#the stakes of the laurels

[puppetsoftomorrow]

sara kisses oliver and the crowd goes wild!! (the crowd is rioting. the crowd is booing and throwing bottles. the crowd is me)

[aeolianblues]

Man if they genuinely think this album was good writing then there’s no hope for swifties

[consciouschunkofmoss]

yeah shes evil but at least she uses linux

[fruitsofhell]

I used to be one of those guys when I first joined the Kirby fandom, but everytime I hear a discussion of the series writing that starts with "So the Lore is InSaNe-" and not like, "Kirby has a fun writing style that takes advantage of its cute exterior to tell cool stories that reward player's curiosity and leave lots of room for imagination-" I cringe so goddamn hard.

I kinda just hate that people approach things that encourage investment when they don't expect it as inherently absurd. Like it is fun to joke about how absurd Kirby lore can be, but it really often comes with an air of disrespect or exhaustion rather than like, appreciation that these games are made by people who want to tell interesting stories when they could easily make as much money just making polished enough fluffy kiddy platformers. And when it's not met with exhaustion, it's met with - like I said before - that tone that it's stupid for a series like this TO have devs who care about writing stuff for it. Which is a whole other thing about people not respecting things made to appeal to kiddie aesthetic or tone.

Maybe the state of low-stakes YouTube video essays just blows cause people play up ignorance and disbelief for engagement, but like I STG I hear people use this tone for like actual narrative based games sometimes. Some people don't like... appreciate when a game is made by people who care a shitton in ways that aren't direct gameplay feedback. And they especially don't appreciate it when it comes from something with any sense of tonal dissonance intentional or not.

Anyways, I love games made by insane people. I love games made by teams who feel like they wanna make something work or say something so bad. I love that energy, especially when invested into something that could easily rest on its laurels or which obviously won't be taken seriously. I love this in a lot of classic campy 2000s games, I love this in insanely niche yet passionate fanworks, and I love it in the Kirby series and its writing. Can we please stop talking about it like it's an annoyance or complete joke?

[pinkydevil16]

Tyler Galpin x reader: Bunny

Tyler had staked his claim on Y/n the moment he'd met her, decided she was his bunny, his innocent bunny to nurture and protect. When he was younger he'd thought it was because he saw her like a sister, but when he grew up he realised he didn't want her to be his sister, he didn't want her to be a friend, he wanted her to be his. His dad thought it was a cute crush, happy he had friends other than the trouble making boys he hung around with, a sweet girl who made him do his homework and helped out his mum aswell. Tyler changed quickly when his mum passed away, he became meaner for a while, bullying an outcast until Y/n found out. She'd threatened to stop being his friend and that had snapped something inside of him, wanting to slam her against the wall by her throat and demand she take it back, instead he fell to his knees and cried into her stomach. Y/n's heart breaking as she pet his hair, hugging him close and apologising for being so cruel to him, he's just lost his mum and then she threatened to leave? How cruel of her.

Then he met Laurel, and he realised what had snapped that night, the night Y/n threatened to leave him his hyde had claimed her, not as a master, but as his property. Laurel showed him he could have anything he wanted, showed him how to manipulate and how to kill, she thought it was all for her, and maybe at first it was but Tyler knew every kill made Y/n run into his arms. Afraid of the creature in the woods, and Tyler was more than happy to walk her home, cuddle her whilst she talked about her day, working at the police station with his dad meant she knew a little too much but he liked it. Liked how she told him everything, his dad's pretty little secretary, he'd gotten his bunny the job by manipulating his dad and why wouldn't his dad want his son to be happy? So he ignored all the warning signs, made a few jokes about Tyler's nickname for Y/n, bunny, an odd nickname since Y/n wasn't an innocent bunny, she was funny and sparky but to Tyler she would always be that innocent girl he'd met. Didn't say anything when Tyler pushed over a boy who asked Y/n out, told the kids parents Tyler hadn't meant to, covered up his sons behaviour.

Y/n sat on the counter top of the weathervane, Tyler wiping down a few tables and chatting to the patrons, his eyes always coming back to Y/n as she swung her legs. She'd finished work, the Sheriff letting her go early before it turned dark, knowing Tyler would walk her home or she'd stay the night if she worried about Tyler walking home alone. Tyler smiled as he walked towards Y/n, pushing her legs open to slot himself between them, Y/n smiling up at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Do you want a new drink bunny?" Y/n hummed to herself for a moment, leaning back then nodding with a wide grin, Tyler's hands holding her upper thighs tightly as she moved, refusing to let her move an inch away from him. Tyler gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, slowly moving back so his hands grazed along her thighs, a tease he loved to do to her, watching as she tensed her thighs unable to press them together. He'd kept her his innocent bunny, any guy who came near her was quickly scared off by him or they tried to stop her being friends with Tyler which she didn't like either. Tyler flitted around behind her, typing away on her phone with her legs crossed on the counter, only a few customers left as it was almost closing, dark outside and everyone feeling the fear of whatever was in the woods creeping into their bodies. Tyler came round with her drink, Y/n uncrossing her legs allowing him to slot between them once more, her hands coming to grasp the drink, taking a quick sip before letting a small moan escape her lips. Tyler drinking in the noise, adjusting so he wouldn't be pressing against her thigh, not that she ever noticed when she cuddled up to him. 

"How was work?" Y/n placed down her cup, moving to play with Tyler's hair as she thought over his question before sighing.

"Long, another body was found out near Nevermore, i can't believe we've got some creature or animal or whatever attacking people. Your dad's really worried about it, and you, i know he's bad at showing it but he does worry about you working so late." Tyler wanted to sneer at the thought of his dad caring, he only said it to Y/n since he wanted to seem like a good guy, he'd hidden his whole past from him and then basically abandoned him when his mum died so why should his dad start caring now. Instead Tyler nodded, grasping Y/n's hips and pulling her into him so he could drop his head into her neck, her arms coming around him as he played into her sympathy.

"I can close up early if you're scared bunny, we can stay at yours and make a blanket fort?" Y/n smiled, kissing his shoulder with a nod, Tyler grinning into her neck, laying a kiss under her ear, hearing her breath stop. His hands tightening on her hips, he wanted to rock into her, mark her neck and make her cry out but he was patient, she was in the palm of his hand but he wanted her to beg for it. 

30 minutes later and Tyler was locking up, Y/n hugged close to him with his jacket around her shoulders, the cold chill setting in as well as the dark streets. Very few people walking home from work, and a police cruiser driving through the streets on patrol, Tyler placed the keys in his pocket and wrapped Y/n under his arm. The walk was quick, her apartment not far from his work and with the chilly air Y/n was lightly pulling him closer until she saw her door, parting from Tyler to open it quickly,  both of them rushing in to keep the heat inside the small apartment. Tyler helping Y/n out her coat, hanging it up with his as she flitted through the apartment checking all the heating and flicking the kettle on for a hot drink to warm them back up. Tyler followed behind her, both their shoes discarded at the door, her body leaning against the counter trying to reach her hot chocolate, Tyler pressing against her as he grasped it just above her hand. Y/n smiling as she turned in his arms, reaching for the box but Tyler held it out her way, a smirk on his face as he and Y/n fought for a moment before she gave up. Huffing Y/n crossed her arms, leaning against the counter allowing Tyler to hover over her. Patting his cheek he spoke.

"You know the price bunny." Y/n rolled her eyes, letting out a playful sigh, reaching up to kiss his cheek, Tyler turning his head so her lips met his instead. Y/n gasping and hitting his chest as he laughed, dropping the hot chocolate onto the counter as he caged her in laughing at her pout.

"Sorry bunny, too easy not to." Y/n rolled her eyes, grabbing the hot chocolate and turning back around and making two drinks, Tyler pressing against her back, arms around her waist and head in the crook of her neck. Placing a small kiss on her neck he parted from her, grabbing pillows and blankets before setting up the sofa to be extra comfy, Y/n joining with their hot chocolates and some crisps tucked under her arms. Tyler helping her as he settled into the sofa, his arms open for Y/n after she switched on the tv and dropping into his lap, protective arms around her, smothering her into his chest. When they'd finished their drinks Tyler pulled her to lay down, her head on his chest and blankets piled on top of them, half asleep Y/n kissed his chest mumbling a thank you for staying with her, Tyler smirking as he kissed his bunny on the head. 

Wednesday Taglist:

@celibacy-or-death @sarcastic-sourwolf @snips-501 @lilithskywalker @parkersmyth @hey-im-bored504 @1horrormoviewhore1 @peachycupotea @moonmaiden1996 @bebopsworld @betray-jaes@o-the-o-grim-o-reaper-o @ilovedeadguys @kaz-2y567 @darling-twh @90sgothik@thematicallythalia @cheezybread @arivh @kaz-2y567 @akinatrix @just-sana @manuosorioh@alohastitch0626 @snips-501 @lovesanimals0000 @trashmouthsahra @whatinthefreshhellisthis@elle4404 @pasta88love @sourbiscuit @sl-t4ym1r @whatinthefreshhellisthis @it-was-never-meant-to-be-boys @bringontheweirdworld @laneyspaulding19 @torirosalie @nushy @sophiexoxsblog@here4thefanfic @clevercreatornight @@here4thefanfic @runrabbitrun3 @bi-narystars@doingurmom69 @hanmashujisfuturewife @maystecc @hannaeditzs @yeehawbitchs @living-breathing-bibliophile @kissmebakugou @yunoguns @iovaki @paulina15 @hotgirlsshareaccounts@wonderlandco @kylobensgirl @tobylikesfire @cazza2009 @formulaangel55 @mxxny-lupin @nerd-queen14313 @let-love-bleeds-red @gloriousgam3r @venusandvirtue @emma-andrea1 @nega-omega@herejustforjj @moony-artemis @brittney69 @saltybeanp0le @wonwooen-reads @fanficfanatic204@jolenie @fl0r4f4wn @sidekickforlife @omgmywonderwall-blog @2234world @herejustforjj@serrinaisdying @cherryflavoureds-blog @qardasngan @b-tchymoon @potatosaladsunset@smileykiddie08 @sanguinesaint-kaleidoscopeeyes @spenglerslime @

[racefortheironthrone]

As I guess the majority here I started to follow you for your aSoIaF content but your many recent posts about The Locked Tomb are making me wonder, should I start a new fantasy series? Care to give a couple good reasons to decide oneself into it? Thank you for your content :)

I'll start with a pitch for the Locked Tomb series. It is one of the few fantasy series that I've ever wanted to re-read and write about as much as I do with ASOIAF, because the writing has this fantastic onion-skin quality where you keep finding new layers every time you re-read the books.

Indeed, I would recommend not just reading it, but I think you kind of have to re-read it - because you learn stuff by the end of the first book that completely recontextualizes everything and makes you see things very differently the second time you read it, and then the second book does the same thing both to itself and to the first book, and so on for the third book and the interstitial short stories.

That, together with some really audacious moves in terms of narration and prose styles, speaks to one of my favorite things about the series: the sheer ambition of the author. Tamsyn Muir does not rest on her laurels, but is constantly trying to top herself with each new installment. It's a very impressive juggling act, and so far she hasn't dropped a single club.

But that's not all! I've been trying to branch out recently and read some new fantasy novels and I have enjoyed some of them quite a bit.

Christopher Buehlman who mostly does fantasy-themed horror novels has a new, more straightforward fantasy novel titled The Blacktongue Thief which is supposed to be the first in a new series. It's a low fantasy story about a rogue who's deeply in debt to the thieves' guild and who agrees to shadow a lady knight errant engaged in a dangerous quest in order to clear his debt, and I really liked the subtle world-building and the snarky narrator, and the magic system is quite innovative. The prequel, The Daughters' War, is coming out this June.

I was a bit unsure about Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes series, which is very much inspired by the coffee shop AU trope and very popular on booktok and the like. However, I decided to give it a try on a recent flight, and I found myself rather charmed by the story of an experienced adventurer who's sick and tired of the itinerant life and is starting to have lower back problems, so she decides to retire and open a coffee shop. As advertised, it's a very low stakes narrative about someone trying to change their life and build something of value to the community, rather than just raid for gold and glory.

[theluckywizard]

WIP Whenever!

Thank you for the tag @greypetrel! Here's another bit of my matchmaking Satinalia distraction fic which I have now named (woo!) Kiss me Moonstruck. Rose Trevelyan has sneaked out of her guest quarters at the Hawke estate and is heading with Hawke to the Hanged Man in Lowtown and this relatively sheltered noblewoman is just 👀👀👀 over everything. ****

Rose isn’t exactly sure what she should have expected. A bid for freedom is about as far as she got with her calculus. It was senseless, she had to admit, having been admonished by Garrett Hawke’s pitying snicker when she announced she was going to wander around Kirkwall at night.

But following alongside him, she feels safe enough to gawk at everything with wild curiosity. Unlike the stillness of Hightown, Lowtown teems with activity after dark. She tries to tease the early Satinalia skullduggery from the usual bustle, but it’s impossible. Aromas of roasted nuts and sizzling sausages drift through the falling snow from purveyors jammed up along row homes carved from tuff.  Obvious prostitutes with theatrically painted faces have staked out spots along the small market square with closed up stalls, flaunting their wares with bumps of their hips and perfectly timed lifts of their skirts. They holler their come ons at Rose, offering to make her sing louder than Serah Hawke ever could. Their familiarity with him is both jarring and somehow completely unsurprising. Hawke waves their taunts off.

“My uncle’s house is just around the corner,” he notes. “I got to know my neighbors quite well.”

“There’s a joke there that I’ll keep to myself,” she says wryly. Garrett shakes his head with a smile.

“They don’t like me,” he explains. “I had a few dust ups with their keepers that made things more difficult for them. I was— trying to help— and somehow I made things worse.”

“Trying to be their white knight or something?”

“Or something.”

An urchin child runs parallel to them with an armful of laurel and elfroot crowns for Satinalia, soliciting their attention with compliments and colorful descriptions of whatever they have on offer. She has to admire her tenacity, her expression animated behind streaks of dirt. So much life hidden under raggy, threadbare layers that must barely keep her warm. Hawke leans low to whisper in Rose’s ear.

“Watch your back and watch your purse,” he says softly. She peers over her shoulder to see them being tailed by a few other pint sized denizens waiting for their moment. The would-be offenders try to look casual, but Rose winks at them to warn them off. 

“I’ll have one for me and one for the lady,” says Hawke, magnanimous in his address, holding up a shiny stack of coppers. “And if you tell your friends behind us to piss off, I’ll take the lot.”

The girl’s sudden excitement pops out in a little hop and she slips her armful of crowns onto Hawke’s arm before turning to the bunch tailing them and unleashing a torrent of curses, scrappy and colorful as a quilt.

“Isn’t that a bit much?” Rose asks, eyeing his evergreen adorned forearm.

“They can’t go home until they sell it all. Besides,” he says, tossing and catching a crown of greenery. “I can hand them out at the tavern.” He pops a crown onto her snowflake dusted hair, so fully accepting of her transformation and presence on this illicit mission to make merry, to thumb her nose at her mother’s expectations and edicts that her answering look is rather slushy with appreciation. She smiles up at him, warmed by the compassion tucked inside his savvy though he turns sharply to shoo away the pickpockets that hover a little too closely with a pretend kick.

Tagging @crackinglamb, @delicatefade, @zenstrike, @rowanisawriter, @bluewren and ANYONE ELSE. I want to see your projects (DA or no!) 🥰

[asynca]

Op of that post made it specifically in the context of calling out that the US's reason for financing the war in Ukraine isn't out of any selfless desire for "democracy" but rather because it has its own interests tied to the region. Financing this proxy war does nothing but prolong it and ensure more civilians suffer in the process.

(so yeah, I guess in a way it's saying Ukraine shouldn't fight. But that's not out of an anti-Ukrainian sentiment at all)

That's an interesting perspective re: the original post. I see the logic but disagree XD

I have additional stake in this as my wife is Czech and her family is worried Ukraine would just be the beginning. Standing up to Putin re: borders protects all of Europe, not just the Ukraine. So it's a proxy war that needs to be won to protect a wider area.

I mean there are additional arguments about the value of identity and sovereignty to people to continue their traditions and not be trapped under Putin's dictatorship etc. Also, I do feel that Putin just doing invading Ukraine because he felt like it did set into motion a lot of other conflicts (and conflicts potentially to come, looking at Armenia and Azerbaijan), so it's important not to let a country set a precedent.

...like Israel is setting just carrying out a full on genocide while Biden, Trudeau, Sunak and Albo just sit on their fucking laurels and get showered with money by Israeli lobbyists. I worry a lot about Azerbaijan looking at that and going, "Hmm. We could totally do that to Armenia."

But yeah the US is just there for their own reasons (as always), Ukraine is just lucky its survival aligns with US interests and it can get access to the US arsenal.

[see-arcane]

Rereading Drac's intro and monologues it's kinda hilarious how he prides himself of his warlike past, all "I HAVE STRUCK FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF THE OTTOMAN TURKS AND MADE THEM FLEE BEFORE ME ONCE I INVADED THEIR LANDS"

and then he ships himself away from England after getting attacked by one (1) guy with a big knife

In canon, I think it's meant to sell his overall 'super empowered noble has been resting on his laurels/perks so long he doesn't want to deal with the riffraff or effort of an even marginally fair fight.'

In MY canon--and honestly, with all the context clues Stoker left laying around--it's yet more proof that Jonathan got hit with his own supernatural edge and is the legitimate Threat+ among the heroes. Especially in the context of Dracula having lived in a place that was entirely aware of how dangerous he was, and how he still kept getting victims disappeared, and how he did all this despite the fact that all the Transylvanian locals had almost the exact same accoutrement as Van Helsing handed out to the gang, and it still did not result in anyone just killing off Dracula at home.

The Brides? The Bloofer Lady? Easy. They aren't jacked up mega vampires who went to sorcerer school at the Scholomance. They're regular-grade vampires. Stake and a slice is all they need.

But Dracula, who basically suffered the equivalent of a bee sting when he touched Jonathan's crucifix, running from a handful of dudes with holy crackers, flowers, and crosses rather than use anything at his disposal to attack them? Doesn't make sense.

Dracula, fleeing at full tilt from the same* man he toyed with for two months just because he happened to have a knife on him? The same man who was running after him, on foot, alone, and was never attacked in the chase? Doesn't make sense.

What does make sense is that, finally, after the last supernatural straw has broken the camel's back, Jonathan Harker tipped fully over the line between human and Inhuman the night Dracula made his biggest fuckup yet and went after Mina. A final, fatal bit of stimuli to complete the stunted change into Something Else.

And when Dracula sees Jonathan in the Piccadilly house he knows it.

And he knows that he's now got Something after his head who can--and very much plans to--kill him stone dead as if he were any common bloodsucker. Scholomance sorcery perks revoked. Actual Threat Registered. Fuck that entirely, time to hide out in Transylvania.

All that said, while I believe having his heart and head attacked by anyone else might have hurt him at the climax in the snow? I genuinely think that if it had been anyone other than Jonathan handling at least one half of the execution, it would not have done the trick. Just as, if the Harkers had never been involved in the standoff in the Piccadilly house, I believe Dracula would have tried to make some counter assault on Van Helsing and the Suitors Three--God knows he's been running circles around similarly armed Transylvanians for centuries; enough to have drained the local feeding grounds so thin he had to move.

Dracula was hauling ass back to the castle specifically to avoid Jonathan 'Spade-Stabbing, Wall-Crawling, Coffin-Chucking, Cadaver-Carving Cryptid' Harker.

[therulerofallpotatos]

Wyler Fanfiction Rec List Part 2

For @ourloveisdahliaoh, here’s part 2 of that rec list I said I’d make.

My Monster by Wyler4Lifer

Summary: None

Words: 3,721 Chapters: 2/? Rated: E

There’s no summary for this fic and it breaks my heart that it might be overlooked because it is so much fun. I’ve talked about how delightful this fic is to my friends irl and how much fun it is to see Gomez pick up himself a pet hyde and Wednesday to find Tyler fucking Galpin in her house being dressed like a purse dog by her father who is excited about his new beast. The family meeting and harboring Tyler is so good.

Who is in Control? by green_writer

Summary: “Please, flattery will get you nowhere,” Wednesday says, holding her ground as he stalks towards her.

Tyler grips her lapels, jostling her roughly forward. She watches his face, the Hyde lurking just underneath the surface, wonders how much control he has, how much of the boy she met at the Weathervane is still there. She’s reminded of the last time he got up in her face like this, gloating about his kills at the Sherriff’s office. The rage that his little monologue had inspired deep in her gut. That he could deceive her so easily, not just covering his own tracks but misguiding her towards a wholehearted conviction that Xavier was the Hyde. She had felt stupid and small and entirely disgusted with herself. He would have to pay.

----

What if Wednesday, not Enid, had gone against Tyler in the woods in episode 8?

Or - How to Discipline Your Hyde 101.

Words: 10,781 Chapters: 3/3 Rated: E

I’m sorry. Did you say smut? Because this is 3 chapters full of Wednesday fucking Tyler from the cockroach scene onwards. green_writer understood the fucking assignment. 100/10. Will read again.

Friendly Neighborhood Phantom by ThatOneAntiHero

Summary: Strange murders, a mysterious ghost boy, a missing teenager, and numerous suspects.

Maybe Wednesday Addams was going to stay at Nevermore longer than she expected.

Words: 8,447 Chapters: 3/? Rated: M

I swear i felt like the three spidermen meme when i saw this. I had just rediscovered “Sex with a ghost” and had thought of my own haunting au and then i read this and i’m so happy. It’s dead amnesiac tyler investigating with Wednesday who can see him and it’s amazing. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter.

Kiss Me Before It’s Too Late by JHoeUNeed2Stop

Summary:  Tyler & Wednesday's last encounter told differently.

More spicy.

Words: 2,090 Chapters: 1/1 Rated: M

It’s another cockroach scene where Enid doesn’t cockblock and I am having such a good time with each and every one of them. JHoe is making the world a better place.

my unconquerable soul by melpomenemuse

Summary: “Who is your master?” she asks dispassionately. 

Wednesday doesn’t care who Tyler’s master is. An objective part of her does, the one that wants a satisfactory conclusion to her novel, but the only thing she cares about right now is this: Tyler has a master.

And it isn’t her.

Or: an insight into Wednesday and Tyler’s relationship through the season finale and post Season 1.

Words: 16,983 Chapters: 13/? Rated: M

The amount of want between these two is delicious. Wednesday seething at the idea that Laurel touched him first is just *chef’s kiss*

Tipsy Truth Telling by Realmermaid333

Summary: Wednesday never thought she’d get drunk, she thought being drunk was for immature fools who couldn’t control themselves— that was until she went to Yoko’s party. 

Words: 2,675 Chapters: 1/1 Rated: T

This is just fun. It’s so much fun. @realmermaid333 is such a gift and I’m so happy I got the privilege of encouraging this in the server. Drunk Wednesday is exactly what I need to brighten my day with some silly little low stakes shenanigans.

Finding Dr. Jekyll by its2014again

Summary: “A Hyde is just a puppet, their mind brainwashed by the puppet-master. To reverse the damage, you have to delve into their subconscious. You have to find the Jekyll beneath the Hyde."

After 30 days in prison, Tyler still won't talk. He won't talk to his father, to the doctors, or to his therapist. Maybe this has something to do with being chained to a chair - or maybe it's because the only person he will speak to... is Wednesday.

Words: 8,154 Chapters: 5/? Rated: NR

Riddles and brainwashing and attraction oh my! The latest chapter had me on the edge of my seat and i highly recommend you all read this fic to see exactly what I mean

a crack run down right the front of me by Morbidmuch

Summary: Tyler's teeth are bright in his paint-splattered face.

“Red looks good on you.”Wednesday doesn't know what to reply when he says things like that: things like I mean it, Wednesday, you look beautiful and I knew there was a reason I liked you. It's all too much and the stone walls protecting her center quiver. Traitors.

Words: 2,194 Chapters: 1/1 Rated: T

what a wonderful dance au and there’s talking and emotions and Wednesday being Wednesday.

the simulation we’re dreaming in by angelconstellations

Summary: If the blood-paint hadn't rained and the dance had continued...

Set during ep 4. What might have happened if the prank didn't happen and Wednesday didn't have her vision to go after Eugene.

Words: 1,789 Chapters: 1/1 Rated: T

a what if they actually finished their date at the dance au and i love it to pieces.

Ennui vs. Wednesday Addams by Klyson

Summary: Tyler had always known he was better than everyone else. He couldn’t make it a reality yet, but someday he’d get out of this backwater hellhole called Jericho and make himself great.

His mother’s death throws a bit of a wrench in his plans, and so does the beast he can morph into and the woman who dares call herself his “master”. She will die for that… someday. Until then, though, at least she isn’t boring.

And then Wednesday Addams comes barreling into his life.

Or

Tyler is a sociopath or something and Wednesday is much more interesting than Laurel Gates.

Words: 15,821 Chapters: 3/6 Rated: E

This is one of my absolute favorites. Seeing Tyler growing up and meeting Wednesday? I love leaning more into the “sociopath finds love” plot. it’s a favorite au of mine.

[t00thpasteface]

hey. kingcade person. you ruined me. anyways any thoughts on a legion ending where the two bond over militantly defending new vegas from the legion. I'm so underslept rn but you did this to me so

omg. hi. you're welcome >:3

also imo they don't even need a legion ending or near-ending for that; they can already just make a fun weekend out of it whenever. take a couple days off work and smash some skulls on the outskirts of town. BOYS NIGHT!! you can't swing a dead cat without hitting one of those roving death squads that's always hounding blue so i'm sure they'd have no trouble bumping into some good targets and saving a couple would-be kidnappees in the process.

arcade is soooo sassy and snide with blue whenever they're in combat; i have a hard time imagining he wouldn't be twice as snarky with the king if they ever ended up in a fight together. i'm not sure how long arcade's been in the area relative to the kings taking control of freeside, but you would probably be forgiven for thinking the king is mostly resting on laurels and doesn't have a lot to personally back up his royal title, especially given his reputation for being so accommodating... and well dressed. he definitely has that "i'm a lover not a fighter" energy about him. it would be funny if arcade severely underestimates the king's ability to handle himself, and there's a lot of very amusing ways he could get proven wrong.

if you want to see a similar dynamic with lower stakes, i'm working on a fic here and there about the king showing arcade the ropes of basic hand-to-hand combat. maybe i could have arcade put his skillz to the test on a legion spy...?

ANYWAY... even though it wasn't my intention to convert people to kingcade it's DELIGHTFUL to see it happening regardless. doing PR work for rarepairs has been my brand on this site for over a decade at this point so i certainly have credentials and experience. and if anyone's going to get people weirdly invested in mr the king and a ship involving him, it's gotta be me, the chick who once cried real, actual, eye-stinging tears to Love Me Tender while bussing tables at a 50s themed burger joint. CREDENTIALS, I TELLS YA!

[laurelcllivanders]

Jealousy began to bubble up inside of the brunette as she watched the exchange. Laurel had been looking for him in the crowd, only to see that a woman had encroached on him and was laying it on rather thick with the flirting. He was not her man and she had no right to be getting territorial, but the woman couldn't help it as she began to slink her way forward with a beeline for the two of them. "There you are," she barely got out before she stepped directly in between the two of them and began to make a scene out of her arrival, running her hands across Dorian's body and kissing him fervently. She continued to let herself unashamedly grope him before pulling him away to a mildly more private area and pressing him against the nearest wall. While her movements and actions were heated and passionate, it was clear there was an air of desperation to them as she seemed to be trying to stake her claim a little too obviously.

@doricntorrcs

[minarcana]

the pit in her stomach threatened to overwhelm her at any moment. no words were shared between her temporary caretakers, the leveilleur's, 'pon the cries of the ragnarok's return. their worries rested with their own children, understandably. it rattled her racing thoughts, churning a tempest in her mind -- they were back ? all of them ?

she barely remembered the fact she wasn't supposed to be in their world at all. her focus fell on the massive ship, then krile and tataru sprinting towards the harbor. without thinking it through, ryne chases after them - perhaps it's childish of her, is she truly so close to the scions to disturb such a moment ? that thought leaves her to falter at a distance, close enough to see and far enough to give them space. what if .... what if ....

ryne didn't realize the breath she retained until a familiar group emerged. tired, perhaps sluggish and aching, but alive. of course they are ! when all seems so hopeless, her heroes never give up. her family. her breath hitches in her throat, nails digging slightly into her palm. she steps closer before any tears can start, pale eyes suddenly locking with urianger's. a teary laugh and a meek wave follow. " w-welcome back ! "

Laurel leaves the ship first, as is her right as hero triumphant. Tataru's voice shouts first, welcoming back the Scions all before the crowd erupts in noise. There's shouts of congratulations, relief, questions as to what happened, the press of the curious. Approximately every person who was in Sharlayan when they left, and then a good handful more who probably arrived when hearing about the stakes of the matter, seems to be gathered and eager to see the disembarkation. Everyone presses closer to the harbour, though thankfully it's not crushing— and there is enough space for Urianger to notice a familiar figure.

Which should not, actually, be possible. His attention slides over her at first as the assumption is this isn't Ryne, because she can't come here, before Urianger double-takes. It very much is Ryne. She waves at him and Urianger runs to her with a shout of her name. (Urianger hears Thancred echo it in confusion behind him before he, too notices the girl.) Urianger pauses half-kneeling for a second, arms open in a brief uncertainty if he should wait to get permission, before hugging her anyways.

He gets it now, a little of the feeling when this happened to him. As much as she shouldn't be, she is very much real, hale, and healthy on the Source. Her laugh is choked with relief and he nearly cries too, if he hadn't already exhausted most of his emotional capability waiting for Laurel to wake on the ride back.

After their brief hug, Urianger pulls back to hold her at arms length, looking her over. (Brief, Thancred is going to want to interrogate her too.) His check is aetherical— she was around Krile and the concern would be for her body, but the individual before him seems to have strong aetheric cohesion. She seems fine on a magical level. "Ryne, full glad am I to see thee. But, my dear, how didst thou get here? If thou hath no true body here, thou must needs return posthaste after greeting thy friends and family." It's a danger to her physical health! And who knows how long it's been from the First's perspective! Who is keeping her intact? How did Titania allow this (definitely Feo Ul knows everything, so--). "Just because the world risketh ending does not give thee permission to endanger thy very being, love." The world risks ending approximately yearly, we can't be having this.

[blazethecheeto]

Just read your “folklore was made for the sara oliver and laurel situation” post and OH MY GOD YOUR SO FUCKING RIGHT!???? I hadn’t thought of half of the songs like that before. It’s so them coded. (I’m too lazy to type out everything/everyone)

OH MY GOD EYYESYYES THANK YOU SOMEONE AGREES WITH ME I'M NOT INSANE!!!!

thank you so much it's literally what i thought of immediately- betty augustine and james were fr inspired by sara laurel and oliver

thank you for now motivating me to continue where i left off and not just in a big paragraph at the end.

mad woman? sara lance's THEMEE

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"And you'll poke that bear 'til her claws come out"

"And you find something to wrap your noose around"

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(when they tried to burn her at the stake in salem)

betty? oliver trying to get laurel back in s1.

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"Betty, I'm here on your doorstep"

"And I planned it out for weeks now"

"But it's finally sinkin' in"

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"But if I just showed up at your party"

"Would you have me?"

"Would you want me?"

-

epiphany? any huge fight in arrow, very oliver and diggle coded. can also be laurel's death coded but we don't talk about that.

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"With you, I serve"

"With you, I fall down"

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"Holds your hand through plastic now"

"Doc, I think she's crashing out"

"And some things you just can't speak about"

-

oh fuck the last lyrics are incredibly laurel death coded im gonna cry let's move on

seven? laurel, oliver, tommy, and sara's childhood.

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"And I've been meaning to tell you"

"I think your house is haunted"

"Your dad is always mad and that must be why"

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"Before I learned civility"

"I used to scream ferociously"

-

first lyric is about tommy and m*lcolm (we hate him in this house) and the second is such good foreshadowing to black siren hello?

peace? oliver and sara saying they can never give their respective partners' peace because of how messed up their lives are.

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"As long as danger is near"

"And it's just around the corner, darling"

"'Cause it lives in me"

-

hoax? idk bro it's just arrow coded in general.

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"You knew the hero died, so what's the movie for?"

"You knew it still hurts underneath my scars"

"From when they pulled me apart"

-

finally, the lakes? nysara coded i don't take criticism.

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"I don't belong, and my beloved, neither do you"

-

thanks for listening to my ted talk pt2

[use-ur-inside-voice]

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Taylor Swift, and the Beauty of Musical Cues and Heartbreaking Lyrics

“This is me trying” by Taylor Swift needs to be the song that plays during the end of Season 2 when Belly and Conrad talk during the motel scene OR during season 3 when Conrad speaks with Agnes. I would love for memories of Belly and Conrad to flash while he’s talking about how Belly is and always has been his first and only love.

I think this song playing would be great to show how Conrad has let down Belly time and time again because he fails to properly communicate with her. This song as it plays in the background will have the audience thinking about how Conrad’s actions, even though he loves her, are not always justified because at times it hurts the people he loves most, i.e., Belly, Jeremiah, but also how he’s hurt himself. This song can show how though Conrad tries and tries to do the right thing, the moral thing, to do what is expected of him, he’ll always feel that he can’t measure up. That he’ll always do the wrong thing and hurt people. That he’ll always feel like a screw up who doesn’t deserve to be loved or in love with anyone, but specifically with Belly.

I think if another Taylor Swift song were to play during a Belly and Jeremiah scene as one did already in Season 2 (“Delicate” Taylor’s Version), it should be “Ours” from Speak Now (TV). I think this song should play in season 3 when they announce their wedding (this happens in book 3 for those who haven’t read the books). I think this song in this specific context will represent a number of things.

That belly and Jere believe in their love and their decision to marry at ages 18 and 19 even though others may not approve like Laurel.

That Belly and Jere have something to prove.

Belly proving that she can love Jeremiah and that her decision to marry him is the right and safe one, even though her heart and head constantly aches for Conrad.

And Jere proving that his love for Belly is something more than just silly teen love. That his relationship with her is as vast and great as Belly’s relationship with Conrad. He’ll also have to prove to himself that he can love Belly even knowing that Belly will always and forever love Conrad and that Conrad will always love Belly. That their infinite love for each other will not interfere with Jere’s love for Belly.

I specifically think that the TV of “Ours” should play because Taylor’s voice and opinions have changed. She’s matured. And with that her feelings about the song and it’s’ meaning have matured. We see this since other songs like “Dear John” and “All Too Well” are direct contrasts to “Ours.” In “Ours” Taylor sings, “And life makes love look hard, the stakes are higher the water’s tough, but this love is ours.” I think when “Ours” plays during a Belly and Jeremiah scene, it can reflect how Belly’s thinking and rash decision to get married at 18 is not as mature as she thinks it is because she’s trying so hard to erase Jeremiah’s cheating and Conrad from her heart. Maybe we’ll see Belly’s face (played by the lovely Lola Tung) waver from a smile that’s bright to a more soft and weak smile to show how maybe this love between her and Jeremiah isn’t as strong as she thinks.

[real-team-luster]

Introduction: What's Up World!

Hey everyone, the name's Darrin, leader of Team Luster (The real one) I'm new to this whole Rotomblr thing, but one of my admins, Laurel, suggested I start this blog to give me something to do on off days. The work we do here at Luster is simple, really. We've got locations all over, but mostly in Hoenn and Kalos. The gems we sell are great for all occasions, and they're ethically sourced from Carbink and other Rock-type Pokemon in the area. Anyone who tells you we "harvest" Pokemon's gems is just plain lying. Our work is absolutely legal and, even if it wasn't, who's really getting hurt? Anyway, that's all from me. I'll post every now and then about how business is going, maybe bring my admins on every now and then. One last thing, though, remember that no matter what you're told, Team Luster is NOT an evil team like those Galactic or Plasma guys. /// OOC information and team members below the break!

Team Luster is an evil team, but closer to Yell or Star in that they want to accomplish a specific goal (in this case, harvesting gems for profit from wild Pokemon.) Their primary motivation is growing their business and expanding as much as possible.

In-universe, the extent of Team Luster's actions is widely not known, at least for the moment. They take measures to cover up their actions and seem legitimate to the greater public.

Mostly a comedic/low-stakes blog, I won't be getting Team Luster involved with any plots about blowing up the world or anything. They stay away from that.

Team Luster's members are frequently wrong about various things, especially Darrin, but they're fairly knowledgeable about business and battling.

Legendary/Mythical Pokemon are real in this world, but at least from Team Luster's point of view, are more like critically endangered species that just happen to have significant power rather than actual deities.

All of Team Luster's members are more than happy to accept battles! They may not win, in fact they likely won't, but it's not a big deal in their eyes. I don't imagine this will come up for a while, if at all, but they're also willing to accept new members.

I may update this every now and then if necessary, so check back once in a while to see if there's anything new! TEAM MEMBERS Darrin - Male - he/him - 48 - Leader and certified old man

Scar - Gabite - Female - Moves are Sand Tomb, Crunch, Dragon Claw, and Scary Face - Ability is Sand Veil

Fang - Golbat - Male - Moves are Hypnosis, Screech, Supersonic, and Poison Fang - Ability is Inner Focus

Ghoul - Gengar - Male - Moves are Night Shade, Sucker Punch, Acid Spray, and Dream Eater - Ability is Cursed Body

Laurel - Nonbinary - She/they - 25 - Admin and certified braniac

Fractal - Sableye - Female - Moves are Astonish, Disable, Knock Off, and Mean Look - Ability is Keen Eye

Alloy - Steelix - Male - Moves are Rock Polish, Dig, Iron Tail, and Stone Edge - Ability is Sturdy

Kira - Female - She/her - 19 - Admin and certified naive newbie

Fuzz - Combusken - Male - Moves are Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flame Charge, and Aerial Ace - Ability is Blaze

Nippy - Mawile - Female - Moves are Fairy Wind, Iron Defense, Crunch, and Ice Fang - Ability is Hyper Cutter