#like parents or children or siblings or friends or other members of the close circle

[soleminisanction]

I've always really liked DC's in-house choice of referring to their various superhero groupings as "families," but it has gotten a little frustrating recently with people both in canon and in fandom seeming to forget that families aren't just a parental-unit-and-kids formation. They're complicated, and a lot of the DC families are too messy to fit into that neat little nuclear family mode.

Which is to say... here's some scattered thoughts/summaries about how these families are actually structured in canon, because I think it's interesting:

Supers -- The smaller, more traditional Superfamily (Clark, Lois, Kara, Kon, etc.) is a pretty traditional Midwestern nuclear family, with Jimmy Olsen filling the role of close family friend/goofy neighbor sidekick (in the Silver Age, he was Kara's would-be suitor) and Steel feeling more like part of Clark's personal circle of friends. The recent line up, though, with Jon, the twins, Kong and Nat? Starts to feel more like some old dynasty or noble house, complete with fostered foundlings and the Steels acting almost like knights under a noble's banner, possibly reflective of what the House of El would have been on Krypton.

Arrows -- Might currently be the closet to a traditional nuclear family structure. You've got Ollie and Dinah, their younger sisters, Ollie's adopted and biological children, and Ollie's granddaughter through Roy, plus by some counts Roy's co-parent and her sister as "in-laws." Bonnie and Cissie King-Jones are adjacent to but not technically "part" of the family, though I believe it's implied at one point that Ollie might also be Cissie's bio-dad. Pretty straightforward, these guys are actually family and they act like it, for good and ill.

Shazam Family -- Also a literal, actual family. Not originally, the original golden age "Marvel Family" was considerably more complicated and only Billy and Mary were full siblings, but nowadays the whole point of the modern Shazam family is that they're foster siblings united by familial love and that's fantastic. Meanwhile your average Black Adam story is 75% angsty family drama, 25% Egyptian mythology references.

Flashes -- Technically closer to three nuclear families (the Allens, the Wests and the Garricks; four if you include the Quicks), two of whom are united by marriage and all of whom are bound by the Speedforce, which, given its semi-spiritual connections to things like Speedster afterlives, can act almost like a religious force that connects them to the additional members like Avery, Circuit Breaker and Max as Bart's foster-dad. They're a big, sprawling tree with more cousins than siblings, the kind of family that functionally has a reunion every Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Lanterns -- Now these guys are the exception that proves my point about the whole 'family' thing not being straightforward. The lanterns aren't a family, they're a corps. Soldiers. Space cops. Comrades-in-arms. They respect each other, have each other's backs, might even like or care about each other, but those last two are optional, and they don't have the same kind of assumed obligations towards each other that a family would have. They're friends and co-workers, not family, but that doesn't mean their relationships are less significant, they're just different.

Wonders -- Roughly half of them are either one of Hippolyta's daughters (Diana, Donna, Nubia pre-Crisis) or related to them through the gods (Cassie), and the other half (Artemis, Yara, modern-age Nubia) use sister as a term of endearment more in a utopian lesbian commune kind of way. I think they brought Steve Trevor back recently? He's basically the Ken in this equation and perfectly fine with that role. None of which should be surprising if you've seen Professor Marston and the Wonder Women.

Bats -- This is the one that people get really wrong when they try to force it into a traditional family structure. Don't let WFA fool you, the Bats are and have always been way more a snarled mess of tangled interpersonal relationships than they've ever been a cohesive family. Whether Dick is Bruce's son or his brother depends on what era you're talking about, and the former reading is much more recent than you think -- as in "started cropping up in the early 2000s" recent. Barbara is both Cassandra's sister and her mother. Duke and Steph both have living parents and neither of them want or would ever dream of treating Bruce like their dad; Tim was the same way until his dad died. None of the Robins ever lived in the mansion together, nor did Cass. Babs considered Jean-Paul Valley her brother and Huntress is so close to Tim she once hallucinated him calling her Big Sister. They're a beautiful mess of people finding places where their broken edges fit together into something that works for them and trying to reduce it down to a cozy nuclear family is just so goddamn reductive and lazy.

Blue Beetles -- Are only tangentially related to each other. Seriously, they never even get direct mentoring, each one just takes over when the previous one dies and works on completely different rules from the other two. They're complete strangers bound by a legacy and that's honestly pretty fun.

Zataras -- There's only three of them and they're literally a father, daughter and cousin.

Martians -- Not really a family because there's only the two of them, but an interesting case where the two survivors of what was functionally a war of mutually assured destruction came together in an attempt to find some peace in the aftermath of what they'd lost.

Titans -- The JLA and JSA aren't really in the "family" category, but the Titans lean into it hard, mostly because they're a textbook found family. They don't mirror a nuclear family structure, they're simply a group of people who came together to form a mutual support network. They're the idealized college friends you grew into your own with, some of them childhood companions and others you only met once you leave home for the first time, but all of them friends that you manage to maintain contact with for life, with everyone coming back together even as you scatter and do your own things.

Young Justice -- Meanwhile, this team is the chaotic group of misfits you hung out with when you were a teenager, especially when you were just starting to be allowed to act without adult supervision. You drive each other crazy, none of you know you're all queer as fuck, and you'd fight a bear for any of them even if they asked you not to. They'd probably be insulted if you tried to call them a family. They come out here to get away from their families, thank you very much.

#dc comics #meta #batfamily #super family #arrow family #flash family #wonder women #shazam family #batman #superman #wonder woman #green lantern #teen titans #young justice #kinda rambling #just kinda throwing some ideas together #families of choice #non-traditional families

[topazpearl]

Not me making the mental note to send asks and forgetting. Tähti: 💥 👪 (i know i know some of her family lore, but i crave more knowledge)✂️🔪

:autism creature yippee!! dot mp4:

💥 COLLISON - what emotions do they have trouble dealing with?

Sadness, guilt, and envy

👪 FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?

I think you have a good grasp on her family members, so i'll go into more detail on what they're like

Her father, ilmari: A mage, has taken on many of his children as apprentices. Raising so many unruly sons has made him a stern, patient, and well-coordinated man.

Her mother, neea: The only person in Tähti's immediate family who's a non-mage like her. She's a farmer/gardener, and Tähti often helps when she's not scouting. They have a very close relationship. Underneath years of the adulting/parenting grind in a post-apocalyptic world, she is an eccentric, silly woman. Tähti probably got a lot of her personality from her.

The oldest sister, henna: 22 yrs, a mage. Private, bright, and malicious towards anyone outside her circle (think slytherin). Tähti enjoys her company well enough, but wishes she talked more.

The first of her younger brothers, ossi: 15 yrs, mage. Secure, observant, approachable, but inactive. Tähti hates that he never does his chores.

Next younger bro, toivo: mage. He's 13 and thinks he's invincible. Highly-rebellious, confident, and quick to judge. Most Contentious with Tähti; they have a prank war.

Next, vilho: 12 yrs, mage. Unsupportive, introverted, unadventurous, but polite when necessary. He's often Toivo's right hand man in pranks against Tähti.

And finally, urho: 9 yrs, a mage. Rational, reassuring, calm and competent. Incredibly mature for his age. Pampered baby of the family. Probably Tähti’s favorite sibling.

✂️ SCISSORS - what is the "last straw" for them to cut someone out of their life? how easily do they let go of people?

If you betray her trust or go behind her back, she'll give you the cold shoulder. if she really likes you, you'll get one more chance. But that's it. She may not look it, but loyalty is very important to her. It's more upsetting for her to do this the closer she was to the person, of course.

🔪 KNIFE - how do they react to injury / misfortune befalling their loved ones (significant other, family, friends)? do they put themselves at blame?

It varies. In general, she avoids painful thoughts as much as she can, so she'll try to redirect to a more cheerful distraction. Worse case scenario, she may avoid the person entirely; out of sight, out of mind. this is very unhealthy lol! Unless she was directly involved, she wouldn't blame herself. Actually, even if she was directly involved, she'd probably shift blame to fate/the gods/someone else lol.

#ask fun! #ask meme #my ocs #nebulardrip #answered #tähti virtanen

[unravellingsilencehq]

“Oh, Merlin, tell me, does THE SCALES get what she deserves?” She is NEUTRAL & CLOSED to finding out.“

— she walks through the world as ;

name → andromeda black pronouns → she/her identification → cis female year of birth →  september 1957 - september 1958 face claim → emma mackey blood status → pure-blood  sexual orientation → graysexual occupation → defence barrister at the department of magical law enforcement at the ministry of magic future information → member of the order of the phoenix, wife of edward tonks, mother of nymphadora tonks

— she is best described as ;

A GOOD BOOK you curl up with on a RAINY DAY. She is a FAMILIAR FACE in a large crowd & the GENTLE SQUEEZE from a SATIN GLOVED HAND. She is as SOFT as a FUR SHAWL & as GRACEFUL as a SWAN. Her voice is filled with WISDOM & MONEY, her body has experienced LUXURY, yet her eyes sting with the INJUSTICE she longs to fight.

— her story starts with ;

tw: death

A kind hearted woman Andromeda Black is considered by those who know her well to have a pure soul, though many people outside her circle are often too overwhelmed by the idea of her very famous family to even give her a chance to show it. The middle daughter of CYGNUS BLACK [father] and his wife DRUELLA BLACK [mother], Andromeda was raised at Brideswater Manor in the Hertfordshire countryside, cloaked by magic and woodland to shield them from the eyes of muggles. The house always felt somewhat empty to Andromeda, though filled with heirlooms and trinkets she could hear their voices echo. Her mother had never felt like a natural one to Andromeda, who always seemed as though she’d rather have had dolls rather than children she had to attempt to control. Her eldest sister BELLATRIX BLACK [sibling] was wild and the majority of her childhood felt like raised voices across the dining room as Bellatrix desperately tried to impress their father with grand statements and facts about their world, whilst their mother rolled her eyes and once again reminded her of her manners. With this great power struggle going on, Andromeda was able to fly under the radar, content with a book and to do as she was told much to the delight of her mother. 

Dutiful and quiet, she only caused her mother headaches when she reached her years beyond school, but in her earlier years she was her hand. Able to plait the long silver hair of her youngest sister NARCISSA BLACK [sibling] and entertain her older sister or the children they invited round their home with conversation she didn’t much care for but did to keep the volume down at parties. She spoke when she was spoken to and rarely had an opinion that passed her lips, just the way Druella wanted it. But what Andromeda did instead was listen, whilst Naricssa longed to impress people with her beauty and Bellatrix with her mind, Andromeda sat and watched. Noticed the things people commended and the things that wrinkled their noses. People in her world of The Sacred Twenty-Eight were only interested in hearing their own opinions repeated back to them, whilst her father’s friends at The Ministry of Magic, had grand ideas about building a more equal world, she watched her parents smile and nod about when she knew they couldn’t think of anything more awful, but unlike her elder sister, the pair had a very good poker face. 

Arriving at school after Bellatrix and her cousin EVAN ROSIER [cousin] were leaving, Andromeda was given a place in Slytherin. She liked to believe it was her intelligence and determination that had gained her a spot in Slytherin, but her sorting seemed to be both a blessing and a curse, as the people she’d known her whole life embraced her, and new faces didn’t want to get to know her. Although her family had quite strict ideas regarding blood purity, which Bellatrix had very publicly aired, Andromeda had never truly felt convinced.The idea her family was any better than any other magical families due to their lack of muggle blood. She was of the opinion that blood and money meant nothing and it was one's mind and desire to embrace and make a change that truly made the measure of a person. Andromeda believed that deep down her family were those sorts of people. Her mother was a beautiful and kind witch that was truly loved by their community, whilst her father had a brilliant mind and had done such good in his work at Wizengamot. Andromeda told herself their opinions were outdated and signified the time they were born into rather than the world today, and that a lot of the people she associated with were simply symptoms of that very issue. 

It was her duty and her wish to slowly change their mind and she did it by surrounding herself with people she thought she could potentially have common ground with. ADRASTEIA GREENGRASS [best friend/housemate] was from a similar background to Andromeda, from a Sacred Twenty-Eight family and with a mother who worked in Wizengamot with Andromeda’s father. She was the only person in Andromeda’s world that she felt comfortable chatting theories and speaking about law with who knew what it was like to be from the social standing that everyone hated. Her friends ROSALIE FLINT [close friend] was also from The Sacred Twenty-Eight and had designs on great love and being married whatever that meant, whilst LUCINDA TALKALOT [close friend] was not from a Sacred Twenty-Eight family, but a long established and respected one, who had dreams of becoming Quidditch Captain and living independently where her parents could no longer control her. There they were, the rebellious Slytherin girls hiding in plain sight where no one could notice them and their grand plans. But it was hard to show any rebellion in front of Narcissa and her friends, so relationships like her friendship with muggle-born EDWARD TONKS [close friend/potential love interest] had to be kept a secret, something which AMELIA BONES [person of interest/former rival], was more than too happy to point out. 

Graduating a prefect, a member of slug club and narrowly missing out on Head Girl, Andromeda was focused on what she would throw her weight behind. Despite her mother’s complaints that yet another daughter would not be joining the marriage market, Andromeda accepted a position in Wizengamot as an associate of defence barrister RODOLPHUS LESTRANGE [close friend/potential love interest]. Andromeda at first found him a cold man, who more than likely thought she had gotten her job through nepotism rather than having deserved it, but the more cases she worked on the more Andromeda proved her worth and the two formed a bond. She felt like his right hand and by the time they had taken the SILAS CRUMP [former client] case, she’d become his right hand. Losing his case was gutting to Andromeda; she had longed to see him walk free and had always been determined he was innocent of the slaying of BOOKER BAGNOLD [person of interest]. Her suspicions were further heightened when MASON TREMBLAY [person of interest] was convicted of the murder of Amelia Bones and was plastered in the press as Silas’ lover, which Andromeda knew to be false as he had a wife and child. 

Something felt wrong to Andromeda and she was determined to figure out what it was. Between cases Andromeda began travelling Europe in search of his wife KAMALI SKANDER [person of interest] or his daughter CORIN HALE [person of interest] in the hope she could at the very least disprove The Daily Prophet article and clear his name. To her surprise, Rodolphus did not seem to be as interested in challenging their client’s verdict as she was, something that was certainly uncommon as Rodolphus had always played to win. Andromeda knew that Rodolphus knew he was innocent and after graduating from his services and becoming a barrister in her own right, she began looking into Silas’ case without mentioning it to her former boss. Although Andromeda would love to focus on Silas, another case has become her focus. A young werewolf named JONATHAN REEVES [client] has sought Andromeda out to help build his defence after the disappearance of Andromeda’s close friend Rosalie. Although a cold case, Andromeda has noticed mentions of Rosalie as the three year mark comes closer. Wanting the case to be taken seriously by the Aurors, Jonathan is willing to work with them to find the person who hurt Rosalie, but is concious that when a young witch goes missing, the first finger pointed is always at the boyfriend.

— she is a LEVEL 6 WITCH & readied for war ;

#harry potter rp #marauders rp #marauders era #andromeda black #1957 to 1958 #emma mackey #tw: death #taken #taken witch #taken neutral #neutral #ministry #m cygnus black #m druella black #m bellatrix black #m narcissa black #m evan rosier #m adrasteia greengrass #m rosalie flint #m lucinda talkalot #m edward tonks #m amelia bones #m rodolphus lestrange #m silas crump #m booker bagnold #m mason trembaly #m corin hale #m jonathan reeves

[nathanccrane]

CONNECTIONS

Most of these work for multiple people and are open for anyone, so as long as it's not marked as taken please feel free to reach out to plot for them.

POSITIVE

A MENTEE: Without children of his own (and his nieces and nephews mostly being too young) there are few options for whom Nathan can pass his knowledge, experience and success on to. Eventually, he’ll want somebody to step into his role for the Crane Bros. company, continuing their legacy for years to come. 

CHARITY CONNECTIONS: A big part of the Cranes’ public image is their involvement with various charities, including their own Crane Family Foundation. They all regularly attend events such as auctions and galas for good causes, so anyone Nathan may have forged a connection through such organisations and events would be someone he considered to be potentially useful in the future (rich, powerful, a gossip, easily influenced, etc.).

FAMILY FRIENDS: Jack Crane (Nathan’s step-father) is a respected figure among certain upper-class social circles. As a result, he and his family have an extensive network of good friends, people who will have been around to watch Nathan step into their world and grow up in New York. People he can trust (or knows better than to trust at all) with access to gossip about his family and old secrets could make for some good tension. 

BUSINESS PARTNERS: Characters the Crane family has worked with both in the past and the present, possibly involved with the more illicit side of Nathan’s business. Investors, suppliers, distillery workers, lawyers and accountants, etc.

NEGATIVE

BUSINESS RIVALS: After Columbia, Nathan worked for his step-father’s tobacco company for a while before splitting off to form Crane Bros. with Freddie. He needs rivals within the business world, both who were around when he was working for Jack and possibly view him as a nepo baby, or are around now and worthy contenders in the world of spirits with whom he can have either a frenemy-like relationship with, or outright hate because they’re always getting in the way. 

ENEMIES: Due to the Cranes’ history with crime, there are many possibilities for enemies made; mob links, disgruntled clients and employees, relatives of people Nathan’s hurt, etc.

NEUTRAL

A HOUSEKEEPER: Somebody in charge of the cleaning and general care of Nathan’s home. They would be a trusted employee, someone privy to the Cranes’ secrets and gossip from the social circle surrounding them as a result of their position within the house. Well-paid and well-treated because he’s not willing to risk his reputation as a result of a disgruntled employee.

A GARDENER: Somebody to take charge of Nathan’s garden and make sure it’s in top shape year-round. Similarly to the housekeeper, they might have more knowledge of what goes on behind closed doors in the Crane enterprise, leading to a higher respect from Nathan, who values his personal employees greatly.

DISTILLERY EMPLOYEES: Employees needed both in the legitimate side of the business (bartenders/hosts/tour guides/etc.) and those with a few less morals to work in the warehouse (arrange arms shipments/being sent on questionable errands/general goons).

FWBs & HOOKUPS: People willing to have flings without getting too deep, Nathan tends to hold most people at arms’ length emotionally, so he appreciates those who don’t necessarily equate sex with romance. [Open to all genders].

FAMILY MEMBERS: You can see the Crane Family Tree here, which includes Nathan’s parents, siblings, and nieces/nephews. Most of them are open for plotting/discussion to bring in, along with any cousins/other relatives that might come to mind.

#「 Wanted Connections. 」 #「 Updated Nov. 2023. 」

[teoayla]

STATISTICS:

Label: the empath

Full Name: Teo Ayla

Nicknames: None

Birthplace: Huntsville, WV

Parentage: Alberto & Alexa Ayla

Greek Zodiac: Virgo

Element: Earth

Temperament: Sanguine

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Role: Gatherer

Occupation: Assistant Librarian

character inspo — Marcy (Amphibia), Raine Whispers (The Owl House), Francis (The Witch Haven), Mabel Pines (Gravity Falls)

trigger warnings for none

BIOGRAPHY:

The Ayla family was just a regular small town family. Alberto and Alexa lived three doors down from their parents and ever since moving to America, the rest of their family lived relatively close as well. Growing up Teo was doted on by a barrage of aunts and uncles that lived in town, as well as his grandparents who were all in the area. There was always an emphasis on family and helping family, so as the years went along, the family ended up consolidating into two homes in Huntsville rather than the separate houses. Teo lived with his aunt's family and they raised their two children as almost siblings to Teo.

School was both tough and easy on Teo, as he struggled with socializing with students his own age, but had a love of learning. What that ended up translating to was hanging out with his cousins their friends and only really having his own social group comprised of talking to his teachers about different subjects. Teo never minded because he always thought having one or two good friends was better than having a large group of good friends.

He was fifteen when he came out to his parents, which they already knew and had accepted. Everyone in his family just wanted him to be happy. Being themself was more important than anything, but Teo knew that he'd be loved no matter what. And it didn't take long for them to make friends in their own community, which was really the first time they made friends outside of his family.

Teo spent most of his life trusting his parents knew what was best for them and trying to figure out what they wanted to do with their life. As growing up was never easy, despite a whole community of people that were loving and accepting, there was only one place that Teo ever felt happy and that was the library. So that's what he decided to be.

They graduated at the top of their class in high school and went off to West Virginia University with the plans to study communications and then get a master's degree in library science. College was a new experience for Teo and they spent most every night calling their parents with the news of what was going on in their life. They were able to spread their social circles into more niche groups: other queer folks, people who read, other people interested in the same series they were interested in. Teo was thriving in college, thankful to finally feel like they belonged somewhere.

Unfortunately, all of that feeling like he belonged came to an end when he went back for break in 2012 and got stuck back home. Teo didn't see his parents die, and with everything that was going on in the town, he also didn't see the majority of his family's deaths. All he has left are a few members who all have moved into his house.

Despite not fully getting his degree, Teo got a job at the local library in Huntsville. It's probably not the most important job in town, but the books are a comfort to people and it's one of the few forms of entertainment other than playing music. Personally, Teo has read every single book that's in the building. He's even working on his own book though he doesn't entirely know how to get it published.

#huntsvilleintro #teo: about. #teo: bio.

[pazodetrasalba]

Family

Dear Caroline:

This seems like a sassy follow-up on Henrich's WEIRD book, but it got me thinking a bit about my own inconsistencies as regards the topic. Like a priori, I consider myself a family person, so much so that Confucianism exerts a great deal of intellectual attraction as a philosophy for me.

[Herein follows a short list of the things I like about it:

-Greatly values learning and the culture of the past

-Relatively secular, this-worldly and meritocratic

-Idealistic about serving the world, but critical about individual hubris

-One should put one's house in order and be a model in the minor circles of self, family, friends, neighbors before stepping up

-One has higher obligations to parents, family and neighbors than to others, also one should strive to do good to all]

In many respects, it is the Anti-EA, and I am too much of a WEIRD person to buy into the hierarchical part of it, but as said, I do value the ties to my close ones, and unashamedly so, to the point of being really freaked out by Singer's and MacAskill's arguments of indistinctness.

But I was talking about inconsistencies earlier in the post, and they are there: I dislike most of my relatives outside of my nuclear family, and feel uncomfortable when I have to spend any amount of time with them (it doesn't help that I am the weird, intellectual member of the fold and the only one to have experienced higher education). Like, I have so little in common with them, and so little we can speak about. It's even worse with the neighbors. So there would be something hypocritical in my defending the prioritization of local communities I am not really engaged with to begin with.

I would definitely not idealize or wax lyrically about Asian extended families, but I think I would about the Western nuclear one (parents, siblings, loved one and children), all the more so when it seems to be in the throes of considerable crisis. And it is always nice to have a small set of people to fall back to for support whenever the whole world turns its back on you, and this is a truism that you yourself are probably experiencing right now.

Quote:

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.

Albert Einstein

#caroline ellison #family

[the-cat-at-the-theatre-door]

Tell me about your canon adjacent OCs

#and by that i mean like...characters you specifically created to add depth to or expand the universe for a canon character #like parents or children or siblings or friends or other members of the close circle #tell me all about them #i've come to the realization that aside from like 2 ocs i have - most of mine fill the role of being canon adjacent #like Agrona and 'Tom' are jenny's parents #Augustus and Adularia were Old Deuteronomy's parents #Seraphina was Gus' mom #and Polly and Milo are Victor's friends #etc etc #Emmeline was a tribe healer at one point #so i guess technically she doesn't count #extemporize back chat #i would like to hear about some others since i rarely talk about mine due to solely the reason that i haven't solidly sat down #and fleshed them out

[lee-scribbles-and-doodles]

My Top Ten Overlooked Movies With Female Leads In No Particular Order

Note: When you see this emoji (⚠️) I will be talking about things people may find triggering, which are spoilery more often then not. I mention things that I think may count as triggers so that people with them will be aware before going in to watch any of these.

Edited: 3/16/21

Hanna (2011)

So, before I get into why you should watch this movie, I just want to take a moment to say why it's near and dear to my heart. Growing up as a queer kid in the early 2000s, seeing portrayals of people like or similar to myself on anything was rare at best. It was mostly in more "adult" movies or shows that my parents would occasionally let me watch with them that I'd see any lgbtq+ rep at all. Often times they were either walking stereotypes, designed to be buried, evil, or all three.

Then here comes this PG-13 action thriller with a wonderfully written main female lead who, at the time, was close to my age, and who got to kiss another girl (her very first friend, Sophie) on screen in an extremely tender and heartwarming scene. To say the least, it was a life changing moment for me personally.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, Hanna is a suspenseful movie about a child super-soldier named, you guessed it, Hanna (played by Saoirse Ronan) and her adoptive (?) father Erik Heller (played by Eric Bana) exiting the snowy and isolated wilderness of their home and taking on the shadowy CIA operative, Marissa Wiegler (played by Cate Blanchette) who wants Erik dead and Hanna for herself for mysterious reasons.

It also has an amazing soundtrack by the Chemical Brothers, great action scenes, and it has an over arching fairytale motif, which I'm always a sucker for.

⚠️ Mild blood effects, some painful looking strikes, various character deaths, and child endangerment all feature in this film. However, given its PG-13 rating, a majority of viewers are presumably able to handle this one. Still, be aware of these going in.

Sidenote: It's recently gotten a TV adaptation on Amazon TV, although I have not watched it, and do not know if Hanna and Sophie's romantic/semi-romantic relationship has transferred over.

A Simple Favor

A Simple Favor is a "black-comedy mystery thriller" centered entirely around the relationship between two mothers, the reclusive, rich, mysterious, and regal Emily (played by Blake Lively), and the local recently widowed but plucky mommy blogger, Stephanie (played by Anna Kendrick). When Emily suddenly goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to find out what happened to her new best friend.

It's a fantastic and entertaining movie throughout, with fun, flawed and interesting characters. The relationship between the two female leads is also implied to be at least somewhat romantic in nature, and they even share a kiss.

⚠️ The only major warnings I can think of is that the movie contains an instance of incest and one of the main plotlines revolves around child abuse, although both of these potentially triggering topics are not connected to each other, so there is thankfully no csa going on.

Edit: I legitimately forgot there was drug use in this movie until now. So, yeah, if that's a trigger, be careful of that.

I Am Mother

I became mildly obsessed with this movie when it came out. I Am Mother is a sci-fi film that centers entirely around a cast of two woman, and a female-adjacent robot who is brought to life on screen with absolutely amazing practical effects.

The plot is such, after an extinction-level event, a lone robot known only as Mother tasks herself with replenishing the human race via artifical means. She begins with the film's main protagonist, Daughter. Years go by as Mother raises her human child and the two prepare for Daughter's first sibling (a brother) to be born. However, on Daughter's 16th birthday, the arrival of an outsider known only as Woman shakes Daughter's entire world view. She begins to question Mother's very nature, as well as what's really going on outside the bunker she and her caretaker call home.

⚠️ This movie features child endangerment and reference to child death.

Lilo and Stitch

When I decided to add a single Disney film to this list I initially thought it was going to be hard but almost immediately my brain went to Lilo and Stitch, and specifically about the relationship between Lilo and Nani.

On the surface, this film is about a lonely little girl accidentally adopting a fugitive alien creature as a "dog," but underneath that the story is also about two orphaned sisters and the older sister's attempts to not let social services tear them apart by stepping up as the younger sister's primary guardian. Despite its seemingly goofy premise, Lilo and Stitch has a very emotional and thoughtful center. It's little wonder how this movie managed to spawn an entire franchise.

Despite the franchise it spawned (or possibly because of it), I often find that Lilo and Stitch is overlooked and many people only remember it for the "little girl adopts an alien as a pet" portion of its plot, and I very rarely see it on people's top 10 Disney lists.

⚠️ This movie could be potentially triggering to people who were separated from their siblings or other family members due to social service intervention. There's also a bit of child endangerment, including a scene where Lilo and Stitch both almost drown.

Nausicaä and the Valley of the Wind

Unlike the above entry, I did struggle a little bit with picking a single Studio Ghibli film. Most media of the Ghibli catalogue have strong, well-written, unique, and interesting female leads so selecting just one seemed like quite the task.

However, I eventually settled on this particular film. In recent months, Princess Nausicaä has become my absolute favorite Ghibli protagonist and I'm absolutely enchanted by the world she lives in.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world overun by giant insects and under threat of a toxic forest and its poisoness spores, Nausicaä must try to protect the Valley of the Wind from invaders as she also tries to understand the science behind the toxic forest and attempts to bridge the gap between the insects and the humans.

For those who have never seen the film, I think Nausicaä's personality can best be described as being similar to OT Luke Skywalker. Both are caring, compassionate, and gentle souls who are able to see the best in nearly anyone or anything. She's an absolutely enthralling protagonist and after rewatching the film again for the first time in well over a decade she has easily become one of my all time favorite protagonists.

Whenever I see people talk about Ghibli films, they rarely mention this one, and when they do mention it, it's often in passing. In my opinion it's a must watch.

⚠️ This movie contains some blood, and the folks who either don't like insects or who have entomophobia may not appreciate the giant bugs running about throughout the movie. (Although most insects do not directly relate to real life bugs, and are fantasy creatures).

A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is an animated movie adaptation of a manga of the same name. While I've never had the pleasure to read the manga, the movie is phenomenal. It covers topics such a bullying, living in the world with a disability, the desire for atonement, social anxiety, and depression in a well thought out manner that ties itself together through the progression of the relationship between its two leads, Shoya and Shouko. It's also beautifully animated. Although very popular among anime viewers, I've noticed that it's often overlooked by people who watch little to no anime. So I suppose this is me urging non-anime viewers to give this film a chance.

⚠️ As mentioned above, the movie deals with bullying, anxiety, and depression (with this last one including suicidal thoughts and behaviour). If discussion of those topics are triggering to you, than you may want to proceed with caution or skip this movie all together.

In This Corner of The World

Another manga adaptation, this one taking place during WWII-era Japan. In This Corner of The World follows the life of a civilian Japanese woman, Suzu Urano, as she navigates simply living and her new marriage as the wartime invades nearly all aspects of everyday life. I think this movie is a good representation of what it must be like to be living as civilian in a country at war where the fight is sometimes fought on one's own soil. It was also an interesting look into pre-50s Japanese culture in my opinion. It's also beautifully animated featuring an art style I don't see often.

Despite it being well known among anime fans, I never really see it be brought up, even among said anime fans themselves.

Side note: I've seen many WWII dramas centering around civilians but they've almost always been about American or UK civilians. This was the first movie I'd seen that features the perspective of a Japanese civilain.

⚠️ Features the death of a child and limb loss. There's also a disturbing scene featuring a victim of one of the atomic bombs near the end.

Wolf Children: Ame and Yuki

This film follows Hana, a Japan-native woman who fell in love with a magical shape-shifting wolf-man, and her trials with raising their children, who can also magically shape-shift into wolves, on her own. It's a very heartfelt movie about a mother's love and the struggles of doing right by your children when you have limited resources to actively guide and care for them. All the characters feel unique and alive in my opinion. Also, the animation is so good that my sister and I initially mistook it for a Ghibli film.

Again, like the previous two anime entries, I don't see it ever brought up outside of anime circles.

⚠️ There's some child endangerment present in the film, although none of it is the fault of Hana as far as I can remember.

Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday is about the fictional Princess Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn), who while on a whirlwind tour of Europe, finally reaches her breaking point over having her entire life be one big schedule and all her words and actions being rehearsed. In the spur of the moment, she runs away in hopes of experiencing what life is like for other women. Unfortunately, she was previously given a sedative, meaning she doesn't get too far before it takes effect. Fortunately, she is found by the kind reporter Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck). Believing her to be drunk and unable to get an address from her (because she has none) he ends up taking her home for safety's sake and allows her to sleep off her suppose drunken stupor. The next day, he realizes who she is, and decides to take her on a fun sight seeing trip across Rome in hopes of getting the big scoop. Along the way, they begin to fall for each other.

This is my favorite black and white, old romance film. I think the relationship between the main characters is absolutely beautiful and I have a lot of fun watching it.

⚠️ I'm not entirely sure what kind of warning this film would need. However, it was released in 1953, so values dissonance will probably be at play for many viewers to at least some extent. For example, early in the film Ann is given sedation drugs by her doctor for her behavior, something that is very unlikely to happen today. Also, Mr Bradley deciding to take Ann home to keep her safe rather than call the police or an ambulance is a very pre-90s decision in my opinion.

#hanna 2011 #a simple favor #i am mother #lilo and stitch #nausicaä of the valley of the wind #a silent voice #in this corner of the world #wolf chilren ame and yuki #wolf children #roman holiday #black and white film #anime #disney #studio ghibli #movie recs #top 10

[hot-wiings]

The One Where [Y/N] [L/N] Can't Show Up To Her Toxic Family Dinner Alone, So She Turns To Her College Peer For Help.

Edited: 12-4-2020

Once your college professor dismissed the class as over you were quick to open your phone and check your messages. Once unmuted, it vibrated and chimed a dozen times bombarding you. Messages from your mother overflowed your notification bar. You just didn't have the energy to deal with it right now. With a scowl, you set your phone back to mute mode and harshly shoved it into your backpack.

"Everything all right?"

Your chemistry partner was pilling books back into his backpack when he asked you the imposing question. He zipped the bag close, stood up, and turned to you, giving you a concerned look as he slung his backpack on his shoulder.

"I'm fine."

"We've been partners for nearly a year, I think I know you enough to know when you're not fine."

Your eyes glanced up at the white-haired man before glancing back at your lap. Your chemistry partner, Natsuo Todoroki, was a nice young man. Natsuo was funny and kind, he noticed when you were having a bad day, and he'd try to ease your troubles. Maybe that was why you often found yourself studying your partner more than your notes. Normally you'd relish under the gaze and attention of your charming, pretty partner, but today wasn't just one of those days.

"It's stupid. Like, really stupid, and unimportant."

"If it's bothering you then it's not stupid. C'mon, I'll buy you lunch and you can tell me all about your problem."

You huffed as you stood up and pulled your bag over your shoulder. You followed Natsuo to the cafeteria, while he walked off to get and pay for your lunches, you found some empty seats. Your leg bounced as you waited for him to come back. The idea of opening up about something so personal made you anxious.

"It's Soba Saturday."

"Thanks."

Natsuo took a seat across from you and smiled as you took a bite out of the food. Happy that you were happy with your food, Natsou digs into his own.

"So partner' what's up?"

"As I said, it's really, really, stupid."

"You're obviously worked up over it, it can't be that stupid."

You let out a ragged sigh as you took a delicate bite out of your food. Embarrassed, your eyes avoided him once you swallowed and set the fork down. Natsuo had shared so much with you as a friend and confidant, you knew about his family, every nitty-gritty detail, but you opened so little in return.

"My mom texted me asking if I was bringing a date home for Christmas. My parents... They're pretentious and rich, you know? Marrying, and settling down, becoming a house mouse while my husband takes over the family business. That's the future they want for me."

You clenched your fists just getting aggravated thinking about it. The toxicity was hard and you were trying your best to escape it, but you could only flee so much when you were poor without your parents. Natsuo reached across the table and grabbed your hands, pulling them into his cold ones.

"I know if I show up alone my mom's gonna get in my business, then she'll try setting me up with rich men she thinks are suitable. I just- I can't do another family Christmas alone."

"I understand what you mean. I told you how my dad's a bastard, he's tried setting me and my sister up with suitable people before, never works out, just makes us hate him. I don't even wanna go home for Christmas this year, so... I have a proposition."

"I'd love to hear it."

"I'll go with you."

His voice came out quick and fast, almost making him sound nervous, but Natsuo didn't get nervous, it wasn't a Todoroki trait. You look up from your lap to his eyes. A small smile formed on your face as he proposed the statement. You let out a chuckle as a light blush brushed your face.

"You wanna be my date?"

"We don't have to go like that, we can fake date. Think about it, you need a rich, suitable guy to show up with you. You need me. Someone to convince your pretentious parents you're ready to settle down, and, I, can get out of my own family Christmas and obligations to see the bastard man."

"Fake dating... Fake dating and convincing my parents that we're in love. That's a lot to deal with, you're sure your up for it?"

"Yeah, you might say... We already have some chemistry together."

You laughed as that feeling bubbled up in your chest. That feeling you got whenever you were around your partner, your lab partner. It was stupid, so stupid. The idea of fake dating him bubbled you, even if it was fake, the idea that he got to be your boyfriend for an evening or two excited you.

"Okay, you dork, it's settled. You're my fake boyfriend."

Your leg bounced rigorously as the car drove on the road. You watched the road signs, anxiously noting how far away from your home you were each time a new one appeared. You lived a couple of hours out from the city you and Natsuo attended college in. Coming from a rich family, you and Natsuo probably would've attended the same social circles and school had you not grew up so far away.

Your thumb tapped away at your leg as Christmas music blared through the radio. Your whole body screamed anxious and distressed. Now that you've had time to brew and process the deal you and Natsuo made you regretted it. What were you thinking, taking your lab partner, who was also your crush, on an overnight trip as your fake boyfriend? It was just going to cause you trouble.

You had feelings for him and your family was toxic. The idea of letting him in was disturbing. It was your home where you grew up, the place you learned to hate yourself, the place that taught you to be closed off, and mean. He'll meet your mom, your dad, and your godawful siblings. He'll see how horrible your family is, and the idea of letting him see the environment you grew up in was so daunting.

What if he decided you were awful too? What if he changes lab partners?

"We're here."

"Great."

Your voice came out placid and tight. Your nervousness and exhaustion could be heard in your voice. Emotions brought out every time you saw your family, he mistook it as nerves brought on by the fear of fake dating.

"We should probably lie down some rules."

"Yeah, I've never fake dated before. I don’t know what you're uncomfortable with, but no kissing on the lips."

Natsuo pulled his keys out of the engine ignition and pocketed them while he lightly laughed at your proposed rule. Heat rose to your cheeks as his voice met your ears.  

"We're supposed to convince them we're in love, but I can't kiss your lips?"

"I know it's silly, but to me it's romantic and I’d like to keep this professional. Besides, you still have my cheek, hand, nose, and forehead."

“I see your points, if it makes you feel more comfortable then lips are off-limits.”

You let out a relieved sigh. You weren't sure you'd handle kissing Natsuo. It was too personal, too romantic. The more you progressed on this endeavor the more you worried. Your parents were gonna know, they were gonna know. 

"No kissing your lips, what about hand-holding?"

"We can hold hands, hug, anything a couple would do, just no sex or kissing."

"Two days, as a handholding loving boyfriend. Let's do this."

Natsuo got out of the car and while you zipped up your coat and fixed your scarf he rushed to the other side of the car and opened your door before you got the chance. His cold hand was on your hand pulling you out of the car, he smiled softly at you as he helped you out.

“Thanks, you didn't have to do that.”

“I wanted to, I'm your boyfriend after all.”

You pushed a piece of hair behind your ear as a light blush spread across your skin. Never had you been more thankful for the cold air for you had been able to play your pink cheeks off as an effect of the cold weather and not his words. 

“You go in, I’ll get our bag.”

“You sure?”

You nibbled on your lip as Natsuo walked away from you. He turned to you with an ever-growing smile present as he winked. 

“Yeah, I'm a good boyfriend aren't I?”

“The sweetest ever. See you inside.”

You made your way to the door and gave the heavy wooden door a hard knock. It wasn't long until one of the servants opened the door. The head butler, Godwin, opened the door and threw you a gracious smile before pulling you into a hug. 

“Welcome back, [Y/N].”

In your time living here as a child, Godwin spent a lot of time with you. It was his job to watch over you and your siblings along with the other staff members when your parents were gone, which was often. He was the one who taught you to be kinder and nicer, more humble than your other siblings. He was the one who encouraged you to go to college despite your parents raising you to live in a world with their racist, sexist ideals. 

“It’s good to see you, Godwin.” 

Your mother came down the stairs with her overly expensive Christmas dress flowing with her. She looked like the average rich person trying to show off her money. Pearls, diamonds, and obvious plastic surgery. Your father followed behind her, adorning an expensive tailored suit and a matching tie, no doubt your mother's idea to make it seem like they had a perfect marriage to their guests when it, in fact, was not. 

“Oh, [F/N], you're here!”

She walked up to you and awkwardly wrapped her arms around your body. It was weird and awkward. Your mother didn't like giving affection out to her children, or really anyone. Now that you were older, you didn't crave the attention from her. Your father didn't even attempt to greet you. 

“I thought you said you were bringing a guest, Oh I knew you were lying. Lucky for you I thought ahead and arranged for one of your father's friends to come over as your date for the evening.”

“Mother, anyone friends with father is going to be way too old to be a date for me, besides that fact, I did bring a date.” 

“Oh, don’t be embarrassed to ask your mother for help, I did give birth to you after all.”

She sneered her words at you. This was a classical move of your mothers because she gave birth to you then that must mean she knows you better than anyone else, she also used it in the stance that you owed it to her to do what she wanted.

“You’ll love him. He's the owner of a multimillion-dollar company, he's rich, and his wife just died! You’ve been single for so long, you need a man to take care of you”-

Your mother is cut off by the sound of Natsuo walking in with your bag and slamming the door shut, trying to keep the cold out. Considering it was an overnight trip, you thought sharing a bag might make you look more intimate and close. 

“Sorry I took so long babe, I didn't zip the bag all the way closed and it opened on the ride here, I had to put everything back in it.”

“Mother, father, this is my boyfriend.” 

Natsuo dropped your bag on the floor and shook your parent's hands starting with your father, and then your mother next, respectfully the way you shook hands with the rich. You supposed growing up as a Todoroki he had to learn these tricks and rules the same way you did. 

“Natsuo Todoroki, nice to meet you, sir, ma’am.”

“Oh wow, Todoroki? Like the hero family Todoroki?”

“Yes, ma’am... Endeavor is my father.”

You could tell by Natsuo's stance that he was uncomfortable with the way your mother was asking about his social status and checking him out with a tight fake smile on her face.

“Yes, I remember now, I saw your family on the news. How did you snag this one [Y/N]? A Todoroki, I'm impressed, then again... He is the brother who chose not to follow the life of a hero.”

You both ignored your mother's catty comment as Natsuo grabbed your hand and pulled you against his side. He kissed your cheek, eliciting a light blush for the second time that day, however, your mother's focus was on your 'boyfriend', and his focus was on your mother. 

“Feels more like I'm the one who snagged her.”

“Well, you must tell us how you met. Goodwin! Take their bag up to [Y/N]'s room!” 

You rolled your eyes as she yells at the butler. You'd think after years of working for her she would've remembered his name, but she didn't.

“Godwin, we can take our bag up, we need to change into our dress clothes anyway. Mother, you really should remember the names of your staff.”

“They're just the help, details like their names don't matter. Ever since you went off to that school it's put silly ideas in your head. Natsuo don't be afraid to remind her who's boss, she might try to force those ridiculous relationship norms on you.”

The comment comes from your father who had been mostly silent throughout the whole conversation. The comment comes from your father and it didn't sit well with Natsuo. As your father laughs at what he said, Natsuo picks your bag up and chuckles at him. 

“Oh, [Y/N] and I both know who the boss of this relationship is. [Y/N] attends more classes than me, so I always make sure the apartment is clean, and food is ready on the table for her. It's only fair, I wouldn't want her to think these ridiculous relationship norms where the woman cooks and cleans and the man provides is right.”

Before your father gets another word in edgewise, Natsuo pulls you along with him to the staircase, letting you guide him to your bedroom with appeased smiles on your faces. You pushed the door open and let Natsuo in before closing it and locking it. You flopped over on the bed, and he followed suit before taking a look at your room. It was the same as always, the way you left it after high school, never changing except for when little things got moved around for dusting and vacuuming by Godwin. 

“So... What'd you think of my parents?”

“They’re... interesting?”

There were a wide variety of choice words Natsuo wanted to use. He did not like your parents, and it bothered him knowing that you grew up being raised with such ideals. Natsuo might have had a bastard for a father, his father might have hurt his mom, and his family in more ways than one, but his father never once told Fuyumi that she couldn't pursue her dreams. He never once told Fuyumi that she had to follow old gender norms, never once was Fuyumi taught to layover for a man.

"It's okay, you can say it. They're good awful."

"I didn't want to upset you or offend, but my father literally drove my mom insane, he gave her a mental illness and he's nice compared to them."

"Just wait until you meet my siblings."

You let out a laugh as your fingers played with the blanket on the bed. Your hands were so close. It was sweet to him, the sound of your voice. He'd never admit out loud, but he was so in love with you. Ever since he first laid eyes on you in chemistry class. Ever since you sat down next to him and introduced yourself, ever since you accidentally blew up your first experiment. Ever since you kept apologising for catching him on fire, you hadn't a clue who he was, or who his father was. You were normal with him. Every little thing you did lead up to his feelings for you. Every little thing you did added to the strong feelings had had, like a brick house.

To the naked eye, Natsuo was a desirable man. He was rich, filthy rich, and he had that Todoroki charm. Everyone wanted him for his status or his looks. They didn't know him, the real him, him with an abusive father and fucked up family. For all those reasons, Natsuo always thought that you wouldn't want to be with a boy like him. Someone who came from such a broken background, someone so weak, unable to stand up to his father. Guys like him never got the girl, at least not the girl that he wanted but Natsuo also never imagined that you came from a background similar to his. It was so ethereal and special to be here with you, to be the one you were opening up to, even if it was a fake relationship, Natsuo was trying desperately to shoot his shot.

"You're so strong, you know that? Your parents raised you with these unrealistic standards on how you should act, but you're in college, you're pursuing your dreams. You're amazing."

Natsuo's hand reached out and grabbed yours, his cold one in yours soliciting goosebumps and a little shiver. You quickly tried to pull your and out of his and stood up to make it look like you weren't trying to avoid skin contact with him.

"Thanks, Natsuo... You're amazing too, I mean hello, they way you subtly told my father to shove his marriage ideals? It was hilarious, he was not expecting that."

You looked away from Natsou to hide the blush in your cheeks, you were thankful for the way he stood up to your father for you. You could never have done that in a million years.

"Anyway, we should probably get dressed, and go down before my mother thinks we've started having sex. You can get dressed in here and I'll go to the bathroom, just knock when it's safe for me to come out."

You grabbed your dress out of the bag and scurried into the bathroom. You started with makeup, then you reapplied your deodorant. You were so nervous that your family would see right through your lie. After taking a few deep breaths you heard Natsuo's knock so you quickly unzipped your silk, baby blue dress and pulled it up to your body. Nervously, you popped your head out the door and bit your lip.

"Can you... Can you zip me up?"

"Sure!"

You let the door open more and pulled the front of your dress tight against your body, worried and nervous to be partially naked in front of him. Natsuo sauntered into the bathroom and zipped the back of your dress up. His cold hands glide up your back and then fell down on your hips. It made you shiver again before throwing him a grateful smile.

"Thanks."

"No problem, you look beautiful."

You looked in the mirror at the two of you together. This time as the blush rose to your cheeks you didn't have the cold to blame or the ability to turn around and hide your face.

"Ready to meet the rest of the snake nest?"

"I survived your parents, I think I can handle your siblings."

Arm in arm looped together you made your way downstairs and into the entertainment room with Natsuo. Your siblings were sitting on the couch, but once you walked in their eyes struck you. They heard you brought a date and they wanted to check him out. Their eyes glazed over him some of them in interest, some in disinterest. All judging.

"I heard you brought a boy, didn't believe it."

The comment comes from your older sister. Her voice was full of disdain and disinterest, undoubtedly ready to leave.

"Yeah, mother said you brought a boy, didn't think he'd be so hot."

Natsou coughs uncomfortably as you showed a tight, fake smile to your sister. You couldn't lie, it hurt that your younger sister would so blatantly flirt with your boyfriend upon meeting him, whether he be fake or not.

"Don't be such a slut, [Sisters Name]. That's your sister's boyfriend."

Your older brother scolded his youngest sister for her lustful behavior and she rolls her eyes before she crosses her arms in a pout. Your brother was the nicest out of all your siblings. He was nice to you and your siblings in his own way, protective of his younger siblings, constantly scolding and trying to keep you all in place. That didn't mean he couldn't be a snake, he could just tolerate you and your siblings more.

"Besides, he's not all that hot."

"Oh he totally is, it's seriously a wonder how [Y/N] got him."

You brought Natsuo over to the couch and sat down next to him. You even made sure to sit close to him, close enough so you could lean into each other like a cute couple.

"I think I prefer your parents."

His words whispered in your ear earning a light chuckle from you. Your sister, the younger one, evidently didn't like how close you both were. With a harsh glare, she rolled her eyes again.

"How did you even meet? Seriously, I wanna know why he would downgrade to someone like you."

Natsuo scratched the back of his head awkwardly and nervously He didn't understand why your siblings were so mean to you. His father was a bastard, that closed you off, that he could get. Despite that, he and his siblings never put each other down like they were doing.

"More like she downgraded to me. We met in school, lab partners. She had all the boys chasing for her in school, but somehow she chose me."

Your sister scoffed and this time you rolled your eyes. She always gave you such shit over the littlest things. You didn't have the energy for this, at least not sober. You whispered into Natsuo's ear softly.

"I need a drink, you want one? We'll need it to get through the evening."

"If your alcohol mixing skills are anything like your chemistry mixing skills, then no."

"Meanie, I'm a great chemist, I practically carry our grade."

Natsuo chuckled against your cheek, before pulling back and kissing it. Again, a blush adorned your cheek with no way to hide it. It was brief and quick, but his cold lips ghosted against your cheek. All you could do was abruptly stand up with a smile on your face.

"I'm gonna go find an alcoholic beverage. I'll be right back, play nice with him."

Natsuo watched helplessly as you walked off into the distance. He sat there quietly, patiently waiting for you to come back. Natsuo was such a cool, calm collected guy, but alone with your siblings, he felt nervous. Seeing the way they acted with you gave him a bad impression of them, but he has to play nice because he was your boyfriend.

"You know, an alcoholic drink does sound great."

Your older sister stood up from the couch and walked off in the same direction as you did, the kitchen presumably, to make herself a drink as well. Soon, your brother left the room as well, your little sister bit her lip as she watched your brother walk off in the direction of the bathroom. She was quick to stand and in the place you once held occupied.

"My sister said play nice, but I'd rather play rough."

She slid her hand over his thigh and inched it closer to his crotch while she smiled up at him, nibbling on her lip.

"What are you doing? I'm here with your sister, I'm her boyfriend."

"Ugh, what do you even see in her? She's not even pretty."

Before Natsou could reply, before he could defend you, your sister climbed across his lip and planted her lips against his. He wasn't kissing her back, but with her on top of him, her pressing her face against his, and her fingers deeply gripping his clothes it was difficult to get her off of him. He wasn't kissing back, he was trying to push her off but as you walked up with two margaritas in hand all you saw was your fake boyfriend kissing your sister.

It hurt. It shouldn't have, but it hurt. He wasn't yours, not really. He was just your lap partner, your friend. He wasn't your boyfriend, you were just fake dating. He wasn't yours. He wasn't yours, but it hurt to see your sister all over him. He wasn't yours, but for the night he was supposed to be. He wasn't yours but for the sake of your lie you did what any girl would do after finding her boyfriend cheating on her: You dumped your margarita down the skank.

"[Brothers Name] is right, you are a slut! And you- you-"

As your sister pulled herself off of Natsuo she looked up at you shocked with alcohol dripping down her body, you ignored her and turned your attention to Natsou. Your eyes were blurry but you had to will yourself not to cry.

"I don't need you here. You can just leave."

You didn't wait for Natsou to get up and leaves nor did you want for him to talk and explain anything to you. You simply took off in the direction of your bedroom, slamming the door behind you. Natsuo quickly jumped up on his feet and took off in the direction of your bedroom. He didn't knock, he didn't wait for permission, he just busted in and ran over to you.

"If you want to make out with my sister, that's fine. I get it, she's pretty, she's hot, she's better than me. She's everything you'd want, but you were supposed to be here with me! You were supposed to be here as my boyfriend! My parents were supposed to think we're in love. You were supposed to be mine, I don't care if it's fake, you cheated with my sister!"

The tears were leaking down your cheeks as you yelled at him. No words could pass Natsuo's lips, no matter how hard he tried. They couldn't. Seeing your tears, a product of him hurt. It hurt. He hurt you. He was trying his best to shoot his shot, he was trying to subtly woo you.

"Your sister came on to me, I tried pushing her away. She's really is a snake, you said it yourself!"

You still sniffled as you nodded at him. He was right, you had said that. He was right, she is a snake and this is exactly what she would do just to screw with your life.

"I'm sorry, your right. I shouldn't have acted like that, you're not actually mine. Natsuo, I do need you, I need you here."

"What if I wanted you to really be mine?"

You sniffling stopped as Natsuo took closer steps to you. He placed his hands on your cheeks and pulled your lips against his. This was different from earlier. The kiss wasn't quick, it was long. It was long and passionate, yet cold. Despite your shivers, you found yourself leaning into him, into the kiss.

"You- You can't do that, it's against the rules."

"Screw the rules. I just- I wish you needed me every night of the year, not just Christmas."

Natsuo ran his hands through his hair nervously. He thought speaking against your father and defending you against your sister was enough to get his point across. This idea of verbally speaking it, it scared him. This was uncharted territory for him.

"I want you [Y/N]. I want you every day of the year. I want to kiss you on the lips, I want to hold hands, I want dates and hugs. I want more than chemistry class and Christmas gatherings."

"Then you can have me! Have me every day of the year. Be mine, every day of the year. Take me on a date, hold my hand, kiss my lips!"

Natsuo pulled you against him and your face collided with his chest. You buried your face in his chest as your arms wrapped around his body and a smile formed.

"Let's not fake date, be my actual girlfriend."

You leaned up and left a quick chaste kiss on Natsuo's lips with a smile.

"I don't want anyone else to be my actual boyfriend, I suppose you might say we chemistry."

#bnha #boku no hero academia #bnha x reader #mha x reader #mha #x reader #anime x reader #boku no hero academia x reader #boku no hero #x reader insert #natsuo x reader #bnha natsuo x reader #mha natsuo x reader #mha todoroki x reader #bnha todoroki x reader #todoroki x reader #natsuo todoroki x reader #mha natsuo todoroki x reader #bnha natsuo todoroki x reader #todoroki natsuo x reader #bnha todoroki natsuo x reader #mha todoroki natsuo x reader #natsou x reader #bnha natsou x reader #mha natsou x reader #natsou todoroki x reader #bnha natsou todoroki x reader #mha natsou todoroki x reader #natsou todoroki

[muertawrites]

Two Halves - Chapter One (Zuko x Reader)

Word Count: 3,700

Author’s Note: I decided to set this a few years after the war, when Zuko is Firelord. I didn’t want to stray too far from what was canon in the series - what with Katara being the only bender left in the Southern Tribe and also trying not to add extra family members because that always feels weird to me - so the reader in this story is a girl from the village who lost her parents to a raid and was essentially adopted into Sokka and Katara’s family; she stayed behind to watch after the tribe when they left to help Aang, and now, as the chief’s surrogate daughter, is arranged to marry the Firelord to help bring the two nations together. Chaos and sweet, tender romance ensues. This is also going to be a mini series! I have no real plot and no idea how long it’s going to be, but that just adds to the fun of it all. Stay tuned.

~ Muerta 

“You can’t be serious.” 

Sokka, seated beside you, instinctively offers you his hand, which you willingly, eagerly take, gripping it tightly in your lap. You can’t decide if you feel anger or fear; the two mix sourly in your stomach. 

“I am,” Chief Hakoda says. His tone is even, and infuriatingly understanding. It makes you want to scream. “Your presence in the Fire Nation will be key to unite the nations in peace once again. They’ve been closed off from the rest of the world for too long - you’ll be an ambassador for our people.” 

“Then make me an ambassador,” you snap. “Marrying me off to the Firelord is no better than letting him come here and colonize us.” 

Hakoda glowers sternly at you. You shrink back, Sokka giving your hand an assuring squeeze.

“Firelord Zuko has made great strides to restore what his ancestors destroyed in the years since the war,” Hakoda scolds. “He’s an honorable, respectable man. I expect you to treat him as such.” 

You look back up at him, letting out a heavy, defeated sigh. 

“I don’t have a choice in this, do I?” you ask softly. Your voice quivers, revealing the terror behind your rage. 

Hakoda’s expression softens as he stands. He helps you onto your feet, holding you gently at the elbows and looking apologetically into your eyes, one of his hands reaching to brush your hair behind your ear. 

“Just because the war is over, it doesn’t mean the need for sacrifice is,” he tenderly says. “You’ll do great things as the queen of the Fire Nation. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t trust Zuko to treat you well.” 

In Hakoda’s eyes, you see the man you knew as a child, the man who brought you into his family when you lost your own to a Fire Nation raid. You love him as much as you loved your own father, and know he loves you as much as his flesh and blood children; you trust that he would never put you in harm’s way. 

Hakoda leans forward and kisses your forehead, holding you close for a long moment before letting go, breaking contact with you completely. The pain on his face tears a gaping hole in your heart. 

“You leave in three days,” he tells you. “You’ll be in good hands - I promise.” 

Though you know it isn’t for the last time, leaving the Southern Water Tribe hurts so much you think it might kill you. 

You cruise across a calm ocean in a Fire Navy ship; luckily Sokka was allowed to come with you as emotional support, as well as to represent the tribe at your wedding. The presence of Zuko’s uncle is also calming to you, despite how little you know him, and how not long ago you would have considered him an enemy. There’s just something about Iroh that makes you feel safe, and you only hope the same holds true when you meet your husband to be. 

“Zuko sent me to ensure your safe passage,” Iroh told you when you first boarded the ship. “Think of me as your guardian spirit.” 

You stand on the deck, basking in the newly warm weather and taking deep breaths of fresh ocean breeze. The peace of the moment helps you lose yourself, forgetting your fate entirely, if only for a moment. 

“How ya feeling?” 

Sokka sidles up next to you, placing an assuring hand on your shoulder. You reach up and curl your fingers around his, sighing.  

“Awful, now that you’re here,” you tease. 

Sokka chuckles. 

“I could still make good on that promise I made when we were kids,” he offers, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into the side of his sturdy, familiar body. “I don’t think Suki or Dad would be really happy about it, though.” 

You let out a huff of laughter, remembering all the times you used to play together before the war brought you closer; you used to have intense crushes on each other, and Sokka always promised that he would marry you when you both got older - plans that changed when you effectively became siblings. You lean your head into his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence.  

“I’m just scared,” you tell him. “I always planned for great adventure in my life, and to help people, but… this doesn’t seem like the right way. It feels like I’m being taken prisoner.” 

“They say that having too many plans for one’s life keeps one from finding their true potential.” 

You turn, meeting Iroh’s gaze as he crosses the deck to where you stand. You part with Sokka and bow respectfully, trying to hide the embarrassment that heats your skin. 

“I apologize, General Iroh,” you greet him. “I didn’t mean any offense.” 

Iroh tuts at you, placing a hand on your shoulder to gently straighten you up. He meets you with a kind gaze and a soft smile. 

“Fear is to be expected, my dear,” he says. “You can’t have a great adventure without also facing a great fear.” 

He turns and peers out across the water, inhaling and releasing a deep, contented sigh. 

“The weather is lovely today,” he notes. “Why don’t we all enjoy it together, with a pot of tea?” 

And so a tea set is brought, along with a table and cushions, and you and Sokka join Iroh as he demonstrates how to brew the perfect pot of jasmine green, generously serving each cup. He toasts to your being together, and you drink heartily, savoring the exquisite taste of his famous tea. 

“I understand how you must feel,” Iroh addresses you once you’ve all settled. “Coming to a strange country, among people responsible for so much of the pain you’ve experienced; you’re exceptionally brave for doing what is best for your people.”

Iroh takes your hand, cradling it between both of his. 

“I am sorry for how my nation - my family - has hurt you,” he says. “My nephew and I only want happiness for you with us, and we will do all we can to ensure it; I give you this vow among his.” 

He squeezes your hand tightly, and you grip back, accepting his promise. You bow again, lowering yourself so that your face is almost level with the deck of the ship. 

“Thank you, General Iroh,” you reply. “Your generosity means everything to me.”

When you sit up, Sokka places a hand at your back, giving you a comforting smile. 

“Zuko’s a good guy,” he assures you. “I really think you’ll learn to like him.” 

Your arrival in the Fire Nation, much to your surprise, is met with celebration. As your ship pulls into port, army and navy officers in full ceremonial regalia perform displays of their bending, a traditional band playing cheerful, joyous music to welcome you to shore. A procession of military vehicles escorts you through the streets of the capital to the palace, citizens emerging from their homes and businesses to catch a glimpse as your carriage rolls by. The people who manage to see you are elated, if not curious, staring at you with wide eyes and rapt attention; Iroh explains that many of them have never seen a foreigner, as travel to the nation is only just starting to become somewhat commonplace. You’re confronted by the beauty and grandeur of the city - the tall, elegant buildings with their ornate details are far from anything you’ve ever seen in person, even with the rapid development of the Southern Tribe. 

In the palace, you’re immediately whisked away to your own wing, your quarters designated to a set of quaint buildings circling a scenic courtyard. Tradition dictates that, from the time of your engagement, you aren’t allowed to see the man you’re meant to marry until you’re both at the alter; the first few days of your time in the Fire Nation are spent in seclusion, resting off the fatigue of travel and acquainting yourself with the new culture you must now call your own. Though you have to keep your distance, you’re relieved when, on your first morning in the palace, you find a letter on your doorstep, scrawled in a refined, graceful hand and addressed from the Firelord himself. 

Hello, it says, Zuko here.

I wish I could introduce myself in person, but unfortunately, this will have to do for now. Sokka has told me much about you in the years we’ve known each other, and he always speaks of you highly. My uncle is also already enamored with you, and tells me he already considers you family, so I hope this brings as much comfort to you as it does to me. I don’t think I could have chosen a better woman to rule at my side. 

I have to admit that I’m nervous about getting married. I still feel like I’m too young, and still just figuring things out. But I guess if I can lead a country and make peace after a hundred years of war, I can have a wife and make her happy. I hope I do make you happy - I hope we can be close friends and lead the nation strongly together, for the better of both our homes. 

Please write to me if you need anything. Sincerely yours, Firelord Zuko. 

The candidity and awkwardness of his writing makes you smile, your mind at ease being able to put a voice to his name. You decide to write him back immediately. 

Hello, Zuko, you write. 

Your letter has already made me feel much better. Your uncle is a very sweet, very wise man, and I’m thankful that you sent him to watch over me - he makes me feel like I already have a little piece of a home and a family here. Meeting the man who raised you, I have faith that you’ll be a good husband to me. 

I’m very scared because, unlike you, I’ve never led a country or had to negotiate peace - getting married is the biggest responsibility I’ve ever had. I want to help people, though, and if I can help people by leading them out of the darkness of war, I’m very happy to do it. It isn’t as terrifying knowing you’re also nervous; I’m glad we can be nervous together. 

Please write to me as much as possible until the wedding. It would be nice to get to know my husband before I marry him. Sincerely yours, the bride.”

For the following days, you and Zuko exchange multiple letters; you have one waiting for you every morning, receive a reply by midday, and end each night wishing him pleasant dreams. You learn that he’s very intelligent and, though quite subdued, has a sense of humor much like your own. He has a passion for weaponry and the art of combat, as well as for storytelling and music (he tells you that dancing has recently been unbanned in the Fire Nation, and wonders if you’ll be able to teach him any Water Tribe dances; you promise to help as much as you can). The more you write to him, the less daunting the idea of your marriage seems, and you find yourself feeling excited by the idea of finally meeting him. 

The day of your wedding starts early. You’re woken at dawn, fed a breakfast of tea and jook (both prepared by Iroh, and sent on a tray beside a polished wooden box - inside is a traditional hair comb and a note from the old man, explaining that the comb was given to his mother by his father on their wedding day; the gesture sends you to tears), then sent to the palace baths to be buffed  and primed for your wedding attire. 

You’re stripped down and steeped in multiple perfumed liquids, scrubbed with an array of soaps and exfoliants, and washed so thoroughly you think your handlers might have exposed an entirely new layer of skin. They wax every single hair from your body as well; you only attempt to draw the line when they reach your nether area. 

“Please don’t,” you request, firm but not commanding. “I don’t think I’ll need it.” 

The beautician scoffs at you, pushing you back onto the waxing table and forcefully spreading your legs apart. 

“Foolish girl,” she huffs. “Of course you will. Royal marriages must always be consummated on the wedding night - the Firelord will want as many heirs as you can give him, as soon as possible.” 

Her brute words make you sick to your stomach, and as she rips away the hair between your thighs, tears roll down your cheeks from both pain and horror. You want to believe the man who’s been writing to you for the past five days would never force himself onto you in the name of tradition, but it dawns on you once again that you don’t truly know him, and can’t anticipate his actions. 

Once you’ve been wrung out from your time at the bath house, you’re sent back to your sleeping chambers, where you’re pleased to find not only lunch waiting for you, but visitors as well. 

“Katara!” you cry, flying across the room and into her arms. She laughs, hugging you so tightly you can hardly breathe. 

“Oh, I’ve missed you!” Katara cries, whirling you around a few times before setting you back onto your feet. “You already look so beautiful! How do you feel?” 

“I’m terrified,” you tell her, “but so much happier now that you’re here.” 

“Don’t forget me!” 

Aang waves from behind Katara and you shout with glee, greeting him in the same manner you did her. He also crushes himself against you, and when you pull away, you cup his face between your hands. 

“You look older!” you exclaim, squeezing his cheeks. “You grow every time I see you!” 

Aang laughs, pushing your hands away with a pink blush creeping over his nose and ears. 

“I’m a grown man, and the avatar,” he says, teasingly poking your shoulder. “You can’t keep treating me like I’m still twelve.” 

“I can and I will,” you jest, lightly punching him in the stomach. He cackles and puts you in a (gentle) headlock, rubbing his knuckles into your skull to tangle your freshly washed hair. 

“Hey, kids, that’s enough,” Sokka scolds playfully as he enters the room. “Let’s eat, otherwise I’ll be way too tempted by the spread at the reception tonight.” 

Lunch with your siblings is the last moment of relative calm you have before the wedding and its reality truly start to set in. After the meal, Sokka and Aang leave to help Zuko with his own preparations, Katara staying to help you with yours. Your handlers navigate you into your dress, a traditional gown and robes made of many layers of fine silk and embroidered with dragons and native Fire Nation flowers; the train and sleeves fall so far behind you, you worry about tripping or scuffing the fabric. Once you’re dressed, your face is painted white, your features then outlined as if they were being drawn anew into your skin. You hardly recognize yourself once the handlers are finished with you, the anxiety you felt upon learning of your engagement returning with newfound ferocity. 

Katara is the one to style your hair. Keeping with custom, she knots a portion of it atop your head in a tight bun, using the comb Iroh gave you to hold it in place. She then takes the remainder of your hair and braids it into two sections on each side of your face, the way it would be worn in the Water Tribe; she laces each braid with a string of beads from home, crystalline blue totems to ensure happiness and long life hanging at the end of each, contrasting beautifully with your gown. She cries when she steps back to look at you, carefully dabbing at her tears so as not to ruin her own makeup and dress. 

“You’re so gorgeous,” she tells you. “I’m so glad Sokka never married you like he said he would, he would look awful at the alter next to you.” 

You laugh, opening your arms and hugging her tightly, forcing your own tears back for the sake of the effort that’s been put into your costume. 

For the last few minutes before the wedding, you’re alone; you stand outside the doors of the palace’s grand courtyard, flanked on both sides by guards, listening nervously as Iroh (who’s officiating, per his nephew’s request) praises you and recites a poem in your honor. His sentiments are exceedingly affectionate and should move you, but all you can think of is Zuko; what will he think of you? Will he like you as much in person as he did in writing? Was he just pretending to like you for the sake of your union? What if he didn’t think you were pretty? What if, like the beautician said, he forced you to sleep with him tonight, simply because it’s what’s meant to be done? You chew at your nails, biting them so hard that some of them start to bleed. 

Music swells from inside the courtyard, and suddenly the doors before you swing open. You hold your head as high as you can, stepping forward with as much grace as you can manage and beginning to traverse the impossibly long aisle to the wedding altar. You breathe deeply, scanning the group of people standing before it - you see Katara first, and she nods encouragingly, looking like she’s about to cry all over again. Your eyes sweep over to Sokka, standing beside her, and he seems somewhat shocked by your appearance - not that you blame him, seeing as you look like a complete stranger, even to yourself. Iroh gazes at you from the center of the altar, wearing the expression of a proud father that makes you wish Hakoda were there. Aang stands beside Zuko, and you can tell from his face that he was bored by this whole display until you emerged from hiding; you stifle your laughter at his predictable, endearing disposition. 

Finally, your eyes fall on the groom. The first thing you notice is his stare, cutting into you as he watches you approach; his chiseled, angular features have fallen into an awed expression, one that causes a giddy tickle in your chest. He’s tall, slim, with broad shoulders that carry his wedding robes proudly - his clothing matches yours, the only difference being the armored sheath across his chest that signals his status as ruler of the Fire Nation. You’re reminded that his father wore it before him, and a shudder runs through you as you recall all you suffered at his hands; you push it from your mind, climbing the altar steps to stand beside your betrothed. He gently takes your arm, a warm, timid smile breaking across his lips. 

“Spirits,” Iroh addresses the crowd, “we gather before you to join this man, this woman, and our two great nations in a union of peace and prosperity. With your blessing and guidance, their souls will form two halves of a great whole, coming together to foster a new era of love and commitment not just for their people, but for each other. The bride and groom will now recite their vows.” 

Iroh nods towards you, and you lower yourself onto your knees, bowing before the Firelord. You clear your throat, hoping that the entire country doesn’t hear the quiver in your voice. 

“My lord,” you begin, “I give myself to you as completely as I give myself to my tribe. I swear, from this day forward, to walk confidently by your side in all your endeavors, to uphold the honor of our nations and families, and to be a guiding light into the future for every citizen of the Fire Nation. I will be your support, your comfort, and your ally in all aspects of our life together, and will serve you as loyally and dutifully as you serve me.” 

You stand, taking one of the rings that sits upon the altar and slipping it onto Zuko’s finger; his skin is warm, his palms rough, and he shakes as violently as you do. 

“I give you this ring as a symbol of our union, to represent the bond that holds us for all our days.” 

Once you finish, thankful you didn’t stumble over your words or forget them completely, Zuko kneels, mirroring the way you bowed to him. 

“My lady,” he recites, “by my word, I will serve you honorably and affectionately for all our time together. If you should ask for my compassion, I will give it; if you should seek after my heart, I will offer it willingly; and if I should stray from my path, I will follow you back onto it. I vow to you my devotion, and to bring you happiness and freedom. I trust in you the power to lead and govern my people as justly as I do.”

He stands and takes the other ring, delicately placing it as you did his. 

“I give you this ring as a symbol of our union, to represent the bond that holds us for all our days.” 

In most weddings, this would be the moment when the bride and groom embrace each other in a devoted, passionate kiss; instead, Zuko takes your arm and you face the court of respected leaders and diplomats from across the four nations, gripping each other tightly - you hold each other as if you’re the only support the other has to keep standing. Iroh’s typically soft, pleasant voice booms from behind you:

“I present the lord and lady of the great Fire Nation.” 

Everyone in attendance folds onto their hands and knees, bowing as the band once again begins to play. You descend from the altar, your head feeling like it’s floating miles above your body, and exit through the doors you’d been shivering behind only minutes before - this time, with your husband beside you.

#muerta's works #two halves #zuko #zuko x reader #zuko x you #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x you #prince zuko #prince zuko fanfic #zuko fanfic #zuko fanfiction #prince zuko fanfiction #atla fanfic

[eveningstar1516]

Rise of the Demon King ~ Chapter 9

Rise of the Demon King

Fic: Multi Chapter Paring: MC x Everyone (Mostly Lucifer) Type: Angst with a Happy Ending Total Word Count: 26,758 TW: Major Character Death, Reader gets stabbed with a sword through their chest so..., Abusive Parents, Past Child Abuse, Demon Hunters, Loss of Control Summary: You’ve done it. You’ve finally done it. You’ve managed to anger the demon king. Now you hold your head high as he hands down your sentence. AO3 Portal: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27065362 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A/N: I gotta Discord server guys! It's primarily Obey Me but other fandoms are welcome as well. It's kinda baby and dead so me and the other members are looking to revive it and we'd love for you to come join us. A roleplay area is included :) https://discord.gg/F3YEmDZCPS Please remember to read and accept the rules once you join for access to all the channels. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Previously: “Of course, what are big brothers for. Anyway, about my payment, maybe you can forget about the money I owe ya?” Groaning, Levi started walking faster, leaving Mammon and his whining behind as he made his way back to the safety of his room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHAPTER 9 - Not So Different After All (1754 words)

You were practicing your swordsmanship in the garden clearing when Michael approached you. You’ve been living with the council for 3 decades by now and was confidently running them like Lucifer used to. This left you little time for yourself and you cherished these moments to yourself. That doesn’t mean you don’t like teasing Michael from time to time.

“Good afternoon Y/N”

“Good afternoon to you too Mike. What’s up?”

“How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?” “Just be glad I don’t call you that at work. Anyway, how can I help you?”

“May I join you?”

“I don’t see why not, but on one condition. If I win, tell me why you despise Lucifer and why you refuse to call him by his new name. If you win, I’ll answer 2 questions with complete honesty, no restrictions on the type of question.”

Michael visibly stiffened at this. He contemplated this for a moment then agreed. He summoned his sword and stood opposite of me in a ready position. I matched his stance and parreyed off with him, signalling the start of our match. Michael started with a calculated quick strike to my neck. I brought my sword up to block his strike and tried to twist it from his grip but he pulled back and made a quick swing toward my left leg. I jumped up and switched to offence striking for his sword arm trying to land a hit. He saw this and backed away. This continued on for a few minutes. Michael attacking and me blocking and returning the favour. After a few more strikes, I saw an opening, he shifted his legs a little too wide. I dropped my weight and swept his feet out from under him. Before he realized, he hit the ground and I was standing above him, my right foot on his sword arm and my sword by his throat.

“Looks like I won.” I withdrew my sword and extended my arm to help him up. He grabbed my hand with a distasteful look on his face, ashamed at making such a mistake and losing to someone with less skill and combat experience than him.

“Where’d you learn to fight like that?”

Handing him a towel and some water I sat under a date tree and took a sip from my own bottle.

“Lucifer. I took an interest in it after seeing him practise one day and he took it upon himself to teach me, his excuse being that I should know how to protect myself if I insisted on taking up a blade. Enough of that, you lost, now can you tell me why you despise Lucifer so much?”

Michael took a seat next to me and leaned back against the trunk.

“You mean other than the fact that he went against Father, started a civil war, killed numerous angels, abandoned his duty, embraced the very sins that father forbade us from committing, birthed a demon of wrath, and willingly bowed down to the demon prince and still serves him to this day like a loyal lapdog all because he couldn’t take care of Lillith enough to keep her from trying to break one of our laws to save a human? No, no reason.”

“Wow, and I thought humans were the masters at holding grudges.” I took a swing of my water.

“Think about it, at the root of all that, Lucifer did it to protect his family, to protect his little sister. He may have embraced and embodied the sin of pride, but he pushed all of it away to save her. You don’t really think he serves Diavolo just because he asked him to? His pride would never allow it, and yet he does because by doing so, he can protect his family and the ones he loves. Isn’t that a virtue in Father's eyes, protecting loved ones no matter what you need to sacrifice?”

“Well yes, to an extent. You are supposed to do that, unless it means you defy him. If protecting your family results in you turning your back to him, he’d tell you to leave them behind.”

“Why do you keep calling Lucifer "Samael"?”

“That is the name Father gave him, that is the name I will call him. Samael was my brother and I don’t want to remember him for the destruction he caused but for the moments we shared as brothers. He was the pride of the heavens. Despite that, he embodied humility. He never took advantage of his authority. He always made sure the minority were heard. He worked himself to the point of exhaustion as Father's right hand. He never let the praise get to his head. Despite all that, he still embodied pride. He would never ask for help insisting that he could take care of things. He still took in his siblings and raised them, despite the burdens that were already placed on his shoulders. I used to look up to him and saw him as a role model. I accepted the fact that he is no longer an angel and is now a completely different being. In my mind, Lucifer and Samael are 2 separate creatures. I will remember him as Samael, my brother and best friend and Lucifer as the demon serving Lord Diavolo.”

“Would it make you feel better if I told you that they aren’t that different from each other? Samael may have taken all the burden and worked himself till he passed out from exhaustion, but Lucifer still does that. I can’t tell you the number of times I would enter his study just to find him clinging to consciousness trying to finish the never ending paperwork for both the Devildom and from his brother's antics. He does his best and works himself to the bone to make sure that his family has a roof over their heads, enough food to eat which I got to tell you is hard considering they are living with someone who embodies the sin of gluttony. He works himself to make sure that Diavolo doesn’t do the same and can focus on running his kingdom and school without having to worry too much about what goes on behind the scenes. Even with all those responsibilities he took, he still makes sure to be there and protect his family. He raised Satan as a first time father with no knowledge on demonic children. He always set aside some time each week, no matter how busy he is to spend some time with the rest of us. He may be harsh, but he isn’t heartless. He may look incapable of it, but he is very caring and compassionate towards the ones he holds close to him. He is still very much the Samael you knew, he just looks a little different.”

“Was your intention just to tell me these things so that I wouldn’t act distasteful to you or Samael?” “No, I just wanted you to see things from an outsider's perspective, nothing more.”

With that, I got up and left Michael in the garden to think about what I had said as I went to shower and finish up any outstanding work before dinner.

In the Devildom After they lost Y/N

After they lost Y/N, Asmo could barely function. Some days, he would lock himself in his room and not come out for days on end. When Beel would come and drop off some food, Asmo would always insist he just leave it outside the door. When Beel would come back to collect the plate, he found that only a small portion was eaten and that more than half of the food was left. They would never find out that it was because he was unintentionally starving himself and that he was dropping his self care routine. Other times he would leave for days on end and when he did eventually come home, he was either stoned or drunk out of his mind, but he always had a lingering scent of sex on him. It continued on like this for weeks before Satan found him. Asmo had just come back after being missing for a week and once again refused to leave his room. This time, Satan insisted on delivering his food. He needed to check on his little brother no matter how much Asmo didn’t want him to. When he got to the door he knocked and announced he was coming in. Without waiting for a reply, Satan broke the lock on the door and was greeted with an emotionally exhausted and physically wrecked Asmo laying face up on his bed. Tears streaming down his face. Satan closed the door and looked around the room noticing how everything was thrown around and the state of what used to be one of the most organized rooms in the house, now looking like a hot mess. Carefully, he cleared a spot on his dresser, making sure nothing got damaged in the process and set the tray down. Next he went to the washroom, equally messed up, and located a washcloth. He ran it under some warm water and went back to Asmo, carefully wiping away any tears and smudged make-up. Slowly, Asmo opened his eyes to look up at the soft expression on Satan’s face. He turned his head the other and screwed his eyes shut.

“Asmo, look at me.”

When he didn’t turn his head, Satan asked again, a little softer and put a comforting hand on his shoulder to ground him.

“Asmo, can you please look at me?”

Slowly, Asmo turned his head towards Satan and reluctantly opened his eyes. Satan gently lifted him up and pulled him into an embrace. Asmo couldn’t take it anymore and broke down on Satan’s shoulder. Satan rubbed soothing circles on Asmo’s back and stroked his tangled hair, grounding him. Eventually, when Asmo stopped crying, he pulled away from Satan with a sad smile on his face. Satan cupped his right cheek.

“It’s alright, we all miss them too. It’s ok to break down. When was the last time you took care of yourself?”

“I don’t know,” Asmo mumbled.

“That’s alright. Let’s get some food into your stomach first.”

Satan spent the rest of the night by his brother's side, cleaning his room and slowly, step by step, bringing back how his brother usually looked like. A glowing masterpiece, worthy of both envy and praise.

#obey me: one master to rule them all #obey me #obey me x reader #lucifer x reader #obey me lucifer #mammon x reader #obey me mammon #leviathan x reader #obey me leviathan #satan x reader #obey me satan #asmodeus x reader #obey me asmodeus #beelzebub x reader #obey me beelzebub #belphegor x reader #obey me belphegor #obey me micheal #OMFIC #Let me have some Satan and Asmo moments #Check out my Discord

[zaffrenotes]

[TRR] Kairos

Kairos - Part 12

Pairing: Liam x Riley, Liam x OC Series Rating/Warnings: 18+; language; series will include ns*w 🍋 scenes Chapter Rating/Warnings: G Author’s Note: * All main characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them * Kairos (καιρός) is a word in Greek that translates to “the right time” or “the right moment to act” * Liam’s wife asks about “the one that got away” one night over dinner, and Liam recounts a relationship from his past * This is my submission for @wackydrabbles​​ Prompt 89: This isn't what I had in mind, but okay. * Author’s Note 2: * I apologize if this chapter feels choppy; I haven't updated this story since January, and writing is H A R D, but I want to finish this AU. I know how it ends, I just have to *gestures at the air* get there. * Word Count: 1708

Catch up with previous chapters here

Taglist (let me know if you’d like to be added or removed for this series): @ao719 @blackcatkita @debramcg1106 @ofpixelsandscribbles @callmeellabella @smalltalk88 @aestheticartsx @bbrandy2002 @burnsoslow @choiceskatie @darley1101 @dcbbw @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @liamxs-world @rainbowsinthestorm @riseandshinelittleblossom @superharriet @texaskitten30 @theroyalheirshadowhunter @the-soot-sprite // @alyssalauren @clairexoxo100 @cordonianroyalty @cordonian-literature @gkittylove99 @gnatbrain @jared2612 @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @pink-diamond13 @princessleac1 @queenjilian @sfb123 @txemrn @yourmajesty09

The evening carried on, and it was nearly impossible for Liam to pull himself away from one conversation to the next. Most of the new suitors vied for his attention to make a good impression, various nobles edged their way into conversations to discuss official business, and his friends made every effort to steal him away for short reprieves. He was dancing when he caught a flash of Max’s dress near the edge of the dance floor.

Brief glimpses and glances of a link to Liam’s almost-love was all The Fates seemed to grant for the duration of the ball, despite his best efforts to carve out a moment with Max. The irony wasn’t lost on him; having found a connection to Elia after years had passed, without a way to speak with her sister. His hand warmed against his dancing partner’s palm as they waltzed with other couples.

“What’s troubling you tonight? Besides the obvious farce of this whole ordeal.” A pair of cherry red lips curled into a sympathetic grin, and Liam nodded in silent agreement. “Something other than counting steps is running through your mind.”

Liam adjusted his grip on Olivia’s hand as he led her across the floor, quickly scanning the crowd for another glimpse of Max. “I require the assistance of a dear friend,” he answered quietly, twirling her in a circle. “Someone who knows of secret passages in the palace to remain undetected, who can also speak with one of the new ladies at court.”

One of Olivia’s brows arched in Liam’s direction. “Has someone managed to catch your eye already?”

“Not the way you think,” he replied. “It’s a long story, and right now I’m grasping at straws, but it’s…something.” As Liam twirled his childhood friend in another circle, the expression in his eyes conveyed the seriousness of his request.

Olivia’s back tensed when she looked up to meet her friend’s gaze, though they moved effortlessly through the song. “What do you need me to do, Li?”

“There’s a young woman here, wearing a peacock ballgown. Her name is Max.”

“There’s some irony,” Olivia giggled. “Maxwell’s probably talking her ear off over her dress alone.”

“I haven’t been able to speak with her since we were introduced.”

“Tell me when and where, I’ll make sure you converse with her before morning.”

Liam shook his head at the suggestion. “That’s not the kind of conversation I need to have, Liv. I do need to speak with her though. It could mean cancelling the rest of the social season before it’s had a chance to begin, in a good way.”

Olivia arched her brow at Liam again, as the music began to come to an end. “I’m going to need a full story about this very soon, if she’s a means of ending the season.”

Liam let out an anxious laugh. “Soon enough, of course. Get her as close as possible to my office without being seen.” He looked over Olivia’s shoulder to see Bastien by the ballroom doors, nodding at him just before Bastien said something to another member of the Kings Guard. “Enjoy the rest of the ball, I’ve got to go over details for tomorrow’s events. Shouldn’t take longer than an hour.”

--

Nearly an hour after Liam departed the ballroom, he sighed with relief to enjoy the silence in his office once Regina and her team of event planners were satisfied with preparations for the garden party. He poured himself a bit of scotch in a glass as a nightcap, glancing at the clock on the wall. Most of the guests had ventured home while he went over checklists with Regina, minus the suitors and their sponsors that would live at the palace for the next several weeks.

Another weary sigh slipped past Liam’s lips as he returned to the ornate desk in the office, and he removed the cufflinks Madeleine had given to him as a gift. He rolled up his sleeves, trying to ignore the soft ticking of the clock, wondering if Olivia had managed to get a hold of Max. Princess Maria Amelita Xamira Basilio, who had a sister that went by the name Elia. There were too many similarities in her siblings names and the fact that Max looked so similar in appearance to Elia.

He’d opened the laptop on the desk and was about to type Elia’s real name into the search window, when there was a knock at the door. Liam rushed out of his seat to answer, loudly whispering a name when he turned the knob. “Olivia? Is that you?” He was surprised to see Max in the hallway by herself. “Your Highness, please, come in,” he said, stepping aside to let Max pass. “Did anyone see you?”

Max bowed her head to Liam as she stepped into his office. “No, Lady Olivia led me through a number of passages from my room, and distracted the very tall, silver-haired guard down the hall.”

Liam chuckled softly. “That would be Bastien. He’s always had a bit of a soft spot for Olivia, ever since we were children.” He closed the door shut before walking towards the liquor cabinet. “May I offer you something to drink?”

“No, thank you,” she replied, taking a seat in one of the small couches. “To what do I owe this clandestine invitation?”

Liam sat down in the matching sofa across from Max, clasping his hands together as he carefully chose what to say next. “Max, you and I are both aware of the reason you’re here, participating in the social season. Under other circumstances, I’m certain you would have caught my eye, just as you did earlier this evening.”

Max chewed a tiny spot of her inner cheek. “There’s a ‘but’, isn’t there?”

“The reason you caught my eye was because you bear a striking resemblance to someone I met several years ago, before I met and married my first wife, Riley. Someone who, until tonight, I thought was lost to me.”

“Are you saying I’ve got a secret twin you’ve already met? This isn’t what I had in mind, but okay.” She grinned conspiratorially at him. “Who’s this doppelgänger that’s stuck with you?”

Liam sucked in a breath before answering. “As it were, it’s your sister. Elia.”

Max blinked at him silently, her eyes welling up with glossy tears at the mention of her name. “You…you knew Elia? When? When did you see her? Have you heard from her?” The questions tumbled out all at once, as Max tried to compose herself.

He picked up a gilded box of tissues from a side table, offering it to her. Max pulled two from the box, dabbing at the corners of her eyes, waiting for a response. “It’s been a number of years,” he began. “She was vacationing in Greece, just before she was supposed to return to university to study law.”

Max stopped dabbing at her tears to look up and study Liam’s face. “Oh my god, it’s you. You’re the guy.”

Liam’s brows pinched together. “She mentioned me?”

“Very briefly,” she responded. “Only that she met someone that gave her a reason to laugh every day, and seemed to understand what she – what we,” she paused, motioning to herself, “were going through, being…high profile?”

“That’s one way to describe it,” Liam chuckled softly. “She never said outright that she was a princess, but after we parted ways, many of the things we shared in our conversations made sense.” He looked up to see a puzzled expression on Max’s face. “Her fluency in languages, the way she could tell stories about growing up in vivid detail while overlooking things like ‘I grew up in a palace’ or ‘my parents were especially strict with me and my siblings’…”

“Oh by the way, that’s because they’re the king and queen?” Max scoffed lightly, shaking her head.

“I tried to look for her, for quite some time after that trip,” Liam added. “Only…my efforts were in vain, as the names she used were all nicknames. Even her own name wasn’t fully hers. Elia de Leon.”

Max sniffled and the puzzled expression returned to her face. “De Leon? That’s…our great-grandmother’s name.”

“I suppose that makes sense as well, now that I’m familiar with your family name. Had I searched for Elia Basilio, I might have found out about the royal connection, not that it would’ve changed my opinion of her.” Liam ran a hand across his face, his jawline and chin already rough with stubble. “You haven’t heard from her since that summer either? Anyone in your family?”

“No,” Max answered. “When her personal guard called the morning he was supposed to escort her home, he told my parents the apartment was empty…that she must have snuck away the night before.”

“But I was with her until morning.”

“What?”

“I…” Liam hesitated, taking in a breath. “I had dinner with Elia the night before she was supposed to leave. We talked long into the night, and I told her I was a prince. I even offered to let her stay with me here to take more time and consider alternative options to create some distance with your parents.”

“Because they wanted to marry her off, right?”

“Correct,” Liam nodded. “She only told me it was for a political alliance, to put your family name in a positive light after Mariela’s marriage to someone caused trouble.”

Max sighed with indignation. “That guy, ugh. That’s a story for another evening.” She began to wring the tissue between her hands. “But you saw Elia the next morning?”

“Yes, in fact I was the one that slipped out while she was still sleeping, long after dawn. I stopped for a coffee in the café below where she’d been staying, on my way to return home as well, and I…” Liam paused, recalling the man in the café that morning, remembering the other patron. “You said she had a personal security guard assigned to her?”

“Beni…Benigno, yes,” Max replied.

“Do you have a photo of him?”

“I can do better than that,” Max answered, pulling her phone from the pocket of her cardigan. “He’s here as my security and chaperone for the duration of my stay.”

#the royal romance fanfic #the royal romance fanfiction #trr fanfic #trr fanfiction #the royal romance au #trr au #trr liam x oc #king liam x oc #wacky drabbles #wackydrabbles #playchoices fanfic #choices fanfiction #zaffrenotes writes

[dontcare77ghj]

Queens and King

Steve x reader x Peggy

Requested by @storiesbystarlight

When you were a girl, your father assured you, daily, you were born to be Queen. Your line was chosen by Odin himself, and as long as your father's blood ran through your veins, no-one could ever take that from you.

Your mother died when you were a babe, sweating sickness your governess told you, and your father never remarried after her death. Leaving you as his sole heir. 

As the future Queen of the kingdom, you were put in classes from a young age. Taught every skill a ruler would need to succeed. 

For the most part, your childhood was a lonely one. With no siblings to play with and a strict governess who refused to allow you to skip one lesson, you rarely left the castle.

The only time you were allowed to interact with any children your own age was when Lord's and Ladies would bring their children to court.

While you made some friends and many allies, the two you held closest to your heart were Steve and Peggy.

Peggy, born Margret, was the daughter of the English ambassador. Peggy would often travel with her father as she was training to take the role over one day.

Steve was Steven and the son of Lord Rogers. As Steve would inherit his father's mantle eventually, his father dragged him to court for most of the year.

The three of you were always close, even as you aged and became the people your parents had decided you would be. 

And so it was no surprise to your inner circle when they found out the true nature of your relationship.

The three of you had been together since you were all sixteen. For half your lives now, the three of you had dedicated yourselves to each other. 

And you wouldn't have it any other way.

After dismissing your ladies-in-waiting and informing the guards you were not to be disturbed for the night, you let out a long sigh. You had just entered your bedchamber and were undoing your hair when you stopped in your tracks.

"And just what?" You began, gaining the attention of the two on your bed. "Do you two think you're doing starting without me?" You questioned the two with a raised brow.

"You were taking too long," Peggy said, standing and making her way toward you. "We were bored." She said, wrapping her arms around your waist.

"Hm-hmm." You hummed, looking over at Steve. "Did she seduce you, Stevie?" You teased, crooking your finger at him.

"You know how hard I find it to say no to either of you," Steve admitted, standing and walking towards you. 

"Is that a challenge?" You questioned him.

"It sounds like a challenge to me." Peggy agreed.

"How did I know the two of you would believe I was challenging you?" Steve sighed.

"I'm Queen. Everything is a challenge." You shrugged a shoulder.

"Our poor darling." Peggy cooed. "Perhaps we should help relieve the burden upon your shoulders." She suggested, dusting her fingers along your shoulders.

"I believe that is a fantastic course of action, Peg," Steve said, wrapping his arms around both your waists.

"Distract me, my loves."

"I had another proposal today," Peggy mentioned. "Lord Pierce asked if I would think about wedding his son."

"And what did you say?" You questioned, drawing circles on her hipbone.

"I told him where to shove it." Peggy snorted. "He proposed his bastard to me, a bastard who openly despises women in power. I'm also with the two of you, so there's really no contest."

"Good."

"I too have had to respectfully decline several proposals recently," Steve admitted. "It seems now that I have filled out women notice I exist."

"Well, they can't have you," Peggy said, leaning up to kiss the blonde. 

"Is everything okay, Y/N?" Steve questioned you.

"Lord Stark approached me on my way here." You admitted. "He said the council wishes I were to accept marriage and give them a King or Queen. Tony said I either accept one of the many proposals or announce our relationship."

"Do you wish me to approach him tomorrow?" Steve asked you.

"No, Tony's harmless. We both know that." You shook your head. "I've already told him and the council I won't accept one of their proposals."

"Then what are you going to do?" Peggy questioned you.

"I was going to see what you thought of me announcing our relationship." You told her. "And perhaps furthering it. I wanted to ask the two of you to marry me. We love each other, we always have, and it might put an end to all those unwanted proposals."

"The people wouldn't like it. We're not of your station." Steve told you.

"The people love you, both of you." You said, sitting up in the bed. "I've never seen either of you as anything but my equals. And to be frank, when it comes to the two of you, I don't care what the people think of my relationship."

"And the court? You know the members of the court will talk more than anyone else." Peggy pointed out. "It could hurt your reputation."

"Who cares the pointless gossip the court spreads? We all know it's toxic. There is nothing they can say that will ever hurt me." You scoffed. "So I have this to ask of you, will you please do me the honor of becoming my husband and wife?" You asked of your lovers. "Whatever your answer, I will respect it, as I have always respected the two of you."

"Yes," Peggy said. "I will marry you." She told you, leaning over to gently kiss you.

"Steve?" You asked, turning to face the blonde.

"I've never given a damn about public opinion," Steve smirked. "Let them say what they will." He said, gently cupping your face and bringing you into a kiss.

"My lords and ladies," You began, rising from your throne elegantly. "Your graces, and your excellencies, I have called you all here today to make an announcement.

For many years now, I have ruled alone. And yet today, I stand before you to announce my greatest happiness. Today I announce my engagement to Ambassador Carter and Lord Rogers." You said, gesturing Peggy and Steve to come to stand beside you as the court whispered amongst themselves.

Holding your hand up, you waited for the court to silence before continuing.

"Come spring, the three of us will be wed, and Ambassador Carter will become my Queen as Lord Rogers will become my King." You informed the court.

"Lord Stark, Your Majesty." A servant announced as Tony entered the room.

"Tony, what can I do for you?" You asked, rising to a stand to greet your friend.

"I have news for you," Tony said, taking a seat at your desk.

"Good or bad?" You asked as a servant poured the two of you glasses of wine.

"Lord Rumlow has taken the recent news of your courtship badly," Tony admitted. "He seems to think you should have sought a marriage with his nephew as he has a claim to the throne already."

"Rumlow's discontentment with my rule is nothing new, Tony. You've never bothered me with his opinions before. Why now?" You quizzed the man.

"Rumlow has allied with Pierce. The two wish to petition your courtship with parliament."

"Excuse me?"

"According to my spies, they believe your relationships with both Ambassador Carter and Lord Rogers are against the laws," Tony informed you. 

"This is ridiculous." You bitterly laughed as you stood from your seat. "Pierce's standing is as low as it could. What does Rumlow gain from his support?"

"From what've I heard they wish to marry his nephew off to Pierce's daughter."

"Why? What does this union bring them?"

"An heir," Tony informed you bluntly. "They seem to believe if you refuse to break off your relationship with Carter and Rogers, they could overthrow you and place Rumlow's nephew on the throne."

"It's treason to think about such things." You shook your head, beginning to pace behind the desk.

"As your friend, may I make a suggestion?" Tony asked, continuing when you nodded at him. "Do not do anything now."

"Don't do anything?" You questioned him. 

"Do nothing. Do not publicly say anything against them and do not approach either of them." Tony nodded.

"Tony, you have always been of good council to me, but this, I don't know if I can sit back and allow the two to ruin my engagement or overthrow me. This is my throne." You said. "This was my father's throne and his before him. I can't be the one to lose it."

"It is your throne, and it will be until your last breath," Tony promised you. "But I have a plan that will allow you to keep your throne, Peggy, Steve, and permanently ruin the reputations of both Rumlow and Pierce. By the time we're done with them, they will never be able to return to court."

"Alright." You sighed, taking your seat and looking at your friend. "My ears are open."

"And you're sure this will work?" Peggy asked you that night. She was laying in your bed with Steve behind her as you sat at the vanity, undoing your hair.

"I do." You nodded. "I trust Tony and his opinions. He's more often right than not." You added, rising to a stand and moving towards your fiances.

"Be that as it may, Rumlow is a snake. A slippery one at that." Steve mentioned as you climbed into bed. "We just don't want you to be blindsided by his tactics."

"I know all too well how tricky Rumlow is. Just as I know, Pierce is not be underestimated either." You said, shaking your head. "I promise I am being careful. We've planned everything out meticulously."

"I hope you have," Peggy murmured. "Because if you were to lose your throne because of us, I would never forgive myself."

"It's true I would feel great shame at being the one to lose the throne Odin chose for my line. But it would not plague me. Without the two of you, my life is a lonely one. I would gladly give up my crown to be with you both." You admitted.

"You shouldn't say that. You are a great Queen. The people need you." Steve said, taking your hand.

"And I need you." You confessed in a small voice. "I can't do this alone. You've always been my rocks. You have been for as long as I can remember. I cannot fathom living this life, doing all this, and not having the two of you at the end of the day. And I understand it's a selfish ideal, but it's true." You told them, taking Peggy's hand as well. "I am not as strong as you think. You are my strength. Both of you are. I love you."

"And we love you too," Peggy said, turning your head towards her and kissing you firmly. "We lean on you as much as you do with us."

"And you are our strength," Steve added, repeating Peggy's actions. "We have always trusted your actions and your decisions, and that will not change now," Steve said as Peggy nodded.

"Good because I can't do this without you." You sighed.

"Especially not this." Peggy joked, lightening the tension of the room.

"You look gorgeous," Peggy said from behind you. Looking up in the mirror, you saw both Peggy and Steve approaching you.

"As do you." You smiled. "And you look handsome as ever, Stevie." You added as they stood behind you.

"Thank you, my Queen," Steve teased, leaning down to kiss you lightly.

"As much as I love to see you both, you do know it's bad luck for us to be seeing one another now, right?" You questioned the two.

"The Goddess of luck has always smiled upon us before. There should be no reason for her to change her mind now." Steve shrugged.

"I suppose you're right." You hummed.

"Besides, I think we've broken too many 'rules' at this time to worry now." Peggy shrugged.

"Now, that is accurate." You laughed as Steve shook his head.

"Are you ready for this, sweetheart?" Steve asked you after a second had passed.

"I've been ready since I was a girl." You brightly smiled at the two.

"Then we shouldn't wait any longer, should we?" Peggy asked, taking your hand and helping you stand.

"No, we shouldn't." You agreed as the three of you walked towards the doors of the chamber.

Everything was about to change.

"Your majesty." Rumlow bowed lowly, as did Pierce beside him.

"Lord Rumlow. Lord Pierce." You acknowledged the two with a nod of your head. "May I introduce you to my Queen, Margret, and my King, Steven." You gestured to your partners, who were sitting either side of you.

"Your majesties." Rumlow greeted, his face turning a slight shade of red. "I thought the nuptials were planned for Spring."

"They were." You nodded. "However, my sources informed me that if I were to wait any longer, traitors to the crown would try to take my thrown from me."

"What villain would think such a thing?" Pierce asked his face a pale shade of white.

"Indeed." You hummed. "So the three of us wed yesterday afternoon with my inner circle present." You told him, nodding to Tony, Knights Natasha, and Clint, as well as Court Physician Bruce.

"Congratulations, your majesty." Rumlow forced out through gritted teeth.

"Thank you. Now, my lords, would you care to tell the rest of the court exactly what you were planning?" You asked as Steve and Peggy smirked when your guards surrounded Pierce and Rumlow.

"Your majesty?"

"Your letters were intercepted." You said as said letters were passed to you. "Lords and Ladies of the court, lords Rumlow and Pierce were trying to usurp my reign." You announced, causing the court to whisper amongst themselves. "The two plotted to petition my engagement on the grounds of illegality. There is no specific law in this kingdom that relates to what the gender or number of people in a relationship should be. There never has been. The letters we intercepted spoke of replacing me with Rumlow's nephew and Pierce's daughter, and that is treason. As punishment, both Rumlow and Pierce will be stripped of their lands and titles and placed into the dungeons."

"You can't do this!" Rumlow yelled as the guards grabbed both him and Pierce.

"They will remain in the dungeons until I find a punishment I deem worthy." You continued, ignoring the shouting man. "Furthermore, their wealth will be distributed to all the villages and towns of this kingdom. It will be shared equally among the less fortunate of my realm." You told the court as Rumlow and Pierce were dragged out of the room.

The court descended into a flurry of whispers. Rising to a stand, you silently watched as the court dropped into silence, waiting for you.

"I am Y/N L/N. I am the daughter of F/N L/N. This is my kingdom. This is my family's lineage. I have served all of you for near on two decades, and I will continue to do so until my own heirs are ready to inherit this throne from me. These heirs will be the children of my King and Queen." You said, gesturing for the two to join you. "This country is in my heart, as it is in your new Queen and King. I hope you remember today for years to come." You said, walking towards the doors with Peggy and Steve at your side.

"You did well," Steve whispered into your ear.

"As you usually do," Peggy murmured.

"Let's hope the message sticks." You hummed to your husband and wife.

It did. The message stuck in the hearts of the nobles and spread to the people. 

It had been six years since you married the loves of life, six years since they were crowned at your side. And it had been five years since you gave birth to your daughter and another three since your son entered the world.

Your shared reign had been a peaceful one. There were no wars, no uprisings, and no plague or famine. It almost seemed too perfect, but you were not one to look the Goddess of luck in the face.

"My Queen, what has you thinking so hard?" Steve asked, wrapping his arms around your waist. The three of you were in your shared chambers, relishing in the fact there were no pressing matters of the court to attend to.

"Nothing pressing." You swore, leaning back into his chest. "Just thinking about how lucky I am."

"Are you sure you're the lucky one and not us?" Peggy asked, rising gracefully from the bed.

"Positive." You hummed. "There is not a luckier person in the kingdom than I."

"I think we could find a luckier woman," Steve said.

"And man," Peggy added. "Perhaps all you need is to be persuaded." She teased, standing in front of you and embracing you and Steve.

A grin crossed your face as you looked between your lovers.

"Persuade me, my King and Queen."

Remember all Taglists are open as are requests. 

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@imnotasuperhero

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[alphamamalioness]

You said that for Bitty forms the pack is where the most dominant Bitty takes care of other Bittys, is this true to the Original forms as well or are packs different for them if they even have packs? You described Alphas as needing mates or a 1 to 2 person pack to feel useful and protective, why do they need to feel useful and protective? Do packs and harems have to be lead by / surround an Alpha or can basically any rank be pack alpha / have an harem? Are the members of AD’s, Maou’s, etc’s packs mates with/mated to anyone else inside or outside of the pack or are they just mates with AD, Maou, etc? How does your Bittys feel about children in general, both Bitty children and human / non Bitty monster children? I think you once said that all the ranks are capable of being mates with all other ranks but I was wondering what the most common mate pairings/polycules are(i suspect betas mated to betas, deltas mated to deltas and betas mated to deltas are since they seem to be more populated than the others) and if some ranks are more drawn to a rank more than others(like are alphas more drawn to omegas for mates, betas more drawn to other betas, etc)?

AlphaMama: Okay! Let's go! :3

1°- You said that for Bitty forms the pack is where the most dominant Bitty takes care of other Bittys, is this true to the original forms as well, or are the packs different for them if they even have packs?

-This in fact true to the Originals! The Pack is Family, and family is sacred, no need to be blood-related to be family... a circle of friends can be a pack, a number of strangers under the same situation and having to stay close is a pack as well~!

2°- You described Alphas as needing mates or a 1 to 2 person pack to feel useful and protective, why do they need to feel useful and protective?

-It's an instinctive feeling for this rank, a need inside their hearts, like a need to impress their parents at a young age, Being a good sibling for a younger one and stuff like that... Nature has done this to prevent a rank to overpower another rank.

3°- Do packs and harems have to be lead by / surround an Alpha or can basically any rank be pack alpha / have an harem?

-Any rank can be a head-pack, you can have a pack with an alpha but the leader is a beta or any other rank... the natural way to be a leader is to gain others respect and caring and only later if needed by power level... Of course, like in all cultures and specimens, we have some bad examples who gain all by fear and force.

4°-Are the members of AD’s, Maou’s, etc’s packs mates with/mated to anyone else inside or outside of the pack or are they just mates with AD, Maou, etc?

- On the master list of the packs, the "Mates" are the ones who are mated with the Alpha, the ones who are classified as "mateship" can have some alone time with the alpha if they wish or with any other member inside the pack or outside (If the Leader approves of course).

5°- How does your Bittys feel about children in general, both Bitty children and human / non Bitty monster children?

-Children are little sources of grace and spawn of Nature itself for any Alphatale bitty, so they are pretty cared.

6°-I think you once said that all the ranks are capable of being mates with all other ranks but I was wondering what the most common mate pairings/polycules are(i suspect betas mated to betas, deltas mated to deltas and betas mated to deltas are since they seem to be more populated than the others) and if some ranks are more drawn to a rank more than others(like are alphas more drawn to omegas for mates, betas more drawn to other betas, etc)?

-You are pretty acertive~! Betas and Deltas are the most common because of their preference on keeping their families/packs of the same ranks for better convenience... Alphas are drawn to Omegas&Gammas... Betas are drawn to Betas&Deltas... Deltas are drawn to Deltas&Betas... Zetas are drawn to Zetas... Gammas are drawn to Omegas&Gammas... Omegas are drawn to Alphas&Betas.

#poptart-tartpop #alphamamalioness #thanks for ask #long asks #bittybones #alphatale au #alphatale bitties

[stvrlitcs]

 jasmine  tookes  &  she/they  /  genderfluid  ‷  watch  out  ,  𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄  "𝐂𝐄𝐂𝐄"  𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓  has  crash-landed  into  roswell  !!  they  look  30  years  old  and  celebrate  their  birthday  on  09/09/1991  .  they  are  from  paris,  fr  ,  reside  in  jupiter  valley  and  are  currently  working  as  an  international  fashion  model  /  pilates  instructor  @  satellite  sports  complex  .  one  thing  you  should  know  about  them  is  they've  got  a  physics  degree  from  MIT  .  ‷

 hi  friends  !  i’m  back  at  it  again  with  my  fourth  muse  .  this  is  celeste  ,  who  more  often  just  goes  by  cece  .  she’s  an  international  model  who’s  only  been  in  roswell  for  a  couple  weeks  to  check  up  on  a  friend  who  went  MIA  .  more  info  can  be  found  below  the  cut  and  as  usual  ,  feel  free  to  hmu  if  you’d  like  to  plot  or  give  this  post  a  lil  LIKE  and  i’ll  eventually  come  bother  you  !

STATS  PAGE  .

NOTE  :  cece’s  pronouns  are  she  and  they  so  please  keep  that  in  mind  !  please  don’t  use  only  she  and  only  they  exclusively  .  my  writing  will  be  using  both  pronouns  !

𝟎𝟎𝟏.  celeste margaux beaumont is born with a silver spoon in her mouth in paris , france . her parents were often busy . with an architect for a father and a fashion designer for a mother , they were constantly jetting off to take care of business . it left and her siblings in the care of nannies and various family members . it’s not exactly ideal considering how the beaumont children just wanted their parents to be around .

𝟎𝟎𝟐.  they grow up in the upper echelons of society . and a little spoiled . there wasn’t a thing her parents wouldn’t get for her . well , except time spent with her and her siblings . there never seems to be enough of that . at 15 , celeste jumpstarts her modeling career . they sign up for classes and only confide in her siblings and her aunt about it . despite the connections she knows her mother has , she wants to make it on her own .

𝟎𝟎𝟑.  she’s charismatic and insightful . and a little flirtatious from time to time . there’s something about cece that draws the attention of everyone in the room when they speak . inspiration . conviction . it helps that she’s charming. however , it doesn’t come without its faults . cece burns out easily without a set routine . she’s decisive through and through . she’ll follow through with any plan she sets into motion .

with uncertainty around when she’d be able to work as a model full-time , cece makes the decision to table it for the time being and attend college . she has other talents . and as it turns out , physics is one of them . she’s fortunate enough to have the option to go to any college of choice . in the end , they’re accepted to MIT . cece makes the move from paris to cambridge , massachusetts to obtain a degree in physics . 

𝟎𝟎𝟒.  it’s only after a couple months after graduating that celeste jumps back into modeling . a year later , they start booking shows . she’s immediately swept up in the glitz, glamor and chaos of the industry . they end up befriending other models and forming a close circle of friends within the industry . and while they don’t see each other a lot , it feels like nothing’s changed during every fashion week .

however , this year was a little different . she notices a close friend’s gone MIA . they assume the group would be the first to know if their friend decided to take a break . cece makes the decision to take a hiatus to check on their friend . after discovering where her friend went off to , she finds herself in roswell at their front door . they hope this stay won’t be long but who knows ?

WANTED CONNECTIONS.

 these  plots  are  super  general  gist  of  what  i’d  love  to  see  for  cece  .  however  ,  i’m  more  than  open  to  brainstorm  and  basing  things  on  chemistry  if  need  be  !

best friend ( 01 / 02 ) : she’s only been here for a couple weeks but who’s to say cece didn’t immediately click with this person ?

family friends ( 00 / ?? ) : someone who likely grew up in paris , london or italy . cece has spent summers in those locations because their family ahs friends there .

sibling figure ( 00 / 02 ) : they’re born the youngest of two children so it’d be nice for someone to view them as an older sibling figure / mentor of sorts and go to them for advice

confidants : someone cece feels comfortable around and vice versa . they’re known to share a drink or two if they ever wanna talk about things that go beyond a surface-level friendship

friends : self-explanatory . friendships that formed through a common interest or two

hookups : open to plotting it out so yeah :vibe:

#roswellintro #⠀ ⠀ 🌸 ⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 ⠀ ⠀ ﹕ ⠀ ⠀ ❪ ⠀ celeste beaumont ⠀ ❫

[consul-valerius]

An Overly Long Explanation of Damien and His “Inner Circle”

Picrews used are here and here!

Hey! That’s him!

In general, Damien is fairly popular as the palace magician. His family history makes him intriguing, and his charms keep people sucked in. Notably, he is sought after by both nobility and commoners alike due to his volunteer work in the city. Locally, he’s known as the “Better Consul,” and in general most of the population adores Damien due to his disappearance and “revival.” While Damien loves the positive attention, his feelings are fickle too, which doesn’t make him the best partner. He’s known as a notorious flirt who is quick to drop you at any moment.

There is, however, a select group he keeps close to himself, be it platonically, sexually, or both. Some members of his inner circle are obvious choices to keep around, but others, many note, Damien doesn’t even seem to like-- and they were notably cruel to him when he was a child. 

Why he keeps them in his orbit is still a mystery...

Amara (she/her): Damien’s best friend and main confidant.

Amara’s mother is a local diplomat that has known Damien’s family (specifically Valerius) for years. They were introduced as children and hit if off immediately. Amara was one of the only kids not to turn on Damien when his power’s began manifesting, and she was deeply crushed by his disappearance. While she herself does not practice magic, she does read a lot about it and finds it all very intriguing. She serves besides Damien in the palace to entertain guests with her lovely singing voice; the two often perform for visitors together. When she isn’t at the palace, she is studying and conducting research on Vesuvia’s history. 

When Damien returned, they quickly rekindled their childhood friendship. Seeing that time did not deter her kindness, Damien let Amara close to him in a way no one else, including his family, is able to get to. She is the only one in his inner circle who Knows What’s Up, and she’s intent on helping Damien succeed in all his plans. While they are not sexually or romantically involved with one another (well... for the most part...), they truly are in love with one another and are devoted to one another. Damien allows himself to be weak around her, and she does not take this lightly. 

She is quite reserved and quiet when first meeting her, but once she feels she can trust you, she’s just a big beam of bright energy. Her and Damien party quite a lot, and she’s also a bit of a gossip (but who isn’t in Vesuvia?) She’s very good at keeping Damien from lashing out at people, but that’s just because she has a petty trick up her sleeve to get revenge in a more lowkey way. Overall, she is a very devoted friend and embodies grace in all her movements. 

 Lady Naima (she/her): The surprise daughter of the Countess and Count and the top contender to be Damien’s spouse 

Another fankid I could not resist NO and this is not her final design probably lmao

The youngest and only biological daughter between Nadia and Julian, Naima is next in line to take over her mother’s position as Countess when she is ready to pass the title to her. All of her older siblings had already chosen other careers (either as ambassadors or doctors or teachers, etc. etc.), leaving Naima at the helm. She takes her role as lady extremely seriously and tries in every way to embody her mother’s tack, wisdom, and grace. However, among the people, she is not nearly as popular as her parents (especially compared to her father), and she is seen as an aloof eccentric type. She also inherited her father’s height and awkward demeanor, which makes selling the “Refined Lady of Vesuvia” act very difficult for her. 

She is two years older than Damien, and he has known her his entire life. Unlike Amara, Naima was not always kind to Damien as a child and very rarely stood up for him. This was mainly in an act to protect herself from being taunted by all the others, and it’s something that she still feels remorse for as an adult. His disappearance truly rocked her world, and she couldn’t help but feel like she was to blame for it. Truthfully, she always had a childhood crush on Damien, partially because of all the adults pushing them together and partially because well... she just did. She’s always been drawn to him despite not always showing it.

When he returns, she is extremely awkward around him and her interactions often come off as ingenuine or just flat out fake. Despite this, for whatever reason, Damien is not turned off by her and instead actively seeks her out to playfully tease her. They do have their genuine moments together, though, as no one quite understands the pressures of their families quite like each other. A lot of gossip surrounds them of “Will they; won’t they?”, and while Damien doesn’t mind this, Naima finds it exhausting. Her feelings for Damien are only stronger now as an adult, but his playboy antics do hurt her in a way she can’t quite communicate to him. The constant attention on any interaction between them is also only more torturous for her.

okay now for some rapid fire quick takes of some of the others in his circle who he is sexually involved with !

Damien’s body guards and personal attendants: Marie (she/her) and Sebastian (he/they)!

Marie and Sebastian both serve Valerius’s household and were assigned to keep careful watch over Damien when he returned. There’s still plenty of resentment against Valerius, and with the paranoia that Damien was taken as a child, they want to ensure his safety anywhere he goes. 

At first, he was against having them near him as he felt it was just a way for his parents to spy on him. However, it became extremely clear that their main concern and loyalty is to Damien, not Valerius nor Donna. They were both almost instantly smitten with him, and he takes advantage of this. Always cover for him, very protective of him. You can’t tell from the picrews but picture them both... beefier. Has jumped anyone who Damien instructs them to, and they cover for him when he has his... violent outbreaks. Very ride or die for Damien, and they know not to ask questions in regards to his motives. 

They’re also dating! Yay polyamory! 

Anthony (he/him): a field worker on one of Valerius’s family vineyards who has had a crush on Damien as far back as he can remember. 

Very self explanatory here: he’s Damien’s himbo golden retriever lmao Just absolutely in love with the man and is objectively one of the kindest people to Damien next to Amara. Truly thinks Damien is remarkable and gorgeous and oh so smart and wow! he’s just so amazing! He treats Damien like a prized jewel, and Damien in turn spoils him with affection. Out of all his partners, Anthony gets treated the best by Damien; he will always have a soft spot for Anthony because Anthony is a relief from the mind games of nobility for Damien.

He is also a very gentle, service dom and drives Damien fucking wild heheh

Nalesh (they/them) and Camilla (she/her): Nobility that are actively seeking Damien’s hand in marriage and are ready to take down anyone in their way.

Nalesh is, awkwardly, one of Naima’s many cousins (or perhaps second cousin? I haven’t put too much thought into that part LMAO). Unlike a lot of Damien’s suitors, they never knew him as a child and only began pursuing him as an adult. Vain and a bit ditzy, they aren’t a standard Satrinava in the least, and they’re okay with that. They fool around with Damien quite a bit, but Damien almost always breaks things off just to start them back up again. Many think he is just using Nalesh to hurt Naima, and even Nadia to an extent, though if he is, Nalesh doesn’t mind at all. They’re intent on making Damien their husband, and they aren’t shy about making their intentions know. Notoriously sends Damien the most extravagant gifts which Damien notoriously (and publicly) throws away.

Camilla is the daughter of a high standing family of nobles and was one of the meanest to Damien when they were kids. She’s disgusted and distrustful of magic, and she wasn’t shy about making Damien’s life hell as a child. However, his disappearance stirred something in her, and she saw his homecoming as almost a second chance from the gods for her to right her wrongs. Surprisingly to everyone, Damien allows her to get close to him and says he forgives her for her “misgivings.” She showers him with affection and gifts, and they have a very heated and talked about sexual relationship. However, Damien constantly denies her when she brings up the subject of marriage, and he is constantly threatening to cut things off between them. No one quite knows why they keep up such a toxic relationship, but it doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. 

Magdalena (she/they): A local shopkeeper who caught Damien’s eye the moment he saw her; many people are convinced she’s truly who Damien intends on marrying, much like how his father married Donna. 

Magdalena is the most far removed from Damien’s life, and yet the most gossip surrounds them due to the similarities between their affair and Valerius’s and Donna’s. She is also the only other fellow magician Damien keeps close to himself, and so there is a tight kinship between them. Soft spoken and a bit plain, no one quite knows why Damien hangs around her so much or why she gravitates towards him. The two often are seen assisting the local orphanage or schools together, which only boosts the gossip around them. 

Next to Amara, Magdalena also knows major parts of Damien’s true plans, and this knowledge seems to only bring them closer. She is very devoted to him, and he seems to genuinely cherish her at times, though he does have a bad habit of becoming cold and shut off from her. Also notable is that she is on speaking terms with Donna (another reason why many feel she will be the “victor” in this game). She’s aware of Damien’s other affairs, but she is uncaring what he does when he isn’t with her. She actually finds a lot of the others’ antics very amusing and relishes the fact that she keeps Damien’s attention without the needed flare or drama. 

#problem child damien #my writing #picrew #long post #BIG FUCKING OC DUMP LMFAO #they're getting so far removed from the game itself so i wont even tag it lmao #but the summary: damien is a fickle hoe and people just eat it up #i'll actually draw Naima and Amara one of these days are they are the m o s t important out of the bunch #the others im really just using for smut purposes lets be REAL. #also yes all my OCs are bi and trans ???? what about it ?????? #also realizing damien just surrounds himself with a lot of women and i love that for him #OC Lore