#you can very much put the books in that era where they were still killing of gays for shock value

[alistairlowes]

Thank you for writing the show/book comparison for The Bastard Son. I've been mildly curious, but now I'm definitely not reading it. From my perspective, and from what you've described, the show has made a lot of improvements, especially the main three characters and storywise, so I'll stick with the show.

hello. ofc <3 if someone still wants to read them and make their own judgment that's up to them but i know i'd be disappointed and frankly pissed. like i still have a lot of strong and negative feelings about it mostly due the bs that went down when it was first published and the discourse it opened on whether it's okay to kill off your queer character when like... you really just have to look into the whole context of how it was done. especially because in between second and third book sally was on tumblr posting a lost of extra fluffy "nabriel content" which basically hinted that they are together and happy (which was before they were really together in the books) only to end it that way which i mean if you already plan to kill them off maybe idk don't fucking do that??

i did actually reread the books few months back to be more objective and tbh i could no longer even see the things i remembered liking. i'd still stay first book and maybe half of the second one were okay. i did like the trilogy at first. but everything else yeah no. they kept nathan somewhat similar except he wasn't as easy-going as he is in the show which makes sense because he was a lot more abused. the book annalise is beyond saving. and gabriel is pretty much a different character. i remember i liked him a lot more when i first read it but now not so much. his relationship with nathan was also quite poorly developed. not to mention the worldbuilding turned to clusterfuck toward the end. it aged like milk and while i wish they did keep some elements in the show i understand why they changed so much.

[angstywildcats]

it’s been a hot minute since ive read warrior cats so i just wanted to ask what the relationship between ferncloud and brightheart is? and in turn the general premise of your coming surrounding them? im really interested!!

It has been a hot minute since i've touched a book too, anybody is free to correct me but. In canon, they really just were apprentices at the same time.

If you wana pepe silvia it up, it should be noted that the books however included that:

Fernpaw and Ashpaw's mother is killed by the dogs

Swiftpaw would invite Fernpaw (and Ashpaw) to find out what's been out there hunting down Thunderclanners (It should be stated that Swiftpaw, I think, did this for his Warrior name and wanted support. I don't know if there was ever any mentioned other noble cause on saving his Clan or specifically his apprentice denmates)

Brightpaw and Swiftpaw leave, that whole tragedy happens.

Fernpaw is the one to confess to Fireheart (and Cloudtail, I think?) about where the missing Swiftpaw and Brightpaw's whereabouts are. Which, theoretically helps Brightpaw be found in time.

The book never really shows them interacting otherwise, as far as I can remember, but Ferncloud and Brightheart also most likely shared time in the nursery together since they have kittens around the same era... which you never see because that's in between The Prophecies Begin and The New Prophecy, and Whitepaw is an apprentice by then.

Basically I'm making mountains over underdeveloped molehills over side characters, but I think with what's given, there's a lot of emotional exploration to be had over it, while still feeling in-line with canon!

I should say as well, I was all particularly inspired by this because a couple of Warriors videos ('Danse Macabre', 'No one, Everyone, Your mama') both included a shot of Fernpaw watching them leave in the night. It's such a simple thing to include, but there's a lot of weight to seeing your friends the very moment they leave to go on a suicide mission and one of them never coming back! What would have happened if you broke their trust and just told on them to not leave! Is it your fault they died!?

Soooo with all that being said, and my absolute hunger for just... more interpersonal relationships between characters in Warriors (which they fail me for even the main characters), there's a lot of strong potential in this.

With my take on Brightheart and Ferncloud, I just see them as really good or bonded friends who grew up together. They go through a lot through shared trauma, and based on the tidbits of personality given for both of them, I think they also would get along. Fernpaw being timid, Brightpaw being caring for others. In my comic I've added a bit to also imply Brightheart agreed to go with Swiftpaw not only to support him but to do it for Fernpaw/Ashpaw as well. I hesitate to put any further label on it since... well, their children get together romantically so it would add to the tangle of bloodlines, but I def can see it as how some childhood friends have sibling bonds.

For the comic... you will have to see exactly what happens! It's short, chill. Mostly conversational, just like the Shrewpaw/Ferncloud one but i hope it still hits emotional beats. I think something just fun to chew on while I make it is... How would it feel to watch your friends try hunt something that killed your mother, and only one survives, coming out of it extremely shaken. What would seeing her again feel like.

Perhaps I have talked to much, but I actually planned to do an extension of this comic where it timeskips further on where all the apprentices, grown up, visit Swiftpaw's grave.... but I decided against this because. 1. This is already a lot of work to do this many pages. 2. It's gonna be pretty long already, and I do not like making extremely long posts on tumblr. 3. I found a different way to end the comic I preferred.

Here's the script. Perhaps maybe I'll touch on it another while but admittedly after this I may be tired of exploring the Dog Incident for a bit.

Thank you for being so kind and inquiring! It's very fun, I enjoyed explaining this.

[starsurface]

Your writings are very good, they make me happy! Would it be possible to write Shang Tsung from the 3d era taking care of an age regressed reader that uses diapers?

Awh, thank you!!! I'm so glad that they make you happy!! <3

I will admit, i know incredibly little about this character!!!! :D (I tried to do research, but do call me our or dm if I wrote some things wrong, I can totally redo or make a pt 2 or something!!)

Like, . . . I know he’s evil. And has an island. And works for Shao Kahn. And is one of the more first big boss fights?? And that 3d is like, Deception, and Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks (the cutscenes only version of that game is so funny, the storyline is so fast).

And not even zesty evil!!! But like, actually evil. :(

Small Warning (?): It just kinda feels like there are some darker undertones in these?? Not exactly yandere like, but mildly possessive, and little to no hesitation to hurt others for you. It’s not implied that he’d kill, but it is implied that he’d use them as experiments (which I can totally change if anyone gets uncomfortable with!!!)

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

CG 3d era Shang Tsung w/ Regressor That Uses Diaper Hcs

🐛 I know I said he’s evil . . . but I think he adores you

🐛 Your his baby, how could he not love you!! He’s cruel and a villain, but your his Precious, he couldn’t just let you go <3

🐛 While a man of evil and Shao Kahn’s sorcerer, he would never make fun of you for using or needing padding

🐛 Babyspace regressor? You’re very tiny!! Of course you might need some help, and that’s okay!!

🐛 Toddler? Well, accidents happen all the time, and he’d rather be safe than sorry anyways

🐛 Big kid? Well he’d still classify you as a baby, but whatever you say <3

🐛 Middlespace regressor? Everyone can use diapers!! Whether for medicine or comfort, that’s your regression, and no one else’s

🐛 And if anyone were to magically tell you otherwise, well, they strangely disappear!! :O (and maybe end up in Shang Tsung’s lab)

🐛 Might get a bit grumpy if you wake him up at night, but almost any thoughts of anger or upset wash away when he sees how upset you are

🐛 . . . Although he’s also super tired and might put on your padding backwards

🐛 It is literally not his fault, it’s two am, and he has work tomorrow

🐛 Although he’d rather you wake him up than sit sobbing in bed, work or no work, you’re his first priority

🐛 He’ll also get some of those potty mattress protections, just in case you may or may not have an accident again (but only if your cool with it)

🐛 Magic show distractions!!!

🐛 He could give you something to fidget with during the process . . . Or he could use his super cool sorcerer powers and make a little light show to distract you

🐛 From what i’ve seen in almost every Shang Tsung, they have a way with words

🐛 So it’s not him buying your regression supplies, it’s Shao Kahn <3

🐛 Shang Tsung works for him, how could he not also supply for his precious baby that he gets very little time with because of how often he has to work and prepare for the tornoment?

🐛 ^ Lies, Shang Tsung can and will pause any type of working if you regress and come for him

🐛 Maybe unless he’s in the middle of an experiment, but he’s left his studies many times before

🐛 Your not really allowed to talk to Shao Kahn though :\ (Shang Tsung’s worried Shao will be mean or cruel to you in your headspace)

🐛 But you get much time with Dada!! :D

🐛 He’ll make a little regression area in his laboratory!! It’s Shang Tsung’s Island, who would tell him he couldn’t put a secret passage way into a small regression area just for you?

🐛 ^ No one, that’s who, so of course he does it!! (and Shao Kahn gets the bill for it >:3)

🐛 He does make sure to put it more where the potions or his study books are and not where his experiments are (he doesn’t like you seeing them in your headspace)

🐛 Don’t you dare ever try to touch his potions, he will get incredibly upset and you’ll get in trouble

🐛 They’re for big kids and big kids only, plus you could get seriously hurt and Dada might not be able to help you from some of them

🐛 Or you could just regress in Dada’s room, which is much comfier anyways

🐛 If you end up having any type of accidents, he’s very gentle about the process, gently shushing and comforting you, drawing you a nice bath and picking out some comfy clothes

🐛 His clothes to be exact, what could be better?

🐛 If you’re ever embarrassed about using padding, he’d call you silly

🐛 There’s no reason too!! Whether for comfort, or medical, or just because, if it works for you, then he’s more than happy to help with the process

🐛 Your his baby after all, and he’s going to make sure you have the world <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I like the Caterpillar emoji, it's cute. :3 (also they didn't have any potions :\)

[callmearcturus]

writer questions meme: 8, 13, 20 if you please

13. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever come across?

It wasn't explicitly writing advice, but I can tell you where I learned what my specific style would be. There was a fic in the Dresden Files fandom called "Cross" by LightGetsIn. LGI was a tremendous writer and a very kind mentory-friend who I attended my first fan convention with. Extremely accomplished adult who I looked up to when I was barely an adult.

"Cross" is a story about the limitations of perspective. It was the first story that really drove home the idea that Character A would not have the same knowledge and understanding of the world as Character B.

In "Cross", the POV character is John Marcone, a non-magical mafia boss who is deeply entrenched in the magical world. He has a lot of factual knowledge of how magic works, but he's an Italian-American Catholic. So when he's pulled into doing magical rites to bring another character back to life, he specifically doesn't pick up on the more pagan symbology of what he's doing, but filters it through a Guilty Catholic filter. Hence the name of the fic, "Cross."

And that story, which isn't even my favorite LGI story, probably taught me the most about how to write Close Perspective Third Person, which is my default style. When I'm writing in a characters POV, I rigorously limit what the POV character knows and picks up on. I will plant clues and information that the audience will understand, but the connections a character makes, the reference pools they pull from, their morality and ethics, all of those inform that POV, and what you and I know does not.

That is probably the most important lesson I've ever had in creating my own writing method.

20. Describe your perfect writing conditions.

8 hours of sleep, small breakfast snack like a croissant, decaf beverage, one dextroamphetamine, and no one fucking talk to me for about 2 - 4 hours. I will write 4,000 words.

8. Share a snippet from one of your favorite dialogue scenes you’ve written and explain why you’re proud of it.

Lets put this under a cut, and I'll give you some DVD commentary. This is from chapter 2 of you'll need a new name to survive this. It's the point where Benji realizes Ethan is stalking him and does that trick to lose him in the bookshop, then sits outside waiting for him.

Only five minutes later, the door opened, and Bell took one step out before freezing, his eyes falling on Benji.

Got you, Benji thought with a sharp little smile. "You didn't even buy a book? Bit rude."

One of the goals of the early chapters of PT AU was establishing Benji's character as boldly as possible because we were essentially telling a story that canon does not. This is YEARS before MI3, where Benji gets two gd scenes.

To me, the tightrope walk was that I wanted Benji to have a reasonable grip on authority, to be shiny and new and out of his depth but still empowered because of his accomplishments. He has managed to land a good job working for the US government, he successfully emigrated before he was 30 years old, he has an apartment and a cat, he's new to everything in the spy world but he also has a steel spine that frankly he's fucking earned.

Which is a long-winded way of saying that Benji is a bitch and I love him so much.

Bell's face was blank, but Benji could almost feel how fast his brain was moving, weighing his options. Eventually, he settled on huffing out a little chuckle and stepping closer to Benji. "Hi."

Meanwhile, Ethan. MI1-era Ethan is very very smart but very very traumatised. His skillset is rooted in controlling people and predicting them. So Benji, a fucking civilian, catching him off-guard like this is like waving a red flag at a bull. Or dangling a steak over a lion enclosure. Benji doesn't know it yet but he's setting himself up to be a tasty treat for Ethan Hunt circa the late 90s.

"Are you going to kill me or something?" Benji asked. "Is that your spook job, are you a hitman?"

The flash of expression on Bell's face was offended. (This makes me laugh every time. Ethan Hunt is not a killer unless he absolutely must be and he will go out of his way to avoid it. Being an assassin is gross and he doesn't want to be perceived at all bc he's a spy but if he MUST be perceived jfc don't assume he's a HITMAN) "What, no. I just…" Grimacing, he looked away, eyes scanning the other pedestrians around them. "Okay, I'm screwing this up, I can admit that. Can we talk somewhere private?"

Benji didn't even have to think about it. "We can talk somewhere public."

Benji is never going to be an IMF agent but his instincts are wildly correct. And that knowledge comes from a different place! He was a gay punk rock vagabond who dropped out of law school, he knows how to keep out of trouble. He is probably the guy who told his other punk friends "if you are arrested do not say a goddamn thing, just ask for your public defender, don't joke, don't be a smartarse, keep your mouth shut."

The smile that took over Bell's face was lovely, transforming his whole face from storm clouds to something more seasonal. "That's honestly a very smart answer, doc. C'mon, there's a bakery nearby. I'll buy you a coffee. Least I can do."

It really was, so Benji nodded and followed him.

They didn't speak until Bell opened the glass door to another shop and held it open for Benji.

"Wrong hand," Benji said, noticing the small wince Bell let out.

"Inside, doc."

If it isn't obvious, all of the observational skills Benji has canonically have been funneled into his preternatural observation of patients.

Basically, if Benji as a character has a specific set of SPECIAL stats, all of those are the same, he just has different tagged skills in this universe.

Canon Benji is probably.... Guns, Science, and Repair. PT Benji has Medicine, Barter, Speech.

"Not a doctor," Benji said. "You know I'm not a doctor."

"What do you want to drink, doc?"

Ethan is being purposefully annoying and I could write a whole post about Ethan's soft power and the way he manipulates people, but that'd be another post. Short version: some people you seduce, some people you act like a wounded gazelle at, and some people you annoy.

Inside the bakery was loud. It was a strangely open floor plan. A long pastry case cordoned off the seating area for the customers. On the other side was just… the bakery. There were ovens and industrial mixers and rolling racks of cooling bread. In the corner, the espresso machine howled with noise as the milk frother worked.

It smelled divine, like living inside a baguette during a spring shower of dark roast coffee.

It also was a constant racket, which Benji mentioned to Bell as he sat down and slid a dark tea with vanilla syrup across to Benji.

"That's the point," Bell said, slouching back in his chair. "It's very difficult to eavesdrop in here."

Well, he wasn't wrong. Looking to another occupied table nearby, Benji briefly tried to pick out a word of what was being said by the woman seated closest to him. Nothing.

"Right, then," Benji said, attention back on Bell. "Why are you following me?"

"Why?" Bell seemed taken aback.

One of the many moments in the early chapters that establish that Ethan's perception of Normal is not anything approaching actual normal.

"Yes, why."

"Normal intelligence collection."

"On your physical therapist?" Benji asked with a barked laugh.

"Yeah." Bell leaned on his elbows, one hand cupping his own jaw and holding his head up as he made uncomfortably direct eye contact. "You really don't know who I am? Or why some of the appointments on your calendar come with no information?"

Pursing his lips, Benji shook his head.

Blowing out a whistle through his teeth, Bell grinned. "Sorry, that's just… it's new. I'm surprised Dr. Falsion didn't clue you in, but I guess she's not technically supposed to." Lifting his mug, he looked down into it. "People do shit they're not technically supposed to all the time in this town."

Ethan's major trauma at this point is being targeted by Kittridge and the Mole Hunt, and his trust in people to do their jobs is at a critical low that it'll never recover from.

"I don't even know your name," Benji sighed, sipping his own drink. It didn't taste at all like iocaine powder, so he was probably safe for the moment.

Bell rested his temple against the knuckles of his hand, his gaze so intense that Benji didn't know how to look away without making it patently obvious he was unsettled. Whatever Bell saw, it made his lips curve up slight. "Alright. Yeah. My name is Ethan. I work for an organization that shouldn't legally exist, so that's why you don't get anything on me. Even CIA jackboots manipulating local governments are realer than I am." He blinked once. "Also, I was an unprofessional shitheel last session, and I apologize."

Ethan apologizes here because Benji has earned his respect. And also by earning his respect, Ethan is also aware that Benji is not going to be so easy to maneuver around, so he fesses up that he was a prick, softly setting up a different tactic with Benji.

Benji felt his eyes going wider and wider with every sentence until it was a little hard to breathe. So his patient wasn't the American equivalent of an MI5 or MI6 so much as an MI8?

That did sort of start to explain what a pain in the ass he was.

"Shame," Benji managed after a moment of sitting fairly gobsmacked. "I was getting attached to 'Bell.' But I appreciate… all that. Thanks." He frowned. "Are you saying all this because you're actually sorry or are you sick of being stonewalled?"

Benji has a much more cynical mind than Ethan is the funny thing. Benji gets arguably more accurate reads on people than Ethan does. Or, Ethan gets accurate reads but he is continuously poisoned by the hope that people will be better than he expects. So FUNCTIONALLY, Ethan is an optimist and Benji is a realist.

Bell— Ethan— grinned. "That's a very good question. You actually have great instincts, doc. You did a surprisingly good job of shaking me when I was tailing you, especially for a civilian."

One of my favorite running gags is Benji being impossible to tail, so I'm glad we really drove it home the first time it happened. I love consistency in longfic.

"Again: thanks. Don't suppose you'll answer my other question?"

Ethan sipped his coffee, his smile visible around the edge of his cup.

"Right," Benji sighed. At least this felt like progress. And at least he probably wasn't going to be disappeared by a government assassin. That was a relief.

So this entire bit is Ethan reassessing Benji and pivoting his methods and tactics, setting up for a better way of handling Benji. And also being kind of charmed by him.

[cto10121]

Re-watching the New Moon movie and I have many Thoughts(tm), namely

Why is the cinematography is so warm toned compared to the first movie when New Moon is the most depressing book and truly the worst era of Bella’s young life: A Mystery in 2 Hours

At least Pattinson!Edward looks a little better than usual. They put him in these crisp suits. Very nice (Edit: Never mind, that awful Volturi bathrobe with the pasty-ass makeup was horrific yuck, yuck, yuck)

They just had to introduce Jacob this early on, didn’t they? And ofc Bella is much more emotive and gets all the witty dialogue with him (!!). In the books she is much more romantic and wittier with Edward as a whole. Jacob tended to bring out her immature side

“How come Jacob Black gets to give you a gift and I can’t?” “Because I have nothing to give back to you” Nice to know the screenwriter(s) still doesn’t understand the Bedward dynamic. And by nice I mean horrific

…What film version of R&J are they watching??? It’s not the ‘30s version and definitely not the ‘60s or ‘90s one. Is it the ‘70s BBC one? In the book it was the ‘60s version, which is the correct answer. Did they not get the rights? Also, also, why are the human characters much more affected by R&J than Bella and Edward????

“[Romeo] Killed his only love out of sheer stupidity” “Yeah” Oh no, no, no, no, movie, you are not going to make Bella, a close Romeo iteration, agree with Edward!!! Edward is meant to be 100% wrong by his take. Dumbass script!!!

Edward: “Eyes, look your last” 😐 Couldn’t Pattinson just inject a little bit more feeling into his line reading? Most of Edward’s objections were Romeo’s actions, not his suicide. These are the lines Edward can and should relate to.

The movie people garbing the Volturi in 18th century clothing when they are older than the Romans is just laughable

“Dating an older woman. Hot.” Okay, Emmett is 💯, no notes. Definitely erred on the side of frat boy, but you know what, it’s fun and ho boy do these movies lack it

Bella holding up her whole bloody finger in a coven of vampires 💀 Why, movie

Stewart!Bella’s chemistry with almost everyone else in the cast (that scene with Carlisle tending her wound!!!) but Pattinson!Edward confirms what I have known all along: Film and real life chemistry are very different and they shouldn’t be confused. The proof is in the celluloid.

I’m just going to call it: Stewart and Pattinson are modern subtle quirky actors playing what are essentially neo-Gothic star-crossed lover roles. They absolutely should never have been considered for these parts at all by a competent director. Absolutely not fitting at all

“You’re just not good for me.” Hmm, this is what Bella believes about herself, not Edward. I suppose Edward could have done it on purpose, but the fact that he was flabbergasted his lie worked indicates that he doesn’t. Movie just straight up portrays him as more manipulative than in the books, where he just lies baldly

Oh God the months-on-the-screen thing was terrible. This movie fails so much at portraying Bella’s depression, it hurts. It’s like visual SparkNotes

The Bella-writing-to-Alice device sucks. Not too badly, but still. We had her voiceover in the first movie without any problems but for this one, we need a justification? Also, it fuels the Bella/Alice fan dumb something awful

Really dislike the way they did Hallucination!Edward with the ghostly transparent effect. It’s corny and also…way to pass up a chance at some mystery and intrigue by just having Edward be there without any special effects (maybe keep the echoing voice). I guess they really didn’t want people confused and think he returned when he didn’t. But c’mon.

Movie Bella going off with the biker 🤮 Book Bella at her most insane would never. The only good thing about it is that it does lead to Bella having an interest in motorcycles. Efficient movie storytelling and all that.

“Bella, where the hell have you been, loca?” Wonder why this line became so meme-worthy. It’s by far not the worst (“spider monkey” is perhaps the most awful) and Lautner’s delivery was natural enough. Is it the random Spanish? It is random.

Bella is already smiling at her first scene with Jacob…this movie is just awful at selling her desolation. Meanwhile Jacob’s first thought was how awful Bella looked

The Quileute characters are well-cast and nicely played so far, and their banter is good. Emily especially is beautiful and her scar makeup was convincing. Great

Book: “He took off his shirt” Movie: He took off his ~~~~shirt 😍

Laurent’s arrival and his death should have been a much better and weightier scene than we got. God, the pacing is so bad in this movie. Jacob becomes a werewolf, Bella finds the meadow, Laurent suddenly arrives—all within a minute or so. Ugh

“As soon as you put the dog out.” Damn, why, movie? Book Alice did not begin the slurs until she was well and truly angry. But sure, let’s do some really obvious racebaiting 🙄

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Jacob KNEW he was talking to Edward and not Carlisle????? Movie, wtf? And all to save up on some screen time…sigh

Bella: “I can let you go now.” What. The. Fuck. Movie????? Not only could she not let Edward go, Bella never wanted to let him go. That was and had never been her arc!!! She would have gone to Edward regardless of anything!!! I hate this, I hate this oh GOD

No, I’m not done, I need another bullet point for this BS. The whole reason why Twilight was picked up to be adapted in the first place was because Hollywood execs saw “Ooh Romeo and Juliet with vampires 🤑” written all over this one…only for the actual filmmakers to just say, “Actually her whole ~journey this movie is letting go of Edward uwu” Poor Meyer…she just had to grin and bear it until she became the producer, I suppose

*Bella and Edward having a whole-ass conversation and making out* *Felix and Demetri watching in the shadows*: “So…should we interru—” “Don’t you DARE” “Felix” 🤣 I’m sorry, but this whole “I lied I do love you” convo should have been in the bedroom scene proper; there are literal Volturi about!!! Also, also, no “Amazing. Carlisle is right”!!! No Romeo quote!!!! Fie, for shame

Dakota Fanning as Jane…Well, probably not perfection, but she is great as usual. The Volturi got done so dirty overall, though—they look and act like Vampire Diaries rejects.

THAT ELEVATOR SCENE, OH GOD. So much meme potential. Why does this series keep injecting humor and comedy where there shouldn’t be and just ditching the actual humor and comedy of the actual books?????

Again, these Volturi gives me discount Vampire Diaries. Also, that chamber is so damn small. Where is the mystique, the grandiosity?There should be a crowd of vampires around, it’s their dinnertime.

Michael Sheen is just too British for the la tua cantante, lol. He also says something else (“Forse le vostre l’uno per altro”??? The accent is just too thick). He’s way too handsy (movie, they’re regular vampires who are sharks!!) but overall I guess his creepy-genteel approach works. Again, the cringy script fucks him over, as it does everyone. The movie has him touch Edward only now and not immediately when he meets him. Oh, God.

Edward just stumbling forward to Jane’s demonstration on Bella 💀 Jane saying “Pain” and Edward just standing there instead of collapsing 💀 Stewart!Bella freaking out and begging them to stop…actually, no, there she did very well, I liked it

Edward and Felix fighting ewwww…and with that awful slow-mo. What’s with these movies and including non-canonical battle shit???? Also, Aro would not order Bella’s execution if simply because he wants to collect Edward/Alice and Bella once she turns (it’s obvious she is a shield).

Of course fucking Alice speaks up at the very last minute before Aro chomps on Bella!!! When she would have had a vision of this exact scenario!!! This movie I swear!!!

THEY ACTUALLY SHOW THE VISION OF VAMPIRE BELLA, OH GOD. AND WITH THE CORNY SLOW-MO. KILL ME

“Once Alice changes me, you can’t get rid of me.” Okay, Movie Bella is officially more interested in immortality than Edward, the exact opposite of her book counterpart. Dishonor on your cow, Rosenberg.

“Jake, I love you.” Aaaaaand it’s official, the movies are definitely Team Jacob. Fuck you, too, movie

[moriartyluver]

Hello dear! It's always refreshing to discover blogs which give William the love he deserves 😌

I'd like to request a William x f!reader oneshot, where reader has been repressing her femininity since she was a child and supposedly hates anything feminine, but, one day William accidentally discovers her in front of the bathroom mirror, putting on red lipstick.

Reader is very embarrassed about it, but William comforts her and tells her it's alright to express her femininity

(hope this made sense)

Thank you and good luck with your exams! 🥰🥰🥰

A/N: this is a super cute idea and honestly hits quite close to home :) I’ll make sure to do it justice and thank you <3

Character: William James Moriarty x Fem! Reader

Genre: fluff, mild angst at the beginning

Prompt: when William sees his lover putting on lipstick after years of repressing her feminine side

Format: Oneshot

Warnings: Reader is explicitly female, established relationship but no mentions of which stage, misogyny

William had just finished off marking some of his papers that his students had done earlier that day and although he was one to feel guilty that he wasn’t working on his breaks, he decided to go look for you, hoping you were free to have tea with him and read some books together.

He checked the garden, the lounge and the library, asking around for where you may have been. He eventually checked in your shared bedroom, opening the door quietly and planning to surprise you with a hug from behind.

The door had creaked open and your concentration had broken. You hid the lipstick in the drawers of the vanity in your en-suite bathroom and peaked out of the door which was wide open. Your blonde lover was stood there, looking at you, or more specifically your lips.

William was surprised for once, and it took a lot to surprise a man like him. He stood there, unable to hold back the small smile forming on his perfect face while you rubbed furiously at the red pigment on your lips.

It was known by everyone around you that you hated- no- despised anything feminine and girly, so seeing you putting on red lipstick with the most concentrated face in the vanity mirror was…shocking..

Growing up, your parents were constantly reminding you of ways to be more ladylike. Amongst your peers, you were seen as boyish.

As you grew into a teenager, your mother enrolled you in extra etiquette lessons. Yet no matter how much you walked around with books on your head, which you would much rather read instead, or how much your tutor told you which fork you were meant to be using, you still remained true to your ways.

To you, femininity in the era you lived in was a sign of oppression.

“Ladies can’t work. They must get married and take care of children.”

“Women cant go to university. They aren’t smart enough.”

“Young girls mustn’t wear trousers. They’re too revealing. You can see an outline of their ankles.”

You defied against all of these rules of course. When you weren’t meant to be at social gatherings and were in the privacy of your own home, you wore trousers. You studied with William. You didn’t want children.

Keeping this image up, whenever you wanted to do something girly, it would be out of character. It wasn’t to say that the sexist old men were right but more that femininity itself was okay. It’s just the way it was utilised against women that wasn’t okay. This meant you suppressed your feminine side to the point it was probably killing you.

“William- what are you doing in here…?!” You stuttered

“This is our shared bedroom, love. I was looking for you. Didn’t expect to see you putting on lipstick of all things.” He teased

“I…Sorry I just wanted to see how it looked-“ you buried your face in your hands, ignoring the sound of footsteps approaching you.

“You mustn’t apologise, dear” a pale hand lifted your face up and the other wrapped itself around your waist. He placed a soft kiss on your temple and stroked through your hair with care.

You didn’t know what to say. Nobody had ever held you like William did. Nobody had ever comforted you like William did. Especially not like now. What did you ever do to get so lucky?

“Feminine or masculine..it doesn’t matter to me, my Angel.” He whispered in your ear “It shouldn’t matter to you at all. You’re perfect whenever…it’s a shame you can’t see that. I wish you could see what I see.”

Tears had started brimming in your eyes. Your lover had began peppering your face with kisses in a successful attempt to comfort you.

Nobody could ever love you like William did.

[aingeal98]

hiii. while you're thinking about Al Ghouls do you have any comic book recommendations for them? I want to know more about Ra's and Talia without the post 9/11 narrative. Or more about the LoA in general.Tha k you!

Absolutely! I know there's a few reading guides out there for Talia that can probably give a better overview with a more filtered and streamlined guide. Such as this one here, which features Talia at her best:

Other than Son of the Demon, when I refer to LexCorp era Talia and her old character, these are usually what I'm referring to. This is who she was right before she got tortured into being evil. For a deeper dive into Talia's history, this reading list is really well put together:

If you're looking for something even longer, with the full history and context of Batman and the al Ghuls, here's pretty much everything I've read for the al Ghuls starting from the beginning. I'm not an expert by any means so I may have missed some relevant story or mixed up the order of a few different single issues, but there's enough here to offer a coherent timeline. If you can't afford to buy the comics, all of these should be available to read for free by typing them into a search engine and adding "read online" at the end.

Also please note that you don't have to read all of these. Some of these particularly in the 70s/80s contain repetitive story beats. Ra's has a scheme to make Batman his son in law, Talia helps him out. Batman opposes it, Talia helps Batman but doesn't fully abandon her father. That's the pattern writers fell into after the initial establishing of Ra's and Talia as characters. Some stories are better than others, and some break the mold entirely or put a fresh spin on it.

This is going to be LONG and I apologize in advance. I like to ramble about things. Tis a key part of this blog.

The 70s, aka the beginning of it all

Note: In all of these the al Ghuls feature in the main storyline, not the side stories such as Robin or Batgirl unless noted otherwise.

-Detective Comics 411: Into the Den of Death Dealers

Bruce and Talia's first meeting. Written by Denny O'Neil, Talia and Ra's creator. Batman fights a bull. It's very charming in the way only this era of Batman can be.

-Batman 232: Daughter of the Demon

Ra's and Bruce's first encounter, featuring Dick getting kidnapped, Bruce fighting a leopard, and Ra's attempting a ridiculously elaborate overprotective dad scheme.

-Batman 235: Swamp Sinister

-Batman 240: Vengeance for a Dead Man

The one where Batman and Ra's dynamic takes a turn for the worse, where Batman realizes that Ra's has a very different set of morals to him and can be ruthlessly evil.

-Batman 242-244

Introduction of the Lazarus Pits. Some racially insensitive moments that are on par for the 70s.

-Batman 257: Hail Emperor Penguin

-Detective Comics 444-445 and 447-448

Ra's framed Bruce for murder long before David Cain stole his idea. I think Cain did it better but this is still fun.

-Black Lightning 2: Merlyn Means Murder

A non Batman related Talia appearance.

-Batman: Where Were You on the Night Batman Was Killed?

4 part story where Batman's rogues thinks he's dead and come together to figure out who did it. Not massively important for the al Ghuls but Ra's being the judge in this trial is so funny to me.

-DC Special Series 15: I Now Pronounce You Batman and Wife!

The one where Ra's gets fed up of Batman refusing his son in law offerings so he just knocks him out and drags Batman to the wedding ceremony. Not my favourite by a long shot but the "marriage" is important for Damian's conception, since in Son of the Demon Batman hilariously enough doesn't want to sleep with Talia out of wedlock until she reminds him that they're technically married if you stretch the law by a whole lot. After that he's all for it.

-Detective Comics 485: The Vengeance Vow + Detective Comics 490: Requiem for a Martyr

Not a huge fan of this issue considering it fridges Kathy Kane and uses a brainwashed Bronze Tiger to do so. It's included a lot in reprints of the al Ghul storylines and does give us a look at the inner workings of the League of Assassins, but I could do without it. Also DC having two master martial art old men called Sensei who look very similar with one being good and the mentor of characters like Richard Dragon and Shiva, while the other is Ra's al Ghuls father and evil, is very confusing. You could tell how much they REALLY loved Kung-Fu based characters in this era of comics.

-The Brave and the Bold 159: The Crystal Armageddon

The 80s, aka seeds of Character Development and Plot!

-Batman 330-335

The start of Dick and Talia's dislike of each other. Also featuring the most terribly racist Fox family plotline I've read. It makes me glad Jace Fox gets to be Batman in the future even if I didn't like that comic either. He deserves to be Robin and Nightwing too as compensation for this storyline.

-Batman Annual Volume 1 Issue 8: The Messiah of the Crimson Sun

I enjoy this story because rather than have Talia working with Ra's and switching sides halfway, she's firmly opposed to her father from the start here. We start to see the beginning of character development compared to the regular pattern of the old comics.

-Detective Comics 526: All My Enemies Against Me!

We get Pre Crisis aka Earth One Jason Todd's origin while also getting Talia and Catwoman helping Bruce, Babs and Dick fight all the other rogues. I really, really love this issue and I can't fully explain why. It just ticks all the boxes for me.

-Batman 400: Resurrection Night!

Another comic I really enjoy, with Talia teaming up with Robin!Jason to help Batman and Catwoman foil Ra's latest scheme.

-Batman: Son of the Demon

Damian's origin. A must read. The tragedy of what could have been and how loved he was by both parents kills me every time.

The 90s aka we're getting darker and edgier now. Also featuring character regression and Bane for some reason.

-Batman: Bride of the Demon

Classic shenanigans but featuring Tim as Robin this time.

-Batman: Birth of the Demon

Ra's al Ghul origin story time! Trigger warning for sexual assault. Definitely not the tone a 70s era Ra's comic would have but not bad in my opinion.

-The Batman Adventures 13 + 17

Set in the Batman The Animated Series universe, it shows this universe's version of Talia and Ra's and is a pretty faithful adaption! Shocking I know.

-Azrael Issues 5-9 + 29-30

Azrael meets the al Ghuls and Ra's considers making Azrael his heir instead. Basically a classic Ra's Talia and Batman story with Azrael there instead of Batman. Not my favourite, it feels like it belongs in the 70s instead of being 90s al Ghuls.

-Batman: Brotherhood of the Bat + League of Batmen

A future elseworld story starting Tallant Wayne, son of Talia and Bruce. Clearly inspired by the baby in Son of the Demon, who would grow up to be Damian in main continuity.

-Batman: Legacy Volume 1 + 2

A sequel to Batman: Contagion, where a deadly virus spread through Gotham and even infected Tim. This time Ra's is in charge of the spread of the second round of the virus, Talia is back under his thumb and seems miserable about it. And also Ra's is considering making Bane his heir and Talia's husband, which probably contributes a fair bit to her misery. Character regression for Talia compared to how much she went against Ra's in the 80s, but one I personally find realistic. Main drawback is that a lot is written by Chuck Dixon and Talia is weirdly sexual at times. An understandable deal breaker for many, but it's the biggest 90s al Ghul story so I felt it important to mention.

-The Batman and Robin Adventures #10

Set in the comic version of the Batman The Animated Series universe, so if you're a fan of that cartoon you'll probably enjoy this.

-Batman Chronicles Volume 1 #8

Talia centred story that sums up her internal conflict between her father and Batman. Gets to the heart of why Ra's, despite his love for her, is not a good parent at all. Would recommend.

-Batman & Spider-Man: New Age Dawning

Crossover goodness for any Spiderman fans out there.

-Batman No Man's Land #0

The Talia cameo here is good imo. It shows layers to her and Bruce's dynamic that we haven't fully seen before. Plus we get to see Helena becoming the Bat of No man's land.

-Batman: The Chalice

One shot that doesn't fit in NML continuity despite being published at the time. I'm adding it anyway because I enjoy how it portrays Ra's and Talia. A nice break from their most toxic era so far (relationship wise).

The early 2000s aka The Brief and Glorious Talia Independence Era

-JLA: Tower of Babel

The tipping point. Ra's goes too far in messing with Batman, and Talia leaves him. It should have been her permanent break from Ra's and his cult, but if you ignore everything from Death and the Maidens onwards and live in denial like me, it still is!

(This comic also had the unfortunate consequence of giving the most insufferable "Batman solos fiction" fans more fodder. But tis a small price to pay for Talia finally freeing herself from Ra's suffocating grip on her life.)

-Batman Chronicles 22

You get good short stories for Shiva, Steph AND Talia in this issue, exploring more of their character without any of the usual entourage around to hog the spotlight

-Detective Comics 750

Talia is so delightfully done with both Ra's and Bruce. She's sick and tired of their shit and doesn't want to be dragged into it any more. If Tower of Babel was her gaining independence from Ra's, this is her gaining it from Bruce.

-Action Comics 772-773

The start of Talia's LexCorp era.

-JLA Secret Files and Origins 3

Flashback story giving more insight into Talia's POV during Tower of Babel.

-President Luthor Secret Files and Origins #1

-Batman Legends of the Dark Knight 142-145

Like the Birds of Prey storyline of this time, these issues make no attempt to stay in continuity with the rest of this era. It's more a generic 90s story than one that fits where the characters are timeline wise at the date it was published. Only reason I'm adding it to the list is because you get Talia shooting the Joker and leaving him for dead. Batman has to dip him in the Lazarus Pit to stop him from bleeding out.

-Superman Volume 2 Issue 170 (cameo)

-Batman: Our World's at War Issue 1

-Superboy Volume 4 #89

-Suicide Squad 2001 #2 (side role)

-Superman: The Man of Steel 120

Talia is trying to take down LexCorp from the inside meanwhile Superman is like "I stopped the evil stuff you were doing!" and she's like "Congrats you destroyed the evidence of LexCorp doing evil stuff in the process." He still doesn't realise she's on his side, which to be fair is part of her whole antihero deal at the minute.

-Adventures of Superman 600

-Superman: The Man of Steel 122-125

Plot starts in 122. Talia appears in 123 onwards.

-Superman Volume 2 Issue 190 + 194 + 198

Batman: Hush Issue 4. (brief appearance) and Issue 9.

Decent Talia characterisation to me, not so decent Lady Shiva appearance. Torn between amusement and disappointment that Talia manages to beat her by hitting her with a chair. (Yes, really.)

-Superman/Batman #6

Batman informs Lex that Talia has bankrupted him and sold the LexCorp building to Bruce Wayne. Sucks to suck, Lex.

After this, there was so much potential. You had a solid basis for Talia as an independent anti-hero, using her connections to team up with villains only to double cross them when the time is right and take them down from the inside. A master at espionage in the making. Instead Death and the Maidens happens. You might as well skip to Robin: Son of Batman and fill in the blanks however your imagination deems fit. It's probably better than what DC came up with.

[bluerskiees]

Hii!!! Can I request a reader where the reader had just done surgery (like any kind of surgery) and after the surgery they're tired and everything and stressed out.

Characters included: Mikey, Angry and Chifuyu

Tokrev men reacting to your surgery :

[☁️]

🌬 Since there was no mentions of the era, I'm gonna assume it's toman era cuz that was the time these 3 were together <3

Having an accident in the middle of the night wasn't good. It's worse if you got seveal bruises and badly injured. What makes it even worse is when the doctors claim that you're gonna have to undergo a surgery with a success rate of 10% . How do you think the invincible Mikey and his gangmates Angry ( Souya Kawata) and Chifuyu would react?

Mikey

Would hurry to the hospital in his CB205T, breaking all the road rules known to ever exist to the history of mankind. No like for real, he's ditching his family, his friends, his work, his teammates, everyone. All for you. Would stay by your side during the surgery, holding your hand through it. Puts on a smile and gives of an "I knew the surgery was gonna be successful", but deep down he's still not over the fact that someone had guts to try to kill you. It all happened too quickly. Buys you dorayaki, ice creams and any other stuffs you'd like to have with you in the moment. He'd definitely ask his men to bring ur life sized teddy bear so that you'd be able to cuddle it and sleep peacefully no matter what <3. Hold your hand, runs ur head and whispers sweet words into your ear till you fall asleep. Leaves in the middle of the night to have a fight with whoever tried to kill you earlier. He had Sanzu obtain the informations for him when you both were in the hospital and Sanzu, being the loyal man he is, agreed to do it for his king. Would stay by your side no matter what till you get discharged because what if someone tries to do something again? No, he won't take any chances.

Angry

Would try to keep a calm facade but fails. Angry is generally known to care for his friends a lot. He would go through life and death if it means protecting you. But the only issue is, he's too nice. Too nice that he hesitates to beat up people. But dont let that fool you for when he feels his friends or brother is attacked by someone, he enters his typical " Crying Blue Ogre" and we both know how strong he becomes during that particular period. Its safe to say that thos fuckers who tried to hurt you wont ever be seeing the golden rays of sunshine ever again. He would also buy you lots of soft pillows and plushies to make sure you feel comfortable there. I feel like he's the type of person to infuse lavender or any other essential oil because vibes. Would sing or play any instrument for you to get better. Randomly hugs you, kisses your forehead and gives you nose boops >.< . Suspicious of everyone around you. The nurse, the doctor, hell everyone. Would check ur food before feeding it you. Yes he would definitely bonk your head with his hand or a book when you get too stubborn to eat medicines.

Chifuyu

Golden ray of sunshine was very worried when he heard the news. Immediately rushed to the hospital one he heard the news, not bothering to complete eating the yakisoba noodles he was eating. Losing keisuke already took a huge toll on him and he ain't letting anything similar happening to you too. He's usually a calm and composed person but thats all until you mess with any one of his friends. He's pretty strong, so he would take all punches during the beginning of the fight, almost as if he was loosing. But he's also smart and intelligent. Would probably calculate his opponents moves when he got hit. Would cuddle you down in the bed for hours whispering things he loves about you, how strong you are, how much u mean to him. And i swear, you could see the whole universe in his eyes. But behind every strong soldier, is a weak child. Would totally cry and scold you cuz what if something happened. But aside from that, he'd make you watch your favorite cartoons or shows. Buys you flowers and room fragrances to keep the atmosphere a little bit less hospitalistic. Visits you often in both the hospital and at your house after you're discharged. Yes he gave u a lecture after that.

[belle--ofthebrawl]

@anotherghoul666 I AM STILL CONSUMED BY THIS TRILOGY I RE READ IT SO MUCH. It has me in such a fierce chokehold. Melisande??? The Bridge Scene in the 2nd book??? THE THIRD BOOK ENDING LIKE THAT?? Keeping things vague in case anyone wants to read it and doesn't want spoilers. AAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! I've only met one other person who's read it so I am VERY EXCITED RIGHT NOW :D !!!

And here's the Music Eras of my life. Mostly. Thank you for the tag again! I should probably figure out how to do a read more on mobile one of these days.

First song/artist you remember liking: We were a pretty strict household in terms of music, so probably some kind of religious hymn of I'm being entirely honest. I was permitted whatever played on the Christian radio station. I think the first CD I ever got was Hilary Duff from a cousin!

Middle school anthem: Still not allowed much variety in music...but I had my very first crush on someone who's nickname was "Bumblebee" so when I found Bambi's - Bumblebee, I thought it was a sign.

Road Trip Must Have: Dragonstea din Tai. No explanation needed. If you can't handle me at my numa numa then you don't deserve me anywhere else on my music taste. I will be generous in case I'm traveling with a metalhead and put on the Feuerschanz version. I found them on TikTok recently and they are delightful.

Guilty Pleasure Artist: I second the opinion about nothing being "cringe", but there are a few considered so just because of the fan base around it being weird teenagers. Who cares. Teen years are for being really weird and finding out who you are so you can refine that weirdness blob into a fun personality. I got really into Vocaloid and honestly? A lot of it still hits. And (about to show my entire ass here) Homestuck music. (Gold Pilot 👍) If you know, you know and I don't have to explain myself. We have An Understanding. The Undertale OST by Toby Fox as well by extension. (Bless everyone who got us Muffet and Spider Dance.)

know all the lyrics to: The entirety of the Electra Heart album. I view Lana del Rey gays with mild fascination. Same genus, different species.

A song that makes you cry: Respite on the Spitalfields has hit different since the Ritual back in September. It came on shuffle as I left: We're leaving the city/So this is farewell/ as I merged on the interstate and the tears would not stop coming as I careened down the highway, screaming myself hoarse. How I didn't get into an accident, I will NEVER know.

A song to yell to: Amon Amarth has slowly crept their way into my playlist and I'm very fond of screaming to any of their songs in my car before I put on my "Respectable and Closed Off Worksona"... I really like Heidrun and Shield Wall! So I was really happy to see those pop up in my shuffle game!

Current favorite music video: I'm still obsessed with the animation for Autoheart's Hellbent. My gender crisis has been over for a while but that's what the beginning of it looked like back in high school.

Current favorite Band: Ghost/Sleep Token/ Amon Amarth/Please don't make me narrow it down any further.

If I had to listen to one song for the rest of my life: That would suck. Do I really have to answer it? Alright fine. EXEC_FLIP_ARPHAGE/. - Shikata Akiko from the Ar Tonelico 3 soundtrack. Only because there WAS a period of time where I listened to it on repeat for a week straight. It's my happy song.

Stuck on repeat: Moscow - Autoheart, because it's the designated song of a very fluffy SwissAlps fic I have about 700 words on. It's also another happy song of mine.

Would Kill to see them live/Again: I have Ritual tickets so. No murder. But if Sleep Token comes my way? Watch out. Also would like to see In This Moment, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Dorothy, Autoheart. Ke$ha. Mad Gallica if she ever gets her stageshow dream come true. Would like to go to more concerts in general.

[styxnbones]

i cannot claim any great familiarity with your OCs BUT since i reblogged it from you i want to offer you this: for each character, do the two you most hope someone will ask you about them because you have the answer locked loaded and ready to go and really want to talk about it

Cass: 7. Do they have any unusual fears? It's not exactly a "fear," or least you'd never hear them call it that, but Cass has an irrational and violent dislike of mirrors. The first thing she'll do in a new hideout or haven is go around and smash any mirrors there might be. For someone who has spent almost the entirety of their undeath in a cartoon character-like static wardrobe of white long-sleeve t-shirt and black jeans, you wouldn't expect them to be particularly fussy about their looks, but the truth is that in life she was very conscious of how she presented herself. She dressed casually, but in a very precise way that gave her a lot of confidence, and since she can no longer see herself in mirrors the inability to properly check how she looks is a very very sore point.

28. Are they a #gamer? Very much so, though less through actual skill and more through the most bullshit hacks you've never even heard of. Like, Cass is the kind of person who will invade you in dark souls and get you insta-banned just by spawning in. And she loves it. Auto-aim, wall hacks, you name it she's got it, and she'll call you disconcertingly personal insults over vc (+she'll doxx you if you report her). They have a whole pc dedicated to running tf2 bots. That kind of gamer.

Kellen: 8. Do they collect anything? If so what and why?

Kel has always been really fascinated with bugs, particularly beetles, and as they got older they graduated from critter catchers, to asking for pinned beetles for birthdays, to eventually learning how to preserve their own (and also having adult money to spend on more exotic specimens). At this point, their whole basement is full of various preserved insects and is of a level of maintenance and documentation that for the purpose of their Tzimisce bane counts as part of the "museum collection" that is their charge.

37. Are they religious? If so do they have a strong sense of faith, are they uncertain, or are they somewhere in between?

They were raised catholic, and they have a lot of complicated feelings about it. In part just because, you know, catholicism, but also because their pastor growing up was also secretly a vampire who had ghouled their father before they were even born, has been using that as an in to feed off their family for literally their entire life, and would eventually be the one to turn them into a vampire too. However, despite no longer being traditionally religious, they do still consider themself a "believer" in that they ascribe to many of the suppositions christianity puts forth about the world- and what they've learned of the Book of Nod has only reinforced that. And, while they no longer see God and Jesus as worthy of their devotion, they've never quite been able to quell their faith in the guidance of a higher being and their desire to worship- so instead they have redirected those feelings towards their regnant, Bernadette.

Apollo/Leora: 16. Do they have or want kids?

Apollo was actually embraced the night his son was born. He never wanted a kid, or even a wife, but this was an era where that was necessary to protect his career in Hollywood, and she had threatened to leave him if he didn't give her a kid so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . He would then go on to accidentally drink her to death after trying to hide from her after she got home, because he had no fucking clue what was happening and was wild with hunger. He also ended up ghouling his infant son, again because he was delirious and had no idea what else to feed him but blood. Luckily for him, he was (and still is) filthy fucking rich as was able to, for the most part, cover it all up. Lily killed herself in a fit of post-partum depression, and he was going to step back from public life to raise Hector as a single father. mhm. yep. (definitely not going to start a cult of sun-worshiping vampires)

32. If they could change one thing about themselves what would it be?

Honestly, at this point, despite what she would tell you if asked, or even what she tells herself, she wants nothing more than to be human again. Go back to some semblance of a normal life, ignorant of all this crazy bullshit supernatural stuff, let the world end and just not have to worry about it. "Golconda" isn't a word she would ever dare to utter- obviously thin-bloods are the future and what she has now is the culmination of her ascendancy, but like.... why stop with being able to walk in the sunlight yk?

[suzyqrara]

Genesis chapter 4

This chapter describes the family tree of Adam and eve up too Enos and Lamech’s family. It makes me appreciate giving birth to my baby mason.  I am so grateful I have one child. I would still love to have more but I am thankful to GOD, I have at least one. Adam and eve’s first son killed his younger brother because he was weird in the head and jealous of him. I feel bad for Adel. He lived such a short life, and he did nothing wrong. It shows me how sick people can be.  Not everyone kills for a reason.  They can kill for no reason at all and that scary.  It makes me be thankful I don’t run into many people in my world because people can be crazy.

I just realized Cain and all his children had sex with their siblings…I’m sorry Lord, but this sounds ridiculous to me. This sounds like a fairy tale story.  Man was created out of dust.  A women was created from the rib of the man.  They lived for hundreds of years, making hundreds of babies.  The babies end up marrying/having babies with one another, the babies not coming out genetically weird from a miracle but then all of a sudden, a few hundred years later, incest begin to have babies come out weird looking.  Then it’s the whole presence of incest in the early years that makes me feel ehh. GOD would see the children having sex with one another and they are somehow related.  During Cain’s era who ever his wife was she could have been a sister or a niece of a sibling.  Wth? This truly sounds stupid.

People are saying to never take genesis literal and that makes me feel better because if we were expected to take it literal, I would think someone if making a fool out of me. God’s prophecies wrote the bible.  The book was passed down for thousands of years as more prophecies add on to it.  We are missing a low of context because people are flawed and I’m sure they missed lots of parts.  But how is that Christians are reading genesis and having studies on the book when we know we are missing so much information.  Making a woman from a man rib?  That is crazy to believe but GOD told the prophecy to write it down? The book literally says that Adam was the first human being. He could have been the very first creation but maybe god created more beings after him but the bible is missing this part. It annoys me how there is not enough information to make this sound legit.  The way genesis is written makes me feel many people steer away from the bible because it’s like wth kind of crap is this? Something tells me this is man’s flaw on paper. God could not have written this he wanted the man to write it.  He’s probably looking at this chapter like wth?  But it is all we have so he expects us to just go with the flow with it.  I will do that, but it makes it hard to defend if someone asks me, as a representative to GOD, to explain this book and how I can possibly believe this is true. This is man-made, how do we know if this version of the bible is even the version where GOD really put truth into it. I don’t trust people and I feel like millions of years ago someone decided we should not know the truth and burned the book and wrote this mumbo jumbo instead. I feel like the devil wrote this chapter because it really makes you question what you are representing.  How can GOD allow the devil to speak to a prophecy and have this be written down and put into the bible? Every time we read this scripture we are being tested and that’s not fair at all! I’m just going to take the first few chapters of genesis and take it with a grain of salt.  I believe in Adam and eve and the sin they created but the other information I will just take it with a grain of salt. This book makes me angry even. I must just remember that the information in the bible are stories made by people.  I must look at it as symbolism to explain real truths.  For example, chapter 1 is a story that was passed on from generation tp generation that simply says GOD made earth and everything in it.  How he made earth could be fiction.  Creating a man from dust, making a woman from his rib.  All of that could just be a fairy tale narrative just to emphasize that God is all mighty and he is the creator of all. The details of this book could just be extra things people made up to just add to the story.  But we need to look at the broader things.  How the first sin started.  It wasn’t from an apple and a snake manipulating a woman.  This story was made to let us know that people are easy to manipulate, and the act of sinning has been on earth since GOD first made it.  The snake is a symbol for the devil.  There were no talking snakes in the world.  Thank you lord for helping me understand

[garudabluffs]

Our 'Scorched Planet' is getting hotter, and no one is immune to rising temperatures

July 3 and July 4, 2023, were on record as the hottest days on Earth for global average.

Our 'Scorched Planet' is getting hotter, and no one is immune to rising temperatures July 12, 2023

"...we have these extreme heat events that are going beyond the boundaries of what anyone anticipated. And one of the questions that I explore in the book is, you know, given just the amount of CO2 that is in the atmosphere now and just, like, where we are today, how hot can it get? I mean, I live in Austin, Texas. It was - you know, it was - we've had heat indexes of 120 degrees here in Texas in the last couple of weeks. You know, could it get to 130? I mean, no one can say, you know, for sure about that. We don't know. Scientists don't know, like, even how hot it can get right now, never mind if we continue burning fossil fuels and add more CO2 to the atmosphere."

"And we know, you know, as - with as much certainty as we understand gravity, that when we burn fossil fuels and put CO2 into the atmosphere, it heats things up. But how fast that happens, what the actual kind of cascading effects of that will be are still very, very unclear. And so the big idea here is that we are not going back to where we were, no matter what we do. We are moving into a different world, and we need to grasp that idea."

"And, you know, one example of that is if you tried to quantify how much heat that is absorbed by the oceans every day just from our warming planet, it's the equivalent of three nuclear bombs every second. I mean, it's hard to bend your mind around that, but it's true. And it goes to a really complicated and important point about this whole conversation, which is how difficult it is to get our minds around, not just the climate crisis more broadly, but even just the impacts of heat and what that means and how much - how big and how powerful this system is that we're messing with."

"The problem is - as far as climate change goes - the problem is too many rich people with highly consumptive habits."

36-Minute Listen READ MORE Transcript https://www.npr.org/2023/07/12/1187038601/our-scorched-planet-is-getting-hotter-and-no-one-is-immune-to-rising-temperature

Scientists call lake in Canada the Anthropocene ‘poster child’ Jul. 12, 2023

A team of scientists say humans have changed the planet so dramatically, that we have created a new geological era on Earth — called the Anthropocene. That team spent years trying to find where a place on Earth best exemplifies this phenomenon. They decided on a lake in Southern Ontario in Canada. The World's host Marco Werman discusses this decision with Francine McCarthy, a professor of Earth science at Brock University in Canada, who is part of the international Anthropocene Working Group.

LISTEN 4:10 https://theworld.org/media/2023-07-12/scientists-call-lake-canada-anthropocene-poster-child

Scientists say new epoch marked by human impact — the Anthropocene — began in 1950s JULY 12,2023

"If you know your Greek tragedies you know power, hubris, and tragedy go hand in hand," said Harvard science historian Naomi Oreskes, a working group member. "If we don't address the harmful aspects of human activities, most obviously disruptive climate change, we are headed for tragedy."

READ MORE https://www.ijpr.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-11/scientists-say-new-epoch-marked-by-human-impact-the-anthropocene-began-in-1950s

[triviareads]

Wicked Again by Kathleen Ayers

The best historical romance I've read with an older couple and that too, the heroine is older than the hero by nine years (she's 49, he's 40). Marissa and Haddon have a fling at a house party except, well, Haddon wants more than a fling and is basically in love by the time Marissa has to leave the house party after finding out her late husband was actually murdered and didn't disappear several years ago.

Two things I loved about this book: First, the plot of this story is centered around REVENGE (not *revenge*) and I looooove a good revenge plot. It's even more special to me because female vengeance is very underrated in HR and I'm all for Marissa (aided by her niece) destroying a rising political star and his mom because they had her husband killed.

The other thing I loved about this book is that Marissa isn't caught up by the guilt of being an older woman who still wants sex, which a lot of HR tends to fall into the trap of, especially where not-married women and older women are concerned. And make no mistake, Haddon and Marissa are HOT. Like, insanely hot. Literally from the first scene where they're together at the aforementioned house party. There's a growing trend of historical romances with older women, but this is by far the best I've read.

The Theory of Earls by Kathleen Ayers

We're in our artistic era this month. Margaret is a pianist so talented that it borders on wanton for the Victorians. She wants to make a match on her own terms so she can continue to play and settles on a deeply inoffensive man who happens to be a friend of the hero Anthony (Tony), Lord Welles. Welles offers to help her catch his friend if she plays the piano for him in just her chemise and stockings. As a musician, this one managed to hit all the HR musically-titillating notes for me: he's hard when she performs, he's a gifted pianist too, there's piano fingering, piano oral, piano ruination, etc. Also, it's genuinely lovely to read about two people who are this stirred by one another AND Chopin.

I will say, Kathleen made Tony's mommy and daddy issues run so deep (among other things he has a Simon Basset-esque desire to not reproduce out of spite for his dad), he said something I was NOT expecting an HR hero to say at a particularly low moment. Did he fully redeem himself? idk but the reunion was hella hot.

Anyway, go listen to Jan Lisiecki's rendition of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 and read this book asap (start from 4:40ish):

A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

I'd the two prior books in this series and gotten acquainted with Dom Kilburn (see: here) so I was READY for his and Willa's book ever since the first book started with Dom jilting Willa. In this book, their relatives and friends basically isolate them at a house party to try and get them to make up.

What I liked about this book was that plot-wise, there really isn't much going on beyond Dom and Willa grappling with their complicated feelings for one another and figuring out a way forward, if there is any. For ex-lovers, Dom and Willa are deeply, deeply aware of one another to the point where you wonder why, with this level of chemistry, Dom ever decided to jilt Willa. But here's the thing, apart from the misplaced sense of guilt on Dom's part, they both realizing they were using each other to basically shock their respective segments of society (he got a woman far beyond him socially, and she got a man who was basically her bit o' rough) which... doesn't make for a strong foundation.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the sex stuff, most of which occurs at their host's, uh, there's no better way to put this than "fuck cabin". Willa is the type of heroine who is very self-sufficient and a little closed off, so a mark of trust for her is her handing over the reins to Dom, so to speak. And it goes both ways, resulting in this give-and-take that is hot and also like, genuinely gratifying to read in historical romance. Dom reminds me a lot of Sarah MacLean's Duke of Clayborn and Joanna Shupe's Duke of Lockwood in that he's a hero who's respectful and almost reverent of the heroine, but also, he isn't afraid to get down and dirty.

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

Let me say this outright: it was a combination of snobbery towards books that are "too popular" and a mild aversion towards magic that kept me from reading this book sooner. And I've never been happier to be proven wrong. This book had everything: a small town, a mystery centered around the history of the town, family drama, the magic was based in the culture, and of course, the romance.

Alex is the kind of heroine some people will write off as "annoying" or "unlikeable", but you understand where she's coming from pretty quickly: She's frustrated with being a woman in the bar industry, with the "angry/sassy brown woman" stereotype she feels forced to play into to a degree, and with being forced to leave her hometown basically due to the racism she wouldn't stand for. So it makes sense why she's initially very skeptical of Jeremiah, a white man, wanting to "save" her grandmother's bar, a cornerstone of the Mexican-American community in her Kansas hometown.

The sex is also pretty damn great. If there's one thing Angelina loves, it's writing a *mounting* moment the first time the hero and heroine meet (see: Lush Money) and that's basically what went down here. It was GREAT. Also, they're both talkers during sex (I believe they were talking through their shared wall while masturbating??) but it was dirty and sweet at the same time which was novel for me, but it worked. I absolutely would recommend.

That Scandalous Evening by Christina Dodd

Back to artistic HR: This is the book @jeanvanjer was trying to get me to read for a year, and finally succeeded this month (here are my reactions live-blogged). Jane, the heroine of the book, is back in society after her exile caused by a fellow debutante exposing the nude sculpture she did of her crush Ransom, Lord Blackburn. Now Ransom and Jane are kinda forced to court because of Societal Reasons as well as Ransom's suspicions that she's a French spy (you idiot), and also, well, because he definitely wants to.

The chemistry between these two is everything. I came in with the assumption that Jane's crush when she was younger was one-sided but LET ME TELL YOU, IT WAS NOT. And that scene was WILD to read. Jane is resilient and her passion for art is both adorable and hilarious because she primarily conveys her horniness through the art (e.g. she's worried she didn't get his nipples right when this man is stripping in front of her). Ransom is a BITCH, specifically in that way historical romance heroes were written in the late '90s and early 2000s (Dain from Lord of Scoundrels comes to mind) where they have far fewer scruples when it comes to what they do with the heroine (aka, fuck honor). You want your bitchy, self-involved, tormented hero, here's your man. You want this intense, borderline weird sexual chemistry (like there was a melding of bloodied hands before he went down on her??), here's your book.

[starlit-mansion]

the purple man himself William

First impression

god, it's been a LONG time, i can't remember anymore! i distinctly remember recounting the MCIs in detail to a friend back in the pre-SL era (I hopped on board a bit before 4), so i think i just thought he was a good villain. I absoLUTELY missed vincent era because I was not keyed into the fandom then and i'm glad i did. (i was more of a phone guy girlie back in the day. i still am but there's just not that much content of him obviously)

Impression now

To quote corv's tumblr sexyman tiermaker catagory: my wife (derogatory). Idk i just think there's a very interesting collection of traits there and there's a lot you can do with him, and I like the practice of reinterpreting him through different lenses. Is he an ascetic creator of ghoulish dollhouses only pretending to care about anything besides his craft? A mad scientist tearing the boundaries between life and death apart at the seams? A chuckling lich who masterminded his own resurrection? Manic pixie nightmare man? Erudite sexually fluid serial killer who happens to be a chronic furry? Yes. Yes he is.

Favorite moment

Can't beat the final cutscene in fnaf 3 imo. get springlocked idiot. That, or the Pizza Party in Help Wanted, but my feelings on the steel wool era are.................................... mixed lol.

Idea for a story

Someday, in some form, I would like to work out exactly how I think Cassidy ended up being the first victim and how the hauntings started. I have a lot of feelings and ideas that are sometimes very contradictory to fanon (and sometimes not), but I'm trying to keep the fizz inside the soda can there so I won't crack it open further.

Unpopular opinion

Leaving aside The Discourse for different discourse............ i don't think Orange Guy in the Midnight Motorist cutscene is William, for many tedious reasons, not least of which is that i don't think messing with the color theming is a meaningful red herring. (Long story short, I think it's the backstory of one of the dead kids showing how they could be lured away, and part of why the incident went unsolved... He was targeted for being in an abusive home and the murder was committed right before a torrential rain swept away much of the evidence. The death cutscenes were always very... abstract, and the general theme in FFPS was making it more obvious how brutal and cruel and *intentional* they were without being lurid about the actual killings, and to me, taking time to be like "uhhhh william drinks. he's kind of a mess lol" doesn't work on ANY narrative level, and feels. idk TO ME it feels just a liiiiiittle weird to put that into scott's mouth as a recovering alcoholic who never particularly shows any sympathy for william otherwise even if blah blah blah i think he's a shithead for being a pro-life conservative. *vine voice* That's my OPINION, and something in this mess is definitely unpopular.)

Favorite relationship

I do really, really like the mirrored Cassidy and Andrew storylines between the game and ff books where they're both driven so far into the dark by what he did to them that they can't let go of their revenge even as it hurts themselves and increasingly more people, that's such an interesting dynamic. And also the things Charlie/The Puppet say to him in UCN is... much to think about.

Favorite headcanon

I'm not going to go for anything wild here... I like the headcanon of Elizabeth genuinely being his favorite, I do not see TSE trilogy William treating her like shit.

[youreyeslookliketheocean]

youreyeslookliketheocean’s DSMP Fic Recs!!

Figured it was about time for one of these... :)

Mostly SBI-centric because they’re my favorite dynamic. I’ll probably add to this list as time goes on, and I also want to go back through my ao3 history and find some lesser-known fics I really enjoyed to rec them all. But for now...

* oneshot  ** unfinished work

** the lights go out (my heart goes still) by curseworm

With his old home unwelcoming and his new one gone, Tommy is alone. After hours of staggering through the freezing snow, he finds a cabin.

Technoblade’s cabin.

He hides himself away in the deepest corner he can find, taking only what he needs to survive, wasting away in the cold and the dark. He’s petrified at the thought of being found out, terrified of what he thinks Techno would do to him.

When Techno finds his injured teenage brother huddled in a filthy little cave beneath his basement, the rage he feels is immeasurable. The voices demand blood, and blood he will give them. Dream won’t be getting away with this one.

(On the other side of the world, in a country that floats on a man-made lake, Philza gets himself in a bit of a pickle.) 

** The hearth down under by Crystalquill

A tiny change gives Tommy the courage to flee to the Nether instead of the cold tundra, finding an unlikely ally in the midst of a fiery hellscape.

But tiny changes can alter the course of history. The SMP will never be the same.

(Lots of cool Nether worldbuilding in this one!!)

to be a wanderer, wandering by hydrangeasheart

Tommy's feet drag in the snow.

It's so, so cold. He's so cold. His toes are freezing. His exposed shins feel like they’ve been cut open-- even the one that’s bandaged. His wings have gone numb, which is almost, almost good, because now he can’t feel the shifting, broken bones inside of the left one, just under feathers and muscle.

He doesn’t know why he’s still walking.

-

Or, Tommy leaves the exploded ruins of Logstedshire behind, and walks until he finds somewhere safe.

And things keep going from there.

(A canon-divergent AU, splitting off somewhere around when Tommy started hiding out below Techno's house.)

that’s, like, a hundred miles by No_one_you_know (and then “as long as i’m here”, and “he’s my brother, i just raise him”)

Dream would kill him. Dream was going to kill him- he was going to- no, he wouldn’t. Dream was his friend- friends don’t hit each other- Dream was supposed to take care of him- Dream /was/ taking care of him.

It hurt to breathe. It hurt to think. He couldn’t clear his thoughts as he stumbled to the family computer, pulling up a tab on google and frantically typing the name into the search bar.

The words Technoblade Watson stared back at him, the little black bar at the end of the letters blinking slowly, mocking him.

Why, of all people, did it have to be Technoblade?

in short: the one where dream sucks as a parental figure, tommy runs away, and visits his least favorite family member technoblade.

passerine by thcscus(blujamas)

Do I really need to put the summary here? Pretty much everyone knows this fic. Also, though, if you enjoy this one you should totally read thcscus’ connected fic, “shrike”!! It’s only at 2 chapters right now but it’s already really good and has this dark, foresty aesthetic I love...

not with a bang but with a whimper by dip_dyed_ghost

He knows Tubbo doesn’t care about him anymore. He knows that. He’s been shown that. But it doesn’t stop Tommy from caring about him. He brushes the pads of his fingers over the compass’s glass and wonders how he’s doing, if he’s tired of it all yet, if he needs help. He watches the way it points strongly in the direction over the ocean. He hopes he’s alright.

Even after everything, he hopes he’s alright.

During his exile, Tommy finds a drugged and hurt Tubbo on his doorstep. He can’t not help him.  

(This one has a neat take on potions, in my opinion. Also it’s only 4 chapters so it’s a quick read!)

take this compass, follow it home by lightning_anon

Tommy's a fuck up, he can't pay attention, and never sits still. He taps his hands, pushes people away, and has never had a best friend. He's a screwed up, forgotten kid lost in the foster system. He's also just been placed with a new family. Tommy knows how this goes, he never ends up staying long. After all, no one wants a fuck up like him.

Why would this house be any different?

Or: the obligatory sleepy bois foster fic, but with a focus on the neurodivergent kids that inevitably get lost in the system.

(Genuinely want to see more books like this in original fiction. It’s part of what inspired my newest og wip, “To Build a Home.” So sweet and I feel like I had my eyes opened to some neurodivergent tendencies I never knew existed. I read this in a day and can’t rec it enough.)

bloodlines by youreyeslookliketheocean

Tommy’s an orphan on the run from his previous guardian. Philza’s a king who prides himself on keeping his kingdom in an era of peace. Wilbur’s the crown prince, and Techno’s right beside him as his adopted brother. When Phil’s kingdom of Pogtopia is threatened by the bloodvines—a strange, brainwashing plant infecting many of the surrounding kingdoms—the four must work together to keep the kingdom, and their family, safe. --- A royal au sbi fic... + the bloodvines, for spice.

(Yes I’m self-promoting. But, in my defense, I’m very proud of it. If you checked it out it would mean the world to me :’))

Heat Waves by tbhyourelame

Dream has always held a gentle admiration for George, but when their nuanced friendship trickles into his sleeping mind, he awakens to a new world of conflicting emotions and longing. Lost in the midst of a heat wave, he continuously listens to a song that works itself in to the very core of his heartache. Floridian nights, unsent messages, spiraling infatuation, and terrible, terrible weather.

Another fic I think pretty much everyone knows about. Listen, listen... I was once an idiot who said “Oh no, I’ll never read Heat Waves. It’s irl, not characters, and it’s probably cringe”... No. I was so wrong. This fic is wonderfully written, with a pretty quick moving plot and great characterizations. You do need an ao3 account to access it, though. Just to let you know. (Also read “Helium”, unfinished and hasn’t updated in awhile, but it’s the continuation). 

Guitar Strings and Keyrings are What it Takes to Build a Home by Anonymous

Techno was adopted by Phil when he was 12 years old.

He'd been enjoying his morning before Phil came to him asking if he would mind them taking in another kid. Against his better judgement, Techno agrees and ends up with two new foster brothers who he was determined to not get attached to, no matter what.

Tommyinnit’s unbeatable method of avoiding sudden death by eneliii

“I uh,” Tommy starts, not knowing how to break this to the hero lightly. He hates to be the bearer of bad news. “I think your powers are broken? It’s not a bad thing of course, but like, I swear you tried to mind control me and it like, totally failed. Which is fine, honestly, don’t feel insecure. Everyone’s power stop working sometimes… I think.”

Sheesh, this is very awkward. Why is no one else talking? Why is Philza looking at him like he grew three heads? Why is the Blade staring at him so intensely? Why is Willow still frozen?

“Did I, did I hit a nerve? Yikes,” Tommy hisses, “Well um,” He steps back, bracing his legs and bending his knees, “This was like super fun, but I’m - I’mma head out.”

or,

in which Tommy manages to annoy the hell out of Phil, Techno and Wilbur by being both impossible to catch and irritatingly endearing.

or or,

a crack fic where Tommy is a vigilante and Phil, Techno and Wilbur are the heroes hunting him down.

(Feel like I am obligated to say how incredibly funny this fic is. Seriously. I have a distinct memory of sitting on my neighborhood park’s swing, giggling hysterically, while reading this. Well...until the end... but we won’t get into that...)

** bones in the ocean by bunflower

“Your reputation precedes you, y’know.”

“Does it, now?” Philza watches him coyly from where he’s now leaning against the wall, arms folded around his chains and gaze half-lidded, his lips curled in an arrogant, cat-like smirk.

“The Angel of Death, the ferryman of the Styx, the terror of the western seas. One of the most feared captains ever to sail, and yet, I have to wonder… how did a man like you end up all on his own? We searched the area where you were found—not another soul in sight. So,” He fixes him with a long look, allowing the silence to hover like a dark cloud, the words rolling off of his tongue with all the venom and smugness he can muster, “—tell me, Philza. Where is your crew?”

OR: Technoblade is a naval captain, and Phil his unwilling prisoner. Somehow, they manage to come out of it as friends in the end.

(Is this fic considered popular like passerine/Heat Waves now? Cause I feel like it’s reputation precedes itself, at this point... Pirate au.)

****

Okay! That’s it for now. Like I said, though, I want to add to this over time and also dig back for some older things I’ve read. Also, if you have any recs feel free to send them in! I’m about to go back to school and therefore might not have time for reading fun stuff, but whenever I get the chance I’d love to check them out!!!

Happy Reading!!

[earlgreydream]

forgiveness.

| draco malfoy x reader | fluff |

dad!draco is offered a position as the new coach for Scorpius’s little-league quidditch team

post-golden era fluff. it’s a bit angsty, but entirely soft dad!draco and very fluffy

“Honey?” You called as you entered your shared home. The kitchen was immaculately clean and organized, and the kettle had just been put on the stove, indicating your husband was home. 

Draco didn’t answer, and you hung your jacket on a hook and pulled off your boots before going further into the house. You found him sitting on the floor with your son in his bedroom. A snitch was whizzing around overhead, and you watched from the doorway, undiscovered by your two boys. 

“Scorpius, are you sure you want me to do this? Your friends’ parents may say unkind things about me.” Draco told your son. 

“You’re the best quidditch player, so you’ll be the best coach. My friends are nice, why would they be mean?” Scorpius asked innocently. He was only eleven, and you and Draco were preparing to send him to Hogwarts in the fall. Now though, the summer was beginning, and his junior-league quidditch team needed a new coach. 

“They may be unkind because I used to be unkind, Scorpius. I made a lot of mistakes when I was young, and I hurt a lot of people. I’ve changed, and I’ve apologized, but not everyone is able to forgive me.” Draco’s tone was serious, and though he kept his voice even, you could hear the hurt behind his words. You covered your mouth with your hand, listening to the two of them. 

“Why not?” Scorpius asked, trying to understand.

“There was a war, and I fought on the wrong side, along with your grandmother, and uncle Theo. That’s why daddy has the scar on his arm. I didn’t want to disappoint my father, but I knew I was doing the wrong thing. I want you to always do what you think is right, no matter what.” 

“I want to be just like you, daddy, because you’re good. I’ll help everyone see that you’re good, now. I want to be forgiving, just like mum says to be.” Scorpius touched the faded dark mark, and you blinked back tears. Draco released a shaky breath, and he looked up when the kettle whistled.

“Come on, let’s make tea for mum when she gets--” Draco started, quieting when he saw you.

“I just got home. How are my boys?” You asked, clearing your throat and quickly brushing the tears from your eyes. Scorpius got up off the floor and ran into your arms, hugging your waist. You combed your fingers through white-blond curls, leaning down to gently kiss his head.

“I’m good! Daddy’s going to coach my team! And everyone’s going to love him.” Scorpius announced proudly, adding the remark at the end with a reassuring look at his father. Draco caught the snitch from the air, putting it away before walking over and kissing you. 

“Hi, beautiful. I’m happy your home.” 

Draco’s voice was quiet, and the three of you went to the kitchen, where Draco pulled the shrieking kettle from the stove to make you tea. You handed him earl grey tea bags, and Scorpius held up a fruit tea. 

“Here, darling,” you handed him the cup before he went off with it to the living room to entertain himself with a muggle movie. 

Draco watched his son go, leaning against the counter. 

“You told them you’d do it?”

“They extended me the offer to coach. I’ll accept it after I drink this tea,” he answered, scratching at his scarred forearm while he waited for the tea to brew. You gently laid your hand over his arm, making him quit before he left red marks. 

“I’m sorry, I’m doing better.” Draco apologized, and you leaned up and kissed him. 

“I know. It’s okay, I understand that you’re nervous. But they’re right, you are very good at quidditch. And you’re patient and sweet, so you’ll be great with the children.” 

A small smile pulled at his lips, and he pulled you into a hug. The two of you finished making your tea before joining Scorpius in the living room, where he was intently watching a disney film. 

“Mum, look, they do magic like we do!” Scorpius pointed to the fairies on the screen.

“I see, darling.” You smiled sweetly, sitting down on the couch. Draco sat behind you, pulling you to lean back against his chest. He sipped his tea and read from a novel, and you watched the film with your son. 

Draco sent a letter with an owl to accept the coaching position, and you soothed his worries. 

“Go shower before bed, Scorpius,” you excused your son from dinner, smiling as he thanked you for the food before running off. You and Draco had raised a brilliant, sweet, and loving son. Draco was a fantastic father, and it warmed your heart to see.

“I’m going to run out for a bit. I’ll be back, my love.” Draco kissed your head before slipping on his coat and leaving. He didn’t need to say where he was going, you knew. Whenever Draco was overwhelmed, he went to Cedric Diggory’s grave to leave flowers. They had been deeply close before he was killed during your fourth year, and Draco left flowers at his grave, more regularly after his father passed. 

“Mum!” You went off to see to Scorpius, who was sat on his bed. The pretend stars Draco had put all over the ceiling, glowed softly, making his white hair shine. It fell it wet curls over his face, and you giggled at him, picking up a brush from the dresser. 

“Where’s daddy?” he asked as you brushed his hair. 

“He went out for a bit. I’ll send him in to tell you goodnight when he’s home.” 

“I’m excited for him to coach.”

“I know, he’s excited too. You’ve got to be gentle with him though, okay?” 

“I’m always gentle, mum.” 

You pulled him into your arms at that, kissing his head and cradling his small body to yours. 

“I know, darling.”

You slipped into one of Draco’s old Slytherin quidditch sweaters, getting ready for their first game. It would get warm in the summer, but it was still cool enough that you could be comfortable in the knit. 

Draco tied Scorpius’s hair out of his face, into a little bun on top of his head before the three of you apparated to the park. 

“Have fun, my loves.” You kissed Draco and waved to Scorpius before joining the other parents in the stands. You’d all been on the team together since the children were toddlers, though you knew that you, Draco, Theo, and his wife were all a bit outcasted from the rest as a group. You hoped it would be better with Draco as the coach, and you were thankful that Harry and Hermione both endorsed him with the other parents. 

“Y/N!” Hermione smiled, hugging you tightly as you walked up into the stands. Despite being in Slytherin, you two had been study partners at Hogwarts, and had continued to be friends as adults. She and Harry had warmed up to Draco through her friendship with you, but Ron was always apprehensive. 

“Scorpius looks so grown with his hair up! Like Draco,” She grinned, and you agreed. Her daughter, Rose looked older too, and was much taller than the summer before. 

“Hi, Neville.” You smiled as he and Luna sat down beside you. 

“Y/N,” he nodded, returning your smile politely. 

You wrapped your arms around yourself, tracing the knit on Draco’s sweater, and you watched him reign in the excited children. Everyone was watching. He cheered on the children when they did well, earning smiles.

Their practice lasted almost two hours, and everyone was chattering about the students going to Hogwarts in the fall. 

“I know that my daughter is a hufflepuff.” Theodore said to you, making you giggle.

“Yeah? I agree.”

“I’m proud of her too.” Theo added, making a couple turn. 

“Scorpius will likely be a slytherin.” 

Your friends agreed, and when the practice finished, you all went to the field. 

Draco was incredibly proud of all of the students, and he praised their efforts. He grinned as Asteria Longbottom ran up and threw her arms around Scorpius’s neck, giggling at their success as seekers. 

“Daddy, can Asteria come to play? I want to show her one of the muggle movies.” Scorpius begged him. 

“It’s up to Asteria and her parents. They’re always welcome.” Draco answered, looking up at you as you walked up, followed by Neville and Luna. 

“Mum, can I go, please?” Asteria begged, and Draco spoke up.

“Neville, Luna, we’ve been baking this morning, we’d love to have you for tea. Asteria can play with Scorpius.” He looked shy as he spoke to the couple who had been wary of him, even before the war. 

“Yes, alright.” Neville nodded, and you smiled. 

“Thank you, Mister Malfoy!” Rose Weasley called, along with Albus Potter.

“Certainly, Miss Weasley. You did exceptionally today.” He waved at her, and Ron’s gaze softened. 

“Shall we?” You asked, taking Luna’s hand as the six of you apparated back to your home. The kitchen smelled of the pastries that you and Draco had spent the morning making while Scorpius had read about quidditch strategies at the table, the book now discarded. 

“Show Asteria your films.” You told Scorpius with a smile.

“Asteria, you’re welcome to anything in our home if you’re hungry, Scorpius can show you,” Draco said kindly.

“Thank you, Mister Malfoy,” She said with a grin, and Luna and Neville watched her run out in giggles with her friend. 

You had a seat around the table, the pastries and teas appearing in front of you. 

“Neville, I heard you’ll be teaching Herbology at Hogwarts starting this term?” Draco asked, making him smile and easing a bit of the tension.

“Yes, I’m quite looking forward to it. Though, I hope they’ll like me.”

“I’m sure they’ll love you. You will be a wonderful professor. You always were much better than me at herbology. Scorpius has been saying that he’s excited for you to teach him. Hopefully he’s a better student than I at it.” Draco laughed, and Neville’s smile was genuine. 

“And you? Will you coach quidditch at the school after this summer gig.” 

“No, likely not. I quite enjoy working for Hermione Granger at the Ministry.” 

The four of you chattered over several cups of tea and pastries, completely losing track of time as the tension melted and bridges were built. 

“I’m so sorry, but we have dinner plans.” Luna apologized.

“No worries, thank you for coming. You’re all always welcome. Asteria too,” you smiled, squeezing the girl’s shoulder. 

“Thank you. We’d love to have you at ours sometime too.”

Once they were gone and Scorpius was fed, you spent time with your husband, laying on top of your pile of pillows and duvet.

“I loved it, Y/N. They’re so sweet and it was so much fun to teach them.” Draco was beaming, and it warmed your heart.

“You’re such a great coach, the students loved you. And their parents will too. And most importantly, I love you.” You held his face and kissed him, giggles erupting between the two of you at your cheesy sweetness.

“I love you too.”