#the lines 'you were my everything and all that you did was make me fucking sad' particularly are what's rattling around

[demoncatapologist]

Hello, someone with actual bullying experience in middle school here. I did everything I could in my power to fight back. Screaming, attempting to hit my bullies back, tell the teachers, requested a switch in classes, you name it.

But guess fucking what? THEY DID NOT LEAVE ME ALONE.

They continued to pick on me as their most obvious fucking target - the obviously autistic AFAB kid with no friends from a different socioeconomic background.

No amount of puffing myself up and being a good student saved me. Because there were no such thing as a consequence for what they did. The most they ever got was a phone call to their parents and they are still here for the next day. No suspension, no genuine effect on their school records, nothing.

So yeah, fuck the "don't make yourself a target" line. If that poster did not want to be ripped off and burnt to ashes then it shouldn't have made itself a target by blaming the fucking victims for being bullied and dismissing all of the adults' responsibilities for preventing bullying in the first place.

[littleprinces]

Day 28: Office Sex

IVE Rei x Male Reader

Kinkvember day 28

Sorry for latepost

The office was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside. I sat at my desk, eyes scanning a spreadsheet that held little interest for me. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Rei. She had been my secretary for a few months now, and every day I found myself more and more drawn to her. Her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked—it all drove me wild. Today, I decided, I would act on my desires.

I called her into my office, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Rei, could you come in here for a moment?"

She entered, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. Her eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of surprise. "Yes, Mr. Thompson?"

"Please, call me Jamie," I said, leaning back in my chair. "And you can close the door."

She did as I asked, her brow furrowing slightly. "Is everything alright?"

I stood up, rounding my desk to stand in front of her. "Everything is perfect, Rei. I've been thinking about you a lot lately."

She blushed, looking down at her feet. "I... I don't know what to say."

I reached out, tipping her chin up so she had to look at me. "Say yes. Say yes to this." I leaned in, brushing my lips against hers. She hesitated for a moment before responding, her lips soft and warm against mine.

I deepened the kiss, my tongue exploring her mouth. She moaned softly, her hands reaching up to tangle in my hair. I pulled her closer, my hands roaming over her body. She was wearing a tight skirt and a blouse that hinted at her curves. I wanted to see more, to touch more.

I broke the kiss, my breath ragged. "Rei, I want to fuck you."

Her eyes widened, but she didn't pull away. "Jamie... I'm not sure..."

I smiled, my fingers tracing the line of her jaw. "Let me convince you." I kissed her again, my hands moving to her blouse. I unbuttoned it slowly, my eyes on hers. She didn't stop me, her breath coming in soft gasps as I revealed more of her skin.

Her blouse fell open, and I took a moment to appreciate her lacy bra. I ran my fingers over the lace, making her shiver. I unhooked it, and her big breasts spilled out. They were perfect, firm and pert with rosy nipples. I couldn't resist leaning down to take one in my mouth.

She moaned, her hands gripping my hair. "Jamie... that feels so good."

I switched to the other breast, my hands moving to her skirt. I unzipped it slowly, her eyes on me the whole time. I slipped it down her legs, leaving her in just her heels and panties.

I stepped back, my eyes raking over her body. "You're gorgeous, Rei."

She blushed, but she didn't look away. She looked confident, sexy. "Thank you."

I sat down in my chair, pulling her towards me. "Come here." She stepped between my legs, her hands on my shoulders. I could feel her heat through her panties, and it was driving me crazy.

I kissed her again, my hands moving to her ass. I squeezed, pulling her against me. She moaned, her hips grinding against mine. I could feel her wetness through her panties, and I knew she wanted this just as much as I did.

I broke the kiss, my eyes locked with hers. "I want to taste you."

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. "Okay."

I pushed her gently so she was lying back on my desk. I moved between her legs, my hands on her thighs. I could see the wet spot on her panties, and I groaned. I hooked my fingers into the sides and pulled them off, revealing her pussy.

She was shaved, her pussy lips glistening. I leaned in, my tongue flicking out to taste her. She was sweet and salty, and I couldn't get enough. I lapped at her, my tongue circling her clit. She moaned, her hips bucking against my mouth.

I slipped two fingers inside her, curling them up to hit that spot. She cried out, her hands gripping the desk. I fucked her with my fingers, my tongue working her clit. She was close, I could tell.

"Jamie... I'm gonna come..." she panted.

I redoubled my efforts, my fingers moving faster. She came with a cry, her body shaking. I licked her through it, not stopping until she was boneless and panting.

I stood up, my cock aching. She looked up at me, her eyes heavy-lidded. "Your turn," she said, a wicked smile on her face.

I unbuckled my belt, my cock springing free. She sat up, her eyes locked on it. She licked her lips, and I groaned.

"Come here," I said, my voice rough. She did, her hands wrapping around my cock. She stroked it, her eyes on mine.

"You're so big," she said, her voice breathy.

I smiled, my hands tangling in her hair. "And you're so wet. I can't wait to feel you."

I pushed her back onto the desk, my cock at her entrance. I rubbed the head against her clit, making her moan. Then I pushed in, slowly, giving her time to adjust.

She was tight, so fucking tight. I groaned, my hands gripping her hips. I started to move, slowly at first, then faster. She met my thrusts, her nails digging into my back.

"Yes, Jamie, yes," she panted. "Harder. Faster."

I obliged, my cock slamming into her. She was screaming, her body shaking with each thrust. I could feel my orgasm building, and I knew I couldn't hold on much longer.

"I'm gonna come, Rei," I grunted. "Come with me."

She nodded, her body tensing. "Yes, yes, I'm coming..."

I thrust into her one last time, my cock pulsing as I came. She came with me, her body shaking as she screamed my name.

We collapsed onto the desk, our bodies slick with sweat. I pulled her against me, our hearts pounding in sync.

"That was..." she started, but she couldn't find the words.

I smiled, kissing her forehead. "Amazing. And we're not done yet."

She looked up at me, her eyes shining. "Oh really?"

I grinned. "Oh really."

I flipped her onto her hands and knees, my cock already hard again. I rubbed the head against her pussy, making her moan.

"Jamie... I don't know if I can take more," she said, her voice breathless.

I chuckled, my hands on her hips. "You can. And you will."

I pushed into her, her pussy still wet from our previous encounter. She moaned, her body arching back against me. I started to move, my hands gripping her hips.

"Deeper, Jamie," she moaned. "Deeper."

I obliged, my cock slamming into her with each thrust. She was screaming, her body shaking with each thrust. I could feel her pussy clenching around me, and I knew she was close.

"I'm gonna come, Rei," I grunted. "Come with me."

She nodded, her body tensing. "Yes, yes, I'm coming..."

I thrust into her one last time, my cock pulsing as I came. She came with me, her body shaking as she screamed my name.

We collapsed onto the desk, our bodies slick with sweat. I pulled her against me, our hearts pounding in sync.

"That was..." she started, but she couldn't find the words.

I smiled, kissing her forehead. "Amazing. And we're not done yet."

She looked up at me, her eyes shining. "Oh really?"

I grinned. "Oh really."

[puck-luck]

wait plz for your 1k celly can I request your example of 7 of hearts Quinn breeding kink like that’s rlly EVERYTHING

warnings: no actual fucking, but allusions to previous encounters. the third installment of this breeding kink/pregnancy thing that i've been writing through these cellys. here is part one and part two. might even write a fourth if there's another request for Q's breeding kink in my list! (there probably is).

wc: 897

It’s a Sunday and Quinn doesn’t have a game today. Things are already wonderful just from those two facts alone, but you have a third little fact that you’ve been waiting to tell Quinn since last week. During his short roadie down to California, you’d peed on the stick and that second line appeared. An indescribable feeling washed over you– it was a rush of emotion that tapered off into a consistent feeling of happiness. 

You were excited to tell Quinn what was happening, but you wanted to make sure that it wasn’t a false positive. You’d made an appointment at your doctor’s office, a rushed one, and asked them to do some bloodwork to see if you were really pregnant– you were. After two months of trying, you were knocked up. Quinn’s baby was growing inside of you. It’s weird when you think about a baby actually growing in your body, but you’re ecstatic that it’s Quinn’s baby and you get to experience this together.

You’re tangled up in bed now. Your head is on Quinn’s chest, hand on his stomach, and his arm is wrapped around your shoulders. His eyes are closed and his breath is even. He’s awake, even though it doesn’t look like he is. 

“Quinn?” You murmur.

“Mm?” He hums. “I think my dick is broken, baby. Can’t fuck you right now.” He shifts, moving towards the edge of the bed. “Gonna go make us breakfast, I think. What do you want? Pancakes?”

“I wanna stay in bed with you,” you reply, tracing the birthmark on his chest. 

Quinn snuffles out a laugh, dropping a kiss on the crown of your head. “Not possible. We have to eat something. Let me go make something, then we can be lazy in the living room together.”

“Let me give you a reason to stay in bed,” you say, voice growing to a normal volume. You pick your head up and set your chin in his sternum, looking up at your boyfriend. 

Quinn’s eyes open a sliver, glinting down at you. “My dick doesn’t work anymore. Fucked you too good last night, sweetheart.”

He’s right, he did fuck you too good last night. You'd had no idea how much better sex was when you’re pregnant– but maybe it was the confirmation bias. You’d read that it was better and you were excited that Quinn was so eager to fuck you full of his child, unaware that he’d already succeeded, so you felt like it was better. You’ll have to keep track of your opinion during the pregnancy, just to make sure.

“Don’t need your dick to work anymore, Q,” you tell him coyly, a tiny little grin on your face. 

Quinn’s eyebrows pinch together, confused. “What do you mean?” He asks. “You don’t want to keep trying?”

You lay your head back on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Not that,” you tell him. “I just don’t think you can get me pregnant again.”

Quinn goes quiet and still. His heart is pounding beneath your ear. “What?” He questions, seeming like he’s holding his breath. “What did you say?”

You smile, turning and burying your face between his pecs. Your lips kiss over his sternum and where his heart is pounding against the bone– at least, that’s how it feels. He’s racing. “I wasn’t sure if it was a false positive, so I went to the doctor the other day, and I’m pregnant, Q. There’s a Hughes baby inside me right now.”

He stares at you, eyes wide and disbelieving. His mouth is open, jaw dropped wide.

You snort out a laugh and grab his arm, placing his hand on your abdomen. “The baby and I would like to be lazy in bed with Daddy all day, please.” You’re just teasing him now, trying to get a reaction from him.

“Are you actually?” Quinn demands, springing back to life. His eyes are darting all over his face and he’s craning his neck so that he can look down at you properly. “You’re not just fucking with me?”

“Do you want me to go get the pregnancy test and the doctor’s note?” You ask, laughing.

“No! No,” Quinn says, his voice loud and excited. “I can get it. You relax.” He kicks the covers off, but you wrap your arms around his stomach and try to hold him there. He’s strong, so he moves anyway. “Where is it?”

“It’s only been a few weeks, Q, I can still move around,” you laugh. “They’re in the bottom drawer in the bathroom with all my random things. Come back here when you’re done, I wasn’t kidding about cuddling with my baby-daddy all day.” Your last sentence is a call after him, because as soon as you told Quinn where the items were, he was on the move. You can hear him throwing open the drawer and rifling around. 

You laugh, laying flat on your back and placing a hand on your belly. You’re not showing, not even close, but you know that there’s something in there. A little baby, made completely from yours and Quinn’s love. That knowledge, paired with Quinn’s excitement when he comes rushing back into the room and pounces on you, wrapping you in a hug and kissing over your face, pregnancy test clasped in his hand, makes this the best day of your life.

[lovelyjj]

❌

Rudy was the love of your life. Yeah he was famous but you didn’t care, you loved him for him. Rudy was an angel. He was one of the kindest people you’ve ever known. You would be lost without him. You didn’t know what good thing you did in a past life to deserve him, but you felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

The two of you lived together. It was a nice apartment that felt like home. You were sitting on the couch waiting for Rudy to come home from work. Eventually Rudy did come home from work and he greeted you with a kiss and a hug.

“I had a long day baby, feels so good to come home to you. Just wanna make love to you and show you how much you mean to me,” Rudy sighed.

Rudy led you to the bedroom and started stripping. You sat on the bed with anticipation. Rudy revealed his toned abs and you were practically drooling. “You’re so hot, I can’t believe your mine,” you complemented.

“Arms up,” Rudy ordered. You lifted your arms and Rudy took off your shirt. Next he took off your pants leaving both of you in your underwear.

Rudy took a moment to admire you. You were gorgeous in his eyes. “You’re so beautiful my love,” Rudy said. “Thank you.” Rudy leaned in for a kiss and you fell back against the pillows as Rudy hovered over you. Your lips met in a heated kiss. You were laying down with Rudy on top of you. You both kissed passionately. Rudy’s tongue entered your mouth and swirled around your own tongue.

Rudy kissed down your neck and littered your chest in hickeys. “I love you so much,” Rudy confessed as he lined himself up at your entrance. He kissed you as he entered you. Rudy was big so the stretch was deliciously filling. “Can I move?” You nodded your head.

Rudy thrusted in and out with much force. He kept hitting a certain spot inside you that made you see stars. “You feel so good,” Rudy panted as your walls hugged him tightly, sucking him in. He fucked you with a fast pace but he was savoring every moment.

You let out a loud moan and Rudy encouraged you to be loud. “Fuck JJ,” you moaned.

Rudy paused. “Did you just-?” Rudy questioned.

“Um,” you didn’t know what to say. You were caught up in the moment and your mind was hazy and you slipped up. You were mentally kicking yourself for being so stupid and dumb.

Rudy pulled out and threw on some sweatpants. You sat there mortified. Rudy’s mind was reeling. He didn’t know what to think. He was hurt because the one person who is supposed to love him unconditionally mistook him for his character. Ouch. He loved you because you loved him for him now he wasn’t so sure.

“Rudy, I don’t know what came over me I’m so so sorry,” you pleaded.

“What the fuck Y/N?” Rudy yelled.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean it.”

“Oh you didn’t mean it, okay sure.” Rudy felt like you betrayed him. He was angry and disappointed. The whole world loves him as JJ but you were supposed to be different. He was shocked and conflicted. After everything you two have been through he never thought this would happen, ever.

“I know I fucked up and that’s on me but I never meant to hurt you,” you urged.

Rudy put his hands in his hair and pulled. “I just thought out of all people you would understand that I’m Rudy.”

“I know you are, I messed up I know but let me make it up to you, I’ll do anything.”

“Right now I just need to think,” Rudy breathed.

“Okay yeah of course.”

Rudy was upset, he felt like his own girlfriend didn’t know who he was. Maybe that’s dramatic but it’s how he felt. He goes to work plays a character all day and then he goes home to be himself and then his partner says his characters name during sex. It was hurtful.

“I’m gonna go for a walk,” Rudy speaks.

“Rudy please,” you begged.

But before you knew it he was out the door leaving you alone and regretful. You felt awful. You didn’t know how you were gonna fix this but you knew you needed to.

[magicisrealandsoismyally]

Okay, thought we were being like, chill, but I guess that's a kindness only afforded to people you consider to be women, so I'm gonna break this down piece by piece here, a lot to address.

"purposely obtuse or intellectually dishonest"

right off the bat the fact I disagree with you means I'm being intentionally wrong and evil. There's no room for me to be misguided, or making mistakes, or being uninformed, I'm either playing stupid or lying. Got it.

I "either hate AFABs, or don't take harm against them seriously". Once again, another false dichotomy. I take harm against women incredibly seriously, I just don't think the biggest threat to women is trans women. I think we have the same enemies, conservative men in power. I said you were fueled by fear because I was trying to be nice. It's not just fear. It's anger. Misdirected anger. You, and many others, have decided the easiest thing to do is hate.

Yeah. It is in fact transphobic to demand sex segregated spaces given that a true biological sex isn't fucking real. That's why it's "Assigned male at birth" or "Assigned female at birth". I've been assigned a lot of things throughout my life. So have you. Are you going to tell me those assignments were always accurate? I mean hell, with the amount of cis people out there, their accuracy rate is definitely above 50%. Still not accurate tho.

Transphobia is both the people trying to murder us, and the people, who don't want us in spaces that are away from the people trying to murder us. You are aware that the same cis men wanna kill us both right? You've arbitrarily drawn a line in the sand because you are grossly misunderstanding how trans people work. The number one piece of advice I see on this site from transfems, is how to avoid being SAed. By cis men, by cis women, by trans men. It's so common, that it makes me question if I even want to be in spaces with y'all. You wanna talk about fear? I'm fucking terrified. All the time. The instant I come out to the world, I get to spend the rest of my life, knowing that at any moment, someone says anything negative about me? and my life is over. Because people like you, will believe them. Because the scary transfem must be the person oppressing you. Because its easy, to villainize the minority. And it's easy to decide he's a monster. And all the while, she loses everything just for being an easy target.

You wanna talk physical safety? 83% of genderqueer victims of fatal violence are trans women. People love to kill us.

AMAB privilege is not real. I was not socialized male. I think you have a perspective on how the patriarchy functions that hasn't seen the other side of the fence, so let me go ahead and elaborate on that. Being a Man, is something you can fail out of in the patriarchy. It's a club that is nigh impossible to enter, but really fucking easy to fail out. Under the patriarchy, I am not a man. I failed out of that shit at the age of 8 when I said I didn't like sports. When I did anything "girlie" at all. When I cried. I was a crybaby (according to my family) and a faggot (according to the other kids at school). And from that moment, I was a target. Always have been. I wasn't socialized male, I was socialized as a failed man. Most trans girls are treated that way from a young age. I did not benefit from the patriarchy I was shoved around. I have gotten into an absurd amount of fights that I never started because some fucking asshole decided to beat the shit out of the fag. I spent like a week on tumblr before hearing other shared experiences about this kinda thing. Literally not hard to talk to trans women about this stuff if you, yk, try.

"We don’t need to check genitals I would have no problem with the manliest most masculine most passing trans man in an afab space because no matter what hormones or surgery are involved they cannot rape and impregnate me with their penis the same way an AMAB person could."

How do you know he's trans. How. Tell me right now how you tell the difference between a cis man and a trans man with bottom surgery. Do that without being transphobic, please. Find a way. I'm looking for something hilarious to read today, it's been a long one. Because if you don't have a way, your entire transmisogynistic utopia falls apart here. You can't tell if someone is trans. It's about identity. You cannot tell if someone has a penis. No matter what you do. You cannot tell someone's assigned gender at birth.

And how wonderful, you mentioned prisons, just read about this one. Did you know when transfems are imprisoned they get placed with the most violent cellmates? It's a tactic to reduce prison violence. Give the most violent people their own live in target. They get called prison wives. It's called V-Coding. So yeah, prisons are messed up. For both of us. If only we could talk about that and unite to fix that oh wait that's literally the whole point of having transfems in feminist spaces, crazy how that works.

"Also trans AMAB people commit sex crimes at an even higher rate than cis AMAB people"

WHERE IS THE FUCKING SOURCE. I am tired of TMEs and their constant stream of libel demonizing trans women. All of your nonsense statistics is so fucking stupid. Where are you getting these numbers? The sex offenders list? The one that as recently in the 80s included anyone who crossdressed or hit on a person of the same gender even if they were reciprocating? I literally have heard cis lesbians complain about that shit on this site, you're not even being a feminist by citing sex crimes, you're being a cop. Fucking being trans counted as being a sex criminal for most of American history. Drag queens, trans women, and crossdressers get accused of sex crimes all the fucking time, you have no critical thinking god fucking damn.

"which again did not START segregated they became that way because AMAB people could t be trusted not to rape/assault AFAB ones"

Yeah no lmao, (this next paragraph is going to be USAmerican centric because yk, that's what I learned about growing up) they kicked literally all queer people out when women got the right to vote, both lesbians and bi-women had to fight their way back into these spaces in the decades prior. I feel like we forgot about the Ellen Show or smth? Like feminists did not fucking go to bat for her after she came out. Groups will turn on their supporters the instant they decide they don't need them. Mainstream Feminism turned on people of color and queer people who put their own movements on hold to support the women's right to vote so fucking fast. It's American history too, all I had to do to learn this was have a pulse in my US history class.

Also “capitalism is real because it impacts me in a negative way but all other forms of oppression where I might be considered the privileged one in the dynamic is just hysterical people distracting from capitalism”

Girl, reading comprehension, try it out for size. I did not say these systems of oppression are not real. I'm saying demonization and fear of minorities (like, yk, trans women) is a tool of the existing power systems to make you hate us and not your actual enemy, the people in power (like, yk, rich people who are usually cis white conservative men). You keep bringing up how awful existing systems like prisons are but you just, do not analyze who fucking set those systems up. Private prisons are owned by the rich, not by the trans woman you're yelling at who is 4 bad days away from giving up and killing herself.

If trans AMAB people don’t want to be housed with cis ones, they can do the legwork and create those spaces for themselves like AFAB people did they do NOT have the right to commandeer our movement and literally erase our rights and protections because not allowing AMAB people into these vulnerable spaces might give them the big sad.

Okay so first you tell me feminist spaces weren't originally segregated by sex, and now you tell me it's an AFAB only movement? Because I know for a fact trans people have always been at bat for feminism. American white women said the same shit to women of color between 1920-1965. Cause the instant we become expendable, y'all throw us aside.

commandeer our movement

Really? Do you genuinely think trans women could ever outnumber cis women? What cartoon candyville are you from where there are more trans women than cis women? How the fuck are we going to commandeer the movement? We're like, 0.3% of the population at most. What are you talking about.

YEAH MY GUY IM FORCED TO LIVE LIKE A FUCKING PREY ANIMAL!!!

Okay so for starters, transwomen are also in constant fear. We have literally been hunted, this is just, like, a historical thing. Second, I'm not a guy. Don't call me that. You cannot honestly tell me you're not transphobic and then proceed to use exclusively masc terms to refer to me. That's just wild. Playing along with the tranny does not make you not a trans ally. You're still a transphobe just cause you're fine with trans men.

Some fear is completely rational

Yeah. We're both completely justified in our fear. I do not build my politics off my fear. You do. That's the difference. No matter how terrified I am of TMEs, I still fight for y'all. Always have, always will.

Gender is literally fake and varies from culture to culture. Sex based oppression is real and fucks over the lives of AFAB people worldwide.

Ohh, damn, so close, you'll get it next time I'm sure. See the trick is BOTH OF SEX AND GENDER ARE FAKE. Genderqueer people just admit that it's about self expression. You literally just described how fallible sex assignment is by talking about intersex people, it's like, hella cultural. Sex based oppression is real. So is Gender based oppression. Because people are shitty about fake shit, all the time, we're on tumblr, the "death threats over shipping" website.

You cannot tell me you think you're not transphobic and then claim gender oppression isn't real. I feel bad for any trans people who have the misfortune to interact with you. I hope one day you realize you fought on the wrong side of history. And if not? I hope they speak of you in the same breath as the grown adults trying to stop Ruby Bridges from attending school, in the same breath as the cops at Stonewall. You have an excellent day. I probably won't, but what's new. I'm sorry you're so afraid. I'm sorry you fell for it when they told you who to be afraid of. I'm sorry I couldn't do more. If anyone wants sources on this stuff, i'll add links to posts getting into it, a lot of it's screenshots and i'm not about to make this any longer than it is. There's more ofc, but I can only cite what links I have on hand, y'all can do your own research, read like, any transfem blog while they still exist. https://www.tumblr.com/honeylemony/767694258735136768?source=share https://www.tumblr.com/marxism-transgenderism/767536279224270848/okay-ive-said-before-that-part-of-why https://www.tumblr.com/girldogmystic/766813723287502848/i-wanna-get-more-specific-with-this-according-to

"OP is a terf" is a thought-terminating cliche meant to keep you from questioning the status quo and keep you afraid of being labeled a heretic should you come to your own conclusions about anything.

[freizusein]

Can I please. Just for ONE sec. YELL about the Redeem Solas ending of The Veilguard from perspective of a platonic "save Solas worldstate" Inquisitor!!! (in my case a male Lavellan who romanced Dorian).

The Inquisitor is coming to Solas with nothing but their heart on their hand (their remaining hand, the other one taken by the very elf they are trying to redeem) - extended in pure hope of redemption, without any sort of further motive beyond that - never giving up fully, even after Varric's death (which totally made me waver in my erstwhile of stance of trying to redeem Solas no matter what as I'm sure many others jfc but I digress). They have EVERY reason, next to the whole issue of *cough* killing Varric, using blood magic and manipulating Rook like he did, and after Solas then continuing to betray Rook MULTIPLE TIMES, to say nope, Solas has done it, he crossed the line of no return. But they are, despite all that, STILL continuing what they have promised Solas in the Crossroads 10 years ago: "You do not have to destroy this world. I will prove it to you." Despite how lost they might be themselves! DESPITE how much Thedas and its people, and events that were set in motion by Solas himself have taken from them!!! (If you are playing as Solas-platonic Lavellan this also makes you a lost elf just like him in a way and even MORE painfully poetic). And just as Varric carried that promise to prove this to Solas with him, to the final line - just as, depending on how you play them ofc, Rook does - The Inquisitor, JUST AS THEY DID 10 YEARS AGO - walk up a set of stairs to Solas while his back is turned, and ask him. With empathy and kindness. Because deep inside them, they can see through Solas' facade. They know how he feels.

The Inquisitor sets aside all they have suffered, also by Solas own hand - who has been ripped from their old life by events out of their control; by duty; in many cases ostracized from their culture and beliefs in this process, forced to take upon a burden (the safety of the whole southern continent, or at the end of Veilguard more like the whole of Thedas) and a destiny they have never chosen and despite that still need to commit to 10 years later - and they continue to say, no. I WILL NOT BECOME TRAPPED BY WHAT I'VE LOST. (*screaming in the distance at this quote from the earlier conversation with the Inquisitor, btw, the foreshadowing in everything is so good*). And the PARALLELS in this, not just to Solas himself, but then also in the cinematography and TO TRESPASSER!!!

THIS!!!! THIS RIGHT HERE IS THE SHIT I WANT TO ESPECIALLY YELL ABOUT!!!!!

After Solas encounters Mythal and breaks down in pain and despair, the Inquisitor tells Solas, "You are free to find a better way."

And they kneel down before him - kneel down to be UNDER him - just to say it. They don't "talk down" to him, having proven their point made at the end of Trespasser. They are not "winning" here, or triumphing over Solas in any way (if anyone is winning at this moment, you could say that it is Varric from the afterlife). They fucking kneel before him, the lyrium dagger that killed Varric, nearly ripped open the Veil multiple times, killed Ghilna'nain and Elgar'nan, centimeters from their throat.

They reach out to him, one final time. Again with empathy and kindness, not judgement. And with it, light the final beacon to Solas' atonement. Doing this, they prove to Solas, without any doubt, that this is a world ((worth saving)) where he is indeed free to find a better way.

Remember Trespasser? Remember, how, at the end, The Inquisitor was kneeling before Solas, forced to kneel because the anchor was actively killing them and they were suffering unbearable torment while Solas was telling them that he would rip down the Veil and destroy the world as they know it?

See this down here, actively paralleling the final moments of Trespasser in the way Solas and the Inquisitor are positioned, Solas bent with pain... and yet, although they roles might metrophorically be seen as reversed, the Inquisitor again on the ground before him for that final statement, spoken with such softness?

Idk what to close this post with bc I have resorted to mindless rambling at this point but make of it what you will, something something full circle and breaking the circle of violence while doing so, I'll just be in my corner screaming on the inside (also Solas, when he turns around for one final time before stepping into the Veil, saying "Thanks to you I can now see the way" while looking directly at the Inquisitor (who is also the only one who's facial expression reacts to that statement, not Rook or Morrigan))

late night edit of this post bc i cannot stop thinking abt this: something VERY important is to be said here imo that the Inquisitor does not have to forgive solas to do this. In fact after all that has happened it is absolutely fine if the Inquisitor cannot forgive solas for (some of) the things he has done, and that should also be able to be the case in a save solas/solas as (former) friend world state!!! And that would not lessen this scene. On the contrary, even. Giving someone a chance at redemption - bringing light to them and opening their eyes to another path with kindness and empathy DESPITE the pain the inquisitor has endured - while not being able to forgive solas for the pain - just makes the breaking of the circle of violence and the not being trapped in regret themes even more powerful!!! This is actively abt the Inquisitor (and Rook!) setting aside all pride and ego, letting go of their loss and pain and their demons of regret, and making solas open his heart to the way out as much as it is abt Solas himself!!! In spite of it all!!!

[gildeddlily]

season 2 started off beautifully. I was ecstatic at the end of episode three, for the simple reason that it had the same spirit as season 1. Vi feeling like she made a mistake so big trying to reach Powder instead of seeing Jinx and the danger she represented that the only way to fix that for her was to join her oppressors. Caitlyn destroying all the progress she'd made, unlearning what she'd been taught about Zaun by being with zaunites like Vi, the moment one of them killed her mother, and embracing her roots we can say, talking of bad blood and "I thought you were different"- showing that the internalised racism was always there ready to resurface the moment it had an excuse to. Caitlyn saying that her mother being killed by a teenager who's never dealt with her trauma and mental illness is the same thing as Vi's parents being killed by members of a military institution, disregarding everything she knew about the pain and abuse Vi went through because of the Enforcers. a "men get abused too" situation, in which one ignores the social and historical background of that type of violence to feel less sorry about it. they were perfectly well written, because they are things we see everyday. my father taught me as a child that black people crossing the Mediterranean to look for work in Italy were a good thing, and now that he's had problems at work with one he's started saying the opposite. a gay man I knew laughed at trans folks and said they made things worse for us, ridiculing them in the company of straight people to feel less threatened. (not the exact same thing as what happened to Vi, but you get what I mean).

those are real things, and Arcane has always been good at showing real things.

later on, episode seven, Jayce fell down. he landed in the deepest hole of Zaun, broke his leg, was forced to wear a brace to walk, suffered and had to claw his way back to the surface, to Piltover, in a strange metaphor of Viktor's journey and life (saw a post talking even more beautifully about this, will put the link here if I find it again), and once he met Viktor again, he told him his illness, his legs, he, were beautiful. not despite everything. because of it. and now he can understand him a little more. now he says "your imperfections are beautiful" and we can believe him, because he's not speaking from the perspective of a man trying to convince his friend to stop harming others. he's a man trying to make his partner see that he still loves him, now that he's finally understood him after years of trying to reach the truth and always being stopped by something, and that he understands him enough to know why he's harming others, and that he cares for him enough to think that he will be able to understand why it's wrong. it's Viktor accepting the inevitability of being seen by someone who went to hell and back to reach him.

those were fucking beautiful arcs. they were.

and then?

Vi saw Caitlyn become what she'd always said she wouldn't become, and there were no repercussions. Catelyn got to walk away and live all the same. she lost an eye to Ambessa, but it was no punishment for what she'd done. how many people did she harm? how many people did her actions have repercussions on? Vi shouted at her once, and then it was like it had never happened- which is still real, I guess. it happens everyday. but I didn't see any wish to make us see how that was wrong. I don't want to be told "this is wrong", I'm old enough and smart enough to understand this, but I also think I can see the difference between trying to show deeper meanings and not wanting to deal with difficult plot lines.

and Zaun? it was sad. pathetic. years of abuse were what, forgotten and then vanished in thin air because there was a common enemy? that, sadly, isn't real. it isn't. years or oppression can't be forgotten so easily, not by the oppressed, for one "glorious" fight. it's lazy. what started as a good depiction of reality turned into an american wet dream of big fights and sad sacrifice scenes and epic love stories that cross any difficulty, and economic and social difference. don't you dare say something against Caitlyn and Vi's ending, they went through all that, they deserve nice things. they do. many other people did. no one cared about them tho.

so.

epic failure. good soundtracks tho.

[drewizz]

THIRD TIME - 01. exordium

pairing ☆ rafe cameron x reader

WARNINGS: mentions of sex & alcohol consumption + start of slowburn starts now.

WORD COUNT: 1.3K

TAGLIST: open! comment or send in an ask

series masterlist. next

exordium. (noun) the beginning of anything.

The bass wasn’t just loud, it was practically raging. The smell of cheap tasting alcohol and sex was thickening inside the entire house. Y/N had no clue to why she was even here at the party, mingling alone in the corner wrinkling her nose in distaste – busy avoiding the drunk sods who were looking for nothing but a quick fuck.

The house itself didn’t help. Built  in a way that it seemed to be making Y/N feel so small and invisible, decorated with furniture that was screaming for attention. The entire house was littered with people. All the rooms were full, the basement, in the pool, on the balcony, there was little to no space anywhere. 

Unfortunately, she would be stuck here for a while.

She tugged at the strap of her dress again, the fabric just about physically digging into her shoulders. Her best friend had convinced her to wear it, the fabric clinging on to her body for dear life, dipped low enough to make her self-conscious every time someone looked her way. “You’ll thank me later,” her friend had said, grinning as she handed it over. 

She sure thanked her. At this point, compared to all the people walking around in the tiniest clothing possible, Y/N felt overdressed. Everything around her and on her felt so overstimulating, constantly jabbing at her body.

The drink in her hand wasn’t helping. It was some awful mix of cheap vodka and cranberry juice, and it tasted like absolute vomit. But at least it gave her something to hold onto, a prop that made her feel less exposed.

Her best friend had vanished hours ago, swept away by a guy with a pearly white grin and a trust fund. “Five minute tops,” is what she promised to come back in. But that had been at least an hour ago, maybe two.

Y/N sighed, leaning against the wall and looking around the room. Everywhere she looked there were groups of people laughing, dancing, freakishly grinding on the couches like they owned the place. 

She wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to come. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was boredom. But at this point, all she felt like was suffocation.

She ducked into the kitchen, desperate for a moment of quiet. It was just as luxurious as the rest of the house – sleek counters with a gigantic beverage cooler so big it fit rows of liquor bottles lined up.

Her eyes landed on a bottle of whiskey near the edge of the counter. It looked expensive, the one that looked like it could cost a lifetime. She wasn’t a whiskey drinker, but compared to the questionable cocktail and watered-down beer in the other room, it seemed like the better option.

She poured herself a small splash, wincing as the liquid burned its way down her throat. It was smoother than she’d expected, but still strong enough to make her grimace.

She was just starting to warm to it when a voice cut through her thoughts.

“What the actual fuck do you think you’re doing right now?”

She jumped at the sharp tone, spinning around to see who it was.

And there was Rafe Cameron, head cocked to the side in a manner of questioning.

Y/N recognized him immediately. Everyone knew who Rafe Cameron was. His reputation preceded him – all sharp edges and simmering anger. Up close, he was even more striking than the whispers suggested. His jawline was sharp as if it was carved from stone, his hair was currently tousled falling just barely on his forehead – but hidden under a cap. Overall, his presence was just absolutely jarring and overwhelming.

Rafe, it seems, did not look impressed.

Y/N caught herself amidst stare and snapped back harsher than intended. “I’m sorry?”

“That’s my bottle,” he said, nodding towards the bottle of whiskey in her hand.

She blinked. “Your bottle?”

“Yeah,” he pressed. “I brought it. And I don’t remember saying you could just help yourself.”

Was Rafe fucking Cameron seriously picking a fight over a sip of whiskey at a party, where people were practically bathing in alcohol that were stolen?

“It was sitting with the rest of the drinks,” she said slowly, trying to keep her tone calm. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. And I needed to relieve some tension, if you don’t mind.”

“Well, it is a big deal and I do mind,” he said coldly, his eyes narrowing.

Her patience snapped. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, dripped with sarcasm. “Was I supposed to fill out a permission form? Do I need to ask for your permission to take a swig?”

Clearly Rafe was getting ticked off as his jaw was tightening. “It’s called common courtesy. Maybe you’ve heard of it.”

Y/N let out a short laugh, dry and humorless. “Right. Because this is clearly a party full of people who care about manners and shit.”

He took a step closer, his presence suddenly suffocating. “You don’t even know me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

“And I’m starting to think I don’t want to,” she shot back.

For a moment, something flickered in his expression, something Y/N couldn’t quite place. Annoyance, maybe. Or curiosity.

“Who even invited you? Did you just stroll into the party with no friends thinking that bottles of alcohol would help you make some?” he asked, his tone dripping with disdain.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I came with a friend. You know, like normal people do.”

Rafe scoffed. “Normal? You don’t exactly scream ‘normal’ if that’s what you really think.”

Her grip on the bottle tightened. “And you think ‘nice guy’ seems to fit your persona?”

“No, because trust me, I’m not.” His mouth twitched, like he was fighting back a smirk. 

The air between them was thickening – too fast for Y/N’s liking. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears, the bass was extremely deafening as she felt it vibrate off the floor. Everything was tightening up on her, and she was on the verge of puking all over Rafe’s shoes.

“Look,” she said finally, her voice firm. “I didn’t know the whiskey was yours. If it’s that big of a deal, I’ll find a new one at the store and buy it for you”

His eyebrow shot up, his skepticism practically radiating off him. “You think you can just swing by the store and pick up a bottle like that?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Sure you will.”

The condescension in his voice made her stomach churn. She opened her mouth to fire back, but before she could, someone called his name from the other room.

“Rafe! Come on, man!”

He didn’t look away immediately. His gaze lingered, as if he was trying to decide whether she was worth more of his time. Finally, he took a step back as his lips were curving into a smirk that made her blood boil.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” he said, his tone mocking. “This isn’t a type of place for pretty girls like you.”

Snatching the whiskey out of her hand, he was gone as if nothing had happened.

“Fucking dick,” she mumbled. Y/N was starting to feel a migraine ease her way into her head with the ongoing commotions of people yelling and the music.

Minutes were quickly strolling past, and Y/N was itching to leave so she ended up sending a text to her friend who was long lost somewhere in the house.

not feeling good, im gonna head out. get home safe x

Making her way out of the house (avoiding all the touchy drunks), she sighed. Fresh air. This is where she felt more free.

This isn’t a type of place for pretty girls like you.

For pretty girls like you.

Pretty girls like you.

Rafe Cameron had labelled Y/N as a pretty girl. And it just had to fly over her head. 

With a groan, she took a last glance back at the house, and there she saw him. Standing near the doorway, leaning with the bottle of whiskey they were arguing over a bit ago. With a quick subtle smirk, he was gone.

Who would’ve thought that they would meet again. Approximately, the next day.

NOTE. first chapter is now complete woohooo !!! i'm verygiddy rn i wanna hear how you guys feel about this chapter and js everything overall.. i have second chapter coming soooooon. xx isa

TAGS. @urbrunettebombshell

[notoriouslydevious]

It's so embarrassing looking at Elementalist Lux and Dj Sona and how the ultimate tier skins were just lesser and lesser until they're not even called ultimate skins at all. They come up with this "new tier" but it's just a legendary skin with a chroma and a $200 price tag.

Lux had 10 forms, all having unique voice lines, unique VFX, a pack with icons, a ward, when you'd have her as your profile background it would be a moving image. It's still the best skin in league. You also had a mission to be able to switch between the forms IN GAME.

Dj Sona only had 3 forms but you could switch between them whenever you wanted and your whole team gets to listen to your music. 3 icons as well that, again, when you had her icon as your summoner icon it would have her moving splash.

I was never really interested in Pulsefire Ezreal or the Udyr one, but look at how it went from there: Big disappointment #1: Gun Goddess MF The splash is gorgeous, you can change forms in base instead of wherever you are with Sona & Lux, unique VO and VFX, new animations (but I feel like the walk was the same).

I remember people were really upset at this at launch and they quickly had it go on sale to the price of a legendary skin.

It only got worse from here. Seraphine's Ultimate skin. The 3 epic skins in a bundle that YOU CAN'T EVEN SWITCH BETWEEN FORMS IN GAME.

One of my biggest gripes with this skin was how it'd show up in the store. It has this HUGE textbox talking about the skin and every other skin after has just been like, "here's the skin! Have fun!"

Then there was Samira's "ultimate skin" which used the same animations as her base. It got a "pentakill" vfx but so does Battle Queen Katarina and Winter Wonder Diana, which are both legendary skins. Only I think Katarina and Diana got new animations and vfx.

It's really sad seeing the quality of skins going lower and lower while the prices are getting higher and higher. Hell, Jhin had a fucking chroma for $200. ONE CHROMA. It really makes me sad.

ALSO THE PASSES! Apparently they're taking out the mythic essence that you'd get from the pass. It's crazy to think back then, you didn't have to buy the passes to get the missions. They'd come free with the events. The Odyssey event from 2018? If you did all the missions you'd get the Ziggs skin for free. The Star Guardian event from 2018? You'd get a ward for free. Now if you do the Jinx fixes everything, you get Singed's arcane skin for free but like... really? Out of everyone? Singed?? When Arcane was being released ALL OF THE SKINS (except Firelight Ekko's) were given to players FOR FREE (Arcane Jinx, Caitlyn, Vi & Jayce). Now they all have price tags slapped on them.

so arcane fractured jinx is 2 models that they've marketed as 3 forms because they have different ability vfx

note how the left and right forms are the same model, just with a recoloured weapon, and they've strategically placed the form with a different model in between them lol

back in my day we called these ultimate skins and they were £25, now they're called exalted skins and cost about £200

[mythalism]

Do you find yourself in almost a state of mourning/grief with datv? I’m literally in an almost emotional distress over it. All summer I built up insane defensiveness due to all the grifter hate train bullshit brewing for it with a dose of insane excitement since I’ve been a DA girlie since Origins 2009 release date and I just… don’t know how to process my feelings?!?

Due to the pre game discourse I almost feel programmed to fight criticism for it and during a new play through I keep having “holy shit that quest was so dialed in” followed immediately by “what the hell did I just listen to” and yet my brain is still in copium mode.

DA fandom discourse has always been poisoned with garbage takes, ESPECIALLY since Solas got introduced with DAI (I’m sorry, I truly believe his die hard haters have the reading comprehension of a peanut) but the fact that there is still a huge pocket of the fandom that couldn’t even get the point of the solas/mythal dynamic when it was LITERALLY SPOONFED TO US kind of… scares me about the future of narrative design in general.

Absolutely development hell and reboot and lack of time to truly sink into the intended story beats from start to finish played a major role. The skeleton remains of bullshit multiplayer factions are here too. But holy shit. Is it just me or does everything else utterly scream “chronically online” to me.

Sorry I have no idea where I’m going with this. I just needed to yap thoughts that weren’t just in the void. I don’t know how to reconcile getting my dream romance ending I waited 10 years for alongside a narrative that doesn’t even make sense leading to that happy ending.

i wouldn't say im experiencing full on grief but i do know exactly what you mean and i sympathize with your experience a lot. i think it might be because ive been in a corner of fandom that has been very critical of bioware and so i honestly had extremely low expectations of veilguard up until the summer. i thought we would NEVER get the game, and if we did get it, i was sure it would be a fucking trainwreck after 10 years of "[insert x developer here] leaves bioware after 20+ years!". my personal bar was truly on the floor, in the deep roads, in the heart of a titan, in the void etc etc.

it does bother me the way it was marketed because honestly i would call it duplicitous. not in the "false advertising" legal sense of the world but in the way it feels like the devs are (and were) very aware of the flaws in this game and more importantly were very aware of how it would be received by long-time fans. and of course i am aware that developers have little to no say whatsoever in marketing, and its also clear that vg's marketing was an absolute mess of conflicting directions considering that reveal trailer that honestly set the game up to fail (i truly believe the grifting and general, casual reception would not have been so negative if they had used the release-date trailer instead) and the way they immediately had to drop 20 minutes of gameplay to reassure people that they werent releasing dragon age: fortnite LMFAO. but i think that mismatch actually tells us a lot about the similarly contradictory tone and writing in different parts of the game, and the direction that EA seemingly pushed for (as exemplified by their attempts to market it as... whatever that was) and the game bioware was attempting to make (which would have undoubtedly been flawed but probably more in-line with past games).

but, this duplicitous marketing was not just EA, and i do feel that the devs played up the game, and specifically our attachment to past characters and franchise entries, in a way that was a bit unfair when you have the context of their comments post-release about how aware they are of it's shortcomings. and i get it, these people have quite literally no choice. they have to participate in the marketing of this game, it's their job, they need to pay rent and eat etc etc like i get it. but just because they have good reason to play on their fan's attachment to their writing via their tweets and comments in dev q&a's doesn't mean i cant say it left a bad taste in my mouth. i think trick being completely absent from the entire marketing cycle is really interesting in this context, lol. i have no proof of there being a correlation, it was just something i found interesting this summer, and that i find even more interesting now, especially considering their role as lead writer.

it definitely felt like the things they chose to show and the things they chose not to were designed specifically to grip fans and rile us up, and though it worked for their pre-sales, i think it actually hurt them in the end because if they had not gotten expectations up so high by dangling varric and solas and morrigan and the inquisitor in front of us like carrots, we probably would not all have been so disappointed! i sure wouldnt be. remember i thought this game was going to fucking blow not even 8 months ago! for me it was precisely the summer build up that left me so bereft in the end. if i had played the game completely blind id still think it was a flop, but i wouldn't feel absolutely bamboozled and pissed off in the way i and a lot of others seem to feel.

legend @scaryanneee said once that the entire game feels apologetic, in both its writing and design and that has stuck with me ever since she said it. the whole game feels like a big "sorry it wasnt better", and even more so due to the release of the artbook filled with ideas that they knew we'd like better, and even MORE so with the game's lack of denuvo or other anti-piracy software, allowing us to data-mine and see the skeleton left behind at some point. idk a lot about game development but i am under the impression that post-release content that feels like a desperate apology to fans + tweets about how you fought and lost that then get deleted are not the norm????

its truly a mess. but i do not feel hopeless, for some reason. gaming is a mess and i think you are right to fear for the future of narrative design but although there are always people who will bootlick to cope, there are also beloved haters like us who will always complain, and not out of transphobia or a desire to grift, but out of a genuine love for these games and the stories they tell. i wish the reviews had been a bit more discerning and critical, but i hope the message will get through to bioware and EA eventually. i also think that tbh, if this game came out 3 years after bg3 rather than 1, it would look VERY different. i would not even really consider myself a bg3 fan and i have a lot of criticisms of it (lol who's surprised!!!) it is objectively a move in the right direction for the gaming industry for a variety of reasons, and i do believe its many accolades have sent a message to greedy execs everywhere.

[eowynstwin]

I'm almost done. I have this and maybe one or two other things to talk about. After that, I'm going to respond to the rest of the messages I received (some weren't questions, they were just offering support, so i'm saving them for last). After that, I'm going to wrap this subject up and put it away, and get on to having fun again.

I've talked about what happened back then; here's what's happening now.

When I came back, I immediately got an anonymous message criticizing me for...I honestly don't understand what. It feels like an entry into a conversation I was never a part of.

(I found out later that a lot of Myka’s sock puppets complained often about how the fandom “sexualizes” military characters that she personally finds to be far too complex for garden-variety smut. I’m guessing this is her attempt to validate that feeling by making it about race. It’s very weird and poorly done. So, it’s on brand for her.)

In the following months, I've occasionally gotten anonymous messages along that line. Any time I shared any sort of hot take, there would be someone in my inbox clapping back.

I have no doubt it's Myka. I'm very sure she's paying close attention to this blog, saving anything she thinks she can use against me later. She's already demonstrated the lengths to which she's willing to go for revenge and attention.

I usually block and delete. However, the day I went on hiatus—and indicated that my mental health was not well—I received this message.

She was waiting. I know it in my bones. I’ve had a couple of public breakdowns on this blog since I came back, and I have absolutely no doubt that she was waiting, and watching, and figuring out the exact right thing to say to me the next time she saw an opportunity.

I know this, because this one met its mark. I was in the middle of one of the worst episodes I’ve had in a while. The moment I read this message, I agreed with her.

So congratulations, Myka, you finally got back at me. All your waiting paid off. For one brief moment, we agreed with each other.

Small problem for you, though. I’m still fucking here. And because of everything you did, you can never, ever show your face in this community again.

[jinxposting]

Jason Todd x Jinx! reader Chapter 4

Different

The next time you saw Robin was while you, Joker, and Harley were robbing Gotham City Bank.

These were your least favorite kinds of missions. Banks had a certain time limit for their silent alarms, which means limited fanfare. Limited fun. Boring. Thank god the Bat showed up, otherwise today would've been a total snooze fest.

You fiddled with a grenade in the back seat of Joker's convertible. He swerved through the streets haphazardly, Harley shooting behind you at the batmobile. You glanced back but couldn't catch a glimpse of bat nor bird through the tinted windshield. You tossed the grenade over your shoulder. The blast sounded behind you, but the armored vehicle never let up it's relentless pursuit.

A grappling hook shot out from the front of the batmobile. It pierced a tire, Joker's car skidding to an abrupt stop. Once the ground stopped moving you readied yourself to sprint. Before you could however a hand grabbed you by the shoulder. You swung your elbow back with force. The assailant dodged, spinning you around in the process.

Robin.

"Hey, Boy Wonder! Fancy meeting you here."

"In a car chase? Pretty standard for you."

The boy froze. You could feel his eyes scanning you head to toe.

"You look... different."

You picked up one of your braids with a twirl. "All natural now, baby!"

"W- How?"

"Took a nice, long chemical bath."

"What? Why did- did Joker-"

"Relax, baby bird. It's family tradition."

"Some family." He grumbled.

Now that struck a nerve.

"At least my family doesn't make me dress up like a weak, little bird."

"Better than actually being weak and little."

You swung a fist. Similar to before, he blocked it. Unlike before, he didn't block the butt of your gun. Robin stumbled backwards with a newly split eyebrow.

"Seriously?!"

"Deadly."

He swept your legs, which you narrowly avoided with a quick jump. In one fell swoop you kicked him in the chest, sending him tumbling to the ground with a grunt. He recovered in time to kick you up and over himself. You rolled to a stop, rising to your feet, fists up and ready for a fight. In the blink of an eye Robin matched your posture.

A punch flew past your head, you weaved out of the way before the second could land. "You shouldn't have taught me how to fight."

The boy smirked. "Didn't teach you everything."

Suddenly your world was turned upside down. Literally. Before you could even process what had happened you were handcuffed and slung over the boy's shoulder.

"Wha-"

"And back to the batmobile we go."

"Put me down!"

"I will. In a restrained chair."

"You dick!"

"Jason actually."

"... Huh?"

"Nothing. Inside joke."

Robin stared at you in silence. Batman was still attempting to track down Joker's route, which left you two sitting silently in the batmobile.

"... You look sick."

"Really? That's your opening line after ten minutes of nothing? You really know how to charm a girl."

"I'm serious. Your skin is pale. And your hair is... well..."

"Green?"

"Yeah."

"It was like that when we met!"

"You know what I mean! You used to be you and now you're just... Joker Jr."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Probably 'cause it is."

"To you maybe."

"Why... How can you be loyal to someone so evil?"

"How can you be loyal to someone so cold?"

He opened his mouth only to close it. "It's a long story."

"Ditto."

Another wave of silence overtook you two. You watched the boy adjust his gloves almost anxiously.

"You think one day we'll be them?"

"Who?"

"Joker and Batman. You think when they're old and retired we'll be the next them?"

"Never thought about it... I hope not."

"How come?"

"I want a rival that can actually rival me."

"Fuck off."

"I mean it. You keep learning to fight - and not just from me - then maybe I'll let you be my Joker."

"Your Jinx."

"My Jinx."

"And you learn how to have some fun and maybe I'll let you be my Batman."

"Isn't your idea of fun blowing up buildings?"

"Yup!"

"Well that's not gonna happen."

"Such a party pooper. You already are Batman."

The boy smiled at this.

"Batman and Jinx."

"Jinx and Batman."

"We'll work on it."

[katieaki]

My ✨ post-apocalyptic Lesbian Cowgirl Mailman choose-your-own adventure✨ has just updated! Read it here for free on my Patreon and vote in the poll! Here is a guide to get you started, the summaries of each part of the story thus far, the complete collected text, and FAQ, all in one place. They have everything you need to know about Lou, her requited-but-complicated love, the religious assassin who just beat the tar out of her, the worst person she's ever met, and the ill-advised journey she is on! There is also a discord where Pony Express readers from all across god's green internet can gather, here!

✨Read the update for free on my patreon & vote on what happens next! ✨Excerpt below the cut. (Spoilery!)

Once, while everyone else was working, Shiho led Lou by the hand to a storage shed that was tucked discreetly behind a natural undulation in the landscape. They were laughing and whispering and watching over their shoulder to make sure no one else saw their escape. Lou watched behind them as Shiho eased the shed door open. She gasped in surprise and shut the door quickly. Before she did, Lou caught a brief, painful glimpse of Artie’s back, ass, and arms, muscles rippling, thrusting into Tsuneko, whose legs were wrapped around her waist. Lou felt like the floor fell out from beneath her, like the split seconds between being thrown from a horse and hitting the ground, stretched out for what seemed like an eternity. The pain was coming, she knew, and all she could do was try to land in a way that would minimize the damage. She stared at the hastily closed shed door in front of her. She thought that there was a strange, high-pitched sound coming from somewhere, a bird crying, maybe, before she realized her ears were ringing. She caught her breath, which she hadn’t known had been knocked out of her, but her next exhale tried to come out as a sob. She tried to cover it with a clearing of her throat.

“Oh gods,” Shiho said. She took Lou’s arm and dragged her away as fast as she could. “Oh my fucking god.”

Lou stumbled along with her. She couldn’t speak– she could hardly think– from the jealousy that had risen to sit heavy, like a stone in her throat.

“I am so embarrassed,” Shiho said. She didn’t seem to notice Lou’s state, wrapped up in her own shock. “Tsuneko is going to fucking kill me.” 

Lou knew, of course, that they’d been having sex. If she let the image come to her in the past, it rocked her with envy like she’d never known, but it was nothing compared to seeing it in real life. She felt like her heart fell through the bottom of her stomach and out her pant leg as Shiho pulled her to the safety of the shadow behind one of the houses.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. Her cheeks were glowing. She took Lou’s hand in hers. Lou felt like there was no blood in her fingertips. “I had no idea.”

“I’m–” Lou said. She couldn’t find her words because all she could think was that it should have been her in there, sweating in the closeness of the room, sweating from the effort and the desperation, crushed under Artie’s weight, her back scraping against the hard-packed dirt floor with every thrust, her legs wrapped around her waist. It should have been her but Artie wouldn’t even allow Lou into her line of sight.

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

re: years of labor

I do wonder if she would’ve been able to let go of the relationship earlier if the narrative around Joe wasn’t “the worst thing happened to me but it doesn’t matter because I found The One.” That’s the thesis of rep, basically. His love redeemed all her pain and loss.

Except that it didn’t really! Ending it wasn’t just ending it but also admitting what happened in 2016 wasn’t erased by him. Handcuffed to the spell she was under etc

That’s super interesting and I think I follow what you’re saying!

As someone who doesn’t know her and isn’t in her head, I don’t think that I’d feel qualified to make any definitive statements on that beyond speculation from what she’s written.

Most of the time I think that the very basic long and short of it is that she loved him, and that and the memories of when things were good kept her going through the bad spells, along with some determination to beat what she thought were her “Bolter” tendencies (and not maybe her gut trying to tell her their problems were more serious than anxiety).

I think there are probably a lot of what ifs around it, and I mean, from an outside perspective it seems like she maybe should have called it quits by the time she wrote YLM because it was clear things were very bad. But then it comes down to, it seems like she tried to leave and thought it was going to kill her, so maybe the real moral of the story is that she couldn’t leave for good until she absolutely had to, like she knew that there wasn’t a shred of hope that things were going to change.

And yes, I think now she understands that a lot of their relationship was tied into what happened in 2016, which again is why she revisits it in new depths on TTPD. Because coming to terms with some of the key traumas of her adulthood finally explained why she sought what she sought and coped in the ways she had over the years.

Almost like, his love in 2016 wasn’t the redemption or silver lining she thought it was, but more of a temporary tonic that staved off dealing with the actual trauma underneath. Hiding behind the bravado of rep (fuck you, you got yours but I’m going to get the last word, and in the end it doesn’t matter because at least I found my soulmate and he loves me for me) helped her deal in private, but it also painted over the severity of a lot of it it seems, and once she started clawing her way out of that and the trauma responses she’d developed, it seems like it might have started highlighting how different their outlooks were on life.

Like, I always took “handcuffed to the spell I was under” as more about the “one hour of sunshine” of it all: meaning, the rarer and rarer good times when everything felt like they did in the beginning were spurring her to stay because when things had been good they were GOOD and felt like an elixir. And she was clinging to the dreams they’d shared earlier on. But the idea that the spell is actually the fantasy about how he’s the thing that saved her from 2016 is such an interesting one and kind of falls in the same universe but a different facet of it.

[triglycercule]

sleep deprived dust can't recognize what's dream and what's real when he goes in and out of consciousness so i think dust is allowed to be incredibly reckless when he's awake but thinks he's in a dream. he will kill whoever passes by him (or attempt to. for him it's an instict to shoot bones anyways.) he will drink 4 bottles of alcohol just because he thinks its just a lucid dream. have incredibly loud conversations with phantom paps because he's asleep so nobody will hear him talk. or just have loud ass breakdowns because again he thinks he's asleep!!! nobody's gonna know what he gets up to in his dreams. and until someone (probably phantom paps) tells him that he's not asleep and this is reality he won't realize until he's done something really reckless

horror is seconds away from exploding dust's skull open with his magic while dust is trying to strangle him and FINALLY phantom paps tells him he's awake and dust snaps out of it. killer is walking around the house with bones sticking out of him like pins on a sewing pattern (casually too. another day in the life for him) and he just asks dust what that was about. dust just gets off of horror and shrugs his shoulders with an idk. and then walks away. this is the 6th time its happened this month

[zazikels]

Weisshaupt mission definitively proving that da is at its sexiest when it's wardens and yet here I am feeling an unbearable amount of salt because we walk through a FUCKING WARDEN LIBRARY and they could've put in a fucking NOTE about the HERO OF FUCKING FERELDEN IN THERE. SO GLAD THE FUCKING JOINING CHALICE WAS RECOVERED FROM FUCKING OSTAGAR THOUGH.