#the standards are impossible and you don't know the rules

[adsagsona]

Caz of course understood but he wasn't raised in a country with a royal family so it said little to him. He had the idea that it was a pretty important fact and Thinya's family seemed high up in the ranks. "Then maybe it is time for him to think more modern and get into the world of today. I get that there might be other standards but I hope he wants his child to be happy most of all."

He shook his head at Thinya's words. "There is no need to be sorry, it's been a few years. It was my own mistake." He answered before he began to smile as well. "Thank you, that's very sweet." Caz then looked at her. "I'm sure that it will be in your future somehow. Nothing is impossible these days and... who knows what is around the corner, you know? Don't rule anything out."

Thinya smiled. "That's where I come from. When I tell you that my family has close bonds with the Royal Family, this isn't a lie." She chuckled before then hearing his words about his family. "Oh. Well that gives us a point in common." She smiled, although she could feel something off about the way he spoke of his family. Thinya decided not to ask, just to let him talk in case he wanted.

As he spoke his words about her parents, Thinya sighed. "It's not that easy in this world..." She bit her lip and added: "My father is a Count. He... Thinks traditionally." She then heard his words about the mother of Brandon and couldn't help but feel her heart clench for Caz and Brandon. "I am so sorry..." She looked back at Brandon and smiled at his words calling him the best gift. "I know you are, and that's what makes you a great father, Caz." Thinya looked back at him and blushed lightly at his last words. "Oh... If I ever have kids..." She simply said. "I haven't found my luck yet with love."

[ms-demeanor]

So You Need To Buy A Computer But You Don't Know What Specs Are Good These Days

Hi.

This is literally my job.

Lots of people are buying computers for school right now or are replacing computers as their five-year-old college laptop craps out so here's the standard specs you should be looking for in a (windows) computer purchase in August 2023.

PROCESSOR

Intel i5 (no older than 10th Gen)

Ryzen 7

You can get away with a Ryzen 5 but an intel i3 should be an absolute last resort. You want at least an intel i5 or a Ryzen 7 processor. The current generation of intel processors is 13, but anything 10 or newer is perfectly fine. DO NOT get a higher performance line with an older generation; a 13th gen i5 is better than an 8th gen i7. (Unfortunately I don't know enough about ryzens to tell you which generation is the earliest you should get, but staying within 3 generations is a good rule of thumb)

RAM

8GB absolute minimum

If you don't have at least 8GB RAM on a modern computer it's going to be very, very slow. Ideally you want a computer with at least 16GB, and it's a good idea to get a computer that will let you add or swap RAM down the line (nearly all desktops will let you do this, for laptops you need to check the specs for Memory and see how many slots there are and how many slots are available; laptops with soldered RAM cannot have the memory upgraded - this is common in very slim laptops)

STORAGE

256GB SSD

Computers mostly come with SSDs these days; SSDs are faster than HDDs but typically have lower storage for the same price. That being said: SSDs are coming down in price and if you're installing your own drive you can easily upgrade the size for a low cost. Unfortunately that doesn't do anything for you for the initial purchase.

A lot of cheaper laptops will have a 128GB SSD and, because a lot of stuff is stored in the cloud these days, that can be functional. I still recommend getting a bit more storage than that because it's nice if you can store your music and documents and photos on your device instead of on the cloud. You want to be able to access your files even if you don't have internet access.

But don't get a computer with a big HDD instead of getting a computer with a small SSD. The difference in speed is noticeable.

SCREEN (laptop specific)

Personally I find that touchscreens have a negative impact on battery life and are easier to fuck up than standard screens. They are also harder to replace if they get broken. I do not recommend getting a touch screen unless you absolutely have to.

A lot of college students especially tend to look for the biggest laptop screen possible; don't do that. It's a pain in the ass to carry a 17" laptop around campus and with the way that everything is so thin these days it's easier to damage a 17" screen than a 14" screen.

On the other end of that: laptops with 13" screens tend to be very slim devices that are glued shut and impossible to work on or upgrade.

Your best bet (for both functionality and price) is either a 14" or a 15.6" screen. If you absolutely positively need to have a 10-key keyboard on your laptop, get the 15.6". If you need something portable more than you need 10-key, get a 14"

FORM FACTOR (desktop specific)

If you purchase an all-in-one desktop computer I will begin manifesting in your house physically. All-in-ones take away every advantage desktops have in terms of upgradeability and maintenance; they are expensive and difficult to repair and usually not worth the cost of disassembling to upgrade.

There are about four standard sizes of desktop PC: All-in-One (the size of a monitor with no other footprint), Tower (Big! probably at least two feet long in two directions), Small Form Factor Tower (Very moderate - about the size of a large shoebox), and Mini/Micro/Tiny (Small! about the size of a small hardcover book).

If you are concerned about space you are much better off getting a MicroPC and a bracket to put it on your monitor than you are getting an all-in-one. This will be about a million percent easier to work on than an all-in-one and this way if your monitor dies your computer is still functional.

Small form factor towers and towers are the easiest to work on and upgrade; if you need a burly graphics card you need to get a full size tower, but for everything else a small form factor tower will be fine. Most of our business sales are SFF towers and MicroPCs, the only time we get something larger is if we have to put a $700 graphics card in it. SFF towers will accept small graphics cards and can handle upgrades to the power supply; MicroPCs can only have the RAM and SSD upgraded and don't have room for any other components or their own internal power supply.

WARRANTY

Most desktops come with either a 1 or 3 year warranty; either of these is fine and if you want to upgrade a 1 year to a 3 year that is also fine. I've generally found that if something is going to do a warranty failure on desktop it's going to do it the first year, so you don't get a hell of a lot of added mileage out of an extended warranty but it doesn't hurt and sometimes pays off to do a 3-year.

Laptops are a different story. Laptops mostly come with a 1-year warranty and what I recommend everyone does for every laptop that will allow it is to upgrade that to the longest warranty you can get with added drop/damage protection. The most common question our customers have about laptops is if we can replace a screen and the answer is usually "yes, but it's going to be expensive." If you're purchasing a low-end laptop, the parts and labor for replacing a screen can easily cost more than half the price of a new laptop. HOWEVER, the way that most screens get broken is by getting dropped. So if you have a warranty with drop protection, you just send that sucker back to the factory and they fix it for you.

So, if it is at all possible, check if the manufacturer of a laptop you're looking at has a warranty option with drop protection. Then, within 30 days (though ideally on the first day you get it) of owning your laptop, go to the manufacturer site, register your serial number, and upgrade the warranty. If you can't afford a 3-year upgrade at once set a reminder for yourself to annually renew. But get that drop protection, especially if you are a college student or if you've got kids.

And never, ever put pens or pencils on your laptop keyboard. I've seen people ruin thousand dollar, brand-new laptops that they can't afford to fix because they closed the screen on a ten cent pencil. Keep liquids away from them too.

LIFESPAN

There's a reasonable chance that any computer you buy today will still be able to turn on and run a program or two in ten years. That does not mean that it is "functional."

At my office we estimate that the functional lifespan of desktops is 5-7 years and the functional lifespan of laptops is 3-5 years. Laptops get more wear and tear than desktops and desktops are easier to upgrade to keep them running. At 5 years for desktops and 3 years for laptops you should look at upgrading the RAM in the device and possibly consider replacing the SSD with a new (possibly larger) model, because SSDs and HDDs don't last forever.

COST

This means that you should think of your computers as an annual investment rather than as a one-time purchase. It is more worthwhile to pay $700 for a laptop that will work well for five years than it is to pay $300 for a laptop that will be outdated and slow in one year (which is what will happen if you get an 8th gen i3 with 8GB RAM). If you are going to get a $300 laptop try to get specs as close as possible to the minimums I've laid out here.

If you have to compromise on these specs, the one that is least fixable is the processor. If you get a laptop with an i3 processor you aren't going to be able to upgrade it even if you can add more RAM or a bigger SSD. If you have to get lower specs in order to afford the device put your money into the processor and make sure that the computer has available slots for upgrade and that neither the RAM nor the SSD is soldered to the motherboard. (one easy way to check this is to search "[computer model] RAM upgrade" on youtube and see if anyone has made a video showing what the inside of the laptop looks like and how much effort it takes to replace parts)

Computers are expensive right now. This is frustrating, because historically consumer computer prices have been on a downward trend but since 2020 that trend has been all over the place. Desktop computers are quite expensive at the moment (August 2023) and decent laptops are extremely variably priced.

If you are looking for a decent, upgradeable laptop that will last you a few years, here are a couple of options that you can purchase in August 2023 that have good prices for their specs:

14" Lenovo - $670 - 11th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD

15.6" HP - $540 - 11th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD

14" Dell - $710 - 12th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD

If you are looking for a decent, affordable desktop that will last you a few years, here are a couple of options that you can purchase in August 2023 that have good prices for their specs:

SFF HP - $620 - 10th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD

SFF Lenovo - $560 - Ryzen 7 5000 series, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Dell Tower - $800 - 10th-gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

If I were going to buy any of these I'd probably get the HP laptop or the Dell Tower. The HP Laptop is actually a really good price for what it is.

Anyway happy computering.

[agoodflyting]

Why Aziraphale is completely ridiculous in the Bastille scene (and I love him so much for it)

A while ago I posted a comparison of Aziraphale and Crowley's costumes in the 1793 flashback in Good Omens and I wanted to add these little tidbits. (Because they haunt me.)

I feel like most people know this but IF YOU DON'T, Paris in 1793 is right in the middle of something called La Terreur.

HISTORY LESSON If you didn't learn this in school the French Revolution was when, after years of escalating social tension, a coalition representing the working classes of France revolted against the monarchy, violently overthrew King Louis XVI, and declared France to be a republic.

The new National Convention governing France ruled that King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were traitors to the people of France because of how they had spent ridiculous amounts of money on luxuries for themselves while vast numbers of the lower classes were literally starving to death. (keep the bold in mind - wealth and class disparities were one of the key causes of the whole-ass revolution)

In 1793 (year of the flashback) both the King and Queen were executed by guillotine for their crimes.

This kicks of something called The Reign of Terror (La Terreur if you want to be French about it). A multi-year-long period in which the National Convention goes on a bloody witch hunt for any and every member of the middle or upper classes who could even possibly be considered a traitor by those same standards.

If you A) had money or privilege, and B) had ever used your money or privilege to treat yourself, you were getting executed. Over 25,000 people died during the Reign of Terror, half of them by guillotine. In fact, the iconic guillotine was used because it was physically impossible to keep up with the sheer number of people they were executing in Paris every single day.

Some things that could get you killed (actually and completely seriously) during the Reign of Terror:

Implying in any way you were sympathetic to the monarchy

Having a noble title

Having expensive things

Wearing expensive, luxurious clothes (*cough* AZIRAPHALE)

helping or sympathizing with anyone who did any of the above

a working-class person saying you were mean to them once

And then there's this bitch...

I AM NOBILITY PLEASE KILL ME So we have established that Paris in 1793 is in the middle of a frenzied, state-sanctioned bloodbath in which the working classes are massacring everyone even remotely nobility-adjacent. And in the middle of this frenzy, Aziraphale proceeds to roll up in Paris in this outfit:

How will this outfit get him killed? Let me count the ways...

First off- at this point everyone with even the tiniest shred of self- preservation is hiding the fact that they are in any way associated with the monarchy. The wealthy are straight-up abandoning mansions. The middle-class are plastering over decorations to make their house look 'poor'. The only people dressed remotely decent are the guys leading the National Convention and that's just because nobody can stop them. Everyone else is in 24/7 peasant cosplay or else they are covering themselves in cockades and sashes on to show they're pro-Republic.

Aziraphale is basically a giant shiny white sign saying I AM NOBILITY PLEASE KILL ME.

First off the lace jabot and lace cuffs are both associated with the old-school wealthy in the 1790's.

His coat is also decorated in gold braid and silver buttons, which are both marks of wealth and luxury.

He basically looks like he works for Louis XIV - not just rich, but old school rich.

We know it's his natural hair color, but hair powdering (with clay and starch) had been a big trend with the rich all throughout the 18th century to get that clean white venerable look . To someone who doesn't know it's natural, it would very much look like he's wearing hair powder.

He's wearing shades of cream and white, which are very hard to keep clean and clearly states that the wearer is rich and can afford the upkeep necessary to keep an outfit like that stain-free.

He's wearing white knee-breeches and stockings, also called culottes. See above about laundry and how rich you had to be to wear white, but also working-class men wore long pants like this:

A large faction involved in the Revolution were the Sans-Culottes (no-culottes aka we wear long pants LIKE GOOD OLD WORKING MEN). Culottes are specifically associated with everything the revolution hated. That's right - Aziraphale is literally wearing The Fanciest of Fancy Pants in a city where a group called The Men Against Fancy Pants are running around murdering people.

And then there are his shoes.

Oh god his shoes

I could do a whole post about Aziraphale's blessed little white satin pumps and how ridiculous they are.

Actually I might just do that because this is getting so long and I still have to talk about the brioche.

So I can't remember if it's in the script book or if it's from Neil Gaiman's tumblr, but it's apparently canon (?) that Aziraphale was going around in that outfit asking people where he could get crepes and brioche when he was arrested.

The Affair of the Brioches

So... uh... we've all heard the line attributed to Marie Antoinette- how when she was told that her people were starving because there was no bread left in Paris, she famously said...

It's morphed into 'let them eat cake', but the line is first recorded as, "Then let them eat brioches."

While it's unlikely she ever actually said it, the important thing is that... people in 1793 would have thought she said it. It was used as political smear to show how arrogant and out of touch the monarchy was. Marie Antoinette in particular was reviled by the people of France, who thought she was the main cause of their economic problems. That's why she was executed too.

Bread and brioche and the lines between poverty and privilege were a big thing in Revolutionary France. There was a lot of political connotation to what you ate. The French Revolution came about because of decades of suffering among the lower classes of France. It wasn't something that some dudes just decided to do. The people of Paris have been through years of the absolute worst, most oppressive poverty and starvation you can imagine, all while watching the rich throw money around crazy.

So let us recap.

Aziraphale is dressed so ridiculously posh that he looks like a joke parody of a nobleman... and he is bumbling around Paris during the Reign of Terror. Asking people. For brioche. How I imagine everyone looked at him:

It is so astoundingly tone deaf and tactless. He is basically cosplaying as Marie Antoinette and then going around asking the poor for cake.

I just.... Aziraphale. babygirl. no. oh no. You're lucky they even bothered to take you to prison. I am amazed Crowley ever let him live that down.

I have no conclusion other than this. Aziraphale is ridiculous and I love him so much.

YES YOU REALLY SHOULD SIR.

[cripplecharacters]

How to Support People with Facial Differences - the Face Equality Week 2024 Special

[large text: How to Support People with Facial Differences - the Face Equality Week 2024 Special]

Today is the 13th of May, which means that the Face Equality Week has just started. This year's theme is “My Face is a Masterpiece” which is probably my favorite sentence ever said about having a facial difference. Huge fan, should be used way more often in my opinion.

Because of this occasion, I would like to share some thoughts about Face Equality that I think are rather entry-level, i.e. you don't need to know much to execute these, but you can still support us.

Stop the stare.

I know it's fun to stare - or so I guess, at least - but maybe you shouldn't. Next time you see someone who has a scar or who's face does not move the same way as yours, just mind your business. We can tell when you're “discreetly” looking.

Don't call us deformed. 

Knowing how the people you're trying to support actually call themselves should be an absolute first step, but most people still fail here. Most of us don't appreciate being called “deformed”. I certainly don't. Say “facial difference”, or “disfigurement” if you must. It's 2024. Leave “deformed” to medical reports from the 70s.

No more “What happened?!”s.

If you aren't a doctor, there's a high-to-100% chance that it's none of your business. It's cool that you're curious - keep it to yourself.

Stop insinuating that we are ugly.

“Support people who are ugly!” isn't very supportive. I would say, not in the slightest. Say “people who don't fit the current beauty standards” if that's what you mean. 

Or, to go with this year's theme, “people whose faces are masterpieces” : )

Use critical thinking online.

Is the reaction photo actually funny, or is it just a person with a craniofacial condition? Is the meme actually a meme, or is it just making fun of a person with a facial disfigurement? Is body-shaming suddenly hilarious to you when the person shamed has strabismus? 

If the entire punchline is “lol they have a disability xd”, it's ableism. Plain and simple.

To go with the point above - your joke is probably not funny.

We get it! You can't help telling us how "you're going to hell for laughing" (which yeah, probably) and how we remind you of the ugliest character you have ever seen. I guarantee you that we heard it, and that you are behaving like an edgy middle schooler who hasn't "found out" yet. It's boring and annoying. Also ableist, but you're aware of that already if you're saying that you're going to hell.

Stop with the goddamn trigger warnings. 

We aren't “body horror”, we aren't “gore”, we aren't something that you need to advise your viewers to use their discretion over. Every “graphic footage: child with neurofibromatosis” and “#tw burn scar” is a sign of ableism and disfiguremisia. People with facial differences deserve to be seen. Ableds can survive seeing a person without a nose.

Do a basic reading on what disfiguremisia is.

New word! And a pretty damn important one. It's a brand of ableism that intersects with more or less everything, and it means discrimination and hatred of people with facial differences/disfigurements. The bullying, harassment, endless name-calling, and microaggressions are all results of disfiguremisia. The ways in which everything is harder for us isn't some unchangeable rule of how the world works, it's just an extremely prevalent type of discrimination.

Understand that we are people.

I know, revolutionary - and yet impossible for so many people to get. We can be a visual representation of evil when it's necessary, we can be a feel-good inspirational story on a morning talk-show, but not much else, it seems. In reality, we are complex, we have our own lives, we can be happy and sad and have the same exact joys and worries that you have.

Hey, artists - facial differences don't make you evil.

Title stolen from a great essay by Lise Deguire (link). When's the last time you saw a positive character with a facial difference that wasn't inspiration porn? I mean a character that's not edgy, full of angst, a murderer, or a villain. Based on what you see in the media, you'd think that having a scar renders you evil on the spot, but in reality it just makes you loathe how artists apparently think you are like. It's boring, it's overdone, it's ableism. Stop doing this, and start noticing when it's being done. Point it out if your friend is writing their new villain to be an evil burn survivor. This kind of portrayal needed to stop ages ago, but tomorrow will be a great time as well.

Before you reply with “I've never seen this” - Darth Vader, Lion King’s Scar (subtle name, great thing to teach kids!), Freddy Krueger, Voldemort, we could be here forever. You're just not paying attention.

Pay attention to where we are not included.

As discussed, there are some places where you see us all the time. But where do you not see us?

Advertisements (unless it's for a scar-removal cream, of course). Fashion shows. Magazine covers. Romance movies where we are the main character.

We deserve to see ourselves in what's around us in the same way able-bodied people do. Trying to make it seem like we don't exist - that's deliberate. 

Interact with our art.

We draw, write, sing, act in movies, we do everything! Support us in the most tangible way - leave us a nice comment, read our books, listen to our songs. Watch movies where actual people with facial differences star, not pseudoinspirational stories about how “being disfigured is ok” where they shove an able-bodied actor into a full face prosthetic just to not have an actor with a disfigurement on set.

Include us.

As this year's Face Equality Week calls for, include us. In art, in movies, in books, in your life. Show us as positive people who are valuable, who are a part of your community - I guarantee that we are in every one that's out there. The world is hostile and unwelcoming to people with facial differences - be the change, wherever you are!

I know that it is different from the usual posts I make, but I hope it was somewhat educational. I just like to use every occasion that I can to force Face Equality into people's heads. To make this at least a bit about writing to keep the blog's theme, I will say that if you want to write about us, you need to care about us in real life as well. Otherwise, it's shallow and pointless.

Below the readmore are some links/resources that you can click to educate yourself further. A lot of them lead to Face Equality International because they have just about everything you should know. If you want to be a better ally to people with facial differences, I heavily recommend them!

#MyFaceIsAMasterpiece

mod Sasza

https://faceequalityinternational.org/2023/04/why-i-will-not-hide/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/disability-is-diversity/202111/hidden-community-the-movement-face-equality

https://faceequalityinternational.org/2022/05/facial-differences-in-the-media/

https://faceequalityinternational.org/2023/04/advertising-excludes-women-with-faces-like-mine/

https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burn-community-bookshelf

https://faceequalityinternational.org/about-fei/international-face-equality-week/

https://faceequalityinternational.org/2023/04/hidden-from-view-women-with-facial-differences-in-the-media/

https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/i-dont-see-your-scars

whoa thanks for actually clicking the readmore!!

[the-goddess-of-mischief-writing]

Random Simon 'Ghost' Riley headcanons

sfw and nsfw

pairing: l.t. Simon 'Ghost' Riley x reader (cod mw)

tags/tw: domestic stuff, afab!reader, size!kink, dirty talk

a/n: and of course a few HC's for Ghostie as well🤭

Simon 'Ghost' Riley MASTERLIST

sfw

-you know those mascots in full-body costumes? Yeah, Ghost hates those, gets on edge each time he sees one. He just gets this uncomfortable feeling in his body bc why go around masked like that?

-yes, he's aware of the irony

-your first kiss, technically, happened with his mask on,

-he wanted to kiss you but wasn't ready to commit fully, showing you his face meant a lot and he wasn't there, yet, so he just kinda directed your face from the TV to him by your chin and pressed his lips to yours despite the clothing concealing them

-you don't scare easily, even if he would disagree, but when having a shadow the size of him creeping up on you silently, which should be physically impossible for someone his size, it always makes you jump

-Ghost enjoys it for some reason, always repressing a smile when you gasp and clutch your chest with a hissed 'Simon!' despising that you never got used to it

-what you don't know is that he actively makes it harder for you, always staying in your blind spot when coming up behind you, silencing his step just like he does on stealth missions

-standard case of you falling first but he fell harder, it was a slow endeavour getting to know him, even slower when you started dating and he demanded that things wouldn't be rushed, but once he opened up he was practically already in love with you considering he rarely did open up to people

-he doesn't like gifts

-contrary to what people think, it's not because he doesn't know how to react, closer to the truth is that he's picky and doesn't like random things coming in surprises

-that's why Ghost always keeps a list of things he wants or is in interested in buying, one that you have unaltered access to just to keep track if you ever feel like gifting him something for a special occasion or if other people come to you when he just won't answer what he wishes for read Soap

-the ONLY casual gift he doesn't mind is when you get him a book, within reason of course bc yeah, he likes to read

nsfw below the cut

-on the topic of books, he doesn't read romantic stuff, if it isn't a book you push into his hands, then he knows what's between the pages: raunchy ass stuff you more often than now want him to act out, leaving you nervously giggling and then panting when he fully went into the role of fucking you silly

-another thing about Ghost that people think, but is wrong, is that he always so reserved

-this man can run his fucking mouth when he wants to

-perhaps others just don't notice, because he doesn't do it with them, but when you're by his side his face is for the most part ducked in level with your ear, making it his mission to rile you up enough so you're the one who grits out 'we're leaving '

-and the cocky bastard knows he will manage too, your resolve wearing down quick when he whispers stuff like 'pretty necklace, lovie, would rather it was my hand wrapped around your throat' and if he manages to catch you off-guard with that, mouth agape kinda surprised, he'll muse 'pretty little mouth like that’ll send a man wild'

-in the Riley household, there's one particular rule: if you buy any piece of clothing, either online or in-store, you're going to model it for Ghost

-doesn't matter what it is, he's gonna sit down in the living room waiting for you to come out for him to drink in your pretty self

-he always twirls a finger in a sign for you to spin around, not because he has any sense of fashion more than the normal man, he just likes to see all how your clothes flatter your figure

-and if it just so happens you only bought a pair of pretty panties or a flattering bra, his rule applies to those too, with the addition you'll come out in only those

-and so help you, but if your tits are on display or that pretty cunt of yours bared, he will not only make you spin but curl his finger, beckoning you towards him

-usually ends with you in his lap as he either plays and sucks at your nipples or you grind against his growing bulge before riding him

-guilty pleasure of his? your obsession with his arms and tattoos

-when you first started seeing each other, he always noticed how your eyes strayed to the ink peeking forth from his long-sleeved clothing, when you both got more comfortable and you saw him without a hoodie constantly, the way you drooled at his bulging biceps made it difficult adhering to his own rule of things going slow

-in fact, the first time you slept together was a consequence of your intrusive thoughts winning during a cuddling session

-you'd been positioned in-between his legs, running your hand over his arm curled around your waist, gaze following those delicious lines running along his forearm and then you just... dragged your tongue over his bicep, licking a long wet stripe on the muscle that tensed upon feeling your tongue

-there was a rumble against your back and a 'what the fuck was that?' making you glance up at Ghost with a sheepish smile with some explanation he didn't fucking buy for a second

-it ended with the both of you kneeling on Ghost's bed as he fucked you from behind, his arms circled around your neck, your nails digging into his forearm, a moaning mess as if you didn't know he killed men just like this but in a tighter chokehold

-so that's why he always wraps his tattooed arm around your front when you cuddle with him behind you, most time also seating himself on your right side, offering you the opportunity to trace the intricate lines decorating his skin

[thesunshinebunny]

hellooo can you do any dorm leader with male or g/n reader with fierce wild cat personality? And can you make the reader from RSA?? If not that's fine, ty hope you have a great day!!^^

For context: Some RSA students were sent to Night Raven on an exchange program, just for a couple of months, with the intention of generating a better environment of camaraderie between the two schools. Among them, you, with a personality that does not fit into RSA standards, having quite the reputation for being tough and unpredictable. With a feral demeanor and no time for nonsense, you don’t exactly get along with everyone, but that only adds to their charm (or trouble).

Riddle

Riddle wasn't exactly the type to indulge in chaos, but when you showed up at NRC, it was impossible to ignore the tension you brought. You were like a caged animal, unpredictable and wild, with no care for rules or anyone's expectations. For some reason, though, it was your being among anyone else who participate in the program who intrigued him the most.

He thrived on order, structure, and discipline. But there was something captivating about your raw energy, your untamed spirit. You were dangerous in ways he didn't fully understand, but maybe that's why he couldn't stop watching you. The first time he attempted to approach you, he was meticulous. His usual stern tone came out when he spoke to you. “Pardon me,” Riddle began, his eyes scanning you with a mix of curiosity and caution. “You're from Royal Sword Academy, correct? “I’ve heard you’re quite… independent”

You barely looked up at him, continuing to twirl your claws around your fingers, almost absently. “What about it?” Your voice was cold, guarded, almost like you were daring him to step closer.

Riddle stood a little straighter, although the challenge in your stance did not go unnoticed. He wasn't intimidated, but he couldn't help feeling the sparks of tension between the two of you. “I just want to make sure you understand the rules here at Heartslabyul, and preferably in the entire school. We don't take kindly to disruptions, and—"

“Rules? “Do you mean your rules?” You interrupted, your lips curling into a sly smile. “You really think I care about them?”

For a moment, Riddle wasn't sure how to respond. You were brazen, but he wasn't one to back down. His posture grew more rigid. “There are things that must be done properly, or else there's chaos. And chaos leads to trouble.”

Your eyes locked with his, unblinking, the air around you electric with hostility. You approached him, slowly, like a feline about to pounce on its prey. “I'm no one's pet, Red. Don't try to put me in a cage. I’d rather burn it down.”

Riddle’s jaw tightened, too much, even more than before if that can be possible. Something stirred in him. You were a force of nature, much like him. Maybe that's why he couldn't simply dismiss you. “So, you're saying you'd rather be left unchecked?”

You shrugged, bringing your claws closer to his cheek, being able to scratch his soft, pale skin with the tip of your index finger. You finally exchanged long and penetrating glances with him, but not before forming a small, sharp smile. “I'm saying, I'm not going to be anyone's pet project. But you can surely try. Be my guest, see what would happen”

For a moment, Riddle stared at you, his heart racing despite himself. Maybe you weren't the sort of student who could be “tamed” easily, but that didn't mean Riddle would back off. No, he was intrigued, and he could already feel a rivalry—or perhaps something more dangerous—brewing between the two of you.

Leona

Leona had seen many personalities come through these halls, but nothing quite like you. A RSA student with a reputation as sharp as your claws, and a temper to match. You weren't here to be a lapdog, and he admired that. Although the other students weren't sure how to approach you, Leona's wild side made him think that maybe, just maybe, you were someone worth getting to know.

You had a way of carrying yourself like a prowling predator—eyes always scanning, every movement a mix of grace and lethal purpose. You didn't speak much, but when you did, your words carried weight. You didn't need to be loud to make a point; your presence did all the talking.

Leona watched you from a distance as you wandered through the halls, your usual scowl fixed in place. His eyes narrowed, a slow smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

It wasn't long before the inevitable encounter came. You were walking through the courtyard when you spotted Leona leaning lazily against a stone pillar, his usual nonchalance making your hackles rise. There was something in his gaze—an unspoken challenge that intrigued you but also grated against your nerves. You stopped in your tracks, eyes narrowing. "D'you need something, Kingscholar?"

Leona chuckled, his tail flicking behind him in amusement. “Nothing. Just wanted to see how long you’d last without making a scene.”

You didn't flinch. Instead, you let out a low growl, like a cat warning another to stay out of its territory. "Do you spend all your time thinking about me? I'm flattered"

His smirk widened as he pushed off the pillar and took a few steps toward you. “You've got the fire of a wild animal, and I can't help but wonder if you'll bite if provoked.”

You raised an eyebrow, sizing him up. His confidence wasn't unwarranted, but you didn't back down easily, especially not to someone who thought they could take the upper hand. “Don't tempt me, second-boy. I don’t need anyone’s permission to run this jungle.”

Leona's eyes glinted, an animalistic challenge flashing through them. “We’ll see about that.”

You didn't know what it was, exactly whether it was his laid-back attitude that rubbed you the wrong way, or the way he kept provoking you, but you felt that familiar wild instinct rising within you. Before you could even think, you were right in his face, your gaze as sharp as a predator's. “You wanna test me? Come on, we both know you bite more than you can chew.”

Leona's chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. "Maybe I will." He stood his ground, his posture tense but ready, his pride as untamed as yours. "But I think you're more than just a wildcat with sharp claws, aren't you? You've got a heart to match that fierce spirit. And I'm curious to see how far you'll go to prove it. "

You blinked, a bit taken back by his words. For a moment, the tension between you two felt like a standoff between two predators, but underneath it, there was something else, something more complex than either of you were willing to admit. Leona wasn't scared of you. In fact, he was downright fascinated. And as for you, well… you had no idea why his challenge made your pulse race.

Azul

Azul was used to work with all sorts of personalities. His intelligence, charm, and resourcefulness usually meant that he could talk his way out of (or into) any situation. However, you were something completely different. You weren't the type to be easily swayed by words, and that intrigued him, but also irritated him.

You had been summoned to his VIP office for a "friendly discussion," as he put it, about how you had been causing disturbances in the halls and dining areas. But you weren't the type to sit quietly and listen to lectures.

Azul was sitting behind his desk, his fingers steepled in front of him, a charming smile playing at the edges of his lips. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you (y/n). You have quite the fiery reputation, wouldn’t you say?”

You leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, not showing much interest in his little speech. “Not a reputation I’m interested in keeping between these lounge halls.” He was taunting you, inviting you to leave and never set foot in his business again, or allowing you to stay, on his terms.

Your gaze was cool, sharp, as you observed his every movement, calculating. “I don't need your approval. I’m here because I want to”

Azul chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “And I'm not here to give you my approval. I'm simply offering you a deal. You see, it's all about negotiation. If you’re willing to work with me, we could make your life here a bit easier… or perhaps, more interesting.”

You raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “A deal, huh? Don't think you can buy me with your shiny words and contracts, fish boy. I’m not some easy prey.”

Azul’s smile faltered just slightly, but it quickly returned, colder and more calculating. “Oh no. I'm not trying to buy you. I'm offering a partnership. You’re a formidable individual, but even the wildest creatures need a master at times.” His voice lowered, sharp and calculating. “That's where I come in. All you’d have to do is bend a little.”

For a moment, your expression hardened, the words stinging in a way Azul had not anticipated. “I don't bend. I break, especially anything that tries to hold me down.”

Azul's smile remained, but there was a quiet understanding in his eyes. You were a force of nature, and he could respect that. But he wasn't the type to just give up either. “We'll see. It’s always a pleasure to find out just how far someone like you is willing to push before they snap.”

Kalim

Kalim was the kind of person who loved everything and everyone, with a big, bold, and full of warmth personality. But when it came to you, the wild, unpredictable RSA student with a temper like a storm, even his usual optimism had to take a step back.

He had seen you during one of your "episodes"—a moment when you had gotten into a tense altercation with another student, your sharp words and fiery stare more than enough to keep anyone from pushing you further. Kalim, however, wasn't easily intimidated. His natural exuberance meant he wanted to break through that tough exterior and see what lay beneath.

“Hey! (y/n)!” Kalim’s voice was bright as he approached you in the courtyard, his usual cheerfulness radiating. “You've gotta come to one of our parties in Scarabia sometime!” His radiant gaze, not to mention his smile, was enough to destabilize you for a millisecond. “It'll be so much fun! You can hang out with me and Jamil, and maybe you can even let loose a little!”

You eyed him skeptically. “What do you think I need to ‘let loose’ for? You’ve got your whole ‘party animal’ vibe going, but I don’t think it’s gonna charm me.” You emphasized the word animal, making it clear that you would not be one more at their exorbitant parties, nor a zoo animal for his amusement.

Kalim wasn't put off by your cold response. He just laughed, his smile wide and genuine. “I'm not trying to charm you. I just think someone like you deserves a little fun! You’re always so serious and intense… it’s gotta be exhausting.”

You crossed your arms and tilted your head, studying him. “I don't need your pity, Kalim. If you want a fight, I'm happy to give you one.”

Kalim blinked, looking at you for a moment like you were a puzzle he just couldn't figure out. Then he beamed even brighter. “Nah, I'm not here for a fight! I’m here for you to have a good time!” This boy could destabilize anyone, too much good energy in a school that was too gloomy. Maybe he should have gone to the RSA and you should have gone here. “You're a lot of fun already, and I want you to know that you don't have to be all fierce all the time. You can relax with us. I’ll make sure of it!”

You scowled, trying to suppress the soft tug at your heart from his genuine kindness. “You think I'm gonna let you change me?”

Kalim only laughed again, his eyes twinkling with optimism. “Not change you! I just want to show you there's more to life than being on edge. You’ve got a big heart under all that fire, I can tell.”

He wasn't wrong, and that only frustrated you more. But for once, you didn't want to snap. Kalim's exuberant energy was infectious, even if it wasn't your thing. Still, you weren't about to admit it.

Vil

Vil was someone who took pride in his appearance, discipline, and the image of perfection. As a rising star in the world of beauty, he believed that everyone, especially students at Pomefiore, should strive for refinement and grace. Your wild, untamed personality was the complete opposite of what he valued, but that made you… all the more interesting to him.

At first, Vil had dismissed you. There was no room for chaos in his world of elegance, and you had made your first impression by causing a disruption during potion classes, which only fed the rumors of your wildcat-like nature. However, something about your ferocity and refusal to be "refined" piqued his curiosity.

One afternoon, you were taking a walk around campus, trying to enjoy a brief moment of solitude when Vil appeared in front of you. His posture was regal, eyes sharp and calculating as always.

“(Y/S), was it? you’ve made quite the impression at this school,” Vil began, his voice smooth and flawless, like velvet. “Your reputation precedes you”

You didn't bother to hide your scowl, your gaze narrowing in response. "And what's it to you? I'm not here to impress anyone, least of all your pompous ass"

Vil's lips curled into a practiced smile. “I see. But your appearance seems to speak for itself, whether you like it or not. You’re simply… not the ideal student.” His voice carried a certain weight, one that made your spine straighten, your wild instincts on high alert.

"Is that your way of telling me I'm a failure?" you shot back, voice sharp as a whip.

Vil tilted his head slightly, studying you as though you were a work of art he couldn't quite figure out. "Not a failure—no. But certainly, a diamond in the rough” His eyes glammed. “I could help you polish that sharp edge of yours. I could show you how to refine that… wild energy into something more elegant.”

You bristled, your hackles raising. “I don't need you to 'polish' me, Schoenheit. I’m not some porcelain little doll for your beauty standards”

Vil's gaze hardened, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. But his composure didn't falter. "No, you're not. And that's what makes you so fascinating. A challenge. But if you ever want to learn the art of discipline and true beauty, I'll be more than happy to show you.”

He paused, watching you closely. “That is, of course, if you think you're capable of learning.”

You met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "I don't need your lessons” you almost spit on his words, such an insult for you and for him. Who does he think he is to say what you can or can't study. And who do you think you are to despise such kindness from Vil.

Vil's eyes softened slightly, amusement creeping into his voice. “Your spirit could be refined. You’d be far more beautiful if you embraced it.”

Despite himself, his words made your heart race. You didn't know whether it was the challenge in his tone or the possibility that maybe, just maybe, he saw something in you beyond your wild and hard cocoon. But you wouldn't let him know that.

“I'll consider your offer,” you muttered, walking past him. “But don't expect me to become your little pet”

Vil watched you walk away, his smile a little more genuine this time. "We shall see, darling, we shall see"

Idia

Idia was a different breed entirely. His social anxiety, introversion, and affinity for gaming made him the complete opposite of someone like you—someone who had a fiery, untamed spirit that didn't fit into his quiet world of screens and isolation. He'd heard rumors of the wild RSA student who had a temper to rival the most volatile storms, and as much as Idia preferred to keep to himself, he couldn't help but be a little curious.

When he first saw you, it wasn't during a calm, collected conversation. No, you were already in the middle of a heated argument with someone else over them bumping into you casually in the hallway. Your voice was sharp, your body language wild and defensive. Idia couldn't help but stare from behind his thick, holographic screens in the dorm's lounge, eyes wide behind his glasses.

“Yikes… that person is scary…” Idia mumbled to himself, retreating a bit further into his hoodie.

It wasn't long before he found himself face-to-face with you by accident during a late-night trip to the vending machines…in Ignihyde, how you ended up there is beyond me. Idia froze as soon as you turned the corner, nearly bumping into him. He was all awkward gestures and stammered apologies, his eyes darting to the floor.

“Oh! sorry, sorry! Didn't mean to block the path…” His voice was quiet, practically a squeak.

You rolled your eyes, unimpressed by his sudden fluster. “It's fine. Just… don’t make it a habit, alright?”

He looked up at you through his disheveled hair, clearly taken back by your bluntness. “Of course! I wasn't trying to…” His voice cracked in his nervousness. “You're, uh… (y/s), right? From RSA? I’ve heard about you…”

You raised an eyebrow, folding your arms. “Yeah, and?”

He adjusted himself, cheeks flushing behind the heavy hoodie. “It’s just that… you’re kind of… intimidating.” His voice trailed off toward the end, unsure of how to continue.

You narrowed your eyes, intrigued but still not fully willing to show it. “Well, you're not wrong. So what?"

Idia panicked, his mind racing. "I just… you seem like someone who doesn't take things lying down! That’s kinda cool, actually!” he have mumbled the last part, but you heard it clearly.

For a brief moment, you softened, just a little. The truth was, Idia wasn't like everyone else. He didn't try to challenge you like Kingscholar or force you into submission like the little red one…what was his name again? It didn't matter right now.

He was genuinely curious about you in his awkward, quiet way. You smirked, folding your arms even tighter. “You're a strange one, Shroud. Not what I expected from someone who hides behind screens all day.”

Idia flinched, but the slight tease didn't seem to bother him. Instead, he brightened, a little spark of excitement in his eyes. “I’m more comfortable with technology, games and computers than with people, so…”

“Figures,” you said, giving him a sideways glance. “But you're not completely useless. Maybe you're not so bad” Idia's face lit up, and for the first time in a long time, he found himself actually engaged in a conversation, not out of fear or obligation, but out of genuine curiosity. You grinned, your feral smile making your heart skip. “Don't get the wrong idea, Shroud. I'm not going easy on you just because you're all shy and stuff. But I respect someone who can keep their cool despite being thrown into the fire.”

He blinked, processing your words. “So… does that mean… you want to play a game with me sometime?”

You paused for a moment, then gave him a knowing smirk. “Sure. But you better be prepared. I don’t lose.”

Idia practically melted at the thought. "I'll be ready!" His excitement was palpable. For once, he wasn't overwhelmed by your fierce attitude. Instead, he saw it as a challenge, a game of sorts, and the idea made him feel more alive than he had in a while.

Malleus

Malleus wasn't someone who was easily moved by most things. Yet, something about you, the fierce, untamed RSA student with a personality like a wild animal, caught his attention. He had watched you from afar, intrigued by your intense presence, your almost unearthly defiance, and your eyes that seemed to burn with the fire of a creature that could never be tamed.

When he finally spoke to you, it was as if the air itself thickened with magic. “You're quite the anomaly” his voice low and rumbling like distant thunder. “You remind me of something… untamed, like a wild creature of the mountains.”

You weren't intimidated by his presence, although you were acutely aware of his power. “You've got a strange way of speaking, horn guy” you looked him up and down “Are you comparing me to some kind of beast?”

Malleus’ eyes glinted, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Perhaps. But is that such an insult, I wonder? I have always found strength in the wild, in the things that refuse to be controlled.”

You blinked, your guard momentarily dropping. “You think I'm wild, huh? Well, that's something we can agree on”

Malleus nodded slowly, his gaze steady. “You are strong. But even the wildest of creatures have their limits, don't they? Perhaps you have yet to meet someone who understands you, who can match your wild spirit.”

There was a challenge in his words, although it wasn't spoken with malice. Malleus was simply…curious. He could see that you weren't just a student who needed to be molded into something conventional. You were like him—fierce, untamed, and powerful. And that intrigued him.

You straightened, meeting his gaze head-on, daring him to push further. “Maybe I'll let you find out just how far I'll go. But don't think for a second you can tame me like the rest of your kind"

Malleus' smile widened slightly. “I don't believe I'd have the need to do such a thing. I simply wish to see how far your power will take you” his figure approaching, his eyes penetrating your gaze, his fangs approaching his smile. Charming was to say the least.

“You are more than a creature of rage, you have the potential for much more”

[anim-ttrpgs]

drow rpg thoughts

Yesterday I got excited and did a design outline for another game, this time about drow. Don't worry, the Eureka Patreon updates will keep coming monthly and we are even close to another free public beta release, but i have been under a lot of stress and might need to work on something else for a few weeks after that, even if only because i think it could actually be something i could make fully playable within a short time.

It is based on a particular setting written a while back by me and a close friend, the purpose of which was to reimagine drow with reasonable post-hoc explanations for the way they are portrayed in Forgotten Realms. It would be a very specific game, sharing a few design ideas with Eureka's rules, but not as broad and generalized.

This rpg will certainly come with a bunch of lore, but for right now the only thing you need to know is that in this setting, "Drow" is a title and referrs only to the female warrior-caste of dark elf society.

Many of the mechanics will be asymmetrical. A “party” will consist of one Drow and any number of her servants, with the goal of surviving incredibly dense hierarchical social situations

>problem will come up that could embarrass the Drow, threatening her Reputation (stat)

>Drow has to delegate tasks to servants that will fix the problem

>due to stupidly dense and impossible etiquette, actually delegating these tasks is not very clear or easy. Screwing up tasks and failing etiquette will reduce a servant’s perceived Competence (stat)

>due to high pressure, impossible working conditions, and garbled instructions, these tasks are not easy and are very likely to be screwed up

>the Drow has to contend with and smooth over the screwed up tasks. She can lose Reputation if she doesn’t discipline incompetence, but harsh discipline is only going to make the servants less able to complete the task.

>Failure state for the servants is if their Competence ever reaches 0, and failure state for everyone is if the Drow’s Reputation ever reaches 0.

Half the Game Master’s job will be keeping track of the strict and deliberately impossibly overcomplicated etiquette by which servants have to address Drow, and docking their Competence when they screw up(and possibly docking Drow Reputation if anybody else sees her letting that slide), and keeping track of the strict militaristic code of honor and (evil) morality that all Drow are expected to exemplify whether they actually enjoy being cruel psychopaths or not, and docking Reputation when the Drow fails to uphold the right standard of evilness in front of other Drow.

The servant part of the “party” will either have to humorously manipulate Drow while hiding that anything is wrong, or they and their Drow will all have to all work together to maintain a facade of this brutal hierarchy

Drow lose Reputation and servants lose Competence when they fail to adhere to social etiquette that covers like 15 pages of instructions (designed to be impossible to follow). In that way, it might be considered similar to Paranoia, with a similar sense of humor.

Some of the servants’ etiquette would be like

>don’t speak out loud to a Drow unless told to by that Drow

>at the same time, don’t remain silent when a Drow expects them to answer a question even if she didn’t explicitly say they could speak

And this is why the Drow has to be a PC, because this same servant etiquette is a pitfall for the Drow. if she doesn’t make her expectations explicitly clear, it puts the servants in an impossible situation, where they will embarrass her with their incompetence(even though it’s her fault) and she will be socially obligated to go out of her way to discipline them. Of course in the in-setting society, the fault lies with the servant, because they should have intuited when they were being given permission to speak or not. Some Drow will be self-aware enough to realize that they caused this situation, most won't.

The structure of their society will often incentivize a tactful Drow to "roll with" mistakes made by servants, e.g. "No, my servants did have permission to address me out loud, you just weren't clever enough to catch it."

Each will have to cover for the other, and/or hide things from each other and the Drow's social rivals.

[orcasoul]

Joel Miller Headcanons:

Joel When You Defend Him

Warnings: Swearing, violence, fluff.

Joel is always ready to protect those he loves so i thought it about high time he had someone look out for him.

Word Count: 1,694

Joel didn't want to be here tonight but he did it for you. He'd do anything for you, even put up with the exuberant crowd deafening his good ear. On a normal night at the Tipsy Bison, he'd be quietly nursing a glass of whiskey, relaxing in the company of two of the very few people he loves the most; you and Tommy. But tonight isn't a normal night.

A surprise birthday party had been organised on the quiet for one of Jackson's most senior patrol men. Joel knew you'd been itching to go as you hadn't stopped talking about it for the past week, even offering to help with the decorations. Usually he would pass on large gatherings like this, preferring not to draw too much attention and stares from some judgmental arseholes, who'd decided that his relationship with you was inappropriate. A dirty old man taking advantage of a younger woman.

In truth you look far younger than your actual age of 38. Most people assumed you were in your mid to late twenties when you'd arrived in Jackson with Joel and Ellie. After a little while, most people had become more accepting of his relationship with you, especially once it became obvious what you both mean to each other. But there's always a few bad apples in the bunch, who love nothing more than to gossip and judge.

If Joel was being honest with himself, he couldn't give a shit about people's opinions of him. He's not here to impress anyone, and if someone doesn't like him, he won't lose any sleep over it. However, he will not stand for anyone bad mouthing you. He'd be more than happy to rip the tongues out of anyone who dared to disrespect you, and Ellie for that matter. But at the same time, he wouldn't want to cause a scene when you're all trying to assimilate into a community with rules and standards reminiscent of a society long passed.

That's why he'd usually distance himself from most social gatherings, that, and to protect you from any unnecessary tattle. But after you'd all but begged him to come, insisting that you don't care what people might think, how proud you are to be able to call him yours and how much you want to live a normal life with him, including experiencing everything that normal couples do, how could he refuse you? Especially when you use your greatest weapon against him; your big doe eyes! Damn it, you knew just how to break him down.

So that's how he ended up here tonight, much to the astonishment of Tommy and Maria. And Joel had to admit it was worth it, just to see you enjoy yourself. He could bask in your infectious small all night long, his chest filling with warmth and pride at how easily most people have taken to you in your short time here. A group of women your age had pulled you into conversation and as a result you'd spent part of the night bouncing back and forth between them and the table where Joel, Tommy and Maria sat.

But you were never gone too long, seemingly unable to keep yourself away from Joel. That was just the pull you two had on each other, both the moths to each other's flames. Joel had noticed some glares and sneers from a few women at a nearby table, (women who'd tried gaining his favour in the past, and didn't handle the rejection well) while you obliviously snuggled under his arm, planting a chaste kiss on his cheek. But as long as you didn't notice and they kept to themselves, he'd let it go.

"Be right back, handsome," you cooed into Joel's ear before making your way to the group you'd been getting to know. Joel got up a few moments later to get another round in. The music from the jukebox close to the bar and the lively chatter of drunken patrons made it hard, but not impossible for Joel to hear his name being mentioned. Glancing over his shoulder he could see it was the three women who'd been watching him earlier. He turned his good ear to their conversation.

"I can't believe he shamelessly flaunts their... 'relationship'...," a dark haired woman spat the last word out as if it had the worst taste imaginable, "like it's no big deal." "You'd think they'd have the decency to keep their affection behind closed doors," another woman, a redhead scoffed. Joel gripped the edges of the bar, his knuckles turning white. These sour hags were getting dangerously close to crossing a line by referring to you as well. Joel could feel his his anger building, a fragile thread about to snap.

"Let's face it, creeps like him always go for the younger girls because nothing droops yet," a blond woman snarked, which garnered a giggle from the others, "She's probably some dumb, naive airhead with daddy issues. He probably controls her every move, and being a doormat, she probably likes it. I can't even imagine what they'd even talk about. He should try a real woman." The women laugh conspiratorially.

Joel has heard enough. He turns to the table, eyes blazing and fists clenched so tightly he can hear the crack of his knuckles. But before he can take even one step towards them, his brows raise in surprise. Blondie let's out a high pitched shriek as your hand buries itself in her hair, pulling her head back to look directly up at you, her two friends watching in horror.

"Let's get one thing straight...," you seethed, menacingly into Blondie's fear filled eyes, "Our relationship and what we talk about is none of your fucking business. I'm sick of bitter bitches like you...' you fix her friends with an icy stare, "judging us and painting Joel as some kind of pervert. You sheltered pussys have no idea what we went through to get here, and the last thing Joel needs or deserves is hate. He defends this settlement and this is how your repay him?! You three don't deserve to breathe the same air as him!"

Joel is frozen to the spot, mouth agape. A meteorite couldn't move him right now. He hasn't seen you this angry since you'd learned what the Fireflies had planned to do with Ellie, that same murderous look darkening your eyes, now reignited for him. No one has ever defended him with such ferocity before. He's not sure if he's even worth such love and devotion. A strange new feeling washes over him like a warm blanket, and he likes it.

He knows how much you love him, never doubted it for a second, and now watching you defend his honour, looking ready to kill this bitch for him, leaves him in awe of you. For the first time in... god knows how long, Joel feels important, significant. He never realised he could mean that much to someone. God, he loves you! He would burn the world to ashes for you, just like you would for him. A gratifying smirk dances across his face as he takes in, not just the shocked faces of the trio, but also the stunned expressions of those within the vicinity.

Clearly, everyone here had underestimated you, but they won't after tonight. His feisty, fearless, loyal girl! Joel is bursting with pride at your resolve and tenacity. Blondie begs for release while grabbing your fist full of hair. "Please, I'm sorry! You're ripping my hair out!" You tug back further, tightening your grip even more, just to make it clear who has the upper hand here. Lowering your head beside hers, you growl, "Let this be a warning to all of you; if you breathe one more bad word about him, hair loss will be the fucking least of your worries!"

And with that you yank out a clump of hair, just for good measure, as you finally release your hold, causing Blondie to yelp in pain. You purposefully walk over to Joel, softness shining behind your eyes again and gently lace your fingers with his. "Come on, let's get out of here, honey" you whisper tenderly, a juxtaposition to the fury lacing your words only moments ago. Still reeling from your impressive and, quite frankly, arousing display, Joel follows you outside, wordlessly, but not before throwing a glance over his shoulder to see Maria with her jaw on the floor and Tommy trying and failing to suppress an amused grin.

Once outside, Joel stops as you turn to face him. "I'm so sorry Joel. You didn't deserve that," you say shaking your head and looking to the ground. "What are you apologising for?" Joel asked, incredulously. "This wasn't your fault." "It is...," you insist, vehemently, "I made you come tonight. I know you stay home a lot cause of what people say about you and it was wrong of me to force you to-"

"Darling..." Joel tilts your chin up until your eyes meet his, "I couldn't care less what they say about me. It's you I was worried about. I only stayed away to protect you, but I was wrong to do that. Fuck them! I was about to fill their worthless mouths for them, but you beat me to it...," Joel slaps his hands to your arse, pulling you flush to his body, drawing a delighted gasp from you as he presses his growing erection into your belly, "and it was the hottest fucking thing, seeing you stand up for me like that."

Joel watches as you bite your lower lip, knowing exactly how this night is going to end. "Hmm...," you sigh, seductively, hands slowly travelling the broad muscles of his chest. "liked that did you?" Your tongue flicks out, barely brushing his plush lips. "What do you think!" Joel growled lowly, pressing his length against you even harder. "Then take me home and show me just how much you liked it." Joel chuckled darkly as he bent down and threw you over his shoulder, power walking to your shared home. Tonight, you are in for a treat!

[tojjist]

going to a ball with gojo is a messy experience

he doesn't want to wear a suit. and when he puts one on that doesn't look right he doesn't want to take it off.

he buys your dress, having it delivered to you the night before. but it's entirely too inappropriate for the occasion. you appreciate the sentiment so you don't complain to him. it's an expensive dress as is.

when he enters the room to find you in another dress he looks almost too disappointed. you tell him it just didn't fit. but he already knows you're lying because that's your exact size. you assure him that you loved the dress and that, like all his gifts, it's truly extraordinary. but it just didn't fit.

he doesn't dwell on it because you look good anyway. so good he's tempted to skip the ball and keep you to himself for the night.

what happens isn't entirely too different anyway, since his clinginess the entire time made it next to impossible to socialize. or maybe it's just the way he glared at people when you're not looking, shooing them away because your attention is simply reserved. it's an unspoken rule: your attention belongs to him. especially when you're looking this good.

when you've had enough fun -to his standards anyway- he pulls you aside, away from everyone else. you're not too surprised. neither are you displeased with him. the place was getting too boring anyway.

not too long after you're the one leading the way out. Your friend almost approaches you to ask why you're leaving so soon, but she knew better as the lipstick stains on satoru's face answer her question.

the car ride home is full of anticipation, his hand resting on your thigh. satoru complains about the fabric of your dress being in the way, and he swears his heart rose up to his throat when you suggest he just ‘takes it off’ if it's bothering him too much.

he probably could, and the backseat suddenly looks too good. but he remains patient, knowing tonight will be very much worth the wait.

[wicked-jade]

Christ, there's still a week until the new season starts, and I am already so, so tired. I think I am officially too old for discourse.

Like, I love this fandom. I really do. But I think we need to collectively step back and take a deep breath.

In every single interview I've watched, Ralph has seemed genuinely excited about his storyline this season. Do you really think he would be okay with them trampling all over Mr. Miyagi's legacy? He has always been insanely protective over the original movie as a whole, and that character in particular. Billy, too. They've always emphasized how important it was for them to honor both Mr. Miyagi and Pat Morita.

Look, I'm not saying there's no reason to worry. It's Cobra Kai, of course there is. They've made plenty of bad decisions that I strongly dislike. (Baby plot, anyone? Drunk uber-ing?) As a general rule of thumb, I keep my expectations low. Like, buried under the basement low. But I do have faith that both Ralph and Billy would draw the line if they really believed this storyline was disrespectful to Miyagi's character.

And Ralph certainly wouldn't be talking about how rewarding it was for him to play.

Also, not for nothing, but the title of that yahoo uk article that's going around was click bait. Not to defend Jon, Josh, and Hayden - god knows I have my own problems with them - but they never actually say it's 'important to tarnish Mr. Miyagi's legacy' in the interview.

What they do say is that Daniel has always put Mr. Miyagi on a pedestal, and that any tarnish whatsoever on his mentor/father-figure is going to shake his confidence and maybe change his perspective going forward.

They also say that while the things he learns don't necessarily sound good at first, he doesn't have the full story. Maybe I'll be proven wrong but I really don't get the feeling that they're going for "Mr. Miyagi was secretly EVIL all along" or anything like that. More like Miyagi was a good man who had flaws like anyone else. And what made him great is that he didn't let those flaws or his anger or whatever mistakes he might've made in the past define him. Which, if well done (Yes, I know it's a big if) could be a really touching character arc for Daniel to have.

Because no one is perfect, and he's holding both himself and everyone else (along with Mr. Miyagi's memory) to an impossible standard.

And honestly, that would be a good lesson for a deeply flawed character like Johnny to learn, as well.

[llamagoddessofficial]

How do you think the forest god bois (Im sorry i just love them) would react to their darling wife being stolen from them?

Please don't apologise. I love them too

Sans: This particular Forest God's rage is cold. It's damp, dark... it's eyes in the woods, it's the dooming feeling of being lost with no hope, a mould that rots you from the inside out. Kidnapping your potential partner may be commonplace among the Fae, but man... stealing a Forest God's wife is one step away from just outright cursing your own name forever. No punishment is too gratuitous.

The only hope for her kidnapper(s) is that she's back in Sans' arms quickly, and she intercedes on their behalf. If her return is fast he may have enough presence of mind to make the death quick. If not... well. If he thinks her seeing might make her too upset, he isn't above tucking her into a comfortable dream.

Once he's done, he's going to need a few days of cuddling. It's best she doesn't ask what happened to them. Their voices will echo through the darkest parts of the woods for many, many more centuries to come.

Red: Red wants to be human. He always tries so hard to be more human, surrounding himself with objects and trinkets of that world, learning their languages and lives and tempers. He craves humanity- that possible version of him, that could have people by his side forever, and by God standards he's very attuned to them. But someone taking his wife- it definitely brings out the Old Fae within him. The darkness, the possessiveness, the lack of empathy. And the wrath.

Some small part of him wants to be merciful, to prove to himself (and to her) that he can act like her kin.

... At the end of the day, however, he's not a human. Nothing will change that. A hoard of birds and bugs make short work of a face; and even when he sees the terror in her expression at what happened to her kidnappers, he can barely find the energy to even pretend to care for their deaths.

Skull: He was starting to be nicer to humans, you know. He'd let so many people through his bog untouched. His beloved's presence in his life was dampening the age-old flames of hatred... perhaps humans aren't all bad. She's so wonderful, after all, maybe the ones who hurt him long ago are gone now, and things are better. Maybe he can start to figure out how to let that hatred rest. Maybe he can start to figure out how he can rest.

... Then she gets stolen. And it all comes back. First his forest, now the only one who ever broke through his loneliness, all humans do is take the things he loves most. Her kindness, her love, she's the exception- an exception to a rule he despises.

He lives in... difficult terrain. Without his blessing, it's impossible for any would-be kidnappers to get very far away. Skull doesn't need to strain himself to catch up. While he's chasing, he has a lot of time to ponder what he's going to do to them.

There are many terrifying, painful, prolonged ways to die in a bog, after all.

[chaifootsteps]

chai, I got into an argument on tiktok about helluva boss

so it starts off seeing a video take of OP explaining haters creating standards what not to see in certain fandoms and this would backfire on said haters when their own standards don't meet a newer rules of your own fandoms. basically don't hate or bully too much. then I saw a comment from a hh fan stating this is the same for helluva boss anytime people criticised its story and the harmful topics it presented. they're the so called haters. personally I thought that's not entirely true. so I just replied the basic criteria hh quips like how stolas is problematic and stuff and it's also the diehard fans that's ruining the fandom.

and they replied I can personally dislike things without hating it (which is impossible) and I shouldn't bother the fans with my criticism or not watching helluva boss properly to know how great it is. and also shouldn't indulge in the cringe culture cus that's one of the so call reason people hate helluva. so I said I was actually an ex helluva fan but then I matured to finally realise stolitz is garbage and I threw in that the whole show is cringe.

then the fan retorts back that I'm a hypocrite and a hater that the video OP stated. and then they sarcastically congratulate me for maturing to notice the hh bad writing. (I checked their bio and their age is 33. I'm a decade younger than them wtf)

I was like... damn I really don't learn my lesson to engage these type of hh discourse on social media. the same thing happened when I wrote a simple stolas criticism under a yt hh video called "how hell society ruins imps" (if you remember I was the same anon who vent you about this) and the youtuber pulled out a 4 paragraph essay that I was wrong and stolas is a likable character.

but at the same time, was the fan right about me being a hypocritical hater? like I all said was helluva boss has bad writing and they immediately blow off on me. like I'm sorry I'm not riding hard on viv's dick and licking her shoes for her amazing animations and storytelling. honestly tiktok discourse is becoming worse as twitter.

Nah, sounds like you were justified. You can't reason with some of these people, because they take any amount of criticism towards their favorite show as "You're a bad person and you don't deserve to have feet."

[drewmeows]

oml ancient greek myths x 141 🫠🫠 but seeing that ariadne one makes me sad because some versions of myth have theseus abandoning ariadne on an island basically leaving her to die but then she is rescued by dionysus and marries him!! sooooo in this version… theseus!graves and dionysus!soap 🤭

… orpheus!soap + eurydice!reader + hades!ghost…. i need to stop

DON'T PLAY W/ ME ANON💔(i am such a sucker for orpheus and eurydice)

i was thinking about having johnny desert both reader and simon for the angst factor but idk i can't picture that freak leaving like that🥲 however ABSOLUTELY!!! manipulative prince graves tricking this poor sweet princess into leaving her kingdom only to drop her off on some tiny island the moment he and his shadows no longer need her. then soap showing up, disguising himself as a fisherman until she trusts him enough to reveal his true form, that of a god and an offer of immortality in exchange for reader's virtue ANYWAYS!!!

also MAJOR yes to hades!simon. portrayed as this big bad dude meanwhile he's like the most normal guy by mythology standards (RE: a freak) who yeah sure he'll help a poor musician get his wife back, but if they don't follow his impossible to follow rules, it'll cost them and next thing you know reader and johnny are kneeling at his throne hands bound (bad boy reaching back for her johnny, that wasn't apart of the deal) and mouths on his- is dragged off stage

[ko-existing]

https://x.com/being_is_it/status/1797810507522400726?s=46

Obviously expectations are placing importance on the seeming....

But why does beingisit almost inadvertently create a standard of just letting things happen as they happen and accepting them wholeheartedly?

Do you think he does this for his audience? Like he knows if he talks about absolutely authority some people may misconstrue?

Because there's no one accepting anything...idk why he implies it's so difficult to fall into absolute authority...or that it even takes time? Or that there isn't any such thing and its *better* to let things happen spontaneously?

Im done following him either way, he's become repetitive and contradictory (in his english translations at least)

It's just sad barely anyone gets to the point. It's basically only been you guys lol. I might start an account to dispell some misinformation tbh. But Im too lazy...

He has some good explanations, but he sounds like my conservative grampa with all these rules and regulations...again maybe it's for his audience tho idk

Nothing he said there was wrong, misinformatiom or contradictory, you just don't understand what he means. He doesn't have any "rules or regulations", ALL he talks about IS "Absolute Authority/SELF". He repeats in nearly all his messages how there's nothing but your own energetic patterns aka SELF or " ". He doesn't imply anything takes time and always gets straight to the point if one understands.

Ofc his content is repetitive, so is mine. It's impossible to not have repetitive content about "SELF". If you understand " ", you'll understand nothing is being "changed" and everything is "spontaneously" the same way it is "planned". "=". There is no A & B in experience, only "energetic light patterns" like he prefers to call it. He speaks from direct experience and has said his posts are for mature readers who get it

[ryker-writes]

Hello! If you have the time and energy, can I request hcs for the Scarabia, Pomefire and Savannaclaw gang finding out that the reader has a crush on someone from their dorm but it isn't them? The reader actually has a crush on one of the NPCs, and that NPC requites the reader's feelings. How would they react?

It's ok if you don't want to do this also. No pressure

-💀💅

You really want the sad boy hours huh? That's okay because I happily write them <3

also some of the NPCs do be kinda fine tho-

Request rules and Masterlists

Leona:

super smug when he finds out you like someone in Savanaclaw

he won't say anything but he's very sure it's him

he's just so great so of course you would like him

Leona even teases you lightly about your crush

until he finds out who it is

and then he's both very upset and confused

how could you like that guy?

he's just some brute and wouldn't treat you right

but then you tell them and he accepts your feelings...

Leona is angry

that student has way more spelldrive practice then usual and it's more intense

Leona is keeping a close eye on you and the student

if somehow he thinks they are treating you badly he is stepping in and stopping it

Ruggie:

when he finds out that you have a crush on someone in Savanaclaw, he's not immediately going to assume it's him

but he absolutely wants to know who

once he finds out it's someone else he's a little heartbroken but won't show it

instead he'll just go along with it and support you with your crush

the student returns your feelings and Ruggie is happy for you

even though he's crushed on the inside

he's going to stick by you and make sure they don't hurt you

Jack:

you have a crush on a Savanaclaw student?

he won't assume it's him, but that means there's a chance it's him

the tail is wagging

his behavior won't change until he knows for sure who you like

and when he finds out, the tail has stopped wagging

Jack won't say anything and he'll support you with your crush, but he's very sad

when they return your feelings, he's happy for you

but he will accept it and eventually move on

sad puppy

Kalim:

the thought that it could be him doesn't even cross his mind

automatically assumes it's someone else and is excited to find out who

Kalim wants to help you with your crush

so he's going to be chatting with your crush before you even confess

and when you both express your feelings for each other, Kalim is happy for you two

it isn't until he sees you acting like a couple with them that he starts to get a weird feeling

and somewhere in the back of his mind he wishes he could do that stuff with you

Jamil:

he would like to think your Scarabia crush is him, but he's not going to assume

he's very careful afterwards

Jamil will try to figure out who it is, but also may slightly test the waters by saying something vaguely flirty to see if you react

when he finds out who it is, he's very upset but good at hiding it

he will carefully observe your crush and how they act with you

may or may not make plans and set ups that frame your crush in a negative light

he can treat you so much better than that guy

Vil:

at first when Vil hears that you like someone in Pomefiore, he's assumes it's him

he is the most beautiful after all

plenty of people are in love with Vil so it's only natural that you would be too

but when he find out it's not him...

he's offended

how dare you like that little nobody instead of him

but he'll act all nice and supportive of you

and when they accept your feelings he's very bitter

that Pomefiore student now has so much more work to do

Vil is very passive aggressive towards them

they are now held to a very high and almost impossible standard by Vil

Rook:

once he finds out you like someone in Pomefiore he's doing his research

even if you don't tell him who he will find out

he needs to know

Rook will end up knowing more about your crush than you do

he will help you with your crush, but that doesn't mean he accepts your crush

you deserve the best and he's gonna make sure you get it

once your crush returns your feelings, he is keeping a very close eye on them

and he may threaten them if he feels they aren't treating you right

they won't be able to escape Rook if they tried

Epel:

he won't assume your Pomefiore crush is him

but he clings to the chance it might be him

suddenly Epel is trying harder to impress you

until he finds out who it is

he's heartbroken when it's not him

he wants to support you, but it's hard with how heartbroken he is

Epel may distance himself for a little bit to try and get over himself

but he'll come back because he still cares about you

he may try to fight your crush if he thinks they aren't good for you or treating you right

[saintsenara]

I know you responded with a meme, but if you're able I'd love to hear your thoughts on harry/hermione 👀

fine. i'll scream into a pillow periodically and get through this...

obviously, i don't actually find the concept of harmony sincerely upsetting - people shipping things is never that deep, and because, as i've said before, i subscribe to the principle that any pairing is possible if you just have enough nerve. i've been recommended some harmony fics by people who are fonder of the ship, and while i've not found them immediately compelling, i do appreciate that there are plenty of people who disagree.

but my feelings are basically the same for harmony as they are for dramione: that it's never done interestingly.

harmony is - like all hermione pairings except [broadly] romione - a breeding ground for fanon!hermione, who is perfect and flawless and so clever she can solve millennia-old mysteries in afternoon. i hate this version of the character because i find her boring - it's just standard self-insert stuff, which is fine but not something i have any interest in reading. i similarly dislike the version of harry who appears in these stories, who ends up - like all men in hermione pairings except [broadly] ron - being either this impossibly sophisticated and suave intellectual with the body of a greek god or a doormat who's happy to shut the fuck up forever and do whatever she says.

[i also hate - obviously, since he's my king - the way harmony stories are often even more egregious than dramione ones in writing ron as a cruel and violent misogynist who is ontologically indistinct from your average death eater. and i think it somewhat proves my point that neither of these ships work particularly well that this character assassination has to take place in order to make them plausible...]

and i think the flattening of harry and hermione's personalities within most harmony is the main thing which keeps the ship from being interesting. because - while i certainly don't go in for the common anti-harmony argument that harry actively dislikes hermione - it's undeniable that there is a lot about the two of them which wouldn't be conducive to a harmonious [lol] relationship.

their communication styles - hermione works through problems by debating them, harry prefers not to be challenged - are the obvious one. their ways of expressing affection - hermione shows people she cares about them by nagging them and meddling in their lives, harry very much does not - are another. they have extremely different views about authority, they decompress in different ways [harry is someone who clearly needs to keep physically active to clear his head, hermione is much more of a homebody], and harry's impulsiveness is a poor match for hermione's fondness for planning.

they are also similar in ways which would cause them to butt heads. both have a tendency towards obsessiveness, which they rely in canon on ron pulling them out of. both have a significant capacity for cruelty and extremely black-and-white moral codes - harry has a tendency towards forming judgements on people and situations based on whether they are people he likes or things he benefits from [i.e. how he's appalled by dobby's treatment because his masters are the malfoys, but doesn't give a shit about kreacher's because his abusive master is sirius], while hermione tends to regard any rule-breaking she does as justified even if she'd regard it as outrageous from anyone else [i.e. her fury over harry appearing to use felix felicis to improve's ron's performance at quidditch when she herself confunded cormac mclaggen to get him onto the team...]. both have a tendency towards giving people the silent treatment when they're angry. both are incredibly stubborn...

and so on.

obviously, they also have positive qualities in common too - a shared loyalty, for one - but it always seems to me that the standard move in harmony is for authors to completely ignore these conflicting traits, either really over-egging what makes harry and hermione compatible platonically in the books or just inventing similarities [especially intellectual ones] to justify the pairing. whereas i would much prefer to see just how difficult it would be for harry and hermione to fall and sustain being in love with each other, and i've never seen that done compellingly.

but the conflict i'd love to see explored in harmony fics most of all, but which never seems to be acknowledged by fans of the pairing, is that [despite the fanon slander that ron is the person who behaves poorly towards her] harry is often horrible to hermione and hermione is often scared of harry.

this is at its most profound after ron leaves the horcrux hunt in deathly hallows, but we see several times throughout canon that - if ron isn't there to mediate between them - harry often treats hermione in a way which can be considered downright cruel. if she criticises him in a way he considers unjustifiable, he tends to side with other people against her [ron in prisoner of azkaban over the firebolt; ginny in half-blood prince over snape's textbook]. if she tries to reason with him he often beats her down with the force of his emotions [i.e. when she tries to get him to think about whether his vision of sirius in the department of mysteries might be a trick] or his convictions [i.e. when he lures her into near-death by being certain that nagini is really bathilda bagshot], and she often ends up having to soothe or appease him when he's the one who's screamed at her.

hermione is also scared more generally of harry's experiences - she's by far the least amenable of the trio to talking about voldemort [even though she says his name earlier than ron does] - and mission, which puts up a barrier between them which will be difficult to bring down post-war. i think there's something which could be really interesting there - the most interesting dynamic in hinny, after all, is when harry and ginny's tendency to not actually be honest with each other is explored - but unfortunately at the minute that sort of character work is drowning in a sea of "ron is so stupid and harry and i just love talking about classic literature, come darling, put on your leather trousers and let us solve world hunger; i look like emma watson" nonsense.

dull!