#she'll go to frank like 'if i knew then - would you have liked me back?'

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

Hi there! I hope you're doing well!

In your human au, do you imagine Julie and Frank to have a similar relationship to Barnaby and Wally (lifelong platonic partners) or are they more toned down?

In that same vein do you imagine them having something similar in cannon since ik you have your analysis of Julie initially being Frank's love interest, but do you think they can move past that and come back stronger?

Have a great day/night whenever you are 🫶🏽

more toned down, i think! less "i literally cannot imagine a life without you" and more "two stray cats that bonded and are not inseparable". i imagine that Frank & Julie were planning on living in the same town, but they wanted their own living spaces to do with as they please without having to compromise. i like to think that they got neighboring properties - or do they live in the same apartment / condo building? still thinking about everyone's living spaces...

and Yes! i like to adhere to canon as much as possible with my aus. i imagine that when they met in school Julie may have developed a crush on Frank, but has long since grown out of it. and she learned pretty quick that uh... hon... Frank's a lover of men <3

[babyangelsky]

The maids kids know everything

Yeah so I'm not done yapping about expressions this week and ya'll can blame @almayver , @slayerkitty , @prapaiwife , @fallsouthwinter , and @crispywizardtale for enabling me.

I wanted to talk more about Meena in my expressions post because the second I saw her adorable, sweet happy face go from this

to this the second she saw her grandfather waiting for her after school, I knew we were going to be in for a lot.

And boy howdy, were we.

First though, can I say how much I already LOVE Nina? Baby girl is 10 years old and she absolutely blew me away. She's doing a great job. Her expressions as Meena are clear and excellent and telling in the very same way that Tongrak's are. It makes it feel like they're really related and like she's grown up around him her whole life and picked up his mannerisms, it's incredible to see.

Of course, that also meant that she ripped my heart out.

Meena is sweet and cute and intelligent and it's obvious that she's the absolute light of Tongrak's life. She's also very precocious, which means that she knows everything to an extent that no child should.

This baby girl is very aware of how messed up her family is. She knows her grandparents' history, she knows her mother is afraid of her grandfather, she knows her uncle is even more afraid of her grandfather, and even worse than all that, she knows she should be afraid of her grandfather.

When her grandpa shows up at her school, she knows to take a picture and then go in the opposite direction of wherever he is. She knows to tell Tongrak right away. She makes the decision not to tell her mother because she knows it'll stress her out.

She says THIS.

Do you know how fucked up it is for a child to say this so casually?

For all that Tongrak and Kwan have been traumatized and harrowed by their upbringing, it's clear to me that they've done what they can to shield Meena from suffering because of it too. She seems like a bright, happy little girl.

But it's precisely because they're harrowed by it that Meena knows as much as she does. Kids see things. They understand more than they're ever given credit for because so few adults see them as actual people. Even if neither her mother nor her uncle said a word about their family history, Meena would pick up on all the things that are wrong and all the things not being said.

For god's sake, she won't even let her uncle pick her up from school because she knows he's terrified of her grandfather. No child should have the things on their mind that she does.

Yes, it's fucked up that there's even anything for her to be aware of in the first place and that she's having to think about comforting the adults in her life, but being aware of things helps to protect her. There's less of a chance she'll be hurt by her grandfather or anything else if she knows to run away and that she has safe places and people to go to.

And that's why it matters so much that Mahasamut told her the truth about his feelings for and relationship with Tongrak.

No one is ever direct with children. No one dares to be frank with them or meet them on a level they can process and understand because again, children aren't always seen as people. There's always this feeling of "you can't say that to a child" or "that's too much for a child!" and I'll agree that most children don't need to know absolutely everything.

Meena isn't most children, however.

I didn't pick up on it the first time for my expressions post, but when I went back and rewatched the scene in Tongrak's living room, I clocked this expression from Mahasamut.

He makes this face the second Meena brings up her grandfather. He wasn't really paying that much attention to the conversation before this but after? He zeroes in because he knows it's important.

There is no world in which Mahasamut wasn't going to offer--insist even--to pick Meena up from school. Ain't no way. He's just learned exactly how cruel and fucked up Tongrak's father is and now here this child is telling her uncle about how she saw that same man was waiting for her after school. In this exact moment he set himself up as one of those safe people for Meena to go to.

And I really think Mut realizes that in order to be that for her, he has to be honest with her. He tells her and she understands because she is intimately familiar with what it means for one person to pay another for their company. Once he's honest with her, he can then reassure her that he isn't with Tongrak for the money and that he sincerely cares about him.

Meena wants a happily ever after for her uncle. She can pick up on the sadness and loneliness in his novels. She sees that Tongrak takes care of everyone but that no one takes care of him.

When Mut asks her to root for him to get to be the one to take care of Tongrak and that he's confident that he can be, her whole face lights up and she has fight back her smile.

Maybe most kids don't need this level of frankness, but Meena does. I can only imagine how betrayed and hurt she would feel if she were to find out later from someone else that her beloved uncle's relationship began with money like her grandparents' relationship did because she has already seen how that ended.

Mahasamut has known this child for like an hour and already he's treating her and her feelings with the same respect and consideration that he shows to Tongrak. And that is exactly what she and any child deserve from the adults in their life.

[llamagoddessofficial]

hi!!! i love hmf! sans so fucking much he's just a combo of all my favs <3333, i had an idea for him. what if MC and him dated back before his injury, but her ran away cause ~commitment issues~, and now they meet again, several years later, as completely different people? i feel like in that case The World We Knew by Frank Sinatra would fit him REALLY well. just that bitter longing for a life he can't have anymore...im going feral. ilysm your writing gives me life have a blessed day

the ANGST.

He'd be extra determined to stay away from her, once he has his injury. No matter how hard he misses her, no matter how many hours he spends fantasising about the future they could've had, no matter how the pain never eases despite the time going by. She was the love of his life- and he wants her last memory of him to be the attractive bad boy that could make her laugh so hard her cheeks were hot to the touch.

He doesn't want her to see what he's become... a corpse of the man she once knew. It's better if she thinks he just abandoned her because he's a shit person. She'll move on faster, that way.

As for them meeting- it could go one of two ways. Either she recognises him, or she doesn't.

If she recognises him, it's a lot softer of an encounter than he anticipated. He thought she'd yell at him; and she definitely does, she yells and hits him. But after she's yelled her throat hoarse she holds his face and softly, heartbrokenly asks "What happened to you?"

If she doesn't... well, the fact that she doesn't know who he is makes him start to fantasise about starting anew. Especially when she isn't as afraid of him as he thought she'd be. She fell in love with a skeleton once before, right? Maybe... maybe she could do it again...?

[athanza]

Starlett - Final part

Cooper Howard/fem!OC (not self-insert)

Tags: Hurt/comfort (sort of?), non-allowed romantic connection, lots of tention, pre and post war drama, romance, some fluff

Warnings: Mentions of domestic abuse (no graphic scenes or descriptions of that nature), angst, canon wasteland violence

This branches out from canon but I thought it was a cute story idea so I had to write it. Enjoy! ♡

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

2077

That night, after dinner, Irene found Cooper on the sofa with Janey asleep on his lap, watching an old noire film with the volume down low.

"Thank you very much for dinner Mr. H- Cooper." She corrected herself, speaking low so as not to wake Janey. "It was lovely."

He looked up as she walked over. "It was no trouble at all. Janey loved having you here."

She smiled at his daughters sleeping face as she sat down on the edge of the sofa. "You've got a good kid there."

He looked down at her proudly. "Yeah, I sure do."

"She reminds me of my baby sister, she lives with my folks in Sacramento. I don't get to see her much anymore with my work and everything with Frank and Lee. It'll be good to see her again."

"How long has it been?"

"Almost 2 years. I know my sister resents me for how much I'm away, but hopefully that'll change now that I'll be away from Frank, at least until the divorce proceedings." She sighed with uneasiness.

"You'll be fine." Said Cooper encouragingly. "You're stronger than you think."

"Ditto." She smiled warmly. "And don't worry about Janey, you both love her so much. She'll understand when she's older, I promise."

He smiled, touched by her words. "Thank you."

She looked into his eyes and saw something she never had, a good man, a man who loves unconditionally and stands up for his family.

She, just for a moment, imagined what it would be like if he was her husband instead of Frank, if Janey were their daughter, if this was her life and not the daily abuse she had been going home to every night.

She could feel emotions begin to well behind her eyes and she snapped out of it before she embarrassed herself.

"Well, I should get some sleep, I'll be leaving early tomorrow. Thank you again."

The warmness that emanated from her was a welcome comfort in the midst of everything that had happened in the last few months. He almost didn't want her to leave, but he couldn't let himself fall, not now, not for her. They were meant for another time, another world, not this one.

"Irene?" Said Cooper, stopping her before she left. "This whole thing with Vault Tec...something's happening, something I'm not sure we'll ever come back from.

You're free from it now. Whatever's coming...it won't be worth giving up your happiness."

What he said about Vault Tec concerned her, not that it was surprising, but he was right about her happiness, he was right about everything. She wasn't going to be held back any longer.

"Thank you." She said, smiling softly.

2296

The sky was still dark when he left the cave. He'd covered Irene with whatever he could find to try to conceal her from raiders, hoping nothing else would find her while he was gone.

He knew there was a clinic in this area somewhere but whether it had anything left in it was a gamble.

As he made his way hastily through the area, he couldn't stop thinking about her and it just made him angry, 219 years of trying to become the monster that he had to be in order to survive, only for her to show up and remind him of that warmth that he'd long since forgotten. It made him weak, but he couldn't let her die, not now.

He heard movement up ahead, two men laughing drunkenly as they stumbled to find somewhere to relieve themselves.

Raiders.

The cages and skewered bodies around the building were a dead give-away and their little base just happened to be the clinic he was looking for.

Jackpot. They definitely had a stash in there somewhere.

The two men separated to find somewhere to piss but just as one got comfortable, Cooper blast his head off and took the other one out just a split second later.

"Oh HELL no!" Came a voice from the doorway of the clinic.

Without hesitation, Cooper shot him too, a bloody mess left on the door frame behind where he had been standing.

He stormed inside, his pump-action shotgun in hand, willing to use up all of his ammo to get what he needed.

Bullets and wood chips were flying every which way, and he took a bullet or two, but it took him no time at all to obliterate every person in that building.

He searched hastily for supplies, and when he found a first aid box full of stimpaks and cotton thread, he grabbed it and left, picking up several blood packs on his way out.

2077

The next morning, Irene was up early, her bag already in her car when Cooper came out to meet her.

"You weren't kiddin' about leavin' early." He said, the clock in the hallway reading 7:12am.

"I thought it'd be best if I left earlier rather than later."

He knew why. He didn't argue.

"Give this to Janey for me, would you? I noticed she liked it and I know it'll be in good hands."

She handed Cooper a silver locket with a daisy engraved delicately on the front.

He looked at it a bit surprised. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I don't much care for it anymore. It'll be more appreciated with her." She smiled.

She did one last check of her purse to make sure she had everything and the tention in the air was starting to thicken. When she knew she had everything, she looked back up at him.

"Cooper?" She asked. "Do me a favour and don't let the world harden that heart of yours, ok? That part of people is important, even if it makes us feel weak, always remember that, ok?"

She leant forward and kissed his cheek. "See you 'round cowboy."

She smiled at him one last time before getting in her car, and as he watched her drive away he felt his heart ache a little. He would miss her, her warm smiles, and how she made Janey laugh, but it wasn't meant to be, and he knew that.

2296

He pulled off the foliage covering her now pale body and opened the case.

Her breathing was shallow and laboured, a puddle of blood underneath her that had started to coagulate.

He used one of the stimpaks, then another, then another until he had used all six, then pulled out the thread and started sewing up the deep gashes on her side that were sticky with blood.

He remembered the last time he saw her, her smile, the kiss. He remembered watching her drive away and wishing she hadn't. He remembered the last things she said to him.

"...don't let the world harden that heart of yours, ok? That part of people is important, even if it makes us feel weak..."

When he finished sewing, he hung up one of the blood bags and attached the long tube to her arm.

He was still and focused, hoping he wasn't too late, his hands now covered in her blood.

When she woke up after only a few minutes, she saw him sitting by the fire beside her and smiled sleepily.

"Hey there cowboy."

The End

[final-girl96]

Ageless Secrets Chapter Thirteen

Joel

Joel stacked a few flat rocks on top of each other by the rivers edge. It was the only way he could honor Tess. Yn sat not far from him, sitting on the rocks, staring blankly at the water. She had fallen asleep in his arms, exhausted from all the crying and grieving was now going through. He knew she didn't mean what she said; about it being his fault that Tess was bitten and is now gone. He also knew she didn't hate him. She might hate him at the moment but she'll forgive him; she'll forgive Tess too. She'll recover…hopefully.

He walked over to her and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Come on, we got a five hour hike to Bill and Franks.” She didn't say anything and didn't make an attempt to move. “Yn, we need to go.” That got a reaction out of her. She shrugged his hand off her shoulder and stood up, turning to look at him.

“Don't fucking touch me. I know what you're thinking, Joel. As soon as we get to Frank and Bills you'll finally be rid of me; be rid of Ellie. Then you can go off to find your brother. Have you ever thought that maybe he's not answering you or trying to reach out because he's dead or maybe he just doesn't want to deal with you anymore.” She pushed past him and walked back towards where Ellie was waiting.

Joel's hands formed into fists, he clenched his jaw so tight he thought he was going to crack his teeth. He had to remind himself she was grieving the loss of her sister. He would be that same way if it had been Tommy. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled it before walking after her.

Yn

I felt guilty the second I said what I did to Joel. I shouldn't be taking my anger out on him. It wasn't his fault that Tess was infected. It could have happened to any of us. There have been countless times that I've almost gotten bitten only for Tess or Joel or Tommy saving me. I would like to say the person I was really mad at was Tess. Mad at her for getting herself into this shit and getting herself killed. But I'm not. I'm not mad at her or Joel or Tommy or even Ellie, no, I'm mad at myself.

I'm mad at myself for not talking her out of coming on this fucking trip. I'm mad that I pulled away from her. Mad that I didn't Spend more time with her. I'm mad that it wasn't me. She's all I had left and she's gone, of course I'm going to be pissed and everything and everyone. Even though I feel guilty for what I said to Joel, a part of me still thinks he's going to be happy to get rid of Ellie and I once we get to Frank and Bills.

As soon as Joel and I got back to where Ellie was waiting she stood up and started talking. “You want your jacket back?” She asked Joel, handing him his jacket. He took it from her and went over to his backpack. “I’ve never been in the woods. More bugs than I thought. Look, I’ve been thinking about…” Joel turned and looked at her, “I don’t want your sorries,” he said. I rolled my eyes and scoffed.

“I wasn’t gonna say I’m sorry,” Ellie snapped at him. “I was gonna say that I’ve been thinking about what happened. Nobody made you or yn or Tess take me. Nobody made you go along with this plan. You needed a truck battery or whatever, and you made a choice. So don’t blame me for something that isn’t my fault.”

“Nobody blames you, Ellie,” I told her, ignoring Joel's eyes bruning to me. “This wasn't your fault. It wasn't Joel's or mine. It was unfortunate. Like Tess said, our luck had to run out at some point.” Silence fell between the three of us for what felt like hours until Ellie broke it. “How much longer?” She asked. “Five-hour hike. We can manage that.” She nodded and grabbed her bag and put it on her back.

We walked for about two hours until we got to the road we needed to be on to get to Bill and Franks. It was mostly silent the whole way besides Ellie's attempt at whistling. “What the hell are you doing?” Joel asked her. “I'm trying to whistle,” she said and attempted it again. “You can't whistle?” I asked her. “No. I'm still trying to learn,” she said. I hummed, nodding my head, “They didn't teach you that in FEDRA school?” Joel asked. “Oh, ha ha ha.”

Another hour and we were getting closer and closer to our destination. “You’ve gone this way a lot? No Infected?” Ellie finally asked, breaking the silence. “Not often, no,” Joel answered.

“What are you looking out for?”

Joel sighed, “People.”

“Oh. Are Bill and Frank nice?” She asked, looking between Joel and I. “Frank is,” We said in unison. We walked a few more miles with Ellie asking questions the whole way. “How’d you get that scar on your head?”Joel side eyed her but didnt answer. “What? Is it something lame? Like you fell down the stairs or something?”

“I didn’t fall down any stairs,” Joel said, sighing in annoyance. “Okay, so what then?” She pressed. “Someone shot at me and missed.”

“See, that’s cool. You shoot back?” She asked. “Yeah.” Was Joel's simple answer. “You get him?”

“No, I missed, too. It happens more often than you think.”

“‘Cause you suck at shooting or, like, in general?” I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at how annoyed Joel was getting with all her questions. It was entertaining for me and took my mind off of what happened. “In general.”

“You know, seeing as it’s just the three of us, I was thinking I should pro…” Joel cut her off, “No.” I shook my head too agree with Joel, “Definitely no.”

Finally Cumberland Farms, a place we would stash stuff and where Joel would meet Bill sometimes, came into view. “Hang back a minute. I gotta grab some stuff I stashed.” Joel started walking towards the doors with Ellie hot on his heels. “Stashed? Why do you have stuff stashed here?” She asked. “You ask a lot of goddamn questions,” he said to her, huffing out a sigh. “Yes, I do.”

I hung back and let Ellie follow Joel inside. “So, are you gonna answer me or what?” I heard her ask and the heavy sigh of Joel. “We hide supplies on routes in case we find ourselves short on gear, which I currently am ’cause…” He was cut off and I saw Ellie over at the video game.

“No way! You ever play this one? I had a friend who knew everything about this game. There’s this one character named Mileena who takes off her mask and she has monster teeth, and then she swallows you whole and barfs out your bones!” She said excitedly. “That's pretty cool. I used to like going to the arcade when I was your age. Pacman and Donkey Kong were the ones I liked playing the most.” I stood there leaning against the door frame listening to Ellie talk more about the game until she looked over at Joel.

“Ah. Oh, man. You forgot where you put your stuff,” She said. Joel didn't look up at her, just kept trying to find where he stashed the shit. “No. I’m just zeroing in on it. It’s been a couple of years.” He would never admit to anyone that he in fact did forget where it was hidden. “Okay, well, I’m gonna take a look around, see if there’s anything good.”

“Trust me, it’s all been picked over already,” he told her, still looking for the loose flooring. “Maybe, maybe not. Is there anything bad in here?” She asked. “Just you,” he retorted. “Ah. Getting funnier.” Ellie rolled her eyes and headed into the back.

“Fuck.”

There was some clunking coming from where Ellie was that caught Joel's attention, making him look up. “You alright back there?” He asked loudly. “Yep!”

“It's over there,” I said, pointing to where the loose floorboards were that we stashed shit in. He looked back at me and I raised my eyebrows at him. “I know that,” he said, going over to where I pointed. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that old man.” He scoffed at my jab and knelt down. “Old man. i'll show you old man,” he mumbled under his breath but I heard it.

I stayed by the door looking back every once in a while, keeping watch to make sure nobody snuck up on us. It was about five minutes with no sound from Ellie. “Ellie?” I called out, looking over at Joel when I didn't get an answer right away. “Ellie!” Joel yelled, standing up now with his gun slowly coming up to his shoulder. “Ellie?”

I jumped a little when she came out of the back room, “Picked over, my ass,” she said, holding a box of tampons up. I could see the heavy breath and went back to what he was doing. “What are you doing?” Ellie asked him as he put the rifle that he got off the guard in the hole with the other stuff. “There’s not much ammo out there for this thing. Makes it mostly useless,” he told her.

“Well, if you’re just gonna leave it there.”

“No,” Joel and I said in unison. Ellie rolled her eyes and we walked out of the store and headed on our way.

[thecubspeaks]

[Gale/f!Durge, end of act 2]

Pounding her head against the shell of a pod until she bleeds, until she breaks, until it breaks. The memory is as vivid as it was in the colony, with the shattered pod before her-- the feeling of blood on her face, and pounding, pounding, pounding against her skull--

Izar doesn't realise why until she feels a hand close gently around her wrist to pull her arm back from pounding her fist against her own forehead. She stares at the hand, then from it up to Gale's face with the blank, dazed feeling that always comes after her mind wanders away from itself to somewhere she can't quite control.

"Need a distraction?" he asks. From anyone else in his position it would probably sound lewd, but he just looks sad-eyed and earnest. No pity, though, never that. Sorrow for her, sometimes, but that isn't the same.

She nods yes, but then says, "Ketheric knew. He knew what happened to me, and the bastard wouldn't tell me."

Gale frowns. "I'm not sure I would have trusted his word anyway, to be frank. He seemed quite deluded by the end."

"It would have been something! I could have--" Fury flushes through her and her hand twitches. Gale tightens his grip on her wrist, from soothing to restraining in a silent instant. He locks eyes with her, level and calm, and the moment passes.

It is a confused shred of her mangled mind, she knows, when she sometimes wishes Gale did not hate the thing she calls the Urge. Why shouldn't he, when she hates it, too? They are partners in defeating it-- that is the hope that makes them equals, despite what she is. That she will overcome herself, and he chooses to help her. Because he loves the parts of her beyond that, which means there must be more to her. Even now, with whatever someone-- the Chosen?-- took. That thought steadies her more than Gale's hand on her arm.

She reveled in the fantasy, their first few days traveling together-- when Gale would duck close to murmur observations, to make suggestions, to ask her views, and she realised that he considered the two of them the leaders. He trusted her to guide them, believed her intelligent and competent, not a shattered shell whittled down to nothing more than a muscle memory of how to hunt and track and kill. She could strategise. She could lead. She did. And what a prodigy must she have been, if she could do all that still, now, like this? How much sharper was her mind, before? How much more his match would her old self have been?

"You can let go," she says quietly, and he does. He watches her still, though, level and concerned, and there's nothing at all of the look she saw in his eyes just hours ago-- a desperate longing, for-- what? Mystra's forgiveness? To be a hero? Simply to die? She doesn't know, and is sure he doesn't, either. And over all of them, he chose her. And ever since-- he's been restless, manic even, too eager to talk to anyone who will listen about this crown, this book. Glad Gale's back to his old self, Astarion murmured dryly as they picked their way through the ruins of Moonrise to find a place to bunk down, but that isn't it. Perhaps it's just the buoyancy of an escape from certain death, or--

What did he say to her that morning, after the night she can only half-remember though a haze of red and thwarted urge? Things undone should be unspoken, something like that? She didn't kill him, he didn't kill them all, nothing more to say. This is how they will both prevail over themselves, the drives towards self-destruction that pair so nicely. They will not run hand-in-hand into the abyss-- they will turn away, lock it away, not speak of it until they cannot hear the voice that whispers that they don't deserve to live, and they can take everyone else with them when they go.

"You're right," she says. "It's not worth dwelling on. Answers lie ahead, not behind us."

"Ahead," he agrees, breaking into a smile, eyes alight with-- she'll call it hope. She doesn't know. "Onward-- to our futures."

[malsfefanfics]

Dimitri and Rosamund B-Support

To collect: Have Rosamund and Dimitri share meals, or have Rosamund as Dimitri adjutant. Summary: Dimitri asks Rosamund to talk in order to find out more about her feelings towards the Kingdom.

Written in script format under the cut.

Dimitri: Rosamund, may I have a moment of your time?

Rosamund: I guess, but you'll have to make it quick. I was about to go herb gathering. There's a rare herb that has to be harvested at moon-high, so I can't afford to dawdle.

Dimitri: I promise, I won't take too much time. I just wanted to ask why you feel the way you do about Faerghus. You seem particularly angry about the Kingdom, though as far as I know, you have never been there., nor have any ties to Faerghus.

Rosamund: Oh, trust me. I'm a delight compared to my mother. She'll go on an entire lecture on everything wrong with the Kingdom, Empire, and Alliance. And expect you to turn in a five page essay afterwards.

Dimitri: Is that a fact? Well, what is it that you hate about Faerghus? I know it is not a perfect place, but-

Rosamund: Do you, now? Did you know on average, one out of every five children struggle to get enough to eat in Galatea and Conand territories? And the number of illiterate adults who aren't nobility in Itha and Fraldarius outnumbers the number of all of Leicester combined? Don't even get me started on the number of people who died because of untreated infections and illness.

Dimitri: What? I knew things in the Kingdom were rather dire, but this?

Rosamund: This is all statistics of how the Kingdom has been this past year, and are nothing compared to the overall statistics of what it's been like since your great-grandfather took the throne. There has been a steady increase in the divide between the haves and have-nots of Faerghus for decades. Though I will admit, Adrestia isn't much better, especially if the latest census is to be believed. We're just barely scraping ahead of Faerghus and the Church in terms of literacy rates.

Dimitri: Things have really gotten that serious everywhere….I…truly had no idea. This is terrible. How could I have not realized it sooner?

Rosamund: To be honest, I don't blame you for not knowing. You've been through a lot over the past five years or so. And you're still just a kid. No one should expect you to know everything, especially after…um…

Dimitri: Ah. So you know about that as well?

Rosamund: Yes. I heard about the Tragedy of Duscur, and how you lost your parents and an old friend. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Dimitri.

Dimitri: Thank you. Your condolences are appreciated.

Rosamund: Sure. But as much as I sympathize with you, your Highness, I still don't like your kingdom. Not as it is now. And I'm personally not a very big fan of who you are right now either. No offence.

Dimitri: You would not be the first person to share that sentiment. So, you hate Faerghus due to the current state of things. Well then, what would you recommend I do? What can I do to fix things in my Kingdom?

Rosamund: Do you really want the opinion of a Vestra who hasn't seen a lot of her own Empire, much less the continent?

Dimitri: Certainly. If I'm going to ascend the throne, I need to know where it is I'm lacking so I can fix it. Any insights from multiple viewpoints would be welcome. And I can tell this is something you're passionate about. So please, don't hold back. Tell me what I can do.

Rosamund: Very well. Where to start…. Apologies, but let me be frank. To start; you're too caught up in your own head. You need to stop focusing on the past, as hard as that might be at times. Focus on what is to come and plan for the future, and make stern, immediate changes to start building things back up to a stable state.

Dimitri: Stop focusing on the past? But…it is our past that defines us. How could you say to stop focusing on that?

Rosamund: Because it is not the past that defines us. It's what we take from the past and put forth in the future. I'm not saying to forget the past entirely. It's what helped create us. Just to learn from it, and try not wallow. Take it and turn it into a blade to carve a better path for all.

Dimitri: You make it sound so easy.

Rosamund: It only sounds easy coming from me because I try to put my money where my mouth is on a daily basis. When I'm not hunting, I'm gathering herbs for the infirmary. When not doing that, I'm helping teach reading to people in Abyss, or tending to the sick. I help pay for necessities for people who can't afford things otherwise. And in between all that, I'm training my dogs to aid the hunters and the guards. I'd do far more if I could, but I still have to try to keep up with my studies and training.

Dimitri: And here I thought I was working myself to the bone with my own obligations. You really shouldn't take on so much. You need to rest.

Rosamund: I rest plenty enough. If I don't work, these things won't get done.

Dimitri: I'd like to think they still would. There are plenty of others who can do these jobs, aren't there? You could afford a day or two to rest.

Rosamund: Actually, that's not really the case. There aren't very many people putting forth the effort, especially from the wealthier side. I'm sure you've noticed the two-faced reactions of some of the clergy regarding many of the people of Abyss.

Dimitri: I have. It's rather disconcerting to say the least. I've had a word with a few of the guards myself to try to get them to stop harassing the civilians there.

Rosamund: Exactly. It's despicable. It's hypocritical. And if there's one thing I hate more than Faerghus, it's hypocrites like them. So I try hard not to be one myself. Because I was lucky enough to be born into a noble house, I learned a lot, despite my own limited world growing up. I never had to worry about where my next meal came from, and I was provided the best possible education. So now I want to take my good fortune and knowledge to give others the same opportunities.

Dimitri: That makes me relieved to hear, Rosamund. I wish for the very same. But… such changes take time. You can't rush them, lest the results make things worse for the people you wish to help.

Rosamund: Fair point. Systemic change takes time. But there's no time like the present. You can't make sweeping change right away? Then why not start small and get involved in the streets? Start with something as simple as teaching people who don't know how to read their letters and numbers. Or help people repair holes in the road, or help pay for medicine for the people in the slums. Help provide food so people don't worry about when they'll eat. It might seem like it isn't much, but a little bit can go a long way.

Dimitri: Hm. I have considered going out and seeing how things are for myself. Perhaps it's time I actually took that thought and acted on it. There's nothing like firsthand experience, as they say. And if there's any way I can help even a little, I want to do so.

Rosamund: Go for it. Just, try not to go it alone? You're still the Crown Prince, after all. If something were to happen to you, there'd be a war to succeed you, and that'll just make things worse. Take someone with you when you decide to go anywhere. I recommend Ashe or Yuri. They could provide you additional insight on how to fix things, and are less conspicuous than other members of your house. And we don't want another unsuspecting hunter shooting you with an arrow.

Dimitri: Perhaps, but…. What about you?

Rosamund: What about me?

Dimitri: Would you be willing to go with me some of the time? Your insights are rather interesting. I'd like to learn more.

Rosamund: Respectfully, I decline. I have far too much to do. I don't have time.

Dimitri: But I…. Oh, very well. But, may I ask you one more thing?

Rosamund: Fine, but make it quick.

Dimitri: How do you know so much about our nations? Most nobles in the Kingdom aren't even allowed near those records, and yet you have knowledge of our census going back decades. And that of the Empire and Alliance. I don't think the Church would let anyone see theirs.

Rosamund: Well, that's, uh....

Dimitri: And what's more, you said I have "been through a lot these past five years or so". How much do you know about-?

Rosamund: Oh dear, we're out of time. My apologies, your Highness, but I cannot answer any more questions. If you'll excuse me, I need to head out. The moon will be high soon. If you need anything else from me in the future, don't. See you later, your Highness. [LEAVES]

Dimitri: Rosamund, wait! I only- and she's gone. [SIGHS] She is an odd one….

[asumofwords]

I'm so curious as to what went on in his head tbh, like especially when he was bathing her, looking at the damage his brother caused, her bruises, her broken state, I have a feeling he went insane when cleaning in between her thighs, dried up blood and his brother's seed. Like the consequences of your actions are here 💀 (Pls don't take this as a pressure to write aemond's pov, this is just me doing silly wondering)

I wish aemond could've at least done something like given her extra protection or have a spy on aegon because he had to go to harrenhal and aegon threatened treason. Yet he did none of that and left the reader unprotected because he had a false confidence that his brother wouldn't dare.

I just hope he felt guilty, especially when the the reader said “you left me with him, whilst you went to your alys” like yeah bro.

Imagine if he would've been able to return on the day of the assault but alys begged him to spend time with her and he did, being a little slower, now imagine realising that he could've prevented it if he hasn't stayed back, THAT WOULD BE SUCH A HARD PUNCH IN THE FACE.

I don't want aemond to die, I want him to live with guilt of what had happened, how he caused everything, because to be frank, death is way too merciful for him, he needs to go through the mental anguish and pain. Idk if you know fnaf (five nights at freddy) but there's a dialogue by an animatronic in one of it's game where she goes like:

“you won't die, but you'll wish you could.”

Basically saying that she'll put them through so much torture where death seems more peaceful than whatever she's putting them through, Me to aemond and aegon 👹👹 slightly more to aegon because I have a soft spot for aemond even though I hate him just because he's slightly better than aegon tbh (this is high evidence of the 'the devil you know is better than the devil you dont' quote in action)

SORRY FOR THE RANT AND THIS BIG ASS MESSAGE TEE, I had a lot on my mind after that, I LOVE YOUR FIC AND ILYSM 🐇🩷🩷

I absolutely adore you 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺 my lil heart seeing this message like 🥰🥰🥰🥰

OKAY SO

Aemond was horrified when he arrived back (working on a short Drabble as I don’t have capacity for a full POV atm) to see the reader the way she was. He knew something was wrong and literally sprinted through the Keep to her.

His heart broke and for once Aemond felt guilt about what he had put the reader through (ironic because it was Aegon) and he was absolutely losing it in his mind.

When he cleaned the blood and seed off of her, it was his own way of fixing her and feeling in control of a situation that he also has no control in. Despite being a Prince and Aegon’s brother, he still really doesn’t have too much sway if Aegon keeps sending him away. He’s a second son, nothing more.

But the biggest thing he felt in that moment was rage.

She was his. His wife. His love. His. And to have Aegon touch her, to take her in a way that was supposed to be just for him. To hurt her and defile her and break her, Aemond was struggling to not kill his brother in that moment.

They both need to be flayed !!!!!

🖤🖤🖤 adore you sweetheart

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Pre-Crisis S5 AU. A DEO case involving a Lex Luthor copycat alien-killer forces Kara to visit Lillian Luthor in prison to help solve the mystery, since after the Myriad debacle Lena is refusing to answer Kara’s calls. Any HC’s on how a team-up with an emotionally vulnerable Kara and a jailed Lillian would go?

Ohhhhhh Lillian would milk the hell out of this. Especially since it's the self-fulfilled prophecy Lillian had laid out for Kara at the end of S2, about how when Lena learns the lie, she'll hate Kara for it.

But what would be even juicier is if Lena went back to Lillian after the reveal. Lena puts it together that her mother likely knew, seeing as how Lex did. And Lillian's resulting frankness is a balm to Lena's newly raw edges. She starts visiting the prison in earnest, reconnecting with her mother in a way they never had a chance to before.

But neither Lena nor Kara know that Lillian is speaking regularly with the other, until one day Kara shows up unexpectedly mid-Lena visit. They're both shocked, and Lillian watches with relish as Lena starts hurling accusations at her former best friend and Kara helplessly tries to counter them, to no avail.

When Lena storms out, maybe THAT'S when Lillian has her I-told-you-so.

"I warned you," she might say.

Kara doesn't deny it, only sighs as her shoulders droop. "Will she forgive me?"

Lillian regards her solemnly. "Once upon a time, I would have said never. But Lena's time in National City has softened her. Whether that will work in your favor or not-- who can say?"

Not exactly hope, but not exactly the biting cruelty Kara expects. The weight on her shoulders lifts, just a fraction.

Maybe, even now... she still has a chance.

[blackjackkent]

Quick and rather entertaining/interesting little chat with Gale:

"Even in such fraught times as these, there is peace to be found in the stillness as evening draws in. I used to while away many hours just like these with my companion - though in far comfier surrounds. She preferred it when we were alone, curled up before a crackling hearth with some ancient, esoteric tome between us, ink glinting in the firelight..."

"Are...are you talking about your *cat*?"

"By Ahghairon's lost nose - no! Tara is not any cat. She's a tressym. And given your confusion, I'm guessing you've never met one. They're brilliant creatures - fine company for any self-respecting wizard. She'd be proud to see me keeping such fine company, the saviour of those poor tieflings no less. And I've given her precious little to be proud of recently.

After I was afflicted with my condition, I locked myself in my tower for an entire year. I was inconsolable, wallowing in my self-inflicted tragedy. I'd given up on myself, but Tara never did. It was her encouragement, her research that led to my treatment. Once we knew that magically-infused items were the key, she went out to find them for me. She saved my life.

She has a good heart, and she would recognize the same in your actions here. I'm sure she'd approve of me lending myself to your efforts."

"She must be very smart, to have done all that."

"Smart does her a disservice. She's a fine wizard in her own right, though somewhat held back by her lack of opposable thumbs. You remind me of her somewhat. There's a steeliness to you, an unwavering tenacity even in the face of, to be frank, quite dire odds. I wish she were here for me to make a formal introduction, but I would never ask her to undertake such a journey. She is safer at home. Besides, she was always telling me I needed to spread my wings, so to speak. Find mortal friends, instead of hanging onto Mystra's coattails. So that's what I'm doing. I hope."

"What if she doesn't like me?"

"She'll love you - so long as you don't rub her belly. She *hates* it when anyone does that."

(A/N: One of the options here is "Do you like having your belly rubbed?" which is a) apparently treated as an open romantic overture and b) hilarious.)

"She sounds great. But I was hoping I meant more to you than an animal companion..."

"I assure you, were you to meet Tara, you would see the comparison for the flattery it is. But perhaps that's not a point worth laboring further. Suffice it to say - I think rather a lot of you. And there aren't many on this plane who I'd give such high praise."

"I'm flattered. Is your good opinion so hard to come by?"

"One doesn't become the most powerful archmage in Waterdeep *and* lover to the goddess of magic herself by having low standards. I assure you, when I tell someone they're wonderful, I mean it. And you...are wonderful."

Gale's tone here is really interesting. Their conversations since the party have been tinged with flirtation, and with this it becomes quite clear that whatever Hector feels, Gale...is definitely falling for him. A bit unfortunate for Gale, given the current state of play. I think if Karlach hadn't come along, this would have proceeded to something deeper.

Honestly, I think Gale and Hector are a bit too similar. They're both private people, both cautious, insular, and simultaneously brilliant academically and awkward as hell socially. Both of them would do best with someone to draw them out of their shell, rather than encourage them to further introspection.

But...Hector can feel the pull there, nevertheless. And he's treading around it carefully, because he values the man's friendship deeply already and isn't at all sure what to do with all the other feelings.

"The feeling's mutual. You're a wonderful friend. Though usually more...erudite."

"Wine is to wit as meat is to... to... oh, I can't bloody remember it. There I go, then, proving your point. Perhaps we'd better leave it at that. My ineloquent tongue isn't worthy of your ear at present. Go - enjoy your evening. Nothing better for the heart than a good night's rest. And mine is gladdened to know I'll have the pleasure of your company again come morning."

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away) Part 16

Sunday morning, Slytherin Common Room

"Bulstrode, could I speak with you, please?" Parkinson fidgeted on her feet, twiddling the end of her braid as she did.

Mercy's sake, they hadn't even had breakfast. Millicent sighed, thinking mournfully of steaming porridge and spiced apple compote. This had better not take long. She hadn't even got her tea.

"Of course, Parkinson." If the little twit started anything, she could just shove her into a trunk and pretend she knew nothing of her whereabouts until after breakfast. 

They went back to Millicent's room, her roommates having gone on ahead. They, at least, wouldn't try to eavesdrop. Thankfully they'd carried Greengrass off with them. A more wretched little sneak she'd never met. 

"I'm sorry!" Parkinson burst out as soon as the door shut and promptly dissolved into tears. 

Millicent sighed, but patted Parkinson on the shoulder and spoke bracingly. "Do pull yourself together, Parkinson, please."

Parkinson sobbed, but took a few deep breaths. 

"I didn't mean to go to pieces like that." She sniffed. "I've just been ever so worked up."

"Yes. I can see that." Millicent sat on her bed. 

"I don't want to be like them." Pansy admitted rather damply. "I don't want to be horrible to people and snobby and cruel. And father was awful to your mother and I don't want to be like him either. He wrote me about it thinking he was so clever. Your mother was so kind to us and my parents…" 

Millicent pulled the girl to sit next to her when she looked like she might start crying again. 

"I expect mother handled him." She replied. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"To apologize! And…and to ask for help. You have more sense then anyone in our year and you don't gossip. I am sorry for everything I've said to you." Pansy propped her elbows on her knees and leaned forward, covering her face with her hands. "I just can't see a way through it."

Millicent did some quick thinking. For one, anyone as vain as Pansy wouldn't go weeping at other people if she weren't sincere. Her complexion went all blotchy. Pink-and-white little girls weren't designed to cry prettily. And…well, she'd have to speak to her roommates first for that. But there was something Pansy could do to help herself. 

"Your family, well, did your mother marry out?" That was the first point to nail down.

"No." Pansy spoke faintly. Millicent poked a handkerchief onto her knee. "My parents worked it out so the girls were under mother's family and the boys were under father's. That's why Anemone and Alyssum and Marigold and I all have flower related names."

It sounded stupidly complicated to Millicent, but people made all kinds of compromises in their lives. 

"Who is the head of family for you, then?" 

"My Auntie Agapanthus."

Millicent blinked. Could be worse, she supposed. It could be Ranunculus. 

"Then write your aunt. Tell her everything you told me and ask if you can go and live with her. If, of course, she's better than your parents?"

"She's so much nicer. Auntie always says that you know a true gentleperson by their manners. She'll be so disappointed in me." By the twist in her voice, fresh tears might be forthcoming.

"Then you're going to have to face up to it. Be completely frank with her. I, er, I know you can do it, Parkinson. Just apply some common sense."

This nonsense, Millicent thought, was what you got when you overindulged children with things while giving them no attention. At least that was mother's opinion. 

"I will. Thank you." Watery and weepy, but also stronger than before. 

"And I'll speak to my roommates about asking Professor Snape for another bed in here. If you're serious about changing then you'll probably want to be away from the Greengrass set." 

"Would you?" Pansy looked up, damp and tear-streaked and blotchy but also hopeful. "When I've been awful to you for years?"

"It was last year and on the train, you goose. You weren't horrible before your parents shoved you at Malfoy and Greengrass. It isn't settled, but I'll ask." 

"Thank you. And…" Parkinson trailed off, biting her lip.

"What would you like help with? An essay?" 

"Would you cut my hair?" The question came in a rush.

"Pansy…what?" She'd tried to keep her distance, but that question shocked her back into their usual familiarity.

"Please, Mills?" Pansy begged. "You're good at it. I saw Ermengarde's hair and it looked so lovely. And mine is awful. It shouldn't be so long but mother thinks long hair is just so feminine and so refined. I almost refused to get on the train I felt such a fright! It's thin and straggly and it's even worse plaited because the plait is so thin! And I trust you."

Millicent sighed again. If she kept it up she'd be sent to Madame Pomfrey to check for breathing problems, no doubt. 

"Fine." She agreed. "But if anyone kicks up a fuss…"

"I'll say I bullied you into it." Pansy promised quickly. "Or, er, something like that. But I'll take the blame for it."

Because Millicent knew that anyone who really knew her also knew precisely how poorly bullying worked on her. Strength of character could sometimes be a drawback. 

"Stand up then. I know the spell to vanish it, too, so you'll be safe that way. How short do you want it?"

"Bob it. It waves when it's short, so maybe not a shingle or a crop?" Pansy answered. "But definitely short. And no fringe. I look a fright with a fringe."

"I think I know what to do for you." Millicent remembered a picture in a hairdresser's window. They called the style a 'girlish bob' and she thought it would suit Pansy. 

She raised her wand and Pansy shut her eyes. Magical hair cutting required a great deal of visualization. She held the image of that style in her head as she cast. Once, twice, and it was done. She vanished the long, shorn tresses before she spoke.

"Open your eyes, Pansy. I think you made an excellent choice."

Pansy scampered over to Millicent's dressing table and peered in the mirror. 

"Oh." She fingered the ends of her softly waved bob. "I'm…I'm pretty." Her lip wobbled dangerously. 

It was true, too. Pansy's long hair dragged down her face, making her retrousee (never pug or upturned, Millicent, always retrousee so we do not insult our customers) nose and narrow, pointed chin more prominent. The short hair combined with both features gave her a piquant air. 

"You look very well." Millicent let her admire herself for a moment. "We do need to get to breakfast, though."

"Do you think I'll cause a sensation?" Pansy asked excitedly. 

"Probably. We…we should probably go in separately. I'll speak to everyone after breakfast and we can go to Professor Snape tomorrow morning. I don't want it to get hot for you, so…can you pretend nothing's changed for twenty-four hours?" Millicent gathered her things again.

"I'll have to." Pansy agreed. "I'll write auntie tonight and ask about just going to her for holidays."

"And I have some ideas for how you can prove that you don't want to be how you were." Millicent finished as they left her room.

"Oh, Mills, no. You're going to make me do something horrid. I know you are."

"Mm." Millicent suppressed a smile at Pansy's dismay. "You can help Granger out with her clothes. And…how to behave here."

"Not Granger, Mills, please. How about the Lovegood firstie? She needs help?"

"After Granger, Pans. I think she could use some friends who aren't boys, you know."

"She bites her nails. Although…" Pansy trailed off, looking thoughtful. "Her hair is amazing. And she does know what colors are becoming. Maybe…well, I suppose I could help. Just a bit, though."

"Of course, Pansy. Come on, before Borley notices we're gone." 

Millicent chivvied her out of the SCR and, hopefully, into a better future.

One filled with less waspishness, in any case.

[wardogsong]

Frank would you stop being the Punisher if it brought your family back? Could you stop?

gray ghost the frank || inbox temporarily closed

"Who says I want 'em back?" FUCK. No. The words come out a little too quick and WRONG WRONG WRONG. It sounds like he's happy to have his family gone but there's nothing that could be further from the truth; not when he misses them with every fiber of his being and feels their absence like a phantom limb. It's the whiskey barely left in the glass— too much of it in his gut, muddying up his already banged up brain. Remorse washes over his tired battered features, screaming I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT and is chased by despair and disappointment in himself. Frank's a man aware that his social graces are severely lacking these days but this shit is something else entirely and it hurts him to have even mistakenly spoken of his family that way. His babygirl. His little boy. Behind the cringing closed lids of his eyes he sees them like he last saw them, red red red and wrong. Innocent angels.

SHIT, the only comfort he has in this world is the knowledge that they are safe beyond any pain that could ever try and touch them again. It's unfair, it's not perfect, they've been robbed of milestones as shitty as first heartbreaks and not getting into their first choice college; things he should have been there for to wipe their tears away. But AT LEAST, they're at peace. No shitbag boy will ever embarrass or reject his Lisa, no woman will ever rip Junior's heart out and step on it. He won't be dealing out shovel talks or dangling boys from windows for the audacity of doing them wrong. Nothing will ever touch Maria wrong again— she'll never stay up long nights worrying herself gray about them; about all the dumb choices that kids are bound to make as they grow up and test their wings— all the things Frank would have given them grief about like a hypocrite who hadn't done WORSE.

She'll never worry about anything ever again. None of them will. It's the only peace he knows.

Frank shakes his head, makes a face that says he intends to try again but first polishes off his drink— as if for courage or something. "Nah— I get it. That's a thing, now right? All these... uh... what'cha call 'em. The Enhanced. The-the-the weird shit fallin' outta the sky. People takin' a dirt nap then poppin' up like daisies again. Makes the question less uh— less hypothetical than it used t'be. I get it." He's spent the better part of two decades whiling away downtime in the desert with nothing to do but shoot the shit about every conceivable topic with his brothers. They've had deeper, weirder, and stupider conversations but everyone's played at least ONE round of 'who would you bring back if you could' and every associated variation.

"Somebody bringin' 'em back? S'no reason t'take the vest off. Somebody brings 'em back, first thing I'm doin' is loading for bear. I'd find 'em and uh— take 'em somewhere real nice. Real nice. Nice and secluded. Can't hear a man scream type'a place. They're gonna live so much longer than they wish— than they knew was possible with their guts hangin' out of them, but there's ways. Trust me, there's ways."

"Anybody ever touches them again? They're gettin' the PUNISHMENT they deserve, I'll tell ya that."

And if his family still lived beyond such a horror? How could he ever go back to them with his bloodied hands and his marked soul? No. No, there'd be no reason to put down the skull at all. It'd only be EVEN MORE reason to keep it on and live on as the memento mori that Lieberman had dubbed him. A reminder to all who even thought to intrude upon those restored lives that all men die— some more brutally and painfully than others, if they ended up in his crosshairs.

[rollercoasterwords]

17 from the prompts list if you are still taking them !! with anyone really but maybe involving narcissa if u didn’t have anyone in mind 🫣

here is some canon-compliant (of course) narcissa/alice <3 playing around w something slightly different than what i've written for them before (hurt no comfort straight angst pretty dark etc etc u all know me)

if you love me, you don't love me in a way i understand.

this prompt list

"what," alice says, that dry bite to her voice that she never used to have, "you don't smoke anymore?"

narcissa stares at the pack in her hand--marlboros. classic. say what you want about muggles, but they knew what the fuck they were doing when they made cigarettes.

alice shakes the box at her, a challenge. narcissa has never wanted anything in her life the way that she wants one of those goddamn cigarettes. horrible idea, letting your lover become a two-in-one dopamine hit. a laugh you can't forget and a nicotine addiction.

"what, worried lucius will smell the muggle on you?"

alice says it with a sneer. her mouth is not the right shape for sneering.

"i can't--"

"no."

alice snaps the box shut quick, bluff called, game over. she lifts a fag to her mouth with trembling fingers, lights it with a wordless spell.

"don't say it," she says.

narcissa curls empty hands around her stomach.

"then don't make me."

her sneer comes naturally, her bite built-in. there was a time when they weren't so mean to each other, but this is now. that was then.

"fuck."

alice exhales, breathes the swear out with her smoke. narcissa breathes in, and tries not to be too obvious about it. she'll take what she can get secondhand these days.

alice leans back against the filthy wall, tips her head against the brick. her eyes slide over to narcissa, down to the arms around her stomach.

"you said you would leave him," she says, in a voice so pathetic that it burrows straight down to narcissa's heart, yanks it out by the roots like a weed.

"yes," narcissa says. the ring on her hand is a noose. her whole body is a broken neck. she's been dead for years, and alice has been fucking her corpse. narcissa wishes she had more to offer than a body--so yeah, she said she'd leave him. what's the difference between lying and wishful thinking?

"you're really--"

"yes."

alice doesn't want her to say it? fine. that's fine. narcissa doesn't want alice to say it, either. let it stay buried, for now. a seed taking root in the soil of her rotting flesh.

"fuck," says alice, looking at narcissa like she can't believe it. and narcissa knows what she's seeing--blonde hair on a silk bedspread, back flat, eyes on the ceiling, body rocking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. it makes her skin crawl. stop looking, she wants to say, you're not supposed to see me like that.

instead, she turns her teeth into daggers, tongue a snakebite. "oh come on," she hisses, "don't give me that. like you're not fucking frank."

"i'm not married to him!"

"as if that makes a difference."

alice punches her cigarette against the brick wall, breaks its neck. "i'm not in love with him," she snaps, "you don't get to judge me for fucking other people when you go home to your husband every night."

but you get a choice, narcissa doesn't say. it's an argument they've already had, a million times. she and alice, it turns out, have very different ideas about the word choice.

instead, she breathes in the last of the lingering smoke.

"i don't love him either," she says.

alice closes her eyes. "don't."

"i love you--"

"don't--"

"alice. i love you."

"you torture me," alice says, eyes flicking open, blazing like dragonfire. "call it what you want, but that's what this is, narcissa. fucking torture." her voice is ragged, cigarette-rough. she smells like smoke. all muggle.

her eyes drop back to narcissa's stomach.

"are you going to keep it?" she asks.

narcissa swallows, digs her fingertips into her hips. alice is looking at her like she's already answered, like she can see the crucio on the tip of her tongue. like they both know the pain is coming, and all they can do is brace for it.

[magic-multicolored-miracle]

The Witcher S3 Ep 3: Reunion AKA 🎵Everyyyyybody Huuuuuurts🎵

I think the metaphor might be getting away from you a bit

I really like her outfit. It is my kind of look

I love that Jaskier calls him "Firefingers." It's very in line with Yen's (and my) "Firefucker." And asshole doesn't deserve a name.

Sorry did you say "a friend of your mother's"?!

Aww, the adorant whisper. Because it's once again proved that Geralt is a big old softie.

Wait, that's news? I assumed she had been for a while (tbh I thought the ditching Geralt was to protect him from something or someone that was going to kill her)

So someone else did exactly what the two information brokers said Geralt should, with added mind altering...was the suggestion meant to be a tip off, since they knew he wouldn't take it in the first place?

I really like Philippa's outfit for this meeting, and the fact that it is very clearly Not Matching the general Redanian aesthetic. The costume department this season is really Killing It. (Interestingly, it is matching, or at least similar to Jaskier's...)

He does seem stressed. His poor head is going to explode. I wonder whose fault that is?

Radovid, baby, that's not a very good attempt at hiding.

Oh it was on purpose for The Drama™ I love that

This is quite the Reason You Suck speech, Yennefer. Are you actually trying to get back into the Brotherhood's, or Tissaia's good graces at all? Part of me hopes not, honestly

Oh 💔 I mean, we knew that. But the look on Yen's face hearing it out loud...

Fabio, you're there to chaperone a teenage girl at a market, not barker like a hotdog on a street corner 🙄

How did that secret get out? Was it Yennefer? I bet it was Yennefer

I like that the captions specify it's to the tune of The Wild Rover. Otherwise I'd have heard it and gone nuts. (That song was the bane of my existence last fall.)

Istredd, my friend. You're looking Rough. But it...kinda works for you?

That's. Not ideal...

Poor General Kicked-Puppy, I'm glad he gets an invite home, even though home is not a good place...

"Prove it" doesn't sound good. There's an implied threat in "prove it"

Always with the leaning, Jaskier (and with the unbuttoned vest, it's peak casual yet slutty or maybe that's just the bard wearing it)

He's not wrong but also I hate him for saying it. I don't like that.

I think this might be the longest and most frank conversation these two have ever had. 10/10 relationship growth

Well shit. Stregobitch? Or Vilgefortz?

Uh. What?

Double "well shit". Or hopefully just almost. But I have a bad feeling about Anika's fate...

I love Ciri just strolling in behind the barker's back without paying or being challenged

Who are these two? They feel important

Go Fabio!

Can we form a secondary party of these youngins? I think I like them. And maybe recruit Dara back, eventually. (That would basically just be your average D&D party but that's not a negative)

Dammit Sabrina. Why are you a bitch? Didn't Yennefer almost die saving your fucking life from Nilfgaard?

My babies! Stop hurting each other! You both need hugs, stat!

Oh look, and now Geralt's hurting too.

Oh shit. I didn't expect the Queen to die. That's a ballsy move Philippa. But a solid way to make sure your king doesn't ever trust Nilfgaard, if it works.

Was Dijkstra in on it though? I'm not sure...

Radovid. Do NOT call a sneaky murdering bastard out on being a sneaky murdering bastard WHILE YOU ARE ALONE IN A ROOM WITH HIM! I swear to god, if you get yourself killed...(I know it doesn't happen yet, but that doesn't mean it won't later)

I don't like that almost-smile from Firefucker. Whatever his demand is, it isn't going to be fun...

Good to see Francesca getting back to her roots (and doting husband Filavandrel is pretty nice) but I have the uncomfortable feeling she'll get her wish...

You seem on edge Cahir. What are you about to do?

Well, rip. I was just starting to like that guy. But why?

Running away, completely alone. Seems like a bad plan even for Ciri, so I'm going to guess this is a dream...

Eredin? Why do I know that name? [Oh, cus I actually watched Blood Origin. I didn't think I retained anyone's name, but I guess I did]

Is Ciri's appearance and her being "death itself" a play on the whole "death came riding on a pale horse" or whatever it is? Or coincidence?

[theseventrexsoul]

Ice age × OC

Chapter two

They walked in silence, until they reached a cliff.

She had always wondered where the mammoth was going, what he was going to do.

She'll probably never know...

"Sid should be here by now."

Speak of the Devil. She didn't have time to turn around before he crashed into her, causing them both to fall on the ground.

The Mammoth took him with his trunk, pushing the sloth away from her.

"For the Gods of Olympus, if he doesn't watch where he's going he risks hurting himself and others!" thought the girl, getting up again.

<<Act as if I wasn't there.>>

The newcomer turned and gasped, hiding behind Manny.

The duo looked up, seeing two rhinos a few meters away.

"Frank and Carl" Francyne remembered the two, she had never understood why they would want to harm the sloth.

Yes, he was talkative, clumsy, idiotic, a bit of a pain in the ass and had ruined their snack, but he was a nice and funny guy.

Sid held onto Manny's leg, <<Don't let them impale me, please! I want to live!>>.

<<And get off!>> Manny shook it off, making the little girl giggle.

<<Well, how long are you taking it.>> Frank complained, probably addressing the sloth.

<<We'll take our dusty stuffed animal and leave if you don't mind.>> Carl said to the Mammoth.

Manny said to Sid: <<If it's not them today, it will be someone else tomorrow.>>

<<But I'd rather it wasn't today, okay?>>

<<No one would want today to be her last day.>> Francyne added softly, loud enough to be heard by the two mammals next to her.

Sid was a little surprised, but didn't say anything.

<<Look, we'll break your neck, so you don't feel anything, what do you say?>>

<<Wait a minute, aren't rhinos vegetarians?>> Manny asked.

<<Acute observation!>> added Sid, being silenced by the Mammoth a second later.

<<Who said we eat him after we have killed him.>> said Frank, eager to have fun in that cruel way.

Manny and Francyne exchanged looks; the human knew what was about to happen.

The Mammoth glared at the two rhinos.

<<I don't like animals that kill for fun.>>.

Francyne nodded in agreement. Only humans behaved like this, in a mean and cruel way.

Who did they think they were to feel empowered to take a life?

<<Save it for a mammal that cares.>> Frank replied.

<<I'm a mammal that cares!>> said Sid, looking at the two who protected him with an expression of pity.

<<I care too, and I won't let you hurt the sloth.>> Francyne added.

Manny thought, and seeing the fossilized quicksand between them and the rhinos, an idea came to mind.

<<Listen: if one of you can overcome the quicksand in front of you, I'll give you the sloth.>>

Frank and Carl suddenly looked skeptical: Was it worth risking their lives to get him?

After all, they would have other opportunities to have fun.

They didn't have time to think about it.

<<That's right, buffoons! Take one step and you're dead!>> Sid shouted, throwing a stone, which stopped in the middle of the quicksand, telling the rhinos the truth.

<<You were bluffing, huh?>> Sid asked, realizing he had ruined everything.

<<Yeah, it was a bluff>>

Francyne looked at him with disappointment, how was it possible that he hadn't realized this before?

Frank and Carl charged. She moved out of the way in time, while Manny and Sid were pushed towards the edge of the ravine.

The human managed to catch Sid just before he fell and Manny counterattacked.

Sid cheered, but only for a second; the two rhinos charged back.

<<Stay with the sloth.>> Manny said to Francyne.

He caught Frank with his trunk and threw him away.

The girl saw Carl approaching and she stood in front of Sid.

<<Come on, you inflated balloon!>>

Carl didn't achieve his goal: before he could hit the human or the sloth, Manny grabbed him and threw him away.

<<We did it!>>

Sid cheered, hugging both Manny and Francyne, not realizing he had knocked the Mammoth off balance.

They fall down.

Manny caught the human, so she wouldn't get hurt as they slid down the slope.

<<Are you okay?>> she asked, when they stopped.

She saw Sid on top of Manny.

<<You have beautiful eyes>> he commented.

<<Get off my face.>> replied the Mammoth, standing up and letting go of Francyne.

<<Wow, the three of us! We are a great team! Why don't we go south together?>>

<<Of course not, jump on my back and make yourself comfortable!>> Manny retorted, starting to walk, followed by the girl.

<<Really?>>

<<No.>>

Francyne giggled and turned to the sloth: <<He was sarcastic>>.

Sid stopped for a moment, realizing a detail.

<<Sorry, aren't you going south? The change of season, the migratory instinct....do these things mean anything to you?>>

<<I'd say no, bye.>> replied Manny, who took the human and made her climb onto his back.

<<You have a very soft fur>> she commented, stroking him.

<<Okay, thanks for the help, I can get on by my own.>>

Francyne saw him go, giggled.

"3, 2, 1..."

<<Oh, too much importance is given to this Southern thing! And then the heat, the crowd...>>

Manny rolled his eyes, exasperated by the sloth's irritating presence.

<<Instead think: two bachelors and a human wandering around in uncontaminated nature!>>

Francyne breathed an amused sigh.

Seeing it on TV was hilarious, live... she would have died laughing.

Manny, on the other hand, didn't appreciate his company and made his nervousness very clear, even not in words.

<<You want a bodyguard so you don't become someone's dinner.>>

<<He's not completely wrong... >> commented the human.

Manny snorted.

<<Okay, lead the way...I didn't catch your names.>>

<<Manfred>>

<<Francyne>>

<<Manfred?! Oh, poor us! >> she exclaimed << How about Manny the sulky Mammoth or Manny the melancholy, or... >>

Manny glared at him, startling the sloth, who climbed up a nearby log.

"Now I'll strangle him," he thought.

<< Hey, it's not nice to say certain things! >> added the human, crossing her arms.

Manny grabbed the tree with his trunk.

<<Stop following us>> he said, letting go of the shrub, causing Sid to fall.

<<Okay, you have your thoughts. Act as if I wasn't there, I'll sew my lips shut >> he retorted, continuing to follow them.

"He will starts talking anyway, he can't keep quiet"

In fact, after about ten meters...

<<So, you are a human who can talk?>>

Francyne rolled her eyes, a smile appearing on her face.

"I'm going to have a lot of fun!" she thought.

Hi!

Second chapter of the story, you can find it on wattpad too.

Sorry for grammar errors but google translate doesn't do his job right and plus I wrote this previously in my language (italian), so the dialogues aren't the same as the original Ice Age.

Sorry.

Hope you like it though.

Bye!

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

For the rest of her life, she knew that her heart would long for Egypt whenever she wasn't there. After all these years, she always felt the same rush of excitement and peace whenever she thought of it. It was and forever will be her first home. Of course, it didn't exactly have the best memories either for a couple of reasons. Yet that never stopped her from treasuring the country. She nodded as she chuckled slightly. "Of course, I'd love to. Be prepared for it taking awhile, though. The wing is jam-packed full of knowledge, exhibits, and activities, and I don't want you to miss out on a single thing. Plus, I've made an agreement with museums back in Egypt and around the world to do a rotation of our current exhibits to be replaced with new artefacts and information every few years. That way, we can expose more knowledge to everyone who comes to the museum and keep our wing fresh." It'd actually been that idea that helped her to be offered the position in the first place. Nodding, she wondered what Texas had that made the man want to return if he could right away. "Well, hopefully you can visit as soon as you can. I'll be frank, I'm not sure what all Texas has to offer. I've never been there." When it came to the United States, she was still rather a novice. Watching the way his smile changed the more he talked about Rachel left her wondering. "Well, I'm glad that you two have each other," however that was, she failed to add. She wasn't going to get her ass in trouble by making any assumptions. Yet she'll keep note of that smile of his. "Of course. Fortunately, Providence Peak is good about having events every once in awhile and there's plenty of things to do here, so I'm sure you'll be able to meet more people. It was kind of daunting at first, but it gets easier."

Her smile grew warmer. "Trust me, their big hearts are even more impressive. They're truly some of the best people in the world and I promise, I'm not being biased." A beat. "Okay, perhaps a little biased," she laughed. "But, yeah. I'm not sure what I did to deserve being in their lives, but I feel lucky about it every day. Who knows how different my life could've been." She's wondered about that, especially more after learning about her biological family. Would she have found her way back to them? Would she have never reunited with them? What kind of person would she be? When it came to the question of whether she would've had Alex and met everyone who's currently in her life right now, she felt her heart ache. So many questions yet no way of knowing what could've been. "Good, because I am liking our friendship. And I need to prove that I'm better than him all the time," she joked. She adored her older brother. Even though it was fun to mess with him.

Her features softened. "I know what you mean," she mused. Richard had been her first teacher when it came to archaeology. Everything she learned and uphold to, was because of him. "I have zero doubts that you're both extremely talented. I get that, yeah. A majority of my tattoos are black, though I have a few with colours. There are definitely certain tats that are better with that ink than with another style, though colours do have their time and place. One of my tattoos is this Hand of Hamsa with an Evil Eye in the palm that's blue, white, and black that I couldn't imagine without having colour. Do you have a favourite piece of yours that you've gotten to tattoo or would love to tattoo on someone?"

He was surprised by how quickly she responded to his question, but in awe all the same. She spoke with the kind of confidence that he longed for; the kind of love for a place that he wanted more than anything else. He'd been all over the States and had bounced between Country and Country, but no place called to him like Egypt seemed to call to her. "I haven't been yet. Maybe sometime you aren't working, we could a walk through together? It seems to me that's the best way to get the grand tour," he half teased, half genuinely suggested. By the passion laced into every word, he didn't think it would be much of a problem. Max sucked in a deep breath, head shaking as she tried to think of the one place he'd go. It wasn't anywhere out of the States, but it was home. The one place he'd swore he'd never have any interest in returning to. "Texas. It's no Egypt, but it's been a real long time since I've been there and I don't know? It feels overdue." He flashed a weak smile towards her, though it grew more genuine at the mention of Rachel. "Yeah, we know each other." Well, he failed to mention. He wasn't the kind of person who threw that kind of information out, especially considering there was no label on what they were doing. Just two people having fun. "I'll take all of the help I can get."

She seemed humble for someone who came from that kind of wealth, but he wasn't the judging type and wasn't going to start now. "That's impressive." His family had never known that kind of stability. It was the dream that everyone wanted, but only a few ever achieved. At some point in his life, he'd grown okay with the idea of never having more than needed and giving back when he did. "They sound like good people. I'm sure your brother is a good guy too, but I promise. I won't go liking him better," he assured playfully after another swig of his beer.

His tattoos were inspired by everything around him. He found beauty in odd places and preferred the creative spin on ideas rather than the literal sense. "Sometimes. He taught me what I know and some of those methods have stuck with me." If it weren't for his father having the patience of a saint and being there for Max when he needed a helping hand, then perhaps he wouldn't have bloomed into the artist that he currently was. "I prefer black ink. I think that if there's a story to tell, you can do it without the colors, but don't get me wrong. I don't think there's anything wrong with colors in tattoos, it's just not my style."