady who exuded elegance and genuineness at a celebrity party. She looked so out of place, and her cheerful smile was like a breath of fresh air in the hypocrite atmosphere of the ball room. He still remembered his burning passion, how much he'd wanted her—her and all she represented. She was the daughter of a rich Italian family of ambassadors, with excellent connections all over the diplomatic world he wanted to be part of. When his charming politeness managed to raise her interest, he thought he'd hit the jackpot.

Their story had been short but intense, their relationship the final tassel in the puzzle that brought him to the limelight. Before their engagement of 5 years ended, FERG, his company, was quoted in the stock exchange. Quickly rising to be one of the top companies in the market.

Everything was perfect. Then, Melania fell pregnant and had her baby. For reasons that Richard couldn't understand, she somehow started distancing her husband — him. He suspected that the accusations of him having committed several cases of fraud, and having caused several suicides, may have been part of it. But Richard had done it for her. Nobody else was important in his mind. He had to protect his family. He had to protect the people who mattered for him. How could Melania not see that?

"You're a heartless monster!" she accused him instead, when she tried to leave him and go stay with a friend; but he found her almost immediately and locked her up in her room.

The more he clenched his grip on Melania, the more the woman became distant, almost terrified. Eventually, she dared to ask for divorce and deny him the rights to see his daughter.

"His obsessive behaviour is harming me and my daughter! I'm afraid for our safety, Your Honour," she told the judge. "Only the money is important to Richard! He puts his company before the safety of his family."

Needless to say, she won the case. Since then, she kept as far away as possible and had tried to keep Lila away from him too. She had changed her surname to the plain Rossi, and changed her job many times. Until Lila was old enough to make her own decisions, she succeeded at keeping him away.

But Lila was a clever girl. Her thirst for power and her quest for attention were second to him. She knew what was important in life, that power and money were the only things that mattered. As soon as she had gained the use of a mobile phone, she contacted him (lying to her mother). They had been plotting against Melania ever since.

Now it was their time to obtain their aim. When Papillon trusted Lila to be his second in charge, Richard advised his daughter to gain as much information as she could about those powerful jewels that gave him power. Now all that hard work was paying off.

He squeezed Melania's photo in his hands, breaking the frame with his strong hold. How dare she run away from him? How dare she disregard his burning passion?

"You don't love me, you think you own me," shouted Melania when she left him, taking away his only daughter with her. "I don't want you to be a bad influence on our daughter. You terrify me."

How dare she. She was his wife, his other half, his property.

"You're mine. MINE. No judge can take you away from me."

He stared in a daze at the blood flowing from his gloved hands, where the shattered glass of the photo frame had pierced the skin underneath the suit. His eyes gleamed of madness. "I will be victorious. I will get the Miraculous of Ladybug and Chat Noir. And when I have the most powerful jewels in the world, you will come back. You will love me again. If you won't, I’ll force you to."

oOoOoOoOoOo

Gabriel closed his eyes as he placed a single red rose between Emilie's palms and squeezed her hands gently before closing the glass cover of her coffin one last time. He rested his hand on the glassy surface for an endless moment; the hand of Lieutenant Raincomprix falling on his arm way too soon for his tastes. He sighed and gave one last glance at the peaceful face of his sleeping wife.

"It's time to go, M. Agreste. Mlle. Sancoeur," said the officer.

They had spent a long time talking to SentiAdrien in Adrien's room. The boy had confirmed most of the wrongdoings that his teachers and friends had accused Gabriel and Nathalie of, and had pleaded completely non guilty regarding any involvement in his father's terrorist activities.. M. Raincomprix had decided to be safe, and was arresting both Gabriel and Nathalie.

"Mlle. Sancoeur will most likely be released when the heroes witness her double agenting, but better safe than sorry," said Raincomprix.

Gabriel glared at him as the officer moved his and Nathalie's hands behind their back and handcuffed them. He shot one last, languid glance at the blonde figure in the coffin, before having to follow Raincomprix and walk away.

To be continued… Day 30.2 — Bonus chapter

30.2 - Betrayal Chapter 19 bis: Pigella

Written by: JuliaFC

Beta: Agrestebug and MyImaginationFlows

Summary: Ladybug struggles to understand how to win against the vacuum akuma, but Volpina has to eventually face (temporary) defeat. (1687 words)

Written for the LadyNoir July @ladynoirjuly Day 30 — Rose.

oOoOoOoOoOo

"Hey, Vacuum Lady, Aren't you tired of collecting dirt?" shouted Chat Noir as he used his baton to propel himself up. He smirked and added, "Probably not, since you've got Volpina with you. She's the biggest piece of dirt in existence!"

"How dare you," hissed Volpina and the Vacuum akuma at the same time before they both followed Chat Noir out of the way.

Ladybug gazed at the two akumas following her partner gratefully; then she put her hands to her temples and closed her eyes shut to concentrate. She picked up her communicator and dialled Alya's number.

"What's the plan, Ladybug? I saw Chat Noir jumping away with the akumas, I thought he may be trying to distract them."

"You were correct. Listen, Alya, I need you to use the water dragon. Water passes through surfaces so you will reach me in no time," whispered Ladybug to her Bugphone.

Alya smirked. "Right-o, I'm on it!"

Just seconds after their conversation, Ladybug saw water seeping through the barrier of books that towered in front of her. And, in a whirl of magic, Dragonbee Alya appeared in front of her. She wore a red outfit with the symbol of the dragon at the centre of her chest and curvy golden lines separated the red from sections of gold and black stripes. Her hair was combed in a twirly ponytail that looked like the sting of a bee. Ladybug didn't waste time and picked up her phone again, dialling Chat Noir's number this time.

"Chat, bring your whiskers back here immediately, before your transformation wears out!" she said before he could even say meow. With a gracious jump, her partner was again by her side seconds later.

"M'lady called?" he asked with a little smirk that Ladybug would have loved to take off his face with a kiss, but she knew perfectly well it wasn't the right moment.

"Alya, Chat and I’s timers are running out, we must be quick. Use the wind dragon and swoop us out of this alley and back on a rooftop."

Alya's eyes gleamed. "As you wish, Ladybug. Wind dragon!" Ladybug and Chat Noir were wrapped in a current of wind and next thing they knew, they were on a rooftop next to Nino (or rather, Thueban Jameel (1), as he has called himself), far away from the Library Maze but still keeping it in sight. The two heroes hid behind a chimney to release their transformation and feed their kwami without being spied on, and in no time they were up and running again.

"Okay now…before the akumas find us and we get stuck into that maze again. Lucky Charm!" called Ladybug. A red and black polka dotted single rose fell into her hands. "What?" she muttered, scratching her head.

"Are we going to declare our love to a vacuum cleaner?" was Chat Noir's snarky comment. But before Ladybug could say anything, the rooftop they were standing on disappeared and they all fell on the ground, facing yet another massive wall of books.

"Shoot! Here we are again…" cursed Ladybug.

The vacuum akuma reached them as well. "There you are, you fools. Did you really think you could escape? What a bunch of idiots! Tricksters, like that thief. I'll sweep you all away from existence. I wish I didn't always try to help people. I wish my heart hadn't been so kind. I'll take all the tricksters away, so maybe my boss will forgive me. I need my job!"

The four superheroes had to forcefully separate again trying to escape from the strength of the vacuum's sucking power. Before jumping off, Ladybug took a good look at the akuma and noticed that the akumatised object must be a book, which the victim was holding in her hand to create the vortex of sucking power.

Something in what the akuma had said was nagging at Ladybug. As she ran to hide from the vacuum, she went back to what the akuma had previously said: someone had stolen a book from her library and she was upset about it.

"What do you mean by trickster?" she asked when the akuma reached her once more.

A smirk popped on the victim's face. "That liar tricked me. He told me a sappy story about his family and convinced me to lend him the book without opening an account, but in the name of someone else. He promised me he was going to bring the book back in a couple of days. I'm too nice, too gullible. I wish all the tricksters would disappear!"

Ladybug's gaze fell on her lucky charm and her eyes widened. OF COURSE! How could she be that stupid to not realise before? She unified Kaalki and Tikki, becoming Pegabug. Then, with a smirk on her lips, she called for a 'Voyage' and jumped out of the maze, stepping inside the Couffaine's boat.

"Ladybug? Is there something wrong?" said Rose. That was a strike of luck: Rose was in Juleka's room, but her girlfriend was nowhere to be seen. "Jules is in the bathroom, if you're looking for her," added Rose when she noticed that Ladybug's gaze had darted around the room.

"No, I was looking for you, actually." She opened her yoyo and took out a pearl anklet. "Rose Lavillant, this is the Miraculous of the Pig. I need Pigella's help to win against this akuma."

Rose grabbed the anklet and put it on, allowing Daizzi to come out in a buzz of magic. "I still can't believe how cute you are," said Rose when she looked at the little kwami. Then, she muttered the transformation phrase and changed into Pigella.

It didn't take long for Pegabug and Pigella to find the vacuum akuma again, just in time to see Chat Noir being sucked in the vacuum when he got distracted by their arrival. The sound of Ladybug's scream echoed in the empty alley of books.

"You've got another one with you, Ladybug? I'll suck her in too!" drawled the akuma victim. But Pigella's gaze had a determined gleam.

"Why is your heart so full of sorrow? You should rejoice and be happy!" said Pigella with the sweetest of smiles on her face.

"Don't get close to me! I'm going to suck you in!" warned the akuma, but Pigella didn't just get close to her. She hugged her. The akuma was so baffled that she got petrified on the spot.

"Gift," murmured the pink superheroine and in a flash of light, a beautiful scene appeared in between the two girls, picturing a room full of books and everyone loving each other and being nice and friendly with each other. The akuma victim had tears in her eyes.

"Why are people so nasty? Why do people do wrong things, like lying or stealing? I want everyone to be happy!" The akuma leaned in Pigella's embrace and hugged her back, dropping the book that created the vacuum in the process. As soon as the akuma's grip on the book weakened, Ladybug caught it. She broke the book to release the butterfly, which she hastily captured, cleansed and released.

"Bye bye, little butterfly," said Ladybug as the white insect flew away in the sky. Then she picked up the lucky charm and threw it in the air, releasing the kaleidoscope of ladybugs. The instant Chat Noir reappeared, she was in his arms.

"I'm purr-fectly okay, M'lady," said the feline but this didn't stop the polka-dotted heroine from crying.

"Why do you always die for me? I don't want you to do that anymore!"

Chat Noir smiled softly as he hugged her tight, then he broke the hug to wipe her eyes and stroke her cheek. "I'm sorry, ma Buginette. I'll try to pay more attention, okay?"

"This new Papillon seems very dangerous, especially because he has a cunning fox like Volpina at his side. We need to pay even more attention than before!" said Ladybug as she hugged him again. He patted his hand on her back, gently drawing circles on the material of her suit.

"I'll be okay, as long as I'm with you," murmured Chat Noir into her ear.

oOoOoOoOoOo

"I'm very disappointed, Volpina." Richard's voice was tense as he spoke through the ethereal connection of the butterfly. "We were so close to achieving our goal, and now we have to start all over again! I've no time for losers!"

Far away on a rooftop, Volpina lowered her head and closed her eyes, clenching her fists. "I'm sorry, Father! I still have my Miraculous though, and the akuma."

She groaned thinking back at how Pegabug had immediately found the tracker she'd put on Su-Han's bag. She had completely underestimated how strong and skilled the monk was, and she hadn't been able to steal his staff. Besides, Su-Han seemed to have the annoying ability to see through her Illusions, which she really didn't expect.

"I will come up with a new plan to submit to you, Father, don't worry!" she said, seething in a low growl.

Richard's stern expression didn't soften. "You better. Did you get Melania to sign the document I gave you?"

Volpina took a paper from her pocket and looked at it carefully. It was a request to cease school and start homeschooling, signed by her mother. It had taken her much more than just a trick to obtain her mother to scribble her signature without noticing what it was all about. "I have it here. I told her that the school will be closed because of all the attacks and that I would stay with a friend of mine for some time." Pain flashed through her eyes as she added, "I doubt she would have noticed anyway, as busy as she is with work."

Richard smirked, hearing the hurt in Volpina's voice. "Worry not, my daughter. When we make the Wish, she will have all the time in the world to dedicate herself exclusively to us." His smirk widened when he felt the strength of her emotions. "Together we will succeed."

He cackled, and from her rooftop, Volpina sneered.

To be Continued… Day 31

Notes:

Thueban Jameel: "Beautiful Snake", from the Arabic for beautiful, "Jameel" (جميل) and the Arabic for snake, "Thueban" (ثعبان). (Thank you so much to my Beta, MyImaginationFlows, for her assistance with Arabic!) The peacock is the symbol of beauty, so I thought it would fit.

Author's Note

Hey! Here it is, this is a bonus chapter I had to write because the snippets didn't give me enough space to wrap up the battle and all loose ends. It's a second part for chapter 19, based on the LadyNoir prompt for day 30, "Rose". Let me know what you think of it.

I hope you will like it anyway and will leave me a comment. You know that comments are my bread and butter!

You're lucky today because you're getting even the epilogue and the end of the story. So… until I finish updating that, a temporary 'bug out'!

[shespeaksinsongs]

May I have a ship 🍄 for HP of golden trio era? Preferably male, thank you 💞

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗦 + 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

I'm 19, Southeast Asian with Spanish descent, Libra, ENFJ-A/ENFJ-T, Neutral Good, Ravenclaw, and a Bi Pan Genderfluid girl using the pronouns She/Her or He/Him. A friend of mine told me that I (kinda) look like Marinette from 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴, Musa from 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘅 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯, and Alexandra Trese from 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲 (a Netflix animated series), but the exception is I'm short (5'1.2") plus sized Southeast Asian woman with Spanish descent that has messy/wavy brunette medium hair, chocolate brown eyes, oriental skin and a small beauty mark on the forehead. My sense of fashion is in between emo and boyish plus korean glam.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

Distant, quiet, and shy at first cause' I dunno how to initiate a conversation, but a total opposite if I open up---friendly, ambivert, witty, laughing loudly on a daily basis, talkative, eats a lot, awkward, daydreamer (I got embarrassed from knocking at the door even I'm inside the classroom 😂), EXTREMELY CLUMSY (mostly tends to get bruises from bumping and being careless to my belongings), secretly likes affection, easily overwhelmed, prone to melt over wholesomeness, flusters on compliments, lightly blushes on cheesy banters, eager to share what I know (especially about Catholic Church---my past teacher joked that I'll become a saint because of it 🤣), oftenly speaks full of sarcasm with a lowkey crackhead energy citing meme references, and talented girl who can be your no.1 supporter and unashamed to be true to myself. In terms of leadership, I only educate and guide than being a prefect (I might take the role seriously), will lift my group when there's lacking/incompleteness. About doing projects in school, I become too extra and prepared for efforts, but I'll forget the process in the end.

People thought I'm a demure self-effacing woman that looks "immaculate" or "one of a kind," (due to my protective parents, a reason why I've never been in a relationship) but the truth is, I'm eloquent, warm-hearted, willig to help, kind, intelligent, supportive, nice, creative, enthusiastic, laid-back, determined, tough, competitive, and feisty outside, but a real softie that can be childish and dramatic that cries so easily (but will enlightened real quick by smallest things that makes me smile) filled with doubts, frustrations, and insecurities with fear of failure that pushes off the limits to to please everyone because they might get dissappointed from expectations, yet I still managed to be stronger than ever, even it's a slow burn process. I can be intimidating, sassy, and a douchebag if I receive ends. Immature, headstrong, perfectionist, demanding, hesitant, jumpy, very indecisive, overthinker, quick-tempered, sensitive, and anxious (no joke, my nervousness makes me think worse scenario will arrive). Though can be procrastinator and arrogant, I raised as a religious 𝖺𝗇𝖽 diplomatic person, willing to fight what I believe (including my dreams and what's important to me) and what is right. In addition, I have a habit of staying up late and doing sign of the cross to ease nervousness.

Blunt but the loudest idiotic feeling-brokenhearted and bitter friend in the group who fangirl a lot, swears like sailor, will call out on people that we loathe, will crack up over your stupid antics before helping, vent out everything I despise (having a bad day, toxicity, poorly written soap operas, how am unlucky when it comes to love life) and bring gossips, but a hopeless romantic who tends to banter with sarcasms or pick up lines as an endearment (but gets grumpy if I received sappy or offensive one), Still generous and concerned person in a subtle way.

𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢

My hobbies are singing, drawing, roleplaying, listening to music, chatting/browsing on social media, conceptualizing, writing, and reading some stuffs. I'll include making corniest jokes/puns, sleeping, and dancing when nobody's around or walking like a model if I feel so bold (even I'm terrible at both xD). I also used to learn Italian language a bit. Lastly, my best assets are smile, eyes, personality, singing voice, artistic skills, writings, intelligence, and oratorical skills...so I can consider myself as a singer, artist, orator, and a top student who's a former campus ministry member (choir member, psalm singer, and reader) and in coming college freshman. Currently learning how to cook and have so many interests, to the point I don't know what I'm into because of my dreams to become a popular Filipino YouTuber, a novelist, and being part of a successful chorale...I also consider joining pageants too once the pandemic ends, but maybe.

okay. this was a tough one, but i finally settled on fred and george. i think you'd be best with fred weasley by a CLOSE SECOND to george.

you mentioned that you're into banter and pick-up lines as endearment - and i think that is so fred weasley. george strikes me as the softer, sweeter, twin, who is more likely to be dominated, but i think you and fred having an equally dominant personality would make for an interesting relationship! additionally, the secretly likes affection thing would go smoothly with fred. i think fred is a more "quality time" and "acts of service" kind of guy, but affection is never rejected for him, and he quite enjoys it! the hobbies you mentioned seem like things he might love to do, or encourage you to do! it even gave me a good idea for a fic, which i think i will be releasing tomorrow if i can. will tag you, of course. head-strong, sassy, and being quick-tempered would keep fred on his toes, and i think that's one of his favorite things about you. he'd love that he's always on the edge with you. he doesn't know where he's going, but he doesn't mind. i think fred really likes someone who's not afraid to let themselves get out there, and you pursuing your dreams so fearlessly, along with your passions, makes for a pretty good match to me. besides that, i think fred would definitely try to dig beneath the surface, or the "demure" demeanor you give off. based on your description of yourself, i think he would find somebody worth being with.

he would definitely see you in the hallways and pretend not to know you sometimes, hitting on you as if you weren't already together. i think he most definitely thinks it's both cute and scary when you're angry, seeing as your height and personality clash (in a good way, dw). teases you for being clumsy, but he thinks it's cute. aside from the normal nicknames, he probably calls you "my pretty witch", or "my smart baby ravenclaw". he likes head pats, and uses you as an elbow rest to annoy you sometimes. i think he would also think you're stunning. like he would almost worship you and your entire body. gives you kisses on the beauty mark on your forehead a lot, especially if you're cuddling. he almost can't resist. loves your style and tries to copy it, but decides that it's reserved for you in his mind, so he goes back to his normal style, admiring all your different outfits. stays up late with you on nights you can't sleep or don't want to. starts cursing a lot after he met you. he gets into the habit, and every conversation with you is a swearing mess. gives you kisses on the cheeks randomly to see how off-guard he can catch you and see how flustered you get. LOVES when you blush. it's his favorite thing about you.

<3 thank you so much for your submission.

[magiefish]

hhhhhhhhhh guess who drew all the batim characters in prep for the comic they’re making!

yeah so it took like 4 days to draw all these guys, and it was actually pretty fun figuring out colours and designs and stuff!

(also, update on the Reveries Twisted comic, I have a plan for the first chapter but i have like, 7 tests next week and I haven’t started drawing it yet so it’s definitely not going to be coming out anytime soon sdfgsdfsj but i am still working on it!)

anyway, i felt like writing little descriptions for every character, so feel free to read these below the ‘keep reading’ line if you feel like it! My ask box is also always open, so if u have any questions feel free to ask

Bertrum Piedmont-he/him, gay/ace

-Started working as a mechanic at about 15 and worked his way up from there -Everyone in the studio @ him: why are u british -His big ego often gets in the way of things, but at his core he's a good person (doing bad shit but ultimately having good intentions is common among these guys shdgfs) -Wlw & mlm solidarity w/ Lacie, who is his most trusted confidant and friend -Actually treats his employees well, even when they do basically nothing all day, so he does a lot of work himself most of the time Linda Stein-she/her, straight as a ruler -Parents immigrated from Spain -She's very catholic and very into 'traditional family values' and that sort of stuff -She is sweet, but her strict morals and black and white ethics often make her do unintentional harm -She is also pretty oblivious to most things Jack Fain-he/him & they/them, pan/ace, OCD -Mother immigrated from China to France, and then he moved to America, it's confusing -Can play the violin really well, but is terrible at composing his own pieces -Peak friend material -Short and round and soft with a love of a good espresso -Kind and quiet but ultimately ineffective and happy to watch from the sidelines Daniel 'Buddy' Lewek-he/him, aro/ace, autistic, jewish -He is curious and observant, but very very naive -He finds it hard to pick up on social cues, and tends to daydream a lot -Never really had a father figure, and unfortunately kind of half sees Joey as one (baaaad choice), but his mother is great -Loves drawing and tends to chew on pens (and most objects really) -Too young Susie Campbell-she/her, demi -Her parents were Russian and she picked up their accent, but taught herself how to cover it up. She is now excellent at voice acting. -Has a birthmark most theatres turned her away for. But luckily voice acting gave her another chance at performance, and the music department really does not care about it. -Her dad was a butcher, so she now knows a concerning amount about how to cut up and dissect meat. -She gets easily attached to things emotionally, and has a whole pile of random bits and bops she keeps on her person because she can't throw them away. -Naive, but smart enough to know how to read and deceive people if needed. Ms Abigail Lambert-she/her, lesbian -A very gifted artist, who is quite frustrated with the business aspect of animation. -Picked up quite a few things about engineering from Lacie. -Stern, but kind. Motherly, if she likes you and you squint hard enough. -Used to fighting for things. -Giving her food is a pretty good way to get her to like you. Being an artist, she forgets to eat at the correct times a lot, so a meals always appreciated. Norman Polk-he/him, gay, albino -Knows how to fix things, knows how to fight, knows how to hide -General cool uncle vibes -He watches people a lot, and gives off some creepy vibes, but he does genuinely care about people -Knows something is up and is determined to find out what (even if he dies trying) -Fought in WW1, then worked at a cinema for a bit. Emma Lamont-she/her, heteroflexible -Keep dancing even when everything goes wrong -Bit of a 'i'm better than these fools' mentality going on -But she's pretty chill, and willing to act when needed -Basically every woman in the studio knows her on the basis that she chills in the girls bathroom. -Hates Joey, but knows those who stir up a bit too much trouble usually 'resign' Sammy Lawrence-he/him, (vocal-romantic) bi/ace, ADD -His dad sucked, so he ran away. He's also the reason he's largely abandoned his faith, but he still holds hope that there is some kind of god out there. -He and Jack are basically brothers, they've known each other for a long time. -He can compose music in his head, but can play basically every instrument. -Tall and thin and sharp with a love of black coffee. -He's actually pretty chill and nice, but the conditions of the studio (workload, noises, dreams) have left him quick to snap and a stressed out mess. -He's pretty oblivious to his own feelings and spends basically all his time thinking about music, so he usually only realises that he has a crush on someone if he hears them singing (hence the vocal-romantic joke) Johnny Hart-he/him (she/her), gay (trans), heart condition -A nervous wreck who avoids everything and everyone -Trans but doesn't realise it, he thinks this level of discomfort has something to do with his heart condition or something like that. -Speaking of which, if he gets genuinely terrified or panicked he could have a heart attack. -Hence why he's a recluse who remains in the organ room and interacts w/ literally no one. -Except Dot and Buddy (who forgets he exists and who he also has a crush on). Wally Franks-he/him, pan -Friends with literally everyone who isn't one of the older folks (and thomas) -Honorary member of the music department because he can play a harmonica and vibes with everyone there. -Tries to put a positive spin on everything, often beyond the point of reason -A mischevous, mildly selfish prankster with a heart of gold -Gossip pals with Susie and Norman The Violinist-she/her, nobody knows -Has literally never expressed an emotion ever -Seems to know things are going to happen before they happen -Just generally pretty weird -She isn't friends with Dot, they're both just vaguely interested in what the others doing -She looks a lot like Allison, but the two have never spoken and nobody knows if they're sisters Thomas Connor-they/them, gynephilia -He is just. So tired. -An actual mechanical genius who gets his work used for the wrong purposes. -Is very of the 'when you're on a path stick to it' mentality -Cold and hard exterior that vertually no one except Allison has ever managed to get through. -He can and will beat you up. Henry Stein-he/him, gay, vitiligo -Nice and hardworking. -Doesn't have many emotions other than to draw. -He's in fucking narnia he's so deep in the closest. -Feels emotions, but buries them deep down and doesn't express them too clearly. -Has difficulty setting healthy boundaries with people and represses himself far too much. Joey Drew-he/him, homoromantic/pansexual, bipolar disorder, alcohol and cigarette addictions -Chaotic, feral, short little man who lies to everyone -Charismatic as hell, but also a terrible friend and person in general -He doesn't blink enough, does not know the meaning of personal space, and hasn't aged for about 4 years, which are all very bad signs. -Doesn't understand how to run a business but does so anyway. Doesn't understand how to interact with people but does so anyway. Doesn't understand how to create life but does so anyway- -He isn't pure evil, he just gets into very bad mindsets and makes poor decisions that lead him down the wrongest way to go. -Does some self evaluation and goes 'maybe this wasn't the right way chief :/' just a bit too late Audrey Dempsey-she/her, lesbian, Borderline Personality Disorder -Feral conspiracy theorist -May or may not be related to multiple studio members -Everyone's called her crazy for years and made her feel like a burden, and she is hellbent on proving everyone wrong -Quite socially awkward, and rather sarcastic with a dark sense of humour -Works for Archgate Allison Pendle-she/her & they/them, androphilic/ace -Is forever lost in a vintage clothing store -Most people say she seems nice, but everyone just kind of subconciously registers that there is something up with her -Knows a lot about the supernatural -The person closest to Joey, which doesn't necessarily mean they're friends -Nobody has ever seen the right side of her face Dot Acciaci-she/her, pan -Her parents are Italian, and she speaks a little herself, usually using it to encrypt her private notes -Mischevious & curious, but ultimately kind -She will find out your secrets, and is very good at reading people -Great storyteller -Struggles with loneliness a lot Dr Eleanor Hackenbush-she/her, aro/ace -Science knows no bounds -Doesn't care what your motivation is, as long as you give her some cash and some experiments -Filled with nothing but utter spite Ms Reina Rodriguez-they/them, demi -Tired of everything -Although she puts up a calm exterior, Rodriguez is very attached to the studio and views it as her 'new family', having a terrible relationship with her old one -Her family drama connects to the fact they're very catholic, but she nobody knows what this drama is other than Joey Tessa Arch-she/her, straight -An absolute bitch -Trusts her husband far too much -Not very smart, but compensates for this for being good looking and rich Shawn Flynn-he/him (intersex), pan -Jovial, but gets angry quickly -Willing to do 'wrong' things if it helps someone else out, kind of like Robin Hood or something -His mother taught him how to sew and he helped her make clothes when he was younger -Found it hard to get a job because he's Irish, so despite being tired of all the bullshit of JDS, he is reluctant to look elsewhere -Friends with Lacie and Grant because they appreciate his humour Lacie Benton-She/her, lesbian, trans -Tougher than the toughies -wlw & mlm solidarity w/ Bertrum, who she views as one of the only genuinely smart people in JDS and who she has worked for for basically all of her life -Feels like something is up, but doesn't notice much if it doesn't connect to her work -Has automatophobia -Friend with Shawn and Grant because she respects their dedication to their work Grant Cohen-He/him, bi, depression, jewish -Absolute madlad at maths -Acts like he doesn't care what you think, cares far too much about what you think -Everyone wants him to just get therapy already -Doesn't have many friends, but has a weird 'we're both horribly overworked' kinship with Sammy, so they usually just chill and smoke together -Friends with Shawn and Lacie because they're actually mentally stable and he needs some rocks Nathan Arch-He/him, straight -You should hate him -You should hate him a lot -Super rich and doesn't pay his workers enough -Silver tongued -Basically a spider. Creates webs of manipulation and lies, sees a lot, and knows plenty about waiting for his prey to come to him.

[capitainerowen]

My favorite cartoon show

You probably don’t know but I’m a french enby, which mean I grew up with french shows and while they’re not really great, the cartoon shows of my childhood were so great so I’m going to talk to you about my fave one, one I fell in love again like 11 months ago and who is still stuck deep in my heart: Ratz.

There is a possibility that you watched it when you were a kid because it have English/Spanish/Portuguese and others translations but I don’t think it was on screen for as long than in France (1 year only according to Wikipedia, against 3 in France) SO I need to present it to you because the fandom is really little (we’re like, 10 at max, no kidding) but the arts around it are pretty and it’s the best show with gay undertones in my heart.

Ratz is a show about two rats, Rapido and Razmo, who are best friends since forever and ever. They both live on a huge boat who ship tons of cheese all around the world who has only 3 people for the ship crew: the captain, the mechanic Svetlana and the cook Benny. There 52 episodes of 10/11 minutes and while it’s for kids, there’s a lot of adult jokes which make it still really likable today (and you can find them in french and in English for sure in YouTube and probably on Netflix (French Netflix for sure, I don’t know for the rest of the world, but you can use a VPN if you have one). There is no order for the episodes since they’re not linked to each other, however I really like the Wikipedia order so in an other post when I’ll present you the episodes, it’ll be in that order, but watch it how you want! The fact that the episodes aren’t linked creates some weird stuff (like Rapido who can swim in one episode like a boss but not at all in an other) but it’s still really fun.

If you can understand french, I really recommend you to watch the french voices because they’re really great, I promise (as a French person who prefers watching shows in their original language (with dubs) when they’re not french).

Since I’m talking about this show, I may as well present you the two mains characters, right? Of course I’ll do! Let’s go!

First of all, there is Razmo!

Razmo is a little rat, really tiny and short, really recognizable for his blue dungarees. He’s a mechanic, too nice for his own good (he’s always helping the others, not even paying attention to the fact that they’re dangerous). He loves playing music (and he’s good with some of them (for rats tastes) but doesn’t care if he’s bad at others). He’s the inventor of the ratboard (a flying vehicle made up with mouse swatter that can be compared to bike as human vehicle). He has a lot of insecurities (he has depression, he has body issues, …) and that’s makes him very vulnerable to others and easily manipulable (which even Rapido can uses against him). He’s also really loves physical demonstrations of affection, always wanting to hug Rapido despite being pushed back almost every time, but he’s also the more willing to show his affection for his best friend, saying how much he dreams of him, taking care of him. Also! He’s the one who takes care of everything: the food, the cleaning, the grosseries, … (a real housewife, he deserves a break). Despite not liking doing sports at all (at contrary to Rapido), he has a natural gift for sports.

Now for the Head-canons of that blue little rat! All the head-canons or almost all of them are made and validated by the fandom so it’s good:

Razmo is ginger head! In the show, Rapido is clearly showing his love for ginger heads and since all the fandom ships them, it’s almost like it’s canon

Razmo was adopted by bunnies! In the show, at the end of one episode, Razmo and Rapido are in shock to discover that a blue bunny in a cage looks exactly like one of his sisters and since they recognize that the bunny is indeed a bunny, it’s really close to canon

Razmo is the youngest! In the show, Rapido has a line that could say that Razmo is the oldest, however since Rapido is easily a jerk to him, judging him and everything, all the fandom agree that Razmo is the youngest of the two

Razmo is arab!

Razmo is bi as hell! In the show, he’s attracted by the frogs (for their legs especially) who are all females, he makes a plush of the flea that attacked him and hugged him during an episode because he’s craving for hugs, and at the credits of the episodes Rapido surprises him with a mouse (in French, it’s translated by “la souris” which is feminine, which could implied that the mouse is a woman but the gender is never said) BUT ALSO, he’s clearly having a thing for Rapido, always wanting to amaze him, to hug him, dreaming of him almost every nights… so yeah, huge bi rat here.

Now, Rapido! Rapido is a tall black rat all in red and black leather pant (HC or Canon, I’m not sure). He has a huge ego, loving himself more than anyone else and always thinking he’s close to some stars (and by that, I mean 2000 stars) and tries to become an actor himself. He loves to be the center of attention of everyone but only when he wants it (he lies to mussels about his life to impress them but really hates that the frogs are all in love with him). He loves to race with Razmo and to make him do all the work. While he’s often being a jerk to Razmo, pushing him away when the little rat wants a hug but he is actually the most clingy, hugging, caressing him, and he’s sliding in Razmo bed more than Razmo does it. Like Razmo, he got some insecurities: he really needs people approbation (by wanting to be popular) and just can’t handle the possibility of anyone being close to Razmo, always trying to make them go away when it happens (he fights a caterpillar, verbally attacks a lobster, tries to threw a pregnant turtle out of the ship, etc...). Also, he really is a coward, he’s scared easily and that’s make him stupider than he is, even if he’s not as stupid as he looks, having some knowledge in sorcery or maths for exemples.

Now, for his head-canons, they’re like Razmo’s, approved by the fandom (and yes, we’re still not exactly 10):

Rapido is pan, but as really low attraction to women (actually, this one is mine)! First of all, the fact that he’s pan is because he’s really attracted to everyone no matter the gender at all however women scare him. In one episode, a huge female rat is attracted by him but her attitude scares him away, and it’s the same for the frogs despite loving being the center of attention

Rapido is Italian/Arab!

When Rapido is scared, he can’t think correctly, which makes him stupider and that guides him to forget things like the fact that he can swim or think Razmo is a vampire despite the fact that it’s well known that the little rat is a huge fan of Halloween

Now, now, now… I really love this show, you know? When I was a kid, I thought it was so funny but now it just fill holes in my heart, that show helped me so much! And the fact that I can find so many LGBTQIA+ HC in the different characters helps me a lot too (even if the French Twitter was really hard to me and the other people in the fandom about that…) because representations is still a hard thing to find, you know? And since I really, really love this cartoon who give me love and hope and happiness, I wrote that whole thing in English just to share it with some people. Maybe it can give happiness to someone else? or maybe not, but I was happy to share it anyways.

Just, a little disclaimer: The show was on screens in the 2000′s (especially between 2003 and 2006) and has some caricatural picture of Asiatic people with the character of Benny who’s the cook of the show and as that, he depicted as eating everything whatever it is. That wasn’t something I noticed before but one of my friend did and it’s important to warn you before you watch it!

[verobatto]

Destiel Chronicles

Vol. CXII

It was a love story from the very beginning.

The Righteous Father

(14x05/15x06)

Hello my beloveds! Another meta from Healing!Dean season 14. This is a summary from my original metas from season 14, so I hope I can convey all the concepts for you.

I will talk mostly about Dean's daddy issues and how he will be able to break free about it as he accepts his love for Castiel.

You can check the metas from these two episode following these links: X, X, X, X, X.

Sharing Daddy Issues

"And this episode Logic Nightmares, was about fears... Did you see the woman trying to open the basement door... Darker than night, to see what was in there... In that dark and tenebrous place, and then she was scared him by that "vampire"? And she fell of fear... Well very symbolic bc... imagine Dean trying to open his most darkest room... His lost repressed feeling... But when he tries... He's attacked by his own fears... And he fails Everytime..."

I wrote this in one of my metas. That episode had Dean Winchester saying "Let it go... Like Elsa." It's related to MOVE ON. A topic that will be explored in season 15 with Dean and Castiel after their break up.

'Logic Nightmares' was about fears but also about daddy issues.

The fact that Sasha went to a dark room and found a monster hidden there, is a foreshadow for AUMichael hidden inside of Dean after 14x10 and also, AUMichael spying them though Dean Winchester's eyes. (That's why the reaction of the d'jin in this episode.)

The dialogue between Sasha and Dean in which Sasha were mirroring Dean was very meaningful:

SASHA: My dad wasn't the best person. He was gone all the time working. For us, he said (...)

DEAN: I'm sorry.

SASHA: Mm. That's what everyone says. Except him. Never said it. You want to know what the most ridiculous part is? I worshipped him when I was a kid.

This is Dean talking my friends from the very beginning. His view about hai dad, a man that tried to do his best, but even so, filled with trauma to his son's. And deep inside he was waiting for an apology from John.

And also...

Gif set credit @itsokaysammy

Dean's baggage is full of GUILT, REGRETS and TRAUMA. And the only one person we saw getting inside that baggage/backpack was Castiel in episode 13x20.

Also, the topic of MOVE ON, will be explored in season 15 after Dean and Castiel's break up.

This episode was full of recalling to John Winchester. It worked as a foreshadow of his next appearence in episode 14x13. The episode in which Sam and Dean will be able to forgive their father and heal.

We saw statues of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph in the crypt representing Mary and John Winchester.

And a blatant John Winchester mirror in Bobby...

Okay, let's jump now to episode 14x06... And how it was foreshadowing Dean's choice in episode 14x13.

Dean will choose Castiel

Harper was a Dean mirror, not just because the whole visual elements you can find in the colors of her outfits (she starts wearing red: toxic Dean and ends up wearing green: healing!Dean). But because her relationship with the place where she lived and her toxic bond with the zombie boyfriend.

I realized this episode had a lot of fables references on the wall. That's because we are seeing Dean learning the lesson of his life. Episode 14x04 was about fighting against fears and 14x05 about daddy issues. This episode is about making the right decision and choose your true love.

This was very important to understand episode 14x13 in which Dean decides between his Father, his past and his present family and Castiel. Of course he picked up Cas.

But, then the monster/toxic masculinity boyfriend came back...

"Once in the library what happened was symbolic too, bc Harper OPENED THE DOOR TO HIS TOXIC PAST AND THIS ZOMBIE GAVE HER THE BOOK AGAIN! I MEAN!! This is Dean coming back all over again to this big issue, embracing him, not letting go. This toxic idea of what a man should be, this toxic idea about NOT TALKING OF THE L WORD AND NOT FEELING IT FOR A MAN!"

Another important book was this one...

That book talking about laces (bond, profound Bond) and lances (Dean stabbing Castiel in the barn, love at first stab).

The symbolism here is huge and talks about Dean's inner fight.

From this episode I elqboretaed what I thought was THE MOVES and THE TALK. Because Jack was the innocent one here trying to understand about love.

The moves were related with Dean and CAS being glued and the talk is the one we were waiting for, it came as Dean's prayer in Purgatory 2.0 and Castiel's love confession (as a response to that prayer) in episode 15x18.

First of all, remember the place where Dean and Jack arrived for info. There was full of cocks (second meaning). Also two cocks facing each other to both side of Dean's head (AUMichael against Castiel fighting for Dean 🤣).

And do you remember that funny dialogue between the waitress and Dean and Jack.

JACK - What's courting?

DEAN - Hey, it's what you do before you start dating.

JACK - and that's the thing you do before the sex. (Dean and waitress both look at him oddly)

WAITRESS - Sometimes you just have the sex. (and grins)

DEAN - Okay, that's...Who is Harper Sayles?

That's very cute from Dean and Jack. Because both of them are innocent. Innocent love. Because Dean is not the man that hooks up with any waitress anymore. He even turned away the Cock's tail. Like he rejecting the idea. He is so in love with CAS. Jack and Dean's talk will continue when Jack asks him about Harper being in love with the nougat boy, and googly eyes. (Related to Dean and Cas almost continued eye fucking.) And then the last scene....

Gif credit @mishalocked

This scene was a blatant DEAN IS TALKING ABOUT CAS. DEAN SPEAKS WITH AUTHORITY ABOUT LOVE AND HE EVEN USES THE L WORD HERE. Dean is accepting his romantic love for the angel.

Harper's room was showing a little of Dean's innocent idea about love too. With all the stuffed animals in his room and the big green word AMORE live in Italian.

Another important foreshadow was Harper (this time dressed in green) writing a live letter to Jack, his true love while a love song was playing.

In retrospective, even when I. The letter Harper was chosing Jack over her toxicity, the song playing was a foreshadow of 15x18. I wrote this...

Sobbing, I think I was right...

To Conclude:

These two episode talked about daddy issues and Dean's inner fight that will end with Dean chosing Castiel and his present life against his toxicity and past.

It was full of foreshafows from season 15.

I hope you liked this summaries. If you wanna read more about these two episodes, please check the links at the beginning of this meta.

Tagging @magnificent-winged-beast @emblue-sparks @weirddorkylittlediana @michyribeiro @whyjm @legendary-destiel @a-bit-of-influence @thatwitchydestielfan @misha-moose-dean-burger-lover @lykanyouko @evvvissticante @savannadarkbaby @dea-stiel @poorreputation @bre95611 @thewolfathedoor @charlottemanchmal @neii3n @deathswaywardson @followyourenergy @dean-is-bi-till-i-die @hekatelilith-blog @avidbkwrm @anarchiana @dickpuncher365 @vampyrosa @authorsararayne @mybonsai1976 @love-neve-dies @dustythewind @wayward-winchester67 @angelwithashotgunandtrenchcoat @trashblackrainbow @deeutdutdutdoh @destiel-shipper-11 @larrem88 @charmedbycastiel @ran-savant @little-crazy-misha-minion @samoosetheshipper

@shadows-and-padlocked-hearts @mishtho @dancingtuesdaymorning @nerditoutwithbooks @mikennacac73 @justmeand-myinsight @idontwantpeopletoknowmyname @teddybeardoctor @pepevons @helevetica @dizzypinwheel @horsez2 @qanelyytha

@destielle @spnsmile @shippsblog @robot-feels @superlock-in-the-tardis @superduckbatrebel @belacoded @madronasky @anon-non2 @cea1996 @lisafu02 @asphodelesauvage @deancasgirl777

If you wanna be added or removed from this list just let me know.

If you wanna read the previous metas from season 14 here you have the links...

Vol. CIX, CX, CXI.

Buenos Aires, May 9th 2021 2:46 PM

[im-in-love-with-pizza-bites]

May I have a ship 🔮 for MCU? Preferably male, thank you 💞

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗦 + 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

I'm 19, Southeast Asian with Spanish descent, Libra, ENFJ-A/ENFJ-T, Neutral Good, Ravenclaw, and a Bi Pan Genderfluid girl using the pronouns She/Her or He/Him with Cherubic-like face. A friend of mine told me that I (kinda) look like Marinette from 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴, Musa from 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘅 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯, and Alexandra Trese from 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲 (a Netflix animated series), but the exception is I'm short (5'1.2") plus sized Southeast Asian woman with Spanish descent that has messy/wavy brunette medium hair, chocolate brown eyes, oriental skin and a small beauty mark on the forehead. My sense of fashion is in between emo and boyish plus korean glam.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

Distant, quiet, and shy at first cause' I dunno how to initiate a conversation, but a total opposite if I open up---friendly, ambivert, witty, laughing loudly on a daily basis, talkative, eats a lot, awkward, daydreamer (I got embarrassed from knocking at the door even I'm inside the classroom 😂), EXTREMELY CLUMSY (mostly tends to get bruises from bumping and being careless to my belongings), secretly likes affection, easily overwhelmed, prone to melt over wholesomeness, flusters on compliments, lightly blushes on cheesy banters, eager to share what I know (especially about Catholic Church---my past teacher joked that I'll become a saint because of it 🤣), oftenly speaks full of sarcasm with a lowkey crackhead energy citing meme references, and talented girl who can be your no.1 supporter and unashamed to be true to myself. In terms of leadership, I only educate and guide than being a prefect (I might take the role seriously), will lift my group when there's lacking/incompleteness. About doing projects in school, I become too extra and prepared for efforts, but I'll forget the process in the end.

People thought I'm a demure self-effacing woman that looks "immaculate" or "one of a kind," (due to my protective parents, a reason why I've never been in a relationship) but the truth is, I'm eloquent, warm-hearted, willig to help, kind, intelligent, supportive, nice, creative, enthusiastic, laid-back, determined, tough, competitive, and feisty outside, but a real softie that can be childish and dramatic that cries so easily (but will enlightened real quick by smallest things that makes me smile) filled with doubts, frustrations, and insecurities with fear of failure that pushes off the limits to to please everyone because they might get dissappointed from expectations, yet I still managed to be stronger than ever, even it's a slow burn process. I can be intimidating, sassy, and a douchebag if I receive ends. Immature, headstrong, perfectionist, demanding, hesitant, jumpy, very indecisive, overthinker, quick-tempered, sensitive, and anxious (no joke, my nervousness makes me think worse scenario will arrive). Though can be procrastinator and arrogant, I raised as a religious 𝖺𝗇𝖽 diplomatic person, willing to fight what I believe (including my dreams and what's important to me) and what is right. In addition, I have a habit of staying up late and doing sign of the cross to ease nervousness.

Blunt but the loudest idiotic feeling-brokenhearted and bitter friend in the group who fangirl a lot, swears like sailor, will call out on people that we loathe, will crack up over your stupid antics before helping, vent out everything I despise (having a bad day, toxicity, poorly written soap operas, how am unlucky when it comes to love life) and bring gossips, but a hopeless romantic who tends to banter with sarcasms or pick up lines as an endearment (but gets grumpy if I received sappy or offensive one), Still generous and concerned person in a subtle way.

𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢

My hobbies are singing, drawing, roleplaying, listening to music, chatting/browsing on social media, conceptualizing, writing, and reading some stuffs. I'll include making corniest jokes/puns, sleeping, and dancing when nobody's around or walking like a model if I feel so bold (even I'm terrible at both xD). I also used to learn Italian language a bit. Lastly, my best assets are smile, eyes, personality, singing voice, artistic skills, writings, intelligence, and oratorical skills...so I can consider myself as a singer, artist, orator, and a top student who's a former campus ministry member (choir member, psalm singer, and reader) and in coming college freshman. Currently learning how to cook and have so many interests, to the point I don't know what I'm into because of my dreams to become a popular Filipino YouTuber, a novelist, and being part of a successful chorale...I also consider joining pageants too once the pandemic ends, but maybe.

Hi! Sorry this took so long for me to answer I've been busy all day. Thank you though!

🔮- Tell me about yourself and I'll give your a boyfriend/girlfriend (specify sexuality and fandom)

Okay, marvel Boyfriend. Easy Pietro Maximoff. I mean if he didn't y'know💀. Okay, but on a serious note, if you are about to fall or anything since you are clumsy he helps you and like saves you from the fall. Also, I'm clumsy, and if you're like me, you probably drop your phone too. (I saw you said you're careless with your belongings) he totally catches it every time. And jokingly scolds you for it. He loves your jokes corny as they may be, he's totally walked in on you dancing, and acting like a model he loves it and starts dancing with, since you like music he shows you sokovian music all the time. He'll support you in all your dreams as a man should! He's learning to cook with you cause he wants to spend extra time with you. He's terrible at it but nonetheless.

Okay It's 3am good night. Thank you for participating in my sleepover!

[ginnyicyidragon]

PERSONA 5 OCs

I had created two OCs (well, maybe possibly five if you count bad guys as well) of persona 5 series. I'd only shown one of them my DeviantART homepage (Icyi), but never here due to almost anything is mark sensitive when it's not 😑 Anyway! One is my main oc, Serafina Price, an Italian American who had moved to Japan after the murder of her parents and lived with her uncle (who is a special agent/cop) to be protected in case the murderer goes after her. Sadly, many thinks she did it when in reality, she'd witness it and her uncle luckily came in to save her. I don't know when she would appear in Persona 5. Probably either before Makoto joins in or after. *shrugs* But my oc Serafina is an oc of Persona 5 who is a Phantom Thief known as Illusion with a Tanuki like Persona. Sadly, I didn't fully work on her. Of course I did do a bit of info on Serafina. Her love interest is the main character; Akira/Ren.

Second OC who is supportive in P5 and becomes main in Persona 5 Strikers is her uncle, Pete Price. A seemingly emotional uncle who is a good cop and acts a bit rebellious because of his parkour skills and often do what he can to bring out justice. In P5, he's not one of those rotten adults and support the Phantom Thieves. He does know it's against the law to change hearts, but he thinks they're doing it better than cops are doing. In Persona 5 Strikers, he still supports them and has travel with his niece, Ren and Morgana back to see their old friends again which turns out Pete happens known Zenkichi long ago. At some point... Pete becomes a Phantom Thief, probably before the mayor event. I'm still working on him, but he is a Phantom Thief named Griffin. Does he have love interest? Well...... yes... But I'm not sure how you guys would react... 😅 Pete is Bi (he has dated three women and a guy once) and he happens to have a crush who happens to be a cop... Can you guess where I'm going? Zenkichi I still love other ships! (depends) hehe... I was gonna created a woman, but Pete pop inside my head... I'll get many won't like it and stuff, but it's only a thought. But I am gonna do it. Sorry!!

Anyway! I want to reintroduce Serafina and fully introduce her uncle, but I am not sure.

[sisterpiranha]

What to do when you nemesis gets a boyfriend and doesn't have time for your rivalry anymore? Ch. 2

Again, nobody beta this but my own conscience.

Also, I imagine Alex to look like Bobby Cannavale because he is the second person I think of when I think about middle aged Jersey dilfs. 

Summary: Johnny gets a boyfriend and Daniel's whole world is shaken.

Pairing: Johnny Lawrence/Daniel Larusso (endgame), Johnny Lawrence/omc

Rating: No sex, but there’s some explicit language, I guess.

Previous chapter

CHAPTER 2

The beach party had been Sam and Aisha's solution to the problem of their dojos' rivalry. Every few weeks the students from both dojos would meet at the beach and spend a day together. At first, it seemed like the idea had been doomed to failure. But after a few awkward meetings and a handful of heart to hearts between certain key participants, things took a turn for the better. 

Daniel looked forward to these days as well, as Johnny and he had developed their own little routine. It would start when Johnny arrived late and with a cooler full of beer. Daniel would lecture him about underage drinking and Johnny would say that the beer wasn't for his students, but himself. Then Daniel would start another lecture about getting drunk when he should be supervising students. They'd exchange insults all through lunch and, after a short nap, once the children went away to do their own thing, Johnny would finally offer Daniel a beer and they would spend the rest of the day drinking together. A few memorable times, Daniel had badgered Johnny into putting some suncream and the blonde asked him to help him get it on his back. Which Daniel complained, but did it anyway because he wouldn't want the man to get skin cancer.

And Daniel was particularly looking forward to this beach day because, in the past few days, and after some stern talks from Sam and a few mocking phonecalls with Amanda, he had decided that he might have overreacted the day of the tournament and that he owed Johnny an apology. An apology that he had planned to offer on his third beer of the afternoon when both of them were alone, relaxed and the buzz of alcohol made everything more mellow. 

His hopes, however, seemed to have been dashed when he saw a shirtless Johnny, not with a cooler in hand, but with an equally shirtless lawyer. And it was fine for Johnny, he was an athlete and a Californian native, his strong, sun-kissed chest was acceptable in the beach. But Italian, Jersey natives in their fifties should not be exposing themselves like that. He had the shame enough to wear a T-shirt, even though Johnny had teased him about it and told him numerous times to take it off.

And yes, he knew the other man was Italian and from Jersey because he spent a whole night on LinkedIn tracking down this "Alex", a.k.a. Alessandro Di Santis, 50 years old, recently moved from Jersey,  practised civil law and worked a lot with at-risk kids and won awards for his LGBTQ activism. Sure, he looked fine on paper, but that didn't mean the guy wasn't an asshole. And you couldn't blame him for being worried, Robby was his student, after all, he just had to be sure he was safe.

"John," Daniel said dryly when the two men approached him

"Larusso," Johnny said smiling. "You're not still mad, are you?"

"I was never mad."

"Whatever. This is Alex, by the way. Robby invited him, before you say anything."

The man approached Daniel with a smile and an extended hand. His handshake was firm and strong. And sure, Daniel could admit that he was handsome, but nowhere near Johnny's league in looks.  

"It's nice to meet you, Johnny talks a lot about you," he said in a strong Jersey accent.

"You don't say." 

"I might have mentioned you a few times. You know, just in passing," Johnny added quickly. Alex laughed. 

"Nothing bad, he's a sweetheart when he wants to," Alex said and he had the gall to look at Johnny dreamily and drape himself around his muscled arm. And Johnny blushed. BLUSHED of all things!

"A sweetheart? I'm not sure we are talking about the same man."

"Maybe you just bring out the worst in me, Larusso," Johnny quipped, but he wasn't looking at him, but at Alex, and was smiling in a way Daniel had never seen him smile. His stomach turned painfully.

Loud voices screamed from a few meters away. Sam had just arrived with Miguel and Aisha. Even from the car, Miguel waved excitedly in their direction.

 "Sensei! Yaya made you some bolones de verde especially for you!" he shouted.

"Yes! I love that woman! I'd be right back!" Johnny said and practically ran towards them, leaving Alex behind.

Daniel looked with a fond expression as the man hugged his students and helped to unload the food. Here on the beach, happy and free, Johnny reminded Daniel of the boy he had been. It made him feel giddy for some reason.

"Look, Daniel," a voice said, and it took Daniel a moment to realise that it was Alex talking. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding, Robby insisted I had to come, and well, I couldn't really say no."

Daniel had a very different opinion regarding that, but he kept it to himself.

"It's fine, it's not like it's a private party."

"Still, with the history Johnny and you have, it can't be easy. "

"Well, we go back 34 years..."

"Of course! And I'm not trying to get in between that."

"Ok, good to know, I guess?" Daniel said confused.

"It's just that I know how awkward this situation can be?"

"This situation?"

"You know, your ex-boyfriend showing up with a new boyfriend."

"EX-WHAT?!"

"Erm ex-boyfriend... Didn't you and Johnny used to date?"

"No! Where did you get that idea? Did Johnny said that? Because I'm completely straight!" Daniel felt himself becoming agitated.

"No, I'm sorry, I just assumed. It's just the way he talks about you... And he said there was someone in his past. So that 34-year-old rivalry is really just about karate?"

"Yes, I mean, that's oversimplifying it a bit, there were other factors..."

"Hey Alex! Come try this! It's delicious!" Johnny called.

"Sorry, I didn't mean... I guess I'll just..." Alex said pointing at Johnny, obviously uncomfortable and looking for the perfect excuse to leave. Daniel could just nod. Then he saw the man joining Johnny. They were all smiles for one another. And when Johnny fed the other man something he was eating, Daniel had to look away, his mood soured.

A few hours later, the children started to leave and Daniel was sitting alone looking at the sun as it started to go down. Johnny and Alex had disappeared soon after lunch and he didn't want to think about where the man could have gone to. Daniel had been alone to pick after the trash and wave goodbye to the students going off to do something else and to the ones whose parents came pick them up. This was their day, they had a routine, he should have been there instead of doing god knows what in god knows were with that man.

He felt someone sitting next to him and a bottle of Coors beer was handed to him. He didn't have to look to see who it was.

"I thought you've left."

"Sorry, Alex had a work emergency and I had to drive him."

"But you came back. You didn't need to, everyone has already left."

"I couldn't miss the best part of the day. The beach, a sunset, a few beers, it's perfect. Pity you are here." 

Daniel rolled his eyes but laughed. Trading insults was second nature for them, so he felt right at ease.

"I'm surprised to see your shirt back on, did you even put any suncream today?" 

"Sure, Alex helped me, he's as much as a nag as you with that shit."

"Oh," Daniel said feeling a surge of anger in his chest. The image of a shirtless Johnny having his back rubbed by Alex came to his mind. Had he done it in Johnny's apartment, right in the kitchen, before leaving for the beach?  Or maybe they did it on the bed, with the blonde laying on his stomach and he could straddle him and comfortably access his back. And maybe he would moan as he rubbed the cream and the sound would vibrate through his body. And maybe, once he finished, he would kiss each of the little moles that dusted his back and maybe even go even further down...

Daniel choked on his beer as anger morphed into arousal and he realised he was no longer imagining Alex in that situation.

"Hey, you ok, man?" Johnny said patting his back.

"Yeah, yeah, it's just this cheap beer. Can't you get anything better?" Daniel said in between coughs, trying to recover.

"Oh, I'm sorry princess, guess my shitty beer doesn't suit your refined palate. Bring your own next time."

"Maybe I will," Daniel answered, not looking at the man. The image of Johnny and him still fresh in his mind and he wasn't sure what to do with it. Maybe he had been too long under the sun and he was starting to get sunstroke.

"Your accent is thicker today," Johnny commented.

"What?" 

"You sound more like you did back in high school."

"I don't think it's any different. I've always sound from Jersey."

"I mean, it was always there, but a lot less obvious. Today it's very noticeable."

"I really can't tell the difference."

"Is it because of Alex?"

"Why would my accent had anything to do with him?" Daniel asked, indignantly.

"He's from Jersey. Maybe being around him brought it back. He has a very strong accent."

"I thought he sounded more like from Long Island."

"No, he's from Jersey. It was one of the first things I noticed."

They were quiet for a moment as they looked at the sun and sipped their beers. Daniel decided it was time to speak.

"Look, John, I wanted to say... sorry for the night of the tournament. I was way out of line. It just took me by surprise, I didn't know you were... you know. It was a shock."

Johnny just laughed.

"You know you can say the word, it's ok."

"Fine, I didn't know you were gay, bi... whatever."

"Don't worry. A few months ago, I don't think I would have reacted any better, probably, if I had been in your shoes."

"But now you are ok with it?"

"I guess," Johnny shrugged. "It took a while."

"And all because of Alex?"

"God, no. It'd started before. There was... someone else. It didn't work out, but it helped me realise a lot of things about myself. When I met Alex, I was more or less on board with things already."

"Someone else? Who?" Daniel asked curiously.

"Doesn't matter. He wasn't interested."

Wasn't interested? What kind of idiot wouldn't be interested in Johnny. He could be a little rough around the edges, but he was man enough to admit the guy was charming when he wanted to, and caring. Not to mention how he looked, all golden hair, blue eyes and cocky smile...

Daniel decided to put a stop to his thoughts right there.

"Alex told me he thought we had been together at some point," he said instead.

"Yeah, he told me. Apparently, he can't believe two people would fight for so long like that without there being some sexual tension between them. I guess other people don't just have 34-year-old karate rivalries."

"Well, here's for 34 years more," Daniel said smiling, taking a swig of his beer.

"Actually..."

"What?"

"Well, Alex told me he's moving to Philly in a few months. His work here is only temporary. He asked me to consider going with him."

"You're moving!?"

"I haven't decided yet. It could be nice. The Valley doesn't have the best memories for me. Maybe it would be good to leave it behind."

"But what about Robby and Miguel, your students, the dojo? What about uh... everything?"

"It wouldn't be right away. Robby and Miguel are going to college soon, so it's not like they are going to be here much. And they can visit, it's not that far away. And I can visit them too.  My students would go to other dojos, yours probably. And Cobra Kai would close again. So actually, this is very good news for you."

"Sure, good news." Daniel put the beer on the floor and stood up suddenly.

"Where are you going?" Johnny asked surprised. Usually, they stayed drinking until late.

"Home," he just said sharply, walking away.

"Are you... are you angry with me?" Johnny stood up too and began following him, confused. 

Daniel turned around and focus all his anger at the man in front of him.

"Of course I'm angry, Johnny! You would just frolic away with your boyfriend and leave a huge mess for me to deal with. Well, I can't take your students, I don't have the space."

"What mess? What are you talking about? If you can't take them, another dojo will, it's not a problem!"

"And what about Cobra Kai? You reopening it started this whole mess and now you're leaving? After everything we did to get it back from Kreese? After everything you put me through? I ended up divorcing my wife of 17 years for this! I only get to see my children a few times a week! And now you're saying you're going to close it just like that!?"

"Larusso, you can't blame me for your divorce, that was all you. I didn't ask you to come knocking when I first opened. You were the one that had to get involved. You can't blame all your shit on me! And you can't blame me for wanting to be happy now!"

"I thought you had changed, you know? But it turns out you're still the same selfish dick you always were! Well, you can go fuck yourself to Philadelphia for all I care." 

And with that, Daniel drove away. He knew he was leaving all his belongings behind, but one look at his review mirror, at Johnny standing there looking hurt, and he knew that he didn't care. His chest hurt and tears of anger and frustration had started to slide through his cheeks. He knew he had to get away.

[feliciamontagues]

My Ranking of Every Hercule Flambeau Episode (S01-S08)

There are some spoilers for S7 and S8, but they are fairly vague and pretty much the sort of thing that you might see on the official press release. So not true spoilers as such. Also this is totally subjective and the result of my own personal biases. It’s also behind the cut because it’s looooonnng. 

8. The Two Deaths of Hercule Flambeau (s06e10)--

So, this episode is *fine*. It’s hardly the worst episode of the show, but it’s easily the weakest of the Flamby eps, despite their being a few isolated moments I enjoy. (Hercule getting a long overdue bedroom scene for one :P)

My main gripe is with this episode is the uneven way Lisandra Flambeau is written. The script seems to flip-flop over whether we are supposed to find her sympathetic or not.  On one hand,  many scenes imply that she genuinely loves Hercule despite them having a shotgun marriage after only a few days of knowing each other. On the other hand, she does not hesitate for a minute before poisoning an innocent (Fr. B) for no other reason than to hurt Flamby, which makes her lose a lot of sympathy points.

And as a result, it seems to make Flambeau seem like more of arse than normal for betraying her, while somehow also absolving him of responsibility for doing so, because she turns around and does *THAT.*

And ngl, it does make me a little uncomfortable that while the character of Lisandra (as an Italian) is possibly not meant to be interpreted as a POC, the actress portraying her definitely is. (Sara Martins is of Afro-Portuguese descent).  Which makes the uneven characterization (and underwritten-ness) seem even more glaring, especially  when compared to that of the other (white) women in Flambeau’s life (his first love Rebecca and his daughter Marianne, arguably Lady Felicia as well). It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth even if  in all likelihood, the part wasn’t written with Sara Martins in mind.

I think a much more interesting approach to Lisandra would be to have intending to betray Flambeau all along. Maybe she had her own agenda for seducing Flamby, meanwhile he thinks he’s the one using her for his plan. Maybe she does develop some feelings for him along the way, but it only makes her hesitate for a moment before going ahead with her original plan. That way, she keeps her agency and isn’t reduced to the “woman scorned” stereotype while also leaving the writers free to ship Flamby with others in the future without seemingly endorsing guilt-free adultery .

Other random note: I can’t take  parts of this episode seriously because the “Crown of Lombardy” is very obviously Guinevere’s crown from BBC Merlin with no attempt to alter or disguise it. 

7. The Daughter of Autolycus (s04e05)--

Not gonna lie, I am not really a fan of “character has long lost relative that we’ve never heard of until now” plots. And that goes double when said long-lost relative is a child or sibling. As such my low ranking of this episode is partly due to unconscious personal biases against that trope.

That being said, if we had to get a long-lost relative that we’ve never heard of until now plot, I’m so glad we got Marianne--even if it takes her another episode to really live up to her potential. 

I have to knock off a few more points for Nero Hound as a villain. For one thing, he was played by Nancy Carroll’s real-life hubby, but they didn’t let let him interact with Lady F at all. Such a *waste.*  Also Nero Hound is far too similar a name to Nero Wolfe, and I’ve definitely confused them on more than one occasion). He’s also rather generic in my opinion, even compared to some of Flambeau’s other “generic mobster” rivals/associates like the ones in S8.

However, there are some moments in this episode I genuinely like--particularly the theft “imagine spot” and Flambeau’s bishop disguise in general. Plus, the scenes where Flambeau and Marianne appear together are excellent, as are the hints that Marianne will become a redemptive trigger in Flambeau’s life.

6. The Judgement of Man (s03e10)--

Again, the low ranking of this one may be due to personal biases.  In this case, I’m still low-key bitter--five years later-- at the BBC marketing department for baiting me with the idea of Flambeau actually interacting with the rest of the squad (esp romantic tiems with Lady F)  and then giving me the absolute minimum of Felicia/Flambeau flirting and no Flambeau/Sid and Flambeau/Mrs. M interaction.

But there are other reasons why this is in my bottom 3 Flambeau episodes. 

Honestly, I feel like an equally compelling episode about the Vatican’s complicity in Nazi art theft could’ve been made without having to insert Flambeau in it. I mean I suppose it does make sense to have the art thief character  in the art episode, but still I feel like both Flambeau backstory and important historical lesson about Nazis, the Church, and Jewish art suffer from being crammed into the same episode. 

That being said, Mrs. McCarthy’s duchess disguise in this episode cleared my skin, watered my crops, etc, which is why I’ve ranked it higher than the previous two. 

5. The Folly of Jephthah (s08e05)

It loses a few points because I got very exited about the idea of Marianne becoming Bunty’s thief gf cool new friend, and yet in the episode itself, they only shared one scene and didn’t really interact much in it. That being said, I did like like that Bunty and Mrs. M had a bigger role in this episode than the squad usually gets in Flambeau episodes. 

Overall, I feel this episode works a lot better than most of the other “backstory-heavy” Flambeau episodes, because we’ve already gotten the Marianne-related exposition out of the way and can focus more on allowing her character, Flambeau’s and their relationship with each other to develop.

I’m also a bit smug in that I predicted (or at least hoped for) this exact character arc for Marianne within a few weeks of “The Daughter of Autocylus” airing and that my hopes came to fruition so beautifully.

It doesn’t particularly impact the ranking too much, but I do feel like this episode deserves a special shout out, because it has established a (hopefully-continuing!) pattern of Father Brown calling Flamby  almost exclusively by his first name, which is a major significant step in their bromance and deserves recognition as such. 

4. The Blue Cross (s01e10)--

As someone who was first exposed to Father Brown through reading the stories for a college course, I always find it especially interesting to look at the episodes that were adapted from Chesterton. 

This episode is neither the most faithful book-to-show adaptation (which is probably “The Three Tools of Death”) nor is it the best (imo “The Sign of the Broken Sword’) , but it is arguably the most significant. “The Blue Cross” was the first ever Fr. Brown story and is probably the most well-known. It’s also the first real look we get at the character of Flambeau, who (in the stories and arguably the show as well) is probably the closest thing we get to a clear character arc.

The show keeps some of the important elements of the short  story: Flambeau’s clergyman disguise, the switching of the packages. But it also has the challenging task of upping the relatively low stakes of the story, as well as introducing a major recurring character that resembles his book counterpart but remains distinct enough to justify the fairly different direction show canon is taking him. 

The show does this reasonably well--if not particularly imaginatively. I do enjoy some of the touches (I’ve written an entire meta before about Flamby’s reading material on the train and how it relates to his character)--particularly the show’s choice to have Flambeau fixated on religious art specifically (RIP for Flambeau’s Dairy Company though. It will always live in my heart).

Unfortunately in the adaptation, loses a few points for not really using the show-original characters particularly effectively. It loses still more for Flambeau’s characterization in this episode . He comes across as much more  serious and menacing in this episode than in all the others. It works okay when we consider this as a standalone episode but provides some glaring Early Installment Weirdness when we compare it to other episodes. 

3. The Penitent Man (s05e15)--

So as the rest of this list  will testify, I have strong preference for the “fun” Flambeau episodes over the more series ones. This is the exception that proves the rule--the  serious, cerebral, melancholy episode that simply “works” for me in the way that some of the others have not.

A lot of it is due to the more-intense-than-usual Flambeau character focus that goes into this. Sure, we’ve met his (presumably ex-by-now) wife, his daughter, and his first love by this point, but all of those episodes focused primarily on Flambeau as an extension of the relationships with others. (”The Judgement of Man”  in particular is far more Rebecca’s story than Hercule’s.)

Whereas this episode is very definitively focused on Flambeau himself and allows more nuanced exploration of two of the most defining facets of Flambeau’s character:  (1) his fascination with religion--and spiritual salvation in particular--  as  something he seems to resist and crave in near equal measure  (2) his almost masochistic streak of recklessness.

Even though Flambeau’s supposed “piety” is revealed to be all part of his heist plan, there are strong hints that his desire for redemption and atonement are at least somewhat genuine, even if he is not  ready to pursue them just yet. 

Off topic, but a few random things of note in this episode: this episode all-but-confirms bi!Flambeau, wet!Flambeau at the end is extremely relevant to my interests, Father Brown attempts to smuggle Flamby a lock pick from the beginning and has the audacity to say “ I only use it when I get locked out of the presbytery.”

Also, it has this iconic exchange:

Goodfellow: What is that awful smell?

Father Brown (covered in sewage): It’s me

2. The Honorable Thief (S07e10)-- So nearly all of the Flambeau-centered episodes from S3 on  have been a little preoccupied with filling in some of the gaps in Flambeau’s backstory, which is *fine*, but honestly, I feel like in doing so, they’ve really lost sight of why we fell in love with the character in the first place. 

 He’s vibrant and clever and funny and over-the-top. But most importantly, Flambeau is a lot of fun. Therefore, it follows that episodes that feature him should be a lot of fun too. 

And well... they are all fun in some way,  but they aren’t as fun as they really could be. John Light is insanely charismatic, but charisma can only go so far when the episode in question is a downer.

Fortunately, this episode is the furthest thing from a downer imaginable. It’s absolutely delightful from start to finish. The plot is serious enough to keep things engaging, but also light enough to keep us from getting too distracted by angst. 

I’m also incredibly biased in favor of this episode, because it finally gave me the Felicia/Flambeau ship tease I’d been passionately hoping for (if not really expecting to get after “The Judgement of Man” disappointed me). But it was so much and so good, and I wasn’t ready for it.

In a broader sense though, this episode really delivered with Flambeau/squad interaction in general--which was a key component that has been missing from most of the other episodes. And the Father Brown & Flambeau interactions were also has heartwarming and funny as they always are.

If I have one tiny little gripe with the episode, it’s that Daniel is not Sid. He has enough broad similarities with Sid that I can’t help but wonder if the episode was originally written with Sid and then hastily re-written when Alex Price couldn’t return. That being said, he was a likable enough guest character in his own right, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him again.

1.  The Mysteries of the Rosary (S02e05)-- Perfection. Not only is this THE definitive Flambeau episode, but is also one of the best episodes of the show overall. It has everything: the birth of bearded Flamby, bromantic road trips, a treasure hunt, great guest turns from Anton Lesser and Sylvestra Le Touzel.

I think part of the reason this episode resonates so strongly with me is that it’s really the first proper sense that we get of Show!Flambeau as a character. Sure we officially met him in “The Blue Cross,” but considering he didn’t show up until halfway through the episode and was in disguise for most of it, we didn’t really get much of a sense of who he is.

This episode changes all that and sets Flambeau up as the character we will know and love for the rest of the series--charming, urbane, funny, passionate, a carefree carpe diem exterior masking (or overcompensating for?) a sense of uncertainty and conflictedness.

Somewhat off topic, but as great an episode as this is for Flambeau’s character, it is nearly as wonderful for both Sid and Father Brown’s characters. We get to see Sid’s  ease with Father Brown, the casual camraderie that the two of them have--as well as Sid’s protectiveness (and jealousy) when Flambeau decides to gatecrash their bromantic road trip. 

Honestly, there are so many things that are great about this episode that I don’t think I could possibly list them--but one little detail that really struck my the last time I watched was that the first proper glimpse we see of Flambeau in this episode (we see him in shadow in a flashback before) involves him  saving Father Brown’s life.  Whereas the last proper glimpse we see of Flambeau is after Father Brown has saved Flambeau’s life.  Thematic reversals. Cinematic parallels. We love to see it.