#not the kind of person who gets to be weak and i relate to her so much and ik that what's she's doing takes bravery bc every time i try
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thanakite · 1 day ago
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I wonder if part of the reason Silco struggled to discipline Jinx when she did things that fucked with his plans or whatever was because he spent so much of their time together and because a decent amount of their relationship was encouraging her to follow her worst instincts?
Like yes, he's pissed at her when she kills the Enforcers at Progress Day, but he isn't so pissed that he actually does anything to punish her, and when she shows him that she got the Hextech Gemstone, he pretty much loses all his anger
And when she messes up with the Firelights and it results in the loss of a bunch of Shimmer, he kind of punishes her by not sending her out to do more and by having Sevika clean things up, but is it really THAT MUCH of a punishment to be like "Go work on your inventions" instead? Because while she worries about how he sees her and her usefulness after that, it's not like it actually does anything to actually curb the behavior considering she like nearly immediately goes out and kills the Enforcers at Progress Day immediately afterwards
Stemming from this, I wonder if that's ACTUALLY why Jinx has more or less changed so much from season 1 to season 2?
I've seen some posts where people are complaining that Jinx is less erratic and destructive in season 2 that makes it clear that they feel she was sanitized to be more palatable as a character in season 2 and that the general reasoning that being around Isha and taking care of her is what did it is weak, but really I do wonder if the change is actually because Silco isn't constantly telling her to give into her more destructive tendencies and such?
Until the scene in the bunker prison cell, they make it relatively clear that Jinx is not hearing/seeing Silco as one of the voices that speak to her (in fact a lot of those seem to be gone, which COULD be because they were trying to make her character more palatable, or it could be because she was starting to move on from the traumas that were causing them to manifest so vividly, especially with Silco's own death since he did play such a role in Vander, Claggor, Mylo, and Vi even appearing in them (her parents too as we learn, but I don't think she ever found out about that)), so she isn't hallucinating seeing/hearing him doing that and thus her worst impulses aren't being externally encouraged in that manner anymore, added on to the fact that the person (who she did come to care for and love as a father figure to be clear, but people are complex and can have VERY complex feelings about people in their lives) who instigated one of the worst traumas she experienced was dead (because Vander wouldn't have been taken if not for Silco and then Claggor and Mylo wouldn't have been there with Vi and she wouldn't have felt the need to set off her Monkey Bomb and thus likely none of them would have died)
Then, add on to the lack of Silco's influence that she wasn't trying to deal with getting caught by Enforcers and that she ended up essentially taking in Isha (who stuck around her pretty much all the time and COULD have been helping to curb some of the influence of her hallucinations and more negative thoughts) it seems like a more likely change to have occurred, AND could even be a factor as to why it wasn't until after Isha's death that she finally saw Silco as one of her hallucinations (And that it's interesting that he wasn't advocating for some kind of violence like he seemed to do in life, but instead was talking about how to break the cycle of violence which doesn't seem like a Silco sentiment as much as a Vander sentiment)
Anyway, this is a very long way to wonder if the majority of the changes we see in Jinx in season 2 weren't more related to the lack of Silco's influence in Jinx's life and not because of Isha as directly as people tend to assume OR the idea that they were trying to make her a more palatable character (Which to be clear, I do think that was a PIECE of it, but I'm not sure how big of a piece it actually was, as it's my understanding that she's pretty erratic and destructive and such in League of Legends as a whole and that she's still a fairly popular character so that seems like an illogical change to make for that reason when you have that information, beyond like more minor adjustments here and there, but maybe that's just me? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
Oh and again, as I've said elsewhere, I DO think Silco loved Jinx in his own way, but that doesn't negate that he wasn't necessarily a good influence on her, especially considering his actions as a whole and not just towards Jinx, resulted in A LOT of negative things for A LOT of people (people that he was supposedly fighting to free and do good for I mean, I don't really care honestly how he harmed Piltover so much, I more care about the direct harm he did to Zaun and the people there)
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forgechildofheph · 13 hours ago
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Can we also add the fact that Percy was actually abused too? Literally there it is in book fucking one but people seem to forget that a loooooot or use it as justification for why it's not abuse because Percy doesn't see it that way
Dude. Just because Percy doesn't see it that way or doesn't phrase it as bad, it doesn't mean that it's not abuse or, at the very least, problematic. He could be desensitized for one, got used to it or worse yet, he doesn't see it as bad because a GIRL is doing it to a BOY.
Which btw, if we go down that route, is quite misogynistic in nature because it silently depicts men as these STRONK creatures that can handle anything a weak tiny girl does to them.
Sure, we can justify this as them being demigods. "Their lives aren't normal, they fight all the time." They fight MONSTERS all the time, everything else is training! The camp literally has rules for no maiming or fighting outside of sparring (iirc)? Was the judo flip done in an appropriate setting? Was the punch in the gut during a sparring session? We all know the answer to those questions.
Just because you can see yourself in Annabeth's shoes and that you empathize with her, it doesn't mean that you cannot see and acknowledge her flaws either. If you relate with Annabeth, that's fine, good for you to be able to have a character you can relate to. Any hate or criticism she gets is not directed towards you specifically, it is directed towards how she is written and portrayed and in turn skewing the perception of an actual healthy relationship since Percabeth keeps getting called as the ✨️golden standard✨️ in fictional couples.
Both of these kids have suffered, so why is it that one can perpetuate the cycle and have the excuse of "Oh, she was abused, it's understandable why she would do it".
No. You might not be able to control how people treat you or what might happen to you, but you can certainly control how you act/react. You can't always blame everything that happened to you in the past to justify everything that you have done wrong.
You can say she was just a kid, but she doesn't always remain a kid. She's 17 by the end of BoO but her character has barely changed at all—showcasing her hubris (that she never really resolves because of Rick's favoritism and plot armor), lack of maturity and just general self-centered outlook in life again and again.
Yes, Annabeth can be kind at times, but when it mattered the most in their relationship, she focused on herself, on what she felt, instead of the person she supposedly loved, who had been kidnapped and memory wiped. Heck, this could even be seen as love-bombing!
This is something I really want to talk about in the near future, and I hope to get to writing that paper/explanation as to why I dislike this pairing so much.
And before you say anything, I don't ship Perachel, Perpollo, Pernico, Permes, etc. so please don't see this as someone who just hates on your canon pairing because I have another that I prefer, I really don't. The only thing I ship is Percy x Therapy and Annabeth x Therapy because these two desperately need it.
Annabeth apologising to Percy for setting him up against the Ares cabin, anyone?
I was rereading the Lightning Thief, and I wanted to share something that's been on my mind for the past few weeks-
So in Percy's first game of Capture The Flag, Annabeth sets him up against 5 trained Ares warriors, one of which has a literal electric spear.
And Percy does get injured and even maimed. Clarisse's electric spear is painful to him. It numbs and stings him.
And then Luke gets the flag, they win, and Percy's mad at Annabeth, who shrugs and says, 'Hey, it was just for strategic distraction, you were handling it sO wEll!
(Rick and Annabeth really piss me off sometimes)
To digress, I like this scene because Percy is actually mad at Annabeth. I want more Percy mad at Annabeth.
And then with the ensuing chaos of there being a hellhound and Percy being claimed, both he and Annabeth forget about this.......seemingly forever.
And it's just frustrating, because I really want Annabeth to apologize for this. I want her to grovel about this, even. I want her to be really sorry and keep apologizing, because Percy was in literal danger. Clarisse and her cabin mates would have maimed Percy and possibly even killed him. In their POV, he was drowning in the creek and they were laughing.
And it doesn't MATTER if Percy and Annabeth weren't friends and lovers then. They were friends and lovers later, so Annabeth can apologise and grovel later.
Rick should have written a sincere apology scene where Annabeth apologises to Percy about this. In my opinion, in TLT she should've apologized and in HOO, she should've remembered this and apologised again.
We'll never get it since Percabeth is now a toxic couple......sigh..........oh my god, I feel so horrible for Percy, even if he's a fictional character. Percy you need a break from everything magical, just go fish with your dad or something. PERCY GO HEAL YOURSELF PLEASE
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p4nishers · 1 year ago
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i can't get over crowley, the demon, being the soft one out of the two of them. that crowley is always indulgent with aziraphale, always helpful, always protective. he's a demon and he's so fucking soft for aziraphale. he just wants a quiet life for them, all he really wants is to be with aziraphale. after thousands, after millions of years, he just wants aziraphale, safe and happy and his. that's all he fucking wants, to run away if they must, to leave the earth he loves so fucking much, only to keep aziraphale safe. he couldn't ever afford to appear weak in hell but he has a weakness and it's an angel, of all things. and hell tries to use it against him, that's why he's so defensive, that's why he closes so tightly around aziraphale, because he knows hell will find any opportunity to use his achilles heel against him, just like furfur and shax. i cannot fucking get over him being the kind one, the one who likes kids and humanity, bc while aziraphale loves every single human, he only likes 3 or 4 out of them. i can't over him being vulnerable with aziraphale, taking off his glasses any time they're alone, like it's merely an object that separates them. he's vulnerable and soft and gentle and forgiving and indulgent and caring with and for aziraphale and as demon, he shouldn't be, he tried not to be for thousands and thousands of years but he just can't fucking help himself and i love him so fucking much.
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autisticlee · 1 year ago
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it kind of sucks when all your friends and family, everyone you know, are all pairing off and getting married and havinf families, except you. you're the only one that doesn't have a partner and probably can/will never get one. especially if one around you has time for you anymore, they never reach out, never get back to you, because they're only focused on their partners and families. you're stuck alone and drift away from everyone through no fault of your own. you have no hope of finding your own partner or no motivation to look for one for whatever reason. the lack of connections while seeing everyone around you having their own can get overwhelmingly lonely at times....
#autism#autistic#asexual#aromantic#these are probably the two factors that put me in this position#im undateable because im too autistic to form any connections with people and cant even make or keep friends around for long#so how would i ever try to date anyone????#and also asexual which makes it harder. and aromantic (not sure what kind if its like demi and i just need to meet “the one”#and form a connection first to actually have any feelimgs for anyone or not sure if I simply cannot experience romantic attraction#either way its a lonely existence in a world where 99% of people pair off or obsessed with trying to partner up#and theres less value/time/effort put on friendships#ON TOP OF being autistic and forming any connections at ALL is an extremely difficult task that seems to always fail on me!#lee rants#lee rambles#im actually visiting a friend and her gf (who is also friend but we are less close) so i know not everyone partners and shuns friends#but they live in another country and i cant visit all the time so it doesnt help this lonely shit feeling all the time D: to have ~1 friend#would be nice to have all the close benefits and of a dating partnership without the physical stuff and pressure of “dating”#if thar makes sense. best friends but life patners. the person is obligated to help me and bw there for me at all times#someone who chooses me first instead of others. someone that doesnt make me their last choice all the time#their very comfortable to be around and we relate and get along perfectly and make up for each others weaknesses#my favorite person and im their favorite person#they usually always say yes to me and include me and im their first choice for eveything#they respect my needs and boundaries and work with me if we have a misunderstanding or disagreement.#its so hard to find people like this. someone who matches me well enough to fit all these picky things i want#someone who would like me enough to be like this. someone im comfortable with and like who fits the energy i want#even if someone liked ME enough and was these thjngs if they arent comfortable or match my energy then i dont want them#im not desperate enough to take Anyone ans im extremely picky about it#being aroace makes any kind of datimg very hard because theres ~less fish in the sea~#but being autistic makes it EVEN HARDER becuase i cant even make and keep FRIENDS so how would i have a /partner/ ?????#sighs. i think im meant to live a lonely life and need to learn to accept it
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flawseer · 3 months ago
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Your thoughts on the wof characters have been really interesting and I'd love to hear your take on Starflight (your assignment of him being the 'designated sufferer' of arc one is both hilarious and tragically accurate). I've always liked him, cowardly though he is he still acts when he really needs to and the dynamic between him and Tsunami is super fun (the whole outwardly combative but inwardly just wishing to be as strong/as smart as the other).
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I like Starflight and I relate to him a lot, as a fellow chronic worrier who annoys his friends with constant blathering about stuff only I find interesting, and often finding myself paralyzed in the face of decisions.
It’s funny how the story puts forward a black dragon, which in media are usually portrayed as mysterious, ambiguously malevolent harbingers of doom, and makes him into this adorable dork.
He’s also the plot’s chew toy, which I am at times less enthusiastic about. Especially when jokes are made at the expense of his misfortune.
Wings of Night and Sea
Starflight’s and Tsunami’s friendship is very engaging because, in a sense, both of them complete each other. For each, emulating the other serves as their last resort when faced with a personal crisis. Whenever Tsunami encounters a situation she cannot overcome with her usual blunt and direct approach, she asks herself how Starflight would resolve the situation. When Starflight becomes overwhelmed and too scared to move, his mind conjures an image of the strongest, bravest, most unstoppable thing he knows, which is Tsunami. Though either would be reluctant to openly admit it to each other, they both rely on each other’s strengths to cover their own weaknesses.
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Through this you get the sense that, while their opposite personalities annoy each other to no end—if you locked both of them in a room for three hours, they’d be strangling each other when you open the door again—at their core they have only the deepest respect for each other. It becomes especially apparent when you realize that both of their stories in their respective books have them compare themselves to the other unfavorably.
If these two ever did a DBZ-style fusion dance, the result would likely be one of the most capable and balanced characters in their series.
Starflight's misfortune
CW: Discussion of blindness
One thing I have noticed (and have alluded to a lot in previous posts) is that the plot really likes to kick Starflight in the teeth. His own story arc puts him through the wringer, but he is not even safe in the two arcs past that, where he is largely out of focus. Most of the things that happen to him in arc 1 seem to occur for the sake of the story, but past that... it sometimes feels to me like the world has it in for this guy.
I started writing a list of every bad thing that happens to Starflight over all three arcs, but it got way too long, so now I’m just going to talk about a few select things instead.
One thing that stands out to me is that every other protagonist in arc 1 gets a specific moment. That kind of scene where they enter their tribe’s biome for the first time or connect with a particular part of their culture/physiology, and are overcome with a sudden burst of euphoria or deep resonance with their own nature. Clay gets it when he submerges himself in mud for the first time and then later again when he finds his siblings, Tsunami when she sees and smells the ocean, Glory when she’s in the rainforest and feels the sun, and Sunny when they go through the magic tunnel and end up in the desert. Starflight is the only arc 1 protagonist who doesn’t get a moment like this; when he enters his tribe’s home for the first time it’s a giant craphole that makes him feel upset. It only gets worse from there.
Then there is the big one; the misfortune that happens to him at the end of his book. I struggle to talk about this because... uh... How do I put this?
I opened this post by saying I relate to Starflight on a personal level. I wouldn’t consider myself as studious or well-read as him, so it’s not a direct comparison, but I do like to draw, write and dabble in visual artistry. This is a major part of my life; how I define myself as a person and what I think makes me “me”. The thing about this though is that all of this is tied up into one thing: my sense of sight.
It follows then that what ends up happening to Starflight is the realization of the one thing I fear the most. Thinking about the possibility of losing ones sight is deeply, personally horrifying to me. It messes me up internally just to consider it happening to me.
This, the subject of becoming blind, is a very difficult topic for any story to properly engage with. There are many pitfalls you can fall into and come off as insensitive, or ignorant. The way Wings of Fire deals with this subject is to... well... it doesn’t really. Starflight is blinded and then the story skips over most of his reaction to it because the next POV character gets separated from the group while they sort it out.
In a way, this is a good thing. I don’t know how this series—which often rushes through these really uncomfortable, harrowing events—would be able to show a realistic reaction to this development. Like, losing ones sight would be a horrifying prospect for anyone, but for Starflight especially this completely uproots not only his entire life, but his sense of identity. Everything he likes doing, everything he is and wants to be in life is rendered virtually impossible by this.
Consider who Starflight is. He is a thinker, and a worrier who is always inside his own head. He dreads and fears, he seeks out worst case scenarios, I daresay he is inclined towards pessimism. Whenever his neuroticism gets him too stressed, or emotional, or worried, he has one immediate response: bury his nose in a scroll. When he arrives in a new place, he usually asks where the scrolls are at. When he is under threat of being abducted or attacked, his first instinct is to go grab his scrolls to keep them safe. Like with me and drawing, reading is how he unwinds, how he balances himself. It is what keeps him sane and functional through dealing with adversity (and he's Starflight, so he deals with a lot of adversity).
Then this happens to him, and suddenly the one thing that makes this poor, battered boy happy, the one thing that never hurts him, is taken away forever. If I was in his place, if I learned I was suddenly blind, I would fall apart. I would cry, then scream, then cry AND scream and probably flail around in a panic. Clay would have to hold me down and restrain me so I don’t end up falling off the platform in a frenzied fit. Or worse.
So yeah, I get why the plot had to look away. Seeing this happen to Starflight—him going through this kind of anguish and then sinking into quiet despair as his world crumbles around him—would have been heartbreaking. In the end, we go on Sunny’s solo adventure and when she returns Starflight is already conveniently past the screaming fit phase and has adjusted to his new life circumstances—enough to talk and joke as if nothing happened. He then goes on to dedicate himself to bringing the wonders of literature to other blind dragons, which is a noble goal and good trajectory for his character—even if it’s a bit abrupt and I would have liked to SEE him do that instead of just being told.
Anyway.
This next one isn’t as notable because it doesn’t happen TO him, but I want to point it out to back up my claim that Starflight Ls can and will happen even in story arcs that have very little to do with him. In book 6 Moonwatcher and Darkstalker have a conversation where they discuss the concept of Nightwing powers and how they relate to the moons. The story very pointedly draws attention to the fact that Starflight nearly was born under three full moons and would have become the most powerful Nightwing of his generation if his inept caretakers had not decided to hatch him underground. While I don’t think getting these powers would have been good for Starflight in the long run, it is a bit sad considering he spent most of his childhood thinking he was born wrong because he didn’t have powers, and then Morrowseer further gaslit him about it throughout the arc.
And then we don't talk about what happens in arc 3. I am not the right person to discuss it.
My take on Starflight
I was asked to give my take on the character, so...
I already went into how I think he’s very introspective and prone to worrying. I see him as an introvert, which is something he has in common with Glory, and contrast him with Sunny, Clay, and especially Tsunami. He enjoys reading but also other activities where he gets to use his brain. He likes puzzles; I imagine he got very excited when they had to figure out the murder plot in book 2, or when he caught Blister in a lie. If he had a computer it would be full of adventure and puzzle games, and he’d hog the resident DS to play the Professor Layton series all the time.
When they found the academy, it is implied he teaches a literacy course and gives out writing assignments. That is right up his alley, but I’ve always felt he also has strong math/natural science teacher vibes. There should logically be a numbers class at that school and I can’t imagine any other character who would be more suited to teach it.
If I were asked where I would make changes to his story, I guess I would nix the part where he and Fatespeaker hook up in book 5. I have nothing against their relationship, it’s actually grown a lot on me over time. But I never liked how it started. Starflight gets rejected by Sunny and then immediately hooks up with Fatespeaker. This is really undignified for her because it takes their potentially intriguing romantic relationship and turns her into Starflight’s “rebound chick”. You really need to give yourself some time to move on from your previous attraction; rushing like this creates doomed relationships.
The original story implies that about half a year passes between the end of arc 1 and the start of arc 2. I like to pretend this gap is actually a bit longer, by like 2 or 3 years. It gives the old protagonists a bit more time to settle into the roles they’ll occupy during the next arc, and makes it more plausible to me that they could build and outfit an entire school, write the curriculum, designate roles, etc..
In that time, with things being more calm now, Starflight has opportunity to get lost in his own thoughts again. It turns out, now that the dangers of the war are no longer distracting him, he finds it difficult to cope with his blindness and sinks into a depression.
While this happens, Fatespeaker is there with him. She sees his condition worsening by the day, but refuses to give up on him. She reads to him; they talk, and they bond. Though serious self-searching and hard work, together they manage to pull out of the darkness eventually. This is how their relationship starts, and it’s also how Starflight gets the idea to invent the dragon-equivalent of braille.
Somewhere during that time, I also imagine Glory has Tamarin escorted to Jade Mountain so she can help Starflight adjust to his new situation and learn how to navigate his life without needing to rely on others. Perhaps this is what motivates Tamarin to attend the academy later.
What else is there to say? Hmm...
I think Starflight is really fond of hard candy. Jawbreakers are his favorite especially. Though given how prone to misfortune he is in the story, I’m hesitant to put him in proximity of anything with a name like that.
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kkalimarii · 21 days ago
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Do you have any Leech parent hcs you wanna share?👀👀🤭
my god, yes i do
thoughts below 💬
i feel like its a known fact from the community that jade and floyd’s parents are very much influential, and definitely shady. like the self defense courses, signing a contract to give birthday gifts in ‘good faith’, y’know, the works. all signs point to fish mafia.
but at the same time, they appear to be very loving and affectionate parents, which leads me to my interpretation of them:
headcanons! (sorry, its long. i have a lot of thoughts)
-i believe that leech mom and dad stand on equal ground. leech mom ain’t just a stay at home mom, her and her husband are equally apart of the ‘business’.
-continuing that thought, i think they would have a really similar dynamic as jade and floyd. mama appears with a kind smile and gentle voice, unassuming at first (in comparison to first impressions with her husband). in contrast, her husband definitely scares people off (he’s not scared to show his teeth off from the get go), but also has a sort of charm to him that makes him really alluring. but when you get to know the two… well, you’ve seen the twins, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
-mama is scary. like, in that way floyd is, where she’s straight up laughing at your pathetic state with her eyes wide and mouth wide open, sharp teeth all on display. the minute she gets irritated with a client she’ll be very close to clawing out their insides.
-papa is…still scary, but not as unhinged his wife. he usually handles communications and relations, because he surprisingly, is more reasonable. don’t get it wrong - if someone tries to cross him and his family, he will easily tear their throat out.
-and no, they’re not always just going ballistic on normal people. they’re pretty cordial. if you met them for the first time because jade and floyd wanted to introduce their friend (or whatever you guys are), mama would think you’re totally adorable and immediately spoil you, and papa would come right in with snacks and treats for you to try (and a new pair of shoes!)
-they are, again as the game implies, very doting parents. they spoil their kids rotten, and actually have very healthy parenting habits with their sons.
-papa is a fashion diva. can’t catch him in the same outfit twice. always is buying more dresses for his wife because he is never not completely infatuated with her.
-which is funny, because my personal hc of them is that they were rivals/enemies when they were younger. their families had a lot of beef over territory, and everytime they met up it would just be snarky comments and LOTS of bickering. eventually, who knows what happened, but they just started making out like crazy during a fight and fell in love, got married, and united their families together (by force)
-they go on fishing trips with each other when they’re in the human form. i’m talking dingy boat, dad caps, cargo pants. they’re also competitive with each other about it (mama has a heavy lead). don’t ask me why, i just feel like they do
-mama leech actually hangs out with azul’s mom a ton, they’re very close
-sometimes, when papa looks at his kids, even he’s surprised at how weak his gene game is. his kids look like they were only made by their mother
-i also changed my mind, i think i want leech mom to be 6’0 💀 i’m always changing my mind though
sorry for the long blurb, i had a lot for thoughts that have been in my head about the two because designing characters also means trying to understand them as people 🤣
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meanbossart · 1 month ago
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im so curious-- how well does DUDrow get on with the other companions? I've only seen your art and going off that I feel like: he gets along with Shadowheart, Gale I think he borderline cant stand, and Wyll/Lae'zel/Karlach I have no idea how he'd feel about them but id love to know!
So, funfact, because I was not familiar with these kinds of games at the time I played BG3, I practically stuck with the same exact party the entire playthrough. I distinctly remember swapping Wyll in for Astarion once at the end of act 2 because I thought he NEEDED to be there to find Mizora, and I replaced Gale with Karlach when I went to kill Gortash. Otherwise... It was pretty much always just DU drow, Shadowheart, Astarion and Gale. I did this because they were the characters I liked most, so I wanted to see all they had to offer.
Anyways, I mention this because it reflects how DU drow related to everyone - which is to say that he didn't. He picked his favorites (two because he liked them, one because he has fireball) and didn't get particularly close to anyone else.
BUT, there were definitely notable dynamics!
Lae'zel: She's dead. He killed her night 3 or something. Before that he thought her annoyingly demanding and over the top. I don't think DU drow even remembers her by the end of the game.
Gale: Just to add to your original observation, Gale and DU drow have a little bit of history. Gale tries, for about half of the campaign, to pursue him romantically. DU drow keeps turning him down and is either misinterpreted or ignored, and by the time Gale does give up on him their relationship has completely soured to the point where they are constantly shooting daggers at each other. (this reflects a romance bug I got in my first run, except I didn't realize it was a bug. Either way I think its more interesting storytelling than the intended experience.)
Wyll: DU drow was profoundly frustrated by Wyll every step of the way. He found him to be incredibly naive and a bit delusional in his pursuit for heroism, and could never relate to Wyll's perspective or choices - the few he made for himself, at least. They definitely had the least in common and DU drow avoided interacting with him most of the time.
Halsin: He didn't care for Halsin much. He was vaguely helpful but by the time they got to the shadow-cursed lands DU drow had the impression he'd only been dragged here to help him clear his conscience, which he didn't appreciate. Also, he couldn't bear to have someone in camp be taller than himself. Halsin was left behind in Act 2.
Jaheira: DU drow fucking loves Jaheira. They bickered and borderline insulted each other and had a great time doing it. He can respect anyone who will call him a monster, threaten to murder him in his sleep, and make light fun at him the next day. It helps that she's hot, also.
Minsc: Weird hamster man. Ocasionally rendered him speechless. Puzzling human being.
Karlach: He didn't get Karlach, but he was often amused by her and curious enough to want to hear what she had to say. There was a similar issue here as Wyll's where he just couldn't relate to her enough to have much to discuss, but Karlach at least had an edge to her that made her far better company. They got along pretty well when the topic wasn't serious, but when it came to the problems she actually faced their perspectives shifted significantly. DU drow thought everything could be fixed, that accepting her own demise was a cowardly thing to do - and as they approached the end, and she asked him if he would stay with her when she died, he thought she was weak. I don't know if he ever discusses it with anyone, but he feels guilty about her death to this day and sees it as personal failure.
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thedeskofaltoclef · 7 days ago
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How I became The Desk of Alto Clef.
My response to a SCP Group designed around Hate and Bigotry who have targeted me and others in this community.
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Nah, man, my daughter is dead.
It has been brought to my attention that there is a group of people on the internet who are fascinated with my fascination of Alto Clef and Meri. Hurtful and yet cute in a way so I think now I'll choose this time and these screen grabs from their discord to explain how I came to be 'The Desk of Alto Clef'.
My Daughter died six years ago and it sent me spiraling deep into the bottom of whatever bottle I could find.
I was completely prepared to take my own life and even had the things to 'finish the job' because my life had no meaning at that point. What was another statistic going to matter anyways, right?
It was in one of these dark, drunk moments with a gun when I fell across the Volgun's video on 'reality benders and you' and fell into a rabbit hole.
Drunkenly I fumbled around the wiki and learned more about this broken man known as Alto Clef.
A man whom I could relate to in my own way. A man who, no matter what he did, could never see his daughter as I will never be able to see mine. So thus, I became a very, very shitty cosplayer.
I like to believe that over the past four years my acting ability has increased to a sustainable level and as much as I joke about things I do try to stay humble about it. Though I like to think I've become better but I digress.
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I love the lore of Clef and Meri, on or offsite, to the point that I am weird about it I know, but that's how I stay connected to my daughter. Writing the Deskverse is how I stay connected to my daughter.
I am also autistic which causes me to hyper fixate on Clef as a coping mechanism.
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Because of this group of people I have greatly considered leaving the community and going back to my own personal solitude. Acting, Voice Acting, Cosplaying as Clef gave and still gives me something to live for again. I may not be this group's cup of tea but I do like to believe that I have helped others. My main goal has always been to uplift those who need uplifting. I do not want anyone to ever feel how I felt in my lowest and darkest moments.
The main story in the deskverse is about a father and a daughter torn apart by the actions of an abusive mother. My real life story.
I also have ZERO clue as to why I am being involved with misogyny or yuri things. If I have offended you in any way I do apologize.
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I do not plan on posting the more 'suggestive' or 'lewd' responses they have made. Overly sexualized content does make me extremely uncomfortable.
This group of people have broken my heart into pieces. Seeing this list of images and names dragging me through the mud has already smashed my unstable self-esteem as it is.
At this time I do not plan on releasing any names associated with all of this because I am honestly tired of reliving the most horrid event of my life over and over because I, for whatever reason, do not fit what this group feels is acceptable of an actor/writer/fan.
I cannot say the same for the others in which they were assaulting.
In summary Alto Clef is an outlet for the pain I live with every day. I can never see, hold, hear, smell, or speak to my daughter. I have scars on my body from her mother that will never allow me to forget that life I had. I will always remember the taste of gunpowder but thankfully my drunk ass was too weak. If your going to be bad at something, be bad at that I suppose.
I will leave all of this with a final image from the copious list and the one that honestly hurts me the most. I am honestly a shy and reserved person and frankly it takes a lot for me to get out of my comfort zone. Not long ago I went to another SCP discord server because I wanted to meet new people and someone in there was awesome. I truly enjoyed my time with this person and just found them amazing. They were kind, open, willing to listen to my ideas, and gushed over Numberonedoggo. I thought I had finally made a new friend on my own. I was apparently wrong.
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Art, from some of my favorite artists, was made for the sole reason of mocking me specifically. To laugh at me for finding joy in something that gives me purpose. Something I use to drive away the darkness.
No age, disorder, illness, or reason at all can be acceptable for anyone to act in this way. You are all a mockery of everything the SCP community should stand for.
-TheDesk
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allpiesforourown · 1 month ago
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Hello..If you don't mind, can I ask your top 5 (or top 3) favorite characters from SVSSS? And why you loved them? And your top 5 favorite moments from the series?
Also, if you don't mind me asking (again), what do you think are Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe's greatest personality strengths and weaknesses? Why? What do you love about their dynamic? Sorry if you've answered these questions before.....
Okay that would take FOREVER so I'll just do my top 5 fav characters and my fav scenes with them
5. Ning Yingying - she's sooo silly... it was so wonderful being introduced to her and seeing her as a dumb airhead who unknowingly gets people in trouble (the pendant incident) and watching her overtime become someone responsible.
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OKAYYYY QUEEN i just know she would run Qing Jing peak like it's the navy.. Also very important to me that although she gets serious when the time calls for it, her personality still has remnants of that silly girl we were first introduced to (for example during the return to childhood extra where she assumes a grown ass child is Shen Yuan's baby)
4. Original Luo Binghe
i could spend HOURS talking about how tragic his life was but honestly my reason for liking him as a character is really simple. He gets horny for people who are nice
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The fact that he knew the original goods for YEARS and then Shen Yuan gave him cuddles and Bingge went "wait actually Shen Qingqiu is kind of hot??" Real as fuck . I just know after he returned to his world it was like
Bingge: you would be sexier if you were sweet and kind
Sha Hualing: im sorry do you KNOW who you're asking this of
3. Shang Qinghua is... way too real. I feel like everyone can relate to him, especially with how terrible the world is right now. He can't do anything to go against the plot he himself wrote. He's the painful mixure of "if only I had done that differently" and "I can't do anything at all" that everyone experiences.
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Moments like this, such as Shang Qinghua interrupting Bingqiu's honeymoon really make his character even more tragic. Without Mobei-Jun, he doesn't really have a place to go... he didn't take the offer to return to his homeworld because there was no one waiting for him there. Even when he's having dinner with his friend, he knows he can't ask for more because sticking around would annoy Binghe. Just kind of wandering around alone and seeing other people be happy together and have a place to go sucks ://
2. My second favourite scene and my second favourite character: Luo Binghe
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This scene really made me love SVSSS because it's so rare to find media where characters are actually allowed to be human and insecure. Like I know we call Binghe manipulative and toxic (and he is!) but EVERYONE has at some point in their life felt like they hate them self and no one loves them.
The fact that Luo Binghe has these emotions and they're relevant to the plot is so special to me. It's so disillusioning when a character goes through trauma after trauma and it's never talked about. Binghe going "shizun I hate myself and I want to end the world about it" was just.. *chef's kiss*
My favourite scene byfar: Shen Yuan hugging Binghe in Shen Jiu's memories
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I think this was the final nail in the coffin for making me love Shen Yuan.
For all that he insists, "I'm just farming points so the protagonist won't kill me!" when he's put in a situation like this, he's more loving than ever. He can't touch Binghe, but all he wants to do is wipe his tears. It pains him so much to see his dear disciple hurt and vulnerable that he can't do anything but kneel down and try to hug an image of the past. He knows Binghe can't hear him but still tries to comfort him.
"Shizun will never hit you again." is a line that absolutely makes me go crazy, because Shen Yuan was never the one who hit Binghe, that was the original goods. He doesn't care if Binghe knows that it wasn't him who hurt him. All he cares about is making sure Binghe knows it will never happen again, and that Shen Yuan will love and protect him.
Shen Yuan tries so sooo hard to come across as a "reasonable" character but he can't hide how sentimental and emotional he is. He'll complain about how the characters in PIDW don't use their brain, but then you show him a memory of a crying child and say "this happened in the past and there's nothing you can do about it" and he'll still try to hug that child and tell them to stop crying and that they'll be okay. God I love Shen Yuan
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akutasoda · 8 months ago
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hii :3 for ur 1k event, can I request a fic or hcs of sunday w a shy s/o which likes physical affection a LOT? fine w fluff or hurt/comfort!! love ur writing <3
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feather light touches
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synopsis - what happens when someone who loves physical affection meets someone who doesn't?
includes - sunday
warnings - gn!reader, slightly angsty, comfort, fluff, wc - 897
a/n: hii :3 thank you!!!
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sunday was a public figure. head of the oak family and at the will of the watchmaker, anybody who had even heard of penacony probably had heard of him. while he did manage most of the affairs of penaconians in his office, he was a well known face - mainly due to him making sure he could accompany his sister to her performances and personally greeting very important guests.
to maintain such a high profile position, sunday had no room to be shy nor anxious when it came to anything. he needed the ability to communicate with and sway anyone to his whims and so he needed to show no signs of weakness. perhaps it was maybe helped by the fact that he did have quite the desperation for control and so to achieve that, he needed everybody to see him as the confident and formidable person he was.
as a result, alot of his relationships were strictly business - in a way every business relation he built up was built up to his benefit, to keep him in control and eventually elevate his status. he needed to be in control to succeed and so he never took up opportunities that made him feel like his control would diminish and leave him scrambling for his power. by extention, sunday wasn't exactly the kind to enjoy physical affection, if anything he despised it. of course there were exceptions to a degree, namely his sister and you.
you were like a complete polar opposite to sunday. he was confident and an influential figure that liked keeping people at arms length, even those he was close too. you were a shy and reserved person who craved nothing more than to be close to those you held dearly. physical affection was very dear to you but unfortunately the shyness was an obstacle that prevented most forms of physical affection - unlike sunday who would take any opportunity to stay away from any kind of physical contact.
sunday didn't mind how shy you were, it didn't really matter to him as he enjoyed your company nonetheless. he didn't mind doing things for you and so if your shyness did prevent you from talking to people he'd gladly step in. your shyness was actually a great comfort to him at the end of a day filled with business dealings, just to spend his evening with you indulging in smalltalk and relaxing without the pressure of being the head of the oak family.
it wouldn't take sunday long to notice how hesitant you could get in private, you always looked like you wanted something but you never said anything and so he didn't know what to do. if something was bothering you, you probably would have told him know no? truth be told, your issue wasn't so much your shyness when it came to physical affection but more with how unsure you were with sunday's willingness to just that.
you knew for a matter of fact that physical touch and affection wasn't exactly sunday's deal, so you're shyness was overcome with worries that he wouldn't understand your love for physical affection. you started fearing that this would be the reason you couldn't stay with sunday, that this would be the breaking point of your relationship. what made it worse was that you never brought it up. you were way to shy about it to bring it up and so you say on the issue.
that was until sunday started picking up more ideas to what was causing your hesitation around him. he noticed how a simple act of hand holding made your face light up even if you didn't mention anything, so unconsciously he started doing that more. sunday realised you were very fond of physical affection and maybe you were just hesitant that he wouldn't appreciate it.
it was true that he was uncomfortable with most kinds of physical affection but maybe he could try and make an exception for you - he really couldn't bare seeing you so pained because you couldn't ask him. simple acts like hand holding, that still made you light up, were bearable with him to start as long as he still wore his gloves but you didn't seem to mind. maybe just maybe he could atart building up his tolerance just for you.
or maybe he couldn't deny you when he realised you built up all your courage just to ask him for a hug. sunday fully understood now, he knew for sure that you lived physical affection but you were simply too shy to ask for such. albeit he probably didn't help you by seeming so off put by physical affection but he just had to prove to you that you were indeed an exception - so long as you still let him get used to more physical contact.
it all seemed worth it in the end to him. seeing your face light up when he offered a hug, a small kiss, or even hand holding made his day, what really made it worth it for him was seeing you becime more comfortable with asking for the physical affection you lived oh so much. it may be foreign and slightly uncomfortable to him but he'd be willing to build up that aspect if it meant helping you in the process.
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akutasoda's 1k event
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lowkeyerror · 2 months ago
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Chasing Extinction
Wednesday Addams x Vampire! Reader
Word Count: 13.5k
Ch. Notes: Multiple parts, angst, hurt/comfort, mentions of death, aged-up characters, potential ooc Wednesday, blood, lmk if I missed anything
Summary: As a child, loss showed you how disappointing humanity could be. As a teen you learned the importance of relationships. As an adult you learn how uncomforting success can feel. It's not until reconnecting with Wednesday in order to try save the Vampire race that you finally feel real purpose, direction, and romance. (BASED ON THIS)
An: ... Chat I couldn’t wait I'm sorry it needed be let free so here is part one. There will be another part at a date in the near future. Hope you guys enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing. Also at the bottom of fic is the symbol mentioned if you want a visual aid.
Series Masterlist
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At heart you were a skeptic. The world was bleak, and you refused to place your hope into it. That ideology alone saved you from emotional weaknesses time and time again. You didn’t believe in people, as you learned at an early age, the only thing people were proficient at was causing disappointment.
Your mother and father loved you in their own ways. You remember tender touches from your mother, a caregiver at heart. She was always so careful with you, fearful that you might break.
Your father kept a lot of his emotions to himself. You rarely had a grasp on the kind of individual he was, but you knew his embrace was filled with warmth. You’d like to think all of the things he didn’t know how to say, he conveyed with a hug.
You loved your parents, but humanity did not. They were afraid of what they could not understand. All they saw was a group of monsters: Vampires that were a threat to them and their families. Their motivations didn’t matter to you. They had orphaned you without any hesitation. In that moment you learned disappointment.
After the loss of your parents, you were placed with your aunt. Your mother’s younger sister, perhaps too young to raise a child. She tried her best with you, but it was hard. Neither of you were quite certain of the roles to play in each other’s lives. She was a skeptic too, a woman who trusted no one, but herself. All she could do was instill in you her way of thinking.
She taught you about the dangers of attachment. Life had a way of being of cruel, according to her. She taught you how to protect yourself, not only with your hands, but with your brain. Without her there was a chance that you wouldn’t have survived the way you had.
It was easy to be skeptical when you were alone. When there weren’t many people like yourself around it was easy to not trust anyone. It was harder at Nevermore.
The school was filled with outcasts. People who could relate to being mistreated by society. On a more intimate scale, there were other Vampires at the school.
It was the first time you realized just how many of you there were. It was also the first time you realized how lonely you were.
You weren’t a social person by any means. The other Vampires learned that quickly. The only person who didn’t seem to mind was your roommate, Yoko. While others pushed to discover the workings of your personality, Yoko didn’t.
Her indifference eventually piqued your interest after months of harassment from the others. You let yourself question her one night in your dorm.
“Do you not care to know anything about me?”
She put her phone down before answering you, “Are you suddenly in the mood to share?”
“You’re the only person here that hasn’t tried to pry into the details of my personal affairs,” you deflect slightly.
“Here, it’s easy for some people to forget how cruel the outside world can be to us. They forget that our lives are at risk in most places. I know what it can be like out there and I understand what that can mean. So, I get why you're not so eager to share, it’s probably not anything you want to remember.”
Her words resonate deeply with you. It was like they were pulling something inside of you that made you want to tell her. It was the first time you felt that way, so you listened, “When I was a child, my parents were killed by the normies. I learned then that people couldn’t be trusted. Putting trust in others only leads to disappointment. After my parents died, my aunt became my legal guardian. She reinforced my beliefs and in part, is the reason why I’m not too keen on socializing.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
There was a pause. Something in her tone told you she had more to say. You didn’t know if it would be beneficial to continue the conversation, but you had already made it this far.
“You wish to say something else?”
She didn’t answer immediately, “Would your parents want you to experience a life without any companions? Living with no one to trust and no one to rely on sounds miserable. Especially when you consider how long we live. You may not understand it now, but finding the right people is usually worth the disappointments it takes to get them.”
You ponder on her words. The memories you had of your parents played in the back of your mind.
“I suppose that makes sense,” you spoke softly.
“Not everyone can be your friend, but that doesn’t make them all your enemy.”
You nod in understanding, “I’d like to call you a friend, Yoko.”
For a long while Yoko Tanaka was your only friend. She was popular amongst your peers, meaning being around her outside of the dorm meant being around her friends. She gently pushed you to socialize a bit more. While you weren’t exactly an open book some of Yoko’s friends became your friends.
Enid was a bit much initially. You didn’t judge her energy or the bright colors. She was a very vibrant person, which you had to get used to. Underneath all of that excitement, Enid was one of the most caring people you had ever met. It seemed to be second nature for her to care about the people around her. She was fiercely protective of her friends and that included you. You trusted her the same way you trusted Yoko.
“I wish you'd let me paint your nails just once, Vampy.”
You and Yoko were situated in Enid’s room for a sleepover. The blonde was currently painting your roommate’s nails. She had been trying to persuade you for a while. You always declined her offers.
“I don't like it when you call me that. If you agree to retire that name, I will let you paint my nails,” you sighed internally, preparing yourself for what was about to happen.
Enid let out a squeal of excitement, quickly abandoning Yoko to get closer to you. Her hand reached for yours without hesitation. She began analyzing your nails, her file ready in the other hand.
“What’s your favorite color Vam- Y/n?”
The immediate slip up made you laugh a bit, “Red, dark red like-”
“A blood bag, very cliché Y/n,” Yoko interjected.
Enid glared at the other Vampire, “Yoko don't ruin this moment. This is the first personal thing Y/n had shared with me.”
“It’s just a color,” Yoko argued back.
Enid shook her head dramatically, “No, it’s Y/n’s favorite color.”
Yoko looked at you with her eyebrow raised, “Would you tell our pup another piece of information so she could let this color thing go?”
You think for a moment, trying to find something about yourself that you think Enid would be satisfied with.
“My birthday is in February.”
“O-M-G, are you an Aquarius or a Pisces? I totally get Aquarius vibes from you. Things are starting to make a whole lot of sense. I wonder if our signs are compatible for friendship. Do you have Costar? You should download Costar.”
She rambled on about horoscopes until she finished your nails. After that she took your phone and downloaded Costar, making sure to send herself a friend request.
The only other person you made a connection with at Nevermore was Wednesday Addams. In some ways she reminded you of yourself. She was very intelligent and very private. Wednesday wasn’t someone who loved being the center of attention, she just often found herself at it. Her pride would not allow her to run from it.
It wasn't something that was outwardly apparent, but Wednesday was an adventurer. She craved a challenge, which she would never find in a schoolbook. Wednesday needed a case to crack.
“Have you ever thought of getting revenge on the people who murdered your parents?”
“Wednesday! You can’t just ask her-”
You cut Enid off, “Sometimes, but it wasn’t just one person. It was an angry mob, so I’d have to find them all first.”
“Finding them sounds like child’s play. I could probably do it in an afternoon,” Wednesday offered up her services.
You shook your head, “I wouldn't feel vindicated. Even if I killed them all, it wouldn't be enough. They robbed me of something truly priceless.”
You kept your eyes focused on the window. Watching students engage with each other on campus. The question created a thick emptiness in your mind.
You didn’t see the way Enid glared at her roommate. Nor did you see the slight displeasure on Wednesday’s face as realized her question was potentially insensitive.
Enid was careful to wrap her arms around you from behind. You tore your gaze from the window to turn into her arms. Enid had deciphered some time into your friendship that you preferred physical contact when it came to being comforted.
“My question was inappropriate, forgive me,” Wednesday spoke flatly.
Enid let go of you, getting ready to unleash a hurricane of words onto the girl in black.
“I think it’s quite thoughtful of you actually.”
“Huh, how?” Enid questions.
You look into Wednesday’s dark eyes, “That was Wednesday’s way of offering to help me get revenge on the people who wronged me most in life. It was a friendly gesture.”
Wednesday looked away from your intense gaze.
“Oh, I get it now. That’s sweet of you Wends, we’ll practice on the delivery next time,” Enid’s mood did a 180.
Wednesday rolled her eyes, “There is nothing sweet about me. I was just trying to put my expertise to use. I beat Crackstone and the stalker, I’ve been terribly bored lately.”
Wednesday and Enid went back and forth for a while. You simply watched the converse once again getting lost in thought. Your eyes scanned the raven-haired girl. Your mind wandered to places it had never explored before.
Yoko had explained crushes to you before. It was in simple terms; terms that felt too simple for the strength of the feeling. It was an intense yearning that you fought against at every opportunity. Having a crush on Wednesday sounded like something trivial, a waste of time.
You knew how the girl felt about romance. She wasn’t interested in it; in fact, the thought repulsed her. Yet as you learned from Yoko, you don’t get to choose. The feelings act on their own with disregard for social etiquette.
You valued your friendship with Wednesday and did not wish to ruin it with your romantic feelings. So, you promised yourself to never reveal them.
“What are your plans after graduation, Y/n?”
The question from Enid abruptly removed you from your own thoughts, “I haven’t given it much thought.”
“Does nothing interest you?” Wednesday let some genuine curiosity slip through.
You shrugged, “What is the monetization of an interest, if not the death of a hobby? There are many things I enjoy, but finding my life’s work has proven to be quite difficult.”
Enid was excited to chime in with her opinion, “I think you could be a writer, like Wednesday. You’re into classical music too, maybe a composer?”
“You have been more than competent as a detective during our investigations,” Wednesday gave you a rare compliment.
“I enjoy all those things, but how do I know if they’re worth pursuing? What if I’m not successful at any of them?”
“I loathe this expression, but perhaps it will be useful to you. You must ‘follow your dreams'. If you are passionate about something, you can use that to push yourself to successful heights. Success is not unilateral; it looks different for everyone. Though in the eyes of the law my investigations are fraudulent, I count them as successes because I know I solved those cases. I simply do not care what they have to say, because I know the truth.”
You reflected on her words before a sly smile took over your features, “If I got a bestseller before you would you take it personally?”
“Competition fosters creativity.”
-Many Years Later-
You wrote under a pseudonym. At first it was to hide your shame if you became a failure. As you began to garner an audience you kept it to sustain your private life. Much to your surprise you actually did make the bestseller list. In fact, you made it multiple times. Wednesday had still gotten there first. Her semi-autobiographical tales of Viper De La Muerte were beloved by many.
It turns out she was right when she said that competition fosters creativity. It seemed as if the two of you were always battling for that number one spot on the list.
Lately you have found yourself in a creative slump. There are too many distractions around, you can’t put pen to paper like you need to.
“I think I want to go out of town.”
You sit across from your aunt, while the two of you eat dinner.
“Where?”
You sigh, “I’m thinking about renting a cabin for a few months. I need to focus on my writing, and I can't do that here.”
“Y/n our numbers are dwindling, and you want to go live alone in the forest? What if something happens to you?”
You knew that this was an inevitable conversation, “Amdis I’ve already booked the cabin. It’s not too far from Yoko, so if anything goes wrong, she’ll be able to help me.”
The woman’s eyes flare red, “And what of the murders?”
“Conspiracy often plagues-”
She cuts you off, “You know better than anyone else that there is no conspiracy when it comes to the hate in the heart of humanity. Did you forget what happened to your parents?”
Her comment causes you to slam your fist down and rise from your seat, “Don’t you dare make such claims. I carry their loss with me in every step I walk, I see them when I look into the mirror, I hear them when I speak. How can I forget them, when I carry a scar, which lets me know that I should’ve lost my life with them?”
“Y/n I-"
“Just as no one came to save my parents. It’s impossible for me to save our people. I can’t live my life in fear of death because that’s not what they would’ve wanted!”
Your eyes burn into the woman. It was as if there was lightening storming behind your red irises.
Amdis relents, “I’m not saying that I expect you to save everyone kid. I just want you to be mindful of what is happening to people like us. The hunters are getting out of control, and the only safety we have right now is in numbers. I can’t stand to lose any more family.”
You sit back down. The gravity of your aunts words weighs heavily on you. You take a moment to see her not as your aunt, but as a person. The woman who lost her older sister, who could’ve denied you entry into her life. She was 18 and suddenly tasked with taking care of a 9-year-old. She had done everything for you, sacrificed so much to be the person you needed her to be.
“I know, I’m sorry for being inconsiderate. Your worry means everything to me. It’s just- this is something that I must do. You taught me how to protect myself, now I must ask you to trust that I've retained that knowledge.”
“You’ll check in with me every few days. If you miss a single day, I’m coming out there,” her tone stays stern, but you begin to smile.
“Understood.”
Yoko picked you up from the airport and offered to take you up to the cabin.
“How’ve you been bestseller?”
You sigh, “Uninspired.”
Yoko laughs, “I was hoping to hear about something outside of your career.”
You search for something to share, “My life is only divided into two categories my career and people I care about. Enid’s been sending me a lot of recipes lately; she said she wants to make me some blood brownies.”
“The brownies are fucking delicious; you should definitely take her up on that.”
You nod starkly, “Maybe I’ll host a little get together once I’m settled in and have gotten enough work done.”
The other Vampire nods, “You could invite me, and I'll of course bring Divina, Enid will bring the brownies, and last but not least Wednesday.”
“She’s probably busy being a modern day, more fashionable version of Sherlock Holmes. If she’s not doing that then she’s for sure drafting a book about it.”
Yoko shakes her head in disbelief, “And you’ve still got that teenage crush on her.”
“I do not.”
Yoko plays along, “Fine, then how’s your dating life?”
You blink a few times, “I have yet to find a substantial partner that piques my interest or matches my drive."
“Because you aren’t looking for anyone that doesn’t have the name Wednesday Addams.”
You roll your eyes, “Give it a rest Yoko. We both know that Wednesday doesn’t wish for romance.”
Yoko quirks an eyebrow, “Is that so? I’ve heard otherwise from Enid.”
“What do you mean?” The words spill quickly from your mouth. You try to regain some of your nonchalance, but Yoko sees right through you.
“I mean Enid has told me that Wednesday has had many romantic encounters. Passionate love affairs, burning romances, quick flings, you name it she’s experienced it."
You feel your jaw clench at the information, “Good for her.”
“Don’t be upset little bat. I also know that they never last. Enid tells me that none of them really understand Wednesday. They think they can change her, but-”
“Wednesday doesn’t change for anybody.”
Yoko agrees, “Precisely. Wednesday’s affections are often lackluster to many people. Some want grand gestures and proclamations, but that just isn't her vibe you know?”
“I know.”
The trail to the cabin isn’t too far into the woods. Yoko was able to park right in front of it. It was a cozier looking space than you had originally thought. The cabin was big but packed with well-loved furniture and knick-knacks. The most important accommodations for you were the TV, and internet.
Yoko helped you bring in your things and unpack.
“Ok, I’m going to visit every Friday.”
“You don’t have to check up on me,” you tell her.
She pulls you in for a hug, “I know, but it’s nice to have you around. It would be weird to know you’re less than an hour away and not come to visit.”
“You’re worried,” you mumble into her shoulder.
Her hand caresses the back of your head, “A lot of us have been going missing lately. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
“You sound like Amdis."
Yoko’s voice is soft, “Your aunt has every right to be worried. Call her, let her know you made it. I’ll text you when I get home.”
With one more squeeze Yoko exits the cabin leaving you alone. The quiet washes over the area and you let out a large breath.
Your eyes drift over to the typewriter you brought. Usually, you author your stories on your laptop, but you brought the typewriter to draw extra inspiration.
Before you attempt to write, you call your aunt like Yoko instructed. By the time the call ended Yoko had texted you that she made it home safely.
You sat in front of the typewriter just thinking. The pressure was building. There was a finality in writing on a typewriter that wasn't there when you worked digitally. You’re somewhat forced to be more intentional with your words. Which was the main rain you had brought it in the first place.
It feels like forever before you type your fist sentence. Slowly, but surely you begin finding a rhythm and soon enough you’re loading in another sheet of paper.
A text message a few hours later is what finally breaks your concentration. You assume that it is Yoko or your aunt, but you're wrong.
Wednesday: Enid tells me you’ve taken up shelter in a cabin in hopes of ending your writer’s block.
You: I have and it's working quite well actually.
Wednesday: With all of the Vampire killing going on, you find locking yourself up some in a cabin to be safe?
You: Not you too 😒. I’m fine, Yoko lives close by and I'm very capable of defending myself Addams.
Wednesday: If you’re put in a position to have to defend yourself, that just shows that you didn’t take the proper methods of precaution.
You: I assure you; I have taken every possible precaution.
“Have you really?”
You scream and jump at the same time. Your hand places itself over your shallow beating heart.
“What the fuck, Wednesday?”
The woman eyes you up and down, “Vulgarity is new for you, Y/n. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear before."
Your phone rings before you can question your old classmate. You pick it up hearing Yoko’s slightly panicked voice at the end, “Are you alright? I heard your heart rate like triple.”
“I’m fine Yoko, just have an unsuspected visitor.”
“Who?”
Wednesday makes her presence know, “Hello, Tanaka.”
You can nearly see the other Vampire smiling on the other end of the line, “Addams, very interesting. Well, call me if you need anything baby bat, I’ll talk to you later."
You say a quick goodbye before hanging up the phone. You turn your attention back to Wednesday. The last time you saw her was a little over a year ago at some party Enid was throwing. She hadn’t changed much; in fact, she hadn’t really changed much of her aesthetic since Nevermore.
Her attire was still all black. She still had her two braids. She might’ve been an inch taller and maybe her tan was a little darker, but she was essentially the same.
“How did you find me and why are you here?”
Wednesday walks around observing the cabin with each step, “Well I mentioned that Enid told me, that girl can’t keep any details to herself. She said you’d be staying close to Yoko, and this is the closest available cabin to her. I thought I would have had to search more, but I got lucky with this one.”
“Okay… but why?”
“Is it so strange that I want to catch up with an old friend?”
You look at her incredulously, “You wanted to see me, so you tracked me down and broke into the place I'm staying at? Try again.”
“I’m investigating the increasing amount of murders in the Vampire community,” she reveals.
“Oh.”
Wednesday begins to explain, “As you know the unprovoked hunting of Vampires has been illegal for quite some time now. Yet this year alone the number of bodies belonging to the immortals have been found at an alarming rate. A lot of Vampires are afraid that they might be next. With terror comes two paths avoidance or violence. Neither has ideal conclusions for the Vampire race. To avoid would be to possibly become extinct and the violent route means a war. Someone must put a stop to it before it goes too far.”
Hearing the reality of the situation from Wednesday feels more bone chilling than when your aunt or Yoko mentioned it. The last war between the Vampires and the human race had ended horribly for both sides. So much death that both sides eventually relented to peace talks. Those talks laid a lot of foundation for not only Vampire rights, but also the rights of many supernatural beings. Another war wouldn’t only affect the Vampires, but all relations between humans and supernatural beings would be up in the air.
“Another war would cause complete and utter chaos,” you say.
Wednesday agrees, “It would be the end of peaceful relationship between the naturals and the supernatural entirely.”
“What does any of that have to do with me, Wednesday?”
The brown eyed girl bores into your eyes, “My pride has learned to take a backseat over the years. I understand now that I cannot do everything on my own. The stakes of this investigation are the highest that I’ve ever come across. I require assistance from people I trust to ensure this matter is properly dealt with."
“You need my help,” you summarize her words.
“Yes. I’m currently making my way through my list of allies. Enid suggested that I recruit former Nightshades.”
Your eyes drift over to your typewriter, “Has anyone else agreed to this?”
“Enid is in, she’s in the process of convincing Bianca, Ajax, and Ken. I’m here for Divina, Yoko, and you.”
The pressure of this decision weighs heavily on you. Choosing to stay and write your book rather than fighting for the rights of your people seems ridiculously selfish. On the other hand, willingly agreeing to put yourself in the middle of a potential war didn’t sound much better.
“I need a drink.”
You enter the kitchen, locating the bottle of blood wine you had brought with you. With a wine glass and corkscrew at the ready, you’re pouring yourself a hefty glass.
Your sipping from glass at an eager pace before refocusing your attention on to Wednesday, “Do you want a drink?”
“Bourbon, neat,” she steps into the kitchen.
You sit your glass to begin making Wednesday her drink.
“I never pegged you for a dark liquor type of detective, it’s a little cliché.”
She’s quick to shoot back, “And a female writer with an affinity for wine isn’t?”
You wince playfully, “Touché.”
When you hand her the drink she continues the banter, “Your typewriter is an antique, Royal Magic Margin from 1938. Impressive."
“Amdis got it for me as gift after my first bestseller. I only really use it when I have writer’s block otherwise, I'm on my laptop like everyone else.”
“Though I’ve embraced most technology I still prefer my typewriter. It feels more satisfying when I can physically see all of the pages,” she shares.
You nod, “Understandable.”
The two of sit in silence as you nurse your drinks. You keep running through scenarios in your mind of how this all will turn out. Even the good outcome for the supernatural beings didn't necessarily mean a good outcome for yourself. Anything could happen to you along the way.
“I know that what I’m asking you to do is a lot, but I assure you that I wouldn’t have come if I didn’t think you were capable.”
Your finger plays with the rim of your empty glass, “Do you have any leads, evidence, or plans, or would we be going into this completely blind?”
“I have a few leads and pieces of evidence. I have the ghost of a plan, but I can’t finalize anything until I know my allies. For now, the plan is to gather a team to bring to my residence in order to create a feasible plan of action,” Wednesday explains.
You bargain with her, “If you can convince Yoko, I’m in. I don't want to be the only Vampire around if we're going to be facing hunters.”
“Fair, I was wondering if there was any potential in getting Amdis to join in as well,” Wednesday propositions.
You frown, “You know my aunt doesn’t play well with others. If I tell her that I’m getting involved in something like this she will personally track me down and drag me off to the furthest corner of the Earth.”
“Right, well then we shall wait for one hour and then I will drive us to Yoko's,” Wednesday says matter-of-factly.
“Why are we waiting an hour?”
Wednesday kept a deadpan look on her face, “For the drinks to metabolize."
An hour later the two of you are making the drive to Yoko’s house.
“How have you been fairing?” Wednesday keeps her eyes on the road as she speaks to you.
“Fine and you?”
You see the woman’s shoulders drop a bit, “I never imagined you’d give me such a scripted answer, Y/n. I thought we were years past formalities.”
Her words startle you. This is a side of Wednesday that you are still getting to know. You’re used to her being more nonchalant with the feelings of others.
“Sorry, it’s just my most given answer. I don’t know how I’m doing. I’m a successful writer, but I’m suffering with writers’ block. That doesn’t even really matter when my people are being slaughtered though does it?”
“I think we’re approaching the age where we don’t know what matters anymore? Everything blurs together and starts to feel the same. Success doesn’t seem as important as we thought it was when we were younger. We are going to save the Vampires and avenge the ones that have been lost. Then maybe we’ll be to appreciate the triviality of our daily struggles,” Wednesday answers you completely.
You find yourself staring at her side profile. There’s a hidden vulnerability in her words. You don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, but you question her anyway, “Have you been uninspired lately?��
“Uninspired, unmotivated, and bored. Not just with writing, but with the detective work too. I’ve thrown myself into my work since I was a child. Though I’ve seen the heights of success, they weren’t as tall as I pictured them to be. I suppose it’s like, I’ve grown larger than my dreams, and now I find myself… unsatisfied.”
“Then why take on this case?”
The woman licks her lips for a second before taking a quick glance at you, “It’s personal, isn’t it? I’m not a Vampire, but you are as well as Yoko. I can’t sit around and do nothing, as the people that I’ve worked hard to care about lose everything. Like we said earlier, this problem could expand beyond Vampires. My best friend is a Werewolf. Nearly every person that I tolerate is a supernatural being. I refuse to wait until it’s too late to act.”
A small smile takes over your features, “Noble as always, Wednesday.”
She scoffs in faux agitation, “Still trying to paint me as some kind of heroic figure.”
“Well maybe if you’d stop saving the day, I’d let it go,” you tease her.
“I don’t save the day; I simply follow leads and clean up investigations.”
You answer with sarcasm, “Of course, and it’s not like you take these events and turn them into bestselling novels where the protagonist is a reflection of yourself.”
“How dare you drag Viper De La Muerte into this?”
You laugh at the menacing tone behind her words, “Look, I thought we were done giving scripted answers. You, Wednesday Addams are one of the most heroic people I've ever encountered. Stop being stubborn and treasure the compliment.”
She parks the car before turning her full attention to you, “Perhaps I have some of the qualities of a hero, but I refuse the title. I’m more than the mysteries I solve or the books I write. There are plenty of times I was less than hero like.”
The both of you exit the car. You mumble to yourself, but she still hears you, “Spoken like true hero.”
You ring the doorbell and wait for Yoko to answer. It takes less than a minute for her to open the door.
“Baby bat, already out of the cabin so fast? And you brought a friend too. Long time no see, Addams.”
Yoko steps aside to let you in. The two of you enter and subsequently follow her into the living room.
“I’ve come to ask a favor of you, Yoko,” Wednesday gets straight to the point.
Yoko eyes you for clarification, “I think it’s best she speaks for herself here.”
Wednesday tells Yoko the same thing she told you. The Vampire did not interrupt once. Her facial expression stays neutral as she takes on the information and what is being asked of her.
“That’s a big ask Addams,” Yoko says once she’s heard it all.
“I’m aware, but we would be the only thing standing between an all-out war,” she reasons.
Yoko sucks her teeth, “And Divina is needed as well?”
“Ideally, yes.”
She’s silent for a few minutes. There’s a slow tension building in the room as you wait for her answer.
With a huff of annoyance she agrees, “I’m on board, Addams. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t at least try?”
Wednesday turns her attention to you.
“Fine, but I’m too young to die Wednesday,” It’s as much a joke as it is the truth.
“I would give up my life before I’d let you lose yours.”
Her words seem to suck all of the air out of your lungs. It’s the way she says it, in that way only she can. She speaks these passionate words as if they are fact. They’re common sense to her but seem like an alien language to you.
You say nothing, just sit there trying to keep your face from showing how flustered you are.
“Anyway… should I wake up Divina and pack our things now?”
Wednesday nods curtly, “The sooner we leave the better. It’s a long way to my residence.”
-At The Addams’s Estate-
Wednesday had not been exaggerating about the nearly 8-hour drive to her home. The property was just as unique as the members of the Addams’ family.
“Enid should be here somewhere with the others. You can sit your bags by the door Lurch will take care of them,” Wednesday instructs the three of you.
You all follow her through the home. As you get closer to the rest, you can hear Enid chatting away.
“Some things never change, do they?” Divina nudges Yoko.
The Vampire smiles, “The day that Wolfie has nothing to say, is a day I truly fear.”
When you enter the kitchen area you are met with a plethora of familiar faces. Enid is having a very animated conversation with Bianca. While Ken and Ajax are speaking amongst themselves.
The blonde let’s out shrill yell when notices your arrival. She’s quick to envelope her oldest friend in a hug, “Yoko, I’ve missed you.”
Enid’s grip is something fierce but Yoko hugs her back regardless, “We just saw each other last week, but I missed you too Wolfie."
Divina and Enid exchange quick pleasantries before the siren makes a beeline for her twin.
When it’s your turn Enid can’t help but to lift you off of the ground. It startles you a bit, but you let out of laugh, “You’re a lot stronger than I remember, Enid.”
“It’s a wolf thing, Vampy.”
You groan at the nickname, “I could’ve sworn that we agreed that you wouldn’t call me that.”
The blonde shrugs, “I don’t recall. Wednesday do you recall?”
“You’re asking her because you remember that she was there,” you point out.
The corners of Wednesday’s lips turn up slightly, “We all have unfortunate nicknames given to us by Enid. I believe it is a form of endearment. Though ‘Vampy' is not ideal, it could be worse.”
“See you could stand to learn a thing or two from Willa,” Enid beams.
“Don’t push it,” Wednesday threatens, her stoic expression returning to her face.
Enid concedes, “Understood.”
Wednesday snaps her fingers getting the attention of the room, “We all know why we have gathered here. As much as I would love to dive right into all of the details surrounding the event, I feel as though it would be beneficial to make sure everyone is settled in first. Get reacquainted with each other, try to enjoy this time. Tomorrow we will begin the real work.”
The traveling likely was weighing the abilities of the group. Most of them completing a full days’ worth of travel just to get to the home. Trying to rally them at this point would be a waste of time.
Upon hearing Wednesday's words, the talking picks back up again. Everyone is engaged in a conversation. Wednesday sees this and takes that as her cue to try to leave the room.
You stop her, “Leaving your guests already?”
“Enid is a much more entertaining host than me. She’s familiar with the home so she should be fine,” Wednesday tries to justify her exit.
“Where are you going?”
Wednesday fixes her posture slightly, “If you must know completing a nearly 16-hour drive back and forth is quiet tiresome. I was hoping to get some rest.”
Your eyebrow raises in amusement, “My god, I’ve seen it all. The Wednesday I grew up with would never admit to actually needing sleep.”
She rolls her eyes, “I said rest, not sleep. The two aren’t always synonymous.”
“Well, I could use some rest too. I've been traveling technically for two days straight.”
Wednesday extends her hand out for you to grab. You stare at it cautiously before slipping your hand into hers.
“I’ll show you to the room,” she begins dragging you through the house.
You wonder if she took your hand, so you'd be forced to keep up. It could be a precaution about you getting lost, her home was big, so it made sense. Maybe she remembered your affinity for physical touch and was trying to offer you comfort.
The last thought made you blush. You were grateful the woman was in front of you as to avoid her seeing your face.
She opens a door to what you assume is the room you’ll be staying in. When she closes it behind her, she starts to speak again, “Because I’m not regularly used to accommodating such a large number of guests, rooms will be shared. You and I will be sharing if that is alright.”
“This is seeming more and more like Nevermore by the minute,” you joke, though on the inside your nerves are failing you.
“Would you like me to get the tape?”
Though her tone doesn’t reflect it, you can tell she’s joking, “It’d only be for your benefit Addams, I don’t mind being close to you.”
“Good to know,” she says it to herself more than to you.
The room is large, you can tell it’s somewhat of a masters suite. It doesn’t surprise you to see that there's a bookcase situated against a wall. Near the shelf there’s a medium sized black couch that you could picture the girl reading on.
The bed in the center of the room is large, you assume it’s king sized. It feels silly to picture Wednesday laying in that huge bed alone, but the voice in the back of your mind reminds you that according to Yoko, Wednesday doesn’t spend her nights alone. It's in that same frame of thought that you realize there’s only one bed.
Wednesday heads over to the couch, “You will take the bed.”
You shake your head, “I can take the couch, this is your home.”
Wednesday counters, “And you are my guest.”
“Don’t be stubborn Addams.”
Her gaze meets yours aa little fiercer than usual, “I thought last name basis was just something between Tanaka and I, but it seems to have rubbed off on you.”
You crease your brow, “Abrupt change of subject don’t you think?”
She shakes her head a bit and the emotion leaves her eyes. She reaches for a book off of the shelf, burying her face in it, “Take the bed, Y/n."
“Old habits die hard I see,” you comment, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“What are you referring to?”
You purse your lips, “The way you avoid discomforting topics.”
You can see her jaw twitch from your place on the bed. For a moment, you think you overstepped.
She keeps her focus on the book, “I’d prefer if you’d just call me Wednesday.”
You keep your eyes on her, “Well, Wednesday, I think your bed is quite large. Too large for just one person, in my opinion. I see no reason for you to take the couch, when there is ample space on the bed.”
The statement makes her sit the book down on her lap, “You would be comfortable with that?”
You fight the urge to look away from her, “I wouldn't have suggested it if it made me uncomfortable.”
She gets up from the couch and hesitantly makes her way towards the bed. She sits on the side opposite of you, leaning her back against the headboard. You follow her lead and get comfortable. You lay flat on your back, pulling out your phone for entertainment.
You attempt to fight the urge to fall asleep. However, between the traveling and the softness of the mattress, you lose.
Your light snores pull Wednesday out of her book. She takes in your sleeping figure, analytically. Her thoughts roam freely in her mind as she watches you sleep.
She wonders if the rest of your skin is as soft as your hand. Wednesday wonders if you have laid in bed like this with anyone else. She wonders just how close she could get to you without it b being inappropriate.
The truth of the situation pokes at her. Yes, this case was foundationally important to her. She hadn’t lied in trying to get you to her home, but she also wasn’t entirely truthful. Wednesday didn’t like knowing what was happening to Vampires and being so far away from you. In her mind the closer you are to her, the easier it is to keep you safe.
An aggravated sigh escapes her. After all these years and her futile attempts to move on, she finds herself just as enamored with you as she was at Nevermore.
Now here you were, in her bed. Yet romance couldn't even be considered with such important things at hand. Wednesday had to stay sharp, to keep her focus on the task at hand. This was likely the biggest investigation of her career, potentially the last one she would ever do. Failing here meant failing you, and everyone else she cared for.
Though it was unlike herself she tried to stay optimistic. She refused to believe she had gathered you all to put you in worthless danger.
With her book long forgotten, she attempts to rest her eyes as well.
“I’m using this as blackmail one day.”
“They aren't even that close together.”
“That’s what Photoshop is for Yoko. You're looking at an Adobe certified editor.”
Your eyes open just enough to see Enid and Yoko conversing at the entrance to the room.
“Just take the damn picture Enid, before one of them wakes up.”
You sit up right in the bed, startling the women, “Too late.”
You yawn, sighing in satisfaction when your bones crack.
“We were just-”
“Being weirder than usual and taking pictures of us in our sleep,” Wednesday answers, sitting up in a similar fashion to you.
“Jesus, you guys are the creeps! Who wakes up like that?” Enid replies, completely deflecting on to the women sharing a bed.
“What do you want?” You ask them, your voice echoing as you wipe your eyes.
Enid rolls her eyes, “Relax Vampy, we just came to say dinner’s ready. You’ve been asleep for a couple of hours already.”
“Ok, we’ll be down in a minute,” Wednesday tells them.
“Take your time kids,” Yoko says, pulling Enid along with her.
You run a hand through your hair, trying to shake the last of your tiredness out of your body.
“I’m going to shower before I go down, you don’t have to wait for me,” Wednesday gets out of the bed.
Your body almost melts at the thought of a shower. It’s as if the word itself makes you untense.
“A shower sounds nice,” you say aloud.
“Though I’m aware of the dire state of the climate crisis-”
Your face turns red, and you cut her off, “I wasn’t- I didn’t mean together. I just meant in general.”
You marvel as you see color paint her cheeks "Oh, yes, that does make more sense. Down the hall, first door on the right there’s another bathroom.”
The two of split off into your separate showers. You find each other at the top of the stairs heading to dinner together.
You never pictured Wednesday in relaxed apparel before, but she stood beside you in a pair of black pajama pants and an oversized shirt. It looked like the clothes would swallow her up.
“Were you expecting something more elaborate,” Wednesday speaks, noting your lingering gaze.
“Maybe, but I like this.”
She heads down the stairs without another word and you follow behind her. Once you get to the kitchen table you take a seat next to Yoko while Wednesday sits at the head of the table.
“Enjoy your nap baby bat?” Yoko says suggestively.
“Do enjoy having 2 fangs?”
Yoko laughs, “How unusually violent of you.”
You roll your eyes, “Unusually? Have you forgotten the way I was when we first met.”
“All talk, no action,” Yoko argues back.
“Ajax, do you recall when I broke your nose?” You call him out, trying to make a point.
He sighs poking at his nose, “I do, it’s been a little crooked ever since.”
“Well, if you hadn’t stood up Enid, your nose would be straighter,” you remind him.
“Hey, I accidentally turned myself to stone.”
You shrug, “Should’ve led with that.”
Bianca laughs, “You didn’t even give him a chance. It was definitely on sight.”
Ken adds on, “No literally, and she just walked over him when he was on the ground.”
“It was kind of like a hit and run, except she slowly walked away,” Divina thinks out loud.
It’s nice to laugh and joke you still can. It feels like something you’ve been missing lately in your life. The sense of community that you have here surrounded by your friends is warm.
It's not that you isolate yourself from others. You make it to their parties or gatherings for special occasions, but it’s not often. It’s also not everyone like this. Though you wish the circumstances were better, you’re grateful for this, as you don’t know when it will happen again.
After the meal, you head back to the room. You aren’t tired, in fact you feel focused. With your laptop in hand, you sit on the couch. You take this moment to begin recalling things that might be important for the investigation. You think over the historical content that you know about Vampires. Strengths, weaknesses, previous war efforts, and enemies, anything that might help for tomorrow.
You’re familiar with the 6 W's of investigating, so you assume that’s where you’ll start tomorrow. You had some theories based on what you had seen and known from your aunt, but you couldn’t confirm anything without Wednesday’s evidence.
It made sense for this to be a group of hunters, but with the volume of deaths and missing cases, it was improbable to believe they were working alone. Killing Vampires wasn’t an easy feat. They were strong and nearly immortal. Evolution had done the race good. Garlic had been minimized to an allergy, they didn’t combust in the sun anymore, and wood could not simply penetrate their skin.
Silver was still the deadliest of their weaknesses, followed shortly by magic, holy water, and finally the claws of a wolf. There were other things that made them vulnerable, but those were the main ones.
“Feeling inspired to write after dinner?” Wednesday enters the room.
“You could say that. I'm actually getting some of my thoughts together for tomorrow. I want to have everything I know readily available. That way when we start going into what you already have, I could potentially plug in useful information.”
Wednesday sits next to you on the couch, slightly leaning over your shoulder to look at what you have written so far, “Has there ever been a civil war amongst the Vampires?”
You nod, “Multiple times. The first one was about territory expansion. At one point the entire population of Vampires was in one place. Some people thought that it was necessary for survival, others believed that they should be able to go wherever they wanted. People picked sides and they fought against each other.”
“I’m going to assume the side who wanted to separate won.”
You shrug, “Kind of. That war technically led to us being discovered by humans. There was lots of commotion, you can’t necessarily hide a war. Once they were discovered the humans began trying to kill them. So, they had to make a truce to fight against the humans. There was a huge loss of our people, a loss that some argued could’ve been minimized if we all weren’t in one spot. After that any Vampire who wanted to stray from the coven was allowed to.”
“I see, and the other wars?”
You continue, “I only know of 2 more that were civil. The next one was about interspecies relationships, and the last time we fought it was about ethical consumption of blood. The quick version of events with the interspecies dispute was that there had been this obsession with being pure. Vampires were not allowed to mate outside of the race, regardless of who the other party was. It was challenged after our war against the Werewolves; as a number of Vampires had fallen in love with certain Werewolves.”
“The blood one was quite recent, correct?”
You nod, “I was alive for that one. Maybe 5 or 6 years old. It was probably the largest civil war we’d had; some people even believe we’re still in it today. We need blood to survive, but everyone was divided about where we could get that blood. Some people didn’t want to drink from humans as it is not the best for our image in their eyes. Others argued that drinking from animals could slowly kill the ecosystem. There was even more fighting when it came to how to obtain it.”
“Who won?”
Again, you shrug, “Like I said some people say this one is still happening. It ended in a sort of agree-to-disagree manner. There are technically restrictions about how much of any species that a single Vampire can consume but-”
“Not everyone abides by those restrictions,” Wednesday finishes your sentence.
“Exactly. What are you thinking about all of this in correlation with the investigation?”
Wednesday doesn’t hesitate to share, “I asked about in-fighting within the community because I believe that Vampires are in some ways responsible for these murders.”
You hold back a gasp, “You think we’re killing each other off?”
Wednesday points to a part in your notes, “You have it written out here that you don’t think it’s the hunters alone if it’s them at all. They don’t have the strength or the numbers to operate on a high scale like this. They have to be working with some non-human supernatural beings. Who better to help kill Vampires than other Vampires?”
“As much as it sickens me, we can't rule it out. However, you did say any non-humans, which could mean anything. We all know the history between Vampires and Werewolves. We also know that a noted weakness of Vampires is magic which could indicate Witches. I don’t think we can rule out anyone yet,” you reason with her.
Wednesday’s gaze softens as she looks at you. It’s as if she knows something you don’t. For a moment you can see her contemplating, in her mind.
“Do you know something I don’t,” your voice is delicate as you press for answers.
You can see her mask falling back into place, “I think we should talk about it tomorrow.”
She tries to get up from the couch, but your hand grasps her wrist, “Wednesday.”
She wishes she could ignore your plea, but it was impossible. Maybe if she was the teenager she used to be, she could shrug you off and stand her ground a bit better. However, Wednesday had grown up and knew that acting in that way would not benefit the relationship.
“Come with me,” she says, slipping her hand into yours.
You stand and walk with her out of the room. You walk down the hall, taking a turn before approaching a door. When Wednesday enters the room, you immediately realize it as her study. If the large desk in the middle of the room wasn’t a giveaway; then you’re certain that the evidence board on the wall would’ve given it a way.
The raven-haired girl waits to speak. She watches as your eyes scan the evidence board. It’s a mess of pictures, sticky notes, and red string, but she’s certain you can follow it.
The images on the board are disturbing, she paid close attention to your reaction to them. Pictures of people like you, but lifeless. Some bloody and gore filled, others with bones broken, and some just neat.
You study the pictures, perhaps longer than you should. Your brain is working overtime to find some sort of connection.
“There’s a marking on them. You can’t see it in the pictures, but it’s visible in person. I drew it, right there. I tried to look it up, but the only thing that came up was general Vampire facts. I couldn’t tell of this was some kind of branding or maybe an identity mark that Vampires have,” Wednesday breaks your concentration.
Your eyes flit over to the drawing. It was a circle with triangles around the inner lining, and in the center was a swirl. You recognize the symbol but can’t necessarily recall from where.
“I’ve seen this before.”
Your fingers reach out to trace over the symbol. As soon as they find the paper you feel a burning sensation in the middle of your back. The pain makes you grunt and crumple on to the floor. Blood wells behind your eyes and spills out as you cry silently.
Wednesday is by your side instantly. She tries calling your name and asking what’s wrong, but you can’t respond to her in the state of pain. She sees you clawing at your shirt and without hesitation helps you take it off.
In the middle of your back, she can see a scar forming. It looks like the outline of the symbol she had drawn. It was only the circle; the triangles and spirals hadn’t formed yet.
“Burns,” you manage to spit out. Your fangs come out without your permission.
Wednesday stands up frantically searching for something in her office that would help you. When she returns to your side you can hear her opening a jar of sorts.
Without much warning you feel her hand rubbing the substance on to your back. You flinch out of fear but are relieved when the burning sensation dies down significantly. As your breathing returns to normal, you attempt to sit up.
“Well, I guess we know it’s a brand now,” you attempt to joke.
Wednesday glares at you for a second. She wipes her hands off before reaching to wipe the blood off of your face.
“Nothing about this is funny. You have this circle on your back, we don’t know what it means, and you’re a bloody mess.”
You grab her wrist to stop her from wiping the blood off your face, “These are just tears Wednesday. I’m fine.”
She looks at you wildly, “You are not fine-”
“Wednesday, we have more pressing matters at hand.”
She shakes her head firmly, “They can wait. Get on the desk.”
You furrow your brow, “Excuse me?”
“Get on the desk so that I can properly examine the wound,” she elaborates.
It’s when you stand that you start to really process that you don’t have a shirt on. Wednesday politely turns and waits for you to follow her instructions. You do as she asks, laying against the cold wood.
“Is this really necessary?”
“Just be still.”
You try to relax as reality begins to crash down on you. Not only is there a partial brand stamped into your back, but the woman that you liked since you were a girl is tending to your wound. You’re laying shirtless on her desk while she examines you. This is both a dream and a nightmare.
She begins pressing down on the mark, but you don’t flinch from the touch, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
“Interesting,” Wednesday says getting a closer look.
“Does it look bad?”
“It looks… healed already. Last time I checked your kind isn’t fast healing.”
You stop her, “Well that’s not entirely true. Some Vampires, usually the older one have enhanced healing features to make up for their evolutionary disadvantages.”
“I want to try something. Sit up and give me your hand,” she says.
“You’re still just as bossy as you were when we were teens,” you say, but again follow her orders.
She huffs at you, “And you’re just as compliant.”
Her words shut you up immediately. You watch as she closes her eyes, both her hands firmly in yours. That’s when you begin to understand that she’s attempting to use her powers.
For a moment you feel her grip loosen before her grip becomes deathly and her eyes shoot open.
“What did you see?”
“You’ve seen it on a book at your house, it’s your aunts. Old brown leather, it looks like a journal but it’s thick like a book.”
You sigh, “You think we’re going to need that book, don’t you?”
Wednesday confirms, “Ideally yes, but we’ll worry about it later. I think we’ve done enough for today.”
You attempt to get off of the desk. Your foot slips on one of the loose folders Wednesday has on her floor. The dark attires girl is quick to try to steady you.
Her hands feel unusually warm against the bare skin of your sides. You feel her breath fanning over your collarbone. The fabric of her shirt felt soft, lightly tickling your chest.
There was a small tension building between the two of you. You could feel Wednesday’s eyes following a trail from your face all the way down your body. She did it so shamelessly, in way where it made you feel like a piece of evidence she was examining.
You don’t expect it when the back of her hand rests against your forehead, “Do you feel lightheaded, because you look flush?”
The way her eyes examine every corner of your face makes you want to melt on the spot.
“I slipped on your folder,” you manage to slip out.
Her hand drops from your forehead to caress your cheek, “I must clean in here before I let everyone in tomorrow.”
“Wednesday-"
“Can I ask you something Y/n?”
She says this while her hand finds a place on the small of your back, guiding you out of the room. You forget your original thought.
“Yes,” you answer.
“Are you aware of how cool and soft your skin is?”
You stumble over your words, “I- um-"
“It’s always been like that. As long as we’ve known each other, I mean. I remember the first time you put your hand in mine, to shake it. I’ve pondered over the years if the rest of your skin feels the same. Now, I have the answer.”
You’re in her room now. The door closes behind you, and her hand is still on your back. She leads you to the bed, and you still haven't found the words.
All you can manage to say is her name tentatively, “Wednesday.”
“Are you accustomed to sharing a bed like this? Does anyone of note know the comfort of your skin?”
“No,” you answer breathlessly.
Wednesday releases her own breath, “Good.”
You watch helplessly as the woman walks to the other side of the bed and climbs in.
“What was the meaning of this Wednesday?” You say as you climb into the bed.
She dares to get closer to you. There’s a small space between the two of you. Something you could close if you wished to.
“You’re captivating.”
“Is that something you say to everyone that's shared this bed with you?” You can’t help it as the snarky comment leaves you.
Yoko’s words about Wednesday’s escapades run through your mind. At first you doubted the validity of what you had heard, but with the way Wednesday was acting with you, it was starting to make sense. The suaveness of her words, the charm of her certainty, she could have anyone be putty in her hands.
“No, it’s not,” her voice held a sincerity in it that you weren't prepared to hear.
You lay flat on your back, scared to look into the Latina’s eyes, “I've heard about your romantic encounters.”
Wednesday sighs, you can feel her eyes burning into you something akin to the brand on your back, “Y/n, we’re adults rapidly approaching our 30’s. As a teen I could pretend not to be the slightest bit interested in romance. I could focus on my work. However, as I grew, and began to accomplish my goals, I realized that I wanted somebody to share it with. Not platonically, but intimately. So, I tried dating, is that a truly repulsive thought?”
“No, it’s of sound logic, just like everything you say.”
Wednesday lays on her back, turning her attention towards the ceiling, “Have I misinterpreted things between us? The tension, is it of another variety?"
“You haven’t. I’m just having a hard time understanding this.”
Her hand extends into the space between the two of you. Your hand falls into hers and your fingers interlock.
“I should’ve known the moment I met you that any other attempts at romance would be frivolous. I apologize for my timing, but with you here with me in this capacity, I could not help myself. I thought I would be able to keep these feelings buried like I did when we were younger, but the truth is Y/n, I yearn for you.”
“Wednesday-"
“No one has ever come into my quarters to lay with me. I’ve never brought anyone home, and subconsciously I knew why. None of them would live up to you. Your beauty, your strength, your humor, your passion; all unrivaled.”
You squeeze her hand, “Careful, you’re sounding like your father.”
“I can no longer afford to be careful. I am willing to risk my reputation if it means that you will entertain my pleas.”
“I always thought that one day I’d tell you how I felt about you, and you’d be kind enough to let me down gently. This is a lot to take in,” you close your eyes briefly.
“Is this something you want?”
Your eyes meet hers and suddenly they’re burning just as intensely, “Yes, but I am afraid. Wednesday, you brought me here to help you save my people. This isn’t Crackstone or some stalker, I could die. Hell, you could die.”
“I won’t let that happen.”
“Why is it so easy for you to say that?”
As your head falls her hand lightly grips your chin forcing you to keep eye contact with her, “Because I mean it. Have I ever broken my word?”
“No, but-"
She moves closer, closing the gap between you. You feel everything slow as her thumb cascades across your bottom lip.
“I could argue you down with logic if I have to. My track record speaks for itself, but I don’t want to do that. I want you to trust me, can you trust me?”
You nod, internally shivering when her lips slightly brush against yours. Your breath mingles with hers and your eyes begin to flutter.
“I trust you.”
Wednesday moves hesitantly, but she’s basically already there. Your lips touch experimentally. She keeps getting closer until she’s on top of you. She’s straddling your waist with your face still in her hands. Your hands slide under her shirt to rest on her waist. She’s warm, warmer than you ever could’ve imagined.
You push her away from you a little as you work to control your breath.
“What’s wrong?” She looks for signs of discomfort or regret on your features.
You open your mouth, showing your fangs, “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Wednesday slips her thumb into your mouth. You keep it open, feeling her touch your teeth. The pad of her thumb against the point of your fangs. She pricks herself and you know it immediately.
A single drop of her blood falls onto your tongue. Your lips enclose around her thumb as you suck lightly. Her blood is rich but bitter like an expensive chocolate.
You moan at the taste. Red hues swirling around as you taste her, “God Wednesday.”
She pulls her thumb from your mouth. Her chest heaves slightly, “I would allow you to drink from me until my knees were weak. As much as I desire that, I fear that if we go any farther it will becoming increasingly indecent.”
You nod, inhaling deeply, “You’re right, it seems like we are getting ahead of ourselves.”
She steals another kiss from you before she returns to her spot next to you. She tries to put distance between you two, but you pull her flush against you. Her back against your front. Your purposefully blow air against her ear.
“Where did you think you were going?” You chuckle in her ear.
“I thought we were giving each other space, as to not escalate our behaviors,” she murmurs.
It makes you laugh even more, “Can’t control yourself enough to lie next to me?”
Her arms overlap yours to keep them place, “I can. I suppose I forgot that you are someone who prefers physical contact.”
“We don’t have to cuddle,” you say.
“No, I like this,” Wednesday holds on to you tighter.
“Goodnight, Wednesday,” you whisper into her hair.
“Goodnight.”
You weren’t ready to wake up when you felt the warmth move from beside you in the morning. Your arms pat around the bed searching for the girl that had spent the night next to you.
You groan when you are unable to locate her.
“Go back to sleep it’s early.”
Instead of listening to the voice, you sit up and began to rub the sleep out of your eyes, “Where are we going?”
“I am going to clean my study, and you’re staying here,” she puts emphasis on the ‘I.’
“Let me help,” you say getting completely out of the bed and stretching your limbs.
You hear Wednesday sigh, “Your eyes aren’t even open.”
You open them slowly, adjusting to the new brightness, “Better?”
Wednesday rolls her, “Fine, but put a shirt on. We don't need everyone seeing your bra.”
You let a dopey smile play on your features before throwing a shirt over your head, “Jealous?”
“And if I were to say yes?”
You walk across the room to stand in front of the shorter girl, “Then I’d say you have nothing to worry about. Divina, Yoko, and Enid have all seen me shirtless before and none of them have been swooned.”
Wednesday glares at you, “Not funny, I recount Enid saying some rather interesting words about your body.
Your eyebrows raise, “Wolfie liked what she saw then?”
You could see Wednesday’s jaw clench, “If you would rather room with Enid that can be arranged.”
You shake your head, “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Color dusts Wednesday’s cheeks as she looks away from you, “We’re supposed to be cleaning my study.”
You step aside and dramatically gestures towards the door, “After you.”
“After I practice my dental hygiene,” Wednesday says taking steps to her restroom.
“I’ll do the same and we’ll meet in front of the office?”
She nods and the two of you go your separate ways briefly before meeting in front of Wednesday's office.
It was as messy as it had been the night before. Together you work in silence to make the room more presentable. Papers that are scattered on the floor find themselves in neat stacks on her desk. Some of the books are returned to their proper home against the wall. You clean until the only mess that remains is your shirt from last night and a small bloodstain on the floor.
Wednesday picks up the shirt before you do, she examines it. When she holds it up there’s a notable hole in it, the shape matches the one of the symbols that was now etched into your back.
“Just how hot was it?”
When you get a glimpse of the shirt you frown, “I’ve never felt such an intense pain in my whole life. It felt like the sun was resting on my back.”
Wednesday keeps the shirt as evidence she you help her remove the stain from the floor. By the time you finish it’s actually a reasonable time in the morning.
You decide to go the kitchen and look for sustenance. Yoko, Enid, and Bianca are already there, seemingly making breakfast for everyone.
“Morning,” Enid speaks enthusiastically.
You greet them quietly, taking a seat at the table. Yoko brings you a slice of toast that’s covered in, what you assume is blood jam. You’re correct, and munch on the bread happily.
“Y/n did you have a nightmare or something last night?” The other Vampire questions, taking a seat next to you.
“I was going to ask the same thing, your heart was going crazy, and it sounded like you were crying,” Enid adds on.
“I think it’s better if I wait to tell everyone at once,” you mumble.
“Does it have to do with the investigation?” Bianca correctly assesses your hesitance.
Wednesday answers, “Yes, and let’s hold any further questions until after breakfast.”
You can see Yoko roll her eyes behind her glasses, “How come Addams gets to know and I don’t?”
“Yoko, we were together, so she saw everything. I’ll tell everyone once we’re getting ready to start working out the plan.”
One by one, everyone else appears in the kitchen. The chatter is low but fills the room all the same. Once everyone finished, Wednesday starts to direct them towards the office. As they file into the room Wednesday grabs your hand pulling you to the stand with her in front of the evidence.
“Last night after speaking with Y/n, about the history of in-fighting in the Vampire community, we came to this room to go over some of the evidence that I have gathered. During that time, I pointed out the pattern of this symbol on the victims. Though it did not photograph well, I took the time to draw it. When Y/n touched that drawing, it partially burned into her skin.”
You turn with your back facing them. You raise up your shirt to just above the scar on your back. A few gasps are heard with the reveal.
“That symbol belongs to the first generation of elders,” Yoko inspects the drawing.
“Do you know why it burned her?”
Yoko tilts her head to the side, “There was a story my parents used to tell me about it, but I always thought it was legend. The symbol was originally the crest of the first Vampires in existence. It goes back to the territory expansion, the elders wanted everyone to stay together. However, when it was decided that the others could leave, they wanted a way of being able to identify each other once out in the world. They took their symbol and filled it with cursed magic. It marked every Vampire that it could touch.”
“Does that explain why it’s on the bodies?” Ajax questioned.
Bianca answers him, “I doubt it, that story is probably hundreds if not thousands of years old. Most of these victims wouldn’t have been around back then, according to this board.”
Yoko adds on, “Bianca is right. After Vampires were allowed to migrate, it didn’t make sense for us to all follow one set of elders. So, everyone kind of started doing their own thing, finding guidance in the community rather than the original elders. Of course this upset them, they tried warning people about fighting against them. Eventually their need for control caused them to do some heinous things to other Vampires resulting in exile. Their symbol was banned and as far as I know they dropped off the face of the earth.”
“Is there a chance that these markings come from them?” Ken speaks up.
The group looks to Yoko and yourself for answers.
“It’s not impossible…” You begin to say.
“But as immortal as we claim to be, we can still die. The average life span is somewhere around 500-700 years. They would be pushing 1,000 if not older,” Yoko finishes.
“Did you have any suspects Wednesday?” Divina chimes in.
Wednesday begins to point to the evidence board, “There’s inconsistencies across the murders. They all look different, live in different areas, various ages, even the way they are being killed seems different in each circumstance. In some places I’ve found some typical Vampire hunter weapons, stakes, silver, matches. However, with respect to the scale of the crimes it is unlikely that they’re working alone.”
Enid begins to speculate, “So we think the elders Vampires are teaming up with the Vampire hunters? How does that work?”
“Well, the motivation is there for both parties. If the elders are still alive, they have to be powerful beings. Even if the hunters wanted to kill them, they probably couldn’t,” you offer her an answer.
“That or the hunters could be under hypnosis. So, they have no choice but to work with the elders,” Yoko adds on.
“So, what’s the plan Addams?”
Bianca’s question refocuses the attention on Wednesday. You all can see the gears spinning in her brain. This was tedious work, not something that could be wrapped up instantaneously.
“We’ll start by getting the book from Amdis. Then I have a few leads we can follow.”
It wasn’t a full plan just something structured enough to start. Things could develop and change depending on what you found in the book, so it made sense to keep things open.
You weren’t necessarily fond of bringing everyone to your house to collect the book, but it was the most efficient thing to do. That way you guys would be able to check out Wednesday’s leads together straight after.
You were hoping that your aunt wouldn’t be at the house when you arrived. It was a silly thing to hope for, you knew she was an introvert. Your key wasn’t in the door for 3 seconds before it was yanked open.
“Back from finding yourself in the woods already? Oh, and you’ve brought guests.”
You lead your friends into the house going straight to the living area. The book you were looking for should be somewhere on the bookcase. Locating it is easy; it sticks out amongst the rest. You’re scared to touch it, the burning sensation still very fresh in your mind. Wednesday can sense the hesitation from your side, she picks up the book, tucking it under her arm.
“We haven’t come to stay, I just need to grab something, and we’ll be on our way,” you call out to your aunt.
“On your way where exactly?”
Your mind goes blank, but thankfully Enid cuts in, “We’re going on a little friends vacay. It’s been so long since we’ve all been together. With work and life and everything else, we just thought it would be fun to recapture some of that teenage magic before we forget what it felt like.”
“Well, this is more practical then locking yourself in the woods alone, I suppose,” Amdis states.
Your jaw twitches at the slight jab, “More inspiring to have my friends by my side.”
“One last question, where do you think you're taking that book?”
Your face drops with the question, “I’m just doing like you said, caring a little more about our people.”
Amdis crosses her arms over her chest, “I’m just supposed to take that at face value when you have the world’s most unnerving detective by your side? How do you even know that books about Vampires?”
“I have seen this symbol before, why are you making such a big deal of it?”
Amdis stares at you in disbelief, “Because you clearly think I’m some sort of idiot. You’re standing here lying to me like I haven’t known you, your whole life.”
“I’m not a child anymore Amdis, I don’t need you to babysit me. We both know you didn’t want to in the first place,” you shoot at her.
“Is that how you really feel? You want to lay it all out, fine. No, I wasn’t ready to become a parent at 18, but you were all I had. My parents were long gone, and my sister was dead. I knew what it felt like to be alone, to be abandoned, and I didn’t want that for you, Y/n. I sacrificed the little that I had for you, and I’d do it all over again because you’re my family and I love you. Yet, you repay me for my sacrifice with lies, deceit, and accusations. All because I care about you.”
The tension in the room finally explodes. Your friends watch you with careful eyes. Wednesday wants to reach out, but you move before she can. You find yourself sitting in a chair staring at your aunt, the empty expression on your face reminiscent of when you were young, and emotionally avoidant.
You lean forward with your elbows on your knees, trying to find the confidence in your posture. When you speak your voice betrays you, wavering with a soft timidity, “We’re going to stop the extinction.”
The anger vanishes from your aunt’s eyes, “What?”
“I’m going to help save our people, with or without your blessing. It’s dangerous, it’s risky, and perhaps it’s even a little naïve, but Amdis you were right, our people are dying. I’ve seen it and I just can’t stand idly by.”
She exhales audibly, “I’m going with you.”
“But-"
“Kid you’ve lost your fucking mind if you think I’m going to let you go on a literal suicide mission without me. Besides, you’ll all be better off having an expert on your side.”
Bianca interrupts, “We were trying to get her to bring you along in the first place.”
You glare at the siren, “Fine since we’ve figured this out so graciously, I need a minute alone with my aunt. So, talk amongst yourselves and don’t break anything in my house.”
Your aunt leaves the room first and you attempt to follow her. A gentle grasp on your hand stops your briefly.
“Are you going to be alright?”
You squeeze her hand lightly, “I’ll be fine, Wednesday. It’ll be quick, just start looking through the book.”
You squeeze her hand once more before going after your aunt. She’s waiting for you in your room. You close the door behind you as the two of you stare at each other.
“I’m sorry for lying to you. I just didn’t want you to try and stop me,” you admit.
“Kid, I know it feels like I’m getting in your way sometimes. It’s not that I don’t believe in you, because I do. You’re one of the brightest minds I’ve ever encountered. I've watched you succeed in spite of everything you’ve been through. I love you and I’m proud of you. I just- I don’t want to lose you too,” you see the tears begin to well in her eyes.
Though she stands defensively, you still make your way across the room to wrap her up in a hug. Her head falls onto your shoulder as you tightly hug her.
“I couldn’t have done any of it with you. You became the parent I needed you to be and I'm grateful for it, I love you for it. You’re not going to lose me, I promise,” you sway with the embrace.
Amdis pushes herself out of the embrace gently, wiping at her eyes, “Let’s go save our people.”
Upon returning to the living room Wednesday presents the book to Amdis holding it up a picture of a man.
“Do you know who this man is?”
“Ulysses Obrien, he was a secretary of sorts. He worked with the elders, even after the territory expansion. Why?”
Wednesday holds up her phone and a modern picture of a man that strongly favors the one in the book is displayed, “Because he’s my first lead.”
With the pictures side by side in front of you, the theory of other Vampires being involved in the extinction was becoming more and more likely. The fact you were looking at the historian of the elders was proof enough they could live that long. The thought of the power alone was intimidating, but you couldn’t run from it. You believed in it too much now; you were going to save the Vampires from extinction.
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uyuforu · 10 days ago
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Celebrities Astrology: Predicting Celebrities Future Spouses
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જ⁀➴ How to know when you will get married?
જ⁀➴ Boda in Signs, Houses, Degrees
જ⁀➴ Juno, Groom, Briede in Signs, Houses, Degrees
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╰┈➤ Get your own Future Spouse Indicators on Natal Chart, for 25€ ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
❤︎ Selena Gomez: Aquarius DC 8°, Saturn 7H, 7H Ruler in 6H, 7H Ruler conjunct Neptune, Gemini Juno 10H, Leo Groom 1H 29°, Virgo Jupiter 2H.
Selena will marry someone who is different from others, it can simply a man she would have never dated before, not similar to her exes. It can be someone who looks different, like very much than others tbh. A very unique face, a very unique person in general. This person can be quite creative, they can also be older than her. Saturn 7H is a huge sign of a delay in the marriage life, so she will marry later in life, mostly more after her Saturn return (Aquarius is traditionally ruled by Saturn). The Ruler of the 7H is in 6H, great chance of meeting them at work, it can be a colleague. Someone she can work with. Since its Ruler conjunct Neptune, Selena could not see this person is her FS when they meet, it's like this face of her FS is hidden from her, she gonna take a long time before seeing him as a spouse. It can be a long process for them to marry. FS can have Pisces, Aquarius, Virgo, Capricorn in big 3. FS can be someone very famous as well, someone who works with celebrities, someone who is quite popular, but to be honest they will be famous. People can also know them for their appearance, the kind of celebrity you see and know who they are. FS is hard working, makes a lot of money because of their job. They can work mostly in the music industry, they are very known for their work.
I started this post before Selena's engagement, I still wanted to keep it to see if astrology would be accurate in her case.
❤︎ Mingyu (SEVENTEEN): Sagittarius DC 27°, 7H Ruler in 9H + it is Jupiter, Taurus Briede 11H 2°, Gemini Juno 12H, Briede conjunct Mercury, Aries Venus 11H 17°.
Say it after me: F O R E I G N E R. Yes, there are no doubts, his FS must be a foreigner. They may also have studied in college, did high studies, this person is smart, curious, they give me the vibe of someone who knows a lot of things, who is funny too. This person can live in a different country, was born a different country, they can speak different languages, they can also love to travel. Mingyu and this person can meet in foreign lands, perhaps the country of where his FS lives, but they will def meet outside of South Korea. Though, his FS can be someone who can be popular. I am not sure about famous, but they may be popular. It can be someone who is popular among people around them, but it can also be Insta famous too for example. This person is pretty chill, they can also be considered very beautiful, perhaps FS has money or comes from a rich family. FS can work with music, journalism, writing, social medias, anything related to communication, talking, teaching, singing, etc. They can also dance. It does not seem they will meet at work tho. FS of Mingyu can be quite confident, bold, the type to make him weak in his knees.
❤︎ Taylor Swift: Taurus DC 25°,7H Ruler in 2H, Capricorn Groom 2H 1°, Scorpio Juno 12H, Groom conjunct Uranus, Cancer Jupiter 8H 7°.
Taylor can marry someone who has money, like A LOT. Someone who is stacked. Her FS could be someone who has a loot of money, very rich and wealthy, but also someone who comes from money too. This person can have a lot of possessions, assets, they can also work with money, perhaps invest a lot, etc. Her FS can also live in luxury. They can work with banks as well, they can be a boss, a CEO, someone who handles a lot of money. This person is very private, they may not like people to know too much about them, they could want to be the most secretive. Her FS can be quite possessive, jealous, someone who will be very protective over her. Something can be unusual about her FS, they can be quite different from others, they can be unique, they can look unique. They can marry later in life. FS can be older than her. Something will be unusual about him related to her. But FS can be also traditional, perhaps also comes from a traditional wealthy family. Their family def has a lot of money, they def comes from old money.
❤︎ Sabrina Carpenter: Virgo DC 16°, Mars 7H, 7H Ruler in 2H, 7H Ruler conjunct Saturn, Gemini Groom 4H 25°, Sagittarius Juno 9H, Aries Jupiter 1H 20°.
Sabrina can marry someone who is very smart, someone who can looks neat, someone who has a good reputation. Someone who looks sweet as well. She can marry someone who looks very nice actually, like a hot person. Someone who can be seen as physically build. Someone who is bold, confident, perhaps a little cocky. Someone who is protective, jealous, but quite protector. She can marry someone who has money, someone who has possessions too. This person can be older than her, they can also meet or marry later in life. She can marry quite young as well, or fast. Perhaps a proposal will happen fast in their relationship. Her FS is smart, someone who loves and value family, someone close to their mother. They can be known to be quite hot or physically good looking. They could perhaps work also in the music industry, but not sure to be honest. FS can be a foreigner too. FS can appear as a fuckboy as well, someone you see and think "omg they hot". Someone you think has a lot of chances with girls.
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╰┈➤ Get your own Future Spouse Indicators on Natal Chart, for 25€ ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
❤︎ San (ATEEZ): Pisces DC 15°, 7H Ruler in 5H, 7H Ruler conjunct Uranus, Capricorn Briede 5H 20°, Scorpio Juno 3H, Juno conjunct Chiron, Leo Venus 12H 28°.
San's FS can be quite sweet, very cute, good looking, they can look quite angelic, very innocent. They can look very young as well, or be younger than him. They are very fun, nice, funny, sweet, they can also seem childish at times. They can meet in fun times, perhaps with friends, or when they are both having fun. They can also meet on holidays, or they can also meet as first dates, such as directly meeting in a romantic setting. His FS can be quite unexpected for him, he can also think they are quite unique, they can look unique, they can also seem very cool and friendly. They can be quite different from what people will expect. FS can have had some pain and traumas, and it can also influence their relationships. FS can also not be in the better shape mentally. But they re very giving, loving and generous, perhaps too much.
❤︎ Charles Leclerc: Taurus DC 10°, 7H Ruler in 1H, 7H Ruler conjunct Pluto, Cancer Briede 9H 26°, Virgo Juno 10H, Sagittarius Venus 1H 8°.
Charles can marry someone who is very pretty, very good looking, someone who always knows how to dress up nicely, someone who just looks stunning naturally too. FS can have money. FS is very hardworking, and their money can come from hard work as well. FS can Charles can meet very suddenly, it can be love at first sight, or they may just bump into each other one day, even if it's online. They will see each other and feel very different than with exes. FS and Charles can be together fast after meeting, or get married fast. Charles' FS can mark a big new beginning in his life, they can also be quite deep, intense, mysterious, sexy, he can feel like being with them can just make him feel so much more than without. He will probably be addicted with her. FS is very sweet, nice, kind, they can seem just like the cutest. FS can be a foreigner, but with the Cancer energy, they can also speak the same language as him. FS can love to travel too. FS can be shy, introvert as well. FS can get recognition from work eventually, they can meet through work too.
❤︎ Jennie (BLACKPINK): Gemini DC 11°, 7H Ruler in 2H, 7H Ruler conjunct Juno, Briede, Mars, Virgo Groom 9H 8°, Aquarius Juno 2H, Capricorn Jupiter 1H 2°.
Jennie can have her FS to be someone very smart, very curious, they can look younger than their real age, or actually be younger than her. FS talks a lot, FS can just be very logical as well. Jennie can meet her FS when she is young. FS can be quite unique, and they can be different than others. FS and Jennie can be friends first before being together. FS has a lot of money, FS can invest money, FS has a lot of assets, possessions too. FS is probably Jennie's soulmate, love of her life. She is gonna feel very in love with them. They can get married fast after being together. FS is very hard working, FS can be a foreigner, or can travel a lot. FS can be quite shy, deep, introvert, charismatic, mysterious. FS and her will meet at work, and they can work together as well. FS looks cold, away, they can also look intimidating. FS can be respected in their work as well.
❤︎ Dua Lipa: Taurus DC 4°, 7H Ruler in 10H, 7H Ruler conjunct Sun, Cancer Groom 9H 21°, Groom conjunct Moon, Sagittarius Juno 2H, Sagittarius Jupiter 2H 6°.
Dua Lipa's FS can be very good looking, like the type to be handsome, chill, simply good looking. They can be very sweet, just the type to be loved by everyone. They can work together, meet at work, meet because of work. FS can be a celebrity or famous as well. FS can Dua Lipa can seem very similar somehow. FS can be a foreigner, FS can also talk the same language as Dua Lipa still. FS can be close to their mother, FS can be a home person introvert, shy, FS can also look very cute, FS can have a big fandom of feminine energy. FS can be younger than her. FS can have money, and money can come from work mostly. FS can travel a lot for work as well.
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kinghijinx22 · 2 months ago
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Why Silent Hill 3 is my big favorite- a terrifying horror game about woman's experiences and the fears that come from existing as a woman in a patriarchal society
Silent Hill 3 is probably my favorite Silent Hill game and one of my favorite games of all time, and it has a story and themes that I've always really vibed with. It tells a remarkably progressive story for it's time that handles some intense themes that are still relevant even today, about experiences that a lot of woman go through and the fears that come from existing as a woman in a patriarchal society, what it's like having your own agency and bodily autonomy taken away from you, forced pregnancy and sexual assault, how harmful patriarchal societies are and this game really getting into the religious flavor of patriarchy in particular.
It's an incredibly scary game that uses a feminine sort of horror to great effect, with the design of the other world being as bloody as it is and the monster designs being representative of this. I mean there is a type of creature that are literally supposed to look like fetuses that start getting bigger throughout the game as the birth of God draws near and the giant worm boss for lack of a better way of putting, literally being a giant penis. I think the main complaint that I hear from people about this game is how slow the story is in the first half of the game, but I think the whole getting home late at night as a young woman contributes a lot to what this game is saying. And I absolutely love how this game ends with Heather literally aborting God and fighting it as the final boss, symbolizing her fully taking control of her life and rejecting all of the harmful expectations that were forced onto her. Main antagonist Claudia is such a tragic character though, someone who was so brainwashed by town's religion into think that someone HAS to give birth to God so hard that she did it herself and she suffered for it.
Also while not as intentional considering when it was written and they probably couldn't even write about this stuff if they wanted to, something that I think is worth noting is that I've heard from a lot of trans people who relate to this game as well and I can really see it. Considering it's about people who Heather knows from a past life, coming back to remind her of that past life and forcing it onto her, and Claudia referring to Heather as Alessa could be interpreted as deadnaming Heather. But yeah I've always really loved and connected with this game for how well it handles it's themes about woman's experiences and I think it's really cool how many trans people have been able to relate to it with those specific experiences as well.
Another of my favorite things about Silent Hill 3 is the main character Heather, because she really is one of the coolest characters that I've always really related to. Her struggles are incredibly relatable, but she's also inspiring in how she overcomes them and is always so confident. In fact I appreciate how her and her father subvert societal gender roles in opposite directions, with Heather being as confident and extroverted as she is, probably more then any other Silent Hill protagonist and willing to stand up to all of the men in the story like Douglas in the beginning, Vincent and Leonard, along with all of the monsters she has to fight. And Harry being a single parent who is as gentle and caring as he is, with his one track mind of looking as his daughter, he's kind of both a father and a mother in that way, and also being as physically weak as he is and the opposite of a action hero. She also easily has the most personality of any Silent Hill protagonist, like this girl is overflowing with charisma and is even a little jokey. In fact another detail that I like is how much personality comes through in her examine dialogue, where you actually get to hear her thoughts on everything instead of just basic observation "this is a thing" that the other games in the series do. Heather has opinions on everything, but how she's feeling throughout the game is also conveyed. The dialogue of her observations in the first half of the game has a much more playful and hopeful tone to it, but after Harry dies she becomes much more pessimistic, can only see the negatives in everything and just doesn't seem to care anymore.
Heather is an incredibly well written and nuanced character, and I'll be honest that this is the game I least want to see be remade because I know that they would find a way to fuck up the writing of her character and handling of the themes of this game. Even after the Silent Hill 2 remake being as good as it is, one of Blooperteams biggest flaws is being incapable of handling anything to do with woman's experiences or perspective. SH2 used to be my fav, but I came to realize that it was mostly just because it was the popular one and that I vibe a lot more with SH3 and 4. Especially because SH2 tells a story about misogyny but makes it all about the perpetrator rather then the victim, unlike Silent Hill 3 which does actually tell the story of someone on the receiving end of that type of violence and objectification. SH3 and 4 are my personal favorites, 3 because Heather is best protagonist and I really appreciate it's themes which are handled perfectly, and SH4 because it has a really cool narrative and horror concepts. I know opinions on SH4 are really split, and while I think there are some gameplay things that are jank, I love it's story and premise so much.
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directdogman · 3 months ago
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HELLo . i . i apologize for asking a billionth question BUT considering as the mingus plush is coming soon i thought it would be a LOVELY time to ask about this considering as it IS mingus related; on her profile thingie, it states that mingus was groomed from a young age. (yeowch!) will we ever get any more elaboration on this, like on her backstory / her father whatsoever? theres . a lot to unpack with that single thing itself and im currently in the trenches of the mayor mingus (or michelle if your fancy) brainrot and would love to hear more about this considering it is QUITE depressing with how bad it could be . i fear i may have worded this wrong but uhm ya..
Groomed in this context means basically forced towards success, not the other meaning.
I've talked about it a lil elsewhere. Basically, her dad (Hannibal Crown) was kind of the proto her. Failed politician who tried to run on name recognition and failed. He instilled Mingus with a lot of inner turmoil/insecurity and forced her to study hard and basically not have a social life, after his political ambitions fell through. He wasn't very smart and couldn't really maneuver. Had no good ideas of his own and botched every job he was given in one way or another. Due to him being raised with an absent father figure and by a traumatized mother, he transferred and worsened the negative aspects of how he was raised to his daughter and showed her no love or affection.
He harshly corrected his daughter on her posture, how she spoke (this is why Mingus speaks somewhat formally to this day), pushed her into every extracurricular he could and basically just negatively compared her in every way to her grandfather, causing her to both internalize his vision of Crown and also develop a deep yearning for him to come back - so he could show her the love that she never got from her dad. Mingus truly despised him and by the end, a part of her relentless pursuit of success was to spite him, to prove to herself (and the world) that she was better than he ever was.
It says a lot that she even abandoned the name he gave her for the name that her paw paw gave his CAT, after all.
Mingus ironically wound up becoming the person her dad wanted her to be and achieved something he never was able to through his failed campaigns - becoming the MAYOR of Dialtown and refilling her paw paw's old position. But of course, enough is never enough. That inner well of insecurity is deep within her and she puts up walls because she was trained to understand that to show vulnerability is to appear weak.
Mingus' last conversation with her dad would make a REALLY good short story too, actually. I'll put that on the list of potential short story ideas for after Roger's route releases! Might be insightful.
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astrologydayz · 1 year ago
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ASTRO EVERYTHING NOTES💘
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Planets/asteroids/points aspecting Vertex = 3°ORB MAX, unless it’s a minor aspect, then it’s 2🩷!
VERTEX is fate. In SYNASTRY = whatever that's conjunct your Vertex, will be brought2yo ass by that person! Either by being with them, or just by knowing them. No matter what. If it's something "good", amazing!! If it's something like Chiron?? U Betta run, and u betta run fast🗣. Watch out for Medea - 212 in synastry!!! This asteroid is about EXTREME REVENGE!!!🩸
If you're a woman, and another woman is jealous of u/hates on u in public or in "secret"= check out if their BML is conjunct something in your chart!!! It's something I've seen4years. BML aspects are prominent in a synastry chart with a woman who's jealous of u/hates on u/"fake friend". Which is not surprising, actually. BML Is also where u feel the most "left out"/"exiled"2. So it makes sense, that you'll feel jealous of a woman who has all of those things u never had/Will have. just her living nice, & comfortable with whatever it is you're struggling with/struggling2get. Let's say someones BML is conjunct your Venus = they'll be jealous of your lovers, relationships/material things u own/your money/your art - if your job is Venus related - singing/modelling/dancing/working with beautiful things - Venus work)/because of the love u give out/or because YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!! Always look at house/s/sign/s & both natal charts!! That will reveal everything!😘
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WOMEN with Mars conjunct/square/quincunx BML usually get a lot of hate from men, because they won't put up with shit! Men are intimidated, but sexually attracted 2 them because of the "I don't give a fuck, I'll say&do what I want attitude"💋. They can also have a lot of pent up rage, when it comes 2 men and their experiences with them. Men can have "used, &abused" them. Many men won't have the guts 2 go for her, hell, they can’t even look her in the eyes 4too long. And she's completely fine with that. She c those men as weak, anyway.
MEN with Venus conjunct/trine/quintile Jupiter. Can get a lot of sexual attraction from women!!! They’re talented when it comes 2 gaining female attraction - and they know it. They naturally excude this magical appeal, that women can’t stand for.
MEN with Moon conjunct Chiron have a very deep scar, when it comes 2 their mom. Their mom was highly likely not really “there" 4 them as a child, especially emotionally. Their mom usually also had to take care of someone else/or something else. They didn't get the mothering love&care they needed from her, so now they go around with, let's call it a 'grudge" towards women. They want to hurt women/their partners, like they've been hurt. & the next problem is that it's all in the back of their subconscious, they're not even "really aware of it". So Until they acknowledge their pain&hurt = They'll keep on projecting their mommy issues onto their partner&keep on hurting themselves❤️‍🩹.
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Venus conjunct/trine South Node in SYNASTRY = lovers/married in a past life! They have karmic lessons that needs taken care of, look at house/s, sign/s & both natal charts! Borderline physical attraction between them, &deep deep love&appreciation4each other. SN is typically the one 2 recognise Venus 1st! Venus is usually also South Nodes ideal type. South Node 2 Venus - “I’ve been looking for you for way too long", “we belong together, you and I”, "we're soulmates, I just know it”. Mars conjunct/trine South Node in SYNASTRY = sexual partners from a past life! That's why they're so comfortable with doing sexual things together in this life, when they finally get into it👅. SN knows EXACTLY how the Mars person's body should be devoured/touched. SN is instantly attracted 2 Mars! Karmic lessons here2!!! Look at house/s, sign/s & both natal charts 2 see what kinds of lessons. South Node loveeees the Mars persons body2!! Kinda ideal. And again, South Node is typically the one that recognises their partner 1st - "your touch feels familiar"🫦.
Venus conjunct/trine/quintile Black Moon Lilith In SYNASTRY = crazy sexual attraction because of their intense differences. They can be from two different countries/or one could also "have it all", and the other one? Not so much. It can also show a secret, passionate love affair, between two married people🔞. Or one is married, & the other one isn't. Venus can get obsessed with Lilith pretty quickly - Wanting 2know everything, nothing left out. Venus NEEDS 2 be with Lilith, A LOT. Which is a little dangerous, as Lilith is free & doesn't like it when people try2 control her.
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Jupiter conjunct/trine/sextile/quintile Vertex in a NATAL CHART can show fated fame/success! Either material, or spiritual success✨🍀💚.
Neptune trine/sextile/quintile Vertex in a NATAL CHART = a bohemian kind of lifestyle, never really "settling down in one place". & they'll have fated meetings with artistic/creative, or spiritual souls throughout their journey, who will help them achieve their dreams!!!💙
WOMEN with Black Moon Lilith conjunct their Vertex will be put in a lot of "Lilith situations". Like them being in situations where they feel abandoned/alone/ - them being the other woman - getting hated on because of it/being sexualised a lot by men/men testing their boundaries/fighting for their rights - won't bow down2anyone/people trying to undermine them. Most of the time, these women won't put up with anyone trying2 tell them anything. They're independent, &have no problem with being alone💋.
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Your ASC in synastry is what u immediately think about someone!!! If your Lust asteroid - 4386 is conjunct someone's ASC = they would have hard time controlling themselves around u/wants 2 rip your clothes off, A LOT. NOT the other way around. IT'S THEIR 1ST HOUSE, NOT YOURS BABE😘. It's something that's always "in your face", 4the ASC person. Venus conjunct ASC IN SYNASTRY = ASC person will find the Venus person beautiful af/VERY physical attractive, as I wrote! "beautiful painting", "are you even real?", "you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen", things like that! Mars conjunct ASC IN SYNASTRY = ASC person is REEEEEAAALLLYYYY sexually attracted 2 Mars persons body/physical looks😽. Sexual chemistry, can be crazy here🫦.
Eros - 433 conjunct ASC in SYNASTRY = Asc person is sexually attracted2 Eros person from first meeting👅 - "Can't keep their hands 2themselves"🔞.
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THANKS4READING BEAUTIFUL!!! I APPRECIATE U& Wouldn't do this without you🖤.
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apoloadonisandnarcissus · 2 months ago
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Let’s Talk Galadriel Heartbreak in Season 2
Am I the only one who thinks her whole vibe about “Halbrand is Sauron” in Season 2 was way too over the top for the interactions we were shown back in Season 1 and for something merely platonic?
First, we can’t analyze Galadriel and Halbrand’s interactions with “shipper goggles” on. We have to be unbiased, here. And the truth is: we have enormous plot holes, and many things that just don’t add up. This makes us wonder/theorize what happened off-screen between Galadriel and Halbrand back in Season 1.
Not to upset my fellow shippers (you know how passionate I am about Galadriel x Sauron to the point I was accused of being delusional), but we didn’t see any interaction between Galadriel and Halbrand in Season 1 that could explain the seven stages of grief that Galadriel went through in Season 2.
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They flirted, shared stares and the “I’ve felt it too” scene, and then Halbrand was revealed to be Sauron. And that’s it. We saw him as friends, basically. The argument that “Elves feel everything more deeply” is kind of weak when we look at the full picture.
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Galadriel behavior in Season 2 wasn’t “I fell in love with him and he lied”. Like at all. We saw her heartbroken, angry, desperate and tormented by her memories of Halbrand, and by being deceived. It was personal but was no longer about getting revenge for her brother’s death; she wanted revenge because she got played.
1) Galadriel tried, at all costs, to keep Halbrand’s true identity hidden from everyone else
First, she allowed the Three Elven rings of power to be made. She tells Celebrimbor not to deal with Halbrand anymore, but provides no explanation (endangering him in the process). And clearly Celebrimbor himself doesn’t take her warning seriously, because he allows Halbrand to return to Eregion forge.
Then, she literally hunted down Elrond all the way back to Lindon. Why? Probably because she didn’t want Gil-galad and Elrond himself to find out that Halbrand was actually Sauron. And the question here is: why?
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Was it only because she was humiliated and her pride was wounded for not “being strong enough” and allowed herself to be deceived (like she tells Celebrimbor in 2x07)? Or is there another reason for this behavior? Because we did see Galadriel lying left and right in Season 2, to hide the truth of her connection to Sauron. He promised you an army? Not even Adar believed that.
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Besides, Sauron is known as “the great deceiver”, after all. Gil-galad is pissed but he doesn’t hold it against Galadriel, too much. I think he’s more upset by her disobeying his order to return to Valinor than anything else. Sure he doesn’t allow her to command the mission to Eregion, but he is concerned she might be susceptible to deception, again, after all. And that’s the reason why he appointed Elrond as the commander. No one holds Celebrimbor accountable because he got deceived by Sauron. So; what does Galadriel have to hide?
2) Galadriel was obsessed in meeting and fighting Sauron alone
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This was Galadriel’s main drive in Season 2: find Sauron and kill him. All by herself. She bitterly joins Elrond & co, but goes rogue when she gets the chance.
However, she is worried about what may happened if she does meet Sauron alone, but that fear doesn’t stop her, anyway. Which makes me ask, again: why? What does she have to hide?
3) Galadriel and Adar: the meeting of the exes
Galadriel is unwilling to face Sauron alongside her Elf companions. However, she is prepared to do it alongside Adar, in 2x08. Which is interesting, because Adar himself was also played by Sauron, his revenge is also personal, and they already overshared with each other in 2x06.
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Adar and Galadriel share a mutual understanding of Sauron and his seductive ways. In a way, Adar is the only character with whom Galadriel can relate in this matter. And that’s probably why she’s willing to actually join him to destroy Sauron.
Galadriel and Adar's “wine and dine” in 2x06 was, pretty much, them being the bitter exes crying at each other’s shoulder because they got played by the same fuckboy (Sauron). That was the subtext of that scene. Adar was clearly in love with Sauron, too.
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This makes me wonder: why is Galadriel saying life without Halbrand has been a “dull gray”, exactly? Because, back in Season 1, Halbrand was always pretty moody and angsty, except when he was at the forges working (both in Númenor and Eregion, with Celebrimbor). Him smithing was the happiest we saw him, then.
4) Galadriel's reactions in her fight with Sauron
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When Sauron arrives and says her name, Galadriel is absolutely terrified. To the point she actually freezes on the spot and is unable to move. Why? We know she’s not afraid of Sauron, come on. She is so scared because she’s afraid he might still be on Halbrand form. And she doesn’t know how she would react to that.
Luckily for her, he isn’t. He is on Annatar form, and she doesn’t have a connection to it. Still, she’s only able to attack him when he had his back turn on her, and she is not able to see his face, anymore.
This point is made clear when Sauron shapeshifts into Halbrand, and she’s unable to continue the fight:
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This is clearly a reaction of “oh, look, the friend I was in love with platonically”. That’s why she’s crying, and hurt and with this look of betrayal on her face, I guess.
Does Elrond know something we don’t?
Elrond was at Eregion the entire time, and he was the one who found Galadriel on the Glanduin, and she's a wreck:
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Elrond later finds the scroll with the Southlands bloodline and puts two and two together (Halbrand lied about his identity), however, it was only in 2x01 that he discovers that he was actually Sauron in disguise, when Galadriel is forced to reveal it to him, and to Gil-galad.
And his first reaction is odd: “How could you?” And he’s pissed. Not “Gil-galad pissed”. But actually, outraged by the whole thing, which again, is strange because Sauron is the “great deceiver”, after all. Everyone knows this: Sauron deceives, that’s his deal. Why is Elrond so vexed at Galadriel?
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And he’ll keep on rubbing it on her face, throughout the first episodes of Season 2, and all of this seems to have some sort of double meaning:
Galadriel: Sauron used me. And under his hand, I was played like a harp to a melody not of my choosing. Elrond: It was entirely of your choosing. Sauron looked inside you, plucked the very song of your soul, note by note, making himself out to be exactly what you needed. "The Lost King" who could ride you to victory. You gave him everything he wanted and then thanked him for it. Rings of Power, 2x02
How did Galadriel “thank” Sauron for giving her everything he wanted? What does this mean? What does Elrond know? 
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When did Galadriel ever “let Sauron in”, exactly? Because in Season 1 they were merely friends and she resisted his offer at the end. Because she “felt it too”? But we didn’t see her acting on feelings, right? So this doesn’t make any sense.
I know many in our fandom have this headcanon of a kiss (or more) happening in Númenor, but I don’t think so. If any kissing happened off-screen it had to be after the “I’ve felt it too” scene, and not before. This leaves their time together in Eregion as the only possible option, here.
We don’t know for how long Galadriel and Halbrand were there together in Eregion; only that Gil-galad gave Celebrimbor “three weeks” to test his theory (craft an object that could save the Elves on Middle-earth), and that Sauron worked there “for weeks” (according to Elrond in 2x01).
The only argument against this possibility is that Galadriel started to suspect Halbrand could be Sauron. Which leads me to the next point:
The Halbrand = Sauron reveal in 1x08
Everyone assumes that Galadriel starts to suspect that Halbrand might be Sauron in disguise after she hears Celebrimbor saying “a power over flesh”. But is this true?
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The episode itself framed it this way because they wanted to build up the big “he is Sauron” reveal, however we have clues in the episode itself that contradict this. Namely how shocked Galadriel was when Halbrand revealed to be Sauron himself.
She was in denial when Halbrand said “I told you I found it on a dead man.”, and tried to racionalize everything that went down between them, like him saving her on the raft, him fighting beside her against Adar, etc. She couldn’t bring herself to believe it, at first. Odd if she was so certain he was Sauron all along.
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Galadriel started to suspect Halbrand was hiding his true identity (he might not be the heir to the throne of the Southlands) and that he could have a hidden motive in Eregion, yes. But why does this immediately equals her suspecting him to be Sauron in “fair form”, exactly?
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Sauron is ancient and known for being a powerful sorcerer, cunning and cruel, yes. But he was also Morgoth’s chief lieutenant and sucessor, and Galadriel herself believed he was still out there, gathering strength, and followers to raise to power, again. Would Galadriel actually believe that a powerful and mighty being (super villain level) like Sauron would ever present himself as a mere “low man” (heir to a throne or not)? I don’t think so. Sauron is way too vain and arrogant to allow himself to be humiliated at every turn, and this could have been Galadriel’s way of thinking, as well.
My interpretation is that Galadriel suspected that Halbrand could be a Sauron loyalist (like Waldreg), and even working for Sauron (double agent), and not that he was Sauron himself. Why?
1) Sauron is Morgoth’s sucessor, and the Southlanders made blood oaths to Morgoth in the past.
This would make sense with the entire Southlands plot in Season 1, actually; we’ve seen how the Elves were so against the Southlanders because they sided with Morgoth, that they had to keep an eye on them for centuries. We saw this in Arondir scenes from 1x01: But the Men who live here have not [changed]. The blood of those who stood with Morgoth still darkens their veins.
2) Everyone loves to bring up Galadriel’s pride and royal lineage except in this case. Deep down Galadriel could have a intuition that “Halbrand = Sauron”, but I don’t think her pride would allow her to believe she had romantic feelings for Sauron himself (at that point), and she had two-three weeks time to racionalize her options. Besides, this was her main conflict in Season 2, not in 1x08.
This would also make sense with what Elrond said in 2x01:
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However, and even if she had her suspicions, she also had time to brush it off, especially because she was in love with him. In 1x06, Halbrand shows up when Galadriel is about to kill Adar. This was after the scene where Adar talks about Sauron’s plans of “a power over flesh”. Meaning: Halbrand was nearby and could overheard Adar saying it. Maybe he talked about it with Celebrimbor for some reason. When people are trying to cope with unpleasant truths and are in denial, they come up with every sort of weird excuses.
This would also make sense with her scene with Celebrimbor in 2x07:
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Galadriel is agreeing with everything Celebrimbor is saying here. “I blinded myself to what he was”. When did Galadriel “blinded” herself to what Halbrand was? Because this scene connects with Elrond’s in 2x01 (“you were blind”). The whole “King of the Southlands” plot was Galadriel’s idea, in the first place, and Halbrand reluctantly agreed to it: so that’s not the “being blind” bit. Again, a lot doesn’t add up here.
Galadriel could only have, truly, blinded herself to what Halbrand was while they were at Eregion, and she started to suspect him.  
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And this line makes Galadriel extremely angry and explosive:
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What is Sauron talking about here, exactly? The power of his gaze? Their stare competition? Because that’s all we saw back in Season 1. 
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“The door is shut” is Galadriel saying: “f*ck you, you lying piece of sh*t, scumbag! You used me and deceived me (“Sauron used me. And under his hand, I was played like a harp to a melody not of my choosing.”)!”
Are you familiar with Fleetwood Mac hit song “Dreams”? “Players only love you when they're playing”? Yeah, that’s the vibe I’m getting from this scene.  
In short: there is no way all of this is because “Elves emotions are very strong”, or Haladriel was platonic, or the interactions we saw in Season 1 was all that happened between Galadriel and Halbrand/Sauron. Something physical (a kiss or else) did happened between these two off-screen: that’s the only rational explanation for all of this.
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