#difficult choices

[rin-may-1103]

The Disappointment.

This may or may not have multiple parts, depending on whether I feel like writing more. (dcxdp, demon twin au.) also based on some post I read a while ago... can't remember for the life of me who wrote it but if any of you guys do, let me know.

"This way," Mother hissed, snatching Danny's wrist tightly. Damian lagged behind, twisting his head this way and that, keeping an eye out for anyone following them.

"Quick now, we must hurry." She hissed again, her eyes darting back and forth, eyeing the small nicks and scratches she had left previously to lead them away.

Danny glanced back at his brother, watching as he scowled and defiantly lifted his head. His baby brother would die before he allowed anyone to see him defeated.

Glancing back to the path, Danny watched as Mother took down anyone who was in their way, killing without hesitation. As he watched another body hit the floor, Grandfather's muttered words from when he left dinner, ran through the back of his head, "Bring the disappointment to me after sundown. I've seen enough."

There was nowhere in the world they could hide that Grandfather wouldn't follow. They would be hunted for the rest of their short lives, hiding in fear like cowards. Grandfather would not rest until he drew blood.

"In here, Habibi, quiet now. Quickly, both of you." Mother finally let Danny's wrist go, darting across the hall to open the secret door. Danny moved to the side, signaling to Damian that he would keep watch. His brother nodded his head and quickly made his way over, ducking into the small, dark, and eerie corridor.

Mother crouched next to Damian, running her hands over his face like this would be the last time she would see it. knowing her, she probably expected it to be. No one went against their grandfather without severe consequences.

Glancing over his shoulder, Danny studied the shadows; there was a lookout patrol moving closer, which meant they only had a minute before they were discovered. Gritting his teeth, Danny darted across the hall, but instead of joining his mother and brother in the dark corridor, he pushed the wall back, leaving only the missing brick his mother had initially taken out.

"Danyal!" his mother hissed, her voice full of stern panic.

"Apologies Mother, but I can not let you do this," Danny replied, glancing to the side to see how much time he had left. Forty seconds. Crouching down, he picked up the brick and looked back at his mother. Damian stood next to her, his brows furrowed in confusion. Obviously, he hadn't figured out Danny's plan, otherwise he would have started shouting at him.

Mother stared at him for a second, her stern eyes wavering for the first time in Danny's life that he could remember. "Take care of him for me, keep him safe when I can not," Danny asked, grabbing the hood hanging around the back of his neck.

Mother's eyes teared up, but she straightened her back, her black hair framing her pretty face. "You've made up your mind then," she said, her voice low and steady. She rested her hand on Damian's shoulder, giving Danny a nod of understanding. "You are like your father, his love makes him weak."

"But," she continued, kneeling down in a bow, "You are of the demon's blood, it runs in your veins just like mine. Your actions will not be forgotten, nor will they be for nothing. You have my word, tifl alqamar. I love you, Habibi."

Danny nodded his head, unable to voice the thoughts clogging his throat. Instead, he took a silent breath, pulled his hood and mask into place, and shoved the final brick into place. Sealing off his precious family just in time to hear the guards around the corner.

Turning around, Danny silently stalked forward, drawing his shoulders back. The group rounded the corner and stopped, watching him in anticipation. Pitching his voice just slightly to the left and rolling his tongue, Danny spoke in a neutral voice, "take me to grandfather."

The two guards in front shared a look, but the ones in the back straightened up and moved aside. Marching forward, Danny passed the two hesitating guards and with a quick slice, brought them to their knees. He needed this to work, there was no room for mercy, no matter how much he hated it.

"I am the grandson of the demon head, you will respect me as you respect him. there will be no next time." Danny continued walking, pretending to not care if the two managed to follow or not. the remaining guards trailed behind him, silently observing him.

Danny was glad Mother had insisted on them matching today. otherwise, his plan would have failed long before he made it to his grandfather's door.

Stopping in front of the painted carved wood that was grandfather's door, Danny idly studied the carvings and statues around the grand hall. He remembered all the stories of how grandfather had collected them over his lifetime; grand stories of bloodshed and cunning manipulation.

His eyes settled on the one farthest away, with the least interesting story. It was considered ordinary, placed next to art worth billions. But it was Danny's favorite. It was a simple green crystal, carved like a crescent moon.

so simple, yet the most beautiful piece in Danny's opinion. He had always hoped he would die beneath the stars and his ever-faithful friend the moon. Maybe, instead of beneath them, he could die amongst them.

He would take it with him, he decided.

Turning sharply, Danny marched over to the small pedistal and plucked the crystal into his hand. Wrapping his fingers around it, he shoved it into a side pocket and returned back to his position.

They only had to wait for another minute before the door opened, grandfather's servants clearing a path for Danny to walk through.

"I see your mother did not drag you away," Grandfather mused, sitting in his large chair. His dark eyes studied Danny's form, taking in the katana on his back, and the hood and mask concealing his face. He was dressed like he would for a mission; no discernable features, no sign of who he was or wasn't. The perfect image of an assassin.

"at least you aren't a coward," Grandfather hummed, standing from his seat. He slowly pulled out his own katana, aiming it at Danny in a challenge. "no, just disappointing. but you are my blood and that earns you the right to die an honorable death. Draw your sword child, and fight like the warrior you are."

Danny bowed like he had been taught, then without another moment of hesitation, drew his sword and lunged.

He wished he could say it was a drawn-out battle of strength and minds, but it was not. for Danny was only ten years old, and his grandfather had hundreds of years of training and discipline behind him.

he gazed up at his grandfather as his knees hit the ground, his katana dropping to the ground as his hand reached up to the sword impaling his chest. Grandfather's eyes were filled with nothing but contempt, contempt for the useless boy he had just sentenced to death.

but his contempt did not bother Danny, no instead it drew a smile to his face. As much as Grandfather lorded his sharp mind over them, he had never been able to stop Danny from surprising him. So, with a burst of adrenaline, Danny allowed the small shuriken he hid in his sleeve to drop to his left hand and buried it deep into his grandfather's chest.

grandfather lunged back, pulling his katana with him, removing the only thing keeping Danny upright. Danny's body hit the ground, and with the last of his strength, he twisted his head so he could listen as his grandfather cried out in anger.

Grandfather's breath was heavy, the sound of him removing the dagger filling the silence. the shuriken was dropped to the ground with a sharp clatter, falling just a few feet from Danny's face.

"you," Grandfather huffed, "aren't such a disappointment after all. I'll grant you one last honor and keep you in the family tomb. Rest now, Damian, you have fought well."

Danny smiled, the cold feeling of blood loss crawling through his body, but not fast enough to block out the pressure of the moon crystal still in his pocket. He hoped Mother had gotten Damian out in time, and he hoped Damian could forgive him for what he had done.

[sophi-aubrey]

I wait not sure what I wait for

© Stephanie Heit, Estuary Cycles, ecotone

Ph. Igor Volkov, "Sunny Day"

[batwynn]

Facing the hard choices.

[mayapapaya33]

I'm rewatching Exu: Calamity and I think they made a mistake with the name. The real title should be Exu: Actually, Vasselheim has good reasons for how it operates, even if they're dicks about it sometimes. Maybe it was too long, so they went with the snappier CALAMITY! Instead lol.

The end of the Calamity was only 840 something years ago. With Elves and dragons running around, some of them are definitely old enough where, if they didn't live during the Age of Arcanum themselves, their parents or grandparents would have and they would have been told a thousand stories of the fuck heads in flying cities who destroyed the world and were super annoying and dangerous long before they did that. Many more would be born during the latter part of the Calamity or raised by people who survived the Calamity who passes on those stories. Depending on the race we are talking anywhere from direct witnesses (Like the Bright Queen and Ludinus) to like 2-5 generations removed. Even humans with our short lifespans, it's really not THAT long, especially if you've got a bunch of old ass elves around teaching history class from a first person pov for like 500 years lol.

Intellectually people know that Critical Role, the world of Exandria is a post apocalypse story. Exandria is a scarred landscape that is just beginning to bounce back from the brink. But because it is recovering, it's easy to forget sometimes that it IS POST APOCALYPTIC. So people looking at Vasselheim in the modern day are like, 'bro, you really need to chill, everything's fine.' And Vasselheim is like... 'Chill? I do not understand the meaning of this word. And everything is fine... for now. We will be a bastion of civilization when the end times come once more. Fare thee well traveler.'

Then everyone rolls their eyes and moves on with their day. But if you really think about Vasselheim's isolationism and strength and distain for arcane magic in historical context, you can't really blame them. Are they over the top about their dislike of arcane magic? Sure. Is it quite possibly the most understandable over reaction in the history of over reactions? Also yes! They haven't made it illegal, they are just going to keep an eye on you, so you don't pull a Vespin Chloras and doom the planet to another few centuries of choked skies and sundered landscapes, that's all. Vespin was IN Vasselheim! Of COURSE they have strong feelings about it. The (Almost) End of the World began in Vasselheim due to arcane magic. If they had been stricter, maybe it wouldn't have happened at all!

And it really does paint their actions in Campaign 1 in a different light as well. Their isolationism can come across as shortsighted and selfish, until you view it from their point of view. Which is that they are constantly under threat, they know for a fact that Asmodeus wants their city destroyed, they are a bastion for the Prime Deities in a world filled with many heathens (lol that's where the dickishness comes in) and the Betrayer Gods would take any sign of weakness in their defenses and attack with glee. Hearing it in C1 it sounds like an excuse not to help against the Chroma Conclave, but it is literally just the truth from what I can tell. In BOTH Calamity and Downfall they have mentioned destroying Vasselheim being on the Betrayer God's to do list lol. If I was on a Betrayer God's to do list specifically, by name, I too would be somewhat paranoid and would not really want to disarm any portion of the city to go do something else. No matter how important the something else might be.

Vasselheim was basically like; Look, I'm very sorry to hear about your Dragon problem, that sucks, truly, but if we go out all willy nilly and leave this city undefended, it'll be fucked when we get back. When you have a real plan, come back and get us and we'll join you for the big fight. Until then, it's up to you, here you can have Kima as well, she's been desperate to get out of here anyway, and here's some supplies. We have larger concerns than one continent being attacked by four ancient Dragons. We are the seed bank for civilization for when shit inevitably hits the fan. We are the doomsday bunker for the Apocalypse, four Ancient Dragons are terrible, but they are not the Apocalypse. And they are right. Looking at it all in context, The Chroma Conclave are small potatoes. Horrific, monstrous, life destroying, but compared to the threat Vasselheim is preparing for, nothing.

They are the doomsday preppers of Exandria, except the threat is real and they are only letting their collective trauma and ptsd inform their decisions a little bit. They are actually fairly rational all things considered. This city withstood the entire Calamity. The stewards of the city must feel an enormous weight and responsibility to keep it safe going into the future. Imagine the pressure. Are you going to be the one to fuck it all up, after thousands of years? Sounds like a nightmare to me. The level of devotion and conviction required to keep something like that going is incredible.

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 20

"DIFFICULT CHOICES"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 19 - "HEART OF THE MATTER"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761182994193154048/vagabonds-chapter-19?source=share

Word Count: 2.3 K

Background: The crew discuss what the new discovery means and how to proceed. Some angst, plenty of differing opinions from the crew, bickering (some of it comical-my favorite way of writing tension, without making it too intense). Echo is the grumpy voice of reason. Omega drops a surprising bombshell. And, I forgot to have Mad apologize for beating Echo up when she first met him...so sneaking that in this chapter instead of backtracking to fix my mistake.

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protaganists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: Commentary about babies and the reality of raising them, age, and relationships. Some swearing. Some discussion of body parts (very clinical, not graphic).

(Credit: Cool dividers by @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive)

Everyone BARELY fit into Mad’s stateroom.  A murmur of excitement rippled through the group. 

LOVE placed their hand on Mad’s belly, then the other against Hunter’s temple.  While Hunter could hear SOME of what was going on in Mad’s abdomen, LOVE allowed him a front row seat. 

For Hunter, it was like slowly being immersed in a watery environment.  The feel of floating in a calm pool, surrounded by the hum of sounds muffled from the outside world to the inside world.  Five little aquatic beings swam around him inside that uterus.   

There was a feeling of...familiarity.  Like seeing his much younger reg brothers in their tanks.  He swam and swirled about with them.  Feeling warm, protected, nestled in the safety and comfort of that womb. 

In the background of his consciousness...and the ears of his physical body Tech’s voice appeared...questioning...pulling Hunter out of this comfortable place... 

“What did IT appear as?” His brother inquired. 

“They...” Hunter smiled. 

“Please REPEAT...” Tech pushed closer, as if his ears failed him.  

“There are FIVE of them!”  Hunter murmured...pleased.  “And... they look healthy.  All their limbs...and everything else...accounted for.” 

“What is their approximate size?”  Hunter held his hands out to the appropriate length.  His mind is still reeling from the shared Force experience. 

“It would seem...” Tech addressed Mad “You are well into your second trimester.” 

“WHAT!”  Mad blurted out.  “It’s been just shy a WEEK since implantation!!!” 

“Well, according to my calculations...” Tech rambled “The ovum was fertilized AFTER implantation and BEFORE the other night you and Hunter...coupled.” 

“NO!  That’s NOT now babies work.”  Mad shook her head. 

Tech pressed on.  “THAT is how Kaminoan CLONE BABIES develop.  Their growth is accelerated.  Hunter is the father and OUR aging was accelerated.” 

“Ok...but the timeline is off.” Mad shook her head. 

“Clone trooper sperm can stay alive in the right environment up to and slightly over a WEEK.” Tech calmly added.  “The Jedi ovum was indeed fertilized approximately 24-48 standard hours AFTER the doctor implanted it.” 

Mad’s jaw dropped. 

Hunter smiled proudly; he couldn’t help himself. 

“Congratulations.  You are OFFICIALLY pregnant...” Tech genuinely and warmly nodded to Mad.  Then turned to his brother.  “Hunter, you are a FATHER.” 

EVERYONE cheered out of relief and sincere happiness. 

Mad stared incredulously at Hunter. 

She was silent. 

“She’s NOT lookin’ so happy. “Wrecker leaned over and whispered to Hunter. 

“Mad...?” Hunter took her hand. 

“I... I NEVER expected...” She was flabbergasted. 

“Mad...?” Hunter repeated...now concerned. 

She lay there on the bed shaking her head. 

Hunter’s smile faded. 

“They weren’t mine to keep.  Technically they aren’t MINE at all.  I’m a surrogate.” 

“Aren’t you HAPPY?” Hunter was disappointed in Mad’s response. 

“Hunter...even IF the Jedi who this genetic material came from are long gone and can’t claim their kin...have you EVER seen a woman carry to term?  Or give birth?” 

“No, but I’ve seen clones decanted...” 

“NOT the same!  Not even close.  And with accelerated growth...”  Mad motioned to the red angry stretchmarks on her sides “Women AREN’T meant to carry something growing THAT large so fast...then birth them.” 

Tech butt in “Technically the vagina can stretch...” 

“TECH!  DO YOU OWN A VAGINA???” Mad cut him off. 

“No...”  He pressed on “But as I was relating to you...” 

“Ever been constipated TECH???”  Mad snapped back. 

“I... don’t see how that is relevant as babies are born from the birth...” 

“I KNOW WHERE BABIES EXIT FROM!” Frustration clouded Mad’s face.  “The POINT I am making is most of you in this room DON’T own a vagina.” 

The point Mad was attempting to make dawned on Hunter...and Echo. 

“SO... tell ME again how it FEELS to pass something very large quickly???” 

“IT HURTS!!!” Wrecker shouted out, pained expression on his face. 

Mad snapped her finger and pointed at him “Someone gets it!  And...it absolutely can RUIN the body without proper medical intervention.” 

“The Rebel Base at the extraction point should be of assistance.  Of course...you may have to deliver via c-section.” Tech mused. 

“Oh...I’m sure Mad is absolutely excited to go through that!”  Echo grumbled. 

“As long as they give me ALL of the pain meds.” Mad shot back. 

“But...” Hunter sulked.  “They’re ours.” 

Hunter’s right Love signed. 

“GUYS...” Mad rubbed her head, frustrated and sighed.  “They’re...Hunter’s, and I carried them.  Surrogates DON’T contribute ANY genetic material to the offspring.” 

MOM!  The Nomaadi family isn’t always blood... Love signed heatedly, then glanced at Sil for support.   

“Nah Couz, not gettin’ involved in this one.” Sil shook his head, petting Tiggy to help his stress level. 

“But I didn’t plan for this and it’s MY body!”  Mad hissed.  “Listen I DON’T hate children.  Hell, I’ve made my life about saving children...but...Hunter needs to make a case for HIS children.” 

“OUR CHILDREN!”  Hunter raised his voice. 

“Hunky, we all collectively don’t have a... excuse my language” eyeing Omega “a pot to piss in. We have a ship that isn’t in working condition to even fly, and it needs A LOT of repairs.  The ship that does work is tiny.  We have EIGHT people and a DOG living together in a shared space with a very limited number of resources.  The only money I have is the original credits from the implantation job, and now I don’t even know if I will receive ANY credits at the extraction point since we will be delivering to them babies instead of the original cargo they agreed to.  Do YOU guys have ANY credits?” 

“NO!” Echo chimed in.  “She’s got a REAL good point there.” 

“Not you TOO!” Hunter was disappointed in Echo. 

“Hey, can’t even imagine how much work five babies are...soon to be five TODDLERS.” Echo remarked. 

“Well, as far as feeding them, Mad can breast feed.”  Tech added. “It will save on the cost of formula.” 

“I have two breasts and five mouths to feed.  Rotating them to feed will be an almost round the clock thing, and it’s exhausting.  And that’s if both are fully functional” Mad pointed to her chest. “Besides, if they continue to grow at the rate they did inside my body...they’re going to have teeth almost immediately...” 

“AAAwwowww!” Wrecker held his chest in fear.  “NO!” 

“Besides...” Mad shot a look at Tech and Wrecker “YOU gonna change any diapers?” 

Wrecker grimaced. 

Tech found his sass “I noticed you did NOT include Echo in your inquiry.  Is it because he is missing one hand?” 

“Alright then...pick on the handicapped guy...” Echo smirked. 

Hunter lost his patience.  “I’LL DO IT!  Why even ask them?” He nodded to his brothers. 

“Because IF they have an opinion on what I do with these children, then they can HELP take care of them!” 

Hunter nodded in a way Mad could see he agreed. 

“Hunky...listen...I understand this is a wonderful moment for you.”  Mad glanced at Omega...who was listening intently to everything “Clearly children are a passion of yours.  But...babies...they’re a whole different ballgame than a ten-year-old.  Trust me.  Been there once before.” 

Hunter and Tech were about to interject... 

“SHE’S RIGHT!”   

EVERYONE’S head pivoted to Omega. 

“Mad knows what she’s talking about.  I took care of ALL of you when you were babies.  You don’t remember, do you?” 

The Batchers were speechless.  Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker just nodded dumbly.  Echo sat down in the overstuffed chair opposite the bed, then kicked his feet up on the ottoman.  He was VERY interested in hearing more. 

“Nala Se made sure to keep you away from the regular clone population.  But she needed a caregiver when she was busy...which was often.  I diapered, fed, and kept you ALL from trying to kill each other...at least until you started to bond closely...with me.  Then she took you away...” Omega eyed Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker. 

Hunter face fell.  “Omega...we NEVER knew...” 

“Yeah, why didn’t ya tell us?” Wrecker asked. 

Tech stood still, shocked, but listened intently. 

“Well...we’re together NOW.  I... didn’t see the need to.”  Omega shrugged. 

“Wow...” Mad quietly remarked “...that’s...I don’t even know WHAT to say...” 

Sil and Love glanced at each other, then back at the Batchers. 

“No wonder you felt a kinship.” Echo mused “Unconsciously, you knew she was family.” 

Omega shook her head with a serious face “But...the POINT I was trying to make...Mad isn’t WRONG in asking these questions.  She didn’t CHOOSE to have...MULTIPLE children.  She was just trying to help save any future remaining Jedi.” 

“AND, they're going to have Jedi powers too.”  Echo chimed in “Can’t imagine THAT’S going to be easy to deal with!” 

“Do you want them???” Hunter pressed, looking intensely into Mad’s eyes. 

She sighed, then glanced around at everyone in the room.  Hunter realized the pressure he was putting on her with EVERYONE else present. 

“Apologies...we should ask them to leave, then we can dis...” 

“No. They can stay.  We’ve discussed everything else with them.  And... whatever happens going forward may affect them too...it’s not just you and I anymore.”  

Hunter nodded.  He respected Mad for this decision. 

“I...” Mad stopped, overwhelmed suddenly.  Hunter squeezed her hand.  She could see while disappointed, he still cared for her.  “I think we should speak to the people at the Rebel Base tomorrow.  See what they say.  I don’t know what they had planned for these little lives.  Maybe they found some grown Jedi who haven’t been killed off.  Maybe they were planning to start an underground covert Jedi sect....I don’t know...just feel that this could be something SO MUCH BIGGER than just the two of us suddenly having a family.” 

“My head agrees.”  Hunter sighed.  “My heart...well, I think you know where it’s at.” 

“Hunky...we’ve only known each other just shy a week.  Barely enough time to get to know one another.  This is all too much too fast.  I’m...sorry.” 

“Well, I’VE heard enough!” Echo got up from the armchair.  And attempted to leave the room.   

Tiggy, popped up from the bed, and playfully grabbed Echo’s scomp. 

Tech chimed in “Echo’s correct.  Besides, we have MUCH more to repair on the Beldame before our rendezvous tomorrow.  Hopefully, we can at least get the propulsion fully operational by then.” 

“Come on Couz.” Sil gently pulled on Love’s tunic. 

But...I’m NOT done!  I wanna say... 

“Nunya, Couz”   

Nunya??? 

“Nunya bizness.  Come on, let’s go and leave them alone.” Sil actively grabbed a handful of Love’s tunic and pulled them, still levitating, out of the room. 

Echo attempted to yank his scomp from Tiggy’s mouth.  It didn’t budge.  Then he lifted her off the bed as she held on.  He went to pull her off with his hand, and she growled. 

“Uh...someone wanna help?” 

Wrecker laughed “She’s messin’ with ya.  Not gonna bite.” 

“TIGGY, MAV!” Tech instructed.  Tiggy immediately let go and dropped to the floor. 

“Olaror” Tech patted his hip as he left the room, and she obediently followed. 

Wrecker picked up Omega as he walked out “So, was I the PRETTIEST baby of the Batch?” 

Omega giggled and hugged him.  “You ALL were pretty.” 

Echo, the last to leave turned to Hunter and Mad “Listen, whatever you BOTH decide, your brothers and Omega will support you.  Can’t speak for the kids, though.” 

Hunter nodded respectfully to Echo. 

“Thank you, Echo.”  Mad replied “Really appreciate it...never apologized for the rocky introduction...” 

Echo chuckled and waved it off “Getting kicked into a wall by Hunter’s girlfriend.  Honestly don’t know what else I could’ve expected.”  He winked as he left, and the door slid closed behind him. 

Mad and Hunter watched him go, then sat in silence together on Mad’s bed. 

Finally, Mad broke the silence.  “I’m sorry to disappoint you.  But I stand firmly on what I said...really mean it.” 

“And...I respect you for it.  Even love you for it, too.” Hunter 

“Love me?  Did Omega accidentally drop you on your head as a baby?” Mad quirked her eyebrow seriously at Hunter. 

“If it helps me navigate this relationship, she was right in doing so.” Hunter attempted to crack a slight grin. 

“You’re upset with me, aren’t you?” 

“I can be angry and still care deeply.” 

“Where have you been my whole life...and are you even FOR REAL???” Mad was incredulous. 

“Well...since I’m only 13 and just defected from the Republic...uh, Empire...” 

“Wut???” 

“Heh...” Hunter grinned.  “I’m only 13 standard years old.” 

“But...” Mad’s brain broke “You look to be...at least a 30-something year old...” 

“The accelerated aging.  Yeah, I look old for 13.  You look young for almost 50...” 

Mad stared a hole though Hunter. 

“Hey.” He lightly bumped her shoulder.  “Talk to me.” 

“Listen...Hunter...IF we wind up parenting these children...we GOTTA work on US first.  These kids won’t stand a chance if their parents don’t have their shit together.” 

“Agreed.” 

“So, we have A LOT to discuss.  I was hoping we would have more time to just BE US.  More time to discover who WE are...” 

“Oh...so you WERE planning on US to be something MORE...long term?” Hunter bumped Mad’s shoulder again. 

“I HOPED.  But honestly...admittedly...I kinda thought US wouldn’t last long.” 

Hunter cocked his head “Because of your first partner?” 

Mad nodded, ashamed.  “And...so MANY after him...I just...became cynical.  Raising one child on my own was...lonely and SO difficult.  I’m grateful to have LOVE.  Would never change that for the galaxy.  But...” she sighed tiredly.  “I CAN’T go through it all over again.  Not with one or five children.” 

“I’m NOT going anywhere.”  Hunter gripped Mad’s shoulders firmly.  “Take my responsibilities seriously.  Only be absent if I died...” 

“PLEASE don’t say THAT.  Call me superstitious...” Mad warned. 

“Even IF our relationship didn’t work out, I PROMISE to take care of OUR children.  I would NEVER leave them behind...and...I still wouldn’t leave you either.” 

Mad burst into tears “PLEASE...DON’T YOU FUCKING LIE TO ME!”  She sobbed.  “If you break my heart...I don’t think I could take it...” 

Hunter hugged her fiercely “Would NEVER do such a thing.” 

“I’m in love with you too, Hunky.” Mad sniffed.  “But...being in love early in a relationship...and the kind of love in a long term one...two different things.  Takes a lot of work...and...” 

“And?” 

“I’m ONE crazy BITCH!” Mad laughed while she cried. 

“Well, I’m 13 and kinda dumb...we’ll be fine...” 

Mad smacked Hunter as he hugged her tighter. 

To Read Chapter 21:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762676548240277504/vagabonds-chapter-21?source=share

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!

[daydreaming-allday-everyday]

We're being too hard on a girl who carries the hope of humanity on her shoulders, lost maybe her entire family because of it and chose her own kind over a group of apes she met 3 days ago. We're always on the side of the apes because "evil humans" but at this point the saga shows us several times that both species can be good or bad, and apes are also bad, selfish and treacherous, and they could also destroy the world just like humans did.

She chose his kind over everything, IT IS THE SAME THING that many people say Caesar should have done even if it meant sacrificing innocent people

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

Do I watch Castaway Diva first today for the awesome songs or Perfect Marriage Revenge for the unhinged, insane drama?

[loveroped]

considering doing a full revamp

[robotdragonfanatic]

I imagine missions with similar dilemas like the one with Future Gohan are a lot more common since the whole deal is to keep the timelines running as written.

That would mean the Time Patrol has a much higher probability of going on missions where they have the chance to save someone... but choose not to.

The patroler's right there, they have the ability to do something, but choosing anyithing other than standing by would doom that particular timeline.

And I honestly don't know what my characters would do in that situation.

[mauxanhduong]

i’m allowing myself one (1) wha manga volume

[inkystaarart]

hmmm. should i get grian’s card or scar’s card or pearl’s card? or doc’s card? or etho’s card?

[sophi-aubrey]

I don’t feel guilt at being unsociable, though I may sometimes regret it because my loneliness is painful.

But when I move into the world, it feels like a moral fall, like seeking love in a whorehouse.

● Susan Sontag

Ph. Unknown

[screaming-into-the-silence]

Already, we are having a rough day with ptsd. Now we have a neighbor at the hotel blasting music on shuffle. The hotel in question is a hybrid hotel/homeless shelter. As shelter residents, we and our staff are barred from speaking with the hotel office. We have contacted police 3 times to request the room to lower the music, this particular hotel has a history of fights and human trafficking, so asking them ourselves is not safe. Trying desperately to remain in legal boundaries...

[inkskinned]

the tradwife movement is the same as it has always been - back in the kitchen, back to breeding - it just has better branding.

when i was younger, i hated pink. i was not like other girls. this is now something i'm embarrassed of - this was not me being a "girl's girl."

but it was expressing something many of us felt at the time: i literally wasn't what girlhood was supposed to be. this is a hard thing to explain, but you know when you're not performing girlhood correctly. it isn't as easy as "i liked x when girls liked y" - because there were other girls that liked x, too - but i never figured out exactly the correct way to like x, or to be interested in y.

now there is the divine feminine. this is the same rhetoric it has always been: women are biologically driven to like pink and ribbons and submitting to our husbands.

the problem is that the patriarchy found a better PR team. because yes, actually, i want every woman to have the choice to be a homemaker. i also want her taken seriously for her legitimate home-making labor. i want her to be recognized as also having a job, just unpaid. i want men to have this opportunity, too.

but it is no longer "i made this choice and I love it." instead it is a sixteen-paragraph rant about how selfish it is that my generation isn't having kids. instead it's long videos about how if you feed your children processed foods, you're going to kill them. instead it is "this is what womanhood is supposed to be. i feel bad for any other choices you're making."

the shame spiral is just prettier. it is large houses devoid of personality. it is the implication: if you don't have this, you aren't happy. the solid, everlasting assurance: women are actually supposed to be submitting. this is the default. this is the natural state of things. all other attempts inflict suffering.

but you can no longer say i'm not like other girls. you can no longer reject this image completely. you cannot find it revolting, even if you know that the underbelly is toxic and festering. sure, it is the same repackaged patriarchy. but the internet does not have shades of grey. you should support and reward other women! your disgust is actually internalized misogyny. not because you are seeing a vision of yourself the way they're trying to train you to be. not because you feel her ghost pass within an inch of your earlobe. not because your father will eventually ask you - why can't you be like her?

because they figured out how to make it beautiful: women will sell other women on this idea, and we will find the singular loophole in feminism. sure, she's shaming you in most of her videos. sure, she implies that a different life is obscene. but she just wants you to be happy! you'd be happier if you were listening!

and the whole time you're sitting there thinking: i'd actually just be happier if i had that kind of money.

[clarabelleblog]

Be the Miracle

You have to believe in something that’s going to give you that extra edge. Not everyone has strong self-belief, so therefore, in those cases, you have to look into taking smaller steps that will help you get there. What does this mean? If I use myself as an example, I have built strong self-belief in myself over the years, but I wasn’t always like that. In the past, what held me back, was…

[vvyvernicus]

This is a difficult choice... All of them are so good 🥹