#oh no fandom is now just people getting offended

[olderthannetfic]

oh, so looks like AI is again the hot topic of this blog?

here’s my thing: (“fuck AI disclaimer here”), I often see the sentiment of “I want AI to do my job/chores/etc, not my hobbies.” In fact, I believe there’s actually a pretty popular post about that? Can’t find it now lol but I saw that almost exact tweet used as a reaction image/post addition several times. And, sure! If there was a way to do that in an environmentally sound, completely passing the Turing test way, I’d agree!

but, um guys,… some of us DO have writing or art or whatever as our job. So by that logic, AI IS doing our job. Not in a good way of course. But I don’t know, it almost feels like people who are primarily hobbyists/fandom focused in their art or writing (which is totally fine, don’t get me wrong) are, without even realizing it, implying that writing or making art or whatever isn’t a job for some people.

Obviously I know that writers/artists/etc who do it as "just" a hobby are very aware that it's a career lol. And are indeed also often advocates for anti-Ai In the work place! Because they know it’s taking our careers away. But i just find it odd when ppl are like "i want Ai to do my LAUNDRY and my DISHES and my WORK! not my HOBBY! which is why AI ART IS BAD!" like… im not trying to be hostile because i truly will admit i am likely taking it way too personally and I KNOW that’s no one intent, but it kinda irritates me, yk?

Also, what do you mean by AI doing your job? You can’t be anti GPT in regards to fun writing, but pro GPT in regards to whatever bullshit customer service thing you have to write. Self checkout? Is AI, can’t imagine anyone is too offended by it. Those annoying, but mostly harmless, robot answering machines where you have to scream “CUSTOMER SERVICE REP” in order to get thru to anyone? AI. Chat bots that you “Talk to” during Off-hours when no one is actually available? AI. And way better AI than stupid GPT slop. Not fun, but definitely a bit more manageable.

So, yeah, there’s good AI. There’s bad AI. And for some, AI art IS ruining our hobby spaces… but for some, AI art IS indeed “replacing our jobs”. Which is not a good thing btw. also, I wanna add that I’m not vagueing or particularly pissed off at any other asker here. Mostly just venting in general. So I apologize if I come off as particularly hateful or if “making up a guy to get mad at”. It just upsets me to see people talking about “wanting AI to do their job not their hobby” when the AI they hate in question…. IS many people’s jobs. Like I said I KNOW I’m taking it way too personally and maybe even completely misinterpreting! But it just, ugh.

--

[fandom-blahs]

Every single problem in "modern" fandom culture can be traces back to tumblr

[thelaurenshippen]

genuinely think it's good and healthy to follow at least one person in each of your fandoms who reblogs good gifsets but has just...absolutely dogshit takes on the show, or who ships that ship you despise. keeps things fresh. keeps things grounded. you gotta stay humble

[burinazar]

[note: i know for a fact i'm doing this for the same reason that i fixate on nebulous fandom anxieties at other times: helplessness regarding anxieties about larger geopolitical issues]

feeling in a very weird position right now thinking about the fact theres a nonzero chance that either one of the cosplayers ive become acquainted with or someone in their immediate circle could do brownface in the future and people are gonna come at me like 'hey why are you not calling them out and/or giving them a racial sensitivity seminar and/or personally fistfighting them on the floor of the doujin circle event'

[charmingradiobelle]

Debunking all the reasons Charlastor is “wrong”

(and I’m going to be brutally honest because I’m tired of y’all’s bullshit)

“Alastor sees Charlie as his daughter!!” No the fuck he does not. He said that to get on Lucifer’s nerves. That’s it. Infantilizing Charlie��a grown ass woman—to make him appear as her father figure is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen a fandom do, like ever.

“Charlie is a lesbian!” Correction; she’s bisexual. She likes women and men. Careful babes your biphobia is showing

“Charlie is with Vaggie!” So? I don’t care. I can ship her with whoever I want. Canon does not dictate what you ship and it’s getting ridiculous how people think otherwise

“Alastor is aroace!” He’s just ace. And ace people can be in relationships and believe it or not they can have sex. It’s not your place to define someone else’s asexuality. (Also it’s a bit sus how I never see anybody bring this up in any post about literally any other Alastor ship…)

“The age difference is-“ let me stop you right there. This fandom does not give a fuck about age gaps because if they did, they wouldn’t be shipping Alastor or anyone else with Lucifer—who is older than the earth itself. Charlie has like maybe 100+ years on Alastor but he’s been dead for almost a century now and he died a full grown man so it really doesn’t matter

“He’s manipulating Charlie!” He’s manipulating everyone. That’s his whole personality. Why is it ok to ship him with other people but not his narrative parallel?

“They have no chemistry together” are we watching the same show..??

“Well it’s just not a good ship!” That’s your opinion. If you don’t like it that’s fine. My feelings will not be hurt if you unfollow me for what I post. You do you, idc. Just keep your negativity away from me, and other Charlastor shippers. Our content is not for you so stop interacting with it.

Oh yeah also these characters aren’t real, so like stop being so offended over a goddamn ship. I promise you your daily life will not be affected by it

Anyway that’s all.

[morphean42]

Falsettos unpopular opinions because two people asked for this and honestly I don’t give a fuck anymore. I want to state this isn’t in response to anyone in particular, though, and if you get offended by any of these think about why. For a good reason? Please tell me and I’d love to debate it, truly. For a petty reason? You’re simply part of the problem.

1. They are Jewish. End of story. If I see anything related to Christianity or Christmas or whatever the fuck with them… shut up. Yes Whizzer is half-Jewish, yes in the revival Cordelia isn’t Jewish (WHICH BRINGS ME TO ANOTHER POINT ILL GET INTO LATER), yes they are most likely secular as evidenced by Mendel’s “religions just a trap” and ‘Days Like This’, no this does not give you the right to ignore their ETHNICITY AND CULTURE.

2. It’s okay to like the revival more. It’s not okay to ignore the original just because you get blinded by conventionally attractive men. Going to my Cordelia point, she’s Jewish in the original, her line ‘Shiksa caterer’ is ‘Kosher caterer’. Again it’s fine if your headcanons and fanfics and fanarts are based on the revival, I love it too, but stop acting like it’s the only version.

3. Whizzer’s entire personality does not revolve around being gay. He’s not a sassy twink. He’s a full grown man with issues that need to be addressed. Again, I reiterate, he is not a twink. Stop. Drawing. Him. Skinny. And. Hairless. I don’t care if ‘ oh but but that’s just my art style!’ Shut up.

4. Correlated to the above point, here are things Whizzer is not: a prostitute, a drug addict, relying on Marvin for everything, a twink (saying that again to get it through peoples fucking skulls), innocent. I’m 100% positive if the people who had these headcanons watched the OBC version of the show they’d never continue to advocate for them… once more I’m begging you guys to look past Andy Randy’s beautiful face and actually use critical thinking skills when it comes to Whizzer.

5. Short but (not) sweet: don’t claim to understand Marvin if you haven’t watched In Trousers. Just don’t.

6. If you flat out hate any character in the show, you’re wrong. Yes I’m still mad about the Mendel thing; if you think any one character is worse than the rest and isn’t just a fully human person with flaws and nuance, you don’t understand the musical as well as you claim.

7. It’s not the ‘gay’ musical. If you like falsettos for Whizzvin and nothing else, please, just… I don’t even know. There’s so much more to it than ‘ooo boys kissing.’ Please grow up, this leads into a whole other point but fetishisation is never okay, no matter who does it.

8. So many people treat Trina as either a perfect angel or just the side character in the way of the gay people. She’s an entire person, an entire character with flaws and hardship and terrible actions done by her and to her. Treat my homophobic queen with the respect she deserves, and acknowledge her faults too. It’s more misogynistic to treat her as perfect when she has issues too than just saying ‘she’s never done anything wrong’.

9. Stop making AIDS jokes.

10. This next one is probably the most iffy on the list. I will never be one to police fandom and creation, you can engage with material in any fucking way you like it literally doesn’t matter to me… but I dislike AUs. Now, I’ll always enjoy a little fun, adding in a twist like lesbian Whizzvin, or enjoying a feel good college AU. But. Especially for Falsettos the canon events are so fucking important and cannot be disregarded as casually as some do. AIDS is an extremely important part of the story, as well as the fact that both Marvin and Whizzer are men. I’m trans myself, but I dislike making them so simply because everything about their characters, all the characters, are so highly specific and important to take these aspects away is to disrespect the message of the musical.

11. It’s very important Mendel is straight. I see some people headcanon him as bisexual or trans or so on, and this just feels so wrong to me. Trina and Mendel are straight and that’s why their acceptance and love for the others in the Tight Knit Family is so important, especially Trina struggles with moving away from the idea that these ‘homosexual tendencies’ are wrong. They are straight but they love Whizzvin and the lesbians just as much as anyone else.

12. This one is so petty and I accept that, but… HIS NAME IS NOT MARVIN GARDENS. GARDEN IS A JOKE CHRISTIAN BORLE MADE BASED ON MONOPOLY. Jesus guys please just stop it it’s so stupid, William Finn didn’t have a last name for Marvin on purpose, and though I can’t do more than theorise what that purpose was, Gardens is so stupid. It’s not even funny. Same goes for Cohen, which just is odd. The only name I could begin to accept is Falsetto, and even then… just work around the last name in your fics.

12 1/2. SIDE TANGENT Jason would never take Weisenbachfeld as his last name. As a child of divorce… no. He’ll never view Mendel as a true father over his own dad, especially after Falsettoland, and he wouldn’t take that name. Hell, I’d known my ex step-father since I was two and I’d never have taken his last name. So, please, I never want to see Jason Weisenbachfeld again. That’s just not how it works.

At the end of the day this is just me alone in my room bitching… I just hope these points resonate with others.

[honeyhonest]

minors do not interact, 18+ only

✧˖°. any fun

sick in the head lately. this fandom (me) is in dire need of some good fellow smut. wrote this lying in bed. hope the two other people who want this guy in a problematic way enjoy this

minors do not interact, 18+ only

summary: you're not having any fun warnings: afab reader, no gender mentioned, dubcon (manipulation/coercion), manhandling, no foreplay, unintentional creampie, sort of sexist understanding of how afab anatomy work but it's in character, sticky nasty desperate sex, maybe kinda boring lol

You were the worst of them.

The skeptics, the cynics, those suspicious classmates of yours were one thing.

They didn't trust him, that was it. Fellow couldn't use his magic on those pessimistic brats, but that was one thing.

They were wary, distrustful. He could break those walls down, just like he had broken countless others, countless times before.

You. Are the worst of them.

Not because you're suspicious; oh, no. You are the most naive of the bunch. Oblivious, trusting, easy pickings, low hanging fruit. You had practically walked into the park with a sign on your back that said "please take advantage of me!"

That isn't the problem.

You are simply not having fun.

You have held out the longest.

And Fellow isn't going to risk his paycheck over one little problem.

"Ah, ah, there you are," he smiles, cheerful as ever, draping an arm over your shoulder and leading you away from your group.

"Just the guest I was looking for! You wouldn't mind if I stole you away, would you?"

Your friends have already disappeared into the crowd behind you.

"Only for a moment, of course. You see, I couldn't help but notice this-"

He brings a gloved finger to your lips.

"-frown of yours. I haven't seen you smile all day."

You stare back, a look of surprise stuck to your face. "I just... don't really like amusement parks,"

"You don't really- oh, my," Fellow scoffs. "Now, don't tell me you're too old for fun?"

"I just-"

"Surely, you don't mean to say that you'd prefer to do something more adult?"

"I-I..." you stammer. It's adorable. Like you're afraid of offending him. "I... guess so, but this is fine. I'm just happy everyone else is having fun."

Fellow hums. He walks you along at a steady pace, moving you through the crowd, his arm tight around your shoulder.

"Tsk. No, no, that just won't do. Don't you deserve to have just as much fun as your friends?"

You try to speak, and he cuts you off with a finger firmly pressed to your lips again.

"Worry not, my star. Playful Land is full of surprises. I'm sure you and I could come up with something-" he taps the tip of your nose.

"-adult to do."

The crowds thin, but he keeps his steady pace. You pass a wooden sign that says "employees only", and you still don't ask a single question.

This is so easy, it almost isn't fun for him. Almost.

Behind a door, and another, and then you're in a dark room behind the very stage you refused to get on a few hours earlier. How annoying.

Moving on.

Your eyes sweep across the room, from the wooden cages stacked in the corner (for later), to the CCTV screens and intercom mic on the desk ahead. Everything is dark, for now.

"Curious?" he asks, coming behind you and putting two hands on both shoulders. "Nervous, maybe?"

You look at him from over your shoulder, eyes wide.

"The others are probably wondering where I went,"

"Oh, psh, I doubt it," Fellow scoffs, closing the space between you until his chest is touching your back.

"If they cared, they'd have asked if you were having any fun. Or- perhaps I'm wrong. Go on, tell me. Has a single one of your friends checked on you at all today?"

You say nothing. His smirk sharpens, and he leans closer, until his voice and breath are against your ear.

"That's right. They didn't. I did,"

He pushes your shoulders, forcing you to stumble forward until you're against the desk.

It's pathetic. It's getting him hard already.

"I noticed. I came to check on you. I asked," he says, taking a step forward with each inflection, until he's right behind you again.

"Don't think about them," he mutters, pushing against your back until you're bent over the desk.

"Think about me. Think about all the fun we're going to have. Just you and me."

"B-but-"

"Shush. You're going to get your fun," he mutters, one hand on the back of your head, keeping you down, the other hastily pulling away your clothes.

"Not that I blame you, of course. I'd be miserable if I had to spend all my time with those spoiled brats, too,"

He works himself out of his own pants slowly, and then wipes the precum off his hand on your thigh.

"Whatever. They could never give you what I could. You'll see,"

Your underwear is next, and he takes a moment to admire your glistening cunt, that smirk returning to his lips.

He traces his thumb between your folds, and you shudder. "You're awfully wet for someone who complains so much. Hold still, it'll hurt less,"

"Wait-"

His other hand moves from the back of your head to your cunt, spreading it open and pushing himself in, forcing you to take everything in one thrust. The noise that he makes is louder than yours.

"Oh, fuck," he breathes against your neck, his cocky facade cracking for just a second, revealing something raw beneath it.

Perhaps you're thinking about when the last time he did something like this was.

And the answer, which he is also thinking about, is a long, long time ago.

His fingers sink into your hips and he begins thrusting into you, hard, as if he'd forgotten about his precious paycheck altogether and is now more interested in the feeling of your slick, warm walls around him, hugging his cock.

The desk squeaks under the weight of each thrust, and over and over he has to stop and remind himself that this is about the job, not him, before he cums with a force beyond him.

This is much, much better than the hand he'd become so accustomed to.

...That which he slides around your waist and between your legs, placing (with some difficulty) your clit, which he locates based off of the noises you make.

Fellow, at least, has always been an adept multitasker.

He uses your own slick to lube the sensitive nub and presses his gloved fingers into it, pressing circles into your core and desperately trying not to cum at every little sound you make.

He pants into your ear, feeling you shake beneath him, tasting the sweat on your neck as each short, sharp thrust shakes your body and the desk.

"So good at listening. So good for me," he murmurs.

"I have half the mind to keep you all to myself. I bet you'd like that, hm, doll?"

So cute. You're so cute. So stupidly naive, he can hardly believe how tight you are, considering every boy at that school of yours must have taken advantage of you by now.

They'd be just as stupid not to.

Still, the thought of innocence, of that oblivious, wide-eyed look you always wore being completely genuine...

"Nghh," he moans into your ear, his leg hooked around yours now, his hands on either side of you on the desk. "Does that feel good, doll?"

"Yes," you whine. So obedient. He bites his lip, hard.

And he presses his fingers into your clit again, harder than before, and draws another cute squeak from your throat.

Sevens. He'd like to hear that noise again and again.

A few more strokes and you're gasping, tightening around him, cumming on him, finally, finally-

"I'll pull out," he mutters weakly. You both know it's not true.

Just another lie of his.

His fangs sink into your shoulder to muffle the sounds that come out of him when he slams his hips into yours, one last time, flooding you with cum.

It takes a minute or two for his hearing to come back, and a moment more for him to remember who he is and what he's doing here.

His cum dripping out of you and onto the floor, Fellow grabs your chin and yanks your face towards his, giving you a small dose of his magic.

Not that he really needs to anymore.

He's decided to keep you, after all.

[lisbeth-kk]

Sherlock fandom

It is in the Details

He had always been meticulous, even as a child. It was his brother who taught him to observe and to keep an eye out for tiny details. 

“The more subtle, the more elegant people will find you. Whether it is your attire or your movements. That way, they will not question your ulterior motives,” Mycroft told him.

Sherlock considered this, and when Mycroft bought him the Belstaff and had added the red buttonhole, he understood. It added an eye-catching sophistication to the garment. The fact that it was one of a kind, made it even more special.

Before he attended his first official crime scene, Sherlock Holmes, the world’s only consulting detective, used a fair amount of his inheritance on expensive hair products, had a bespoke cologne made, purchased Italian leather shoes, and spent an agonising hour at one of Savile Row’s tailors to have his measurements taken.

“Only blue and black suits. A dozen white shirts. Two of the aubergine ones over there. Two of that shade of blue. No ties.”

The tailor didn’t even bat an eyelid when Sherlock made his order and insisted that everything should be tightly fitted.

“I need to breathe, but that’s about it.”

“Of course,” the tailor replied.

***

“Who are you, and what have you done with that high as a kite kid who turned up and solved a crime for me last year?” Greg Lestrade asked when Sherlock strode towards him.

“Gone. I’m clean as of last month. Just what you commanded, detective inspector,” Sherlock drawled. “Now, where are the bodies?”

Sally Donovan and Philip Anderson weren’t as easily dazzled by his newly invented persona, but Sherlock saw them as irrelevant, so he didn't care about being offended by their snarky comments.

***

“Just look at you,” Mrs Hudson cooed when Sherlock knocked on her door.

Her favourite colour is still purple. Recently been to the hairdresser. Didn’t get that cat after all.

“Hello, Mrs Hudson. Lovely to see you again. Are you still renting out the upstairs flat?”

“I take it you are interested,” the elderly woman said and winked. “Don’t you think it’s a bit big for just you. A flatmate would be nice. What do you say?”

“Who would tolerate living with me?” Sherlock answered with a grimace.

“Oh, come now, Sherlock. Deep down you’re as fluffy as a plushie,” she stated.

Sherlock rolled his eyes and went upstairs to take a proper look at 221B.

It was cluttered, but the atmosphere was cosy, even though it hadn’t been inhabited for several months. 

It feels like a proper home, but do I want to share it with another man? I’ve never lived with other people than my family before. None of my peers tolerated me for more than a few minutes at a time. I find it hard to believe that somewhere out in the London streets, a man walks around willing to share this flat with a pompous and infuriating git as myself. It would be nothing short of a miracle if that was the case.

***

“Sherlock, meet an old friend of mine, John Watson,” Mike called out when he walked into the lab.

Sherlock narrowed his eyes at the fair-haired man. To Sherlock’s astonishment this John Watson offered to let him borrow his phone when Sherlock asked Mike for his, even though he knew it was safely tucked into his coat pocket.

“Afghanistan or Iraq?”

The awe in the man’s eyes, made Sherlock look away quickly to hide his own confusion. No one had ever gazed at him like that.

“Who said anything about a flatmate?” John asked when he’d gathered himself after Sherlock’s rapid deductions about his career, family, and wound.

“Mike did,” Sherlock explained and put on his coat and scarf with deliberate movements.

Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at my hands and neck, John Watson.

***

“Will you be needing the upstairs bedroom?” Mrs Hudson asked when she followed him and John into 221B the next day.

John blushed but didn’t answer, which was quite promising.

“We’ll let you know,” Sherlock mumbled.

“We have all sort around here,” she assured them before she went down to her own flat.

John placed his cane by the red chair and wandered around to look at all the eccentricities the flat had to offer. The more he walked around, the less he limped, much to Sherlock’s satisfaction.

“Yes, I think this will do just fine,” John said and made himself comfortable in the upholstery chair.

***

“How did you get glitter in your hair?” John asked two days before Christmas later that year.

“I went to Liberty’s to buy some decorations for our tree,” Sherlock said.

“What happened to the Grinch I moved in with in February?”

“He fell in love with an ex-army doctor with a psychosomatic limp,” Sherlock quipped.

“Did he, now,” John murmured and circled his arms around Sherlock’s waist.

Sherlock hummed and bent down to kiss John softly.

“Noticed anything else?” he asked innocently and a bit breathless when they parted.

“I did actually. You’ve been to your tailor,” John said with a broad smile.

“Tell me,” Sherlock purred and sucked John’s bottom lip into his mouth.

“Just spotted some small things. Your shirt isn’t tucked into your trousers in its usually way, one button is only half buttoned, and your left trouser leg has a – “

Sherlock interrupted John’s deductions with a passionate kiss. He looked down into the blue eyes and it felt like he was drowning in a sea of adoration.

“You are a marvel, John Watson,” he whispered.

“Just paying attention to the details that are out of order,” John shrugged, a bit embarrassed by such praise.

“A shame you only catch such details when it comes to me and not at crime scenes.”

John slapped Sherlock’s arse, called him a brat, and went to make tea, while Sherlock decorated the tree.

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

@flashfictionfridayofficial @totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes @calaisreno @helloliriels

@meetinginsamarra @safedistancefrombeingsmart @gregorovitch-adler @topsyturvy-turtely @jolieblack

@221beloved @ninasnakie @shy-bi-letsfuckingdie @7-percent @lhrinchelsea

@peanitbear @bs2sjh @brandiwein1982 @meandhisjohn @a-victorian-girl

@missdeliadilisblog @salmonsown @oetkb12 @jawnscoffee @gay-ass-bitch

@acumberlockedgirl @willamholmeswatson @whatnext2020 @mydogwatson @redmondcollege

@thegildedbee @ilovegayangels @elizabethhood @xmengal03 @riversong912

@givemesherbet-blog-blog @couldbecannibal @2old2b-fangirl @dw91165 @jonkwatson

@binx72 @macgyvershe @raina-at @dragoonthegreatest

(Tell me if you want to be tagged or removed from the list)

[simping-overload]

ᴀ ᴛɪᴇꜰʟɪɴɢꜱ ᴛᴀɪʟ - ᴄʟᴏᴛʜꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴀɪʟ (ᴀꜱᴛᴀʀɪᴏɴ)

a/n: a tieflings tail is a 10+ chapter series involving bg3 men and a variety of scenarios with tiefling tavs tail

tags: gn tav, tailor astarion, fluff, 531 words

synopsis: Astarion makes you a sleeve for your tail to keep it warm during the winter months.

『read on ao3』

ヾthis is a multi-fandom blog that is designed for mlm/nbmlm identifying readers! so if you're female or fem please do not follow or interact with my mlm related post!! you will be blocked if you do not heed this warning ゛

Over the course of your adventures with your ever-growing group, Astarion appointed himself as the tailor. Stitching together any holes and tears, he’d find in someone’s clothing.

According to him, he refuses to allow himself to be seen with people who look like disgusting hobos.

He’s mainly self-taught, but after Halsin joined the party, he’s learning from him as well. Halsin himself was taught by his mother and, along the way, picked up more unconventional tricks when he looked after the children of the Emerald Grove.

You are his test dummy to try his newly found tricks on. Though, not only because you’re his lover, but because you’re usually the one who ends up with the most tears and holes in your clothes.

Just as you were now, standing in Astarions’ tent as he patches up your clothing. Some are from old tears, and others are from completely new ones in different places.

Astarion, per usual, grumbles out his disappointments. “By the gods’ love, can you ever just not rip your clothes to shreds anytime you leave camp?”

You suppress your shrug, wanting to avoid getting jabbed with a needle again. “Sorry, Star, we both know that isn’t possible.”

Astarion scoffs, rolling his eyes as he completes the last stitch. Stepping back, he tugs on the fabric, making sure his stitches are secure, and hopefully won’t be teared for at least another few weeks.

It doesn’t seem he’s done as when he stepped away to rummage through his belongings. You stay in your spot, tail curling in curiosity. He turns back around with a long piece of cloth in his hand.

“What’s that?”

“I’m not sure what to name it but, it’s for your tail. Since winter is nearing, I wanted to make you something for your tail. Just to keep you warm.”

You don’t have the heart to tell him that you don’t need one. Since you're a Tiefling, your body heat was more than enough to keep you warm during the winter months.

“Thank you, Star.”

He hummed in response, pulling the long sleeve up your tail and fastens so it won’t fall off. He left a small hole in the end for the tip of your tail to poke out, since you’ve told him before you don’t like that part of your tail being surrounded by anything since it’s the most sensitive there.

You looked at yourself in the mirror. It didn’t look bad at all. The color compliments your skin tone. Twirling and moving your tail around, you get a feel for it. It’s quite comfortable against your skin and were you more susceptible to the cold, you’d for sure be able to keep warm with this.

You hop down from the stool, turning to Astarion. “I like this a lot, love and rest assured I will keep it intact.”

Astarion snorts, grabbing your hand and pulls you to him. “You better, or I’ll make sure you wake up bloodless the next morning, hm?” He teases.

You fake an offended gasp. “You wouldn’t dare.” Leaning down, you press your forehead against his.

“Oh, love, but I would.” He giggles and places a soft kiss on your lips.

[inside-lees-mind]

could u write killua and slash or sasuke w a super silly girly s/o… not very strong physically but shes creative and strategic sou shes fine.. also audhd . !! kind of stereotypically girly.. / nf sorry i have the biggest crush on smart mysterious boys i need JUSTICE.

Killua and Sasuke with a Super Girly S/O

Usually I don’t write for Killua tbh, but it depends on the request. Some Killua fans put a really bad taste in my mouth, BUTTTT I like this request so I’ll gladly write it!

I have AuDHD myself soooo hiii!!i :)

Obviously Multi-fandom. HxH and Naruto

Killua Zoldyck

He does not see the point.

At least not until he realizes his sister is pretty damn girly so… maybe it’s just enjoyable and he doesn’t get it?

Going off the idea reader has AuDHD, if your special interests are girly, I think he’d leave you gifts pertaining to that, but not by hand. Killua would leave gifts lying around for you like a cat brings a mouse to a doorstep. No words, just a gift that’s obviously from him.

He’ll deny he got it for you, but if you pretend like it’s from somebody else he’ll get offended and ask where the hell you got that from. You can’t win.

Alluka helps him pick out gifts for you.

Killua loves gift giving tbh.

Not only are you beautiful in his eyes, but he also can see that you are an amazing strategist and come in handy on missions and jobs. Even if you’re not quite as strong as the others in your group.

The group being that you, him, Gon, and Alluka travel around together in a group now.

Sasuke Uchiha

Rumors about who he likes had been flying around for a while.

And honestly, at first he thought you only dressed and acted so girly because you heard those rumors about how he liked girls who looked a certain way. Since apparently, that’s what people say? He doesn’t remember telling anybody anything about his preferences, but oh well.

But, once he realizes you really weren’t googling at him constantly or begging him for an ounce of attention, he was a bit more intrigued.

Not necessarily immediately, but when you two are around each other for a mission or something, and he gets to know you, you begin to catch his eye.

And even if he does strike your fancy, you weren’t too obvious about it.

At first, he wrote you off for being weak, but your strategic thinking really came in handy on a couple missions you accompanied him (and maybe Naruto and/or Sakura) on.

Unlike Killua, Sasuke is more the type to do things for you than buy things for you.

If somebody got to you and hurt you during a mission, like that scene with Sakura where he asks “who did this to you?” Yeah imagine that. Where he defends her by breaking a guys back or whatever.

Yeah you’d have to stop him if somebody hurt you.

Because like they say, ain’t no love like Uchiha love.

[very-straight-blog]

Many things in this fandom and show puzzle me, but one of the most odd ones to me is the reaction the general public had to Lucerys' death "He was just a baby! Aemond is such a monster! Lucerys was literally just an innocent child!"

Like- I mean, I consider myself team black ig, and I was sad for Luke's death but also ... Aren't these kids kind of all of the same age?

Now, correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't Aegon around 19 (some sources on the internet say even 18? Which seems a bit too young to be believable with the actors-), which makes Helena around 17 which then makes Aemond like 16? Like- yeah Luke was 14, but a mere 2 years difference doesn't seem enough to me to proclaim one a "defenceless innocent baby" and the other "a full grown adult merciless murderer".

I literally had classmates who were 2 years older than me when I was 14/15 because they were repeating the year or whatever, truly, a couple of years don't make THAT much of a difference in maturity. Like yeah, maybe visual wise, the actors look to have a much bigger age gap, but just because a teenager looks "older" physically doesn't mean he is any less of a teenager.

I also don't like the insistence of making Lucerys a "child". Like- yeah, he totally was, but also, is kind of hypocrite ppl then go around claiming that Aemond "deserved it" when he got his eye cut out (and he was even younger than Luke!).

"oh but Aemond stole Vaghar!"

Is literally impossible to STEAL a dragon, especially the biggest dragon alive! If she doesn't like you, she will burn you to a crisp, you cannot force her to do anything at all. Would it have been more "tactful" for him to wait and to claim her in the morning after warning the adults? Sure, but he was also A CHILD? A bullied one at that, ofc he saw his opportunity and he took it! You cannot blame a child for forgetting to be "tactful" or acting on a whim.

Also, people are acting like Lucerys' is the sweetest angel ever. Did we forget he also made fun of Aemond? "Oh but he was just a little kid copying his older brother, cannot blame him for not being tactful" But Aemond, also a child, doesn't get the free pass for not being tactful! I was also a child, and I never made fun of anyone, even if I saw others doing so. Did we forget he literally cut his eye out? Yeah, it was in defense of Jace, but also, is not like after doing it he felt regret or remorse for it. He could have pushed Aemond, or punched him, or kicked him, yeah it wouldn't have taken him down, but would have been enough for him to drop the rock.

Tho, I understand we cannot blame a child for acting impulsively and without tact. He was merely copying the defending the big brother he loves so much.

THEN WHY DID HE LAUGH AT AEMOND'S FACE DURING THE DINNER? Jace was trying to be civil, why wasn't Lucerys copying him then? Now he is old enough to understand bullying is wrong (especially considering he should relate to Aemond? Considering how inferior he feels due not feeling up to standard as lord of the tides). He is also old enough to understand maybe cutting out his eyes warrants some kind of apology-

But NOT- he just laughs at his face! And then gets offended when called a "Strong boy"! And ppl justify him as if he never did anything to warrant Aemond's dislike of him!

Make it make sense!

Sorry for the ramble lol

I can't say for sure if you're right about their age, I don't think the screenwriters themselves know how old their characters are lol.

You know what the problem is, everyone can "just be a kid." Everyone can make mistakes, act on emotions and make rash decisions. Everyone, but not Aemond. If four children are the first to attack one, knock him to the ground and kick him - oh, but he was rude to them, and the girls' mother died, they could be upset! However, Aemond couldn't be rude without thinking, when he had just claimed the world's largest dragon and felt (for the first time in his life) stronger than his abusers. No, he did it on purpose! If Luke cuts out Aemond's eye, it's just a mistake, he was protecting his brother! But Aemond, of course, wanted to kill them (all four of them, yeah) in cold blood with a stone, and not defend himself. It always works only one way.

And Luke wasn't a child at the time of his death, not by Westeros standards. He was literally sent to negotiate like an adult. If you want to judge by modern standards, they were both teenagers.

Some TB fans like to howl that we love the characters because of their looks, but it's amazing how quickly big eyes and a plaintively open mouth can make them forget what a person has done.

[mrsnerdygirl]

I think that a common misconception in the fandom of “Harry Potter”, is the fact that Narcissa Malfoy , was called “narcissa “ , because she is as delicate and as pure as a flower , but that is completely wrong. Narcissa Malfoy was anything but nice , delicate , and kind hearted and I think that if people concentrated when they read the books they wouldn’t misunderstand her character .

Narcissa Malfoy , was born to The Noble House Of Black , and the Blacks , even Sirius and Andromeda , all are a certain way . They are practically royalty , old money , one of the families with the purest blood . Their family motto is literally “Toujour Pur “ , they are haughty , confident , and the definition of celebrities (people you look up to , because of their life style ) for the Wizarding World.

Narcissa is named after a flower , and not a star which is the tradition in “House of Black “, but they also name their children after strong , meaningful characters from Greek Mythology . Narcissa is named after the flower of the Narcissist. The myth states that the Narcissist was so in love with himself that he spend days looking at his own reflection in the lake , but one day he tripped and fell in . He drowned and right there , where his body fell , a flower bloomed that was called , The flower of the Narcissist , or “Narcissi”.

If there is one thing I have learnt about the names of the Blacks is that all of them have a deeper meaning , for example , Sirius is the brightest star in the sky , and is differently called the dog constellation . So of course Narcissa Malfoy isn’t called, practically a Narcissist for no reason at all .

She was always described as pretty , as haughty and rather serious as well . I think that we understand exactly how self-centered she is in the sixth book , when she meets Harry at Diagon Alley , and to offend him and upset him mentions Sirius , her cousin and Harry’s godfather who was killed by Bellatrix . I don’t understand why people think she was “sad” when he died, she clearly wasn’t . Which leads me to her hatred for muggleborns and blood traitors . Everyone thinks that she was so sad when Andromeda left and she kept talking to her ect , but I think that she cut contact just like Bellatrix did . She clearly hates Blood traitors , and while I do think she tried to convince Andromeda to leave Ted , I don’t think that she supported the relationship , or that she wanted her sister with Tonks . If she helped Andromeda sneak around it was to save her peace , for the same reason she helped Harry Potter in the Second Wizarding War, to save her head , as well as her son’s and husband’s .

Since we are in the topic of The Malfoy’s , you all need to realize that when we are young we believe and do what we have been taught . So when Draco says some rude stuff about Blood traitors and Muggleborns , where do you think he learnt those from , the neighbors ? Of course he learnt those from his parents .

Ok , but it was Luscius not Cissa . No , it was Cissa too , why do you think they got married , because of their love for their hair ?

It was arranged , they weren’t in love . While it was never conformed , though I’m sure they chose each – other , even if it was arranged , so was Bellatrix’s and Rodolphus marriage and yet they both had the same beliefs . The Black’s were very picky when it came to their in – laws , there were times that they married each other to not get mixed with unfitted names , so now you tell me that Luscius didn’t think like Narcissa . They were both raised that way , and they raised Draco that way too .

Oh , and also , stop saying that they had an abusive marriage , because I can assure you that a woman as haughty and royal as Narcissa Malfoy , wouldn’t stand to be treated like a piece of trash , because they ( the Black’s ) have learnt from a very early age how important they are , and how to show people exactly how to treat them , and plus Narcissa was smart as hell , if she was abused she wouldn’t have tried to get her husband out of Azkaban .

Narcissa wasn’t a Death Eater , but she practically was part of them . Abraxas Malfoy , her father in law was one of the original death eaters , which means that he used the manor for the meetings all the time. Luscius followed his dad’s footsteps and did the same , so Narcissa knew a lot , plus her sister was Lord Voldemort’s right hand . She was very smart , she could bloke her mind and lie without flinching to the Dark Lord , just to save her family . If that isn’t the definition of a smart person than what the hell is .

So yeah , next time you portray Narcissa Malfoy as a victim, think twice, because she isn’t fragile , but she isn’t just a narcissistic person either , she is so much more .

[enkas-illusion]

Two Can Play a Game

Fandom / Pairing: Jujutsu Kaisen / Geto Suguru x f!reader

Rating: NSFW/Explicit - MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Content Warning: suggestive, Gojo being a menace, roommate shenanigans, wingman!Gojo, violent games, friendly banter, geto’s huge fingers…

Chapter Summary: You are stuck with your awful roommates on their Saturday games night. You were ready to be bored to death this weekend but what you were not expecting was being stranded on Geto’s lap by the end of the night.

Author's Notes: gamer!Suguru rotting my mind. Let me know if I should make a part 2! If you enjoy it, feel free to like, reblog or comment; I’d love to know your thoughts. Thank you for reading! 

-Nanami's Munchkin

Part 2

Being roommates with Satoru and Suguru was nothing short of an adventure. It always felt like you were taking care of two cats who actually did pay rent but were a pain in the ass to handle. 

The tamed one was Suguru, the black cat with black cat energy. Satoru, on the other hand, was worse than the orange cats, a menace, making your life miserable. However, you wouldn't have it any other way – a cat person always loves the little devils immensely, despite the hell they raise.

Saturday nights were game nights for the boys. Usually, Shoko, the fourth person in the house, your white dove of peace between the guys and you was out for the weekend. The dove in question, however, had betrayed you to flock in someone else’s nest so you were left alone with the men-children screaming over a stupid game.

It's true that you don't know what you've got till you don't have it anymore. You think back on all the times you open a bottle of wine, enjoy a smoke on the balcony, and share the gossip of the week with Shoko. 

You weighed your options – scrolling through reels while silently drinking your wine while pretending you don't exist would be a lot easier than spending the night witnessing your two roommates behave like toddlers. 

So you did just that, flopped down on the armchair scrolling through feed, sipping your wine quietly. You'd downed more than half the bottle before boredom hit, causing you to look up at the TV to see what Suguru and Satoru were up to. 

The amount of fun they were having playing a violent and gory game made you cringe. For them, this was no less wholesome than a fluffy princess ride at DisneyLand.

“Seriously guys, is this fun to you? You just go around killing people!” Ideally, it'd be better to let it slide without the unnecessary commentary, but this is far from ideal so you let the boredom and booze speak for you.

“Oh and Genshin is not violent at all!! Sweet little Hillichurls getting hit by a meteorite just for existing is fun, right?” Satoru mocks back in an instant without taking his eyes off the game.

“I don’t think you know Hillichurls to be calling them sweet and little,” you argue, offended that your favorite game was dragged into the conversation.

This time Suguru replies,”Maybe you are just salty because you don’t know how to use a console.”

Taking full offense, you challenge, “I would've learnt it ages ago if I wanted to…”

“What's stopping you? That way you can play your precious Genshin on the console as well. It will be fun. Then we can all have a game night.” Suguru's tone is condescending but you understand him well enough to know when to take the bait.

“Hard pass! No way I wanna play with you both. It would only make my hair whiter than this dumbass.” You say pointing at Satoru.

“Huh! The feeling's mutual darling. I’m not psyched about you ruining our sacred games night. Also, you might finally start to look a bit attractive with hair like mine.” 

Satoru’s comment ticks you off, you know better than to let it get to you but you're too far gone to think straight now. So you put down your wine glass as you stomp to where they're sitting, ripping out the console from Suguru, settling in the tiny space between the two manspreading, “You’re on, bitch!” 

“You really think you can beat me?” Satoru looks amused, Suguru has a similar look on his face.

“Just shut the fuck up and start.”

As the game starts, you realize how dumb this decision was – you'd walked right into the trap. Not only do you not know how to use the console, you don’t even know what this game was and what you needed to do.

“I’m going to find youuu~~” Satoru says in a creepy singsong voice that makes you shriek as you try to run in the game. 

Suguru just lies back on the sofa laughing at both your antics. No matter how much you tried to believe the cat analogy exclusively applied to the two, everyone knew you were one too.

“Found you!” Satoru squeals as you nevertheless try to hide and fail miserably. And before you know it, your screen turns red with the words DEFEATED on it.

You pout at Satoru and he says, “Aww, that was no fun. Let me heal you so we can go again.”

“Really! You can do that?” You ask, looking up to him with glittering eyes.

“Satoru!” you hear Suguru suddenly scold, causing you to stare at him with confusion. And before you can ask what was wrong, you hear a few more gunshots from the game. Satoru, being the absolute worst, continues to shoot your already dead character.

‘SatoruAlmighty_89 WINS’ the screen displays.

“Suguru! Satoru is so mean!” You look at Suguru with those puppy eyes that you know makes him melt. Your final trump card, given that he may or may not have called that look adorable in the past.

“‘Toru, your name doesn’t really look that well on top of the leaderboard… kind of used to seeing my own.” Suguru pokes at his best friend just to rile him up.

“Bitch please… Do you wanna go again?” Satoru takes the bait.

“Nope. Not me… her.” he says, tilting his head in your direction.

“Hmm?” you simply give him a confused look. But before you can decipher the meaning behind his words, he wraps his arm around your waist to pull you to him in one swift motion till you’re sitting on his lap. Your face turns hot as you quickly slide down to adjust between his parted thighs instead – trying to keep the atmosphere pg-13, what with Satoru in the room.

Suguru, on the other hand, couldn’t care less – he leans forward till his chest is flush against your back, resting his chin on your shoulder. His huge arms wrap around you, enveloping you into him as they hold the console in front of you. 

“Okay, let’s defeat him, shall we?” he whispers sweetly in your ear, “Let me take it from here.” you feel his hot breath behind your ear, making you blush harder than a rose.

Satoru gives you both a disgusted look, “Ugh… get a room!”

“Somebody’s bitchless.” you tease Satoru. It wasn’t hard to sense the sexual tension that had always lingered in the back ever since you had started living together with Suguru – sure, you had two other roommates but you never wanted to tear the others’ clothes off in a fervor. Shoko had once teased you that ‘if one could try cutting the sexual tension with a knife, the knife would grow blunt due to how thick it was.’ 

As you’re laughing at the now-pouting Satoru, you twist your neck to look back at Suguru, giving him a big grin that makes his heart do summersaults. 

Suguru’s fingers encompass your dainty ones as he guides them to the console. As the guys start playing the match, you move your fingers to the side of the device, letting Suguru take control as his fingers rapidly slam and rotate the buttons. You can’t look away from his hands even when the game begins. His fingers look so sexy moving around the console that you can’t help but imagine how they would feel on you.

“Pay attention to the game, sweetheart.” he whispers into your ear. His words catch you off-guard as your eyes shoot up to the screen, embarrassed that he’d caught you staring. His comment puts you into a deeper daze but you shake it off to focus on the screen, still you find your mind wandering, barely caring about the game. 

He’s so into the game that his chest often presses against you as he tries leaning forward when a battle gets too intense. At one such moment, before you can talk yourself out of it, you shift your hips back ever so slightly to press against his crotch. You swear you feel his otherwise restless movements still for a split-second but he doesn’t let his composure falter since he had a match to win.

Suguru actually manages to win as his name makes it back on top of the leaderboard. You cheer out loud and turn around to hug Suguru, but not before tilting your head to blow raspberries at Satoru.

“What are you… like five?” Satoru complains. You simply bring your hand up to do a blah-blah gesture, rolling your eyes at him dramatically.

“It’s not fair! It was two vs one.” Satoru pouts.

“Go cry about it somewhere else. A win is a win!” you tease him further. 

Satoru gets up from his place and walks off saying, “I anyway don’t play with cheaters.” 

If you weren’t reeling in the high from your win and laughing at Satoru’s antics, you would have noticed the wink he gave to Suguru before retiring to his room.

You’re still laughing as you watch him go back to his room and shut the door behind him with a ‘night, cheaters!’

When it gets quiet, you suddenly become super aware of the way you’re still perched comfortably in Suguru's lap. 

“You need to actually teach me how to use this thing.” You say as you try to break the impenetrable tension, fumbling with the console before tossing it on the sofa, beginning to get up.

Before you can move any further, you’re pulled right back into Sugurus lap as you let out a tiny squeal at the unexpected move. Your breath hitches in your throat when you feel his clearly evident boner, hard against you.

“Did you really think I'd let you off so easily after you pulled that little stunt during the game?”

[macgyvermedical]

(about the project 2025 post).

what does project 2025 mean for LGBTQIA+ people, birth control, fandom media, and immigrants who aren’t from south or Central American countries?

So, like, the point of the document is to "return" the US to an insular Christian Nation.

This is not new, in fact, documents like this from the Heritage Foundation have accompanied every republican president since the Regan administration. Presidents typically accomplish about 60% of what is listed in the document, so each time there is a republican in office, there is policy put in place to incrementally guide the US in that direction.

This sounds like a conspiracy theory, but it's not like the Heritage Foundation is trying to hide their work. You can read the whole 900-page document as a pdf by googling "Project 2025 PDF". It's literally the first result.

The problem we have now is that the republicans have a majority in all three branches of government- the presidency, house, senate, and supreme court. While this is not new (it happened last time Trump was in the White House too), the administration is a lot more organized than it was last time.

Oh, it's also important to know that Trump's own ideas don't really matter in the eyes of the Heritage Foundation. The Foundation is running the show. Trump was just the idiot they could get in power who would do what they told him in exchange for getting to be the president again. So assume that everything Trump says is at best his own fantasy and at worst a distraction.

The LGBTQIA+ and fandom media are the same as far as the project goes- it's all porn. See, a family is defined as a man, a woman, and their children- porn is any depiction that falls outside that. For the purposes of the project, porn includes what we think of as porn, but also any information about the existence of anyone LGBTQIA+ or a depiction (even in fiction) of someone living differently than straight and cisgender.

In the project, the distribution of porn by an individual is a crime, distribution of porn to children by a teacher or librarian is a crime worthy of being listed as a sex offender, and any telecommunications company that facilitates the distribution of porn needs to be shut down. That means that if a librarian checks out a book with a gay protagonist to a minor, they could become a registered sex offender. Or if an archive of fanfiction contains even a single gay kiss, it could be shut down entirely.

As far as birth control, all forms of birth control and the morning-after pill would not need to be covered by insurance. This seems tame by project 2025 standards, but insurance companies aren't going to pay for anything they don't have to. This is part of a larger rollback of the ACA.

There is a LOT about immigration in the document, but it essentially boils down to "let fewer people in ("enforce immigration law"<- they say this a LOT), and punish those that are here by reducing funding for assistance." I really don't know what else to say about it, but they talk about it literally the entire document.

[asmolfolk]

Feelings.

Wanted to do this quick and fast short-fic as I saw some people talking about “Cyborgs can still feel” and I wanted to disclose a headcanon I have. Ofc, I think it’s more up to interpretation “if his sensories work or not” as some people can interpret as he doesn’t while others can interpret as he does feel. - Fandom - Honkai Star rail. Character - Boothill. Genre - Fluffy and "comedy" (?) -

He never thought he would want to feel again.

That’s the truth about Boothill, “All about him”. He never thought he would ever visit the mechanic that helped him modify his body. He made all sorts of modifications all around his body, he didn’t even consider himself human… Or even alive anymore. When his family died… When no one came alive from that whole mess… He wished he died together with his family.

And, it’s true that: A part of him died together with his whole family. He never thought he could ever wish to feel, wish to touch or even just wish to have someone around - to be able to feel their touch.

It was only when YOU came around that he changed minds.

The first and only modification he made after you two got into a relationship was: To fix his sensors, to make him be able to feel your touch… To feel the little kisses you would give to him. Not only that, but also made some little adaptations of his model. (Especially ones to help in cold weather.)

So, basically. You made him WANT to feel again, to be human and less... Dead? He knew he wanted to feel alive... For once. [Imagine u die, how would he react-]

Extra.

“Never thought you would back off your words, mister.” - The scientist and his mechanic, Cynthia said with an amused expression - “Thought you would try to back off of any relationship and keep with that tough act. Hah. That bitch owes me 10 dollars.” “Di’ya seriously made a bet out of this? Ya’ll are crazy” - Boothill would say, rolling his eyes while the mechanic slapped his hand - “MOTHERFUDGER!- THOSE SENSORS ARE TOO HIGH!” “Never offend your mechanic, Boothill… I could do worse. Would you like to have a baby shark playing everytime you shoot something?” - That was enough to make Boothill silent - “And yes, I’m a bit crazy but… Who isn’t? You are too.” “Maybe.” “You eat bullets, that’s crazy enough for me.” “Daughter of a really nice lady, you eat motherfudger dices!” “…I started that as a way to get nice rolls on RPGS but now it is an addiction” - Cynthia would end this discussion bringing a new topic - “So… Who’s the lucky one? Never did I thought you would be with heart eyes all over somebody.” “I don’t have- Heart eyes. Don’t know what ya’ yappin’ about.” “Oh come ON! I’m a Love guru, you CAN trust me!” “…Nice lady, how many diplomas do you have?” “I faked all of them, so I don’t know.”

[librivore42]

Poker face

Yet one more secret withers fic! This is for @benicemurphy. The people on Tolna's Vault are really handing me the most fun pairings to do. Ao3 link below, full text under the cut!

Poker face (1058 words) by Librivore42 Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Baldur's Gate (Video Games) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aradin/Rugan (Baldur's Gate) Characters: Aradin (Baldur's Gate), Rugan (Baldur's Gate), Remira (Baldur's Gate) Additional Tags: rated teen mostly just for Aradin swearing, and aradin/rugan is also mostly a technicality, I love being vague about everything Summary: Aradin's had a bad day. But a free drink and the prospect of beating someone at cards might be just what he needs to turn it around.

~~~~

Aradin was pissed. Not the pleasant, drunk kind of pissed, which he always wished he was more of after a bad day, but the much more usual ‘ragingly angry’ kind of pissed. A few drinks had been enough to quench his fire just enough that he didn’t feel like cracking the nearest person in the face, but he was still complaining to anyone who would listen. Or who wouldn’t listen. Or who - listen here you bastard I paid good money for that pint and now it’s-

“Slow down lad,” another man at the bar said as the offender who’d spilled Aradin’s drink beat a hasty retreat. “Stop looking for excuses to lose your temper.”

Aradin scowled, locking his attention to whoever had the nerve to interrupt. “Ain't your lad, mate,” he said tightly.

“Ain't your mate.” The man shrugged, gesturing to the barkeep. “Get him another, it’ll keep him quiet.”

Smug asshole. Getting him a drink to keep him quiet. Who did he think he- Aradin reached for his newly delivered drink, which of course he was going to take, and buried his quiet grumbling into it. He glanced over out of the corner of his eye, flicking quickly over the bright blue eyes, the weathered face, lingering a little too long on his arms as the older man leaned back and stretched. Handsome and definitely knew it, which just made him even more of an asshole.

Still, the interruption and the new drink had smoothed things over somewhat. At least Aradin was feeling less inclined to complain. He felt Remira visibly relax beside him, and felt a little twinge of guilt at how tense she’d been up to now. She needed to relax as much as he did, and she didn’t really need him bellyaching at her elbow all night.

She’d said as much an hour ago. He’d just been too annoyed to listen.

Right. He could try being a little calmer. Taking a breath, he tried to focus on his drink. Definitely not on the fact that the guy who bought it for him was definitely watching him.

‘Course he was watching him, Aradin was right handsome if he did say so himself. Feeling a little smug, the eyeing-up doing wonders for his mood, he started to make his way down to the bottom of the mug. Buying him a drink wasn’t subtle. The man would probably ask him up to his room by the end of the night, and Aradin might say yes if he was feeling generous.

After a decent amount of silence, wherein Aradin would have almost reached a state of calm had he known what it was, the man spoke. “Got a Talis deck.”

Rugan leaned back a little to look at him properly, eyebrows raised.

“Fancy a game?”

Oh he fancied hi- er- a game alright. Aradin quickly tipped the rest of his drink down his throat, nearly choking in his hurry, and wiped his mouth as he stood up to join the blond man at an empty table off to the side, Remira watching his back with a concerned frown the entire time. It wasn’t like he was going to start smashing the furniture, he did know how to behave himself in a public setting thankyouverymuch.

… it wasn’t like he was going to smash any furniture here.

Anyway that had been an accident. Clearing his throat, he settled down at the table as the man pulled out the deck of cards

“Sure,” Aradin said cockily “I can take your coin.”

“We playing for coin?” The man raised his eyebrows a little, as if that hadn’t been the intention all along.

Aradin smirked, too pleased with himself to notice how skilfully the man cut and shuffled the deck, twirling cards between his fingers like he was born to do it.

“I’ll leave you a little to buy yourself a drink.”

The man grinned and started to deal.

“You’re too kind. I’ll try not to bore you.”

Twenty minutes later, Aradin was ready to launch himself over the table. Remira grabbed him by the shoulder, her warning squeeze quickly turning into a full-bodied grip around his waist as he tried, unsuccessfully, to rip the man’s head off.

“Aradin, what-”

“He’s cheating! He’s feckin’ cheating!”

The target of his accusations continued to look thoughtfully at his cards, as if the younger man wasn’t physically being held back from throttling him and yelling his head off, attracting attention from the whole tavern. “Don’t need to cheat with you, lad.”

“Then how are you getting all the cards, eh?” Aradin managed to tip his chair over as ‘lad’ lit another fire under him that he’d like to bury from his fist into the man’s gut. Remira, who had just been getting a nice, warm buzz, winced as the unholy crash of the chair toppling over echoed in her just-drunk-enough-ears.

“Stop smashing the furniture, this is a nicer place than the last one-”

“You’re shite at keeping your face still,” the man said, though he did give Remira a half-pitying glance. Aradin was a whole mess of tics and tells, with every thought stamped across his face for good measure. Anyone could have told the young man that for free, and probably had plenty of times, but he just hadn’t been listening over the sound of his own ego.

Loud egos were the norm for the young lads, though. Especially ones who were so shite at cards.

Rugan was having a much, much better evening than he’d expected to. The lad was listening now.

Was that his listening face or his ‘imagining punching Rugan in the face over and over’ face? He was an interesting shade of red and looked like he might pop something, so probably the second one. Another prod and he might explode. Rugan put down his cards, another perfect hand, and smirked.

“And you’re a sore loser.”

“Oh that’s IT-” Cards scattered as Aradin flung himself at where the man had been exactly a second ago. Instead he sailed past his shoulder and collided with the ground as Rugan gave him the cockiest grin he’d ever seen, sweeping his hand over the table to make all Aradin’s coin disappear like a magician.

“Asshole!”

“Barkeep.” Rugan smoothed down his sleeves as he headed for the door. “Get him another. It’ll keep him quiet.”