#conveniently none of them are well themselves or about each other either

[hmslusitania]

Theoretical Implementation & Applied Ideas

Neither Jayce nor Viktor are happy about it when given the ultimatum to take on graduate students or find another laboratory outside the academy. Things have been working perfectly well for their partnership for the last dozen years, after all, and if it isn't broken, etc, etc. But sometimes it takes a disruption to the daily routine in order to see what's always been there, right in front of their faces. OR Professors Jayce and Viktor are forced to take on Powder and Ekko as students. It changes everything.

[shadows-writing-lounge]

Content: Phantom Ganon(dorfs) Headcanons. General and GN reader.

threesomes+ and cuckoldry mentioned. Phantom Ganon will be refered to as P.G for convenience. Personal thoughts on the P.G and their sources.

Reader Info: you/your, gender neutral no bodily mentions.

General Headcanons

P.G's Goods

Each P.G closely reflects their counterparts.(With the exception of the Phantom Riders from TP) Their stature, and endowments match but their temperaments are more mellow. Oot Phantom Ganondorf is the most diverging from the original personality of Ganondorf. From the implication of him being some sort of spirit or demon molded by Ganondorf into his own likeness before being discarded upon his failure.

The other Phantoms are probably made in similar ways or more akin to dark Link. Where they are an aspect of his personality/will reflected. Otherwise they are beings of pure magic. A mixture of magic and Gloom in the case of ToTK P.G.

It seems like an unnecessary task to craft genitalia for something intended kill or distract the hero of that age but I don't care they have junk in this blog.

WW P.G is more of a vague representation than an proper replica of Ganondorf. One of the spectral P.Gs and looks malleable so he might be adjustable.

Oot is most likely the only P.G to produce semen as he seems to have an actual physical body instead of one spectral/solid magic. So expect most of them to be dry orgasms.

Oot is probably the only one with a warm body.

ToTK P.G if they produce ejaculate is probably made of Gloom so not the best for long term health. Ignoring them being made of Gloom in the first place.

Some are mute. Others more vocal than their Ganon(dorf) counterparts. Some instances might be talkative during and after.

I been thinking about the Phantom Riders and ToTK P.Gs which can appear in numbers. A little idea of Ganondorf summoning them to tend to you while he watches. ToTK being more likely.

They may reflect Ganon's feelings more opaquely than their counterparts.

P.G's Kinks

Depending on which P.G you're talking about they likely share kinks or are more distinctly different.

-Sensation Play. I feel like most P.Gs are cold not uncomfortably so but either room temperature or slightly under. Plus magic and Gloom will feel different from flesh. Magic seems tingly similar to touching an old static TV screen or a less uncomfortable pins and needles.

Gloom I'm let sure. Probably like some sort of slime. Where it feels cool and wet but it's actually dry and a little sticky. Though none of the Gloom from P.G will rub off.

-P.Gs probably aren't going to get worn out so marathon sex is easy to achieve. They'll continue until their partner is worn out. Some will be pleased with themselves other content that they fulfilled their duty.

-Speaking of duty. If a P.G is summoned for sexual purposes they won't bother undressing for the tasks. They are Ganondorf sized so their hands are enough to please if penetration is involved. They would if asked they're their to please after all.

-OoT P.G is probably the most submissive to any Ganon(dorf) adjacent character. Specially if he's pulled back out from The Gap Between Dimensions. The most eager to complete any task to not be returned to that eternal emptiness.

-He's begrudgingly is into it. Being degraded and praised or full on cuckoldry. It's probably intended to be a punishment but it's not very effective.

-Just a thought if there's a difference between the two versions of the ToTK P.G.

-Would they have similar strength and just different appearances? Either way they'd have the access to Gloom hands. Restricting movements and feeling you up.

Reader Insert Headcanons

(A little imagines as well) Most Imply relations with Ganondorf as well.

P.Gs that are direct phantoms of their Ganon seem to recognize you upon seeing you. Whether they have the memories of Ganon or they were told about you they know you.

-Used to only experiencing battle they are eager to engage in an much more pleasant fight of dominance. They have to learn your body but they are quick to learn. Ganon may have to dissuade you from getting near them when he needs them to actually work.

OoT P.G needs to be introduced. Possibly originally summoned/created to guard you when Ganon is deep in royal schemes or during the seven years after he acquired the triforce. He may originally disliked his new forced rule but grow to be affectionate with you.

-He initiates on his own merit not due to residual feelings from Ganon but his own. He uses his hands most of the time not wanting to risk anything. Saying he only wished to please you would be more difficult otherwise. Though the truth is that he's greedy for you. He's jumping your bones as soon as he gets the permission.

Whether or not ToTK Ganon knows of it maybe even encourages it. The gloom hands and the attached Phantoms have gotten a liking to you. Hands holding you in places as they shed your clothes and touch your flesh. Only when they had their fill or grow too impatient do they retreat to let the phantom have it's way.

WW P.G tending to your needs while Ganondorf searches for the princess. His being sending shivers up your spine at the slightest touch. His features barely there and constantly shifting. Not that you care as his hands work their growing expertise.

WW P.G being the only phantom able to interact with a separate instance of Ganondorf than his own. Hidden away, at least you two thought you were, as P.G pleasures you. Maybe you were too noisy as HW Ganondorf stumbles upon your union.

-HW Ganondorf feeling a mixture of intrigue and slight confusion at the scene. He wouldn't mind watching this play out.

[immortalnetizen]

The Ideology of Hatred

Probably the most crucial theme of Batman v Superman, and that which is most pertinent to our contemporary discord, is that of the empowerment and corruptive influence of hatred. Hatred is a natural human sentiment, the manifestation of our most profound sense of fear, regret, greed and envy and enabled by our innate fallibility, irrationality and selfishness.

The psychological catalyst which motivates and drives both Batman and Superman as well as Senator June Moon is that of hatred which emboldens us to tear down others for the sake of building our feeble and insecure sense of pride and self-perceived sense of righteousness. Bruce Wayne finds false solace through his cynical take on Superman being a false hero and god while projecting his own destructive and self-righteous tendencies as a crime fighter enforcing his own moral code those considerably weaker than himself upon Superman, thereby justifying Batman’s own jaded and uncompromising attitude and harmful behavior. Superman, likewise disheartened by the suspicion and contempt he has so garnished through the media and popular discourse, finds toxic comfort in focusing his hatred toward Batman while attempting to paint him and the society that enables him as the real hypocrites and threat to justice. In the end, neither character is really at war with one another, but a false perception that they’ve built up in their minds as the ultimate enemy while fooling themselves into believing that they are the ultimate and true hero.

I’m good so long as the other guy is more evil than I.

Both characters seek to affirm their sense of righteousness through the admonishment and destruction of the other as opposed to focusing on their own shortcomings and the real social issues and injustice going on around them; losing sense of who they really are by over-fixating on how they desire to envision and demonize the other. It is only through their blind and obsessive contempt for the other that Lex Luthor, a master of media and political manipulation, is able to deceive and play the two off of each other as he did Senator Moon and the Capitol bombing.

Hatred is a drug; it numbs us to our own shortcomings, projects demons where none be and inundates our most wretched sense of guilt and self-loathing by encouraging us to scape-goat those we prefer to see as a threat to our greatest wants and desires. Probably the most tragic irony of Batman v Superman is in how its core message went largely ignored by mass-audiences who, as opposed to walking away with any measurable degree of valuable incite, chose instead to indulge themselves in a campaign of blind outrage and hate-mongering, characterizing Snyder as an anti-christ or convenient strawman for their petty discord, dismissing people who either understood or showed any appreciation for the film as ‘cultists’ and peddling conspiracy theories such as claiming that film star Ben Affleck secretly purchased bulk copies of BvS DVDs in order to boost sales. Clearly no lessons need be learned here.

If only such individuals could be as perceptive as they are delusional about their own inflated sense of cultural taste and intellect. Indeed arrogance, haughtiness and intolerance is the death of objective film analysis and art critique.

[maccreadysbaby]

OPERATION: ULTRAVIOLET

alex rider + oc insert

tw: none

wanna read more? here’s the table of contents!

yay summer camp! 😬

part nine

❝ LEON WATERS ❞

SUNDAY — MAY 7, 2001 — 6:01PM

KAI AND ALEX SOON WENT ABOUT SHUTTING THEMSELVES IN THEIR ROOM TO, QUOTE-ON-QUOTE, UNPACK. 

The bedroom was quite big. There were two large dressers against one wall, and two sets of bunk beds off to either side with a desk and chair in the center. A bathroom door sat off to the right. Beyond it were two sinks, two private bathroom stalls, and two private shower stalls.

The bedroom had a couple of large windows displaying the outback and bungalows next to them. Double hung and able to be opened, for safety incase of a fire. They didn’t seem to be made out of any specialty glass — they could be broken at any time. 

The sliding glass doors in the common area, however, were the complete opposite. Kai had seen it as soon as he walked into the cabin. The slightest shift in clarity from the window panes to the doors, the thickness of each accordion folding panel — the entire thing was bullet resistant.

He went about checking the mirrors in the bathroom, too. Not that he suspected there was enough space behind it for it to be a one-way, but it wouldn’t hurt to be careful. They came back as normal as far as he could tell.

Kai and Alex had claimed the leftmost set of bunk beds, right in front of the door, because things that were supposedly Hugh and Kane’s were already strewn around on the other one. The two of them were quiet. Kai popped his blue suitcase open in a bid to look like he was doing something — and there was a little folded piece of paper sitting on the very top, laying on a red windbreaker he’d never seen before.

With a furrowed brow, he picked it up, examining the scrawly handwriting scribbled across it.

Thought I’d give you one last thing — the jacket is temperature regulating, so it will keep you warm in the cold and cool when it’s warm. There’s also six hidden pockets on the inside for you to use at your own convenience — lined with lead so if you’re ever scanned nothing inside will show. Use it well! 

Smithers

PS: this note will self-destruct fifteen seconds after coming in contact with your skin.

Kai barely had time to drop the little piece of paper on the floor before it completely disintegrated, crumbling to a pile of white ashes that shriveled and shrunk until they were practically invisible. 

There was a snort, and Kai glanced up at Alex, who was across the room with his own suitcase propped on a dresser, amusement stretched across his features. 

“What?” Kai asked.

“You just look like you’ve never seen anything before,” Alex snickered, shaking his head, lowering his voice to a nearly inaudible whisper. “You know, the son of rich lawyers has most likely seen the outside world. You don’t have to pretend you don’t know what a prosthetic leg is. Malachi Cross is anxious, not stupid.”

Kai merely stared at Alex blankly for a few seconds. The blonde didn’t look up at him, but instead, picked up a note from inside his suitcase, too. It must’ve been from Smithers.

Kai breathed in and out deeply, looking down at his hands. “Yeah…”

He said nothing else. Instead, he continued to sift through his suitcase even though he had no intention of putting any of his things in a community dresser. All of the clothes were actually his except for the jacket, and they were well organized, definitely not how he’d left them. The thought of anyone — Smithers or not — messing around in his clothes just made him uncomfortable.

A moment of quiet passed, and Kai felt Alex’s eyes linger on him from across the room.

Kai never said anything about the stupid comment. He put on the thin windbreaker from Smithers and went about putting all the different gadgets from him in the hidden pockets — folded and sewn in such a way that no one would suspect them without previously knowing they existed. Even Kai had to run his hands almost obsessively over the fabric to find them. The music player, pen, and sunglasses vanished into his jacket while he kept the bracelet on his wrist, and put the inhaler in his front pocket; he had no need to hide that. Alex just went about putting a few choice things in his pants pockets.

What were they supposed to do for the rest of the day? Dinner was at six at night, but it was only six in the morning. Kane had oh so helpfully said the plan for the day was basically whatever they wanted it to be.

Kai made his decision rather quickly.

He put his suitcase under the bunk beds, climbed onto the bottom bunk, and curled up there, ignoring an inquisitorial glance from Alex. 

After all, he guessed the bulk of their camp activities were going to be taking place after dark. 

—

Time caught up with him far too quick for his liking. One minute, he was laying on the bottom bunk, tracing the outline of the inhaler’s mouthpiece in his pocket in a bid to fight the jetlag, the second, a series of loud, harsh knocks were erupting through the bedroom and shooting into his skull.

Kai peeled his eyes open just barely, catching sight of Kane’s orange-clad figure standing in the doorway, leaned up against one side with a crooked looking grin on his face. He must’ve been knocking on the frame.

“Alright, lazy bones. You’ve both officially slept for twelve solid hours,”

With a quiet sigh, Kai sat up and rubbed at his eyes. The bunk bed creaked above him from someone’s movements, and he realized that Alex must have ventured up there some time after he’d fallen asleep.

“I would let you sleep, but neither of you have eaten all day — plus, you have to pick your activities and stuff in the mess hall after dinner,” Kane said, his dark hazel eyes flicking from one bunk to another. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you’re both going to be up all night now. And that means so am I.”

Kai said nothing, but pushed himself up and out of the bed. 

The sun was setting outside, making the entire bungalow glow with the massive amounts of natural light that spilled in from all angles. Alex hopped down from the bunk above and nearly fell on Kai’s head while he was trying to get out of the bed. 

“So, where did you fly in from?” Kane had asked, once he, Alex, Hugh, and Kai were on the move — leaving their bungalow and heading for the mess hall, through the outback that was cooling off and glowing gold. Kai had expected walking to be difficult for Hugh with the fake leg, but apart from a slight limp, he walked normally. Kai only briefly wondered what had happened to his real leg.

“London,” Alex answered easily. “Eighteen hour flight.”

“Ugh,” Kane grimaced. “And you?”

He was looking at Kai.

“Oh. Uh, I flew in from London, too. But I flew from LA to New York before that, and from New York to London. Then here,” Kai explained carefully. He had known exactly what airports Malachi Cross would have taken across the United States, even if he hadn’t actually taken them himself. It had been in his file. 

“Yikes,” Kane shook his head. “That’s, like, thirty hours in the air.”

“No wonder you’re jet-lagged,” Hugh cut in with a faint snicker. 

Kai nodded slightly, glancing down at his red shoes that now matched his red windbreaker. “I hated it.”

“I would, too,” Kane mused. The four of them were growing closer to the huge modern building Kai had seen when they arrived, and campers seemed to be making for it from all directions, following counselors in bright orange. There were a lot of people and Kai decided he didn’t like it very much.  

“Hugh!”

The four of them glanced to the side when the voice came, reverberating over the chatter but smooth, controlled. Leon Waters was standing off to the side at the mess hall, just to the left of the door with a bright smile. He caught his son’s eye and waved him over, lifting a hand to Kane in greeting. Kane lifted a hand back.

Kai wondered if he and Leon Waters knew each other more than he had originally thought. Leon seemed to trust him, and Kane had made an offhand comment about following the millionaire from America all the way back to Australia for the summer. Kai wanted it to make sense, to give his counselor the benefit of the doubt, but Kane was a certified American EMT; and crossing oceans seemed like a long way just to get a summer job when he could’ve been working in the American medical field for far more money.

Kai filed those thoughts away for later. Instead, he glanced over at Hugh — he had been walking on Kane’s left, the side opposite to Kai and Alex — and was merely looking over at his father. Something seemed to cross his face, like hesitation or sheepishness, and instead of splitting from the group, he glanced at Kane like he was asking for permission or searching for something.

“Go ahead, we’ll meet you inside,” The counselor responded, patting Hugh on the back as the four of them walked. Hugh nodded faintly, turning away and heading for his father without saying anything.

Kai watched Hugh walk away. He couldn’t be sure, but when the boy had looked back at Kane, there had been something in his crystalline eyes. Almost like he was hoping Kane wouldn’t make him go. Obviously the counselor hadn’t picked up on it… or, maybe he had.

Kai saw Leon intercept Hugh with wide arms and a bright smile, tugging him off to the side and chatting quietly as they walked. Was it too early for Kai to be pinning people as potentially suspicious? They’d only just arrived at the camp, but he wondered if there was something else going on between Leon and Kane. Some kind of unspoken relation that tied them together. Maybe it was completely innocent — maybe they were family friends, maybe Kane had worked at Leon’s camp for a few years and they knew each other as coworkers. But what if it was something else? Something that had to do with the danger MI6 and the CIA had been trying to close in on?

He glanced over at Alex just for good measure.

His brown eyes were trained on Leon and Hugh as they disappeared around the side of the building. Had he picked up on the same thing in Hugh’s gaze?

Alex met Kai’s eye for a split second before their gazes both fell, and they continued on with Kane.

It could’ve been nothing. It was most likely nothing. But it also could’ve been something, even if it was just the smallest hint that indicated Leon Waters might not have been all he seemed.

Kai and Alex went with Kane into the modern mess hall. It was buzzing with life, with dozens of round tables full of campers and counselors, a sort of electric excitement in the air. There was a stage to the left and a kitchen to the right, and the whole place was loud and alive with overlapping voices of excited children preparing for the two exciting weeks ahead.

The three of them drifted to an empty table near the door. It was round, with six little built-in chairs attached to the legs. Kane plopped down in one while Kai sat almost completely opposite him, Alex finding a chair somewhere between the two, not directly next to either of them.

Kai let his gaze drift across the room. There were at least a hundred boys and girls filling the cafeteria, chatting with an overlapping excitement. Mrs. Jones had said the camp was geared toward rich and high profile families, and that rang true as Kai’s eyes dragged across a few kids he’d seen on the news before, alongside well known parents. Those parents probably didn’t realize they were sending their children to live with someone who was under investigation by MI6 and the CIA.

“There’s a buffet next to the kitchen where you can get what you want,” Kane said, gesturing to a long bar that sat at the right end of the room. “There’s different stuff every day. During dinner, Mr. Waters usually comes and talks to everyone. Then you get to pick all your activities for the first week.”

Kai thrummed his fingertips against the table, his eyes traveling around the room again. He scanned the dozens of windows in the modern place. It seemed like whoever built it wanted the walls to be mostly glass, because that’s how it ended up. The outback beyond was growing dark now, illuminated by lights set along the camp paths that made it bright — a much whiter, less natural looking light than before. Through the windows in all four directions, colorful bungalows were peppered, and straight in front of Kai were the camp gates in the distance.

Also straight in front of Kai was the shadowed silhouette of Hugh Waters.

He was barely visible, just in the edge of the window like they had been trying deliberately not to be seen. Kai couldn’t see Leon, but Hugh’s head was bowed, the toe of his one real foot dragging across the red dirt, drawing lines there. He nodded every few seconds. Kai wished he could hear what Leon was saying, but he didn’t have a prayer. He’d have to be outside with them to have even the slightest chance. 

He felt sort of weird about it. He knew it was probably something normal, like family news or something equally as boring. But being here at the mercy of MI6 seemed to be tainting Kai’s every thought, an underlying hum that reverberated through everything he experienced. He couldn't look at, hear, or think about anything without faint whispers twisting inside of his brain — whispers asking what the hidden meaning behind it all was, when there probably wasn’t even a hidden meaning at all. How did Alex decide between when to take something at face value and when to categorize it as something that might’ve been deeper? How did he weed out the things that mattered to his investigations from the things that didn’t? 

Kai wasn’t sure. He guessed his course of action would be to just… decide everything was suspicious until it was proved otherwise. That’s how they did it in court, right? Guilty until proven innocent? (Or was he remembering it backwards?)

When he finally emerged from his thoughts, Hugh was gone from the window.

Kai flinched when Hugh plopped down at the table directly next to Kane, one empty chair away from Kai. He hadn’t seen him come in.

He watched Hugh closely as he sat down. Kane clapped him on the back and shook him a little, earning a small smile that didn’t really seem to reach any deeper than the surface. 

Kai looked down at the table in front of him, wondering. 

It was only a few minutes later that Kane dragged them all up to the bar to get food. Apparently it was spaghetti night, because there were unbelievable amounts of noodles and red sauce organized in tubs at the bar, fresh and hot. 

By the time they returned to the table, the buzz in the room had quieted, and that was because Leon Waters had come inside. 

He was walking around the mess hall, greeting the campers with dazzling smiles and playful banter. Kai watched as he moved, picking and choosing a few tables to stop at on the way to the stage, where a single microphone was standing even though he probably didn’t really need one. 

Eventually, he hopped up onto the stage with a bright smile, teeth so white they would probably glow even in a desert full of snow. “Good evening, campers! How are you doing tonight?”

There was a surge of varied responses from around the room, but none of them were from Kai’s table. 

“My name is Leon Waters; I’m the head counselor and I’m so excited you guys are staying here with us this summer! We have some very, very exciting things planned for you guys over the next two weeks!” 

Kai swirled his spaghetti around on his plate as Leon spoke, the man’s bright, bubbly personality sounding strangely genuine at the same time it sounded like a badly acted school play. Leon talked for a long time — outlining the daily schedules, which was really only made up of activities, meals, and random camp-wide events like campfires and movie nights. Kai didn’t listen much; he’d have Kane to tell him what to do anyways.

The activities at the camp were organized by color to indicate difficulty — and Kai perked up slightly when Leon Waters announced that he’d be leading the red colored activities each day — the hardest ones.

So now they knew where he’d be.

Eventually, his speech drew to a dragging close with an almost businessman like tagline of: “After all, you kids are the future,” During which he winked in a way that belonged more in a cologne commercial than a summer camp.

Once he concluded, a few counselors came around and handed out papers for them to fill out — marking all the activities they wanted to do on the first seven days. There were only two red activities each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, where Leon Waters would be.

But Kai was pretty sure Malachi Cross wouldn’t pick those.

The mess hall filled with overlapping chatter of kids excitedly choosing their activities, but Kai just sort of stared down at the chart blankly. There were tons of different things to do, from simple stargazing to things like white water paddling and rock climbing. 

Alex turned to him. His voice was low, covered by the overlapping chatter and buzz that had filled the mess hall. “I’ve got one,” He said, and Kai saw his eyes flick momentarily to Leon as the man walked around the tables, asking kids questions about their activities. “You take the other.”

His brown gaze flicked to Hugh, the one other person in the entire camp who had insight into Leon Waters’ mind.

Kai nodded subtly, and began to mark activities for the week.

No one but Alex noticed that every single one was the exact same as Hugh Waters.

—

tag list!

@skylathescholarly @flyrobinflyy @mcskullmun

[tsaritza-mika]

Sharing a peek at my current WIP that I started writing in an effort to distract myself from the actual horrors of real life

Not sure if I should post the full thing, but let me know if there's interest

It was a difficult question to answer. How does one go about feeding so many spawn without giving themselves away, and drawing the wrong attention? Unfortunately it wasn’t a question they were going to be able to answer in a single night either. Feeling a familiar set of hands settling on his shoulders and giving them a firm rub, he relaxed slightly, glad that she was there with him to keep him grounded when he needed it. “Alright... While it’s far from ideal, I suppose for now we have no choice but to continue as you have been. Though keep your feedings to simply wild creatures. Hook horrors and the like, for example. Do your very best to avoid attacking other inhabitants of the Underdark for now.”

“So no Duergar then? Gnomes? Drow?”

“None. No Drow, no deep gnomes, no duergar, and no other inhabitants of similar intelligence and organization. And, as I said, that’s strictly ‘for now’. Taking on a project like ours may necessitate an alliance of convenience or two, so the last thing we should be doing is making enemies while we’re still this vulnerable. Now if you’re attacked... Well, we can hardly be blamed for defending ourselves, and if we get the benefit of a meal in the process...” 

The six of them looked at each other, likely searching for any objections to the idea. Frankly Astarion was surprised there didn’t seem to be even a little push back on the idea. Though considering the putrid swill Cazador had force fed them, healthy animals and creatures were still a marked improvement. “With that settled, we have two immediate objectives: First, we’ll need to start creating something of a census. A way for us to keep track of the other spawn, and since we’ll be needing to make use of such things in the very near future, we’ll need to have a working list of all of their former professions. The second is far more simple, yet just as important. I want to address them, and tell them all of this. We need to drive home the fact that we are free spawn. They have the right to leave if they wish, but they need to know that ultimately if they stay, they will be a part of something.”

“Wait, you want to let them leave? Just like that?”

“Of course not! But remember what it felt like when we knew we didn’t have a choice in the matter. If you take away the choice, then that’s all you want. What we’re offering, is safety in numbers, and a chance to simply live among others who understand their condition. It won’t be perfect, but when put up against being held in a cage and neglected for decades, roughing it for a while as we build a place of our own sounds akin to fucking paradise!” Giving his shoulders one last gentle squeeze, Mika backed away as he stood once more. Gods she was so proud of him just then. He’d come so far, made so much progress toward actually claiming his own life and body, his own future for the first time in two centuries. Of course, there was still a way to go, but she was more than confident that he could make it. Watching as they began to make their way back outside, Mika followed closely behind Astarion, ready to act however he needed as he stood to take the reins and lead.

[spearminthe]

1 from 🫰 and 1+3 from 🏡? ( @empress-consort )

ooo thank you for your questions! :D

What initially drew you to your f/o? Are you a longtime fan of the source they originate from, or did you primarily gravitate towards their source out of an interest in them?

I've actually spoken about this prior here and here (via tags)! I don't wanna regurgitate the same info too much for those who have already seen it, but I've been hooked on my bard since I'd first started playing Hades in January of 2021 and see no signs of stopping anytime soon ://]c

Do you and your f/o share a home together? If you live separately, how often do you see each other?

Orph and Minthe share a home in the sense that they both have their own respective rooms within the House of Hades! Can't say for certain if it's ever been addressed by game lore whether House personnel actually reside within the boundaries of the House, but it defintely seems more convenient for the employees and makes for fun neighborly antics. Also I don't anticipate residing nearby would be all that appealing, considering. It's still Tartarus 🧍

Their rooms exist in separate wings, and they make equal amounts of use out of both spaces! There's not necessarily a preference between the two as they both tend to keep a small supply of their belongings in each other's chambers, for convenience's sake. I'm undecided as to whether they'll eventually petition for a shared space, but Minthe would def be perturbed by the idea of needing to downsize on their stuff......they like having a lot of stuff

Early on in their relationship, they made more of an effort to maintain some level of distance by forcing themselves to separate for a time, but it doesn't take them long for them to give up that pretense considering they'd already see each other on an almost daily basis for work

Are there any other inhabitants that you and your f/o share a space with?

The entirety of the House of Hades might as well be unwilling witnesses to their schlocky displays......but none of them thankfully seem to be either of their direct neighbors. The Contractor probably had good enough foresight to know not to put everybody's chambers too close to one another...or at the very least to use Very Thick Walls

In modern AU, Orph gets to visit with my irl cat, Styxie :]

[livingobserver]

Why all this Illegal,(Criminal) and Legal Immigration/Migration to America?

Because it is, as the 70's legendary, Musical Group "The Eagles" wrote and sang.......

"....call someplace Paradise, you're kissing it goodbye...." and haven't we as Americans been pounding our chests in advertising to the World our form of "Paradise"? What did you expect? That people would just stay home? That they would just remain frozen in envy from afar. No matter the cause of the current invasion..., you had to know it was inevitable as the Global populations ransacked their own resources while we hoarded ours for another day. Now..., is that day. The World saw what we had through the Internet and they are coming for it one way or another. Either through Migration..., or War. The pity and shame in it is, they will do to America what they did to their own Homelands. What they are running from will ride their backs here. Unless they can assimilate quickly. I wouldn't count on that. It is We, as Americans that will be made to adapt and so very much will be lost in the process. As any Civilization looses to a more numerous competitor, throughout history as resources become more and more scarce. While America resisted, it was inevitable that it would be assimilated into the Global competition for Natural and "Man-Made" Resources. It is of course and fact that Bidens' Policies have ended America's resistance to Global Assimilation. Has in fact made America subject to the Global Masses. Do you think those masses will see America as anything other than that which they can use and consume and then toss away? The way Europeans used and consumed America's Natural Resources without thought of the Future until the rise of American Conservatism stopped them? I'm not betting on it. The hunger has grown too great as it grows with the Human Population demanding Water, Food and Shelter and Medicine. What about Canada? Well Canada is still blessed with it's winter's to protect it... for now. But even those Winter's won't matter as the rabid hunger continues to grow. America, you have to know that I cringe every time you scream "We are the Greatest Nation ever on this Earth!" Because I knew what you were inviting in doing so. Envy, Greed, lust for power and the Human desire to possess what others have for themselves. You begged for it and now that it's here, you point fingers at each other, never bothering to turn that finger towards yourself. It is already too late to do so, except as a convenient Political argument. So, you do not have my Sympathy as an American. I will not sympathize in the company of Fool's. Least I also be seen as one among the many Village Idiots. Like the so many that existed in the Roman and Egyptian Empire's. That pounded their chest and screamed to the World.... "We are the Greatest, there are none Greater!" So suffer the same demise. Since you have learned nothing from their experience. I cannot have Pride in what you give away as if it has no value to you as an American, at all. How Hypocritical of you to demand we fight for what you see no value in.

[mumms-the-word]

Signs, Part 2

Part 2 of Day 6 of the BG3 February Fic Challenge

This is a continuation of the "Signs" scene. Read Part 1 here! Where Part 1 was a bit more fun with the whole group, part 2 is a bit more romantic~ (but only a little, Gale is a slowburn romance and we all know it)

Check out my masterlist of BG3 fics!

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6. Teaching each other how to do something

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As she was splashing a bit of water on her neck and face, Dani heard footsteps just to her right. She lifted her head to see Gale come over to the river, his arms full of the dishes everyone else had conveniently abandoned. She used her sleeve to pat her face dry and crossed over to where he was kneeling down.

“Need some help?”

“Hm?” Gale looked up as if surprised to see her there, but she knew he was faking it. She had gone to the river first. “Oh, no. Nothing a little prestidigitation and some rinsing won’t fix.”

“Presti-wha?” 

“Prestidigitation. A kind of…sleight of hand magic, good for a multitude of things.”

“Oh?” She knelt down beside him. “I’m always interested in learning more sleight of hand tricks. Can it do more than clean dishes?”

“Oh, certainly. It can create light and sound effects, soil as well as clean a surface, warm or cool an object, give something flavor, create small illusions…it’s quite versatile, really.”

“Will you teach me?” Dani asked, tilting her head. “I’ll help you with the dishes.”

Gale chuckled. “Well…sure. Why not? Far be it from me to reject a would-be student of the Weave.”

Dani could take or leave the Weave, honestly. She cast her spells through the power of music and dance, but she supposed for this instance she could learn to use the Weave again. He’d already taught her a bit of Weave magic once already.

The memory of that night still lingered, warm and glimmering, in her mind. The emotions that came with pulling the threads of the Weave the way Gale had shown her. The way the air shimmered with magic. The way Gale had looked at her, warm, brown eyes gazing at her, his expression soft yet proud. Proud of her. Proud of the bard fuck-up who had about twice as many bad plans as good ones.

And then, of course, the way their minds and linked, joined as one, and she had let slip a fantasy of hers. He had seen her imagination spinning on without her control, had seen her picturing herself leaning in for a kiss and wondering what his lips might feel like against her own. He’d seemed flustered at the time, but he hadn’t shut her down, either. The next morning, he’d been rather sweet. 

Amid the madness that has befallen us, it seems almost out of place to think of a kiss…A stolen glance…that sudden heartbeat…Sometimes the little things are worth more than kingdoms. They promise things to come.

But they hadn’t really talked about it since. Instead they’d sort of fallen into old habits. Friends, maybe with the occasional flirty line, but no more than Dani flirted with all the rest of her companions. Harmless, supportive, platonic, encouraging.

She wished he would tear down whatever barrier was keeping him distant from her, but she understood at the same time. The orb was still unstable. They couldn’t risk high emotions or anything triggering it.

But he’d laughed so hard at some of their antics tonight, and blushed quite red at the message he swore he couldn’t remember, and none of them had exploded because of it. So what else was holding him back?

She pushed aside those thoughts for now as he rolled up his sleeves and showed her the gesture she needed to make for the spell to work. She listened carefully to the incantation—she didn’t understand the words themselves but she knew she could recreate it if she focused on the syllables and said them exactly the way he did. Finally, he demonstrated for her, casting the spell over a few of the dirty plates. There was a brief glimmering veil of purple-blue magic that rolled over the surface, and as soon as it faded the plates were clean.

“Now you,” he said, giving her a small smile. “Try the spoons.”

Dani laid out the spoons in a little row and cast the spell, repeating Gale’s gestures and incantation as accurately as she could. She felt the tug of magic, different than when she cast spells with music, and directed it down toward the spoons. There! The magic swept over them as before, swirling in purples and blues, and they were spotless after.

“This is so cool,” Dani said, picking up one of the spoons and turning it in the moonlight to examine it. It looked completely clean. “I am absolutely using this spell again the next time you put me on dishes duty.”

He chuckled, turning to dunk how now-clean plates into the river to give them a little rinse, even though they looked like they didn’t need it. “At least I’ll know they were done properly, then.”

Dani handed him the spoons and reached for the dirty cups, casting the spell over them before helping him rinse them off. As she placed the last cup aside, looking squeaky clean, she cast a sidelong glance at Gale.

“Hey,” she said. “You never did say what that one message was. From the game?”

In the moonlight, with her darkvision, Dani saw the tips of his ears turn a little pink. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” To his credit, he almost sounded convincing.

She smirked and leaned closer. “No? You don’t remember the message that had you turning as red as Karlach earlier? I thought we might see smoke streaming from your ears next.”

“Oh I’m…it wasn’t anything particularly interesting, honestly,” he said. 

“So says you. Maybe I’d find it hilarious.”

“I…doubt that. Truly.” He was beginning to look uncomfortable. He focused his attention on the dishes, dunking plates he’d already rinsed off back into the river. Dani waited for him to say more, but he stayed silent. She sighed and shook her head.

“Fine,” Dani said. She stood and dusted the riverbank sand from her trousers. “Guess I’ll head to my bedroll, then. Goodnight, Gale.”

She was about five steps away when she heard his voice again, quiet, almost like he didn’t want her to actually hear him.

“Gale and Dani should kiss, don’t you think?”

She paused and turned, looking at him over her shoulder. Had she just heard that right? He wasn’t looking at her, but kept his eyes carefully trained on the dishes as he stacked them and placed the spoons in one of the mugs. “What?”

“The message from our game. The one I didn’t say. ‘Gale and Dani should kiss, don’t you think.’” He scratched at the side of his cheek and shrugged, still not looking at her. “Astarion’s idea of a joke, no doubt.”

“Oh…right.” It did sound like something Astarion would say. A little juvenile, something to tease at his fellow companions. It wasn’t the most scandalous thing they’d said that night, either. So why did her face feel warm? 

Suddenly the air between them was awkward. There was a tension that wasn’t there before, a push-pull of yearning and resistance. He refused to look at her. She refused to look away. They were at a stalemate.

Gale and Dani should kiss, her mind told her. She’d wanted to kiss him for days! But she remembered his excuse at the tiefling party, that his orb might grow unstable with too much excitement, and she bit her lip. She would wait…but gods, was she growing restless.

She forced a little laugh and shook her head. “Oh Astarion. Always messing around with us. Don’t let it get to you.” She made herself look nonchalant, neutral, painting a little smile on her lips to show that it wasn’t getting to her.

Gale glanced at her out of the side of his eye and seemed to relax a little at her unfazed performance. “Right. Of course.” Gale cleared his throat, standing with the dishes now loaded up in his arms. “But I believe you were going to sleep, weren’t you? I won’t keep you. Goodnight Dani. Sleep well.”

“You too,” she said. “Thank you for teaching me another spell, Gale.”

He paused and his expression softened slightly. “Any time. And thank you for teaching us your game. With times like these…a little levity is most welcome.”

Dani nearly broke. That barrier between them again, which he kept testing the boundaries of, only to retreat with that longing, lingering, sad look of his. She resisted an annoyed huff and instead crossed the distance between them, putting her hand on his arm and stretching onto her toes to press a kiss to his cheek.

“Let yourself have a little fun now and again, Gale,” she said. “We can’t all be gloom and doom all the time.”

He looked at her, surprised, his arms full of dishes, but this time she wasn’t going to give him the chance to react. She stepped back and gave him a little wave.

“See you in the morning, Gale.”

And she left him on the beach, with an armload of dishes and a kiss on the cheek. He could do whatever he wished with both. 

[sailtomarina]

Unburnable, Chapter 3, now available on AO3!

It's the girls' turn to talk, and Hermione leaves with more questions than answers. Will her date with Charlie help clear up her confusion, or add to it?

🐉 Charlie/Hermione | Rated E | friends to lovers, fluff, eventual smut | 3/5 chapters Link to AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64939879/chapters/168375967

See below for a sneak peek:

“Thank you for coming, Luna. I know you’ve been busy.”

The other witch hummed and reached out to gently touch the bouquet of irises Charlie had brought Hermione. She had decided to keep them in the kitchen to brighten her mornings each time she took her tea. They were also the last thing she saw in the evening before heading to bed.

“It was no trouble at all. These irises are quite lovely, by the way.”

“They were a gift.”

“Whoever gave them to you must care a great deal for you.”

“What makes you say that?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Irises can be used in spells for protection and purification.” Luna rotated the vase and nodded in approval.

Frowning, Hermione looked at the flowers with renewed interest. “I’m not exactly in need of either.”

“Are you sure about that?”

The question struck an uncomfortable chord as she realised her friend might now be referring to matters of the heart. Turning away, she busied herself with preparing tea and sandwiches.

“Quite sure.”

When she turned back around, it was to find Luna’s probing eyes flitting over her head in that familiar way of hers. Hermione ignored the implication and floated the tray over to the table for two in the window nook. It wasn’t until they’d both seated themselves and poured tea that Luna spoke up once more.

“Irises also symbolise faith and courage. It’s quite an appropriate choice for you.”

“I could certainly use more faith and courage in my life.”

“Mmm. These are delicious, by the way.”

But, tea, sandwiches, and flowers weren’t the reasons why Hermione had asked Luna to come over to her home. They did, however, offer a convenient segue into what she actually wanted to discuss.

“Charlie Weasley gave me those flowers.”

To her surprise, the other woman brightened. “Charlie? That’s wonderful, Hermione. I’ve always liked him.”

That was when Hermione recalled that the Lovegoods and Weasleys had long been neighbours. Luna had likely grown up watching Charlie, both of them loving the outdoors and creatures in a way none of the rest of the others in their respective families did.

For some inexplicable reason, the idea of them as childhood friends sent a frisson of disquieting unease through her, one that settled in the pit of her stomach.

“How well do you two know each other?”

Luna was studying her in that manner of hers again, eyes tracing over Hermione’s features as she took a sip of her tea before answering. “A bit, but not in any way that should concern you.”

“I’m not concerned. Why would I be concerned?”

She inwardly winced at her own overly swift response.

“Because Charlie is a wonderful wizard who anyone would be lucky to have in their lives,” Luna said, with all the calm and assurance that Hermione currently lacked.

“That’s…why I asked to see you, actually.” She fiddled with the handle of her teacup, avoiding eye contact. “Charlie and I had lunch last Saturday, and we really hit it off. We’ve always gotten on well, but this time felt…different.”

Luna hummed, but didn’t interrupt.

“Then, he asked to see me again this coming Friday. For a date.”

When Luna continued to remain silent, Hermione cast her eyes up for any sign of what she might think.

To her alarm, Luna’s lips pressed together like she was holding back laughter, not at all disguising the smile that reached her eyes.

“Luna!”

Now came the giggle, followed shortly by the witch wiggling excitedly in her chair. “I’m sorry, Hermione. I’m just so happy for you!”

Luna proceeded to stuff her cheeks with the rest of her ham sandwich.

Huffing, Hermione shook her head. “You make it sound like I’ve been utterly devoid of joy in my life.”

The other witch shook her head quickly, holding one finger up as she swallowed and took a sip to clear her throat, before clarifying, “No, I don’t mean it like that. What I mean is that you deserve to have someone who really sees you for who you are.”

Read the rest on AO3!

Chapters: 3/5 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hermione Granger/Charlie Weasley Characters: Hermione Granger, Charlie Weasley, George Weasley, Ron Weasley, Bill Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley Additional Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Past Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Friends to Lovers, Sibling Bonding, Hermione Granger & Luna Lovegood Friendship, Reading as Foreplay, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, HEA, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Fist Fights, Minor Angelina Johnson/George Weasley, Supportive Ron Weasley Summary:

Celebration brings Charlie back home, where he immediately notices Hermione’s absence. Reaching out to her brings him face to face with the reality that friendship isn’t good enough. Not anymore. Not when there is a possibility for something so much better, as long as they’re brave enough to grasp it.

[hewholivesinhisname]

Free America from Settler Colonialism

Since the Free Palestine folks are so goddamn self-righteous about Israel not being able to be a colonialist power (big surprise, it's only wrong when the Jews do it). I think we should take some time to remember that all the land we're on was stolen from a previous people. Honestly I think we should just try to make some arrangment where we expand the number of States by 517 or so so that everyone has a state since there are some things that America does well. However, I fucking hate how all these people have these supposed morals but only deploy them when it's convenient to oppose Jews. They hate the Jews because the Jews stand for God and the people, they hate God.

I will maintain and always maintain that none of the people who have all these high-falutin morals actually have any morality whatsoever. They say ceasefire, but what they really mean is that they want Israel to be defenceless as loss of American help would surely lead to the Arab nations thinking they can attack Israel.

Seriously, this can and will lead to Nuclear war as Israel does not have the manpower to fight off the arab nations with their groundtroops alone. These arab nations of course, they don't want to take care of the Palestinians at all. They don't like to take care of people.

If people actually had morals, we would be seeing them supporting aborginal people all day long which is a high ideal, but one that no one or almost no one actually supports and the reason they don't support it is that it involves being a moral person and not taking on a "go with the flow", might is right attitude. Rather, people just like to do whatever the authorities tell them to do.

they do not like to think for themselves and the authorities don't like it either.

We're obviously being prepared for an authoritarian dictatorship of, well, probably the worst sort and I can only imagine what it's going to be like. It might not even be a person because in those matrix movies, you know- that's their plans for the future. they have all these techno fantasies of control going on because all these super-nerds just want their numbers to go up on the screen.

Ever since I was a kid things have been getting worse. Freedoms we once had are lost. And you know, they always propose a "solution" and the "solution" is always the worst sort of solution you can imagine. They even have a bazillion "government programs" for the poor, but of course they never work, the poor keep getting poorer.

They just load you up with so much fake morality too. Has it ever occurred to people that real morality should lead to a good community? The word "freedom" is used a lot and what they mean I guess is the freedom to go around dominating others in any way they see fit. has it ever occurred to peopel that billions of people all going around trying to dominate each other is probably not the best way to go about things?

I love the show You can't stop progress. And the reason I love it is that it really just exposes just how stupid all this "progress" really is. And I, hypocrite, he's really great because he has the courage to be a, well, a white supremacist, which is at least honest. Because everyone is a supremacist. Someone has to be supreme and everyone has a method to be supreme. I see so many fucking #Supreme shirts around it has my head spinning.

I mean, actually I don't htink that history happened in the way that we think it did. I think reality started on July 4th, maybe the fifth on 1980. And one of the first things that happened was that Ronald Reagan, that fucking clown, got elected and destroyed the UN charter of rights in America in favor of the rights of corporations.

Why?

Because America stands agaisnt "dictators" so you can't have anyone in control. Most of the dictators are bad, it's true, but the rule by anonymous and faceless corporations is a lot, lot worse. The nations and corporations: they don't have feelings, they can't feel bad or good. However, they are a nice vehicle of greed.

The entire fucking ecosystem is getting wrecked right now in the name of a future 'techno-utopia" which quickly devolves into a cyber-nightmare.

You know, the native Americans had and have a lot going for them. A LOT. Honestly I think that the bulk of societal resources should go towards taking care of the ecosystem and the people in that ecosystem. You know, like in Paradise.

But in paradise, no one goes around claiming that they own the land. In Paradise, god (me) is in charge and we don't focus on GDP growth which is to say, growth of war. In paradise, you don't have a bunch of corporations enslaving everyone and pretending that it's just "jailing criminals"

[scatcrccio]

WINE AND DINED SEEMED LIKE A BIT OF A STRETCH— but she comprehends the joke regardless. Especially since, Van wasn't much of a wine drinker in general and Natalie was still attempting to remain sober for the most part. She'd had her little slip ups here and there, granted, but she was still doing much better than history served. That wasn't the point though and so she only smirks and nods in response. At the very least, they could each have something better for themselves other than microwavable dinners or just popcorn for a change. Not that she'd ever complain about those; beat actual junk food and vending machine snacks. Still, the jest warranted a light chuckle, which matched her amusement to Van's little nickname for her as well. In the past, that might have annoyed her to some degree but now, now she just found the amusement in it. ❝ You know I hate it when you call me that. ❞ She says, though without real seriousness behind tone regardless of how much she pretends as if there was. Van did it specifically to get under her skin and in the beginning, it did. Now, not so much. She was growing accustomed to it. This also wasn't the first time that the redhead had been a bit blatantly obvious in their flirtation with Nat and the thoughts do begin to start accumulating. It'd been months since their time spent at Camp Green Pine and it was obvious that whatever was going on between Van and Tai wasn't currently happening; had that been the case, Nat would've easily and simply fucked off, leaving them to it, but neither had heard much from the woman since she'd started her professional position as Senator. Becoming more and more busy due to her new title and responsibilities. It still felt like a bit of a betrayal though, which is what perhaps kept Natalie a bit hesitant overall to pursue anything. Both of them quite horrible at expression their initial feelings or just, being very communicative in general with one another. Just like high school, she thinks, when secretly pining and yet, Natalie was always the one who dismissed them because daddy made it feel wrong at the time. It was certainly unfortunate given today's standards and ways of thinking, but she couldn't help it back then. Besides, Van seemed to move on pretty easily anyway, towards Taissa which, was honestly understandable too. How could they not when Tai was a strong, independent woman who carried herself so well—? Or, seemed to for the most part. None of them really knew what was going on with the other at this point and neither even attempted to try and look into it any further than what was willingly given. ❝ Okay, Casanova— don't get too excited, we're both still on a budget, here. ❞

She says as if they somehow have shared bank accounts but in truth, neither of them could really afford much. Hence why going out was such a rarity in itself that wasn't a convenient store sandwich. ❝ But I guess, splurging just once won't set us back too much. Not gonna limit you too much either. ❞ Closing up the store momentarily wasn't too difficult considering the fact that it had been one of those slow days, but they'd still have to return and get back to it once lunch break was over and she finds it almost comical that she's thinking about it in such a way when normally, she probably wouldn't have cared. ❝ However, we are getting dessert so… it better be good. ❞

Openly flirting could be viewed as one of their bad habits. Often times it was done at inappropriate times when they needed to be serious. Other times, like now, it could be hard to gauge whether or not they were being serious or simply joking. And truth of the matter? It was a bit of both. Joking to cover up how they felt ( and had for the better part of twenty some odd years ) for Nat while also trying to test the waters. Just a toe dipping into unknown, but familiar waters to see what the temperature was. It's a dance with the brunette even after all these years, but they had always found the rhythm and held it for a moment before faltering and ending it.

So why put herself through it again? That was the thing though, Van wasn't entirely throwing their hat into the ring to see what could happen. At least not entirely and certainly not outwardly expressing their interest in the other. Very mature and knowing how to communicate of them, right? But this little testing of the waters seems to have paid off because they note the shade of cheeks changing to a faint rose color and they can't help but let the corner of mouth twitch up into a smirk. Making Natalie Scatorccio blush, that was a feat only so few had managed to do and they were one of the lucky ones. It's also a positive reaction, that and the fact that she seemed to be rendered speechless. Another box ticked in the redheads mental book of ways to fluster Nat.

Smirk remained soft yet prominent as tip of tongue ran along bottom lip and fingers drummed against the counter. Despite the amusement and entertainment that came from the silly flirting, there was a small touch of caution. A warning sign flashing in her mind to remind her of the other times that they had gotten close to the other, when they allowed walls to be down and expressed their want for her. The first time, that could be forgiven and let go of because it hadn't been Nat's fault; she couldn't have known what her father would do or react to walking in on them kissing. The second time, though, the fault fell on both their shoulders; Van's own because of having drank too much and getting a little ahead of herself and Nat's for...well, for the Scatorccio freak out. Was the only thing they could call it.

It wasn't something they thought about or at least hadn't for the better part of twenty years. But having Natalie around and finding that old worn out groove that was their friendship, the thoughts and feelings were returning. That too, unfortunately, included the memories and caution to protect herself. So despite the fact that they were serious about having her, they let a cheeky grin that makes dimples pop slide into place at being called a tease. "Yea, that's me. Big ole teasin' bitch, but you make it so easy, Bratalie," they teased as their own hands slid into back pockets of jeans.

"Duh," they answered, stepping away from the counter and VHS tapes. Granted, they knew it wasn't often that they left the store unattended in the middle of the afternoon, but it was slow. Plus they wanted to go out, sit down and eat something they didn't have to fix themselves ( 'fix' was used lightly as the microwave was used a lot. ) "Oooh...gonna wine an' dine me huh?" Van smirked as hands were removed from pockets, "But hey, ain't gonna hear me argue. Spoil away."

[jegulushouse]

    I've thinking about a Jegulily (Lily/James/Jegulus) A/B/O AU with spy Regulus (and maybe the Malfoys too) where pretty much everyone lives and Harry has lots of siblings, maybe more then Ron, and a few cousins from wolfstar.  

      I don't mind A/B/O fics. Sometimes, I seek 'em out. I don't like writing people like animals (which contradicts liking to read it). I don't really like the idea that people are unable to control themselves in heat/rut, the dismissal of Betas in general and the reliance on the smells and pheromones. But I do like the idea of nesting, and denning (Alpha nesting), as well as Mpreg and sometimes bonding bites depending on how it's written. I can write pregnant trans/gender-queer masculine-presenting men but I dislike glossing over the difficult emotional aspects of it. So, sometimes I just want to write relatively uncomplicated proud pregnant men. Yet, I like a general understanding of how the fictional universe works. So unexplained male 'carriers' doesn't satisfy me. The benefits of fanfic writing is the world is pre-set up and you can adjust to your own desires.

      I'd probably write the A/B/O aspect as an outdated thing found only in wizards. For convenience sake, that would put presentation around age 16-19 (late/end of puberty). There would be easily accessible potion suppressants to avoid strong and/or confusing scents and outdated instincts to make a pack and reproduce (vv common like no-scent workplaces). Bonding bites will die/not be completed if not desired by both/all mates and heats/ruts are mild (so mild people can usually function like girls on their period) until bonded (at which point the secondary gender within recognizes its security with (a) mate(s)) which can still be easily controlled and suppressed with medicines/potions. Like the 50's housewife being unemployed and a housekeeper, being unemployed and off suppressants is basically social code for 'my mate makes enough so I don't have to work and can be kept bare foot & pregnant in the house'. It's considered all of an entitlement and a privilege and a modernly outdated ideal. Sirius and Regulus would both be omegas and Blacks are known for producing alphas. Lily would likely be an Alpha and James a beta (a beta more on the alpha side when not around his alpha mate). Remus would be Sirius' alpha. Peter would be a beta (more on the omega side).

      Regulus status as spy was kept need-to-know so few of the order knew. None of the marauders knew until Regulus save them from Peter and Voldemort. Not that anyone got to process or thank or yell at him before he went on a mission to receive the locket horcrux which he survives because both Dumbledore and Krecher were with him.

      Things began to settle down after the war with Voldemort. Jily has another baby maybe. I imagine a large post-war generation living in economic prosperity like the real-world baby boom following the second world war. People would be lulled into a sense of security before Voldemort's return and the second wizarding war. I'm thinking it would be a semi-canon compliant/canon divergence AU but to be entirely honest, between work, school, social obligations and other tasks, I likely won't have the time to flush it out and actually write a fanfiction. Yet, the idea continues to form in my head so I've decided to share it with y'all.

      So, the first 10 years of Harry's life would be a huge divergence from canon and Harry himself would end up OOC compared to canon Harry. James and Sirius would support Slytherin!Harry (probably while making jokes and stuff but ultimately supportive). If Harry was raised by Regulus, which in this AU he is raised by Jegulily, he'd be confident about being a Slytherin. Either way, I'm 50/50 for Gryffindor or Slytherin Harry.

      I have this funny image of Regulus starting out as the sitter for the Potter kid(s) (It also serves as a reason for the Black brothers to be near each other and rebuild their relationship. Sirius would likely be hurt that Regulus didn't tell him he was a spy, letting him think the worst things, and it would likely present as anger.) It would take a while after they started for Regulus to realize he is being dated by the Potters who, knowing the Blacks are 'a bit' old fashioned, would insist on a proper courting before bedding and mating.

      I also imagine, in this AU, Draco would have a better chance to be good. Either because his parents were spies in an attempt to protect him from the life he'd had in canon or because Harry would be different and Sirius, the original Black sheep, wouldn't be in prison so he may have been presented an out to escape his parents if they were death eaters. He may not be good, but he'd have a better chance to be. Or to figure it out sooner.

      This is all I could type up at this moment and it covers the gist. Now either this idea will finally leave me alone or I've opened up a can of worms. If I expand in an additional post, it didn't go away. We'll see.

UPDATE: This site is shit. I'm not fighting with it. I have decided to add to this AU, probably on Wattpad or AO3 or, hell, I might go back to FFN. I'll update with something solid once I have it figured out. I'm willing to try a new fandom content-sharing sites/apps if there's suggestions.

UPDATE #2: I'm giving this site another shot. Also, I'm on Wattpad (same name) and I'm trying out Neobook (still learning that one, also same name).

[erza155-writes]

Ok here are some dynamics I think would be cool!

Mads & Doug: The consensually co-parenting clown collective

Why? Because I think Mia deserves to live her best life as a deadbeat mom while everything is still kind of holding up because equality. But also Mads & Doug would be so interesting to watch together because Mads is so fucking dumb (affectionate compliment) and Doug is a machine of anxiety and I would love to see the messes they'd get into with Doug's social chameleon behaviors unwittingly enabling Mads' confident nonsense

Charles & Frank: Affable Husbands Unionized

Why? They've gone through so much! But also I think seeing Charles casually disregard Frank would be [REDACTED]. They're also both attracted to people who seem to be highly competent but are kind of a hot mess. (Sorry Ryan for comparing you to Karen, Sorry Karen for not portraying the idealized version of you & Ryan that lives only inside your head)

Elena & Matt: Great at pretending to be competent until someone actually competent shows up

Why? Matt is terrible with kids, Elena is actually fond of hers and keeps them around. Also that one scene in season 2 episode 4 with the roundtable was so iconic to me

Iris & Rav & Billie: Actually Competent People On Board this vessel

Why? I just want them to experience the epic highs of being allies with people who know what they're doing. (I was about to say "reasonable people" but as much I love these 3 none of them are reasonable. Iris always chooses descent into tyranny even when completely unnecessary. Billie literally ends up insulting every crowd she stands in front of & I love her and I know that the passengers of avenue 5 are asses but seriously every time she does public speaking they legit get into a fucking tizzy. Rav's manic energies have been off the charts since day 1 but no reasonable person jettisons themselves into space just because the PR department hasn't finished crafting the narrative yet.)

Iris & Karen: I can't even name them because I just genuinely think they would either commit incredible acts of violence upon each other OR they would team up and effectively take over the ship with Herman & Frank as convenient patsies

Why? Well, why the fuck not????? (Besides the inevitable human rights violations of course. [Which might not count because there hasn't been a confirmed Geneva in the show. Maybe the Pennsylvania fires got to them. Or maybe La Famine got them before that.])

[gliphyartfan]

@stars-for-thought @imprisioned-in-the-hole @linked-heroes @ice-cream-writes-stuff

This...wrecked me.

BUT it was a long time coming! Had to cut half of it out cause it grew too long (nearly 6k is still long right?). But I did it! I honestly hope I did it justice!

If not for @yandere-linked-universe, I would have lost all motivation a week ago!

But I was successful!

Still though...heroes and their need to argue...

It wasn't something they've done in a long while.

Gathering around one another.

Not willingly at the least.

Eight of them sitting a fair distance away from the houses, the camp fire being the only source of light for them at this time of night.

Hyrule the last one to arrive, having checked up on (y/n) before arriving at the designated place, so the eight simply sat around the camp fire in silence, stewing in their own thoughts.

When he arrives, informing them of y/n's stable condition, it was then Legend claps his hands and brings their attention to him.

'I think I speak for all of us when I say we need to air out some things.' He would give them all a stern look. 'And let me be clear on the fact that we can't hide anything right now.'

None of them look at each other.

Hyrule nervously agrees but expresses concern over being heard by the nearby houses, more worried at disturbing (y/n) than he was about disturbing the neighbors.

Wind assures him that they wouldn't be heard.

'Mesa doesn't sleep at night cause of the monsters that used to pop up, plus he hates being alone nowadays so he stays with Miss Sue-Belle and her grandpa at night.' Wind explained with a shrug.

'Even if he was there, he's a really heavy sleeper, we could scream at the very top of our lungs all we want and no one would hear us from over here. I've tested it.'

'How convenient.' Wars remarked with a snort but wouldn't make a comment after getting a look from Time.

Before things could become awkward, Legend does not hesitate to be blunt about it.

'We need to stop.' He would say, resting his elbows on his knees.

'Stop what?' Wild mutters.

'All of 'this'.' He's wave his hand towards the group, a scowl on his face.

Wars rolls his eyes.

'Legend, my dear hoarder, you need to be more specif-'

' When was the last time we talked to one another without taking note of eachothers weaknesses?'

Warriors closed his mouth, the group looked at each other, none speaking up with an answer.

'When was the last time we actually shared a space without tension? Covered each other in battle because we were worried instead out of obligation, or just leaving each other to fend for themselves? Or shared our potions willingly?' A sharp smile on his face. 'Or better yet, when was the last time we trusted one another?'

...

No one had anything to say to that.

Legend shook his head, a scowl appearing. 'I'm not dumb, I can see what's in front of me. Whatever trust we forged during our journey is at risk of fading to almost nothing. It's a fucking miracle y/n hasn't noticed us going for each other's throat.

'Okay, that's a bit harsh.' Sky interjected nervously, 'I agree that it's possible things have been...rather tense lately, but I wouldn't say it's that bad.'

Legend leveled a look at him.

'Four, Wild, and Twilight have all scared off at least 12 different people for looking at her recently.'

'It was necessary!' Four exclaimed in defense, Twilight placing a hand on his shoulder keep him from jumping up from his seat, Wild staying in his seat, though his hands tightened into fists. ' We saw the intentions in their eyes! The way they stared at her! They were looking at her like she was food!'

Legend turned the leveled look at the blacksmith.

'All 12? All of them? In the same town? In the same day? He asked with a scoffed, 'Same hour? Half of them women? Oh yes, very dangerous. And it's rather convenient when the Cook joins in and helps you scare them away.'

Four had a sneer on his face but the silent rancher's hand on his shoulder kept him from doing anything else.

Legend watched them for another moment before turning back to Sky.

'Warriors and Hyrule have been awfully careful with keeping any of us from encroaching upon her personal space, either by being the ones to guard her while she's bathing or when she's hurt.'

'What, so that makes us suspicious?' The captain crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at him, Hyrule nervously ducking his head. 'She deserves some space away from you clingy lot! We're just making sure she has it!'

'Funny how you say that when you've been taken advantage of your position to have some alone time with her.' Legend doesn't even look away from the skyloftian as he answers back. 'You know, you're quite charming when you think no one is paying attention. And don't think I haven't noticed how our resident healer has been hoarding potions for some time.'

Warriors and Hyrule tensed at being found out, keeping their eyes from settling on anyone else's as they were looked at.

'The old man has been very careful in sending one of us ahead when there's danger. That honestly took me a bit to figure out, since he rotates who goes. Yet he never seems to volunteer himself.' The vet looked over at Time, who's featured remained impassive.

'Wild has been more aggressive with strangers than Four, which is saying something considering how violent the blacksmith has been. The sailor has been growling at every kid that's been as close as 5 feet of her and clings to her when he thinks we're too busy, and don't think I haven't noticed the way you've been nudging the tension between everyone while going through her things Sky.'

He raised an eyebrow as he looked back at the pale faced skyloftian.

'And you're telling me it's not that bad?'

There wasn't anything the group could say to those (accurate) accusations, Four looked to be visibly restraining himself from hitting him.

...

'...Maybe it's because you all force your presence on her...'

'...What was that?' Four growled out, solid blue eyes snapping up to glare at the speaker.

Wind lifted his head, glaring back at the blacksmith.

'You heard me Blacksmith, or is your attention span as short as your height?' He sneered. 'You all force your presence on her when she wants to be left alone! At least she feels comfortable with me!'

Four sneered back at Wind. 'The way you hog her attention is the very comforting.'

'Hey, I at least GIVE her space! I saw how you yelled at that shopkeeper when he asked if she needed anything-'

'I had to! Didn't you see the way that disgusting bastard-'

...

Legend watched as the group slowly dissolved into chaos. Each hero soon shouting at one another.

This is what he had been worried about for so long, and here was proof that the trust they had between one another is dangerously close to collapsing.

He watched as Twilight was talking coldly to Time, who didn't even have the decency to look ashamed of his choices.

Four and Wind were at each other's throats and Warriors was basically growling at Wild, who was screaming about how he always knew Warriors was keeping y/n away from everyone else.

Sky and Hyrule, who were shouting at each other over what they've been doing.

He needed to get them back on track, so with a deep breath, he whistled as loudly as he could.

He began speaking the moment they all looked at him.

'Well ain't this a beautiful example of shit I've ever seen!'

'Enough Veteran!' Time ordered, speaking up for what seemed the first time since this conversation began.

'You've been doing a good job keeping quiet old man, better get back to being a good boy and let the big people talk.' Legend didn't need to look at Time to know his expression was thunderous.

'All of you acting like little BRATS, ready to play 'it's not my fault, it's YOURS.' A humorless laugh escaping him.

'News flash bastards, IT'S ALL YOUR FAULTS.' His grin was more bearing teeth than a grin.

'None of you are innocent.'

He expected Wild to shout at him, maybe Wind or Sky. Hell, the good captain looked ready to tackle him.

Yet it was Four who jumped to his feet, growling at the Veteran.

The smaller boy slipped away from the hands restraining him, rushing forward and grabbed the taller boy's collar, slamming their foreheads together and hissing, 'Just who the hell do you think you are?!?'

'That's a funny question.' He remarked mockingly, making sure not to show that the head bashing hurt. 'Considering how you seem to think you're in the right.'

Four wasn't pleased by his comment. 'I'll take out anyone that lays a malicious hand on her. How dare you even insinuate that I would let such a thing happen!'

'For someone who sounds so sincere, you have a funny way of showing it.' Legend retorted with gritted teeth, never taking his eyes off the shorter man's.

'Acting like you care but when it matters, you're as blind as the rest of us. That's why she got hurt.'

The others surged forward,

'How dare you-"

'That's not true-'

'Damnit Vet, you can't just-'

'SHE NEARLY DIED DAMNIT!!' He shoved Four back, basically throwing him to the floor, having enough of everyone's nonsense.

Everyone stills at his words.

'SHE'S STILL UNRESPONSIVE!! SHE'S ALMOST DIED BECAUSE OF OUR FUCKING RIVALRY!!!' He blazed with impotent rage.

'She's laying in that house, because she got LUCKY. Do you hear me?' He emphasized his point by gesturing in the direction of Wind's house.

'Because had we not gotten our shit together? Had we argued just a moment more? We would have been standing before her GRAVE.'

His face was dark with fury.

'And you have the fucking nerve to tell me I'm in the wrong?' He hissed through clenched teeth.

...

...It is quiet.

The veteran stared right into the blacksmith's eyes, vaguely noticing how it shifted colors rapidly. The way his face twitched, as if physically restraining himself from saying something he would regret.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the others frozen in different positions of action.

Some halfway out of their seats, others reaching for the two of them as if to pull them away from each other.

He focused back on Four, noticing his jaw was tightly clenched.

'WE. NEED. HER. ' he said in a firm voice.

This seemed to make him flinch, but Legend wasn't finished. He took a deep breath and lowered his voice a few notches though he was still partly yelling.

'Not the other way around. SHE doesn't need us.' he slowly shook his head as he looked at every one of them.

'She NEVER needed us.'

Four looked away at that.

'We need her more than we need air in our lungs. Need her more strongly than water or food. ' He focused back on Four and pointed at him.

'And you...you think I'm going to let you, let any of you, let MYSELF, lose her because we couldn't control ourselves?' His chuckle was icy, his smile was unpleasant and full of teeth.

'Oh you don't know me as well as I thought. '

'Because allow me to be as clear as possible when I say, I would slaughter anyone that laid a filthy hand on her' Legend leaned forward, smiling coldly. 'Push me enough, and you'll be on the list.'

'Isn't that extreme..?!' Hyrule exclaimed worriedly, looking at Legend with an uncertain expression.

'Oh...so you wouldn't hurt them if they laid a hand on her? You would actually hesitate to tear off limbs if they forced her to go with them. If they dared to speak her like some cheap whore-'

'How could you even say that-!!!'

'That is uncalled for!'

Legend spread his arms out. 'Well you all might as well be saying you would!!'

'Hold your tongue or I'll cut it!' Wild suddenly snarled, Twilight, visibly tense from Legend' words, was forced to put both hands on Wild.

'I bet you would just stand there while they tried, hm? Stand there while she cries for your help?' He kept pushing, because he needed to. 'Just stand there, watching her shed her tears? Stand there and let. them. touch her? Is that what you would do? Answer me.'

'Don't you DARE say such a thing.' Wild growled, his lips drew back in a snarl.

'You all seem so eager in proving me right, I see nothing wrong with saying this if this is how you really feel.' He masked a scowl with a smirk even as the others began to raise their voices again.

'WHAT THE HELL!'

'You miserable pile of-!!'

'JUST TELL ME YOU'RE READY TO ABANDON HER SO I CAN KEEP HER AWAY FROM YOU ALL!!'

'HOW DARE YOU!!' Warriors roared, suddenly on his feet and in Legend's face.

'You think you can accuse us like this, act like you have the high ground, and expect us to sit here and take it?!' Legend didn't even hesitate shoving him away.

'I can accuse you all I want! Whatever friendship we may still have be damned, BECAUSE YOU'RE AS GUILTY AS I AM!!!' Legend shouted, even as the captain grabbed the front of his tunic and pulled him up to his face again.

'WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE.'

'I'M ONE WHO'S ACTUALLY TRYING TO FIX THIS MESS!! UNLIKE YOU WHO'S READY TO LET HER END UP AS A CORPSE BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T NOTICE YOU THE WAY YOU WANT HER TO!!'

'You miserable, disrespectful, arrogant-

'STOP ACTING LIKE YOU'RE NOT PART OF THE FUCKING PROBLEM YOU STUPID SOLDIER!!'

'SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!'

'NO! WAKE UP FROM YOUR FUCKING FANTASIES!'

'What gives you the FUCKING RIGHT-'

'BECAUSE I LOVE HER YOU BASTARD!!'

The admittance silenced them swiftly.

But he didn't care at the moment.

He was breathing deeply after saying those words. Face flushed with anger. Fists clenched so tightly, they were bone white.

'I. Love. her.' He hissed to a frozen Warriors.

'I. Need. her.' He grabbed the wrist attached to the had gripping his tunic.

'I. Can't. Lose. Her.' He bared his teeth, slowly shaking his head.

'I won't hesitate.' He voice was a whisper at this point. But it didn't matter. The crackling fire was the only other sound at moment.

'I won't hesitate to kill anyone that takes her away from me.'

...

And that's what he needed them to understand. Needed them to understand that as much as he cared for this group, as much as he's willing to put the effort to fix things...

If they didn't work together?

There would be corpses.

And he wouldn't be one of them.

He wanted to keep screaming at them. Wanted they to hang their heads in shame as he pointed out every flawed thing they've done as of late.

But he..sighed.

'I want..so much.. ' He began, looking straight into Warriors' eyes, a numb sense of calm filling him. 'I want so many impossible things.'

'I want to fall asleep to her peaceful face, and wake up to the sight of her kind smile. I want her to lean against me as she draws, to watch her eyes light up when I show her something new. To see her laugh, hear her hum a tune, to know I'm the reason she glows with happiness.'

He could feel the pale faced captain tremble beneath his grip.

'I want the exact same thing you bastards want...' he took a deep breath, to settle his heart.

'I just want her by my side every single day.'

His voice almost quiet.

'I don't want to lose her.'

Silent stillness enveloped them after Legend had finished speaking, only the sound of the crinkling fire all that was audible at the moment.

Warriors stared at him, swallowing. visibly shaken by the veteran's honesty.

After a beat, Legend slowly pulls the captain's hand off of him.

He was met with no resistance.

He looks at them all. Tired, drained, a headache slowly making itself known.

'So...' he raised an eyebrow, tone dull, 'How about the cook whip us up something.'

Wild blinked, startled by being acknowledged.

'Wha-'

'And while he's at it, our resident healer can check up on our mutual darling.'

Hyrule jolted at the sudden acknowledgment.

'We have a lot to talk about and we can't do it on empty stomachs and worry in our minds.' He grinned sardonically, slowly clapping his hands twice.

'Chop chop people. The night is still young.'

--

--

It took a while for them to speak up after that, because what could one say after such an outburst?

It soothed their hearts when Hyrule returned, saying she was healing nicely. That information helped them calm down while using the time Wild spent cooking to gather their thoughts.

It was difficult to come up with something after the explosive event of earlier.

They were silent when their food was served.

Silent as they ate.

But slowly, very slowly, they did.

Legend pulling the words out of them.

Each grievance, thought and feeling.

It was a snail's pace, but as the Veteran calmly pushed them into speaking, the atmosphere surround the group slowly calmed, the words flowing just a bit easier than before.

'I just don't want her to leave.' Hyrule admitted quietly, looking down at his hands, almost ashamed to admit such a thing.

Warriors sighed. 'I think I speak for all of us when I say the feeling is mutual.'

Murmurs of agreement met his words.

' I don't disagree. It's obvious why, she's...just so kind.' Sky shyly put out, a small blush on his face.

'I mean, when was the last time she even demanded something from any of us?'

Warriors couldn't help but snort. 'I think you mean to say 'when has she ever demanded anything from us?'

'I believe I can answer that.' Time said, speaking up after staying silent for most of the evening.

Four raised an eyebrow. 'Oh, and when was this?'

'When she and I got separated, I injured my leg fighting the Lynel? Back in Legend's era I believe it was.'

'I remember that!' Wind piped in, snapping his fingers and pointing at Time. 'In the lost woods! She was tugging your ear when I reached you guys!'

Time nodded with a chuckle, resting his chin on his hand.

'Got quite the lecture too. She can be...quite stern when pushed enough.'

' That was the first time she saw one of us fight a Lynel wasn't it...' Twilight realized, blinking in comprehension. 'I can't believe I forgot that. She must have been terrified witnessing such a thing.

'Ah, but that was the thing. She was calm when she saw me kill it.'

'So she has thicker skin than an average civilian.' Legend sighed. 'Impressive but not that surprising.'

'Don't get me wrong Vet, she was quite unnerved when she saw the battle but once it was over and she saw my injury, I was the main focus.' He looked down, almost unaware that he was touching the place where the injury once was.

'She could have gone to get one of you guys, I knew she heard you calling out to us, we both did, but she stayed.' He smirked then, 'Pulled out a couple of red potions from her bag too.'

He had the group looking at him in surprise.

'Wait, potions?'

'Who gave her a potion?'

'Wars, was it you?'

'I would remember that!'

'Well well, isn't she well prepared.'

'Looks like she's paying attention to the Vet's paranoia!'

'Ha ha, such flattery.'

'Did she buy a few in town before we swapped eras?'

'Actually she has a stash of them in the event of one of us becoming injured and she's the only one around.' Time interjected, one of his amused grins on his face.

That brought another round of questions.

'She knows how to make potions?!'

'No Wind, we would have seen her.'

'It's not something that could be hidden either.'

'And where did she get the money to buy enough potions?'

'When'd she have the time to even get potions??'

'My question is, how did we not see her get the potions?'

' Did she tell you?' Time snorted softly as the last question was directed at him.

'Matter of fact, yes. Clever answer too, know all those 'silly bets' she got us to agree to?'

He waited for them to nod. ' Well, she's been stashing every rupee she's won from us specifically to buy 'emergency potions'. He answered with a breathy chuckle. 'As for when? She's been buying them from Beedle when we were at stables. And since we also give her money to buy herself stuff...'

'None of us would be the wiser.' Legend finished for him.

'You're serious aren't you...' Warriors couldn't help but say.

'Absolutely.' Time nodded, not able to suppress a grin when he realised the captain's tone was admiring.

'She looked so embarrassed, thought I would be upset with her for ' sneaking behind our backs'. Tried to justify it by saying it 'felt stupid to be the only one in the group who wasn't prepared for some type of emergency.'' A round of chuckles emerged from the group as they all imagined the expression on her face.

'When she saw my injury, she immediately pulled out the potions from her pouch, didn't even pause in shoving a few into my hands and asking me how much pain I was in.' He smiled at the memory. 'That's when I made the foolish mistake of telling her to leave me there and go find one of you.'

' And you lived to tell the tale?' Warriors asked, smirking widely.

'Barely, the glare I receive was quite fierce.' Time didn't even bother to hold the laughter down, still remembering how startled he had been, having such a glare directed at him.

'Like a raging Goddess, she demanded I take better care of myself, or face mothering the likes of which I never saw before.' He looked exasperated, yet his voice was the definition of amused.

' She then proceeded to baby talk me until I agreed.'

Time was not ashamed as the group roared with laughter.

'Are you serious?'

'Poor man!' Warriors reached over and clapped a hand on the older man's shoulder.

'Oh, THAT must have been uncomfortable!' Sky commented between breaths.

' I barely lasted a few sentences before I was pleading for mercy.' He rolled his eyes and huffed through his nose.

'So THAT'S why you were so careful in battle the weeks after.' Hyrule realized, grinning as Time shrugged.

'When I'm threatened with something like THAT? How can I do anything else but obey?'

Wars held his hands up in a shrug, smirk on his face. 'Ah but who are we to question Her divine command?'

'Who are we indeed..' Time murmured with a breathy laugh.

Wild smirked, eyes glinting with glee. 'Speaking of her doing things we don't expect, Vet! Remember when she met Wolfie?'

Legend smirked, even as Twilight send a glare at the cook. 'Rather brave of her, despite never being near an actual wolf before. '

Sky frowned. 'But didn't she look nervous?' Twilight sighed as Legend and Wild let out a laugh.

' You would think! But she apparently didn't want to break any unspoken rules about touching him.' Wild couldn't resist the sharp grin as he eyed the embarrassed rancher. 'You should have seen her when she was given the okay. I'm surprised the mutt was able to escape her constant pets and kisses.'

Twilight wasn't able to keep the blush down when Wind grumbled a very clear 'Lucky bastard.' To the amusement of everyone else, especially those who knew his secret.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the sound of the waves a song that filled their ears, the wind playing with their hair as they got lost in thought.

'...Go and bring peace to Hyrule.'

They looked at Wild, he was looking at the sea. 'Every time I went to one of those statues, that's what Hylia would tell me.'

He dug his boot into the sand. 'She would heal me up when I had enough spirit orbs, fill me with vitality, but every time she finished, she would always say those same words.' He grimaced

'And every time, I would think, 'is she healing me because cares, or because I'm just a means to an end?''

Wild shooked his head, never taking his eyes off the sea.

'Even though I've fought evil for her sake. For Zelda's sake. I always felt like she wanted more.' He grimaced.

“I don’t even know what more I could have given…” He admitted, “Always thinking that I’ll one day wake up and realize that I was fated to sacrifice more.'

Then a small smile pulled at his lips, 'But when I'm with (y/n)...I don't feel that weight of responsibility...the weight of those thoughts.' His words were barely above a whisper by the end.

'With her...I feel free.'

For several moments, there was stillness. Watch of them could feel the bite of the ocean breeze on their skin, the heat of the campfire barely able to hold off the chill and darkness surrounding them.

"She said she was proud of me..' Wild whispered, "Said that every breath I took, every moment I opened my eyes to greet the day, was rebellion against what destiny, what Ganon, had wanted.'

'She saw me, a failure of a hero, and said she was proud of me,' He whispered, unable to trust himself with anything louder. 'How could I possibly love another when she says such things with so much honesty?'

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

'How could I go on, following Hylia's command blindly, when (y/n) comes to me with those kind eyes and says She just wants me to be happy?'

'Hylia does not want champions.' Time shook his head, smirking bitterly. 'She merely wants toy soldiers.'

Sky's eyes flew up to the look at eldest of the group.

'Surely that's a bit much, Hylia..has done what she could for us.'

'Who is Hylia? A being who seeks soldiers to clean up her mess? A being who only expects us to obey?' Time interjected.

Sky swallowed. 'But..she's assisted us-'

Time shook his head. 'No, she simply made sure we survived long enough to eliminate her enemies.'

Wild frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. 'When you think about it, he's right. We have never worshiped Hylia because we wanted to. But because we were obligated to. Because most of us were raised to believe it was an honor.'

He looked at Sky. 'But...isn't a goddess of benevolence supposed to be someone who is kinder than a mortal could comprehend? Someone who cares for her servants for no other reason than because we love her as much as she loved us?'

Twilight smiled bitterly. 'A goddess like that is someone I wouldn't mind serving. '

'Isn't that why we love Her so?' Legend said softly.

Warriors looked at him oddly. '(y/n) isn't a goddess Legend.'

Legend looked at him with carefully impassive expression. 'But we want her to be.'

They all looked anywhere but at him.

'You've all already admitted it. Even if you don't want to say it.' Legend smirked.

'Vet-'

''Who are we to question Her divine command?'' He repeated, smirking when the captain's mouth snapped shut.

'We all want her to be.' Legend repeated, catching Hyrule's eye and staring him down.

-Admit it.- His eyes said. Hyrule flinching at being seen through. Wanting to deny the silent accusation.

...But his heart wouldn't let him deny such a thing either.

'...(y/n) would make a better goddess than hylia.' He admitted, looking down.

Sky snap his attention to the traveler, his eyes slightly wide.

'Hyrule-' Legend cut Sky off, looking right at the skyloftian.

'Can you deny that she's already better than hylia?' Sky seemed to struggle with an answer, but Legend didn't wait for an answer.

'Is She not kinder, sweeter, more beautiful than anyone else? She never asks for anything other than our safety and happiness. Becomes upset when we try to do more than we can handle and tries to actually help us whenever she can. '

Twilight sighed, but nodded in agreement. 'Her presence is like a soothing warmth that never falters. I don't think I've ever had someone who's presence relieved me the way Hers does.'

He grimaced. 'Not even Hylia herself can claim such a thing.'

A glance at Sky, causing him to grimace and look away.

'Someone with a beautiful soul like Hers...' Hyrule whispered, folding his hands in front of his chest, almost like he was praying.

'I..I could worship someone like Her everyday without regret.' He looked away, as if shameful of his admittance.

'..What's wrong with that?' Hyrule looked at who spoke.

'Wars?'

Warriors did not look at him, staring at the ground. But his face had shifted into an expression of thoughtfulness. 'What's wrong with wanting to worship her? '

Hyrule's face flushed red. '..it...it seems a bit inappropriate to-'

'Because we're supposed to worship Hylia?' He looked up at him. 'Farore? Nayru? Din?'

'...I-'

Wind frowned, looking around. ' Why can't we worship who we desire? Worship someone we CAN trust?'

Twilight bit his lip, shaking his head. 'That's too much of a dream to even CONSIDER-'

Legend barked a laugh.

'Dreams are only dreams until we make them a reality.'

'...!' He chuckled at the shocked looks he received from most of them.

'You said it better than I ever could Hyrule. Someone with as beautiful of a soul as Her's is someone we could worship everyday of our lives without regret.'

'But we can't-'

'Why? Because we're Hylia's 'Champions'? I don't know if you remember this, but we've done our duties, defeated Ganon and the only reason I'll not complaining about THIS journey anymore is because it brought us Her.'

'Legend-'

'And don't we in a way worship her already?'

Wild tilted his head. 'What do you mean?'

He raised a finger, 'Don't we find joy in caring for her? Providing for her? Is that not paying tribute?' A second finger, 'Don't we defend her when danger is near? Cutting down every enemy that come near her? Is that not raising our swords in her name?'

He leaned forward, A manic glint flashing in his eyes. A third finger was raised. 'Do we not find joy when she whispers our name, do we not find peace when we whisper Hers? Is that not devotion? Tell me otherwise and I'll concede.'

But no one said anything.

No one wanted to.

Because they agreed with his words so much.

'She deserves someone to protect her...' Hyrule whispered, as if to himself, as if to convince himself to listen to the words being spoken to him.

'She deserves US to protect Her.' Legend corrected, his smile was all teeth, but it wasn't malicious.

'We've defeated literal evil. We're the best people to protect Her.' Wind added, his eyes matching the Veteran's. Soon matching the eyes of all of them.

'And doesn't She deserve the very best, after everything She's done for us?' Legend spread his arms out, smirk on his face. Sky smiled, looking at his hands, laughing softly, shaking his head.

'I...suppose you're right...' he slowly admitted, his shoulder releasing tension, almost relieved.

'I..can't see anyone else providing for her the way we can.'

'We have the resources...' Four slowly added, a note of mania woven through the blacksmith's words, 'We have much sway in our eras and what we don't have, I'm reasonably sure we know someone who can provide it for us.'

'We've faced more than enough adversaries to be able to counter any situation.' Warriors smirked, sitting back, arms crossed.

'The safest place is with us.' Time said, a sense of finality in his words.

And for the first time in so long, they all were united with such a decision.

It didn't matter if there wasn't a drop of divinity in her.

It didn't matter if she wasn't able to use magic or blessed by any spirit.

She was not a goddess in the way they knew. But only a fool would deny the beautiful divinity that radiated from Her heart.

She was Divine to them.

A presence that was not unlike an ocean of warmth that wanted to drown them in love and safety.  Eager to drive them mad, to drive them to protect Her happiness.

And they would drown in that ocean willingly.

She didn't even realize what she was doing to them.

She didn't realize that the very person She was was causing them to crave Her gentle touch, Her beautiful smiles, Her arms wrapped around them.

She didn't realize any of this.

Because it was as natural as breathing to Her.

How many times was Her kindness going to steal the breath from their lungs?

How many times was Her gentle voice going to soothe them when they wake from their nightmares, Her hands wiping the tears from their face?

How many times will they crave the chance to kiss away Her tears but only be able to brush them aside.

But it was alright.

They loved Her so much.

A Goddess of their own making.

One that they would worship freely, not like how obligation and duty forced their hand with Hylia.

Hylia demanded their loyalty.

(y/n) merely asked for their continued happiness.

Hylia commanded they fight in her name.

(y/n) requested they remained safe and healthy.

Hylia wanted heroes.

(y/n) wanted only them.

She wanted them.

She trusted them.

She cared for them.

She was the one they wanted to serve.

They fulfilled their duties to Hylia.

They no longer were obligated to serve her.

But (y/n)...She was so fragile compared to the rest of them. Having lived in a world with no monsters, no calamities or destiny.

She needed to be protected.

She needed them to protect Her.

They were the only ones who could protect Her.

They needed to unite. To stand side by side, as a shield against the monsters, against anyone that would dare take Her from them.

They couldn't fight amongst themselves anymore.

They couldn't allow Her to come to harm ever again.

All this time wasted fighting when they could have been protecting Her. Making her happy. Keeping her safe. How foolish of them.

But no longer.

To protect their Reason for breathing, there could be no room for trickery or lies between each other. Only for those that stood between them and Her.

The sun was rising, washing away the rivalries and dissonance of the past night, and the rays of dawn shining upon renewed unity and brotherhood.

She is their's; a Gift that pure chance had bestowed upon them.'

They would protect Her. Together.

They would protect their Goddess.

No one will ever take Her away from them.

No One.

[aalghul]

One of my least favorite Jason Todd fanon things (and I have a lot) is when a fic mentions Jason being a bookworm/literature nerd, and then… that’s it. That’s the only claim to intelligence he gets given. And other than in that one area he’s treated as less smart than everyone else (but usually especially Tim). As if they all have to have their super special field of expertise and there can’t be any crossover. God forbid more than one or two of them be competent with computers in any way, or good at chemistry, etc. So Jason gets put into the “English literature expert” box and he has to stay in that box, and subsequently is seen as lesser both because he’s not allowed to be good at anything else, but also because literature isn’t going to be knowledge able to be applied practically in regards to the plot. Nevermind the fact that Jason has a very well-rounded and expansive set of skills and has canonically mastered all of them

Not only that, but everyone else will have have a more refined manner of speaking than Jason. His one claim to ‘intelligence’ is literature, yet he knows 5 words and they’re all swears. There’s nothing wrong with any way of speaking, and having a refined way of speaking doesn’t make you more intelligent or superior etc. but the intention of the writers is clear. People latched onto Jason being a literature nerd and only that because it’s a convenient way to avoid being called out for classist opinions on his intelligence without actually giving him his original canon competence. Jason can have a line about Pride & Prejudice being his favourite book, but his only contribution to the actual plot is *checks notes* guns & muscle.

I’m glad you pointed out that fanon seems to think that everyone has a super specific area of knowledge and know nothing else. This happens because people forget that each batfamily member’s primary team usually isn’t even the batfamily. Unavoidably, fans of any team from any media ever dumb people down to one or two specific skills (with the exception of the main character/leader/whichever resident white boy they’ve latched onto). But the bats can’t be reduced like that on any level because they’re not supposed to refill in each other’s gaps, they have other characters they’re connected to. Obviously, it’s not that concrete because most of were created to be part of some dynamic with other bats. However, they all either grew past that, or they grew into different roles within the batfam. What I mean by the latter is that characters that genuinely did initially have a primary skill, Dick & his acrobatics, were either trained by Batman in the rest, ir they learned themselves. None of them stayed a master of a single skill because that’s not possible as a character but especially not when your group is known for producing the jack of all trades characters.

[emilysshortstories]

Paul Lahote Part 2

Don’t really know what to call this, but thanks for all the love on the last part. I’m gonna try and post weekly but I work a lot so no promises.

Warnings: Angst, lots of it. cussing, hints towards abuse.

After a few weeks went by things seemed to work themselves out between Jacob and Bella. I would drive out to Emily’s about once a week, Paul conveniently never being there. Which I was actually kinda glad about, although I felt eager to be around him, Jared told me about his anger issues so I think it’s better for me to steer clear of him until this eagerness goes away. Anger issues scare me. 

Jared and I have gotten close through these visits, always laughing at each other's sarcastic jokes and ending the night with an episode of New Girl. That was usually the time when everyone else bailed but I didn’t care, it gave Jared and I some hilarious inside jokes. No matter how close we got, our feelings for each other never grew past platonic, though I would rarely catch Sam giving Jared a look. It was never all knowing “when are you going to ask her out?” look, more of a “back off” look. But that could just be me reading into it too much, there is nothing. I am thinking too much. I’m just happy I finally made a friend of my own. 

One day when I arrived at Emily’s for dinner, there was a new face in the crowd. “Y/N! You’re here!” said Emily as I walked in. “Hey! This is for you. It’s a cake for later” I said, handing her the grocery bag in my hands. “Thank you, you didn’t have to do that. This is Seth, Harry’s son.” Emily pointed to the unfamiliar face. “Hi, I’m Y/N, Charlie Swan’s niece.” I introduced myself, but Seth just kind of stared at me, never saying a word. Jared’s laughing was what broke the silence. “What are you laughing at dick nose?” I asked, hoping not to embarrass Seth. “Nothing, just your ability to woo people” 

“Very funny, I don’t woo anyone, you’re imagining things. How Emily puts up with you is beyond me.”

“IT’S NOT WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY” Emily yelled from the kitchen before walking towards us. “Paul isn’t going to show up again?” she added.

“Nope” Embry said “ Too stubborn for his own good, the dumbass”

“Hey, if he doesn’t want to meet me that’s fine. It’s none of my business.” I say, hoping to ease Emily’s thoughts, seeming it always bothers her when he doesn’t show up. 

We all seemed to move past it and dinner was great, as usual. “Hey, instead of New Girl do you want to take a walk? I’ll show you the hiking trails around here.” Jared asked me.

“Sounds great” I said with a smile.

“Can I join you guys?” Seth asks like a small child which made me have to suppress a giggle. Poor boy had been staring at me all night like a lost puppy, he was cute no doubt, but being 5 years younger than me was a deal breaker. 

“No, Jared has something important to explain to her. Remember?” Sam said like he was Seth’s father. He seemed to always be incharge of everything around these guys so that didn’t surprise me. I definitely wouldn’t call them a cult, but club would be a better term, seeming as a hierarchy was apparent. 

“Seth likes you” Jared said as soon as we walked out of the house. “Wow! Way to out your friend there! Remind me to never trust you with a secret. Plus you don’t know that for certain, he just met me.” I said and Jared laughed, but didn’t say anything back. No until we were pretty deep into the woods did I ask “So what is this thing Sam said you needed to show me?” 

“Well I wanted to try and explain it to you but I have a feeling you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Your sarcasm levels are like no other to be fair, so show me.”

“Ok” he said and stopped walking. “Just brace yourself and try not to panic. I promise I won’t hurt you ok?”

“Ok” I say, trying to do what he said.

I watched. Watched him take off his shoes. Watched him back up a few feet. Watched him start to shake. Just like Paul did that day Bella slapped him. Then I watched him turn into a wolf. I was stuck. Didn’t say or do anything. I couldn’t. Just continued to watch as this wolf trotted back into the woods. My brain was blank. No thoughts, words or actions came to mind. Everyone knows the fight or flight trauma responses, but not a lot of people talk about the third: freeze. 

Jared came back, this time a human. “You okay?”. I took a deep breath and said “I’m in need of explanation please” I remembered that he wasn’t going to hurt me. 

He explained the histories, Vampires, and why he spends most of his time with the “pack”. I listened, tried to take it all in and process the copious amounts of new information, but apparently I was too quiet for Jared. “Please say something” 

“I’m alright, surprised to say the least and will need some time to process everything. But I’m not mad I promise. Thank you for telling me everything.”

“Well, that actually is not all. We just figured it would be best to wait until you’re ok with this first.” 

“There is more? Please just tell me the rest, trust me, I process better with all the information.”

“Okay, well. We can hear each other's thoughts, we are 108 degrees, and we can imprint.”

“That’s why you never wear shirts… What’s imprinting?” 

“The best way I can describe it is soulmates. When we make eye contact with them, our whole world becomes this person and we will be and do anything for them. When we are apart it’s hell, getting rejected by an imprint can really fuck you up. Make you sick. No one has ever died from being seperated from an imprint but you might as well be.”

“That sounds intense. What does that have to do with me?” 

“Paul imprinted on you. And it scared him. Still does scare him because love was never something that he wanted. That’s why he won’t see you, he isn’t mad at you. He’s in love with you and his stubbornness is eating him alive. It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to listen to his obsessive thoughts all the time.” 

“Hold on. Paul is my soulmate but he doesn't want me?”

“No, he wants you. He needs you, but he’s scared. We thought if we told you, you could convince-”

“You want me to try and convince my soulmate that he should be with me?... Fuck that. You dump all this crap on me and then tell me my own fucking soulmate doesn’t want me?!”

As if on cue, Paul came out of the woods “What did you do to her Jared? You hurt her?!”

“How do you know I’m in pain?”

“We feel our imprints' pain too” Jared added. 

“Oh! Perfect! So you can feel what you are doing to me asshole!” I couldn’t help but yell at Paul, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I’d never been so angry in my whole life. 

“What?”

“Jared didn’t hurt me, You did! What? You thought that I would be all sweet and understanding?! Awe my own fucking soulmate doesn’t want me-”

“No it’s no like that-”

“What is it? Am I not as pretty as you thought I would be? Well I can guarantee that you were not what I had in mind either you prick! In fact you are the last person I ever wanted. Oh great! Another egotistical asshole with anger issues to make me feel like shit all the time! Let me just take off my shoes so you can sweep me off my feet properly! I’m happy you got some practice keeping your distance from me. Now keep doing it! And don’t you dare think, even for a second, that you have any sort of claim over me. I’m out of here!”

Frustrated tears flowed down my face like a waterfall while my heart felt like it had died in my stomach and air was coming into my lungs but not my head. 

“Please don’t go. I had no idea you would feel this way. I can’t be separated from you anymore, I’ll go insane-”

“GOOD! Now fuck off!” I got into my car and slammed my door before Paul ran up to me window “Ok ok you can leave, just please let me drive you home. You shouldn’t be driving like this, and it’s dark. I promise I won’t say a word. Let Jared drive you! Anything.”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” My own stubbornness got the best of me and I drove away. Only this time I was dumb enough to look in the mirror to see Paul sobbing.