#'never trust a wizard! they're always up to something!'

[explodingcrayon]

tbh it's kind'a sad that wizards in rpg-style media are all 1 flavor. how did a class with such cool, wild possibilities consistently get boiled down to "character with underhanded ulterior motives that's on the brink of going mad with power" with only slight variations in execution. that's so boring. let me play my conjuration mailman that wants to learn teleportation to more efficiently do their job and not accidentally blow up the world and i'll show you how it's done

[jerreeeeeee]

i don't think taako's voice is really all that high most of the time. it's higher than justin's normal voice a little, but idk, the defining quality of it isn't its pitch to me, there's something else that i don't really have the words for. but anyway i do notice that his voice gets lower and less exaggerated when he's being serious. which is interesting bc it sort of implies that the usual "taako voice" is something he puts on.

i don't really think of taako as a habitual performer. his charisma modifier is a -1, he's not this ultra smooth charming actor, and although he does tend to hide behind humor and is slow to build connections, he's also very frank with what he's about and what he wants. he goes on an entire tirade about wanting to talk about his feelings (he's multidimensional!), he never acts embarrassed or hesitant about big moments of vulnerability and caring for others (arms outstretched, "i'm not going fucking anywhere," admitting a deep fear to kravitz on their first date, spilling his tragic backstory to angus, not to mention several serious moments with lup) (and not all of these can be chalked up to "forgotten connections," either. he does have a foundation of growth with magnus and merle, even forgotten, and his conversations with lup are of course all with memories intact, but he does not have that with kravitz and angus). he's just slow to reveal all of his hidden depths, because of (understandable) trust issues. but all in all he's not nearly as closed off as i think fandom tends to portray him (which is not to say he's open, either), nor is he someone who wears a lot of masks and obscures himself. i don't think he hides his "true self."

sizzle it up was successful because of his intelligence, not his charisma. he's a natural teacher who's knowledgeable and passionate, and that was what made the show great, not his personality or performance (though i don't think those were bad. just not the primary appeal of the show. the only fan we see is ren, and she loved sizzle it up because it inspired her and taught her to cook, not because she thought taako was awesome or whatever). bc that's the thing, he's not a performer, but he is extremely adaptable. so when he's set up with a stagecoach and a show lined up, sure, he'll have a TV persona, he'll learn to be charming, he'll learn to be showy, when he's on stage. when he gets famous, he learns to like being famous, but i don't think it was really a dream of his before then. or at least not in the way people think of it. i don't think he ever wanted to be a celebrity as much as a celebrity chef or celebrity wizard. he doesn't care if people think he's pretty. he doesn't want people to adore him (before the voidfish, anyway. afterwards is a different story. there's a void where love used to be that he's desperate to fill, and adoration almost feels like it works). really what he wants is for people to appreciate his skill and intelligence and depth (and he's also very afraid of actually displaying those things. he's multidimensional).

but most of the time, when he's not literally performing for an audience, i just don't think he's putting on a show, desperate for people to like him and think he's charming. he'll do what he needs to do, say what he needs to say, be who he needs to be in any given circumstance, with strangers and antagonists, but he also drops the act when it's not necessary. or at least his performance is subtler. he performs stupidity, he performs nonchalance, he makes efforts to be funny (because he is always funny, but that's something you have to work for and always be thinking about, even when the humor is dry), he carefully does just enough to be useful, but not enough to raise expectations. he's very aware of how other people view him, but he's also perfectly okay with people thinking negatively about him—as long as they're the negative traits he wants people to see. but, he only does all those things in the beginning of the show; after a little while with magnus and merle, after a little while with the bob, he drops the act. so i guess that's the difference to me. he's adaptable out of necessity, it doesn't bleed into his entire life. i don't even really think i'd qualify it as a performance. it's more of an invisibility. he's not performing charisma to get people to like him, he's trying to lay low. but then when he actually wants people to like him, he's himself, fairly unapologetically. with the people who matter, lup, magnus and merle, kravitz, the other bob members, the other ipre crew, he's pretty comfortable with himself.

one last interesting point is that while he doesn’t seem to hesitate when it comes to actions, he does shy away from verbal displays of affection, trust, vulnerability. and the best two scenes to show that play out almost exactly the same: lup’s best day ever dinner, and dropping his disguise self with kravitz. in each, taako does something meaningful for both npcs, who then verbalize their affection for him, which taako immediately deflects with a joke.

taako drops his disguise spell for kravitz, totally honest with him, (although… i don’t tend to think the beauty sacrifice was as meaningful to taako as fandom tends to portray, i think most of his vanity is an exaggeration he intentionally cultivates, but still, it’s a vulnerable moment, he clearly cares what kravitz thinks), and kravitz tells him he loves him. to which taako replies with a joke. he does not return the words.

taako doesn’t hesitate to construct the best day ever for lup, never even questions why she’d ask. he puts it all together, cooks for her, shows her he knows her, he loves her—and then when she bears her heart to him, tells him he is her heart, all he says is, “i know,” and pulls out a bottle of vodka. of course lup knows he loves her, the whole day was an elaborate demonstration of it, but he doesn’t say anything. to be fair, it’s not exactly a typical interaction between them, taako is textually scared shitless, lup did just tell him she’s going to turn herself into an undead abomination, so he’s not exactly at his best here. but anyway.

i don’t really have anything to add to this observation, it’s just very consistent and interesting to me. taako is fairly comfortable with grand gestures, but sidesteps around words. which ties in perfectly with his identity as a chef, to me. cooking is an action, work, intention, cooking for people is an act of love, an act of connection, an act of caring, and taako’s character doesn’t fit the bill for that—except, he kinda really does.

[thedegu]

Tag yourself, what you bring when you go out:

Bard: Alongside the necessities, you always bring either a musical instrument and/or a full makeup set. You never know when a party might start! Your bag is either $2 or $200. You make it work either way. Essentials? eh, if they're in there, they're in there.

Barbarian: phone wallet keys. Pants have pockets for a reason. If you're feeling spicy, you'll have a multi tool on your Keychain

Cleric: At LEAST one first aid kit, two lip balms snacks and drinks, bug spray and sunscreen for you freinds who forgot to put it on. Your purse weighs as much as a neutron star, but at least it's cute!

Druid: same as cleric, but you, instead of a purse, use one of those huge reusable grocery bags. More emphasis on snacks than the first aid kit (someone else will probably have that coveted, right?) But you might also have some loose dog treats in the bottom of your bag, so pay attention when snacking.

Fighter: You carry a backpack or over-the-shoulder duffel, but your phone wallet and other essentials are kept in your pockets because it's easier to access. What do you keep in your bag? Well, at least one knife and assorted tools and emergency supplies. You keep on forgetting to put in that first aid kit, but then you'd probably need to take out that 75 piece screwdriver kit, which, tbh is more useful in more situations.

Rainger: Look, you HAVE a bag, or... had one... you just leave it at home more often than you remember it. Look, you don't really need your phone when you're on a hike, right? And the trail mix in your pocket should be enough, too. Or you have a fanny pack that is more akin to a benign tumor. There is no in between.

Rogue: Just.... so many pockets. Like, sewing extra pockets into the inside of your jacket. Like "How did you fit that sub sandwich inside of there" pockets. Like you somehow have all of the tools you need for any reason on your person at any time without a bag amount of pocket. When you're fully suited up, your clothes work as a weighted blanket. It's honestly impressive and slightly terrifying.

Paladin: Like.... a bag?? Over the shoulder with RFID protection. Nothing too fancy either, phone, wallet, keys. Snacks and a small tube of sunscreen and maybe a hand warmer in the winter. Just get the job done, if you need something more you'll take it when you need it.

Wizard: You got the backpack on sale. That's what matters to you. Never mind how it makes your back hurt or that it's falling to pieces. It holds your books and laptop and.... ah, hm, everything else you need. Oh! It does have a cool wallet compartment... just let me... oh, it's so hard to get to give me one second... really, I do have the cash for this coffee. I swear one... oh, there goes my thesaurus.

Warlock: bags are meant as a fashion statement over their utility. Yeah, I can only fit my phone or my wallet in it, but I look good doing it, so what does it matter. Black is always in season, and so are chunky boots and spiked collars. Well it's not like you'll be going out without your freinds, you might as well have them hold your things, they honestly shouldn't trust you with your own credit cards anyway so it's a win-win

Sorcerer: You have one of those electronic bags that fallows you, and you've never looked back. Yes, it might be risky. Yes, taking a full luggage bag everywhere is a bit excessive. But if it does get stolen, the glitter bomb inside will make everything worth it. Hm? Where do you keep essentials? Oh, front pants pocket and brest pocket nbd.

[johnny-depplyloveyou]

Gale's data mined info from Idle Champions

source: [X]

(He's only 35? And his alignment is Neutral, not Neutral Good to begin with? I know it can be changed into Neutral Good in this game, but... I'll pretend I did not see it)

Item descriptions

Fond Memories: Even at my lowest, playing with Tara lifted my spirits...

Ball of Retrieval: ...though the ball's purpose eluded her. I was always the one fetching it...

Cat Flap of Displacement: Tara comes and goes as she pleases. But she's always pleased to help me.

Ring of Evasion: A ring as evasive as Tara, when I asked how she obtained it...

These Old Things: Comfortable, practical, and relatively unsinged.

Wizarding Robes: Not as flashy as Elminster's, but at least they've plenty of pockets.

Robes of Increased Potency: I could get used to these. Elegant, but powerful - just like Tara.

Archmage's Accoutrements: Incredible! Every stitch is infused with Weave. Like wearing magic itself...

Nothing Much: I'd have preferred something with a library...

Camping Tent: ...but it will do. For now.

Crystal Ball: Handy for glimpsing the future. And also shaving.

Celestial Spyglass: I like gazing at the heavens. To remember. And to forget...

Crumpled Chapbooks: At least they're written in full sentences.

Well-thumbed Tomes: I've lost count of how many times I've read these. Still just as magical.

Magical Miscellany: A spell for all situations. And my improvements in the margins.

The Annals of Karsus: You can trust me with this - you have my word.

Boots of Ambiguous Enchantment: A little pick-me-up, for when any Weave will do...

Lonely Boot of Elvenkind: A snack-sized shoe for the wizard who travels light.

Boots of Very Fast Blinking: Blink and you'll miss me. But I'll always hit you.

Mystra's Grace: These were a gift from... well, never mind.

Cramped Jotter: Magical musings and mullings. Not my best handwriting.

Waterdhavian Quill: This was... well, it was expensive, let's leave it at that.

The Chosen's Earring: A symbol of Mystra's faith in me. Former faith, I suppose...

Wizard's Pouch: All manner of wizarding sundries. Pungent but powerful.

Feat descriptions

Selflessness (Gale): If it’s me or the realms - I’ll save the realms every time.

Inspiring Leader (Gale): Their magic is strong, but our will is stronger!

Long Studies (Gale): It’s not as easy for me as a sorcerer or warlock. No offense, Wyll.

Arcane Experience (Gale): I’ve had experiences that other wizards can only dream of.

Arcane Threads (Gale): You can’t manipulate the entire Weave, merely a small piece of it.

Spools of Magic (Gale): Maybe I was wrong, as rare of an event as that is. This power is strong!

Mage of Waterdeep (Gale): It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Gale of Waterdeep!

Sword Coast Sage (Gale): One day, my name will be known up and down the Sword Coast!

Netherese Teachings (Gale): These are certainly things Elminster wouldn’t have taught me…

Netherese Knowledge (Gale): The risk is worth the reward. This could be just what we need to save everyone!

Neutral Good (Gale): My mind can be changed. …Sometimes.

Immolation (Gale): Magic can be elegant, but sometimes, a good fireball is the answer.

[saintsenara]

waitt i need to know why you hc ludo bagman as a genuine death eater sympathiser omg. that sounds fascinating

thank you very much for the ask, pal!

that bagman was really a death eater sympathiser is something i've been committed to believing since i first read goblet of fire, but it's something i've been pondering particularly recently as part of writing subluxation, which is a big look at the set-up and function of the wizarding state during voldemort's takeover in 1997-1998 from the perspective of percy weasley.

which means - of course - that it requires a bit of grappling with percy's main man - and bagman's frenemy - barty crouch sr.

the way the canon narrative - not only harry's perspective but also characters harry implicitly trusts, like sirius and dumbledore - wants us to react to crouch sr. is something that really interests me. because i think it's reasonable to say that - while the series doesn't regard him as a villain villain, per se [as it does for characters such as umbridge] - it doesn't see him as someone we are supposed to regard in a particularly positive light either, even after the reveal that barty crouch jr. was a death eater and his father was justified in sending him to azkaban [even if he didn't keep him there...]

crouch - like cornelius fudge, rufus scrimgeour, and percy himself - is a victim of the narrative's general consensus that ministry workers who are not under the impression that the ministry cannot function admirably or efficiently without input from dumbledore are people we should have no real respect for. he is shown, in his canon appearances, to be something of a jobsworth - officious and dull and uncreative in his thinking, which serves both as a personification of what the series thinks about the civil service and as a narrative device to make the reveal that he broke his son out of prison and kept him, essentially, drugged at home all the more shocking.

but crouch is also interesting in another sense - in that he is not a villain, but that he does not fit into the way the series categorises the behaviour of its heroes surrounding mercy.

we are told in goblet of fire that crouch - as head of the department of magical law enforcement in the 1970s - was responsible for the escalating harshness of the government's response to voldemort. policies such as the instructions for aurors to shoot to kill if they encountered suspected death eaters and the use of internment without trial of those accused of collusion with voldemort [both of which, as i am always banging on about, are references to the actual behaviour of the british state in northern ireland during the same time period] emanate directly from him.

and this ties into a theme which is prominent in the run of books between prisoner of azkaban and half-blood prince: that the world is not split into good people and death eaters. the purpose of these central books in the series is to show that - once harry's worldview widens from the hogwarts-exclusive focus it has in the first two, more childlike, books - the rot in the wizarding world goes far beyond voldemort. the wizarding state is shown - time and time again - to be cruel, corrupt, prejudiced, and stagnant, and the ministry's most loyal bureaucrats and their unwillingness towards mercy are largely blamed for this situation.

because of course - as i have complained about before - the morality of the harry potter series is individualist. good and evil are located by the text within the individual, which means that states and their institutions are automatically less interesting to it than singular heroes and villains in an epic baddies-versus-goodies showdown.

but it's also true that - as a protagonist - harry's morality is extremely self-serving. by which i mean that he has a tendency to reach black-and-white judgements on people he encounters - they're good if they're nice to him, they're bad if they're cruel to him - and to never deviate from them.

and - indeed - to never have to deviate from them. it's worth saying that harry's conversion rate on being right about people is really high - his immediate dislike of characters such as draco malfoy, lockhart, and umbridge is entirely justified; his immediate trust of characters such as sirius is the same. his only misjudgments relate to characters who are crucial to the narrative outside of harry's feelings towards them - he's wrong to trust the teenage tom riddle in chamber of secrets, he's wrong to trust the fake "moody" in goblet of fire, he's wrong to trust "bathilda bagshot" in deathly hallows, and he is, of course, wrong about both snape and dumbledore.

but - outside of this - his judgements are usually proven to be right [and, indeed, his good instincts are lampshaded by the narrative in deathly hallows, when lupin literally says this]. and so we are supposed to assume, i think, that character judgements he makes which we see no broader resolution to are correct.

for example - harry's conviction that stan shunpike is under the imperius curse is never taken by the text as anything other than true. there is no suggestion whatsoever that harry is wrong and that stan - a young, working-class man with delusions of grandeur, who would presumably be reasonably easy to radicalise - might be a genuine supporter of voldemort, and harry's complete certainty that stan is falsely imprisoned [with the callbacks this gives to his feelings about sirius' treatment] isn't used by the narrative as an example of him being naive and self-righteous, but as an example of the fundamental goodness, sensibleness and mercifulness of his character which justifies his ascent to an allegory for christ in the latter stages of deathly hallows.

and the same applies to ludo bagman. when harry witnesses his trial, he finds the suggestion that he might have been a death eater absurd, clearly finds the jury's immediate dismissal of it amusing, and is unsympathetic to crouch when he is infuriated by bagman's acquittal. he takes dumbledore's assurance that bagman has never been accused of any nefarious activity since without question [something he does not do for snape] and his view throughout goblet of fire - much as it is for stan - is that bagman is seedy and not particularly clever, but that he is also such a transparently ridiculous person that to suspect him of being someone voldemort would care about is idiotic, and that crouch's inability to bang him up in azkaban on spurious charges can only - given what happened to sirius - be a good thing.

but the issue is that - notwithstanding his commitment to extrajudicial punishment - barty crouch sr. is... clearly right to investigate bagman thoroughly.

we are told in order of the phoenix that voldemort's power depends on a vast network of ministry informants. we are shown in deathly hallows that his coup is only successful because almost the entirety of the civil service remains in post. we are shown time and time again throughout canon that voldemort's views - on blood-supremacy and magic-supremacy, on the supposed value of maintaining the class system - are incredibly mainstream political opinions, and we can infer from this that a majority of the population of wizarding britain have the view sirius tells us his parents did: that, while they're uneasy with voldemort's violence and while they're certainly not paid-up death eaters, they think voldemort has the right idea.

dumbledore - and the order - are shown throughout canon to be preoccupied with the big fish. the death eaters they target are voldemort's inner circle - the marked loyalists he trusts as generals. we never see - outside of the snatchers - the lower-profile but infinitely more important cogs in voldemort's machine: the people who traffic stolen goods and lift ministry secrets from filing cabinets and observe potential recruits in pubs and pass gossip along whisper networks until it reaches the dark lord. the sort of people crouch clearly wanted to eradicate, but couldn't find the goodwill within the ministry to do so.

bagman can easily fit this profile - he's presumably a pureblood or a half-blood and raised in the wizarding world, since his parents canonically have at least one wizarding friend [augustus rookwood]; he is clearly relaxed about making use of the class system, since he expects to finesse a job out of rookwood when his professional quidditch career ends; and he is possessed of extremely dubious morals. we also know that pleading ignorance of who you were working for was a famously successful - and, presumably, voldemort-sanctioned - way of getting away with having colluded with the death eaters. it makes just as much sense - then - for bagman's "oh, i just thought i was chatting about state secrets with rookwood as a mate" act to be in the same vein as lucius malfoy pretending to be under the imperius curse as it does for him to actually have been that dumb, and so it makes sense for him to have gone actively looking for information he could pass to rookwood because of some sympathies [even if they were uneasy ones] with rookwood's cause.

do i think he was a marked death eater? no - i think voldemort couldn't pick him out of a line-up and he never achieved anything other than being an informant rookwood could tap for details and documents he could pass up to his master if they looked interesting.

but this would have been what voldemort's ministry infiltration actually looked like - and it is a much more insidious, and interesting, concept than loads of aristocrats fighting and being sexy, which i think is really worth exploring when we think about wizarding politics.

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

Stories about prophecies have always bugged me because they never adequately explain WHY the universe works the way it does, WHY specific events are inevitable. "It is your destiny," the fuck does that even mean? Says who? Which metaphysical/eldritch entity wrote this prophecy? How do they enforce it? If an Oracle says something, was it always going to be true or did they change the future? Is there only one future? Is the world deterministic?

Well, I've started thinking about it through a scientific lense. In a world where magic exists, it is simply another fundamental force of the universe. It can be studied and understood, and, most importantly, predictions can be made based off it. Before chemists discovered specific elements they'd look at where it would be on the periodic table, they'd look at all of its neighbors, and they would be able to accurately predict certain properties about it. "It'll be this color, this density, it'll have these stable isotopes, and'll form these types of bonds," etc. They aren't prophesying willy-nilly, they are making informed hypotheses.

An astronomer can give you the exact orbital periods of planets many lightyears away based on the mass of their host star; Kepler's Laws ring true no matter where you look. They can predict the exact time and location of eclipses a thousand years in advance. I don't know what a Higgs Boson is, but physicists knew it existed long before they ever actually observed it.

Prophecies are magical hypotheses. Prophets aren't just granted foreknowledge out of nowhere for shiggles, they simply observe the current state of the universe and extrapolate forward. If souls and chakras and mystical energies exist, their influences on the material world can be measured and accounted for. I don't understand quantum mechanics or general relativity, but I trust that scientists aren't just making shit up. I don't understand magic, but wizards aren't just making shit up either!

Some prophecies are wrong. Many, in fact. There are just too many variables, too many unknowns. Schrödinger's cat, Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, the Butterfly Effect, Chaos Theory, there would be magical equivalents. Meteorologists can tell you what the weather will look like tomorrow, but nobody knows what it'll be like in a month, a year, a century. They can tell you that Hurricane Season will have higher or lower activity than average based on ocean surface temperatures, the El Niño/La Niña cycle, etc., but they can't give you the exact dates of storm formation, strength, or duration.

I really like the idea of prophecies having varying degrees of certainty. Lines like "it is your destiny" or "it has been foreseen" aren't cop-outs, they're just predictions. If I drop a rock, it WILL fall towards the Earth; it's not destiny, it's gravity. Magic works the same way.

TLDR: prophecies are like election forecasts!

[lxstfuck]

Prompt: Teasing and eventually taking care of sub!eddie while he’s hiding from Jason and his gang, like telling him you know he couldn’t have hurt anyone cuz he’s your good boy, going down on him and eventually riding him to relieve his stress. Poor baby is so scared but the reader helps him forget even if it’s just for a little while 😵‍💫

Rolling, yelling and moaning a little.

You wish is my command dearie!

Stress free; Sub Eddie Munson x Dom fem reader

Tags: Little mommy kink (Eddie calls reader mommy twice), Aftercare duh!,dom Fem reader, sub Eddie, little bit of dacryphilia implied and lots of praise! S4 spoilers and changes since it's needed, i added a little titty play cuz he adores titties and your a bad bitch, unprotected sex (wrap it babes!), Cumming inside.

A/n: Just a little FYI you smoke and your not a little bitch nah! You do have piercings and ur tiddies are pierced and he absolutely loves it! That's it!

He was scared. No. He was terrified. You were the first person he talked to. He was so scared that sometimes he would threaten you. Eventually, Dusting and some other kids that Dustin said were friends. Still, you didn't trust anyone, not even the girl that was called Robin. You threatened Steve with a cracked bottle and when you glanced at your boyfriend, and he nod, you let them go.

They explained quickly that Eddie was in danger -but you knew that already- of course you knew this beforehand but still frowned at this. You wanted to help him. You'd give your life to protect him. But for now, you could only help him by staying by his side and caress him.

Not long after they left and promise to keep in touch Jason's gang came by. You were smoking a normal cigarette but you seriously doubted they knew the difference. So as soon as they saw you, long sweater and baggy pants, cigarette in hand they approached you.

“Where's your freaky boyfriend, L/N” You smirked, a shit eating grin that made them question what was so funny. “I know you know where he is or is he here with you?”

He kept questioning until you got bored and threw the cigarette on the grass, stepping on it with unnecessary force. Exhaling the last bit of smoke left in your mouth you licked your lips and raised your head and crossed your arms.

“I don't know where he is.” another boy you didn't really know raised an eyebrow. “Disappointed? My parents too.” you laughed at your own joke. “Trust me blondie. I wouldn't tell you even if i knew. Now," you clapped once, remarking your point. “I'm trying to get high and from what I see you're looking for an excuse to assert the little of dominance you have here so get out of I'll start kicking ass while smoking again.” Jason wouldn't dream of facing you.

No one would face you. You lived near Eddie and Max and for your own sake you had to learn to fight. You were in the fight club and you were one of the best so far. Your technique was always aggressive and cold.

“Go. Leave. Bye!" You yelled as they muttered something and left slowly. You cussed them and when you were sure they left you went back inside.

What awaited you was a curled up Eddie hiding in a corner as he covered his mouth. Almost like he was in a horror movie and he was about to get eaten by the monster. Maybe it felt like that to him. But to you, he was just a little cat that was scared. You believed him right from the start. He wouldn't hurt a fly. Even if the story came off as weird and rather fantasy like, you believed him.

“They're gone my cute wizard" He looked at you at the nickname to see you with a soft smile plastered on your face.

He cautiously stood up and hugged you. He towered over you but you still hugged him back and rubbed his back. Reassuring him everything will be fine.

“Do you really think i did that?" his voice was cracking and even if he looked the prettiest when he cried, you didn't want to see him cry right now. Not for this reason at least. “Promise i didn't do it..." He kept rambling about how he would never hurt her and telling the story over and over again. You kissed him softly to shut him. It worked like a charm.

“Of course you didn't do anything Eddie” your tone was soft, sincere and this Eddie noticed. “You're such a good boy. You would never do anything wrong". He sighed at this and you say in a corner and he sat in front of you. “Hmm?"

“I am? M' a good boy?” He questioned and you knew he needed this reassurance and when he leaned in to kiss your neck softly you knew where this was going so you played with his hair as he sighed and slid his cold hands inside the sweater.

A little later, the sweater was nowhere to be found, maybe on the floor, maybe stuck somewhere nearby. Your breast were exposed and he looked at you, a little plea in his eyes. You nod softly, putting your hands in his hair and caressing it as softly as you could. Brushing it gently and feeling his relax little by little. His big and calloused hands cupped your breast and his lips attached to the left one, sucking, kissing and sometimes biting. He felt the cold metal of something in his mouth and then he realized, you had your piercing on. Lord knows he tries! He tries so hard to not bite it roughly. But he loves you and he loves that piercing.

“What's wrong Ed?" you call him out. A whisper and he can't help but whine when your hand snaked to his pants and palmed him through them. “Come on babe, tell me what you want”. It might've come up as mean, maybe a little teasing. But in reality you were helping him voice his desires.

“Mommy...” He voiced, head thrown back and eyes shut. His hips were going up unconsciously. “Mommy please wanna feel you” he pleas as you stand up to take off your pants, slowly, teasing, on leg after the other. You were left only in pantys. A cold breeze made you shiver as you ordered him to take off his clothes too. You put your sweater under him so he wouldn't sit on the floor and get hurt. After all you were taking care of him.

Once undressed he looked at you. Your legs were one at each side of him and your last piece of clothing was long forgotten s you took it off when he was undressing. You touched his dick, he was already hard, sensitive and ready to cum. You lowered you hips, his dick just touching your folds but never entering. You did this a few times only for him to say your name over and over, begging you to let him cum. And who were you to say no to him?

Finally, you lowered your hips, finally letting him enter you completely. You sighed. God he felt so warm inside, so perfect. Fit for him. His hands traveled to your breasts once again and he pulled you closer so he could suck on them as you bounced on top of him. The wet noises whenever he was almost completely out and you harshly thrusted yourself on him plus the loud smacks of skin to skin made it all sensual.

“Good boy Eddie. Doing so good for me” You praise in between moans and breathy sighs. He deserved that praise. He needed it too. And you were willing to give it to him.

He still had his face buried in your chest as he grunted and moaned your name like a broken record. Over and over again you named would be thrown around and it mixed perfectly with the lewd sounds that filled the room.

“That feel good honey?” You manage to ask as he nod, you felt him drool on you and you chuckled, almost tired due to the movements. But you weren't going to stop until he had released. “Whatcha say if you cum in me?" you question and this seemed to catch his attention because he started thrusting up roughly. You took that as an affirmative answer. “The do so, baby. Cum in me. My dear baby". You held onto him and pulled his hair a bit as you moaned praises into his ear until you felt him fill you. The feeling was so intense that it made you cum as well. Your breathing was heavy and you knew you were both dirty. Still, you guys needed to clean up. You managed to get outside and cum was going down your leg. You smiled when his air caught up.

“Lets go take a shower mmk? I'll help you get washed” he nod and he looked at the sweater you had. It was messy, dirty. “Don't worry, I'll just have one the spare shirts you keep here. Or I'll call Robin to bring me one".

“No. Have mine". He muttered and you couldn't help but kiss him. You put on your underwear and pants. Threw on his shirt and walked to turned on the shower. You were willing to do it all over again if it meant getting his pretty head off the situation for a few minutes at least.

!The art isn't mine! I just did the banner, credits to whoever made it.

HERE YA GO! It took me two days but it's here! Hope you like it!

Have a request? Tell me about it!

[lunatheseus]

harry potter (canon) couples that I could get behind + commentary

Hermione Granger x Harry Potter: Idk… I can kinda get behind this- they should relate to each other when it comes to the wizarding world. Because they were both raised by muggles, it must’ve been hard to figure out the magical world right off the bat. They also trust each other a ton. (Way more than Ron did, anyway) When Hermione brings Umbridge to the forest to trick her, Harry at first doesn’t know what she’s about to do, but he trusts her. They’re also not jealous of each other, whether it comes to romantic interest or just their capabilities in something. Hermione didn’t care that Harry was the Chosen one, and Harry didn’t care that Hermione topped him in every class.

Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy: Popular, maybe basic opinion, but these two are the perfect balance of opposites and likes. They are both opposites when it comes to the obvious: Hogwarts houses, blood status, athletics, etc. But they both have many things in common: heavy expectations, being at the top of each class, and other more deep-rooted ideologies. This would give them both something to learn, but also something to relate to. In addition, after the war, Draco could improve his reputation by helping all of the causes and organizations that Hermione started over the years. He has a ton of money, why not donate some? I also think they could be adorable together, Draco spoiling Hermione, Hermione exposing Draco to muggle culture.

Luna Lovegood x Draco Malfoy: Besides the similar white-blonde hair and the same blood status, these two could not be more different. However, it can be a good thing. While Luna can teach Draco about leading life with love and a bit more imagination (like how she was brought up), and Draco can hold Luna to the real world and teach her about the more traditional way of life. On top of that, after the war, Luna doesn't seem like the person to care about Draco's ruined reputation. She would help him get over caring too much about what other people think and instead enjoy life more often. I feel that her forgiving nature would help Draco lead a better life. (Besides, his parents can't possibly be THAT opposed, she's a pureblood, after all)

Theodore Nott x Hermione Granger: Similar reasoning as to the Hermione x Draco ship reasoning, but also remembering that Theo and Hermione don't have as much history, which could be both bad and/or good, that's up to interpretation. I also love that Hermione used a time turner in her younger years, and Theo gets in trouble for being involved in handling illegal magical goods, ie a time turner.

Draco Malfoy x Theodore Nott: With both of their father's being servants of Voldemort, the two supposedly bonded, finding solace in each other. They both also survive the war, so helping each other through hardships would be a critical piece of the story because of how much they relate to and understand when it comes to one another. I also love how Theo was never really in Draco's "Gang" which makes me believe that he has his own independent mind, which is always important.

Luna Lovegood x Theodore Nott: Sunshine x Grumpy? Both see Thestrals? Like the Luna x Draco reasoning, they can learn lots from each other, + ignore the society's views on them because they both don't care.

Luna Lovegood x Neville Longbottom: Ok EVEN THOUGH Luna Lovegood x Rolf Scamander is the most genius idea that JK Rowling has had in her entire career, this could work. The fact that both passionate about their own respective interests makes conversation and life very unique. They're both also good listeners, which makes open communication very effective. Luna could teach Neville to ignore the haters, and Neville is a good anchor for Luna.

Pansy Parkinson x Neville Longbottom: I think that Pansy x Neville isn't such a bad idea. They're kind of opposites, but I love the idea that Neville gives so-called ice-queen-Pansy a safe space to be herself, to be a soft and warm. On the flipside, I think Pansy could teach Neville a thing or two about not being a pushover, and maybe even adding a little snark to conversations.

Pansy Parkinson x Harry Potter: I feel like this would work really well. Honestly though, Pansy would wear the pants in this relationship hands down. I feel like they would have a ton of chemistry... and they would learn a lot from each other. Pansy would humble Harry, Harry would humble Pansy. Simple.

Draco Malfoy x Ginny Weasley: Both Quidditch Fanatics? Both have passionate and fiery personalities? Both have unusually coloured hair? Enemies to Lovers? HMMMM?

Blaise Zabini x Ginny Weasley: Both fit as heck, both very sassy and witty. They'd charm the pants off of each other, both figuratively and literally... they'd have fun. I'd say this is better than Ginny x Draco

Astoria Greengrass x Theodore Nott: idk why but this just works

Theodore Nott x Harry Potter: again, idk why but this would work too

Chicken x Ron Weasley: Whoever did this is an effing genius: Chickron | Shipping Wiki | Fandom

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a mage (this is a type of powerful wizard) reader with the strawhat crew!

She is believed to be the last of her kind which often makes her a target of the marine and many of the warlords and emperors

Some want her as a weapon others want her as a wife for either themselves or as a wife for a member of their crew.

But the last thing the strawhats do is to give up on a friend theres no way in hell that they're gonna let anything happen to you.

Please and thank you if thats alright!

-You yawned as you stretched your back slightly, shifting in your bed before you cuddled Chopper who was slowly waking up himself.

-Greetings were passed as you patted his head, smiling softly, “Thanks for being my nightmare buddy, Chopper.” He just beamed, as you had been being plagued with nightmares of the memories of your country’s destruction so many years ago.

-Your home island had been destroyed in a single night, marines and pirates attacking on both sides, after finding the location, wanting mages to use for their own selfish needs.

-It ended with a Buster Call, due to the mages killing several Celestial Dragons, wiping out everyone on the island, except for you, as your mother managed to trap you in a magic bubble and sent you to the Mermaid Kingdom, where you lived until you were grown enough to leave, after harnessing your abilities.

-As soon as word got out, you immediately became the most desired person in the world, marines and nobles wanting to use you for their own selfish needs, pirates wanting you to join their crew to be a weapon, but a lot of it changed once your bounty poster had been released when you were an adult.

-You were stunning!! Your poster was so highly sought after because of how gorgeous you were! Now everyone wanted you not only for your power and abilities, but for your stunning good looks as well.

-You were in luck however, because you found safety in one of the strongest crews out there, the Straw Hat Pirates. You had met Luffy and the others shortly after Alabasta, joining right after Robin, and without knowing your true power, Luffy invited you to join his crew because he thought it was cool to have a mage in his crew.

-You had all become like family, working together, protecting one another, forming close bonds, and you were willing to risk your life for any one of them.

-Chopper was one you were closest with, mainly because he was helping you with your emotional trauma by being there for you when you have nightmares, becoming your nighttime cuddle buddy.

-This is something Sanji hates however, as he wants to be your cuddle buddy, and everyone in the crew has vetoed everyone except for the girls, Chopper, and Luffy, as you trust him and you know he only has feelings for you like a brother would and you adore him dearly for it and your trust in Luffy will never waver, unless if you leave a piece of cake out for you and tell him not to eat it. You will always return with a second slice of cake for yourself as you knew he would eat the slice you left in front of him.

-Zoro was your grumpy, reluctant big brother whom you loved to tease, but he would tease you back, calling you short and stealing your hat, but you evened the odds with your broom, flying above him so you were taller!

-Nami and Robin were both quite protective of you as well as territorial, not liking when they had to share with the boys of the crew. Nami would always steal you away to go shopping and has learned not to ask for treasure hunting spells, mainly because you don’t know any but she doesn’t want to use you like others would. Robin is definitely like your big sister, guiding, kind, funny, wouldn’t hesitate to tease you but also would never turn down a chance to cuddle with you. Any given day you could be found sleeping on top of Robin in her hammock while she reads and she won’t hesitate to punish others who would wake you up.

-Usopp was initially scared of you, thinking you were like an evil witch from fairy tales, which, to be fair, you did tease him with, before you became very close friends, bonding over plants, you making medicines and potions and him making weapons and he never fails to make you laugh.

-Sanji, just like Robin and Nami, was head over heels for you and treated you differently compared to the men, making sure the three of you had the prettiest of desserts and wouldn’t hesitate to turn himself into a living shield to protect any one of you. You’re the only one of the girls who trusts Sanji enough to give him a lap pillow, for a short while at least.

-Franky was the best big brother you could have asked for, he’s funny, loves your vibe and style, and loves to come up with inventions based on your magic, to make you even more powerful. Franky is one of the few that you can relax completely around, because you know he will keep you safe.

-You adored Brook to pieces, when you first met him your eyes were so sparkly, seeing a walking, talking skeleton, that you almost missed his first words to you, “Beautiful young lady, may I see your panties?” After that one hiccup, you and Brook were almost always together, as he was the only one, besides Chopper, who was light enough to carry on your broom with you, which made you a deadly death-from-above pair.

-You met Jinbei when you were a child, as he had been the one to find you and brought you to the king and queen, so you would be safe, so you were very close to him, even calling him Boss from time to time which always made him grin. Having grown up with Jinbei always close by, he became a fatherly figure to you, and he wouldn’t hesitate to fight anyone to keep you safe.

-You’ve met plenty of other crews, Law’s was your favorite only because you loved Bepo to pieces, finding the fluffy polar bear so cute.

-Those you called allies were glad you were on their side, after showing your immense power, taking out a whole marine fleet by yourself, but even as allies, that didn’t stop several of them, Shanks being one of the worst, from flirting with you and trying to convince you to join their crews, but you knew at least Shanks was mostly joking.

-Your bounty was on par with the strongest in Luffy’s crew, wanted alive only because the World Government wanted you for themselves, to use your power for their own gains.

-However, that just made you all fight harder, you weren’t leaving your crew- your family, and they weren’t going to let anyone take you.

[sitp-recs]

I'm looking for stories where at some point Harry lets everyone know about a secret relationship with Draco. Something like "it's mine and I care little or nothing what you think of this relationship" vibration. I basically look for fics where they say they are coming out in a totally spectacular or unexpected way.

Hi anon! That’s a really interesting ask and I wish I could remember more titles because I feel like I’ve read some. Here are the fics that came to mind:

All Tied Up by MyNameIsThunder (M, 6k)

Blaise is determined to find out why the entrance to the Slytherin common room is acting up all of a sudden. Draco is determined to keep it a secret.

Sexplanations (Of the Horrible Sort) by @bixgirl1 (E, 7k)

Harry's willing to put up with a certain amount of injury, as long as he and Malfoy can keep doing... whatever it is they're doing. Maybe. Mostly. Especially if there might be more to it than sex.

(Un)Calculated Risk by @l0vegl0wsinthedark (E, 7k)

He thought about the way Harry looked at him, smiled at him; about the way Draco’s head was nearly always full of him, all day every day, and about the way Draco sometimes deliberately went to bed still smelling of him, refusing to acknowledge what it meant – because he already fucking knew what it meant.

Up in the Air by dicta_contrion, kazuya22 (T, 8.5k)

When he's out in the sun, eye to eye with the treeline, Harry can barely remember why this thing with Draco was ever a secret in the first place.

A Song, Incomplete by RurouniHime (E, 11k)

Draco’s photograph took up the entire top half of the Prophet’s front page. Below the photo: DRACO MALFOY DEFENDS SON OF FORMER LOVER. As if that were breaking news.

Little Talks by Femme and noeon (E, 11k)

Draco's been shagging the Head Auror for months now, and he's sure it's just a fling. Until Harry asks him to a Quidditch match, that is, and things go horribly wrong.

I'll never be your chosen one by @andithiel (E, 15k)

Draco doesn't know what exactly he’s doing with Potter, he doesn't know how their unspoken agreement even started, and doesn't know where it will end. The only thing he knows is: he's not in love.

Touch Me Fall by @lqtraintracks (E, 23k)

Malfoy was such a ponce. And he was a complete snob. And he was so fucking fit Harry wanted to jump him where he sat. It would be too easy to forget his objective tonight: to really, really, really get Malfoy out of his system.

This is Never Happening Again by hpleems (E, 32k)

“Potter,” Malfoy said, shaking his head. “Do I look like I care about your holiday plans? Trust me: this is *never* happening again.”

Expecto Patronum by @writcraft (E, 35k)

Harry Potter is the most sought after celebrity in wizarding Britain. His every movement is scrutinised, his relationships questioned and his photographs plastered over every paper. Harry's used to everyone thinking he’s a hero and has had plenty of time to learn how to keep his biggest secrets hidden from the press.

Things Worth Knowing by Femme and noeon (E, 164k)

After the Battle, Harry thinks he's left Hogwarts for good, but Minerva insists that all students return for an Eighth Year if they wish to sit for NEWTs in the spring, and Harry needs those NEWTs to go into the Aurors. Draco's just grateful not to be in Azkaban. Or the Manor.

[grainsaucer]

WaWC Magic

I think the core of magic for #Warrior and Warlock Cats AU for me is the idea that it's not something you can simply throw at someone and be rid of them.

To me, it's more like being a good orator. In essence, you are trying to convince reality to make an exception for you and bend the rules to serve your purpose. From simple things, like making a flask of water boil just by warming it up with your hands, to more complicated things like urging a plant to bear fruit in winter.

And in the same sense that there isn't just one type of magic in other settings, there is not just a single functioning type of oration in WaWC. While in my head they're categorized into "archetypes" I think each cat has their own brand of magic, so disregards these if you want to do something of your own.

Wizards, in my head, are people who see beyond today, they focus on ideas, concepts, and futures. They're never content with how things are now, always playing for a different outcome. Of course, constantly looking into the future makes them irritable, cynical, and lonely. Their magic exists in a paradoxical polarity, magic based on logic. To this effect, they utilize staves, gems, and areas where nature and reality have been bent before. They're orators who work you down through flaws in your argument while presenting a strong point themselves.

Seers are cats connected with life and the now. Their powers are gifts that they pass onto others, they are more intermediaries doing what must be done for the sake of today. They are connected with people and the land, helping wherever and whenever they can, as fast as they can. Inevitably this leaves them with a deep melancholy and their acceptance of outcomes can lead to complacency as well as rigidity. Rituals and herbs coupled with ancestral and natural gifts are their domain. As orators, you can think of them as the kind of people who don't always make the soundest arguments, but their sincerity can win you over.

Alchemists are a conclusion of the two. Using today to build a better tomorrow, they are makers rather than users. Their ultimate goal is discovery, rather than preservation or recuperation. This leaves them vulnerable to manipulation, as they can often be misled both by their lack of trust in their own power and by others looking to use theirs. Potions, curatives, ointments, and poisons are their domain. Since they don't need to be present for any of those to be useful, their tools tend to have an impact on more cats than they intended. Think of them as people who instead of arguing, prefer to present evidence to support their arguments. Evidence, which can be misconstrued and misused.

[maesterchill]

MY TACKY TASTE

Happy birthday my dear @tackytigerfic !

I don't have a gift for you this year, sadly. I have been pretty terrible at gifts this year. So, instead I'm resurrecting this banner of dubious merit that I did for you about 5 years ago lmao, shur why not. I'm all about recycling ♻️

You're a brilliant friend, a gorgeous person, and a very talented writer. It was very difficult to come up with a list of my favourites because you've never written a thing I didn't like. I think a lot of these are ones you maybe don't rec yourself AS much, but they all have a really important place in my heart. For each one I'm going to share a few quotes that I loved.

Silverpoint (E, 8.8k) - This one is so special for me as it's the fic where I felt I got to know Tacky so much better. I felt we worked really well together on it, like symbiosis.

- You whisper something soft and too telling into his skin as you kiss the velvet of his inner thigh, the strung bow of the back of his knee, the eggshell delicacy of his ankle bone - After a while you wonder why, when you're the target of an obsessive, megalomaniacal, all-powerful Dark wizard who has used literal blood magic to reanimate himself back from the dead in order to kill you, all you can bring yourself to care about is the way the clean lines of morning sun kiss the ridge of Malfoy’s jaw as he licks jam off the side of his little finger.

Through the Window, Clear Skies (M, 1.4k) - This one really *altered my brain chemistry* 🤣 as to how I thought about Draco. He's so wonderful in this, Tacky, you got him just right.

- "He always had talked a lot, Harry remembered, and he said as much about himself. I never shut up, I’m a bit much sometimes, with that crease between his brows that showed he was cross about caring too much about it; and he said out it just like that, like it was a fact, as though it was something he’d heard from other people too many times before. But Harry had never had enough of anything, growing up, and privately he thought that a bit much sounded like just right. Not that he knew how to tell Draco that, but Draco seemed to understand anyway." - "They didn't talk about loving each other, of course. Neither of them was good with that sort of thing, and anyway Harry had always been better at doing. And Draco, well Draco didn't trust the word love. It always meant the wrong things, before. He said it once though, when Harry was about to go out in the snow for the papers, and was carelessly muffling himself up to his eyeballs in Draco’s old school scarf. Draco had kissed him on the mouth right through all the layers of green and told him crossly, I love you, and again with another kiss, the outbreath of it muggy through the wool, I love you, Harry, like Harry was somehow at fault. But he sounded like he meant it."

And One To Play (E, 21k) - FWB, wild magic, weather shenanigans, magical theory, brilliant and a bit sleazy meglomaniac villain, HOT COMPETENT DRACO 🚨 (and a gift for me so....)

Tacky's writing in this fic is at times so funny and at times so insightful, and very often heartkicky and also quite a bit hot and romantic. FUNNY: The trouble is, Harry thinks ruefully, that they're not really very good at trying not to have sex again. It's only four days on from the potions lab raid, and they've already fucked again, which was absolutely not the plan. "You're being an unromantic twat, Potter. You can bloody well wait until the Healers have pumped you full of core replenisher and Resanguinis potion and discharged you so that I can take you home, and say it back to you, and then fuck you so slowly you think you're going to cry. Is that clear?" INSIGHTFUL CHARACTERISATIONS: - Harry can see that Malfoy's natural desire for a dramatic build-up is warring with his excited need to tell Harry his news immediately. - He's not Harry's Malfoy without the curl of his expressive mouth, without the glitter of intelligence in the grey eyes, without the constant play of emotions across his face. HOT: - nothing about them has changed, except all those years of friendship have shifted over a bit to allow room for the unfurling of this overwhelming sense of pure want. HEARTKICKY: Harry realised early on that being loved was not a right granted to everyone. So when he does love, it's a fierce and powerful thing. He doesn't compromise with the people he loves 🥺 EXCITING: The descriptions of Harry's wild magic are so good! - when Harry raises his hand, he feels the snap and hum as everything comes together for a moment—his magic, and the sex-warm air in their office, surge together with the bright clarity of a bell chiming. He laughs in delight as he feels it into being, the air around his hand beginning to whip and whirl faster until he's holding a miniature zephyr in his palm - It's vibrating impatiently in the very molecules of the air, desperate to be harnessed. He takes it—takes all of it into himself—until the thrum of it pulses through his bloodstream and knocks at his bones from the inside out. He feels ripe and swollen with power. ROMANCE: "There's only ever going to be one you, Potter. So I'm in, if you're asking"

The Opposite of Hate You (M, 3.9k) ModernLove!Verse, bathing and washing (on brand), toe-touching, heart-to-hearts, biscuits (also on brand)

- Harry thinks about it, about Draco up at the top of the church, hair silvered up in the divine light from the dome, pale and severe and buttoned up from throat to ankles, and he likes it, of course he likes it, but it’s got nothing on the real Draco who’s right here under him, breathing hard, with his stupid bright blue pants shoved down around his thighs, and his hair all tangled up in Harry’s fingers, and his plate of biscuits forgotten on the coffee table. “I like you best like this,” Harry tells him seriously, and Draco takes a shaky breath.

Our Little Life (M, 7.3k) - Lovers in every lifetime! A swooping, sweeping, soaring, surging, skyrocketing stunner of a story... so original and so enchanting. An achingly beautiful story of questioning and realising and longing and inevitability. I fell in love with Tacky's Draco all over again (in his wide brimmed hat, in red lipstick, in a toga and earring), just as Harry/Henri/Henricus/Anraoi did too 😍 not to mention their lushly drawn settings (in a currach, in the trenches, sweaty and sticky in bed)? And all peppered with literary and linguistic and charmingly nerdy Easter eggs?

- He wanted to tell his Malfoy, “I see how things could be for us, I see it all the time,” but he knew that Malfoy wouldn’t get it. So instead he just told Malfoy, “I want you to like me as much as I like you,” and that was finally, grimly, satisfying, because Malfoy went pink and blotchy all of a sudden. - When it came down to it, all they really had to do was learn each other’s bodies, and they had always been skilled at learning each other

Last Offices (M, 6.7k) - MCD, rituals, mourning. Honestly, Tacky had me right from Harry leaving bruises across elegant knobs of pale knuckles through him pressing at Draco's slack useless pulsepoint to stretch the skin out for the razor’s sweep, fingers rasping against the stubble, and they didn't let go until Draco lazily shaking a frying pan, smiling at Harry across the kitchen and Harry crying

- He'd tried to say, “I love you,” no matter that half the Auror squad was there to hear it, only they never really said that to each other, and it felt too weird and final. But then Draco died, on one last pained bubbling futile gasp, and Harry wished he had said it anyway, because anything would have been better than just letting Draco go like that, while choking silently on his own preemptive grief.

The Thing You Shouldn't Do (M, 1.2k) - the second wizarding war, spy!Draco, bruises, lots of good stuff based on those first three things. There is a pattern in Tacky's work of one or or other of them being 'too much' or thinking they're too much. And always, always, they are just exactly 'right' for the other one, and I CAN NOT get enough of this trope. Never will. Also, I think this little fic sparked Tackys FTH in a tiny way, so we must give thanks and exultation where it is due.

- He peeled my fingers off his wrist when I clutched too hard, rubbed at the bracelet of bruises I left (I was always too much when it came to him). - "I always bruise him up, spill the pattern of my desperate fingers across his body until his skin blooms with the story of how much I need him." "I keep the marks of his mouth livid on all the secret parts of my skin"

Relic Radiation (M, 927 words) Interstellar boyfriends, Dad Draco.... do you need any more convincing? Actually gonna just post the comment i left:

There are so many complex feelings in this little piece: that mean selfish part of Harry that can't get past how very fucking much he wants to be the centre of Draco's universe... he knows, he knows, that Draco wants this and needs this and that he should be happy for him and that he's 'being a shit', and yet he feels the thing he wants slipping away, that he's second fiddle in Draco's life, or maybe even third, and that Draco shouldn't want to leave him for so long. And on the flip side we see Draco not rising to any of it, because he knows, he knows that Harry is only saying these things (and that Harry'd actually be horrified to have succeeded in shaming him into not going), and that anyway it's all bullshit because Harry has never EVER been second fiddle.

After dinner Harry and Scorpius went up to the Astronomy Tower still wearing their silly hats, and watched until the distant winking light appeared overhead. The third brightest thing in the sky, Draco had said. It was hard to miss.

Countdown to a Life (E, 3.4k) A gorgeous set of vignettes, structurally beautiful, which embarrassingly I haven't actually commented on but is somehow still so fresh in my mind.

From GoodFriend!Ginny: "It’s not noble to do something that makes both of you unhappy. That’s just stupid." - Draco's mouth moves silently, disbelievingly, and Harry thinks there may be the beginnings of a smile in there somewhere. - “If I could choose to make someone happy, I would pick you. Every single time, I’d pick you.” ❤️

Right well after doing this little exercise, which I thoroughly enjoyed because it meant I got to revisit some of my pal's lovely words, I realise there are LOADS of them I haven't commented on. How appalling! Anyway, that's a me issue (you know i've read and loved them all), and Tacky, I hope that you have had the day that you deserve, i.e full of fun and love and relaxation and treats. I treasure you!!

[collectorcookie]

OMG I never thought I'd find another person who's obsessed with Northfam... I think about them waaaay too much. Please I need to hear you talk about them more...

oh anon dear, i don't feel like you understand that you just hit a fire hydrant (me) with your car. God, where do I even begin.

keep in mind that i do not ship anyone with anyone else here. If you see me use "snowhi", "ozfi" or any other name combination, i am simply lazy.

Ok so, starting with appearances. It does make me feel a way when I see northfam being the only exception of "most wizards' bodies stop aging at basically 20-30 since that is the age they usually reach their maximum magic potential at". But snowhi are the only ones in the cast that look like children (i'm gonna assume 10 y.o.) and ozfi are also the only ones in the cast that read as old men to me (like...maybe 40 y.o.?). And it's because the twins were all alone and nobody protected them, they had to protect themselves. They had to grow up too young and now they're children forever. However, they got to watch their disciples grow up in ways that was simply never possible for them.

And just...anon idk if you have ever read any extras before. But there is one extra which is just them getting interviewed. And they're just so, so annoying in the most affectionate way possible. I love it when they bicker. They're really funny.

This also happens in main story one, when figaro scolds oz for summoning him out of nowhere, or when oz was like "You're leaving me for chestnuts?" and figaro retorts with "I'm not leaving you for chestnuts, i can get that from any merchant, i'm leaving you for the flores brothers" like ashdjskdhjd the ozfi arguing like siblings for 2000 years is so funny to me.

Also the way ozfi are forever snowhi's babies, they will never stop being annoying mentors to them. It's so funny how affectionately the twins refer to ozfi when ozfi have, like, literally tried to take over the world in the most classic evil villain fashion possible. Behold, ozzyboo and figgypoo:

Yeah? Yeah.

In general, only about the twins now, I think the number one reason why they are so interesting to me is the huge contrast of how nice they are but also their cruel nature as northerners. Like, everything they do goes STRONGLY against northern culture, but at the same time, at the end of the day, they still are very much stereotypical northern wizards to their core. It's this very careful balance of them having human morals and monster principles. It's this weird aura where, if you are around them, you can trust them and let your guard down, but also, there will always be this eerie feeling that you are in danger. That they themselves are something you don't really fully understand.

And to an extent, this goes for ozfi as well. I mean, ozfi weren't as isolated from the rest of the world while growing up as much as snowhi, but still. Wait there was another interview, but this time about the authors and what they keep in mind when writing the characters. lemme just

Like GOOOOOD THE "Perhaps there's a trick somewhere for Northern Wizards to have a long, continuing relationship" LIKE DO YOU WANT ME TO CRY.

yeah idk. You'd expect world's most ancient wizards to have huge castles and be super bougie and what not (and i mean eventually ozzy does make his own castle in the north) but it's the idea that there was once a time where northern twins, killing machines devoid of human morality, picked up fifi, their first ever contact to the outside world, and taught him everything they know. And then they did the same thing to oz, the literal personification of the north, a beast that does not understand affection in the slightest. Do you understand what i'm getting at. It's the twins (who were never loved by anyone before) and figaro (who was distantly worshipped) trying to love oz unconditionally (who does not even know how to receive love at all) that really gets me. They have no idea what they are doing but THEY'RE TRYING. They're so close to each other but so, sooo far away. Northfam is so soft and warm but also so cruel and cold to me, idk. Not to mention that snowhifi have raised oz KNOWING OZ CAN LITERALLY KILL ALL OF THEM. Accidentally or not. Like. Talk about unconditional love. Can you imagine raising a baby that may or may not kill you if it cries too loud.

They're not really family or adoptive family or even found family but more like, creatures trying their best to learn how to love in a world that really, really doesn't want for them to love at all.

I have a soft spot for non human characters trying their best to learn okay.

And arthur. Man, arthur. The way he singlehandedly changed oz. Northfam also got a lot closer to each other once arthur got picked up by oz. That's also funny to me. I get the feeling that northies can never really let their guard down so the fact that throwing a central baby (with no sense for self preservation) onto the most ancient, powerful, terrifying wizards is aaaall it took to reduce them to certified Dads™️ and Grandpas™️ is honestly great. Lemme also just

Oz trying to keep his distance to arthur because he's scared uuuuuuuueeeeee

In general, northfam consists of:

Snow and white: generational trauma while being first generation of anything ever. Not the best parents but they get a star for trying

Figaro: eldest daughter core

Oz: high maintenance forever baby

Arthur: precious angel who is nowhere as mentally ill as he should be tbh

Also anon, i have like three other northfam posts i wanted to make and i guess this is my sign to actually post them now. If you wanna come off anon, my dms are open for talking about wizards always.

[momonica05]

Jack Jack - my tav for the "jack of all trades" achievement!

My urge to info dump about an oc won so now please, meet my son: Jack Jack (I don't know how to make a good blog post on tumblr, so I apologize if the images are a little too big)

JJ wasn't born a tiefling. He actually came from a family of humans, but he has no recollection of it outside of his father and grandparents, whom he hates with all his heart

At the age of 6, his father disobeyed his patron (for a good reason, but he doesn't know that, hehe). But instead of punishing his father directly, JJ was the target. He was turned into a Mephistopheles tiefling that day, and his family was horrified. He remembers the look of pure hatred and fear from his grandparents, shouting at him, saying he was now a devil. He doesn't remember his father's face, but he remembers his fingers, pointing at the door, and his husky voice "get out"

Since then, he had to live at the city of Baldur's Gate all by himself. He had some friends, partners, and even a mentor (which the dream visitor had taken form of)... but he never got back what he lost that day: love and identity

He spent a good portion of his life, mainly his adolescence, trying to "fit in". He even cut his horns off, which he regretted later down the road as he's now more confident in who he is. Beeing cursed by a devil at the age of 6, as one might imagine, was no easy feat. And aside from gaining an appearance that everyone deemed as "hellspawn", he also gained powers. Powers in which he can not control very well, but powers nonetheless (sorcerer wild magic)

After a whole life of stealing, performing, trying out magic and needing to run because uh oh you accidentally sumoned a troll in a bar! He... well, his life continued shit, but he never gave up. He had some not so trustworthy friends, but hey, as long as they're not a devil or a warlock, he's a very social guy!

Before he was captured by the mindflayers, he was actually planning on traveling around! He wanted to get all his skills worked on. Maybe study a bit more of his magic, as a wizard.... maybe becoming a bard with his musical talent... hell, maybe he'd finally accept his calling for the rogue life! The opportunities were endless!

That is until, of course, he got a tadpole in his mind... but eh, he was planning on traveling one day anyways, so why not use this as an excuse? (definitely not frightened at all haha what do you mean?)

So far, he's really enjoying his adventure! Here's what he thinks about each companion:

Lae'zel: heh, she wants to kill me! (nervously sweating and trying to do what she says because he's terrified, but also really likes her interrogation methods!)

Shadowheart: she's hiding something. She ain't fooling me...

Astarion: he's also hiding something, never EVER trust the snobs from the upper city.... unless, of course, you want their money/sleep with them. (thinks Astarion is a less hot version of him, with how similar they act. Except JJ actually has a soft spot for children and little rascals, so he'll always help them. He's more chaotic good)

Gale: i really liked him and wanted him to teach me how to do magic safely, but never mind! He just ate my magic spear, which doesn't seem very safe...

Wyll: he makes me angry with how he challenges my morals, okay? you shouldn't be nice! You're a warlock! (has a mental breakdown watching Wyll get transformed like he did and wonders if his father was a good man like Wyll all along)

Karlach: I was deadset on killing her... turns out she's not a devil! just a person like me! i really like her (wants to kill Zariel and enter rage like Karlach one day)

BONUS:

He knew damn well what he was getting into but opened the door anyways and said he was gonna write a smut about it (he's batshit insane)

Anyways... I guess that's it. That's all I have for now, I haven't progressed much into the game... sorry if his information is a little scattered around, I don't have it organized and probably didn't mention somethings (he chose his name, for example)

[cheerfullycatholic]

Hi. What do you think about (not catholic) evangelical radical healing etc events?

I went to one because the way it was told to me was hyped up to be this amazing thing and tbh some of it was and I’m glad I got to speak to people there but I feel really idk the right word but I was told to do all this stuff and expect a miracle basically and I really did. I know this stuff doesn���t always happen but I felt kinda worried to even leave at first because the way they were talking was like if I get up and leave it’s because people have a demon or something - that’s how it was made to feel like if you’re uncomfortable it’s because you have demonic presence inside??? But anyway long story short I tried to get prayer and it was so busy I couldn’t even find anyone who’d offered before. It was kind of rushed and felt like it was a quick ‘come and queue and get prayer and go’ which sounds bad of me to say but it was. I briefly got prayer but it was so awkward because it ended up being someone random who I didn’t want to explain traumas to again (note: the previous day I’d sat down with one of the preachers and a friend to discuss in detail things I wanted help and prayer for from God) and then I did find a friend and she was lovely as always but yeah. It’s not that I’m upset at God at all in any way but I guess I’m kind of upset and slightly discouraged at the way some things were handled. I feel bad even saying this but I just really needed to talk to someone even if it’s anonymously 🥺

I don't question the experiences of people who've been healed at places like that, I think it's wonderful! But I am a bit suspicious of them (those events, not the people who go there), at least from what I know since I've never been to one. It's not the intent of them that's sus to me, everyone gathering together and praying for each other I think is great. It's more the expectation of them, like "if you say this and do that you WILL be healed" or "after we pray for you your life WILL change" which isn't guaranteed because God doesn't work on our time, He works on His, and there's no magic words to healing because He isn't a wizard or genie. And the whole "if you leave you're possessed" thing is kind of...idk maybe manipulative? I don't know if that's the word I'm looking for, but it's not right. A lot of the people who go there are very hurt and in a vulnerable position, they don't need to be told that they're possessed if they're uncomfortable

I think prayer is always good, whether it's coming from a friend, a priest, or a radical healing event. I just think, like you mentioned, they're not always handled well, and the expectation should be different. Not "if I do or say this it's guaranteed you'll be healed", but "let's all ask God to help you and trust in His timing and will"

[danpuff-ao3]

Fiction Works 2/2: Storytelling, not Teaching or Preaching

See also: Fiction Works 1: Different Strokes for Different Folks

In part 1 I talked about exploring real experiences and potential in fiction. Here in part 2 we are going to remember that, while fiction can be a useful tool for exploration, it is not, in fact, real.

Writing gay Harry Potter fanfic does not make me a gay man (I am actually an asexual lady), nor does it make me a wizard (though c'mon, I wish!) By that same token, writing underage does not make me a pedophile.

Thomas Harris is not guilty of cannibalism, even though he wrote about a cannibal named Hannibal. Vladimir Nabokov is not a pedophile because he wrote Lolita. Bram Stoker is not a vampire because he wrote Dracula. We aren't arresting authors by the truckload for the spilling of fictional blood.

What we need to remember is this:

Fiction (noun) 1.literature in the form of prose that describes imaginary events and people. 2. something that is invented or untrue.

To sum it up: fiction is not reality.

I'm a Storyteller. Not a Teacher, or a Preacher. You shouldn't trust my use of em-dashes, let alone take an infidelity story as a how-to guide.

Stories can be a tool for so many things. Maybe it's catharsis. Maybe it's distraction. Maybe it's curiosity, philosophy, entertainment, exploration. Fiction is a safe avenue to learn, and think, and feel.

Creators are inspired by the world around them, and their own experiences. They're inspired by rainbows, and sunsets, and wildflowers. They're inspired by wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. They're inspired by mythology, religion, folklore, and history. All that is beautiful and ugly and wonderful and terrible in the world.

Creators are shaped by their own lives. And, as stated in Part 1, we are all different. We come from different places, and are raised different ways, and we turn into different people. We have our own histories, our own stories, our own thoughts and opinions and preferences and feelings.

Throw it all in a blender, and maybe the tulip becomes a rose. Maybe the wildfire becomes an earthquake. Maybe the sunset is an inferno, and the night sky is the abyss. Maybe the those old ruins are the path to Heaven.

The reality of the materials used and the methods used aren't always evident in the final work. Our stories come from somewhere, sure, but it's never as cut and dry as people think.

Can stories hurt you? Sure. The way anything can hurt you. The world isn't a safe space, after all.

It's valid if a story hurts you. If you're triggered by it, or upset by it, or don't like it. Not all negative reactions are triggers, but they don't have to be. You're allowed your own feelings. But the existence of a work that upsets you is not a crime against you. A story that depicts evil deeds is not, itself, evil.

In real life, I have a zero tolerance policy for cheating. I have very strong feelings about it.

Do you know what I love to read and write? You guessed it! Cheating! It goes hand in hand with my other great love: toxic/dysfunctional relationships!

In real life, I'd never have a relationship with a person who cheated ever, even in the past. I'd not stay with someone who cheated on me. I have a very stable, happy, boring relationship. I have a good life now, because I built it from the wreckage of a chaotic upbringing.

My father cheated on my mother and left her for his mistress. He dragged his children through the middle of his dysfunctional relationship, which lasted a decade. We suffered the consequences of his choices. It's a pretty long and fucked up story, and I won't get that personal here, but the point is:

I never, ever want to experience any of that in my real world again. However, exploring those events in a fictional scenario is safe for me. There's an odd comfort in the familiarity of it. Seeing that one awful thing through different lenses, and playing out so many ways, helps me process what I went through. It soothes me now as it soothed me then, right in the thick of it, being able to explore it all in a way that was safe and that I could control. I could get off the ride at any point. I could close the word document, or close the tab. I could close the book, or turn off the TV.

My Real Father in the Real World hurt Real People with his Real Actions. That was my Real Life, and it Really Sucked.

Fictional People in a Fictional World who hurt Fictional People with their Fictional Actions...that is a story.

Real People in the Real World who hurt Real People and blame Fictional Stories...those Real People are to blame for Real Harm.

The Real Person who blames a movie for the Real Crime they committed...that Real Person is to blame. 100%.

And the Real Person who attacks Real People in defense of Fictional People...Real People who hurt Real People and use Fictional Stories as an excuse...those Real People are the villains.