#What if? Braxton Edition

[miyuzarry]

What if...

...Adelane and Richard had another child after Theodora?

In one of my older "forgotten" saves, I tested something, and Adelane got pregnant with female twins. They resemble Adelane a lot, and both got the eye shape of Richard.

This is what they look like as young adults:

(left Victoria and right Elenore (or just Ellie) :D)

Both were born when Theodora and Adira were teenagers, so there is quite an age gap. What I've noticed though is that Elizabeth looks a lot like Elenore. So if she existed in the Main Universe, Elizabeth would look like auntie Ellie xD

[shhhsecretsideblog]

You have to go see your professional athlete husband play in the championship game: only problem is you're 42 weeks pregnant. You've been having contractions all day, but you tell yourself they're just Braxton Hicks, and you can go to the hospital after the game and have the baby. But once the game starts you can't ignore the urge to push any longer...

Great prompt! Exactly what I was in the mood to write this evening, ty! Hope you like it (fyi written in an hour and very much not edited or checked or read-through lol)

Half-Time Full-Time Baby-Time

Despite being overdue, suffering practice contractions all day, and having a baby nestled deep in my pelvis - I was not going to miss the big game. I’d never missed any of my husband’s matches and I wasn’t going to start now.

Thankfully, as my hubby was a star player on the team I was watching the game from the Executive Box. My parents were supposed to have joined me but they couldn’t make it, so I was on my own in the luxury private suite that had a large window and a glass door overlooking all the action on the pitch below. Inside the room was a fancy dining table with chairs, a mini bar, and a few high stools beneath the tall bench table lining the window so people could sit and drink and eat while watching the game.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to do any of those things. My tight and round belly and the pain flaring in my hips had me pacing around and around the room. Cupping the underside of my bump I breathed deeply through each rising wave.

“Hmmmmm… not now baby, please.” I whimpered.

The practice pains had gotten closer and closer together during the first half. I’d tried to ignore them, breathe through them and walk around to stop the braxton hicks, but they didn’t disappear. They only got worse. Just before the whistle blew at half time my waters broke and I was forced into the realisation this was no false alarm.

But it would be fine; labour took hours and hours and the game would be long finished before we would need to go to the hospital. That’s what I thought.

Midway through the second half I’m standing by the window, my hands clasping the high bench in a white-knuckle grip, my hips swaying side to side. My throat rattles as I release involuntary groans with the constant squeezing and tightening of my belly. The baby felt so damn low… my legs were in a wide stance and my belly hung down off my hips. I was glad to be wearing a lightweight summer dress with the amount I was sweating. I wanted to open the door, to let in a breeze, but I was scared to with the labouring sounds I was emitting. I didn’t want to attract attention and I did not want to go anywhere and miss the game. I would stay here until you were finished and then we would go to the hospital together.

Another contraction rolled across my belly and the pressure built and built towards boiling point. It felt like I was going to explode, to burst, that feeling of fullness paired with an urgency and pressure was becoming too much to handle. My legs started to tremble as I fought against my body’s instincts, a low rumbling roar slipping past my lips.

I leant forward over the tall tabletop, my arms folded on its surface and my head dropped against my arms. My legs were buckling, sinking lower into a squat. The pressure was building, the round and heavy bowling ball of a head was so low… I wanted to push— my body needed me to push—

“Noooo…. Oh god! Don’t- hoooo- don’t push. Just stay in there baby…. Wait for your daddy to f-finish the g-game—mnghhhhhh!!!”

There was no controlling it, the head was getting lower and pressing against my opening. My body was pushing and I couldn’t stop it. More amniotic fluid hit the floor as I pushed, my bare feet standing on the damp carpet.

In between uncontrollable pushes I glanced up desperately and looked at the timer hanging over the pitch. There was still 15minutes to go, plus injury time. Oh god, the baby was not going to last that long. It felt like it was already starting to crown.

With a trembling hand I feel under my dress between my thighs and nearly vomit when I feel the curved surface of the head pressing against my underwear.

“Oh baby, no… you can’t come out yet…”

But my body and mind are not in sync and a second later I’m back to uncontrollably pushing. I sink into a deep squat, my arms stretched high above my head as I cling onto and almost swing from the high rise table.

“Nnnmghhhhh!!!!” I grunt and low, bearing down into my bottom, running completely on instinct. The baby was slipping further and further out, my labia was stretched thin and the burning of a full crown made me howl.

At the same time one of the teams had scored and the stadium erupted with a frenzy of screams and cheers. The crowd’s jubilance was my own encouragement and I gasped a breath and pushed again, hard. My body was shaking head to toe, the burning… the fullness… the desperation for it all to stop… I had to get the baby out, and it had to come out right now. Giving it my all the head popped out dramatically into my underwear and I collapsed down onto all fours.

The game was nearly over and the baby was almost here. I scrambled to pull down my panties before the next contraction hit. I could hear the noises in the stadium, the crowd cheering and chanting, the final minutes being played. Meanwhile the baby was turning inside of me, the shoulders beginning to press and stretch me open once more. When the next contraction hit I submitted to it entirely, rocking forward and back with each push as my body worked hard to birth the babe. I roared and pushed with the final whistle of the match and raised up on my knees, my hands flying between my legs to catch my newborn baby.

“Oh my goodness… hi little one.” I sobbed as I brought the child up to my chest, wiping its face and blowing gently against their cheeks. The newborn gave a cough and started crying and relief and exhaustion took hold. That was when I noticed the crowd around the Exec Box was cheering. I crawled to the door, babe in arms, and awkwardly got back to standing.

Looking out across the pitch I could see my husband’s team had won, all the men jumping and hugging each other. I could spot my husband easily amongst the sea of coloured jerseys.

“That’s your daddy.” I said to the baby.

My husband looked up at the box, knowing where I’d be, and his jaw dropped when he saw me standing at the glass door, a newborn baby wailing in my arms.

[berberriescorner]

"Through It All"

Characters: Rio x Black!Reader.

Summary: There aren’t many things that put Rio on edge. Most people see a calm, cool, and collected individual. Keeping a level head is his specialty. What happens when the person he loves most needs him to be strong for both of them? Get a glimpse of what it’s like seeing him hold someone down through thick and thin, in sickness and health. If you know, you know.

**PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS AND AUTHOR’S NOTE**

Warnings: Angst…like seriously. You’ll understand once you read the author’s note. This fic contains sweet, soft, fluffy Rio. The fic includes some of my crazy humor with a smidge of the character’s inner thoughts. If reading about gynecological procedures makes you uncomfortable, this may not be a fic for you. It doesn’t go into great detail, but it is mentioned and sheds a bit of light. If mentions of the ins and outs of fertility is a soft spot, please read with caution. It isn’t my intention to bring anyone down, but this story is based on parts of my own experiences. Again, the note will explain more.

Author/Personal Note: Okay. Where to start? So, as some of you may know throughout the past two years I’ve been getting cycles of iron infusions. This year, after making several complaints and an ER visit or two. I had an ultrasound performed, which led to me getting surgery months later (the procedure I had done recently). I’ve been spending my days at home recovering, and it’s given me time to reflect. Damn, it’s been a rough couple of years, but I’m so thankful through it all. It’s difficult having a plethora of health issues. This situation put so much added stress on top of it all. As a woman, hearing you have a fibroid. Learning it’s best to get it removed to protect your fertility is scary as hell. You get it done, get sent home, and though you have loved ones taking amazing care of you. It’s still a difficult, challenging process. At times, it’s lonely. No one but you can fully wrap your head around the emotions and feelings the body is going through. It’s pretty wild.

Anywho, sorry y’all. Let me stop rambling and get to the point. We all know how overactive my imagination is. Being stuck in bed, my mind has been wandering. I thought to myself why not take this experience and channel it into a fic. I’m hoping that this will also be a comforting story to anyone who’s been through the same experience. Here is a look at how I envision Rio taking in the experience with his lady. I plan to write at least two more parts for this. Happy reading my lovelies! I wrote this on a whim, in celebration of my birthday, so ignore the grammatical errors my loves. I may come back and do some more editing. Depends on how I’m feeling.

Word Count: 1,800+. 

Inspired By💜:

Random fun fact: Toni Braxton and I have the same birthday😆. Happy Birthday, Queen💓.

Everything was still as a deafening silence fell across the room. It was as if each occupant was afraid to utter a single word. Your mother pretended to distract herself with a Kindle book as your father paced the floor quietly. They’d share a glance each time they checked their watch, smiling at one another in comfort and reassurance. 

Then, together, they directed their attention toward the chair in the far right corner. It was tucked in a tight corner next to a window, giving little relief and comfort to your husband, Rio. He, too was anxious, but no one would ever know it. He was always able to still his facial features. Never one to give his emotions away. The only person who could read him wasn’t in the room. You were on the other side of the building and the reason for your families’ nervousness. No longer able to stand the constant glances and silence, Rio stood from his seat. He released a breath, rubbing his palms against his jeans. Turning to your parents, he stated, “I’m going to grab a quick cup of coffee from the cafeteria. Would you two like something?”

Your mother, a gentle, nurturing soul, responded for both of them.

“No, baby. We’re fine. Don’t worry. I’ll come find you if we receive news.”

Rio ducked away in a vacant spot in the cafeteria, hands folded over top of the steam of the coffee. He searched for peace and solace until a jolting vibration exploded in his jacket pocket. Fumbling for the phone, he answered without looking.

“What they say ma-. Oh, my bad. Wassup? Everything good?” Rio listened patiently before snapping. “You know this is something you could’ve handled yourself, right? I don’t have time for the three stooges bullshit today.”

He instantly felt a slight pang of guilt. Rio realized that the stress and worry of his current situation were influencing his mood. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed. Inhaling, he continued, “My bad bro. She’s been in for three hours, and it’s got me tweaking. Nobody’s giving us any damn answers. It’s a non-invasive procedure, but it’s still considered major surgery. I just need to hear she’s good.”

“It’s all good, boss. I know you’re worried about wifey. She’s a strong woman. Boss lady’s going to be alright. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. Call me as soon as you know something,” Mick responded.

“You're right. Thank you for holdin’ shit down.”

He laid his phone on the table, burying his face in his hands. The last few moments he spent with you were on repeat in his mind. Rio returned to the present, hearing the chair opposite him slide backward. His eyes connected with your father’s, and he readied himself for wherever the conversation would go.

It was no secret that the two hadn’t always seen eye to eye. The two men sat for several minutes before your father started speaking.

“I’ll be honest with you, man. You’re not at all what I envisioned for my daughter.”

“You seriously want to have this conversation right now?”

“Now wait, son. Let me finish.”

Hold up. It’s son now? Where is this going? It didn’t even sound disrespectful. It doesn’t sound like he’s trying to play me on some sucka shit. I’ll hear him out.

Rio nodded his head, giving your father the floor.

“I may not know all you do for a living, son, but I know you’ve managed to make a comfortable and safe life for my baby girl. When it comes down to it, that’s what I’ve always wanted for her. It took me some time to come to terms with it, but I know, without a doubt, that you’re doing everything in your power to make her feel protected and loved. Let me just say what I’m getting at,” he chuckled. “You’re good at hiding it, son, but I know you’re worried. Hell, so are we, but that’s alright.”

Rio’s head dropped, shoulders slumping. He took the opportunity to be vulnerable finally. Your father’s acceptance allowed him the space to do so. He felt a comforting grip land on his shoulder. Your father finished, “Baby girl is going to be alright, son. With all your love and support, she’ll be back on her feet soon. Now, you take a few more moments to yourself. Don’t be surprised when her momma wraps you up in a big hug when you head back. She’s worried about her favorite son-in-law.”

Rio chuckled, “I’m her only son-in-law, sir.”

“Even better. You ain’t gotta share. That sweet woman sure knows how to smother people in love.”

“You’re daughter is the same way. It’s one of the many things I love about her.”

“Which is why you understand my reasons for being so guarded. That’s my baby girl. Enough with that ‘sir’ shit too. Call me pops. My son may not like that, but I get a kick out of irritating him anyway. He’s overprotective of his sister.”

“Y’all gon’ try to take me out if I ever mess up, huh?”

“What I look like snitching on myself? Let’s not ever get to that bridge, son.”

The two men shared a laugh, but everything turned serious when they saw your mom power walking towards them. Rio's heart began thudding in his chest.

“Ma, what’s wrong? Did-.”

“Relax, sugar,” she cooed, rubbing a hand against both men’s arms. “The nurse said the doctor should be ready to talk to us in about fifteen minutes. Let’s head back to the waiting room.”

Fifteen minutes came and went. Your mother couldn’t help but crack a smile at both men. They both started fussing about how long the surgeon was taking. She felt sorry for the man once he approached them. The doctor, attempting to apologize, was cut off by an impatient Rio.

“You good, doc. We understand these things take time, but excuse us for being anxious. We were under the impression this would be about an hour-long procedure. How’s my wife?”

The surgeon explained himself. “That’s what we anticipated, but the process took longer. Your wife’s last ultrasound a few months back showed a fibroid the size of a plum. Sadly, it grew to the size of an orange, which would explain why things grew more difficult during her last few cycles. However, you’ll be happy to know that we managed to do it laparoscopically, and everything looks great. She’s being taken to recovery now, but we’ve decided to keep her overnight.”

All three of your family members asked, “Why is that,” in unison.

“We just want to keep an eye on her for the next twenty-four hours. Given gas was used to see things more clearly, we’d like to monitor her. We’ll need to see that she gets up and walks to get things flowing. I just want to be sure she gets it moving out of her system. Also, since she’s anemic, we just want to be extra careful. I promise everything went well, and she should be ready to go in the morning.”

Each family member felt at ease. The trio waited for an invitation to your recovery room. Though he wanted to be the first person you saw when you woke up, Rio encouraged your parents to go first. The two visitors' only rule irritated them all.

Your eyes fluttered open, and your parents laughed at the slurred responses given to your nurse. Your parents took turns kissing your forehead, expressing encouraging words. Your father, now at ease, left the room in search of Rio.

“You might want to hurry back there. She’s still a bit loopy. Baby girl has been asking the nurse, where my husband? You got my baby acting ratchet in this hospital,” he joked.

“Aye, she was like that when I met her,” he laughed, walking towards recovery.

Rio slid behind the curtain, laying eyes on the most precious sight. You were in bed, laid back, eyes closed, singing off-key as your mother held your hand, laughing. The nurse stepped beside him, giving a small giggle.

“She’s been looking for you. Ma’am, the man of the hour is here.”

Your eyes popped open as you halted the song. “My husbannnd! Hey baeee,” you winced, given the pain and having a hoarse voice.

“Mama, you back here wildin’ ain’t you? How’s our little patient doing, ma,” he directed toward your mom.

“Crazy as ever. This girl opened her eyes, looked at me, and called herself whispering. Loud as ever, she asked me if she still had a uterus. Her daddy would’ve turned red if he were capable.”

They both shared a laugh as you did your best to shrug shoulders. Wanting to give you two privacy, your mom went to sit in the waiting room. Rio turned to you, holding your hand. His lips brushed across your knuckles, and he shivered at how cold they were. Wrapping his hand around yours, he tried warming the digits.

“My momma ain’t answer my question though,” you mumbled, eyes closed.

Rio smiled, “What’s that now, mama?”

“My uterus. Sis still in there, right?”

“Yes, darlin’. What makes you think it’s not?”

“I signed them papers, man. In the event of a ‘mergency, they were going to take shawty,” you sassed, words still slurring.

Rio did his best to hold back a cackle. Clearing his throat, he replied, “Mama, you straight. Everything went according to plan. There was no emergency. The fibroid is out. It was bigger than expected. That’s why it feels like you were out for a while.”

“Aight bet. So when we making babies,” you asked, wincing again.

“First off, sit still, mama. Your body is pretty sore right now.”

“Baby, I’m drugged up! I don’t feel nothin’.”

“Second. You’ll be recovering for four to six weeks. You’re not going to be in any type of mood for all that. I believe the surgeon said no sex for two to three weeks. No babies for at least six months, darlin’. They just sliced your uterus open and stitched it back together, mama,” he explained, running his thumb across your lip.

He laughed at the pout etched on your face. Rio caressed the side of your face, kissing you gently. “On some real shit. I was worried out my mind over you, mama. I’m so glad you’re good. You’re my world. The clock kept ticking, and I was about to lose it.”

Your eyes connected with his, “I’m right here, papa. I’m good. We gonna be good. No matter what,” you whispered. Even through the drugs and drowsiness, you could feel his angst. Rio could read between the lines. He knew what you were trying to communicate. It had been on both your minds heavily. Your eyes connected with his. Rio saw the unshed tears you were holding back, and he swallowed hard, nodding his head in agreement. No matter where this path led, Rio knew, in his heart, that he loved you with everything in him.

Baby or not, we’ll still feel fulfilled and happy. My life’s purpose is to love and give you the world.

This piece was both personal and therapeutic for me to write. I truly hope you all enjoyed it. Please be sure to comment and reblog, it's appreciated. Now I'm about to go eat some birthday cake and read some amazing fan fiction😆.

Divider credit💜 : @firefly-graphics

tagging💜 : @4everbrookemarie @darqchilddaydreamz @astoldbychae @sunshine-flower

@nightlywords7 @starrynite7114 @amorestevens @fineanddandy

@rio-reid-whoreee @that-one-anxious-mango @novaniskye

@alertyoulikeitsamber @1andonlytashae @lovedlover @blkbutterfly816 @banana123pudding

[spockvarietyhour]

Specifically thinking about the various Alpha Quadrant people and objects Voyager's run thru over the years and all the wasted possibilities.

When I say Incorporate I mean actually followed upon in other episodes, either as recurring guests or full on regulars in the show. In the case of Dreadnought, I would also argue having the Dreadnought B'Elanna voice showing up from time to time.

Edit: I meant Ransom, not Braxton in the Equinox one.

[horizon-verizon]

“Quick” Note on Alysanne and her Children *EDITED*

Growing up and raising children more and more within the confines of the castle and royal court, where the customs would be observed and practiced more, Alysanne also grew to mentally and habitually adopt ideas and behaviors more than before Jaehaerys took the throne back.

Because Alysanne did seem to have terrible relationships with her daughters while expressing dread with a few’s willfulness (the post I’m responding to): 

Viserra: Alysanne not liking that she actively tried to pursue Baelon to become Queen, and Viserra not wanting the marriage with Manderly but being betrothed forcefully anyway without so much as a real conversation

her & Jaehaerys being responsible for Daella’s wanting to marry a too-old man over an Old-Gods worshipper like Royce Blackwood who was closer in age -- religious/extra-patriarchal/Faith-based parenting from the more submissive Alyssa Velaryon (*EDIT*we also have to note that ALysanne didn’t want to marry Daella off so young and later would rail against Jaehaerys for forcing i anyway, which he did by declaring Daella must be married or be forced into a nun’s life)

Maegelle turning out better and the “lucky” one, but still heavily influenced into not really seeing the rift between Alysanne and Jaehaerys as indicative of something greater than just disagreement

Saera, her whole life being compared to the dead and “unmanageable” Aerea and ending up (at first) in danger in the sex trade of Essos

Alyssa being allowed to be pregnant too young or not allowed to take breaks to heal/build up strength and Alysanne thinking more for Baelon than her, even with her mentioning how Alyssa followed Baelon around -- again, pattern of Targ women/wives of Targs giving birth to many children too frequently (Alyssa V, Alysanne, Alyssa T!)

Gael not being allowed to really grow on her own away from Alysanne because Alysanne sought her as an emotional crutch, thus Gael not having enough inner strength, self esteem, or perception to survive after her lover seduces and leaves her

And the fact that Jaehaerys thought to allow their daughters to have any sort of political/military education or training as Visenya and Rhaenys surely did, which I suspect Alysanne doesn't fight harder for because she already doesn't have much political power compared to Visenya and Rhaenys.

Alysanne constantly compares Saera to Aerea, as if it were a bad thing. Implying that Saera was too "willful" and hard to manage...which admittedly shows that Alysanne still has this bit of prejudice (and internalized misogyny) towards women and girls who display noncompliance and nonquietness despite her castigating Rhaena for disparaging the absent Aerea and her taking out Balerion and running away...Alysanne saying that Aerea was "just a child" to Rhaena's "what kind of monster" she brought to life who would take the dragon who killed her father (Aegon the Uncrowned) of all the dragons she could have claimed. A frustrated rage of a person who didn’t get to really raise her own daughters for the sake of their survival but never bonded with them properly afterward.

All because she seemed to know that Jaehaerys would not accommodate such a personality or expressiveness for power from his daughters. By how he treats Rhaena, knowing that she has some claim by being the eldest, he purposefully made her display her submission to him before he have her Dragonstone to live in. Even though she already supported his coming into power without asking for anything else. All of which shows Jaehaerys' anxiety of female power and leadership, even that coming from his daughters.

Then there is the fact she didn’t do anything more to make Jaehaerys reconsider not killing Braxton Beesbury right in front of their daughter even after she escaped the first time...because her escaping shouldn’t preclude trying to save her from emotional trauma like that and Saera really didn’t deserve being isolated and pusnished as she was for sleeping with different men at once. We just brushed right past her hurting Tom turnip, her bullying Daella like these were nothing and focused on her sleeping with other boys for attention and feelings of control...sure. Again, because Jaehaerys -- being the final authority AND having a stubborn streak when it came to male exclusive power -- she concedes to get some lesser form of power for herself and that of her kids -- what happens with Daella. So what happens to their kids are both her and J's faults, but it seems from the sociopolitical power that J has over his relatives, his ability to use it against them, and his willingness to do so for his own benefit, that it is mostly J's fault.

He has made the environment where everything hinged on his determination of whether or not the new "problem" would endanger his image and authority. And Alysanne was the responder, the victim, as well as the perpetuator.

It looks like Alysanne also inherited troubles with daughters that she rebuked and blamed Rhaena for. More than Rhaena does Aerea, though Alysanne abjects Saera into a monstrous feminine figure all throughout her childhood (while Rhaena's treatment of Aerea is arguably more sympathetic since Rhaena's *trauma* at Mageor's hands and her separation from her daughter, her daughter growing apart from her in that separation. A separation where they both lived conscious lives apart and long enough for them to be near strangers to each other).

How did Alysanne go from defending Aerea to her mother for claiming a dragon and running away to calling Saera Aerea-like with anxiety...and then had her own broken relationship with said daughter end with her also trying to run away on dragonback?! (Rhetorical)

**EDIT** BTW, I still hold Jaehaerys mostly accountable for what happens to their daughters as he uses his final authority and insisted on his way being the way to override and block Alysanne trying to get Daella married off much later, the heir questions and shunting his female relatives, the psychological terror towards Saera and ordering alysanne/making her feel guilty or hopeless to go after and retrieve Saera by foisitng all the blame onto her...meanwhile he is the one to order all that happens to this girl and refused to see/hear her out properly ever. 

I think Alysanne, while accountable by being an adult/parent/Queen, was also responding to this and had the sort of power only granted by Jaehaerys that is better defined as “influence” than power. Like the complicated woman that she is, she also kept with the enduring Andalized Targ/Seven- sense of misogyny that had her look askance at girls/women attempting to get power w/o the male lead’s leave MAINLY inspired by her guilt towards Rhaena coming into conflict with her young-girl belief that she was “born” to be Jaehaerys’ queen (as she said to the women who her mother sent to try and break her and Jae up in F&B). 

So Alysanne was a conflicted/complicated woman: 

trying to amass more power for herself and women by their own right

while wanting to get there through the male lead or/and sometimes giving in entirely due to her own socialization and running from remorse

And after the years with Jaehaerys, the more she gave in when it came to the personal AND fought harder when she saw and felt female power reduced -> a back and forth of trying to claim back power without confronting or going into a real confrontation with Jaehaerys or herself because of how intimate the relations and the history is.

She bound herself to him too well, until the end.

[daenerysoftarth]

Hello! Do you think marrying Saera to Stinger Beesbury would have been a better solution to their affair than forcing her to watch Braxton's death at the hands of her father and sending her to the silent sisters?

I mean pretty much any option would’ve been better than Jaehaerys murdering three people (see edit). He’s really lucky that it didn’t spark a diplomacy crisis or civil war, considering all three were noblemen from prominent families who would’ve been within their rights to raise arms against the crown (ofc the idea of ‘rights’ in feudal times is much different from modern times but even back then…). Especially since the affairs were consensual, marrying her off would’ve been the much more diplomatic choice.

Tbh I’m not sure what Jaehaerys’ endgame was here. He wanted to ‘knock some sense into her’ by sending her to the Silent Sisters, but it’s stated in Fire & Blood that he never intended for her to remain there permanently. Which begs the question: what exactly did he plan to do with her? It’s hard to tell how hard the rumor mill was working at this time, but the incident is extensively reported on in the book, and Jaehaerys murdered all three men in public. So surely the public—smallfolk and noble alike—had some details on the situation; and given how misogynistic Westeros is, I can’t imagine it was flattering towards Saera. According to feudal logic, all royal children have to get married eventually to secure alliances for the throne, but also Saera would be considered an un-ideal candidate on account of her having prior relations with men. However, there were probably still enough men who sought influence and power that a marriage with a princess would be tempting, regardless of her past behavior. That being said, the likelihood of her securing a ‘good match’ would definitely have been lowered given her reputation.

I can’t imagine any of the most prominent lords taking Saera to wife, barring an unforeseen political conflict which necessitated strong ties to the Iron Throne for its support. But even if they had, Saera was clearly not cut from the same cloth as her mother. She refused to be a passive participant in her life and rejected the limited roles that Westeros had designed for women. She refused to be confined to a role like that of wife, maiden, or mother. Even if she had married Lord Beesbury, I can’t imagine she would have been a particularly loving and faithful wife. Clearly part of the the ‘thrill’ of having sex with the three men was the scandalous nature of it all, and I doubt that proclivity for scandal would’ve gone away with a marriage.

While I think marrying Saera off to Stinger Beesbury would’ve been a better diplomatic move, the murders of the three men didn’t seem to affect Jaehaerys’ reputation in the kingdom much anyways. If she had been married to him, I can’t imagine that her story would’ve ended there. She would’ve inevitably started new shenanigans and had a new scandal with whoever she did marry. Saera never had a desire to settle down, and even long after the events of the scandal took place, it’s still written that she refuses to see Jaehaerys. Not only that, but she seemingly never got married or took on any of those traditional Westerosi roles for women, instead becoming mistress of her own brothel. Clearly Saera’s personality and desires were simply incompatible with Westeros’ social norms and gender roles, and a marriage wouldn’t have fixed that.

Thanks for your question!

Edit: Thank you @alterac for pointing out that the other two men weren’t killed by Jaehaerys, but one was exiled and the other married off. I was misremembering Fire & Blood, because it’s been a minute since I’ve read it. Only Beesbury was killed. But I still maintain that this could cause a diplomacy crisis, and it’s still considered an unusually harsh punishment for a noble. Like I said, one big reason why Ned’s death propels the War of the Five Kings forward is because executions of nobles just aren’t done. Traditionally, nobles are offered the chance to take the black before harsher punishments are considered. Even though Beesbury requested a trial by combat, Jaehaerys could have and arguably should have turned it down by banishing him to the Wall. Regardless, my overall answer doesn’t change, which is that it ultimately wouldn’t have fixed anything.

[music-catalogue]

Perfect Showgirl Songs

These songs inspire me so much, as a performer, and to me they are what my showgirl dreams are made of. In another life...

The One - Kylie Minogue

Toxic Las Vegas (Jamieson Shaw Remix) - Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, Jamieson Shaw

Un-break My Heart (Classic Radio Mix) - Toni Braxton, Frankie Knuckles

Live And Let Die - Paul McCartney, Wings

Electrified II - Yello

Crystallize - Kylie Minogue

As Good As New - ABBA

Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

I Believe In You - Kylie Minogue

Number 1 - Goldfrapp

Jump - Madonna

I Feel Love - Samantha Jade

Heaven - Daphne Guinness

Together Again (Tony Moran 7" Edit With Janet Vocal Intro) - Janet Jackson

White Diamond - Kylie Minogue

[jamiesfootball]

🥐🌵🍓🍬🎱 -> any or all for your enrichment!!

All of this got long so under the cut to save people from scrolling it goes-

🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh

Not a reference (I don't think. I'll be real, I don't think I understand this question) but I sure do like that twink on tiktok what does the cooking

🌵 ⇢ share the link to a playlist you love

Please enjoy this nostalgia playlist of songs that have made me go 'how do I remember the fucking words to this' which I have appropriately named after a Celine Dion song.

There are two Celine Dion songs.

Toni Braxton is on it. So are The Cranberries.

The only two dudes to make the list are Boyz II Men and that guy from Sixpence None the Richer

🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

Questions about unpopular fandom opinions always throw me for a loop. I'll go with saying that season 1 Jamie has more emotional maturity than people give him credit for, especially in regards to him and Keeley's breakup.

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

After spending most of my life daydreaming elaborate scenarios, I tried to write some of them down when I was like twelve.

They sucked so I went back to drawing fanart, which I was getting pretty good at.

Then when I was 15 I started writing some of them down again. They were pretty good, but wildly disconnected from canon in many cases. I would write down bits, discuss them with friends (who were writers writing things), and then go back to doing other things (mostly art). I still have some of those somewhere, I think.

Then when I was 20, an art major, I started to realize that fuck man, I sure do need something to do that isn't more fucking art. At that point, I had a pretty good idea for writing voice and structure, as I'd been voraciously reading fic for a decade. I wrote some things. It was fun. I went back to doing art.

Then in 2015 a friend and I went and saw this movie, The Man From UNCLE, and it was really really good. Between the two of us, she was more of the writer, but as we spun up a whole sequel/story together she asked if I wanted to write any of it. I said yes. She would write the first draft and I would fill out other scenes, and both of us would workshop and storyboard and bits we got stuck on. Occasionally I would add in entire sections of scenes to flesh things out.

2016, same friend and I start doing another co-writing thing but this time for The Musketeers (BBC show). This time there was a difference- instead of friend writing scenes and me adding bits, there would be entire scenes I'd write and then she'd come back in and edit/add bits.

Then some real life stuff happened and I stopped writing.

Then I briefly got into batman and wrote some stuff there, but never finished or published it.

Then I briefly got into OFMD and wrote some stuff there, but never finished or published it.

Then last year I got into Ted Lasso because of some amazing fic and in the lead up to season 3 airing I was like 'I sort of....want to write something?' And I wrote some stuff. Then, emboldened by everyone else posting things I figured- hey! What if I actually wrote something, finished it, and published it!

So to answer your question: I've always been here, but in a very real way my answer is 'last year.'

🎱 ⇢ post your AO3 total stats 

Most of it is pre-Ted Lasso and doesn't feel like it should count since I wasn't doing the bulk of the work, so here is the adjusted to just Ted Lasso stats:

Fic Total - 6

User Subscriptions - 49

Kudos - 669

Comment threads - 78

Bookmarks - 146

Subscriptions - 170

Word Count - 30,040

Hits - 6,074

[smallboyonherbike]

i can't edit the poll now but obv it's WHATTA man not what's man augh

[angelloverde]

"Mo Soul" Player Playlist 9 September

Feindrehstar - Dancetrack

Wax Tailor Feat. Ursula Rucker - We Be

The Exits - You Got To Have Money

Esperanto - Sweet Feeling

Lefties Soul Connection - Doin' The Thing

4 Hero Feat. Bembe Segue & Kaidi Taitham - Something In The Way

Benjamin Devigne - Mess Up

Braxton Cook - No Doubt

DJ Tron - Flowers Of Funk

Flevans - Speculate

Frank Booker - Skin (Frank Booker's Godfather Edit)

Ursula Rucker - Rant (Hot In Here)

Graham Mushnik - The Lemon Hop

The Andy Tolman Cartel - You What?

Colman Brothers - Sem Amor (Rhythm & Brass Remix)

If you really want to enjoy music and help musicians and bands, buy their lp’s or cd’s and don’t download mp3 formats. There is nothing like good quality sound!!!

(Angel Lo Verde / Mo Soul)

[jenevipcoraz]

Alr so far with the Murder Drones x Wendell and Wild AU here some MD characters as WNW characters

(EDIT: I MIGHT CHANGE SOME STUFF FROM THE AU, THE CHARACTERS AND STUFF DUE BY THE EPISODES OF MD)

Uzi as Kat

Khan and Nori as Delroy and Wilma

Thad as Raul

N, J and V as Wendell and Wild (they're 3 instead of just 2)

Frank as Father Bests

Uzi's Teacher (in the AU, he's named Harry) as Sister Helley

Tim as Manberg

Doll as Siobhan

Lizzy as Sweetie

Rebecca as Sloane

James as Belzer

Sarah as one of the police officers

Makarov. Todd and Braxton as the 3 brewery workers

so that's what I got so far

[ut-girl666]

huh.

well, fuck me six ways from sunday-

-i have almost 150 followers.

…

WELL NOW. IN HONOR OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT-

-I’ll list off all my OCs, and let you all ask about them! (Please do, I really really wanna talk about them.)

So here we go!!

Transformers

Ship Children

Moonglow

Whirlwind & Wildwheel

Cyanide

Silver

Rhythmwing & Jetwave

Moonbeam

MM/SB kid 3 (Unnamed)

FF/DE Kid (Unnamed)

Praxi

Ashwind & Sootrider

MM/SB kid 4 (Unnamed)

Thundertrail, Sunbolt, & Dawnrise

Auxiliary

AR/HS Kid - (Edit 12/28/22: Now named Cyanocitta)

Silverwing

Yellow Jacket

Wasp

Ledyba

Cadmium

Smokeshot

Seashot

Nyctus

Cascade

High Society

(- Also some of the most important/family.)

Duchess

Marie

Shockwave

Crimson

Ashspark

Windbreaker

Darkwarp

Bloodflight

Riverclash

Guardscale

Frostrise

Highwire

Rubybolt

Stormshock

Mistcloud

Silvallé

Soulless

Meister

Tone

Eclipsical

Evergreen

Prime Partners

Luma

Wintegreen

Lilacwing

Rescue Bots

Aqua

Ember

Flare

Litwick

Mintracer

Copper

Siren

Bloom

Ivy

Rocco

Blaze

Etc. OCs

Megatron’s parents (Unnamed)

Optimus’s parents (Unnamed)

Elita’s parents (Unnamed)

Dion & Fieron

Voxxie & Vocode

BD

Lightningtrail

Sunspace

Service & Disservice

Foxtrot

Red Devil & Purple Heart

My own OC Trine

Nitrobolt

Networth

Twilight Zone

Among Us!

Main Original Crew

Remy

Braxton

Oscar

Cayson

Yvette

Pandora

Penelope

Leon

Whitley

Blake

Ship Kids

Indigo (Unnamed)

Magenta (Unnamed)

All the similar names you’ve seen I assure are different new characters of their own I’ve made, just using a similar name bc I’m uncreative with names. And for the unnamed ones feel free to suggest some!

Just ask what information you desire for the characters of your choosing, and I shall provide. Will find an emoji ask game thing, and will rb that to use too. Also may include a pic of them, depends because I don’t have them all made yet. -w-

This will be available on both this blog, and my side blog @tf-girl666, to more easily keep track of them so they don’t get lost into the abyss, and and bc this is technically my original content.

Have fun!

[samoankpoper21]

GTKM Uncomfortably Well

Get to Know Me Uncomfortably Well (kpop edition)

Which group have you thought about stanning, but never seem to get around to it? -- LOONA and A.C.E I know their vocal game is CUHRAZY!

Do you have any irl friends that like kpop? -- YES!! 🫰🏽

How old were you when you first got into kpop? -- 18

What song(s) took you a while to warm up to? -- A 'Good'bye - Super Junior -- 1004 - B.A.P -- Ko Ko Bop - EXO

Have you ever disliked a group/idol? If so, why? (You don’t have to say who it is if you’re scared of getting hate). -- I don't...think so 🤔

What annoys you the most about kpop? -- Toxic fans -_- I haven't experienced it myself - THANK GAWD! - but I have read and heard too many fan accounts about how "fans" felt entitled to the idol group and they start getting physical or talking shit. One account I remember reading where a plus size fan was shamed for stanning a group and the "fans" told her she was unfit to represent the group like breh -_-

What do you love the most about kpop? -- The sense of community/bonding you get. It's times like these where you realize music, regardless of language, really does break barries ^.^

Do you only listen to kpop? -- Noooooo 😝 I listen to hip-hop, r&b, rap, gospel, Island reggae, reggae, cumbia, reggaeton, corridos, old school Samoan songs, "oldies, soft rock, rock, edm, pop, etc 😝

Who are you favorite western artists (if you have any)? -- Aaliyah (RIP) -- Megan thee Stallion -- Mozzy -- Ice Cube -- Monica -- J. Cole -- Kendrick Lamar -- Toni Braxton

How long have you been into kpop? -- 14 years 😳😳

What music did you used to listen to before getting into kpop? -- See Question 08 🤣 nah but on a serious note every time I talk about KPOP I never fail to tell everyone KPOP saved my life. I was going through a really tough time and then I found KPOP; it motivated me to do better and love myself ^.^

What fandom(s) were you in before getting into kpop? Are you still in them? -- I was stanning Tokio Hotel real bad 🤣 not so much no =')

Which group did you used to think was overrated but ended up loving? -- SNSD (please don't come for me y'all 😭 I discovered 2NE1 before SNSD)

Is there a kpop song that annoys you? If so, which one? -- Bar Bar Bar by Crayon Pop 🤣

What aspects of kpop make you cringe/feel secondhand embarrassment? -- Mispronunciation of idol's names ie JungCOOK 🤦🏽‍♀️

Which concepts do you love? -- Girl group: girl crush (ie 2NE1) -- Boy group: when they're dancing in suits and look all suave and shit 🤣

Which concepts do you hate? -- The "cute" concept for the girls

If you could trade places with an idol, who would it be? -- Yonghwa of CNBLUE. Just once I would love to see what goes on through his head when he writes the lyrics for the songs and produces it. I want to be in the studio when all that shit goes down: the recording process, him correcting the the members, everything.

What do you look for in a bias? -- I tend to look at the visuals but I end up falling hard for the leaders 🤣

Which kpop company do you hate the most? -- Cube, they always have an amazing roster but never promote them properly

What are you opinions on shipping? -- When I first got into KPOP I was a hardcore JongHo (SHINee's Jonghyun and Minho) shipper; now I don't pay too much attention to it.

How did you get into kpop? -- Boys Over Flowers OST; fell in love with the Stand by Meeeee 🤣

Has anyone ever made fun of you or looked at you weird for liking kpop? -- OH HELL YEAH! My family used to talk mad shit calling me weird but look at me now, their kids are coming up to me talm bout, "Aunty I heard you listen to KPOP "🤣

What is the cringiest thing you did when you were starting to get into kpop? -- Bangs! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Tried to style my hair like Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers 🤦🏽‍♀️I would get up early every morning so I would straighten my bangs

How long does it take you to learn the names of each member in a group? -- Depends on the size of the group.

Are you a gg, bg, or middle/coed stan? -- bg

If you could hang out with one idol, who would you hang out with? -- NAMJOON! I'm tryna fuck him 🤣 all jokes aside I would love to see what goes on in his mind when he's writing and producing/being in the studio and hopefully going on a bike ride to a museum where we can later enjoy coffee at a small cafe 😍

Who is the bias to your third favorite group? -- Kim Jonghyun of SS501

What name from your native language would you give your ult bias? -- For CL probably Afimailelagi (Fire coming from Heaven for her charisma); Namjoon would be Enele (wisdom) 😍

Thought on fanfiction/AUs/etc? -- delulu is the solulu 🤣

[horizon-verizon]

Do you think Viserys was serious about his desire to disinherit Rhaenyra after the brothel incident? That Jaehaerys would have done so is a moot point. Jaehaerys would never have chosen a woman. I don't know why Viserys even invokes his name. I find it hard to believe Viserys thinks setting Rhaenyra aside will divide the realm. He knows his lords want his son on the throne. But then he repeats it to Daemon! And then he is all smiles with Rhaenyra at the wedding feast and openly calling her "the future queen." I don't know if we're meant to think Rhaenyra knew he wasn't serious or if the writers just neglected to address it again. I feel like there should have been some emotional fallout from Rhaenyra if she thought he truly did not want her to be his heir any longer.

*EDITED POST* (4/15/24)

Here is what I say about Viserys' and his decision to keep Rhaenyra as his heir.

I do not think he would have really disinherited her because that man-- while similar to Jaehaerys in having misogyny and treating his daughter as a political tool, ignoring her before naming her his heir and demanding her unquestioned obedience--still ends up hearing her opinions and following her suggestions in a way Jaehaerys absolutely would never, and I mean without there being harsh and self-defeating punishment. Both Jae and show!&book!Vizzy called private meetings w/their "wayward" and wayward daughters to keep the news of their actions in, but Viserys proves the former by listening to her (and what she forces him to recognize that he himself already suspected) about Otto in episode 4, and we do not see Rhaenyra actually "grounded" or have her items confiscated or anything while Saera was forced into becoming a septa-in-training for a bit after being forced to watch her father brutally kill someone.

We can go back to how J the First kills Braxton Beesbury in front of Saera, calls her a whore and abandons her, tries to get Alysanne to feel as she is the only/main one at fault for Saera's running away, wanting they rid of Daella and willing to marry her to just about anyone (Alysanne at least tried AND, again, tried to get Jaehaerys to be more involved), didn't train any of his daughters to participate in politics so that Alyssa, who wanted to be a warrior as well as a mother, ended up thinking only about providing Baelon with boys (not "child" but "male child"), did nothing for Gael, etc.

However:

Rhaenyra ran Dragonstone for almost 20 years

Viserys may have done not that much as he or Jaehaerys would have for a male heir (Baelon), but she also sat in councils since she was 8 at least, 7 if we count her cupbearing year

Viserys still allows Otto back. So we understand that his wishy-washy personality comes from him trying to please the lords (the affluent and influential Hightowers here) by overruling them and keeping a measure of political balance. Not to the extreme extent of canon Aenys I, who didn't go too hard trying to satisfy people, but like Aenys I, Viserys thinks that by complying with the wishes of the lords/men around him he will maintain his control. Not knowing he keeps giving it up

It's not that he thinks that removing Rhaenyra would divide the realm so much as: she's oldest; she is Aemma's daughter; and he feels that all that he has left -- also in his failure to be the masculine knight like his brother or leaving any sort of glorious legacy of his very own -- would be through Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra is also a person who was with him during his happiest times. Man doesn't know how to balance his priorities or even how to make it seem as if he is doing that. He's making excuses to himself similar to what he did with Otto and how Rhaenyra had to be the one to call him out.

As for using Jaehaerys' name, he is trying "discipline" her to get her to see him as the unquestioned authority and means of keeping their house together that he feels she is not acting like when she doesn't obey the patriarchal restrictions placed onto her. He is saying, "I could be so much worse (Jaehaerys I) and you wouldn't be heir without my leave. Why are you acting this way?!". Because he is a man, he doesn't get it and because he feels pressured to be what he thinks is a "good" king (coming after the heels of the celebrated, compliant Jaehaerys I).

And while show!Rhaenyra is definitely hurt by all his words, the fact that he won't hear her out and would take the lords' side against her, and the fact that he would even say those words...she isn't surprised it seemed to me. (Contrast to Alysanne and Jaehaerys over Saera.) Which is part of how she could tell him to focus on the thing he keeps getting away from: Otto's inappropriate and boundary-crossing behavior, using his own thoughts about what a king "should" do. There is emotional fallout, but it's contained so that she can "do what needs to be done" AND she knows that with his mindset, the "accusations", and his mood it won't pan out as he wants. Though, I do agree that I'd like to see more scenes of her anxiety shown through her actions....like the canon ring-turning that this show modified and gave to Young!Alicent through her skin-ripping.

Your question is a good question, so please don't take what I say next as a mark against you. It's actually a mark against the writers.

Questions like yours are exactly why the jump cuts were absurd and costly to the narrative. Because of them, were left with the feeling of emotional deprivation scenes that could provide more meaning and material that explain the characters' motivations but that are still dynamic and proactive. Without those scenes, it's harder to track moments where we'd go, "That's the moment of realization, or the turning point!" where relationships soured or shifted into a new dynamic and HOW! All of that is important.

But instead we got people making the craziest headcanons or having too many, sometimes contradictory, explanations for the littlest facial expression that could mean absolutely anything. While facial expressions can have impact, the second on context and situation to have that meaning, and if you expressions outnumbering the dialogue lines...... ugh. That's what happened to make and strengthen the HelaenaxAeomond ship.

And sometimes viewers are just genuinely trying to understand what's going on in terms of plot, and that's not what you want in your TV show!

Subtext is great...when the text is coherent and psychologically consistent.

[thechanelmuse]

My Top Albums/EPs of 2023

It's that time.

It's a tradition of mine to post my end-of-the-year music list. I used to get music questions + recommendations all the time. This goes back to the days of the Hypster Music Player we used to have on our pages (remember those lol) before the DMCA roll out.

As a heads up, I'm a violinist with a BFA in Music and Audio Production. I'm a timbre listener first 🤷🏽‍♀️. No surprise there. Some people listen to music for the lyrics first, melody first, a catchy hook first, etc. I'm a tone color and texture person as it relates to vocality, instrumentation, and the arrangement/combination of frequencies altogether. (For more on that and how you can confirm/discover what kind of listener you are, this book, which I reviewed, is a go-to.)

Here's my list of albums you may know and some that'll be your first introduction. I had a number of honorable mentions, but this is already long enough 🙃 lol. Enjoy!

JAZZ

Adam Blackstone - Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn and The Legacy Experience Live (2 albums)

André 3000 - New Blue Sun

Brandee Younger - Brand New Life

Braxton Cook - Who Are You When No One is Watching?

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band - Kings Highway

Christian McBride - Prime

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning

Fred Hersch & Esperanza Spalding - Alive At The Village Vanguard

Jason Moran - From the Dancehall to the Battlefield

Jeremy Pelt - The Art of Intimacy, Vol. 2: His Muse

Jonathan Blake - Passage

Joshua Redman - where are we

Meshell Ndegeocello - The Omnichord Real Book

New Breed Brass Band - Made in New Orleans

Roy Hargrove - The Love Suite: In Mahogany

Samara Joy - Linger A While (Deluxe Edition)

Theo Croker, Ego Ella May & D'LEAU - BY THE WAY

SOUL/BLUES (ROCK)

Baby Rose - Through and Through

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram - Live in London

Cleo Sol - Gold

Cory Henry - Live at the Piano

Danielle Ponder - Some of Us Are Brave (Deluxe)

Durand Jones - Wait Til I Get Over

Gabriels - Angels & Queens (Deluxe)

Ghost Hounds - First Last Time

Junior Wells & Buddy Guy - Live in Hiroshima 1975

Nina Simone - You've Got To Learn (Live)

October London - The Rebirth of Marvin

Various Artists - Written in the Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos 👈🏾 7+ hours of goodness 🤌🏾

Wyn Starks w/ Fisk Jubilee Singers - At the End of the River - EP

GOSPEL

Anthony Brown & group therAPY - Affirmations

Jekalyn Carr - The Living Word

Jonathan McReynolds - My Truth

Kirk Franklin - Father’s Day

Tamela Mann - Overcomer (Deluxe) — 2022 album I missed

Tye Tribbett - All Things New (Live In Orlando)

The Walls Group - Four Walls

COUNTRY

Caitlyn Smith - High & Low

Chapel Hart - Glory Days ("Redneck Fairytale" track gotta go tho cuz chile what 🙃)

Chris Stapleton - Higher

Colbie Caillat - Along the Way

Dalton Dover - Never Giving Up On That

Darius Rucker - Carolyn's Boy

Ingrid Andress - Good Person (Deluxe)

Kelsea Ballerina - Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good)

Luke Combs - Gettin' Old

Megan Moroney - Lucky (Deluxe)

Taylor Swift - Speak Now (Taylor's Version)

The War and Treaty - Lover's Game

FOLK/AMERICANA

Billie Marten - Drop Cherries

Eva Cassidy - I Can Only Be Me

Kara Jackson - Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?

Kina Grannis & Imaginary Future - I Found You

Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We

Noah Kahan - Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever)

Sunny War - Anarchist Gospel

HOLIDAY

Brandy - Christmas with Brandy

Gregory Porter - Christmas Wish

Samara Joy - A Joyful Holiday

BLENDED GENRES

chlothegod - Nearly Straight

Jamila Woods - Water Made Us

Kali Uchis - Red Moon in Venus

Kelela - Raven

L'Rain - I Killed Your Dog

Little Dragon - Slugs of Love

Niia - Bobby Deerfield

Prince & The New Power Generation - Diamonds and Pearls (Super Deluxe Edition) 👈🏾 7+ hours of goodness 🤌🏽

Prince & The New Power Generation - Live at Glam Slam

Sampha - Lahai

Various Artists - Birthright - A Black Roots Music Compendium

R&B

Aliah Sheffield - These Songs Are For Anyone Sick of Earth

Cleo Sol - Heaven

Coco Jones - What I Didn't Tell You (Deluxe)

Emily King - Special Occasion

Kenyon - The R&B You Love

Kyra - as things grow

Leon Thomas - Electric Dusk

Madison McFerrin - I Hope You Can Forgive Me

PJ Morton - Watch the Sun Live: The Mansion Sessions

The Shindellas - Shindo

Terrace Martin & Ashley Isley - I Left My Heart In Ladera

Victoria Monét - Jaguar II

RAP

Black Thought and El Michels Affair - Glorious Game

BLK ODYSSY - DIAMONDS & FREAKS

Duckwrth - Chrome Bull DLX

Killer Mike - MICHAEL

Mick Jenkins - The Patience

Nas - Magic 2

Nas - Magic 3

Nick Grant - SUNDAY DINNER

Noname - Sundial

Oddisee - To What End

Tyler the Creator - CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale

POP

Birdy - Portraits

Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want to Turn Into You

Ellie Goulding - Higher Than Heaven (Deluxe)

Hozier - Unreal Unearth

The Japanese House - In the End It Always Does

Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!

Kelly Clarkson - chemistry (Deluxe)

Madison Beer - Silence Between Songs

Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS

Paramore - This Is Why

P!nk - Trustfall

Sabrina Carpenter - emails i can't send fwd:

Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS

HAIM - Days Are Gone (10th Anniversary Edition)

Janet Jackson - Discipline (Deluxe Edition)

Luther Vandross - Live at City Music Hall (Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition)

Mariah Carey - Music Box: 30th Anniversary Edition

[anotherblogaboutguys]

Here's this week's Flashback Countdown...one of my list of favorite songs from a previous year...hosted by me, your friendly neighborhood blogger.

Fair warning: The show is about an hour and a half long, so you may want to listen while you're working, hanging out with nothing better to do, or need something to help you pass the time. Or you could just skip through it, listening to a minute here and there rather than listening to the whole thing. That would be kind of mean of you, but if that's what you decide to do, I suppose I'll never know!

This week's show: December 20, 1996

You'll hear music by Toni Braxton, Prince, Jewel, No Doubt, Ginuwine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, En Vogue, New Edition, and more!