#like sure. complain all you want about male power fantasies but this is such a tumblr take it’s exhausting

[stealingyourbones]

Quite genuinely and respectfully, you have no knowledge of how much money it costs to invent things. Nor do you understand that Batman is a comic book character and his wealth is a catch all for his billions upon billions of dollars worth of money. It’s literally just so writers can handwave that he can afford [x] item.

okay, controversial batman opinion time! it ruins the character for him to be a billionaire, and he’s only a billionaire because too many people think ‘billionaire’ just means ‘millionaire but cooler’. bruce wayne should just be a millionaire. 

a millionaire has enough money to buy a batcave, a fancy batmobile, a supercomputer, a bunch of esoteric custom-made tools and toys, a couple companies that make enough money to fund a playboy lifestyle and a bunch of high-tech vigilante superheroes. millionaires today, even with inflation, can commission the creation of pretty much any physical item short of their own spaceship, and some of them can even do that. 

a billionaire has enough money to own entire cities and write their own laws and do whatever the fuck they want basically all the time, anywhere. look at disney, tesla, amazon, nestle, walmart. these guys are playing on an almost inconceivable global scale and they are not your friend. these are lex luthor motherfuckers. 

the question keeps being asked, ‘if bruce wayne is so rich, it’s ridiculous that he’s using all that money to run around in a bat costume punching mentally ill people’, and that’s correct if he’s got money on a billionaire’s scale. it’s absurdly irresponsible to have the kind of power that could change how a nation operates, much less local government, and just play night time punch guy with it. batman is the bad guy there. 

but say batman’s ‘just’ a millionaire. he’s the heir of a couple old money families, he’s got a mansion and some land and a private jet, he’s in with the elite of gotham, he can put some pressure on the mayor and the city council and the police– but he’s still on a level with half a dozen other families who have their own millions to throw around, their own ambitions. he can’t actually fix gotham just by throwing money at it, because he will run out of money before all the other rich guys do. 

in this situation, batman does make sense for bruce wayne to invent: a secret guy no one can pin on wayne industries, who can run around taking on organized crime and supervillains at the same time, who isn’t beholden to the social or legal conventions that the superwealthy also flout to play their fucked up games with each other. batman can actually do what a single millionaire can’t. 

batman gets written by batman fanboys to be a power fantasy, but with great power comes great responsibility, etc. at a certain level of wealth his power far outstrips his purpose, and being batman is actually irresponsible for bruce wayne. a hero’s limitations make for better stories. stop writing batman as a billionaire, already. 

[harocat]

As a huge love between fairy and devil lover whose favorite couple of all time is XLH and DFQC (love you header btw) I want to watch eastern fantasy what can you tell me about it? All I know is she goes into a game or something? How's the otp? I know nothing can be as good as those two but is it at least the same trope of how much they both adored each other and were willing to sacrifice for each other?

YES you should definitely watch it!

So Ling Miaomiao is a modern woman and the fan of a famous novelist, who just released his newest work, Catching Demons. She speed reads it (she's even listening to the audio of it while in a meeting at work yes queen), and realizes she... hates it. Completely despises it even though she really loves this author's work most of the time. Naturally she gets online to complain about it, and as she's doing so, she gets sucked into the world of the novel where she's in the body of the second female lead, the cruel, sinister, and doomed to die Lin Yu. 'The system' (a nebulous mysterious force that brought her in) gives her two tasks:

Survive the novel to the end

Make the second male lead, Mu Sheng, fall in love with her.

Mu Sheng is the second male lead in the novel, and not only does he end up as an antagonist, but he's literally the one who kills Lin Yu. So it seems an impossible task.

Of course though, it turns out Mu Sheng is rough with a gooey center; a true tsundere. He's love starved and lonely. He has a huge secret that he has to hide from everyone around him, including his beloved sister. It doesn't take much, just a lot of being herself, for him to start falling for Ling Miaomiao.

The game mechanics are the way 'the system' presents the story, so LMM has to try and get Mu Sheng to an 100% approval rating toward her, sort of like an otome game. There's lots of cute little jokes playing on this story mechanic (LMM commenting on 'how good the special effects are', using modern terminology and confusing people).

The rest of the plot is fun too! It indeed involves a lot of 'catching demons', as well as an overarching storyline about a powerful demon who 'cracked the sky' nine hundred years ago and is returning to try and end the world again. The costumes are wonderful, the effects are solid, and the acting is strong. There are lots of found family vibes among the main group and a child character who is not annoying.

Comparing it to LBFAD, LBFAD is more interested in diving deep into the characters and giving them pretty drastic development arcs. You are not going to get quite the character depth DFQC and XLH had, nor really, the relationship depth. And that's okay. LGIEF moves pretty briskly, and it is just a little lighter on the whole (though I know it will still break my heart like LBFAD did). It probably won't totally change your life and rewrite your brain chemistry like I'm sure LBFAD did, but you will have SO MUCH fun and the ship is super lovable and has eaten my brain.

Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi have GREAT chemistry. Esther is absolutely adorable at all times; funny and charming and looking the prettiest she's ever looked in one of the best Cdrama wardrobes ever. Ding Yuxi has puppy dog eyes on LOCK. He's brusque and sad and angry, but he is marshmallow sweet and so earnest as he experiences his first love. They are SO soft, and absolutely, they'd die for each other. So yes, WATCH IT.

[skitskatdacat63]

pls complain as much as you want about the eff won movie, i agree with all your tags and i'm sure you have more to say 👀

Hello here I am, ready to complain!!! I did in fact have more to say so thank you for asking

*Sorry Grace if you read this and I accidentally stole any of your talking points lol

ALSO DISCLAIMER: If you disagree with me, please do not fucking bug me about, I do not care, let me be a massive bitter hater in peace, thanks

I. Disinterest 

First of all, who asked for this? To me the appeal of F1 is how exclusive and confined it is. There are only 10 teams and 20 drivers you have to learn about which makes it very easy to become super invested. If you want to step outside that, you can learn more about the lower formulas or past seasons(there’s many of them!!!!) So why would I, someone extremely invested in the people and narrative already taking place, even remotely care about some made up drivers? Especially since they’re not JUST made up drivers, they’re made up drivers in the background of REAL drivers. I am highly invested in the results of current F1, so why would I want to watch a movie where those results and drivers are in the background. I’d rather just watch DTS, which is a crazy statement within itself.

I’ve actually thought a lot about how one could mesh real and fake within a sport like F1. Cause I daydream about my OCs in F1 haha, but then start thinking too hard about the logistics of it all. I came to the conclusion that putting fake F1 drivers into the real story is just not a great idea. Because you’re disrupting the actual results and inserting yourself into them, and also as I said, putting real life people in the background out of self interest. It just complicates things so much to add outside elements to such an insulated sport. If this movie had made up a completely fake grid, I’d honestly be all for it and probably would be pretty interested. Like, wow, give me a whole franchise of this!!! Give me a movie about every fake team!!! Get me invested!! But at the end of the day, I’m always going to care about the real life drivers more

In other racing movies, that are biopics, there is a focus of maybe one or two drivers. And those other drivers that were in the grid at the same time become background characters. BUT it’s in service of a real life story with real life people many may already be emotionally invested in. They’re not just turning the rest of the drivers into background characters in order to prop up their own fake F1 drivers, but rather just putting the focus on a story that deserves to be told. There’s so many stories that deserve to be told in F1, literal decades of stories. Why are they putting so much money and effort in service of a story that no one knows or cares about. 

Also I can already tell this movie is gonna be like…60% action, 40% plot. Again, if I wanted any of those things, I’d watch actual F1. It feels like a male power fantasy for men who wish they could try driving F1 cars.

II. Invasive 

I really dislike how involved it is with F1. You know, F1, something that is people’s legitimate job? It’s already a very flashy sport with so much publicity around it, why do you have to unnecessarily  add to that? Their cars being on the actual grid, the fake drivers being in the media pen. I just find the whole idea of them inserting themselves into modern F1 to be so weird. 

All those clips of Brad Pitt alongside the actual drivers genuinely make my skin crawl, it’s soooooooo fucking weird. Like that one clip of him standing alongside them for the anthem. Imagine you work your whole life and put so much blood, sweat, and tears into getting into F1, and then this rich asshole is allowed to roleplay next to you. There’s already enough pressure with the netflix cameras around all the time. And now they’re forced to be in a movie as well. Maybe I’m self centered but I’d be so annoyed if they were making a film about my sport and then I find out I’m only there to be a background character in a story about made up drivers. It just makes me cringe so much to imagine him pretending to be an F1 driver next to the actual drivers, like is that not embarrassing???

The social medias….very strange. Like the stuff with them using Paul Aron as their rookie. Even if they did get his permission, which I’m still not sure about, it’s so weird to me. Like oh the main characters are made up but you’re still willing to use other drivers in the pursuit of your own story. I’m sorry but is that not weird to anyone else???? I dislike how much this movie blurs the line between fiction and reality, involving real life drivers whenever it’s convenient. Looking at their socmed makes me cringe so much. I’m sure a bunch of self insert writers or novel writers would do the same but they’d get bullied. Yet a bunch of grown ass men are allowed to literally roleplay on twt/insta and it’s suddenly fine and normal? Lmao their most recent post is the FP1 results from Hungary. Is it not so fucking weird for them to make up placements, and thus just ignore the actual drivers who got those positions? Imagine you’re Lando and you got P6 and you go on instagram and suddenly discover that you did not in fact get P6, but rather Sonny Hayes did! Wow that 60 yr old sure is a good driver. 

And let us not forget to mention them making memorial posts for Senna and Jules Bianchi. That actually made me feel sickened, especially the Jules one. Imagine using a real life tragedy for publicity on your roleplay twitter. Is that fucking creepy???? Like why of all things would you choose THAT to play along with. They’re a made up team that is in no way associated with either drivers, so why are they talking about them? What is the point. 

Okay but that clip of Fernando staring at Brad Pitt, I’m fucking dying. I wish he could give his actual thoughts on it. Like what is it like to see a guy older than you, pretending to be an F1 driver, while you are there, doing your actual job. I like to think he had a dementia moment and was like, “hey wait when did that guy join the grid? I thought I was the oldest!?”

III. Dramatising

There already is a pretty big issue in this community where the drivers are treated like characters, and not real people. There’s so many people out there who just watch DTS and treat F1 like a soap opera. People who only know about F1 in the context of made up drama, and now there's gonna be a movie about made up drama. This movie further blurs the lines between fiction and reality. Again, they’re literally turning the F1 drivers into background characters of a movie. Like, wow you’re not real people anymore, your lives exist in the back of this story now. Imagine how confusing this would be as a new fan.

I know they’re all a bunch of rich privileged guys but, at the end of the day, this is still their job, not just fodder for drama. I want the sanctity of F1 to be respected okay. It's such a cool sport to me and I love all the real stuff about it, and I don't like the way media treats it and changes it.

IV. Old Man Self Insert

I basically covered this in my other categories but I just want to complain more. I really really despise that this movie just feels like some old guy really wanted to drive F1 cars and had to come up with a reason to justify it. I feel like someone who is a serious F1 fan would want to honor the actual history and context  of the sport more, y’know? Not just make a blatant self insert film, inserting himself in the literal daily life of the actual drivers. It annoys me bcs this is a sport where people start getting called old when they hit 30, not that I agree with that but I’m just saying, it’s a very ageist sport where youth seems to be valued over most other things. My resident GOAT old man, who is 18 years younger than Pitt, constantly has people saying how he should retire to give younger drivers more of a chance. So why the hell in a sport with this environment are we getting a movie about a 60 YEAR OLD driver. It’s just so clearly a self motivated passion project, and Domenicalli and others want to milk F1 for all the money it's worth. Okay so a made up team is allowed to be 11th and yet you keep shunning actual teams that could join and bring in more publicity/money? Okay, okay…

V. Misc

I’m ngl it feels like a made up team would have an easier job getting into F1 if they really wanted to, because of the publicity. And yet Andretti cannot. Imagine a docu film about a brand new team joining F1 for the first time ever and the trials and tribulations it takes to be a new team in such a historical, bloodthirsty sport. But nah let’s put all that money and effort into a make believe story. 

But yeah they’re not really doing anything inventive anyways. Wow an old man driver who they’re probably gonna pretend is not completely age inaccurate for this sport. And the supposed dynamic of it. Isn’t it supposed to be Brad Pitt’s chara coming back to mentor a rookie prodigy?? When are teammate relationships ever that nice?????? The only similar relationship I can think of is Seb and Micheal but they were on diff teams, and RBR was a lot better than Merc atp. I feel like the only time you see mentor-like relationships is either when the two are on diff teams, the car is an absolute backmarker, or the mentor absolutely outclasses the rookie. 

The fucking “who cares about safety” line, who authorized that????? Thinking about how I almost got ripped to shreds on here for talking about how refueling was interesting, and yet a blockbuster is allowed to disregard safety??? And weren’t they saying in that trailer that they have to make the car for battle? Is their strat being terrorists??

VI. Javier Bardem

GAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH WHY DOES ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS HAVE TO BE IN THIS SHIT FUCKING MOVIE GOD DAMN YOU JAVIER YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!! 

It is very painful to me that he’s gonna be in this movie, and that his doppelganger who you may know as Fernando Alonso will also guest star. Like I don’t want to give this film money nor do I want to watch it. But the fact that there’s the possibility of seeing Fernando Alonso beloved on the big screen…it’s so tempting.

It’s just irritating cause his chara in the trailer DOES seem like smth I’d actually be interested in. Like I think he’s gonna be a dubious team owner or TP and man….that’s so perfect. But not in the context of the full movie lmao. So who will be the brave soul and make the Javier Bardem and Fernando Alonso cut for me? Maybe I will ask my brother to write down the timestamps for me. 

I digress. There’s probably some things I forgot to complain about but this is what I came up with <3 I hate you Brad Pitt and I hate you Domenicalli and I hate you MBS, etc etc. Lmao you know what this feels like? When you're in a fandom for a fandom for a franchise like the MCU or SW, and nrw shows/movies come out and you feel like they're bastardizing the whole franchise. This is what this movie is to me.

[ultimatebottom69]

Do you think some of the new stories still have blatant racism and homophobia in it? I personally cant see it, probably because i'm more focused on the horror ones (although i agree with the hsr one. yes i came from that confession).

So far. Frankly. Also yeah. The HSR case is not looking good at all cause...It's too blatant like as an F/F player I am very used to the sideline female LI who has no relevancy to the plot but that's the thing as a popular recent book, you should be better.

Many of the old stories have that problem, just Sins of London for example is...Well it's a trip in the bad direction, Abigael route is...Yeah... and Moonborn who allows the F/F players to have an actual female LI at the fucking 4th season. Wait I think it was the 5th actually...Moonborn is a book. Just Q30. Just...Just...

Like yeah no old stories were definitely not it when it came to being nice to minorities.

And usually I give stories at least 8 episodes before making any accusations except Remy's stories. Due to her history. And ongoing history. Keeping up with Remy should be a TV show.

So. Let's do one by one. My take is "Would that character been treated the same by the author. If he was white ?"

I don't think Astrea's broken hearts is rascist. Because the routes are your usual build, main li, second main li. And as usual the sidelined female LI, in the sense you don't see her much. The decision to make the black LI the cold no-nonsense man was far from a bad decision tbh. I don't think it's rascism and he appears as much as the other male LI's. Even in season 2, hope the author keeps THAT going. And normal number of CG's. Like frankly we are doing good because if there is rascism or homophobia at least they are subtle about it. Subtle enough I didn't notice it. Maybe on second read or not.

Thunderstorm saga...Well except for the sprites so far. And the fandom weird logic about how "It doesn't matter it's fantasy, they don't need to look actually black like normal people-" hum that's easy to say when the white sprites looked like normal humans with long ears.

Let's not dwell on Elf Ivo.

But other then that fiasco, I did not see it. And so far only 3 episodes are out so my judgement is except for the sprites. It's not any of the two so far.

So...Shakespear code...Hum...Well I mean. I am pretty sure even if she was white. She would still be in that...well basically slave position due to her dumbass father. Also her name is Regina. Which reminds me of Mean Girls and her primarly sin is envy so so far that seems like a clever joke at best. And there is not enough episodes to know truly.

The Haze will take us....Oh Boy. Ok so. At first I was like "Heh. It's the fandom as usual." But huh. If you really want to be offended when you think about it. Why is it that the womanizer guy and the most powerful people are asians ? No complains. I think even if they were white this would have been the same. But it does sounds weird when you say it out loud especially with all the negative stereotypes attached to this "They rule the world" propaganda. But the treatement of the characters is not rascist, the whole Volot sprite...Yeah...I do think they would still have gone for the "His muscular hands touched me" kind of route anyway.

7 brothers...Well. except for the different posters incident I didn't see the problem I mean the story is a bit weird in my opinion but I think it's mostly because I don't like the author's writing style.

Like. So far. From the New books. Nothing seems amiss. I like having evidence before condamning an author except when it's Remy.

[bookofmirth]

For gwynriel, I’m not sure how sjm is going to incorporate sex into their relationship, if she does but I think she will since she talked about how Azriel is a freak & there have been scenes playing in her head, but I’m really curious to how it will be put in. I wonder if she’s going to have them become very close friends with Gwyn teaching Azriel valkyrie training, their banter becoming intense, them being competitive and maybe they start fwb. He helps her become comfortable with male touch (I think her becoming comfortable will start with them training though) & helping her take control/claim of her own body. He’ll understand her boundaries, respect her and consent will be very important to him. Like that one anon said, I could see a teacher/student thing going on and even a dom/sub, but not necessarily about power. A respectful balance. Companionship. Understanding. Az teaching Gwyn and encouraging her. Wanting her to feel comfortable in her body. To feel safe. He will want her to make sure she knows she is in control (she can use a safe word) and can let him know when to stop at any time. Every time they have sex will be a different/new experience. It won’t always be freaky. It can be comforting as well. Or they can start with sex it’s soft and once she gets more comfortable, it can gradually become freaky.

If they do become fwb, I kind of want them to have crushes on each other first, even if both are oblivious to each others feelings, because I could see E/riel’s saying “y’all aren’t complaining about them having sex but when az was fantasizing about elain it wasn’t okay”, so it would be easy to say Azriel saw Gwyn beyond sexual fantasies unlike Elain. I understand Gwyn when it comes to be being assaulted. It hits close to home. I can’t speak for everyone that is a survivor of assault, but I read how some survivors of sa find healing through bdsm. I don’t think Azriel will be full on Christian Grey. He won’t be sadistic. I could see bondage, shibari, blindfold, impact play (nothing too harsh), dirty talk, praise & a few other things. The most important thing for me, is that Gwyn is happy and that she can heal. Also, I think it would be cute if they go book shopping together and pick out books for each other. I’m sorry for how long this is!!

He helps her become comfortable with male touch (I think her becoming comfortable will start with them training though) & helping her take control/claim of her own body. He’ll understand her boundaries, respect her and consent will be very important to him.

See, this is how it would make sense to happen. SJM saying that Az is a freak doesn't mean their first sexy or romantic encounter is necessarily going to be full-on sex dungeon hardcore - and even if it were, that could be absolutely what the characters need and want. What is healing and emotionally fulfilling for one person can be completely different for another.

But Az being a freak also doesn't negate consent! Or eliminate his awareness of Gwyn's emotional state! I know people use this as a gotcha for gwynriel not happening, but sjm has already written sexual relationships that are consensual, thoughtful, and considerate of the characters' history and emotions. (Plus acting like survivors across the board can never have sex is just gross.) Obviously she has written other types, but that's not what we are talking about here, clearly. She always makes that distinction obvious.

And the thing is, it looks different for everyone. Like you said, different approaches can put Gwyn back in control of the situation - that can include bondage or blindfolds or non-missionary style sex which can be just as healing and right for that character. It just shows, to me, a lack of empathy and an assumption that one person's experience is universal. If healing were one-size-fits-all, then the whole therapy/psychology business would be done. They'd find The Answer and then pack up shop.

I'd expect that, if we were to see things like that between Az and Gwyn, then Gwyn would be the one calling the shots. She'd be in control.

But also, I'm curious how much of the "freaky" exists purely in her head, and how much would make it to the page. She never even gave us that threesome in acosf :(

I think it would be cute if they go book shopping together and pick out books for each other.

I LOVE THIS. Gwyn is already research-minded and reading romance novels. She's already curious. That can definitely extend beyond seeing what happens in romance novels, especially if she gets to put things into practice. Someone put this in a fanfic STAT.

[suffarustuffaru]

So, have you read Re:Zero Mimagau IF/Genderbent If? What do you think of this if route? A lot of people have complained that it's boring because it's basically just changing the names and keeping the general plot the same, but I personally kinda like it a lot?I didn't expect Tappei this troll to come up with something like that,but maybe he just ran out of ideas and improvised...

Some of the little details that were changed because of the gender reversed were interesting, like ram jokes on subaru are more refined and less aggressive in general ;male rem behaviour after (s)he was saved changes from female rem into a positive, smiling and relaxed version of him, but they way he bonds with subaru is different from rem, to avoid problems(sexual offenders), imagine it kind of like reinhardt is with felt etc.

But I'm a bit disappointed with the male Emilia's personality, I personally thought that since he's a male elf he'd be a bit more cold and reticent than was in the main canon, and then the male version of satella's name is actually "Luna"! I don't know if Tappei is hinting at something or he's just trying to troll with us lol

Although I enjoyed Mimagau IF, but some of the later plots and scenes can be very weird and even creepy because of the whole gender reversed.

my apologies it took a long while for me to answer to this ask T^T i put it in my drafts bc i wanted to think about the topic in depth bc this is Super interesting..... and then i forgot about it on and off oops HAH. but no i havent read the genderbend if!! i WOULD but there is only so many rezero side stories i can get to and so mimiagau is only at the bottom of the list bc like you said the plot is similar to canon anyway and i got other side stories i need to finish!! but im Definitely intrigued by mimiagau thats for sure <3

HAH yeah maybe tappei ran out of ideas and decided to make a genderbend au for funsies but he Has shown an interest in playing with gender a bit via the natsumi arc..... and yeah keeping mimiagaus plot similar to canon is, you know, a good way to save time and effort on it but i 1. really adore all the names that tappei chose for everyone, given the vast majority of characters are gonna have their names changed bc biological sex changed, and 2. i also appreciate the minor changes tappei makes bc it Makes Sense thatd it change bc its a genderbend au. some things will just Inevitably change bc of that fact, yeah. bc of societal gender norms and other things like that. plus the fantasy worlds opinions on gender are interesting bc its Definitely a mixed bag....... like how rezero in general is a mixed bag in terms of how misogynistic or not it wants to be. like rezero will read like r/menwritingwomen bc of all the times tappei INSISTS on mentioning boobs, or female characters sometimes having questionable designs, but then rezero turns around and creates truly iconic characters like echidna or anastasia or *insert many other great female characters here* aljsdlf or the beautiful character arcs that beatrice and emilia have in arc 4 for example HAH.... a mixed bag for sure!! and the fantasy world has all sorts of stuff... like you know theres all the world ending powers and powerful positions various people can have regardless of gender, the royal candidates in canon being all women but theyre referred to as "kings" either way, but then theres stuff like crusch wearing masculine clothing being a Big Deal + general emphasis on ladylike behavior, etc etc... also homophobia and other such things like that exists HAH. so its interesting to me.

again i havent read genderbend if but the changes you did mention are interesting yes!! and it makes sense... male ram making more aggressive jokes with female subaru Would be more frowned upon and you know the way male ram and rem present themselves would be more frowned upon if they acted exactly the same as they do in canon. like you said, theres just different expectations there bc their genders are flipped o.O societal expectations both from us the viewer, the world of rezero, and tappei which is very much what the point of a genderbend au is - i mean the moment you make a genderbend au it shows your opinion on gender whether you like it or not i think :o youd definitely have to think on how thatd change the plot in minor or major ways!! and its like every person is gonna have a different take on rezero genderbend au fr T^T which i also find super interesting.

yeah so as for male emilia / emilio - the idea of him being more cold compared to canon is fascinating.... i have slightly mixed feelings on it though bc im like "WAIT BUT WHICH DETAILS WOULD CHANGE AND WHICH DETAILS WOULD NOT CHANGE BC OF THE GENDERBENDING" as i said earlier. like you could go in so many directions with this. is (female) puck gonna be more lenient with emilio???? is female puck gonna be just as controlling as male puck in the same exact way, or is it different since emilios a boy with slightly different societal expectations????? would luna and emilio by proxy be feared Even More bc theyre guys now?? (probably not bc rezero fantasy world just recognizes Power above all else right bc theres equality there. but still important to ponder about ig.)

but yeah anyway SO MANY QUESTIONS are swirling around in my brain about this bc genderbend au = you can do SO MUCH with this. so much. but yeah as for emilio, my personal thoughts on it is that emilia and reinhard in canon mirror each other A LOT. they have softer personalities partly bc of their trauma helping to shape them, partly bc thats just who they are, partly bc theyre kind of admired (reinhard) and feared (reinhard and emilia) by the whole world so of course theyre gonna be softer to combat that bc Anything they do can be taken the wrong way. so like while i think adelheid might be a little softer than reinhard and emilio might be like a little more uptight and formal than emilia bc Societal Things i Personally think emilio and adelheid would likely still act pretty similar to their canon selves. bc emilia does have moments where she acts cold or a bit uptight so maybe emilio would have more of those moments bc that (being Softer and vulnerable) would Probably be a bit more frowned upon as a boy yeah!!! while adelheid i can see having to balance like. noblewoman expectations vs sword saint expectations too bc the energy i get from canon is that attitudes towards sword saints are mainly the same (intimidation,, fear,,, admiration,,, theyre tools for the government,, etc,,,) but the vibes to me is like. female sword saints vs male sword saints are seen a Little differently. just a little bit. if that makes sense. more societal norms at play here HAH. then again there Are female knights theyre just not on screen that much unless youre a sword saint.

and luna!! :D great name imo i love that name choice. i think its probably bc emisuba / emilias moon motif in canon + tappei had to find an astrology name aljsdlfj i wonder if he has more reasons to choose luna though? or maybe the dude was just like "hmmm i cant keep satella ig...." though tbh i kind of thought hed just keep satella pfft cool that he chose luna. bc again - emisuba moon motif!! :o bc the phrase "the moon is beautiful isnt it" = "i love you" also................. and yeah tappeis a troll too theres that HAH

as for the later plot beats being weird and creepy bc of gender reversal - they were already like. weird in canon though tbh with everyones canon genders aljdsfljsdlfj i think its just more apparent with gender reversal partly bc societal things and partly bc maybeee male characters torturing female characters happens often enough throughout fiction anyway?? not that the other way around doesnt happen but like. i dont know how to explains this HAH but yeah gender reversal makes things feel a little wack but it was ALREADY wack in canon tbh. i think as long as its treated with nuance its fine though hah and also as long as. subaru doesnt get magically tortured More bc shes a girl now. if that makes sense. no misogyny or misandry please!! though. im gonna be real i think tappei would be more fair with the now male cast in genderbend if. just bc rezero and its tendency to either hate or love women either on purpose or on accident HAH.

OK ALSO AS FOR SUBARU people always have different takes on genderbend subaru (my take is that subarus ALWAYS genderqueer either way okay...) and i think its interesting how people interpret subarus like. interest in isekai too + subarus personality in general......... like what changes bc of the gender change??? is subaru still interested in the same KIND of isekai stories?? does subaru gravitate towards shoujo now or is subaru still like into more shounen esque things bc either one can happen!!!!!!! is subarus personality more disapproved of now that shes a girl or is it less disapproved of - in the sense that people might interpret a girl doing it vs a guy doing it differently. and then theres audience opinions too bc like if subaru WAS a girl from the beginning people might have different opinions on her but also some people think subarus annoying either way (which fills me with sadness...). but also fem subaru had HER OWN NATSUMI ARCS OKAY... THIS IS REAL TO ME. TAPPEI BETTER HAVE INCLUDED IT. BUT ANYWAY yeah. interesting ways to take genderbend aus theres a gazillion different directions you can go in. this was not very coherent i think but genderbend aus are very interesting to me!!! though of course my own opinions and experiences regarding gender and gender roles are showing aljsdflj bc that IS the nature of genderbend aus.

ALSO toxic masculinity in rezero is like. a Very Important thing with characters like subaru and julius so its like. youre gonna have to find a way to explore that in Different ways with genderbend au bc those kinds of issues arent gonna go away. theyre gonna manifest a bit differently, probably. and its probably gonna affect the Now Male cast too.

[despair-to-future-arcs]

You know I was going to leave this for my episode review whenever this one wraps up, but since it's spreading to other story blogs by now I feel like I have to come forth now before this spreads further; I think you're going a bit too far with the way you write certain negative traits on characters, mainly Iroha since she is the heart of my complains here.

I understand the voids are antagonists and were seeing them at the worst of their worst by this point in the story, and Iroha is one of the more irredeemable ones since we know for a fact given the SDRA2 epilogue and OMAKE 1 that she doesn't change, but here it feels like you're not even trying to write her properly anymore. Iroha is not THIS boy hungry and horny 24/7, hell, I struggle to remember even a single instance in SDRA2 where she was bitching about wanting a boyfriend really badly or even running after the male characters to the extent she's been shown to do here.

She's a pervert that draws weird yaoi porn on her sketchbook, sure, that is canonical information. But here it's been exaggerated to such exntent that it doesn't even feel like the same character anymore. It's just feels like giving the antagonist annoying traits just to make the audience dislike them more and that not only reads to me as cheap, but it's also how fandom flanderization and misconceptions about characters start and that's what worries me especially since these traits of her you're exaggerating are so minor in comparison to other shit things she's known for that it's starting to feel like not-Iroha. Why not shine focus on her immense cowardice? Or how she wants to be praised by the other voids and have them tell her how great she is when all she does is whine and throw them under the bus at the frst opportunity? Those are both very negative traits that read a lot more to me as as Iroha Nijiue than just "Oooooaaahh pretty man!!"

And while Iroha is the worst offender here, I see this starting to happen to Tsurugi and I fear it could worsen once the SDRA2 storyline really kicks in. Him wanting to arrest all the ultimates after being show the ultimate protection law by Mayumi and her squad just feels far too ridiculous and insane even for a character like Tsurugi. Yes, he is a power hungry dictator with extremely black and white morals, but you could see in DRA that there was SOME logic to his twisted views, he wasn't saying outrageous things just for the sake of being crazy. This just feels like he's going completely off the rails for the sake of making the audience dislike him more and have the characters in story go "Wow this Kinjo guy really sucks" and kinda feels like a disservice to the character if I'm being honest here.

-Critic anon

//While yes, I do understand these criticisms with how I write the characters in regards to Iroha and Tsurugi as characters and while yes, these are things that are noticeable and I'll explain.

//While yes with Iroha maybe boy-crazy and even thirsty but if going into FTEs, she does draw yaoi and even seems interested in boys (the women's fantasy for example) but in regards to her cowardice and how she wants to be praise - I do imagine that whole cowardice was developed thanks to the killing game, remember that Mikado did not tell them anything about them dying after they are found out? The only thing Hajime was told was that he gets to kill someone, he had no idea he was going to be executed if found out - it's actually why they all went along with this killing game and after Nikei died, he added a rule that no one can betray Void thus Iroha can never leave.

//So to me, Iroha didn't change much at all but I think she was much more cowardly thanks to the killing game which Iroha hasn't been in yet, meaning that her boy-crazy and wanting praise is still apart of her, which I think it starts to die down after this episode and you'll see why.

//As with Tsurugi, well yeah and that's the point. Tsurugi isn't a good person and the Proto-Killing game just made him regress for worse and the thing I remember was that Tsurugi order Yoruko to be arrested for lying about her age when working as a hostess from decades ago WHILE THE KILLING GAME WAS GOING ON! Like, Iroha I can understand since she help gather everyone and killed a bunch of innocent but Yoruko being arrested for something she did years ago? That's lawful stupid if I ever saw any and seeing that Tsurugi literally hired Shobai and claimed that Teruya's death was a 'noble cause' - yeah he's gonna get worse. ^^;

//Also yes, how he reacted to that law was extreme but remember that Future Foundation is protecting Genocider Syo which her being reveal as Toko Fukawa was shown on national TV, meaning Tsurugi's views of Ultimates is pretty negative as is and the Ultimate Defense Law just prove his point and it's little wonder why Future Foundation doesn't interact with them all that much.

[lunatic-fandom-space]

okay, im in the third section of the book now, I forget what its called but I just read the fifth chapter of it. They always switch back and forth between Lestat and all the vampires who havent been killed by Akasha either because Lestat loves them or because theyre just that old and powerful, and so far Ive been enjoying Lestats chapters a lot because theyre really interesting and also because I was right, their dynamic is hot and ive been enjoying the vampire gangs' chapters less because theyre very lore-y but if youve been following these posts Im sure youve already guessed that

But what you probably didnt guess is that Im not gonna complain about those chapters, Im gonna complain about the Lestat chapter where he and Akasha discuss her plans of eradicating 90% of the male population in the name of ending war, rape and all of the bad stuff that men currently play a big part in perpetuating. Its just. so annoying

Like, Akasha's plan is so obviously so stupid and Lestat wants to convince her not to do it but her he keeps being like "ah I cant refute her because shes making such good points" NO you cant refute her because youre somehow even stupider!!

Literally the only good argument he makes is "what if women sort themselves into feminine and masculine like men sometimes do when there arent enough women around" and Akasha is just like "so what? theyre still women, theyre not capable of doing genuine harm" which is stupid because yes they are??? have you seen the way racist white women treat non-white women?? you spent so much time in your little hole astralprojecting and bodyhopping, specifically into the bodies of people who were suffering and you didnt once witness the life of a woman whos a racial minority?? And you spent all these thousands of years watching the world and pondering this great design and you never realized that the reason women as a collective are these gentler, more docile creatures that are less capable of war and violence and rape is that men force them to be that way, and that if they were allowed to be free from this patriarchy, they would very quickly prove that they are capable of those things the same way men are?? I mean, Akasha is free from the patriarchy and shes literally committing violent genocide. like shes not even doing it in a GeNtLe and FeMiNiNe way wheres shes killing them all painlessly or whatever

And no, this isnt me trying to make some anti-feminist argument about why the patriarchy is good or about modern feminism going to far because its no longer about equality its about supremacy or whatever the fuck those stupid conservative guys always say. To address the latter point first, that is just not true, there may be "radical feminists" (heavy quotes here because those bioessentialist jokers are not feminists lmao) who do want that but theyre ultimately powerless to actually enact their revenge fantasies on the global sale they want in this day and age because theres not enough of them and the patriarchy disadvantages them too much, and also it doesnt really matter for this post because Im talking about fiction and Im talking about stuff thats completely out of the realm of possibility irl; Akasha is not real and its impossible for there to be someone like her in the real world.

To now address the first point, in our current society where the main "thing" that power does is enable certain people to mistreat others who lack power, the powerless will always suffer in fundamentally the same ways under the powerful, and it doesnt matter if the ones with power are men and the ones without it are women or the other way around; if there was only one gender and only one race and culture and no class inequality, other systems would form to allow some people to wield power over those that dont have it. And I dont think thats because humanity is collectively doomed to always hunger for oppression, I think humanity on the whole is kind enough not to want that, but there are always people who do want it for some reason, and some of them have the ambition to not only conceptualize themselves benefiting from wielding power over the powerless, but to shape society until they or their ancestors are able to do just that. And once that happens, once powerlessness is something that can be experienced by people, most of them are going to be too busy scrambling to gain power so that they might stop themselves, as individuals, from having to experience again to realize how wrong it all is!

Anyway. all of this to say, this is ultimately a book series about morally dubious characters and theres a good chance that Akasha's blatant hypocrisy and lack of faith in humanity and even her stupidity are there on purpose to make some thematic point, but idk man, Ive just gotten so worked up over this. I think its because, even though I try not to make any judgements on writers based on their fiction because I am a writer of fucked up fiction that doesnt meaningfully reflect anything about me so I know its stupid, I still end up doing exactly that, and its pretty easy to do that with most books Ive read for most of my life (YA books) too, so there hasnt really been any reason for me not to just do that, but obviously I cant do that with these ones, and even if I could, its not like that would make my reading this text any richer. Also, even though I hate this current wave of people loudly shouting that all media must teach good moral lessons, again, I cant help but instinctively view media through that lens as well and I usually dont make enough of an effort to supress that instinct, which is why stuff like this makes me so mad and so passionate

Whatever. its getting late and I need to calm down before I go to bed. Add "bad at feminism" to my list of reasons for why I want Akasha to be dead by the end of the book, right after "fucks with the worldbuilding and stakes in a way that doesnt jive w/ me"

[byicarus]

"and must i keep reminding you that those are not mutually exclusive, alfie?! not with those eyes!" xander teased him right back. he'd become comfortable enough with the older male to trade quips with him. he might have been naïve, but audacity was one thing he did not lack! "yeah, yeah, you little sock thief," he giggled. "i'm onto you, alfie! or maybe it was my undies." seeing alfie flustered tickled the smaller boy. how he'd managed to reduce the practical giant into a blushing, bumbling mess was beyond him — but it was a power he wielded happily. xander had seen the taller boy warming up to him more and more each day. now, it had all culminated in this. "okay, but other people have seen capybaras, and no one is going around saying 'i've seen dracula!'" xander countered. "i absolutely would not. i don't talk to strangers, especially not creepy ones hanging outside my door! i'd probably mace him before i did anything." xander knew that alfie was doing his best to resist his attraction to him... but he simply couldn't let it go on any longer. xander's own crush had become far too real for him to not act on it at the very least. sure, it might have taken some liquid courage and some impeccably good timing... but it still counted nonetheless. "it's not my fault! you said it, not me. i can't help it if i know that you've been thinking about your cum drippin' down my thighs," xander hummed, feigning as much innocence as he could — which wasn't that hard, considering he had no idea what he was doing. xander was just going off his gut feelings; he couldn't help it if he was a bit insatiable. "sorry... my fantasy of being bent over your knee while you spank me slipped out there," the redhead giggled, his face a soft shade of pink. "i just thought you were opposed to sex with me, alfie! i didn't know i could've just... asked, or maybe i would've." "i'm different, alfie! i'm not going to walk off on you 'cause of what someone idiot told me, okay? if i have to prove that to you, i will," xander replied matter-of-factly. "well, you should know by now i'm not gonna hurt you. does this face look like it could hurt a fly, let alone you?" his lips came together in a pout as his green eyes peered up at the chestnut-haired boy. they were so clearly infatuated with each other, and it was only growing more powerful by the minute. their lips crashing together felt like heaven. alfie's soft fingertips running through his fiery locks elicited a moan from his lips. "sounds like just what i've been waiting for, daddy," he purred. "i want you to go crazy on 'em. better shoot a load for me to clean up all over them... please." "oh, i figured. i was trying to drive you crazy after the first few times. i saw you starin' at 'em a few times... and then i realized. you were totally into them, so i was just tryin' to tempt you," xander admitted, face flushed pink. he understood where alfie was coming from. he wasn't upset or hurt. it was admirable that alfie wanted to treat him right, to be sure that he was going to enjoy himself. xander knew he would, but he wanted alfie to be certain of that too... and for that, he didn't complain or press further. "thank you... it's really sweet," he said softly, fingers running through alfie's locks. "you're not the big tough guy you pretend to be. always knew it, but you're showin' it now. you wanna take care of me, and i wanna take care of you too." he nuzzled his face in the curve of alfie's neck, breathing in his intoxicating musk. it was absolute bliss being next to him, cozied up in his warmth. "that would be nice, and maybe we can watch some of your favorite movies when we come home," his voice lilted. he pulled back, crawling on his knees to the opposite end of the bed. he lifted his bare feet in the air, toes wiggling as a smirk spread across his face. "do i know that, daddy?" xander questioned. "say please, and make sure you kiss 'em first. show me how bad you need 'em."

"must i keep reminding you that i am nearly seven feet tall? i am not cute, xander," alfie groaned, though xander's next quip nearly caused his stomach to fall out of his ass. "i have never stolen a pair of your socks," he protested, cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. "that isn't to say i haven't thought about it, but never acted upon!" xander was perhaps the only person on campus who could manage to make alfie fluster. when the boy's soft hand cupped his cheek, every muscle in alfie's body yearned to leap forward, but he remained calm. or tried to, at least. "you don't know that they aren't real, you just haven't seen one," alfie countered. "i bet you haven't seen a capybara in real life either, but you believe they exist. dracula could be standing right outside the door and you'd walk past him and say hello just because you aren't a believer!"

alfie's attraction to xander was growing by the second. whilst he should have been abstaining from human connection altogether, xander had snuck into his head and freed him from the shackles he'd placed upon himself, leaving alfie powerless against his endearing charm and boyish innocence. "you just love putting me in a compromising spot, don't you?" alfie asked, gently shaking his head. for the first time in months, alfie had been pulled out of his head and forced to experience the real world. it felt nice, even though he hadn't ventured outside of their room. "well, technically you'd be full of my cock... in this scenario, but humping my leg sounds nice, too," he corrected, a small smirk on his lips. "i'm not against sex, xander; just against drunken sex with losers who have little dicks. if y'wanted to get a taste of my feet, if you were staring at them that much, you could have just asked. i'm all for experimentation."

"oh, that's another one i've heard before," alfie chuckled. "'s not an act, xander. i don't want to hurt you, and i don't want to get hurt. anything i do, or have done, is just to protect myself. that's it." it hadn't even been a year since alfie's heart had been ripped from his heart and tossed onto the floor in front of him. the wound was still fresh, and threatened to re-open at the slightest bit of friction. even so, alfie let xander press his lips to his own. he welcomed the smaller's tender embrace, fingers threading through his ginger locks as he deepened it. "don't ever say that i didn't warn you," alfie chuckled softly. "i'm gonna go crazy on those soft little feet, baby. you're not even gonna recognize me."

alfie didn't know what it was about xander that gripped him so tightly. it wasn't as though he hadn't met cute boys before, but xander was the only one that ever seemed real. alfie could reach out and touch him, keep him in his pocket and never let him go. he wasn't just another blonde haired, blue eyed aristocrat that only cared about booze and societal status. "can't help it," alfie replied, the same whine in his voice. "you have no idea how much i think about them. you hang 'em off the side of your bed like it's no big deal, like i'm not drooling on the other side of the room with a cock so hard it hurts." as much as alfie wanted to, it would have gone against everything he believed to sleep with xander. their feelings for one another were only recently established, and xander deserved more than a drunken hook-up after midnight. he deserved fresh satin sheets and dimly lit candles. alfie wanted to make it special. "i wouldn't let you do anything you might regret, even if you think you won't," alfie said softly, pressing a kiss to xander's cheek. "you can sleep here, we can cuddle... maybe i'll even take you to breakfast in the morning. off-campus, of course." alfie pressed another kiss to xander's forehead, gently tracing shapes onto his back. "i... yeah, i want them," he croaked out, licking his lips on instinct. "i need them, actually. you know that, otherwise you wouldn't be sitting here talking about how sweaty they are. give 'em here."

[imperiuswrecked]

Hilarious when the dudebros say stuff like where's Namor??? "That's not him" "they didn't use the source material". Recently I saw a dude claim that the design is fine but he thought they would use someone "greco-roman" and I was like. Now you're just being racist with different words. I'm not that familiar with Namor but I learnt a lot of things about the character and boy did he quickly became one of my favorites. But even *I* can tell he's not a white dude. Tenoch looks amazing as Namor, comic accurate with a new design/twist. He has the little wings! And people saying they look silly but aren't they comic accurate? Like, are you going to complain about his design because it's comic accurate now?? pick up a struggle.

Comic Dudebros Opinions aren't worth our time, lol.

I am SO HAPPY about the ankle wings, it's exactly like I always pictured it would be and it even has that Hummingbird motion I always headcanoned and wrote into my fanfics.

So many people said Namor's wings were stupid and they shouldn't put them in a movie so it's more "realistic" (he can lie for hundreds of years and breath underwater but wings were too unrealistic? :/ ) but they don't understand the history behind them or why it's so important to his character.

I have an old post here and more recent twitter thread here talking about the Biracial Coding of Namor's comics but I will have an updated version out before the movie is released so I can talk about the Tenoch casting since so many people have taken me pointing out that in the comics Namor isn't white and has had East Asian coding in his past as me saying "Only an East Asian actor can play Namor" and are trying to use my meta out of context when I even say that any actor of color could play Namor.

I never thought that Marvel would ever cast/see Namor as a non white character and the idea that not only did Coogler do this but also make all the Atlanteans non white is so wild to me because I was just trying to get people to see that we should at the bare minimum make sure we have a biracial/non white actor for Namor in order for it to be true to his character. This was like asking for a small slice of cake and someone handing me the whole thing, and I'm so pleased it's happening.

I know a lot of people like the Greco-Roman Aesthetic and it is a part of Namor's background but his original creator, Bill Everett, never made Namor Greco-Roman, the only inspiration he had for that was Namor is Roman backwards as his name because he like how regal it sounded and the ankle wings being a nod to Hermes. The original Sub-Mariner and his people were literally Original Characters from the Antarctic waters and the Atlantis stuff wasn't mentioned until later and then finally cemented in the Silver age. I will have everything laid out with examples in a better post later even though it will sound like I'm repeating myself but then again I feel like I've been on the same loop of this topic for years. lol.

I know it's hard to believe but I actually mentioned the idea of the Atlanteans reminding me of the Mayans back in 2019 on the Namor CBR board. It was just such a good idea that I never pushed it or tried to convince others because I never ever thought it would happen. I'm not trying to brag that I came up with these ideas; it's so there within the underlying context of the comics that anyone who reads into Namor comics could come up with the same conclusions, Coogler certainly did and went with the Mesoamerican inspiration.

All these Comic Dudebros want is the "White Male Self Insert Power Fantasy" they pushed on Namor's character and something that Fanon!Namor is full of because no one actually takes the time to read his comics and know his actual character so just go off what they think it should be. Namor has never been what they thought he was.

I think if this was a few years ago I would be angrier and getting into more arguments with those fans again, but I try to not let Fandom be a negative place for me or other fans if I can help it. After all where were all these fans all these years when I would promote Namor's comics? Or when I created fan events like Namor Week and other fans joined in and put their time and effort into making fanworks for? I won't let them ruin this for us like they have ruined so many other characters and fandoms. Nothing makes a dudebro angrier than not getting the attention they want. lol.

Right now I'm just smugly scrolling through posts as they whine and cry because in the end I was right and they were wrong and Tenoch is going to be so amazing as Namor!!!

[chimchimsauce]

Fairest

Is beauty a blessing or a curse? All of her life, princess YN was told that her beauty was the greatest gift her late mother ever gave her. But when her looks attract a man cruel and bloodthirsty, YN begins to think that her greatest asset is the beginning of her demise.

“Checkmate.”

YN cannot help the grin that spreads across her face as she utters the word, watching as her older brother groans with disdain.

“You always win!” he complains, acting very much like a child.

“That’s because you always get too caught up in the current move, dear brother. The future decisions are the most important ones.”

YN’s older brother, first in line to the throne of their small country Ameris, huffs and crosses his arms over his chest.

“Chess is like war. You get too focused on winning battles that cause you to lose the war. I certainly hope that won’t be the case for our kingdom . . .”

YN is only jesting. Her elder brother is an excellent leader and will make a wonderful king. He’s just really impatient with games. 

“I’m sure I can beat you next round!” her brother says playfully.

They both know it’s unlikely, but YN clears the board and begins to set up another game. As she’s placing the last pawn, a knock comes at the door. One of her handmaidens opens it, revealing one of their father’s special guards. 

YN’s breath catches ever so slightly before she schools her expression back into one of unbothered royalty. It’s always so hard to ignore her secret lover when other people are around, but she knows she must. A relationship between her and her father’s most trusted guard would cause a scandal that would undoubtedly get Wonho’s position revoked. He’s worked his entire life to get good enough for a spot on the King’s royal guard and there’s no way YN would do anything to sabotage that.

“His majesty has requested your presence,” Wonho says, not even looking YN in the eyes.

He’s much better at keeping his emotions in check.

YN’s brother stands, tapping his finger on the chessboard.

“Lucky thing I’m being summoned, or else I would have absolutely destroyed you in this game.”

YN laughs, maybe a little more politely than she would if Wonho wasn’t standing at the door.

“I’m sure of it,” she says, “Feel free to come back anytime to play again.”

YN’s brother nods and leaves her quarters, following after Wonho. Being the heir to the throne means that YN rarely gets to see her brother. He’ll be gone for weeks, sometimes months at a time as he tours the neighboring countries to learn everything he possibly can, as well as maintain a positive relationship with their allies. Ameris may be a small country, but it is located in the perfect spot for transcontinental trade and filled to the brim with valuable resources. One could dig in a mine for just a few moments and emerge with a diamond the size of a robin’s egg.

Thankfully, Ameris has not had any problems with its neighboring countries in hundreds of years. The last war was ended by YN’s great great great grandfather and peace has blanketed the region since then.

Well, for the most part. In the last several years, the Eastern kingdom of Moonbyss has been steadily expanding and taking over small, unclaimed villages. They have not breached any borders or broken any treaties, however, so there is no cause to worry quite yet.

YN sighs as her thoughts shift back to Wonho. Their secret love affair has been going on since they were teenagers. At first, Wonho was just an attractive boy who was willing to indulge her wanton fantasies, but soon enough an affection bloomed between them. It’s so hard to pretend not to be in love with him, especially when he grows more handsome by the day.

“Thinking about him, my lady?” YN’s lady in waiting, Irene, asks her.

Irene is YN’s closest confidant and friend. She knows almost everything about the princess. Ever since she arrived in the castle from abroad two years ago, they have been inseparable. 

“Of course,” YN says, standing and walking over to the window that overlooks her private gardens. 

She opens the glass door and steps outside, her skin warmed by the sunshine. It’s an absolutely beautiful day, cloudless and blue. Birds chirp sweetly and the scent of flowers wafts on the breeze. The princess stops at the fountain in the middle of the garden, sitting on the bench and looking into the bubbling water. YN often made wishes in this fountain when she was younger, tossing in coins that reflected the sunlight back at her. More recently, though, she’s only wished for one thing - to be with Wonho. Her father, although he loves her, would never allow a union between them. Her older brother, however, has promised to allow YN to marry whoever she desires once he takes the throne on his thirtieth birthday.

He does not know that someone already has her affections, but no matter. YN is not worried about being married off. While her brother is the only prince in the kingdom, the king was blessed with twelve daughters and YN is the youngest. Every available man of power in the kingdom and the surrounding countries have already been wedded. 

YN has Irene bring her a book to read and she settles in, getting comfortable in her garden. The hours pass by quickly as she is sucked into the tale, but soon enough a shadow blocks her reading light. 

The princess looks up and is shocked to see Wonho standing in front of her. Alarm flares up inside of her. The two of them have agreed to never be seen together in daylight.

“Won-”

“Your Majesty,” Wonho says stiffly, “The King requests an audience. I have been asked to escort you to the throne room.”

YN hesitates a moment. She can tell that something is wrong by the strain in his voice. Something must really be bothering him for the guard to allow it to leak into his words. She wants to ask him what’s wrong, but she never knows who is watching so she simply stands, handing her book off to Irene who stands beside her.

“Very well,” YN says, trailing after him and back into the castle.

He walks three paces in front of her, leaving her to stare at his back. So much about him has changed in the last few years. He’s gained an immense amount of muscle, something that YN has really grown to appreciate during their midnight endeavors. It’s a shame that everything is covered up by his uniform, but she must admit he looks dashing in it.

As they walk, YN notices that Wonho isn’t the only one acting strangely. The various maids and butlers who usually flit around and chatter pleasantly amongst themselves are dead silent, walking with perfectly straight backs and zipped mouths. The princess notices a few pitying looks tossed her way and something cold settles in her stomach.

What’s going on?

Wonho knocks on the throne room’s closed doors. They are ever so carefully opened a few moments later and Wonho leads YN into the grand room.

Her father sits on the throne, a smaller one empty next to him. It always makes YN sad to see her father by himself. The Queen passed away only a year ago and was her father’s closest friend. The late Queen was kind to everyone, even YN’s mother - a poor girl her father discovered in one of his hunting trips. Apparently, YN’s father was so taken with her mother that he simply had to add her to his harem and rarely visited any of his other concubines afterward. But it didn’t last long - YN’s mother died shortly after her birth. Everyone says that she left YN her ethereal beauty, a fact that led YN to being hidden away in the castle for the majority of her life.

“You’re the most valuable diamond in all of Ameris,” her father told her once, “It’s important that few people know of your existence.”

It had saddened YN when she was younger that she could not attend the lavish parties and balls like her elder sisters and brother, but she came not to mind once Wonho came into her life. It mattered not if other people thought she was beautiful - as long as Wonho desired her, that was more than enough.

Standing to her father’s side is YN’s brother. The jolly air that had surrounded him mere hours ago is gone completely now. He looks furious, an expression YN has rarely seen on his face. He’s looking at a man who stands before the throne, a crown placed perfectly on his head.

Visiting nobility? 

The man turns as the click of YN’s heels sounds out against the marble flooring. YN’s step falters as a large, nearly terrifying grin spreads across his face. He is incredibly handsome, but the smile on his face does nothing but creepy the princess out.

“There she is,” he says, quickly extending his hand towards her.

YN, uncertain, looks at her father who gives her a stiff nod. Hesitantly, YN places her hand in the stranger’s grasp, making sure to school her expression as he places a cold kiss that lingers too long against her gloved hand. The princess has never been more glad to be wearing gloves.

“And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?” YN asks, careful to watch her throne. 

“King Seokjin Moonbyss, your highness. I must say, the rumors of your beauty do you no justice. You’re much more radiant in person.”

YN’s blood freezes in her veins. This cannot mean anything good.

“Thank you,” YN says, a slight tremble in her voice.

The man has still not released her hand.

“YN,” her father says, giving her an excuse to look away from this man - no, this monster - beside her, “King Seokjin has asked for your hand.”

YN barely squashes the shout of protest that so desperately wants to escape her throat. There’s no way this can be happening! No way! Her eldest brother is just three years shy of taking the throne, three years more of having to tiptoe around with Wonho. No way she can get married, especially to someone from so far away.

“Excuse me,” Wonho says, speaking up from his place behind YN, “I thought King Seokjin was already married.”

Relief flows through YN. If Seokjin is already married, then surely this is an error.

“She failed to provide me with a male heir, so I had her disposed of,” King Seokjin says simply, glaring at Wonho, “Do not question me again.”

There is not a trace of remorse in his voice at all, nothing but anger.

YN begins to tremble.

“Father -” she begins.

“King Seokjin has made us an offer I cannot refuse,” he says, cutting her off, “And besides, YN, you’ll be able to be Queen. You never would have had that opportunity here.”

YN’s father would normally never make this sort of decision, especially not for the daughter he tried so hard to keep hidden.

“Of course, sweet YN,” King Seokjin says, “You are free to reject my offer if you so desire. I would, however, be forced to declare war on Ameris. After all, this country is the most resource rich of all the lands. It’s a shame. It would have been so much nicer to make a positive connection with this beautiful country. I wonder how much of its splendor will be left once my troops march through it.”

The threat is crystal clear. YN has to marry this King or her country will suffer for it. YN glances at her father and brother, seeing the fear that’s in their eyes. Ameris is much too small to fight Moonbyss and win, especially since the eastern country has been gaining a lot of territory very rapidly. YN swallows. In a matter of hours, her perfect daydream has been shattered.

“I would be honored to marry you, King Seokjin,” YN says, trying her hardest not to cry.

She can release her tears once she’s in the safety of her own chambers. She cannot show any weakness in front of this man.

“Beautiful and smart,” King Seokjin says, “It will be my honor to have you as my bride. After all, the most handsome man in all the world deserves the most beautiful bride of them all.”

YN never really thought much of her beauty. She’s always heard it was a blessing, the only one her mother ever left her, but right now it feels like a curse. 

“I pray that you’ll join me for dinner this evening, my betrothed,” King Seokjin says.

“I would love to,” YN says even though the thought of having to spend even a single moment more in this man’s presence makes her want to hurl.

“You best retire to your quarters, my love. Your father and I have much to discuss before this evening. I’ll send someone for you when I’m ready.”

The dismissal is clear. YN turns swiftly and leaves the room, Wonho following closely behind her. She walks much too fast to be considered ladylike, but she does not give a damn, wanting to be as far away from the throne room as possible. 

“YN, wait!” Wonho calls out to her.

He grasps her wrist, uncaring of who will see, and pulls her to his chest. As soon as the warmth of him touches her, YN loses all composure, breaking down and sobbing into his pristine uniform.

“Wonho,” she cries out, grasping him as close as she can, her fingers creasing the silk he wears, “I don’t want to be Queen! I want to marry you!”

YN feels something wet fall against her head. Based on the way his shoulders shake, Wonho is also crying. She hasn’t seen him shed a tear since one of his best friends was murdered on a mission.

“What are we going to do?” YN asks into his chest, her voice muffled, “I don’t think I can bear being apart from you, especially with someone as cruel as the King!”

“We’ll figure something out, YN, I promise,” Wonho says, pulling away just enough to give YN a salty kiss.

“At least once more,” YN says once their lips part, “I must have you at least once more.”

“Your wish is my command, princess,” Wonho says, pulling her along to her chambers.

The two fall into the sheets, both knowing that this is the last time despite desperately wanting to spend eternity together.

On the other side of the castle, Irene makes her way through the hallways, stopping at a grand door and knocking three times. No one answers, so she swings it open, prepared to wait for as long as it takes. 

Maybe half an hour later, King Seokjin opens the door, looking quite pleased with himself. He doesn’t greet Irene, instead instantly walking over to her and pinning her against the wall, his lips meeting hers passionately. Irene barely has any time to catch her breath, but she doesn’t mind at all, too enamored with this man she knows is only using her.

When he was only a prince, Seokjin was infamous for being a womanizer. All too often, he lured servants and noble girls alike into his chambers, whispering promises and pressing kisses against their skin only to leave them abandoned like trash when he grew bored of them. Irene was one of those servant girls, but Seokjin has kept her around for longer than most. A part of Irene is convinced it’s because she’s special to him, but she knows it’s really not true.

Seokjin has been obsessed with YN, the secret twelfth princess of Ameris for five years now. Ever since he spotted her while visiting Ameris with his late father, he wanted her - needed her. After all, she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, trying as he might to find another. His late wife was incredibly beautiful as well, but she didn’t compare to YN. No one else was worthy of her but him. It was YN that drove him to murder his own father and take the throne before he was supposed to. After all, Seokjin has never been a patient man.

Seokjin pulls away from Irene, looking unbothered as ever.

“No good,” he says, “Simply imagining that you’re YN does nothing. I’m tired of waiting.”

His words sting Irene’s heart. She tries not to be bitter, but jealousy is a powerful emotion, one that overshadows the genuine affection she feels for princess YN.

“Well,” the King asks her, “Who is it? The one YN claims to be in love with.”

The King rolls his eyes, gripping his fists tightly. How dare YN love another when he’s already claimed her.

“It’s Wonho,” Irene says, pushing down her feelings, “the guard that accompanied her today.”

“A guard huh? How dare he think he deserves someone as beautiful as YN!” he says, furious.

Seokjin is terrifying when he’s angry. Irene tenses, preparing for the worst. Instead of gripping her hair and tossing her to the floor like he usually does, Seokjin grabs a decorative vase and tosses it against the ground, watching as it shatters into a million pieces.

“You didn’t strike me,” Irene says, shocked.

“I have been practicing,” the King says, “After all, it would be a shame to make a single mark on YN’s perfect body.”

Much too soon, Irene is knocking on YN’s private chamber door.

“Your majesty,” she calls out softly, “Your betrothed has requested your presence.”

YN rolls over to Wonho, tears in her eyes. He blinks them away, wanting to remember this moment clearly.

“One moment,” YN calls out, listening as Irene walks away.

“Run away with me,” YN pleads, her voice desperate.

“You know we can’t,” Wonho says, his eyes sad.

“Yes we can!” YN insists, “You know this country better than anyone. We can get up right now and flee and -”

“YN,” Wonho says, “What about the country? You know we’ll be forced to go to war if you disappear.”

YN sniffles.

“I don’t think I can live without you,” YN confessed, “And if I can, I don’t want to find out.”

Wonho is silent for a moment before he sits up, an idea in his mind.

“What? What is it?” YN asks him.

“What if you didn’t?”

“What?”

“What if you didn’t have to live without me? I’ve heard rumors amongst the staff of a poison you can take that will put you in a deep slumber for a fortnight. If some was mixed into your dinner tonight, it can seem that you’ve been poisoned and passed away. Then when you awake, you and I can disappear together.”

YN brightens. Even though being unconscious for a fortnight doesn’t sound pleasant, anything will be better than having to marry KIng Seokjin. Besides, she trusts Wonho with her life.

“Okay,” YN says, agreeing right away.

“Are you sure, YN?” Wonho asks her, “You will end up getting rather sick for a few days before the slumber.”

YN nods eagerly.

“Yes, anything,” she says.

“Very well.”

Wonho hops out of bed, pulling on his clothes as quickly as he possibly can.

“I’ll get everything ready. YN, go to dinner with the king, alright? I won’t be able to see you after this so as not to arouse suspicion. I love you, princess.”

He leans down to kiss her.

“I love you more,” YN says, watching as Wonho slips out of a glass door and into the gardens.

Unbeknownst to the lovers, King Seokjin is outside the door, his ear pressed against it to hear everything. He had come to escort his beloved like a sweet fiance would, only to hear his to be wife scheming to get away from him.

He’s never been so angry, but he suppressed it, not wanting to let YN know that he’s been here. He grabs Irene by the arm roughly and leads her out into the hallway, bending over to whisper in her ear.

“Make sure to add enough of the poison to YN’s food to keep her under for longer than a fortnight. Put as much of it in as you can without bringing her to the brink of death.”

“Are you sure your -”

Irene’s question is cut off when he backhands her, one of his elegant rings drawing blood.

“Do NOT question me!” he says, “Do as I order!”

Irene rushes off to do as the King says, tears brimming in her eyes. She’s never regretted being Seokjin’s spy until now, too blinded by love. She should have warned YN, should have helped her disappear with Wonho - someone Irene knows truly loves the princess. King Seokjin is just obsessed with her beauty and determined to own her like she’s some sort of object to be bought and sold.

Peeking around the corner, Irene sees Wonho pouring a liquid into the soup bowl meant for the princess. When he leaves and when the coast is clear, Irene snatches the vial from the counter and empties the rest of it into other dishes reserved for the princess before refilling the vial with water and placing it back where Wonho left it.

“YN, I’m so sorry,” she whispers to herself before fleeing into the night, never to be heard from again.

At dinner, YN pretends not to notice the odd taste in her food. It’s obviously been tampered with, but YN doesn’t let it show at all, eating properly and conversing with King Seokjin as much as she can bear. YN misses the look of glee in his eye as he drinks from his goblet, still believing that everything is going to plan.

YN starts feeling ill once the final course comes around. She quickly asks to be excused and King Seokjin offers to walk her back to her room. YN accepts, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to make it on her own with the  way the room begins to spin.

For the next three days and nights, YN is in and out of consciousness, the world swirling around her in a nauseating mix of bright colors and fuzzy shapes. When she closes her eyes at midnight of the third day, her thoughts are on Wonho and the fact that the next time she opens them, she’ll be free to be with him.

But YN does not wake up. Not for a fortnight, not ever. Seokjin, furious, intends to find Irene and hang her for murdering his beloved before realizing that she’s nowhere to be found. It’s easy enough to frame Wonho for her murder and a matter of hours after YN dies, Wonho follows her from the gallows.

At his request, YN is preserved and dressed in a wonderful white wedding gown, still looking very much alive. He marries her anyway and has her crowned, determined to have her even in death. She’s too beautiful to be buried underground, so he commissions a glass coffin to display her in, putting her corpse in his bedroom where no one else can see her. King Seokjin finds that he does not mind YN being dead. She’s much less bothersome in passing, much easier to fall to his will.

King Seokjin stands before her, placing his hand flat against the cool glass of her coffin. Even in death, YN is the fairest of them all.

[chrissychats]

𝑃𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑡 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑦//𝑠𝑏𝑖/𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛

𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

Sbi x reader !p !c//Dreamwastaken x reader !c

!Royalty AU

Pronouns used: she/her

Warnings: royals, sibling banter, Sally and wilbur

༶•┈┈𑁍┈♛ ♛┈𑁍┈┈•༶

Royal balls are a dream to some, the fantasy they wish to someday live. Dressing up in your fanciest clothing and meeting your Prince Charming or Cinderella. It’s a room full of royals and those who hold the up most power within status, of all ages. Corsets and ties with flowers that cost over a hundred dollars for one single bouquet or corsage.

Elders looking for gossip and catching up while showing off their grandchildren. Millennials looking for a good time with their significant other, or introducing their children showing them how to grow up and evolve from their childish ways. An acceptance to society, and young teenagers and all forced to find another and shoved into the spotlight, representing their kingdom.

Any wrong move at these occasions and you have officially ruined your reputation and lowered your kingdoms status. This is the point where you could steal the show, all eyes on you. A lady dancing with a duke hoping to be a duchess. A princess dancing with her fellow showing off the new formation and loyalty within kingdoms, any and all.

The higher you reach the more spotlight you put on yourself and you are the one everyone talks about. You are the one they want to be. That is why you must tighten your corset making sure no buttons or strings are loose, your hair must not have a strand out of place or you will make a fool of yourself.

Ties and bows must be perfect, suites and gowns must not have any wrinkles what so ever or you’ll look terrible. Makeup must be done professionally and must not look to bland or to the point where you look like a clown.

The application such as dress to impress comes to the at most importance during these occasions. You mustn’t fail. You must not under any circumstances let your family down or slack off. Or you’re done for..

∘*┈┈୨♡୧┈┈*∘

“Well then princess, you look absolutely wonderful! Steal the eyes of everyone in that ballroom.” Nikki said to the princess who huffed, blowing hair out of her eyes.

“I cannot breathe what so ever, and my feet already hurt.” She complained slouching down a bit. “Your not supposed to breathe, breathing is what tonight you shall consider a privilege, more of an award you will get if the night goes well.” The maiden finished adding the last flower to the lady’s hair patting the girls shoulders before leaving.

After staring at herself in the mirror for five minuets, she had finally gained the confidence in standing up, walking out into the hallway. It has always been situated as all the siblings bedroom have been put in the same hallway, for easier convenience and security.

“You look like a troll.” Tommy laughed at the sight of his sister which earned a slap on the head. “Sorry sorry- I meant you looked decently better then a troll.” “Tommy!” Will smacked the blondes arm. “You look wonderful now may we get going?” The brown haired boy anxiously tapped his foot which he normally does when he’s nervous.

“Wilbur! Why is there a girl at the door calling for you?” Phil’s loud voice could be heard from from possibly the badlands. The two teenagers looked at one another watching as their older brother raced down the flight of stairs. They ran down following behind watching as a girl with curly red hair ran inside clinging herself to Wil.

“Oh uh this is my girlfriend, Sally.” The room went into silence. “Girlfriend? Wow wil didn’t know you had any game.” Tommy snickered getting a glare from both of the older males. “Very nice to meet you Sally..” Phil took out his hand which the red head excitedly shook. “Oh look the carriages are here! On to it..” Wilbur shoved everyone out the door into the horse drawn vehicles.

“Why didn’t you tell me!” Tommy whisper shouted to his sister, “I didn’t know this time!” “But you both always know whenever some shit like this is happening.” “Well I’m sorry that this time I couldn’t supply you with the whole kingdoms gossip!” Y/n rolled her eyes, the two siblings bickered for the first 15 minutes of the journey.

“Tommy your sitting on my dress!” She shouted pushing him off the seat. “Kids, we have company now be nice.” Phil grumbled not really paying attention, mainly eyeing the weirdly disgusting couple. Sally was gawking at Wilbur the whole time fairly boosting his ego to the siblings demise.

“You know it’s a good thing techno isn’t here! Maybe people will actually offer me to dance this time.” The princess grumbled looking out the window. “Don’t speak ill of your brother while he’s away on his expedition.” Phil stated starting to wish he had gotten a sepret carriage for himself.

“Well it’s bloody true! Whenever he’s there he scares everyone away, and finally I have some bit of freedom this time.” The rest onward went smoothly if you must. The sight of the familiar stone castle brung a weight on the princesses shoulders.

∘*┈┈୨♡୧┈┈*∘

Standing waiting anxiously waiting for your name to be called. Your kingdom and status the two things that make up everything. This is where it all starts, every little imperfection within you has now disappeared. You are now a perfect paper doll set for society’s eye, nothing less, nothing more.

“Prince Wilbur Minecraft of Lmanburg, escorted by Lady Sally Salomna.” The young couple made their way down the grand eyes everyone awing begging to be them. A common lady escorted by a prince.

You are now a piece of the chess board, except this game never ends. You are all pawns ready to be played, “Prince Tommy of Lmanburg!” Tommy straightened his bow tie before watching his every step going down.

“Princess Y/n of Lmanburg escorted by Prince dream.” Whispers spread amongst the room like a butterflies swooping over flowers carried by the wind of day. Both the prince and princess of two high marked kingdoms.

She sent out a smile, carefully stepping down the red carpet as eyes stared looking for the slightest bit of mishap. Once reached the second to bottom stair the prince held out his hand which the princess gloved one graciously took it. Leading to the middle of the room as the string quarter started playing its beautiful melody.

The pairs bowed to one another. One putting a hand on their partners waist, the other a hand on their shoulder. The empty hands held out intertwined as the beat started playing they moved together like puppets being strung by marionettes.

“You look beautiful..” His dashing green eyes ventured looking for any sight of forgiveness.

“I don’t believe I may forgive you yet, your immature actions driving me away.” One partner carefully spun the other then making their way to their original position moving back and forth with one another, swans in a lake.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I beg princess.. for one night. Be mine?”

༶•┈┈𑁍┈♛ ♛┈𑁍┈┈•༶

I’ve had this in my drafts for a while now. Request or ask anything! And ask if you wanna be on a taglist.

[thickenmyblood]

hey maca :)) I have sth that I’d love to hear your input on! (wall of text incoming so beware- I’m absolutely not mad if you don’t want to answer lmao). Basically it’s about how you portray women in your works and to what extent you see that portrayal mirrored in the canon books. I have noticed that a lot of writers tend to go a traditional route with for example daughters not being heirs like you also mentioned in an answer for a wtsioa ask on here. Considering the cultures Vere and Akielos are based on that’s obviously very logical and a lot of authors (including you) make it work fantastically! Yet personally I never got the vibe of Vere and Akielos being as patriarchal in canon, mostly because the Information we get is kind of confusing. On one hand damen is a walking manosphere (and. all of Akielos in general as well) without any prominent female figures in his life but on the other hand damen only ever speaks appreciatively of for example the female vaskian warriors. Both countries seem to ban women from the army yet Damen also refers to a warrior queen. The regent is a total misogynist but with the wording Laurent uses it almost seems like that is more the exception and not the general rule of veretian court life. Both countries also have ties to Vask, an exclusive matriarchy and Akielos is said to be similar to Patras which Pacat has stated is also partly a strong matriarchy due to vaskian occupations in the past. I could go on for a lot longer but I guess that damens overall positive attitude towards women and especially stereotypically spoken masculine women is what sticks out the most to me. It just seems kind of misplaced in a world that supposedly is as sexist as the original cultures from our world. Which is why I’d say both countries do have gender roles but are overall a lot more egalitarian than their respective real world og cultures. But that’s only my take and I’d love to hear more on what others think about the portrayal of women in canon and how they chose to portray it in fanfiction. Love you and your new work, hope you’re doing well❤️

HELLO!!! Thank you for asking me interesting stuff :, ) you always have the best questions and my sad little inbox is open to you any time, friend. I divided this into parts, so:

My portrayal of women: I need to work on this a lot lmao. I’m not proud of any female character I have ever written for this fandom, and I’m also not proud to say I struggle horribly when it comes to writing female OCs, especially if the story is not about a female character that is a literal projection of me. Or Bella Swan (yes, Twilight literally shaped my sad little brain and the way I write and consume fiction).

Authors writing female characters in a “traditional” way (for fantasy settings): I can’t speak for other authors but I definitely think, in my case, that using the “it’s a patriarchal society, women have no rights, women can’t be heirs, etc.” blueprint is a matter of being lazy. It’s quick, and easy, and it’s been done before so we all know how it works and a) it’s unlikely that you’ll mess it up (in the plot hole kind of way) and b) it’s obvious that most readers know how the usual system works and so you don’t have to spend paragraphs or even chapters explaining it to them. I am very lazy when it comes to world-building for fics. Why? Because when I’m writing fanfiction I don’t give two shits about the world, I just care about the characters doing Things and having Feelings. The moment you start to question these issues (a society where women can join the army, where they can be heirs, where maybe they can have multiple husbands, etc.) a billion issues arise because it’s not the “usual way” and so you’ll have to deal with “unusual problems”. See: plot holes, info-dumping, etc.

Vere and Akielos in canon: I think the books get very, very confusing at times when it comes to gender roles in that specific world. They also get very confusing about how royalty works, in my opinion. So:

Damen never mentions female influences in his life, not even nannies or wetnurses or anything. He mentions past queens and his mother, but even then… It’s always struck me as “what the actual fuck” that we get no information on Egeria. In TSP, he doesn’t even read as curious to me, especially when I think of that line that goes something like “oh, well, he’d never asked how tall she was”.

Then you have Jokaste, who is highborn and also… perhaps trained in politics? It’s unclear to me if she’s ever been directly involved in meetings or been an active member of the Council or even been allowed to study these issues. Clearly, she’s smart and capable and cunning, but like… how? Did she have private tutors? Is she a self-made woman? Like, what’s up with that? Are women allowed to engage in public politics? Are they allowed to be kyroi?

IMO, Damen complimenting the female warriors in Vask has to do with how appreciative he is of war-related stuff. Like, he thinks people with his own qualities are neat. We see this time and time again in the books—having honor, being brave, respecting one’s family, protecting those who need protecting… He compliments these things when he sees them in others, especially in Laurent. Obviously one of the big changes in Damen as a character is that he goes from being daddy’s boy to being like “well, actually… maybe war isn’t always the answer, and maybe war isn’t always honorable”. The Vaskian warriors prove themselves worthy of praise in a “manly” way, if that makes sense. (In the same way, Laurent proves himself in the Okton, not so much to Damen but to other Akielons). So, in essence, War > Any issues he may have about women doing Stuff.

Don’t judge me for this but I can’t remember the Regent talking about women. Do you have any quotes about that? I feel like Book 1 is super rich when it comes to world-building stuff and yet it’s the book I remember the least. I know he obviously has a preference for boys and not girls, but I don’t recall him having interactions with Vannes or ladies at court? I’M SORRY I’M SO STUPID but I don’t own the book so I can’t exactly word search my way out of this one, and so instead of saying stupid stuff, I’m asking anyone reading this (lol, you and my mom probably) to please tell me what canon says on this issue.

Ties to Vask: Er, yeah, I mean… They’re clearly not at war with Vask and have some sort of economic deal (there are Vaskian pets in Arles? Which makes me wonder if they, like, buy them from Vask? Or if the pets are Vaskian and turn into pets in Vere? Slaves are not like pets so I don’t know?), BUT just because they have deals with this kingdom/are on good terms with the ruler does not mean they necessarily approve? Like, maybe they’re like “yeah, it’s weird they give women so much power, but also I need that silk/leather/WHATEVER, so I’ll shut up about that”.

“Akielos is said to be similar to Patras which Pacat has stated is also partly a strong matriarchy due to Vaskian occupations in the past.” Is this in the books or is this something she said in an interview/post-releasing the trilogy? I know in the books there’s a quote that Akielos and Patras are similar because they both have slaves, but other than that I can’t quite remember anything about Patras? Like, I don’t recall Pacat giving us extensive and thorough world-building on either nation, at all. Once again, I am asking you for more explanations on this because I literally don’t remember.

4. My opinion and a Stupidity Disclaimer: As I’ve said above, there’s a lot of stuff I don’t remember and so I’m not trying to preach to anyone reading this or even saying that I hold the truth about… anything. I’m answering questions as I see fit and asking more questions when I run out of answers.

I believe world-building is not one of Captive Prince’s strong points. I will not elaborate on this because this is already long enough but there is simply, in my opinion, not enough material to reach any solid conclusions when it comes to world-building questions such as the role of women in Vere and Akielos, how compulsory homosexuality affects the development of highborn men and women in Vere, exactly what makes Akielos’ view on women different from Vere’s (if there’s any difference at all), the history of gender roles in this world and how it’s evolved up until canon, how Lamen can solve the heir issue without recurring to, once again, “the usual stuff” (concubines, bastards, marriage to women, etc.). It’s clear from what I’ve read that Pacat has come a long way as a writer and that her new trilogy has a lot more in-depth explanations to world-building questions, but this is not the case with CP, and so I’m afraid my answer to most of this is “I don’t know, and I don’t think anyone can know for sure”.

Lastly, I think I struggle a lot with understanding the role of women in this universe because I simply did not see enough women doing stuff, so I don’t know what’s permitted, what’s unacceptable, what’s illegal, what is straight-up execution worthy, etc. This is not me complaining about the lack of female characters in CP, at all, which I know is contradictory to stuff I’ve said in the past (I answered a couple asks a year ago about how I’d wished we’d gotten Vannes’ POV or Jokaste’s POV in the short stories). I’ve changed my mind, and so I think Pacat is entitled to write whatever she wants, just like I’m entitled to talk shit about KR with any living soul who will listen lmao.

To end this on a spicy note, I think sometimes we consume the wrong media and then complain because it doesn’t have what we wanted. If you’re looking for a trilogy with strong, fleshed-out female characters, Captive Prince is not for you. If you’re looking for a trilogy on female struggles and, I don’t know, defying… the male gaze… Captive Prince is not for you. There are plenty of books out there that focus exclusively on female characters, featuring sapphic relationships, and dealing with gender issues. WHICH IS NOT TO SAY WE SHOULDN’T BE HAVING THESE DISCUSSIONS. This is not about this particular question, but more about a lot of posts I’ve seen floating around… complaining about Pacat’s writing and the themes she didn’t explore.

If anyone has made it this far, thank you for reading, and know this is NOT me telling you what to think. This post is an open question that anyone can engage with, although I hope people will engage with this directly and on this platform, instead of… taking it somewhere else where I sadly can’t engage back! Unlike what happened with our awesome fat Laurent discussion, I will be replying to any questions I get on this (Note: I did not reply to most of those questions because a long time had passed and they were sort of repetitive).

[t4tbruharvey]

i think one of the things I find interesting about Batman as a heterosexual power fantasy when all his villains are queer coded is that afaik? Batman never actually goes "oh gross" in a no-homo way , when his male villains flirt with him or do things that read as romantic coded? Sure he doesn't flirt back (...well sometimes he kinda does tbh) but that's because they're criminals and villains and not because they're men. he lets them (mostly joker) call him pet names or flirt with him without really complaining unless the villains imply he's like them/in league with them but that's more of a 'I don't want to be put in the same moral basket as you' thing imo. And then ofc that recent valentines special where Batman's biggest issue with riddler inviting him on a valentines dinner for two is that Edward is a criminal and robbed a florist (which btw kind of hilarious imo that 'riddler tries to get Batman to go on what can only be read as a date with him and doesn't realize that doing so via crimes isn't a good idea' happened like. multiple times.), instead of a 'oh ew but you're a guy' kind of reaction.

also taking this opportunity to say I agree about canon bi TwoFace...I mean come on, his whole thing is everything being 'two' so him being bi? that's like. that's a perfect fit, very in character

and "have you seen the joke 'tonight harvey dent fucks men' panel?" - no I haven't but that sounds amazing javvebdb

that's actually very true!! as far as i can remember the ONLY time i've seen him being homophobic was in serious house, and even then it was under a billion layers of convoluted coding (thanks morrison :/ ) and he does general take the flirting in his stride! whereas like in, say for example, batman forever, he looks V V uncomf with chase meridian flirting with him. ik there are other reasons why he's uncomfortable but i do find it hilarious bc that's a gay man, chase. give it up!

literally canon bi two face WHEN

i can't find the panel rn but i'll try and reblog it later hopefully <3

[glitxhwayventeen]

Lonely Together

Jihoon: Chapter 1 (Perfect)

Characters: Jihoon x female reader

Genre/Warnings: multi-member au (different scenarios), werewolf au, fantasy, smut, angst, fluff, potential blood mentions, genocide, runaways, domestic violence, child abuse, abandonment, homelessness, hunger, violence. Any others will be put as warnings when future chapters are thought up/written.

Author’s Note: I recommend listening to Perfect by Ed Sheeran before reading this. That’s the song I thought of while writing this because it makes me feel some type of way you know?

Please remember that all of these chapters and the content within them are a work of fiction! They’re just for fun/entertainment!

Bold= Dialogue Italics= Thoughts

🥀 & ☁️

Lonely Together Master List

Chapter 1: Perfect

It had been so long since you’d been around so many people. It made you antsy. You didn’t understand a lot of what was going on in the house. The constant noise scared you. It had you on such an edge that you nearly screamed everytime one of them coughed.

To be fair, before you had met them, you’d honestly jump at footsteps. Because footsteps meant humans, and humans meant danger. Not to mention that you were still not used to being in your human form. You preferred to stay a wolf, you were stronger when you walked on all four legs, and you weren’t as noticeable.

Your human appearance was… striking to most people to say the least. Your bright eyes and darker skin with salt and pepper curly hair made everyone around you always stare at you. You understood it somewhat, you didn’t match everyone else’s looks in Korea. But that didn’t mean you liked people watching you all the time, you hated being the center of attention. So to say you were still adjusting to being around people after having lived alone for centuries was a bit of an understatement. It was all so new to you. You had a new feeling now too. You just weren’t sure what it was…

At first, you thought maybe it was hope. You hadn’t hoped in such a long time, it would bring tears to even the most hardened criminal’s eyes. But you weren’t that good at trusting that human part of you. So you decided to go off of what you knew. And, even though you hadn’t been there long, two weeks at the most you thought, you learned a lot of things about them. You knew all but one of the wolves had a mate. You knew that two of the alphas butted heads on how to lead the pack a lot and that one just watched from the side and did everything behind the scenes without causing too much distress to the others. You knew they all loved each other, no matter what they said or how much they fought. You also knew that, being around them made you feel more alone than you’ve felt in decades.

When you were younger, you didn’t mind being alone. It meant that you didn’t have to rely on anyone, it meant you only had to look out for yourself. And as you got older, it just felt… right. But being around this house full to the brim with people, you started to realize just how much you missed being part of a big family. They treated you like you were one of them. Which was weird to you… because they didn’t really know you. I mean sure they saved you from imminent death, but they didn’t know you from Adam.

The more you thought about your current situation, the weirder the feeling got. The closer you got to each one of them, the stronger the feeling got. And when you got close to one of the quiet ones in particular, you swore it felt like your heart was singing to you. It was something you weren’t sure you’d ever get used to, but it wasn’t something you necessarily hated either. Whatever the feeling was, you’d figure it out eventually or it would go away on its own… right?

Still, You got to eat first with the other mates, well the mates minus Soonyoung. He may have been Seungcheol’s mate but 1.) he was a wolf unlike the other mates and 2.) he was a male wolf so he ate just as much as the other boys did. So they didn’t think it fair that he get to eat with all of you. Or them…. Or-whatever. You didn’t know, you just knew they offered you and the other girls food first and, considering you used to have to hunt for your food or you didn’t get to eat, you were definitely NOT complaining. Soonyoung though, you learned, had a tendency to whine about any and everything that he didn’t like.

“Aww come on again! No fair! (Y/N)’s just as much of a wolf as I am! Why does SHE get to eat first when I don’t??” Soonyoung decided to voice aloud, grabbing his plate with both hands and semi-patiently waiting for his turn to grab food.

You didn’t mind of course. You did think he had a point. It didn’t seem fair to him. Either he should be eating with the other mates, or you should be eating with the other wolves. So you agreed.

“He’s got a point. I should be eating with the other wolves. I eat more than the other girls after all” you shrugged matter of factly to the lead alpha, who was also his mate, who was hunched over the stove making said breakfast.

The thing is, Seungcheol did understand the argument. And he personally saw merit to the concerns, whether it was because it was a genuine point or whether it was just from months of his mate complaining about it, he didn’t know. Still, he saw it’s reasonings and thought they could be sound.

BUUUT, he also knew that SOMEBODY would definitely NOT be happy if you had to wait and fight the boys for food. It seemed everyone, wolves and mates alike, but you understood that Jihoon had imprinted on you already. Maybe you just didn’t know much about it, or maybe you knew and just decided you didn’t want to know, either way, it wasn’t for him to decide or judge.

So, as he looked over to the table of boys who were ACTUALLY patiently waiting their turn to dig in, his eyes landed on Jihoon, who shook his head and narrowed his eyes at the older wolf in return. Of course you didn’t notice this action, you were always more in your own head than you were in conversations.

“Sucks to suck kids. I make the rules and I say you eat with the mates. End of story. Sorry love!” he declared, once again moving his eyes ever so slightly to Jihoon, who nodded his head slightly as he smiled triumphantly.

He was NOT about to let his newfound mate eat the other mates leftovers with the other wolves. No. That was absolutely NOT happening. He may not have “officially” expressed that you were his mate, but he’d be damned if he wasn’t gonna do everything in his power to make sure you were happy, healthy, and well fed.

“But-” you argued, trying to bring your point’s validity up to him again.

“But nothing (Y/N). Sure you eat more than the other girls. But you DEFINITELY don’t eat as much as the boys do. Even if you are a wolf. Besides you’re one of-” he trailed off just as someone around the room hit the table slightly and coughed. Everyone but you realized where he was going with that sentence, and Jihoon wasn’t ready to face that just yet.

“-One of our guests.” Seungcheol thought after a moment, clearly lying his ass off but hoping he did a good enough job that you didn’t notice. Luckily for him, you weren’t all that great at social cues. “Therefore you shall not be eating whatever’s left, you’ll get first dibs with the other girls.” He said as he sat one of the plates of remaining food left from what the mates couldn’t eat down on the table, kissing his pouting mates forehead in the process.

“Don’t worry about Soonyoung. He’s just a baby. He’ll get over it. You deserve to be eating with the mates.” Spoke the smallest boy of the pack with a smile that seemed to light up as bright as a bonfire whenever you looked him in the eyes. He was the one that had your heart singing whenever you were in the same room. His little declaration made your cheeks heat up.

“O-Okay, I guess. I still don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve the special treatment… but thank you” you resolved with a polite smile back, doing your best to hide the pink covering your face. His heart rate sped up to jackrabbit speed as his inner wolf seemed to beamed at your answer.

“No (Y/N). Thank YOU.” Hansol retorted with a shit eating grin on his face. What he wanted to say was “thanks for helping one of the assholes in the group become juuuuust a little less of an asshole by being his mate,” but obviously he couldn’t do that without getting his ass beat.

“Thank me? Thank me for what?” You questioned, genuinely curious as to what he was thanking you for. You hadn’t done anything to warrant a thank you… had you?

“Oh nothing. Don’t worry about it. You’ll find out… eventually” He let out, looking at Jihoon, earning a smack from the older wolf and a small growl. Though he whined for a second, Hansol still began to laugh at his actions.

“…Okaaaay…” you said, trying your best to forget the conversation as a whole so you could eat the remains of your pancakes. Man these guys are weird.

-

Jihoon wasn’t sure exactly what he should do. He knew he couldn’t deny his instincts forever. But he wasn’t so sure about this whole “mate” thing. I mean, who was he kidding, he got along better on his own. He survived on his own for his entire life, at the orphanage, at school, even in his pack. For the most part, he kept to himself. He was SEVERELY independent, and he liked it that way. People just always managed to bring attachments and strings. Even still, He couldn’t cut off his pack. I mean don’t get him wrong, he loved those idiots and would do anything for them, but fuck, if they didn’t have the dumbest ideas and get themselves into the stupidest shit sometimes.

He knew his survival instinct told him to just ignore the feelings he had for you and act like nothing happened to protect himself. It’s not like you had noticed anyways. But the wolf part of him loved the idea of having a mate. For the longest time, he had to sit around and watch his brothers find their mates and fall in deep love. He watched Seungcheol find Soonyoung first a few months after he had met him. Then Joshua found his mate, Mina, after a few weeks of knowing him. Even little Channie imprinted on his mate, Somi, after just two days of Jihoon being acquainted with him.

Before he knew it, it was just him left without one. They always seemed so… happy and he just… wasn’t. He didn’t mind of course. He was glad his brothers found happiness. But he soon came to realize how lonely being alone truly was. He’d see his pack and their mates do cute things and, his heart was struck with a dull pain that never seemed to lessen, and at the time he didn’t understand why that was. But when he saw you, he knew the whole time he was yearning for you. When he saw you, for once he didn’t completely loathe the idea of taking care of or protecting another person. Even if it meant becoming one of the “lovey people.” He saw you and, one bat of your beautiful eyelashes and he knew, he would gladly lay his life down for you. How could he not?

You were caring and kind, even if you didn’t like to show it. You held yourself high, even if you were small. You were little, but you were mighty. You were smart, yet funny. You hardly spoke, but when you did, it was always something memorable. You never seemed to hold your true self back. He already knew that you were Perfect for him, even if he’d hardly spoken to you. He just couldn’t help the sane part of him that was very weary of the whole situation.

As Jihoon debated his true feelings for you over his breakfast, the other wolves went and conversed with each other. They tried to speak to you too, but you never really had a lot to say. You preferred to listen, which they weren’t all that surprised at. Jihoon was the quiet, calm, smart wolf, so it’s no surprise that his mate was the same way. You’d both always seem to get lost in thought almost simultaneously. You’d both come back to Earth at the same time too, always with very similar excuses.

Though everytime your eyes met, you’d both look away, trying your best to hide the blushes that spread across both your cheeks. It was kind of cute and the pack loved that their brother wouldn’t have to be all alone any longer. He’d no longer have to just sit on the side lines while they all had the time of their lives. He now had you, even if you didn’t realize it yet. You could both be Lonely Together.

Another Author’s Note: I know this chapter is relatively short compared to the others I’ve written so far, but honestly, your girls tired as fuck. I work a full time job, go to school full time, and take care of a lot of my family’s household. Let’s just be lucky I can write at all. Plus, I wrote Wonwoo’s story earlier today too. So let’s just call it a success and I’ll write a better chapter for him next time!

(Updated 9/6)

[mochibrokenheart]

SVSSS: Guardian of the Museum

Mobei Jun x Shang Qinghua

Word Count: 2,756

Summary: Of course there's ominous growling and destruction to the building on Shang Qinghua's first night as a museum curator. Of course there is! Besides being desperate to keep the job, he's not sure what possesses him to actually walk toward the dangerous situation. His survival instincts were better trained that! Except...wait a minute...the terrifying creature causing all the ruckus is actually the hottest thing he's ever seen???

My first contribution for Moshang Monsterfucking Month (and my first fic for the fandom in general!) Heavy on the monster part as the nsfw is not explicit. Who knew that it would be hard to write something short. Inspired by the Day 2 prompt: horny.

Also posted on my Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34305571

A nearby bell tolled at midnight just as Shang Qinghua locked up the museum for the night, which meant that he was officially off for the weekend. Being a party of one, he celebrated with a groovy victory dance while turning the key over in the lock.

There was a little click and he rattled the knob, checking that the door was properly locked—if anything was stolen or vandalized during the night, he would most definitely be blamed as the recent hire!

The job was an important stepping stone in his career path plan to being a rare artifacts curator. He really needed the experience. It was hard enough to land the job, so he wasn’t above looking neurotic by double, and triple, and quadruple checking everything before he left.

A chilly breeze tussled his hair and raised goosebumps down his neck. It was October, he supposed while drawing up his hood to block the chill, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to complain.

He was much to delicate for cold temperatures and would exercise his right to curse out the changing seasons. Of course, he could move somewhere further south, so that he wouldn’t have to put up with it anymore, but still!

The only good thing about the loss of summer was the bugs, he decided.

Clearly, Shang Qinghua was irresistible because bugs treated his blood like an all-you-can buffet. If only hot men thought the same. But alas.

Sighing, he turned up to admire the full moon, who seemed to sympathize with the sad state of his romantic affairs, being the moon and all. Something about it’s pale gray-white color naturally emoted a sad, longing reflection.

It was as he was looking up that he heard a growl, loud not because of its pitch—it was actually quite low and gravelly—but because it vibrated the very air around him.

Shit. Shit. He wasn’t equipped to deal with some beast! He had no weapons and there was no way his body was going to get the job done either. He was a delicate flower, just ask the bugs who always feasted on him!

He rummaged through his bag frantically for his phone. That was what the authorities were for.

Opening his phone, his mind was racing. Who did you call when there was a potentially wild animal on the loose? The police? Animal control?

Gasp! What if it turned out to be a demon?

…!!!

He didn’t have any shamans or priests on speed dial. There had never been a reason to until then but if it would save him, he’d buy up every type of religious necklace he could and wear them around his neck daily. It was like insurance—it never hurt to cover all of his bases.

While he was wasting time on the sidewalk, what appeared to be small bits of gravel drifted down from what seemed like the roof. Scurrying to get closer to the streetlight, which casted a circular light on the steps of the museum, Shang Qinghua bent down to get a closer look.

It felt dusty when he rubbed his pointer finger against his thumb and did match the shade of stone the building was…The new evidence presented a bit of dilemma. Yes, he was still itching to call somebody have them do the dangerous work, but at the same time, his boss might fire him if something happened to the museum under his watch.

“Well, if there’s more damage, I guess I’ll take a look,” he muttered. He clasped his hands together. “But please, take mercy on me, moon! I promise that if you get me out of this that my next erotica will be dedicated solely to you, and in very large print, so that my readers know the reach of your mystical power!”

His hands remained clasped high above his head as he waited. So far so good.

There was still the scary growls, of course, but those didn’t count because he wasn’t going to investigate that. It was absolutely common knowledge that people who investigated weird sounds always ended up dead, at least in horror movies, and that was all the proof he needed to wash his hands of it.

No, the only thing that could sway him from his crouch on the front steps was…was…

Tears shimmered in his eyes as more rubble was knocked off from the roof, the fine particles irritating his nose and causing him to sneeze.

Thoroughly betrayed, he used his sleeve to wipe at his nose. Forget the moon. Clearly the bond he felt had only been one-sided, and now he was obligated to actually suck it up and put himself in harms way.

The Shang Qinghua of five minutes ago would’ve screamed and called himself a fool. Why ignore those highly honed flight instincts?! Even the Shang Qinghua of the present was screaming and calling himself a fool when he took the first hesitant step inside.

It was deceptively quiet in the stairwell but that wasn’t enough to calm him. As the saying went, it was the calm before the shit storm and he was about to be right in the middle of it. How careless of him.

Just in case this was the end, he started to draft an epitaph—it’s not like anyone else would put in the same amount of effort. 

His minor following would be too busy wailing about the permanent book hiatus; his boss would have their hands full dealing with insurance over the architectural damage; and that hot-and-cold cucumber bro of his would still be nagging him in the afterlife, criticizing him for his stupid plan when it ‘clearly would’ve been better to do such and such’. But back to him.

We are gathered here to mourn the passing of one Shang Qinghua, a bright hamster that was taken from Earth far too soon. His exhibit work was flawless, his knack for collections cataloging unrivaled. There was never a day without bountiful office supplies with him around. We thank him for his singular brave—foolish?—sacrifice in the name of historical value. Shang Qinghua is survived by several dying houseplants and the stray dog he usually fed on his way home from work.

There. That sounded as good as he was likely to get. Wait. No. He almost left out the most important part: the secret letter of last words meant only for cucumber bro’s eyes. Bro, if you’re reading this it’s because I died a terrible and scary death. Please take pity and wipe all of my search history. It was all for research, honest! It’s bad taste to judge a dead man.

The access door to the roof was large and imposing in front of him, even though there was still no noise coming from the other side. He was going to be mad and then relieved, in that exact order, if this turned out to be nothing.

He inhaled. Exhaled. Jumped around and shook his hands where they hung down beside the length of his body. He’d watched enough athletes—for research!—throughout his short life and getting loose always seemed to pump them up for competition. The same principle should apply here.

The door gave with a loud screech and he suspected that it wasn’t in regular use. Not that there was probably much to see up there anyway. Just roosting pigeons, stone slabs, and—

His mind went blank.

Crouching in the corner, so close to the edge that all it would take was a gust of wind to send him tumbling down, was some sort of winged creature. And the wings were massive things that arched up before curving downward completely over it’s back, the tips draped on the ground. Judging by how large they were, they had to be functional, which nearly caused him to wet himself. 

He didn’t want to imagine that thing taking flight after him. Not that he would be exciting prey. Gods, this probably how a mouse felt when a hawk was flying overhead.

But it was the horns that really caught his attention. They were hulking black spirals and the sharp points were pointed right at him. Even in the poor light, it was obvious that they were pure black. Any other time, he might comment on how cool they actually were, how they were a cosplayer’s dream, but it wasn’t cool when it was a matter of life and death. 

And he would most certainly die if those menacing horns and wings were any indication.

Trying to keep the element of surprise, he slowly let the door swing shut. Until a little bat started flew over squeaking, which caused him to squeak as well. The door hit the frame with a loud rattle. His body went heavy with fear and his eyes snapped shut, a natural prey response. He had never, ever been this scared.  

Not patient enough for Shang Qinghua to turn around on his own, the creature flung him around to face it with an aggressive growl. And he had thought it was loud when he was on the sidewalk. Which wasn’t true at all. It was much louder and more intimidating when it was right in his face.

“Trespasser!” it growled, teeth clicking.

…Okay, so it could talk. Maybe this was a good thing. Now could grovel with it to spare him!

Blinking rapidly, he opened his eyes and looked up, up, up. It didn’t look as horrific from the front as it did the back. In fact, it had a humanoid appearance and was distinctly male. He was the hottest thing he’d ever seen, a total fantasy come to life. How the hell was he real?

His was incredibly tall, his huge wings proportional to his size now that he was standing up. Now that he saw them up close, Shang Qinghua noticed that they were a beautiful shade of blue that started out dark but lightened to pale blue once it reached the tips, which also had sharp spikes—Nails? Claws? He wasn’t well versed in anatomy—attached.

The top of his ears were pointy, too, just like the tops of the wings. Oh, and the horns! There were two of them, both pure, glossy obsidian, that sprouted out on either side of his temple, the bases thick and ridged as they spiraled like a ram’s. The only difference was that his horns were much larger. He could maul someone with those along if he wasn’t careful.

But now that he considered it more—even in times of crisis, he could multi-task when it really counted—the horns only added more to his attractiveness. They were intimating, sure, but also sexy, in a monsterfucking type of way. He gasped as a clawed hand wrapped around his throat. Yep, he could definitely get into the horns and claws. Mark him down as scared and horny.

The growling died down but sharp teeth were still on display, and there was a stylized tattoo-looking mark on his forehead. Despite the snarl, Shang Qinghua instinctively knew that his face was insanely attractive; it had to be to match the rest of him. Speaking of the rest of him…

He dropped down in front of him, making sure to drag his hands down that ripped physique and gave his massive pectorals a quick squeeze before he landed on his knees in a kneeling position. 

His face was right in front of the creature’s impressive package, covered only by a flimsy loin cloth. It fluttered in the night breeze and he had to bite down on his finger to stop his depraved moaning. “Ff-forgive me, my good-demon-sir, but I swear I’m not trespassing. I’m a humble worker here at this museum.”

He quickly took out his employee badge to offer it up to the demon who barely gave it a glance. “Gargoyle,” it said in reply.

“Oh. I’m sorry but I don’t really know what you mean by that.” Wait, why did he say that? He didn��t want to get further in the demon’s bad side than he already was! “I mean no offense, of course. I’m sure gargoyles are absolutely lovely—”

“No,” he interrupted, his face smoothed out into blank slate. It made it harder to read him but Shang Qinghua quickly decided that it was alright. “I am a gargoyle, human. You may address me as Mobei Jun.”

Ohhh. Now that he mentioned it, his wings and horns could belong to a gargoyle. He knew that they were popular parts historical buildings that had a strong Western influence, which the museum did.

“And I am a king. Not a sir.”

Curse his authority kink. He was sure that any new fantasies he conjured up would be staring this particular king and Shang Qinghua as his servant.

“Of course, my king! You’re reeking of kingly handsomeness. As a lowly human, my apologies for the obvious mistake.” The gargoyle king didn’t make any move to acknowledge his words other than a slow blink, so he figured that it was all good. “Excuse me if this sounds rude, but what are you doing up here? And what was all the noise about?”

“Guardian. I was charged with the safety of this place by a war lord.” Jeez. So he’d been with the building for centuries at least, maybe even millennia.

There was a pause and he realized that he wasn’t going to answer the second question. It also seemed like the gargoyle king was waiting on him and a light bulb went off. “S-sorry again my king. I am Shang Qinghua. I am in charge of the rare artifacts inside of the building, so you may see me closing up most nights.”

The gargoyle king nodded sagely and he figured that the role must be acceptable to him. A loud sigh left him and his muscles relaxed just in the slightest way. He might survive this encounter yet. Ever better, survive and be able to go home and break out that new bottle of lube that he bought last week. There was plenty of new material to work with, that was for sure.

Then the gargoyle stepped back, giving him more space, which was actually the opposite of what he wanted. Feel free to punish him for earlier transgressions, king, especially if they were rough in a sexy way!

Unaware of his inner pleadings, he continued walking away to crouch back near the edge of the roof.

“Umm, be careful, king. It’s dangerous to be that close—”

“I am a king. Concerns such as that are not applicable,” he said, puffing up his chest. Those pecs! He might have to put in a request tomorrow to do more work on the roof. It was a crime that no one was admiring that body on a regular basis. “Leave. Return home. The circles under your eyes are hideous.”

He gasped, touching his bags. Rude! He had just finished a long shift and definitely wasn’t at his best. He was going to have to step up his game if he was going to tempt this gargoyle in the future. Trying his best not to show embarrassment, or disappointment, he agreed to leave.

“Whatever you want, my king. I’ll leave for now but if you need anything, I’ll be back tomorrow and the day after as well. In fact, every night, in case you need me.” Screw his weekend off. Who needed one of those when there was a hot gargoyle of legend serving as the guardian of the museum. Not him, that’s who.

He scrambled to his feet and bowed again for good measure. The door was open and he was across the threshold when his dream gargoyle muttered something. “Did you say something, my king?”

He cleared his throat and spoke gruffly. “The pigeons pooped in my hair.”

Suddenly, the growling from earlier made sense. No matter if you were human or gargoyle, having birds shit in your hair, especially hair as luscious as Mobei Jun’s, was bound to make anyone furious.

Determined to keep his laughs to himself if it was the last thing he did, he merely replied, “Yes, my king. I will make sure to chase them away from you next time.”

“See that you do.”

On cloud nine, Shang Qinghua grinned as he bounded down the stairwell. The gargoyle’s comment implied that there would be a next time. And he intended to romance the loincloth off (literally) of the serious gargoyle king.

Hope you all enjoyed! So happy to share this with everyone. Thanks for reading :)