#regarding the nc scenes i mean

[having-conniptions]

I just watched 4 Minutes episodes 2 and 3 back-to-back...

...and I noticed something interesting about the NC scenes in the first three episodes.

They're not that "sexy". In fact, it feels like they're not supposed to be sexy.

The purpose of these scenes is not to be hot fan service eye candy whatever no the purpose is to further the plot or provide information about characters' personality, mental/emotional state and dynamics between characters.

They're something to analyze and pick apart and base entire theories on, not something pretty to look at.

Idk how to put this but they're filmed and edited in a way that makes me go "oh wow that's a bit much - very fast paced and unsatisfying" and I'm 99% that's exactly what they're trying to evoke.

I mean it was pretty obvious early on that this show wouldn't be for pwp enjoyers or romcom fans but still I find this very interesting from a BL genre standpoint.

[strlingsav]

Your writing is *chef’s kiss* 🙏🏼❤️ would love to request CNC breeding with Ghost, convincing him to put on all his gear and dominate you until he decides its over

RAHHH THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY TED TALK

After much deliberation and some pep-talking from @mykneeshurt, it's here!! Enjoy!!

Fantasy

– Simon "Ghost" Riley x F!Reader

— You have an unexpected request for Simon.

Two

Warnings: Dead dove: do not open. Cursing, consensual NC/dubcon, degradation, soft hitting/slapping, fingering (vaginal & barely anal), breeding kink, rough sex. Explicit sexual content under the cut. Read at your own risk.

It came to you in the middle of the night; an overtly sexual scene on one of the late-night TV shows. Bondage, submission. It intrigued you. It was an odd feeling, one that pushed you far beyond your usual flippant regard for romance shows- it sunk to the deepest parts of you, fluttering with arousal.

You found yourself beneath the stream of the shower that night, touching yourself, fingers between your thighs at the phantom of your husband having every single inch of your body for his every desire.

You'd kept it to yourself, not wanting to scare him, make him think of you differently, like you were a masochist. He wasn't a prude by any means, but your conscience was telling you he might be off-put by your suggestion.

It wasn't that you wanted to be hurt- you just wanted to have him entirely in control. Submit to him, your body and mind. You trusted him, implicitly, after all, but still; you never told a soul what that scene did to you, or what you did afterward.

Simon had an inkling you were hiding something when you'd suddenly told him to slap you while you were mid-climax. He was thrown, unsure whether it was a test of some kind or a trap that he could so easily fall into. To say he didn't want to would be a lie. He did, want to, he just didn't want to hurt you. But he did, softly, enough to sate you for the time being but not long enough to keep the requests at bay.

"You alright?" He asked.

You laid against his chest, his arm wrapped around you lazily, staring at the TV screen while his curiosity ate at him. There must've been some explanation for the recent, new requests you made while beneath him, through clenched teeth and swollen lips.

"Yeah," You sighed, cuddling into his side.

"You sure?" He knew you weren't alright- there was something on your mind. It was given away by the flicker of your gaze, how you'd chew on the inside of your lip when you were anxious.

"I- just..." You trailed off, unsure where to even start. How to soften the blow, make it seem less gruesome than it sounded.

"Out with it," He interjected, his eyes meeting yours when you lifted your chin to look at him.

"I have this thing, this fantasy, I guess, that I've been thinking about," You started, sitting up a bit higher. He was already intrigued, just watching your eyes light up. "I'd really like you to just... fuck me."

He quirked a brow up. "Already do," He nearly grinned, amused at your shyness while approaching the topic.

"No- like, hard. In your uniform. Degrade me, slap me, don't take no for answer." You held your breath, eyes widening as you stared at him.

He pursed his lips, staring at you for a moment before he nodded slowly. "You sure that's somethin' you want?"

"I can't stop thinking about it," You sighed, your hands resting on his abdomen as you sat up.

"How long?"

"Not long," You said.

He nodded again, thoughtfully, thinking over your suggestion while his Adam's apple shamefully bobbed in his throat. The mere suggestions of filthy things from your lips made him sweat.

"Alright." He was firm and decisive.

"You'd tell me if you didn't want to, right?"

"Yeah."

"You're okay with it? You like it?" Your teeth chewed at your lip.

He was even more amused now. "Whenever you're ready."

You smiled. His willingness had your pussy fluttering already, liquified warmth sloshing around in your abdomen. "You'd use me, like the slut I am?" Your fingers ghosted the muscles of his torso, teasing.

He could already feel his cock getting hard, his blood turning to ice in his veins as it travelled to his groin.

"Be a pleasure to, sweetheart." He was grinning, his imagination overactive while he thought over your offer.

It wasn't immediate; there was much more to be discussed, which the two of you deliberated over dinner and bedtime routines. A safe word, boundaries.

He was just as enthusiastic as you. In fact, he'd spent a few early-morning showers with his cock in his hand; long, languid strokes while he imagined his sweet, innocent, wife, on your knees, choking on his cock. At his disposal. He let his forehead rest against the shower wall, the warm stream of water washing away every sinful thought until it hit him all over again.

Now that you'd mentioned it, been the one to bare your desires, he wished he'd said something sooner. Told you how badly he wanted to fill you with his cum, while you couldn't do a damn thing about it. Then, he wouldn't be on edge most of the day, fighting an erection at just the thought of you.

You were fucking filthy, he knew that. He could see it in your eyes anytime you had sex- the whines and gasps you let out when he was a little too rough. You liked it. You liked letting him have control of you, letting go of responsibility to choose or decide. Being manhandled tended to get you off faster than anything, and he noticed.

He came home from work a bit later than anticipated, approaching midnight on a Friday. It wasn't unusual, not in his line of work, but still made your heart leap to hear him come home safe.

He strode in, covered in his fatigues, mask over his face. You'd busied yourself with cleaning before that, relaxing on the couch afterward, flipping through channels until you'd landed on a semi-entertaining show.

"Hey baby," You called over your shoulder, eyes averting back to the screen. "How was work?"

He didn't answer for a few moments, before he appeared beside you, moving to sit down. Your brows furrowed at the image of him- he didn't usually wear his mask at home. You decided against asking him about it when he let out a tired sigh.

"Fuckin' tirin'," He answered, his arm reached the back of the couch.

"Sorry to hear that," You frowned. "Can I make you something to eat?"

He smiled; the sweetness you exuded, practically seeping from every pore, made him weak.

"S'alright," He sighed, shaking his head.

You moved closer, cuddling into his side with open arms. Your head laid on his chest, watching the flashing images on the screen.

His eyes landed on your robe. You'd showered. Smelled like absolute heaven, wearing nothing but the silk wrap. Your thighs and calves peeked out from beneath the fabric, every slight movement further teasing the curve of your ass. You'd adjust it back over your shoulder when it slid down, unknowingly revealing your cleavage, showing a bit too much of your body for him to resist any longer.

"Could use a cheerin' up," He said suddenly.

Your head tilted up, "Anything, babe."

"Take it off," He spoke resolutely, not a question, or suggestion. It was an order. "The robe."

You were taken off guard, not expecting such a harsh demand as soon as he stepped through the door, but your mind quickly caught up with the fantasy you'd discussed at length- and suddenly it was so easy to do as he asked. Your body temperature rose a few degrees with the tone of authority in his voice.

Your hands untied the belt of your robe, letting it fall from your shoulders. You were bare, at his mercy as his eyes raked down your form. You shivered- not just from being exposed, but the overwhelming flutter of anticipation in your abdomen.

"Been thinkin' about you all day," A soft touch on your cheek made your eyes drift closed, leaning into his hand. He sighed- restrained and controlled. "Had a hard-on all fuckin' day cause o' you. You oughta fix that. On your knees."

His thighs spread, making room for you between them.

You slid down to the floor, kneeling before him with those wide, doe-eyes he found fucking irresistible.

"You remember your safeword?" He asked, his other arm now hooking around the back of the couch.

You repeated it back to him, earning a strangled inhale of arousal.

"Undo my trousers."

Your fingers worked quickly over the button and zipper, waiting with burning anticipation for your next order. Your hands laid on your lap, a pretty picture of obedience that he more than wanted to take advantage of.

"Go on," He nodded. "Put those lips to good use."

The permission nearly made you leap forward, yanking his briefs down to release his erect cock from his pants. Your lips wrapped around him, soft and gentle at first, before you inhaled, taking him deeper into your mouth.

His head fell back, a deep groan leaving his lips. Your tongue was warm and wet over his cock, eager as it slid up and down alongside your plush lips.

"Thaaaat's it," He blew a harsh breath from his lips.

Your eyes lifted to watch him, his fists clenching, his thighs flexing. Saliva pooled in your mouth, the excess dribbling from your lips to run down your chin, landing on your breasts.

He leaned closer, his hands reaching out to massage your breasts, thumbs running across your perked nipples.

You were enthusiastic, offering him nothing but fervent pleasure. You wanted to please him- to make him forget about the day, while also greedily savouring the way he touched you and bluntly told you what to do.

You pulled away, wiping the saliva from your face. "Enjoying yourself?" You quipped, raising a brow.

His head rolled forward, eyes piercing yours with an unforgiving intensity. His fingers gripped your jaw, tugging you closer. His eyes flickered between yours, before he laid a harsh slap against your cheek.

"No talkin' unless I ask you a question."

You gasped- your eyes fluttering shut, a tingle running up your spine. You straightened, turning your head back to look at him.

"Didn't say stop, dirty fuckin' whore." He leaned back, still focused on you.

You inhaled, a shaky breath accompanied by your racing heart, it was exhilarating, exacerbating the warmth inside you that spread like a wildfire. Your mouth opened to take his cock in your mouth again. You were softer this time, a bit apprehensive, knowing he did have what it took to punish you.

"Do I have to do it for you?" He asked, low and threatening.

You shook your head.

"Then get on with it. Know you can do better than that- suck my cock like a good whore."

You weren't entirely present, your head still reeling with the rush of arousal.

He groaned disapprovingly, his hands reaching your head, suddenly slamming it down. You gagged, sputtering and coughing as he continued to push harder, dragging you back up before another unrelenting shove. His abs flexed as he thrusted into your mouth, making your eyes and nose sting, tears gathering in your eyes.

He was groaning, leaning forward as both hands rested on your head, forcing your mouth and throat as far as possible, intent on making you beg for air. Your body lurched, your throat bulging as his cock plunged behind your uvula.

"Fuuuuck," He breathed.

His hand wrapped around your throat, feeling the head of his cock lodged inside your trachea, mumbling to himself with utter disbelief.

He could hear you desperately sucking in air through your nose, and finally relented. You gasped as you lifted your head- coughing. He chuckled. Low and menacing, entertained by the expression of pain and horror on your face.

"You ain't done," He said. "Keep suckin' my fuckin' cock."

Your eyes watered, dripping down your face, saliva and dry tears staining your cheeks. You inhaled again, your tongue reaching out first before you took him in your mouth.

His hands were there again, though this time he gripped your hair, helping you up and down the length of his cock. Soft slurps and grunts from you made his head roll back again, basking in the utter worship you offered his cock. Eager, searching for praise.

"Christ," He growled. "You like my cock in your mouth, don't you?"

Your eyes fluttered up to meet his, tears still spilling from the clumped lashes of your waterline, nodding slowly.

"Course you do," He huffed. "You're a fuckin' slag."

You shut your eyes, a quiet moan vibrating against his cock. You relished in the praise, even the degradation from him made you wet. Your hand slid between your thighs, desperate for some kind of contact to ease the ache. When he looked down at you, catching sight of your nostrils flaring, eyes shut- he saw your fingers running circles over your clit.

"The fuck are you doin'?" He asked, sitting up.

You stopped, waiting expectantly for his reaction. He did, and with a disapproving head shake, his hand wrapped tightly around your throat.

"Can't resist touchin' that cunt, you greedy fuckin' slut."

He lifted you to your feet, practically dragging you through the hall to the bedroom, where he let you fall back onto the bed.

"You wanna be used, sweetheart?" He asked, towering over you as you leaned back on your elbows. "Oughta treat you like the right whore you are."

"Yes," You breathed. "Yes, please."

"Spread your legs," He ordered.

You did, and his hand came down swiftly against the flesh of your pussy. You cried out.

"Shut the fuck up," He growled. "Or I'll leave you here."

"I'll be quiet," You nodded. "I'll be quiet, please."

"That's right, beg for it. Beg me t'ruin this cunt."

Your hands twisted the bedsheets between your fingers, knuckles bleeding white.

"Please, ruin it. Ruin me."

He hummed- not quite satisfied but he was too selfish not to continue.

He lifted his mask, enough that his lips could press against the flesh of your breasts, sucking harshly to leave deep, reddened splotches of broken capillaries. His hands reached your wrists, pinning them at your sides while he tugged at your nipples with sharp teeth, listening to your pleading whimpers and soft cries every time he'd bite a little too hard.

He reached the expanse of your inner thighs, holding both wrists with one hand, he let the other caress you softly before his now-bare palm would strike against them. You flinched, thighs closing together inadvertently, stifling the shout out of surprise and pain. He let his saliva shoot out of his mouth to your pussy, before leaning down and absolutely devouring your clit.

You arched your back. A relieved sigh, echoing around the room, low moans as he sucked and licked at you, sloppy, messy. His biceps hugged your thighs, tugging you closer. He nipped and bit at your clit, eliciting a twitch in your hips, harsh exhales when he'd envelope your clit in his mouth, caressing his tongue over it with reckless abandon.

On the third orgasm, you tried to push him away, tried to wrench your hands from his grip but it was no use. His strength overpowered yours tenfold, and the position was too difficult to slip out of. Your hips twisted, bucking wildly against his face.

"Stop movin'," He growled, his eyes narrowed as they flickered up to yours.

You swallowed, whimpering pitifully instead. Your pussy was drenched but sore.

"Please," You whispered, your head turning to press against the duvet. "No more- can't take anymore."

"Can't take anymore?" He repeated. "You'll keep cummin' until I say so, sweetheart. Y'like it, I know you do."

You let out a low groan at the feeling of his fingers opening you up, sliding into the drenched warmth of your pussy, curling upwards repeatedly.

"I feel how wet you are," He muttered. "You're enjoyin' this."

You grunted. "I-I can't, no more, please," You whimpered, your voice breaking.

"Take it. Know you can take it."

He continued, relentlessly flicking his tongue over your clit, drawing his fingers back and forth inside you. Your body was writhing, tears dragging down the apples of your cheeks. You were overwhelmed, your vision distorted with the fresh tears brewing in your eyes, thoughts flustered and incoherent. It was methodical torture.

"Look at you," He cooed. "Hardly even started yet 'nd you're fuckin' cryin'. You wanna stop?"

You nodded.

"Too fuckin' bad. I ain't done with you yet, love."

You groaned, eyes squeezed shut when your fourth orgasm overtook you. It was brutal, drenching you in sweat, making your hips and thighs ache with how long you'd been flexing to keep steady.

His lips and chin were soaked with your cum when he settled before you. He grabbed your hips, flipping you over. He yanked your arms behind your back, forcing your chest down to the bed, his other hand caressing the soft flesh of your ass that pressed against his pelvis.

He savoured the sight of his wife on her knees, bent over for him to use as he saw fit. His hands pulled at the malleable flesh of your ass, teasing slaps intermittently, soothed by calloused palms.

"Just a hole for me to use, ain't you?"

A quiet sob racked your shoulders- overwhelmed and overstimulated.

He pulled his cock from his pants, stroking roughly a few times before he plunged inside you.

"Fuckin' hell your cunt is tight. Gonna have to make this cock fit, huh?"

You whimpered, a pleading noise that came from your throat as your head fell forward. You took in a deep breath, relaxing into his touch- you trusted him.

A pleased sigh left his lips, he lifted you to his chest by your arms, his dark and mocking voice in your ear as he said, "There's a good girl. 'M gonna fuck you dumb."

The initial strokes were painful, deep and unforgiving, taking far longer than you'd like for him to glide freely in and out. Your teeth bit at your lip, holding in any and all cries building up in your chest, pounding against yours ribs.

"Go on," He groaned. "Wanna hear you scream on my cock."

You took in a shaky breath, your ribs flaring as you inhaled. He had a tight grip on your hands, his other wrapping around your throat, bruising the delicate skin. His shoulders tightened, back flexing as he moved his hips back and forth, using your pussy to massage his cock.

It was hazy, a veil of utter exhaustion having fallen over you. Your cheeks were tight with dry tears, nose running, body sore and contorted in a way that was uncomfortable. But Simon's hands didn't relent and his thrusts were poignant, purposeful and ruthless.

"Tell me how much you love this cock," He grunted, sweat dotting his forehead from his efforts. "Punishin' you like the pathetic whore you are."

"I love it," Your voice was meek, grainy.

A hand met your ass with a harsh impact.

"Can't hear you, speak the fuck up."

"I love it. I love being punished," It sounded pathetic, like complete surrender to his hands.

He grumbled, satisfied with your answer but still not finished his endeavour.

He took a handful of your hair, roughly pulling your head back to rest on his shoulder. You were sniffling, your eyes relentlessly leaking with tears.

"Fuckin' pathetic," He growled, his hips meeting your ass as he drove his cock up into you. "Feels good doesn't it? You love takin' this cock, eh sweetheart?"

You nodded, "Yes- yes it feels good, so good- fuck."

"Need a cock in you all the time, like the desperate slag you are."

"I do," You whimpered, your lip trembling as your eyes shifted to look at him.

His released you, forcing you to the bed while he slammed his cock in and out of you. Your arms bent at an uncomfortable angle on your back, hips positioned so he could dive deep inside you.

You were hardly stifling the sobs now, your lips parted as you gasped for air. His hand reached down against your cheek, his palm pressing your face further into the bed.

"You keep on cryin', I ain't stoppin' 'til this cunt is full of my cum."

His thumb traced over the tight entrance above your pussy, pressing every so lightly, teasing- the way he knew you liked. You couldn't suppress the moan that crawled up your throat.

"Might just try this hole next." He lifted you again, pressed tightly against his chest as he cupped your ass, parting your cheeks for better access.

You shook your head, quiet protests falling from your lips, barely audible.

"Think you'd like it up your arse." He was smug, relishing in your helplessness.

You couldn't help but moan as he whispered the filthy and depraved words in your ear. You were still protesting his suggestion, though with less conviction as you felt your abdomen tighten, flutters of pleasure dancing through your clit.

"I'd rather fill this cunt tonight," He said, his hand wrapping around your waist to reach your clit. "Put a kid in you. Use this cunt just how I like."

Your whines had turned to moans, back arching even further with each stroke of his fingers, every thrust inside you. He could feel the muscles inside you squeezing down, pushing against his cock- and it made him twitch.

"Be a good slag for me-" His breath against your ear made you shiver. "Cum on my cock."

You did- toes curling, crying out with unbridled pleasure, eyes watering, wrenching violently against his hands keeping you in place. Your heart pounded in your chest, sucking in deep breaths as his pace stayed steady.

"'M gonna fill this fuckin' cunt," He breathed.

You shook your head again- a quiet no leaving your lips as you twisted your body, trying to get away.

"Stay right there," He grunted, his hold on you even more firm than before, a slap against your ass punishing you. "'M buryin' my cum in you, like it or not."

His head fell back as he released inside you, his hips still driving against your ass. He began to slow not long after, pausing for a moment with his cock still deep in you.

Once he pulled out, he released your wrists, coaxing you against his chest in a firm hold. When you'd regained your breath, he spoke.

"You alright, sweetheart?" He asked, a light hand moving the hair from your face.

You looked up at him with tired eyes, smiling softly.

"More than alright- you?" Your eyes were half-shut with utter bliss.

He nodded. "I'd say the same."

He held you in his arms, fingertips and palms leaving soothing touches over the reddened expanse of your thighs and backside. He left comforting touches along your waist and hips. He kissed your cheek, gentle and loving, before pressing his lips to yours. He kissed you slowly, appreciative and loving, finally pulling away.

He held you in his arms, fingertips and palms leaving soothing touches over the reddened expanse of your thighs and backside. He left comforting touches along your waist and hips. He kissed your cheek, gentle and loving, before pressing his lips to yours. He kissed you slowly, appreciative and loving, finally pulling away.

He held you in his arms, fingertips and palms leaving soothing touches over the reddened expanse of your thighs and backside. He left comforting touches along your waist and hips. He kissed your cheek, gentle and loving, before pressing his lips to yours. He kissed you slowly, appreciative and loving, finally pulling away.

"Let's get you a bath, love."

"Let's get you a bath, love."

[acourtofthought]

The scene where Lucien said Elain was nothing like Jesminda is often used as a big insult thrown at Elucien's.

This was Elain on the day Lucien met her officially for the first time ever.

This is knowledge Lucien has of Elain, information Feyre only recently informed him of:

This is what Lucien thinks, in the first minute of meeting Elain, as he's reflecting on his murdered love:

Upon meeting Elain, did she seem full of laughter? Full of mischief? Did she tease, taunt, or seduce Lucien? Is she choosing Lucien by running into his arms the first moment she meets him?

If the answer to those questions is no then Lucien is thinking nothing but the truth, it's not some insult. In that moment there was nothing about Elain that was like Jesminda and I think the biggest thing he's struggling with is how he knows Elain doesn't want him. He only recently found out there's probably little hope for the two of them since she's engaged. After centuries of believing he lost his mate he finds out that Elain is actually his mate but that gift is not going to matter because she wants someone else.

Do people honestly not understand the level of anguish that Lucien is experiencing in this scene?

There has not been a single female he entertained the idea of having more with in centuries and the one who finally had him thinking of possibilities beyond a single night of fun, the one he fought across courts to ensure her safety, and he realizes in this moment that none of it is going to matter.

E/riels forget that Lucien, not just Elain, is experiencing huge emotions in regards to their bond. They forget that Lucien, not just Elain, was convinced of certain things only to find out that he was wrong. It's all overwhelming, shocking, and where he might have carried the slightest bit of hope of what it would mean when he found her in the NC, his real mate, that hope was crushed with the realization that she made a commitment to another. In this moment, Lucien has basically lost two mates. The female he thought was his mate because she wanted him and he wanted her and the female who is his actual mate but who he now knows wants someone else.

It did not stop Lucien from helping Elain through her depression, from caring about her well being. But you will forgive him if in his first moments of meeting her he wasn't waxing poetic about her charming wit and the melodic laughter that was pouring from her lips as trailed his fingers down his chest.

I will take the Lucien POV scene a thousand times over compared to the Az bonus where had known Elain for over a year yet he was unable to convince Rhys that he was over his feelings for Mor and was unable to reassure him that he wasn't using Elain in the same manner as he would a female at a pleasure hall.

[halliescomut]

Love Sea Ep 8 Post-Watch Thoughts

I was gonna post thoughts as I went, but forgot, so here's hoping I can remember everything that happened in the episode.

- General comment: I love the more playful air of the intimate scenes this episode. There's no "graphic" NC scenes this ep, and instead Mame basically opts for fade-to-black for the couple we see initiated, but there's a significant increase in the playfulness between Rak and Mut, which is a very subtle but lovely bit of storytelling in my opinion. It demonstrates that what's happening is about more than the contract or the sex, but that they're becoming comfortable with each other.

- The father legit still confuses the fuck out of me. Like....does he actually want something. Does he just want to punish Rak by making him live a life alone because Rak chose his mother? Because that's what it seems like, and yeah shitty people are often just shitty, no deeper meaning, but seriously how can this man think Rak would have done anything else after he was such a garbage husband and father? I feel like if he tried at all to look at the series of events from Rak's perspective at all he'd be like "You know what, that's fair. I probably would have made the same choice."

-I've said this several times, but I like seeing Mut do little things to take care of Rak. I think it's good for Rak, because it shows him what the potential future could be. I also really liked the bit of internal dialogue we got at the opening of the episode about how mundane daily tasks, done in repetition are a way of showing care to those we cherish. I think that's just a really lovely sentiment.

-While I'm still mad at P'Vi, because all of her anxiety over Mook not realizing she's being flirted with could have been avoided if she was just honest. She's pushing Rak so hard to admit his feelings to himself, and even teasing him, but she can't confess to her crush either, so does she really have a leg to stand on? I realize that a lot of these choices are kinda done for the drama, but I feel like there were other options that might land better and wouldn't rely on P'Vi playing a bunch of games. Really, her just repeatedly confessing to Mook and Mook just passing it off as her being silly or not serious would have been a good option.

-Issues with P'Vi's deplorable choices in regards to wooing Mook aside, I did really like her convo with Rak this episode. I really like their friendship and how honest they are with each other. It's an important part of friendship. And while they're very honest and even blunt, it never feels like they're being cruel. Both actors did really well conveying the level of familiarity they would have, and how well they know each other's boundaries. They push and tease, but don't cross the line.

-I feel bad for Meena. Poor lamb. As precocious as she is, she is still just a little kid and shouldn't have ever been pulled into the adult concerns happening. The fact that Rak's father is so willing to use her shows exactly what kind of man he is, truly.

-Mut and his handling of Meena and Rak's dad showed a level of seriousness and maturity that's not unexpected, but is a good counterweight to his more fun-loving casual demeanor most of the time. We love a man that can do both. (Also, idk if you noticed, but the jeans this episode were showcasing the tushy excellently.)

-I've got mixed feelings on the whole jealousy scene and the foreplay-esque fight. It feels just so vaguely ooc to me, but this is original IP, so it's basically canon, so it can't be ooc. It honestly just checks off my bingo box for "poorly considered D/s dynamics portrayed". Watching it it felt like they were a couple doing a scene, but we as the audience weren't present for the pre-game discussion, you know? Maybe part of why it felt so odd is that it seems like Mame is trying to portray consent in a healthier way while at the same time feeding into that 'No" Kink she has and so the scene feels incongruous...idk.

-Truly the only real issue I have with this episode is the continuity of Rak's iPhone. When his father surprises him we watch the phone drop and the screen shatter in slow motion, clearly to a level that would make it unusable, but then after their talk he walks away actively calling Mut on the phone and it's clearly functional. Like this is not a deal breaker for me, but it is such an obvious break in continuity that I'm kind of surprised.

Okay, that's all I can think of. Two episodes left. I'm excited and also a bit sad to see the story end. Sidenote, do any of y'all feel like this show has rewatch potential? I've rewatched LITA & DSN a bunch, and LBC and TT once, and WP none at all, since their original release, but I'm not sure how I'll feel about rewatching Love Sea.

[thrumbolt]

It’s not true that Feyre’s trauma only shows up in the spring court or that it disappears in the night court. Just as she only once when surprised freaks out at the red of Lucien’s hair, she only sometimes is triggered in the NC. The first time she and Rhys fly after she leaves the spring court, she panics when she feels caged by his wings and Rhys has to back off. Mor doesn’t wear red for a bit to not trigger her. Then there’s the whole Prison plot where she can’t handle the Prison the first time because of her trauma and even when she eventually goes in, she’s freaking out.

Her trauma gets better with time even though she is still struggling on acowar and obviously it’s not every second or she wouldn’t have spent so much time with Lucien and been fine with his red hair all times except once when surprised

Thanks for the anon! You bring up some good points, but I still have to complain haha.

My issue is that she is not just triggered at Lucien's red hair. She is also triggered by red paint and red rose petals....and then never again. Red carpet at Rhys' just a few pages after she gets 'saved' from the spring court? Whatever. Cassian's red syphons? Nothing. That's bad writing, in my opinion. Either the dang color red reminds her of blood and triggers her, or it doesn't, but how it is almost immediately forgotten - that's just inconsistent (it would be definitely much more meaningful, if it slowly improved). Honestly I don't really remember her having any hangups in Acowar at all. And neither has Rhys. He gets like what, one nightmare and one sex position hangup? I was really disappointed that it just....went over so quickly. Maybe that's why I latch onto Tamlin? At least his issues aren't gone after a book. They even get worse as he doesn't seek help. It's just more compelling to me.

My biggest beef in this regard is that Feyre gets triggered getting locked in, but the first time she gets taken by Rhysand and HE locks her in a room, she's totally fine, despite being actually low key scared of him at that point still and him not taking her home despite her asking him to. It just makes no sense, even with the added wing scene (which I did not remember, so thanks for that). I get that in the Tamlin version she is hysterical (for lack of better term) so it ends in a panic attack, but still.

There's also the part of how she has all these freak outs in the spring court while she is totally able to just literally re-enact her UTM experience in hewn city. Did that not bother you? Yes Rhys calms her and shit, but I couldn't help but eyeroll at that.

In the end I think it's just very manipulative writing to prime you on Rhys good, Tam bad. Spring Court lame, Night Court awesome. When SJM wants something to happen in the plot, it will happen, no matter if it makes sense. Be it the Tamlin-Rhys switcheroo, the UTM sexy scene, the pregnancy plotline, what have you. It's why every new book retcons something from the previous ones.

Personally, I can float with that and accept the silliness of it all quite well. But in consequence it also means I do not take the trauma plot as serious as some and I really do not care whether or not Tamlin is abusive and so on....

[yujeong]

I hope it's ok to throw up some Pete thoughts into your inbox, but that last rb of the fake vegaspete scenes has me thinking soooo many thoughts too. Even thinking about the original scene with Pete giving Porsche blocking advice... Do you think it's hard for Pete not to just see the violence in everything? Do you think it's hard for him to tell the difference? Was it easier for him to project his trauma onto Vegas than it was Porsche? Sorry sorry, my brain is kicking around so many hypotheticals that I almost want to write poetry

Oh anon, first of all, you can always come and throw at me *all* the Pete thoughts, I assume you've seen my blog and know how I'm like about that man. Second of all, damn, those questions are fascinating. I've never actually thought of Pete and violence and sex in that way before, at least not consciously (I think - I've only been thoroughly obsessing over him for almost 2 years lol). But anyway, for starters, I don't believe Pete is a stranger to sex. Even if he's a virgin in the show (something that was never confirmed), he's not oblivious to it. No matter the show's insistence at using Pete for comedic purposes in regards to him not knowing KP were a thing, I refuse to believe it! So, while, unfortunately, the scene with Porsche and the hickeys cannot really be interpreted in any other way than Pete having misunderstood what he saw on Porsche's neck, your question raises a good point for his character: does every act, including sex, involve violence for him? In my opinion, yes. Yes it does. Pete seeing the potential violence in everything could be a trauma response or a defense mechanism, both of which highly probable, as evidenced in ep4 with the table scene (though in that one, we had actual violence and potential escalated violence, depending on Tankhun's behaviour which Pete tried to control). Because of this, I don't think it's a matter of him finding it hard or not; it's a subconscious thing. I also don't think it'd be hard for him to tell the difference, but rather, Pete wouldn't *need* to tell the difference, because sex isn't something made for him. He's never thought it'd be something he would experience in his life before Vegas, so why distinguish one kind of violence from another? This is one of the main reasons why I utterly love their NC scene: it wasn't violent. Sure, it might have been painful - Pete hadn't completely healed yet, he was still wearing bandages and, depending on one's headcanon or not, penetration surely hurt to some degree - but it wasn't violent. It was hot kisses and licking necks and ass eating and slow thrusts and more kisses and.. yeah, you get the point. I believe it wasn't what Pete expected, same as the audience who witnessed it. Perhaps he expected another kind of violence, but got something completely different in the end, which is why Vegas using the handcuff again hit Pete so hard. The usual kind of violence returning, after the lack of it. He got too comfortable. He forgot to protect himself from the violence. Now, in regards to your last question, I believe Vegas' trauma is easier for Pete to project himself onto because it's a mirror (something @loveliesblood has actually said, because their brilliant character interpretations are brilliant). Pete's been there before, so he can empathize with a lost Vegas who's only response to the abuse is to blame himself. There's also the safety of distance: the days he'd been subjected to boxing against his will are over, so he's not in direct danger of his father abusing him like Vegas is. With Porsche, it's a little tricky. Taking as a hypothetical that he learns about what happened to Porsche somehow, the story hits a little *too* close to home for him to be able to process the trauma. There's no distance this time: it's here and now and he has to face it. But Pete is a hypocrite with no clue of what introspection means, so he shields himself from it, like he tries to do in ep13, in the infamous bathtub scene with Porsche, my favourite scene in the whole show. He cowers and hides and deflects. It's gorgeously agonizing to watch and I love it so, so much. This ended up being a little too long and I'm scared that I fucked up your incredible ask, but to salvage it a little bit, I'd like to highly encourage you to write the poetry you mentioned; we can never have enough of it, especially in the VP fandom. I'm sure it'll be wonderful ❤️ (Shoutout to @musictooth and their series of made-up vegaspete scenes, thank you so much for the brainworms haha)

[nightcxty]

VS STUDIOS - VALORY'S INTERVIEW

NC'S DOWNLOW MAGAZINE - ISSUE 001 [MUSIC EDITION]

There’s a nip in the air today—but it doesn’t make Watson any less popular with it’s usual tourists flooding the streets and hogging the food vendor stalls. Despite the ever rising crime rate in this district, the nightlife scene and cultural diversity still pulls people in on the daily, making this place one of the hottest spots in the bustling city.  Known for it’s many music bars and spectacular live act performances, it’s here where ‘VS Studios’ has made it’s home.

With the address of it kept a secret to the public, the location is far out of reach from any wandering tourists, locals or other prying eyes. 

Upon reaching what initially seems to be an abandoned lot, studio co-owner Valory Burton is already awaiting us at the side entrance with a welcoming smile. She’s opted her usual heavy black clothes for a light brown jumpsuit with her green hair tucked into a ponytail—she’s oozing the relaxed vibes one would only have on a day off.

“Was worried you guys got mugged,” Valory tells us with a cheeky grin, before shaking both our hands and leading us into the side entrance.

Entering the place, the phrase ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’ seems applicable here.

There’s an immediate living space upon entering, the smell of incense heavy in the air; the brown and green painted walls are aligned with shelves of books and golden records. The room has a T-design, with a comfortable seating area and a kitchen opposite of that.

“Books are my partner’s, he’s a real nerd,” Valory tells us with a loving grin, before offering us coffee and a homemade scone.

After our brief introduction, she takes the time to show us around; the door next to the seating area leading to the production unit. “This is where the magic happens,” Valory announces, while giddily showing us all the panels and gadgets, explaining what they’re for. 

The room in front of the production unit is where the artists are being recorded; her partner is sitting there strumming away on an acoustic guitar, a pen behind his ear and a notebook propped on the AMP next to him.

Upon spotting us and Valory through the glass panel window, he merely looks up with a glare and gives us a nod.

“Don’t take it personal—he’s not big on media,” Valory says apologetically before leading us back into the kitchen again.

So, Valory. First of all, congratulations on your recent success with “Requiem”. 

Oh, thank you so much. I’m so happy.

Did you ever expect it to be this big?

Nah—I genuinely can’t believe it would attract attention but I guess with my partner’s influence… *laughs* People were probably curious about the rumors and I don’t blame them. Just glad they actually stuck around for the music—means we did something right.

Was it a challenge to work with your partner on this? You both co-own the studio, correct?

Yes to both *laughs*. Kidding.

We got the idea a year ago to start our own production company—it was definitely a test but for all the good reasons. Same with the album—I expected it to be difficult but I was surprised at how easily we flowed together, creatively and intellectually. We’re very similar with our views on the world in that regard—we know what we want out of life.

How did you divide the work? How did you decide who gets what parts?

Oh that’s easy. I did the drums and a few key sections. My partner did both the bass guitar and electric guitar plus vocals. Most of the writing we did together, a few songs are ones we wrote completely by ourselves. You can hear me do a few backing vocals. 

The production, mixing and mastering we did together.

The writing is impeccable. What was the inspiration behind the project?

Thank you! 

I can’t say too much about that—-it’s classified. *laughs*

To put it in a nutshell, we both went through some heavy shit these past 2 years. 

This album was our way of healing in a way. It was an incredibly grounding experience.

We won’t pry. 

Thank you. Never actually done a personal interview before, so.

And we wanna keep that a positive experience!

Would you mind telling the readers a little about yourself? Where did you grow up?

I grew up everywhere and nowhere at all. Sounds awfully cryptic but I’m a nomad.

My clan originally hailed from Europe—-the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to be exact. When the flooding and riots started in both places, my clan jumped ship—literally. They thought the NUSA would give them better opportunities and they had contacts there.

That sounds quite intense.

I mean, I wasn’t alive yet to witness any of that—the badlands is all I’ve ever known. Although, I’ve been all over this country really.

Got a favorite place?

It changes from time to time—I’m too fucking nostalgic for my own good. Right now I really miss Colorado but I bet tomorrow I’ll be missing Nevada again.

What was it like, growing up in a clan?

My answer is always changing to that one, too. One day you hate your family because no family is perfect, the next you’re so grateful to be in such a loving community. I miss the camaraderie; Night City was so incredibly lonely in comparison. 

I can imagine. Did they have an influence on your upbringing as a musician at all? Or did you learn how to play the instruments in Night City?

That was them! Music was such an important aspect in my clan—we held open mic nights with barbeques. People would give a showcase of their musical talents, sometimes we’d even invite other neighboring clans to participate.

But aside from my clan—music is such an important aspect to Nomad culture. I feel like every clan has so many talented musicians; nearly everyone knows how to string a guitar or play a keyboard. So many talented writers that are unknown.

My father taught me how to play the drums—our clan had only 1 acoustic set, for the convenience of traveling. My mother taught me how to sing and play the keyboard.

Nomad life sounds wonderful—also, we don’t hear you sing a lot in your work.

Oh don’t be blinded by temptation—nomad life is a hard one. It’s rewarding but so hard, it’s certainly not suitable for everyone. That and the general distrust of outsiders.. *chuckles* 

“That’s because she’s a pussy.” 

Our interview is interrupted by the arrival of Valory’s partner—he’s slipped on his sunglasses as he brazely enters the kitchen area to pour himself a coffee.

When us, the two interviewers, look at him in confusion, the man smirks.

“Put that down on why you don’t hear her vocals—it’s cus she’s a fuckin’ pussy.” 

Would you mind if we ask you a few questions?

Can certainly fucking try. Will I answer though? Probably not—her interview after all.

Do you mind, Valory?

Not at all. Would love to see how this one plays out.

So—Johnny. Know you guys don’t talk about it all, but.. your sudden reappearance.

Yeah. What about it?

Care to share any details?

Nah. Just tell your readers I’m christ in the flesh, should make for a few good laughs and headlines.

V: Johnny! You can’t say shit like that.

Tough shit. Just did.

Very well, we’ll scratch that.

You wanna tell us a little about your revisit to the music scene?

Shit, not much to say. Might have changed but still a musician in my heart and soul—will probably die with an axe in my hands. Still got shit to say to the world through this medium.

We’ve asked your partner what it was like—to produce an album with you.

Oh yeah? *grins* What’d she say?

V: Can read it for yourself when it comes out.

We’re curious as to what your answer is to the same question.

Huh. Well, had a fucking blast actually. Getting to work with your own partner in crime and the one who knows you fucking inside and out—most easiest flowing collaboration I’ve ever experienced. Should’ve done it way earlier.

Why didn’t you? Do it earlier?

Pff, ask miss Pride ‘n Indepence here.

Valory?

V: Had my own reasons. Had to be ready, I guess.

Fair enough. So, Johnny. Is there a Samurai reunion in the works? Maybe a rumored re-recording of your masters?

“And that’s my queue to fuck off. Nice meetin’ you, I guess. Put Val’s ass on the front page—it’ll sell like hot cakes.” 

“Please ignore him. Don’t print that.” 

What are your goals for the future, Valory?

Oh. Way to break my balls with such a heavy loaded question *laughs*.

Well, certainly try and scout more artists. We’re really proud of who we’ve signed so far—they’re all so incredibly talented.

I definitely wanna expand on that, maybe add some new genres into the mix. Might even offer independent sessions to already signed artists, just so they’re free from any major label influence—but haven’t worked out the details yet.

Would be a slippery slope though, dunno if we can even achieve something like that without any contracts in place and that’s already a no-go for us.

Understandable. Is it challenging to be in this business?

As a woman, you mean? Yes and no—it’s mostly the view of the public that doesn’t take me seriously. They will see the words ‘woman’ and ‘sound engineer’ used in a sentence and think of something.. amateuristic. The people closest to me believe in me and that’s all I care about.

What about remaining independent as a label?

Yeah, that’s tough. Not many of us out there but the ones who are are here to stay. I’d like to think we are, too. We’re trying to stay fresh, without leaning into the heavy overproduced sounds you hear on the radio. I mean, nothing wrong if that’s what you like but that’s not our aim with VS Studios—we wanna stay true to our independent sound.

Well Valory. Thank you for meeting us and doing this interview. Is there anything you wanna tell our readers?

Never stop fighting. Support local artists. Be true to yourself.

“Pack it up, Buddha.”

.. Find someone who makes you smile.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, November 12

Holden: Oh, uh. Webs? Holden Webster. We went to school together. European History. I let you crib off my Vaclav Havel essay that time. You really don't remember me?

~~Conversations with Dead People~~

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[honeyhotteoks]

I’m sorry this is going to be a little long… oops? I finally have a long weekend and now that I’m home I’m ready to dive into TNT (which I’ve been holding off for so long it’s insane I didn’t cave in earlier lol)

“Yunho would recommend we all stop drinking water if Mingi said it was a good idea.” I actually giggled at this and scared my parents’ cat lmao T^T This is hilarious and I already love the character dynamics! Also, kudos to woo for helping mc by giving her lozenges, I already love his character juygtfdfghj (I have a feeling he’s gonna be my favourite)

Oh gosh Mingi’s “it’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you” and Yunho's “I’m just worried about you, I want you safe” had me melting on the floor. T^T

As someone who finds… the whole abo thing slightly… *sigh* how do I put it nicely? A lot of it goes very close to the nc category and always manages to make me uncomfortable especially since boundaries are not set before and just... Yeah. So, the fact that they’re talking about it beforehand and setting boundaries makes this so much better? I mean I know you said that ch 3 borders on dubcon, but they did talk about it so I guess that worked out well?

Bruhhhhhh I LOVE HOW YOU’VE WRITTEN MINGI HERE JKHTYRDFGCHJH the no-nonsense, level-headed guy~ T^T (who also runs away when things calm down lmao... Well... We can give him this one though, the aftermath is quite awkward)

JKGFVHKJIU You’ve got me all blushing and giggling with the dialogue especially the “Alphas are meant to provide,” He reminds you, “so let us.”

I love the awkwardness and the lingering feelings that are there throughout chapter 4~ And the last line obliterated me jkhgfjlui T^T She just wants her yungi T^T

OKAY CAN I SAY I LOVE JUNG WOOYOUNG? Remember when I said he’s gonna be my favourite in the beginning (lol I started writing this ask like… 3 hours ago oops?) I KNEW THERE WAS A REASON FOR THAT HAHAHA~ Can I get work friend!WY too please?

Oh gosh, okay Seonghwa! LMAO I love how he took the whole thing in stride. We love an unphased man~ And he offered himself up for the next heat??? AND THE WAY HE DOES IT OML. “you’re pretty, I’m pretty.” I was literally rolling on the couch in laughter.

Oh gosh, Sannie being the voice of reason is so on brand. (And side note, the whole, “but being a romantic doesn’t mean you have to let people hurt you” seems like such a San thing to say I— *sob*) I honestly love chapter 5 so much? Can’t wait to see how the friendship between mc and woosanhwa grows (because I literally love them so much rn ahaha) and how things turn out with yungi~

P.S. sorry if this is weird and feels more like a smash of random words jskmsns T^T I'm always kinda nervous to send asks but I loved the fic so much I just had to tell you ;-;

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! okay so i was literally giggling and clapping my hands reading this review i LOVE it thank you so much for taking the time. it means so much to me that you would do this 😭

but also YES to work friend wooyoung, like in my opinion he just has the makings for the perfect best friend character and there's so much more to come with him and the MC here. he's the most fun to write every time, he gets to have the best dialogue lol

also regarding your note about dubcon/noncon, i couldn't agree more! i'm comfortable reading both of those things if called out clearly in a fic, and i recognize why it's a kink, but it's really a sensitive topic that isn't for everyone and should be handled delicately. that was a big reason why i wrote the consent scene pre-heat in, and i'm glad that resonated with you! i've mentioned this on the blog before, but there will be a noncon scene in a later chapter between the MC and another character however, i just want to be clear it is not actually sexual, it's more just the implication of it and reader grappling with being an omega and feeling like she doesn't have the autonomy she wants to have. i really hope that is taken well by everyone, but just wanted to mention it again since you talked about it and for any other readers that may not have seen my earlier note.

also wait yes protective mingi / alpha mingi makes my brain spin. i'm excited to write yunho later on being a little more self assured about everything because he was leaning more hesitant in earlier chapters and letting mingi take the lead.

thank you SO much for your comment again, you pulled out some lines that honestly i was really proud of when i wrote them, so this comment means a lot.

[hislittleraincloud]

No, it doesn't mean shit aside from the unconfirmed (but observable) speculation that Mejia used a weird combination of an earlier script idea and the canon that we all received on November 23, 2022.

M!Wednesday might've said Françoise was a fencing coach on pp. 316 (reflecting the idea from the 8/2021 script), but not ten pages later follows NC dialogue:

Funny how the one time Wednesday yells at Weems, Mejia didn't bother with that emotionality.

Let's stop giving this highly inconsistent dude undeserved credit/leeway. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt regarding the inner Enid Thoughts monologue and possible plausible deniability ("those thoughts could just be benign/up to interpretation"), but the very big scene shuffling/deletions was too much to ignore.

@hislittleraincloud @psychic-refugee

I just realized why the Novelization didn’t line up with what happened in the Show.

In the chapters based on Episode 8 Wednesday said that Tyler’s Mom was the Nevermore Fencing Coach, but this was something that was part of the original version of the Script, when Ms. Thornhill was named Ms. Novak.

That means that the Novelization is based on the version of the Scripts that weren’t changed by Jenna.

[acourtofthought]

Chaol was absent bc his path veered from that of the "main" charaters doesn't mean Elain is absent for the exact same reason. Sjm doesn't write her stories like some unchangeable mathematical equations.

Contains minor hofas spoilers in regards to Elain and draws conclusions for Az from SJMs Live HOSAB spoiler interview in regards to the characters wondering "if Bryce can enter their world, who else can?" Not an actual spoiler for this book though.

Chaol - absent from the book before TOD because he was on a boat headed to do important things for his own arc and for the peace of their world, something that was set up in previous books.

Elain - absent from CC because some think she's sitting around in the NC, doing what exactly? Then will jump in as FMC of an E/riel book though she has absolutely no connection to anything related to the crossover, or the Illyrians?

SJM might not necessarily write the exact same thing for her characters but she does make an effort to make things make sense.

She's not going to write Elain as the FMC of the next book and have her deal with a storyline that she has given us no hints of Elain being connected too.

That's why so many E/riels were convinced of her acting like a mystic in CC3, so that Elain would then be connected to the time travel stuff.

That's why so many E/riels were convinced she'd end up visiting Hel, so that she'd be connected to the time travel stuff.

Before, E/riels knew SJM was going to have to involve Elain in the crossover in order to tie her into Az's future storylines, and now they're simply back pedaling, saying whatever they can to still make E/riel make sense.

But I think most realize that the only way Elain gets the next book is if she's already off in a different court and SJM fills in the 6-9 month gap between SF and the events of the crossover, or if SJM starts her journey with Lucien which occurs simultaneously with the events of the crossover. Where they resolve the issues in Spring, with Beron and Koschei and the continent, and manage to get the peace treaty signed and on a later visit to the NC, the Inner Circle then fills them in on the details of the events of the crossover which might set up for Az's future journey (issues with the Illyrians and I'm guessing based on SJM's live interview, any concerns with others entering. Again, not a spoiler, just based off what the author told us a year ago).

What doesn't work is for SJM to have benched Elain, had her completely absent (even during the scene where Bryce first arrived in Prythian) and had her sister accompany Az if Elain is truly part of the IC like some claim.

Gwyn is still in the library so her absence makes sense, but in SF it's already been established that she's helped with research on other worlds so Az has a valid reason to meet with her to gather information if as SJM said, the crossover will set up for future ACOTAR books.

So we now have two characters who form a possible endgame pairing who we can easily find ways to connect to that path.

But if she goes that route, it doesn't resolve the Beron, Koschei, Spring stuff and we already know of two characters who are mates who are connected to that path.

Elain is connected to Koschei through her visions and her mate.

Connected to Vassa through her visions and mate.

Has struggled with losing her humanity and her mate was living in the human lands, in a house gifted by her ex.

She's connected to Spring when you consider all the hints in SF "Spring had been made for someone like her, her sisters delicate scent a promise of Spring, Nesta would have told her to visit".

She's not connected to the Illyrians. Like, at all.

Not connected to time travel. At all.

You'd think if some actually liked Elain's character, they'd pay a bit more attention to how SJM has set up her character and the plans SJM has been hinting at for her.

She was absent in the townhouse scene of the crossover.

Absent from the crossover.

Maybe it's time for some to admit that Elain has nothing to do with any of these things because she's not staying in the NC and not ending up with Az.

[nyxreads]

Am I the only one that's pissed at Rhysand for telling Azriel to stay away from Elaine? I get that he's probably not wanting him to mess up things with Lucien because of the mate bond or whatever but usually if that was going to happen Sarah would of had them fall in love first before they find out they're mates it's what usually happens in her books even in CC.

Hello anon!

I mean, what you feel is valid. And idk if other Elriels felt the same way (maybe some are) but honestly anon, even tho Rhysand ordered Azriel to stay away from Elain, I kind of like it since he gave us the forbidden romance lmao. However, there are actually three reasons why I think Rhys did that:

First: (I'm basing this on SJM's way of writing) Maybe SJM wrote it there for the possible conflict in acotar5 and we know she has this "staying away" pattern for her endgame couples. Rhysand avoided Feyre for 3mos, Cassian avoided Nesta for almost a year and now Azriel avoided Elain for months. If Rhysand didn't ordered Az to leave Elain alone, we will never have this one (of the many) endgame pattern in acotar series.

Second: (s/o to @tessacursebreaker for being kind and confirming about the mate behavior) so when it comes to mating bonds, it is usually males who have a harder time dealing with it. If rejected, it can drive them into madness. Plus, they have this feeling of "entitlement" to their mate and they could invoke a blood duel (https://acourtofthornsandroses.fandom.com/wiki/Mate). So, despite Elain and L*cien not wanting the bond, it'll be so much harder than what we think esp for L*cien. Rhysand considered the possibility that if rejecting L*cien would drive him mad or a possible duel (or Az could kill the poor man), this will taint the alliance, which leads us to the third reason

Third: It is more of the politics and peace between courts, we know there's still another battle/war coming, and breaking of alliance would be another weakness so Rhys, as a High Lord, have to prioritize his court and people:

You see, Rhys is afraid to make one wrong move against L*cien and is quite willing to use Elain. They did it once when Feyre went back on the Spring Court. They don't trust L*cien enough, so to protect the NC they have to make Elain as a pawn:

In the Bonus Chapter, it seems like Rhysand has no choice but to use any possible means (including Elain), why? Because L*cien have the knowledge/information regarding the NC. He cannot risk it especially now that everything between L*cien and the IC is not going on the right direction :

They have to play safe for now. Rhys couldn't risk his court. So despite every choices Rhys made (whether we think is wrong or right) High Lord acts according to what he thinks is the best for the court.

I think this what makes acotar 5 much more interesting, there's so many things at risk. There's still unresolved problems. And there's Elain's CHOICE. There'll be confrontations in IC, possible breaking of alliance. What Rhysand do is not entirely right (but who the hell does when politics and powers are being discussed) but that one "stay away from her" scene is a great set up for the next book. Especially for Elriel's forbidden romance.

ps: Regarding the mating bond between El*cien, i actually love your point that sjm has this pattern of falling in love first before the bond takes place. And it's not a coincidence that she hinted about: choice, two mates, true mates. And who falls in love first before "sensing" the bond? (There's actually a lot of theories regarding Elriel as true mates so this is still another pattern for us, ig)

But all in all anon, what you feel is valid. We have different point of view regarding on Rhysand's decisions. Hope sjm would clear everything in acotar 5!

Have a great night/day ahead!

[scarefox]

There is more to it (long lost childhood friends to lovers + writer collaboration complications, bit of bl industry tea regarding social media comments, bit of fuck gender norms message)

But for some reason gifsets nowadays boiled down to only show the kisses, NC scenes or romance scenes of every drama. I mean everyone can gif what they want but I too would like and reblog other scenes too. Funny scenes, badass scenes or powerful scenes ya know.

I'm haven't watched battle of the writers and I assume gifmakers don't want to gif all the times they're like, staring at empty word docs or whatever, but everything I have seen makes it seem like the plot is about our guys going at it and nothing else

[sangdelune-archive1]

          OKAY SINCE Y’ALL ASKED FOR IT. Stella’s unhinged and unpopular takes about V/NC.

          Full disclaimer that this can get pretty discoursey and I’m usually not one to post these things but this is more directed at the fandom and the direction of the story itself rather than any hate or dislike of certain characters or ships. But when I mean unpopular, I mean UNPOPULAR. I also haven’t read P/andora Hearts so this is my first exposure to Mochijun’s writing so I’m not entirely sure if this is typically how she handles things.

          SO FIRST OFF. The fandom treats Misha like absolute garbage. I’ve seen the worst takes on t/witter about him ( which, yes I am aware that’s my first mistake lol ). I’ve seen ‘ Oh Misha is manipulative because he cried in chapter 55.5 and stopped ‘. Like if children don’t get what they want, they’ll EVENTUALLY stop. That goes for ANY child, abused or not. Misha IS manipulative to a degree but it’s important to realize that all of his actions have been driven by his desire for his family and also CRYING AND SHOWING GENUINE EMOTION isn’t the reason he’s manipulative. Then I’ve seen ‘ Noe calls Vanitas by his birth name and Vanitas cries because everyone who knew his birth name is dead ‘. You cannot tell me that in the several years that Vanitas and Misha grew up together, Vanitas did not tell Misha his birth name. He ( most likely ) didn’t even get the Vanitas name until after Luna’s death. And then I’ve seen ‘ Vanitas’ and Noe’s dynamic is a healthier version of Vanitas’ and Misha’s ‘ and those are two entirely different dynamics with two entirely different people. One cannot just replace the other or be an  X version of the other. I always see things that either villainize Misha or blatantly disregard his existence / impact on Vanitas’ life for the sake of shipping. Shipping is fine and all but I really do not like it when people disregard certain aspects of characters or hate on certain characters because it ‘ gets in the way of a ship ‘. If it was Jeanne and not Noe, I’d still feel the same exact way; just with Jeanne. 

          If it was just the fandom though, it wouldn’t be a big deal but TO ME it feels like the current route of V/NC is taking the same approach. I didn’t entirely agree with Vanitas’ actions of leaving Misha behind in chapter 55.5 but I could still see his points of not wanting Misha to go through the act of killing him and see that there was an emotional reasoning behind it; as poorly executed as Vanitas’ actions were. But then chapter 56 showed that cute scene of the Blue Moon family baking together and then directly showed the parallel with Noe and Vanitas baking together afterwards ( which I think made the weird Vanitas and Noe dynamic post come in ). I’m HOPING that Mochijun isn’t trying to push the message that Noe is Misha’s replacement. 

          Recently too, someone posted a translation of the bonuses for one of the DVDs and it shows Vanitas not caring at all about Misha being scared of ghosts. And then someone else posted a plausible theory that Vanitas doesn’t regard Misha as a human being anymore and that the current Misha is completely different. Which ... I can actually agree with IN REGARDS TO THE MISHA ISN’T HUMAN PART. But at the same time, it’s still clear that Misha cares deeply about his family and that he’s being manipulated. He might not be human / entirely human and might have actually died / been brought back to life by the Comte but his feelings are definitely still his own. Otherwise, I think he’d be far more brainwashed and it’s clear he’s only in the Comte’s plans for his family’s sake when he said he ‘ didn’t know and didn’t care ‘ about what the Comte was doing. He’s VERY MUCH AWARE he’s being used and abused but he’s purposely allowing it because of the desperate hope he has of bringing Luna back.

          It just feels really strange and really wrong to me that Mochijun put so much effort into not only setting up this wonderful found family story, making it the MAIN CHARACTER’S backstory, but is now just throwing it all away and making Vanitas act like a royal piece of shit. This is the same man that baked sweets for Misha, let Misha sleep in the same bed with him to keep him warm, and sacrificed so much of his well being for Misha. And even in the carnival arc, he still cared for Misha. He even reached out for Misha when he was struggling and in pain. And before anyone says ‘ oh but Misha tried to attack him after that ‘, he was under the Book’s control and clearly regretted much of his actions afterwards and made certain Domi didn’t get in trouble for what he made her do. They still both cared for each other so much, despite everything they’d gone through. The current way the story is going just seems so ... well, I can’t say out of character because they’re Mochijun’s characters but it just doesn’t feel good.  There definitely are ways to still keep BOTH Noe and Misha in Vanitas’ life and I could understand if Mochijun still wanted to keep the conflict going on between Comte/Misha and Vanitas but ... it just seems more callous like there’s a purposeful neglect of Misha rather than an emotional approach like in chapter 55.5.

          Maybe I’m WRONG and this whole thing between between Misha and Vanitas will be sorted out in later chapters and it would have been too soon for them to make up in chapter 55.5. That I would be okay with. I don’t care what characters or ships are endgame, really. I’m not a person that gets overly invested in that sort of thing. It’s probably too much to ask for Misha and Vanitas to have a happy ending since ... you know. Vanitas dies at the end. But all I want for them is to talk and forgive each other and love each other again. That’s literally the only thing I want out of this series.

[bookofmirth]

I said Family Love because that's it at the end.

Sister-in-law with Brother-in-law

and all happy together.

The more Feyre and Nesta and Elain love each other the more they live together because it wasn't the first option.

Nesta now lives in Velares and loves more technically found her world with two other beautiful ferricas and lives in a different house.

Elain lives there because Feyre lives.

I never found inseparable sisters and I'm glad because there are certainly many families that love each other but live in different places.

It has that perfect vibe.

It's still a cliche that people accept and even more complain about the partnership.

There's nothing new, I've read the book with Forbidden Love, by 3 sisters and 3 brothers and many a good dialogue varies the book ends up on the first page.

Elain lives there because Feyre lives.

Seriously 🤣🤣 this is the only reason that Elain lives in the Night Court. She followed her sister who got married and now has some huge houses. Where else would she go??? Where is this so-called allegiance to the Night Court coming from, what is it based on? I guess if I got free rent and food I'd be pretty attached, too.

Nesta now lives in Velares and loves more technically found her world with two other beautiful ferricas and lives in a different house.

Yeah, Nesta has actual connections to the NC now, not just her family. Cassian, Gwyn and Emerie, the house, the Valkyries. It makes sense for Nesta to stay!

I never found inseparable sisters and I'm glad because there are certainly many families that love each other but live in different places.

Okay regarding this, I have wondered if some of people's objections to the sisters living apart are for cultural reasons. In the US it's very normal for family to live across the country from each other and see each other 1-2 times a year. But I know that in other places, that is highly unusual. Is that why people think it would be so sad?? I just don't get it. Especially when Feyre thinks Elain is "a pleasant companion" and Nesta thinks of Elain as a dog. Where is this so-called closeness? Look, one of my favorite scenes in acowar is when the sisters slept together after Elain was rescued. But that was life-or-death. That doesn't mean they have to chat every single day of their lives. They can love one another and remain sisters without that.

[feysandfeels]

ACOTAR 5 or 6?? (I don’t know which book is next)

Did someone ask for this? No, not really. Am I still going to theorize how the next book is going to go in length? Yes, yes I will. Also I’m doing a facemask that needs 20min to set in so like, I have time to kill. 

I have seen many saying that Azriel’s book is next because through him we will get Illyria, which still needs to be dealt with. Also through him we get Gwynriel and that. Even though I can definitely see the logic behind that, I thought I might throw in another option just for shits and giggles. 

This is more like a fever dream than anything. Don’t hold me to it, because I haven’t read these books with the academic rigorosity to come up with counter arguments as to why it’s Az’s and not Elain’s book that will come next. But, that being said, if I’m right I will say I told you so (lol). 

Also this will further my Elucien agenda so like... yeah you’ve been warned.

Why Elain?

Because I think it makes more sense to go have a book deal with one villain working up to Koshei, than to have Beron+Koshei as the big baddies in one final book. So like ACOSF was the human queen, ACOTAR 5 is Beron and then ACOTAR 6 ultimate baddie Koshei. And who is character that has ties to Beron? Lucien and who would Lucien’s book be with? exactly, Azriel. no I’m kidding, of course Elain. 

I also think Elain was a character that had a huge presence in this ACOSF despite having like three sentences. You could see her impact in the book and to me that was quite telling. 

ACOTAR 5: 

Right so we all can agree on a few things after being in this fandom for a couple of years or at least since the end of ACOSF: first, Elain and Lucien will deliver a Jane Austen type romance; second, it will entail a lot of court politics; and third, Elain is up to something and no one knows what it is. Yes? 

First Act:

Elain doing her suspicious stuff and we as the reader find out what it is and can already see the negative implications

Lucien still taking the brunt of the work in the SC, which is still utter chaos.

BoE content: Vassa is agitated because her curse is nowhere near close to being broken and time is running out. 

The IC finds out what Elain is been up to. I do think it has something to do with her wanting to go back to her human self. Cue the confrontation.

Meanwhile with Lucien: Vassa might attempt something it triggers a magical response from Koshei, an attack or something. Maybe Beron decides to make a move to the SC given that Tamlin is absent as a ruler. I don’t know, the point is we get a confrontation scene that sees Tamlin die to protect Lucien. Everyone is in shock because the HL of Spring just died, without heirs and close relatives. Where did the power go?

Lucien starts to feel it, but then he realizes that it’s not because it is happening to him.

Cue to Elain having her “i want to be human again I don’t care the cost” rant at the IC. Amren will call her a stupid girl, because that’s what she does. Then the power flows to her and she’s going to be hella confused, everyone in the IC is stunned and when Elain asks wtf just happened, Feyre will say: Tamlin died (because she can feel the shift of power of spring due to the kernel of power of spring that she has), so that means and Rhysand finishes the thought by saying that Elain is the new High Lady of the Spring Court (and the first cauldron-chosen high lady)

This means that now she has more ties to this fae world and can’t simply abandon them.

We will have some discussion about what to do next and Elain is all like “I don’t want to be High Lady I didn’t even want to be fae”. Trust someone in the IC, maybe Amren (since she has no problem with saying what everyone else is thinking in the bluntest-maybe even rudest way), to say that having Elain be HL of Spring would make everyone’s life easier given the unified Prythian front they must once again have because of the Koshei threat. Maybe it will even be Azriel and they will have the E/lriel fallout...

Lucien arrives at the NC to talk to Elain or well something. 

News spread about what happened and they know that Elain’s claim (if she chooses to make it) to the SC is a tad shaky and not everyone will accept it. Beron is like the fuck if you think I will accept this human-turned fae claim. The SC is an strategic location and I will take it for myself because it will be useful fo my Koshei-agenda.

Eris arrives like hello my dad is about to move his army to the SC so now is the time to kill him

And Elain is still like “i don’t want it”. Think Jon Snow in GoT.

Cue an Archeron confrontation of “you can’t run away from your responsabilities// life is not neat and sometimes it will throw at you things you thought you wouldn’t have thought you’d needed to take on// take a stance for once and think beyond your own plants”.

Details are blurry but she is like I need to leave here (the NC) because no one has my best interest at heart they are just doing what it’s politically best. But who might have my best interest at heart? That’s right, Lucien. She asks him for help or to leave or whatever.

Lucien is a politician and a courtier but for once, for fucking once he will do something that’s not for political gain (for the court he represents). He will help her because he wants to see her at peace. They go to the human lands with BoE.

The first act ends with one dead Tamlin, one unsure Elain, one willing to help regardless of the decision Lucien, and one war focused Beron. 

Second act:

The BoE content we have all been waiting for 

Vassa might be weak from whatever happened and Jurian is all worried. 

They see Elucien arrive and are like 👀👀👀👀. Lucien glares at them in a “say anything and i will in fact kill you” way. 

Elain starts to open up and mentions that if anything it should be Lucien who’s the HL and not her because he knows the territory and it suits his skillset. All she wanted to do was have a quiet life and see the world. 

Lucien says that if he were to make a claim he would need even more support from other courts, because if Elain’s claim is shaky at best, then his is like ... not great.

They agree that Lucien should travel to other courts to gather support because regardless whether it’s Elain or Lucien who will ascend to the Spring throne, they will need it. Elain asks if she can go with him because, as she said, she wanted to see more of the world. 

We also get an Eris Vanserra visit - or several - and Lucien starts to realize that Eris knows waaaaaaaaaaaay more than he has lead on. And that they need to work together because again, regardless of who takes the throne, Beron will fight it, but if Eris is on the Autumn throne he would offer support to either. 

Cue the Lads tour of Prythian ft. Politics-courtier plotline and the “how the fuck are we going to help Vassa” side quest.

Elain starts to learn more about what it takes to be a High Lady and about the territory of Spring and its people.

During visits to other courts one or two members of the IC will pop in and out.

Elucien slow burn + court romance begins (We have nice balls with tension because that’s how Jane Austen would have wanted it and this is nothing if not an austenian romance).

Elan will learn about Jessminda (that’s her name right?)

Lucien and Elain have a heart to heart one day and Lucien is like “I’ve never had a home that is mine, i’ve always owed it to someone else or it comes because they see me as a political pawn”.

Eventually another heart to heart about the complex grief (if you will) that Lucien must be feeling for Tamlin. 

When we get to the Day Court, we get the baby news. Not only are they trying to gather Helion’s support but also to figure out a spell to save Vassa. Doing something with a spell Lucien and Helion find out. I imagine that Feysand is in the DC because they are trying to keep tabs on how Elain is feeling regarding her High Lady position and they wanted to meet somewhere neutral; and so is Eris, because things are getting out of hand at the AC so they are trying to see what they should do. Also Feysand are nosy bitches so of course they would be there.

After the reveal, Lucien is shooketh and leaves, Elain leaves after him. It is raining. They get wet and he stops when he arrives at a temple (we love a good P&P reference) Lucien starts the monologue of what does this mean, who am i, I’ve always been alone and Elain cuts in and says that maybe in the past he’s been alone but that he will never be again; Lucien turns to face her and she walks up to him and kisses him like the Cauldron intended when it made them mates. 

We Eluciens are starting getting our well deserved smutt dishes. 

Third act:

Elain is still  a tad unsure about being a High Lady, because all she ever heard was that she was good at being pretty and an ornament, that she was meant to be the supporting role. Lucien is like “babes fuck what your mom said but no matter what you choose, I will choose you”. 

Finally shit hits the fan at the AC so that’s where Elucien go and Helion.. because LoA is there and he says fuck it imma go help her Beron can go fuck himself.

However they do not arrive at the palace or something like that but to another location where we can finally have visual proof of what Eris has been up to. LoA appears. Her and Helion have a nice tête-a-tête. 

Vassa and Jurian are there too beause #WereGoingToNeedAllTheHelpWeCanGet

Elucien formally arrive to Beron’s court, as is the plan. 

The tension is absurd, the coup is about to happen, something goes wrong, they need to think of their feet, somebody gets hurt.. you know the usual stuff. 

They use the spell to free Vassa and in such release of power Beron is confused and weakened

Lady of Autumn delivers the killing blow. Beron dies, power goes to Eris and everyone is like did we win??

Eris makes the joke that whichever half of Elucien will make the claim to the SC he will support it. By this moment is clear that Elain will take up the role so we all have a good laugh.

Archeron sister reunion, congratulations all around. Maybe a celebration in the SC??? or maybe that’s too tacky given that the whole court is still a mess,

Happy ending?? oh wait there’s something more uh-oh, when freeing Vassa you also freed Koshei. Oh you thought you had weakened Koshei by killing is Prythian ally? think again. Koshei is a god of death that now has full access to his powers. 

The end.