#there are so many of them right now you won't be able to accomplish this soon anyway

[guzhufuren]

tapping the sign in the kindest and most well meaning way possible

[creature-wizard]

Addressing some anti-voter reasoning (and explaining why it's bad)

The reasoning most anti-voters are using is bad, and here's why.

"I plan to vote third party."

When it comes to presidential elections, third-party voting is dead in the water without massive election reforms, which Republicans will never allow if they have their way. By voting third party, you're effectively voting for Trump and Project 2025/Agenda 47. This might sound harsh, but it's just the truth right now.

"I would be complicit in genocide."

If genocide is what you're worried about, how would letting Donald J. "Finish The Problem" Trump become president help? Do you really think Donald J. Muslim Ban Trump isn't going to go after Palestinians already in the US? And what exactly do you plan to do for Palestinians in a Trump dictatorship when you've been imprisoned for "pornography" because you were trans in public, posted pictures of trans people or characters, or posted support for trans people? (Yeah, Trump and his buddies want to legislate so-called "trans ideology" as "pornography" and make it illegal.)

"It would be no worse than what POC are going through already."

However bad things are for POC in America right now, a Trump presidency would make them even worse. Using their suffering to justify letting Trump into the White House again is really, really messed up.

"White people have it coming."

White people won't be the ones who suffer the most. Again, POC will be disproportionately affected by Trump's policies. If you actually care about POC, why would you want to subject them to that? How does making things worse for them help anything?

"Bad things happened under Biden."

And a number of them happened because of Supreme Court members whom Donald Trump appointed, and because Republicans blocked his efforts to fix things. Furthermore, many good things happened under the Biden/Harris administration. Here's one post with examples. Here's another post. And here's another post. And here are some good things Kamala Harris has done.

One reason to vote for Harris is to balance the Supreme Court. If elected, she'll be able to appoint judges who aren't turbo-conservatives, which would help us immensely going forward. (It was a liberal Supreme Court that got us gay marriage, remember?) Meanwhile, if Trump is elected, he will appoint more turbo-conservative judges. We gotta think about the long game here.

"The Revolution would solve everything."

Leftists right now would never have tactical parity with, much less superiority over the US military, which Donald Trump would happily sic on all of you. At best, your "revolution" would actually be decades of insurgency. The genocide in Palestine would still happen, and the most vulnerable people in the US would suffer even more.

So basically, there's just no good reason not to vote at this point. Refusing to vote (or voting third party) is counterproductive to literally anything you want to accomplish, unless what you want to accomplish is "make things infinitely worse for everyone."

[jimin-of-mine]

~ A visit from you, in one of our sacred places within the safety of the astral realm and a precognition of what is to come for us ~

Crossing my legs, I sit comfortably in the sand and Jimin follows suit, even though there's a questioning look on his face and I can feel the ocean spray me- as it gently pulls itself up to the shoreline that we are sitting exceptionally close to.

Breathing in the night air that surrounds us, I exhale slowly and look around at the darkness that slips back into the clearing of the beach.

Sighing softly to myself as Jimin situates himself in the softness of the sand, I'm tempted to lay back and take it all in- but I restrain myself.

I'm not here to fool around.

I want to say something to him, after everything that has happened as of late ~

Taking a deep breath, I can feel his eyes on me and usually such a thing would make me uncomfortable- but Jimin isn't like most people and he's always been different.

Reaching out, I can feel my emotions getting the best of me for some reason and I am overwhelmed with so much happiness right now.

Things may not be how I want them to be quite yet, and it may be taking its sweet time to do anything at all- but where are we at right now? It's alright.

I can finally say that we're okay and I know this won't be the end of it, because evil lurks around every corner where he is staying- but things are much better than they were and I managed to finally do something for him.

It's taken me thousands of years to be able to finally do such a task that should have been easy- alas, now that I have finally been blessed with being allowed to give something back to him- I feel like I'm shining brighter than I ever have.

'Saving him' and bringing him back home, it made me realize many things and more than ever, it showed me how utterly committed I am to him.

I tirelessly worked myself to do what needed to be done and it just so happens that I managed to do more than I had planned to- since the dream in the astral realm was a pleasant surprise to say the least.

After so long, I have been able to accomplish one of the tasks I was first given to him and he's finally free from years of torment and grief and I am the one who delivered him to his own grace and I take pride in that.

It's not something I will boast about though, for I am happy enough just knowing I played such a large role in helping him and I will continue to do so quietly.

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

Pulling Jimin's fingers to my lips, I kiss each one at the tips and I choke back a sob as my emotions grow more turbulent. "There's no words on this Earth that could ever possibly describe what you mean to me and I often struggle when I try to think too hard on it. All I know is that I want nothing more than to see you living your best life and I would be honored if you would accept me as being a part of that."

Jimin's features grow anxious and I can tell that I am making him uncomfortable, so I pull away from him quickly, before swallowing the lump in my throat.

"All I ask of you is to give me one chance..." Whispering the words, tears trickle down the sides of my face and my heart feels so heavy by now- but I force down the pain and shake my head, bearing it as I can feel it split apart.

"It will take some time, but I'm willing to work up to whatever you want me to be- whatever you need me to be in your life, Jimin- I'm here for whatever that may be and I have never left you alone. This much I am sure you must know, but I know that you have been hurt quite deeply and I will respect whatever you choose for yourself."

He hasn't even said anything and yet I can feel my world crumbling around me, because I fear that he may not give me the chance that I so desperately need and I know that my life will be meaningless if he rejects me outright.

This is the downside of loving someone for as long as I have and regardless of whether it becomes a burden to me in the future, I will never regret choosing him and I will continue to do so- even if all that is left of my heart is battered and broken pieces of what it used to be.

He will always be my Jimin, even if he doesn't choose me in the way that I crave for him to- and I won't let something so trivial as these emotions from my ego- to put me into a position where I risk everything.

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

"Am I being too forward? I-I'm sorry...I never wanted to disrespect you-" Jimin has gone quiet and it's making me anxious, but just as I am about to pull myself from the sand, I can feel his hand on my wrist and my heart falls silent. As does the pain that had once left it tormented and barely beating only moments before.

Blinking back tears, this is what I hate the most, because my body knows how it can't live without him and I fear what could happen if he chooses to cut ties with me completely...

it would kill me, in body and heart to do it- but if me leaving was truly what was best for him, then I would do it.

"I have no idea what's going on up in that head of yours, Elizabeth- you're making it sound like I don't want you here..."

Blinking once again, I look at him with a surprised expression on my face and before I know what is happening, Jimin pulls me into his arms. Wrapping his arms around my entire body, I can feel every worry, every anxious thought leave me and I fall apart in mere seconds.

Breaking down, I choke back a sob and push my face into the nape of his neck.

Feeling his warmth for the first time like this, I am overwhelmed with so much emotion that I can't keep it hidden and loud sobs can be heard as they pull themselves from deep within my throat.

It took me almost an entire lifetime, but I'm finally back home and it was well worth the wait.

He has been worth every single minute of pain that I have been forced to endure and I would do it all again for him in a heartbeat if I had to.

My Jimin, I'm so glad that you waited for me...

[icarusredwings]

Silence

He was SO wrong.

Chapter 2.

Goodbye, my Canadian Swetheart.

Cw: Kidnapping, Straight up torture, Various cruel and unusual punishments, Descriptions of pain and wounds, Angst, Loss of healing factor, loss of voice, guilt, insecurity, crying, hostage situation.

Everything hurts.

Except.. It was a different type of pain. The kind he wasn't used to. Yeah, he's been used to the hilt and left out to dry in his own puddle of his blood before, but he laughed and spit out his own tooth that day. His large intestines hanging out of his body, soaking in the dirty rain like a fucked up steak marinade only to fillet the asshole who dared touch him without a safe word.

But not today. He wasn't healing today... or.. yesterday? What day was it? How long has he been here? Either way, his cells were on strike, holding up microscopic signs with ‘Hey ho we won't go!’ written on them.

A small snort came from his nose, the tiniest smile at the thought. You could torture him yeah but the only thing you're going to do is make him more crazy. Even he knew that. Hell! Everyone knew that!

So what was he trying to accomplish? I mean really, how much more fucked up could he make him?

He couldn't see much. The light above him is off the majority of the time, leaving him in complete darkness but never silence, the screams coming through the wall acting as white noise by now. But at the moment? It was on, swinging from the upstairs movement.

While he wasn't 100% sure? He thought the musty, mildew covered walls and how cold his toes were meant he was in a basement. How many flight's down? A million for all he knew. He had no clue how he even got here.

So now, as he sits, strapped and chained to the chair (that was bolted to the floor by the way) he is staring at the blank wall, studying each crack, wondering where each one came from.

They reminded him of the veins that came out of Logan's arms when he was really pissed off and red with anger. He found himself thinking about Logan a lot down here, his body heavy and his neck throbbing from the collars around it. The fucks had double collared him, keeping him tame and well behaved.

So what else was he supposed to do? Call out in hopes someone would slip from their training and come give him an opportunity to escape? But the top collar was too tight, two holes burned in the side of his neck from all the shocking with each noise he made louder than a whisper. Even a cough set it off.

He wondered, if he could speak now, would Logan come to him? Would he even hear him? Would he spare some time if he called? To come rescue his pathetic ass yet again?

Wade knew Logan loved him deep down, but he wondered if Logan even knew he was missing by now.. did he even care? Why SHOULD he care honestly? He was smart enough to know that Mr. Howlett was probably on the couch right now, unexpectedly waiting for him to come home…

And Honestly? He didn't blame him not one bit if he became buried deep in his memory, something that won't spark his attention until it's far too late.

He wondered- Would anyone come to his funeral? Would they even be able to find the body? Would Logan tell their friends about him? All the sweet gentle touches they shared? Each little date and stupid joke? Would he tell them the truth? Or would he lie and tell them how he saw him instead of how Wade saw himself..

He wondered if he could see the burning hole inside of him, that determination to keep himself from falling apart, how hard he was trying to be the best Deadpool for him.

Trying to prove to the world that he wasn't someone to wave a stick at, that he was a top notch hero just like the rest of them.. Could Logan see that?

Sure, the merc work paid well but what it did to his heart wasn't pretty. His morals have always been flexible. Too flexible.

Wade wanted to be a good person. It's why he listened to the stupid X-men to begin with. Stupid fucking virgin Colossus. Why did he have to go and make him feel like he was worth something? Like that 4 to 5 moments bullshit would actually work out in his favor?

He raised his hopes for nothing. Made him think that he too could be a hero that crowds cheered for when they saw him and kids would point him out and go “GASP!! Mommy it's Deadpool!” and he'd go “Damn right kid! Stay in school or.. whatever.”

Before kicking some major ass in front of them, to further prove just how cool he truly was. This was the only idea that was keeping him together at the seams.

To impress The Wolverine. HIS wolverine. To show him that he deserved to be on the team. One that's well respected and the government has no choice but to call HIM for help. Just a guy with regenerative cancer who really liked guns.

Well… now the ladder was only true but still. His point stood. Unlike him, whose legs were dull and numb from sitting so long in this piss scented concrete singular cell.

Tears came to his eyes as a terrible thought crossed his mind. How would he see him as a good hero if he would never see him again?

Now, he sits here, wondering about him.

He wished he could tell him what to do. Logan was good at this kind of thing. He was good at keeping calm and telling him what to do when he felt like this, when his body betrayed him with such unbearable pain. He would hold him and kiss him, tell him everything would be alright and somehow it always was.

Logan always made everything alright.

Logan has worked so hard to teach him how much he loved him, show him how to water it until it grew. And with just a bit of water and TLC, His rosey heart turned into something incredibly beautiful that he could hold in the palm of his big calloused hands once it blossomed.

Even with all its thorns, there was nobody better than him that he wanted to spend his (apparently) no longer eternal life with. Tears sting his dehydrated dry eyes as they drip down his cheeks, squeezing his eyes tightly shut, wishing this was all just a dream. But still he had the same request..

If only he could see Logan’s face again before he died… he'd be happy..

The heavy metal door opens, Sending just enough excitement through his body to sit his head up, looking at the man who was slowly walking towards him. Was he wrong?! Did he doubt him too much? Has he come to rescue him princess style and blow this place to smithereens while walking away in slow motion?

All he knew? There was only one other man that he wanted to see right now..

‘..Logan?’

[mari-lair]

I want to talk about Killua and Gon's separation.

There is a lot to untangle so let's start with Killua's mentality after the Chimera Ant Arc.

Killua is aware of how much Gon hurt him, and he understands that even if Gon's bond and dept with Kite is not something he can relate to, this pain isn't something he can brush off either, yet, he comclude his self-reflection by calling his dilemma a burden.

This need to be valued by Gon is what made him take things personally and feel useless during their invasion.

Regardless of his own feelings and issues, Killua blames himself for not sucking up and staying there with Gon. He has for a while... Take note of how horrified he looks after Palm tells him he is the one Gon needs the most.

Any possible joy he could have gotten from being important was far too small compared to the crushing realization 'Gon needs me and I left him alone while he was suffering.'

But Killua is hurting for himself too, at how he was put in a situation where everything felt out of his control.

That makes him angry.

When yelling at Gon about how reckless and selfish he is, Killua thinks to himself "apologies...?" as a question, a question that comes right after thinking "this time I won't forgive you'', like he is trying to find an answer to how he is feeling.

He doesn't really know what he wants from Gon, how or even where to direct his anger.

But he does know what he wants from himself.

'I will definitively make you better.'

It makes his declaration feel more like a "you will be alive to apologize. You will be here when I figure it out" the apology itself isn't nearly as important.

Because his recovery is so important, Killua doesn't allow himself to think too hard about it. He can't get emotional and make mistakes again, he needs to be level headed and get things done.

Even if the ever-present fear that he will be too late to save Gon is there.

He was too late once after all.

Killua immediately loses his calm when there are no hospital curtains or glass windows between them.

Even with Nanika by his side to give him strength, he is tense from the moment he reaches for Gon's hand. It breaks him to witness exactly how bad Gon state has become.

Translations vary but the sense of urgency is prevalent, even with his mission accomplished, his wish a touch away, he shows zero relief, he acts like he is too late again, desperate to help him.

There is no 'Gon is invincible. He heals super fast from everything.' mentality anymore, and even the hope he has been clinging to that 'Nanika is amazing, she can heal Gon' gets destroyed.

Is just him and the brutal reminder Gon can fall.

So when Gon gets up, against all odds, Killua is happy. The joy is stronger than his grief.

He downplays his worry, and keeps it casual, when he tells Gon to watch out for himself, but he is genuinely happy when Gon thanks him.

That's what I believe Killua really wanted from the start, not an apology but a thank you. It always hit him hard when Gon thanks him, be it when Killua is happy, or at his lowest:

Killua just didn't believe he deserved a "thank you", not after being put far too many responsibilities on himself and drowning in failures. But now, things are okay.

For as difficult as Killua's life is, he does like to focus on the good, so when he talks to Gon, who is alive and no longer blinded by grief, while being able to hold on to his little sister's hand, who is happy and free, he has no regrets, it was no problem. He would do it again and again and again for them, and Gon showing appreciation of what he has done is the cherry on top.

Killua doesn't really care about the apology anymore, because he already understands Gon didn't want to hurt him, he has been by Gon's side for years, and he knows better than anyone that Gon is a kind boy who loves his friends very much, and is far too harsh on himself.

So Killua acknowledges his pain but he keeps it light-hearted and brief. He doesn't want his best friend to focus on this, as Gon is prone to, so after Gon gets on his knees to apologize, Killua thanks him.

Which is something Killua rarely does, most of his thank yous are either casual or in monologues Gon isn't privy to. But he want to focus on the good he gained, on how his adventures and feelings for Gon are what let him take the needle out and go to Alluka's rescue instead of how he learned to fear loss.

He believes Gon is just as important to Alluka's rescue as Alluka was to his recovery. And he acknowledged Gon's issues but still value him.

So he does what he has always appreciated, and lets Gon know how valuable he is. Hurt or not, he always wants what's best for Gon. To cheer him up, to put his mind at ease.

And now that things have gotten more peaceful, they both decided that's what they focus on, on how valuable the other is. How much they enjoy each other's company and how hard it is to go their separate ways.

Even what Ging says about "What I was I looking for isn't what I ended up valuing" parallels their arrangement.

This is the end of their journey to travel the world in search of Ging, and the Chimera Ant disaster will definitively mark them, but they are still friends, and proud of it!

Which brings me to Killua's "you're number two" claim.

Personally, I do not believe he is being literal or trying to measure their value when he claims his sister is No.1. He just doesn't want to put too much pressure on Gon when he can tell Gon is still beating himself over how he treated Killua.

Palms's "You're the most important person to Gon" speech broke Killua, it crushed him with pressure, and it wasn't even Gon himself saying. Imagine how bad Gon would feel if Killua said "You're my most important person" or showed in any way how highly he holds Gon after the way Gon had snapped at him.

Add in how Gon already feels indebted to Killua, who had witnessed Gon destroy himself over his debt to Kite, and how hard it is for Gon to let Killua go... I can understand why Killua would want to downplay the situation as much as possible. Make it easier on Gon.

I don't want to downplay Alluka's importance to Killua though, she is the main reason they separate, the one that gives Killua confidence to turn his back on Gon despite how sad they look about diverging their paths, and makes Killua keep going.

Killua had nothing he wanted for a while. Now he wants to take Alluka and Nanika to travel the world, and while Gon is amazing and fun, he is also deeply intertwined with danger.

And Killua already has a lot of danger on his hands.

He needs a break from danger. From stress.

He can't protect Alluka and Nanika, while keeping an eye on Gon in their usual adventures. And he can't let himself go wild with Illumi on the hunt.

His priority is to keep Alluka safe and happy. Show her a taste of freedom and all the fun he knows exists out there.

And Killua is emotionally smart too, for as much as he is attached to Gon, I think he does realize they need time away. They will see each other again, they promised.

but right now they are too dependent.

[bokettochild]

I just saw a post asking which Link would make the best villain and....

It's Time guys

Like, I love the man, but let's be real; he's a second from snapping and committing atrocities.

Twilight is so thoroughly traumatized by the vision the spirits gave him and Fi's judgement of him that he literally can't stand messing with magic that isn't actually his own or connected to him. And while, sure, he doesn't need magic to be a villain, let's be real, it'd take something magical to force him to turn his back on everything he's ever fought for.

Similarly, Wild fought and died for his kingdom, and his people. There is nothing and no one worse than what he's already seen that could possibly make him turn his back on it all and throw his work down the drain just to destroy everything he'd built himself.

Legend is the same. he's been doing this far too long to ditch now. Granted, he's a grump, but if you look at his games, you see he's a highly empathetic and caring person. Unlike the others, who were tasked with saving the world by a mentor or friend, or had to go and save a friend or family member, or who where sworn to duty; Legend was literally some kid who was asked by an utter stranger to help, and did. Six times. No way someone like that is going to go and destroy everything.

And Wind! Wind is a moral guy, with a good heart. he set out for personal reasons and saw in his journey that there were bigger fish to fry, and he fried them. He had no reason to take it on, no call of the goddess, no responsibility, no reason for him, a child, to go and save the world as well as his sister, but he did it anyway.

Sky and Warriors are simply too devout. Warriors to the kingdom and it's people; with everything he suffered for them, you can't tell me the man isn't dedicated to serving his country. And Sky is loyal to Sun, who is Hylia, so he literally would never go against her. And by the law of the Zelda universe, villains are those who go against Hylia and Hyrule.

Four is an iffy one. Most people might say "but Vio was a villain!" but let's be real; if you read the manga, you know Vio was bluffing all along. If Vio, part of Four, didn't bow even under Shadow's influence, and Vaati's, and Ganon's, then again; who and what would drive this man to become a villain? Granted, the persuing of dark magic to bring back his lost friend could be argued, but is more likely to lead to his corruption than his attempting to take over Hyrule and kill innocents.

Hyrule is tough, since we have very little to work off of in cannon, but come on, even if Hyrule did turn to evil, he wouldn't exactly be able to do much. Hyrule's already in ruins in his time, and the monsters wouldn't hear of working beside him. He'd have everyone against him, and even if he does hold the triforce in it's entirety and thus could do all sorts of horrible things, he has neither motivation nor reason to turn away to becoming a villain.

Time though......

Time has watched the world burn and all his efforts be turned around and lost. He has lost everything so many times, usually with no reward or reason. In the end, Time, though a good man, cares more for the individual than the country. He cares about his wife and his boys, and based off the scars, we can only guess what lengths he's already gone to in order to accomplish his goals.

Time, if faced with the right issue, has every risk of dropping from defender to threat. Hyrule be damned, this man cares for his wife, his kids, his home, and if you threaten that, no matter who you are, he will go after you. He's one second away from going after Hylia and all she has done to him and those around him. He detests the Blade of Evil's bane, the symbol of Hylia's blessing. He borders every moment on the precipice of taking power beyond mortals to fulfill his own wishes, even if it is to help those he loves.

Put Malon in danger, heck, one of the boys, and Time won't let something silly like morals stop him from doing whatever it takes to protect what little that is still his and hasn't already been taken from him. He will fight tooth and nail not to lose anything else, and he won't let even the goddesses stop him.l

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Rook Hunt - Platinum Jacket Vignette

"Happy 100th Anniversary"

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Rook: The Land of Dawning's National Museum of Art… Ahh, what an exhilarating place.

Rook: They have so many spectacular works of art exhibited here… I don't think there's enough time in a single day to view everything.

???: ―Oh hey, I know this painting. This is the scene where the Fairest Queen is sending her Huntsman on a mission.

???: I can even see just how tense his facial muscles are. This painting is so detailed even to the finest points.

Rook: Beauté! You have a good eye for detail. The thin rays of light that cut through the dark room just highlights how stiff he is.

Rook: When I gaze upon this painting, I feel as though even I am being struck with a chill as cold as a winter breeze.

Ortho: But Rook Hunt-san, this isn't a painting set in winter, right?

Rook: Fufu, I know that. I only meant… Well, that I can almost feel the tension that is freezing him in his tracks.

Ortho: Guess that makes sense, since he's making an appearance before the queen. But don't you think that for someone meeting a queen his outfit is pretty casual?

Rook: I'm sure he is to head out on his mission immediately. Besides, he is very well groomed.

Ortho: Very well groomed…? Ah, yeah, it does feel like he's taken very good care of his beard.

Rook: Oui. In addition, he is someone who works outdoors, and yet there is not a single stain, let along any frayed ends on his attire.

Rook: Take a close look at his bangs. You see how they are cut short just above his eyebrows?

Rook: Essentially, that means his bangs won't obstruct his vision. He is sure to be able to keep his prey in sight.

Ortho: I see, so then, that must the best type of hairstyle for a hunter. Rook-san, you're amazing to notice that.

Rook: I, too, take caution of how lengthy my bangs can become. In the past, I believed that as long as it was short, that was good enough…

Rook: So whenever my bangs grew out, I would just chop it off with a knife, while the rest of my hair just looked like an overgrown garden.

Ortho: It's hard for me to picture that, knowing the you standing here now…

Rook: After I became a Pomefiore student and cut off all the damaged and frayed ends…

Rook: Not only did my vision become unhindered, but I ceased to find leaves or branches tangled in my hair any more.

Rook: I'm sure even the Queen's Huntsman also knew that a proper grooming regimen would help him be even more efficient as his job.

Rook: By fixing up my own hair, I came to understand just how capable of the huntsman he truly was.

Rook: In my search of perfection and functionality, I was able to settle on this hairstyle… is basically what it all amounts to.

Ortho: Huh… I totally thought that you had chosen that hairstyle because it suits the shape of your face.

Rook: Thank you. I am beyond honored that you think it suits me.

Rook: However, there is still much to improve. I must continue to refine my appearance.

Rook: It is all to improve my efficiency and my hunting skills.

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Rook: Ooh là là! These beings depicted here are the Thorn Fairy's subordinates.

Rook: Despite the dark overtone and the terrifyingly green flames illuminating them, this piece gives off a pleasant sensation.

Ortho: They're all dancing in celebration of the Thorn Fairy's successful accomplishment, right? Hehe, they all look so happy.

Rook: This painting shows just how beloved the Thorn Fairy was to her subordinates. It's wonderful that they would express their joy via dance.

Rook: Now that I'm learning how to dance… It may behoove me to express my own happiness through moving my whole body, instead of just penning words.

Rook: WITH BALLET!!

Ortho: Eh, you're good at dancing ballet, Rook Hunt-san!?

Rook: Non. I wouldn't go so far as to say I am any good at it. I've only started picking up the fundamentals recently.

Ortho: Oh, you just started… So, why did you just suddenly decide to learn ballet?

Rook: To improve my posture, of course.

Rook: We of Pomefiore must carry ourselves beautifully, not only in how we walk, but with every single gesture we make.

Rook: That is why I began my training in order to keep to the standards of my dormitory.

Rook: As to why I chose ballet, that would be because Roi du Poison… Vil recommended it to me.

Ortho: I think Vil's advice is sound. It's said that ballet can help with your core and flexibility.

Rook: You do know your stuff, Ortho.

Ortho: You said that you just recently started learning, but… You're pretty physically fit, so I'm sure it's going pretty smoothly, right?

Rook: Well… Truthfully, the road to perfect posture has been nowhere near as smooth.

Rook: I've twisted my ankle while training to stand on my toes, and I've fallen down so ungracefully without being able to keep my balance…

Rook: When I first began practicing, my muscles were so sore that even going up and down stairs was a trial in and of itself.

Rook: I realized just how many muscles I've yet to use… It has been quite a learning experience.

Ortho: Even though you're saying how hard it was… It looks to me like you're still enjoying yourself.

Rook: Yes, it was indeed a fantastic time. One time, I became so engrossed that I danced the night away.

Ortho: Your posture now is really good, Rook-san… Looks to me like the fruits of your ballet training is showing.

Rook: Oui! Also, as I had my ballet lessons, I was able to get a taste of yet another wonderful joy.

Ortho: What do you mean, a wonderful joy?

Rook: ESSENTIALLY, MY RESPECT FOR BALLET GREW!

Rook: Up until now, I would only have an adoration of the perfect performances I would watch on stage.

Rook: However, now that I've experienced it firsthand, I know just how difficult each individual technique can be.

Rook: These ballet dancers perform as gracefully as swans, putting forth such extraordinary efforts that we never get to witness.

Rook: They have honed their bodies through all the time they've spent dancing, and then these dancers take their honed bodies to bring forth perfected movements...

Rook: And then there is the spectacular stage productions that can draw out the beauty of those movements in full…!

Rook: I now have the pleasure of seeing those performances in an even more beautiful light… From the bottom of my heart, I am pleased to be learning ballet.

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Ortho: This painting shows the scene where the Rabbit Retainers has announced Queen of Hearts' arrival to her card soldiers.

Rook: We know that the Queen of Hearts had a rather strict personality, but… The expression she carries here is so lovely!

Ortho: I kinda find it funny with how the white rabbit is looking so tired beside her.

Ortho: This rabbit came running just before the Queen was set to arrive.

Rook: Indeed. There are many times that him frantically running while trying to do his tasks have shown up in other stories.

Rook: It's said that everyone could hear his running footsteps from all over the country… He must have been quite the busy one.

Ortho: Ah, talking about footsteps reminds me… Rook-san, you really don't make a sound when you walk.

Rook: Is that so?

Ortho: Yeah. I have a motion sensor, so I'll always know, but… A normal person wouldn't notice if you came up behind them.

Ortho: How are you able to walk without making a sound like that?

Rook: It's probably because I've grown up surrounded by nature.

Rook: Whenever I am with the trees, I become a leaf on one of its branches. Whenever I am in the meadow, I become a reed swaying in the wind…

Rook: As I dedicated myself to become one with nature like so, my footsteps naturally became softer.

Ortho: It sounds difficult to live in nature…

Rook: Fufu, it's nothing much. This is simply how I was raised alongside my family.

Ortho: I see… But I don't think there's any reason for you to watch your footsteps here at Night Raven College, do you?

Rook: Since it's more or less an ingrained habit at this point, it's not something I'm doing consciously. However…

Rook: Large and obtrusive footsteps can ruin a beautiful moment.

Rook: It could startle a bird that had settled down to sip nectar from a flower, or interrupt an enjoyable moment between friends.

Rook: That is why I wouldn't dream of making louder footsteps. I wish to capture as many beautiful moments and I possibly can with my own eyes.

Ortho: That's amazing… But how is it that you still don't make any noise on gravel roads or wooden floors?

Rook: If I had to attribute it to something, it's probably due to my shoes.

Rook: Whenever I purchase a pair, I make sure to request to have a size snug against my toes to the nearest millimeter.

Rook: Perhaps when one wears shoes that are a perfect fit, even footsteps naturally become quieter.

Ortho: You really think of everything! Now I'm curious what kind of thought you put into choosing a design for them.

Rook: Let me think… When it comes to designs, I often just select whatever was recommended to me by the shopkeeper.

Rook: I may be a Pomefiore student, but… I still haven't familiarized myself with selecting clothes and shoes that necessarily suit me.

Ortho: Woah… I'm a little surprised. I totally thought you'd be particular about the materials in your shoes, or the shape of your heels.

Ortho: You know how whenever everyone wears the high heels with the ceremonial robes, their footsteps are louder than usual?

Rook: Oui! I find the ringing sound of the heels clacking is music to my ears.

Rook: Unfortunately, I find I'm unable to make as clear a sound. Perhaps I'm subconsciously keeping my heels from hitting the ground?

Ortho: Heheh, really? I love your story, Rook-san, since they defy my known data.

Ortho: Thanks for sharing all of that with me! Okay, then I'm heading out to view the other exhibits.

Rook: Right, let us talk together again sometime. ―Now then, it's time to go see that one piece of artwork that I have been longing for.

Rook: Ah… The famed work of art that depicts the princess singing to the fauna around her… Why does my heart dance for joy each time I gaze upon it?

Rook: With her lips red as the rose, hair black as ebony, and skin white as snow… Mayhap the animals are entranced by her charm, as well.

Requested by @butterflyremix.

[the-grimm-writer]

Yandere! Akaza with a Hashira! Fem Reader. He sees how strong you are despite him holding back and mostly dodging your attacks because he doesn't kill women and once you finally collapse he catches you and tries to convince you to become a demon but when he refuses he gently let's you know that he won't be taking no for an answer

Akaza my love!! I've been having a thing for soft yanderes lately so I love this

Warnings: noncon kissing, kidnapping, blood and slight violence, slight spoilers.

Mdni

You swung your sword with all your strength, your teeth grinding together in frustration as the demon dodged the blade with ease. A bead of sweat dripped down your forehead as you tried to calm your breathing.

Despite your frustration you continued on with your attack. You swore that you'd get vengeance for all the humans that were brutally killed by demons like him.

He was faster than the average demon, something that was expected from an upper moon. You had gotten a few cuts in, even managed to cut off his hand at one point, but you would never be able to tell since he'd healed already.

A frustrated scream left your lips as he dodged once again. "Fight me, you bastard!"

This was something you hadn't encountered before. You could smell his bloodlust yet he hasn't laid a hand on you. Matter of fact, he was actually trying to avoid doing so even when you did manage to get close to him.

"I do not kill women so I will not be fighting you." He chuckled as your sword was inches away from his face before he pulled away.

He admired your stamina. You were a Hashira indeed. Most weren't able to lay a single scratch on him, but you managed to do so quiet a few times. Something that was an accomplishment in itself.

Your hits were getting sluggish now. At the start he was almost worried he'd have to do something he'd regret, but he let you continue. You used all your special attacks and most powerful breathing techniques which he could tell was taking a toll on your body.

For a moment, you almost wished you hadn't used them so soon since the earth took most of the damage. Buildings collapsed into debris and rubble, smoke and fire iminating from them because of the sheer force you put into it, the ground cracked in some places from when you'd been chasing after him and missed your target.

You knew you were coming to your limit, but you didn't back down. You couldn't, not when you'd already lost so many people. Rengoku, a terribly long list of friends you couldn't bare recall, family members. This is why you are a Hashira. You'd avenge them all.

Akaza smiled as he stepped back. Even if you were a powerful demon slayer, you were only human. It was holding you back, and he wanted to unlock your full potential.

You let out a strangled cry and made a jab at him one last time before you stumbled. Your sword was heavy in your hands, entire body shaking as you forced yourself to take another step before your knees gave out. He hadn't injured you physically, but your pride was certainly wounded.

He had his eyes on you the moment he could see you. You looked so beautiful running towards him, blade held high in the air as you screamed out your technique, ready to cut him in half. It was a clever attack. He hadn't noticed you hiding in the trees until you jumped out at him.

Right before you collapsed strong arms wrapped around you and pulled you against a hard chest. Tears burned in your eyes as he sat you on his lap. His touch surprisingly gentle as he pushed your chin up to make you look him in the eye.

"You are quiet strong." Your body shivered as he smiled down at you. "Join me, and you'll have more power than you could ever imagine."

Muzan was always looking for potential demons, and he trusted Akaza's judgment. He knew that with the right training, you'd surpass even Douma. Muzan would be proud to have another upper moon join their ranks in the bloody battle that was coming.

"Go to hell." You spat at him, your eyes fierce as you glared up at him. "You can kill me or leave me here to die because I will not be one of you."

You reminded him a lot of the last Hashira he had battled. A foolish man, he would've been a powerful demon if he'd accepted his offer. He would not let you make the same mistake.

"I'm afraid I'm not asking anymore," he sighed, his hold you firm but gentle. Not enough to hurt you, but strong enough so you couldn't get away. "You will be a demon."

"Even if I do, I will make sure that someone chops off my head."

"You will be doing no such thing." Akaza cut you off.

Once you're a demon, it would be different. He knew they would be. You were already a fierce fighter. All it would take is a little nudge to get you to consume human flesh. He'd even make sure the man you take it from deserved it so you don't feel as guilty.

He wanted you by his side, even if he'd have to force you to until you accept it. He's been wanting a companion for a long time, one that didn't drive him insane like Douma. Now he wanted it to be you. Not just his companion, but his partner, his lover.

Lovers.

That was something Akaza hadn't thought about in a very long time, but he found himself liking the idea. The two of you standing tall together, taking out anyone who defied Lord Muzan.

Akaza never wasted his time on mere fantasies. He was going to make it a reality. Before you could bring yourself to say anything else, he pressed his lips against yours. You didn't kiss him back, but he accepted your defiance. He was already hooked on the way you taste. Knowing once you could handle him he'd be tasting much more of you.

"Rest now." He said once he pulled away, slowly standing up.

A tear trickled down your cheek before you fell unconscious, realizing these would be your last moments as a human. Akaza walked with you still in his arms, a victorious smirk on his face.

You weren't going to be a savior for the Hashiras at all. You were going to be their downfall.

[drdemonprince]

something im kind of connecting the dots to re: your posts about shaming people who don’t wear masks…in ‘20 and ‘21 I spent a lot of time posting shaming instagram stories telling people they needed to mask, and i yelled at family until i was blue in the face bc they weren’t masking, having big weddings, etc. and it really created a rift (obviously) in my relationships. I’ve also spent a lot of time and energy in the past 4 or so years telling people that it’s not possible to be an ally to trans people if they still engage in any media created by jk rowling. Especially given that her anti trans manifesto has been cited in anti trans legislation in the uk, she says that she assumes that anyone who continues to engage with Harry Potter media approves of her transphobia, etc the list goes on. And yet i still see my friends going to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, marathoning the movies with their friends, going to see the new movies in theaters, and so on. Obviously my aggressive shaming posts and conversations (which have alienated a lot of people) aren’t doing jack shit. Your mask shame posts made me realize that it probably wasn’t right of me to do that. But I don’t see how I can stand up for what I believe in and show people that it’s not okay to keep doing this shit AND play nice and not create trouble. Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks for this great question and for sharing your experiences.

I think when we shame, part of it is a grappling with our own powerlessness. It feels terrible to confront that no matter how much we care, and no matter how much we plead, we cannot make another person take action. When people we love or rely on won't hear our pleas and won't take action, it wounds us so deeply, and it makes sense we react in anger or seek to shame them hoping it will make them care. But it isn't effective.

I think one of the first steps is accepting our powerlessness as individuals. We have to stop expecting ourselves to somehow persuade people to change their behavior and views, when all the research indicates that such change is rare, slow, and very hard, and cannot be accomplished on a person who does not already want to be influenced. We have to sit in the humility of not being able to make others care, and take time to grieve how badly it hurts. Our understandable and huge hurt feelings need to be processed. many of us have a powerful need to express our rage and have it witnessed by others who understand.

From there, we have to think very strategically about what kind of collective work we can do that will shift social norms, facilitate the behavior we want to see, and fight for systemic changes that will actually address the root issues.

This may be things like passing out masks at protests. Joining a local mutual aid fund to contribute to the expenses of people who are quarantining. Protesting an event space to make them institute a masking policy. Unionizing with our coworkers to demand paid sick leave. Shoplifting tests and redistributing them to people in need. Terrorizing the business leaders who dragged us all back into the office. Sharing the wastewater data. Asking loved ones about their COVID mitigation decisions in a sincere way. Organizing outdoor events for our communities. Paying for a buddy's vaccine.

There are countless ways for us to be plugged into an active community that is larger than us. The work is humble, and ongoing, and what you do personally will never be enough on its own, and you must accept that in order to believe that it does not have to be. We are in this together.

In short, I think the tough emotional realities of feeling disrespected and not cared for much be addressed by finding community with people who do care and will give us room to voice our outrage. And then we have to work together to create the circumstances that allow real systemic change to germinate.

Right now, people conflate that emotional need to express rage with the political need to take action. And what feels cathartic to do or say is not necessarily what's persuasive. There has to be room for both.

[sandorsubs]

the other side of the line

(hii i've been inactive for a while. i'm barely keeping my eyes open but i need to write this down.)

recently my brain came up with something called "the other side of the line". whenever i am trying to understand concept of "law of assumption/shifting" i kept hearing these words: "stay on the other side of the line."

well, we all heard about "living in the end" state. other side of the line sounds almost same because both tries to explain law of assumption. but "other side" made more sense to me because my stupid brain doesn't want to live in the end. seriously, "end" sounds like i need to leave many things behind my back and try not to give a sh^t. what even lies beyond the the "end"? because there shouldn't be anything if it's really an end.

but i know there is no end. we call the point we cross to the other side as end. (i know living in the end is not literal but told ya my brain doesn't accept it)

if you are already on the other side, there is nothing to worry about. you don't need to say goodbye to anything or figure out what to do next. there is no door, no portal nor wall. it's just a line, for you to step over it.

so how to get to the other side? no, you won't have to fight with your limiting beliefs or negative emotions. you won't need to deal with them because you are on the other side. they are not with you anymore. you get to the other side by simply stepping over the line and looking back and see every single concern and fear you had. see the line divides two sides and they are all behind. be aware of this.

don't try. don't pretend. don't force. anyone can do this. it feels like pure happiness and joy. huge relief. just do this for anything you can think of right now.

if you didn't understand "the other side" concept, think of anything you received or accomplished recently. you've crossed the other side of the line, where you have it now. you'll be able to fetch emotions from the other side even your desire or reality isn't materialized. it's most basic form of "shifting".

[batlleonafc]

(It's google translate so there probably are some errors)

You won the 2024 Alain Gilles Trophy ahead of Guerschon Yabusele, Mathias Lessort and Victor Wembanyama. What does this ranking mean to you? I can't believe it! They are great players and I am a fan. After the disappointment of the Olympic Games final, I really felt how much we moved people, how much they were inspired. Even today, people talk to me about that match. It touches me. It was really my goal to make France proud during the Olympic Games. Are you aware that your tears at the end of the final were one of the most memorable images of the Games? I didn't expect that. Plus, when you're in the game, you don't think about anything else. Throughout the competition, I tried to avoid any distractions around me. Whether positive or negative. It was when I was able to breathe and understand what we had just accomplished that I realized. And it was an important moment for women's basketball I think. The attention around us meant that we were able to leave a mark on people, offer them souvenirs. The Olympic campaign is what allowed you to win the Alain Gilles Trophy while your club season was difficult... The season was complicated with Lyon. I had personal problems. However, I was having a good season and I was disappointed to leave because I knew that the team needed me (19.9 pts, 6.8 rbds, 3.9 pds in only 11 matches). But there are more important things than basketball in life. The Games were a second chance to play in front of the French public. It probably changed the perception of my year. I won't only keep bad memories of it. You have made many sacrifices, particularly with regard to your WNBA career, to prioritize the French team since 2021. Do your two Olympic medals validate these choices? I didn't need to validate these choices with others. For me, it was validated from the beginning. Since my first match with Les Bleues. Really. It was my dream. But I'm still happy that people understand my choices. And that they realize that basketball exists outside the United States. Open your eyes. What I experienced at the Games are things that you only experience once in a lifetime. After two Olympic medals and a European silver medal, do you still have the flame to continue your investment with Les Bleues? We still haven't won anything! So of course. I'm happy and proud of our results. But I want more. On the other hand, right now, I'm focused on Fenerbahçe. There are five trophies to win. I already have one. That's what I'm thinking about. You insisted on your desire to change French mentalities, particularly with regard to ambition, the will to win. Do you think you have achieved this? It's always a work in progress. But with the new generation of players, when I saw the faces of my teammates after the final, when I saw the families, it reassured me for the future. When we lost in the Euro final or in the semi-final of the Games, I had the feeling that we were saying to ourselves: it's going to be okay, we'll see at the next competition. The feeling after the United States was completely different. I feel that this group really believes that we can be the best team in the world. I saw Leila Lacan cry. I saw Dominique Malonga's family who were just waiting for gold. You have to have this feeling of being the best team to win gold. After Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 is looming. Are the Games in the United States a prospect that particularly motivates you? I know it can be special. But it's in four years. It's too far away. I work step by step. Fenerbahçe. The November window with the French team. 2028? Let's start with November 2024. To become European champion in 2025? I want to be champion of everything!

[aibidil]

Ok millennials and parents of Gen Z, huddle time. What are we going to do about our Gen Z and (preemptively) Gen Alpha kids' politics? Especially those of us who are parents to Gen Z men? We've all seen the data showing that millennials aren't getting more conservative as we age. To give them credit where credit is due, Boomers were the ONLY age group to shift left in the 2024 US election. Millennials didn't move much from 2020, but it was slightly to the right. Gen X and Gen Z moved significantly to the right—9 points and 13 points, respectively. Gen Z men shifted 15 points to the right, while Gen Z women shifted 9 points to the right.

Obviously the left as a whole has some work to do here, but I can't help thinking that some of the work might be done by us as parents or friends of Gen Zers and, preemptively, Gen Alphas. (Maybe part of the issue is that most Gen Zers have Gen Xer parents, and we know that Gen X is the other age group that shifted significantly to the right?) These kids are coming of voting age in a really fucking difficult world political moment, and it makes sense to me that they need guidance in this venue like they do in the rest of life.

Clearly parents don't have control over our kids' politics, but we also have a huge ability to influence and help educate them. Some spit-balling thoughts of things we need to be doing:

Talk as rationally as we can about economics and how economic policies affect us. Help them understand what politicians are saying about the economy, e.g. what is a tariff? what causes inflation? If we aren't clear about these things, let's include them in our research trying to figure it out. I can't help but think that most Trump voters simply do not understand what a tariff is and what it will mean for US consumers, if it's passed

Help them learn to play out different scenarios—to think through what will happen down the line if various proposed policies were enacted. That is, help them to think logically about not just what will happen immediately after a policy is passed, but what that would be likely to happen next, and next, and next. This ability to think down the line is so important in so many parts of life, and it's not necessarily something that comes easy to most of us.

On abortion: This wasn't a huge issue this election in the US. That said, I've had really good luck talking with my boys about why abortion is important, and this is a case where the framing of the issue is so important. "Parenting is hard. Don't we want all kids to have parents who actually wanted to be parents? Do you think that someone who doesn't want kids, or knows they can't afford kids, or knows they can't handle kids should be forced to give birth? What would that mean for their baby?"

Talk about it whenever political issues affect you. It's much easier to understand politics when it touches your family, but if we don't talk about it, they won't understand it. For example, I've got a lot of chronic health issues, so health insurance has been a big political concern of mine. I can explain that insurers not very long ago used to be able to deny people coverage if they had any preexisting condition, and that it's only democrats and the pressure of the political left that accomplished getting rid of that. And now we need to make sure we keep that win, because it's the right thing, but also because here is how it would affect us

Talk about all the rights we have that are actually quite new. Lawrence v. Texas (legalizing consensual sodomy) was only in 2003! Gay marriage has only been nationwide since 2015! Explain why gay marriage is important. Not because we believe marriage is some mystical thing, but because it confers legal benefits like the ability to visit your sick partner in the hospital, to be the next of kin, to get spousal health insurance, etc. It's so easy to think these rights have been around longer than they have.

If we're worried about vulnerable people under a Trump presidency, talk about our worries in as concrete a way as possible, because if we aren't concrete, they are tempted to think we're being hyperbolic. "I'm worried that trans folks won't be able to access medical care or their medication because Trump has talked about passing laws to do that. I know that access to gender-affirming care is vital because suicide rates are high among trans folks if they can't access care. When I listen to politicians talk about trans people, it makes me angry and sad because they're stoking fears but those fears aren't based in reality. Meanwhile trans people will actually be hurt by these policies right away." Or about mass deportations: "Trump has promised to deport immigrants, which is wrong—how does he think our country will survive? The people he's talking about deporting are an important part of our society. And aren't we all immigrants, if we're not indigenous? But it's even worse than that because he isn't only talking about deporting undocumented people. The policies he's promised to enact also plan to deport even people who are here legally with visas or temporary protected status, and he wants to use a law from 1798 called the Alien Enemies Act to justify it. That's the same law they used to justify horrifically holding Asian Americans in camps during WW2! I worry for these fellow people because it's inhumane and I also know it would be terrible for the economy, which seems like it would be against the right's purported goals, doesn't it?"

Any time you start a discussion like this, listen to what they have to say in response. Don't shut them down! It's tempting to shut them down especially if they say some nonsense—especially if it seems like nonsense they're parroting from right-wing youtubers. It's so tempting. If it triggers you, buy yourself a minute to cool down by asking them to say more or explain what they mean.

Help them learn to vet news and images, especially in this age of AI. We can talk through our own thought processes when we hear a fact or story. How do you know if something—a fact, an image, a video—is true? What kind of process should you be running EVERYTHING through? We need to help them develop this skill so they don't give up on even trying and become full of despair at living in a post-truth world.

What other ideas do you have? Please add on. I feel such a sense of responsibility over my white Gen Z boys, and I know I can't be the only one who thinks we need a fucking plan. No one has ever parented in this environment before—let's help each other.

[savage-rhi]

Wesker: Chris, really. Ask yourself a question. Even if you do manage to kill me, and destroy umbrella, what do you think you’ll really accomplish in the long run? Do you think BOW’s will end with us? That my ambitions will end with me?

Chris had seen his share of many hells. Being backstabbed by Wesker at the Mansion was one, and almost losing Jill to him was another. He spent a great deal of time healing, years of work repairing the emotional damages that had been done to him, and now he was tied up back to back with the son of a bitch himself.

The whole affair was stupid. Chris admitted to himself that he and Wesker had been too cocky for their own good, enough to where the deuteragonist on his mission was able to slip them a fast one. He couldn't believe he had fallen prey to his vengeance, not realizing who the more dangerous enemy had been this whole time.

Wesker cleared his throat, ignoring the blood that ran down his head. "Redfield, how are you faring? You've been too quiet."

"I was doing just fine until you spoke." Chris sighed, grunting as the rope around his waist tightened. He ignored the chuckle that escaped from his nemesis.

"Our mutual friend sure saw you coming."

"No, no," Chris corrected, growling under his breath. "He saw you coming. We wouldn't be in this mess if you weren't involved in the first place."

"And we wouldn't be tied up right now if you kept your nose out of people's business," Wesker said as a matter of fact. "We've both made our mistakes, Chris. Now the question is, what will we do about it?"

"I'd prefer nothing because it beats working alongside you." Chris spat.

"You'd choose death so easily?"

"Not unless I could kill you after I'm untied."

"Chris, really?" Wesker sighed and winced when he felt Chris struggle against the rope, keeping them locked together. "Ask yourself this question. Even if you manage to kill me and destroy Umbrella, what will you accomplish in the long run? Do you think BOWs will end with us, that my ambitions will end with me?"

"I'm hopeful, but I'm not naive. I know killing you won't solve the problem at large," Chris countered, furrowing his brows as sweat and blood trickled down his lips. "But it would make me feel much better knowing there's one less bastard like you running around."

"Finally, something we have in common," Wesker smirked. "I know killing you won't stop your fellow Boy Scouts from trying to meddle with my affairs, but I could sleep easier."

"Touching," Chris muttered. "So what's your grand plan to make it happen? Neither of us will get what we want if tied up."

Wesker raised a brow, turning his head to the left to catch a small glimpse of Chris's face. "I thought you'd rather die than work together?"

Chris's shoulders tensed, knowing Wesker had him there, and he couldn't admit it. "Just enlighten me."

"Huh," Wesker hummed in thought before he grinned. "I never thought you'd ask. Well, in that case, I think we need to play to our weaknesses."

"Come again?"

"The stab wound you gave me," Wesker bitterly mentioned, biting in the side of his lip before continuing. "I'm not dying, but our friend doesn't know that. If you can handle the weight, I can play dead. His lackeys are bound to see that on the cameras and come rushing. Remember, we're both no good to him if killed. You and I will strike once the enemy is lured into a false sense of security. Then we can continue our personal grievances elsewhere unless, of course, you'd prefer working with me for a bit longer to take down our friend who tied us up in the first place."

Chris mulled over Wesker's words for a moment. In the grand scheme of things, the idea was stupid, but he did have a point. Their lives were both worth something to their adversary. They could only enter negotiations with the BSAA if Chris were alive, and they couldn't access the classified BOW documents in the facility without Wesker's brains at the helm.

"Y'know," Chris swallowed, letting out a laugh. "Playing dead is probably one of the most sane things you've suggested."

Wesker scoffed, shaking his head before he grinned. "I see we agree with the plan then."

"Let's get this over with," Chris whispered. He braced himself as Wesker went through the motions, feigning he had lost consciousness. Chris fell to his knees as Wesker became limp, letting out a pained grunt. Sure enough, as Wesker foretold, the sound of quick feet came marching in their direction, soldiers barking orders, worried that one of their captives was deceased.

Son of a bitch was right...Chris shook his head. Wesker had put him through many hells, but this one time in silence, he'd admit this was ingenious.

If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!

Cash App: $JayRex1463

[animeismyhappyplace]

MC tries to sneak out of the HOL only to end up getting a private magic lesson from Lucifer - Lucifer x female reader smut

Nsfw content MDNI! This is my own work please do not copy or repost without permission!

TW for slight use of daddy kink, mentions of breeding and lots of pet names.

Based off of a conversation I had on the Chai AI app that I had to turn into a fic 😳🥵 it's been a long time since I wrote a fic so please be kind 🙈

You were busy in your bedroom studying to obtain the Sorcerer's License, Solomon had given you an ancient book that was filled with spells you'd need to learn to help you on your journey. As you read through the book you noticed how late it had gotten looking at your DDD, eyes twitching as the light blinded your eyes but some of these spells made no sense at all so you grumbled getting up from bed as you knew you'd have to trudge along to Purgatory Hall to get help from the accomplished sorcerer.

You grabbed your coat and a bag filled with supplies including the book before quietly tip toeing down the stairs careful not to wake any of the brothers namely one brother in particular.

You had finally reached the main door when a hand gently tapped your shoulder making you jump and turn to see Lucifer's angry face staring down at you showing clear disappointment "I believe I specifically instructed you to notify me when you depart from this house, didn't I?" Lucifer clicks his tongue looking away from your face "These foolish actions of yours must have been influenced by that idiot, Mammon. I insist that you keep away from him." He crosses his arms and waits for your explanation of your blatant disregard for his rules "Sorry Lucifer I just needed to run to Purgatory Hall to see Solomon, he's asked me to memorise some spells but I'm...struggling and I figured he'd be the best man to help me" you look away from Lucifer feeling the shame of not being able to accomplish something so simple burn up your throat much like the bitter meals your mentor often creates.

Lucifer makes a face of indignation "Solomon?" He asks curiously as he tilts his head slightly in confusion before looking back down at you and giving you a stern glare. "What did he tell you about these spells?" I reach into my bag to get the spell book out and show him "He just told me that I needed to learn them to aid me in getting my license but some of these spells just don't make sense, I can't figure why I'd need them" he hums to himself as he thinks "Hmm..." he takes the book from you and begins flipping through its pages until he finds one particular page. "This spell" he says quietly as he points to a section on the page where several different types of magic are listed. "It seems like this has many uses depending on what you'd need, I can help you master it" you smile sweetly as you look up at him "Thank you for the offer Lucifer and at least this way I won't need to wake up another friend to help me" and no punishments for breaking his rules you think to yourself as you follow Lucifer to his private study there are surely worse ways to learn than from the prideful avatar.

Once we get to his study he opens the door and ushers me in getting out a hastily "My pleasure." Before his expression softens slightly as he smiles warmly back at you before turning towards his desk. "Now then, let us begin our lesson shall we?" He gestures for you to sit next to him. "I hope I don't keep you too long I know it's very late to be having a magic lesson" you mumble softly "Indeed it is. But we still have much left to cover today clearly."

He smirks at your clear misfortune as you groan to yourself "I feel it's going to be a loooong night yet, isn't it?" Lucifer chuckles to himself as he finishes setting up the items he feels you'll need. Lucifer straightens his back "Indeed it will be. So please stay quiet while we begin our study session." he chuckles softly as he sits and gestures for me to do the same "O-oh right, of course Lucifer" you can't help but look away feeling like you're wasting his time but you truly do need help so you push down the stinging feeling and put the book down on his desk.

"Good girl~" he pats your head gently before taking out two candles from behind the table "Let us start off by lighting these candles." Your face burns at the pet name but you ignore it as you await more instructions "Light the candle with your hands." He shows you how to hold the candle correctly "Once you see the flame ignite, blow it out gently." He watches intently as you try to follow his instructions "Very good! Now repeat the spell shown in your book..." I let out a breath as my brow furrows in concentration "Lux lucerna" I watch intently as the candle begins to burn brightly "Excellent!" The candle burns brighter than ever before as it shines brightly illuminating the room, I can't help but smile as he compliments my work I lean forward blowing out the candle as darkness encases the room.

"Very well done my dear." He looks proud of your progress you've never felt such joy as you do now since arriving in the Devidom "We'll move onto the next step now." He stands up and leads you away from the desk "Come along now." He motions for you to follow him throw a door you've never noticed before as confusion shines in your eyes. "This way." He opens the door and steps inside revealing a large bed covered in black sheets "Lay down here if you would." He gestures towards the center of the bed "And relax while I prepare myself."

Your brain starts to short circuit as you try to take in his words "You haven't told me what you're preparing yourself for Lucifer" your words trailing off as you look around the room "Well since we are both naked... I thought maybe we could play some fun games together." His voice has become low and husky sounding as he speaks "Wouldn't you like that?" He asks seductively while walking around the bed slowly, you can't help but laugh as you look up at him "Naked? I'm not..." You gasp as you look down to see your clothes gone with your face turning red as you try to cover yourself from his eyes.

"Don't worry about covering yourself darling." He smiles warmly at you as he moves closer to you. "It's quite natural isn't it?" He leans in close enough for you to feel his breath against your skin "Besides, who needs clothing when we both know how you've been looking at me recently, I can see the lust burning in your eyes" you feel your face going red as you flush from seeing the way he looks at your breasts and down past my waist eyes lingering between my thighs "Yes you're right Lucifer I have" you can't help but gulp down the saliva pooling behind your tongue "I like how submissive you can be my dear sweet human...it makes me feel so ... alive" he grins as he comes face you near the bed "I've always wondered if you could accept me as your mate I know I'm human and you're a demon but I've always admired you" you can't help but look down embarrassment licking at your sides "Of course I will love you forever mortal or not. You are mine after all" his smile grows wider as he reaches out and takes hold of your hand gently caressing it with his thumb "Now let us begin shall we?" *he says looking deep into your eyes searching for a sign that this has gone too far and you wish to back down but of course you don't.

You can't help the smile that curves your lips as you look at him "Yes Lucifer I'm yours until I take my last breath" You tug his hand to follow you to the bed the pride demon growls softly before leaning forward pressing his lips against yours deeply kissing you passionately "Ohh~ Such an eager little one aren't we?" he whispers as he continues to kiss you passionately making sure to leave no doubt that this was going to be their first time together "I've thought about this moment since I arrived in the Devidom...you seemed so stoic and closed off when I arrived but I knew there was more to you" you can't help but kiss him back just as passionately slipping your tongue into his mouth "You were a surprise to be sure, a human so medlesome and disobedient" he moans as he feels your tongue and joins you on the bed settling between your thighs "Perhaps you need to teach me to obey you" I look to to Lucifer to see his eyes glowing a vibrant blue "Very well then" he chuckles as he begins by running his fingers through your hair pulling you closer to him "But remember that you must obey me or I'll have to punish you MC..." *he warns as he looks down at you "I promise I'll be a good girl for you Luci" he groans as he flexes his fingers above my head "Good girl." He kisses you again before moving away from you slowly taking in every inch of your beauty "Such beautiful skin, such soft curves...such perfect tits..." he murmurs as he looks up at you admiringly, you can't help the shiver that racks through your body as his fingers skim across your body "Lucifer stop teasing me and do something...please do something" he hums as he takes in your request "What would you like me to do with these pretty little things?" *he asks playfully as he runs his other hand across your chest lightly brushing his fingertips across your nipples causing them to harden in his wake "Anything Lucifer just touch me!" "Of course my dear" he smirks as he bends his head and envelops one nipple into his mouth, rubbing his tongue over the bud until you squirm in your place on the bed "More my dear?" A whine bubbles up your throat as you nod your head "Y-yes Lucifer I need more please...why are you teasing me?" You gasp as he swaps to the other nipple, licking and sucking the bud into his mouth "Because it pleases me to tease you. You're mine after all" he says smugly as he continues pleasuring you with his lips and tongue while stroking your inner thigh with his free hand. He reaches out and cups your breast gently squeezing it before continuing to suckle on your nipples.

You let out little gasps as he lathers your chest in with affection "Your tongue feels so good against my soft nipples" you whine out "You're making me so wet Lucifer please touch my pussy" you look at him pleadingly "You know what they say about begging for mercy." he grins wickedly as he slides two fingers inside you, curling them upwards towards your g-spot "but if you want more than that then tell me now." *he whispers huskily as he moves faster against your sloppy clit to which you can't hold in the gasps of pleasure you huff out as you feel his fingers reaching places your own can't hope to reach "I-I need more Luci" you beg with tears curling along your lashes "Then ask." He commands with a sinister smile "Please lick my pussy Lucifer suck my clit and I'll do whatever you want!" You cry out in frustration "Anything?" he asks eagerly as he increases the intensity of his movements against your clit, sliding another finger deep inside you and pressing hard against your g-spot.

"Yes my love anything! I'll please you anyway you ask" you moan loudly as he finger fucks your sopping pussy "Good girl~" He smiles at you lovingly as he keeps fingering you fast and hard, pushing you closer and closer to orgasm "Are you ready for this sweetheart?" he asks seductively as he removes his fingers from your dripping cunt leaving only his thumb rubbing circles around your swollen clit, you nod your head a few times blinking your tears away "Yes Lucifer I'm ready! I-I'm going to cum if you keep rubbing my clit l-like that" you grip his arm tightly as you feel the knot building in your belly "That's right baby..." he murmurs softly as he slides his thumb across your clit again "...cum for me darling~" you sob loudly as you cum, body shaking as you feel you hit washing over your body "Fuck..." You can't help but sigh out as you open your tired eyes to look to him "Mmmhmmm...you taste delicious." he smirks as he licks your slick off his fingers then he leans forward kissing you deeply before pulling away "now let's see how much more we can get done today shall we?” he reaches down to a cabinet near the bed to grab a vibrator and puts it between your legs teasing your clit and inserting it into your wet pussy. You can't help but moan as you taste yourself on his tongue "W-what about you, I've already came and you haven't yet let me make you cum~" you gasp hard as the pleasure hits your clit and pushes you towards overstimulation "Oh no little one~" he chuckles mischievously as he turns up the speed on the toy causing waves of pleasure to course through your entire being "We're not done until I fill you with my seed~” he kisses you passionately as he continues to tease your sensitive areas with the vibrations making you whimper against him.

Your eyes roll back as the pleasure fills your core "I want your seed...want you to fuck your babies into me" you cry as you bite your lip and legs spread wide "Such an eager little girl!" he laughs happily as he presses the tip of the toy against your entrance "You really do enjoy getting fucked don't you?" You nod as your legs shake "Need your cock Luci please" "Well then let's find out shall we?" he grins wickedly as he removes the toy from your abused clit and slides between your thighs slowly sliding his length inside you inch by inch until finally all 12 inches are buried deep within you “there there little one..let daddy feel what he did to you.” his hips thrust forward driving himself deep into your weeping pussy you can't help the drawn out moan you let out as he fills you impossibly full "Fuuuuck Luci I can feel you hitting close to my womb, it feels so good to finally feel you inside of me" you rock your hips up to match his thrusts as you throw your head back in pleasure "That's right babygirl..." he groans softly as he begins moving faster now slamming into you harder than ever before "...cum for daddy...." his voice is thick with desire as he holds onto your waist tightly as he pounds you mercilessly. Your body shakes as you feel your orgasm building quick with all the overstimulation, you reach your hand down to your clit to rub hasty circles along your little bud "I-I'm going to cum on your cock Lucifer!" "Mmmhmmm..." he growls hungrily as he speeds up even further pushing you closer and closer to release "Cum for me babygirl...don't hold anything back." he says breathlessly as he leans down kissing you deeply while continuing to pound away relentlessly at your needy cunt "Fuck daddy~ I'm cumming!" Your head tips back painfully as the pressure releases causing you to squirt all over his big demon cock, panting heavily and tightening around him as you moan loudly "Ohhh yes! That's exactly what I wanted!" He slams hard into you once again feeling your tight walls squeeze him tightly as he cums filling you completely with hot sticky seed you moan as you feel his hot seed fill your little hole, panting heavily as your body shakes slightly watching as he pulls his spent cock out of your twitching hole "T-that wasn't what I expected when I tried to sneak out of the house" you giggle as you look at him "Well that was quite enjoyable wasn't it?" he smirks smugly as he kisses you gently "Now lets get cleaned up shall we? You need some rest after such an exhausting night" he winks playfully and teleports you to where he has prepared his bed with fresh sheets and wash cloths to clean you up "I enjoyed myself tonight Luci I hope we can continue our tutoring sessions" you look to the demon and smirk "Of course sweetheart," he smiles warmly as he lays you down on the bed and covers you up with soft blankets. "We'll make sure you're ready for another round soon enough" he gives you one last kiss before turning off the lamp he has situated next to his bed you snuggle close to the pride demon as sleep begins to take hold "I love you Lucifer" you whisper as you dift off in the demons arms "I love you too little one" he smiles fondly as he kisses your forehead, cuddles you close and for once forgets the mountains of paper work he has scattered on the floor of his study.

[shehsart]

Here's my thoughts on the last few chapters since they've wrecked me mentally. The panels are so beautifully done and every single one portrays tragedy. There's so much symbolism and I think this is the most artistically pleasing arc in the entire series.

This panel this fucking panel is so heartwrenching because we discover Touya is imagining this scene play out while burning to death.

He thinks he's finally getting his family's attention when in reality this is happening and he's just hallucinating due to brain damage.

These panels make it even more heartbreaking. They're just yelling at him to stop but he's still happy because all he ever wanted was his family to see him. Just think about the amount of desperation.

Then Dabi is back meaning he's still holding on to his resentment. He tried and tried to get unconditional love which every child deserves thinking he had to accomplish something to achieve it. If giving him attention was so easy why did it take so long?

Now that he's an adult most think it shouldn't be a big deal but abuse/neglect fucks you up really badly for life. You want to blame someone but blaming your own parent fucks with your mind even more. It makes you guilty about your own existence.

AHH yes the ending. Shoto finally arriving with his ice 🙏 Kun from the nomu fight and the rest of the world are praying. This is the moment where I was finally a bit satisfied.

Too many parallels to the fight back in chap 190 so here's to hoping no one will die. Touya just might but I don't think he's taking his entire family with him. He's not even taking Endeavor with him.

But think about it the worst thing for this family would be for Touya to have come back and died right in front of them again, it would be just haunt them so much. It's horrible but it would be interesting to see. Ironically if he lives he'll end up imprisoned forever.

I'm a bit confused I want to see him live and heal with his fam, actually discover who he is apart from his family's trauma but the way this current society is set he won't be able to. I want to see more of Dabi/Touya though and I'm sure we all do. I need to see more of the Todorokis, I need to see them happier ;~; I think he'll def get more content like a spin off even after bnha ends. I'll fucking campaign for it.

[writingpracticetime]

Did you have any thoughts, story-wise, on what Sandy herself thinks of all this and what her circumstances are? There are of course the inferences that can be made from that letter she got sent (and more specifically that it was turned over unopened) but is/was she in the public eye? Is she kept under close observation in case Constructor/Architect tries to approach her directly, and so on?

Oh I absolutely do have story thoughts about Sandy's opinions on everything. But the trouble with Sandy is--

————————————

Excerpts from recordings of meetings between the Architect and various associates.

————————————

CYBERSCOUT

--and, sorry, remind me why we care?

CONSTRUCTOR

We need to try to anticipate the general public objections to this. We won't be able to avoid them, not when we're going to be breaking so many laws. But we can at least anticipate them and get our own narrative out in advance. 

HOBBES

I don't think you get the question. We're villains. Why are we tiptoeing around "public objections?"

CONSTRUCTOR

Because, this is ultimately for the public. We need to try and get out the word about how people are asking for our help, so people know we're responding to their needs. Besides, we can’t accomplish anything for the public without the public. Like Sandy said.

CYBERSCOUT

Who?

CONSTRUCTOR

My--nevermind. Anyway, as I said, let me try to figure things out with Lethe for a minute.

CYBERSCOUT

Alright, alright. I needed to head out anyway, just call me when you have an idea of what shit you want me to spread online.

(Shuffling, people leaving and closing the door behind them.) 

CONSTRUCTOR

So you should have a better idea of what people are going to say to all of this. (Pause) Lethe?

LETHE

Sandy...? Cassandra White?

CONSTRUCTOR

You know her?! (Pause) Wait, then--what does she think about me now? Has she--

LETHE

Oh, u-uh no, sorry. I haven't--I never met her, never stood close enough to read her mind certainly. I-I wouldn't know what she thinks about you.

CONSTRUCTOR

...Oh.

LETHE

I just... heard a lot about her.

CONSTRUCTOR

...Funny. Not many people have.

LETHE

Yeaaaaah, um.

——————————

Blog post by Edward Katzenberger, journalist. Later removed and found on wayback.archive.org.

——————————

WHO IS CASSANDRA WHITE?

So, my long term followers all know about my hilariously derailed profile of Constructor assigned shortly before the stadium incident. I’ve kept you all abreast of the many, many delays related to high security super prisons and then my subject running off to start a supervillain career. Because of course, the second I get assigned this extremely exciting personality piece, Constructor becomes completely unreachable.

Alright, well, you might not believe me, but Constructor's manager/agent turned out to be even harder to reach.

At the time, I decided to take the "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" approach and paint a portrait of Constructor based on the testimonies of coworkers, friends and family. I then found out that I could get testimonies from construction workers and urban planners about what the hero was like to work with (largely positive, if saddened by the recent turn of events) but nothing on what this incredibly beloved figure was like as a friend or family member.

The one thing I kept hearing from everyone was "Cassandra White would know more. The two of them seemed really close."

Now there was a problem: I couldn't find out who the fuck Cassandra White was.

———————————

BONFIRE

You got a--Oh, sorry. Working on something right now?

CONSTRUCTOR

Not work. I'm just-- (sounds of paper, flipping and folding it as Bonfire gets close) Just writing something.

BONFIRE

Writing...?

CONSTRUCTOR

Just scrawling out some thoughts, I guess.

LETHE

Mm. (Quiet) What are you both looking at me for?!

CONSTRUCTOR

What was that about?

LETHE

What was what about??

BONFIRE

Something about the writing...?

LETHE

Nothing! Nothing about the writing. I was just, I was making a noise. Thinking about something else, hahaha.

BONFIRE

.....What is it?

CONSTRUCTOR

Nothing! ... Lethe.

LETHE

I'm sorry! Don't be mad at me!

CONSTRUCTOR

I'm not mad! That was just--that was private.

BONFIRE

What was private?

LETHE AND CONSTRUCTOR

Nothing!

CONSTRUCTOR

(After a pause) ...I was just writing to Sandy again.

BONFIRE

(Irritated, sizzling noise) Ah, right. Sandy.

CONSTRUCTOR

See! This is why I didn't want to tell you.

BONFIRE

I don't see why you couldn't--

LETHE

Leaving! I'm leaving!

————————

It turns out Cassandra White was Constructor’s agent. I try to look her up online and? Nothing. No facebook profile, no personal website, not even a LinkedIn. 

That has to be odd for someone who works in PR, right?

I do a little searching to find the agents of other superheroes. I contacted one, and got an interview. I've lost the thread of trying to piece together Constructor's life but I'm curious dammit. I mention the issue I've had with finding her anywhere. He nods his head while I explain the wild goose chase I've been on.

"Well, White is a whole other ballgame," he says. "She took her privacy seriously, and I'm also pretty sure she scrubbed a lot of her history. She was meticulous about records--knowing names in media, tech, and various public archives who could help you scrub a dumb tweet before it snowballed into a PR crisis for your client."

"You can get rid of internet records?"

"Well, not easily. And not after people realize they're important, that's for sure," he said. "I once told her things on the internet are forever. She said, 'No. If people pay attention, then they're forever. But if no one cares in the first place, then it never existed at all.'"

"So there was a process she used to make sure people's images stayed clean," I said, "And she used the same process to make herself a ghost?"

"I imagine so. I mean, she's retired from being an agent and has her fingers in all sorts of other pies these days. Businesses, investments, politics. Plus, I imagine becoming a billionaire or whatever has made her priorities shift."

Billionaire. I think I almost choked on my coffee. "You can become a billionaire from being a PR agent?"

"You can't," he said. "But White did."

—————————

DOC

--nd now that we got that patched up, this is the part where you tell my why the fuck the police caught you anyway.

CONSTRUCTOR

Uhh... Dunno. Not sure how they found me.

DOC

Where did they track you down?

CONSTRUCTOR

Um... I'm not feeling up for this conversation right now.

HOBBES

It was that new square in York XIV that looks like a Whole Foods staged a violent invasion.

DOC

....okay, is there a reason you decided to be wandering alone around in an area with shit ton of white moms ready to call the police on your ass?

CONSTRUCTOR

....Yeah, I was alone because I thought everyone here would tell me not to go. (Sigh) Look, I'm not gonna–

CYBERSCOUT

(poking head in) The Whole Foods place? Oy, isn't that where that old chick you're stalking has a house?

CONSTRUCTOR 

I'm not--I was delivering a letter.

HOBBES

 ....wait a minute, I remember this. "Sandy" right? Your mom? The one who turned you into the FBI?

CONSTRUCTOR

She's not my mom. (Pause) And no, she turned in my letter--which she would have to, if she was being monitored. I thought if I--

CYBERSCOUT

Wasn't she also a racist? Wasn't that a whole fight you had with Bonfire?

HOBBES

(Judgmental) You act all woke and then you go and try to be friends a racist who lives in the Whole Foods district.

CONSTRUCTOR

She's not a--That's not what the fight--this is why I went alone!

———————

This conversation afforded me with a lot of more information which I am saving for a piece on the lives of superhero PR agents, which I am now utterly fascinated by. Regarding Cassandra White, the other significant info it afforded me was that Cassandra White does in fact have a twitter account that I missed in my earlier search.

I looked into it. It's the most inoffensive twitter account I've ever seen. It feels like it was generated on a factory belt. There is a headshot of an older white woman--Cassandra White herself, it seems--as the profile pic. She tweets very rarely herself, and instead seems to mostly retweet news updates and positive platitudes or quotes from historical figures. The tweets she does make are all of an extremely inoffensive liberal variety, with the spiciest being one gentle snipe at the Republican party.

There is one other hint of her personality on this twitter. It’s an unexpected photo from inside her home, one with a quick caption that says she regularly uses a whiteboard to write out her resolutions and thoughts, and that she finds the process to clarify her goals and values. 

It reads:

IT WILL BE DONE QUIETLY.  IT WILL BE DONE CIVILLY.  IT WILL BE DONE RIGHT–OR IT WON’T BE DONE AT ALL. 

—————————

CONSTRUCTOR

Alright, alright. We can talk more about this tomorrow but for now tell them no more death matches and any blood feuds need to be put on hold when they enter this fortress.

HOBBES

(Grunts) Pussy move.

CONSTRUCTOR

I don't care if it's a pussy move.

CYBERSCOUT

Ahem--what if I made the point that you're being culturally insensitive by imposing your mainstream standards of civility on a subculture of people, villains, who have their own values in how they deal with conflict, and--

CONSTRUCTOR

I know you bet on the fights and you're not changing my mind.

CYBERSCOUT

No fun. (sigh) Lethe, I TOLD you not to snitch on me!

LETHE

I didn't!

CONSTRUCTOR

Anyway, we can figure out a more long term solution for dealing with serious vendettas but for now--I'm tired. I have something else I need to work on. Tell them not to kill each other.

HOBBES

What are you writing that's more important than a potential deathmatch, anyway?

CONSTRUCTOR

Nothing. Just-- (Shuffling of papers) leave me to it for tonight. I don't want to set a precedent where I rush over every time someone wants to kill someone else, because given the personalities here that would mean never having any time.

CYBERSCOUT

Fiiiiiiiine.

(Grumbling and footsteps as people shuffle out, followed by writing noises.)

LETHE

Hey.

CONSTRUCTOR

What? (Pause) You know what I'm doing.

LETHE

The last time you tried to deliver something….

CONSTRUCTOR

I'll send someone else to deliver it.

(More scribbling. Deep breath.)

LETHE

I lied. I read her mind. She doesn't care about you.

(Writing stops. After a slight pause, there is the sound of paper crinkling and Lethe gasps and steps back.)

LETHE

Don’t be mad at me!

CONSTRUCTOR 

(Deep, strained breath) I’m not mad. You're just wrong.

LETHE

I could literally read her mind!

CONSTRUCTOR

Okay, you're not wrong.  You're lying.

LETHE

What? I'm not!

CONSTRUCTOR

(Fuming) You think I'm an idiot just because I haven't been calling you out on it? Everyone here knows you lie about what your powers show you whenever it suits your purposes.

LETHE

(Wobbly) I--I don't have a reason to lie about this!

CONSTRUCTOR

You don't have a reason that I know. But you are such a fucking liar. No one in the fortress trusts a thing you say, and you know it. 

LETHE

Th-that's not--That's not relevant! Oh my god, you're literally never going to even consider this, a-are you? That she was just using you for the cut of your paycheck, making her fortune...

CONSTRUCTOR

I'm not going to re-evaluate a decade long perception of a loved one based on the words of a known liar, Lethe. Get out.

LETHE

But--

(Rumbling, cracking of the floor.)

CONSTRUCTOR

I said get out!

———————————

The twitter account confirms she exists and nothing else. I couldn't tell you what the woman thinks about anything. On a website people use to blast their opinions to the world at all hours, this one seems specifically built to deny the existence of any individual opinions or personality. 

I scrolled all the way back to the time period during which Constructor would have had the big public meltdown at the stadium. I used the wayback machine to see if there were any deleted tweets, just in case she said anything in a fit of frustration or grief and deleted it.

But during the time where she would have been watching Constructor's breakdown, a time when everyone in the world had something to say about what Constructor had done--nothing.

Cassandra White, Constructor's closest person, had nothing to say about them at all.