#not a very good study but again. a needed one.

[jesteriajunovix]

I really love this post.

Talking about the implicit harms and toxicity within this Era of Internet Fandom fucking bangs.

There are so many layers of non-indulgence on the part of fans that create this "death of the author" bubble where the themes are melted into the shape of varying crude enigmatic desires.

It's very bizarre the scale of how much of it potentially isn't just ignorance, but a choice to ignore implication too. A very harmful thought that seems to be able to come from all forms of identities & fandom is the idea "I need this".

I need them to be gay, (Fujo Territory, and Toxic BL or GL)

I need them to be white, (White)

I need them to be in pain,

(sensationalized feeling externalized via the art of a character without thought of the contextual reality of what the art may represent to others. [Drawing young characters being bloodied, centering ones venting around depicting a character of another race being tormented, or further brutalizing a character tastelessly.]

and so on.

This idea of needing these characters in these ways and these ways showing themselves to be in demand for a fair share of a fandom's population genuinely is several studies and conversations to be had.

I say this with the intention of not coming off as pessimistic, but I do wonder if there will ever be a time when mediums, and media placed in this category of digital entertainment will be something communally more mature on a broader scale as the people who care about what other generations have deemed as "time wasting" art become more important in facilitating the safe spaces and environments in which this art is discussed and held.

Digital Communal Responsibility. Stronger Social Contracts.

There are so many social issues to worry about before we can really even consider getting there, but I have hope in my heart we will somehow.

It's too easy to ignore the task of actually indulging the meaning of art. Such a growing form of stagnation is so dangerous.

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

Thematic Questions

do you know what your reaction to the media you consume means within the reality of your identity as it intersects with others?

Where do you think an artist's artistic intent comes from?

did it come from a healthy or unhealthy place?

how might your headcanon relatively align or contradict the health state of their art?

does your headcanon come from a healthy or unhealthy place?

Is the way you indulge art amongst fandom and community healthy?

how & why?

This isn't a "put a shirt on" thing. Do your conclusions feel right to you? I can only ask that you explore that for yourself as your ideas surrounding art grow alongside you as a person.......

again SUPER good post from zzxid. They constructed such a good point in such a good way and I appreciate people who can use words like this.

I genuinely think Mouthwashing fandom is a good example on how real life misogyny is very wired on people brains and influenced how they engage with fictional misogyny.

You have a story about a woman being assaulted and telling a man he trusted but being dismissed because he is friends with the attacker, and people fixate on shipping her with either of those me.

You have a story about how men that downplay their male friends violence, assume neutrality is the safer option, unintentionally help create an environment that's unsafe to vulnerable people, at a risk becoming a victim themselves. And people make it about toxic yaoi.

You have a character kill herself because she didn't want birth the child of her abuser. And people make AUs where she happily keep the baby.

Misogyny isn't just "I hate this women", it's also downplaying their trauma, defending those who caused it, and reducing them to mothers or wives against their wished under this idea of what womanhood is about.

I don't think we can separate fandom misogyny from it's real world influence, not yet.

[maxanor]

i'm not saying this to be callous or rude, but i think what's hitting a lot of buckt*mmys hard is that they're truly just unable to admit that they aren't very good at media analysis. the term 'media literacy' has become so overused in fandom that i genuinely think people forget what it means- it's a learned skill, something you have to study, something you can educate yourself on by reading papers and books and watching all sorts of movies and tv. they're all so convinced that the breakup came out of nowhere when it could not have been written more clearly; tommy has consistently been shown as an outsider in buck's life.

to claim that "everything was perfect" in 8x05 is so ridiculous i almost don't even know where to start. they had two scenes without eddie: in the first, tommy was incredibly condescending towards buck and and his interests (it's time to put away the screen, you already had your five minutes, lights out evan), and in the second scene buck literally says "my boyfriend won't even kiss me" and tommy responds with "that's not true" but they pointedly do NOT show them kissing. if the audience is meant to believe that buckt*mmy are endgame, it would have made perfect narrative sense to have them kiss right then to show (not just tell) us that tommy cares about buck, boils and all, and they did not do that.

moving onto 8x06, the only clue needed to show us they were going to break up was tommy buying buck lakers tickets. that's all it took. in 7x04 it's made so clear that buck does not like basketball. if tommy genuinely knew buck, he would not have bought him tickets to a sport the show dedicated an entire episode to telling us buck does not like! if their relationship was meant to last, tommy could have bought buck tickets to a fight in vegas like he did with eddie. this would have been a great callback, because it's supposedly the first moment buck got jealous of tommy and eddie hanging out. it would remind the audience that even though buck was jealous, he got tommy in the end and they're now doing the activities he wanted to do with tommy before.

once again, media analysis is a skill. no one is perfect at it, and ofc shows can throw away the book and make decisions that don't make sense. but to claim this came out of nowhere shows a severe lack of knowledge and understanding of how stories are written. the shippers were seeing what they wanted to see and they missed all the signs the show was sending them, and now they're claiming the rug was pulled out from under them.

[liketolaugh-writes]

I've been playing with a no-one-knows AU where Danny has been married to Jason for years but hasn't told him his secret. Jason knows that Danny isn't human, but hasn't pressed because Danny is so terrified when he approaches the topic. The Batfamily do not know.

Presently, the GIW are in Gotham and closing in, and the Box Ghost has come to Danny seeking help.

----

“You’re a ghost,” Jason said gently, pulling one of Danny’s hands away from his face to wrap it in his own. Danny let him. “Aren’t you?”

Danny’s breath hitched again.

Surprisingly, the Box Ghost looked almost as horrified as Danny.

“What? NO! I, the BOX GHOST, would not out Danny Fenton to his human family! For he is as human as I once was!” He flailed his arms in blatant panic. “There is nothing to reveal, for Danny Fenton is most certainly NOT a ghost!”

“What’s wrong with Danny being a ghost?” Box Lunch wanted to know, tilting her head up to peer up at her father in confusion. “Is it a secret?”

“BOX LUNCH!” the Box Ghost wailed, every inch a mortified parent.

“Yes, it was, or your father would not be so blatantly lying about it,” Damian told her, taking pity on the child ghost.

“Oh!” Box Lunch nodded seriously. “Danny isn’t a ghost!”

Danny let out a slightly hysterical laugh, and then started to cry, gasping quietly with tears pouring down his face, hunched down to hide from them. He didn’t pull his hand out of Jason’s.

“It is no longer a secret here, as it has become apparent,” Damian elaborated.

Box Lunch scrunched up her nose. “Oh.”

“Ghosts are not bad,” Cass said softly, “if ghosts are Danny.”

“Danny.” Jason scooted closer and pulled Danny against him, and Danny let him, pressing into him without unwinding at all. “Danny, I already knew. I’ve known for years.” Danny tilted his head up to give him an incredulous look, and Jason grinned at him. “You’re not good at hiding it, stardust. Your freckles glow when you’re excited and your eyes flash green when you’re frustrated. You walk through closed doors when you’re sleepy and things fall through your hands when people startle you. I’ve known you aren’t human since we moved in together.”

“…Oh,” Danny murmured, guilt and relief and wonder swirling together in his still-wet eyes.

“Phantom!” the Box Ghost scolded. Jason took note of the sudden change in address. “You are the worst secret keeper ever!”

“Shut up, Boxy,” Danny snapped. He pulled away from Jason and wiped his eyes, sniffling. Their hands stayed locked together. “We, we need to hide you and bitty-bite b-before we talk about this any more. I wasn’t joking about the Guys in White.”

The Box Ghost flapped his arms dismissively. “They will not find us! They are looking for YOU, and their instruments will not be prepared for such subtle spirits as Box Lunch and I!”

“They are looking for me while I am hiding,” Danny said, soft but barbed. He wiped his face again and turned around to better face the other ghost, glaring sharply. “Something I am well known to be very good at. Far better at than you.”

The Box Ghost went so pale he was almost translucent.

“You don’t look like a ghost at all,” Tim said, studying Danny. “Your skin is pink, you don’t glow… most of the time, no pointed ears or fangs. Your eyes are normal.” His eyes narrowed. “Is this… not your natural appearance?”

Danny flinched. “I… I…” He swallowed, staring at nothing, and then forced his attention back onto the Box Ghost. “Your base signatures are pretty low. If you stop using your powers and suppress your auras as much as you can, you can probably bring them low enough to hide.”

No answers would be forthcoming for now, Jason understood. He signaled sharply to Bruce and Tim, the most likely to try to interrupt. Wait. Time-sensitive, finish operation before proceeding.

Bruce didn’t look pleased, but he nodded sharply. Tim just watched, thoughtful eyes fixed on Danny. Damian was scowling, Dick frowning faintly, but Cass’ curiosity looked borderline idle. Jason watched Danny interact with the other ghost with a healthy blend of interest and concern, and tried not to wonder if Tim was right.

“Box Lunch, do you know how to land?” Danny asked. It seemed like a silly question until Box Lunch wrinkled her nose and cocked her head.

“Land?” she asked, audibly uncertain. For that matter, her father looked vaguely baffled too. “Like… with my feet? On the floor?”

Danny managed a smile and nodded. Box Lunch eyed the floor, then drifted down to hover at floor level. “Like this?”

“Not exactly,” Danny said, sounding more fond than anything. He slid off the bar stool and knelt down in front of Box Lunch. Jason couldn’t look away; he’d been deprived of any open knowledge of Danny’s nonhuman side for so long that his curiosity was damn near insatiable now. And Danny teaching a kid of his species? That was doing things to Jason. Good things. “Close your eyes.” Box Lunch did. “Feel the energy in the air. Do you feel gravity? Do you sense how it pulls things down?” She nodded uncertainly. “Hold onto that feeling. Let it hold onto you. Do you feel it?” Nod. “Good. Now- let go of the sky.”

The instructions didn’t make a lick of sense to Jason, but Box Lunch dropped right out of the air and landed on her feet. Her eyes flew open, and she pinwheeled dramatically until Danny caught her.

“Ahh!” she squealed, looking dismayed. “I’m heavy!”

Danny chuckled. “No, bitty-bite, you’re still light as a feather.” He picked Box Lunch up and held her out in front of him, smiling. She squealed again, kicking her feet, her eyes bright with delight. “Good job. Do you think you can hold that?”

“Um, sure,” she mumbled, not looking at all sure.

The Box Ghost landed on the floor with a grunt - Jason suspected that he’d been listening to Danny’s instructions too. He held out his arms for Box Lunch, and Danny handed her over willingly.

“Now what?” the Box Ghost asked tentatively, staring at the floor like it would eat him. Yeah, Jason could definitely believe that he’d never landed before either.

“Now, you listen to me,” Danny said seriously. He reached out and grabbed Box Ghost’s arm, demanding his attention, and forced eye contact. From the Box Ghost’s wide eyes, this behavior was as new to him as it was to Jason. But then Danny continued, speaking as firmly as if he were willing his words into existence. “You are not a ghost. You are not a ghost.” Understanding flickered across the Box Ghost’s face, and he screwed his eyes shut. His glow started to dim. “You are solid. You are heavy. You are warm. You are made of flesh, blood, and bone. You are not a ghost. You are not a ghost. You are human.”

The Box Ghost’s glow receded and disappeared. Except for his blue skin, he almost looked human now. He opened his eyes uncertainly, and Danny gave him a weary smile and a nod, letting go of his arm and leaning back.

“But what about Box Lunch?” the Box Ghost asked anxiously, looking down at Box Lunch. She’d squeezed her eyes shut to try and follow Danny’s instructions, but didn’t seem to be meeting with the same success.

Danny sighed. “I’m not sure how to explain it to her,” he admitted, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair as he looked at the little girl with worry. She opened her eyes and gave him an anxious look, and Danny gave her a small smile. “It’s not your fault, bitty-bite. It’s just… you’ve always been a ghost, so you don’t have your dad’s memories of what it felt like to be human.”

Box Lunch stomped her feet. “I can pretend!”

“Then pretend,” Danny said seriously. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just do your best.”

“Wehh!” Box Lunch flailed her arms, brow furrowed in concentration. “I am human! My body is super solid and I crash into things a lot! And I run around on the ground and eat human food! Fear me!”

It was so cute that Jason muffled a laugh, and he wasn’t the only one. Box Lunch ran a circle around the floor, then crashed into a wall on purpose and bounced off, giggling. Even Bruce’s hard expression softened into a fond look.

“That should keep you off the sensors,” Danny said to the Box Ghost, voice low. Something about his eyes looked exhausted. “Just make sure Box Lunch maintains it. Maybe keep playing human with her.”

The Box Ghost nodded uncertainly. “Thank you, Phantom,” he said quietly. “I know that we can count on you.”

[msschemmenti]

girl next door 🏠- 2

jemily x reader

a/n: chapter two! i’m also posting this on ao3 under my user over there (eternaldulcet) :)

DC was turning out to be a rather enjoyable living experience for y/n. She’d finished unpacking within her first week and now was just settling into her new life. With June becoming July, the heat was high, but nothing compared to the summers down south she’d grown up in. She was rolling through all of her onboarding at the college and when she wasn’t on the campus, she was exploring DC. She’d seen the staples– the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and all that political jazz. But she’d found some real gems on her commute to work and back.

Aside from all the architectural and historical sites she’s seen, she really can’t express how enjoyable DC has been without acknowledging the gift that is Jennifer Jareau sprinting through the neighborhood. That first morning really had been a surprise, a beautiful, wonderful surprise! One that she very seldom missed now. Their schedules seemed to match in the sense that whenever JJ was out on her morning run, y/n was sitting on her porch swing nursing a cup of coffee. Or she’d made it part of her schedule. Not consciously but why change it now?

For the first week or so, they’d exchange a smile and wave and continue on their day. JJ headed for the stop sign at the top of the hill and y/n returned to her house. But one morning JJ switched it up a bit and detoured up y/n’s drive with a smile. She pulled her earbud out and smiled up at y/n, “Good morning neighbor.”

y/n pulled her eyes away from JJ’s sculpted stomach and met her eyes with a sheepish smile of her own. “Good morning indeed!” she nervously replied, pulling the mug of coffee closer to her chest.

JJ’s smiled quickly turned into a smirk and she leaned back in a stretch, one she knew highlighted all the physical features she worked so hard to maintain. “I see you’re an early riser like me.”

“Mmhmm, I sure do love the morning.” y/n nodded, distracted as all get-out. Hearing JJ’s pleased chuckle, y/n scrambled to sound more intelligent than she had initially. “I mean, I’ve really been enjoying the DC mornings. Plus once classes start I’ll be getting up this early anyway.”

JJ nodded, switching to a deep lunge, “Right, Em and I were wondering if you had started yet.”

“I’ve done all my onboarding with HR, so now it’s just meeting with my department chair and things like that. Classes start mid-August, so I’m soaking up my last real moments of freedom this month.” y/n explained around her mug.

“Gotcha, calm before the storm.” JJ smiled standing to her full height again, catching y/n’s wandering eyes. “Well let us know if you need anything before then. I’m not sure how much help we’ll be but we’re here either way.” They bid each other adieu and they part ways. From then on, if Emily and JJ are in town– it becomes a routine. JJ runs, y/n gawks, they talk, and part ways.

Emily, not exactly having the desire to wake early, catches y/n much later in the day. They too had developed a sort of neighborly wave routine, usually as Emily backs out of her driveway or the rare occasions that she and JJ make it home before dark. It was one of those days that she caught y/n struggling with a package that had been left at her mailbox. JJ’d left something in the car and sent Emily out to retrieve it, but she was complaining far less when she caught sight of the struggling younger woman.

Hurrying down the sidewalk she chuckled and swooped in to lift the other end of the box, “Let me help you with that.”

y/n sighed in relief as some of the pressure eased from her back, “oh thank god. I never did learn how to lift with my legs.” They side stepped their way up to the house and over the steps and with a bit of maneuvering got the package inside.

“where do you want it?” emily asked as they paused in the mud room.

“i’m pretty sure this is my bookshelf for my studio, so probably in there. i’ll lead.” y/n said studying the box before steering them both to the back of her house.

all the houses on the block basically have the same layout— so it wasn’t that surprising to see y/n was using this room as a work space considering jj and emily had done the same. what was surprising was the stark contrast to their office. they’d prioritized functionality and necessity in their space. walls were bare and the two desks took up most of the room. but y/n’s studio was way different. one corner was set up like a recording booth— walls covered in soundproofing foam and various microphones. a piano sat in the center of the room paper spread across the top of it. and the rest of the room held books piled high on the floor, different chairs.

“i can see why you need the bookshelf.” emily teased as they lowered the box to the floor near the books.

y/n chuckled and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “yeah, don’t judge me. after i left my last school— i may have done a little shopping in my colleague’s offices. you can never have too much literature. plus i’ve got to build up my repertoire for students.”

“no judgment at all! i’ve got my fair share of books lining our office as well. most of my mine aren’t work related though. but i didn’t realize there was so much reading involved in vocal music.”

“oh yeah, everyone feels important enough to publish. somethings work and others don’t. i just try to know as much as i can.” y/n shrugged, moving to straighten the pages on the piano. “if you’re not reading the david rossi profiling collection, what are you reading?”

emily laughed outright, “oh those are on our shelves, i tend to read classics from all over the world. i like to practice the languages i don’t get to use as often.”

“a linguist,” y/n hummed as she smiled over her shoulder at emily.

“something like that,” emily said bashfully before deflecting. “what do you know about david rossi? that’s a pretty crazy name to pull out of thin air.”

y/n giggled with a shrug, “i did some research after you guys left. i was curious about the world of profiling and he has like a million books about it.”

emily laughed and nodded, “yeah, that’s rossi for you.”

y/n’s eyes widened a bit as she turned and leaned against the piano, “you know him personally?”

“oh yeah, he works with us. trust me, he gifts us all signed copies of his million books for every holiday.”

“well i’ve heard of tootin your own horn, but seems he’s taken that saying to a whole new level.” y/n shook her head. “well thank you so much for your help. i guess we can add that to my running list of reasons why having federal agents as neighbors is amazing.”

emily’s brow rose and she followed behind y/n back through the house. “a running list you say?”

“oh yeah, cataloging all the perks. top of the list— strong brunettes come to my rescue when lifting heavy packages.”

“always at your service. let us know if you need help building it. jj’s got a knack for all that diy home stuff.” emily saluted as she stepped out of the front door.

“you’ll be my first call.” y/n winked and waved goodbye.

-

“grayson, shut up! there’s no way you said that to him.” y/n gasped down the phone.

“why yes, i absolutely did. i think he was so shocked he short circuited.” grayson laughed.

y/n shook her head and wedged the phone between her ear and shoulder. she’d been working in the kitchen for the evening having caught the sudden craving for an apple pie. grayson had called right in the middle of her pulling the pie out and there really was no way to ignore gossip from her old office.

“well what did the rest of the team say?” y/n asked as she slid the pie out of the oven and onto a cooling rack.

“oh you know how they get. yasmine asked 100 questions, alice and rita giggled quietly. while the rest just looked around. god the office is not the same without you!” grayson whined.

y/n laughed and opened the kitchen window to air out the kitchen and the pie. “i know i know. im sure everyone is happy that we’re not there terrorizing everyone together anymore. but gray— you can’t say stuff like that during departmental meetings. bless his heart, you know javier is a power hungry asshole who does not take well to women questioning his decisions.”

“yeah yeah yeah— i’m just so sick of him making it harder for our music department to keep any majors. you know he plays favorites.”

y/n went to reply when a blonde head of hair caught her attention right outside her window, where her pie was cooling. she peered down and met jj’s bright blue eyes. she had a soccer ball at her feet and her hands on her hips. y/n’s quirked in a curious smile and she held up a finger for the older woman to wait while she opened the back door. “well you know that’s part of the reason i left anyway. he’s too big for his britches and nobody’s brave enough to tell him as much.”

y/n ushered jj in while she listened, “he keeps calling this meetings before classes start and trust, i’ll be telling him more than just that.”

“ah now you hush, you will do no such thing. go sit down somewhere and calm down. you know as well as i do, he’s like a dog on linoleum. all talk with that one.” y/n shook her head and blushed at the amusement on jj’s face. “listen grayson, let me let you go. my pie is done and i need both hands. we’ll talk next week, okay? alright bye.”

y/n pulled the phone from her ear and hung up with a sheepish smile, “sorry bout that, we always pick up for office gossip.”

jj shook her head and leaned against the kitchen island with a smile “you really are from the south,” she laughed.

“oh boy, what’s that supposed to mean?” y/n watched as jj laughed. her abs flexing just slightly through her tank top.

“i don’t think i understood half of what you were saying. oh and your accent— gets pretty thick when you’re speaking so passionately.” jj grinned.

“oh if you ever catch me drunk it’s waaaay stronger. but i’ll give you that, between Georgia and Kentucky I've definitely picked up some pretty interesting sayings over my life.”

“i bet, my grandparents had their little farm sayings in Pennsylvania but nothing as interesting as what i just heard.”

“well did you come over to eavesdrop or was there something else on your mind?” y/n teased as she moved to check on the pie in the window.

“well i was kicking the ball around out back when i suddenly smelled something very delicious coming from your yard. and i just had to check it out. the eavesdropping part was a happy accident.” jj smiled coming to peak over y/n’s shoulder at the pie.

“well i guess you’re in luck then, it has about 10 more minutes to cool.” y/n smiled pointed to the freezer. “if you’ll grab the ice cream out of the freezer, i’ll give you a piece.”

“you don’t to ask me twice.” jj nodded and pulled the vanilla ice cream out. y/n nodded in thanks and invited jj to have a seat at one of the island stools. as soon as jj took purchase on the stool both women heard a knock on the younger woman’s front door. y/n looked a little confused but jj waved her off and headed for the door. “it’s probably emily, i kinda just disappeared from the backyard at the smell of pie.”

y/n giggled and nodded and watched from the kitchen as the blonde ushered emily inside, “i should’ve known you’d end up over here somehow.”

“there’s pie over here. can you truly blame me?” jj shrugged, poking emily’s hip affectionately as they both made their way to the kitchen island and y/n.

“well i would’ve yes had you come back with no pie for me.” emily grumbled.

“don’t worry— i would’ve made sure you had a slice.” y/n winked at the older woman. “you know what they say, happy neighbor happy life.”

emily eyebrows furrow in confusion, “who’s says that? i thought it was happy wife happy life.”

“is that another southern saying we don’t know?” jj teased.

“no, i just think neighbors should also be happy. i figure you take care of the wife part anyways.” y/n shrugged, subtly eyeing the women for reactions to her words. she was pretty positive the women weren’t just roommates but she wanted to confirm. that way maybe her brain would start supplying a little guilt when she found herself damn near drooling over one or both of her neighbors.

jj and emily, laughed and nodded in understanding, but almost instantly peeped the younger woman’s intentions. “oh yeah we’re strong proponents of the happy wife lifestyle.“ emily nodded. y/n smiled. taking that confirmation for what she thought it was. no chance babe.

but the jj spoke, “but you’re absolutely right— neighbors should also be happy. i’m sure we can make both happen.”

[brofightiscancelled]

list of fanfics i like

ichimatsu and todomatsu get white girl wasted. it's funny

totty climbs mt fuji by himself. really really nice character study fic

totty climbs other mountains with his brothers, followup to the last fic. the brother interactions are very funny and on point

denki mystery AU fic. the only one that exists, as far as i'm concerned. captures the stilted haunted vibe wonderfully. surprise cameo in the second chapter

suuji abt the spaces left between family gaps. i really like how jyushi's POV is written in this, it's a good balance of his silly goofiness and emotional intelligence. probably the only "jyushi deals w ichi attempting" fic ive liked

karamatsu's endurance test. excellently characterized. i like how it examines kara's Suffering without it feeling over the top or dramatic, the mundaneity of makes it sadder imo

osomatsu (high school) has a heart to heart with his dad while high on pain killers. i love how matsuzou is written in this one. i love family bonding

matsuyo watches her one-in-a-billion babies fight into the world. ohhhhh i love you matsuyoooo

97k word 46 chapter fanfic about karamatsu getting a gf and nothing bad happens to him. in breaking news, the super angsty and dramatic high stakes fan-favorite does in fact have the most ic, charming and hilarious narrative voice of all time

193k(??!!?) word fanfic abt karamatsu getting stuck in a time loop. again, the super angsty dramatic fan favorite does in fact have the most ic/charming/funny narrative voice. this one leans a Bit far into the drama for my personal tastes but is still excellent

high school matsus. ichi breaks his leg and jyushi pushes his wheelchair. most of the fic writers seem to have fallen off by the time the movie canonicized their HS personalities so i like every opportunity to see them interact

jyushimatsu's girlfriend meets all of his brothers. this one is just sweet and cute. i love you jyushimatsu's sad girlfriend

jyushi and ichi find a lost dog. this whole 2 by 2 series is quite good this one is just my fave

osomatsu and chibita pull back the curtain. now This is quality childhood friends content. character writing is great

jyushi post-letter fic. devastating. deserves special mention for the most fun jyushi character voice

^ this whole series is excellent. love reflecting on childhood moments. karamatsu having the best night of his life while his brothers are all having a fucked up and miserable one is so funny to me. i NEED to know how totty's interview went

[lee-laurent]

Together Again - Luke Hughes

Summary: Luke and Tori rekindle their relationship

content: angst, fighting, fluff, lots of fluff, oc x ex!john marino

wc: 3.3k

notes: PART 9! ONE MORE!!! i think the resolution between luke and john is kinda abrupt, but i didn't want to drag it on anymore and i think john would come to his senses. so... also this ends on a conversation that's gonna be the plot of the next part!!

Showing up at Luke's door made her feel like she was in a rom-com. Would've been even better if she was soaked in rain, but... she wasn't. Instead, she was awkwardly standing outside Luke and Jack's apartment, her hand raised to knock when it flew open, revealing a very put-together looking Jack.

"Tori?"

"Jack?"

"Yeah? I live here. What're you doing here? Luke doesn't want to see you."

"Oh, um, he doesn't?"

"No, he--"

"Who're you talking to?" A groggy Luke joined his brother at the door, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips, his hair a mess. "Tori?"

"I was just telling her to go. I--"

"No, no. It's fine, Jack. Come on in," Luke yawned, pushing his older brother out of the way.

"Whatever. I was just leaving anyway," Jack rolled his eyes, shutting the door loudly behind him.

"Where, um, where's he headed?" Tori asked, awkwardly rubbing her arm.

"Huh? Bar, probably. Not sure."

"You're not joining him?"

"Not really in the mood. More focused on the fact that the girl I'm supposed to be on a break from is standing in my apartment."

Tori let out a shaky breath. "I know I probably should've texted first. But... I wanted to tell you in person."

Luke sighed, leaning against the wall, his eyes studying her. "Wanted to tell me what?"

The words came out sharper than he'd intended, and he sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sorry, I just... I don't know what you could possibly have to say to me, Tori."

She stepped closer, her voice barely audible. "Can I start with 'I'm sorry?' Because I am sorry, Luke. I thought that taking a step back, would help things. But I just pushed myself back to John. Which... which isn't where I belong. I belong with you. And I-"

"Yeah? Sleeping with your ex-boyfriend really did wonders for your self-discovery, didn't it?" he bit out, his voice dripping with hurt. "Not the fact that he's your ex for a reason?"

"Luke. Let me finish. I know what I did feels unforgivable. But it really did make me realize that John isn't who I want. He's not who I need. Not even close. And honestly, he never was, even when we were together. It's you, Luke. It's been you for a while now."

Luke looked down at her, his jaw clenched, his hands flexing at his sides as he processed her words. Finally, he murmured, "How am I supposed to believe that? You don't know what's it like... thinking that I wasn't good enough. Like I was just a... a place-holder."

"You were never that to me, Luke," she whispered. "I didn't leave because of you. I left because I was afraid of how much I felt for you and how it was going to affect my family. And I know how backwards that sounds. I know. But I didn't know what to do with it. I thought I'd figure it out and come back to us more... solid. More sure."

"Yeah, well, I didn't need you to be 'more sure,'" he replied, his voice thick. "I just needed you."

Tori's hand reached out, her fingers brushing his bicep. "Luke... I know I messed up. And I'm not asking you to just forget it all. But I'm asking you to hear me. Because walking away from us was the biggest mistake I could've made."

"I just... it made me feel..." He trailed off, struggling with his words, his fingers nervously brushing through his hair.

Tori stepped even closer, until there were only inches between them. "I know. I'm sorry. I thought I needed clarity, but I just need you. Luke, you're where I belong and I'm sorry it took me this long to realize."

He swallowed. "And what if I don't know if I can just... let it go, Tori? I refuse to go through that again."

"Again, I'm not asking you to let it go," her hand found his, removing it from his hair before he made himself go bald. "But I'm asking you to let me try. Let me show you that I want to be here. I know I made a royal mess of things, but I'm willing to put in whatever it takes to make things right. If you'll let me."

Luke's gaze softened as he looked down at their intertwined fingeres, and his thumb began to trace gentle circles on her knuckles. "I've missed you, you know that?"

Tori's heart leapt, but she kept herself steady. "I've missed you too. So much, Luke."

His lips quirked into a faint smile as he looked at her, the distance between them closing even more. "Alright. Maybe we can try again. But this time... no second-guessing, okay?"

She nodded, tears pricking her eyes as relief washed over her. "No second-guessing," she echoed. "I'm all in this time. For real."

And as he pulled her into a tight hug, Tori let the tears finally fall. They were finally starting over--together.

~~

"Are you sure you guys are going to be okay?" Tori asked Ally for the tenth time.

"We're gonna be fine, V. Relax. Go have fun with Luke. Ri-Ri and I are gonna have a blast," her best friend laughed, placing her hands on both of Tori's shoulders. "Breathe."

Tori let out a long breath, closing her eyes as she tried to relax. It wasn't the first time she was leaving Riley with a sitter, especially Ally, but the nerves of going on a date with Luke again were getting to her. Her instincts were kicking in and she felt the need to protect herself and her son.

She took one more deep breath, giving Ally a grateful smile. "Okay... okay. I'm fine. Thanks for helping out."

"You deserve this, Tori. You'll come home, and Ri will be fast asleep."

With one final hug to Riley, who was happily playing Paw Patrol in the corner, Tori headed to meet Luke. Why was she so nervous to see the man she loved? Maybe she was worried about ruining everything again.

When she arrived at the quaint pho restaurant, she spotted Luke right away. He looked more put together than when she'd showed up at his apartment, and he broke into a smile the moment he saw her.

"You made it," he stood up to greet her.

"Almost didn't, but Ally wouldn't let me dip on you."

Luke laughed. "Remind me to thank her." His voice softened as he looked down at her. "I'm glad you're here."

They settled into their seats and Luke gestured to the menu. "This place is a hidden gem."

"It's perfect. I haven't had pho in ages. Eating out with a toddler usually only consists of Chick-fil-A and pasta. So this is a treat."

Tori was worried that the conversation would be awkward, that they'd sit there in silence between topics, but it wasn't. It was just like it was before. The conversation stayed light, talking about Riley, hockey, and funny things they'd seen recently. But as the bowls grew emptier, the conversation grew deeper, more reflective.

"Luke, y'know that I don't take any of this for granted, right? Being here, with you... it's everything to me."

Luke reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. "I'm glad you feel that way, Tori. Because I don't want half of you. I want all of this--all of you."

"You have all of me, Luke," she whispered. "I'm here."

Luke's smile grew, his eyes warm. "Tori, I don't think I can even put into words how much I missed you... and Riley."

"Riley will be thrilled to see you. He never shuts up about you and hockey."

"Future NHL player."

"Hmm... not sure about that one."

"I'll train him. He'll be skating in no time."

Tori shook her head, failing to hide her smile. "Whatever you say, Luke. Whatever you say."

~~

"Ri-Ri, look who's here," Tori grinned, pulling her son's attention away from his Duplo.

"'Uke!" he screeched, running to the door. He wrapped his arms around Luke's leg, hugging as tight as he could.

Luke chuckled, leaning down to ruffle Riley's curls. "What's up, buddy?" he asked, grinning as Riley clung to him like he'd never let go.

"'Uke! Play 'ego!" Riley said, tugging on Luke's hand, leading him eagerly to the pile of brightly coloured blocks on the carpet.

Luke shot Tori a smile over his shoulder, clearly happy to be back. She couldn't help the warm feeling that spread through her as they interacted. It was a different feeling than the one she got watching John and Riley. She wasn't sure how to explain it, but the feelings were too different to compare.

She settled onto the couch, watching as Luke dove into building towers and playing Bob the Builder with Riley. The two of them fell easily into their rhythm, Luke making exaggerated sound effects that had Riley giggling uncontrollably. Tori had never seen him so at ease with anyone except maybe his dad.

"You've got quite the builder here, Tori," Luke smiled, helping Riley to rebuild Scoop, the yellow digger. "Forget hockey. You've got a future architect."

Tori laughed, loving how natural it was having Luke there. She could picture their life together with Riley--a little family unit. He fit seamlessly into their lives. Why had she ever had doubts about him? Why had she let herself get in her head and sabotage something that clearly made Riley and her happy?

"Should we see how high of a tower we can build, Ri?" Luke whispered, earning a very enthusiastic nod.

"'uper tall!" Riley squeaked, handing Luke another brick. He balanced it easily, but then, with a grin, reached for Riley's nose.

"Boop! Oh no, the nose monster got you!" Luke declared, making Riley shriek. "We better protect our noses!"

Riley threw his hands over his face, giggling as Luke chased him around the room. When he finally caught him, he scooped him up, spinning him in the air as Riley erupted into laughter. Tori had never heard him laugh so hard in his life.

"'Gain! 'Gain!"

Luke raised his eyebrows, pretending to consider it. "Hmm... I don't know. I might be too tired. Unless..." He gave Tori a playful glance. "Unless Mama helps us with our super-duper high tower!"

"'Elp us, Mama! 'Elp us!"

Tori laughed, sliding down next to them, joining in the building with mock-seriousness. "Alright, team. Let's make the tallest tower ever."

They spent the next half-hour building, laughing, and toppling their creation over and over. Eventually Riley snuggled up to Luke, yawning with a sleeply smile, clearly ready for a nap.

"Nap time, Ri?" Tori asked, standing up and brushing off her jeans.

"No 'tank 'oo."

"Wasn't really a question, bubba. It's nap time."

"I don' know," he shrugged, snuggling closer to Luke.

Luke chuckled, looking up at Tori. "Someone's found a new nap spot."

Tori shook her head, smiling as she crouched back down beside them. "This is maybe the second ever time he's not wanted a nap," she teased.

Riley grinned sleepily, his eyeslids drooping. "Nap 'Uke," he mumbled, pressing his face into Luke's shoulder.

"Looks like you've become the favourite... again."

"What can I say? I build a mean tower," Luke said, gently adjusting Riley. "He's a special kid."

"He is," she whispered. "Thanks for being here... with us."

He reached out, giving her hand a loving squeeze. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

~~

Tori was on the phone with John, pacing around the living room while Luke and Riley happily played with his toys on the floor. Luke's laugh echoed through the room as Riley squealed, but her attention was on listening to John's request.

"Look, Tori, I know it's last minute, but I need to switch weekends with Riley. My brother can't come another time, but I'll take Ri next week to make up for it. I promise."

Tori bit her lip, looking at Luke who was obliviously helping Riley with his game. Next weekend was the first free weekend that Luke had and they were planning an outing to the aquarium. Riley hadn't been since he was one and Tori wanted to see if he'd still love it as much as he did then.

"John, next weekend's... kind of important," she said, hoping he'd understand without pushing. "We have plans."

"I get it, Tori, but I wanna spend time with my brother, it'd be hard with--"

"Maybe you should've thought of that before we had a child, John. I--"

"I'm asking you to switch one weekend, Tori. It's not that deep."

After a long pause, Tori sighed. "Fine. We'll work it out."

She ended the call and sat down, watching Riley climb into Luke's lap, his face lit up as he explained the latest addition to his Playmobil pirate-ship. Luke looked up, noticing Tori spacing-out.

"What's up?" he asked, setting Riley on the floor next to him, the toddler still babbling away.

"John needs to switch weekends," Tori said, trying to keep her tone neutral. "I... it would mean Riley would go to his next weekend instead of this one."

Luke's face fell, though he quickly masked it. "Ah, okay. I know you were looking forward to next weekend, but shit happens, V," he said with a small smile, though there was disappointment in his eyes. "It's gonna be fine. I mean, I can cancel shit with Z and Jack this w--"

"You're not cancelling on hanging out with your friend for us. We'll reschedule. I... I want you to be there with us. A little family outing, but you didn't sign up to cancel shit with Jack."

"Tori, I know what I signed up for. And I'm here for both of you. Z and Jack will understand."

"Nope. No way. You're not cancelling. John--"

Luke sighed.

"What?" Tori's brow furrowed.

"Just... sometimes it's hard knowing that because John's in Riley's life... he'll always be in yours too."

"I know it's not ideal, but... you're not a second choice. I promise."

"I know, V. I know. I--"

"Mama! 'Uke! Pirate! Arrr!!! 'Uke, 'oo play now?"

"One second, bud. Just let me finish talking to Mama."

"Everything is gonna be fine, Tori. We'll figure this out. Don't let it stress you out. I love you."

"I love you too, Luke."

"'Uke!"

"I'm coming, Ri! Let's see your pirates!"

Tori sighed, running a hand through her greasy hair. She had been looking forward to John's weekend. She was going to take a nice shower, clean the house, binge some TV and drink a few glasses of wine. Now... she was gonna have to take a babywipe shower and pray she didn't fall asleep in the middle of the day.

~~

Luke was packing up his gear when he noticed John lingering by his stall. It was unusual for them to end up alone together, but everyone else had already cleared out. Luke hesitated, but nodded in John's direction, signaling he was ready for whatever conversation John wanted to start.

John approached, hands tucked in his pockets. "Hey, Luke. Got a minute?"

"Sure," he replied, setting down his bag. He straightened, unsure of where this was going.

John shifted, looking uncomfortable but determined. "I just... I wanted to say that I appreciate how you've been with Riley. He talks about you a lot, and Tori said he's clearly happy when you're around. I can see it too."

"Thanks, John. Means a lot. Riley's a great kid, and I care a lot about him."

John nodded. "Look, I'll admit, it hasn't really been easy watching another guy take on such an important role in my son's life. But it's obvious Riley looks up to you. And I don't want him to feel like he has to choose between us, y'know?"

"Trust me, I don't want that either," Luke said sincerely. "You're his dad. I'm never gonna try to take your place. But I also want to be there... for both of them."

A silence hung between them, a final mutual understanding. Finally, John cleared his throat. "I think as long as we're both on the same page... for good, that's what matters. Riley deserves to have people that care about him. And I see that you really do."

"Absolutely. I'm here for both of them, but I respect your role in his life."

John extended his hand, and Luke firmly grasped it, both of them nodding. This was it. Peace at last. They finally had made peace. And Luke felt a renewed sense of purpose. Riley and Tori were his family. And he'd support and protect them, no matter what.

~~

Tori was scrolling through her phone, her half-eaten bowl of cereal forgotten in front of her. Riley was at John's and she was finally getting a moment to hereslf.

"Hey," Luke said, sliding in the room, looking... oddly calm.

Hey," she placed her phone down. "What's up?"

"I had a chat with John the other day," he began.

Tori swore her heart stopped beating for a second. "Oh?"

"Yeah. It was... it was good. We talked about Riley, about us. And we, uh, we finally seem to be on the same page."

"Wait? Really?" She couldn't believe that John had been so mature about it. "That's amazing, Luke! I'm so happy to hear that."

"I know. It feels good. Like the weight has been lifted off us."

Tori nodded, returning to her cereal. "Thanks for doing that, Lu. For all of us."

"Anytime, V. Anytime."

~~

Luke wasn't used to activities that involved lots and lots of excited children, so he couldn't help but feel a little out of place at the aquarium. He watched as kids ran around, their voices echoing through the dimly lit rooms, poiting at fish and pressing their faces against the glass.

Riley, who was practically vibrating with excitement, darted ahead, running as quickly as his little feet would take him. "'Ook! 'Uke, 'ishies!" he squealed, his face lighting up at the sight of a massive tank full of colourful, tropical fish.

Luke laughed, crouching down beside him. "Ya see that big one over there, Ri? I think it's giving you the stink-eye," he whispered conspiratorially, making Riley giggle. They stayed there, noses pressed to the glass, Riley's hand clutching Luke's while Tori trailed behind, smiling at how perfectly they fit together.

Riley pointed at an orange clownfish. "Nemo!" he declared proudly, looking up at Luke for confirmation.

"Yep, that's Nemo! And what about that one?" he pointed to a tiny, darting blue fish.

"Dowy!"

Tori joined them, her hand brushing Luke's shoulder as she knelt beside them. "Expert fish spotter Riley Marino. I like the sound of that. What about you, Ri-Ri?"

"Wiley Mawino!"

"Yes! That's you!"

They moved through the exhibits, Riley darting between tanks, his awe palpable. Luke and Tori held hands, exchanging smiles as they watched Riley live his best life.

"We should do this more often," Luke suggested, squeezing Tori's hand.

"You think?"

"Duh! This is so much better than sitting around and playing 'chel with Jack all day."

Tori cackled, "Luke!"

"Just telling the truth. Love you, V," he turned, pressing a kiss to the side of her head.

"Love you more, Lu."

~~

"You want me to meet your family?" Tori asked, trying to make sure she had heard Luke correctly.

"That's what I said."

"Luke..."

"I know, I know. It's a big step, but I know everyone would love you and Riley. It's a good chance for him to hang with new people."

"Meeting you family is... big. Like life-changing big."

"I know it's a big deal, but I wouldn't ask if I wasn't sure. Plus it's just a few days at the lake, nothing intense. My mom will eat up the time with a toddler. I think she's been secretly waiting for a grandchild."

Tori laughed, adjusting the sleeping toddler on her lap. "I... can I have some time to think about it? It'd be our first vacation together and my first time with your family. That's..."

"You've got all the time you need, Tori. Jack, Q, and I spend like most of the summer there, so any weekend that works for you... we'll make it happen."

"Deal."

[allastoredeer]

So due to having a new focus on hazbin because of Harlem sunset, and because of the disaster of the newest US election, I wish to ask for literally any fic recommendations with fluff in them or happy endings, please? I will take literally anything.

I feel that so much (ಥ﹏ಥ) fuck anyone that voted for Trump 🖕as if things weren't bad enough, now we have to deal with that fucker in office again.

I was scrolling through my bookmarks and it wasn't until I went searching for happy, fluffy fics that I realized how many dark, explicit fics I've saved.

Unfortunately I don't have a ton of purely fluff fics, but here's what I got:

Deer's Reprieve by rhamphorhynch

It's only 600+ words long, but its about Alastor and Niffty's silly relationship. It's super cute and definitely one of my favorite iterations of them so far.

An Angel's Head Goes a Long Way by Vylad

Vox takes the angel head to the Overlord meeting and accidentally starts courting Alastor.

Speculations on Unexpected and Unwelcome Video Evidence by flaggermouse

Vox spying on Radioapple and being a mess, featuring Valentino and Velvette as his live-audience. Silly and funny. (The whole series is great).

Bonding by Proxy by StriplestheBoar

Lucifer has to do royal duty stuff in the other rings. Alastor sends his shadow with him and Lucifer leaves his snake (the one from his hat) with Alastor. Very cute. Very fluffy.

You've Got a Face for Radio by ckret2

An amazing character study of Alastor and his asexuality. Seriously, one of my favorite fics. If anyone wants a super in-depth view of asexuality (or, at least a version of it, as it is a spectrum), then I highly recommend this fic. It was written before the show, so its based on the pilot's iterations of the characters, but their Alastor voice in general is so fucking good. 10/10.

The Radio Demon wears Prada by Godlizza

Alastor becomes Velvette's muse and they bond through fashion. The Alastor & Velvette besties fic I never knew I needed.

And that's all of the non-explicit fluff I have. I might have a few explicit ones that are fluffy, let me know if you want those too. I really am surprised with how many dark fics I've bookmarked >.< guess ya girl has a taste for doves.

[ghoularaki]

baby's breath | 13

↠  summary: Merely by coincidence, Erwin, your father's former friend had crossed paths with you again after nearly a decade. He offered solace once finding out you were struggling with not just school, but your home life as well. His home he shared with another one of your father's friends, Levi, became a sanctuary. Though, the more you came over for study sessions, the more they wiggled themselves into your private life. And like baby's breath, they weeded themselves in so deep you couldn't uproot them.

↠ word count: 3,071

↠ pairing: levi ackerman x reader x erwin smith

↠ genre/warnings: angst, smut, modern au, DARK CONTENT, yandere, daddy kink, forced infantilism, pet play, age gap, bondage, emotional manipulation

“What is there to talk about, Officer?” Levi questioned, impudence thick on his tone.

“Levi,” Erwin scolded.

From looking at the outside in, the picture painted was Erwin irritated by Levi’s tone, but you knew better. And maybe the police officer did too from the side glance he gave you.

Hand cradling your elbow, you could only watch the scene unfold in front of you.

“I mean no harm Mr. Ackerman, just some precautionary questions.”

The officer didn’t move the door, his stance lax and friendly. Though his golden eyes glinted with advertency.

Levi scowled at his last name being uttered. His body tensed, not exactly scared but prepared for a fight.

Sniffing out the hostile air, Erwin cut in. “I’m sorry about him. We had a very long day and he just came back from a business trip.”

“I see,” Officer Yeager hummed, obviously not convinced.

Swallowing, Erwin put on his pleasant facade, “What is it you would like to ask?”

“Ms. L/n had a lot of peanuts in her stomach for someone who is allergic and has known since she was a child. Care to explain?”

“That was completely my fault. I made something with peanuts in it without the knowledge that she had been in fact allergic and she had no clue until it was too late.”

The officer smiled with a quirked eyebrow. “How unfortunate. And why was an epipen not administered?”

“She lost it.”

Acknowledging you, he turned all his focus on your recluse form, “Is this true?” He laid his suspicion on thick.

Glancing at Levi, you gulped, “Yes.”

Officer Yeager hummed, “That will be all. Let me walk you guys to the receptionist so you can go home.” His eyes never left you while he spoke.

Walking out the door, he waited for Erwin and Levi to leave first. You stared at him as you followed the two. He closed the door and strided the same pace as you.

You held your breath the whole time. You could tell the truth. You could tell him everything, that you were abducted and stashed away in their pretty, unsuspecting home. Though fear gripped you. The unpredictability terrified you.

You got exactly what you wanted, a chance to escape. Now that it’s right in front of you, you were paralyzed. The officer was your ticket out, but who knew what Levi or Erwin would do.

Reaching the nurse’s desk, Levi beckoned you over. “You have shit you need to sign.”

Your vision wobbled as you stumbled towards the counter. The pen shook in your grasp as you tried to read what laid in front of you.

All you had to say was simple. But the risk was too high now. Both men crowded you and you had no clue what Levi would do. He was an abnormally strong man and he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Was the chance to save yourself worth the risk of the lives now in your hands?

You tried to reassure yourself. Officer Yeager seemed suspicious of them so all you had to do was wait it out. Suspicion wasn’t enough and as the two men crowded you, you knew you were doomed from the start.

Signing the release forms, you didn’t even flinch when Erwin patted your head.

“Let’s get you home,” He spoke with such a soft voice. He must be so relieved.

Placing a hand on your upper back to guide you, his palm burned.

“Have a good day gentlemen, Ms. L/n,” Officer Yeager called out.

Tilting his head back, Erwin called, “You as well.”

Clutching your fingers together in boney knots, you stared straight ahead not processing the blinking halls. Erwin didn’t let go of you until you were all in the elevator. The metal doors screeched closed, leaving you completely vulnerable.

If it weren’t for the cameras, you knew Levi would have been on you in an instant.

“Just wait until we get back. Maybe it will get inside your thick fucking skull once I’m finished with you.”

You didn’t reply, only zoned off.

“Oi, brat, are you listening?” Levi barked.

“Leave it be for now, Levi,” Erwin sighed, fingers pinched the top of his nose to ward off the incoming headache.

The doors dinged open. Entering the lobby, natural beams poured in from the glass sliding doors, breaking up the overwhelming fluorescent lights. Crossing through the frame, you left the hospital unsuccessful. You could only feel anger towards yourself for your cowardness.

The two men hauled you through the parking lot, following the sidewalks until you were at a more secluded area.

“Are you fucking stupid?” Levi was the first to break the silence.

You were about to answer, but Erwin cut in first. “I didn’t-”

“You didn’t fucking know?”

Your lids rapidly blinked as you looked at Levi and then Erwin. What the hell?

“Yes, Levi, I didn’t know. I haven’t exactly had the time to go through her medical records and obviously she wasn’t going to say anything.”

Medical records? He didn’t have access to that unless he was talking about the records given to you when you graduated high school. You remember it being haphazardly stowed away in your apartment. You stopped walking. He didn’t.

The two didn’t notice you paused as they continued to argue. From here, you could see Erwin’s sleek, black car in the distance. Backing away, you were about to run back into the hospital and beg for help, but Levi caught you. Before you could even slip away, his cold hand gripped you so hard a bruise had already formed.

His nails pinched your skin. “Oh no you don’t.”

Dragging you to the car, he threw the door open and shoved you inside. Forcing you to the left seat behind Erwin, he climbed inside with you. Grabbing the seatbelt, he buckled you in and tightened it so hard it dug into your hips.

Levi matched your glower. “Don’t start more shit. I’m already in a bad mood.”

You crossed your arms and leaned away from him to stare out the window. Huffing, he left you be. The door slammed. Glancing at the rearview mirror, Erwin was already looking.

Going back to the window, you rested your forehead against the warm glass. Erwin backed out of the parking lot and took off, taking you away from society.

Hitting the road, you watched all the tall buildings surrounding you. Deep in the center of the city, you even passed your former university. Sadness engulfed you of the life you were never going to have again. Say you do escape, you could never continue as you did before. You would probably have to live like you were being hunted.

The buildings got smaller and further apart as you approached the rural areas. Green trees with spotting oranges whirled past you. Was it already getting colder out?

Remembering the road to get to their house, panic hit you all at once. You were no more than a couple minutes from the home. Despite trying to prepare yourself for what’s to come, you can’t. You can’t do it.

Unclipping your belt, you gently guided it so they couldn’t hear the fabric rubbing against metal. Gripping the handle, you subtly tugged on it, but it wouldn’t budge. You pulled again, but it didn’t give. Freaking out, you rapidly yanked on it, not caring they could obviously hear and see what you were doing.

“Hey!” Levi barked.

You ignored him as you used your full body to jerk at the handle, tears spilling over. The salty water hit your tongue as you openly sobbed. “Let me out! I can’t, please. Let me out, let me out. Let me out, please!”

Erwin sped up to get you home faster, not wanting to pull over and have someone see you like this. They couldn’t have any more witnesses. The police officer had them both on edge.

Unclipping his own belt, Levi leaned over the center console. Fingers wrapped around your nearest arm and wrenched you to the middle seat. Letting go of your arm, he palmed your head and slammed it against the console. You winced at throbbing pain in your forehead. Brain rattled in your skull from the force. He leaned his elbow into your upper back, immobilizing you. Your hands were free and you used one to push against his seat and the other to claw at his hand.

Your feet blindly kicked. You need to get out of this car and away from them.

Nose awkwardly squished against the console, you tilted your head to get air. Levi pressed further into your temple.

“G-get off me. Let me go!” Blubbering, you continued your hysterics.

Opening the glove compartment with his unoccupied hand, he grabbed a bundle of napkins.

“Get off-!” He shoved the crumpled tissue into your open mouth, silencing you.

This only made you cry and flail more.

“You aren’t helping, Levi,” Erwin snapped.

“Well it got her to shut up, didn’t it?”

Grovel under tires only upped your distress. Whining and whimpering through the napkins, drool made it soggy in your mouth. The thin paper clung to your tongue. Weakly grasping at Levi’s fingers, you tried to rip the appendages back.

Shifting the stick into park, the mechanical clunking of the gears only caused you to tug more. Erwin unbuckled himself and exited the car, leaving you with Levi.

“Are you done flipping your shit?”

Exhausted, you let your body sag against the console. Nothing could be done now. Staring at his torso, you nodded the best you could and released your grip on his fingers.

Shifting his hold from your head to your nape, he forced you up. The scowl didn’t leave his face. No pity was given to you. Opening the glove compartment again, he grabbed two more napkins.

Holding one under your chin, he commanded, “Open.”

Letting your jaw relax, the wad fell from your lips. It landed on the brown tissue with a wet plop. A shiny string connected the paper together. Levi’s face twisted in disgust. Grabbing the other napkin, he started to wipe the drool and snot that dripped down your lower face. You sniffled as more tears silently dripped down.

His eyes bounced to yours, holding your bobbling gaze. His lips parted to speak, but Erwin swung open the car door on the left side. Levi released your nape allowing you to turn towards the large man.

“Come,” He grabbed your arm before you could even respond.

Plucking you out of the car, you stumbled on your feet. The other door slammed, Levi rounded the front of the car as Erwin forced you down the driveway. His fingers bit into your upper arm.

“Y-you’re hurting me,” You cried, prying at his bruising grip.

Erwin lugged you closer and bent down to get in your face. “You don’t get the luxury to complain after what you put me through.”

Pushing you up the small stairs of the front porch, he forced the door open and shoved you inside. Unable to catch yourself, you fell on your hands and knees. You gasped at the landing, palms definitely scraped.

Behind you, Levi soon followed Erwin inside. The multiple locks were clicked shut, entrapping you. As the two toed off their shoes, you tried to crawl away, but Erwin quickly scooped you up with an arm around your waist.

Carrying you out the mudroom with a clear destination in mind, he stopped in his tracks at the booming knocks coming  from the door. You still in his grasp, he turned to Levi about to emerge through the doorway.

“You get it, I’ll deal with her.”

Carry you to the living room so he can hear the conversation, he sat on the recliner and twisted you on his lap. You attempted to squirm, but Erwin squeezed so tight around your ribcage until all the air left you. Slapping his palm over your mouth, his hand encompassed your jaw.

Twisting the lock free, Levi opened the door with no regard.

“Yes?” He frowned at the old man stood on their porch.

The old man couldn’t be younger than 70. He seemed quite healthy for his age, but obvious wear and tear on his wrinkled skin. Put off by Levi’s standoffish attitude, he tried to smile to lessen the tension.

“I’m sorry to disturb you. Lately I have been seeing lights flicker on and off at night, and it's been making it difficult for my wife to sleep.”

Your heart dropped and you stilled in Erwin’s lap. Everything was going wrong today. Nothing had been going according to plan. You wanted to pull your hair out.

Confused, Levi tried to explain it away to get the old man off his fucking porch. “It must be me getting up at night. I have insomnia. I’ll try to be more conscious about it.”

The old man smiled, but tersely like he didn’t believe him. “That’s quite alright. Sorry, again.”

He walked off, but stopped and you could see his shadow through the curtains as if looking for something. His shadow slowly dissipated until he was completely gone.

Levi slammed the door causing you to jump. “Fucking old people,” He mutters as entered the living room.

“Is he gone?” Erwin questioned, his voice brushing against the top of your head.

“Should be.”

“Go get what you need, I will explain her punishment.”

This kick started your fight once more. You scratched at Erwin’s arms. Whatever they had in mind, you didn’t want to partake in at all. You refuse to be degraded like all the times they punished you before.

“Settle,” He demanded in your ear, clutching you tighter to his body.

Screaming against his palm, you opened your mouth to bite, but he removed his hand before you could.

“Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you!” You sobbed, punching at his arms.

Erwin grunted at your elbow jamming into his front. Gathering up your wrists with one hand, he held them down, immobilizing you. Your legs kicked and thrashed.

Levi entered to see the spectacle before him, “She seems to be taking it well.”

“Your sass—knock it off,” He growled at you before continuing, “isn’t appreciated.”

“Of course she isn’t taking it well, let me go!” You countered, hating how they talk like you weren’t in the room.

“Muzzle or restraints first?”

Focusing on Levi, in his grasp sat the mitten restraints, muzzle and shock collar. You rapidly shook your head, you didn’t want to be restrained again.

“Restraints.”

Coming to you, Levi kneeled before you and Erwin. Letting go of one hand, Erwin held the other as Levi started his work. Clutching your wrist, he shoved your hand deep into the mitten, your fingers tucked in. Fastening the belt, he went for your other hand. Erwin switched his hold so you couldn’t jerk away from Levi.

“Were you able to explain or was she throwing too big of a tantrum,” Levi asked Erwin, his attention purely on the bondage.

“I am not throwing a fucking tantrum,” You seethed.

Levi raised a brow and slowly rolled his eyes up to yours. “You’re not? Then explain why Erwin has to hold you down like a toddler. Or I don’t know, we had to go to the fucking hospital because things aren’t going your way.”

“You fucking kidnapped me! I just want to be treated like an adult and you freaks- ow!” You hissed.

Levi tugged the other belt so hard it pinched your skin. His pull forced you down closer to him.

“Enough,” Erwin said, he shifted you in his lap to face him. Your knees straddled his hips as you sat more in the middle of his thighs rather than on his crotch. Lifting your hair up, he allowed Levi more access to your neck. Levi stood up to get a better vantage point.

He continued, “Time and time again I try to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you keep disappointing me. Anytime we give any leeway, you only hurt yourself. Until you can learn, we are in control of everything.”

You opened your mouth to rebuttal they already are, but Erwin raised his hand to stop you.

“You are no longer going to eat by yourself, bathe by yourself, dress by yourself, go to the bathroom by yourself. Anything you do, you need permission. You can’t be trusted.”

From behind, Levi slipped the shock collar around your throat, fastened the loop and locked it. Letting your hair fall, Erwin’s hands rested on your hips.

“How can I get permission if you’re just going to gag me?”

“You’ll see.”

Your fingers curled in the leather mittens, “This isn’t fair. I’m not some animal, I have rights.”

Bringing the muzzle around, with his hand on the cage, Levi adjusted it on your lower face. “You’re lucky we are even allowing clothes. Being restrained is the least of your worries.”

Wrenching the belts tight enough, you were completely gagged. Hovering over you, Levi planted his hands on your shoulders, his thumbs dug into your collarbones.

Erwin leaned to give a kiss on the edge of the muzzle, his nose brushing against your cheekbone. His hands slipped up your t-shirt to caress the bare skin of your waist. “Even with Levi’s crude cuffs and gag, you’re so beautiful like this.”

Levi huffed from above you, “Sorry I can’t stand your stupid frilly, pink shit.”

“I wasn’t complaining, just making an observation.” Erwin gave one last kiss to your temple and pulled away. “I have work to do, keep her occupied.”

Lifting you off Erwin by your waist, he planted you next to him on the couch. Erwin got up and walked off, leaving you with Levi. Curling in on yourself as much as you could, you scooted away.

“Come back here,” Levi instantly put his arm around your shoulders and forced you back to him. “You better get used to being touched because you’re not even getting an inch away from us.”

You snarled, unable to do more than that.

“Bitch and moan all you want, you’re not getting out of this for a while. Next time don’t be so impulsive.”

You hate that he was right. Next time, as he said, you will be a few steps ahead. You’ll take this as a learning curve. You were getting out of here, alive. 

[darimurtales]

BRAINS AND BRAWN | divergence act one

Awkwardly, and silently, Obi-Wan and Wiltshire stood in the elevator. Wil didn't have much to say— nor plan to say anything. The general was way above his ranks, and they had no business with each other. But this was Beridin's best friend. He saw how she wrapped her arms around him... Obi-Wan cleared his voice. This made Wiltshire lift his head, and stand up just a bit more straight. "Captain. If it were not for your brains, General Darimur's brawn may have gotten her killed." He said this with a hint of humor to his tone. Wiltshire looked at him. "She listens to you— That is a rare thing... Thank you for protecting her." Wiltshire was taken aback by the Jedi's vulnerability, especially with someone he barely knew. There was a weird sensation that came with a shared affection for one person. Kenobi seemed to care about the Clone's Jedi dearly, maybe as much as he did. He suddenly felt very small. And very out of line. "Just doing my duty sir." He replied simply, attempting to keep a neutral tone. Obi-Wan however, could see through this, and studied the Clone. His blue eyes piercing him. "She won't let you do it again." This managed to get a sincere chuckle out of him, in which the Jedi also joined in. For a moment, they were both only human. "I have done everything in my power to foresee that the 498th has all it needs to defend Ryloth alongside the Clans. I wish I could do more. But your men are strong, as are their leaders. I have faith in the front. However..." The Jedi drifted off. He rubbed his chin before continuing. "I fear Beridin will do anything to protect her people. At whatever cost." With new found worry, he turned to look at Wil again. "...If I may ask of you to carry on, then I will." The Jedi swallowed. He didn't need to say much more. Wiltshire didn't break eye contact with him. He was asking him to ensure his friend's safety. The truth was, he didn't have to ask. Dying for her if he had to was already and always the plan. "My place is by her side, Master Jedi." He finally stated. Obi-Wan smiled, though it was somber. He nodded. "Very good Captain." Finally the elevator opened. "May the force be with you all." He stepped out first, and glanced over his shoulder before continuing down the hallway. Wiltshire watched him go for a moment, then began to follow after slowly.

instagram | wattpad

[jimmy-tulparco-pilot]

any tips for writing a character with NPD?

Actually, yes! but i think the main thing is doing research, and when i say research, i mean from books written by psychologists and psychiatrists, and obviously reports from people who have the disorder and victims of people who have NPD.

But i think the most important thing for this is to remember, people with mental disorders are humans, and so on they shouldn't be villanized, NPD is a neutodivergency, that is mostly advent from trauma, specially related parenting, usually neglectful and narcissistic parents(not necessarily NPD parents) creates Narcisistic adults, there's a lot of books of how victims of narcissistic parents survived their childhood.

Another thing that i find very important is corelate comportament, someone with NPD has usually (since its a disorder its not obligatory for them to have that and people can react to it different) this caracteristics:

they always either put themselves up or victimised themself towards other people in an attempt to get an upper hand.

They tend to be manipulative to exactly bring someone and sometimes even themself that they are not to blame about anything, evwn if it is their blame they usually has this tendency to gaslight people.

People with NPD have a hard time taking responsability, they are scared of consequences and the idea of being wrong and breaking theirs mask of perfection is very hurtful to them. They feel the need to be right so they have a hard time even apologizing even when they regret and remorse and feel guilty and the idea of it can even lead to aggression and impulsive thinking. Being discovered is a big thing for them.

now a bit of a lower area, narcisistic people tend to have lowself eesteem and even if thats contradictory thats what tends to happen, the kid that was never reaffirmat2d by their parents, no matter how hard they tried to be good or better or the best will do anything to not feel that again, they live in a fantasy world where they are better and they NEED to be better and not reqching that is so hurtful that can lead to even self harm (ive seen it happen even) and i mean it as in both the grandiose and Vulnerable narcissist. Even if the grandiose makes it mess obvious.

now just out of definition:

Narcissism refers to a personality style typically characterized by a pervasive pattern of self-centeredness, an excessive need for admiration and attention, and a lack of empathy for others.

it has two subtypes usually that is the vulnerable narcissist and the Grandiose narcissist

While narcissists typically exhibit grandiosity, arrogance, and a sense of superiority, vulnerable narcissists manifest these traits in a more subdued, insecure, and sensitive manner – to write one you need to undertand them and specially understand that NPD is a sickness the persons brain works in a different way and yes they will be mean, they will be arrogant, they will be awful and a asshole and you need to be delicate when approaching this topic specially to not just give a sense of he is **Just** awful. The struggle is important to be shown too, either way this is just my experience. im not a professional just a person who reaaally likes to study lol

I've dealt with a lot of narcissistic people, my auntie has undiagnosed NPD, my mom is narcisistic and i have a friend who has Diagnosed NPD and i find it very valuable how people evolvd through it. Anyway! hope that was of any help take care

(If i was offensive or wrote something you think it was wrong or mean please leave a comment i dont mind CONSTRUCTIVE criticism)

[phoenixyfriend]

Ko-fi prompt from @liberwolf:

Could you explain Tariff's , like who pays them and what they do to a country?

Well, I can definitely guess where this question is coming from.

Honestly, I was pretty excited to get this prompt, because it's one I can answer and was part of my studies focus in college. International business was my thing, and the issues of comparative advantage (along with Power Purchasing Parity) were one of the things I liked to explore.

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

At their simplest, tariffs are an import tax. The United States has had tariffs as low as 5%, and at other times as high as 44% on most goods, such as during the Civil War. The purpose of a tariff is in two parts: generating revenue for the government, and protectionism.

Let's first explore how a tariff works. If you want to be confused, then you need to have never taken an economics class, and look at this graph:

(src)

So let's undo that confusion.

The simplest examples are raw or basic materials such as steel, cotton, or wine.

First, without tariffs:

Let us say that Country A and Country B both produce steel, and it is of similar quality, and in both cases cost $100 per unit. Transportation from one country to the other is $50/unit, so you can either buy domestically for $100, or internationally for $150. So you buy domestically.

Now, Country B discovers a new place to mine iron very easily, and so their cost for steel drops to $60/unit due to increased ease of access. Country A can either purchase domestically for $100, or internationally for $110 (incl. shipping), which is much more even. Still, it is more cost-effective to purchase domestically, and so Country A isn't worried.

Transportation technology is improved, dropping the shipping costs to $30/unit. A person from Country A can buy: Domestic: $100 International: $60+$30 = $90 Purchasing steel from Country B is now cheaper than purchasing it from Country A, regardless of where you live.

Citizens in Country A, in order to reduce costs for domestic construction, begin to purchase their steel from Country B. As a result, money flows from Country A to B, and the domestic steel industry in Country A begins to feel the strain as demand dwindles.

In this scenario, with no tariffs, Country A begins to rely on B for their steel, which causes a loss of jobs (steelworkers, miners), loss of infrastructure (closing of mines and factories), and an outflow of funds to another country. As a result, Country A sees itself as losing money to B, while also growing increasingly reliant on their trading partner for the crucial good that is steel. If something happens to drive up the price of B's steel again, like political upheaval or a natural disaster, it will be difficult to quickly ramp up the production of steel in Country A's domestic facilities again.

What if a tariff is introduced early?

Alternately, the dropping of complete costs for purchase of steel from Country B could be counteracted with tariffs. Let's say we do a 25% tariff on that steel. This tariff is placed on the value of the steel, not the end cost, so:

$60 + (0.25 x $60) + $30 = $105/unit

Suddenly, with the implementation of a 25% tariff on steel from Country B, the domestic market is once again competitive. People can still buy from Country B if they would like, but Country A is less worried about the potential impacts to the domestic market.

The above example is done in regards to a mature market that has not yet begun to dwindle. The infrastructure and labor is still present, and is being preemptively protected against possible loss of industry to purchasing abroad.

What happens if the tariff is not implemented until after the market has dwindled?

Let's say that the domestic market was not protected by the tariff until several decades on. Country A's domestic production, in response to increased purchasing from abroad, has dwindled to one third of what it was before the change in pricing incentivized purchase from B. Prices have, for the sake of keeping this example simple, remained at $100(A) and $60(B) in that time. However, transportation has likely become better, so transportation is down to $20, meaning that total cost for steel from B is $80, accelerating the turn from domestic steel to international.

So, what happens if you suddenly implement a tariff on international steel? Shall we say, 40%?

$60 + (0.4 x 60) + 20 = $104

It's more expensive to order from abroad! Wow! Let's purchase domestically instead, because these prices add up!

But the production is only a third of what it used to be, and domestic mines and factories for refining the iron into steel can't keep up. They're scaling, sure, but that takes time. Because demand is suddenly triple of the supply, the cost skyrockets, and so steel in Country A is now $150/unit! The price will hopefully come down eventually, as factories and mines get back in gear, but will the people setting prices let that happen?

So industries that have begun to rely on international steel, which had come to $80/unit prior to the tariff, are facing the sudden impact of a cost increase of at least $25/unit (B with tariff) or the demand-driven price increase of domestic (nearly double the pre-tariff cost of steel from B), which is an increase of at least 30% what they were paying prior to the tariff.

There are possible other aspects here, such as government subsidies to buoy the domestic steel industry until it catches back up, or possibly Country B eating some of the costs so that people still buy from them (selling for $50 instead of $60 to mitigate some of the price hike, and maintain a loyal customer base), but that's not a direct impact of the tariff.

Who pays for tariffs?

Ultimately, this is a tax on a product (as opposed to a tax on profits or capital themselves, which has other effects), which means the majority of the cost is passed on directly to the consume.

As I said, we could see the producers in Country B cut their costs a little bit to maintain a loyal customer base, but depending on their trade relationships with other countries, they are just as likely to stop trading with Country A altogether in order to focus on more profitable markets.

So why do not put tariffs on everything?

Well... for that, we get into the question of production efficiency, or in this case, comparative advantage.

Let's say we have two small, neighboring countries, C and D, that have negligible transportation costs and similar industries. Both have extensive farmland, and both have a history of growing grapes for wine, and goats for wool. Country C is a little further north than D, so it has more rocky grasses that are good for goats, while D has more fertile plains that are good for growing grapes.

Let's say that they have an equal workforce of 500,000 of people. I'm going to say that 10,000 people working full time for a year is 1 unit of labor. So, Country C and Country D have between the 100 units of labor, and 50 each.

The cost of 1 unit of wool = the cost of 1 unit of wine

Country C, having better land for goats, can produce 4 units of wool for every unit of labor, and 2 units of wine for every unit of labor.

Meanwhile, Country D, having better land for grapes, can produce 2 units of wool per unit of labor, and 4 units of wine per unit of labor.

If they each devote exactly half their workforce to each product, then:

Country C: 100 units of wool, 50 units of wine Country D: 50 units of wool, 100 units of wine

Totaling 150 units of each product.

However, if each devotes all of their workforce to the product they're better at...

Country C: 200 units of wool, no wine Country D: no wool, 200 units of wine

and when they trade with each other, they each end up with 100 units of each product, which is a doubling of what their less-efficient labor would have resulted in!

The real world is obviously much more complicated, but in this example, we can see the pros of outsourcing some of your production to another country to focus on your own specialties.

Extreme examples of this IRL are countries where most of the economy rests on one product, such as middle-eastern petro-states that are now struggling to diversify their economies in order to not get left behind in the transition to green energy, or Taiwan's role as the world's primary producer of semiconductors being its 'silicon shield' against China.

Comparative advantage can be used well, such as our Unnamed Countries (that are definitely not the classic example of England and Portugal, with goats instead of sheep) up in the example. With each economy focusing on its specialty, there is a greater yield of both products, meaning a greater bounty for both countries.

However, should something happen to Country C up there, like an earthquake that kills half the goats, they are suddenly left with barely enough wool to clothe themselves, and nothing for Country D, which now has a surplus of wine and no wool.

So you do have to keep some domestic industry, because Bad Things Can Happen. And if we want to avoid the steel example of a collapse in the given industry, tariffs might be needed.

Are export tariffs a thing?

Yes, but they are much rarer, and can largely be defined as "oh my god, everyone please stop getting rid of this really important resource by selling it to foreigners for a big buck, we are depleting this crucial resource."

So what's the big confusion right now?

Donald Trump has, on a number of occasions, talked about 'making China pay' tariffs on the goods they import into the US. This has led to a belief that is not entirely unreasonable, that China would be the side paying the tariffs.

The view this statement engenders is that a tariff is a bit like paying a rental fee for a seller's table at an event: the producer or merchant pays the host (or landlord or what have you) a fee to sell their product on the premises. This could be a farmer's market, a renaissance faire, a comic book convention, whatever. If you want to sell at the event, you have to pay a fee to get a space to set up your table.

In the eyes of the people who listened to Trump, the tariff is that fee. China is paying the United States for access to the market.

And, technically, that's not entirely wrong. China is thus paying to enter the US market. It's just the money to pay that fee needs to come from somewhere, and like most taxes on goods, that fee comes from the consumer.

So... what now?

Well, a lot of smaller US companies that rely on cheap goods made in China are buying up non-perishables while they can, before the tariffs hit. Long-term, manufacturers in the US that rely on parts and tools manufactured in China are going to feel the squeeze once that frontloaded stock is depleted.

Some companies are large enough to take the hit on their own end, still selling at cheap rates to the consumer, because they can offset those costs with other parts of their empire... at least until smaller competitors are driven out of business, at which point they can start jacking up their prices since there are no options left. You may look at that and think, "huh, isn't that the modus operandi for Walmart and Amazon already?" and yes. It is. We are very much anticipating a 'rich get richer, poor go out of business' situation with these tariffs.

The tariffs will also impact larger companies, including non-US ones like Zara (Spanish) and H&M (Swedish), if they have a huge reliance on Chinese production to supply their huge market in the United States.

If you're interested in the repercussions that people expect from these proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, I'd suggest listening to or watching the November 8th, 2024 episode of Morning Brew Daily (I linked to YouTube, but it's also available on Spotify, Nebula, the Morning Brew website, and other podcast platforms).

[thelamentknight]

Ellis Vinter

18/Male

Norwegian 

Gay

Aquarius 

Hometown is Snowmist Mountains

Twisted from Elsa

Ignihyde

3rd Year

Best Subject is Conjuration

He’s in the Horse Riding Club

His Favorite Food is Hot Chocolate Tart

His Least Favorite Food is Reaper Pepper

Dislikes Spring

Hobbies include Reading, Stationary, Studying, Journaling, Puzzles, Calligraphy, and Ice Skating

Talents: Memorization

UM “Beware the Frozen Heart“:

When Ellis points at someone and says his UM, an ice shard shoots out of the finger and into the victim. In a short span of time, the victim’s hair turns white, their cheeks lose color, their body becomes cold and frosty, and the victim d!es as their heart turns to literal ice. Ellis despises his UM, and has only used it as a last resort for self defense.

Like many Ignihyde students, Ellis is a cautious lone wolf who doesn’t socialize much. He is elegant and graceful, which is to be expected of a prince like him. Due to his quiet, lonely, and somewhat reclusive nature, along with his wealthy background, many students interpret his shyness as arrogance and haughtiness. So Ellis isn’t very popular among the students. While he tends to hide it, Ellis is quite anxious and nervous 70% of the time, and is actually quite touch starved.

Backstory (Accidental m*rder and Ab*se warning):

Ellis is the heir Prince of Snowmist Mountains. He had a younger brother and was very close with him. But one day, when the two were kids, assassins came during the night. The assassins managed to grab Ellis’ younger brother, so Ellis used his UM on the thief holding his brother. However, the thief used his brother as a shield, so the UM ended up hitting Ellis’ brother and not the thief. Soon after his brother was hit by the UM, he was d*ad. In fear of what they saw, the assassins scrammed. 

The King, Queen, guards, and other royal staff arrived to where the heard the ruckus, and were horrified by the sight of the younger prince’s lifeless c*rpse, and the older prince sobbing on the floor. Everyone blamed Ellis for the d*ath of the younger prince. His parents locked Ellis in his room, where they beat and screamed at him, calling him a monster. 

Ellis was forbidden from leaving his room, and if he did, his parents would beat and scream at him again. The maids had to bring him food, but they would leave it in front of the door, knock, and run before Ellis opened it. His Tutor needed guards in the room before being okay tutoring Ellis. Everyone at the castle despised the older Prince.

A few years later, the King and Queen d!ed when the ship they were on sunk, leaving Ellis with the throne. However, many were against Ellis being the Ruler, due to how young he was…and also because they despised him, so Snowmist Mountain is now currently ruled by the Grand Duke, and he rules the kingdom well.

He ordered Ellis to be released from his room prison, and he let the Prince know that he can leave the room whenever he pleased. Ellis was gobsmacked by this, and was even more gobsmacked that the Duke wasn’t expecting something out of him. The Grand Duke treats Ellis as if he were his son, something Ellis hadn’t experienced in many years.

Fun Facts:

+ Dislikes Spring due to pollen allergies (it only gives him sniffles, but it’s still annoying)

+ It’s noted how Ellis got his UM at a much younger age compared to most people (who tend to get them at 16)

+ Once a day, the Grand Duke messages/calls Ellis to see how he’s doing

+ He has a cold body (if you touch him, you can feel that he’s cold)

+ His nightmares consist of the ab*se he went through and about his brother getting k!lled

+ Loves a good cup of Hot Chocolate with marshmallows 

+ Ellis’ favorite thing in the morning is to hear the icemen passing by and singing. At NRC, he has a music box that plays the songs the icemen would sing

+ Seems to always wear gloves

+ His spice tolerance is non existent

+ Keeps his things tidy, clean, and organized

+ He’ll take his horse, Olaf, for an evening walk every day

+ Ellis has very high As, and is actually good at math. He would be very willing to tutor other students despite his shyness…but most other students would rather fail than be around him (this bites them in the butt during Chapter 3)

+ Winter is his favorite holiday. Loves building snowman and ice skating

+ Has a sweet tooth

+ Is VERY skilled in ice magic

+ Dating Ángel Iglesias

+ The only one that knows that Ángel has a fear of bells

[astraearinehart]

──Stella laughed at the words, not really taking offense by what her daughter had just spewed on her. in fairness, she has a right to be suspicious of her, as well as her motives; they don’t know one another, after all, and despite their conversation, it is but a mere glimpse into their lives, doesn’t sum for all the years apart. Liz isn’t aware of the suffering she had endured for years with Claude, with no prospect of things ever getting better. she was trying to be as honest as he possibly could be with her daughter, but words would surely fail to fully paint the right image for how her life had really been before her brother reached out to her to go back home.

“I might go back home, but we will keep in touch,” she responded in a coy tone, smiling a little. however, she did not plan to leave New York for a very long time, had made arrangements to be able to work online with the team, even if her duties wouldn’t be quite the same as she couldn’t be on-site and that would be her brother’s responsibility for as long as she was away. in short, it kind of felt like a vacation for her, and she hadn’t been on any proper one since her return home; her father had been quite strict with her schedule and what she needed to accomplish —and she did because she wanted him to trust her again, and treat her the same as before she had left. the same reason she had chosen to study, a plan she never had for herself before even meeting Claude, if she was, to be frank; she had only planned to be a socialite and enjoy the good life, yet her choices came with consequences. “not really,” she smiled as she shook her head. it wasn’t as if she would have cared either way, and maybe it was her personality, but she had fit well in her class. another soft smile graced her lips. “I’d be damned if I ever didn’t do something for fear of what people might think or say,” she laughed a little —frankly, she didn’t care for the most part, she could beat them up so they could try and say what they thought of her at their own risk, and that applied to everything in her life.

the more they spoke, the clearer it was for her to understand that her daughter did not have a good childhood, getting those little snipers in her memory, as well as the description she had given her back at the bar that night —Claude, despite his arguments, had not been a good father to her. listening to Liz speak of her father and describing a common situation for her back in the day made her wonder how she was still so defensive of him. “and did you still stay in that ugly boat?” she inquired, quietly, remembering well how beat up and useless that thing was; winter was just cruel in that thing and if it rained it was even worse.

a hand waved dismissively, though a smile adorned her lips. “it is what it is,” her tone gentle, almost, as she spoke. “we can’t always have what we want in life without consequences,” and she had learned that the hard way.

⸻ Elizabeth wishes she could forgive her mother the same way she accepted her father. The truth is she could not force herself to change overnight. It is too kind of her own part, to allow this woman to talk to her, and be present in her life again. It was funny, that Claude never talked about his wife when she left them. In fact, he let his own daughter make her own opinion about her mother. ⏤ Her grey-bluish hues met her gaze again. The younger Aussie still finds it suspicious that her mother is back after all those years. Either, she is giving the benefit of the doubt… Interesting. ❛ We have plenty of time together until you flee again. ❜ She doesn't know how long her mother plans to stay, no matter what the woman says, she still won't believe it.

The financial topic… The truth is the younger blonde is a bit detached from material things. She contents with small, perhaps because all her life or the beginning of it, she had had nothing. And she went through a lot of financial struggles. One could get used to a life of comfort easily, meanwhile, Liz was taking time to adjust to a life of luxury. ❛ People didn't judge because you were older to start over? ❜ She inquired quietly, curious to know how she handled it. In truth, Elizabeth wasn't so sure if she had the patience to back to her studies, and mixed with unsure about what she truly wanted to do. Perhaps, it was the main reason why she wanted to avoid this topic.

She loves arts, singing, dancing, and acting… Having the little family she has makes things a bit complicated. ⏤ The question about her father, caught her a bit off guard. Worry as she may be for her own father's sanity ( the one he lacks, truth be told ) . ❛ After you were gone, Papa started to drink even more and use other things. He didn't have another child. In a way, he isolates himself from people, even me. I met a few women, but I supposed it was his one-night stands. He spent too much time with his plants. It was kind of rare to see him with other women. He never brought them home. He used to call his friends. Sometimes, his best friend used to take me out to stay with him when Papa wasn't doing great. He would give me cookies and milk, and let me watch cartoons on his TV. Sometimes UFC.❜ She explained, a little of a glimpse of how everything begins to go south.

Liz in part blames her mother for her father's loss of once and all his sanity. There were things in her father's past he didn't share. She tried to pry, but he would never say anything. ❛ I'm sorry about that. ❜ The younger blonde refers to being trapped in an unhappy marriage.

[lisondraws]

saw the new video, just uh blacked out and this happened

[ryllen]

something i promised on my kofi 6 months ago... 🫠

[akkivee]

nah but i meant that pls look at kuukou smiling like a little shit 😭😭😭😭😭😭