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#maybe its because I am so used to them as toddlers
izayoichan · 1 year
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The tiny little terrors 🎶
(Poses by @rebouks)
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dreamcast-official · 2 months
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genuine question am i just a bitch for being upset over something .
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redbleedingrose · 2 months
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Girl Dad!Eris when the Babes are Sick Headcanons
A/N: I was harassing @augustinerose with all my girl dad!Eris thoughts today, so I thought I would expand and share with you all, and maybe go into what the newborn stage was like for you and girl dad!Eris if y’all would like. And then maybe even what it was like postpartum with Girl Dad!Eris supporting you every step of the way.
Sigh, I am in love with the male!!! Send freaking help!!!!!!
During toddlerhood, when one of the girls is sick, the other babe is also feeling crummy :(
They are absolutely gonna climb outta their small beds and hold each others hands walking from their room to your door at the end of the hall, their guard dog following them on their heels and standing closely behind them. It is usually precious Twila who uses her small chubby fist to knock on the door, barely making any noise, but enough that the pups laying at the foot of our bed will come and see what's going on first.
Eris wakes up so fast, he is sucha light sleeper at a baseline that the slightest noise has his eyes snapping open. You, on the other hand, would stay passed out cuz its 3:30 in the morning, and also, you are incredibly warm and comfortable with Eris in bed. You feel utterly at ease and protected with Eris, so as the years went on, your sleeping has become heavier. Eris often teases you for snoring, like the smug bastard he is because he sleeps like the dead with at least one hand resting somewhere on your body.
Anyway, by the time the girls are poking their very curly, messy, bedheads beyond the door to peer inside your room, Er is already halfway to the door to see what they need. When they are feeling sick, all they wanna do is cuddle up to mama and papa and each other in your huge bed, and Eris has no qualms pressing soft, gentle kisses onto their warm foreheads and scooping them up into his arms, resting both of them on each hip before bringing them to your bed.
Marwa usually snuggles with you, ever the mamas girl, and Twila, ever the papas girl, will snuggle in with her papa. Don’t get me wrong, Marwa shoves at least one foot into Eris' side, her tiny toe nails digging into his rib cage, probably to feel his warmth, because she too, just like her mama, and gets overheated way too fast. It doesn't matter cause regardless, she will press her entire body up into yours, practically climbing on top of you while you sleep and shoves her face into your neck before passing out.
Marwa will pass out soooo fast, but Twila, our chatty little girl (maybe less so when she is sick), will babble quietly though not as quickly as usual, to her papa who is exhausted but will quietly hum and nod along to his babes ramblings while rubbing her back and stroking/brushing through her messy hair with his warm fingers until she falls asleep against his chest. And only then, when his girls are comfortably asleep, with one tiny foot digging into his side and a toddler resting on his chest, one of his hands tucked underneath your head (that is extremely numb though he will never ever complain about it) acting as your pillow, will he let himself go back to sleep.
He would obviously be the first to wake up in the morning, being high lord has trained his body to wake up at around sunrise. Before you and your babes, he would be up and out of bed within seconds of waking up, anxious to start his day to avoid the scrutiny and abuse of his father. After becoming high lord, after you coming into his life and giving him the best thing that has ever happened to him (that being your love and your children), he tries to stay in bed for at least half an hour to soak in the warmth and peace. He adores listening to your soft snores, and whenever the girls join you in bed, he cannot get enough of the small huffs and puffs of Marwa and Twila while they snooze away.
He shifts Twila into your side so he can get up, but you better believe that if his babes aren’t feeling well, he is going to be the one taking care of them alongside you. He would never let you feel alone in parenting, never make you feel like you are with a male who is incompetent in taking care of his girls.
The first thing he would do, is really only a secret between you and him. But he does have a morning cigarette to ease his nerves. It is a horrible habit he picked up during his teenage years, and after centuries of using it as a coping mechanism, he hasn’t been able to fully quit. You know he does it, and while you encourage him to stop, you recognize that he used to chain smoke, one cigarette trapped between his pretty lips after the other. The fact he only needs one in the morning to get him through the day, he finds quite unbelievable. It is another thing that he credits to you, another reason that he marvels at you.
Plus you cannot deny how hot Er looks while leaning against the balcony railing, shirtless with a cigarette held in his mouth . The hazy look in his hooded eyes, the smoke blowing out of his nose after a deep inhale, the way his entire body relaxes against the crisp autumn air. He is a sight to behold, so you can let one cigarette go. Knowing Er, he is probably gonna quit before the babes are old enough to realize he does smoke.
Anyway, moving on, after his morning routines of his cigarette, a 15 minute cold shower, mouth smelling minty fresh, and dressed in the most immaculate grey sweatpants and white long sleeve (that does nothing to hide his broad chest and toned arms (the slut knows what he is doing smh)), he is headed to the kitchen to cook you all up some breakfast. Usually, this is around the time that you join him, hugging him from behind and pressing kisses into the space between his shoulders while he leans back into you, but you are in bed with the babes, which means it will be nearly impossible for you to escape without one of them noticing, so he remains in the solace of the empty kitchen.
Because the girls are feeling crummy, I think Er would focus on making a warm maple and cinnamon flavored oatmeal for them and herbs steeping in the warm spring water that he will put into their sippy cups for them to use. Then he focuses on making you some breakfast. He knows you usually don’t each much in the morning anyway, so he makes for the both of you, a couple of pieces of honey and cream toast that you will share, and two cups spiced cardamom chai on the side.
He would wanna spend the day with you and the babes, especially if they aren’t feeling to good. Most of the day is probably going to be spent in your bed, and to be honest, those are Eris’ favorite kinds of days. The girls love to snuggle up next to you both and take naps intermittently throughout the day, and the times they are awake are spent reading books to them, playing games like “I-spy” while they peer out your balcony with their big curious eyes, and also just listening to their babbles and rants.
They are very opinionated girls, and they are happy to share with their papa that they think Forest House should be painted pink and purple, and all the curtains should be changed to a daisy yellow color to make your home look more inviting and “princessy.”
He would probs do it too, make Forest House into a doll house for his perfect little babes, but your amused nods, your cooing and giggling as they prattle on about making sure the carpets are yellow to match the curtains has him nearly certain your babes interior designer skills are too top tier for you. Though, he might be able to convince you to change up their play room decor.
Ugh and he just lives for when you are asleep with the babes, he spends hours watching over you three, thanking the gods and mother that he was blessed with such a beautiful, elegant mate who is the perfect mom, thanking the cauldron for his perfect babes, and honestly, praying for time to stop so that he can live in that moment forever, in pure happiness and peace.
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abductedlawnchair · 3 months
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*ranting and raving and stomping on rooftops and flailing my arms about* HUMANS ARE AMIMALS!!! WE ARE ANIMALS!!! QUIT ACTING LIKE WE'RE NOT!!!
I am so goddamn tired of society acting like we're not!!! I am so goddamn tired of us as a society acting like we are above all the other animals!!! I do not care that we are the apex!!! We are fucking ANIMALS!!! Like, just take a step back and observe us like we have our own nature documentary on Nat Geo or something. Maybe with David Attenborough or whatever, idc. Just imagine it.
We are a species of apes that just so happened to gain the ability of extremely complex and abstract thought, capability of language, an almost absurd level of self-awareness, and the type of intelligence that allowed us to discover, invent, and develop tools. A species of apes that just so happen to have such a crazy level of curiosity that we have the capability to learn about the world around us, and beyond.
The way we learn and develop is fascinating. If you observe a toddler from that standpoint, watching them interact with the world around them, you'd see how natural curiosity is to us, in our human nature. Neil deGrasse Tyson has literally said that children are beings of chaos because they're curious and learning about the world around them.
We all have children in us, just like we have our ancestors in us!!! Our brains are wired like theirs. Relatively, we have been in this state of society for an extremely short amount of time!! Our brains and nervous systems are still wired to survive and keep us safe from predators and other dangers!!
We are social creatures!! We need love and connection to survive!! We can't do things on our own. The only reason we ever got to where we are is because we work together and communicate and share knowledge. The way society is right now is too isolating!! Humans aren't meant to be fighting for a place in society!! Haven't you seen zookeepers?? Or anyone who cares for nature in any capacity?? We have an incredible capacity for compassion and caretaking, because we have the capability to know and understand the inner workings of ourselves and countless other species!! Caretaking and compassion is literally an innate human trait!! We're supposed to take care of each other and the world around us!! We literally are capable of pack bonding with ROOMBAS, for fucks sake!! Little robots that our ape brains see moving around on its own, being part of our homes, and thinks "little guy is alive... I love him"!!! Isn't that beautiful???
We were an evolution of Mother Earth, Herself, to grow Her and expand Her and care for Her!!! Whether you believe in intelligent design or just the absurdity of it all, it still happened like that. We have the capacity to care for Her in an evolved level, yet we're fucking it up so badly right now.
Indigenous cultures have always been on the right track. They've always been right about this. They have always known that we are all pieces of the same organism, just like the atoms and cells and organs and electricity in your body are all part of one body!!
And btw, culture is another HUGE part of us being social creatures!! Being expressive and creative and connected!! That's part of our nature!! We're meant to sing and dance and laugh together!! That connectivity of us being a collective is So Important!!! Making fun of people for being "sheep", or having "herd mentality" every single time is so stupid because yes!!! Yes that's EXACTLY how we are supposed to be!!! We are social creatures, remember?? The whole point is that we do things together!!!
I know how society is rn isn't the end all, be all, but it just breaks my heart that this Capitalism shit goes against some of the most beautiful parts of humanity!! We are animals!!! We are cute and curious and compassionate and social and we need warmth and sunlight and sustenance from the earth and water and sleep and shelter from the elements!! We have instincts just like everything else!! We came from the dust and we will return to the dust because we will always be part of the Earth, just like all the other animals!! And somehow, despite all odds, despite how robotic Capitalism wants us to be, our human nature seeps into everything.
Take care of yourself! You are an animal, after all! <3
*climbs off rooftop... for now*
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mrs-monaghan · 4 months
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there’s so much misinfo going round atm, see lots of people saying that after jk enlists with jm and does the boot camp he can apply for some special ???something and will leave separately where he is stationed or that just because jk / jm are enlisting on same day, they only will do basic training together then go to separate places ? and that they only chose the enlisting together option because it meant they could make sure they were out in time for june ?
ik it’s a bit hard to follow maybe with different sources and not real confirmation but do you know if any of it is true? my understanding was that they did the “enlisting together” scheme thing, (ie. it’s a purposeful application, they knew they were choosing this way) which meant they’ll at least be in same living quarters etc the whole time until they’re out ?
sorry for long Q! it’s ok if you dk it was just confusing D; thank you!
Hi anon. 😳 I am terrible when it comes to the serious stuff and have the attention span of a toddler when such topics arise. My mind registers them as boring and so I don't retain the in4. But my friends delved deep into this so I will gather as much as I can and do my best to explain the sitch
Let me start by correcting the biggest misinformation of them all. Thanks to fucking Mina with her fake subs and reaching conclusions, the vermin are confusing "Special Task Force" with "Special Forces"
JK said he wanted to join special forces. Well and good
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But thats not what V is doing. V applied for Special Task Force which, while not easy (he said in the live its why he enlisted there, to challenge himself) its nothing compared to special forces. Special forces is HARD CORE. Its no joke. It's for those who actually want to go to war and proper fight for their country. Not for those fulfilling a mandatory duty... One they wouldn't do if they had the choice. Special forces, those people actually wanna be there. And if u know JK then u shouldn't be surprised that he would say something like this. Of course our dare devil bunny would enjoy joining something as risky as special forces.
But guess what? No one stopped him. He still could have gone there if he really wanted to. Just like in Winter package. No one told him to give up zip lining for beer tasting. He did that off his own volition since Jimin was going beer tasting. JK's happiness is where Jimin is. Period. (Suga's presence played a big part but we don't talk about Yoonmin)
(Edit: the whole thing takes almost 8 years to complete which again, is not something JK would actually do if he wanted to still stay a member of BTS. And of course satellite Jeon would again, never do it)
Jikook wanted to use the buddy system and they applied where Jin is on purpose because since the location is so risky, (front lines) not alot of people apply to serve there. So the chances of them being accepted were pretty high. I already talked a bit about that here.
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Coldest and most dangerous. But before we panic, Jikook love snow so... thats good. But also;
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2 things to note before we continue; 1) Tattoos are a none factor on why Jikook applied together or why JK couldn't be with V. They had 0 to do with that. And 2) All members and where they ended up it was their decision
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So, here is a Korean explaining
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They shall not be separated. They will train together and continue to serve together
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One body. Shiet.
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Nice. Even the breaks they will take together. Basically spend every minute together for those 18 months y'all.
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They had to pass 3 rounds. Applying wasn't all. They had rounds to pass before getting accepted. So as we can see this was a whole ass process. They really worked hard on this to make it happen.
Apparently there is a show you can watch that explains the buddy system. Its 8 episodes, its called real man
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The holding hands thing is legit 🤣🤣🤣
Jikook shouldn't have an issue then 🤭
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Anon, people are in denial and the other half are trying to explain this away. If Jikook only went in together just so they could come out at the same time then they could have done what Vmon did. Apply separately at the same time.
This is one tough pill to swallow for antis. It's like the biggest fuck u Jikook could have ever done but at the same time I really don't think they factored anyone else but themselves when they made this decision.
18 months is no small amount of time so let's call a spade a spade; Jikook couldn't be apart that long. Fax 💯 JK wanted to be there for Jimin, Jimin wanted to be there for JK, of course. Them in the same place looking out for each other is all I as a fan who loves them can ask for. But at the same time, they needed this.
Anon, they will be together 24/7 for the entire duration of their time there.
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Yes. Sleeping in the same quarters. It wouldn't make sense for companionship if they were separating the recruits who applied together. To be companions. Of each other.
The buddy system is there to help friends cope with this difficult mandatory thing that the government insists on doing to their young men. It's there to help them cope in any way possible. I imagine mostly mentally. So why would they train them together then separate them? ❓❓❓
It is said that you should make sure the person you apply with, is a person u get along with super well because for the next 18 months you will be together every moment of everyday. It's krazy to imagine that JK wouldn't rather do this with his actual boyfriend V, instead. Krazy. 🤯
Anygays, no need to worry my good people, Jimin and JK have got each other's back. All that's left is to wait for them and pray for them. May they always hold hands 🤭
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Tihihihihihihi
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thefloralmenace · 3 months
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One thing I would like to clarify from my popular post on anarchism is that I am not against the use of violence or doing things that are illegal.
If you're going to do something that falls in one or both categories, you need to lean HEAVILY on the insurance part of the consequences vs. insurance calculation because the greater the harm that could come to you, the more measures you have to put in place to protect yourself.
Not everything illegal is bad, but the police frequently are, so be. careful. Acknowledging that the police are real and able to do both physical harm to you and harm to your career by arresting you is not pro-cop, it's pro-being-aware-of-the-cops. It's pro-taking-this-shit-seriously.
The reason I'm against the hypothetical example of blowing up a Walmart is not because it is illegal or violent. It's because: 1) It's a BIG crime, it requires you to be physically present in an area that definitely has cameras, and it's not exactly something you can just do on a whim with stuff in your garage. This is the kind of crime that creates a long evidence trail and a high likelihood of arrest. You are very likely to be permanently removed from activism via life imprisonment if you do something like that. 2) This is a crime that involves a kind of violence that is very hard to control, especially if you're not an explosives specialist. You confident you'll correctly calculate the blast radius to keep nearby pedestrians and YOURSELF from getting blown up? 3) This is a high variability situation. Even if you were to do this when the Walmart is closed, so much could happen to bring people on-site that you did not mean to die. You don't know how early employees come in to set up before opening. You don't know if someone's grandpa will be sitting in the parking lot three hours before open. You don't know if a toddler walking with his mother will suddenly break her grasp and run after a butterfly into the Walmart parking lot. You don't know for sure how the explosion will play out. Maybe you've got the blast radius right, but it launches a piece of shrapnel through the nearby McDonald's killing a man instantly. It's too high risk of innocent casualties for me to EVER consider doing something like that. 4) This particular violent action will amount to NOTHING. It will be out of the news cycle in 24 hrs because the news only reports new things. Walmart corporate will file an insurance claim and rebuild the Walmart. Capitalism will remain unscathed. The best you might get is a brief anniversary news report a year later like "Hey wasn't that crazy???" and then it'll be out of the headlines again. Walmart will increase security before it ever closes its doors or pays its employees more in response to your attack.
The only thing a situation like that can do is kill innocents, get people arrested, and make the public afraid - which will also make them hostile to anyone calling themselves an anarchist. High risk, no reward.
Don't throw your whole life and potential career in activism away on something that has no chance of affecting the people you're really angry at, can only hurt innocent bystanders, puts you at great personal risk, and ruins the perception of your movement/cause with the public by making them afraid of you???
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quitealotofsodapop · 3 months
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I love all the ideas and your response has given me some more to chew on for this au ty. (I might have already sent this but I'm not sure it sent but if it did i am sorry for the double ask)
[Wukong spending the Journey getting hit by all the symptoms of pregnancy during those 9-14 years.] the morning sickness is def the worst for him.
[Many foes back off just by the tired firey glare in the King's eyes.] his presence alone is usually able to get most of them to back off, but for those who were still going to risk trying a tired "I am running on 2 hours of sleep, crippling isolation and lonliness, and I haven't been able to keep any food down for three days, I am not in the mood" glare is enough to sen them running for the hills.
[Wukong never managed to tell Macaque about the Egg in that lifetime.] this fact breaks Wukong's heart, and it breaks Macaque to when he later learns that was with child the whole time because having a peacful life and a family was all he really ever wanted.
[He's convinced that the Egg's presence at the Samadhi Fire was what caused the Rings to Split and hit Ao Lie.] I was thinking that during the Samadhi fire ritual the egg suddenly started "kicking" and despite his attempts to not let it affect his performance the pain is what causes him to slip, allowing the ring to split. he absolutely blames himself for this.
[By isolating himself, he accidentally causes his body to *turn down the heat* and extend the process even longer.] he's gonna be so mad when he finds out thats one of the reasons it took so long. but maybe it was for the better, with no support group it would have been difficult to raise the egg on his own. the egg was "no troop, these are not prime baby raising conditions, i stay here longer", like giving Wukong time to find a safe and loving situation to give birth in.
[he geniunely believed that keeping MK whilst the Stone Egg was still draining life force could kill the cub. So SWK is forced to give the little toddler up to save his life.] again, as unfortunate as it is, perhaps for the better. even if not being adressed for the right reasons at the time Wukong knew he wasn't in the position to be caring for someone so young at that point, and the fact he took measures to ensure that MK still got a stable and loving home to grow up in says a lot about how even if he couldn't provide for MK he already loved him. the lack of being in the right headspace to care for an infant is also probably another reason for the egg to "turn down the heat", not able to be mentally there for child, child says in womb till he can.
[When him and MK finally reunite, its a little awkward but MK immediately understands the reason for the Monkey King's retirement.] does MK remember Monkey King, or is it a "I just met an actual god/my fav hero of legend and their pregnant" kind of awkward?
[MK, thinking its a bad breakup situation: "oh ok. I guess you're owed some long-overdue paternity leave, huh?"] this is funny if you remember the fact that this likely wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Wukong and Macaque actually having a bad break up, causing Macaque to leave and Wukong to lose the one thing keeping his body from triggering the egg making process. in a way, it is a bad break-up situation, just not exactly in the way MK thinks.
[MK only asks about the schematics on the Egg after Wukong makes a comment about being "like this longer than even Lao Tzu's mother".] Wukong def brags that he's had the longest pregnancy out of any immortal now.
[He returns to Pigsy's that evening silent with a horrifed look on his face.] the rest of the gang notice, they ask, MK explains what Wukong told him, and now everyone is silently horrified for the rest of the night.
[The Spider Queen can sense that theres a new life within the King, but she decides its an issue for after the takeover.] Wukong is kinda surprised when she doesn't instantly try and use it against him, she just responds that she still has some honor. this does not stop her from draining his power though. Wukong's far more concerned about a certain other demoness present learning about his egg...
[DBK frees himself, not only from the fear of losing his wife and his son, but also out of fury that Wukong had been hiding his condition for so long!!] he is not happy to learn that Wukong put his egg at risk with Samadhi fire situation and by fighting him, or that Wukong had hidden it at all from him as his sworn brother. and also with the webs draining Wukong's power it was putting the little one at risk, can't let that happen either, not if he has something to say about. DBK def learns about it because he overhears the deeply concerning conversation between SWK and LBD while their tied up, him being tied up close to Wukong and all.
[PIF demands a proper baby shower when she hears about it from her excited husband later.] PIF sitting at the dinner table, reading a book and eating while she waits for her husband and son to come home: why do I hear loud footsteps getting rapidly closer? DBK busting open the dining room door with Red Son tucked under his arm: DARLING WE'RE GONNA BE GODPARENTS!!!! PIF & Red Son: WHAT? cue a very excited bull king explaining everything to them
[but becomes concerned when his Sun refuses to fight in any way that leaves his stomach exposed.] protecting a specific part of the body usually means there's a vulnerability there, but Wukong didn't fight like he was injured, Macaque knows what that looks like and that wasn't it so now he's confused. the only other kind of vulnrability he could think of invovling one's stomach that would make them seem bloated as well as make them want to get away from the fight as fast as possible is if he was pregnant, but that can't be the case here can it?
["The Shadow Play" becomes more a plan to trap the Monkie Kid gang for answers. MK spills the beans. Macaque stares blankly for a minute before yelling in frustration. It's too much emotional baggage to process right now!] he lays awake for nights on end trying to figure out if its really what he thinks it is with the little evidence he has, and then he just can't take it anymore and sets up the play. trapping the gang in his lantern and threatening MK until he spills, MK does and even though an answer is what he wanted it takes a moment to process that he had been right, then he lashes out when more questions came to mind. how? when? for how long? who's the other parent? MK frees his friends while Macaque is lashing out and they make a break for it, they escape before Macaque can threaten more answers out of them.
[now with the additional threat that she will harm the Stone Egg if Macaque fails her again...] Macaque might not have answers about the egg, but it's still Wukong's egg at the end of the day. sure just the other day he'd been totally fine with the idea of killing the guy but now... was there still hope he could have the life he wanted with his Sun? even if he couldn't he could never bring himself to knowingly harm his former lover's unborn infant. Wukong ofc doesn't know this at first, and gets really worried about Mac getting involved. he doesn't want to have to choose between him and his egg ever again, but he will if he has to. the problem is avoided entirely when (much to SWK's surprise/confusion) Macaque straight up acts like doesn't exist while hunting the gang in s3. for this subtle blessing SWK is relieved and grateful.
[Macaque breaks the King from his possession by casually placing a curious hand on his swollen stomach, smiling in a way Wukong hadn't seen in centuries. "I know," is all that is said as the two monkeys allow their foreheads to touch.] it's such a simple thing, but it's a certain type of soft kindness he hasn't felt in years, that he missed very deeply, the domesticity of it, makes him feel like his moon really is his again. he bursts out crying and almost sends them both to the ground when he collapses into Macaque for a hug.
[LBD is unexpectedly destroyed by the Stone Egg itself. She did not count upon the Egg recognising her as a yummy source of spirtual energy as she was possessing it's parent.] egg was hungry, and SWK was feeling drained after being possessed, LBD was right their and strong and had hurt the egg's parent. so LBD gets nommed on. naturally.
[MK is a little disturbed, but glad that the demoness is gone-gone.] the can't see it happen, but they all feel an absurdly powerful force emanating from SWK suddenly tearing apart and absorbing LBD's soul. everyone's a little shook up by that one. Macaque: did- did the egg just- SWK frozen on spot, with a nervous and tight expression: *exasperated inhale* yeah... everyone else: oh gods there was also a little concern that eating LBD whole soul would have consequences.
[Until the newly unpossessed Monkey King doubles over in pain and cries for the Bodhisattva to help him. Guanyin is on the scene in seconds, glaring at her little brother angrily. Half the gang stare jaws dropped at what is happening while the rest are panicking.] everyone was chilling, settling down and gtting some food after everything, SWK was feeling the most content and happy he had in ages as he refused to anywhere other then glued to Macaque's side, and the egg was like, "I just got a massive meal, and the whole troop is here now, guess it's time to come out now". Wukong surprisingly casually sits up and tells Ne Zha to go get Guanyin, NOW, being the patron god of infants, he quickly realizes whats going on and bolts for the south sea, the others clue in and start freaking out at this point too. Gaunyin is not happy at SWK for putting himself and the egg at risk with both the Samadhi fire (again, they also tried to warn him off it the first time) and with fighting LBD alone, but thats a conversation for after the egg is born, hatched, and healthy. Tang's fanboying over meeting the Guanyin is stifled only by the painc of egg on the way.
[After many hours of painful labor with Macaque clutching his hand for support, Wukong *finally* greets his baby for the first time.] Wukong is def squeezing so hard at one point that Macaque thinks his hand is either gonna break or pop off, it doesn't do either, but it is numb by the end of it. Macaque gladly would do it again if it meant getting to be there when the egg was born and hatched. Wukong def jokingly tells his newborn that she "sure kept them all waiting".
[Her dark fur is hard to ignore. As well as the ice-blue eyes that stare between the two monkeys with wonder. And the little excited chirps she makes that sing the tune of Wukong's favorite songs.] the ice blue eyes are from the last minute bone demon meal ofc, but what if the dark fur actually comes from Wukong's longing to be with macaque as a family again, and those feelings during early pregnancy were so strong it changed the infant's appearence in order to fit not just Wukong but his desires/emotional needs (that being having the family Macaque always wanted with him). Macaque def cries when she has dark fur like him, makes him feel more like he's possibly a bio parent. Wukong is def in love with everything about his little one, down to every little sound she makes. I like to think he would talk to the egg whenever he was alone while pregnant, and was also always humming to them, maybe the infant somehow knows some of those tunes he was humming and tries to mimic them fresh out of the egg.
[Yuebei Xing is celebrated across the many Realms as the first Stone Monkey to be born from a Stone Egg in milennia. Gold Star comes down from Heaven in person to bless her arrival.] they jokingly thank Gold Star for being too busy to oversee Wukong's punishment, because if he had Wukong likely wouldn't be holding the most precious ball of fur in his arms right now.
[singeing Azure Lion's fur as he goes to take the Jade Emperor's throne. All present, including members of the Brotherhood, laugh at the coincidence.] it's hard not to laugh, given the coincidence. the only one not laughing is Azure, who just saw his life flash before his eyes.
[Yuebei's whole family are willing to *destroy* the divine animals if even dare touch a single hair on her little head.] knowing Azure, he's either fantasizing about Yuebei being Wukong and his infant, or plotting how to use her for blackmail. or both. either way Wukong's none too happy to learn who's got their hands on his little one.
[The retrieve Yuebei after they enter the palace and see the three usurpers beaten to a pulp. The infant monkey rolling around on her butt as she giggles. Azure begs the crew to "please take her back".] Azure was perhaps a little too lost in his triumph and day-dreaming to notice the ultra powerful infant he was holding beginning to grow restless and playful, one of his many mistakes. especially seeing as she had little to no strength control at such a young age.
All in reference to the core "slow boiled stone egg au" post.
You did send a less detailed version of this ask a few days ago, I just hadn't gone through my inbox enough XD
I love the detailed responses though! It's nice to see so much interest in my silly aus!
[the morning sickness is def the worst for him.]
Based on my previous ironic pregnancy headcanons, Wukong occasionally gains a food adversion to his fave fruit ever; Peaches. Some days his brain/body just decides "Eww no. bleh. Spit it out right now" and the nausea hits him hard. Wukong is dismayed whenever it happens.
["I am running on 2 hours of sleep, crippling isolation and lonliness, and I haven't been able to keep any food down for three days, I am not in the mood" glare is enough to sen them running for the hills.]
[-this fact breaks Wukong's heart, and it breaks Macaque to when he later learns that was with child the whole time because having a peacful life and a family was all he really ever wanted.]
[the egg was "no troop, these are not prime baby raising conditions, i stay here longer"] + [the lack of being in the right headspace to care for an infant is also probably another reason for the egg to "turn down the heat", not able to be mentally there for child, child says in womb till he can.]
Pretty much yeah!
Stone Monkeys only have this backup for the absolute last resort when things are at their worst enviroment-wise. No mate, no troop, no support system, no mental health = Egg ain't moving. Think of it like the formation of a geode - it can do it either over a natural couple of centuries, or in a few months with intervention.
"Asleep" Stone Monkeys who are still buried know that they're unlikely to ever be recovered, but their egg can still be found by other troops and hatch in response to socialization even thousands of years on.
However, "Awake" Stone Monkeys with an Egg cooking need to have an active support system in place for the baby's development to progress faster/less riskily. By shuting out the outside world, all Wukong did was accidentally set the Egg to "sleep mode".
Sadly, even if Wukong was wrong and his body identified baby!MK harmlessly as a troop member - SWK simply wasn't in the mental headroom to raise a whole baby without someone to help him.
[does MK remember Monkey King, or is it a "I just met an actual god/my fav hero of legend and their pregnant" kind of awkward?]
The second one mostly. MK honestly can't remember his earliest memories beyond the sight of SWK's egg fragment + possibly Nuwa, and thats with supernatural help.
In a slightly sad note, it's possible MK *remembers* being held by someone soft with a round belly + gold eyes. He assumes throughout his life that this person was his birth mother before he was given up/orphaned.
[this likely wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Wukong and Macaque actually having a bad break up]
MK is right in his own way XD
[Wukong def brags that he's had the longest pregnancy out of any immortal now.]
Wukong's been carrying the egg since the Journey days, about the Tang Dynasty (690-907 AD)/irl Xuanzang's departure in 629. So that Stone Egg been slow boiling from anywhere between 1394 to 1116 years. 0_o
Either way SWK has beaten Lao Tzu/Zi's mom (pregnant for 62-80 years), and def brags about that fact to whatever immortal will hear.
[DBK def learns about it because he overhears the deeply concerning conversation between SWK and LBD while their tied up, him being tied up close to Wukong and all.]
DBK overhears LBD making threatening references to Wukong's conditon and immediately interrupts her villainy bs to yell at his sworn brother.
(inside the giant Spider Mech) LBD: "All will fall into place soon. Even with the unexpected additon of your... future heir." *guestures hand around SWK's stomach* DBK, furious ans still wrapped in web: "WHAT!?!? HEIR?! SUN WUKONG!! Are you so reckless that you'd fight even when your unborn child could have been harmed!?" Wukong, wrapped in less-tight web: "Not the best time DBK. I can handle it." LBD: "Quite. Then again it is all in char-" DBKm interrupting: "REALLY BROTHER?! YOU DIDN'T TRUST ME TO KNOW!? If I was aware of your condition - I would have never dared to invoke your anger! Even my beautifully ruthless wife would agree with me!" LBD: *glares at DBK in annoyance* "Ahem." Wukong, ignoring her: "I couldn't let you guys know! Look, I've been fine on own for centuries now!" LBD: "Exc-" DBK, super-concerned: "CENTURIES!?! WERE YOU WITH CHILD DURING THE RITUAL!?!" *DBK busts out of his bindings and gently grabs SWK* DBK: "LADY GUANYIN WILL TAN BOTH OUR HIDES WHEN SHE HEARS ABOUT THIS!" LBD: *gives up and leaves*
[DBK busting open the dining room door with Red Son tucked under his arm: DARLING WE'RE GONNA BE GODPARENTS!!!!]
After the initial shock wears off, PIF immediately summons a catalog to look for baby shower supplies. This is a monumentous occassion! She ofc assumes it's Macaque's fault (she's not wrong XD) and that this might be her future sworn niece/nephew! She simply must organise everything for her idiot sworn brother and his mate!
Red blinks in confusion before confronting the Monkie Kid gang about it later. Mei demands PIF's contact details right that second so that they can swap party ideas.
[even though an answer is what he wanted it takes a moment to process that he had been right, then he lashes out when more questions came to mind. how? when? for how long? who's the other parent?]
Even with knowing how Stone Eggs works, Macaque has such a mental 404 error at the news that he's reduced to yelling garbbled questions at the gang until they leave awkwardly.
[...was there still hope he could have the life he wanted with his Sun?]
Macaque spends most of S3 trying to bat away any thoughts/predictive sounds of a happy domestic life him and Wukong cna have together.
[it's such a simple thing, but it's a certain type of soft kindness he hasn't felt in years, that he missed very deeply, the domesticity of it, makes him feel like his moon really is his again. he bursts out crying and almost sends them both to the ground when he collapses into Macaque for a hug.]
I just love this image. The possession being broken by Macaque expressing softness, his vunerability, to Wukong. And the possessed King snapping out of it since he's so conflcitingly overwhelmed by the joy of having his Moon back again + the weakness he feels.
[egg was hungry, and SWK was feeling drained after being possessed, LBD was right their and strong and had hurt the egg's parent. so LBD gets nommed on. naturally.] + [the can't see it happen, but they all feel an absurdly powerful force emanating from SWK suddenly tearing apart and absorbing LBD's soul. everyone's a little shook up by that one.]
Yuebei's first immortal kill is in fact LBD, preformed before she was even born. Once the switch "flipped" on the possesed SWK, the Egg recognised LBD as both a threat to her parent and a tasty source of Dao, hence; nom-nom-nom.
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All thats left behind of the ancient bone demon is a picked-clean skull. The Ten Kings and Yama feel this hungry act from beyond the Realms and wonder *what* creature could have created such a great power vacuum.
[the egg was like, "I just got a massive meal, and the whole troop is here now, guess it's time to come out now".]
Ah, a fellow party crasher, just like her baba. Wukong and Macaque can barely enjoy the bowl of noodles they've stolen (in good humor) from MK when Wukong's face just drops from a shift in his body.
[Tang's fanboying over meeting the Guanyin is stifled only by the painc of egg on the way.]
Tang: "Oh gracious Buddha! The bodhisattva Guanyi herse-- oh gosh this is a lot grosser than I was expecting..." *gets woozy and hides face in Pigsy's chest*
[but what if the dark fur actually comes from Wukong's longing to be with macaque as a family again] + [Macaque def cries when she has dark fur like him, makes him feel more like he's possibly a bio parent]
Oooo! Wukong's emotional need to be reunited with his mate was so great that it impressed upon the Stone Egg itself.
Imagine how much crying would be involved if little Yuebei just so happened to be born six-eared as well? Macaque and Wukong would never stop sobbing over how cute their baby is!!
Macaque is still very much assumed by the demonic/celestial/mortal public not in the know of Stone Eggs, to be Yuebei's other bio parent. Hard to refute their claims when the little Monkey Princess has such lovely midnight-dark fur and glowing ears.
[I like to think he would talk to the egg whenever he was alone while pregnant, and was also always humming to them, maybe the infant somehow knows some of those tunes he was humming and tries to mimic them fresh out of the egg.]
Thats so super adorable I love it! <3
Wukong loved talking to the Egg when he was on his own on the island. He'd talk to it about what his old Pilgrim brothers were like, what happened in Heaven, his early days on the mountain, and how much he wishes to be there to see all the little havoc's she'll cause in the future. He def recorded a tape + wrote letters to Yuebei before she was born ala "For Steven" in Steven Universe... just in case his immortality didn't work in the end.
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Babies can hear things going on on the outside irl as early as 14 weeks along - it's how they become acclimated to the voices of their family. Little Yuebei spent so much time in the "final run" hearing show tunes, action movies, and the voices of Wukong's new found family/troop that she thinks theses are all "good noises"!
As Yuebei looks around at her "troop" she tries matching a "good sound" to them. Everyone is just aww-ing at her tiny chirping mimicry, and burst out laughing when she gets to Pigsy and makes a deep sound they swear sounds like "freeloader!".
Her pre-natal eavessdropping does however, lead her to fall asleep to the heavy metal soundtrack of the Monkey Cop series. XD
[Azure was perhaps a little too lost in his triumph and day-dreaming to notice the ultra powerful infant he was holding beginning to grow restless and playful, one of his many mistakes. especially seeing as she had little to no strength control at such a young age.]
Yuebei decided that "Kitty" wasn't playing with her, wasn't holding her right, and wasn't even singing to her! And she wanted to make her frustrations known.
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I love these mass responses, even if it takes some time for me to reply. Ty so much for your interest!
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ofbreathandflame · 8 months
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Personally, I dnt see Nesta abusing Feyre because of how vague their history in their past home was like. They seemed on v equal ground wit the way they argued and fought. Feyre calls Nesta a burden then Nesta retaliates. Nesta warns Feyre about the old hag and Feyre brings up their past fight from the other night. Nesta tries to save Feyre and Feyre realizes there is more to her sister than she thought.
They always were at odds with each other but their never seemed to be any serious power dynamic between them. Neither was afraid of the other and both saw themselves in the other. I honestly think they both have stuff to answer for from their days in the cottage.
In SF, the book even says that Feyre wasn’t perfect and that she made mistakes but their past doesn’t have to define their future. Again, we dnt know what those mistakes could have been since there is such vague exploration of their dynamic back then. But passages in the books like these make me see that it wasn’t abuse between them. It certainly wasn’t healthy but definetly not so one-sided as many antis make it out to be.
hi anon!!
my response is loooooong 😭
i do really want to talk about this. i think the set up in the cabin is very important to the foundation of the sisters' relationship, and because its left as this gaping hole that lacks nuance and logic, it muddles the characterization going forward. a court of silver flames runs into trouble for this reasons, hence why is said it employs the use of 'placeholder' plotlines. to start, as many have stated before me, the set-up in the cabin makes no sense. none. not even a little. that matters for a lot of reasons but specifically because we can't really argue the validity of any of the sister's actions when the worldbuilding around them has none to begin.
its very hard to apply a real system of continual power, abuse, and neglect, when the circumstances around such dynamic is vague and uncommitted. the story doesn't want to commit to the consequences, but it also doesn't want to establish a relationship between the sisters without placing feyre as the permanent victim. so - it created an absurd scenario that doesn't make any sense. what i am saying is - the story has to go wayyyy out of its way to make elain and nesta 'villains' - to the point that the plot can't even support it. like for example, the girls live together in the cabin without feyre hunting for about a good 3-4 years. that means: someone clothed them, someone fed them, someone cleaned, someone took care of them. someone picked up the slack and its wasn't feyre. we know that mama archeron dies when the girls are 8, 10, and 11 - and the shortly after that, they lose their wealth. so - the girls are maybe 11, 13, and 14. literal children. and again - someone had to be taking care of them, a dynamic existed before feyre went hunting, but somehow never gets brought up. if the story is committed to this story, why doesn't it highlight nesta/feyre/elain's relationship in the moments where feyre isn't hunting? what was their relationship like? what was feyre like? these are perfect moments to establish the relationship. even if the sisters were lazy - what would they be doing all day? how would they even sustain themselves on meat all year long? even if the sisters were evil sisters there's little motivation for them to even be like this. the sisters are only three years apart. literally. when feyre was 8, elain was 10, and nesta was 11. thats not a big enough age-gap to even sustain partially of what the story argues about why the sisters have a disconnect. nesta would have been a BABY when feyre and elain were born - where is the motivation? how do elain and nesta develop a faction when they would have been mere toddlers when feyre came into the picture???
either papa archeron isn't a deadbeat or some mysterious force clothed, bathed, fed, and took care of them. like even the circumstances behind papa archeron being a deadbeat make no sense??/
and then there's the added layer of the suppose abuse the grandmother and mother were doling out to nesta, elain, and feyre. nesta was physically abused, and feyre was neglected to hell and high water - there's a plot pont to exploit right there. if the story wants to commit to nesta being abusive, but also wants her to be sympathetic, validating where her anger comes from, while acknowledging how it negatively affected her relationships with her sisters would be the perfect way to go. playing into the mirror sacrifices these sisters (youngest and oldest) made towards one another would have been *chefs kiss*. but again - the story leaned way too moral to even attempt a conversation like this. its willing to forgive the tamlins, rhys's and cassians, but not the women in the story. the thing is - the story doesn't commit to real faults with feyre - and it doesn't do that with nesta or elain either. they are only a standard to compare feyre against. and that's why the story cannot commit to a basic conversation between the sisters - there's nothing that exists between the except the drama. nesta has to atone for mystery reasons bc the story has rewrote their dynamic too many times. sjm acknowledges that the sisters are caricatures at this point of the story, but she doesn't rewrite the first book to accommodate her switch is plot direction.
nesta can't really tell feyre 'why she treated her x way ' bc the story doesn't know why either. a reason doesn't exist. elains book will probably have the same issue, on an even broader scale bc it doesn't actually have a reason these sisters chose to stare at a wall for 24 hours out of the day. the reason elain 'chooses not to help' is even more flimsy than the reason it gave nesta. esp bc the story later establishes that elain isn't even supposed to be a bad person, she can actually be caring. shes also a gardener so it also makes no sense that she would...cringe away from feyre bc of dirt???? that part makes no sense. she literally refused gloves at some point bc she liked to use her hands. she does so in the same book. and i don't even like this character but its the truth, and its why i cannot adequately take what the story argues about the sister seriously. nothing about what it argues makes any logical sense. it for this story...yeah that matters.
so....its valid that people don't take those chapters seriously. they are actually written with unserious intent. like how can i be angry at the sisters when the story argues they were essentially staring into space for eight years??? argues that papa archeron with 10000000 connections couldn't just....use those connections like he literally did near the end of tar and war? that the sisters could live off wild meat for years and still be alive? that toddler nesta and baby elain annexed toddler feyre??? its an unserious situation here. like feyre would rather -- @ 11, 14 or whatever age the story chooses to argue -- would immediately turn to the deadly woods and not yknow...an actual job??? mmkay.
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francesminos-tt · 1 year
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Lucemond Time Travel AU Part 3
Part 1  Part 2
140 AC, Driftmark
 “Stay still.” Lucerys says and he leans in, one hand gently resting on Aemond’s shoulder to keep him in place, the other holding a small round sapphire.
Aemond tenses, not sure if it’s from anticipation of pain or Lucerys’s proximity.
“It won’t hurt too much, just sting a little.” Lucerys gives Aemond’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He brings the sapphire to his lips, kissing it, using his body heat to warm the cold gem. He blows slightly at the gem before pressing it into Aemond’s left eye socket.
Aemond hisses, trying to flinch away, the sensation of an unfamiliar weight in his eye socket too foreign for him. It doesn’t hurt, like Lucerys said, just feels strange.
“There. Good boy.” Lucerys releases his shoulder and moves away, but not before planting a kiss on his forehead.
“I am not your child.” Aemond declares, wrinkling his nose a little.
“No. You are my husband,” Lucerys agrees, a mischievous smile on his lips, “who acts like a child.”
Aemond wants to retort, but Lucerys has already gone to the cradle near the balcony to check on the infant. Jacaerion, it’s called, only 8 weeks old, the new addition to the Driftmark family. The third born son between Aemond and Lucerys.
“Little Jace is a heavy sleeper.” Lucerys says fondly, rocking the cradle. The baby doesn’t even stir, just continue to drool over a small blanket, sucking on its index finger.
Aemond sticks out his tongue, pretending to throw up. He knows how ridiculous he must look, a grown man, father of three children, and apparently one of the most formidable swordsmen in the whole realm, acts like a grumpy toddler. He can’t help it. He can’t believe he actually agreed to name his son after Jacaerys, of all people. Sure, his son is not Jacaerys Jr, but close enough. They even have the same nick name, for Seven’s sake.
“Stop being so dramatic.” Lucerys says, his back still turned to Aemond, but he seems to know Aemond is being childish again. “I am still counting on you to look after little Jace while I am gone.”
“When will you come back?” Aemond asks, trying very hard not to sound too clingy. He doesn’t need Lucerys to babysit him, but he also realizes this would be the first time he stays alone in the room, with an infant no less.
“Already missing me?” Lucerys jests, tilting his head to look at Aemond. As soon as he sees Aemond’s face, stunning and scary with that sapphire, but so vulnerable at the same time, his heart melts. The brunette tiptoes to the armchair that Aemond occupies right now, and sits on the armrest.
“Don’t worry, you will be just fine.” Lucerys runs a finger through Aemond’s hair, gradually smoothing the strands out. “I just have to welcome the Pentos Prince to Driftmark, maybe have a little chat with him. I will be back before dinner.”
Aemond hums, leaning to the touch. He stopped fighting Lucerys’s totally inappropriate intimacy three days after he first woke up. He has to admit, touching Lucerys does calm him down.
Lucerys proceeds to tie Aemond’s hair into a low ponytail using a hair band from his wrist. The hair band is made from two strands of colorful silk, twisted together, one purple and one soft brown. According to Lucerys, it’s a gift from their twin daughter to Aemond. Vaela and Rhaella, both 4 years old. The girls look almost identical, chubby face and silver hair, but Vaela has soft brown eyes like Lucerys and Rhealla’s eyes are typical Targaryen violet.
“The girls miss you.” Lucerys whispers, proud at his finished work. He loves to play with Aemond’s hair, and he knows the girls love too. Sometimes they would beg Aemond to let them braid his beautiful hair. Aemond tells them repeatedly that he has to look tough to scare away bad men who looks at their mother funny, but he always gives in. Lucerys loves him for it. Aemond is such a good father.
Despite Lucerys’s belief in him, Aemond is not sure. He doesn’t know what a good father is because he never has one. Viserys might be a good king, but he was a lousy father.
“Am I, “Aemond pauses, carefully choosing his words, “a good father to them?”
“Of course you are.” Lucerys answers without hesitation. “They love you and you love them, unconditionally. That’s why I am trusting you with little Jace as well. Don’t doubt yourself, Aemond. Never.”
Lucerys says with such determination that Aemond believes him.
“Now be good while I am gone.”
Lucerys leaves their quarter, unaware that when he comes back, he will be met with the adorable scene of his husband sharing cakes with the twins while bouncing little Jace on his lap.
  121 AC Driftmark
 It’s a sunny afternoon, rare in Driftmark, which reminds him of the day his family go on picnic on the beach. Lucerys was heavy with child that time, so Aemond brought layers of soft blanket and fur to keep him warm and comfortable. They sat beside a huge rock, Aemond massaging Lucerys’s ankle to reduce swelling while the girls chased each other down the shore. Lucerys was eating his favorite lemon cake while rubbing his huge belly, the sun painted his brown curls gold. Aemond knows the beach is his husband’s safe heaven. That’s why he finds Luke on the beach again.
“I brought you cake.” Aemond says softly, not to startle his nephew, “Hope you like lemon.”
Luke’s little face brightens at the sight of Aemond and lemon cakes.
“Lemon cakes are my favorite!” The boy declares, standing up to hug Aemond’s waist. “And you are my favorite person!”
“I know.” Aemond hugs back. He knows Luke likes lemon cake and roast meat with gravy. He knows Luke enjoys a glass of good Pentos wine once in a while. He also knows Luke loves him. He knows everything about Lucerys.
They settle down on the beach. Luke pays no mind to the sands that get on his trousers, neither does Aemond. Luke pops a piece of lemon cake to his mouth, chewing while keeping his eyes on the ocean tides.
“Now, can you tell me what’s bothering you, nephew?” Aemond asks, breaking the silence.
“Nothing.”
“Is it because I will go back to King’s Landing tomorrow?” Aemond moves closer, lightly bumping Luke’s shoulder.
“Yes.” Luke admits after a long while. He turns to meet Aemond’s eye, his uncle still has bandages around the left side of his face. Luke dreads the day Aemond has to go back to King’s Landing and himself to Dragonstone.
“You know I will write to you. Everyday, if you wish.” Aemond reaches out to wipe away some cake crumbs on Luke’s chin. “I will fly on Vaghar and go to Dragonstone if you miss me too much.”
“The Hand won’t let you.” Luke laments. “And the Queen. I am afraid, uncle. What if you decide to hate me after all? I won’t be around to convince you otherwise.”
“I am a prince of the realm. I will do whatever I want.” Aemond says firmly. It is true. He defied his grandfather by asking for Lucerys’s hand. His mother was upset at first but came around after the twins were born. Otto has plans for him, Aemond is well aware; to make him into a solider full of hatred, to be used and disposed in the usurpation. He refused to be a puppet then, and he will do it that now.
“I wish I was confident like you, uncle.” Luke casts his gaze down, playing with the sand at his feet. “I am not good at anything. Except maybe flying with Arrax.”
Aemond almost forgets what an insecure boy his husband used to be. The charming and diplomatic lord of the tides was once a boy convinced he was no good at anything.
“Grandpa wants me to inherit Driftmark, but I don’t want it.” Luke continues before Aemond could say anything.
“And why is that?” Aemond puts an arm around the boy’s trembling figure in an attempt to provide comfort. Touching always calms Aemond down, and he hopes it does the same for Luke.
“If I am lord of the tides, that means everyone is dead.” Luke buries his face in Aemond’s shoulder, his voice a little bit muffled and sounds like he is holding back tears.
Aemond gently pats the boy’s back. He waits for a while before speaking again.
“Then you just have to honor their names by being an excellent lord of the tides.” Aemond says. He won’t sugar coating things for Luke; the boy is not wrong.
“I won’t be a good lord of the tides. I get sea green the second I set foot on a ship.” Luke sniffles.
“You will be.”
“How do you know?” Luke snapped his head up to look at Aemond. His nose is red and his eyes are teary.
“I just know.” Aemond brushes a stray strand of curls from the boy’s face. “Do you not believe me?”
Luke shakes his head violently. Aemond chuckles a little.
“Then that’s settled. You will be an excellent lord of the tides. I will make sure of it.”
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seat-safety-switch · 11 months
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A couple years ago, back in the before-times (you can interpret that however you want,) my friends and I used to go to the auto show. At the auto show, the dealerships set up little booths and then demonstrate all their new cars by pulling some off the lot. When you buy your new car, maybe it’s been bounced in a few hundred times by toddlers, or had all of its buttons pushed, or been ever-so-slightly scratched by a dude with keys on his belt at this auto show.
That would definitely annoy me, if I were capable of purchasing a new car. All of mine come pre-scratched, from a hardscrabble life of being sent to the junkyard and escaping at least once. In theory, any one of my cars might have been shown at an auto show. Late 1973, early 1974, some asshole would have looked at my Satellite, and gone: yeah, it’s pretty, but the paint doesn’t match. And then things just went south from there.
I’m getting off topic. Here’s the thing that’s important: if you go to the auto show, now, and you go look at the new cars, it gives you a preview of what used, high-mileage garbage you’ll get to choose from in a mere thirty or forty years. Some of the things they bolt onto new cars these days are really cool, although I am sure that the stereo system will stop working once the government finally shoots down the last of the trucker-radio satellites, following the Comedy Radio Rebellion of 2046. In particular, I keep finding myself diving under the electric cars, trying to figure out where I should apply a sawzall to maximum effect in order to “green up” my shitbox fleet. I am told that they are especially competent at burnouts, these lightning-based barge rockets, and surely shaving about three thousand pounds and all the airbags off of the curb weight will only make them more so.
If there’s one downside to the auto show, it’s the crass commercialism. And if there’s two downsides, it’s that every sales rep wants to talk to me. Why? Because when they’re at the convention centre, they’re not able to go into the break room of their respective dealerships and see that blurry photocopy of my face with the words “DO NOT APPROACH” written underneath. I still think it’s kind of unfair that the auto dealer association pulled that shit on me, just because I tried to help myself to some metric bolts over at the Nissan dealer. It’s not like they were using them: based on this Leaf, they mostly hold the thing together with plastic clips anyway.
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sineala · 10 months
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Superheroes and Aging
Meta time! I was asked (on Patreon) to write meta about how Tony Stark might deal with feelings about aging and being surrounded by The Youth. I am reposting it here.
I have to say this has also been on my mind a lot. I will say it's a weird thing growing up being into comics and being a fan of the teenage X-Men because obviously they were the most relatable and then being as old as all the adult superheroes and now being older than all the adult superheroes, who have all been basically the same age for decades as the rest of us move on past them. At least they finally aged up the original crop of teenage heroes and have been replacing them with new ones.
So the thing about superheroes in Marvel Comics, as you probably know, is that they pretty much don't age. Initially, this wasn't really a thing Marvel worried about. It was the sixties and they'd made comics cool and profitable again and kids loved them and I'm pretty sure they weren't thinking that sixty years later people (grown adults, even!) would still be reading and loving and expanding on the universe they made. Because I think if that had been the case they'd have, say, fewer villains that really sound like someone thought of them in about thirty seconds at 5 pm on a Friday and then went home. Big Wheel, a guy who has a... big wheel. Swarm, a guy (I mean, he's not really... human) who is actually a group of bees. Nazi bees. Paste-Pot Pete. You know what I mean.
Anyway, at first Marvel heroes aged, because why wouldn't they? Despite what you would guess if you only watched adaptations, it only took, I think, a couple years for Peter Parker to grow up and leave high school. The original X-Men all stopped being teenagers. Time moved on. Then after about ten years Marvel figured out it was going to be a problem if their beloved heroes were too old to be superheroes and they more or less halted the aging process. And that's how we get the Marvel Sliding Timescale. Broadly stated, the Sliding Timescale is essentially "don't worry about it." Everything you are reading right now happens right now, the beginning (the FF getting their powers) happened about ten or fifteen years ago (I think right now it's closer to 15 and we're at four RL years = one comics year), and everything else that has ever happened in 616 -- because Marvel also doesn't believe in line-wide reboots -- is wedged in somewhere in the time between. As real time passes, the sliding timescale slides events closer and closer together because more events have now happened.
So the effect of this is that heroes don't age. I think this is actually most notable with child characters -- like, ask yourself how old Franklin and Valeria Richards are. Or don't. I think Dani Cage has been a toddler for about fifteen years now. So the founding Avengers started off in their early 20s, are now in their mid-30s, and are going to continue being in their mid-30s for the foreseeable future because Marvel doesn't want its heroes being over 40. I think there have been a couple IM issues where Tony has had "significant" birthdays that they carefully avoided putting a number on -- I think one was Bendis, and I know he had a surprise party in the Gillen issue with the adoption reveal. I want to say that maybe there was also a Fraction one? I'm not sure.
The time references have occasionally been lampshaded -- the most recent Iron Man issue as I write this (#6) has Tony asserting that he doesn't remember things by what year they happened in, but rather by what armor he had at the time. He goes on to tell a story of something that happened while he wore the Silver Centurion armor, throwing in an aside that the shoulder pads were fashionable then -- and, out of the armor, he is given his usual stylish perm; the artist has definitely been inspired by Bob Layton's later Iron Man work -- which for me has the disconcerting effect of making it sound like this is somehow taking place in the 80s and also not in the 80s at the same time. Because now they've invented an extra time for shoulder pads and perms to be fashionable and it's approximately 2015. Time is fake. No, actually. It is.
And building on that, I think the effect of that is that mostly they don't seem to have characters like Tony dealing with aging. He doesn't really seem to worry about it, probably because there can't be any narrative payoff if he's simply never allowed to age. (Steve gets it even more weirdly, because a lot of times fandom assumes the serum is just going to halt or slow aging -- as it does in people like Natasha who have serum variants -- but then in universes where significant time actually passes, like House of M, Steve is visibly older, and he definitely is meant to have the serum. Or Bullet Points, where Steve, minus the serum, is actually dealing with aging as he comes out of retirement for one last mission. Which kills him, because it turns out he probably was too old to do this safely. But then in 616 we're expected to believe that Steve can lose the serum and also be mostly combat-ready at age 95. Aaanyway.)
So what if Tony did worry about getting older? Based on how he interacts with the kids these days, I think mostly his worry actually wouldn't involve other people.
For all that intelligence in Marvel seems to be a single invariant and quantifiable statistic that can be accurately measured (which isn't the case in reality but work with me here) and that Tony is a genius but not The Smartest Genius in the Universe, he doesn't ever seem to display any ill will toward anyone ranking higher than him on the list -- say, Reed -- and he is in fact definitely willing to take on the younger geniuses, like Riri, as proteges, and he seems happy to mentor them. He doesn't seem to feel at all threatened by the idea that some of these people are definitely smarter than him -- say, Moon Girl -- and will someday succeed him. Or at least will if Marvel ever lets them age out, which again seems unlikely. Theoretically he also ought to be drawing on a lot more lived experience than Riri that he can use to advise her, but one of the bizarre things that Cantwell's run has left us with is Tony believing that giving the Mandarin's Rings to Riri to study with zero oversight is absolutely the right thing to do; Rhodey congratulates him on his great decision-making. I guess we'll see how that turns out.
(This is in contrast to a character like Doctor Doom, who clearly can't stand the idea that Reed might ever be smarter than him.)
Given that Tony is a character who often has execrable self-esteem, it actually seems a little odd that it doesn't bother him that he isn't the smartest, but it really doesn't seem to. He seems fine with that. He's enough of a genius to do what he needs to do, I guess, and that's good enough for him. Even in Cantwell's run, which was, uh, not a run I would call particularly in-character for Tony in many ways, the thing he decides to do with the Power Cosmic is make everyone in New York as smart as he is. I think this was a fairly poor storyline for a large number of reasons, but I think it does actually show that he has good intentions, in a sense -- he wants everyone else to benefit from the intelligence he has, the same way they can benefit from his philanthropy. He wants to give people the advantages he has. So he seems like someone who wouldn't resent the up-and-coming heroes and geniuses; he seems like he'd be honestly happy that there would be more people out there on his level.
I think, really, as long as he knows he's good to go, he knows he's good enough to do the things he wants to do -- even if sometimes he just hates himself as a human being -- and he probably looks around at all the kids and knows they have to train them up, because even if they're going to be good they're not as good as he currently is, just because they don't have the benefits of years of experience. I mean, maybe they could have some kind of superhero Registration or something. The joke he made to Steve at the end of Empyre wasn't entirely wrong.
(I feel like I should probably also read Young Avengers, for more on how the Avengers deal with The Youth, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.)
Since Tony often blames himself for, well, everything he can possibly blame himself for, including the deaths of people he feels he should have been able to save, I feel like his worries about aging would probably involve his ability to continually successfully be a superhero. We haven't really seen much of this worry since his Extremis/Bleeding Edge days but there was definitely a period of time where his main concern seemed to be the ability to compete with the people he's fighting -- and this seems like it might be where he's heading again in his confrontation with Feilong, who, I should point out, does actually attempt to make fun of him for being old. Tony doesn't seem to take it personally, but he does seem very upset that he's not on Feilong's level, technologically. So I think the thing that would bother Tony wouldn't be the idea that he couldn't keep up with the heroes, but rather that he couldn't keep up with the villains.
So, yeah, that's my take.
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bunnyreaper · 11 months
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hello hello! its me again back at it with the babies bc i am insatiable and i cannot get enough of your writing 😭💕
would you be up for toddler and teenager phases with reaper/gabe? something about the idea of reaper trying to handle a moody teen who takes after him is just- i am going to EXPLODE 🥺🙏
notes: yes i'm living for your requests!! i kind of went off the rails with this, i'm so sorry ;__; i hope you like it though! warnings: f!reader, loose grasp on concepts of masculinity and parenting. Gabriel and Reaper with toddler and teen child HCs (+ bonus drabbles)
Gabriel:
Gabe with toddler is a real treat to see, as he gets to release his more lighthearted, goofy, and imaginative side.
The best storyteller going will do all the voices (but gets a little embarrassed about anyone at work knowing this.) 
Keeps up with the bilingual teaching and beams with pride when they start speaking Spanish.
Lets the toddler use them as a climbing frame, swings them around to their heart's content, and never gets tired. 
Takes it really hard if he misses a milestone because he's out on a mission. Often someone caught it on camera, but it's not quite the same 
Buys them their basketball jersey and baby hoop.
Would enjoy Bluey (because he's a man of good taste after all) and would hate Peppa Pig (same reason)—sometimes whistles the Bluey theme tune, and you can't convince me otherwise. 
Gets extremely stressed if they sustain any slight injury at all. 
Takes them into Overwatch for office days on occasion as a toddler. They love visits to Uncle Jack's office or when Ana lets them play fight with her.
Still brings them to Overwatch as they grow up, especially when they seem to be going through a tough time. They find everyone at Overwatch cooler than Gabe, or at least that's what they tell him (but they secretly hero worship him and all the others.)
Continues to teach them proper gun safety, takes them shooting and emphasizes the gravity of what guns can do. 
Understands Ana's opposition to Fareeha wanting to join Overwatch, and has to have you talk him down from stubborn overreactions when the subject is mentioned.
Does bond with them over sport. Takes one-on-one time with them at their favorite games, and if they play, he'll try his best to attend games around missions.
Teaches them to cook too, especially dishes he loved growing up. 
Struggles with the mood swings if they say hurtful things. If his kid ever said they hated him, his heart would shatter into a million pieces.
Tries to encourage openness and honesty, so they can feel safe discussing anything at all with him, even if he squirms like crazy giving "the talk".
Again, has to be talked down from being the stereotype of overprotective father when his kid starts dating, but he learns to trust their instincts and values. After all, you both raised them to value their own autonomy and to have good instincts about people.
But he almost finds himself crying with them the first time they get their heart broken, and he desperately wishes he could do anything to take the pain away.
Loves helping them pick outfits for school dances or other special occasions.
"You ready?" You ask your daughter sweetly, looking her over as she fiddles with the costume.
She frowns, a look you're familiar with indicating that she's feeling self-conscious and shy. "What do you think, mama?" 
You kneel down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You look perfect, don't forget to do your impression, okay?" 
"Okay." She confirms, yet still seems unconvinced.
"Can we show Papa now?" You ask, readying her for the reveal.
It's Superhero day at preschool, and she knew which hero she wanted to be the moment the day was announced. 
She hesitates, the uncertain expression still in her eyes. "Maybe..." 
"What's up, baby?" You stroke her sweet face, careful not to smudge the scars you just painted onto her face. 
"What if he doesn't like it?" She frowns, her eyes averted from your gaze.  
"He's going to love it, promise." You smile, and finally she softens. "Ready?" 
She nods, and you call out to Gabe. "Ready?" 
"Ready!" Gabe replies from the other room. He was hoping for something cool, maybe Captain Marvel or Wonder Woman, but he was about to get an even great surprise. 
You open the door for your daughter, and the two of you walk into the living room. 
"Ta da!" You call out, as your daughter crosses her arms over her puffed up chest and dons the most adorable, unconvincing scowl. 
"Baby..." Gabe drops to his knees, staring at your daughter with welled up eyes, and he toys with her black beanie. "Baby... are you dressed as me?" 
"Yes, papa, do you like it?" She asks, hesitant at her father's reaction. 
"I love it." He nods, tightening his jaw and willing away the tears. 
"You're my hero." She cries happily as she hugs his neck. "Don't cry!" 
"Can't help it." He laughs, and your heart swells as you watch the scene. "Don't tell the bad guys my weakness, okay?" 
"Okay." She giggles, pulling away to press a kiss to his cheek. "Te quiero mucho, papa."
"Te quiero mucho, baby." He whispers, casting you a look that shows you just how much his heart is melting. "So I guess once we pick you up from preschool, we better head to base. You've gotta start bossing Uncle Jack around now." 
****** 
"Vete a la verga, papa!" ("Go to hell, dad!") Your daughter shouts as she slams the door upstairs, a loud thud that echoes round the house. 
"Cuida tu lenguaje, jovencita." ("Watch your mouth, young lady.") Gabe calls back, anger in his tone as he admits defeat and storms down the stairs.  
When he emerges into the kitchen, he's still muttering in Spanish.
"What did you say now?" You sigh, exasperated at the way the two of them have been butting heads lately. 
"Ella tienen un humor de perros." ("She's in a bad mood.") He grumbles. "She'll get over it."
Reaper: 
Hates the terrible twos and tantrums (because no one is allowed to be dramatic as he is), and sometimes you find him and the toddler both pouting.
Doesn't sweat the small stuff like grazed knees or hands, as he knows it's how the toddler learns. He still keeps a fierce watch over them, though. 
His blood boils hearing kindergarten stories about other kids mistreating his child, doubly so if he senses an adult has taken a dislike to his kid.
Sometimes struggles with the high-energy moments of raising a toddler, but thrives when they're sleepy and just looking for cuddles. He makes a great pillow.
Does have to try harder to maintain his patience, and understand the lack of malice in the actions of a toddler. Sometimes he finds it hard to keep his cool when toys are being thrown or bedtime is being avoided.
Tears up more than he likes to admit at milestones and small moments, gets really sentimental and insists on keeping baby teeth, locks of hair, etc.
Keeps their drawings, even if they're just colorful lines and splotches.
Gets a family dog, and thrives seeing the bond between his kid and the dog.
Doesn't like wearing tiaras, drinking pretend tea, or the smell of play dough (deals with it all anyway.) 
Feels parts of his soul repair when his kid says "I love you" for the first time. 
Regrets teaching his kid sarcasm, because holy shit, do they have it in spades.
Is the overprotective father suspicious of everyone who wants to date his kid, regardless of gender. He might not show it outwardly, but he's often sharing his worries with you and prone to forgetting how scary he can actually be. 
Both loves it and hates it when gun lessons show his kid to have an aptitude with shotguns.
Offers to drive them anywhere and everywhere, as it means he can keep tabs on them and keep them safer.
Teaches them self-defense, takes it very seriously.
Gains major cred with his kid for using the correct pronouns for trans/nb friends.
Curses them out in Spanish when they do something especially dumb.
Tries to pick up video games to help relate, finds FPS games annoyingly difficult, definitely grumps if he gets called out on it.
Cries at the high school graduation, begs you not to tell their kid.
Gets called "old man" by his kid, makes his eye twitch 1000%.
"Papa?" Your son's sweet voice interrupts the silence as you and Gabriel sit on the couch reading. Your son climbs onto his father's chest and pokes at his face.  "Grumpy."  He comments simply. 
"I'm not grumpy." He says, yet his brows are knit. 
"Papa grumpy." The toddler comments once more, mimicking the frown before fiddling with his face some more. He prods his fingers into Gabriel's cheeks, forcing them into a smile. 
"Papa happy." He says with a grin. 
"Papa happy." Gabriel responds, finally cracking with a genuine smile.
*****
"I don't know Mom, can I?" Your son responds, completely exasperated. You don't even need to look up to know he's rolling his eyes. 
"You can do it yourself. You usually do anyway." He groans and makes his way to leave the kitchen. 
His exit is blocked by your husband's heavy frame, his eyes glaring down at your son. 
"Don't speak to your mother like that." 
He comments, a quiet sense of rage filling him. "Your Abuelita would have your head for that." He growls. 
"Good job she's not here then, isn't it?" Your son responds in an instant—the cruelty sounding strange even from his usually sharp tongue. 
"Go to your room." Gabriel snaps, his voice raising as he steps aside yet puffs out his chest, unable to look his son in the eye. 
Your heart clenches, knowing how the words would cut Gabriel so deep. They already hurt you, but his mother's memory was a sacred one, and your son had crossed a line. Despite his usual teenage ways lately, this was a step too far. 
"When did he get so moody?" Gabriel comments gruffly, as you approach him and attempt to soothe him with a comforting touch. 
"Hmm, wonder who gets that from." You whisper, pressing a kiss to your husband's cheek. 
"I don't know what you're talking about." He pouts, going rigid with annoyance. 
You laugh lightly. "Sure you don't."
Gabriel pulls away, the stormy expression still on his face. 
"He's been struggling lately. I didn't mean to, but I overheard him talking to one of his friends." You sigh—now was the time to tell Gabriel the truth. "I've been meaning to bring it up." 
Gabriel's attention is caught. "Bring what up?" 
"You're so hard on him all the time. He thinks you hate him." Once more, your chest hurts. You know it's the furthest thing from the truth, but all your son craves is his father's approval, and your words haven't done anything to soothe him. 
"He does?" Gabriel's eyes darken, as a piece of his past self bubbles up inside him—that same feeling he once had to always prove himself. The one that drove him to the police, the army, to the SEP, and beyond—ending in his near death experience and everything that follows. 
Gabriel swallows deeply, his anger abating as he turns and heads upstairs to his son's room. 
After a knock or two, he's greeted by a disgruntled "What?", before he announces that he's heading in. 
"Hey." Gabriel offers casually, yet his boy doesn't meet his eye.
He sits on his bed, swirling the butterfly knife Gabriel got him for Christmas round and round. Gabriel takes a seat beside him. 
"You can talk to us, to me, if something's bothering you." He offers, trying his hardest to sound even. He loves his son with everything he has, and he doesn't want him to grow up like him, constantly pushing things down. 
His anger most days might be exacerbated by his physical condition, but the experiments only exaggerated what was lurking underneath. 
The boy's knife play stops, his expression softening, yet he doesn't turn to face his father. 
"I know dad." He sighs. "There's nothing to talk about, though." 
"Then why are you acting out with your mother?" Gabriel asks. 
"I'll apologize to her. Sorry." 
"It would be better if you just explained yourself." Gabriel says, but his son now just falls quiet. 
Gabriel studies his son's expressions, sensing his quiet softening and yet his clear reticence to open up at this time. 
"Suit yourself." He replies, yet resolves to make a greater effort in the future to change things for the better. "I know you can take care of yourself." Gabriel's words finally have his son looking at him, the validation and approval clearly working. 
He slings his arm around his son, pulling him closer. "But we're always gonna look out for you, your mama, and I. I'm proud of you, though." 
His son looks sheepish and embarrassed, turning his face away yet not moving from his father's touch. 
"Talk over?" He mumbles, his voice higher pitched than usual.
"Talk over." Gabriel nods, pressing a kiss to his son's head before making his way out of the room.
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gayemeralds · 1 year
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Whats your honest opinion aboutnthe fandoms love for sonic and tails brotherly bonding biven that canon is not as strong on that regard
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sorry for waiting like. months. to answer this question i’ve been pondering the best way to answer this for literally. months.
i guess the thing is i’ve never really thought about the domesticity of their relationship? a lot of fan things that depict them as brothers are very domestic, the little interactions between them living together and all that. sonic brushing tails’s fur. sonic telling tails to eat his vegetables. them shopping together. things like that. like, i do think they are brothers, and that they view themself as brothers, but i guess i don’t see them as conventional brothers? i’m not quite sure how to articulate this. like they ARE brothers, and they care about each other, and have a different sort of relationship than knuckles and sonic, and sonic and amy, and sonic and cream. but i wouldnt say they’d be anything like ed and al from fma. hm. it took literally thirty years to hear sonic call tails his brother in a game.
like, when i think of them, i’m inclined to think of my sister and i’s relationship. we’re about six years apart, no siblings in between. we love each other a lot, but we don’t see each other a whole lot, because we’re just in super different parts of our lives. i don’t live with her, but i’ll crash on her couch every once in a while. i don’t see her often. i am excited to see her when she visits.
so like, i think sonic did raise tails, in a sense. i think sonic probably took care of him when they first started hanging out and tails was literally just four years old. but sonic’s independent by nature and older by a good chunk of years, and i don’t really think he’d actually enjoy taking care of someone. sonic CARES and loves tails but i would not say he’s a nurturer, and he doesn’t want to be tied down. so once tails got a workshop, assumedly around sonic adventure (at least, a stable one), sonic ditched. i don’t think the two of them live together. sonic’s literally homeless and loves to wander the world for like, months on end. i don’t think sonic and tails do chores together. i don’t think sonic’s at tails’s workshop for long periods of time. maybe to crash on his couch and read a book every once in a while.
sonic visits, yeah, but i also think there’s just long periods of time where they don’t see each other. early sonic games from adventure to the “dark” era of sonic games indicate they don’t see each other for long periods of time (”long time no see!”) and when they do see each other, its often because of a new scheme from eggman or a danger to the world. like, sonic 06- they didn’t even plan on meeting each other, they just happened to cross paths.
i don’t know if this particularly makes sense. i just don’t really see them being particularly domestic together. neither of them are conventional people, and sonic especially is the type to enjoy alone time and adventuring; tails is a little more inclined to stay in place so he can work on his new machines, traveling usually for research or to help sonic. they’ve got different motivations and hobbies so i think they don’t actually spend a lot of time together. it’s probably similar to how much time sonic and knuckles spend together, since knuckles is almost always stuck on angel island with the master emerald.
(plus, if we consider the timeline sega’s been trying to tell us, where every game seems to happen in the span of a year, and tails has always been eight and sonic’s always been 15, or something similar, where tails isn’t a literal toddler when they meet, i really don’t see them doing anything domestic together at all. sonic’s always on the road and tails is off doing inventing or occasionally helping sonic out. if tails wasn’t four-ish when they meet, i don’t really think sonic would... like, take care of him the same way a “parent” would. amy rents her own house in station square, and she’s like twelve. it seems to be the norm, at least in our perspective, that young mobians are allowed to be left to their own devices; like, we still don’t know what’s up with charmy and the chaotix. sure, he could ahve been adopted by vector i suppose, or are his parents just super chill with him hanging out with a bunch of detectives? lmao. and besides, tails is a pretty smart cookie. he really can take care of himself, and sonic would just leave him be since he seems “old enough”, at least in the sonic world, to do so.)
#i don't know#like im not trying to be negative? i think the little domestic interactions are cute!#im just not inclined to say it happened all that much in the games? i don't know#i guess i've just never thought abotu the domestic aspect of their relationship#i like aosth and the relationshipo they establish. im just not sure that game sonic and tails would really have something similar?#idk i like the narrative that sonic raised tails.#but i'm also slightly inclines to believe sonic just dumped tails on knuckles when he'd be gone for super long periods of time#because sonic needs his alone time.#? i don't know....#master emerald brothel#the more 'intimate' aspects of theri relationship are totally valid i jsut dont think about them much i suppose#?????#the thing is that sonic's inherently selfless in his persuit of like#saving the world and stuff#but sonic's also pretty selfish. he seeks out adventure for fun. if the adventure isn't fun he doesn't usually help out#so like i dont think he'd exactly jump at the chance to raise a four year old lmao#like. thats sort of the issue he has with being with amy you know#he doesn't want to be tied down. marriange and a white picket fence and 2.5 kids just is NOT something he wants#so i don't know. i guess i just don't see him as ahving actually RAISED tails. in like#the conventional way#i mostly see him as the cool but kinda distant older brother#he's there during the first part of your life#but eventually he kinda moves on#because he's older and he's got a life to live too.#idk? i don't know if i've worded any of this right.
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i may or may not have the teeniest tiniest beef with whoever wrote nadia and her family. i am 90% sure that she is supposed to be indian and i cannot understand why her sisters call her didi. she is the youngest it should be the other way around. 'didi' is a term that is used for a girl x years older than you (im saying x because i call one of my friend's sister didi and she's only 3 years older than me but i know this other girl who is four-ish years older than me and i call her by her name). nadia should be calling her sisters didi because she's the youngest one. then again she doesn't have to call them didi because its not necessary (my sister is three years younger than me and she calls me by my name).
Oh goodness, I'm so glad somebody else noticed! I grew up calling the older kids around me "didi" and "bhaiya" as well, and it threw me for such a loop when I saw Nadia's older sister's calling her that XD
My little guess is that it's meant to be a cutesy nickname for Nadia? Asra calls her "Nadi", for example, and several of Nadia's sisters (Nasmira?) call her "Dia" at other points. It make me wonder if "Didi" is the "di" in "Nadia" spoken twice, the kind of nickname that a toddler struggling with the full word would come up with ^.^
Or maybe someone googled what "sister" in a South Asian language was without checking if it meant older or younger :')
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arctic-shard · 8 months
Text
Outer Child, chapter 5
( Things ramp up severely because I have no setting between 'fluff' and 'horror'. The Ambassador says hello. 035 and 049 get scared but not hurt. )
Outer Child, chapter 5
Warnings: West gets half-strangled by a noose and breaks her own hand.
Words: 1500~
-----
Sleeping, Victoria realised, might be a problem.
Specifically, Victoria needed to sleep. Amica and the Doctor didn't. She was going to have to leave the two SCP-turned-toddlers unsupervised for eight hours.
There wasn't anything for it. At least there wasn't too much trouble the two could get into in her containment. Victoria went into her bathroom to change into her pyjamas - with socks and gloves - and get ready for bed. When she came out again, she looked down at Amica and the Doctor. "I have to sleep now," she told them. "I'll still be here. You can either come up on the bed and rest with me or continue to play quietly. I'll leave the lights and music on for you. If you need me, wake me up, understand?" They both nodded.
Victoria was surprised, though maybe she shouldn't have been, that they chose the first option. The Doctor snuggled back into her arms to be the little spoon, and Amica wrapped itself around the Doctor, cuddled up like kittens. They might get bored and wander off after a while, but for now she knew where they were and she could sleep.
---
Victoria was awakened by screams. Vision still clouded by sleep, she made out a human figure standing beside the bed. Which put Amica and the Doctor between her and the intruder. Victoria grabbed the two small SCPs close, rolled over to deposit them by the wall, and started to turn back to the intruder.
A sharp pain under her jaw hoisted her to her knees, forcing her to look into the face of the intruder.
It had no face. Humanoid but not human. Never human. Tall, mummified in colourless rags, draped in chains, hands behind its back as it stared down without even disdain. She was below disdain. Victoria hadn't seen this being before - she hadn't been able to look at it, it had stood beside the Hanged King and Amica had warned her not to look at the Hanged King. But she knew this being with its aura of poison and pride.
This was the Ambassador of Alagadda.
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The rough rope around her neck tightened, not enough to cut off her breath entirely. The Ambassador didn't speak, its voice simply sounded in her mind: So many mortals have thrown their lives away for the Black Lord. Do you really think you are special, little pawn?
Victoria couldn't speak, but knew it didn't matter. She projected all the confidence of a mortal chosen and beloved by the Black Lord of Anguish: Yes.
Amusing. But the faint trace of humour left its voice. This trope is idiotic. The Black Lord cannot remain this way. It is an embarrassment to Alagadda. An insult to our King's grand play.
Will you take the Black Lord to Alagadda so the Hanged King can restore it? asked Victoria.
Do you think our King a crass magician, a mere vendor of miracles? Blasphemous pawn, sneered the Ambassador. No. Our King is the author of the play, and a deus ex machina is poor writing. No, little pawn, when a trope is too foolish, a character too ruined, all that is left is a rewrite.
No!
It is not your choice.
We're doing what we can to restore everyone affected by the object back to normal! Give us time! Why is it so important that there are no children in Alagadda?
The Ambassador tilted its head. You ask me questions, little pawn? The role of the ensemble is to do as they are told, not question the director.
My role is greater than mere ensemble! I am a favoured consort of the Black Lord of Anguish! Victoria snapped back, trying to argue in a way an Alagaddan might listen to. Stories, it was all stories, according to Amica. Make it dramatic. I have stood before the Hanged King! I have earned a question!
Tsk. I do not like when mortals talk back to me as if I am a summoned spirit. Mortals should know their place. You are fortunate that I can smell your fear and desperation. Perhaps, little pawn, if you perform for me, I will deign to answer your question.
What do you want?
The Ambassador considered that. In a city of stories and lies, truth is a novelty. I would enjoy to hear you beg, but it would not be true - you are not one to grovel. So you will give me pain, of your own free will. Is an answer worth pain to you, little pawn?
It took all she had not to think, seriously, is that all? She'd died for less. Victoria lifted her left hand, palm facing the Ambassador. Amica, cover your eyes and the Doctor's.
She waited a few seconds, hoped Amica and the Doctor couldn't see, then reached her right hand up and ripped back on her left little finger before she could think about it too hard.
There was a crack and searing pain as her finger broke.
Of course it wasn't enough. The Ambassador sighed in bliss. Again.
Breaking her ring finger was worse, since now she knew how bad the pain would be.
Again, little pawn.
Victoria broke her middle finger, realising what a stupid bargain she'd made. How much would be enough for the Ambassador? Did it expect her to break every bone in her body?
Again.
Victoria broke her left forefinger. The Ambassador sighed again, but this time said, Balance.
Fuck you, that's it? Victoria thought before she could stop herself. I broke my fingers for 'there's no children in Alagadda because nobody really dies so it's population control'?
Smugness radiated from the Ambassador. Stupid, impulsive, and angry. You really are a perfect match for the Yellow Lord.
Fuck Odious too, snapped Victoria. Fine, so it's not population control, it's 'in a place where no one dies, no one can be born' and it's a metaphor for something. I was in STEM, not Arts and Literature. Either way, you can't kill the Black Lord. It's not really a child, it was transformed by some anomalous object. No birth, no death. No rule was broken.
The role was broken. There are no children in Alagadda, so a child cannot be the Black Lord. The noose began to tighten. I tire of you, pawn. You were a brief entertainment.
The bed jostled behind Victoria, and a few small hands gripped her arm. She couldn't see, head forced up as it was in the noose, but knew Amica was standing beside her, glaring up at the Ambassador. "Go away! No Ambassador! Go away!"
My lord, it is not your choice.
"No!" Amica yelled, with the determination only a contrary toddler had. "Go away!"
Our King commands -
"Liar!" Amica shrieked.
To Victoria's surprise, the Ambassador actually seemed taken aback by this. Amica had spoken enough about Alagadda to know that the Ambassador had no fear of the Humours, even when they were at full strength, which could only mean … The King didn't send you. You're just using the Black Lord's current weakness as an excuse to kill it and force the King to make a new one because you don't like this one.
"I'll tell," Amica threatened. "I'll tell our King. It'll be mad."
This was apparently a threat the Ambassador heeded. It took a step back and seemed to fade into the background. The rope that had been holding Victoria up on her knees vanished as well and she collapsed to the bed, gasping.
As soon as she had enough breath and the black spots faded from her vision, she ran for the bathroom and emptied her stomach into the toilet. It might have been the fear, for herself, for Amica, or just the unbearable presence of the Ambassador, but the encounter had left Victoria's guts churning.
She was still holding the toilet, not yet ready to stand again, when small hands patted her shoulder. Victoria looked over into a pair of wide gray eyes. "Victoria is sick?" asked the Doctor, worried.
"No, Doctor. I was scared. Sometimes being scared makes you feel sick. I'm fine now."
"Victoria is hurt."
"Yes. I need to get up and call for help." Every containment had a panic button, technically for researchers who got locked inside but sometimes the SCPs had reasons to use them. Right now, Victoria just wanted to rest a moment, no matter how badly her hand hurt.
"I help," said the Doctor firmly, and to Victoria's surprise, took a child-size doctor's bag out of himself.
Over the next few minutes, the Doctor proceeded to do a fairly good job of splinting Victoria's fingers with popsicle sticks and band-aids. The band-aids were purple with little cartoon ravens on them.
Wondering where the other one was, Victoria turned her head and found Amica hanging back by the bathroom door. "Are you okay, Amica?"
It nodded. "Ambassador went away. I told it to go away."
"Yes you did."
Victoria stood and went to the sink to rinse her mouth out and splash some water on her face. In the mirror, she could see the rope burn dark around her throat and splashed some water on that as well to try to soothe it a little. Then she went back out into the main room to find her glasses and summon help.
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nothing0fnothing · 5 months
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So, what's the difference between narcissism and npd? What makes them completely unrelated?
Thank you for your support, this is a very good question and I wish more people asked it.
Narcissism is a personality trait defined by being self centered, self motivated and interested in vanity and generally how you appear to others.
Narcissism is a normal trait in people. Some child development specialists would say that it's developmentally appropriate for toddlers and young children to be incredibly narcissistic when they're young and into their later childhood and adolescence you expect to see less and less of those traits. We never "grow out" of narcissism though. All adults are a little bit self motivated, self centered and concerned with vanity and how we can make other people favor us. Sometimes we call that being selfish, and we generally think of it as a character flaw but we all know there's nothing wrong with being a little bit selfish. It's natural to put yourself first sometimes.
NPD (narcissistic personality disorder) is a complex mental health disorder diagnosed in adults that represents a diagnostic criteria that is defined by some narcissistic characteristics and mostly characteristics that have no connection to narcissism.
NPD is not a clinical diagnosis of narcissism. There is a belief I have seen perpetrated both in the abuse recovery space and out in the wider world, that to have NPD is to be so abnormally narcissistic its clinically significant, this is a misconception. To be diagnosed with NPD you must present at least 4 of 9 symptoms of the diagnostic criteria, 7 of them have nothing to do with being self centered, self motivated or vain. This is to say that to be diagnosed with NPD is to be diagnosed with a multi faceted disorder, and a diagnosis of it alone does not mean the person with it is any more narcissistic than the average passerby. By its name maybe, it gives people the wrong impression of what it is, but it is wrong to assume that a person with NPD is any more selfish, self motivated, vain, or in a word, narcissistic than the average person.
Some people diagnosed with NPD do like to refer to themselves as a "diagnosed narcissist" as a shorthand or maybe to avoid the negative connotations of the diagnosis, but that's not completely accurate to the disorder. They've not been diagnosed as narcissists, the disorder isn't the narcissism, the narcissism is a very small part of the disorder.
So now, the elephant in the room. I am a page about narcissistic abuse, what do 1) narcissism and 2) NPD have to do with abuse?
Answer: 1) almost everything and 2) almost nothing.
Narcissistic abuse doesnt mean "selfish abuse" or "vain abuse" specifically, I don't think there is any type of abuse that is perpetrated selflessly, and narcissistic abuse isn't a mode of abuse either, the way physical, emotional or financial abuse are, any way a person can be abused narcissistically is a way they can be abused generally. This is important to remember because narcissistic abuse can be perpetrated by anybody. The same way that anybody can be an abuser, any abuser can choose to use narcissism as their internal justification for abuse.
Narcissistic abuse is, how I define it, abuse perpetrated for the sake of satisfying narcissistic delusion. A narcissistic delusion being a beleif that is as much a reflection of self centeredness or vanity in the beholder as it is incompatible with reality. "I'm the smartest person in the world" or "I deserve money, sex and power on demand" are examples of narcissistic delusions.
It's a common theme shared among survivors and experts that explore this very specific type of abuse, narcissistic abusers have narcissistic delusions they use as a means of, an excuse to, or a purpose for their abuse.
This is not to say that those perpetrating the abuse are vulnerable, unwell or disabled. They're not suffering from delusion the same way a person in psychosis might, for example. These abusers are not mentally ill because of their abuse and they are not abusing people because they are mentally ill. Any mental illness they may happen to have are completely separate from their choice to abuse, and a person so mentally ill they cannot help or do not realise they're abusing their victim cannot be a narcissistic abuser. Narcissistic abuse is always intentional, well considered and purposeful.
So to round off this very long and rambling answer to your very good question, NPD doesn't mean narcissistic, narcissistic doesn't mean abusive and narcissistic abuse doesn't mean "abused by a person who has NPD".
It's all very complicated and although I have qualifications in psychology, I can't pretend this represents the views of every knowledgeable person who speaks on this issue. I'm just a person who knows a little bit about personality disorders and a lot about the psychology of abuse, and this is what I have to say.
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