#or outside of it. and it gives more to her feeling so connected to Henry quickly like there are threads there that could work nicely if

[cabeswaterdrowned]

Obviously mstief’s whole thing about confirming Blue as biracial a few years post the series being finished was… bombastic side eye. But I will say that the detail of the Vancouver crowd being mostly poc / ‘diverse’ students of Aglionby and Blue bonding with and feeling kinship with them she hasn’t experienced before is an interesting note through that lense.

[flying-fangirls]

Watching my little (half) joke post after Part 43 spark some discussion has made me think a lot over this for the past couple days, and I think I've pinpointed my main frustration with the women of Malevolent overall.

Simply put: the women of Malevolent do not get to have a voice.

Yes, literally they aren't voice-acted by Harlan. But I don't really want to get into that side of the topic here. I'm saying figuratively women do not have their own voice in this show.

Who is Bella outside of her relationships to Arthur or Daniel? Did she like music too, was she sarcastic or sincere, what was her biggest goal in life? Who is Faroe outside of how she makes Arthur feel? Who are Anna and Amanda outside of their connections to the King in Yellow? And I don't mean just a quick sentence-long description about them, I mean a genuine in-depth answer to "Who are they?"

Secondary characters that are men/male-aligned (Noel, Oscar, Collins, etc) have a strong sense of individual personality and motivations, enough that you could get a decent amount of discussion/analysis about them if you wanted. You can't get that kind of character discussion for the women if you tried because the show simply does not provide it for you, no matter how integral to the plot their characters (or concept of a character) may be. Heck, Shub set up the plot of this whole show and yet she's so nothing of a character that she's practically just a name to throw around when it sounds cool.

Almost everything we know about the women comes from men's perspectives, either through their side of relationships or through quick mentions of the women without any real substance to who those women really were. Other people have suggested the idea of finding a journal or a few more letters from Amanda to give her character more time/attention-- something similar could be done with any of the other women too, anything that lets their personalities/unique motivations be directly shown instead of vaguely mentioned or hinted at by men.

(I'll admit that I do think Marie is written more along the lines of secondary characters like Oscar, and I'm pretty happy with her character! But the fact that she's the only woman I can think of to break that pattern is... not great)

And yes I know that there are men in this show that also do not get to have their own voice (Roland, Parker, Henry, etc.) That's expected! All stories have characters that act as collateral or tools to move the plot/main characters forward. But when every single female character serves as a plot device with no strong sense of unique self, while only some of the male characters get that same treatment and the rest get plenty of personality and individuality-- that's when it becomes a problem.

The women of Malevolent get names (or, some of them do), they get roles and influence within the plot, and a few of them get small glimpses of what could be a personality if you look for it. But the women of Malevolent do not get a voice. We can see the vague shape of them on the edges of the show, but we never get the chance to hear them. And they never get the chance to speak themselves, to be heard.

I love Malevolent-- really, truly love this show. Which is why it's only so much more frustrating for me when it overall struggles to give its female characters the same respect as its male characters. Again, I'm not talking about the voice-acting, and I completely skipped the expanded cast of female characters (the wraith, the widow, the witch, etc.) and my concerns with what kinds of women are represented in the show and how they're presented. This post is really just me trying to express a genuine frustration that I (and at least a few other people) have with the writing of this show, and try to explain why those frustrations exist.

I promise this is NOT meant to be an attack on anyone and I'm not trying to deny other perspectives on this topic. This is also NOT an attack on Harlan or the podcast as a whole. I'm just trying to share some thoughts here.

[divergentmisfit-fandomsblog]

There’s something that isn’t often spoken about with grief. A phenomenon that happens that many feel often ashamed of afterwards. So I’ve put it in a one shot of this scene at a risk of getting cancelled for talking about it.

*** Trigger Warning ⚠️ Bereavement, Grief, Confusing, Seeking Comfort Whilst Grieving.***

Emma’s tears spilled over and rolled down her cheeks. Lip quivering, her eyes searched for Regina’s support knowing that of all the people most likely to understand her, Regina would, as she’d also experienced the loss of a lover.

Walking over to Emma, Regina pulled her into a hug, and Emma was finally able to give herself the permission to sob. Her knees buckled at the emotional release, causing the pair to collapse onto the floor whilst still holding onto each other.

Emma’s wailing cries became muffled, as she turned her face into Regina’s coat, shielding herself and her pain from her family.

Holding Emma close, Regina gently rocked her while she sobbed, and the sensation of being held and having the space to release for once, made Emma’s cries louder as her emotions overwhelmed her.

Hearing her parents’ familiar footsteps as Snow & David made their way over, Emma turned her face into Regina further. Regina’s body went rigid, shifting a little while shaking her head. Emma could only imagine the glare Regina was giving to her parents, but right now she didn’t care.

“No!” Regina asserted. “Let her release the pain.”

“With all due respect Regina, she’s my daughter…”

“With all due respect, Snow, you’ve never lost your husband for more than a minute. I know this pain all too well. So allow me to comfort her in the way that I know she needs to be comforted. In the way that I needed to be but never received. Regina’s tone was soft and her boundary firm. “In fact, all of you please leave.”

“Emma, honey? Do you want us to leave?” Snow asked quietly, placing a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

Emma couldn’t speak, for her painful cries prevented words from escaping her. She nodded as she sobbed and held onto Regina with a tighter grip.

“Okay. Okay, we’ll go.” Snow relented.

“We love you, and we’ll just be right outside when you’re ready.” David assured, ushering Snow and everyone else out of the door, closing it behind them to give Emma and Regina some privacy.

“It’s okay Emma, I’ve got you.” Regina whispered, rocking her gently, one hand on the back of her head and the other around Emma’s waist. The guttural cries that came from Emma the moment she knew she was safe to release her devastation weren’t just the cries of losing Killian, but also losing Neal, and Walsh, and Graham. All of them deceased, and she hadn’t had time to process anything of the pain she’d been holding onto for them all. It had all bubbled to the surface and spilled over onto Regina’s coat. The were no words that would comfort her, no words that would soothe or give any sense of justice to the loss she was mourning. Nothing would fix it. She just needed to be loved and held.

“Just let it all out, Emma. You’re safe with me. I got you.” Regina spoke softly, and for once, Emma felt like she’d been given exactly what she needed in the moment she needed it, and the focus was all on her for a change. Not saving anyone else, and not even being rescued herself. Just having that space to feel and process actually in the moment while having someone she cares for holding her. It meant everything, because the person she’d tried to get to be that person for her, was now gone.

Exhaustion set in. She had cried more than she’d ever allowed herself to in her lifetime. Lulled by the comfort of Regina’s embrace, she could fall asleep right there in Regina’s arms.

“You did good Emma.” Regina whispered, kissing Emma’s head like she would have done had she been comforting Henry.

That little kiss felt good. Too good. Way better than she was feeling right now, and the urge to seek that connection confused Emma. Mourning the loss of the person she’d tried building a forever life with, and yet here she was wanting Regina to kiss her forehead again. Lifting her face from Regina’s lapel, Emma glanced up at her, searching for that sense of connection as her eyes faltered to Regina’s plum coloured lips, and that little scar she’d always secretly admired. Regina returned her glance, eyes meeting she offered Emma a soft, empathetic, reassuring smile .

“Though this will be feeling like it’s the hardest pain you’ve ever endured, I promise you, you will recover and build a life around this grief. It never leaves you, but I promise you that you can and will build a life around it.” Regina whispered, as she moved Emma’s wet blonde locks off the side of her face gently with her hand, she tucked the strands behind Emma’s ear.

Emma’s hand found Regina’s and she held it to her face and closed her eyes briefly, comforted by Regina’s delicate touch. As Emma opened her eyes once more she noticed that Regina had been crying too. Crying quietly as she held Emma through the agonising grief. Regina’s empathy isn’t often acknowledged, mostly because she doesn’t like other’s seeing her as weak. But in this light, she never looked so strong. And Emma needed that right now. The urge to seek an intimate connection grew stronger within her, the silence between them grew loud, and everything faded around Emma as her eyes faltered between Regina’s lips and her eyes. Regina’s gaze followed Emma as they moved in closer. Emma couldn’t hold back. Her lips pressed against Regina’s, lingering for a brief moment until Regina relaxed and reciprocated the affection.

Deepening the kiss, their mouths opened a little, taking turns to caress each other’s bottom lip. Their tongues delicately embracing yielded a hum from Regina, which only spurred Emma’s enthusiasm. But before Emma had the chance to take this further, Regina shook her head against Emma’s lips and stopped the kiss.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let that happen.”

“No I’m sorry, I mean… I…”

“Shushhh it’s okay. I understand. When you lose someone it’s natural to seek the connection that you’re missing from them in someone else.”

Emma bowed her head and averted her gaze, but Regina’s hand found her chin and gently guided her back to face her and face the truth.

“You’ve done nothing wrong here, you understand?” Regina paused waiting for Emma’s confirmation, and reluctantly Emma nodded. “This is not a rejection. This is me protecting you from yourself right now.”

Emma sighed, and nodded before accepting what Regina was saying. And she had to admire her for looking out for her, yet she was confused as to why Regina reciprocated the kiss initially, especially as she’s with Robin. What does it mean? In any case, Emma couldn’t stay there in the Underworld and figure this out with Regina. They had to go home to Storybrooke.

“Thank you.” Emma eventually said. “And I’m sorry I kissed you.”

“Don’t be sorry. Like I said, it’s natural to seek connection in others after losing connection with someone else. It doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s just part of the confusion grieving can do to someone. Now, are you feeling ready to leave?”

Emma looked back to the elevator door where she’d left Killian, then back to Regina and nodded. As Emma rose to her feet she offered Regina a hand and Regina took her offer, clasping Emma’s hand as she got up from the floor.

Noticing the mess of her lapel, Regina glanced back at Emma, with an arched brow. “I’ll send you the dry cleaning bill.” She sassed.

Emma knew that she didn’t mean that. It was just Regina’s way of putting her armour on, her Madam Mayor persona, to face the world again. As Regina headed for the door, Emma turned back once more to the elevator doors.

“Goodbye Killian.” She whispered, before turning to leave with Regina.

[waddingham]

was looking at some very old posts of mine and i just. when i finished s2 of ted lasso i was certain that a) ted would be going back to kansas and that b) ted and rebecca would not end up together on our screens. and i didn't have a problem with either of those things bc i was certain they'd be done with the same thoughtfulness that was present in s1 and most of s2. and i ended up being right about both things but so totally wrong about the execution of both??? yeah okay i hear you there was a three season arc, there was a plan, but wrt s3 you cannot convince me that plan consisted of anything that happened outside of "ted goes home". and even that decision felt shoved to the wayside.

i was dead certain that teds decision to go back was going to be informed by a deep exploration of ted and his past and his trauma and how the loss of his dad affects his own sense of fatherhood, that it was going to be ted's season entirely and would be as heart wrenching and uplifting as the rest of his story — so much so that by the time he decided he needed to go back, that we'd all be so on board. we'd all feel "oh of course he has to go back, look how much henry needs him and how much ted needs henry, how deep his fear of not being there for his son goes". why didn't we get that why did ted feel like a supporting character in his own show in his own SEASON why didn't the deeply traumatic event that informs almost all of ted as a character ever come up when it's so relevant to all of this why!!!! i need a 30 page essay from each of the ted lasso writers and a week long conference with js to explain it to me like im 5!!!!! am I stupid!!!

right anyway

when it comes to ted and rebecca i have less gripes but still am so baffled at the number of parallels drawn and connections made and support given to say "yes they're kind of intrinsically tied" for ZERO acknowledgement of it? which brings me back to the first point because that journey for ted could've leant itself so nicely to rebecca returning the kind of support to ted that he gave her? which in turn could've added a lovely extra layer to rebecca's story by seeing her find additional comfort and confidence in her own ability to support someone else and give love? it all could've woven together so neatly?? like??? am i stupid????? whether they ever hit the romance threshold or not (setting aside the fact of just how many and how often they tried to invoke rom coms but went "oh ew romance? no" when given a perfect opportunity to say something timeless but refreshing about second chance loves) continuing to see them grow together the way they had already accentuated through the whole rest of the show would've been more than enough for me personally. even if there was a heartbreaking parting it would've felt......earned? it would've felt right? just as fair to the viewer after absorbing all these things as it was to the story?

anyway......i feel like I'm missing something every time I think about it

[basicallybeene]

Explain more about your AU I am now intrigued... The one with Henry and time/dimensional travel tell me all you want to tell

YESSS!!! OMG u have no idea how joyous i am someone is actually asking this hohohoho…

so like, to understand whaaats going on I gotta explain this other henry that relates to time henry AND i gotta say that this is a separate universe from the game timeline and stuff (tho, he ends up crossing to the multiverse), so in THIS universe the main one/“first” world kind of corrupted when it went unexpectedly (henry killed william for killing charlie, and then gained his insanity, creating a swap au, and that henry didn’t feel like he got the revenge he deserved by killing william and wanted more, obsessed with remnant after finding Will’s book, etc.) tho, he started to have theories about the multiverse and stopping other versions of william out there (which. oh my god i sound so insane explaining this. but this sounds all good until he starts seeing literally everyone as william 😭)

ok. putting a pin in that

so anyways, time henry is apart of this universe, his world is like the books kinda, in a way that there was only 2 locations, charlie and sammy existed…. but henry also never had a wife and adopted both charlie and sammy 😁 it kind of went downhill when michael died tripping into fredbear’s mouth when he was going to put evan (CC) in there

that’s when the chain of bad events happen, henry starts making a charlie robot, sammy gets taken away by his sister to live a normal life, henry fakes his death, william afton goes ‘missing’ and this all changes when

oh my goodness. wouldn’t you know that he actually has no clue what he’s doing and his robot charlie is a FAILURE!!!

so he goes out of his house for once of his life to find answers and then stumbles upon a bookshop which uhoh

there’s a book with a bear on it and it calls out to him

ok so i remember when i mentioned this universes first? with the evil henry? so, when he died after going insane he tried to talk to his god (which instead of old man consequences it’s a young alligator lady) (i’m still working on her.) and hes able to see the universe from the swamp they’re in and when she tries to talk about henry about his wrongdoings he just straight up dives in the swamp, figuring out how to make a connection with technology as a new body as it figures out how he can change the universe it’s in, becoming “glitchtrap” or “fred glitch” buttt then the alligator catches it before it can get its revenge on other wills and traps it into a book with a bear on it, starting a prophecy that one day the “chosen” one will set it free

ok. back to me yapping

time henry sees this book. and this STUPID old man LOVES bears still. so he forgets about the robot for a few minutes as he goes into the book store to buy the book, but then gets stopped by store cloak which is a woman who can’t quite be seen. she warns henry about the dangers but. HE DONT GAF!!!

so he gets the book. then he goes to the store to buy some much needed parts and then goes home

the book calls out to him when he STILL can’t figure out charlie and then he eventually decides to give in and opens it. fred glitch goes into his dreams and he’ll help henry if he frees him!! so henry is desperate and frees him by preforming a ritual outside

fred glitch actually does help henry. but then sees some potential in him so it’s like. telling him about the multiverse and “don’t you want to get revenge!!” type stuff. so henry agrees and then fred glitch takes henry under his wing

ok so there’s a lot of stuff i’m too lazy to explain but HENRY FINDS OUT WHAT HES DOING IS WRONG!!! and that fred glitch is using him to make a “better” world which is. not better at all what the hell?!!! and that he hasn’t been killing just william but innocent people?)!?

time henry also has been forced into a few lives, it makes no sense here BUT it will make sense in the future TRUST ME. WHEN I WRITE THIS EVENTUALLY IT WILL MAKE SENSE (haha in years probably!!)

so like. anyways. i just realized im spilling so much BUT THIS IS JUST HIS BACKSTORY and im trying to explain more than i did in my time henry explanation post :3

so henry, now NOT working with fred glitch realizes he needs to find it before it ruins their universe, and travels through ballpits, meeting a bunch of different versions of himself and such

when he eventually finds & fights fred glitch (i will probably explain more on this at some point) fred glitch before dying gets his own remnant injected into henry and then he gets to turn into a werebear!!! what!!

in my friends fanfic this will be different since this is a side part of a whole huge thing

but for smthin easy to explain, basically he manages to get sent onto the “main”/game timeline universe and realizes there’s something wrong with that one and travels around where everything plays out similarly opposed to his universe where there’s a lot of differences since it was more “corrupted” but is determined to just go around and help worlds!!!

he travelled through ballpits, but for convenience in thisss remnant gives him cool portal abilities which my friend decided to do and i was like whag!!! that’s so cool!!

which brings me to remnant in this, if you’ve gotten remnant powerful enough like henry had it gives you POWERS!!!! not just immortality. so in a way, he’s kinda like a superhero 🤔

i hope this makes sense

i yapped. so much.

i love into the spider verse, fionna and cake, no way home and LOKI can u tell?!?

[artistic-endchamber]

OC Profile -- Black Clover 🍀

[[ Grahhh I've had Giana For so long- I even have a blog for her!! But for whatever reason I've been putting this off for a while. So, Without further ado, My main Black Clover OC - Giana Silverstone's profile! ]]

Giana Silverstone

--

Basic Information

Giana Silverstone

Blood Type: O negative

Age: 16-18 (As the series goes on)

Birthplace & Current Residence: Clover Kingdom, and Clover Kingdom

Occupation: Magic Knight of the Golden Dawn

Affinity: Shadow Magic

Height: 165.1 cm (5'5)

DOB: November 20th

Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexuality: AFAB, Demi-Girl (She/They) , and Bisexual

Voice Claim: Kyouko Hori (From HoriMiya)

Her Grimoire is a stitched up rose cover book.

Giana also owns a pet rabbit named Loofy

Personality

Giana is a very sassy but sweet person.  She’s always quick to give snarky and absolutely hilarious remarks but she always stays loyal and helps out whenever she can. She is a hard worker, and will always push others up. However, she only lets those she is close with into her world.

Likes: Giana likes to read, study, train, and Draw. She likes her personal space and lots of Peace and quiet. When she’s feeling anxious, she likes to hold her pet rabbit for comfort.

Dislikes: She dislikes over dramatic people, and people who obsess over things and people they don’t even know about (AKA Yuno’s fanclub). She’s also scared of change, due to her adjustment disorder.

Appearance

At the start of the series, Giana has Long, Red hair. Soon after meeting and having a critical moment with Yuno, she decides to make a drastic decision and cut her hair off.

Short, and fluffy red hair that is styled into a wolf cut when Giana actually puts the effort into looking good.

Weight: 132 lbs

Height: 165.1 cm (5'5)

She has an athletic build to some extent, but also a little more on the pear body-type.

Hazel-brown eyes and a pale skin tone, leading to her Nose and ears being visibly red whenever the situation calls for it.

She wears a half-black and half-white dress underneath her Golden Dawn robe, and pairs it with her half-black and half-white combat boots.

Modifications to her Body: She has a septum piercing that she did herself when she was younger (Brave, I know), and her right ear also has the upper chunk dangerously bitten off. (Lore, am I right!)

Skills

Her Speed level Is off the charts, and it grants her brain the ability to think fast and adapt. When her severe adjustment disorder doesn't get in the way, she's able to be quick about the changes she makes to her plans. She's also very agile and skilled in Hand-to-hand combat, and has the ability to hold her own in a fight even without magic. Her witty and adaptive skills are what caused Captain Vangeance to give her the task of creating the mission plans for the golden dawn before she was put on Yuno's dispatch team. 

— 

Background

Giana Silverstone is a noble born to house Silverstone. Her family derives off of the Silvas so she has many connections to the main 3 families of Royalty in the Clover Kingdom. Giana was the youngest of the main  Silverstone family — which consisted of Adeline Silverstone, (The mother); Henry Silverstone, (The father); Mary Silverstone, (The eldest heir and daughter); and Giana. 

Everyone in Gianas family is known for possessing purely Elemental abilities at heart. Her father possessed Water Magic, and her mother possessed Ice Magic. Even her sister, Mary, possessed snow magic — So it was a humongous shock to find that not only did Gianas grimoire not have a 3 leaf clover on it.. but she also discovered that she had shadow magic. 

Rumors spread like wildfire, people began accusing Gianas mother of cheating and so on; Giana was forbidden from playing with her sister (who was drastically deemed as a prodigy for getting into the Magic knights at an early age) and interacting with the outside world. She became a beacon of terror; as her parents decided to make her a black sheep to protect their own dignity. They claimed she was a curse, a gift from the devil and forsaken due to her disgusting shadow magic. 

Giana was resented and treated like trash. They would run her through tests and training and torment her to “rid her of the devil”, and one of these sessions was what led to her right ear being bitten off. 

Giana never ran away; but took the magic Knight test on her own, and a year earlier than most people, just to join the golden dawn and get away from the horrible persona her family had created for her. At this point, Giana had already grown her hair out to atleast live up to her parents’ expectations on her looks. 

Giana goes years without using her magic unless she’s instructed to but doctors and scientists, hoping that people wouldn’t resent her if they didn’t know. This leads to her hating to be put on missions, and resenting her own magic enough to not know much about it at all. 

After a fateful encounter with Yuno on a mission, where he yells at her mid-battle about how she’s “wasting her magic” and that “there are people with no magic out there” she begins to change drastically. And because of this, Yuno is the first person she trusts, one of the people she bears her heart and soul to.

—

Spells

offensive spells -

 Shadow control magic: Poisoned Shadow latch

Giana uses her shadow magic to hook onto her opponents’ shadow, and control them. This is usually a last resort as it takes up much mana. 

Shadow Creation Magic: Aucillia’s Bo Staff 

Giana forms a Bo staff (Monk Staff) out of her shadow magic and uses it to fight. This staff can extend into tentacles on either side, and can also morph into a Scythe.

Shadow Spirit Magic: Aucillias Bow and Arrow

Giana Uses her spirit dive (Merging with her Shadow spirit, Inei) and in that form has enough mana to create a bow and never ending arrows to supply it. These arrows have the ability to drain mana from their target. 

defensive spells -

Shadow protection magic: Protective shadow dome

Encovers ither a chosen person or a chosen area in a shadow dome ; with an adjustability of how thick the shadow mist is around the user. It can be used as a force field, or as a confusion factor for anyone who enters. 

healing spell -

 Shadow Magic: Mana restoring shadow cells

Infuses some of Gianas mana into a different person to heal their body by creating shadow clones of cells and helping them perform Mitosis faster.

binding spell - 

Shadow binding magic: Binding tentacles 

Giana uses her shadow magic to create tentacles and pull at her far away targets; she usually pairs this with a punch LMFAO

Mana Zone - 

Mana zone: Aucillias Graveyard 

The field gets shrouded in mana draining Shadow mist, that makes Gianas opponent delirious. It’s is also a depiction of a haunted graveyard filled with many flowers.

~~

OTHER REFERENCES!

~

^ Above Art Made by @sketchist-art & @Yukiblob !!

[tailsbeth-writes]

💙(turquoise, I didn't see it) and/or 💛

I had way too much fun with this AU, maybe I'll come back to it in the future. Find it on Ao3 here 🩵

‘When I said bring me to your dungeon, I was talking about the sexy kind.’ Alex declares as he stops in the stairs. Henry’s in the doorway, Alex thinks he looks smaller than usual, like he’s hunching. It seems unnatural in comparison to his princely posture. Henry bites his lip, looks behind him into the room and then back to Alex. There’s hesitation, Alex wants to pull the words that are threatening to spill from Henry’s lips.

‘Maybe I’ll take you to the sex dungeon later…’ Henry lets out a shallow chuckle, before his tone turns darker.

‘But before I bring you in, you must promise to never speak of this to anyone. Not your sister or parents. Not even Nora, even if she tries to drag it out of you.’

Alex almost trips over a step, his body automatically backing away. His hand grips the railing tightly. He gulps and he swears he can see Henry watching his Adam's apple bob. Henry steps forward and offers his hand with a smile. Alex studies his eyes, there’s something there he doesn’t see very often outside of their sexcapades if he’s honest; excitement. Alex takes the final couple of steps and takes Henry’s hand.

‘Okay, I promise.’

‘Good, you’ll see why I asked in a moment. This way.’

Henry guides Alex through the doorway, it’s pitch black despite the light from the hallway. It’s like there’s something shielding it from getting through when he looks, there’s just a void of dark grey.

‘Just a moment, stand still.’

Henry drops Alex’s hand, and he instantly feels off balance. His breathing quickens, he focuses on the footsteps he prays are Henry’s.

‘You might want to close your eyes for a moment, it will help adjust you to the light.’

Henry’s voice echoes straight into Alex’s ears and he finds himself oddly soothed, as if someone put a blanket around his shoulders. He closes his eyes as instructed

‘And let there be light… Okay, you can open your eyes now.’

When Henry asked if he wanted to see something off the beaten track, less touristy, this is not where Alex saw them going. He opens his eyes to so much colour. The ceilings are draped with chiffon that somehow sparkles without Alex moving, the stone floor seems normal until Alex releases where his feet stand, the stones are in fact glowing. There’s shelves filled to the brim with books, are some of the titles… moving? Like text on a news ticker. On the other side of the long thin room is a wooden table with a camping stove and cabinets that look fit to burst. Alex peers through the glass panels to see jars of varying colours, some of which Alex wasn’t in a rush to find out about. At the end of the room there are targets with lots of tiny holes. Alex turns back to Henry whose shoulders are tensed up as he waits on Alex’s reaction.

‘So this was… this was, um… Yeah, I don’t have words.’

Henry’s eyes flash panic until Alex gives him a big goofy grin. He loosens up as he joins Alex by the table, his hands lean back on it.

‘Gran always thought my mum married beneath her. Dad was a low life actor, a peasant to her essentially. Funny thing is, it was my mum who was marrying into power that wasn’t even in Gran’s wildest daydreams.’

‘So I am connecting the dots right… We’re talking like magic powers? Or is this some elaborate scheme you and Percy have cooked up?’

Henry barks out a laugh which does things to Alex’s tummy. More than normal actually, it feels like he’s soaking in Henry’s happiness. He smiles at Henry, his eyes fluttering a moment. Henry straightens up.

‘Shit, I should have warned you about that. First of all, this isn’t a prank. My dad was a mage. And a rather powerful one at that. Secondly, this room works as an echo chamber for power and well, I seem to be rather gifted when it comes to emotions. At least other people’s emotions.’

Alex thinks of the feeling of calm he got before the lights came on, Henry was looking after him. He takes another spin, gazing around the room before he gathers Henry’s hands in his.

‘Thank you for showing me this, baby.’

‘Thank you for making me feel like I could. It’s been too long.’

They smile at each other and lean in for a chaste kiss. Alex giggles when they back out of it. Henry cocks an eyebrow at him.

‘Well if this is your regular dungeon, I can’t wait to see what the sex dungeon looks like!’

Alex breaks out into laughter, feeling like he’s somewhat high and Henry slaps his chest lightly while rolling his eyes.

‘Such a bloody rascal…’

[amournoir]

ok first, i just wanna say i absolutely love your writing and i'm so excited for you to write henry characters! second, is it okay if i request a fluff prompt for #8d and #8e for Napoleon Solo?

i'm sorry for asking for 2 of them 🙈 xx

Fluff Prompt | N.S {request}

℘ prompt — neck kiss (#8d) / shoulder kiss (#8e)

℘ warning — none, just fluff

℘ pairing — napoleon solo x f!reader

℘ count — 1.1k

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the open concept living room and kitchen, Y/N sat at the counter, her eyes fixed on Napoleon Solo, her charming and dashing boyfriend, as he gracefully moved around the kitchen, preparing a delightful dinner for the two of them. Napoleon's culinary skills were as impressive as his spy tactics, and watching him chop vegetables and sauté ingredients filled Y/N's heart with both admiration and affection. The aroma of the sizzling food enveloped the room, teasing her senses and making her stomach growl with anticipation.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Napoleon took a spoonful of the simmering sauce and walked over to where Y/N was seated. "Care to taste and give your approval, my love?" he asked, extending the spoon towards her.

Y/N gladly obliged, her lips parting to let the rich flavors dance on her tongue. She nodded approvingly, a contented smile forming on her lips. "Mmm, it's perfect," she praised, earning a pleased grin from Napoleon.

"Excellent," he replied, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I aim to please."

But Napoleon wasn't satisfied with just a kiss on her cheek. As he retreated to the kitchen, he couldn't resist the temptation to return to Y/N's side. He sauntered back into the living room, his eyes never leaving hers, and without a word, he extended his hand, inviting her to stand with him.

Intrigued and excited, Y/N rose from her seat, slipping her hand into Napoleon's. With the soft melody playing in the background, he pulled her close, and they swayed to the rhythm of their hearts. His hand rested on the small of her back, guiding her movements with effortless grace.

The world outside seemed to fade away as they danced, locked in each other's gaze. Napoleon's touch was electrifying, sending tingles down her spine, and Y/N found herself melting into his embrace. As their bodies pressed closer, she felt his warm breath on her neck, and a shiver ran through her.

He couldn't resist trailing soft kisses along her neck and shoulder, and Y/N couldn't suppress the soft gasps that escaped her lips. The intimacy of the moment heightened, their hearts beating in unison. Napoleon's lips found hers, gentle yet passionate, and they shared a lingering kiss that spoke of their deep connection.

Their slow dance turned into a dance of passion, the flames of desire slowly igniting between them. But this was more than just physical attraction; it was the intensity of their love and the trust they had in each other that made every touch and every kiss meaningful.

As they swayed to the music, their souls seemed to merge, and the world felt like a whirlwind of emotions. Y/N could feel Napoleon's love for her in every caress, every whisper, and every stolen glance. It was a love that made her heart soar and brought tears of joy to her eyes. They moved as one, perfectly attuned to each other's desires and needs. The steamy atmosphere filled with their shared affection, yet they moved with an unspoken understanding that there was no rush, no need to hurry. This moment was for them alone, to revel in their love and devotion.

Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, a seamless dance of love and affection. Napoleon's arms wrapped around Y/N's waist, holding her close, while her hands rested gently on his broad shoulders. Their steps were graceful, each movement deliberate yet effortless, as they swayed to the soft melody that filled the air.

Y/N's head rested on Napoleon's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting sound that made her feel secure and cherished. His lips brushed against her forehead, leaving a trail of tender kisses that made her heart flutter.

Their eyes locked, and in that gaze, they communicated without words, their love flowing between them like an unbreakable bond. As they danced, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own intimate universe. The room seemed to fill with a warm glow, as if their love radiated like a beacon, enveloping them in a cocoon of affection.

Time seemed to stand still as they danced, lost in the moment and in each other. Each step they took was a testament to their commitment, their devotion, and their unwavering love. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the person in their arms, the one they held so close to their heart. Their love was a dance of tenderness, a symphony of emotions that left them breathless and filled with joy.

The world outside may have been filled with chaos, but in each other's arms, they found peace and serenity. Their dance was a celebration of their love story, a tale written in every movement, every touch, every stolen kiss. With every turn and every dip, they felt their souls intertwining, becoming one in their shared affection. They were lost in the sweetness of the moment, savoring the beauty of their love, as if time itself had granted them this moment of bliss.

Their dance was a testament to the depth of their connection, a dance of love that transcends all boundaries. It was a dance that spoke of a love that would endure any challenge, a love that would last for eternity.

As the song came to an end, they held each other close, unwilling to break the spell they had woven around them. Their hearts beat as one, their breaths mingled, and they knew that in this dance, they had found their forever. In the arms of the one they loved, they found home. And as they gazed into each other's eyes, they knew that every step they took together would be a dance of love, a dance that they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

As the last musical note rang out through the room, Napoleon dipped Y/N slightly, and their eyes locked once more. "I love you," he whispered, his voice tender and sincere.

"I love you Leon," she replied, her voice filled with adoration.

With a smile that could rival the stars, Napoleon lifted Y/N back up and held her close, their foreheads touching. They knew that this dance was just one of many they would share in their journey together, a journey of love, trust, and passion that knew no bounds.

In each other's arms, they found solace and strength, knowing that as long as they had each other, they could conquer any mission life threw their way. And in this intimate moment, they felt more invincible than any spy mission could ever make them feel.

As the night continued to unfold, they savored their dinner together, basking in the warmth of their love and the knowledge that in each other, they had found their home, their safe haven in the chaos of the world. And so, in the tender embrace of each other, they embraced the beauty of the present, cherishing the love that made every moment a masterpiece.

🏷️ taglist:

⤷ @mrs-maximoff-kenner @thatfanficstuff @elijahmikaelsontrash @mxacegrey @thatfictionalwh0re @catmikaelson20 @loverswillowed @sweetwrathoflilith @panic-at-the-fiction @iiskittles16ii @original-siphon @onlyfreds @onlyfredslibrary @imgoingtofreakoutnow @slinthoex @mikaelsonsdeservedbetter @i-love-nora @multiversediaries @decoffinated-vamps @hopester08 @aloneatpeace @hopes-wife @dreamingwithrafe @softcoremaybank @klaustopia  @sweetestdesire @cottontears @cottonreads @buckysbabydoll-x

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[heartlandians]

Filling Empty Spaces (Amy/Mitch), part 233

Mitch and Amy find an unexpected connection due to absent lovers. Set around season 11->.

A/N: I didn’t have a beta for this story, so hopefully there won’t be too many grammar errors. CW: Mentions of self-harm/suicide

****

When Mitch opened his front door few hours later and saw his father, Garrett Cutty, on his porch, holding a leather duffel bag, the first thing he thought was how much older he somehow looked. Like the life had shaved off few years from his life since they had last seen each other.

The man, who his mother had always called "young Henry Fonda" lookswise, appeared thinner and had few more wrinkles than what Mitch had recalled. Still, the luscious dark brown locks that had always been something people said he shared with Mitch were still pushing out under the old, worn-out cowboy hat he had on, and none of them had turned gray so far.

Mitch wasn't sure if it was just the fact that they didn't really see each other much these days or just the doom and gloom of the day, but looking at his old man made the younger cowboy realize that his dad was showing clear signs of age and those were a reminder he wasn't going to be around forever.

"What's that?" was the first thing his dad asked when Mitch was about to greet him and thank him for coming.

Mitch's eyes followed the direction of his father's gaze and noticed a pile of bricks on the side of the house, waiting for him to get started on a project.

"Oh, that's supposed to be an outdoor firepit, but... it's still under construction", he explained, feeling like despite all the progress he had made with renovating the place, he had fallen behind with everything he was hoping to do with it.

"Right", the older man rumbled thoughtfully, perhaps even a little bit judgmentally, and then turned his eyes toward Mitch. "Well, are you going to invite me in?"

"Of course. Come on in", Mitch said, moving aside from the doorway. "I didn't have a chance to say anything yet, with you opening your mouth right away, but I was going to thank you for coming", he added when Garrett walked in and took in the place.

"Well, it's about time that you invite me or your mother over. You've been living here for a while now, haven't you?" the man asked and put down his bag when he had entered the mudroom.

Mitch scratched his neck and sighed quietly.

"I've been meaning to invite you two eventually, but... I wanted to get things ready before that. Like the ramp outside", Mitch explained and closed the door. "I just finished that few days ago."

"Yeah. I did notice that", Garrett admitted, giving him some credit, and then handed him his cowboy hat. "Look what I found!" he showed the hat proudly.

Mitch smiled a little bit. He remembered that hat even though he had not seen it in a while.

"Your old hat."

"Yup. Haven't had much use for it in the city, but figured now that I'm visiting Hudson, might as well wear it", he explained when Mitch hung it on the wall. "Oh, and before I forget; your mother sends her best. She was sad she wasn't able to come but she has a trip with her choir, starting tomorrow morning, so she stayed behind. They're performing at Camrose. -- Your invite kind of came last minute, after all, so you can't blame her for not changing her plans..."

"Well, yeah..." Mitch responded.

He had extended his invitation only for his dad, but then again he had used the word "you", which meant his father had taken it as "you and mom" instead of "you" as in "you only".

Then again, things had worked out in the end, so there had been no harm done.

"Maybe next time then", he added.

"Yeah. So... show me around", his dad urged by snapping his fingers, and Mitch grabbed his bag from the floor and started his house tour - even though there wasn't much to see.

"Here's the kitchen..." he gestured as they exited the mudroom.

The kitchen looked like any other country kitchen, but the highlight of it was the fireplace that immediately caught everyone's attention.

"The fireplace is between the kitchen and the living room so when the fire is on, you can enjoy it from both spaces", he explained. "Down here... toilet and the bedroom", he shared, showing two doorways.

One of the doors was closed and the other door, that revealed a little bit of the bedroom behind it, was ajar.

"I figured you get the bed and I can sleep on the couch. I already changed the sheets and all."

Garrett scoffed. "Non-sense. I can sleep on the couch just fine. It's a sleeper couch, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, it is", Mitch nodded, then looking around to see if there was anything he had missed. "Well... anyway, that was about it. I can show you the outdoors tomorrow during the daylight. The horses too", he said, looking a little lost in his own space. He didn't really entertain guests and it showed.

"How many horses you got? I thought you only had Maverick."

"Maverick and another one, Whisky. But Maverick's my main working horse."

Garrett nodded slowly, examining the details of the house. "And you live here alone?"

Mitch thought about Lou's words in the car and how "living with horses wasn't equal to living with another person", so he kept that in mind now.

"Yeah. Just me."

"Huh..." his father let out and it sounded loaded with meaning. "Have to say, when you let us know you had bought a house, your mother and I thought maybe you had finally found a girl and you were settling down", Garrett admitted, walking closer to one of the shelves where Mitch kept few pictures in a frame.

Looking down, Mitch felt a lump in his throat.

Maybe if things were different, he could have told about Amy, like how he was actually seeing someone but he was still waiting to see where it would go before any big steps (like talking about living arrangements), but now he felt like he had to hold off that information.

Then again, why had he invited his dad over in the first place if he couldn't be honest with him?

Just to keep him company or perhaps have someone to talk to too?

When Lou had suggested inviting his dad over, it had sounded like a good idea to him, but now Mitch found himself clamming up; like he wasn't ready to really reveal anything he was thinking at this moment.

So, what was the point of having his dad around again...?

"I mean, we reckoned there had to be some reason why you didn't want to take over Saddle Road back when we downsized but you have a small farm house now", his dad added, poking a sore spot of Mitch's mind without him probably knowing. "Meeting someone would have explained it."

"Are you hungry?" Mitch asked, changing the subject. "I could fix us a late supper, if you want."

"Sure, I could eat something", Garrett said, focusing on the pictures as he saw familiar faces in them.

He was oblivious to what Mitch was going through.

"Okay. I'll just leave this here and go wash my hands", Mitch said, putting down the bag next to the couch if his dad was going to sleep on it after all. "Make yourself at home."

****

While sitting down and eating the supper, it was getting more and more obvious to Mitch how estranged they had become with his father; Garrett tried to stir up conversation about sports, but since Mitch didn't watch anything else but cooking shows from TV - not that he even really had time to do that these days - that stream of discussion quickly dried up before it had even truly began.

The ticking of the clock on the wall and the low sounds of cutlery, as they were slicing the food on their plates, added to the awkwardness.

"So... I was thinking maybe tomorrow we could go for a trail ride", Mitch eventually suggested, "I mean, when was the last time you went riding?"

Garrett shook his head after forking food into his mouth.

"Oh, I don't know... Besides, I don't know if I can get up on a horse anymore, with my bad knees and all..."

"That's no excuse; Mom using a wheelchair didn't stop her from riding on your anniversary", Mitch reminded. "There are ways to get on a horse, even if your legs wouldn't work perfectly."

Garrett thought about it and sighed lightly.

"Okay, fine. We can give it a try then", he finally agreed, keeping his eyes on the food.

Mitch smiled, seeing a little hope for them still.

Nature, horses and ranch work had always been something they had bonded over when Mitch had been younger, so when that had been taken away due to the Cuttys selling their ranch, it was like a big part of Mitch's relationship with his dad had disappeared too and it had become harder for them to find ways to connect.

But now, Mitch had the opportunity to offer that for them again and he couldn't have been happier.

"Do you miss it? Ranch life, I mean", Mitch asked after a beat while chewing his food.

The atmosphere didn't feel as tense anymore because they weren't desperately trying to find something to talk about. For a while, it felt like old times; as if they were at home, gathered around the dinner table after chores and catching up.

There was a hint of bittersweet feelings in the air, though, because it had been such a long time since they had done something like this.

Garrett glanced at him, then bringing his eyes back on his plate as he was thinking what to eat next.

"Yeah, I miss it. But... it's complicated. I can't reminisce it too much", he said, shrugging.

"Why not?" Mitch asked. "Isn't thinking back to old happy memories a good thing?"

"Because... it can be hard to think back to those times sometimes; most of the memories are happy and good, yes, but... our last year at Saddle Road..." Garrett tried to explain and shook his head. "It was a different time for your mother and me. It wasn't the happy ending we envisioned for us."

Mitch nodded, sensing something more vulnerable in his father's voice.

He had always found his father to be very practical when it came to emotional situations, and the older he himself had gotten, he had always thought how much he wished to be like that.

But it looked like maybe that had been an illusion - to some degree, at least - to keep them all going.

There was no recollection in his mind about this type of emotional response when they had had to sell Saddle Road. Sure, his father had been bummed, but mostly Mitch remembered a man with a plan, and that was what they had all leaned on while feeling grateful that there was at least someone who knew what to do.

"Have you found happiness in the city?" Mitch was curious to know.

"I'm happy with your mom", Garrett announced in a way that he expected to cover all fronts. "That's all that matters. Wherever she is, that's my home."

Mitch hummed, nodding thoughtfully.

They had never really talked about that time, and he wasn't sure how much more his father wanted to dive in now either. Based on the things he said - or didn't say, more like - not much, probably.

"I know this isn't the same as Saddle Road", Mitch began, "but you have this place to come now. It's just me here, but I am hoping that this could become a place for people to come to and enjoy the nature and... well, just farm life. A place to... breathe. Like a safe harbour."

"Can I just ask..." Garrett took over, not really sounding like he was expecting Mitch to actually give a permission, "why this place? Why not Saddle Road? The place had been in my family for generations. You have no connection to... this", he gestured around them, sounding bitter. "Saddle Road could have been a safe harbour too. Because it already was - for us."

Mitch looked down, sighing.

He knew that even though time had gone on and things were now done and dusted, it sounded like this was something that probably still needed going over with.

In the past, he probably would have turned away from the conversation, but through therapy he had found that the sooner he faced the uncomfortable things, the better.

It had been years since this had been topical, so the best time to have this conversation had already passed, but the next best time for that was now.

"I get it, you're angry at me--"

"No, I'm not angry at you", Garrett corrected, "I'm just... disappointed."

"Okay, disappointed then", Mitch took that into consideration, even though it didn't make much difference to him as he had let his family down anyway, but it sounded like it was important distinction for his dad. "I wish I could have taken over the ranch when you asked. I do. And I agree; it would have been a perfect safe harbour. But... back then, I wasn't in the right head space to do that. It would have been too much to run that kind of... operation."

Garrett listened, looking at his son. His eyes welled up a little.

"I have thought about that a lot, you know, what could have been if I had taken over. As a matter of fact... I even felt guilty buying this place, because-- I don't know, I just felt like I let you down. Like I don't deserve to own a place after I blew you off", Mitch explained.

There it was; probably the biggest reason why he had been afraid of inviting his parents over, even though deep down he had always had the intention to.

Inviting them over would have meant having to face that disappointment.

But that was what he was doing right now.

The situation with Amy and him needing other people for support through that, had forced Mitch to reach out to his dad who had once upon a time been his biggest guardian in life, and in order to revive that connection in this time of need, Mitch now had to own up to his past mistakes while also clearing some things up to his dad.

It sure was a weird, tangled web of emotions, but they had to be faced.

"But I think, looking back now, it's a good thing I didn't take over. I was messed up from what happened overseas... And then what happened with Zach, it... destroyed me. I needed time to think and find my way back to who I was. I didn't want to make any commitments because... things were just spinning out of my control. I don't think I could have handled running a ranch on top of it", Mitch explained. "Saddle Road deserved better. And it has, but with someone else."

"Did you ever..." Garrett began, but hesitated.

Was this a question he wanted to know the answer to? Maybe he needed to in order to understand more.

"You never considered doing what Zach did, did you...?" he finished.

Mitch looked at his dad, surprised by the direct question, but at the same time it was no wonder if he had thought about that after losing his nephew and having his own son come back from a similar situation.

Even though Mitch knew the answer to the question, he paused because he did wonder why that was.

It could have been easy for him to at least think about it, even if he wouldn't have actually thought about following through.

But he never had, not that way, despite all the hard times.

"No", Mitch said, shaking his head, and allowing Garrett to breathe a little easier. "I never did."

"Good... Good..." Garrett murmured, sounding slightly emotional and relieved. It sounded like maybe he had held onto that fear for a long time and was now able to let it go.

"But... it wasn't easy, even if I wasn't... self-destructive. At least, not in "the traditional way" people think one might be. But I was in other ways. Ways I didn't pick up at the time, but I do now."

Mitch sighed, circling back to what they had actually talked about.

"So... I needed to make mistakes, broaden my horizons and learn from all of that before I could really understand who I was or... what my plan was", Mitch went on. "It was just a matter of right place at the wrong time. I know you would have probably felt happier if the ranch had been passed down to me, but... I wasn't the person for that then."

"I should have been more supportive with you", Garrett admitted his guilt with a sigh and trembling voice.

"No, it's fine. It's not why I'm telling you this", Mitch wanted to put a stop to it right away. "You had to look after mom. If anything, I should have been more supportive of you guys. But... I don't know... I just couldn't at the time. It was like-- I don't know. I just physically and emotionally couldn't. It was all too much."

Garrett nodded.

"Well... we still got here", he wanted them to focus on the positive.

It was like he was back to being his practical self.

"Yeah, we did. A little battered and bruised, but... we're still here", Mitch admitted, raising his beer bottle and his dad met it with his.

Garrett then took a sip and looked around as he leaned on the chair.

"Well, this house isn't bad", he wanted to clear out as if he was finally ready to give his first impressions after putting his pride aside. "It's small, but... it'll do. For now."

Mitch hummed.

For someone else, it could have sounded patronizing, but Mitch knew that after feeling disappointed in him for years when it came to this topic, it was high praise from Garrett Cutty.

If anything, it felt like his dad was seeing the same potential of this place as he did.

[bethanydelleman]

Can the Prices be considered part of the gentry? Mrs. Price was part of it when she was young but what about Mr. Price?

And assuming they're not, does Fanny become gentry when the Bertrams take her in? She keeps her last name and they're set on not raising her like their own daughters so I'm not sure if Fanny was actually adopted or just taken in.

Okay, so as a former Navy Marine Officer (which is distinct from a Naval Officer, think military on a ship), Mr. Price would probably be considered gentry or at least have an entry into the local gentry, but here is the problem: it's not just your birth/profession, you need to act like gentry.

The Prices do not. Mrs. Price does not entertain from her house at all. Yes, Mr. Price's drinking buddies come by, but we are explicitly told that Mrs. Price meets her friends outside after church. Gentry visit each other's houses and sit down inside. We also know she basically doesn't leave the house during the week. So they are not participating in gentry society.

The Bates, poor as they are, do participate though they have trouble reciprocating (they would not be able to host dinners). Mrs. Dashwood actually both hosts and visits, so she is a full participating member of the gentry (though she deliberately establishes a very small circle of friends, probably so she can afford to host properly for a few).

I have a whole post about how complex the bottom section of the gentry seems to be, but I would say here that if the Prices decided to act like gentry, they could be accepted, but they don't and have no real connections, so they probably would not be considered gentry.

As for Fanny, as far as I understand she is not adopted, this whole thing is very informal. Even with Frank Churchill, it's not totally clear if he is legally adopted or just tacitly confirmed to be the heir:

He had only himself to please in his choice: his fortune was his own; for as to Frank, it was more than being tacitly brought up as his uncle’s heir, it had become so avowed an adoption as to have him assume the name of Churchill on coming of age.

Avowed means "stated publicly" but it does not mean "legal" and it seems clear to me in the novel that Frank could still be disinherited (then again, Edward is and he's a real son, so I guess even adoption isn't rock solid...).

Anyway, in raising Fanny, it seems that while she benefits from her uncle's social standing, it does not erase her actual origins. After all, Mary kind of gives Henry the line they will use to introduce Fanny as his wife:

She is niece to Sir Thomas Bertram; that will be enough for the world. (Ch 30)

which does not mention her parents. Better to focus on the rich uncle and not the Price Family.

Lastly, it is not entirely clear if the Ward sisters were gentry, their uncle is a lawyer which might mean a gross, middle-class lawyer who works, not a gentry lawyer (barrister)... However, their former status doesn't really matter, it is far more important where the husband stands in society. While Lady Catherine may feel fancy with the courtesy title she has from being born as an earl's daughter, her marriage into the gentry makes her gentry as far as I understand. The Ward sisters married into the top, middle, and bottom of the gentry, that is where they exist. That is part of the reason why marriage was such a huge choice for women!

[cabeswaterdrowned]

Was looking up every mention of Aurora in the books for the char study piece I want to write about her and my jaw dropped here because I had been misremembering that “She was the only person who he could not dazzle, and he loved her for it.” line as being a Bluesey quote when it’s about Niall and Aurora… yikes @ myself. But really when you isolate just that line it is very romantic and fits the definition of romance we see for the other main couples. Bluesey Pynch and Jordeclan are all structured as 

character A (Gansey/Adam/Declan) who is a social masker and disconnected from the ‘real them’ to some degree in a lot of interactions with the world around them x character B (Blue/Ronan/Jordan) who in Blue/Ronan’s case especially is very authentic and blunt and fearlessly themselves, that’s a little more complicated with Jordan who also has to perform as a version of Hennessy and then kind of find herself outside of that at the same time she starts her relationship with Declan, but she’s imaginative and creative the way Blue and in a less artistic way Ronan are and that proves an “authentic” contrast in a similar way, and she’s a helpful relationship for Declan in some of the same ways as Bluesey/Pynch.

 So understanding that’s a notion and type of dynamic this verse generally paints as romantic, Niall and Aurora’s relationship being a warped take on the formula is pretty interesting! Niall wants to be with someone who sees the truth of him and wants the truth of him, which was Mor who is also too complicated and sharp-edged for him to understand or to give him the type of love he wants, so he has to craft someone both much sweeter who is a more conventional housewife for him, but she couldn’t be someone who agreed with him 100% of the time because she had to be fundamentally different from him and also provide him with the faintest, most easily controlled glimmer of what he liked about Mor’s challenging nature, without any danger of her actually leaving or overpowering him. So Aurora can contradict him or call him out when she says he’s lying about the way Ronan was born, but she can’t truly Challenge him there’s a difference. I do get the sense from the way the brothers talk about her and the few flashbacks to her in that time she was more dynamic and complex pre Niall’s death than the Aurora we meet in trc present, which makes sense based on the mythology, and I don’t see a reason for her to not have an individual personality the same way Mathew and Jordan do although it would still be comparatively muted by her role. 

But basically, Niall wanting the same thing Gansey/Adam/Declan do but not being willing to actually build a recirprocal connection with someone with autonomy and offer them support too. There’s no Gansey comforting Blue after Persephone passes or Bluesey connecting over their similarly curious natures and wants and strange-loving relationship with Henrietta, and also none of their arguments which are honestly quite integral. If Niall’s… well does Niall have friends probably not, but theoretically if he had a male friend who made a comment like Henry’s very unfortunate r*pe joke in BLLB Aurora’s wouldn’t take Niall to task for putting her in that situation at all she would probably just smile along… None of Adam and Ronan’s conflicts or their viewing each other as equals would be able to occur same for Jordeclan.

I feel like seeing how that desire to have someone unconditionally understand you can be warped to the point of not respecting your partners agency or seeing them as a person outside of what they provide you really puts the main relationships into perspective for how they’re different, is what I meant to say. That’s not to say they’re without flaws (and they would be boring if they were), and I think some of the notion that perfect understanding is possible is one I would have liked to see questioned a little more than it is in canon, because I think these relationships provide the chars with types of understanding they crave and Might know them better than anyone else, but that doesn’t mean said understanding is absolute. As much as I love Bluesey I do think it’s fair to point out there’s sometimes a gap between how much Blue is encouraged by the narrative to understand Gansey and how much he has to reciprocate because of some misogyny and classism in the narrative, so there’s that. Or rather I’d say he reciprocates the understanding but less so when it comes to gendered conflicts. I think the ideal version of the Pynch arc in TD3 would be that it’s meant to challenge the notion we should rely on one person / our partner to always understand us fully by making it clear how terrible their communication has become and the gaps in their understanding related to their contrasting life goals and desires. It would actually be a really fascinating thing to deconstruct with them and if it had panned out I think that storyline could’ve been something truly special, but then either because of an audience feedback loop or just Maggie getting cold feat about some concepts, there’s a major backtracking to actually-love-solves-everything, Like, in isolation Adam telling Ronan that he’s the only Real thing in his life at this point and that’s worth too much to let go of is really romantic …. but then if you truly think about everything in the text around it and where Adam is at this point, and your reading a tad more cynically, you could also say that it reads less as high romance and more as a sunk cost fallac- but I digress the point was that Aurora & Niall’s relationship functioning as a mirror to these protagonist relationships is interesting, and there’s more to be said about the Mor&Niall/Adam&Ronan parallel and how it intersects with the comparison but I don’t have the energy.

(Also worth noting that while comparatives exist the m/m relationship is obviously never going to operate under the same gendered lines as the m/f romances and so any of those comparisons would be imperfect). 

TL;DR Niall and Aurora’s romance is a warped mirror of the protagonists (Bluesey Pynch Jordeclan) romantic dynamics in that they show how a relationship built on a similar dynamic premise of desire to be understood could be horrifying if one stops respecting the other party as an autonomous being outside of the understanding they offer them.

[imaginemyreality03]

🚇💜 If you’re not willing to risk your heart for someone you know you’ll lose, what love do you have? 💜🚇

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Read: March 13 -> March 15, 2024

BRA Score: 76/100

Favorite Quote: “…she got off the train and you led with kissing? God, you are the most useless bisexual I have ever met in my life.” - Myla, Pg 168

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Book Gist: August moves to NYC on her quest to find a place that fits, with no hope that this is the place. But 3 roommates, a job slinging pancakes, and a one girl on the subway later, she starts seeing things a little differently. Subway Girl, Jane, also happens to be the biggest challenge to her childhood detective skills, as she is trapped on the Q, outside of her time, the 1970’s. With the Q getting shut down for maintenance at the end of August, they only have a few months to figure out how to get Jane unstuck before she disappears, and August is determined to save her… even if that means sending the girl she’s starting to love back to the 70’s.

Tags: Sapphic, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Found Family, Racism, Homophobia, Modern Universe.

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Overall review:

Pre-Read:

I tried to read this book back in 2021, and I just couldn’t get into it, the pace and August’s character were not hitting right for me. But that was also before I came out myself, so knowing I am obsessed with Casey McQuiston, I decided to give it another go.

I liked it so much more this time around. I liked the roommates of 6F and the staff at Billy’s more than I liked August and Jane, but that’s fine.

Plot:

The story was a very fun premise and the way it all overlaps historically was just so well structured and revealed. I called a couple connections overall, which always makes me feel good, so bonus points.

Cast:

I love being able to sense hints of other stories in various works by the same author. August has definite ACD vibes, which I love for her. And I really want to see Jane’s reaction to Alex and Henry in the year of our lord (fictionally) 2021.

[emblazons]

hELLO do you have any fun specific hopes/theories/headcanons for st5?

HELLO STRANGER 😂

Honestly I am not like super headcanon forward as a watcher because I think I have expectations trust issues from other television and therefore stick to what I can see on screen before speculating, BUT!

Headcanons + some things I would love to see explored (that aren’t just aggressive amounts of pining byler)?

The whole “Will is suppressed in his queerness being attached to soteria/suppression of powers” is like. 11/10 concept imo. It goes along with horror history so well (shout out @pinkeoni for that analysis) and plays so well into the whole relating to “Alan Turing” bit that we were introduced to start of S4, given his history as a gay man.

re, the last point: the contrast in queerness between Mike and Will being explored as someone who shows more blatant attraction to men but struggles to accept it as an identity versus someone who accepts their identity while suppressing their attraction (by outside forces or not) is also a dynamic I think would be cool to explore. I am not an ace Will truther at all but. I do think he shies away from his own sexuality a lot in a way they don’t do with Mike.

I really want “samfro caught on mount doom together while the rest of the fellowship fights an army” byler vibes—something about El and Lucas as Aragorn & Legolas with Dustin (Gimli) and Erica (Merry/Pippin) while Will struggles with feeling alone carrying the heavy burden of a connection to Vecna? Some “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you” heroism from Mike? El getting a moment to reunite with Max (Arwen) at the hand of Lucas, just like in Return of the King? Fucking mint lmao

I need scenes of Max in whatever place she’s still alive in like I need oxygen. Working from “the inside” to do exposition on Henry + the UD while she’s in a coma while the party sorts through it in Hawkins feels like such a phenomenal writing opportunity I’ll be desperately sad if they don’t explore it. I hope they include some elements of like. The duality of presence a la The Talisman in that given Lucas was reading it to her in the hospital? But 🤷🏽‍♀️

GIVE ME TIME FKERY OR GIVE ME DEATH. I know it’s pretty much guaranteed at this point but. I need Mr. Clarke back stat, with some convoluted ass theory explained on a paper plate again. I need the most elaborate UD reality just, absolutely borderline nonsensical lore for like a full episode so I can watch this series back again and see it from SECOND ONE (or minute 8:15) and giggle like a schoolgirl knowing the duffers really are smart/the haters were wrong.

I want more Wheelers! I know Nancy is central to the supernatural given she was the only other one pulled in by Vecna and not killed—just sent as a messenger—but. I have so many Wheeler and Creel thoughts at this point I don’t know where to start, but. They are the PERFECT family for exploring picture-perfection against horror themes (just like the Creels) and I want it. Like “don’t care how, I want it now” level focus on them, along with their Byers.

I said it before but: an exploration of motherhood as a theme makes so much sense to me, and it seems to be important to The Duffers too, so. I want it.

Kinda want RoVickie as the couple who introduces the idea of the supernatural + queerness v Hawkins element at the start of the season, and for byler to be the ones who “end it.” I think that would be a fascinating way to parallel them more, though…I haven’t much thought this through.

If they don’t make Finn Wolfhard sob his little eyes out this season I’m going to feel betrayed. I need him like. Noah level pressed at least once next season, for the culture (Finn said he wanted to do more dramas. Let him defeat the bad actor allegations here so they let him LMAOOOO)

That’s all I can think of for now! I’m sure there are more, but. Those were the firsts that came to mind haha.

Thanks for the ask!

[majaloveschris]

I live in the NYC area and recently received a local newsletter from my neighborhood showing outdoor summer movies in the local public park.

The reason I’m telling you this is bc something kind of interesting happened. One of the movies they were showing this summer is mrs Harris goes to paris.

In the neighborhood newsletter blurb discussing the movie, they mentioned Lesley manville (the star), AB, and then isabelle huppert.

No mention of Lucas Bravo, Jason isaacs, etc.

It was really bizarre to me bc AB being listed as second billing for a random local newsletter makes little sense to me as she was very clearly not the star or even second star. Lucas B technically should be bigger than her as he has a pivotal role in Emily in Paris which is still going on and hasn’t been canceled, and he was just in a romcom hit with George Clooney and Julia roberts last summer. He’s also a professional model and has been on runways and mag spreads this past year alone.

Ab had WN that got canceled and she didn’t even do any interviews for the second season. She has not been in any large endorsements or gotten any super prestigious roles since, but she did go public with a more famous actor.

If anyone is questioning if the PR is working…there’s your answer. Her name is getting out there and the search algorithm for her name is getting more and more out there as well.

Is any of this due to her own talent and success? (LOL)

Or is it more likely the huge PR boost given to her by someone else’s name?

I think the reason some ppl, esp team real, is doubtful about PR bc AB herself is not doing the legwork to put her name out there for more positive professional recognition. Her very actions/inactions seem to point to her hoping that the PR boost will do the work for her.

Many women who started dating more famous men usually had their own careers or would leverage the association to their professional benefit. Examples: Kaia gerber (mother is supermodel Cindy Crawford, boyfriend is Austin butler), Gigi hadid (already famous in her own right) and whatever her thing is with Leo DiCaprio, Hannah Davis (model) and Derek Jeter, Natalie V (works in the industry) and Henry Cavill. You’ll see most of these women have their own personas and social media and continue to do their own thing outside of being connected to famous men. Even if you feel they dated/married up or are opportunists as well, they still have their own thing going on. They didn’t just go into hiding so all ppl will ever think of is that they’re spending all their time following their man around.

By contrast, the dating rumors began for AB and she immediately pivots to “never being seen” unless it’s to let ppl speculate she’s with him.

She gives the vibes of a person who very much hopes the offers will fall into her lap bc she got her name attached to an A lister. She forgot that she is not marketable by herself and has no IT factor so ppl are still not checking for her. Being pretty on a basic level and attending one fashion show does not make you a star.

I know ATP the discussions on this have hit beyond the point of broken record. But I stand by it - she never wanted to work for fame. She wanted it handed to her, and still does. Her little friends JA and his sister also wanted to reap the benefits by association, and really believed all of their statuses would magically elevate due to their “association” with an A lister.

No wonder CE has spent this entire year mentioning the “industry” and what it makes you do. This was a hint, y’all.

This whole "relationship" definitely gets her name out there. WN was successful, but not enough to give her a name in HW or in America.

I think one of the other really good examples of how big of a boost it is for her can be seen on WN's number. So the official People article came out on November 10, 2022, exactly on the day the show's second season debuted. The first season had never been trending before that. Not when it came out, not when they announced the second season. However, after the announcement, not just the second but even the first season started trending, with the first season in 32 countries and the second season in 70. I've seen that a lot of people have said they only started watching the show because they wanted to see who the woman Chris is dating is. And I will also admit that back in, like, January 2022, I also checked the show because I was interested in who she is.

Obviously, I'm not saying those people didn't like WN or that they just watched two seasons because she is dating him. I'm pretty sure there were people who did it because of that, but I'm also pretty sure there were people who liked the show and the characters, but maybe they didn't even know about it before that. WN is not my cup of tea, but that doesn't mean it's a bad show. Not at all. But I think the fact that it started trending and that more people started to watch it has to do with their relationship. It has to do a lot, in my opinion.

A lot of Chris fans love them together, support them, and even defend her and their relationship. So yeah, the fact that her name is now connected to his helps her out big time.

It always bugged me that she never really promoted her work. I guess she did a little more when the second season of WN came out, but it wasn't anything special. She also seems reluctant to engage with her fans. They keep tagging her; they write sweet messages for her, but no reaction. Not even a thank-you or anything like that. They were trying so hard to save WN.

I just don't like her or her personality. I mean what we can see from it.

[ilikebigbooks-and-icannotlie]

@rainbowrowell I was looking for your email so I could nicely send you an email about the impact that Slow Dance has had on me, and then you didn't have one posted anywhere, and then I was just not gonna say anything at all, but then I decided what's more Slow Dance/80s-power-balad-y than openly screaming my feelings to you on my tumblr blog and hoping you hear them, in that standing-outside-your-house-with-my-boom-box kind of way. So, here it is:

Dearest Rainbow,

While most people read books and connect to a character, I have always had a hard time 100% superimposing myself onto characters. Even characters that I SHOULD relate to, that are mostly similar to me, I just. I've liked them, but they've never spoken to me in my soul. That said, something about your books have always touched me. Eleanor, Cath, Simon, these characters have always spoken directly to me a little more than average. This is all to say though, that never in my entire life have I felt so deeply seen by any book ever, until Slow Dance. From the very first "your mom" joke, I was smitten. I was listening to the book, and after laughing, my immediate reaction was that my husband needed to listen to that book too. And as soon as I finished, I listened to it again with him.

Somehow, I knew it would gut me. And it did. I felt so understood by Shiloh in ways I never knew were important to me. Her sexuality is something I relate to so strongly, and never before have I been so perfectly represented like that. Her sense of humor, her nervousness, her self-sabotage.

As a lover of Emily Henry, while her books make me grateful for the love I have, one that always somehow always fits into the kind of love she's describing, her books also always make me yearn. For the location, or the larger than life friends, or something that just. I always end up yearning.

Slow Dance took root in my chest when I read it within the first few days it came out, and sits there to this day. This feeling of. Of a character who grew up wanting more, and came back home, and still wants more, but also feels kind of defeated, and also learns to be happy. This deep friendship that's always realistically been love. This idea of being known so intimately but also not being known at all in other ways. Of only really romantically loving one person, and being nervous because they've been with other people and you really haven't. Of the different shapes of family. Of overthinking because it feels like you have to, of needing to be ready for an ending just in case, even though you so badly don't want something to end, of trying to convince yourself that less is perfectly okay and maybe it's supposed to be that way. Every part of Shiloh spoke to me, every part of Cary reminded me of my husband, every part of this book, as a childless plus-sized 5'3 27yo that has never set foot in Nebraska, made me feel so so deeply seen. And though I don't completely understand how or why, I know it is a book that will sit with me for years to come. So I thank you sincerely for gifting us with it, and for giving shape to so many thoughts in my head I've never been able to really say. Hearing them out loud was shattering.

[colemonroe]

WHERE: A dive bar outside of Tonopah WITH: @taliah-tezel

Diana had always been the larger than life entertainer of the Monroe family. She had a way of connecting with people that only came around once in a lifetime. In the midst of grappling with all of her demons, she knew how to command a stage, how to ensnare an audience and sweep them up in quite the love affair with her before they even knew it was happening. Cole? Not so much. He avoided the spotlight like the plague and nowadays, he’d only be caught singing in the shower. But it hadn’t always been that way. Once upon a time, Diana had been able to talk him into singing with her, especially if she bribed him with chocolate cake, and so as a result, Cole had been on stage a handful a couple times. But that was then, before Diana’s untimely passing. Ever since then, he’d give some half-assed karaoke attempt every now and then, especially if he could prod another drunken Son into doing it with him, but he’d never truly sang. He’d kept that locked away, right along with nearly every other memory of Diana Monroe.

Except for tonight.

Whether it was the alcohol swimming through his veins at a dizzying rate or the thrill of a long overdue getaway with Taliah, Cole wasn’t sure, but he’d done something he hadn’t done in what felt like a lifetime tonight– he let it all out. Stepping onto that makeshift stage with a purposeful stride, he’d belted out his own Tennessee drawled rendition of Tim McGraw’s Real Good Man, owning the moment much like his mother would have had she stood in his place, without a care for how anyone might’ve glimpsed him and focused on losing himself in the music– and in the brown eyes of the woman he loved beyond measure. Was it good? He didn’t know, but he hardly cared when it left him feeling like this– free and connected to his mother even years after her passing. 

Making his way over the bar once the music stopped and the lights dropped, he grinned wide at the bartender as he shuffled a pair of shots Cole’s way, “One for you and for the lady,” he chuckled, reaching across the bartop just to clap Cole on the shoulder. Henry and his wife had run this bar for as long as he could remember– in their own way, they’d watched Cole grow up from a distance, making this night nostalgic for more reasons than one. Shots in hand, he slipped through the crowd, one destination in mind. 

Just as soon as he drew to a stop in front of her, Cole set the shots on the tabletop next to them and hooked an arm around her waist, hauling Taliah in for a kiss while the other hand lifted to cradle her cheek in his palm. Like always, he savored that contact, sliding the tip of his tongue along her bottom lip before catching it between his teeth. “On a scale of one to ten– how embarrassed are ya right now?” Cole laughed against her lips before leaning back and handing over her shot. “Be honest, babe,” he teased, rubbing his lips together in a tight line to fight off his wide grin as he lifted his own shot, gently clinking the small glass against hers in a mock toast, “I can take it.”