#since we always split them among us

[raksh-writes]

How is that, after already working on a good portion of my Uni "stuff to do for finals", I get stressed out of nowhere? This should've lessened my anxiety, not made it WORSE, smh...

[star-anise]

Ask I got on my sideblog but am answering here:

Hi there! I know you're a therapist and I have a question: I saw some people arguing on Twitter about the impacts of trauma. There was a therapist among them, and they had a masters degree in social work, they post about it often. They say that people who have experienced trauma hurt other people because it benefits them or gives them pleasure, and they are disconnected from empathy and sympathy. That seems wrong, but maybe it's not? That's all, thanks!

Ooof, yeah, that's... complicated. It's technically true, but also frequently used as a lie.

Trigger warning: Child abuse, child grooming, interpersonal violence, trauma (childhood & intergenerational), true crime, totalitarianism

Because basically, that describes MOST humans who decide to hurt other humans on purpose without a strong ulterior motive. That's not a trauma thing, that's a human thing.

I babysit for a family with a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old. When the 1yo does something to upset their older sibling, and that sibling winds up and smacks them, that's the same basic thing. It benefits them (makes 1yo go away), brings them pleasure (having an outlet for their anger is very satisfying), and they're disconnected from empathy (they're often surprised and confused when the 1yo is crying, because they're 3 and THEY feel fine and they don't really understand yet that other people's feelings really exist) or even sympathy (understanding that if you hit someone, they will probably be upset). That's something we adults have to watch out for and intervene in, because empathy and impulse control take time to learn.

But as for where trauma figures into this... how to explain.

There's this old logical puzzle about categories, where you say things like:

All dogs have four legs*

A dog is an animal

And then the catch is that you can't extend that to say

All animals have four legs

*RIP to all the tripods and legless animals that apparently aren't dogs anymore for the purposes of this logic exercise

Animals obviously include fish and millipedes and whales and snakes and jellyfish. The number of legs an animal can have is HIGHLY diverse, and will eventually lead to a debate on what the definition of "leg" is.

So there is this common thing we see:

Some people are much more violent and aggressive than other people

These violent and aggressive people have almost always experienced some form of trauma/abuse/neglect

And the link people are really prone to thinking is:

People who have experienced trauma/abuse/neglect will go on to being violent and aggressive with other people.

This is incorrect. To some degree, I can see why it's widely believed - after all, way more people tune in to learn about a serial killer's abusive childhood than for the more common story, which is survivors of trauma slowly going about their lives in ordinary undramatic ways.

Because the thing is, trauma is REALLY diverse. Humans are inherently varied and a bit chaotic, since we can choose very different ways to live and operate, and trauma splits that variability like a prism turning light into a rainbow. Only about 30% of abused children grow up to be abusive themselves. The other 70% choose very different lives.

And yet. My eternal question is: WHY is this such a meme? Why do so many people with a shitty childhood flinch at the 30% statistic and think, "Is that me? Am I destined to be a monster?" Why does this story have legs, when so many other facts about trauma have way more empirical backing and usefulness and get very little attention?

I submit that there is one group that fucking LOVES the idea that traumatized person equals abuser. One group that pushes it into the discourse, in international media or around the family kitchen table, with great ingenuity and gusto.

Abusers.

They love it for two reasons. The most obvious reason is: It absolves them of their actions. "It wasn't ME who hit you, it was my childhood trauma!" A veritable classic excuse that takes their agency out of the equation. And it really can be hard to tell when it's a good excuse and when it isn't!

Reason two is the more insidious one: It cuts their victim's sense of goodness, worthiness, and moral certainty out from under them.

It's as simple as saying, "Look at how you pushed back at me (when I was abusing you)! You're the REAL abuser here!" It's the heart of what domestic abuse researchers call DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender). It can be that simple, or it can be so complicated and byzantine it makes your head hurt.

I only really got a handle on understanding this thanks to a friend, who said she was okay with me sharing this story if I didn't identify her. I won't go into any unrelated details of her abuse, but for the record, hers is probably the most extreme case of anyone I've personally interacted with, and I used to work as a therapist and in domestic violence shelters. Her dad heinously abused her as a child. He'd also studied psychology in university. I have been trying to fathom how the fuck anyone could do what he did to her for YEARS, and I think I've got a few viabletheories.

So. She was an ordinary child, bright, warmhearted, well-behaved, and a bit autistic. A bit more naive and trusting than your average preschooler. I imagine that from his perspective, there was the convenient benefit that he often had unrestricted access to her, and he could relatively easily overpower and manipulate her.

But she had one serious downside: If anyone ever found out what he was doing to her, they would go fucking apeshit. She wasn't really prone to lying or acting out, so people would treat her as a fairly credible reporter; several other adults found her she was lovable, innocent, and endearing; and what he wanted to do to her was, I repeat, heinous.

So while he abused her, one of the things he said was: "I'm doing this because I was abused as a child. That's how it works. All abusers come from abuse. There are statistics proving it. This means you're an abuser too. See what society thinks about child abusers? That's what people will think about you, if they know that you've been abused."

And she was, you know, a child, not someone who studied psych research. He was her dad. So she believed him.

She thought that he was using his adult brain to correctly assess the truth about her as a person, for purely objective reasons. The way you'd try to teach a kid who talks with their mouth full about table manners. It's been a couple decades now, but she is still very slowly chipping away at her core belief that she is inherently awful and only her father recognized the truth about her.

Sometimes when we talk about it I have to bite my tongue because I'm sitting here trying to figure out what the fuck was going on with him, an adult man who wanted to abuse her because he'd really enjoy it. I think about him trying to figure out how to manipulate an innocent child into accepting being abused, and minimize the risk that he'd go to jail for it. And although I hate his everloving guts, I'm almost a bit impressed at his level of machiavellian audacity, to come up with a line that was SUCH hot bullshit that people have devoted their entire careers into proving it false, and yet, because it hit exactly the right psychological issue at exactly the right psychological stage and his intended victim was so trusting, he could get her to believe him enough to turn that lie into her core identity.

Praise be to G-d and Criminal Minds, he did not, in the end, get away with it. She got enough courage to tell people, and get free of him. And she is not, in fact, a horrible abusive person.

But I think what he did so very brazenly is what a lot of abusers do, in more disguised and indirect ways. Probably partly because it really helps, when abusing people, not to treat them like human beings with their own thoughts and feelings, but if one must posit that they have something going on between their ears, it's easiest to assume that everyone else responds to trauma with aggression and abuse. After all, considering the possibility that someone like them could choose not to be abusive takes all the fun and plausible deniability out of the whole affair.

But now I see echoes of that "my victims are just as bad as I am" tactic all over the place. I honestly think it's a very similar mechanism that Hannah Arendt pointed out in The Origins of Totalitarianism. She observes that violent totalitarian regimes routinely accuse their intended victims of the very act they intend to commit themselves, to justify a "retaliation" that's actually just aggression. Think claiming "Our opponents are rigging this election" as an excuse to rig an election in the opposite direction.)

To sum up: You're human. Humans can do good and bad things. It's not necessarily good to completely forswear anything violent or angry in you, but to come up with a framework of how to be assertive and get your needs met in an ethical fashion. There are times it is appropriate and even necessary to escape or fight against somebody else's will.

On the other hand, If find yourself inflicting pain on other people on a regular basis, get some support and take a good hard look at your life choices. Sometimes it's hard to figure out how to solve problems in your life without violence or aggression, and you might need some help with that. Maybe talk to a counsellor or learn anger management skills.

But in no way is it predestined, inherent, implicit, or doomed, that your experiences and brain wiring make you violent or evil. You always have the choice to define yourself beyond what was done to you.

[crystalrabbit246912]

Group Dynamics in NRC

I think that Group Dynamics in Twisted Wonderland are the funniest things ever.

Spoilers for the Stitch Event, Glorious Masquerade, Book 5, and Book 6 under the cut.

There's the obvious ones, like the first-year crew and their friendship, with them constantly making quips and having fun at each other's expense, and the dorm groups, like Azul, Jade, and Floyd, who are hilarious to watch together, or Kalim and his tired babysitter Jamil.

But then you get to the events, which introduces dynamics that we haven't seen before simply because there's so many characters and each pairing has so much potential together.

Like in the Stitch Event, where we see Floyd and Lilia being chaos buddies together. I think that if they were left alone with Stitch, they could have blown up the whole island and laughed while doing it, and we hadn't seen that before because Floyd has had no reason to interact with Lilia prior.

In Glorious Masquerade, we first see a bunch of different groupings, such as Azul with Deuce and Epel, which is hilarious because we have the two innocent freshmen and Azul, who's trying to say things with subtext that goes completely over the duo's heads. Of course, we already know that Deuce and Epel are cute together, but seeing Azul frustrated at their naivety is something new.

The other groups contain Idia, Ruggie, Silver, and Rook for one, which means that Idia's always-fun dialogue paired with Ruggie's desire to get a good deal paired with two sunshine children, a.k.a two of the light magic users.

The third group is made up of Riddle, Jamil, Malleus, and Sebek. The first three possess a certain maturity that the other first-years, not counting Jack, don't have. Sebek being the shouty crocodile that we all love adds some excitement to them. We've already seen a bit of Riddle and Jamil interaction with Book 6 and Riddle and Malleus are both Housewardens even if the latter doesn't get invited to meetings much.

Yuu, Grim, and Rollo drift among the groups, which adds some extra spice as Grim is... Grim and Yuu is friendly with basically everyone so there's not much animosity there. The friendship is something that would be boring anywhere else, but the amount of animosity between most NRC students makes it refreshing instead.

Later, the group has to split up to deal with the firelotuses and get at least one of their members to the top of the tower to ring the Bell of Solace. They drop their members in groups of two, leaving fascinating pairings, with Idia, Malleus, and Azul making it to the top.

The first pair to drop is Riddle and Epel. The two of them are somewhat commonly shipped in this fandom, but we don't actually see them together much in the actual game. Riddle is immensely talented with magic and Epel has good flying skills, so the two of them act as a diversion so the rest of the group can make it past.

Riddle obviously wants to be a good upperclassman and protect his junior, Epel, but Epel also wants to protect Riddle, which leads to a spirited conversation between them, at the end of which Epel uses his UM on Riddle to protect him and manages to divert the firelotuses until the main group rings the Bell.

Next are Jamil and Ruggie, who get separated from the main group and are forced to be left behind so the Bell can be reached. The two of them share a common willingness to dirty their hands so they can survive, which means that they're willing to use other students as bait so they can survive the night. Their UMs make this possible, and Jamil states that he's glad that he ended up with Ruggie, since the hyena beastman was the only one he could pull the trick off with.

Beyond that, Deuce gets injured in the ballroom and Rook stays behind with him so the group can progress forwards without them. The two of them interacted a little in Book 5, but it was mainly Vil speaking and I don't think they had any individual interactions, though I may be forgetting something.

This is another upperclassman wants to protect their underclassman situation. There's a cute scene where Rook is on the verge of giving up, but Deuce keeps going and Rook says that Deuce's inspired him, in the classic Rook way.

Sebek and Silver clear the way so that Malleus, Idia, and Azul can make their way up the tower. These two are together a rather lot, both in the actual game and in the fandom, either as a sibling relationship or ship, but Silver feeds into the competitiveness between them, whereas it was previously assumed that it was a one-sided thing from Sebek.

Malleus, Idia, and Azul are hilarious together.

Malleus, despite being a Housewarden like the other two, isn't seen much with them. Idia and Azul are seen together often, as members of the Board Game Club, but Malleus not so much.

Malleus' manner of speech and unique quirks are new to the other two, though Azul is quite used to Idia's social anxiety and dialogue while Idia has had plenty of time to get used to Azul and his way of working. When both Rollo and Malleus think that Azul sacrificed himself, Idia is the one that knew that the Octavinelle Housewarden had something up his sleeve.

Idia and Azul both struggle with physical activity, so while the physically and magically powerful Malleus can climb the tower with ease, the other two are struggling immensely. There's a line of dialogue that says that he couldn't carry the two up the tower because there wasn't enough room for him to carry them under his arms, which I found really funny.

I think I derailed this post somewhat, but my conclusion is that group dynamics are funny here, and if you put two people who would never in normal circumstances be near each other in the same room, I think the result would be great.

(Example: Deuce and Idia. Idia is terrified of Deuce, as he is of most people, yet shocked by his determination and also a bit thankful towards him for being Ortho's friend. Deuce initially has a high impression of Idia because of Ortho's praise, though the impression just downrails into confusion.)

[mask131]

Some people are very confused about why, in the myth of the Judgement of Paris, the three goddesses who fall for the Apple of Discord trick are Aphrodite, Hera and Athena. They usually understand why Aphrodite and Hera would fall for the trick of "the most beautiful" - one is the goddess of love, sexuality, romance and beauty ; the other is the queen of the goddesses. But when it comes to Athena, they tend to have a hard time seeing the goddess of wisdom, war, peace, intelligence and virginity get enroled into a "I'm more beautiful than you" petty feud.

... Except it is very much in line with her character, and yes, these three deities are in classical mythology the most vain of the goddesses.

Now, I will here use both Greek and Roman example mixed together because I do not have time to do a thorough split and explanation for everything - so rather let us take an overview of the goddesses' legends as a whole, throughout the centuries.

Aphrodite is vain, this is something that has been established regularly. She is a being of seduction and love, she is the most beautiful of the goddesses since birth and if it wasn't enough she had her husband create a magical belt for her that makes her attractive to anyone who sees her (a husband she cheated on with one of the worst gods of Greek mythology just because said husband was ugly and the other god was hot. Hated but hot.)

One version of Echo's legend has Pan's unrequired love for her caused by Aphrodite as a punishment for not giving her the "most beautiful" award (and turned the other contestant who won into a shark). Aphrodite persecuted Psyche because she was said to be more beautiful than her. Myrrha was cursed by Aphrodite to fall in love with her father because her mother claimed she was more beautiful than the goddess. And there's a lot of other tales like that - so it is well established that not only is Aphrodite the most beautiful goddess, she makes al lot of efforts to stay that way and will be VERY angry if anyone refuses her this title (sounds a bit insecure if you ask me but what do I know?)

If we go to Hera, we have again a certain case of pride and a status to be held. Hera is renowned for her beautiful eyes (the famous "cow-eyes" which no, are not an insult, but were an Ancient Greek compliment, because cow-eyes were deemed to be beautiful), and she is the queen of the gods, Zeus' eternal queen, THE first goddess among them all. That's a certain status to hold - and since she is known to have a bad temper, this comes of as a form of vanity and jealousy. The fact Herakles was named Herakles, "the glory of Hera", was precisely in an attempt to appease the goddess' wrath by appealing to her with flattery (turns out it didn't work). Remember: when Zeus had children of his own, without female help, such as Athena (or rather when it looked like he produced Athena on his own), Hera got pissed off because she saw this as a personal offense and tried to have a child of her own without Zeus just to prove him she could do it too (and the result was always disastrous, ranging from Hephaistos to FRIGGIN TYPHON).

This also ties into the whole idea of Hera persecuting Zeus' lovers and "bastards" out of jealousy. Note that she does not persecute ALL of Zeus' lovers, nor does she persecutes all of his extra-marital children... She always picks up those that Zeus seems to favor. That's how it all started with Herakles: Zeus was boasting about how he was going to shower his son with great gifts and a glorious destiny and all that, and Hera wouldn't have that. But she did not persecute Herakles' mother in any way... Just the son that Zeus clearly favoritized. And it becomes VERY obvious Hera's jealousy is not just related to a case of "cheating" in the case of Leto. Hera persecuted Leto for bearing Zeus' children and being deemed more beautiful than her by Zeus... When the myths are clear that Leto was Zeus companion (and possible wife) BEFORE Hera married Zeus. Before this whole story became another one of Zeus' cheating cases, this was a tale of Hera, unmarried to Zeus yet, simply being jealous of Leto being deemed more beautiful than her.

So this was all quite well established... But what about Athena, then, you ask?

Athena is also vain. I am sorry to announce it to you, but all the goddesses of Ancient Greeks have a flaw in myths (not in religion though, in religion all the goddesses are perfect and benevolent, but in legends and texts they are human-like with flaws and vices), and Athena's personal vice is vanity. The whole Arachne myth has sometimes been interpreted as a manifestation of Athena's personal pettiness, as in she cannot stand that someone is better than her at weaving. (It is a bit complicated since as I said before the legend of Arachne is purely Roman not Greek but I also told you I was going to mix Roman and Greek today so you have been warned). Even outside of the legend of Arachne, there is the legend of the flute - how Athena invented the first flute, but then cast it away and cursed it because when she played it, she looked ugly and people mocked her. This is probably the most famous legend about her vanity. And as I posted a long time ago - while this version of Medusa's legend was mostly lost to time because we lack the text, and it was preserved in scholia, we know that by Classical Greece the legend of Athena turning Medusa into a monster was quite popular... but it was all about Medusa being more beautiful than Athena, hence her being turned into a monster.

There's also a legend of a Meropis turned into an owl for mocking Athena's eye-color...

Anyway! Conclusion, it makes sense in the wider scope of Greco-Roman mythology to have these three goddesses be the one to fall for Eris' scheme, because they are the three most vain Olympian goddesses. Now it would have been weird if the candidates would have been, I don't know... Demeter or Hestia. These goddesses are not renowned for any vanity. But Athena? Yeah, makes sense.

EDIT: @teamrocketsfatknockers made a quite important point in a reblog and so I will add a point to my article.

I will insist that all I present to you above is from an "in-universe" point of view and a literal reading of the story. We are here talking of "humanized characterization" for the goddesses, and from a purely narrative, fictional point of view. That was my angle of attack: Why would Athena be considered "vain" in-story when we typically deem an "asexual virgin who hates romance and is more into war and high-intellects" as someone someone not much into superficiality or appearances.

But as I repeatedly said before, each myth has at least three levels of interpretation and three meaning warped in one. A religious meaning (though the one in the Judgement of Paris is... unknown to me so far), a literal meaning (as in we have a story, with characters, and this is a fiction) and a metaphorical or philosophical meaning. So I need to highlight that the myth of the Judgement of Paris can be read in a philosophical way as such. Why are these three goddesses searching for the Golden Apple aimed at the "fairest of them all"? Because all three of them embody the most attractive and seductive concepts a Greek man can ever hope for ; they are all three the ideals of Ancient Greek mindset and society. As such Paris' choice and the goddess' quarrels isn't about just satisfying the petty vanity of superficial divas anymore - it becomes a deep debate about which ideal, which dream is the most desirable for a Greek hero, and by extension for a Greek man. Hera is royalty, supremacy, political power and domination ; Athena is peace and wisdom, heroism and cleverness ; Aphrodite is romance, love, beauty and sexuality. And this all reflects within their gifts to Paris - which are in fact extension of what the goddesses themselves embody and represent.

You could sum it up as: Do you want to be a king, a hero or a lover? What would reward you most in life, a crown, a sword or a wife? What allures to you more, power, glory or romance?

Again, that's the beauty of the Greeks myths - and of all myths in the world. They depict simultaneously the gods as the pettiest more vicious selfish and flawed persons you ever met, basically warped caricatures of humanity... and as deep, profound, essential principles of human nature and human society, whose every interaction with mortals causes philosophical debates, ideological questioning and existential crisis.

[harmonia-university]

Some history facts with Prof. Elsie!

Hey! The name's Elsie, and I'm a history professor at Harmonia University! I specialize in human history, but I'm pretty passionate about history in general so I guess the Askblog Council came to me with all these questions from you guys, heh heh!

You probably saw me a while ago anonymously answering a few of these questions. But I think I'm brave enough now to show my face to everyone and be an official member of the Blog! I believe these questions were asked a while ago, but now I have the time to answer them so...well I guess I should address them eh?

What can you tell us about humans?

Well I think I've mentioned before, and it's probably obvious just by looking around, but they're nonexistent here! They did exist at one point, we were all living harmoniously together...until some unfortunate circumstances that led to a big war between humans and Pokemon. From then on, humans began to disappear and then just...completely vanished, without any warning.

Was it ever stated how all the humans disappeared? Is it simply an extinction event or more of a supernatural thing?

That's a pretty big topic in today's history research actually! After the war, although the Pokemon won by a landslide, there were still a good amount of humans left. Although the roles shifted a little bit, as before Pokemon were often companions to humans, almost like a pet...but now we were more independent. Living among them as civilians.

The complete disappearance is truly an enigmatic event that is a big debate among experts nowadays! Some associate it with a giant meteor shower - the biggest one seen in history that wiped out humans, as us Pokemon are quite durable. There's also been recounts of a blinding, soul crushing flashing beam of light that wiped them all out. Either way, life was becoming more unsustainable for humans as things evolved to fit Pokemon-kind more...that probably accelerated things. But from how fast it happened and the fact that the event was very poorly documented...there's more reason to believe that someTHING supernatural caused it.

What are your thoughts on humans as a whole? How do you feel about their unfortunate fate?

My family was always very close with humans. I've only heard great things about them, and all the cool stories of how my family, against all odds, won the biggest battles in international leagues and tournaments, all thanks to a trainer that knew how to make a small, weakling species like ours, very strong! I grew up with a very positive outlook on humans, and it makes me really sad that things ended the way they did. Like I said earlier, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the humans. That's probably what led me down this path, honestly. Haha!

What's the geography of the world like? How has the geography changed since the human times?

The humans were in the midst of restructuring and renaming the regions in the world. To make them more...friendly sounding I guess. Certain areas also wanted to be their own thing...so that's where regions like Unova and Alola come from.

When the humans were wiped out, this was an unfinished project that Pokemonkind were determined to finish. Physically, the world is the same. But how everything is divided is probably different from what you're used to.

The region that Harmonia University is in - Arboria - although one of the biggest regions in the world, remained in one piece, somehow! Our downstairs neighbour got split into a few parts...Unova and Alola, as Ive mentioned, and some of the desert areas became known as the Orre region.

Another example where things are different...the Freyurr region! This was comprised of 3 different regions before - collectively known as Scandinavia. After the human extinction, this region became one with 3 distinct areas with their own language and culture.

What happened to Pokeball technology? It seems like it could be dangerous, but on the other hand it could be useful - especially for transportation! And it's low cost, low space, I'm surprised I haven't seen any evidence of the technology being converted for modern use.

Pokeballs are pretty much nonexistent nowadays, near impossible to get your hands on as a normal civilian! It was one of the biggest things that the Pokemon back then had a gripe about with the humans. Although not completely inhabitable, living in a Pokeball was very unpleasant - it's basically like being put into a very deep slumber, for who knows how long. Not much room to do anything or move around in there. Plus, many humans caught and collected tons of Pokemon with no rhyme or reason - many of them were left abandoned in Pokeballs and PC’s, never being able to see the light of day.

Other than for research and education purposes, Pokeballs have been banned all around the world ever since Pokemon civiliazation was born. We don’t even use them to capture our own ferals.

I've heard rumors that humans had experimented with themselves to turn into Pokemon before, but I'm assuming it's all just a myth. Was there ever a possibility that some of the humans ended up becoming Pokemon due to their experiments?

Pah, I'm pretty sure that was all a hoax. I'm sure humans have tried, but honestly they didn't make any breakthroughs in that front. I don't think human genetics were wired in a way that would even make that possible. They were able to kind of do it with Pokemon due to there being a particular species with properties that could allow it. But humans to Pokemon...nah that'd be a complete rewrite of everything! Or maybe...a really fun dream.

Do the Galar fossil Pokemon exist? How do fossil Pokemon work, are they revived or have they just always been around?

Yep, they do exist. But there's a bit of a catch...all of the fossil-revived species living today were revived during the human era, or are descendants of those that were. We've had to abolish a lot of those fossil revival labs, as newly found fossils would just come out as feral Pokemon with really nowhere to go. Now there are some such Pokemon in captivity, but it's strictly for ethical research purposes!

Anyways, I think that's all the questions that were left over for me! Hope that was informative. Our history isn't pretty but I think it's still really important to learn about it all. Haha! Well, if any of you still have questions, or just want to come chat with me...I'll be available!

[batrogers]

Okay, fine, revisiting my “Time has PTSD” arguments in light of the most recent updates.

I’ve previously analyzed the question of Time’s reaction to the letter in Dawn pt. 9 here, and established my baseline that – what we do know about Time’s backstory strongly implies that there has been conflict in his Hyrule post-Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask which may have predisposed him to have strong, negative reactions to recent events like Twilight’s injury. I also did a revisit of that in the first part of Moving Forward, where Wild and the others were playing and Time seemed disconnected and out of it.

After the past few updates, I admit it’s striking to me that we’ve now gotten three sets of double-panel reactions where Time is blank for several seconds before actually displaying an emotional response (if he does at all.) It’s a really interesting choice on Jojo’s part.

This is literally every update except for “Enter...” since Dawn pt 9 (an update in which nobody talks at all.) Ever since the letter, Time has had a marked lack of response to the others. He’s reserved; he’s pulled back from treating them as comrades but he’s also retreated from giving orders. I noted in my last analysis that it looked like Time was calling the shots – but he’s not actually continued doing that. Once they set out, it seems like he’s just.... stopped.

Stopped engaging with them, and stopped reacting until something drastic (like the skultula, or bewilderment about the Epona comment) forces him to react, as happened with the likelike ages back.

A brief repeat of my prior analysis: while it’s been three years for us, between the last time Time smiled (when Sky asked him about Malon in ‘Miss Her’) to now, in-comic it has been maybe a few days, depending on how long Twilight took to recover. In that time, they battled Dink (who they don’t yet understand) Twilight ran off alone, showed back up and was taken out in seconds. Time made the split-second decision to save Twilight rather than battle an iron knuckle ala his era, and now we’re here.

Something I noticed on revisiting analysis is that we have seen Time get upset and off-balance before: when Wind began asking him about the Hero’s Legacy as well. Some of what people say when they analyze Time & Twilight stuff is how Time acts towards Twilight, as his son/descendent – but Wind is, in a sense, also Time’s successor and he reacted much the same way to him, too. Notably, Twilight in the midst of his injuries explicitly states some of his stubbornness is about his feelings about said legacy – both when he refuses to rest in the immediate, and while delirious in bed.

Whatever Time’s own burdens, Twilight very well may have actively made Time worse without realizing it. Knowing that someone looks up to you and has pushed himself to nearly dying would upset anyone, nevermind someone who possibly has been a commander (and, therefore, responsible for other people's safety) before too.

The tension of the Chain struggling to to sort themselves out in the dungeon is not helping, although I don't think everyone is oblivious to it. Warriors attempted to reassure him when they discussed the Iron Knuckle's survival, and they do still defer to him (Sky looks for his approval before entering the portal) even if they don't let his bad mood ruin theirs. (eg. Despite his scolding over the skultula, Entrance pt 2 is a playful scene.)

Time was not always like this. He’s playful, teasing the others and showing off his masks; he’s not nosy or controlling– he lets Legend refuse to explain his hair – but not entirely closed off, ala Sky asking him about Malon. I don’t think Jojo intends him to be a grumpy no-fun asshole (she drew this dayglo nonsense in the middle of Twilight taking forever to die), so I wonder.

What is the reason for his stress? And where is Jojo going with it? I’m deeply curious to see how the dungeon is going to play out, when someone who should be among their strongest members is so compromised. I don't think it's gone unnoticed, and my prediction (and, tbh, hope because I like the dynamic) is that Warriors may step in and try to get Time to calm down...

But mostly I wrote this to reiterate my feelings: I don't think this is "a bad mood." Time is legitimately upset, possibly triggered, and I am very sure -- as much as Twilight may have caused it -- it's not just about him.

(And, let me repeat bc I'm sure someone will try to take this and run with it: Twilight is not responsible for this.

He is not guilty in any way with respect to Time's trauma or subsequent behaviour; there's no way he could've known this would happen. I hope if it does keep coming up someone steps between them to cut it off... but acting like Twilight did nothing to set this off downplays how the group dynamic affects everyone and has the potential to cause conflict all on its own.

It's ten times more interesting to see that Time is reacting to something Twilight actually did, than some nebulous attachment to an idea of "family" that overrules sense, reason, or having met each other literally days or weeks ago at best.)

[boopshoops]

The Dolls of the Great Pine Tree

"Once upon a time, there was a great pine tree in the depths of a far off island near the Land of Dawning.

Embedded deep in its roots were magic stones, causing the tree to grow and grow and grow far taller than any of the surrounding forest.

Visitors would often come to the pine tree in order to train their magical abilities: from far and wide. From beast men, to merfolk, to humans and fae. It was even rumored to have healing capabilities.

Even the dead visited the great tree.

One day, two ghosts visited the great tree. Imbued with magical energy just as all the visitors before them, they had never felt more alive. Filled with nostalgia, they were reminded of their years among the living.

When they had first met, fallen in love, met friends, found new sights to see, new experiences to be had. They cherished those moments deep in their hearts.

Now, being among the dead, they wondered, "Would other ghosts, born of the spectral realm without ever having interacted with the living world, truly ever understand such a wonderful feeling?"

For you see, the couple were expecting a child. Quite the miracle, no?

The two were suddenly filled with dread and guilt, feeling as though they were robbing their child of life. They gazed back up at the ginormous tree, imbued with a healthy, ethereal glow. Bathed in beautiful colors. The spectral realm was quite the opposite, devoid of such beauty, or at least the couple thought so.

One of the ghosts asked aloud, "Do you believe it would be possible to give our child something close to the gift of life? I could only wish for it to be so."

...And something stirred, deep beneath the earth, reverberating through the roots of the tree.

A mysterious visitor answered aloud, "Why, haven't you heard? Us ghosts, through the power of the stones, can possess parts of this great wood. We can feel, see, smell, and hear all the wonders of the living realm, why, I'm sure if someone were to somehow gather it's wood, you would have all the power needed to give your child exactly that."

The couple was startled, exchanging glances. Gather its wood? Many have tried, and all have failed! However, they knew the suspicious stranger's words to be true. It was the main reason they had visited the forest, after all. The only struggle was that it was hard to move freely in the entanglement of branches.

As if reading their very minds, the unfamiliar phantom spoke again, "Why, I'm sure it is possible. Over years and years, the branches have shifted. It is difficult to move, but not impossible. Why, I'd even be inclined to help you as long as I could have some of the wood as well."

The couple politely declined.

But the idea stuck in their minds for years to come, even after they had had their child.

But during those years they curiously returned, bringing family and friends alike. Oddly enough, the stranger was there every time, providing assistance, for they gradually and slowly split and took parts of the wood.

The father, a carpenter, found that possessing the wood after refining and shaping it was still possible.

The mother, a maker of trinkets and figurines, found that the wood would take shape to whatever outer shell it was put inside.

With these discoveries, their desire for life was too strong to be put aside. Yet the tree began to warp, twist, and bend unnaturally.

"Don't worry!" The now familiar, suspicious friend began, "I live in these woods and visit the tree every day. Its magic is as strong as the day I first laid eyes on it."

The individual, who had since provided them and their family a lot of aid, was difficult to distrust. After all, they had given them so much. Every time they came, they gave them wood. Every time they came, they offered words of wisdom that always proved true.

However, twigs and branches began to fall to the earth, snatched up by whoever was lucky enough to get to it first. It was discolored and stiff, nearly hard as stone. But alas, they'd come so far now. Surely, with some extra wood working, everything would be fine.

Finally, after six long years. The mother had constructed many beautiful dolls, in which much of the healthy, refined wood fit perfectly.

The father had carved and carved away, ensuring that each joint bent perfectly and smoothly, and that everything was comfortable.

The child simply watched during these many years, awaiting promises of things they could only ever dream of.

When their job was nearly complete, the mysterious friend arrived, speaking up to ask for a puppet of their own.

"You see," They began, "I did not live a long life. I was struck down early. I know it is a lot to ask for, but I would be eternally grateful. Likewise, I would gladly accompany your daughter, teaching her the ways of the living."

The couple was unsure. Their daughter had all their support and love, yet they did not have enough wood to provide for the both of them. They could not teach her everything she needed to know. After all, it was practically unheard of: two ghosts raising a human child.

With the agreement to allow the healthier wood to go to their child and to remain in close contact with her, they crafted another body for their mysterious friend.

When all was well and done, there was only one thing left to do.

"Consider it a blessing," said their friend, "After all, humans can't leave their bodies whenever they please." The couple hesitantly agreed, only ever wanting to give their child the most human experience they could. Now, once a ghost possessed the wooden frame, they could not leave until the spell was broken.

The day arrived soon after. The day the two would possess their new bodies. Crafted only out of love and care: two puppet-like dolls.

However, the couple were not aware at the time that the wooden frames had been swapped: giving their daughter the one that appeared to be on the verge of rot.

When the possession commenced at the base of the tree, their "friend" immediately sprung up, good as new. They leapt and ran and danced about, bathing in the sensations of the living world made new.

Yet, the child's body did not move.

"Do not worry, I'm sure she will adjust soon!" The friend replied.

But days and days passed, without her even blinking an eye.

The couple and their family visited every day, with their "friend" arriving less and less. More and more of the tree began to wither and fall, until there was barely even a tree left at all.

A week went by. A month, a year.

And the ghost's body didn't move an inch, with her spirit stuck inside.

The family went into a period of grieving, thinking to themselves how selfish and foolish they were. How were they supposed to know that a being which was already dead could experience something so close to death?

A small part of them held hope, however, as the years flew by, and the puppet sat sleeping soundly and what was now only a stump.

Grief came and went, a grave was carefully crafted with love. Flowers were offered by the entirety of the family, each as a symbol of an apology.

As years and years passed, the visits became less frequent. Even the tree was eventually forgotten.

Oh, hundreds of years the family visited her for. What started as visiting every day became every month, every year.

Alas, my dear child. Please know that we have not forgotten you. We never will. We are so truly, deeply, sorry.

Sincerely,

Giorno Pinacirco and Viola Cira.

In loving memory of Isola Pinacirco-Cira. 1883-1889"

.

.

.

Marble eyes scanned over the words written in the journal laid at the grave where she awoke.

She could not remember her youth, but alas,

The girl awoke alone, knowing she was loved.

----

MWAHAHAHA SHE'S HEREEEE SHE'S COMING SOON!!! I'll be posting her ref and official introduction when the Playful Land event begins in EN!! Stay tuned!!! reblogs would be appreciated given ihaventwritteninahotsecondugfdbsiguf

Tag list!

@skriblee-ksk @lowcallyfruity @kitwasnothere @cecilebutcher @justm3di0cr3

@scint1llat3 @thehollowwriter @distant-velleity @techno-danger @the-trinket-witch

@qsoap @beneathsakurashade @kathxrat-01 @twsted-canvas @prince-kallisto

@sillyslipperybananapeel @tixdixl @twstinginthewind

[redsummermoon]

Conversations for Tomorrow

Charlie Dalton x reader CW: use of Y/N, female reader, drunk reader, underage drinking [3.1k words]

"They're here," Chris said, her eyes lighting up as she glanced towards the front door. Y/N followed her gaze and saw a group of familiar faces spilling into the room, their laughter and energy instantly amplifying the party's atmosphere.

Knox Overstreet was the first to make a beeline for Chris, a wide grin on his face as he scooped her up into a hug and planted a smooch on her cheek. Chris giggled, playfully swatting him away before pulling him in for another kiss. Y/N smiled, happy for her friend but feeling a flutter of nerves as she saw the rest of the Dead Poets enter.

Among them was Charlie Dalton, his usual confident swagger on full display as he walked into the room. His eyes scanned the crowd, and when they landed on Y/N, a mischievous grin spread across his face. He sauntered over to her, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his jacket.

"Y/N," he drawled, his voice teasing as he approached. "Looking lovely as always."

Y/N felt a small blush rise to her cheeks but quickly recovered, giving him a playful smirk. "Charlie Dalton, I didn’t expect to see you upright at this point in the night."

Charlie chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "The night’s still young.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. "Don’t go too hard, Dalton."

Charlie winked at her. "I’ll try my best. Speaking of which..." He glanced around and spotted the cooler filled with drinks. "Mind if I grab my first beer of the night?"

"Go ahead," she said, waving him off. "But don’t blame me when you’re stumbling around by midnight."

Charlie laughed, a sound that was both carefree and charming. "I wouldn’t dream of it."

As he reached for a beer, Y/N took a moment to observe him. She had known Charlie for a little while now, ever since their friendship had blossomed through mutual friends and shared experiences. He was always the life of the party, the one who could make everyone laugh and who seemed to have an endless supply of energy. But there was something different about tonight. Maybe it was the way his eyes kept flicking back to her, or the way his grin softened when their gazes met.

Charlie popped the cap off his beer and took a long drink, sighing with exaggerated satisfaction. "Ah, just what I needed."

Y/N took a sip of her drink, laughing. "You act like you’ve been stranded in a desert."

"Hey, a guy’s gotta stay hydrated," he replied, his tone light but his eyes lingering on her a little longer than usual.

"So, how have you been?" Y/N asked, shifting the conversation to safer ground. "It feels like we haven’t seen each other in ages."

Charlie shrugged, leaning against the wall beside her. "You know how it is. Welton keeps me busy, but I’m glad to be out and about tonight. Especially since I knew you’d be here."

Y/N gave him a skeptical look. "Uh-huh. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the free alcohol."

"Okay, maybe that too," Charlie admitted with a grin. "But mostly you."

Y/N rolled her eyes again, but the warmth in her chest was undeniable. Charlie had always been a flirt, but there was something more genuine in his tone tonight, something that made her wonder if there was a bit of truth behind his teasing.

They continued to chat, the conversation flowing easily as it always did between them. Charlie told her about some of the pranks he and the other Dead Poets had pulled at Welton, each story more outrageous than the last. Y/N found herself laughing more than she had in a long time.

As the party buzzed around them, it felt like they were in their own little world, where the only things that mattered were the playful banter and the way Charlie’s eyes seemed to sparkle when he looked at her.

As the night went on, the party grew wilder, the music louder, and the laughter more boisterous. Charlie and Y/N had split apart to hang out with their respective friend groups, but Charlie found his attention increasingly drawn to Y/N. She was having the time of her life.  Laughing with friends, dancing, and singing to the music. But as he watched her from across the room, he noticed that she was starting to get a little too tipsy.

Y/N was currently with Chris, who had somehow convinced her to join in on a round of shots. The two of them were at the kitchen counter, giggling as they prepared their drinks. Chris handed Y/N a shot glass, and they clinked them together before downing the contents in one go. Y/N winced as the alcohol burned its way down her throat but laughed anyway, leaning on Chris for support.

Charlie frowned slightly, his mood shifting to a sense of concern. He had seen Y/N drink before, but tonight she seemed to be going harder than usual. Deciding that he’d had enough alcohol for the night, Charlie set down his half-finished beer and made his way over to her.

“Hey, Y/N,” he called as he approached, trying to keep his tone light. “How about taking a break from the shots and having some water?”

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes a little glazed but still sparkling with that familiar warmth. “Charlie! Come do a shot with us!” she said, waving the empty shot glass in his direction.

Charlie chuckled, gently taking the glass from her hand and setting it on the counter. “Maybe later. Right now, I think you could use some water.”

She pouted, but there was a playful glint in her eye. “Aw, come on, Charlie. I’m just having fun.”

“I know you are,” he said, his voice softening. “But I want you to still be having fun tomorrow, not dealing with a massive hangover.”

Y/N giggled, leaning in closer to him. “You’re such a worrier, Charlie. But… you’re kinda sweet, you know that?”

Charlie felt his heart skip a beat at the unexpected compliment, but he kept his focus. “Well, if being sweet means making sure you’re okay, then I guess I’ll take it.” He handed her a bottle of water. “Drink up, Y/N. For me?”

She looked at the bottle for a moment before taking it from him with a mock-serious expression. “Fine. But only because you asked so nicely.”

As she took a sip of the water, Chris winked at Charlie. “You’re a good guy, Dalton. I need to go find Knox. Keep an eye on her, will you?”

“Always,” Charlie replied, giving Chris a grateful nod.

Y/N finished drinking some of the water and handed the bottle back to Charlie. “Okay, Charlie, I did as you asked. Now what?”

Charlie glanced around the room and spotted Neil sitting on the couch, deep in conversation with Todd. “How about we go sit with Neil and Todd for a bit?” he suggested. “Give your feet a rest from all that dancing.”

Y/N tilted her head as if considering his offer, then smiled. “Alright, lead the way.”

Charlie kept a steadying hand on Y/N’s back and guided her over to the couch, where Neil was animatedly talking to Todd, who nodded along, listening intently.

“Mind if we join you?” Charlie asked, already helping Y/N onto the couch next to Neil.

Neil looked up and grinned. “Of course! The more, the merrier.”

Y/N plopped down beside Neil with a giggle, immediately resting her head on his shoulder. “Neil, you’re so smart. What’re you talking about?”

Neil laughed, clearly amused by her tipsy state. “I was just telling Todd about a play I’m thinking of auditioning for. It’s this new drama they’re putting on in town.”

“Drama,” Y/N repeated, her voice dreamy as she looked up at him. “I bet you’d be amazing in it.”

Neil chuckled, patting her hand. “Thanks, Y/N. I’ll do my best.”

Charlie stood nearby, watching with a smile as Y/N engaged Neil in a somewhat incoherent but entirely endearing conversation. It was obvious that she was trying her best to follow along, even if her thoughts were a bit scattered.

He reached out and took Y/N’s hand. “How’re you feeling, Y/N?”

She looked up at him with a sleepy but content smile. “I’m good, Charlie. Really good.”

“Good,” Charlie said softly, his thumb brushing fingers. “Just let me know if you need anything, okay?”

She nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned further into Neil’s side. “I will, promise.”

Y/N shifted a little on the couch, still leaning against Neil. Her head felt a bit heavy, but there was a pleasant buzz running through her, making her giggle at almost everything.

She turned her head slightly and looked up at Charlie. “Hey, Charlie?” she called, her voice a bit softer than before.

Charlie leaned in closer, his brows raised. “Yeah, Y/N? What’s up?”

“Could I actually get some more water?” she asked, her words slurring together just a little. “I think… I think I need it.”

Charlie smiled warmly, always patient with her. “Of course. I’ll be right back, okay?” He stood up, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading toward the kitchen.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Y/N turned her attention back to Neil and Todd, who were still chatting quietly. She nudged Neil’s arm, her eyes wide with a sudden burst of excitement. “Guys,” she whispered dramatically, as if sharing a big secret, “isn’t Charlie just… so cute?”

Neil chuckled, clearly amused by her drunken confession. “Charlie? Cute? I guess you could say that.”

“No, no,” Y/N insisted, her voice rising a little with her insistence. “Not just cute. He’s, like, really cute. His eyes—” She paused, her hands making a fluttering motion as she searched for the right words. “They’re like… I don’t know… stars or something. So bright and… and sparkly!”

Todd smiled shyly, glancing over at Neil with a knowing look. “Yeah, he does have nice eyes.”

Y/N nodded vigorously. “Exactly! And the way he looks at you, it’s like he’s really seeing you, you know? Not just… like, seeing you, but really seeing you.”

Neil laughed, trying to keep his voice down so they didn’t attract too much attention. “I think I know what you mean, Y/N. You’ve got it pretty bad, don’t you?”

Y/N sighed dramatically, flopping back against the couch. “I can’t help it. He’s just… ugh, he’s so dreamy.”

Todd and Neil exchanged amused glances, both clearly entertained by Y/N’s tipsy ramblings. “Have you told him how you feel?” Todd asked gently, his voice soft.

Y/N shook her head, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. “No… I can’t. What if he doesn’t like me back? I’d be so embarrassed.”

Neil patted her hand reassuringly. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that, Y/N. Charlie’s a good guy. I’m sure he likes you too.”

Y/N opened one eye, peeking at Neil with a hopeful expression. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Neil said with a confident nod. “Just… maybe tell him when you’re not so, uh, tipsy.”

Y/N giggled, snuggling deeper into the couch. “Yeah… yeah, maybe I will. But his eyes… Neil, I can’t get over his eyes…”

Neil chuckled again, shaking his head as he glanced toward the kitchen, wondering when Charlie would return. Todd just smiled, watching Y/N with quiet amusement.

Charlie came back from the kitchen, a glass of water in hand, and spotted Y/N still nestled on the couch next to Neil and Todd. As soon as she saw him, her face lit up as if he had been gone for an eternity.

“Charlie!” she exclaimed, her voice bright with excitement as she practically launched herself off the couch. She stumbled a bit as she stood, but Neil quickly steadied her with a laugh.

“Whoa there, Y/N,” Neil said, amused by her sudden burst of energy.

Charlie chuckled as he approached her, holding out the cup of water. “Miss me, did you?”

Y/N beamed at him, her eyes sparkling as she took the water from his hand, though it was more of a half-grab, half-snatch. “I thought you were never coming back!” she said with a giggle, swaying slightly as she leaned into him.

“I was only gone a few minutes,” Charlie teased, grinning down at her. “You doing okay?”

Y/N nodded enthusiastically, taking a big sip of water. “I’m great! Just having the best time ever.” She waved her free hand around the room, her movements a little uncoordinated. “This party is so much fun, and you’re here, and Neil and Todd are here, and—” She paused, looking up at Charlie with wide eyes. “Did I mention how cute you are?”

Charlie’s grin widened, a flush creeping up his neck as he tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I don’t think you mentioned it yet tonight,” he said, his voice playful as he watched her sway a little on her feet.

Y/N giggled again, stepping closer to him, her balance wobbling as she tried to keep herself upright. “Well, it’s true,” she declared, her tone full of bubbly certainty. “You’re just… the cutest.”

Charlie steadied her with a gentle hand on her arm, his heart doing a little flip at how sweet and carefree she was in this moment. “Thanks, Y/N. You’re not so bad yourself.”

She grinned up at him, her eyes still twinkling with that drunken, joyful gleam. “Did you know your eyes sparkle?,” she said, her voice softening just a touch.

Charlie’s smile turned a bit more tender. “Only for you, Y/N.”

She giggled again, taking another sip of water before looking back at Neil and Todd, who were watching the interaction with knowing smiles. “See? Isn’t he just the best?”

Neil laughed, nodding. “Yeah, Y/N, we’ve got it. Charlie’s the best.”

Y/N nodded, satisfied with their agreement, and leaned her head against Charlie’s shoulder, her balance still a little off. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she murmured, her voice slightly muffled against his shirt. “You always make everything more fun.”

Charlie smiled down at her, his heart full of affection as he watched her snuggle against him. “I’m glad I’m here too, Y/N,” he said softly, his hand gently brushing her hair as she leaned on him. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

As the party wore on, Y/N’s bubbly energy began to wane. She was leaning heavily against Charlie now, her eyes fluttering closed every so often as she fought off sleep. Charlie, noticing her growing drowsiness, made up his mind.

“Hey, Y/N,” Charlie said gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I think it’s time to get you home.”

Y/N blinked up at him, her expression adorably confused for a moment before she nodded, stifling a yawn. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. I’m getting sleepy.”

With her arm wrapped around his for support, they said goodbye to all their friends and made their way out of the party. The night air was cool and crisp, a refreshing change from the warm, crowded house they had just left. Y/N clung to Charlie as they walked, her steps unsteady but confident in his guidance. The walk to her house wasn’t far, but it felt longer in the quiet of the night, the world around them still and peaceful.

When they reached Y/N’s house, Charlie carefully helped her up the front steps. He paused at the door, turning to her with a playful, conspiratorial grin. “Ready to sneak in?”

Y/N giggled, nodding. “Like ninjas,” she whispered, trying to suppress another yawn.

Charlie opened the door quietly, and they tiptoed inside, moving as silently as they could through the darkened house. Y/N leaned heavily on Charlie as they made their way to her room, her steps growing even slower as sleepiness overtook her.

Once inside her room, Charlie guided her to sit on the edge of her bed. He crouched down in front of her, gently cupping her cheek to get her attention. “Hey, Y/N, you should take off your makeup before you go to sleep.”

Y/N blinked sleepily at him and nodded, fumbling to find her makeup wipes on the bedside table. Charlie watched with a soft smile as she clumsily wiped off her makeup, her movements slow and a bit uncoordinated.

“Got it?” he asked, his voice gentle.

“Yeah,” Y/N murmured, tossing the used wipe into the trash. “All done.”

Charlie helped her find her pajamas next, turning his back to give her privacy as she changed. When she was dressed, he turned back around and tucked her into bed, making sure she was comfortable.

“Here,” Charlie said, placing a glass of water and a couple of painkillers on the bedside table. “You’ll thank me for this in the morning.”

Y/N looked up at him with sleepy, grateful eyes. “You’re too good to me, Charlie,” she mumbled, her words slurring slightly as she fought to stay awake.

Charlie chuckled softly, brushing a hand through her hair. “I’m just making sure you’re okay,” he said, his voice warm. “Now get some sleep.”

As he turned to leave, Y/N reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him. He looked back at her, his heart skipping a beat at the vulnerable expression on her face.

“Charlie,” she whispered, her voice soft and unsure. “I have a crush on you… Just thought you should know.”

His breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest as he processed her words. He knelt beside her bed, leaning in. “Y/N,” he whispered back, his voice tender, “We’ll talk about it when you’re sober, okay? I promise.”

She nodded, a small, sleepy smile tugging at her lips. “Okay… but don’t forget.”

“I won’t,” Charlie assured her, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Charlie,” she mumbled, her eyes already closing as she drifted off to sleep.

Charlie stood up, his heart full as he watched her for a moment longer. He quietly slipped out of her room. As he walked home in the quiet of the night, he couldn’t help but smile, his mind racing with thoughts of the conversation they would have tomorrow.

[sheyri]

My Triple A experience at Pride

I love going to Pride. Being among fellow queer people, loud music, blocking traffic with our demonstration, and just vibing. I try to attend as many as I can and travel for hours on full trains if necessary.

Big Prides are great, but I especially love smaller ones in rural areas. It's less of a party and more of a demonstration, as it should be. Unfortunately rural in my area means risking confrontations with nazis, but that's a different story.

But no matter how much I love being at Pride, there's always this underlying feeling of being excluded.

Even at smaller Prides, I'm usually not the only person with an ace flag. Occasionally you can find someone with an aro flag, sometimes even an aroace person. Rarely someone with an agender flag. Though there are more people with those as pins or other accessories. But hey, most people just have the rainbow flag and no one has to disclose their sexuality or gender. In short, the people in the demonstration are great!

But from the organisation side? It's almost like the A doesn't exist! Stage discussions? Nope, at most they name asexual when they go through the list of labels. Info material? I saw one flyer about grey asexuality. Stickers? Yeah, okay, those exist in the mix, but mostly ace.

On the other hand you see lesbian and gay, trans and bi everywhere. I love penis/I love vagina, love is love, love who you want, etc. Great to see that political parties don't look past the LGBT. Nice that discussions include non-binary people as an afterthought.

When talking about love all the time, is it too much to ask to mention there are different kinds of love? That love doesn't have to be romantic to be valid? That it can be whatever you want it to be? Mention the split attraction model in info material? Have info material about aromanticism at all? Some parties actually have an aromantic sticker, but those are even rarer than ace ones.

This year there's a lot of talk about legally changing your gender, because they finally changed the law in Germany to make it a lot easier. The stage discussions are all about how it used to be and how much easier it is now. I'm not sure if I heard mention of non-binary and intersex people in this regard. If, then it wasn't much. Would've been nice to hear them mention that "diverse" is an option for your legal gender, or that you can have it removed all together. And why and for whom that is important. Especially since some federal states banned gender sensitive language from schools and government places, to "protect the German language". (They criticised that and it's a whole different rant.) Come on, gender isn't a binary, some people exist somewhere in the middle, or outside of it, or don't have a gender at all. That's not new information and queer organisations like Pride should be well aware of that and speak about it! But I guess that topic is too risky and too uncomfortable for a stage in a public place.

TL,DR Pride is great, but as an aroace agender person I often feel excluded and unseen at least to some extent.

All that said, I have to end on something positive: my favourite Pride so far - CSD Göttingen 2023.

Organised by the community, for the community. No political parties were present, because they were not invited and not welcome. Instead we had queer organisations talking on stage and manning booths. Including the local asexual and aromantic network.

There were banners along the demonstration route, saying love is love. They were put up by the city, independently, without asking the organisers if those banners were wanted. They were not. (The organisers said that.)

Out of 15 Prides I went to so far, this one was the one where I felt most at home. Unfortunately it's quite far from where I live and this year it shares a date with another Pride I want to attend, so I can't go there again. Hopefully next year. And hopefully they can keep going like this. Independent from politicians.

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

When discussing or analyzing Dazai, one thing I hope you will keep in mind when reading anything I write about him is that from my perspective, he is always, always both.

What do I mean by this? Well, I find there tends to be a general split among people who hold the opinion that "he's a manipulator and will always be manipulative" and "he's doing his best to be good and helpful and live up to Oda's last wishes for him", of which, neither is completely right - because he is both. But even among the people who hold to this dual-nature interpretation, I find that his individual actions and motivations still tend to be thought of in a dichotomous manner - is it manipulative, or genuine?

Again, I think it's always both.

Dazai has a very pragmatic view on a lot of things - he is always looking for the usefulness of things and people so that the situation turns out in his favour. He's incredibly adept at this, and his prediction and placement and careful reveals are all manipulation tactics to get his allies and enemies doing exactly what he needs them to. I don't think anyone can contest this since we see it over and over in the series.

But that's not all there is to it. He's not solely manipulative and he does, to some extent, sympathize with others - I think there are several instances of this in the series, but I want to stress that this has been apparent since Chapter 1!

For context, Dazai is recalling what Atsushi said to him a few minutes earlier, but it's very interesting that it should be this specific part of the conversation. He could've flashed back to the part where Atsushi said he had nowhere to go; no money, no food - he is about to trick him into joining, after all, and this is the key piece he uses to basically force Atsushi into the Agency. But instead it's Atsushi's self-deprecation that catches his attention, and it really does, because even during the conversation, he turns to look at him after he says this with an odd expression.

You could say that this makes Atsushi easier to manipulate, if that's your angle, but that can't be solely it, because in the later conversation with Hirotsu, we know Dazai was planning to bring Atsushi into the Agency and set him up as one half of the new Double Black the moment he met him. The panel shown there is the riverbank, set much earlier in the day than this scene. He was already planning to pair him with Akutagawa since he figured out he was the tiger, so what's with this reaction?

Well. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best.

He manipulated Atsushi into joining with the intention of utilizing him in his future plans. He also helped him and gave him a place to belong, and importantly, he likes this kid! It's both.

I think much of it might be that his brain just kinda works way too fast - he's such a natural at crafting these elaborate plots and seeing how things connect and gathering useful people like resources that it's practically automatic - though this is not a great means when you're trying to be a kinder person. There's an omake, I believe, that has him saying "I like using my head for justice", i.e. using these underhanded means to act for the better. Not great, but those are the kind of gifts he has. He's way more suited to exploitation, but is choosing to use these tactics to save people now, which is quite reminiscent of what he tells Kyouka. Kyouka's talents lie in killing people - when what you're good at isn't who you want to be, what do you do? Well, I expect you use what you have, even if it's not ideal.

Now, about the current situation with Sigma - I think he definitely likes him, and is intrigued by him and his situation. We did get a little thought bubble where the guy amusedly compares him to Atsushi, and you can't tell me he doesn't care about Atsushi (listen to the onsen drama cd, or read 55 Minutes if you somehow don't believe me). But also, it's undeniable that Sigma is in a very vulnerable position of being homeless and having had no one be genuinely kind to him before. His trust is very easy to earn, and with the latest chapter, Dazai has now saved his life multiple times. There is, as always, a practical purpose he needs him for. And I have to be somewhat amused because Dazai is quite literally telling Sigma everything he ever wanted and needed to hear. It's a brilliant means of quickly endearing himself to Sigma - but I don't think that's all it is.

Look. The most honest moments we get in this series from Dazai are, interestingly for an expert manipulator, when people are at their most vulnerable. In spite of every pointlessly cruel act he inflicted on Akutagawa, his first meeting with him was open and transparent; much like the orphanage director, it seems he thought this treatment would make him strong and adaptable (he's wrong but that's not the point of this). He cuts Kyouka off in irritation and says "don't give me that" when she implies that she would fail the entrance exam. He tells Atsushi it's normal to cry after losing a father figure and to feel however you feel, even if that person caused you nothing but incredible pain and cannot be forgiven. He refuses to entertain Sigma's assumptions that Dazai sees himself as a superior being to him.

Selective honesty can also be utilized to great effect; Mori does this, and undoubtedly it serves this purpose for Dazai too. But I want to stress that I do sincerely believe this is all still honesty from him. Manipulation, or genuine?

Both. It's both.

[staranon95]

in which Astarion fiddles with Halsin's hair

(for @saltsprite <3 which spurred out of a longer conversation about the dynamics of Astarion and Halsin and one thing turned into another and now we have this lol)

"When I first saw you, I had always thought something was missing. And then seeing you among your kin, I had realized what it was. Your hair was shorter than theirs."

Halsin chuckles under his breath. "I would not have guessed that as being the distinction that sets me apart. Most comment on my size and appearance."

"That too," Astarion remarks, reclining ever further into the chaise lounge as Halsin stokes the fire on his knees, his hair framing his shoulders, cut roughly by a blade and not at all carefully tailored. Very much an elf of nature, rough and unkempt.

"It has been many, many years since I've let my hair grow," Halsin says as he sits back and retains his previous position, back resting upon the lounge so that he might tilt his head back against Astarion's thigh. "In truth, I got used to shearing it when it became too long. It was easier, neater in fact as I tended to the cursed lands. There wasn't much time for vanity then."

Astarion hums and works his fingers into the small side braids tucked behind Halsin's ears, teasing them apart as he might an unruly stitch that had yet to be mended.

"And what if I asked you to grow it out?" Astarion says. "What then? What might you say?"

"I might wonder what it is you are planning."

"Oh, nothing as devious as you might imagine, dear, I just think it would do wonders for your countenance. Distinguish you as the elder you are becoming."

Halsin hums and closes his eyes, but then his lips tilt into a smirk as Astarion grabs a handful of auburn hair, pulls just a bit until Halsin is sure to feel it against his scalp. "There was a time," he says, "that I grew my hair long. And a time when I could not cut it. Was forbade from it." He opens his eyes, his gaze fixed somewhere up at the ceiling. He is not pained by recalling such a distressing memory, but Astarion sees the shadows of it even now. "It was part of my allure, and perhaps I was a vain thing in my youth."

"Weren't we all," Astarion says softly.

Halsin hums and turns his head inwards as Astarion slides his hand down for Halsin to press a tender kiss to his palm.

"You would've liked me then," Halsin says. "Just another wood elf, at one with nature."

"Hard to believe with what I know of you."

"I was less tempered then. At the festivals, I would dance and preen under the attention of those I held affections for. I thought if I looked a certain way, showed them my charms and wiles that they might take me under their wing. And a few did take me up on my offer, but I wanted more from them, to be the only thing for them and I suppose in my wanting, it took me far away from home."

Astarion threads his fingers through Halsin's hair, now loose and unbound. He could use a good trim, to neaten out the ends and cut away the splits. Let it grow healthy and long once more. Twist it into a rope and use it to haul Halsin back to him--as he knows Halsin would enjoy if it came from a person he trusted.

"They did not appreciate you the way I would have," Astarion remarks. "A thing like you must be appreciated, not caged and cornered. They wished you for selfish desires."

"Oh, and you do not?" Halsin smirks.

"I am as selfish as any other spawn." He tucks a strand of hair around the high tip of Halsin's ear, the scars of old piercings running up the length of it, and that begs another question. Was that a choice he wished for or not? How much would he be willing to change of himself for Astarion's desires?

"But for you," Astarion says, "I would see you grow it long. I would see it oiled, perfumed, and braided under my care. To see you go out and tend to your orphans."

Halsin laughs. "You speak of them as if they are like chickens."

"They cluck after you, do they not? I would see you grow your hair long as you used to. I would like to see that vain and wild thing you once were."

Halsin hums. "There are those who tried to tame me then. I wouldn't say they succeeded."

"Then I will succeed where others have rightfully failed. They didn't appreciate you. Not like I will."

Halsin rises up, bringing a hand to cup the back of Astarion's head and capture his lips in but a tender kiss, a promise of more. "I am always at your service, Astarion."

[afewfantasies]

🏔️The Retreat 🏔️- Chapter V

Prologue | Chapter I | Chapter II | Chapter III | Chapter IV | Misc references & details

Summary:  Through the promptings of others Lorena and Gale are both forced to confront their personal feelings for each other, while acknowledging the potential for romance & their future.

Pairing: Gale Cleven x Lorena (black fem oc)

Warnings:  None

Tropes: Slow Burn, opposites attract, forbidden love

Word Count: 2K

PART V - Major

Gale had never witnessed a winter prep like this before. Lorena had a strange way of making everything feel like a party with all her personality and ideas to make the mundane fun. There were wood splitting competitions among the boys and stacking competitions. There was no quarrelling as Lorena and Rose were in charge of the harvest and for the first time they were ahead of the schedule in September. A freak frost would have very few consequences on their way of life. Lorena’s sister's visit seemed to do wonders for her well being and in the weeks since her departure there’d already been two letters. Gale kept Felicia’s words close to his chest. He found himself admiring Lorena more and more. Admitting the way her eye’s light when she smiles, the cadence of her laugh, her sense of humour and glamorous nature. He found himself indulging her stories and whims more too. If Felicia thought there was a possibility of happiness between them, then Gale thought there could be a possibility that Lorena could see him the same way all the others did.

“What are you moping about Gale, us soldiers not moving efficiently enough for the Major?” Lorena asks, coming in with a basket of apples to be sliced and hung to dry. Gale smiles at her teasing.

“Wasn’t moping, I just resent there’s nothing to complain about. It’s not good for my reputation” Gale admits. Lorena lights up before laughing a touch. Gale had been opening up to her, it was a wonderful thing. Absolutely wonderful that he was finding his way out of his shell, and beginning to trust her like she trusted him.

“I’ll make a mess of something, you can be sure of it so keep some complaints in your reserves Major” Lorena mocks. He’d inherited the nickname not as a form of respect but admonishment. His small margin for error and serious precision had garnered him the nickname from Lorena. She didn’t understand what surviving a Montana winter was like, what preparation was required to ensure comfort and survival but Gale did. He’d survived the prison camps with next to nothing in terms of food and clothing, and would never endure anything like it again.

“I don’t think you understand how the chain of command works,” Gale says, taking far more than he should. His heart had never let him be too harsh with Lorena. From the moment she appeared in the lodge he had a soft spot for her and that would never change.

“I’m just being a pest, I don’t need a court martial for insubordination” Lorena winks filling the sink with water, it only proves her knowledge of the chain of command. She’d learned a thing or two about the military structure during the 101st’s reunion a few months ago.

“Food is important, it’s always better to have too much of it stored just in case we get snowed in, or the trains get snowed out and provisions stop making their way here. Or we have a long winter” Gale explains.

“When’s the last time anyone can really get in or out?” Lorena asks.

“Depends on the year but after November you’re stuck until around March” Gale explains truthfully. Hesitation washes over Lorena as she does a quick calculation. It would be five months away from her family, five months without consistent communication with them. She’d been silently weighing her options since Felicia’s departure. The heartache of her ex had settled into a bearable wound. As much as she wanted to see them she didn’t want to be forced to remain in a town that felt too muddled by a complicated past and a would be increasingly frustrating present. Lorena didn’t know if she could ever truly be okay with the sight of the man she once loved more than anything happy with someone else. It was the defining reason she had yet to return home, and somehow that bit of self preservation felt cheap. Especially around the likes of Rose and Gale who faced insurmountable challenges head on. A war hero who survived with his sanity intact, and a window making her own way in the wilderness.

The sound of the water stops and Lorena looks up to see Gale has stopped the sink from overflowing. The playfulness is gone from his expression and has been replaced by concern. In a perfect world Lorena could have it all. Her family, friends and home, along with Gale, Rose and the others. Allowing her a moment to herself Gale places the apples into the water where they bob to the surface.

“What is it?” He asks finally.

“My parents miss me a lot, this will be my first Christmas away from them” Lorena confesses.

Her words are just that and Gale can’t help but wonder if there wasn’t another reason for her hesitation. The indication that she missed her ex, that he was one of the reasons she wanted to return. Felicia had been right about his feelings for Lorena, perhaps the older sister was also correct about her sister’s inevitable willingness to take the scoundrel who betrayed her back.

“You can get back home in the spring, it’ll be safer to travel to and from. Felicia can come back with you” he offers now that a world without her under his roof has become inconceivable to him. Lorena scoffs knowing full well that it wouldn’t just be Felicia, it would be her brother and mother as well. Reaching into the basin Lorena begins scrubbing the skin of the apples in preparation for their preservation. Gale stands by her side instead of returning to his task of unloading the hay with the others. His eyes wash over her as stands carrying more than she should emotionally. To Gale there were too many positive qualities to the woman that she should have no insecurities. Feeling the weight of his gaze, Lorena meets him. Something about his blue eyes always seemed to ground her, settle her restlessness and put her at ease. It had been so since the very first time she saw him.

“Gale, we need you - there’s another delivery to be signed for” one of the guys yells from outside.

Gale, we need you. Lorena smiles at the truth of the statement.

“I’m coming!” he shouts, turning back to the door before looking back at Lorena. So it would be a fight after all.

“Whenever you decide to leave I’ll make the trip with you, and if you don’t want to go back your family is welcome here” Gale says with the same commitment to his people that he’d had in the war. It brings a genuine smile to Lorena’s face. The thought of Gale waking through her hometown where he’d stick out like a black swan.

“Maybe you could spend a winter with me sometime and enjoy all the perks of city living.” She suggests making him smile. As long as Lorena saw her future intertwined with his, Gale could be at ease.

“Definitely, I’ll probably be in late. Have dinner with Rose”  He says far more comfortable with stepping out now. Even if it was only a few feet away Lorena’s melancholy weighed him down more than anything else. Lorena’s smile had made it into his dreams and into his heart. It was the only way he wanted to see her now.

…

Rose and Lorena sit on the porch swing watching the boys finish up loading the last few bales of hay for the day. Rose had prepared a hearty dinner that would surely put them to sleep after providing them with adequate nourishment.

“You’re good for him,” the older woman says.

“Huh?” Lorena questions.

“You’re good for him,”  Rose repeats, looking directly at Gale. “He was so angry last year - this entire experience was a nightmare. He hasn’t been angry in months and now he’s finally starting to settle” she says.

“Benefit of time” Lorena says.

“Not just time Lorena, you” Rose says.

“Well, I’m glad I can help,” Lorena responds, making Rose smile.

“Life’s too short to deny yourself the good because of those who’ve mistreated you. We’re all on borrowed time, don’t squander it. You’re young and beautiful and deserve to be loved.”

“Rose? Are you feverish, have you been smoking wild herbs?” Lorena asks, appalled by the older woman's frankness.

“I see the way he looks at you, I’m around. Gale doesn’t make a decision without considering your opinion of comfort. He’s too good a man for most and you’re too good a woman for most. Aside from the obvious facts there’s chemistry there that can’t be denied. Just think about the kind of love he’s capable of Lorena. If he’s been kind, generous and fair with you when you were a stranger.” Rose says hitting Lorena with sobering truths. Looking away from the boys Lorena turns to face Rose who nods with all knowing eyes.

“Gale’s a good man, his heart is set on that gorgeous starlet fiancé that ran away” Lorena sighs knowing intimately.

“He deserves far better than a woman that left him, the man he is and ignored what he was going through.” Rose says and it’s a point Lorena can agree on. “And so do you. I can’t imagine the amount of stupid on that ex-husband of yours. A lady like you being overlooked after staying and being loyal even to this day. Darling you’ve done enough for him. It’s time for you to live for you.” Rose suggests.

Looking at Rose it’s clear as day she’s full of wisdom, she’d always had an omniscient quality to her. Lorena’s silence is only further confirmation of the complicated web of feelings between Gale and herself. Reggie had courted her differently; with large declarations and ostentatious presentations of his affections. Reggie was loud in his love and it was all Lorena had come to know. Gale loved his corners, the quiet and operating in the peripheries if his expertise and leadership were not required.

“So you think I should do what my Ma says and remarry?” Lorena asks, looking into wise eyes.

“I think every woman deserves a taste of the best life has to offer them. You haven’t had it yet and you owe yourself that experience. Someone who cares so much they start digging out an extra cellar in August to prepare enough provisions so that the live-in princess is comfortable” Rose winks before heading into her home.

Lorena sits at a loss for words. Gale stands across the field leading the men in the loading of the barn. Lorena had thought him handsome from day one but she hadn’t thought she was even a contender for his affections, her head hadn’t been in that space when she first arrived. She was nursing her wounds. There was no longing for passion. Only longing for the heartache to cease. And it had. When and where Lorena didn’t know. She could place it. Sometime during the summer after many good days and full weeks. Among the smiles and laughter she’d found peace and Gale had been there every step of the way. Every breakfast, every supper, every night. Every morning he waited to hear movement before getting his day started, and every night he walked across the hall to look in on her before going to bed himself. There’d never been any room or reason for her to think it was something more than otherworldly courtesy. But perhaps with Gale love was the little things, the subtleties, the small kindnesses that add up over time, the careful consideration that makes life easier. The quiet consistency and loyalty that makes you feel a little invincible.

Authors Note: Thanks for reading 💖 I've been in the worst funk lately but the social media algorithm gods have been force feeding so much Austin that my creativity was "re-sparked". Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know how you feel in the comments and re-blogs. The next part is coming and its 🍵 😉

[matan4il]

To the Nonnie who asked me about the Druze and Bedouins in Israel, here's a recounting of the history of these two communities here.

The Druze in Israel

The Druze are members of an ethno-religion that split from Shiite-Isma'ili Islam in the 11th century in Egypt. For a while, people could join the Druze faith, but then that period was over, and since then, you can't convert to become a Druze. In order to maintain their ethno-religious group, they're not supposed to marry non-Druze. Most of the Druze originate and live in Syria, with small numbers in southern Lebanon and in northern Israel.

Most of the Druze who came to live in Israel, did so in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Ma'an Druze rulers of Lebanon rebelled against the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire, and occupied northern Israel. Along the years, the Druze repeatedly attacked and stole from Israel's Jews. In the northern city of Safed, for example (one of the four holy Jewish cities, considered holy for ALWAYS having had Jewish presence, no matter what happened to Jews in Israel), notable Druze attacks against Jews happened in 1567, 1604, 1628, 1656 and 1838.

When did this change, and the relationship between the Jewish and Druze residents of the Land of Israel become better? Well, in 1936-1939, as Muslim Arabs in Israel (inspired by their antisemitic leader Haj Amin al-Husseini) attacked the Jews and the British in what came to be known as "The Arab Revolt," they also attacked the Druze, who intended to remain neutral in the fight between the Arabs and Jews. There were some Druze who did join Arab forces attacking Jews. Probably the most prominent Arab militia the Druze joined was the one led by Yussuf Abu Durra. This man used the opportunity of the revolt to attack Arab and Druze villages, and the latter target made his Druze fighters abandon him, and even start fighting against his militia.

These Arab attacks on the Druze pushed both them and the Jews to forge an actual alliance. Here's the example of the Druze village of Isfiya. It's built on the ruins of an ancient Jewish village, and the name Isfiya is a mispronunciation of the village's original Hebrew name, Husifa. How do we know this original name? Archeological digs in there revealed an ancient Jewish synagogue, with this mosaic, which includes the Hebrew words "Shalom al Yisrael" (peace upon Israel), as well as the name "Husifa":

During The Arab Revolt, the village's leaders turned to the adjacent kibbutz Yagur. A Jewish underground movement called Hagana (Hebrew for 'defense,' because it was established 1920 to defend Israel's Jews from Arab attacks) had a group of fighters there, to defend the kibbutz. The Druze asked for the help of the Jews in defending their village from Arab attacks, and the Jews of Yagur agreed. They started collaborating, among other things the Druze provided the Jews with intel, and the Jews provided the Druze with weapons and ammunition. Isfiya's village council ended up incorporating the Jewish synagogue's mosaic into their emblem (this pic is from their Facebook page):

By the end of the revolt in 1939, most of the Druze were on the Jewish side, even if they weren't actively fighting. This opened the path for the same alliance to play a significant role in Israel's War of Independence from Nov 1947 to Jul 1949. There was one Druze unit that fought under Fawzi al-Qawuqji, an Arab commander from Lebanon, who led a militia in Israel during The Arab Revolt, collaborated with the Nazis during WWII, and then led the Arab Liberation Army during Israel's War of Independence War. BTW, this was the antisemitic emblem of the ALA:

Fawzi al-Qawuqji sent his Druze unit to attack the Jews at the Ramat Yochanan battle, on Apr 16, 1948 (meaning, this is during the first stage of the war, when most Arab armies had not yet invaded the Land of Israel. That starts in May 1948). The Druze were defeated, and after that, all of the Druze in Israel were on the Jewish side.

So the answer to what forged the alliance between the Jewish and Druze residents of Israel, is a combination of the Muslim Arabs' violence at the time, and the fact that Jews were no longer a defenseless minority, but got to defend themselves by fighting back. NEVER underestimate the importance of the right to self defense, and the truth is that the only place in the world where Jewish people have this right as Jews is the State of Israel.

When the State of Israel was established, there were 14,500 Druze living here. Today, they number about 150,000 and make up roughly 1.5% of the Israeli population. Back in 1949, Druze service in the Israeli army was strictly voluntary. At the request of Druze leaders in Israel, this was changed in 1956, but the service is mandatory for just the men (while for Israeli Jews, it's mandatory for both men and woman, and for Arabs and Bedouins, it's still voluntary). They're recognized as the most loyal and contributing non-Jewish minority in Israel, and many Druze have reached some of the highest positions of power here.

The Bedouins in Israel

The Bedouins are nomadic tribes, originally native to Arabia (and in fact, while non-nomadic Arabs refer to them as Bedouins, from the Arabic word for 'desert,' they refer to themselves as Arabs, sometimes even as the "real Arabs"). Over the centuries, their routes have continuously expanded, taking them from the deserts of Arabia, through Israel, Jordan and Syria, to northern Africa. A part of what they would often do for a living is connected with herding and commerce, another part is attacking local communities along their wandering routes for loot. Most Bedouins had converted to Islam, and the Islamic conquests coming out of Arabia in the 7th century, taking over the rest of the Middle East, have helped in that expansion of their wandering routes.

In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire (the Turks) wanted the Bedouins to be more settled, so they would be easier to govern. At the same time, the Ottomans wanted to artificially increase the Muslim population in Israel. So under them, in addition to European converts to Islam (mostly Bosnians and Albanians) settling in Israel, the Ottomans also forced many Bedouins to abandon their nomadic lifestyle and settle in Israel, mostly in the south, in the Negev desert. Some Bedouins completely settled, while some opted for a semi-nomadic life (meaning they still move from where they're staying at least twice a year, but it's not constant wandering, and they move between designated spots, over a relatively small distance).

The exact number of Bedouins in Israel before the establishment of the state is unknown due to the semi-nomadic lifestyle some of them still went by, but estimates are around 110,000 people. During the Independence War, most of the Negev Bedouins fled to Gaza (which came to be occupied by Egypt until 1967). After the state was founded, some returned to Israel. The state established seven villages and a city for them, the only Bedouin city in the world, Rahat (and the biggest Arab city in Israel). Today, the Bedouins in Israel number over 300,000 people in the Negev, about 110,000 people in towns and villages in northern Israel, and over 32,000 living in other cities across the country. They are about 3.5% of Israel's population.

The Bedouins have a more complex relationship with the State of Israel, due to several issues. The state has been seeking solutions for these problems, with varying degrees of success.

One issue is land ownership. You'd think it wouldn't be, with many still being semi-nomadic, but a part of the problem is that more than once, they will simply decide that if they've wandered to a certain spot enough times, it's theirs. In certain cases, these spots are in military zones, which means they're endangering themselves and soldiers by settling there even part time, and the state repeatedly has to evacuate them from those places, including for their own safety. More than once, anti-Israelis will talk about Israel destroying an ancient Palestinian village, and in reality it's a recent Bedouin settlement, where there's no proper infrastructure for them, including for their kids (no water lines, no electricity), and it's in the middle of a dangerous fire zone.

Another issue is polygamy, which is customary among Bedouins, but legally forbidden in the State of Israel. So again, it creates friction between men who want to marry multiple wives, and the authorities.

One more thing is that the traditionally nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouins means they've never really had a history of belonging to specific states, and feeling it's a part of their identity. So they don't feel too obligated to the state and its rule. One example is that they run their own courts. The Ottomans tried to dismantle those, and force the Bedouins to adhere to a Sharia court that they opened in 1906, but when the British took over Israel in 1917 they dismantled it, and allowed the Bedouins to have their courts, out of a colonialist perception that they're too savage to be able to accept western laws. So the Bedouins to this day have issues accepting the authority of the state's courts.

Having said all this, there are also Bedouins who are very loyal to Israel, feeling like the state has drastically improved their life in comparison with how they were treated before (under the British, and before them the Ottomans), or that they have better living conditions than they would have had without the state. Here's one Israeli Bedouin woman, Sophia Khalifa Shramko, speaking about how Israel has bettered their lives:

Also, while most of the Negev Bedouins fled during Israel's War of Independence, there were a few Bedouins from the northern part that fought for the state, and to this day, the northern Bedouins are known as the more loyal faction from among Israeli Bedouins. The state built several permanent settlements for the northern Bedouins, and today they live across 24 communities.

As I mentioned, army service is voluntary for the Bedouins. Over time, it went from a very small number who did serve in Israel's War of Independence, through a big decline in the 1980's, but then since 2002 there's been a small, but steady rise in the number of Bedouins choosing to enlist. In 2003, the first Bedouin woman insisted on serving (she had to fight many in her own society who objected to this, mostly for religious reasons), she succeeded, and opened the path for other Bedouin women to serve as well. There's no official or expert explanation offered for this, but you want my guess? In 2001, Hamas started firing rockets at Israel, and the most targeted are was the Negev, so as Palestinian terrorists made it clear they have no qualms about killing Bedouins simply for being citizens of the Jewish state, my guess is more Bedouins who didn't identify with the state protecting them from Hamas, started to. I think following the Oct 7 massacre, in which at least 19 Bedouins were murdered by Hamas, at least 6 were kidnapped, and dozens are still considered missing, the Bedouins' identification with Israel is at an all time high. We've seen collaborations of Jews helping Bedouins, and Bedouins helping Jews, reaching an unprecedented peak.

Before the Oct 7 attack, the overall number of Bedouins serving was still rather low. In 2021, it was a total of 1,500 people. All the same, Israel has built a special commemoration site for the Bedouin soldiers, including several monuments. Here's one (you can see the Arabic writing at the top if you click the pic):

Israel as the Jewish nation state

The State of Israel is the Jewish nation state. That's not different to other nation states. But I want to emphasize, being a Jewish state, doesn't mean it's a Jew only state. It never was, it was never meant to be, it never will be.

Yes, on the national level, it has Jewish characteristics. The official language is Hebrew, the state calendar follows the Hebrew one, it has Jewish symbols in the flag and state emblem. And Israel also has a law of return for Jews, so they would never have to fear persecution elsewhere ever again. It allowed the saving of Jews from Syria when the civil war started there in 2011, or more recently the war in Ukraine, it allowed Israel to support Jews fleeing rising antisemitism in places like France in the last few decades, and it allows Jews one place where they don't have to constantly adjust themselves to the dominant non-Jewish culture, where they don't have to live by a Christian or Muslim or Buddhist calendar, where they can speak, and consume culture, and create it in their own native language, where they don't have to consider whether they can find a synagogue or kosher food before they move to a certain town, where they get to walk down the same paths their ancestors did thousands of years ago, where they will never be told that Jewish boys wearing a kippah to school is prohibited, and so on.

Every single one of these elements can be found in at least one other country out there, and very much so in nation states. Britain is quite clearly a Christian country when the head of the state is also the head of the church, so is the US when Christmas is a national holiday, but Yom Kippur isn't. Germany is the nation state of the Germans, its language is German (not Turkish, as much as there is a big Turkish community there), the Bundestag, the German parliament building, has a writing dedicating it to "Dem Deutsche Volk" (the German people), and it has a law of return for people of German descent, returning from eastern European countries. In this sense, nothing about Israel as the Jewish nation state is out of the ordinary.

Israel can and should do everything in its power to make life here good for the non-Jewish communities. By law, they have the same civil rights as the Jews. At the same time, these communities actually have less obligations when it comes to army service. Are things perfect? No, and Israel should continue to work on it, always. Just like every country should continuously strive to be better for its minorities. But if the Jewish character of the State of Israel troubles you, ask yourself why are the Jews the only ones not allowed to have a nation state of their own? One place upon the earth, where they're not the minority, in case being a minority elsewhere is something that's become too difficult or too dangerous? Or if they simply want to go back to their roots, to their people and to their ancestral land?

Am Yisrael Chai!

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[no-less-than-a-god]

Four sets of footsteps are befalling the lush undergrowth Darkwood has to offer. One pair leading, the other three following.

The Lamb maneuvers over a fallen log effortlessly, and turns around, holding out their hand. Narinder steps over the log just as easily, and like the Lamb, he turns around and holds out his own hand. He wears no veil.

Aym and Baal stand before the gods, empty-handed and wide-eyed with a childlike sense of wonder. They reach out—Aym to Narinder, Baal to the Lamb—and the two smaller felines are assisted over the tree trunk.

It’s been two years since Narinder was freed from his chains. It’s been two years since the crown split, and two years for the four of them to get used to their new life. It had taken a while for the former disciples to get used to their freedom, to get used to a life unbound, among the earth.

But now, the Lamb and Narinder think, they’re ready.

“I don’t get it,” Aym mutters aloud to his brother, purposefully speaking up enough for the two others to hear. “They said we’re ready, but refuse to tell us what for. Instead, they drag us out to a place we’ve never been before.”

“Maybe they meant we’re ready to be out here in the first place,” Baal speculates back, none of the apprehension his twin had in his voice.

“But we have always been able to defend ourselves,” Aym counters. “What could we have possibly not been ready for?”

“The world.” It’s Narinder who speaks, glancing back to look between the two before looking away, carrying on beside the Lamb. “You two were gifted upon me as disciples while kits, too young to remember the air you used to breathe or the ground you used to tread on. The world is vast, unpredictable, and filled with equal beauty and despair. Life and death, good and evil, freedom and choices.

“As disciples to a chained god, you remained in one place, under my command. Releasing the two of you immediately upon our freedoms would have been overwhelming, and perhaps fatal, as we still aren’t sure how much immortality the two of you possess. It was safer to have you two remain in the cult until we felt the two of you were prepared enough to live freely.”

The brothers fall silent, contemplative, Narinder’s words sinking in. Their footsteps slow slightly, and the gods slow with them in turn.

It’s Baal that’s the first to speak again, grabbing Aym’s wrist and planting his feet to the grass beneath him. His face is screwed in confusion, a troubled look in his eyes. “We’re being released? Are you leaving us?”

The Lamb and Narinder halt, and simultaneously turn. They share an unspoken look between them, and the Lamb nods.

Narinder approaches his two ex-disciples, and he ducks his head slightly for the two of them to get a better look at his face. “We will not be abandoning you, not now or until the end of time. No matter your situation or circumstance, we will always remain for the two of you to stay with if you wish. The Lamb and I have just decided it’s time for the two of you to make a choice of your own.”

“In what way?” Aym asks, tail lashing out behind him. Baal’s fur begins to bristle in response to his brother’s unease.

“We’re taking you to meet someone,” is what the Lamb replies, and they step forward. “A trusted individual, who has helped me on countless crusades. I ask that the two of you trust us to meet her without fear or hesitation: she’s important to not only me, but to all four of us.”

A beat passes, tense, before the twins relax.

“I apologize for worrying you,” the Lamb adds. “My mind is addled with my own worries and thoughts. I should have explained we were going to be introducing someone to you sooner.”

“It’s all right,” Baal replies, and Aym nods. The two of them look at each other, Aym nodding, and Baal speaks again. “We’re ready to continue.”

The trek through Darkwood resumes, and silence blooms between the four once more. Growing more familiar with the terrain, Aym and Baal begin to need less assistance over obstacles, and their paces quicken. Heretics are encountered occasionally, but are cut down before they have the chance to attack. 

However, it still takes another day of walking before they arrive at their journey’s end.

It comes with the sight of a small clearing, makeshift tables and supplies scattered around. Walking about, barely visible through the gaps between the trees, is a large, black figure moving about, dressed in red, a gray and yellow crown upon their head.

The Lamb stops before the clearing, and turns to their companions. They place a hand upon Narinder’s arm, and turn to address the twins.

“The two of you wait with Narinder,” they say. “I need to speak with her beforehand, privately.”

The three felines nod, and Narinder stands before the brothers as the Lamb continues on into the clearing. Their voice is heard calling something out before they’re too far away to properly hear.

“Who is this stranger we’re meeting?” Aym asks Narinder, after some time.

“Someone important,” is Narinder’s vague reply, parroting the Lamb’s earlier words. Aym levels his gaze with a pointed look, and he huffs, tail twitching in agitation.

“Do you even know her?” he asks, and Narinder eyes Aym thoughtfully before he finally chooses to reply.

“I do.”

“Then who is she?”

“A traveler.”

“Is she the merchant?” Baal suddenly asks. “The one the Lamb has mentioned giving them things?”

Narinder hesitates, before giving in. “She is.”

“Then why didn’t you just say that?” Aym gripes, crossing his arms. “So much suspense and it’s just a traveling merchant.”

Narinder hides his wince and holds his tongue, much to the annoyance of Aym, and the curiosity of Baal.

“Narinder.” The sudden appearance of the Lamb saves him from further conversation, and the Lamb beckons, a slight smile on their face. 

It’s only Narinder who notices the slight tremble in their fingers, however.

Walking ahead, the taller gods blindly lead the twins to the edge of the clearing, and the four of them hear a gentle gasp from the middle of the area.

“My god,” a soft, melodic voice greets, and the Lamb looks behind them to watch as Aym and Baal’s eyebrows furrow, their ears twitching, tails flicking. They give each other a confused glance, a shared struggle happening between them both. “O, the length of time between now and the last of mine eyes has laid upon my lord. The Lamb had spoken of your freedom and halved crown, but I shan’t believed until now.”

“Forneus,” Narinder greets in return, bowing his head slightly. “I thank you, first and foremost, for all you have given the Lamb and myself over the centuries.”

“O, shall I remain most rewarded by my lord’s thanks,” Forneus replies, and she lets out a gentle laugh.

The Lamb, with eyes on the twins, watches as they both freeze, eyes grown wide as long-lost recognition overtakes them.

‘Mama,’ Baal mouths to his brother, and the Lamb finally looks away, their shoulders relaxing.

“Forneus, my dear companion,” the Lamb begins. “I remember the day you told unto me of what you’ve lost, and how you had heart and hope of their safety. I know your heart aches to see your sons again. Forneus, I wish for your heart to hurt no more. May you reunite with your sons, Aym and Baal.”

Simultaneously, the Lamb and Narinder step to the side, unshielding the brothers from view. Forneus gasps at the sight of her sons, a large hand flying to cover her mouth, tears viciously welling in her eyes. Overtaken by emotions, Aym and Baal both sob out. They take a step, two, before they start running towards their long-lost mother.

Large and towering over both the Lamb and Narinder, Forneus drops to her knees and lets her children barrel right into her, holding them tight against her chest. They grip her flannel in their claws in return, faces buried in fabric as they cry into her, eons of forgotten memories and heartache suddenly rushed forth with the reunion of the mother they forgot they had.

“Blessed Lamb!” Forneus cries aloud. “Blessed unshackled god! A heart remembers. A mother shan't forget. O, generous fortune! Should I be dreaming, never allow me to wake! Ah, gods! Praised Lamb! Blessed The One Who Waits! My sons returned, soul whole.

"Often I would hope, and scorned myself foolish, that upon of mine eyes, my kits would return. When they did not, I would dream of their smiling faces held close by kindly paws! O with all my humble heart did I yearn for such! And here, now... ah! The wounds of a heart once carved may yet be healed!

"Blessed Lamb, the heart remains an infinite vessel. And yet mine overflows. What language speaks love? What of gratitude? Whichever it is, mine is due to you!"

“You owe us nothing, dear friend,” the Lamb gently replies over the cries of a family reunited.

“I insist thee,” the crying mother assures, and takes a hand off Aym for a moment to point at a nearby crate before wrapping him back up safely in her arm. Approaching, the Lamb removes the lid of the crate, and retrieves two strange objects that they hold in each hand as they walk back to Narinder.

“Relics,” they whisper to him, showing them off. “Crafted from Forneus and her late husband. They’re tears.”

The Lamb presses them into Narinder’s hand. He takes them, and pockets them into his robes.

“Can we stay here?” a sniffling voice draws the gods’ attention, and they see Aym turned towards them from Forneus’ side, wiping the stream of tears from his eyes. “Can we stay with our mom?”

“Of course,” Narinder speaks for the two of them. “You two are free to choose where each of you wish to go or remain.”

“The cult will always be open for you both, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay,” the Lamb adds. “If you wish to remain by your mother’s side, then that will be a decision both of us will stand by and support.”

“I want to stay,” Baal cries.

“Forneus?” Narinder asks. “What about you?”

Laughing through her tears, the mother replies, “O, you must know my answer: I shall keep my sons for as long as they wish to remain with me, and will let them go when they’re ready to take flight into the world.”

Two purrs erupt, and a third quickly joins as mother and sons continue their long embrace, their tears and sobs slowly subsiding.

And when the sun sets once more upon Darkwood, and farewells are given, there are only two sets of footsteps befalling upon the lush underbrush as the Lamb and Narinder return to the cult, where their followers peacefully await for their leaders.

hiiii sorry for not posting for a bit, I had midterms lol. Anyways, I drop Forneus, Baal, and Aym content into y'all laps bc I love all three of them sooo much. I also almost cried like twice while writing this alskhdg

[edutainer2022]

Part 2 of HELIOCENTRIC decided to be written, while I was waiting out a bombing. Things take place some time after Hyperspeed. Scott is rather popular with all creatures large and nerds. Parallel to Earth and Sky chatting, a rather unamused Brains has a heart-to-heart with an amused John.

Thanks, as ever, go to @janetm74 for bearing with me.

HELIOCENTRIC 2: CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH

John leaned against a console, arms crossed, while Brains clanked a tablet on his lab table, too forcefully for it not to be deliberate. John gave their old friend room to seethe, before arching a brow.

"You think this is bad? Try being his brother in high school!"

Another piece of equipment gave a cluck it normally wasn't supposed to and John tilted his head.

"He was a Prom King, captain of every team he'd ever been on AND a valedictorian."

"Is that supposed to m-make m-me feel better?"

John didn't remember Brains ever sounding quite so bitter.

"Well, it certainly didn't add to our enjoyment of unforgettable school experience that shaped the remarkable future of next generation."

John tried to emulate the way Mr. Sanders, the Headmaster, sounded through a plastic smile in their prep school ad reels. It did little to unclasp Brains' death grip on a data disk. John was beginning to worry it was going to break. The ginger spaceman himself was, however, quite fond of the reminisce.

"We were the token uncool Nerd Entourage to the One True King - the Arts and Music Chonk and the Ginger Noodle Cybergeek."

John smiled at the inward image of the comical sight they might have made, hurrying across school grounds in the wake Mr. Longlegs and Dimples, practically greeted with rose petals and laurels on his way. Fellowship of the Ring had NOTHING on the Tracy motley crew. John tilted his head to catch Brains' gaze, which the scientist promptly averted.

"Yet he chose US."

"He chose YOU!"

John was not prepared for Brains almost shouting in his face.

"You're his b-brothers! Of c-course he'd choose you! Always!"

For the first time it occurred to John he might have misinterpreted the reasons for Brains' distress.

That stirred other memories, too. Not quite so sunny. Scott, disheveled and grey with fury, lip split in a fight, tossing a burly boy off of John by the hallway lockers. The senior from the football team being a brother of John's pal from the Robotics Club.

"You know, I had friends in the gifted program whose siblings pretended they weren't acquainted. Scott actually ENJOYED hanging out with us. He still does!"

A fact that, to that day, still managed to elicit the spaceman's genuine awe, on occasion.

"And he values your friendship. He chose you too."

He could see Brains still hesitate to be assured. John could maybe extrapolate the scientist's argument to Scott having "inherited" Brains from Jeff Tracy, rather than choosing to befriend him. John also couldn't pretend he didn't share the anguish, at least somewhat, since the Hyperloop incident introduced them to a force of nature that was Tycho Reeves. It was hard not to worry, on some level, Scott Tracy was gonna choose himself a different favorite genius.

John knew his brother well, he knew his brother better than that - Scott's loyalty, once offered, was never revoked. But insecurity was one of John's oldest acquaintances.

Brains finally put the data disc down, intact, and looked up at him. John offered a small smile. They were both too smart to be immune to doubt, but the whole world pretty much hinged on faith in Scott Tracy for the past almost eight years. They were among the exclusive and very scares circle of his favorite people. They were good.

[italoniponic]

Caught | Trey Clover

Synopsis: Because of your difficulties with alchemy class, you asked for Trey’s help to study. However, as Heartslabyul is full of problems and crazy people, the moment between you two is interrupted. Many, many times.

Trey Clover x gender neutral reader / fluff / a bit of comedy / established relationship / use of “you” pronouns

Word count: 1327k words | Masterlist

Notes: This was something I wrote a long, long time ago. It was basically lost among my fics files but since it’s Trey, I decided that I could share a little bit of “general Trey appreciation” once in a while. Stan the baker glasses boy to good cakes and better kitchen skills!

Caught

Trey’s voice was sweet and clear, filling the room with an incredible sense of comfort as if you two were actually in the kitchen preparing a cake together. But he was only reading the contents of the book of alchemy. Nothing else.

You were split on whether the idea of asking your boyfriend to help you study had been good. On the one hand, the theoretical content seemed much more understandable when it was explained by him. On the other hand, having Trey by your side in bed and having his voice so close to your ears was also becoming an immense distraction.

What to do in such cases? You were at a crossroads between pushing yourself to pay attention and not falling into the temptation of putting your head on Trey’s shoulder to finally fall into the world of dreams. His bed was large and comfortable, the cotton blanket had a very nice smell of cinnamon.

“Are you paying attention to the alchemy lesson?,” Trey asked suddenly.

The question shook you a little, putting you back to reality. Despite this, his tone wasn’t impatient. In fact, it was quite teasing.

“I’m trying,” you replied. “But next time, we’ll study in the library. It’s too comfortable here.”

“Oh? Why do you say that?,” Trey raised one of his eyebrows, his smile widening more.

“Because... uh... you... your room... I d-don’t have to answer! Just believe me!”

Trey let a little laugh slip away. 

How difficult it was to please such a simple person sometimes! But he understood what you were saying. He was also almost dozing off himself with the first-year’s alchemy theory book, a part of the subject he thought he would never have to deal with again in life. It was the reason Trey had become used to writing down Crewel’s lessons so as not to fall asleep in class.

However, being there reading that boring content on a bed that practically begged for someone to take a rest in and right next to the one he loved the most, his desire was to stretch out and leave study for later. 

Just to lay side by side, no much more than that. Letting the afternoon go by while they held a tea party in their Wonderland. 

But if anyone caught them in those conditions, Trey would hear a lecture from Riddle as if his own mother, Mrs. Clover, were there.

“Why don’t we go to Ramshackle, then?,” he suggested.

“The ghosts always interrupt us and Grim gets bored very easily. It would be the two of us running after him and preventing some good old chaos,” you explained, laughing a little while remembering how the cat must have been sleeping alone in your room. “Well, only when I’m around at least.”

“Heartslabyul is a quieter dorm in your opinion?”

“Of course I do. You all have a great leader and an amazing, super-responsible and caring vice…,” you touched the tip of the young man’s nose. “... that is you!”

Trey smiled and stared into the depths of his beloved one’s eyes. He was happy that his company was so dear to you and you saw him in such a positive way. This made Trey wish to reward you for words and confidence. Could he make you a cake? Maybe a pie? A Coconut “little kiss”? Or, who knows, another type of kiss.

Noticing the new glow of Trey’s big honey eyes behind his glasses, you had a small premonition of what you were going to receive. 

You closed your eyes and waited for Trey to get closer. When you two could practically feel your breaths collide, someone knocked on the door.

“Clover-senpai!,” you both moved away the moment Deuce entered. “Ace is making the flamingos fight and helding bets on them!”

You held back from asking how the whole thing was possible when you heard your boyfriend take a deep breath.

“Grab the flamingos’ food and drive them back to the fence. It won’t take too long before they stop fighting,” Trey explained. “And hit Ace on the head for me.”

Deuce nodded and gave a small embarrassed nod to the couple. The door quickly closed, welcoming again the comfortable silence of the room.

You approached each other again, returning to your original positions. You held Trey’s nape, preventing him from escaping again and he held your free hand. The book of alchemy became a mere souvenir, forgotten somewhere in the blanket. You could feel Trey’s lips rubbing so close to you when a squealing sound suddenly became audible. 

The door opened yet again.

You somehow jumped in the best spy action movie stunt move off the bed and stopped with your knees on the floor to face Ace, whose torso was clamped by some pink flamingo’s legs. However, that’s not what the freshman came to warn you.

“Clover-senpai! Deuce is choking on a hedgehog cub!”

“How?!,” you both questioned at the same time.

“I… m-mean… the flamingo may have accidentally made a shot on the hedgehog and it flew right into Deuce’s mouth. At least the poor thing didn’t fall into the flamingos stable like last time,” Ace scratched his hair, half relieved, half worried.

“Are you talking about Deuce or the hedgehog in that last part?,” you asked more concerned.

“It doesn't matter,” Trey interrupted. He was getting tired of all this. “Do the Heimlich maneuver and Deuce will be able to spit out the hedgehog. Now, stop throwing things at him! And don’t make the flamingos fight anymore!”

“O-okay.”

Ace then paused for a moment, thinking about inquiring about your presence there but he ultimately gave up. Instead, he closed the door and ran away. More quacks were heard along the way — the flamingo very happy for the new ride.

You two gave up on trying to kiss again and just layed together on the same pillow, equally tired. You turned to face Trey’s exhausted expression but you smiled as you saw him play with one lock of your hair. Trey took off his glasses for a moment and closed his eyes, enjoying that moment of silence while it could still last.

You also closed your eyes, hugging your boyfriend’s torso. The scent of cinnamon — with light touches of vanilla — seemed stronger than before. Suddenly, peace was reestablished and you were in your own world again. Nothing could interrupt this sweet moment.

“Trey! I swear I’ll exterminate this entire dorm someday!,” Riddle opened the bedroom door and entered in pure rage. “A group of seniors did the favor of burning three cakes in the kitchen! Flamingos and hedgehogs are all over the place! Roses everywhere! Ink spilled where even the Queen of Hearts could doubt! And... u-uh... er… eh!”

Riddle suddenly stopped, his eyes stuck on the bed where the couple were together and were trying to sleep. Trey sat down and stared at his childhood friend, although completely blurry. And the fact alone that he was trying to focus his sight in vain was quite nervous and intimidating. But mildly unintentionally. 

I said, mildly.

You turned around in time to see Riddle’s face intensely colored red and he looked away.

Extremely embarrassed, Riddle walked around a few times until he finally reached the exit and closed the door quietly. Or at least, you both wanted him to stay that way.

“Anyone who dares to interrupt Trey and the Prefect’s moment of intimate privacy again will lose their heads!,” Riddle threatened the whole dorm in a loud voice.

Trey hid his face in his hands, wanting the floor to swallow him. He knew that Riddle tried to help you with all the good intentions but he couldn’t have had the most awful time to misinterpret the situation you were in.

It was the first time you had seen your boyfriend so embarrassed and flustered since he was forced to sing at a surprise karaoke night organized by Cater.

��L-library?,” you suggested hesitantly.

“Please…”