#piper but she's in her early twenties

[wary-taru]

A Piper to warm the soul 🫶🧡

Kofi commissions open!

[iwannakisskissyoureyesagain]

uhhh even more percy jackson headcanons

- there’s always music playing in the apollo cabin. they have communal playlists, but there are times when one person gets to play dj, especially when it’s relatively empty

- everyone has to emotionally prepare for audial whiplash whenever kayla gets to play music because she puts every song she has ever liked in her entire life onto one playlist, so it can go from twenty one pilots to ethel cain to beabadoobee to fifth harmony in just fifteen minutes

- will is usually pretty lenient with who gets to play what and when (he has a few clean playlists for when there are little kids present), but on days when the infirmary is packed and he’s visibly on the verge of collapse, no one dares change it from whatever kasey musgraves song he just put on

- austin exclusively plays obscure 20+ minute-long jazz songs. austin no longer has access to the cabin 7 spotify account

- there are bi-monthly meetings with all the counselors and chiron and dionysus to discuss any problems, questions, quests, deaths, fights, complaints, and other issues

- chiron ended up helping train and appointing a few other apollo kids to take up shifts in the infirmary when will accidentally fell asleep in the middle of one of said meetings. will kept insisting it was fine and that he wasn’t overworked, but eventually gave in when nico kept having to nudge him awake and chiron had to send him back to the apollo cabin early so he could take a nap

- frank cried so hard when he saw barbie that he had to leave the theater for a minute

- drew and will went to the sweat tour together

- drew actually kind of hates that charlie xcx is only really getting properly noticed now because of brat, because she’s a huge charlie fan and has been here since “boom clap”

- ever since blood of olympus, percy is genuinely terrified of getting a nosebleed. the first time it happens is when he’s sick at college and annabeth has to coach him through a panic attack

- nico isn’t actually that invested in star wars, star trek, or any other sci-fi franchise that will obsesses over, but sits through it anyways for his boyfriend’s sake

- piper and shel dressed up as different versions of chappell roan for halloween. piper was lady liberty chappell and shel was “good luck, babe” bird chappell

- every chance they get, piper and leo meet up, get jack in the box, smoke weed, and catch up in whatever car piper stole from her dad, because it helps them both feel normal

- piper and will smoke together whenever she visits camp, usually while having a shit talk session

- sally, paul, and estelle visited percy and annabeth for family and friends weekend while they’re at school, of course, but tyson, ella, hazel, and frank, piper and leo, and nico, will, reyna, and thalia (and, by nature, the rest of the hunters) all made time to stop by at various points during family and friends

- once he realized he could occasionally get away with sneaking out of olympus in the middle of the night, ganymede developed a habit of taking a walk down the beach at camp. he ran into dionysus one night and fully expected to have to fetch some fancy wine for him, or at least go back to get his chalice, unaware of his sobriety punishment, but did a total 180 when dionysus ended up being kind to him. instead, the two of them walked and talked about how much they both hate zeus, and it ended up becoming a therapy session for ganymede (think aimee’s first session in sex education)

- sally got annabeth one of those self defense keychains before she left for school

- apollo brings meg to camp every time he goes to visit his kids. on one visit, he took her, will, kayla, austin, and nico to build-a-bear. it was meg and nico’s first time going. nico was in total awe and meg cried and hugged apollo for a minute straight

- hazel prefers cartoons and animation over live-action movies and shows

- percy is really good at watercolor. rachel tries to teach him to paint and thinks he’s a prodigy until they move onto acrylics and she realizes he was just manipulating the water

- annabeth and sally both love watching the princess bride together. percy tries to watch it three separate times for their sake, like nico does with will’s sci-fi stuff, but ends up drooling on annabeth’s shoulder by the end of the movie each time

- percy desperately wanted a water bed for years when he was younger, but neither chiron nor sally would trust him with one. he eventually begged paul to get him one as a graduation present, and he put it in his cabin at camp. it lasted less than 24 hours before he popped it and woke up in the middle of the night on top of the deflated mattress, he himself completely dry but his floor absolutely soaked. dionysus made an announcement at breakfast the next morning that any mattress filled with anything except air was prohibited, and anyone else who flooded their cabin would get stable duties for a whole week

- will doesn’t like to use his plague powers very much after tsats, but he does like to give anyone who pisses him off mild-but-annoying congestion or a lingering headache

- nico and will like to do this thing to mess with people, where nico cracks will’s back or will cracks his knuckles and he lights up, usually in front of people who don’t actually know how will’s powers work

- austin is the exception to this rule; they do it in front of him because he hates the sound of people cracking their bones

- there was a point where everyone knew that will could glow except percy. he found out the hard way when he, annabeth, nico, and will were hanging out in the jackson-blofis apartment and the power went out, and nico cracked will’s spine and will started glowing. percy was so freaked out that he screamed and woke up the rest of the house

- sometimes frank eats fistfuls of shredded cheese, for the thrill

- very rarely, rachel talks in her sleep and says indiscernible bits of prophecies, both new and old. she has no idea she does it

- apollo hates leonard cohen

pt. 1

pt. 2

pt. 3

[ottpopfic]

“Please explain to my idiot brother-”

“I'm your brother!?” she hears Jason wail in the background

“-That is old news that he's in love with Leo”

“Please tell me that's not what this is about” Piper all but begs, running her hands over her face

“It's absolutely what this is about” Calypso huffs “I've already been dealing with this for twenty minutes, help”

“Dear god fine, put him on”

Calypso wrenches Jason into the frame by the shirt collar. He looks a mess, hair sleep-rumpled and eyes puffy from crying

“Piperrrr” he whines pathetically

“Jesus Christ pull yourself together man” its too fucking early for this mess “it's not the end of the world”

“But I think I'm in love with Leo”

“I know” Piper groans “Everyone already knows, you're literally the last to know!”

Jason burst into tears, its gross there is snot, Calypso half-heartedly starts rubbing his back

“He hasn't been sleeping well as of late” she explains “It's been making him, how do you say, punchy”

[demigod-shenanigans]

While I’m on the topic of Valgrace adopting a child, this is Sofía:

Some lore:

When Jason and Leo are in their late twenties/early thirties a demigod legacy leaves a baby at the entrance of the Waystation. The decision to adopt her is easy—they’d been thinking about adoption anyway. Besides, Jason has been the abandoned child before and Leo obviously isn’t fond of the foster system and knows exactly what it’s like to feel unwanted by a foster family. They’ve both felt so lost and alone and unloved in the past and they immediately vow that they’ll do everything in their power to make sure this little girl won’t ever feel like that.

They name her Sofía Esperanza Valdez. Sofía because it’s one of the names they both liked and Leo decides she just looks like a Sofía, and Esperanza obviously in honor of Leo’s mom. Jason is the one to gently suggest using it as a middle name, stating that if names have power, there’s nothing quite as powerful as hope, and Leo immediately starts crying. (He knew he wanted to honor his mom in some way. He just didn’t bring it up because he was terrified that the baby sharing a name with his mom after what happened to her might be bad luck. But Jason is right that hope was the thing that saw them through when nothing else would, making it a name that’s fundamentally very positive. Besides, Leo’s mom was so much more than her death. She was smart and brave and stubborn and loved with all her heart. She managed to find happiness, even in the difficult times. All of these are good things.)

Me and @queenjunothegreat have been waffling back and forth about this girl for weeks, there is so much lore I’ll probably need a lot of posts for all of it (or asks, if anyone wants to know anything specific please feel free to send asks)

For now, have some additional Sofía fun facts (under the cut so people who aren’t interested can scroll past more easily):

-She’s a legacy of Luna, the faded Titaness of the moon. Piper thinks it’s hilarious that wolf boy somehow ended up with a moon child and jokes about it a lot.

-When she wouldn’t sleep as a baby Jason would rock her while levitating up and down the hallway. They’re not sure why, exactly, but this almost always worked.

-Sofía’s first word is papa, which is not, in fact, the Spanish word for dad that Jason was going for but instead means either pope or potato (depending on how it’s gendered). The word for dad is papá, which is similar-ish but emphasizes the ending instead of the beginning. Adult Jason’s Spanish is decent but he got it mixed up which part needed to be emphasized and taught her wrong. Leo absolutely explodes into laughter when he hears it and it’s one of his favorite stories to tell for years. Every time someone asks about her first word he lights up like a Christmas tree. Jason is mortified but the whole thing brings Leo so much joy that maybe the embarrassment was worth it.

-Leo is always building her stuff to play with. Sofía is the kind of kid that brings some new toy to kindergarten/school at least once a week because Leo cannot tell her no for shit.

-Leo is usually the one who stays up at night with Sofía when she’s a toddler. Due to the whole moon child thing, she’s a terrible sleeper (good luck waking her in the morning) but Leo doesn’t really mind. He’s just tinkering away at some project that he’d probably be working on at that time anyway as his very awake kid toddles about and they’re both perfectly content with it. They fall asleep on the couch together watching TV the next morning, and Jason just smiles and gets a blanket to put over Leo’s knees.

-Her and Leo definitely bake together and it usually comes out well but the kitchen is always a huge mess after. One time she insisted her dad help her make a birthday cake for her papá’s birthday but Jason cannot cook or bake to save his life and it was a complete disaster.

-Sofía has no concept of fall damage. Absolutely none. Will climb up anywhere no matter how high and jump off with zero hesitation because there’s never been a time when her dad hasn’t caught her (either personally via flying up or with the winds). Leo is way more anxious about this than Jason, which seems strange until you consider that Jason is married to Leo and has had to catch him plenty of times in the past, but while Leo worries about Jason sometimes, he’s never really had to worry specifically about Jason falling from high places before. But obviously, unlike Jason, Sofía can’t fly.

-When she’s annoyed, she scowls in a way that’s almost comically similar to Jason.

[tawus]

African/African-American/Black

Do The Right Thing (1989) On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.

Goodbye Solo (2008) This film is touching and humorous. It is the story of an unlikely friendship between a struggling but happy cab driver from Senegal, and a tormented southern man with secrets.

Lincoln (2012) As the Civil War continues to rage, President struggles with continued fighting on the battlefield during the civil war but he also fights with many inside his own cabinet with his decision to emancipate the slaves.

Malcom X (1992) Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) The group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.

The Color of Friendship (2000) Mahree Bok is a white South African teenager and a product of the Apartheid system raised to view dark-skinned people as second-class citizens. Piper Dellums is the daughter of an African-American U.S. Congressman living in Washington D.C. When Mahree is chosen to spend her time as an exchange student at the Dellums's house, she is shocked on her arrival to discover that the Dellums are black, and the Dellums are just as surprised when they realize that Mahree is a white South African.

The Color Purple (1985) Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple is a richly-textured, powerful film set in America's rural south. It is a brilliant drama about a black woman's struggles to take control of her life in a small Southern town in the early 20th century.

The Help (2011) This academy award winning movie takes place during the civil rights movements of the 1960’s, when an aspiring writer decides to write a book about the African-American maids' point of view on the white families they work for and the hardships they experience on a daily basis.

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Cambodian/Chinese/Vietnamese

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) A senior chef lives with his three grown daughters; the middle one finds her future plans affected by unexpected events and the life changes of the other household members.

Holly (2006) In Cambodia, Holly, a 12-year-old Vietnamese girl, encounters Patrick, an American stolen artifacts dealer. The story follows their strong connection and her unrelenting efforts to escape her fate.

Last Train Home (2009) A couple embarks on a journey home for Chinese new year along with 130 million other migrant workers, to reunite with their children and struggle for a future. Their unseen story plays out as China soars towards being a world superpower.

Lost in Paradise (2011) Khoi, naive twenty-year-old travels to Ho Chi Minh City from the countryside to begin a new life. It's his first time in the big city and he's looking for a place to live.

Raise the Red Lantern (1991) A young woman becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy lord and must learn to live with the strict rules and tensions within the household.

Sentenced Home (2007) This documentary follows three Cambodian-American men, brought to the U.S. as children by their refugee families. They were raised in the grim public housing of Seattle, among gangs and other realities of that life. Bad choices as teens altered their lives forever, when immigration laws after 9/11 provided no second changes for such children. Though they were raised in the U.S., speak to one another in English, even think in English, each is sentenced to return to Cambodia - separated from family here, possibly forever.

The Joy Luck Club (1993) The story of four Chinese women who immigrated to the U.S. and their first-generation daughters. When one of the women dies, her daughter plays Mahjong with the older women and begins to really learn what her mother endured in China and of her sisters who were left behind. Daughter from Danang (2002) Separated at the end of the Vietnam war, an "Americanized" woman and her Vietnamese mother are reunited after 22 years.

The Last Emperor (1987) The story of the final Emperor of China.

The Quiet American (2002) An older British reporter vies with a young U.S. doctor for the affections of a beautiful Vietnamese woman.

The Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000) The plot centres around three sisters, two of whom are happily married (or so it appears).

Three Seasons (1999) An American in Ho Chi Minh City looks for a daughter he fathered during the war. He meets Woody, a child who's a street vendor, and when Woody's case of wares disappears, he thinks the soldier took it. Woody hunts for him.

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South Asian/Indian

Bhaji on the Beach (1998) Hashida, an 18-year old Asian woman, lives with her family in Birmingham. Her father wants her to become a doctor and next month her medical school is going to start. Secretly, she has a black boyfriend – which is an absolute faux pas in some Asian cultures – and has now discovered that she is pregnant. She joins a small South Asian women's group on a trip to Blackpool, a trip that holds life-changing experiences for all.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) Teen-aged Londoner Jesminder Bhamra chases her dream of being a professional soccer player while dealing with the objections of her traditional Sikh family.

Gandhi (1982) A biography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of non-violent protest.

Slum Dog Millionaire (2008) A teen in Mumbai, India who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" When he is suspected of cheating, he is arrested. During his police interrogation, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers.

The Namesake (2006) A tale of a first-generation son of traditional, Indian immigrant parents. As he tries to make a place for himself, not always able to straddle two worlds gracefully, he is surprised by what he learns about his family and himself.

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Disease/Mental Illness/Disability

My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown (1989) Christy Brown, born with cerebral palsy, learns to paint and write with his only controllable limb - his left foot.

The Theory of Everything (2014) A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

Ray (2004) The story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

Still Alice (2014) A linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

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LGBTQ+

A Single Man (2009) The story of an English professor, who one year after the sudden death of his boyfriend, is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960s Los Angeles. It is a powerful story of his grief and pain for the loss of someone he truly deeply loved.

Boys Don’t Cry(1999) This film is about the true life story of Brandon Teena, a young woman who is going through a sexual identity crisis. She cuts her hair and dresses like a man to see if she can pass as one. She lived life in a male identity until it was discovered he was born biologically female.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) This film tells the story of a forbidden and secretive relationship between two same-sex cowboys and their lives over the years.

Milk (2008) This film tells the story of American gay activist, Harvey Milk, and his struggles as he fights for gay rights and becomes California's first openly gay elected official.

Philadelphia (1993) In this movie, a lawyer, working for a conservative law firm, is diagnosed with AIDS. His employer fires him because of his condition. He tries to find someone to take his case but all refuse except one willing small time lawyer who advocates for a wrongful dismissal suit in spite of his own fears and homophobia.

The Danish Girl (2015) A fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

Transamerica (2005) A pre-operative male-to-female transgender takes an unexpected journey when she learns that she fathered a son, now a teenage runaway hustling on the streets of New York.

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Hispanic/Latino(a)/Mexican

A Day Without a Mexican (2004) One-third of the population of California is Latinos, Hispanics, Mexicans. How would it change life for the state's other residents if this portion of the populous suddenly vanished? The film is a "mockumentary" designed to show the valuable contributions made every day by Latinos.

Babel (2006) Tragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, touching off an interlocking story involving four different families.

El Norte (1983) The Guatemalan army discovers Mayan Indian peasants who have begun to organize, hoping to rise above their label of "brazos fuertes" or "strong arms" (manual laborers). The army massacres their families and destroys their village to give the new recruits no choice but to follow and obey. However, two teenage siblings survive and are determined to escape to the U.S. or El Norte. They make their way to L.A. - uneducated, illegal immigrants, alone.

Mi Familia (My Family) (1995) This epic film traces over three generations an immigrant family's trials, tribulations, tragedies, and triumphs. Jose and Maria, the first generation, come to Los Angeles, meet, marry, face deportation all in the 1930s. They establish their family in East L.A., and their children Chucho, Paco, Memo, Irene, Toni, and Jimmy deal with youth culture and the L.A. police in the 1950s. As the second generation become adults in the 1960s, the focus shifts to Jimmy, his marriage to Isabel (a Salvadorian refugee), their son, and Jimmy's journey to becoming a responsible parent.

Sin Nombre (2009) A Honduran young girl and a Mexican gangster are united in a journey across the American border.

Under the Same Moon (2007) Heartwarming story about a mother who leaves Mexico to make a home for herself and her son (Adrian Alonso). When the boy's grandmother dies, leaving him alone, he sets off on his own to find his mother.

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Immigrants/Undocumented

Crossing Arizona (2006) With Americans on all sides of the issue up in arms and Congress in a policy battle over how to move forward, Crossing Arizona tells the story of how we got to where we are today. Heightened security in California and Texas has pushed illegal border-crossers into the Arizona desert in unprecedented numbers (estimated 4,500 a day). Most are Mexican men in search of work, but increasingly the border-crossers are women and children wanting to join their husbands and fathers. This influx of migrants crossing through Arizona and the attendant rising death toll has elicited complicated feelings about human rights, culture, class, labor, and national security.

Dancer in the Dark (2000) An east European girl goes to America with her young son, expecting it to be like a Hollywood film.

El Norte (1983) The Guatemalan army discovers Mayan Indian peasants who have begun to organize, hoping to rise above their label of "brazos fuertes" or "strong arms" (manual laborers). The army massacres their families and destroys their village to give the new recruits no choice but to follow and obey. However, two teenage siblings survive and are determined to escape to the U.S. or El Norte. They make their way to L.A. - uneducated, illegal immigrants, alone.

In America (2002) A family of Irish immigrants adjusts to life on the mean streets of Hell's Kitchen while also grieving the death of a child.

The Terminal (2004) When an Eastern European immigrant comes to American to fulfill a promise to his father he finds himself stranded inside JFK airport, making it his temporary residence when he cannot enter the USA nor return home.

The Visitor (2007) A lonely economics professor in Connecticut life is changed forever - and for the better - when he finds a couple of illegals, who happen to be living in his New York apartment.

Green Card (1990) A French man wanting to stay in the US enters into a “short-term” marriage to an American woman so he can get his green card. Complications result when he gets caught lying.

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Indigenous

Avatar (2009) A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007) A chronicle of how American Indians were displaced as the U.S. expanded west. Based on the book by Dee Brown.

Once Were Warriors (1994) A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) In 1931 Australia, government policy includes taking half-caste children from their Aboriginal mothers and sending them a thousand miles away "to save them from themselves." Molly, Daisy, and Grace (two sisters and a cousin who are 14, 10, and 8) arrive at their “school” and promptly escape, under Molly's lead. For days they walk north, following a fence that keeps rabbits from settlements, eluding a native tracker and the regional constabulary. Their pursuers take orders from the government's "chief protector of Aborigines," A.O. Neville, blinded by Anglo-Christian certainty, evolutionary worldview and conventional wisdom.

Smoke Signals (1998) Young Indian man Thomas is a nerd in his reservation, wearing oversize glasses and telling everyone stories no-one wants to hear. His parents died in a fire in 1976, and Thomas was saved by Arnold. Arnold soon left his family (and his tough son Victor), and Victor hasn't seen his father for 10 years. When Victor hears Arnold has died, Thomas offers him funding for the trip to get Arnold's remains, but only if Thomas will also go with him. Thomas and Victor hit the road.

The Spirit of Crazy Horse (1990) One hundred years after the massacre at Wounded Knee, Milo Yellow Hair recounts the story of his people-from the lost battles for their land against the invading whites-to the bitter internal divisions and radicalization of the 1970's-to the present-day revival of Sioux cultural pride, which has become a unifying force as the Sioux try to define themselves and their future.

Whale Rider (2002) On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their History dates back a thousand years to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Whangara chiefs have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand culture, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai must fight a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

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Middle Eastern

Baran (2001) In a building site in present-day Tehran, Lateef, a 17-year-old Turkish worker is irresistibly drawn to Rahmat, a young Afghan worker. The revelation of Rahmat's secret changes both their lives.

Incendies (2010) Twins journey to the Middle East to discover their family history, and fulfill their mother's last wishes.

Schindler's List (1993) In German-occupied Poland during World War II, Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazi Germans.

The Band’s Visit (2007) A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town.

Turtles Can Fly (2004) Near the Iraqi-Turkish border on the eve of an American invasion, refugee children like 13-year-old Kak (Ebrahim), gauge and await their fate.

Wadjda (2012) An enterprising Saudi girl signs on for her school's Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the remaining funds she needs in order to buy the green bicycle that has captured her interest.

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Pacific Islander/Polynesian

Balangiga: The Howling Wilderness (2017) 1901, Balangiga. Eight-year-old Kulas flees town with his grandfather and their carabao to escape General Smith's Kill and Burn order. He finds a toddler amid a sea of corpses and together, the two boys struggle to survive the American occupation.

Moana (2016) In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the Demigod to set things right.

Once Were Warriors (1994) A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.

Princess Kaiulani (2009) The story of a Hawaiian princess' attempts to maintain the independence of the island against the threat of American colonization.

Whale Rider (2002) On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their History dates back a thousand years to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Whangara chiefs have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand culture, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai must fight a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

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Women

Āfsāīd = Offside (2006) Struggle of Women in a country that excludes them from entering the stadiums.

The Help (2011) This academy award winning movie takes place during the civil rights movements of the 1960’s when an aspiring writer decides to write a book about the African-American maids' point of view on the white families they work for and the hardships they experience on a daily basis.

Suffragette (2015) The foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State.

Water (2005) The film examines the plight of a group of widows forced into poverty at a temple in the holy city of Varanasi. It focuses on a relationship between one of the widows, who wants to escape the social restrictions imposed on widows, and a man who is from the highest caste and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

Whale Rider (2002) On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their History dates back a thousand years to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. Whangara chiefs have been considered Paikea's direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand culture, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai must fight a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.

Ooh amazing, thank you for this! ❤️

I've watched Slumdog Millionaire, Brokeback Mountain, and Schindler's List. And read a Penguin Classics abridged version of Rabbit-Proof Fence as part of my English learning back in my teenage years. Some of the others I'm familiar with tho have yet to watch; and others are completely new to me

[happyk44]

When Annabeth becomes pregnant at twenty-three, everyone is excited. Percy, most of all. They get married in a small shotgun ceremony inside the safe haven of New Rome, mortal and godly parents in attendance, friends shedding tears of joy.

She gives birth a month early to a screaming, underweight bundle of joy. Everyone adores their son. He has fuzzy hints of black hair and wide curious gray eyes. He doesn't cry much after his birth, is abnormally quiet, observing everyone who holds him like he sees something more beneath the surface.

His quiet demeanour reminds Hazel a lot of Nico. When she mentions this in passing, Annabeth laughs quietly and squeezes baby Oliver's chubby fist. "He does, doesn't he?"

Her words sound unbelievably fond. The tone doesn't shock Hazel - she knows that the three of them have gotten close recently - but it seems... odd. Misplaced in its meaning.

She finishes off her final protective ward on Oliver's crib. "Has he met him yet?"

Annabeth hums. "He was here this morning."

She doesn't say anything more, and before Hazel can ask, she effortlessly glides the conversation to Hazel's training as a witch. Hazel takes the hint and lets the conversation change without any complaint.

-

Grover counts himself lucky in many regards. He's got a wonderful wife. He's Lord of the Wild. He hasn't been eaten alive by any monsters yet. All but one of the kids he's brought to camp are living successful happy lives.

And he knows the truth about Oliver.

They never talk about it - the circumstances that brought him into the world. It was just a few hints here and there in conversation, before he cuts the cord and just asks.

"Nico is Oliver's biological father, isn't he?".

Percy doesn’t even hesitate. "Yeah."

Grover watches from the kitchen, Percy at his side, as Nico emerges from what everyone thinks is the guest room, but Grover is confident is actually Nico's room. Oliver sits on his hip. The one year old is bundled up from head to toe. Nico himself has a matching beanie - bright blue with a warped crochet design of a yellow fish. He waves Oliver's little hand their way before disappearing into the shadows.

The two of them come back a couple hours later with In-and-Out takeout bags. Oliver is chewing on a lone french fry. He falls into Percy's arms with ease. Nico smiles kindly at Grover and comes to sit at Percy's side on the couch. Their thighs press together.

Grover doesn't ask about it.

They're happy. He can tell just by looking at them. Whatever thing is happening between the three of them, they're okay.

That's all that matters.

-

Piper loves Annabeth, she does. But she also believes in integrity. Oliver is three years old and the shadows tremble when he's annoyed. The air goes cold and frigid when he's upset. He doesn't talk very loud, but he's perceptive.

It's one hour into Piper's babysitting time when Oliver tells her that her grandfather says hello and she pieces it together. Oliver doesn't understand what he's done, the secret he's just revealed. She asks him to get her grandfather to tell him a story, just like he used to tell her. Oliver reaches out with one hand, and Piper's world turns upside down.

Annabeth and Percy come home two hours later, laughing and carrying a goodie bag from the restaurant. Grandpa Tom left half an hour ago, right when Oliver murmured a sleepy, "I'm tired", and let go of his hand. Piper doesn't know if he's still around, watching her. But it's the idea that he is, that keeps her brave.

When Percy disappears down the hall to check in on his sleeping son, Piper corners Annabeth in the kitchen.

"Are you cheating on Percy?" she whispers.

Annabeth blinks at her, startled. "What?"

"Are you cheating on Percy?" Piper whispers again, trying not to hide the urgency in her voice.

Annabeth is cool as she puts the leftovers in the fridge. "Why do you think I'm cheating on Percy?"

The question is easily answered, yes or no, and Annabeth's side-stepping is obvious and painful to Piper's heart. She changes gears. "Is Nico Oliver's dad?"

Annabeth pauses. It feels like hours. Then she closes the fridge door and crosses her arms over her chest. "People can have more than one dad, Piper."

Piper scowls and gets in close. "Does Percy know?"

Warm hands plant on both her shoulders. "He knows," Annabeth says, her voice soft. "And I'm not cheating on him."

Piper can't tell if Annabeth is lying. She wants to say more, ask more, but Percy's footsteps are loudly closing in. She takes a few steps back just as Percy rounds into the kitchen and slips an arm over Annabeth's shoulders. The image is sickly sweet. The two of them gaze happily at each other. They're so painfully in love.

Piper's stomach clenches.

The three of them stay up an extra hour. Percy is oblivious to the tension ruminating off of Piper. Annabeth seems fine though. It only stresses her out more. When she finally turns in, she doesn't know how to feel. She pauses just inside the guest room, the door pinched open. She can hear the two of them talking quietly in the hall. Oliver's bedroom door squeaks open.

Another voice, one Piper hasn't heard in a couple months, teases Percy from nearby. Percy protests his protective habits. Piper peeks through the gap. Nico is leaning against the wall. He's smiling widely in Annabeth's direction. Percy is oblivious, sneaking into Oliver's room. Annabeth takes Nico's hand. He pulls her close.

Piper relaxes for a minute. Maybe she doesn't have to say anything, maybe Percy will catch them before they can drift apart.

Or maybe he'll walk out of Oliver's room, shove Annabeth away and dive into Nico's mouth greedy, like he's starved for breath and Nico's mouth is oxygen. Maybe he'll tangle his hands into Nico's hair and push him into the wall with a low growl.

They don't separate, not really. Instead Percy drags Nico towards his - their - bedroom, Annabeth laughing as she follows.

The door clicks shut behind them. Piper takes a step back before pulling her own door closed. In the morning, Nico is gone and Percy is making pancakes. When Oliver asks for pomegranate juice, Piper passes it to him from the fridge and says nothing.

-

Leo doesn't know where this new baby came from. Annabeth wasn't pregnant the last time he saw her, but there's definitely a newborn asleep in the corner of their combined workshop. Annabeth doesn't even let him ask about the kid, just throws revised plans for their latest project in his direction before answering her screaming phone.

Oliver is there next to the baby, rocking her back and forth in her carrier. A picture book sits on his knee. He blinks up at Leo as he approaches. Leo likes Oliver. He's quiet and isn't afraid to use a hammer. The baby girl has small curls of black hair. She is bundled up in a fish-printed blanket.

"Who's this, big man?" Leo asks, squatting down to get a closer look.

The four year old stares at him. Then, "Ariel. She's my sister." He pauses, before adding, "She's really loud."

"When did your mom get a baby?"

Oliver stares some more before answering. "My uncle made her yesterday."

Leo doesn't know what to say to that.

-

Oliver and Ariel are joined a year later by a third and final child. While Ariel's origins are still speculated by anyone not in the know, it's clear from Annabeth's round belly where Eve was going to emerge from. She has thin wispy hair so blonde it blends into her skin. Her bright sea green eyes mimic her father's.

But Nico is her favourite. By now everyone knows not to bat an eye when instead of "Daddy" or "Mommy", her first word is "Papa". She reaches for him more than anyone else. As soon as she is old enough to crawl, her favourite place to wiggle towards is his lap.

Frank watches as she tries to pull herself to a stand. He runs a hand over the head of a nearby cat. It purrs loudly. Nearby Nico's hands are outstretched, ready to catch her if she falls.

Like Grover, he cuts the cord fast. "Is she yours too?"

Nico doesn't falter. "No."

Eve doesn't make it to a stand, but gets close enough before she falls face first into Nico's arms. He bundles her up to his chest and she squeals, reaching out with one hand to tug at his necklace.

He doesn't wear the camp beads anymore. Instead, it's a silver band looped through a golden chain. The band has three different jewels studded into it - a diamond, an aquamarine gem, and an onyx. What each jewel represents isn't a question. The fact that Percy and Annabeth wear the same silver band just above their wedding rings isn't much of a question either.

Frank takes Eve when offered and holds her close. Her green eyes look exactly like her father's, look exactly like her sister's. Her blonde hair is soft against each stroke of his fingers.

Nico comes back with drinks. Frank doesn't go for them when offered, content with where he is. Nico puts his can next to his foot, before lowering himself back to the ground. Frank watches him for a moment.

Then, "I thought you were gay."

Nico shrugs as he pops the top to his soda. "Annabeth's pretty," is all he says after a slow sip and Frank snorts.

He hands Eve back when Nico reaches for her. "Is that why Oliver was first?"

Nico's grin is wicked sharp, but happy in all its angles. "No," he says. "That's because I'm pretty."

-

Jason watches as Ariel and Eve team up to drown their older brother in the lake. In retaliation, he summons skeletons that ignore Ariel but grab at Eve. She screams, loud and unholy, as she’s tossed through the air and lands with a gigantic splash. Oliver pulls himself out of the water, shaking wet black hair out of his face. Ariel bats her eyes at him as he approaches, unafraid even as he picks her up and tosses her into the lake himself.

The two girls laugh as they surface, before swimming speedy laps around each other. With a short scowl, Oliver settles on the towel next to Jason. He does not enjoy swimming. Jason remembers the first summer after his birth.

They had tucked his feet into the water to splash and he’d screamed bloody murder. People joked about how Percy’s ocean powers clearly hadn’t made themselves known yet. But now it was pretty well known that Oliver didn’t have any ocean powers.

It had been pretty funny when Ariel came around. She took to the water like a fish and Oliver had panicked himself into a stressed out ball around the edges of the lake before he accidentally summoned a dozen ghosts to wrestle her from Percy’s arms and bring her back to the safety of dry land.

Percy hadn’t been allowed to hold Ariel for the rest of the day after that. If he tried, shadows would whip at him with Oliver’s frustration. He stayed tucked around his little sister while she cooed at the ghosts still protectively hovering nearby.

After that, everyone had pieced together what they had already started guessing at, if not outright knew.

The three of them never said how, or why, or even when, it had all come together for them, but they seemed happy nonetheless. And Jason was good with that. Nico deserved to be happy in whatever shape or form that came in. He didn't bat an eye whenever Nico kissed Annabeth's cheek before leaving with Jason. He didn't question it whenever the two of them came back and Percy clung onto him like needy barnacle.

Nico would flush a soft pink, and his smile was gentle, almost hidden sometimes. But he was happy, genuinely happy.

And that made Jason warm to see.

He pulls out the book Oliver had packed for their day out. Oliver puts on his glasses, thin round frames just like Uncle Jason’s, rolls over onto his stomach, and begins reading. In the lake, the girls are still splashing one another. A couple times they glance over at Oliver, like they’re thinking about pulling him into their game. But they know better than to bother their brother when he’s reading.

Oliver hums curiously and kicks his legs. Jason glances at him. “Good book?”

“Yes,” Oliver says.

He still speaks quietly and slow, each word a deliberate thought. It makes him the worst person to argue with. Ariel and Eve get loud and passionate - Ariel like Annabeth, cutting sharp like a knife, each spit of her words an uncontrolled punch; Eve like Percy, thunderous and vibrant, fast and off the cuff.

Watching the three of them fight a genuine fight is a masterclass in terror. The last time it’d happened - Eve blowing out Ariel’s candles on her sixth birthday and Ariel throwing a tantrum that exploded cake all over Oliver’s face - Jason had thought the whole city was going to be destroyed with every scream and thrown punch.

It had taken nearly half an hour to separate them. Oliver remained furious, refusing to cry even as Jason helped him wash the cake out of his hair, and stubbornly avoiding everyone for the rest of the day. Eve, like her mother, refused to admit she was wrong, steadfast in her determination not to apologize (although she caved fast when Nico came back with Ariel). Ariel got over it fast, she always did, which Jason found hilarious considering how emotional each of her fathers’ were. But her eyes remained red rimmed and she would tear up each time she caught sight of her siblings’ bruises.

She hit the hardest. Always did.

But when they fought together? In defense of one another? Amazing to see. It reminded Jason of the wolves, of the Cohort - working in tandem with one another, flying seamlessly off one another. A well oiled machine, each cog fitting together like the pieces of a puzzle. Oliver was the leader, in charge of each attack, Eve assisting in his command, and Ariel the powerhouse ready to take aim.

It’s clear where they picked it from.

-

The kids are half-asleep in a pile on the floor as Nico crawls across the couch cushions and into Annabeth’s lap. He dangles mistletoe above her head. She laughs and rises up for a kiss. In the chair nearby, Percy watches with half a grin across his face.

“That’s gross,” Eve mutters tiredly.

“Go back to sleep,” Nico calls back before kissing Annabeth again.

Ariel makes a gagging noise. Oliver swats at her before he slips out of their pile to rise slow to his feet. His glasses are lopsided on his face, but he doesn’t fix them. Instead he leans down to pull both girls to their feet. Eve yawns as she ducks her face into his shoulder. He slides one arm across each of their shoulders before tucking them in close and dragging them off to bed.

Percy pushes off the chair and flops against Nico’s back. Annabeth groans under the added weight.

“Seaweed Brain,” she grumbles. “Get your fat ass off my boyfriend.”

“Fat?” Percy huffs. He leans in harder. Nico laughs while Annabeth groans louder. “Woman, I am toned.”

“You have a dad bod,” Nico says. He tilts his head back and Percy accepts a kiss.

“You’re just jealous because you can’t put any weight on your bones.”

Nico rolls his eyes. Percy squeezes his hips and pulls away. Annabeth breathes easy, and then easier when Nico pulls himself from her lap. Percy turns off the TV as Annabeth rises groggily to her feet. Nico tucks her under his arm, and the two waddle off to bed.

Percy crawls in soon after.

In the morning, Eve will ask for pancakes, which Percy will make while she helps. Ariel will braid Nico’s hair in the bathroom and he will braid hers. Oliver will argue with Annabeth about the philosophy of Plato.

In the evening, the kids will ask the question that no one else has ever been brave enough to ask. And without falter, their parents will answer.

It was never a secret to begin with.

[queenjunothegreat]

It's Saturday, so y'all know what that means! New chapter of The Heroes of Juno is hot off the press! MASSIVE shout outs to @ottpopfic and @ann-rex who helped me dress these kids! Piper was wearing more layers than a side character in an early 2000's Disney Channel Original Show and Leo's shirt was covered in FRINGE. It was ROUGH. I don't know how to dress, so I'm glad there's people out there who can. <3

And with that, here is Chapter Twenty-One: JASON Takes a Hike

“Ah! Falling!” Leo yelped and Jason jerked his head up, but instead of the sky, he found himself sitting at a table outside a coffee shop with Leo, Piper, and Coach Hedge. He deliberately shook his head. “Is everyone okay?” There was a round of muttered agreement, and Jason took the opportunity to take stock of himself as well. For some reason, he was freshly scrubbed up and in a clean set of clothes. “Uh, did anybody–” He was cut off by the sound of Piper grumbling to herself and he glanced up to see that she hadn’t been spared the same treatment. She was dressed like an Abercrombie model had wandered onto the set for a sports equipment photoshoot on accident and just decided to make do. She didn’t seem nearly as confused as Jason, just agitated.  “Piper, tell your mom I’ve got a bone to pick with her!” Leo groused. Jason finally looked at him, only to find him dressed in… wow.

[longitudinalwaveme]

Amazing Sliding Timescales

Sometimes I forget just how old the Flash characters actually are, so I did some math to estimate approximately when the Flash characters would have been born, based upon the year of their debut issue.

These estimations will be necessarily vague, given that we don't know exactly how old any of the characters were intended to be.

And now, without further ado:

Barry Allen: In Flash vol. 1 #121 (1961), Barry was depicted as attending the 10-year anniversary of his graduation from Sun City University, meaning that he would have graduated from college in 1951. Assuming that he completed school in four years, this means that he would have graduated from high school in 1947 (assuming that he went to college immediately upon graduating high school), and that he would have been born in 1929 (assuming he graduated high school at 18). This would have made him twenty-seven years old upon his debut in 1956, and would make him 95 years old if he were a real person today.

Iris West: Iris is probably within two or three years of Barry in terms of age, meaning she would have been born between 1926 and 1932.

Captain Cold: Captain Cold debuted in Showcase #8 in 1957, and was likely intended to be somewhere between 20 and 35 years old. This would mean that he would have had to have been born sometime between 1922 and 1937.

Additional side note: Lisa seems to be about five to seven years younger than her brother, based on flashbacks from Flash vol. 2 #182. This would mean that she would have been born between 1927 and 1942 based on this issue--and that she would have been somewhere between 35 and 50 years old in 1977 (the year of her actual debut issue!).

Dr. Alchemy/Mr. Element: Albert Desmond debuted in Showcase #13, in 1958, and was likely intended to be between the ages of 20 and 30, meaning he would have been born between 1928 and 1938 (although since he seems to be about the same age as Barry, I'd guess that he might possibly be closer to 30).

Mirror Master I: Sam Scudder debuted in Flash #105, in 1959. He could be anywhere from 20 to 35 years old on his debut (though I would personally guess him to be on the younger side). This means he could have been born anywhere from 1924 to 1939.

Pied Piper: Hartley Rathaway debuted in Flash #106 in 1959. Since later stories would suggest he graduated from college, I'll guess that he was about 22 when he became the Pied Piper for the first time, which would mean he was born around 1937.

Weather Wizard: Mark Mardon debuted in Flash #110 in 1959. Again, he could have been intended to be anywhere from 20 to 35, and could have been born anywhere from 1924 to 1939 (though I assume that he too was on the younger side.)

Wally West: Wally West debuted in Flash #110 in 1959, and is somewhere between 10 and 14 years old. This would mean he was born sometime between 1945 and 1949, and that he would have been 38 to 42 years old in 1987 (when Flash vol. 2 began in the real world).

Trickster I: James Jesse debuted in Flash #113 in 1960. I tend to assume he was quite young when he became the Trickster. If we say he was 18, then he would have been born in 1942.

Captain Boomerang, Sr.: George "Digger" Harkness debuted in Flash #117, in 1960. He appeared to be on the older side, given his early male pattern baldness, and thus was probably intended to be somewhere between 25 and 35 on his debut. This would mean that he was born sometime between 1925 and 1935.

The Top: Roscoe Dillon debuted in Flash #121 in 1961, and appears in the illustrations to be between 20 and 25 years old (he is quite baby-faced in his first issue). Assuming that this is the case, he would have been born sometime between 1936 and 1941.

Heat Wave: Mick Rory debuted in Flash #140 in 1963. He seemed to be on the older side, having worked as a fire-eater before becoming a criminal and also being completely bald, so I'd guess that he was between 25 and 35 on his debut. This would mean that he would have been born somewhere between 1928 and 1938.

Golden Glider: Lisa Snart debuted in Flash #250, in 1977 (twenty real-world years after her older brother!). I'd guess her to be somewhere between 23 and 27 based on the art, meaning that she would have been born sometime between 1950 and 1954.

If we assume that her older brother Captain Cold is five to seven years older, then based on this issue he would have been born sometime between 1943 and 1949.

Mirror Master II: Evan McCulloch debuted in 1989. I'd assume him to be somewhere between 20 and 25 upon his debut, which means he would have been born somewhere between 1964 and 1969.

Linda Park: Linda Park debuted in 1989. Since she was a reporter and would have had to have graduated college, I would assume she was intended to be 23 to 25 years old, which means she would have been born somewhere between 1964 and 1966.

Billy Hong: Billy debuted in 1999 at the age of 11. This would mean that he was born in 1988, and that he would be thirty-six years old today if he had aged in real time.

Josh Mardon: Josh debuted in 2001 and appeared to be a relatively young child (definitely under age 2). This means that he could have been born no earlier than late 1999, and that he would probably have been born between 2000 and 2001. That would make him 23 to 24 years old today---that is, roughly my age--- if he had aged in real-world time.

Trickster II: Axel Walker debuted in 2002. Since his artist, Scott Kolins, said he drew him as a 16-year-old, we'll go with 16 for his age. This means that Axel would have been born in 1986, and that he would be thirty-eight years old today if he aged in real time.

Comic book aging is wild. (I didn't include Bart, Jai, Irey, or Owen in this post because I didn't want to have to deal with any speed-force/time travel-induced headaches.)

[dreamersbcll]

Dreaming of something more

it’s career day in tara’s classroom. somebody has to show up.

—————————————————————————-

Sam found the permission slip in Tara’s folder long before it could get into the hands of their mother. It was stuck haphazardly out of her math folder, between the fives and sevens multiplication tables. Typical Tara. She wasn’t that organized for a seven-year-old, but then again, who was at that age?

She kept that permission slip in her pocket for the rest of the night, only risking taking it out once she was in bed. There wasn’t much privacy for Sam, even though her parents were always absent. Sam always had her little sister hanging off of her in some way. Besides, she had a carefully crafted bedtime routine for Tara. A busy little sister meant a little sister out of trouble and away from the hands of their parents.

Sighing, she opened the paper, trying to keep the rustling minimal. Tara was always a light sleeper, and their walls were thin. Unfurling the article, she moved it under her bedside lamp, reading the headline carefully.

WOODSBORO ELEMENTARY CAREER DAY

“Shit,” she swore softly.

Career day. She forgot that happened in second grade. Sam had gotten her best friend Piper’s dad to show up for her, and it all worked out alright. She didn’t have any inclination to become a plumber, though.

Deep down, she knows that this day mattered to Tara. Even if Tara didn’t bring the paper out and stick it to the fridge like she usually did with her work, Sam knew. She also knows that Tara still believes in magic, that moms can be good, and dads can stay around.

So that was settled. Sam wasn’t going to let her little sister see the world for what it could be; she was still going to make it seem like it was a blessing to wake up every day.

Gently laying the flier on the table, she laid back, her hands underneath her head. She had two days to make all the pieces fall into place.

Career day. What a stupid event.

——

Besides the last time she skipped school, Sam doesn’t remember ever being so nervous in her life. She had only cut one day this year, and that was when Tara had that fever that lasted all day. Other than that, she’s been squeaky clean.

Until today.

Sam tugged at her collar, trying to steady her nerves. She was in line with many parents, all wearing visitor badges. She had noticed the minute she walked into the front office that she was about twenty years younger and definitely sweatier than the grown-ups surrounding her. It’s not her fault. The middle school was a two-mile trek, and it was early fall.

Looking around, she felt dumber by the minute in her nicest dress. She spotted Mr. Freeman in his accountant suit and Mrs. Meeks-Martin in her realtor clothing. She waved nervously at Sheriff Hicks, who gave her an unimpressed look at her apparent hooky skills. Deep down, Sam knows she won’t get reported. Everybody in town knows about the Carpenter parents.

After what seemed like an eternity, the parents were led to the kids' classroom by a hallway monitor. Sam waited for all the parents to file out first, scampering behind the last adult to leave.

As they walked, Sam looked at the hallways fondly, knowing she had many happy memories at this school. And luckily for her, Tara had her second-grade teacher, Ms. Rudolph. It was like a family reunion.

One by one, the parents filed into the room, kids squealing and chattering enthusiastically as they spotted their mommy or daddy. Sam grew more anxious by the second, worried that maybe she wasn’t what Tara wanted. Perhaps she should’ve sobered up their mother or begged their father to stay home.

But her worries immediately disappeared the second Tara laid eyes on her. Sam scanned the room for the big brown eyes she knew so well and the pigtails she had braided this morning with the special purple ribbon she stole from Claire’s. Sam had never seen her little sister smile so big.

It was like Christmas, Tara’s birthday, and summer vacation all rolled into one. The pout forming immediately vanished, a toothless smile taking its place. If Sam listened closely, she could probably hear the quick, wheezy breaths that happened when Tara got excited. Skipping school and being drenched in sweat was all worth it.

Sam waved to her, trying to suppress her excitement. She had a job to do and couldn’t let her sister down. Tara was practically jumping out of her desk when she saw her big sister, her friend Amber, trying to push her back into her seat. It was a perfect moment.

She couldn’t ruin it.

—-

“Alright, kids! Now we will hear from Tara’s special guest- her big sister, Sam Carpenter!”

A smattering of applause broke out, and Sam smiled sheepishly, making her way to the front. As she walked past all of the parents, Mrs. Meeks-Martin gave her a thumbs up, and Sheriff Hicks mouthed Good Luck. Mr. Freeman didn’t look up from his phone.

Ms. Rudolph gave Sam a quick hug, turning back to the kids with her beaming smile.

“Everybody say hello to Ms. Sam!”

A chorus of Hello, Ms. Sam, echoed through the crowded classroom, Tara’s voice leading the charge. Sam smiled tightly, trying to even her breathing. She didn’t want to screw this up. This was important.

“Hi, guys. I’m Miss Sam, and today, I’m going to tell you what it’s like to be a big sister!” she shakily said, trembling.

Murmurs could be heard, some snickering from Amber. It didn’t matter. She had a job to do.

“I’m a big sister to the best little girl in the world, and it is the best job ever. Let me tell you about it!”

She had never seen Tara smile so big and for so long.

Afterward, the kids got to take pictures with their parents, and each pair got two copies of their photo. Two sisters, one in the arms of the other, their cheeks squished together. Sam smiled big, Tara matching with her eyes squeezed shut. Sam would take hers with her wherever she went.

It was the best decision young Sam had ever made.

[zeezed01]

Chapter Four - Scavengers and Survivors

By the time the sun began its lazy descent toward the horizon, the hospital was bathed in the dim glow of early evening. The shadows stretched long across the cracked floors, and the stale air inside felt slightly cooler now that the midday heat had relented. 

Leo had suggested splitting up for the supply run—it would double their chances of finding something useful, he reasoned. He volunteered to stay back, muttering something about “optimizing” the hospital’s defenses, though it was clear he mostly wanted an excuse to tinker with the broken generator he’d found. 

“Just don’t blow us up,” Percy had said with a smirk as he slung his sword over his shoulder. 

“No promises,” Leo had replied, though his grin suggested he wasn’t entirely joking. 

Now, outside in the fading daylight, the air felt fresher but heavy with the scent of damp earth. The city stretched around them, eerily silent, the kind of silence that never felt comforting. Glass crunched underfoot as the four of them stepped into what used to be a bustling urban district, now a graveyard of broken storefronts and abandoned cars. 

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Annabeth said, her voice calm but decisive. She adjusted the straps of her backpack, her knife glinting at her side. “Piper, you’re with me. We’ll take the south side, see if we can scavenge anything useful from the pharmacy and grocery store down there. Percy, you and Will take the east. Check the convenience stores, see if anything’s left in those storage units we passed earlier.” 

“Got it,” Percy said, giving her a mock salute. He nudged Will, who was fiddling with the straps of his med kit. “C’mon, Doctor Sunshine. Let’s see if your scavenging skills are as good as your bedside manner.” 

Will rolled his eyes but followed Percy without complaint. 

As the two boys disappeared down the road, Annabeth turned to Piper, who had already unsheathed her dagger. “You ready?” 

Piper nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Lead the way.” 

The streets were quiet, the kind of quiet that pressed against their ears and made every sound feel amplified. Wind rattled through the hollowed-out shells of abandoned buildings, carrying with it the faint smell of damp concrete and decay. Here and there, weeds pushed through cracks in the asphalt, reclaiming the city inch by inch. 

Annabeth adjusted the straps of her backpack, her boots crunching softly against broken glass as she led the way. Her boots were worn—once sturdy leather hiking boots, now scuffed and patched so many times they barely resembled their original state. They fit well enough, but each step reminded her that they wouldn’t last forever. 

Behind her, Piper walked with a looser stride, her dagger gleaming faintly in her hand. She wore sneakers, mismatched and fraying at the seams, but at least they were lightweight. She had found them weeks ago in an abandoned thrift store, and though they pinched her toes, they were better than nothing. 

They had been walking for nearly twenty minutes, weaving through the remnants of what used to be a thriving urban neighborhood. The streets were littered with debris—shattered storefronts, rusted-out cars, and the occasional makeshift barricade that had long since been abandoned. The further they went, the more oppressive the silence became. It wasn’t just the absence of people; it was the absence of life. No birds, no insects, nothing but the occasional skitter of something small and unseen. 

“What exactly are we hoping to find?” Piper asked, breaking the stillness. She kept her voice low, but the curiosity was clear. 

“Food,” Annabeth replied without turning around. Her tone was brisk, but not unkind. “Medicine, if we’re lucky. Anything we can use to patch up the hospital—tools, tarps, duct tape. You know the drill.” 

Piper nodded, though Annabeth couldn’t see it. “You think there’s much left around here? Feels like we’re picking over scraps.” 

Annabeth finally glanced back at her, her sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly. “There’s always something left. You just have to know where to look. People loot the obvious places first—supermarkets, pharmacies—but they don’t always think to check the basements, the back rooms, the supply closets.” 

She turned her attention forward again, her voice softening. “And sometimes, you just get lucky.” 

Piper fell silent for a moment, watching Annabeth’s sure-footed stride. It was clear she wasn’t just walking; she was calculating, analyzing every building they passed, every alley and shadow. Piper admired that about her—how her mind was always working, always a step ahead. It was a quality she hadn’t fully appreciated until they started traveling together. 

“You and Percy have been at this for a while, haven’t you?” Piper asked, her tone casual but probing. 

Annabeth’s steps faltered ever so slightly, but she recovered quickly. “Yeah,” she said after a pause. “Since the beginning, pretty much.” 

Piper hesitated, then pushed a little further. “What was it like? When this all started?” 

For a long moment, Annabeth didn’t answer. They turned a corner, stepping over the rusted frame of a bicycle, and the air grew heavier, tinged with the faint smell of mold. 

“It was chaos,” Annabeth said finally, her voice low. “Nobody knew what was happening at first. People thought it was just another flu, something that would pass in a few weeks. By the time we realized it wasn’t, it was already too late. Cities fell, communication broke down… Everything just unraveled so fast.” 

Her pace slowed slightly, and she glanced at Piper out of the corner of her eye. “Percy and I were in different places when it started. He was in the city; I was at school. It took me weeks to find him. By then, the world was already unrecognizable.” 

“How’d you do it?” Piper asked, genuinely curious. “Find him, I mean.” 

Annabeth gave a faint, humorless laugh. “A lot of luck. And a lot of stubbornness. We barely knew what we were doing back then—just stumbling from one place to the next, trying to survive. It wasn’t just the two of us at first, though. There were others.” 

She fell silent again, her jaw tightening slightly. Piper noticed the way her fingers curled into fists at her sides, and she decided not to press further. Whatever had happened back then, it wasn’t something Annabeth was ready to talk about. 

Instead, Piper changed the subject. “So, you and Percy… Have you always been close?” 

Annabeth exhaled slowly, her gaze fixed on the crumbling sidewalk ahead. “It’s complicated,” she admitted. “We’ve been through a lot together—things that would’ve broken most people. He’s... He’s reckless and infuriating, and half the time he drives me crazy. But he’s also loyal. And brave. And…” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “He makes me feel like things might actually be okay. Like we might have a chance.” 

Piper smiled faintly. “You love him.” 

Annabeth stopped walking, turning to face Piper fully. Her expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of something softer in her eyes. “I don’t know what love is supposed to look like anymore,” she said quietly. “But if it means putting someone else’s survival above your own, even when it’s the stupidest, most dangerous thing you could possibly do… Then yeah. I guess I do.” 

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of Annabeth’s words hung between them, heavy but not unwelcome. 

“You’re good for each other,” Piper said finally, her voice gentle. “I can see it. Even if neither of you knows how to say it.” 

Annabeth gave a small, wry smile. “Words don’t matter as much as actions these days.” 

“True,” Piper agreed. She adjusted the strap of her bag and started walking again, her tone lighter now. “Still, wouldn’t kill you to tell him once in a while. He might actually listen.” 

Annabeth chuckled softly, falling into step beside her. “I wouldn’t count on it.” 

They reached the pharmacy just as the last rays of sunlight slipped below the horizon, casting the city in shades of deep blue and gray. The building was in worse shape than Annabeth had hoped—one corner had collapsed entirely, leaving a pile of rubble where the entrance used to be. 

“This’ll be fun,” Piper muttered, eyeing the wreckage. 

Annabeth didn’t respond immediately. She scanned the structure carefully, her mind already piecing together a plan. “The front’s a no-go,” she said finally. “But the back might still be accessible. Let’s check it out.” 

They made their way around the side of the building, picking their way through weeds and shattered concrete. The alley behind the pharmacy was narrow and cluttered with garbage bags that had long since split open, their contents reduced to unrecognizable mush. The air was thick with the smell of rot, and Piper wrinkled her nose in disgust. 

“Charming,” she muttered. 

Annabeth ignored the comment, her focus on the heavy metal door at the back of the building. It was partially ajar, hanging crookedly on its hinges. She tested it with one hand, wincing as it let out a loud, metallic screech. 

“Careful,” Piper warned, glancing over her shoulder. 

Annabeth nodded, slipping through the narrow gap and into the darkness beyond. Piper followed close behind, her dagger at the ready. 

Inside, the pharmacy was eerily quiet, the air stale and heavy. Shelves loomed like shadows in the gloom, their contents picked clean long ago. But Annabeth moved with purpose, her flashlight cutting through the darkness as she scanned the aisles. 

“Look for anything they might’ve missed,” she instructed, her voice low but firm. “First aid supplies, non-perishables, anything in sealed containers.” 

Piper nodded, splitting off to search one of the side aisles. The floor was sticky underfoot, and the shelves were coated in a layer of grime, but she worked methodically, checking every corner and crevice. 

Annabeth, meanwhile, focused on the pharmacy counter at the back of the store. The drawers were mostly empty, but she managed to find a few small bottles of painkillers and a roll of gauze. It wasn’t much, but it was better than nothing. 

As they worked, the silence pressed in around them, broken only by the occasional clink of metal or the rustle of paper. It was a fragile kind of quiet, the kind that made every noise feel like a threat. 

“You ever think about what it’d be like,” Piper said suddenly, her voice echoing slightly in the empty space, “if none of this had happened? If the world hadn’t gone to hell?” 

Annabeth paused, her hand hovering over a dusty bottle of antiseptic. “All the time,” she admitted. “But it doesn’t do much good, does it?” 

“Maybe not,” Piper said, leaning against the end of the aisle. “But it’s nice to imagine sometimes. To remember what we’re fighting for.” 

Annabeth nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “I guess so,” she said softly. 

They continued searching in silence, the weight of Piper’s words lingering in the air. When they finally left the pharmacy, their bags were heavier, but so were their thoughts. 

[wrongcaitlyn]

So we know from tyt that Will, Nico, and Leo have tattoos of varying designs, however, do any other characters have tattoos? And if no, what would they want to get a tattoo of? Like how Piper was talking about how she wished she could get one but couldn’t because of Jane.

I feel like Apollo, if he were to ever get a tattoo, to get like his kids’ initials or like their birthdays or some other important date tattooed. And they’d also be somewhat hidden, like behind his ear, on/right above his hipbone, or somewhere else that one wouldn’t necessarily see. And this just came to me but I think he’d also get a tattoo of someone’s handwriting, what would they say? Depends if we’re talking about his kids or Darren lol.

But I could see Percy and Annabeth getting some sort of matching symbol instead, like a little pair of waves or even like a cheesy half a heart that connects when they put their forearms next to each other. Percy would probably even contemplate tattooing Annabeth’s name but I think she’d try and talk him out of it.

For Piper I’d probably say butterflies, but that’s just me projecting because I’d want butterflies, I feel like she’d maybe get a seashell for Shell. And she’d totally not be afraid to flaunt it once she’s able to. Jason would get a little lightning bolt with Thalia, or he’d get like an inspirational quote to hype himself up if he doesn’t feel too confident in his work. Like “Never back down never what? Never give up!” But in Leo and Piper’s handwriting.

Austin, to me, just doesn’t seem like the kind of person to want to get a tattoo and I imagine Kayla to be like afraid of needles 😭😭 So I think them and Will would get like, a matching piercing instead so it’s quick and they don’t have to figure out what design they can all agree on. Or they’d get a funny t-shirt with each other’s faces printed on it or something lmao. Or even better for national sibling day they’d all get matching nails and Apollo would gush about how much he loves them all <3

ahhdsf YES omg they definitely do!! i haven't actually thought of specific hc's for most of them, but i lovee these ideas

for apollo, i think i mentioned in the tattoo chapter that he had like six stick-and-pokes? or seven? i can't remember, but he's definitely had a few done non-professionally back in his teen years/early twenties that didn't really have any significance to him. i LOVE the idea of him getting some more eventually to represent his kids (both his biological ones and the ones he's casually adopted)

And this just came to me but I think he’d also get a tattoo of someone’s handwriting, what would they say?

oooh, i think he would be the type of person to get a lyric on him, whether that's one of his own or another song that really resonated with him. either that or he'd get three little suns drawn by his kids, each in different styles/how they like them, and maybe their names in their handwriting as well!

percy and annabeth would ABSOLUTELY get matching tattoos, i think in any universe. it'd be funny if they also related it back to the tv show where they met, and got something poseidon/athena related to match their characters, so it's for themselves and their relationship, but also one of the big milestones of their careers!

i think piper would LOVE butterfly tattoos, she also seems like the person to just want to get a bunch of small ones. some of them have a lot of meaning to her (probably one to represent her dad, definitely one for jason and her other friends, and maybe an inspirational quote), and some of them are just random! her freedom is very important to her and so she enjoys just being able to do what she likes with her appearance

i feel like jason would wait a longgg time before getting a tattoo, and then it would definitely be something to commemorate/remember thalia by. i'm not sure if it'd be a lightning bolt, just because it doesn't really have any significance to her as a person in this au, but he might get either thalia's signature, or something related to the muse thalia because he's a mythology nerd!

kayla and austin are spot onLKJSDF i never thought about it but i can just imagine kayla being fucking TERRIFIED of needles and absolutely hating getting her flu shots and stuff, and will is just like, your literal job is archery, which is just like a bigger needle?? why are you so scared of them?? and kayla just glares

Or they’d get a funny t-shirt with each other’s faces printed on it or something lmao

YES YES YES THEY WOULD. they definitely have matching tee-shirts. i bet they also have like heroes of olympus merch that says cabin 7 to play on the children of "apollo" pun

[randomfoggytiger]

X-Files Collector's Edition: Fics That Deserve More Comments (Part I)

There isn't enough recognition for these fics in my opinion-- and that's a shame and must be rectified! SO-- I'm pushing this list out ASAP, without the usual aplomb and probably half-cocked; but it's the final results that count~. (At least that's what I tell myself.)

**Note**: All of these will be in a more detailed list in future.

**Note Again**: I got too tired to thoroughly finish it all professionally; but I decided to hit publish anyway. Have fun reading~.

**Note the 3rd**: This is probably littered with typos-- will ghost edit later. >:))))

Very loose chronological order below~

@txcb1013/charvill1981's

Paths Most Dangerous

AU-- Pre-S1 Captain Scully is warned by his old mate about Scully's new job, both men realizing it has to do with the Piper Maru submarine.  

Save by the Sight of Her

Pusher Mulder observes Scully's hurt, betrayal, and quick wit with a gun to her face; but she still keeps him guessing.

The Longest Summer

Post IWTB Mulder had tried to garden himself out of depression. Scully takes some plants with her, hoping that some space will help him heal while not letting him hide out at home forever.

Role of a Lifetime - Chapter 3

AU-- Post IWTB Scully disappeared; and Mulder finds someone he believes to be her five years later. All is not sunshine and roses, with her slowly repelling the life she used to live. This chapter explores Mulder's heartbreak and her explanation-- it's not him she's rejecting, but her own fears of herself.

Rainy Day

Pre-S10 Scully returns, telling Mulder her cancer has returned. He then surprises her twice: by fainting dead away, and proposing immediately after.

Jo_B's

Anterograde

Deep Throat Mulder is deeply shocked and grateful at how capable, empathetic, and understanding Scully is after his rescue.

holocene 

Post Redux II Mulder crashes at his apartment as reality sinks in: in just 24 hours, Scully will be energetically packing her bag and going back home.

@agentmulderrp's

Unnamed

Squeeze Mulder is glad that Scully stuck around.

Unnamed

Irresistible Mulder regrets that he hadn't arrived sooner, realizing Scully's "I'm fine" is code for anything but.

Unnamed

Per Manum Mulder is so shocked at Scully's request that he gets a pencil bop to the face. (Set right after he and Scully started dating.)

That WALKERKid's

These selfish wants of mine 

Post One Breath Mulder breaks into his office and tears it apart.

No matter how it happened, I do love you

S8 Mulder massages Scully's feet aches, in awe over his baby's foot outline and "UFO’s, road trips and mummy and daddy being in love".

Of all the things this unremarkable house has seen

Pre-S10 Mulder jogs along, depressed and thinking he'll never be forgiven. Scully calls, trying to veil her concern.  

The questions we don't ask each other

S10 Mulder asks a Magic 8 ball if Scully will ever forgive him; and receives no clear answer.

pir8grl 's This Time

Mulder and Scully trade gentle touches, having escaped death this time.

AlineLovelace's Jericho

AU Scully's body has vanished; but her ghost keeps trying to get Mulder-- who haunts her 'grave'-- to move on with life.

forgottenwords's

Scar Tissue

S3 Scully contemplates her and Mulder's scars.   

Wagers

Mulder is mortified over Skinner's personal inquiry of his 'relationship.' Scully is mortified the FBI bet is in the thousands.

adamstanheight's hindsight is twenty-twenty

Monday Skinner is dry-mouthed and horrified as his two agents blow up in the bank, the guilt over his actions in S. R. 819 coming home to roost.

@i-turn-to-stare/iturntostare's An Early Morning, Late Start

Pre-Je Souhaite Mulder and Scully are late to the office that morning, but the only person who seems to mind is an increasingly panicked Kim Cook.

soulgyrl's

The Need To Know or Mulder's Dilemma

Post Three Words Mulder drops in to TLGs, trying to probe them for information; and after a mild conversations, he knows.

Mother Never Told me There'd Be Days Like This

AU-- Pre-Essence Mulder and Scully are on an undercover mission in Target, fruitlessly trying to corral a perpetrator with Doggett and Monica in a comedy of errors. Mulder ends up dragging Scully, and they both just settle for a night in with popcorn.

ophelia_interrupted's (Ao3) Consortium Downsizing (Ao3)

Crack-- The Consortium hate their accountant but still need him to balance their budget. They're completely broke, though, so they force the US to buy cookies.

@ladymegg/LadyMeg's

A Sprinkle of Stardust/Remembered Promises

Mulder and Scully are scared to death in a haunted house; but end their night with a date set.

Realised Desires (Part 2 of Remembered Promises)

Mulder finally swipes Scully's planner and schedules in their date for that evening-- for a breaking and entering... or not.

Leaving the Years Behind  

Scully has whined many a time through the years, and Mulder has quietly hustled after her, teasing and doting with lunches and nap times.

piece_of_the_stars's snow day

Mulder and Scully are up late-early, calling each other and reminiscing over Samantha and her snowman Kevin. Mulder offers to introduce Kev to Scully the next day.

missing piece

TINH Scully always thought she'd find Mulder alive or die first-- now she can no longer live in denial and must be ripped open.

liveonthesun's Now She Has No Choice

S8 ISTJ understands Mulder's goldfish while dreaming of him and processing her anger at his absence.

CaptainLyssa's

Mrs. Spooky Mulder - CaptainLyssa - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Scully is fuming-- a conference full of agents are convinced she and Mulder are dating, and his antics do not help at all. Finally, she just lets them say whatever they want; but her vomiting from a stress headache do not help matters. (I end ~Chapter 5... dunno why.)

Casper, Wyoming. - CaptainLyssa - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Post IWTB Mulder moves he and Scully to Casper, Wyoming; and she is furious when she realizes Will lives here as well. He didn't know, all is forgiven, and they end up adopting their own son at last.

Shopping - CaptainLyssa - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

AU Psychic Family-- Scully and her children are observed by a stranger, who can't quite puzzle how her whole family seem to be psychic... but that's ridiculous, isn't it?

Eating Out - CaptainLyssa - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

AU Psychic Family-- Mulder, Scully, and their precocious children are trying to retain a shred of normalcy while having a nice family outing.

simpletumbleweedfarmer's As Long As You're Right Here - simpletumbleweedfarmer - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Requiem Scully as a dream that Mulder had been taken, and cries it out in his motel room. It's, of course, realized soon after.

todaymyheartleapt's Swiss Omega - todaymyheartleapt - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Pre-Vienen Scully wore Mulder's watch while he was gone.

sisterspooky's The Artist Currently Known As Fox Mulder - sisterspooky (Livylovestabler) - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Revival Mulder is happy that he and Scully are in sync, singing a song until she catches on and strikes a deal.

@suitablyaggrieved/ScullyLovesQueequeg's

Day 17 - This Is Going To Hurt - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Mulder is shot on the job; but he convinces his superiors-- and Scully-- to let him go back and continue to talk down the suspect.

Something's Gotta Give - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Scully is swamped with Valentine's Day chocolates. Mulder descends into jealousy, stealing her candy here and there.

7. You’ve gone to the bathroom fifty times today.... - Post Tenebras Lux (tumblr.com) Ao3 Day 2 - You've Gone to The Bathroom 50 Times Today - Chapter 1 - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Post Never Again Mulder can't help but notice that Scully keeps running off to the bathroom, finally following her in and carefully asking her questions. Scully negates his suspicions, telling him her own.

Funeral For A Friend - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own]  

AU-- Gethsemane Mulder died. Scully attended his funeral.

The Reticulan Roadhouse - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Post Dreamland II Mulder and Scully eat at the Reticulan Roadhouse, neither of them acknowledging its date-ness even when Mulder gifts his partner a pair of beautiful earrings.

Avoidable Feast - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Mulder and Scully are dating, and the two's lack of communication almost costs them the first Thanksgiving they wanted to celebrate together.

Day 20 - There's Nothing Wrong With You - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Scully is surprised that, while melodramatic, Mulder is actually sick; and lures her boyfriend over with a clean house.

Holiday Apologies - ScullyLovesQueequeg - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] 

Post IWTB Mulder slowly readjusts to family holidays, visibly slipping into depression. Bill observes him; and buries the hatchet.

thespookyvariation's Letters - Chapter 1 - thespookyvariation - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own]

Post S9 Mulder and Scully read the letters each other had written during their darkest days-- his loss during her abduction and her fear during her cancer.

Enjoy!

[elenormajistic]

Annabeth Chase was very good at holding her alcohol.

In all honesty it was mostly because she didn’t drink that much to begin with. Being drunk had never been all that appealing to her— years of being on edge for the next fight made it difficult for her to intentionally dull her senses, and she never liked how foggy it made her brain either. Living in New Rome for the past few years hadn’t completely squashed those instincts, despite its top of the line anti-monster security.

But still. Annabeth could keep it together pretty well, when she chose to indulge. She’d gone to a few wild parties earlier in college, mostly at Piper’s behest, and she didn’t mind having a few glasses of wine every once in a while.

Girl’s Night was every once in a while. Every first Friday of the month, if you wanted to be exact about it. In all honesty the practice was probably a bit dumb and middle aged for a bunch of people (and, okay, ‘a bunch of people’ was generous- it was really only Piper, Annabeth and Hazel) in their early twenties, but Annabeth didn’t care. It was hard to keep up with people these days, and Annabeth appreciated the emphasis on female camaraderie and friendship.

Plus, Piper had really stellar taste in wine.

[dear-indies]

Hello! I was wondering if you could suggest a female fc for a character that is a street artist with rebellious vibes? Someone that's down on their luck, but not out of the fight. Early twenties would be ideal and any ethnicity would be grand. More looking for acting fcs just for the resources! Thank you so much.

Chelsea Rendon (1993) Mexican - but when she was in Vida (2018-2020).

Emma Dumont (1994) - in The Gifted (2017-2019).

Emma Mackey (1996) - in Sex Education.

Piper Curda (1997) Korean / English, Scottish - is apsec - in Legacies - has spoken up for Palestine!

Blair Lamora (1997) Ojibwe and Argentinian - in Shoresy.

Juliette Motamed (1997) Iranian - has spoken up for Palestine!

Kassius Nelson (1997) Black - in Dead Boy Detectives.

Rachelle Vinberg (1998) Colombian / Unspecified American.

Maya Hawke (1998)

Brianne Tju (1998) Chinese and Indonesian.

Benedetta Porcaroli (1998) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Esmeralda Soto (1998) Mexican - has spoken up for Palestine!

Megan Suri (1999) Indian - Poker Face.

Odessa A'zion (2000) Ashkenazi Jewish, English, some Irish, Northern Irish, Welsh, German - has spoken up for Palestine!

Frida Argento (2000) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Anthony Lexa (2000) - is a trans woman - has spoken up for Palestine!

Ruby Cruz (2000) - is queer.

Sophie Thatcher (2000) - did post for Isr*el but according to her fans deleted it and has been posting for Palestine ever since!

Paulina Alexis (2000) Nakota Sioux.

Sira Faal (2000) Black and German - in Pauline.

Ayumi Roux (2001) Japanese / White.

Asher Yasbincek (2001/2002) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Quannah Chasinghorse (2002) Hän, Gwich’in, Sicangu Oyate Lakota Sioux, Oglala Lakota Sioux.

Here you go!

[softlyapocalytpic]

Deacon

My interpretation of Deacon is very much in the camp of, “every good lie has a seed of truth”. Got no idea if that what makes a good lie, but I think it’s a fun story telling device so idc. I never want to take away from him being a liar because it feels like it’d be a disservice to his character, but from his dialogue it feels like there’s always that grain of truth. Rather than just flat out lies, he twists the truth. The only time it ever feels flat out is when you’re supposed to doubt him, (like that he’s been to Greenland or played cards with Mr. House). It’s wacky, outlandish, and he plays it straight because that’s apart of the joke.

Because at his heart he’s a goofball! I think that Deacon shows more of who he truly is than he realizes by the mere fact that he doesn’t really know who that is anymore. If you spend sometime time as the lie, when does it become the truth?

He’s so edgy in own head, but I think that his true colors show from his actions which are usually spent either a) protecting the people he loves, or b) keeping their spirits high. He may be cynical, but he doesn’t want to be. He admires optimism and hope and surrounds himself in it, and I think some of it rubs off on him when he isn’t looking.

How can he not? The way that I can hear his voice SPARKLE after you blow up the Institute… Like the whole world has just taken on a new brighter shade. But also the way that he fights, and he fights, and he fights even in the darkest hours of the Railroad. At times I think he feels beaten down and broken, like he couldn’t get up again, but then he looks at these beacons of hope like Dez, Glory, and everyone else and he can’t help it! While he definitely has the “man loses last bit hope he didn’t know he had” moment, he doesn’t stay in the darkness. He’s magnetized to the light. Something something a lantern in the dark hehe.

Piper

I’ve fallen in love a little bit with almost all of the Fallout 4 companions, and Piper is the latest 💞. I made a conscious effort to spend more time with her on my survival play through and she’s just so charming. Bethesda knew what they were doing and they got my pansexual ass hook, line, and sinker. She’s sweet, and awkward, and passionate, and quirky, and goofy, and driven. What’s there not love?

I think my Piper is definitely a reflection of what I’m feeling like in my early twenties, except a more fantasized “country girl in the big apple vibes” version. Life is an adventure, and oh fuck being an adult with responsibility is difficult. I care so much about my community yet feel so isolated for one reason or the other. She’s fighting for justice but doesn’t have it all together yet. She trips, stumbles, and is learning.

I think the biggest roadblock for loving her character had been the contradiction of being ostensibly pro-synth but also lambasting McDonough for being a synth publicly. However, when I took a look at that as a character arc I really began to appreciate her!

Piper’s point was never to promote synth hate, and I’m so compelled by her grappling and dealing with the fact that she did. That her constant strive to deliver the unabashed truth, along with her (rightful) disdain of McDonough as a person meant that she helped the paranoia. That she made synths the bad guys rather than the Institute at large. Her seeing the toll of a full out war with propaganda from all sides, and developing another layer to her belief system. An awareness of her words and how they effect people.

Cait

I know that for some character arcs it’s about learning to be okay in your own body, on your own, but it’s SO important to me that Cait ends her story with someone absolutely smitten for her. It doesn’t matter the gender (although I’m personally partial to a girlfriend for her), she needs someone to hold her. To be patient with her. To call her out on her shit when she’s being dumb, and stand by her through the roughest parts of her journey. I want her to feel warm, and safe, and held and to be surrounded by people who love and appreciate her.

Also want her to have a complicated relationship with drugs that isn’t easy, but that she feels like she has agency and choice over. That she doesn’t need to feel ashamed for her drug use! That sure she’s got baggage but she’s so worth carrying it. I want Cait to live an easy breezy life where she’s surrounded by laughter.

(Man I guess this was less meta and more me wanting to give Cait nice things lmao).

In such a bad mood after reading something that I won’t say more about because I don’t care for engaging in internet discourse! So instead I wanna post something positive! These are just some thoughts on a couple of the companions. Definitely not the full breadth of my thoughts, but I’m kinda just not in the mood to be critical right now. Just need something good to cheer me up. Hope it can do the same for you!

My interpretations generally tend towards the sweeter more optimistic end, and I’m aware of that. But I stand by them none-the-less. I want the wasteland to become a softer place, not a harder one, and I think that while characters start out in dark places they can be lifted out of that. Fallout already spends so much time really showing off the depths of the horrors of humanity and I think that it needs to foster hope. Hope and growth give meaning to the struggle. The violence may be pointless but then we can choose to be different. Idk y’all it’s nearly two in the morning and I just want some feel goods after being absolutely STEAMED.

If you wanna join in on the fun and add your own thoughts I’d love to hear them. About these guys or any others. I just picked a random three myself. It can be angsty! I just ask to keep things respectful and compassionate in how you talk about it.

[the-moral-of-the-rose]

"It was quite a nice little letter for a seven-year-old who had been going to school only a year to write, even though Jem's spelling was a bit uncertain and there was a big blob of ink in one corner."

Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery

So... it seems that Jem start school when he was only six? He was born in June, so if he started school along with seven-year-olds, he'd be close to eight at the time of the quote, I think. And we know for sure he was only seven; he was born two years after Anne and Gilbert's wedding and as Mrs. Lynde said: "It's nine years since you went away, but Marilla and I can't seem to get over missing you." (Anne of Ingleside).

At first I thought it was because it was obligatory to start school at the age of six on PEI, but: "“No,” said Marilla resolutely, “my father always said that no child should be cooped up in the four walls of a school until it was seven years old, and Mr. Allan says the same thing. The twins can have a few lessons at home but go to school they shan’t till they’re seven.” (Anne of Avonlea).

Of course, Davy and Dora started school almost twenty years before Anne's children, so the rules might have changed during this time. But, Anne's twins - Di and Nan - started school at seven:

"Nan and Di were going to school. They started the last week in August.[...] Now, in early September, Anne and Susan had got used to it, and even took pleasure in seeing the two mites trip off every morning, so tiny and carefree and neat, thinking going to school quite an adventure. [..] Diana, with her red hair, could not wear pink, but it suited Nan, who was much the prettier of the Ingleside twins. She had brown eyes, brown hair and a lovely complexion, of which she was quite aware even at seven." (Anne of Ingleside).

The twins were seven years old at September, but eight next June: "Cock Robin did come back when Ingleside and Rainbow Valley burned again with the green, evasive flames of spring, and brought a bride with him.[...] They had got through the winter without anything very much out of the way happening to anyone and in June it was Di's turn to have an adventure. [...] Jenny Penny had nine years to Di's eight." (Anne of Ingleside). So, the twins were probably born somewhere between spring and summer... although it is quite possible that they might have been born in winter and Anne and Gilbert decided it would be better if they waited few more months before sending them to school?

Six year old Rilla didn't attend school during "her" chapter of Anne of Ingleside, either. But then, perhaps it wasn't a start of the school year yet. But this quote, in my opinion, suggests that it might be a year yet until she would start school: "Last year Daddy had measured her by a rosebush; this year it was the phlox; soon it would be the hollyhocks and she would be going to school." (Anne of Ingleside - Rilla's chapter).

I wonder... did Anne's children start school at different ages? Maybe some were ready for a school at six and some were not?

Is it possible that Jem was sent to school a little earlier, because Anne was still not strong enough after Shirley's birth...?

@gogandmagog @the-piper-and-the-lion who both adore Anne of Ingleside.