#percival's brother is a mess

[icharchivist]

"Percy villain arc", does Aglovale mean nothing to you people

You're right though, it would be funny to see Percy go truly evil. The fire association is super common in villains. Making it hot in several senses. You're completely valid

LIKE I SAID -- it's about a different type of villainy!! the brothers may look alike but they're not interchangeable!!!!

Aglovale's villainy came from an hatred of all of humanity, a desire to control people out of fear, and a desire to get his family back, including his mother.

Lamorak's villainy came from selflessness, a desire to help absolutely everyone who ever experienced massive heart pain that can only be solved by revenge, a savior complex so big he ends up helping the most dangerous of people, while putting himself in danger and therefore also keeping his family as far away as possible from him so he doesn't get swayed into going back on his words.

A Percival's villainy arc would never be like Aglovale's because Percival never let go of his desire to see good in people, and he wouldn't keep his family away like Lamorak.

Like i said i do think it's a bit hard to see a path to villainy Percival can take when his brothers went to both different extreme to start with. I think what makes Percival's arc strong is that he's not tempted by snapping, and that he is holding strong despite the fact he sees how his brothers are torn apart by the same trauma they all share.

I personally love the fact Percival doesn't seem to be in any situation to snap, but i like thinking about what if he did actually go apeshit. What if he got tired of fixing his brothers' shit. He's constantly having to clean up after them because they mishandled their trauma while he is trying so hard to make it something productive.

And it's not like Percival doesn't have a mean edge. Remember when he insulted Lancelot when they found him in a cell after he's been tortured, because Lancelot "only had himself to blame" for turning a blind eye to the wrongs of the King? and that it essentially came from how he's been hurt that Lancelot abandonned him during the Siegfried's debacle and the fact Lancelot blindly supporting people in position of power rather than getting to the bottom of something was something Percival found reprehensible. (i have many thoughts about this).

That's why i think two componants to break Percival is if the weight of his brothers' sins get lifted off his back, so he's less alert to his own shortcomings as he's no longer in this state of survival about holding his family together, and losing MC, which would set him in a situation of thinking "despite everything i do i still lose the people i care about." (especially, once again, because MC is the only person who never disappointed Percival, which is why Percival always was so unconditional in his way to be attached to MC, in ways even the Dragon Knights nor his Brothers can live up to.)

It's like "you can do everything right and still lose", in comparaison to his brothers who just did things wrong.

how do you deal? how do you cope? this grief was supposed to stay in the past, yet whatever you do it still comes back to catch up on you.

there's a potential there that is completely unlike what Aglovale and Lamorak went through in their own villain arcs, and it's what i'd personally explore if we give Percival an evil arc.

It'd be hot! especially if it's about MC which i have totally neutral reasons to want personally obviously.

But as it is i just really like the idea of him being the only one to keep things together while the familial trauma is destroying the rest of his family. Feels nice feels organic and i'm just genuinely invested in this storyline, is all!

[bisclavret]

i've loved bbc gwaine for 13 slutty, slutty years but it wasn't until i watched eoin macken's depressing ass film (that he made with tom hopper and funded partly with donations from merlin fans 😭) called Leopard about generational trauma and gendered violence and uhhh severely messed up brothers with an oedipal complex? and a 5.7 imdb rating. the protagonist eoin plays is basically modern gwaine if he was appropriately half-dead from alcoholism and pub brawls and sick with worry over his brother percival i mean tom hopper. and the movie goes crazy with the symbolism. i'm talking the painting of ophelia floating on the water being a puzzle they work on together cutting to literal dead women floating in water leading up to the wildest mommy issues you've ever seen type symbolism. anyway it wasn't until THEN that i was like. oh i see. this guy eoin is not normal. about themes and narratives. and gwaine was his dream role of a lifetime like that's still his special guy so i just KNOW he overanalyzed him to hell and back he did all those microexpressions on purpose he took that shit SO seriously. and now i do too. now i, too, am. the gwaine overthinker.

[banditomojado]

ATTENTION I HAVE FOUND A NEW SHOW TO OBSESS OVER. THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF BREAKDOWN OF ALL THE MAIN CHARACTERS AND WHY I LOVE THEM/WOULD DIE FOR THEM ALREADY.

Mild spoilers for the first 5 episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina!

Oh boy, where do I begin!!! I have always been a lover of fantasy ever since I saw LOTR as a young child! Unfortunately, I didn't grow up around friends who were into the genre so I was never exposed to things like D&D. But fear not, folks like me! You need not be a D&D veteran to enjoy this show! Okay, so let's start talking about the characters featured in this party!

First up, the twins! Specifically here, Vex'ahlia "Vex" Vessar! So I love that the series features a sibling pair. Vex, at least in the first few episodes, seems to be the de facto leader of the group. She's a half-elf, half-human, a ranger-type, a badass archer and skilled warrior. The group, especially her brother, seems to look to her for guidance and commands in a lot of situations. She's so cool and has a strong presence in every scene. She has a dry wit, always on point with her verbal jabs. I've only known her for a day, and already I would trust her with my life. I do feel like she is a little too controlling of her twin brother, but so far she hasn't done anything too awful besides passive-aggressively disapproving of her brother's budding attraction to another member of the party, but more on that later!

And now for her brother, Vax'ildan "Vax" Vessar! He is a rogue-like character, specializing in daggers and throwing knives, and stealthy combat. He is also a wizard at picking locks. Much like his sister, he maintains a cool, mysterious aura about him, and he seems to come in handy whenever the situation calls to be sneaky. LOVE that the series has heavily implied he's a bi-king, featuring several scenes in the first five episodes where he flirts with both male and female characters. I love his relationship with his sister, you can already tell they have been through a lot and have helped each other survive it all, although it could prove troublesome if he does in fact decide to pursue a certain other half-elf, half-human member of the party...

Speaking of which, up next is Keyleth of the Air Ashari! She is a druid, capable of a wide array of magical abilities like controlling plant-life and shape-shifting into different kinds of animals! She's so cool, but she also has a sort of "fresh-out-of-college-stumbling-through-life" kind of vibe that I find utterly adorable. She's awkward, messes up a lot, struggles with self-esteem issues, but always tries her absolute best and has already saved the party from certain death a few times. I'm a sucker for flawed, awkward characters who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and are just trying to do their best. Apparently she is currently on a ritualistic quest (Aramenté) to prove herself to her people so she can one day lead them and is not allowed to return until she has done so. So much pressure on my girl! She is obviously attracted to Vax, and I think they would make a cute couple, but something tells me that things won't quite work out for them...

Up next is Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III! He is by far the "edgiest" member of the group. He is a human gunslinger, a somewhat surprising set of skills for a fantasy setting, but it fits into this world perfectly! He's incredibly skilled with his gun, very smart, and by far the most sophisticated of the party. He comes from royalty, after all, and the first five episodes reveal how that life was ripped from him following a violent coup d'état which resulted in the slaughter of his entire family. So needless to say, my man has some baggage. He seems to possess a darker side to him that only appears when he is in a state of rage. He is very scary when in that state, and even carries around a plague doctors mask for such occasions. Revenge stories are a favorite of mine, as they always manage to provide the character seeking revenge with immensely satisfying/cathartic arcs, so I'm very much excited to see where the story takes him! I also think it's very telling that he is the sole human character of the party, it explains his inclination towards the dark side!

Next up we have Pike Trickfoot! She is a gnome cleric, capable of magical abilities like healing and conjuring up light-based energy shields. She is a fascinating character, given that her magic stems from heavily religious beliefs, though she seems to revel in violent situations and vices like binge drinking. She is a sweetheart, always looking out for the other members of the party, but also not afraid to go toe-to-toe with an enemy! The first five episodes see her lose connection to the Everlight, a kind of goddess that is the source of her magical abilities, thus she is forced to separate from the group. This was a huge bummer, because I really enjoyed her interactions with the other members of the party, especially her close friendship with the next member of the group I'll be talking about!

Next up is Grog Strongjaw! He is a Goliath barbarian, specializing in brute strength and combat with his mighty ax. Normally I'm not that interested in big, buff, warrior-like characters, but he's an absolute delight! He provides a lot of the show's comedic relief, due in large part to his limited wit and insatiable desire for bloodshed. He is big and dumb, but full of heart and determination to keep his friends safe, especially Pike, who he seems to share an especially close bond with. LOVE that he calls her "Pikey"! Having to see them go their separate ways so early into the series was definitely upsetting (seeing him cry over not being able to feel her presence while they were apart was precious), but I'm glad the group still has his brute strength to rely on if things get hairy.

And finally, we have Scanlan Shorthalt! He is a gnome bard, who also seems to possess a few magical abilities via his lute, such as being able to conjure up a large, floating purple hand. He is by far the main source of comedic relief of the group, crass and hedonistic, with an admirable ability for quick wit. He is also the group's resident slut, never wasting an opportunity to possibly get laid. He also appears to be bi, which is lovely. Comic relief characters often hide the saddest backstories, so I'm excited to delve more into his past and learn more about him. He also seems to have a crush on Pike, which is just absolutely adorable, although based on how he acts around the group, it's no wonder nothing has happened between them yet. Better wait until he grows up a bit, Pikey.

So far, the series has given me plenty of reasons to love each member of the party, and the writing for them has so far been excellent! Love their various little interactions, I think you could pair off or group any member together and you would still get a satisfying story/adventure. Five episodes in and I'm completely hooked! If anyone who is a fan of the show wants to watch along with me, let me know! I know I'm super late to the party, but I would LOVE to discuss the story with someone! I'm aware that these characters existed long before the Amazon show and that the show itself was a result of a large fan-funded campaign, so I'm especially eager to get to talk to fans who have been there from the very beginning!

[callmesel]

Sapphic Perciver AU

I don't know what but I have the urge to make a sapphic Perciver au.

It all started when my sister was complaining that I always talk about gays (by that she means that I only talk about Percy and Oliver and that I needed more variety in the parings I'm obsessed with.) And we started talking a bout different parings and I just jokingly tell her that I would just make them lesbians so she wouldn't hear the same thing over and over.

Even though it was a joke, it stuck with me for all this week and I cannot stop thinking about it. So I'm making this post so I can forget about it.

Their names:

Oliver - Olivia, being the female alternative of Oliver and wanted to keep as similar to their original names. Her pet name would be commonly used by her team as Ollie as a short form, like in many other fics that feature Oliver, but I like to think that Percy, being her best friend would have a specific pet name that only her could call her and that would be Livvy. I didn't know that you could use that as a pet name but I find it interesting and quite unique in some form.

Percy - Percy, as Percy is also a girl's name with its origins in France. it also could be use as a short form of Persephone, that many authors use in they fics when portraying femPercy. I like to keep her the same name as the original as it's related with being brave, something that Percy was, even if it in a different types of braveness that it normally shown in media. The name Percy also means hard working, patient, responsable, inteligent, determined and honorable, all traits I see in him and also would see in his female counterpart.

Penny - Penn, I have not really a'n explanation except the sake of keep the names as similar as possible. Searching for the male alternative for Penelope I found Penn. It is used as an abbreviation of the US state of Pennsylvania, but it's also referred to someone who lived on a hill or near a hill. Take that information whoever you want.

Other characters names are the same as in the canon so I don't really care. Would Molly have other four kids when she already had a daughter? No but is for the sake of the plot.

In my head, their story would be much like the song "Little Miss Perfect", (it screams Percy in so many ways). By that I mean that Percy, as a top student and a rol model for the younger kids, couldn't be a homosexual (in her head), in 1992 wouldn't accept her and probably harass her if anyone found out, and also her family (more like her parents) wouldn't approve either and we know that he just want their validation. Scared of not being perfect and messing up, she would ignore anything involving romantic relationship to avoid suspicion. Unfortunately for her, she would discover one night that she might be in love with her best friend, Olivia.

She doesn't take it well and does all in her power to stop seeing Olivia that way. She distants herself and gets a boyfriend, who is the boyfriend you might ask, well, is not other that Penn! Her other best friend who she asked out and accepted. They don't know what a platonic relationship is and Percy thought that this love she was feeling with Penn was "curing her" from her "sinful mind". (She comes from a religious household, non of her siblings follow this believes and neither does she, but her mother does so she thinks that her mother would think she is a siner and disown her.)

Olivia notice this suden change in Percy's actitud and she is a bit worry about her friend and crush. But because she knows Percy, she isn't going to ask her, because she probably won't response. So she asks her brothers for answers, Fred and George are not help and just tease her for asking, saying things like "Why do you wanna know? Do you goes have something?", it is a joke but it makes Olivia nervous because she doesn't want Percy to know yet. Ron didn't help either and just told her that she was worrying for now reason. However, when she asked Ginny she said that she saw her been a lot with a boy. Olivia heart shattered at that moment.

Fred and George over heard the conversation and the rumor spread like fired. There is a lot of suspected candidates that "Perfect Prefect Percy" might be dating but there were three that were the more popular. One is Cedric Diggory as it has been seen before that they are very close but Cedric deny it and he said he was already dating Cho and they where in a date the day that Ginny saw her sister, so people forgot about that. Other was Penn Clearwater as they are best friends and all, but what was the fun on that? Just two best friends who had fallen in love. Too boring for the students to be spreading around. Surprisingly, the most popular candidate was Marcus Flint, it was a wild guess but people love the drama that it would be that the good girl was dating the bad boy. Some students said that they were siting at the library together a lot that week, was it true? Olivia couldn't tell.

She was definitely devastated with every posible man that was dating her best friend, but Flint? That was a backstab she couldn't forget. She wanted to scream to Percy, to tell her that she doesn't want her to be with any other men, that she stays with her and only her. But of course she could say that as it would destroy their friendship even more. She wasn't even sure if Percy knew about the rumors, but if she did, she never said anything.

She tried to confront her once, but it end up them fighting and Olivia leaving yo the quidditch pitch. It was that day that she found Marcus Flint, still annoyed from the earlier fight with Percy and her own jealousy at the possibility that her enemy on the pitch was dating her friend, she started screaming at him.

Marcus was very confused by this and he was scream at her too. But out of nowhere, Olivia started crying and Marcus was more confused. Why would she cry infront of him? In front of her rival. He felt uncomfortable so he tried to make her stop by hugging her, which make it worse.

For the sake of the plot, Percy went to the quidditch pitch to find Olivia and apologise to her, but when she heard crying on the looked rooms, her stomach sank. Her Livvy was crying because of her, she was the cause of her pain and it was killing her inside. She rushed inside to try and comfort her friend, tell her she was sorry, but that stopped as she saw her in Flint's arms. Olivia quickly push Flint away when she saw Percy entering but it was too late, Percy had seen them and had left as fast as she came.

Percy runned back to the castle, not knowing what to do. Why was she so hurt? Wasn't she cured from this cursed? She cried feeling that her heart being ripped away from her.

The next day Olivia tried to talk to Percy, to tell her that what she saw yesterday was not what it seems. That she and Flint are nothing more than acquaintances. But she didn't find her anywhere.

Penn found himself comforting his crying girlfriend. He was really confused at first, and he wasn't really understanding what Percy was saying but he was going to do anything to make her feel better.

After hours of explaining and crying Penn understood, Percy was in love with Olivia and she couldn't keep dating him. He wasn't as heartbroken as he thought he would be, but that is not his priority now. Long talks about her feelings and fears, by the end Penn had convinced Percy that there was nothing wrong and the he would love her no matter what and he was sure that Olivia would do too.

Later that day, Olivia found Percy at their room and run to hug her and tried to explain but before she could say anything, Percy had kissed her on her lips. Too quick to even process it properly, Percy started to tell her how she felt, who she really was, and she was sorry but she had to tell her. That if Livvy wanted her to move rooms she would but she had to get that out of her chest.

Before she could leave, Olivia kissed her, passionately, to show her exactly how she felt. Word couldn't describe their happiness when they found out that they love each other.

They started dating, but they couldn't be public. Percy didn't feel like she was prepared for that. So they agree that Penn would be Percy's "boyfriend", the school already had spread their relationship thanks to the twins so that wasn't so difficult.

As time go on, they were more affectionate in public. Light touches, holding hands when walking along, Livvy resting her head in Percy's lap, Percy playing with Livvy's hair, even kisses on the cheek. No one thought anything because, they are best friends! Best friends do that! Even if Olivia had called Percy her girlfriend in some occasions, but so did Angelina when she hangs out with her girlfriends. Yeah, they were just friends.

They did live together when they graduated and they have matching rings with their iniciales but that is just normal bff behaviour!

It wasn't until years later that anyone had started suspecting anything.

It was Ginny who noticed the way her sister looked at her friend, the way they always seen touching each other. Friends don't do that. But she won't tell anyone, because Percy didn't say anything, she won't tell. She tell her that she knew, that she would love her no matter what.

Charlie had noticed them the first time he got back to England, his little sister wasn't exactly really secretive, or that is how he saw it.

One by one, all her siblings had found out and to be honest, it was very obvious.

It wasn't longer a secret at this point and in 2014, they officialy got married. And they become gay icons in the magic community.

Olivia is a world champion quidditch player, known as THE keeper. She plays with Puddlement United in a mix group. She is the most famous female athlete for her impressive moves and record scores.

Percy, (I like to headcanon that he did become the Minister for Magic) she became the first Ministress for Magic of all time. A dream come true. She was selected when she was 29 and was really happy. Hermione is on the same party and they have chosen Percy as their candidate as Hermione was busy with other at that time.

They didn't have kids until they were both 35, they when to a clinic and asked for a sperm donor to impregnate (never thought I would use that word) Percy as Olivia's work was more physically demanding. Percy carried their child but Olivia wanted to breastfeed, so she started taking hormones to do so (prolactin and oxytocin). Percy told her that she didn't need to but Livvy assure her that she wanted to help and when they found out that they where having twins they were thrilled. But Fred and George were even more. They have been begging for having their names match their inicial, something like Grabiella and Fionna. Olivia and Percy didn't really like the idea.

Molly and Lucy were born from minutes apart and Percy did lost a lot of blood in the process but thankfully, she made it. She did have to be there for two weeks before going home to be sure but it was a well time of rest after months of stress.

It doesn't really makes sense to me that Percy would name her daughter after her mother but maybe is to give that name a new meaning. To stop association it to her mother and more to her daughter so she isn't so hurt. (Her mother doesn't fully accept her, despite her efforts.) Also, they are fraternal twins instead of identical twins as they originally thought.

It is kind of funny to see a family only composed of women. Some people have been against them say that they needed a father figure in their kids life, (Molly l) but with so many uncles, men representation is not something really lacking from their lifes.

The twins favourite uncle was Charlie, despite Fred and George's best efforts to be their favourite. (They wanted to have a double twins stuff with them) he introduced them to their dragon obsession, Molly more that Lucy but still, they are obsessed and always want to talk about it with Charlie that is more than happy to be able to talk to someone who also is so in love with his dragons.

I think that is about it, if anything else pops out I will repost it and put it there. I been writing this for the past three days and to be honest, I think I can add more. Like who would their relationship change with the other characters, because I tell you, there is change. Like Percy and the twins's relationship. The daughter mother dynamics. The Me Crouch Sr situation, (Olivia almost broke up with her because of that and Percy discovered that she also likes men, she definately had a crush on her boss and Olivia didn't like it, she is a jealous girl)

But idk, how would you think they would be? I want to hear more about it. Idk. I really like Fem Percy a lot, being mtf or cis, I don't care, I just like it a lot.

And maybe she could be mtf, that would make sense why Molly continued to have children after her. And maybe she transitioned before going to Hogwarts so almost no one remembers that she was originally born as a boy but idk. I would talk about in another post, this is already too long.

Also, I made a bit of fanart. It's crappy but I like it.

I mess up the colors but it's okay also

Flustered Oliver

They were in the same page if you didn't notice.

[thisbelongsto-nohbodys]

[Lily is sitting in her room, having been recently grounded. A folded piece of paper slips under her door, she picks it up]

Percy via the note: Dearest sister, it’s been many a moon since that fateful moment when you have been imprisoned by the warden trio for an indeterminate amount of time. While this saddens me to see you in such a state, I must also thank you for taking the blame. While we both know that it was an accident that caused me to break Mama Marcy’s favorite ugly vase that our other mothers made for her for one of their anniversaries, it was honorable that you’d take the blame after I had made myself scarce. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten however I will say that this is vengeance for that time you embarrassed me in front of my crush a few weeks ago. Enjoy your time rotting in your cell and may this be a lesson to not mess with my love life. Signed your dear brother Joesph Percival Boonchuy (proofread and big words added by Maddi)

Lily: ………………………

Lily: MOMS! I have proof that I didn’t break the vase!

Percy from another room: Wait! Give that back!

[slushie5544]

Character Backgrounds to this au:

Alright, I'm about.. Halfway done with writing this whole concept out and already halfway done with the first chapter so I figured before I get this out I give some stuff that won't be specifically mentioned in the fic but is important to this au!

Perry’s Background

Percival B. Fletcher aka just Perry is just an ordinary guy who has a very special interest in herbs and collects/uses said plants to help make remedies for small ales. He had bounced around a lot within the family because his parents were always adventuring to discover new lands so they weren’t always around.. Kind of like a Hey Arnold or Scootaloo from Mlp (FIM) situation I guess you can say.. Anyways, it was always unstable with how often they came and gone until one day they decided he was “old enough to come along and make his own choices. (He was only 13).” however during one adventure the last thing Perry remembers was the strong aroma or something sweet or maybe it was bitter, he couldn’t quite place it but then his parents were standing over him trying to get him to swake up but then saw them disappear or maybe something else happened. He couldn’t quite remember as his memory is foggy of that night.. But somehow he found himself in the woods lost and eventually in the middle of nowhere until he was found by some knights (GWCA) that took him in and yeah.. Now he’s with Lawrence and the rest of the family,, He doesn’t talk much after whatever had happened not that he really could anyway as it always came out as a raspy whisper that he didn’t enjoy hearing, to be honest, he was just a lil self-conscious about it. Plus it brought up memories of him trying to scream out with nothing escaping from his mouth..

By his late teens, the boy showed clear signs of not only survival tactics but also combat when it was necessary. Not only was his strength impeccable but his compassion and love for his neighbors only gained him more popularity in the village. There was a very brief moment where the attention got to him and next to him, he was pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion by helping so many others before himself. Thankfully with the help of his brother, once he had kids by their late twenties, Perry swore he would put the kids above all else which offhandedly helped the man take care of himself. With shared naptimes, lunches, and dinners were always the best when Uncle Perry made them (Linda wouldn’t admit it but she was a bit jealous of his signature soups). Without realizing it, he’s the piece of the family keeping them together.

However, there was one secret he kept from even his closest loved ones. An oath he made to protect them at all costs. 

~~

The Royal Doofenshmirtz Background

Heinz Doofensmirtz despite being the oldest child was always overshadowed by his younger brother Roger who ‘could do no wrong’ in this world according to his family and all of their peers. Meanwhile Heinz was always seen as a mistake, someone who messes everything up, a true Doof; nothing like his perfect brother.

While Roger was praised for trying his best on an exam and despite Heinz getting every answer right, his younger brother still knew how to talk to anyone without seeming like a complete dummkopf. It wasn’t fair, when his sibling broke into their father’s study and accidentally set the library on fire. He saved his younger brother and yet he was the one who was punished and reprimanded. Why did he have to be the one not allowed in the castle anymore? Was this all he was to his family? A tool?

No literally they had him like a literal garden gnome outside and sur he made a single friend but Balloony had disappeared one cold night and that had been the same night he lost his arm due to chasing the balloon through the forest ignoring his father’s screams to get back. Now listen, it’s said that the king did his best to look for his son in the woods, but he had been too late and a beast of the night had gotten to him and dragged him into the woods. The claw marks across his face were all the townsfolk needed to hear to believe such a harrowing tale about their King losing his eldest son to a creature in their woods. This totally didn’t start the hysteria of the town.

However that doesn’t mean he’s away from the constant pestering of his oh so ‘loving’ family aka Roger who keeps trying to convince his older brother to ‘accept their ways’ so he can come back home maybe they can come up with a grand story of how ‘he saved his older brother after so many years!’, their mother constantly nagging through letters and condescending remarks to ‘fix his attitude’, and well.. Their vater doesn’t even speak or look in his direction and just gives him the cold shoulder, not that Heinz cared because for all he cared that man was dead to him as much as he was to the other.

Some stuff might seem familiar but I tried to add as much as I could to these headcanons without spoiling much of the actually story! Ok Thanks like always for even reading this far! Much Love to all of you and good night (it's 4 in the morning)

[perciver4ever]

Shakey hands- Perciver

Abusive Molly and Arthur Weasley

Percy has always had shakey hands. Nobody knew why—well, some did. But no one cared enough to ask. Whenever somebody did, he just brushed it off with a lame excuse like "It's just cold". Penelope and Marcus had tried to ask, only to be met with the same results others did.

"Percy, why are your hands always shaking? "

Penelope had asked out of the blue, Percy, Marcus and Penelope were at the library. "A study group", Penelope called it. They were in their 6th year, Percy remembered vividly.

"It's, uh- cold. Yeah, cold. "

Percy muttered out, a sweat dripping down his forehead. Penelope's eyebrow arched in suspicion.

"You're sweating. "

Marcus pointed out, making Percy's lie difficult to believe. Percy's eyes widened slightly, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.

"Oh, would you look at the time? I have- a prefect meeting, yeah. Bye! "

Percy started packing up his belongings haphazardly, stuffing his books into his satchel messily.

"But prefect meetings aren't until Tuesd-"

Penelope tried to say, but she couldn't even finish her sentence before Percy was gone.

Percy was a fast walker, he always was. With his lanky frame and long legs, he could reach places quickly almost effortlessly. That's why the twins gave him the nickname "Perfectly punctual prefect Percy".

Percy walked through the halls, back to his dorm, the only place he felt safe. Percy had his head down the entire time, he pushed his horn rimmed glasses back up with his index and middle finger.

He twisted the golden doorknob and opened the door, stepping inside the room. He took off his shoes and placed it neatly against the wall near the door.

Unlike Percy, Oliver— Percy's dormmate, did things messily. Leaving his things everywhere. However, the two of them got along just fine.

Percy placed his satchel on his chair, the strap drooping down slightly. Percy casted a tempus charm, checking the time. It was the time for dinner. He dreaded that period of time, or any time in the Great Hall. It was always so noisy, too loud for Percy's liking. Nonetheless, Percy sighed and started putting his shoes on.

"So much for coming back here. "

He grumbled in annoyance, furrowing his eyebrows. He started speed walking towards the Great Hall, not having a care for anything in the world. When he arrived at the Great Hall, not much people were there yet, thankfully. He took a seat where he usually did, waiting patiently for the other students and staff to arrive.

When he was engrossed in his thoughts, a figure plopped down next to him.

"Heya Perce! "

A Scottish accent graced his ears, there was no doubt that it was Oliver. The corners of Percy's lips twitched up slightly, a genuine yet soft smile.

"Hello Ollie. "

Percy greeted, averting his gaze to the brunette. He picked up a small portion of mashed potatoes and peas while Oliver picked up large portions of food. They ate in a comfortable silence.

"You eat so little. "

Oliver pointed out, digging into his food. In contrast, Percy ate elegantly with small bites. Before Percy could mutter out an answer, he was interrupted by the twins.

"Wow Ollie, talking to our dearest pompous brother? We feel so bad! "

The twins taunted, a grin on their faces. Percy sighed in disappointment, continuing to eat his mashed potatoes. Oliver let out a yelp in surprise, not expecting the twins' presence behind him.

"Jesus fucking Christ- Ya fucking scared me! "

Oliver scolded, making the twins snicker.

"Having a romantic dinner, are we, Ollie? "

Fred joked, ruffling Oliver's hair, messing it up more than it already was.

"Oh, forgive us for intruding on such an important meal! "

George exclaimed mockingly, pretending to faint on Fred, who caught him while both of them laughed. Percy rolled his eyes, finishing his meal.

"Go off with Diggory and Jordan, you two! Go! Shoo! "

Oliver pushed the twins away forcefully, making Percy smile and chuckle softly.

"So anyway- Perce? Where'd you go-"

Oliver asked, confuses to the empty seat next time him. Percy had managed to slip away from the Great Hall, not that anybody would've noticed anyway, he thought. Walking through the quiet halls, Percy smiled to himself.

He enjoyed the quiet environment, ever since he was younger. He knew that reading a book in his room stood out more to him than playing quidditch with his brothers. He knew he enjoyed being alone in the library rather than chat with the Gryffindors in the common room. The fact was, he always stayed in his dorm or the library studying to prove his worth. To feel that he deserved a place at Hogwarts, to feel he was worthy of praise.

He made his way back to his dorm, sighing in relief. He took off his shoes, leaving then neatly against the wall, as he always did. Walking over to his desk, which was piled with copious amounts of parchments, books, ink boxes and quills.

He opened the top drawer, shakily picking up his bottle of pills. The fact is, his hands are always shaking because he has damaged nerves due to suffering the cruciatus curse too much. Too much to damage the nerves, yet not enough to go insane, like the Longbottoms.

His parents, they were beyond cruel. To him, at least, and his older siblings. Percy knew why the both of them rushed to move out of The Burrow. Percy also saw how badly his parents treated Ron, the neglect he received made Percy's heart ache. That was why he always paid more attention to the youngest male.

Percy had tried not taking the pills, but the pain he experienced was intolerable. His hands shook more, the pain reentered his body. The first, and last time he tried to not take his pills, he had collapsed in class due to the pain. When he awoke in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey looked at him with pity. However, he couldn't figure out if she felt sorry that no one had come to visit him or that she knew about the curses.

Percy shuddered at the memory, quickly pouring out two pills from the bottle, putting them in his mouth and swallowing them with a sip of water. He placed the bottle cap back on and closed it, sliding it back in the drawer. Sitting down on his chair, he picked up a quill and dipped it in some ink, starting on his potions essay.

His quill wrote with lightning speed, thoughts forming into words on the parchment. Time flew by, and when Percy was satisfied with his essay, Oliver was back into the dorm.

"Back from dinner? "

Percy asked, spinning his chair around to look at Oliver.

"No, quidditch practice. What time is it? "

Oliver answered the red head, slightly tilting his head to the side in curiosity. Percy had always noticed those traits, when Oliver tilted his head when he was curious, or when Oliver scrunched up his nose whenever he disapproved of something. The red head always admired those traits, he found them quite endearing.

"Oh, it's uhm-"

Percy casted a tempus charm without taking his wand out. He knew it fascinated Oliver, or maybe he was just too exhausted to pull his wand out.

"11:47 PM, you should go get some rest, Ollie."

Percy suggested, turning his chair back to the desk and opening an Ancient Runes book to study.

"What about you? Aren't you sleeping? "

Oliver asked, walking over to Percy. The red head shook his head, starting to review his notes and reciting certain answers in his book.

"Well- if you're not sleeping, then I'm not either. "

Oliver protested, sitting on the desk Percy was studying at. Percy grimaced.

"Get back down, Oliver. "

Percy said, anger slowly getting the better of him.

"No! Unless... "

Oliver backfired, stubbornly sitting on the desk.

"Unless what, Oliver?! "

Percy raised his voice slightly, putting the quill he was holding down.

"Unless, you tell me why your hands are always shaking and why you eat so little! "

Oliver also raised his voice, not moving from his spot on the desk. Percy froze, his eyes widening. His breath quickened, along with his heartbeat. The ringing in his ears getting louder by the minute.

"I- no, I told you, it's nothing! "

Percy tried to blink his tears away, tried to control the shaking of his hands, tried to silence the voice in his head. He tried, he tried, he tried. But it didn't work, it never did. Sometimes, he doesn't know why he still tries.

"Well it's clearly not nothing if it keeps going on!"

Oliver slammed his fist on the desk, staring at Percy. Anger and concern was clearly taking over all his other emotions.

"Oh yeah? You really want to know? IT'S BECAUSE MY FUCKING PARENTS CRUCIO ME EVERY TIME I MADE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF A MISTAKE! IT'S BECAUSE MY PARENTS DON'T LET ME EAT MUCH AT THE BURROW, THAT'S WHY I NEVER HAVE AN APPETITE! THAT'S WHY I'M THE SKINNIEST! MY HANDS ALWAYS FUCKING SHAKE BECAUSE OF MY DAMAGED NERVES CAUSED BY THE CRUCIATUS CURSE! I ALWAYS TAKE THOSE PILLS TO CONTROL THE SHAKING AND THE PAIN! DO YOU KNOW WHY I COLLAPSED IN FOURTH YEAR? IT'S BECAUSE I SKIPPED MY PILLS FOR ONE MEAL! I COLLAPSED FROM PAIN! NOT THAT YOU WOULD KNOW BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T EVEN COME FUCKING VISIT ME IN THE HOSPITAL WING! DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS, OLIVER? TO GET CRUCIO'D BY TWO PEOPLE CONSTITUENTLY? DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO LACK NUTRIENTS FROM THE FUCKING DAY YOU WERE BORN? DO YOU? "

Percy let tears spill from his eyes, panting slightly from the rant he had just let out. He never should've bottled up his emotions, he knew they would explode one day. Percy felt horrible for letting out his anger out on Oliver. He had done nothing wrong, he was just concerned for Percy. The red head felt so horribly guilty, the pit in his stomach grew and his chest tightened.

Oliver stayed silent, looking at Percy. The red head couldn't really make out the expression on the brunette's face. It looked like pity, or, concern. Percy wiped his tears with his sleeve, sighing shakily.

"Perce... "

Oliver said, his voice coming out more raspy than anticipated. He cleared his throat and spoke again.

"I didn't know you went through all that, I'm sorry. "

Oliver got down from the table, walking over to Percy and pulled him into a warm embrace. That was all it took for Percy to start crying again. Percy wrapped his arms around Oliver, sobbing into his shoulders. Oliver rubbed circles on his back in attempt to comfort him.

"If you want, you can stay with me for the holidays? "

Oliver suggested, Percy looked up at him with puffy eyes, Oliver had sincerity in his brown doe eyes which never failed to make Percy fall in love even more.

"No, I can't. My parents- they'll kill me. Not figuratively. "

Percy said in between sobs, still not letting go of the brunette.

"I just want to make them proud, for once. Please Ollie, let me try. Please. "

Percy pleaded, tears staining his rosy cheeks, his freckles hidden by the redness of his face. Percy thought he looked pathetic, weak. He hated crying. He always did. It made him feel vulnerable, like the walls that kept him and his emotions away were broken, all his feelings spilling out like water from a broken dam. But oh, did Oliver make him feel like crying was right, like it was okay to cry.

"Okay, okay. But if they hurt you, I'm picking you up. "

Oliver said, smiling sincerely at Percy. The red head's heart melted at the smile, butterflies forming in his stomach.

"Okay."

Percy responded with a chuckle, making Oliver laugh a little too.

[thatscarletflycatcher]

Okay so my Molly x Roger playlist became a general playlist instead, I tried to focus more on Molly and Cynthia but I also have this handful of songs that are from Molly’s pov of Roger, plus some that are kind of, somewhat, character studies of Cynthia, and I have none so far from Roger’s pov (wait no, I have one), and nothing that can really describe the story because it’s so specific and big and all in all, it’s kind of a mess and I wanted to ask if you have any song recs that fit w&d that I could add to the playlist? 🥹

Oh, well, now, this is a tough one, because I don't think I have ever made a playlist for characters/stories other than the one for Percival and Nadine... XD

When someone asked fictionadventurer the other day for songs that fit Molly and Cynthia's relationship (was that you?) the first thing that came to mind was Sister Sledge's We Are Family XD so I guess you can tell my help might not be the best in this endeavor :D but I can try?

The whole story is definitely extremely hard to fit within a song. I once watched a fanvid of LW 1994 set to Life is Beautiful by The Afters, and now I think it fits pretty much any slice of life story of the kind, more or less loosely.

For Roger I think there's different songs for different stages, perhaps? His infatuation with Cynthia can fit something like Who Wouldn't Love You? by the Ink Spots... in a deeply unorthodox take I'd use Baba Yetu and Book of Days for his African journeys... and his final realization about Molly would fit a range from classics like Coldplay's The Scientist, to stuff like More Than a Woman by the Bee Gees, My Confession by Josh Groban (or his Hidden Away) or Rick Astley's Let It Rain (which is in fairness, to me, squarely an Edmund song).

There's a bunch of songs that fit Molly's pinning after Roger, like The Cranberries' Empty, Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx, When Can I See You by Babyface, Michael Jackson's You Are Not Alone...

Roger and Molly's is also super difficult to find in lyrics, but the nature motif is so strong I think most love songs that include that ingredient strongly are very fitting? Thinking My Love is Like a Red Red Rose (I love specially the Bill Douglas arrangement), We'll Gather Lilacs in the Spring, How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding, Perhaps Love by John Denver, Longer by Dan Fogelberg and Laughter in the Rain by Neil Sedaka.

Cynthia songs feel like a dime a dozen, but mostly because there's so many angles you can take for that one? from something more flippant like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Bitch by Meredith Brooks, to more sad and existential stuff like Coldplay's Clocks or Owner Of a Lonely Heart by Yes (though I prefer the Trevor Horn/Rick Astley version because I'm me), passing through Martika's Toy Soldiers, Chris Isaak's Wicked Game and Jennifer Paige's Crush.

To date myself even further, Avicii's Hey Brother makes me think of the sibling relationships in the novel, but specifically for Molly and Cynthia... Close (Your Shoes) by Rick Astley? XD

And there's loose threads (some memetic ones) like I Wanna Get Married by Dorothy Shay being the Hyacinth "I want" song in a W&D musical XD, Somebody That I Used to Know having big Cynthia/Preston vibes and Sting's It's Probably Me being impressively fitting to Mr. Preston's mindset and creepiness, and a last Astleyian indulgence because Blue Sky by him gives me a very Osbornean sadness.

Those are my recs. As you see, all very dated and very me, but I cannot help it XD

Maybe someone else has better ideas?

[writingpencil]

Kamryn

I was always a child that was sickly pale. My parents always told me so. I was always malnourished, and I rarely ate, despite every attempt my parents had to feed me. They were always scared I would die, I guess the fear was what caused them to die instead of me. Months, I counted myself, marking the days off on the calendar with my pencils, they wasted away in bed. They, themselves, were sickly pale. They would throw up everything I made for them to eat, which, admittedly, wasn’t much. Eight year old me only knew how to make sandwiches, and open boxes. At least I was competent enough to grab mom’s credit card and go shopping, though I was always put off by the looks people gave me. The first time was fine, they were even amused, but the more I came, the more worried they got.

I went shopping every two weeks, like mom. I got the stuff for sandwiches, snacks, my favorite juice, and dad’s favorite ice cream. Eight year old me never forgot the ice cream. Even when my parents stopped breathing, I never forgot. My thirtieth shopping trip put an end to it. The cashier kept asking me questions, I remember most of them being about school and stuff like my favorite color, and her co-worker called the police. I thought riding in the police car home was cool. The officer even helped me put away groceries. I remember offering him a sandwich, and he denied and asked me where my parents were. I told him my parents don’t like strangers in their rooms, so the officer lied to me and said he was a family friend.

The look on his face when he saw my deceased parents is something I can’t forget. All color drained from his face, his pupils dilated so much I thought they would disappear forever, his mouth hung open as realization struck him where he stood. I brought him water when he wretched his guts out, apologizing for the mess. Summer was mostly a blur after that. I remember being put between foster home after foster home until my next relatives were found. It didn’t last a summer. My parents were always private people, always hiding things somewhere. I understood. At least their funeral was nice, though it was only me and my foster family. They didn’t have to stay, I told them such, but they wanted to be supportive. It was nice.

Two years were spent in foster homes, and I moved around the state often. Once, I went out of state with a family to live in their lake house for a few weeks during summer. I learned how to fish, and to swim. The ladies were very nice, they tried to adopt me, but the system refused them. I had family somewhere anyways. They should give their love to someone without such luxury. 

It was the last day of school when I heard the news. I came home to my foster family, the Dividsons, sitting with the officer, Mr. Apricot. He found my godparents. Apparently, my parents assigned an aunt and uncle the title of godparents. I never met any of my family before, so when the officer told me they were coming to pick me up, I was nervous. I was almost ten years old, my birthday was in August, and that was a long time of not knowing somebody. I was worried they wouldn’t like me.

Sometimes I wish that was all I was worried about these days.

Least to say, I wasn’t anything like my godparents. Gwendolyn and Percival Aslett were rich, far richer than my parents ever were. My parents were upper-middle class at best, the Asletts probably had celebrities and politicians on speed dial. They were older than my parents though, early thirties was my general guess. The Asletts never really told me, and I never really asked, but Mrs. Aslett said my mom was her baby sister, and that’s all the information I needed. When Ms. Aslett told me that, I said mom never really mentioned she had a sister before.

Ms. Aslett told me Mom had five, counting Ms. Aslett herself, on top of a pair of brothers. Dad was the only child among my parents, I found out. I guess it shouldn’t have surprised me, Dad never was good in high pressure situations, or around other people. Mom was better at that than him.

I didn’t look like Mrs. and Mr. Aslett either. Mrs. Aslett was plump, with sun-kissed skin, blue eyes, and dark blonde, voluminous, curly hair that could probably work as a floaty. Mr. Aslett had dark brown skin, dark brown eyes, short black hair, and a perfect smile with a small gap between his two front teeth. They both were really beautiful, and dressed like they knew it too. Mrs. Aslett wore a short yellow dress`with a pair of wedges, which made her taller than Mr. Aslett, though I don’t think he minded. Mr. Aslett wore a suit with a pair of butterfly flaps. I originally thought the suit was black, but it was actually a very dark blue. Compared to them, I looked like a homeless person. I was my usually sickly pale, with Dad’s light brown hair, and Mom’s blue eyes. I still was skin and bones thin, but I had gotten better when the Dividsons continuously brought me snacks. I’d never been able to deny the snacks, I was a guest in their home after all. 

Despite the differences, Mrs. and Mr. Aslett welcomed me with open arms. Mrs. Aslett hugged me tightly, telling me it was going to be okay now. Mr. Aslett said, in his proud voice, that we were going to be a family. The Dividsons and Mr. Apricot were happy for me, and Mr. Apricot even escorted us to Mrs. and Mr. Aslett’s estate. I remember being too nervous to ride in their car with them, so I rode with Mr. Apricot. They didn’t take it personally.

Their home was massive to me, a pearly white and gold mansion like something out of a movie. A prestigious garden, that they prided themselves on, a massive fence to protect them alongside bodyguards, a long list of staff members, ranging from maids and butlers, to lawyers and accountants. I remember being terrified to go inside at first. I was actually terrified of the two bodyguards that stood outside the door. I was a mouse compared to them, I’m only glad I realized they would protect me, not hurt me.

I felt dizzy in their home. Everything was big, loud, and proud. Luxurious, prestigious, expensive. I actually hid behind Mr. Apricot, clutching onto his uniform trying to keep myself upright. It was something I had to do the entire tour. The foyer, the hallways, the living room, the ballroom, the music room - where I fell in love with their piano - and the kitchen. Mr. Aslett asked for a glass of water for me, I think he knew I was overwhelmed, and one of the chefs gave the water to me. Called me the most polite little child she ever knew. Yanaye King was her name. I told her: “I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.”

There was always someone more polite. Everyone laughed, and Miss. King said I was a charmer. I thanked her for the compliment, and we moved on to the dining room. There were many chairs along the table, forty-two, twenty on each side and one on each end. I remember asking why there were so many chairs, and Mrs. Aslett said that our family always gathered for dinner here on weekdays. When I asked why, she said it was because everybody was close. Weekends, however, were for individual families.

We went to the second floor, where bedrooms and offices were. Mrs. Aslett said that her and Mr. Aslett’s bedroom was called the master bedroom, and was the third, and last, door on the left of the right hallway. Mrs. Aslett’s office was connected to the bedroom, along with their bathroom, but Mr. Aslett’s office was the second door on the right side of the right hallway. The other two doors are for a small library and a pool table, for when Mr. Aslett has friends over. The left hallway was for employees and their families. Some had terrible living situations, so the Asletts housed them instead. I guess it was nice, but I was only nine, almost ten, I didn’t really care then.

The third floor had a few more bedrooms, alongside a second living room, a home movie theatre, and a staircase to the attic no one had touched in years. There were just old boxes and dusty furniture. At that point in the tour, the Asletts decided they could show me outside tomorrow. When they asked me to pick a room, I asked for the attic. I guess it caught them off guard, cause they tried to make absolutely sure I wanted the attic. I did. It’s been my bedroom since. 

I only vaguely remember the tour of the pool, the pool house, the garden hedge statues, or even the small orchard of apple trees. I do remember the tour of the garden maze. Only because that was the first time I saw my parents since the funeral. Every corner Mr. Aslett guided me through, because he knew the maze like the back of his hand, I would see them just in the corner of my eyes. When I went to get a better look, I saw them only for a millisecond, then they were gone. At the center of the maze, they were there, as if to congratulate me, though their smiles were nowhere to be found. It frightened me. I never knew my parents without their smiles. Their blank expressions, with their eyes entirely fixated on me, were entirely foreign to me.

I like to think I was a rational child. My parents were dead, died because they were sick, their bodies were in a shared casket in the ground. I knew that. Mr. Aslett couldn’t see them, he was busy describing the fountain. So, while he was distracted, I went over to my parents. They were sitting on a bench together, holding hands, and Mom reached her free hand out to me. 

My hand went right through hers, and the touch was so cold, I swear I could’ve gotten frostbite. I wasn’t careful then. Mom blinked, finally, and pressed her hand to my cheek. I heard her whisper my name, but her mouth didn’t move. I wanted to cry, but I was barely a crier. The tears slid down my cheeks like burning hot wax, my eyes stung something malicious. 

Mr. Aslett put his hands on my shoulders, and I remember jumping. It didn’t help that my parents disappeared once again. Mr. Aslett said something about the bench, how it was hand carved by his father-in-law and my mom, how they both carved their names into it. I stared at Mom’s name, carved right into the seat like he said. 

I always scold my younger self for not realizing what was happening sooner, realize that it was just the beginning, but I’ve always been harsh on myself. Even every therapist I ever had agreed with me. I was nine. An impressionable child. However, with the knowledge I have now, if my therapists knew the extent of what I did, I doubt they would be kind with their words. 

All throughout the summer, I was slowly introduced to normality and the rest of the Asletts. Truly. I am thankful Gwendolyn and Percieval Aslett were assigned my godparents, I would lose myself in the madness of the rest of the family otherwise. How nine-year-old me handled the first dinner is a mystery, even to me. Something I would read in the novels in the library. The insanity was accompanied by my parents, who always stood behind me, but disappeared when I went to look at them. I considered that, perhaps, they were protecting me, in some manner of speaking, from the other Asletts.

Forty chairs for five sisters, two brothers, and their own families. 

Gwendolyn Aslett was the oldest of the sisters and brothers, with Ashlyn Aslett a close second. Ashlyn Aslett wasn’t married to any person, just her career and image. She was much less sun-kissed, her blonde hair was borderline brown, her blue eyes were so dark, I remember feeling intimidated. It didn’t help that she never smiled. Ashlyn Aslett wore black suits and red ties, kept her hair in a messy bun that was out of the way, and always kept her reading glasses on, even when there wasn’t anything to be read. She was also a bitter older woman, a politician who always had something to complain about. It was either too hot or too cold. It was either too loud or too quiet. The food was too salty, or the wine wasn’t red enough to her liking. She was just like that. A bitter old woman who was rejected too many times, and decided to be the one to reject everything. 

Next was Thiago Aslett. To put it simply, he was a conman. Someone small who looked at the big world, and decided to pretend to be bigger. He dressed the part too: a dark blue suit with a black tie, blonde hair gelled back, blue eyes as charming as could be, clean shaven. Pyramid schemes, bogus merchandise, even sent someone to the hospital for acid burns because of some lipstick. If there was a profit to be made, Thiago Aslett was there. I guess it pays to be good-looking. He was always on his phone too. Unlike Ashlyn Aslett, Thiago was married. To his sixth wife. Skye Schroeder was her name, an absolute snake. She was a woman too thin, too high cheekbones, too boney. She was fair-skinned, caked in makeup, with dark brown hair, and these creepy green eyes. She always wore too revealing dresses in colors that just didn’t suit her, mostly eye bleeding pinks, and she always moved like she was slithering. A snake. I guess a conman like Thiago Aslett just like marrying reptiles like Skye Schroeder. 

April and June Aslett were identical twins with separate personalities and an insane rivalry. April and June both married to handsome men, Fred Hale and Adam Grant respectively, and each had three kids. They both worked in the house restoring business, both dressed classy and feminine, their husbands stayed home, their kids were homeschooled. Despite the rivalry, they both acted casually to the other, with just a hint of bitterness in their voice. Fred Hale and Adam Grant were sweethearts. Good men with golden hearts. Both were either oblivious to their wives’s fighting, or were too tired from being fathers, teachers, and homemakers. If I did have to choose a side, I’d say Fred Hale had it worse. Heaven, Serenity, and Christian were monsters, leaving destruction in their wake no matter where they went. Aryan, Sylas, and Dawn at least knew when to settle down, that or they pitied their father. 

The last sister was Logan “Kit” Aslett, a woman on the extreme side of Thiago Aslett’s crimes. Organized crime, to be exact. Kit was a type of wine mom, in the sense that she drank a lot of wine and was a mom. She kept her hair short, her smile mischievous, and her secrets close. Kit also had a lot of boyfriends, getting them and dumping them when she pleased, but always keeping it at six - whether she does it purposely or subconsciously, I couldn’t tell you. She had a wife too, named Anikina, who took Aslett as her last name. Real friendly woman, an accountant, though she runs a couple laundromats which are definitely money laundering schemes. I learned a bit of Russian and Slavic from Anikina, enough to ask questions and understand the answers anyways. With Kit’s boyfriends, there was only one who stayed since I was nine. His name was River, and he also took the Aslett name, as did his kids. I think the kids are why Kit stays with him, or maybe she genuinely stills loves him, she was not a person easily predictable. River is a doctor, smart too. I mean, he’s kept his mouth shut about what Kit does. At least he knows that doing otherwise would get him and the kids killed. Speaking of those kids, there were six of them, with a seventh on the way. In order, from oldest to youngest, there’s Guinevere, Peregrine, Wolf, Valentine, Casimir, Scout, and the new baby is going to be named Tegan. I think it’s pretty, but maybe I’m biased.

Lastly, but certainly not least, was Cain Aslett. Arguably the most normal of the Asletts on the surface. It was my parents who guided me to the unfortunate truth that Cain Aslett was a black widow. I didn’t know much about rich people’s tastes. Eight years later I still didn’t know. However, I guess I could see how someone would fall for Cain Aslett. A man with curly, blonde hair that he tied back into a ponytail, striking blue eyes, paired with sun-kissed skin and a signature smile? He might’ve made it big in the film or modelling industry if he wasn’t a manipulative spider. I’m only thankful my parents decided to tell me when I was older. A sixteen year old, or at least me at sixteen, understood better than my nine-year-old self ever could. 

Cain Aslett also had a child, two years older than me, who went by Glass. They were non-binary, smoked candy cigarettes because they liked the colorful smoke, carried a pocket knife everywhere, and definietly took their mother’s genes. Glass’s hair was a platinum, almost white, color, their eyes were pink, their dark brown skin were dotted in freckles and body art - which, when we were older, they got permanently tattooed. I like thinking Glass was always that cool, even when we were kids, but I knew that they and I were introverts who didn’t catch onto social cues well.

The rest of the chairs were for other family members or special guests. Grandpa and Grandma Aslett did join dinner, it was my very first one after all. They spoiled me rotten, still do. Grandpa Aslett said he was already planning on getting me my very own horse to stay at his and Grandma’s ranch, with riding lessons if I was interested. Grandma Aslett was a little more reasonable, giving me an iron ring with the Aslett crest - which was a dagger covered in primroses. I remember, clearly, my dad putting his freezing hand on my shoulder and squeezing it when I put on the ring. Though his mouth didn’t move, I heard dad telling me to be careful.

The dinner itself was less memorable then the people I was related to. It was one of many dinners, and after eight years worth of them, they start bleeding together. What stuck with me, however, was how many of my parents’ requests took place at dinner. Since the first day, they asked me to do things. Who was I to deny the wishes of the deceased? I was a child, their son, it never occured to me not to listen to my parents until I was older. 

Their wishes were simplistic enough in the beginning. Say this to her, ask this of him. They just wanted me to ask questions, and I only started copying down answers when I was thirteen. By then, most questions and answers were willingly let go. I didn’t think they were important when I was younger. Then, after a couple weeks, the requests became a little strange. Catch a brown mouse from the garden, bring it inside, let it run loose in the kitchen. Dinner was cancelled that night. When Grandpa Aslett brought me to the ranch, he showed me my horse, a mare with a black mane and white coat. He explained that every family member had a horse. Even Mom and Dad. 

They asked me to name the horse Margot. Which I did. Grandpa Aslett looked disturbed, but quickly covered it up. Grandma Aslett looked like she was going to faint. I couldn’t forget that, thankfully. Truthfully, though, I felt awful. Grandma and Grandpa Aslett are genuinely kind people, perhaps not on the same level as Gwendolyn or Percival, but genuine enough. Mom and Dad aren’t as forgiving, I learnt this more times than I should’ve. 

From the mouse and Margo, Dad made a special request before my birthday: Get some chocolate chip cookie dough. His favorite ice cream. I told Mrs. Aslett that it was the kind of ice cream I wanted for my birthday. While she was more than happy to get it, I heard Cain Aslett choke on a cough in the next room. On the day of my birthday, when Kit asked me what I wanted, Mom gave me my answer.

“I want to go to Niagara Falls.”

The bitter silence from the adults in the room was deafening. They all shared glances of uneasiness, save for Gwendolyn and Percival. Mom smiled, but I didn’t feel like smiling. I don’t think I could’ve even if I wanted to. Even with how uncomfortable it made them feel, the Asletts took me to Niagara Falls. The waterfall was cool, I suppose. But all I remember is how Valentine almost toppled over the edge, rescued by River. Valentine was five at the time, yet he was horrified by heights and even water from then on. Casimir chose to laugh at the story whenever it's told. He was two, stuck by Kit and Anikina like a leech, unable to remember Valentine’s terror. 

Mom’s smile became even wider when it happened.

I followed request after request, from both Mom and Dad, when they required it from me. I cannot count how many times I woke up in the middle of the night, only to see Mom and Dad standing over me, waiting in the shadowy silence. Even during school, they gave me tasks. I was a puppet, I realized this, but most of what they asked was harmless. I considered them on the same playing field as pranks, or a kid asking harmless questions. It wasn’t until I was thirteen, when I truly started looking for answers, when I realized how dangerous it was to listen to vengeful apparitions. 

It was three in the morning, and I woke up with Dad standing over me. I remember jumping, but calming down and mumbling a good morning. Dad whispered to me to follow him. Which I did. I shuffled after Dad, asking where we were going so late, but he never answered. 

He guided me to the kitchen, empty of any chefs. The only person there was Mom, holding the largest kitchen knife I’d ever seen. She smiled, so wide and unnatural. I could see the entirety of her gums, and her mouth seemed to stretch beyond her cheeks. I looked up at Dad, and he suddenly had the same smile. Just thinking about those smiles sends shivers down my spine. 

They asked me to kill Ashlyn Aslett.

I quickly denied. They started to scold me for not listening to them. Mom raising her voice terrified me, and Dad sounded so disappointed, setting a hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to make him and Mom happy. I remember quickly being overwhelmed, screaming so loudly I lost my voice for two weeks.

Gwendolyn and Percival, as well as some of the staff, found me, alone, in the kitchen screaming, crying, with a knife just a foot away from me. Understandably, they were concerned. Gwendolyn and Percival were so apologetic to me, saying they wished they realized how I was feeling sooner. I didn’t correct them. It wasn’t entirely a lie anyways. Plus, the therapy sessions helped me. 

Since that night, Mom and Dad didn’t make themselves known. Not a sight, a hearing, not even the feeling that they were there. It was just me for the past five years. I learned to play piano, ride horses, and take care of myself better - though I still had a sickly complexion. I fell in love with art, took up painting in my spare time. High school was a bit of a bore, but I received my driver's license, dated a few classmates before ultimately staying single in my final year. I was looking forward to prom too.

I spill my secrets with you now, because there’s only a small guarantee that I will survive tonight. If tonight is the last time I’m seen, then let it be known why.

The door to my closet opened, a ghastly chill swept over my room. A pair of boney hands, with fingernails that were sharp like daggers, pushed the doors apart. From the darkness were four pairs of glowing red eyes, accompanied by unnatural wide smiles. I can say, right now, the only reason I’m alive is because they’re waiting for me to wake up. They’re hoping to get lucky and have this be one of the nights I wake up before dawn. They were lucky. All I need is to be luckier and pray they don’t notice. 

Or get impatient.

“K a m r y n…” I kept my eyes shut.

Shit.

[purplerocker-thesims]

Round 3 - Paschal (2/2)

<Part 1>

Edite decided to help, with the shop that morning but it got a little stressful for, and overwhelming for her. She wasn’t at all in a good mood, especially emotionally.

However:

What a betrayal is this? She's trying to stealing Eaforwine's sister's sheep. Woman, steal a sheep from the werewolves, angry and upset werewolves that are raising insane pups. Nobody noticed her, so I'll let it slide.

And those pups are two adoring brother and sister being wholesome sometimes. No, they just have each other, they don’t interact with other children.

She walked in like she owned the place, walked out starring at me. She knew I was up high looking everything. Like don’t break the 4 wall and be plotting.

They had a little woohoo, and she’s pregnant and however He has to go out and won’t know she’s with child.

To the church he went to pray for the safety of his family.

It quick to become women’s Club until a guard appeared. They all look angry and seem to be just complaining about day to day life and the guard is like.

“So, What would happen if there were more that one families in the Gentry class? How would it be like? Would you all jump to a different Gentry to support or keep supporting that Eadwine.” Like he’s not trying to impress Eadwine’s daughter. I saw how they were getting along at the fight pit event, they flirted.

But also, who did Algar think she was, walking in like she was welcomed? All was welcomed but:

Joyce didn’t thinks so, who was anyone to gate keep church at night. Though laws were broken, when Joyce called forth Algar.

And it started with pushing and slaps, but Joyce leaped and attacked Algar, showing her who the fuck she was truly messing.

Despite the intent, Algar did slap and hit first, multiple times before this attack from Joyce. She got what she gave.

Meanwhile his wife:

She went to the toilet headed to bed and miscarriage, while her dear husband was away to pray for his family safety.

Once morning Came.

The Children played, Ember aged up.

Happy and health little toddler, that his dad decided to spend a whole day with him to get his mind off the crumpling horrors of their situation, while Edite recover and too time to herself in bed.

Got him talking, started trying to get him to walk, but Godith wanted in on the attention of the baby. Been wanting to play it’s him and spend time with her baby brother.

where Percival:

Bee attack while bug hunting.

Later,

Each parent took a kid to spend time with, but it didn’t last, as Solomon cried his little heart out and as soon as Edite needs need tending to, Godith be lined for her brother.

And at night It was Solomon and Edite's favourite time. The time, which was, they taking the opportunity to woohoo.

Before they did, she told him about being pregnant and losing the baby; she need him to comfort and pay her some attention, to be there for her, and was committed to her wants and needs.

In the night, she was hungry, so he followed her and was by her side, eating with her. Standing near her went anywhere. He was prepared to do whatever it took to help his wife and be there. Physically, emotionally. Even when he's not emotionally great.

I love them so much. Soulmates for life.

Taxes: They made: £4,163 Rent: £500 Tax: £1,749

Just a note:

Whoever, they are depressed because wants aren't being filled, and the miscarriages. Their wants: Bite a sim, see so and so howl. bite a sim. Hard to do, when it's during the day wants.

[tina-mairin-goldstein]

For the ask game, Theseus and 1, 21, and 25. :-)

Thanks so much for the ask! Let's see...

1- Why do you like or dislike this character?

I like Theseus because he seems like a good big brother to Newt, loyal to his loved ones, and a good friend. I also love his relationship with Leta. He's fascinating to me, and he clearly has a past with beasts, too, given his interaction with the qilin in the deleted scene. I wish he got more screen time and backstory. It especially fascinates me that his school years overlapped with Albus and Aberforth. I think he's the perfect balance for Newt- You could see their dynamic begin to peek through in SOD.

2- If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing this character? What's something you don't like?

I have written Theseus before, actually. So, hmm... I like getting into the man himself. What's behind the armor he wears, for him to genuinely show his emotions. I tried to achieve that in one of my fics. He's a an Auror and a hugger, but what else is he? How does he cope with all the hardships dealt with him? I like trying to get into that, and also tying him into the background of other things, like he fought alongside Percival and Jacob's brother during the war.

As for what I don't like- Overly chipper, I-hug-everyone-within-range-every-two-seconds, and don't-miss-Leta-even-a-little Theseus. This guy has depth, it needs to be acknowledged. I also read a fic where he kept punching Percival in the crotch to joke with him and say hi and I just... No. Oh, and I also don't like him paired with Tina! Keep your hands off Newt's woman, Theseus.

25- What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

My first impression was probably Newt's general description- An Auror and a hugger, trying to wrangle his baby brother for messes he keeps making. And that he was a jerk! I also hated how Leta talked about him helping her get a job at the Ministry! Like, no sir, this is a witch, she can get her own job wherever the hell she likes, thank you. Doesn't need to join your 'Ministry family' just because you think it's right. But then I realized because her family history that maybe he HAD to help her, otherwise she couldn't get a job she wanted.

My impression now is that he is a big softy and a good friend and brother. That he bears things so others don't have to, and he keeps his own hurt bottled up because he doesn't want anyone to worry or try to take it on themselves.

That is my essay on Theseus Scamander, thank you.

[evilmadscientistwizard]

@bishop-percival

(Previous) Reverend Mike’s eye widened when he heard Professor Trismegistus’ voice, then looked at his watch. Their presence meant it was already 7 am, and he would’ve liked to have already left the Skullship by then. “Hey Tris,” Mike said with a tired voice. “No need. Excuse me.” He stepped over to his sister’s door and pounded his fist on it. “HURRY UP, WILL YOU?” 7 am was essentially the middle of the night relative to Reverend Miriam’s sleeping schedule. Yet she was awake to help her brother with his luggage and to see him off before he embarked on his month-long mission to spread the chaotic will of Glorn to the good people of the planet Avinodia. And she was just about to leave her room when she heard Professor Trismegistus call out to Mike and hesitated. She didn’t like them. For a number of reasons. But having her door pounded right in front of her pissed her off, so she flung it open and glowered at Mike as he shrunk back. “CAN NEVER WAIT ONE GLORNDAMNED SECOND, CAN YOU?” Her furrowed eye shifted to the professor. “No acolytes on this floor, Tris,” she said in a quieter, yet ever-cold tone. Then she stacked Mike’s suitcases on top of each other and hefted them up into her arms. She quickly scuttled past Mike toward the stairs, avoiding the nice, new, yet small and stuffy elevator. “Y-you’re going to drop something carrying them like that!” Mike called out after her. Miriam glared back at him and shook the stack so the smallest suitcase on top fell off and down a few steps. She fled up the rest of the stairs. “…Sorry, Tris, I’m in a bit of a rush,” he said with a sigh as he went to pick up his suitcase.

Why Reverend Mike would mess with a sleeping bear when there was a perfectly good set of hands next to him was beyond them. And all they wanted was a chance to chat with him on the way out. “Are you sure-”

Professor Trismegistus flinched and skittered out of the way the instant Reverend Mike yelled, not wanting to be in harm’s way when his sister barged out. This time their hunch was correct.

“Ah. Sorry. I just thought he’d appre-”

Their attempt at negotiating was quickly aborted when they realized that she was getting dangerously close to them. They zipped the rest of the way to the elevator and frantically pushed the button over and over as they yelled (at a lower volume than the reverends),

“Have a gooden Mike! Hopeyoufindlotsofartifacts!”

...The elevator was taking so long that Reverend Miriam was already out of sight by the time they heard the cart stop on the previous floor. When Mike addressed them they awkwardly rubbed their head. “No worries.”

After a long pause Professor Trismegistus perked up at the realization that Mike was waiting for the elevator too. There was no reason they couldn’t chat a little before they reached the top floor.

“I’ll be out of your hair soon! But, real quick: Has anything cool happened around the Glornch lately?”

[spectralgecko]

College Commonplaces

"Sir. . . you're not evil, you're just dumb." - Philosophy Prof

"I think I bit off more than I actually chewed." - classmate

"I named mine Percival, so maybe yours can be Galahad?" (Said about sourdough starter) - classmate

"How can you be scared?! I have a how-dee-doo-dee face!" - Biology Prof

"Everything on the outside is dead, by the way. You might have a rosy glow, but you're just seein' through the dead." - Bio Prof

"You're just tubes. Tubes all the way down." - Bio Prof

"If you had no bones you'd just be a beanbag." *pauses* "I muscle-bag I should say." - Bio Prof

"This is the student muscle!" *lifts model skeleton's (Galen's) hand* WiLl thAt bE oN tHe tEsT?" - Bio Prof

"Never start a land war in Asia, never invade Russia in the winter, and you don't mess with Otstapu." - History Prof

"You didn't know this, Sqarlet, but Chaos is actually a startup CEO." - classmate's dad.

"Oh look, it's [professor] in a different font!" (said of a prof's twin brother.)

[stuckinuniformdevelopment]

@albertbutyoucancallmebert

(Previous) Bert quietly trailed after Teddy, with much going through his head. Hoping with his entire being that they’d find Sam dead, that Freddy would pull through, that Mike would find that scepter, that they’d next kill Percival, that everything would be normal. Normalcy wasn’t something Bert desired often, but more than anything he wished it for Teddy. “I understand,” Bert replied. He became a bit concerned as he thought about how Commander Peepers’ own hands were forced to shoot himself at point blank and survived. Then again, he had a lot of practice surviving things like Lord Hater’s wrathful zaps. What a miraculous man, that Commander… Sherri Jr. soon came to an abrupt halt as her sense of smell picked up on a very distinct scent. She quickly whipped out her communication device and tapped away on it. “Smell blood ahead. Intersection ahead,” the electronic voice rang out. Bert tried to look back at her with a smile. “Thank you for the warning, Schätzchen.”

Teddy froze at Sherri Jr’s warning. After a long pause he breathlessly said, while checking his holographic map, “Freddy’s blood...”

They had, indeed, reached the path Freddy took and his trail of blood. Or at least three stories below it. His heart ached as he thought of the gaps his brother had to traverse while resisting hypovolemic shock. He wished he insisted on carrying him out. Even if he knew that waiting at the exit had saved valuable time.

It took a minute to work up the will to scale the shaft and face the mess waiting at the top. They would have to mop it up too. Nobody else would when the only janitor who dared to come in here was on bed rest.

Once Teddy reached the top he shook his head to ground himself. His eye was vacant as he turned around and offered his hand to Bert.

“Careful,” There was a distant quality to his voice. “It’s slippery.”

[keepmeinmind-01]

Hi! Tbh, I have a question similar to Newt's: why Grindelwald didn't kill them? In the beginning, when he was furious he most definitely tried, but he changed his mind later on? Was it after he noticed that he can have Theseus do anything he wants by threatening Newt? Or after Theseus cast the Killing Curse? While in the beginning Theseus did notice correctly that Grindelwald was disgusted with him and thought him beneath, and was using empty threats... I think that after Brazilian Ministry something shifted in their relations? Did Grindelwald notice and decided to get rid of Theseus by any means, but in the end he could not help himself? I cannot pinpoint what made Grindelwald change (or snap) in such a way? What would even happen to Scamanders if they did not got away when they did?

thank you for the ask !! I have a few answers that kind of twine together. spoilers below for chapters maybe 28 onwards in my fic and also a light content warning for vague implied violence, maybe

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So I feel like there are quite a few factors in this. I suppose the first reason that Grindelwald didn’t kill them outright is that I like to think that the brothers together could put up a decent fight.

After all, they managed to deflect the fire together at the rally and Theseus also managed to hold against it briefly on his own, while many of the other Aurors were burnt quite quickly, so I think they’d both be quite good at defending, even if they probably wouldn’t win. I also think Newt’s particular brand of magic would be quite hard to counter and Grindelwald hadn’t actually come up against it yet.

With Grindelwald and Theseus’s relationship, it’s also complicated. I write Grindelwald as a man who’s had a traumatic upbringing with a series of events that made him hate Muggles and consider them in need of controlling, based on something Mads said in an interview I think Grindelwald is more emotional than, say, Voldemort, and so he feels a degree of pity and paternalism towards them. However, this has also really messed up his view on love and relationships.

Grindelwald has also had this vision that Theseus will bring Albus to him so he knows he technically has to keep him alive lest he lose that chance at a reunion.

After the Brazilian Ministry, Grindelwald is ready to narrow the odds on that chance. Because he’s so pissed off LOL. After all, he reasons there are other good plans to win Albus back and this is NOT proving to be one of them. Wrong proxy altogether. Theseus has been too defiant and got in the way of too many plans, required too much “care” and attention, messed with Percival and Grindelwald’s relationship, made Grindelwald aware of Vinda’s darker side again, etc. Grindelwald knows realistically that if he makes Theseus go insane and sticks him in a basement, he’ll be less likely to fulfil that vision, but it’s more likely than if Grindelwald just killed him outright.

Hence his threat to make Theseus “disappear very slowly” instead of “bitch I’m fucking killing you.” So you’re right that there is a shift! It’s not necessarily that Grindelwald wants to kill Theseus, but in some sense he’s definitely trying to “get rid” of anything too essential.

And then in the actual fight, Grindelwald is angry, but he’s also humiliated. I think Grindelwald might actually be one of the few characters in the story who isn’t so afraid of showing vulnerability. He doesn’t necessarily care that he acted all devoted and excited to Newt-as-Albus as much as he feels he’s been outwitted, although of course there is still some sore pride there. He’s confronted with the idea that either this is the vision now, and it was a trick all along, or he has to wait and see if the vision does come true like some mere pawn beholden by fate.

And I also think it’s the emotional rollercoaster. He’s been putting so much work into that moment and the adrenaline and so on have to go somewhere, as he’s quite capricious.

There’s also no guarantee the reunion with Albus would have been entirely happy after the fact and I think Grindelwald would have been bubbling with a lot of difficult, harsh emotions. Possibly sparked by that first surge of uncertainty when Newt-as-Albus wasn’t happy enough to see him and also seemed strangely distracted by Theseus. Which has been a thorn in Grindelwald’s side ever since his first interrogation of Theseus.

So he’s seesawing back and forth between wanting to kill them both just out of sheer rage, the mockery they’ve made of his one dream, how cruelly they’ve tricked him—and knowing that if Theseus dies, that vision could still be unfulfilled. That’s why Grindelwald goes for Newt first. And it satisfies him to see Theseus get stressed as it seems like revenge. Hurting Newt is not part of the zero-sum game that Grindelwald killing Theseus would end up being, and Grindelwald at this point is probably planning on either taking both prisoner—as he enjoys collecting people—or “indulging” this burst of emotion and seeing where the situation takes him, preferably to inflicting great pain.

When Theseus fires the Killing Curse, Grindelwald might be like “okay, slight problem has been created” in the back of his mind, but he’s not particularly impressed or intimidated. If anything, Newt’s the most concerned in this situation, and he doesn’t even hold much of a grudge against Theseus about it. So all the pain on Theseus’s side means nothing, while the pain on Grindelwald’s side is his excuse of this entire situation, because it’s not truly personal (Grindelwald believes), it’s for the future and the greater good.

Grindelwald is still disgusted by Theseus. That’s a great observation and I’m glad it’s been picked up on :D That doesn’t really change. The only thing Grindelwald is tempted by is the emotions that would come from hurting Theseus in this way, the feeling of vindication and the elevation of himself as superior, somehow “more”, in comparison. When Grindelwald is basically like “I don’t want to do this, but I have to, for the greater good”, he does mean it.

He has the kind of interest one might have for an interesting specimen towards Newt, because Dumbledore seems fond of Newt. And he might have felt the same towards Theseus if Theseus wasn’t actively trying to hunt down and apprehend Grindelwald for five years. And I also think Grindelwald, while not being impressed or intimidated by Theseus, does see him as a foil in some ways. And they’ve spent a lot of time together—some of it “offscreen” in the story while in other peoples’ perspectives—and so when Theseus is trying to appeal to Grindelwald, Grindelwald is busy projecting onto Theseus.

This leads to a bit of a warped train of thought where Grindelwald essentially concludes he can’t kill Theseus outright, not yet, but he needs to protect himself and protect Albus. So he doesn’t really snap, but he reaches this twisted state of mind where Grindelwald considers doing what he does to Theseus a necessary crime against his own morality because it seems the only lesson left to “teach” (as Grindelwald himself might have been taught in youth by the Muggles) to leave lasting enough damage to end this fight. That’s partly why when Theseus says something along the lines of “don’t you think you’re better than this?”, Grindelwald says “you’re not” but “I would have been”.

Maybe Grindelwald would have taken this lesson out on Newt to cow Theseus, but I think Theseus just successfully redirected the situation and pushed a lot of buttons. I also think Grindelwald can sense Theseus is lying when he says Grindelwald killing Newt would make Theseus obey. It makes sense, given killing Leta really did anything but.

And because Grindelwald knows what he does to Theseus is morally reprehensible, he’s in this twisted state of mind where he decides is some kind of awful necessary act. Grindelwald’s attitudes towards Newt and Theseus are different enough that while Newt is still definitely in danger and subject to twisted perspectives from Grindelwald, Grindelwald wouldn’t have done the same thing. He would have come up with some other torment that didn’t stain him personally, because Grindelwald is quite selfish, I think. Selfish and self-sacrificial at the same time.

What would have happened if they hadn’t escaped? I admit I haven’t thought this through as much, but I think Grindelwald would have tried to take them prisoner. However, they’re both fairly convinced they would have been killed outright just because Grindelwald presented so furious it would have been hard to see all these other emotions and plans. And Newt, especially, has a less nuanced image of Grindelwald just because of the nature of their encounters. Like he associates Grindelwald with destruction and the Obscurical incident, while Theseus has seen more of the sly possession thanks to his encounters with Percival. So actually, afterwards, although I haven’t written it in explicitly (and now I’m thinking I should LOL rather than just having it be implied as rumours on the grapevine), Grindelwald is disgusted at himself and the logical “price” he was “made” to pay in this fight, to claim a psychological if not physical victory that still leaves his vision somewhat open to realisation.

Wow, I have WAXED on. I’m sorry if this is a bit incoherent haha, I feel like I need to add in some Grindelwald perspective chapters or scenes now that I’ve written this out! Maybe I’ll put one in after the election, actually, when it doesn’t need to be so embedded in Dumbledore’s team. (Thinking about it, that’s actually kind of necessary and I skipped it because I got too wrapped up on the Theseus & Newt stuff, so thank you for the perspective!) I hope that sort of answers your question? <3

[icharchivist]

Ad for the fa service it might either be the new director or simply competition

It's something that I've noticed for around a year or two now but ha ha game characters get more and more horny bait... Heck few days ago on Twitter there was a mess for the FUCKING COOKIES for making a sexy cookie with tiny waist long legs and heavy make up and giving a bunny suit to a minor

I fear this might only get worse with time when the whole genre starts to dip into that and it's sad af

No yeah, totally agree.

I mean it was always kind of a part of the genre and tbh Granblue was always sexualized, but trying to be more daring than what it used to do ends up. being way worse.

The new director is probably a possible cause. He's been taking over for the past 3 years they said and it really is when things started to go really downhill.

Like it's just. genuinely frustrating when it applies to any characters regardless of reasons. Like at least Hekate or Metera have reasons to be sexy. I still remember cringing at Mirin's summer uncap because it felt so out of character (and rightfully so when we saw the artbook: it's repurposed concept art from someone else, i think it was Dark!Jeanne).

I get that it's competition on the gacha market, and i get that it's probably more dire than ever considering how many gacha there are nowadays + the hit covid likely had on the economy of these games (ex: gutting the price from in-person events from the profits and/or people spending less on gacha when they have more urgent things to spend money on)

but it's genuinely losing me.

It fucking sucks for the cookie also, btw. It's gacha for you i guess but. man it wasn't always this bad. Not Granblue at least. It had bad moments but. man.

And i just read the preview to Flo's FE and i'm even more pissed. It's fully unrelated to what just happened in the event AND it's a whole "what! how did you not know that i, a girl, love fashion? but i'm too old (30, you know, a grandma) to wear what i like to wear!" and it's just. Oh this is what we're doing. This is what female characters can only have. Dalmore is at war, Florence is a powerful witch who went as far as cursing her own brother to try to protect him, but of course we need to release an episode about how she really likes fashion to justify putting her in a dress with a major decoletage.

I'm sorry but this is genuinely losing me, the sexualization was one reason i didn't want to play gbf at the time my friends recommended it to me, and eventually i caved in because Percival pretty, and eventually because i loved the plot i decided to stick around, i got used to the sexualization enough i didn't see it as a deal breaker anymore and all, esp since it usually touches draph girls which i already was ignoring bc their sexualization annoyed the fuck out of me..... and it just keeps getting worse in worse and now it goes to some of my favorite female character while stripping them of individuality.

this genuinely pisses me off like man.