#middle teens being pushed out of YA

[nicollekidman]

god the thing with books is that there is room for literally everyone in every age group with every taste from every walk of life and every preference!!!!! it's literature!!!! a foundational part of humanity!! but publishing trends are squeezing kids/teens out of genres and markets created specifically for them to chase the childadult contingent, while at the same time, romance/erotica (which is healthy, fun, has always existed) is being marketed aesthetically similarly and to the same audience of what used to be YA. so now there's a very weird collapse that is simultaneously putting adult romance in front of children, squashing teen stories, and sanitizing actual erotica. it is VERY weird but it is not an issue with authors suddenly being bad or women suddenly being stupid perverts, it's a direct result of the publishing industry and how books are being sold/published/marketed

[thesassypadawan]

Repair Kit (Hayden x FemReader)

Summary: You’re the on-set medic for the new Obi-Wan series. A verily simple, straight forward job…except when it comes to a pair of dumbasses. Who have no problem texting you in the middle of the night when they overdo it practicing…or when your new boyfriend accidentally gets out drunk. And tells you some things.

Warnings: 18+ (mdni), because there’s a slight hint of smuttiness. Some drunk dumbasses and a booty grabbing Hayden.

Notes: Happy Hayden's (And Mine) Birthday Event! In honor of the man, the myth, the legend; I will be posting nothing but Anakin, Vader, and Hay stories all April long!

A little something for @ittybitty-rt ! It was truly a pleasure to write this! I had a lot of fun with it!  Hope you like it! ❤️

- It was 2am when your phone goes off. You only know this because it was glaring at you from the lock screen. Along with an interesting message from a certain ‘hello there’ saying gentleman… ‘Vader Repair Kit’. Bring. Hayden’s trailer. Now.’

- “Oh, what the hell now,” you grumble. Begrudgingly rolling out of your nice, cozy bed; you hurriedly throw on the first thing you can find. Grabbing the requested ‘kit’ on your way out.

- This was your job; well, to a certain degree. You’re the on-set medic for the new Obi-Wan series. Normally, during the DAY, you can be found fixing up beaten knuckles…soothing minor burns…maybe even stitching up a wound or two. Pretty much you just keep everyone happy and healthy.

- Simple enough. Except when it comes to a particular pair of grown ass men who act like stupid teens the moment they’re together. Who see absolutely no problem with texting you in the middle of the night. About the most moronic things…aka usually practicing after hours and completely overdoing it.

- However though, that wasn’t the case tonight…

- Before you can even knock, the door flies open. Revealing ‘Dumbass #1’ in all his grinning glory. “D-Darling, you look stunning.”

- Stunning…they must have fucked up good. “Shove the sweet talk, Ewan. Who did what this time?”

- Rubbing the back of his neck, the ‘jedi master’ laughs nervously. The smell of alcohol VERY noticeable on his breath. “Well, y-you see-”

- “Meee, I did!” A familiar voice calls out drunkenly.

- Shooting Ewan a look, you push your way inside. To find…

- ‘Dumbass #2’ sitting on the bed; big, goofy smile on his face. Arms flung wide open. “There’s my angel!”

- Staring blankly, you let out a heavy sigh. “Seriously? Don’t make me regret agreeing to date you.”

- Not paying any mind to the whines of ‘how mean’…or the ungodly adorable pout…you immediately get to work. Pulling out various rehydration items and whatever can possibly lessen the inevitable hangover from your ‘kit’. “All right, dark lord, you know the drill. Just like when you overheat in the Vader suit. Drink and take what I give you. And you’ll be sort of good as new.”

- Right as you’re about to hand him a bottle of what you both so affectionately call ‘blue milk’ and some aspirin. Those arms you’ve been avoiding wind around your hips and… “Heh-heh, booty.” …unceremoniously pull you down onto their owner’s lap.

- “Hay, what the…stop!” You squeak, face all flushed while trying to wiggle out of his hold.

- “No!” He giggles excitedly, squeezing your plush posterior like crazy. “Booty!”

- You hear the sound of Ewan clearing his throat behind you, a slight smirk in his voice. “You h-have this under control. I’ll l-leave you two love birds b-be.” Followed by the trailer door closing. Bastard…so much for being your only hope.

- Barely a second afterwards, Hayden has his face buried in the side of your neck. Nipping and sucking your sensitive skin. Hands still kneading greedily. “He right, ya know. We that…because I loves you.”

- Did he really just say that? You haven’t…he hasn’t… “You’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re saying,” you mutter. Scratching the back of his head, doing your best to ignore the awakening beast pressing into your stomach.

- Pulling away, not before giving your collarbone a gentle bite, Hay looks up at you with puppy dog eyes. Whining a bit while not so subtly grinding. “Maaaybe, but don’t mean it not true. I loves my angel. Wanna shows her.”

- Forcing back a soft moan, it takes everything you have to not cave. Sure, you’d love nothing more than to do so; to just tear it up like nobody’s business. But right now…right now he needed you in a whole different way.

- Despite his protests, you untangle yourself and slide out of his lap. “How about this?” You coo, sitting besides him and wrapping an arm around his waist. “You drink your ‘blue milk’ and get some rest. And…you can show me as much as you want in the morning. Okay?”

- “Fine,” he huffs, resting his head on your shoulder. “You numb me?”

- Although this isn’t exactly how you pictured the two of you saying it, you can’t help but smile. “Yeah,” you whisper, kissing the top of his head. “I love you too.”

- “Good, because I no give up booty,” Hayden mumbles. Giving aforementioned booty one last good pinch before dozing off.

Tag List: @espinathena-17, @myheartwillgoon2022, @wifeofasith, @princessswifie, @kenobiskywalker16, @loverforoldermen

[anonymousewrites]

Nature of the Human Soul (Book 1) Chapter Six

Platonic! Hazbin Hotel x Teen! Reader

Father Figure! Alastor x Teen! Reader

Chapter Six: Memories of Life and Death

Summary: Everyone says the wrong thing, and (Y/N)'s mental health pays the price.

            (Y/N) closed their eyes and put their hands over their ears as Angel’s show-and-tell video played. It was, of course, nothing short of one of his acting scenes with more of him than (Y/N) ever wanted or needed to see.

            “Ya know, this performance won me a ‘Sex-x-x-i’ award,” said Angel proudly.

            “It’s, uh, very…honest?” Charlie averted her face.

            “Ew,” said Vaggie. “Okay, enough of that! Angel, what the fuck?”

            “What? You said it was Show n’ Tell day!” said Angel. “I’m showin’ you my best film, and I’m tellin’ you that it scored me a win over that bitch, Tiffany Titfucker.”

            “Ya know, that’s not a very convincing interrogation scene,” said Husk from the bar as he cleaned glasses.

            “Alright, dickhead, what makes you think you have any right to insult my work to my fuckin’ face?” said Angel.

            “You’re really gonna sit there and act like these scripts ain’t hot garbage?” said Husk, raising a brow.

            “Fuck you,” said Angel. “This is classy art!” He pointed at the screen on an incredibly inappropriate scene.

            Pentious covered his eyes with his head flaps, and Niffty grinned happily as she watched.

            “That’s bullshit,” said Husk. “You get drunk and bitch about them all the time. Everyone likes to bitch to the bartender. I know everything about you and these motherfuckers at this point.” Angel rolled his eyes, and Husk decided to make a point. “That one.” He pointed at Pentious. “That one is an insecure buffoon whose lonely ass watches you idiots sleep. Princess is a bleeding heart who wants to solve everyone else’s problems ‘cept her own.”

            “What? No, I—Pfft, no, no,” denied Charlie nervously.

            Husk just continued on to Vaggie. “This one judges everyone and everything because she hates herself.”

            “Aargh!” Vaggie hated how accurate it was.

            “That one.” Husk moved on to (Y/N), whose flowers flinched nervously. “Is sick and tired of being thought of as some innocent kid by everyone here and might go crazy if anyone tries to put that role onto them.”

            (Y/N) smiled sheepishly. Unfortunately, they really did feel like that.

            “And Niffty.” Husk made a face. “You don’t even wanna know what her deal is.”

            Angel cackled. “You weren’t kidding. Haha, wow! Kitten’s got claws! Meow~” He grabbed Husk’s face teasingly.

            “And you!” Husk pushed Angel back. “Don’t get me started. I see right through you and all this bullshit and how fake you are.”

            “Oh, me? Fake?” challenged Angel. “Wow. I had no idea. Guess that’s why I’m an actor. Dumbass. And—” His phone went off, and Angel’s face fell before he grabbed it. “Hold that thought.” He walked a few paces away. “Hello? Uh, yeah, I’m-I’m…” His entire attitude had changed, growing nervous and hesitant, completely unlike the usual Angel Dust the hotel dealt with. “No, no, I just, I—No, I’m not, but, uh, yeah…I’ll be right there.”

            He turned off his phone and looked back at the group. (Y/N) furrowed their brow in concern as they saw a familiarly fake smile spread across his face. They had worn that smile themself. It had weighed more than a thousand tons on their shoulders.

            “Well, uh, looks like Val needs me for an, uh, emergency shoot,” said Angel, trying to seem excited and eager.

            “Uhuh, sure,” said Husk, seeing through it.

            “You know what?” snapped Angel. “Fuck you! I don’t give a shit what a drunk ass bartender thinks a’ me! So why don’t you just crawl back to whatever cave you came out of, porn critic.” He gave Husk the middle finger and walked towards the door.

            “Angel, you can’t leave yet!” said Charlie. “We haven’t finished our exercises for the day.”

            “I’m sure you’ll manage without me,” said Angel.

            I don’t think he can say no to Valentino, thought (Y/N), frowning.

            They knew Angel had a contract with Valentino, and they saw the exhaustion in him whenever he returned to the hotel. They knew that if he could, Angel would rest more often. But he couldn’t. And (Y/N) really wished they could do something about it. After all, if there was one thing they despised more than anything else in this whole Hell and Heaven and Earth and everything, it was those that took advantage of others. The very thought summoned a murderous rage (Y/N).

            They knew what it felt like to be used and abused.

            The roses on (Y/N)’s head quivered and wilted as they felt themself on the verge of really, truly remembering (reliving) what they had gone through in life, and (Y/N)’s chest tightened.

            “There isn’t much time left for the hotel to prove itself,” said Charlie, her words drawing (Y/N) out of their mind successfully.

            “Dollface, it’s my job,” said Angel forcefully. “I know you want to fix everything, but unless you can fix my boss, there’s nothing you can do.” He slammed the door shut and was gone.

            “Uuuuugh, why is this so haaaard?” groaned Charlie, curling up in front of the door. “What am I doing wrong?”

            “I don’t think Valentino wants Angel to be redeemed, even if it’s possible,” said (Y/N), frowning.

            “But I do,” said Charlie. “And I really believe in him! But he always has to go to work and can never really commit…What do I do?”

            “Well, I mean, you’re the princess of Hell,” said Vaggie.

            “So?” said Charlie.

            “So, you don’t really use the power that comes with that, which I love about you, but maybe you can…I don’t know, command a little more authority?” suggested Vaggie, smiling encouragingly.

            “But that’s so mean!” said Charlie.

            “I don’t know much about the Vees, but I’m sure they’d deserve it,” said (Y/N), and Husk nodded in firm agreement.

            “It’s not mean, exactly,” said Vaggie, trying to get through to Charlie in a way she’d understand. “It’s, uh, aggressive kindness!”

            Wow. (Y/N) and Husk looked at each other, unimpressed by that “persuasion.”

            “Okay!” Charlie brightened, apparently having been convinced by the idea of “aggressive kindness.” “I could be so aggressively kind to Angel’s boss that I convince to let Angel spend more time at the hotel!”

            “Sure, whatever gets you there, babe,” said Vaggie, smiling at Charlie as she walked out the door happily.

            “Is killing Overlords not on the table?” murmured (Y/N).

            “No,” said Husk. “At least, not for you.”

            “Fine, fine. I’ll do it another time,” said (Y/N).

            Husk shrugged. “As long as you know you’ll win, go for it.” He didn’t care if Valentino got what was coming to him.

            “Do not encourage them to kill people!” said Vaggie.

            “It’s not people. It would be Valentino,” said Husk, and (Y/N) nodded in agreement.

            Vaggie sighed, but she couldn’t disagree.

l

            When Angel returned, (Y/N)’s anger returned full force. He was clearly exhausted and uncomfortable, and whatever he had to film, it was long and, possibly (likely), painful.

            “Eugh, I need a drink,” said Angel, slumping across the bar counter. “The hardest you can make.”

            “Hm. You look like shit,” said Husk, putting a glass down and pouring a drink.

            Angel straightened and put on his overconfident act. “Pfft. Not possible. Just a long shoot, nothin’ new.”

            “Are you alright, Angel?” asked (Y/N), frowning.

            “Of course!” said Angel, but he quickly chugged the drink Husk had made him. He slammed the glass down. “I said a strong one.”

            “Excuse me,” scoffed Husk. “Didn’t realize this was a ‘drinking to forget’ kind of night.”

            “Oh, I forgot. You’re the wise old bartender who’s seen it all!” Angel spoke confidently, but the look on his face was clearly not. “Get the fuck over yourself and pour me a real drink.”

            “Look, if you got a problem, you’re not going to find the solution at the bottom of a bottle,” said Husk. “I should know, I’ve been looking there a long time.”

            “Oh, sure, and where should I look, huh?” said Angel, scoffing. He wiggled his eyebrows. “In your bedroom, maybe? Under the covers? Maybe we can go and look together.”

            “Angel, we’re actually worried,” said (Y/N), walking over. “We want to make sure you’re okay and take care of yourself.”

            “I’m fine,” snapped Angel. “I don’t need any help.”

            “Cut the act,” said Husk. “We can both see through it. You’re just lying to yourself and being fake.”

            “Call me a fake one more time, motherfuckers!” Angel snapped, leaning forward towards (Y/N) and Husk angrily.

            “Angel—” began (Y/N), reaching out slightly.

            “Just leave me alone!” snapped Angel. He slapped their hand away. “Ya know what?! Ya’re all fucking lucky to be talkin’ to me! And you—” he glared at Husk “—would be lucky to fuck me! Ya know how much I’m worth?!” He was clearly spiraling. “Ya know how many people would kill to have Angel Dust come onto them?! Fuck you!” He spun on (Y/N), who flinched back. “And you! Just leave me alone! Stop trying the nice act on me! Acting like you’re innocent and nice when you’re just as much a sinner as us! Just fucking stop!”

            (Y/N) flinched back as Angel stormed out. Their chest constricted, and they were overwhelmed as words from their past came to the surface. (Y/N) stumbled back even as Vaggie came around the corner. They could vaguely hear Vaggie asking Husk what had happened, but everything was faraway, like (Y/N) was underwater.

            (Y/N) pulled away from the group, and as the edges of their vision blurred, they stumbled away, farther into the hotel.

            Away. Need to get away.

            (Y/N) collapsed in a darkened corner of the hotel.

            “Don’t act innocent. You’re a filthy sinner, and if you don’t start obeying me, you’re going straight to Hell.”

            (Y/N) curled up, putting their hands around their knees. Unbidden, roses and briars bloomed around them, creating a protective barrier that couldn’t hide (Y/N) from the words echoing in their mind.

            “I saw you in Church. You weren’t paying attention. Can’t you do anything right? Do you want to burn for all eternity?”

            (Y/N) squeezed their eyes shut and put their hands over their ears, but nothing could block out their memories.

            “You’ve brought this on yourself. You refuse to atone for your sins, so I must deliver you from yourself.”

            (Y/N) flinched, and phantom pain blossomed on their back.

            “You are a sinner! You bring sin into this household! You must atone!”

            (Y/N) curled farther in on themself.

            I’m fine. I’m free. None of them can hurt me again. I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine.

            “I’m fine. They can’t hurt me. I won. I won. I won.”

            “Sinner. Filthy. Dirty.”

            “No, no, no, you were the filthy one. You hurt me.” (Y/N) murmured. “They hurt me, and I punished them.”

            “Wrong. Mistake. Abomination.”

            “I did the right thing. I did the right thing. I did the right thing.”

            “You have to atone.”

            “Can’t hurt me. Can’t hurt me. Can’t hurt me.”

            (Y/N) tried to breathe as their entire body ran hot, lungs too tight, the air too stuffy.

            And then something cool wrapped around them. (Y/N) tensed, but they were too exhausted to open their eyes, too scared to see the people they were so desperately trying to block out. So they just let the comforting temperature wrap around them, settling around them. It stilled their thoughts, delivering them from their own mental hell.

            (Y/N) let out a tired breath and held themself tightly. Whatever was settling around them felt like no enemy, and (Y/N) would take any bit of comfort they could find.

            They had never gotten any before.

l

            Alastor lurked within the shadows of the hotel, gazing over (Y/N)’s small, protective barrier. He loomed above, perfectly able to act as he wished, ready as ever to drive fear into all. Instead, Alastor let the shadows rise and settle around (Y/N)’s shoulders. Their breathing calmed, and Alastor pulled back farther into the shadows, satisfied.

            He could’ve frightened them. He could’ve driven them farther into their own madness. He could’ve pushed them and their magic to the brink to see if they had the strength to survive.

            But Alastor hadn’t. He’d heard the same words he’d spoken to himself so, so long ago. And he’d done what, perhaps, a different, faint version of himself would have wanted.

            Perhaps (Y/N) and he were not as different as he assumed.

            Instantly, Alastor retreated into the shadows. He would prefer to think over that new realization on his own. It presented quite a few considerations Alastor had so far avoided in his life.

l

            Much, much later in the evening, (Y/N) braved a return to the lobby to attempt to steal a drink before retreating to their room again.

            “Hey, kid?”

            (Y/N) froze and turned. Angel was standing across from them, rubbing his arm nervously.

            “Oh. Uh, hi.”

            “Listen, kid.” Angel stepped forward. “I’m, uh, I’m sorry. For earlier. I shouldn’t’ve said what I did. I was being stupid. You’re a good kid. And even if you’re in Hell, you’re betta than most of the sinners in the Hellhole.”

            “It’s okay,” said (Y/N), shifting uneasily. “You weren’t feeling well. I’m sorry for pushing.”

            “You, uh, cared,” said Angel. “It was nice of you. So thanks.”

            “You’re welcome.”

            Angel smiled slightly. “Are we okay?”

            (Y/N) nodded. “We are.” Angel wasn’t who (Y/N) had escaped. He was their friend.

            And whoever had helped them was their friend, too.

Taglist:

@kyalov

@pandaquick

@boredwithlifeatthispoint

@jaytheaceenby

@paastaboi

@bettybabys

@gxdoesstuff

@grippleback-galaxy

@just-here-reading

@dmitrytherat

@a-small-tyrant

@marxo5

@rory-cakes

@andsoigotabutterfly

@theblueslytherin

@romyoia

@ray-rook

@thereeallink

@pandaquick

@funkyexistence

@theyaremorethanjustfictional

@lanxianschoenheit

@justyourfriendlyneighbourhood1

@ringsofpersonti

@futureittomainn

@enderpearltv

@oo0lady-mad0oo

[lilys0evil0twin]

.... Y/n is quite pleased with this new boyfriend of hers. He's overall sweet and kind unlike the other jerks she dated~ Now she wanted to know how he is in bed So invited him over to her house,saying she has a fun game and wanted him to play with her~ Heracles being the sweet innocent himbo he is,agreed. He probably didn't expected to be pushed onto the bed by his gf, who is wearing a sexy lingerie that made him overheat minutes ago. Y/n sitting on him just simply smirked and say:"Oh darling I'll make sure to love you fully tonight, let me give you a taste of pleasure~"

-Anon

Who's ready to destroy the innocence of this gentle mountain of a football player?! Enjoy!

Uhh please don't get confused at my constant switching of his name... I don't know myself

Warnings: smut, nothing much just Hercule losing his v-card.... Hard

Word count: 4198

School, the hell on Earth. The stress of constant exams, the lack of sleep and as Y/n says; being surrounded by morons. Every teacher thought their subject is the most important in students' life, girls fought for every cute guy, spreading lies and secrets around the school and all the guys wanted in return of playing hard to get, was to fuck and move on.

Y/n was tired of it. This highschool stereotype. This teen stereotype. So, out of boredom, she decided to claim males reputation. She became a fuck boy. Well not eternally, but you know what, why not give those bastards a taste of their own medicine. Through out the years her reputation grew, she played the popular boys, the cute chicks. Everyone were gossiping about her but she knew it all about the others. The high-class girls started to fear her, for obvious reasons. You know the song "Take your man" by Mahogany Lox?

"I can take your mans, if I want to

But lucky for you, I don't want to"

And to the male party? The ones brave enough approach her, the ones with death wish will try and flirt, the others just admired from afar....

.....

"...Heracles.."

"Heracles...?"

"HERACLES!"

The sudden loud call of his name strattled the mountain of a teen. Currently in the middle of lunch break, Heracles was sitting at his usual table with his close friends; Castor, Jack and two years younger Göll, who was more like his little sister really. Now with his attention finally focused, Heracles turned towards his friend. "What are you doing, your food's getting cold" the teen with a bob cut asked picking on his rice. With a small, confused 'hm?' Heracles looked down towards his plate "Wha- Oh, ya! Sorry I kinda got lost in thoughts" the ginger smiled, putting a mouthful of already cold marinated chicken with vegetables in his mouth. A small laugh could be heard over the voices in the cafeteria, opposite from the ginger football player.

"Come on Hercules, go talk to her~" their senior Jack laughed, seeing his friend's face go totally red. "T-Talk to who?!" whispering a chocked yell, the football player's tough facade flew out of the window. Jack only raised an eyebrow "You know who, Y/n L/n of course! The Miss unapproachable? The, sorry for the expression, Fuck girl of the school?" Heracles only mumbled something shyly, staring holes into his food. Göll giggled beside him, leaning to catch his eyes. "Don't be scared she'll definitely like you!" she said with so much enthusiasm, it was a wander how it fit into her small form.

"I'm not scared! Why would I be? Wha? Wh-what are you even implying??!"

"Oh please, you're kind, funny and handsome! A total gentleman!" Göll clapped her hands, frowning her eyebrows in determination. Hercules only blushed, buds of sweat forming on his forehead and turned towards Y/n's table over his shoulder. "Oh look now's your chance! She's talking with my sis!!" Göll pointed towards her, jumping in excitement. But Hercules hasn't moved, quickly turning to his plate head falling between his stuff shouldes. Castor leaned closer to Hercules smiling gently. "Look you should talk to her, that way it won't weight you anymore" Jack leaned back sipping his tea as Hercules took a breath.

"Aaaand you can't be a virgin forever~"

"JACK!"

Hercules could hear his friends bicker and laugh as he neared hit target. Just as he was in sight field Brunhilde smile at him in greeting. "Oh, hey Heracles" Brun's voice made Y/n turn and see who was the unlucky soul that decided to interfere in their conversation. Her e/c eyes met with sharp baby blue ones of a surprisingly tall guy. Unimpressed she raised a brow waiting for him to voice his request. The boy cleared his throat, lightly preparing himself. "I apologize for disturbance ladies, but uh," he took a pause, eyes flicking between the two girls "m-may I talk to Brunhilde for a minute please?"

Brun slowly turner her eyes away, looking towards the table Hercules left moments ago, only to meet with the excited shines of her younger sister. The girl was squeezing her tumbs so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her overjoyed form was moving around in her seat, quite opposite to the boys sitting at the same table. Both looking they're way in interested, Jack's heterochromatic eyes slightly squinting in mischief, small smirk hiding under his slowly growing mustache. Obviously getting the hint Brun smiled turning her attention back to Hercules' nervous form. Resting her cheek against her hand, she asked "Oh is it about your game today?" the glit in her eyes showed Hercules she wants him to follow her lead, so despite knowing what she's implying, he obeyed.

"Ah, um yeh.. yes" he nodded nonchalantly. Brunhilde smiled sweetly "Yes, I'll come watch" she turned to her companion "Wanna come with me?" Y/n only hummed, playing with her food. "Ya, why not. I have nothing better to do anyway" she sighed and returned to her food, not really glancing at Hercules. His eyes twinkled as his lips twitched upwards slightly. After a short moment of silence, it started to feel a little awkward.

"So um, I'll see you both there then" he smiled sheepishly turning away to leave before the lunch break finished. But before he left he heard Brun "We'll cheer for you!" Heracles only chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed.

.....

Y/n kinda wanted to check out the football game today so she'd visit anyway. But why not play hard to get? Now she was sitting beside Brunhilde on stands, watching the game unfold. It was interesting. Well not the game itself, but rather the players. I mean who wouldn't like tall, sweaty men ramming and wrestling with each other while the prettiest girls in the shortest skirts cheering them on.

Y/n was intrigued, here and there she caught the Hercules boy looking their way. Of course she couldn't tell whether he was looking at Brun or her. Brun was the friend of his after all.

Brunhilde on the other hand didn't miss those small smirks of his everytime Y/n cursed their team for losing the ball. Brun was determined, she knew this plan would work. Despite not taking part in this whole Heracless-crush-thing, those quiet desperate signals from Göll were enough to decide she'll take the matter in her own hands.

As the game ended Brun excused herself and quickly left, leaving Y/n at the stands near the entrance to the changing rooms. With a little compliance, Y/n agreed to wait for her friend.

Leaning on the wall she boredly swiped through her phone. With an irritated groan she checked the time. 'God where the hell is she?' pushing herself off the wall, about to leave not wanting to waste anymore time. Well she tried to leave, if it wasn't for the soft wall that someone placed right before her. Grunting courses under her breath, Y/n looked up meeting baby blue irises.

"Oh excuse me miss, are you alright?" Heracles stood before her, sweaty and breathing slightly unevenly. Y/n took a step back and . She must've admit, he looked quite tasty in that football uniform of his. It clung nicely to his chest and shoulders. He was tall with wide shoulders and slim waist. Long ginger hair and some kind on make-up on his face. But as her eyes slid down his abdomen, the same markings peaked from under his shirt. They were even on the same side, but other boys from their team weren't painted like that, maybe it is a tattoo?

"Uhm, m-miss?" his voice was what chaught her attention and she quickly looked to his face. Not that she was hiding that she was literally feeding on his appearance. And that pink tint on his cheeks was kinda cute. "You're surprisingly polite for a guy your age" she grumbled, crossing her arms over het chest "I like it, give me your phone" she said extending her hand. Heracles wanted to say something when Y/n mentioned his politeness, but that was quickly shut down after she asked for his phone. Honestly, his whole brain shut down. So he just stood there, like a statue.

"Hello?" Y/n raised an eyebrow "Are you still there?" Heracles only blinked. "Y-Yah uh... I-It's in my back, i-in the locker" pointing a finger behind Y/n. She turned seeing the entrance to the showers. He even pointed to the wrong direction, damn he's so cute. "Well" she faced him again "then go get it, hop hop! I don't have all day!" She clapped her hands, making him nod and particularly ran to find his bag.

After a minute, Heracles was back. Panting and fluffed up, his clothes wrinkly and hair flying all over the place. Showing his phone into Y/n's face. Y/n only chuckled at his cuteness. He was so desperate and desperately trying to hide it. So cute. She tapped in her contacts, putting a heart behind her name. Then she did the same with his contacts in her phone. Putting him under the name 'Gladiator<3'. After she departed with a wave telling Heracles to text her when he gets home. Leaving this poor boy to freeze where he was, gripping his phone a little too hard, blushing so much that if you looked close enough, you'd see steam coming from his ears.

.....

After some shy messages here and there, those two started texting each other regularly. Becoming good friends in no time. Heracles' personality was probably the main indicator, he was sweet, kind and just so easy to talk to. Good mornings and good nights were a must. Telling each other what they were doing each day, how they were etc.

Until Hercules sent this one message that changed everything.....

Gladiator<3

Hey Herc

Whatcha doin~?

Hey

Nothing much

Just thinking

Thinking?

Abt wha?

You

Y/n really didn't know if it was intentional or if he just sent it and later the meaning hit him like a train, and to be honest Heracles didn't either.

Needless to say he was frightened shitless the next day at school. He even considered not showing up, I mean..... His stomach really felt weird, like he'll throw up if he sees y/n in the hallway.

Thankfully he was able to avoid her the majority of the day, but unfortunately for him Jack took things into his own hands.

Y/n felt bad, like really bad. This guy was the only one that she felt bad for after leaving on "seen". The feeling got even worse during the day, Heracles didn't even text her good morning for God's sake!

By the time lunch arrived, Y/n was on nettles. She hoped she'll see Heracles at their table and maybe would be able to talk it out, but once there only Jack was there to meet her. Reading news on his phone, such a weird fella.

"Hi Jack" Y/n slumped into the chair beside him with a sigh. Jack only hummed at her presence, too deep in the thing he was reading. They never talked much, but we're never in uncomfortable silence, so Y/n never pressured him.

Jack put down his phone taking a sip from his tea. "He's at the gym" Y/n looked up not really getting what he was saying. "Hercules, he's in the gym. He's probably juicing his brain for ideas." Jack specified, looking Y/n into her eyes. She only stared back, not moving a muscle.

"Well? Just go" Y/n stood up and left knocking few students out of her way, leaving only her lunch to keep the company to Jack. Who just continued to drink his tea with a smile.

.....

Pacing back and forth the whole gym Hercules already lost count of how many times he circled the room. What the hell was wrong with him? How could he text her that?? Of course she left him on "seen", what was she supposed to text to that. He wouldn't be surprised if she never texted him again, if never even wanted to see him. But.... He wanted to see her...

God he's so fucking scared. What should he do?

Pulling on his ponytail Heracles groaned, head falling backwards, his eyes closed. How could Y/n call him a gladiator when he's such a coward. Heracles had his back turned to the door when they were banged open by someone. He looked over his shoulder to see who was so impatient, only to freeze in his spot.

"Y/n?"

Stunned by her sudden appearance, Heracles never experienced first hand the "speak of the devil". The poor boy was even more surprised when Y/n walked to him and hugged him. "What the fuck are you doing, huh? Ignoring me like this?" her voice was mumbled due to her face being pressed into his chest. Heracles calmed down a little and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her back. After a moment of silence Y/n spoke again, now more clearly. "I'm sorry, for not texting you back."

"I meant it"

"What?"

Hercules took a breath, straightening his back. Gathering up courage to look down at Y/n. "I like you"

"You're such a dork" Y/n laughed hitting the stressed out boy playfully.

Yep, they started dating. The play girl Y/n L/n was now in a relationship.

Those two love birds started spending more and more time together, even going as far as to have sleepovers. Y/n didn't believe Hercules was real at some moments tho, he was like from a romantic novel. Taking her on dates, bringing her flowers, listening to her ranting, even gossiping with her.

It was like a dream, Y/n may have really fallen in love. Only one last thing to do to make sure she's really about to invest into this relationship to work. She wanted him to fuck her. I mean... Can you blame her? Every time she saw him laying on the couch in his worn out tank top and sweatpants.

As time went on, Y/n was only hornier and hornier. Plus it was frustrating that even tho she did catch Hercules staring, he never crossed any lines. He only followed her lead. So why not use it to her advantage?

One evening Y/n called upon the girls meeting. She with Brunhilde and her sisters sat in a circle in her room. The problem at hand? How to seduce Y/n's boyfriend Hercules. The girls exchanged ideas:

Hrist was for Y/n to greet him wrapped up like a present, holding a paper with "For Hercules" on it. And if it didn't work then to just grab him and fuck him senseless.

Thrud was for a simple "Netflix and chill", maybe make some snacks to enjoy and just be a lil touchy and he'll surely follow.

Randgriz was too shy to say anything and the other girls just listened excitedly. Except for Alvitr that was sulking, because no one acknowledged her idea with sexy lingerie. Göll with Hlökk nearly passed out three times if it wasn't for Göndul.

And so the plan was made, with the finalizing help of Brun of course. Now it only needs to be put into action.

.....

The plan was simple, text Hercules asking him to stay at Y/n's house. This weekend was perfect because her parents went on some trip and won't be back till the next weekend.

Hercules agreed to stay of course and Y/n got to work. The first day was their usual. They lazied around the whole day and went to town in the evening. The next day however, Y/n sent Hercules shopping while she got ready.

Putting on her favorite red lingerie, ready to confront her boyfriend whenever he comes back.

.....

"H-hey" Y/n pushed Hercules on the bed. He was quick to sit up when she lowered herself before his legs, comfortably kneeling down. "W-what are y-..?" "Don't worry love, just relax and enjoy~" Y/n says seductively pulling his knees apart. With a lovestruck sigh, resting her cheek on his thigh. Her steady breaths brushed past the space of his pants, getting tighter and tighter with each exhale. Slowly unzipping his pants while maintaining eye contact with the blushing boy. First to look away was Hercules, his blush getting darker and spreading all the way from his ears to his chest. Heart drumming in his ears, banging against his ribs so hard he'd think they'll break. He didn't know where to look, it was getting so hot, where should he put his hands, what should he do?! Just as Hercules started to panic a gasp filled the room, his body shaking, mind going blank.

'Y/n! She-She's !! -' taking in a shaky breath

'She's!!'

Y/n only chuckled seeing his flustered state. She licked the under side of his manhood, following the giant vein from it's base to the head. Giving it a kiss with little kitten licks along his slit. Inching her hand towards his base, fingers slowly rubbing in circular motion. The precum rolled from his tip only to be gently licked off, twitching every time she did so. "Y-Y/n.." her e/c eyes peaked from below her long lashes with a seductive look, fire dancing behind her pupils. He couldn't look her in the eye, it was too much. Cowering his blushing face with the back of his hand, he looked away, eyebrows frowned.

"S-Stop.."

"Oh sorry for teasing you love, but you're just so cute~"

Being called cute now? Hercules pressed his lips together, only to open them in a moment letting out a relieved sigh. The warmth and wetness of Y/n's mouth enwrapped his cock. Sighing and moaning softly, Hercules closed his eyes. His tip hit the back of Y/n's throat. Hercules expected a gag from how hard the impact felt, but nothing. Only the small exhale as her nose buried in the short ginger hair, filling her lungs with his musk. This went on for some time, Hercules's moans and grunts sounded over the muffled sounds from the street.

"Y-Y/n"

"Let it out" Y/n said as her deep throat session ended, going back to licks and kisses. Stroking his length at fast pease, her mouth opened over his swollen red tip. The atlete let out a sudden loud groan reaching his big hand for her petite shoulders. "W-wait! Y/n!" She only chuckled moving her hand faster, forcing him over the edge. His hot cum shoot into her opened waiting mouth. Pulling away and sitting on his lap, Y/n swallowed the sticky, slightly salty substance, her e/c gaze meeting his blue one.

"Why did you? ... Doesn't it taste bad?" if his blush could get any darker, it did. Heracles' squinting, teary eyes barely saw his girlfriend. Y/n shaked her head, her h/c locks swinging from side to side "No, you're sweet" she reached for her face, swiping some escapee cum from the corner of her plump lips "Like a candy cane! Here!" and stuffed her seed covered finger into his mouth. His baby blue eyes widened as his shoulders shifted in surprise. Just as he wanted to protest, Y/n pulled her hand away, replacing her finger with her lips. In hopes to calm him down a little, she deepened the kiss, rubbing her tongue against his. Thankfully it did help, seeing as Hercules relaxed his shoulders, his hands unconsciously moving to rest on her hips.

Parting from the kiss to get some air, a small string of saliva hinting on the so recent kiss. Hercules, now completely relaxed, sighed resting his forehead against hers. "That ... That was weird" y/n chuckled again kneading his biceps gently. "Hmm, you'll probably like my juice more.... But I'm a little pent up so maybe later" she said as she moved from his lap. Y/n pulled up the skirt of her lingerie and pulled down her lace panties. Hercules turned his gaze to the side, being the gentleman he is. ...And not really mentally ready for what's to come.

Y/n grabbed his surprisingly still hard dick and aligned the tip with her soaking entrance as she straddled him again. "Sh-Shouldn't we use the protection?" Y/n's eyebrows flew up, her eyes meeting his in surprised gaze. Then smiling brightly hugging his neck and kissed his cheeks and lips repeatedly "That's why I love you! You're not like all the others!" Y/n hopped down and grabbed one, out of many, condoms from the drawer near the bed. Ripping the cover and slowly wrapping the condom on Hercules's manhood. Once finished she hopped on his lap once again and slowly sheathing him inside. Hercules let out a surprised hiss, eyebrows knitting together his blue eyes now tightly shut. Y/n moved her hips from side to side slightly to adjust to his length faster.

"AH, w-wai-- !!" Hercules grabbed her by her hips, stopping her movement. "Y-You're too tight!" He sighed out, resting his forehead on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her, his thighs shaking. Y/n waited for her lover to calm down again, gently rubbing his wide shoulders till she felt him move his hips upwards slightly. She pulled his face from her neck, moving his head till their eyes met. With that her lower body moved, slowly at first spreading her love juice around the thin wrap hugging Hercules's length. Hercules's hands holding Y/n's hips slid down to her ass, lifting her body effortlessly, opposite way to his thrusts. Gaining speed with every thrust, the room was filled with their mixed breathless moans and groans.

A small drop of sweat slid down his neck all the way to the pecks on his stomach. Y/n followed the drop with her eyes, feeding on the movement of his muscles with every labored breath. She was fascinated in Hercules' improvisation skills, maybe he was really just shy. Y/n moved her hands from his shoulders. One entangling with his low ponytail, slowly pulling on the band to free his ginger hair, and eventually resting her palm on the back of his neck. The other slid down his heaving chest, shifting the direction as soon as she reatched his bellybutton. Her hand gently held his on one of her butt cheeks.

"A-Are you ok?" Heracles asked breathlessly. It was hard to concentrate on more stimulants at once but her holding his hand may have meant he was doing something wrong. He needed to check. Y/n only chuckled giving him a kiss on his neck. "No, just hold on now baby" it took a second for Heracles to hear the meaning of her words. But by the time he could ask what she meant his hands released her bottom and his back hit the mattress. Her small delicate palms holding his down beside his head. With wide eyes he looked up, meeting her e/c irises. The smirk on her face was devilish. Her eyes nearly glowing in the dark.

"Hold on ok, big boy" with that she bounced on his lap with such speed and force Hercules though he'd pass out. Despite being much stronger, Hercules felt weak, literally under the command of his girlfriend. The coil in his stomach snapped before he could even register it's approach. With a quick movement of his hands he grabbed Y/n's arms and turned them both around. Now with him on top, Heracles stopped, emptying himself in the condom, hiding his head in her neck. He gasped for oxygen, tired and drained but still held himself up, not to crush Y/n with his weight. "Y-You did not.... D-did you?" he asked quietly, Y/n chuckled patting his back. "It's okey, it's your first time after all" she said with a gentle smile, Hercules moved from her neck looking at her face then down between her legs, where his cock still rested in her warmth. Blush returning to his ears he slowly pulled out, making sure to catch everything before spilling. He pondered for a second deciding what to do with it till Y/n smiled again and gently took the full condom from his hands and tied it shut, throwing it out into the bin next to get bed. Heracles' blush was constantly present as he turned Y/n to face him. He kissed her gently and lovingly. With their lips still touching he said "But I want you to feel good too"

His fingers moved between her legs. Y/n laughed and kissed just below his lips, "I love you so much" Hercules smiled "And I you" they both chuckled as Y/n palmed his hand against her womanhood, guiding his fingers.

"My lovely gladiator"

[aceistheplace86]

Strawberry & Pine pt.1

The wood floors creaked under the weight of her slow pace. A mixture of pine, old wood, and stale popcorn hangs in the air.  The large, main room held shelves of merchandise, souvenirs, and a variety of trinkets and tools.

Despite being in the middle of what seemed to be rush hour,  where baffled and intrigued customers talked over one another about the oddities they had seen and what to get from the gift shop,  Julie felt alone. Her legs seemed to be in control, taking her deeper into the so-called Mystery Shack. Julie kept to herself, making sure to keep her distance from the other tourists as she took notice of the décor in the shack, everything seemed to look a bit off almost as if that was the aesthetic the owner was going for.

“Two-headed squirrel” she murmured to herself, staring at the odd, clearly fake creature before her. “Pitiful” Julie was not impressed with what she saw here. Her first impression was a bust, the letter S had been missing from the roof now leaning haphazardly against the side of the building. The inside was worse, fake taxidermized creatures with odd names, some parts very noticeably glued together, and a plastic water bottle claiming to hold water from “the Fountain of Youth”  

“I actually just came up with that one” A voice startled her.

She turned around and stared at the man ahead of her.  He wore a clean, dark suit, with a matching dark hat slightly tilted upon his head. He stared at her with a charming, excited smile, his dark eyes wide, and his thick eyebrows raised as if he was waiting for a laugh from her.

When that never came, he cleared his throat and held out his hand “Mr. Mystery” He says regaining his composure once again. “I didn’t see you on the tour” His expression fell slightly “You aren’t one of the parents of the teens I may or may not have pushed into the bottomless pit… are ya?”

Julie looks down at his hand pausing for a moment before carefully extending her hand out to shake his. She seemed to linger a bit before letting go.  “I didn’t take the tour. I just stopped by” She raised her eyebrow “You often push teens down into the pit?”

He laughs “Only when they’re getting on my nerves. That was also a joke” He waves his hand quickly dismissing it “Do you want a tour? I’ll gladly show you around for the regular price”

Julie shook her head “I think I prefer to explore myself if you don’t mind”

He shrugs “Your loss, make sure you check out the new exhibit, I put a lot of work into that one” He paused for a moment and sniffed “Do you smell… strawberry? Is… Is that a stroke symptom?”

The woman laughed slightly at his confusion, and abrupt notice of the smell “That might be me” She said slowly “It’s my perfume and the top note is ripe strawberries”

“Oh. You smell nice” His face reddened, and he rubbed the back of his neck “Your perfume, it. Well, this general area smells a lot nicer than the rest of the shack... You know... the woods have an overpowering scent and all”  

Julie laughed a bit as he rambled on. Before she could speak though there was a crash from outside.

“This is why you’re not allowed to drive the golf cart, Mable!” A boy cried out, followed by the sound of someone else, presumably Mable, mimicking him.

“That would be the sounds of my great niece and nephew.  I uh should probably go check that out, it’ll cost me extra if I send them back home all damaged” He gave her a small smile and felt oddly proud when he got her to laugh again. “Come again soon, maybe stop for the tour next time” He gave her a wave and walked off.

Julie shook her head with a small smile, she wouldn’t be back for a tour but wasn’t finished with the mystery shack just yet.

____________________________________________________________

Stan had finished up the rest of the day with little to no issues. He locked up the shack and made his way to his bedroom, still catching the faint scent of strawberries. He tiredly shed off his jacket and tossed it on his bed, that's when he noticed a piece of paper peaking out of the pocket.

He reached over, picked it up, and read it.

Tomorrow, Greasy Diner, 10:00 am.

-Julie

[anxiously-going]

Found this piece tonight. Apparently I had decided to do something with my AU idea of Bones being a doctor in the rescue efforts on Tarsus IV

Len cautiously stepped into the holding cell and crouched down beside the bed to try to get to the kid’s eye level. “I’m so sorry,” he said softly. The kid simply stared back in guarded confusion. “They never should have done this to you. This is wrong and I’m so sorry. I’m gonna undo these restraints, okay? But I need you to be still, okay? I don’t want you pulling on them and getting hurt. I bet they already hurt, don’t they?”

The kid hesitated then nodded almost imperceptibly.

Len nodded and let out a sigh. “I’m gonna undo them, but I’m gonna go slow, okay? If you were already tuggin’ on ‘em you probably bruised yourself up, there might even be a few fractures, alright? And the last thing I wanna do is hurt you while I’m tryin’a help you. So I’m gonna start with the middle one, then do your right side, then your left, okay?” he waited for another nod from the kid then stood. “My name’s Len, by the way.”

“Are you a doctor?”

“I am. I’m a family doctor from Georgia.” Len answered and carefully loosed the strap over the teen’s chest then tossed it over the edge of the bed. “I’m gonna start with your wrist, okay? Don’t punch me.” He offered a smirk, but the kid didn’t seem interested in the joke.

“Why are you here?”

“I was recommended by Commander Christopher Pike-”

“Is he here?!” the kid tried to bolt upright, was held back by his wrists and fell back, biting back a loud groan of pain and tired rolling onto his right side.

“Easy, kid, easy!” Len urged.

“Don’t touch me!” he snarled when Len rested a hand on his chest, trying to push him to lie flat.

Len raised his hands and took a step back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Where is he? I wanna talk to him.”

“I’m sorry, kid, he’s not here. He’s still on earth. Kid, listen I’m really worried about that arm, I think you might have stress fractures from the restraints. It’s really important that I get those off and that we get regen going so we get you feeling better.”

“I wanna talk to him.”

Len pulled out his communicator. “McCoy to-”

“Security is on their way,” a voice interrupted.

“If a single security guard steps into this room I’m gonna put ‘em on a stretcher!” Leonard snarled. “My patient knows Commander Pike and would like to speak to him. Get communication back to earth as soon as possible.” he snapped the communicator shut before the voice could argue. “Can I please fix your wrist now?” Len waited for the kid to nod then stepped forward and gingerly picked up his hand. “Alright, kid, this is probably gonna hurt coming off just try to be still, okay?”

The teen audible winced and really tried not to squirm.

“Shh. It’s okay,” Len murmured. He laid the hand back down once the restraint was off. “Okay, I’m gonna get the other ones, then I’ll take a scan on your wrist and we’ll go from there, okay? And after that I’m gonna help you sue the pants off’a whoever did this for medical malpractice and negligence. So. You gonna let me keep caliin’ ya ‘kid’ or are you gonna tell me your name?” He tossed aside the right ankle restraint.

“Didn’t you read my file?”

“I did. You have quite the laundry list of allergies by the way. But I don’t want to assume you go by ‘James’ and I’d rather call you by what you're comfortable with. And if that’s ‘kid’ that’s fine too.”

“JT.”

Len glanced up from the left ankle.

“You can call me JT.”

“Nice to meet you, JT.” He set to work on the last restraint. “My name is Leonard, so you can see why I go by Len. Or McCoy, that’s my last name. I’m gonna take a scan on your arm now, okay?”

JT watched him carefully as he ran the tricorder wad over his arm. “How bad is it?” he asked when Len sighed.

“It’s not bad as far as breaks go. You’ve got some stress fracture that…actually looks kinda old. It’s nothing we can’t fix. Just makes me angry that you have them at all. Honestly, kid, you're gonna need to be careful for a while. Right now you're pretty severely malnourished, so your bones are weak and they're gonna break a lot easier than they normally would. We can do some diet modifications and treatments like that, but it's still gonna take some time before you've gotten your strength back."

"Are you some kind of bone specialist?"

Len gave an amused smile. "What makes you ask that?"

"You're the only one who checked them."

Len's smile faltered. "No, I'm not a specialist. But they are pretty important. Wouldn’t be able to hold a shape without them. Have you ever had any regen done for a broken bone?”

JT shook his head and Len let out another sigh.

“Alright, I’m gonna explain how it works because I have a feeling you're not gonna be a fan. So to start, it’s not actually your wrist bones that are fractured. They’re bruised, but the actual fracture is right here-” He held up his hand, palm out and touched each side of his arm just under the wrist “-in your radius and your ulna. There was uneven pressure because of where the restraints ended and that’s what caused the fractures. Now, the regenerator is going to go over your hold wrist and part of your arm, kinda like a brace. It’s gonna have to stay on for probably a good two hours. And you gotta keep the arm still while it’s on, alright? I’m not gonna lie to you, JT, it probably won’t be very comfortable, and it’s okay to feel anxious about it. Especially considering what those...fools did to you before. But that is the best way to take care of it. If you really don’t want to do that I can put an old fashioned cast on you, but then it’s gonna take about six weeks for it to heal and you’ll have to wear the cast 24/7 that way.”

“Can’t it just heal on its own?”

“Not without some kind of support to prevent the fractures from getting worse. It’s a miracle they aren’t worse already. Your body needs calcium for a lotta things, JT. One of those things is muscle movement. When you’re not getting enough calcium through your diet your body starts breaking down your bones to get it. That’s why your bones are so brittle right now. The only other thing we can do is I could sedate you-”

“No.”

“Okay. I won’t do that then. How ‘bout this. We try the regen first, we’ll leave it on for...half an hour. If you’re feelin’ a little overwhelmed we’ll take it off and you can take a break and we’ll go from there about and see how you feel. Maybe we get it going and you feel like you can do a little longer, great! We’ll do it for longer. Maybe we just do this in short bursts. It might take a little longer than just the two hours that way, but if it makes you more comfortable we can do that.”

"We can try it," J.T. agreed.

[booksandchainmail]

Lodestar (not a hugo) Finalists 2024

Impressions and loose rankings of the best children's/YA finalists for 2024. Note that I didn't read Promises Stronger than Darkness, since I didn't like the first book or finish the second book in that trilogy

To Shape a Dragon's Breath, by Moniquill Blackgoose. This was one of my favorite books last year and one my nominees for the Lodestar, and having read the other finalists still my top choice. I'm just going to copy my response from this end of year post: This book was so perfectly targeted to me, I'm a sucker for books where people raise dragons. And the worldbuilding! Such an interesting alt-history, and such a fun magic system that is mostly actual chemistry/physics. This is one where I also got really really invested in the side characters, Theod's arc in particular hit me really hard. But it's also great to have a book (not even a super long book!) where I can say things like "I'm interested in the main character's older brother's girlfriends plotline about inventing long-range airships", and have that level of engagement across a wide cast. Also, this book has the perfect title in ways that become clear partway through.

Liberty's Daughter, by Naomi Kritzer. Remember that article about libertarians going to "seastead" on a cruise ship, and how bad it was? This book is dystopian scifi set in a world where they pulled it off. I think it does a good job of a main character whose been raised with libertarian ideals broadening her perpective, and I have to give props to any book that makes the dashing rebel group in a YA dystopia literally the IWW. More books should contain the line "the Wobblies are here". I think it also does a good job of treading a fine line between "why is this kid in danger" while not stripping agency from her: a lot of tension in the later parts of the book comes from responsible adults not wanting Beck in danger, and then because of it infantilizing her and her pushing back to be respected in her home and vocation

Unraveller, by Frances Hardinge. Just finished this the other day, an excellent fantasy novel. I particularly appreciate the push-and-pull between the two POVs, and how this is a teen novel with a male and female protagonist and there is absolutely no romance. Very nice fairy tale/fae vibes, riffing on general feeling rather than adapting a specific story, which is always a trick to pull off. Nettle's backstory in particular feels like she could be a retelling of an existing story, but I'm pretty sure it's original (though pulling inspiration clearly).

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath, by Garth Nix. I read this when it came out, so my memories aren't strong. I remember being disappointed: I don't know if it's just that I'm older, but the newer Garth Nix books have not lived up to his reputation. I like the lead characters, but I didn't have any particular reaction to the books as a whole. I will say I find it amusing that this is sold as YA despite the protagonist being a university student. This could easily be swapped with the one below.

Abeni's Song, by P. Djeli Clark. I think this book is suffering largely from how broad a category the lodestars are. The other nominees I ranked are all books aimed at older teenagers with crossover appeal for adults, whereas this book is middle grade. It's hard for me to judge, because I feel like I would have liked this book if I was the target age! But it's hard to judge a hypothetical "would I have liked this at nine" versus "I like this now". I think the book should have spent more time on the adventure section rather than the living with a witch section, but probably the rest of the series will even that out.

[haikyuuwaifu]

Prologue

Genre: Drama, Humor

Warnings: Swearing, Attempted body take over, villain attack, mentions of someone passing away

MASTERLIST

Welcome Party Committee

“Kachan!” Izuku whined, gripping his best friend's arm. The blonde only scoffed, stuffing his hands deeper into his pockets. “I’m not helping you get with half-n-half idiot. We’re just a bunch of kids, and we’re going to UA.” Katsuki grumbled, giving his friend his sternest glare. “Who the hell has time for shit like dating when we’re trying to be fucking heroes.” “This isn’t even about Shoto!” Izuku hissed, glaring over at the blonde. “This is about that super secret training I know you’re doing with Endeavor!” The greenette whined. As the two teens made their way back home, they argued and poked at one another, unaware of the villain slithering behind them.

Ten minutes later , found Izuku Midoriya standing helpless as he watched the slime villain take over his best friend. The heroes around him weren’t moving, and he’d tried calling their parents. The signals were down. Izuku could hear Kachan’s agony as the villain stretched his face and his limbs. He felt helpless, his skin sparking as he tried to control his quirk. His father told him he wasn’t allowed to use it unless he or Endeavor was around. Watching Katsuki’s body morph and change, hearing his best friends cries, Izuku’s heart broke. As lightening licked at his skin, Izuku got into position to move. 

“Watch out!” Someone shouted from the sky. Izuku looked up to see Hawks, propelling what looked like a person, toward Katsuki. He watched as the human projectile dove straight into the slime villain, and screamed when he saw the villain spit Katsuki out. Scrambling, Izuku pulled his friend into his chest, backing away from the fight. The boys watched as moments later, the slime villain began shrinking. Izuku could see the villain being sucked into a container. Following the arm being held out, Izuku was surprised to see a hero he’d never seen on Japanese television standing in front of him. “How ya been Cat-suki?” The hero teased, giving Katsuki a wink. The blonde teen blinked rapidly, eyes trying to refocus. He’d caught his breath, and had finally gotten his bearings. “Y/n?” Katsuki whispered, eyes taking in the way her ears flickered at the call of her name. “It’s good to see you Cat-suki!” She cooed, tossing the container up to Hawks. “You shitty woman! I told you to never call me that again!” Katsuki barked scrambling to his feet to pull her into a hug. Y/n only laughed, holding the boy close. “It’s been a long time hasn’t it.” She teased brushing his hair back. “Are you okay?” She asked, as the blonde scoffed. “I could have had him.” He sniffed. Y/n and Izuku shared a look, when the crowd parted. “Katsuki!” Enji shouted, pushing through the crowd. “I’m fine pops!” Katsuki barked, his cheeks pink as Enji gave his stepson a once over. “You’ve finally announced your arrival neko!” All might boomed, giving Y/n a flashy grin. “Fuck off old man, next time, try not to take your sweet ass time getting here.” Y/n sniffed, flipping him off. Izuku’s jaw dropped as Enji tried to hide a laugh. “And the rest of you!” She shouted, sneering at the heroes in the surrounding area. “The next time you even think about hesitating to save a civilian, I’ll shove my foot so far up your fucking ass you’ll taste leather for fucking weeks. You have a duty. If you’re just in it for the money, quit right fucking now.” She shouted, shooting the camera’s the middle finger salute. “Pro Hero Neko is here Japan, and you better be fucking ready!”

Hours later found Y/n whistling as she took in the Todoroki home. “Damn Mitsuki, you really landed yourself a sugar daddy.” The hero shouted, as the sounds of pans clattering rung through the home. “Y/n!” Mitsuki shouted, meeting the woman half-way to the living room. Y/n laughed as the older woman pulled her into the tightest hug she could muster. “How the hell do you know the #2 American Hero?!” Izuku shouted, gripping his best friend's backpack. The rest of the Todoroki’s were sitting at the dining table, sharing dubious looks of curiosity. “After Masaru passed I left Japan.” Mitsuki stated, her arm still wrapped around Y/n’s. “Yumi, could you finish setting the table for me.” Mitsuki asked, pulling Y/n into the kitchen. The girl, “Yumi” nodded, sliding her phone into her jacket. “Sure thing mom.” She smiled, making her way over and bowing. “Fuyumi Todoroki.” “Please don’t be formal. My manners are atrocious at best.” Y/n mumbled sheepishly as the two women shared a smile. “I was really just some crap teen looking for some extra cash. Mitsuki needed some help with Cat-suki, so I stuck around for a few years until it was time for me to graduate.” Y/n supplied, as she helped Fuyumi carry dishes. “You call him Cat-suki?” Natuso cackled, as he and Shoto shared a look. “If you call him Cat-suki I’ll neuter you both.” Y/n declared, a friendly smile on her face. Enji had entered the room and simply shrugged. “I’ve been keeping an eye on Y/n since she debuted in the US. She could probably kick my ass if she wanted to.” He supplied, taking his seat at the head of the table. “Are you alright Katsuki?” Mitsuki asked, pulling her son into a hug. “I’m fine ma. Promise, I’ll be okay.” “You’re gonna go see a therapist anyway Cat-suki or else.” Y/n hummed, as everyone started plating their food. Izuku had so many questions, but he promised Kachan he’d wait. The slamming of the front door alerted the rest of the Todoroki’s that their final family member had arrived. “Fuck, I’ve had a long ass fucking day. To top it of, Keigo’s been fucking busy being a fucking d-” Touya stopped his sentence, when he recognized Y/n sitting in his seat. “What the hell is she doing here?” He hissed, giving the woman a glare. Y/n only smiled, taking a bite of her food. “Good as ever Mitsuki.” She praised, taking another bite. “Sit down and eat fuck face.” Y/n grunted. Natsuo and Shoto waited, knowing Touya’s temper would rear its ugly head. The man only blew flames out of his nostrils, stomping over to the table. “Fuck off.” He mumbled, as Y/n flicked him with her tail. “Good to see you too metal face.” she cooed. Touya’s blush caused his brother’s to break out into an uproar. Enji could only sigh, knowing Y/n was going to throw everything into chaos now that she was here.

In the Aizawa home, Shouta was sitting in the living room grading papers. Eri had just finished her bath and Shinsou had just finished braiding his sisters hair. The trio was watching the news. “I can’t believe that villain snuck up on Suki like that.” Eri mumbled, as she and her brother watched the footage. “It’s not everyday a villain like that can get the jump on someone usually so vigilant.” Shouta replied, eyes on the paper in front of him. “Midoriya said he’s doing okay.” Shinsou mumbled, eyes watching the footage on the screen. “She’s a kitty!” Eri shouted, clutching her stuffie excitedly. Shouta looked up, coming face to face with a woman he’d never seen before. “Pro Hero Neko is here Japan, and you better be fucking ready!” Shinsou let out a laugh, as Eri giggled. “She said a bad word on television!” Shouta snorted, clicking the tv off. “Must be one of those new younger heroes.” he grunted, running a hand through his hair. “Zuku said that she’s Neko. The number 2 hero from the U.S!” Shinsou muttered, his eyes widening as he tapped away on his phone. “Said she relocated to Japan and she’s a friend of Mrs. Bakugo.” Shouta gave his son a grunt, his eyes trained on the test in front of him. “Well I think she’s great!” Eri hummed, tucking her stuffie under her chin. “And she’s real pretty too.”

Prev/Next

[echoalyssa]

hi! i was just wondering if you could write maybe something about how the reader is shy when it comes to sex and cant really say what she wants in the bedroom without getting flustered and just gets flustered easy in general? could you maybe do this with theo from teen wolf? and maybe theo makes her say it anyways and teases her about it. smutty times ensue ya know? thank you so much 😁😁

Authors Note: Oop. This took way too long to get out. I am so so sorry. Thank you for your patience and your support!

You’d been alone together hundreds of times. The two of you had been best friends before you had gotten together and started dating. But this time? This time felt different.

You’d also kissed him thousands of times, made out with him, been turned on by him. You'd had sex before, but were always too shy to initiate it.

Except today when his lips move to your neck as they have before, you want more. You want him.

You just… happened to be too nervous to initiate anything and Theo would never do anything without permission so you would have to initiate it.

You’re wearing a skirt today, one of those adorable little plaid skirts. Theo groans softly and his hand grabs your ass, urging you to straddle his lap. You follow his guidance eagerly though your movements unsure. Your skirt continues to ride up as you settle with your knees on either side of his thighs. And somehow his long middle finger ends up brushing your underwear enough that he stops kissing you.

“Y/N?“ he asks.

You frown and look at him. “What?”

“I don’t know if you noticed but I touched you. And you’re- you’re really wet.”

Oh you had definitely noticed. You flush. I mean sure you were turned on but had he really noticed that certain aspect?

Your mouth opens and closes rapidly, like a gold fish. You have no idea what to say.

“Am I?” You finally choke out.

He doesn’t hesitate. “Do you want me to touch you? Give me permission and I’ll make you feel good.”

More hesitation from you, purely from your shyness. You nod once, firmly, but refuse to look him in the eyes.

Theo Raeken lifts your chin and looks into your eyes. Searching for your gaze to check. You know he’s also using his enhanced chimera hearing to listen to your heart rate and breathing.

He seems satisfied with your answer. He’d touched you before. You had touched him before. Which is why you had assumed that he would touch you, not free himself from the confines of his jeans and push your underwear aside. He places his hands on your hips and pulls them forward so that you’re naked core glides over his length.

You whimper. It’s a feeling unlike any that you’ve experienced before. Your body is set alight it seems and your hips just can’t stop moving, stop rocking. He’s not helping you at all, but instead letting you learn what you like.

“You feel so damn good and I’m not even inside of you yet. Fuck.”

You whimper, his words going straight to your core.

His length jumps beneath you, brushing up against your clit and you jump, hovering above him unsure.

Slowly you lower yourself back onto him and press a timid kiss to the side of his jaw.

"What do you want, baby?"

His voice is low and raspy, lips brushing against the shell of your ear. It's just so hard to put it into words. To tell your boyfriend that this is something you've been dreaming of for weeks.

If only he could just read your mind and know exactly what you wanted.

Theo's hands are resting on your hips and he slowly guides your hips in slow circles on top of his hips before pulling away, asking the question again.

"What do you want?"

Just the tension of being that close to him has you beginning to climb that slope to bliss. Theo's lips drag across your neck, leaving hickies behind to show the world who you belong to.

"Please..."

"Hmm..?" He asks, "Please what?"

You make a broken noise, struggling to communicate with him but desperate for some sort of stimulation.

"I wan't..."

"Yeah baby? What do you want? I'm not doing anything until you tell me what you want." His eyes sparkle with mischief as the words leave his mouth because he knows exactly what he's doing to you.

"I want you to fuck me."

Theo grins, flipping you so that you're on your back between his legs in an instant. His fingers dance across that sensitive bundle of nerves, underwear still shoved to the side.

Your hips are riding his fingers unconsciously, focused solely on that fire in your belly that was beginning to grow. His fingers are amazing, but it's just not what you really want.

"Theo!"

His fingers speed up just slightly and you clutch his forearm.

"Theo! Your..."

You watch him shove his pants and boxers down, dragging the head of him against your opening. Your head falls back in satisfaction and you moan out his name.

He ducks his head, dragging his lips across yours while rolling his hips up into you.

You're feverish with desire. You don't think you've ever wanted something more in your life. It's Theo, nothing about him could ever be wrong.

"Theo fuck me!"

He doesn't need to be told twice. His hand dips between the two of you to line himself up and he shoves his hips forward forcefully.

You yelp, the sudden fullness of him shocking you. He grabs you leg, shoving it up over his shoulder and pressing a kiss to your calf.

He finds his middle ground, lots of power but a slower pace. Your boyfriend drops a hand between the two of you, his thumb finds the center of you and begins to rub little half circles.

"You're so big." You sob, clutching his shoulder, nails digging into his skin and leaving little red trails in their wake.

"So fucking good for me baby. Tell me how good I make you feel."

"S-so good T-theo! W-wanna cum f-for y-uou."

He grunts, hips speeding up and his thrusts going sloppy. He wraps a hand around your neck and leans down to kiss you.

That fire is building... building. Like standing on the edge of a cliff ready to fall but needing that final push. He moans out your name from above you and that's it. You clench around him over and over and over. Molten lava runs through your veins and you're screaming for him, legs wrapped so tightly around him that it brings him to his climax. His hips stutter uncertainty and then glue themselves to you as you feel him twitch inside of you.

He finally stills against you panting into your ear.

"Holy shit baby." He says with a low chuckle. "Wasn't that fun?"

[dufferpuffer]

Just read about you okaying one of the anon ask about random ships. Because just like so many people I too like your analysis...

I know that this might be out of your usual circle of favorite characters. Or a little strange ship too...

But I always found it interesting to think about two rebels of rhe family. One from house of black and one from house of Weasley.

Sirius Black and Percy Weasley.

I think the fandom has slept on Percy's potential as a lead character for good story.

Harry dislikes percy right along ron and twins etc but if we see from certain angle he was nit wrong in not trusting dumbles. And he having trust in ministry and authority figures and not wanting to be part of a vigilante group is also not bad thing.

Him having fights with parents is also nothing new, we all at certain age think that we know better than them.

Percy is a gryffindor though. He didn't say no because he was scared to fight. He said no because he didn't like Dumbledore approach. Again understandable as order was full of teens and ya with bright future if not for albus pushing them to fight

Mr and mrs Weasley make it seem like they don't want their children to fight but since they are affected by the war we can't say them no too. But they did everything in front of children in ootp. R + h+ h will be the front warriors because of harry but twins and Charlie and bill do follow their parents' foot steps..

The dynamic bw Sirius and percy I would like to explore but my brain is not much help in it as to what will be the interaction be like.

I mean with Sirius having seen with his own eyes that under Dumbledore regime they are all like sitting ducks, dumbles not helping his own unlawful imprisonment situation, making things difficult for harry.

What if the two join forces.

I too dont like age gap romances but in Wizarding word people live more that 150 years so what is a 14-15 year age difference.

If you are irked about a romantic relationship bw the two than you can share your thought on them platonically joining forces to help each other...

Sirius has a unique situation because he understand what it feels to just move away from your family. That it is not all sunshine and roses. That it is a tough decision. He also has been wronged by order and it's leader by ignorance and indifference, same as percy who like a typical middle child feels left out.

Sirius knows that though ministry is useless, this time he also doesn't wants to bet all his chances of win on Dumbledore like last time...

If you are interested I will like to hear your thoughts 🤔💭

Ok, first of all - I do not mind age gaps. It would be pretty hypocritical if I did, since my partner is 17 years older than me lol I cannot blame Percy for fucking a hot old man when I, too, fuck the hot old men. I find the whole concept of 'age gaps being irksome' demeaning - not to mention rooted in sexism, homophobia and ableism. An adult should be able to love another adult. Period.

That being said - Percy and Sirius... an interesting concept.

Overall I think, while they have ALOT of similarities, they have some aspects that would grind against each-other. That doesn't mean I don't think they can work, I just think they have a hump to get over: - Sirius' judgemental nature and being a playful bully. - Percy's pride and protective nature (being like his mother).

Sirius is an understanding, compassionate guy... but there are things that crawl right up under his skin: - Like 'abandoning' the people you love. He isn't an idiot, he can tell Percy hasn't abandoned his family, but he would think he is wasting his time at the Ministry of all places rather than actually being there physically and emotionally for them. - He also can't stand stiffs. His parents, his brother - even Molly herself, doesn't want the kids to do anything... He is a firecracker. He likes to poke sleeping bears and break some rules. - Percy is proud, to a ridiculous level. He will close his eyes to the truth in order to keep pushing. He has decided on what he will do - and even if everyone he loves says no. He has the childish desire to be a Big Grown Boy which leaves his ego easily bruised... and Sirius would find that naive, and perhaps a little too much like his brother. Percy may be an adult, but he acts like a snotty little brat.

The main dynamic I could imagine them having - Is Sirius being annoying, like a third Twin, someone that pokes fun at Percy's expense for a laugh... but with a burning, caring desire to not let Percy become another Regulus... or another HIMSELF. Facing the pain of having to lose a sibling before he has the chance to reconcile with them - just because he was stubborn.

I think Sirius would want to SAVE him from his own mistakes... and for Percy, having yet another person see his ambition as a mistake would be aggravating. Sirius' earnestness with his concern would harm his pride. And that's an interesting dynamic to work through. Perhaps, forced to abandon his pride - like being fired from the Ministry - would open Percy up to listening to an old dog who has seen the 'truth' of the world...?

Maybe spending more time with Sirius and seeing how the Ministry has treated him - how they continue to treat him - would disillusion him to the Ministry. He believes when his family says Voldemort is back, and he believes Sirius when he says he was innocent... and so he finally has to make himself wake up from his dreams and put his burning passions to a different goal.

Sirius is trapped in his house... but Percy is free. Maybe it starts as just running errands, but turns into a team. The both of them working together - maybe Percy even working within the Ministry, spying for Sirius specifically. Spending all that time alone together, moping about becoming jaded, drinking about their dreams going up in smoke... I mean if you want intimacy or romance that's a perfect launchpad.

I know in the extended text below its alot of negative stuff but I would DEVOUR a good fic about them. I would LOVE that. If you are planning on writing one WRITE IT - and if you aren't... any recs?

Extended thoughts below (900ish words)

Firstly... I love Albus. I stand by him and most of his decisions... though I agree that Sirius is probably not the biggest fan and for good reasons... but I don't think we actually see him disagreeing with Albus much in canon...? I might be forgetting something. Sirius is DEFINITELY keen on the 'child-soldier' thing. He FIGHTS for Harry and the kids to be involved when they are underage. If Percy wants his entire family out of the war, especially his siblings... Sirius wants them in. An interesting conflict.

~~~

I don't think Percy didn't join the Order because it was 'full of teens' - it wasn't. It had 3 teens that visited sometimes - and they were kept in the dark until they were 17. Dumbledore wasn't making child soldiers, aside from Harry - but what choice does he have? "...with bright futures if not for albus pushing them to fight" They won't have ANY future if they don't fight for their lives. By the end of GoF it isn't a question of if, but when: When will Harry be forced by fate to fulfill the prophecy? When will the Burrows' protective charms fail and expose them? When will Hermione fight for her life as a muggleborn? These events are guaranteed. Not hypothetical.

I know this is a tangent, but Albus fought in possibly BOTH Muggle World Wars and three Wizarding wars. He knows the horrors of war. He tried to shelter Harry, to keep him at arms length, unaware of politics, hidden in safe places... but he couldn't do that forever. Especially not when the Ministry was unhelpful, most of the Wizarding World was blinded by propaganda - and he was dying.

Shit I talked about Albus too much again, what was I saying? Oh yeah - I don't think Percy didn't join the order because of that. I think he simply had faith in the Ministry and Pride in himself. His older siblings left the country, leaving him as the eldest. His father stayed in a low-paying job he was constantly putting at risk... and wasn't trying to be promoted. He wanted to turn his families life around. He LOVES his family.

~~~

While Sirius knows how difficult it is to leave family you have a complicated relationship with - he left his family because he rejected them. He numbed himself to their fates the best he could.

Percy left because he loves them. He wants to support his little brothers and sister. He wants to make his Mother proud and earn his fathers respect. He was going to work his ass off in these turbulent times and work his way up to being Minister of Magic.

...Sirius would think that is very cute. He is jaded. "You really think Cornelius Fudge got to his position through 'hard work'' and 'honest effort'...? Oh, you sweet boy... how naive." But I also think it would bamboozle him a little: "You love your family, but you left them? You aren't fighting with them? You're messing about at the ministry instead of being their knight...? You're being a cute little secretary or whatever to the same old bastard that pushed for me not to get a trial??" Sirius is loyal to a fault. He would acknowledge Percy's drive as admirable but think he is putting it all in the wrong place. Sirius could see Percy's heart, his intent, his love - in a way that others don't... but he doesn't relate. Percy's heart is good - but he's off chasing silly dreams. This isn't the time for dreams. This is war.

~~~

Percy was a proud prefect and Head Boy - exactly the sort of rule-enforcing snob Sirius would terrorize for fun. That's not a deal-breaker or anything - but Sirius is more like Fred/George. An interesting dynamic since Percy can't stand bullying.

~~~

Percy has faith in the Ministry, enough to stick with them all the way until the last book - and thus, has little faith in Sirius Black. He isn't going to out him, but he doesn't see him doing much either: 'Sitting drinking in your mothers house... Not exactly trying to clear your name, are you?' He might even feel some embarrassment for how the Ministry failed Sirius, which could come out in all sorts of victim-blamey ways.

~~~

Percy doesn't have many people on his side, but he doesn't feel like he NEEDS them on his side. He is a big tough man all on his own! Sirius might show him compassion and some understanding, but I don't know if Percy would care to listen to him. He is a bit independent man now - and, for awhile, people trying to show him compassion and understanding might make him feel patronized.

~~~

Just the image of Percy sending back his christmas jumper, disowning his family... Sirius would go off his rocker. He knows what family pressure is like - but he also knows what the Weasley dynamic is. He knows what Percy is pushing away from and it is pathetic. They love him in all the ways Sirius' family never did, and for Percy to reject that would hurt Sirius, too. "...You made your mother cry, Perce. And Molly isn't like my mother."

~~~

Also sorry this took awhile I wanted to both give it good thought - and shit got busy, I fostered an injured bird for awhile

[pansyboybloom]

Okay what?? I leave to get dinner and suddenly you're being accused of wanting to abolish the sex offender registry? That's not like you, what did they misinterpret?

And who the fuck do I have to murder with my teeth bc I may have just eaten but I'm still hungry

basically, i made a post explaining how in the USA, the SOR includes more than just abusers; it targets trafficking survivors (sex in 'public' spaces, which includes hotels, motels, etc), sex workers (full service is completely illegal where i live and an automatic sor addition), the homeless (peeing in public puts you on the sor, for example. what are you supposed ot do at 2am when we dont have public bathrooms?), teenagers who send nudes to each other, since that is technically the distribution of cp, etc. in my state, you can be put on the sor as young as thirteen. for example, kid i went to high school with was on there bc he had consensual sex with his 3 months younger bf ( the boy had just turned 18, bf was three months from 18, they'd been dating since middle school) and when the homophobic parents found out, called the cops bc they couldn't believe that their son was gay and insisted it hadn't been consensual. the guy i knew was charged with statutory rape and killed himself after being put on the registry. now granted, in my state now, we have a sort of 'romeo and juliet' law where if two people were underaged when they started a relationship and then one became of age it would be a case-by-case basis and not automatically statutory, but for this kid it was too little too late. he'd dating this guy since they were both 12. i understand the point of the sor, i understand why people would want rules and regulations, but it doesn't work that way when actually executed.

in Missouri, there is a proposed bill that teachers who help students transition should be put on the sor. the sor, while i understand its intention, allows the state to make a list of people it doesn't like, and when the state has the power to change what that list means when ever it wants, that gets dangerous. in Florida, there has also been a push to make doing drag in public a sexual offense. should we let them put drag queens on the sor? should someone's job prospects and life be ruined bc they were homeless and really really had to pee? should a trafficking survivor who was arrested be unable to gain access to resources they need, since most care clinics and such dont allow sex offenders on their property? should a 15 yo's life be over bc they sent a pic of their boobs to someone they love? basically, the sor in the usa is useless. a majority (like majority, majority) of predators never make it on there, and instead, tons of innocent people are.

that's what i said, and people took it and ran in the most bad faith ways ever. i dont think we should just let harmful people run rampant in the streets, i think that innocent teens shouldn't be pushed to suicide bc of homophobic parents over consensual sex, ya know?

[raayllum]

...? so if we swap out the immortal character for say, I don't know, a 60 yr old, someone older than both Viren and Claudia and maintaining the same power imbalance and you still don't see the difference shipping a 60/unspecified middle aged person versus a 60 yr old/19 (met at 17) yr old then I don't know man - like I get it yada yada it's fiction I don't care for them either but to pretend one isn't more problematic than the other, for like common sense reasoning, is a little silly

I don't know how to tell you this, but age gaps 1) aren't inherently bad and 2) what can make them bad/worrisome is the power imbalance, typically between men in their late 20s and girls in their late teens, that the age gap can bring in terms of maturity, life experience, and manipulation tactics. All things that Aaravos has over both Viren and Claudia somewhat equally. He's been more outright manipulatory towards Claudia, but he also quite literally has Viren's whole ass life in his hands to treat like a toy. So it kinda evens out there, if you ask me

Also will reaffirm in my tags: I grew up reading greek myth. Aaravos is literally thousands of years old, yet appears to be like, maybe in his 30s-40s (it's hard to tell because no visible signs of aging, but he's definitely more adult than young adult leaning). And if you grow up reading greek myth, gods are banging mortals left and right under extremely or outright non con situations (hi Zeus and Apollo in particular). I also read "Wuthering Heights" (one of the most fucked up quasi-half sibling relationships ever) and "Jane Eyre" (18 yr old girl and her 40 yr old employer) while getting my degree in how fiction can, or when it doesn't, influence reality, how views on age gaps and even incest has changed in society and fiction over time (the Victorians idealized a lot of weird stuff but we also get a lot of their moral hangups regarding sex in general).

Aaravos is not like a '60 year old man'. There is no real world equivalent. This shit happens every single time there's a vampire or god or angel or mortal shit (which errs towards teens, bc YA, but is also there in Adult fiction) but like. You think that immortal being is cognizant of a human being 15 vs a human being 30? You think they have any solid comprehension of what that lifespan is like? You think Aaravos gives a shit as to Viren in his 40s (which, how would death aging work anyway?) vs Claudia being basically 20 when Aaravos is thousands of years old?

TLDR; I get that age gaps on a base level can make people uncomfortable, but that sort of reading requires and engages with zero critical thinking skills, because it's the power imbalance that that kind of age gap can help facilitate that's the issue, not solely the age gap itself. Same as to how most toxic/unhealthy relationships, regardless of the ages of people in them, also have power imbalances, because that's what makes it unhealthy. And the unhealthiness of the ship can sometimes be precisely why people like it, even if it isn't my cup of tea, but I don't have to get up on my moral high horse about it

I think it's a little silly to buy into rhetoric that pushes far right conservative moral panics, sorry

[unluckyxse7en]

Tell me about that book you read as a kid that made a strange and specific impression on your psyche?

(Sorry I didn't answer this sooner!! I was Stuck on it and then forgot 😭 )

(Edit: FUCKER GOT HIDDEN IN MY DRAFTS BASED ON WHEN I GOT THE ASK, NOT WHEN I SAVED IT SO I THOUGHT I LOST IT, SORRY IT'S EVEN LATER...)

I came up with a few books that might've qualified for this - "Freedom" by Angela Dorsey (one of many horse girl books, of the ghost horse variety) or "The Fire Within" by Chris D'Lacey (one of many dragon books - and I think my selection alone speaks volumes about me lmao)...

I think I've decided to talk about "House of Stairs" instead, by William Sleator. It might be an easy answer because it WAS strange and specific as books go, but it's one that's always consciously stuck with me whereas the other two books I think informed me on a creative subconscious level more than anything.

Full disclaimer - everything written from here on is based on dim recollection. I read it just once in middle school, a time I barely recall at all, and some elements are probably distorted/wrong based on how I envisioned things. But I'm writing it as is because it is SUCH a strong memory even if it's off in places, and I think that more precisely answers the heart of this question than if I pulled up a summary online and described it from that.

I'm also hoping to find a physical copy to own at some point, so part of this is because I'll be interested to come back to this and see how much I described poorly or entirely wrongly.

So that said. House of Stairs.

"House of Stairs" is, in essence, a story about sociological experimentation - the focus of the book is on several teens who get trapped in a labyrinthine space that lives up to the book's title, a reference to the M.C. Escher painting of the same name:

You can already see how this is the "easy" answer for a strange, specific impression.

The building they're trapped in is all white, stairs going up and down no matter how far you look - or go. They're trapped with no discernable exits and no resources, for unknown reasons and an indeterminable amount of time.

So then comes the actual experiments.

Aside from stairs, stairs, and more stairs, there ARE landings, here and there - and some of those landings have little stations with buttons on them. As the kids discover, if you push the button, you get food.

...Until suddenly, you don't.

Then the kids have to sort out, is it broken? Can they wait until it gets fixed? Should they try to fix it themselves or go elsewhere in search of the exit?

This leads to many things - heightened emotions, thoughts and theories, tension, arguments - until suddenly they're rewarded with food again.

Well. No one pushed the button, what happened this time?

And so it goes on, until it becomes clear - the stations are conditioning them, training them with rewards to silent tasks fulfilled. And as the book goes, the kids divide into camps - those who want to listen implicitly to the station, and those who don't. The station starts rewarding harmful behaviors to boot, to see just how far they're willing to go, so the focus of the book narrows to the protagonists who search for a way out.

The book is a YA novel so it ends with them finding the way out of course, being recognized for staying strong and finding a way out, and of course the innate reward of getting out despite the adversity. But the premise of this book itself stuck the strongest with me.

It raises questions like, what if that were to happen to me? What would it take? It's easy to claim you'd be strong-willed and find a way out, only because by knowing the book you know a way out exists. But in practice it's much harder, especially without that knowledge. How long would I last, would I immediately fall into the camp that follows the prompts? Would I resist but fall to its sway? Or, would I fall to the enemy camp, once it became clear they wouldn't get rewarded otherwise?

Sad thing is, as fantastical as the space itself sounds with its descriptions - almost akin to a white void with stairs stretching forever - the overall concept of a space being created for such a purpose doesn't even strike me as all that out there, and I think that suggests it's definitely left an impact on how I view the world.

It's just outlandish enough, and yet there's people all the time who would do such a horrendous thing, in the name of research... or perhaps even just their own amusement.

Honestly I barely remember the ending - how they got out, life after. In a manner of speaking, I think I too got trapped in the house of stairs - only unlike the characters I'm still stuck there, poking around the place and contemplating just how much - or little - it'd take for someone to create such a thing in reality.

Hopefully that answers the question in a satisfying way ^^; I was stuck on this for a bit since, as mentioned before, a lot of my childhood has been lost to memory issues - it was hard determining what books impacted me how, when I barely recall what I was like before reading it, you know?

[literaticat]

In publisher’s weekly and some other publications, I’ve seen it more than once said by librarians that there’s a need for books for that black hole of an age range of 14-15, and a need for shorter books for the MG category. I think the article described some MG books as being as thick as your palm.

So, if we’re hearing these cries-- what does it take for publishers to hear the cries too?

(I realized after I pressed send on this that It's REALLY long and rambly -- even more so than usual -- probably because I am procrastinating packing for a trip I'm taking in an HOUR. SORRY!)

*

Publishers hear them.

It might surprise you to know that publishers actually DO publish books for 14-15 -- they are generally called in parlance "upper MG" or "lower YA" (or sometimes if somebody is feeling cutesie, "tween") -- unfortunately it's a little hard for people to FIND those books because, well, in the US at least, there isn't any place in the bookstore specifically for them. And there are fewer school librarians and others to do readers advisory to show kids (and adults!) where they are.

In the UK, as I understand it, bookstores sort of go "Children's - Teen - YA" and what WE consider "upper MG/lower YA" is "teen", and their YA is the saucier older stuff. This is smart, because a lot of times, kids of 8-12 ARE really strong readers, and WANT to get into more sophisticated fare and "read up", but they really AREN'T ready for, or even interested in, the sex-drugs-rock-and-roll of the older YA. (Hell, I don't even know that I'M ready for it sometimes lol). And kids who are 13-14-15 may want to read books about kids who are, you know, their own age, going through authentic middle school and early high school stuff -- but MANY of those kids are not remotely close to having boyfriends/girlfriends, worrying about their gap year before college or whatever.

SO ANYWAY - those books do exist, though I agree there could be even more. However, there's a discoverability problem, because if nobody KNOWS how to find them and they just have to troll through the MG or YA section trying to randomly figure out which MG books are a little more sophisticated and which YA are a little less sophisticated, like, they are going to give up.

Well, why don't BOOKSTORES just CREATE A SECTION then, and publishers can publish books labeled SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT SECTION? Yeah, I don't know. As I said, that seems like the elegant solution. The thing is, I think that a lot of times people chafe at "over labeling" things. Like if I say "this book is for 8-10, this book is for 10-13, this book is for 14+" and actually put prescriptive LABELS on them saying that, it's almost like "rating" the book or telling kids "you HAVE to read this level of book" when they are really ready for or want something different.

There ARE good reasons to keep "MG" and "YA" as broad categories that can encompass LOTS of kinds of books, rather than getting super granular. The kids section has always been a big tent where LOTS of kinds of books fit, regardless of genre, supposed age range, etc -- Like when I was 10 I very happily read Babysitters Club AND Sweet Valley High AND Judy Blume's YA fare AND Beatrix Potter AND Pippi Longstocking (not to mention Stephen King and VC Andrews!).

As for lengthy books: The fact is that big fat commercial series and such DO often sell better than quiet, introspective and short books. So those chonkers are also what they push the hardest and what people are likely to know about. (Not to mention, they are the most visible and take up the most LITERAL real estate on the shelves). So it can be hard to see the "little" books about 13 year olds going through friendship crises when there are 1000 giant books about cats having wars etc. They ARE there, though there could and should be more! (Yes, even though shorter books are published -- ALL books should be shorter, IMO -- and I think some publishers would agree).

I dunno, there's lots to unpack here and it's an interesting conversation for sure. As far as creating a new category -- it's tough. (Just look at the trajectory of "New Adult" to see how tough!)

I just think that it's bigger than "oh publishers can just decide this" on a dime -- there's actually several groups that would need to get on board (educators, librarians, booksellers, AND *all* Publishers) and likely an education campaign for readers and parents that would have to happen, yadda yadda, and it's above my paygrade!

[classicalliberalleague]

Thoughts on climate change? If I remember correctly maybe one of you thought it was fake in the past

Fake,no, but I think a more fair statement is that we think it’s typically been bad science relying too much on correlation equals causation.

That the climate is changing, I don’t think we’ve ever denied it (I can’t remember every post we’ve made, but if we were inarticulate about something it was unintentional, the climate is changing but the media for it is often done by idiots and we might have gotten impassioned in ranting against their idiocy). We may have pointed out that greater hurricane damage is more because you have more idiots building in areas with poor drainage than because of climate change; we might have pointed out that the predictions are always childishly apocalyptic and certainly that without this little thing called falsifiable testing its hard to call it science (common sense certainly, but not science). But I don’t think we’ve ever outright denied climate change.

Now, I will still argue that the argument that is 100% man-made and 0% part of a natural cycle is imbecilic, but it would be equally preposterous to argue that human beings have nothing to do with this.

But more importantly, I think the arguments that have been made over the last 40 years by the people screaming about global warming have had very little to do with wanting to help the environment.

For decades, we have been able to prove that air pollution lowers in the short term and possibly in the long term the IQ of children. Those results can be tested and repeated (like real science)…but the environmental groups never went with that kind of argument that would have driven middle-class suburban parents to demand immediate change en masse. Why? Because that wouldn’t leave the people in a position to still make money. (https://www.calhealthreport.org/2018/01/31/teen-exposure-air-pollution-reduce-iq-levels-long-term/#:~:text=These%20particles%20are%20about%2030,1%20point%2C%20the%20researchers%20found.) But, no, no, let’s just describe the future like a bad YA dystopian novel, not in deal with actual health problems in the here and now.

Same with nuclear power. It is far and away the safest, cleanest, and most efficient form of electrical power available (fusion will likely take that position in a few years). But the environmental movement is usually opposed to it because it would actually solve things. We should have replaced every last coal plant with nuclear power in the industrialized world decades ago, but we didn’t.

At this point, with rising temperatures, we should at least be attempting methods like releasing sulfur into the upper atmosphere (https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/12/world/solar-dimming-geoengineering-climate-solution-intl/index.html) on a global but controlled basis to see if it has any effect. But aside from some silly startup that won’t ever have the resources to do enough, no one is doing anything about this.

Oh, and I feel we quote Milton Friedman enough around here to remind you that Milton was the one who came up with the carbon tax. Now, certainly, I have many technical problems with the way it has been presented, but I don’t have a problem with it in theory. (If you want to quibble about details, you’ll have to tell me specifically which proposed version you like).

What won’t work is pushing ethanol (which causes tons of pollutants to be released because of fertilizer) or relying on solar or wind (which are still not effective and efficient for long periods of time).

Now, I am not suggesting some evil cabal. I am suggesting merely good old-fashioned short-term greed by individuals. Just as it can be shown, tests for drug efficiency seem to always come in favor of the drug when paid for by the drug maker but less often when paid for by an independent group (even when the testers supposedly are kept in the dark about funding)…I think that people studying climate science know that if there is a solution, then they are out of a job, so they have no incentive to give accurate or reasonable projections or to provide solutions that will work. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0141076820914242 Very few people will argue to eliminate their job.

The earth is getting warmer. This means we should build nuclear power plants, put in a carbon tax that works, move to hybrid and then electric cars, and attempt geoengineering…because telling people to drive less and lower the thermostat is not going to work, nor is giving Mad Max style predictions.

[aplpaca]

still thinking about adult media vs YA and middle grade and like. There's shitty YA that's popular and there's shitty adult stuff that's popular, and the shitty YA isn't shitty because it's YA, the same way the shitty adult stuff isn't shitty because it's adult oriented. I could talk about the effects of capitalism and social media and pop culture on what art is displayed/pushed vs not, and how that presents differently between genres and demographics, but that's another issue

Like, I read way more adult stuff than YA and middle grade, cause that's what I tend to enjoy more in terms of worldbuilding and the manner that themes are explored and what character dynamics portrayed. And I super recommend that adults who haven't branched out into adult books yet try some out, bc the seemingly common idea that adult stuff is either all "graphic sex and blood and violence" or "stuffy and pretentious" is wrong as hell and ur prob missing out on a lot of stuff you'd enjoy.

But at the same time, there are also books for younger audiences that I enjoy, and not just those I remember reading when I was younger. And I would recommend that adults who look down on YA and middle grade try a book or two that's recommended by someone whose taste you trust (feel free to avoid the stock popular ones, esp if that's what turned you off the demographic) and go into it with an open mind, bc there is good stuff being written, and just bc you wouldn't enjoy it the way a teen would doesn't mean there's nothing there for you to enjoy.

But like, even if you dont go to that extent, you should at least recognize that like, yeah individual books can be shitty and shitty books can be popular, but if you don't connect with literally an entire demographic or genre, that's a You Thing, not an indicator that literally thousands of works collectively have less worth than the stuff you personally enjoy.