#shock to the system for sure lmao

[freethrows]

imagine being on the hornets or the wizards one day and the next you’re catching passes from kyrie & luka 😭

[lupins-hehim-pussy]

I wanna know ur Fontaine msq criticisms 👁️👁️👂I’m all ears

I'm not sure if you wanted me to talk about this secretly or publicly but! Here I go!

The TLDR: Fontaine MSQ aestheticised prison, poverty, child abuse, the justice system/court and didn't properly address any of it.

More:

Focalors/Furina has way too much of a sympathetic angle for a dictator who's lets people drown with her inaction.

Neuvillette feels Bad for sentencing some people to death/prison, but that's it. He's one of the most powerful people in Fontaine. If he felt like there are systemic injustices, I.E sending an abused Child to prison, he should be the first person to DO something about it, not just cry and be sad so the audience can be like aw, that's complex character writing isn't it? No it's not! And guilt doesn't absolve you!!!!!!! (These are stuff we deal with in OTCOJ read my fic now /j)

Meropide has children in it, both Sentenced there (Wriothesley) and BORN THERE (Lanoire), and this is just a quirk of the place. Not only that, Meropide accepts prisoners of all genders and crimes. There are abusers and abuse victims in one place. Do you know how bad that is? How much potential for crimes to happen in a place like that— oh wait, Meropide isn't under Fontaine's jurisdiction. If you are assaulted as an inmate it literally means nothing to the court.

Wriothesley had no qualifications when he took over. Depending on how long he lived on the streets, how old he was when he killed his parents, how old he was when he was first taken in by the orphanage, etc, the man might never have more than 4–5 years of formal education. Sigewinne probably had to teach him how to write reports. And do Meropide's spreadsheets. Edit because I forgot to elaborate on this one: This isn't a point brought up anywhere, which is bad, because when poverty and incarceration robs you of a proper education (and the rights to vote in many places too, too, by the way), it reduces your prospects for jobs, reduces many people's ability to get a home etc etc. Wriothesley was just, narratively, Given his position.

Meropide is an industrialized prison, and they portray this as a good thing. Prisoners are paid in coupons for their labour, and this is also portrayed as a good thing.

The One-Meal-A-Day reform was something Paimon gushed about being so great of a perk, that people might want to go to jail for food (could be interesting and reflective of systemic poverty if MHY had brains, but they don't, so I was just Pissed because essentially all Paimon wanted to say was "Prison isn't so bad, but still don't go to prison guys! Prison labour is really hard!"). By the way, in most real-world prisons they are obligated to feed you three meals a day. Because that's how much food a human needs. MHY went with one meal just so they can say "if you want to eat more, you have to work." And then the welfare meal is a goddamn gacha. So imagine you're a starving child who's too weak to work in the fucking robot assembly line, and you wander up for your first meal in 24 hours, only to luck in with a shit one. I'd kill myself.

They wrote Wriothesley, who's a victim of the system, into a guy who's say shit like "I'm the Duke I can do whatever I want" for a cool moment where he choke-slams an inmate (I know he was a bad guy. But also, in copaganda when cops are violent/disregarding protocols, they are always only portrayed to do that against bad guys, so what does our critical thinking tells us about this one?) They wrote Wriothesley, who was an inmate of a prison so bad, so notorious that it is the literal boogeyman of Fontaine, that has a legal (???) fighting pit, with an administrator who abuses his position to be unreasonable, to willingly stay in the place and become an Administrator who would choke-slam an inmate while saying a cool line about how he has the power to do whatever he wants. They wrote him, the guy who had to be fed on the streets by melusines, to think one-meal-a-day was a good enough reform (while he spends god-knows how much on his boat). This wasn't a victim-turns-into-abuser narrative either, they want all this to be seen as positive character growth.

And then, the final kicker is, they gloss over his entire abuse. You can only read about these shit in his profile, which most people don't because they don't Have Him or doesn't care to unlock it/read it online, and they jammed his entire backstory into a flaccid info-dump at the end of his character story quest. This man isn't Allowed to feel abused and neglected and show any reaction to it within the narrative of Fontaine itself, because if they actually Gave Weight to what happened to him, they'd have to confront THE FUCKING JUSTICE SYSTEM they had NO PLANS on criticising. I don't think they ever explicitly said the fucking Crime-Theatre nonsense was Bad either.

I could go on, but this is already so long. But yeah, I hope this gave you an idea.

[wabblebees]

.

[moonlightcycle571]

Lmao I just had a fantastic vision.

The JL fighting a multiversal threat, and the for keeps disappearing into different universes/worlds. While everyone is coming up with ways to travel to apprehend the foe, Captain Marvel has an idea.

Batman: so far, our current multiversal technology is subpar and unable to go at the rate the villain is going.

Flash: while I can travel through universes, it’s going to take a while to l’acte which one they’re on, and even then, they can leave before I even do anything.

Superman: we need a reliable tracker and transport system. Both being crucial elements we don’t have

Captain Marvel: I have an idea.

Cue to the JL all on a random sidewalk, with the clear instructions to ‘wait until they arrive’ and to ‘not move or interfere in any way shape of form’.

Random Truck: *appears out of nowhere, hitting a random pigeon*

JL: huh

Marvel: well that’s going to be an interesting story. Anyways, there you are! Guys, meet Truck-kun!

JL: excuse me???

Truck-kun:

Marvel: Their a bit shy ☺️

JL: …

Truck-kun: *blushes*

JL: how is that even possible??!??!?

They proceed to go in and go through some weird interdimensional car chase, passing by random worlds, spawning through random streets (for some reason, most of them are in Japan), and more importantly, hitting A LOT of people. Old, young, middle aged, animals, even a vending machine at some point. It’s just a slaughter.

The JL is horrified, and Cap is just sitting in his seat, all chill.

Green Lantern: DID WE JUST HIT SOMEONE

Marvel: yup

Superman: AND YOURE DOING NOTHING TO STOP IT

Marvel: nope

Batman: Captain that kills people

Marvel: it’s not killing, more like transporting them into a different universe that is more suited for them. Had we not hit them, they would have died either ways within the hour. Now they get a second chance of life.

JL: *existential crisis*

Even after the villain is apprehended, they found out they only managed to get this far is because they had a magic car*

Hawkwoman: *stares at the car* how does one come across thee vehicles

Marvel: well I met Truck-kun cause he’s besties with my magic Train. Train-chan told me that Truck-kuns little brother Car-kun got abducted, which is why Truck-kun was so willing to help.

JL:…

Flash: I’m going to go lie down.

Batman: *mentally adding magic vehicle community to his conspiracy board*

Bonus:

Green Arrow: *retelling what happened* -and then some random Truck pulls up

Conner Hawke: lmao you met Truck-kun

Green Arrow:

Conner:

Black Canary: … how do you know that name?

Conner: w h a t

Bonus 2:

Naturally Conner tells Damian, who tells Jon, who tells Kon, who tells the Titans and basically the whole thing spreads.

Red Robin: YOU MET TRUCK KUN! THE GREAT ONE HIMSELF

Spoiler: THE ALL MIGHTY WHEELS OF STEEL

Cyborg: WHY WASNT I INVITED! CAP YOU LBOW HOW MUCH I LIKE MY ISEKAI

Blue Beetle: JUST CAUSE YOU GASLIGHT DOES NOT MEAN YOURE A GIRL BOSS

Superboy: SHARING IS CARING

Arsenal, lying on the road: TAKE ME

Bonus 3:

Static Shock: next you’ll be telling us you know Archie’s magic bus

Marvel: well I’m not sure I know who this ‘Archie’ is, but Train-chan does have a cousin called Bus-san.

Titans: *explode*

[blackmoonoracle]

NATAL Moon - Uranus aspect observations in the Natal Chart.

Blurring the line between Psychic Prowess, and utterly Divine Madness 🌚⚡

I've noticed that people who have harsh Uranus/moon aspects or moon conjunct Uranus esp if it's harshly aspected by a malefic tend to have a target on their back socially, ESPECIALLY in childhood. Like everything they do or say just pisses off the family or causes authority figures to lash out in some harsh or restrictive way- which never bodes well for anyone involved. Because moon - Uranus people will in fact drag their dissenters and the people abusing their authority against them to hell alongside them. These are people who psychologically torture authority, both intentionally and unintentionally depending on the scenario. They respond very negatively to having their freedom and self expression infringed upon especially if it's being done so unfairly.

I've also noticed that harsh moon-uranus aspects can look like a violent swing between constant over and understimulation. Finding a happy medium can be difficult, and when they aren't regulated the outbursts are volatile & intense.

If you have this aspect in your chart, feeling understood is very important. You have an almost magnetic need to stand out— and you generally WILL stand out whether you're trying to or not. You’re a natural-born truth-seeker.

Growing up, these natives question everything, and usually don't mind questioning or correcting others. Theres not usually a huge respect for authority either, and these natives have no problem challenging those who abuse their social power. They may even thrive on this dynamic, it's always very much "fuck the system".

While Uranus isn't a trauma marker, it does bring a lot of tension. Those with this aspect often feel like outsiders, like they don’t quite fit in; or they are intentionally singled out & ostracized. I've met a lot of people with moon - uranus who have been primarily targeted by teachers and authority as well. You also have the "popular loner" archetype which I tend to ascribe more commonly to Aquarius SUNS—everyone likes you, but you still feel like you’re living on a different planet.

People with strong Uranus energy often come from families that seem perfect on the outside, or at least very *different* from them. They can also come from families with shocking histories or have notable ancestors/ancestry. There can be sudden deaths, psychic and spiritual phenomena, (and sometimes autism LMAO don't come for me).

Sudden endings and deaths, sporadic change, and a difficult relationship with comfort. The moon is all about our creature comforts & the presence of Uranus can really strip this away from the native. It can feel like grasping at straws trying to soothe or comfort the onslaught of volatile emotion & psychic intensity.

A lot of unpredictable events and insane prophecies come with this placement. It's easy to feel detached from everyone including yourself & dissociative + personality disorders have the potential to brew here for sure.

At times you can feel like the antithesis to social normalcy, and as if your innate being causes nothing but chaos & trouble.

It's unsurprising that many with Moon-Uranus end up being generational cycle/curse breakers & tend to be highly detached from the family. There can be a desire to be freed from one's own ancestry, or to escape the family norm.

Living authentically is a non-negotiable for these folks. It’s just in their DNA. Trying to suppress it is literally like eating glass— being forced to perform or show up inauthentically can be legitimately painful & cause extreme emotional and physical dysregulation.

This is thought to be an aspect that leads to hysterical outbursts, but in my observation it's usually a stimulation issue. Which honestly, I think is one of the biggest lifelong difficulties of this aspect. What other people may see as hysteria or volatility may actually be psychic overload.

Regardless of whether or not other people see it, this is a highly gifted and PROPHETIC placement. They see into the future & have the ability to intuitively read other people's minds.

Think gifted in the sense of telepathy, telekinesis, and even manipulating electromagnetic energy.

Uranus has a "futuristic knowing” that really boosts the already psychic nature of the moon.

Uranus also brings duality, and these folks intrinsically understand this universal llaw. With the right support, these individuals can become powerful manifestors, using their deep understanding of reality to shape their world and to redefine the world for others. These natives are highly proficient in recognizing patterns and often disrupt things, even when they don’t mean to.

Learning to ride out the emotional roller coaster is a necessary skill to develop for those carrying this energy. The highs and lows can be draining, so grounding is essential. They tend to see things in black-and-white, which can lead to intense emotional outbursts or social withdrawal. There's also a tendency to spiral from information overload. The constant desire for intellectual stimulation can drive you crazy & also cause attention span issues., Difficulty focusing, difficulty managing and maintaining relationships, can have an anxious-avoidant attachment or be prone to attracting anxious-avoidant dynamics.

There can be a major lesson in accepting losses & being comfortable with discomfort. Nothing feels predictable or reliable for moon-uranus individuals, which can lead to a pessimistic outlook & feelings of dread.

But despite it all, these people walk to the beat of their own deum, & remain true to themselves, even when the world refuses to get it.

[sweetkpopmusings]

hongjoong coworker headcanons <3

a/n: a whole bunch of people got laid off at my company today, so it only seems right that i cope by escaping into thoughts of coworker!ateez <3 please enjoy the precious gem that is coworker!hongjoong :,-) pics not mine~

content: fluff, nonidol!au | wc: 1k | warnings: none really! one mention of food | pairing: coworker!hongjoong x gn!reader | requests: open

everyone, and i mean absolutely everyone, wants to be mentored by hongjoong

they don’t care if they aren’t even in the same department as hongjoong

they just KNOW that he is the best ally and support system to have in the office

everyone also says his face is a workplace perk most people are too scared to say thing within earshot of hongjoong lmao

hongjoong knows everything people say about him, but he doesn’t let on

instead, he simply does his job and minds his business

things change when you start working at the company

you were hired in not only the same department, but same team as hongjoong

so your supervisor assigned hongjoong as your mentor

hongjoong, ever the professional, happily accepts and promises to train you well, so you can succeed in your new role

this all happens before you have a chance to learn hongjoong’s lore at the office

so you are wildly confused by the shocked and jealous stares from your coworkers as hongjoong walks you to your desk

it also feels suspicious that seemingly everybody is walking by your desk while hongjoong gives you a brief introduction to workflows, programs, etc.

but you, like hongjoong, are just trying to mind your business and do your job

which is actually super easy because hongjoong knows every single hack, automation, etc that means you can get your work done without being slowed down by tedious tasks

he’s a genius but so casual about it that you’re just sitting there like :-0 ??? how does he know everything ???

he chuckles when he sees your face and assures you that it’s just because he’s been there for ages and that soon enough you’ll be exactly the same way

you doubt it but appreciate his confidence in you LOL

at the end of your first week, hongjoong offers to take you to lunch

he says your boss is paying for it because it is “team bonding” so you agree 

what you didn’t know was that this team bonding would include hongjoong spilling ALL the tea in the office

he wasn’t gossiping in a cruel way, but he felt it was his duty, as your mentor, to give context on all the looks you were receiving

hongjoong finds it hilarious and adorable when you look at him with an absolutely shocked face

he just sits back while it sinks in for you, and, based on your reaction, hongjoong knows for sure that he finally has a friend in the office

he can tell that you won’t treat him like he’s different, which is a massive relief for him

so, from that day on, he makes it his mission to be both an amazing mentor AND a good friend

he stops by your desk for little check-ins and spends his breaks with you, whether sipping on coffee or walking around outside

hongjoong remembers everything you tell him about your life like he’s an incredible listener

you joke that it’s creepy he pays SO much attention to every detail you share and he says his resume didn’t say “detailed-oriented” for nothing

that is the moment you realize he is a complete dork LOL

speaking of dorky hongjoong

whenever he offers you a “cheer up!” or “you’ve got this!” it feels so much like a proud parent cheering on their child

he complains when you say this because “at least i should be an older brother but a DAD?!?!”

hongjoong is sulky but that goes away as soon as you buy him his favorite drink

you also changed his contact to “dad” but he doesn’t need to know that <3

he isn’t beating the dad/older brother allegations any time soon because he nags you once he gets comfortable with you 

it’s always with a smile on his face and full of care

but he will nag you about keeping your desk clean, using better handwriting, making your presentations more stylistic, etc

like sorry when did he become a judge instead of a mentor ???

it’s okay though because he lets you return the favor by nagging him constantly <3

hongjoong pretends not to like it when you nag him, but it fills his heart because that means you’re comfortable with him too :,-)

it also adds to everyone’s jealousy because you two are CLEARLY close and hongjoong finds their envy ridiculous and hilarious 

he definitely brags about how close you two are like he thinks you’re incredible and that everyone should be jealous they don’t know you like he does

somehow dating rumors start of course and when asked about it, you and hongjoong always reply with “wouldn’t you like to know”

hongjoong made you promise to give that answer because he thinks it’s fun to mess with everyone LMAO

he has so much fun with you that, to show his appreciation, hongjoong gets you a gift for your one-year anniversary at the company, including a handwritten note

he makes you promise not to open it while he’s with you because he doesn’t want either of you to feel awkward

later, once you read the note, you understand exactly why he requested this

the note starts with him praising your work ethic and improvement because he’s a proud mentor :,-)

at the end, he confesses that, before you started working there, he felt pretty isolated

it was like he was on an island or in a fish bowl, being watched from afar by everyone else

after that first lunch, and the many, many conversations you shared afterward, hongjoong finally felt like he belonged there

you made hongjoong feel like he belonged

that was something he was immensely grateful for, so he promised to pay you back by supporting you as a coworker and person, so you never felt like you were alone or an outsider

hongjoong tries to play it off the next time he sees you, but the sparkle in his eye when you thank him for being such a good colleague and friend reveals just how much he cherishes you in the workplace and beyond <333

[ancha-aus]

SansNautica Sneak Peak - The Selkie and the Shiver

here is a tiny drabble from the gangs point of view :3 @0p1er0 because you wanted a tag when i did these lmao

*--------------*

Horror watches as pup looks around anxiously.

Killer looks amused as he circles the cuddlefish “It is okay Crossy! We will find your little friend.”

Cross just looks more stressed “This isn’t funny Killer! He is not a strong swimmer and now everything is even more aggressive with it being their mating season. The reapers normal mating area was ruined by that big ship. They will move more into the shallows to do their own nesting and I don’t want Little Flippers to get caught by surprise by that!” Cross wriggles his hands together as his tentacles lash around anxiously.

Horror goes to his mates side and nuzzles him “We will find him. If he managed to make it this far he will be okay for the day it took for you to get us and for us to start searching.”

Cross looks unsure as he rubs his hands. Horror understands of course. If Cross is right about what he think happened to the other it would bring back a lot of bad and traumatic memories for Cross. Horror is so proud of him for being able to push through all that hurt and be willing to help the other.

Dust yawns as he lounges on a ledge “We can split up. Search the area near the surface. I doubt he will want to go deep if he is a bad swimmer and with fish being more aggressive.”

With the plan laid out they get to work. Horror makes sure to check each cave system. He himself knows better than to go into them but if the other really doesn’t know this planet he may think it is safe and get cornered.

Horror makes sure to keep his eye out. He needs to be alert and-

There!

Horror sees a strange kinda land dweller form shoot out from a cave with a crashfish hot on his trail. Horror rushes over and hits the crashfish with his tail before it can explodes on little flippers.

At least Horror assumes this is him.

Horror nears him but he can see that maybe Little Flipper leans back a bit. Horror watches as the other starts to sink. It is clear the other is cautious about him but Horror thinks this is him.

“Are you okay?” Horror tries as he keeps his distance.

That is when Horror sees pup rush over “You found him! Oh Horror thank you!” he focusses on the other and looks so happy at him. Cross reaches for the other’s head but pulls his ahdns back quickly as he looks slightly embarrassed “Sorry. I just… sorry.”

Little Flipper looks slightly in his direction. Maybe to see if it is really okay? To see if he is really safe? But then he removes the little head part of his skin. Maybe pup had a point with him being a weird selkie of some kind.

Cross looks so happy as he speaks “Oh you are okay! I was so worried. Don’t just swim off okay? I may not look the part but I can protect you just fine.” Little Flipper seems happy with Cross’s happiness as the other seems to laugh soundlessly.

Right… Cross mentioned that Little Flipper may have been forced to adapt to land… leaving him unable to fully communicate in the water.

Horror notices of course when hie other two mates join him. The three of them watch Cross happily interact with the other.

Dust hums and mutters “I can see why Cross calls him Little Flipper. Guy is tiny.”

Killer snorts “For real. He is even tinier than you Dusty.” And he grins as Dust sends him a glare.

Horror just watches their mate interact with his new chosen as Cross starts to nudge and guide Little Flipper towards them. Little Flipper looks at them but looks shocked as his eyes shoot between all three of them. He has very large sockets and his face is very expressive. Maybe this won’t be too hard to manage without communication after all.

There is caution but mostly there is curiosity on his face. He studies their tails and it is clear he is more intrigued than actually worried. Horror also gets why Cross is worried about Little Flippers now. The little guy may not have nay survival instincts after whatever happened to him.

Cross looks so excited “Guys. I assume you figured it out but this is Little Flippers!” he looks so proud of himself.

Dust snorts “We figured. And he is little alright.”

Killer laughs “A little cutie! I can’t believe you were going to keep him hidden.”

Cross sputters “I wasn’t! I was just going to make sure he was a bit more comfortable first.”

Horror hums and shoots Killer a look “Be nice. Don’t be too much.”

Killer pouts but before he can answer Little Flippers raises a hand and gives it a little wave. Very friendly and curious than. Smart enough to figure out he is being introduced and is trying his best to go along with it.

Cross then looks at Little Flippers and waves at the cave. Trying to understand why Little Flipper would risk something like that.

Little Flippers frowns as he seems to think and look around. Probably trying to look for a way to get his own message across. He ends up pointing to some fish stalkers off in the distance doing their complex half fighting half dancing mating ritual before he points at the one of the normal egg nests for some rabbit rays and lastly he points at the cave. Looking very satisfied with himself.

Horror frowns as Killer speaks up with a snort “He can’t possibly be confusing fish mating season with his own? That is so stupid.”

Dust disagrees with a shake of his skull “I don’t think it is stupid. If Cross is right about him still having to learn everything concerning himself. It isn’t weird to look at other sea creatures and just copy what they are doing. To get a general feel for it.”

Cross looks nervous “So he is nesting? Without realising what it means of includes?”

Dust shrugs “Not exactly nesting. He is just imitating the other fish I think. But I am not sure.”

Killer frowns “Then we should stop him right?”

Horror frowns and speaks slowly “No… I don’t think it is a good idea to stop it… He is learning about himself and his instincts. If his instincts are telling him to hide and nest because o the other fish it is best to just let him experience it… And to make sure he doesn’t go anywhere near others who could hurt him while his instincts are fragile and he is learning.”

Cross looks excited “Then we help him! we can find him a safe spot and get him comfortable. Help teach him what to do when he feels this way!”

Killer snorts and looks amused “You just want to sneak in some courting and wooing while you can.” Cross looks embarrassed but doesn’t go against it.

With their plan made they look around thinking and muttering about possible places. It is Dust who reminds them that there are always caves in the kelp forest that aren’t used as the stalkers themselves prefer nests out of the open and nothing goes there as the stalkers are territorial.

Horror watches Killer swim near Little Flippers and touch the thing attached to his back. Little Flippers turns quickly and looks unhappily at Killer.

Cross notices and rushes over “Killer don’t do that! He needs that to swim and he may be hurt!” Killer shurgs with a grin before nuzzling Cross’s chin and circles him as he keeps giving Cross nuzzles. Then Killer makes his circle include Little Flippers and pushes the tiny being near Cross. Cross yelps and quickly snatches him and stabilises him before glaring at Killer “Killer!! What did I just say?!” Cross then is quick to check Little Flippers.

When they are side by side it is so obvious that Little Flipeprs is well... little. His skull is much smaller than Cross’s and the length of his arms are shorter. Horror isn’t sure how big the other’s ribcage is and he doubts he will feel safe enough soon to show his complete landdweller form like other selkies can. But Horror can only guess that if he wear a mer like them he would be at most half of Horror’s size…

Little Flipper looks at Cross and gives him a signal with his hands and a smile. Maybe to show he is fine? He doesn’t seem hurt or bothered. Cross shoots Killer one more warning look but Killer looks smug as he relaxes back.

One of the stalkers growls in the distance and they can see Little Flipper tense up and look around anxious.

Little Flipper pushes off of Cross and uses his shoulders to get higher in the water as the little tool on his back starts working. Dust is luckily fast as he just gets near the other and takes hold of him and tugs him into the kelp forest.

Cross looks panicked but relaxes as soon as he sees that it is Dust who has their little future mate.

They all follow Dust’s lead as Dust knows these areas best from his own exploration. Little Flippers can’t really keep up but that is why they just keep him with them. Easy enough and he seems excited about it as he watches how their tails move and how easily they swim. Horror wonders if the other knows what he misses or what those people have done to him by forcing him to adapt…

Dust finds them a few options and they check them out critically before settling on a bit of a bigger one. Mostly because they need to all fit to be able to work.

Cross finishes his inspection and nods happily. Seems like they found a place that Cross finds up to standards for his little friend. Cross is the one who gets Little Flippers inside. He seems to look around and like it well enough even if he looks a bit unsure.

Well Little Flipper had been nervous in the kelp forest with all the stalkers nearby but they will just have to make sure he knows he is safe. He lets himself sink to the sea floor and stands on his legs.

Cross swims over and smiles “And? Do you think this will work for your nest?” and he waits.

Little Flippers looks around the cave again before giving a tiny sweet smile and nods. Clearly understanding what they had been doing for him or at least getting it enough to accept.

Cross looks so excited and Horror can see he is close to nuzzling Little Flippers before stopping himself. Then he goes to them and nods “Okay! He accepted this place. Lets get to work.”

Killer grins and stretches “I will get some pretty things and some plants to light this place up when it is night. We don’t know his night vision situation.” And he rushes out.

Dust yawns “Will get stuff for nest.” And he gets ready to leave.

Cross shouts after him “Not just metal scrap! Also kelp!” he gets a confirmation back.

Horror smiles at Cross and nuzzles him “I will get food. You get started with the nest and keep Little Flippers company?” Cross looks so relieved and nods.

Horror gives him another nuzzle and swims off. There had been something worrying him. Little Flipper seemed vulnerable and fragile. Just looking at him and Horror got the feeling he could he hurt easily. Which makes him worry about the illness that the visitors from long ago left for them to deal with.

Horror searches the area and sees a peeper with the enzyme trail. He quickly catches it.

They have no idea if he is already sick or ate something that has the sickness. Horror hopes that by giving him these they can at least neutralise it or make it not harm him even if he carries it like all of them. Make sure he is okay.

Horror considers how many to get and decides to just keep catching them when he sees them. In the end he has six and he considers if it is enough.

He doubts it is enough for a long time but it should be enough to give him a bit of a boost and nudge his body and health in the right direction.

Horror decides that for now it is enough. They can always catch more of these for him tomorrow. He turns back around and goes back towards the small hidden cave.

Horror makes sure to only get nearer when he knows he isn’t being followed. No need to stress the little nesting selkie out by bringing aggressive predators near.

He gets into the cave and can’t help but smile. Seems like the others already finished the nest and made sure Little Flippers is comfortable in it.

Little Flippers shoots him a curious look while the others all happily greet him. Dust going as far as to give him a greeting nuzzle.

Killer snorts as he tilts his skull “You were in the mood for peepers today?”

Horror shakes his skull as he answers “It are the once with the golden trail. We don’t know how the illness left by the precursors will affect him. Best to give his body and health a tiny boost just in case.”.

Cross nods as Killer looks at him in awe “I hadn’t even thought about that! Good thinking Horror!”

Horror nods before slowly going close to the nest. Trying to make sure he doesn’t trigger any distressed instinct in the other. But Little Flippers just seems curious and watches him go closer.

Once he is right by the nest he offers him one of the good peepers. Little Flippers looks at it before looking back at him. Waiting.

Killer groans “Why isn’t he taking it?”

Horror watches as Little Flippers starts to watch Killer and he makes sure his voice so soft “Because he isn’t used to this Killer. He is still trying to see what he probably can and can’t eat. Don’t be mean to someone who is trying to learn.” His speaking seemed to have caught Little Flipper’s attention as he watches him again.

Eventually Little Flipper ends up taking the peeper. That is good. That is progress.

Horror slowly shows bringing his hands closer to his teeth and biting down on nothing for him. Showing him to eat it.

Little Flipper pulls a face of disgust and tried to give the peeper back to Horror. Horror just pushes it back to Little Flipper. It is his. But this does reinforce that Little Flipper hasn’t been eating the right food. Horror saw those tiny fangs. Not perfect but very much able to bite through raw meat.

Little Flippers looks at the fish with clear distaste before looking at Cross and offering it to him.

Cross looks thorn as he looks at Horror. Horror shakes his skull. Cross sighs before looking back at Little Flippers and pointing between the food and him. Making it clear it is for him.

He even glances at both Dust and Killer but hey make it obvious with their own staring that they expect him to eat it himself.

Little Flipper keeps looking unhappily at the fish. Turning it this and that way to look at it from different angles. A small annoyed little grumble leaves the tiny guy and Horror can’t help but find it adorable.

Eventually he raises it to his teeth and bites into it. The face of discomfort and disgust turns surprised as the exact thing happens that Horror thought would happen. Him being able to easily take a bite and get a piece of meat of the fish. Still he pulls away from the fish and chews the mouthful. The unhappy look turns more surprised as he chews and shallows.

He blinks a few times before staring at the peeper full of shock.

Yeah… Horror gets it. Eating what your body needs when you haven’t been able for a while is unbelievable good.

Little Flippers looks angerly at the fish and mutters some words as a few bubbles of air leaves him. Clearly displeased by the fact the food turned out to be good and feeling betrayed by this change of events.

Killer and Dust start to laugh and chuckle and Horror shoots him a disapproving look “This isn’t funny. He most likely has had anything yet that his body actually needs. Don’t laugh at him.” which just causes them to laugh more even as Cross looks disapproving at them as well.

Then a peeper hits Killer right in the face. Horror turns and sees Little Flippers looking annoyed at Dust and Killer. His arm outstretch to show he threw the fish at them.

Dust looks dumbfounded before his laughing fit just gets worse. Cross sighs but grabs the peeper and brings it back to Little Flippers. After inspecting it Little Flippers keeps eating his first fish.

Horror smiles as he watches the other “I understand why you did it but please don’t throw your food. You need to energy it gives you.” Little Flippers just shrugs as he keeps slowly nibbling. Little Flippers eats just the meat before he moves to throw the only half eaten peeper off to the side but Horror stops him. Pointing at the fish and back at Little Flippers. The other freezes and Horror points at the uneaten organs. The parts of the fish which holds the most of the deeply needed enzyme that Little Flippers need.

Little Flippers looks horrified and shakes his skull again but Horror just nods. Seems like he was with landdwellers. They always throw away parts of the fish or meal that are just fine to eat. Poor guy hadn’t even been allowed to finish the meals he needed. Little Flippers shakes his skull again.

Horror is thinking about what to do when Killer laughs “Tiny picky eater isn’t he?” and he swims over. Little Flippers glares at Killer and aims the half-eaten peeper. Ready to make good on the threat.

Killer snorts and points to the peeper “It is okay little sweety. Just give me it okay?” and he holds out a hand. Little Flippers watches him before first picking up a rock before giving up his weapon. Horror chuckles as he watches Killer look beyond delighted.

“Oh hell yeah little sweetie is a little spitfire!” He holds up the peeper as Little Flippers starts to aim the rock in warning. Killer waits it out and Little Flipper slowly lowers the rock again. The Killer turns to the peeper and digs lightly around and manages to get the stomach out easily enough. Killer grins and holds it out to Little Flipper. Who looks beyond disgusted and shakes his skull stubbornly.

Killer grins as he inches closer “Oh it is okay sweetie.” He coos as he gets nearer “It will be so good for you.” Little Flippers clearly disagrees as he stares with pure disgust.

Killer keeps cooing and trying to encourage the other to take it. Little Flippers shoots Cross a look and Cross looks so guilty as he points between the stomach, Little Flipper and his teeth. “I know you don’t like the idea buddy… but you really need it.” Little Flipper remains stubborn and shakes his skull again.

Killer frowns as he looks at Cross “I don’t think he will take kindly to me force feeding him. Even if it would be better for him to eat this.”

Cross frowns before smiling “Oh I know!” he rushes over and smiles at Little Flippers as he starts pointing at a few things in quick succession. Little Flipper looks considering as he seems to think it over.

Horror shoots Cross a look “What did you say?”

Cross smiles “He has this tool thing that gives him information. I tried to imply that you guys would be fine with him using it in trade for him eating the meal!” he looks relaxed “It is fine. He already used it on me and it doesn’t hurt or harm us in anyway.”

Little Flipper ends up nodding but looks mad about it. Cross is so excited and clearly can’t stop himself as he nuzzles Little Flippers. His whole being purring as he mutters full of praise “Thank you. You are so good. I am so happy you are willing to eat it.” Little Flipper just looks very confused about the affection given to him.

And isn’t that just a sad thought? That he hadn’t just been starved of food but also basic affection? Dust and Killer both seem to agree with him.

Little Flipper pulls out his little tool as Cross smiles “Okay! lets do this! Just hold out an arm.”

Killer blinks but nods “sure.” He swims over and holds out an arm. Blue light comes from the tool and reflects slightly off the bone. Then Little Flipper looks excited at the screen before tilting his little skull.

Killer grins as he holds out the other hand “Your turn little sweety.”

Little Flippers looks so unhappy about this but takes the little ball of nutrients. Then he just pops it in his mouth with a tense face.

Surprise and annoyance on his face. Much like it went with the fish itself.

Killer looks at him sadly but is met with an angry face on Little Flippers face. Killer gets the message however and backs up even if he keeps frowning. Probably finally starting to realise just how little food Little Flipper must have been getting for him to be this surprised by the most basic food source for them.

Horror keeps his voice soft “Hey… it is okay. ready for your next fish?” and he holds out the next peeper. Little Flippers stares at it but takes it and starts eating without complain.

By the time it gets to the insides Little Flippers pauses before moving towards his little hand fins. He nudges the skin and- huh. He undoes the hands?! Showing normal skeleton hands underneath. He can remove different sections of his skin? Horror is intrigued as Little FLippers lays the skin hands on the side of his newly made nest. Then he starts messing with the peeper until the stomach pops out and he eats it whole this time.

After a bit of signing and pointing they manage to make it obvious the eye and pretty much all of the fish is also fine to eat. They do find out that Little Flipper’s teeth aren’t strong enough to crush the bones to eat as well. Horror hopes that with time he recovers enough to gain that strength.

They keep giving him fish as they all relax as Killer gets them their own meal to eat. Little Flippers doesn’t even seem to realise that he is softly purring as his body gets the badly needed nutrients and energy.

By the time that they managed to get Little Flippers to eat the last fish it is already dark and Little Flippers looks kinda dazed and tired. He probably had been swimming looking for a nesting area for a long time before they found him. Maybe he had even been swimming and searching for a safe spot since Cross saw him last.

A small yawn escapes him and Little Flipper seems annoyed before just giving it up as he starts to mess with the tool stuck on his back and-

A click and it is loose.

No! Little Flippers needs that to swim!

He just looks at them confused with the tool in his hands before pointing at the small clips in his skin. Looking completely integrated and part of it and Horror feels sick in his stomach.

Did those… creatures seriously alter his selkie skin? Not just branding it with their sign was enough but also edited it? Horror is happy none on that ship survived. How dare they hurt Little Flipper so much?

Little Flippers puts it to the side of the nest before rolling up and getting comfortable. Horror can see both Dust and Cross look anxious as the little selkie gets comfortable. He very quickly closes his sockets and is asleep within moments.

Safe and sound. Well-fed and comfortable.

Cross looks anxiously at them “What do you guys think? About… what I thought? Do you think? It is like I thought?”

Dust frowns as he thinks “I am not sure… but it fits. His behaviour how he seems surprised to eat things he likes and are tasty. The way he didn’t seem to understand that we were even building the nest. It does seem like something or someone was keeping him from being allowed to use his instincts.”

Killer crosses his arms “He didn’t even want to eat even when he was clearly hungry… like what must happened to cause that? He didn’t even want to try eating the fish… It is like he enver ate fish before.”

Horror hums “Maybe he just never ate it raw before? I know that Farm used to have to cook and make his food. Process it before he could eat it… maybe whoever had him or where he was treated food like that?” it doesn’t make Horror happy. Because it means he still didn’t get what he needed.

Cross frowns as he rubs his hands “So I was right?” he looks close to an anxiety attack.

Dust is quick as he nuzzles him “We don’t know. And we won’t know until we can ask him. Until then we can help him.” then he looks at Cross teasing “You really just want to keep him don’t you?”

Cross looks beyond embarrassed but nods “I like him a lot…”

Killer snorts “I am down. Little spitfire is cute.” As he lounges not in a hurry.

Horror hums “We can ask Nightmare if he can join the group. Maybe ask him to all for Dream.” As Dream had powers to enable landdwellers to communicate underwater he may be able to help Little Flippers as well.

Cross looks hopeful “Maybe they can do what they did for Farm!”

Killer shrugs “Who knows. We can ask.”

Cross looks a lot more relaxed as he lays close to Horror to snuggle for a moment. They will just remain near the other for now until things are a bit calmer. Then they will go back to Nightmare and discuss what they know and think.

Horror is sure they can get this to work.

*--------*

[trippinsorrows]

ltye + leya

authors note: no idea where this came from. but, we here.

no tags. if it ends up on your dash, twas meant to be lmao

words: 1.2k // warnings: mental health topics and roman being an ass to literally anyone not his child.

Children get sick.

It's a normal thing that happens from time to time, or more, depending on immune systems, exposure, and other extraneous variables.

However, for Roman and Solana, when one of their girls gets sick, both usually end up with whatever the ailment is before it's all said and done.

It's why they've come up with a system of sorts. Somewhat keeping the girls separated to avoid infection and exposure. It's not foolproof, nor is it liked by their girls who are more or less inseparable, but it saves the parents a ton of late nights with only having one child sick. Or, at least, one child sick at a time.

And to help out a bit, they split up the duties, taking turns with who caters more to the sick child and who caters more to the well child. It's Solana's turn, hence Roman being the one who's currently strapping Leya into her car seat after picking her up from school.

He goes to step back, a bit of a test when Leya's little hand reaches out to stop him. He sighs. "Why don't we just try one time and see what happens?"

It only takes her eyes widening with unspoken fear for him to know that's definitely not happening today.

"Please...." Her voice is soft and pleading and easily drags him over to her side of the fence. Roman proceeds to secure and unsecure her car seat a total of three times, after which her face settles into comfort and satisfaction.

He doesn't say anything, just makes a mental note to tell Solana they need to meet with her therapist again. Leya's OCD doesn't seem to be improving despite almost two months of weekly therapy.

He's just closed the door to the SUV when the single most annoying voice shouts his name. "Oh, Mr. Reigns!" This fucking bitch. "I need to speak with you!"

He doesn't hesitate to dismiss her ass. "Sounds like a personal problem to me." It's never anything important, just her probably trying to bait his ass into donating more money to their already rich ass school. If it doesn't have to do with his girls, and he knows it doesn't, she can fuck off.

Roman finds slight amusement in the way her smile drops off into borderline shock as he hops into the drivers seat and slams the door shut. Also annoying cause when has he ever paid this bitch any mind?

Nevertheless, he's driving home when Leya asks, "is sissy better yet?"

He wishes. It'd be easier on all of them. "Not yet, baby." A glance at her through the rearview mirror reveals her disappointment. Lina really is her best friend and not being able to play with her has to be hard. "You want me to watch that....Brown guy show with you?"

For the life of him, he can never remember the name of that damn show that has a chokehold on all the children.

Leya giggles, and it puts a small smile on his face. He loves hearing his girls laugh. Any of them. "It's Bluey, daddy."

"Yeah, that too." Close enough. "You wanna watch it or not?"

She nods, grabbing and holding her stuffed animal. She doesn't say anything else, and he doesn't really expect her to. She talks when she feels like it, and he respects that. She's like her mom, but she's also like him. Of few words at times.

It's when they're home, and she's changed out of her uniform into something comfortable, he sits down with her as they share their dinner together. Roman making sure to use one of her pink sectional plates to ensure her food doesn't touch.

Cause he knows damn well she won't eat if it does.

And when she asks for ice cream afterwards, Neapolitan, of all flavors, he watches how she uses her spoon to separate all of said flavors.

"What if I just got you the three different flavors instead?" He has to ask. It's probably unhelpful in helping her learn to manage her compulsions, but it seems at least a bit more efficient than her current routine.

However, she shakes her head, explaining in her cute little voice, "it's not the same...."

Roman sighs. "Leya...." Might not be the best time but between the car seat, her needing to see him lock the car and the front door three times, her completing all of her homework yet again instead of doing some there at school and some at home, and now the ice cream, he has to say something. "You know we've gotta work on some of these things."

He doesn't need to say what said things are. She already knows.

Her gaze drops to the bowl of perfectly partitioned ice cream. "It's my brain."

He frowns. "What?"

She lazily moves her spoon around the bowl, explaining, "Tracy at school said my brain is bad and stupid, and that's why i have bad thoughts."

There's never a shortage of people on Roman's hit list. It grows and changes around every day. But, this lil Tracy bitch just made her way to the top of the fucking list.

Kid or no kid.

"Who's Tracy?" He's mindful of his tone, not wanting her to think his simmering anger is any way directed toward her. Like her mom, she can be very sensitive at times.

"She's in my class....." Was in her class, cause this little bitch with the old ass name of Tracy just earned herself an expulsion from the school. "I just don't want bad things to happen."

Her eyes watering is enough to have Roman get up from his own bar stool as he moves to lift her up, takes her seat and settles her onto his lap.

"Nothing bad is going to happen, okay?" He moves his thumb to her eyes, gently wiping her tears. "Daddy's always going to protect you, your sister, and your mom. I promise you that." With every part of his being, every fiber of his soul. "I know it's hard for you, but your mom and I are gonna help you."

And some of that help might include Roman having to set aside his pride and reservations about medicating Leya. The minute her therapist brought it up, he wanted to cuss her out. She's 7. That's too damn young to be on some mental health medication. But seeing and hearing in her own words how she views herself because of her OCD, it's more than enough to have him at least hear out her pediatrician.

He's pleased to see and even feel her spirits lifted a little, prompting him to take it a step further. "Can you smile for me?" She bites down on her bottom lip just like Solana, clearly suppressing said smile. "I know it's in there." His hand is barely on her stomach, tickling her when she bursts out into giggles, moving against him. Roman keeps his arm firm around her to keep her from falling. And he always will. "There it is...." Her smile is also Solana's. Through and through.

Leya presses her body into his chest. "Thank you, daddy."

He kisses the top of her head. Anything. Anything she needs or will ever need, he's got her. For life. "I love you, Cataleya."

[pali-and-proud]

Would Buddy hurt anyone? Why was Buddy shocked when he hurt Chase with the spear? AND WHY THE COMPLETE DIFFERENCE WITH THE SPEAR AND DEACON WITH THE WOLVES?!?

I GET TO TALK ABOUT BUDDY AND DEACON. AHAHA.

Thank you for the Q <3 I love and respect you, but I am going to bypass the first two questions because I am filled with thoughts on Buddy and Deacon's dynamic. Because I don't know if more people noticed (I'm 100% sure others have noticed) but Buddy and Deacon absolutely parallel each other.

What's Buddy's big motivator, as established by the Dreams By Night episode? To escape Ex Libris. To be free, essentially.

What's Deacon's big motivator, as established by The Book of Deacon? To lead his own story, without his parents controlling everything. To be free, essentially.

Buddy, from the beginning, harps on Chase's lack of preparation. Deacon, from the beginning, gripes about Chase's lack of preparation. Deacon over-prepares, to the point where Chase asks him what different scenes mean and what happens in the story. Something he used to do with Buddy, because both Deacon and Buddy indulge Chase in their explanations.

Deacon gets caught off-guard by Chase's perceptiveness, and Buddy gets caught off-guard by Chase's personality. And Chase might gripe about both, sure, but often about superficial, irrelevant details. Complaining about Deacon always being busy, or complaining about Buddy being pretentious. (Not about things of substance, like Deacon having enough money to attend college AND disliking the experience, or about not even knowing Buddy's name.)

We all laugh about Buddy being paranoid, but Deacon matches him pretty well. Deacon isn't spilling any names. Deacon, like Buddy, understands the necessity for secrets. Who makes the plans to hide Prunella? Who keeps telling Chase not to talk to Buddy about her?

(A thought for another time, but--something about kids of strict parents being sneakier, and something about Deacon always convincing Chase into keeping secrets.)

Deacon's being reasonable, and we know that, because we're listening to his reasoning, and his reasoning is nothing like Buddy's. (Buddy's all "EVERYONE is out for themself," while Deacon is a lot more subtly judging the shirtless Hot Topic wanna-be.) But their ACTIONS match each other.

Are they the same character? lmao absolutely not. They have different experiences, different mentalities, different perspectives. Deacon has a support system, whether financial (parents) or emotional (Bronze) or even social (Chase). Buddy has a bright eyed, stubborn kid who sees a vampire and somehow therapizes him, and sees someone covered in thorns and reciprocates their hug because he knows it was needed.

But how similar they are really shines in the Requiem arc. Deacon and Buddy match the other's barbs seemlessly, and they call out the other with ease. Deacon insults Buddy's fashion sense + teeth, Buddy tricks Deacon into nearly getting mauled by wolves, which is probably an escalation, and Deacon immediately starts plotting a revenge. "When I get my hands on him," he outright says, implying some retaliation, and yet he sees Buddy and Chase wrestling a vampire to the ground and immediately asks "What're we doing?"

He immediately joins them. He has no idea what they're doing or why they're doing it, but they're doing it, so he alas has to ascribe to it. And then you remember that Chase is the one who jumped Vamp, and Buddy ALSO has no idea what they're doing or why they're doing it, but Chase's doing it, so he alas has to ascribe.

They get each other, is what I'm saying. They're foils in methods (Deacon annoys Buddy verbally, Buddy annoys Deacon physically////Deacon chooses to maintain peace via secrecy, Buddy prefers honest communication despite the impacts/////etc etc etc) but they're mirroring the other. They're two beams of light, coming from the same source, going in completely opposite directions.

Buddy hurting Chase risked everything Buddy had gained, all the trust and the companionship and the grossly genuine friendship he gained. The physical pain risked ripping the emotional connection between them. Buddy hurting Deacon DOESN'T rip open anything, because however far Buddy takes things, Deacon's prepared to follow out of annoyance and spite alone. They have the same priorities: keep themselves (+ Chase/others) safe, and humble the other when necessary.

And Buddy has an embarrassing crush or something. everyone point at the idiot and laugh

[neteyamssock]

NOT SO BAD, AFTER ALL.

╰┈➤ PART V.

pairing: neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader

summary: when neteyam and you met each other for the first time, they were overwhelmed with feelings they have never felt before.

wordcount for this chapter: 2.9k

tags: love at first sight, misunderstanding, arranged marriage/mateship, betrayal, angst, happy ending, etc.

a/n: this is so meh lmao. unedited. will edit later tho!

text dividers credits to @/cafekitsune

masterlist

part iv | part vi

PART V.

“Like you brother. I was asking tsmuke if she likes you…” Tsireya smiled forcefully, walking towards Ao’nung.

You felt your breath constrict, you cannot look him in the eye. You’re afraid, thinking that this is your consequences of letting your heart rule over your actions. The warning of the Tsahik was still fresh in your mind.

Ao’nung noticed your peculiarity, but Tsireya’s words quickly grabbed all his attention. After a few seconds that seems forever to you, you heard him sneer. “She’s just saying that, whatever. ”

You felt yourself relaxing. This is the first time you were glad that Ao’nung is a lot more dumb than you thought. If he was a lot smarter, then this could’ve been a lot worse.

Tsireya also relaxed as you and her exchanged glances. As Tsireya and Ao’nung talk, you heard that Ao’nung had finally apologized to Lo’ak, and didn’t seem as disgusted with the second sully boy. You were not aware what had transpired between Ao’nung and Lo’ak, but it seems that Lo’ak had finally proven himself to Ao’nung and earned his respect. You felt bitter when you came to a conclusion. It’s neteyam he’s not willing to be close to.

“He’s a skxawng, but he saved me from father and mother’s anger. Unlike someone else.”

You ignored his pointed stare. You are not his savior, it is not your duty to protect him from the consequences of his mistakes.

“Stop blaming tsumuke, Ao’nung. She was scolded by mother too.” Tsireya came into your defense, which you are grateful for.

Ao’nung’s eyes widened. He didn’t know, that’s for sure.

You didn’t really care. Your heart is still pounding in your chest, fear of being caught has not yet left your system. Before standing up to prepare more medicinal plants, you shot Tsireya a grateful glance for saving you. You cannot imagine how chaotic it would be once the truth is revealed.

I owe you life, sister. I hope I can repay this in the future.

Both neteyam and lo’ak got grounded. You don’t what it meant until Kiri and Tuk came to play with you and explained that the brothers were ordered to stay inside their marui without going outside for a few days. Kiri said that Neteyam got grounded because he failed on watching over lo’ak, and although you felt it was unfair to Neteyam, you remained silent. Jakesuli is their father, he has the right to do what he thinks is right for his family.

You tried hard to hide the loss in your face but Kiri could read you quite easily as she patted your back. “Don’t think so much. He’ll be fine, it’s just being stuck inside the marui until Dad finally calms down. If you miss him, I could sneak you in once Mom and Dad are out.”

You felt your cheeks warm as you shook your head. “N-no need. I’m not desperate…”

“If Tsireya can, and so can you.” She cut you off, making you gasp.

“Tsireya sneaked in?!”

“Couldn’t stand not seeing Lo’ak, so she asked me for help.” Kiri and Tuk snickered to each other, while you remained shocked.

After a few seconds, you shook your head with a smile. Tsireya has really fallen head over heels over the second sully boy. It makes you wonder if the Tsahik even knows this. There’s an immediate answer. Of course she knows. You even had a suspicion that the Tsahik already had doubts about you and neteyam. You are scared for you and neteyam if someone ever discovers what’s brewing between you and the oldest sully boy, but alongside that fear was the feeling of thrill; the excitement of going against the waves for the first time in your life.

“So what do you say?” Kiri asked you again when she finished laughing with Tuk. You hesitated because it might get the two girls in trouble.

“It must be Eywa’s plan to separate us two for a while…” You started, the words of the Tsahik still fresh in your mind. You don’t want any trouble coming Neteyam’s way as you had troubled him enough.

Kiri seemed to understand and didn’t push anymore. Tuk looked confused but knew she’s not in the right age to participate in this situation and could only hope that everything settles down soon.

You knew they were at the shore, but you didn’t come because you knew Ao’nung’s doubt. You told Kiri to tell Neteyam about it, and she promised to convey your message to Neteyam. You felt bad, but you firmly believe you are doing it for Neteyam. Unless you clean your own mess, you cannot let anybody know about you and Neteyam, because you know that it would ruin him more than you. He’d be an outcast, a disgraceful man that came after a promised girl. He’s too kind, too perfect for that. He doesn’t deserve that.

You told him you can. So you would. You began to prepare yourself for what you are about to do.

You heard that Lo’ak was saved by the rouge tulkun, payakan. It was almost unbelievable, but the mere presence of Lo’ak is the proof that his words were true. Tsireya believed everything he said. Although Lo’ak seem upset when everyone tried to convince him that payakan is a danger.

You missed Neteyam so much, but you persevered. You cannot mess this up. So the only thing you did that can comfort you in his absence was visiting your secret place. Your breath got caught in your throat when you saw Neteyam sitting alone in the marui, looking at you as if he knew you would come.

“...Teyam,” You almost sobbed. You missed him so much. Without hesitation, Neteyam pulled you in his arms.

“I was so afraid you wouldn’t come.” His voice quivered. He was afraid, afraid that you suddenly woke up and regretted whatever’s going on between the two of you. He tried so hard to stop himself from coming to you himself when Kiri told him that you wouldn’t see him for a while.

“I’m sorry, Teyam. I didn’t mean…”

Neteyam shook his head. “I know, reef girl. You know I wouldn’t force you to do things you are not ready for. We have a lot on our shoulders, both of us.”

You smiled despite feeling pain in your chest. “I shouldn’t be seeing you. I-I’m afraid that Ao’nung will use this to pick a fight with you.”

Neteyam looked at you, “He can pick a fight with me as many times as he wants, I would gladly accept it if it means being with you.”

You knew he was telling the truth, no falsehood in his words. But picking up a fight wouldn’t be the only thing Ao’nung would demand from Neteyam. His life as well. No na’vi would simply look away from the fact that their prospective mate is in love with another man.

Yes, you finally admit that you have fallen in love with Neteyam. You don’t know what love means, but you have never felt this feeling you have for Neteyam for anyone else. You cannot look away from it, you cannot run from it, and no matter how you tried to ignore it its there to haunt you all the time. You knew you cannot stop it unless you dug out your heart.

You leaned in his arms, looking at the bright bioluminescent freckles on Neteyam’s chest. You wish you could kiss them but you’re too cowardly to act on these desires. He seem to notice the fascination in your eyes as he kissed your hair.

“Like what you see?”

You rolled your eyes, you never expected that Neteyam would hide such cocky nature. He should be thankful to Eywa that he had something to live up to his arrogance. You wonder how many forest girls would be seething just by seeing you in his arms.

“Have you ever sneaked out with a girl before?” You heard yourself asking. To your surprise, he shook his head.

“Back in the forest, those things aren’t my priority, you know? I am the future olo-eyktan, used to be, and I have my siblings to look out for. This is the first time that I actually dare to accompany a girl deep in the eclipse.” His chest vibrated as his speak, making you smile as you leaned your face into his neck.

“I also never thought I’d do this, you know? I have never thought about it until I met you.”

“The ever dutiful tsakarem,” He teased.

“Ah, the ever dutiful son of Toruk Makto.”

Both of you laughed. You slowly separated from Neteyam as you took out a bracelet from your satchel.

“Here, i-i made it for you. I hope you like it.” It was something you weaved while you were avoiding Neteyam and locking yourself in your marui. The shiny shells and beads made from the roots of mangrove trees were something you have been collecting since you were a child, once dreaming of weaving something for your future mate.

You felt so complicated that you didn’t hesitate in taking some of those shells and beads you have painstakingly collected to make something for Neteyam.

“This… this is so beautiful. T-thank you.”

You felt amused seeing his darkening cheeks, glad that you had an effect on him like he has to you. You stared at his golden eyes, hoping he’d meet yours, hoping for him to understand what you want him to understand, what you wanted to convey but cannot speak of.

You weren’t disappointed, as he stared back at you with the same intensity and all your doubts settled. You communicated through your eyes, thousands of words yet none spoken.

You didn’t know how it started when your lips danced with his, matching each other’s rhythm with so much fervor. Your hand sneaked into his neck and to his braids as he kissed you like no tomorrow. At this moment you finally understand everything, from the moment you met Neteyam at the shore of awa’atlu. He’s everything you weren’t, everything you ever wanted. A promise of freedom, a taste of romance.

When your lips separated from his both of you were heaving, his arm possessively wrapped around your waist. You looked at his eyes full of burning desire, and you couldn’t help but to kiss him again.

He stopped you. “That’s enough, reef girl.” He chuckled as his thumb rubbed your lower lips, voice hoarse. “Wouldn’t want the Tsahik killing the both of us, because i don’t know if I can stop if we continue.”

You pushed him playfully and stood up, you know you must go. “I must go, forest boy. The Tsahik may visit my marui tonight and it would be bad if she does not see me there.”

Neteyam also stood up, staring at you tenderly before taking your hand into his. “I can do it, reef girl. Just ask me, and I’d do everything and you don’t have to do anything—”

You covered his mouth. “I cannot. It’s unfair to you.”

“But this is also my business. It’s OUR business.”

“Look at me, Neteyam.” You cupped his face with your hands. “This would not work if its only you fighting. We should deal with it together, side by side.”

In one fine day, you and Tsireya has finally decided to bring the Sully’s into the Cove of Ancestors, the most sacred place in awa’atlu. You have missed your parents terribly, and wanted answers and guidance from them, thus you find this as an opportunity. Perhaps your mother could give you the answers you were looking for.

Ao’nung was grumbling about it, but at least he wasn’t as mean as before. He talks with Lo’ak in a more relaxed way, as he had learned to respect Lo’ak due to the incident from before. He also formed an unlikely friendship with Kiri, the one he’s always picking on before. Although it was more of a love and hate friendship rather than a healthy friendship. It’s still a win though, for this friendship ended the constant fights between Neteyam and Ao’nung.

“Come ride with me?” You asked Neteyam as you called your ilu, smiling when he subtly touches your tail with his fingers.

“I have my own ilu, you know?” He chuckles as he makes his way towards you. Whispering, he asked. “Can’t part with me even for a second?”

Your face warmed as you looked away. “I only need a yes or no, but you already said a lot of nonsense.”

Everyone noticed the two of you dawdling about as Tuk screamed, “Hurry up guys!”

So without waiting for his answer, you rode your ilu and caught up with the others. You heard Neteyam snicker behind you as you rolled your eyes, finding it hard to believe how much influence he has on you.

Lo’ak and Tsireya had gotten much closer, that you noticed. Those touches, both intentional and unintentional, were becoming more and more apparent. It makes you wonder, were you and Neteyam like them too? Do people ever notice when Neteyam’s hand would brush against your tail, his fingers trail on your spine? His lips ghosting on your ears?

“Are you okay?” Neteyam asked you as he rode his ilu right next to you. Looking at your absentminded appearance, he’s worried his simple teasing provoked your anger. If not for Ao’nung eyeing the two of you from time to time, he might have jumped from his ilu to your, hugging you to his chest.

“I’m fine, I’m just thinking about Lo’ak and Tsireya. It seems that there’s going to be celebration of engagement soon.” You giggled to yourself before your lips stiffened when you catch a glimpse of a wistful smile from Neteyam.

“Ah, that skxawng finally bagged something for himself. A spirit brother and a beloved person.”

You smiled at Neteyam’s words, albeit hurting from the inside. You envy Tsireya who can proudly tell everyone about Lo’ak, while you can only keep Neteyam a secret like some clandestine affair. “....When the tulkuns come back, I’ll take you to meet my spirit sister. She would adore you.” Like I do.

“That would be nice, I hope she won’t toss me to an akula.” Both of you laughed as you raced together to catch up with the rest.

Diving underwater to connect with the spirit tree requires a diving partner. Almost immediately both Ao’nung and Neteyam swam towards you.

“I’m her diving partner,” Ao’nung signed to Neteyam. Before the oldest sully can answer, you waved at Ao’nung.

“I’m going to teach him how to bond with the spirit tree. Just go do your thing.”

With a doubtful gaze, Ao’nung swam away towards Roxto. Looking at his back, you exchanged glances with Neteyam which made him almost laugh out loud. You surface when you’re out of breath. I’ll be fine. You signed to Neteyam which he nodded.

You took your kuru and slowly did tsaheylu with the glowing tendrils of the spirit tree.

Your parent’s marui was the first thing you saw, followed by your parents sitting side by side as your father sharpens his spear, and your mother weaves.

Tears fell one by one, you cannot even call their name. You can not open your mouth to call them, you can only sob.

“Baby girl? What’s wrong, why are you crying?”

“Ma sa’nok! Ma sempul!”

“What’s wrong, what made you so sad?”

It's been a long time since you last saw them. You never really visit the spirit tree much, afraid to see them. Afraid of their reaction to what you had become. You're afraid they would resent you for not following your grandfather’s heart.

“I missed you,” You whispered between your sobs, hugging them tightly to convey your flooding emotions. They hugged you back with the same intensity.

“We miss you too, but tell me, baby girl, what’s on your mind? What makes you so conflicted?”

You began to relay the events to your parents, from the moment you were arranged to Aonung, to the arrival of the Sully family into awa’atlu, to the budding feelings you had with Neteyam, and your determination to end the arrangement done by your grandfather.

You expected your parents to lash out, to express their disappointment, and their protests against your relationship with Neteyam.

But what you didn't expect was a kiss on your forehead.

“Syulang, your grandfather loves you more than anything in the world. So whatever your decision will be, I’m sure he wouldn't be mad at you. Always follow your heart, no matter what.”

Your mother had tears in her eyes as she gazed at you. There's pride in their eyes as they look at you in a new light. You have now grown up and ready for the new chapter of your life.

They might not be there anymore, but they're always watching over you. Proud for your achievements, with you in your failures, and supports all your decisions wholeheartedly.

“Baby girl, life is finite. Do what your heart calls for. Eywa will bless your kind heart.”

With a gasp, you opened your eyes and saw Neteyam looking at you worriedly. Both of you quickly surfaced as you took in deep breaths.

Neteyam patted your back, concern palpable in his eyes. “Are you okay, ocean girl?”

You smiled as you turned towards him, giving him the happiest smile you could ever muster. “They support me, neteyam. They said I should do what my heart calls for.”

We can finally be together. We can finally make it official. Neteyam will officially be mine.

Neteyam laughed, relieved at your bright countenance. “Congratulations, ocean girl. You're finally getting what you are dreaming for.”

You flicked his forehead as both of you bobbed up and down in the water. “It’s also your victory as much it’s mine, forest boy.”

[yanaleese]

Karma with an artist y/n! Like they draw or paint him a lot! His reaction? :D

Hii!! Your story and oc's are so interesting and cool!! (>_<)

AAAAAAAAAAAA tysm!!! I'm glad you like my characters <3333

I think Karma with an artist MC is a very compatible dynamic! The fact that his love, his Xaxi is drawing him not once - not twice - but a million times?!? Ooh, I can imagine his heart swoon. Whether you give Karma a sticker, a stickman, or just photos of him is enough to make him happy for the rest of the day.

Now I know as artists, we can be very private about our drawings and our drawing space. Well, unfortunately, Karma would be coming in your room every second to check up on you (as an excuse to keep looking at your cute face). But luckily, you can ward him off with (1) cleaning duty (2) less sex/cuddles/quality time (3) less time to pamper you silly! And when I mean "pamper you silly" - I mean serving you breakfast in bed, massaging your feet, and doing pillow fights in the morning!

Also, I can imagine the backstory behind cleaning duty. When he first saw you draw him, he had to be like "huh??? me??? draw??? handsome???" - he was so shocked. And then I can imagine MC asking him to do cleaning duty, and OOP - he couldn't believe how much mess there was in your artspace. After helping you out, he was so disturbed at the amount of crap you had to clean he makes sure that he cops out at the last second. Or if you do really need it, he just does the entire thing; that way, you don't hear him grumble and complain LOL

Another idea I have in mind is him being just as possessive as you with your drawings (if you are). For example, if you want nobody to disturb you, he'll literally create a groupchat or a broadcast list with the entire family to kindly shut up and let you draw in peace with some funny lines LMAO e.g. "guys, Y/N is drawing. Let the genius do their work".

After that, I can imagine him happily putting your drawing all over his socials and EVERYTHING. As soon as you post it, he reblogs, comments, and bombards that art to infinity. Plus, he might auction it and/or hack the system to display your art as ads LOL

Lastly, for the digital artists out there - I can imagine Karma just oogling and staring at your computer while you're getting food or something. Plus, he'll be your body pillow as you draw! So if you fall asleep, you can sleep comfortably and peacefully <3.

[aurumacadicus]

LMAOOOOOOO MY SIBLING AND I FINALLY FOUND OUT WHY OUR INSURANCES KEEP GETTING MESSED UP!!!!!!!!!!

So yesterday I called my insurance and I was like "Naomi please help me I don't understand why this keeps happening that my sibling keeps getting emails about MY insurance 😭😭😭" and I read her the letter my sibling forwarded me.

"Hmm. That is strange," she says. "And I see it noted on your file that we are NOT to put through anything with your sibling's name. Why would... Can I put you on hold? I'm going to do some investigating." I say yes, genuinely shocked, because no one has ever said that to me before.

"I am seeing nothing over here on our end except... Is your preferred name [Sibling's Name]?" No, says I, because it is my sibling's name. I can only imagine Naomi gets a glint of suspicion/realization in her eye. "Aurum, is there a phone number on that letter your sibling forwarded you? I'm going to call their health insurance while you're on the line with me."

We call the number on the letter and get transferred over to billing. We are connected with a billing agent. Naomi tells Billing Agent everything that has happened to me and questions everything she finds on my file. None of the appointments are for me because I have not seen a medical doctor since 2020 except for urgent care last month. They are all my sibling's appointments trying to be billed on MY insurance. (Point of fact: my sibling and I have not been on the same insurance since we were 26 years old. We are turning 34 in less than a month.)

"I..... I don't think I have the credentials to fix this," Billing Agent says. "But this is..... Why..... My supervisors are in a meeting right now but they're finishing up, would you mind holding a few minutes so I can just transfer you over?"

I assume Naomi is smug as hell at this point because she's making headway on my case and also she was right about it being the fault of my sibling's insurance and not mine. "Of course," says she, and I agree because while I have no idea what's going on, something is happening.

We are transferred to another Naomi. Naomi and Naomi laugh about this because it has never happened to them before. I also chuckle because I like my Naomi. My Naomi then lays out everything that has happened thus far in my HOUR LONG phone call. Other Naomi is confused/horrified? She is looking through my sibling's account. (At this point I have gone into my sibling's room to get their verbal permission so now there are literally four of us on the phone trying to figure this out.)

"This is. Hmm. This is going to have to go through the ethics department," Other Naomi says, and My Naomi goes "oh" while my sibling and I are goggling at each other because that doesn't sound good. Other Naomi takes my number because she has to email two other departments about this and also there's nothing left for me to do. It's not my insurance's fault. My Naomi and I bid her farewell.

Later, my sibling says Other Naomi called them back (not me but understandable this wasn't actually my problem). My beloved friends. Apparently at some point I had been in their system (it must have been as a child because I don't remember this at all). When my sibling got their name legally changed they went through and made sure all the places had it updated.

My followers in Tumblr the reason it was going to ethics is because whoever was changing my sibling's name searched up our names in the system and did not bother to double check our insurance or social security numbers. They saw Aurum Acadicus and went "That must be Sibling Acadicus" and CHANGED MY FUCKING NAME IN THEIR SYSTEM so it looked like my sibling had two insurances.

"We will be doing some extra trainings :)" Other Naomi assured my sibling, and then took off the bill they were hounding them for because they kept charging the wrong insurance even after my sibling yelled at them that they only have MODA why do they keep trying to add OHP. So. Lol. Lmao even. Thank you Naomis you solved the mystery that shouldn't have even happened hahaha

[alacants]

Have you seen the rumors Carlos and JCF are splitting up

literally just saw this - i feel like this is a pretty standard kinda rumor to come out of an ""early"" loss so no idea how credible it is. early heavily scare quoted for reasons below.

also saw a rumor that alcaraz sr. is the one who wants the split which, IF true, would make sense—if you're looking at this from his pov, your kid is an adult who doesn't need hand-holding any more and now it's time to think about the direction of his future. (this is kind of what i was getting at with that one ask reply a while ago, about what would happen if carlos hit a sustained slump—that there's a lot more factors in play, and a lot more riding on his career, than just his own personal feelings.) plus, like, with zero disrespect to either juanki or alcaraz sr. intended, it's unlikely that they have always agreed 100% because humans don't usually do that, and this is the type of situation where you suddenly start remembering all those times you didn't. even if they weren't actually that significant.

but i've said before that i don't see a split happening unless carlos hits a major slump and this isn't a major slump. it's just not lol.

i'm a lot more sanguine about AO results than many tennis fans (not necessarily on tumblr) seem to be. i don't really think carlos going out in QFs to novak djokovic on a fast hard court is that shocking. and i think that 1) talking up the career slam and 2) the relative ease of his early round matches set unrealistic expectations.

novak got in carlos' head for sure (favorite quote about this: "limped one-legged into his brain and scrambled it from the inside") but he's been getting into the heads of older, better, more experienced players for the last 20 years. he did this to roger fucking federer all the time! and somehow a 21-year-old with a middling record of mental/emotional control is supposed to already have the answers? if anything i thought carlos did much better managing his mentality than he would have in the same situation, say, last summer. he wasn't playing the best game—he was pretty lost tactically—but he wasn't losing control of himself, either. that "i want to smash my racket but i'm not gonna" moment was the worst of it. he was still hanging in there and working to get his play back on track. it was just too late by the time he did.

like yeah man i think carlos DOES need to beef up his team tactically. juanki's strength is clearly like... coaching the player as a whole person. less solving complex tactical problems on court. but my read on carlos is that he still needs that element in his support system and i have a hard time believing someone else would be any more effective handling the mentality piece.

lots of words about what will probably turn out to be another rumor generated by some fans' wishful thinking lmao. but tl;dr new coach talk is premature and tbh carlos could quote-unquote underperform at roland garros and i would still not be inclined to read too much into it. if he doesn't do well at wimbledon? then we'll talk.

[apostaterevolutionary]

So. Veilguard impressions so far (I’m about 13.5 hours in). Most of these are mechanical as I don’t feel like I’ve gotten enough time with the companions/story to have many opinions on it, but I feel like I at least have some opinions worth noting lmao (mostly no spoilers but like. Maybe a little so read at your own discretion)

Things I like:

I’m honestly still shocked my computer can actually run it and overall very well too

Character creator is super detailed, I love that

I keep falling off of ledges lmfao so I’m glad there’s no penalty for that

You can pet all the cats and dogs!!!!!

Also love that there’s no carry weight to contend with but I still get to pick up a ton of random items. It satisfies by urge to pick up anything that isn’t nailed down. This is great, especially after bg3 sksks (which I also enjoy as a game but pls why does gold have weight 😭)

So far I like the new companions a lot and I do enjoy these early game little almost… domestic? Or just small scale? Quests you have with them? Idk I dig it. I wasn’t sure about the ‘bond’ thing at first but on further reflection I like that you can gain approval-equivalent just by bringing them along. Makes things easier

I don’t dislike the vibes tbh like I’ve seen people say ‘oh it’s too happy and positive’ and like. Okay yeah 2 of the 3 companions you recruit early on are very bubbly but we also got blight horror all over the place so idk, maybe this is a complaint I’ll understand later but right now I don’t agree with it

Oh and I love the lantern system for when companions have dialogue - it’s a clever way of signifying when they’re all in different buildings

Things I don’t like:

I kinda get what people are saying about the handholding. Why do I need a little tip to tell me ‘[companion] has noted that you told them [thing you just said]’ 😭

Also while the new companions are fun, I do think Harding got hit pretty hard with ‘previous game lore dump’ duty cause damn. Admittedly I don’t remember her personality in inquisition super well but a lot of her dialogue just feels. Off in that way. I get it was necessary to do it somehow but. Oof. I feel bad for her cause it makes me less interested in her 😔

This is minor but I don’t like how when you load a save, it’s not actually where you saved. It’s at the last fast travel point. So it’s like. I found this hard-to-find spot last night. Saved. Planned to continue the quest the next day. Except! I have to find the spot again! And I forgot where it was! Why!!! This is absolutely a remnant of when it was a live service game but woof, why keep that in

Also bringing back the 100 save limit - actual worst feature of inquisition, why the hell would they keep it 💀 if anyone knows a mod to fix this, pls let me know, I need to have like 800 saves per run or I’ll die okay

And this is the big one tbh. I’m sorry but I really don’t like the combat 😶 like. Every boss fight is just the arishok fight except with help. Getting Lucanis has given some improvement cause now there’s at least another melee target on the field but at this point, I’m looking for a stealth option on that giant skill tree (why is it so big! I have no idea what I’m doing with it!!!) so I can go full skyrim (stealth archer) lmao. I’m hoping when I actually get to recruit a warrior (why is this the last class you get, that feels backwards), it’ll get more playable cause I’ll actually have a tank. Right now I just cannot understand why everyone says this is fun, I have had pretty much no fun in any of the fights (I’m becoming the person I was poking fun at before when I said it’s weird to play games if you don’t like half of it skskdk. Also ngl I would not be powering through if this were not a game I already had a vested interest in). Also how did anyone play a mage and make it through the first 10 hours, like I have NO idea. I’m very glad I didn’t, it’s hard enough with a rogue

Neutral observations/thoughts:

I’ve decided to play rook as like. A discount version of hawke? Cause I feel like that’s the kind of person varric would seek out, like a spark of the familiar is what drew Varric to them. And that’s adding a bit of fun headcanon flavour

(Also I have some suspicions that things are not as they seem with Varric but. We’ll see on that I suppose)

Also it’s funny cause I’ve always been a Solas neutral person (like him well enough but never understood why he was such a big deal to either the lovers or the haters). But I do find him more annoying here lmao. Maybe cause I’m rping too hard and Rook finds him annoying but I just think it’s funny

Also genuinely could not imagine this being someone’s first DA game sksks they are going to have no idea what’s going on lore-wise

[bones4thecats]

Can you please do Loona x Short Nerdy Male Reader? Like his walls are covered various collectibles and things. Thanks for your time!

Loona with a Short and Nerdy, M! S/O

Type of Writing: Request Name: Loona with a Short and Nerdy, M! S/O Characters: Loona Buckzo Requester: Anonymous

A/N: This ended up being nearly three pages long and around 950 words! I'm pretty sure this is the longest thing I've written so far, lmao. Anyways, I hope you male and gender-neutral readers love this thing with our favorite gothy-hellhound!

⚠️ TW: Swearing, mentions of murder, stillborns, miscarriages, and neonatal-deaths ⚠️

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋆⋄✧⋄⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅

Male-Envy-Ring-Hellborn! Reader ; How You Both Met (Seeing Stars Episode)

🐺 You were the heir of one of the most powerful families in the Envy Ring, but despite the pressure to become the perfect sadist, you were far from it

🐺 Unlike your constantly flowing stillborn/miscarriages/neonatal-death caused younger siblings, who produced from both your father and mother’s infidelities, you were far from interested in the power that comes from the corrupt system of Hell's, you were more interested in human things such as comics

🐺 When your parents were sent to the Greed Ring for a meeting with the Knolastname family leader and were found deceased mere weeks later, you decided to stay with one of your godfathers, Stolas Goetia and his wife, Stella, and daughter, Octavia

🐺 Eventually, Stolas had come to keep you in the home with his family, much to Stella’s annoyance. But, at least Octavia had someone to rant with!

🐺 The Goetia male was now dragging both you and Octavia throughout the ordeal of his and Stella's divorce, and only you and her seemed to realize just how desperate she was to see these stars in the human world

🐺 You were there when Stolas burst into the room in an anger because Octavia had gone missing with the grimoire, and seeing Stolas' and your demon forms almost made the three imps and the hellhound piss their pants in both fear and shock

🐺 Loona was not happy to be in the human world, and when you just offered her a hand and pulled her up, she saw just how you really looked. Your hair looked like it was made out of the fins of a fishes' and your skin had littered amounts of scaled

🐺 You really were from the Envy Ring, weren't you?

" Now! First things first if we're gonna do this the old fashioned way, we're gonna need disguises. "

🐺 The next thing you knew, you were staring at a humanoid Stolas and Loona while the three imps stood out like sore thumbs

🐺 Staring at Loona made you flustered and look away shyly, causing her to chuckle when she caught sight of you. You looked just as cute in this form as you did in your demon one

🐺 As you walked through this city Loona called LA, you had noticed that Moxxie and Millie had randomly disappeared while Blitzo and Stolas were kicked into a van and drove off after the head of I.M.P. gave you and Loona the order to find Octavia, making her and you flip him off

🐺 Okay, maybe this was getting out of hand…

" Hey. Ya' want one? " " Sure- uh, what're you listening to? " " Eh, the norm'. Blistering Skulls and whatnot. " " Oh! That's nice… I guess. " " Heh, you sound a lot like Stolas when he’s around my da- I mean Blitz. "

~

🐺 Loona and you were getting tired. You've been running around the city trying to find Octavia by her posts on Sinstagram, much to no avail, as she always was one location ahead of you all

🐺 Now you were here, at some random building that you couldn't remember the name of, but they way it looked out and onto the city reminded you of the old hellborn-comic series, Inked Blood, which had gone out years prior to your birth

🐺 Looking around slightly, you both came to see Octavia. And you looked and Loona and slightly bowed, allowing her to go in first, after all, females get females better

🐺 You just sat behind the building's large curve as Loona and the young Goetia female spoke, and your heart warmed at hearing her words. Dads really did have issues, like yours did back when he was alive…

" If he cares, where is he? " " He's somewhere down there. " " He’s here? " " Looking for you. I mean… try to cut your dad some slack. He may not always get it right, but he's trying. That's more important than you think. " " Ain't that the truth? " " Y/N? " " I agree with Loona here. Dads aren't always gonna be the best, but, despite the either minor or major flaws they have, the fact that yours is actually actively trying to connect with you before it's too late is something you need to hold dearer than now. "

🐺 Loona stared at you as you spoke, despite you looking silly wearing a demon-version of a Hatsune Miku shirt, the way you looked so lovingly and soft at the one you viewed as your sister made the hellhound flush slightly

🐺 As the smog and clouds cleared to allow the moon to shine, Loona stood and held a hand out to Octavia, making her drop the magical book into her hand as she stood and readied herself before smiling at you

🐺 All of a sudden, Octavia tackled you and Loona into a hug, making you wrap your webbed hands around the two, landing your left on Octavia's shoulder blades while your right laid on Loona's side

🐺 Why was your touch making her flustered so much?!

~

🐺 Seeing Stolas and Octavia finally discuss things was heartwarming for you. Now that that disgusting bitchy cunt Stella was out of the picture somewhat, they could finally connect like a father and daughter should

🐺 Looking up for a second as you stood beside Loona, you saw the fireworks that burst in the sky in multiple colors, and the sight of your eyes opening widely in admiration of the effect caused Loona to smile gently and sneak a photo of you, saving it to her camera roll in a folder she named to remember this day for a while

Y/N L/N - the best nerd i’ve ever met <3

[quill-firefly]

Please Ensure Your Penpal is Not a Politician (Shattered Glass Fanfic)

Alternatively titled, "Please Ensure Your Penpal is Not a Future Serial Killer"

Then again, politician... serial killer... same difference (/j I studied political science I'm allowed to make this joke skskskks)

But yeah, some notes, this is based off of both the FunPub Shattered Glass and the IDW Shattered Glass continuity. I mashed together some of the elements together because I am crazy. Anyway, I know I should have updated "Did I Ever Really Know You?" but I promised that the last chapter will be released next year and I keep my promises skskksks. So... have this for now lmao. Different flavor of Shattered Glass.

Also warning this is also a Humanformers AU because I didn't actually have much time to focus on writing (because I am dealing with the holiday and stuff sksksk) and I didn't want to keep pulling up the list of transformer body parts and transformer units of time skskks.

The Headmaster of the Polyhex Institute had issued him a warning a few days prior. 

While classes were suspended due to the sudden loss of Crystal City and most of its inhabitants, it appeared that one of the Senators from Iacon City would be deigning the Polyhex Institute a visit. 

Truthfully, Megatron did not wish to interfere with any of the bureaucracy that the visit would entail. He was merely a mathematics professor, and he had long since stopped pestering Iacon’s senators regarding the caste system that plagued Cybertron. As far as he was concerned, he would have preferred to lock himself inside his office until the Senator was gone.

Alas, he had never been favored by Primus. 

He had barely hidden the letters sent by his equally-concerned acquaintances when the door to his office slid open. The intruder had knocked, but they had barely given him time to prepare.

With the letters secured in his desk, he glanced up, blue eyes squinting past his glasses as… Senator Orion Pax entered the room. Despite himself, he couldn’t help but shudder in the other man’s presence.

Honestly, the man wasn’t that intimidating to look at. Decorated in his senatorial garb, all purples and greens to showcase the opulence of the higher class, Senator Orion Pax was not physically threatening. Even as a mathematician, Megatron was sure he could take the man in a fight. Still, he would be a fool to think he would win any battle against a Senator. Years of debating and nearly getting outcasted into the Rust Sea had shown him how dangerous a politician could be.

“Senator Orion Pax, it’s an honor.” He stood from behind his desk, refusing to approach even as he extended a hand out for a handshake. He tried his best to show a genial smile.

‘Please for the love of Primus, get out of my office.’

Blood red eyes stared from a seemingly friendly face as the Senator moved closer, taking Megatron’s hand in his. Where there should have been warmth, Megatron could swear the man’s skin was as cold as the dead. He would have pulled away, but the Senator didn’t seem keen on letting go.

“A retired civil rights activist turned mathematics professor. I’ve read some of your works, from both your careers. Your reputation precedes you, Professor Megatron.” Then, much to his own shock, the Senator pressed his lips against the back of his hand - a sly grin on his face. “Or would you prefer to be called D-16?”

It took him some time to process the question, and by the time he did, Senator Orion Pax had finally deigned to release his hand. He took a step back, knocking the back of his knees against the chair. For some reason, the office desk between them didn’t feel like it was giving him enough of a safe distance from the other man.

Truthfully, Megatron hadn’t stepped foot in Iacon City since he had nearly been exiled. He had studied up in mathematics in the Iaconian University, publishing his political papers on the side and sending letters to the senate regarding the abolishment of the caste system. At some point, he had gained enough recognition by the Senate that they issued him a warning to stop unless he wanted to be imprisoned for treason or banished. After that, he had finished his studies and moved to Polyhex to pursue a career in teaching. The Polyhex Institute had welcomed him due to his mathematical prowess, but if he wanted to stay, he would have to give up his more… rebellious aspirations. While it pained him at the time, Megatron knew he had to let go of his dreams of a better Cybertron.

So, unless his published political papers were making the rounds again (which they technically were), there would be no reason for the Senator’s presence in Polyhex. There would be no reason for why the Senator was singling him out.

No, Senator Orion Pax was not here for any of that.

Of all the people on Cybertron, of course Megatron had the luck of having a Senator as his penpal.

“Forgive me, Senator, I wasn’t aware we were…” He trailed off, both embarrassed and a little terrified that all this time he had been writing letters to a senator.

Megatron had heard of Senator Orion Pax before. He was the newest one appointed to the Senate. He didn’t care enough to research more about what the other man was doing before he joined the Senate, but from his limited knowledge, the Senator was one of the more amicable ones. Still, after his correspondence with Senator Shockwave (who Megatron had a begrudging respect for), he was not inclined to trust any of the Senators as of recent.

In any case, Senator Orion Pax appeared to be Megatron’s penpal.

The name “D-16” had been an alias, and only one person knew it belonged to him.

But… his penpal - who had gone by the alias of Optronix - had said he was a librarian.

“No need to be so formal, Megatron. We’ve known each other for years. We’ve shared many words over the years.” The senator leaned closer, and he couldn’t help but blush as he remembered the more… intimate… letters they had sent to each other. “It’s finally a pleasure to meet you.”

Megatron couldn’t help but note, close as they were with only the desk separating them, that the senator was… physically appealing. Of course, that wasn’t why he had gained affection for his penpal. He had enjoyed their lengthy correspondences. Optronix had been of similar mind and moral. He was intelligent and charming.

More than that, Optronix had inspired him to be a mathematician and a professor. When they had first begun sending each other letters, Megatron had been a mere miner. Optronix had been the one to send him various academic papers that he had dedicated himself to learning.

He owed a lot to the other man.

But… it unnerved him that the senator had traced who he was. Despite how close they had become, Megatron had never shared his real name or where he lived in their letters.

“You said you were a librarian.” He said bluntly, though he really wanted to demand how the other knew he worked in Polyhex Institute - because the Senator knew - why else would he have gone out of his way to find Megatron in his office?

“You said you were a miner.” Senator Orion Pax teased back. His red eyes seem to trace every part of Megatron’s face. “We’ve both had a career change.”

Swallowing down the urge to ask what he really wanted, Megatron reached for the closest question that would satisfy his curiosity and soothe his worries. “I suppose… but Senator—”

“Call me Pax.” The tone was even, but it left no room for argument.

“... Senator Pax, while it is nice to meet you in person… Why the sudden visit to the Polyhex Institute? Is it on senatorial business? If so, thank you for taking the time to visit me.” Megatron ignored the irritated look that crossed the other man’s face as he continued to use the honorific. He began to fidget with his glasses, a nervous habit that he hadn’t done in years. He usually did it before every meeting he had had with the Senate.

“You haven’t responded to me in a month.” Senator Pax said quietly, as if admitting a secret. The other man gripped the edge of the table - the only indicator that he was upset - but the smile on his face never dropped. Megatron wondered if that perpetual smile was a practiced habit. “I was worried. You have heard about what happened to Crystal City?”

“Yes. Classes in the Institute were suspended. Some of the students come from Crystal City… I can’t imagine…” He trailed off, feeling tears spring to his eyes as he remembered the day the news had reached his classroom. Everyone in the room had been stunned into silence, before those who had family in Crystal City began to cry. He had done everything he could to console his students, now orphaned and left to be refugees in Polyhex. “I only wish—”

“That doesn’t explain why you weren’t responding to my letters for a month.” Wiping away the tears, Megatron peered over his glasses at the unempathetic senator. He had leaned back, crossing his arms across his chest as he gave Megatron a disappointed glare. “Tragic as it may be, the destruction of Crystal City has nothing to do with you.”

“I’m afraid it does.” He whispered, wondering if the other man heard him. With a sudden quickness, he moved away from the desk and towards the largest chalkboard in the room. After countless visits from his fellow scholars, he had covered it with the curtains.

He wasn’t sure how the other might react (and a part of him didn’t care if it scared off the senator from ever contacting him again), but the statement had sent him into a frenzy. It was a guilt that had been gnawing at his conscience since the destruction of Crystal City and that letter from Senator Shockwave.

He could feel the senator’s crimson eyes against his back as he swiftly pulled the curtain. He couldn’t help but compare it to a waterfall of blood as the red cloth fell and pooled against the floor, revealing the complicated formula that haunted him even in sleep. 

Megatron knew what the other man might think. As perturbed as he was that the senator had tracked him down, he was sure he was quite the disappointment in the other’s eyes. He hadn’t had a moment’s rest since he had calculated the formula before him. His clothes were disheveled, and at this point he didn’t know what his hair even looked like. Whatever images Senator Pax had conjured up about his penpal - about D-16 - the reality paled in comparison.

His blue eyes stared forward, feeling the pain start in his chest again. He heard the senator move to stand next to him, a chill in the air as they both took in what he had calculated.

A month ago, Megatron had calculated the probability of civil war breaking out on Cybertron. He had raised the concern to his fellow academics, yet they had mocked him - stating that he had finally lost his mind in the numbers. He knew he wasn’t crazy. The numbers did not lie. It had agitated him. Enough so that he had contacted his old acquaintances from his time as a civil rights activist, explaining his predictions. Some had not sent any responses, some had even challenged his claims. Luckily, a few had listened. It was merely a precaution, but he needed to prepare for the inevitability of the civil war. An organized group. Nothing large, but at least enough to ensure that there would not be an absolute slaughter once the civil war began. And began it had, though no one else could see it yet.

The letter from Senator Shockwave was a warning.

Crystal City was a declaration.

“You’re brilliant.”

He turned his gaze to the man beside him, eyes blinking as the words sunk in. He was not surprised that Senator Pax would understand the formula and the prediction. He was a genius himself. Still, Megatron had expected the same ridicule he had received a month ago. At best, he expected concern for his mental being. Then again, the destruction of Crystal City might have been enough for the senator to believe in him.

“I calculated the possibility of civil war a month ago. Hence, why our correspondence was put on halt.”

Truthfully, that was one reason. The second was that the senator - well, Optronix as Megatron didn’t even know he was talking to a senator - had proposed that they finally met face to face. Even worse, he had proposed the possibility of initiating Conjunx Endura. He didn't know how to reply to that. Then came the calculations of the civil war, and Megatron could only focus on one problem at a time.

“I see.” They both knew Megatron had a second reason. The senator didn’t call him out on this. Instead, he reached out towards the chalkboard, fingers smudging the chalk carelessly. He kept the frown from appearing on his face as Senator Pax turned to him. “I’ll allow it. This is a good reason to be distracted from what I had proposed.”

“Thank you for believing me.” He tried to deflect. Megatron didn’t want to think about Senator Pax’s proposal about the Conjunx Endura. It was not the time. Certainly not the place. “I promise to be more active in our correspondence. I appreciate the visit.”

Admittedly, now that he was aware of his penpal’s identity, Megatron was uncomfortable with continuing their strange relationship. It was ridiculous, though he had no one but himself to blame for initiating a relationship with a man he had never really met face to face. While their correspondence had begun merely out of friendship, with both seeking companionship through the penpal system, it had turned into more. Optronix had been sweet and had supported him even if they were unable to see one another. Megatron had even sent him love poems once. The years they spent together - even if they had been limited to ink and paper - had been passionate and perhaps will be the strongest relationship Megatron has ever been able to maintain. It was unfair to Senator Pax, but Megatron couldn’t stop his distrust of the senators.

Not with Senator Shockwave’s warning that the Senate was compromised.

“No need for further correspondence.” Before Megatron could be relieved, the senator went on. “You should come to Iacon City with me.”

There was a moment of silence. Megatron couldn’t help but turn his eyes away, shock and indignation causing his face to flush red.

“Why?”

“While Crystal City is the first city to be destroyed, we cannot rule out the possibility that whoever the cause behind it is not targeting the scientifically-advanced cities. Polyhex is home to many brilliant minds… and a very pretty professor.” Senator Pax winked cheekily at him. Megatron had to wonder if the senator was usually this unserious when declaring extremely troubling news. “It’s my own theory but Polyhex might be next.”

“All the more of a reason for me to stay.” Megatron moved away from the chalkboard, moving to the window that overlooked the city. He watched as hundreds of people went about their business, guilt gnawing at him again. If he had only been insistent when he had first calculated the probability of civil war. If the senator’s theory was correct, Polyhex may very well be attacked soon. “Crystal City was eradicated from the map. If the historical records didn’t exist, no one would know it ever existed. I can’t leave Polyhex to the same fate. It’s the only home I’ve ever known.”

“You’re from Kaon.” The words were blunt, unsympathetic. He jolted as a hand settled at the small of his back. He kept his eyes forward, trying not to push the other man away as a heat brushed against his ear. “Polyhex welcomed you, true, Iacon would welcome you too. I’d be there to welcome you.”

“... I’m banished from Iacon.”

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m on self-exile.”

“So you admit you once considered Iacon a place to be exiled from?”

“I can’t leave Polyhex.” He insisted, gritting his teeth. He wasn’t surprised at the senator’s insistence. Optronix had been insistent too. There was a reason why Megatron had managed to escape his role as a miner. Optronix insisted on sending those academic papers, even with Megatron’s protests that he was not intelligent enough to really become a scholar.

“Come back to Iacon with me…” He swore he could hear the other man’s voice strain as he added, “Please.”

“Would you abandon Iacon if you knew it would be destroyed.” He wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear the answer to that question. Truthfully, he was stalling.

“Iacon is the most protected city in Cybertron. It’s like a guarded fortress. After all, the Senate is at its heart.” Those red eyes met his in the glass, a forced smile on the senator’s face. There was a spark of emotion in that gaze, one that Megatron could not decipher. “I would feel better once you’re in Iacon. You’re coming back with me. I’m no longer asking.”

“If I still said no, what would you do? Detain me?”

“Yes.”

There was an awkward stretch of silence.

“...I’m joking.”

Was he though?

Megatron let out a tired sigh. Truthfully, the moment the senator had proposed going back to Iacon, Megatron knew he would inevitably agree. Once Optronix has a goal in mind, you need to get out of the way.

“Very well. I shall pack a bag.” He turned away from the other man, stumbling away from that cold hand that lingered behind him. “I’ll have to arrange accommodations—”

“I’ve settled those for you.”

He let out another sigh, his feet heavy as he headed towards the door. His living quarters were on the other side of the university, and yet it was not enough of a distance from Senator Pax.

“Some of my bodyguards will go with you, I’ll wait for you here.” 

He could feel himself shudder as he spared a glance behind him. Megatron did not feel threatened. While he was perturbed by the senator and worried about Senator Shockwave’s warnings, he knew he could trust Optronix. Optronix wouldn’t hurt him, not after helping him achieve everything. Still… he still couldn’t piece together the sweet Optronix to the dangerous Senator Pax.

“That’s not necessary—”

“It is. I’m a senator, people would wonder about my relationship with you. Do it for my sake.”

While he could still feel an inkling of wariness, Megatron let himself relax. Right. He forgot how dangerous it was to be a senator.

He could manage a few bodyguards.

—

Optimus tucked the letters into a pocket.

While his sweet Megatron was brilliant in many ways, in the art of being quick he was not. Of course, he had hardly given the professor any time to prepare before he had entered the office. Still, the man should have been quicker if he wanted to keep his insurgent correspondences hidden. Optimus had noticed that the professor had shoved a few papers underneath the desk, taking in the horrified look in those blue eyes before they had looked into his own. Of course, Optimus never did like it when people kept secrets.

It was a good thing that Megatron was so slow. Otherwise, Optimus would not have ever known the danger his little professor was posing. He had to admit, he was impressed. The formula predicting civil war was brilliant on its own, but to create a contingency plan once it began to break out? Some would say it was the work of a paranoid man, but Optimus would say it was the work of a genius. An underground vigilante group? Why, Optimus found it endearing. It reminded him of his own secret police - though his faction had a reason to exist.

Megatron was correct about a potential civil war. After all, order did not come without a few deaths. Optimus expected that there would be many who would stand in his way, but that didn’t matter. If he wanted to reconstruct Cybertron, he’d have to quell the dissenters - especially this little group that his professor had gathered. It wasn’t for selfish reasons. Optimus could see the chaos in the Senate and among the cities of Cybertron, he merely wanted to fix it - to create a world where he could ensure peace. By ruling, he could ensure a world of perfect order.

Well, admittedly, it was also for a selfish reason. A long time ago, he realized that life had no meaning. It was only when he’d begun his letters with D-16 that he had come to a better conclusion. Yes, life had no meaning, but by making yourself known then life became worth living. He had thought long about how he could possibly make history remember him, then D-16 had inspired him with his words about equality and peace. Of course, what a perfect way to be remembered: to be the ruler who ushered in the eternal Golden Age of Cybertron.

Megatron would understand once Optimus brought him back to Iacon. His correspondences with his fellow rebels would have to stop, and Optimus could easily ensure that. He’d have to track down every single name mentioned in the letters and send the Wreckers after them. Soon, there won’t be any group that would oppose his own. While he could care less what happened to most of them, there were two prominent names in the letters that he would personally attend to. Honestly, it incensed him that those two had the nerve to contact his poor overtired professor. Have they no shame?

First, that insipid little scientist from Crystal City. While Optimus had not personally contacted Starscream regarding joining the Wreckers, he had heard that the scientist had refused. In retaliation, he sent the Wreckers to raze Crystal City to the ground. No one refused him. No one. Second, that overbearing nuisance of a senator, Shockwave. No wonder Megatron had been nervous around him the whole time. He was aware that someone from the Senate was a traitor. Optimus didn’t even know how Shockwave had realized that someone in the Senate was working against them, but the man would pay for this.

With a few tweaks to the letters, Optimus could frame Shockwave as instigating a rebellion. That should be enough for the Senate to reinstate the Empurata. They wouldn’t take kindly to traitors, especially one that had already destroyed a city. It was a fitting punishment for Shockwave for daring to expose him, and for scaring his Megatron. 

He sighed.

Today was still a good day.

After all, Megatron had been everything he had ever dreamed of.

Brilliant. Beautiful. Naive.

He stood up from the office chair, moving towards the door.

He had a future Conjunx Endura to spend time with.