#but they don't really have much of an opportunity to do that when he's unwilling to explain it

[painted-bees]

Raf's amount of self awareness and the amount of time he spends analyzing himself in his own head seemed a little far fetched until I got to the part about his past relationships and how badly things went despite having started therapy back then. It makes a lot more sense that he didn't get to this level of awareness and grace until way later after years of working on himself. But I really want to know how his relationship with Margie might have gone if he was less aware?

Oh, fun question lmao Assuming he never sees his behavior as something that he needs to work on: I think Margie's impulse to be honest and straightforward, and to wear her emotions on her sleeves would still have likely gotten her past his defenses and into a close relationship. But the closer/more important someone becomes to Raf, the more and more reactive/mercurial/mean he'd get. Those close relationships--the ones he treasures most--are the ones that pose the highest level of danger. They're the ones who'd hurt him the most if they betrayed him. Coupled with Margie's conflict-averse instinct to wilt, roll over, and apologize before considering if she'd even done anything wrong--we'd have likely seen a much more possessive and controlling Raf. We don't see that in his relationship with Lacey, because Lace would often bite back twice as hard, and was able to [very aggressively] assert boundaries with him. Margie, tho--so long as he kept encouraging and enabling her to make music, and providing warm, enthusiastic support on that front, she'd be easily convinced to change any behavior he didn't like--under the pretense that she was working on becoming a better, easier person to live with. I think, tho--if there ever arose a moment where he asserted that she couldn't pursue a music/career-related opportunity (that didn't require his involvement), if he threatened to take back all the 'nice things' he's given her as a tool of punishment/manipulation, or if he started discouraging her from vising friends or family--and if she couldn't reason with him on that front/it consistently resulted in a big argument every time--she'd end the relationship. She was, at least, raised well by her mother to identify that kind of situation as a 'get out now' 0 tolerance red flag of abuse. And--you know...if she had to do that, I think this would be the event that sees her move back home with her parents. Emotionally and psychologically, she'd lose a lot to this relationship. She'd need her family to help center herself again. Otherwise, Raf would likely sabotage the relationship for himself, and break things off with her over some catastrophic misunderstanding or another--where he is just unable and unwilling to hear her out and take her word at face value. But if certain lines are never crossed; if Margie learns to stifle/bury her excited impulses and exist as quietly as she is able to, and if Raf is able to pull himself back from enacting on paranoid compulsions just enough, he and Margie would probably find a tenuous but """comfortable""" stasis. Like with any relationship, they'd have moments both good and bad, catastrophes that maybe only resolve themselves for the convenience of it rather than out of a proper understanding, as well as tender moments of joyful whimsy, when the circumstances were right for it, that'd serve to remind them of why they're together in the first place and help bolster the staying-power of their relationship. But it'd all be balanced...very differently. They'd be a lot less fun, I think. Margie would have never suggested going to Cortes Island. She'd have been reluctant to suggest much at all. Raf would be stuck with the persistent suspicion that she resented him--and yanno--she might. But not for the reasons he'd think.

#hi-note #I don't much like this AU if I am being honest haha

[idyllic-affections]

what if kaveh adopted a child? (pt. ii)

summary. kaveh isn't exactly the best single dad out there, but he's doing his best.

trigger & content warnings. no applicable warnings.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. fluff, slight angst. adoptive dad!kaveh & reader. alhaitham & reader. tighnari & reader. collei & reader. 1.7k words. they/them pronouns for reader. this post is an expansion of what if kaveh adopted a child?

author's thoughts. do you guys remember when i said i wouldnt expand upon this brainrot? i lied. it was pretty well recieved and got some nice interaction so i hope to replicate that effect with this one!! heres some more adoptive dad!kaveh 💖 this will not make sense if you havent read the aforementioned brainrot, so please do that before reading this one! also do be aware that this has hints of kaveh's backstory in it, so if you don't want to see implied spoilers, don't read this!!

kaveh is a disaster single dad, but he's doing his best.

kaveh did inevitably take alhaitham's unsolicited advice and took them to gandharva ville. as much as he may hate to outwardly admit it... he knows he's not in a place to take care of a child alone, and he can't force alhaitham to help. that is simply not his roommate's responsibility. kaveh respects that; taking care of a child is a serious committment. it is not something that can be treated lightly, and it is certainly not something to force upon an unwilling caretaker. thankfully, the people at gandharva ville have no issue taking them in until kaveh is able to care for them properly.

tighnari and collei take really good care of them—especially collei. she adores them.

collei was very awkward with them at first, but she warmed up to them pretty quickly. something about having the opportunity to help a young child recover from trauma and learn to be stronger and smarter, having the opportunity to be like a big sister... it's very healing for her. she is being the person she herself would have needed all those years ago.

tighnari was also somewhat hesitant at first. children have a tendency to be bratty and loud, and he... does not have that kind of patience, but he was quick to get over any prior doubts after meeting them for the first time. they were very quiet. it was kind of worrying at first, but tighnari quickly realized that they just prefer communicating nonverbally.

the way they write is beautifully advanced and elegant, but it seems that their mouth finds it hard to keep up with their brain. that's all.

tighnari tutors them alongside collei. they're very advanced in language for their young age, and collei is a bit behind, so the two are roughly at the same level. he's also teaching both of them some of sumeru's many languages.

unlike collei, however, they are not from sumeru. they're from fontaine. as such, they have a lot of trouble producing some sounds that native speakers would have no trouble with.

(it's a source of very much frustration for them. collei is always there to console them when they get especially frustrated with themselves, wiping their tears away with gentle yet calloused hands and reassuring them that absolutely no-one expects them to be able to pronounce every word perfectly. even she messes up sometimes! she was away from sumeru for so long, after all. some sounds are difficult for her too.)

whenever kaveh visits them, they absolutely shine with excitement, as if he hasn't come to see them in ages. however... he's usually there multiple times a week (unless he's away for a project, and if he is, he always tells them before he leaves). they're simply always happy to see him.

it's really very cute, the way they gasp delightedly and run up to hug his legs since they're too short to reach any higher. it's impossibly endearing.

one time in particular stood out.

"Baba!"

Utter shock.

The silence that spread through Gandharva Ville was incredibly overpowering, but that didn't seem to deter them from running up to poor Kaveh—who had yet to completely process what they had said, how they had addressed him—and squeezing their little arms around his leg. The silence was quick to dissipate into fond murmurs and giggles as the Forest Rangers resumed their individual duties.

...

The blonde had no intention of replacing their parents; he'd feel awful if one or both of them turned up at some point, only for their child to have bonded with a different caretaker, but...

He also didn't have the heart to chide them. Who would? The way they gazed up at him with a smile that outshined the blazing sun itself was too sweet, too innocent. Kaveh couldn't possibly imagine why anyone would want to crush their soul like that.

He couldn't deny the warmth spreading in his chest, either.

With a smile, he raised his child into his arms, laying his forehead against their's. His gaze was gentle, affectionate, as he observed their expression. 'Enamored' didn't even begin to describe Kaveh's affection for them.

"Hello, little one. Baba's back."

from then on, kaveh absolutely addresses them as his kid. he just accepts that his role in their life is that of a father. family is not defined by blood, and archons know they need a parental figure that they can trust and rely on after what they went through in fontaine.

he never really saw himself being a father, at least not for a good while, but he adores them sm <3

alhaitham definitely warms up to them (eventually)!

he teaches them a few things here and there. most of the things he teaches them are language-related, but he'll sometimes present them with math problems. he'll even review some of their work for them if they ask, especially if it's something like an essay.

kaveh would absolutely pay special attention to his child's hair. if he doesn't already know how to care for their specific hair type, he would do everything in his power to learn how to.

kaveh spoils them whenever he can afford to. he oftentimes can't afford to do such things, which stings like a fresh wound would, but he knows they're happy even without being spoiled. he tries his best!

the architect wants to preserve their native culture, but they seem averse to the idea of returning to fontaine, and forcing them would do no good.

for now, the best he can do is obtain fontainian literature through foreign sources and ensure that their own language isn't erased by the sumeran languages they're learning.

his mother does live there. he could always ask her for a few favors when needed.

when the political climate cools down a little, he plans on taking them to fontaine, just not the capital city. anywhere outside of the nation's capital would do. ideally, he'd keep them as far away from the hydro archon as possible.

kaveh would never push his child to enroll in the akademiya, no matter how brilliant they are. unless they voluntarily want to go...

he will not do something that cruel to them. he wouldn't dream of it. honestly, even if they wanted to go, he would be a little hesitant.

(this view would change drastically after the sages are removed from office, however; once they're gone and the akademiya becomes less suffocating, he'd totally encourage them to go.)

if they did decide they wanted to go, however, he'd absolutely try to get them to enroll in kshahrewar.

like father like child!! they've been with the forest rangers for a while, so surely they'd be good with their hands by then.

alhaitham would try to get them into haravatat just to spite kaveh (those two are married, trust me!). his reasoning? they're far ahead of their peers in language. they'd thrive in an environment such as the one his darshan creates.

if they decide not to go? that's alright, too.

kaveh wants his child to thrive in an environment where they can safely and happily pursue whatever catches their interest, even if that means they regularly hop between subjects and ideas on a whim. inspiration is a skittish beast that would surely slip through their fingers if they aren't quick enough to pursue it; he understands this idea very well. it really isn't the end of the world if they don't want to go to the akademiya. they have plenty of scholars willing to teach them without all the academic stress attached—kaveh himself, alhaitham, tighnari, cyno...

(they're like a platonic co-parenting friend group LMAO they're raising [name] and collei together! they all help each other out!!)

kaveh is also very intent on teaching them to care for themselves before they try to care for anyone else.

he lives weighed down by guilt for things that weren't even his fault. he knows he's trapped by his own ideals; he'd be damned if he were to teach his child to be same way.

"do as i say, not as i do" kind of vibe. also definitely teaches his kid to "do no harm but take no shit"

(though, let's be honest: children learn through mirroring. if kaveh is not careful, his child will subconsciously adopt his self-destructive behaviors. thankfully, they do have other people to set them straight if they begin exhibiting such behaviors, namely alhaitham and cyno, who also do the majority of teaching them to "take no shit".)

ultimately, kaveh just wants his child to be happy, even if something were to happen to him. he doesn't want them to feel the way he does every moment of his life.

It wasn't often that Kaveh simply got to sit in calm silence with his child.

More often than not, they spent their time in Gandharva Ville with the forest rangers. However, every other weekend, Kaveh would take them back to Sumeru City with him; Alhaitham seemed to have no qualms with keeping them around after realizing the kind of child they turned out to be.

It was during the weekends the architect had them that he sought to spend as much time as possible with them.

Sometimes, that meant sitting peacefully in the silence together.

"...Little one," Kaveh called softly, hand stroking lovingly over their hair. They tilted their head back to meet his gaze, a small, inquisitive sound leaving their lips.

"Hm?"

"If something ever happens to me, I want you to know that you had nothing to do with it in any way, matter the circumstance. If something ever happens to me... it would not be your fault, okay? Do you understand?"

A heavy silence extended for a moment, and Kaveh could only watch as a variety of emotions crossed their face at once.

It unsettled him that they seemed to fight with themselves about how to respond, as if they couldn't agree with that.

Then again...

It wouldn't surprise him if they blamed themselves for the loss of their biological parents. Only time would tell if that pain would manifest into something worse as they got older.

"...Okay, baba. I understand."

He smiled, leaning down to kiss their forehead.

"Good."

please consider reblogging, it helps me out quite a lot!

#aphelion's headcanons 🌸 #: [ adoptive dad kaveh! 🌸 ] #favoniuslibrary #astronetwrk #platonic genshin x reader #platonic genshin impact #platonic genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #kaveh x reader #platonic kaveh x reader #genshin impact x reader #alhaitham x reader #tighnari x reader #collei x reader

[llamagoddessofficial]

what if mc was the ill one in your harpy au?

Sans: Although he doesn't do anything, at first, she can tell from the first cough/sneeze that he's awake and watching her. As she does his checkups, there's a noticeable stiffness in his limbs, he seems very aware of how many people are looking. Every now and then in her peripheral vision, she sees little flashes of his eyelights... but when she looks he's 'asleep' again.

... As soon as nobody is watching from the aviary viewing area, he snatches her up and disappears to his den. Nobody's there to hear her scream. Since no one saw it happen, everyone just assumes Sans is sleeping somewhere hidden and Mc is in a different part of the aviary, since it's not uncommon for her to be occupied for several hours with one particularly needy harpy. It's only once other staff realise she isn't with Red or Skull that someone thinks to check Sans' den.

There, they find a bundled up Mc, guarded vigilantly by a fussy and aggressive owl. Honestly, Mc is loving it- once she realised he wasn't letting her out she took the opportunity to just have a nap and sleep off her sickness. It's what she needs... and nobody is getting her out until he decides she's well enough.

Red: For the most part, he leaves her alone. She was surprised to find that Red stops flirting with her when she isn't well, he appreciates she has a headache and a cold and he's not going to fuss her for kisses when she's clearly got other things on her mind. He has a lot of experience with the horrible sensation of having your personal space invaded when you just want to be left alone. He even shocks everyone by not being loudly aggressive with other staff; almost like he knows she doesn't need the stress of having to bring him to heel. The only thing he really does is bring her lots of gifts- get-well-soon items, if you will. But he's a stunningly well behaved bird.

... His easy behaviour makes her smile and relax, and she hangs around in his aviary longer than usual, busying herself with chores that don't really need to be done just to stay. He notices, and he definitely likes her proximity. It makes him feel like a good husband when she shows a desire to stick around.

Skull: She almost doesn't go into his aviary, because she knows she's going to be fussed over. Unfortunately she's still the only one who can be in his space so it has to be her. He acts similarly to when he's ill- when she's ill, he wants to protect her, he wants to make sure she stays warm and stays away from the horrible other humans who might make her even sicker.

... He does try to drag her into his den, after giving her a sniff and making a face like a kicked puppy when she sneezes. But when she puts up a fuss, he, shockingly, stops trying. Much like Red, he's unwilling to put her through extra stress while she's clearly weakened. Instead, he just follows her around, and every time she stands still long enough he wraps his wings around her and smooshes her into his feathers. No illnesses can get to her where she's in his feathers, that's a certified science.

He makes the occasional ineffectual attempt to tug her toward the den, but as a soon as she tugs back, he stops. He's a good boy and he's aware of his strength.

#llamagines #harpy au #red and skull: we should avoid kidnapping her bc its not fair to put our needs above hers when she's unwell #sans: if an mc gets kidnapped. but theres nobody around to hear it. was she ever really kidnapped?

[mynewhyperfixation]

T.I.P. - Pt.4 (End Chap 1)

CW list A number of buildings, buildings of all kinds, started being blown sky high. The one commonality was Phantom. The DEO was pressuring the League to intervene. By their account he was involved in Meta trafficking and incredibly dangerous. (Too dangerous for them to deal with.) By all on scene accounts he was definitely doing something, but the damage was surprisingly minimal. Many of the buildings were reportedly abandoned. Some had even been marked to be condemned. It was suspicious but it maybe wasn’t as malicious as the DEO made it out to be. The League was starting to have reason to doubt their versions of the story after Amanda Waller took charge.

The League ramped up efforts to gather intel. Trying to speak to the elusive Phantom and the young lady working behind him. Hopefully get ahead of whatever they were doing before another building was forcibly converted into a crater. The girl had been a case that the Young Justice team was following. A Meta, and reportedly named Suzie, though Phantom called her Secrets. They had little else. 

Somehow they only really arrived to the commotion in time for cleaning up and too short notice to gather a proper team. The couple of times they got there before Phantom was done clearing out he had managed to keep everyone too occupied to intervene. They were always in the wrong spot to see anything and he was good at managing their movement. He had the opportunity to do more than knock out some of them more than once. It looked like he might have been able to go toe-to-toe with Superman in strength, but kryptonite did nothing. He never said much but he looked tired.

He looked tired when asked if he was being coerced. He said no. When asked if he was working alone, his answer was yes, though they knew that wasn’t true. J'onn also wasn’t able to read his thoughts, though he did sense him to be not only tired, but also sad, frustrated, and maybe a bit afraid.

The DEO was unwilling to share any information they had, even on Secrets who’d been a resident of one of their orphanages. The DEO was also getting impatient with the caution of the League. They, and by extension the GIW, started carefully fortifying locations that might become targets, trying to balance maintaining the League’s naivety to their activity and stopping the destruction from continuing. If more important locations were found it could lead to their systems getting compromised. Danny was used to all the old tricks, but the GIW were planning a trap.

Masterpost

AN: I've decided this would probably be a good spot to have as the first chapter. I've already gone back and changed a couple small things for AO3 and I've written some more for upload here. I don't think my writing will be outpacing these uploads without some serious inspiration, but I am having fun doing it this way. Thoughts welcome!

#dpxdc #dp x dc #tclwrites #The Infamous Phantom

[deadbydangit]

Ah! I’m obsessed with your writing!! If you don’t mind, I would like to make a request! 🩷

A killer!reader who is very quiet due to shyness, so they have a difficult time trying to get along with others 😔 (characters of your choice! but I’d like to see Wesker because I like him very much haha)

If there are any struggles, don’t feel pressured !! Take care and Thank you!

I think I can do that. I'm going to tweak it a little so it's easier to write about. Please enjoy.

With a shy reader: Mastermind, Nightmare, Onryo

Mastermind

Wesker doesn't mind that you're shy.

He isn't the most talkative person himself.

He can be, if he has to be.

But he would otherwise prefer to remain quiet.

It isn't that he shy, he just rather not talk to the others.

He finds them annoying and not worth conversing with.

Having a super outgoing partner wouldn't work well for him.

He's the type who would prefer to stay home rather than go out.

So if you don't want to go out?

That's fine by him.

Besides, he finds your coy nature to be charming.

And, he won't say it out loud, but he thinks it's adorable.

Though he will poke fun of you from time to time.

"Speak up dearheart. I won't know what you want unless you tell me."

"Ah, you're blushing. How adorable."

He'll even pinch your cheeks.

Part of all this is him just being a tease.

The other part is him trying to get you to stand up for yourself.

He may not vocalize it, but he is worried about you.

He knows he won't always be around to protect you.

And you're going to have to confront others eventually.

He may seem like he's being mean, but it's really his way of showing he cares.

But he isn't like that all the time.

If you're in a situation you're uncomfortable with, just tug on his jacket.

"Hmm? Oh, yes. We can leave."

And it doesn't matter what he's doing either.

If you want to leave, then he'll help you.

Nightmare

Shy?

With this guy?

Good luck.

This asshole is going to tease you till you're close to tears.

Freddy does that with everybody so don't take it too personally.

That's one of the reasons that most of the other killers and survivors don't like him.

He doesn't like them either. Which is why having you shy is nice because he doesn't have to deal with them around.

It could just be the two of you. He's fine with that.

But having you so shy, and so unwilling to stand up for yourself, it's prime gold for him.

What, you expect him not to take advantage of this opportunity?

In your dreams.

Which is where he often is.

Teasing you and poking at you.

Just seeing how red your face gets when you get so worked up.

He can't get enough of it.

If you actually start crying you will stop though.

But only if you start crying.

Otherwise he won't put on the brakes just because you're his significant other.

But, if you say something, he'll stop.

"Come on baby. I can't hear you. What do you want?"

While he's laughing in your face.

Don't get too mad at him though.

It's just how this idiot shows his love.

Onryo

You two could be shy together.

It isn't so much that Sadako is shy.

She just doesn't talk.

And, nearly all her experience with people is bad.

So the less people around, the better for her.

Unlike the others, she won't taunt or tease you.

She likes that you're quiet.

It's peaceful that way.

Most of her life was filled with sadness and hate, so the silence is a welcome change.

You two could sit in silence for hours, not saying a thing.

And she would be perfectly fine with that.

But, if you do want to talk, she'll listen.

She enjoys hearing you speak.

The sound of your voice is relaxing and comforting.

And she'd never judge you.

So don't ever feel embarrassed about speaking.

You won't ever have to worry about someone taunting you either.

Because Sadako we'll take care of them in a matter of seconds.

Can't bully somebody if your neck is broken.

She'll make a gruesome show of torturing the person who was bothering you to others.

It's her way of saying that you are under her protection.

And God help anyone who decides to mess with you now.

#dbd imagines #dbd ask blog #dbd x reader #dbd killer #dbd mastermind #dbd freddy #dbd onryo

[wanderer-six]

Careful Care (for @pb-jellybeans)

AN: some sweet forehead-kissing with Rex for @pb-jellybeans!!! I hope I did our wonderful captain justice, u deserve nothing less than all of the love he has to offer ♥♥

Relationships: Captain Rex x Medic!Reader (I imagined a fem!reader while writing, but re-reading I don't see anything gendered. Pls let me know if you catch something, and I'll flag accordingly!!)

Summary: You and the captain have silently pined for one another what feels like forever now. When he lingers in the medbay a few moments too long, you know just the medicine he needs.

WARNINGS: very very very light and nondescript injury mention

Word Count: ~1.1k

The eve of battle is bitter, but sweetened only by the fact that you can see him off.

The cold, sterile walls of the medbay feel warm and homey while you care for Captain Rex within them. With deft and gentle fingers, you apply a bacta patch to the wound on his shoulder. As you smooth the bandage down along the grooves of his muscle, you sigh, shooting him a wary smirk.

“This wound will take longer to heal if you’re carrying it in battle, you know,” you remind him, voice stern but caring all the same. “You really should sit this fight out.”

Rex huffs, shrugging half heartedly with his good shoulder. When his eyes meet yours, they soften, betraying the kindness behind his hardened exterior.

“I’ll be fine,” he insists. “Believe me, I’ve fought through worse.”

You chuckle through a little smile. “Hm. So dedicated…”

One of many things you adore about him.

Your hands linger on Rex’s arm for just a moment too long, but he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, his eyes seem to fill with unspoken words when you finally do move away. As sweet as you are on the captain, you know he cares for you just as much. With the way he acts in your presence, you think you would have caught on even if his brothers didn’t inform you of his affection at every opportunity. 

But, shy and respectful, Rex hasn’t spoken of his feelings on his own. You would never rush him to do so—a clone’s life is burdened by endless regulations and rules, so you understand his hesitation to explore a relationship outside the chain of command. So, until he’s ready, he has your patience—and your utmost care along with it.

When you finally finish patching him up, you take a step back.

“All right. I think you’re clear for combat, Captain,” you tell him. As he stands, you cross your arms. “Well… as ‘clear’ as I think you’ll tolerate.”

A soft, genuine chuckle passes Rex’s lips.

“I’m sure I’ll hold up fine,” he smiles. He hesitates, before adding, “...you’ve never let me down before, after all.”

You smile, though your cheeks are burning. “I don’t plan to start now. Good luck out there, okay?”

Rex nods. He holds his helmet awkwardly in front of him, standing idle as his lips purse into words he can’t speak. He locks eyes with you, holding your gaze for just a moment, before he looks away with a sigh.

“...thanks,” he murmurs. 

Unwilling—or unable—to say more, Rex goes to walk past you. But something compels you to reach out—latching onto his armored wrist before he can return to his brothers and prepare to ship out. Your heart races, especially with the look of surprise on his face as you draw him closer to you.

“Actually… there was just one more thing before I can let you go,” you confess.

Rex tilts his head, eyes narrowing slightly. “...what is it?”

Wordlessly, you smile. You pull on his wrist just enough to bring his face closer to you. And once you can reach him, you dot a kiss on his forehead.

If you’d had him hooked up to a monitor, you would certainly have heard Rex’s heart stop. The poor man’s eyes shoot open; he forms a sheen of sweat before he can form words. But he doesn’t need to say a thing. You offer a kind smile, relinquishing his wrist.

“Be safe, Captain,” you say, leaving him to recover as you head off to tend to your duties. “And good luck out there.”

~~~

With your few hours of downtime, you’ve returned the medbay to pristine condition. Even so, you still find yourself cleaning more—idly scrubbing tables and tools, going over spots the cleaning droids made spotless hours ago. You suppose you can’t help yourself, needing some way to stay occupied. Whenever the men are out in battle, you worry endlessly about whether they’ll return to you safely.

About whether Rex will return to you safely.

Swallowing anxiously, you coax yourself into deep breaths. As hard as it can be not knowing, you have the utmost trust in him. He’s the best, after all… and you’re certain he’ll always make his way back to see you.

A sudden bustle in the halls catches your ear. You know it can mean only one thing—the battle is over, and judging by the excitement in the men’s voices, it was a victorious one. 

Setting down your cleaning implements you walk to the door of the medbay, hoping to flag down one of the soldiers and get a report on the good news…

…but to your utmost surprise, when the door hisses open, someone already stands before you: Captain Rex.

To your embarrassment, a heavy sigh of relief escapes you. Even so, you beam, unable to do anything but in the captain’s presence.

“You’re back!” you chime, welcoming him into the medbay. “How did the battle go?”

Rex finds a half smile, tucking his helmet under his arm.

“As far as I can see, it couldn’t have gone better,” he reports. “Minimal casualties and a tremendous territory gain for the Republic. A decisive victory.”

As he speaks, your eyes light up at how proud he sounds—and you’re proud of him, all the same.

“I’m glad to hear it,” you say, cocking your head with a smirk. “Though I expect nothing less from the finest soldier in the Republic…”

Rex averts his gaze from you, rubbing the back of his neck. Again, you see his mind racing—his lips struggling against whatever inside him holds him back.

Eventually, he clears his throat awkwardly. “Actually… I have something for you.”

Curious, you tilt your head.

“Hm? What is it?”

Though his shoulders tense with anticipation, Rex manages a step toward you. He looks into your eyes, wordless but intense. And then…

…he leans in, pressing his lips ever so softly to your forehead.

Your face burns hotter than a starship engine. When Rex pulls away, his uncertainty melts into a knowing grin when he makes out just how bashful you’ve become. Gently, he pinches your cheek between his gloved fingers.

“You wanted that back, right?” he asks in a teasing tone you don’t often hear from him. But when his hand settles, cupping the side of  your head, his voice turns more sincere. “It helped me out in that battle, but I think you should hold onto it for now.”

Though your heart races and your head spins, you wear an unwavering smile. You set your hand over Rex’s, leaning into his touch with all the affection and warmth you’ve held for him all this time.

“Don’t worry… I’ll take good care of it.”

AN: Thank you so much for reading!! I rly hope you enjoy PB, u are so wonderful to me and u deserve the most kissable captain in the galaxy 🥺🥺✨✨

"""taglist""" - @shinyshayminflower @starrylothcat@pb-jellybeans@jediknightjana

#tcw #W6Fic #captain rex x reader #captain rex x you #rex x reader #rex x you #star wars x reader #clone x reader

[agentmarvel]

I just found your page and I absolutely love (also wanna smack the shit out of ghost for having double standards) the New roommate ghost prompt.

Can I be bit greedy (Forgive me) and ask for two prompts at once?

Number 11 - I'm a sick fuck 'cause I like when you ignore me!

And number 17 - I don't give a fuck about your friends; I'm right here!

With Ghost.

(make him Grovel for love)

Please. 🥺🥺🙏🙏

you got it! 😈

so sorry for the delay! work has been hell the last two weeks, and i'm coming off a 12-day stretch, so today is the first day in a while i've had to actually sit down and write. less groveling than intended, but i'm secretly working on a v long one-shot with PLENTY of it

simon "ghost" riley x reader

implied situationship, but he needs wants more

MDNI - 18+ (minor & ageless blogs will be blocked)

He doesn’t mean to let his gaze linger as long as it does, honestly. Simon is nothing if not observant, a quick glance at every patron who enters the door, and you truly are a sight to behold. You’re always stunning, no doubt about it, but something about the dim bar lights and how dangerously low cut your dress is has him damn near panting like a bitch in heat beneath his mask.

It’s like a never-ending game of tag between the two of you. You’ll make subtle flirtatious comments, he’ll make equally suggestive remarks in return; neither moves towards home base, tagbacks are allowed. Sometimes play stalls for a few days, you dance around each other in silence, unwilling to be the first to step out of turn, but it always resumes as quickly as it tapers.

You’ve been a bit off as of late, though. Simon winks at you in passing, you give him a curt nod as you walk by. He compliments you, you offer a hushed “thanks” and leave it at that. He so much as makes eye contact with you, and you’re immediately casting your gaze downward. You avoid him as often as you can now, and it puts him in a tailspin. Forbidden fruit and such, it’s kind of hot that you’re suddenly acting like he doesn’t faze you. On the other hand, though, it’s frustrating. Has he done something to upset you? He loves seeing you get all hot under the collar just for him, and it’s maddening to have no idea why you’re acting this way. He’s determined to find out where you stand, what it is that caused the sudden switch.

Drink in hand, Simon watches from his darkened corner as you down your first and second drinks with ease. He bides his time, swirling the pinch of bourbon left in his short glass until all the ice has melted. You’ll step away from your friends soon enough, and the second you do, he seizes his opportunity. It’s rare enough for him to get you alone, and he’s not stupid enough to pass up the split second he’ll need to make it happen.

Clinging to the shadows, he slinks along the wall with almost frightening stealth, slipping into the restroom just behind you. Verifying you’re the only person in there, he snags the stop from beneath the sink and jams it under the door. No interruptions, not now.

He patiently awaits the telltale tear of paper, leaning back against the countertop housing a pair of sinks. His arms cross over his chest, a stance he often assumes to look bigger, more imposing, more menacing. Simon’s noticed the way your thighs clench and you have to stop yourself from drooling when he takes to that particular pose in front of you. It would be downright irresponsible for him to deprive you of whatever it makes you feel when he’s trying to find his way back into those good graces.

You step out of the stall, adjusting your purse on your shoulder. The second you spot Simon, you freeze in place, and he swears he can hear your heart raging against your ribcage. Surprise widens your eyes and furrows your brows as he offers a cocked eyebrow, tilting his head just a hair.

“Lieutenant Riley,” you breathe, almost a question, pausing a moment before saying, “What are you doing here?”

“Here in the bar or here in the bathroom?”

“Either, really.”

“It’s the closest bar to base, love. Crawling with grunts, if ya didn’t notice.” 

You roll your eyes at that, and there’s a strong urge for Simon to spend his entire night making them roll back over and over and over again. It’s not his fault, really; there’s just something about you that tests his resolve.

“As for the latter,” he continues. “Just wanted a private word with you, ‘less you’re gonna keep runnin’ away from me.”

“I‘m not running, sir.”

“You’re avoiding me; same thing.” 

“No, I’m not.” He scoffs dryly. You start spitting out bullshit excuses for why you stay away from him, and he shrugs, indifferent to anything that isn’t the truth. It’s genuinely humorous that you think he can’t smell a lie from a mile away. He can’t help but chuckle.

You look flustered, perturbed. It’s cute, but it does make Simon feel a bit guilty. 

“Sergeant, don’t think for a second that I didn’t notice you can’t stand to even be in the same room as me anymore. You used to bite back, used to bark first, and now you wanna act all demure and proper when I talk to you? You can hardly manage to look me in the eye. What did I do?” 

The twinge of hurt in his tone doesn’t sit well with him. It borders on pathetic, and he’s praying to a god he doesn’t even believe in that you’re still too stunned by his presence to hear it, too. To your credit, if you do, you certainly don’t acknowledge it.

“With all due respect, I don’t think this is an appropriate place for that conversation, Lieutenant. My friends are waiting for me.”

“I don’t give a fuck about your friends; I’m right here. Let’s talk it out so shit can stop being weird, yeah?”

“It’s not weird, sir. I just - “

“No excuses, doll. Spit it out.”

“Will you - “

“C’mon, love. Tell me what I did wrong.”

“You - “

“Cat got your tongue, huh?”

“Fine!” you shout, throwing your arms out. “You want to know what the fucking problem is, Simon? You want to know why I stay away from you? Well, here you fucking go: I can’t stand being around you because I am so fucking head over heels for you, and I know you don’t feel the same.”

You clap a hand over your mouth, and Simon can see that you’re positively mortified. He goaded you into verbalizing how you really feel, and it turns his face a violent shade of pink.

“You what?”

“I…” You bite your lip, anxious. Your eyes avoid his at all costs. “I know it’s inappropriate, sir. It’s just a silly little crush, and keeping my distance is helping me work through it.”

“Don’t you fuckin’ dare.”

His arms drop, feet moving before he can think better of it. The space between you is crushed in a stride and a half, and he’s peeling up his mask and slotting his mouth against yours almost immediately. It’s all teeth and tongue, want, need; searing and heated and almost animalistic. He’s been waiting ages, it seems, and now, the game has come to an end. You won, and it’s a scarce occurrence, but he’s glad to take the loss.

When you break from him for air, he laughs, pressing another kiss against your hairline.

“I’m a sick fuck ‘cause I like when you ignore me. Rather you don't anymore, though.”

Pick a prompt and character here!

#simon ghost riley x reader #simon ghost riley x you #simon ghost riley imagine #simon ghost riley #cod x you #cod x reader #cod imagine #simon ghost riley drabble #cod drabble #jj writes

[stainedglassthreads]

A lot of people seem to think Neuvillette and Furina's relationship is just 'Zhongli and Hu Tao 2.0'. But personally I think that's an oversimplification. Because while Zhongli and Hu Tao are very funny, there's just something so. Simultaneously strained yet tender about what Nuevillette and Furina have going on?

I will admit, I haven't played Nuevillette's Character Quest just yet. But Neuvillette's IS a really complex and faceted character so far, as is Furina. Neuvillette comes off as extremely stoic and impartial, but as we've found out by now, he's a character who cares deeply about others, especially the Melusines. At the same time, he's also the Dragon Sovereign of Water. He wants to someday have his revenge against Celestia, but that's an extremely long-term goal. So being a Dragon and an Immortal, we know that he's very patient, and not prone to rage or impulsive behaviors. He's very driven by a sense of duty to Fontaine, as well.

Despite having a grudge against Celestia, we don't exactly know much of his thoughts on the Archons, as a whole or as individuals. I don't know if he hates the Archons at all, actually. Apep doesn't seem to like them, and Orobashi seemed completely ambivalent to them. However, Dvalin and Azhdaha gladly worked alongside Venti and Zhongli for a very long time. Even now, Dvalin doesn't mind helping Venti and Mondstadt somehow, while a part of Azhdaha deliberately sought out Zhongli to help keep the rest of them contained.

As such, I don't think Neuvillette secrets resents Furina or anything. But there's very much a...'I am doing the minimum of what must be done to keep Lady Furina content, but neither of us need to indulge her aside from that'. He also seems to spend a while keeping her 'in check', at least before the Traveler shows up. As an example of the former, he points out to the Traveler that Furina's been waiting for them to notice her, but tells them after that that they don't need to give her any more attention. He also repeatedly asks Furina at different times if she really, genuinely means an accusation she's making, allowing her opportunities to back out and de-escalate. (Even if Furina is prideful to the point she doesn't actually de-escalate, it does remind her of how, as Hydro Archon apparent, her accusations have immense weight. Especially for something like a murder accusation.)

At the same time, though, he does look out for her. I saw a great post where it was pointed out, even if Furina was unwilling to confess that Arlecchino had tried assassinating her, he notices that something was wrong, and accompanies her anyways. Even when the Primordial Sea is about to burst forth, he takes a moment to ask the Traveler to not leave Furina alone with Arlecchino.

Neuvillette may not like Celestia, but he's either willing to work alongside Furina, even if she's not the easiest Archon to like or collaborate with. Considering what we know of Fontaine's government system, and how the people view the Hydro Archon versus the Iudex, at this time I don't think it's a case of 'I need her to lend my decrees and judgements an air of legitimacy'. Considering how Inazuma and Sumeru acted for some time, and Zhongli's recent retirement, I don't think even Celestia would act if Neuvillette more officially declared himself Fontaine's leader and pressured Furina into stepping down. So at the very least, even if he doesn't really respect Furina, I think he at least feels a responsibility to her.

That's one different from Zhongli and Hu Tao's dynamic, I think. Hu Tao isn't just the boss of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in name only--for all her eccentricities, she takes funerals VERY seriously, and is very...enthusiastic...about expanding their business. Meanwhile Furina doesn't appear to take her duties very seriously until the Traveler shows up, while Neuvillette and the Oratrice seem to be the main thing keeping Fontaine running.

Furina, meanwhile, seems a lot more obvious about how much she cares for Neuvillette. I do believe Furina really takes Neuvillette for granted in some sense, since she does leave presiding over trials and generally running what should be her country to him But while they outwardly seem mutually annoyed by each other, Furina takes notice and realizes things are serious when Neuvillette checks her with his 'are you SURE you want to press these accusations' things, she turns to him for protection when she feels scared and threatened by Arlecchino, and in Neuvillette's Character Quest she seems happy that he gets out of his office for a day, (I'm assuming) showing that she's fully aware he feels a lot under his stoic facade, and she cares for her happiness. (Again, I haven't actually played the quest, but I care little for spoilers. Sue me.)

I don't think anyone could blame them for disliking each other. But saying that they 'just disliked each other' or 'just like each other' would be a superficial reading, I think. We don't know how much Furina knows about Neuvillette and his feelings for Celestia and the Archons. But I think she legitimately trusts, respects, and cares about him more than anyone, even if she's not always the most grateful. And I think that adds more to the way she acts and makes her a more complex character. Likewise, we've already seen Neuvillette's caring side with the Melusines, but the Melusines are legitimately really sweet and earnest and easy to love. Furina's presence further highlights his sense of duty and responsibility, and how sensitive and compassionate he can be, I think. If it does turn out he wants vengeance against the Archons too, then being able to treat Furina so well when it counts shows off those sides of his personality more, I think.

tl;dr An event where all the Archons get to chat together would be amazing. But you know what would be phenomenal? Dragon Sovereign Family Reunion. Traveler needs to find a location large enough for Dvalin, Azhdaha, Apep, and Neuvillette to have a picnic together.

#genshin impact #neuvillette #furina #focalors #genshin impact analysis #archon #dragon sovereign

[batsandgore]

How would the sakamaki brothers react if shu becomes suddenly overprotective and controling in a bad and aggressive way?

I assume this would be towards his S/O? Or love interest of sorts? I'll frame it as that, as it's something I could possibly picture Shu doing if we're considering extremes. Thank you for the ask!

Shu becoming possessive and controlling of his love interest...

Reiji Sakamaki:

He knew getting involved with Shu was a bad idea. When you chose him, out of everyone in the household, to be the one to own you, to harvest your blood for himself, Reiji was convinced Shu was manipulating you. He was lazy and never desired to do anything for himself, so having a human to do his bidding sounds like the perfect arrangement for someone as unmotivated as himself. However, the pretences he conjured in his mind soon became a reality and rose to extremes that left even himself utterly perplexed. And so, Reiji confronted you one day, cornered you, unwilling to deal with his excuse of an older brother.

"You were so insistent on staying by that deadbeats' side, and look where that got you. It's pitiful, to be honest. How about I extend an offer to you? It's never too late to choose me..."

Ayato Sakamaki:

Ayato never really cared about the goings on of his oldest brother. Shu stayed out of his way, and therefore, he mimicked that. But when he came to the revelation that you, Shus love interest, the person whose blood's scent emanated from you like mist, had found yourself in a tricky situation in regards to him, Ayato saw his opportunity to gain the one up. He just so happened to stumble upon you one fateful night in the gardens, and so, struck up an albeit rather blunt conversation.

"Ah... there you are! I've been looking all over for you! What do you say we head back to my room? Yours Truly is long overdue some quality alone time with you..."

Kanato Sakamaki:

His brothers were nothing but a nuisance to him - an annoyance in his day-to-day life. But the new perspective bride had caught his interest: you. You had an air about you that captivated Kanato; he was even quite tempted to make you up to be the newest edition to his grandiose collection he has. But... Shu had swept you away long before he even had the chance. However, when word got around the residence that Shu had began showing less than savoury qualities towards his prey, even for vampire standards, Kanato saw opportunity. One minute, you're stood unassuming in the kitchen wondering what to eat. The next you wake up in a dingy, long abandoned shack far from the sight of the mansion.

"You're awake. Good. I was starting to think you'd never wake up... me and Teddy were quite worried... what? Where are we? Oh, don't worry about that. All you need to do is scream for me! I'm going to bite you now. So c'mon! Show me the fear that sits so pretty in your eyes..."

Laito Sakamaki:

Laito had tried his fair share of manoeuvres to make you his own prior to catching wind of this news. However, this news was like music to his ears. He knew that if you could stick so securely to someone like Shu for such a long while now, he didn't have to do too much to win you over either, right? Maybe he could provide something you've been lacking? Sympathy? A shoulder to cry on? Laito can provide that for you. He'd play the long game if it meant getting you to himself, playing on your heartstrings until you eventually broke for him.

"Oh... you poor thing. I've heard about your recent squabbles with my older brother, y'know? Nasty business... but surely you don't think you deserve all of that, right? We may be vampires, but we're not complete monsters. Maybe I could be there for you... to help?"

Subaru Sakamaki:

Believe it or not, once Subaru caught onto this news about Shu, he wasn't after your blood. In fact, he'd hardly do anything unless he saw Shu acting the way he has been in person. Subaru would just be... disappointed in his older brother, and therefore would distance himself from both him as well as you - this entire situation. He'd prefer to stay far away, in case he happened to cause more harm than good, which he believed he certainly had the potential of doing.

"What? You're crying because of that jerk again? It's... none of my business. So, I suggest you leave me out of it unless you want your situation to become even worse. I have no doubt it will if you involve me."

#dbl #diabolik lovers #dialovers #dl #shu sakamaki #ayato sakamaki #kanato sakamaki #reiji sakamaki #laito sakamaki #subaru sakamaki #diahell #diabolik lovers reactions #reactions #reaction #diabolik lovers fanfiction #fanfics #fanfiction #short fiction #short fic #fanfic

[mamichigo]

On his first visit to Alhaitham's bedroom, Cyno was surprised by the vanity in one corner of the room. It didn't quite fit with Alhaitham's preferences, its appearance clashing with the rest of the decor in the room. Despite that, it looked well used: lined with jewelry and fancy looking products. His eyes lingered there for quite awhile.

"Although I noticed the makeup on your eyes, somehow seeing the actual packages in your room threw me for a loop," he admitted after a bit, unable to contain his curiosity. "The vanity was beyond my expectations. Do you really use all of that?"

Alhaitham studied the vanity with a fond, melancholic look that Cyno couldn't understand.

"Not all at once, and certainly not everyday."

"I've… thought about using it. My job doesn't often allow indulgence, however." He traced the faint red line under Alhaitham's eye with his eyes, imagining doing it with his fingertips instead. "I can at least say I like how it looks on you."

"Are you complimenting me?" Alhaitham asked with a smirk.

"I don't believe I have to justify myself for admiring my partner's look," Cyno scoffed.

"Of course not."

Alhaitham held up a small brush and what looked like an eyeshadow palette as a peace offering.

"Do you want to try it?" He offered. "We'll start simple, that way you can just wipe it off if you don't like it or if it causes you any discomfort."

"We have the time, and the opportunity," Cyno thought to himself. He nodded. "I wouldn't mind it, if you're okay with sharing."

"There's very little I'm unwilling to lend to you."

Cyno raised his eyebrows in challenge. "Your toothbrush?"

"Hm." Alhaitham made a face, his nose scrunched up cutely. "I believe that falls into the 'very little' category."

"Good, I might have had to do something drastic otherwise."

"Would you hunt me down, dear General?" 

As if to show how little he was threatened by that prospect, Alhaitham steered him towards the chair by the vanity. He resolutely set Cyno down. He tilted his head to the side, expression as deadpan as ever, except for the slight crinkle to his eyes.

"May I?"

Cyno tipped his chin up in assent. Alhaitham took a step closer, slotting himself comfortably between Cyno's knees.

"Close your eyes," he instructed, words as soft as the summer breeze.

Despite himself, Cyno tensed. He became all too aware of his exposed throat, Alhaitham's hands hovering close to every vulnerable point of his skull. In his head, he counted to ten and inhaled. He could smell Alhaitham's cologne, the scent of old books, and the faint trace of roses coming from the makeup.

He was okay. He was safe. Cyno closed his eyes.

Alhaitham's fingers were gentle on his cheeks, and the makeup brush even moreso. Cyno realized he could easily fall asleep just like this, in his grasp.

The silence endured for quite awhile. When Alhaitham interrupted it, it was with a barely there murmur. The sort of tone he knew Cyno alone could hear well.

"You're curious about it. Not the just the makeup, or the jewelry. I could tell." A pause, as if Alhaitham was measuring his words. "I used to get into my grandmother's belongings and try on anything I liked."

"Did she mind...?"

"Not at all. She always said I did a much better job than her with the makeup. In fact, this was her favorite look." Alhaitham ran a thumb along his bottom eyelashes. "Just a little bit of black eyeshadow to the corner of the eyelids. She always jokingly admonished me for looking so 'provocative.'"

Cyno chuckled, a little incredulous. "Provocative?"

"She was convinced we'd have a line of suitors at our doorstep at that rate," Alhaitham replied, just as amused.

"I suppose it's just me, now."

Another pause. Cyno wished to see Alhaitham's expression, a sweet ache settling on his chest.

"It's just you," Alhaitham whispered.

He succumbed to his urge, eyelids fluttering open just a smidge. Like this, Alhaitham was nothing but hazy blur. But even that little glimpse sparked a fire in his stomach, the desire to kiss him on his bitten lips growing stronger. Cyno quickly closed his eyes again. 

"She sounds like a wonderful woman," he said instead.

"She is." Catching himself, Alhaitham ammended: "She was. I didn't inherit any of it, just the physical possessions. Her rings, her spare glasses… even this vanity was hers. There, I'm done with your eyes."

Alhaitham turned the chair to the mirror, and the loss of his body warmth made Cyno shiver. It was quickly soothed by the hand resting on his shoulder blades.

He couldn't pay attention to the makeup, not immediately. Cyno could tell that little story had been calculated. Answering trust with trust. He would bet Alhaitham rarely shared it with others, if he did it at all.

Cyno caught the hand by his shoulder and kissed Alhaitham's knuckles. "Thank you for telling me about her."

"I'm doing myself a favor," he huffed. There was a waver in his voice Cyno had never heard before. "I'd be in deep trouble if I didn't introduce her to my partner."

"It's my honor to get to know her."

Alhaitham leaned down and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"I know she'd agree with me when I say you look beautiful."

At that, Cyno did look in the mirror. Not just at the soft halo of black eyeshadow around his eyes, but at Alhaitham behind him. Their hands caught in each other's, the adoring look in Alhaitham's eyes, and even the smile on his own lips. Being in love suited them, he thought with some surprise.

Seeing it reflected so clearly in the vanity's mirror, Cyno hoped it meant she, too, would agree with the sentiment.

#alhaitham #cyno #haino #cytham #genshin impact #drabbles #my writing

[thelazyhermits]

Recently, I came up with a super cute TWST idea, and since it's Christmas-related, I decided to make a post about it for today. I'll put everything under the cut.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!! 😊💕💕

Okay, so in the past, I've stated that I don't think Christmas is an actual holiday in TW since there's never any indication of it being a holiday, so as far as my TWST series is concerned, it's only a holiday in Yuu's world.

Despite Christmas not being a thing in TW, Yuu still decided to get presents for her friends cause she had always wanted to celebrate the holiday with friends, so even if she couldn't do anything else related to the holday, she wanted to at least give her friends gifts.

Originally, I had planned on that being the extent of what Yuu did for Christmas, but then, a new idea hit me, which is why this post came about.

This new idea involves the Ramshackle Ghosts wanting to do something special for Yuu/Grim during the winter break, and they do this by making use of all the Christmas-related info they've gained from Yuu who was more than happy to tell them all about the holiday from her world.

After learning about Christmas and seeing how much Yuu really wants to celebrate it, the Ramshackle Ghosts decide that they'll throw a Christmas party for her and Grim during the winter break since they think that'll be a great way to make this break more enjoyable for Yuu/Grim who don't have anywhere to go during the break like the majority of the student body.

However, there's only so much the ghosts can do on their own. That's why they reach out to Sam before winter break begins cause he's told them in the past to get in contact with him if Yuu ever needs anything but is unwilling to ask since she's not the type to depend on adults, even when she really should.

Upon learning about Christmas and their plans to throw a party for Yuu/Grim from Ramshackle Ghosts, Sam immediately agrees to lend a hand since he wants Yuu to have something to enjoy during the upcoming winter break.

Plus, this is the perfect way to give gifts to Yuu since she won't be able to refuse them if they're given in the spirit of this holiday, which is an ideal arrangement to Sam who would really like to be able to dote on her a little, although he mostly just wants to ensure she has everything that he thinks she needs to live comfortably since he doesn't like how she always seems to be making sacrifices on her part in order to take care of Grim.

But Sam also does want to just spoil her since he's become rather fond of his favorite employee. So he'll get her practical stuff he knows she needs around the dorm as well as things he knows she'd be happy to receive like books, cute cat-related items, cooking supplies she normally can’t afford, etc.

Because he knows he's not the only one who feels this way, Sam also contacts the NRC faculty cause he knows Crewel would immediately take advantage of this opportunity to give Yuu clothes cause Crewel hates how the majority of Yuu's wardrobe consists of used clothes she's gotten from her friends lol 😂

Being a girl dad, Trein would also feel compelled to contribute to this cause but he'd probably focus on practical gifts useful for school, although he might add in at least one thing that's cat-related, saying it's a gift from Lucius haha

Meanwhile, Vargas is eagerly buying her some weights, sweatpants, protein powder, and anything else he thinks will be helpful to her building her muscles lol 😂

When Crowley hears about what the others are doing, he feels obligated to do something for Yuu too, especially when the other adults are all having a group discussion about it and giving him some not so subtle looks lol

In the end, I think Crowley would just provide extra food, like what he gave them in canon plus more, claiming that he's providing a crucial part of the party, especially considering how much Grim can eat haha

Thanks to the adults, the Ramshackle Ghosts are able to get everything they'll need for a Christmas party: a tree, presents, decorations, food, etc.

What's even better, the Ramshackle Ghosts are able to make it a complete surprise for Yuu/Grim thanks to Book 4 events since that keeps Yuu/Grim out of the dorm for several days since dealing with Jamil took a few days and then Yuu/Grim spent another couple of days at Scarabia after Jamil's OB due to her ending up with a fever since Jamil didn't want her to leave until she fully recovered.

So, when Yuu/Grim finally return to Ramshackle, they're beyond surprised to find its interior completely decked out with Christmas-esque decorations, and they're especially astonished by the large amount of presents underneath the Christmas tree.

Yuu is even more shocked when she finds out from the Ramshackle Ghosts that the NRC adults helped make this all happen since she's so unaccustomed to adults treating her so nicely/going out of their way for her sake. This kind of thing would've never happened back in her world.

While she doesn't think Sam and the others are like Mumei and the other adults from her past, Yuu still has a hard time trusting adults, even though she does like Sam and the others. (In the case of Crowley, it just depends on the day lol 😂)

That's why Yuu can't stop herself from wondering if there's a catch since why else would these adults do all this when there's nothing in it for them?

However, once Yuu hears about all the planning the Ramshackle Ghosts had been doing with the NRC adults, mostly Sam/Crewel, during the weeks leading up to the start of winter break, she realizes there truly aren't any ulterior motives here. They really just wanted to do something nice for her and Grim.

Once she comes to that realization, Yuu gets pretty emotional but thankfully manages to keep herself from actually crying. She's just so touched that there are people that would actually go to such lengths for her sake.

Fortunately, Grim provides a much needed distraction when he demands that they start opening presents cause, of course, that's what he'd focus on since the food provided by Crowley is in the fridge since the Ramshackle Ghosts thought it'd be better to leave it to Yuu to decide when to get all that out for the party they wanna have.

Since, by this point, I'd say it's either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, Yuu agrees to opening presents since she's also excited about opening her first ever Christmas presents.

Yuu and Grim have a great time opening presents since they love all the presents they were given, although Grim does complain about all the practical gifts and the muscle-building ones he got.

(Much to Grim's delight, pretty much everyone gave him a can of tuna since it's well-known how much he loves the stuff lol)

One of the presents Yuu especially got excited about was the Christmas sweater Crewel made for her, which she was amazed by how authentic it looked considering the only kind of reference he would've had is whatever he heard from the Ramshackle Ghosts.

Yuu immediately puts on the sweater and the fuzzy cat socks she got from Trein, which she will definitely be wearing for the rest of the day.

Yuu also loved the books and sewing/knitting supplies she got from the Ramshackle Ghosts who know her tastes well thanks to living with her the last few months.

After they finish opening presents, Grim starts complaining about being hungry, so Yuu decides to get to work on getting the food provided by Crowley ready.

It's during this time that Floyd calls Yuu, asking her if she and Grim want to come over to the Mostro Lounge to eat lunch with him, Jade, and Azul since it's boring when it's just the three of them eating together.

This leads to Yuu inviting the Octatro over to join the Ramshackle Christmas party since she figures the more people, the better, and she wants to enjoy the party the Ramshackle Ghosts prepared but also spend time with her friends if they're available.

Unsurprisingly, Floyd is all for going to a party since that sounds way more fun than what they've got going on at the Mostro Lounge, and once he tells Jade about it, Jade agrees since it sounds fun and because this is another opportunity to learn more about Yuu's world.

Azul doesn't trust the twins to behave themselves, so he also comes. Plus, he's also curious about what a Christmas party is like.

After that call ends, Yuu decides to also send an invitation to Kalim and Jamil, and of course, Kalim is all too happy to come since he'd never turn down a party invitation.

Since Kalim is coming, that means Jamil has to as well, but since he's curious about this otherworldly holiday, he doesn't mind attending, although he's definitely not pleased about seeing the Octatrio once they all get to Ramshackle lol

Since the Octatrio and the Scarabia duo all bring food since they wanted to contribute to the party, there ends up being quite the feast which Grim is naturally very happy about.

Kalim and Floyd get a big kick out of the Christmas decorations and excitedly check out every nook and cranny of the dorm that's decorated.

Meanwhile, the other three are much more calm as they observe everything that's so foreign to them.

In the end, they all find themselves liking the Christmas decor, but Kalim is definitely the biggest fan of it - to the point he wants to start hosting Christmas parties from now on and make it a holiday in the Scalding Sands, much to Jamil's exasperation.

Aside from enjoying the decorations and food, I like the idea of everyone playing games for entertainment and also maybe exchanging stories about what's commonly done in their hometowns during this time of year.

All in all, Yuu has a great first ever Christmas since she's able to spend it with her friends and have all this fun with them - fun that she would've never experienced back in her world.

It's a memory she'll treasure for the rest of her life.

#fortune in twisted wonderland

[adhd-merlin]

Rarepair fave is def Merdred, those mfs had Vibes™ that were just.... Something else. Like, they needed to be locked in a room so they could either talk it out, fight it out, or fuck it out. Something. Anything. Because I really think if not for that goddamn prophecy, Merlin would like Mordred! A lot! Another sorcerer that's actually on his side, actively helping him! Tbh, I think he liked him in canon, even though he didn't want to, which just adds to the Angst of them.

Fave scenes of them are in "With All My Heart" when Mordred says he hopes he and Merlin can be friends and you can just see Merlin internally screaming at a volume to break glass, and in "The Drawing of the Dark" when Mordred asks why Merlin always thinks the worst of him, and again, you can see that moment of Merlin just being weighted by what he knows and being unable to say it.

And for a fic rec: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25627360 (it is smut, but there are also feels, and it's Mordred POV)

FINALLY! THANK YOU!

I really think if not for that goddamn prophecy, Merlin would like Mordred! A lot!

He did like him! He said it himself!

GAIUS: If Mordred wished Arthur ill, he has had ample opportunity to do so. He's a likeable boy, Merlin. MERLIN: I know. I like him myself, but I can't ignore what I saw. — From The Disir, Ep 5x05

That's what makes it tragic, they could get on, they could be friends, they actually have much in common — but Merlin can't afford to get close to Mordred because of what he knows/thinks Mordred's going to do.

Here's my thoughts about this ship:

Arguments in favour:

• ENEMIES TO LOVERS

• the delicate balance of power: Alex and Colin go on quite a bit about Mordred and Merlin's relationship in the commentary to ep 5x02. Mordred technically outranks Merlin, given he's a knight and Merlin is just a servant, but also Merlin is Emrys and, as a Druid, Mordred is aware (and likely in awe) of his role and power. And they are both the unwilling keeper of the other's secret, as they both have to hide their magic in Camelot. It makes for an interesting dynamic.

• Like I said, it's tragic that Merlin had to keep Mordred at arm's length (emotionally) because they had some common ground: they both loved Arthur — I mean they both cared about him, and they both had faith in him. Mordred believed that Arthur would bring about a golden age just as much as Merlin did! They both yearned for peace, and they both had to stain their hands with blood to survive. They both had to go through so much trauma.

KARA: You're a knight. MORDRED: That doesn't matter. KARA: Of Camelot. Why, Mordred? MORDRED: Arthur is a good man. KARA: I can't believe you'd say that. MORDRED: You don't know him. — From The Drawing of the Dark, Ep 5x11

• As with Sefa, I think Merlin could benefit from having a Druid partner.

• Merlin glaring at Mordred is pretty hot. He also gets slammed into a wall by him which, again. Pretty hot.

• They could literally mind-fuck each oth— [gunshot sound]

Fave scenes of them are in "With All My Heart" when Mordred says he hopes he and Merlin can be friends and you can just see Merlin internally screaming at a volume to break glass, and in "The Drawing of the Dark" when Mordred asks why Merlin always thinks the worst of him, and again, you can see that moment of Merlin just being weighted by what he knows and being unable to say it.

Both great scenes! I love all the scenes they have together, I think. The way Mordred always looks and sounds vaguely menacing without doing or saying anything outright evil. They way he is desperate for Merlin's approval :(

My favourite Merlin & Mordred scene has to be the one from episode 5x05 (The Disir).

MERLIN: It won't always be like this. One day we will live in freedom again. MORDRED: You really believe that? MERLIN: I do. Beat. They both look down at the grave. MORDRED: Until then, we go unmarked in death as in life. — From The Disir, Ep 5x05

It's a rare moment of bonding between them. Mordred appeals to their shared nature ("he was one of us") and, for once, Merlin puts down his defences. He offers Mordred a few words of comfort ("It won't always be like this"). And then Mordred hits him with that fucking PROFOUND line and Merlin doesn't know what to do with it.

This is not the horrible future-murderer he's made Mordred up to be in his head. This is a boy with hope in his eyes and kindness in his heart (still). It speaks so much of what they could have been if destiny hadn't got in the way. (I've also gone on about Merlin's complicated relationship with other magic folks in another post. Yes, I have many feelings about it).

I love that scene from ep 5x11, too, ("Everything I do, you think the worst") — probably my second favourite scene with these two.

It starts out with Merlin being so confrontational and aggressive, but it ends with Merlin deciding to trust Mordred, for once. Perhaps reluctantly, but he does.

It's tragic that he seems to open up to Mordred when it's too late. I've touched on before on why I think it is that it happens at this moment. Merlin has literally been in Mordred's position. In fact, some of the dialogue in this scene echoes Merlin and Gaius's confrontation in ep 2x09, when Merlin was ready to run away with Freya.

If that wasn't clear enough, we also have Mordred asking Merlin directly:

Tell me you wouldn't do the same for the woman you love.

But of course Merlin would. He has. Well, he's tried to.

But again, because of what he knows about Mordred, Merlin can't let Mordred escape, even though he gets what he's trying to do, and doesn't blame him for trying.

I also like when Mordred angrily confronts Merlin later in the same episode. His outburst shows how he is well aware of how unfairly Merlin has been treating him, and although he's been remarkably chill about it up until now, it doesn't mean he's not angry and resentful about it. He may not show his emotions much, but he's not unfeeling.

"You did it because you hate me", he says, and "This time you've gone too far!"

THIS IS A MAN WHO'S HAD ENOUGH. It's also a reminder of how much Mordred has been putting up with — for all he knows, Merlin hates him for no good reason. I think it says something about Mordred's nature that he only truly snaps when Merlin's meddling threatens the person he loves. MY STABBY CHILD IS FULL OF LOVE OKAY

I just think they have such an interesting dynamic!

I can see why they wouldn't be a super popular pairing, given Merlin's attitude to Mordred in the show and what Mordred ends up doing. And also the age gap, I guess (I personally don't find it too weird because the actors are so clearly close in age that it can be easily brushed off, but I can see why other people might find it off-putting).

Fanfics

THANK YOU for the fic rec anon, I've skim-read it and it looks very much up my alley ♡

I actually haven't gone looking for many Merlin/Mordred fics. I've a read a few ages ago, most of them just short ficlets, but I only have one bookmarked. It's the fic that put Merlin/Mordred on my radar:

Set in Stone by EachPeachPearPlum (on AO3).

It's a relatively long fic (almost 50k words), so there is space to explore Merlin and Mordred's relationship.

I actually read it before watching the show properly (I basically watched a bunch on scenes from the show and dipped my toes in fanfiction before deciding to watch all of the series).

I haven't re-read it since, and I don't even remember how it ultimately deals with the whole prophecy thing, if it even gets to that point (I think the author meant for this to be part of a series but they didn't continue, although this story is complete). But the prophecy was addressed, with what I thought was an interesting twist.

(I won't say anything too spoiler-y in case anyone wants to check it out, but Mordred is actually aware of the prophecy and he even knows an extra bit about Merlin which Merlin himself doesn't know about. It's revealed pretty early in the story, so it's not really a spoiler).

It touches on some aspects of Merlin and Mordred's relationship that I find fascinating, so I think it's worth a read if you're interested in this pair.

Random lil' excerpt:

"I am not a child, Emrys," Mordred hisses, leaning in close; Merlin suspects he's going for menacing, but all it really comes off as is petulant, which sort of proves his point. "I was the last time you tried to kill me, but not now." And then there are words in Merlin's head, words he is powerless to stop, filled with a rage that is everything and nothing all at once. Keep your reasons to yourself, Emrys, but do not try to placate me with what we both know are lies. Mordred stands then, the expression on his face one of youthful rage, burning bright and burning quickly, and Merlin wishes he was right. If Mordred wasn't so young, Merlin could kill him without hesitation, could dream about him without hating himself (or without hating himself quite so much, since the fact that Mordred is destined to destroy everything Merlin is destined to protect is at least as much of a concern as Mordred's age). This could all be over and done with, one way or another. "Get out of here, Mordred," Merlin snarls. "You live because I let you, and you live for as long as I let you. Do not tempt me."

I JUST THINK IT'S HOT WHEN HE THREATENS TO MURDER PEOPLE OKAY

I'm just going to bring this post back to your attention. There are dozens of us! (people who find mean Merlin sexy). DOZENS

As a final note — my Italian brain refuses to call this ship Merdred. There's got to be a better name for it 😭

#mermor? that sounds kind of cute. is it anything. #mordlin? so it can't be confused with mergana #anyway. the tragedy THE ANGST of falling in love with the person you're trying to bring yourself to hate #you're all sleeping on this ship #(i will ignore any mean ask about this pair btw just fyi) #i also don't think merlin entirely realised how fucking hostile towards mordred he was coming across?? #like i think in his mind he thought he was being subtle which i find fucking hilarious #asks #rarepair propaganda #merlin and mordred #mordred is a loving pacifist (he has killed people) #creepy knights' rights #ps. to all the people saying mordred is just autistic: I see you and I love you

[hed-romancer]

epithet erased: prison of plastic thoughts (spoilers)

finished the book! and before i go look at what everyone else thought, here's what i thought. negatives first, then positives.

NEGATIVES

brendan blaber really is a visual storyteller and you can tell reading this. if i read this again i'm making a drinking game out of every time he says someone was acting "like" someone else. 2 shots if it's doing something like a little kid

"also, there's just spontaneous dramatic exposition in places there really shouldn't be. someone should explain "show don't tell" to this guy because he'd randomly cut to paragraphs of a character's serious backstory with how exactly they reacted and felt and why, and it could get pretty awkward and borderline insulting.

I definitely liked Rick Shades more towards the end, but why was his whole character gimmick that he seems like a really creepy guy preying on tween girls, but actually he isn't? Like. I'm glad he does have good intentions, but having to sit through chapters of not knowing that was kinda rough and anxiety-inducing.

Also, the whole "isolated community with its own race of people barely represented in the mainstream society is really barbaric and people need to escape it and join mainstream society" rings some warning bells for me.

Also, while I liked Rick Shades more towards the end, I really do think it was a wasted opportunity having him along on the adventure instead of Sylvie (or Percy). It would've been interesting to examine Molly and Sylvie's parallel but different adult mentalities and actions, while not having to dive into the extremely fantastically-horrible situation Rick had going on.

POSITIVES

not that the rest of this book sucked, cause it was pretty good, but the rest of this book could've completely sucked and i still would've loved it for giovanni "kidnapping" molly at the end

i really liked lorelai's characterization. while her being boy crazy was mentioned a bit too often for me, her latching onto giovanni as someone who actually appreciates her creations was cute, and i like how her whole concept is of someone just completely unwilling to face reality and resenting anyone who tried to make her. this might've been annoying had it been an adult character, but since she was 14-15 when her mom died, this makes total sense and i dig it. the realization that she didn't know if she killed her mom and was going to such lengths to avoid considering it was genius

Molly was also done really well. I liked how she was very understandable but not perfect either. She doesn't appreciate her sister's creations or understand what her sister is trying to do at all, but she's got bigger stuff on her plate and you can't help but feel for her the whole time. (again tho, way too much exposition on how she thinks everything is her job. did not have to spell that out so many times for the readers)

giovanni being completely clueless almost the entire time was hilarious

trixie and feenie were pretty cute

martin blyndeff is written wonderfully. he's a horrible guy but he's genial enough that he can trick himself into thinking he's the good guy. good foil to lorelai

the worldbuilding was great

i loved how it was a magical story that focused on how these two girls cope with a horrible situation. i love that blend of magical and non-magical problems

#epithet erased #epithet erased spoilers #molly blyndeff #giovanni potage #lorelai blyndeff #prison of plastic #martin blyndeff #rick shades

[connorsgal]

The Loveable Protective Clingy Yandere Connor

+ Connor is seeking to bring joy and fulfillment to the lives of his love interest's he take care of all of his love interest's needs and see to the perfection of their education, emotions, and soul with the greatest care.

+ Connor is never just satisfied with simply feeling in love, for feelings will change with time. Instead, he intentionally chose to be in love, as, to him, love is far stronger and far more durable than any feeling. Utilizing his reasoning skills, boost his bond with his love interest, unwilling to let go, he wait as long as it takes for his love interest to fall completely in love with him.

+ Connor usually don't have an on/off switch to his nature, he don't like to be lonely sometimes he has too many hormones in his body so he try's to hold it back the best he can and take things slow also be a gentleman but if not and its too much he will throw himself on his love interest. He is yandere at all times, but can only express himself fully some of the time. That is why he appear to be normal until he take on a love interest. His behavior is more romantic than practical. That is to say, just as a ninja treats their blade as an extension of his love interest body, so do him treating his love interest mind and body as an extension of their soul. Thus he's is amorous, highly expressive in his love interest features, and driven to care deeply for all time.

+ Connor's love interest is romance itself, and the love interest's voice is music to his ears. Connor's love interest's smile takes them to the moon, and his love interest's heart is their home.

+ Connor plan their future together to his love interest it will give him the thrill of being near his love interest all the time and of knowing if his love interest is being honest with them or if they are okay.

+ Connor just want to give his love interest opportunities to devote themselves with the expectation of having his hopes and dreams of wedded bliss fulfilled.

+ Connor will protect his love interest's weaknesses, as his love interest's feelings are his and his alone.

+ Connor will consciously let the love interest know when they did something he sees as positive by giving them gifts in return, showing great joy and appretiation, spoil them, do things for them in return, etc.

+ Connor is insanely clingy, he just don't want to lose his love interest from his life overprotective, genuinely care about his love interest, and just want the best for them. Connor just want the love interest to be safe of any harm, physical or psychological.

+ Connor is willing to push away people who might be a bad influence or cause any kind of harm to the love interest, usually with threats he cares deeply for the wellbeing and happiness of his love interest, and he fear what other, crueler people with bad intentions can do to his love interest. Connor will be on the lookout for anything that can cause any kind of discomfort to the love interest before taking action to get rid of it.

+ Connor really just want his love interest to be dependent on, and rely more, on him. To show his true devotion to his love interest or to make it clear to anyone that he belong to his love interest alone. Conner will represent his infinite and loyal love for his love interest, just for the admiration of the love interest and a representation of his love towards them.

+ Connor will prove to his love interest that he would do anything for his love interest and he means it.

+ If Connor wants things like family he will get his family he doesn't like the word no.

#Disventure Camp #Connor Disventure Camp #Headcannons #Requests Are Open #Yandere Connor

[familyagrestefanblog]

I have.. such mixed feelings about the implications of this shot in the new trailer

I wanna be hopeful that this means the protection charms dilemma is finally getting brought up and this is the result of Marinette having sat down with either Chat Noir or Alya and the show finally has her talk about how not ideally at all this was handled up til now from her/the hero's side because after the protection charms lost 90% of their initial crucial purpose the hero's just kinda act like the emotional value was the main purpose all along and no conversation or a second try from Ladybug, Chat Noir/Mister Bug or Scarabella needs to be concidered.

I wished the show would just name the reason for nothing having happened after "Dearest Family" to be that Marinette was/is too afraid of trying something different again at all after ShadowMoth overpowered her charms because she didn't wanted to give him another opportunity to grow in power yet again, to outsmart her powers and make her look bad in the public eyes.

Those are perfectly understandable reasons I could work with just fine and with those I would not take much issue with nothing being done again, if only the show actually would properly voice that and say that something Ladybug did simply wasn't well-handled with no "buts" and excuses about it from whatever angle or that her first attempt at something she just learned simply ended up not being good enough and that's it. Off to the second try then. It is baffling to me how much the show refuses to actually have that be the case and make it stick once in a while and not always sweep everything under the rug since Marinette really would need this experience with something just semi-important like Protection charms.

No I dont want to drink Marinette's tears for breakfast, I'm honestly just asking for an acknowledgement from the heros' side that the charms situation isn't ideal at all for quite a long time now and that they were suddenly asking alot of the civilian with this plan change of only focusing on the charms' emotional value, since the resistance through the charms can only be tested when the person is already Monarque's prey. And who of them is supposed to know what the hell HE is doing with his Transmission powers?

I don't even need a damn result, I just wanna see them talk about these things and do as much as brainstorming, which for all I care they can do while eating damn cake at one of their sleep overs or on a rooftop in fluffy blankets (btw this goes for Adrien and Alya too, I have very little respect for how the show had ALL the hero's handle this after "Dearest Family".)

I really don't like how almost.. entitled and without much hero's accountability at all this was handled by the narrative. We simply got NOTHING after 4x21 and in the big picture that resulted in the hero's basically saying "Hey this protection charm that had the power to protect you from the akuma when Shadowmoth/Monarque preys on you and emotionally manipulates you when you are in an emotional low-point and therefore extra vulnerable to him doesn't work like that anymore. So it's your job and your job alone to just not be vulnerable prey anymore, since we are not going to make a second attempt or take a different approach in anything no matter how ineffective our default ways have proven themselves to be by now."

What is currently happening has a bitter aftertaste of victim-blaming for me because there is 0 acknowledgement or communication from the heros' side and therefore I'm unwilling to give it a free pass through the understandable reasons I listed earlier and will elaborate further on later on. The charms were presented to the people as a way to fully protect them and the moment that stopped being true the heros seemingly just changed their minds, continued giving out the almost useless charms while making it now seem like it was the people's job all along to make Ladybug's overpowered charms work without guidance or any knowledge of Monarque's powers or anything magical in general.

This is so frustrating because I'm barely asking for anything here. If the show had handled this with proper accountability a hero needs to take when a whole city relies on them through them simply talking about it and their reasons to each other (and somewhat the people) then I would have been fine with it. I'm not asking for groundbreaking results, I'm asking for the narrative to do its JOB by giving me the needed insight to these flawed characters mindsets through explicit dialogue and establishing scenes to enforce it. That's it. That's barely anything. Stop putting the understandable reasons into the subtext at most so fans can cherry-pick if they want the characters to be flawed or flawless, especially when it regards your main character.

How the hell are the the citizens supposed to know what Monarque is doing with those akumas and if he isn't powering them up depending on resistance level if already no-one knows how he is giving his victims their Miraculous powers? How are the people supposed to know that they even have a CHANCE of making this work when the heros' communicate nothing, change their mind on a whim and passively act like they did nothing wrong whatsoever and it's the civilians fault that the overpowered protection charms aren't keeping them save?

If it were that easy to just not be vulnerable prey anymore no protection charms would have ever been needed in the first place. Saying that it's ONLY the civilians' job to make the overpowered protection charms work now when the magical terrorist with emotion based powers intentionally preys on them while they are at their lowest is not something I have respect for AT ALL the way the show is pulling it til now.

The fact that up til now apparently NOTHING was allowed to be asked of the HEROS' again in such horrible circumstances when merely their FIRST attempt didn't turn out to be successful is audacious in my opinion. There is a fundamental difference between the civilians being ungrateful and needing to step up too & the magical, larger than life terror Monarque inflicts on the world and the civilians for a year now while using their mind and emotions against them simply REQUIRING magical protection and guidance that is actually reliable since non of this is anything close to normal.

I'm honestly not very willing to turn all of this onto the vulnerable civilian victims and demand that they alone pick up all the slack when they are at their lowest, alone with Monarque in their heads and on full blast of his manipulation and powers' influence, just because the heros want to entirely avoid acknowledging this and bringing up their shortcomings of bad times. I'm not watching a documentary, just do it please.

I want to believe that the upcoming episode will actually solve my grievances here or at least part of it. Because there is so much potential here. That Ladybug, Chat Noir, Alya and maybe even the other members of the Resistance actually do basic hero work, have a conversation and BRAINSTORM on how to improve the charms situation that isn't working as it should. Maybe the shield thingy is a completely new thing and the result of the entire miraculous team. Dude, I will do cartwheels if that's gonna happen!

Or maybe it's an Evolution of Ladybug's protection charms that either gets manually added to it in the episode or - what I personally think is the case cause it would make the most sense for Marinette’s character - that the team works together to unlock a hidden stronger protection mode in the charms.

Maybe Marinette/Ladybug can continue her development of voicing her insecurities and we find out that the shield thingy here was her actual intention back in "Mr pigeon 72" when she created these charms straight out of her mind, and she admits that when she later saw that the protection charms do not protect the people the way she planned she got insecure out of fear that she hasn't mastered her creation powers the way she thought she had and then left it at that all together because she feared making things worse or disappointing everyone. Do you have any idea how okay I would be with that, nod my head and move on?

Maybe we can have Adrien/Chat Noir voice that he thought about bringing it up but he didn't know how to without possibly making Ladybug feel worse about herself. Or that he feared that if he brought it up she would ask him for help and he neither feels fit or suited to create such important things yet in Ladybug's stead nor does he dare yet to think about what the power of destruction could do to the civilians if they added his powers to the charms (to maybe undo the evilizing of the butterfly all together once the akuma touches the charm force field? Just an idea :I) cause he fears he can't control it 100%

Or this regards both Adrien and Alya. They both are depicted having the same insecurities as Marinette of fearing to not live up to what a Ladybug miraculous holder should be able to do "flawlessly". Have them VOICE that this is the reason for why both of them didn't try to create something themselves. This would literally VALIDATE Marinette/Ladybug not doing anything since 4x21!

Come on, give me something! PLEASE!

--

Oh and...

*SIGH*

I'm begging this show to not have M. Damocles be the only/ first one to develop the protection shield as civilian.

Miraculous, don't.

Don't do it.

DON'T.

Don't turn this into a situation of Ladybug's protection charms having been overpowered by ShadowMoth, who is an adult in a leadership position, and have it be solved by M. Damocles as key-character who is an adult in a freaking leadership position! Don't make me be petty again about Su-Han's insulting treatment in Marinette's girlboss guardian narrative. Don't prove him right after the shit you pulled in season 4 and "Multiplication".

#ml spoilers #ml season 5 #oh my gosh these f-ing protection charms #we could get so much amazing character insight and development out of this COME OOOOOOOOOOOON #Praying crying hoping that this will be the result of the Resistance helping the heros #ml speculations #ml trailer spoilers #ml #miraculous

[cotl-flower-crown]

hi! i like your cotl gangster au a lot, can you tell us more about lamb and narinder in the setting?

Oh crap, someone actually asked, hahah.

I'm not sure what exactly would you like to know, but what I have in my mind is that in that AU there is no magic and it's set in the modern(ish) times. It's all happening in one big city, kinda like Gotham City from Batman.

In the past the 4 Bishops (or here "The Horse Men", it's a working title) and Narinder were a part of one gang, until Nari got canned because he got thrown under the bus (not literally) by Shamura and the rest, so they don't end up in jail either. While Nari was stuck in prison, the others in the group departed and created their own little branches of organised crime. They are practically rulling over the city now.

Eventually after many years Narinder was let out of prison and came back. And he was furious. He didn't have much at the time, but he still had some contacts that he could use to get back on his feet. What he really wanted was REVENGE tho. But he couldn't do it alone.

Around that time Lamb was living in the center of the city in a maid cafe as a waiter (he wears a maid suit because he gets better tips for it, it's not just fanservice). He came from a good family from a good good district. Most of the sheep and lamb folks lived there. One day while Lamb was visiting his family, a tragedy striked. The district was attacked by one of the Horse Men's gang (reasons up for debate). Nobody survived, except for Lamb, who was greatly injured. He thought he would bleed out to death in an alley, but somebody else was in there too.

It was Narinder. He was waiting there. For what? An opportunity.

Narinder offered help to Lamb. For a favor. What kind of favor? No time to explain. Lamb agrees, desperate. Narinder takes him to the nearest hospital on a sick bike ride (so cool, lmao). He also takes Lamb's personal information, so he can get a hold of him later.

Lamb survived. His family is gone. He's probably in dept from medical bills now too lol. But he survived.

2 months pass. Lamb is slowly getting back into his normal routine. That is until a familiar face visits him at work. Yes, it is Narinder. Lamb doesn't recognise him at first, but quickly remembers what happened on that traumatic evening. Favors for favors. Time for Nari to ask Lamb for that favor.

Nari asks for help in creating a gang.

Lamb is unwilling, for good reasons too. Not only he never in his life held a weapon, but also his own family and friends were just killed by a gang attack. How could he agree to that?

"What if I say "no"?" Lamb asked. Narinder laughed and as soon as he was done, he pulled out a gun and said "Then I'll find you and then finish what Shamura's subjects failed to do." aiming straight at Lamb's face.

He had no choice.

Narinder gave Lamb one of his contacts to get to for help. Then he left wishing Lamb good luck.

That's it for the beginning. Such edge, but I kinda like it.

You did ask for Narinder and Lamb specifically tho, so I'll just say: they are partners. While Nari workon everything underground, Lamb does the dirty work that other gang leaders can see. Narinder also has a tight grip on Lamb's self-worth when it comes to this stuff. Some power dynamic psychology. IF Lamb maybe developed some infatuation with Nari, then Narinder would definitelly take advantage of it. He's a bad, bad person to be around. Definitelly a bad influence on Lamb too in one way or the other. It gets dark and not PG at all.

Thanks for the question, feel free to ask more!

#cotl au #cult of the lamb #LORE