#their reasoning for not accepting me was being too young and inexperienced so.

[crickwater]

I'm actually starting to get settled t uni and making friends and stuff so I'm not gonna do actually do it but I'm deeply tempted to try nd get into the film school I tried getting into lst year just to see if they would accept me now

[babygorewhore]

Tempo

Frat!Rafe Cameron x sporty! fem reader!

As Kiara’s older sister, gifted athlete and now college student, you never had time for dating. Or time to acknowledge your secret crush on Rafe Cameron. But when your eighteen year old little sister visits, she pushes you to attend one of his parties.

W.C. 2.4k. I was requested by anon for inexperienced!reader! And size kink! I hope you enjoy!! I lowkey wanna burn this lol

Warnings! I am NOT an athlete by any means so this is very vague lol. Size kink! Inexperienced reader! Manhandling, slapping kink! (Rafe likes to be slapped) degrading, praise, oral! Fem receiving! Unprotected sex! Reader is sporty and frequently works out. Kiara is also OOC but it’s my fic lol. Dividers by @xxbimbobunnyxx

Getting a visit from your parents and little sister motivated you for the performance as you accepted flowers and praise after the competition. Your mother and father finally allowed Kiara to stay the weekend with you on campus, you managed to convince them that your eighteen year old baby sister would be completely safe with you.

You knew they were mostly attempting to keep her away from Pogues back home but with your down to earth nature she felt comfortable to get along with you.

“I don’t know why you’re wasting your time studying something else. Why don’t you go to a fancy art school or some shit? Follow your dreams!” Kiara flopped on your bed in your dorm and you sighed.

“Because. Sports aren’t a long lasting career choice for me. Besides, if you want to live with me, I need to have a good paying job, right?” You countered as you sipped a protein shake.

“You need to stop thinking about everyone else. Think of yourself. You don’t have a life. All you do is study, work and compete. You’ve got to be so bored.” She argues, folding her arms.

“I’m not bored, Kiara. I stay busy and I’m fine with that. And I do have a life! I have a few friends and I have you.” You mumble and she lifts herself up, walking over to you and lightly elbows you.

“You know how much I hate them, they’re a waste of money that could be used for donations but what about parties? Have you gone to any?” Rolling your eyes, you groan at her lecture.

You knew she was jealous of your freedom, considering her relationship with your parents and her full time job. But she also didn’t understand you. The pressure you’d always been under. At a young age, you were in gymnastics. Building your body like a machine while you spent everyday challenging yourself to meet your next goal. And you were good at it.

Your wall was covered in medals, your shelf had a few trophies and photographs of your proud moments.

Dancing was a natural evolution for you. Something you’d discovered when one of your gymnast friends opened their own studio after graduating high school a few years ago. The fluidity of movement, the tempo of the beat and music brought you to life. You were strong, frequently at the gym to keep up with having to flip yourself around in the air with your part time job that was physically demanding.

Your life was fast paced, a competitive streak in your blood motivated you to remain disciplined and focused. Your guilt for being so busy was one of the reasons you wanted Kiara to stay with you this weekend. But she did have a point.

You didn’t have time for dating. You’d never had a boyfriend, guys in the past weren’t exactly pleased that you could fairly put up a physical fight given your athletic lifestyle and razor sharp drive. Men found you…boring. You had an obsession with Halloween and darker things too. It was a nice change from the neon uniforms you were forced to wear.

Her question about parties reminded you of a instagram post you were tagged in yesterday and Kiara must have sensed your train of thought. “Don’t tell me you were invited to one and you’re not gonna go?”

“I’ve been too busy! Plus I wanted to hang out with you-“

“It’s tonight?” She shrieked and started shoving you to your bedroom. “What the hell are we doing? You need to get ready.”

“Kiara, I’m not going to some stupid party. I’m tired from dancing earlier and besides Rafe Cameron isn’t going to notice one person who doesn’t show up.”

“I fucking knew it. You’ve been crushing on that asshole for years. That’s why you were so happy you got into this school.” She accused and you defensively shook your head.

“No I haven’t-“

“Me and Sarah knew you liked him when you shoved him in the pool years ago when he was messing with us when you were life guarding. And that’s why you always offered to babysit during high school. You just wanted to be near him.” Kiara made your jaw drop and you turned away.

“That’s not true! He’s a dick! Why would I like someone like Rafe? That’s why I’m ignoring his invitation.” She extended her hand.

“Let me see the post.” You grumbled something about how your little sister was the one bossing you around and you slapped your phone in her palm.

She read the invite with her mouth parted. “It’s a fucking Halloween themed party? You can dress up and you’re not going? He’s obviously obsessed with you.” You yank your phone back.

“What are you talking about? He’s not!”

“He was there tonight. I saw him watching you dance in the crowd.” You gasped and you felt your cheeks burn. “And now, he’s doing something knowing you like it. Get out of those damn sweatpants and put on something cute. You’re going to that party.”

“No I’m not! I don’t like Rafe Cameron and listen here you little goblin,” Kiara ignored you as she dug through your drawers for another set of clothes.

She tossed you an oversized shirt with skulls on it, knee socks and your converse. “Here. This is good.”

“Why do you want me to go so badly? You hate Rafe!” You complained and she waved her hands.

“Yeah I do. But I want you to have fun. Let loose for one night. Show off what you worked for and finally put yourself first.” You raised an eyebrow.

“You really wanna talk to someone don’t you and you don’t want me hovering?” She was finally silent for a few seconds and you smirked triumphantly. “Fine. I’ll go to this damn party.” You walked away, preparing to change clothes but you gave her a light smack upside the head.

“Ow! The hell was that for?” She whined.

“For telling me what to do.”

You felt your heart in your throat as you knocked on the door of the house where the party was held. You could hear the sound of music and chatter from behind the door as you shifted your weight from leg to leg.

Your face was covered in makeup and your jewelry dangled from your neck as you waited. The entrance opened and Topper ushered you in. “Hey! Look who it is! The girl of the hour!” His arm slung around your shoulders and the bustling crowd cheered. You awkwardly smiled and waved. Girl of the hour?

“Cmon. Rafe is upstairs.” Just the mention of the males name made you swallow thickly and you followed him. A lot of people were wearing costumes, fake blood and merchandise from scary movies.

You recognized Rafe because of his clothing and body but his face was covered. He was wearing a Ghostface mask. Plain black shirt and jeans. Your eyes widened briefly when he turned, noticing you before you smoothed back your nerves and approached him. He met you half way and looked down at you, mask tilted.

“You did show up after all, princess.”

You give him a smile. “Yeah I did. I heard you were at the dance. Did you like what you saw?” You didn’t know where this confidence was coming from but he seemed to be enjoying it. Rafe stepped a little closer, “Oh I loved it, baby. That’s why I told everyone to dress up. Gotta celebrate my little champion, huh?”

“Champion?” You parrot and he chuckles.

“Of course, Angel. You think I’m stupid or something? I’ve been a big fan of yours for a while. I couldn’t wait to get you here so I could have you all to myself.” He trails off quietly and you feel his big hands settle on your hips, squeezing lightly.

“Well, we’re not alone,” You respond and he tugs you against him, as much as you love the mask, you wanna rip it off.

“Easy fix, baby girl. C‘mon.” Instead of walking, Rafe lifted you off the ground and you squeaked. Throwing you over his shoulder, he walked through a hallway before opening a door.

Rafe easily tossed you onto the bed, the plush covers and pillows bounced. You shakily sat up as he tore off the mask and looked down at you with a dark smolder.

“Oh, princess. You have no fuckin idea how long I’ve wanted you in my bed.” He leaned down and put both hands on either side of you as you looked up at him, doe eyes staring into his.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything? Why would you like me? I’ve never told you-“

“Like you? Baby, I don’t just like you. I think about you all the time. No one else has made me feel like this. You’ve always stood up to me and didn’t put up with my shit. You think it’s a coincidence that I liked to push your buttons when we were kids?”

You’re breathless as he tugs on the end of your shirt with a smirk.

“I like a girl who pushes back. You’re my strong girl, hmm? But not tonight. You’re not in control for once. I am.” He grips your waist, your bare skin from your top pulled up and your core pulses.

You reach up, lightly smacking him in the face. “You think you can earn my submission?” Rafe gives you a chuckle and flash of excitement crosses his eyes.

“Princess, by the time I’m done with you, you’re gonna be my little fuck toy. You just wanna push my buttons so I throw you around.” His words turned you on more and you shudder as goosebumps rise on your skin. “Slap me again. Get a good one in too.”

“You serious?” You whisper and he nods.

“What? You too scared?”

You slap him. Hard. Hard enough that his face turns but Rafe doesn’t look angry. “That was a good one, baby. But I’m gonna make you forget any other fucker. I’m sure all those other dudes are all over you at the studio or some shit.” He grunts and tugs off your shirt. Exposing your torso and bra.

You have the urge to cover yourself but you resist. “I don’t have time for dating.”

Rafe pauses and raises an eyebrow. “You’re telling me you haven’t dated? You a virgin?”

You bristle. “No but…it’s only happened once.”

Rafe cups underneath your arms and manhandles you higher on the bed. You don’t have time to breathe before you find yourself pinned with your arms above your head, his face inches above yours. “Bet you’re soaked right now. Underneath those panties you wear.”

He reaches in between your legs and cups your cunt. “God damn, princess. This what you needed? Me to take care of you? Shut off that overthinking head of yours?” He muses and you cup his face bringing him down to fuse your lips together in a messy kiss.

He moans against your mouth and shoves his tongue inside, you separate your legs and tug him closer.

“Gonna taste more than your mouth, baby girl.” He promises and kisses down your body, peeling off your underwear.

“I’m gonna worship this perfect pussy. I’m gonna take such good care of my girl,” He mutters against your pelvis. Rafe shoves your thighs apart and buried his head in, making you groan and dig your fingers onto the sheets.

His tongue laps hungrily at your clit, sucking in all your wetness as he moans and grinds on the bed. You whimper as he fucks you with his mouth.

“You like that, babydoll?”

“Mhm! I’m gonna cum,” You stammer and he lifts up, his massive body flexing as he rips off his shirt. Exposing his fit body.

“You’re gonna cream on my dick, then you’re gonna clean it up. Are you going to be a good little whore?” He breathes and you whine.

“Mhm, yes. Please, fuck me. I need it so badly. I want you to fill me up,” You beg and he shoves off his pants. His big, thick dick slapping against his thigh.

“How can I say no to such a pretty girl?” He gives your bare ass a slap before he pumps himself a couple of times, his cock in his fist before he presses into you.

You mewl and bury your head in his neck. He growls and thrusts, hard enough that you almost feel like you’re gonna burst from how big he is. But he quickly adds his fingers to rub your clit.

“This fuckin pussy is mine. It’s so tight, splitting you in two, baby girl. Gonna breed this perfect cunt.” He huffs and your eyes squeeze shut as your peak rises.

“That’s it, princess. Cream on my dick.” He praises and your climax overwhelms you.

You cry out and sink your teeth into his naked shoulder and he moans. He moves harder, bringing slight pain but it only adds to your pleasure. He spills in you, “Gonna stuff you so full of cum you’re gonna be a brainless little doll.”

Rafe pulls out, pumping himself again as cum drips onto the bed. “Give me that pretty mouth, princess. I wanna see your eyes roll back. You can fuckin take it. Like a little champion.”

Tagging @marchsfreakshow @xxbimbobunnyxx @drewstarkeyslut @redhead1180 @oceandriveab @starkeysprincess @rafescurtainbangz @rafeinterlude @gri959 @rafesthroatbaby @slvt4jamesmarch

[markantonys]

it's interesting that in the coup it's framed largely as the young trainees taking elaida's side vs. the older warders taking siuan's (though i'm sure there was some mixing and it wasn't a 100% clear-cut division, especially since plenty of older warders would've sided with elaida because their aes sedai did). the ages feel significant to me, because it feels like the kind of thing where the younglings are doing what's right in a by-the-book way (upholding tower law by preventing the jailbreak of a legally-deposed* amyrlin) because they are too young and too inexperienced with the world to be ready to question authority or see potential nuance in a situation. it's the older warders who are able to think "hmmm, this may technically be legal but it still doesn't feel right" because they have the life experience to know that tower law and aes sedai are not infallible and can make mistakes or act out of shady motives. whereas the younglings are still in the early phase of trusting the tower as an institution 100% no matter the situation (which we see later on too, when gawyn is growing disillusioned with elaida/the tower but knows he can't voice this to any of the other younglings because they'd kill him for being a traitor to the tower).

this makes me curious about the novices and accepted. i think some fled with the rebels since i remember nynaeve and elayne needing to teach classes in salidar, but how did that happen? was it only a small minority of blue-leaning students who went, or was it a more even split? i suppose that aes sedai students may have had more direct interaction with siuan and/or elaida and more opinions on the blue and red ajahs than warder trainees and so maybe they were more likely to have personal reasons for choosing one side over the other, while the warder trainees kinda defaulted to Tower Law As Written since they were pretty far removed from the politics & emotions of elaida deposing siuan (bar gawyn who did have plenty of direct interaction with both, which made him predisposed to trust elaida and distrust siuan).

*siuan was not legally deposed, but i don't think anybody fully realizes that until much later when they find out that some of the sitters who voted against her were black ajah. on the day of the coup, most inhabitants of the white tower have little to no reason to doubt the legality of the deposition; at most they would have a Bad Feeling about it but no real evidence that it was illegal.

[theminecraftbox]

theres something specific about "mister warden." just "warden" is a factual title, and "sir" is a formality, something you call someone of higher status, and within the "institution" of the prison Q higher on the totem pole than Dream, though the emphasis in Dream referring to Q as "sir" plays to the torture dynamic and Q's complex about power and whatnot. but "mister" is an odd one, because theres a sense of seniority associated with it, and while the word has other meanings, the specifc combination of mister + noun has an immaturity to it that makes the seniority dynamic stand out more (like Mister Policeman sounds like something a kid says). this person has more experience than you, they know better than you, etc. etc. honestly the childishness of the title makes it seem teasing/playful, perhaps the ccs just used that phrase in reference to their secret roleplay because they were being lighthearted. but if it was canonically something dream called sam, i think sams acceptance of the phrase shows he likes the idea of dream like, admitting to sam knowing better than him enough that it overrides interpreting the phrase as being rebellious teasing.

YEAH 😭 it's this exactly: it's a COY thing to say, so playful that it feels nearly out of place. It struck me in Daedalus too and it strikes me now. It's got different connotations than c!Dream referring to c!Sam with some other respectful title, or just saying "Warden."

Like you say, "mister warden"'s connotations with authority are... juvenile, in either a mocking way or in a way that casts the speaker as young or inexperienced. So the idea that c!Sam heard this and decided to let c!Dream roll with it anyway goes crazy. It carries not only the implication that c!Sam likes c!Dream casting himself as juvenile, but also that c!Sam feels that either a) he likes it enough to ignore the hint of rebellion, or b) that he has reason to believe the name is coming from a genuine place of subservience/respect.

crazy, man.

[ctenophora]

The art community is literally dying

Recently I have seen way too many fanartists get hate for the way they draw/head canon characters from shows and its actually ironic when its mlp, because its supposed to be a show about friendship and kindness yet the people who "claim" to be defending them are always down right disrespectful and rude as hell.

having fun and making headcanons have lost its meaning in why people do it to the point people are so mad that a character that is portrayed with headcanons seems like its the worst thing a person can do to a character. it always has to be what they look like originally. the fact y'all have the audacity to be so racist, transphobic, homophobic and fatphobic over a headcanon, you guys need to log out and shut up.

it is honestly so annoying to me that no one can make art without some asshole tracing over their art work, or calling it a caricature. or making fun of it.

in a few years we'll all be twiddling our thumbs asking ourselves why fan art isn't around anymore? it's because of the hatred people are experiencing today on social media. YOU ARE GOING TO CAUSE THAT.

you guys forget why headcanons exist. why headcanons are just for fun. YOU do not HAVE to agree with someones headcanons YOU also do not HAVE THE RIGHTS to make fun of that persons headcanons, or say its wrong unless it is truly HATEFUL in anyway.

If YOU are so mad that you think your favorite wouldn't look like that DO IT YOURSELF. Everyone and their mamas have pen and paper, draw how you think your favorite would look and mind your own business. these talented artists sit here and spend days working on something that they relate to and hope other people do too just for people to criticize them unasked. why is that still happening today? if No one asked for help don't give help its so simple. keep words to yourself a child could follow this easier than grown ass adults can.

Theres always something wrong when people hate on someones art. we cant project anymore, we cant be inexperienced anymore, we cant show representation anymore. its always gotta be "They wouldn't look like that!" "why do they look like a man" "they look ugly"

or even worse telling people to die, and causing them to go private. have we not learned from pass situations!? so many young artists get depressed and broke down over comments that hurt their mental because you couldn't even keep something to yourself.

if you claim to actually be helping people, actually look to the people who whitewash poc characters, or make an originally plus size person thin. look at the actual problems instead of some random artists who wants to see their favorite look like them.

I literally was on twitter and someone drew pinkie pie plus size and with PCOS and everyone thought she looked like a racist caricature because "No black girl looks like that" congratulations welcome to earth. people look like that irl. people are so scared of someone being unconventionally attractive, its actually embarrassing how slow the progression of accepting people for how they look is going. we've gone no where. you people will always judge someone and know nothing about that person.

that other person on TikTok did not deserve their art getting traced over a bunch of times, y'all will get so scared over women having hair, welcome to how the body works hair and muscles exist on women too, women can look masculine and still identify as a woman, have we not learned from gender non comfirmity, and pronouns don't = gender tiktoks? have we also not learned from "Art lore" y'all are so disgusting, and hateful.

and Tina from kid vampire yall will be so scared over Tina being black or not being white, for why? the creator literally said they don't care. let people have fun. LEAVE THAT LITTLE GIRL ALONE AND LEAVE PPL WHO HC HER BLACK ALONE TOO. I promise you Tina is not about to jump out of the screen and say thank you. once again headcanons exist for a reason.

AND the fancast Rapunzel literally sit down and hear yourself right NOW.

for years through stories princesses have always been portrayed from a different culture in there own way, there was a German Rapunzel, a black Rapunzel a Korean Rapunzel, an indian Rapunzel. and so on

even Cinderella, a bunch of stories have been retold for different cultures for different people all around the world. it is not that serious.

your childhood is not being destroyed over some fancast, innocently made. wake up wipe off those crocodile tears and go into research on why you feel so much hatred for black and brown kids possibly getting representation in media.

[backjustforberena]

I've been thinking since yesterday about the purpose of revealing the truth about Corlys's betrayal to Rhaenys, especially just before dying: there will never be enough time to truly understand the repercussions of such a wound. Furthermore, the fact that Corlys will still welcome his children into his family, legitimize them, and name them heirs, despite these being his last conversations with Rhaenys, makes me even more uneasy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Hello! Firstly, just to say I'm typing this on my mobile so apologies for any autocorrect mishaps or spelling errors I fail to spot.

I'd also like to preface this by saying, I'm taking it as it comes. I'm not speculating or assuming anything to come to any concrete opinion before an episode airs or events happen. It's easy to say Corlys will do all of these things but it's bad to claim to know how, why or what will actually occur. We don't yet know the motivation, headspace, emotions, concerns or politics that will drive any of these future events with Corlys and the Hull brothers.

For example, there is the nuclear option: Rhaenys dies, Corlys rubs his hands in glee and thinks "now I can do this, I'm so happy to finally bring my sons into the picture, this solves everything". I do not think that will be the case for many, MANY reasons.

An alternative, which may happen or may not, is that Corlys, deeply hurt by yet another loss, sees war coming and seeks to secure his seat in the case of his death: both prospective heirs from his discussion with Rhaenys are inexperienced, untested, too young and also far, far away. If he falls in the heat of battle, then the Velaryon Fleet would be leaderless and faltering. However, a terrible yet prudent option is a sailor with his blood. Alyn is a good option on merit. And the only way to secure that is to legitimise him. Perhaps it's even Jace's suggestion. Or Rhaenyra's. It doesn't HAVE to come from Corlys, only accepted by him. And perhaps he just wants blood around him: people he can trust, after a pillar of his life has been taken away. Folding this decision into the grief of losing his wife isn't an insurmountable challenge, to me. Is that blasphemous?

My point is, there are many ways to go about it. It doesn't have to be intrinsically against the memory of his wife. It's doesn't have to be a game plan or a callous action. It doesn't negate the deep love he feels for her or the fact that he would probably want it any other way.

Corlys is a deeply flawed man. He will no doubt do things that Rhaenys may have disagreed with as we move forward. But she won't be there. And that very fact changes everything. He will not be able to cleave and cling to every idea and wish she had. If she spoke to him of showing mercy to someone or not being overly violent or reckless in war, and he does something she would have opposed, is he spitting on her memory then? Or only in this?

My larger opinion on the conversation that he and Rhaenys have is that it's not to do with the succession at all, simply Corlys's headspace and mortality. He's not in that conversation thinking about Addam and Alyn because it's not an option because it only becomes an option due to Rhaenys dying. And Corlys cannot fathom her dying. He pushes the conversation away for reasons other than some secret plan to hopefully install his secret son on the Driftwood Throne.

We don't know what Rhaenys will know. We don't know how she will feel, how Corlys will feel, how everyone will feel (like Rhaenyra, Jace, Baela). We don't know how the Hull brothers feel. We don't know the circumstances surrounding their conception. The relationship they have with Corlys. From what we have seen, Alyn does NOT seem eager for Corlys's approval, nor does he seem massively ambitious at all. He doesn't want a thing from Corlys.

Like I said, I'm taking it as it comes. I know that's a bit crappy if you wanted a bombastic answer, but there we are.

It is heartbreaking that Rhaenys and Corlys will have this right before she dies. The line that stuck with me in the last episode was: And if there is no time? But that's the point. You're right, we won't know the repercussions. It will never be solved or settled or worked through. Rhaenys is dead. Whatever could have been... won't. It's ended.

This is a tragedy.

You asked about the purpose. That is the purpose. Tragedy. The fascinating thing for me, coming into this series, is that, actually, for three episodes... I don't think Alyn and Addam have affected Corlys and Rhaenys's relationship at all. I was expecting them to be a real wedge, very present, with it all being there from the start with Rhaenys. An elephant in the room. We haven't had that. Rhaenys has visited the docks once. She's met neither Addam or Alyn. Corlys has only interacted with Alyn and the relationship is only hinted at.

Instead, their issues comes from everything else: from their individual arcs and flaws as well as a shared pressure on them both. I don't know if I'm articulating this very well... it just surprised me, I guess. It's so much more subtle than I thought.

Corlys's fear to engage with Rhaenys isn't the dramatic idea of trying to hide this from her or worried she'll find out. Rhaenys's defenses aren't up and she isn't trying to have these tricky conversations with Corlys because she doesn't trust him or she suspects anything. They're just being human.

Sorry. This is a messy ramble that jumps all over the place. I hope that's of use, though. Thank you for sending the ask in. I hope you drop by after the episode airs.

[tribalchiefjey]

Solo (and his new bloodline) is the perfect example of what happens when you thrust someone so young and inexperienced into a position of so much power, too quickly.

He understands loyalty to the culture and traditions of his people. We saw this when he immediately fell in line and followed every one of Roman’s orders.

Even when he came to blows with his own brothers, he always accepted his role as enforcer and did what his tribal chief asked of him.

He understands the duty he has to the elders, who taught him everything he knows, evidenced by the words he chose to emphasize as he explained his betrayal of Jimmy

I had to lose a brother… I had to.. in order for me to find a new one

Solo has always put the culture and his duty above all else

In fact, he probably learned everything roman could teach him about being the figurehead of the table*, but he hasn’t yet learned everything that life needed to teach him.

The wisdom that comes with age, the temperament that comes from experience.

He hasn’t learned the patience or levelheadedness or composure he needs to be the head of the table. He’s rash and impulsive and quick to violence:

Kevin made a single joke about the bloodline, and solo decided he quite literally needed to pay for it with his life.

Jimmy lost one match, and solo made sure he was no longer around to tarnish the family name.

That’s why there’s a hierarchy at the end of the day. This is why jey (or Jimmy) were supposed to be set up as tribal heir. They’ve had a lifetime of experiences to draw from, on top of knowing the culture and traditions. They had this knowledge and wisdom before being trained for this position.

But not Solo.

Because roman could no longer depend on jey, he began depending way more on solo, way too early and way too quickly

He was doomed to fail from the start, from the very beginning when jey and jimmy began endorsing him for the next tribal chief (whether they were being genuine or just using it as a dig at roman). He tasted the power and has craved it every since.

And in the end it’s gonna be his downfall.

—————————

*a little extra explanation: I say figurehead specifically because roman taught him how to ACT like the tribal chief, but he never really taught him how to BE the tribal chief: how to handle the power, the ins and outs of the business, the logistics behind that power they all covet that keeps everything in balance (which is a big reason why roman relied sooo heavily on Paul, something solo isn’t doing)

[makur0]

Hiiro Amagi relationship headcanons

content warnings — sfw. pure fluff, maybe a pinch of angst, inaccurate lore (just in case) [hiiro amagi x gn! reader]

author’s note — time to regain my sanity lost!! yay :)

word count — 886

- as a manager of starmaker production, you have taken an extreme liking to the newfound unit, even more towards the proclaimed leader.

- young, inexperienced, and innocent, he was really no match for the competition in Ensemble Square but something told you that he would hold out just fine.

- but you wanted to see it for yourself.

- at this time producers and managers were generally restricted into interacting with Alkaloid, but you didn’t care. so when you popped up out of nowhere during one of their practices to say the least they were surprised.

- hiiro, being the naive boy he was, accepted you wholeheartedly because he thought you posed no threat to him and his friends. so he sat you down, introduced himself and the others, and carried on with the practice.

- to say the least you were hooked on immediately. especially to him, with his raw talent shining through like a crusted-over diamond. you wanted to hone his talents and make him the best possible idol he could become.

- so you kept showing up to Alkaloid’s practices behind Eichi’s back. the other members grew on you, now welcoming you as one of their own. Mayoi didn’t faint over your intrusion, Aira freely fanboyed about the idols, and Tatsumi would offer you bits and pieces of helpful information. As for you, you took your role as a manger to help them greatly, as much as booking them a good practice room, securing their practices outfits, even paying for their lunches whenever they were low on money. the more time passed, the more you group grew closer.

- and as much as you were interested of Hiiro, he grew to be curious about you. why were you helping him? why were you so nice? a small part of him felt guilty because his main goal was to destroy idols. if he ever told you that, how would you react? would you not talk to him anymore?

- that small part wanted to keep that relationship with you.

- and that grew. slowly you noticed that hiiro would search for you at the Square, either to ask you questions or to simply hang out. not that you minded, you had too much time on your hands, but you couldn’t help but tease him slightly about it. although that died down quickly due to is sincerity.

- soon enough it was quite obvious that the two of you grew fond of each other, in fact so much that aira would helplessly stare at the two of you. hiiro would even delay practice if you didn’t show up on time, hovering near the door like a lost dog, only to perk up as soon as you walk into the studio. 

- “Hiro, just ask them out! It’s obvious that you like them!”

- Like?

- You mean like courting?

- Likely that this boy has heard little to none about dating, because back in his hometown it was pretty much just courting then marriage, not all that dating stuff.

- But he will admit yes, he does like you.

- So what does he say?

- “[name], marry me!”

- ...

- Aira in the back crying.

- Fortunately you expected this, so you just laughed it off and didn’t take it seriously. But Hiiro did. Instead of laughing along with you he looks at you curiously and asked what was so funny.

- “Hiiro, we can’t marry.”

- Why?

- Why not?

- You stopped realizing the poor boy was about to break into tears then Tatsumi thankfully broke in and explained the whole situation to him.

- Reassured Hiiro but he still wants to have a special relationship with you.

- You weren’t sure at the beginning, but after some reasoning you decided to go on little dates with him. As you would treat it as a casual get-together, Hiiro would think that this is one step closer to becoming your partner. He would put so much effort into these meet ups that you would tease him about it, but he would shake it off with an embarrassed laugh and a flushed face. Before he would act all innocent, but now with you he can’t think straight.

- finally, finally you decided that you could date him, and Hiiro was over the moon. Of course he couldn’t treat you like his queen, but when the two of you are alone he definitely would cuddle with you, rant about his day, and overall praise you endlessly.

- Rinne wouldn’t find out until a month into the relationship, and boom. overprotection activates. you aren’t scared of him but certainly unsettled when you see sharp cyan eyes staring at you when you and Hiiro are having lunch at a nearby cafe. 

- after deciding that you’re good enough for his brother he introduces himself to you directly and proclaims you as his little sister. you’re embarrassed but Hiiro seems to like it, so you relented and, well, now you have a chaotic older brother.

- overall your relationship is casual but romantic. its just the little things: cheering him on, being at the practices, even leaving little notes on his nightstand of his dorm, just has him falling for you even more. and don’t worry about him cheating on you. he’d rather disown his brother than break up with you, not that he’d ever do it but... you get it.

- Hiiro is 9/10. cherish the man.

[steddiebang]

Nothing but Bliss

Author: @oiveyzmir l Artist: @bbgirlsteve Posting on Tuesday, November 14

There's no reason for Eddie to feel so wrong. Everything’s normal in his life; He lives with his uncle and his brother, his and his friends’ band is a moment away from making it big, he has a boyfriend he loves more than anything else and life’s pretty great, but something still feels... misplaced. His memories are all mixed up and he seems to be remembering his life incorrectly- sometimes he’ll feel pain or discomfort in places he isn’t even wounded in, he’ll have memories that go completely against one another, and there are some weird things his mind doesn’t allow him to even think about, such as red skies, bones snapping and the way Dustin screams his name. All in all, it’s easy to ignore, up until he sees a strange girl with blood trickling down her nose.

Keep reading for a sneak preview!

The first strange thing about dying is having your blood slowly but surely run out. He feels it in his fingertips, then the ends of his toes and the tip of his nose- they all feel lacking, numb. The Upside Down isn’t a warm place to begin with, but something about lying in a hot pool of his own blood makes him shiver. He isn’t even in pain, really; there’s adrenaline coursing through his body, numbing the feeling of sharp teeth gnawing again and again and again into his skin. He tries to count how many times he’d been bitten thus far but he can’t, his mind too foggy. Dazed and confused.

He’d always loved that song, Dazed and Confused. It’s not his favorite song, not by a long shot, but he likes it nonetheless. It was one of the very first riffs he learned how to play. Ma used to hate it, said it gave her a headache, which gave young Eddie all the more reasons to blast it even louder.

Frankie used to love that song too, he remembers now. Second strange thing about dying- little memories and facts Eddie hadn’t thought about in years float to the surface, occupying and taking over the forefront of his mind. He can’t think of the bats or his friends or the way the edges of his vision darken. He can’t think of anything but how Frankie used to love Dazed and Confused, but the original version of it, the one by that other dude.

Some memories stick and some don’t, he figures.

Eddie holds onto the memory he can remember hard enough he could hum the melody. He can almost see it in his mind; he’s no older than ten, lying on his back in the lower bunk bed, staring up at the faded Dazed and Confused music sheet written in Wayne’s messy hand that he taped to the bottom of the upper one. He’s inexperienced still, his fingers struggling to reach the correct frets on his battered old guitar’s neck that lies across his abdomen.

“It sounds weird,” a child’s voice from the bed above says, “maybe you’re out of tune?”

“Stop telling me how to do my thing,” Eddie groans. “It’s my thing- not yours- for a reason.”

He thinks about his childhood bedroom, hears the other kid sigh, and there are suddenly hands running through his hair, bigger than Frankie’s hands ever got to be. Eddie wants to move his head, look at his brother once more, just once before they’re reunited again, but he can’t do anything but simply lie there in a pool of his own blood and uselessly wait it out. The adrenaline seeps out of his body, bit by bit, being replaced by waves and waves of agonizing pain. He doesn’t even twitch, though, he isn’t sure he can.

He isn’t sure he’ll ever get to move again.

Third weird thing about dying- it doesn’t scare him anymore. He’s all alone, anyways. Everybody figured he was already dead and left him here by himself; he did nothing but watch as Steve Harrington barely spared him another glance after failing to find his pulse, focusing instead on grabbing Dustin forcefully and barking at everyone to run. No one’s coming back to save him, as they should, so there’s nothing he can do but accept it as what it is- the end of the road, Eddie Munson’s final destination.

And if it is what it is, he might as well enjoy the ride, right?

Eddie fights the heaviness of his lids and opens his eyes slowly to stare at the vast red skies staring back at him. He feels so tiny, so insignificant in comparison. He hears thunders but they’re muffled, as if he’s submerged in water.

He waits for the light, the one everyone kept saying he should head towards, but there’s nothing he can see but the bleeding skies.

He kinda hoped he’d get to see it. He bets the brilliant white light is gonna be pretty beautiful to look at, considering it’s the last thing he’ll ever get to see, but instead he’s stuck with this menacing vision he fucking hates.

Eddie waits, and waits, and waits.

Nothing happens.

“It must’ve hurt,” a deep voice booms. Eddie heard it before, he’s sure of it, but he can’t place it anywhere. “Getting left behind. Aren’t you tired of it, Eddie?”

I’m tired of everything, he wants to say.

“I know, but there are great things that you are yet to have done,” The voice says again. It sounds almost kind, tempting. “I can give you a world where you’re never left behind again. Would you like that?”

Come to think about it, he would, actually. He would like that very much.

There are strong arms that lift him up effortlessly. They don’t do it gently or carefully but for some reason Eddie feels safe, safer than he’d felt in months. Years. Maybe ever.

He looks down at the arms for a moment and they don’t look human; they are pink and veiny, bloodied and burnt. Eddie isn’t scared.

His eyes close again and he can’t feel anything anymore.

Nothing but bliss. 

Read more on November 14!

[carpememes]

Oban Star Racers Starters (Part 3)

"I'm not the type of guy who scares easy, you know me."

"I don't even recognize you."

"You're not gonna give me the slip that easily."

"That's not really what I had in mind."

"As if the race wasn't worry enough."

"I didn't ask you here to have tea. We are here to form a temporary alliance against a common enemy."

"I want the ultimate prize and I'm ready to risk everything for it."

"I want the prize as bad as you do."

"You scared me to death. Don't ever do that again, I'm way past my prime, you know."

"The magic word opens many a door, my dear."

"They will hurt you. Badly. This is serious."

"Well, if you're so bored, why don't you just get lost?"

"Leave the prize to those who really need it. We won't miss you."

"We'll discuss your little disappearing act later, miss."

"Imagine. Two great beings standing together. We would be magnificent."

"Just like I told you. He's completely heartless."

"I've imagined this moment for a very long time. I would rush into your arms and you would hug me and all those lost years would be forgiven. But now that it's happened, I don't feel a thing."

"There's so much to explain to you. And so many reasons why you must hate me."

"I was, and I continue to be, a danger for those I love."

"I couldn't have you near me. I couldn't risk harming you as well."

"It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I did it for you."

"Why didn't you ever call me? Why didn't you ever write? Why didn't you ever visit me? WHY?"

"You think I didn't know? Everyone knew!"

"I was the one who destroyed your mother and our family."

"I saw your face so often in the magazines. I just told myself you were too busy to visit."

"I was so proud of you."

"I waited around like an idiot for the moment you'd suddenly drop from the sky without warning."

"The other children thought I was an orphan and they were right. I had no one!"

"What a joke. To you I was dead! I didn't exist!"

"I have no right to stop you, but I'd like you to reconsider."

"I destroyed my wife. And now I've destroyed my only child."

"It's no use. They can't hear you anymore."

"I want my pillow."

"Darling, what's wrong? You look so tired."

"You're pushing yourself too hard. You need to rest and take care of yourself."

"It's really you. Mother!"

"This is the last chance to win the ultimate prize. Do not let it slip through your fingers."

"We have suffered enough! We must have the truth!"

"So then, it's true. There is no ultimate prize."

"There is a prize. But perhaps not the prize you had hoped for."

"My mother died when I was young and my father just sort of split after that."

"I could never accept being separated from you."

"It is a prince's duty to sacrifice himself for the better good of his kingdom."

"All I wanted was to have a family again. And start to live, finally live!"

"We can go home now. I promise you and I will never be separated again."

"I hope I can live to see that day, but for the moment I have something to finish."

"Everything's gone. The temples, the trees, the animals..."

"We're still here. There's hope."

"It's completely my fault. Mine and no one else's."

"No one put as much of their heart and soul into this race as you did."

"He'll be fine, but he needs a lot of rest."

"Poor kid. He was completely dehydrated. He's very lucky."

"I'm not sure i can do this. I'm too young, too inexperienced."

"You boys take good care of my daughter."

"He's here alright. In the darkness."

"You are my creation. My secret weapon. My most trusted pawn."

"Deep down inside, you know I speak the truth."

"Some days I feel like none of it really happened."

"I guess I was given the ultimate prize after all."

[thecheshiredragon]

So we all have head canons about the babyface prince with anger management issues rivalling a fledgling Brujah's. With recent Art on here (blaming @zeiinep and @skeltrr for their amazing art) my brain(rot) went into overdrive and made me post mine into the mix. So here have them and do whatever you want with them but they need to be out of my head.

This is mostly going to be addressing his relationship with his sire and leading up to his demise. Coming full circle from him nearly dying in Waterloo back to his final death while never really having left the warzone - or at least the mindset.

When his sire picked him up it wasn't with the intention of "raising a king". He was a soldier, a minor noble, and much more useful as an glorified errand boy.

So he got just enough knowledge to not embarrass his sire - being made to follow orders with a combination of a fledglings bloodbond, fear of recuperations and hope for just making it to any form of independent being within the camarilla if he just does what he was being told.

In between constantly fearing any kind of miss-step leading to him being killed and moving around the world he manages to accumulate a certain reputation - that of being a pet, a particularly silly Neonate not realizing his position.

He does realize it. But admitting it would just mean he could lay down to die. So he keeps lying to himself and hoping to get out. And at some point he gets the chance.

He either kills or at least has a hand in the killing of his Sire - and manages to do so without drawing too much suspicion. Having been the laughing stock of the community certainly has helped avoid an untimely death even if the century of barely hidden ridicule left quite a few scars.

So now he is free, right? Wrong. Of course nothing much changes. The direct control of his sire changes to just slightly less direct control by the camarilla. But he got at least enough freedom to build up a bit of a fortune for himself. He picks up Mercurio along the way. Yet he remains his only ghoul. His trust issues are just a bit too great to split his attention between several ghouls - much less trust a fledgling of his own making.

Its going reasonably well for a while. He never manages to gain the respect how thinks he deserves for how far he had made it regardless of the circumstances. But it hurts a lot less than it used to.

And of course that moment of near relaxation turn to shit within an instance. Someone somewhere decides to get rid of him by placing him in LA. He knows its not the gift they frame it as. He has no idea how to lead a city - they know it, he knows it. And the city is running rampant with Sabbat, Anarch's and Kuei-jin - the few Camarilla agents left are shrewd and in at least one case much older than him. He knows they'll not accept him as the new prince so he cannot even hope to have any kind of help from them either.

He knows this will be his downfall when he does - and he knows they'll find another way to get rid of him if he refuses. And there is still this hope that maybe, just maybe he can turn this around somehow.

We already know he does not manage it. Since his arrival things have gone from bad to worse rather quickly. He's felt the stress of not making any errors for near on two centuries.. and now Strauss helpfully mentions every little miss-step he makes like the good advisor he is and would be to any prince, no matter how young and inexperienced.

His time is running short, his temper even more so. He has to get this too work before the city tears either itself or him to shreds. And so he plans to use a group to get rid of another. His choice falls on the Kuei-jin if only because they are the most predictable in their expansion politic.

And then the cursed sarcophagus rolls around and Sébastien does not see it for the trap it is - to a drowning man even a venomous snake looks like a rope out of the water.

In short. Yeah he's a terrible little gremlin. But he's probably not as stupid as many make him out to be.

He's desperate to stay alive and in power and digs his own grave trying to get out of a death trap.

[crickwater]

I'm actually starting to get settled t uni and making friends and stuff so I'm not gonna do actually do it but I'm deeply tempted to try nd get into the film school I tried getting into lst year just to see if they would accept me now

[scallopao3]

PSA

I am asexual. Sometimes I also use the word ‘greysexual’ or ‘ace spec’ because I enjoy some sexually intimate activities under specific circumstances, but I am actively put off by what most people consider ‘actual sex’ so I do think asexual applies as a label.

I struggled for a long ass time, and continue to struggle, with not accepting my orientation and wishing I liked sex. I’ve always felt like I was missing out on something and letting people down by not wanting to have sex with them even if we were in a romantic or otherwise physically intimate relationship. I have struggled far more to accept myself for being asexual (and specifically a sex-averse asexual) than I ever struggled to accept myself for being bi. So yes, I do think that asexuals are marginalized for our orientation and that we need and deserve positivity, community, and pride, regardless of our romantic orientations or gender identities.

For me personally, I much more needed to hear the message ‘you don’t have to have sex if you don’t want to’ than I needed to hear ‘you can have sex and still be a valid asexual; lots of asexuals still have sex’. I think that while it is absolutely true that you can be asexual and still have sex for healthy reasons, lots of asexuals have sex for unhealthy reasons and may not realize it. All asexuals should take the time and self compassion they need to really evaluate whether they are pressuring themselves into sex, especially if they identify as ‘sex-neutral’ or are having sex primarily for the benefit of their partner. That’s a valid identity and a valid reason in some cases, but I think that there are a lot of aces like me out there who have identified that way because outright not having sex felt like being ‘too asexual’ or unfairly denying their partner something they need. Which is bullshit. Having sex you don’t want is unhealthy, and we all deserve better.

I’m now in a relationship with another asexual woman, and I’m so much happier and more comfortable in the relationship knowing that my orientation will never not be acceptable to my partner and I will never feel pressured to have sex with her. I also gained a lot from just being single for a while, and coming to accept that I don’t need a romantic relationship to be complete, which gave me the security to wait for that person I did want to be with and not go for someone who I might feel pressured around.

I urge other young or otherwise inexperienced aces who want to date and have relationships to consider dating within the asexual community, and to absolutely avoid dating anyone who invalidates your identity in the slightest. If you think you might be sex-averse, please make sure that you emphasize this to anyone who you might date and avoid sugarcoating or being overly reassuring about their chances of having sex with you (or how often, or which kinds of sexual activities, etc.) Try not to let yourself ‘change your mind’ about a given activity just based on how much your partner wants it or how ‘normal’, ‘tame’, or ‘expected’ it is. Your emotional safety comes first. Don’t worry about your preferences being weird or idiosyncratic. They’re your preferences, and that makes them valid.

It’s ok to feel sad about being ace, or feel like you’re missing out. But always remember that you can be an awesome person and a good partner and worthy of love and happiness without ever having sex, or while having sex once a year, or only having sex in the one specific way that you’re comfortable with, or anything else in that vein. Practice seeing if you can muster up some self-love and some pride for being ace, even if it’s hard at first. Maybe you feel shitty and alone right now. Maybe some kinds of positivity posts feel cheesy or don’t resonate with you. That doesn’t mean you can’t eventually come to feel good about yourself and your orientation, and even find some support among other aces.

My ask box is open if you need to vent. Have a beautifully asexual day!

[lothiriel84]

A Gentleman's Duty

A fortnight before the wedding Mr Darcy was cornered by Colonel Fitzwilliam, who thought it prudent to enlighten his younger cousin on the manifold mysteries of wedded bliss, with particular regards to how a gentleman should go about pleasing his wife.

A Pride and Prejudice ficlet. Sex-repulsed asexual!Darcy.

A fortnight before the wedding Mr Darcy was cornered by Colonel Fitzwilliam, who thought it prudent to enlighten his younger cousin on the manifold mysteries of wedded bliss, with particular regards to how a gentleman should go about pleasing his wife. Such a lecture did nothing to assuage Darcy’s private misgivings about that particular aspect of entering the married state, leaving him in a state which could only be described as a most unpleasant combination of distraught and faintly nauseous.

It would have been too much to hope for his troubled countenance to escape his betrothed’s notice when they met for their usual walk the next morning, and he ought to have foreseen that all his attempts at denying it would only make Elizabeth more determined to discover the cause of his distress.

“Fitzwilliam, what is it? Has something happened while you were in town? You know you can always speak to me.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, his whole perception narrowed to the modicum of closeness afforded by her small hand resting in the crook of his arm. “You are right, Elizabeth, I can no longer be silent – not when it comes to such matters as they would profoundly affect you as much as they do me, and perhaps more.”

She stiffened at his side, and began to remove her hand from his arm. “If you had a change of heart, Sir,” she began, and so affected he was by her pain he threw all propriety to the winds and gathered her in his arms, his palm making contact with her cheek.

“I could never, my Elizabeth. I only fear you might want to reconsider your acceptance of my hand, once I make it all plain to you.”

“Is it so very bad, Fitzwilliam?” she jested in a valiant attempt to make light of the situation. “Are you to tell me you unwittingly compromised a young lady of good breeding, and now her father demands you make it right by her?”

He could not disguise the look of affronted horror that coloured his countenance. “Elizabeth, you know I would never – in point of fact, I have never – that is to say, I do not know how I am even to share your bed when I – I do not – oh, if only there was a way to explain this to you that would be fit for a lady’s ears.”

“I am not so frail as to swoon at the merest hint of impropriety, Sir. As a matter of fact, our thoughtful mother has seen fit to subject me and my sister to a series of lectures concerning our forthcoming duties as married women, including the – physical aspects of it.” She paused, as if gathering her thoughts. “And while Mama warned us that most gentlemen are far from being, shall we say, inexperienced in such matters, I can scarcely hide my relief that my husband and I will be on equal footing when it comes to the marriage bed.”

Darcy shook his head, his tone somewhere in between anguished and utterly dejected. “That is precisely what I was attempting to warn you about, Elizabeth. My understanding is that a beautiful, passionate woman as yourself might reasonably expect more – enthusiasm – from her husband than I find myself capable of summoning.”

“I wonder that you offered for me at all, then, if you found me so repulsing,” came her clipped reply, as she pushed at his chest in a bid to break free of his embrace.

“I did not mean it like that, Elizabeth, please. I know only that I have never – lain with a woman, and while I would love nothing more than to claim that as proof of my own character and morals, the truth is I do not seem to find the prospect at all appealing, for some reason. And before you ask,” he raised a hand, forestalling the question he saw rising to her lips. “I do not find the prospect of lying with someone other than a woman appealing, either.”

Elizabeth was silent for a long moment, but she ceased all attempts at distancing herself. “Forgive me if I ask you, but are you still – that is, do you still – love me?”

“Most ardently, my darling Elizabeth. And I can assure you I will strive to do my duty by you, regardless of my personal preferences on the matter.”

“Oh, I could never ask that of you, Fitzwilliam! We need never share a bed if you do not wish it, I would still be content to call you my husband and the man I love most dearly.”

He sighed and shook his head, even as his hold on her tightened most unconsciously. “And I could never ask that of you, either. I have been unpardonably selfish to enter into an understanding with you without making you aware of my – circumstances, such as they are. My only excuse was my erroneous conviction that brides are far less eager than their grooms when it comes to the more – physical aspects of their union, but my cousin has seen fit to disprove such an idea, and I think it my duty as a gentleman to afford you the chance to back out from our understanding, should you find such a state of affairs intolerable for your future happiness.”

“I won’t hide I will probably require some time to adjust my expectations,” she smiled, a touch ruefully, “but I cannot see how breaking our engagement would do anything but secure everlasting unhappiness for the both of us. No, we shall be married as agreed, and make the best of what our respective inclinations will afford us.”

His heart beating wildly in his chest, he allowed himself the liberty of worshipping her beloved face with the tender press of his lips. “You truly are the best of women, Elizabeth. I would be utterly lost without you.”

She chuckled, and stood on the tip of her toes to properly meet his mouth.

.

.

Elizabeth’s heart swelled with joy as she placed their firstborn in her husband’s arms, and it seemed he could no longer contain his own tears of happiness at the sight of the new life they had managed to create, against all odds. They had been married for nigh on five years when she finally conceived, and truth be told, both of their families had long given up the hope of ever seeing an heir to the Darcy line gracing the shades of Pemberley. (It is superfluous to indicate who, among all of Mr Darcy’s relations, had been the most vocal in expressing her disapproval at Elizabeth’s failure in what the great lady considered as the fundamental duty of a wife.)

To his credit, Fitzwilliam had repeatedly offered to inform his aunt that his wife’s perceived failings were his sole responsibility, and while she was touched he would willingly subject himself to such an indignity solely to protect her reputation, she had eventually convinced him she truly did not care for Lady Catherine’s good opinion. Her longstanding wistfulness at being the only childless among her sisters she had scarcely been able to hide from him, but more often than not she was the one who demurred his offers to share her bed, knowing how uncomfortable he was about the proceedings.

On their wedding night, she had assured him nothing needed to happen between the two of them, that she still would consider herself bound to him in front of God and man, and had renewed her vows she would never seek comfort somewhere else, should he never wish to lay a finger upon her for the rest of their lives. A naturally fastidious man, Fitzwilliam had insisted they sealed their union in the way that was expected of them, and for all that the worst of the discomfort was generally the bride’s lot, she had been the one to enquire after his wellbeing in the aftermath of their joining, and comfort him when she found he was much shaken by the experience. After that, she forbade any further talk of marital duties, and only ever allowed herself the comfort of her husband’s embrace on few and far between occasions, such as the passing of her father, not three years after the wedding.

As it was, the happy arrival of Thomas Bennet Darcy was the result of Fitzwilliam’s own need to be comforted, in the aftermath of Georgiana’s removal from Pemberley upon her marrying a most discerning young gentleman of excellent prospects. In vain had Elizabeth tried to redirect his overpour of feelings to a different outlet, as her husband had sought reassurance of her continued love and affections in a manner that was normally most foreign to him.

She had been praying for a boy for as long as she had been suspecting her condition, and not at all for the reasons her mother would attribute to her. Were she to bear him a son, society would finally acquit her husband of his supposed duty of producing an heir for his estate, and he would no longer feel under any unspoken obligation to come to her against his own wishes. Instinctively, she had known he would welcome a daughter with as much love and care as he would a son, but that had hardly altered her fervent wish to grant him the son and heir that was expected of a man of his station.

Anxious and fretful about the potential risks inherent to her condition – Jane and Bingley had suffered through several miscarriages, and Kitty’s first daughter had been stillborn – she had delayed informing her husband for as long as she had been able to conceal it; even Georgiana had stared pointedly at her swollen stomach for the better part of an evening, before Fitzwilliam had finally caught up and demanded an explanation. He had scarcely been able to contain his joy when she had confirmed she was with child, and the happy tears he had managed to hold back on that occasion were now running freely down his cheeks.

“He is perfect,” he whispered, almost reverently, adjusting the precious bundle more securely in the crook of his arm. “I am sure I do not deserve such a gift, but I thank you for it, my dearest wife.”

Elizabeth laughed merrily at his heartfelt declaration. “It is I who am most grateful to my husband for bestowing such a valuable gift upon me, even more so as I know how much trouble he had to go through in order to procure it.”

“Oh, that I had known what a blessing a child is, I would have strived to procure one sooner,” he declared with the utmost conviction, leaning to brush his lips most delicately on top of the sleeping babe’s head.

For all that she knew she would soon have to subject herself to her mother’s raptures at her long-delayed success in providing her husband with an heir – almost six years had not been sufficient a time for Elizabeth to make her understand that Pemberley was not entailed, and the terms of Fitzwilliam’s settling upon their marriage meant that neither she nor her family would be left to starve in the hedgerows, should he be survived by no children of his own – for now, she was as close to perfect contentment as she had ever dared to hope she could be.

[tea-with-evan-and-me]

I know I'm probably reading too much into this but that quote could be about evan. She made that post about how she had been going through a rough couple months in July. Obviously we don't know his side. It could have just been like "I don't think our personalities are compatible" and it came across wrong. But still. I really don't see evan as being someone who'd be mean for no reason but yeah we don't know him, so 🫠

again, folks need to take off their fandom glasses and remember that these are just two regular human beings we are discussing. breakups are hard; whether it’s evan or someone else she was speaking about, nothing she said is indicative of the other person acting poorly. nothing she described is reflective of something “coming off wrong”.

many times our feelings get hurt, or we feel anger, even when the other person did nothing technically wrong. even when we know rejection is an inevitability, even when we need honesty, it doesn’t mean you won’t feel hurt or let down when someone you care for just doesn’t want to be with you. maybe some of the people who feel a knee jerk reaction to quotes like what haley has posted or said are very young and inexperienced, but let me assure you: someone, at some point in your life, will be hurt by your rejection even though you have no ill-intent. when the ego is bruised and they are disappointed l, they will speak of you to friends and family like you did them wrong despite it being a normal and acceptable thing to tell someone you simply are no longer interested in a partnership with them. keep this in mind.

[jaimebluesq]

WIP Wednesday - 10/05

A little something from a longer fic I'm writing - the scene turned out really well so I thought I'd share it. Post-canon, NHS owning the Jianghu :D (This was SO satisfying to write, ngl) WWX's pov

~~~

“Why are we even arguing?” Sect Leader Huang shouted, quieting most of the noise. “We all know there are only two possible candidates.”

“You're wrong,” Sect Leader Yao countered. “There is absolutely no reason a minor sect leader cannot be Chief Cultivator!”

Sect Leader Huang glared at Sect Leader Yao, then looked to the rest of the men and women in the hall. “Is there even a single person in here who would vote for Yao-zongzhu?” Sect Leader Yao's bluster began to fade as not a single person spoke up in his defence – in fact, he looked rather offended when Sect Leader Ouyang avoided his gaze. “Only the larger sects have the history, the resources, and the connections to give legitimacy to the role, and among them, Jin-zongzhu is far too young and inexperienced, and Lan-zongzhu is in seclusion. That leaves us with Jiang-zongzhu and Nie-zongzhu, whether you like it or not.”

There was more murmuring throughout the room, though it was halted by a loud cough coming from the head of the Nie contingent. Nie Huaisang stood up and flicked his fan open, using it to cool himself as he faced Sect Leader Huang. “I believe I can make this even simpler for the leaders of the Jianghu,” he said in a serious tone that few in the room had likely ever heard from the 'Headshaker'. “Even should you decide to vote for me, I cannot possibly accept.”

“But why?” Sect Leader Yao looked confused that anyone would reject such a prestigious position, and he was not the only one.

Nie Huaisang's fan paused and he took in a deep breath before closing it once again. “The reason is actually something I had planned to announce at the end of the conference, though I suppose there is no better time than the present. I cannot be Chief Cultivator because in two months' time, I am abdicating my position as Nie-zongzhu and handing it down to my Head Disciple, Nie Zuilong.”

For a single moment, the room was so silent that Wei Wuxian could have heard the dropping of a pin – then it was suddenly filled with people voicing their shock. At first, it looked like the many comments were falling upon deaf ears as Nie Huaisang made no reaction, but then Wei Wuxian heard someone shouting out, What would Nie Mingjue think about this?

Wei Wuxian's eyes went straight to Nie Huaisang in time to watch his jaw clench, then suddenly his fan was thrown to the floor, the dark metal banging against the polished wood of Lotus Pier's main hall and drawing the attention of every pair of eyes in the room.

“What would my brother think?” Nie Huaisang echoed – and if looks could kill, the unknown disciple who had asked the question would be on his way to his next life. “My brother has no opinion because he isn't here. He's dead, locked in a tomb with the very man who murdered him. If you want to go to Yunping and open his coffin to ask his opinion, then by all means, do so.”

“Now be fair, Nie-zongzhu,” Sect Leader Ouyang said condescendingly. “The comment was perhaps a little out of line, but your answer doesn't become a proper sect leader.” Behind him, his son shrank away, looking like he would much rather be sitting with the Lan or Jin delegations.

Wei Wuxian thought back to the first time he'd met with Nie Huaisang after being returned and thinking how sad it was that his old friend had grown so weak and helpless, and he remembered the way the man had passed out in the treasure room beneath Koi Tower – he could see how the other sect leaders would feel themselves better than someone like the Headshaker. But he also remembered Jin Guangyao's final words and his own suspicions about just how much Nie Huaisang may have been involved in his downfall. At his side, Lan Wangji tensed as if getting ready to involve himself – Wei Wuxian placed a hand on his husband's arm and shook his head.

He wanted to see where this would go – he had a feeling it was going to be quite entertaining, and possibly cathartic. He couldn't help but notice at the head of the hall, Jiang Cheng was keeping out of it as well, also looking like he was curious about how this argument would go.

Nie Huaisang's lips curved into a smile and Sect Leader Ouyang relaxed – likely because, unlike Wei Wuxian, he hadn't noticed that the smile did not reach Nie Huaisang's eyes. “Why thank you, Ouyang-zongzhu, for telling me how I should and should not comport myself. I'll surely take advice from a man who is incapable of telling when he has bored the rest of the conference attendees to death.”

There were a few chuckles from around the room, but Nie Huaisang was not laughing.

Wei Wuxian suddenly wished he had some peanuts to eat while watching the show.

“Though if you would take some advice from this humble one,” Nie Huaisang continued, and to Wei Wuxian, his voiced sounded menacing. “I would do a better job locking the door when having those 'private' meetings with Yao-zongzhu - I fear your wife 'overheard' your last meeting, and may now have the wrong impression about your relationship with him – that is why she chose not to accompany you today, is it not?”

Whispers spread throughout the room. Sect Leader Yao let out a forced laugh. “Ah, how amusing Nie-zongzhu, really. Now perhaps we can ignore such ridiculous fabrications and get back to business.”

“Ridiculous,” Nie Huaisang echoed, his eyes narrowing and looking remarkably like his brother.

Something was placed on the table in front of Wei Wuxian; he looked down to see a small bag of peanuts. He looked up at Lan Wangji and grinned, blowing him a kiss in thanks, then began cracking open the first nut.

“Ridiculous.” Oh, Nie Huaisang now sounded just this side of unhinged, and Wei Wuxian was loving it. “Let me tell you what's ridiculous: the pile of trade offers that landed on my desk in the wake of Liangfang-zun's death. After ten years of thinking the only reason you couldn't take advantage of my unsuitability as sect leader was that I had his and Zewu-Jun's support and aid, you were all suddenly interested in sending the most insulting offers now that neither of them are here to act as my support. All of you! With certain notable exceptions,” he added with nods to Jiang Cheng, Jin Ling, and Lan Wangji.

The only other sound in the room was the cracking of Wei Wuxian's peanut shell.

“Not that none of you tried to get to me when they weren't around,” Nie Huaisang continued, beginning to walk down the room so he could look from one sect leader to another. “Oh, you did try, and every now and then I'd let you think you got one over on me and go cry to San-ge that I thought I'd messed something up, because every time I wanted to remind him about just what sort of position he had put me in!”

There was a small sound from behind Wei Wuxian; he glanced back and saw Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi watching raptly, with the former's hand clapped to the latter's mouth to keep him from making any noise. He grabbed a few peanuts and dropped them on their tables to share.

“What fucking irony that in ten years of being unable to sleep at night, of being constantly paranoid and terrified that he was going to find out I knew what he did to my brother,” there were gasps from the crowd, “ten years of hating him... and I still like and respect him more than almost every single one of you! How does it feel,” Nie Huaisang paused before Sect Leaders Yao and Ouyang, “to know the son of a whore you all derided and turned on the moment it was convenient, that he was better than the lot of you put together!”

The various sect leaders in the crowd looked insulted, but none of them dared speak. Wei Wuxian, quite frankly, thought they could use a good dressing down.

“I didn't want this, any of this,” Nie Huaisang continued with a wave of his hand, once again pacing along the hall. “And you dare to even suggest making me Chief Cultivator?! What would my brother think? He would think the same as I do, that the only reason you would want me in the position would be because you think I'm easily manipulated without anyone else to watch out for me.”

Wei Wuxian saw Jiang Cheng lift a hand to rub at his lower face and wondered if he was the only one who'd noticed the smirk being hidden behind that hand.

“And perhaps there might have been a time I would have allowed you to think that and gone along with it, and used your ignorance against you once I was elected... but I'm so fucking tired, and I want out.” Nie Huaisang's shoulders dropped as if he was running out of steam. “I've given up so much to try and make Da-ge proud, to not let our sect be destroyed or absorbed by another because I owed him that much. You have no idea what I've let go of or put on hold because I couldn't risk watching the things I love be destroyed. None of you have any right to ask more of me. I'm done, I've had enough, and in two months' time, there will be another Nie to deal with all of your bullshit.”

Nie Huaisang stopped his pacing next to the fan he had thrown, picking it up and cradling it between his hands. He turned and faced the head of the room, lowering into a formal bow to Jiang Cheng. “My deepest apologies, Jiang-zongzhu, for the disruption. No disrespect was intended to our host – you have always been one of the few to be just and honest in your dealings with Qinghe Nie.”

“No offence was taken,” Jiang Cheng replied simply. “I think the Jianghu can do with a little more blunt honesty.”

“Thank you.” Nie Huaisang set his shoulders back. “Now, I'm afraid I'm feeling a little under the weather and will leave the conference to decide as it will. I will leave all votes to my Head Disciple, who will act on my behalf.”

Nie Huaisang made a perfect, graceful turn and strode down the hall, leaving a room full of angry and embarrassed sect leaders in his wake.