#there's trigger warning on the linked post btw

[wildflowercryptid]

something that's been weighing on my mind ever since learning about the situation with ezra / toonimal is seeing how these predators will take the active hostility that is frequently directed towards minors in online spaces to their advantage and use it to prey on vulnerable children. i think that we as adults in online fandom should probably come together and maybe rethink the language / manner we go about interacting with kids bc clearly the way things are rn is causing active harm.

like obviously, if you're an adult and aren't comfortable with minors interacting with you or your content, you should be allowed to set that boundary and should be vocal about it, ( especially if the content you create isn't safe for them to consume. ) but i don't think talking to them like they're a blight on all that is good and holy is the way to go about it. maybe just saying you're an 18 plus account will suffice, you don't have to tell them to fuck off.

[fr0stf4ll]

A court of Shadows and Moonlight - Part 8

paring; Azriel x reader

summary; In the wake of looming war and changing traditions, a gifted healer returns to the Night Court after centuries of wandering the continents. Tasked with stepping into Madja’s legendary role, she must guide reluctant healers, soothe wounded warriors, and face the entrenched prejudice of Illyrian leaders. But as she mends torn wings and broken spirits, an unexpected bond awakens between her and the Night Court’s enigmatic Spymaster. With rivalries simmering and a dangerous threat looming on the horizon, she must reconcile duty and desire, learning that true healing can extend beyond flesh and bone—if she dares to embrace the light hidden among the shadows.

word count ; 6k

Trigger warning; //

notes; Yooo, hope that everyone is doing well ! New chapter and with a bunch of interactions (finally...) hihi. This weekend I'm trying to write as much as I can because I'm starting my apprenticeship on monday and knowing myself the only thing I will be able to do at home is sleep duh. Btw I'm supper happy to read you guys's comments on the last post I hope that you liked the previous parts. Well see you all soon. bisous bisous <333

Link; Part 7 or Part 9

Breathing deeply, you sank into the worn chair at your desk, a rare moment of stillness washing over you. The clinic was quiet for now, the hum of activity replaced by the distant murmur of Velaris’ Solstice celebrations. For the first time in weeks, you felt the weight on your shoulders ease, even if just slightly.

Earlier in the evening, as the streets had begun to fill with laughter and light, Elira had paused at the door before leaving for her own celebrations. She had lingered, shifting her weight nervously before finally speaking.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay tonight?” she had asked, her voice tinged with worry. “I don’t mind helping, even if it’s just for a while.”

You’d given her a soft smile, appreciating the concern in her wide eyes. “Elira, it’s Solstice. Go enjoy it. I can manage things here,” you’d reassured her, though you knew she wasn’t entirely convinced.

“But if you need anything—anything at all,” she pressed, her tone firm despite the slight tremble in her voice, “just send for me. I’ll come straight back.”

You’d chuckled lightly, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine. The cases tonight are likely to be minor—besides, you deserve to celebrate.”

Her smile had been hesitant, but she’d finally nodded, squeezing your hand briefly before stepping out into the bustling streets. Watching her go, you’d felt a pang of affection for the younger healer. She was learning quickly, but more than that, she cared.

Now, hours later, the streets of Velaris glimmered with festive charm. Strings of lights adorned every shop and home, and bursts of laughter echoed through the crisp winter air. The celebration’s warmth was palpable, even from the confines of the clinic. It was a stark contrast to the sterile quiet inside, where you had just finished stitching up a young boy who’d split his palm open while playing too close to a sharp edge. He’d been brave, though, and you’d sent him off with a small packet of sweets you kept for such occasions.

You exhaled and picked up your mug of coffee, savoring the warmth that spread through your hands. The clinic remained calm, as you had hoped, with only minor injuries coming through—nothing unexpected for a night like this.

The files on your desk called to you, and you opened the leather-bound notebook where you’d been outlining the major questions for the Dawn meeting. The room was quiet except for the scratch of your quill and the occasional distant crackle of laughter from the streets outside. The moonlight streaming through the window painted everything in a soft glow, and for a moment, the work felt less heavy, almost meditative.

After jotting down the last of your thoughts on the meeting agenda, you turned to the stack of parchment Madja had left for you before her retirement. The pages were filled with detailed notes on injuries and conditions she had encountered during her centuries of practice. Among them was a folder marked with the priestesses’ seal, its edges worn from years of handling.

Curiosity tugged at you as you flipped it open, revealing notes on rare conditions and ancient healing methods that had once been housed exclusively in the library. Some of the practices were ones you’d only heard of in passing, their descriptions invoking both fascination and a sense of awe for the healers who had come before you.

You made a mental note to consult with the priestesses in the coming weeks. Their knowledge would be invaluable for refining some of the techniques you were considering introducing to the clinic and possibly even the broader healing network across Prythian.

With a soft sigh, you leaned back in your chair, gazing at the notes scattered before you. It was moments like these that reminded you why you had chosen this path, despite its challenges. Healing wasn’t just about mending wounds or curing illnesses—it was about preserving hope, ensuring that even in the darkest times, there was light to guide people forward.

You took another sip of your coffee, letting the warmth settle in your chest. There was still so much to do, but for now, the night was calm, and that was enough.

The faint sound of the door creaking open pulled you from your thoughts, the familiar weight of responsibility snapping back into place. Setting down your mug, you rose quickly, your heart skipping at the possibility of an emergency. You moved through the clinic’s quiet halls, your steps soft yet purposeful, and turned the corner into the reception area.

The sight that greeted you stopped you in your tracks. Azriel stood just inside the doorway, his tall frame illuminated by the dim lanterns still lit for the night. His wings were tucked tightly against his back, and though he tried to maintain his usual calm demeanor, something about him seemed... off. His shadows swirled slower than usual, as if sensing his hesitation.

“Azriel?” you asked softly, concern

The night air was biting as Azriel soared through the skies above Velaris, his mind a whirlwind of emotions he couldn’t quite sort. He had nearly kissed Elain. Nearly. But the space between them had been filled with too much doubt, too much tension, and then Rhys had found him.

And his High Lord had been merciless.

"If you need a woman so badly, Azriel, then go to a brothel. Don’t ruin someone’s life just because you can’t control yourself."

The words echoed in his head, each syllable sharper than the winds cutting through his skin. He knew Rhys was furious—and Rhys wasn’t wrong—but that didn’t soften the sting. He had left, unable to bear another moment of the suffocating tension in the House of Wind. Flying aimlessly, he let the cool air whip around him, carrying him away from his thoughts.

But the wind had a mind of its own, or so it seemed. It brought him to the clinic. His landing was quiet, deliberate, and before he could think better of it, he had pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The sight of you, moving purposefully through the quiet clinic, tugged at something deep inside him. When you spotted him, your expression shifted instantly from focus to concern.

“Azriel?” Your voice was soft, laced with genuine worry. “Are you alright? What are you doing here?”

He froze, his usual composure crumbling under the weight of your gaze. He tried to find the words, but they escaped him. All he could manage was a faint, “I’m fine.”

But you weren’t convinced. He could see the worry etched in your expression as you stepped closer, studying him as though he might fall apart at any moment. Before he could say anything else, you motioned toward one of the chairs in the small waiting area.

“Sit,” you said gently, your tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll make you something.”

He obeyed, sinking into the chair as though the weight of the world had finally caught up to him. He watched as you moved with practiced ease, preparing an infusion of herbs. The warmth of the cup pressed into his hands moments later was soothing in a way he hadn’t expected.

“It’s a mix of herbs,” you explained, your voice steady and reassuring. “Nothing fancy, just something to help calm you down.”

He nodded, taking a small sip. The warmth spread through him, dulling the edge of his frayed nerves.

“I need to check on a patient,” you said softly, already moving toward one of the rooms. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Azriel watched as you disappeared down the hallway, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He stared into the cup in his hands, the steam curling upward like shadows of his own making. He didn’t know why he had come here, to you, of all people. But now that he was here, he felt... grounded.

In the patient’s room, you checked on the man with Greyscale. He was still asleep, his condition stable, much to your relief. You took a moment to breathe, steadying yourself. You hadn’t expected Azriel to show up tonight, of all nights, and his presence was unsettling in a way you couldn’t quite define. Not unwelcome, but certainly unexpected.

When you returned to the waiting area, he was still there, lost in thought. You settled into the seat next to him, picking up the files you’d been working on earlier. The silence between you was comfortable, a shared quiet that didn’t demand anything from either of you. Gradually, you felt him relax, the tension easing from his posture.

Azriel broke the silence first, his voice low. “Aren’t you going to ask me what I’m doing here?”

You didn’t look up from your papers. “The clinic isn’t just for people who are bleeding or on the edge of death,” you said calmly. “It’s also for people who need a moment for themselves, or someone to listen. I’m not here to force anything.” You reached out, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder. A faint shiver coursed through you at the contact, but you ignored it. “If you want to talk about it, I’m here. If you don’t, that’s fine too. No pressure.” You ended with a soft wink, your tone light but sincere.

He stared at you, a faint trace of disbelief in his eyes. Rarely had he felt this peaceful around anyone. There was something about you—your presence, your calm, the quiet way you offered him solace without demanding anything in return. It was as though the chaos inside him stilled when he was near you.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Azriel let himself lean back in the chair, his grip on the cup loosening as the warmth seeped into his skin. Quiet, but profound, the moment stretched between you, offering him the calm he hadn’t realized he so desperately needed.

Azriel’s voice broke through the quiet, hesitant at first but gaining strength as he began to speak. He told you what had happened at the dinner, the almost-kiss with Elain, and Rhysand’s harsh words that had followed. As he spoke, his shadows swirled subtly around him, betraying the tension he still held onto.

You listened, your expression calm and steady, though the compassion in your eyes was unmistakable. You didn’t interrupt or react too strongly, simply letting him unravel his thoughts. When he finally stopped, his gaze drifted to you, waiting for... something. A reaction, perhaps, or judgment.

“What do you think?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with something you hadn’t expected—uncertainty.

You blinked, caught off guard. “What do I think?” you echoed softly, setting the papers in your lap aside. “I think...” You trailed off, studying him for a moment before speaking again, carefully choosing your words. “I think what Rhysand said was wrong. Definitely wrong.”

Azriel’s head tilted slightly, his brow furrowing as if he couldn’t quite believe your words.

You continued, your tone steady but kind. “You’re no such male as he implied. I might not know everything about your life, but from what I’ve seen—and the brief moments we’ve shared—you’re worthy of so much more than what you’ve been made to feel tonight.”

His shadows stilled for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

You shifted slightly, leaning forward just enough to hold his gaze more directly. “As for Rhysand,” you added, your voice softer now, “I don’t think he meant to hurt you. People say mean things when they’re angry. That doesn’t make it right, but it also doesn’t mean he truly believes what he said. Sometimes emotions get the better of us, and we lash out.”

Azriel stared at you, his expression unreadable, but there was a faint glimmer of something in his eyes—gratitude, perhaps, or relief.

“Let it go for a moment,” you suggested, your tone gentle but firm. “Not forever, just... for now. Give yourself time to process, to breathe. Don’t let it weigh you down.”

He was quiet for a long time, staring down at the cup of now-cooling infusion in his hands. Finally, he nodded, almost imperceptibly, as though he was only just allowing himself to consider your words.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice low but sincere.

You offered him a small, reassuring smile. “No need to thank me. Just... don’t be too hard on yourself, Azriel. You deserve better than that.”

For the first time that night, he let out a slow, deep breath, as if some of the weight he carried had finally begun to lift.

Azriel stared into his cup, your words still echoing in his mind. The way you spoke—calm, measured, but full of unwavering certainty—was unlike anything he was used to. He hadn’t expected such kindness, nor had he realized how much he’d needed to hear those words: that he was worthy, that he wasn’t defined by the anger and disappointment he carried.

The silence between you stretched on, but it wasn’t heavy or uncomfortable. It was the kind of quiet that allowed thoughts to settle, emotions to ease. You had returned to your work, glancing at the papers spread across your lap while he tried to untangle the mess inside his head.

After a moment, he glanced up, catching sight of the faint lines of fatigue etched into your face. You were clearly exhausted, but you didn’t let it show—not fully, at least. There was strength in the way you carried yourself, a resilience that both impressed and unnerved him.

Azriel finally broke the silence, his voice low. “What about Elain?”

You froze for just a heartbeat, your hand hovering over the edge of a page before lowering it to your lap. There was no judgment in your gaze when you turned to look at him, but he could see the hesitation there, the careful consideration before you answered.

“Don’t get mad at me,” you began, your voice steady but cautious, “but this is just my opinion.”

Azriel’s shadows curled tighter, though he gave no outward reaction. He waited, letting you gather your thoughts.

He didn’t say anything, his expression unreadable, so you continued. “After I left the Night Court, I was in the Dawn Court for a while. I wasn’t doing well at the time, but I eventually started dating a male there. Things were great for a while—he helped me a lot, pulled me out of a dark place.” You paused, a faint smile tugging at your lips as you remembered those early days. “After about six years of dating, he proposed.”

Azriel’s eyebrows shot up, his surprise evident. “And?”

“I said no,” you replied simply, earning a look of shock that quickly morphed into confusion. “A few months before, one of my friends came to me and told me they had discovered he was their mate.”

Azriel’s expression hardened, a mix of anger and disbelief flashing across his face. “So you left the person you loved because they had a mate? Even when you knew you were together first?”

“Yes,” you said, meeting his incredulous gaze. “Even though I loved him. I didn’t want to be stuck in one court—I knew I wanted to travel, to see more of the world. And more importantly, I knew that his mate would bring him feelings and a love that I could never give him. No matter how much he cared for me, a mating bond is... something else.”

Azriel’s jaw tightened, his shadows curling tighter around him. “Did you regret your choice?”

You took a deep breath, your voice steady but heavy with the weight of honesty. “It was hard. Don’t think for a second that it was a choice I took lightly. When I left, I didn’t explain why. It wasn’t my place to tell him he had a mate. Maybe that makes me a bitch—I don’t know. But I left, and two years later, I was invited to their mating ceremony.”

Azriel’s eyes widened slightly at your words, but he didn’t interrupt.

“We talked about it afterward,” you added. “And while it wasn’t easy, we’ve remained close friends to this day. I don’t regret my choice, because I knew it was the right thing to do—for him, for his mate, and for me.”

Azriel’s expression darkened, a flash of frustration crossing his face. “I’m tired of suffering and listening to what everyone tells me to do,” he said, his voice low but sharp. “Why should I have to keep making the hard choices? Why does it always have to be me?”

You frowned, leaning forward slightly. “You asked for my opinion, Azriel,” you said firmly. “If you don’t like it, that’s not my fault. But I’ve been in your position. I made the hard choice because I knew it was what needed to be done.”

"My whole life i’ve tried to put people’s needs above mine, it felt natural. But now I… I don’t fucking know.” He took a short breath. “I’m so, so tired of everyone judging the single things I tried to do for me. And maybe for you leaving your male was what you thought was right but… she doesn’t love him, she doesn’t want their bond or whatever it is. Rhysand has Feyre, Cassian has Nesta, why did I didn’t get to have Elain…” He was looking at you with a sort of rage deep inside his eyes. 

You swalloed hardly and not a word could go out of your mouth. Before any other word could be spoken, the sound of the clinic door opening interrupted the tense atmosphere. Both of you turned to see a family entering—a couple with a small child cradled in their arms. The child’s cheeks were flushed with fever, their body trembling slightly as they clung to their parent.

“Please,” the mother said, her voice trembling with worry, “Our child has a high fever. Can you help?”

You stood immediately, your own exhaustion forgotten in the face of their need. “Of course,” you said, your voice calm and reassuring. Turning to Azriel, you gave him a brief, pointed look. “We’ll finish this conversation later.”

Without waiting for a response, you moved to the family, already assessing the child’s condition as you led them to an examination room. Azriel watched you go, his shadows swirling around him in agitation. For a moment, he considered leaving—but something held him there, tethered to the clinic and the healer who had just challenged everything he thought he knew.

You gestured for Azriel to head upstairs, your voice steady but kind. “Go to my apartment, it’s just up there. I’ll join you after I’m done.”

Azriel hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to argue, but then he let out a long sigh and nodded. Without another word, he turned and made his way up the narrow staircase.

Once inside your apartment, the tension that had gripped him earlier didn’t loosen. Instead, it seemed to settle in deeper, coiling in his chest. He was mad—at the situation, at Rhysand, at himself. Most of all, he was furious with how he had reacted to you. You’d shared something deeply personal, offered him insight from your own life, and what had he done? Snapped at you like a petulant child.

Azriel dragged a hand down his face, his shadows swirling restlessly around him as he tried to push the regret aside. He knew he’d handled the conversation poorly, but the weight of everything—Elain, Rhysand, his own insecurities—had left him unraveling at the seams.

The soft rustling of feathers broke through his thoughts. Azriel looked up and found Ydle perched on the back of a chair, staring at him with what could only be described as birdlike curiosity.

The golden eagle tilted its head, its sharp eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing this stranger in its space. Azriel’s shadows, ever mischievous, reached out tentatively toward the bird, curling around its feet and wings. Ydle, not one to back down from a challenge, hopped off the chair and began chasing the shadows, snapping at them playfully.

For the first time that evening, Azriel cracked a small smile. The sight of the majestic bird hopping around your apartment like an oversized chick was ridiculous, and yet, strangely comforting. He let the shadows dance just out of Ydle’s reach, amused by the way the bird flapped its wings in mock frustration.

After a few minutes, Ydle seemed to tire of the game, retreating to its perch with a soft trill of satisfaction. Azriel sank into your couch, the faint remnants of his smile fading as his thoughts returned to the mess of emotions swirling inside him. His gaze wandered around the room, taking in the small touches that spoke of your presence—the neat stack of books on the side table, the soft blanket draped over the arm of the couch, the faint scent of herbs lingering in the air.

Despite himself, Azriel felt a strange sense of calm settle over him. This space felt like you: steady, warm, and unyieldingly resilient. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply exist there, surrounded by the essence of someone who, even in the face of his frustration and anger, had shown him nothing but patience and understanding.

But the regret remained. He had lashed out when all you had tried to do was help, and now, sitting in your apartment with nothing but his thoughts for company, he knew he owed you an apology.

Azriel leaned back against the couch, his shadows curling around him like a protective cocoon. He could hear your voice downstairs, soft and measured as you reassured the worried family who had come into the clinic. He didn’t know how he would find the words to make things right, but he knew one thing for certain: he would try. You deserved that much, and more.

For now, though, he waited, letting the quiet of your space soothe the storm within him.

The clinic had finally quieted after a small rush of patients, leaving you feeling worn and drained. It had been an exhausting night, but your mind lingered on the thought of Azriel waiting upstairs. After ensuring everything was in order, you climbed the stairs to your apartment, unsure of what to expect.

As you entered, the sight before you stopped you in your tracks. Azriel was fast asleep on your couch, his head resting lightly on the armrest, one hand draped over his stomach. His usually tense features were softened by sleep, the faintest crease between his brows still lingering as though even in dreams, the weight of his burdens followed him.

For a moment, you just stood there, taking in the sight of the infamous Spymaster in such an unguarded state. It was strange, almost disarming, to see him like this. You grabbed a thick blanket from the armchair and quietly approached, draping it gently over him. He barely stirred as you did so, and you couldn’t help but laugh softly under your breath.

“Surprising for a spymaster,” you murmured, a faint smile tugging at your lips.

Your gaze lingered on him, and an ache spread through your chest. He looked peaceful now, but you knew the turmoil he carried—the confusion and pain that had led him here tonight. And there, in his slumber, he still wore the invisible chains of everything weighing him down: Elain, Rhysand, and perhaps even the bond you knew existed between you.

No matter how hard you tried to ignore it, Azriel had a way of reminding you of its presence. Of him. Always there, always visible, but just out of reach. Attached to someone else in a way that made your heart twist painfully, even as you told yourself it wasn’t your place to feel that way.

Movement caught your eye, pulling your focus to the side of the room. Ydle, your loyal bird, was curled up near Azriel’s feet, his feathers tangling gently with the spymaster’s shadows. The sight made you smile, a flicker of warmth in the midst of your stormy thoughts. Trusting shadows and a loyal bird, both at ease in each other’s company—it was oddly poetic.

You straightened, glancing toward the window. The faint glow of dawn was beginning to peek through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues of gold and pink. The quiet serenity of the moment wrapped around you, and for a heartbeat, you let yourself sink into it.

But there was work to do. Always work to do.

With a quiet sigh, you turned and left the apartment, careful not to disturb Azriel or Ydle. The clinic was bathed in the soft light of morning as you descended the stairs, the hum of Velaris beginning to stir outside. It was a new day, and despite your fatigue, you were ready to face it.

Azriel’s eyes opened slowly, the soft morning light filtering into the room causing him to squint. His body felt stiff, his wings sore from being crammed into the corner of your couch. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the surroundings, and realized where he was. The scent of herbs and warmth of your apartment grounded him.

His gaze landed on you, standing on the small balcony with your back to him, overlooking Velaris. The sunlight framed you in a golden halo, your relaxed posture a stark contrast to the tension he often saw in others. You turned, catching the movement out of the corner of your eye, and smiled warmly at him.

“Hello, sleeping beauty,” you teased, your voice light with humor. “Sorry, I don’t think my couch is made for wings.”

Azriel let out a soft huff of amusement, rolling his shoulders to loosen the ache. “I noticed,” he murmured, his voice still rough from sleep.

You crossed the room and handed him a cup of tea, the steam curling lazily upward. “Here,” you said, your tone gentler now. “This will help with the soreness.”

He accepted it, wrapping his hands around the warm cup as he muttered a quiet, “Thank you.”

You gestured toward a small table in the corner of the room where an assortment of pastries and fruits had been laid out. “One of my healers dropped these off earlier,” you explained. “Feel free to eat something. I didn’t prepare it, so it doesn’t count as me playing host.”

Azriel’s lips quirked into a small, reluctant smile. “Noted,” he replied, his shadows curling faintly around him, still sluggish from his rest.

You leaned lightly against the edge of the couch, watching as he took a cautious sip of the tea. The quiet between you was comfortable, the sounds of the waking city below filtering in through the open balcony door. For a moment, it felt as though the weight of the world beyond your walls had lifted, leaving only this shared stillness.

Azriel’s gaze dropped to the steaming tea in his hands as if it held the words he was struggling to say. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice low and hesitant. “About last night… I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You were only trying to help, and I—” He stopped, his jaw tightening as he searched for the right words. “I took my frustration out on you. It wasn’t fair.”

You shook your head lightly, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “Azriel, don’t worry about it,” you said, your tone calm but kind. “You were on edge. We all say things we don’t mean when emotions run high. I didn’t take it personally.”

His wings shifted slightly, the leather rustling as he sat up straighter. “But you should have,” he said firmly, meeting your eyes now. “You didn’t deserve that. You were sharing something deeply personal, and I threw it back in your face. That’s not... that’s not who I want to be.”

You tilted your head, considering him for a moment before replying. “Azriel, I understand where it came from. You’re carrying a lot—more than most can even imagine. And honestly, I think you’ve been holding it all in for too long.”

His shadows rippled faintly, curling around his chair before settling again. He let out a soft sigh, his gaze distant. “That’s no excuse. I shouldn’t let what’s going on with... everything affect how I treat others—especially you. You’ve been nothing but kind and honest with me.”

You crossed your arms lightly, leaning against the couch. “I’m not saying it’s an excuse,” you admitted. “But it is an explanation. You’re human—or, well, as close as any of us can get,” you added with a small smirk, earning a faint chuckle from him. “And you’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, even angry. But you need to learn how to let it out in a healthier way.”

Azriel’s eyes searched yours, as if weighing your words carefully. “I’ve spent so long keeping everything bottled up,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “Sometimes it feels like if I let one thing out, everything will come pouring out, and I won’t be able to stop it.”

You nodded slowly, your expression softening. “I get that,” you said. “Believe me, I do. But carrying all of that alone will only weigh you down more. It’s okay to let people in, Azriel. To lean on them when you need to.”

He ran a hand through his dark hair, the shadows around him flickering faintly. “I don’t even know where to start.”

You smiled gently, placing a hand on the back of his chair. “Start with the small things,” you suggested. “Like this—being honest, talking it out. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once.”

Azriel looked at you, his expression softer now, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice sincere. “For listening. For not giving up on me, even when I make it hard.”

You straightened, brushing off his gratitude with a light shrug. “I’m a healer,” you said simply. “Fixing people—even the stubborn ones—is kind of my job.”

A small smile tugged at his lips, and for the first time that morning, the shadows around him seemed less restless. “You’re not just a healer,” he said softly, almost to himself. “You’re... more than that.”

The way he said it, the weight of his words, left you momentarily speechless. But instead of lingering on it, you returned his smile and gestured toward the breakfast spread. “Well, let’s see if you can be fixed with some food. Go on—eat something. You look like you haven’t had a decent meal in days.”

Azriel chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re relentless.”

“And you’re lucky I am,” you shot back, moving toward your desk to give him a moment to collect himself.

You went back downstairs, leaving Azriel upstairs to gather his thoughts while you prepared to welcome the healers who had arrived to replace you. The moment they stepped inside, you greeted them warmly, exchanging a few pleasantries and updating them on the clinic’s current status. The little chitchat helped ease the weight of the long night, and their presence brought a sense of relief—knowing that the clinic was in capable hands for the rest of the day.

In the meantime, Azriel came down the stairs, his steps slow but purposeful. He paused briefly, his gaze meeting yours. “Thank you,” he said, his voice low but sincere. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and made his way out of the clinic, his wings tucked close to his body.

Once the door closed behind him, you let out a quiet sigh, the exhaustion from the long night finally catching up with you. With the clinic in safe hands, you allowed yourself the rare luxury of retreating upstairs. The moment your head hit the pillow, sleep claimed you, pulling you into the deep rest you so desperately needed.

Azriel made his way back to the House of Wind as dawn broke over Velaris. He hadn’t joined Rhysand and the others for their annual day away from the city—something he never missed. But after last night, the idea of spending the day in their company felt... unbearable.

He arrived at the grand estate, its imposing yet familiar presence looming against the soft hues of the rising sun. The place was silent, save for the faint whistle of the mountain wind. Either the others were still asleep, or they had already left. The solitude suited him just fine.

Still clad in the attire he’d worn for Starfall—a tailored dark jacket with intricate silver embroidery and a deep teal shirt beneath—Azriel felt out of place. His clothes spoke of celebration, but his heart carried only turmoil. The silence of the House of Wind wrapped around him as he stepped inside, his boots echoing faintly against the stone floors.

He made his way straight to his chambers, his steps slow and heavy. The elegant finery he wore felt stifling now, a stark contrast to the state of his mind. Once inside his room, he closed the door with a soft click, the quiet cocooning him further. He shrugged off his jacket, tossing it onto a nearby chair, and unbuttoned his shirt with quick, impatient fingers. The fabric fell away, revealing scars and tension etched into his skin. Changing into something simpler—a loose tunic and comfortable trousers—he felt a fraction lighter.

Azriel let himself collapse onto the bed, lying flat with his wings spread out behind him. His mind raced, replaying the events of the previous night: Elain, the almost-kiss, Rhysand’s harsh words, and then... you. The memory of you calmly standing in your clinic, handling everything with a quiet grace that both impressed and unsettled him, lingered in his thoughts.

He hadn’t even known why he’d ended up at the clinic, but the moment he saw your concerned expression, a part of him had felt... anchored. And yet, he’d acted like a fool, lashing out when all you’d done was listen. Now, as the early light filtered through his curtains, he couldn’t shake the gnawing sense of regret.

A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. He frowned, reluctant to face anyone just yet, but forced himself to his feet. When he opened the door, he was met with Rhysand’s unmistakable presence.

“What do you want?” Azriel’s tone was flat, his face impassive.

Rhysand hesitated for a moment, his expression unusually somber. “Brother,” he said quietly, “I came to apologize for last night.”

Azriel leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “It doesn’t matter, High Lord,” he replied, his voice cold and sharp. “I should have just listened to you.”

Rhysand flinched at the use of his title, the regret in his violet eyes deepening. “Azriel, don’t do this. I didn’t mean what I said.”

Azriel scoffed, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. “Didn’t you? You seemed pretty certain when you said it.”

Rhysand sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I was angry, Az. That doesn’t make it right, but—”

“No, it doesn’t,” Azriel cut him off, his tone icy. “But it doesn’t change anything either.”

For a moment, Rhysand looked like he might argue, but then he seemed to deflate slightly. “Where did you go last night?”

“Does it matter to you where I went?” Azriel asked, his voice low and dangerous. “Maybe I went to a brothel, like you suggested. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

Rhysand’s eyes widened, guilt flashing across his face. “Azriel, I—”

“Save it,” Azriel said, stepping back into his room. “Go enjoy your little day away, Rhys. But leave me out of it.”

With that, he closed the door firmly, the sound echoing in the quiet hall. He leaned back against the wood, exhaling a shaky breath. For the first time in a long while, Azriel allowed himself to admit how deeply his emotions had unraveled.

He moved back to the bed, collapsing onto the mattress with a weary sigh. His thoughts drifted back to you—your steady presence, your unwavering calm. For a moment, he let himself cling to the memory, wishing he could hold onto that fleeting sense of peace.

don't hesitate to comment if you want to be added to the tag list ;)))

tag list : @angel-graces-world-of-chaos @bravo-delta-eccho @messageforthesmallestman @celestialgilb @tiredsleepyhead @annamariereads16 @arcanefeelingz @fuckingsimp4azriel @adventure-awaits13 @diaouranask @rcarbo1 @6v6babycheese @goodvibesonlyxd @sa54va87to90re12 @firefly-forest @babypeapoddd @hailqueenconquer @daughterofthemoons-stuff @lilah-asteria @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @judig92 @pinklemonade34 @sourapplex @wickedshadowsinger @shinyghosteclipse @rose-girls-world @leptitlu @acourtofsmutandstarlight @feyrescanvas @dreamloud4610 @plants-w0rld @tele86 @dragonsandrinks @making-it-big @itsbonniebabe @motheroffae @azrielswhore

[dollgxtz]

Hi lovelies!! Im making this statement again since I’ve gained a bunch of new followers with my recent Sylus fic (tysm btw!!).

This blog contains noncon, cnc, and other kinds of content you may find unsettling. I am not afraid to write taboo topics. Everything I will write or refuse to include in my writing (incest, underage sex, etc, are big no nos for me) has been listed in my rules in my master post. I recommend you read it before following me. All my fics have been tagged correctly and I can promise you won’t accidentally read something that you aren’t fully aware you’re about to read unless you decide to ignore the tags.

Not all of my fics contain darker themes, but some do.

The last thing I want to do is trigger someone, or make them uncomfortable. I can fully understand and acknowledge that not everyone will like some of the fics I write due to their own personal traumas, experiences, or opinions and that is perfectly okay!! I have never and will never expect someone to like dark content 🤍.

However, in the case that you do not like my content, I just ask that you block me so that my content does not come across your feed anymore. Do not hop in my asks telling me I need to die (what sparked this post). It’s as simple as don’t like, don’t read 🤍.

I’ve updated my master post to better warn people about the kind of content they’ll find here. Because too often people will follow me from a “normal” fic, look at my others and decide to dm me very nasty and vile things because the content upsets them.

I am not upset nor am I blaming anyone. Just putting this out here :))

All in all, thank you for 2,760+ followers!! I’m growing fast and it’s all thanks to you guys! Below are some links to a few hotlines in the event that you or a loved one is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.

What I write is purely fictional! Being a victim myself, I do not and would never condone such actions in real life. Please reach out to someone if you need to! 🤍

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org

Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text “START” to 88788

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org

24/7 Confidential Support: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

• Love Is Respect (For Teens & Young Adults): https://www.loveisrespect.org

Call: 1-866-331-9474 or Text “LOVEIS” to 22522

• StrongHearts Native Helpline: https://strongheartshelpline.org

Call or Text: 1-844-762-8483

[yourlocalbadgerscales]

hello, and welcome to my blog <3

trigger warnings before you continue reading: swearwords

My name is Jamie! <3

Other names I go by are Alfie and Aspen, and occasional use of those names will pleasantly surprise me and probably make my day :)

I am a teen, as in a M-I-N-O-R, so keep that in mind while interacting with me and my posts!

I am transmasc nonbinary and I use they/them pronouns atm. I don’t mind y’all using gendered words such as “bro”, “dude” and “girl” when talking to me.

Lmk if you don’t want me to use gendered words when talking to or about you, but do not start fights with me because I use gendered words about other people. I’ll try to keep y’all’s preferences in mind at all times, but just a heads up, my memory is the WORST! So please have patience with me if I occasionally forget about our agreements :3

I’m just another big fat lesbian 🫡 #women #ilovewomen #ineedagfsofuckingbad #sendhelp

I am currently trying to get diagnosed with autism and/or adhd but it’s taking sooo long sob 🥲

My DNI can be found here, please read before you continue!

Now that we have all that out of the way, let’s move on to the good stuff, shall we?

Jamie’s music

Main fandoms I’m in**:

Stranger Things 💙💛

Heartstopper (both the tv series and the comics)

The Marauders & Co

Harry Potter

Arcane

** The links above lead to separate posts I’ve made listing my favourite ships and characters etc. in each fandom.

What to expect from my blog:

Sleep deprived shitposting

Regular shitposting

Gay yearning

A shit ton of posts about whatever I’m hyperfixating on atm (my poor lil moots can confirm 🥲)

Gay shit

Gay shit

Fandom shit (microfics, fanart, headcannons etc.)

Gay shit

Original poetry

Reblogs of whatever I find important or funny

Following this blog = signing up for having your dash filled with yapping sessions between me and my beloved moots btw. You have been warned. If you want to become one of those beloved moots, don’t hesitate to reach out to me btw, I love talking to new people on here :3

My tumblr family:

My parent @meatybunger

My child @homocidalpotat

My child in law @names-confuse-me

My other child @dragonfanplaugedr

My platonic partners @junos-ocean-galaxy (husband 💅💍), @ravensncrowsx, @here-am-i-sitting-in-a-tin-can, @itwasaseven7 amd @yourfavvvintj

They’re not my irl family and partners btw haha

Shoutout to @atokirina-tsuki, the first person to follow me that day in June 2024! And to @homocidalpotat for always being there for me :3

AND TO @scarbleu FOR MAKING SURE I CAN WATCH NETFLIX AHAHAH I LOVE YOUUU <333

Tags I will be using are #jamstag (for literally everything I post) and #jam bleeds ink (for poetry).

Jamie’s sideblogs

I’ll try my best to act cheerful and happy on here at all times, my goal in life and on Tumblr is to make as many people as possible feel as safe as possible with me. I love recieving asks or dms, whether it’s from my mutuals or someone else, so go ahead and talk to me or tag me in stuff and whatnot! But I can’t guarantee that I’ll always have the strength to reply to stuff like that. Just know I’m not ignoring anyone, and I’ll reply to everything when I have the time and energy!

And guys, please remember that I’m always willing to chat with new people! No matter if you’re below or above 18 years old you can reach out, as long as you keep it SFW :)

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to dm me or send an ask my way!

1:35

What’s been playing in Jamie’s headphones lately:

[sanderssidesthehouse]

Ace's All Time Best Fic Rec List March 2025: Sanders Sides

I'm just going to borrow the format I've been using for the other fandoms I rec fics in. These are just fics I really liked and want other people to read. I didn't start taking note of them when I started reading so I might have missed some. If a fic isn't on here it doesn't mean that I don't like it, and please feel free to rec me fics!

One thing to note is that the way I tend to read fics is to pic a tag or relationship or character etc. and filter by date posted, ascending on ao3 so I start at the beginning and work my way to more recent fics and then obviously any on Tumblr I simply read if they manage to find me. Tumblr search is not fantastic. That is to say, most of the fics currently on my list are going to be older. Also if the rating is M or higher, I have that listed in my little description of it so you'll know before clicking.

Also, also! I tried to only have one or two from the same author so there are likely other works by the people who wrote these that I liked but didn't list, I just didn't want this to be three miles long, yk?

And last little blurb, I try to do these once or twice a year with different fics on each list, but I always use the aatbfrl tag so you'll be able to search my blog for them.

Without further ado: The list!

Btw, there's no specific link I'm adding to this entry other than to the blog, but if you somehow haven't seen @illogicallyinclined's hockey AU I need you to get out from under the rock you've been calling shelter, and I mean this with all of the love in my heart.

Lie With Me- Both Janus and Patton need therapy. If you want to actively be dealt psychic damage, this is a good one.

Bad Idea- Roman and Janus are fwb and aren't supposed to catch feelings. Well guess what? Rated M for iMplied sexual content.

No Need To Knock- Roman reaches out a hand and Virgil takes it. Very sweet besties moment.

Florida Man Cannot Be Contained- "Contrary to popular belief, Remus is not the menace of the friend group. It's Patton." Author is correct.

Friendly Neighborhood Criminals- Patton gets adopted into a trio of criminals who took one look at his life and said 'You live like this? Well we can't in good conscience rob you now.' and decided to make him their pet project. (WIP)

once you're in the hive, the other bees assume you're supposed to be there- "Virgil accidentally gets absorbed by his best friend's brother's polycule." That's the official tag line and what more do you need, really? (WIP)

Love is a Beach- Moceit fake dating your ex that you're still in love with bc you didn't tell your friends you broke up yet and you're all going on a trip together. This could not possibly go wrong in any way. (WIP)

Clutters of Creativity- Roman clutters (the speech disorder) and this is how I learned that I too clutter which alone makes it worth sharing, but this is also cute as hell. Remus and Logan are v supportive.

Snap- Roman angst hurt/comfort Roceit&creativitwins we don't have to talk about how much I related to this one, but if you want to have a good cry, this one's for you.

The Only One that Knows- A lot of trigger warnings, but Logan is a scientist at a shady organization that burned down and the experiment he was managing starts acting up in his home. I think about this all the time, just the way it's written it's soooo good. Rewired my brain. Rated M for Mlots of gore/blood/body horror and Mental health problems and Major character death.

i picture it, soft, and i ache- Janus falls in love with Patton and has a time about it. And then he has a different time about it. V cute with just the right amount of angst.

Silence- Selectively mute Logan and extremely anxious Virgil work through some stuff and it's cute or whatevah. And maybe I relate a little too much but it's fine, don't worry about it.

Cracks in the Ceiling- Logan helps Virgil and they're just besties and I love them.

Mission Status: Sick!- Inspired by the hockey AU, I'm just going to copy paste the tagline bc I think you'll understand. "'It's a good thing that my homosexuality is stronger than my pride', Virgil thought as he opened a capri sun and violently squeezed it onto his sheets." Analogical.

glow like a fireflower- Deceit is a dork. Roman is... also a dork. They're dramatic and silly and working through some stuff and Remus has to hear about it but he gives great advice (lie).

Noi Abbiamo Un Problema- LAMP soulmates with a side of dukeceit. Virgil is the last to join the group but they seem to be expecting a fifth... who is also Virgil. They're a little dense and Virgil is anxious and Remus and Janus are real ones. I love Virgil's mom.

like copper and gold- Rated E for explicit sex and a lot of it. I fucking bawled dude. This fic tore my heart out and then put it back in ever so gently. More of Deceit making bad decisions. roloceit.

The Gold of Your Heart- Look, I read this whole thing a while ago and I still think about it so I feel like it's worth adding to the list. Deceit's name is Tony. A bunch of OC sides and headcanons in here but they're very fun and interesting. 200k+ Roceit slow burn.

Distant Stars Clearly Shining- Prinxiety sci-fi AU featuring smut it's a 10k one shot with significant plot and world building.

Eustress and How to Manage It- Ok, so they're dorks. Prinxiety being adorable dorks. So fluffy. (There's a spicy sequel out there too.)

Help In Unlikely Ways- My boy Janus is just doing his best oml. He's bad at it.

I'm In Love With A Fairytale- Look, it's 117k. And it's fun. Well I mean it's really angsty, but that's fun for me. It takes place in the imagination. Look at it. Rated M for violence.

Hurt, And How We Grow Past It.- I remember reading this when it first came out. Just a little Janus angst as a treat.

[oscillating-fan-whore5]

Hi!

My name is Elliot, the depressed teen (and Co.) who runs this blog :3

Yap blog and Fandom posts ☆ he/him

Baking blog: @baketherude

(Flash warning⚠️ Under cut I have a blinkie wall that has many flashes. Flashless intro can be found here. )

☆Important Details!☆

•I'm a minor, for privacy and paranoia reasons I will not disclose my exact age

•I struggle with my mental health alot so if that bleeds over into this blog i apologize but you get what you get. Sometimes I have sort of episodes other times I just scream into the void, I do have a vent blog tho

•I have EDS (waiting for genetic testing in December, so I don't know what type yet but its suspected hEDS). I also have suspected autism but no diagnosis (I am peer review by autistic friends/hj) so if my social skills fucking suck I apologize.

•I suspect I'm an OSDD system, I don't have any sort of diagnosis but there are multiple of us so yea 73% of the time they aren't a problem on here but if you see posts referring to me in the 3rd person that's why

•I get super passionate abt topics I like and if you engage in them with me I will talk ur ear off

•I struggle to respond to DMs (hardly ever will, please don't take offense) and other notifs. Please remind me if it takes too long, I have most likely forgotten about it :')

☆Don't do this on my blog- Queer discourse, queer infighting, drama, trigger my paranoia, bigots be an asshole, zionists, basic dni. ☆

☆CW// Slight mentions of mental health issues (nothing major dw), Mentions of cannibalism, slight autocannibalism mentions, blood mentions, me being a stupid idiot, computer fucking, suggestive stuff sometimes (nothing seriously nsfw!!!!!)☆

☆Interests☆

•NBC Hannibal

•Baking (I sell things at the farmers market as well) ♡

•Crows, ravens, and other corvids ♡

•Socially intelligent animals (like corvids, orcas, dogs, etc)

•Dead Boy Detectives

•The Umbrella Academy

•Psychology (specifically social behaviors)

•Percy Jackson (not much anymore but if someone likes it I'll yap with them)

•Music (I am a musician btw! Not professional but I play things)♡

•Invincible

•The Boys

☆Links☆

Credits ☆ tags ☆ Vent blog (TW TW TW) ☆ Baking Blog

[6feathered6siren6]

I kinda wanna see V or Ronins perspective for the last prompt you posted (the fake death one), anon was kinda cooking on that prompt

No pressure of course!!

Shadows and Secrets

Authors note: I didn't expect the tension for these two to happen, but it is welcomed. Anyway, links do not work, do not try them. They will leave you to a blank page, I wrote this in V's pov btw, had a fun writing this.

Trigger warnings

Blood/death

the five stages of grief

-

It was weird. He sent a message and he didn’t receive one back. For some reason, you weren’t texting him back or online. Did something happen? V stared at his screen, did you get caught? He recently learned about his fascination with you, but he never got to tell you. He wanted to come clean. Sure, you were someone that has hurt people, and try to tell him that you haven’t. He liked you. The server felt.. Weird without you. Someone who only recently joined, you made it enjoyable. 

He heard the server ring out as someone messages, a moment of silence, then mass spamming. Raising his eyebrow, he scrolled down to see announcements marked as unread, then generally going off. He checked announcements. 

Angelic: Since Ronin is MIA right now, I’ll send this as this was someone we know… 

Angelic: https://a_totally_real_article.oof/journalist-found-dead-more-below

Inside the article, it said your name, your picture was there, it was a selfie with someone else, it seems you were hanging out at some event, it also entails that your room was broken into, and that your body went missing. They also mentioned that there were gunshots the neighbors heard. That they presume that you are dead. Dead.

He then checked the general chat, feeling his heart becoming heavy, he saw a few, but like Angel said, Ronin was not there. But he could see the messages fly by his eyes as everyone else was freaking out. 

It was hard to believe that you were gone.

He needed to see your place, there was no way you just… you couldn’t be gone.

Stage one of grief was denial. 

—

He passed through the crime tapes, and looked around your room. Your body was never found, that it was missing. He walked to your bedroom, empty, disheveled, stained with blood, but he knew it well from a camera point of view, and he knew this is not how your room looks. He trailed to your chair. His hand twists the chair around, making it spin. He looked at your computer before leaving your bedroom, walking into your living room. He looked at the window, the glass was broken, shards everywhere. 

But it was strange. Expected from a window, if you hit it the glass would follow the motion of the object. So someone didn’t break the glass and entered, the glass shards were outside into your baloney. Meaning someone inside broke it.

It makes him question what happened here. A few bullet shells were on the floor. He knew what gun they belonged to. Maybe he could track the people who they belong to. 

He picked up a shell, disrupting the crime scene more. He held the cold shell in his hand when he left. He needs to see this place's security footage.

There were cameras here, yet they were offline when the crime happened. He felt his eye twitch as something builts in him. 

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, he pulled it out to see another article. 

https:/ /a_totally_real_article.omg/journalist-has-been-marked-as-dead-read-more

So they found you, right?

Wrong.

They didn’t even look for your body. You couldn’t be gone. Someone who reached into his heart, making it flutter. Someone who made him realize his morals, made him into romance way more. Someone who made him laugh for stupid one-liners you pull on him. Someone who was not looked for and marked dead.

Stage two of grief was anger. 

—

He never thought he would bargain with the devil. Yet, here he is. In front of purgatory, he could smell the rotting meat from where he stood. It stunk so much worse than before. Ronin has been busy. 

He stepped in to see Ronin, crowbar smashed into what seemed to be a cop's body with the uniform he wears. V could see the mask strap around his head, peaking through the plum hair of his. 

“Ronin.” V started. “I need your help for something important.”

He twisted his head a bit towards him, silent, no reach to take off his mask. It was unnatural for the Devil’s Butcher to be this silent. He turned to fully face him, his crowbar swinging with a trail of blood fluttering in the air before he rested it on his shoulder. 

When he spoked, V could tell something was wrong, it was raw, deep, anger. “What can the Devil do for you, Watchdog?”

V should be hearing his smirk dripping in his words, but all he can hear is the bitter smile of trying to keep himself together. He should have expected it, Ronin was also deep in your affections, the way you two chatted in front of him. “I believe you know why, Ronin.” 

He sees the smaller male tapping his crowbar with his finger, he seems soured in V sights. But he couldn’t change the fact of what happened this week. “I do, I do. The devil knows. I think the server knows as well. You haven’t really been quiet. Angel not only asking the Devil’s Butcher to catch his stalker, it's everyone. Making you get back to that computer so tell them that they are dead.”

It was silent, he could hear the lightbulbs nearby buzz. Then tension was close to being thick enough for a chainsaw to cut it. 

“Ronin.” V crossed his arms, his overcoat slipping slightly. “I know you don’t think they are dead.” He leans towards the side, seeing the cops body. It was one of the cops that just put your case as cold. 

Ronin rolled his dark eyes, turning away. “At least, the devil is more quiet when doing their revenge. Even Misaki could hear it from Japan.”

V stepped forward before Ronin could start walking away, holding the other’s leather coat. It was slightly slippery but he got a good grip. “Just help me. We can bring them back.”

Ronin’s mask turns to him again. “Is the watchdog begging for a bone?” That tone of voice, his smirk is back, the Ronin that just pisses him at times is back. 

“Yes.”

Ronin slipped his mask off, the taller could see the dark circles that darken the others eyes, the smirk plastered on Ronin’s face. “Then let's begin, V.”

Stage three of grief was bargaining. 

—

V was at his bunker, Ronin sent him home to rest, as he will as well. It took a whole argument for it to happen. They had to make a deal, ‘another deal with the devil’. It’s been a few weeks since your marked ‘death’. He was laying in bed, he couldn’t sleep. Worried about you. 

What happened that night? Did you get shot? How did you defend yourself?

So many questions went through his mind. He couldn’t focus anything, laying there upon his ceiling, his thoughts were only on Ronin and you. Hopefully, he and Ronin could find you. As he started to think of Ronin, V started to get texts from him, telling him to eat or drink. He only mentioned something small, and now he gets reminder texts from him. 

It was helpful. 

(A/n: I literally didn’t know how to write more for this stage)

Stage four of grief was depression. 

—

Ronin found you. He found where you were. Who you changed to be. 

He swore to let out a breath of relief. 

Ronin and V met up in Purgatory, no new bleeding corpse or screaming. Just to talk, their game plan, but also about something else. 

Ronin leaned against the spray painted, brick wall, crossing his arms. The dark circles have lightened, fortunately. It was silent in this alleyway once again. V stood away from Ronin, but not close enough to the entrance way of the alleyway. 

“We got to speak Ronin.” V was the one that broke the silence.

“Daw, speak dog.” Ronin smirked at the vigilante. 

V rolled his eyes before continuing. “I know you like Reader as well.” 

There wasn’t much of a reaction, but V could tell Ronin was caught. Before Ronin took a step forward, leaning down while staring him down at his eyes. “And I know you love them.” His smirk was wide, grinning ear to ear. 

“I know you do, but I still would like to pursue them. And I was going to ask if we are going to figure this out before we get them back here.” He gestured between them. “I don’t think we can invite them back if we have this weird tension.”

Ronin stands up straight, continuing to look at V in the eyes. His grin unwavering, shrugging as his leather jacket makes noise as he does. “Let's leave this to the darling when they come back, watchdog. On more devilish news, you leaving to talk to them tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

Stage five of grief was acceptance.

[liminalspaceau]

Q&A Liminal Space

What is Sun and Moon’s dynamic?

• Sun and Moon are two separate bots that were put together. (plot points you’ll find out about later :D) They were not created as twins but as each other’s perfect half. They were made to complete each other and Sun would do anything for Moon. (They’re boyfriends your honor.)

Where did you get the idea?

• Liminal Space was actually based on a dream I had back in January. I told me friend about it and jokingly made the comment “Yeah, that would actually be a cool fan fic.” To which they immediately responded, “do it coward.” Fucking bet. So here we are 3 months later!

What are the Tropes?

• This story will contain a polyamorous Romance between Sun, Moon and the Reader! (You!). There is definitely some miscommunication but don’t worry it won’t get dragged out cuz oh boy those can get exhausting. There won’t be any jealousy between Sun and Reader or Moon and Reader, Sun if anything is just very protective of Moon and doesn’t want to see him get hurt. Moon is a notorious flirt with the Reader btw so teehee.

So… what’s the Romance?

• While it is a romance… there will be no smut. Tbh I’m not comfortable writing that so if it does “happen”, it happens behind closed doors. Besides the Reader (you) is written as gender neutral so like… not sure how I WOULD even write that lol.

Is there a Y/n?

• Yes, and no. While it is an X Reader you will not be referred to as Y/N. The story will mostly address you as well.. You!

How violent will it get?

• Things are going to get very violent and will result in many multiple near death experiences. There will be descriptions of bodily injury and it may even get gory depending on the ideas that flow. I will give trigger warnings if things start to look really intense for the story, so there won’t be any surprises that you aren’t prepared for!

Is it a one off?

• While I only officially have writings for Liminal Space there is talks and small snippets for an after story and possibly a sequel! Keep a look out for updates.

Is there an ending?

• Yes I have an ending for Liminal Space, and I’m happy to report it will be a happy ending. (Maybe a little bittersweet).

Is there Liminal Space Art?

• Any and all official Liminal Space art is done by my wonderful friend @its-always-nightshift ! Please check out their work because they’re incredible and I love them to pieces.

Can I draw fan art?

• ABSOLUTELY. I’m an absolute fanatic when it comes to art so please go nuts!! Make sure to tag me so I can see it! 💕💕

Did you use ai to write?

• Nope! Most of my ideas have come from my own thoughts or from my friend who’s been helping me build this story since I came up with it in January. :)

Can I use it for ai?

• Absolutely not. :) Thank you for understanding.

Can I ask you or the artist questions about Liminal Space?

• Of course!! There might be some questions that the artist or myself can’t answer yet for spoiler reasons, but please feel free to ask any questions!

Where can I read it?

• Liminal Space is posted on AO3!! Chapter 1 and 2 are officially uploaded and Chapter 3 is currently in this works.

I will be updating this post with any frequently asked questions!

Liminal Space Link:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3: OUT NOW!!

Happy Reading!

[d34dlysinner]

I remember seeing a post one time asking about why or who liked Leviathan.

Btw, the butt thing was a joke, sorry XD

I cannot give an easy proper answer unless I see more of him since I've only read like... one card story of his...

Whereas, I can easily say I like Satan better because I've seen more of him in the main story and card stories.

He does seem mean in a sense, but it's not him trying to bully MC necessarily from what I see. It's more like he sort of is scolding their behaviour or atleast calling out their behaviour.

Seeing how MC at times can get very... bold. I think it would be nice to have atleast one character to point it out and say something about it. It would also be very... boring if literally every king encouraged them to do whatever they want. They know temptation. They know that humans fall into temptation and can lose a grasp of reality. Depending on who you are you either need a call out for your actions or encouragement to do something.

Also taking his fear and trauma into account. Yeah, he may seem unnecessarily closed off since his trauma is better explained in a certain card which many players probably don't have.

But if I were experimented on in my childhood and had to see many of my friends die as a child I would also be closed off, doubting, wanting some distance.

On top of that, he can't let himself fully loose since he like many in Hades were orphans trapped in heaven without any links to demons in Hell. Heaven and Hell never had a perfect relationship. He knows that other demons would see Hades as a country of spies for angels since the orphans had no way of proving that they were demons. No relatives that could confirm that they're 100% demons.

It was also said once (from chats in the main story) that demons could have children with many species including angels. If a demon and angel had a child together it would probably still show demon traits despite being on the angel's side. To prove that he's on the demon's side he's closed off and presents him in a certain way where others will see that he's serious and not there to goof around. The tension between Hades and the rest of Hell in general would be very heavy.

Screenshots of the trauma scene TRIGGER WARNING: abuse, violence, experimenting IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THESE THINGS PLEASE SKIP THE SCREENSHOTS.

There were more examples given about children bleeding from every hole, suffocating, and dying from heat as their blood literally boiled.

There are more screenshots.

I think to understand Leviathan is to see that he isn't one to instantly kneel at your feet. He will need some time to open up to you. He might accept you in the stories as s/o but that doesn't mean he's comfortable being completely open.

Leviathan is one of many characters. You don't have to like him. He's there for the people he would attract.

[kaddyssammlung]

I want to share some thoughts with you.

I really like all the new content that is coming in at the moment. But I posted two pics (so far) that I was very hesitant to post (pic 1 and pic 2).

The thing about them is the elephant in the room. It's what you can see in them. His scars....

That catwalk and the new angles and everything and many now seeing what I always could....well...I'm rambling.

Hiding from here on because some topics are not for everyone.

Vessel and self-harm….those words alone can get you blocked other places.

Recently I talked to so many of you about that topic because I received a lot of messages about that topic (here and other places) and that made me think.

I just want to share some thoughts and some links to YouTube channels that deal with topics like these. That's all.

Psych2go has all sorts of videos about mental health. The videos are short and focus on what's important so that you can maybe understand a topic better.

To me this is almost nothing special in a way. I have struggled with this myself for many years. Mostly from when I was 14 into my early 20s. I know many other humans (real life and online) who dealt with the same issues.

What I fail to realize is though: not everyone knows someone who struggled with this or knows something about this topic in general.

That's why so many seem concerned or don't even know what to do with all of this.

I wrote some stuff about it when I analyized the lyrics but that's just me talking about myself rather then about Vessel.

He has suffered but like he says we all have suffered. The whole album “Take Me Back To Eden” symbolizes a journey of regaining inner strength. “We step into my suffering” it's what I do in my energy work session. I step into my suffering and face it in order to heal it and turn it into strength or something else that's positive. Not that important.

We can learn from our suffering…well..this is actually not what I wanted to talk about.

I just wanted to share some online resources that I like.

Another video that I really like “Heartstopper Gets Therapized” (that Netflix show and that guy is a therapist). It deals with that topic, too and explain it really well.

another video that YouTube suggested to me and that I like

Why do people self-harm?

I have no idea why Vessel did what he did but I'm sure that he is much better now. Of course I don't know that but seeing how much fun he has on stage these days....and also his voice. There is so much strength in it. You can't sing with strength when you feel weak. I find his transformation inspiring.

it explains the biology (in the brain) behind it. But it's more about the link between self-harm and BPD. So...it was meant for me because it's what I have.

And also...I keep seeing so much cool stuff that I want to post but I'm not even sure what to post anymore because of how visible they are. Or if I should put a trigger warning in the tags or if I should just not do anything about it. I would not hide my scars on stage btw. I would wear what I want to wear and when they are in pics then I just would not care. I don't care that much about them anymore. They are just here.

I do understand why other places treat this topic like the plague but for me personally that's not how I want to treat this.

If you have questions you can ask btw. that's what I mean with this.

[vulpinmusings]

My speculations on Indigo Park

I'm putting this post under a read-more in case it finds someone who hasn't played Indigo Park yet and wants to experience it blind.

(BTW, it's free and takes about an hour to finish so just go play it. The horror value's kinda tame overall, but trigger warning for blood splatter at the end.)

Why Rambley doesn't recognize Ed/the Player: The collectables notes make it obvious that our Character, Ed, used to be a regular guest at Indigo Park as a kid. Yet, when Rambley goes to register them at the beginning he says he doesn't recognize Ed's face. I've seen speculation that this might be due either to Ed's age or the facial data database being wiped or corrupted after the park's closure. However, I think there's another possibility.

The Rambley AI Guide was a relatively new addition to the Park. Indigo Park is essentially Disneyland; it's been around for a long time and I rather doubt that the technology for a sentient AI park guide was available on opening day. Rambley mostly appears on modern-looking flat-screens, but in the queue for the railroad he pops up on small CRTS, so technology has advanced over the park's life time. I suspect that Rambley as an AI was implemented a short time before whatever caused the park to be shut down, and the reason that Ed's face isn't already in the system is because Ed just never went to the Park during the time between Rambley's implementation and the closure.

Rambley needs Ed just to move around. Rambley claims he'd been stuck in the entrance area since the closure. That might imply that as an AI guide he's not permitted to move around inside the Park unless he's attached to a guest, and he has to stick close to them. He's probably linked to the Critter Cuff we wear, which would explain why he insists we get it and doesn't just override the turnstile or something. He still needs cameras to see us and TVs to communicate, but it's the Critter Cuff that determines which devices he's able to use at a given moment.

There are other AI Guides. Rambley's limitations in where in the park he can be seems inconvenient for an AI that's meant to assist all the park's guests. Perhaps during normal operations he was less limited because every guest had a Critter Cuff on, but that might have put too much strain on his processing if he was the only AI avatar. Ergo, some or all of the other Indigo characters could have been used as AI guides as well; either a guest would be assigned to one character through the whole park or the others would take over for Rambley in their themed areas while the raccoon managed the main street. Due to the sudden closure, the other AIs may be stuck in certain sections of the Park like Rambley was stuck at the entrance, and we'll interact with them and/or free them as part of the efforts to fix the place up.

The "mascots" are unrelated to the AI. But Rambley believes they are linked. The official music video for Rambely Review has garnered a lot of speculation for how different Rambley's perception of how the Mollie Macaw chase ended is to what we saw in the game. I'm not 100% sold on the idea that Rambley flat out doesn't know that the Mollie mascot got killed. His decision to drop his act and acknowledge the park's decayed state is because he sees how freaked out Ed is by the Mollie chase, and he seems to glance down toward Mollie's severed head when he trails off without describing the mascots. HOWEVER, I don't think he sees Mollie as being truly dead. He's possibly come to the conclusion (or rationalization) that the AI guides, based on the actual characters, are stuck inside the feral fleshy mascots and the mascot's death has led to Mollie's AI being liberated. This idea will stick with him until such time as we encounter an AI character before dealing with the associated mascot (likely Lloyd).

Salem is central to the park's closure. All we really know about Salem the Skunk is what we see in the Rambley's Rush arcade game, where Salem uses a potion to turn Mollie into a boss for us to fight. This reflects real world events, although whether Salem instigated the disaster due to over-committing to their characterization or was merely a catalyst that unwittingly turned the already dubious new mascots into outright dangers remains to be seen.

Rambley's disdain for Lloyd is unwarranted. Collectables commentary indicates that Lloyd's popularity may have been eclipsing Rambley's, and that ticks Rambley off. That's not the fault of the Lloyd(s) we're going to interact with, however. That's on Indigo's marketing for emphasizing Lloyd so much. And who knows, maybe there were plans for other retro-style plushies, but the Park got shut down before those could come out. Either way, while Lloydford L. Lion may be a bit of an arrogant overdramatic actor, the AI Guide version of him isn't going to come across as deserving Rambley's vitriol, and that's going to be the cause of one chapter's main conflict.

[cjoat-boost]

Mutual Aid List Post

With everything that’s going on with me, I have noticed folks I care about our interact(ed) with are in dire need of assistance or shares of the like. It’d ease my mind if even posting or sharing their posts would bring the eyes and assistance they each need. The list is numbered but the numbers have no standing on importance, it’s just a list. Please view under the cut.

Moosblossom (Fae/Moo/It/He/She) is once more opening up faer coms!! Moosblossom needs to save up to fix faer car, if you’re interested in helping ; https://moosbloomcoms.carrd.co/#ii

Hey guys, the Co-founder of BarPOC (18+ Community for Black, Indigenous, and other Furries of Color) server, Kandy, REALLY needs help right now, whatever you can donate please hand it over to them, they'll need it to overcome this. Thank you guys 🧡 https://bsky.app/profile/kandyelmo.com/post/3kd6gr4l43d2z

@annie-manga’s friend, @theawesomeadventurer (unsure why I’m unable to tag them but—Annie if you see this I hope sharing their posts will help them) is in financial need! https://www.tumblr.com/theawesomeadventurer/730798307796025344/i-am-still-in-need-of-financial-assistance-btw

Juutanart is an exhausted artist and wonderful mom; any help is appreciated.

This post is not made lightly, and Synne [Pronounced Sin] wanted to make sure that it is known that she wouldn't be sharing this if Synne didn't need the help. Synne’s never been wealthy, but having lost out on two paychecks due to their carpal tunnel putting her out of a job, they’ve been severely behind. Synne and their partner just spent the last of their money on groceries, and now only have two dollars between them to last until Friday. If anyone is able to help Synne and their partner at all, it will be greatly appreciated. We are also willing to do a little art in exchange, although we don't have the capability to do digital art at the moment. Synne’s Paypal: https://paypal.me/JessBiondo?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US | Synne’s partner's Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/puppyresidue

There’s my parental figures, as well; and trigger warnings are provided in the post. https://www.tumblr.com/cjoat-boost/731258299453997056/liv-webb-need-our-help

Finally me, as it’s November, (I’ll be homeless by the 12th…If allowed a week longer, the 19th; and I’m making it known that I’m trying to raise at minimum 500K to attempt to buy my first home before the end of November. My links and context provided are here: https://www.tumblr.com/cjoatprehn/731033172982300672/i-am-going-to-be-homeless-in-30-37-days

I can always add more folks in need, but my mana slots are running low, so i need to break for a moment. But it would mean so much if you were able to share this post.

[kkoffin]

Girl check his blog he actually posted his doxx lmao 💀💀💀

Also here's the deep dive into him being a pedo (public tumblr link)

https://www.tumblr.com/discyours/182860477639/nerdylilpeebee-used-to-be-gothicfear836-if-you?source=share

Also, scroll through his rape tag (idk if it has a trigger warning or not) to see him arguing with victims about their assualt. It's disgusting as fuck.

he just changed username again btw

[poisonousquinzel]

@theharlequinarchives is my blog btw<333 with some of the online comic sites being taken down due to posts abt them going viral, and the way some pieces of content are super rare and difficult to find, I've been bit by bit adding Harley stuff on there from the beginning (BTAS)

Eventually I hope I can just link direct comics when making posts. So, the credits and everything are easy to find and put together nicely:D and for rec lists I can also link the comics themselves so yall don't have to search for them<3

And my standard trigger warning tags still apply!!<33

[asherlockstudy]

bit of a weird ask but connected to one you answered earlier about rhett's fear of link coming out.

your metas about wonderhole seem to revolve around the idea that wonderhole is a means of r&l testing the waters for coming out - or at least, trying to indicate to *some parts* of their audience that something's going on. how does this tie in with rhett not wanting link to come out? like is it that he (rhett) is trying to come out, but only in a really cautious and planned out way? which is why he came up with that side of wonderhole (i say 'he' because he's usually the more creative one but idk!!!).

thank you for all your metas btw they're so interesting and you notice so much!! 🫶

Okaaayyyy sorry for the late answer! This is probably 3+ weeks overdue! This is by the way the cynical post I promised a few days ago. These weeks have been horrible and it's still not much better but I finally had the opportunity to complete this. My answer unfortunately is not a pleasant one. This answer will be a little sensitive, even for my standards. Be warned and steer clear if this is not your cup of tea or idk pretend this is my headcanon and I believe none of what I am saying.

For these reasons I will keep my answer under a cut:

Toxicity & misalignment between Rhett and Link (Rhink edition)

First of all, I confirm that this is the general idea behind my metas. However, I have also said in various occasions that Rhett and Link do not seem to be on the same page at all. Based on everything I see, Rhett actually does not want to come out. He only “agrees” to it because he is cornered into an agreement since Link wants it very much. It wasn’t even hard at all to see it in the “who’s the worst husband” GMMore but I have been having thoughts about Link’s marriage… ever since I started watching GMM in 2016 basically. Moreover it seems both a divorce and a coming out are desired in his case. But the problem is that also little of this is half meaningful to him if he does not do it in order to be with Rhett.

Except Rhett does not want to do it. At the same time, Rhett can’t really stop another human being, let alone his best friend and business partner from doing something so pivotal for his wellbeing and his very life. The problem is that these two share a heavy private past and present. If Rhett completely rejects the idea and downright refuses the prospect to ever be part of this and openly be with Link, this can be received as betrayal, rejection and separation from Link and it can cause huge resentment that might ruin their relationship, their friendship and their business. As in, this can literally make them part ways both as friends and as business partners, which would not only be most likely costly to Rhett’s personal happiness but it would also be 100% the doom of their career and income. Additionally, the level of heartbreak and resentment a betrayal or separation between the two would risk producing could cause very unpredictable and volatile responses from Link, as we know he is capable of. Who can guarantee to Rhett that Link won’t out him alongside his own outing out of vengeance? And if this happens, then Rhett will lose everything he would fear he would lose if he came out on his own terms anyway: family, career, money plus in this case he will also lose Link because if they reach that point when Link outs him out of vengeance, I think their relationship is probably beyond a salvation point.

But even if Link breaks up and comes out on his own and somehow retains the level-headedness and magnanimity to not reveal Rhett’s contribution to his sexual awakening, it’s still not a good situation for Rhett or their partnership. First of all, even just Link coming out will be a risk for the stability of their viewership and the fan support. Second, do you think Link could come out on his own in his forties and 99% of their loved ones and fans would not be able to make a guess about what the trigger of this awakening was? Link would be like “oh I was walking down the street and suddenly after 40 years of life I saw this cool bloke and everything changed for me no it has nothing to do with the guy I have attached to my hip since I was six years old and I always act obsessed over I swear we only Plato besties” Yeah...no. Eventually fans will understand but more than anyone else friends and family will also understand. Once this happens, even if Rhett does not follow, he will be subjected to 10 times more scrutiny and suspicion than whatever he was getting so far. Family and friends will wonder how much he knew about his best friend, Link. People who suspected both and were eventually proven right for one half (Link) will become sure they were right about the other half too. For example, Rhett’s father who did not approve much of Rhett’s too tight friendship with Link, he suddenly finds out that indeed Link was in the closet all along, he will only feel vindicated and he will almost certainly be convinced that his own son just hides. They will all think like that because almost all of them were suspecting that for both of them, so when they get confirmation for one part, they will take it for granted that the other half confirmation is pending. Rhett will be scrutinised and monitored by everyone. In the end, it will be like he did come out too. Rhett and Link’s lives and choices are so intertwined that a single coming out will simply be no much difference. What one does also affects the other. Even if Link comes out on his own, Rhett is going to confront pretty much the same problems.

Rhett did not expect all this between them would go that far, he did not expect Link would find the guts to pursue such a huge identity change publicly. Rhett allowed himself to be swept away by the affair, because he rested in his miscalculation that their motives and goals would always align. He thought Link felt and saw things the way he did and that he would compromise for a secret affair forever, easily covered by their very close friendship and committed 24/7 business partnership. It was the perfect hideout, beard if you will, for an affair that nobody would be able to prove since they had always been extremely close anyway.

Except Link has an allergy to lies and he spent the largest part of his life tormenting himself by lying. I suspect the by far biggest reason he lived with lies (including religion and his romantic life) was his fear of losing Rhett as a friend. Furthermore, Rhett was Link’s point of reference for most things so besides lying to him, everyone else and to himself, Link genuinely tried to imitate Rhett - his role model - very hard. He did everything in his means to be a great business partner to him whether it was in religion or entertainment, he tried as best as he could to be “effective” as a straight husband and he struggled super hard to be a proper devout Christian - so to have all the package Rhett wanted. But when Rhett abandoned the faith and after they started the affair Link now had what he wanted the most all this time and he didn’t care nearly as much for anything else or going back to another lifetime of lies. You must have seen how he has developed a pretty fierce hatred for lies and for not being “true to oneself”. Link started wanting it all out, the truth, the ability to live their love.

Link was greatly disillusioned by Rhett’s hesitation to share his aspirations. Rhett probably initially did not want at all but the strain it caused made him comply for all the reasons I mentioned above; the more determined Link becomes, the less Rhett can do but follow.

The only thing Rhett could do to control this out of hand situation was to warn Link that he agrees to it but only if he takes care of how and when exactly it will happen, with the argument that he tries to prevent as much collateral damage as possible. Link agreed even though all this delay torments him because he too knows that acting way too impulsively and independently from what Rhett wants is risking to lose him forever. This is Rhett’s only weapon that Link fears: “You can come out on your own or out me without my will if you want, but just so you know, if this happens it’s over between us”. Link on the other hand is like “If I get convinced you are lying to me and don’t truly intend to do this with me, then it might as well mean we are essentially finished anyway, so I will come forth and do it myself and hell mend us because I have nothing to lose and just so you get the message I will show you again and again I can do it at any moment”. This is how they still keep each other at check. And if you think this is a toxic as hell situation, well you are right. Their relationship is toxic. Given its circumstances, it is statistically near impossible to not be toxic. The unique problem with them and their relationship is that if they stopped it and broke up, with everything that ensued, things would perhaps become even worse for them emotionally and even pragmatically. So they are literally trapped in every single way.

Whoever thinks things slip out of Link unconsciously like so many people believe needs to reconsider. All these small non-coming out coming out jokes and comments he makes are his intentional constant reminder and warning to Rhett, who is equally tormented by it just as Link is from the delays and Rhett’s hot and cold behaviour. If all this is real and if we are being realists, all these and several other aspects I can’t even bring up because this will become a monster post are causing very significant strains to their relationship which they both try to ignore, fight and reconcile over constantly but it is not always that easy. They have big fights. They did recently. They did in spring 2023. And in between, I am sure. And it is usually close to the making of their “coming out” scripted content.

I have said so much already. I will say this too. Link is not in a good place. Despite starting 2023 by saying he is living his best life again and again, this is not reflected anywhere. (Perhaps at the time he believed this because he expected the scripted videos to come would produce much more desirable results.) Link even makes some slightly concerning statements; including how he sleeps to avoid remembering his problems or that he makes plans of going away (that tend to NOT involve his loved ones, not even Rhett) and that waiting for the next plan is what he lives for. Link is heartbroken by Rhett’s hesitations and constant postponements. He can’t help but compare Rhett to himself, who’s ready to drop it all (ALL, even family and career) at a moment’s notice and lands again and again to the conclusion that Rhett does not love him as much as he does or even that he does not truly love him. This hurts him deeply and causes most of the resentment you see bursting out of him against Rhett or in general sometimes and it seems so out of place.

The fact that Link doubts Rhett’s true feelings can be observed several times throughout their content. Around 2017-2019 Link would implore Rhett publicly to open up about his feelings and thoughts, causing discomfort to Rhett. But the most important evidence came with the invaluable EB episodes of spring 2023 which were very charged. At some point in spring 2013, Rhett and Link took different weeks off for vacation and as a result they both did one single-hosted EB each. In Link’s episode, Jenna was asking him questions by the fans. One was “what virtues he values the most”. This is what Link replied:

I think sincerity... I’m sure that’s not the only one. There’s got to be at least three other ones that tie with that but that’s what I am going with today. You know. Don’t give me lip service. Mean it. Want it. Put your heart into it.

This is clearly Link talking about something way more specific than just general sincerity as a trait in people. He visibly has a particular situation in mind, he wants “someone” to mean what they have said to him, to “want it”, to “put their heart into it”. The implication is that Link expects them and wants them to want and put their heart into that certain something as much as he does. Don’t tell me it doesn’t fit… perfectly, right? Link therefore has great doubts about whether Rhett truly wants to set their plan in motion and blames him for doing too much empty lip service to keep him "sedated".

Another time, in a GMM Rhett read in a not so serious context that “For Link passion is the most important thing”. Link replied seriously; “It is. For you it is not” and he looked at Rhett with a complaint on his face. Rhett’s expression fell but he ignored his comment. Here's a link with screenshots.

Link really does not say things randomly anywhere near as much as people think. The following recent example must have been interpreted by most as a typical nonsensical Link segway for a podcast topic, except it was not nonsensical at all. It was the truth, at least in the way Link perceives it, and maybe the truth in general as well:

Link makes the segway to a fan's question personal by claiming Rhett would like to be the third person in Link's relationship with Christy (as in, remain the secret affair). Link himself changes the subject promptly in this case and Rhett does not comment at all, while normally he is amused and inquisitive about Link's nonsensical statements. Notice Rhett's standard by now approach to not react at all and let the situation diffuse... he was talking lately about how good of a diffuser he is.

However, the most significant moment for me, a moment that felt like great vindication, a moment that made me think “Damn how wrong can I be in what I think after this???”. What happened is that I predicted what Link would say in a personality / deeper thought question and then minutes later Link went ahead and said exactly that! They were talking about the power of being invisible in an EB in 2023 again and they were asked what they would use this power for. I immediately thought : “Link wants to be able to go to Rhett while Rhett is not aware of his presence and find out whether Rhett's feelings for him are true and how Rhett truly interacts with Jessie when they are all alone".

And here's what Link said a few moments later and made me lose my mind:

Link: Gain access to. Information. And, um, I decided to invest the limited time I have in - as an invisible - to learn what people think about me. Really. Like, I wanna put myself in positions where people - Rhett: Give me an example. Link: Like, every relationship that I have, I’m talking work relationships, friend relationships… I mean, it was a quick answer but- (…) Link (after some non-significant joke part initiated by Rhett ): I feel like I know what Christy thinks about me. I don’t feel like it would be fair to spy on my wife. Rhett: But I feel like maybe you can predict what all these people say about you without you being there… Link: Yeah… maybe there’s not much to learn and maybe it’s only… maybe I don’t want to learn it.

So Link said. exactly. that. He wants to know what people close to him truly think. He says "work relationships, friend relationships" (Rhett checks both boxes) and only excludes Christy (with a reasoning that is also intriguing). He does not exclude Rhett. Rhett acts clueless but his remark makes me suspect his cluelessness is not 100% genuine. Link ends this by reconsidering his choice, mostly because it made him vulnerable in Rhett's presence, and realises he probably does not want to know the truth after all, which again hints to a specific charged situation that bothers him instead of a generic tactic used on all his acquaintances. Read my original post for a detailed analysis of this moment. It's relevant to what is being discussed here.

Long story short: despite the reassurances he privately gives Link, Rhett is not quite ready to come out and it is obvious to Link, who is heartbroken, drenched in his doubts and fears and trapped indefinitely in a situation he wants to break free from, a situation that leads to the deterioration of his emotional and psychological well-being and to outbursts of aggression or anger that in return further strain his relationship with Rhett.

Rhett takes a lot of it stoically but he also reaches his limits often. He thinks Link wrongs him or misunderstands him more than his behaviour justifies. He is seriously worn out by Link's menacing playing with fire. Sometimes Link's outbursts hurt him and then he responds by also hitting Link to his weak points. He has severe anxiety too, which Link exacerbates.

A juvenile example of how this ongoing chronic toxicity makes them hurt each other is in the latest EB and it might seem insignificant because it's founded on silly banter; as Rhett recounts his experience as a novice archer Link says that maybe he is parts elf. Rhett plays along, saying his ears are pointy anyway. Link quickly reconsiders this odd compliment (elves are aethereal and natural archers), as he often loathes to stroke Rhett's ego (which he considers the big culprit of the problems in their relationship - Link spent much of his life deifying Rhett and Rhett took advantage of that and then took Link too much for granted) so he turned it to the unnecessarily cruel reconsideration that maybe he is parts orc actually. This remark hit Rhett under the belt; an insecurity, his appearance. While obviously Rhett ages like fine wine and Link visibly agrees, it doesn't change the fact that Rhett cares too much about the impression he makes to other people or that for a long time he didn't look his best or, also, that objectively he is the less beautiful half of the duo. It isn't very clear but Rhett is hurt by this and he always is hurt by it when Link makes fun of his appearance - it is honestly such a bad thing to make fun of when you are the public figure companion, let alone most likely the lover. You can tell Rhett is hurt by the way he retaliates in milliseconds: "Well I've told my wife to call me Legolas". So, immediately he snaps back by reminding Link that he is desirable to somebody else and that he has sex with that somebody, thus hitting Link on his own insecurity. They know each other's weaknesses and anxieties and unfortunately they make use of that a lot.

When I say Rhett does not want to come out, it's not that what he feels for Link is a lie, I don't think so. We have several examples of Rhett demonstrating jealousy or neediness for Link, even genuine moments that slip out of him. However, he mostly keeps himself at check and is not very expressive about his feelings to Link, hoping to restrict him a bit in this way. Maybe Rhett is just hyper aware and terrified of all the things that can go wrong. It's also true that apart from the wives, the rest of Rhett's family environment is going to be way less tolerant to such a revelation than Link's family. Rhett fears his parents might cut the communication with him, even disown him, and his brother is a pastor. You might say, who cares, he is an adult, he does not need their approval! Of course he doesn't but we can't just expect from people to not care what will become of their relationships in their family. Also, from all the kids, Locke seems to be the most conservative and has a close relationship with his grandfather. Maybe Locke's reaction is what Rhett fears the most, let alone their relationship was never very easy to begin with. I think Shepherd is going to be fine. Link's kids, I think Lily is bi herself so she will maybe understand and Lincoln and Lando are mild young people, unlikely to have way too strong reactions. Sue is a sweet understanding woman and Charles would definitely be a problem once but he has mellowed with age. So Rhett feels there's more at stake for him than for Link.

Then it's all the other risks, how the viewers will respond, how many viewers will turn their back to them. This is not just about being anti-LGBT. A lot of viewers - even allies - will feel they were taken in for years or will disapprove of the affair being a secret from everyone for years. Most people watch Rhett and Link to enjoy these two friends and family men do silly and inconsequential stuff, to lay off their everyday worries and burdens. Such a reveal will be a huge nasty shock for many, no matter how pro-LGBTQ+ they are. A fall in viewership or subscriptions will endanger their Mythical corporation. A hundred people are paid by them. It's truly not easy at all, which is why Rhett tortures himself by overcurating their strategy and Link by overbearingly monitoring him.

Link saying how Rhett will hit him in the legs under the desk often to control what he's saying is another Link joke that is totally the truth.

Then again another reason Rhett is hesitating so much more than Link is that - let's be honest - Rhett is sincere when he says he is really attracted to women. Rhett likes women and he enjoys being intimate with his wife. If they are pursuing a fully committed relationship, which I think they do as they both want to commit to the one they love, it is a lot harder for Rhett to make the move of no return because it means giving up on women probably forever. I think in theory Rhett considers himself ready to do it but in actuality it is harder for him because he probably ends up losing more than Link does. More conservative family at stake, sacrificing his love for women. It is just a lot and I don't blame Rhett for having so many thoughts about it. They are edging their 50s, that's the time a person wants safety and stability, not to embark on a huge odyssey of a journey. Plus, maybe Rhett suspects (and he won't be wrong if he does) that this will not prove all that easier for Link when shit hits the fan, it's just that Link is so impulsive and wants to escape his marriage badly enough that he does not consider much all the adversities and everything that might go wrong. Rhett is painfully aware of all the dangers, maybe even to the point of somatizing anxiety. He fears so much that he curates and curates and curates their scripted videos strategy and he finds obstacle to every negative hint to the point that Link thinks he is disingenuous. It's almost certain to me that Rhett wished they could keep being secretly in love forever because they had the ideal cover-up; best friends and business partners. They would remain lovers and friends and partners forever anyway, all while keeping fans and relatives happy as well. Rhett also seems to be worried that Link is getting more unpredictable and a little "difficult" as he ages ; it's cynical but maybe he is also concerned what he gets himself into in the future.

But again I don't think it is that Rhett doesn't love Link enough or that he doesn't wish deep inside he were more carefree and braver too... He's just very scared and stressed and his concerns are logical. And in the end, he still is trying to do it. It’s just that he has to fight and defeat himself in order to achieve it.

[slenbee]

Content Labels & why you should always be using them if you post mature content.

Note: I will mention later why this post has a mature content label.

Warnings: long post, contains colored text.

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So a while back tumblr rolled out this neat little feature for posts called content labels.

For those who aren't familiar with what ✨magic✨ these labels can do, I'm here to tell you all about this amazing feature that is by far one of the best and most helpful tools to help keep your content safely labeled for those who may not wish to see violence, drugs, or sexual content...

And most importantly, it helps keeps your work away from minors.

More on that in a second. ;)

Now, what do content labels do, exactly?

To boil it down to the basics, the purpose of content labels is this:

Taken directly from tumblr's help page about content labels.

(click that link and read the full page for later btw!)

Content labels give creators more control over who can see their post (only those who want to see it, or only those over 18, for example). On the post viewing side, content labels allow anyone on Tumblr to omit categories of posts from their dashboard completely if they so choose. They can also blur the posts or simply choose to have them show up like normal.

There are four categories of content labels:

Mature The Mature content label is a catch-all and the default content label. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with one of the other categories. Any post with a content label will also have the Mature label (for example, it isn’t possible to add the Violence label and not the Mature label). If you feel like none of the other categories apply but you think there should still be some kind of NSFW warning on the post, Mature is probably the right one to select. Drug and Alcohol Addiction A post with a Drug and Alcohol Addiction content label might contain a discussion of substance abuse or addiction experience that may be dangerous to or trigger those at risk. Violence A post with a Violence content label might contain violent or graphic content similar to what you might see in a movie. Sexual Themes A post with a Sexual Themes content label could contain content such as nudity, erotic writing, or sexually suggestive subject matter.

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Why using content labels is so very very important:

Using these labels on your posts helps those that browse the tags they enjoy, avoid content that they don't want to see. Think of it like tumblr's post and tag filtering system, but.. a little different.

Like the drug and alcohol addition and violence topics for example, can be very triggering to those who may have grown up with abusive parents or suffered through an abusive relationship themselves.

A community label on a post helps them avoid any post with that label entirely.

An asexual or sex repulsed person may not want to see posts that involve 18+/NSFW fics, headcanons, or art between characters. And most of the time writers sadly don't put content labels on fics, just 'trigger tags' and 'warnings' at the top of their fics.

And, while, to some that might seem like it's enough, having a community label on a post with any sort of mature/NSFW content would mean it's automatically hidden from someone who has the option to not see those posts turned on.

Rather than someone who is looking for content needing to go in and add a bunch of specific tags or words to their filter list, as a content creator, adding a community label to your post helps those browsing tumblr avoid what they don't want to see.

Sorta' like how on Ao3 you have to put E+ ratings on your fics if it has explicit sexual content. Those not wanting to see that, can filter it out.

And above all else, the most important reason as to why I'm making this post for all of the content creators who are adults out there reading this, that I'm begging you to please use content labels for:

If you’re under 18, posts with any content label will be hidden and your content label settings will be locked until you’re over 18.

What this means: If you are an adult and you post any type of 18+ writing/art with sexual content, violence, blood, drugs, alcohol, or virtually anything else that you, the creator, feel should not be seen by minors, because you don't want or like the fact that minors are interacting with your content in specific fandoms/ships/tags?

And you use a content label?

Any tumblr user registered as a minor, cannot see or interact with it.

At all.

And if they do/are able to somehow able to bypass this, I'm pretty sure you can take screenshots of their blog (if it says they're a minor) and them liking/reblogging your labeled work(s) and report them to tumblr staff for lying about their age.

Which, again, I'm pretty sure is against tumblr's TOS.

So not only are you, the creator, being kind and considerate of others in helping keep these posts labeled to help others filter out what might squick or trigger them, you're helping keep minors from viewing content they shouldn't be seeing/interacting with in the first place.

It's a win win situation either way.

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So Bee, how do I use content labels?

It's easy! On desktop, you just click this little box here:

Change it to the content label you want that's relevant to your post, add your favorite #tags, and boom you're done! It's that easy.

(I think it's the same for mobile? I'm not sure. I don't use the app.)

I think the content label help post also says you can mass label your posts too? But I'm not 100% sure.

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Q: But.. Won't this flag my blog as NSFW???

A: -sighs- No. That's a myth. And who told you that...?

Adding content labels to your posts will not mark/flag your blog as having sexual content, nor will it 'shadow ban' you and make you not able to interact with people.

You can however, have your blog flagged if you post/share NSFW/adult content like porn gifs, videos, art, ect, and you don't put a label on it, and then you get reported for it. (all the more reason to use the labels, right?)

Again, all content labels do is make it so that if someone's under 18, they can't see the posts with content labels, and those who are adults can avoid posts with specific labels they have turned on to hide.

It's more than just a courtesy feature. It is important.

It's just like tumblr's tag/post filtering system already is, but more advanced with the bonus of keeping mature content out of the hands of children.

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So... why does this post have a mature label...?

So minors can't see it, obviously. :)

Yes yes, I know, there will be some who can see it. I know there's probably more than enough who have lied about their age.

But when those who can't see it figure out that we (adults) start putting our foot down and labeling our content properly because it makes us, adults, uncomfortable that they, minors, are interacting with our works that are clearly meant for other adults, they'll probably end up sending hate anons about it to the creators of those in the fandom(s) for 'taking their favorite <thing> away from them.'

I'll probably get my fair bit of anon hate for this post anyway. But I've dealt enough with angry scammers going on anon in the past 5 months to honestly not care if a child throws a temper tantrum.

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To finish this post off:

If you are an adult, write smut, post spicy or even suggestive art, write yummy spicy headcanons with your favorite blorbos from your favorite movie/anime/show that contain any sort of drugs, alcohol, violence, and especially 18+/NSFW themes...

Please use content labels.

Not just to help protect yourself, but to help protect others.

Especially if you post mature works and it bothers you that minors interact with it.

Feel free to share this post with any and all other content creators, even those in other fandoms and communities who make 18+ works who might not know about content labels and how they work.

The more people who know, the better.

I hope you all had a great Holiday, and have a happy new year. :)

Stay hydrated, remember to eat, drink, and take your meds. Have a warm shower and be kind to yourself. 💖

-Bee