#oops! all typos

[hey-its-danny]

Heyyy we sent you an ask a while back and uhh thanks for letting me use your art as a faceclaim that was really cool of you 👍

If you don't want an unsolicited Alfendi rant thats fine deadass we're just hyperfixated on our own source (+ have no outlet) and uhh yeah we have kind of a unique perspective on the whole Alfendi thing since we literally have it as a sub-system in our own system (hi) but you know. We don't uh headcanon it in the same way for lack of a better term? To put a lot of medical nonsense out the way, for a system to be programmed in adulthood (like Alfendi was by Justin (i think that's what his name was idfk anymore)) they need to be predisposed to programming as a child. Basically this comes from a specific type of basically abuse in a way where the person would be in a semi-conscious state where the programming would take place (think how Al was in a coma as justin programmed him basically). Obviously Layton would NOT be out there doing that lets be honest but uhhh @/mystery-room did a fanart of Alfendi as a kid in the context of NWOS and lowk that was genius? Cause likeee if he was in America he could have been idk orphaned ir something and I've always thought his programming would be from a fucked up science experiment or something. Basically cause uh Hilda is an international policewoman or whatever her job was i then thought oh well what if she found Alfendi's old like experiment file and therefore thats how he finds out that system is muchhhhh bigger.

The thing abt programmed systems is that the host (Potty) would be made so he was unaware of the rest, but programming an extra host in would make the original host aware at least of that other alter. The thing abt Placid is that he's triggered to front to cover up the murder which is super typical of programmed systems because yk for example an alter would be programmed to uhh cover up abuse or something. Yeah it's insane, anyways LBMR is accurate and inaccurate at the same time, shits wildin

Anyways feel free to add on or whateverrr you could nuke this ask into next century if you don't wanna I get it. We're always down for discussion, but yeah you're cool, thanks again

hey, super cool of you to send me this btw. im down for alfendi discussion whenever!! i fuck heavily with your reading of his character (ofc keeping in mind that this is also a part of ur system), and yeah! ive seen their posts and im so crazy about nwos era alfendi (thats why i hc him as adopted as a teen, some point after nwos)!!!!

if youre down to hear my thoughts on it, i wish we had gotten a sequel game to establish his brother and also why he was such a nutjob before being brainwashed (joking ofc, but he was like. more intense. yknow. ofc you know we both played the game), as well as a dynamic between layton and al. It is kind of sticky when we start discussing the idea of childhood abuse beyond an abstract trauma from being an orphan, but i dont doubt that would be a suitable backdrop for either further abuse or even just a narrative foundation for explaining away the more intricate details of developing systems (as lbmr is prone to do lol).

Also, i think the idea of at least a hilda focused segment in a hypothetical sequel being used to explore potty's system would be kickass. im so here for that

anyways sorry for my rambling, i appreciate the ask and like. if you ever wanna talk lbmr feel free to dm me xoxo

[sfsolstice]

Anaïs Nin, in a letter to Henry Miller, d. March 26, 1932, from A Literate Passion: Letters of Anaïs Nin & Henry Miller, 1932-1953

[harbingersglory]

hii could i req an soft dom arlecchino x sub/fem reader?? something w a really needy whiny reader n maybe like a mommy kink or thigh riding IDK tysm for ur time !

{☆} characters arlecchino {☆} notes drabble, fem reader, sub reader {☆} warnings 18+ content

"Slowly, doll. We're not in a rush." Arlecchino reprimands lightly, squeezing your hips with just enough force to keep you unmoving on her thigh– she was still being gentle, but the subtle warning in her tone spoke to how easily she could push you against the desk and turn you into such a mess that you couldn't even remember your own name..just that you were hers.

But the barest hint of stimulation from her slacks pressed against your throbbing cunt had you twitching, barely able to form words. All you could think about was the scorching, twisting need building in your stomach, desperation for relief slowly climbing until you'd think she was doing this on purpose to drive you mad.

"Please– 'm a good girl, right? I've been good.." You choked out, only to be met with the rough, husky laugh echoing in your ear that made you feel dizzy with a rush of need, her nails gliding along the skin of your hips as she pressed you down even more firmly– you couldn't see her face but it was easy to imagine the crooked smile twisting her lips at the way you inhaled sharply and tried to buck against her thigh.

"Shh. I know, doll. I've got you, just relax." She murmured in that sickly sweet tone that always had your knees buckling, the raspiness of her voice sending shivers down your spine. It was almost impossible to relax with her so close, the notes of metal lingering on her skin despite how well she presents herself– but you trusted her, despite how you know you shouldn't.

"There we go. Good girl." Arlecchino's grip on your hips loosened just enough for you to move if you so wished, and oh did it take every ounce of restraint to not do just that..she hadn't said you were allowed to, and you weren't about to spoil her good mood by being a brat. Not tonight, anyway. "Do you want to cum, doll?"

The fervent nod you offer in place of words draws a laugh from her lips, one that is almost mocking, making your face flush in embarrassment– but the sudden tap against your hip makes your mind go blank to the point you forget it all together, focused only on the feeling of her thigh rubbing against your cunt as you bucked against her thigh, the fabric slick and wet against your inner thighs. You'd have half the heart to be embarrassed about that, too, if not for the sudden brush of her thumb against your aching, neglected clit. Just that small touch has you speeding up your movements, practically drooling as you whimpered like a dog in heat.

"That's more like it, doll. Such a pretty girl." Arlecchino hummed, her other hand trailing up your stomach, between the valley of your breasts and ghosting across your throat before settling on grabbing your jaw in a firm, yet almost tender touch as she tilted your head to the side just enough for her to pull you into a burning kiss. It left you lightheaded, grinding down against her thigh as she claimed your mouth as her own, her thumb still ghosting over your clit sporadically.

She'd spent so long teasing you, constantly touching you but never where you needed her, that you already felt like you were going to snap like a wire. She must've been in a really good mood, then, when she pulled away from the kiss with an almost predatory lick of her lips, yet she settled on pressing kisses to your skin rather then the usual sharp bite of her teeth as they sunk into the curve of your shoulder.

"Are you close? Go on. I want to see your face when you cum– you look the prettiest when you finally break apart, doll." Arlecchino mused idly– as if she wasn't talking to you while you continued to rub your aching cunt against her thigh, chasing your own release through shaky, strained breaths. Her thumb swiped over your lips, brushing strands of hair stuck to your skin from your face– at the same time as she swiped her thumb more firmly against your clit, creating a vicious contrast that had you both melting at the barest hint of almost softness from her and the touch of her hand between your legs, dragging you into an orgasm that leaves you trembling and, had she not shoved her fingers into your mouth, screaming, tears pooling in the corners of your eyes.

"All done, little doll. Take it easy." She murmured, voice so quiet you almost didn't hear it, thumb swiping across your cheek to wipe away the stray tear, her hands pulling away to settle on your sides. "You did well– good girl. Let me take it from here."

[m4ruk4ts]

-throws these and runs away-

[typosandtea]

Tagged for wip Wednesday by @sirmanmister Thankyou!!!

Tagging @gardening--tools @secondhand-lions @romaniwasteland :]

That jerk (deacon, tango does NOT like him, he keeps pranking tango) initiates chaos at the castle by starting a snowball fight with tango before he slips away mid fight once it becomes tango v everyone at the castle..

I’ve been sitting on this sketch of a comic of how blind betrayal happens for tango since they are not sole for a while and don’t remember if I’ve shared this..

Was originally for one of the Falloutober prompts but I am not particular happy with the last panel yet so I haven’t finished it but I do plan on fixing it..

WRITING!!

A first draft of a wip with the working title ‘Tango uh oh spaghettio’ (does not feature actual spagettios) it’s mostly vibes at this point but I’m excited about it. It’s also set like 3 days after the comic!

after a very bad week a caravan brings fresh vegetables to the castle, Tango has an idea for doing something nice for once, but they only have so much patience for the shenanigans that friends like theirs brings…

( I had the thought that the castle's kitchen / any kitchen involving a number of the companions would be like bad roommates..)

About a week after the retaking of Quincy and also blind betrayal.

before the gunners plaza drama (so no slick!)

happens over the course of a day.

avoiding mention of seasons or temperatures cause ?????????????????

tango has become knows as someone who likes to cook at the castle, but also pedantic at the state and order of the kitchen fridges and pantry…

This was suppost to be a dot point outline but it’s a bit long now..

a preview of the ending. tango drunk and asleep, with damaged Armour in a now broken by tangos weight bed, Preston pov. companions in various states of drunk, sleepy or food coma. he is reflecting on the week also but what it means for others and is avoiding thinking about how it affects him..

early morning, tango reflecting on the week from hell, alludes to blind betrayal, AND retaking Quincy with Preston. very violent, but mostly reflects on how this affects them.. tango while ruminating is preforming minor checks and repairs to their armour, lamenting the damage, and noting things to fix / repaint, and a possible new paint scheme

tango is interrupted from their day of repairs by Libby asking them to help unload a recently arrived caravan, (they are not pleased) on the walk from the underground portion they've claimed as a small private workshop (its the least the minutemen can do after tango has fixed more than half the castles electronics) (the castle is reasonably established at this point, not quite a year after the slaying of the queen). they notice that the castles mood is quite dour.. despite the recent victory… they pass Preston, he seems withdrawn after the retaking of Quincy, tango has put the dots together that Preston and the gunner in the armour knew each other before he defected.. tango was present for the showdown between Clint and Preston. And because the general is stressed and withdrawn after a victory that's affecting a variety of minutemen. they almost walk into Libby as they stop to talk tango, yapping about how being injured suck and of duty sucks more and how annoying curie is for them to not be working. tango points out as she grabs a box that doesn't this count as working? Libby goes its finnnnneeee and curie spots them at the gate (i build a gate in from the wall you first enter in from) from across the courtyard, and makes a bline for Libby , Libby is hobbling away but curie is faster and Libby is walking away trying to avoid the earful the curie is giving them.. tango laughs at Libby's misfortune..

tango has chat with the caravaner now that they're the only minuteman here. the caravaner mentions that its a good mix but also some fresh healthy vegetables from Warwick, better wash them well whew!! .. tango says noted but private laughs at the older woman's sense of humor.. tango and some of the caravnaers finish unloading the brahmin (with tango noting how gross they think they are and will be glad when they are out of castles courtyard., even if they do have a pen for the things). polite chitchat from the caravaner and with tango distracted by the thoughts of produce.. caravaner mentions seeing increased deathclaw evidence this side of the city. tango absentmindedly agrees to relay this to the general.

tango tries to find someone to help them put all of the stuff away but everyone seems to have scattered in curie (and impending works) wake.. again they are not pleased about this, but gets to hauling boxes of food, cause food waste is unthinkable and a horrific thing to do in their opinion. they wander to the kitchen with 2 boxes, smugly thinking to themselves how people scatter from their path (prideful bastard), the kitchen seemingly empty, but the lights are on.. problem one: breakfast appears to have happened without them while they were unloading the brahmin.. but nobody has done any dishes and food ingredients are scattered about still.. tango is pissed about this and has a moment of rage. vows to bother Preston about it later when hes not so broody.. they get to work putting the fresh food away in the pantry and the fridge array. (thinking about how that could be improved..). when they return with more boxes they are greeted with a minuteman making breakfast. tango intimidates and wordlessly stares them down when they go to leave after putting their dirty plate on the pile .. the minuteman is young and squirms under tangos threatening gaze.. he squeaks out an excuse for being late to watch… tango just stares harder as they scramble to get away.. the dishes put them in a worse mood but the minuteman scrambling is a nice little 'im still scary >:]' ego boost.

tango gets to work on the dishes and falls in a rhythm, get water and soap, clean dishes till no more space, clean 'hands' with high alcohol cleaner, dry dishes and put away, repeat. when they finished and last of the water is poured out, Hancock turns up for breakfast, (its morning proper by this point). Tango tells him kitchens closed,Hancock is hungover and grouchy, tango is always ready to argue, they verbally fight and tango throws a box of fancy lads at him with a fuck off ive just got here ready. (tango and Hancock actually get along ok, both use murder as a tool and tango has run with WAY shadier characters and ghouls don't bother them)

tango is mentally preparing a list for the idea they've had all morning, making spaghetti dinner for everyone.. so far they've got most of the ingredients for spaghetti (pasta: razorgrain flour, cooking oil, water and eggs?; sauce: lots of Tatos, wine (hm only one bottle left..), carrots, mushrooms, variety of herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage), garlic, onion, meat mince, salt; cheese?? they are NOT using that boxed garbage from blamco and threatens to throw the suggester out.) they realize they they will need to acquire a few ingredients. Eggs, mushrooms, mince, and cheese??? they cant recall this region having cheese.. they realize that they cant get everything on their own in time.. begrudgingly decides to enlist some help.

the help. does a lap around the castle but runs into everyone's scattered. problem from earlier, they are stomping like they are on a mission and cant seem to find anyone (word has spread that they are pissed about the state of the kitchen after breakfast, so they are being avoided) they increasingly mad about not finding people… rounds up curie, with a thankful Libby at the moments peace, until tango enlists them too. also gets a freshly arrived piper, sad danse (bb was a few days ago.). decides against enlisting Hancock since they dont have the patience, and no Ronny since shes busy training. corners the young minuteman who is fearful and prematurely admits to being one of the people leaving to kitchen a mess.. tango is annoyed and surprised, minutemen kicks himself for the slip up. tango recruits them to help.. with everyone now haphazard assembled in the kitchen, tango forms the plan.. piper and curie are to go get some cheese and mushrooms from diamond city, (piper is annoyed as shes just come from DC). Libby and the young minuteman are to acquire eggs from one of the variety of creature nests nearby.. and tango is taking danse to acquire meat.. arguments ensue such as piper suggesting that they use the cheese powder from blamco mac and cheese. tango has another rage moment at the audacity, ruin a good meal with that shit damn >:/ .. piper relents like ooookay (hands up in surrender), curie is not pleased that Libby is working with leg wounds. Libby is annoyed at being cooped up and points out that they are not going far and that shes not alone or helpless. danse is quiet and looks a bit out of it tbh.. curie reins in the arguments like we are running out of daylight and dc is with new missions, people start to split to go..

tango danse and surprise Hancock was eavesdropping! Hancock refuses to be left behind in the hunting, (he recognizes danses kinda lost look.. and is a teensy bit worried that he will do something stupid) danse is not pleased and neither is tango, tango actauly says something, danse just halfheartedly insults Hancock returning to brooding now darker, walks off to acquire supplies (he hasn't yet acquired x01 yet, its been like 3 days.. where does he get it in game) Hancock mentions their thoughts about danse brooding to tango and tango is a bit surprised bc self centered hasn't been checking in on danse much assuming he wanted to be left alone..

piper and curie rush to dc with only a few supermutants and mirelurks in the way. then they find that shops are out of cheese, but they get good amounts of brain and glowing fungus, now its on a cheese hunt.. piper bothers people but has a similar problem as tango of people scatter when they see her coming, (but for annoyed reasons rather than fear) curie talks to takahashi (piper didn't know that she could do that, curie retained robot languages after her transition). takashashi informs curie that the caravan that usually brings cheese hasn't been seen for a week.. piper remembers hearing rumors of a new raider gang trying to set up near the route that caravan takes.. off they go to find them.. city exploring and piper picking curies brain about robotic languages. … turns out that the caravan IS the new raiders and piper and curie get captured … piper picks the lock and they fight (piper doing very well) their way a little bit before they get to the caravan head who is grieving over her sons illness, curie recognizes the illness from the snooping at the door they do, and convinces piper to reveal themselves, caravan boss is quick to draw but doesn't shoot, is quick to insult, piper quips back, curie says shes a doctor and she can help, some fallout medical bulshittery later and son is on the mend, and caravan boss is grateful and lets them go with a whole cheese wheel ..

Libby and the young minuteman are geared up and leaving the gates, wave at the watchman and a broody Preston, who looks a bit quizzical at Libby leaving. the young minuteman grumbles at carrying the basket and Libby grumbles back that at least they can walk without a limp and to slow down damn. they make their way a little further and run into a returning patrol, they converse and Libby asks if anyone's seen some eggs around.. and one of the ghoul guys says well there was this one nest ….

tango danse and Hancock leave the gates in annoyed post argument silence not long after Libby and minuteman.. danse sips canteen as they leave they wander after tango all in brooding for a while, Hancock smoking. tango is interrupted from their tracking by an annoyed (at their lack of communication or tactics) danse who seems to have woken up enough to slip into leader mode tm. what are we even looking for this close to the city.. rad stag avoid they city and you've expressed your vehement distaste at mire lurk in the past, we better not be hunting what i think you're tracking..? (is a teensy bit slurred.. but tango misses it, Hancock doesn't.. important later) Hancock is not sure of what their tracking and sarcastically notes that they thought they were walking in circles for fun, and he agrees with tin can on tone of voice alone that its probably bad news. almost another argument between them. tango loses patience at the bickering and rudely tells them both to shut up so they dont alert the deathclaw.. danse is mad at being right and under prepared for such a fight and Hancock is similarly annoyed.. back to broody silence. hear musket fire not far away and a roar.. rush to gunfire to surprise Libby and Minuteman raiding the death claws nest.. no sign of the deathclaw though…….

they all breath a sigh at the others not being a deathclaw, and both teams ask what the other is doing here at same time.. comment on thinking alike. comments on risk taking and what would curie say if she finds out what Libby was up to while injured.. Hancock suggests maybe they should have a lovely chitchat elsewhere not on top of a live death claws nest.. danse sips canteen.. trooping back towards the castle with caution when the turn a corner and nearly walk into the deathclaw eating some mutants.. oops

deathclaw fight. Hancock gets killing blow with shotgun to the throat.

Libby and minuteman head back to castle with eggs and tango guts the deathclaw with help. danse cuts himself a tiny bit with the knife and tango thinks nothing of it. "ugh partially digested supermutant" tango is glad their wearing a helmet but still grossed out by now having entrails on their arms.. they drag cut and carry parts of the deathclaw back to the castle. including the skull that Hancock wants to clean and keep

everyone back at the kitchen now, curie is suspicious of Libby having deathclaw eggs. task assignments and arguments part 2. Libby is carted off by curie when she shows signs of wobbling nearly immediately.

(remaining: tango, Hancock, danse, piper, minuteman?? I think)

Tango very quickly gets annoyed at too many cooks in the kitchen / people not doing it their way. piper is given task of making the pasta, Hancock the task of preparing cheese, and danse making mince from meat. nobody likes the job they've been given and argue a bit before tango gives up 'FINE" and they swap amongst themselves.. Hancock pastas, piper minces and danse grates. (danse has been quiet for a while…) tango is annoyingly micromanaging. people chant find pots and pans etc. they've been used while they were out / the castle doesn't have them. Hancock shows a bit of skill at making the pasta, piper argues with tango at the futility of real cheese again and this better be worth it got captured again for this.. ('at least I got a story out of it..')

finally assembling implements tango goes to start cooking and discovers the wine gone. piper accuses Hancock and tango agrees til Hancock rebuts that they didn't and that they're both blind to not see that tin cans drunk.. they look at danse. danse does not look at them. he is a bit unsteady. (uh oh self medicating for the last 3 days!!) Hancock is disappointed in them cause piper is suppose to be nosy(snark) and tango is suppose to be tin cans friend(also snark)….. danse still hasn't said anything.. weird silence. is danse even listening? (hes been drinking from canteen all day. canteen was filled with wine and tango cant smell so didn't notice.. ) oh look Preston has been standing in doorway out of view of tango, 'eavesdropping' tango grumbles a bot about nobody knocking anymore once they are surprised by Preston speaking. Preston has also spotted danses self destructing behavior earlier , tango is the only one who didn't .. cause self centered.

Preston encourages dasnse to go clean up (they're all still bloody (except for hand washing) from deathclaw fight and gut. danse resits but does seem to have realized that hes a. caught and b. and ineffective cook .. Preston takes over grating (danse hadn't gotten very far). Hancock has nearly finished pasta, ready to dry for a while. piper has been quiet for a bit but comments on not noticing danse.. shes doesn't know him very well at all and she docent know the details of bb. most people only know that danse has been declared dead and he needs to remain hidden. piper finishes mincing and fridges the mince. she hangs around to chat though. tango has been chopping onion and garlic for sauce. once Hancock finishes pasta he leaves. Preston is also broody but not drink so cheese gets grated well but in silence. piper is trying to get info from tango about danse, tango is increasingly annoyed (they were already annoyed about how things have been going today). Preston advises piper to not pry. Hancock returns with a bottle of wine he had in his bag that he brought with him, gives it to tango. tango is skeptical but grateful. gets to cooking mince with onion garlic spices.

tango gives task of making tatos into liquid and some chopped for the sauce. along with chopping mushrooms and carrots. tango is lost in thought about not noticing danse so isn't hearing the others conversations. tunes back in later when they are ready for tato.

sauce continuous to be made with hushed conversation / piper still trying to gossip. finding no luck she leaves to go see how Libby and curie are doing. once shes gone tango asks how Preston is doing. he says fine (lying) Hancock scoffs. smart ass comment about about himself being king of self hate (Hancock is saying that)

more important chat about Preston . Preston keeps deflecting. sauce is simmering and tango starts dishes. piper walks back in ignoring mood and takes a spoon to taste the sauce (tango is too surprised to react) she comments on it needing more salt. tango stares for a hot second before physically throwing her from the kitchen.. the AUDACITY this is my kitchen and my recipe, they're really running out of patience now. grumbling and muttering about how dare she… etc. Hancock is laughing and Preston does seem to welcome the distraction from this topic (him / Quincy)

sauce is safe to simmer for a while, and Preston seems to be ok after the three of them have been talking for a while (Preston is not ready to open up to anyone about the intricacies and background to Quincy yet) Hancock declares hes off for a smoke (jet) and offers, no takers, shrugs and wanders off. tango and Preston in silence for a bit before tango awkwardly tries to ask is Preston is ok only to be met with a snappy im fine (tango has 2 charisma thats plenty of failed 'checks'). they mentally back off say ok. Preston leaves. they mentally double check the sauce and other things are good to be left for a bit.

tango wanders off to find danse. it takes them a while to find him, he was hiding in the underground section, they pass Hancock lounged on a outdoor chair with some jet, he lazily waves, tango mentally resolves to thank him later (they are terrible at admitting things) and nods back. find danse somewhere relatively hidden and he doesn't want to speak. (shame at being caught 'unfit for duty', shame at himself, lack of self worth and self projected (and drunk) thoughts of well they all hate me more now.). tango isn't very good at hard chats and neither is danse.. very awkward. they both have feelings about things and neither is very good at acknowledging. show some of tangos terrible mentalities about feelings indirectly in this conversation.. danse is actually quite drunk at this point and its starting to show.. half a days hunt with only wine is not good.

tango returns to kitchen to attend to simmering sauce and start pasta process. finds Preston back here stiring, met piper on the way shes still annoyed at being thrown. getting comments on it smells good from people they pass in the halls. pasta being ready to serve. tango, Preston and the young minuteman serving people, like at camp, line style. lots of smells good comments, average mood is much improved by good food. significantly improved by curie revealing they had stashed quite a lot of alcohol at a previous celebration for people were getting to drunk then, brings it out and is looking forward to finally trying it (curie was still a miss nanny when she did that ). makes a face at beer to the delight of the small group actually paying attention to anything thats not food or alcohol.

merryment!!! tango is convinced to drink later by drunk Hancock, slips a drink inside armour and gets drink too. Preston pov? tipsily finally acknowledging to himself that hes been avoiding thinking about Quincy .. introspection?

later evening people food comas, drunk or both everywhere. tango has ended up curled up in a bed and tucked in somehow (they are a face / side sleeper before they were tango / when they forget to lock the armour in default position before allowing themselves to sleep) Libby and danse have somehow ended up on the same couch (danse would not be pleased as hes stilt got A LOT of bos brainwashing to overcome here, its been like 3 days since bb come on.) Hancock can hold his liquor and is lazily patrolling with Ronnie with quiet easy conversation we cant hear.

[lady-lilly-gray]

Where is the Heart of Innocence?

Buckle up, Buttercup; this one’s a bit of a doozy.

This is a theory I’ve been wanting to flesh out since I last reread the series, and it came up in the discord server a few days ago. From (in my opinion) least to most likely, I will make a case for each bit of innocence we have seen in the story thus far, however far-fetched they are.

Housekeeping 1: Exclusions from my analysis

Any fragment of innocence that has already been destroyed “on screen” (Yeegar’s, Daisya’s, etc.)

Apocryphos: If his purpose is to protect (re: absorb) the Heart then it must be a separate entity

Judgment: Apocryphos would not have left the Heart behind when taking Cross’s body.

Housekeeping 2: Whilst I don’t believe this theory myself, there is the possibility that the Heart does not really exist and was either made up by the Earl to justify the destruction of Exorcists and/or innocence; or made up by the Order as a way to bait the Earl out into the open. But I’m not going to delve into that right now.

Housekeeping 3: Where to place Grave of Maria

This fragment lives on inside the body of its previous (possibly initial) accommodator

If the “Maria” is Katerian Campbell theory is true, this would add a nice layer of irony

If the Cross = Past Lavi theory is not true (I don’t think it is) this could be a reason for Cross’s connexion with Allen (if Allen isn’t the Heart)

As a weapon, it possesses both defensive and offensive capabilities

The reason I don’t know where to rank this is because, if memory serves, Apocryphos was the one who removed Cross’s body (see: Judgment) but has since (if I remember right) spoken of finding/absorbing the Heart. If so, would Apocryphos not have absorbed Maria then and there?

Caveat one: does Apocryphos know where the Heart is or will he just sense it; and thus, would he be able to sense Maria’s innocence when not actively being enchanted by Cross

Why kidnap Cross (re: keep him alive) in the first place

Caveat two: We don’t actually know the current whereabouts of Grave of Maria

Caveat three: Did Cross even have Grave of Maria with him/nearby when he was taken?

So, who/what does that leave us with?

Least Likely

The fragment collected at the beginning of the Phantom G arc:

(I, admittedly, forget if this is in the manga or exclusive to the anime)

It shows signs of sentience (disembodied hand)

Introduced shortly after Rouvellier brings the Heart back up in regards to the war

It is generally introduced in a major turning point in the series (HQ relocating following the breech of the old headquarters/the use of the Ark by the Order)

Winters Socalo (Madness):

It would be ironic since he is portrayed as cold-hearted

Innocence gave him a new lease on life (a new heart, if you will)

Bookman Sr. (Heaven Compass):

The irony of having to remain neutral in a war that is partially fixated on the Heart

I feel like he knows who/what the Heart is, because of his records, so I feel like he would have said something (at least to Lavi), or chosen not to work with the Order. Lavi’s been his apprentice long enough that he doesn’t necessarily need the extra guidance in the mission.

Hevlaska:

Sentient, like Apocryphos

Mysterious, prophetic/in charge of “reading” accommodators

Could tie into the idea of the Heart “knowing” the other fragments.

Froi Tiedoll (Maker of Eden):

He has powerful creation magic

He’s a sweetheart, always looking out for his “children”

Re: the other fragments being like the children of the Heart

Suman Dark:

There is an arc dedicated to him being rejected by his innocence, but we don’t know what happened to it

Is this the fragment that went on to choose Chaoji?

If this is confirmed in-universe that may be a further argument, as it would be the first fragment we have actually met multiple accommodators of

Excluding Artificial Exorcists; but how “different” are the new bodies sharing a brain with past accommodators

Re: does the “Helix” lie within the soul?

Chaoji Han (Arm of Baptism):

Despite spending time around his innocence fragment, it does not seek him out until other fragments of innocence are in danger (re: the Heart protecting its own)

This could, however, be taken as a sign of regular fragments protecting the Heart, if the Heart does belong to Allen, Lena, or Lavi, whom he was protecting

Klaud Nine (Lau Shimin):

She is a general; therefore a powerful accommodator

Takes on the two main forms of innocence

Lau Shimin is a parasite type that is commanded more similar to an equipment type (as opposed to using enchantments, like Grave of Maria)

Would align with the traditionally “feminine” nature of a heart

We see her truly mourn her students who were killed by the Noah

Possible

Arystar Krory III (Teeth)

It would explain whatever the hell happened to him after the Jasdevi fight in the arc

Kanda has regenerative powers; what’s Krory’s excuse

He is intrinsically connected to an Akuma; but not a Noah

Only person we’ve seen who can neutralise ingested poison

Parasite types and Seconds have only (at least to our knowledge) neutralised exterior exposure

Vampires have been historically linked to hearts

Prior to Dracula the typical method of drinking blood was directly from the heart

They are also linked to immortality which would tie into the “original innocence” and the duration of the Heart/innocence in general

There’s also a lot of narrative emphasis put on Krory being a vampire, despite him explicitly denying such a label (He’s just a guy!)

Noise Marie (Noel Organon):

Phrases such as “Love is blind” and “Listen to your heart” come to mind

Whilst he is able to fight, he is usually in a defensive position

A way for the Heart to protect itself

Would align with his gentle nature

Has almost died multiple times; and was almost part of the Second Exorcist Programme

Would the experiment have worked on the Heart?

The Kanji for his anti-akuma weapon’s name is literally “Saint’s Psalms” so why would Hoshino make a point of having the Furikana be something different

Re: something that means “Birth Organ” (like a heart?)

Yes, I know that the Katakana (オルガン) would be exclusively used in reference to the musical instrument, but the implicit cognation is still there

Timothy Hearst (Tsukikami):

I literally just mistyped his family name as “Heart”

He is introduced in the first arc following the resurgence of the Heart being mentioned

He has a sentient form of innocence, though not corporeal like Apocryphos

Tsukikami only communicates with his accommodator

If Timothy is the Heart, I wonder if Tsukikami knows that, and if he’s shared that information with Timothy

Possession abilities

If he gets strong enough, could Tsukikami possess a Noah?

Lavi (Iron Hammer):

It would be ironic because he’s meant to stay neutral

But, unlike Bookman Sr., he seems to actually have some kind of internal turmoil over this required neutrality

He’s the only one of the main four who has not had a power up (yet?)

This could be the Heart’s way of protecting itself (re: not drawing too much attention to itself)

It’s also possible that the other powerups are caused by a “desire” to protect the Heart, and that the Heart itself does not possess the same ability to evolve as the other fragments do

It would tie into Past!Lavi’s relationship to Allen/Neah

re: being an important part of bringing down the Earl, as its narratively set up to do; or protecting Neah, as Apocryphos clearly doesn’t want it to do

To that extent, are we even sure the Heart is a “good” force?

To what extent is “reincarnation” a part of the Bookman clan

That is, is it similar to the “awakening” of the Noah Genes?

Chaoji was protecting him when his innocence finally responded to him

Alma Karma:

He’s Kanda’s heart

We have seen him wielding innocence in the recent past, and know he was an accommodator in his past life, but there’s no mention of his innocence in the present day

What happened to that fragment when he was comatose?

Was his innocence fused with his body/destroyed when he became an akuma; or is it still in the Order’s possession

And why not mention it at all in the present, despite Alma drawing attention to innocence on his deathbed

Re: asking Kanda not to use his innocence on him because he doesn’t deserve to have his soul saved

Could this have messed with the powers of the Heart/affected the other fragments, as destroying the Heart supposedly voids all fragments. Kanda (presumably) passes out immediately after Alma’s death; we don’t see if his innocence was left behind

If Alma’s innocence was left behind and was, in fact, the Heart, could Kanda tell?

Could this have contributed towards Kanda returning to the Order?

He’s had a lasting impact on the narrative since his appearance/death

Unlike more macguffin-esque Exorcists such as Yeegar and Suman

The general association with Lotuses (rebirth) that tie into the Heart as a life force

Probable

Allen Walker (Cross/Crown Clown):

Again, Chaoji was protecting him when his innocence came to him

It would be the obvious choice, as he is the main character; but also linked to both sides of the war

For this reason, I don’t think the series will go this direction

Re: going against typical shounen tropes is a running thing in this series

Would the Earl (re: Mana) be able to kill Allen and/or Neah for the sake of the war?

If so, why didn’t he kill him in the first place? (an age-old question in the fandom)

Campbell twins: one is the body, one is the soul (heart)

Why was the Earl reborn in the first place, and why was he split into two beings?

It could not be destroyed by Tyki, despite us seeing him use the same exact method on other fragments

And that fragment literally fused with Allen’s heart to protect him

To protect Neah?

Bringing back the question of the Allegiance of the Heart/innocence, we know that innocence is the only force which can destroy akuma/do harm to a Noah; but can we be sure that, prior to the split, the innocence was not once in harmony with the Clan of Noah. We know that innocence and Noah genes can coexist within a body—there’s not evidence that Allen’s innocence causes harm to Neah.

To that end, what reasons has the Earl for destroying the Heart besides it being an easy way to take down the Order

Lenalee Lee (Dark Boots):

She’s Allen’s heart

She’s been on the back burner for a bit and was put out of commission for quite a bit of time; maybe I’m being too occidental in this view, but I’m sus of why a female mangaka would reduce a female character with strong potential to little more than a Mary Sue

Comparatively, two other female shounen mangaka, Katsue Kato (Blue Exorcist) and Yana Toboso (Black Butler), did something similar with Shiemi and Lizzie; and both girls were later “redeemed” and have since had more of an active role in the plot; so it wouldn’t be a shounen subversion, per se, to equate the Dark Boots crystallisation with Lena’s “redemption” to set her up to be much more of an active role in the plot (like being the Heart)

She is the first person proposed in canon to be in possible possession of the Heart

Although this makes me think it less likely

The fight with Eshi is the first canon instance (we see) of a fragment of innocence protecting its accommodator

Even though this happened around the same time as Allen’s confrontation with Tyki, but I’ll get into that later

Once again, Chaoji was protecting her when his innocence awakened

The Dark Boots are the first anti-akuma weapon to crystallise

Mugen’s crystallisation could have been a response to such, as a way of not making the Heart stand out by being the only “new” type of anti-akuma weapon

Back to the point of the “Heart” having a female connotation

She is the only female character in the Main Four

She is the first Exorcist (besides Allen) whom we, the reader, meet

Why not have it be Kanda (i.e. the first whom Allen meets)

Yu Kanda (Mugen):

Boy’s got more plot armour than Allen at this point

“Cold hards, warm heart” personified (bordering on Tsundere)

His regenerative ability; but also that of Mugen

It’s implied he used the same type of weapon in his past life

Mugen takes some of the wielder’s life-force to power up, which only really works with Kanda because of his Seconds seal

To that point, Apocryphos refers to Kanda as “Mugen’s accommodator” which implies that such a weapon has existed before (re: outside of present!Kanda’s lifetime)

Although, one could argue that Apocryphos referring to Mugen by name means that it is not the Heart

Mugen is, possibly*, the only only anti-akuma weapon we have seen that has always taken on the same form (implicitly, per Apocryphos’s knowledge of its name)

*I was convinced this was true of the Dark Boots too, but then when I reread the series I saw no mention of it??? Am I insane? Was this something mentioned exclusively in the anime? Is it in one of the Komlin arcs I always skip on rereads?

Mugen (六幻) means “six forms”—we’ve thus far only seen five

What is the sixth form, and how might it relate to the Heart

This is something I will go into in my “Final Battle” theory

He is the only exorcists we’ve seen who has been able to suppress his synchro rate

The Order knew immediately upon Allen reaching full synchronisation

This could be Mugen’s way of keeping itself under the radar (re: the Heart not drawing unnecessary attention to itself)

Most Likely

Miranda Lotto (Time Record):

The only exclusively defensive anti-akuma weapon we’ve seen

It protects other (i.e. the Heart protecting its own)

“The Destroyer of Time” prophecy actually being a reference to taking down innocence

In my “Final Battle” theory I’ll go more in-depth about how/why I think all innocence will have to be destroyed before the war is officially over

The caveat of her magic prolonging life, but not being able to revive the dead

Not only a narratively great way to not make her too OP for a side character with a very unique ability, but it also can be in reference to innocence no being restored once it’s been destroyed (either individually, or by the destruction of the Heart)

Like girl has some seriously powerful innocence

Keeping a whole town in a time loop

Which is actually similar (or at least a FOIL to Road’s power)

Speaking of, she is introduced in the same arc the Noah Clan is first introduced

And even without a true anti-akuma weapon she is able to wield the innocence

In order to protect Allen and Lenalee… which we’ll come back to

Lala:

Lala is the only example (that I can think of) of innocence creating sentience in another being (excluding Apocryphos, who is made of pure innocence)

Mater as a Chekhov's Gun

Back on my Final Theory Post bs, I think the final confrontation will take place in Mater, and Lala’s innocence being the Heart could tie nicely into this, especially if Allen has to destroy it; it would be narratively intriguing to have him destroy the innocence in the same place he took Lala’s her “life” when Guzol died

Mater literally means “Mother” in latin (which is why I don’t like the translation of the town being “Martel” in the manga; but the english translator also though Hoshino-san was a man in early volumes so I take everything with a grain of salt)

Also, her innocence as a Chekhov’s Gun

This is the first fragment of innocence Allen obtained/the first mission he went on

It hasn’t been mentioned since it was recovered

But Mater was brought back up (shortly after Neah fully awakened)

Could this be a set up to reintroduce this fragment into the mix?

The innocence literally acts as Lala’s heart.

There is a conversation to be had here about the connexion between the soul and the “helix” to explain why Lala wasn’t quite the same after having the innocence restored to her before Guzol’s death

But Lilly, isn’t it possible we just haven’t met the Heart yet?

Yes; but, if the Heart of Innocence truly exists, I think having it be some random person/fragment we haven’t been introduced to yet would be stupid at best and a cop out at worst. Thus, I’m not even entertaining this idea beyond acknowledging it as a possibility.

Last, but certainly not least, the theory I came to when I first read the manga, and the one I’m sticking to until proven otherwise:

The Heart is not a single fragment;  specifically, it is comprised of two pieces

(see also: those 2014 tumblr era pictures of two human hearts forming one love heart)

So which pieces are they? The fragments synchronised with Allen and Lenalee

Allen’s innocence could not be destroyed like the other fragments

But the Noah’s search to destroy the Heart implies it is destructible; so why didn’t Allen’s innocence disappear entirely when crushed by Tyki? Because it was only half the heart; and, in this theory, both halves would have to be destroy simultaneously in order to destroy the Heart/all fragments of innocence

The destruction of the Heart meaning the destruction of all innocence is dangerous

Innocence is constantly evolving throughout the series. So, the division of the Heart into two distinct fragments could be an evolutionary safety net to protect all the fragments from sudden annihilation

Why do Allen and Lenalee seemingly have a telepathic connexion?

Could it be because their innocence fragments are intrinsically linked?

And to that point; Lena almost dying at the hands of Eshi is around the same time (possibly at the same moment) as Allen’s confrontation with Tyki. Their telepathic link could have been the Heart sending out a finally push of power to protect its other half

For the LenAllen shippers (like myself) it does have a nice Soulmate-y implication

[aftgscenes]

I wrote a little thing about how I think Kevin finding out about jeans SA would go- it’s really short and jumps right in but one day I might be brave enough to work it into a full fic

Anyways here’s this for now

“No, Riko he- he didn’t- he wouldn’t”

“Naivety doesn’t suit you, day”

Kevin took a moment to let it sink in

“When?” It came out barely a whisper and a demand all at once

“When he found out I was in love with you.” Jean said cold and uninterested, as if it was just a simple fact of life, and not the confession Kevin knew it was.

He went still, hand an inch away from where he was going to grab jean

“He thought I would lose interest if he “gave me what I wanted”” Jean continued “he was right”

“I didn’t kno-“

“Doesn’t matter anyways” Jean cut him off as he turned towards the door, and started to leave. He was ready for this conversation to be over. It should have never happened in the first place.

“Wait!” Kevin barked out

then a few moments later “please”

Jean stopped dead in his tracks and obediently turned around before he could stop himself.

Kevin took a few steps closer and held out his hand again, a silent plea for jeans own, and a clear order for Jean to close the gap.

It took all of Jeans restraint not to reach out but he couldn’t stop the air that escaped his lungs, almost a laugh, though it was too broken to fool anyone.

“You claim ignorance then say things like that, knowing I would do anything you asked.” The accusation hit Kevin hard enough that his hand fell to his side and he took a few steps back. “Im done Kevin, I won’t do this to myself anymore. Goodbye.”

[aflippedflop]

It's been a while. Huh?

[kvetchinglyneurotic]

I just wanted to pop in and tell you again how much I adored The Hedgehog’s Dilemma and Flightless Birds. Truly they are two of my favorite fics to come out of this fandom. I’m so excited for everything else you’re working on and I just know they’re going to pleasantly destroy me <3

That said, consider this an open invitation to share anything you might want to share! General thoughts, fic ideas you’re working on or not working on, writing snippets, or even how end of semester grading is faring- whatever you want!

Thank you!! It’s still amazing to me that something I’ve written is favourite fic-worthy, especially when there’s so many talented writers in the fandom. As for the end of semester marking: I'm at paper 50/101 and answering this ask to procrastinate before I start my marking for the day. Because the papers are all answering the same prompt and it's making me feel a bit like I'm stuck in a time loop, here's a snippet from Wrong Answers Only from Ted's first day in the time loop, before he realizes it's a time loop — from his perspective, he's just invited Jamie back and is expecting him at Nelson Road, but from Jamie's, they haven't met up yet.

Out in the hall, he opened his call history, but the glitch that was affecting the rest of his phone had got to that and his messages, too. By the time he’d located him between Martin Tanner (one of the boys from his third season coaching) and Laura Taylor (a uni friend who’d gone on to be a surgeon), Ted had wandered his way to the empty weight room and sat on the bench. The ringtone echoed tinnily through the empty space as he waited — one ring, two, three, and then the call connected a second before it dropped. “Coach?” “Hey, Jamie, where are you, bud?” “At— at the studio, you know. ‘Bout to go on Holly and Phil,” Jamie said. He sounded a little quiet, uncertain, same as he’d been at the bar the other day. “They’re, you know. Doing my hair and all. Gotta look fit.” “You gotta do that twice?” Ted asked. A long pause. “No, I— I dunno what you mean, coach.” “Well, you were just on a couple’ve days ago, weren’t you?” Ted said. “No,” Jamie repeated. Ted scrubbed his free hand over his face, filled with a sudden rush of exasperation — he’d really thought Jamie had left all this behind him, the poking and prodding and pushing back against everything Ted said for no other reason than he could. “C’mon, man, I really thought we were getting somewhere.” “You’re the one that sent me back,” Jamie said, sharp. “You think I wanted to go back to City? You saw what my—” he cut off in a choked breath. “I was trying, coach. Why’d you send me away?” Ted’s fingers trembled. He scrubbed them viciously against the fabric of his pants, but when he spoke, his voice came out steady. “Jamie, I invited you back.” “Why’re you still playing mind games?” Jamie asked, plaintive. It was a strange sound on him, and not one Ted was sure he liked. “You won. Just leave me alone. Please, just leave me alone.” And then he hung up.

[rayniscatstatue]

No but end of Stellarlune was hitting it with Sokeefitz

Like obviously Sophie and Keefe are now together by the end of Stellarlune, that’s a given after chapter 42. But then also Fitz had communicated with Keefe to be sure that Keefe was safe. After that he let Sophie know that Keefe was safe so Sophie wasn’t stressed out. Fitz doing this all knowing full well that Sophie and Keefe had kissed. Also before that Keefe decided to go to Elysian to make sure Sophie was safe. Sophie decided for Fitz to go to Elysian because she trusts him still after everything. Like the three of them are making sure the others are safe

The obvious love triangle solution is for Sophie and Keefe to sit Fitz down and tell him that they both like him. Then they all hug it out and everyone is happy including me

[eyesontheskyline]

someone else's solid ground (ch 1/2).

Read here on ao3.

Rating: E

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply (but brief, non-graphic mentions of canon violence)

Relationships: Emily Prentiss/Aaron Hotchner

Summary: Post-Scratch, Hotch surprises Emily. Set somewhere during 13.01, after the warehouse and before the funeral. (Feelings, conversations and sex.)

Excerpt:

She looks down at her hand then back up at his face, and her eyes are curious, questioning, concentrating on reading his reaction like he’s written in a language she has to work at understanding. She draws an arc with her thumb once, twice, and a warm, tingling sensation sparks to life under her palm and spreads outward.

There’s been attraction there for years, ebbing and flowing between the two of them like something tidal, but they’ve never let themselves get anywhere near this edge before. And now he’s not her boss, and she’s not going back to London in a few hours, and as Rossi repeatedly and unsubtly pointed out on the way over here, they’re both single. Every reason he’s never let himself imagine kissing her is gone, and her lips are inches from his, and suddenly he can’t think about anything else.

[fisherman-fight]

whats the weirdest submission you've gotten so far

so far: the boy from the dreamworks logo, dads worldwide, every single person on the cast of the deadliest catch, THE TORNADO FROM SHARKNADO, and "the weatherman" from "that sea shanty tiktok"

(if you submitted one of these, i want you to know that i love them all and i am so glad i got to read someone's case for why the tornado is a fisherman)

[a-very-fond-farewell]

<.<

[typosandtea]

gripping you by the shoulders. I have Got to know who Murphy, Tango, and Nathan consider to be their best friends. (From the Secret OCs ask or whatever it’s called i can’t go back and check because i’m on mobile)

Thanks for the ask Charlie!,!! It’s been so great yelling about ocs with you !!!!

From the secret oc asks here @charliesvarietyhour

2) Who's your OCs best friend? How did they become best friends?

Murphy:

Has all kinds of anxiety and believes she doesn’t deserve friends. Is closest with post bb Danse and also Nick. She and Danse become friends after MONTHS of her being a knight with Danse as her assigned observer mentor and they both kinda realised at approximately the same time that oh wait I actually like hanging out with you hmm. (This complicates things.. not that Murphy has knowledge on that, the bos is up to some very shady things in 111mutant timeline, so normal bos behaviour haha..ha.. :/ ). Nick and her bonded throughout approximately normal fallout 4 early game stuff, though he deffiently doesn’t approve of her joining the bos, cause why are they making an exception to their no mutants rule just for you Murphy? (A matter of argument for a while, Murphy is a bit of an idiot)

Nathan:

Postwar Nathan is barely lucid most of the time, but he has been forging a tentative i-won’t-kill-you-on-sight bond with a young mirelurk king. Very much a documentary moment of two predators ignoring each other at the same kill, progressing to eventually hunting together.. as close friends as irradiated monsters can be.. prewar Nathan would say Murphy, cause he was a big romantic sap. But his closest friend otherwise was a fellow mechanic from the secret power armour prototyping days, it’s hard not to make friends when you’re all stuck in the same building on a little island working together! He has forgotten all but the feeling of friendship and the man’s snorting laughter.

Tango:

Aside from Bones, who is long since dead :(, Tango hasn’t really made any positive connections until stumbling upon Preston and gang yeaarrrrrrsss later. Tango can count on one hand the number of people they would even consider a friend. While they like Preston and a few of the other minutemen/companions, Curie has been working her way in their metaphorical heart since the moment they met her as a miss nanny in the vault! (I’ve got more on Bones planned for Falloutober!, it’s going to be very oc heavy this year :] ) (since the phrasing on this is a bit weird: Tango is aroace, ain’t no romance here)

Ages ago and out west more, Tango and Barnabas (Bones) became friends after they kept meeting while scavenging for tech and escaping subsequent dangerous situations together haha. Eventually decided it was beneficial to work together. Had a great thing going for a few years til *Falloutober spoilers*

[cokowiii]

I wanna yeet Cali and see how far he'll go

Skip then across a river like a pebble. Be the funniest shit ever lol

[some-teeth-in-a-trench-coat]

I'm being so normal about my code and definitely didn't just almost cry (positive) upon confirming that I successfully linked my JS file in my HTML file with a relative path and it runs exactly as expected