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the-scottish-costume-guy · 4 years

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JK Rowling, transphobia and a hopefully helpful post.

A few days ago I posted on my Facebook (yes I have one sue me) debunking some of the things Rowling has been saying on twitter. Since she made a statement I felt the need to make another one... but this time Im sharing it here. Please note this is long, it is fairly opinionated in places but her statements have felt so insidious I want to share something in depth. If you are cis I implore you to read, but I understand this is long and a lot of people wont want to. No judgement.

Jk Rowling’s latest statement is a mess of valid concerns and fear mongering. At this point there can be no claim she doesn’t know what shes talking about - she herself has said shes been researching this for years. She throws in token acknowledgements to “real” trans people while framing the rest of her statements as concern for confused teens.So first things first - and something that might not be popular with some of my trans friends. I agree that teenagers should not be able to medically transition. It is a choice that should be made when the brain is fully mature. Hormone blockers are something I trust - and that are reversible. I have seen enough detransitioned people hurting to feel like we do need to be careful - especially with children who are trying to find themselves. I dont know about other people but during my teens I was coming to the crushing realisation that I wasn’t special. I was learning that no matter how well I painted someone else did it better, no matter how badly I hurt someone had it worse - I was learning about the wonderful mediocrity of life, and having anything that made me stand out gave a brief reprieve from learning to be okay with all these things. For me to be fair it was dying my hair outrageous colours and dressing in black leather during 30 degree summer heat - but its still something we cant forget. I KNOW a lot of kids claiming to be trans are - and I dont want to keep that from them, however I dont want to cause harm to the kids that are wrong. Continuing on, I’d like to address her comments about TERFS. Terfs are Self Described Trans-exclusionary-radical-feminists and the term does get thrown around a little too liberally at times. Terf is not and never will be a slur. No more than “White” is. It is about a group of people who have taken it open themselves to segregate another group - and calling that what it is, is not a crime. The reason Terf and transphobe have become synonomic is because the ‘radical feminists’ that subscribe to this have lost focus on nearly all other issues of feminism and sit squarely on “dropping the T” from the lgbt community and “keeping men out of womens bathrooms.” Terfs are overwhelmingly women - this is sadly simply a fact. Terfs are reviled because of how much it feels like a betrayal to the community. A group that fights for rights - except ours. A group that wants equality - except for us. Its different to the conservatives who hate us all equally - with Terfs we are singled out. Terfs are not, as Rowling claims, inclusionary to Trans-men. I’ve been met with a combination of pity, loathing, mockery and revulsion by people within this group. I’ve been told that I shouldn’t let homophobia push me into transitioning - only for all correspondence to abruptly drop when I mention Im marrying another man. I’ve been told my old body was beautiful - only for stunned silence when I agree. I was beautiful - I was curvy, I was a dancer and had a body to match - but I wasn’t Me. When their usual arguments against me fail - I’m met with hate. Im called anti-woman, traitor, homophobic. I even have some such comments saved on my blog. I have yet to meet a Terf who was pro-trans-man. Rowling claims that had she had the ability, as a confused teen, she may have sought to transition. I hate to tell her but she did have the ability and trans people didn’t pop into existence in the twenty-first century. I’m actually looking to do my dissertation topic in my final year on lgbt presentation throughout history - and in my overeager way I’ve already started researching. James Barry has been becoming a common name for years - a transgender surgeon who died in 1865. If Barry was able to at least socially transition from 1790 to 1860, I am fairly sure Rowling could have in 1980 - over a century later. Rowling also claims that groups of friends in schools all suddenly identify as trans at the same time. Speaking from my school experience - the queer kids group together. We seek out others like us, and we take strength from each others bravery to come out - often around the same time. We almost get a rush of resolve when one of our group musters the courage and strength, and some of us use that rush to bite the bullet ourselves. Its one of the beautiful ways the lgbt community is here for one another - and the influx of people identifying as trans is partially a factor of more people knowing the name of their feelings. Survivor bias will ignore the trans people through history without the knowledge or means to transition - and will claim they were never trans at all. Her initial statements about charities worry me in particular. As I said last time - we know sex is real, we just dont really like to be defined by it. She is worried that we’re going to “rebrand medicine” and ignores that medications for years have had warnings in their leaflets about “If you are or become pregnant” regardless of if the person receiving it has a dick or a vagina. We dont advocate for ignoring the differences in how people respond to heart attacks - and I for one would like research to be done on how hormones effect that. I dont actually know if I would respond more like a cis gender woman or a cis gender man if I were to have a heart attack or a stroke. But where possible we do want to change the language around some of these things. I have had a double mastectomy, but some Cis-men have these as well. This is not a gendered term. Why should a period be called anything else? Why call it a “womens problem.” I and Im sure many other trans people, support the research into how different medical and mental issues affect different sexes. I just think that should be extended further - and we know it should, as some medical issues affect people of different ethnicities in different ways and we don’t know how. I am truly sorry that Rowling has experienced abuse and assault of any nature. I am truly sorry that she has felt unsafe. But her feelings do not invalidate others experiences. Of the trans people I know, a saddening number have been assaulted, have been abused and in particular have experienced these things domestically. There is much work to be done on this in the UK. There are nearly no mens shelters for sufferers of violence to my knowledge. I, a trans man who have experienced some of these things in my teen years, would Not want to be around cisgender women even if I could be. A cis woman was responsible for much of the pain I personally suffered - and in fact one of the acts of violence she carried out against me was directly after I came out as trans to her. Trans women, even if they could go to male shelters, should not have to be surrounded by a group that put them in danger - in a place that is detrimental to them physically and mentally and is frankly degrading. The belief that allowing trans women into shelters for those escaping abuse is dangerous is sad. To be so afraid is deserving of pity. To let fear blind you to the suffering of others - to think its better that a trans woman face homelessness or a return to an abusive household because you personally would sleep better at night is the kind of passive evil we should be aware of in this day and age. It comes from choosing to see the word “trans” before “person.” Its from choosing to see a persons genitals before their humanity. Trans people are not dangerous - and cause no greater risk than any other demographic. Her claims that she can empathise with this fear are empty. A gender recognition certificate is not a ticket into womens bathrooms. Funnily enough you dont actually require a piece of paper to go almost anywhere. I do not have a gender recognition certificate and use male bathrooms, can enter male spaces as I please. All a gender recognition certificate does is change the letter on your birth certificate. It doesn’t even affect other forms of identification - my passport, my student id, my drivers license all already say male. I am not sure why so many people have chosen this as their hill to die on because its the least relevant thing to them on the planet. How often have any of you seen another persons birth certificate? Rowling says she and other ‘gender critical’ (a terf dogwhistle) people are concerned for trans youth. Well… she can take her condescending concern and direct it to matters that are relevant to her. Trans people want to be left alone. Its a simple request, and yet people endlessly seem to trip over the dirt level bar.

#transgender #jk rowling #terf #transphobia #lgbt #uk politics #I'm prob gonna get shit for this arent I

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bonemarroww · 4 years

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Something Else - Trans!(O) Amajiki Tamaki x (A) F!Reader

Summary : “You’ll get there someday!” Mirio always says. “You’ll do better next time." Tamaki doesn’t want to get there someday. And if every Alpha always does, well, maybe he’s something else then.

Warnings : None.

(I do not own the picture)

AO3 Link

Prologue

————— Chapter 1

Once again, Tamaki’s head was glued to the wall just outside his classroom, as he breathed deeply. Class had started a few minutes earlier. It was the day he was supposed to make an oral presentation to the class about his internship with Fat Gum; but his teacher had allowed him to go out and take his time to be ready to face the class. Mirio and Nejire had given him thumbs up on his way out of the classroom, and once already the blonde had peeked his head through the wall to ask him if he was alright.

He was not. It was such an important presentation, that would mark the mid semester as well as a summary of his experience so far as a hero. He had worked hard on it for several days already, but now that it was just a matter of talkingin front of the class, his throat felt tight from tears he was holding back.

The whole thing was spiraling to a whole new level of anxiety, and had he not followed extensive hero training, he might not have heard the sound of footsteps coming his way.

“Hey, are you alright?” A soft voice pulled him from his thoughts, as a sweet verbena scent wafted in the air, surrounding him in a calming wave.

It evoked in him the warmth of a fire in winter, the security of a known place and the peace of a deserted park; and immediately, Tamaki felt like he could breathe better. His thoughts, still as tangled as they were before if not more, slowed down slightly.

When he lifted his gaze from the wall, it was met with that of a girl his age, that he did not recognize immediately. She was dressed for the cold weather, her nose still a bit red from having been outside in the cold, but her little smile was warm. So was her palm, that she had settled around his back in some sort of weird distant half-hug he did not mind so much.

“Hi. What’s your name?” She asked nicely, as more of her scent exuded from her, and Tamaki realized the panic inside did not feel as vivacious anymore.

“A-Amajiki Tamaki.” He hesitantly answered.

“That’s a pretty name, it suits you well.”

Tamaki blushed from the compliment, looking down and fumbling with his presentation papers as he thanked her timidly.

“Is there something wrong, Amajiki? Do you want me to stay until you’re okay?” Her voice took a more serious, concerned tone.

It didn’t click until that moment that this wasn’t just a friendly girl coming to distract him. This was what Mirio did daily and that he could not. This was the first duty of any self-respecting Alpha, the first instinct there ever was, the natural tendency he had observed time and time again growing up, as he stayed behind.

She was comforting an Omega in distress.

The realization was enough to send him in a daze.

“It’s- it’s nothing...”

One of her palms went to stop his trembling hands, bringing to her attention his presentation papers, which were wrinkled from the way he was gripping them. The subject of his anxiety was now obvious to her.

“It’s okay, you’ll do great, I can feel it.” She squeezed his hand and spoke with faith.

Before he could figure out what to answer, a loud voice called her from the other end of the corridor, and only then did Tamaki realize they weren’t alone anymore. Another girl, her face worried, was tapping her foot on the ground and looking around as if afraid of getting caught.

“Come on, we’re already late! Aizawa is going to shred us to pieces !”

The nice girl hushed her with obvious irritation at being interrupted, before turning back to him. Her hands left him, and Tamaki immediately felt their loss, leaning further into her touch as if by reflex. The Alpha he brought her hands to her neck and started to remove her scarf.

“I’m afraid I have to go. Take this...” She rolled the scarf around his neck. “Deep breaths, and everything will be fine, okay?”

As if in a trance, Tamaki saw himself nod, and after one last little smile, the girl was gone, running to her friend and to their classroom.

When the sound of her footsteps disappeared in the next hallway, the boy shyly brought the scarf to his nose, breathing in deeply the calming scent of the Alpha girl.

He entered the classroom as if on autopilot, ignoring the curious looks the neatly rolled scarf attracted, and started his presentation feeling oddly serene.

At the next free period, Tamaki had recounted what had happened to Mirio and Nejire; omitting the part where the verbena scent of the girl was the most pleasant thing he had ever smelled, and that it still took everything from him not to nuzzle the fabric until he got drunk off that scent. He had removed the temptation after his daze had dissipated, shoving the scarf into his schoolbag and blushing from the attention it had gotten on him.

To say Nejire had been amused by the situation was an understatement. The only reason the Omega was not rolling on the floor laughing was her mate holding her up.

“Chicken-heart, mistaken for an Omega? Oh, I must know who this Alpha was!” She laughed long after school, as they walked back to their dorms.

Tamaki walked with his head hung low, half in embarrassment and half in haste to get to his dorm room already. Eventually, Mirio noticed that Nejire’s hilarity did not reach their friend, and diverted her attention to something else –which Tamaki was grateful for.

Usually, Tamaki would hang out with the couple for some time after they reached the dorms, maybe do his homework with them in the common room; but as soon as they got there, Tamaki excused himself and practically ran to his room.

Locking the door, he put his backpack down, and frantically searched for the scarf.

When its scent wafted in the air, Tamaki sat on his bed, pressing the soft fabric to his nose and breathing deeply.

It was not the first time Tamaki found an Alpha’s scent attractive –merely the first time he was in possession of an item carrying the smell. It was an odd thing for someone of his nature, he knew. An Alpha’s scent was generally strong, and traditionally used as a mark of territorial dominance over possible rivals. Many would call him a lesser Alpha for liking the scent of a potential competitor.

For a long time, he had wondered what was wrong with him. He did not fit the traditional description of his second gender; never had and, after many years, he was starting to suspect he never would. His Alpha was as tame and shy as he was, and the way people expected him to behave made Tamaki uncomfortable.

He did not like to be reminded of his nature, nor did he like the responsibility it thrust upon him. He did not relish in the attention the way most Alphas preened when complimented on their power.

Drunk on the sweet smell, Tamaki let himself lay down on his bed, rearranging his covers in a comfortable round pile to which he added the back-up cover and pillows he occasionally lent Mirio when the blonde would sometimes have a sleepover in his dorm room.

Finally satisfied, Tamaki let himself rest. His entire bed now smelled like calm and verbena, and he let himself enjoy it, knowing he would have to rearrange and probably wash everything later.

It was something he had found comforted him greatly, but that he had not yet dared to indulge in in his dorm room, lest Mirio might see. The blonde had a nasty tendency to pop his head through the wall at any time of the day, and so without knocking.

It was not that Tamaki was afraid of Mirio’s reaction; but he wasn’t sure the carefree Alpha would understand, especially with all his talk of “you’ll get there someday! ” whenever the shy boy expressed how hard it was for him to play his role as an Alpha.

Tamaki didn’t want to “get there someday”… He had often wondered if maybe, he was one of these “sensitive Alphas”, but even that idea was quite unappealing to him.

He had not known either what it was he felt within him, and it wasn’t until a couple of years prior, when he had stumbled upon a certain book in the library, that he had gotten a semblance of an answer –or at least, a lead. Several characters in it described this same feeling of inadequacy and disconnection with their inner Alpha –or Omega. He wasn’t the only one, he had learned with shy glee, as he read avidly their experiences –some quite similar to his own. A few felt an affinity with the other penchant to their second gender, and eventually, one of them ended up actually undergoing a hormonal treatment to be more on par with their identity.

It was the first time Tamaki had wondered if, maybe, he was truly was not an Alpha, but... something else.

Ever since then, he had discreetly experimented, on his own, too timid to draw definite conclusions, but learning a lot about what he liked and what he did not.

One thing had emerged slowly, and that was his love for nests. While he had never previously dared to make one in his dorm room before, he had on occasions made some in his own room at home, always more disheartened to have to take them apart to keep up appearances. Eventually, one had found its way permanently laid in a corner of his room, and Mirio had found himself invited to the Amajiki household less regularly than he used to. In that, moving into dorms had been both a torture and a relief; practically living with his best friend without having to dismantle his nest, but being far away from it for most of the week.

Fortunately, and without the need to have a big, anxiety-inducing argument, his parents had understood that he was going through something, and had showed him quiet support, buying him books on gender identity and even that little guide, obviously meant for young Omegas, on different ways to make a nest feel as personal as possible.

Tamaki knew bringing an Alpha’s scent into one’s nest was a big deal, especially without said Alpha’s knowledge; but this one was temporary... It couldn’t hurt, could it?

As he felt sleep slowly creeping over him, Tamaki mused that not once, through his encounter with the Alpha this morning, had he felt anxious regarding his role or his nature.

Nejire was quick on her determination to know just who helped him the day before. At lunch break, as Mirio and Tamaki were eating together out in UA’s green esplanade, far from the rush of the cafeteria, she found them, dragging behind her a semi-willing girl Tamaki recognized from the day before as his- the Alpha.

The slight wind did not help, bringing her scent to him.

“Chicken-heart! I found her!” The bubbly Omega grinned, and Tamaki hung his head low in embarrassment over the nickname.

He did look up timidly at his savior of the day before, when Mirio enthusiastically introduced himself. The Alpha smiled back, giving her name in return. She was in class 2-B, Tamaki learnt; she had joined the academy one year later than she could have, making her the oldest of her year. Tamaki absorbed the information, all the while fumbling with his hands wondering if he should just tell her, or say nothing?

Sensing he would not dare talk to the girl from 2-B in front of his friends, Mirio dragged Nejire a bit farther from the two, and watched from afar their interaction.

The shy boy avoided the girl’s gaze, his own having darted to his feet as soon as Mirio had left them. He wondered where to start. Would she believe him when he would tell her he had not meant to take up her time? Oh, and she probably wanted her scarf back; he had put it in his backpack even though he had not had the time to wash it, having fallen asleep clutching it and woken up a bit too late for that. He certainly didn’t want to be an even worse Alpha and give it back to her dirty, but he had found himself mindlessly reaching into his bag for her scent several times in the morning, under his friends’ watchful gazes.

He was such a creep, he scolded himself, to even think about all this in front of her...

“I’m sorry.”

Tamaki startled when he heard her voice. She was... apologizing?

The girl’s smile was sheepish and guilty, an odd look on her features.

“Your friend told me you are an Alpha, though you don’t smell half bad for one...” She shook her head, sensing she was drifting off topic. “I didn’t mean to misgender you yesterday, I sincerely thought you were an Omega. So, I’m sorry.”

Tamaki swallowed thickly before looking away shyly. She was formal, but not hostile. She gave him the impression of apologizing out of his comfort, not because she thought it an insult to be called an Omega.

“It’s okay.” He whispered bashfully. “I did not mind it...”

There was a moment of silence, and Tamaki saw from the corner of his eyes the way the second year was slightly swaying, as if hesitating on what to do next.

It then clicked in his head, of course, she would want her possession back.

“Your scarf...” He frantically searched in his bag, nearly emptying it on accident, before offering timidly the fabric to her. “I did not have time to wash it, I’m sorry...”

Only when the Alpha accepted it, saying it was fine, did the shy boy realized his scent must be all over it. He felt like dying when the girl subtly sniffed it; now she probably knew he had spent hours breathing it in as he rested.

“Did it help a little?” She innocently asked, though the seriousness in her gaze meant one of two things; either she was making fun of him, or she genuinely cared to know if things had gone well after her hasty retreat the other day.

Instincts and his timid self were leaning towards the latter, and so, Tamaki shyly spoke.

“It went fine, j-just like you said.”

She nodded with a smile, before gesturing to the spot he had previously occupied with Mirio, waiting for Nejire to have lunch with them.

“Can I sit with you three? I mean, now that I’m here...”

Any doubt Tamaki might have had considering Mirio and Nejire’s eavesdropping was lifted when the energetic girl yelled that she could stay with them three and become their new best friend.

For once, the shy boy silently agreed with his overzealous friend.

#amajiki tamaki x reader #amajiki tamaki fluff #trans amajiki tamaki #my hero academia #something else

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bronanlynch · 3 years

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bi-ish weekly update

time sure passes huh. meant to do one last week but I wrote like 5000 words on Wednesday instead, and I’m not really sure what happened yesterday but maybe Thursday is my new day for these

listening: two for the price of one this week since I’m excited about both of them. first of all, obviously, is the Sangfielle theme by Jack de Quidt because it’s time for a new season of Friends at the Table. I love their description of this season’s music

the other thing I’ve been listening to is the new album from one of my fave bands, You’re Welcome from A Day to Remember. this is by far not the most musically interesting or complex song on the album but it is about, as far as I can tell, a bad breakup with a vampire and I love it for that just on principle, but also it’s fun! a fun pop punk-esque bop about breaking up with a vampire!

youtube

reading: since last time when I talked about many romance novels I was reading, I mostly just read more romance novels because sometimes that is all the brain can handle. shout out to KJ Charles for writing a historical romance with a nonbinary main characters, you really do love to see it. I appreciate that she puts trans characters in her books, and I hope that someday she writes one with a trans man as a main character, because that truly would be a book targeted directly at me.

I’ve also been reading the Kate Kane, Paranormal Investigator series by Alexis Hall (author of Affair of the Mysterious Letter, a weird fantasy queer Sherlock Holmes retelling that absolutely fucking slaps, highly recommend).

this is his author bio from the Kate Kane books, which really just sets the tone and also. what a fucking life goal

anyway. series starts with Iron & Velvet which is currently on sale, which is why I bought it, and it also fucking slaps. I’m like halfway through the last book right now but they have all been good and fun. Kate is like. archetypal disaster p.i. but done in an interesting way (i.e. the narrative actually addresses the depression and the alcoholism in a way that I personally really appreciated), and also pretty much every woman in the ~supernatural community she encounters is an ex or someone she will flirt/hook up with at some point, which is an accurate representation of every irl queer space I’ve ever been part of. she dates a vampire for a while. hot morally questionable vampire lady. the vampire power structure names positions after tarot cards it’s very fun and sexy and tailored specifically toward my interests. also she lives in the same part of London as my ex-girlfriend so it’s. fun to recognize place names and be like. oh I went there on a date once huh

watching: started watching Turn A Gundam because a twitter friend recommended it as being fun and also very different then any other Gundam series and they were right on both counts. the premise of it is ‘what if a bunch of people went to live on the moon and some people stayed on earth, the moon people got real into super advanced technology and the earth people are larping the 19th century, and now the moon people want to come back’ so there’s a fun mix of visual styles. would love to see serious analytical writing on this show by someone more versed in discussing indigeneity/colonialism than me though because there are things that I’m a little bit hmmm at but I don’t know enough to be able to explain why or know if that’s the right response to have

don’t know what’s up with the dude on the left’s sunglasses but my friend has promised me the fashion choices only get weirder

I know about the ‘wow cool robots’ meme but some of the mech designs are very cool and visually distinct both from each other and from the standard blocky humanoid shape that lots of mechs are, so that’s fun to see. and they’re all different sizes too, which for me at least makes it easier to get a sense of the scale of the conflict/threat. when they’re all the same size it’s easy for me to forget they’re like 40 feet tall but when some of them are 40 feet and some of them are like 10 feet it’s a lot easier to be like. oh. oh shit. these are big and destructive and scary as hell

there are mini versions of this big mech that are like. the size of one of its feet

also there’s some fun stuff about how the way society relates to a mech and what a mech is used for can change over time, which is part of what is maybe inspiring me to get back into trying to write games, because between Turn A and the fic I was writing about Integrity Friendsatthetable I was like. hey what if a hack of The Ground Itself by Everest Pipkin, a game about a place changing over time, except instead of a place it’s a mech

playing: finished Knife of Dunwall finally! please clap! I was kinda half-expecting not to keep to low chaos in the last mission because there are so many overseers but I did it! I did do a bunch of accidentally getting into fights, killing a bunch of people, and then reloading an earlier save so I could go back and not kill those people but it’s fine. anyway. fun game, fun level once I got the hang of it, and I do feel like I accomplished something a lil bit difficult so that’s a nice feeling. definitely harder than the main game. also, very sad about Billie and gay for Delilah. she shows up just to threaten you and then disappears again, and I think that’s pretty hot of her. also love the narrative parallels of having the choice to spare Billie and then the game ending with Corvo about to decide whether to spare Daud or not. I just think that’s neat

making: made some Thai green curry last week from this recipe, which was tasty and not too hard to make, but has just enough specialty ingredients to make it a lil bit too expensive to make too often. our grocery store only ever has lemongrass when we’re looking for things that look kinda like lemongrass but aren’t, and didn’t have any when we need it so we just used extra lemongrass paste and lime juice for the lemongrass, and for the kaffir lime leaves, which we were also supposed to substitute with lemongrass but. it’s fine it was still tasty

writing: a lot somehow, although it’s been over two weeks since last time I did one of these so I guess that makes sense. I wrote a couple of things for 15 Days of Friends at the Table, including Broun, Milli, and Thisbe cottagecore roommates, Clem and Gucci bickering/flirting, and an extended dream sequence that makes me very sad about Integrity (I’m very proud of the last one, I know it has a very small target audience because Sokrates/Integrity is very much a rarepair in an already small fandom, there are 6 works in the tag, 4 of them are by me, 2 of them are by the same other person, and one of those is a gift for me so. it’s mostly just me, but I think I wrote something pretty good)

also meant to write more for Persona 5 Girls Week, although so far I’ve only written one thing, a quick fluff fic which for once requires very little knowledge of the source material. meant to write something for today’s prompt but instead I had two job interviews and then cooked dinner for my household so that probably will not happen and I will probably watch more Gundam instead

#dreaming.txt #tuesday no problem extended universe #contains pictures of food below the readmore

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nonbinaryemonugget · 4 years

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Good Kid: Part 2- Roman

I wasn’t planning to do a squeal, but this was all my brain would let me think about for awhile and than my ADHD hyperfixated so.. *le shrug*

Part 2 to this

Summary: Roman just wants to give this kid another chance.

One more chance is all Virgil needs.

Ships: Pre-Established Romantic Anxceitmus, Pre-Established Romantic Logince

Characters: Virgil, Remus, Janus, Roman, Logan, Some OCs.

Warnings: Foster care/homes, bullying, fight mention, self-deprecation, implied neglect/abuse/emotional abuse maybe? Transphobia. Homophobia, Polyphobia? Is that a thing? She doesn’t like that they’re poly, if you catch my drift. If you find any more please tell me.

Listen I added a ton of Virgil angst bc I was bored so I you think the characters are in fact, out of character: You’re probably right, congrats, I don’t care. ALSO I did not research foster care/homes at all because my brain decided not to vibe with the info.

“Virgil, hun, someone wants to see you.” Miss Walker, Ms. Turner’s assistant, gave a shy knock before opening the door. At least she listened to his comments about not be called by his last name.

“Me, specifically?” He raised his head from it’s place on Remus’s lap, where he had been scrolling through Tumblr. Remus’s hands fell from Virgil’s hair, and Janus looked up from where he had been rubbing circles on Virgil’s hand.

“W-Well, he specified he wanted to see our most... ah how did he word it-? Right! ‘Any and all kids who have run out of hope! They need it back, and my quest is to give it to them!’“ She added a flourish of her arms, grinning at Virgil. “He’s rather... excited.”

“Excited? To see me?” Virgil snorted, looking at the torn up remains of his folder in the trash, “I doubt it.”

“Quest?” Remus piped up, “What is he, a knight?”

“His name is Roman Prince-Berry, and he really does want to see you. Ms. Turner’s out today, she left after she returned you Virgil, and it would be lovely if I could have an easy day for once.” Miss Walker looked at him, trying to be stern and lovably failing.

Virgil raised a brow, sighing. Miss Walker was so much nicer than Ms. T. Sure Ms. T was nice, and she wasn’t homophobic, which was always a plus, but she was a bit wary of polyamorous partners, and often kicked Janus out of Remus and Virgil’s shared bedroom. Miss Walker, on the other hand, was very accepting.

She also believed there was hope for Virgil.

He disagreed.

“Go tell Mr. Princey I won’t see him without my boyfriends. I’m not going back to another homophobic or polyphobic or whatever household.” Virgil grabbed Janus’s hand and set his head back in Remus’s lap.

He heard the sound of Miss Walker leaving, and let out a soft hum as Remus ran a hand through his hair. “You aren’t exactly making it easy for her, Spiderbite.”

“I agreed to come at least. Besides, what are the odds he actually wants me?” Virgil scoffed, and Janus pressed a small kiss to his hand.

“He’d be lucky to have the opportunity to raise you, darling.” Janus mumbles, and Virgil lets out at little laugh at the absolutely true sincerity in his voice.

“We’re being serious, Jumping Spider!” Remus sat up suddenly, hitting his head on the bottom bunk. He rubs his head.

“I know. I just can’t imagine anyone thinking that way.” Virgil admits.

Almost as if summoned by his self-deprecating, Miss Walker comes in, followed by a man who must be Roman Prince-Berry. Virgil’s hand instinctively went up to fiddle with one of his ear piercings. His earrings themselves had been taken out (”Impressions, Virgil!” Ms. T would chime every time she caught him wearing them.) but he still fidgeted nervously with the pierced hole.

Miss Walker gave Virgil an encouraging smile before quickly leaving at the sound of one of the younger kid’s cries. Virgil sits up, eyeing Roman suspiciously.

Roman had been planning a, rather loud, declaration of caring and hope for the young boy, but he could already see it wasn’t going to work for this Virgil Ann Storm. So instead he took a seat on the carpeted floor, setting the (newly printed) copy of Virgil’s file beside.

“Hello, my name is Roman Prince-Berry. It’s a pleasure to meet the three of you. What are your names?” The three boys glanced at one another. It was Virgil who spoke first.

“Isn’t that in the file?” He glanced at the thing before quickly looking away. Didn’t matter, Virgil was sure that guilt still flashed across his face. Whatever. Roman had wanted the most troubled, here he was.

“Sure it is, but I think your story is better told by you than by the people who threw together every bit of paper dictating who you were.” Roman was smiling, not too wide, but enough to encourage Virgil.

“I’m Virgil. These are my boyfriends, Janus and Remus.” They each waved at their name, but otherwise kept silent. They were here to support Virgil when he needed it, and he was doing okay right now.

“And how old are you?”

“They’re both older than me. Both 17. I’m 16, but I skipped a grade a while back.” Both of Virgil’s boyfriends were holding his hands, but he was staring at Roman with interest, mirrored by the man.

“Listen Virgil, you’re a good kid. I don’t believe anyone who tells me otherwise, so I don’t want you to either. But I am going to read your file, okay? I’m going to read it aloud, and you can tell me about it, if you’re comfortable, or not. But my opinion isn’t going to change after I read this. You’re still a good kid.”

Roman hadn’t liked the anxious look that passed over Virgil’s face as he mentioned his file (The poor boy must hate what that awful file said.) but Virgil still nodded, biting his lip and tapping Janus’s hand in a repetitive pattern.

“Alright. It says here that your second fight was a year after you got put into the system? Are you comfortable telling me what happened?” Roman looked up at him, eyes flickering between Janus’s expression and Virgil’s eyes.

“They were bullying Jan.” He whispered, staring down at his lap.

“And what a Night in Shining Amour you were!” Virgil had to do a double-take. Roman had not only called him a knight, but he had said it with something like... pride.

“How old were you Virgil? When you got put in the- when you met Janus?”

“Eight.”

Roman swallowed, trying to push down his anger. Not everyone could be as patient with children as him, he knew that. But Virgil was hurt. Defeated. Virgil was absolutely certain that he was nothing of worth. Roman planned to change Virgil’s mind. “And when did you meet Remus?”

“I was ten.”

“So you’ve been here longer than the two of them?”

Virgil nodded.

“Alright. Let’s see... for someone who is very smart, Virgil, who skipped a grade and passed all your tests with A’s... you seem to have dips in your grades. Here you got F’s for two weeks straight.” He looked up the boy, who’s hands wouldn’t sit still. He had removed them from his boyfriends’ grips and was now fidgeting with the end of his hoodie. “Do you feel comfortable explaining?”

Virgil nodded slowly, hesitating before he spoke.

“I just... They were hurting a girl. Because she was trans. And when I stood up for her, they gave me a choice. Either they could find her everyday and I could keeping getting in trouble for fighting or...”

“Or?” Roman stares up at Virgil, at the way he avoids Roman’s gaze, at the fidgets, and at the dejected look in his eyes. Virgil truly believed he was a hopeless case. Roman was certain his heart would break.

“Or they would meet me behind the school and... beat me up. And then when they found out I was smart they’d dump their homework on me so that they’d start getting A’s. And I know that I shouldn’t have let them do that, but it was so much easier to just let them.” He stares at his hands, flexing them a couple times.

“It’s alright, Virgil. I understand. Listen you don’t have to keep talking to me if you don’t want to.” Roman looks up at Virgil, who won’t meet his eyes. He turns to Remus and Janus, who both are looking at him blankly. But, they aren’t glaring, which is nice.

“No, it’s alright.” Virgil’s voice is quiet. “I just, didn’t really have time for my own work after that. So my grades started dipping.” Roman nodded, biting his lip and reading over the file.

“Your first fight. Do you feel comfortable talking abou-”

“No.” Virgil cut him off, staring at Roman, an apologetic look in his eyes. “I don’t.”

Roman nodded, “And that’s alright Virgil. I don’t want you to feel like you have to tell me everything. Because it’s my job as a guardian to support you. Not bring you down because of your past.”

Virgil stares at Roman, before ducking his head down and looking away. “Thank you.” He whispers. Janus nodded slowly, grabbing Virgil’s hand. Remus ran a hand through Virgil’s hair, giving Roman a grateful look.

Roman stared a the file for a second before setting it aside. “Listen Virgil. I really want to help. I won’t judge you based on your past. There.. are some things that we have to work on... Like fighting. I want you to understand that you can trust me. You don’t have to come with me at all. I just want to help.”

There was a silence, in which Virgil picked at his lips. He mind was bouncing between this and that and finally he asked.

“Can I- Can I visit Jan and Rem?”

“Of course you can!”

“Then I’d like to go with you.”

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cxhnow · 4 years

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Chloe x Halle Talk Police Brutality and Postponing Their Album

“The way our music has evolved is exactly how we're evolving as young women.”

Four days before the release of their sophomore album, Ungodly Hour, Chloe x Halle addressed their fans to let them know they’re postponing it. In a video posted across their social channels, sisters Chloe, 21, and Halle Bailey, 20, sat shoulder to shoulder at their home in Los Angeles, surrounded by hovering green trees, and tried to sum up their range of emotions after witnessing a global uprising against police brutality.“In honor of all of the lives lost in police brutality, we felt like it was right to postpone, and fully shine our attention and our work on them,” Chloe said, with both a shake and clarity in her voice, in the video to the duo's 2.7 million followers. Halle added, “Music has been used for a long time to bring us joy and healing in difficult times like this.” Just weeks before, George Perry Floyd, a Black man living in Minneapolis, died in police custody while a white officer’s knee was pressed on his neck. As video of his killing spread, and after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, protests sparked around the world demanding accountability and allyship with the Black Lives Matter movement. On the day Chloe, Halle, and I spoke by phone, Tony McDade, a Black trans man in Tallahassee, Florida, was fatally shot by an officer. In Los Angeles, where the sisters live, protesters strung their bodies together to temporarily shut down the 101 freeway. In Atlanta, where they were born, six police officers were charged after being accused of using excessive force on two Black college students who were tased and pulled out of their cars days earlier.During a time when fans are more critical of how celebrities engage in civil rights activism, Grammy-nominated musicians and actors Chloe and Halle Bailey don’t tiptoe. They urge fans to sign petitions, donate, vote, and recognize Black life, early and often. They celebrate Black joy year-round. This is what their followers have grown to expect from them. Chloe and Halle have always had something to say, and it just so happens to be an important time to speak up.

It’s hard to wrap your head around the unbreakable confidence it takes to be a female pop artist if you aren’t one. Thankfully, Chloe and Halle have each other. For decades, the bond among members of Black singing girl groups has given audiences soulful and fun music. In the '90s, groups like SWV, En Vogue, and Zhané made upbeat R&B music that made you want to dance with your homegirls. Now, contemporary duos like KING, Van Jess, and Ibeyi stand out for their rapturous vocals enveloped in dramatic production. Chloe x Halle add to this legacy by singing, writing, and producing ethereal music that resonates with the girl next door.Yet there are distinct differences in the duo’s vocal style; they don’t try to match each other’s voices to create some sort of uniformity. Rather, they play off of rhythm and song pacing to meld their voices. When they do sing choruses and bridges together, their voices, albeit distinct, create layered, otherworldly melodies.The duo’s sound is often described as angelic, giving leeway for some to describe them as two women without sin. Chloe and Halle want to shatter this idea because it’s not realistic. “For Ungodly Hour we were so excited to just flip the narrative of being the perfect angel and show the other side[s] of us.…," says Halle. "The dark side, the naughty side, the things that happen that you don't see behind the scenes.”

The majority of the 13 songs on the album are about navigating messy situations — sometimes ones that you have caused. In the midst of trying to be a better friend or romantic partner, you know that you’ll always be imperfect, and decide to love yourself anyway.“I've always been a jazz head," Halle says. “I don't know why, but there's something about the pain and the love and the heartbreak that you can truly feel through the essence of those songs that are sung by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald.” As of late, Chloe’s “really, really been inspired by '90s music and early 2000s production,” a vibe you can hear and see in “Do It,” the second single off of Ungodly Hour.“We wanted to show our sensual side because we are growing as young women, but we still kept it classy and cute,” Chloe says. “It was just really fun for us to do that. We also wanted to start dancing this era, and just something really simple. And it makes us so happy to see everyone doing that dance on TikTok.”Chloe expands on how the name of the album and title track came about after working with the U.K. duo Disclosure: “We wrote this song [the title track “Ungodly Hour”] with Disclosure, and we had the best time,” she recalls. “I forgot what I was watching, but I heard the phrase ‘ungodly hour’ and wrote it in my notes. [It] kind of stuck out to all of us, and we were like, ‘What can you say with this?’ We all came up with this sentence: ‘Love me at the ungodly hour,’ which means love me when I'm at my worst; love me when I'm not all dolled up and made up. Love me when all my insecurities are out on the table.”’

“We started writing about when you're in a situationship with a guy and the chemistry is there, and you know the love is there and your connection is so deep, but he's not going all in," she continues. "For some reason he doesn't want to commit. He's entertaining other options, and it's just saying, ‘You know what? I love myself enough to walk away and put the brakes on this and to pause this. So when you decide you like yourself, when you decide you need someone, when you don't have to think about it — love me at the ungodly hour.’”Other emotionally complex tracks on the album include “Forgive Me,” a haunting song inspired by Chloe’s own life, after she discovered a guy she was involved with was going back and forth between her and another young woman. “I Wonder What She Thinks of Me” is a song that tells the story of the new love, the one a man gets with after he’s broken up with his ex.The vocalists are eager to make music that grows with them and becomes more layered as they do. “The way our music has evolved is exactly how we're evolving as young women,” Chloe says. The chromelike wings they turn around and show on their album cover, worn with black, latex dresses, are symbolic of their strength and power.When I ask what they hope for in the future, the Bailey sisters seem at ease. Chloe would love to work with BTS: “They're performing — it's top-notch. I'll sit at my computer and watch all of their music videos and all of their performances.”“Awards would be nice," she adds. "Being at the top of these Hot 100 lists would be beautiful and amazing, but as long as I'm growing and I'm a better version of myself tomorrow than I was today, I am content.”

The duo is used to releasing music during times of political duress. Two years ago, when Chloe x Halle were part of our music issue for the release of their debut album The Kids Are Alright, the world was grappling with an immigration travel ban enacted by President Donald Trump, the #MeToo movement, and pressing climate change legislation. That album was an intonation from the sisters to young activists approaching human rights issues head-on: “Do it while you young. Don't let them turn you numb. Don't let them get you strung. Ooh, let me put you on,” they sing on their first album's title song.“I was 15 through 17, and Chloe was 17 through 19 during the making of the album,” Halle says of their debut project. “We were still very young. We were still trying to figure out what we wanted, and I think that showed in the music.”As artists, the singers say their first album was about proving they could play an active, hands-on role in the production of their own music in an industry dominated by men. As two teenage women, it was about showing the world that, although they didn't have all the answers and weren’t sure what was lurking around every corner, they had the guts to find out. At that point in their careers they had been signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood for five years and had released one other project, the Sugar Symphony EP, in 2016. But aside from opening tour performances and high-profile appearances, they hadn't become household names.

Now, amid a health pandemic and a country in unrest because of its history of white supremacy, Chloe and Halle are navigating being famous and also having a distinct voice. While finding ways to take care of themselves, the sisters are also promoting an album from their home, in the rooms where they first honed their craft as writers, instrumentalists, and producers. “We've kind of gotten back to our roots and started doing what originally got us started," Halle says, "which is doing YouTube covers, interacting on social media, and connecting with our beautiful fans through there.” A lot has changed in their personal lives as well. They're private about the details, but say they’re learning more about guys and finding themselves in relationships and situationships. They’re experiencing more love, heartbreak, and the misguided antics of boys. "We have to take our power back as women and not allow ourselves to be played,” Chloe riffs.In January, the third season of their Freeform show, grown-ish, dropped. In the college-centered comedy, led by Yara Shahidi, Chloe plays Jazz and Halle plays Sky, ambitious twin sisters who attend the fictional state school Cal U. Jazz is balancing being in love with her boyfriend Doug (played by Diggy Simmons) and schoolwork; Sky is focused on being a track star while navigating her interracial relationship. Like the sisters in real life, their characters are witty, impeccably stylish, and proud of their Blackness. But unlike Chloe and Halle, they’re far more overt about their love lives — often kissing in hallways and openly discussing their sex lives — and unfiltered opinions.Before stay-at-home orders went into place, Chloe and Halle had been expanding farther into Hollywood, and pursuing separate film projects.In July 2019, it was announced that Halle is set to play Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid. Many saw Halle’s breakout feature-film role as a huge win for inclusion, but, like clockwork, people on social media found an issue with the revamped iteration of Ariel being played by a Black woman. Halle spoke out on the discourse, telling Variety at the time, “I feel like I’m dreaming, and I’m just grateful. I don’t pay attention to the negativity. I just feel like this role is something bigger than me. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Halle remains grateful, but says of the negative criticism, “We've always learned to just keep our heads up no matter the situation. No matter what anybody has to say about you...just keep pushing.”

Like Halle, Chloe is also expanding her acting chops in feature projects. In December, Chloe wrapped filming for her role in the horror film The Georgetown Project, starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Simpkins. “I'm really protective of my energy, I'm very spiritual, and I love God,” she says about the thriller. “So I was constantly praying when I was on set. But surprisingly, the energy on set was so positive. And I learned so much by being around all of these Oscar-winning actors.”

Humility is a running trait between the sisters. They don’t hide their confidence, but are also God-fearing and incredibly gracious. They’re media-trained and polite, but also find a way to be frank. They say this album is a “whole different world” for them as they reveal more of their personalities, while exploring what it means to be grown women.

“We are learning to embrace who we truly are,” Chloe says about their music evolution. “Our insecurities, our sexuality, owning our power. I'm grateful that we are given a space where we can do that comfortably. And I'm grateful for our parents, because they instilled in us that we need to be strong and independent young women.”

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mwolf0epsilon · 4 years

Note

Hello, I'm the anon that asked for the three werewolf prompts. I thought I'd drop by and ask for three vampire ones as well if you're still taking D:bh writing requests? “So…how old are you?”, “There’s no such thing as ‘the good old days’. Every time sucks.” and “I shouldn’t have waited this long…”

Hello again Anon. Those three werewolf prompts were pretty fun to do and I'm happy to write with these three vampire ones. Feel free to pop back in if you want some more AU/Canon goodness!

On with the show. One vampire Simon coming right up (with an appropriate gif to boot), enjoy!

---

[[MORE]]

On the ride back to the Manfred household from North's family cabin, Josh can't help but fidget and glance curiously at the only person in the car that's covered from head to toe to shield himself from the sunlight. He had been pondering for a while now, why a vampire would risk sun exposure by coming out to camp out in the woods with friends.

Then, as the minutes crawled by, Josh began to ponder on something else. The way Simon had worded his friends's apparent adoption of the werewolf into their inner circle, and how the vampire apparently had been living in Markus's attic before he too was taken in, in a similar manner.

"If you keep staring at me like that, I fear you might burn a hole through my layers." The blond spoke up, startling Josh out of his thoughts, a humorous tone indicating that he wasn't so much as unnerved as he was amused.

"Sorry..." He couldn't help apologize as he caught the other's gaze under his sunglasses. "It's just... I've never actually seen a vampire before."

It was odd how werewolves were so common these days, but vampires were merely spoken about in hushed whispers. It was less terrifying to some that men could become huge wolfish beasts, but their undead kin could remain hidden behind a facade of normalcy. Simon certainly looked human enough. Enough so that Josh hadn't even realized what he truly was before he'd made his move to defend his friends. Defend them from a percieved common threat, even if he'd been rather passive at the time rather than aggressive like the rest of his pack.

Still, the werewolf saw no reason to fear the blond. If anything he was just curious about him.

"We're rare these days. It's hard to find one of us if we don't want to be found." Simon explained, seeming to have rehearsed this response. Maybe he'd had to say the same to many others before him.

Which brought another question...

"...Ok this is going to sound super rude..." Josh flustered slightly as he tried not to be too blunt "But uh... how old are you?"

At the front North snorted loudly and Josh could see the corner of Markus's eye crinkle with amusement on the rearview mirror. Simon simply stared at him before rolling his eyes and smiling.

"Old enough." He responded nonchalantly.

"What?" Josh stared, before North burst out laughing and spoke up.

"He can't remember, but he's old as fuck!" She told him, before whining when the vampire lightly punched her arm. "Sensitive about your age as ever, old timer?"

"I'll have you know no matter how old I technically am, I'll remain 28 for eternity!" Simon almost sounded like a bird with it's feathers ruffled, which was quite funny really. Almost like a cockatoo, minus the extravagant yellow display feathers.

Josh made a note not to ask about his age again tho, he doubted it was nice to be eternally youthful and then lose track of time like that... If anything it sounded like a lonely existence.

---

Mr. Manfred (who insisted Josh call him Carl because being refered to as 'mister' made him feel ancient) was a rather interesting man. An eccentric artist with an extravagantly decorated house and three bright young sons that he was proud of (even if Leo seemed to doubt his father liked him at all). Josh found in him a good conversation partner, a brilliant chess opponent, and someone who could teach him a lot about the world.

No one in his family had liked history and philosophy, so staying with the Manfreds was like paradise. Especially when he sat down and discussed things with Carl.

Another person who seemed so fond of joining their debates was undoubtedly the resident vampire.

Simon was a man of few words and many hobbies, but whenever he had something to say it often got both Josh and Carl thinking.

“There’s no such thing as ‘the good old days’. Every time sucks.” the blond grumbled once, when Carl had been reminiscing about the past. Saying how easier it was now to assume your sexuality or gender identity without being prosecuted by the public.

Simon had wholly disagreed with his opinion on the matter.

"Hundreds of years ago people would slaughter each other for minor differences. Be they gender, race, or religion." The vampire stated. "Today is the same, but the media is changing to hide it more. What's the death of a young unarmed black man, or of an innocent trans person worth to the public, when they could focus on the pressing things of life, like what celebrities are doing, or what is fashionable these days?"

Josh had been unsure what to say to those bitter words, because he knew for a fact that injustices still happened regularly. Carl had merely tried to shrug it off, not seeming all that willing to discuss it further. The artist later admitted he'd been wrong, when Leo came back with a black eye after being assaulted in a public bathroom. Apparently a guy had noticed his binder when he'd gone to wash his hands and, had Leo not been accompanied by two of his friends (one of which was a 6'7" Russian built like a goddamn bear), things could have taken a turn for the worst.

Agreeing to disagree was not something people should do with a vampire that had seen the world change and people remain the same...

---

It takes three months of living among friends for Josh to see Simon feeding off a person. The vampire is very reserved in his dietary habits, only ever drinking from a cup he keeps separate from everyone else's dishes, and he never really drinks human blood. He purchased a variety of animal blood from the butcher's, often commenting on how unsanitary human blood really is.

"I'd rather not risk catching any blood related diseases, thank you very much." The blond scoffed as he took a sip out if his cup of fish blood. "The high levels of cholesterol would also probably kill me faster than sunlight ever could... I'm an old man, my poor heart can't take it."

Josh has seen him drink pig's blood, cow blood, even snake blood if he had been feeling "fancy", as Simon would put it. But never had he seen him drink any of the types of human blood. Then, three months into his stay, Simon became incredibly sick after drinking a contaminated batch...

He vomits and shivers for days, while Josh helps Markus tend to the miserable vampire's intense fever. North goes to the butcher's to complain and comes back furious when the man doesn't provide so much as an apology or a refund. They help Simon through the sickness and are relieved when he begins recovering.

But then, when Josh walks into his room one day, Simon has this pained distant look as he curls in on himself and clutched his stomach as if he were dying.

He looks deathly pale with darkened (almost black) veins snaking under his waxy skin, and sunken in eyes and cheeks that make him almost look cadaveric. His fangs (which Josh learned are kept within special sheaths like those of venemous snakes) are visible and gleaming in the low lighting of the attic that had been converted into his friend's comfy room. As soon as he locks eyes with Josh, he begins to salivate heavily before whimpering softly.

"I shouldn’t have waited this long…” Simon is shaking from the pain in his empty gut, but also from the amount of control he's trying to maintain over himself. Josh can see that unmistakable predatory need to pounce rolling off his twitching frame. Simon's instincts want him to hunt. Hunt his friend for sustenance. But Simon doesn't want to hurt anyone. He's too kind for that.

Josh can't bare seeing him suffer like that, especially when they don't have any fresh blood to give him.

All three of them (Josh, Markus and North) decide he's suffered enough from food poisoning and donate a portion of their blood, so that Simon may feed and replenish his health properly.

The blond dislikes drinking from people, but the eagerness to drink from their willing veins is more than enough for him to loose at least an ounce of self control.

He practically crashes it Markus when the tan freckled man exposed his neck to him, and sinks his teeth and grips his shoulders hard enough that his sharpened nails break skin. The noises that escape him are almost obscene and Markus becomes flustered as Simon suckles and laps up the warm life giving liquid. He lets go when Markus starts getting woozy and his legs begin to give out, moving on to feed from Josh next.

The sensation is an odd one, intimate even. The werewolf can smell Simon's desperation, and feel his neediness against his skin, before the blond has had his fill and moves on to finish quenching his thirst with a smaller sum from North. They gave more than her, because they were larger and because Josh would heal faster.

Markus is a little weak for a few days after, while Josh bounces back quickly due to his own beastly nature. North promises to give more the next time something like this happens.

Simon is embarrassed about the whole ordeal, but grateful nontheless.

He hopes there won't be a next time, and seeing him so weak and inhuman makes Josh hope the same. Still there's no closer bond than that of letting a loved one feed off your life source.

As odd as that might sound.

#eps writes:#fanfic #detroit: become human #detroit become human #vampire au #werewolf au #dbh simon #dbh josh #dbh markus #dbh north #polycho

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bigyack-com · 4 years

Text

When Department Stores Were Theater

After the hundreds of jobs going poof and the thus-far inadequate discounts, the saddest thing about the closure of Barneys New York is that its signature naughty window displays will recede even further in collective memory.A Hail Mary campaign earlier this year imploring shoppers to go inside even as the store declared bankruptcy (“STRUT STRUT STRUT STRUT STRUT STRUT”) was but a faint echo of the era when subversive tableaus of papier-mâché public figures, found objects, condoms on Christmas trees and the occasional scampering vermin mesmerized crowds, offended cardinals and even sold some clothes.But “we’re in a post-window-display world,” said Simon Doonan, the Barneys O.G. window dresser, in a telephone interview, noting the “impenetrable facade” of Dover Street Market, heir apparent to the luxury avant-garde. Its New York entrance has only small, high apertures above pedestrian eye level.“In the old days, window displays were the primary form of marketing — fashion was the same as butcher shops and fishmongers,” he said. “Now, if you’re waiting till someone walks past your store, you’ve lost the fight.”Indeed, the bustling new Nordstrom on 57th Street dispenses with traditional boxed-in display windows entirely, replacing them with a shallow, wavy facade that John Bailey, a spokesman, assured would be festooned with red and white lights come Black Friday. The facade is “an interactive viewing experience for customers walking by,” he wrote in an email, “connecting the shopping experience in store to the energy of the city.” (And the energy of customers’ phones.) A young employee at the central help desk said elliptically that “our windows are our customer service.”Gather ’round, children, and let Auntie Alexandra tell of when department stores, now mostly glassy, anodyne places you go to exchange online purchases, used to put on a show. Sometimes more entertaining than the theater.First, though, a quick gallop through what remains of New York’s holiday windows in 2019, and the hopeful cornucopias within.At the doomed Barneys flagship on 61st Street, there was of course bubkes, just signs reading: “Everything Must Be Sold! Goodbuys, then Goodbye.” Inside on the fifth floor, female customers were listlessly flipping shoes to glance at the soles and calculate the markdown, as if with muscle memory from the much-lamented warehouse sale. Four creaky flights up, the power lunch spot Fred’s, named for Fred Pressman, Barneys’ charismatic chairman who died in 1996, was full — even as a worker held a headless naked mannequin steady by her neck on a hand truck, waiting for the elevator to go down, down, down.A few blocks away preens Bergdorf Goodman, the beautiful princess whose holding company, Neiman Marcus, muscled recently into the Hudson Yards, like a watchful mother-in-law moving into the guest cottage. There are no old-school windows at the gleaming new Neiman, being that it’s high up off the dirty street in a mall (and incidentally charging kids $72 per head for breakfast with Santa). But at Bergdorf, David Hoey, the store’s senior director of visual presentation, and his team have gamely produced a concept called Bergdorf GoodTimes. Literally gamely. Like, filled with actual games.One window was captioned “Queen’s Gambit” (chess); another, “Jackpot!” (pinball); another, “Winner Take All” (casino — perhaps a dry subconscious commentary on the high-stakes state of retail). Around the corner, a life-size board game, “Up the Down Escalator,” was dotted with fictional gift cards, coin of the online-shopping realm.Mr. Hoey’s sophisticated, colorful creations did not seem intended for little ones — and anyway those were scampering around across the street, splashing in small pools and peering into mirror-glass “sky lenses” outside the Fifth Avenue Apple store. Paging Dr. Lacan!Further east on 59th and Lexington Avenue, dear old Bloomingdale’s was flagrantly violating several of the decorative precepts set out by Mr. Doonan in his seminal 1998 book, “Confessions of a Window Dresser: Tales From a Life in Fashion.” Specifically: “do remember that technology is boring” and “don’t incorporate sex.”If Bergdorf is rolling the dice on the future of the department store — eroded perhaps irrevocably by Amazon’s mighty, corrosive flow — Bloomie’s is searching the stars. Not the celebrities whose daffy effigies used to populate Mr. Doonan’s windows, mostly with enthusiastic cooperation (Madonna, Magic Johnson, Norman Mailer, Prince, Queen Elizabeth), but a lavish commingling of astronomy and astrology titled Out of This World.Robots were placing ornaments on a tree and sitting at a synthesizer ready to play the carol of your choice at the push of a button. Google Nest, a sponsor, was poised to turn on the tree, the lights; the fire. And astronauts were floating in a “3, 2, 1, Gift Off,” or was it a “GIF Off?” Female mannequins embodying various figures of the zodiac were outfitted like go-go dancers, all pearls and feathers and curvature: propped up against each other on a pedestal as a recording played of John Legend singing, incongruously, “Christmas in New Orleans.” Inside, on the main floor, one embodying Cancer the Crab hung upside down from the ceiling: eyes closed, suspended over a hoop, hand-claws splayed, rotating slowly. Her bared, inverted legs conjured less the #MeToo era than the infamous “meat grinder” photo of the June 1978 Hustler magazine that feminists used to protest on Manhattan sidewalks.

Razzle-Dazzle in the Mezzanine

Mr. Doonan had called from Los Angeles, where he was, among other activities, promoting a monograph to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Maxfield, the boutique there. This even though when he was in the window-dressing business, “I was very anti-anniversary and I vetoed all of them. They just made the company seem old and boring. It looks dusty.”Though I agree 100 percent and moreover think the ascription of significance to particular numbers is as ridiculous as astrology, it also happens to be the 40th anniversary of a seismic and undersung event in department-store history: when the performer Elaine Stritch was the M.C. of an elaborate fashion show at Liberty of London, the emporium known for its fine fabrics. (Many women in those years still sewed household clothes from patterns.)Arranged by Peter Tear, then Liberty’s head of marketing and publicity, and choreographed by Larry Fuller of “Evita,” the show somehow managed to cross-promote the low-tar Silk Cut cigarette with a silk congress happening in London. Concordes were deployed with top models on board. Cocktails were concocted by the Café Royal down the road. Fifty-odd designers contributed special outfits for the occasion, including Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint Laurent.Another was David Emanuel, who, with his wife and partner, Elizabeth, would design the show’s bridal gown (and later Princess Diana’s).“People gasped,” he said, remembering the Liberty event on a crackly trans-Atlantic phone line. “They were aching for ‘larger than life.’” Mr. Emanuel described Stritch — subject of my recently published biography, “Still Here” (hey, it’s the selling season) — in a sequined tuxedo jacket, singing among other numbers “Falling in Love Again” à la Marlene Dietrich to the enraptured ladies who lunch who had paid five quid admission apiece for the show, which ran thrice daily over the course of a week. “It has more punch and pulchritude packed into its 51 minutes than most West End musicals twice as long,” one newspaper commented.Mr. Doonan theorized that Liberty, fighting a dainty, twin-set image, had taken inspiration from what the storied retailer Marvin Traub was doing then at Bloomingdale’s. “The whole thing was that the store was the stage — the razzle-dazzle of flash and pizazz and lo and behold, there’s a swimwear fashion show with Pat Cleveland coming down the escalator,” he said. “Every day was ‘curtain up!’ at Bloomingdale’s.”Truly, what could be more of an ultimate fantasy set than the department store of yore, with its infinite “costumes,” props and built-in risers, its endless potential for comedy, dance, drama and even horror? Florenz Ziegfeld’s pre-code movie “Glorifying the American Girl,” showcasing his Follies, starts in one. The heroic airman in “The Best Years of Our Lives” returned to work as a soda jerk in another; ennobled by the theater of war, he chafed at his diminishment in the feminine one of trade.Barbra Streisand gamboled through Bergdorf in 1965 for her TV special, trying on fur coats and hats, spritzing perfume and singing a Fanny Brice-ish medley of “Second Hand Rose” and “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” to funny and glamorous effect. James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s “Twilight Zone”-inflected broadcast musical, “Evening Primrose,” was set in a department store called Stern’s, and featured a poet played by Anthony Perkins remaining after-hours, giddy at the idea of the creativity that his solitude, enhanced by all the products he needs, will stimulate. At one point he stands on an escalator belting, “I’m here! I’m here!” foreshadowing the famous anthem in Goldman and Sondheim’s own “Follies” taken up late in life by Stritch. (Later a young woman he discovers there sings of remembering snow: “Soft as feathers/ Sharp as thumbtacks.” She had been left there, in Hats, as a child by her preoccupied mother, but now with climate change the lyric sounds like prescient ecological lament.)Even after the fiasco of Andrew McCarthy at Philadelphia’s Wanamaker’s (R.I.P.) in “Mannequin” 20 years later, and the slow creep of the suburban mall, there was yet another remake of “Miracle on 34th Street.”“Where did Auntie Mame go when she lost all her money?” Mr. Doonan reminded. “Selling roller skates at Macy’s.”It’s hard to imagine, though not impossible, that department stores will remain important sites of commerce and culture much longer. But the largest one in the city is not about to go quietly. At Macy’s, which takes up an entire block, there is a jumble of every sort of window.There are old-fashioned windows devoted to the story of Virginia O’Hanlon, the little girl who wrote to The New York Sun in 1897 asking if there was still a Santa Claus. Around the corner, there are high-tech windows giving voice to a little girl who wants to be Santa Claus. And around another corner: still other windows filled simply with giant Barbies. Being female in the early 21st century is nothing if not a series of mixed messages, but this attempt to empower seemed already antiquated; if Mr. Doonan were still working on windows, surely he would have gone straight for Mx. Claus?The ghost of Barneys yet to come is at Saks Fifth Avenue, which has licensed its former rival’s name, and where windows have been themed with glittering corporate efficiency to the international blockbuster “Frozen 2.” This may delight the tourists, but city dwellers remembering the craft and chance and silliness of the old holiday extravaganzas — when the designers and the famous people and the window dressers were all sticking pins in each other, and the audiences crowded four-deep on the pavement for the free sideshow — will probably be left cold. Source link Read the full article

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creemedicooke-blog · 5 years

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me/beliefs

I’m a 14 year old centrist/right wing, and these are what I’m for and against. (No offense to anyone else/my values do not hurt anyone)

ANTI MAP/NOMAP/PROMAP If you have the desire to touch kids, your time would be better spent touching the cold inside of a jail cell. All pedophelic relationships are abusive even if the person claims to be a “nomap.”

Anti tucute and transtrenders Mental illness is never something to ignore so you can have an “aesthetic.” You invalidate trans people who have struggled, and you are inherently sexist by further instilling that male and female is just a “culture” rather than the safety you feel in your body.

I am transmed Meaning I believe gender dysphoria is something in the brain, which can lead to a longterm feeling of discomfort in your body. I completely support those who want to help themselves and will back any trans person looking for surgery. The choice is theirs to make. Even though transmed technically implies surgery is needed, I will respect the persons pronouns even before they get surgery as long as they are considering it. Because I know three issues off the top of my head: it could be unsafe at their age, it could be unsafe due to familial reasons (transphobic parents), or they could want to consider it for years to make sure they don’t back track. There are also more reasons so of course no matter how long it takes, I will chose to use the pronouns they want.

I only believe in two genders. However, I accept those who do not wish to disclose their gender. I mean, it’s your private parts. Of course I won’t force you to talk about them and I hope you live the happiest life. I also totally understand those who wish to go by they/them, just ask me so I know to not misgender you.

I’m not a trump supporter

If I don’t know too much about a subject, I won’t talk about it but I am curious to learn someday. (This is why I won’t say I am or am not a Hillary fan. I actually never got to learn much about her therefore idk)

I do not like illegal immigration but DEPORTATION IS FUCKING ATROCIOUS. Here is the simplist way to explain why I don’t like illegal immigration: Imagine you work hard, and someone else slacks off and recieves a promotion. That's infuriating. But I now stretch this to a larger point, you work hard to make money to leave your country and go through the entire legal system tediously. Then another guy sneaks into the same new country doing zero of that work. Do I think the illegal immigrant should be punished though? Heavens no. Absolutely not. They could have been escaping poverty or war, drought or famine, a harsh family life, anything. And they could be an amazing person. I just think the legal way to immigrate should be made more open and friendly for people in rougher countries. I have nothing against the illegal immigrants themselves.

Anti terf An mtf who has gender dysphoria, a serious condition, is curing herself. Not robbing your three year old daughter’s tea set. Chill tf out, Sharon. And an ftm who has gender dysphoria, a serious condition, is curing himself, not writing “women have cooties” on your feminist pride parade sign and then ninja'ing into a male, Terri

“Radical” is the scariest word to hear before anything involving politics. I’m sick of “radical ___.” I believe compromising is much safer and a healthier viewpoint to live by than extremism of either side. This mindset shoukd stem from childhood with things like "sharing is caring."

Guns and clothing depicting real guns should not be allowed in schools, period. The gun part is a “no shit” moment, but if I could change the school dress code, I would add this rule and get rid of the truly bs “no crocs” rule.

I’m pro choice

I want to better the foster care/adoption system

Anti-anti vaxxers That kid’s life has been given to you and it asks for protection, not to model your ill-thought-out agenda.

Anti incels

Companies should be regulated to reduce pollution, and they should contribute to a greener earth.

If a company distributes paper or glass to an area, that same company must be willing to pay the price to make it recyclable at their plant. Otherwise, it cannot be in that area. This practice will be repeated until eco friendly companies begin popping up all around us.

In a perfect world, an opinion’s value is based on how well informed the person is of that opinion. Not on race, class, religion, gender, or orientation.

Bi/pan are the same, and if you prefer the term “pan” because of the spelling or flag, then alright. But like again, meaning wise, they are the same and the only difference is superficial.

I’m all for body positivity that supports people who have lost limbs, burn scars, or are recovering from an unhealthy lifestyle like anorexia, bulimia, or obesity. Body positive does not equal “oh you look beautiful killing yourself” so I personally would never congratulate someone for cutting themself, or severely under or over eating. I will offer help until they tell me they want to end it like this, in which case I wont force you to do something you don’t want me to.

Abusers should serve for half or more of their life! All if it lead to fucking suicide. Domestic, child, animal, relationship. Abuse is disgusting from mental to physical. Go ahead and block me if you believe abuse is not an issue.

Rape is one of the worst crimes in humanity. It can happen to anyone.

The three crimes I hate the most are MURDER, RAPE, and FALSE RAPE ACCUSATION. the first two are obvious, but the third one is up there for a good reason. False accusation means "fake." You are lying to fuck up somebody's life on purpose. A rape claim can damage somebody throughout their entire life and that's not even the end of the problem with it. You invalidate true rape claims. You think rape is such a sweet little subject that's so "fun" to toy with. And you know what? Fuck you with all of these murderers and rapists and abusers.

Though I am not anti-gun, more control is needed. For example, training, liscenses, harsher punishments to those who obtain a gun by illegal means, and a gun should not be carried outside of your household unless you have a specific reason for that too. Like a farmer, police dude, or hunter

Do not slut shame prostitutes.

Making prostitution illegal only makes it harder for these people to seek help and get other jobs. It does not end prostitution.

Marijuana is not a criminal offence, quit locking people up for it.

Tax is not that hard to write on the damn price tag. Please mark it as $5.12 if it really isn’t $4.99

Gender dysphoria is a valid health issue so trans people should still (and always) be supported in the military.

There should be more sidewalks. And bridges that go over roads with ramps for people in wheelchairs or strollers, this is to reduce car emissions from the car needing to stop, and even better, it reduces the chance of a young child being hit at a crosswalk. Getting around by foot will be so much easier.

These are the most important things to teach in school

-how to prevent stds

-mental health

-why vaccines are safe

-how to get a job

-how to take care of your home and life after you're 18

-the core subjects

-civil rights movement in full detail so the newer generations are impacted by the struggle and where we are now in america

-secondary language

-world cultures

(This is just what i can think of off the top of my head)

You dont have to block me if you disagree. Infact, im open to anyone who wants to be friends. I dont care if we're different politically because thats not the first thing i see abour people. If you want to debate with me then lets do it. Also if you have questions, hmu. :)

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dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt · 5 years

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my lovely beautiful mother @lielith asked this, I’m sorry Tumblr freaked out and deleted all my text reply to your ask .-. I LOVE YOU THANK YOU FOR ASKING <3 <3 <3

this is going to be all the even numbers from this post, I’m putting it under the cut bc it’s a bit long XD <3

2. what does your name mean (either literally, or to you personally)

OKAY SO when I was about 8 my Mum bought me this book:

(please pardon my star blanket) and I was obsessed with it bc DOGS!!!1!!!!!!!1! and one of the characters’ names was Matthias, and I remember thinking “wow Matthias is such a cool name, I wish my name could be Matthias.” AND LIKE NEWS FLASH LITTLE-MATT, GUESS WHAT, IT IS!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D <3 <3 <3 (Also it wasn’t toooooo dissimilar to my deadname, so it wasn’t much of a jump - it even means the same thing - ‘gift of God’ - even if it is terribly inaccurate if put into context with me X’D

also yes I still have the exact book I got my name from bc :’)

4. what was the most helpful in figuring out and accepting yourself as trans?

Experimenting. Especially online since I had no fucking idea how my folks were going to react. Going by different pronouns/a different name, trying on different types of clothes, cutting my hair, trying to walk a bit different and letting myself come out of my shell a bit to act more like me rather than trying to hide everything away. Just find a safe space to experiment, and do research. Lots and lots of research. And also knowing that it’s 110% okay to change your mind about anything at any time is nice. <3

The biggest tip I would give to anybody questioning their gender and/or sexuality though is: do not come out until you are comfortable in yourself first and do not let anybody pressure you into coming out before then, even yourself. Trust me. Don’t make the same mistake I did because it will make everything a billion times harder.

6. what’s something you’re most looking forward to in your transition (or something that was your favorite part of transitioning)?

God not having to have my anxiety through the roof thinking that somebody’s gonna notice my chest. I cannot wait to get top surgery I need it so bad. I can’t remember the last time I relaxed in a public space - in any space, really. It’s just a constant thing. Also starting T at some stage and getting a deeper voice and hopefully getting rid of most of the feminine curves bc ugh on women they’re amazing but on me *insert gagging noises here*. Also hopefully having less and less dysphoria would be nice :’)

8. who was the first person you came out to (or plan to come out to)?

My former best friend/abuser. And honestly even though she was the world’s biggest abusive manipulative bitch, she did that right and supported me and made me feel very comfortable. Though looking back that may have been because she liked the idea of having a trans person as a best friend but eh, it helped me at the time so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

10. have you ever been to pride?

No, I haven’t. ://// :(((( I really really really wanted to go this year but with the big move and all that, I couldn’t. So NEXT YEAR IS THE YEAR, BABY!! :D :D <3 <3

12. what gives you the most gender euphoria?

Already answered here! <3

14. what’s your favorite trans joke or meme?

Honestly all of them but this one wins atm from sheer relateble-ness X’D

16. do you have any piercings?

Nope!! I don’t really have any plans to get any, but I’m not against the idea!! :D

18. what do you wish other people understood better about being trans?

That we’re just people. Who want to do people things like pee in a public toilet without being harassed or potentially attacked and who want to feel comfortable in our bodies.

20. what advice would you give your younger self?

“YOU’RE A BOY YOU TREMENDOUS DUMBASS!!!!!” uhh, apart from that, tell myself that A) it’s gonna be okay, and B) not to let anybody else dictate who you are, it’s your life, nobody else’s.

22. do you find yourself fitting into gender roles, or consider yourself gender non-conforming?

I mean... what are gender roles?? Most of what are considered a man’s ‘gender roles’ are just harmful toxic masculinity under a thin veneer. I like to be able to support and protect my loved ones in every way, I want to be a strong, solid presence, I like the colour blue, tattoos, very masculine clothes, rolling around in the mud, being physically strong, but then again so do many women. I also like the colour yellow, have died my hair pink, and don’t always subscribe to the ideas that many men seem to have. I don’t want to be “the head of the household” because I want my partner and I to be equal and have mutual respect for one another. What even is gender and gender roles??

24. any trans role models?

MY TRANS FRIENDS. <3 But otherwise, no, not really?? I don’t really trust people enough to have role models lmao.

26. what makes you most proud to be part of the trans community?

Umm...I don’t really know. Honestly, I think there’s a lot of toxicity in the trans community and I try to avoid it. :/// But I do like that we keep on getting up and raising our voices and that we don’t give up. :D

28. if you went by multiply names before deciding your current name, which was the first?

OOF I sort of always leaned toward Matthias but I thought about Chance for a while?? Until I decided that if I wanted to I could have that as my middle name. So I didn’t really debate for longer than two weeks or so. XD I also thought about Ben too lmao X’D

30. if you experience dysphoria, what do you find helps you the most?

Ugh. Just avoiding it really. I put on my baggiest clothes, burrito myself up in a blanket and try to ignore it until it fades a bit. Or focus on the things I can and will do in the future to get rid of it. But really there’s no way to help it, because you’re trapped in this body and it’s just a constant presence hanging over you. I just can’t wait till I get top surgery, that’ll help. :’)

32. which gender roles or cis beliefs do you find most ridiculous?

... All of it?? Idk man, gender is so weird. There are gay men who are absolutely 110% male who do drag and wear makeup and dresses. There’s straight women who are very masculine. Gender is only what you make it. If you feel like you’re a woman, you’re a woman no matter what you wear or what you do with your hair or if you wear makeup, same for men, and for non-binary people. Like really if you truly think about what defines gender, there’s nothing but what people make it for themselves.

As for cis beliefs, like some people don’t think a person’s trans till after they transition and get “The Surgery” like.... dudes.... why do you think the person was transitioning in the first place....??//?????//??/? XD

34. do you fit any trans stereotypes?

I mean I’m white so I certainly fit the media’s belief of what is the only type of trans person THE SHADE

I mean, I’m small and angry, so there’s that. And I do tend to have a few feminine mannerisms still I guess??? or maybe that’s just my butthead dysphoria speaking. And I also do stare at my chest for hours on end scowling and poking it sooo... X’D

#THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKING MOM #<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 #lielith #Asks

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queer-dnd-misadventures · 6 years

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diners, drive-ins, & dragons: session 1

the cast: soren @transgirlthor as tove, half-orc hexblade warlock lex @fareexa as shel, orc barbarian dean @queerjew as screech, kenku bard avia @patrexes, DM

the source material: princes of the apocalypse & blatant disregard for PotA’s actual intended plot

we begin our scene in red larch, a small town several days journey from waterdeep, in a bar. tove, shel, and screech—being, as they are, late-teen queer and trans kids—have been here for many, many hours, they’ve been loud, and they’ve been really fucking cheap. so they’re quietly asked to leave.

they get a room at the local motel, sleep off their hangovers, and wake up to a Fantasy Continental Breakfast with some alarming components. tove just starts eating eggs whole. just swallows them. she just vores the goddamn eggs. why not?

the proprietor of the inn, a widowed middle aged woman who’s a bit… well. she senses auras, and she thinks there’s something shady going on. a few of her chickens have gone missing, and she’s pretty sure there’s a nefarious plot at hand. she heard the tarnlar kids were talking about a plague, too, and not to be Fantasy Racist but she’s pretty sure there’s some kinda warlock or wizard to blame.

the trio heads out to the tarnlar house and meet mrs tarnlar, rynessa, who’s a little transphobic but it’s….whatever. her kids have, in fact, been talking about a plague out by lance rock, but they heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody, and you know you can’t really trust anything that innkeeper says. she’s not right in the head, you know. in any case, the trio asks to talk to her kids, and they’re waved over to anna, age 7. anna has a very high dex and dreams of becoming a thief one day. she pickpockets one of tove’s daggers.

now, a quick bit of scene setting: tove is a 6 foot tall half-orc with a horrifying str of 22. shel is 8’5” and has the highest wis of anyone in the party but also has 4 int and 1 cha, so that’s where she’s at. she’s really just a farm girl who wants a girlfriend. screech, the kenku, has 2 str. They literally can’t hold themself up on their own legs. they ride on the Tall Girls’ shoulders in turns.

tove tries to grapple the child. fails. screech casts mage hand, gets a nat 20 on a sleight of hand roll, and deftly plucks the dagger out of anna’s hands and lets it hover in the air out of her reach. she jumps for it a bit, unsuccessfully.

tove goes to retrieve it. screech lets it hover a bit higher. tove jumps for it, unsuccessfully.

anyway, anna is enamored by the fact that they’re adventurers and also by the fact that tove and shel are very, very tall. she tries to trade information for the dagger, but is ultimately way too excited and explains that she and her brother kai heard from the milliner that there’s a curse and/or plague out at the cliffs by lance rock. the crew takes some “you’re not chicken, are you?”ing from the seven year old before they eventually decide to bite the bullet and head out to lance rock.

there are a lot of warning signs at lance rock. unfortunately, the only person in the party who can read common is the kenku, who can’t talk, so they continue onwards more or less unknowingly. at this point, your humble DM makes the horrible, horrible mistake of introducing a swarm of spiders as a low level, easy battle to introduce these new d&d players to the mechanics of attack rolls.

tove had to make a death saving throw. shel at one point barrel-rolled and somehow not one single spider got caught under her 8’5”, 450lb frame. screech somehow makes it through this unscathed.

the zombies in lance rock are pretty boring. the crew makes it through well, killing two zombies and very pointedly avoiding waking up any of the rest of them. tove shows off how strong she is by picking up an entire sacrifical altar for literally no reason. they find the signet ring of a noble household from waterdeep on a severed arm and pocket it for a sidequest somewhere further down the line. they sneak past some zombie furries cosplayers. tove tries to convince shel they should put screech in an iron trunk and leave them.

then they get to the endgame of this tiny tiny little encounter casually borrowed with a few changes from princes of the apocalypse and are sneaking up on the mad wizard oreioth in his workshop. how they managed to sneak up on him in the first place? we just don’t fucking know. in any case, screech decides to start this encounter off by using mage hand to knock over a jar on a shelf on the opposite side of the cavern.

your humble DM makes their second mistake: letting dean describe the jar’s contents. it apparently contains a faintly glowing purple liquid, very thick and viscous.

i shrug. it falls on the floor, the jar shatters, and where the contents fall, a portal to the outer planes opens up. think the spell black tentacles. blackness seeps into the room. everything goes cold. a zombie gets grabbed by a few of the undulating, many-eyed tendrils, and pulled in, disappearing fucking instantly. the wizard oreioth screams, very loudly, and takes a couple uncertain, worried steps forward.

roll initiative! or, wait, don’t, i guess, because halfway through shel’s preparation to throw her javelin, tove gets the grand idea to talk to the guy. “hail and well met!” she doesn’t actually say in her vaguely-british accent, but absolutely does in my head since she’s soren @transgirlthor’s baby and is pretty much what it says on the tin. “i’m a warlock too and that totally wasn’t my fault, and um, anyway, we’re kind of? lost?”

tove is nobility. oreioth is also nobility. they’re also both trans, which you had to see coming from a name like oreioth, let’s get fucking real. they knew each other in high school! oreioth is super offended that tove would suggest he was a warlock, like he was anything like her family… doesn’t she remember him?

tove rolls for it. apparently she does.

(screech and shel, who know absolutely nothing about tove’s background, look on in confusion)

the conversation goes downhill! turns out summoning an eldritch abomination and then trying to play innocent doesn’t really tend to... work out. shocker. also, three zombies are shambling their way down the corridor some 60 feet away, and there’s a goddamn eldritch abomination. the DM, very aware at this point that they almost died fighting fucking spiders, is more than a little worried. but hey! maybe it’ll work out!

remember when they rolled initiative, like, ages ago? yeah, so shel rolled 17, the eldritch abomination rolled 16, and tove rolled 14. none of the other numbers matter.

shel throws her javelin. hits oreioth for an amount of damage i no longer remember. as a reaction, oreioth shouts a command word and awakens four more zombies! DM casually begins preparing to five-second foreshadow a deus ex machina while desperately trying to find a spell an eldritch abomination would cast that wouldn’t be a completely inescapable TPK.

dean raises their hand.

dean: talking is a free action, right? avia: yeah dean: cool! i say hello avia: um dean, whose kenku has the haunted one background and some experience with great old one cults: in primordial

so after a mostly-telepathic round of bargaining with a great old one that deals psychic damage to everyone in the room save screech themself (they have a haunted ring of mind shielding, which will absolutely not come up later, definitely not), a deal is struck: the GOO kills everything here, except for the party. in return, screech’s soul? ha. hahahaha. when they die, that’s getting fucking eaten, no take-backsies and no getting brought back.

they are still, at this point, level one. two hours ago they couldn’t even kill spiders.

the eldritch abomination casts, like, a modified version of incendiary cloud. every undead drops, instantly. oreioth is on fire and will be dead by the next round because he has like four HP left. tove’s next in the order, and casts eldritch blast.

oreioth dead in miami

the eldritch abomination pulls their dimensional portal shut with some truly alarming physics that sounded pretty damn cool when i described it three hours ago and don’t really know how to repeat. the crew are left alone to explore the workshop and study. they loot everything, obviously. tove even takes the curtains.

but we’re not quite finished yet. there’s a bloody shrine in the study, see, with a sigil tove recognizes but can’t quite place carved into it. also some severed limbs, which are carefully removed and any jewelry looted, including a beaded friendship bracelet. it’s got two heart-shaped beads and between those, letter beads spelling out the name jemma. screech puts it on their ankle immediately and then splashes some holy water on the shrine. then all three of them touch the fucking thing, in unison, and like—?

listen. i know i’m the one who put it there in the first place, specifically for this to happen. but i didn’t think they’d actually, like, do it.

anyway, screech hasn’t taken any damage this whole time. tove and shel very much have. their wounds, now, reopen. their blood, seemingly of its own accord, finds its way into the engraved sigil. and when the bloody sigil is complete, they drop to the floor. dead? unconscious? simply unoccupied? who knows.

at least they’re level 2 now. and screech is—probably—fine.

a raven crows behind them. shel and tove, in their astral forms, turn around. they roll insight. shel, not particularly quick on the uptake, recognizes something is very, very wrong about the prepubescent half-elf with the raven perched on her shoulder, not there only seconds before. tove recognizes her baby sister.

“mother’s going to kill me,” says lothar.

#long post for ts #spiders cw

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thedivinefish · 4 years

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TGIWednesday and clearing dark energies from your space

TGIWednesday News

Mercury retrograde begins again today through Nov. 3rd and before that we're coming up on another full moon on Halloween night. Never ask, "What could possibly go wrong with this?" because they will show you! Instead, I like making statements like, "We will make it through all of this with grace and ease." "Every day in every way, regardless of circumstances - my life improves!" And "Regardless of world events, politics, or even the weather; my life will stay on track and with each passing day I will be rewarded!" Wow, these came through as fast as I could type! Please know that clearing yourself and your home is a daily occurrence and some days are better than others. I believe life is like blood sugar/blood pressure and a lava lamp - constantly changing. So it's important to check in & fish out and try to influence the change to go your way.

Remember that this month we are offering the Dark Energies Audio MP3 at a discount Click here for an automatic 20% off!

Also, you can truly benefit from some AMAZING free clearings for entities etc that were a part of yesterday's live show. Watch this replay with my guest Gosia Lorenz. For the local folks, this Friday I will be LIVE in person at Dr. Charla Tempone’s Tampa office. ☎️ (813) 873-7773 Call this number to get on my schedule there. And the final announcement is that we are VERY close to releasing our newest MP3 (and the latest addition to our Money series) called MyBeliefWorks™ for Experiencing a Bountiful Harvest. This will include over 130 clearings for aligning with and inviting in money flows of plenty so you can have more ease and fun receiving, growing, having and spending money; allowing you to have greater wealth to joyfully share with others knowing that Spirit will always provide and you will have more than enough. Stay tuned!!...

TGIWednesday Download

~ CLEARING DARK ENERGIES IN YOUR SPACE ~ I believe, think, know and feel that as I read or hear this now I am clearing my body and my space of all dark energies. I know, when, where, how and why to ask spirit and the light to clear out any negative beings and to bring more light into my world. I am ready, willing and able to move forward clear of dark entities and any and all dark energies and I am asking in all languages and throughout all timelines.

LIVE Appearances - Free Healing

You Wealth Revolution's ALL NEW Global Awakening Project™ online event is happening now.

Join nearly 1 million people who will experience a ‘high vibration’ energy field as 40+ top teachers, healers, and scientists (including myself in November) will reveal their #1 quantum energy activations to instantly help YOU and Get Your '639 Hz Abundance & Harmony Kit™' Gift + The Global Awakening Project™ LIVE Event Access — FREE FREE TO REGISTER & Get Your Free Gift!

Tampa Office Sessions

THIS FRIDAY October 16th from 10am-4pm Please call their office directly at ☎️ (813) 873-7773 in order to get on the schedule for 15-minutes $38 or 30-minutes $68. If you’re new to working with me, I suggest you schedule 30 minutes. SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS I'll be offering sessions at Dr. Charla Tempone’s NEW office at Swann Holistic Health Solutions

403 S. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Just south of Azeele next to Skin Savvy http://www.ctholisticsolutions.com -------------------------------------------

FRIDAY KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS

Friday sessions are back to being phone-only for folks that I usually see at Kodawari until further notice. You can book time with me in the shop and schedule online. 3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa ☎️ (813) 999-1874 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack OCTOBER 14th "Today I will live in the vibration of faith and the ability to rise higher and live freer than ever before. I will bask in the spirit of all that is and blend into the frequency of the power of the universe while living in faith and in favor."

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show

NEW VIDEO FORMAT! WATCH IT LIVE TUESDAY'S at 4pm EDT / 1pm PDT Watch and Participate (via Comments) during the Live TV Show streamed on Goldylocks Productions YouTube Channel, Facebook Page and Periscope. NOTE: You will need to log into your YouTube (Google) or Facebook accounts to comment. If you watch the Live show from any other location other than the 3 listed below, your comments will not be seen by the Show Host or Producer. https://www.facebook.com/GoldylocksProductions https://www.pscp.tv/Goldylocks168/follow Or watch all live and replays in the archives here: https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

Instructions for the VIEWERS: 1. One reading/message per person. The first question posted will be answered, so please think about your question carefully before posting it. 2. If you want a longer and more detailed message, please book an appointment with the Show Host. 3. Spirit does come through and gives messages that can apply to many, not just the person asking the question. 4. It is not required nor should be expected that every question or comment will be addressed by the Show Host. 5. If you have any issues with the show host or show format, please contact the Show Producer... not the Show Host. 6. Contact the Show Producer, Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman via email: [email protected] Yesterday's Show - Watch the replay here! Special Guest Gosia Lorenz | www.gosialorenz.com

October 20th - NO SHOW THIS WEEK

October 27th Rev Debbie | Our resident trans medium communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit her Facebook page

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

From the Fish Box

Q & A With Jimmy Q) "I am considering getting the VIP prayer service and noticed on the sales page it saying it would be most helful and effective to keep the list brief. I have done it in the past and you said to give your top 10 issues to work on and I was just wondering if a lower number like 5 would be more helpful or recommended now?" - Sean

A) "Up to 10 is fine……I never know what’s going to happen but we seem to have better “luck” with clients that do one liners and 10 or less. To do say 5 does not mean we’ll have better luck with 5 rather than 10 I am sure you understand what we’re saying." - Jimmy

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

Nightly prayers include COVID-19. Each night we work on scrambling the frequency for everyone on the prayer list. Your name will be added to a special VIP Prayer list where Jimmy will use his intelligent computer software, src4you which runs 24/7, to delete the negative and increase the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of favorable outcomes for you.

In addition, throughout the full 30-days, Jimmy will be dialing into your energetic signature each day upon rising and make certain that you are a clear yes, unclear to no and running forward before you start your day. He is doing the heavy lifting for you around 3am NY time while most of you are asleep in order to smooth out your way and increase your most favorable life outcomes.

The 30-day service is now being offered exclusively and you also have the option of selecting an ongoing subscription ($95/month) which is managed through PayPal only.

Upon written email request, for each new order we offer a one-time email analysis via the intelligent healing software that Jimmy uses on your behalf. Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes!

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers. *NOTE if the MDP Service was purchased via a special telesummit or radio show offer, prayers will be limited to BUYER ONLY - and will not include family members or pets.

You can run this monthly and stop at any time after the 30 days is up, you will have the opportunity to renew and update your list each month but are under no obligation. I believe you will experience magical transformations and make progress every day!

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! Click here to watch the Mastery video playlist

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN ABOUT CERTIFICATION HERE

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library.

Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better. Don't forget... you can share these with your immediate friends and family.

Abundance Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe COVID-19 Clearings Creative Spark Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives The Gold Coin Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition IRS & Tax Time Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Improving Sex Improving Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss Windfall Youth & Vitality *MySwitchWorks Videos

TGIFunny

Forward

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session Transformational Healing of Body, Mind & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations! Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit (*Updated May 2019) Audio MP3 Downloads and books to improve your life! Get Certified in My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for Supplements http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2020 All Rights Reserved

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com

Stay connected!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

divinefishingtips · 4 years

Text

TGIWednesday and clearing dark energies from your space

TGIWednesday News

Remember that this month we are offering the Dark Energies Audio MP3 at a discount Click here for an automatic 20% off!

TGIWednesday Download

LIVE Appearances - Free Healing

You Wealth Revolution's ALL NEW Global Awakening Project™ online event is happening now.

Tampa Office Sessions

403 S. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Just south of Azeele next to Skin Savvy http://www.ctholisticsolutions.com -------------------------------------------

FRIDAY KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show

October 20th - NO SHOW THIS WEEK

October 27th Rev Debbie | Our resident trans medium communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit her Facebook page

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

From the Fish Box

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

The 30-day service is now being offered exclusively and you also have the option of selecting an ongoing subscription ($95/month) which is managed through PayPal only.

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! Click here to watch the Mastery video playlist

LEARN ABOUT CERTIFICATION HERE

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library.

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com

Stay connected!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

365dailyaffirmations · 4 years

Text

TGIWednesday and clearing dark energies from your space

TGIWednesday News

Remember that this month we are offering the Dark Energies Audio MP3 at a discount Click here for an automatic 20% off!

TGIWednesday Download

LIVE Appearances - Free Healing

You Wealth Revolution's ALL NEW Global Awakening Project™ online event is happening now.

Tampa Office Sessions

403 S. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Just south of Azeele next to Skin Savvy http://www.ctholisticsolutions.com -------------------------------------------

FRIDAY KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show

October 20th - NO SHOW THIS WEEK

October 27th Rev Debbie | Our resident trans medium communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit her Facebook page

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

From the Fish Box

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

The 30-day service is now being offered exclusively and you also have the option of selecting an ongoing subscription ($95/month) which is managed through PayPal only.

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! Click here to watch the Mastery video playlist

LEARN ABOUT CERTIFICATION HERE

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library.

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com

Stay connected!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

advancedthetapractitioner · 4 years

Text

TGIWednesday and clearing dark energies from your space

TGIWednesday News

Remember that this month we are offering the Dark Energies Audio MP3 at a discount Click here for an automatic 20% off!

TGIWednesday Download

LIVE Appearances - Free Healing

You Wealth Revolution's ALL NEW Global Awakening Project™ online event is happening now.

Tampa Office Sessions

403 S. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Just south of Azeele next to Skin Savvy http://www.ctholisticsolutions.com -------------------------------------------

FRIDAY KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show

October 20th - NO SHOW THIS WEEK

October 27th Rev Debbie | Our resident trans medium communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit her Facebook page

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

From the Fish Box

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

The 30-day service is now being offered exclusively and you also have the option of selecting an ongoing subscription ($95/month) which is managed through PayPal only.

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! Click here to watch the Mastery video playlist

LEARN ABOUT CERTIFICATION HERE

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library.

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com

Stay connected!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes