#jesus christ i thought i was better than this

[captainofthetidesbreath]

I will say, at the end of the day, I am very fond of Illario Dellamorte, despite it all. Yes, he managed to make every single POSSIBLE bad decision one can make, then figured out how to make a few more that nobody else would've thought possible. Yes, he was increasingly sloppy and incredibly stupid about it all. Yes, a lot of his frustration and rage is incredibly misdirected. Yes, I said before the game came out that I support him having a villain era, and I still do because it's fun and I love mess and drama—as much as he stresses me out and makes me want to strangle him because Jesus Fucking Christ.

Still, I think I like the idea of forgiving him. For me, there's something interesting in how he doesn't kill Caterina, in how he didn't ask for what happened to Lucanis and seems genuinely angry—wrong as he is to direct it at Lucanis—that the control that Lucanis so highly prized was taken from him rather than dying at his best, in how he can engineer Lucanis's death but experience a grief that still feels harrowingly genuine at the wake, in how he clearly is grasping at any possible advantage and is carelessly choosing his allies not because he believes in their goals or ideals but because he's desperately power-hungry and ambitious and no more. In how, if he is forgiven, Lucanis is impressed he almost got away with it, in how Illario goes to help the Crows in Minrathous in that last gambit.

He's a mess, and he's selfish and ambitious and vicious and contradictory. But, I have a soft spot for characters like him and relationships like his and Lucanis's, y'know? Forgiving him and forcing him to work out his life after he's burned nearly every bridge he has is just really interesting to me, especially given how Lucanis is still full of hope and affection for him alongside the hurt. How do you rebuild after all that, you don't even have the devil-may-care breezy mask anymore because everyone knows better now. Figure out where he fits now in his cousin's life, because I do think—at the end of the day—the affection and relief is still there from both sides, under it all. Deeply buried possibly, for Illario, but there.

I think there's enough pieces here to suggest that he and Lucanis have a chance to actually figure it out, and to suggest that Illario might actually get his shit together and be willing to given opportunity, time, and patience. It's also a messy choice (and a huge risk), but I do personally like the idea of forgiving him. I like the messy, insane, dramatic narrative of it. He has potential, as Lucanis himself notes. I would love to see if he can rise to it, now that he's gotten all of this out of his system.

Or, at least forgive him because there's something funny about that and I want to see what else he does if given the chance. It'll probably also be a mess, but I'd love to see what messes he gets up to when he's not plotting against the person closest to him in the world. It'll be fun! But, sincerely, I do think he can get his shit together, and I hope and believe he wants to. It's the more interesting and fun story to me, for both him and Lucanis, personally speaking.

[machineheraldbabe]

viktor, a messiah inverted.

arcane season 2 spoilers throughout.

I have a plethora of thoughts on Viktor's strictly season 2, act 1 arc so far and I'd like to get them down in writing before act 2 drops. without a clue about how this evolves in future acts, I'd like to unpack the ways in which arcane has painted Viktor not as a simple Christ-figure, but an inverted messianic figure in just 2 tight episodes.

important note: i'm speaking strictly in terms of literary/film analysis. as you'll see, i'm taking an archetypal angle and won't be evoking any true discussions of faith in this post. i would never want to offend anyone of any religious beliefs, and i hope the secondary source i bring in helps clarify my meaning <3

Lit scholar and professor Robert Detweiler, writing in a very old (1964) but useful article about Christ figures in American literature, defines 3 manifestations of such symbolism: the disguised biblical christ; the christ figure as "mythological archetype;" and the christ figure as a symbol. i'll be using the second definition, the archetype, which he defines as the following:

“He can be the redeemer on the supernatural level who mediates between God and man or the culture-bringer on the natural level who introduces people to a better life " (115).

*In general, when I'm talking about a Christ figure (which I'll then invert in Viktor's case), I mean a fictionalized account of Christ's experiences and teachings, in whatever way they can manifest in the corresponding literature/story.

Arcane is very heavy on archetypes, and this version of a Christ figure is the most divorced from any distinctly biblical iterations that would hinder an analysis like this one. This definition then invokes 2 main questions: who is the God, or the transcendent, in Arcane, and what is the "better life?" I argue the following: the transcendent would refer to the arcane itself, as it's the only larger than life force we have to work with at this point in the series; the "better life" is the healing Viktor is offering shimmer addicts. Culture-bringer makes Viktor into a bestower of the knowledge the he was "granted" from above (time away from Zaun, time spent enduring the Hexcore). His "descent" to the undercity represents a "mission" of spreading that knowledge and healing. All that, combined with a stunningly on the nose visual rework, he's got the full Jesus-Christ-Allegory package.

But I just don't think it's so black and white!

They've altered an otherwise one-for-one replication of traditional, overdone Christ, messianic allegories into an eerie perversion. I've broken that down into 6 main points...

An Unwilling Resurrection

As Viktor states very obliquely to Jayce, "I was supposed to die." 1x09 all but closes with Viktor telling Jayce to allow him to die by promising to destroy the Hexcore. With his time running out, Viktor resigns himself to his own death; he would even have something of a legacy, as pointed out by Heimerdinger.

But Jayce wrenches him back to life. Whereas a typical Christ figure, in Detweiler's view especially, would have this resurrection spring from a transcendent divine will, Viktor is fighting against said will. He rebukes the life that's been re-thrust upon him. So, while it may be a Christ-like resurrection on the surface, it's far from it in intent and impact.

A Concealed Crucifixion

Viktor's physical positioning is very similar to that of a figure nailed to a cross, sans the fully outstretched arms, in this full-body shot. Yet, whereas a Christ's figure's demise would most likely be displayed as a testament of that character's sacrifice, Jayce has concealed Viktor. He lets only his most trusted confidant, Mel, witness Viktor. Maybe Cait has seen him, too, based on her conversation with Jayce, but in general he's not been seen by a large audience.

The Empty Tomb

Christ's departure from the tomb after 3 days is crucial tenet of Christian belief -- Viktor leaving his cocoon/tomb is not joyous, nor is it a sign of transcendent prophecy. If the arcane is the transcendent in this case, Heimerdinger's frequent warnings about its potential for destruction do not promise anything good by its manifestation walking among the common people - a marked difference from a traditional Christ figure. The empty cavern he leaves is but an eerie revision of the stone being moved from the tomb's opening.

Blind Leading the Blind

Viktor is not on a divine-inspired mission; he's being manipulated to some degree by an entity that has invaded his psyche, taking the form of Sky. He's not piloting himself, nor is there a benevolent transcendent being guiding him toward spreading good will. Viktor is blind, not a teacher, and he leads the blind, the shimmer addicts, further into a darkness over which he has no control (yet! I'm confident he'll be regaining agency soon). Even his eyes, now without their old amber hue, point to the fact that he's not seeing nor living clearly right now.

Cultists. Not Disciples.

The blind in question are not called to love and learn from Viktor organically. Whether by implication or a plot device to expounded upon later, Viktor very frighteningly draws the shimmer addict (Huck) toward him and forces his power unto him. As far as we can tell now, the result was nothing bad, but the Sump addicts have bent their knees to him out of desperate fear, not benevolence or worship. The mercy he's extended them is inspired by the malevolent arcane, which seems hungry and commanding.

Enslavement to, Not Embodiment of, the Transcendent

While Viktor has consumed (or been consumed by?) the arcane, he still does not embody it. Despite aligning with Detweiler's "culture-bringer," Viktor can only maintain this for so long. His body is weakened by this episodic healing - he collapses after healing Huck the first time. And in the newly released poster, we can see what appears to be brown rust/rot beginning to corrupt his hand.

If Viktor truly embodied the transcendent, the arcane, it would mesh properly with his person. Instead, he's been enslaved to it. The degree to which it's currently affecting him may be up for debate, but all signs point to Viktor not being totally with us just yet.

In sum, Viktor has the superficial workings of a typical messianic symbol, but beneath the surface, the writers have made not an anti-Christ, but an upside-down version. If Viktor had malicious intent and spread what was outwardly harmful, especially inspiring that in others, then a new term may be necessary. But the tragedy involved in his story so far is that of attempted healing, attempted redemption, and attempted forgiveness all being corrupted by the transcendent arcane.

I'm very excited to see where they take his arc next. I like to think that this analysis can stand on its own, at least for now!

[anemptypuddingcup]

Renunion.

Trafalgar Law & Eustass Kid x Female Reader.

Original. Part 1. Part 2.

It’s finally finished!

A continuation of one of my older Halloween fics that I thought finally needed a continuation. When I read back on my old fic, I ain’t realize it was that dark until I reread it. While dark stories may be interesting to write, Jesus Christ aren’t they stomach churning. Even if my writing was shit back then- It still caught me off guard-

Anyways!- To the fic! Be wary of the warnings please!

‼️Contains: !DARK CONTENT AHEAD! Dark themes. Angsty smut. Mentions and use of a pistol. Mentions of pregnancy and losing the pregnancy. ModernAU! A bit spicy in the beginning. Grinding and/or dry humping in the beginning. Reader and Law recovering and doing better from Eustass’ attack. Eustass inviting himself back into their home. Law getting back at Eustass. Eustass still having that blood kink. Eustass is injured and weakened. This fic is long as shit guys. More of story dialogue that slides into smut. Smut will be in the next fic.

It had been one year….

One whole year since that very attack happened on that terrible night.

Law was still recovering slightly from his injury while you were mentally and physically recovering from the experience.

You both were worn and broken…but you both had and loved each other very dearly. The two of you may even say that you grew closer and bonded from the experience. Taking care of each other and helping each other grow stronger is what made you both happy to have each other during the pressuring time.

It also made you two realize that there was more to your shared relationship than just sexual pleasure. While you shifted away from the sexual spectrum all together after the damage, Law was more caring and understanding of your situation as to why you did. He comforted you and he wasn’t forceful with it either. He didn’t even try question or pry into a single thing, instead he provided comforting touches and words for you whenever you felt down.

He couldn’t bring himself to ever be forceful or disrespectful towards you or your body, especially after the things you went through with Eustass’ attack. He provided comfort and affection for you and you were grateful to have him there to make you feel better.

It wasn’t just him who provided comfort, you had also made sure to care of Law’s injury to the best of your ability. Even if he had more nursing experience than yourself, you volunteered to help him after he almost suffered from a fatal wound.

You fixed his meals and helped him heal his wound while still taking him for his daily checkups. He was extremely grateful to have a girlfriend who cared as much about his health as you did.

It really did make your connections stronger, allowing the two of you to explore and open up to each other more when either of you fell uncomfortable or even thought about the experience.

You both were practically two peas in a pod.

And tonight, you both were finally willing to take that step again. A step that the two of you haven’t taken in so long.

..

Trafalgar was sitting there on the soft bedding that nestled his weight within his shared bedroom, his upper body bent over as his elbows were propped up against his knees which helped hold his face within his tatted hands. He was staring down at the floor with his head deep in his thoughts, his mind roaming the more he stared down at the soft carpet beneath his feet.

He was practically buried deep within in his mind, his feet tapping at the carpet in slight excitement as his body grew rather impatient. While part of him was so happy to be doing this again for the first time in so long, part of him couldn’t help but to wonder if you were really ready and prepared for this.

Your hand ran up seductively along the side of the door, a little chuckle leaving you as you stood there naked in the front of the doorway. Your body wore nothing but a pair of lacy panties holding at your hips, and while a matching bra would’ve looked nice…who’s really worried about all that at a time like this?

You stared at your beloved boyfriend who was a bit too distracted to place his eyes onto your pretty little figure.

“Traffy? Traffyyy?”

A heavy sigh left him as he continued to stare at the floor blankly, your voice almost unable to pull him from those thick and cloudy thoughts he had. A little hum left your lips as you slowly walked over to his larger frame, your eyes softly observing his tattoos as you stood there in silence.

You reached your hand out to him and pressed it against his shoulder, your soft voice calling out to him one more time which finally catches his attention.

“Traffy…” You called out to him, his eyes slowly trailing up to your smaller frame before he blinked blankly. His eyes focused on your face before they steadily scrolled down your body, a small groan leaving his lips as he observed every inch of your beautiful skin.

You gave him a softened smile, your lips curling up while you ran your hand along the softness of his tatted shoulder. Law exhales shakily at your naked touch, missing the touch of your hand against his bare and tattooed skin.

“Baby…”

“Are you alright? You looked as if something was bothering you…” You asked, your body softly setting itself down onto the bedding below while Law continued to stare at your pretty frame. While he had seen your beautiful body naked plenty of times, this time it was just so mesmerizing because it was the first time in a while that you both were going to get physical with each other again.

“I’m…I’m fine. Are you sure you’re alright with this though?” He asked you, his hand reaching out for yours before he grabbed it and held it softly. You nodded in response and pepper a smooch to his lips.

“I’m positive. I’m so ready for this. I know we’ve been waiting for a long time for me to get back comfortable, but I’m absolutely ready for you to give me your love again…”

Law’s breath hitches from your words and he smiles happily before his hands reaches over you and softly grabs at your hips. A soft groan leaves him as he pulls you over his lap, his fingers running up along your lower back which makes you gasp out shakily.

You steadily lowered your body down onto his lap, making sure to not apply too much weight to strain his body and his healing wound. He noticed your hesitance and his grip tightens on your hips before he pulled them down all the way onto his lap.

“You’re ready for my love huh…? I didn’t expect to hear ya say that to me…” He whispers to you, his tone making your face flush before you’d giggle all nervously. You wrap your arms around his neck and he freezes up, your lips moving in towards his ear before you mewl out shakily and pressed a smooch to the shell of it.

“I miss your body against mine Traffy…” You whispered to him, your hips softly grinding against his boxers which causes him to groan out all shakily before he gulped. Law’s tatted hands steadily ran up your soft sides teasingly before he’d wrap his arms around your body, his lips exhaling shaky breaths against your skin while his hands touched and felt at the soft skin of your back.

“I miss your body too~ I miss you so much ________.” Law moans out shakily, his body now trembling against yours while you chuckled and relished in his body warmth against yours. You lifted your head and stared into his sparkling golden eyes before you’d give him a loving smooch, a soft groan leaving Law’s throat as he immediately fell in love with your lips. His kissing grew very rough but it was expected since his body was probably in need of yours.

Gasps left the both of you as you continued to grind your hips against his, a moan leaving him as you slowly pulled your lips away from his. Law watched as you placed your hands to his shoulders before softly shoving him down onto the bed, your hips continued at grind against his semi-hard length as you first felt him growing hard within his boxers. Law gripped your hips tightly and grind your hips against his, a heavy groan leaving his lips as he threw his head back in arousal.

“Goddd~ You feel so good~ I missed this and I miss you baby~” Law reached a large tatted hand up to your breast, gaining a aroused whimper from your lips while you gave him a soft smile. “I miss this with you too Traffy~” You responded, your back arching as you steadied your hips up against his clothed cock.

You lowered yourself down against his chest and your hands cupped his face, your thumbs softly playing at his goatee along his chin. Law sighs out shakily and he pushed his hand against your back to pull you in closer. You both reach in for another kiss, your breathing heavy yet steady as you closed in the space between the two of you.

Yet before you could even lock your lips back into his-

A loud yet muffled crash had echoed down into your bedroom.

The sound of glass breaking echoes throughout your shared home. It immediately caused the movements of your bodies to halt, the two of you slowly looking back towards your bedroom door in your silence.

You blinked blankly before you’d slowly turned back to look into Law’s eyes which had a slight look of shock within them. Law quickly sits up from his bed, his arm wrapping itself around your midsection before he’d pull your body close to his stronger frame.

He stared at the bedroom door as he tried to listen, wondering just what…or who…exactly made that noise down the house.

You look up at Law, observing him as he watched that bedroom door with slight intensity.

“Did…Did you hear that baby..?” Your voice trembled as you asked Law your question, your shaky tone causing Law to rub soft circles into your side to soothe you. “I did…Just stay calm. Someone probably just tried to break in. This neighborhood isn’t exactly the safest…” Law exhaled irritably, both of his arms now wrapping around your body to keep you close into his embrace.

You both continued to sit there in silence for a moment as you began to hear heavy footsteps hitting the hardwood floor of the hallway, the sound of your footsteps making your heart beat grow faster from anxious terror. They sounded so heavy…yet the walking pattern was…oddly familiar.

The hair on the back of your neck began to stand up as you grew more terrified, your breathing growing shaky as the noise of the footsteps grew closer and closer to your bedroom door. You whimpered out shakily and buried your head within’ Law chest, praying that whoever the intruder was within your house would just leave or at least not come in the bedroom.

Though your prayers went unanswered and instead of a blessing…a curse was back to haunt the two of you.

A husky voice called out to the two of you throughout the darkness of the house and was muffled by your bedroom door.

“I know you both are here.”

“I saw the two of you through your curtain from outside your window.”

The sound of a familiar voice called out to the both of you, his voice was so familiar that it was almost immediately recognized by the two of you.

You head shoots up from Law’s chest and the both of your eyes widens while your bodies freeze against each others. Your blood ran cold as the two of you just sat there, your body trembling while you held on to him tighter.

“She’s still just as pretty when I first laid eyes on her. I see she’s gained a bit of weight too…”

“There’s nothing wrong with that though, it has been a year since I’ve last see the two of you~”

Law stared at the bedroom door in shock, the sound of his voice making Law let out a shaky surprised gasp in response. Your arms tightens around Law’s body and his head immediately glanced down to see your horrified expression spread all across your face which fell pale and drained of color.

Law quietly calls out your name.

“________…?”

You didn’t answer. In fact you couldn’t. You felt that your world had been shattered into pieces again just like it had been before…on that day. To find out that such a demon had trespassed back into your beloved home made your blood run ice cold.

Why didn’t the two of you just take the time to move?

You trembled uncontrollably in Law’s embrace, your throat releasing fearful whimpers while your face began to scrunch up in dismay.

A hot tear brewed within your eye before it unconsciously streamed down your face. Your throat and chest began to burn and fall tight, your entire body unable to move itself due to the panic you were expressing. Your eyes slowly glance up into his, your body not moving a single inch as you sat there still as a statue.

“It’s h-him, Traffy…He’s back…” You gasp shakily, your body shaking like a leaf within his arms. Law gulped, his eyes wincing as he refused to believe what was happening. There’s no way he would come back. Wasn’t he satisfied enough after what he had done to both him and yourself?

“Baby-“

“Traffy- T-Traffy…”

“I’m…scared…I-I’m so scared…”

Your arms tighten around his frame, your fingers practically clawing at his tanned and blotched skin in fright as you pleaded to him with a broken expression spread across your face.

“Please Trafalgar…Protect me…Protect me from him…” You pleaded with desperation, your voice slowly beginning to break which causes Law’s eyes to widen while his heart twisted from your tone. He noticed as more hot tears began to brew at the corner of your eyes, a slight hiccup leaving your lips as you looked down and shut your eyes.

Law’s tatted hands cup your cheeks and he lifts your head up to face his, your tears slowly spilling into his palms while some spilled down your face and onto his chest. Your soaking eyes looked up into his and he peppers a smooch to your cheeks, trying his best to kiss your tears away.

“Baby…O-Oi- Oi! Look at me! Listen to me carefully.” He demanded, his eyes focusing on your small frame shifting before you’d look up into his eyes with tears filling yours.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m here to protect you. I swore on my life itself that I would never let anything bad happen to you ever again…Alright?”

You stared into his eyes before slowly nodding, a gasp leaving you while you watched him pepper a small kiss to your lips before he’d move his hands from your cheeks. His hands slide down to your bare shoulders and he stared deep into your eyes while you continued to tremble against him.

“Reach in the drawer and grab my pistol.” He demanded, his tone and expression deadpan as he spilled those words to you.

You nodded without hesitation and climbed over the bed and over to the drawer at the bedside. You slowly pulled the drawer open and grabbed the gun before crawling back over to him, his tatted hand grabbing the gun from your smaller one before he’d immediately aims his towards the door.

“Get behind me and cover your ears.” He demanded, the room still filled with silence as you immediately obeyed his demand.

You got behind his larger frame before you’d pressed your hands over your ears, your eyes watching as Law aimed the gun over towards the door. You could see that his hands were shaking���

“I’m giving you one warning to get out of my goddamn house Eustass. Leave.” Law yelled, a heavy breath leaving him as his hands slowly steadied.

It fell silent throughout the house until Eustass took a step in closer to the door, testing Law’s patience.

“Oh? Threatening me? You’ve gotten bolder.” Eustass chuckled, his fingers pressing up against your shared bedroom door while Law groans out in fear and irritation.

“Leave Eustass! I won’t ask you again!”

“And if I don’t?”

Law pulls the trigger of his pistol, causing a loud bang to fill the small bedroom as he shot a hole through the bedroom door. You lowered your hands from your ears and immediately went back into Law’s embrace, yearning for his comfort as a slight be wave of relief washed over the two of you.

Silence filled the room once again and you both sat there for what felt like an eternity, waiting for Eustass to either make another apparent noise or stay silent. You both stayed quiet and held on tight to each other, your body trembling against Law’s while he continued to stare at that damned door. He lowered the gun and lets out a heavy sigh, wondering if he had even killed Eustass.

Though he was immediately pulled out of his thoughts.

Another footstep was heard and the both of your eyes widens as you watched the doorknob turned slowly. The door steadily swung open and red piercing eyes stared back at the two of you in each other’s arms. His large figure was almost taking up the entire doorway, standing tall while he gave the two of you his deranged grin.

Your fingers clawed at Law’s skin as you stared up at into Eustass’s piercing red eyes, your body shuddering uncontrollably while he chuckles at your frightened faces. His body slowly trails in and he lets out of heavy exhale as he stepped into your room.

Eustass stepped closer to your shared bed, causing you to jolt within Law’s frame while you shut your eyes tightly. Law kept you close to him, his hand now aiming his pistol back towards Eustass while he clenches his teeth in anger. Law aims the gun towards his head while his finger practically hovered over the trigger, his hand steady while his eyes were heavily focused on his ex-friend’s frame.

Eustass smiled before he slumps over, his hand grabbing at his side while he exhaled heavily. You lifted your head up and looked down at Eustass who lifted his head back up to look at you.

“Nice…shot…you…dipshit.”

Eustass suddenly collapsed onto the ground, a heavy groan leaving his lips as his blood slowly began spill and soak into the carpet of your bedroom. His body trembled at the feeling of his hot and sticky blood spilling from his body, a delighted groan leaving his lips as he immediately grew aroused from the sensation his blood spilling out of him.

“What a warm welcome…You two missed me?~” He asked exhaustively, his head lifting up as he watched Law peek down at him from above. Law aimed the pistol down to his head, his brows furling as he let out a heavy exhale of anger.

“Never in your goddamn life. What the fuck are you doing here in my house again?”

Eustass chuckled lightly, his eyes looking up at Law’s as he lied there in his own blood.

“I see you’ve finally brought your guard up, ‘bout fuckin’ time you did.”

“Honestly, I came to see her again…I wanted to know how she was doing. That doesn’t mean I didn’t wanna see you too Law.” Eustass admits, his words making you shudder in discomfort.

Law hops off of the bed, still aiming his pistol down at him while he crouched down to his body spear out on the floor.

“You aren’t fucking welcome here and you never will be. You won’t ever be able to see my woman again, ya hear?”

“As if your shitty threats will keep me away from her…”

You peek over the bed and looked down at Eustass’ body on the ground, your face physically twisting as you grew uncomfortable just by staring down at his frame. Law looks up at you before sighing out, his hand handing the gun over to you before he’d help pull Eustass up off the carpet.

He sets Eustass up against the wall, his eyes looking down at his wound while you kept the gun aimed steadily towards Eustass. Eustass looked up into your frightened eyes before he exhaled a laugh, his hand clenching at his wound in his stomach while he stared at you with his now weakened eyes.

“How was that pregnancy treatin’ you? Ya ever keep it…? Judging by your body, I’m guessing you didn’t?” He asked you, cracking a snarky smirk while your eyes widens at his question.

Law’s lifts his head in shock, his eyes staring up at Eustass while your arms slowly lowered the gun to swallow and process the question. Law shoots up to his feet and snatches the gun from you before aiming it towards Eustass. He pulls the trigger out of anger, the loud gunshot causing your ears to ring as Law nearly shot Eustass straight in the skull. A bullet hole was now in the wall, engraved right beside Eustass’ ear.

“You motherfucker! How dare you!- You think you can just ask her that shit!? After everything you’ve fucking done to her!?”

You exhaled in response as you sat there on your bed, your body frozen as you sat there before him. His eyes observed your figure, silently admiring your beautiful curves and whatnot.

His question seemed to echoed throughout your mind, his words singing themselves deep into your very being to the point where the pit of your stomach grew twisted in distress. You shuddered before turning away, your mind beginning to swirl as it reveled in the terrible memory that now haunts your mind.

“I…I didn’t keep it…” You finally responded to him, your face forming into an expression of remorse as you ran your arm up along your sides. Eustass huffs in response.

“Aww that’s too bad. You could’ve had somethin’ to remember me by-“

Law shoved the barrel of his pistol up to the front of Eustass’ temple, his eyes giving him a look of resentment and scorn as he stared down into his sickening eyes. Heavy breaths left his lips as he gnawed at his pierced bottom lip, his eyes a wincing a bit as he held the gun so steadily up against his head.

“Quit talkin’ to her. She doesn’t want to speak to you.”

Eustass laughed at his expression, his ruby red eyes staring up into his golden ones which were filled with an obvious hatred.

“You look like ya just ready to kill me already…Aren’t ya Law?” He chucked, his breathing growing shaky as he gave Law a wide smile.

“What’s the fun in killin’ me later, Trafalgar?”

“Either option will free us of your fucking waste of an existence.”

Eustass felt his body growing hot and aroused at the thought, the thought of his brains splattering onto Law’s white and clean wall turned him on tremendously. He wanted the both of you to see his beautiful death at the wonderful angle the two of you were at. He could feel his cock throbbing within his jeans, his restraints tight and holding his length back.

Law’s face slowly twisted into an expression of disgust and his brows furled as he watched how pathetic Eustass looked.

How did his best friend even get to this point?

“You’re a sick fuck…Eustass-Ya.” Law groaned, his hand slowly lowering his gun before his eyes slowly glanced over to yours.

He stared into your eyes, realizing that you probably wanted Eustass gone as much as he did. As much as either of you didn’t wish such misfortune upon anyone, Eustass is the only one that you both wished to be gone.

To disappear from both of your lives.

On top of that…He was causing you to close back up again…and after so long you’ve been bringing yourself to warm up back to the thought of sex.

Though seeing Eustass again, caused that bubble to burst so easily.

A heavy sigh leaves Law and he plops himself back down onto the shared bed, his hand running up over along his face as he lets out an irritated groan. His hand sets down his pistol and you watched as he rubbed at his temple, his demeanor giving off the obvious impression that he was…very upset.

“Damn you Eustass…Why did you have to come back.” He groaned within his palms, his voice trembling as he spoke those words.

“Traffy…”

Eustass stared at the two of you with blank eyes, a hum leaving his throat before he smiled to the two of you. He loved seeing the two of you…His best friend and his crush, a pretty duo indeed.

You both were absolutely fit for each other.

“If it’s needed, just go on and finish me. You won’t have to keep staring at me anymore.”

“I’ll gladly die at the hands of you two.”

“I want you to fucking suffer, I can’t kill you just yet.”

“Or maybe you’re just having a hard time deciding whether you want to kill me or not.”

Law fell silent and he sighed out heavily before his hands began running through his raven strands.

“You can’t kill me, can you? Your best friend that you’ve known since high school. You can’t deny that Law.”

“I know you well.”

You frowned before pressing your hand against Law’s shoulder, your expression falling worrisome as Law slowly stared into your eyes. Law runs his hand at the back of his neck before sighing out once again. “I’m so sorry babe…I’m really…struggling…here.” He apologized, his head turning away from you while you blinked blankly.

“It’s okay Law. I’m alright with whatever you decide.” You responded, pepper a smooch to his lips while he hums out. Eustass smiles even more before huffing out exhaustively, his body feeling weak from the amount of blood he’s already lost.

“Whatever the two of you decide, I’ll enjoy my final moments with you. Makin’ me suffer ain’t gonna be so easy for you.” He says quietly, his eyes staring at the two of you before he groans out a bit.

Law shuts his eyes softly before he’d wrap his arms around your frame. You stare down at him before smiling, your hand reaching up and rubbing at his strands while he sighs out all shakily.

“You’re okay with anything…right?”

“Of course I am. If this is Eustass’ final moments with us…We can decide on something for him.”

His eyes slowly opened and he stares up at you before nodding, agreeing with your words.

“Yeah. You’re right.”

“Finally agreed on somethin’? Ain’t gonna last much longer here…”

Law lifts his head up from your breasts and pulls away from your body before standing up off of the bed, his body trailing over to Eustass while Eustass stared up at him with a smile.

“We’ve decided on something. We can’t harm you because you’re a sick fuck. So why not just let you watch us…”

“After we’re done, we’re putting you down. I’ve had enough of you.”

“That’s the kinda game we’re playin’? Why not just let me join in if you’re killing me right after?”

“Absolutely not. You’re not touching neither my woman nor myself.”

“Like I said, I want you to fucking suffer in your final moments.”

“If you can even accomplish that…”

A heavy sigh left your lips as you sat there, your hand reaching up up to your head before you rubbed at your temple.

This situation is rather…irritating.

Though if it’s his final moments…You might as well be nice…right?

Even if he wasn’t nice…He can’t hurt you now.

…

You’ll figure something out. You’re sure you’ll be able to.

[james-stark-the-writer]

5 minutes into The Conjuring 2 (no, i couldn't find Wolves At The Door streaming anywhere and i wasn't gonna pay to rent it, i do not care that much.), and this intro is already more effective and better crafted than anything in either of the first two movies because well, retrospectively i know this intro is meaningful because of the nun stuff but also, it's just really shot and edited well and it feels like there's actual narrative weight there because we know these characters now and that this is going to come around because these characters are our ways of interacting with this world. like the editing really makes this sing, of course. the way it cuts from the initial action to just cutting to the aftermath is both a good way to save on budget and heighten the sense of ethereality and otherworldliness in this space. like it's just good fucking filmmaking bc good filmmaking is often good problem solving. but also, the narrative meaning it is imbued with, both from knowing where this movie goes and from the expectations of having seen the first movie and knowing how it's opening comes back in the third act, it really makes the moment actually mean something and impact you in more than just a series of pointless shocks that actually aren't even that well made. i still really dislike the opening of The Conjuring. it's so bad and structurally nonsense just to emulate The Exorcist for no fucking reason. but i think the structure will work better here because we know the characters already and are invested in them.

anyway, adore it already, but i did glance at the runtime and i do not understand why the fuck this movie is 134 minutes jesus christ, let's see if it remotely justifies that.

also, making Lorraine the narrator is such a good choice, especially because the climax of the movie basically hangs on her. and also, i do think it's a good way of identifying the most solid aspect of the last movie, and building on it. because she was basically the thing that held that movie together outside of Patrick Wilson. also also, it further sets this universe apart from the Insidious movies, which the first one really felt derivative of. like, i still think Insidious Chapter 2 creates a better first impression, and i don't think this is going to top Insidious Chapter 2 for me, but, like, Wan's filmmaking is already off the fucking chart. so, let's see how it separates itself as an narrative. especially bc i've always loved this one the best and thought it was the peak of the universe.

[stefanyd]

All this talk about Dragon Age and The Egg's betrayal and just dragon age in general has me itching to play inquisition again, except, as I texted @nishiuraboys not 3 min ago I have found myself in a dilemma I had both forgotten about AND in my hubris thought I could just brush over quick and neatly:

Me: imma start a new game, I can make a new character faster, I have °•○experience○•°

Also me: 15 minutes in deciding what class to pick, mage goes for some banging lore and conflict and omg actually dwarves have no connection to the fade that's also so fucking interesting to explore, imma to with an elf tho cuz I wanna be fast about this, not too much thought, just vibes, but like anyways I like double welding and picking locks but also the *drama* of a mage omg I can't decided.

Also also me: it's been 24 minutes...

I'm going on 30 min now imma pick mage but also akledvlabwlwvqkwevqkhelqhwljk how *dare* I think I could just brush through this

I HAVENT EVEN REACHED THE CHARACTER CREATION

[iwt-v]

🕸️ Ben Daniels as Santiago >> Interview with the Vampire (Do You Know What It Means to Be Loved by Death) 🕸️

[faaun]

my research partner and i are huddled in a blanket in paddington waiting for a too-late train i already miss you and you and you

[friendrat]

The problem with the church today is that so many "Christians" do not actually believe in redemption.

[shannonsketches]

like why did they change where Vegeta was when Cell announced the cell games in the anime

why did they make this vegeta starting shit with yamcha instead of chillin in the lab with his family? why did they take Bulma out of the lab? Why'd they say she was Out while Dr Brief was repairing 16? Why did they change Bulma working on advanced robotics to running in late with her baby?

it's the same scene except: - Bulma's actively at work being a scientist - Vegeta's not being rude to her (or anyone else!) - Vegeta waits for Trunks instead of leaving the room - Cell interrupted the airwaves, which means Trunks and Vegeta were just hanging out with Bulma and Dr B while they were working

Those are all Great Character Details!! That the anime rails against!!

[antiyourwokehomophobia2]

I've seen enough poly stuff in my lifetime. Y'all can stop now.

[fellhellion]

sorry i need to expel the demon that is comicsverse thoughts from my head w a weirdly structured ramble ive been trying to articulate fdsjkfhkjds

-> miguel is initially alienated from his body post transformation - not just due to the nonconsensual nature of being spidered - but because he views the transformation as alienating him from a claim to humanity

-> however, the identity of spiderman and the ideals that represents seems to be in big part the means by which miguel reconciles himself to the nature of his physical body. not only do his abilities become naturalised to his understanding of himself as Miguel (rather than being thought of as alien) but they enable spiderman to be that force for good and change that miguel so desperately wants to see in himself

-> but miguel simultaneously depersonalises himself from his spiderman identity. he thinks of it as the better half of himself, as something almost ephemeral, that he doesn't quite have a claim to or is able to reconcile completely to Miguel The Human Being and all his associated baggage

-> and that's an interesting internal conflict to have when he simultaneously can never escape the lived reality of his own body and where it diverges from those around him, even as that lived reality eventually becomes something he can reconcile himself to far more easily

-> and what overhangs across this entire discussion is context of (and thus how Miguel would be influenced by) Nueva York's hypercapitalist society and thus the understanding and conception of your physical body in that lens. how much or little your body is owed by you yourself. the access you are told must be permitted to it by others/corporations. how the physical body is policed and politicised. the commodification of the body in the most literal sense via Vulture's cannibalism.

[horsechestnut]

Reading Batgirl 2000 is making me want to write a Dark Batman fic.

[ahalliance]

what even is an AI-powered google search . what even is an AI-chat . I’ll kill you

[feelingtheaster99]

ABSOLUTELY SCREAMING AT THE WATERLAND ARGUEMENT

[fionnaskyborn]

Was tagged by @oceancamp to post my current five favorite songs! (They should invent a stages-of-grief-esque model that encompasses and accurately describes both types of anguish I had to go through making this list - the one of limiting myself to only five songs, and the one of trying to put as little videogame music on here as possible so that I don't end up looking like an absolute goddamn geek, which... I am... Oh well!)

Thank you so much for tagging me - here are the songs!

Heaven Pierce Her - War Without Reason

Tatsuro Yamashita - Love Space

This specific arrangement of Death And Republic + Meet Again

Winger - Junkyard Dog (Tears On Stone)

The Protomen - Light Up The Night

Is it courtesy to tag other people after you've been tagged in a post like this? If that's the case, I'll tag @spiralled-fury, @solradguy, @swamppossum, @five-by-five, @northstarring, @ineedmoredragons and @tbonechessor!

[oscarp81astri]

For FREE DANIEL?? YOURE GIVING THIS TO US FOR FREE???