#was ultimately more honest than hers with louis's

[bogunicorn]

Interview with the Vampire is, in terms of genre queer melodrama, what fandom really wanted something like SPN or even Hannibal to be. It has the longing, the drama, the messiness, the blood and violence, and it also lets the vampires fuck.

And it made Claudia and Madeleine lesbians who get to tell the other characters to fuck off and Madeleine refusing to be saved because "Claudia is my coven" is everything I want in a tragic love story. RIP Claudia and Madeleine, you would have been amazing vampires and would have been happy if you weren't surrounded by fucking idiots

[foreignswaggersession]

Louis the Vegetarian Vampire

Louis de Pointe du Lac's ethical vampirism is very special to me. Let's look at his journey to no- (human) kill blood-drinking!

Louis the human doesn't enjoy violence but is willing to threaten violence to preserve his reputation. Unsurprisingly, Louis the vampire is haunted by murdering people to live:

Louis feels like a failed vampire, but he's honest about his feelings:

When Louis adopts Claudia, he tries to impart his ethics and guide her vampire journey...

but he respects her eating choices:

(Shout out to my fellow vegans and vegetarians, who's had this conversation?)

While Lestat's feelings don't move him to change his eating habits 🤭, Claudia's feelings do:

But even with this compromise, Louis won't drink more human blood than he needs to (note Lestat channeling Armand here):

And in Paris, Louis balances his own ethics with Claudia's need for companionship:

At the trial, the TDV and audience try to shame him for his animal eating, but Claudia defends him (look at my man, fuck the TDV forreal):

After Claudia's death, Louis drank from drug-ridden humans to cope. Ultimately however, he mastered the 'little drink' and found a non-lethal (to humans) way of blood-drinking (and he wants the readers to know this...🤔)

To me, AMC!Louis is part of the pantheon of black vampires that refrain from killing humans (i.e., Blade, Gilda, Shori). He doesn't suffer from an eating disorder and he doesn't need to be fixed - he chooses to minimize his killing as much as possible to align with his moral code. I hope he continues to spread his murder-free message to new vampires in future seasons 🥰

[sharonccrter]

More often than not, people reduce Louis to merely being a passenger in his own life - and perhaps up until this point in the books & show, you could argue that was true. But he is equally responsible for allowing Armand to do what he does to Claudia, which ultimately leads to her death. Lestat was a bastard, but like he said himself, "Call me a dog, but an honest dog." Louis has more agency than he (or the audience) believes he has.

[sleepynegress]

Your post about Loustat paralleling Ruby and Christina makes so much sense. I haven’t rewatched lovecraft in a while though what specifically would you say makes them relate?

Whew! Where to start. I feel I probably need to play catch up for Ruby/Christina's dynamic on Lovecraft Country because that's probably the one fewer people who follow me are familiar with so... This is Ruby and Christina:

Ruby is a rock/blues singer in the 1950's Chicago, and like our man Louis, she has done most of the work holding up her family. Also, like Louis, a lot of the challenges she faces are deeply racist, and because of her gender full of misogynoir as well, more than today because of the past setting of the story... Her shade and body type also come into play when compared to what her sister, who is lighter-skinned and thin could get away with in life. Christina is the daughter of the leader of a centuries-old white male-dominated magical cult, in which she is clearly the most talented in wielding magic but she has no say-so and cannot inherit the same privileges because of sexism, something that is *always* intersected with racism which that cult has deeply ingrained traditions in. Despite it all, these two fall in love. The biggest similarities I see in Christina and Lestat are...

both... are not just white but white-white blonde hair blue-eyes.

have a measure of self-loathing because of some trauma devolved from whiteness (Lestat stalked and tortured and piled into a bunch corpsed reflections of himself) and (Christina always considered a "protected" possession beneath white men and not an equal because of her gender)

are powerful supernatural beings, a wizard (I just feel that's the more likely adjective over witch for her) and a vampire

are narcissists

woo and manipulate, seduce, their partners into being with them, by lending their own privilege to give them protection or higher status, via whiteness

both are desperate to connect with their Black partner in ways that are impossible because of innate privilege deferential w/in the times they live and their own psychological shortcomings - Lestat opening the relationship and Christina going through the pain of a "lynching" to try to understand Ruby's day-to-day fear

are ultimately toxic to their partner and all other healthier relationships they have - Ruby's family especially Leti and Louis' family, most importantly Claudia

genuinely love their partner but just don't have the capacity or ability due to past traumas, narcissism, and that huge gulf in empathy for their very different lives.

The biggest similarities between Louis and Ruby are.. that they are broken by racism and the responsibilities of existing and maintaining for others while they are invisible in their plight. Both are uniquely beautifully human, vulnerable beyond what any other people in their lives "see" and that makes them both entrancing and vulnerable to the Lestat and Christina.

These are both queer interracial dynamics that take a really empathic and honest eye to render well, especially in this day and age. Both of these cultural spaces are riddled with discomfort, judgment, and fear, which mostly lead to dishonest depictions; and self-censoring, but they have subverted that for the most part.

Both I would say have been exceptionally well done and if really looked at critically beyond the chemistry and romance, I do think some interesting wider sociological conclusions/implications could be gathered from them. I think that's in part because of the freedom of the genre space. When it's supernatural or fantastical in some way, often the heavier issues are rendered more honestly. I'd absolutely love to read a dissertation really breaking it down.

[nalyra-dreaming]

Nalyra, I came into season 2 having mixed feelings in regards to claudia I liked and disliked the character (which I think is very common! In this series with all characters at times) but after season 2 I feel like they sort of damped her character down and softened her? In a way

Don't get me wrong I loved seeing her soft moments with Madeleine and their brief happiness but I do feel like in the books she was at times more cold and calculating.

Also they kept harping on about claudia being unstable (especially in the trial) but that was only shown in season 1 after charlie and was a brief incident. She appears to be waaaay more stable than armand or lestat and yet we had all these talks about her "making it" (louis was more of a concern in that regard if we're being honest)

In a way they made her a martyr of some sorts and I think I missed the ruthlessness and spiteful aspect that was shown in season 1.

How do you feel about the overall portrayal the character had?

I think it felt ... real.

You must not forget, between NOLA and Paris there is a huge reality check for Claudia. (Which continues in Paris, ultimately, but wrt to finding other vampires here.)

Claudia left NOLA with Louis to find other vampires who are not "as bad as Lestat... or him" (Bruce). A gross miscalculation, based in her very limited experience.

And what she found was... nothing. For years and years. For years of that time she did not even talk to Louis. Which was not only because of her anger towards him I think, but also because she was feeling bitter and disappointed.

She thought Lestat had kept them from the others, which, in a way, is true. But she had not anticipated that there were only so few of them... and what kinds of vampires she would find.

And so it seemed only logical to me that, in Paris, they finally, FINALLY found vampires that promised to be what she hoped to find. Clever covens, reveling in what they were, accepting them and promising knowledge.

Jackpot, right?

Such a huge jackpot she dismissed all the red flags (that Louis saw btw).

I get her there, remember she is emotionally matured but still trapped in the hormonal upheaval of her body at all times, which means the "high" was blinding.

And the drop after, when this also turned out to be not what she had expected, must have been devastating.

Claudia in the book was more cold and calculating. She was no teenager. She was a tiny human turned so young she had no concept of being human. Very different to the show Claudia and they factored that into her portrayal, as they should.

Claudia was always set to die in the story, and yes, her death in Paris feels all the more tragic now, because she was so close to actual freedom. So, so close.

And she came back for that dinner because she found peace, love and understanding with Madeleine.

And that makes it all so much more bitter.

[1dcommunityficrecs]

Girl Direction!

List number two is here! And y'all really showed up, we have 35 amazing fics ranging from barely 1,000 word quick stories to 100,000 word epics all celebrating GIRLS. We've also got a few rarepairs included, which I'm excited to check out!

Please enjoy, share, kudos, comment -- and get ready for the next theme!

Man Made Beauty by jaerie (4788, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: M/F

Famous Louis meets non- famous tgirl Harry (again)

Reccer says:

that good girl faith (and a tight little skirt) by ariadne_odair (43734, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis are camp counsellors. They hate each other. The amount of sex they have in the camp showers probably contradicts that.

Reccer says: This story is everything you want from Girl Direction, including impeccable Summer vibes, hot lesbian sex and cute side Ziam.

Bluer than velvet were her eyes (softer than satin were her thighs) by thebreadvan (12333, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Tailor!Harry should probably stop obsessing over her customer’s boobs, but fate can’t keep her away from plus-size model!Louis

Reccer says: Boobs Are Awesome (TM) or, I am love with this fic and the way Harry is just so lesbian over Louis. Harry is a gay mess and Louis is irresistible. I love how the tension was written and explained, also Harry and Louis' dynamic.

You got me in the back of your car like a star (is it wrong?) by thebreadvan (2165, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry and Louis go on a road trip, their car breaks down and it's too hot to keep their clothes on.

Reccer says: 80s vibes

She keeps her lips red (to seem like cherries in the spring) by thebreadvan (35299, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

The Office AU, where Harry is engaged and Louis is pining.

Reccer says: Cute baby gay Harry? Love. Pining Louis? LOVE.

She spreads her lovin' all over (and when she gets home, there's none left for me) by thebreadvan (5361, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Watersports

For Harry and Louis, moving in together wasn't easy. (Part II of The Office series)

Reccer says: Domestic Larry getting into a fight that ultimately ends in hot (messy) sex

The Changer and the Changed by Homosociallyyours (59496, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

1970s coming out / self-discovery featuring poet Louis, new girl Harry, folksinger Zayn and her girlfriend Liam, and women’s bookstore owner Niall. Harry is a closeted lesbian who moves to New York after graduation. She meets Louis, a proud lesbian who works in a popular women’s bookstore. They click instantly.

Reccer says: I’ve never read a more beautiful girl direction story. Completely atmospheric and SUCH wonderful, layered characters - including all of OT5! The setting is so thoughtful and their relationship is so mature. This fic feels both like a historical nonfiction and something absolutely timeless. The author really digs into the queer struggle of the 1970s, and in doing so highlights how much things haven't really changed.

Pink Like the Paradise Found by Disgruntledkittenface (18477, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Midwest US girl direction coming out! Harry goes to her first gay bar and meets bartender Louis. It's the first time she really feels like she's a bonafide lesbian.

Reccer says: I love the honest communication, the awkward flirting, and excellent smut! A very relatable story for me.

Tell Me This Is Paradise by QuickedWeen (19855, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Exhibitionism in later chapters

Harry has never had an orgasm. Niall decides that this needs to be rectified, and her method of choice is Louis. Turns out, Louis is very very good at giving Harry orgasms.

Reccer says: Incredibly hot, incredibly honest, incredibly sweet, and HOO BOY I might be a slut for exhibitionism. I also love the way we get to follow their relationship through the chapters.

I Said It Wrong, But I Meant It Right by lululawrence (4381, Not Rated, Nick Grimshaw/Liam Payne) - fic post

From AO3/author: "Nick was a bit of a disaster, but she was used to it. Or so she thought. She had never known how much she could struggle just to function until the new fire lady goddess angel person winked at her."

Reccer says: Unique rarepair fic with a fun and interesting dynamic that adds depth to not only Girl Direction as a trope, but also to 1D fics in general!

Little pink skirt by ialwaysknewyouwerepunk (2468, Not Rated, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: Recreational drugs

The girls are at a festival. When Louis tries to light a spliff, the wind makes it impossible to do so, for which Harry has an idea.

Reccer says: The author! Kidding (am i?) but it was so hot. I was caught in by the art and then well… it became a classic for me!

Blush by orphan_account (15128, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

"I've never wanted to kiss a girl but like, every time I look at your lips I just wanna... fucking kiss you all night long." Harry's eyes open wide as Louis' drop to Harry's mouth; her lips are swollen from biting them all night, red and wet and plump. "Then why don't you?" Harry whispers. (or, the Christmas FxF Larry fic in which Louis is 99.5% sure she's straight and Harry likes to walk around shirtless and watch lesbian films)

Reccer says: very friends to lovers Christmas pic that is as fluffy as you want a Christmas fit to be, the smut is vanilla so great if you just want to relax with some pining and confused Lesbians

thank goodness love can float by cryptidstar (orphan_account) (2486, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

prompt: au where they're both sorted in Slytherin and Louis gets tired of Harry flirting with the merpeople through the glass windows of their common room and not enough with Louis. (fem!larry)

Reccer says: very cute and pure sapphic love story, I am always up for a good Harry Potter/Hogwarts AU fit

Bleeding Love by momentofclarity (27191, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Louis is an animal rights activist who throws red paint at fur coat wearing it-girl Harry Styles. Then there's a crack in the surface and something new starts bleeding through.

Reccer says: I'm always here for enemies to lovers, especially if it's written as excellent as it is in this fic.

Bittersweet, Irrepressible by fairytalefemme (5120, General, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

“Dear Sappho,” Harry pleaded, her voice unsure and her eyes squeezed tightly shut, “or Hayley Kiyoko, or anyone really. Aphrodite? You’re the goddess of love or summat, right? Um, or God, I guess, if you’re there and you happen to be a lesbian. There must be a lesbian god somewhere, right? Or at least someone who’s sympathetic to the needs of a young lesbian. Because I need some help. I need Louis Tomlinson to like me back." In which Harry's been in love with Louis all semester but can't tell the difference between platonic and romantic interactions, leading to pining and confusion and at least one date.

Reccer says: this fic is so lesbian I can't lesbian anymore

bambi legs by disgruntledkittenface (11552, Not Rated, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry works at her family’s fabric store sometimes and always sells the most interesting fabrics to Louis. Louis is the wannabe fashion designer who keeps buying fabric she doesn’t necessarily need just to find a way to talk to Harry.

Reccer says: it’s so hard to narrow it down because aghhhh i love everything about this fic!!! BEST characterization (including ace Harry) and perfect Zarry friendship. Squee-worthy crushing! Sweet open Harry and lovely lovely Louis! i adore the ace representation and how the characters handled it, the banter, the pet names!!! and the oblivious friends to lovers trope is *chef’s kiss*

If You See My Reflection in the Snow-Covered Hills by friendofhayley (16948, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Alcoholism

The story of One Direction if they were all queer women!

Reccer says: I like how much research was put into it and also how feminist and queer it is?

It’s Probably Because I’ve Got a Big Lesbian Crush on You by yeah_alright (6600, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Brief reference to past homophobia/bullying

OMG MEAN GIRLS AU

Reccer says: It's so funny and such a good twist on the movie - it's not exactly like it but the characters and the VIBES are perfect!

To Sleep, Perchance to Ream by yeah_alright (3988, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles) - fic post Warnings: Somnophilia (consensual)

Harry and Louis have a signal for when Harry wants Louis to fuck her after she's fallen asleep

Reccer says: Kinky and so hot so hot omg so so hot!!! It’s so hot and cute at the same time. I remember I was like ‘omg i want what these two have’

Among Lavender Fields by homosociallyyours (70000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Internalized homophobia

Harry and Louis are cast in a movie by a French director and the director has them live together while they film in a beautiful, remote location

Reccer says: AN ABSOLUTE DREAM! Just beautiful, soft women falling in love! Honestly like living in a soft, soothing fantasy - absolutely flawless!

It's Been So Long by littleroverlouis (10608, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry and Louis are ex-wives who still have fun sexy times.

Reccer says: OLDER SUPER HOT LADIESSSSSSSS so funny and hot

Vesper by Yesisaworld/louandhazaf (2000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Louis orders herself a vibrator but ships it to Harry's house because she doesn't want her to mom to get the delivery and ask questions. Friends to lovers. Bisexual Louis thanks to Harry LOL

Reccer says: It's so much packed in! Sweet and hot and funny - such a sucker for good friends realizing they should probably go ahead and do it!

Close Our Eyes (Pretend We're Miles Away) by haztobegood (5000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Major Character Death

Harry and Louis' girls weekend away turned bad and now they're on the run from the law. Thelma and Louise AU

Reccer says: Incredible balance of soft and tense. Made me so so emotional!

Sea Asunder by cupcakentea (68000, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry's mom hires painter Louis to capture Harry well enough that she can find a husband. Portrait of a Lady on Fire AU.

Reccer says: Absolutely gorgeous writing! It somehow captures the quietness of the movie but allows the characters to shine through even more.

Must be the Season of the Witch by 4ureyesonly28/evilovesyou (14500, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry get a new coat at a thrift store and it brings her both Louis and magic.

Reccer says: witchy goodness! found family! Really beautiful and moving

Harriet and Louise by Blaaake (29000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Lesbian Jane Austen novel, basically

Reccer says: Lesbian. Jane Austen. Novel.

tempted by the fruit of another by disgruntledkittenface (3000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson/Zayn Malik) - fic post

Zayn walks in on Harry and Louis hooking up and can't look away.

Reccer says: Zourry my beloved!!! So tender and hot - like SO HOT! Such perfect using of switching POV

in my head we can love forever by beardyboyzx (1272, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Pain kink

Harry's got to stop touching herself while thinking about her roommate. Except that she can't. Or: Harry might be a bit in love with her roommate.

Reccer says: The author does an amazing job at fitting so much emotion into so few words

I know I've got this (because I've had it all along) by we_are_the_same (16351, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Body image, self-esteem issues

Louis struggles with her body image, and she's initially hesitant when her friend Liam books her a boudoir shoot. Despite her nerves, the photographer Harry teaches her to see herself in a whole new way.

Reccer says: I love the way the author describes Louis' emotion: you can feel all her insecurities as if they were your own

That Smile and That Midnight Laugh by yeah_alright/uhoh-but-yeah-alright (50000, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

80s AU - Harry and her high school boyfriend's sister become friends…and then eventually more. Popular, sweet Harry and seemingly tough/loner Louis.

Reccer says: I'm such a sucker for girls slowly realizing they're into girls specifically by realizing they *like* like each other. Sweet and funny and soft with just a tiny bit of angst. It's four parts - one for each season - it's just so lovely!

still, somehow by disgruntledkittenface (1124, Not Rated, Liam Payne/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post Warnings: Depression

Louis trims Liam's split ends.

Reccer says: This fic has such tender and care. It holds such a special place in my heart.

You Make Lovin' Fun by homosociallyyours (109915, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Silver fox Louis and 28 year old travel writer Harry meet on a gay cruise.

Reccer says: An all time favorite with such amazing character development for Harry! And incredible side characters keeping everything fun!

tis the damn season by YesIsAWorld (17901, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Harry returns to her small hometown over the holiday season and starts to think about the road not taken.

Reccer says: Loved the chemistry between all the characters and especially the love story between Harry and Louis

Daydream by allwaswell16 (2024, Teen, Zayn Malik/Louis Tomlinson) - fic post

Every Thursday, Louis nods hello to her fellow regulars at Horan’s Cafe, one of whom is the woman of her dreams.

Reccer says: So funny and charming!

Study Dates and Coffee Taste by AlwaysHazandLou (2000, General, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Prompt: college au - Harry and Louis have the same class and they have a crush on each other but they're disaster gays and one of them is great at the class and the other one sucks so they have to tutor them.

Reccer says:

[rapha-reads]

IWTV rewatch

(still spoilers for both the whole show and the books)

Season 2 episode 1 [What Can The Damned Really Say to the Damned] - part 3/4

- [Daniel] "Memories just keep bubbling up." - oooh, the face Louis makes at that...

- [Louis] "'Claudia was... uh... She was dreaming. Her head twitching like you would.'" - ain't no need to take a shot at Danny boy now! He hasn't done anything (yet)...

[Daniel] "'Maybe you're just uh, frosting the pie?'

[Louis] 'No. I can feel her. I can feel her next to me. She's having a nightmare. What's worse than a nightmare? If your soul's projecting out its fears, at least it's up and running. But the absence of anything? The void. The nothing. Pieces... coming back. Hours, nights. Objects, surfacing in water. It was just something she wrote. But it wasn't true. She could dream. Thank you.'

[Daniel] 'If you wanna take that break...'

[Louis] 'No. No. I want this. To remember.'"

Can I scream about Jacob's phenomenal acting? This man. I have no words. The voice breaking. The hand waving. The vacant eyes. The tears (he cries so prettily). The accent emerging from the flat Dubai accent. What a masterclass. Also who else thinks that when Louis says he can feel her next to him, he's not just talking about past Claudia in the memory but also Ghostdia in present time?

This scene has everything:

1, it showcases once again Daniel's profound compassion, in the way he doesn't try to push Louis more now that Louis is finally doing the job of being honest on his own, in the way he's looking at Louis having a breakdown with concern and immense compassion... Yes, Daniel is a catty bitchy old queen, yeah, he's grumpy and cynic and an investigative journalist who latches on his subject and doesn't let up. But he's also profoundly human and full of sympathy and humanity, and that's what makes him such a darned good journalist - he touches at the heart of his interviewees.

2, it sort of closes the theme started in s1 of memory being a monster, to open up the second theme, memory being a blessing. S1 was about how Louis ran away so hard from the truth he had basically changed his recollection of things to not face up the real events and emotions, ultimately leading him to just shut down - something that is explored more in details in s2. S2 is about Louis finally facing up to his true memories and reconciliating not just with Lestat, not even only with the memory of Claudia - reminder that he carried with him for 77 years Claudia's diaries in which she writes how much she hated him - but also and maybe most importantly, owning up to his real memories allows him to reconcile with himself.

3, it fixes a hole in Louis' heart regarding Claudia and the end of their time together. As said above, Claudia writes in her diaries that she hates Louis maybe as much as Lestat. But she also wrote that she doesn't dream, when obviously Louis' recovered memories show that she does. So if what she writes that one time is a lie, "just something that she wrote", maybe she also lied, "just wrote", that she hated Louis? Even if we can't ever know for certain, even if this session starts with Louis and Daniel agreeing to believe what's written and nothing more (a decision that's almost immediately abandoned), for Louis, just holding on to that thought, is everything.

- And there goes another queen.... Rip Emilia, you were magnificent. +10 points and a bit of grace for Morgan speaking Romanian and trying his hardest to save Emilia. [Louis] "Human affairs. Death, and how to avoid it. Their problem. Ours was in the woods." - bravo, only took you 30 years to learn that lesson. Better late than never I guess. Lestat will be pleased. With that and with the hunting.

- Claudia's sassing Louis, Louis showing off his fangs... And the revenant being a full horror show. Yep, welcome to the Old Romania portion of the story.

[Louis] "'What. The. Hell is that?'

[Claudia] 'It's... A vampire.'

[Louis] 'No, I'm a vampire. That's a fucking catfish with teeth. It's dirty. It doesn't like us.'

[Claudia] 'Us, you, the same.'

[Louis] 'Not the same, not even close.'"

This show is a comedy.

- Do you think a vampire with a rifle is more or less dangerous than a vampire with just their fangs and claws...? Someone needs to make a poll.

- One queen exits (Emilia), another emerges (Daciana)... And what intensity. What pain. A motherless mother. [Louis] "An angry woman vampire. A mom." - the fact that Louis himself points that out, as if he's somehow recognising himself in her... The way he says "a mom", full of wonder and understanding. Because a parent is a parent and no matter the words used, he is Claudia's parent, and he spent years suffering his child's absence. He knows.

- [Louis] "Through the forest, as if a fairy tale." - hello, did you know that today's Fantasy literature, inherited from the Fantastique literature, comes directly from fairy tales and folktales? There's a direct pipeline between "Le Petit Poucet" (Little Thumbling, a fairy tale about a boy abandoned in the woods finding his way back home thanks to the trail of white stones he left behind) or "Hansel and Gretel" and the musical story of "Emilie Jolie", where a little girl all alone in her house follows the characters of her storybook into the pages of the book. A very French example, I know, I know, but I was looking for something that would reference being alone and lost in the woods, like Claudia and Louis here. In any case, what I meant to say is, go read amongst others Tolkien's essay "On Fairy Stories", Daniel Baker's essay "Why We Need Dragons: The Progressive Potential of Fantasy" (Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, 2012), Carh Filmer-Davies' "On Fantasy Stories" (Mythlore, 2000) and Jack Zipes' "The Irresistible Fairy Tale: The Cultural and Social History of a Genre" (Princeton UP, 2012). I have a lot more bibliography but they're more related to what I wrote about in my thesis which is Beauty and the Beast, a fairy tale that woumd be fascinating to explore in relation to Lestat, so I'm going to stop here. Man, when can I go do my folklore PhD...?

- [Louis] "But even if we could get her to talk, what would she say? What, after all, can the damned really say to the damned?" - interesting, the way the book quote (see part 1) was inserted in the show narration... Really emphasises how lost and alone, metaphorically, Louis and Claudia are.

- Welp. I have to put the entire conversation between Louis, Claudia and Daciana. Every line is fascinating.

[Louis] "'We are from over the ocean.'

[Claudia] "Five years we've looked for you. We came to where vampires are spoken of, to find others like ourselves.'

[Daciana] 'We own the night. Yes?'

[Claudia, Louis, in English] 'Yes.'

[Daciana] 'Long centuries, into the villages, into their hovels, drinking, drinking, drinking. They don't want life anymore.'

[Claudia] 'Maybe it's the blood. [In English to Louis] Tell her about the blood.'

[Louis, in stammering Romanian] 'It's blood here... Can't... You...'

[Claudia] 'Say it in English.'

[Louis in English/Claudia in Romanian] 'The blood is bad here. The humans, there's too much sadness, too much pain. We feel it too when we drink. We can't get warm. Our bodies hurt. Maybe you need better blood.'

[Daciana] 'From over the ocean?'

[Claudia] 'America.'

[Daciana] 'Another one like a burnt tray of bread.'

[Claudia] 'How many of us are left? How about this one?'

[Daciana] 'Cezare Romulo. He was a droll one. Killed a travelling circus in Sibiu, everyone but the bear... but all those in darkness go into darkness.'

[Louis] 'What's she saying?'

[Claudia] 'Who's left?'

[Daciana] 'You killed my last out in the forest.'

[Louis] 'What's she saying?'

[Claudia] 'He was hurting us.'

[Daciana] 'All of them dead now. All gone. Like cream from the top of a milk bucket. So many nights to come on the devil's road, playing in their blood, oh, you will laugh and laugh...'

[Claudia] 'And you'll come with us? '

[Daciana] 'Yes. You will take me over the ocean with you. And I will grow strong again. And tell you my story. And you will tell me yours. And we will kill for the small comforts and wait for my children to join us... The wind in our hair and bare feet in the grass. Daciana.'

'Louis.' 'Claudia.'

[Daciana] 'We own... nothing.'"

Be right back, need to add Romanian to my Duolingo list.

What a scene. A scene that will stay with Louis forever, reminding him for decades to come of the immense strength and the immense fragility of the vampire. Of the power of the creature owning the night, and the fragility of the creature bending under the weight of inconmensurable, endless time. Lesson learned, again. "All those in darkness go into darkness".

I love that Daciana, this ancient, timeless vampire, remembers little pleasures of human life and uses them as a measure of good and bad things, burnt bread one tip of the scale, cream from the top of a milk bucket the other side. As if, at the end, what sustained her wasn't the blood anymore, but those long ago memories of when she was human. A loop, ended.

Louis being the one who understands the blood and can explain it, after all those years rejecting it. He truly is the most dangerous one.

From a very meta perspective, it's hilarious that they made the character played by the actor famously known for his languages and accents abilities the one who struggles with languages. Very on the nose, very funny.

Claudia's face, the pure joy and elation when Daciana talks about going with them. And then the crestfallen, resigned expression when she throws herself in the fire. Emphasises the youth of Claudia and Louis. They want someone to willingly and joyfully guide them and teach them, an adult adultier than them. And they can't find anyone. Lestat refused, bound by his promise to Marius, his control and abandonment issues, Daciana had enough of the devil's road, and when they meet Armand, he doesn't want to guide but to, again, control and dominate. You know who they should have found? Pandora. She would have taken them under her wing if she had met them independently from Lestat. Pandora would have been worth it. I want a fic where Pandora meets them while they're travelling through Europe and decides to mentor them.

season 1 masterpost

part 1 | part 2 | part 4

episode 2 | episode 3 | episode 4 | episode 5 | episode 6 | episode 7 | episode 8

[fayevalcntine]

good luck now that you've kicked the hornet nest because people who adhere to "louis is basically a woman" meta are particularly rabid and have a tendency to harass anyone who disagrees with them. interestingly you'll also notice their only comeback is to claim the only alternative viewpoint is "lestat as mother" even when nobody said that. as though a relationship between two men must entail one being the "woman." of course ultimately you need only glance briefly at the loustat ao3 tag to realize that this argument is by and large nothing more than justification of feminization fetish in disguise. most of this analysis is blatantly not in good faith

I'll be honest I'm surprised you got right down to the point with this message anrkfje. But I appreciate it. And yeah some of the various "lestat is mother" memes that I've seen are more often in the vein of "evil stepmother", which honestly the show doesn't even directly argue against when you have him cartoonishly take off the record player needle in episode 5 or arguing that Claudia is trying to steal Louis away from him. The latter in particular just reminds me of how various women irl have noted that their female relatives directly thought of them as threats for their men's attention even when they were just children. But as I said, this doesn't negate that Lestat is still her father who abuses her, and given how so much of the focus is placed on that throughout episode 6.

[heliza24]

Ok I’m gonna let you pick:

Question A. Assign a character from Interview with the Vampire (no repeats!) for each of the main five YR characters to hang out with one-on-one. What activity does each duo get up to, and what do they talk about while they hang out?

Or

Question B. Tell me a NSFW headcanon you have for each of the main five.

Thank you so much for letting me apply my current vampire brain rot to Young Royals. You really do know me so well.

OK so let’s start with the easy pairings. Felice is absolutely hanging out with Claudia. They are taking down corrupt schools and even more corrupt coven together. They are trying on fabulous outfits and bonding over how difficult it is to be young Black women in stories dominated by men. Maybe they are even solving crimes together. Next, Sara and Daniel are autistic hyper focusing together. They are chasing a story and asking brutally honest questions together. (I have never really headcanoned Daniel as autistic until now or thought about journalism as a potential career for Sara in the future but I think both of those things work very well actually.) last you’ve got Simon and Louis working together on a new album. The album is about Louis’s various heartbreaks and he finds it much more cathartic than the interview with Daniel.

Now we’re left with the most deadly interview of the vampire characters left and we run into more of a conundrum. Initially, I thought to put Lestat with Wilhelm just because of the prince connection I think, but then that leaves August with Armand, which is such a bad idea because Armand will spend that time either a. Teaching August how to be the most despotic ruler of Sweden possible or B. Running an extra judicial trial in which he can condemns and then murders August for his crimes. I think ultimately this ends up with Armand drinking August regardless, and that seems like a bit of a waste. So instead, I propose Lestat and August have an aristocracy-who-can-be-brattier competition (also maybe Lestat can introduce August to the joys of bisexuality, I think it would be good for him) and I send Armand with Willhelm simply to avoid a disaster. I think that Wilhelm has enough qualities in common with Lestat that Armand would probably fall in love with him, and therefore not kill him. Maybe Armand can teach Wilhelm how to paint. That boy needs a hobby after all.

OK, now let’s do a quick NSFW round of kinky head canons below the cut just for fun:

Wilhelm and Simon discover that Wilhelm really likes to get tied up (subspace is good for him!) and Simon gets really into learning different knots and rope techniques as like a sexy artistic practice.

Felice comes out as gray/flux ace and aro so sometimes she’s into sex sometimes she’s not. Sometimes she just likes to tell her partners what to do and watch. (does this happen when Felice hooks up with Wilhelm and Simon in the poly triad of my imaginings? I think it does.)

It takes some time and maybe some work with a sex positive therapist but eventually Sara pegs August and it really works for him actually.

(Do I just want the Eriksson siblings to dom their respective nobles? SO WHAT IF I DO 🙈)

[perfectnow-onlythebrave]

Favourite lyrics from ‘Louis Tomlinson’ Songs:

Disclaimer: I love all of Louis’ songs and think he is an incredibly talented lyricist. His lyrics often make me feel emotions I wasn’t expecting, and get me into deep spirals of thought.

Faith In The Future

All This Time: It’s not how you spend the time, it’s if you waste it // And I keep on building mountains hoping that they’ll turn to gold but the truth is I still doubt that what I do can get me home // Our eyes meet and I can tell that you’re the same as me

Saturdays: I’m gazing at the floor somebody’s got your trainers on the ones the ones that you wore when you walked out the door // We always used to say Saturdays take the pain away // Through my cigarette A shadow of you sticks me to the carpet // My heart might be broken but I won’t be broken down

Holding Onto Heartache: Creates the strangest feelin’ just slowly waitin’ for the end // The moments never shown to us because we faded into darkness // You know the parties over when you’re standing in an empty space alone // Nothing’s ever easy to be honest, I’m not easy on myself

Face The Music: Love and hate are in-between depends on your reality to see them // So one more night I’m gonna choose I don’t wanna face the music but I still wanna dance with you // Close your eyes and count to ten If you’re standin’ on the edge of fallin’ // Let’s buy some time

The Greatest: Said I had a plan for us time, it came and changed it all we had to disappear // Back dancin’ in the dark back to the very start finding pieces we can fit making up for what we missed // It’s you and me until the end life for us is never over

That’s The Way Love Goes: Remember when you told me I should give it time? well, here’s the chance for you to take your own advice // When it cuts you, when you bleed that’s when you’re feelin’ it the most // Not gonna ask you, but we’ll make sure your okay who cares? It’s her loss anyway

Chicago: They say, “bitter ends turn sweet in time” is that true of yours and mine? // Has it been long enough that you can forgive me? Just because it didn’t work, doesn’t mean it’s meaningless to me // ‘Cause I’ve been wondering what you’d say would you have told me to keep goin’? or would you say to walk away?

Headline: Sometimes, I wake up, and I hear you through the silence // You let your pride hide all your beauty and your kindness // So many reasons now you’re not mine // You never told me never I guess I never knew we’d have the shortest forever // Thought I could, but I can’t forget you

Silver Tongues: You said love was a pretty lie // you smile at me and say, “It’s time to to go” but I don’t feel like goin’ home // you say grass was a dirty drug you like to preach with a vodka in your mug // you and me until the end wakin’ up to start again

Angels Fly: There’s a time for sayin’ who did what where it went wrong, I wanna hear all that, but right now what I need you to know is // You’ll be okay, we can talk tomorrow I’m on my way with some time to burrow // I won’t say a word, it can wait ‘til morning // put the pain behind you now you don’t need it anymore // there were problems in this empty bottle at the bottom, but we drained all that (My ultimate favourite of FITF)

She Is Beauty We Are World Class: Conversation is currency shapes become language // Escape the inevitable fade into light soak up the empathy // Has it been all this before? Do you see what I see?

Bigger Than Me: When somebody told me I would change I used to hide behind a smile // I didn’t read the signs walking different lines I know I took a left trying to make it right // I was afraid, I don’t know why ‘cause so does the world outside I’ve realised and it’s bigger than me

Common People: I Came from a good home A house full of terrace dreams that was enough for me // The mistakes and the heartaches when I get lost, I go back to where I started // I took head of the local no deep pockets, only big hearts do you see what I see?

Out Of My System: I never wanna go slowly I only wanna go faster towards disaster // I am only half of what I think I can be // I’ve lived a lot of my life already but I gotta get though the rest // I’m taking all of my demons puttin’ them where I won’t see them ‘cause I just wanna feel alive

Written All Over Your Face: A hurricane behind the door so, I’ve come ready for a war // When we’ve finished saying nothing can we, please, get back to loving?

Lucky Again: I see how hard you’ve worked to be yourself // But I figured it out, then made my way back to a life I would choose // Before the world, it got so serious before the time, it got away from us // Whatever get you through the darkest night just find the light out in the darkness, hold tight // I’m a hard man to find but you figured it out and I love you for that

Walls

Defenceless: “wish I didn’t need so much of you” I hate to say but I do // we’re sleeping on our problems like we’ll solve them in our dreams // And I can’t get inside when you’re lost in your pride but you don’t have a thing to prove // And I’m too tired to be tough just wanna be loved by you

Only The Brave: Set fire to history I’m breaking my own rules // I’ve been close enough to touch but I never cared for love // And it’s only hello, hello, no goodbye. (One of my favourites from Walls)

Walls: The day you walked away and took the higher ground was the day I became the man that I am now // Nothing makes you hurt like hurtin’ who you love // For every question why, you were my because // So this one is a thank you for what you did to me why is it that thank-yous are so often bittersweet?

Always You: I went to Tokyo to let it go drink after drink but I still felt alone // Walked through the door but it felt nothing like home ‘cause you’re not home //

Too Young: I’ve been looking back a lot lately me and you is all I’ve ever known It’s hard to think you could ever hate me // Now we can finally have conversation that I wish we could’ve had before // Now I realise yeah, I realise we were too young to know we had everythin’ // It’a been two years since I’ve seen your face I’m trying to find some better words to say before I let this moment slip away

Two Of Us: This morning I woke up still dreaming with memories playing through my head // Even when I’m on my own I know I won’t be alone // I can feel your blood run through me you’re written in my DNA looking back in every mirror // We’ll end just like we started just you and me and no one else

Perfect Now: You don’t feel pretty and It’s hard to miss I wish you could see my point of view as someone starin’ back at you // Just keep your head up, love, keep your head up don’t hide away don’t ever change // I guess some queens don’t need a crown and I know why // You never do but if you asked me too I’ll tell the truth lying next to you // You make me feel like being someone good to you, even at your worst. (My ultimate favourite from Walls)

Fearless: Tell me, do you still remember feeling young? And strong enough to get it wrong // Now if happiness is always measured by the life you designed that car on the drive then you should feel better than ever but you know as well as I it’s all lies

Kill My Mind: And you hate me, and I want more // And ya won’t let go of you hold on me // Kept me living from the last time from a prison of a past life

Don’t Let It Break Your Heart: Life get hard and it gets messed up when you give so much, but it’s not enough // And what hurts you is gonna pass and you’ll have learnt from it when it comes back

We Made It: Now, we’re saying goodbye, waving to the hard times yeah, it’s gonna be alright, like the first time // Share a single bed and tell each other what we dream about things we’d never say to someone else out loud // Oh god, what I could’ve become don’t know why they put this all on us when we’re so young

Habit: I always said that I’d mess up eventually I told you that, so what did you expect from me? // I took some ‘cause I ran out of energy of playing someone I heard I’m supposed to be // You gave me the time and the space I was out of control and I’m sorry, I let you down

Others

Just Hold On: Feels like you’re standing on the edge looking at the stars and wishing you were them // Where do you go when the story’s done? you can be who you were or who you’ll become // The sun goes down and it comes back up the world it turns, no matter what // It’s not over ‘til it’s all been said It’s not over ‘till your dying breath

Just Like You: But you only get half of the story the cash, and the cars and the glory // ‘Cause nobody cares when you’re boring // yeah, I feel the same as you do same stress, same shit to go through // I’m just like you if you only knew // Yeah, I get sad too and when I’m down I need somebody to talk to // Every heart breaks the same every tear leaves a stain can’t I just be same?

Back To You: These days I don’t even know myself // I tell myself I’m done with wicked games but then I get so numb with all the laughter that I forget about the pain

Miss You: Just one more pint of five does it even matter anyway? // Just like that and I’m sober I’m asking myself, “is it over?” // And all of these thoughts and the feelings cheers to that if you don’t need them // We can’t even be on the phone now and I can’t even be with you alone now // we were in love and now we’re strangers // When I feel it coming up, I just throw it all away get another two shots ‘cause it doesn’t matter anyway

Copy Of A Copy Of A Copy: It’s an old curse dreamers diving head first // Nothing is original there’s nothing left to say // I can hear you howling until your lungs hurt so let this be your comfort // In a strange way all in this together been this way forever

[sangcreole]

Hi! I am asking this to you, the mun, cause you're the only Louis expert I know. How do you think Louis viewed Lestat saving his life at the end of Merrick? What do you think he thought about his new body and new powers? Did he think Lestat condemned him to darkness yet again? Was he grateful that he didn't die?

ANON WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME CRY

listen I'll be honest, it's been like 4 years since I read merrick start to finish, so this is a part of canon I'm actually not an expert on! On this blog, I don't count Merrick as canon, so I don't write post-suicide Louis. I'm still so butthurt about the whole thing and kinda erased it from my memory so please know my grasp on this era of canon is skewed and obscured by my love for louis LMAO

I think, ultimately, Louis IS relieved at his salvation for two reasons. The first being that Louis was literally not in his right mind when he ended his life. I know he had planned to end it before Merrick cast her spell on him, however his suicide note is so egregiously out of character, I refuse to believe it was Louis himself who wrote it. If Louis were ending his life on his own terms, I honest to god don't think he'd be able to do it without saying goodbye to Lestat (and Armand honestly!!). Or at least write more than two goddamn sentences in his fucking suicide note. But ANYWAY my own saltiness aside, I do think that part of him being thankful for being brought back has to be informed by the fact that he didn't even die on his own terms in the first place y'know?

In terms of him being saved by Lestat.......look, it's something I'll never not be devastated by, okay? For so long, Louis was defined by his weakness, and he embraced it not only because it allowed him to cling to the last dying embers of his humanity, but also because his weakness was what would allow him to eventually die, which he sees as a gift. He says himself: "the ability to die is key," and so on the one hand I think one of his greatest motivators for rejecting the ancient blood was simply that he was too scared to go on forever, he wanted to cling to his exit strategy.

The thing that breaks my fucking heart about Lestat’s decision to save Louis though is that he only does it because he genuinely believes Louis would want to be saved. He begs Merrick and David to listen to his thoughts because if Louis doesn’t want to be revived, Lestat is aware that bringing him back might result in absolute catastrophe. So even if we don’t know whether Louis wanted to be saved or not, we do know that Lestat was acting with his best intentions, that he wouldn’t have done it unless he 100% believed it was what Louis wanted. Ultimately, like most things that happen in these books, a thread can be traced back to the essential question of do we, the audience, trust Lestat and his judgment?

David (I begrudgingly admit) also makes some good points when he and Lestat are debating whether or not to revive him— ultimately, Louis had been looking to die for a long while, and the Claudia Debacle had given him enough nerve, but having "survived" one day in the sun, that nerve is probably gone. We'll never know what Louis was actually thinking in that moment, but I do think David is right on this one. I'm sure it was an intentional narrative choice, the way this sort of mirrors Louis' first turning, when he was still human and wanted to die but didn't have the courage, and relied on Lestat to give him a new life. He wanted to die and, having tasted death, wanted once more to live.

Once Louis is revived, he does thank Lestat and David and Merrick, but honestly I think the most telling passage is when he describes his new senses— the way he can hear far away music and feel mortals on the street— and he describes it as "sweet and welcoming" and to me this moment just makes my heart ACHE because it reminds me of when Louis was a young fledgling in awe of the simplest things like the light of the moon or the buttons on Lestat's jacket LOL! While it's clear Louis is overwhelmed by the power upgrade, there is also this renewed sense of wonder and jubilance, and he admits that he finally feels a part of something.

TL;DR— even though I fucking abhor this part of canon and refuse to write about it, I do think Louis is grateful for the chance to live again, and I think a case could be made for the way he approaches his new powers with curiosity rather than horror.

[collymore]

Only those with pathetic lives and nothing constructive to offer feel inferior to others!

By Stanley Collymore

Rather obviously, there are still, in this 21st Century that we evidently live in significant numbers of basically white Britons, real as well as the usually pogroms and European holocaust escaped and imaginary ones, in tandem with their genocidal kin in actually barbarously ethnically cleansed, purloined and still emphatically, thoroughly currently infested habitats like their delusionally and asininely perceived, acquired countries like Terra nullius Australia quite obviously New Zealand, clearly Canada and the USA; and naturally Palestine who very evidently tend to be undoubtedly rather relentless in their quite fatuous desire to be lied to, and enjoy nothing more than their basically, so-called royal family quite obligingly doing just that with them. Quite principally amongst them, within this odious menagerie, of effectively and quite distinctly useless assholes being the stalking gold digger, significantly bone idle, who has literally never done an honest day's work in her clearly racist Karen scum life, Kate Middleton, who undeniably can't even see, let alone it seems recognize her vile hypocrisy!

Spouting off quite pathetically, through her PR flunkies and equally media sycophants about equal opportunities, plus ludicrously non-discrimination - what a simply fucking sick joke, clearly bearing in mind her racist degradation of Archie when he was merely just an embryo in Meghan's womb - yet, all the while, enormously and totally happy, to not speak up about the evil, ultimate glass ceiling of discernibly obscene and likewise exclusive privilege, which she and the kiss-me-ass lot of them are firmly and basically uninterruptedly ensconced behind!

Does Kate seriously think, that everyone is a fool and actually believes like she and as well the surfeit of feudal mind-set serfs, all in tandem with the lame brain sycophants, and pathetically social climbing mercenary parasites - that only her child is capable of being head of state of the UK? And, isn't it high time, that this public funded position was opened up for all children, who quite unquestionably are British citizens to truly aspire to? And put bluntly, what's quite so special about your fanny Kate, and equally the sperm that William supposedly shot up there that makes your sprogs special to all other British children of rather sound mind and body? And just as bluntly, if Louis was the offspring of a white working class girl or woman off a council estate he would, I am quite sure, be openly classed as what he is; not bloody well and asininely lauded most sickeningly as some very ludicrously budding Albeit Einstein: though Yid he also obviously is, in the making figure, which he rather patently and self-evidently is not!

So unquestionably, even clearly delusional rather master race cretins, like yourselves, can naturally produce village idiots, as this Windsor familial lot has obviously done in the past, cruelly locked them away, out of both sight and mention, for decades until they really died; while publicly in your sick scenario pretending publicly that they had basically naturally passed away at birth or actually didn't exist. Those two sisters just as one example of what I mean. And really the true reason for this family you married into allowing a few outsiders into their own incestuous inbred realm was because they were medically advised to do so as clearly their vile incestuous inbreeding was killing them. Go check it out; and specifically why Margaret became the first among them to do so.

So effectively deluding yourself that you're special Kate instead of the useful Stepford wife and as well broodmare that you rather evidently are, but clearly simply sickeningly pushing this bogus shit of yours; and, also, absolutely, obviously lyingly, openly talking about non-discrimination: this undoubtedly in view of your racist stance, as well as the toxic remarks about an embryonic baby of colour, basically a "NIGGER" as you clearly then, and still do, perceived Archie to be, is really taking the piss woman!

Go do something positive with, and about your not all there son Louis! Then, publicly, show your Early Years qualifications; since you patently have none Kate! There are, in essence, people who have been doing this sort of work for years; individuals, actually in the front like who work full time to really  make the lives of you haters better. Rather well done to all those people but who, very truly and quite rightly, should feel insulted, by what you Kate are dishonestly doing, as you quite vaingloriously and mendaciously also steal their thunder! Equally sickening, in all this, is the bullshit, which talks about it's your lifetime work - unquestionably, an unknown concept to you Kate - and, as far as this early years project of yours, which you only started in your 40s, thus hardly a life time endeavour is concerned, it's really nothing of the kind. And, even then, you've copied and used the idea Kate, from what really is another initiative.

Self-evidently you're working, and I use the word advisedly Kate, on the simply odious premise that you can fool most white Brits and their scum kin at home and similarly in the genocidal lands they have barbarically, purloined and evidently use exclusively for themselves, to the awful detriment of their indigenous populations - all the time! And, specifically in that regard you're absolutely RIGHT, requisite to these serfs sycophants waity Kate Middleton!

(C) Stanley V. Collymore 21 March 2024.

Author's Remarks: To be brutally honest Kate Middleton's purported relevance or otherwise to the UK or literally elsewhere daft enough to actually think that she has any such thing even in the most minimal of proportions is entirely their own affair. However, as for me Kate Middleton has as much of a meaningful impact as did the late Jimmy Savile for whom I had during his lifetime and equally afterwards nothing but utter contempt. The same Jimmy Savile whose distinctly, grotesquely mendacious and sickeningly obnoxious behaviour was kept well hidden from most of the UK public because of his very intimate associations with prominent members within the same vile, odious and toxically verminous and immoral Saxe-Coburg-Gotha-Mountbatten-Windsor family Klan that Kate Middleton strove so earnestly, stalkingly and absolutely mercenarily to belong to, ultimately succeeding in her class driven, social climbing, white racist Karen and mercenary endeavours to belong to.

In essence, Kate Middleton is rather undoubtedly wholly irrelevant to me, and it’s not rocket science to ascertain why! And effectively has nothing whatever, of actual real substance to offer and to use a well-known analogy with her, it’s basically absolutely impossible with her to create a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. But that’s undeniably my genuine as well as my objective analysis of her.

Convict inured, categorically deeply ingrained Karen and Gammon, discernibly white endemically racist, genocidally programmed and delusional Terra nullius Australians, likeminded New Zealanders, white racist Canadians, who in their appropriated and infested with themselves stolen land they barbarically took from its indigenous people and now house far more Ukrainian Waffen SS descendant scum than Ukraine itself, and similarly white Americans: mainly first generation or immigrant scum thrown out of Europe or else constitute the detritus of those European countries and now asininely claiming that equally barbarically stolen country they likewise infest with their presence as their own; it’s a truism to say that had their kind been living in what subsequently became the USA due to the valiant endeavours of the like of George Washington, these odious mother fuckers of both genders or none at all would still be the serf colonists they are at heart like the Australians, New Zealanders and the Canadians. So I’m not surprised in the least that you serf-minded cunts worships the Windsors and mercenary, useless, bone idle, self-entitled mercenary white Karen tarts like Kate Middleton!

[20wipsandimstillbored]

Can you have dreams when you're constantly being watched?

Be honest, you probably have changed what you wanted to do with your life at least once, right? With so many options, it's hard to choose--and that's okay!

The System doesn't give you that choice, that's why it sucks.

SPOILER: As this is a voidblog, I'll just be running straight through my points and that will include everything I've ever watched in this franchise, be forewarned in case you want to go in blind.

WARNING, this will be very long. Unhelpful TLDR at the end.

I HATE THE SYSTEM SO BAD. And that's a good thing

"The System", aka, the source of all problems in this series, is referred to as more of a concept. A set of "premade" rules in the world behind the magical closet door that keeps everyone in check. There has never really been much of a face or name to "The System", and the only other people who really understand "The System" are, to put it short, robots that the system created for the main characters to have rivals.

Until you get to King of Prism(watched from start to end :/). Through all the chaos, 5 second arcs and more references than I'd ever need in my life, the introduction of that season's secret villain FINALLY put some more context behind it all. Episode 10 lays it out pretty easily. "The System" is comprised of multiple faceless pillars that secure the common typing we see in the show. As King of Prism is a more matured, version of the main Pretty Rhythm line, we can simply match up the the colors of "The System" to prism stones.

Yellow - Feminine

Green - Ethnic

Purple - Cool

Blue - Pop

Pink - Lovely

Red - Lovely #2

Prism stones are, as simplified as I can describe them without being long winded; heart-shaped crystals the characters in the Pretty Rhythm line use to store different types of clothes. Certain characters, as they grow, get to using one main color, with the main character, "Character A", ultimately getting to use another, secret, white color that represents a higher state of being, kinda.

Getting back on track, in episode 10 of King of Prism(KoP), we delve into one of the character's, Louis' backstory and it's finally revealed that he is an artificial human repurposed to bring the "brilliance" of the Prism stage to the world. That's a lot after the last post, I know.

Now this episode is a HUGE lore drop, I can't stress this enough. The part of Pretty Rhythm King of Prism branches off of, PR;Rainbow Live, is very tame when it came to any type of lore. It really followed the rest of the series, "Character A" Naru Ayase, a 14-year-old girl needs to find an afterschool job as a requirement for school, falls head and heart first into the role of being an idol, and with her spirit, she becomes one quite easily! Insert Rinne, lost amnesiac princess from another world along with "Character B" and "Character C" appreciate Naru's friendship and shenanigans ensue.

But it shouldn't have been this way. But it was going to happen anyway.

Call me a pessimist, and yeah, I should've just sat back and enjoyed the cute dresses and music but episode 10 of KoP was my Pandora's box. That episode showed that not only was everything the main characters of this franchise went through planned by a higher power, but that even the friends these girls made were hand crafted to make them better and harvest their data. Voice, moves, mannerisms, all of it.

In episode 10 of KoP, we see 2 artificial robots be made as a part of a whole, complex story arc. These robots are seen as base models and their names are Rinne and Shine. Although they're supposed to be these great vessels to help the world fall into order, we see that once Shine falls out of line and "The System" starts losing hold of him, he's put of for immediate deletion but ultimately sealed away. Throughout the ordeal, "The System" has 0 type of care or respect for either of them (something you'd expect from most magical girl anime) and putting the burden of keeping the idol world they created alive. Rinne, Louis and Shine are ultimately nothing more than plot points to watch the world and have the world watch them.

Now, everything I stated above rolls into KoP plot, what does it have to do with the rest??

Using the logic set that all worlds are connected by "The System", the kid's show made s e n s e. Stuff that could be waved away with weird anime logic made more sense to me, and actually helped me find darker subplot that reached over even when the series changed names Pretty Rhythm -> Pripara -> Kiratto Pri-Chan.

The show followed the same plotline. Indecisive (and young. Yes this is important) "Character A" finds the world of idols, strives to become one of the best through both hiding secrets and rigorous training. "Character A" finds an unlikely support network to go through said training with and becomes the best! Always! Inspiring more and more young people to both watch them and give it a try themselves. Its standard AND a blueprint. The "Character A" will almost always hold some type of "positive" influence whenever the next season and iteration happen; almost like a cameo without being really seen.

Plots became bigger, every "Character A" seemed more and more like victims(in a sense), and after they stopped producing KoP in translated anime form, it felt like "The System" fell into the background. A force that was there, but never heard from. And honestly, I brushed it off, too. I watched just because I loved watching for so long. Nostalgia and all that.

Until we get to my favorite character Luluna ☆

TLDR; Omnipotent magic slabs secretly watch over children to fund the biggest MLM in the universe(s).

-20wips

(I use that term "mature" cautiously. There are about 10 adult characters in the entire franchise, no character is actually mature and there's no way to put that series (KoP) into words compared to the main.)

[rebouks]

Although she was grateful for a little money in her pocket, Brynn’s new job was frightfully dull and she often found herself thinking about Wyatt to pass the hours. They hadn’t spent much time together in the grand scheme of things, but she felt awful for neglecting to memorise his number and subsequently ghosting him.

Having lived her life with a no regrets attitude and a blasé outlook on leaving things behind, it was strange to miss someone for once.

She’d eventually resorted to searching for his address via satellite map and sending him a postcard, though she wasn’t sure what to write.

“Hiii! I’m cold, tired and sick all the time.. this was a mistake, miss you! xx”

A kiss would suffice, right? At least he’d know she was alive and thinking of him.

Languishing in a laundromat all day was more boring than she could’ve imagined, but the job ultimately proved useful in more ways than one. The owner, an extremely lazy man with multiple small businesses to busy himself with, had quickly thrust upon her the joys of opening up. With key in hand, Brynn had decided to be a stellar employee and open early each day-.. very early.

Convinced that her colleague knew what she was up to, Brynn had expected to be confronted – fired, maybe – but she had surprised her with an invitation instead.

Vivienne was a warm, jovial woman who lived in a tiny apartment above the small row of shops with her two sons, Ronnie and Louis; the latter of which was currently serving a brief sentence in a juvenile detention hall. Brynn didn’t want to intrude or take advantage but Vivienne had insisted. Ronnie didn’t mind sharing a bed with his mom instead of his brother for a while, he was used to it, she’d said.

An aspiring chef, Vivienne found great pleasure in honing her skills and helping the community at a local soup kitchen. Brynn had feigned interest in the culinary arts until Vivi invited her along, but was soon discovered as a fraud who didn’t know the first thing about cooking; it was always fun to learn something new though, and the free meals were an added bonus.

Ronnie usually convinced her to stay behind, however, as it meant he wasn’t dragged along to help too. Brynn acquiesced more often than not, glad for an excuse to repay Vivienne’s kindness with a spot of babysitting.

Ronnie and his best friend were sweet, energetic kids with an unlimited font of questions. Your accent’s funny, where’re you from? How’d you end up homeless? Can’t you just buy a house when you get paid? What’re you saving up for? Where’d you stay before this? Where’re you gonna go next?

Brynn had entertained them with a different story each week; she was a spy, an undercover government official, an alien studying humans! They never bought her explanations, of course, but that was half the fun-.. it was better than homework, anyway.

Once meals were enjoyed, laughter shared and games played, Brynn lay awake; unable to sleep. It was great for Vivi that Louis was due home soon, but it’d leave her in a bit of a conundrum. Making an honest life for yourself from scratch was easier said than done.

It’d take legit paperwork, an education, etc. it’d be years-.. longer, even; but having lost sight of what she’d been trying to prove, Brynn had realised that she didn’t want to be here. It just wasn’t important anymore. She couldn’t afford to find a place to stay and save enough money for a flight home though, nor did it seem possible or fair to ask Wyatt for help.

She was stuck.

Sighing, Brynn silently concluded that despite her best efforts, she’d somehow managed to land herself in yet another inescapable position; and it wasn’t just Louis’ imminent return that’d set the clock ticking…

Previous // Next

[unstableairsign]

 thinking about the line where Louis says Clauida’s acting ugly because of her hostility towards Lestat, and claudia responds “better ugly than blind”, and it got me thinking. Because Lestat is manipulative and calculated, yet alluring and charismatic, and therefore a lot of his actions either go unnoticed or get smoothed over by his ability to charm you. But because Claudia is no longer (was never?) charmed by Lestat, she only sees his temperament and his mind games, his need for control, and this renders him insincere and deceitful in her eyes. This then frustrates Lestat, because the entirety of his persona and personality is based in his ability to be an asshole but in a way that ultimately leaves you disarmed, bewitched, and quick to forgive. So when he cannot sway Claudia in his favor he grows more and more bitter towawrds her, which only proves her point that he is not a good person. (not to say that Lestat deserves no sympathy, but when you cannot find it in yourself to extend compassion to others, you can’t be surprised when people find it difficult to offer that kindness to you.) but it is very fascinating to watch him try to adjust to the situation he’s in, where he’s trying to be vulnerable and syrupy sweet to win Louis over, and Claudia will not allow him the privilege of faux sincerity for his own benefit. This isn’t me saying that Lestat is lying about his backstory, but he is telling it now, and telling it this way, in an attempt to rebuild trust and gain sympathy from people who are justifiably angry with him. But without Claudia’s grace, without her forgiveness and approval, he will never have that dynamic he once did with Louis (which is for the best), but Lestat’s response was to call her insolent and spoiled, as if her actions were done out of frivolity or pettiness. She was already the reason he couldn’t have Louis’s love all to himself and now she’s making it her goal to cast him in such a harsh light (even if an honest one); to destroy him? He doesn’t understand her need to be free, her need to show him as he truly is so she can free Louis as well. they were both playing mind games, both trying to win Louis’s love, both of them being just as ugly as the other, and both willing to to go to extremes to get what they want. 

[artemisvexing]

Lestrat's Red Flags

I'm binging Interview with a Vampire and I'm just listing shit things about Lestat, from episode 1 on.

*Spoiler heavy

Using Lilly as a bargaining chip to ultimately get Louis to have sex with him

Killing her to isolate/punish Louis for avoiding him afterward

(I gotta be honest, part of me wonders if Lestat made his brother jump to his death but he has plenty of confirmed red flags so I don't even need to add that. )

Approaching Louis who had literally done nothing but avoid him at his brother's funeral and making the comment "Believe me, your brother longed for that flagpole"

Killed priests where Louis had gone to confess about his sins and his involvement with them (aside from the murder, Louis was in a fragile state and did not need to be handled like that)

(I'm not convinced that he didn't put up more of a fight from Louis trying to see his family during the day because he figured it'd be better for him in the long run if Louis learned trial by error (with all the vulnerable, malleable emotions that came with. Allow someone to be hurt then you get to soothe it and they thank you for it).

His general unwillingness to process life altering events with Louis-Ep 2: Louis nearing got disintegrated trying to see he family and comes back Lestat's house. Lestat explains the things about the sun but then calmly starts preparing for bed, trying to convince Louie to join him in the coffin. Louis himself remarks "He rushed me headlong through the encounter as if it were something to get behind us." Louis lists the murder, the turning, the near disintegration.

Continuation of one above: Ep 2: Louis nearly eats his nephew, Lestat tells him to stop seeing his family and proceeds to try to convince him to go to an opera. Louis pushes back a bit before he gets caught up in the romance, exasperatedly repeating "I almost ate my nephew, Lestat"

The opera he takes him to requires Louis to pose as a valet to avoid racially driven conflict. My personal theory is that this was to enhance Louis's sense of isolation from the world around him (as he is already beginning to feel isolated from his family). Louis kinda backs this up in the interview, saying, "Lestat had this way about him, so that as i sat there, trying to practice restraint, stewing in my indignation, Lestat seized it as opportunity to disarm me." Lestat starts talking about his fear of loneliness and asks Louis to stay with him (You cause/worsen the feeling then you soothe it)

Calling back to the unbalanced dynamic. Louis states "In the quiet dark, we were equals." Daniel pushes back on that shit so fast.

Lestat using a sexual relationship with a woman to punish Louis for his eating habits. (Lestat's reaction when Louis asked if he could also fuck whoever he wanted tells us that it didn't matter who Louie fucked (despite Lestat later claiming his issue was the fact that Louis had history with the person he chose).

Lestat laughing at Louis's desperate, vulnerable "Am I not enough?" after he flirted/cheated on him in front of him

Inviting people into their saloon and saying "You can fuck them and I can eat them", potentially putting their secret (coffins) at risk, and in the heat of the moment handing Louie papers that stated his business was shutting down (stacking trauma on trauma, throwing fits and punishing him even when he set the terms).

Lestat using the backlash from the death of the councilman to get Louis to say that he enjoys killing. Louis states "Maybe you saw it coming and didn't stop me. Maybe you went quiet on purpose." Lestat doesn't deny this, only tells Louie that Louie killed the guy because he enjoyed it (rather than for his people as Louie had been proclaiming). He then goes on (once again not caring about Louie's distress) to state that they should make that day their anniversary.

He literally only wanted to make Claudia to make Louis stay

The way he handled Claudia about Charlie

Sarcastically asking Louis "what should I have done, put him in the coffin with her?"

Cheating with Antoinette after he told Louis he didn't see that happening again and Louis stopped seeing other people

Choking Claudia (multiple times)

Calling Claudia a mistake

How he acted like a whiny (cheating) child as Louis mourned the loss of who he considered to be his daughter

How reacted to Claudia after she came back

The actual fight (It was obviously not self defense. It was never going to be. Aside from whatever fighting skills Lestat has picked up or was taught, Louis was basically starving himself. He wasn't a threat. He just wanted Lestat off his kid.

Lestrat literally talks about how he seduces and preys on human beings when he's teaching Louie how to do it for feeding purposes. It makes sense that many of his actions are out of an abuser's handbook.