#pertained to among other things...

[mermaidsirennikita]

finishing up The First Omen (good, enjoyed it) and have to pause and say that there's a real quick shot of a 50-year-old Gregory Peck's polaroid towards the end and like.... the amount of sex appeal 1 second of Gregory Peck (who has been dead for over 20 years RIP) added to this film... is an indictment on the expectations we have of actors at the moment.....

[foxedthecards]

🖤- For something they secretly wish they could do with your muse

Jonas is a bit taken aback by this ask and you can practically see the wheels turning in his head as he sorts out all these myriad of thoughts pertaining to Artair.

" I don't know him super well yet, " he admits. " Although the more time I've spent with him getting to know him...I really like it. He's got a really soothing kind of personality. Being around him makes all this slurry of emotional mess and anxieties and shit in me feel quieter. He says I'm his friend. I...like that. "

He smiles self-consciously and averts his gaze, rubbing his hands together. " I mean...I'm probably kind of predictable in the sense that I think he's pretty fuckin' hot too. So of course you can guess where that trail of thought would lead so far as secretly wishing to do stuff. Eheh. " He's a little red around the face as he says this. " But that's not gonna happen! He seems like he's got himself really put together like...he seems like he's really confident and comfortable with who he is and what he wants to do. And someone like that wouldn't be interested in a hook-up with a mess like me! Fuck I still have a hard time believing he's friends with me, even thinking he'd want to stay friends with me! So yeah. "

He places his chin in his hand and closes his eyes, thinking for a minute. " But there's lots of other things I'd secretly want to do with him too. Maybe more attainable fun things like taking him around Vegas, taking him to museums or shows or if I was ever lucky enough to score a pass to the Manse Mysterique. But I gotta get to know him better and see what he likes. "

He smiles again. It's a little sad. " And I wish I could secretly do things FOR him too. Like if he ever got hurt again I could help him better or that I could have protected him from what hurt him to begin with. He's a nice guy and he deserves better than I think I can give him sometimes."

He frowns. " Come to think of it, if we're talking secretly wanting to do shit with someone and it would settle the fight over the goddamn bed, maybe...I'd be ok if he wanted to share the same bed with me. Not-not like in a sexy way either. But that'd probably weird him out...plus I have nightmares and when I actually sleep I'm like an octopus all over the other person and it'd probably be more of a pain in the ass than anything. So...that'll stay a secret I guess. "

[unproduciblesmackdown]

asia kate dillon (voice acting and guest starring) as LOS-307 in moon girl and devil dinosaur 1x04 "check yourself"

part two of two (part one)

[fqntasies]

The First Kiss - Feyd Rautha x Reader

summary: You are visiting Giedi Prime once again. As you've grown older, the pull you feel around the na-baron is stronger, deeper, even if you've never spoken on it. Does he dream of you too? Will you be able to speak of them to him, or will such dreams remain as such forever? We he be able to resist you?

disclaimer: this is a kind of follow up fic to my last feyd x reader. However, this takes place before that time frame. Read the first one here to get a better understanding of how i'm approaching my feyd stories.

words: 1,111

This was the fifth time your family's entourage had visited Giedi Prime; your betrothed's home planet. Each stay got a little more familiar. Perhaps it was the smell of the air. The caress of the blinding black sun above; brilliant and strange; a blot in the heavens. You felt enraptured in it somehow. Like a feeling you could not shake, though in part you blamed the dreams.

You had yet to speak of them with him.

Had he dreamt too? Surely, the na-baron had. You thought often that he must, if not only for the way his eyes seemed to linger on you when you shared a space, no matter how many resided in it. You felt wholly consumed by it. There was a heaviness in his actions, weighted by their directness; when his gaze would meet yours, your pulse would quicken, breaths catch in your chest.

Sometimes, even in silence, in those spaces you shared among the others of your families, you found him lingering close. Felt the heat of him at your back. The hand at his side ever so close to caressing the edge of your hip. He was possessive. Protective.

You two had shared such few words, yet you knew this about him already. Nor could you deny the way it made you feel. A magnetism. Something at the edge that was just out of reach. For now.

"My lady." You startle at the closeness of his words, earrings brushing the curve of your neck as you whip swiftly to look up at Feyd.

You had been thinking of him; lost in your own thoughts. He seemed to read it in your gaze, dark eyes flitting between yours, shadows blanketing the angles of his face. There is a palpable silence as his gaze lowers to your lips. That heat you'd come to know with him. Your mouth waters at the ghost of his kisses in your mind. A seemingly distant future in visions of your marriage.

You vaguely catch the Baron's smug rasp to your father something about spice production, but they have trailed out of the room before you catch the full statement; leading a train of servants in their wake, and the hissing of levitation technology.

When you speak it is but a breathy sound.

"My lord na-baron."

"-Feyd." He quips. low and sudden.

You swallow thickly, a flush beneath your cheeks as you meet his eyes. His given name. You hadn't used it yet, save your own thoughts, and whispers to yourself at night in the safety of your room. It seemed a sacred thing. Something intimate. Something of your yet-to-be-husband's.

The na-baron watches you intently; his body imperceptibly closer, as though seeking to envelope you in his shadow. Predator and prey. You decide to broach the subject. The feeling between you...you must know if it is something of your own mind.

"Feyd Rautha". For some reason the use of his full name from your lips makes him smile. A bizarre sight, being so rare - and this grin looked almost amused. Like he had not been expecting the addendum, humorous. You are quick to try and follow up with your request, cheeks hot.

"I must ask something rather delicate, pertaining to our betrothal."

At that he seems to sober a bit, obviously unsure about whatever it was you were to follow with.

"Do you..." You wish you could know a thing beyond just your own feelings. The twisting of your stomach at the thought he could reject you tearing your insides.

"...Do you dream?"

For a moment, there is that heavy silence again, but then you see the slow curl of his lips, just at the edges. Oh, he seems to say. Followed by a soft and knowing hum.

"Is that what this is about?"

He is coming closer now, stalking you in a few calculated steps with that same smile. Your chest heaves with your breaths as you make way backwards, but then he has an arm about your waist, and mentally you are aware of the heat of him, and the strength. You feel like you've lost some game, or been suddenly caught cheating.

That's when you taste him. His mouth has tilted upon yours, slotted against you like you were meant to be there and you moan softly. Surprised that this moment has come at all - yet wanton for it too. How many nights had you dreamed of him holding you like this? Wondering what it might be like for him to lean in and kiss you?

Feyd swallows your sigh greedily. Readily. The arm he has around you pulls you into him further, and you are pleasantly surprised by how soft his lips are, and how good he tastes. His tongue swipes across your bottom lip.

You angle your head opening for him further, learning as you go. He was so quietly calculated, and yet he kissed you like a man starved, uncaring of who saw or who tried to stop him. Not that any being could. You would bet everything that the na-baron would slice any fool willing to try, to shreds. You'd seen his bloodlust, and his prowess in the arena. Such a feat might even excite him, with you as his prize.

He seemed eager to hold back his need for air - kissing as deeply as he could. Slow. Then fast. As though his control would slip and he has to taste more of you. More. More. His tongue sought yours in a dance, followed by teeth tugging at your lips. You mewled softly at that, eyes so heavy. You felt almost drugged, and after a moment too long, you both parted, breaths breaking the silence.

His hands are at your hips now, holding you steady, but your faces were still just a fraction apart. You felt proud of the way Feyd's eyes looked heavy lidded, or how his lips were tinged pink. It drew your eyes in a way that had him groaning.

"Careful, princess..." The nickname has your cheeks heating again, even after being kissed senseless, and he chuckles low in his chest. The smells of spice and some kind of foreign cologne fill your senses as he nears again, this time bringing his mouth towards your ear. You close your eyes, barely able to keep them open as you angle your head slightly to the side.

"-Or I might have to make more of my dreams a reality."

The admittance, and the low tone of his voice so close has you turning your face and opening for him once more, your breaths colliding as he is quick to seek your tongue with his own.

[lure-of-writing]

Never been good enough

Authors note: I haven't written in forever so please forgive me if this isn't the best but I would love to hear what you think!

Summary: You would never be good enough for Ariel

Word Count: 2.3k Warnings: Arguing, curse words, mentions of death, Elain slander, Tamlin makes an appearance

Part two: Left in regret

Part three: Why can't We?

There was always something so enticing about Azriel that you could never put your finger on. To simply put it he was fascinating. Being a part of the inner circle for as long as you have meant that you put your feelings for him aside, did what you thought was best for the group. Not only that but Azriel never gave you any signs that he was interested in you and there was no way you would let him know about your feelings. What if you guys dated and it didn't work out? Or worse, what if you told him and he didn’t feel the same way? These types of thoughts made a home in your head and they made it a point to consistently remind you that Azriel would only ever be a friend. But hey, better a friend then nothing at all, Right?

That was until Rhysand met Feyre and in turn met Nesta and Elain. This is where your downfall began. You were truly happy for your high lord and new high lady but could have done without her sisters. Nesta was always ready to pick a fight and tear you down with her words as if she were some wild animal backed into a corner that would bite if you tried to pet it. The comparison wasn’t far off, she basically was a wild animal. Elain on the other hand was, well, contemptible at best. From what you knew Elain was basically loved by all in the inner circle but you. There was just something about her that irked you to your core. In a world that praised the strong and belittled the weak, her innocence bothered you. Why did Feyre have to do everything for her sisters, especially the middle one? As an older sister yourself you would have made any sacrifice necessary to protect your little sister. In fact you did. Maybe that's why you resented the middle sister. 

Before the new additions were made to your family life was perfect, before under the mountain of course, the group was a perfectly balanced number and each person had their person. Rys with Armen, Mor and Cassian, you and Azriel. The group would spend long days giving each other a run for their money with stupid bets and at night you would have an even longer night getting drunk at ritas, but ever since Ryhsand met Feyre things changed almost instantly. It was like the people you once knew completely changed over night. You still knew who they were to their core but you didn’t recognize who they had become. 

Cassian bowed to an unwavering, impolite, ungrateful human turned fae also known as Nesta, he was willing to die for someone who would never give the time of day to even acknowledge that he existed. Amren found company in her ruthlessness, found friendship and understanding in her unbothered face. 

Mor found sisterhood among the complexities of healing with Feyre, through the grief and joy and thousands of other emotions one feels when finding themselves after trauma.

Ryhsand found his mate, the one he never thought he would meet. The one he was willing to die for as long as that meant she was safe.  

Azriel saw the need to protect someone as delicate as Elain. So he did. 

And you, you found a changed group of people before your very own eyes. 

“Azriel can I please hold the fancy special dagger?” the Shadowsinger simply stares at you from the other side of the ring. Today had been training day for everyone excluding Amren, if you asked her she would say it didn’t pertain to her, and while the boys took turns sparring you were teaching Mor a new fighting technique you learned recently. “No” the short answer was no surprise to you at all. “Why not? I even said please and I never say please” the inner circle could not wait to witness this scene unfold for this wasn’t an uncommon occurrence but considering that you were Azriels favorite amongst the group even if he refused to say it, they thought that maybe one day you would wear him down enough to the point where he lets you hold the truth teller. “y/n I have never let anyone hold that dagger and you will not be the first. You are more than capable of handling yourself without my blade.” “Exactly I am more than capable of handling a dagger Azriel. One day I will get the truth teller in my hands just you wait.” he simply raised his shoulders in a shrugging manner as if to say “yeah I’m not concerned”

To say you were surprised that Azriel gave Elain the truth teller would be an understatement but honestly you should of seen it coming. Not even a few days before he was rushing into the hybern camp to save Elain without any second thought. There was never a time in the five hundred years where Azriel threw himself into a situation like that where he didn’t at least take some time to plan everything out. As a spy yourself you knew that at least having a fraction of a plan could save your life but it appeared Arizel was willing to die to save her. Feyre's sister be damned. So to watch from afar as he handed over his dagger to inexperienced hands was truly a gut wrenching experience. How could your closest friend of literally hundreds of years spend his potentially last moments with someone who was basically a stranger instead of a true friend? It was a revealing moment, it either showed how kind he was to try and help a defenseless person have a means to defend themselves if the time came where it was needed or he truly had changed and no longer cared for you. You would have your answer sooner than you had hoped. 

For as long as you have existed you were trained as a spy for the cover up of an  assassin. It made you as deadly as anyone else in the inner circle, maybe even deadlier since no one ever saw their death by your hands coming. So when the time came to go to war you were ready. The Battle was bloody and ugly and cruel. It was long and it felt never ending for every body you cut down it seemed there was ten more to replace it. When you watched as Cassin dove from the sky just as the cauldron unleashed its power amongst the world, the fight seemed hopeless. How were you supposed to win when hybern had that kind of power to be used whenever the king wished? But as a warrior in your own right you just wished that when you died upon this battle field that it wasn’t for nothing. That everyone in your family made it home by the end of this war, you may not recognize your family anymore but they meant the world to you and you just wanted them to be safe no matter the cost. 

Seeing help arrive re-established your hope that Hybern wouldn’t win and it pushed you to fight that much harder but the renewed sense of vigor made you lose focus and that was your downfall. A hybern soldier came charging at you with the anger of a thousand suns and sliced your stomach in one quick motion and before you knew it you were one the ground bleeding out. 

The inner circle was checking on Cassian when an unexpected figure came walking in with your limp body in their arms. “Oh gods, y/n!’’ Mor was the first to stand up and gawk at you in Tamlins arms before the healers directed him to a place where they could properly work on you. Nothing was said as the healers started working, as the inner circles' minds were racing and as Tamlin was leaving. “Thank you” Tamlin didn’t even stop to acknowledge Rhysands form of gratitude. Azriel was the first to speak “How did we forget about her?” no one had an answer.  

Once back in Velaris with your healing underway you could tell that something was off within the group besides the obvious effects of a battle like that and a gut feeling told what it was. You could feel this sense of guilt every time you stepped foot into a room and you knew it was that they forgot about you, they never said that they did but while you were unconscious you could hear everything, and what you heard broke your heart. You were becoming an outsider in your own family. 

You watched day by day as Amren bickered with Nesta, Ryhsand flirt with Feyre and cassian with Nesta, watched as Elain and Azriel danced the line of lovers and watched as you were slowly distanced from the group but it all came to a head after a heated argument with Elain. You were sick and tired of her acting like she was helpless when she wasn’t. She was cauldron made and she needed to start acting like it or else it would get someone killed or even herself. It happened on a training day. 

The sun was beating down on your tired body and the whisper of a breeze was doing little to help and listening to Elain ask Azriel for help was driving you up a wall. “Azriel can you help me? I don’t think I'm doing this right?”  all she was doing was stretching and she needed help with it? “For fucks sake Elain do you want him to spoon feed you and wipe your ass for you while hes at it?” Everyone stopped at your outburst and stared at you. Nesta looked like she was ready to rip off your face but Azriel beat her to it “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” you watched as she shifted her body to be behind his as if she knew he would fight her battles for her. “What it means Azriel” you stalked into his space until you were face to face and watched over his shoulder and Elain moved to seek comfort between her sister and the high lord and you couldn’t help but scoff at her theatrics 

 “Is that all this group ever seems to do is baby her! She is not a child, she can handle herself. She doesn’t need you to teach her how to touch her toes Azriel but heaven forbid poor sweet Elain has to do something on her own for once. I mean my gods what aren’t you willing to do for her Azriel? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t you give her the truth teller?” Azriel was quick to interrupt “Is that what this is seriously about?” if looks could kill he would be dead because your glare is cutting him up into pieces “I wasn’t done. You gave her your dagger, you went into a hybern camp to save her, you answer her every single beck and call as if she's not fully capable of doing things for herself. You all enable this, every single one of you!” you point to every member of the inner circle “ And I have had enough of this bullshit! Its ridiculous! Elain loves to play sweet and innocent but really she just loves having people dote on her and not having to do anything herself.”  Everyone knew you were seething for they could see the redness creeping up your neck and into your face. And apparently you pissed off Elain

 “So what if Azriel did those things for me it has nothing to do with you so mind your own business.” you knew she wasn’t as nice as she seemed. “This has everything to do with me! I used to be his best friend, me! Not you! I watched everyone change when your family came along and it ruined mine! I have been in love with Azriel since the day I met him and yet I’ve had to watch him fall for you, who he hasn’t even known for two seconds! I heard him say that they forgot about me on the battlefield after hybern! So yes this is about me, I am an outsider in my own family!” The silence was deafening after watching you fight to speak through your tears and cracking voice. No one dared to move for fear of upsetting you even more or maybe it was the weight of your words keeping them in place. Azriel went to place a hand on top of your shoulder but you were quick to step out of his reach. “Y/n I had no idea you felt that way” again you couldn’t help but scoff “Of course not because you were too busy with sweet Elain to notice anything else.” he shook his head as if in a silent no “I am so sorry that we forgot about you there is no excuse it should of never happened. I-we never knew you felt this way, felt like you were being pushed away. But y/n why didn’t you ever tell me that you had feelings for me?” something broke in Azriels heart watching you cry, watched as your face scrunched in pain while you fought back sobs from taking over your body. Something pulled him to comfort you but he knew better than that. He couldn’t, not with Elain here.

“I have been telling you for five hundred years Azriel how much more do you want me to do? I may have never flat out said it but why do you think I stayed up waiting for you to come home after missions, or why I defended you against the teasing, or why I showed you my love in a thousand different ways but you never noticed even though you are the head spy master of the night court.” a sob racked your body forcing you to stop and Azriel wanted nothing more than to hold you until the tears stopped flowing and you felt whole again something in his soul was pulling him towards you but your next words stopped him in his tracks. “I never told you because to you it seems that I have never just been good enough. I have never been enough for you.”

[genericpuff]

Hey Puff,

I'm someone who has always struggled with how to do research "correctly," but have lurked around the community enough to know RS had a real tendency for… not doing enough. Do you have any recommendations, not necessarily specific to Greek mythos, on how to just do research? Is Wikipedia even a good jumping off point?

Thanks!

Biggest thing, at least for me, is being thorough! The reason a lot of folks tend to side-eye Wikipedia as a "source" isn't just because it's relatively easy for anyone to edit, but also because Wikipedia itself is a library of sources and not the source itself.

Wikipedia can be a perfectly acceptable jump off point, as long as you're actually jumping to the places it can lead to - and you can do that through References.

Let's use the Wikipedia entry for Persephone as an example.

Sourcing "improperly" through Wikipedia would be to simply source directly from one of the sentences listed here and calling it a day. No further digging on where the excerpt comes from, no cross-referencing with other material, just reading the part on Wikipedia that says she was a vegetation goddess, slapping it into an essay or adaption or whatever, and then not confirming it further or picking apart the why of her status as a vegetation goddess through extended research.

Sooo what do we do to find that info? Let's search the word 'vegetation' and see if anything else comes up.

There we go, that has a bit more detail. And from here, we can click the little '19' at the end of the paragraph, which will take us to the References section at the bottom of the page.

Aaaand boom! Now you've got an actual source that you can dig into further, if you so choose. There isn't a whole lot that I can access of this sourced book online, but I was able to find an excerpt where the author sourced Cicero, a Roman poet and philosopher (among other things) who lived during the rise of the Roman empire:

That said, sometimes these sources aren't quite so easy to track down. That's where cross-referencing can help - but that means leaving Wikipedia!

Where this concerns a Greek goddess, let's see what we can find on Theoi, another great resource specifically pertaining to Greek / Roman / etc. deities, stories, and customs.

Though it's not quite as clickable as Wikipedia, Theoi also does a good job at outlining sources in their descriptions. Though Bennett isn't mentioned here, Hesiod and Cicero are, and wouldn't you know it, they're sourced on Theoi as well.

So there you have it! Even though Bennett is from the early 2000's, he did his own work to outline and source poets and academics whose work he was now documenting himself. This means the odds of Bennett simply making shit up are low because he sourced from the preserved works of the era he's speaking on and those works are referenced again through other resource libraries such as Theoi.

What ALL that helps with at the very least - aside from the opinions one could have about the sources themselves (Ovid 😒) - is to legitimize the research. We know without a shadow of a doubt that Persephone was attributed to vegetation and the harvest because there are so many sources across different cultures and backgrounds and generations stating it as such. It thus makes the conclusions a lot more credible, even when they're coming from a more modern source, because that source was built on their own research and sources from the Greek/Roman/etc. documents that have been preserved (and there's still new stuff being found!!!)

Obviously there are always arguments to be made about the material itself, especially when it comes to the debates over translations and cultural contexts, but actually following up on initial searches with referencing and cross-referencing is a lot more reliable and credible than simply taking something from Wikipedia and saying "I read it on the Internet."

As much as the effectiveness of Google and Wikipedia as legitimate research sources is frowned upon, they are incredibly effective, you just need to know where to look and how to find it, and most importantly - how to verify it.

And that's just the online stuff! Libraries are still alive and well! Many universities contribute to search engines like WorldCat which are designed specifically for research papers, published articles, and textbooks! Point is, the world around us is full of knowledge and resources, so the key is to learn how to navigate it so you can get the most out of it!

This is ultimately why it's so important to not restrict yourself to the first Google result - I know it's "easier" due to the convenience of it all, but you're also robbing yourself of the opportunity to really expand your knowledge beyond the summary of a targeted first result, and it runs the risk of sourcing from illegitimate sources or sources that are controlled by Google's own self-interests (protip: have a very specific problem but Googling it just gets you a bunch of automated sponsor posts and completely useless results? add 'reddit' to the end of your search, you'll get human answers from real human beings and there's always at least ONE other person who's had the same problem and posted about it to reddit LMAO seriously this one's saved my skin so many times)

And when you learn to do research the way that works for your brain? It's really, really fun. A lot more fun than public school led many of us to believe. If you learn best from talking and engaging with people, then go talk to people! Participate in groups and forums that are dedicated to the topic you're researching! If you learn best from listening to audio material, then try out audiobooks, they can often be found online through various means (🏴‍☠️) BUT ebooks and audiobooks are stocked at libraries too!

But of course, that leads us to what makes for bad research, and I obviously can't use any other example in this context than Rachel herself, whose "research" is evidently often the first recommended result that pops up on Google. And yes, I can say evidently because we've proven this when she tried to source the term 'xenia' into LO as a definition. Not only was it copy pasted to the point of still containing typos, but it was sourced plainly from a Princeton study guide that is now severely outdated - not the work that that study guide was sourcing from in and of itself.

(notice how she just sourced it as "princeton.edu" and not the specific URL that it came from)

If she really wanted to sound well-researched with the cheeky insert of the definition of xenia linking to a smart-sounding location (we're gonna ignore that it ruins the flow of the comic) then she could have sourced it from literally any of these:

But instead she did the equivalent of an 8th grader copy pasting a sentence from Wikipedia and calling it "research". It's not research. It's a lazy shortcut and it doesn't facilitate any real learning.

This can be seen in other instances as well, such as Metis' design:

As well as Leto, who I kinda think Rachel mixed up with the Full Metal Alchemist character of the same name when googling her because I can think of no other explanation as to why she's a sun goddess in LO when she has zero affiliation with the sun in the myths aside from being Apollo's mother-

(I can't prove that this is what happened but it's hilarious to think about; I'm also low key suspicious that Rachel accidentally mixed in some sources of the Métis people because Metis' design is very... Indigenous-coded 🤨)

^^^ This. This is all bad research. It's not a bad thing if Rachel's interest in Greek myth started through works like Hercules or other creative adaptions, that's actually how it starts for many of us. Where she failed was by trying to sell herself as a "folklorist" and her work as a "retelling", without actually following through in her research. She would often only do just enough to make herself seem well educated on the subject to anyone whose knowledge was as basic - or less - than hers, but not enough that it could actually hold up in a real discussion about Greek myth with other people who are more read up on it than her. Rachel's self-proclaimed "folklorist" title is only validated by the lowest common denominator of readers, who 99% of Lore Olympus ended up being made for in the end, while those who actually understood the myths deeper than their Wikipedia summaries pulled their hair out in frustration every time Rachel tried to make some sly reference to a myth or attempted to speak about it in interviews.

Comparisons aside, the best part is that this research process doesn't have to be exclusive to studying historical stuff! Writing a story that features a disabled character, but you yourself are not disabled and are worried you're going to misrepresent? Search up articles and posts that pertain to the specific disability you're trying to write; I guarantee you that there are people living with that disability offering up that information completely for free because they want to see more representation for themselves in media. Trying to learn how to draw characters of different body types / skin colors / etc. from your own? Seek out the works and advice of those who do have those physical differences and learn from them.

It's about being thorough. It's about opening yourself up to things you may have been blind to before. It's about embracing the learning experience as a positive sign of growth, not a negative sign of failure. It's about taking the opportunity to learn every time it presents itself, even if those opportunities are small and passive. A person who doesn't know is just a person who hasn't learned yet (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و

[edgeray]

*presses my face against your tank* HELLO RAY !!! :D I AM FINALLY HERE !! MY BRAINCELLS HAVE COLLIDED AND PRODUCED A THOUGHT !!

or, er, sort of? more like a vague vibe, but i digress. basically, consider: pining arle. how does she realize her feelings for you? how does she cope? how does her behaviour around you change? does it? what is she thinking the whole time? when would she consider making a move? essentially i would like to see you psychologically pick apart this woman. go as in depth into her brain or inner monologue as you want !!! the set dressing can be canon or an au, i’ll eat it up regardless :)) and as a professional angst writer i know you can write some absolutely monstrous (/pos) yearning and i’m frothing at the mouth thinking about it 🤤🤤🤤 lookin forward to your thoughts but also take your time with it !!! godspeed 🫡🫡🫡

An Unfit Role 

(Arlecchino x GN! Reader)

A/N - Oh sev… you spoil me too much. You truly do. Somehow this turned into very ‘Arlecchino is a person'-esque and I don't know how but oh well. I don't know if this answered your questions very well, but hopefully this is what you mean by psychologically picking apart her! Was this enough pining? Content warnings / info - uhh none I think. just a lil bit of angst, 1.4k words

Arlecchino is many things. The Fourth Fatui Harbinger, a Snezynayan diplomat, the head of the House of the Hearth, and simply ‘'Father.’ She takes on many roles, and enforces them with an iron fist, every facade meticulously practiced and rationalized. Perfected as if she were an actor on a stage, every action and step is calculated beforehand. And if external factors or unpredictable variables crop up in the midst of her play? Well, a good actor knows how to improvise. Arlecchino is well aware of her roles, has memorized the lines and drilled through every movement. The Knave has many feats from each character she plays. A flawless performer, in those aspects.

A lover is not a character she can play. Someone who loves. It is a role that she cannot hope to touch, one she cannot imagine assigning herself too. She is far too inexperienced in what it pertains to. Her perception would grossly mischaracterize it, painting a rather crude display of what she knows of but doesn't know. After all, how could one act without an adequate example? No actor would want to showcase a poor impression of an original source material, an actor presents only their most remarkable qualities. A good actor knows what they cannot act, and it is this where her talents reach their limit. It is what her role as a ‘Father’ stems from; this inability to express something far too fragile and flimsy for her to hold. 

Of the few showcases of others playing the role, Arlecchino is knowledgeable enough that they are simply inept showcases. The Tsaritsa, who has shown the capability to act, and yet chooses to conceal her abilities from her audience. Crucabena, an unqualified actor, whose words dripped with far too much venom for the soft-spoken voice that she used. Perhaps Clervie was the only accurate and genuine actor able to play the part, but one cannot appreciate the traits of an unfinished story. And the naive Peruere, who could hardly imitate her counterpart, was maimed by Arlecchino’s own hands. It is here that she learns that the role of a lover earns no applause, because it adds little to the plot, and so it lacks a function in her story.  

Despite this, she finds herself in this scene, where she plays a character unlike her usual, an entirely new character involuntarily thrusted into her by the cruel machinations of her mind. 

It is a subtle thing. First, she was just the Knave to you. But somehow, among your presence, her facade slips, and she dons another character. 

She becomes a character who knows of nothing but the way her sight is captured by a singular person, a character whose dead heart begins to beat, daring to flutter back to life after it was painfully wrenched out of her chest by her favorite story's ending. She becomes acutely aware of this role when her eyes linger on you a moment longer than need be, when she indulges your empty but no less engaging conversations, when she familarizes herself with the particular fauna scent you carry. When she closes her eyes, your smile flashes through her mind, she knows she's fallen. 

An actor knows when to quit, when they misfit the character they're performing. And yet her mind remains stubborn. Acting a role one does not fit will only damage the actor's reputation, and she intends on abandoning it. But it is difficult for her to dismiss how much she yearns for a warmth that the blood flames in her veins cannot bring. It is difficult to deny that she is not momentarily blinded and stunned by your beaming expression, even when you are not looking at her. It is increasingly more difficult to control the pulsing underneath her skin. This is a character she cannot control, instead, it often feels that the character controls her. 

It is an unseemly, disgusting appearance for her. If it were physically possible, she would plunge her very own cursed, clawed hands into her chest, to grasp onto this fickle, volatile organ and crush it just to exhaust the remaining embers of a futile hope. If only it were as simple as that. Love is far too much of a complicated role for her, and yet it is somehow inescapable. Some sort of torment placed onto her by the archons. 

She can long, she can reach, she can prance around you, but never can she touch. For love imprints its scorch marks deeper than any weapon or assault. One of the lessons her story has concluded to. 

So, instead, she reduces its role to a minor character. She lets her stares remain, but she observes you from a distance. She does not dawdle a second longer besides you if she needn't be. She dresses the role of a lover as an observer. Everything she touches with these wretched, blackened hands soon turns into nothing but embers and ashes, and so the only way that you will remain is away from her.

On her desk, sits a vase with a single flower. It is your favorite flower, the flower that you smell of. It does not move from its place, nothing is done to it besides being watered. Its stem is so brittle, and the petals are far too easy to wither away.

(It is a reminder, every time she sits at her desk. Oh, how'd she like to stroke the patels with as much tenderness as she could muster. How'd she like to cradle it in her hands, this source of life, despite being so delicate, is so beautiful. How'd she like to be able to wake up everyday, and view upon this blossoming flower. But she is not a gardener. She knows nothing of how to make a flower bloom.) 

Humans are the only viable actors for the role of a lover. A curse is not. 

(In her dreams, sometimes you are in place of Clervie. Yet, like Clervie, the only moment she is able to cradle you is when her sword impales you. She will not let another flower wilt, she will not burn another flower.)

It is why you baffle her. Why do you gaze upon her with that expression, as if her claws are not one one more inch from piercing your skin and ripping into your flesh? How do you take her hands in yours, somehow slotting them as if they were always meant to, when they’re soiled with vulgar blood? Her cutting words and sharp tongue, how do they not dissuade you? How do you see her blackened skin, and not be driven away by such a mark of impurity and depravity? 

How could you not tell that she is improper for the role that you seek?

She wonders if a flower is a poor description of you. She wonders if you are instead a Sundew ensnaring a spider, unwilling to let it escape. No, perhaps that is not fitting for you, because you are unaware how effortlessly she can char you–unaware of the imminent danger that comes with keeping such a venomous creature.

Arlecchino is many things. She is a coward, if only for you. She cannot abandon her role, but she cannot perform better, floating in the state of inadequacy that she so despises. Playing a lover makes her foolish, and it is a compromising role. 

She is foolish, but she is despicable. She is selfish. And though she is perfect actor, even performers must fail to succeed. One day, her mental will and patience crumbles. She requests you into her office, your doe-eyed expression widens when she gives you the flower that sits lone in a glass vase on her desk. She tells you that you plague her thoughts, every feeling and emotion is muddied when they concern you, a culmination of things not within her grasp, not within her control. 

It is your performance that finally teaches her what she lacked before: playing the role of a lover requires another. It is a role dependent on another character, otherwise it cannot succeed. It matters not how experienced one is with the other, as long as the characters are committed to it.

There is another lesson that she learned from you.

“I cannot act as a lover.”

“Why must you act to love me?”

Love is a fickle, unpredictable thing. There is no words to be practiced, no actions to be scripted. 

Arlecchino is many things. A lover may be one of them. 

[mayaree-darling]

A Never Ending Journey (Prologue) // Honkai Star Rail Isekai AU

from Mayaree: a star rail isekai au i've been thinking about for a while now. might not make the fic yet because i'm busy with other things, but have the idea for now. consider it a prologue.

There is a secret lost in the Astral Express Archives: Akivili is merely a regular human. Akivili is not a name pertaining to a single being. It is a title passed down from one human - one being - to another, hidden under the guise that Akivili is merely an Aeon that has a penchant for shape shifting into a mortal form. It is a well-guarded secret among Trailblazers of past days.

Perhaps there really was an Akivili at one point, at the very beginning of it all. A journey is meant to start somewhere, right? But even at the very beginning, it was a mere human who built the train. Not all beginnings are loud, thunderous, and special - sometimes a journey begins from a small dream to see the great heavens and beyond. That one small dream from one small human passes the dream to another.

A guiding light for the other Nameless to believe in, to follow in their footsteps.

When outsiders ask why Akivili changes forms so frequently, the answer is simple - a journey does not end with one person, it does not end until the dream dies, and Akivili's constant change is a symbol of that. Or so they say. The trailblaze continues as long as someone carries the dream.

But at some point in history, in a forgotten Amber Era, the Akivili name is not handed over. There is no longer anyone to accept the title. The last Trailblazer - the last Acting Akivili, in a way - takes the name with them in their departure. Lost to the cosmos.

As Himeko restores the Astral Express and takes on the Path of the Trailblaze, the passing of the Akivili name is a forgotten art. Or maybe an unneeded one. As the Astral Express takes on more passengers, the Nameless know where they need to go - they have chart their own course.

However, the Name of Akivili is also a calling. A need for guidance in traversing the vast stars and tied fates. And at the addition of a Nameless carrying a stellaron in their core joins the trailblazing journey, Akivili is summoned once more.

This new Akivili carries the face of the original, of the very first. The face of the Player. After all, a game only truly begins when the Player starts their journey in this new world. And in that way, did you not build the Express with your own hands?

Once more, Akivili is a passenger of the Astral Express, meant to lead the Nameless.

Welcome home, Akivili.

Oh, how the Trailblaze has waited for you.

from Mayaree: I'll be calling this AkiviliPlayer!Reader AU for easier hashtag

✨ Masterlist ✨

Disclaimer: Characters are not mine and belong to their respective creators. Their portrayal is merely my own interpretation of them and may not be accurate to their intended characterization. I stake no claim to the original works, only to the ideas and plot of the fictitious stories I’ve written them int

[serpentface]

maybe the most difficult worldbuilding question of all, what are some popular jokes in your setting? what about ones based on the vocabulary you have established so far, but which just don't translate to english?

I only have one thing established that is purely a Joke that isn't translatable to english-

A lot of Wardi dick jokes revolve partially around this animal, the long-suffering hippegalga

The name 'hippegalga' means 'little horn'.

Hippe/hippi is a somewhat antiquated word for 'small/little', in contemporary dialect it's still recognizable as having connotations of 'small' but isn't commonly used in actual vocabulary (you'll find it more often in names). Galga was originally one of several words for 'horn', in this case broadly pertaining to the horns of antelope ('meti' is the most generalized word for animal horns, while specific animal groups (antelope, khait and cattle) have their own horn words.

Hippegalga horns are considered to be notably phallic among all animal horns (big male hippegalga tend to have horns approximately the size of an average human penis) and are ascribed beneficial qualities for male development and fertility (taken powdered as medicine and/or worn) while also serving the non-sexual functions of a general phallus when worn as an amulet.

The word 'galga' or its shortened 'gal' tends to be used on its own specifically for this animal's horn (ie: if you're describing a hippegalga's horn, you just say 'galga' instead of 'hippegalga galga', while if you were describing another antelope's horn you Would say '[antelopes name] galga'). Because of this, the word has greatly absorbed the animal's phallic connotations while still retaining the meaning 'horn'. As such, galga/gal has earned additional meaning as euphemistic slang for 'penis' in common dialect.

The name 'hippegalga', which once had absolutely no penis connotations, now sounds to most Wardi speakers like you're saying 'small penis'. It's like if in english there was a very common, well-known backyard bird called the 'little cock'. You'd know damn well that it's not Supposed to mean 'little penis', you'd know that the bird was probably named before 'cock' became more commonly used as penis slang than a word for 'male bird', but it sure is a funny name.

What's more, hippegalga are VERY common wild animals that adapt well to urban environments (they're basically as ubiquitous to urban areas as squirrels) and are very tameable and kept as pets. Their ubiquity and familiarity makes them very fertile ground for dick jokes and innuendo.

So you'll see 'hippegalga' used as a basic slang term for 'small penis' (ie: "I saw his hippegalga the other day"), or used in more complex ways in comedic plays/poetry/etc as a euphemism IE:

"he left to tend to his hippegalga" - innocently meaning "he left to feed his pet antelope" while strongly implying "he went off to crank his (notably small, which is funny) dick" "she was disappointed to find a herd of hippegalga waiting at her door" - innocently meaning "she was annoyed that a herd of little antelopes were blocking her doorway", and depending on the context could imply something like "she found a bunch of disappointing, impotent male suitors lurking around her doorway" or "she's having sex with several men and is disappointed to find their dicks are small"

(TANGENT: average sized penises are culturally considered ideal, with notably large penises implying an outsized libido and un-masculine lack of self control, and notably small penises implying sexual impotence and general weakness. It tends to be assumed that if a woman has an outsized libido she will be interested in men with larger penises)

Gal(ga) as euphemistic slang for penis plays into the name of gannegal soup, which is a dish that contains bull penis as one of its ingredients. 'Gannegal' is effectively a double entendre. You're not saying 'ox penis' soup (that would be 'ganne gemane'), the dead literal translation of gannegal IS 'ox horn'. But this is not the Naturalistic way you would say 'ox horn' either, because 'gal(ga)' is not used for the horns of cattle (you would say 'gannemitla' or just 'mitla'). So like to a Wardi listener the name 'gannegal' is politely saying 'ox horn' while heavily implying its contents of bull penis.

"Gal(ga)" as both a word for horn and slang term for penis has a lot of other applications in jokes/puns/euphemisms.

I don't have the words established for the full Wardi language version, but a phrase that translates to "a hawk carrying a bull by the horns" (using 'galga' instead of the naturalistic 'gannemitla') is used to describe a woman as sexually domineering, or to describe a couple being consisted of a conniving sexually controlling woman and a weak-willed libidinous man. The imagery is a small predatory bird controlling a physically superior, powerful animal, and implying via 'galga' that the control is sexual in nature. It's usage is Kind Of similar to 'henpecked husband' in implying a man as weak and overly controlled by his wife (with acutely misogynistic undertones that he's a failure in that he should clearly be the dominant party instead), just with an explicitly sexual layer.

There's also variants like "he's a bull led by his horns" as something you might say about a superficially powerful man that you're implying is mentally weak (the galga euphemism implies this mental weakness is specifically lack of sexual control, but this phrase is sometimes used in more generalized contexts).

---

This one's less of a joke per se, but "digging out the viper" "digging out the viper's tail" "digging out the tail" is a saying that describes something as a high effort and utterly futile exercise, a doomed vanity project, etc.

This refers to the Viper seaway, which is named for its fat snakelike shape. The 'tail' of the Viper dead-ends about 50 miles away from the actual ocean, which makes this sea ultimately unimportant in the larger sea trade system (you don't have to enter its waters at all to get to any major trade hubs). However, it would become EXTREMELY important to sea trade if someone managed to dig a canal between the Viper's 'tail' and the eastern sea.

This would be very difficult- a lot of the terrain is rocky and hilly (the actual canal might have to be closer to 70 miles long AT MINIMUM to work around the terrain). The people who actually live on this land (mostly Ubiyan pastoralists) are not heavily involved in the sea trade system, and most of their communities have never particularly wanted foreigners digging a huge fucking canal through their lands and building up a sea trade hub around it.

So, there have been at least two major historical attempts to dig the canal, both of which failed. One was through a strained alliance of Royal Dain kingdoms, and one was an attempt by Imperial Bur at its height (in which it controlled all the coasts on the south end of the Viper, among other places). Both failed spectacularly, due to a combination of logistical issues (the sheer scale of manpower needed, feeding this manpower, and sustaining the endeavor), internal political disagreement on the projects viability, and organized reprisals from the Ubiyan population. As it stands, the attempted canal exists as about 20 miles of shallow ditches, heavily eroded and washed out by rain.

The idea of digging out the canal now tends to be regarded as a spectacular and utterly futile act of hubris, to the point that variants of "digging out the Viper" as an expression of futility exist in Wardi, Burri, Dain, Finn, and Ubiyan languages.

The saying itself isn't quite a joke, but can very easily be Used in jokes and wordplay: IE in a play where the stock Arrogant Idiot character excitedly goes off to fight a group of bandits singlehandedly, you could see an exchange between other characters like "What did he say he was going to do?" "He said he has to go dig out a viper's tail" (which would not be regarded as uproariously funny but would probably elicit a chuckle from the audience).

This saying also lends itself to more sexual wordplay in that one partly antiquated word for tail (cunna) is now mostly used as slang for anus (though is still Recognizable as having meaning as an animals tail). (Kind of like in american english how most people Know the word 'ass' has meant 'donkey' for most of its history, but you don't often see it used as such).

The related word 'cunnari' stems from it (this is untranslatable, it dead literally means 'anus person') and is used to describe someone as passive in anal sex. This is Extremely insulting to use on a man (probably the closest approximation to 'faggot' in this language, though with different connotations) and degrading even when not.

A man (at least rhetorically) threatening to sexually penetrate another man is kind of like saying "I'll make you my bitch". So you might see variants on "digging out the viper's tail" which use the word 'cunna' for tail to mock an instance of this alpha male type declaration. IE: in the context of a play, this type of threat might be responded with a "ha, good luck digging out my tail" (your threats are laughably futile) or a more elaborate sort of "do I look like a viper to you? I can see why the likes of you is so interested in my tail" (you must be fucking stupid, you're the type to engage in hopeless endeavors of vanity). Etc.

On the other way around you might see 'cunnari' slipped into reversals of 'digging out the tail', ie: "he'll have no troubles digging out that cunnari", "If only the Viper was a cunnari, he'd have spread his tail wide open and saved Old Bur all its trouble". Etc

[solar-wing]

☀️ Omegaverse AU Structure/Headcanons ☀️

⚣☀️ A/N → Once again, I have redone my Omegaverse headcanons. Some things were added, some edited, and others taken out! Hope you enjoy them and can incorporate them into your own stories! If you do, please re-blog this post and also tag me so I can see it! Thanks! Also, if you have questions or suggestions to add, feel free to leave them in my asks!

☀️ | Masterlists | ☀️

☀️ | Asks | ☀️

ALPHAS

Body Features

Alphas typically possess large, strong, tall physiques with sharp facial features. They can have piercing gazes that convey a sense of authority and confidence. They can have thick and rugged hair generally and they can have deep, commanding voices.

Each individual Alpha has a distinctive scent that is never exactly the same as another's. But, as a whole, Alpha scents tend to be described as earthy and musky. They can have overwhelming spicy and warm undertones, though it depends on the Alpha themselves and their genetic and personality traits.

Like their physical nature, Alpha scents are strong and potent in a domineering manner. They can be long-lasting and intense, enough to leave an impression on those around them, even Betas if they're strong enough leaving them almost on edge or at attention. The strength of their scent tends to showcase or represent their dominance which can add to their possessive natures.

Their strong physical natures compared to the average individual give them an advantage in certain matters, especially those pertaining to facets of strength, speed, and or stamina. Many see it as an essential component of an Alpha's instinct to protect their mate and families.

Instinctual/Personality Traits

At their most basic and primal instincts, Alphas desire respect and recognition among their peers, families, and mates. This tends to translate into a craving for power and influence, any kind of leadership position that gives them influence and domination over others.

They value strength and mastery, always looking to improve their skills and capabilities to prove themselves as competent and worthy of respect. Also, so they are better equipped to protect and care for those around them, creating safe and stable environments for their loved ones.

They strive to protect and provide, which adds to their desire for any leadership status they can achieve that gives them the ability to make decisions and guide others.

They are also extremely territorial and possessive beings. Due to their dominant nature, they can and often create conflict or challenges with other Alphas if they feel threatened by them or if they're moving in on something they feel belongs to them.

Biological/Anatomy Features

Varies by sex and gender. Alphas males will traditionally have complete phallus genitals, while female Alphas will have a mix of both phallus and vaginal parts. This gives them the ability to impregnate Beta and Omega females and Omega males while also still being able to be impregnated, though with a significant reduction in chance.

Alphas possess knots, which form at the base of their penis during sexual intercourse and penetration that locks them into their partner once ejaculation has been achieved. It's essentially meant for mating between an Omega to increase the chance of conception/pregnancy.

Knots are not to be confused with regular orgasms, as they produce more semen from the inseminating Alpha and, again, cause them to be locked into their partner until it deflates and they're able to remove themselves without risk of injury.

Ruts are the Alpha's equivalent of a heat in their reproductive cycle. It is a physiological and hormonal phase that entails a heightened libido and desire to mate with a partner. More specifically, to knot someone, particularly an Omega.

They occur every 30-60 days (1-2 months) and last anywhere from 3 days to a week. During this time, the Alpha as mentioned becomes more sexually aroused and triggered by the presence of a desirable partner or Omega, especially an unmated one.

They can and tend to experience heightened senses and sensitivity to their environment and aggressive changes in behavior that border territorial and possessive. They also have enhancements in anatomy, with sizeable changes in their genitals and larger and more potent knots, among other things.

Lastly, an Alpha Voice is the ability of an Alpha that gives them the power to impose their will over others (typically Omegas), forcing them to do as they say even if it's against their will. In the past, it was something all Alphas have possessed, but over time and with evolution, most have lost this ability.

Only Apex Alphas possess this ability now.

Apex Alphas

A unique and rare, almost extinct form of Alphas that is stronger and more powerful than regular Alphas. They are closer to what Alphas used to be before evolution and time dwindled their genetics and instincts.

They possess everything a regular Alpha does, times ten, with additional abilities and enhancements. They are much more physically stronger and dominating than the regular Alpha, giving them almost colossal and beast-like body frames.

They are much more in tune with primal instincts, giving them a status one would consider feral when they give in to those instincts. Their scents are very strong and their knots are 10x more intense.

They possess enhanced abilities compared to the regular Alpha such as heightened senses, stronger physical attributes like strength, speed, and endurance, as well as unique abilities such as access to the Alpha Voice and the ability to deliberately control and manipulate their scents to affect those around them. They also experience more frequent and intense ruts which can be a downside.

BETAS

Body Features

Betas are the most like regular humans that don't have a second gender or dynamic.

Depending on their parents, they can exhibit some traits of an Alpha or Omega alike, depending on which parent they take after more. They have moderate or similar body types respective to their biological sex. Their builds can be in between the robust Alphas and curvy Omegas. They can also have adaptable features that are influenced by their genetics from their parents that can help them pass for one or the other.

However, their scent will always give them away. Betas have a natural scent that is not repulsive, but also not enticing to either Alphas or Omegas. It definitely leads to some insecurity issues due to them not being seen as desirable as their Alpha or Omega counterparts, but some benefits do come along with it.

They tend to neither pose a threat towards Alphas or Omegas, keeping a calm and level-headedness to them. They're also somewhat immune, or resistant at least to the effects of an Alpha or Omega's scent. Some Betas however can still be affected if the scent itself is strong enough (which typically from Alphas it tends to be), and also if they possess more Alpha or Omega genes from one of their parents despite their Beta status.

Think of it like a dominant gene versus a regressive one. The gene is still there, it's just not as strong as the other one, but still strong enough to affect them. But it heavily depends on the Beta and their parent's genes themselves.

Instinctual/Personality Traits

Betas are just like regular people. They aren't solely driven or influenced by their most primal instincts which tends to give them a lot more autonomy and freedom compared to that of Alphas and Omegas.

Their desires and goals can vary widely between each individual Beta, but commonly, you'll find many competing for one thing; attention and validation.

Since they're not typically seen as desirable by their Alpha and/or Omega counterparts, they have to work and do things 10x harder with much more grandeur to grab the attention of their peers, especially if it's someone they're interested in. You'll find that Beta males tend to typically clash with Alphas in general in pursuit of Omegas and Beta females will have it the hardest since they're overlooked by the males dynamic as well in favor of Omegas.

In essence, Betas contribute much to society, especially considering they hold the majority in society. They have varying personalities and are not limited by the dynamics and natural functions of heats and ruts like their counterparts, but they sometimes find themselves wishing they did, since it would mean they would get a lot more attention than they did before.

Biological/Antamoy Features

Beta males have phallus genitals and can impregnate Beta females or Omega females and males.

Beta females have vaginal genitals and can be impregnated by Beta males or Alpha females and males.

They don't have any special or particular reproductive cycle outside of the regular menstrual cycle for Beta females nor do they have a rare and more unique version of their dynamic.

OMEGAS

Body Features

Omegas typically possess smaller, shorter, and slender physiques. They have softer facial features, with their eyes having a gentle gaze and being more expressive. Their hair can vary in texture and style but is more refined and delicate.

Each individual Omega has a distinctive scent that is never the exact same as someone else's and is heavily influenced by their genetics and personality. In general, however, Omegas tend to have sweet and intoxicating aromas, like those of fruits or flowers. They can have subtle musky, spicy, and/or earthly undertones.

Similar to their physical nature, Omega scents are strong and potent, but more inconspicuous and gentle. They can leave a strong impression that can have a calming effect, putting those around them at ease, especially their loved ones and mates even if their Betas if the scent is strong enough, showcasing their nurturing sides.

Some may see Omegas as weak due to their lack of physical strength compared to Alphas and Betas alike, but what they lack in physical capability, they make up for in mental, emotional, and in some cases, spiritual capability. Their submissive nature, often taken advantage of, tends to put them at an advantage over others as they get to observe and learn about those around them and their environments. They excel at mental, emotional, and even spiritual challenges.

Instinctual/Personality Traits

At their core or primal instincts, Omegas do want to be respected, but, stronger than that, they desire personal fulfillment. This can manifest in finding what makes them the happiest whether that's pursuing a certain career, indulging in certain activities and hobbies, or finding a mate and having a family. It's not limited to just one thing, but is much more broad than what society tries to paint it as.

They value knowledge and wisdom just as much as they value companionship and love. It can make them slightly obsessed with personal development, seeking to challenge themselves and make sure they're never staying in one place mentally for too long. They want to be constantly learning, as that also helps them to better understand and care for those around them, adding to their natural nurturing state.

In essence, they want to be able to help and serve those around them, including themselves. They desire harmony and unity among many things, which adds to their desire to learn and develop so they can best know how to handle and diffuse situations subtly.

Omegas are more submissive but can be jealous and protective beings as well. Their caregiving nature can easily be thrown aside if they feel someone or something is threatening someone they love or trying to take them away from the Omega.

Biological/Anatomy Features

Varies by sex and gender. Female omegas will traditionally have complete vaginal parts while male Omegas will have a mix of both phallus and vaginal parts. They'll have a full functioning penis but lack a scrotum and its place will be the vagina that sits between their dick and asshole. This allows them the ability to be impregnated by Alpha and Beta males and Alpha females while also still being able to impregnate others but with a significant reduction in chance.

Lactosecretion, or 'Dripping/Leaking' in slang, is when an Omega who is extremely aroused by a particular individual or partner, they produce and discharge a milk-like fluid from their nipples that is very sweet to the taste of others, especially Alphas.

Arousalin, or 'Slick,' is another form of fluid that is produced by Omegas during sexual arousal and intercourse from their sexual organs or 'holes.' More for male Omegas than female ones though. It has a very sweet and distinctive scent to it that is very attractive to Alphas and even certain Betas. Its primary function is to make penetration for the Alpha or penetrating sexual partner to enter the Omega during intercourse with ease.

Heats are phases of physiological and emotional intensity as a result of an Omega's reproductive cycle. It entails a period of time where an Omega experiences certain bodily and autonomy changes, leading to increased libido and desire to mate with a partner. More specifically, to be knotted by an Alpha.

They take place about every 90-120 days (3-4 months) and can last anywhere between 5 days to 2 weeks. During this time, the Omega as mentioned becomes easily sexually aroused and can be triggered by the presence of a desirable partner or Alpha, especially if unmated.

They can and will experience subtle to extreme changes in bodily autonomy and regulation, including spikes in body temperature, changes in their scent to entice those around them, and increased fertility. They will also experience heightened emotions, in some cases uncontrollable lactosecretion and production of slick, as well as heightened senses with an extreme sensitivity to touch, among other things.

Zenith Omegas

The equivalent of Apex Alphas, Zenith Omegas is a unique and rare breed of an Omega that is closer in nature to their earlier and more primal predecessors before evolution. They possess everything an Omega does, and even certain things regular Omegas do not have.

In comparison to a regular Omega, Zenith Omegas tend to be described as breathtakingly beautiful, or the 'picture-perfect' Omega. They are more in tune with their body's natural cravings and instincts which also adds to their desirability. While Apexes would be considered feral, Zeniths would be considered untamed or untouched beauties or primal, wild graces.

They have much enhancement compared to the traits of a regular Omega including higher natural fertility, even more desirable scents, and a natural ability to mask or hide their scent along with an effective use of charming others with their eyes and beauty, something Omegas of the present no longer possess once again due to evolution. They also experience increased and more intense heats which can be a downside.

Societal Facts/Norms

Presenting/Mating Cycles

Presenting is seen as the official start of puberty for teens in this world. Whereas regular Betas just ease into it and find themselves one day realizing their body is starting to change and act different, Alphas and Omegas have a marker for it.

They can show signs very early on in their childhood of what their dynamic will be like. Typically around the ages of 12-13, they will present either as an Alpha, Beta, or Omega. Some have been known to present earlier and later as well, but that is the general age.

Between the ages of 16-18 is when they most expect their first rut and or heat. Some have been known not to receive theirs until later on in their 20s and some none at all for certain circumstances.

In older and more traditional cultures, the first heat/rut was the first sign and confirmation that the Alpha and/or Omega were of mature and marrying age. In modern times, this has been mostly forgotten and disregarded, with some still keeping up the practice despite the negative reactions they may receive from their peers and the world around them.

Now, the marrying age is of course whatever the legal age of whatever country the individual lives in. But, some will choose to make different choices for their life.

Suppressants/Contraceptives/Mating Tools

Suppressants are very common, especially in more modern societies. They can be issued as early as when the individual first presents and are typically prescribed doctor, pediatrician, or specialist. There are over-the-counter measures as well, but not as effective as the prescribed ones.

For Alphas, two primary ones can be prescribed and an over-the-counter one, with more in development by scientists.

There are Feromexin and Fermoine-X that can be prescribed only by a doctor which fully suppresses their ruts and their effects, while RutGuard, the over-the-counter measure is typically only good for subduing the effects for a limited time, but not suppressing them completely.

For Omegas, three suppressants can be prescribed, and two that can be bought over the counter.

Sterilinex, Estrumod, and Sterilize-X can be prescribed only by a doctor. Each fully suppresses and nullifies the effects of an Omega's heat, though Sterilize-X is known to have a higher risk of side effects, some temporary and some permanent so it's not really recommended unless absolutely necessary.

HeatShield and LuteoBlock are over-the-counter suppressants that can douse the effects of a heat but won't completely suppress it.

Also, certain contraceptives and tools have been invented to help assist with matters relating to heats and ruts like pleasure toys that can simulate the feeling of getting knotted for Omegas and rut-durable condoms that are designed to accommodate knots to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Sterilinex also acts as an active birth control for Omegas as well which is why it's the most popular and purchased suppressant among Omegas.

Courting

Mostly still used in traditional families and cultures, courting is the active process/ritual for one to demonstrate a deep interest, affection, and commitment to a certain individual in hopes of gaining their favor and love.

Traditionally, courting is a means of asking someone to marry and is done primarily by Alphas looking to enter a relationship and/or marry an Omega of their desire. Its sole purpose is to give the two the chance to form deep emotional bonds, check compatibility between the two, and overall see if they truly want to spend their lives or at least a significant portion of it with them.

It can involve gifts, romantic gestures, dates, and other shows of affection to convince the one being courted to accept their love. It's not done so much in modern times as it is in traditional ones or cultures, but it's still something popular, especially among younger folk when looking to try and date someone of interest, especially if they come from a traditional family.

In general, Omegas will be courted by both Alphas and Betas. It is very frowned upon even slightly still in modern times for an Omega to court someone else or an Alpha to be courted at all.

| Alphas Courting Omegas | | Omegas Courting Alphas | | Betas Courting/Being Courted |

Bonds/Scent Marking

Bonds are mental and emotional links that form between an Alpha or Omega and someone they share a significant relationship. Depending on the strength of their connection, mutual love, and thus, their bond, they will be able to feel the other's emotions and feelings.

That manifests as marks on the individual's scent glands located throughout their body. One on each side of the neck located right at the curve where the neck and shoulder meet, one on the back of the neck, one on each wrist, and two located on the inside of the thighs.

The biggest scent emitter is the genitals, which is why some bonds are more easily formed through sexual intercourse. The individual does have the ability to block their bonds temporarily, but there can be consequences in blocking the link between them and whoever is on the other side of the link, depending on who they are and the type of bond they share.

Scent Marking is the practice of leaving one's scent on property, territory, and especially loved ones who a bond is shared with to communicate status and boundaries to those around them. Basically, sending a message through scent that says this thing, place, person, belongs to me, back off!

Different types of scent marking/claims can be done depending on the bond the individual has with someone. And it's always done on one of the various scent glands in the human body.

Parental: The first people one typically meets and is claimed by are their parents and/or guardians. They do this by rubbing their scents on the back of the child's neck, and in some cases on their wrists as well since that's typically a platonic area. A parental bond is generally limited to 2 as you mainly have two parents, but there can be more depending on certain circumstances. Breaking a parental bond is not easy, nor is it recommended as it can have harsh consequences. Typically, the only way to break the bond is if the child or the parent feel an extreme amount of disdain and emotional turmoil from neglect, abuse, or intense feelings of hatred that weaken the connection. They are the only bonds that don't fade over time unless death takes one or the other on the bond.

Romantic: Between a mate, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, etc., they will tend to leave scent marks on the glands between the shoulder and neck on both sides. They also tend to go for glands on the wrist for extra coverage and in-between the thighs to induce a sexual bond along with the romantic one. It can become the most vital bond for a person and has the greatest risk of consequences if the bond is shattered or broken before it fades completely depending on the strength of the relationship and the connection created. It is possible to have more than one, but generally, the strongest one will subdue the others until they fade to nothing. These can fade and will need to be reinforced periodically.

Platonic: Between friends, associates, and other people that are not directly related to the individual, their mate, or their parents. These marks are exclusively made on the scent glands located on the wrists. They are the second easiest bonds to break and generally only leave one feeling sad and a bit hollow for sometimes, worst cases developing a minor sickness.

Sexual: Made between the thighs and obviously on the genitals through intercourse. They don't last long, typically only three days, so if one wants to keep a sexual bond, they have to reinforce it frequently. But, there are little to no consequences in breaking the bond as it's a very surface-level connection, allowing the connected pair to know when the other one is feeling aroused.

Scent marks can also be made through the use of clothing and various accessories. These are more obvious claims, ones that can be seen and used to deter any who wish to interfere with the bond or place their own mark on the person.

Bite marks are the rarest form of claims and are shared exclusively between mates. A claiming bite creates a bond so strong, that it doesn't fade until death, and breaking it before then can and will have dire consequences, commonly resulting in death unless extreme circumstances apply. With time and evolution, the only ones capable of performing bite marks now, are Apex Alphas and Zenith Omegas. Only one mark needs to be made to complete a bond (typically by the Alpha), but if both parties make a mark, their bonds become even stronger.

[brittle-doughie]

Not gonna lie, this has been on my head for WEEKS now after I read Tales of Sweetness (Valentines Special) over and over again even though Valentines day is already over-

And I read the part where Pomegranate Cookie and Red Velvet Cookie are argueing if Y/n will like their Valentine Chocolates or not (anddd of course, Y/n likes it in the end), and it made me very interested on the title of Y/n Cookie if they join the Dark Cookies Team;

"Lord/Lady of Darkness"

So- I was thinking...

May I request of What is Licorice Cookie, Poison Mushroom Cookie, Dark Choco Cookie, Strawberry Crepe Cookie, Pomegranate Cookie, Red Velvet Cookie and Dark Enchantress Cookie Opinions or Reactions to Lord/Lady Y/n?

And how does these dark Cookies treat Lord/Lady Y/n Cookie, as well as what these Cookies respect obsess/love Y/n cookie?

Also, I won't forget that I read the part where Lord/Lady Y/n Cookie rides a frikin' Cake Dragon- add that part of how these cookies react that Y/n cookie can tame a Cake Dragon too.

I think some of them will go 😲 or 🤯 or 😱 at Lord/Lady Y/n taming AND riding a big Cake Dragon, of course- 🤣🤣🤣

Cookie Details - Lord/Lady Harbinger Cookie (Y/N Cookie) - (CoD Ver.)

“Am I a joke to you?”

In comparison to the other members of the CoD, Lord/Lady Harbinger Cookie is considered the strongest among them, acting as Dark Enchantress Cookie’s enforcer of her will.

They’re slightly larger then the average cookie, Dark Choco Cookie being able to reach up to where their neck is located. Their main weapon of choice is a halberd as they’re decked out in tough chocolate armor while wearing a dinosaur-like skull for a helmet.

One skill Lord/Lady Harbinger Cookie pertains to is their beastmaster capabilities, not too different to Red Velvet Cookie, but cranked up ten-fold. When given enough time will have Harbinger Cookie tame even large beasts such as Cake Dragons.

Dark Enchantress Cookie has complete faith in Harbinger Cookie carrying out her orders, something that the other members caught onto. Did the both of them perhaps remembered each other before?

Relationship Charts Amongst the CoD

Pomegranate Cookie

[Admiration] “I would gladly serve under their reign..”’

Pomegranate Cookie grew to admire Harbinger Cookie to the point where she treats them similarly to Dark Enchantress Cookie, never would any disrespect head their way with Pomegranate Cookie around.

Has a rivalry with Licorice Cookie over favorites, leading to arguments over who gets to do the tasks Harbinger Cookie brings up. It leads to Pomegranate having to be around them often to prevent Licorice from swiping them from under her. You’re often annoyed at their bickering.

Has a portion of her room dedicated to you. Photos, old weapons you won’t miss, the damn body pillow she keeps tucked in her bed. Others may find it a little creepy, but Pomegranate could care less, she was just showing the extent her devotion goes.

[Admiration] “You can depend on me, I’ll never fail you!”

Licorice Cookie is all about trying to be a better cookie then Pomegranate with whatever you want him to, getting your praise and approval is his main motivator!

You get Dark Choco to handle whatever you need, you’re tired of having Licorice and Pomegranate butting heads with frequent arguments over their perceived achievements over one another.

Will have his licorice servants be at your beck and call, ready to take any orders you would like to request. May or may not summon some of them to swipe things from your room.

Red Velvet Cookie

[Trust] “My Lord/Lady has plans for the new world, I’ll be behind them until the end.”

Harbinger Cookie is a valiant fighter in the eyes of Red Velvet Cookie, training him under their wing. It’s an added bonus that you’re considerate of the cake hounds and other critters that you come across.

Nothing gets him more happy then seeing you being a loving caretaker to the cakes, playing around with them and giving them their treats. Endearing these creatures has only made him endear you more in return.

There is this lingering hint of jealousy he has when you’re too busy playing with the cake hounds with not enough time spent for him, then it would be a situation where he has to shoo them away so he could get to you!

Dark Choco Cookie

[Trust] “Me and them are not so different..”

You’re the only cookie Dark Choco could confide in with the darkness that lurks within his very soul. That trust only goes deeper that you understood him with his past…since you used to be a hero yourself, now having your fate lie within darkness.

Like Red Velvet, he respects your strength, believing that any cookie who could challenge you were simply foolish in their efforts, either ending up being crumbs or utterly defeated.

When he eventually leaves the CoD, he feels a sense of sorrow, knowing that your once pure soul has been tainted and corrupted by the darkness all around you. He wants to believe that you can still be saved and be the Cookie you once were, but as time goes by, that hope diminishes…

Poison Mushroom Cookie

[Friendly] “Have shroomies, they’ll make you feel better…!”

Harbinger Cookie can have their off days, this is where Poison Mushroom Cookie steps in. They never fail to put a smile on their face, offering shroomies to them to lighten up their attitude.

This is returned by Harbinger Cookie playing around Poison Mushroom, lifting them up and allowing them on their shoulder. It strikes the heartstrings of Pomegranate and Licorice Cookie watching Harbinger be a parent to Poison Mushroom!

Strawberry Crepe Cookie

[Friendly] “I can’t seem to pinpoint their ingredients, I’ll need further analysis on them!”

Harbinger Cookie was such an anomaly to Strawberry Crepe…and that’s what makes them so interesting to Crepe! The sheer mystery of what lies in Harbinger’s dough means Crepe is always ready for any opportunity to get a closer look.

You did find Strawberry’s shenanigans a little annoying, but you couldn’t fault the young cookie, they were only curious about what you’re made of, hell, you were to. Dark Enchantress wouldn’t allow it though and you couldn’t exactly go against her…

There’s also the squabbles between Crepe and Mushroom, both wanted your complete attention and neither were willing to cooperate with the other for your care. It leads to you and the others agreeing to never keep them in the same room for too long with you, a fight is the last thing you needed with the two cookies on your shoulders…

Dark Enchantress Cookie

[Friendly] “It’s good to welcome you home, my dear Y/N Cookie..”

Dark Enchantress Cookie, the cookie whom you’ve pledged your loyalty to, the cookie who’ll bring forth a new world, the cookie who brought you in when you were at your lowest..she gave you a second chance and you couldn’t have been more thankful for that.

The only cookie to know your “real name”, or at least she claimed it was. It made the interactions between you and her a lot more personal, as well as how touchy she could be with a hand on your arm or shoulder as she spoke to you.

The life you have now was better then the one you had, she’ll tell you. Just stick to her and she’ll give you the world and so much more, all you have to do is take her hand and never let go..

[survivalove]

debunking lies zutara shippers say about the atla creators & writers

disclaimer: this is in no way an endorsement or defense of bryke or anyone mentioned. literally just debunking false statements i see spread throughout and outside the fandom as it pertains to kataang

1. that bryke made kataang endgame because the nice guy should get the girl

this is something I see often usually linked with this video of a man ⬇️ who they claim to be bryan/mike echoing this sentiment.

this man is in fact john o’bryan, one of the three known zk shippers in the writers’ room (we’ll expand on this in point 5) talking about how he saw aang. not the creators. so of course it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he doesn’t even like kataang in the first place.

2. that bryke made kataang endgame last minute and zutara was the original pairing

bryan and mike (notice how i’m using both of their names separately. this too will be important in the next point) have talked about how kataang was planned since they originally wrote the show.

they have also talked ad nauseam in a video (which I will not share here cuz it made a lot of ppl angry) about why they do not like zutara and its shippers, so this entire point is bogus.

++ the reason why they say zk was the original pairing is because of one of the zk writers (joshua hamilton) wrote this in the atla fun facts that used to run on tv. (we’ll get into him later) those atla fun facts contain a lot of inaccurate/non canon “facts” which you can check and verify on avatar wiki if you know what i’m talking about.

3. that aang is bryke’s self insert (specifically mike)

yeah, here’s where the separation becomes important. bryan (L) and mike (R) are two different men. mike has never said that aang was his self-insert, nor has he directly talked about relating to aang. bryan, however, constantly talks about how much he relates to zuko. even, going as far to say he tries to think like zuko when he writes characters and shows.

the only time mike has come close to saying he relates to aang is when dante said he thinks mike is more like aang while bryan is more like zuko, and they, mostly bryan, agreed. (mike has actually said he relates to korra more than aang but hey) bryan also is the one who drew mike’s beard on adult aang because he considered it a nice reference to his friend. this is the main reason why shippers ran with that self-insert narrative because half the time, they think bryke is actually one person ☠️

++ in fact, aang’s original character design is based off the mixed black-chinese son of sifu kisu

4. that atla was supposed to have a season 4 where katara and zuko got together

this is mostly something that has come out of a fabricated interview by the head writer, aaron ehasz. he was allegedly asked what he would have liked to do if given the chance to write a fourth season of the show and talked about an azula redemption arc among other things. zutaras then made up a whole fake interview including that he wanted to make the two characters endgame.

ehasz then came out to say that most of these “interviews” were faked and that he has never talked about having a preference for any ship. if you go on his twitter, you will see him talking about an azula redemption arc tho.

as for atla having a 4th season at all, it was never intended. the creators, the music composers have all said at various points in time, the show was written and pitched as three seasons, three elements.

5. that most of the other writers shipped zutara and bryke’s authoritarianism shut it down

as I said above, only three writers on the original show have come out to say they preferred zk at some point. atla has had a total of 21 staff writers. 3 out of 21 is not most if you ask me.

as for bryke (yes now i’m using the shorthand cuz i proved my point earlier) being authoritarians, no writer or staff that has worked with them on the show has said this so…? idk where that came from but i’m not here to back them up just mention facts.

6. that all the women who worked on the franchise shipped zutara while only men shipped kataang

atla has very few female staff as it is:

5 writers (elizabeth welch: zk; others: unknown)

1 director (unknown)

5 storyboard/character artists (lauren montgomery: ka; elsa garagarza: ka; angela song mueller: zk; others: unknown)

1 comic writer (faith erin hicks: ka)

2 comic artists (gurihiru: ka)

++ mae whitman (katara’s voice actress) has expressed her like for both ships throughout the years.

so i’m not sure what defines all and only for some ppl but those definitions are not in my dictionary. disclaimer: i’m not declaring anyone here as a shipper in any official sense. this is just based off statements they have made that you can google!

7. that katara is written poorly in post-atla content because of kataang/bryke

I mean the first part isn’t really a lie, more of an opinion which I can agree with to an extent.

why I mention this here is because zks will not only go on a tangent and link the misogyny in the writing to a m/f ship and say the other m/f ship would have been more feminist…

but they also refuse to hold all the men involved accountable. like I said, 3 known atla writers shipped zk and 2 of them (joshua & john) were men (who would’ve thought men could like a ship and it could still be considered feminist 😃). they were also 2 out of only 4 atla writers that came back for legend of korra, outside of the creators. (19 to 4 ☠️ no comment). these shippers very well know this and instead of holding these men accountable for the misogynistic writing, they instead brag about them shipping it and ask them about zk whenever they have the chance.

another example is gene luen yang, a comic writer who again shipped zk (another man GASPPPPP) responsible for the first 5 comic books. everyone knows his comics suck in terms of characterization, particularly katara’s. in fact zutaras have made multiple threads on how poor the writing is. funnily enough, they always fail to mention that gly was the script writer or acknowledge his part in this mischaracterization, while bragging about him shipping zk in other posts. ironic.

meanwhile, bryke have never offered writers’ commentary on any of gly’s comics besides the search - mike (because they were mostly writing legend of korra during his run.)

basically these shippers don’t care about misogyny or holding male writers accountable if they ship zk which is funny because I thought it was… for the female gaze? why are you hyping men shipping it anyway? confusion.

[tamamita]

If you don't mind I have a question about Islamic culture, I'm thinking about how Christians have statues of Christ and saints, other religions have statues of the Buddah and Hindu gods, it's a very common thing across many religions. Judaism doesn't really have that as far as I know but there aren't really prophets in the same way as xtianity. But Islam does have various prophets and significant historical figures, but I have never seen any statues made in their images. Is this a thing, not allowed or just not culturally uh, common I guess? Thank you :3

Islam has always pertained to a rather iconoclastic tradition and has shown fierce opposition to visual imagery in various forms, while some schools and branches of Islam are not as strict. Historically, alternative forms of art have been produced as a result. Indeed, Islamic art are traditionally non-representational in the form of Islamic calliography and Islamic geometric patterns, which is usually seen in mosque, shrines and various Islamic buildings.

The basis for the impermissibility of such visual imagery in the form of sculptures or carved objects representing a living being is rooted in Islam's strict monotheistic approach. The nascent Muslim community had to deal with the polytheist tribe of Quraish which worshiped idols in the form of sculptures. The Prophet Muhammed (sawas) showed disdain for such worshiping and exemplified their uselessness to the people by throwing them to the ground.

However, while sculpturing is pretty much a non-go, this impermissibility is not extended to art in the form of two-dimensional figures. While various schools of Islam differ in the opinion of drawing, not all of them are unanimous, this has allowed for Islamic art to take the shape of form in different ways. For example, Shi'a Islam allows visual respresentation through the use of a two-dimensional surface, such as a canvas, regardless of whether it is a living being or not. This is why you'll find that art of the prophets, imams and the holy ladies are pretty commonplace among Shi'a Muslims.

While sculpturing any object representing a living being is unanimously considered impermissible in all Islamic schools of law, art in the form two-dimensional paintings are not.

[shaunashipman]

Why does it seem you and so many other bucktommy shippers only talk about Buck when it pertains to bucktommy but always talk about Tommy even outside of bucktommy. Is Tommy your fave character on 911? I feel this is a big thing among bucktommy shippers. I'm a multishipper and came across your blog but I hardly can find bucktommy blogs that are interested in Buck outside of the ship. Meanwhile I can find tons of buddie blogs whose fave character is Buck outside of the ship so it's easier for me to fit in with buddie shippers. This goes for tumblr, Twitter and tiktok... It's tough out here 😐

I reject your premise that we only talk about buck when it pertains to bucktommy. if you had said we talk more about tommy and bucktommy, i would agree that that at least holds water, but we definitely talk about buck, and his feelings and thoughts and all that fun stuff. scroll through the tag, there's plenty

we may be talking about tommy more than buck, but remember these are dolls in our sandbox, and atm tommy is shiny and new and has hardly any marker scribbled on his face, so of course we all want to play with him, have tea and braid his hair until it tangles and is forever knotted.

i'm not gonna get into how buddies talk about buck, because while i know there are normal buddie shipper out there I also know what I'VE seen and that is enough

buck is literally my favourite character on the show. tommy isn't even second, or third. that's chim then hen. idk where he actually fits after that, it's just that, like i said, shiny and new. now i'm gonna go chuck him in a tree then bury him in the garden in an elaborate funeral service but shhh he's not really dead

[roguelov]

Hi dear, how have you been?

Here, just a little idea I wanted to share with someone:

the reader makes digital art and shares it on the internet; Recently the reader writes short stories/comics where she draws Morpheus as the god of Dreams alongside herself as an OC, as if they were a couple, etc.

The art is very beautiful and everyone loves it, and it goes viral, making Morpheus more famous among humans. So people start to dream more about him and pay tribute.

Maybe something cute, funny or spicy... Or all together.

(Sorry for the bad English, I love you.)

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD I LOVE YOUR BRAIN SO MUCH

Dream will be very confused at first as to why he is getting more and more recognition. He starts to like it a bit. People are recognizing his work and all he does for the Waking, he can’t help but feel some pride and joy bubble in his chest. But, perhaps such feelings take a turn when he sees what seemed to be a version of himself and you in others’ dreams. Why? And why is there a romantic undertone to the two of you?

Maybe he doesn’t approach you on it for quite sometime. And so you gain more followers and more and more people fall in love with the story you’ve created. And finally at some point Dream does his own research. So in his vast library he finds your story: a wonderfully illustrated comic, along with short stories and pictures.

This man is stunned. It is such a beauty story, pulling in aspects from old tales while making it your own. It’s romance, it’s comedy, it’s tragedy, and it’s a slice of life. And it’s also a bit spice at times. But, he makes a point to stop looking when more steamy scenes happen. But now he had more questions, more questions for you. And when he finds you in a garden on a comfortable chair - made more for indoors - with a tablet in your lap as birds sang, he knew exactly what you are doing: drawing and writing about the two of you.

When he decides to be blunt and ask you about it, you are embarrassed, horrified, and stuttering through your words, “I am so - so sorry. I - I didn’t mean to offend you or anything - I just - I’ll stop and -“

“Why?” Dream asks. “You do not need to stop, I simply want to know why you do it.”

“I uh … why not?” What an idiotic response, but it’s the truth. “I mean it’s just fun to write and draw things about you, the Prince of Stories … you’re like my muse.”

Dream will be so touched by your words, but he does have another question. “And the courtship you have illustrated?”

“Oh uh,” you look away, “you know how people are, they love a love story.”

He doesn’t fully believe your answer. “When I have more time later today we can discuss it further. I do have more to say … especially pertaining to the relationship you depicted and if you are willing perhaps fiction can be turned into reality.”

You blink at his answer. He has this coy smile as he spoke but soon it turns genuine.

“Please, do not stop. I do love your story.”

You smile, “Oh uh thank you … and I would like to talk more about … us.”

Dream nods, satisfied with the answers he has gotten. However, before he leaves, he leans in close, “And do not think I have forgotten about some interesting pictures you have drawn … ones that are … more indulging of the flesh -“

You tense up, feeling your body heat up.

“- do know however our discussion ends later tonight, I will be open to be more than just a muse, perhaps a model if you so please.”

[yuri-for-businesswomen]

i dont think being a man is easy and i do think men struggle as well or whatever but, and thats the thing, most male problems… are male created, and perpetuated by men. and the grievances men have with feminism only ever pertain to dating and never to mens risky and violent behavior and self-imposed rules of masculinity, etc. so its not really my business and i wish these monkeys would solve it among themselves, be emotional support for each other, be more tender with each other and everyone actually, etc. just be better people!