#i am doing multiple runs simultaneously

[toupee-or-nottoupee]

[hauntedbythefanficsofmypast]

Of Meetings and Musings

Masterlist

Not so Fake

“I expected this from Dick, not from you Alfred.” Tim said blankly from his place on the ground. Wrapped in what he could only define as a Military grade Bat-proof burrito blanket.

“Well Master Timothy I know better than anyone that you would not listen to reason. The moment your brothers’ and father's back are turned you'd be gone and already ten feet deep in your newest case.” Alfred moved forward placing a cup to the side of Tim’s head before bending the straw so that he could turn his head to take a sip. “Be happy I am letting you sit in on over video call for the Justice League meeting.” Alfred pulled out a domino mask, securely attaching it to Tim’s face.

“This is mildly embarrassing.” Alfred looked at him for a second before reaching over and turning off the camera feed on their side.

“Better?”

“Slightly.”

“Good, now I expect that water will be gone by the end of this meeting or your coffee ban will be extended. I will be in the kitchen, just call if you need me.”

“Understood.” Tim said glumly as he thought about coffee. Alfred gave him an amused smile before walking off towards the kitchen.

Tim couldn't help but pout over the fact that he was even in the situation. He just wanted to do an intensive search into the Infinite Realms, while simultaneously hacking into the government agency known as the Ghost Investigation Ward, light work really. He barely had time to react before he was caught by Alfred. Honestly they act like he had a problem.

Tim in fact does have a problem.

Dick had managed to convince them to let Tim at least listen into the meeting. Which won him some points in Tim’s book, going off a mental tally he was now tied for second place with Duke. Cass remained in the number one favorite sibling spot, while Jason had dropped to last after the spam of pictures he took of him in the burrito.

The complete asshole he was had probably already posted them all over Twitter and Instagram. Tim wasn't ready for his Wayne Enterprises PR team email, he was gonna get Jason back for this.

He sighed, taking a sip from his straw tuning back in as Batman called attention.

“Very startling information has been brought to my attention. Something that we should've known sooner but slipped under the radar.” Batman straightens, moving to the side as the projector turns on. Displaying a PowerPoint that Tim considered woefully uninformed considering Jason had made it. Jason's the only one that uses PowerPoints weird transitions, and Tim knows he could have found everything Jason compiled in under an hour.

“The Anti-Ecto Acts a law passed by Luthor during his President run. It was signed into law the day after Gotham was declared no man's land, leaving it to slip our attention.” Nightwing turned the page in the packet he had gotten made up, signaling the others to turn as well. It was the bill in full for them to read over. “This law states that any being made of ectoplasm or able to create it are classified as undead and non-sentient. They automatically lose all human rights, and are open season to be experimented on or exterminated. They also declare it a crime to be a ghost or Ecto-Entity, the Ghost Investigation Ward, operating under the government, is given full rights to arrest those they deem undead.” Batman clicked the next slide to show multiple League members’ pictures. “Multiple League members are considered to be undead.” Everyone was stunned as they looked over the pictures, Superman was the first to speak up.

“Batman, seven of those pictures.” Batman nodded his face blank but his kids could read him clearly.

“Seven of Gotham's vigilantes are considered non-sentient and inhuman. Myself included, anyone in the Justice League that has died and managed to come back. If we don't move fast, we'll all be in trouble.”

Tim sighed, shaking his head deciding to step in.

“Under statement of the year B. This is one, either a plan Luthor made to take us down, or two, the start to tearing down all protections Metas and Aliens currently have.” Constantine nodded before standing up  moving to the front.

“I thought you all knew about this, else I would've told you sooner. We're all in lot of trouble with these Acts. Luthor basically declared war against another nation.” 

“What do you mean John?” Superman questioned as he leaned forward more his Eyes kept straying back to his picture and that of his god kids. Batman nodded to Constantine letting him take over the presentation. Tim was surprised to see screenshots of Danny’s videos on the next slide.

“There is a Realm that coincides with ours and every other universe that exists. It's known as the Infinite Realms, to put in bluntly, if the Infinite Realms was to be destroyed every universe would too. The Infinite Realms is inhabited by ghosts and primordials, beings that could and would destroy worlds if they simply teamed up. The Anti-Ecto Acts is a declaration of war against them.” Constantine sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at the pictures. “For one we need to get it repealed immediately. Second we need to start peace treaties with the Infinite Realms, up until a few years ago it would’ve been impossible. The King was a tyrant that would love a war, however three years ago he was defeated in battle and another was Crowned.”

“How do we get in contact with this new King?” Wonder Woman questioned crossing her arms determined to see the Acts abolished.

“The only lead we have is, and I shit you not, this YouTuber.” Tim blue screened for a moment as his eyes zeroed in on a screenshot of Danny’s grinning face. Constantine held his hands up at the incredulous looks he was getting. “I know, sounds down right loony but it’s true. GalacticPhantom, also known as Danny, has posted multiple videos of himself and friends interacting with Ghosts from the Infinite Realms. The most important being the young ghost girl with white hair in the last photo. If our connections are correct, that girl is Princess Danielle Phantom, clone of High King Phantom and heir apparent. In order to reach the King, we need to reach her, and to reach her, we need Danny.”

Tim blinked before dropping his head against the floor groaning slightly, thinking about how they’d have to go about this.

“Before we continue with this.” He interrupted grumpily knowing this was going to cause issues. “So as the resident expert on GalacticPhantom,”

“Yes Red, we know you have a crush on the YouTuber.” Hood called out teasingly, earning a few small smiles. Tim was silent just glaring at the camera before speaking again.

“Congratulations Robin you’ve moved up the rankings of my favorites lists.”

“Tt- I don’t care about the nonsense you’re spewing Red.”

“Awe, Robin are you smirking? That's so cute! My baby birds are bonding!” “Nightwing I swear I will stab you.”

“Back to the point!” Tim said loudly, wanting to slam his head against the floor. “Danny’s friend Wes, he is either incredibly smart or a psychic of some sort. He has a majority of our identities clocked. Stop yelling, honestly, I believe he has a curse much like Cassandra of Troy, the only people that believe him are his friends.” Batman sighed and everyone watched in shock as he pinched his nose.

“Red, we are going to have a serious talk about sharing important information like that.” Tim snorted, rolling his eyes as he took a long sip of his water.

“Honestly B, the only reason I’m telling you now is because he is going to immediately know something is wrong. Given that only his friends listen to him, well I have no fact they all will be on high alert. To put it plainly, for once we can’t sneak around in the shadows.”

“Damn, we have to do a Superman confrontation.” Nightwing said glumly, earning a teasing offended look from the man himself.

“What’s wrong with my way?”

“It’s not as fun ‘cause they see you coming. It’s never a surprise, I like surprising them.”

“Ya, you would Wing.” Superman said affectionately before Batman called attention back to their meeting. 

“We better start planning then, I want us to be in peace talks within the week. I am giving Oracle and Red Robin full permission to pull up everything from GIW and get it blasted through every media outlet, converging with Superman on certain points of this. Given the new knowledge our best bet would be to go in with civilians. I will ask the Waynes to act as liaison for us, given they are our biggest benefactors they can be direct contact between the two.” Batman turned the power point off before moving to the middle of the table again. 

“Given the threat all of us are currently facing, I am enacting Protocol Convergence effective immediately. No hero is to do sole patrols, heroes are required to keep emergency homing beacons on them at all times. If anyone is confronted by the GIW they are to retreat immediately and alert the others. The Watchtower is having its shields upgraded and will be ready for the possibility of an attack. If the GIW does approach one of us, either meet here, Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, or the Batcave. I will be temporarily opening the Zeta-Tube for the cave, do not abuse this.Now, we need to get to work everyone is dismissed.”

Danny stopped suddenly causing everyone to look at him confused as he slowly put his missing bowl down and looked around the school kitchen suspiciously. Lunch Lady also stopped in her mixing, having agreed to have a bake off with King Phantom for one of his videos.

“What's wrong Pudding pop?” She asked softly, placing a hand on his back, Danny didn’t respond for a moment before turning to them and making eye contact with Dani, who also looked off put.

“Someone not of the Realms used our official titles.” Danny muttered shifting back and forth before giving Lunch Lady a tense smile. He stood taller, no longer slouching as his transformation took place, leaving him in his royal regalia, Dani transforming soon after moving to stand beside him. “I’m sorry, can we reschedule this? I feel the need to speak with my Council.” Lunch Lady nodded, snapping her fingers causing their ingredients to disappear and be replaced with freshly baked cookies.

“Of course your Majesties.” She said curtsying before offering a plate to Dani who took it with a grin. “I will reach out to Royal Secretary Foley to reschedule. I hope that you find everything well.” Danny smiled nodding as he opened a portal for her back to hers and Box Ghost’s Haunt.

“I do as well, please tell Box Ghost I said hello.” Lunch Lady smiled, thanking Danny and promising to do so before stepping through and waving goodbye. “Do you all want to come?” Wes glared, rolling his eyes as he stood up stretching.

“Stupid question, of course we’re coming.” Danny grinned rolling his eyes as he opened a portal to the Infinite Realms Castle. Dani bounced through calling out to them as she started flying down the hallway.

“See you in the Council room! I’m going to summon the Council!” Val snorted, walking through after Sam and Tucker. Wes entered the portal two steps behind Danny watching carefully until it was closed.

“This’ll be interesting.” Sam said, stretching out her arms as the Realms fueled her liminal side and green vines wrapped around her left arm sprouting a few black and red roses. Tucker snorted as his hat was replaced by a Nemes and the traditional makeup of a Pharaoh appeared marking him as the reincarnation of Duul Aman. Val paused looking herself over before huffing and crossing her arms glaring at the ceiling.

“Really?? Still nothing? Is it because I tried to kill him at one point, come on I’ve changed and been reformed! Give me some cool ghostly changes! Even Wes gets them!” She said, glaring at Wes, who just grinned back as he adjusted the chest plate and sword that appeared on him.

“To be fair Val, I only get it because I forced my way into being his knight.” Val huffed, throwing her arms up more playful than frustrated. Danny snorted before starting to walk towards the Council room the other following after.

Dead-ends and Surprise Visits

[diodellet]

stress (jamil viper x gn!reader)

where: jamil sort of interrupts your self-care session, but makes up for it with fervent participation. all for mutual stress relief. content warnings: -bottom!reader -reader is yuu/ramshackle prefect ++confidants-to-bedmates(? lovers? there's hints of mutual pining if you squint), swearing, masturbation, fingering, foreplay galore, sex toys, so so much banter, reader is unserious, there is no plot here. assume everything here is safe, sane, and consensual. word count: 2.6k words minors do not interact

Alone time is sacred. Especially when your weekly agenda consists of you running to-and-fro across a magical campus, constantly being buried under tasks tedious and menial, and keeping egotistical mages from ripping out each others’ throats over affairs concerning the student body.

Well, a “thank you” made you feel less shitty at the end of the day.

Sure, a good nap could revitalize you.

Being treated to an actual meal instead of Mystery Shop brand-instant food was great. But, your alone time, you’d kill if anyone desecrated that.

A sigh leaves you. You click on a higher setting, angle the vibrator against a spot that has your thighs trembling. Your free hand plays with one of your nipples. You’re past fantasizing about phantom sensations and honeyed words.

For a brief moment, you think of firm and callused hands holding you down. Long silky hair brushing against your heated skin. Perceptive gray eyes drinking in your every reaction and the way you arched yourself for more stimulation. They are the last coherent thoughts that flicker through your synapses before your mind is overrun by the singular desire to rut until you come your brains out.

Sadly, the universe does not believe in the sanctity of your alone time.

The vibrations abruptly cut off.

This can’t be happening.

Not even left teetering on the delicious cusp of release, you’re dropped back into your body. Nerves hyperaware of each silicon inch of the toy as you pull it out of you. You click the button multiple times, confirming the worst—

“Stupid batteries. Fucking useless…” Similar curses strung together fall from your lips. You slip on a graphic tee and head to the bathroom, carrying the toy in one hand. 

Your phone powers on as you sit on the toilet, the device buzzes with the simultaneous arrival of message notifications. The sound is a mockery of your interrupted alone time.

Maybe you could rub one out in the shower… That thought will probably become more appealing in about fifteen minutes.

Your eyes catch the first line of a text preview that makes a cold pit open up in your stomach.

J. Viper: I am going to lose my mind. I’ve had it with…

Reading the full text doesn’t ease your worries. There isn’t any more of that dulled neediness tugging at the back of your mind. Your hands move automatically, dumping your cleaned toy and unused towel on your bed’s mattress. While slipping on the first set of bottoms you could reach for, you fire off a reply—Hey don’t say that and other similar placating messages—then pick up your discarded blazer off the floor before finally leaving your room.

[...]

“You’ve been making that face for a while now.”

“What face?” You ask, feigning obliviousness as you keep your attention focused on the electric kettle.

Maybe there was one exception to your need for alone time. Fitting, that it would be one of the few confidants you made in this place.

Never mind about the last thirty minutes before this moment. Like a switch, you’re back to being a dutiful errand-runner, a sympathetic listening ear.

(Once, Jamil called you one of the few other sensible people on Sages’ Island and you have yet to stop riding the high of that moment.)

“Like my being here is making you uncomfortable.”

No shit, Sherlock. Feeling his sharp gaze on top of the sensation of your clothes chafing against your oversensitive skin was uncomfy as fuck. “Look man, I could give you a mug of tea or we can open a new can of worms. I suggest you take the tea.” You lean back against the counter top and tug the end of your blazer a bit more protectively around you.

His lips press together in a thin line. “I can see myself out. Thank you for the offer, though.”

The sound of boiling water reaches its apex. In that split-second, you backtrack. “Wait—I’m sorry, I’m just, I was busy.” Your hand readjusts the pair of pajama pants you hastily threw on, index finger dipping just a fraction of an inch beneath the waistband. Your eyes don’t miss the way his gaze follows the movement of your wrist before it returns to rest itself atop the counter. “I’m not…uncomfy because you’re here. I was just nervous and—and I thought I could serve you tea instead of bothering you with my…current predicament.”

“Oh.” Very eloquent, you’d say the same thing if the positions were reversed.

“So, could we focus on you first? Over a cup of tea, as friends?”

The kettle finally calms down, announcing the newly-boiled water with a loud Clack! of its switch.

Jamil doesn’t immediately respond, scrutinizing you with an emotion you can’t parse. Until it settles onto one of faint interest. “We can have tea later.” He stands up and walks over to you, placing a hand on your waist. “Right now, I think we can both use some stress relief. If…you’ll have me, that is.”

“Really? I hear it’s better to talk things out though. Not that I wouldn’t be open to that second thing….” Your hand lays itself atop his.

“Oh, I’m sure this will be better for the both of—” He pauses, runs his fingertips along the expanse of your lower navel a second time to confirm. “—no underwear?”

Your cheeks warm. “Yes, shut up. I actually got worried for you—ah ah ah! No touching yet!” You slip out of his hold. “Give me five minutes to clean up or something, my room’s a mess.”

Jamil doesn’t let you escape so easily, arms coiling around your middle, your back against his chest. Close enough for him to mutter against your ear in a low voice. “There’s no point to that if we’re going to make a mess in the end.”

(And it’s unfair how the implication—the invitation hidden underneath that—stokes the fire in your gut anew, almost makes you ruin the set of bottoms you threw on.)

Any restraint either of you carried snaps once the lock to your room twists shut. Jamil tugs you close to him, pulling you into a fervent kiss. Once you shrug off your blazer, his hands slip under the hem of your t-shirt, teasing at the sensitive skin of your waist, hiking higher and higher—damn.

“Bed first,” you demand once you pull yourself free. You aren’t panting—you try to convince yourself—though one of your hands is fisted in the front of his hoodie. When he sits on your mattress, you get pulled straight into his lap. His fingers hook against the waistband of your pants, sliding them down to bare your thighs.

Basically, confirming what he already knew. Felt, rather. Your hips buck against his palm as he cups your groin.

“How long were you at it?” There’s a sly smirk pulling at his lip, like he’s pleased to have you and your need for pleasure resting in his hand. All for him to control.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” you huff. “I was already—ngh—washing up when you messaged.”

His smile doesn’t abate. A finger slips into your entrance. “And you couldn’t find the time to properly dress yourself? I’m flattered.”

You’re about to fire off another retort, but the digit curls infuriatingly into a come-hither gesture, slowly rubbing against your inner walls. What leaves your throat instead is a soft, needy noise. “Come on, you’re gonna make me come too fast…”

“So?” And he keeps that irritatingly steady pace. Letting the pleasure in your lower stomach build and build, until you’re shaking from exertion. “Go ahead, then.”

“Mmgh, I want—”

“More? How greedy of you.” Another finger joins the first one, a delicious stretch against your insides combined with each thrust of his wrist.

“No, fuck….wait, I mean—” Words longer than two syllables were suddenly harder to manage. “—you, what about you…?”

“...Me?” 

Maybe, just maybe, your insistence on having mutual reciprocation was biting you in the ass, you’re right on the edge of sweet release. Just one more stroke against that bundle of nerves inside of you, or maybe if you just clenched down hard enough—

“...You’re too considerate, really. To someone like me.”

His words are soft, barely heard over your mounting need. Your insides throb in time with the beat of your heart. But your voice can only manage a dismayed whine when Jamil’s fingers pull out of you.

(That you’re still on the cusp of an orgasm is another thing, but it helps to have your head clearing up a bit.)

“Don’t look at me like that,” he chides you, palms caressing the sides of your thighs. But the smile on his features tells you that he’s drinking in your hazy gaze, simply endeared at how you were reduced to neediness just from his touch. “You wouldn’t want this to end too quickly, would you?”

…he has a point. Your tongue wets your lower lip. “Lose the hoodie then, so—so we can continue.” One of your hands reaches for the hem of his top.

It’s no secret that you find Jamil Viper attractive. Hell, the way he carries himself suggests that even he knows it himself. At least sneaking a few glances gave you some plausible deniability. But in baring just a sliver of his midriff, you might as well have broadcasted the very thought.

Better to get that sorted out before getting him inside of you, right?

Your eyes trace the toned lines of his stomach, the lithe muscles of his arms, the way his loose ponytail hung artfully against his shoulder. Off his hoodie goes, joining your discarded pajama pants and blazer. 

“Easy, there.” The way he drawls your name has your stomach flipping somersaults. 

“I guess you look fine.” You could burn a hole through him with how hard you were staring.

“Mhm, sure.” A warm palm cups the back of your neck, guiding you into an open-mouthed kiss. Tongue swiping against your bottom lip, pulling a surprised moan from you.

What else can you do but melt into it?

Even though the two of you were urged on by fervent need, there’s an undercurrent of tenderness—something more delicate than your mutual pent-upness—with each graze of your skin against his. You could barely hold a candle to Jamil’s seemingly-innate grace and sensuality, yet he meets each of your tentative touches without pulling away, as if insistent to keep your hands on him too. To keep at least some point of contact on you as much as possible. Your hand dips beneath the waistband of his sweatpants, to palm at his hardening dick.

You’re rewarded with a languid roll of his hips. The painful yet pleasurable scrape of his canine against your lip. That needy sound bubbling up from his throat, only to be swallowed up with another feverish kiss.

You could live in this moment forever.

Until you fall back against the mattress and feel the shaft of your forgotten vibrator digging painfully into the small of your back.

“Ow!”

Jamil’s palm soothes against the pained area. “Are you alright?” 

(You could’ve sworn you felt his clothed erection twitch at the sound you made.)

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” you grunt, fumbling blindly for the culprit. Guess you forgot to put it back in your nightstand’s drawer.

Well, you were in a hurry.

Jamil eyes the discarded toy in your hand. “That shade of purple is…a choice.” Yet he accepts it when you pass it to him, telling him to compare it to his own.

Which earns you a flustered huff, no trace of genuine malice in the look he gives you.

“It matches the school colors, doesn’t it? Go, Night Ravens, go…or something…?”

“That is not how the cheer goes.” Your grin widens at the scowl sent in your direction, though his eyes are soft with fond exasperation. “Hand me that.”

 “The lube?” And that too.

Oh, forget your room, you were the mess all along.

(You sneak just a glance at his groin, he’s still sporting a half-erection, so hooray..? There may yet be hope for getting dicked down? Maybe you should have asked him to remove those first…)

“What else?” And he pours a copious amount onto the toy. Drawing your gaze to the way he curls his fingers around the shaft of the thing, how he gives it a slow and obscene pump to coat it with lube, sending a rush of heat through your frame.

“The batteries died, it’s useless.” Still, you spread your legs as he presses the slicked-up tip against your entrance.

Jamil keeps a hand on your knee, eases the vibrator in slowly—even though you’ve been more than sufficiently stretched out with his fingers. “Don’t need it to vibrate to fuck you.” 

Well, there wasn’t much arguing against that logic. “Then, please…please…!”

He adjusts his grip on the base of the toy, accidentally clicks the button as his pace quickens.

What you don’t expect is the sudden pulse of vibrations against your core, you’d snap your legs shut from surprise if Jamil wasn’t keeping you lightly pinned down.

“Mm, that was a nice sound…” The smile on his face is evil. 

“Oh, motherfucker, don’t tell me you’ve got—” Your words taper off into an embarrassingly loud whimper as he presses the vibrator against that sensitive bundle of nerves.

Who’d have thought the thing kept one final spurt of energy, if not to spite you?

“Would you look at that? It still works.” The pressure doesn’t let up, in fact, he’s meeting each desperate buck of your hips, making sure that each thrust brings you closer and closer to that peak you’ve been aching for. 

Your own coherence, on the other hand, is nowhere to be found. A choked sob falls from you, and your abdomen clenches, and—

“That’s right, just let go,” Jamil croons.

In those few moments, the batteries of your vibrator truly and finally breathe their last. It doesn’t stop Jamil from prolonging your release with gentle thrusts. You’re lost in the waves of your orgasm, each motion pulling a high-pitched keen from your throat when it tips into overstimulation. Vaguely, you’re aware of the sparks of pleasure radiating up your frame, the feeling of his free hand interlacing your fingers together.

You didn’t know the touch of another person could also feel so grounding.

“Mmgh…don’t pull it out yet.”

“I wasn’t going to. You’re holding onto it really tightly.” Jamil gives the vibrator a little tap which makes you squirm away from him.

You’re past embarrassment though, letting the sorely-craved happy hormones flow through you. Your nerves have calmed down just enough to pull out the used toy. This time, eliciting a pleased sigh from you.

This time you make sure to set it aside properly.

“...you’re quite the treasure, do you know that?”

There he goes with another of those quiet remarks, making your cheeks burn. “If you said that a while ago, I was too busy coming to hear it.”

“I said, you’re hopeless.” 

“Nooo, say it one more time, at least!”

“Don’t be insufferable.” Even as he says that, Jamil lets you clamber into his lap to cuddle against his chest.

“So…”

“Hm?”

You trail a suggestive palm against his inner thigh. “...would you want me to use my mouth or…”

Surprise flickers over Jamil’s expression, eyes widening for a fraction of a second. “Ready to go again this quickly?” But there was no denying the amusement coloring his voice.

It takes a bit of maneuvering for you to remove your t-shirt. “Well, you haven’t had your fill of stress relief yet.” Jamil’s palms steady themselves on your waist as you properly straddle him.

Were you basically propositioning him to use you as he saw fit? Maybe.

“I’m afraid I’m quite the insatiable type,” Jamil utters, leaning close to you, breath fanning across your lips. Maybe he means it as a warning, you know this reflex. You were guilty of it too, sometimes.

But if he could still look at you with such warmth and tenderness, sentiments you could easily reflect back onto him, then—

“That makes two of us.”

a/n: icb jamil just dodged the impending heart-to-heart talk and just wanted the spicy smuttenings 😤 like that'll stop me from writing more angst and hurt/comfort scenarios. anyways i hope this was an enjoyable read! thanks @jessamine-rose for betaing this with your (slightly less) sleep deprived eyes, your assistance makes editing so much less stressful. to all my readers, thanks for enjoying my silly writing, i hope to bring more this coming 2025!

tagging: @viperwhispered @twstgo @just-a-little-silly @bakedgrape @mama-m1na

@cataclyysmiic (hehe i think ull also enjoy this) @sillystr1ngs @scint1llat3

(lmk if you wanna join the taglist for jamil writing in the replies!)

[wowitsverycool]

unfortunately after replaying disco elysium i am now considering the economic and political implications of ISAT's world so i'm going to ramble about it now

specifically in vaugarde.

firstly with dormont housing multiple shops and mirabelle mentioning dating *companies* and expensive earrings. market economy, possible capitalism. SAD!

then "defenders" existing as either a profession or volunteer position (i assume profession due to it being referred to as a "job" and the fact that you have to take "defender exams". speaking of which vaugarde seems to place a lot of emphasis on education which checks out culturally but it's probably politically important too so jot that down) and 'protecting [their] neighborhood, [their] city" from robberies at worst, with them usually helping with civil issues like rescuing cats from trees or helping old men with bags. is isabeau an ex cop or an ex social worker? is it both? perhaps defenders are citizens militias?

and the king targeting a house of change rather than any other particular form of government. is mirabelle a simultaneous college student and bureaucrat? or are Houses of change simply instances of government that provide education/food/body craft/healthcare to all, with "housemaiden" being a catch-all term for those who reside in them? furthermore, under the assumption that Houses DO constitute Vaugarde's government (again assuming that there is a government and they're not... like... ancaps with defenders existing as privatized policing institutions), are head housemaidens something like representatives or legislative bodies in a confederation? do you vote for head housemaidens, or are they simply chosen? promoted? in which case, by whom?

and then there's the way the king talks about monarchist ideals in the context of vaugardian society, which is of course NOT a monarchy.

*in vaugarde*? was vaugarde at one point a monarchy before possibly undergoing a revolution? "against the will of the people" -- perhaps this is a hint at a general *distaste* for monarchism among vaugardians... is that part of its cultural reverence towards Change?

WHAT IS THE HIERARCHY UNDER WHICH VAUGARDE EXISTS IN ORDER FOR THERE TO BE STORIES ABOUT "LORDS" GUARDING "CASTLES"?! since vaugarde is not a monarchy, is the status of a lord residing in a castle purely economic? is lord josephandre a lackey of capital?! is the cursing of chateau castle Defender propaganda?!!?! or-- or-- maybe the cursing of chateau castle is some kind of historical piece! it's long running, so maybe it contains cultural relics of a bygone era (possibly monarchist in nature)??!!?

also, notice how during his friendquest, isabeau points out that jouvente has "more than one house" as a way of emphasizing how big it is:

sure, it could just be that bigger cities need more resources and public service, but still.... it tells you something about House jurisdictions. maybe about representatives.

and the way mirabelle describes euphrasie:

the head housemaiden of *dormont*. the town, not the house. this all but confirms that towns/cities are ruled individually by their own House(s, in the case of larger cities)!

while not *all* vaugardians follow the Change belief, it seems pretty likely that the country itself is ruled by it.... boy, they sure are lucky that the House of Change is so welcome and opening to everyone regardless of belief! (though it's implied proselytizing might be encouraged for its members when siffrin tells mirabelle he might want to go on a pilgrimage.)

so TL;DR, in MY AMATEUR OPINION,

vaugarde is a confederation of theocratic city-states with a social-market economy and no central governing body.

i just thought that was interesting.....

[ofeliaxoxo]

https://www.tumblr.com/alexturntable/767486658181545984?source=share

if we're playing charlos i think we all need to talk about this again. what the fuck was this. why did charles decide to do this unprompted. the fact that he's presumably trying to 'fix' carlos' hair but really just makes the strands he's touching look more out of place like he goes back in a second time to fix the initial error but only causes more disarray. carlos just unselfconsciously openly staring at him as he does it. i still don't feel like i can accurately describe the look on his face in this moment but to me it's not like a Standard Carlos Expression you know. the very action Itself of charles touching carlos' hair unprompted which i don't think has been documented at any other point in time. the simultaneous smiles immediately after… cute! carlos' eyebrow wiggling to try to bring some levity to an otherwise Classic Unnecessarily Charged Charlos Moment. charles' intake of air smile dropping looking down fiddling with the hem of his shirt as he processes what he just did on camera and clearly short circuits about it.

the other part of this that is crazy to me is how it's still kind of the lightest of touches. because it's like personally if EYE was in that close proximity to carlos sainz's hair and had access to touching it without him minding (i don't know that he would particularly enjoy it or anything. but let's be real here if charles had at any point in their relationship felt inclined to do that and had actually acted on the urge carlos absolutely would have let him) you better believe i would be properly running my hands through it twisting it around my fingers tugging et cetera. now even if charles had actually wanted to do that is a puma photoshoot really the best most appropriate setting in which to do that to your teammate's hair of course not. but the restraint of his touch here kills me regardless (partly because restraint is also kind of inherently erotic. To Me.). it's like he couldn't help but touch but was like okay if i let myself do this only the barest brush of my fingers is allowed i will touch the fewest number of strands possible (which while admirable could not have been me fr i would've been so shameless about it). even in the monza track preview blindfold video when charles is just barely holding onto the little tufts of hair on the side of carlos' head i wanted to yell at him. Charles Leclerc you drive me crazy because what do you mean you had the precious opportunity to basically yank carlos sainz around by his hair and you didn't take full advantage of that to touch his hair as much as possible. the fact that charles never just fully went for it in four years……… a missed opportunity of epic proportions i fear. and it's not even like charles would've been introducing a New Physical Action to their dynamic or anything when carlos has gotten all up in charles' hair on camera in front of god and everyone else in the paddock on multiple occasions.

whatever this just kind of became me projecting my insane feelings about carlos' beautiful hair onto charles leclerc so my apologies to Charlie L for that i guess. i think i'm feeling particularly insane about it right now because i just saw the video of eva longoria (ohmygod btw. carlos sainz WHO he looked incredible and i was still barely looking at him in their cannes pictures together because she is soso beautiful) reaching out to ruffle his hair (https://x.com/mafiasainz/status/1922428049619812539). the way he just immediately acquiesces and bends so she can reach better……… he literally just met her (if i'm not wrong?) and he's already letting her do that to his hair… i am foaming at the mouth. I Don't Care Even If She'd Been A L'Oreal Ambassador For One Million Years It Still Should've Been Me Instead.

no this is truly a charlos moment of all time like absolute hall of fame because like...why tf would he do that. no one made him, it makes no sense, it's completely unnecessary and YET. he was Compelled. like hello

"it's like he couldn't help but touch but was like okay if i let myself do this only the barest brush of my fingers is allowed i will touch the fewest number of strands possible" YES. wanting to do it so badly that you HAVE to but still trying to sort of not do it at the same time. the simultaneous denial and satisfaction of desire.

and then with eva longoria she gets the hell up in there and he entirely lets her. he also does fully let charles but unlike charles eva feels no self consciousness whatsoever and just wants to feel that gorgeous mop she dgaf about being delicate. there's no charged sense of anything. in being delicate and not fully going for it charles accidentally creates a much more intimate atmosphere than eva, who sinks both hands completely into his hair unselfconsciously thus revealing that there is nothing for her to be self conscious about. charles's restraint IS erotic and her absolute lack of it conversely means there is no eroticism.

like the difference between the touches.... between carlos's reaction as well. for eva he's like ok hee hee feel my hair i am but a pleasant gentleman and then for charles he's like. let me stand stock still and gaze into your eyes.

i also always think about that track preview because carlos says his hair is not sensitive while charles says his is. So we've got carlos, who has declared he doesn't feel it much, absolutely getting up into charles's hair on multiple occasions, vs Charles who says his hair is sensitive absolutely NOT doing the reverse. so to extrapolate, touching someone's hair is Serious to him he feels it as an erotic act more so than carlos. He lightly touches Carlos's hair a couple times and experiences immediate cringe, while Carlos thinks nothing of it and ruffles the fuck out of him.

me when i feel incredibly normal about what i just did

vs me when i actually legit feel normal about what i just did

ultimately i LOVE carlos's hair as a point of desire for charles. in that meme reaction video when carlos is complaining about his haircut and charles just goes Your Hair ALWAYS looks - and trails off. his extremely tentative feeling of it...his delight in fucking with it in that track preview...his own sensitive hair....my charlos rpf will ALWAYS include Charles hair fixation

[astrologicaldreamin]

Moon in the 10th House Manifestation

I think as someone who tries to expose themselves to a variety of emotional stimulation and publicity, I think the biggest downfall when it comes to this placement is the existence of a core wound centering on the restriction of appearance.

Saturn rules over both Aquarius and Capricorn, but I have always thought of Capricorn's expression based upon the superficiality of maintaining structure of the public persona (career, success, appearance, finances; etc). When it comes into the sensitive moon placement, there is an sense of "exposure," which is why many celebrities with Moon in the 10th house hold issues with fame's exposure. There is a contradiction that demands privacy, in where I think Saturn specifically attempts to influence within this placement.

I am learning more about trying to develop the very fine, grey line of leaning into the spotlight while also maintaining protectiveness over my boundaries. Which, in the case of the placement, are forced to be more extreme than others. Whether it is my personal discussion or others, I have noticed that my openness is what formulates admiration very quickly regardless of contradicting factors. The second I expose my vulnerability within my emotional and intuitive world, people flock. However, it also indirectly brings in karmic events to unfold. Self-sabotage is something I have been trying to quit and sometimes I am realizing that act can be a form of it. Unfortunately, the more that is given can typically be demanded or taken. Therefore, it progresses into a direct obsessiveness over maintaining an inner-world distant from others, while simultaneously knowing the profit that could be made off it.

One peculiar habit I have discovered I tend to do since youth, long before I became further aware of the events, is multiple social-media accounts. I have a Spotify for sharing with friends and acquaintances. I have a private Spotify to remain as a "secret world" of exploration of expression. I have a Pinterest to share. I have an alternative Pinterest to remain as mine, solely. I keep trying to break the habit, but I also tend to run into issues when I merge the two. For some odd reason, consequences are formed and my expressions are taken advantage of.

It's difficult to say the least and I have been determined to shift away from any victim-hood or influence from others. It is a privilege to own such a powerful draw that enforce people to feel the inner desire to steal or take advantage of it, but it is impossible to say it is not a double-edged sword. Sometimes, within this placement, there is just a desire to be only human and not a pedestal.

[alrightythenbabe]

To have you in my arms, you are safe.

Pairing: Haleth x fem!reader

Fandom: Lord of the Rings, War of the Rohirrim

Words: idk I’m sorry, this was written in my notes app like a heathen

Warnings: smut right off the bat, unprotected p in v (use protection please), oral f&m receive, violence (battle), fluff, so many pet names bc I’m a romantic at heart, Haleth being in love with his wife aka you, use of y/n, 2nd person pov. If there’s anything else lmk

Summary: A gentle morning between lovers, turned a nighttime for warriors. A lot can happen in a day.

A/N: hello everyone, I noticed there was no fic written from this movie, at least not posted on here so I decided to write my own. I have taken creative liberties. I’m sorry for any mistakes, it is 1am. Please be nice, I haven’t written fic in like 9 years. I hope you enjoy 💜

“G’mornin’ my love.” his drowsy voice says, not yet fully awake. He buries his head in your neck, pressing another kiss there.

“Good morning, my darling.” you reply, rolling over to face his smiling face and resting a hand on his cheek.

“Hello there, beautiful.” He says before pressing a kiss to your lips. You giggle “hello handsome.” Continuously pressing multiple kisses to his face. He laughs as he grabs your face bringing you back to his lips, kisses quickly turning more passionate.

He rolls on top of you, your legs spreading to accommodate his broad form, both still naked from the night before, his lips leaving yours to continue a trail of kisses down your neck to your chest, alternating between your breasts, squeezing them with his hands, rough from the years of using a sword, and flicking your nipples with his tongue, dragging down to your stomach, kissing every scar on your body, loving them as part of you, before pressing a kiss between your hips.

“You’re insatiable.” You say, without protest.

“I will make no apology, I am starting my morning off right. I have a beautiful wife who I plan to make love to as often as possible.” He replies, continuing his movements.

“No complaints from me, darling, continue”

Kissing the curls between your legs, he moves down to where your body has been begging him to be.

“Mmm,” he moans “so pretty.”

You gasp feeling warm lips against your aching clit, then moving to your right thigh simultaneously dragging his tongue and pressing kisses there before kissing your clit once again, lingering longer this time and continuing to do the same to your left thigh.

“Honey,” you whine “please don’t tease”

“Who’s teasing, sweetheart? I’m just worshipping my woman” he continues his agonising torture.

“I need you, baby please” writhing your body.

“I know, my love, I can see, you’re dripping” he runs his tongue from your entrance, tasting your arousal, to your clit, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. He moans.

“The sweetest honey anyone’s ever tasted”

Is all the warning you get before he puts you out of your misery. Mouth attaching to your clit and sucking. You moan in surprise, your back arching off the bed.

The room filling with the sounds of him slurping and sucking at your pussy. His arms wrapped around your thighs keeping you spread open for him, his right arm leaving to wet his fingers with his spit, slowly easing one in and continuing his movements. Your hands fly to his head, one hand wrapped around his long hair pulling at it, your other finding one of the shaved sides, pulling him closer, he groans, loving when you do that.

“Oh my-Haleth! Yes! Please!!” Unable to finish a complete sentence, so overwhelmed with pleasure. You feel him add a second finger, eyes rolling back, your body mindlessly chasing pleasure grinds at his face, your man moaning, grinding at the bed trying to relieve the ache in his hard cock.

“Yesyesyea-ahhhh” you squeal as the coil snaps, pleasure washing over you as your body shakes.

You pull him off you, the pleasure becoming too much, your body twitches as he cheekily kisses your clit once more.

Using the hand still in his hair, you pull him up towards you in a messy make out.

Rolling him over, you kiss down his body tasting every inch, placing kisses on the scars littering his own body from battles past, proof your man survived and he’s here with you.

Running your hands down his form, solid and strong beneath you, you reach your prize. His painfully hard already leaking cock, lowering yourself down you tease him with your breath, he gasps as he feels you press the first kiss at the base, gently running your tongue from base to tip, flicking at the end. A sharp inhale whistles through his teeth, a hand flying to your head, wrapping around your own hair, not enough to hurt, just enough to feel you.

You look up at him through your eyelashes to see him already looking at you through his hooded eyes. Kissing his balls, running your tongue along them to his left thigh nipping at the muscle there and repeating the same to the other. Mimicking the same agonising torture he put you through.

“Sweetheart please,” he pants “you’re teasing”

“Who’s teasing, my love? I’m just worshipping my man.” you say with false innocence, using his previous words against him. He smiles knowing he walked right into that one.

Resting your arms over the tops of his thighs, grasping the base of his cock with your hand, fingers barely meeting each other around the girth. You wet him with your tongue, putting the head of his cock in your mouth and suck. He groans, head falling back meeting his pillow, hand squeezing your hair a bit tighter.

“Just like that baby, you always know what I like.” He says in awe.

You hum around him, swallowing him a bit further keeping your pace, stroking his cock with your dominant hand, your other coming up to squeeze and massage his balls. His moans music to your ears.

Pulling away just enough to dribble spit onto his tip, watching it run down his length, continuing to stroke his cock, you swallow him down again moving faster, needing to pleasure him more than you need to breathe.

“Ah-stop I need to be inside you darling please.” He says desperate and breathless, pulling you off him, you whine missing the taste and weight of him on your tongue.

“And you say I’m insatiable, greedy girl.” He smiles “come here.” He whispers.

Pulling you up towards his face as you straddle him, lips meeting in a messy kiss. His tongue immediately meeting yours with a moan, his hand pulling you as close to him as possible. Using the hand still around his cock, you run the tip through your folds, eager to finally have him inside you.

Slowly easing yourself down with a soft gasp, once fully seated you moan into each other’s mouths, bracing your hands on his chest you begin a slow ride. He runs his hands along your body up to your breasts, squeezing them then running them back down over your waist to rest on your hips, guiding them back and forth, up and down.

“You’re so sexy, my beautiful woman, all mine.” In absolute awe of you, a view he never tires of. His hands moving around to your ass, squeezing, his hips thrusting up to meet yours.

He sits up, arms wrapping around you as yours go around his shoulders holding each other close, kissing and breathing in each others moans. Dragging his lips from your mouth to the side of your neck, he can’t get enough.

Holding you to him he spins so you’re pinned to the bed, gasping as his pace doesn’t falter, he brings your legs up over his shoulders, knowing what you need, he licks his thumb and brings it to your clit rubbing the way you like.

Knowing you’re both close, his thrusts getting more desperate, your moans coming together in a lustful duet. Pulling him to you, your nails scratching down his strong back, your body arching as you let out a scream as you come.

“That’s it baby.” he moans still thrusting as looks at you “so beautiful.”

His last few thrusts losing their rhythm as he comes with a shout. He collapses on top of you, both breathing heavily as you run your hands over his head and back.

“I love you.” He says, placing a kiss to your breast and resting his head there.

“I love you, angel.” You reply, kissing his head.

After bathing together, you both spend the day riding with Háma and your ladies maid, now back in the palace and both getting dressed you hear a knock on your chamber door.

“Enter.” Haleth calls and a young guard you know as Finn enters.

“My Lord, My Lady,” Finn nods “the king has called for an urgent meeting in the hall”

“Did he mention the matter?” Haleth asks.

“Only that it was a matter of importance, Lord Haleth.” He replies, apologetic he doesn’t have more information.

“Very well, thank you Finn. We’ll be there shortly.” Finn bows and leaves the room.

“Fréaláf!” You call, arms wide to welcome him into an embrace, one he gladly accepts with a smile.

“Y/N.” He says lovingly, kissing your cheek. “I trust my cousin is treating you well.”

“Of course, always.” You reply, as Haleth comes and wraps an arm around you.

“That shouldn’t even be questioned, cousin, I am wounded.”

“Well you are a brute, and she is my favourite cousin in-law. But I do trust she’s still the one who runs things.”

“You know it, I do as she says, but tell no one.”

“Your secret is safe with me, cousin.” Fréaláf laughs and the cousins pull each other into a hug as Héra approaches.

“Sister.” She says, giving you a warm embrace you gladly return.

“What is this meeting about? What has happened?” Haleth asks.

Fréaláf sighs “while we were out this morning, we were attacked, and Héra was kidnapped.“

“What?!” You and Haleth both exclaim “were you hurt?” Haleth asks checking her over, noticing the scratch on her cheek.

“I am fine brother, truly” she reassures.

“We were able to get her back, but it was my fault she was taken in the first place.” Fréaláf says.

“It was not your fault, this is not on you.” She says sternly but kindly, putting a hand on his back.

“How can you think that, Fréaláf?” You ask.

“She distracted the Mûmakil, pulled its attention from me and onto her, it chased her into the forest, that’s where they got to her.” Fréaláf says sadly.

“Who got to her?” Haleth says concerned.

“Wulf.”

“He has returned?”

Fréaláf nods “and he’s got an army.”

“The wisest move is to fall back to our strongholds,” Fréaláf says “light the beacons call for aid from Gondor.”

“the wisest move?” Helm replies “you would have me abandon Edoras?”

“Until we are at full strength, yes. This is no rabble of wild men, these men are well trained and well armed.”

Lord Thorne steps forward.

“I pledge 300 Riders to protect the Eastern flank the men of the wall stand ready to fight”

“I accept your pledge. Lord Thorne shall have command of the East I will lead the Vanguard North and meet Wulf on the plains.” Helm commands.

When the meeting is adjourned and most of the men have left, Héra comes up to you and Haleth, face a mixture of sadness, concern and guilt.

“He means to punish in the cruelest way,” she begins “he said he will kill you Y/N and make Haleth watch, then kill Haleth and Háma to torture father, then he would kill father, before he takes the throne.” Héra says, tears in her voice.

“That’s not going to happen, darling, I was swinging a sword before he was born.” You reassure her.

“He won’t fight fair, my love. He’s a coward, he will do it from a safe distance or when we can’t defend ourselves, he knows he’s not the stronger fighter, so he won’t do it hand to hand.”

“Well we keep eyes on each other at all times, watch the high ground, look out for archers especially when we are not surrounded by our own men.” You say.

Haleth sighs.

“What?” You ask.

“I-I do not want you to fight tonight.”

“And what makes you think you have a say in the matter?” You say looking up at him with your arms folded.

“As your husband I want you safe, a threat has been made on your life and I take that very seriously. You will stay back with Héra in the palace. That is final.”

“Is it?” You turn around and storm out of the hall, back to the palace.

Haleth sighs looking down at his feet before turning around and being met with the wide eyes of Fréaláf, Héra and now Háma.

“Oooh brother you’re in trouble.” Háma laughs, Héra and Fréaláf joining in.

“I know, I know.” Haleth says, “I messed up, get out of here you lot.” The three of them still laughing leave Haleth to think about how he’s going to make it up to his wife. He thinks he’ll give you a moment though.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Turning around you see Haleth leaning against the stable door, already donned in his armour, looking handsome as ever.

“Putting my armour on”.

“I can see that, why?”

“There is to be a battle tonight, did you not know?” You reply with a smirk continuing to lace your arm guard.

Haleth can’t help but smile, walking over to you. “Oh is there? First I’ve heard of it, and as a prince of this kingdom that is rather concerning” he jests back, as you smile in return.

He places his hand over yours, stopping your movements and face turning serious.

“My love?” He says, voice softer now, he sighs and gently shakes his head “I’m sorry for what I said, my choice of words was wrong, I just want you safe and I went full ‘what I say goes’ and I’m sorry. It’s just, this one is different, it feels worse. Wulf threatened you by name, a direct threat on your life. I don’t want you on that battlefield, you will be a main target.”

“Haleth, I was a warrior before we met, you may have been able to give me this order 7 years ago that I would have possibly followed with protest, but we went and fell in love, got married, now I give the orders” a slight smile breaks through his otherwise serious expression. “Now? I love Háma and Héra as my own siblings. Helm as my father. And Fréaláf, is more a brother to me than cousin in-law. And you?” You move your hands to his cheeks, pulling him closer “I love you with everything in me I have not the words to describe it, I would do anything to spend one more moment with you. I will fight for our family, this kingdom and its people. Please do not ask me to stay back and be safe in a palace while the people I love put their lives on the line, when their lives were threatened too.”

“I know I just-I want you to be safe, I need you to be safe, I will not survive this world if you are not in it” he closes his eyes as his forehead gently meets yours, arms coming around your waist pulling you close.

“And I will not survive this world if you are not in it.” You reply.

“If anything-“

“Nothing will happen to me, you won’t allow it, nor will I allow anything to happen to you”

He sighs “you’re a difficult, stubborn woman, you know that?” opening his eyes to look at you with a smirk.

“I do.” you smile, eyes meeting his “you love that about me.”

“I do” he sighs again. “You stay by me, I mean it. Stay within my line of sight at all times”

“I can do that”

He nods bringing his head down to kiss you “I love you”

“I love you too” going on the tips of your toes, you kiss him again.

Both pulling away, he grabs your left hand, placing a kiss on the back of it then pulling it down in front of him to continue tying the laces of your leather arm guards.

Coming out holding Haleth’s hand you see the people who mean the most to you, people you would gladly die for if it meant they’d be safe.

Héra hugs her brothers and cousin, wishing them good luck in this fight, Háma gives her his lyre for safe keeping.

“Maybe one day, someone will sing ballads of me.” He says.

“They will, little brother, I am sure of it.” You say. ‘The warrior poet’ they’ll call you, I can see it now. Just you wait.”

He smiles “that sounds nice, sister.”

“We get through tonight, it’ll be a big hit. Be told for centuries to come.”

You walk to Héra, giving her a hug “hold the fort, you stay safe.” You tell her.

“I will, you stay safe as well.”

“Always.”

Moving towards where you see Haleth on top of the Mûmakil trying to take it down, your sword swinging at anyone in your path, having used all of your arrows.

You smile as you see the giant beast fall, Haleth successfully bringing it down. You continue towards him, looking at your surroundings. Your heart stops seeing Wulf’s eyes on your husband and a bow in his hand, your feet are moving before you can think, sprinting towards where your husband stands.

You see Wulf line his arrow towards your love. Picking up speed, if that was even possible, you bring out your shield as you run up the dead body of the mûmakil Haleth stands upon, an arrow is released as you jump with the shield in front of you and the man you are so determined to keep alive. You feel the hit of the arrow as it imbeds itself in your shield. You fall from mid air hitting the mûmakil and rolling down the side, hitting the ground roughly but you quickly get back up, adrenaline still running through your veins, ripping the arrow out of the shield and putting it in your bow, you release it towards Wulf, hitting his left shoulder, hearing him yell and grunt in pain.

You turn around to check on Haleth, seeing him already jumping down and coming towards you, a grabs you and checks you over for injury.

“I am unharmed, I am alright.” You reassure him, he sighs in relief, turning his head towards where Wulf stands and moving you behind him.

Héra, Háma, Fréaláf and Helm all approach, weapons drawn prepared for anything.

“Give me Helm! I will let you all live! I just want him!” Wulf calls out holding his injured shoulder.

“How generous, but no. Enough of this Wulf!” you yell back

“He killed my father, he must pay!”

“In a fair fight, you saw it, Wulf please!” Héra calls.

“I gave you an offer, that is the last you will ever receive.” He says, turns around and walks away. The battle is not over, but it is for tonight.

“He will go and lick his wounds, then he will be back.” You say.

“I have evacuated the city, everyone is headed for The Hornburg.” Héra replies.

“Then The Hornburg we shall go.”

“He will follow us.” Fréaláf adds

“Let him.” Helm returns, “we will be ready, we will have the advantage and he will have to make it through the winter.” He looks to Fréaláf “with Lord Thorne’s betrayal, we will be needing an army.”

“I can get you one.” He nods

“Have them ready, we will send for you when we need you. This winter will be a long hard one, impossible to move through so you will need to leave tonight, take four men with you.”

Fréaláf nods. “Yes, uncle.”

“Send word once you are there, safe. Then get some rest.” You say.

“I will, not to worry.” He smiles, and after saying his goodbyes to you all and promises to send word, he is on his way.

After the long journey taking almost a full day, you have made it to The Hornburg, bathed and dressed and having received word from Fréaláf that he has arrived and is safe, you are in bed with Haleth, finally able to rest. You lay on his chest, he holds you close.

“I almost lost you last night.” You whisper sadly, the fact that Haleth had come so close to death, hitting you.

“But you didn’t, angel, I’m okay.”

“It was too close,” you whisper, pausing for a moment then smirking “and I’ll bet you’re glad I was there.”

He smiles “I knew that was coming.”

“I’m sorry I had to.” You giggle “I’m very partial to this neck of yours, and I prefer your heart beating, I’m just glad you’re here with me, safe.”

“As am I, love.”

Both tired from a long, hard day, sleep comes to you easy and you’ve got your man to keep you warm during the coming long winter, safe with you in your arms.

A/N: thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed! 💜 dividers by @firefly-graphics

[locksnrocks]

Secret Relationships Show vs. Manhwa - how the main four differ

Spoilers for both!

I made a grave error and decided to start the manhwa last night. binged it all straight to 4 am aaaaaaa

Daon: Show Daon- reserved, soft spoken but not a doormat. Obviously carrying internal trauma brought on by an irresponsible family (but sympathetic, at least Da-Suel was in the show) + his two obsessive "suitors" manipulating everything in his life. We see the breakdown and his "I don't deserve to love or be loved" mindset - but holy shirtballz is Manhwa Daon in his own league. That boy is deeply, deeply unwell (I say 80% Jaemin's fault 20% his family- his family is straight up pathetic in the source material. Like, that's their role, even his sister- just pathetic people and I really did not empathize with them). M!Daon just makes seemingly bad decisions one right after the other- and you catch yourself saying 'girl just run' multiple times, and 'didn't your mother ever teach you- oh that's right, your parents didn't teach you crap because your entire family is pathetic- the parents especially'. This dude just did not have a chance. That's a source of reader frustration from what I saw in other comments ('oh he just sleeps around, what an idiot, he causes all this himself, etc.' - which, alright, but guess who hates Daon the most? Daon. He straight up states these criticisms of himself plainly - he warned Seong exactly what was going down), but like, of course he is like that- do you not see what he has been dealing with because!!!! hot damn, Jaemin what the hell

Jaemin: Show Jaemin - great acting, unhinged, wow what an escalation, he's the real danger, what a manipulative person. BUT MANWHA JAEMIN???? Every single thing/action that happens to/about Daon can have the tagline "and then Jaemin ruined it." The Creep factor is up'd to 200% - like heavy breathing 'he's in your walls' levels. There's something so utterly... pathetic + legitimately dangerous about M!Jaemin. If Daon stayed at that vacation house with him any longer, we may have gotten the show's wedding themed murder/suicide and not a single soul who read the webcomic would be surprised. I kept waiting for it because Jaemin pulling that seemed like such a natural next step for him to take.

The line "I can't wait for you to grow up and be an adult" <- some variation of it, can't remember the exact quote - Jaemin to/about Daon during a flashback with exactly the negative connotation you can associate with this particular sentiment is used. Hggn. There's more to say about him but I can't organize it all

Soohyun: Show Soohyun - hair trigger temper (great acting), the frustration is boiling over, impulsive, uses fear to get his way (and if there's remorse later, the lack of emotional regulation ensures that it is forgotten), does have a form of redemption in the end, a genuinely incompetent Director. Manhwa Soohyun - the temper is there, but the character is waaaaay more calm with interactions, snarky rather than mean, calculating, no involvement with Daon's workplace, clocked what Jaemin was doing almost immediately, he and Daon I think hook up the most consistently (and yes, it happens when Soohyun and Jaemin are fake dating but good grief I just can't be a "wow Daon is trash see he knowingly slept with Soohyun while Soo is dating Jaemin" because girl, wut - they have a stage during college (?) where they are pretty much dating without ever verbalizing it (and then Jaemin ruined it) because no one verbalizes anything when it comes to honest to goodness feelings beyond a trembling confession that you know is going to be pummeled into the ground - which I recognize is a plot point since communication would cause every drama ever to go from multi episodes to about 5 min of content.

Honestly, since my moral compass is not built on the morality/ethics of bl series, I can comfortably say that I was rooting for both Soohyun and/or Seong simultaneously. Either of them over Jaemin. At least exactly why Soohyun agreed to the contrived 'fake date' plan is marginally better explored in the manhwa. He also legit strikes Daon (past) + chokes him (present)- again, his temper is a very real factor, it's just not as outwardly explosive as in the show. Daon has genuine fear of Soohyun hurting Seong/himself in present time. Both versions of Soohyun are royally screwed over by Jaemin's manipulations, but M!Soohyun had the attitude of "I'm going abroad now, so Jaemin better shoot his shot while I'm gone because once I'm back, I will go all in." By the end, his 'redemption arc' is legit "I have no regrets. You better erase me from your mind entirely." and he goes back abroad to be with his family (his mother's religious but his family is not 'point a gun at him' terrible from what I could tell - he actually wanted to introduce Daon to them at one point). That 'erase me' bit just convinced me that if Soohyun had not removed himself, he (and Daon) knew full well that they would slide right on back to each other eventually. Heck, Seong probably knew it, too.

Speaking of Seong and the many, many 'poly is the answer' lines the show spawned - the real throuple that could have been??? Soohyun x Daon x Seong. Right at the end of the manhwa - legit if Soohyun didn't back down, with how Seong was written and how Daon was written, if Soohyun pushed and Daon caved, I could see Seong eventually settling at 'if this is what it takes to have (a chance with) you, then I will accept this' to be with Daon. Because he already had nearly the exact same sentiment earlier.

Seonghyeon: Show Seong - so gosh darn earnest and charming, clingy in an endearing (but a bit boundary stomping) way, a flawed real human with flawed reactions but I can't hold it against him because this situation is not normal, not a lunatic but has a bit of emotional manipulation going on, but again, he's human. Manhwa Seong - yes to all that, but I propose that while Jaemin and Soohyun where displaying black/red flags consistently, Seong had his own brand of obsession going on. He's not clued in immediately, but he does get a picture of what is going down, especially once he meets Jaemin. And armed with this information + a Daon who is pretty transparent ("You say you like me and I like you. But I also like Jaemin, who I confessed to and he rejected me. But those feelings are still here. Also, Soohyun is here now and we are hooking up and probably will continue to do so as I don't have much agency in that matter. I am a terrible person. It would be better for you to not pursue me." - wildly paraphrased and condensed, but you get the gist). And Seong, armed with all this information, ultimately takes the approach of Patience. Like, he is going to outwait the other two lunatics - he will wait for Daon to sort through the absolute crapshoot that is his life, work through whatever that is with Jaemin, sprinkle in a tiny bit of cold-shouldering here and there, a drunken kiss or two. And even once Daon makes the definitive choice and goes to Seong over Jaemin, that whole "Don't turn around" scene!! If it was Jaemin in the background making whatever expression that Seong acknowledge would cause Daon to waver, Seong still may have come out on top. But if it was Soohyun? Seong might not. Again, the throuple that could have been...!

Reading the manhwa in it's entirety till 4 am really made me appreciate the show. They hit a lot of the narrative beats and did it with style. I can see why tweaks to the characters were made, particularly Soohyun, as having his temper so prominent rather than the 'hidden under the surface' approach of M!Soohyun would make it harder to move things along, especially since Jaemin already checks off the subtle background manipulation thing.

poly could have saved Show dudes and/or made the whole thing messier but we all would have enjoyed the ride lol

no amount of poly would have saved M!Jaemin, do you know why?? because he ruins things.

[greedyqueensfavourite]

Mugenro Yato Jagasaki Main Route Chapter - 1 Brief Summary.

I am hereby uploading summaries of Yato Jagasaki's main route for my own personal archive and for those who can't access the game due to server restrictions. Fan translation only. Not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Cybird and DMM games owns everything. Feel free to re-blog.

Content warning - MDNI

The prologue had already been translated by @ikemen-translations.

*Mugenro Yato Jagasaki Main Route Ch - 1 Brief Summary* -

After burning one of the incense sticks, MC enters the dream tower Mugenro where she meet receptionist Gasha kun. Gasha kun explains MC that it is a brothel and asks her to choose one of the male prostitutes. MC asks if it's necessary for her to choose. To which Gasha kun replies that since she has already come to the dream tower, she should enjoy herself until incense stick burns out. Considering it a weird dream, MC chooses one of the male prostitute - Yato Jagasaki. Gasha kun told her that Yato is one of the most popular candidate and is often demanded by customers. He proceeds to escort MC to Yato's room but in the midway he leaves her to run an errand. MC then spots a snake carrying sake upon his head. She follows the snake through the corridor which leads her to a blonde man staring at the moon across the balcony. When he sees her, he gets shocked and asks why is she here. MC finds the man familiar and realizes that he is that quite customer who comes to her shop regularly. At the same point, Gasha kun arrives and introduces the blonde man as Yato Jagasaki. Yato takes MC to his room where she explains him how she arrives at the tower after burning an incense stick she has got from a black haired man. Yato's facial expression twists and he mentions that the man must be Kuzuha. MC also tells him about her insomnia and her dual jobs while Yato was preparing tea. Yato asks if it's debt due to which she is doing two jobs simultaneously. MC denies and explains she is working this much due to her 'dream'. Hearing this, Yato's expression softens and he says - _then, let me make sure you enjoy this dream to the fullest and relive your tiredness_ and pushes MC down to the bed. He holds her hands above her head and drives her to orgasm multiple times by fingering. The CG we get at the end of the chapter is below -

[intangiblyyourswrites]

Not a Mix Up

“And to think I’d come back to you with a girlfriend,” she murmurs out loud.

He laughs quietly, holding her hips steady and craning his neck up to look at her. “What? Jealous?”

Fandom: Dr. Stone Pairing: Kohaku x Senku Rating: M Word Count: 2,320 Warning: Mature themes but nothing too explicit. Also no beta-read. Minor spoilers for the upcoming arc (if you are anime-only). A/N: This originally was supposed to be a small portion of a longer one-shot that referenced the fic a mix up by @glycenings (wonderful fic—please go read if you haven't already!). However, I got a bit carried away so it ended up being longer than intended, and so I referenced multiple parts of their story! It will still be in the one-shot, albeit a slightly shorter version.

EDIT: Here's the full fic — Proximity.

--

It’s been several weeks since she’s seen Senku and within those weeks, he has managed to get shot, somehow recover from it enough to rig a plane, and has welcomed new people onto their crew. Then comes and picks up the enemy scientist that apparently used to be his mentor. Yes, it’s a lot.

He seems to be moving fine so Kohaku doesn’t fret about it. What she finds peculiar is Luna, the pink-haired girl that seems to have an affinity for, well, Senku. It’s a strange sight to see him being so actively pursued. The closest would be Amaryllis during their first meeting, but she had quickly realized he didn’t have a lick of interest in that kind of romance. Regardless, Kohaku does find Luna to be a sweet person. After all, she works hard and helped save Senku’s life.

Kohaku can’t help but take pity on Luna once she hears the whole story though. It’s just like Senku to use relationships as a political alliance, even if it means leaving the other party confused. No harm, no foul, she supposes, but…

What am I supposed to do now? 

Luna comes up to ask her about Senku, or rather, Kohaku’s relationship with Senku specifically. Kohaku answers the questions as honestly as she can while simultaneously dodging the crux of the questions themselves. 

That doesn’t feel odd to you? Working with your sister’s ex?

No, it could hardly be called a marriage. She really does often forget that it actually happened.

Is it true that you kissed Senku?

For a moment, she thinks Luna is talking about one of the many times she and Senku have, indeed, kissed, but quickly realizes that can’t be the case. Only one person could have told her such a thing, and Gen would only have shared something that is public knowledge. 

That kiss was nothing, Kohaku ends up saying. And it hadn’t been, at that time. It was also nothing compared to all the ones that followed.

She realizes that she isn’t used to being questioned about her involvement with him—their friends having been long accustomed to their closeness. It’s odd trying to put words to it; nothing really fits. Lovers seem too serious, friends too shallow. Perhaps just partners on a quest to save humanity. 

She also doesn’t know how to explain the restlessness she currently feels. Is it due to the time apart? Or simply that they are now on the run from Stanley? The days are exciting and the nights unbearably stressful. She isn’t used to being hunted, usually being the one to do the hunting. 

Kohaku rolls her eyes at herself. If Senku could hear her thoughts, he’s call her a—

“Lioness.”

“Not a lioness!” she hisses as Senku comes up beside her. They’re trudging through a marsh in their nearly acquired rubber boots, fatigue marring all their faces. 

“That was a nasty scare out there earlier with Suika. How are you holding up?”

“Hah. Did I make you worry?” She puts on a brave face, but then it softens immediately. “We have a good team and we’re safe.”

He doesn’t say anything for several minutes, but his shoulder brushes against hers as they walk. It’s all they’ve been able to do since meeting back up, these small comforts. She’s starting to become acutely aware that it isn’t enough. 

“We should be able to make camp tonight,” he finally says, “and take a bit more time to ourselves.”

She doubts anyone can hear them above the slushing of the water but she doesn’t blame him for being extra safe. 

A bit of relief floods her. Briefly, she tangles her fingers with his before pulling away just as quickly to sweep her hair behind her ear. 

“That will be a welcomed change.”

The sun sets and they all dine and make merry. Kohaku takes the first shift of the night watch as the fire’s embers dim to a soft glow. Most of the team goes to sleep at a decent time whereas Dr. Xeno, Ryusui, and Gen hang out by Senku’s tent near the river. The only thing she can tell is that they’re hashing out some plans, swarming around something Senku had drawn out. She’s surprised Chrome hadn’t joined in on the party.

Eventually, it’s just Senku right outside his tent adding some final touches to what looks to be a road map of his latest idea. It’s not until the moon, full and bright, reaches its peak in the sky does he glance at her and disappear into his tent.

Not long after that, Tsukasa joins her and she passes the proverbial mantle to him. He pretends to look the other way as she heads towards the river.

Or rather, to the tent by the river, where she finds Senku laying out his bedroll. Kohaku wastes no time, straddling him and sliding off his tunic in one fluid movement. The weather is warm and the night has settled and she realizes she really is just impatient after being away from him for so long.

But she stops when she sees his wound, the one he had gotten from Stanley. It makes her blood run cold despite the humidity of the Amazonian forest.

“So you’re concerned after all?” Senku smirks as he looks up at her. “I was second guessing myself when you made no mention of it.”

“Oh please. I knew you’d be fine.”

Even so, her fingers quiver as she traces the outline of the gnarled skin near his chest. Its location is just so close to his heart, she shudders just thinking about how he only narrowly avoided death. With their Medusa out of commission, they wouldn’t have been able to mend him through petrification. 

One of his hands finds her thigh, eyes soft as his thumb strokes calming circles into her skin. The tension in her shoulders deflates a level. 

“Does it still hurt?”

He shrugs. “A little sore if I move certain ways, but I’m managing just fine.”

She nods, allowing her fingers to glide up his chest and over his shoulders. “Does that mean I should be extra gentle with you tonight?”

“I think,” he starts, lips grazing her collarbone and working up her throat, “you can take me however you want.”

Another shudder runs down her spine, but for different reasons this time. He looks annoyingly pleased at himself.

He works at her dress, untying the rope beneath her bodice and slipping the blue fabric over her head. They’re skin to skin as she leans down for a kiss, purposefully slow to let him acclimate. He responds by pressing into her, hands running up her back to undo the bonds in her hair and letting her golden locks cascade past her shoulders. She melts into him and he hums appreciatively, fingers strumming across her skin as if to reacquaint him with her body.

Her hips move in small circles. She feels more than she hears the way his breath quickens with how his face is buried into her neck. This must be her favorite part of their union, the way the ever-composed Ishigami Senku unravels under her touch. In terms of affection, his actions always spoke louder than his words, and his actions during their private nights sing of devotion. 

“And to think I’d come back to you with a girlfriend,” she murmurs out loud.

He laughs quietly, holding her hips steady and craning his neck up to look at her. “What? Jealous?”

His cheeks are flushed and he’s so warm beneath her. She knows no one else ever sees him in such a state.

“Not at all.”

“Good.”

He says it so smugly that she doesn’t miss his implicit trust in her and her ability to read the situation. And she’d have to agree. Doubt is not something she has ever associated with in terms of her feelings for him.

She knows him well, and he, her. When she feels the tremors in his body from holding up their weight, she coaxes him down until his back hits the sleeping mat.

Ah, but I don’t intend to let you sleep much, she thinks. 

“I expect nothing less from a ravenous lioness.”

She makes a face but he just laughs again, pulling her down with him. 

Senku has never been one to say something as mushy as I love you, but when he kisses her behind the ear, she thinks it sounds quite similar.

They do sleep—after she tires him out. It’s been a long time since she’s been able to wake up next to him. It’s only been a few hours but the sun's rays have begun to peak over the horizon. The diffused glow splashes across his face, highlighting the slope of his nose and the angle of his jaw. He looks peaceful and serene.

He stirs when she moves, turning to bury his face into whatever part of her he can find. It’s so endearing she can’t resist planting a kiss on his forehead. 

“I’m going to go rinse off in the river,” she says quietly, feeling as if she spoke any louder, it would break the tranquility. He mumbles something into her skin, and then rolls her on top.

“You need more sleep,” she insists, though makes no effort to resist. He’s mumbling again, something along the lines of whose fault is that.

His fingers skim along the side of her body, starting at her thighs and wandering up until he’s lazily drawing figures in the space between her spine and shoulder blade. More likely than not, he’s doing some sort of calculation and using her flesh as a makeshift canvas.

Already, this early in the morning. 

She rolls her eyes, and then drags the tip of her nose along the column of his throat. Finding the spot where his pulse throbs visibly, she nips at his skin, sucking gently at the spot until it blooms into a lovely shade of red. She doesn’t miss the stutter in his fingers nor the hastening of his heart rate. 

“Sleep,” she insists again, then pushes off of him. He follows abruptly, glaring at her as he sits up, sheets pooling around his waist. 

Instead of throwing on her dress, she steals his tunic, and he almost convinces her to stay a bit longer.

Perhaps not staying was a mistake, however. She exits the tent and nearly jolts when she feels someone watching her. She turns to see Luna wide-eyed with a water flask in hand.

Ah, trust Senku to rub his bad luck on her.

“Good morning,” Kohaku says as sunnyly as possible, very much ignoring the obvious. Luna tries to smile back but it comes out more like a grimace, the question or accusation at the tip of her tongue barely contained. Kohaku has no desire to explain anything; she’s sure doing so will cause the very distractions she and Senku are trying to avoid. So she pushes on with small talk, keeping her face and tone neutral even as the conversation inevitably turns into one about the scientist behind the tent flaps.

Maybe I can double check him, Luna persists. Actual confirmation of his health, or to see if Kohaku in Senku’s clothes is truly indicative of what she suspects? They both know the answer.

But Senku is surely listening in on the whole conversation, so she trusts him to prepare accordingly and steps aside.

At least her luck is better than Senku’s, for she is saved by Ryusui intervening with a snarky remark and a rather knowing look. Though he could have been more subtle, she is ultimately grateful.

(And to be fair, wearing Senku’s tunic is not very subtle either.)

She takes her time in the river to prevent any more run-ins, and returns to Senku’s tent only after she sees Luna return to hers. 

He’s still awake, with a very annoyed look and bags under his eyes, when she walks in. 

She raises a brow. “What did Ryusui say?”

“Tch. Just called me out with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.” He then sighs, running a hand through his hair. “And offers his sympathies for Luna.”

She winces. “I guess wearing your clothes was a bad idea.”

“Ten billion percent,” he grumbles, but a sly smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “So I am going to ask Yuzuriha to make me a lab coat, and then I’m going to need you to wear that, and only that.”

“Hah, that sounds counterproductive.” 

“I’d argue that you can make me quite productive on occasion.” She rolls her eyes, sitting next to him just to shove him lightly in the shoulder. His easy smile doesn’t falter. “Let them talk. People will always say things when they don’t understand what they see. Trying to deflect will only garner more attention.”

She hums in agreement, leaning her head against him. Glancing up, she notices the mark she left behind had begun shifting from a rich red to a deep purple. 

“You’re going to need to cover that up.”

“Then I’m going to need my clothes back. Your dress doesn’t cover much.”

She laughs at him, removing his tunic and tossing it at his face. She then throws on her dress and straddles him, much like how she did just several hours prior. But instead of kissing him, she pushes him back down, pulling the sheets up to his chin. “You still need more sleep.”

It’s his turn to roll his eyes but he doesn’t deny it. “Fine, fine.”

She helps him put on his tunic then leaves after one last fleeting kiss. Ryusui is talking to Tsukasa when his eyes catch hers again. And he grins.

 Very good morning to you, Ryusui had said to her earlier. She nods back a greeting and smirks inwardly in agreement. Despite some minor mishaps, it is a very good morning indeed.

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

I just wanted to drop a note to thank everyone who has supported the Patreon over the years, or signs up for things like my (free) Substack. It really means a lot.

I update both of those platforms infrequently. I’ve tried to build better habits about that over the years and continually run into the same problem: I don’t want to post anything about what I’m working on unless I’m 110% sure my opinions is informed as possible and I am not sharing anything erroneous. There is so much misinformation out there regarding animals in general and zoos and exotic animal politics especially that I absolutely do not want to add to it.

What that means in practice is that topics often take months to years to research, and big projects need multiple years to end up with something I’m comfortable publishing. (That accreditation reporting writeup was an idea I chewed over for easily two years prior to starting work; then it took spent six months to researching write it up). I have one project in the wings where I can’t even start a major part until Feb 2024, because data collection has to happen after the implementation of a new set of federal regulations. These things are great for creating quality work, but less good for providing people who are supporting your work with something tangible on a reasonably frequent basis.

Also, at this point? Most of my current big projects are so complex - and such novel things to study about the zoo industry - that I’m taking the extra time to really cross every t and dot every i with the research, and then get them peer-reviewed through credible academic journals. I think there’s four or five different projects that will be papers I’m working on simultaneously (and sporadically) right now. And as many of you know, this is a hobby, not a paying profession.

So. Thank you for sticking around through the long silences and the intermittent publications. I have so much I want to talk about, but it has to wait until I can do it right. I have so many cool things planned (like, multiple interactive websites) for once everything is finished and published. Whether or not you’re on the Patreon or just awaiting infrequent Substack updates, I really appreciate all of it.

[foreverlogical]

How is this changed if the actions taken by Musk caused the deaths of soldiers in the alliance America is part of? And how is this changed if after having calls with Vladimir Putin, Musk starts advocating publicly for Ukrainian surrender? And what if he is making money off this? 

And what do we do with the reports that Musk privately acknowledged that he was “in” the Russia-Ukraine War—but not, per the evidence we currently have, on the same side as America?

Is there some reason the House GOP is scared to investigate this? Or DOJ? What am I missing here? 

How is all this inflected by the data confirming Musk complies with the demands of hostile foreign governments at a far higher rate than his Twitter predecessors did? And how is that inflected by the fact that his Twitter coowners are autocratic Saudi butchers allied with Russia? 

And in the midst of all this he comes out publicly and tells 150 million followers to vote Republican? At a time we know both the Russians and the Saudis have secretly interfered in American elections on behalf of the Republicans? And then he starts making all sorts of changes... 

...to what is more or less a public utility (even if it is privately owned) that benefit hostile foreign governments, agents of hostile foreign governments, American disinformation agents operating as “useful idiots” for hostile foreign governments, and anti-American Kremlinists? 

And as I recall, didn’t he at one point threaten to stop providing resources to the American government that he’d previously provided *while* he was simultaneously advocating for a Ukrainian surrender following multiple phone calls with Vladimir Putin? Like—that seems really bad? 

Again, I’m not an expert in this, but I’m asking at what point Musk runs afoul of FARA? Or the Logan Act? Or something rather more serious that relates to military conflicts in which the United States is involved? All of this seems really serious to me and everyone’s ignoring it. 

America just went through an eight-year period in which a narcissistic sociopathic far-right White male billionaire colluded with Russia and the Saudis to interfere in our elections and advance illegal Russian adventurism. Is it just me or is the exact same thing happening again? 

(PS) Obviously I’m leaving a ton of things out here, e.g. the fact that Musk, like Trump, has repeatedly been accused of fraud, or that Kremlin policy inside the U.S. is to foment racial and religious divisions to weaken America... and Musk has been doing exactly that on Twitter. 

(PS2) Are we sure we’re not in the middle of a national security situation here? Is it wrong to think the Senate Intel Committee should be holding hearings to find out what Musk has been doing secretly with the Russians—and whether or how it’s connected to Twitter and the Saudis? 

(PS3) If Elon Musk will do the bidding of Vladimir Putin in terms of disabling Ukrainian military equipment and proposing that Ukraine surrender a good portion of its land area to Putin and his war criminals, what *else* is he doing at the bidding of the Kremlin or Saudi royals? 

(PS4) When we see Musk simultaneously pushing the “Ban the ADL” hashtag even as hostile foreign agents intending to cause chaos in the U.S. are doing the same thing, and we know who Musk is holding secret calls with... uh, isn’t that all super concerning from a NatSec standpoint? 

(PS5) And not for nothing, but many of you will remember the major media report I just posted in which Musk confesses that he wants to “take over the world’s financial system.”

Uh, for whom? Will he seek to benefit Russia and Saudi Arabia and harm the United States in that, too? 

(PS6) Remember how Trump led with racism and antisemitism and other forms of ethnic and religious bigotry that caused *chaos* in the United States, only for us to learn he was in cahoots with Russia and the Saudis?

Does that not feel... familiar, now?

I have some concerns here. 

(PS7) I’ve never claimed to be an expert in these particular areas, which are a subspecialization within federal criminal practice that very rarely comes into play. But I certainly—as a citizen and voter—am wondering why the *hell* we’re not having congressional hearings on this? 

(PS8) There’s no question whatsoever that Congress has an obligation to exercise its oversight responsibilities very aggressively here—as if I’m understanding correctly Elon Musk has a defense contract. The revelations in the new book about him are therefore very f*cking serious. 

(PS9) And remember how Trump always accuses others of what he has just done or is about to do? Just as concerns that Musk could be doing the bidding of hostile foreign nations arise, he starts threatening to sue others for “controlled speech.” We have seen this playbook before...

(PS10) I would think the FBI, DOJ, FTC, FCC, NSA, SEC and *many* others would want to be all over this situation right now. Instead we are getting radio silence. Or, not radio silence, but Musk and his allies pushing racial and religious division inside the U.S. on a daily basis. 

[zahri-melitor]

I am thinking again about how much 'timelines don't exist, canon isn't real, the comics don't keep track so why should I' annoys me, and it's like:-

Generally this is not true, if you're talking about a particular timeline. Pre-Crisis from the Bronze Age onwards is largely coherent, taken as a whole. Post-Crisis is pretty coherent. New 52's problems largely relate to 'what happened prior to #1' more than outright timeline contradictions in the stories between 2011-2016. Rebirth and Infinite Frontier has become more difficult, given that titles reference each other less frequently, but within a title it remains coherent.

Many of the most bumpy timeline issues are when you transition from one canon to another (particularly with regards to titles that got away with running 'across' the reboot, such as NTT or Batwoman or Batman Inc). That's an artefact of reboots giving some titles special leeway as the retcons happened.

What people are usually complaining about is 'something got retconned' rather than 'the books don't know what order events happened in'. Situations like 'explain Donna Troy's backstory' doesn't have a timeline issue; it has a retcon issue in that she now has multiple mutually exclusive backstories to deal with the fact that NTT was allowed to run across COIE while Diana got rebooted, and so on.

There are in fact situations with timeline issues but usually those are in regards to 'untangle the order events happened in during an Event' not big periods of time. Explaining the order of events in Batman RIP and Final Crisis is something that has timeline issues, in terms of 'when did Bruce disappear from Gotham in respect of Final Crisis' and 'when did Talia arrive with Damian' and so on. However, there's no issues with the relationship of 'did these events happen before or after Batman RIP and Final Crisis'. That in itself is clear. Trying to put DC One Million issues in order is a timeline issue. Whether a story took place before or after DC One Million is mostly a case of looking at the issue number.

And adding all of this up: the reason I tend not to have a lot of respect for 'teeheehee DC doesn't care about canon so why should I' in a fic is that whenever people just decide to ignore things and make three things that happened in three separate decades happen simultaneously, they ALSO don't bother to spend any time looking at how this changed events. You know what? I don't care if you want to make Tim 14 for when Jason returns to Gotham. Go right ahead. But if you're going to do that, can you acknowledge you're writing a canon divergence AU and at least GESTURE to which events that ACTUALLY happened when Tim was 14 just got derailed because Jason is back. (Like Underworld Unleashed. You want even more angst/chaos from Bruce? Have Jason turn back up in Gotham immediately after UU)

[lostinvasileios]

Hello! I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to ask how should one go about becoming a devotee? I feel like my religious trauma is holding me back and that I'm just not cut out for any of this. I don't feel as if I have anything to offer the gods or goddesses I'd want to worship and it's just a lot. I don't even feel like I'm worthy while simultaneously lacking faith because of my past experiences with Christianity. I just don't know 😭. I'm also not in a safe environment to create alters or anything like that.

Ooohh my days. Umm, allow me to apologize very sincerely on getting to this as late as I am, sweetheart. I reallyyy... Got... Lost in the divine sauce... And you know - life as a whole kind of... Distracted me from Tumblr? But! That's for another post, let's dive right into your question.💞🌷🌷

Firstly!! There is no guidebook on being a devotee. A devotee, as a literal definition (the last time I checked at least) just means someone who worships (a god). In other words, the only thing you should do to be a devotee for a lord, is to be... Devoted to them. However devotion and being devoted looks and/or means to you.

Believe it or not, I relate to this a ton. I mean, for fuck's sake I quite literally had snot running down my face, full blasted-ly ugly crying in front of Apollon because of my religious trauma and how I felt so held back from the relationship I so desperately wanted with him. I even repented to him one time on accident but that's... Not important right now...

I see a lot of early devotees crashing their own parade before they even get marching by questioning "what they have to give" to their gods. I've got a simple answer for you and anyone else struggling with that: thyself. (Yourself)

That may sound a bit - overboard or scary. But it's quite simple. Gods don't expect offerings, as much as media might make it sound. Hell, in my experience? Lucifer, for example, doesn't even typically like it whenever I go tryhard for his offerings. He has literally straight up told me "No" and that I am spoiling him on multiple occasions.

Gods much rather have a genuine connection with you than to have the finest piece of freshly baked bread or the sweetest aged wine. They'd prefer you to blow them a kiss (which can be you just blowing a kiss to the air or whatever), you to smile when you think of them, listen to music that reminds you of them... To love them, and to eventually learn, and trust, that they love you just as much.

Idk what in particular makes you think you have no/little worth, but I assure you a god will not see you in the same light you see yourself. Unless you are literally having the strongest of all sticks up your ass and a fine-print contract type of situation with 100% "these are the rules and this is what I'll do for you in exchange for this" type of relationship with your deity or deities, I can promise you that all of your doubts (that you've allowed me to know here at least) are unfounded. This idea of you lacking worth, from my perspective, is just you lacking self esteem more than anything. Everyone is worth it, everyone in their own way or another, deserves the experience of being beloved by a god. Including you.

Faith is also not given, it is built. Faith cannot be demanded. That is false, that is inauthentic, and that is harmful. Which can also lead you to psychosis and ect ect...

Faith takes time. And you aren't expected to give gods your faith, heart, or trust right away. They won't command you to grovel at their feet and plead your life to them. It takes months, years, or however long to truly build faith for what it really is and not what you were taught by people turning to religion for something impure told you it was.

And altars are not a necessity either! I promise. Altars are nice and altars can be calming to have if you want them and can have them. But there are many different ways to have a worship space if you want it. Personally, I like to have my altars in my head. Imagining a beautiful cathedral dedicated to my beloved, decorated and architecture-d for them specifically... It makes things a lot easier, affordable, convenient (because you can give them an offering anywhere yk), I could go on. These also take time to build as well, since you need to get the hang of visualization and stuff. But, if you want a physical reminder of your deity, just get a plush, devote something you already have to them or set aside a bit of your drink for them.. The list continues. You quite literally can make anything into an altar or an offering. A little patch of grass outside? Hell yeah, put your hand on the ground and tell your god that you're thinking of them. Do whatever you want! They appreciate your genuineness more than any trinket or whatever.

Your love is what makes the thing special, not the thing itself, ykwim?

Anywayyy... I yapped a bit, my bad. I hope it helps you though, honey!!! Many blessings to you. May divinity give you their tender kisses of reassurance and pearls of peace. 🪽💙🐝

[hrizantemy]

Day 13 of ACOTAR Games: This or That

Which Vanserra brother deserves their last word with the Inner Circle the most?

Eris: For villainising him for five centuries, exploiting him as he risks his life for intel on Beron, torturing his soldiers, promising a marriage alliance and breaking it off (My personal favourite, Cassian calling him a coward after finding out he is being abused by Beron)

Lucien: For Feyre sexually assaulting him, defaming him across courts, framing him a traitor in his home. For Night exploiting him, baiting him with his mate, overexerting him

Your contenders: @achaotichuman @litnerdwrites @positivelyruined @yaralulu @umthisistheonlyusernamenottaken

It’s Lucien. Hands down. My man deserves his villain arc, and I’m ready to see him burn the Night Court to the ground while cackling in six different languages. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Eris: Sure, the Inner Circle has been villainizing him for centuries while simultaneously using him to deal with Beron. And yeah, torturing his soldiers and dangling a fake marriage alliance in front of him was a real classy move. But nothing—and I mean nothing—beats Cassian calling Eris a coward after finding out his own father has been abusing him. Like, is there a gold medal for worst timing? Because Cassian’s taking it home.

But while Eris is over here risking his life and reputation for everyone else’s benefit, at least he’s getting to play the sneaky morally grey bad boy that everyone kind of respects. He’s got a throne to inherit and an entire Court to manipulate. He’s doing fine.

Lucien, though? Oh, Lucien’s been through hell, and for what? Nothing but disrespect. Feyre sexually assaulted him (don’t tell me using him multiple times for revenge isn’t assault—it is), framed him as a traitor in the Spring Court, and dragged him through her mate drama like a chew toy for everyone else’s entertainment. Then Night Court swoops in, promises him safety, and proceeds to exploit him like he’s an unpaid intern.

They dangle Elain in front of him—like bait on a string—only to snatch her away when he starts getting too hopeful. “Oh, you want love and respect? Nah, let’s put you through 800 pages of suffering instead.” Then they have him running errands all over Prythian and beyond. Did they ever ask, “Hey Lucien, do you want to chase after Feyre’s drama like a third wheel on fire?” No. He’s exhausted, he’s underappreciated, and he deserves better.

So yeah, give my man his villain arc. Let Lucien snap. Let him finally turn to Beron and say, “You’re trash, but at least you’re honest about it.” Let him wreck Velaris with that fire in his eye, literally and metaphorically. Let him start drinking expensive wine while wearing black robes and plotting his revenge like he’s auditioning for Game of Thrones.

And while we’re at it, let’s have a scene where he burns Feyre’s art studio to the ground, takes Tamlin by the scruff, and tells him to grow a spine already. Give him an epic speech where he rips the Inner Circle to shreds, points out all their hypocrisy, and then mic-drops his way out of the room.

Lucien’s done the time. Now it’s time for him to do the crime.

I know I haven’t been super active lately, so here’s another random fact about me: I’m a college student majoring in psychology. And let me tell you, this field is not for the weak. Like, I love it—truly, I do—but sometimes I want to bash my head into a wall just for the thrill of it. Freudian theory? Intriguing but unhinged. Statistical analysis? Who let math sneak in here? Clinical hours? Amazing, but also, how am I supposed to save lives when I’m running on caffeine and spite?

But you know what? Slay. I’m getting through it. One meltdown at a time.

[stargazedwinchester]

Angel Girl | Dean

Summary: Dean learns you're not human, but an angel.

Requested here! Thank you! Let me know if you want a part 2! Felt like I could write this forever but obvs had to end it at some point lmaoo

Word count: 1,299

Taglist: @rowenalovee @amythedoctor @girlsforpjm @chaospossum @take-it-on-the-run, @themidnightwitch44 @linkthetrashgoblin

♱⁺. ⋆˙✧⋆✧˙⋆⊹.♱

Dean's love life has always been rocky, from casual dating to raunchy hookups with the girls he finds at the local bar and waking up the next day simultaneously enjoying and regretting his life choices. He's never settled for anyone and the relationships he's had over the years have almost always ended on the wrong foot.

Until he met you.

Castiel had introduced you both whilst Cas had made an excuse of hearing your prayer over an issue that made him realise you're not quite the person that needed help, of course, because you were different.

♱⁺. ⋆˙✧⋆✧˙⋆⊹.♱

Dean wakes up in a cold sweat, his heart beating 100 times a second. His eyes scan the room to ensure he's awake and not in a dream state. He takes a deep breath, before propping himself up in bed, looking over at his bedside table and checking the time. 5:24 AM. "God damn it," He sighs, placing his head in his hands, hunching over. He rubs his stubble to try and wake himself up. His fern-coloured orbs meet with the ceiling. 

"God, just give me a break." He whispers, resting his forearm across his eyes. "Please let me sleep." He huffs, attempting to relax before sleeping again. The sound of large wings echoes the room, and Dean refuses to move his arm. "Cas, get out." He shoos, waving his spare hand.

"Hello." A sweet voice appears, making Dean jump out of his skin. He reaches for his gun and points it at the figure standing at his door. Fear takes over his face, his eyes enlarged and his mouth slightly agape. 

"Y/N?" He asks, his face reading multiple different emotions. "How did you get here?" He stumbles, his thought process is jumbled right now. His gorgeous eyes meet yours, then you look down at the floor. 

"I heard your prayer."

"M-my prayer?" He lays his gun flat on the bed, his gaze unable to move away from you. You nod.

"It's universal... You pray to God and angels can answer." You smile at him, yet he remains confused. "Y/N, you're an angel?" He questions, gradually getting up from the mattress. You assume that he already knew, maybe Cas had told him prior but Dean chose to not say anything about it. The surprise from Dean surprises you. "You didn't know?" You say softly, and Dean shakes his head. "I thought Cas would have told you, but that's okay. I guess there's much to talk about." You chuckle lightly. "Yeah, we do."

You tell Dean that you'll be back the following day to answer all of his questions, and allow him to return to bed so he can go back to sleep.

♱⁺. ⋆˙✧⋆✧˙⋆⊹.♱

You arrive at the bunker, the early morning Kansas sun beaming down onto the back of your head as you let yourself in. You walk down the stairs and meet Dean in the kitchen who's cooking up breakfast for himself. "Hey Dean," You greet, showing him a friendly smile. You stand next to the counter as he turns around and faces you. "Hey Y/N. You didn't zap in today?" He asks, scraping scrambled eggs and bacon onto two plates. "No, I wanted to seem more... normal. Human, I guess. Did it work?" You ask, a gleam in your eyes. "Yeah, I'd say so." He starts, reaching over to the drawer where the cutlery is kept. He passes you a plate, a knife and a fork. "Y'know, I was thinking last night..." He says, leading you over to the dining table. "I want to show you how to act more human. So..." He slides the plate in front of you, the steam travelling up toward your face, the smell engulfing you.

"I thought we could start with you trying food. Here," He passes you the cutlery in the correct hands. "Dig in." He finishes, piling his breakfast onto his fork and bringing it to his mouth. You attempt to do the same, but much slower. You bring it up to your mouth, allowing the food to sit there in your mouth for a few seconds. You swallow, Dean watching your every move. "See? Not so bad is it?" He chuckles lightly, and you smile at him. "No, it's quite enjoyable. The flavours are quite foreign." You say, lifting another forkful. 

You have both finished your breakfast, Dean's crack at trying to help you has definitely helped, but he's not done yet. He suggests that you both take a night to yourselves to catch you up on the most iconic movies. 

♱⁺. ⋆˙✧⋆✧˙⋆⊹.♱

"I had an idea of watching a chick flick for tonight," He almost shivers at the idea. "Just this once. Then we can watch Star Wars." He says, and you laugh at him. "Dean Winchester watching a movie made specifically for teenagers... I never thought I'd see the day." You chuckle, and he smirks at your quick comment. "Hey, there's nothing wrong with a chick flick every so often." He admits, switching the TV over to something very close to Netflix, but is borderline illegal. Upon choosing Wild Child, you both sit back, remaining quiet throughout the whole movie.

♱⁺. ⋆˙✧⋆✧˙⋆⊹.♱

The movie finishes, and you glance over to Dean, who's sound asleep sitting up, his arms are crossed and one leg is resting over the other. Despite being an angel, you can't help but feel something warm and fuzzy ignite in your chest, a feeling of adoration and... something else you can't quite put your finger on. He shuffles, and you nudge his arm gently. "Dean," You whisper, trying to not startle him. He groans, his eyes flickering. "Dean, the movie has finished." You shake him again, and he rapidly sits up properly. "I'm awake." Dean rubs his eyes, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He stretches, his arms above his head. His t-shirt rides up a little, and you can't help but glare. He rests one arm above his head, and the other beside you on the sofa. 

Dean reaches for the TV remote and searches for one of the many Star Wars movies. "So, how'd you like that one?" He asks with his gaze upon you. You nod. "It was good. I can see why it's so popular." You smile, a gentle look on your face. He grins at you, nodding his head. "Can't say I've seen it many times myself," He clears his throat, searching for 'The Empire Strikes Back'. "Dean, I know when you're lying." You add, scanning his face. "What? No I'm not," He chuckles nervously, avoiding any eye contact with you. "Yes you are, I can feel it. Your weird behaviour is offputting."

"Offputting? That's rude." He jokes and the movie auto-plays. The intro to the movie startles you, and Dean laughs at you. "That's really loud." You huff, and Dean relaxes an arm around your shoulders. "It's okay. That's the only loud part of the movie." He adds, shuffling closer to you. "Now, this is one of the best Star Wars movies they've ever made," He starts, and you allow him to ramble about the context of the movie and which actor plays what character. You sit and stare at him whilst he has his rant, his passion for something has really intrigued you like no other.

Everyone will always have a say about supernatural beings and how they differ from humans, how the stereotype that angels are typically full of wisdom and forgiveness. But for you, wisdom is the need to know the true forms of the Winchester brothers, especially Dean. Something about him and the need to aid other people except himself has always bewildered you. 

Hoping that this will help you bring him closer to you, you'd just about do anything for that to happen.