#cae's saying stuff

[mediacrity]

Happiness by Steve Cutts, thoughts

Happiness by Steve Cutts, 2017

TW: mentions of addiction

*scroll to the bottom for Youtube link/film TWs

thank you to @ddepressedbookworm for recommending this short film to me

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

Happiness is one of my favourite animated short films of all time. The grey colouring the entire city, filled with artificial colour is reminiscent of the reality of the dull, uninspiring lifestyle of one in the city. The anthropomorphism of the rats (I assume a "pun" on living in a rat race) is an immediate representation of the disenchanted city dwellers we encounter, and might even be, in real life.

The film begins with many rats, not anthropomorphised, uncomfortably squeaking and squeezing together in what is revealed to be a train station, immediately making the film into a commentary on human life. One of my favourite things about the film is that it is filled with bright-coloured posters, but it does nothing to improve the drab surrounding. The posters are also large in quantity, pasted one after another, an extremely relevant visual representation of numbness in the face of overconsumption. It is "everything, all of the time" (Welcome to the Internet, Bo Burnham). Cutts also creates posters mimicking popular brands, playing on their tag lines and branding them "happiness", showing our consumerist nightmare for what it is ----a brutal, unfulfilled chase for happiness that fuels corporations that sell temporal "happiness" through products.

The link between consumerism and our want for happiness continues in the film as we see more products like "fast cars". The idea of a fast car, perhaps presents the wish to "get out", or float above the rest. A striking shot comes at 1:22 where the rats are seen moving through the walls of society, covered with posters, the society structured like a maze. It displays our society from an objective lens, we are confused, we are stuck.

Cutts further explores this cycle by branding some products (such as alcohol and medication) as "absolute happiness", bringing in the theme of addiction. Memorable scenes include the frenzied shopping craze where the rats, literally, tear each other apart to get their haul, and another scene where the "main character" takes medication and the visual style of the film changes from a drab, gloomy city to a shiny, too shiny, field. The main character's high, of course, ends and ultimately ends on the cold city pavement.

At the end, the "main character" chases the one thing that ties everything all together --money, the thing we chase to buy a lifestyle. The main character chases a dollar bill up a building, and then comes the summation of the film --he is trapped in a mousetrap and begins working at his desk. The film then zooms out to show everyone, identical. At the last moment, Cutts links this back to our harsh system of endless working and capitalism, further linking it to a lack of individuality. It is, as said before, a cycle. We are unhappy because of our work and therefore, we want to be happy, but we attempt to buy happiness in products, but to buy we must have money, and to have money we must work. Thus, the cycle begins, fuelling our consumerist nature which only gives more money to corporations. We are trapped, in our "mousetraps". It is all related back to our innate want of Happiness.

overall, I absolutely recommend this short film. Steve Cutt’s ability to visually get across the is spectacular. the film is smart, darkly funny, and not just relevant, but resonates on a personal level with any consumer living in the 21st century. Five stars, absolutely.

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

TWs for short film

violence/gore

addiction

Youtube link for short film: Happiness by Steve Cutts, 2017

[candied-cae]

Izzy the character is beloved and by the writers and within the show. If they wanted him to suck and be unloved they would've directed Con differently or cast a different actor. Con didn't even audition for Izzy, Jenkins saw his audition for another character and asked him to read for Izzy instead. Your hate of Izzy is biasing you to authorial intent and ruining the show for you, not the other way around.

You are free to your opinion, so are the folks who worked on the show, as am I.

This is obviously in response to this post I just made earlier, but, as I literally said in that post: I know.

I am aware that the people who worked on this show liked the character and wanted to do a redemption for him. And just as you accuse me of being blinded by my Izzy-Hate, they (and you) can be blinded by Izzy-Love, there is no subjective metric to see which side is more "correct." I simply expressed an opinion that his redemption was rushed.

I never bash Con's portrayal of the character. I never say he did his job incorrectly. I never even say that Izzy shouldn't get a redemption arc. I also never go and tell people they are wrong when they post happy things about Izzy, even though I don't like him.

People are allowed to like his character, I even acknowledge that in the tags under "I know I'm not an Izzy-Enjoyer so it's not catered to me. I know some people are excited this is how it's working out. Good for them." I'm happy you seem to be enjoying how the show is handling his character, congratulations, I wish that was how I felt about it, it'd be nice.

As I also state that those are just my barebones opinions being posted and I am currently writing up more while I rewatch to explain myself further, in which I do look into Izzy as a character deeper than "he was an asshole in S1" for your information.

But my biggest point is that it felt rushed from where we left off in Season 1 and I wish we'd been given the screen time to explore more of that part in-between the seasons where the crew makes the decision to be more open to him. I just wanted more development and evidence of growth, a reason for Jim to have accepted him as an important member of the crew, a reason for Frenchie to have comforted him like he did.

We didn't get that. And maybe it's the fault of the cast and crew having too much fun with each other they've gotten a little divorced from the events of season 1, maybe it's the fault of the studio not giving them enough time to show it even if it was scripted and had to be cut to fit in the episode amount, maybe it's no one's fault.

But, I went through the trouble to even tag that post "Izzy Critical" so folks who do like him have the option to block the phrase if it improves their experience on the internet. Feel free to try that if it'll help you. But I am going to continue expressing my opinions and analysis on shows I like, because it's fun and I love this medium of storytelling.

Have a good day 😊

[fair-lead]

this weeks astronomy reading has a little bit of particle physics in it (talking abt nuclear fusion in stars) and im sitting here like. i want to know all about this right goddamn now but i need to know other stuff first

[iinthehexcore]

talks and views

summary: You and Steb spent more and more time together. He even asked for your recommendations - but he would only get them if he gave you a review afterward. part 1 - pages and books

content: our favorite fishman steb, more scenes outside the library, hopefully it will be all fluffy and sweet! not familiar with actual names of stuff so forgive me for that </3

wordcount: 3,309

a/n: thank you all so much for all the love on my previous steb fic! glad to see so many steb enjoyers!!! this idea came from @cae-core so big thanks to them! hope you all like it :)

⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

'My favorite librarian.'

Even through your feverish state, you could still hear his voice. Thankfully, the medicine he had so caringly put together for you worked wonders. After two days, you felt as good as you always did - maybe even better. His favorite librarian? It made your cheeks heat up even thinking about it. The first few sentences that he had spoken to you - something you had already dreamt of hearing - were so sincere, so sweet. You thought about Steb saying the words so often that the sentence was nearly engraved on your brain.

That next Tuesday, you were strolling through the library again, a stack of books in your arms as you put them all in their original spot. You could tell that certain classes had exams coming up - all of them came from the same row of bookcases. Only a few of the tables in the library were taken up with students working hard, but you were no exception. You had your own fair share of essays that needed to be finished. It was your last year at the Academy, and you hoped you could at least still work at the library after graduation. However, you had changed your work schedule - only one day instead of the two (and sometimes three) you did before. It left you with a little bit of time to study in your own dorm. Originally, your boss scheduled you for Sunday - that way, you would have enough time to focus on school on weekdays. You begged to switch with one of your coworkers, saying Tuesday would be a better fit, and thankfully, he was fine with it.

All the books were now neatly placed on the shelves, and as you looked at the clock, you realized there were only two hours left until closing. Time had flown by so fast - you barely even realized it was this late.

The heavy doors opened again, a gust of wind flowing through the library as you turned around. And there, at the other side of the library, walked Steb. His posture was as straight as ever, and a big bag filled with books on his side. Last week, much to his dismay, he had loaned a new list of books on Wednesday. But now, a day early, he stood in the cozy library again, another laundry list of books tucked into his pocket. He did not have a big list every single week - for a few weeks, he only had one or two books. This week though, he had his bag full. If anyone else in the library would take hold of his bag, it would probably drop to the floor from its weight.

"Steb!"

He could feel his ears twitch as he turned around, seeing you walk over to him. The table filled with students did not even blink, much too distracted by their work as their heads rested in their hands. With a deep breath, he nodded, opening his bag as you hopped behind the counter, already placing your journal and pen in front of Steb.

It was a wonder that the sparkly pink pen survived as long as it did. Not only did Steb use it to scribble down sentences, but you also used it to doodle, do your homework, and even make grocery lists. But, with every drop of ink now on paper instead of in the cartridge, you decided it was time for a new pen. Back then, you had bought the pink one because the color reminded you of sweet candy and flowers. But this time, instead of leaning to the pinkish tones again, something else caught your eye.

A pen, silver shimmers with a blue color underneath. At the time, you did not quite understand why you wanted it so bad, but now, as you looked into Steb's eyes, you understood.

He took every single book out of his bag, placing them on the cart that stood at the side of the counter. You had told him before that it was no problem for you to do it, but he waved you off. 'Too heavy', he wrote in your notepad. Last week, his list was filled with books on either side of the paper. But now, the slip was small, and all it said was 'Any recommendations?'

You hold it in your hands, your eyebrows shooting up as you looked back at the man.

"My recommendations?"

He nodded, adjusting the beret that said atop his head. Your recommendations? Well, you still had the mountain of 'to be read' books. Surely, something in there must be to his liking!

"Well, you came to the right person!" You placed the paper on your desk, turning around, "Let me see..."

Steb's eyes fell to the pen in front of him, an amused look on his face, combined with the tiniest smile. He breathed in deeply as you rummaged through the bookcase behind you.

"I sure hope you don't have a maximum," you said, turning around with a stack of books in your arms, "Let me see here..."

With a big 'oof', you dropped them on your desk, leaning against the counter as you put the books on it one by one.

"An autobiography, history... Cooking, if you are into that. Oceans," you chuckled, "And this one!"

'Piltover: The City of Progress. Most beautiful architecture!'

"I can't help but keep coming back to this one. I just can't believe how beautiful Piltover actually is," you smiled, placing it on top of the mountain, "I wish I could see all these buildings once! I mean, some of them I have heard of before, but wow, imagine sitting here!"

You flipped through the book, stopping at your favorite page. On it were multiple pictures of the Piltover Council building. It showed the views from the roof, the hallways that looked out over the city - even every minuscule detail down to the door handles. To Steb, this was not too special - it was his workplace. He wandered here many times before. But to see you so enchanted by merely the pictures made him feel something deep inside.

You let out a deep sigh, closing the book with a smile before looking up at the taller figure in front of you.

"Well, these would be my picks! Any that pique your interest?"

Steb's gloved finger tapped the Piltover book and you excitedly nodded, grabbing the form to fill all his information in. By now, you did not even need to ask him for the simple and basic information anymore.

"Good choice! I would love to hear which one was your favorite!"

And so, he left.

You did see him on your day off again though. After finishing your classes, you immediately left, papers still in your hands as you rushed down the stairs in front of the building. You did not necessarily have to rush, but the sooner you could go to your favorite cafe, the better. With - what would hopefully be the last - essay you finished, you officially wrapped up your last year at the university. In celebration, you felt like you deserved your favorite drink and a treat.

But, as you stuffed your paper in your bookbag and rounded the corner, you saw sights that were all too familiar. Yet, the combination was something unexpected.

Steb, in his full officer uniform complete with a helmet instead of the beret, walking out of your favorite cafe with a small, paper bag in his hands. You raised an eyebrow as you quickly walked toward him.

"Hello, Officer!"

You chuckled as he looked up confused, not expecting your voice to be there, much less to be calling him 'officer'. He had gotten so used to hearing his name from you that this felt unusual. Thankfully, the street was nearly empty with the exception of Caitlyn and Maddie who stood at the far end of it.

"I didn't know you liked this cafe!"

You stopped walking when you reached him, fiddling with the hem of your academy uniform. He swallowed as he nodded. Well, he didn't like the cafe. At least, he had never gone there before.

"It's for you."

His smooth voice filled your ears. His speaking voice was something that you wish you could hear every single day. Not that he had never spoken out loud - but every single time he did made it feel like fireworks going off in your chest. Steb blinked once, the scales on his cheeks twitching as he held out the paper bag to you.

"Vanilla strawberry cake, fruit tea. For finishing your essay."

Your hands stopped pulling at the fabric of your vest as you looked at his outstretched hand and back to his face.

"Was planning to come toward the Academy. Had not expected you here."

"No... No, I -" You were at a loss for words, "Yeah... I was... walking."

With a raised eyebrow, Maddie looked at you and Steb.

"Is he... talking?" she nearly laughed at her friend - she had barely heard his voice before, "To the librarian, no less!"

Caitlyn looked back over her shoulder, seeing the officer standing right next to you.

"Leave him be, Officer Nolan."

He nearly chuckled at your flushed state, taking hold of your hand to wrap it around the handle of the bag itself. You were unable to keep your eyes off of him, taking in each and every detail of his sparkly, silvery blue eyes.

"Tuesday?"

You only nodded in response, your hand still tingling from where he held you as you watched him turn and walk toward his colleagues. It was impossible to keep all the giggles inside as you just skipped back to your dorm, a big smile on your face as you placed the paper bag on your table.

It was a surprise to even see him today, let alone see him holding your favorite treats. After throwing your bag to the side, you sat down in your chair, humming as you opened the bag. Inside was the tea and the cake, but also another object.

'Thought of you. - Steb'

A small booklet with even more pictures of the view over Piltover, taken from countless different buildings. You nearly dropped the cup of hot tea as you slowly stood up from your chair, flipping through the pages. Piltover Academy, the Councilor building, the library. During sunset, during the night, in both summer and winter.

You looked over your shoulder, the (slightly crumpled up) note next to the cake. He had thought of you? It made your heart jump as you ran your fingers over his neat handwriting. No matter how many times you had seen it, it felt just as special as the first time.

This... friendship came so unexpectedly, yet you wouldn't change it for the world. Steb, his stoic yet friendly face - a constant in the chaotic world you lived in. He made your heart beat faster. Was that something that friends did?

You liked to think that you knew him pretty well by now - when his ears twitched or his scales fluttered, you could point out exactly why. He did not talk often, and when he did, he was fairly straight to the point, though his smooth voice never made it sound malicious. No, instead you replayed those moments over and over, making sure to never forget what he sounded like.

And, as you could see by the contents on the table, he knew you pretty well, too. This was not the first time he had brought you something or that he remembered a small fact you had told him.

Tuesday.

While walking through your hall and toward the door, you glanced at the bulletin board that you had hung on the wall. Receipts, pictures, written notes. One last smile as you saw '- Steb' before slinging your bag over your shoulders and walking out.

You had not seen Steb since he gifted you the tea and cake, but you knew he would be at the library today. Every single Tuesday, exactly at 3pm. So, after organizing all the books, you patiently waited.

No one was in the library today. The weather was not great, even with the sun shining.

You had picked up another book, sitting at the window with a cup of cold water, sipping it as you turned a page. The opening and closing of the door grabbed your attention as you immediately looked up, seeing Steb walking in with a bag slung over his shoulders.

No uniform today. No beret hiding his hair and no gloves covering his hands. Instead, he wore something much more casual. A buttoned shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, dark blue pants, and simple boots. In his hand, he held a jacket. Huh, he must have been warm, then.

"Hey!"

A small smile formed on his face as he nodded, walking closer to the window before pushing one of the chairs back, sitting down next to you.

"I can't believe you made it today," you hummed, leaning over to pour him a glass of water, "The weather doesn't really call for it. Though, I don't mind it much. Actually quite like the clouds!"

Steb glanced around the library, seeing that it was completely empty, before looking at the glass of water.

"Thank you," he spoke, nodding, "I have my day off."

He took a sip, enjoying the cold of the liquid as his ears moved back.

"When are you finished?"

"Not long from now," you closed the book, "It's already getting late. Around an hour, maybe?"

The man nodded, his hand still wrapped around the glass.

"Can I walk you home?"

"Are you sure?" you furrowed your brows, looking back at him, "It's a long wait."

"I can read in the meanwhile. It's already getting dark out now."

"You don't mind?"

He shook his head.

"Need help putting anything away?"

So, for the rest of the hour, you and Steb roamed around the library, putting away the last few books. You pointed out some of your favorite books that you had read as Steb listened, sometimes asking a question or two just to see you light up again. As you looked over at the clock, you saw that it was only five minutes till closing. This entire time, no one had come in, so what were those extra minutes?

You put on your coat as Steb had already taken your bag, slinging it over his own shoulder before following you out. You made sure that the door was locked behind you before pushing the key into your pocket, walking next to the man.

It was quiet for a minute. Piltover had not been this empty for a while now. The weather was not quite perfect for a stroll, but even with the cold nipping at your fingertips, you still enjoyed it. Any minute spent with Steb was an enjoyable one.

"It seems like I have forgotten something," he spoke up, his voice as soft as a summer breeze, "Is it okay if we stop somewhere?"

"Of course, lead the way!"

He turned to his left as you followed, looking around as you tried to distract yourself from walking alongside the one person who seemed to always be on your mind. His cologne or perfume - whatever it was, it smelled good.

As the two of you stopped in front of a door at the side of a big building, he turned to you.

"Close your eyes?"

"I... what?"

"Do you trust me?"

You let out a chuckle, looking up at him.

"Steb, you can't just use that against me."

He silently raised an eyebrow which made you laugh even harder, nodding your head as you finally closed your eyes.

"Okay, okay!"

You felt his hand take hold of yours, hearing the door open and close back behind you. Where was he taking you? You heard buttons being clicked and doors sliding open as Steb softly tugged you along. Were you in an elevator? It dinged as you heard the doors again, the warm hand in yours slowly guiding you forward.

It was hard to keep your eyes closed as you so desperately wished to see what was so secret, but you trusted him. A gust of wind hit you in the face, making you gasp and nearly open your eyes, but Steb beat you to it. His hand quickly covered your eyes as his arm wrapped around your shoulder, taking small steps to get you exactly where he wanted. Then, after what felt like ten minutes of a secret mission, you felt his hands move.

"You can open them."

You blinked a few times, shaking your head as you looked at the view in front of you. With your mouth open and your eyes wide, you stepped forward, hands resting on the railing that was set in place.

There, right there, was Piltover. Every shimmering light that resembled a home, every streetlamp that lit up the way, the water in the far distance. All the pictures you had admired in the architecture book seemed to have sprung to life, moving right in front of your very eyes.

You could not believe it. Was this a gadget made by some scientists to make you experience your dreams? It was simply impossible to tear your eyes away from the sight, yet you did.

Right there, already looking at you with a tiny smile on his face, was Steb. Steb, the man who guided you up to this spot. Steb, the one who made your dreams a reality. Steb, who held your heart.

Steb, the one with his face dangerously close to yours.

Your eyes flickered from his lips to his sparkly eyes as you were simply unable to speak. Every single detail on his face seemed to have been crafted by only the most talented hands, and you nearly felt like you had been blessed to even see him.

Slowly, you inched closer, and somewhere in the middle, you touched.

Fireworks, the sun, sparkles, glimmers. All at once, they surrounded you. His hand softly placed on your cheek, his lips soft and warm. It was sweet, it was truly as if you had fallen asleep only to experience your biggest desire.

"How did you..." you whispered, softly pulling back yet still staying in his arms, "Where are we?"

"You asked for my favorite," he smiled, his eyes slightly crinkling, "This is it. Piltover's Councilor building."

And then you finally recognized it. The golden details, the dark blue accents, the tile floor. It was the Councilor building.

"Steb!" your mouth fell open again, your hand on his chest, "How did you sneak us in here!"

He snorted, shaking his head before turning his face to the skyline. He was serious - this was his favorite view from any Piltover building. Even if he was here more often than the usual person, he almost had a newfound appreciation for it. Be it formed from the book you had recommended him, or from the sparkles that would appear in your eyes whenever you looked up at it.

You also looked out to Piltover, your hands still holding onto one of his as you softly rested your head against his shoulder.

"Commander Kiramman authorized our access," he said, "I know you asked for me to tell you about my favorite from the book. What better than for me to show you?"

And so you stayed, watching over Piltover as Steb watched over you. That was, until your eyes could not keep themselves open anymore, sleep pulling at your sleeve yet you refused to leave. You did not want to - you wanted to stay here, with the view, and with Steb.

"It's time for you to sleep," he whispered, his thumb rubbing your hand.

"Come home with me?"

[jellykyunnie]

˗ˏˋ Entry : 059 - Lover! HSR Men x Fem! Reader: Period Cramps ♡ ˎˊ˗

꒰ Dan Heng, Aventurine, Caelus, Sunday ꒱

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚ 𝔻𝕒𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕟𝕘 ˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Dan Heng is actually a veteran in taking care of girls during their periods. Why? You have March 7th to thanks for that. His poor friend's cramps are hell so he stepped up to assist whenever he can if Himeko isn' present to soothe her.

So when it comes to you? It's no problem really, he even enjoys the fact that you're relying on him for this since it shows that you trust him entirely.

Does he track your period schedule? Definitely, he has a tracker installed in his phone that he always checks. Periods are tricky and he wants to know incase anything wrong comes your way.

A little overdevoted of him, but you're not complaining. Why would you?

He has everything prepared a week advanced before your period.

Heating pads? Check. Extra napkins? Check. Snacks? Check. Chocolates? Check. Medicine for cramps? Check. Plushies? Washed and ready.

"Is your stomach acting up? No?" Dan Heng asks as he secures the blanket over you after placing a heating pad on your belly.

"I hate being a girl..." You complain, curling up further beside him for comfort.

"I know, but just for a few more days, it'll be alright" He says, stroking your head lovingly. "How about a movie? There are a bunch of new movies I managed to download."

"Okay..."

You actually passed out halfways into the movie, which Dan heng of course predicted already since he had the lights in his room already turned off. He changed the heating pad on your stomach first before tucking himself back in.

"Goodnight," Dan heng mumbles, placing a peck on your forehead before pulling you in for a cuddle.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚ 𝔸𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕖 ˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

"There we go" Aventurine gently settles you down on the bed after placing an extra towel on it. "Is that better, love?"

You nod, cuddling the teddy bear he bought you just because you're on your monthly hell.

Your period week is strictly a no-gambling and no-business-trips time for Aventurine. Even if his bosses and the other stonehearts decide to bug him into doing stuff.

He values your happiness and comfort above all else, even work. So to hell with them if the ipc blows up out of nowhere during your menstruation. Aventurine will just throw a middle finger at them and laugh at their misery.

Aventurine was so dedicated he spent hours reading books about periods and even goes so far to research good napkin brands that wont make you itch.

He wants nothing more than the highest of qualities for his beloved who is going through a lot just because a woman's body decided to evolve suffering like this. he even has some doctors on stand by just incase anything goes wrong.

Of course, we can't forget his philanthropic side— this peacock man needs to spend his money on you even for the littlest things. You'll be having brand new jewelry, cosmetics and perfumes coming in rapid succession for you as well as a barrage of kisses to go along with it.

"My poor princess, are you sure you don't need anything else?" He asks, kissing each and every one of your fingers. "Should I order some shortcakes for you? Or should I call the doctor to check on you?"

"Vasha... I'm not bedridden..." You say.

"I know, but I would rather not risk anything happening bad, so if anything hurts too much you must tell me" Aventurine simply smiles.

"Your kisses are more than enough"

"Who am I to say no to that?"

And with that, he dives in to pepper your precious and pretty face with pecks.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚ ℂ𝕒𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕤 ˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

"Okay, everything is settled" Caelus nods to himself after making a makeshift pillow fort in his bed for you to snuggle in.

The plushies he had ordered just arrived in time with your menstrual cycle. He made sure to ask March 7th about this just to be sure too. He can't screw this up—

Yeah, he's acting like he's about to go through something major or something. What an idiot.

Your lovable idiot atleast.

"Cae? I'm back" You say, walking out of the bathroom after changing your napkin. "???"

"Ah... Well" Your boyfriend sheepishly scrtaches the back of his head as you glance at the makeshift fort he managed to make during your time in the bathroom. "I figured I should make a fort so we could snuggle up more?... I don't know"

"You're cute" You laugh, kissing his cheek before crawling into the fort he made. "I like the fort, maybe you should keep it"

"I'll order more pillows and a canopy for my bed then" He grins before going in after you. "I'm not really good at taking care of you, my bad"

"It's fine, just you being with me is more than enough and I'd much rather cuddle with you" You wrap your arms affectionately around his waist. "Just be you as usual, that's more than enough."

"I should be the one comforting you" Caelus pouts, rubbing your cheeks together just so he can elicit a sweet giggle from your lips. "If there is is anything I can do, please just tell me what you need and I'll do my best"

"You're really like a puppy" You muse, kissing his cheek lovingly.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚ 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕪 ˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Just like Dan Heng, Sunday is a veteran at this. His mother died before his sister had her very first menstrual cycle. And although there were servants around to assist— he still took the initiative to help Robin himself because he was her brother.

The result of that? He's absolutely good at taking care of you during your period. Much like Dan Heng, he has a period tracker on his phone and prepares everything in advance the week before your period starts.

But of course, Sunday actually memorized your cycle dates, he just prefers to be more organized and to fouble(triple) check everything

It's much more important for him to be assured that eveything is ready.

"Not like that, you'll make your stomach hurt even more, dear" Sunday says, putting down the book he was reading and reaches out to rub firm but gentle circles around your tummy. "I know it's different for each woman, but this is the method I used on my sister when her cramps are bad. Is that better?"

"Yes..." You nod weakly, melting into his massages quickly. "You're really good at this"

"it's only because I took care of my baby sister a lot" Sunday replies, keeping his gentle pace to help ease your pain.

"Robin must miss you" You mumble.

"It's alright" He shook his head, smiling bitterly. "I miss her too, but one day we will reunite. But right now you're the main character. You need me since your cramps as especially bad during the first few days of your cycle."

"What did I even do to deserve you?" You whisper, slowly drifting off to sleep the further he massaged you.

Sunday wouldn't reply until you finally gave in to the call of sleep.

"I need you more than you need me" He finally says, replying to your unconcious state while pressing his lips on your forehead. "So let me do this, it's the least I can do since you never gave up on me"

꒰ 🪼 A/N: This one is a bad fic but I'm really deep in writer's block. I'll try to get it in my next one. For now please be patient with me qwq. I hope you guys understand huhu. I'll try to make more comprehensive and better fics:3 ꒱

ʚ(੭´͈ ᐜ `͈)੭ .｡✧: ~♡ —! stories written by kyunnie; translations, reposts, plagiarism are strictly forbidden.

[hellothisisangle]

I was up late last night in this mood and realized I don’t think I’ve ever drawn Cae actually kissing Gortie. Yeah there’s the raunchier stuff on Patreon, but I guess I subconsciously never did so because kissing on the mouth is out of character for Bhaalist Cae. Not saying he would NEVER do it, but he is opposed to the actual intimacy and would shy away from it. And these moments of fragility, of wanting to be closer, are what flipped Gortash’s perception of him

[candied-cae]

This. This. This.

I will be critical of decisions in the show, absolutely. I find it a true joy to dissect storytelling and theorize on what things I would've wanted differently, BUT I will never condone going up to the people who created something and getting mad at them for not meeting my personal standards.

We can have wonderful discussions - in our own circles - about how we felt, the good and the bad. But if a person does not ask for your criticism of their work, it is a cruelty to try and throw some in their face. Tell them your love, tell them how much you want S3, tell them all the things you still want to see before the story's over, but do not even attempt to make them feel bad for the things you were dissatisfied with.

Hey guys?

What we’re not gonna do is bash or harass the creators just because your favorite character was killed off.

It happens. It’s not the end of the world. And it’s not a good reason to shit talk directly or not.

[dingodad]

love transmasc terezi analysis [thumbs up emoji] i read her as tmasc nonbinary but that might be me reading too much into the way she often forces herself into binary choices to her detriment OR has them forced on her (heads tails symbolism, the game over timeline vriska choice, dave vs karkat as 'romances to pursue', and more recently the way she acts as outsider and agent to both rose and dirk in beyond canon, the two forces of progenitor masculinity and femininity on deltritus). i think it's interesting how she views servitude to the empire as aspirational and i think that is definitely got some gender stuff going on there given preexisting reads of the caste system as misogyny. if you'd ever like to expand more on terezi as transmasculine, i'd love to hear it!

i don't think you are reading too deep into anything lol once upon a time it was pretty standard to remark upon the pointed androgyny of terezi's design so idk why i was getting yelled at for pointing it out just now. I never thought to connect this to her role as balance-keeper though.. if you think about it even the fact that her coin is called a "Cae[s]ar" but depicts a female figure seems emblematic of the illusion of dichotomy it offers

I've mentioned before that in general I'm less interested in figuring out what a character 'is' than I am in identifying how they relate to and participate in gender as a hierarchy of power, so I don't know if I would call the following a "transmasculine" read of Terezi per se. But it is a read on how I think Terezi plays masculine gender roles, or - to be crude - 'role plays' as male. So I definitely think it lends itself to interpretation of Terezi as a character with a masculine or androgynous identity

Expanding on what I first tentatively approached in this post and briefly followed up with my (apparently controversially) vague commentary on Terezi's clothing, my conception of Terezi's relationship to gender is largely informed by her relationship to the Knight role, which she implicitly tries to emulate when she role-plays as Redglare (the Knight of Mind) and which - as we understand it via Dave - is tied up in all these gendered expectations of heroism. Her proximity to gendered/hemospectral power absolutely plays a part too, though: the heroic Knighthood Terezi enthusiastically associates with being a legislacerator (see: the 'back in the day we could just kill criminals on the spot' shit) is really just systemic violence she is allowed to participate in by the blueness of her blood. But what she's apparently blind to is that - as you say - participating in that violence is subjecting herself to the violence of those higher on the patriarchal hierarchy. It's obvious to us, viewing Redglare's story as a cautionary tale about Terezi's fate, that the legislacerator is little more than the Grand Highblood's slave in the form of an attack dog; meanwhile Terezi obliviously treats Gamzee like a fascinating little oddity to play her games with, and is thus totally blindsided when he flips the script on her and reminds her of her place. Masculinity is a pool she's thrown into the deep end of, and Gamzee holds her head under the water with a grin.

Latula's bizarre struggle with the 'cool girl' persona is just Terezi and Redglare's complex of empowerment-disempowerment magnified to the ridiculous. The 'cool girl' finds acceptance among male peers by shedding off those cultural residues of femininity which are seen as undesirable, but for all her efforts can never truly become 'one of the boys' - for her gender transgression she is placed simultaneously outside of and beneath both classes. The gag about Latula not wanting to be "left hanging" even positions failure to be recognised as 'cool' ('like a boy') as a matter of life and death!

[glitcheslikeslego]

Show Me Your Moves! (Chapter 25)

AO3 STORY

Chapter 25 : Sleep Powder

Sleep Powder is a non-damaging Grass-Type move that has a chance to send the opponent to sleep.

“Maybe it’s good I don’t have a phone…” You mutter to yourself as you look at the crowd of passed out customers, surrounded by spilled drinks. “It’s like the Grimace Shake all over again.”

You cautiously walked over the people, trying not to kick any of them by accident. 

“Sleep Bug! Download from the nap store today!”

“That’s gonna get obnoxious really fast…” You grumble as you finally make it to the other side of the cae to hang up your apron. You put your name tag away in the pocket before leaving the cafe entirely.

You kind of remembered the route from your workplace to MK’s and after taking a few turns in which you hoped was the right direction, you smile upon seeing the outside of Pigsy’s noodles. You also spotted MK outside, and your smile faded to a concerned cringe as you looked at him.

He was wearing a fuzzy green robe and had incredibly messy hair. He was pushing a shopping cart covered in coloured lights, and Pigsy was asleep inside the cart. You could hear him muttering, but couldn’t make out what he was saying. The closer you walked, you could make out him speaking in a tone similar to Pigsy’s before falling to his knees and dramatically sobbing.

“Uhh, MK? Are you good?” You speak up with trepidation, and MK he turned to you, eyes bloodshot and had bags under them that would make Gucci jealous. 

“You’re okay!” Mk exclaimed happily and he hugged you tight, making you grunt in surprise and slight pain.

“MK, too tight!” You said, patting his shoulder.

He stepped back from the hug with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I’m just so glad that I’m not the only one awake anymore! It’s been so quiet.”

You pat his head as his eye slightly twitches. “That sucks. Listen, everyone’s asleep, the entire city.”

MK gasped. “Wait, really?”

“Sleep Bug! Download it from the nap store today!”

You sighed in agitation. “And I think I have an idea as to why.”

MK blinked, looked down at his own phone, before looking back at you and throwing it to the ground, smashing it to pieces.

You shrieked. “MK! What was that for!?”

“If that’s the case, then I know exactly what we need to do! Let’s go!” MK grabs your wrist, but you make a fist with your hand and bonk him on the head, making him pause.

“Before you go into the ‘hero stuff’, maybe get changed first?”

As MK ran to get dressed upstairs, you successfully stop Pigsy’s cart from rolling off and put it in a safe place, hoping that this would prevent him from getting seriously injured later in this episode.

MK had gotten changed in record speed and hadn’t even bothered with letting you get in a word before he transformed his staff into a super awesome hoverbike and pulled you on before flying off to–.

“To the Cloud!” He cheered as the wind whipped in your ears. 

The flight to the Cloud was quick, and ended with you and MK miraculously landing in front of the doors to the Cloud, completely unharmed from the crash. The bike seemed to also survive for a second before crumbling into many mechanical parts and transforming back into the staff.

Your heart was beating in your chest as you stared up at the imposing door, the paintings of the two guardians felt like they were staring into your soul. This was your first adventure with only MK, something you from Season 1 would have never thought of doing.

“No guards, hmm… something is definitely up.” MK declared as he leaned on the door.

“MK, wait–!” You reached out for him, but you were too late to stop him from falling through the door and into the Cloud. You ran in after him and bent down. “MK, are you alright?”

MK was face first on the floor, groaning. You went to help him up, but he was surprisingly heavy for someone his size. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and helped himself up. 

“This is the worst day of my life…” He groaned, but his disgruntlement was replaced with awe as he looked at the interior of the Cloud. “Woah…”

You stood next to him with a similar look, the Cloud had rows upon rows of books, all filled with knowledge that any person would love to consume. It was much more grand than the show could show.

“Wow…” You whispered as you two began walking down the biggest, middle aisle to find where the bug was.

"Where are you little bug? We're gonna find you!" MK yelled as he ran from one place to the next, leaving a mess behind.

"MK! Wait up!"

He faltered for a second, letting you catch up to him. The bug was on top of a holographic circuit looking thing, looking like it was charging.

"Found you, bug! Thanks for making it easy for me." MK pulled his staff out of his ear. "Time to bring my friends back."

"Well, well, well."

MK's staff flew out of his hands, and you jumped, turning to face the person speaking to you... more like the spider that was speaking to you. You glared at the demon and Mk stayed still, looking at him in surprise. 

"The one and only Monkie Kid." He put the cube he was holding onto into his pocket, and his goggles disappeared. "You two should be asleep."

MK gasped, and his staff fell end first on his head. "Another person! Wait, one of Spider Queen's goons."

"What do you mean we should be asleep?" You ask, deciding to stand in front of MK if he wasn’t going to be doing anything.

"Uh, because of my sleep bug game that sent the entire city to sleep?" The spider scoffed with a raised brow.

"That was on purpose?" Mk responded in shock.

The spider smirked at my response. "Exactly. Now, did I need to put the entire city to sleep just to incapacitate the Guardians here? Perhaps not, but in for a penny in for a pound either way. You don't have the mental dexterity to debug my game. You're just a motherboard with a decent GPU and no Central Processing Unit."

The techy spider boasted, and MK just smiled dumbly. "Uh... GP wha...?"

You just stood there, his techie jargon going in one ear and out the other.

The spider's smirk formed into a frown. "A Graphics Processing Unit, it means you look good and are well animated, but you don't have any brains."

"Look, I don't know what you're talking about, but are we gonna fight or what?" 

"No, I'm a big fan of outsourcing." With an outstretched hand, the spider used a green hologram keypad to control the Cloud, making everything glow red.

You and MK looked around worriedly. "While I'd love to hang around and chat, I have other things to attend to, and you're about to be eviscerated by the ancient Guardians of Knowledge, so I guess we're both pretty busy. Okay bye!"

He disappeared into the shadows above, and MK called out for him. "Get back here!"

The lights then turned on properly, and me and MK both turned to face the Guardians of Knowledge, who were two hulking figures that were several feet taller than both of you.

"Only those marked in the great ledger of knowledge and time shall be deemed worthy to enter this Temple of Wisdom and live." The two guardians spoke at the same time and raised their weapons.

Quickly, MK grabbed you and used his staff to escape, only to be stopped by the blue one, who was simply holding out his hand. He managed to flip out of his grasp and land before the entrance. 

"You are not on the ledger, you are not worthy."

"But can I add my name to the ledger?" MK asked, their weapons stopped just before they hit my attack and MK took that as his cue to continue. "Uh, like, can I sign up, is that a thing?"

"Of course!" The red guardian responded, the two smiling happily at you two. 

"Knowledge is for everyone." The blue one added on. 

Together, the two picked us up and took us to an office with a giant desk with a fancy looking computer. You sat next to him boredly as he filled out his name. He sat filling out his name for five whole minutes before his ID could get printed out.

"That's a real mouthful." The green one said.

"Yeah, no wonder I go by MK, right?" 

The printer took a while, but MK finally got his ID, and you were back on your way to stop the bug.There was a lot of running and being transported through portals, but you eventually made it to the circuit the bug was in.

“Lemme try.” You said, rolling up your sleeves. It took a while, considering that the demon was right and you had no idea how hacking or computers actually work, but after pressing some random buttons, the bug was safely deleted, and you and MK returned to Megapolis.

You and MK arrived at Pigsy’s as fast as possible, seeing Mei and Tang trying to help a confused Pigsy out of the shopping cart.

“You guys are okay!” MK exclaimed, happily hugging them.

“What happened?” Mei asked.

“It was one of Spider Queen’s goons, he sent the entire city to sleep. I don’t know why, but I think Spider Queen is planning something big.” You explain, recalling the cube that Syntax was holding that would be used in the mech making soup thing.

“Strange…” Tang hummed thoughtfully, wondering just what they were planning on doing.

MK shrugged. “That’s a problem for another day, for now, I’m just glad that the Sleep Bug is off the app store for good.”

Everyone nodded in agreement as you thought worriedly about what would come next.

~~~

<PREV ~ NEXT>

[sasagehoes]

MOONAGE DAYDREAM

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈;; 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐈?⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜! 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫.

⭒˚☽ ✴︎˚｡⋆;;As you walk thes streets of Diagon Alley you feel the presence of a certain...someone(s) follow you around while shopping. Is this the start of a great friendship...a band perhaps?

1976-1981

masterlist | series masterlist | Ao3 link

previous chapter | next chapter

a/n: This takes place on the events before, during and after the wizarding war, this series is part of a series, which will tackle more of the events in the golden trio era, the reader is hispanic but i couldnt care less if you're not, this is for everyone! [translations will be given]. English is not my first language so i apologise for any grammar mistakes. I hope you enjoy!

wc: 4.9k

CW: foul language is all I can think of.. let me know if i missed something!

“So you're telling me you three and another guy are part of some club..named the marauders?” you asked, munching on a biscuit whilst sitting on the living room floor.

“It's not a club per say but uh yeah!” James answered, you nodded slowly, still confused “And you just cause mischief around the school?”you asked bewildered, “It's basically our motto” Remus spoke.

“You guys must be hated by half the school then” you laugh, and Sirius only chuckled.”Kind of the complete opposite, but the Slytherins dislike us the most” his face had a very smuggish smirk, making you want to throw another magazine at his hair.

“What house do you guys think I'd be in?” you asked them with an arched brow, to be fully honest you didn't know yourself that well so you like when people expressed their first impressions of you.

They all thought about it for a second but Remus was the first to answer .”I haven't seen you in that many situations to determine that yet” he said after a long hum, you only nodded and looked at the other two “Obviously you're Gryffindor, only the best are there” James said with a stupid wink, in exchange you gave him an unamused face “Either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor for sure” said Sirius after analyzing you briefly. From what he's seen, you were pretty reserved and definitely studious enough to learn from an old blood magic transcript, not to say bold as hell for actually moving forward with casting one of the spells in said transcript. 

Remus on the other hand didn't want to make any assumptions from what he's seen so far, you could be as much as a loose canon as Sirius and James combined, or you could be as calm as Peter. After all it's only been a day and a half since the four of you had met.

“Y porque a la gente no le cae bien los Slytherins?” You ask James genuinely curious and he only scoffed “No son todos, but hell can some of them be absolute assholes” {Why do people not like Slytherin’s?}. {It's not all of them}

“Most of them are pretentious assholes, come from wealth, and are blood puritans” Sirius added, clearly having caught at least something of the conversation. His hatred for people who followed in his parents footsteps seeped through his very pores and his friends noticed.``But again, not all of them are like that, some of them are just snarky, none of the other shit” he added.

“If I land in any other house that's not Gryffindor, am I allowed to talk and hang out with you guys?” you ask in a worrisome tone. Remus only laughed “Yeah dove, it's not like we are all supposed to only socialize with people from our houses, we have a friend, Dorcas, she hangs around some Slytherins a lot, nothin’ wrong with that”

“Well, that's great!, got scared for a second”

The door to the house opened and Monty and Euphemia walked in, bags in hand

“We’re back kids, and sweetie we got you some stuff for your stay, just some essentials” Euphemia said. “Thank You so much, for everything” you say now standing, “Don't mention it, para eso esta la familia” {That’s what family is for} . James sighed and repeated the word ‘para’ to demonstrate how to roll the R better to his mum, “Deja a tu pobre madre quieta, she's trying” {leave your poor mother alone}. You laughed and Effy just shook her head and laughed as she walked to the pantry. “Don't make fun of your mother James, ese es mi trabajo” {That’s my job}, Monty shot a wink at all of you, and neither could resist the urge to burst out laughing. “What did he say” a confused Remus asked, looking at Sirius, he only shrugged “Don't look at me, i only know french”

As the night fell, Monty cooked dinner for everyone in the home while the three of you helped Remus pack to go back home in two days. “I don't know why you don't come with us to the station on wednesday,” complained the raven haired boy, throwing himself dramatically on the pile of freshly folded clothes, “Because, i would like to spend some time with my parents before i have to go, could be that dont ya’ think, coc oen?” {dickhead}

“Don't get all Welsh on me sweetheart, i'm not into that like Caroline” Sirius said with a mocking tone, earning him a shoe to the face.

“You shagged Caroline?!” whisper shouted James

“What?! Who said anything about shagging, we just snogged!” replied Remus in the same tone

“If by snog you mean almost eat eachothers faces off then yes, just snogged” Sirius added with a teasing smirk

You watched the whole ordeal go down asking to yourself “What the fuck does shagging and snogging mean?” sadly your thoughts seemed to have gotten out of said.. thoughts.

James looked at you trying to not laugh, and answered “Coger y besuquearse” {fucking and making out]}

you just deadpanned and started laughing. “You brits are weird” 

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and re folding half of the clothes Sirius had messed up, and the delicious food Monty had prepared.

 the following day Monty decided it was time to go shopping for school essentials, and gods were you blessed as soon as you left the room, Sirius had worn a leather jacket with band pins on the front and some small handmade patches on the back, he truly did look like those muggle rockstars, especially with the hair. Remus wore a jumper with a very funky pattern in red and yellow and some washdown jeans. Where the hell did James find friends this good looking?

Your outfit consisted of Effy’s clothes, a simple red shirt and a pair of blue flared jeans, and some old boots she had in your size stowed away in her closet.

Once everyone was downstairs, a ‘plan’ was set if you were being honest it felt unnecessary  how you all needed a plan to just go buy school supplies. How wrong you were

“Ok, so you three only need this semester's herbs and books and Y/n needs that and the rest of the essentials” Euphemia said, making a mental note of everything needed and how much time it could take

You leaned in to whisper in Sirius’s ear 

“Why do we need a plan, we are just going shopping, no?” your question made him scoff,

“Diagon alley gets really full after New Years, Ils deviennent tous fous” he answered

Before you could get a translation to what the hell he said, Monty interrupted

“I'm sure none of you get sick while apparating right?” oh how you hated apparating.

You shook your head nonetheless and so did the boys. “Well, that settles it, off we go”

Euphemia took you first, once you held her arm the world around you warped into a blob of mass and so did your body followed by Euphemia’s. In less than a minute you found yourself in the famous Diagon Alley, now you understood why you needed a plan to shop.

“Sirius wasn't playing when he said this place got busy after new years” you say not really to anyone, admiring the bustling streets. Effy just laughed “I'll be back soon so don't move an inch,alright dear?” you nodded and she left. Not much after Monty showed up with Remus which looked dazed, clearly not taking the apparating trip that well.

“You alright Rem?” you ask, a hand on his shoulder, not really registering the nickname you had given him.

“Yeah love, i'm fine” he coughed violently just after saying that, “If you say so buddy” you 

Hit his back to alleviate him from the coughing.

“That happens when you smoke to your heart's content, Moons” a voice spoke from behind you, turning to see who it was, your eyes met with her. She had red hair, fair skin and a face littered with freckles. She was really beautiful. Like the paintings from the Renaissance era your mom had hanging in the manor when you were little.

“I rarely smoke Lils please” he smiled, walking up to hug her, returning the action she noticed you standing there.

“I'm so sorry I didn't see you, are you a friend of Remus?” she asked politely with a smile 

As you opened your mouth to answer, the Potters showed up with Sirius and James in tow.

James instantly lit up when he spotted the red head and went to hug her tightly “How have you been Lilypad” he asked as he pulled away from the hug 

As that exchanged unfolded Sirius hooked an arm around your shoulder

“This is a common occurrence, he’s been head over heels for her since our first year” you giggled not having seen James like this since his crush on a girl called Elnora in first grade

Llily said hello to Monty and Effy and turned to you once again “Im Lily Evans, nice to meet you” her hand extended to greet you, you shook her hand and introduced yourself “Oh the Rouge family, i think James mentioned you to us back in our second year if i'm not mistaken” she stated. You really hadn't grown used to being called from the Rouge family after so long and to say that it bothered you was an understatement, but she couldn't have known. “I'm surprised he even mentioned me, we had not talked in years” your laugh was as natural as it could have been, but for some reason, Sirius hand, which you had forgotten was still on your shoulder squeezed it reassuringly. 

“How could I not? You are like one of my favorite people on the planet” James said with a cheeky smile, at that Lily’s smile dropped just a smidge making you feel like his feelings were not unreciprocated. 

“It was nice seeing you Miss Evans, yet we do need to get going, you could join us if you want” Monty said and Lily smiled. “Thankyou for the offer Monty but i already found everything i needed, my parents are waiting for me at the train station”

“If that's the case, see you around then dear” 

She hugged everyone and said her goodbyes, and as she was leaving a bright “Nice meeting you!” was directed your way.

James was sulking as she walked away and you couldn't help to copy the grin Remus had on his face 

“I knew we should've left earlier” James spoke all sulky, Sirius just palmed his back “Better luck next time you poor sod”

Who knew attending a wizarding school was going to be so fucking expensive? The first stop in Effy’s spotless shopping plan was Madam Malkin’s. Just the price of three robes purchased there made you shiver, how could that be 50 galeons?..outrageous! Yet Effy swore they would last until you graduated.

You both met back with Monty and the others in the Apothecary, once entering the place you almost gagged, the smell was wretched, no surprise there though, they did sold things for potions afterall, some herbs and some vials of premade start up potions all added to the price of 30 galleons, which wasn't that bad knowing it was for all four of you, Remus had tried to pay with his own money but the Potters wouldn’t take no for an answer. As the lot of you were in the register paying, you looked behind you and saw a head of blonde hair quickly hide behind a shelf of pre made potions, you brushed it off as some curious kid but it was still odd to say the least

The third establishment was the Magical Menagerie, the display window had cats and owls in cages, once you entered the lady at the desk greeted both you and Mrs Potter, they started talking about something along the lines of how the upcoming war has been delaying shipments and all that, looking around you felt just as you did at the Apothecary, watched. You looked outside through the display window, and you saw her again, a blonde girl not much older than you, if not younger, staring right back at you before instantly running away. 

What the hell was her problem?

“...dear are you listening?” Effy asked, “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't pay attention.” You reply embarrassed  “I was asking if you'd like a cat, an owl, or a rat” she spoke slowly.

You took a look around the pets available and there was an owl that intrigued you, it was pitch black the eyes almost camouflaging with the rest of its complexion if it wasn't for the dark red hue that they possessed, it was truly beautiful..until you saw the price tag, there was no way that feathered thing cost 70 galleons!

“Dearest, if you like that one, i'll get it for you, it's not that much money” she said with a reassuring smile you only looked at her as if she had a monkey hanging from her face “Im grateful truly, but i'm not making you pay that much for an owl Effy” you whisper shouted 

“Don't tell me what to do with my money young lady, we’ll get you that bird” her hands were on her hips and smirk decorated her face “But-” “No buts! Its final” you deflated at her answer and she could only laugh, once the bird was paid for and in its cage you thanked her with a hug

“You don't have to thank me sweetheart, if i couldn't buy you this, i wouldn't have offered, now lets run along we still have a couple of stores left to visit”

You exited the building, owl in hand and Sirius commented how off putting it looked, to you it was beautiful, even the most scary beings can come to be alluring. “What are you naming your owl?” asked James, trying really hard to not look at its piercing eyes. “Circe” you said admiring your new companion's beauty.

As you walked through the streets the sights only got more interesting, the moving shops, the awesome displays, it was all so magical, never in a million years did you think you would be able to experience this.

The walk to the next store was a rather long one, being located almost at the end of the alley, Flourish and Blotts, the adults decided to leave you all to your own devices, big mistake since the second they were gone, Sirius and James ran up to get quidditch supplies while Remus went after them, saying they won't take too long.

You decided to make good use of your time and entered the bookshop and went straight to the 5th year section, grabbing the books you saw on your list on the way. As you walked through the halls trying to find a book about potions. That's when you saw her again. 

Pandora was browsing through a book about seeing abilities when you approached her. “May I ask why are you following me?” She nearly jumped, “I'm sorry who are you?” she knew you had caught her staring at the Menagerie but tried her best to alleviate your suspicions, to no avail.

Your eyes only narrowed, “Don’t play dumb,this is the third time I've seen you, in a row. What do you want” your voice became more stern. She sighed, “My name is Pandora Rosier, my intentions were never to make you feel any type of discomfort, i was simply curious, seeing a new face and all” she had placed her book back to its corresponding place and extended her hand to greet you “Well, miss Rosier, next time you could just come up to me, i don't bite” you laughed and she smiled brightly back at you. She seemed harmless enough to let your guard down.

The bell on the door rang and you knew that was your friends. “Hope to see you again soon” you waved at her and left in a hurry. “Oh believe me, you will,” she said barely above a whisper,  going back to get a different book.

“There you are, Panda, did you find all the books you needed? Barty is waiting for us at Knockturn Alley, that bastard finally got off his ass” a blonde boy said as he held his new books in hand

“Yes brother i found everything i needed from here don't worry” she said, now gazing outside the window, looking at the marauders chatting with you

“Panda, you sound so dreary when you speak that way” Evan said with a weird look on his face, she just laughed it off and walked out the store with him.

Once the twins found themselves in the sketchiest place in Diagon Alley, they went into Burgin’s shop and sat to wait for they’re friends,not long after, the bells rang and they ran to the door.

“Regulus!, so glad you managed to make it!” The girl hugged him tightly and he reciprocated rather stiffly “Glad to know you're alright Pandora” he replied, his thoughts somewhere else entirely. She knew what he had probably gone through all those days locked away during the winter break at his house, afterall the eyes are the windows to the soul, as she liked to say. And his were bleak and dull, just like the ones of a porcelain doll, whose only purpose is to be on a shelf, to be displayed.

“Where’s the degenerate, you call your beloved?” Regulus asked Evan, peeking his head to the side. Evan only rolled his eyes “No fucking clue, he did say to meet him here, I assume you also got his flamboyant invitation” he mocked, moving his hands very dramatically up in the air.

Just as if he was summoned, he arrived, “Sorry to keep you all waiting, i know you all crave my attention” Barty’s voice boomed through the store, he ruffled Regulus’s hair and hugged Pandora only to throw himself onto Evan making him yelp “Get the fuck off me Crouch!” the blonde yelled, hitting the others back while Pandora and Regulus laughed in the back. “You know you love me Rosie” Barty said in a sultry voice and just as he got up from him, Evan looked straight into his eyes “ Go to hell” and kissed the other's forehead. Barty’s face dropped for a second before a big smirk overwrote his features and the bickering began once again.

Regulus could only sigh, “Do you know if ‘Cas is coming?” he asked Pandora, she sat down and answered “You really think her parents would let her come all the way here? And be seen with us? Not a chance in hell.” 

“Oh! I almost forgot to tell you all” Panda clasped her hands together, making Barty and Evan stop their bickering to pay attention “She’s here” her voice was bright and joyous

“Who is here? - Pandora dont start with this shit again” Evan rolled his eyes. “Be kind asshat” Regulus spat out, “Who’s here?” he asked her. “Our rouge star dear Reggie” Evan only groaned “She's been spouting this nonsense since the break started” he said annoyed 

“Don't disregard my visions Evan, I know what I saw!” she exclaimed

He never disregarded what his sister saw in her visions, but this last one was insane. Hogwarts never gets any exchange students, especially not in their 5th year!

“I'm just saying! It's outrageous” he continued, his arms up in the air defensively.

Barty groaned, “What vision ‘Dora?” 

“I saw a star, she was lost but found her way to us, you know the constellation that we are a part of?”

“you mean the one we made up in our 2nd year…for shits and giggles?” Barty asked once more

“Yes! That exact one!” Pandora almost jumped in glee, she loved when people got her obscure visions, no matter how complicated they were. And her friends got the job done..most of the time at least.

“What makes you so sure it's her?” Regulus popped in to ask

“I'm so glad you asked dear Reg” she stopped and thought for a hard second and nothing

“No reason then?” Evan said

“Intuition!” Said Pandora, exasperated.

“Guess we'll have to find out then” said Barty as he clasped his hands before continuing “Where is this rogue star of ours?” Pandora’s smile extended from ear to ear. They left the store and went around the alley once more in search of their new wondering star in Pandora's vision

“Please tell me we are almost done, my feet are aching” you whined, the list still had so many more things that were not crossed out and you were growing agitated

Having recognized your voice Pandora almost ran up to the location of said voice, yet Evan stopped her, grabbing her by the arm

“Panda, you will spook her, let's just stare from afar” he said and Regulus scoffed

“Yes, cause that’s totally not worse than going up to talk to the poor sod”

They all followed Evans' idea and hid behind a wall to observe you.

“We are almost done dear, just two more stores, mainly for herbs the apothecary ran out of” Effy said with an empathetic smile.

“Alright then..” you let out a long sigh but quickly felt a very familiar feeling..a Rosier type of feeling, just now more intense than earlier. Your head snapped to the wall the four creeps where staring from. Almost all of them flinched except one who just offered a shit eating grin.

“I'm gonna check something over there really quick Effy” you say still staring at them, she just hummed in approval and off you were. They stayed in their place awaiting the confrontation

“Amazing plan Rosie” said Barty 

“Shut the fuck up Bartemius”

“I see you brought friends with you this time Rosier, what the hell do you guys want i don't like getting stalked” you looked down at them,  the look in your eyes not kind in the slightless

“No reason” said Regulus, stoic as ever

You took a deep breath “Then stop it, or i will dissect you all, be normal and introduce yourselves or something,”

“You'll have to earn that, treasure” Barty added only agitating you more, “Don't test me you piece of shit” you say pointing at him with your finger, he only looks at it, then back to your eyes,and lets out a cackle, tilting his head to the side he says, “Where’s your wand at sweet cheeks” 

You crouch down to reach his level, “Don't need a wand to end up in Azkaban, princess ” you answer back with as much vermin in your words as his. “Make sure this is the first and last time i find you guys stalking me” and with that you turn on your heel and leave to go back with James and the others

“Pandora strikes again, she's our star” Evan says with a sigh. “I told you didnt I?” a proud Panda said, looking at her brother with an arrogant smile.

 “Id let her dissect me any day she wants” Barty says, enthralled not by your body as it walked away from them, but by the insults you spouted earlier

“Watch what you say you wanker, or that star is dying before she even sets foot in those corridors” Evan says, hitting him in the back of his head. With that Bartys’ hands instantly cradled the blondes face “You can dissect me and so much more Rosie”

“You guys are making me sick” said a very annoyed Regulus followed by a “They sure are something” by the blonde seer.

You finally reach Your friends back at the center of the Alley, your face in a frown, who the hell do they think they are?! Seriously, one thing is being curious, Another is being outright disrespectful and creepy.

“You alright there?” James asked as he saw your face scrunched up in something on the edge of disgust. “Yeah I'm good Jamie, where to next?” 

“Well dear, you have everything now except a very important thing” Monty added “Your wand, the shop is just around the corner, you can go in. We’ll wait outside for you” you cocked your head in confusion “Are you guys not allowed in?” you ask. Effy just smiled “We are dear, but this is usually a very personal moment, we just want you to live the experience, but if you want any of us to go, we can” 

“It's ok no worries, just wondering, what should i ask for” this was so confusing. “Just trust your gut, and either way the old man will help you with the wand picking” Remus said with his arms crossed, you nodded and left for the store

You walked into Olivanders and instantly saa hundreds of boxes with countless numerations at the bottom, all of them cluttered in dust clad shelves, so much dust made your eyes itched.

“Exchange student I assume?” a voice called out from behind the wooden counter, “How'd you know?” you ask, skeptical. He chuckled and grabbed a key to open some drawer in the desk, “I remember every face i've sold to, and the wand that left with them, i've never seen you, nor a wand leave with you in tow” 

He walked closer to you to examine your features and for a moment you saw his eyes widened

“You look just like your father,” He said just above a whisper,before trailing off. This man was either a fraud or a nutcase you thought to yourself. Your father never stepped foot in England, he always said he hated the climate.

“Sure buddy” you say, moving away from his gaze to look at the wands. “I see, you've never had a wand, let me see what i can find” he left to go look for a wand in a shelf hidden away at the back, when he came back he had three boxes with him.

“Try this one” he said as he handed you a wand with a violet hue, it smelled of lavender and felt silky to the touch. You held it awkwardly by the handle, not really used to a wand. Flicking the wand up only caused for the lights to shatter, making the man hide his head under his arms “Sorry..” you say ashamed

“No need..lets just put that away now” he replied, taking the wand from your hands and putting it in his respective box, this happened with two more wands, one was gray with a transcript engraved on its handle, and the other had vines carved onto its sides. By the end of it all, the store looked like it was wrecked by a hurricane. He thought for a while and went to the back once again without a word. You stayed there wondering if wand magic just wasn't for you.

“I didnt think id be giving this one away just yet, but this one might just be your match” He said as he emerged from the back of his store with a wand in his hand, the wand was black yet the handle had some carvings that almost resembles fish scales, and in between the incisions a reddish hue could be seen

“I'm sure he'd love to let you have it” his smile was kind yet sadness was strong in his voice. You flicked the wand and nothing catastrophic happened, making you and him smile. “That settles it, it's yours!” 

“How much would it be?” you are worried about how big of a dent this would  make on the Potters pocket. “Ronan would haunt me if i made you spend a single penny, just take good care of it” He spoke with a calm tone and a smile, before you could ask any questions a boy walked into the store with his mother, interrupting the two of you. “Duty calls, good luck” with that he was gone.

You left the store, wand in hand and went up to your friends “Guess who has a wand now!” you say showing the wand to them, they all laugh and James claps. “How much was it dear?” Monty asked, you shrugged “The man said that some dude named Ronan would haunt him if he charged him” Monty’s eyes widened at the mention of that name “I gotta say, that guy is a nutcase, he said i look just like my father..that man has never set foot in England” you scoffed. “Let me see that wand” Monty said almost in an instant, rushing up to you and inspecting the object.

His breath hitched in his throat as he kept looking at it, Euphemia  knew something was wrong with her husband, he rarely behaved like this, yet she couldn't pin down what it was. That was until she got closer and saw the wand up close. “Is it broken?” Sirius asked, as confused as the rest of you. “No!, no just admiring the amazing craftsmanship” Effy said hitting Monty slightly as a way to snap him out of his trance

“It's really pretty, can't wait to learn how to use it properly” You smiled brightly, the brightest he's seen you smile since you were a child.

How he wished both of them could see how happy you were now.

!! Thank you so much for getting this far. I can't wait to continue this series!! lf you'd like to be added to the taglist,let me know

𖤐⭒๋࣭ ⭑DO NOT;; RE-UPLOAD, TRANSLATE NOR COPY MY WORKS!! This belongs to;; -SASAGEHOES

[oddrobyn]

Hope you don’t mind me asking more questions then! What did Stev and Li think of each other when they first met? How did they end up becoming friends (or more) during the occupation?

This question literally inspired me to make a whole blog for them now omfggg but the tldr is pretty much that spending a lot of time together and considering neither of them had it easy in making friends they got really quickly attached to each other and the kindness they showed each other during occupation sort of escalated into caring and woops!!! Feelings occur!!

It was definitely something they have to keep under wraps not just for the sake of not getting separated but because stev was worried that if everyone knew about it , there would be problems for Li and the townsfolk unable to trust them.

Unfortunately for them people did find out but because they understood Li's character and that stev wasn't exactly an Evil Guy (tm) per say, there wasn't too much disappointment (but Cooper absolutely lectures them about it whenever he remembers that happened lol)

Considering the whole "shipped off to jail thing" it was pretty heartbreaking for both of them. A lot of people felt it was for the better that they never really made it "official" and sort of beat around the bush in what they wanted for each other but the fact of the matter is that Li still got attached and so of course they did emotionally suffer from the loss (especially since there's the assumption they would never see each other again AND the fact that Pen was Li's best friend so losing two of your closest people and thinking they're never coming back is pretty rough).

Spoilers for Evershine under the cut if you're interested !!

Ok sooo.

Even though after this point things in sandrock start looking up, Li actually becomes severely depressed and it worsens when Grace leaves and fakes her death and stuff. The three years between Sandrock and Evershine was mostly them regressing back into a self isolated hermit who never went out beyond the gates of their work shop out of worsening fear that ever getting close to someone again was going to just end badly again. Even when Grace did return they were unfortunately too far gone at that point and weren't seen outside their home for a long time.

This following headcanon was hugely based off something from my friend Cae so props to them for this idea!

But the second they heard the news that someone sounding like stev was spotted in the Northern Eufala and recieved a letter from him talking about him being there, they were quick to get on the next train there and reunite with him. Even if for a while Li felt sort of guilty about leaving sandrock behind out of nowhere and with no one except Logan knowing for a week or so, a lot of people knew they'd be happier and thankfully Sandrock was able to stand on its own now. The house is left untouched in case they ever choose to come back, but Li is a lot happier just being with someone they really cared for. Things got to pick back up where they left it and now they had the freedom to make things official !

[mediacrity]

A Quick One Before the Eternal Worm Devours Connecticut, thoughts

A Quick One Before the Eternal Worm Devours Connecticut by Have A Nice Life from the deathconsciousness album, 2008

*scroll down for spotify link to song

This is not incredibly detailed, a quick review

This is a requested review from @ka0mojiz

——————————-

I will say that I absolutely loved this song. An instrumental piece that begins with a floating sound that feels outer space looming over, and coming closer to you, while you stand in awe of its magnificence. A guitar, from what I can tell, a classical one, then plays an eerie yet nostalgic riff that, following the outer space theme, feels like space has taken you and you are now floating with it. the song achieves an emotional detachment, a liminality that feels like retrospectively looking back at a lost childhood down a corridor. Throughout the song, a “wind howling” sound that in context ends up sounding more like a space vortex that takes all underscores the piece, producing a feeling of blackhole-like emptiness. One can only imagine oblivion approaching, or you are already in, as you orbit within the dark vastness of space. A harsh, alien like synth-piano begins spearing into the track which feels like space focusing on and the track takes a turn —the nostalgic detachment is gone and is replaced by ominous dread. The track ends on a sound, feeling like a “spiral through space”.

overall, the song captures an emptiness and a loneliness. the vastness and oblivion can be felt through the spacey background sound, but the sharp emotion of blue nostalgia can be felt through the guitar. its title achieves a feeling of emptiness too, “devouring”, but places the location on earth instead of somewhere unknown to human civilisation, such as outer space. it allows us to capture those other-worldly moments on our earth, and ponder its alienation yet interlinked nature to the human experience. The song is 7:52, long enough for you to dissolve yourself in the feeling as it progresses. it’s a perfect listen for those who want to tune out the world for just a moment.

—————————

spotify link: A Quick One Before the Eternal Worm Devours Connecticut by Have A Nice Life, 2008

[shatteredsvn]

link to screen-reader safe version of our intro

[⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊] intro post [⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊]

⁺₊⋆ we are Shattered Sun, some info about us below! ⋆⁺₊

☀︎ Sun or Halo, they/them/themselves or it/its/itselves collectively ☀︎ bodily 18, intersex, white ☀︎ mixed origins fleirgenic, polyplural w/ a very large headcount, non-human heavy, flux between polycon and cephacon ☀︎ collectively nonbinary, arospec and queer ☀︎ we have ADHD, autism, NPD [+ other cluster B traits], HC-DID, OCD, PNES, pica, schizophrenia, kleptomania, depression, anxiety and chronic motor tics. we also have a limb difference [our left leg is 2 inches longer than our right] and some chronic illness stuff that we haven't really figured out yet. ☀︎ we also run @alterdrivethru !!

[⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊] before you interact/follow [⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊]

☀︎ if we are in your DNI don't interact, DNIs go both ways ☀︎ we don't have a DNI but we block very freely ☀︎ if you're here to fakeclaim us or something, just know we deadass do not care if you think we're a faker or whatever, we will probably just laugh at you ☀︎ we're photosensitive so we have all cws for flashing lights blocked, this is also why we don't have media asks enabled ☀︎ we're pro mogai, pro endo, anti ship and anti radqueer. do with this what you will ☀︎ we reclaim slurs, mainly faggot and schizo ☀︎ we don't like being referred to as human

interests + frequent fronters below the cut

[⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊] spintrests/hyperfixs [⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊]

☀︎ regretevator ☀︎ block tales ☀︎ forsaken ☀︎ corru.observer ☀︎ MOGAI ☀︎ plurality ☀︎ journalism ☀︎ mental disorders

[⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊] frequent fronters [⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊]

☀︎ Tobias - xey/he/it - #🍋

fallen angel freak of a nonbinary man [also bisexual]

☀︎ Sage - she/her - #🌺

bisexual cis woman, very proud tulpa, also a demon

☀︎ Mara - they/she - #🌿

demigirl + bisexual, the token human

☀︎ Astraea - cae/fae/daze/fog/it/she - #✨

elf-coded angel of the stars that vaguely resembles a woman if you squint really really hard

☀︎ Marshmallow/Honey/Vanilla - he/bun/they - #🍨

bnnuy!! male but in a girl way, i luv men

☀︎ Moss - they/them - #🥡

octive, nonbinary catgender + unlabeled sexually. chronically eepy and hungry cat

☀︎ Gubby - she/they - #🐇

gub. i like saying gub a lot. oc introject, i have 3 genders and all of them are gub. gub.

☀︎ Two Time - they/it/spawn - #🗡

Nonbinary and queer. I'm what you would call a silly little guy 🙂

☀︎ Amoura - he/they - #🔪

ayano aishi if he was actually cool and had tboy swag. demon disguised as a human. despite my source, i find the idea of romance repulsive <3

☀︎ Chorus/Enderwalk - end/xey/it/they - #🔮

nonbinary, bi, the remnants of a 2-year long DSMP hyperfixation [c!Ranboo fictive]. married to Pest ❤️❤️

☀︎ Pest - any/all - #🪲

transfemneumasc, bi gay, Regretevator fictive, happily married to Chorus 💜💜

☀︎ Evilie/Evil Alter - he/him - #😈

token cishet [if you ignore the aromanticism], being made up of pure evil /silly

☀︎ Vixen - any/all - #🐏

pan lesboy, pangender, weird ram demon guy

☀︎ Anthony - he/him - #🥀

fictive with a source i'd rather not talk about. tired as shit. male and probably gay

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

I think what the anons really want to know is what would twilight be like if instead of Edward, it was Elisabeth who was turned. Which I'm also interested to know your take on. Do the Cullens happen in this scenario? What do the others think of Elisabeth?

You know, as an aside, it's hilarious you can kind of tell what anons want to ask but they're very bad at asking exactly what they want to ask.

Instead of saying "Carlisle turns Elizabeth instead of Edward" I get a whole bunch of "What if Elizabeth told Carlisle to turn her instead". Not the same question, guys.

But anyways, depends.

Elizabeth likely doesn't have as good control, Edward's control is insanely good in the series, his problem is he wants the good stuff and is tempted not that he physically can't resist. Given what we see of most of the other Cullens save Rosalie, Elizabeth probably isn't doing as well as Edward did.

This could be enough to convince Carlisle that he shouldn't turn others. I do think the success he had with Edward right away, that told him it wasn't a product of his turning and that this was something people could do, is what opened the flood gates.

Not to mention that Elizabeth would probably be dependent on him for longer/avoiding society for longer and then we get the whole "what is our relationship going to be". Are they going to be friends? Romantic partners? If Carlisle starts turning a series of very beautiful women: how's that decision going to go down? With Edward it worked out because he had son unit and then Esme was very clearly in the wife role by the time Rosalie was turned.

In this cae not so clear cut.

So you know, I take back my depends and say "no". The Cullens don't happen and Twilight doesn't happen (for obvious reasons).

[brunosrat]

Soul Parent Diaries, Pt 1

tw: religious talk (Christianity and Paganism), Metaphysical type stuff, very brief toxic family mention

DISCLAIMER: I am not saying there is anything wrong with the Christian beliefs. If you would like to believe in that, that's completely up to you. I am just speaking my experience.

Having Hellenic/Pagan beliefs is really interesting, especially when you have a soul parent.

I was raised as a Christian. My family and I would go to church as often as possible, participate in church events, and send my sister and I to the youth groups. Now, I never really felt attached to the Christian beliefs. I never really felt like I belonged. Which seemed really contradictory, given the various Christian beliefs, but y'know.

Now, for the last few years, I've been really attached to the Hellenic beliefs. Which, if you don't know, is the belief of the Greek Gods. For the longest time, it's just felt more realistic and believable than the Christian beliefs. And for most of that time, I have felt very attached to Apollo.

It was a few months ago when I realized what soul parents are and that I am in fact a child of Apollo.

You see, people can have varying connections to the Gods. Everyone is different. It could be a mentor/teacher type connection, a friend/friendly connection, and in some cases, a parental type connection. A soul parent is a God you have a parental type connection with.

For me, I have that parental connection with Apollo. I feel as if he treats me like his child. And since my family life is quite toxic, it's really comforting to know Apollo treats me like his child. That he cares about me. That I'm never alone.

Having a soul parent like this is really comforting for me. It helps me in ways I haven't been able to find otherwise.

-written and posted by Castiel/Cae

[book-wyrm-thoughts]

GREAT READS SO FAR

I Met my reading goal early this year so lets go over some of the highlights! These aren't going to be in depth just my general thoughts.

All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows. ⭐5/5

M/M fantasy Romance.

I read A Strange and Stubborn Endurance last year an loved it. It wasn't quite a 5/5. I'm so glad I grabbed this one. It builds upon everything from the first books. It goes into Vel's trauma more and the politics of Cae's new station. Also husbands falling in love.

This book also felt much more structured than the first one. At time of writing this review the Author hasn't mentioned writing another book in this series but if they do I'm absolutely buying it.

I'd recommend look into the trigger warnings for these books, while all traumas are dealt with in this series with care I saw in other reviews that people had issues going into this series.

Reborn by Seth Haddon ⭐4/5

M/M fantasy Romance

Another second book in what is sort of a series. This book takes place in the same world as Reforged with characters that were in that book. Though they can be read stand alone. I certainly read them out of order. I had initially DNFd Reforged but this book made me pick it back up and finish it.

To say that this book had me in a choke hold is an understatement, I read this in two sittings and the only reason I didn't read it in one go was the fact I started this book in the middle of the work week and I had to do stuff other than read.

I love the characters, the exploration of their respective cultures. it was just *chefs kiss* perfection. This is a another author who I have under automatic buy.

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher ⭐4/5

Supernatural Queer Historical Horror

I adored What moves the Dead and while this book didn't have me captured like it predecessor had I still enjoyed it.

I love learning about the fictional country of Gallacia (not to be confused with Galicia, Spain) from it's customs to its multitude of pronouns.

We are back with Alex who is staying at their family's Hunting lodge with Angus and Miss Potter and again something strange is happening.

The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara ⭐4/5

M/M Supernatural Murder Mystery Romance

This was a great pallet cleanser series between some heavier books, though maybe it isn't super light.

I'm a sucker for Werewolf/Shifter Romances. Like I can never get enough but I find myself disappointed with how they address the racism that usually comes along with the territory.

One thing I love about this series is the fact that they do address it. The main character, Cooper, works for the Bureau of Special Investigations which looks into Werewolf on human crime with emphasis on protecting humans. He's partnered up with Oliver Park, a werewolf working for The Trust (Werewolf Government) and Cooper starts to see the flaws in the BSI and how Werewolves are persecuted in the eyes of the law.

While I enjoy this i felt like it could have been explored more, though it is brought up throughout the series and Cooper does reflect on his own biases. Though this has been the best addressment in the shifter books I've read so far.

Anyway...the romance is cute and the mysteries are written in a way where I felt like I was solving them along side the characters. Each book in the series builds on the couple's relationship culminating with them getting married in the final book.

When First I Met My King by Harper Fox ⭐4/5

M/M retelling of King Arthur

It breaks my heart that this series will never be finished, but what is written is great.

This is one of those series where the books are short and just kind of one part of what should really be one regular length book. So if you're going to read it just read all three in one go.

I'm not sure how to describe writing styles but how ever you would describe how this book is written is how I want books written.

This book explores the changing or religion and by extension the role of women in society. I don't know much about the historical accuracy of how these topics are explored but it makes for a very compelling read.

Lance and Arthur's relationship is explored in great detail in this trilogy though they are apart for a good portion of the series.