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#they are everything and this episode was such a painful delight

nor-4 · 6 months

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Heyy, I have just seen you are accepting request! I haven’t seen too many people writing about mike and when I saw you I was definitely delighted with all your masterpieces!

maybe (if u don’t feel uncomfortable writing about it) can you do a scenario/headcanon of mike comforting an angst and period pain reader?

Sorry for requesting this but I really feel like needing a soft and comprehensive mike rn 😿💞

anyways, if you aren’t really into it It will be fine as well!<3

have a nice day ;)

Aww it's fine bae i seriously love you all, who told you that i have praising kink😩

Mike knows you period schedule. So you don't have to wake up feeling uncomfortable with blood on that sheet.

While you change your sanitary napkin, he insisted that you should let him make breakfast. It's too early so he had time making other dishes so you can choose on what you eat, cause he knows that when you're on period sometimes you're a picky eater.

And mike knows that when you are on a period, you will have this kind of episode. Mike swears that he is lucky that he bought groceries yesterday, he gets to buy your favorite ice cream on time.

Luckily abby didn't have school today so you have a accompany. So before dinner you and abby decided to watch her favorite cartoon movie that she really adored, she even draw the main character on her drawings.

Seeing the finale of the movie made you tear up, even abby is crying on how much she adores the movie. Mike came on a right time.

"Baby what happened?.." He asked while rubbing both of you and abby's back, "It's just the crocodile is so cute.." Mike was left dumbfounded on your answer but still decided to comfort both of you.

You both stopped crying upon seeing mike bought your favorite food.

After dinner mike took a bath because it's been a whole fat hour since he started talking about how greasy his hair feels. After getting out of the bathroom, he saw you sniff a cry while holding your stomach in pain.

He rushed to see what is happening and he already knew, mike always have a heater by his night table and he put the heater on your stomach while holding you on a hug and comforting you tears away.

After the pain go away he came running to get you water since it's what all you need, you don't need to say a single word cause he can read you like a book.

He cuddle you to his bed after you drink a water while whispering how much he loves you, it didn't take a long time for both of you to fell asleep.

Nothing hurts him other than seeing you in pain, as much as possible he is trying to learn everything about you and how you feel.

#mike afton x reader #mike afton #mike schmidt x you #mike schmidt x reader #mike schmidt #josh hutcherson x you #josh hutcherson x reader #josh hutcherson #fnaf movie #fnaf #five nights at freddy's

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rggie · 2 years

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twst boys as babysitters

characters: leona kingscholar, malleus draconia, vil schoenheit

summary: cheka comes to visit leona! instead of being a responsible adult, leona throws the burden onto you … and the poor unfortunate soul that happened to be with you at the time. tldr; twst boys as babysitters

cw: established relationship, gn!reader, crack & fluff, sfw. not proof read. wc: 1.5k+

leona kingscholar

“oi, herbivore. got you something.” leona calls, dragging his feet into your room, hands hidden behind his back. “early birthday present. keep this one forever.”

oh dear

now you’re no stranger to receiving gifts from your boyfriend (though he won’t admit that he likes to spoil you) but something about his tone makes you worry.

surprise!!!! he raises cheka above his head, who squeals with delight at the motion, making grabby hands when he sees you. you’re his favourite person after his uncle leona, after all!

cue a moment of silence … you’re staring at leona, he’s staring at you … and cheka … is still raised in the air.

“leona, stop dumping things on me all the time.”

“but he likes you. take care of him for me.” which actually means ‘he’s disturbing my sleep and i need to get him off my back.’

you refuse, obviously, and propose that the pair of you babysit together. you’re meeting him halfway.

leona agrees too quickly. perhaps he wants to spend time with you—and okay, maybe he missed cheka too. the little brat.

there is something so endearing about the way leona interacts with his nephew

leona, who has an abundance of smarts and strength, is nothing more but a flickering candlelight when put against the blazing fire that is cheka kingscholar.

his power knows no bounds.

if you’re stuck with these two, expect a lot of play-fights

leona complains and verbalises very often how annoying it is, yet never bothers to physically remove cheka off him. he simply takes the hits, feigning pain afterwards.

“that really hurt. i’m tired now.” leona, be for real. just admit you’re a softie

but beware. if he’s in the mood, he might fight back. and leona shows NO mercy.

it doesn’t matter that cheka is a child! he’s preparing him for the REAL world

oh boy, here come the crocodile tears

when cheka is tired out, it’s time for leona’s favourite time of the day.

no, not lunch time, nap time!!!!

you know the saying two’s company, three’s a crowd? you’re spooning on a bed that’s definitely not made for three.

leona’s arms are strung loosely around your waist, his head in the nook of your neck

cheka is curled up in a little ball against your chest

it’s kind-of a squeeze, but it’s also comforting, their soft snores filling the otherwise quiet room

until cheka wakes up again, and this time he has his eyes on another opponent.

you.

malleus draconia

you’re trying to introduce malleus to your favourite shows, and he’s slowly getting into them as well

in fact, maybe he’s teleported outside your door in order to find out what happens in the next episode of the said show, and not because he wants to be with you.

he rings the door once, then twice, then thrice, but you don’t show up

he knows you’re a busy person, so he tries his hardest to be patient. either way, he’s certain he’d wait eons for you if that’s what you asked him to do.

when you turn up with leona’s nephew in his hands, he …

well, he doesn’t do anything at all, actually

he doesn’t even ask about it. you guys just carry on and sit in ramshackle as if everything is normal.

like hello???? are we going to address the furball other than grim in the room or not?

cheka: *scratching malleus’ horns like they’re ears*

malleus: ???? This Is Fine.

the truth is he’s scared

he’s malleus draconia, a fae feared by all—rendered immobile by a child attempting to swing from his horns.

you’re shocked he’s just letting it happen… he’s just sitting staring at the tv screen as if nothing is bothering him, but his whole body is visibly tense.

cheka is a talkative kid, and malleus is fascinating to him, so he just has so many questions! “why are you so tall?” “are you really a fairy?” “why don’t you look like the ones in storybooks?” “are your horns even real?”

“i don’t know. why don’t you check for me?” it’s an invitation for cheka to go wild, to do as he pleases

except malleus is NOT smiling, so it goes unnoticed

cheka is like :3 and malleus is like : |

malleus doesn’t want to scare the cub away, he wants to chat with him! he wants to play!!!

but he lacks the verbal skills to communicate properly

he thinks back to silver as a young boy and finds a way to keep cheka entertained

“little lion, would you like to spar?”

malleus, no!!!!???

silver may have been training at a young age, but this is different. he was not raised by two fae.

despite your desperate pleas, cheka agrees.

malleus is grinning, a rare sight—its giddy and goofy and so youthful, you don’t have the heart to stop them

they sit crossed-legged on your bed with spoons for swords, violently clashing against each other

malleus is REALLY serious about it, though. he’s smiling, but he’s also teaching cheka at the same time

“good one.” “this is your opponents’ blind spot.” “you should try this on your uncle leona.”

oh.

you’re starting to think he’s doing this purposely.

but this is the most fun you’ve seen him have in a while, so you suppose leona will just have to pay the price of leaving cheka in your care.

vil schoenheit

why on earth is leona’s nephew sitting in pomefiore’s lounge, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed?

he has half the mind to curse out leona next time he sees the beastman, but then you appear behind him.

his frown and his thoughts falter a little. (his lips subconsciously pull upwards into a smile whenever he’s around you. it really is a bother that he cannot control his emotions better, considering he’s an actor.)

“did you bring him here?” he points at cheka, tone accusatory, but lacking any real bite.

all he wanted was to spend time with you. now he’s plagued by some child who didn’t even know the basic instruction ‘sit.’

upon closer inspection, he shrieks and moves backwards from cheka quickly.

“prefect, where are his shoes??”

“…”

you’re joking, right? please tell him you’re joking.

“so you’ve been having him walk around OUTSIDE barefoot?”

“he’s just … one with nature!” you laugh lightly to quell his anger.

he is not laughing. not this time.

Mother Nature may be smiling down on Cheka, but Vil Schoenheit is not.

his feet. his feet.

those feet have been walking all over the school, who-knows-where, and now they were padding across his previously immaculate carpet. holy seven, he thinks he sees the shape of a foot-print staining the floor already.

that’s it. it’s bath time, he declares, demanding you to swoop the child into your arms and follow him as fast as you can to the en-suite bathroom in his dorm room.

it’s already a battle alone trying to get cheka into the bathtub. cheka hates water, mewing, thrashing his body about and scrunching his nose like a bratty kitten.

but fear not. you’re lucky your boyfriend vil is an esteemed warrior in the sense that he has had plenty experience getting messy kids to behave (*cough*, epel)

get your tickets for Queen vs. Future King Of Sunset Savanna NOW!!! they’re going at it like it’s wordstar

once he’s in the bathtub, things are a lot more calm.

vil is … surprisingly sweet? his voice is gentle and soothing as he works away humming to a tune you’re unfamiliar with, assuring you that you can sit back and relax.

you’ve never seen him interact with children before, but you realise he acts as he does with everything else he cares about—practical and meticulous—although he can be harsh at times, he has good intent.

perhaps it’s the atmosphere of being around someone so young rubbing off on him, but he’s a tad playful, styling cheka’s hair in funny ways with shampoo. at one point cheka’s hair stands so tall above his head, it may rival malleus’ height. just kidding, but you get the point.

afterwards, he lets cheka use his favourite scented creams, as a reward for being good. the plethora of items displayed on his vanity was more than enough to make anybody with a penchant for self-care jealous.

cheka is overjoyed, his sense of smell heightened compared to you and vil, who were only human. the different scents around him are stimulating; he’s content having vil place pea-sized pumps of cream in the palms of his hand.

“smell.” vil orders. he waits for an opinion: “smells fruity, like oranges!” which is about as much descriptive lingo a five year-old can muster up before repeating the process all over again.

you had to stop cheka from trying to eat vil’s products several times

“yes, it smells like summer fruits with a dash of honey drizzled over and a side of fat-free greek yogurt, but it doesn’t taste like it!”

to anyone else it may have seemed quite strange, but to them, it was exciting.

at the end of the day, vil may not have edible treats to give to cheka, or the will to play-fight, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.

#twst imagines #twst headcanons #twisted wonderland #twst #vil schoenheit #vil schoenheit x reader #malleus draconia #malleus draconia x reader #leona kingscholar #cheka kingscholar #leona kingscholar x reader #leona x reader #malleus x reader #vil x reader #🐾・/ rggie twst

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saltpepperbeard · 6 months

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Poison into Positivity: A List of What I Liked in OFMD S2

Hello hello everyone! Things have been a little rough around here. Even away from the more heated takes, I've still seen a few "down in the dumps" murmurs. To which, I'm giving y'all big hugs, but also offering up some little bits of warmth! I wanted to share quite a few bullets of the things I enjoyed about this season. Maybe it'll serve as a reminder, or maybe it'll just serve as a chaotic, silly little read as per usual PFFF.

But I invite you to read along, and even add some of your own points should you feel inclined! Also, this might not even be my full list; these are just the ones that came to me quickly/off the top of my head. Still, let's dive on down like a fantastical, dazzling goldfish, shall we?

All the callbacks/parallels. My goodness. When I tell you I'm a SLUT for metaphors/parallels/callbacks/etc etc. Seeing so many things and being able to just *Leonardo Dicaprio pointing meme.* I know people might not share that same opinion because some might view it to be excessive, but I personally LOVED being able to point at my screen and be like "oH EYYYYYYY!!!" Maybe because it makes for such immaculate gifset/meta material <3 SJKJDLHSK

The costuming and makeup. WHEN THEY TALKED AT ECCC ABOUT EVERYONE GETTING HOTTER, THEY WERE NOT KIDDING LMAO. EVERYONE LOOKED SO, SO GOOD. and listen, i am on my knees begging for them to give ed with his hair up back to us. i need Her back,,,ALSO, SOMETHING SOMETHING COMPLICATED EMOTIONS TOWARDS STEDE'S LATTER HALF LOOK, BUT ALSO...GOD DAMN, MR. DARBY,,,,,,

Speaking of Mr. Darby, the acting in this season. The ACTTTINNNGG. Everyone acted their ASSES off. Everyone put their entire piratussies into this season. Though, I'm PARTICULARLY impressed with Taika and Rhys, because again with their "oh we're comedians lol so idk drama can be Difficult Difficult Lemon Difficult." MMMM I THINK THE FUCK NOT, MY GUYS LMAO??? They both did SO well with all the drama and painful moments. The acting in episodes 2, 3, 6, and 7 in particular like...God. GOD!!!

I loved so many characters in this season, and I'll of course have to give two individual shoutouts to my two favorite new ladies, but man. LET'S GO FRENCHIE!!! ALWAYS A DELIGHT!!! FANG/KEVIN MY ABSOLUTE SWEETHEART. JIM SERVING ABSOLUTE FUCKING GENDER THIS SEASON. OLU OLU DARLING OLU. PETE NEVER MISSING WITH HIS ONELINERS. LUCIUS BEING SO THEATRICAL AHDJKSDK LIKE NATHAN PLEASE YOU KILL ME. ROACH MAKING ME LAUGH OUT LOUD NUMEROUS TIMES AS HE DOES. WEE JOHN AND HIS KNITTING AND DRAG!!! AND THEN OF COURSE MY DEARLY BELOVEDS, ED AND STEDE. I JUST LOVE THEMMMMM!!! But okay okay okay-

Zheng my beloved. I just love this badass pirate queen with her sweet little pigtails and her IMMACULATE LINE DELIVERIES SDHJKSKL. A lot of my favorite deliveries from the entire season came from her quite honestly. Please see: "Girl, how ARE you?" and "Hiiiiiii. I KNOWWW it's been a day" and "I've killed mediocre men. I've killed exceptional men. But you're the worst kind: a mediocre man who thinks he's exceptional."

AND ARCHIE MY BELOVED. She kills me because I remember seeing like, those ~*~audition tape whispers~*~ WAY back in the day, and subsequently thinking she was going to be quite a different character. Only for this silly goofy bubbly energetic darling to pop up and snag my heart. HER deliveries kill me also, like when she goes "Like...STEDE Stede?" and the whole "I was IN the fuckin' snake!" also hhngngngngnershkfhslkds tattooed ladies Hot :(

Speaking of which, the comedy. THE DELIVERIES. THE WAY I LAUGHED OUT LOUD NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT, EVEN WITH THE DEEP UNDERCURRENT OF DRAMA/ANGST. The whole bit where Stede is in hysterics over his cursed coat is just hsjkdhsklds; it will NEVER not make me wheeze. And then, like I said, almost EVERYTHING Pete says this season kills me; another thing that will never not make me laugh is "a doggie...?" weird little pirate show with weird little humor my beloved

The ROMANCE??? I genuinely was going into the season with the expectation of getting maybe like, one or two Gentlebeard kisses. Imagine my shock and utter delight when we ended up with FOUR, AS WELL AS AN INTIMATE SCENE, THE LETTER SCENES, AND THE LOVE PROFESSIONS. Like, one of them dropping a legitimate "I love you" felt like an unrealistic expectation--the HIGHEST dream tier really. And then wouldn't you know it. And that doesn't even account for all the rest of the couples either! The murder wives having their chaotic little moments of fucked up affection??? LUCIUS AND PETE GETTING ENGAGED AND THEN MARRIED??? HELLO??????

The sets! I know people have pointed out that the world felt a bit simplified this time around, due to budget restraints and what have you. But I still loved what they did with the world even with the various constraints. The market in episode 6 is a PARTICULAR favorite of mine; it's just so lush and colorful. I also love what they did with The Revenge during episode 6 too!

Also, this might be an unpopular opinion, but I really actually liked that they filmed on location. First of all, love that the Kiwis got to be right at home in Aotearoa. Love that they have an even more special connection to the show now. But second of all, I just like when scenery is...actually THERE? It feels way more TANGIBLE. Don't get me wrong; that hugeass wraparound screen that they use to film a lot of sets is a technological marvel. But I'm a sucker for practical.

The deeper and more complex dives into character motivations/trauma. Like, homie lol...When I tell you episodes 6 and 7 utterly set my brain alight in the best way possible. I was CHUGGING through thoughts. You know those gifs where someone is walking around and ranting/passionately talking,,, yeah. Yeah. Maybe because a lot of it "struck a chord" with me indeed, but I love love LOVE getting brain food like that.

Speaking of brain food, in PARTICULAR, the deeper dives into Ed's self-loathing and into Stede's troubles with confidence and masculinity. A lot of Stede's choices were fueled by those two things, and it was SO friggin fun to catch all of them, put them in a jar, and shake them around. I've seen a lot of people fearing his actions in the latter half were out of character, but to me, I don't see it that way. I just see a man who has been so spurned, so left behind, and SO deprived, a man who is stuck thinking he has to be someone else to mean something. And I think that plays a lot into even the EARLIEST developments we saw in season 1, so it was just so intriguing to watch everything messily play out.

THE INNKEEPER. THE INNKEEPER MY BELOVED. SO much about that episode absolutely has my heart. All the different developments, the stakes, the pacing, and the payoff at the end. Not to mention that I had a FEELING that mysterious figure in the trailers was Hornigold, so it was so SO validating to see him pop up PFFF. And also, all those dream/gravy basket sequences were so so good too. I don't know if it's the chemistry between Taika and Mark, or the deeper symbolism, or the lines that have become vocal stims for me SJKDLS (please see: ooOOoooO eddie eddie eddie...you're laying some heavy shit on me, bro), but man. MAN.

And this one gets its own bullet because of course it does: the fucking mermaid scene. Like, are we kidding. ARE WE KIDDING. THE ROMANCE OF IT ALL? THE FANTASTICAL-NESS INDEED?? THE WAY IT WAS ALL FUCKING PRACTICAL AND RHYS SWAM DOWN TO TAIKA AS A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GOLDFISH AND THEY HAD TO THROW HEART EYES AT EACH OTHER UNDERWATER??? WHAT THE FUCK!!! And don't even get me started on Kate Bush lol. This Woman's Work might easily be one of my favorite songs, if not my FAVORITE song from the season. And man. Man. The whole meaning behind Ed seeing Stede as this beautiful, sparkly being, and not some hypermasculine/extraordinary thing. He fell in love with Stede for who Stede really is. And so I ADORE that acknowledgement.

Speaking of songs, the MUSIC!!! Absolute bangers all throughout. And I loved how there seemed to be even more intermixed within the episodes. Like God... "These are the kids..." 🗣️ HELLO MY LOVE I HEARD A KISS FROM YOU 🦗🦟🦗🦟🦗🦟 . And all the beautiful classic piano pieces and NINA SIMONE AND JUST HSJKDHSFJKLHSKD????

Okay, I've always had and STILL have complicated thoughts and opinions on Izzy, but man, seeing him interact with the Revenge Crew was really something. Seeing Stede's influence come over the lot of them like a warm blanket, extending its welcoming and familial hands...It was just lovely. I love seeing our little sea family care for each other so much. They've probably all hurt so so much in different ways, so to see them all being a collective heart is just so nice.

Speaking of which, the queerness of it all, the queer celebration of it all. The way the whole crew is just...a representation of queer people finding each other, and subsequently finding love and family in each other. Like, when the whole world wants to cast you out, you pull each other in. When no one else wants you, you take refuge in each other. And just...the joy, beauty, and wonder that can be found in that.

And speaking of which x2, the overall care that was put into the entire thing, the effort that was put into the entire thing. I know Max fucked us over with the budget, which subsequently fucked things like the intricacy, the amount of characters, and especially the pacing. But, I don't know; I personally could still tell everyone involved was trying so so hard to deliver for us. Based on the little details, the little callbacks, and the little moments that felt so catered to us, it just seemed so...gifted to us. Not to mention of course, the way they so deliberately chose to end on a hopeful note in case we never get a third season. They care about us. They've always cherished our excitement and passion, so it just...idk; it feels so special to have a bit more of an intimate connection like that. I've never been involved with a piece of media that so avidly SEES its audience, and celebrates along with us. So, despite everything, despite any sort of troubles, despite any sort of lows, that's a big part of what has me clutching all of this so closely to my chest. And I really hope they can still see that love, because I want nothing more than for them to see this beautiful story through.

Also, getting to enjoy this with everyone. Getting to ride the wave from the beginning of filming, all the way through the finale. Getting to see all the excitement, all the theories, all the art, all the fanfiction, all the gif sets, all the meta, and everything in between. It has carried me through some nastiness in my personal life, and has subsequently served as a very welcomed distraction. It's been such a pleasure getting to delight in this new content with you all, and I hope we get to do so into the future. <3

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emelinstriker · 1 year

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Macaque ♡ Private Play

I can't help but imagine Macaque using his Shadow Play skills to get money- now imagine the reader, his lovely spouse, being a regular of his shows and boom :D

Pre-Shadow Play episode btw cuz he do kinda be needing that lamp still

The pain of having to write this level of wholesome fluff when you've never been in an actual romantic relationship yourself- So I had a lot more fun telling the tale at the end and making it all more dramatic- omegalul

♡ ~ Fluff ~ ♡

It was yet another night at the theater, and a certain shadow monkey was doing his usual routine of retelling tales that he knew of from his own perspective and memories. Nothing out of the ordinary happened of course. He didn't get many people to see his performance, as usual, due to his plays' times and because of people not usually being interested in the concept of shadow plays as they preferred movies.

Such a shame, really, they were missing out on a great show! At least that's what you thought everytime you would see only a portion of the audience seats having been filled. Your husband did such an amazing show and you would be awestruck each and every time at the visuals he was able to create. Not to mention, his soothing voice was a nice bonus no matter which tale he told. He even used his powers to spice up your private wedding a few years back, using his shadows to calm you down from your nervous high, as well as putting on a shadow play for the few guests you had.

Once the play you were currently watching was over, you and the other people in the audience clapped, delighted at the performance. Some even stood up while the demon man on the stage bowed at the applause.

It didn't take long for the last people to leave the room while you simply sat in your reserved VIP seat as usual. And it didn't take long for your shadow to become a portal for the hooded monkey either as he emerged from it, wrapping his arms around you from behind.

"Hey there, sugarplum, how was work?", he said while nuzzling the crook of your neck. He was still in his human disguise, so unfortunately you were unable to appreciate his fluffy fur. But that didn't make you appreciate him any less as you leaned back into his hold.

You actually showed him your workplace before, which is a rather small thrift shop. Macaque needed some human clothing because the red and black cloak he's using during his plays would not suffice in certain areas of the city. Him in a hooded cloak, being all dark and mysterious, would most certainly garner unwanted attention from demons and humans alike. That's when you showed him some stylization options. Everything you showed him was extremely casual and he loved it.

"It was alright. Not much happened today, besides one customer who didn't understand how a warranty works", you muttered. The monkey let out a low chuckle as you could feel his chest's vibration on your back, leaning further into you. "Anyway, once you're free we can go take a stroll. There's this new 24-hour shop we haven't been to yet." Finally, you decided to turn a bit to give him a quick peck on the lips, making him smirk.

"Well, you're in luck. This one just so happened to be my last play for the night. Just gotta clockout at the counter and we're off", he said as he removed his disguise with his ability, revealing his demon form. He was still wearing his hooded cloak however, nuzzling you with his fur now.

And as he said, he clocked out at the counter... Or rather a shadow clone did while he himself carried you bridal-style outside the theater and onto the dark streets. He didn't let go of you until you were in the darkness of an alleyway, embraced by the shadows. You knew he specifically did this to make you feel safer. Because something he told you early on into your relationship: 'You're a lot safer in the shadows. So don't be afraid of them, especially when I'm here.'

The two of you walked hand-in-hand down the alley, talking about whatever else happened at each of your respective workplaces. Apparently the theater had a major fangirl come in who couldn't stop squealing at Macaque's voice, overall mysterious demeanor, as well as shadow abilities.

You laughed a bit at the image of a random girl in the back of the audience having a fangirl meltdown. "She did stay behind after the play to ask me for my number. Of course I said no and showed her my ring, but can you believe that?" He rolled his eyes at the memory.

"Yes, I can believe that would've happened eventually. After all," you started as you made your shoulder bump into his in an affectionate manner, "you do have an irresistible charm on the character you're putting up while in disguise."

You could've sworn his tail wagged underneath his cloak from the faint movement of fabric your eyes were able to catch behind him, giving you an amused smile. He pouted at your word choice.

"Just while in disguise? Damn, guess I'll need to step up my game as amazing husband to top that character", he chuckled before pulling down his hood. "How about I top the 'mysterious storyteller' right now with a tale I know you'll love?"

You simply stared at him in awe before excitedly nodding your head to give him the 'go'. In response, he let go of your hand and pulled out his lantern from underneath his cloak, twirling it in a fluent motion before it abruptly stopped and lit up in all its purple glory. He then winked as he handed it to you for safekeeping before taking a few steps back towards the opposing wall.

Macaque used both his hands and body to make the shadows behind him move in the usual shadow play fashion you knew from his public plays. Despite being fully aware of his abilities, knowing he doesn't need to do such thing to create those visuals, you appreciated his need to be a bit more dramatic than necessary. It simply added a bit more flare to the experience and made it a lot more enjoyable. But this time he actually incorporated his tail into the play too.

He started out with his eyes closed and his hands behind his back, using his smooth voice to his advantage, "Welcome my loveliest viewer, to a shadow play. The likes of which have never been seen." The simian's eyes opened as he threw a loving glance at you before raising his hand to the night sky. His arm's shadow formed a monkey man behind him. You knew that was him from his previous plays.

"The tale follows up on a warrior's story told not so long ago... There was a lonely warrior, wandering the most darkest corners of an unknown town. Cast aside by his former source of light, the hero, he sought out to find another source to feel whole once more", he started as his shadow now depicted himself and Sun Wukong. The Monkey King seemed to vanish as if turned to dust before being blown away by the wind. Macaque's expression held a sliver of hatred, but was quickly replaced with a gentle smile as another memory resurfaced.

"One day while roaming the town in the dead of night, a thunderstorm approached. Desperate to find shelter, he came across a different kind of light. A light so powerful, its source did not seem to mind sharing it with everyone they met." His eyes dilated a bit as he turned to face you, seeing you hold onto his lantern with extra care, making sure not to block its light. You didn't even notice your own lovestruck smile until he smiled back. "That light was a generous and kind mortal human, who offered him their home to shield him from the cold and damp. They even offered him silent comfort from the sounds outside as lightning continued to strike."

The shadows now depicted a human holding their hands over the warrior's ears, making both gaze at one another in close proximity. Then it switched to a scene with both holding hands while looking at what could only be described as sunrise.

"As the storm faded into the night, so did the moon. The sun started to awaken as its rays made the warrior realize that this human was his new source of light. And yet he told himself he had to leave, for he did not feel worthy of their compassion." The shadow of the warrior let go of the light's hands, but then was quickly stopped by the light refusing to let go of one hand, lightly tugging him back towards them.

"However, the light proved him otherwise. They did not agree with his mindset and instead asked him to stay longer." The human now pulled the warrior closer to them before giving him a hug. Macaque couldn't help but let out a little chuckle as he recalled the memory. "And eventually, the warrior seemed to have been put under a spell so strong it sent him into a spiraling trance. One that would bind him to the light for the future to come." Your husband then slightly leaned closer in your direction with his signature grin. "It was a spell of love."

The scene shifted once more to show both of them kissing while sitting on a bench under a tree, one familiar one you recognized with ease. "Over the coming months, their love for one another grew, and so did the shadow's courage to propose marriage to his beloved light. He came up with a plan to meet up under the tree's branches once again, and he expressed his devotion to the loving light of his life..."

Suddenly, the lantern became dimmer by the second as he approached your now blushing form with his arms crossed, clearly hearing your heartbeat. "I believe you already know how this story ends."

And as the lantern's light faded away, you launched yourself forward to capture him in your embrace, giving him a passionate kiss on the lips. You were still holding onto the lantern with one hand behind his back. He wrapped his arms around you in return and leaned more into you. Once you pulled away for air, you gave him a bright smile as a few tears formed in your eyes from the joy you felt. Despite the dark that surrounded you two, the simian was able to see your happy response to his small, private play. Macaque knew how to pick his words far too well.

"You dork... I love you, Mac", your mumbled voice said as you nuzzled your face into his chest. His lips made contact with the top of your head as he pulled you closer to him, letting out what sounded like a low purr.

"I love you too, sugarplum."

> Link to Masterlist <

#lmk x reader #macaque x reader #six eared macaque #lego monkie kid #shadow play #fluff #dear god this is so sweet i might have diabetes #the fact that i can even write this while still being aroace is funny tho #srsly i should be in bed rn it's past midnight

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myfandomprompts · 2 years

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𝐀𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 | 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞 - 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐

Warning: Angst, spoiler for episode 10 (I promise there will be more Aemond after this chapter) (Part 1 - Part 3) Masterlist

Summary : You are content in Dragonstone, until the news of the King's death reaches the Fortress. You have no allies, and so you go to the only place where you don't expect to find him.

You were happy at Dragonstone. You were absolutely delighted by Rhaenyra's children, both old and young. The babes were incredibly sweet with everyone, and you felt the loving family radiating inside the castle walls, love that you did not feel in the Red Keep.

Jacaerys and Lucerys were both quite busy but they still found time for you, inviting you to some of their activities, tending to their dragons… You were intimidated by both Rhaenyra and Daemon, but it passed quickly as you remembered how considerate Rhaenyra was, and how much the Rogue Prince liked a good joke. The only thing unplanned was the length of your stay. You've been in Dragonstone for far longer than you and your father had intended, not for the displeasure of Ser Lorent Marbrand who was your only close family inside the great walls of the fortress. You had asked several months ago to extend your journey, and everybody had agreed. You missed your family a bit, Helaena and your friends, but you were dreading your return. The return to him.

You shivered from your thoughts as you entered the great hall. You had just come back from the library down one of the towers, having finished studying healing properties of seaweeds when you heard that the Princess Rhaenys had just landed in Dragonstone by one of the guards. You stumbled upon some lords and Daemon all standing around the table as you advanced further into the hall. Feeling like you were not in your place, you tried to sneak away as graciously as possible, maybe go to the beach where you knew the princes were sparring, but a horrifying scream froze you into place.

You rushed toward the screams, crossing the room and not bothering about what the Rogue Prince and the lords there might think. You found Rhaenyra in agonising pain, clutching her belly, maids feet away from her, as lost for what to do.

You ran to her, trying to steady her, "Princess, what happened? Why is this happening?" You knew it was too early for the labour to begin.

"King Viserys, my father, is dead," she announced through gritted teeth when she was able to look at you properly. You froze as she grabbed your arm for support. She cried of pain once more before keeping on. "Prince Aegon has been crowned today. In the Dragonpit."

You said nothing as images went through your head. The grief of the Queen, Aegon with a crown on his head before the people, swinging his sword above his head... His grandfather, protector and wife at his side, as well as Aemond.

Aemond who always found Aegon not fitted for the throne, but supported him nonetheless. Aemond who was fierce, wiser and more willing to be crowned, but always took his duty as the second son to heart, no matter his opinion on the matter. Aemond, who rose higher and higher as the years passed, surpassing his brother in everything aside from debauchery. Aemond, who was certainly standing at his side as his brother was crowned king, standing tall with his usual stance, arms behind his back, eye scanning the room.

You were not feeling well. All of the implications of such an event dawning on you. You were separated from your family, and you had no idea what would happen to them, as they have always been loyal to King Viserys, and always found Otto Hightower manipulative enough to achieve his dark schemes. And there you were, with the true heir to the throne giving birth month too early, and no means of action.

The new Black Queen gave birth to a stillborn, and was crowned during its funeral. All went fast. Lords were demanding war as Rhaenyra tried to slow them down, preferring diplomacy. When her sons volunteered to be messengers for the lords who had pledged loyalty to her, including Lord Borros Baratheon, you couldn't help but intervene. The Baratheons were some of your kin, your aunt married one of their lords and have lived in Storm's End ever since. So you required of the Queen to be sent there with Lucerys to be mainly an asset in the negotiation, but also because you wanted to be with your family in order to better step out of this fight. You wouldn't do anything until you had news of your father. Ser Lorent, ever protective of you, did not succeed in changing your mind.

You learned that you were to fly on dragon back, and you weren't enchanted per say. You enjoyed flying, but the only dragon you have ever ridden was Vhagar, and there was much more room than Arrax offered. However, you arrived in Storm's End several hours later.

"It is best if I enter alone," Lucerys said at first. You wanted to argue but a roar echoed through the courtyard. You turned and saw Vhagar lifting her head above the walls. You swallowed.

He was here.

Part of you wanted to run into the hall, hoping he'd be right there, but the other part of you feared the moment you would see him. You could not allow yourself to give up all the hard work you had done while you were away from him. Not at a moment of such crisis. Your head told you to stay put, but your heart was longing for just a sight of him, a glance, a word.

You stayed outside as the rain started to pour and Lucerys entered the hall. Vhagar seems to recognise you from afar, as Arrax became more and more agitated. You tried to soothe him but you weren't his rider and failed to even approach him. You took shelter under the porch when the rain started to blur your vision. After a while, the doors opened again, the guards revealing a Lucerys as agitated as his dragon. You struggled to hear him above the loud thunderstorm.

"Y/N, you must stay! Find your aunt, I must warn my mother as soon as possible, it's-," he quickly looked at the doors behind him, tension emanated in waves from him, and you were starting to be scared. You wanted to know if he had seen Aemond, though you felt like you already knew the answer.

"It's too dangerous on dragon-back!" he continued over the rain, "I'll come back for you, meanwhile, if you have affection for my family, please try to convince Lord Borros to take our side!"

You wanted to argue once more. Too dangerous on dragon-back? You just arrived this way, why not depart the same way? He feared something, and you felt it. But how long will he be gone? What had happened?

However, your wishes were becoming true: you were exactly where you wanted, you had the opportunity to stay away from the halls of Dragonstone where battle strategies were surely planned, as well as away from the halls of the Red Keep. Your desire to step away from the boiling conflict achieved. Although it seems here, in Storm's End, you were running toward another diplomatic disaster.

Lucerys hugged you briefly, at your own surprise. You reciprocated his affection before watching him speaking to Arrax and mounting him, flying away with haste. You looked over the wall. Vhagar was invisible to you now. Was Aemond gone too, or was it just too blurry for you to see?

You announced yourself, and the guard let you in. Lord Borros was surprised by your presence. You thought it best to exclude the fact that you came with Lucerys at first, because if you were right, the meeting between the Prince and Lord Baratheon did not go well. If you were to appear as a guest and not demand alliances away, it would be smarter. So you settled to only ask to see your kin.

At first, you dodged the questions of your arrival with ability, but when your aunt arrived you were finally able to relax. You learned that Lord Borros has refused Lucerys' demand to honour the oath his father made to the Black Queen, and that shortly after, Prince Aemond, who had arrived the day before, had demanded his eye in return for the harm he caused him all those years ago. You were expecting to see him appear in the hall at any moment, but you were told he left. To chase the younger Prince.

Panic took you at that announcement. You barely managed to admit that it was Lucerys that brought you here with the calm demanded of your position, and finally you were able to take your leave. Your aunt was glad to see you, but looked very worried. But it didn't matter. You wanted to rush outside and scream into the storm for Aemond to return, not to harm his nephew.

You were useless, dragon-less.

Hours passed. You were settling in your aunt's apartments, tormented, the storm still raging outside. You thought you heard a roar several times over the raging sea, but you saw nothing from the window of your tower.

Then you heard it, a thud over the storm. Vhagar had landed. You rushed out of the room, and started to descend the many stairs that led to the great hall. You barged in. Aemond was standing there, soaking wet, head down, facing Lord Borros still seated on his throne.

"What happened out there, boy? What did you do?" he demanded.

Aemond was still staring at the floor, his expression was unreadable, but not for you. He didn't have his usual smirk, his eye weren't focused on his surroundings. You haven't seen him like this, ever. You dreaded what he would say next. You didn't want to hear it.

When the Prince looked up at the Lord on his throne, he let the silence linger a while longer before talking, "Lucerys Velaryon is dead. Slain by Vhagar."

The room went silent, and the world twirled before your eyes. Seconds later you were on your knees, clutching your chest for air, as cries of despair escaped you as well as a flow of tears.

"No!" You didn't hear yourself scream, but at that he finally saw you. You were there, on the floor, still wet from the weather, now surrounded by ladies of the court who tried to steady you. What in the seven hells were you doing there? You couldn't be, not now, not after what he had done.

His legs instantly moved toward you, he wanted to reach you, to touch you, "You murdered your own kin?" Lord Baratheon roared.

He stopped in his steps at the question, still too far from you for his taste. His heart was heavy. He didn't look away from you as he answered, "I searched for his remains, in vain," He was not sure if you were able to follow anything that was happening around you now, but his words were meant for you. "I never intended for it to happen. It was an accident."

The rooms filled with whispers, and after a deep breath, Lord Borros announced; "You are still our guest, my Prince. I expect you to honour the promise you made to me and my daughter, and my loyalty shall not falter."

You struggled to open your eyes, you had no idea of how much time had passed since you collapsed. Seconds? Minutes? Hours? When you came to yourself, you were still in the hall, people of the court looking at you and Aemond much closer than he was before. You didn't hear anything that was said, and the ladies around you finally managed to make you stand, your aunt among them, worry written all over her face.

The room was dismissed, your aunt immediately advised you to rest in her apartments, and Aemond who finally had the opportunity to come toward you, was afraid that you would once more escape away from him.

And indeed you were faster. Ignoring your aunt, you freed yourself from the hands keeping you steady and rushed for the door, to the rain. You needed air, and your heavy breathing didn't help calm yourself. He wanted to protect you, that is why he didn't take you on Arrax. And now he was dead. Because of Aemond, because of the man you always wanted.

You felt dirty, empty, and the pouring rain was hurting your skin. You felt something on your arm, almost like a caress, a hand grabbed your elbow for you to turn around. Silver hair entered your vision and you saw an eye watch you with worry. You escaped from his hold at once, and the next thing you knew, you had slapped him.

He didn't say anything at first, slowly looked back down at you with a lazy eye. His silence was louder than the storm above your head and it annoyed you. It annoyed you and you were angry. So you began hitting his chest with your fists, repeatedly, weakly, almost screaming in rage. He didn't flinch, he let you harm him for a moment, eye boring into you before clasping your hands into his, putting a stop to your doings. You struggled, begging him to let you go, but he didn't. He pulled you close, waiting for you to calm down, to be still.

"You killed him... Your own nephew," you cried. "How could you...?"

He just stared at you, sadness filling his eye; "I never meant for it to happen," he stated.

You watched him, taken aback. He looked sincere. Or were you still this weak?

"Nevertheless, he is gone. Onlt the Gods know where he lies. And you didn't want this? I've been told you demanded his eye, I see you settled for far more," you said bitterly.

"What is done is done!" he said, angry now. "My mistake can never be redeemed as his own never was. My only solace is in the fact that I did not want this, Y/N," he shook your arms as he continued; "I don't care what is said about me now, but I never wanted for you to be in pain."

You barely held a sneer from escaping your lips; "This is all that matters to you? My pain? Then you should have thought of this years ago, before you-"

"You abandoned me!"

A loud thunder came at the same time. You were silenced by his words, your ears ringing from the pain. You were exhausted.

He took a deep breath and his voice became firm.

"You abandoned me. How long were you planning to stay away in that damn fortress? Months? Years? All of your life? The very castle I could not set foot into, and you never returned. Ravens forgotten, friends as well," he talked louder now, "Do you know how many times I thought about flying there to steal you away? You had no right, no right to go away like this. The thought of you, happy, away across the black water bay made me-," he stopped himself, and the next moment he softened your grasp on you, as his shoulders relaxed.

"Now it's different. You are to return to the Red Keep, with me. Your father misses you, it is long due you take your rightful place," he continued coldly, like he hasn't snapped moments before.

You watched him with narrowed eyes, tears still coming down on your cheeks. You saw his eye look at your lips briefly, then back at your eyes. Even if you were momentarily taken aback by the movement, you let nothing appear as you slowly manage to free yourself from him. You gave him one last look, lifted your dress up and walked away. You needed to be alone, where he wouldn't be.

-0- Part 3

@let-love-bleeds-red @crazylokonugget

#aemond #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #fanfiction #oc #aemond x original character #aemond one eye #house of the dragon #imagine #aemond targaryen x reader #romance #house targaryen #aemond kinslayer #ywawm #mygif #aemond 1x10 #usermyfandomprompts #hotdedit

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damn-stark · 9 months

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Chapter 16 These violent delights…

Chapter 16 of Moonlight

A/N- ;)

Warning- Swearing, angst, fluff!!, violence, blood, death, implied nsfw, SPOILERS for future events of HOTD.

Pairing- Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!fem-reader, Cregan Stark x Velaryon!fem-reader

Episode- After 1x09, events based off of Fire and Blood

(If you want to be tagged let me know)

————

“It’s a girl!” The handmaiden announces gleefully. “Princess, it's a girl.”

And there it was, through all the pain, all the chaos, peace finally came at the sound of a cry. A sweet cry.

“I want to hold her. I want to hold her,” she whispers between pants.

The handmaiden wraps the baby in a warm and soft blanket and carefully hands Rhaenyra her baby, her first born, you. And upon seeing the swollen little face after nine months of anxiety and anticipation all she felt was happiness. She had forgotten how it felt, true happiness, but she became familiar with the emotion once again as she watches you squirm in her arms as you try to find comfort.

“She’s so beautiful,” Rhaenyra coos as she admires you, as she holds you carefully out of fear that you would somehow break. “Is she healthy?” She asks the handmaidens without even sparing them a glance, she can’t take her eyes off the tiniest little silver-white curls on your head, off the smallest little hands she’s seen, and the cute little nose on your face.

“Very,” the handmaiden assures her. “Brave mother.”

Rhaenyra grins softly, whilst the door of her chamber opens. Yet she keeps watching you, she doesn’t care that the once lonely room is accompanied by someone else.

“My sweet girl,” she murmurs to you. “My sweet little y/n. What a miracle you are.”

“A girl! I’ve just been told.” She recognizes Laenor’s voice. When she looks up she sees him approaching her bedside with a nervous look.

However, when his eyes land on you those emotions completely vanish, the grief he still felt over the loss of the man he loved gets pushed away for now, and joy completely takes over.

He hadn’t been with Rhaenyra while she was in labor, only her handmaidens accompanied her throughout the night. But Laenor is the first person to come see her, to acknowledge her after such a stressful night.

“She’s so perfect,” he whispers and crouches down to watch you from up close. “A little miracle.”

Rhaenyra looks back at you snuggled against her and nods. “Yes,” she agrees. “She indeed is.”’

That was the luckiest day of her life your mother told you, it was almost a year after her wedding with your father that she refound her happiness within your eyes. After fearing giving birth, after feeling alone, she said she saw you and forgot all her pain. You wish you could recall that day just to see her smile, or the day Jacaerys was born.

Your mother told you that the day your brother was born you couldn’t stop looking at him, you asked her if you could have him. She said you were protective over him even at your young age. You don’t remember any of it, not even when Lucerys was born, but she did say you were happy, just as much as she was.

What must she feel now? After losing four children all in a span of a single year? You can’t imagine how grief stricken she must feel, after all she always tried to put on a brave face in front of you and your brothers. As you grew older you started to read her, to know when it was a front, so what must she feel now after losing her children, after having to be apart of her other two.

You know that if you lost one of your children you’d go mad, after all your heart was already stolen the day Jacaerys died. So it’s that same fear, that nerve-wracking fear that one of your twins might’ve passed, that encourages you to wake up.

It’s slow at first though, everything around you is blurry, and your body feels weak. You feel weak.

Yet you don’t let it stop you, you look around your quarters to try and grasp your environment. However, you quickly come to a stop when your eyes land under the window, and feel a soft gasp escape your lips. He’s here? How?

He shouldn’t, but how can you mistake his grey eyes that brew like an angry storm? His brown hair that goes past his sharp jaw, his pretty pale face, that quiet demeanor, and that sweet smile he reserves just for you.

Cregan.

You smile softly, but, alas, after you blink he’s gone. There’s nothing but an empty seat. Why would he be here though?

Perhaps you are mad already.

Nevertheless, you slowly look the other way and actually notice a real person, not just a figment of your imagination. Aemond.

He's nodding off on the seat beside the bed, with his long blond-silver hair over his face. He looks so sweet that way.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting there for far too long,” you break the silence in a hoarse voice.

Right away Aemond sits up, he brushes his hair back and looks at you with a sweet relief that makes his eye water. You offer him a tiny smile, and after a few more moments of disbelief he pushes himself off his seat and comes to sit beside you on the bed.

He proceeds to take your hand and press a kiss on your knuckles before he begins to caress your cheek.

“I’m okay,” you assure him. “Tired and sore, but I’m fine.”

He doesn’t seem upset. He wouldn’t greet you so kindly if he was.

“I was so worried,” he whispers and leans in closer to press his forehead against yours.

You laugh softly. “I hope you haven’t tormented the maester too hard.”

“Just enough,” says a bit smugly, making you laugh.

You grab the ends of his hair and twirl it around your finger. Aemond closes his eye and lets out a relieved deep breath that you can’t help but smile at before you gently take his hand to press it against your chest. “I'm fine,” you assure him again. “Feel that?”

Aemond’s eyes flutter open and he looks deep into your eyes with a loving gaze. “You wouldn’t wake up,” he whispers. “Two days passed and you wouldn’t wake up.”

Two days? It’s felt like seconds.

“I’m sorry,” you murmur and cup his jaw.

Aemond shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. And you’re awake now. That’s all that matters.”

You steal a kiss from him, but he pulls you in deeper and lingers in your taste. When you pull away you embrace him as a sense of overwhelming emotions hits you. “I was so scared,” you murmur. “I was so scared I was going to die…but I’m glad I had you with me. I don’t know if I could’ve actually done it without you.” You exhale shakily.

Aemond wraps his arms around you, but he’s not rough, his touch is gentle, he makes sure to very carefully caress the back of your head. “You already gave me a son,” he interjects. “Two girls besides that, I won’t make you have another babe again. I won’t risk your life.”

You smile softly. “It wasn’t that you know. What happened was normal. Besides, I think us not having another one will be impossible.” You giggle and pull back, that’s when you notice the untouched plates of food left on the table by the door. There was more than one. “You haven’t eaten,” you point out seriously and meet his gaze with a narrowed glare.

Aemond smiles down. “I’ve lost my appetite. And watching over twins isn’t so easy.”

Your eyes widen and soften. Without thinking you sit up, however it hurts so you pause and groan.

Aemond hears and quickly grabs your arm and holds your back. “Careful,” he scolds you.

You sit up slower, but still feel eager. “Are they okay?” You ask and grab his arm. “Bring them. I want to hold them.”

Aemond fixes the pillows behind you before pulling away and walking further in your shared quarters instead of walking out. He disappears for a moment, and you try to lift your head to peek, but he then returns with two bundles in his arms.

Of course he’s keeping them here. He doesn’t trust anyone here.

“You haven’t taken your eyepatch off,” you tell him as he approaches your side.

“Your handmaidens keep coming in and out, as well as Ser Criston, it’s easier to keep it on,” he responds as he keeps his eye on the twins in his arms.

Once he finally reaches you the corner of your lips pull to a soft happy smile, and you can’t help but watch the twins as he carefully hands you one.

“This is Daenys,” he says softly as he hands you the sleeping baby.

“Oh,” you muse and get her comfortable in your arm. “Hello my darling.” She’s precious, she has such chubby cheeks, and pretty curly blond-silver hair. The moment she feels that she’s not in the comfort of her cradle or her fathers arms though, she scrunches her little face in discomfort. “Sh-sh, it’s okay, it’s just me, your momma,” you assure her.

Daenys breath heaves as she’s about cry, but you then begin to caress her little cheek and she begins to calm down. Once she recognizes your voice her face slowly relaxes and she snuggles against you, making your heart skip a beat.

“She’s so precious,” you coo and look over at Aemond.

Your husband was already looking at you, his gaze was soft and his lips pulled to a soft smile. “Yes,” he agrees softly and lets his gaze linger on you before he blinks and looks down at the second little bundle. “And this is Daenerys.” He leans over and carefully places her in your other arm.

When you’re comfortable with both girls in your arms you then look down and admire Daenerys; she’s much smaller than Daeneys, her cheeks aren’t as full, she’s not as long as her sister, and her skin color is a bit lighter than Daenys.

When she was out you remember being worried about her appearance out of fear that she’d pay for your mistakes, but as you see her now, as you see her wavy white-silver hair that tension lifts off your chest. Finally after nine months of worrying, you can be at...

There is one thing you take note of. Something that’s not inherited from either Aemond or you. Unlike Daenys, Daenerys is awake, so you instantly notice her grey eyes. They’re grey just like a furious brewing storm, like…the man you love and had that night of passion with, Cregan.

What color eyes does Daenys have you wonder now?

“Has Daenys opened her eyes?” You query and look over at Aemond taking a seat besides you.

“Yes she has. Her eyes are blue,” he lets you know.

You hum softly and look back at Daenerys and catch her yawn. You smile but you also begin to wonder. Could it be possible? Do the twins have different fathers?

Sure Daenys could have inherited her blue eyes from your own mother, from her ancestors, but Daenys…she has thin lips like Aemond, they share that same eye shape, and well…you just feel it in your gut that she’s his. And Daenerys?

When Cregan and you gave into temptation and had sex it wasn't that far apart from when Aemond and you also had sex. Sure it isn’t that heard of, but you have read about it, a pair of twins having different fathers. So could Daenys and Daenerys have different fathers?

It’s possible and you…also feel like it’s true. Daenys is Aemond’s, and Daenerys is Cregan’s.

Seven hells.

Not like it matters though, Daenerys has the silver hair just like you and just like Aemond. No one will ever suspect anything about her thankfully, so unless something bad happens, no one I’ll ever know who her real father is. Cregan won’t even know, it’s too risky. Especially now that your life is always on the fucking line. So she will forever be known as Daenerys Targaryen, daughter of Aemond Targaryen.

You should forget too then. It’ll be easier on your heart that way.

“Take your eyepatch off,” you tell Aemond and move away from the matter. “I want them to see you.”

Aemond sighs deeply, but does as you ask of him, making you smirk.

“We did good,” you whisper and rest your head on his shoulder as you just admire the twins. “I can’t wait for Aerion to meet them. Have you put their dragon eggs in their cradle?” You ask.

Aemond wraps his arm around your shoulders and rests his chin on the top of your head. “Yes. I think Daenerys’ egg might hatch, she keeps watching it and snuggling against it.”

You beam down and carefully rock her. “Is that so?” You coo. “Which one did you give her?”

“The black egg,” he says. “Daenys got the green one.”

“Ooh! I can’t wait until we take them flying!” You exclaim. “Oh and when we reunite back with Aerion, we can take him too. We can have a family flying trip.” You ramble excitedly. “It will be more of a hassle having to strap three children around us, but we can do it.”

“Yes,” Aemond assures you. “We can.”

Your grin widens. “Oh! And back at Kings Landing, there’s many seamstresses wanting to make gowns for me, and things for the twins! I’ll have to write to them and tell them all to make the three of us girls gowns that combine together!” You squeal. “Won’t that be the most amazing thing ever!”

Aemond presses a kiss on the top of your head and chuckles. “I would like to see it. But I have to let you know, you will always be my favorite girl.”

You smirk. “That’s good to know.” You watch Daenerys and notice that she kept her eyes focused on Aemond above your head. “She’s watching your sapphire. I’m sure. She must be fascinated by it.”

“Or scared,” he mumbles.

You scoff. “Why should she fear it? She’s not crying, or fussy,” you try to comfort him. “There’s nothing to fear. Aerion doesn’t fear it. They don’t either.” You smile and press a kiss on his fingers resting over your shoulder. “It’s shiny. Besides, I think you should really fear how much coin you’ll have to spend on jewels.” You giggle. “If they’re anything like they’re mother they’ll love expensive and shiny jewelry.”

Aemond chuckles softly. “Perhaps you’re right, but I can’t deny you so how could I deny them?”

“We should get the children something with a sapphire. A ring, or a necklace. Just like my ring and your eye. We can make it like a family thing between us and our children.” You suggest.

Aemond hums. “Hm. That’s a nice idea. We’ll have to think of nice pieces then.”

You hum now, and watch Daenerys with awe as she blinks and watches you. “Did you enjoy your time with your father, little one, hm?” You ask her. “He might look tough, but he’s got a gentle heart don’t you think?”

Aemond sighs, making you grin brighter.

“Just you wait, he’ll be your favorite person. He’s mine,” you giggle, and Daenerys blinks. “Albeit he’s a bit more special to me. That’s why we have you and your sister. One day, when you’re older I’ll tell you the story of how I fell in love with him.” You smile softly and tilt your head up, Aemond meets your gaze with a loving look.

“<I love you,” you whisper to him in High Valyrian. “So much.>”

The corner of his lips pull to a soft smile. “<I love you too, my love.>” He then leans in and presses a kiss on your lips. You kiss him back, and since your girls are in your arms you have to pull away right away. But first you keep pressing kisses on his lips.

When you eventually pull away from one another he presses one last kiss on the top of your head and keeps his chin resting on your head.

“Now,” you direct at Daenerys, still watching. “Do you want a song little one?” You ask her. “Before we’re interrupted by people.”

Daenerys blinks, and you take it as a yes and begin to sing a sweet song in High Valyrian. One you sang to them while they grew inside you, and one you've sung to Aerion many times before.

And just like with her older brother she’s lulled to sleep quickly, but you keep singing quietly, you enjoy your little family moment, you cherish it even if you’re missing little Aerion. And you most importantly push aside the fact that Daenerys is the daughter of Cregan Stark, and live in an ignorant bliss.

——

*A COUPLE DAYS LATER*

During the bliss of coming out alive and newborns, you were happy, ignorant to some facts, but happy. However…it came to an end quickly when silence came, and Aemond was finally able to leave your side, as something you wanted to push back crashed in you. Something that didn't come with warning like a building up wave before it comes crashing to shore. No, it just hit you, overwhelming grief.

It ached every muscle, it made you lose your appetite. It made you want to sleep all day. If you could you’d just lay in bed, lose yourself in some void, but you can’t…you can’t just forsake your mother, or your children, you have to just try your best to ignore it all and keep pushing forward.

“You haven’t touched your food,” Alys points out.

You ignore her, and turn to the side to rub your hands over the skin that shows through the slit on your gown and runs over the side of your torso.

The dress doesn’t fit like you want it to.

“You’ve just had twins,” Alys interjects as if she could read your thoughts. “Don’t worry about it. And if that’s why you’re not eating then you need to drop it, it won’t solve anything. You’ll return to being as you were soon enough.”

That’s not even—well that’s only partly it.

“But if someone has a problem with the way you look then maybe they should meet the jaws of your dragon.”

You giggle softly, and then face forward in the long mirror, and run your fingers over the silver dragon scale design that decorates the top part of your gown.

“It’s a beautiful gown,” Alys says. “Very detailed.”

The sleeves are short which is not so suitable for such a cold weather, but it doesn’t matter because the sleeves are beautiful and shaped like silver dragon wings. Besides the blood red cloak that’s connected to the back of the gown keeps you warm.

“Thank you,” you respond and smooth out the silk black skirt. “I’ll eat after I return, as for now, let’s go, we don’t want to be late.” You smirk and turn to face her. Alys mirrors your gesture, and closes the gap between the two of you to place a black metal headpiece on your hair that’s designed like curved wings that goes back, it has chains dangling connected on the piece, and a glimmering small red ruby held in the center.

“Perfect,” she says.

You grin at her. “Thank you,” you tell her and then spin around on your heels to stride out of the room.

The twins are left protected by a squadron of guards basically. Aemond doesn’t find it ideal, he’d rather you be with them when he isn’t by your side, but you won’t be gone long and you can’t stay locked away in your chambers a day longer. You can walk now without help, you’re completely coherent, so you will return to meetings.

Plus, no matter how much Aemond does trust you, he doesn’t share everything, you have to drag it out of him. And you don’t want to raise suspicions so you avoid poking too much.

Let’s just say it’s difficult without your ally passing you the information you've missed.

Nevertheless, when you reach the hall the meetings are held in, the guards open the door for you and for Alys towing behind you.

“Princess Y/N, of House Velaryon!” The guard announces, making the group of men all arguing around the table go quiet.

They really thought you would stay abed longer, or they expected not to see you at all anymore, but here you are, pissing them off and continuing with your duty as princess regent. You want to smirk, but you stifle your prideful smirk and just lift your nose to the sky, and stride in.

Out of courtesy, upon seeing you, all the men rise out of their seats, so you don’t miss all their bewildered reactions upon seeing you. You catch the way they follow your figure in the glimmering silver and dark black gown that’s trailed with an elegant red cloak. They try to avoid looking at the deep v neck that displays your chest, and at the slits on the side of your body that shows skin, but you see their stolen glances.

When you get closer to the head of the table you meet Aemond’s widened gaze. You hadn’t told him you were going to attend today's meeting, he thought you were going to stay with the twins, but here you are stealing his breath away.

“Husband,” you greet as you approach the seat that’s getting placed by Aemond.

“My love,” he greets softly and follows your figure as you sit beside him. “You didn’t say you were coming. I could’ve waited.”

You scoff. “No need, it was a last minute decision. Don’t worry the girls are safe. Astraea is perched on the roof across from our chambers, she’s watching them too.” You smile at him while you watch him sit back down. “I hope I haven’t missed much. Someone will have to catch me up.” As the chair is getting pushed in you look over at the group of men retaking their seats.

The men all pass each other hesitating glances, but Ser Criston clears his throat first after you leave them no choice but to continue.

“First though,” you cut them off and mess with the power you hold over them. “I would like wine. I haven’t had some in nine months.” You look at each of their ugly faces, and land on the man sitting at the side of the table. “May you please, my Lord. There’s no cup bearer here.”

The man glances at Alys standing beside you, expecting her to do it, but you don’t move to order her around. And she doesn’t move either. When he notices that he then double checks with Aemond. But your husband just interlaces his fingers with yours and waits for the Lord to serve you with just as much smugness as you.

And once the Lord fills your goblet, you offer him a sweet smile and a sweet response. “Thank you.”

The man bites his tongue, you can see it, and it just brings you more fucking pride—Gods being Princess Regent is the best.

Now, alas, the silence comes to an end and the meeting continues. “We were discussing what plan is best suited for our situation,” Ser Criston says from across the table. “We are running out of food here and resources, enemies will surround us now that the battle by the Lakeshore was lost.”

You take a sip from your wine and share a knowing glance with Aemond before you sit back and interject as you set the goblet down. “We have dragons to meet opposing armies, two dragons. I’m no longer with child, I am able to join battle now without worry.”

That and well, the longer Aemond stays here, the less of a threat he is to your mother, and the more Ser Criston gets upset.

“It’s not that we don’t want that,” Ser Criston argues. “We just have no advantage staying here. The King isn’t here, nor the Queen, or the Queen Regent.”

You scoff. “And what do you want them to do?” You argue calmly. “Helaena can't join battle. She can’t even climb on her dragon. The Queen regent has no advantage, and Queen Rhaenyra won’t kill her. The King is still abed, and Sunfyre is equally as injured.”

The men ahead of you all share annoyed looks, mostly because this is what Aemond already said before you came.

“But we do have Daeron,” Ser Criston rebuttals and shoots Aemond a pressing look. “And his dragon Tesserion. If we unite with him that’s three dragons. A bigger army all fighting for the same thing. We will be more powerful, we will have the advantage we need.”

You sigh and nod in comprehension even if you don’t agree for your own reasons.

“But,” Aemond cuts in, and slides his arm up to rest his elbow on his seat's armrest. He doesn’t let your hand go either, he holds it in his as he counters with annoyance. “Like I said already, we need to start killing Rhaenyra’s dragon riding bastards. That needs to be our goal. And while we stay here we have the advantage of luring them out, just as the Princess Regent suggested to me.”

Ser Criston exhales deeply out of clear frustration, he sits back in his seat and lets his gaze wander to the space beside you where Alys stands accompanying you. He keeps his gaze on her for a lingering moment as if searching within her.

You don’t look back, you take your goblet and sip your wine to hide your smirk. Who knows what Alys has done to him, what she’s used to do what you wanted, but you do know that she’s been doing it. She told you just yesterday, so it seems that is working. He even seems to gain confidence upon looking at her.

Great!

“You, wench,” the voice of Ser Mayfist breaks you from your train of thought. “Serve me wine.”

You lower your goblet and blink to look over at the man sitting at the side of the table. That’s when you catch that he was directing his command at Alys.

“She’s not a wench, nor yours to order around,” you snap back and glare at the man. “If you want wine, get yourself a cupbearer, My Lord.”

Ser Mayfist swallows thickly and blinks before looking away and leaving the matter alone now that you embarrassed him.

“If the matter won’t have a resolve then the best solution is to separate,” Ser Criston continues on, causing you to perk up as your attention gets fully captivated. “I will take the Army South to unite with Ormund Hightower, and Prince Daeron. Whilst the Prince Regent and the Princess remain here.” He once again steals a glance at Alys, and this time raises up higher in his seat and seems to look a bit smug.

“Separate?” Aemond questions and slowly leans forward towards the table. You look at him from the corner of your eyes and notice that he looks slightly pissed and confused by this decision.

“Yes,” Ser Criston nods. “Why should we try to argue with you any further if it’s clear you won’t listen.”

Aemond lowers his arm and pulls his hand away from yours to dig his nails in his armrests. “It’s not about listening,” Aemond rebuttals. “It’s about planning to win. Sooner or late The Bitch Queen will send a dragon or two…”

The Bitch Queen? Excuse you? Only Bitch Queen that exists is Alicent.

But you can’t show your anger for that comment. You must remain nonchalant…

“We know she won’t send all her dragons, that will leave King’s Landing naked and vulnerable. Nor will she risk the life of her own dragon, or the life of her last sweet son,” Aemond continues. “After all Rhaenyra may call herself Queen, but she has a woman’s parts, a woman’s faint heart and a mothers fears.”

Huh?

“Aye,” an old Lord agrees.

You drag your eyes to him and burn your glare in him. He senses it and meets your gaze. When he sees the fire behind them he grows uncomfortable and tense before looking away and sitting back.

“She will send a couple and I will be here to greet them,” Aemond adds smugly. “Vhagar and I will bring an end to her court of bastards once and for all.”

“That can still happen in the South!” Ser Criston rebuttals louder with more emotion. “Except there you will have a higher chance to win with your brother.”

You glance over at Aemond and notice his nose begins to flare as he clenches his jaw. Rather than trying to calm him down you sit back and drink from your wine and watch this unfold.

It’s almost like poking the fire.

“Daeron is a boy with a gentle heart,” Aemond sneers.

“A boy with the title of knight,” Ser Criston spats. “A boy who has a victory under his belt. A boy…”

Your smirk deepens, and Aemond sits up and waits for what Ser Criston holds in.

“With resources to help,” Ser Criston bites his tongue. “If you wish to remain here, then so be it. We won’t argue any longer. But the Army marches on the morrow.”

Aemond let’s out a deep annoyed sigh, so now you actually reach over and grab his hand to give it a gentle squeeze; To remind him of what you had discussed would be the best solution. He senses that and steals a glance at you and exhales all his frustration before responding.

“Then so be it. March South, my y/n and I will remain here and lure out my uncle and any other bastard who dares challenge us. Once that’s done we will reunite with you South.”

Ser Criston holds Aemonds gaze and nods stiffly. “Very well, my prince. Then it’s decided.”

Aemond hums dryly. “It is.”

You can’t, you won’t celebrate this advantage until Ser Criston and his army is out of the castle gates. You must hold it in and act nonchalant. Act nonchalant!

——

‘The Hand has departed and broken away from Aemond. He and the entire army are heading South to join Daeron.’

That will have to be sent later, right now you have to relish in the sight of Ser Criston marching out of the castle gates, with discreet excitement you can only demonstrate with a faint prideful smirk.

And sure it’s not a big win, not whatsoever, but it’s a step in the right direction. Without an army to back Aemond up, he’s more vulnerable, even if he doesn’t want to see that. Ser Criston and his army pose a threat, but without Aemond they’re weaker to the enemies that surround these lands. So it’s a step to getting them to lose, which is every reason to celebrate to yourself.

If only you could laugh! You totally would. An evil laugh.

“Now that your husband isn’t here,” Alys interjects as she closes the chambers doors. “I would like to share something I saw last night.”

You linger in front of the window a bit longer before you close it and turn to face the woman. “What is it?” You probe and tuck the scroll in your corset.

Alys clasps her hands together in front of her and stops in front of the flames dancing in the fireplace. “I saw Lady Frey in front of the gates.”

You push yourself away from the window and approach the table carrying the wine. “What of it?” You press nonchalantly. “She’d be a fool to come with two dragons guarding the castle.” You serve yourself and watch Alys.

“Perhaps it is,” she says. “But I still saw what I saw. She will come, blood will once again mix with the dirty puddles,” Alys adds, piquing your interest.

“Did you see any of us?” You press softer and slowly walk towards the fireplace.

Alys lifts her gaze and looks at you. “No. She’s who I saw. Her men. And then her in the Godswood.”

You sigh and then take a drink of your wine as you grasp what she saw. A threat or an ally?

Time will only tell.

“Well we’ll be prepared for when she does come,” you tell her and come to a stop beside her. “And what have you seen of Ser Criston?” You ask and take your turn to watch the dancing flames.

Alys sighs. “Nothing new. I saw him surrounded by wolves, that’s it.”

You nod slowly in comprehension. “Very well, thank you, Alys,” you say softly. You then proceed to look over at her and offer her a small smile.

Alys bows her head and proceeds to step away. “Where is your husband anyway? I’m surprised he’s not here with you. Suckling at your teet.”

You snort and shake your head. “He doesn’t do that.” You laugh.

Alys scoffs. “With how attached he is to you I’m surprised he doesn’t. Who would’ve guessed that a man who likes to appear so intimidating is so…”

“Soft?” You finish for her even though you know that’s not close to what she was thinking. “Yeah well, I have that effect on him.” You turn around and watch her approach the circle wooden table in the middle of the room. “We grew up together, we were friends, best friends, so we have a special place in each other's heart.” You smile softly.

Alys hums and begins to twirl her finger on an empty cup's rim. “Is that so?” She begins to smirk. “What of your…wolf in the North? Handsome thing too.”

You stiffen as you quickly grasp what she means by that little smart comment. “I don’t know what you mean.” You deadpan.

Alys snickers and sits back as she meets your gaze with her burning green eyes. “I see more than the normal person. You know that. I hear whispers. I hear you have a wolf in the North who follows you around like a lovesick pup.”

Your face hardens, and you slowly begin to clench your jaw and narrow your gaze. Alys doesn’t miss your reaction and leans forward.

“Not to worry I’ve kept my mouth shut this long,” she says with a hint of smugness. “I will gain nothing from saying anything now either.”

You chug the wine you have left to then leave the cup over the fireplace, before you approach Daenys and Daenerys sleeping peacefully in their cradles. You think of staying quiet and act as if she said nothing, but what Alys seeked she already knew; the look on your face just now made it obvious to her, so there was no need pretending. Plus…it will feel nice talking about him to someone else that isn’t just Vanessa, your handmaiden.

“My wolf,” you use a discreet name so no one will get what you mean. “Was a leader to everyone, stern, and commanding, very serious. He had to be. But to me…” you pause as you reach your girls and walk around to Daenerys’ cradle. “To me he was everything.” A soft smile begins to tug on your face.

“Ever since I learned about love, relationships, and all that,” you continue and admire Daenerys. “I knew that I wouldn’t be free to choose whom I was meant to love. I knew it would be someone my family would pick for me, a political gain, or a way to strengthen our Valyrian bloodline.” You sigh and carefully reach your hand inside the cradle to caress Daenerys' soft little cheek. “So I was forced to accept it. And when I found out it would be Aemond, I immediately knew to love him as more than a friend. I loved him already, it was set in me, but…him. He snuck up on me. I didn’t want to, I fought against it. But…” you trail off and shake your head. “But he was everything I ever dreamed of. He was the freedom I yearned for.”

You hum softly and smile wider at Daenerys. “If it wasn’t for him my head would still be in the clouds,” you giggle. “He taught me how to accept my titles and responsibilities…but,” you mutter and lose that soft smile. “He wasn’t mine to keep. And I had my duties to return to. So now he’s a memory. He always will be.” You step back from Daenerys’ cradle and drift your eyes to look at Alys.

“That’s nice,” she says sweetly while she rests her chin on her propped up hands. “Now tell me who’s better in bed?”

Your eyes widen and your jaw slightly drops in surprise.

“Oh, what?” She remarks sassily. “Don’t go acting all prude now.”

You can’t help your smile from growing, but that question is truly hard to answer. Aemond and Cregan both have their differences that pleasure you in different ways.

“I don’t know,” you giggle nervously. “They’re both good. They’re both passionate.” You clasp your hands behind you and skip towards the table. “They both have decent members between their legs, so, I won’t choose.”

Alys rolls her eyes and sits back. “Boo.”

You snicker and lean towards her. “Have you ever been in love?”

“Once or twice,” she answers. “I will say I do prefer Northman. They’re good in bed so I know you have your favorite.”

You shrug. “I truly don’t. I like them both. But I will say that having sex on a dragon is otherworldly.” You snicker, and Alys shoots you a surprised look.

Alys scoffs before smirking in amusement.

It’s true, without her you’d be all alone. It’s nice having someone to talk to about this stuff. Vanessa was a good listener but things never escalated to this, and your cousins well, they haven’t had sexual relationship yet themselves, and they didn’t know about Cregan either, so the conversations never dived too deep. So it’s nice having Alys to talk to.

Besides, if you had to depend on Aemond to keep you company all the time, you’d die of boredom considering that he completely disappeared without a word. He was here at dawn, but then morning, as did the afternoon and nothing. He has yet to return and it’s almost dusk.

What if he’s with someone else? All while you’re left here in some dark ugly castle with his newborn children!

He wouldn’t accompany Ser Criston and the army to protect them for some miles, his pride is too big for that. If he had gone just to fly he would’ve returned in the morning. So where is he?

You watch the skies for Vhagar past the chambers window while you hold the twins. You watch the sun slowly get devoured by the night sky with growing concern.

Alas it’s not long at all before the doors open, and pull your attention to them. And as if conjured up by your thoughts, Aemond walks in, making you smile.

“Aemond,” you greet him, and notice that he’s wearing his armor, he has a brown sack hanging over his shoulder, his face and blond-silver hair is covered in smoke, and a malicious smirk decorates his lips.

“My love,” he greets in return and closes the door behind him before he approaches you and gives you a small but deep kiss. When he pulls away he then crouches and presses a kiss on the temples of Daenys and Daenerys wide awake in your arms.

“Where have you been?” You probe and don’t lose your concern, you don’t even find the humor to ask him the teasing thought you had thought of in his absence. “You missed dinner. And lunch.”

Aemond stands up to his given height to unbuckle his belts that hold his swords while he walks away. “I’ve been with Vhagar. Now send the children away, I want to be with you. We can share a bath.”

You slowly stand up from the couch, but keep your eyes trained on him. “Not until you tell me what you carry in that sack. And what’s kept you busy all day. I’ve been worried.”

Aemond puts his weapons away and now pulls off his green cloak. “Send the twins away first.” He says again.

Since you won’t get answers from him until you do what he wants, you have Alys come in and take the twins away to the protected quarters just down the hall from your chambers. They won’t be gone long, he won’t tolerate it, they’ll just be gone until you’re done.

And so, after they’re gone, and before he can get anymore of what he wants, you press him. “Aemond answer me, where have you been all day that you didn’t even bother telling me about it.”

Aemond stops taking his armor off and approaches the sack he left hanging on a chair. He then throws it to your feet, and a person's head rolls out.

“Seven hells,” you gasp with horrified shock.

“I was out hunting for the man who gave the order to kill you,” Aemond mutters as you hear his boots sound closer as he approaches you. “He acted all tough hiding behind lowlife men, but he was nothing but a craven when I found him,” he continues, and stops behind you to grab your hips.

The dead man’s head has no eyes, they looked to be gouged out. The cut on his neck looks clean, like if it was done with one swift swing. You should feel disgusted by this head, by the way Aemond presented it to you, but you feel proud that he’s dead. You like that Aemond went out of his way to bring you the man’s head as some weird prize.

“Did he talk?” You ask as Aemond presses his lips against your neck. “Did he say who gave him the order?”

“Hm,” Aemond hums and slides his hands up to massage your breasts. “After I took out his eye.”

You begin to smirk and tilt your head to the side to let him leave a trail of kiss on your neck.

“Who?” You ask.

Aemond presses you closer to him, letting you feel his hard bulge against your back. He then grabs a hold of your chin and tilts your head towards him so he can continue to kiss you towards your lips. You moan and close your eyes, making him groan and slide his hands down to the edges of your corset to begin tearing it apart.

“Aemond,” you moan. “Tell me who it was.”

“Not now, I just want you,” he groans in your ear.

“I want to know,” you mumble. “I want to know who you’ll kill next for me.”

Aemond scoffs in amusement and says the name against your lips. “Larys Strong.”

Fucking traitorous bastard! Fuck! Fuck!

“I’ll give you his head,” Aemond continues to say against you. “I’ll give you whoever’s head you want. I’ll give you the head of everyone who threatens you so everyone knows that you’re mine. That nothing and no one will take you away from me.”

You never trusted Larys, but you’re meant to be allie’s and he betrayed you.

Fuck him. You’ll kill him yourself.

“I expect nothing more,” you redirect to Aemond and pull away to turn and face him. That’s when you see how dilated his pupils are, you hear how heavy he’s breathing, and how dirty he still is. “But you should’ve told me,” you complain and close the gap by wrapping your arms around his neck. “I was worried.”

Aemond grabs your hips and smirks at you. “It was meant to be a surprise. Did you like it?”

“Well I’m more a jewel, or flower, or you know other stuff kind of girl, but,” you say softer and in a tempting voice. “I did like this. It proves how much you love me.”

Aemond looks at your lips and mutters back. “I’ll burn the world for you if I must, if it’s what you want.”

You smile and press a kiss on his lips. “I fucking love you.”

Aemonds smirk deepens, and you look at his own lips as you brush yours agaisnt his.

“But for now,” you mumble against his lips as you meet his eye. “All I want Is you. Can you give me that?”

“I'm all yours.” He assures you.

And with those last words you don’t hold back anymore, you give into the lust that had been burning in him since he got here. You do it there where you stand, roughly, without bothering to ask why it was that he was covered in smoke, why his hair reeked of it. A bath is drawn and the smell disappears from his skin, from his hair, but the question still lingers in the back of your head, yet you don’t ask there either because he then takes you again, and again. You end up on your bed but don’t sleep, you just end up sore and numb on him with your bodies covered in sweat.

The question doesn’t make itself known until morning when you’re watching the rain fall outside whilst you rest your head on his chest, and feel him rub your back.

“Tell me why you came covered in smoke, did you roll around in the man’s ashes or something?” You joke with a breathless laugh.

“Hm, I rained fire on the village as punishment,” Aemond answers nonchalantly, but you feel a gasp escape past your lips, and feel your body grow stiff. “They all were traitors anyways. I taught them their lessons.”

You try to respond, but you can’t find your words, your mind is still in disbelief to what just came out of his mouth.

You should have guessed it. That should've been your first thought when he failed to show up for lunch, but you just didn’t want to actually accept that he would—that he would commit such a catastrophe.

“That’s why I returned late,” he adds, still with no remorse whatsoever. “Forgive me.”

You blink slowly and nervously swallow thickly.

“I thought of flying to the other town today too,” he continues on. “Perhaps you could join me this time. We can show them what traitors get, and begin to lure Daemon out.”

“Me?” You ask quietly still drowned in disbelief. “But why? Why would we do it? They’re innocent people. They have nothing to do with this war.”

Aemond scoffs. “But they do, their lord gave his allegiance to Rhaenyra, they gave Daemon the castle with no fight. They’re traitors, enemies.”

You pick your head off his chest and meet his gaze with a hardened look. “But they’re not. The man that did all that is dead, you saw to it, why make innocents suffer?”

Aemond blinks and meets your gaze with confusion. “They’re not innocent. They’re hardly people,” he counters softly. “Rhaenyra won’t see it that way and send her husband to stop us. That’s when I stop him. That’s when I kill him.”

You draw in a deep breath. “And,” you breathe out. “If it doesn’t make him come out, what then?”

“Then they’ll have to live with the fact that they let their people burn tragically by us.” He responds still with nonchalance that begins to piss you off. “All because they were afraid to face me.”

That’s hardly it at all. They’re playing smart—Then again isn’t this what you wanted? Aemond to make mistakes so he can lose? To go down the wrong path so he has no choice but to give up?

Yes. But you didn’t want—you don’t want this, the massacre of thousands of innocents out of some stupid pettiness.

“No,” you argue and sit up to face him better. “No. We can’t do this. You can’t do this. It’d be a genocide. You’ll lose yourself in something dark you won’t come out of.”

Aemond slowly pushes himself up to sit up too. “But it won’t happen,” he argues and cups your cheek. “You’re worried for nothing. Don’t worry yourself over nobodies, my love.”

You shake your head. “I have to. I can’t just ignore it. I can’t let you do it. You can’t, there’s other ways, w-we can lure Daemon out a different way. A faster way.”

Aemond sighs deeply, and slides his hand to the back of your head to pull you closer to him. “There’s no other way. This is the only way, they will only answer to violence against their people. And once I do this I would have gotten rid of Rhaenyra’s biggest asset. We can turn the others against her after, afterall they’re all bastards with no sense of loyalty.” He nods softly.

A tightness grips around your chest and a heavy weight slowly begins to set over your chest as a bad feeling unfolds within you.

“Once we have them,” Aemond adds confidently, and with a malicious pride that makes a smirk tug on his lips, and a cold look pass in his eye. “We’ll be stronger than ever. We will wield power that no one will dare oppose, that no one has ever had. We will win and together we will rule over a better kingdom. One built with fire and blood, not a weak one my father left or one that Aegon would have continued.” Aemond presses his forehead against yours. “No one will ever dare challenge us, and our family, our children will live peacefully.”

You slowly pull your head back and feel your eyes water as your disbelief just heightens. “Aemond it would be genocide. That’s not you. It isn’t.”

Aemond’s smirk begins to fade and his shoulders tense up while he presses his lips tightly together. “It is me. It’s been me since the moment my eye was ripped out,” he mutters coldly before he gets out of bed and begins to change, leaving you to quickly slip into a nightgown.

“Aemond,” you plead softly and walk around the bed to reach him, to grab his arms and plead further. “My love, please. Please don't do it.”

Aemond sighs and meets your gaze. “I’m doing it for you,” he says. “For us.”

You shake your head. “No, this is selfish, Aemond. Please,” You grab his jaw and lean in closer. “I know you have a good heart. I know. Nothing has changed that, nothing. Please, I love you. I will follow you to the ends of the world but please don’t do this.”

Aemond swallows thickly and looks into your gaze. He stays quiet and cups your cheek. You offer him a soft smile in hopes you’re changing his mind, and he proceeds to kiss you, making you hopeful.

Yet after he kisses you, after he basks in your presences for a moment longer he just caresses your cheek one more time before he walks past you and gets his swords off the chair.

“Aemond?” You call out in confusion.

Said man ignores you and then walks out of the room. You follow him, but before you can reach the door he shuts it behind him. When you try to open them you then hear keys rattle as they lock it from the outside, trapping you inside with no other way out.

“Aemond?” You call out in disbelief and slight fear. “Aemond?”

“It’s for your own good,” he says behind the door. “I don’t want to put your life at risk if you don’t want to do this with me, this is the only way to make sure I’ll see you again.”

You press your hands against the wooden doors and feel tears slip past your eyes. “Aemond,” you cry out. “Please don’t do this. Please open the door.”

“I’ll have them bring in the twins shortly,” he adds against the wooden panels. “They’ll need you. I’ll return soon.”

You shake your head and begin to cry, begin to feel something tear at your chest. “Aemond, Aemond!” You bang against the doors and try to turn the knobs. “Open the damn doors! Aemond!”

There’s silence, but you haven’t heard his feet recede so you continue. Sweeter this time. “Aemond? Please, my love. Please, please don’t leave me here. Please. I’m scared. Please, you're scaring me.”

“I love you,” he says in response. “Okay? I love you now and forever. I’ll return soon.”

Lady Frey! She’s coming, you can tell him—no.No. Wait, that can be your way out.

“Put chains on her handmaidens,” you hear him give orders to the guards. “Kill them if they try to help her leave. But never harm y/n, or the twins or it’s your head on spikes.”

“My prince,” the men say in comprehension.

“Aemond?” You keep trying to plead. “Please.” You tap the door and look down. His shadow remains there for a moment before it turns and you hear his footsteps recede. “Aemond? Aemond….Aemond!” You yell out and slam your hands against the door. You then press your ear against the door and continue to hear for him. “Aemond! Let me out! Let me out of here!”

Yet to no avail, the sound of his footsteps completely disappear, meaning he left the hall without turning back.

“Aemond!” You keep shouting, louder than before this time though. “Aemond!” You bellow out again, but this time you’re accompanied by the sound of Astraea’s disturbed and angered roar from outside.

She feels your anger, the betrayal you feel at this very moment, she feels it and has to fill the air with her cry too. You hoped that would turn Aemond back, but no, it’s not long before you see him leave on Vhagar.

He leaves you behind and locked away because he knows you well. Or he thinks he knows you well…

——

*3 DAYS LATER*

Aemond left with no return. He left, he locked you up and left, and it hurts, it hurts worse than when he killed Lucerys. It doesn’t even matter if thinks he’s doing it out of the goodness of his heart. He locked you up.

That’s not even the worst part though, since he left every time the guards would let Alys in to give you food, to help you in any way, they’d point swords at you so you wouldn’t try anything. Alys wasn’t even allowed to touch the twins, or get out of the chains around her wrists to help you better. You couldn’t even talk together, they’d just stand there watching.

It’s a miracle they’re not inside with you, it’s a miracle Aemond didn’t chain you up too like some dog he can command to do what he wants. If the guards were allowed to also guard you from inside, you probably would have jumped from the window or something. Luckily it hasn’t come to that, luckily you could at least think without getting threatened or watched.

Not like it worked because every thought of escape was met by contradictions.

Burning down the room to leave wouldn't be smart because the twins were with you, you can’t risk their lives to get out; fire is unpredictable. The windows would be nice, but they’re too high off the ground, or too far from a roof. And Astraea? Well it’s impossible to climb on her from the window. So you have to either remain here until there’s some way out, or until Aemond returns.

Then again, you don’t want to see him now. What he did hurt too much, and what he’s doing you can’t stand behind and turn a blind eye to any longer. Which is why you’re desperate, hoping that what Alys saw in her vision about Lady Frey comes true and happens when Aemond is gone. Or else they too will meet a cruel end.

As to where you’ll go? There’s only one choice. One you should have committed a long time ago…

Nevertheless, the day passes of doing absolutely nothing, of slowly succumbing to boredom. The day might just end as it did yesterday, dull and boring, albeit it’s at night, when you’re unable to get sleep that you catch figures scaling over the walls, and killing every guard Aemond left behind. They don’t carry banners, they wear cloaks that hide their armor and face, but it's not hard to guess who they are, Frey’s. Alys was right and they came sooner than expected.

At long last! You’ll finally get out of here! Let’s hope Aemond doesn’t appear right now.

As of now though, men will come here eventually and find you. They’ll want to take you captive and use you and the twins to get something out of Aemond, or your mother. They aren’t supporting any side of that you’re sure, they would have come in proud, not like cowards in the night. So you don’t want to be used, you’ll fight back now that you have the element of surprise, and then leave.

Thus, you quickly change out of your nightgown, and throw on something light, something that’s easy to move in. You then grab a sword and leave the twins where they are for now; they won’t harm them. After that you then hide behind the door and wait.

Luckily the Frey men don’t take long to reach this hall, they fight the guards and end up killing them to know what they’re hiding. The door then opens and slowly and carefully one man walks in with his sword entering before him, he notices the twins and takes his hood off.

“Here, the children are here,” he says to his men. “Take them carefully and look out for the—” before he can finish though, and just as he walks past the open doors, you swiftly reach over and grab his hand that holds his sword, and shove it back, to make him cut his own throat.

“Mikael!” Someone behind him shouts as said man chokes on his own blood and slowly falls to the ground. He proceeds to drop the sword from his hand, so you quickly catch it from the handle, and then follow by slamming the door shut on the second man.

The second man, albeit, still tries to get inside, so he shoves his blade through the door forbidding you from closing it shut.

“You want to play bitch,” he sneers, “I’ll play. Your children are enough to negotiate with anyway.”

Okay then. You step back from the door, and when the guy doesn’t feel your weight against it, he throws the doors open.

“Take them then,” you mutter and drop the swords in your hands. “I won’t fight you,” you tell him as you feign to be upset.

The man looks at you for a moment before he swings at you. Which is so predictable. Thus you duck and swipe the sword off the ground to swing at him when you’re at your given height. The man of course blocks your move and tries to overpower you right away.

“Let’s see who pays more for you,” he sneers smugly. “Your mother or your Kinslayer of a husband.”

Rather than answering, you begin to smirk, making the man slowly grow uncomfortable. So much so that he falters, letting you drop your sword and catch it with your other hand. You then lastly shove the blade through his throat before he can react.

His blood splashes all over your face, but you ignore it and let his now lifeless body drop to the ground. Now to get the twins, and then Alys.

However, just as you reach their cradles someone else walks in. “Put your hands up and let the swords go.” They demand as they draw back their arrow.

You do as they say and freeze with your back turned.

“Now turn around and back away from the kids.”

You clench your jaw and slowly turn to face his dirty face. He then proceeds to slowly approach you with his arrow pointing at you. When he gets close enough he parts his lips to give more demands. “Now come to me.”

You sigh and slowly approach him. When you’re close enough he slowly lowers his bow and arrow before putting them down and snatching one of your wrists. He takes out rope to most likely tie your hands together, but you swiftly swing your hand to slap him across the face, catching him off guard.

Before the man can counter though, you then punch his throat, causing him to claw at it and stumble back. Since he was stupid enough to leave his bow and arrow on the ground you pick up an arrow and impale it through his eye, leading to a quick end.

“Fuck,” you pant and shake your head. “Stupid idiot.” You take a second to catch your breath and make sure that you don’t hear more people approaching.

When the hall is clear of any threats, you continue to do what you had been doing and carefully, very carefully strap the twins on your chest.

Daenys is the only one he reacts and begins to squirm, threatening to wake up. “Sh, sh, it’s okay. Sh.” You shush her as you gently caress her head. “Sh, sh.”

After a few minutes Daenys goes back to sleep, letting you grab a sack from a rack in the corner of the room to put their dragon eggs in. After that you then pick up your sword and the bow off the ground, and lastly take arrows from the dead man.

Next Alys, and then Astraea.

Alas, just as you reach the end of the last hall before you can reach the exit doors, someone rounds the corner. A Frey soldier. They manage to catch you off guard, and grab you by the throat before they slam you against a fucking wall.

“Please,” you beg. “My babies. I’m carrying them please!”

The man points a sword to your throat. “Perfect,” he grimaces. “That’s actually fucking perfect. Who would’ve thought the Kinslayer would’ve left his precious wife all alone.”

You blink repeatedly pretending to be terrified and wait for him to lower his sword, because he does. He doubts you and your skills, and lowers his guard to reach for something to tie your hands with.

So it’s while he’s doing that, that you throw your head forward and bite down on the side of his neck. Before he can think of fighting back you sink your teeth in deeper, and then yank out a side of his throat, causing his blood to splash all over you.

When you let him go he stumbles back and grabs at the missing flesh, completely stunned. He tries to fight back, but you just easily push him back to the ground. “Fuck you,” you spat at him before step over him, leaving him to bleed out on the ground.

Thankfully the twins don’t wake up after that commotion, they stay sound asleep, letting you walk out of the tower you had been kept in. And once you do reach outside, you don’t think about where to go next, you remember what Alys said she saw in her vision and go to the Godswood.

And of course once you enter the sacred forest there in front of the Heart tree stands Alys without her chains, and Lady Frey.

Rather than threatening the Lady, you drop your weapons and throw the arrows to her feet. After all you hear something they don’t seem to catch, the sound of flapping wings in the night sky polluted by dark clouds.

“Giving up, Princess?” Lady Frey says and slowly studies your blood covered face and hair.

Footsteps sound on the ground near the entrance, so you peer back and see four more men. “No,” you answer and slowly roll your head ahead to look at her again. “I’m not. I’m going to ask you to let her go.”

Lady Frey points to a fearless Alys with her sword and looks at you confused. “This nobody? Why?”

“Have you ever had friends?” You counter.

The lady nods. “Not bastards like her though.”

You roll your eyes at her insult. “I hate that word, you know. Bastard? It’s stupid and degrading. I’ve never liked it.” You wipe your nose and place a hand on your hip. “But anyway, let her go. I am choosing to let you keep your life, so play nice.”

Lady Frey scoffs and her eyes drift the men behind you.

“Yeah,“ you nod. “I see them. But I’ll tell you what,” you say in an amused filled tone. “I’ll spare their lives too. But! Only, but, they answer one question right.” You sigh and turn to the side to look at the men approaching you. “I know you’re not really fighting for either side considering what you’re doing. But if it came to it, life or death. Who would you fight for? Rhaenyra, or Aegon?”

The men come to a stop and look at you with confusion. So you insist. “Choose. The answer you give will spare your pathetic lives.”

One man, a skinny and small man steps forward and speaks for the group. “Aegon,” he answers confidently.

You hold his gaze with a cold look before you begin to laugh. “Oh. Okay. I thought so,” you giggle and then grin whilst you step back.

The men let out a breathless laughs as they think they gave the right answer and get to be spared from whatever threat you had up your sleeve. But it’s while they’re fooled that you utter one single word with that same grin on your face. “<Dracarys.>”

The relief on the men’s faces falls, and confusion begins to show, but before either can question you, before anyone can spot the dragon descending discreetly from the sky, a blast of fire falls on the group of men, engulfing them within seconds. They begin to scream out, they try to escape as the flesh on their bones melts off, but to no avail.

“Fuck Aegon,” you sneer over the cries, and turn to face Lady Frey with a burning glare. “And fuck The Greens.”

Astraea then lands right beside you with a loud and strong thud that shakes the ground, she spots Lady Frey and begins to growl at her as she leans her head towards the Lady. The cries go quiet as the men lose their lives, and Lady Frey fights the tears as she lowers her sword and steps away from Alys.

You could have left without her, but you did make promises, and if you left her she’d become another one of Aemond’s victims. You couldn’t live with that. Plus she can still help. After all, what she saw came true today.

“Come on,” you tell your friend. “Let’s go.”

Alys glances at Astraea and hesitates.

“She won’t harm you,” you assure her. “Not you.”

Alys draws out a deep breath before she then comes to you.

“How did you take your chains off?” You ask her.

Alys reaches your side and shoots you a smirk. “I have my ways,” she says smugly. “I was just waiting for the right time to get them off.”

You shoot her an impressed smile before you head to the rope ladders that hang over Astraea’s side. “You’re coming with me,” you tell Alys in the meanwhile. “Aemond will return and if he finds you here alone he’ll kill you. Or you’ll fall victim to his madness. I can protect you.”

Alys hums and doesn't argue, when you come to a stop by the rope ladders though, she interjects with one single question. “Where are we going?”

You sigh and smile softly to yourself. “Home,” you reply quietly at first, but then face her and repeat yourself louder and full of a smugful pride. “We’re going home, to the Queen.”

Tagged- @namelesslosers @stargaryenx @chainsawsangel @lauftivy @winxschester @cloudroomblog @llarue @padsdarlg @sofietargaryen @gracielikegrapes @dreaming-of-the-reality @itzelpeyton @patdsinner33 @mrsdominickstark @elaena-aerrin @todoroki-slut @snh96 @urmomsgirlfriend1 @nifujiswhore

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weirdly-specific-but-ok · 3 months

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pt XII good omens sEAsOn 2 (the non-traumatic part) episode 1

Alright yes I know, I know, it's been two days since the livestream. I was reading fanfiction. Don't blame me, love made me crazy, and all that. I'm enjoying myself as much as I can before we get to the season 2 finale. But here we go, season 2, episode one, maggots:

[on reading this back after finishing, a lot of text is my being in love with Crowley. mainly, points 3, 4, 9, 14, 17, 18, yes I have issues, feel free to skip that for an absolutely concise and precise summary]

Before the livestream starts, everyone decides that there will be no spoilers whatsoever on the chat, even hidden with the black, because I have a tendency to keep clicking and revealing them. I'm sorry, temptation and all. I have emotional support fruit, an apple, two kiwis, two sapotes and two bananas.

When the livestream starts, it has to be restarted, because I am an incompetent nincompoop and have somehow managed to muck up my settings. And it is absolutely imperative that I watch the opening scene.

So then I do. And immediately have to consume my emotional support apple because I am so fucking in love with Crowley. Already? someone asks. Yes bloody already, I need that apple.

Thanks, guys. I'm broken. Crowley. Just. She looks so peaceful and untraumatised, so delighted with the plans, so full of wonder at what she's creating. Let there be light, she says, and rather than seeing Crowley turn off a streetlight with a flick of his fingers, we get to see her create nebulas. Aziraphale looks at her and he's just instantly so spellbound, and who would bloody blame him? His wings just do a slight dip of realisation that he's fucked when Crowley says the gorgeous line. Look at Crowley. Worried about the apocalypse. Smiling at Aziraphale, and we can see Azi's concern because something as pure as that has to be protected and Aziraphale knows what Heaven will do to Crowley if she dares to ask questions. Crowley is angelic and filled with light and Aziraphale sees that and tries to keep her safe with his words.

Hey spoiler alert, it doesn't work, Crowley's wings are greying even as she protects Azi and Crowley falls and I hate everything and I am filled with unbridled rage.

UNDERSTAND? RAGE.

I am speculating how much pain and torture Crowley went through when she fell into Hell that first time. I am told to not ask questions I don't want answers to.

Maggie sells records, Aziraphale is a cutiepie, and Maggie is very gay for Nina.

Crowley is lounging on a park bench, suit and skinny tie, just being all sexy and demonic and probably contemplating nihilism.

Crowley spreads awareness about duck health. No bread, guys. Frozen peas. He also angsts a lot to Shax (whom I keep mixing up with Michael) about the meaning of life. Someone points out that this is very Barbie of him. "do you ever think about death". Ah, Crowley.

More lesbians gaying. I would kill for Nina's hair.

JIMBRIEL IN THE HOUSE. I WON'T SAY ANYMORE ABOUT HIS ENTRANCE BECAUSE THIS IS NOW A TOPIC OF CONTROVERSY. BUT JIMBRIEL IN THE HOUSE.

Aziraphale, ah I love him, absolutely fucking panics and has the loading symbol over his angelic little head at all times. FINALLY, THIS SHOW IS A COMEDY.

Crowley is leaning on his Bentley and mmmmhm his arms and his lounging and his personality I am back to crunching on my temptation emotional support apple.

Sorry back to the summary. Jim finds Aziraphale funny and says he loves him. Someone points out that this was the fandom upon encountering my dumbass self. "You're funny Asmi we love you."

Aziraphale is a little bitchy babygirl, really just enough of a bastard to be worth knowing. Just absolutely slaying through every Jimbriel scene. 100000/10.

Six shots of fucking espresso in a big cup. Crowley, I love you. Can I love Crowley any more than this? Yes I can. My love for Crowley is like the universe, infinite and yet ever-expanding, explosive with entropy.

Crowley holds the door open for Aziraphale and holds his plate and honestly what absolute husband (gn) behaviour.

CROWLEY MEETS JIMBRIEL WHO IS FUCKING DUSTING AND LEAPS BACKWARD AND JUST RELIVES TRAUMA WHILE JIM IS CHILLING AND AZIRAPHALE IS STILL GAY PANICKING. I LOVE THIS SHOW.

MARRIAGE QUARRELS ABOUT ADOPTING JIM, JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE FELL-CROWLEY HOUSEHOLD.

Coffeeshop AU lesbians time.

Heaven is horrible.

MURIEL IS BABY I LOVE THEM HELLO CUTIEPATOOTIE.

There is an ethereal paper file.

Beezlebub beezles their way into Crowley's car and is very concerned in Hell about finding Jimbriel.

Nina's partner is a toxic ass don't worry about it.

Sulky Crowley says he's back and apology dance time mmmhm.

Miracle hide Jimbriel time, but they've got to be subtle. They do the miracle. Jim is glad to have friends.

They are very proud of themselves for their subtle miracle.

THEY ARE SO FUCKING USELESS. FUCKING USELESS LITTLE GAYASS DISASTERS JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN. LITERALLY IN HEAVEN ALARM BELLS ARE EVERYWHERE.

GREAT JOB, GAYS. GREAT JOB.

End of episode one. Take this screenshot.

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fernsnailz · 2 months

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February 2024 Review Roundup

well i sure did watch some stuff and read one book this month

the things i finished this month reminded me that for every incredible piece of art i find myself enjoying, i end up watching some Hot Garbage immediately after to balance things out again. idk why i do this.

i have quite a bit to say about both the things i enjoyed and the things that brought me physical pain this month, so there is um. a lot under the cut. any previous desire for brevity i had in january has been completely thrown out the window as i use these roundups as an outlet to gush about things i like and complain about things i didn't. fair warning, if you open the readmore you will be scrolling for a while. enjoy i guess

House of Leaves

does any other book out there have the balls to write a completely fake interview with stephen king

House of Leaves is a novel you gotta throw around a little bit. It feels really weird that my copy is still in the pristine state I bought it in - It seems like it should have water damage and smell like mildew with its pages falling out and spine cracked into pieces. Getting the full story from this book requires flipping back and forth, turning it around, searching for answers. All things considered it’s not that difficult of a read, but its format still allows you to feel like you’re discovering every hidden piece for yourself, and I really liked that interactivity. I was engaged pretty much the whole way through.

I don’t really think I’ll be able to revisit this book anytime soon though. It’s difficult for me to format what else I’d like to say about it because to be honest, it caught me off guard and disturbed me on a fairly personal level. There’s a relief I feel when I remember that I don’t actually know what was going on with the house - maybe that was intentional on the book’s behalf, maybe I just didn’t look hard enough for answers. I don’t know. But the implication that something divine was down there was enough of an answer for me. The book's good. read it if you want a spooooooky time or if you never want to look at a hallway the same way again

Doctor Who (Series 1-4) (rewatch)

ok so this is a fuckload of doctor who to cover so i’m gonna give some thoughts on a few of the characters and my favorite + least favorite episodes

9th doctor: My favorite butch lesbian. Christopher Eccleston truly embodies the concept of The Doctor so, so well: otherworldly guy who knows too much, genuinely cares about life across the universe, and also has a bit of deep, unresolved rage. His moments of joy and careless fun stick with me the most, he absolutely radiates with life and brings so much to this character.

Rose: I first watched Doctor Who when I was in middle school, and I didn’t like Rose that much back then. And guys. I have bad news. I'm still not really much of a Rose fan

I definitely understood her more this watch through - that desire for adventure and some sort of control over her life, emotions so strong that she’s willing to throw near everything away. That’s just what being 19 is like sometimes. I think Rose is a very compelling character who just happens to frustrate me a bit. And that’s kinda the point, her co-dependent relationship with the Doctor is doomed to fail and it's meant to hurt. Ultimately, I think when I first watched the show I was too young to understand Rose, and now I’m just too old to relate to her.

Captain Jack: Jack is my favorite character. I fucking love this guy. Dude has the worst luck in the whole universe and still cannot be stopped. Legendary. Every episode with him is a goddamn delight because he has so much chemistry with every single cast member. No notes 10/10 i love my problematic bisexual king

10th doctor: About four episodes into David Tennant’s run I realized that he dresses like a Hazbin Hotel character and it made me very sad. Still, there’s a reason this guy inspired every middle schooler to buy a pair of converse in 2008. He has style, he has depth, he’s got the sauce. It’s genuinely terrifying to see his anger, I like that a lot of 10’s run is about his denial of godhood and power over life in the universe, something that the rest of the time lords desired. idk i like my sad pathetic little weasel but he's also a huge fucking asshole sometimes which sucks. especially when it's directed at Martha.

Martha: Martha I am so sorry for what this show put you through. Martha was my favorite companion when I first watched the show, and I still have a huge soft spot for her. Her ability to hold her own and navigate foreign worlds using her own intelligence absolutely rules, and her drive forward is unbreakable. But the show seems to put her down at every possible opportunity, most notably with how 10 treats her. Her struggles and wants are constantly ignored, and she's often treated as a rebound from Rose. And I like that she eventually chooses to end it by not traveling with 10 anymore, but it hurts because it feels like she was never given the same chance or care that Rose and Donna were. This era of Doctor Who really doesn’t treat its black companions well because Mickey goes through something similar - both Martha and Mickey are characters designed to be ignored or left behind, and it sucks.

Donna: Donna Noble is one of the greatest fictional characters to ever exist. Despite seemingly living a fairly average life and working a fairly average job, Donna reflects the idea that no one is truly "average" and every single person is brimming with personality, life, and love. I love that her relationship with 10 is purely platonic, personally their friendship feels like it has a lot more depth than either of the romance-oriented relationships 10 had with Rose and Martha. 10 and Donna bounce off of each other so well and it's delightful, Donna brings so much humor and life to every world she's taken to and it's incredible. I wish her and Captain Jack could have interacted more.

My favorite episode: The Runaway Bride is hard to not choose as my favorite. I have a blast every time I watch this episode and it’s such a good introduction for Donna. Also the Tardis car chase kills me, I love when it cuts to the kids in the back of another car clapping and cheering. I was also surprised by the episode Midnight - it’s dreadful to watch and I kinda loved it. So much spirals out of control when shit hits the fan, even though no one has any idea what they’re trying to fight against. Really interesting exploration as to how fear can drive people apart.

My least favorite episode: It’s Love & Monsters. I wish I liked this episode - stories that follow regular ass people living in this world are often some of the best episodes in the series (Weeping Angels and all that). And this episode definitely has some of that. It’s honestly really touching to see this group of nerds get together and enjoy life in the first part of the episode. I think the antagonist of “guy who absorbs people” ends up dragging down any charm this story had because he just. eats all of the interesting characters. But despite me disliking this episode, I honestly have a deep respect for it - it’s fucking crazy. It ends with the main guy telling us about his sex life with his girlfriend who is now stuck in a piece of concrete. Where else are you going to get a story like this. It fucking sucks and that’s hilarious

oh also the production design: GODDDDDD I FUCKING LOVE THE PRODUCTION DESIGN AND SETS ON THIS SHOW. I love how dirty and rundown a lot of the spaceship sets look with wires and lights scattered everywhere. And a number of alien designs also go CRAZY with the prosthetics - I keep thinking about the Hath from The Doctor’s Daughter and how every head prosthetic had liquid inside it that could bubble. Absolutely crazy. I also love the moments where you can clearly see they did not have that much time and just had to throw something together or pain a bald cap green. Jank is the nature of sci-fi production design and I dearly love and miss that Doctor Who jank.

Rebuild of Evangelion

Last year after finishing the original Evangelion series + End of Evangelion, I remember going through the Evangelion tumblr tag and being very confused by the number of slice of life/found family-esque fanworks of the cast. It left me puzzled and thinking “...did we even watch the same thing??”

APPARENTLY NOT

[spoiler warning here because these movies are very good and i give the best parts away. if you want to watch these movies then DO IT NOW!!!!!!!!]

I honestly never expected a world where these characters got a happy ending. I so, so badly wish I could see 3.0 and 3.0+1.0 in theaters - these movies are stunning. I know I say things “go crazy” a lot, but man. They go fucking CRAZY.

While I have a few issues with how the first two movies adapted the original show, I do think the changes they made better serve the story this rebuild is trying to tell. For example, my favorite episode in the original Eva series is episode 18, where Toji is chosen to pilot Unit 03. It’s absolutely terrifying because Shinji doesn’t know who 03’s pilot is, yet he’s forced to be inside Unit 01 as it tears 03 apart. His resolve not to kill anyone despite not even knowing who’s in danger is an aspect of that episode I love and speaks to Shinji's inherent humanity, and when he learns Toji was in there it hurts even more. The rebuild movies change Unit 03’s pilot to Auska, and Shinji knows she’s in there from the start. I think this choice works for the movies and is still an effective emotional beat, but personally I still prefer the version where Shinji had no idea who was in there. That lack of knowledge is infinitely more terrifying to me.

I really like what these movies did with some of the angel designs though. The sixth angel (the fuckin. blue diamond cube thing) works really well in 3D/CG animation. The way the thing warps and moves is otherly and terrifying - and it’s just a fucking cube. I’ve always really loved how the Eva series approaches angel designs and the divine - despite the alien-like designs, there’s often something extremely familiar about them. They’re often reminiscent of an animal, a machine, or a human. This is also how they approached the anti-universe in these movies, I loved how it takes the form of various locations from the series and turns them into a movie set. It’s deeply familiar, but ultimately just an illusion of familiarity like the angels and the divine.

Also I gotta say. I fucking love Mari. I think she’s hilarious. She first meets Shinji by accidentally parachuting into him and then immediately starts crawling on all fours to sniff him. This girl also introduces “Beast Mode” where the Eva pilots can go wild turn their mechs into a fucking. superpowered beast of some sort. And also she defeats a whole army by using the Eiffel Tower as a spear. She’s such an absurd character and I honestly kinda love it. The only thing I knew about these movies before watching them was this gif of her Backing That Shit Up and she truly lives up to the insane nature of this shot.

My favorite section of these movies is definitely the first part of 3.0+1.0 where the pilots are basically just living a domestic life in a small town - it’s truly beautiful. The growth that Rei’s copy goes through here is fantastic, I love stories about seemingly emotionless beings learning how to live. And right after she dies, we get the shot that absolutely broke me the first time I saw it:

This shit. The way you can just barely tell he’s been crying from the red around his eyes. They don't talk about it, they barely linger on it, but it's allowed just enough time to punch you in the gut. I don’t know why this shot got me as hard as it did but goddamn. jesus christ. i want to throw up

There’s some goofy shit in these movies. The infinite synch rate. Misato’s stupidass hat and sunglasses. Some goofy ass 3D animation that doesn’t age super well. The rainbow that shows up every time an angel dies. But these things really didn’t take me out of the core of these films, and there’s so much genuine emotion and beauty in this series that had me absolutely hooked - especially in the last two films. They go crazy. My favorite line is 100% “The only thing a son can do for his father is pat him on the shoulder… or kill him.” and man. ain’t that what Evangelion is all about. i love these movies

High School Musical 3

kinda slaps just a little bit

High School Musical 3 starts with a finale number. The last high school basketball game of Troy Bolton’s life - and it goes kinda hard. The classic pep band brass that’s essential to so many High School Musical numbers returns, and the constant theme of two feuding cheer teams in the background? Genius. This is truly art. I love listening to Now or Never without visuals because in the middle Troy just starts coughing and gagging seemingly out of nowhere

Unfortunately, starting the movie at such a high point means that the rest of the runtime doesn’t quite match up to it. The story lags and meanders quite a bit, but part of me kinda appreciates that - it’s their last semester of high school, which is always a time of confusion and turmoil. However, I do have a pitch for how they could have countered the constant falling action this movie seems to go through:

The Wildcats should have lost their last game at the beginning of the movie.

What if the game is instead the inciting incident that leads Troy and his besties through their tumultuous last semester? Troy is still torn between basketball and theater, but his identity would be even further challenged here - is winning and success all that matters for him, or is it the love of sport and performance that keeps him going? idk whatever this movie came out 16 years ago i can’t be out here writing AUs for it jgnfsgfnjdksg

Some miscellaneous thoughts about this movie that i don’t care about formatting into larger paragraphs:

Ryan and Sharpay’s number (I Want It All) slaps as usual. The part where Ryan shouts “MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!!!!!!!” makes me so happy every time i hear it

The production design and sets go absolutely fucking crazy. I still have no idea how they pulled off the spinning hallway in Scream.

One of the classic staples of HSM is Chad’s shirts. Most of them are fairly silly and like something you would expect to find in the walmart clearance section. However, there’s one shirt he has in this movie that confused the hell out of me. It’s this one:

What the FUCK does Greenster mean. Is it just a combination of Green and Monster?? Why??? What green monster are we talking about here????? Where the fuck did this shirt come from?????????

Avatar The Last Airbender (2024)

There’s really only one word I can think of to describe what this show is like: sauceless. No flavor. No depth. No character. No sauce. This show is honestly so fucking boring and seems to fundamentally misunderstand what the appeal of the original Avatar series is - not necessarily because things are changed or removed from the original, but because nothing of substance is added in return.

Most of the characters are mere echoes of their original counterparts when compared to their source material. Sokka is reduced to a guy who wants to fight good, Katara’s stubborn and confrontational nature is very rarely utilized, and Aang’s mischievous antics and love of fun is sorely missing. One of the major reasons for the dull interpretations seems to be the directing - While I have faith that most of these actors are trying their best (especially since a number of them are kids/young adults), the direction seems to be incredibly lackluster and takes away nearly every cast member’s stage presence or personality. There’s a number of reaction shots of the main trio that just look like this: 😐😐😐 as if they were just told to “look concerned” at the events unfolding before them. And these issues are apparent in the majority of the performances - for example, General Zhao talks like he’s in a board meeting up until the last episode, and it’s an incredibly flat performance. He talks somewhat monotone in the original series as well, but this live-action take on the character often meanders with his dialogue and lacks that sharp, terrifying quality that I think this character needs. Uncle Iroh also feels incredibly stiff in this adaptation, and it’s a goddamn crime that they took away the cunty little outfit and chains he was originally wearing when he gets captured by earthbenders. wait who said that

Credit where credit is due, there’s a few cast members that seem to be giving their best. It’s clear that Aang’s actor enjoys the role and does pretty well despite the lackluster direction and dialogue he’s given. On top of that, I think Zuko’s actor is honestly the best part of the show. His take on Zuko leans much more into teenage tendencies and sarcasm, which, although it can be silly, is a welcome take of the character in my opinion and pretty fun to watch. There’s this one line he has at the beginning of episode 2 where, in an incredibly whiny tone of voice, he goes “He RAN! The ultimate warrior! He’s a Coward :((((“ and the read is so. fucking funny

The case of bad direction isn’t limited to the performances, however. It’s also stunningly apparent in how everything is shot. Despite being in a widescreen format, most shots are incredibly centered - you could crop the entire runtime into a 4:3 frame and you wouldn’t be cutting out much of anything. I’ve seen some speculation that this was an intentional choice to make things more adaptable or readable for TikTok/phone video, but honestly I think that’s a dumb take. I think the issue stems from a lack of creativity and thoughtless composition. Keeping everything staged in the center can make shots feel disjointed, lacking much depth, or completely empty. It’s a boring way to shoot and indicates that the show lacks any unique vision at all.

Overall, this show doesn't really seem to understand what makes Avatar interesting in the first place. It's more interested in spectacle and action than the characters' relationships, emotions, and mistakes. I try not to compare it too much to the original since it's allowed to take liberties with its adaptation, but very few of its changes add much to the end result or give it a unique voice. It's just sauceless and boring.

Some YouTube videos i liked in February:

💥 My House.WAD - Inside Doom's Most Terrifying Mod (some supplemental House of Leaves material for ya) 💥 Martha Jones Deserved Better (this video explains how Doctor Who did Martha dirty better than i ever could) 💥 bringing JUSTICE to the worst garfield game 💥 Selling Kids for Clout: The Downfall of Family Channels

And that’s my roundup for February! Thank you for reading, I promise there are no more reviews left to scroll through below this goodbye. Nope, nothing else I watched this month. Bye!

…ok is everyone gone. phew, i’m glad no one noticed i pulled an hbomberguy and hid the largest part of this post under a false ending. Anyway holy shit i need to talk about hazbin hotel

Hazbin Hotel

well i didn’t like it

Hazbin Hotel is a weird, fascinating mess of a show. Every episode left me wondering what creative decisions (or lack thereof) led to the sequence of images I just watched. There’s been a lot of discussion of this show recently and I’m not interested in covering every critique I have, but there’s a few things that I'd like to talk about somewhat in-depth.

Hell is real and it's just Red Chicago

The setting of Hell is kinda boring in this show.

Let me try to put this into perspective. Aside from the hotel, here’s a list of the locations we see in Hell:

A boardroom

A video store

Vox’s evil lair (it has cyber sharks which is kinda cool)

Various streets

Another boardroom

A BDSM club

Carmilla’s house (it’s gray and has. balconies?)

A porn studio

A bar

Another bar

A town square (full of cannibals)

None of these locations really take on any sort of otherworldly form besides some vague demonic imagery scattered throughout (and the cannibals. i guess. whatever). In short, Hazbin Hotel’s setting resembles Chicago more than it does Hell.

I can see a world where that’s intentional. Perhaps making Hell resemble a modern city could be used as a thematic tool or point of relatability? But Hazbin doesn’t really do anything like that - since the characters rarely ever interact with their environments, these locations end up seeming like they lack creativity, like they’re just cardboard sets where characters go to swear. They all start to blend together after a while - every street feels the same, every boardroom fades into the background, and every bar feels like a google image search result for the word “club.” This world feels stunningly empty despite the busy designs and colors. Even though the backgrounds are painted and designed fairly well, nothing of substance is ever really added to them through the story.

However, a few musical numbers take effort to break away from these settings. This felt like a weight off of my shoulders whenever it happened, it was nice to see some interesting setpieces and backgrounds that weren’t red. I liked the bombastic and over-the-top broadway lights in Loser and the glowing alternate world in Charlie and Lucifer’s song. But these moments are few and crowded by the dull locations in Hell - or worse, the Hotel itself.

Despite being the namesake of the show, the actual Hazbin Hotel is… lifeless. Which, yeah, it’s a hotel where dead people go in the afterlife, but it’s missing any sort of personality or history besides “it’s old and falling apart.” I expected the hotel to be full of secrets - like maybe some hidden passages or rooms, or mysterious cabinets full of rotted meats, or old valuables hidden under the rugs by the previous owners. Something for the cast to explore and discover, and as they get closer to each other they also start to understand the hotel more. Alastor seems very intent on keeping the physical hotel standing for some reason, but I never really understood why. There’s nothing there. And that nothingness is fully realized when at the end of the show, they just rebuild the entire hotel to be grand and beautiful - an emotional beat that didn’t hit me at all because I never felt like I knew the hotel in the first place. Despite rebuilding it from the ground up, it will feel just as empty.

3 SHOTS THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY

I was truly baffled at how some of these scenes are timed and put together. Multiple sequences left me feeling nauseous and dazed - the camera moves like it’s being swung on the end of a rope, and there’s so many misplaced or meaningless cuts scattered through these episodes.

There’s a sequence of three shots in the first episode that I want to dissect. I will fully admit that I'm breaching nitpicking territory here, but the shot composition issues in this show are pretty rampant and my analysis here is just a hyper-specific look at a single part of that larger problem. Hopefully you can also use it as a quick storyboarding lesson too idk

First, we see Adam teasing Charlie.

Then, it cuts straight to this shot:

A few things here.

Shot 2 is just closer on the characters, which is not a great idea to cut to after the previous waist-up shot. On top of being a jarring jump cut, there is no purpose for this new shot. All the information we see here (Adam laughs, Charlie fake laughs) could have just been conveyed in the previous shot.

Despite the characters being in the same position as the last shot, the background changes. This straight up just feels like an error. I think the idea is supposed to be that the camera is at a different angle, but the position of the characters does not convey that. It looks like reality changes behind them.

And if that’s not enough, this is the shot we get immediately after those two:

In this shot, the residents of the hotel sit on the couch as Vaggie walks into the shot, framing them between her legs. But there’s something… off.

Vaggie either looks like she’s floating or she’s three stories tall. Quick storyboard lesson as to why:

The main problem with this shot is that the perspective of the background doesn’t match up with where Vaggie is placed. The couch is framed as if the camera were above it, but Vaggie is framed like the camera is floor-level below her. I’ve traced the shot and added a perspective grid to hopefully better illustrate this:

Do you see what I mean? If the camera WAS actually on the floor like Vaggie’s position in the shot suggests, the composition would look more like this:

Notice how much closer the floor grid is to the bottom of the frame and how you can see the underside of the couch.

And to be fair, this is probably what the original storyboard for this shot looked like! Personally I think something went wrong in the compositing stage - this might be a couch background from another shot that was reused here to save time, or whoever approved this shot just let the error slide since the shot is so short (i've been there. sometimes you let the jank slide). Most animated shows will have some poorly framed shots and continuity errors because mistakes are bound to happen, but two egregious ones right next to each other like this is. pretty bad. It's so noticeable from a directing perspective.

Here’s the thing: these three shots happen in the span of like 10 seconds. Most viewers probably wouldn’t notice these issues, and that's fine. But even though these errors are quick, they stack upon each other so fast that even if you can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, something still feels wrong. There’s so many other moments where the show breaks extremely basic shot composition, continuity, and staging rules - for example, the second musical number of the show breaks the 180 rule like four times for no good reason. The whole show feels like a dizzy, nauseating mess because the shots rarely feel like they form anything cohesive.

MY ROOMMATE TOLD ME TO GO TO BED SO HERE ARE SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

Here’s a rundown on some other thoughts that I don’t care to format into larger sections:

The show seems to lack much to say about sin and redemption other than “redemption good.” like sure, but what are they being redeemed from? Is heaven truly the place they deserve to go after being redeemed, even though it’s shown to be unjust? Are there sins that are too great to be redeemed from, or others that shouldn't be considered sins at all? I asked myself a number of questions like this, but never got many answers from Hazbin.

This show has a bad relationship with kink and sex. Both are mostly used as a punchline or a form of control. I didn’t like it. Perhaps the reason Hazbin never really comments on the nature of sin is because it needs you to consider sex and kink sinful or otherly for these jokes to hit.

Some of the animation is crazy good. I will praise any animator that even attempts to make these character designs move. A number of extremely talented people worked on this show, a few of the musical sequences in particular have some incredible movement.

Alastor is a very boring character. It’s wild that most of the side characters in this show only exist to talk about how much they like or hate Alastor, he mostly just stands to the side of some shots or kills random nameless goons. I expected him to have a much larger role in the story, but he just gets his ass kicked in the final episode and then crawls back to the hotel.

Episode 4 is the most cohesive, and i think Angel is the best character in the show. Unfortunately, the fact that Hazbin takes so much effort to show Angel’s misery left me… concerned? None of the other characters get treated as poorly as Angel by the narrative. There’s a few smaller explorations of trauma, but nothing remotely compares to what Angel is put through on-screen. This isn’t to say that I think the whole cast needs to be extremely traumatized and constantly miserable, but rather that I find it concerning that the only character subjected to incredibly graphic abuse and torture (that we see or hear about) is the gay sex worker. Which sucks, because I think the concept of hypersexuality resulted from sexual abuse is an important topic worthy of discussing in adult media. I just think they tried to execute this theme without much critical thought beforehand.

I think the voice cast does a fantastic job for the most part. Keith David is way too good for Husk.

I really liked the one shot where Charlie opens her phone and we see that she has a contact for every individual egg minion.

I was very brave and got through this whole review without talking about my new least favorite character of all time, Vox. here’s what I think of him:

The overall vision and end result of Hazbin Hotel is just mediocre. While I don’t know what led to the messy state this show ended up in, my guess is that it was probably the result of inadequate direction, sloppy writing, and lacking creative support from the studios involved. Because of this, please understand that I have no desire or intention to put down any individual artists that worked on this show - I hope it's clear that most of my criticisms are directed at the larger vision these artists were given to execute and/or the lack of creative support they received while working on this show.

I also don’t really have much desire to participate in any further Hazbin discussion or discourse because it has wasted enough of my time already and I want to be free of this curse. please spare my inbox from hazbin hotel discourse. please. i'm begging.

You want to know what the most fucked up thing about this is though? Despite everything I said about Hazbin, Avatar the Last Airbender 2024 is still the worst show I watched this month. I would take Hazbin over Avatar 2024 literally any day.

well if you got this far. thanks for reading. also sorry you read all that. whelp alright back into my hole i go bye bye

#to get to my hazbin hotel opinions you must first read my pitch on how i would have written high school musical 3 #jesus christ. either i gotta watch less things or learn to shut the hell up next month this is a longass post #review roundup #long post

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silvertown · 9 months

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Finally listened to “The Butcher” and I love the change in perspective! Without John being a narrator for us we get to see Arthur and John from an outsider’s POV – Collins’s and mr. Privett’s, who tried to help them (I love him! Their talk must have been short but still Arthur knew his name. And even though Butcher tricked him, and it ultimately went nowhere. Still! Somebody tried to help!).

The contrast is so good here: the neighbour “saw a man in pain” and Collins spins it into “when you looked into his eye, tell me you didn’t see something. Something shifty about him”. Collins keeps noticing that there's something weird going on with Arthur. “What’s wrong with your eyes?” – I get shivers every time he mentions that, like on the train (Why aren’t you looking at me?). Also him “noticing” John this time: “…you do that a lot. Pausing at strange times, changing the subject, like you’re deciding in your mind what to say next”.

Butcher hunting for Artur through apartments with a shotgun while humming to the imaginary music will forever look like that to me:

Do you like Beethoven?

Yay for the return of “the other right!” gag now from Butcher’s perspective who is guiding Arthur around. That and other instances of Butcher being “helpful” (“To the chair, lad. In the center of the room”) is a very nice trick to let us know what’s going on without John’s narration. From a character’s point of view it also let us see a side of Butcher that is affably evil, and perhaps he also delights in “knowing” what the Artur’s deal is – that he is somehow blind.

I missed John’s voice so much, but I really enjoyed how we get glimpses of him and always aware of his unseen presence: little pauses in Arthur’s speech, people noticing that there’s something weird with Arthur’s eyes, a quiet “I know, I know” from Arthur’s one-sided conversation when Collins went to answer the phone. (And Arthur is SO weird if you look at him like that, without knowing everything. He’s weird even from Butcher’s perspective, who is a killer, mind you. This episode made me think a lot about one of my favorite bits from "The Mine": “I died for you. For a fucking voice in my head that stole my eyesight. …Do you – do you know how mad that sounds? Do you have any idea what the average person on the street would think about me, about that?”. *you call it madness but i call it love plays in the background* God, I adore this podcast with all my heart).

#malevolent #malevolent podcast #arthur lester #john doe malevolent

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a-risk-to-take · 3 months

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….you posted your tattoo (sick) and linked to house of dirk and i read it all and its unfinished. if you hadn’t posted i may have lived my life without getting fanfic blue balled for the first time since 2015. if you have any sympathy for my loss you would give me fanfic recs >:[ /lh

I feel your pain believe me 😭😭 I’m sorry I didn’t warn you at least. I’m low-key hoping the tattoo image gets to imarriedacherub and inspires them to continue the story - obviously not likely but it’s nice to dream!

I got recs for you though! I’ve got hundreds of bookmarks on my ao3 but here’s the HS stuff I love the most:

The epics:

Dayvhe’s Broken Diamond Club and everything by @unda-dsk: DBDC is my personal fave of theirs, and the best treatment of troll culture in any fic ever. If you know HS fic you are probably aware of MC Escher That’s My Favorite MC, and that one is absolutely excellent and completely deserves its status as one of the very best. And then there’s Alternate Universe, which is a perfect and beautiful magic school story. All of these are absolutely top-tier - I cannot stress this enough. They are epic and very long but some of the best stuff I’ve ever read—fanfic or otherwise—and they changed me when I read them. Despite the length, DBDC is very episodic so you can read each chapter as its own story and easily take breaks in between them without losing the flow, so you might want to start there. I promise it’s worth it!!

so we don’t kill the ones we love by @callmearcturus: I’ve never read anyone who can create an atmosphere like Arc can - this one is kind of a John Wick AU but in a really refreshing and elevated way. The characterization is so on point. Lots more I could rave about but I’ll just add that Arc’s Karkats are the hottest and most based out there. Again all his stuff is really good - this one is my favorite, but don’t miss this really cool magic artisan AU also.

The meteorstucks:

Aahhh there’s no way this is gonna be complete because I’ve read like hundreds and I get them confused but these are some that stand out. In case you haven’t notice already this list is gonna be very davekat centric!

Keep It Down by sburbanite - chef’s kiss concept and execution just read it

A Xenological Exploration of Music and Language by superbloom - super fun and well written with neat headcanon - and turned me on to some great music

I’m actually gonna just declare this section unfinished for now - I need to revisit these and remind myself what’s what - stay tuned!

Illustrated

Since you liked HoD you might be looking for more comic-y stuff with art. Definitely check out @chthonicarcher’s amazing davekats! Such as That’s All We Are

Dream a Little Dream of Me by koroke - this is just a little dream bubble comic but it’s simply the loveliest and I’m massively envious of the art style

Gonna Need Some Windex by the End of the Year by magniloquentChanteuse - more artistic storytelling just neat!

It’s About Time by @laurasauras - this is a sweet cute lovely little time travel davekat that I actually sent to a friend to read who knew nothing about HS and successfully led them into the fandom. (Followed by AU by Unda). Laurasauras is prolific and there are so many great fics written by them I can’t list them all here but they are one of my absolute favorite authors. Their understanding of the strider psyche is absolutely impeccable

The Worst Goddamn Movies Ever Fucking Made by writerbot - this fic brought me so much hilarity and joy I can’t even tell you. The Karkat voice is perfect and delightful and the social media interludes are so fucking funny and impressive. One of the first fics to show me how creative and funny this fandom can be.

I’m surely going to add to this - there are so many more meteorstucks and other authors I know I’ll think of after I post this - but I don’t want to spend too much longer on this now when you could be reading some of this great stuff! ENJOY!!

#homestuck fanfics #homestuck #davekat #fanfic recs #fan fiction

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eemoo1o-tfrmoo · 7 months

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FanFriday #1: Fanfiction and the art of Snotlout and Hookfang.

For our first FanFriday, I will be looking at one of our arguably best rider-dragon duos: Snotlout & Hookfang! This post was originally going to be a one off, made around the 7th of this month, but I decided to make it into our first instalment of FanFriday instead.

Today, this list (one of many surrounding the duo, I’m sure) will only include works with just the Hookfang & Snotlout tag, so we won’t be covering fics with them as the main focus but other relationships tagged here.

It Aches So Bad by WhoIsWren — This is the first in a Snotlout and Hookfang based series titled Hook, Don’t Sink. This particular piece concerns the RoB episode Viking for Hire. In Snotlout’s POV, it accounts how Snotlout feels about his and Hookfang’s developing distance due to Hookfang’s toothache. It, as well as the rest of the work series, also involves Spitelout’s pressure on his son to be the best, and the author puts stress on Hookfang’s species as that applies to Spitelout’s demands. We also have some wholesome, platonic soulmate-esque cuddles once all is resolved and that makes everything bittersweet, though mostly sweet.

Loyalty At Heart by WhoIsWren — This is currently the last work in the aforementioned series. Here, it is in Hookfang’s POV during his panic when Snotlout goes missing in Sandbusted. The premise is sweet, and the writing is sweeter, and you get to see how Hookfang truly feels about his rider when he isn’t around and in danger.

How To Care For Your Dragon by TulipFluff — This fic is short but sweet, just like the last, but we return to Snotlout’s POV to account how Snotlout grooms Hookfang and how Hookfang lets him (an act of appreciation). In the background, Snotlout’s Terror, Pain (now named Lockjaw), from Worst In Show also makes an appearance. It’s always nice to see the inner-workings of these two’s relationship, even if the work itself isn’t psychoanalytical. What a lovely read!

On Trust by piratesPencil — This fic has a very unique approach to Snotlout and Hookfang’s relationship: Hookfang being glad that Snotlout is one short potato. Accompanying this insight is reflection on how Vikings used to treat dragons in comparison to now. This work is perhaps the sweetest, maybe even my favouritest out of the bunch, because of how interesting the base concept is. If you’re only going to select one out of this list, I think it’d have to be this one.

Gift of the Monstrous Nightmare by sarahenany & Thursday26 — This fic is a bit long, but it is definitely worth the read! Here, it includes emphasis on Spitelout and Snotlout’s relationship (as well as some mention of Spitelout’s treatment towards the wife), but mostly involves Snotlout and Hookfang. Hookfang here also speaks Dragonese written in broken English and he and Snotlout do have some conversations back and forth which is a signature theme in sarahenany’s works. It can be a bit distracting, but I think the broken English was done in just the right amount for a fic this length. Overall, this fic includes some great Snotlout and Hookfang moments, and righteous Spitelout slander. (Plus some sweet Fishlegs moments and some Gothi musings.) What a delightful read!

Main | FAQ | AO3

FanFriday

#httyd #how to train your dragon #snotlout jorgenson #hookfang #httyd rob #riders of berk #httyd fanfiction #fanfiction #fic rec #fic recommendation #fic list #ao3 #archive of our own #linked post #original post #fanfriday #fishlegs ingerman #gothi #spitelout jorgenson

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twig-tea · 7 months

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Love in Translation--Everyone Is Right This Show Is Great

Ok so I was convinced by these great posts by @bengiyo here and @lurkingshan here to catch up and prioritize this series.

But then I watched Minato's Laundromat s2 instead (which was a disappointment, bad decision).

And then I lied again and watched Only Friends ep6 as cough you may have noticed based on my posting this past 24hrs.

But now I'm finally actually keeping my word and prioritizing Love in Translation lol

And of course, they were totally right, this show is so good!

I'd already seen episode 1; it was chaotic but cute, and already established the older/younger brother dynamic as well as the chemistry between the two leads and the full cast of supporting characters--who bengiyo rightfully points out are delightful.

Episode 2 hits the ground running and the next few episodes flew by on my catch-up binge; as lurkingshan said, the pacing on this show is FAST and really enjoyable. With the absurd premise established they jumped right into character development and pining! I love a grumpy on the outside because he has too many feelings on the inside character, and Yang is perfect. He fell so hard so fast for Phumjai's sunshine charisma (which bengiyo is so right, is a rare breed of happy and energetic but not annoying). And I love that they've established pretty clearly that Phumjai needs someone to believe in him (hello, Dangerous Romance's Khaotung, I see you), and that Yang warming up and trusting him is going to be the thing to sway his heart. Yang clearly being aware of his feelings and helping Phumjai talk to Tammy anyway is giving me so much of the good kind of pain! I love a pining while helping my love interest with their romance because I am secretly a simp even though I seem cold character. Yang's tiny smiles give me life. And I also really love a smile through my pain because I desperately want to protect everyone around me at cost to myself character, so this show is really giving me everything I could want and then some.

Love in Translation is so good at earning every emotional response the characters give... lurkingshan talked about this in her pitch and I'm going to double down because this show keeps surprising me in the best way. Yang is not just jealous, he knows something. Phumjai is not just inexperienced, he's never been trusted to stand on his own or make any decisions for himself. There's a reason why Phumjai hesitates and why Yang pulls back. Every time there's a character decision that moves forward the plot that in any other show would be handwaved away, it's explained and given context and I am LIVING. I can't wait to find out why his brother is so overprotective, for example, because I now trust this show to give us that.

I can't talk about this show as much as I want to without spoilers so cutting the below for those who have been convinced but don't want to be spoiled. But for those who have not yet been convinced: Below the cut I talk about how this show queues up annoying narrative tropes to undermine them. I also just want to say while I'm still above the line, the chemistry between the two leads is excellent:

this show is very pretty (some really interesting shots and use of the store aisles for framing, as well as lovely colour grading):

the interpersonal drama is so far quite good at staying interwoven with actual work (I know absolutely nothing about running a mini mart but at least they do seem to do work in a workplace show, and at least some of the episodic challenges are about work/sales), and the comedy is not too slapstick. At least one side couple (involving Ngern! My beloved) has an arc clearly forming and I am hopeful the other will too.

And for you colour girlies, @respectthepetty has written brilliantly about the colours in this show meaning things (and already been proven right).

TL;DR Love in Translation is so far a really, really enjoyable viewing experience!

Oh hi! For the record, I will be potentially spoiling through episode 5. This is just me gushing about stuff that might be spoilery, don't expect any brilliance here lol

God I love how this show tees up tropes to undermine them. Tammy is an influencer, but Phumjai fell for her because they met in person and she made him feel competent and listened to. Tammy is a player, but Phumjai is aware and makes no demands. Phumjai made Tammy feel like someone really cared about her and so she decided to be serious about him (rather than Tammy playing into the evil woman stereotype). Yang is clearly already aware of his feelings, but decides to help and Phumjai go on a practice date, and doesn't hold back, AND gives the older brother a baller speech about letting people make their own choices. Phumjai isn't totally thoughtless about Yang during the practice date, he doesn't just focus on Tammy and chooses things Yang would like. And then when he goes on the date he doesn't sublimate, Phumjai realizes something is going on and goes to talk to Yang, who kisses him!!! Phumjai reacts badly and avoids Yang, but it's because he realizes he has a crush and thinks he needs to make it go away rather than because of gay panic. Yang starts pushing Phumjai away, but it's because he's literally under threat rather than because he's scared of having emotions, and he doesn't want to risk Phumjai's safety. And this also puts Yang's intensity, anger, and seriousness about the business and how its doing in context because (I think) he owes folks money and is very worried about being found before he can pay them back.

And because the show gives good reasons for why these characters have these reactions or make these decisions, the show is also able to explain when these reactions or decisions change! Yang doesn't just forget about his crush or his history with Tammy, she proves to him she's serious this time with her actions. Yang thought he was safe and he finds out he isn't, so he stops pursuing Phumjai.

What I'm really, really hoping for in the next ep: we know from the trailer that Phumjai bolts, I'm assuming because Yang says something unclear to push him away again, and Tammy finds him. I'm really hoping this gives Phumjai and Tammy a chance to air things out, and for Yang to realize he needs to be honest with Phumjai about what's going on so that they can ~please for once, BL gods~ face their troubles together!

Also can I just go off on a rant and say how much I love Phumjai? At first I was afraid he would be annoying either because he's so sunshine or because he's incompetent or both, but besides his obsession with Tammy (which I will admit at least is motivating for him lol) he is actually really dedicated to his job and works really hard. Love that Phumjai's recruits are already on his side and defend him to Yang, even moreso than Tag, Phumjai's so-called best friend (I am side eyeing you sir) does to Phojai.

Really holding onto hope that this show keeps surprising me because I'm really enjoying every time it does it!

#love in translation the series #love in translation #typed so i can stop thinking it #bl meta #everyone is right about this show so far: it's great!

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anghraine · 3 months

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I caught up with my re-watch of the second episode of Rings of Power! The episodes are long and have a lot going on, but it was fun and enjoyable—more than the first, actually, since it wasn't trying as hard to introduce everything and could breathe more.

I really liked the beginning with Galadriel in the sea, staring up at the stars before she starts swimming. Very apropos.

I thought Nori et al's stuff would be kind of tedious (I've never been super into hobbits or proto-hobbits), but tbh I find everything about it delightful to watch.

Arondir and Bronwyn are maybe the prettiest onscreen pairing I've ever witnessed. Their little theme/motif is also really nice and not overwrought the way the music sometimes got in the first episode. It suits my sense of their story being a bit like marginalia that doesn't exactly fit into the grand sweeping main narrative of Middle-earth, but is getting some spotlight anyway.

And now we've got Celebrimbor for real, with warning bells all over him! (Not literally.) I appreciate that almost the first thing he does is mention Fëanor, and he and Elrond immediately dive into a conversation about the Silmarils and craftsmanship, and Elrond seems deeply ambivalent off the bat. Him saying "So much beauty, and so much pain" about them/Fëanor's craftsmanship while wearing a feathery outfit that is hard not to associate with Elwing is ... yeah. You'd know, Elrond.

Celebrimbor's slightly snarky explanation that he asked for a massive team to build his tower forge thing and Gil-galad "has sent me you, instead" kind of worked for me? Robert Aramayo doesn't look anything like my idea of Elrond but I love his difficult-to-pin-down yet determinedly pleasant performance of Elrond's emotions and mannerisms. I also like Celebrimbor's robes.

And, oh man, seeing Khazad-dûm in its heyday? HELL, YEAH. The music is doing some of the lifting but mostly it's just fucking awesome to see. The show is clearly lingering on it with a lot of love and attention, which it's really nice to see the dwarves getting.

I liked getting references to Aulë from the dwarves (no, it's not what dwarves would ordinarily call him, but it's a reasonable concession to comprehensibility for people who aren't, well, us). During the whole challenge thing, Elrond is referred to as an Elf over and over and over, which I'm kind of :\ about as a firm proponent of Half-Elves Are Not Men or Elves, No Matter What Ultimate Fate They Chose. Elrond seems pretty uncomfortable with it (though that may be more about his relationship with Durin), but also does more or less accept it as a descriptor.

Nori was still trying to figure out the Stranger, which somehow is not boring, and meanwhile her father's ankle breaks or sprains or something as part of festival preparations. The Harfoots collectively treat this as a huge deal and are asking if he'll be able to migrate, which is not exactly framed as super ominous, but definitely seems significant and at least somewhat ominous. Nori is clearly pretty freaked out.

The first part of the episode is sadly a bit sparse on my girl Galadriel (though she got so much attention in the first episode that it's understandable), but we got back to her, still swimming. It'd be a bit unbelievably impressive from other people, but I can believe it for her. She sees the raft of survivors before we do, which I liked as a little detail.

The raft is really spiky, appropriately enough for a raft with Sauron on it. It's kind of hilarious that almost his first line is "Looks can be deceiving." No shit, lmao.

The survivors+"Halbrand" and Galadriel have this brief and slightly weird interchange about Corsairs, which strikes me as an odd reference both geographically and in the time period we're in.

Then there's a SEA WYRM that shows up out of basically nowhere and causes havoc resulting in the deaths of everyone except Sauron Halbrand and Galadriel. A coincidence, I'm sure.

Then we cut back to Elrond and Durin, and finally find out why Durin is so mad at Elrond. It turns out that Elrond basically ignored his existence for 20 years while he was doing ... things, and Elrond didn't even realize it'd been so much time because a couple decades is nbd to him. Angst and other difficulties around different lifespans = one of my most favorite fantasy tropes, so I'm onboard for this particular drama.

It's a little surprising that Elrond of all people would make this mistake, but then again, Elros himself lived so long that 20 years would have been a tiny fraction of his own lifetime, too. (Now I want lifespan angst or anxiety or something with Elros being the one who's "welp, it's really been that long?")

Anyway, I enjoyed how serious and fraught the whole discussion is and then the cut to comedy when Elrond arrives to apologize to Durin's wife, Disa. IDK, I didn't feel it was undercutting Durin as a character or his feelings, even while poking a bit of fun at his sulkiness—e.g., when Disa enthusiastically tells Elrond to make himself comfortable, and Durin is like, "But not too comfortable."

I love Disa's appearance, by and large. The patterning on her outfit is so cool and different. She's generally a delightful character, and I appreciate that while there's an element of calculation to what Elrond is doing, he seems genuinely interested in her and her work. The narrative itself feels really interested in the dwarves and their culture at this point, and I just enjoyed that a lot.

Meanwhile, back to Galadriel and Halbrand/Sauron. It's still really funny to me that there was so much indignation over Eminem Sauron being insufficiently hot, and then actual Sauron turned out to be this currently bedraggled but very conventionally attractive guy.

I like his little head tilt as he's ostensibly figuring out what's going on and his little "You're a deserter, aren't you?" As if he doesn't know who Galadriel is, hah.

When he says "My people have no king," it feels like a pretty blatant call-back to Boromir in Jackson's FOTR, but of course it's inverted, ultimately. Halbrand is a shadow Aragorn, not a shadow Boromir, and is himself (supposedly) the king he's rejecting. I'm not going to go on too much about it because I have a whole post about it here.

Anyway, Galadriel condescending to Sauron is kind of delightful. Sure, she's mistaken in assuming he's mortal. But everyone should condescend to Sauron, actually!

Back to Bronwyn, who is a bit more interesting in this episode, she actually makes it home and tries to convince her village that something is very wrong, but no one believes her. They seem kind of ridiculously stupid, tbh? Maybe not ridiculously—I can believe they would actually respond that way (I lived in the shadow of Mt St Helens for years, I know very well that historically sometimes that's the response to clear warnings of disaster). But come on, people.

Then there's Arondir in the horrifying claustrophobic tunnels with the glimpses of horrific claws. It is very successfully claustrophobic, especially when MICE start running all over him as they're trying to escape. Agh, the special hell. Then he emerges in a pool of water, only the water is super gross also, and he's focusing on the bubbles of something pursuing him only to get grabbed by a different claw monster.

We don't see him again for the entire rest of the episode and that's alarming!

I was taking little notes while I was watching, but at this point that got interrupted and I ended up watching the rest of the episode with other people and didn't take notes. But general thoughts:

Durin's final change of heart wrt Elrond and decision to take Elrond's offer to his father was a bit oddly offscreen, and it's kind of needlessly mysterious about what advantage the dwarves have over the Elves, but the show has already given us enough through both exposition and the behavior of the characters that it's not hard to buy.

Sauron saving Galadriel with Finrod's dagger is like. Hmm. Well. Yeah, that's a lot. I really like the scene of their raft in the storm—not much actually happens apart from it looking cool, but it did look really cool! And I love the imagery of Sauron desperately trying not to be drowned by the wrath of the sea, aka what will actually happen to him! :)))

I love how mysterious the Stranger is and basically everything that Nori and Poppy choose to be. Things like Poppy's "I don't speak firefly!" just work much better for my personal sense of humor than ... like, dwarf-tossing.

Theo's whole deal with the sword is ... menacing in a way where we know enough to know something is Very Wrong and related to Sauron, but not really what's going on with it. And the thing Bronwyn and Theo fought and killed was super freaky. I liked the abrupt cut to Bronwyn showing the decapitated head to the stupid villagers and them being like, "hmm. okay, guess we're moving now."

Aaaand Galadriel and "Halbrand" have been discovered!

#anghraine babbles #tv: lotr #legendarium blogging #long post #elanor brandyfoot #poppy proudfellow #arondir #bronwyn #my little piano: music is magic #celebrimbor #elrond #durin iv #galadriel #elros tar minyatur #disa #sauron #legendarium fanwank #theo #rings of power

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eastern-lights · 19 days

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To be perfectly honest, throughout episodes 1 - 4 I was a bit worried Shogun was going to be a continuation of Hiroyuki Sanada being typecast as a Stoic Aloof Samurai that you could see in literally everything since the Last Samurai, which would be such a waste of both the source material and his talent.

Which is why Stick of Time and Abyss of Life were such a delight to watch. They really allowed Sanada to tap into his unbelievable capacity for portraying grief and despair, both incredibly subtle and so overwhelming it makes the viewer physically sick. (spoilers for the aforementioned episodes follow)

You really are never in any doubt that Toranaga's pain is real. Oh he may be playing up the cough and having to lean on a samurai to walk, but everything else is completely genuine.

Yes, he is using Nagakado's death to gain a chance at victory, but that does not mean he is not genuinely heartbroken at the loss of his child. This:

Is not him implying that the only useful thing Nagakado did was dying. He is giving meaning to an otherwise senseless death of a young man who could have achieved greatness if given time, which ties amazingly into Mariko's earlier words about how "we honour the dead by continuing their fight". Toranaga took his son's death, a freak accident, and retroactively made it meaningful, granting Nagakado the noble death he would have wanted.

#hiroyuki sanada #shogun 2024

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