#stuff that her own child is going to have to deal with and she won't be able to shield him from it forever

[dunmesh]

laios and shuro's relationship is so important to me it's not funny anymore... the fact shuro kept believing in laios during the latter part of the manga, then searched for him after laios became a monster and defeated the winged lion- although it was unclear what exactly had become of him- is haunting me because of how it contrasts with him choosing to give up on saving falin after he saw her as a chimera. like, laios was so sure that their fight in chapter 38 was the end of their friendship while in reality it was the beginning of it in shuro's eyes. laios kept agonizing over losing the one friend he cared for the most but it's because he didn't understand the significance of that little thing he kept carrying with him in every step until the very end of the series: the bell.

shuro gave him that bell as a token of his trust in him and his love: "we grew apart and i'm no longer fit for the position by your side, but no matter how far you go, i'll be there for you when you need me". their conflict over how to deal with falin forced them to go in different directions, but despite accepting leaving falin behind, shuro couldn't bring himself to abandon laios as well. and it's no coincidence that the bell shuro gave him was the proof that laios was still alive after all that happened, or that it's what pushed mithrun and kabru to go deeper into the dungeon instead of returning to the surface (which quite literally changed the entire chain of events afterwards).

yes, shuro decided to stop pursuing falin and report her condition to the governor so she could be stopped, even at the cost of her life. he gave up on her. but the same man also defied the canaries and fought for laios without knowing how messed up things had gotten because he chose to believe in laios above all else. and that, in my opinion, solidified just how important laios became to him- more than falin's, more than his own life, it's laios's he didn't give up on.

at the very end, when he met laios again after the latter defeated the winged lion, he gave him a hug filled with the pure, unrestrained joy of seeing his first and best friend on the island alive and well. hell, i mean, it's easy to forget that shuro didn't really have anyone close to him too- and laios might very well be the first person he was this disgustingly direct and truthful with since he was a child. and when he goes back home, there won't be anyone else like laios there; his home is still the same. it's him that changed. and later on when he will recall all those years he spent on the island, he will realize how surprising it is that all the crazy stuff he witnessed don't hold a candle to the impact those few people he befriended there had on him.

of course, laios didn't realize it until then- shuro's reaction was indeed the one that surprised him the most- but at that moment he could absolutely feel how foolish he was to be so sure he will be hated and rejected after everything they went through. it's so important that it was shuro who greeted him so affectionately, after we saw laios brooding over their fight so much: it's shuro's acceptance that he was longing for the most.

with all that being said, the one last thing that drives me crazy is that the bell laios was given to use when he needed assistance most was still with him even after turning back into his human form. that tiny item he was shown to be quite careless with and yet never let go of until he wanted to be completely alone, thinking he should run away from everyone he loved; but it was too late, his friend already heard his cry for help.

and they all answered.

[specialagentartemis]

I have a different post in the works about Maddie not having children in the "Masters of All Time" timeline - it makes the emotional dilemma about whether Maddie should help Danny repair and reset the timeline straightforward and clean, but the thing is, the premise that "Masters of All Time" gives us is a FASCINATING and potentially really anguishing emotional dilemma if the writers were allowed to acknowledge it.

Maddie isn't happy in the MoAT timeline. When Danny shows up in her timeline, frantically trying to explain to her that he's her son with Jack Fenton from a different timeline, she accepts and embraces this explanation pretty quickly. It feels like she wants to believe it - she wants to believe that if things had gone differently, she would have married Jack, had children, had a ghost-hunting career she could be open and proud about. Everything Danny offers to her is something she wants more than what she has - a husband who has been lying to her, who dislikes ghost stuff and disapproves of her ghost research, so she has to do it in secret and hide it from him.

Something that goes totally unaddressed: Danny, her son from a different timeline, is a ghost. He's dead.

Never once does anyone stop to wonder what it means that her teenage son is a ghost.

And I know it's because Hartman & co. refuse to let anyone acknowledge that ghosts are dead people... but imagine they did.

Maddie Masters is... happy enough, she guesses. She married her college friend, and he is her friend, and she's not opposed to this. He doesn't support her work, but, well. She deals. She has her basement ghost research lab, even if she has to keep it secret from Vlad. She lost touch with Jack decades ago, and still regrets that, but that happens, sometimes, and his grievances aren't unfounded. She doesn't have children.

And then a ghost boy claiming to be her son shows up, and tells her that in a different timeline, the timeline that should have happened, she married Jack Fenton, she has two children, she is is out and proud about her ghost research and ghost-hunting and Jack enthusiastically collaborates with her on it. He tells her she's happy.

He doesn't tell her how he died.

And Maddie has a heartbreaking choice to make. Does she help him make this reality happen, restore time to how it's "supposed" to go?She wants to believe him, to believe in this alternate history where things went differently and she got the life she wanted! She has a wacky house full of Ghost Contraptions, a husband who loves her and supports her and collaborates with her, and two children she loves.

... and one of those children is going to die when he's 14. That comes with this choice.

Can she live with that? Consciously make this timeline happen, knowing she's going to have this child and then see him die.

It puts me in mind of one of the major emotional through-lines of "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang, the story of a linguist who makes contact with aliens and learns their language that allows her to see all of time at once, where it will go, what the outcomes of events will be. She sees her daughter dying. She knows from the moment she has this child that she will die in a rock-climbing accident in college. She sees it all at once, her whole life, and makes that choice to have a baby anyway.

I think MoAT!Maddie should have to consciously make a similar choice, and have similar feelings about it. Unlike the protagonist of "Story of Your Life," she doesn't know how it will all go. She only knows it as Danny tells her, and she herself won't really experience this, going forward. But she, another version of her, will. And Danny doesn't explain the halfa thing or the portal accident or anything, leaving Maddie to have to make her own hypotheses about what her alternate-life's future holds, about the grief that's going to come with the love, and make that choice to make it happen anyway.

[redstuffs-ig]

snippets of a possible star wars modern au I may make, but mostly just translating the events and characters of the series into a modern setting, let's call it "Whillstown". most of these are general fandom consensus, some are taken from AUs i've seen on Tumblr which I've really liked, but i've sprinkled some stuff of my own too

The Disaster Lineage is just a long, winding, complicated string of relationships. Great-Grandpa Yoda refuses to die and speaks cryptic riddles to whoever will listen. Grandpa Dooku won't shut up about politics and lives alone in a massive house with an adopted young adult going through one hell of a phase and his weird pet gecko. Anakin and Obi-Wan are adopted brothers, who both deal with their dad Qui-Gon's weird schemes and potential gambling addiction in the making. They've somehow befriended a kid called Ahsoka who babysits Ani's twins from time to time. Anakin's wife Padme is a town councilor and proud holder of the single set of brains in the entire family. Anakin is a real gearhead, with a loyal dalmatian named Artoo and a neurotic ginger cat called Threepio.

Palpatine is like. A regular politician. Somewhat shady, a bit controversial, but he's just the kindly mayor of Whillstown. The 'Dark Lord Sidious' meme spread when a young Luke Skywalker snapped a covert picture of the mayor in his favorite, hooded black dressing gown, and it's haunted the old man since.

Clan Fett is a gigantic extended family whom no one can make heads or tails of. Jango Fett is presumed to be the family's patriarch, despite only fathering a single son. Rex and Anakin are inseparable, while Obi-Wan and Cody are cordial co-workers who kinda had to become besties too in order to wrangle their brothers. Boba Fett is already a delinquent in his tweens, while an estranged offshoot somehow got custody of the only girl in the family.

'Mother' Talzin Opress is the neighbourhood witch. She has a... Complicated relationship with her three sons, and is an old friend of both Dooku and the mayor (She pretty much strongarmed Dooku into adopting the orphaned child of one of her late friends). Weird green light comes from her house at ungodly hours of the night, and few dare to even approach her door. Her eldest and middle children, Savage and Maul both started a punk rock band called 'Crimson Dawn', and even managed to unite all the town's bands for a music festival once. Maul and Obi-Wan beef over the pettiest shit, and Ahsoka beat him up once.

Han Solo and his dog Chewie live in a rundown trailer park off the outskirts of Whillstown. Despite being older than Luke and Leia by a few years, he became their best friend in their teens, something cranky old Ani does not approve of. He owns an utter shitbox of a Honda he lovingly calls the Falcon, which has a tendency to break down very often at the worst possible time. He also has beef with Boba Fett. Like, a LOT of beef with Boba Fett.

Lando Calrissian on the other hand is easily the most charming boy in town, and Han's ""best friend"". He always find success in his ventures while Han's numerous get-rich-quick schemes always find a way to blow up in his face, something the latter greatly resents.

In highschool, Leia got into a long feud with persnickety Headmaster Tarkin by way of numerous cases of malicious compliance and outright disobedience. The uptight principal was none-too-pleased to find the academy crest distorted into a 'wretched gray ball of death' one morning, after having imposed a strict break policy earlier in the week.

[helloilikepurple]

DC X DP - Danny Drake

Tim's parents didn't intend to have another child. One was plenty. And then an one drunken night resulted in Janet getting pregnant. It's a bit of a predicament, seeing as neither of them want another child (who will need to be fed and raised and stuff) but are also both generally against abortion. So, she rides out the pregnancy, limiting public appearances so it remains secret. She doesn't want to deal with the publicity her being pregnant would get her. It's too much drama. So she keeps it secret from everyone but her husband, and gives birth in a private hospital.

She refuses to sign the birth certificate. She doesn't want this baby tied to her. She doesn't even bother thinking of a name. She gives him away as soon as he's out. A yet-to-be-named newborn Danny is handed off to an orphanage as soon as he can be. The Drake parents go through medical procedures to ensure another pregnancy won't happen.

He stays there for a only a few weeks before an over-eager, excitable couple comes by with their young daughter, in search of a son to teach all their ghostly hunting ways to because for all Jazz, even so young, is smart, she has no interest in their research. Also, Maddie doesn't want to go through another pregnancy since her first one wasn't very enjoyable (she was in a lot of pain for most of those 9 months, basically unable to work on her research).

They see Danny and are quick to adopt him (well, as quick as you can be, but, with it being a Gotham orphanage, it's a lot quicker than it should be). Jack claims he can see the ghost hunter potential in him and Maddie thinks he's adorable. She's excited to have a little baby again to take care of and hold. She'd always wanted a big family, and while 2 children isn't really a lot, it's enough for someone as busy as her. Jazz is excited to have a little brother, and takes to reading books about babies and parenting to better take care of him. She loves holding him, and brags to all her friends about her baby brother, who's undeniably the cutest baby ever.

Danny grows up with the Fentons, not knowing he's adopted. Everything happens as it does in the show. And then, when Danny is 15, his parents take him to Gotham for a ghost hunter convention, Jazz busy with university hunting. Going to Gotham should've been a nice vacation for him. No ghost attacks for a good two weeks. Just Danny in Gotham - with free reign of the most crime ridden city in the world. Yeah this wasn't gonna' go well.

Gotham is dark. The air smells like sewage, death and bitter hope. The people feel like candles flickering in a storm, stubbornly refusing to go out. Danny decides he likes it. The hotel his parents choose is fancy (paid for by Vlad at the insistence that Maddie couldn't stay in some random, run down place after catching wind of their trip). Danny thought it suspicious but figured he'd deal with it when he needed to.

Anyway, Danny has his own room right across the hall from his parents. It's got a queen sized bed, full sized bathroom with a jacuzzi bathtub, a walk-in closet, a tv and a balcony. It's very nice. Danny sets his bags down and collapses onto his bed with a huff. He lays there for a minute, and then reaches for his phone to text Jazz, Sam and Tucker that he made it to the hotel safe (something they insisted on).

And then he stews.

Mum and Dad, for all their brilliance, can be forgetful when it comes to their children. Danny basically has free reign to do whatever for most of the 2 weeks they'll be in Gotham (which is his whole winter break and a little of the first week back).

Vlad's invited the Fentons to a few galas he's attending, insisting they'll be able to show off their inventions to a bunch of people. Danny knows its an excuse for Vlad to spend time with Maddie, make digs at Jack, and show him off as if he was his son. He's not looking forward to it, but the offer came with free, great hotel rooms so it could be worse.

(Plus, with Vlad paying he can spurge on room services and bleed him dry.)

Besides, Danny could do whatever he wanted the rest of the time. He could go to the planetarium and stuff. All he had to do was not out himself as a meta-adjacent person in a meta-hating city. Easy peasy.

All in all, what better time for all this to happen than on Christmas?

Honestly, even with the galas, the garish Christmas decorations all over the place, the music, and Vlad, this is seeming like a better Christmas than usual.

[tomwambsmilk]

"[Shiv's pregnancy] was always something that Jesse had discussed in the writers' room, and so once we decided to bring it into the narrative it added a completely different take, I guess, on some of the scenes... I think Shiv's got some pretty complicated feelings about becoming a mother. She's, in some ways, feigning indifference because, again, it's one of those things that's almost too hard to face and Shiv doesn't like dealing with emotions. It's easier to repress things. I think there's a competitiveness in there against her feelings with her own mother and her desire to better her own mother's maternal qualities - but a fear that she probably won't be able to do that. [And] a fear and a frustration that all the things that she's been working towards and aiming towards she may not now be able to achieve because she will be a mother as well as a businesswoman, and how do these two things coalesce in her life? I think that she hasn't really considered that as a path for her life, and so it's quite a shock....

Especially with the conversation about the viability of the pregnancy, I think for her, in a way, it would have been easier if there was something wrong so that she could have a reason to terminate and not feel guilt. But, with nothing wrong, there's no reason to not continue. So it's a complex - hoping for the worst in a strange sort of unfazed way.... [She doesn't tell Tom because] it's too complicated, I think. It changes too much, there's too much going on - her father just died, there's so many business machinations happening, that to then bring Tom into it in a familial sense would confuse it again. She doesn't know how she feels about it herself. In a way she, I think, would prefer to decide what her own feelings were about this before she has Tom's feelings muddying the waters...

Shiv as a parent - I can't really imagine her with a little baby at all! And in some ways - she probably won't have it with her a lot. She would have nannies and she would - the premise of Shiv becoming a mother is fascinating to me... Definitely what Shiv would be contemplating is 'in what ways is this going to hold me back, not propel me forward'. Which is pretty - like, as a standard of society, that's the thought we go to first, and presume is what she would be thinking. Yes, that's right for the character, for Shiv, but also - a human being growing another human being entirely from scratch is an extraordinary feat no matter what. That's the powerful one! That's the strong one! That's the one that manages to get it out of their body and manages to then feed it from the things they make in their own body. Women are extraordinary! And yet those are the very things that we use to... yeah! Yeah! To hold them back! It's wild!" - Sarah Snook on HBO's Succession Podcast: "Honeymoon States"

"We wanted to slowly reveal [Shiv's pregnancy] because we're not one of those shows (as I'm sure you can tell) that wants to immediately just, like, stuff all the drama and immediately grab you by the lapels and go, "Keep watching! Keep watching!" We kind of like to move more slowly than that. And there's obviously so much going on in these first three episodes - particularly the third - and we thought it was a rather nice reveal, actually, for her to have this phone call with the doctor at the top of Four, I'll say because I think Shiv has been a bit in denial about it up until this point as well. She's broken up from her husband essentially, they've separated, and she's discovered that she's pregnant, and I think she's had mixed feelings about that... The way I always think of it is - it wasn't bad news, exactly, but it was the worst possible time. What I love about that performance as well as the writing is - it's not something you see very often, and I think it's very truthful, which is: this is a very complicated situation for her, where it's the fact that she's pregnant with her husband who she's separated from the child, and she isn't even particularly sure that she 100% wants to go through that. It's now all on her. And I think that's a big part of what she's feeling which is - 'oh, I guess that's good news, but in a way, as awful as it is to say, it would have been easier to hear the other'." - Lucy Prebble on HBO's Succession Podcast: "Honeymoon States"

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA if I told my parents to get a divorce?

So, I (26M) live with my sister (19) and parents (67F and 63M) due to financial circumstances (that usamerican economy, eh?). The things described with my parents have been going on since I was in pampers.

My parents fight all the time. Over little things. In nasty, insulting the person and belittling them types of ways. Everything my mom does that my dad doesn't fully agree with or think she's doing exactly how it should be done, he yells at her for it and things become a screaming match. Sometimes my mom just stops talking, or just responds "Okay." until my dad tires himself out or gets so frustrated that he drops the argument. And she'll do similar things to him.

I've talked to them both one-on-one before about how aggressive and explosive they are during arguments. I've tried to impress upon both of them that personal insults don't make people change. Problems need cooperative solutions, where both parties are working towards the goal, whether that's dinner at a certain time or laundry at a certain frequency.

My dad justifies himself because my mom is just too difficult to deal with, and doesn't listen no matter how much he tries to tell her about an issue (his words. Not reality in my eyes, because he's never *telling* her an issue, he's *yelling* an issue at her). He's under the impression his demands for her to change are cooperative and equally-involved.

My mom doesn't tend to comment on her behavior beyond "I know. I get frustrated, but I know" or some excuse or another for my dad's behavior (her go to is "But I don't want to hurt the child in his heart anymore than his childhood has". In my eyes, not her responsibility to heal my grandma's neglectful, piss-poor parenting, especially when my dad has no interest in therapy of any kind). She doesn't think cooperation is possible with my dad, and doesn't want to start that conversation. In her words, it could end in a fight, or he just won't do his half of the work, so she might as well do the full task and save herself the frustration.

This, again, has been going on since before I could wobble on my own two feet. I don't think either are going to change. I hate seeing my mom roll over, especially because having grown up with this *I thought it was normal for a relationship to be so mean.* I had to put in a lot of work and experience a lot of difficult lessons to unlearn that. And I hate seeing my dad so frustrated to the point of blowing his fuse over mundane topics like dishes and parking spots. I worry about his health, and his happiness. I worry about both of their happinesses. I hate the pettiness. I hate the disrespect and the refusal to hear each other out.

The breaking point was today, when during an argument my dad started berating my mom over leaving the shower towels out too long. Yes, the towels were starting to ripen. But he started saying (yelling. I could hear him from upstairs, door closed) that as a mother she should know better than to let towels, especially towels that go on your face and hands and stuff, grow bacteria, and that she's disgraceful for not changing the towels daily. (Towels that, mind y'all, he ALSO could be changing daily, since one of those two towels is "his" shower towel).

I've been at the end of my rope for years. Yes one option is just beg a friend to let me rent a room off one of them and try to make ends meet, but that still leaves my sister stuck in this mess, and now stuck in it alone. I'm not keen on doing that. So. Would I be the asshole if I told my parents I think it's time to seriously consider divorce? Or hell, is there another option?

What are these acronyms?

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers : 1x2 - Shock and Delight (Part 2)

Hi! Welcome back to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

In Part Two I will be doing a deep dive analysis on the structural arc of Daphne and Simon's Courtship No, I'm kidding, but unfortunately, I won't be talking about a whole lot of Pen or Colin either.... At least lack of screen time gets us to better things quicker ;)

Cake

Okay, so we pick up with Penelope bringing Marina a few treats - because Marina is staying home due to her 'condition'. And here's my thing... Penelope is so happy to be coming to see Marina. Even after Colin has been courting her a little, Penelope is fine with Marina. And this is the one unfortunate side effect of this whole plot line, because I think Penelope and Marina could have been friends.

Marina is generally nice to Penelope -- I'm assuming that she hasn't made fun of Penelope, hasn't made snide little comments, and has noticed Pen as an actual person, and it seems as no one other than Eloise and Colin has done this for Penelope. Plus, she's someone new and someone who isn't seemingly a terrible person, so of course Pen is excited to sneak up to see her.

Plus -- all of the pregnancy stuff is terrible exciting for her. Not because of the Lady Whistledown, gossip of it all -- no, because stuff like this doesn't happen in her world. And she's incredibly curious about all of it. She wants to know to understand her world better. And Marina offers her a view of the outside world that she never gets to see.

So, we learn that Marina will be sticking around and Penelope takes a moment to inquire how the pregnancy happened - since clearly she and Eloise still haven't found anyone to give them answers. (I wonder why they didn't go find a servant and ask them, anyway, I digress...)

Marina, amused, answers that cake is the reason for her condition.

And I love how Penelope is so confused... and hesitant about eating the piece of cake in her hand. But I mean, girl... my dear, sweet, summer child Penelope, listen up because cake is gonna be how you end up pregnant, too ;)

*ah-hem* I'm sorry, what was I saying? Oh, right back to Season 1...

So we get a really long boring explanation that Marina fell in love with a dude named George Crane and they fucked around and found out and then George Crane went to fight in the army and Marina was shipped off to be with her unimaginably mean spirited cousins.

And, look, I may not be into this story but Penelope totally is. Because it's a love story. It's about two people just finding their way, and doing sweet, little things for each other, and just falling in love with each other. And Penelope is eating this right up. This girl has the biggest, most romantic soul, and it's endearing to her on every level.

Marina reveals that she and George have been writing, and Penelope is both scandalized and titillated. And I mean, unmarried men and women who were not related to each other weren't really supposed to be writing letters -- let alone love letters -- to each other. This is a BIG FUCKING DEAL, and Penelope just loves it. But I mean, it also speaks to her -- it speaks to her as a writer, and a romantic, and this idea that two people fall in more in love through writing is just... something that's going to be a part of her own story, so this is a very meaningful thing, here.

The last beat of this is a little funny to me, because even though Pen is so invested in this love story, Marina is still being vague, so Pen asks straight up -- how did you get pregnant? And Marina just simply replies... love. And I mean, it's an incredibly sweet moment -- and I love that it's punctuated by Penelope holding a letter -- because, again, the written word will be so powerful in her story but also...

She's just dumbfounded because -- love? Love got you pregnant? Thanks, Marina, I was hoping for a mechanical break down of how that works, because no one will actually give me details on that, but I suppose a metaphor will work...

Meanwhile...

Wondering what Colin is up to? Not a whole lot, hanging out with his mother and brother, being very good at not really being in this scene. BUT I'M TRYING TO BE THOROUGH!

Picnic

No, okay, but here's my thing. We have this whole picnic thing going on the Bridgertons and the Featheringtons are around. And the Bridgerton siblings are all kind of playing around, and honestly, I love this little moment of them all playing this hoop game. I mean, Anthony is there, sure. But I think it's important showing Colin fooling around with Gregory and Hyacinth in this game -- it kind of a nice visual reminder of how young Colin is. And a nice complement to the next scene where Pen asks if she can go 'play' with Eloise.

And, I mean, I love this moment. Penelope and Eloise have been 'playing' for a long time, and it's another reminder that Penelope is also incredibly young here. She may have been pushed out into the world sooner than she wanted to, but she is still childish at heart, too.

And, as an aside I should note -- Nicola Coughlan was 32 when she filmed this. 32!! And she makes Penelope seem so, so, so young. Coughlan also has talked about how she used a much higher voice when doing Season 1 Penelope to help give the illusion that Penelope is still a young girl. It's such a cool acting choice. I'm glad Coughlan is really beginning to get the recognition she deserves.

Penelope fills Eloise in on the gossip that 'love' was what got Marina pregnant, and they are both still confused. I kind of love that Penelope is more so confused because her own mother had three children and clearly that didn't happen because her parents' loved each other. I mean, it's wise of Penelope to acknowledge that, but also kind of sad, too. It's one reason she gravitates towards the Bridgertons so hard - their family love is something she doesn't have.

Eloise wants to know if the 'maid' is frightened, but Penelope lights up because she is caught up in the love story of it all. Marina has told her she's going to run away to the country side and get married. To Penelope, this is the best possible outcome -- a woman finding love and starting her family based out of that love. I'm sure it's happened in the books she loves to read, and getting a front seat to it all is even more exciting.

Eloise, of course, does not share her view, and we get another instance of the two of them not being on the same page. Eloise exclaims that it's terrible and frightening that this is all happening -- because marriage is the worst option. It means succumbing to the will of man and society yet again, and Eloise just cannot have it.

There's a little moment towards the end where Eloise is slightly forceful with Penelope -- in a way where Eloise is trying to shake the silly love story out of Penelope's head and remind her what's actually at stake -- the poor 'maid's freedom. And I can only imagine that Eloise has spent a good amount of time reminding Penelope that she shouldn't want to be married and that the two of them are going to go off being great, single dames with many adventures.

(But also - as an aside - one reason Eloise is so afraid is that she still remembers her mother going into labor after her father died, and that has made a profound impact on her. She doesn't want to go through that nightmare herself. It's just something I wanted to note, because Eloise is a pretty complex and interesting character, even if I'm only tangentially hitting on her character in these posts.)

Back at the Bridgerton camp, Lord Berbrooke is causing a stir as he's trying to stake a claim on Daphne.

And I mean, the thing about Colin in the background is that he's taking this all very seriously. Berbrooke is scandalizing his sister and making a mockery of the Bridgerton name and Colin really isn't about to let anyone do either of those things. But, this isn't his story, and Anthony is handling it so he's just on guard and waiting...

I also think it's kind of funny that Lady Whistledown was named checked during this scene. Whatever would happen if she knew what was going on?? Meanwhile, Lady Whistledown is busy asking her mother if she could go play with her bff and trying to figure out how babies are made. The fact that LW carries so much weight already and yet, Penelope really doesn't know what power she has yet.

Gossip

The next sequence I actually really like. It's been hammered into us these first couple of episodes how little power that women have. So, since they can't go duel people, they can do what they do best -- talk. And talk they do. And the gossip is spread about how Berbrooke got a maid pregnant and sent her off to the country side and the rumors start to swirl.

It's very intentional that they showed a clip of Varley, Portia's hand maid (and right hand man) getting the news. Because this is undoubtedly how Penelope finds out about it.

But here's the thing. Here's the thing I really, really, really want to stress. You know what saves Daphne from having to marry this asshat? You know what stops Anthony from having to punch the dude or Simon from taking measures into his hands or something much worse happening? Lady Whistledown. Lady. Fucking. Whistledown.

Penelope, when it comes down to it, always protects the Bridgertons. Always. She may make some questionable choices at times, and may not always be kind to them in her writing, but she will always protect them when she can. She may not know or fully understand her full power, but it's no doubt that the Queen will eventually think it's a Bridgerton writing it -- because they are always, ultimately, shielded in column.

And I mean, look at the look in her eyes as she watches her mother gossip with other women. Look at her pretending to read what she, herself, has written. She knows the gossip is working. And she delights that her own handiwork is at play.

It's a great little moment in an otherwise brilliant sequence.

However... that's all we get in this episode. Stay tuned for Episode 3 where... even less happens! :D Thanks for reading! :)

[foreverautumn89]

Every clue that Lonnie was abusive Pt 2

This is gonna be a long one:

It's not just that Hopper won't let it go, but that Joyce is constantly telling him to let it go and he won't. He won't even listen to Joyce about it of all people. He didn't listen to Joyce about Lonnie having nothing to do with Will's disappearance because he knows that Joyce excuses Lonnie's behavior all the time.

His refusal to listen to her shows that he is used to her doing this which means shes excused behavior like this from Lonnie before-and think about what they're talking about here-so Hopper knows that Lonnie has done something really bad before that is the equivalent of kidnapping/torturing/killing a child. Like say for example, abusing children. Hopper knows what type of guy Lonnie is and that hes an abuser of children and thats why he so hellbent on looking into Lonnie even when Joyce says no.

-------------------------------------

Hoppers behavior towards Jonathan asking to go with him to Lonnie's place: Hopper is already broken from having to deal with this situation. Not only because Joyce is his friend and its hurts to see her hurt, but because hes re-living the same thing that happened when he lost his child. This shows in the flashbacks of Sarah he keeps having. He takes a pill to deal with the anxiety of that and we know this because Joyce just brought up Sarah when they were talking in her house.

So he takes this pill to deal with his anxiety depression ext Then when Jonathan tells Hopper let me go to Lonnies ext ext THIS SHOULD STAND OUT TO YOU LIKE A SORE THUMB: Hopper who just took something to deal with his anxiety ext, now has to pull out a cigarette too because the pill isn't going to be enough to cure his emotions and thoughts right now. He needs something extra to deal with this BECAUSE of what Jonathan was suggesting.-Why? Because of Jonathan wanting to go to Lonnie's/where his abuser is and Hopper is not ok with that.

Because Hopper knows that Jonathan and Will were being abused or suspects and he doesn't want Jonathan anywhere near that psycho ever again. So this is Hoppers way of saying HELL TO THE NO!!!

Not only is this cute because it shows how much Hopper is worried about Jonathan's safety, but its also a point proving that Lonnie was abusive. Hopper clearly doesn't want Jonathan around his OWN father. Why have that reaction otherwise to a kid going to see their dad? The idea alone is driving Hopper crazy and making him panic and freak out. Why would he react that way unless Jonathan and Will were being abused or at least he suspected it.

-----------------------------------------------

Jonathan says, 'If Wills there it means he ran away. And if he sees the cops he'll think hes in trouble. He'll hide. He's good at hiding. So many points to unpack here:

-Will is afraid of authority figures like the police. Why? It's not their mom they're afraid of so guess who. Why would a kid be afraid of a cop or any type of adult/authority figure like that when kids are taught those ppl are there to protect them.

-----------------------------------------------------

Jonathan also says 'Will ran away ext' knowing damn well that Will would never run away and especially not to Lonnie's house, his abuser. This is typical abuse victim stuff-they are taught to lie about their abuse and hide it/conceal it.

They can't tell the real reason why or else THEY will get in trouble and no one will believe them and help them. Making the situation worse. They are the ones who get in trouble for telling, so they hide it.

They are also untrusting of any type of parent or authority figure because they aren't to be trusted given what their own father did to them adults aren't on your side. They always think you're lying when you're a kid. Jonathan can't tell Hopper the real reason hes desperate to go is because he needs to save will from that monster.

This theory is proven by Jonathan charging into Lonnie's house. If Will ran away and Lonnie didn't do anything wrong, then why would Jonathan feel the need to charge into the house moving as quickly as he could to grab Will and go before the monster caught them? Also him checking the trunk to find Will. That shows us that Jonathan wasn't being truthful here in telling Hopper that Will ran away. Because if he really believed that, he could have just knocked on the front door and said is Will here and Lonnie would have said yeah he is come on in. But that isnt the way this story went is it?

[witchywriter18]

Being married and having a child with Sebastian Sallow

Slight hint of MC being a Hufflepuff but I'm a Hufflepuff soooo, deal with it

You and Sebastian got married almost immediately out of Hogwarts.

After you had stood by him during 5th year, he knew you were going to be the only woman for him.

Nah, let's face it. He knew you were perfect once you kicked his ass in DADA, the other stuff just sealed the deal.

Anne actually attended the wedding. While she was still upset about the relic situation, she couldn't miss her own twin's wedding.

Sebastian was very much on the verge of tears when he saw you in your dress.

If you thought he was clingy when you were dating, oh boy. Sebastian is even more clingy and affectionate after you two got married.

After the honeymoon, you both decided to live in Feldcroft.

While yes it held horrible memories for Sebastian, it had some good ones too. And he was ready to make more good memories with you.

For work, I don't think Sebastian would become an Auror. He didn't want to be anything like his uncle. I like the thought of him being a cursebreaker or even an unspeakable.

You on the other hand. Instead of being a housewife, you're either a herbologist or magizoologist. Your reasoning being that you've dealt with enough dark wizards and treasure hunting to last you a lifetime.

After about a year of marriage, you find out that you are with child. Sebastian is literally giddy with excitement.

And now super overprotective Sebby has been activated.

"Oi, put that down! It's too heavy!"

"......Seb, this literally a sheet of paper."

Oh boy, this will be fun....

When he's not at work, he's following you around the house like if he doesn't have eyes on you, you'll get hurt.

You accidentally knicking yourself with the knife while he was using the bathroom didn't help.

"Seb, it's just a small knick. It's nothing-"

"IT'S NOT NOTHING!!! YOU GOT INJURED WHEN I WASN'T HERE!!! *sniff* I'm a horrible husband😢"

Oof, and you thought you had moodswings.

After making sure your SMALL wound was cleaned and bandaged, you're consoling him for a good hour.

He's also getting sympathy pains and cravings.

You have back pain? Now his back aches a bit.

You're craving chocolate on top of bacon? Now he wants a bite.

Once you start showing, he immediately thinks you shouldn't be galivanting around the highlands.

You agree with that since you don't want to take a bad tumble and put your unborn child in danger, as much as it pains you to not being able to rescue beasts.

Ah, there are the mood swings! Yes, now you're crying about how now you won't be able to save a hypothetical Niffler named Opal.

During the months as your stomach swells, you're trying (and failing) to knit little booties and a hat for your child.

Sebastian is quite good with his hands (in more ways then one 😏) so he's making the baby's crib by hand.

When you guys are in bed getting ready to sleep, Sebastian has his hands on your belly. He gets so excited when the baby kicks.

Sometimes when the baby is too restless and won't let you sleep with all the kicking, Sebastian's hand gently rubs it, trying to sooth them.

"Alright little one, I know you're excited to explore the world outside your mother's womb but you need to let her sleep. So stop moving about and sleep you little troublemaker."

He also like kissing your belly just cuz he can.

During your final month, he gets time off so that when the time comes, he's ready to wisk you off to the hospital.

So, the time comes. Sebastian is anything but calm.

"WHERE'S MY WAND?! I CAN'T FIND MY WAND TO APPARATE US TO THE HOSPITAL!!!"

"It's in your hand darling. Now take me to the hospital before I pop this child out on our kitchen floor."

Unfortunately, back in those days, father's weren't allowed in the delivery room. So all he can do is pace outside, panicking whenever you let out a scream of pain.

My poor boy is literally having flashbacks to when he had to use the Cruciatis Curse on you.

Your friends show up to give the poor man support, and to see the baby. Or hear in Ominis's case.

Ominis is patting Sebastian on the shoulder gently.

After about five hours, the midwife comes out to sat that Sebastian can see his wife and daughter.

Man literally jumps up and rushes into the delivery room.

Once he gets inside, he sees you looking exhausted with your hair messy and sweat on your forehead.

With your little bundle of joy held to your chest.

Sebastian is once again crying like he did on your wedding day.

When your friends are coming in one by one, he's presenting your daughter this way, every time;

"Behold! The Snadger! The product of a snake (him) and a badger (you)!"

"Sebastian, stop calling our daughter that or you're not going to get the chance to put another child in me."

You both decided to name her Anne Lilian Sallow.

She has your hair and skin tone while she has Sebastian's eyes. Only time will tell what other features she'll gain from her parents over time.

I'll probably make a sequel to this with early parenthood headcannons. This was originally just gonna be marriage headcannons but then the saga of pregnancy came up so it changed.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Galileo Galilei Main Story

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

Spoliers ahead. Not proofread.

After Sagredo was mercilessly executed, Galileo was taken away somewhere by the priests.

The hall where the inquisition occurred was eerily silent, as if nothing had happened.

(This is the inquisition he underwent.)

(He wasn't only branded a heretic for advocating heliocentrism, but he also lost his dear friend.)

(This is why he blamed himself so much.)

(.......)

The memory of his cries resurfaced, causing a pain in my chest that was beyond words.

(I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Galileo.)

(I touched your deep wounds insensitively back then.)

At that moment, something dawned on me.

(Wait, he said "they" at that time, but Sagredo was the only one who died in the inquisition.)

(Could it be that there are more victims?)

I never thought I would witness the truth he bore with my own eyes and the rage that made him despise the world.

Galileo, imprisoned in a cold, lonely cell, clenched his fists alone.

Galileo: "Sagredo, I'm sorry."

Galileo: "Why did you have to suffer this fate? Why?"

Though his voice trembled with agony, the strong will that Sagredo had kindled still shone in his eyes.

Galileo: "I won't give up. I'll get out of here and spread the truth to the world for you, Sagredo."

A single tear fell as he muttered.

Galileo: "What?"

He looked up as he heard a commotion outside.

There were sounds of dirt being dug up haphazardly, wheels creaking, and whispers of people.

When he looked outside through the only window in his cell, he saw two men carrying "something" in a wooden cart.

Galileo: "What is that?"

Priest 1: "Dealing with corpses is no easy task."

Priest 2: "Yeah. It would've been better if they had just burned them all."

Priest 2: "Even if they're the family of a heretic, it's sad to see them getting ripped apart by wild dogs."

Priest 1: "Sure, it's a quick fix, but I wish they'd consider those of us who have to clean it up."

Galileo: "Family of a heretic?"

The words he heard made his blood run cold, and his fingers began to tremble.

Even though he knew he shouldn't look, a dreadful premonition flashed through his mind, preventing him from averting his gaze. 

As he watched, something slid out from under the cloth covering the cart.

What Galileo saw was the scarred arm of a young child, with a tattered flower crown caught on it.

Galileo: "----!!"

Galileo: "No, it can't be..."

He began to remember.

------------Flashback-----------

Livia: "Big brother, I can't make the flower crown properly."

Galileo: "Let me see."

Galileo: "Here you go. Happy birthday, Livia."

Livia: "Wow, it's so cute! Thank you, big brother!"

---------Flashback Ends--------

Livia had been so delighted with the flower crown that she stubbornly refused to part with it. Because of this, their mother had to turn it into a dried flower crown.

Livia always carried it with her.

Galileo: "Livia?"

The white ribbon tied to the flower crown was stained with blood.

Priest 1: "Alright, let's get rid of them."

Priest 2: "Yeah."

They carelessly dumped the stuff they were transporting into the hole.

With a dull thud, the bodies piled up, and as the cloth fell away, it revealed the bodies of his sisters, his brother, and his mother.

Galileo: "No. Stop! Wait!!"

Galileo: "Livia, Virginia, Michelangelo! Mother!"

He grabbed the iron bars, shouting.

But his screams were in vain, as the sight of his beloved family was quickly buried under the earth.

Galileo: "Did you kill them? All of them?"

Galileo: "Why? Why, even my family!?"

As his cell filled with sobs and screams, the sound of a padlock being opened echoed from outside.

The priest, who had pronounced him a heretic, appeared.

Priest: "Did you witness the fate of your family, Galileo Galilei?"

Priest: "Consider this your punishment. Or perhaps it’s a mercy, for you saw them one last time."

Galileo: "You!!"

He lunged at the priest, but the priest accompanying him restrained him.

Even as he was forced to the ground, he continued to glare at the priest like a wild beast.

Galileo: "Why did you kill my family!? I'm the only heretic, am I not!?"

Galileo: "You killed Sagredo, and now my family, too. Why go to such lengths!?"

Galileo: "Is the truth of heliocentrism such a grave sin!?"

The priest looked down at Galileo with cold contempt and slowly began to speak.

Priest: "You're a heretical scholar who denies God's teachings. No, a filthy, heretical monster."

Priest: "Do you still not understand? Your true sin isn't heliocentrism."

Priest: "It's the vampire blood that flows within you!"

Galileo: "----!!"

Galileo: "So, that's why...?"

Realizing that his true nature had been discovered, Galileo's eyes widened as he understood the truth.

Galileo: "I see, condemning heliocentrism was just a front."

Galileo: "You used the inquisition to capture me, a dhampir."

Priest: "Exactly. Monsters that drink human blood must not exist in this world."

The priest explained that revealing the existence of vampires and dhampirs to the public would cause mass hysteria. To prevent this, they first captured him under the guise of heresy.

Galileo: "If being a vampire is a sin, then why did you kill Sagredo? Why did you kill my siblings and my mother?"

Galileo: "They're human!"

Priest: "Sagredo was your follower, wasn't he?"

Priest: "If you were to recant heliocentrism during the inquisition, he would've surely tried to stop you, so we used him."

Galileo: "You went that far."

Priest: "Anyone close to a vampire cannot be allowed to live."

Priest: "They might eventually start drinking blood too."

Galileo: "That's absurd!"

Priest: "We protected humanity from the vile vampires!"

His protests fell on deaf ears as the priest remained steadfast in his stance. He blindly believed that even taking lives was justified as a righteous hammer.

Priest: "Let me tell you this again. There should be no sinful monsters like you. You need to burn in God's fire."

Priest: "But before that, I shall investigate if there are others like you among us."

Galileo stopped the priest as he turned to leave the cell.

Galileo: "Wait! What about my father? What happened to him?"

Priest: "Ah, the pureblood. The accursed one said to possess eternal life."

Priest: "He was dealt with immediately. A creature that turns bitten humans into monsters is an extremely dangerous existence."

Priest: "If he doesn't die, he will be subjected to eternal torment. By now, he is likely dismembered and sunk to the bottom of some water."

Galileo: ".........."

Priest: "Remember, this is not persecution. There is no place in this world for creatures like you in the first place."

Priest: "It's all because of the sins you were born with."

When the priests left, the harsh sound of the cell being locked echoed.

Galileo: "Father..."

The mere thought of what his father, the only one possibly still alive, might be enduring filled him with a nauseating hatred that rose from his gut.

The final images of Sagredo and his family were burned into his mind as he covered his mouth.

Galileo: "Ugh."

His father had once said, "This is our dream, as father and son."

His family's smiles, the words he exchanged with his friend, and all those beautiful memories got swallowed up by despair.

Overwhelmed by the thought of being born with sin, he eventually laughed weakly.

Galileo: "Ha...haha..."

Galileo: "Bridge, huh? It was all my fault."

Galileo: "Just because I was a dhampir, just because of that..."

Galileo: "I killed them all."

The light of determination faded from his eyes.

It was as if his brilliant dreams and hopes had all been crushed.

Afterward, the priest publicly announced his death, but in reality, he was kept alive in confinement and subjected to repeated torture.

Galileo's golden hair, which once glimmered in the light, gradually turned silver.

Guard 1: "Hey, it looks like Galileo Galilei has finally gone mad."

Guard 2: "He's like a puppet when you torture him. He's often muttering to himself; it's creepy."

Guard 1: "That living-dead monster is useless now."

Galileo listened vaguely to the voices of the guards outside.

Galileo: "I hate them. I hate them all."

He was lying on the cold stone floor, his body covered in wounds and bruises from the torture.

He muttered curses with empty eyes and a voice filled with resentment.

Galileo: "I won't forgive them. I want to kill those humans."

Galileo: "And myself."

Galileo: "Yeah, I see. This is the truth."

Galileo: "Even I, who wished for coexistence, have come to hate humans so much."

Galileo: "We can never truly understand each other. It's impossible."

With his loved ones killed, he had no way of stopping the hatred that took root in his heart.

He only understood that the hatred stemming from the human heart distorted the world.

Galileo: "Our dream was nothing but a fantasy, Father."

Realizing this truth plunged his heart deeper into despair.

Galileo: "If only I could start over."

Galileo: "If only I could go back and save everyone."

He muttered, and his eyes widened in realization.

Galileo: "Go back in time."

Galileo: "That’s right, why didn't I realize it before?"

Galileo: "The door. If I build that door and go back in time, I can save everyone."

Galileo: "I can get my family, friends, and everything back."

He rose to his feet, and a strong determination returned to Galileo's eyes for the first time in a long while.

It was less hope and more like a budding hint of madness.

Guard 1: "It's time for interrogation. Come out, Galileo Galilei. Hey?"

That day, the guard who entered the cell found Galileo collapsed on the floor.

His abdomen was stained red, and a pool of blood had formed beneath him.

By his side was a piece of sharp debris, suggesting he had stabbed himself with a fragment from the crumbling wall.

Guard 2: "Could he be dead? We need to report this!"

As the guards started to panic一

Guard 1: "Gyaah!!"

Galileo, who had been lying still, sprang up and attacked them.

Enduring the searing pain in his abdomen, he broke free from their restraints and escaped into the darkness.

Galileo spent many months in hiding and worked tirelessly.

Galileo: "Finally, it's finished."

Based on the designs and theories he had memorized, he completed the door.

Galileo: "Livia, Sagredo..."

Galileo: "Virginia, Michelangelo, Father, Mother..."

Galileo: "I'm coming to save you. Please wait for me."

Galileo: "I will change our fate."

Aware of the forbidden nature of interfering with history, he reached out to the door.

Previous Part ╎ Masterlist ╎ Next Part

[soulc-hilde]

02. Love

Pairing: Jey Uso / Josh Fatu x Aries / Ezmeralda Bey

Synopsis: Devoted to her craft and her family, WWE Superstar Ezmeralda has a library of accolades accomplished on her own and by the side of her family like never before. As she leads the Women's Revolution to glory, romance seems to find her at the most unexpected moment... in the ring.

Warning(s): SFW, OC is a black woman, swearing, WWE-canon violence, Non-scripted fights, body shaming, body insecurities, WWE's consistant misogyny is blatant until later chapters, etc.

Cross-posted: Wattpad

It's been a few weeks since Wrestlemania and not much has taken place for Ezmeralda as they weren't scheduled for anything until SmackDown. In the meantime, she relaxed backstage. When it came to the new girls, she enjoyed the company of Jojo for the much younger girl was like the little sister she never had whereas Eva Marie sent Ezmeralda's intuition in a spiral. 

Something wasn't right about that girl.

Traveling to catering for some grub, she runs into Trinity and Ariane. She's pulled into a hug by the women as they all greet each other, "que lo? What's goin' on y'all?" 

They all shrug in reply. Trinity sighs, grasping Ezmeralda's shoulder. "Ezzie... she," Trin points at the small woman, "wants to get someone else to do our gear."

"You wanna go against Miss. Sandra?" She laughs, shaking her head. Ariane quickly comes to her own defense, "uh, you and your brothers don't always have Sandra do your gear. Why is it so bad that I do the same?" 

Ezmeralda smirks, "because before we met Sandra, we've always either bought or had Ezra's fiancé create our gear, but she's been overloaded with work and watching my niece and nephew. What you're doing is straight betrayal to Miss. Sandra." 

"It's not that big of a deal," Ariane complains, her whines mimicking that of a child. 

Ezmeralda purses her lips playfully, "all I'll say is that if you want this to work out, make sure those outfits are good and fit both of y'all. Trinity's a lot thicker than you are. If it turns out good, Miss. Sandra might not be too pissed."

3 Days Later | Trinity's Apartment

Stationed in Florida still, Ezmeralda decides to spin her last day at Trinity's place. Lounging on the couch between Jon and Jojo, the three watch the tv when Trinity opens her phone.

"Ariane left a voicemail," she notes, letting the audio play out loud.  

"It's me, just calling to let you know that I spoke to a fabulous designer that is about to make some awesome gear for us that is supposed to be off the chain. So, you can have a little booty meat hanging out, titties like stickin' out so we can have some boom all the time."

Both Jon and Ezmeralda side eye Trinity's phone, faces scrunch at the thought. "Why does she want her boom hangin' out?" Jon mimics Ariane's emphasis.

Ezmeralda laughs, shaking her head. "Ariane and I are not as close as I am to Trinity. Like, those two have been partners since development and that's a wrestling variant of boot camp, you know? You can't break that. To me, Ariane isn't someone I could hang out with consistently. She's insanely extroverted and has no filter, she drains my battery... fast."

"Not too much booty meat cause I don't want Jon to kill me, but," she retracts her last statement, "it's gonna, it's gonna be hot." Ezmeralda just shakes her head side eyeing the phone as Jon pulls his to his ear, imitating Ariane.

"What kind of shit is that?" He scoffs. "Check this out girl, I found this fabulous designer guy. We got booty meat hangin' out, we got titties hanging out. Everything is gonna be out, just hangin' out. Don't tell Jon though cause he might just say something back to me." 

Jojo and Ezmeralda laugh, shaking their heads. Trinity turns, "I got too much booty for myself to be out like that. I'm not gonna do that. My stuff is gonna fit different from how her's are so, it sure won't fit. Okay?"

"How'd you even get in this mess with Ariane anyways?" Ezmeralda laughs. 

Trinity sighs, "it's mainly because during Wrestlemania, Sandra was late with our costumes and when she did finish, it wasn't what we wanted and it's been going on like this for some time now. Ariane then suggested that we should get our outfits done by someone else." 

Ezmeralda winces, nodding her head. "Now, I see. Does she know your measurements at all and was just talking crazy or did she just dive head into all of this?" Trinity shoots her a straight face, "what you think." The older woman simply nods, "got it," before laughing.  

"Ariane means well and she's like my little sister," Trinity winces, "however, she's putting us in a predicament right now. More importantly, me. She's so much smaller than me, if she has her booty meat out and titties hanging, she'd be cute. But if I was to have all of my stuff hangin' out? I'd be every name in the book." 

Tulsa, Ok | Preparing for Raw

After being informed by Trinity that Eva was to audition for the part as Fandango's valet, Ezmeralda was quick to be a little nosy. So much, in fact, that her, her brothers, and Josh all piled in a corner near the seats as the music began to play. On stage stood Jane and Mark while just a few steps in front were some of the Divas like Natalya, the Bellas, Trin, Ariane, and Jojo. 

"Apparently, Eva is now attempting to audition for Fandango's valet role and usually, I don't knock people down for stuff like this. However," she points at the camera, "Talent Relations has to know exactly what your skills and experiences are for moments such as this one: Fandango needs a valet with ballroom experience. Rather than having to go outside the company, they can look within which makes the process easier."

"It does not make it easier for them if someone lies about said talent. In this case, Eva very much is lying her ass off about knowing to dance. I'm nervous for her, honestly. She already disobeyed one order - which worked out for her - but you'll only get away with things for so long."

As the music plays, Eva comes around with a strut rather than a rhythmic sway that fell along with the music. Fandango comes after, grasping her hand for a twirl; however, she didn't understand forcing him to aid her through the steps with his body. Ezmeralda shakes her head, amused yet embarrassed at the same time. Behind her, Ezra and Ezekiel fight back their laughter as they watch whereas Josh just grins, having to look away.

"As a situational liar," Ezmeralda laughs, "I could never get as caught up as Eva has. I mean, girl, if you're a dancer then I'm President of the United States." She mockingly salutes, "hoo-rah! Oh? That ain't it? My bad, thought we were naming what we wished we could be when we grow up." She falls forward, laughing again.

As they cut the music, she's confronted by Mark as Fandango stands frustrated and embarrassed himself while Jane storms off. Shaking her head, Ezmeralda turns to leave, "a hot mess, I tell you, lord." The boys following, laughing. 

Atlanta, Georgia | Ezmeralda's House

Ezmeralda is in the middle of grating fresh american cheese when the doorbell rings. She walks over, opening it to reveal a cheesing Josh. "Hey, pretty lady," he greets her, pulling her into a hug.

"What's happenin', boo," she smiles, nuzzling into the side of his neck before pulling him further into the house.

"Nothin' much, what's the plan for today?" He claps his hands. She leads him into the kitchen, "we're currently waiting for Zeke and Ra to get here before we start the stream. In the meantime, I'm starting lunch. Do you wanna know what we plan to play?"

"Last year, my brothers and I created a YouTube channel dedicated to gaming. It gives us a breather from having to play these intense characters, that we love from the bottom of our hearts, but sometimes, you search for hobbies. Things to make you feel alive and in touch with reality."

"The channel is called Ez.Ezz&Ezzie and since we started the channel, our popularity on the platform has risen. These games are probably the most fun I've ever had."

Josh raises an eyebrow, his face scrunching with reluctance. "What we gon' play?" She giggles, "so, first, we'll be playing some Halo:Reach since we were sent the Master Chief Collection that's scheduled to come out soon."

He cheers, clapping his hands, "yessir, yessir!" She laughs, calming him down in order to continue. "Then after that we plan to start a series called 'Random Horrors.'"

Abruptly, the Samoan stops, turning to face her with some wind in his sails. "We gon' do Random-what now?" Ezmeralda waves him, starting back on the food.

"You gon' be fine, bebe," she laughs. "Besides, we're all gonna take turns with each game." Josh mean mugs her, "girl, stop lyin' before I go tell my mama."

"I didn't-" She stops, glaring at him. "Bro, stop that!" He lightly pinches the side of her neck causing her to yelp, laughing. "Who the fuck you callin' bro, huh? And you're mama is my mama, don't get it twisted."

He points between the both of them, "this right here? This shit is for life...forever. You got me? E faavavau. Para siempre." She cracks into her iconic hyena laugh, trying to push him away.

"You crazy as hell," she snickers, easing her way out of the kitchen, the food long forgotten. Josh chases after, smiling, "crazy for you, now let me rub on yo' fine ass."

"No!" she squeals, running for some form of safety. She goes to jump the couch only for her body to become swallowed between the cushions of the sofa and his heavy ass body.

"Oh my God, Josh!" Ezmeralda screams, wiggling underneath the man as his ginormous hands trail across her body, his teeth playfully biting along her thighs and ass cheeks.

"This boy is too much, y'all," She laughs. "He for sale on eBay if anybody wants him cause he needs to go. I can't stand this man. I promise you, I can't."

Later That Night

"Alright, now, y'all when you get home safe and tell my babies, Tia Ezzie misses them," Ezmeralda guides her brothers out of the house after finishing damn near 4 hours of gaming. 

Just as they left for the night, Josh decided to stay the night and have dinner with her. The two sat together, happily diving into their meal of baked hen, baked mac & cheese, rice and green beans mixed and seasoned with chicken bouillon, and some wine. Josh hums with every bite, leaning back in the chair as he looks at the ceiling.

Ezmeralda looks at him with a smile, "is it good?" Swallowing, he huffs, the remaining bits of food stuffed into the corner of one cheek. "You know your food is always good. You're third on my list." 

Her eyebrows raise, "third?! List? What list?" He smiles, "my list of favorite cooks. First is my mama - obviously, second goes to my soul mama - you know, since you my soulmate and all, and finally, you. Y'all the only three women, hell, people in my life I'd blindly trust with my food."

Instinctively, Ezmerald slightly sucks in her cheeks in hopes to hold back the massive grin that dared to appear across her face. Keeping her head down, she continues eating; however, her movements were slower than before as she becomes flustered. Josh grins, scooting closer to her side. 

"Nah, don't hide from me, lo'u loto," he coos, gently turning her head to face him by the chin. "I wanna see them pretty eyes, I love the way them big eyes be dazzlin', ya feel me? Lookin' like stars, baby, you're mother nature personified. You so pretty," he sings, leaning closer to her. 

She bites her bottom lip, debating if it would be wise for her to risk everything she's worked hard for over some measly, high school feeling. She squints her eyes as her hearts nearly stops, settling with her decision as she thrusts her lips against his. Setting his fork down and twisting the bar stool to face her, Josh pulls her in closer as he deepens the kiss. 

The only sound echoing amongst the marble tiles was the wet sound of their lips meeting and departing with each turn of the end. Ezmeralda moans, falling deeper into Josh's chest. 

Ezmeralda sits in silence, jaw opened wide as her eyes stare ahead. "Don't allow me to socialize ever again, y'all. I mean that shit cause now I'm over here kissing and feeling up all on my best friend. Man, my parents be watching this. Cono!" 

[icequeenlila]

Runaway Lo'ak fic (Locorro)

Lo'ak x Spider

I want to start a new fic, bc I am depressed and need joy in my life (she said while planning out a new angsty fic).

Don't worry, I'll keep writing 'A Son for a Son'. That story is my baby and I will not abandon it. But I need/want variety.

(also it's just an idea so far)

Working Title: 'Belong'

Plot:

Lo'ak tries to make peace with Aonung, nearly dying in the process, just like in the movie. When he returns home he has the usual fight with Jake, only that Lo'ak doesn't just swallow the "You brought shame to this family.", but fights back instead, trying to defend himself. Things get heated, son and father screaming, until Jake hits. Not too hard, but he hits. He regrets it immediately but the damage is done and Lo'ak decides he can't stay. He doesn't fit. No matter how hard he tries, it's never right and he doesn't want to be a burden for his family anymore. So, over the following days he plans his 'escape'. Payakan is in on the thing and they leave together.

So much for the initial situation.

Lo'ak's 'escape' is pretty much a day (or a few) before Quarritch would have found the Sullys. (He doesn't in this fic. So, Neteyam lives. Yeay!) Lo'ak and Payakan spot the demon ship and go to take a look, just in case this is going to get a real threat to the people at Awa'atlu. Lo'ak sees Spider on the deck and he can't believe his eyes. Of course he decides to go get him. Spider is mad happy and slips away with his best friend without much thought. (No, I didn't forget the tracker inside his mask. I'll deal with that.)

Well, things happen blah blah blah. I don't know the details yet.

Lo'ak and Spider are in love. Oblivious numb skulls, of course. Lo'ak offers Spider to get him to Awa'atlu, so he can be with Kiri and the others, but Spider just wacks him and tells him he's stupid for believing he'd leave his side again. Bc Love, bro.

Spider ends up getting his own Avatar. Again, no details, but I have a rough plan.

Blah blah blah, they grow up, they travel the world, they adopt two sweet children along the line. And some day, when their travels bring them close to Awa'atlu, Spider decides to give old friends a visit (without Lo'ak's knowing).

So, imagine. Jake and Neytiri not knowing what happened to their son, finding Spider in na'vi form with their supposedly grand child on his arm. Hilarious.

Lo'ak and Spider are level A dads by the way. They gonna have a boy and a girl. I don't know the details yet, I only know that the lil boy is gonna be a difficult whirlwind with anger issues. Bc I want Lo'ak to be a gentle parent.

Also, Mo'at and Norm are part of this story (at least they are in my imagination, I'll make things up as I go.) Locorro is gonna stay with the Omatikaya for a while, Mo'at not being as rejecting of Spider as her daughter was. Also, her character is needed, so Spider can get the same ritual as Jake, connecting his soul to his na'vi body permanently. (I imagine Mo'at as a very loving grandma. Lo'ak and her are gonna bond.)

I'm probably gonna do multiple povs. Like the story doesn't just follow Lo'ak and Spider but also shows how the Sully's are dealing with Lo'ak's loss. Bc we need angst and I won't give Jake a rest.

Family reunion and stuff. Do I have your interest? Tell me pls.

I started writing some of it but I know I'll lose interest if there isn't any feedback from readers. Soooo, pls let me know, so I can decide if it's worth investing my time. I know Locorro isn't that big, so maybe the interest isn't there in the fandom.

+

I noticed how all my fics just come to existence, bc of some stupid thing Jake said that pissed me off in the movie.

A Son for a Son: " You've done enough."

This one (Belong): "You brought shame to this family."

That man is my muse.

[redfluffz]

After he fell you mentioned that Lucifer lost the connection to his star. Besides loosing his bird form, and presumably some of his powers, are there any other negative effects on him?

I know it’s not cannon, but I had the thought that if there was something going on with him health wise, mentally or physically, from that separation then maybe the reason Lilith is in Heaven is she is secretly trying to find a way to re-establish Lucifer’s link to his star.

This is gonna be a looong answer. Sorry for that! 🥲

QUESTION 1

Actually yes. It really has some negative affects. So when he's disconnected from his star, he doesn't have a (I called it) "light cleaning". For me there is no evil or good magic, but I think their are indeed diffenrences between angel and demon magic. So for an angel it's pretty hard to use demon magic. So Luc was not only punished, disconnected from his star and injured - he was cursed. Unlike Lili he isn't a demon but cursed to use this magic which troubles his whole body. If he doesn't take care of himself, he would go crazy. That's why he is so "calm". All happy and stuff, just when he gets angry he might loose himself in the demon magic and become a horrific version of himself.

QUESTION 2

Huii. Yeah well my problem is, I didn't figured out yet how the puzzle connects Lilith to what. In my headcanon I'm absolutely sure Lilith is not evil nor a traitor. But I also won't go with Eve being just a bad person as Roo.

I read many theories about what Lilith is doing and how its connected to the story.

So here are my thoughts (but be aware, I haven't thought through it completly yet.)

So if "Evil" (later Roo, Root of all Evil) is the personification of evil, there must be an opposite site. And we saw that in the first minutes of the first episode. What if they both are parts of God? Just think about it. God is everything, right? So he is good and bad. And he splitted those parts from himself, because he was going crazy with their voices inside his head. Like angel and devil on your shoulder. So this is how they were born. Let's skip a few thousand years. The fall of Luc. God withdraws and let "Good" take charge of heaven. And "Evil"? She decided to go after Eve. And maybe they have a symbiotic relationship. You know like Venom and Eddie? So Eve and Evil became Roo when Eve died and went to hell. Because first sinner??? Dunno. Okay. Let's skip another few years. Lili and Luc are happy and stuff and the something happened.

Soo first we need to talk about all their motives. When Evil and Eve became Roo both learned something about the other. Evil learned what Good and Love is. Eve learned about Evil, Hate and God. Soo maybe Eve wants revenge but over the time her traget changed from Lucifer to God so she needs to get into heaven. And "Evil" may wants to help everybody, since she now knows good and bad. Okay. Lilith loves hell. She is free, can do what she wants ... and wants her family and an own child. So now we come to a very interesting theory. Liliths songs were inspirations for demon kind. What if her good motives "redeemed her"? If that's true, she could reenter heaven. Now that's interesting for Eve, right? Let's talk about deals. And here it goes wild. So Lilith isn't capable of giving birth, because of her curse. And no I don't see Luci as ... Just please don't. What if Eve gave birth to Charlie in exchange for the ticket into heaven. Now you may ask yourself, how can she pass that? Well Eve takes the image of Lilith. So in the early days Eve take care of Charlie, cause she neede several things. You know like breast milk ... and after that Lilith could live the next 180 years with her family.

Now we are in the events before those ominous 7 years. The deal. Lilith has to go incognito so Eve can enter heaven as "Fake-Lilith". But you can't fool heavens gates?! Eve can't, but "Evil" (a part from God) can. And where did Lilith go? Well she may become an overlord to help hell and her family. And which overlord?

"Who hasn't thought about eating their first husband? I would if he wouldn't taste so bad." Adam? 🤣

Yeah I think its Rosie. And Rosie knows Alastor pretty well. WHY? Because she helped him after the battle. But I really don't think she made that painful deal with him. Come on guys. This woman was fighting for freedom just to bind someone and force him to do something? Nah. That deal must be between Roo and him. The Eyes, guys. THE EYES. And Alastor helps Charlie, because of a favor for Rosie.

Yeah that's all I got right now.

Thanks for asking!

[seramilla]

Overlord Sera probably takes the rest of the week off after finding Emily she spends the time getting Emily settled getting her a room in Sera's home. (I assume Sera lives in a penthouse over her main business like the vees because land in hell the pentagram is expensive since sinners can't be anywhere else) she would rather keep Emily a secret from everyone but the cannibals have seen her and Emily had asked around a bit trying to find her that word had spread. So she introduces Emily to her own people (and tells them that if Emily is in actual danger they are to drop everything and help her.) In life Sera had always tried to keep Emily sperate from her arms dealing to try and protect her from her enemies or the law but seeing as it is hell she decides to bring in Emily as Sera's assistant which leads to Emily two to three weeks after landing in hell in a pantsuit like Sera has while the other overlords demand more information. also the fact that the powerful overlord Sera has a sister in hell now is big news and paparazzi type photos of Emily and Sera are on magazine covers in hell

Sera is worried sick about keeping Emily safe down here. Her sister has been through so much in the last few days, barely dodging other Sinners and the Exorcists during the last Extermination, that Emily has been barely verbal at times. She wants to ask Emily what happened -- why she'd just shown up here, how she'd died, how in the universe her perfect, care-free baby sister had ended up in Hell...

What the fuck had happened back on Earth? What could Emily have possibly done to end up here?

She tries not to let her mind be consumed by it, though. Her sister is here, with her, after so many years of Sera being alone here in Hell. It's not ideal, but Sera won't look a gift horse in the mouth. It's her job to protect Emily now, like it had been on Earth. Nothing has changed since then; her job is still the same. She schedules meetings with all her top officials. Emily is assigned bodyguards, for every time she leaves their penthouse. She is not to set foot outside without at least two armed guards at any given moment.

Emily the secret-angel does not complain. She's still terrified to go anywhere after what she's been through. But after a week or two, she slowly starts coming out of her shell. She's intrigued by the life Sera has built for herself in Hell. She's not sure what she expected when she'd come down from Heaven to look for her...but she's pleasantly surprised to find Sera doing just fine. She's a mastermind and social whiz at business even now, as she was during life. Emily is so proud of her.

But Emily can't stay in the shadows forever. One day at breakfast, Sera asks her what she would like to do with her life, if she had the choice to do anything. They are in Hell, yes, but there is still the possibility for a future. With Sera's help and protection, she can chart her own course down here. Be who, or what, she wants.

Emily contemplates for a moment. If she could do anything, she'd like to help people, like she used to do in Heaven, once upon a time. Or be of some use to her sister; Sera was always the one doing the providing, doing the protecting, when she was a child. She would like to return the favor someday -- she doesn't want to be a useless leech of a person who doesn't know how to defend herself. Maybe she could learn her sister's business...learn a trade. Maybe help protect Sera, for a change?

"Could I...help you?" Emily asks. "With your business and stuff?"

Sera looks over at her sister, mug of coffee halfway to her lips, expression full of surprise and curiosity. This question hits Sera out of left field. Emily had never wanted anything to do with her and their parents' enterprise when she was a child. She was too selfless, too pure for such endeavors, to ever give a damn about killing. So this question is completely unexpected, and throws her for a loop.

"You want to...help me?" Sera asks, setting down her coffee. "Help me how?"

"I dunno," Emily says, twiddling her thumbs nervously. "I just...felt so scared and helpless when Rosie found me. I realized how...weak I am. I want to be stronger, so I can protect myself. Protect you."

Sera considers. She had also been devastated when Rosie called, telling the overlord that someone claiming to be her sister had been found in Hell. She'd tried to convince herself it couldn't possibly be true...there was no way Emily would be here! But when she'd arrived at Rosie's emporium, there she was! Quiet, introspective, almost catatonic at her lack of words.

Sera never wants to see her sister like that again. If she can help her...teach her...show her what it means to truly live down here...and her sister is asking her for it...then who is she to deny her?

"Okay," Sera answers, more as a confirmation to herself than Emily. "Okay, you'll help me. Starting Monday, we'll get you set up as my assistant. I'll teach you, and you can help me with daily tasks. That should be enough to get you started. You can do what you want later, once I'm more comfortable setting you loose. But to start, you stay by my side at all times. No exceptions. Got it?"

Emily beams. She bounces up and down in her chair, excited that Sera trusts her enough with this to entertain her idea.

"Of course! Thank you, Sera! I promise, I won't let you down!"

[nettlesomecorvid]

Being Married To Frank (Abigail) Headcanons

Congratulations, you've fallen for clickbait that's not clickbait. You will have HCs, just not the good ones! (For human Frank of course)

~~~

Frank is fashionably late to his own wedding. Not that he cares, he runs on Frank Standard Time. Criminal buddies are present, you have no idea who any of them are.

He doesn't actually care much for his vows, bro actually cheated a day after the wedding but never told you.

He's always home super late and still expects dinner to be made. If not he complains about doing everything to support you, yet you can't make sure a hot meal is there when he gets home.

The type to ask you to drop anything you're doing at any given moment to make him a sandwich.

Forgets the anniversary date of your wedding. Don't even ask him about vow renewals, he thinks they're overrated.

In the event the two of you procreate, he's going to complain about having another mouth to feed on top of providing for yourself.

He misses his own child's birth, going on a job with his criminal buddies during the entire thing. Frank shows up around the hour before you and the child are discharged from the hospital. He doesn't even ask how you're doing.

Frank is keeping his distance away from the small child, "politely" refusing to hold them when you ask if he wants to. He wants to say it's "the woman's job" to take care of kids, he just works to provide the means to do so.

Gone again for "work", leaving you home alone with a baby and chores to do.

If the child wakes up in the middle of the night Frank's tapping on your shoulder to wake you up to deal with it because he can't be bothered.

Unsurprisingly, he misses his kid's first birthday. And that's not the last time. Maybe he makes it to one but you noticed a woman keeping her distance from the party. She's blonde with blue eyes and so very pretty. Frank insists she's just a friend.

You don't see her again for weeks. However he's talking to someone over the phone before entering the house one afternoon. Won't give her a name but she shows up to one cookout he hosts.

A new girl; brunette, fairly tall with heels. Frank's bad at hiding it but he's pretty much all over her. You just have to grin and bear it.

For some reason you don't see her again after some weeks. Frank is still distant as if he's hiding something. However the money is still flowing and he's his usual self still, asking for sandwiches and dinner.

Divorce floats around in your head, but you can't do it. Part of you still loves him. Although there's barely any intimacy with him anymore. If there is, he usually goes to sleep right after.

However one day you're out shopping and arrive home with your child. The house feels... different, more empty than usual. Frank's not there--as if that ever bothered you. But there's an envelope on the table with your name on it.

It's money, a good amount to keep you set for one month longer. Frank had moved all his stuff out. The bastard.

Looks like you were moving back in with your parents.

Calling his number only leads to "the person you are trying to reach no longer exists" (he's got a new phone already).

No point in keeping the ring (he's already pawned his ring for money -- and you should too).

He doesn't do child support either. Tough luck.

Maybe your friends were right about him. Too late now. :^)

[thegamingcatmom]

If you had to choose between...

human!momma:

OR

demon!momma:

Which would it be?

tw: kidnapping, emotional manipulation (kinda), general madness

In case you´re worried about any drawbacks when it comes to the extend of madness, worry not. For both are as bonkers (about you) as they come, each in their own unique way.

Had a bad day? Say no more - Momma(s) will be there to cheer you up. Strong arms coming to wrap around you, scooping you up, squeezing just a tad bit too tight and cooing at you oh so sweetly as you whine and lament, because-

"-air!"

...Not her fault you´re such a delicate little thing.

(She wouldn´t have it any other way.)

...What was that?

Some random fool is responsible for putting her sweet girl in such a sour mood?

Well, consider it done.

*Human!Momma sharpening the soon to be murder weapon.*

(And yes, she will be wearing those glasses later, too. Momma wants to witness every little twitch, after all.)

How about something not quite as extreme, though? Some everyday stuff? Something sane? Surely things aren´t gonna escalate this time. Right?

...Right?

Something on your way to that hellhole the apartment spiked your interest, and you mentioned it kinda off-handed. Just trying to make pleasant conversation. Yknow, normal things.

Waking up from a rather refreshing nap, you did not expect to be met with not just one (1) redhead, but two (2) - your roommate wearing a grin rivaling Cheshire's, while the much smaller version, clutched tightly by big hands, trembled like a leaf. The poor thing-

Come to think of it, the kid seemed familiar. And not just because she was the spitting image of your fiery roommate (minus the blood and guts, if we´re dealing with Maggot Momma). You swear you´d seen her before-

...

Watching your companion's face fall as you patiently explained to her why kidnapping someone wasn't exactly in either of your best interests shouldn't have been nearly as gut-wrenching.

"-you can´t just go out there and snatch someone up like they´re a stray cat! Especially not a child!"

Oh...so it´s her fault, now?

"You were the one gushing about my mini-me earlier!", Momma no longer understood the world. This was what you wanted, wasn´t it?? "You looked so happy, imagining what it would be like..."

Strong hands wrapped around your upper arms then, slowly stroking up and down. "Don´t you think this would be absolutely perfect? You were right...look at her, she was meant for us!"

Oh boy. Here we go again.

"What if her parents come looking for her? Someone will notice if she won't show up at school anymore-"

"We're her parents now", said with a most serene look. If you hadn't been living with that exact attitude for well over a year now, you'd have felt chilled to the bone.

"You can´t just-", you stop yourself there, realizing you sounded like a broken record by now. This was not a battle won by logic.

Deep breaths.

Alright-

"...She´s not the one." you concluded, trying your best to look the part. It was something that came rather easy to you by now, as you had been given plenty of opportunities to master your poker face.

Your roommate was looking at you like you were the one who´s lost it.

"But...earlier you said-"

"I lied", you silently applauded yourself for remaining steadfest at the sheer disappointment slowly spreading across your partner´s face.

You didn´t particularly enjoy being the "party pooper", but more often than not, you felt like this was the only thing keeping the redhead´s tendencies somewhat in check. So you took that role very seriously.

"I guess I was just...blinded by this idea of another you, so perfect. How could it not be when you´re so...you?", you couldn´t have sounded more sappy, and you knew it. But that was the point.

It always worked.

So you continue, tears starting to form in your eyes-

"I´m sorry for getting your hopes up...so stupid! I should´ve known better - I was looking for an excuse to justify making her ours, but I knew she wasn´t the one, all along. I could feel it!", you started lightly hitting your head then, turning things up a notch and adding to the dramatics of it all.

And then-

"Oh...honey-"

You had her.

"Stop, stop...stop!", your hands were grasped, preventing you from further doing your head in. Good. That shit started to actually hurt. "Stop hurting yourself...and stop worrying that pretty head of yours. I understand."

"...You do?"

"Mhm..."

You were pulled into a smothering hug, her cheek coming to rest on your head, swaying the two of you slowly from side to side. "I know what it feels like...to be overcome by your thoughts and feelings. Like a deep-rooted instinct, overshadowing everything else. You get this tunnel vision where nothing else matters...nothing except yourself and that moment. I know it because...it´s what I feel every time I look at you."

And, just like that, you were reminded why you put up with all of this in the first place.

You reciprocated the hug just as fiercely, finally allowing yourself to relax, now that the crisis had been averted. Nobody was dying or getting dismembered, the apartment was still standing, you had no authorities nearly kicking your door in, demanding you to-

"LAPD, open this door!"

...

Momma, reconsidering some of her life choices (she´s really not) as you throw her a look that clearly says "Told you so".

...

WELL-

What do you think? Who will be your unhinged partner in crime, now and forever more because you belong together, were meant for each other-

Make your choice.

In fact-

Can´t wait to see those results...

.

.

.

Bonus: