#i was just. too cowardly to let go of my ex.

[shuaraes]

we shouldn’t have ended like this | x.mh

- leave your message after the beep

oneshot | 1.3k | exes! au | angst

it’s three am and xu minghao has never felt more lonely in life. drunk on melancholy and emptiness, he ruminates on your relationship and regrets the way you both had ended. even though it’s late at night, minghao tries to rewrite his wrongdoings because deep down he knows a part of you still loves him.

~ paring . xu minghao x gender-neutral!reader

~ content . exes (to lovers???)! au, non idol! au, miscommunication- no even lack of communication,

~ tw . mentions of alcohol, vague mentions of sex

~ song rec . only ones we know - arctic monkeys

~ author’s note . the idea for this was adapted from some of my poetry. my prose is still a bit rusty but i hope this is decent enough! happy christmas to those who celebrate, and to those who don’t hope you have a great day, happy reading! 🫶

MINGHAO’S BED IS EMPTY.

It has been for the past year, yet he can’t wrap his head around it. He lies down on the navy sheets of his queen-sized bed and reaches out to the other side. For some reason he expects it to be warm to the touch: he is met with only coolness. Not cool in the way a sip of water after a mint is or the rush of the winter wind not blocked by fabric. The coolness is like a ghost: the phantom of you that haunts every part of his dwelling.

The walls mourn for your presence, whispering your name, muted pleas into Minghao’s ear. Your name creeps up on him when he least expects it, after the two month-mark, he gave up trying to push you out. ‘It shouldn’t have ended like this,’ the walls call out to him. ‘We shouldn’t have ended like this,’ your last words to him. It shouldn’t have ended like this.

If Minghao squints hard enough, he can still see the imprint of your body, the permanent dent in the mattress where you used to lie. Minghao tries to pretend that just minutes ago, you were engulfed in his sheets, him engulfed in you. He waits for you to fill the dent in the mattress, to mend the hole in his heart.

But you don’t come. And he is alone.

Minghao turns over to face the celling, his jet-black hair falling on his pillow around his head like a halo. His fan spins like a vinyl on a record player from the 60’s. In his head, it’s playing your favourite song. He hums along to the lyrics, you always said he had a good singing voice. This thought almost breaks him.

You broke up with Minghao because you thought you could not love him enough, not knowing your mere presence was more than enough for him. If you were a baby flame, he was a pyromaniac, hand outstretched ready to be burnt. But when it got hard you pushed him away to protect his own feelings, so he became distant and pushed you out. It came to a point where Minghao felt it was like living with a stranger.

When you proposed a breakup, Minghao wasn’t surprised, and he didn’t act like he was either. He stayed deathly silent as you spoke, staring into his mug of tea that had long gone cold. “Fine.��� He said as he looked into brown void of his cup (if he looked you in the eye, he would have broke). But with your closing words he knew it was a mistake, you still loved him (he will forever love you). It shouldn’t have ended like this, yet Minghao did nothing to prevent it.

Even after a year, Minghao wonders why he didn’t fight harder. Maybe it’s because, subconsciously, he knew you were too good for him. You deserved someone less cowardly, someone who would never let you go like a children’s balloon, would never let you go so easily. Yet nothing can stop the green-eyed monster of jealousy, waltzing around in her emerald ball gown whenever he hears about you with someone else. Your shared friends give him updates on how you’re doing, but when someone else is mentioned romantically, he shuts out. Trying to piece together why it wasn’t him instead.

Selfishness is a sin - he knows that - but he can’t help from wanting you all to himself. So, he tries to have you in any way he can. He sleeps with your favourite blanket, he washes his clothes with your favourite brand of detergent and in the winter, by the heater, he warms a pair of your house slippers that you never remembered to collect. He searches for you in the bodies of others, the dips in their collarbones and curves of their spines, but of course they cannot compare to you. No one does. If these hook ups amounted to even 1% of what Minghao feels for you, then he wouldn’t complain. But they don’t.

Minghao misses you.

In life, Minghao believes that people only get one chance at true love. He’s scared that he’s used all his luck up on you.

The loss of you gnaws away at him. It wains away at his resolve and destroys any hope for a life away from you. A slow dull pain, it was always in the back of his mind: inescapable though manageable. Minghao didn’t know what was different about tonight, but all he knows is that he has never felt the same about anyone else.

The past kills him. It strangles him, leaving him paralysed with no choice but to face his mistakes. His love for you kills him inside out. It eats away at his psyche until all that is left of him are his feelings for you. It’s three am and all that remains of him is you.

It has always been you.

Fuck it, he picks up his phone off his nightstand and dials your number. Minghao knows he’s not thinking straight, but if he doesn’t at least try to reach you, he will resent himself until the day he dies. The line starts to ring and Minghao holds the phone to his ear with bated breath and clammy hands. He could feel his heartbeat in his ears pounding like a wooden mallet while he waited.

After what felt like eons, the line goes to voicemail. Of course, it did, it’s three am. Minghao feels stupid for thinking you’d pick up. The automated voice reads out the predetermined script to tell him that you can’t answer the phone the right now. It then asks to leave a message if desired. Minghao knows he shouldn’t, he doesn’t care, he loves you.

- Leave your message after the beep - “Hey, it’s Minghao” his voice wavers, it’s obvious he’s nervous. “Call me when you get this.”

Minghao presses the keypad to end the voice message, yet he feels empty. This isn’t closure, this isn’t what he needs. With this alone, in the morning, you’ll probably delete the message and go on with your life.

Minghao is tired of pretending to be rational, hiding his feelings behind a masquerade of poise and nonchalance. He’s going insane because of you, and he needs to let you know, you need to know how much he loves you.

He left another voicemail.

- Leave your message after the beep - “Y/N, I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t blame you. A year of no contact and you get a call from me out of the blue, but for once I’m begging, give me a chance. Listen, I love you. I’ve loved you since the day we first met, since the day we broke up and i think i’m going to love you every day until I die. I don’t think i let it show but you were my endgame, after you i don’t want to love anyone else,”

Minghao could feel himself rambling, his words tumbling from his lips uncontrollably. His heart is a spilled glass of milk, all his soul on display for your critique. He wants to stop himself from speaking but he can’t, so he continues,

“Letting you go so easily was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I should’ve fought for you, and I know it may be too late but I’m doing it now.

Tomorrow let me take you out to dinner, we can dress up nice and get drunk off our heads. Then I’ll order us a taxi back to yours or mine I don’t mind, then we’ll slow dance to that one jazz album you like, and I’ll promise to never push you away. Things won’t be perfect, and we both have a lot to work on, but I don’t care. Everything is perfect enough for me as long as you're by my side. And before you say I’m drunk, trust me I’m not, I’m a bit sleepy but that doesn’t change a thing. I love you so much Y/N.”

Minghao cuts the phone down and the screen fades to his lock screen, a candid photo of you from a year ago that he refused to change. He places his phone on his heart (your home) and falls asleep waiting for it to ring.

#seventeen angst #seventeen x reader #seventeen oneshot #seventeen drabble #seventeen fanfic #svt angst #svt x reader #svt oneshot #the8 #xu minghao #minghao x reader #minghao angst #minghao fluff #minghao oneshot #the8 angst #the8 fluff #the8 x reader #the8 oneshot #both reader and minghao are low-key pricks in this lmao

[haespoir]

never not: ldh.

⨯ pairing: ex!haechan x reader

⨯ word count: 2.7k 

⨯ summary: you broke up with haechan for your own selfish reasons. it's been nearly two years. surely he's moved on, right?

⨯ warnings: alcohol, ex/enemies to lovers maybe? open ending? angst!!

⨯ playlist: never not, lauv / phases, prettymuch / 2soon, keshi  

⨯ extra content: part two

⨯ a/n: ty @m-arkmywords for giving me this idea and dealing with my incurable haechan brainrot these past few days <3333 feedback is always greatly appreciated 🩵

. . .

You stare at the mirror in your room blankly. It’s mocking you. Whatever you were planning to do is a bad idea. And maybe it was, but it had been months since you had gone out to a party thrown by your friends. Mainly because they were also his friends, and while they assured you that you were always welcome, you knew that Haechan did not share those same sentiments. His voice from the numerous voicemails he left you echo in your mind. 

“Are you serious? You said that you’d love me forever; you think it’s that easy to let you go?” 

“Are you seriously just giving up on us like this? I gave you everything. Every last piece of me.” 

“I know it’s over, yet I don’t want to let you go. You’re my gravity. I’m always drawn to you.” 

“Fine, I’ll leave you alone. Don’t come crawling back to me.”

 

You had chalked it down to young love; the two of you had spent the last few years of high school together, and that continued when you went to college. But something snapped your 2nd  year and you couldn’t do it anymore. It was scary, growing up and settling down. Too scary. So even if it was a cowardly move, you left him. Of course, Haechan didn’t take it easily. You didn’t expect him to. 

It’s not like it was easy for you either. Up until that year, your life revolved around Haechan. In a way that wasn’t healthy. You had spent every waking moment thinking of him. He would get over it; that’s just the type of person he was. He never dwelled on anything for too long, and he never let it get him down. 

Unfortunately, you were terribly wrong; Haechan never got over it. Maybe on the outside, but if he was anything, he was a spiteful and prideful person. So he kept a lot of pent-up anger in that little body of his. The first time you had seen him after the breakup was terribly awkward, you didn’t know what to say or how to act. And Haechan was well… pissed. Rightfully so, but you had sworn to avoid any function that he would be at after that. 

And you had done a good job of that for the past few months. You had made new friends that weren’t his; you went to parties that he wasn’t at. You lived your life separately from his, and if you had to be honest, this was what you needed. Even if you loved Haechan with every last fiber of your being, you needed time and space from him to become your own person. 

Every time you had brought this idea up to him, it ended up in a fight. You don’t know who would start yelling first, who would take the chance to send a low blow. All you knew is that you would end up in tears, and the two of you would be too upset for any conversation after that. 

So now, almost two years after your breakup, you think it’s okay to finally attend a party you knew he would be at. You had given him enough time, and Jisung himself had personally requested that you be there. In fact, the text that he had sent you made you miss the younger male so much. He had always been such a sweetheart. 

jisung [3:20 pm]: please come to the party tonight jisung [3:20 pm]: just bc haechan got custody after the divorce doesn’t mean you can just never hang out with us  jisung [3:21 pm]: we aaaaaaaall miss you  jisung [3:21 pm]: (haechan included) 

But maybe you shouldn’t have trusted the male so wholeheartedly because the second you get to the party, you’re overwhelmed by the way Haechan doesn’t let you out of his sight once he’s spotted you. And you can tell he’s pissed. He ignores his friends, and his tongue is permanently pressed to his cheek. 

However, you can’t deny that he looks good. His hair is longer than you remember it being; it’s swept back to frame his face, and it gives you a full view of how his eyebrows are scrunched together. You assume it’s in anger, and you’re correct. Because pissed is an understatement for how Haechan’s feeling. 

He couldn’t believe that you had the nerve, the audacity, to show up to a party that you knew he would be at. You had done a wonderful job of pretending he didn’t exist for two years, so why the hell did you choose to show your face tonight? 

Seeing you woke up something in him that he believed died in him long ago. It was like the flip switched. Now don’t get it twisted, Haechan had not fooled himself like you had. He knew that he was never getting over you. Not when he had dedicated most of his adolescent years to loving you. You were all he knew. 

Even now, seeing you after months of getting his heart broken, he’s not even sure if he’s truly angry. Hurt? Yes. Confused? Absolutely. But these were all emotions that he didn’t want to explore, not today. So anger welcomes him with open arms, and he happily falls into it. Even so, he doesn’t think he could ever truly hate you. 

If anything, he hated how much he wanted to kiss you. 

So without warning, he’s walking across the room towards you. His jaw is clenched, and there’s a dent in the red solo cup he’s holding. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do or say, but he just knows that some part of him needs to be near you. 

“Why are you here?” His question is direct, and his clipped tone hits you straight in the heart. You have no right to be hurt, you know this. That doesn’t mean you don’t want to cry when his anger is directed towards you. But you would rather die than let him know he had any effect on you. After all, you were just as stubborn and prideful as him.  

“I was invited here by our friends,” you bite back, doing your best to seem just as pissed off as he was and making sure to emphasize the fact that they boys were your friends as well. “You don’t own this house, and you surely can’t police me on where I can and can’t go.” 

He hates that you’re right. His friends, while they were his friends first, had you known you just as long as he did. Perhaps he was blinded by his heartbreak to not realize that his friends also felt deprived of your presence as well. 

But that wasn’t his fault. You were the one who broke it off. 

“Cut the bullshit,” he says, fighting back the urge to roll his eyes. You had come to this party to start trouble with him. He was sure of it. “You made sure to avoid everywhere I go like it was the plague for almost 2 years. You can’t expect me to believe that shit now.” 

Unlike him, you don’t fight back the urge to roll your eyes. “We’re not doing this here,” you state blandly, grabbing the drink from his hands and toasting him. “Thanks for the drink, by the way.” As quickly as he approached you, you disappeared from his sight. He watches as you walk into the arms of some random person, and he feels his anger skyrocket. God, you were actually infuriating. Even more so because he found that attitude of yours to be so attractive. 

He decides to give you this one moment; you could think that you won this argument, but he would be back when he had more alcohol in his system. There was no way he wanted to argue with you sober; he would definitely crumble. As cruel as it was, he wanted to hurt you just like you had hurt him. 

. . .

You know it’s not the last of Haechan, not when you provoked him by stealing his drink. Which was disgusting by the way. It would be more convenient to walk around with an entire bottle of liquor than to nurse whatever that concoction was. (If you must know, it was mostly vodka. There was about less than 2% of juice in the cup. He had planned on getting hammered.) 

The red solo cup is quickly ditched on a random table, and you find yourself wandering around for a while. It felt odd to be in the presence of your old friends. It’s even more odd when you find yourself in the arms of Na Jaemin himself. The male has a cheeky grin on his lips, shit-eating if you will. He had stolen you away from the party, deciding that the quietness of the backyard was the perfect place for the two of you to catch up. Or attempt to.  

“You guys set us up,” you accuse, poking a manicured finger on his chest. He can only laugh, pulling you into a tight hug. He had missed you and your attitude. 

“Innocent until proven guilty,” he says, enjoying the way you almost melt in his arms. It had been so long since he had hugged you. When you had broken up with Haechan, Jaemin was the most distraught, as he was arguably closer to you than him. But Jeno had guilted him into ignoring you with something along the lines of ‘bro code,’ and he hadn’t made much of an attempt to ever hang out. You couldn’t blame him; you were a coward too.  

“Not funny, Jaem,” you pout, leaning your head on his shoulder as he rocked the two of you back and forth to the muffled music. “You guys didn’t even warn him about me coming. That’s cruel.” 

“No, what's cruel is listening to my friend cry over you for almost two years.” Well, he didn’t have to say it like that. “It’s ridiculous. Just talk to him, I swear he is not as immature as he was before.” 

“I find that hard to believe,” your words are muffled against his shoulder. With his arms wrapped around you like, it felt like everything would be okay. 

“Just trust me,” Jaemin says, pulling away from you. This only results in you whining, chasing the warmth of his body. “I’ll go get us new drinks.” 

You can only pout as the man detaches himself from you and disappears into the house. Now you’re left on the bench alone, left to deal with your thoughts. Has Haechan really spent the past two years talking about you? As much as you don’t want to believe this, you know that it was most likely true. Haechan was obsessive and stubborn. He most definitely was hung up on you. 

God, you were so stupid to think that he would ever be able to get over you, not to sound conceited. For the longest time, he was all you knew. He knew everything about you; he was there for every cry and laugh. Of course, he couldn't just let you go. 

And you couldn’t let him go, no matter how much you lied to yourself. 

You had tried going on other dates and seeing other people. But it was difficult. No one understood you like Haechan did. He was irreplaceable. 

“So this is where you went.” Why? Why did he choose now to come back? “What? Breaking my heart wasn’t enough? Had to break Jaemin’s too?” 

You can only groan at his words; these boys would not give up until you talked it seemed. What a disaster tonight had turned out to be. “Can we not?” 

“Well, when can we? Huh?” Haechan is visibly upset. His hair isn’t as neat as it was when you had run into him earlier; you knew that he had spent an astonishing amount of time running his finger through his hair for it to get that messy. He is also much more drunk, you note. You can smell the alcohol on him as he slides onto the bench next to you. “I think right now is the perfect time.” 

“You’re drunk.” It’s a simple fact, but it seems that Haechan is unaware of his own state.

“It doesn’t matter.” He’s whining now. Another sign that he was undeniably drunk. He was smothering and affectionate when drunk. It was impossible to deal with him. And he only proves this when his head falls onto your shoulder, his hands quickly seeking out your own in a death grip. He’s got you trapped now. 

“Even when we’re broken up my life seems to always revolve around you still,” you mumble, so unbelievably annoyed that the boys had pushed you right into Haechan’s arms. You couldn’t escape him even in your dreams, and apparently, fate seemed hellbent on making you suffer. 

“Still?” It’s like something clicks in him, and he’s suddenly sobering up quickly. This was why he was dumped? Because you loved him too much? “What do you mean by that?” 

“Nothing.” You want to disappear. You try to pull your hand away, but his grip only tightens. There was no way he was letting you slip away now. 

It’s so annoying to Haechan, the way that you’re here physically, but mentally, you’re so far away. You’re avoiding his eyes, and it bothers him so much more than he’d like to admit. His hands are gone from your own and quickly placed on your face; the way he turns your face towards him is rougher than he intends. But he just needs to see you. 

“Stop pushing me away.” It’s a demand, not a plea. “I know you don’t mean it.” 

“You don’t know me anymore,” you say, doing your best to mean it. Even if you wanted to erase him from your life, Haechan would be the one who knew you the best. Like you were the back of his hand. “So just let me go, please?” 

“Why?” He’s getting angry again, you can tell in the way he squeezes your jaw. “You want to go back to your boy toy Jaemin?” 

“You’re being ridiculous. You’re going to regret this when you sober up.” You regret this, and you weren’t nearly as intoxicated as him. 

“The only thing that’s ridiculous is you thinking you could replace me,” he says, using his grip to pull you closer to him. As much as you try to pull away, Haechan doesn’t let you go. Therefore you’re stuck in this position, a pout forming on your lips. He was too close for comfort. Without warning, he’s diving in and biting at your earlobe. “Does Jaemin know how sensitive your ears are?” 

You’re flinching away from his hold, feeling overwhelmed by Haechan being in your personal space. You couldn’t escape him. “Nothing can replace you,” you say quietly, feeling pathetically small in his hold. How could you cave in so quickly?

This is why you had avoided him like your life depended on it for the past two years. Not even 24 hours within his presence, and you were like putty in his hands. He knew exactly what to say and do to make you crumble. After all, no one knew you like Haechan did. 

That’s why you find yourself nodding mindlessly to his words, returning the small touches and kisses. You don’t even stop yourself when he pulls you onto his lap, marking up your neck, his hand gripping your thigh. Even though Haechan knows deep down that this isn’t right, he does know that you were destined to be his, and he would stop at nothing to make you his again.

Maybe that’s why you wake up in his bed the next morning, feeling absolutely horrible. His arms are wrapped around your waist, his face buried in your neck. It was like the past two years of avoiding him meant nothing. And it probably did, even if you want to deny it. 

You had grown, sure, but you could have grown with Haechan. But it was so scary. Being in love was terrifying. And facing your ex of two years after sleeping with him was just as scary. 

So you do what you do best. 

You run away. 

#nct #nct scenarios #nct scenario #nct imagines #nct dream #haechan #haechan fic #haechan scenarios #haechan angst #nct dream imagines #nct dream fic #nct dream angst #nct 127 fic #nct 127 angst #haechan x #haechan x yn #haechan imagines

[hazbin-but-good]

another hazbin hotel rewrite/redesign?

yup! and i'm so serious about it that i made a whole blog for it. i'm a white queer ex-cath tran doing this as an art and writing exercise, so feedback from other creatives + jewish and/or racialized folks is especially welcome.

i'm putting this post and only this post in the main tags for visibility. also, not gonna link my main, but i do make my own original stuff, and i encourage fans and haters alike to do the same.

anyway, here's a mostly good-faith 1.7k-word essay on the original. i think it's pretty funny and brings up some less talked-about points. correct me on the facts, disagree with my opinions, and ask clarifying questions, but don't come at me with any piss-poor reading comprehension.

the hellaverse is garbage, and here's why

cw: strong language, stronger opinions, intersectional feminist critical discourse analysis

1. vivienne medrano, the person

medrano was born as a well-off white-passing latina (salvadoran-american) in bougieass frederick, maryland. while attending new york's top art school, she got popular on deviantart-tumblr-twitter by being a prolific multifandom fujoshi furry who's more into ornamental character design than storytelling. upon graduation, she leveraged her fanbase and industry connections to make the hazbin and helluva boss pilots, get helluva made for youtube, and get hazbin made for amazon prime.

like every woman online, she gets harassed for no good reason, and as a certified autist, i will defend her right to be dumb, weird, annoying, and bad with words. however, there are legit reasons to criticize her:

racism, misogyny, homophobia, fatphobia, some antisemitism, past transphobia, past ableism

shitty boss, bad friend

cowardly, vindictive, manipulative, thoughtless behavior

skeevy friends

sucks at taking criticism

in short, i think she desperately needs a PR person and someone to clean up her digital footprint.

2. medrano's art

incurious

inauthentic

noncommittal

creatively stagnant

overindulgent, and the indulgence isn't even fun

shallow and childish framed as complex and mature

bland and boring framed as shocking and subversive

to be clear, i'm at peace with the existence of suckass art like this; i just think the money, attention, and praise it gets are unearned and should go to more interesting works, of which there are infinite.

medrano's had the time, money, and social cache to grow as an artist, learn from the best, and take creative risks, but she hasn't. if she truly has nothing more to offer, she should let her collaborators take the wheel, but she doesn't do that either. instead, she keeps getting more and more resources to make the same baby bullshit, and that pisses me off. she could be the nicest person ever, and this fundamental arrogance would still make her art blow.

stop with the pointless guilt: liking medrano's work does not make you stupid or evil. however, if you stay in the kiddie pool of culture, if you refuse to engage with a diversity of art, if the hellaverse is your point of reference for anything media-related, you can't expect to have your opinions on art, media, or culture taken seriously. you have not earned a seat at the table. you gotta hit the books first.

i cannot emphasize enough how much incredible stuff is out there if you're willing to look further than what social media and streaming services put right in front of you. if you come away from this blog having learned about just one new artist or piece of art, i'll be a happy camper.

3. the hellaverse

a. empty and confused

hazbin and helluva's content and marketing has no clear target audience. the subjects are inappropiate for teens, but the execution is too childish for adults, and lemme tell you what i don't mean by that, first.

not inherently inappropriate for teens:

sex and sexuality

violence, including when it intersects with the above

politics and religion

not inherently childish:

animation (any style)

comedy

episodic writing and/or loose continuity

young characters

fun, happiness, optimism, the power of friendship, cuteness, tenderness, sincerity, etc.

what i mean is that these shows are literally about adult characters who fuck, smoke, drink, do drugs, go clubbing, work full-time, manage their own finances, and deal with stuff like bureaucracy, sexual violence, domestic abuse, marriage, divorce, late adoption, and family estrangement.

however, none of these "adult" things are given enough specificity to create drama or comedy. it's all too stock, vague, flat, weirdly sanitized, and thus utterly banal—pure aesthetics on top of bad saturday morning cartoons. it's exactly what i'd expect from a sheltered disney kid who needs to log off and get into their local gay scene ASAP so their only contact with things like poverty, policing, addiction, and sex work stops being facile movies and TV.

if the shows were aware of this and played with it, that could be amazing, but they're not. they give you the mickey mouse version of the world with a straight face and then play looney tunes sound effects to try to make you laugh and sad_violin.mp3 to try to make you cry. now that's funny.

b. old and tired

let's make like americans and pretend that the rest of the world doesn't exist. even within the confines of the USA, home of the hays code, the red scare, and reaganite propaganda, this neopuritan fascist state ruled by 1000 megachurches in a trenchcoat, the indie/underground animation scene has been doing crazier shit for decades. anti-war films in the 60's, bakshi movies in the 70's, the simpsons shorts and r-rated movies in the 80's, adult swim and MTV in the 90's, flash/newgrounds/youtube in the 00's, streaming in the 2010's—so what are we doing in the 2020's with this wet white rice drowned in expired ketchup? i feel crazy making this point because it's obvious if you've watched these things, but if you haven't, you're gonna be like "well, there's gotta be something new here". no! there isn't! in the words of jimmy "the scot" jordan, nothing, nothing, NOTHING!

c. ideological purgatory

actually, there is one thing in these shows i've never seen before: the presbysterianism. shout out some interesting or at least intentional presbysterian art in the comments, because the way these ideas are presented here is not compelling. it just makes the rainbow neoliberalism even more confusing and contradictory.

i guess the big presbysterian things are protestanism, calvinism, and, uh, big church government? presbysterians, get your shit together. get your brand down. catholics have BDSM and vampires, evangelicals have TV and corporatism; what do you have? celtic crosses? no wonder medrano has such uninspired ideas on divinity.

d. queer deficiency

when i look at a piece of art, i ask myself: "what does this give me that i can't get from the hunchback of notre dame (1996)?" if the answer is as limp as "uhh, gay people, i guess", i can probably look for my gay shit elsewhere and rewatch the hunchback of notre dame (1996) in the meantime.

but let's say that you have no standards. you've been waiting for ages for a show about gays by the gays for the gays, and by god you're gonna get it. this is it! here we go! time for some

generic twink obliteration

male sexuality as aggression and dominance displays

WLW (sex and chemistry not included)

a couple straight femdoms

and the stalest sex jokes known to man

...yeah, it's not very queer. and by "queer", i mean "questioning or subverting gender norms (including sexual roles) within a given cultural context regardless of creator identity and intent". i'm not a queer studies scholar so LMK if there's a more specific term for this, but whatever you call it, it's not in the hellaverse much.

there's not even any transness, literal or metaphorical, just ancient drag jokes. i guess the writers thought we would've been too controversial. so much for an indie animation studio that prides itself in the diversity of its staff both above and below the line, bakshi-style. i wonder how medrano, a bisexual woman, would've felt if told that a lesbian main couple in hazbin would be "too controversial".

4. spindlehorse and the vivziepop brand

spindlehorse toons underpays its overworked staff and keeps outsourcing more and more labor to even more overworked freelancers overseas to cut costs. a rainbow sweatshop is still a sweatshop, and just because these practices may be "industry standard" doesn't make them any more ethical.

the studio has also been repeatedly accused by current and former employees and contractors of creating a hostile and abusive workplace. AFAIK, it still has no dedicated HR person, and victims are too afraid of retaliation like blacklisting and online harassment to speak out.

this is exactly the stuff that unions exist to prevent. as i'm writing this, the IATSE (the parent union of TAG, which is the parent union of all US animation unions) is negotiating with entertainment industry executives for better working conditions, and if the execs fuck around like last year, it's strike time again. so watch this space, voice your support, and don't cross any picket lines.

i hope spindlehorse unionizes, but until then and for these reasons, i don't think you should give money to the company.

first of all, all content on amazon-owned platforms is ok to pirate, and all youtube ads are ok to block. everyone involved in making the episodes has (or should have) been paid upfront, so you're not taking the bread out of anyone's mouth.

next, let's look at the succulent offerings of the official vivziepop merch shop:

$10 pins and keychains

$15 sticker packs

$20 mugs and acrylic cutouts

$25 shirts

$30 metal cards (not even tarot)

$40 lounge pants

$50 mini backpacks

random $80 skateboard deck

forgive my latin americanness, but this is all stuff you can get made by a local metalsmith, print/sublimation shop, or just crafty people in your life. it's cheaper, customizable, and better for the environment to skip all the shipping and packaging. also, not painting your own skateboard is poser shit.

the hazbin website also has $15 pins, one $20 keychain, and $6 trading card packs. people are weird about trading cards, so if for some reason you wanna gamble for a mass-produced bit of cardboard, plastic, and tinfoil, at least bulk-order for all the vivziepoppers in your area so it's less of a huge waste. better yet, trace the designs and make infinite bootlegs.

at the end of the day, buying merch is not activism. your bulk order of trading cards will not save any wage slaves from getting evicted from their overpriced studio apartments. however, the shop links you to all the credited artists/designers, and more of your bucks will actually reach them if you buy their designs directly, then turn them into body pillows or life-sized bronze statues or whatever the fuck.

go through the credits of any episode of helluva or hazbin, and you'll find even more creatives you might wanna support. get jinkx monsoon's albums on CD. subscribe to actually good artist, animator, and composer gooseworx. lots of voice actors now have patreon, cameo, or self-hosted pages where you can write better lines for their characters and have them read it. these things may not look as shiny as Official Merch™, but we all need less plastic shit and more culture anyway.

#spindlehorse #vivziepop #hellaverse #hazbin hotel #helluva boss #spindlehorse critical #vivziepop critical #hazbin hotel critical #helluva boss critical #hazbin hotel rewrite #hazbin hotel redesign #helluva boss redesign #communism #degrowth

[biblio-smia]

can you hear my heart beat for you? [ethan landry x reader]

pre - ghostface / no ghostface alternate! no spoilers for scream 6!

masterlist | requests are open!

pairing: ethan landry x gender neutral reader

warnings: none, just fluff

read part 1 here!

Your relationship with Ethan strengthened after everything, something you were grateful for. One result you didn't appreciate as much was the sudden awareness of the growing feelings for your best friend. You didn't know what to do with them, though you suspected they were reciprocated.

It was like something had hit the both of you after Ethan's now ex-girlfriend. A desperation for each other struck and both of you were unwilling to let the other go. If you were always together before, you were impossible to separate now. So, you found yourselves in situations like these; cuddled up on Ethan's too-small bed with his laptop playing a show you reserved to watch together.

It was all casual hangouts like before: doing homework together, watching movies, getting something to eat. Except now there was a degree of romanticism to it all, a charge in the air, one that you could tell made Ethan nervous. You had to comfort him repeatedly, reminding him that technically nothing had changed from before. You hadn't considered his nerves stemmed from his desire for things to change.

Ethan took his time with you, considering his inexperience. He wanted to take it slow and do things right this time. You deserved the absolute best and he would take all the time in the world to be that for you.

There was no pressure to change what you and Ethan had; you made sure to let Ethan know that the slow and steady pace didn't bother you at all. However, the beating around the bush frustrated your friends to no end.

Mindy created a new routine of asking if you and Landry are dating yet? everyday in the group chat despite the same answer from both you and Ethan, just like a little kid would impatiently ask if the destination had been reached yet. It was all jokes but Ethan's anxiety peaked every time, wondering if you would eventually get tired of his cowardliness.

The change began with a few texts from Ethan:

get ready tomorrow, 5 pm. i'll pick you up from your dorm. dress nice :)

You couldn't help but giggle, liking the smiley face message, wondering what Ethan had planned. On the other side of the dorm buildings, Ethan had shoved his phone into Chad's hands, instructing him on what to type and making him hit send.

「 ... 」

Your last class ended at two p.m.; it was no surprise Ethan picked a Thursday for your date event, considering he knew your schedule as well as (arguably better than) his own.

His only mistake was letting you know so early in advance; you couldn't help but think about what he had planned all day.

Ethan instructed you to dress nice, so you spent an hour rifling through your closet for the perfect thing to wear. Did he mean dress nice, as in super fancy nice? No, that wasn't his scene. He probably meant nice as in, not jeans and a t-shirt. Finally settling on something you liked, you hoped the two of you had the same idea of dressing nice.

The distinct pattern of knocks at your door came at exactly five, just as you'd finished getting ready. You'd packed a bag full of a variety of items that would prove useful at whatever event Ethan had planned.

You opened the door with a smile, nervously glancing at Ethan's outfit. He retired his usual jeans and sweaters for nicer pants and a sweater vest that was definitely Chad's over a white shirt. Your smile widened as the two of you had the same definition of dressing nice.

You'd been so busy worrying about your outfit that you hadn't realized Ethan was holding something behind his back until the bouquet of fresh flowers was in front of you.

"Do you like them?" Ethan asked worriedly, watching your expression carefully.

"I love them." You confirmed, gently taking them and emptying a container of pens.

"I should've gotten a vase—" Ethan started as you began filling the container with water.

You quickly shushed him, placing the flowers carefully in their temporary vase.

"They're perfect." You made your way back to Ethan at the entry way, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Ethan's face erupted in red, but he didn't attempt to argue. Instead, he offered his hand to you, which you gladly took.

「 ... 」

The two of you walked for a while, talking and laughing as you usually would, hands swinging between the two of you. Caught up in the conversation and Ethan's presence, the realization that you were walking towards a destination didn't come over you until you reached it.

Ethan stopped next to you, a smile on his face as he awaited your reaction. It took you a moment to realize, your hand clapping over your mouth that had dropped in shock.

"Ethan—" Your voice came out slightly muffled from behind your hand as you turned towards him quickly.

"Do you like it?" Ethan's eyes shone and a bright red blush adorned his cheeks.

You were speechless but you were aware that if you didn't respond soon, Ethan's self-consciousness would trip up.

You pulled Ethan into a tight hug, basking in his warmth as he instinctively put his arms around you. You stood there for a while, breathing in the comforting scent of him. "I love it." You mumbled out quietly but sincerely. You know he heard it as his grip on you tightened and his shoulders relaxed. Your head moved from its place on his shoulder to reach up and land a gentle kiss on Ethan's cheek, watching with a small laugh as his face continued reddening, feeling the heat radiate from him.

You heard the snap of a camera and your head whipped around to see Chad with an alarmingly big grin on his face. You relaxed as he walked over, waving around the photo he'd captured of the two of you like it was gold.

"I'll keep it safe!" Chad called as he began his route towards the dorms you came from. "For an anniversary scrapbook!"

You flipped Chad off despite your smile, hearing his fading laugh as he ran off.

"He, uh, helped me set everything up." Ethan said nervously, as if somehow the detail would take away from the result.

The scene before you looked like it had come out of a movie, completely transforming the ugly spot of the campus green area. A few thin trees were adorned with tiny lights that glowed softly. Underneath them was a plush blanket spread out and surrounded by baskets of a variety of food and drinks, flower petals spread purposefully around.

Your cheeks were warm with delight as you took Ethan's hand in yours, leading him to take a seat.

Snacks, both yours and Ethan's favorites were opened and exchanged as easy conversation flowed between the two of you. Ethan couldn't take his eyes off you, your sweet voice drawing him in and keeping him close to you.

The sun was in the middle of its daily disappearance, gently touching the horizon as warmth creating a blanket of golden light over the two of you. Ethan was laughing at a stupid joke you'd made and you looked at him, eyes shut and corners creased, brown curls shining in the sunset. He was beautiful.

You must've said it out loud, for Ethan turned towards you curiously. His expression transformed into one of awe as he admired the way the sun seemed to shine only for you, showering you in a glow that only made you even more gorgeous. You caught Ethan's eye and smiled, and Ethan was in love.

He sat there stupidly staring at you, your lips, your eyes, you, with the heavy realization weighing on his chest right next to his pounding heart. He didn't realize it was the perfect moment to lean in and press his lips against yours with the sun sinking in the background, a moment you thought would follow. He didn't realize your heart was thumping as hard as his, waiting for something to happen.

The moment broke as Ethan lied down and the sun slowly disappeared beneath the sky line, an instant chill sent down your spine as the world grew dark. You'd really though Ethan would kiss you.

Ethan reached out to tap you, eyes wandering to the spot next to him, wondering why you hadn't joined him yet. You gave him a small smile as you complied, shoulder-to-shoulder with Ethan against the ground. You kept your eyes steady in front of you, watching as the sky grew dimmer and darker around you.

"We should probably pack up soon." You whispered into the rapidly cooling air.

"Soon." Ethan hummed, taking your hand in his, eyes stubbornly settled on you.

「 ... 」

After Ethan walked you back to your dorm and wished you goodnight with a hug, he made his way back to his room with the blanket and lights exploding out of a bag.

He entered the room with a dopey smile, dropping the bag on the floor and throwing himself onto his bed. Chad had been reading a book when Ethan came in, but he threw it aside and ran to Ethan's room upon hearing the hints of his roommate's arrival.

"So? How'd it go?" Chad asked excitedly, leaning against the doorframe.

Ethan smiled even wider, attempting to rub the blush out of his face. "Amazing. It was perfect."

"Did you ask... y'know..." Chad raised his eyebrows expectedly.

Ethan's face fell a little at the question, groaning. "No. I was going to but then I... I freaked."

"Hey, it's okay, man. There's always tomorrow. Or the next day. Just don't put it off for too long or I swear Mindy's head is going to explode."

Ethan managed to laugh at that but the missed opportunity kept him up that night. You'd just looked so beautiful and he couldn't get the words out. He spent the night imagining how the night could've gone differently if he'd just had a little more courage. How much longer would it take until he could finally know what it was like to kiss you?

「 ... 」

Ethan Landry's second attempt to formally be yours occurred a little under two weeks later. He invited you out as he usually would and waited outside your dorm until the clock hit exactly 7 p.m. before his knocked. You waited on the other side of the wood, letting Ethan's special knock end before opening the door. You too had stood there, waiting until the second your phone told you it was time, knowing Ethan would be there not a second later.

Your faces lit up once you saw each other, leaning in for a hug that lasted a little too long, both of you forcing yourselves to pull away.

The walk was much shorter this time, a curious glance creeping on your face as you realized you were walking towards Ethan's dorm building. Ethan only sent a smile in your direction as the two of you traveled the familiar route to his rather dorm.

Ethan totally lucked out with his dorm all thanks to his over preparedness — he was able to get one of the biggest spaces Blackmore offered, one of those dorms that had space for a living room along with its kitchen and two single rooms. You'd say Ethan got pretty lucky getting stuck with Chad too, considering how close the two had gotten.

"You know I could've just walked here." You noted with a smile, already knowing what Ethan's reply would be.

Ethan gave you a look as if you were crazy for even suggesting it. "I'd go over to walk you next door," Ethan replied and you knew he would. "Plus, at this hour? No way." Ever the gentleman. Ethan unlocked his door, opening it to reveal the setup he had laid out in the living room.

It wasn't as impressive as the picnic considering the limited space, but it was just as beautiful. Lights — the same ones from that day — were strung up along the walls, illuminating the picture-perfect pillow fort constructed. Most of the furniture that had previously occupied the space was gone — presumably shoved into Ethan's and Chad's rooms — and snacks peeked out from the entrance.

The strongest urge to kiss Ethan overwhelmed you, a minute needed to compose yourself.

"Ethan..."

"You like it?" Ethan said with a hopefulness in his voice as if you didn't think everything he did was perfect.

You stepped close to him, reaching up to cup his face in your hands.

"I love it." I love you.

You glanced at Ethan's lips, that urge taking the better of you — only for a second — before you finally decided to press a kiss to Ethan's nose. It caught him off guard and gave you time to keep the flush on your cheeks under control as you got to your knees, ready to climb into the fort.

Ethan followed after you and the two of you got comfortable. The fort was much more spacious than you'd anticipated, yet you'd ended up on Ethan's chest anyway. Ethan got his laptop ready, loading up your favorite movie. You'd appreciated the thought though you knew you wouldn't be paying attention. Not with Ethan radiating warmth under and around you, his arm keeping you close to him.

You didn't know how long passed as the two of you laid there in comfortable quiet. You adjusted your head, a little worried about your neck, and landed with your ear right above Ethan's heart. At first you'd mistaken the racing as the sound of your own heart but, upon closer listening, realized it was Ethan.

"Your heart's beating." It was pounding.

"No way?" Ethan responded jokingly, resulting in a gentle smack on his arm from you.

You raised yourself off Ethan's chest slightly, faces merely inches apart.

"Do you like me or something?" You asked with a teasing smile.

"Or something." Ethan replied cheekily, raising a hand out to cup your cheek.

"Are you gonna kiss me?"

"Do you want me to?" Ethan's eyes flashed with an adorable type of worry.

"I'd love you to." You whispered as you leaned in carefully.

Finally. Ethan's lips pressed against yours as you felt him sit up, hands moving to rest against his chest. He kissed you gently, slowly. He kissed you carefully and clumsily but with all the love he could muster. That was Ethan, a boy who loved largely and a lot, more than most people could understand.

But you understood, kissing Ethan back with love you couldn't express before. You broke away and you immediately connected your lips to Ethan's cheeks, his forehead, his nose. Small giggles escaped him that were the most beautiful thing you'd ever heard. Ethan pulled you closer — he'd moved his laptop to the floor some time ago and replaced it with you — placing lazy kisses to your head.

"You don't know how long I've been wanting to do that." Ethan confessed in a whisper.

"I think I have a guess." You replied with a smile before you kissed Ethan again. The taste of his lips was better than anything you'd experienced before, aligning perfectly with yours. Ethan was a quick learner, hands moving to your head to guide you gently.

You sighed happily once you separated again, reaching to move an out of place curl from Ethan's forehead.

Ethan's eyes moved around the small space quickly, landing on any place except you.

"Would you... want to be mine? I mean, not be mine, but be... together? Officially?" God, that didn't come out anything like he had practiced with Chad.

A small laugh escaped you as Ethan's awkward phrasing and you couldn't help falling more in love with him.

"I'd love to, Ethan," you reassured him quickly, thumbing over his cheek. "There's nothing I want more." You confessed quietly but you knew he heard as he smiled with rosy cheeks.

"Let's stay here?" Ethan asked nervously, grabbing the hand that had been placed on his face and pressing a soft kiss on it.

"As long as you want." You nodded, moving to lie down next to Ethan again.

「 ... 」

Chad wasn't sure until what time he was allowed to come in but Ethan had only told him a few hours. It had been past that and Ethan wasn't picking up and Chad was tired. He was almost positive it ended well; he just hoped it didn't end too well.

Chad pressed his ear to the door before entering; upon hearing silence, he entered quietly. The lights on the walls still illuminated the room, hinting that you and Ethan were still in the fort. Chad crept up quietly, lowering himself down to peek inside.

Sure enough, there the two of you were; sound asleep, you were half draped over Ethan, whose arms wrapped around you however he could manage, a tangle of limbs hidden under the thick blanket covering the two of you.

Chad smiled and had a sneaking suspicion things turned out all right. He left the two of you be (although not before taking a few pictures), heading towards his room with relief. He opened the door and walked in dreaming of his bed; though he didn't realize a small table previously positioned in the living room now occupied the majority of his room until his thigh came into contact with its edge. Chad grasped at the spot with a curse, knowing there'd be a bruise by tomorrow.

「 ... 」

Ethan woke up with a weight resting on him and an incredible pain in his back. It took him a few seconds to rub the sleep out of his eyes before he scanned his surroundings, spotting you sleeping peacefully next to him as the memories of last night came flooding back. Shit. He hadn't texted Chad.

Ethan reached for his phone in a hurry, checking his notifications before clicking on the one that caught his eye first — a photo from Chad in the group chat.

chad ▷ Photo

tara omg...

Ethan clicked on the photo curiously, rolling his eyes with a smile as he realized through the dim light that it was a photo of him and you before he typed out a reply.

ethan haha.

mindy EHTNA ETHAN DATING????? please.

ethan no. lmao im jk as of yesterday yes :)

#ethan landry #ethan landry x reader #ethan landry fluff #scream #scream x reader #scream 6 #scream vi #v writes #v + ethan

[mxtantrights]

Bounded by blood and shadow (11)

Azriel x magic!fem!reader

“We need to go back, now.” You bark.

You haven’t talked since the man said his name. Your ex-husband. What words could you use to describe him? Deceitful, lawless, cowardly, stupid. 

“Woah, can we just talk about what you did?” Cassian asks.

You give him a sharp look, “I’m about to do the opposite of healing if we don’t go.” 

Cassian’s eyes widen. Then he’s offering you his hand, you take it. He winnows you back to the dawn court. Right in the middle of the tea room actually. Which creates quite a fuss.

“What happened?” Feyre shouts.

You are reminded of your dress and the mess you have on it. You look over to Thesan who shares Feyre’s sentiments. You run your hands over the blood stains on the dress and get rid of it. Like the blood was never there.

“Nothing. I need to go home.” You say.

“I thought this was your home?” Nesta asks.

You roll your eyes. Right. You live here all of the time, at least that’s what they think. Not anymore. Right now you couldn’t be vexed to keep up with the lie.

“It’s one of them.” You answer quickly.

“The last boat went out at least two hours ago.” Thesan says to you.

You sigh, “This can’t wait until morning.” 

“They can take you.” Amren says from behind you.

You look at her like she’s grown another head. She gives you a look too, like she didn’t want to say it but she still did. You cannot bring the fae back home. 

“Where exactly are we taking you?” Cassian asks.

“You’re not taking me home. That’s out of the question.” You answer.

“We just saw you heal a child with a life threatening wound.” Morrigan pipes in.

“So you’re a healer?” Nesta asks.

You groan, “I don’t have time for this. People are in danger!” 

Thesan grabs a hold of your shoulders. You hadn’t realized he had gotten up from his seat. He looks at you sternly.

“Speak plainly.” He whispers.

You shake your head, “It’s Kynas. He has to be behind this, behind everything.”

Thesan holds a hand over his mouth.

“Who is Kynas?” Rhysand asks.

Thesan nods his head, “If you want to get home tonight, you have to tell them.” 

You crack your knuckles. Great. You needed the night court. You never thought that sentence would come to your mind. How you hated too. You’re not used to needing anyone, not anymore.

“It’s a long story. But to keep it short Kynas is my ex husband.” You explain.

At your admission you see a few things. Nesta's face doesn't change. Feyre and Rhysand share a look between each other. The other sister, Elaine, her eyebrows shoot up on her forehead.

“And he has to do with your brother’s sudden disappearance?” Rhysand asks.

You nod your head, “It has to be him.”

“I’m confused, what the hell are you?” Cassian throws the question out.

“Tiyamelu.” 

At the sound of Azriel’s voice finally joining in the conversation you turn to him.

How did he know that name? It was very old. You don’t think you’ve heard it for at least five centuries. Maybe more.

He’s looking you in the eye now. You keep eye contact with him.

“Where’d you get that name from?” You ask him.

It’s dead silent in the tea room. He clears his throat. 

“The man said it, after Cassian winnowed you out.” he answered.

You let out a shaky breath, “It what they used to call us. But the most recent term is Blood benders.”

You watch as realization settles across some faces. Or confusion in some cases. Like for Nesta, Elaine and Freyre. But Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel seem to understand even if a little about what you just said. So does Morrigan. 

“You can’t read her mind but you can read mine, I’ve been to her home before.” Amren says, switching the topic back.

“Okay, Azriel can take you there.” Rhysand says.

“Wait. The wards! No fae are allowed inside.” You explain.

Amren curses under her breath. She had been the exception because she’s not fae. You couldn’t get there without them, but you couldn’t get in with them. 

No unless—it would be dangerous but it might work. They would probably never go for it.

“Do you have another way?” Azriel asks.

“It’s dangerous.” You shake your head.

“Well we live a bit for danger. Don’t we?” Cassian says jokingly.

You look at Thesan, “Hand me that knife.” 

Thesan does so without asking why. The metal feels cold in your hand. You turn the blade around so the sharp part is pointing at you. 

“Hold on, what do you need that for—“ Cassian starts to ask.

“It’s for me.” You cut him off.

You make the incision on your palm, not too deep and not too wide. The blood flows slowly, red liquid taking up the expanse of your palm. You look at Azriel then.

“If you’re the one taking me, you’ll need this. To trick the wards and get in.” You explain to him.

You see Cassian and Morrigan make faces at the thought. It would weird you out too if you weren’t a blood bender. Azriel, without saying a word, steps to you and takes your arm in his hand. You watch him carefully as he raises your hand up.

He ducks his head below your closed palm, “Go ahead.” 

You open your hand and the blood starts dripping into his open mouth. His eye pierce right into you, you can’t keep eye contact with him. No one in the room knew the significance of this. No one knew the last time you fed someone your blood you were getting married.

After a few more drops land you take your hand back. He stands up straight. You look him over once. The transfer can be different for everyone but especially for those who are not blood benders.

“Are you okay? Do you feel different?” You ask him quietly.

He looks around the room, no doubt feeling the effects already. You aren’t sure he’ll be able to winnow you right at this moment. He needs some time to adjust. 

“It feels,” he breathes and smiles the tiniest bit, “light.”

You only saw him smile a handful of times. Around his family all of the times you can recall. He looks nice with a smile.

His eyes glide to you, “Are you ready?”

You can’t speak right now. A bit too tongue tied. You just nod. He holds out his hand for you to take. You take his hand into yours. It feels warmer than usual. Maybe its’ your blood in his system. 

Darkness surrounds the both of you.

-

He lands you right in the palace. It’s eerie and silent. Like before, but this time you can feel the presence of no one inside. This is bad. Really bad. You turn to Azriel.

“Okay, you should winnow back. I don’t know how long my blood will trick the wards.” You tell him.

He gives you a look, “And leave you to fend for yourself?”

You pull the end of your dress up, reaching for the hilt that you had strapped to your heel. You take it out and stand up straight.

“Where’s the—“ he starts to ask.

You know what he’s going to ask so you beat him to it. You summon the blood blade. You watch as his face goes from unsure to shocked in a matter of moments. 

“I’m serious. You have to go now.” You speak.

He nods his head, “Okay.”

He turns to leave and you realize how rude you might have been. He basically helped you get back home. Well, not basically, actually. You reach out and grab his wrist which stops him from moving. 

He looks down at your hand and then at you.

“Thank you.” You say.

He gives you a firm look. It’s not a smile. It’s not a frown either. You let go of his wrist. He turns back around and so do you. You can hear the whooshing sound that usually comes with winnowing. 

You hold your sword up in defense as you begin to ease further into the palace. Doors are left ajar, which you know is wrong. Cyril would never let that stand. 

As you approach the council room you stop. You don’t know what you’re going to find in there. It could be the worst sight of your life. It could be nothing. Maybe everyone had just simply gone out. 

Gone out, didn’t leave a note or think to lock the palace doors. Yeah. That would explain it.

You peer your head over the door. You see it slowly then all at once. Bodies in chairs, unmoving and inbreathing. You enter the doorway quickly and almost drop your sword.

Cyril. He sits at the same seat as always. They all sit at the same seats. But they are no longer alive. They are pale, no blood in them. That’s why you couldn’t sense them. They were here but they weren’t alive. 

You run over to Cyril’s body and put your sword down on the table. You cradle his face in your hands, trying to shake him awake. A big part of you knows that it won’t do anything. If all of his blood was drained there was nothing for you to work with, no one for you to save.

“Cyril, please, please don’t leave me…” you cry, tucking your head into his chest.

You can’t will him to hug you back, you can’t will him to breath. You can’t do anything. You sink to your knees. The red drops of blood from your eyes falling on your dress, staining it once again. 

#blood and shadow #acotar x reader #acotar imagine #acotar fic #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #Azriel fic

[candyredappledragon]

h-hi! the name is kieran. nice to meet you! ive been here for a bit and uhm.... sadly figuring out how to use this site! ( kind of afraid of interacting with others especially but im trying my best to not be easily scared ! ) i am not familiar with technology and or online things/words so please be patient with me. i know there are other kierans here too and honestly theyre pretty cool! ....d-dont tell them i said that. im not really a battler so if you are trying to look for one then im sorry to say that you will be disappointed but you can ask the others though. really sorry

..uh thank you for checking my blog— furret youre on my facEXSFDGCVHH

🍎 Please no genuine anon hate, nsfw, or anything really bad. ( You can be mean to Kieran! ) Pelipper mail is okay ( but malice is off for now ). Sapient Pokemon or the likes of interacting are fine too, Kieran is too much of a goofball to notice it. Please don't give him Pokemon the thought is appreciated but if you do they'll turn into stickers lol.

Please don't be weird. I'm serious. As well PLEASE be patient with me and not be pushy. I'm trying my best!

This Kieran is in AU as to what happens if Florian doesn't lie to him about Ogerpon and whatnot! Kieran still doesn't get Ogerpon and is fine with it ( kind of, as in this made him feel inferior to having friends and will always be chosen over by other people. ) His way of thinking is that maybe he should try to be nice and kind to others so that will help him get friends as he sees Florian do this the same to others. ( The only thing Kieran thinks he's not good at is having a funny personality. He is very awkward in person. ) Blueberry Academy was hard on him as he was almost practically as ignored and students tend to forget he is the champion because of his cowardly personality. Florian took over later as champion. Okay there.

(By the way this is a summary please don't hurt me. 💔)

Plus I will try to draw for asks but they won't be the best but surely will motivate me to draw! If there are no asks then I'll just draw daily things with Kieran so it's a win-win for me!

💥 This Kieran doesn't like to get involved with stuff so feel free to drag him into antics! He isn't the one to approach people either so if you are wondering why I don't start convos with other blogs with asks that's why. ( I'm shy too. ) He's a bit of a coward online and in person but he won't shy away trying to be friends with others.

🍎 Posts are tagged to make things easier! Feel free to block one of them to make your experience smooth!

Art related: art tag , art reply , daily Kieran art

Text related: text reply/reply text , text ask , text post , ooc post , reply reblog

Other: long post

Anything you want to be tagged? Please let me know! :)

"Can we use your art?" Feel free to use the art or whatever! Don't need to credit and I prefer not to be credited. You can edit it too! Idgaf just no bigotry. :,] "What do we call you and do you have pronouns?" Uhm, you can call me Eight or any other version of the number 8 itself. [ Ex: Ocho, Hachi, Acht, etc ]. No pronouns! Refer me to by name or just call me mod or some other third thing lol. "What art program do you use?" Clip Studio Paint! "Are you okay with collabs?" Of course! Please feel free to message me anytime. :] "What time do you post art/responses?" Uhm....... anytime to be honest? My sleep schedule is ABYSMAL. I am very much online unless I'm busy doing comp. "Are replies time sensitive when interacting with this blog?" Nope! Take your time with your replies. I am pretty chill and everyone is pretty busy with real life. Fair warning I'm a ditz. :( "Why did you make this blog?" To draw Kieran a thousand times over until I'm dead lol. ( Even if it isn't posted on this blog!) And world build my stupid au. :u I'm just currently on a small burnout on drawing. I'm sorry. :c

"Is this a sideblog?" Yeah, you are never going to find out my main!! It's very cringe ( it has different media art ). I will interact with my other sideblog with thoughts and reactions at times. [ if you are curious @/hahahasquib ]

"Do you like Kieran?" No. ( Yes. A normal amount. )

#rotomblr #pokemon irl #pkmn irl #pkmn rp

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

The gang followed Ellis and Jude and they were led to a warehouse in the port, just like Liam mentioned.

Alphonse: "It's not like they're having a business meeting in the middle of the night, so what are they doing here?"

Harrison: "Suppose they have some kind of dealing with this prisoner you were talking about earlier, depending on who it is..."

Liam: "Can be one of the Crown's targets....maybe."

Liam: "I'm not sure, but...."

Alphonse: "Shhh...it looks like someone is already inside the warehouse."

Harrison: "That's----"

When Jude and Ellis stepped proudly into the warehouse, the people inside were suddenly agitated.

Jude: "Oh, hello the guy who tried to sell me inferior products the other day?"

Business partner: "Huh..!!?"

Jude: "So? Who are these people....?"

Wilson: "I'm Thomas Wilson, the head of the Wilson Trading Company."

Jude: "Aah, I remember you. You're the one who was running a shitty business and lost a lot of money to us and went bankrupt, right?"

Wilson: ".....Ngh!!"

Ellis: "Is this the bad person?"

Jude: "No way, that pale-faced loser could do business with an ex-convict."

Ellis: "The pale-faced one, isn't Mr. Wilson...."

Jude: "Dennis Donald."

Ellis: "Mr. Dennis."

Dennis, the business partner: "Ngh...y-you know...my name...?"

Ellis: "Well, it is fundamental to know the names, family structure, assets, and backgrounds of the people you are dealing with."

Ellis: "So Mr. Dennis was threatened by Mr. Wilson and had dangerous drugs hidden in this storage unit."

Dennis: "H-How did you know......?"

Wilson: "You idiot! Don't admit to that!"

Jude: "You use our warehouse as a storage facility for your goods, and then started make money selling drugs to criminals coming out of prison...."

Jude: "And in the end, when you get caught, you can say 'Jude Jazza was behind it all' and frame me to get revenge."

Wilson: "----That's right! This was all for revenge against you!"

Wilson: "Tomorrow we will start dealing with the prisoners, and we have already sold the information to a newspaper."

Wilson: "It is impossible to move all these goods in this warehouse now. You're finished....Hahahahaha!!!"

Jude: "Do you really enjoy wasting all your time doing shit that doesn't make sense?"

Jude: "You screwed up by doing business with dangerous people and now you can't go back. You're so pathetic."

Wilson: "Hmph, let's see who's going to look pathetic now...."

Dennis: "H-Hey...!?"

Wilson: "Shut up! Can't you see I'm talking!?"

Dennis: "The drugs...they're not here..."

Wilson: "What..!?"

Ellis: "Sorry. I knew you went into debt to buy those drugs...."

Ellis: "But I got rid of everything."

Wilson: "W-What....!? No...you're lying!! You're lying!.....When did you..?"

Jude: "Aren't your guests coming tomorrow? I wonder what you're going to feed them."

Wilson: "You...youuuuu!!"

Ellis: "Ah, he's coming at us."

Jude: "A small fry move."

Ellis: "What should I do? Do you want me to knock him down unconscious?"

Jude: "That won't be necessary."

Wilson, with his fist still swinging, rammed it into Jude's upraised leg.

Wilson: "Ughh!!"

Jude: "Dennis, buying and selling drugs and people is not allowed. I wrote that on the contract...did you not notice? ....Oh"

Jude: "Or were you just scared of this cowardly bastard and looked the other way?"

Wilson: "If only you weren't here...!"

Jude: "You don't know how many people's lives could be ended by what you were trying to do and getting your hands dirty for someone like this."

Jude: "Besides, a scum like this who thinks I'm the only one who gets to have a good meal, while someone else can do the stabbing..."

Jude: "If you're going to be my slave for the rest of your life, why don't you help me before some junkie ex-convict tells on you?"

A few minutes later, after apologising and begging for his life, Wilson's face clearly marked with shoe prints.

Ellis: "Mr. Dennis is now a slave to Jude too because he violated his contract."

Dennis: "Nn...I-I-If you...let me go from....Wilson, I will follow you for the rest of my life...."

Ellis: "Ah, is that tears of joy?"

Jude: "Disgusting."

Jude: "So...when are you guys coming out?"

Alphonse: "Oh, did you notice us already?"

Liam: "Sooo, the person lying there has a grudge against Jude."

Liam: "You mean he was trying to trick this guy into making a dangerous deal here at the warehouse?"

Ellis: "Yep. Jude's got lot of grudges here and there. So this is an everyday thing."

Harrison: "Then, you turn down tonight's mission and acting suspiciously at night was because...."

Jude: "We're going to be busy with our mission from now, so I just took care of these troublesome guys first."

Ellis: "The man that Mr. Wilson was trying to make a deal with to frame Jude....."

Ellis: "They're former nobles who drugged and imprisoned the people they kidnapped..."

Ellis: "I think he was trying to re-offend once he got the drugs from Mr. Wilson."

Alphonse: "That's so evil, isn't it?"

Jude: "I'll do whatever the Crown duty I have to do once I'm done with these criminal scums I've been fishing for."

Jude: "They'd easily come back to this place. That time I'll show those little shits what hell is like."

Harrison: "Do you have any personal grudge against him.....?"

Ellis: "Nope. I think he simply doesn't like him."

Jude: "If this is a Crown mission, it's okay to torture these guys, right?"

Jude: "A hobby to torment corrupt aristocrats but you get paid for it. Sounds like a satisfying job."

Liam: "Wow.....that's nasty."

Alphonse: "I feel like Mr. Jude is born to be a member of the Crown."

Harrison: "......Oddly enough, that's the conclusion of our report."

Ellis: "What report?"

Harrison: "Nevermind."

-----After that, the report was completed by Harrison and was successfully submitted to Victor.

Jude: "I had a hunch, something was going on.....but it still sounds stupid."

Victor: "Looks like it's a success!!"

Harrison: "There is....still one thing that is a mystery."

William: "What is it?"

Harrison: "Why is Ellis hanging out with Jude?"

Harrison: "He doesn't seem like he's being blackmailed...."

Jude: "Hey."

Liam: "Indeed, I don't even think they're on the same page."

Ellis: ".....That's because of the promise."

#ikemen series #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #otome #cybird #ikemen villain #ikemen villains #ikemen villains jude #ikemen villains ellis

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy weekend everyone :). We’ve reached the episode where Emmett and Lucy’s relationship comes to an abrupt end. Get to delve into why it ended and see Tim help her through it like he does. It’s a solid ep for them. Also more growth for our boy. Lets get going.

3x08 Bad Blood

We start with Lucy waking up to a cowardly breakup text from Emmett. Ugh. Not only that he’s dragging Tim into to it to grab his stuff from her. Extra helping of coward. I kinda wanna nut check him for this. No matter how Lucy treated the relationship this was unwarranted. I can’t stand people who aren’t forward with their feelings. Eject out of relationship through a text message instead of doing it face to face. Confrontation isn't fun but its better than doing this. Because that's all Emmett will be remembered for. Is having zero balls about their breakup. That's the legacy he's decided to leave.

It’s the first thing Lucy talks to Jackson about when she gets to work. She’s so mad and rightfully so IMO. Asking if he’s 14 years old? Why he couldn’t do it to her face? (man has no balls or integrity would be my guess) Jackson tells her sadly that’s most guys these days. She’s lucky she didn’t just get ghosted. So I guess he's one level above Uber coward then. Tim is within ear shot of all this. Asking Lucy if they can just get to work now?

Lucy ignores his plea to just go to work. Instead asking him if Emmett talked to him about this? Tim replies no why would he? That when they hang out its not a feelings party LOL Also If Emmett did Tim would’ve defended Lucy and told Emmett he was an idiot. I bet you he was far too scared to tell Tim about what he did. Especially after he ate him alive in 2x19. No way in hell he was coming to Tim about hurting her. Dude wouldn't have survived that convo.

Tim has the most Tim Bradford answer ever when he replies if she wants his advice? To Tim it’s so clear. He treated her badly to end the relationship. So naturally she just needs to walk it off. Cut that off emotionally and move on. Saying he clearly wasn’t the right guy for her. (He very much was not… *cough you are cough*) He’s always so brusk at first in his advice to her. Then once they’re alone in the shop away from Jackson he gets softer. I think part of that advice he gave here was cause they weren’t alone. How he is with her one on one is so different than when they have an audience.

We pan back to them finishing up a call. Lucy asking if Tim had ever been dumped out of the blue before? Then he makes a hilarious dark joke about Isabel. The change in this man regarding his ex-wife is unreal. The place he’s in now that he can use what happened to him in a sarcastic way is amazing. It has a dark edge to it like satire but progress none the less.

Clearly saying it to bring a little perspective to her about her situation. Lucy recognizes that but has to know the Why. I can’t blame her I’m the same way. It’s hard for me to let things go with no explanation. Especially when its affected me on a deep level. Lucy is practically begging Tim to ask Emmet WHY did he do this? This is something that is going to consume her day till she gets some answers.

Tim doesn’t have time to reply because he see’s the shop has been tagged. He goes white as a ghost. Lucy is trying not to laugh because she doesn’t understand what’s happening. Then Tim touches it and it’s fresh. He loses it and calls in the calvary. Lucy is looking around in a panic trying to asses the threat. Wondering why this feels like a DEFCON 1 situation right now.

We return to them at the station. Tim is explaining the situation to her. That 3Eyez was active from 2006-2010. Telling her they had victims all over the city. Whenever they got close to catching them it stopped. Tim assumed since it’s been so long they stopped. He also lets her know he checks the data base every 3 months. Just in case he shows up in another city.

Lucy says wow he must’ve been hardcore for him to obsess like this. Asks Tim what his biggest crime was? He tells her it’s him being a tagger. Costing the city hundred of thousands of dollars in repairs. Lucy is confused and says ok…in property damage though.... She is trying to connect why he’s so obsessed with them.

Then we find out his shop was tagged when he was a rookie. Not only that but he let it happen right under his nose. Lucy is getting a MAJOR kick out of this. Laughing and enjoying this piece of his history. Best part of her day so far. For a couple reasons. One he made a big ol' mistake as a rookie. You know she loves that. Delights her to no end. Especially with how he has berated her mistakes as his boot. Second she knows he must've had some unrelenting teasing attached to this moment. It happened right under his nose.

She is down right giddy as she is putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Asking him if he had a nickname? That after an incident like that no way he didn’t garner a nickname of some sort. Lucy is so desperate to get any intel on him pre-her. Especially in his own boot days. Tim can sense how damn eager she is about this. Tries to shut it down with a defensive ‘No…’ hahaha god I love them sfm. Lucy is enjoying teasing him about this far too much LOL

Lucy continues on saying this why he’s so intent on catching this guy. It’s personal. Tim tries to deflect as he does. Saying no. He’s a criminal and it’s their job to stop him. (Sure love sure....) Lucy tries to insert some logic into the situation by saying this seems pointless. The way he snatches back the photo it’s clear it’s not pointless to him…His wounded pride about an early mistake haunting him. Can't say I wouldn't be the same way. I take my failures so seriously even when they're not serious.

Jackson and Wade see 3Eyez mid tagging. They call it in and Tim hears it. Has them immediately attach to their call. Grey steps out of the shop and his back goes out. Jackson and Lucy go to help him. Tim stays in the shop and wants to go after the tagger. Leaving Lucy and Jackson behind to stay with Grey till ambulance arrives. Tim think he spots them in an ally and leaves his shop. It ends up being a dead end for him. He returns to which gets tagged again LOL Poor Tim can’t win for losing in this ep. He’s so mad.

The ambulance arrives for Grey. Lucy recognizes Dave from her time with Emmett. Asks if he works with him? He is instantly flirty with her and says Yes. He replies back she’s dating Emmet? Lucy says not anymore. His forwardness continues when he says how gorgeous she is. That he would be a fool to let her go. (I mean obviously... ) Lucy starts to see this as an opportunity to get back at Emmett. Not her most mature move here but she's going for it anyways.

Jackson can see this developing and isn’t on board. Gotta love him being frank with her about it afterwards. Lucy is just as forward and asks Dave out. Tells him Jackson will give him her number. Clearly only going out with this guy to get back at Emmett. Jackson immediately calls her on it. Lucy pulling a Tim defects what he’s saying. Before he can grill her further Tim pulls up in their tagged shop LOL He tells her not to say a word about it when he rolls up LMAO It’s too damn funny. He could not be more agitated about this.

Lucy is going on about her date with Dave. Asking Tim where they should go for dinner? Tim just makes a disapproving face. Lucy catches on real quick. Asking if he isn’t approving of her plan? Since he hasn't replied Lucy just goes OFF on a rant. Tim doesn’t even have to say anything. It’s almost like she unburdening her soul with the guilt she feels. Wanting him to say anything to justify or right her decision. Saying yeah maybe she is dating this guy to make Emmet jealous...

Tim says nothing and Lucy continues on saying Emmett deserves this. Radio silence... Then she point blank asks if he can say something to her please? She’s so desperate for his POV on this. Because when it comes to Lucy his emotional intelligence is off the charts. She needs his wisdom in this situation. Tim sighs and finally breaks. Says this is the first time In WEEKS she’s even mentioned Emmett. Lucy tries to deflect it by saying he doesn’t allow personal talk.

Tim doesn’t let her get away with that at all. Just like she calls him out he returns the favor in kind. Saying and yet we still have these conversations despite that. Basically saying if Emmett meant anything to her he would’ve been brought up to Tim. Even if he didn’t want to hear about it. That in all the conversations over the past few weeks she never once mentioned him. Lucy is still a little confused asks ‘What do you mean?’

It’s then Tim comes down with the truth hammer. It’s insane how well he can just zero in on her relationships. Like a mechanic looking at a car and spotting all the issues. This is something he does in the future with Chris in 5x08 as well. Helps her notice and face these issues. The issue in this instance being she was never invested in Emmett. That he treated the relationship the same way she did. With no care or effort. That it didn't matter. You watch the realization wash over her.

Like being smacked in the face with the truth. Melissa really crushes this portion. You can see her realizing what he's saying is true. That it's really sinking in and the guilt kicks in. Just like how only Lucy can talk to Tim like she does. It's the same for Tim with her. Only he can deliver the same telling her like it is that she does. This is what she wanted from this conversation though. Perspective, truth and the why behind it. Sometimes that hurts. This is something we learn with the relationships she has before Tim though. That's she never really all in with them.

She’s never really invested enough because they’re not what she already has with Tim. That deep inexplicable bond they share. It will forever take precedence over any of the other men she has in her life. They will ALWAYS pale in comparison to him. Now I don’t think she realizes she’s doing this at this point. But it’s exactly what she is doing. Especially knowing her next relationship and how that ends and why.

Leave it to Tim to deliver the why she has been searching for all day. The sad look of realization on her face gets to Tim though. You can see it above. He knows she's hurting now and distracted. So he does what he does best. Distracts her. Asks her what she thinks 3Eyez next plan is? Asking if they’re done for the day? Trying to get her brain moving. Get her out of her mental funk.

Even when Lucy explains what she thinks is their next plan she is still sad and distracted. So Tim offers up the info she so desperately wanted earlier. Offering a piece of his past to help heal her present. Something he’s done before and will only ever do for her. I love him not only telling her but having Isabel be involved in it. He has her laughing and smiling early into his story. Mission accomplished.

Using a good memory he has and sharing a part of his history to help her feel better. This is an underrated moment in the episode. I love it sfm. He needs to make sure she is ok. So he does this by offering up a piece of himself to her. That no personal life rule is a legit joke at this point haha

Tim has not shared a lot of happy moments if at all about Isabel. This was another massive step forward to the Tim we all know in s5. Willing to do anything for her especially if it makes her feel better. This tactic works like a charm. She is smiling and laughing at his story. Saying how sweet it was cause I mean it was. We forget there was a big chunk of time Tim was very happy with Isabel. Him sharing that vulnerability with her always floors me. Such a good scene. Look at how he is in that final gif. He's shared a past moment about Isabel and a happy one at that. He is not mad or grumpy he is happily reminiscing. Looking back and have it not hurt him but to just smile. This is HUGE for him.

They receive a falling incident call. Make their way towards it. Tim goes over trying to make sure this woman is ok. Lucy is trying to get his attention. Love her using his nickname to get his attention. ' Eagle eyes look up' Haha He finally looks where Lucy is staring and sees her tag. He then realizes it’s 3Eyez that’s in front of him.

This is their married scene of the episode. Lucy correcting him when he says how many times she’s tagged his shop. Can’t help herself and he looks up at her like really? You think now is this time for that? LMAO. Lucy knows when to shut it and walk away from being right. I love her body posture as she says this too. It’s too funny. Even has the most wifey look as she says it. Once again the ONLY person he allows to talk to him like this is her. It’s wonderful.

Tim joins her solo in her hospital room. Asks her why she started up again? She lets Tim know her husband left her....For his massage therapist. That she wasted the last 7 years of her life. You watch how her story impacts him. The empathy in his eyes when she’s telling him her story. Tim then asks 'Did she do this to get back at him?' She shakes her head tells him no. She just wanted to feel young again.

Then he does something truly lovely. He uncuffs her and gives her some lovely advice. Even makes her smile. Saying her husband is an idiot with a sweet smile. You can't tell me Lucy Chen hasn’t had an impact on this man. How is empathy has grown tenfold. Lets himself be kind and soft with others again.

This moment is proof of that. He spent the whole episode hunting her down. Wanting his justice for his past mistake. Then finding out she’s human and with a relatable past. He lets her go with just the misdemeanor and builds her up before he goes. Lucy would be so proud.

Speaking of Lucy she is filling out paperwork when she runs into Dave. He asks her if they’re still on for tonight? It’s then Lucy has to let him know her reasons behind it. Especially after her talk with Tim earlier. He seems ok with the reasoning. (Cause she’s beautiful that’s why.)

He tells her Emmett dumped her over text. He deserves this. Lucy can’t go forward with it. I’m proud of her for not being petty. That she wants to go out for the right reasons. Not because she’s hurt and angry. He tells he tells her he respects that. But in two weeks he’s gonna ask her again. We all know this legit goes nowhere LOL Never hear of Dave again but was a good moment of growth for Lucy.

~~~~~

Side notes non-Chenford.

Poor Jackson getting pulled in two different directions about his career. Both wanting to set up his entire life for him. Nice to watch him stand up for himself with them.

Oscar’s SL pretty hilarious. He’s always funny to watch come on. Do love Lopez wanting to murder him LOL She had good reason.

As always thank you to all who engage with these reviews. Your likes, comments and reblogs fuel my desire to write them. You’re all amazing. Shall see you all in 3x09 :)

#Caitlin Rewatches The Rookie #chenford #chenford hiatus #fall rewatch #waiting for s6 #s3 #3x08 Bad Blood #the rookie 3x08 #otp: doing my job #otp: you know me so well. too well #otp: some things matter more #otp: you did good #tim x lucy #tim bradford #lucy chen #the rookie #lucy x tim #eric winter #melissa o'neil #tim bradford x lucy chen

[rank-sentimentalist]

CUT TO: INT. LEO'S OFFICE - DAY

Toby enters.

LEO

Yeah.

TOBY

I'm gonna have breakfast with Ann Stark tomorrow.

LEO

Leave it alone.

TOBY

I think we should be able to discuss the minimum wage and-

LEO

Toby. It's a brand new year.

TOBY

Let's not faf around!

LEO

It's breakfast.

TOBY

I know. It's breakfast. We're not gonna come up with solutions in 90 minutes. But we have the principles in a room and no cameras. The-[utters a small laugh] the leaders of the land. And not to talk about how we're gonna approach the minimum wage, the Patient's Bill of Rights, Tax relief, and education in the legislative session that's about to begin is a criminally  negligent and cowardly refusal to do... what we were all sent her to do. [beat] This is what my ex-wife and I did for years. We had these rules. We could talk about anything but why we couldn't live with each other. I could've been two years younger right now.

LEO

There was a freshman democrat who came to Congress 50 years ago. He turned to a senior Democrat and said, "Where are the Republicans? I want to meet the enemy." The senior Democrat said, "The Republicans aren't the enemy. They're the opposition. The Senate is the enemy." Those days are over. Toby, in this climate...

TOBY

This climate is exactly what real bipartisan debate should look like.

LEO

This woman's had this job two weeks. I don't like dealing with people who are trying to impress me.

TOBY

I know her a little.

LEO

Have breakfast with her.

TOBY

Thank you.

LEO

Toby.

TOBY

Yeah.

LEO

Jenny and I wouldn't talk about it either. You know why?

TOBY

Why?

LEO

Because we loved each other and it was awful and we knew it was never gonna change. Ever.

Toby leaves.

*  *  *

Toby enters the Oval Office.

TOBY

He didn’t want to see me. 

LEO

He’ll be all right in the morning. 

TOBY

Yeah. 

LEO

You’re the Communications Director. It was a TV show. 

TOBY

It was a blunder from top to bottom. You should know it could have been avoided at several points along the way if I’d listened to C.J. 

LEO

Or me. 

TOBY

Yeah. 

LEO

Alexander Hamilton didn’t think we should have political parties. Neither did John Adams. He thought political parties led to divisiveness. 

TOBY

They do. They should. We have honest disagreements. Arguments are good. 

LEO

Only if they lead to statesmanship. Or it’s just theatre. And statesmanship is compromise. 

TOBY

What about persuasion? They’re coming for us, Leo.

LEO

I know. 

TOBY

I mean they’re coming for us now. 

LEO

Toby, if you knew what it was like getting him to run the first time... 

TOBYI

know. 

LEOLike pushing molasses up a sandy hill. If I go and tell him it’s time to run again he’s  going to get crazy... and frustrated. He’s going to sink into his head and he’s going to say he’s not running. 

TOBY

Yeah. 

LEO

Yeah. 

TOBY

So we’ve got to do it for him. We’ll keep it away from this office but we’ve got to get real now. Leo, Ann Stark’s a war time consigliere. That’s why she was bumped up. 

LEO

I’m a wartime consigliere too, Toby. I was just hoping it’d be peace time a little longer. 

TOBY

Yeah.

LEO

Son of a bitch! 

TOBY

Yeah. 

LEO

Shake my hand.

 Toby does.

LEO

We just formed it. 

TOBY

Formed what?

LEO

The Committee to Reelect the President.

*  *  *

THE WEST WING

"THE LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST"

WRITTEN BY: PAUL REDFORD

DIRECTED BY: SCOTT WINANT

communicationsoffice.tripod.com

#TV #The West Wing #West Wing #The Leadership Breakfast #2x11 #we had these rules #the enemy #the opposition #bipartisan debate #wartime consigliere #I was just hoping it would be peacetime a little longer

[oh-snapperss]

the ethubs hot tea/stargazing concept

So I’ve had this concept rolling around in my head for a long time, but I don’t plan on writing a fic for it, so I wanted to put some of the brainrot and ideas I had for it here instead! I have a very short drabble for part of this as well I’ll post and link in this post later after I’ve polished it.

First of all, this entire concept came from this song. I would highly recommend listening to the song just cause it’s so good and by one of my favorite artists, but you don’t have to listen to understand the post:) 

Concept: During Last Life, Etho and Bdubs never managed to say I love you to each other, mostly because they never could find the right time (read: they were both too cowardly to say it). It’s not said until months later on Hermitcraft when Bdubs and Etho are finally reunited for the first time since Last Life.

and below ensues the gayest shit I've ever written involving hot tea and some stargazing so enjoy!

some of the lyrics that really made me think about this:

hold you in my hands like hot tea Knowing I'm safe 'cause you want me (Ooh-ooh) sitting in a garden at your feet You and me only Holding on and on You're clawing at the corner of my heart, I Can't afford to lose you any longer (Ooh-ooh) holding you like hot tea You and me only Holding on and on

Etho spending his exile hyping himself up to finally say it

Going into exile partially because he feels like he couldn’t keep Bdubs safe in LL and wanting to prove to himself he can keep Bdubs safe (ex. the raids/defeating the dragon_

Bdubs waiting and waiting and waiting for Etho, knowing he’ll turn up at some point

Etho winding up in Bdubs’s basement... Bdubs finding him... flinging himself into Etho’s arms because it’s been months... Etho almost saying it and getting cold feet again... Bdubs turning to leave the basement

“I love you!” 

Bdubs turning back and it’s just. a moment of eye contact before Bdubs is kissing Etho finally and he mumbles “Love you too” back

something something they wind up outside idk i think this screenshot sums it up best

something something the silences during LL never felt right because there was always so much left unsaid but the silences they fall into that night feel comfortable

there’s a special trust you gain when you spend a night like that with someone and just saying everything like your dreams and hopes and thoughts instead of bottling it up 

they start out that night just talking about simple things like Bdubs’s builds and where Etho was but as the night deepens they talk about deeper things.. wind up holding hands...

as the night goes on Etho and Bdubs find themselves closer and closer and the vibes are just. It’s not cloud nine because cloud nine would describe the moments just when Bdubs first kissed Etho earlier that night but it’s comfortable and content and safe, and it’s a very warm and soft feeling they have

When the sun starts rising they stumble back into the tower.. make one last mug of tea... stumble up stairs there are so many stairs and for what...  and yeah they just crash into bed and they’re fucking out for most of the day

the lyrics of the song just scream ethubs in hermitcraft to me i meannnn just look at this:

Looking into your eyes (endlessly) Falling into your lap (desperately) Sitting at your feet Soaking in all your energy Oh, right now, I wanna be Held too close

and a bonus screenshot: 

and finally i just wanna throw out a personal headcanon i like, not just for hot tea but in general i like to think that etho and bdubs have matching tiny braids in their hair like. in the back on the right. you can barely see the braids but sometimes they can be spotted:)

if you read this far, thank you! my insanity knows no bounds and i WILL ramble about my ethubs headcanons nonstop

and a special thanks to @peskyybird @bananasofthorns​ and @exactlymypoint​ for letting me brainrot literally all of this in their dms. yall are real ones LMAOO

#ethubs #trafficshipping #hermitshipping #etho #bdubs #yeah what's up guys i finally posted my brainrot #me when ethubs #me when stargazing #ME WHEN HOT TEA #[explodes]

[kurottsukii]

Eight | Bitter Sweet Win

We sat in my locker room in complete silence, avoiding each other's eyes but every once in a while I would glance at Phil, only to see an emotionless face staring into the void. It seemed like he was trying to find the right words to say, but what exactly are you supposed to say to your ex after two years of no communication?

It's not like we ended our relationship in a big fight. It was more of me breaking up with him because I let myself overthink about our relationship. I ruined something good in my life because I thought he deserved someone better. It was the doubt that mingled in the back of my head, my thoughts overpowering each other to make me think I wasn’t good enough for him.

Shouldn't I be the one to be thinking of something to say? I deserted him in the most pathetic way possible, I should be the one apologizing or begging for his forgiveness but knowing Phil, he probably thinks it was his fault. And how do I even try to change that in any way, shape or form? Nothing I could say could bring those special moments back, right?

I can't let him think that. That'll be selfish of me, making someone else take the blame of my wrong doings. Maybe I should speak up and just tell him it is not his fault but mine.

Just as I open my mouth, he cut me off by speaking first. "Before you say anything, no I don't blame you or myself about the breakup. Yeah, it broke me a bit but I understood where you was coming from. Honestly after the breakup, I started watching your matches and watched you grow. You reached mountains that no other athlete or celebrity could, you broke records and created them. You made a name for yourself in this industry that no man or woman could.

I'm honestly in awe by you, I just wanted to have the chance to say that. I don't want anything to be awkward between us, I'm glad you're here though. Seeing you here now feels like the first time I saw you in the crowd, checking me out. I, I really do miss you, Vonna."

Each word, each fucking word stabbed me in the heart, ripping it to shreds. Phil always had that impact on me, the way he spoke, the words he used just always made me feel weird inside. It made me want him in all the ways that seems impossible. But it also made me feel like shit, Phil is such a great guy, when alcohol took over his life, he fought, not just for me but for himself and his fans. His whole life revolves around those topics and I was just a selfish broken shell of a girl who clung onto him for guidance and love, once that became too hard for me... I ran in the most cowardly of ways possible.

"I missed you too Phil, a lot more than I want to admit. Seeing you just brought back old feelings that I spent years on getting rid of. I'm really sorry on how things ended but that's the past you know? I don't want to keep reliving it, can we just start over again? As just friends, for now."

I could tell that my answer was not what he hoped for, I could see it in his eyes. The signs of distraught and pain, all I wanted to do right now was climb onto his lap and just kiss him, give him everything I couldn't give before. But that wasn't possible, that would be going back on everything I said. I had to fight it.

I watched as his expression changed, he was doing his best to not show his true feelings. But his eyes told me different.

"I'd like that." He said with a fake smile drawn on his face. Liar. He didn't want that, he wanted more, I wanted more but there was so much shit happening. This job, the feud, the fact I can't get that guy out my head, and now my first love and boyfriend. This felt like a Disney movie, why does life gotta be so difficult? Couldn’t it have been any easier?

"Uh, since you're new here, I suggest you stay by yourself or stay with me and Sheamus. The other superstars don't really like newcomers, especially the Divas here. And stay away from the Shield, they're bad news. I should know.."

I pushed my brows togethers as I just looked at him up and down like he was crazy. Was he really trying to warn me? ME?! After I literally fought and embarrassed Randy and his swat team?! I should be on their radar by now, how do you even stay away from a team that will be looking for you and the opportunity to DESTROY you!

Whatever, I decided to keep my mouth shut about them and just agreed so we can just end the conversation and get ready for our match. I already knew what it could lead to if I do speak up.

"Guys? You're in there? I want to introduce myself to Yovanna!"

Speak of the devil.

Not really, but you get my point. A unfamiliar voice yelled at the door, banging against it like a mad man. It was really annoying me, Phil was about to open it but I beat him to it so I could give this jerk a piece of my mind but when I swung the door open, I was greeted by man titties that was bigger than my own.

"What a nice welcome gift." I joked, casually patting the man boob before taking a step back to see who I just groped unintentionally. He was a buff guy, with denim shorts, a green hat and a green sweatband on his arm. He looked liked some video game character but shamelessly sexy.

He just stared at me with such a warm welcoming smile, I guess this was the Cena guy that lost to Randy. How can someone built like Superman lose to Randy? I took a step to the side, so he can walk in as I closed the door.

As I turned around, all eyes were on me.

"Let's get to business."

Skipping to the Match:

I didn't have a music theme or whatever it is, so I just walked out with Phil. The crowd reaction made my whole body tingle, I had never seen this many people in one place my whole life. It was kind of scary but I couldn't let the nerves get to me. I had to make sure that we win. Phil was behind me as I ran down the ramp, high-fiving as many people as I could before making it to the ring. Sheamus tried to make a way for me through the middle and bottom rope but I denied it, making my own way inside the ring, I decided to use my flexible abilities by doing a backflip off the top turn buckle.

Once again the crowd reacted beautifully, making me so fucking pumped and excitement coursed through my body. Randy and his swat team was here before us so they all just stared at me with their cold, definitely soulless eyes, behind the ropes. If I had to admit, it was a bit scary but I blew it off by blowing a kiss at them as I just stayed in the middle of the ring, waiting to see who wanted to start the match against me and to my surprise it was my male twin that Phil informed me was named Dean. Such a boring name for a guy that looks like he bites heads off of dolls.

I couldn't help but get excited though, not because I was up close to the most beautiful guy I ever laid my eyes on; sorry Phil, but because I get to embarrass his ass once again until he tags in Randy.

I stared up at him for a moment, only to see him already mirroring my expression, what does he have to be excited about?

Even though I was confused, I didn't show it, because if I did, he would just use it to his advantage and attack first. I didn't know shit about them or anyone here but I do know about mind games and how easy it is to find your opponents weak spot through emotions and I was not about to fall victim to it.

Once the bell rang, I made the first attack with a punch straight to his jaw which he took like a champ. He was about to give me a punch of his own but I quickly moved out the way, running to his corner only to knock his teammates off with a running knee. I took the moment to savior the sweet sweet view of Randy being knocked out cold which was a bad move. Why? Because I just let Dean have a free opportunity to attack me from behind and he did.

Before I could do anything, I felt a hard blow to the back of my head. My head was aching, it was like my heart just moved from my chest and to my head; and all I felt was it pounding. Like a fucking migraine. I couldn't hear anything and it was hard to see, but I could definitely feel. I felt myself being slammed to the mat. The sting from my head and back was enough to keep me on the ground for a while but it didn't stop there. Dean decided to proceed his attack with multiple kicks to my sides.

And to think I thought all of this was an act, well it wasn't! I could fucking feel my stomach now in my throat with those kicks. This man was brutal and I hate it but yet fucking love it.

The kicks continued for a while then it stopped. I took that opportunity to crawl away. With one hand attached to my lower half and the other grasping onto the mat as I continued to crawl. I could see Phil was mentally begging me to tag him with his eyes of plead but before I could, I felt myself being dragged away, my nails breaking as it was causing a few fingers to bleed.

I didn't even bother to see who it was, I just kept kicking my feet until it connected to something, once it did I made my escape and tagged in Phil.

Sheamus helped me out the ring so I could sit and take a moment for myself. Everything was still blurry but my hearing was slowly coming back. I just sat up against the barricade, listening to the crowd cheer for Phil, who I assumed was kicking ass, while I sat here like a loser. I came in so strong now look at me, I got the shit kicked out of me because I took my eyes off my opponent. A common rookie’s mistake.

While sitting there, I had a strange feeling that someone was staring right into my soul. I assumed it was Randy giving me an death stare but to my surprise it was actually Dean. For a moment our eyes were on each other, his were so beautiful but were full of guilt. I guess he felt bad for hurting me, which he shouldn't. I'm his enemy, you don't feel bad for the enemy.

I really didn't know what to do in this situation but from what it looks like in the ring, my team needed me. While avoiding the eye contact from Dean, I finally got up and headed back to the ropes with my hand out. Phil was crawling his way to our corner but it looked like he wasn't even going for my hand but for John's instead. I don't why that got me pissed off but once the cameras wasn't looking, I booty bumped John out the way so Phil could tag me, and he did. He looked at me with nothing but disappointment written all over his face, same with John but I didn't care. This was my moment, my first impression.

Once I was tagged in, two toned was already up and ready. He started off with a kick to my mid-section which I blocked only, to mimic his actions. Once he was bent down, I dropped down to the mat to give him a good punch in the face. The crowed cheered while my team gave me an disapproval look and the other team looked like they wanted to kill me. Kill me, chop me off and feed me to the stray dogs in the back alleyway of a bar.

But who cares, I was skipping in circles around two toned in a mocking way, I didn't even notice he was already up. But it didn't matter, he looked dazed like drugged off his ass and tired which was perfect for me. I decided to not do anything further, instead I pushed him into his corner so someone could tag in. And...just my fucking luck. Tarzan was the one to step up, I think Phil said his name was Roman which was even worst. Motherfucker went from Tarzan, the jungle warrior to an actual acient Greek warrior who looks like he eats the bones off of fried chicken.

I didn't really want to waste my energy running from that giant, so I dropped kicked him back to his corner with all my strength, which was a terrible idea because it knocked down everyone off the turnbuckle. I wanted someone else to be tagged in!!

Roman definitely did not like that, he looked like he wanted to break me in half. But my ego wouldn't let me run away like the fucking scared little girl that I used to be. Instead I stood there, waiting for him to charge at me so I could take him down. I didn't really have a plan on how I was going to take him down, it was kind of just me going off of my gut instinct. That sounds like a plan, right?

But the human bull did actually charge at me, with full force might I add. Like he was a train or something, at that point I didn't know what to do so I just did another drop kick to his stomach.

He was down but not completely for me to do a roll up, plus he wasn't the one I wanted to roll up. As he was down, I took the free opportunity to send blows to the head, mid-section and his sides. The referee had to pull me off three times but each time he did, I ran right back only to almost get superman punched. Luckily I ducked, but again it was the wrong move because the referee received it instead.

The crowd was going ballistic, meanwhile both teams were freaking out behind the ropes. I stood there in confusion because without the referee what were we going to do? He was the one who would count till three and conclude who was the winner. Fuck you, Roman.

Apparently to Roman, the match was still on. Why do I say that? Because he decided to continue it by power bombing me to the mat when I wasn't paying attention. The impact did a number on my back like it did earlier, it literally knocked the wind out of me fully. It felt like he broke all my ribs and my spine with that move.

But aye, it wasn't enough to bring me down completely. While he wasn't looking, I did a low blow before throwing him back into his corner. I could care less about the impact. All I could envision was me winning.

It was a cheap shot, yes but the man was huge with nothing but rage and muscles. He would of destroyed me in his own way of fighting that I'm STILL NEW AT!!

"TAG ME IN ANNA!" I could hear John screaming at me from behind but I didn't move. I didn't want to, all I wanted was to get my hands on Randy and if that means getting my ass handed to me by the puppy dogs Shield, then so be it.

I waited till someone got tagged in, no one really tagged in voluntarily instead there was a forced tag, and that someone that was tagged in was Randy. All that pain in my body faded it was nothing and got replaced with excitement. This was my moment and my chance, just as I was about to run into Orton with a clothesline, John tagged himself in.

Every bone in my body wanted to just beat his ass and thrown him out the ring but I couldn't, he was my teammate and I didn't want my first night here to be ruined with a loss so instead I tagged myself back in once Orton pushed him into our corner. Clearly the crowd could see there was tension in my team and it was all because of me. Call me reckless or a hot head but like I said many times before, this was my moment. Not Cena's or Phil's or anyone in that matter.

Climbing the top rope, I did another frog splash on Ortan that sent both of us crashing down onto the mat. Once again I felt nothing but unbearing pain, yet it didn't stop me from throwing punches after punches, it didn't even matter where the punches were landing at, just as they were landing the way I needed them to.

Eventually the referee got up from that punch, luckily he didn't see me constantly punching Orton.

I quickly jumped off once the referee was fully up and aware. That gave Orton a chance to get up. Once he did, I hit him with two clotheslines, Randy was down for the count and I didn't want to waste that opportunity.

1

2

He kicked out at two, I wasn't really shocked because I didn't do much but like I said, I wasn't going to waste that opportunity. Standing up, I started off by kicking him in the sides than proceed to stomp on his hands repeatedly before I was told to stop by the referee.

I looked over my shoulder to see the Shield just staring daggers at me, especially Dean. I guess all that guilt from earlier disappeared once I kicked his brother in the nuts, not sorry though. He deserves it for being tagged in.

I didn't want to make the same mistake I did before with Dean, I couldn't afford to; so I turned my attention back to Randy who was now on his feet, he charged at me but I just threw him out the ring, over the ropes.

The crowd was still enjoying the show, with how much cheers I was getting. I was about to get cocky but instead I tagged in Sheamus so he could have some fun but unfortunately, the shield well...shielded Randy. So Sheamus and I did a swan dive on all of them into the barricade, I ended up landing on Dean and his hands were on my...yeah. My ass.

"Sorry.." He mumbled under his breath as if I didn't hear him, I just nodded and quickly got off. Phil ran to me to make sure I was okay, I wanted to push him off but instead I just nodded to every question he threw at me as he got back in the ring. The referee started counting meanwhile Randy was buried under Roman and two toned.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5....

Randy was unresponsive, Roman and Seth eventually got out the way but Randy was still knocked out.

6. 7. 8....

The crowd began to count with the referee but I just stood there in silence. There's no way Randy was going to lose in a count out...was this bitch letting us win the easy way? No fuck no!

Before the referee could say ten, Dean already shoved Randy back into the ring.

The counting stopped.

Sheamus, John, and Phil weren't happy but me? I was smiling like a kid on Christmas day. Randy was struggling to get on his feet. This was my chance! I quickly tagged myself back in, sorry Sheamus but I have to do this! With a kick to the face, I made Randy drop to the mat and that's when I did my move. I grabbed a hold of him, forcing his left arm to go backwards towards me, one arm was wrapped around his neck, the other was on the target I would break if he didn't tap quickly. I put all my weight in it to put enough pressure on his shoulder, Randy was now screaming in pain. His eyes were wide as he tried his hardest to break my hold on his shoulder.

No luck.

"TAP!" I screamed, putting more pressure onto his shoulder but not enough to actually break it, I can definitely feel the bone move underneath but again, I wasn't gonna stop until he tapped.

Still, no response, he was still fighting it. I had to admit that was brave for him but definitely annoying for me.

I basically had his arm locked in and my legs were wrapped tightly around his waist so he couldn't move. "TAP!" I screamed again out of frustration but he was still fighting it. So my hold got tighter until I heard a pop, I'm not sure if I actually broke his amr or dislocated it but still, I did damage and seconds later he was tapping desperately causing me to instantly let go.

We have won.

I had officially beaten Randy on my first day here. This feels fucking amazing….

Both Sheamus and Phil held my arms up, I was happy but yet my attention was on Dean who just gave me a wink before leaving with his crew. Randy on the other hand, was still laid out on the ring, this was a great moment to embarrass him.

Rolling out the ring, I took a cup of coke from JBL, of course he was about the protest but I cut him off by putting my finger on his lip. No one needs to hear you speak JBL, especially me.

Once I got back in the ring, I took the lid off the cup and poured it all over Randy.

He squirmed and yelled some threats and curse words as he held onto his arm but they were cut off my laughing.

"This is what happens when you fuck with me. And don't even think this is over. I'm coming for your title next."

This chapter was written by yours truly and a special friend of mine @ensorcellsworld, she did the editing and added more detail in it. Appreciate you for the hard work love 💕 more to come from the two of us!!

#fyp #fanfic #dean ambrose #wwe #mma #randy orton #seth rollins #spotify #roman reigns #world wrestling entertainment #ufc #sheamus #john cena #triple h #oc #instagram #adult model #brazil #wattpad #two women

[metamelonisle]

child straw hats i could beat in combat:

luffy: no

he has a rubber paramecia devil fruit that lets him stretch and shrug off blunt force attacks and he was trained by a marine vice-admiral. he would probably discover one of his iconic attacks and kill me to the main theme

zoro: no

this boy is literally introduced as already being skilled enough to beat grown trained adults in sword duels. granted they're all done with wooden katanas but do you want to even imagine fighting this boy with real swords and being told he's allowed to fight you with them

usopp: no

people say yes and because usopp is largely cowardly when it comes to the small stuff i have reason to believe i could probably win by staring at him too angrily and causing him to come down with "can't-fight-this-guy" disease on the spot. but also when it's down to the wire usopp is always very brave when he truly needs to be and is also famously crafty as hell when he fights and has a pain tolerance and durability on par with a guy literally made of rubber if not moreso. if he thinks he has nothing to lose then he will throw in the towel effortlessly but if he thinks he has no other choice i am going to get slowly bodied to death by a shivering boy with a slingshot that keeps getting up no matter what

sanji: no

trained by ex-new world pirate red-leg zeff and took to black leg style like a fish to water. he would crack my skull open in five seconds flat

nami: no

nami is a traumatized impoverished child knowingly being used as a gofer and cartographer for a criminal organization that killed her mom right in front of her and somehow has the reasonable hope that she can indeed fix everything on her own. i don't care what anyone says i am NOT fighting a child with enough guts to steal from pirates what the FUCK. i think she would stab me in the throat with no hesitation if she thought it would help her get rid of arlong faster

chopper: no

chopper is a reindeer with human thought patterns and he can shapeshift into a fully grown muscular humanoid creature if he wanted to he could crush me into a puddle of gore. he won't bc that's horrific and he wants to be a doctor but he would probably just immediately shift to heavy point (human form) and grab me by the throat and toss me into a wall and we're done here

robin: no

she can literally just kill you at any moment as long as you are in her field of vision and have a rigid spine and trachea bc she will just snap your neck from anywhere. yeah the arms are little kid arms but she probably just spawns four instead of two

franky: no

he would hit me with a wooden plank he found on the ground and i would die instantly

brook: yeah? no

yeah probably ig. but he's just a little guy. and he loves to play music. he loves sailing. i can't do that to him cmon

jinbe: NO

he is an anthropomorphic whale shark that got his black belt in magic karate by the time he was 12 are you shitting me

#paint.txt #this is a joke post based on stojdoes' 'child straw hats i could beat in a fight' videos #straw hat pirates

[consequencesofargentdawn]

You've been a thorn in my side for a long, long, long time now CoAD. A few screenshots of some things said in jest won't be enough to bring me down. Your blog has done nothing in the past few months apart from cause a few weak willed members to flee like the rats they are. Even though you've been trying to get into Shewp's head, he is far more resilient than a cretin like you gives him credit for.

The PCU is a -legion- and members are loyal. For every person that has left, more people have joined. CoAD will be too cowardly to post this, but know that the PCU is still growing stronger despite the claims made here. I want you to know that -I- like many others will very much be going down with the ship if you ever did happen to succeed (which you will not). You will never drive us from this server and we won't bow down by choice.

It will only be a matter of time before we find out who you and your editors. We know you have agents within the PCU as well, both old and new - they are being hunted within renewed effort and will be discovered and blacklisted for abetting you. You have had nothing more than a few 'minor' victories CoAD - the war is on going and there is only room for one of us in the future of Argent Dawn.

Hold on, let us get the 'how to deal with an internet tough guy' textbook.

Firstly, how is losing five guilds in four months doing for you? We found it rather funny that even after Grim Gest, Cleft of Shadow and Ardent Pursuit merged with their opposite faction counterpart ( We thought neutral RP was bad! ) These guilds have continued to lose numbers rather than gain them.

More on the PCU census soon actually, keep an eye open sports fans.

The PCU is anything but legion and loyal. Considering a majority of our contributions come from members or ex members disaffected with what is happening. A failed vanity project with its founder now actively trying to pull people off WoW. Guild leaders and officers repeatedly shown to engage in threats of violence and being sex pests. "THREE HUNDRED MEMBERS STRONG" is now barely down to about 30 active members at any major PCU event, the size of a normal guild.

Twenty five failed guilds, of which twenty have gone dead since Perroy fell off the radar last year. Your guild leaders are insulating themselves or outright abandoning ship. Vitsaus nervously stops advertising his guild as PCU in trade chat, all of your elf guilds have imploded spectacularly. Talirei(Azure Dawn), Lunarglade(Eternal Sisterhood) have ran off to make pseudo-PCU guilds with their loyal followers (The Sunspear and House Bemoux respectively). Even the nominal leader of the PCU, Gruggosh has made an insurance guild on the Alliance as the Sword of Triumph.

We fully expect the likes of you (either Coalburnt or a Grim Gang stooge writing this) to go down with the ship in emulation of your primary inspiration. Der Untergang of the PCU is already inescapable at this point and the whole server knows, we're just watching and waiting for the last rants of the PCU 'Endsieg' to whimper out.

So please, do continue showing yourselves to be the biggest clown convention Argent Dawn has ever known, please do continue to bully and harass your own members for non-compliance and ideological impurity. Please do continue to try and fail miserably at identifying 'big bad CoAD' and showing how much we live rent free in your heads. You only show the rest of us what kind of sick and demented people exist inside the PCU, so obsessed with image and control and unable to fathom people enjoying their hobby in a way they dislike.

#confessions of argent dawn #pcu #argent dawn eu #harassment #hypocrisy #bullying #coalburnt #morsteth #perroy #who is coad?

[shoshanna-hart]

task 11: write a letter - in which shoshanna writes a letter to her ex-husband

CONTENT WARNING: This is a letter written from a survivor of domestic violence to her abuser. It is written from a point of anger and rage, and it is not pretty.

Frank,

In the beginning, things were okay. I thought you wanted to take care of me. You offered me a job, a place to live, an education...what I didn't realize at the time, though, was that none of it was real. You weren't offering me help, you were dangling bait in front of my face - and I fell for it. Hook, line, sinker. I was too heartbroken, too naive to realize that you weren't a white knight coming to save me, but the one holding the poison. And you took advantage of that as fast as you could. You saw me at my most vulnerable, and instead of offering genuine help, you thought of all the ways you could hurt me. Are you proud of your success? Did it make you feel good? Make you feel like a big man?

When your guiding touch turned to stone, it happened slowly. I didn't notice when the necklace you bought me turned into a noose until I was already hanging. You passed off your controlling ways as concern. You used your age and your "experience" as excuses for how you knew better than I did, knew what I needed. And I believed you. Of course I did. You said you loved me, why would you want to do something to hurt me? You just wanted to protect me, that's what you told me. That's what I told my friends who saw through you. That's what I told myself.

Then, once you had me chained down with legal paperwork and a ring on my finger, you switched it up. I couldn't leave you as easily as I could before, and again, you took advantage of that. Seeing a pattern here? It started out gradually, a bruising grip on my bicep or thigh. You blamed me for your anger, and I blamed myself. If I hadn't overcooked the chicken, if I hadn't texted my guy friends, then you wouldn't be so angry. Right? So I did everything in my power to make sure I was the perfect little wife for you, and it never made a difference.

But that's not really what it was about - your anger, your abuse had nothing to do with me and everything to do with you. Inside, you are still a cowardly little boy. A pathetic excuse for a man. You'd think you'd at least have some redeeming qualities, since you seem to love yourself so much, but there are none. Your narcissism is pointless - there is nothing about you to love.

I still think about you sometimes, but not in the way I know you’re thinking. I don’t see your face in passing strangers and tremble anymore. And I don't miss you. What I think about is how you felt that day. I’m sure you thought nothing was amiss when you came home. The house was cleaned in the specific manner you required, the table set with fancy dishware - the second set, since you broke the first. But where was I? Gone. And what was on your plate at the head of the table? Divorce papers and a restraining order. I'll bet you busted that set of China too, later that night.

It gives me the sweetest, sickest satisfaction to imagine that. After all you've done, I finally have the upper hand. I will not be the spider you caught just to crush in your unforgiving grip. I will not be the garden for your seeds of doubt and guilt, only for you to scythe me down when I finally grow. I will not let you haunt me. You have taken enough of my life, you will not take the rest of it from me. I will not let your memory scar me like your hands did. You counted on keeping me small so you could smash me beneath your boot, but I’m so much bigger than you could’ve ever imagined.

Go Frank yourself.

-Shoshanna Hart

#tw for this whole thing #abuse tw #domestic violence tw #manipulation tw #grooming tw #age gap tw #hanging tw #merrocktask

[somebirdortheother]

Ok, so Kalle is Demerzel's ex wife. I'm calling it now.

I did say that I wouldn't bother you with the full account of my watching and I won't. But come on, I HAVE to share a bit, don't i?! So anyway, I'm starting episode 5 now. I have a lot on my mind about the previous episodes as well, I've tried to write it down as it happened.

First things first, and no offense, but if your "Prophet" takes one look at you, and the only nice thing he can say is "you have a fine suit" then maybe it's time to reevaluate your life's choices.

I wish a nun would lay it on me the way Constant went after Mallow. Nuns are married to God. If a nun is telling me that she wants to bed me, I'm not going to think twice about it. I'm cuckholding God and that's it.

Raych deserved fucking better. He got fucked over big time and I will never be ok about it. He just wanted to love and do right by humanity, and Hari used him because he lacked courage. He should've found it in himself to fall onto the knife on his own. It's not that hard, I've been stabbed before (true story). I mean it's bad. It hurts like Hell. But damnit, he didn't know that! It was his first time, he should've just fallen onto it and voilà!

I dislike Sareth a bit less. I find her whole entourage boring (sorry to anyone who might be offended here) but her boldness is refreshing. They're all stupid though. Cleon XII would've seen right through their bullshit a long while ago!

I'm pissing myself laughing "the man needs to be on top" he's so lame. The way he closed his robe after she left. He's so teenage boy coded. Demerzel didn't teach him shit! This is a disgrace, you have a robot lady, she knows basically everything, she could teach anyone how to become a sex god, and all you know of sex is that "men be on top". Pathetic.

FUCK YOU HUGO IS BACK?! FUCK ME THIS IS EVERYTHING I'VE WANTED (it feels weird though… It's… really him? It better be him or i'm going to kill someone). Alright, i'm going to kill someone. I'm very angry now. You don't use my dude like that. I was excited. Nope. I'm super sad :(

Ok episode is over. This was weird. A room full of telephaths? I'd just keep sing to myself "Cotton Eyed Joe" until they all start vomiting. I could defeat Charles Xavier, I ain't no scared of no Lady in White! (I don't trust her at all. Dressing in all white like that is so evil. White is so hard to keep clean, especially in a forest. The laundry on this place must be a nightmare! Whoever authorized that is evil.)

FNG

Ohoho! Let's break this down.

... Under the cut in case of further spoileriness...

Kalle as Demerzel's ex-wife - I didn't think of that and now it seems to be the only thing that makes sense! Spouses to bitter rivals, both having access to cloning technology and both wanting a piece of Hari for their nefarious / benevolent purposes! What could go wrong??? I must also inform you that Foundation community is preemptively very intrigued by your idea!

The number of times Hari complimented his suit made me feel like the line is a bit of a Chekhov's gun... Let's see what grisly end the fella with the fine suit will meet...

Hober - yeah, idk what the guy was thinking!

Raych - first of all... WHAT - you've been stabbed before!!! Glad to hear you're alright after the ordeal. It's a good point you're making though - it was cowardly of Hari to do that. He could have just let Raych escape while killing himself, but he was too weak. It's pretty clear that he feels very guilty over that, and naturally Gaal being less than happy over it doesn't help.

Sareth - yes... the "old" Empire wouldn't have this whole marriage plot to begin with and would never have anyone question them so boldly without being immediately killed. I suppose it only took a couple of generations for things to go to absolute shit. LOL at your judgement of her entourage. Respect. I am not a fan of the actress' skillset but I do appreciate Sareth as a character being dogged in her pursuit of finding out whether Day had executed her whole family. That's admirable. And she gets massive points for laughing at his lack of performance.

Last season, I was naturally a massive proponent of Demerzel and Cleons. This Day's pathetic nature is so POTENT that not only do I cringe every time they are together, but I find him barely watchable. And in a sense, I mean this in a good way - great acting from Lee Pace - this Cleon is a hoot.

Hugo... yes.... I think everyone is unanimous in this opinion!

LOL at Cotton Eye Joe - THANKS A LOT, that's going to be my theme music for Mentalics and that whole plot. Yeah, no comment. In general, I find telepathy in sci-fi pretty goofy, and it's VERY of the period for when Asimov wrote that. Apparently, it all traces back to one prominent editor at the time who LOVED that theme and a big chunk of authors ended up going with that trend. And now we see it play out on screen yet again!

THANKS FOR YOUR UPDATE, FNG! Please rate the episodes so far on a scale from 1 to 10 for each episode!

#foundation #fng foundation watch #foundation spoilers

[snailsandpuppy-dogtails]

Talking In The Pit

Continuing the posting of old work that was never posted. Happy one year to this cute Don & Ava piece. Don tries to have a heart to heart with Ava WC:416 Ao3

Should he even do this? Was it sexist to ask her? He didn’t really have anyone else to talk to…couldn’t talk to John, didn’t feel right. Couldn’t talk to Maureen, she was too reasonable. Penny too romantic…and young, Will, see the later half of the previous statement. Judy pfft, right, she’d mock him. Debbie was a good sounding board, but nothing more for obvious reasons. Ava though, Ava was always a straight shooter, it’s what made her such a good leader; fair, just, level. No, if he could talk to anyone about it, it was her.

"You know you're my best friend, right?” he glanced over from the tool chest, hand gripping wrench.

"What do you want, West?” Ava sighed, unimpressed at his small-talk opener, wanting him to get to the point so she could shut him down and move on with their day.

"What, a guy can’t tell his ex-boss she’s his best friend? Suddenly that means he wants something? I saved your ass, remember?"

“Maureen Robinson saved both our asses.” she reminded him.

“Well, I wasn’t leaving without you.” he pointed the wrench in her direction, walking towards the machine they were working on.

“This time.” she retorted. He had more or less atoned for the sin of abandoning the rest of the crew during the first alien attack on the solidarity. He’d shown his character had changed, that he wasn’t that same selfish cowardly person anymore, but she didn’t plan on letting it go.

"Here I am trying to have a moment, trying to tell you what you mean to me and you gotta be an asshole.”

She sighed again, deeper, “West, what is this really about?”

"Ok, fine… How can you tell if you’re in love? You have been in love, right? Because there’s this girl,”

"Judy Robinson?”

"What?! No. Anyway...There’s this girl, she’s incredibly smart - a prodigy, really, and she's determined, and strong, and she always does the right thing even if she isn’t really thinking the situation through. And she’s just. She’s incredible….She can get me to do anything, literally anything. Even if I say no, she just gives me this fucking look and I’m done for. I mean, I’m pretty sure if she said “Don, I need the moon” I’d find a way to get it for her, even if I had to do it chunk by chunk. Is that love? Am I nuts? Do you think I should see a doctor?"

"Yeah, Judy Robinson."

#Robinwest #lost in space #old fic #ava & don #don west #ava lost in space #snails tales #fluff