#i value peace and will never clarify

[jacksprostate]

one of my favorite things to do is scroll through the fight club tag and go 'he would not fucking say that'

[luvvictoria]

𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣

( ♡ ) pairing : kokushibo x fem!MoonHashira!reader

( ♡ ) warning : f!reader, NOT PROOF READ , kinda cringe , idk bro, suicide metion , reader kinda suicidal and fucking dumb

( ♡ ) a/n : I DID NOT READ THE KNY MANGA SO IDFK WHAT I AM DOING

An old shrine stands in disrepair, surrounded by a peaceful moat. Under the Sakura tree's gentle light, a bridge links the mainland to this holy site.

In the darkness, a silhouette emerges. With three pairs of eyes, or a total of six, the central pair displays the characters for "Upper Moon" and "One", casting an eerie glow as they gaze down at the pristine water.

"…"

The man seems to detect the entity's existence, yet remains unfazed by its presence.

As you were strolling towards the shrine, you abruptly halted in your path, your eyes widening slightly and your lips parting in astonishment at the sight of Upper Moon One. Your gaze shifted from Upper Moon One to the shrine, and you proceeded to walk towards it.

The Upper Moon One gazes into the water beneath, appearing deep in contemplation. His pale skin reflects the moonlight, creating an otherworldly radiance.

The stillness is tangible, with only the soft ripple of the water and the gentle fluttering of Sakura petals breaking the silence. Suddenly, the man breaks the quietude by asking, "Are you lost…or maybe, here to face me in a challenge?"

You swiveled your head to face the demon , you eyes looking over his figure " I'm here for the shrine . " You said as you turned to face the remnants of what had once been a beautiful place, you spoke " I am not to stir things up "

His eyes narrow as you speaks, seemingly surprised by your non-confrontational attitude. His gaze sweeps over your form, analyzing every detail. He studies the way you moves, the way you speak , the calmness of your demeanor . Then, a small chuckle escapes his lips, a sound that seems to come from the depth of his chest. He takes a few steps towards you "You're a Hashira, correct?"

You purred in approval, remaining perfectly still , your gaze sweeping over the remnants of the shrine . The moon's gentle glow illuminating the sacred grounds.

Kokushibo remains captivated by your presence as you gracefully survey the remnants of destruction. His gaze remains transfixed on the ethereal luminescence that delicately dances upon your serene countenance. A flicker of intrigue flickers within his eyes, for this Hashira, with her tranquil disposition and absence of hostility, defies his expectations "A Hashira who does not yearn for battle? How remarkably extraordinary you are."

You emitted a soft chuckle and gracefully turned your head to gaze upon the demon standing before you. "An Upper Moon that has no desire to devour me? How peculiarly extraordinary you are," you remarked, your voice laced with a hint of admiration. With a gentle smile, you then shifted your gaze upwards, allowing the moon's ethereal glow to envelop you, cherishing its celestial beauty. Kokushibo's expression remains stoic, but there is a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He had to admit, your retort was unexpected and somehow intriguing to him. "Touché." His gaze follows yours as it drifts towards the moon overhead. A brief moment of silence passes between you, filled only by the soft sound of the wind and the crickets in the grass. "You seem to cherish the moon, just as much as I do."

You crooned melodiously, your eyes never leaving the moon. The wind danced through your hair with a delicate touch. "Being the Moon Hashira, the moon holds the utmost value to me," you crooned, your hands playing with your haori.

Kokushibo scrutinizes you closely, his eyes focused on the way you gracefully fiddle with the hem of your haori, the material flowing smoothly under your caress. A glint of curiosity shimmers in his gaze, as he encounters a human unlike any other. One who regards him not with fear or malice, but with a gentle sense of peace. "A Moon Hashira? That clarifies the lack of aggression," he chuckles softly, his voice resonating with a low, melodic tone.

As you gazed upon the demon before you, your eyes shimmered with curiosity. A sharp intake of breath, you observed the intricate details of his katana. Your gaze then drifted towards his elegant haori, a silent acknowledgment of his presence. Yet, an innate intuition stirred within you, resonating with a sense of familiarity. With a composed demeanor, you uttered the words, "You're also using the Moon Breathing technique, aren't you ?"

Kokushibo raised a eyebrow as he heard your words. You were observant and sharp, he could give you that "Impressive." His voice is tinged with approval as he speaks, his gaze still fixed on you. The way you had figured out his breathing style so quickly was intriguing to him.

"Tell me, what is your name? I don't believe we've been formally introduced." The man's unwavering gaze remains fixated on you, curiosity evident in your eyes. As he asked you this question, he shifted his weight slightly, the movement causing the fabric of his kimono to ripple gently in the night air.

With a graceful demeanor, you gazed up at the demon before you, a faint smile playing on your lips as a soft chuckle slipped past them. "I am [name] [last name]," you purred, your voice smooth and confident as you met the demon's gaze with unwavering determination. " the Moon Hashira."

Kokushibo's eyebrows raise slightly in surprise upon hearing your name. The name "[last name]" seems familiar to him, but he cannot quite place it. His eyes dart to your face again, studying your features once more "[last name]…"

He repeats the last name slowly, the sound of the word rolling off his tongue. He pauses for a moment, the cogs in his mind turning as he tries to recall something "I don't recall an [last name] Hashira in the past records."

With a gentle smile, you gazed at the demons and let out a soft chuckle, "I am the inaugural Hashira in my lineage." Your laughter filled the night air as you lifted your eyes to the moon, feeling the cool breeze tousle your hair. Your gaze shifted from Kokushibo to the moon, and you inquired, "What is your name?"

Kokushibo watches as you laughs softly, the sound of your giggle catching him off guard. It's been a very long time since anyone had laughed like that in his presence, with such carefree ease. As you turns your gaze back to the moon, he watches the way the night breeze plays with your hair, the strands shifting gently in the soft wind.

"My name... it's Kokushibo." He responds, his voice a low rumble in the silence of the night.

tip me <3

[tarotofhope]

PAC: 【What do your parents think about you & Why ?】

(Please Read My Pinned post *IMPORTANT NOTE* before selecting a Pile)

Pick an Image by meditating and selecting the image you feel called to. You can be attracted towards more than 1 image. If you are not able to select maybe this reading isn't for you.

𖨆 Pile 1

Cards: Death, 3 of Wands, 6 of Swords, 8 of Cups, Strength, Queen of Wands, 4 of Cups, The World, 9 of Wands.

Welcome to your reading, Pile 1. There's a lot of heavy energy in this pile because there are two 8s in the cards. For some of the audience reading this pile, Either, both of your parents/one of your parents could have passed away when you were very young and you had to live with your relatives or in foster homes. For some of you, even if your parents were alive, they could've been so busy that they left you under the care of other people most of your childhood and teen age. For the remaining audience, I'm getting that even if both of your parents were alive and not so busy, they were very over-protective, over-bearing and strict, so you never opened up to them, you kept your thoughts to yourself and they never got to know you very well. All in all, whoever took your custody, didn't do their job well. You got sick and tired of them, and you've always been looking for a listening ear and comfort in the outside world. You've been waiting for someone to truly understand you and love your soul, someone who doesn't tie you up(not in a literal sense, iykyk) just because they're concerned about your safety, someone who respects your right to freedom. You might have left your guardian/parents behind and went out on your own journey to discover yourself, embracing your independence. It took a lot of courage and strength to do this, but you did it anyway. You might have faced a few major ups and downs in your life as a result of which you became mature much faster than your peers. You're much stronger now and you'll continue to be so. Your journey is from hardships to finally becoming The Queen of Wands. You might have good judgement of people and their intentions. Your parents/guardian might say that they were protecting you from harm all this time, that's why they were strict with you, they want your best and so on..but in reality, you know that wasn't required, what they actually did was messed you up. For some of you, they could be keeping you from going far away from them, because now they expect you to take care of them. They're not allowing you to grow and be your own person. Now, see, people from different countries will have different outlook on this. Indeed, old people need care but keeping a young person trapped and not letting them have a life of their own is not right. Raising children with the intention of getting something in return during oldage, is outright selfish.

That's all I got for you, my dear Pile 1.

Love, light, peace and hope to you..🌸🍁🌻🌼

𖨆 Pile 2

Cards: The Hierophant, The King of Pentacles, The Sun, 8 of Wands Rev. clarified by The World, The Fool clarified by Ace of Pentacles, Ace of Cups clarified by 2 of Pentacles, Queen of Swords.

Welcome to your reading, Pile 2. You guys along with pile 1 are my brave and bold people, I must say. Great leadership qualities you've got. Even your parents think so. They just think that you don't realize this, they think that you're not aware of your full potential and you're not quite out there as you should be in order to become a successful person. They think you're also very demanding of them and you don't understand the value of money. They also know that you're religious or traditional in a way but you make your own rules when it comes to you. They know you'd do very well when you'll be in a position to lead a group of people. I can see 2 scenarios here, few of you could themselves be facing a hard time in love, struggling a lot, while others of you could be giving a hard time to people who are in love with you/romantically interested in you, such as rejecting proposals, having commitment issues, intentionally or unintentionally breaking other people's heart. You are more ambitious and goal oriented and interested in focusing on your career rather than love. Your parents can sense this, whether you talk about these issues or not. You seem like a very practical and rational person to your parents and so you're not verbal about how much you love them, you're a person of actions. Your love language could be acts of service or gift giving. They also think that you believe in yourself so much that nobody can bring you down. Yet there is this issue that you somehow do not realize the amount of power you hold, that you have the ability to achieve big things in life. Your parents already see you as the King of Pentacles, The Hierophant, but they think you're not working up to it whether they've ever said this to you or not.

That's all I got for you, my dear Pile 2.

Love, light, peace and hope to you..🌸🍁🌻🌼

𖨆 Pile 3

Cards: 3 of Pentacles, Temperance, 2 of Swords clarified by The Moon, 4 of Wands, 2 of Wands, 3 of Wands, Ace of Swords, High Priestess, Queen of Pentacles.

Welcome to your reading, Pile 3. Your parents think that you're very mature and you can also give good advice to people. They think you're quite sensible and philosophically, you're very open minded but when it comes to being sure of your own life, you get very confused. You might be torn between choosing your career and settling down. You don't know how to balance both. You're confused about what could come upon you if you do both the things. Currently, you could be more focused on your career, you might be wanting to achieve stability in your career first or you have a set target of achieving something specific in regards to your professional life. As far as your love life is concerned, whatever your relationship status might be, you seem heavily confused because you're afraid that your love life might interfere with your professional life. Your parents are very concerned about this because they want you to have more clarity in life and they want you to arrive at a proper conclusion. They might be trying to give you advice on this, but you're still confused and want to be left alone to decide for yourself on such significant matters of your life. Some of you might be into long distance relationships and so you're even more confused while some of you want to travel abroad for work and settle there. A few of you might even be waiting for your visa or if you're already abroad, you might be waiting for your citizenship. I'm also seeing lot of arguments here, between you and your parents. Your parents might be traditional and they might want you to have a traditional approach to life too. They want you to become responsible in life. You might want to travel the world or enjoy your life your way no matter how messed up it may look like to others. You don't want to have regrets later on in life. Your parents think you're not clear-headed though you seem so put together, they think you're so much internally balanced but you're not using your inner guidance in this matter.

That's all I got for you, my dear Pile 3.

Love, light, peace and hope to you..🌸🍁🌻🌼

𖨆 Pile 4

Cards: 9 of Cups, Page of Pentacles, The Hierophant, Queen of Pentacles, 9 of Pentacles clarified by Justice, The Sun, The Tower, King of Cups, 8 of Pentacles and 4 of Cups.

Welcome to your reading, Pile 4. Your parents think you're very lazy. You could belong to an upper middle class family or a financially well off family. They think you've been fortunate enough to have everything you demand available to you within no time. They think they've spoiled you but they still love you so much. Some of you could be an only child. Some of you could've started your own business or joined your family business. They know you're someone who wouldn't like to work under anyone, you would want your own thing. Your parents know that you're very talented but you don't do anything about it or you don't extract the full advantage out of it. They believe you can show the world how talented you are, that you are your own individual person, unique and full of potential despite coming from a wealthy family. They don't want the world to tell you later on that you didn't achieve anything on your own. You could have also inherited a lot of ancestral property or wealth. You want to continue having this kind of life in your future too but you're not working hard enough for it. You might also be very young at heart or very childish. You like to be spoon fed or you want others to do your work for you. Your parents might also have this fear that, if you don't learn your lessons by yourself, life will find out other ways to teach you and then that would put you in a tough situation and you wouldn't like it, you might have to learn the hard way then. That's why they want you to work hard for yourself and your future. You might also have too many friends, too many people who might not even be your well wishers. Your parents(even your guides) want you to choose wisely. You need to focus on yourself and that can be done only when you'll be in solitude. You need to observe more and be more connected with yourself.

That's all I got for you, my dear Pile 4.

Love, light, peace and hope to you..🌸🍁🌻🌼

𖨆 Pile 5

Cards: Justice, 4 of Swords, 4 of Cups, The Hanged Man, 6 of Pentacles, 4 of Pentacles, The Empress, 9 of Cups Rev, The Tower and The Emperor.

Welcome to your reading, Pile 5. Your parents think that you're unbiased and fair. You don't do things to show off or to impress anyone. You'll let people hate you for the things you do, which you think is right in your heart. Even your parents could be a little irked by how you defend yourself and others because they think you're arguing when you're just putting your point across. They think you're the quiet, calm and lonely child of your house. You not only like your solitude but you thrive in it. You function best when you're left alone, they think. They know you're also the one who hates conflicts but would start a fight if you're being wronged. They also think you're emotionally very sensitive and would go out of your way to help others. Your parents also want you to let go of the past and the things that hurt you, because you get yourself stuck in the sorrow and hurt and then you just don't budge, you don't move on. It takes a lot for you to get out of an emotional turmoil. They like how you're happy with your own self but they also want you to get out of your comfort zone and be out there more, make friends, talk more, socialize more. Maybe you have a very few friends or no friends at all. They think you'll succeed in your life if you go out and travel more because they think you also lack confidence and boldness. They think you're also very protective of them, very caring and family oriented. They want you to become strong because you might have faced a lot of difficulties earlier and you still appear very naive and weak to them(for a few of you, your parents or others might even tease you for appearing naive and weak) but I think you have a lot of inner strength, pile 5, which the world doesn't see. They think you're the disciplined and obedient child. They know you'll stick to them in tough times but some of your parents might even be taking advantage of you. They also think that you're not smart and clever enough to understand tricky situations/people, you may or may not be so.

That's all I got for you, my dear Pile 5.

Love, light, peace and hope to you..🌸🍁🌻🌼

Thank you so much for being here. I post PAC readings every Tuesday and Friday. Do love and support by reblogging, liking or following.

——————————— ♡ ♡ ♡ ———————————

[steddieas-shegoes]

homework

for @corrodedcoffinfest prompt 'let's talk about that'

rated t | 990 words | no cw | tags: therapy, gareth pov, personal growth, self-discovery

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Gareth hates therapy.

Okay, hate might be a strong word.

He dislikes it strongly and wishes he could just write in a journal or something.

“Let’s talk about that some more,” the therapist, Jessica, smiled encouragingly.

“Talk about what?” He genuinely has no clue what she wants to hear more about.

“Your need for validation from your bandmates.”

Oh. That.

He wouldn’t really call it a need. He just doesn’t ever do anything that they’d dislike him doing. Even if it would make him happy.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You mentioned that sometimes you have ideas for songs, but you know one of them won’t like it, so you don’t suggest it. Why don’t you give it a try even if they don’t like it?” She clarified.

“It’s not that easy.”

“Why not?”

“Because Jeff and Eddie basically run the band. They come up with most of the shit we do, I just add the drums,” he explained. “It’s worked that way this long, why disrupt the flow?”

“Do they tell you not to give your opinion?”

“Of course not. They always ask what I think.”

“And you choose to not give them honesty.”

“I…”

He didn’t realize that’s what was happening. And he hates that it took a therapist to figure it out.

“I’m not lying to them!” He rushed to say.

“Maybe not. But you’re not being completely truthful, either. Do you think they’d be upset if they knew that you were holding back to maintain the peace?”

Gareth hates therapy.

If Steve hadn’t insisted they all go twice a month, he wouldn’t even be here. If Sam hadn’t backed Steve up, a knowing smirk on his face when Gareth and Frankie argued they didn’t need therapy, he would be sitting on his couch or behind his drums.

“I guess there’s a chance they would be a little upset,” he finally admitted. “But not nearly as upset as if I disagreed with them and we argued.”

“How do you know a disagreement would lead to an argument?”

“Because all disagreements lead to arguments. Arguments lead to fights and silence and cold shoulders. Cold shoulders lead to people not wanting to be around each other anymore.”

Damn, Jessica was fucking good at her job. He didn’t even mean to say all that.

He didn’t even know he felt all that.

“Is this a pattern you’ve experienced before?” She set her notepad aside, all attention on him.

“I guess, yeah. My parents. My older brother and my dad. My grandparents and my mom. My first best friend.” He shrugged. “Just easier to go along with things. It’s not like I’m not happy.”

“Settling and being happy are two different things.”

“I am happy. Really.”

He is. He’s never been happier, actually. He gets to do the coolest job in the world with his best friends, he has a boyfriend he loves more than anything, and he gets to drink his favorite coffee every morning. Life is great.

“Do you think that happiness stems from the peace you’ve forced yourself to accept or from being content in your life?” Jessica leaned forward.

“Do you do this with everyone? Is this magic?” He asked, suddenly having the overwhelming urge to cry or run or both.

She laughed. “No, it’s not magic. It’s just understanding my people. You don’t give me much to work with, but sometimes something sticks out and I can run with it.”

“Seems like magic.” He sighs. There’s no way out of this conversation. “What am I supposed to do? Cause problems until no one wants me in the band anymore?”

“No. Do you want actual advice or do you wanna try to figure it out yourself?” She leaned back in her chair. “I’m pretty sure you won’t like my advice.”

“I don’t like most of what you say.”

“Fair enough.” She smiles. “I think you should try being honest next time there’s something you have a different opinion on. No one is going to hate you or want you out of the band. They value your opinion or they wouldn’t have you there to begin with.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Not necessarily. It’s only as hard as you make it.” She makes a note in the planner next to her. “I’m expecting you to give me at least one example of doing this by our next session.”

“Homework? I’m busy enough!” Gareth didn’t want this to get in the way of tour prep. They were starting rehearsals next week and had a few last minute adjustments to make on their album before the tour started.

“And it’s the perfect time to speak up,” she raised a brow, daring him to continue arguing. When he didn’t, she spoke again. “I’m not expecting you to do it all overnight. Just once.”

“Fine.”

****

The first rehearsal was a shit show. It always is, but everyone’s nerves were shot today after barely sleeping and a flight delay keeping two of the tech managers unavailable for an extra few hours.

Frankie snapped on him earlier, but he walked away. That wasn’t the time to follow Jessica’s advice.

Eddie stormed from the room a few minutes ago, said he needed a break to call Steve. He’d been arguing with his guitar tech over which of his five guitars to use for a song.

Gareth started to speak up to give his opinion, but Eddie was already too frustrated.

See, Jessica? This is why you should stay quiet.

But Eddie came back a few minutes later and asked Gareth what he thought.

“The one you use for Blue Night is probably what you should use for Invade. Sounds are similar enough for those songs,” he said without thinking.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Eddie agreed, knocking his shoulder against Gareth’s. “Thanks, man.”

“Dunno why he listens to you and not me,” the guitar tech grumbled.

Gareth smiled.

Okay, Jessica. Maybe you were right this time.

[motherofdogs1010]

A Jedi in Arrakis III (Paul Atreides x Reader)

Summary: While on the run from Empire troops, Jedi padawan Y/N comes to find out that hyper-driving in a compromised craft can have some major setbacks when she discovers not only is on a new planet but a whole new galaxy as well...

Warnings: 18+ only, eventual smut, eventual pinv! sex, current fluff and eventual angst, kissing, simp!Paul, spoilers for Dune 1 and 2, somewhat canon aligned

A/N: Sorry for the hiatus, loves! I'm back and ready to grace you with my works!!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics Banner by @vase-of-lilies

Part I Part II Part IV

The Baron was a man of heavy weight and heavy glutton, he liked food and power with women waiting for him. He liked the power that Geidi Prime gave him, but most of all, he liked the power that controlling Spice, no controlling Arrakis gave him.

This is why he felt anger towards the Emperor for forcing his soldiers off-planet and handing his cash cow to the damned soft-hearted Duke Leto and his house.

He hated House Atredies with a passion and he could recall the countless interactions he had with Duke Leto, the heated arguments he had with the man.

Which is why he felt happy when the Emperor proposed the slaying of House Atreides, the slaughtering of those damned fools.

"There is a rumor floating around", one of his advisors said, "of a girl from not of this galaxy that the Duke has taken in, someone with some extraordinary abilities. The Emperor wants her alive, especially since the na-Duke is said to be quite taken with the girl."

The Baron grumbled as the sound of the Sardaukar's throaty chanting filled his ears.

It was another hot day on Arrakis, the dry heat of the planet making Y/N wonder why Paul and other members of House Atreides were wearing all-black. Y/N had been offered a loose, beige dress that she wore with a scarf covering that concealed her head and neck from the harshness of the sun that came down on the planet.

"Tell me more about Arrakis", she said to Paul as he led her outside. "I feel like we've only ever talked about our home planets."

"Everything I learned is from the archives", Paul began as she noticed a place of worship ahead of them. "The people who inhabit the planet call themselves Fremen, they're the only ones to ever to successfully live here. The sandstorms here are brutal, they ravage and destroy anything that crosses them... maybe not a sandworm, but anything yes."

Paul spoke in a gentle yet enthusiastic voice that made her stomach flop around and she felt her ears begin to get hot. She was embarrassed at the way he was stirring feelings, forbidden feelings in her as they walked along the compound.

"They value water here the most and the Spice they are constantly exposed to gives them blue eyes. Not much is known about them since they prefer to remain to remain remote."

"And you said Spice is what is needed to travel?" she said, Paul nodded.

"We rely a lot on Spice, which is why it is so unheard of that you traveled here without Spice", Paul clarified. "The Emperor gave my father control of this planet to find peace with the Fremen People but before, House Harkonnen controlled it."

Y/N saw inside the temple many people praying; religion wasn't something uncommon back home, there were so many from the Mandolorians to the Sith but she had never really seen such worship before.

"What are they praying to?" she asked, gesturing to the people.

"To Shai-Hulud", Paul said as a warm breeze came by, "it is also a Fremen custom to spit at one's feet with how they value water."

"We greet and say goodbye by saying 'may the force be with you'", she said with a small grin.

She missed home despite the intrigue this galaxy brought, although she wondered how much was about the galaxy than it was her interest and growing intrigue with Paul.

🪐

Jedi law dictated that love or any form of romantic feelings were forbidden yet Y/N could recall a conversation she had with Anakin about the law.

"It's an odd law", Anakin had said, "love is the strongest form of the Force yet it can also be your weakness."

Y/N wondered about it as she walked the halls of the compound; Paul had been pulled away by his mother, Lady Jessica as she said that the Reverend Mother was wishing to speak to Paul. It gave her time to contemplate on her growing feelings for Paul with BB following behind, letting out a little chirp every so often.

Lady Jessica had been pleasant to her, the woman reminding her of some of the older Jedi Masters with her way of speech and stance, but Y/N had managed to piece together that it had to be from strict upbringings and belief of the Bene Gesserit.

"Ah, F/N", a familiar voice called out to her and turning around, she saw it was the Duke, himself.

"Oh, Duke Leto", she said, "how nice it is to see you. Thought you'd be caught up doing Duke stuff."

Duke Leto chuckled as he said, "I'm on my way to find Lady Jessica."

"She took Paul to meet with some Reverend woman?" Y/N said with a questioning tone.

Leto sucked in a breath and nodded, Y/N wondered just how this Bene Gesserit ideology worked. It was nothing she had ever seen before back home and seeing the way the Bene Gesserit sisters carried themselves intimidated her just a bit by how their eyes singularly focused on you as if they were truly trying to dissect you right down to your core.

She just hoped that she wasn't about to fall into their cross hairs.

Another night came to Arrakis with cool air and a beautiful night sky that always kept reminding her of Tatoonie as BB charged in the corner. Her hair was down again and she was in another loose muslin nightgown to help with the heat of the planet; she had the doors closed along with the windows as she sat in her room, watching a hologram archival documentary on the planet.

The Duke was pleasant to talk to, he was knowledgeable and kind, and for some reason reminded her of Obi-Wan.

A knock, a familiar knock echoed in her room and she tried to suppress a smile as she knew it was Paul.

Walking to the door, it slid open to reveal the young na-Duke but she could see something was troubling his mind a bit as she greeted him in.

"Something troubling you, Paul?"

Paul looked at her as they sat on the small sofa that was in the room.

"Your way of believing is so simple yet so understandable", Paul breathed, "my mother was supposed to birth a girl, it's how it's been for eons with the Bene Gesserit."

"Why?" she frowned.

"I think... it's so they could eventually get their Kwisatz Haderach", Paul voiced, Y/N frowned. "It's their Messiah, a male heir that possesses the abilities of the Bene Gesserit."

"And you think it's you?"

"I hope it's not me."

She remembered Paul's earlier explanations of the abilities of the Bene Gesserit sisters and their use of something he called 'the Voice', which reminded her of the way the Force could be used to manipulate weak minds.

Paul was quiet for a moment before he scooted closer to her and she felt her breath get caught a bit in her throat as she stared at him.

"I have these... visions", Paul said, staring into her eyes. "I dream of things that I'm never too sure of and for months, I dreamed of a girl... I dreamed of you."

Y/N felt heat rushing through her as the sound of the hologram documentary rang quietly in the room.

"And ever since you've arrived, it's felt like I've been living a dream... a dream that I never want to wake up from."

And before she knew it, she felt Paul's lips against hers in a soft, gentle kiss and her heart raced as she felt a surge of electricity go through her...

So many thoughts were running through her mind in that quick moment and maybe it was the instant connection she had felt towards Paul, maybe it was some odd corruption from the Sith side of the Force that made her entangle her fingers through his dark, curly hair and push her body against his lithe frame.

But all she knew at the moment was that Paul felt like home.

TAGLIST

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@khlaeesihavilliard

@colors-for-the-world-please

@senhoritaapple

@dark1paradise

[jamespotterismydaddy]

Thicker Than Blood (Aemond X OC) Chapter 7

A/N: ouuu lovers quarrel

word count: 1,009 words

Last part

I sneak out of my chambers to head to the gardens, wrapped in only a cloak to cover my nightgown. It’s late, very late and this is the only time I could slip out unnoticed because my guards are switching shifts. I haven’t been able to sleep the past few nights, too focused on the strife between my family. Mother almost took us back to Dragonstone a few days ago but I only just managed to convince her that we should stay. I don’t even know why I want to stay. I miss Dragonstone and it most definitely isn’t because of him. Just thinking of the name Aemond Targaryen makes my blood boil. Things were going to be better, even good and he ruined it. He defiled our name, reduced us to that one word that haunts me at night, that follows like an inescapable shadow. Bastard.

I sit down under the trellis that I like. I’ve always felt that it was my own secret nook, a hidden gem of sorts. I lean against it and I can feel the greenery against my cloak. I admire the climbing vines. It’s peaceful here, untainted by duty.

“I thought i’d find you out here.” 

He taints it.

“You’re ruining my respite. Leave.” I say to him sharply.

“You always appreciated it when I came to find you out here when we were younger. You would practically lead me to you.” His tone is haughty. It makes me defensive.

“That was then.” I pause for a moment. “You aren’t the same boy you once were.” I know that my words will hurt him.

“I’m sorry that your brother gouging my eye out has caused me to grow bitter.” He says resentfully. He walks over to stand in front of me.

“You ruined dinner. Everything was so close to being fixed. We almost went home, Aemond.” My voice raises as I look up at him and eyes meet for the first time tonight.

“I didn’t start it. You know I didn’t.” He gives me a look like he’s trying to make me see the truth.

“My brothers were being amiable.” I defend.

“You saw how he laughed.” Aemond speaks. He doesn’t have to clarify for me to understand what he means.

“He’s just a stupid boy.” I try to justify.

“Yes and i’m sure his actions were all without malice.” He responds sarcastically.

“He’s not some devil child. You’re the one who is at fault here.” I say angrily, my voice raising as I speak.

“I am not at fault. Jacaerys is the one who got violent.” He says like he’s painting himself as some innocent angel.

“Because you called us bastards!” I nearly shout at him. I feel my anger boiling over.

“Did I? I don’t recall that part of the evening.” He says and I hate how he plays dumb.

“Will you stand here and tell me that the word ‘strong’ had no other insinuations behind it?” He must be able to see it on my face now, how much this all upsets me.

He cringes. “I wasn’t saying it to you.” The explanation is a weak defence.

“Did you truly think I wouldn’t take you calling my brothers bastards as an insult? That comment automatically extends to me.” I know he already knows this. Perhaps he was hoping I was too stupid to understand. The thought of it only makes me more angry.

“I spent the entirety of my childhood being the target of their jokes. You must understand that it wasn’t my intent to hurt you along with them.” He says, trying to convince me to understand.

“Then why couldn’t you have said something else? Those words are more than dangerous when you are speaking them about the future king. You only wished to cut my brothers as deeply as you could. You couldn’t have cared about hurting me otherwise you never would have said it.” I can see that my words ring true to him.

“I lost my temper.” He says simply. As if that could ever be enough for me to forgive him.

“Because a little boy, three years younger than you, laughed?” There's a bite in my words. I never thought i’d want to humiliate him like the way I do right now.

“How dare you speak to me like this?” He speaks but has nothing of value left to say.

So there’s no clever retort for the first time in his life?

“What is it going to be then? You’re my uncle and I should respect you or i’m a woman and I should shut my mouth?” I snap at him.

He clenches his teeth, looking more pissed off than i’ve ever seen him. “I wasn’t going to say either of those things.”

I smirk condescendingly. “Liar.” I dust off my dress as I stand. “Since my personal time has been so rudely interrupted, I think i’ll be heading back to my chambers. No need to escort me back.” I begin to walk away.

“I wasn’t going to offer.” I hear him grumble under his breath like a sulking child.

When I make it back to my chambers, I begin rummaging through my drawer until I find the gifts he had given me. I pull out the sapphire necklace.

“Myra?” I call out. “I would like to be readied for bed.” I tell her as she walks in and she gives me a little nod before picking up my hairbrush. I hold up my necklace so she can see. “Do you like this?” I ask her.

“Yes, my princess. It’s very beautiful. It is new?” She inquires tentatively. 

“Yes, a gift… from Aemond.” I say like it’s unimportant. 

“A very generous gift. Most would expect a courting announcement soon.” My spine straightens when I hear her say it. I didn’t realize until now.

He was going to court me? I brush the thought off, deciding that he was just toying with me.

“No.” I say with a tone of finality. “You will wear it tomorrow.”

taglist (comment to be added):

General: @valeskafics @urmomsgirlfriend1 @girlwith-thepearlearring @darylandbethfanforever9 @lovellies @juhdoche @papichulo120627 @watercolorskyy

Thicker than blood: @bellameshipper @g-cf2020 @lady-of-winterfell @s-we-e-t-t-ea

[howlingday]

Deadline

Ruby: Dad, what's going on?

Taiyang: Ruby, I... I met someone.

Ruby: Huh?

Taiyang: I wasn't looking. I mean, after your mother... you know... I didn't want this to happen. Her name is Raven, and she's a mercenary. We were working together on a mission not too long ago, and suddenly, we're not only friends, but she asked me out last month. We've gone out a few times since then, and I'm not saying it's serious yet, but I wanted to tell you.

Ruby: Dad... This is great! I'm happy for you!

Taiyang: Really? I don't know why, but I was nervous you'd disapprove or freak out or something.

Ruby: Dad, if she makes you happy, then I'm happy. I didn't know what it was, but you were kind of, I don't know, getting back to your old self. I thought it was-

???: Come with me. Now.

Ruby: Huh?

Maria: Ruby Rose. Indomitable. You will come with me right now, or I will kill your father.

Taiyang: R-Ruby?! Who is-

Maria: My name is Maria, and I am an agent of the Silver-Eyed Warriors. You must hurry. It won't take long for people to notice my appearance. You still hide among these lesser creatures, don't you?

Ruby: I'll meet you two miles in the air in my costume in one minute. Does that work?

Maria: Yes.

Ruby: (Runs off)

Taiyang: Ruby?!

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

Ruby: What do you want?

Maria: I am here to apologize.

Ruby: For what?

Maria: For threatening your father. That's not how I wanted this meeting to start. It was the only way to get you to come alone so quickly. For THAT, I apologize. You are the designated Silver-Eyed Warrior of this realm. What are the steps you've made to prepare Remnant for our eventual takeover.

Ruby: None. (Fists up)

Maria: Oh, dear. I'm not here to fight you, Ruby. Believe me, if I wanted to, you would already be dead.

Ruby: Then why are you here?

Maria: To clarify things. Your understanding of the Silver-Eyed Warriors is that we are a race of warmongers, to be feared and hated. Perhaps even destroyed. I am here to tell you that you are mistaken.

Ruby: And you started by threatening my father?

Maria: Yes, and I do apologize for that. There is a fundamental difference between our cultures, your race and those of the realm that raised you.

Ruby: Fundamentals differences?! You think?!

Maria: As pragmatic as our people are, we are also quick to violence and anger. It is an issue we all struggle with. Yourself as well, no doubt, yes? However, despite our shared natures and the information you already know, you are still greatly mistaken by our intentions of conquering other realms. Yes, we take over, and yes, we do take our share of your realm's magic and resources, but there is also so much we offer in return.

Ruby: Like what?!

Maria: Arcane knowledge and advanced technologies. Tell me, is your realm not scourged by the existence of the Grimm? Disease and famine and violence plague every kingdom these people inhabit. A Silver-Eyed Warrior occupation would rid resolve all of that. We could share our technology, cure every disease, feed your starving masses, and put an end to both the Grimm and all of the unsanctioned conflicts across the globe. Remnant would become a utopia.

Ruby: You mean after making your slaves here complacent? They'd be well-fed, healthy cattle for you to slaughter while you drain our kingdoms dry.

Maria: It would be centuries before we harvested all that we needed from this realm, and it that time, these people would be allowed to experience an age of peace and understanding that they could never achieve otherwise. This would last near countless generations until no one remembered the world before.

Ruby: And what about after?

Maria: Then this realm would be destroyed, though not too different from what your "kingdoms" are already doing. Nothing of value would be lost.

Ruby: ...Excuse me, but there's something I need to do, can you excuse me? There's a thing I need to do so people don't die.

Maria: Very well. If you wish me to prove my compassion for these people you care so much for, then I will assist you.

Ruby: Fine. Whatever. Just remember; we're saving people. Not hurting them.

Maria: Fine, fine.

Ruby: Holy crap...

Maria: What about that thing? May I hurt it?

Ruby: Uh, su-

Maria: (Petrifies Wyvern, Cleaves in two)

Ruby: (Gulp) Uh, n-nice one. It looks like everyone is safe now.

Maria: You are concerned for these people. You care about them. I respect that. These people and the Silver-Eyed Warriors don't have to be at odds. We can all get something out of this deal. None of them need to be hurt. How many of these people would have died if we didn't intervene? Wouldn't it be nice if we were here on a regular basis? Wouldn't your life be easier?

Ruby: ...

Maria: So, what do you say? Are you going to work with us?

Ruby: Sorry. But I'm still not convinced.

Maria: (Sighs) A shame. I'm very sorry to hear that.

Ruby: (Clocked hard, Spins into the air)

Maria: This isn't a negotiation. (Grabs Ruby) You've made a huge mistake. (Divebombs, Smashes Ruby into an earthquake)

Ruby: AGKH! (Twitches)

Maria: DON'T MOVE. I'm stronger than you. I'm faster than you. And yes, I'm smarter than you. So don't move. Raise a finger against me, and I will be very angry. And I've already told you how short our tempers can be. Piss me off and you'll regret it. Now, what do you say?

Ruby: Ngh... Thanks. I think you fixed a crick in my back.

Maria: ...

Maria: You really are a child. You have no clue how much danger you're in. Unfortunate...

Maria: You are the designated ambassador of the Silver-Eyed Warriors for this realm, charged with preparing it for it's eventual takeover by our people. This is not up for debate. You may choose to ignore these duties, but this will have consequences. As of now, we are understaffed to send an agent to replace your position. Even I have more important duties to tend to. You can choose to fight us, and deny these people the utopia and paradise we can provide them, or we will wipe your civilization like sand in the wind and take what's left. The choice is yours. There may come a replacement to, well, replace you. If you choose to continue in your fruitless opposition, then you will be killed and replaced. It could be five years, or it could be five months. The choice is yours.

Maria: I hope you make the smarter choice. (Leaves)

Ruby: Great... Like I don't have enough to worry about.

..................................................................................

Prisoner.: Summer, my friend. You seem troubled. What plagues your mind? Might your chains be too heavy?

Summer: No. My chains don't hurt anymore. Soon, they'll move me from here to face my execution. My betrayal of the Silver-Eyes. Shouldn't that weigh heavy enough on my mind?

Prisoner.: Summer, we've shared this cell longer than I can remember now, and I've seen you every day since you've been brought here, bloodied and beaten. Now, though, there is something different. This something is new and... very strange for you, isn't it?

Summer: I... I think I miss my husband.

[karistiltskin]

what if i said "but I would die for you in secret" but imagine merlin and arthur.

peace lyric analysis as merthur:

"Our coming-of-age has come and gone

Suddenly the summer, it's clear

I never had the courage of my convictions

As long as danger is near

And it's just around the corner, darling

'Cause it lives in me

No, I could never give you peace"

OUR COMING-OF-AGE?? okay, listen. as we know, arthur's coming-of-age moment is linked to his coronation. He literally has an episode called "The Coming of Arthur" parts one and two (S03 E12-E13). it's arthur becoming king and merlin starting to finally feel like he's getting somewhere with their destiny because of arthur's crowning. this is our setting. we're now in the after.

"I never had the courage of my convictions as long as danger is near" SHUT UPPPP SHUT UPPPP like actually oh my god. as long as danger is near is so so sick and speaks so loud. merlin absolutely does have the courage of his convictions and just to clarify, collins dictionary [colin morgan ;) ] states it as the confidence to do what you believe is right, even though other people may not agree or approve. BUT when arthur is in danger he does not do the "right" thing. he listens to the giant lizard instead or gaius (still love him) and does anything, anything, to make sure arthur doesn't get harmed no matter what.

rip morgana and getting poisoned.

rip mordred's entire existence.

although arthur attracts danger, merlin attracts just as much. and merlin is magic. (ugh, I'm getting sad and the only reason i won't cry is cause i'm in the middle of a lecture. a nighttime lecture). merlin can never give arthur peace because he is everything arthur was conditioned to hate. arthur can never give merlin peace because he's a king with expectations from Camelot and neighboring kingdoms. aka they can never be peacefully together without the threat of danger from them both and towards their relationship.

"But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm

If your cascade ocean wave blues comes

All these people think love's for show

But I would die for you in secret

The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me

Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?"

merlin lights arthur fires. that's it. that's the tweet.

merlin is also arthur's closest friend and confidant. he definitely gets arthur to see other perspectives on a situation and makes sure he remains compassionate and fair. for example, that look arthur gave merlin in S05 E11 during kara's trial?? my god. or the episode where arthur killed that one king's son under the influence of his uncle, the sleaze.

THEY WOULD DIE FOR EACH OTHER IN SECRET. NO ARGUMENTS. they've proved episode after episode again that they would no questions asked. people who don't know them just go "he's just a servant" or "you would choose him over your kind?" (ouch) not knowing the depth of their relationship. but yes. yes they would. and they would not have a single regret. they would deny the hell out of it but the proof is in their actions.

but you got a friend in me yes ma'am they do.

and it would be enough. it would. do they need a reminder that they were both born in mind of each other? that it was written since the beginning of time? that both of them have their own personal demons that instead of running away they'd take care of each other instead? that they're the most important person for each other and nothing can split them apart because they've grown to trust each other so much that their souls have intertwined? two sides of the same coin? other half of my soul, as the poets say???

"Your integrity makes me seem small

You paint dreamscapes on the wall

I talk shit with my friends

It's like I'm wasting your honor"

from arthur's pov he knows merlin is better than him. the way he interacts with people, his morals and values, his humbleness, just everything really. he pretends to be mad and upset about it but there's such deep admiration in it that he's actually self-aware.

dreamscape (google) definition: a landscape or scene with the strangeness or mystery characteristic of dreams

arthur finds merlin so strange!! so strange and mysterious.

the walls: i read this one fanfic on ao3 called "The Tragedy of Godhood" by Lilmia_Casand (read it!! it's so good. short, but beautiful) and the summary states:

"Merlin had gotten better at controlling his magic over the years, but it still spilled over, as if he were the source instead of someone calling upon it. It seeped into the castle walls, into the stone floors..."

This was the first thing I thought of (this quote stuck with me, it got bookmarked) and i couldn't have said it better. here's a play by play: arthur lives in a castle. the castle has walls. a lot of walls. he sees these walls everyday. the walls are familiar. the walls stay. the walls are forever. he can't imagine the castle without his walls.

walls = life/the future

magic is part of merlin's mystery because he's essentially hiding HIMSELF.

(does this make sense? no, prob not but bear with me)

there's an air about merlin where when you think about him, you realize you actually don't know much about him. he's a mystery. you know his jokes, you know where he's gonna be at whatever time of day (not the tavern, contrary to what arthur thinks), you know his favourite food. you don't know about his parents, you don't know why he saved arthur at his first feast, you don't know why he stays around.

arthur reflects on this and realizes it one day when merlin starts to become unavoidable in his mind. then he thinks, 'i really know nothing about this boy.' over time, merlin stays by his side, always, and arthur is so dependent on him that he starts worrying if he'll ever leave and if not him, camelot (he has abandonment issues 100%).

also see: S01 E10

hence, "you paint dreamscapes on the wall" is arthur saying, "you're the biggest mystery i've ever met and you make me wonder what every day will be like with you. will you be here tomorrow? and the day after that? until I'm married and have children who will favour you over me? will you be here to see them? to see me? i can't see it through the haze. i can't see you through the haze."

moving on—fuck that was so much longer than it needed to be—arthur and merlin talk shit about each other ALL THE TIME it's hilarious. and they know the one "bad" thing they talk about doesn't define their entire character because they hold each other in such high regard but... well...

(they definitely have regrets after)

"And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences

Sit with you in the trenches

Give you my wild, give you a child

Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other

Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother

Is it enough?"

they both go all out for each other but with a focus on merlin, he goes ALL. OUT. it's war with him. nothing is half-assed. he fights, and fights, and never takes it less than seriously. but he also is there at arthurs lowest moments. when they're losing and when arthur is feeling too much or has too much on his shoulders. he's there. through it all.

merlin will give arthur anything he asks. he's already given him the purpose of his life and has hidden his magic until arthur's dying day because he thought that's what arthur needed and thought he would never accept him as he is so he gave it up.

but he's also given arthur the best thing he has. a friend. understanding. communication without words. souls recognizing souls, so much that the silence may be quiet but words are being exchanged through that same silence.

also, speechless eye conversations that range near the line of sexual tens—

then in the last line, merlin is saying: your people are my people. your burdens are my burdens.

"But there's robbers to the east, clowns to the west

I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best

But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me"

this goes both ways!! the only difference is that arthur's is visible and merlin's is hidden. explanation: arthur no doubt has enemies, it's not a secret. being a king and a target from the magic community, that man is almost getting killed everyday. it is not a peaceful life. he knows that. but nonetheless, he has shown merlin his best before—merlin is literally the reason he reaches the best person he can be, like the growth omg—so he knows he can give it but he knows there's a lot of baggage (external and internal) that comes with being with him.

as for merlin, his enemies are a secret. and they're dangerous. arthur faces some of those same enemies but from the product of what they've created, not them personally. no, merlin goes head-to-head with the people who curse/try to kill arthur. and he gives arthur a version of his best (he still has to keep many many secrets) but even if it's limited it's still genuine. although his secrets, his late nights, and his pure exhaustion are a part of him as well. and you can't have sunshine without rain.

okay ,WOW, i'm wrung out. it feels incomplete so i might add additional things later on but for now, enjoy.

once again, thank you if you read this, thank you bbc merlin, and thank you taylor swift.

(notice how i didn't use the word love once)

[overwatch-xoxo]

So ima simp for Zenyatta so bad- and I’ve been craving a certain side of him. The -ahem- yandere side of him. You don’t have to write a fic, but head cannons or a lil drabble on how you think he would be as a yandere would be much appreciated.

Nonnie, you are so valid! Receiving this ask got me really excited to write for this blog again, so I've been working hard on this. I've never (intentionally) written yandere before, so I hope I was able to do this idea justice for you. Enjoy!~

tw: emotional manipulation, stalking, possessiveness, obsession

it starts small. you catch zenyatta’s gaze lingering in your direction for an extra moment, just long enough that you notice, but brief enough that you dismiss it. perhaps it was all in your head. 

suspicion turns to butterflies as his interest in you becomes more pronounced. when he speaks to you, it’s in a gentle, even tone. he makes time to spend with you, often accompanying you for walks in gardens. he recites poetry and philosophical musings, and you can get lost in his lilting verse.

while zenyatta’s voice is soothing, his words are complex and often leave you feeling more dazed than comforted. you get the feeling he knows he’s talking circles around you. when you ask clarifying questions, he laughs, his chuckles light as blossoms on the air.

although zenyatta has a reputation for keeping a cool and effortlessly calm exterior, he struggles to keep himself that way around you. the prana, the life force energy that flows through his body and makes him alive, becomes overwhelmingly frenetic in your presence. he might shake or stutter. this feeling is especially exacerbated by even small inklings of jealousy or anxiety within him.

when it comes to himself, zenyatta also values inner peace and calm, devotion, honesty. he quickly finds that your presence interrupts that balance he has worked so hard to maintain. even when you are not around, his mind swirls with visions of you - your voice, your hair, your scent. 

above all, he seeks balance, and he knows one thing for certain: your very existence throws him off-kilter, for better or for worse. sometimes he feels devastatingly hopeless at the idea of you leaving him for something different, more suited to your lifestyle, and he’ll soothe himself with healing energies. and sometimes he buzzes so vibrantly with joy that you are in his life at all, and he’ll bring himself back to the plane of reality with discord and malaise. he occasionally excuses himself to center his feelings in this way. but as you grow closer and he falls deeper into his obsessive love, leaving your side only serves to worsen this imbalance.

when he finally confesses his feelings to you, his words spill out frenetically, as if he couldn’t keep this chaotic love inside his body for a moment longer. 

“I once followed the Iris, thinking it would be my salvation, the only path to enlightenment for my people. I now realize the error in my ways. I should have always been devoted to you.”

one day, in zenyatta’s personal meditation room, you come across a worn leather journal with your name lovingly embossed into the cover in omnic script. Intrigued, you thumb through it. every page spills with written word about you - thoughts, musings, meditations, poetry, even records of little things you said to him that had been mundane, benign. glancing at his tidy shelves, it dawns on you that this is only the most recent volume of several. the earliest journals date back to before you even remember being introduced.

at night, he spoons you protectively, pressing every inch of his body to yours, reciting ancient spiritual poetry until you are lulled to sleep. not needing to rest himself, he keeps watch over you until dawn, wondering the whole time how he is fortunate enough to have you. sometimes you wake with the taste of metal on your tongue, and the thought of his hands in your mouth shivers in your mind.

“i wish to surround myself with nothing but you. I meditate on the image of crawling inside you, of taking up all the space within you until I know you are mine, and I am yours.”

he is remarkably protective of you, and although his face shows little expression, when he is enraged, a ferocious glint appears in his eye. when you talk to another person, anyone he sees as a romantic or physical threat, he touches you gently on the small of your back, barely concealing his trembling.

it isn’t long before his protective impulses get the better of him, and he insists on being with you at all times like a bodyguard. sometimes his obsessive needs grow so strong that he might forbid you from leaving his room at the temple, where he can keep an eye on you and know you’re safe.

“i want to know you like I know myself. i will devote every moment i am granted to wrapping myself in your soul, in everything you are, until you have permeated every iota of my being so thoroughly, I can no longer tell where you end and I begin.”

[cloudy-em]

More Than a Mission - Chapter 1

"Alright, so it's easy," Rocket explained to the team. "Bangdat has this really old rock in the castle's private armory. It's got this metal called pnervonium in it. We get that, we make our big ass gun. We make our big ass gun, we can kill Geraldamine and free the Republic of Fendir. Make sense?"

The Guardians all nodded and hummed in affirmation, so Rocket continued.

"Adam, you get to be the star of our show here."

"B-But why me?" Adam had been continuing to learn and grow as he spent more time with the team. He was confident in his abilities as a fighter, and he knew he was intelligent, but he also now knew he wasn't a perfect being and that there was plenty more to learn. He wasn't sure that he would be the right one for this job. He could admit that his socials skills might've been...underdeveloped.

"Well, kid, you have class. Quill and I are assholes, Drax is an idiot 97% of the time, Mantis comes on a bit too strong, Groot isn't exactly the most desirable suitor, and Gamora and Nebula quite frankly have enough issues to deal with already. You're our only hope," Rocket explained. Adam hesitated before nodding his agreement and waiting for Rocket to further explain his role.

"You've gotta woo the princess."

"Woo the princess?"

"Woo the princess."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you go in, kill her parents, and tell her just how much she turns you on before you make love to her for 24 hours straight," Drax deadpanned.

"What the hell? No! Jesus, don't do that Adam!" Quill practically shouted. Adam was still trying to process half of what Drax had said, but knew better than to try. "You've got to be kind and polite. Get to know her, know her values. Impress her and her alive parents."

"Oh, okay, so I become friends with her?" Adam asked, trying to clarify his instructions.

"Well, sorta. You become really, really good friends with her. You've gotta get her to fall in love with you. Or at least get her to like you enough to let you down into the armory and you tell us the best way to get in. Once everyone's asleep, we sneak in, steal the stupid rock, take you, and get the hell off that planet," Rocket said.

Adam, still slightly confused, nodded. He could figure it out along the way.

"Good, cause we already sent the King and Queen notice of a new suitor coming their way."

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Adam enjoyed his walk to the palace despite the frigid temperatures. Everything seemed peaceful in a way. Waterfalls and rivers were still running free, and plants he had never seen before were in bloom. The snow fell softly, and he heard it crunch under his boots as he approached the guards. Instead of stopping him, they bowed to him and let him pass. Rocket's message must've been pretty convincing.

He took in the architecture around him. It was beautiful, like something he'd seen in a storybook Mantis had found for him from another planet. The walls were pale blue and looked almost as if they'd been made from ice. The paintings in the ceiling told stories of brave knights and beautiful queens, all surrounded by metal that was so intricate, so delicate. Adam couldn't help but wonder what the King and Queen of Bangdat would be like. More importantly, what would the Princess be like?

On the trip to Bangdat, Quill had told him plenty of "fairytales" from Earth for educational purposes. Ones of Princesses being poisoned, cursed, and trapped. This princess, as far as he could tell, was not anything like that. Adam found himself longing for the "happily ever after" that repeated itself in Quill's tales. He knew it was just a mission, but what if it was something more?

Would his princess be warm, friendly, and kind? Would he protect her and keep her safe from the beasts of the universe? Would she read with him at night in front of a fireplace, calm and content?

Adam was lost in his thoughts, but as he approached more guards on his way to the throne room, he collected himself.

As he entered, a guard made an announcement.

"His Royal Highness, Adam, the Warlock of the Sovereign!"

He kneeled before the King and Queen, head down as a sigh of respect.

"You may stand, young prince," the King said. He and his wife were old, both wrinkled and with a white-grey hair that seemed silver in the light of the palace. "You think yourself to be a suitor worthy of the Princess of Bangdat?" he queried.

"I do, your Majesty," Adam confirmed confidently, just like Rocket told him.

"Then let you have one week with her, and then we shall see if she deems you worthy. Daughter?" The King called for the Princess.

And when she entered the throne room, Adam felt as if he saw the universe standing before him. The Princess of Bangdat was more beautiful than any creature he had ever laid eyes upon. Her eyes seemed to glow, and her dress complimented her shape and complexion.

The only problem was, she glared down at Adam.

"Let there be a ball in celebration of my daughter and her suitor tomorrow evening!" The King announced.

Adam grew worried. He had a week to get her to love him, and a day to make her comfortable enough to dance with him.

He would try his best.

[caeli0306]

chapter 12 of castles crumbling (aka Tales from the Airport Bathroom extended version) now posted!

Chapter 12: Countdown is now up on AO3: READ HERE

We're back with chapter 12 after a cliffhanger and this is maybe the longest chapter I've ever written for this story! A LOT happens in this one so buckle your seatbelts, get comfortable, and be prepared for more time with the squad, a Mazzie reappearance, the first appearance of a Sorrengail other than Violet, and much, much more :)

Summary:

Violet should already be dead. People whispered about her weak body and how she would never live up to her family's martial accomplishments. Violet rose above them all, however, fighting and killing to survive the Navarrian Intelligence Agency's brutal BASGIATH training protocol. Now, people whisper about Violet's swift ascension through the NIA's ranks as one of its most valuable operatives and assassins. The whispers don't matter to Violet: She has her own agenda, and it's a dangerous one - finding out what happened to her father.

But one mission changes everything: Suddenly, Violet finds herself in the crosshairs when she stumbles on information Navarre wants buried, and the country she fought for begins to turn on her. Violet knows too much, but she's determined to do what she does best: Survive. Her only hope is the son of the man who they say killed her brother, but their partnership is far from assured. Some grudges run deep, and trust is a currency too valuable to give freely. Xaden realizes Violet may be the key to everything, but with enemies seen and unseen closing in on all sides, the consequences of failure are deadly.

===

"Is that...?" I whisper.

Dad nods gravely. "Yes. The old throne of Tyrrendor."

"The original one?" I clarify, still not quite believing what I'm seeing.

He nods again.

"How?" I question, brows scrunching together as I peel away from my father's side to get a closer look. "Why hasn't this been taken to be preserved? Culturally, historically- It's priceless."

When I get closer, I can see the magnificent carvings that decorate it. Dragons in flight, doing battle against their mortal enemies, the wyvern - or so the myths go. Swords and shields. Life and death. Growth and decay. It's all depicted in a throne that would be better called a work of art. 

Dad remains silent. I turn back to him, now almost equal in height from where I stand on the dais. 

"Why is this still here?" I demand, more forcefully this time.

"I told you, dragon." His eyes reflect my own disbelief, my own frustration that such a priceless artifact has been left here to rot. "Navarre doesn't care.

"But why?" I ask. It goes against everything I'd assumed about my own home. That they valued culture and history and knowledge as much as I did, as much as my dad did.

"Because Navarre wants the world to forget its mistakes, the less... palatable aspects of our history," he says simply as he joins me on the dais, squinting as he inspects the throne himself. "It's a bad habit that has endured over our long history. When Tyrrendor became part of Navarre... well-" He raises an eyebrow. "It wasn't exactly peaceful."

[sharonisthebettercarter]

we need to have an honest conversation about hostile attribution bias, honesty, and bullying.

@deliciouskeys i've had enough of this shit. you wanted to piss me off. now i'm pissed the fuck off.

hey, hiiii. friends of hers? critics? whoever you are reading this and willing to hear me out, i just wanna start by saying don't hate on her or anyone for this. don't send harassment, don't send anon hate, don't even unfollow her if you do read this all the way and find yourself upset with the topics discussed or her actions.

or maybe you wouldn't anyway, and you've already decided i'm insane, fine. but if you are friends of hers, don't barrage her with verbal abuse of any kind even if you are disappointed or disgusted, i'm not about that. and good friends won't just coddle and take your side to enable the bullshit, but they won't try to hurt you when you're down either

and to clarify what this is? it is a harsh criticism of ongoing behavior i have faced from her behind the scenes. or out in the open i suppose but mostly unseen or dismissed.

yes, i have the motherfucking receipts. i've tried to condense them to what i found most relevant to the topics at hand without clipping the interactions so much that they would give a biased misrepresentation, but all conversations as of this moment and to the best of my knowledge are still available to view in full context. mine certainly won't be deleted.

i may have some bad takes sometimes cause i'm as perfect as anyone, which is to say NOT AT ALL. but i'll readily admit that and the fact that i work on it, CONSTANTLY. and before anyone decides to dig through my shit to see if they can find dirt on me IRRELEVANT to this situation to DISTRACT from what's being called out?

all i ask is a fair chance and moment of your time to show you what i've been through, because it's something she never gave me from day one. and bear in mind please, that i am pissed off because it's gone on long enough and now she's trying to drag my friends into it while CONTINUING TO LIE BEHIND MY BACK and feign fucking ignorance.

no more.

deliciouskeys? you. yes you, i am addressing you directly this time. i gave you a peace offering with the mike sully meme, and you just kept going.

since i poked my head into the boys fandom, you have been hostile to me, LIED about me, put words in my mouth, accused me of hostility towards you, assumed my intent while not only withholding the benefit of a doubt, but consistently. consistently putting me down and insulting me as some sort of estranged fandom villain who only exists or popped up to oppose you or ruin everything.

i'm not a fucking cartoon character, i am a person. i do not exist to supplant you or whatever weird shit you keep imagining me to be that makes you act like this.

almost every single thing i say to you, instead of actually LISTENING or i dunno, READING IT AT FACE VALUE, you take. hyperanalyze. and immediately give it the WORST interpretation you can. and that's if i'm lucky.

i'm not here for fandom wars and shipping bullshit. i'm not here for your false dichotomy fantasy. i'm here to be a bullshit shipper and have fun and try to get others to be more open and have fun too. maybe throw in a psa here and there for the things i find important.

i'm not here to get fucking bullied either or to watch others get bullied. you can take your assumed hostility and narcissistic PROJECTION and shove it straight up your ass if you think i'm going to tolerate it.

and what is 'hostile attribution bias'? it's this shit.

oh, and you don't have to assume it anymore. i'm fucking hostile. why am i hostile? oh... at this point, i KNOW you KNOW. but not everyone else does, so let's just lay it all out and let others draw their own conclusions. hm?

this was what set you off, right? the automatic assumption that this was someone i knew, looking out for me? i suppose that's possible but that doesn't mean i know exactly who it was or that i put them up to it.

and y'know, i might have even said that anon was a bit harsh and still given you the benefit of a doubt. anon was ANGRY and that's clear, but plausible deniability is so wonderful, isn't it?

but you've gone beyond that point. it wouldn't be the first time someone's noticed your behavior, and i can guarantee that. our first conversation was on my post about the comics and what they meant to me, sparked from an interaction i had with another fan of the show who refused to read the comics but still insulted them directly to me.

the bottom piece is from the post, the top would be the snippet of conversation with the other person prior. all of these are highlighted with slightly adjusted coloring for ease of understanding who's who. and granted, you could argue that i jumped the gun in my first response to you, but then you accused me of being hostile towards people who allegedly read and disliked them. and i had done no such thing, i literally was not addressing those people at all.

that was the first time you put words in my mouth, lied about what i said, and 'villainized' me for 'attacking people' made of straw i might add, when the post itself SPECIFICALLY STATED:

MISCONCEPTION.

so not the people, but the IDEA. an actually legitimately incorrect idea given context. i could go into a rant about how the comics cover one of the single most important and detrimental concepts to humanity (the war machine) and how american media is so piss watered down, propagandized and censored for babies and pearl clutching old people (and before you clutch your pearls over me 'attacking' babies and the elderly, i am not. i am criticizing AMERICAN MEDIA and PURITAN MENTALITY) that the comic itself was relatively tame outside of the american world view bubble, but that's not the point here, is it.

the 'many many' actually refers to people off of tumblr too, though i'm sure there's a fair share here of that mindset as it's found everywhere with everything. even then, i don't condemn the people. minds can be changed for ideas, that was what i was trying to do. maybe i need better methods and i can admit that.

still you chose to lie to my face or what, attempt to gaslight me?? whatever it was, it was enough for someone ELSE to step in and literally ask if you were BULLYING me.

and me, being the naive fucking moron that i am and thinking we ended on a nice punny note and the conversation wasn't so bad STILL gave YOU the benefit of a doubt.

did you extend the same courtesy to me later on? well, let's see.

no. no you did not. snippets of a convo from an anon ask you got on a proposed canon butchlander from when i tried to join in, you immediately accused me of things i have never said or done or even implied. and when i called you out on it, you immediately apologized (good on you, not included here but i DO acknowledge it and DID appreciate it) and i thought, "oh cool! we must be explaining ourselves to try and better understand each other so this doesn't happen again."

only for you to then backtrack and jump back on that ASSUMED HOSTILITY shit you seem to just LOVE huffing. but just for me i gather. maybe a couple others that i haven't seen or don't know about.

considering this is just the stuff i DO know about.

moving on.

you have questions? oh, what a cowinkydink, i have answers. if only you had just ASKED ME DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF PUTTING WORDS IN MY MOUTH AND LYING.

but to give some clarification to the numbered ones.

love the framing here. OF COURSE, WE are ONLY here to be a NUISANCE. must be nice being a real human who can interact with others instead of solely "bother" them. if you'd actually read the post, you might have seen it was about the BULLYING itself, not the bullshit that apparently makes you rabid enough to be a bully. great use of being obtuse.

stop putting words in my mouth. stop fucking lying about me. stop assuming my intentions. stop painting me for your weird ass personal agenda or vendetta. stop making up bullshit about me when you haven't taken two seconds to get to know me. i did no such thing as 'slur the cishets'. proof is in the fucking pudding.

ahhh... i understand why you don't block people. and i think i'm understanding the insidious behavior and bullying too. you're disgusting to people who you don't want to see the content of so that they'll block you while you get to pretend you're still on your little high horse of being the "less petty" or "bigger" person. and that way you don't have to see their content anymore, right? having your cake, and eating it too. it's smart. it looks good on you as long as people don't see the behavior, like you might actually want to solve problems.

although, if i'm to understand all this correctly, you don't want to given the continued hostility towards me regardless of what i do or say. am i getting this, more of that delectable plausible deniability? or am i giving you too much credit? do you even want the benefit of a doubt at this point? because you stated before you'd rather be considered evil than stupid.

oh, my mistake, "disgusting" than "ignorant". let me not do what you do and put words in your mouth. clarify for me, if you want to.

personally, i think ignorance is more forgivable than malice because at least the uninformed can learn better, while those with ill intent will seek to harm again, but to each their own i guess.

and if you actually have brain damage over a nonsensical but ultimately harmless shit joke online, i'd suggest seeking actual help from a doctor because that isn't normal. but i'm going to be generous and say maybe it was a bit much or gave you a recurring nightmare or something, i don't know you, in which case yeah, get help if you need it. i take mental health very seriously so i'm not joking or being sarcastic here. happy healing and sorry for the trouble if that's the case on this specific thing.

but oh! you just don't want to see it, right? TOO BAD BITCH, I GOT MORE TO GIVE AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME!!

and i don't have a problem with you writing your personal views about a pairing, any pairing. if that were all you had done, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation or, if you don't care i suppose i wouldn't be screaming into the void.

but you explicitly stated your point of view was "pretty common", that defaults my view as "uncommon" or in other words, "others" me and those who like bottom billy. don't you dare deny that when you know for a fact it's true.

then citing reasons for why you believed your view was more "accurate". you then went on to claim you were "baffled" when if that were true and you were actually interested in TRYING to UNDERSTAND? YOU WOULD HAVE JUST FUCKING ASKED ME DIRECTLY.

not that i would owe you an explanation or apology, or anything. but i'd have been NICE enough to try and answer anyway to the best of my ability. here, i'll do it now.

i'm not a big fan of bottom homie for the same reasons i'm not at all a fan of (show) homewell. apart from the whole superdick/compressing anus thing, narcissistic abuse/grooming and exploiting someone's trauma for a toxic kink is not only a huge turn off for me, it's super fucking triggering based on my experiences and what i have been through. i've had enough people looking down on me and telling me they "know what's best for me" while trying to rob me of my humanity and use me for their gain.

the funny thing is that i relate to homie in that sense but consider myself a total bottom who also LOVES the 'dom mommy' in certain context, but i also share a lot of similarities with butcher as well and know they both have a lot of very intense differences from me. and homie has a fucking vibrator for a dick. you CANNOT make me want to miss a chance for that, it's just not going to happen. and if i ever want to explore any form of 'grooming' kink from a personal place? i'll stick to thanos and mistress death, thanks.

i also don't find toxic masculinity sexy, that's a red fucking flag for me more glaring than the entirety of homelander, i find POSITIVE masculinity far sexier and true 'top' like. MM has the most of that in my opinion and is the sexiest man on the show, besides the guy who plays black noir under the mask.

i also fully understand the kink on the other end, y'all wanna baby him cause he's never had a mommy and longs for some kind of nurturing parental love, and y'all also wanna fuck him cause he's hot. so ya smash the two together and embrace the infantilization kink (which is seriously not my thing)

and listen, more power to ya. if that's what you like, enjoy it. i'm not judging. i just don't have the same fucking taste and i'm entitled to that. i don't understand why you have to comment on it or be "baffled" by the idea that people can be different from you.

for the record, i don't want to smash the two ideas together, i want to help homie SEPARATE and DEMUDDLE the legitimate problems and confusion in his brain that makes him so vulnurable to women's manipulations, and help him grow the fuck up without wanting to fuck his own mother (if he hasn't already) or keep him baby minded forever. i want to untap his potential and see the man he can/would become depending on circumstance.

because i like redemption and character growth and am a sucker for second chances regardless of liking dark media, and there's a huge difference between "i like you" and " i like that you like me".

that requires a more careful handling than anything suface level, but regardless i don't enjoy exploiting trauma kinks or reinforcing toxic masculinity any more than i would enjoy yiff or snuff. i wouldn't judge someone for having the taste as long as no one real got hurt. but that doesn't mean i have to have their taste.

stop kink shaming me or being "confused" by my preference, i haven't done the same to you. and before you pretend you haven't or that i have.

if you were "seriously trying to understand" you would again, ASK ME DIRECTLY instead of this roundabout bullshit where you talk about it and 'how confused or tired' you are, but can't be bothered to take two fucking seconds to JUST ASK for a more serious answer beyond willem dafoe.

if i wanted to shame you for having a kink, i wouldn't be subtle about it. but i wouldn't anyway because i wouldn't even shame those who have a rape fantasy because i have one and have written and read plenty of it. i file it under 'horror pr0n' with a number of other things, and not every form or 'flavor' of horror pr0n that exists is going to be for everyone, much the same as fucking regular horror. but if it's FICTION, it shouldn't matter.

i understand that and if i judged others for having different tastes or acted... well like YOU, that would make me a hypocrite.

and your friend got it PERFECTLY on the first note. and then decided to enable the bullshit yet again by subscribing to the bane of human unity, tribalism. thanks for reinforcing the idea that this HAS to be a dichotomy WHEN IT'S NOT.

a little healthy teasing and competition? i'm game. it's too bad that's not what this was.

i am not your fucking enemy just because YOU decided i was, YOU do not get to decide that for me. but i'll give them the benefit of a doubt and say they were 'just joking', right?

that's ALL it ever is. "just jokes". but JUST when you or "your side" do it. it's not like you've ever been derogatory and petty about "your side" being the "good side" of fandom.

if you have to constantly reinforce and self assure how "good" you are compared to "others" specifically not part of your niche bubble?

you're an asshole who's not actually "good", full stop. if you have to measure your self worth based on what others do or comparing yourself to them, actually seek help because that's not healthy. just my two cents

but if you want to get technical, NO ONE IS RIGHT AND NEITHER BILLY NOR HOMELANDER IS TOP OR BOTTOM IN A TRADITIONAL SENSE, not just because opinions and preferences can't be right or wrong. because butchlander isn't fucking canon, isn't going to become canon, and as far as we know, both characters are confirmed 100% STRAIGHT within the show with toxic masculinity issues a mile long and would never wanna touch each other like that with a 10 foot pole, and homelander's shown exactly ZERO interest in actually being pegged thus far, so that idea's a headcanon.

even herogasm showed us that 3 on fucking 1 STILL wasn't enough to take him down and homie freaking out over a bruise from an unfair challenge of 3 on 1 because it had logically been a very long time since he'd been hurt makes reasonable sense on a basic surface level. he's then over it by the time maeve makes him bleed and carries on bleeding, and now butcher's dying and is the most vulnurable and literally weak because he's sick of the bunch, so... headcanons? headcanons are fine but let's not forget reality and then laugh at the people who remember it.

and if you had just asked me why i even brought up lovely amazing beautiful cishet women (not at all sarcastic, see above purple posts), instead of YET AGAIN. ASSUMING MY INTENT AND PUTTING A LOAD OF CRAP IN MY MOUTH. you can have that back by the way, what the actual fuck is wrong with you??

or for clarification on why i brought it up? i could have TOLD YOU MYSELF. because unlike SOME PEOPLE, when someone just ASKS a question or gives a neutral or even heated response? I DON'T ASSUME HOSTILITY OR TAKE IT PERSONALLY FROM THEM LIKE IT'S A FUCKING SPORT.

fact (and correct me if i'm wrong): majority of people participating in shipping fandom are cishet women.

this is a simple fact, it doesn't mean anything beyond that, i specifically said both times there's nothing wrong with this.

a majority of people are cishet, so this is to be expected. it still doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the people.

fact: society has issues, ideas, and expectations that affect and harm us all. cishet, or queer. and these issues will and do present themselves in fandom and fan fictions whether we realize that or not. heteronormativity would be one of those. misogyny is another.

and one of my kinks is challenging that, or at least the way i see to challenge that while dunking on redpill idealogy and toxic masculinity because i fucking can.

and i just LOVE how you tout about having the "pReTtY cOmMoN" perception which newsflash, YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE TO HETERONORMATIVE IDEAOLOGY IF YOU THINK TOXIC MASCULINITY IS A REASON A MAN WOULD NEVER BOTTOM. you'd be surprised what people could get up to behind closed doors. but then you turn around and not only put more words in my mouth, enable anon to put words in my mouth, discourage getting a direct answer from me, accuse me and my friends of being the type to randomly accuse someone else of doxxing??? wtf even is that.

and of course. given your 'pretty common' perception being the total opposite of heteronormativity, it MUST mean that society has resolved all of its issues and come to accept queer people exactly as they are in all forms with no expectations or interference whatsoever, oh yeah. places like florida or uganda just totally don't exist. the u.s. isn't on the verge of becoming an actual fascist hellhole for us, and it is TOTALLY just... no one oppresses us. no one.

ESPECIALLY not the cishets.

and despite all the evidence to the contrary, you especially have done nothing wrong here and its all in my head. is that right? can you clarify for me? do you think that my situations have put zero pressure on me in my day to day life? on my friends' lives? do you think you didn't add to that? do you think you and company are the only ones that feel or react like humans?

imagine being so far up your own ass you tell the queer HOW to queer. or at least be a GOOD queer, right?

oh, i'm sorry let me not put words in your mouth. you were of course only laughing at me behind my back for the 'anti-cishet' things i never said.

and no. OBVIOUSLY i wasn't saying any of the shit you accused. i was saying i prefer SUBVERSIVE themes when i do my tops and bottoms and a more detailed look at that can be found in my purple all over responses or just the posts themselves, but if you still want to ask me anyway, i'll answer to the best of my ability.

and what a coincidence that despite you understanding top/bottom not just being related to penetration and some people will feel certain dynamics may be reductive, how ironic that you couldn't possibly fathom that as one of my main complaints.

you don't WANT to actually understand. you just wanted a circle jerk of confirmation bias.

this anon hit the nail on the fucking head. and you wanted to fight them?? i could have overlooked this but i wanted to touch on something really important because i don't know what anon may have seen but i once saw you answer an ask about homelander's redeemability and you cited "tough love" as a means to get there.

and as a former addict and narcissistic abuse survivor (specifying for context), i can tell you first hand "tough love" is not a real thing, and it's not discipline either because that requires teaching and providing tools for rehabilitation. but don't just take my word for it.

from a psychological perspective and to hear actual professionals go over the concept? "tough love" not only DOESN'T work. it is an excuse to be nasty and abusive to someone under the guise that you are only doing it to help them, when all it really does is make you an abusive fuck.

this would be why the SHOW had HOMELANDER of all people saying it, why what billy did to ryan is presented the way it was with HUGHIE of all people, the guy who was at the time dealing with a huge wad of toxic masculinity issues up his ass, 'got it'. and even BUTCHER'S DAD is presented as the piece of shit that he is who gladly passed on his curse to butcher like it was a 'gift'.

even the comics got this when they present butcher doing his scumlord over 9000 move to hughie and annie saying "cruel to be kind" about his own bullshit. no. no no no. he did NOT do that for hughie's well being. he did it for himself because he was a selfish prick.

and i want to be clear. i am being an asshole here and i fully recognize that. that's for ME to feel better because i am fed up with your bullshit. because you have spent your time poking and prodding me for a hostile reaction. well congrats motherfucker. you got it.

and there ain't NO fucking love there.

i won't be your enemy. but i am NOT your friend either. clearly YOU wouldn't want that anyway.

but because i always have to add in that disclaimer for basic human decency? EVEN WITH HOW I FEEL and what the actual science says about "tough love", i would still never tell someone they can't use it in fiction, presented as a toxic kink or whatever the fuck else. even if it triggers me. even if i have a thousand different reasons to criticize it and voice that in a separate space.

people can do whatever the fuck they want and i can't control that. neither can you.

but i don't have to engage with the content or speak positively on it or keep my mouth shut, and i'm not gonna harrass people or pull the kind of insidious bullshit you do either.

at the end of the day, this is fiction. and if you feel the need to run an entire fucking smear campaign about me over fiction and preferences??

stop lying about me

stop putting words in my mouth

stop talking about me behind my back

stop predetermining who i am for me

stop assuming hostility when i will flat out tell you my intent and you can just ask, that doesn't just go for me.

stop fucking gatekeeping and gaslighting.

I DON'T HAVE A DISHONESTY PROBLEM LIKE SOME PEOPLE.

and fuck you.

neither me nor any of my friends or these anons are crazy and i will not sit around while you try to fucking gaslight me or anyone else. try it again, i fucking dare you.

bottom billy lovers existing is not an attack on you. it never was. you don't own the tags. FUCKING DEAL.

this behavior? is UNNACCEPTABLE.

as for fandom? a few more things i want to cover. i couldn't have said it better than a friend of mine who while a little hectic and crazy sometimes, has been nothing but a sweetheart<3 that i just want to encourage and motivate to art or post pictures of her billy butcher kitty babygirl incarnate but unfortunately due to circumstances may be regressing back into her shell.

a message i will never stop promoting, whatever iteration it comes in, whenever it comes up.

i may disagree with what you are saying or doing, but as long as you are not harming anyone, i will fight wholeheartedly for your right to say or do so.

that is the philosphy of true freedom, THAT is what i subscribe to. and it pisses me the fuck off when i see people trying to punish or hurt people for things that hurt no one. we don't get to decide how other people want to live their lives. we can only navigate and hope we might find a friend along the way.

and THAT is the single greatest picture of captain america ever fucking created. no i will take dissenting opinions.

in regards to assumed hostility or hostile attribution bias, a more lighthearted and easily digestable demonstration is below.

gais... just don't do it. don't automatically assume that someone means you harm or pain simply because they disagree with you. this is what leads to more problems. this is what leads to human tribalism. this is what divides us. this is what destroys us. this is what leads to wars. fandom shipping bullshit or otherwise.

the fucking stupidest invention of humanity, fought over goddamn unholy wads of paper and scribbles of ink because people couldn't accept that their ideas weren't accepted by everyone else, and anyone who didn't fall in line got the axe. or alienated. or excommunicated. or accused of being a witch. or whatever.

but this is the kinda shit we need to nip in the bud at the most basic level we can, every time we can.

it's called intolerance of the intolerant. and it's how we stop hatred from fostering and the intolerance being tolerated and eventually taking over.

because assumed hostility? it IS intolerance.

people are not made from ideas, it's the people who make or break the ideas, not the other way around. and ideas can change.

that should never be seen as a bad thing because it's necessary for positive changes and better understanding as time goes on.

challenge yourselves and the way you think, listen to newcomers and welcome them, have healthy discussions, learn to agree to disagree. it's not that hard.

and i know, i get it. it's not easy, not that simple either. everyone's on edge, people are sickly addicted to hatred and anger because they are EASY. giving in to them doesn't require self control or any form of discipline, it is as simple as instinct. it IS instinct. but if humanity has ANY hope of moving forward?

we HAVE to learn to give people the benefit of a doubt. we HAVE to learn to listen to each other, *actually* listen and hear *exactly* what others are saying. HAVE to learn to identify the difference between a differing *non-hostile* opinion and actual *intolerance*

because the world has already seen what happens when we FAIL and eventually we WILL run out of chances to get it right.

please at least TRY to give the benefit of the doubt in an appropriate situation.

i'll lead by example.

keys? even you. even now, i'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt DESPITE how you've treated me AND my friends now. because MAYBE you were actually key in the sketch and just having a bad day each time we interacted or MAYBE you have some sort of trauma getting triggered whenever you see my shit or we interact or whatever the fuck it could be, MAYBE you are feeling the pressures of a self discovery coming out journey and it's manifesting badly (yes i did notice that and if this is the case i would still wish you nothing but good will and luck with that, not sarcastic), or some combination, there's a million reasons and i don't know you, so i'm not going to assume or say anything for certain.

unlike some people.

but i don't think you're stupid. on the contrary, looking at your posts, my first 'assumption' was that you are actually very well educated and were just enjoying having fun and being silly. later and based on some things i saw, it occured to me that your education/upbringing may put you at odds or at a disadvantage with connecting with people online or having them understand you, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you or them, it just means you're speaking different languages.

even the "tough love" thing could be a miscommunication/malapropism. it could also be internal denial because you had a loved one do that to you and still haven't come to terms with the actual abuse you were experiencing because "they knew best"

i've been there. but maybe i'm the one who's projecting just to give you the benefit of a doubt. is it fair for me to take out my own frustrations on random people? fuck to the NO. which is why i TRY regularly to keep that shit in line and my life private.

so i absolutely will not excuse you for being so blatantly dishonest about me either behind my back or to my face because even if you do think i'm being hostile (when i'm not), there's no excuse for that. no, i wouldn't excuse myself either.

that needs to stop in a general sense, and i know you KNOW you are doing that because you'd have to *actually* be the biggest fucking illiterate moron on the planet to not know at this point.

especially when i reached out to you before to try and resolve this calmly and you ignored me and then continued lying about me, yucking it up with anons and buddies like high school mean girls. officially. unironically. instead of doing an ounce of self reflecting.

and i didn't include those messages, but the continued disingenuity and callous misrepresentation is there. and especially the carving into my character to define me however you want without giving me a voice to speak for myself.

stop it. you know it. i know it. maybe you think i'm some country bumpkin cousin hick fucker who happens to conveniently be queer but is remarkably stupid or an easy target.

and maybe i am stupid for ever giving you the benefit of a doubt, but you don't get to rob me of my humanity or basic courtesy.

because YOU'RE human too. and you have a right to your thoughts and feelings and opinions, and i get that, and i support it

even if by some fucking bizarre coocoo for cocoa puffs alternate reality, butchlander were to become canon the way I saw it? i wouldn't gloat or celebrate or try to rub it in your face.

I would encourage you to keep liking what you like and keep being yourself, maybe even harder than before.

even knowing you wouldn't do the same for me. at least from personal experience. see any of the above. and if you think i'm a self righteous prick for it, so fucking be it.

but if you're going to be an asshole? at least own the fuck up to it.

oh, and by the way? i now headcanon that billy butcher once a month puts on a full body gimp suit and with ball gag to do some strange kinda unholy shit with fruit OR veggies (never both), and it HAS to be a waning crecent moon, because i fucking can. and you can't stop me. ;)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

gais... don't immediately assume hostility. please. i know tone can be hard to interpret through writing or typic and emojis help, and yeah, i know i can jump the gun too. but i try to take things told to me at face/basic value or read them in a neutral tone and i think it helps too.

but we should never be judging anyone before we know them.

[luanna801]

I will make one post clarifying my stances on some things, because I want this on the record as context to everything I post on this subject in the future.

I do not support or take pleasure in the deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians. I also do not support or take pleasure in the deaths of innocent Israeli civilians. The fact that this has apparently become a controversial opinion or will get you accused of ""supporting genocide"" (despite saying literally exactly the opposite) is disgusting.

Hamas is a terrorist organization that has committed atrocities. I consider that a fact and not an opinion.

With that said, Netanyahu is a dangerous far-right demagogue whose government has perpetuated racism and war crimes. I do not deny or support this either.

I do not think abolishing the State of Israel is a viable solution to the current situation. I think it is antisemitic to demand that Jews take this position and assume that if we don't, we want to see violence and oppression against the Palestinians. Most of us want to see a peaceful two-state solution with an end to the violence. The people who advocate "wiping Palestine off the map" are disgusting racists and I want nothing to do with them.

It has been proven both through historical and archeological evidence and scientific genetic evidence that Jews are indigenous to the Levant. This means all ethnic Jews. Ashkenazi and Sephardi and Mizrahi. It does not make sense to say they have less right to their homeland than other indigenous groups. They also do not have more right. The fact that Palestinians were displaced to make room for Israel was wrong and is something that can never be fully recompensed, but we have to do what we can to make it right now and create a more equitable future.

In many ways, I'm struggling to understand the answers here. Mostly I'm heartbroken at the situation and at all the innocent people who have been killed or terrorized. None of them deserved it. I am also heartbroken seeing the people react to this situation with antisemitism or Islamophobia, dangerously misinformed pseudo-history, and hate. A lot of people have lost my trust. A lot more people I believe are sincerely well-intentioned but are going about this in extremely wrong-headed ways that are going to sow the seeds of hatred for generations.

Anyone who has a problem with anything I've said here is welcome to unfollow me. There is a lot I'm still struggling to find clarity on and understand how we can do our part in fixing this horrific situation. But at a basic minimum, we need to start from the understanding that both Israelis and Palestinians are human and their lives have equal value. I will not apologize for holding that opinion and I have no time for people who try to tell me that I shouldn't.

[jacksgreysays]

Hey, guess who's got a pair of songs for you? I heard "Cant Stand the Rain" by The Rescues ages ago, and just recently heard "Rain" by grandson & Jessie Reyez. The moment song 2 hit my ears I was like, "These have to be smashed together, somehow." And since I once sent you that prompt for "Thunder and Lightning" and "Thunder", I thought of you. <3

!!!!! <3<3<3<3 Hello, loveelemental!

Okay, after checking out these songs and their lyrics, I just want to say that none of the following is a value judgement—I do like both of these songs that you’ve brought to me—but the POV/personalities of these songs are VERY… hm…

You’ve brought to me two songs that are in a dialogue with each other and, on the surface, could appear to be in opposition with each other. BUT, I do think they’re both rather… cynical in a sense, so they’re not truly opposite ends of a spectrum.

Because, okay, Can’t Stand the Rain is very cynical, post-relationship, everything is bad and I hate it and why should I do anything to change it? “My blackened heart,” “I’d empty [the pots and pans filling with rainwater] out but why?” even the repeating “Love, no such thing as love,” FEELS very “I just got broken up with and I’m going to wallow in my own sadness” not even necessarily “I miss/still love the person I broke up with” but a very selfish, cynical “the world sucks so now I’m going to be miserable.”

Which is certainly one way to handle a break up.

Another way is in Rain, the difference most embodied by “I don’t mind the rain sometimes.” Emphasis on the SOMETIMES. And while the person in this song is slightly less cynical—in that crying/rain is what makes roses bloom and that “it’s better to have loved and lost…” although it doesn’t include the rest of the saying which IS IMPORTANT “than to never have loved at all.”

This person ALSO is wallowing in their own sadness post-relationship but almost… reveling in it? Very emo. A+ They’re literally “making peace with the rain” and “dancing with the pain,” and turning the break up/end of the relationship into a learning opportunity of sorts? It’s not AS cynical but it IS as selfish… or maybe self-centered…

I think what I’m trying to articulate is that both of these songs represent people who are HURT by a break up/end of a relationship, but not necessarily HEARTBROKEN if that clarifies anything at all… Because there’s no YEARNING either for their former partners or even for the relationship itself. It’s just… here is the new normal, how do I react to it.

Now to step away from song analysis, into potential fic writing.

Immediately I can think of two ways to go with this:

The two POVs of the songs are the two people in the relationship that ended and this is how each of them deal with it. Or,

This is the same person after some time has passed.

I’ll be honest, both of them are kind of funny.

Because with (1) it just really shows how, probably, it was the best for the relationship to end considering how selfish the lyrics are on both sides. Rain is slightly more romantic in the sense that it’s “because of this break up I can grow as a person” but it’s still pretty selfish, lol. Like… both of them are stewing in their own misery and meanwhile their respective friend groups (if they have them) are just like, “Oh thank god, they’ve broken up.”

With (2) the less time passing, the funnier it gets. Going from Can’t Stand the Rain into Rain after a week is funny, but after a day? That’s hilarious… I guess you can go in the other direction and it would also be funny—Rain into Can’t Stand the Rain, that is—but regardless the shorter the time jump the better.

I suppose there is option 3) in which these are two people who were in two different relationships and then the fic could be about them learning to be less selfish in love with each other? Or maybe being in love with someone who is as selfish as you and being okay with it? I don’t know.

… I’m trying to think if there’s a pairing for (1) or a character for (2) that would work but I don’t really do comedy, much less this anti-romantic comedy, so the I don’t know if my go to characters really match the genre. Although there is something to be said about how my reluctance to cast anyone into these roles speaks more about me wanting my characters to not be this kind of selfish/self-centered which isn’t accurate to real life. I should probably have more selfish/self-centered character to play around with. Or, rather, I should realize that some of the characters I write DO have the capacity to be this way, I have just been softening/glorifying them without exploring their full personalities.

Then again, I also don’t really write relationships as the main focus? Like, even my shipping fic is more of a method to explore various AUs or themes that aren’t necessarily romance based. Even Dreaming of S(omething,) my ShikakoxGaara series, and which I consider to have some of my most romantic writing in it, is more about how home can change from one place to another, or to a person. How a different environment can reveal as much about yourself as it does the new place you’re in. Even Dreaming of S(elfishness) doesn’t even have them being that selfish and has less to do with jealousy over an engagement and more about, like, establishing clearly what you want rather than just letting something passively come to you and passively watch it go.

Although… while I don’t write much in the (anti-) romantic genre that often, I do LOVE reading about, hm, estranged exes reuniting and having to hash out the mistakes from their past and bittersweetly getting closure before maybe giving the relationship another chance or starting a new relationship knowing the follies of their younger selves. But these songs feel freshly out of the relationship, whereas my preference for estranged exes reuniting usually has the benefit of years (if not decades, I do love when it’s like… ex high school sweethearts meeting up as full grown adults) in between the break up and the reunion.

If these songs are the initial response to the break up and part of the aforementioned youthful follies, then… okay. So I’m still kind of in Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint headspace, and while I MOST love Yoo Joonghyuk x Kim Dokja estranged high school exes reuniting, the dichotomy of these two songs FEELS more like what Han Sooyoung and Yoo Sangah would throw at each other in a fight.

Like, Can’t Stand the Rain feels like Han Sooyoung’s response to the break up—an almost destructive, heedless misery—whereas Rain would represent Yoo Sangah’s external perfection versus her internal flaws. Like the argument would contain:

YSA: At least I didn’t go around making my misery everyone else’s problem. HSY: Oh, as if you’re any better Miss Every Experience Is A Learning Opportunity, bullshit!

Like, I don’t know the whole argument, but that’s the vibe I’m feeling…

Surely there’s another couple that embodies this dynamic in my usual fandoms, but I am STRUGGLING to think of them for now…

And then, unfortunately, as I was writing this, I realized (2) was pretty much just 500 Days of Summer so… ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Probably not what you were looking for, loveelemental, but I appreciate you reaching out :D

[figs-and-cigs]

I keep thinking about clarifying with kiddo the difference between needs and wants. You don't NEED candy or a new toy, you WANT them. You might not WANT to go to bed, but you do NEED to go to bed.

I then keep thinking about my ex who expressed a lot of needs over the course of our few months of a relationship. She needed consistent communication - in the form of daily phone calls, and texts. She needed consistent time together - expected at least two dates a week. She needed me to understand her dietary restrictions. She needed me to communicate date plans at least two days in advance. Etc.

I had agreed to attempt to meet those 'needs'. A daily phone call, planning two dates a week, catering to her diet were things that were mostly things I wanted, was willing, and able to do. Mostly.

Then a day came where I had one of my fibromyalgia flares and I didn't call or text. Memory issues, disorganization, family issues, made me plan dates at the last minute. We went to a acai bowl place for lunch - and while it met her dietary needs she wasn't in the mood for fruit.

And every time she'd reiterate her "needs". I'd apologize, explain why I wasn't able to meet those "needs" this time but also feel chastised for "failing". Then when I expressed I could no longer meet a "need" (scheduling two days a week because my family schedule changed and takes priority), things fell apart.

Thinking about the topic today. She was expressing wants and desires but prioritized them as needs.

In my mind needs are things required to make the relationship work long term, but my individual needs are mine, and mine alone to meet.

Communication, understanding, trust, quality time, and intimacy are the main needs within in a relationship. When it comes to how that looks we have to work with each other. We can express our desires (a daily phone call), but demanding and expecting someone to meet that desire becomes an issue.

Consistent communication is one thing, it is a requirement.

However it should not be a requirement for your partner to meet a specific task in order for you to feel validated, reassured, and safe. Yes, your partner should make you feel those things - because they're your partner - but not because of an arbitrary daily phone call. Basing our relationship around these desired tasks being carried out meant that if I didn't meet expectations, she was never going to feel ok within the relationship. Even when I WAS meeting the desired tasks 9 times out of 10, she still didn't feel ok.

When my actual needs conflicted with her desires, things fell apart. When my need for rest because I had a fibro flare meant I didn't call one day - she questioned how much I valued her. When I desired understanding for my memory issues, she questioned how much effort I was willing to put into the relationship. When I needed to change my schedule... Well she didn't handle that well.

I don't know. I'm rambling and processing thoughts.

Yesterday my husband asked me to do the dishes todah. I expressed to my husband I needed to rest so the dishes didn't get washed. I wanted to say, "I need YOU to do them." Wahhh. That's not true though, I'm capable of getting them done. He's currently washing some of the dishes. There was no expectation for him to do that. I didn't request it. I could have made the request, but it was my turn to do them.

But the message it sends is that he understands my health conditions. We're in a partnership and don't "need" either of us to meet tasks. We just do what feels natural as individuals who try to understand each other and try to work with each other - not FOR each other. We aren't need fulfilling machines.

I might make another rant about boundaries and expectations another time. I'm praying for my ex, I hope she finds inner peace and fulfillment. I don't know. I wanted a relationship with her, but I didn't need it.

[christmasintheloonybin]

saw this the other day on Instagram

which I found funny, so I started researching fascism in Iran and there were a few fascist movements! more than one! I found some great pictures and posted them here but promptly deleted because I don't want to get canceled again.

it's funny also how, like, even me as the understander and correct opinion haver, you get these ideas shoved down your throat long enough and it's weird to see Iranian fascists when really there is nothing weird about it at all. it makes perfect sense and it was happening all over Europe at the same time, same with communism, here's a new system, its brought about prosperity in these other countries, let's give it a try. because you have this idea that national socialism was about white power and also the idea that everyone in the middle east is like living in caves and they're all nutjob fundamentalists. both false.

it's interesting also that for some time in the middle east Arab socialism really won out. I'm curious about this stuff because I wonder if the success of an ideology, not just Arab socialism any ideology, can be attributed mostly to 1. the idea that some political systems just work with some groups of people, they line up with the culture and values of a people and so they're successful. for example, fascism could not succeed in Russia and never will, but communism was quite successful, and in China as well, where there is a lot of racial diversity, versus Ukraine or something which is more homogenous 2. the force behind the movement. how many powerful people are advocating for an idea, military involvement etc. 3. security, I feel as if most people, especially if they have become used to insecurity will align with whatever prevents harm being done to them actively. and so in this way everything is neutral, people really don't care they're not involved. for example, in Afghanistan there were a lot of shepherds and other rural people who were in support of the Taliban only because they provided some stability to the areas they controlled. in contrast to warlords or American soldiers or more recently ISIS who come to towns and destroy everything. and these shepherds are not fundamentalists at all. actually there is still a lot of folk practices done which are deeply un-Islamic, but they still support fundamentalism because it brings some peace to the area.

I definitely do think Arab socialism was the most natural thing to come out of the situation that existed. what else could have happened? and just to clarify, I am not talking about Iran, this is something people try to gotcha me on all the time, omg you said Arab but Iran is not an Arab country. I know, I'm not talking about Iran, fuck off.