#I wonder how long it'll end up being once it's finally finished

[disasterbuck]

If any buddie texts fans are wondering why there hasn't been a new one in a hot minute, it's because @veronae-buddie and I started an AU and it's turned into 20k and counting............

Longest buddie text fic yet!! 😱

(Also our lives have just been a bit busy. And we do actually have 10 others written, they're just not quite ready for posting yet - but SOON!)

[loveafterdeath-if]

Yeah, similarly to what another anon said, I was kinda hoping for this to be a story about moving on after losing a lived one, specifically your partner, which I thought was a beautiful and heartbreaking concept, and while we did get that in the first few chapters, it feels like this plot twist kind of defeats the whole point.

Though, unlike the other anon, I personally will probably continue reading because I think you are an amazing writer and because I love Ekissa. The only thing that makes me not sure about continuing is that the situation is a bit awkward, makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, so I was wondering about how you were going to manage it? Because MCs moving on process obviously gets cut short, but for those of us who are gonna romance someone else, we still need to finish that process, and one important thing when moving on from an ex is time apart, especially for one you were grieving not so long ago. Otherwise old feelings, nostalgia and a lot of other emotions get mixed up and that would probably lead to confusion. (Sorry, for the long paragraph, just a bit worried about how this is gonna continue)

It's heavy spoiler territory, but I'll have to address this for anon. And it'll be a long-ass response, so be prepared,

You are right about one thing, the whole plot falls apart if El is alive, doesn't it? And like someone said in the LAD discord "why love after death then". They didn't phrase it exactly like that, but you know what I mean. The plot does start with El, but it won't end with them. Idk how to explain without giving away too much, lol

There are clues that El isn't really dead in the first chapters. The flowers MC receives, and now players know El was the one offering them. The doc and Athiel never talk about death when discussing El. MC doesn't have the right to go to the funeral or even see El's body. Even L being called by Juliet at the beginning will have its importance. They're small details, nothing too obvious, but they're here.

I'll be honest, sometimes when writing Athiel talking with MC, I struggled to remember El wasn't dead because I tried to make it look and feel like El was dead, so I drowned a bit in that department.

The characters might seem like a lot, but each has their own purpose, big or small. Some are a breath of fresh air for MC since they're not caught up in all the drama and can be objective. Others are here because they'll play an important role later. Then there are those who serve as reminders of the past with El (like the neighbors). And some are just like those background characters in anime; you don't even see their features because they're just there to serve a small purpose and keep the intrigue going. They come and go.

Sorry, I'm talking too much. So how I'll manage it, is by—and it's where it's gonna get tricky—make MC aware of it as soon as possible. There will be a reunion between MC and El. The tricky part is showing that El won't remember MC, no matter how much/if the MC tries to jog their memory.

The past El is dead; the memories won't come back, and if any fragments do resurface, El won't feel the love they once had. It's more like a ghost of memories; their body remember, but it's more mechanical than actual feelings. Like an old habit that won't go.

MC will have to grieve the old El anyway, even with them actually alive.

In El's route, it'll be all about falling in love again, getting them out of this toxic relationship with their mother, helping them learn to love themself again, and living with someone who is El but not the El you used to know. They have trauma, the confidence they once had is gone, they're insecure and they're more reserved than before.

Juliet is like, the first villain before introducing the final boss. What I wanted to do was weave two kinda plots in the same book because I didn't want to make two separate books. Love After Death is Love After Death for a reason. The plan is to make the players realize that El wasn't the focus of this book in the first place.

I hope there won't have any inconsistencies in this story, but if you find any plot holes, you're free to let me know, and I'll do my best to improve. It's only with advice and constructive critique that I can do so. I'm sure there are blind spots I won't see right away; I'm only human😭

[lynnimini]

₊⊹ 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 ₊⊹

description: fluff ⋆ headcanons ⋆ cute

⋆ in which the members of boynextdoor do whatever it takes to get the attention of their lover.

words: 730

pairings: bnd x gn!reader

warnings: N/A

───────────୨ৎ───────────

𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 ₍^. ̫.^₎

he probably gets bored of just sitting across the room from you and stares at you every now and then

you're just laying there doing whatever you've been doing on the phone for the past hour while sungho gets antsy and wants to spend time with you :(

he would clear his throat and you'd look at him the first time, not understanding what he wants

but when he does it 5 times you put your phone down and hold your arms out to summon him over

he comes casually walking over as if he hasn't been indirectly begging for attention for the past 20 minutes

he'll get shy and just lay his head on your lap so he can rest while you play with his hair and talk about your day

𝘭𝘦𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘸𝘰𝘰 ( •з• )

you've been doing so much housework while riwoo's been out on schedules that he feels guilty it's left to you and just wants to cling to you 24/7

you'll be in the middle of doing dishes when he comes over and gives you a little hug

"i'll help you so we can watch tv together quicker okay?"

of course you agree. how could you not when all he wants to do is help to spend time with you?

he splashes you with soapy water while you two laugh and try not to break any dishes

he successfully distracts you and keeps putting dishes on his side of the sink so you have way way less

once you're finally done he carries you to the couch and cuddles into you, putting on your favorite tv series and watching with you

𝘮𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘢𝘦𝘩𝘺𝘶𝘯 ૮₍ ˃ ⤙ ˂ ₎ა

jaehyun always claims he's not like a puppy but never gives you any reason to think otherwise...

he's the complete opposite of sungho

will 100% come sit next to you and knock anything out of your hands (or carefully put your breakable/spillable things down for you) while laying all over you

if you call him a puppy while he's doing all this he will most definitely get off you and pout on the other side of the room

he would come right back in five minutes, still pouting, but he couldn't stand being away from you longer than he already has

𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘯 /ᐠ - ˕ -マ

taesan would be more likely to make YOU go over to HIM

he never wants to admit that he wants to cuddle or spend time with you

instead, taesan will be walking into the room trying to silently seduce you by subtly flexing his biceps and fixing his hair

meanwhile you're just thinking about how hot taesan looks because just look at him???

he's so good at winning you over and pulling you straight to him that you've never even noticed his little tricks

without fail, you always walk over to give him a kiss and he smiles all happy knowing his plan worked

𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘯 ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

leehan's very blunt and not afraid to voice what he wants

it'll literally just be a quick "come here so i can show you something" or "lemme sit with you" and that's that

sometimes you refuse or purposely take really long to go over to him

“okayokay, after i finish this", "make me move over then"

however, be warned that if you tease leehan he'll keep it in the back of his mind until he gets a chance to tease back

he'll pretend to be asleep if you want him to come to you, but he knows you'll end up coming over to him instead and laying on top of him, so it's still a win for both

𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘬 (•ᴗ•)

woonhak is a gamble between shy and blunt

sometimes he's in the type of mood where he'll just cozy up to you and lay his head on your shoulder to watch you do whatever

other times he'll not so subtly look at you every now and then and wonder if he should go over to you or not

you always notice his little glances and send him a text telling him to come over so you can show him an edit of him you found

woonhak's ego always sends him flying straight over to see how amazingly handsome onedoor has made him look, forgetting all about his shyness while he playfully shoves you upon seeing a goofy edit of the way he falls over when being struck by an imaginary arrow

[sincerestlove]

Girl Crush

hello hello hello! i am so sorry for the long break - but i'm so happy to be back! i hope you all are doing well. i have quite a few requests sitting in my drafts, so once i get through those, i am happy to reopen my inbox for requests, if you guys want. anyway, these 3 requests were quite similar to each other, so it just made sense to combine them into one fic. hope you enjoy!

Request: Hi! Can i request a reader x Regina George where the reader is super oblivious to Regina flirting and thinks she's just being really friendly and it's obvious to everyone but the reader how in love Regina is with her.

Request: can you do a regina george x reader fic where R is literally the only person in the school who isn’t afraid of regina in the slightest and just treats her like a normal person (bonus points if the reader is just an oblivious ball of sunshine)

Request: hiii :) i was wondering if you could maybe write a regina x reader fanfic where the reader is friends with karen since they share a class together. regina ends up developing a crush and u can finish the rest lol (maybe incorporate karen inviting the reader to sit with the plastics at lunch as she’s walking by without consulting with regina first?)

Pairing: Regina George x Reader

Warnings: None

~

Math class dragged on, the teacher talking animatedly about something you couldn't bother paying attention to. Your class bestie, Karen, was seated beside you, taking notes diligently for a reason you couldn't fathom. It was quite endearing how she actually cared about her grades and education, despite the fact that she was a Plastic. Not that you thought of her, or any of the Plastics differently. After all, they were just normal people.

Pretty, rich, popular, normal people.

The bell rang after what felt like forever, signaling the end of class. You began packing up your things, when you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder. You glanced over, to see Karen grinning at you brightly. "Hey, Y/N. You want to sit with me at lunch today?"

You blinked, momentarily stunned at her question. "You mean, like, at your table?"

Karen laughed loudly, her straight, pearly white teeth on display. "Yes, Y/N. Come on, it'll be fun! Please?" The brunette pouts, batting her long eyelashes at you pleadingly. She was so sweet, you would feel bad saying no. Plus, it wasn't like you really had anywhere else to be.

You groan, reluctantly agreeing, to which Karen squeals excitedly. "Yay, yay, yay!" She grabs your arm and loops it with hers as you toss your backpack over your shoulder, dragging you out into the hallway and into the massive rush of students. Karen expertly weaves you both through the crowd until the cafeteria is in sight.

As Karen tugs you toward the Plastics' table, your eyes land on Regina George, staring down at her phone - long, blonde hair fell across her strong, exposed shoulders, clad in a tight-fitting tank top and high-waisted jeans. Her nails were perfectly manicured, pretty golden rings adorning her fingers with a necklace to match.

God, how did she always look so pretty?

"Hi, Regina!" Karen plops herself down next to the blonde, as you slink into the bench across from her. Regina finally tears her eyes away from her phone and instantly land on you.

"Um. What are you doing?" She raises an eyebrow at you accusingly. You knew she didn't mean to be rude, just surprised that you were here, since usually you would skip lunch in the cafeteria and opt for the library instead, to complete homework assignments while you ate. It was quieter and less crowded, too. Not to mention the librarian loved you.

Sometimes Regina would even surprise you in the library, asking you to help her with her homework or claiming that she was bored and wanted someone to talk to.

You smile at her, placing your backpack down at your feet. "Hey, Regina. Karen invited me to sit here today."

Regina clenches her jaw, her eyes icy as she turns over to the brunette, who grins at Regina innocently. They exchanged glances, expressions filled with something that you couldn't quite decipher. You sat there in awkward silence as they glared at each other, Karen smiling teasingly at the blonde. "If you don't want me to sit here I can go-"

"No!" Regina speaks hurriedly, grabbing your hand as it reached for your backpack. You raised your brows at the unexpected contact, staring down at her hand wrapped around your wrist. She quickly released it, a light pink hue dusting her cheeks. "I mean, it's fine, you don't have to leave. Karen just didn't mention it to me, that's all."

You steal a glance at Karen, who simply smiled at you, as if she knew something you didn't. She began to talk to the pair of you excitedly about something - you couldn't really pay attention because you felt Regina's eyes burning holes in the side of your head. You could practically feel her eyes drag down your frame, taking in every little minute detail of your face. After a few minutes, Gretchen arrived at the table, pressing a kiss to Karen's cheek as she did so.

She greeted you kindly, already knowing you from the classes you shared together and how much Karen talked about you. The couple exchanged a knowing glance, before excusing themselves to the lunch line. Which left you alone at the table. With Regina.

"So, Regina," You turn to look at her, meeting her pretty hazel eyes that were already looking at you. She smiled at you teasingly, tilting her head as she awaited your question. "How's your day going?"

Regina rolled her eyes, leaning her chin on her hand as she leaned closer to you. "That's the best you got? Come on, I know a pretty girl like you can spark a more interesting conversation with me."

You laughed lightly at her joke, thinking nothing of the little compliment thrown in. "Well, we saw each other a few periods ago. And, I do actually want to know how your day is going."

The blonde huffed but caved, beginning to talk about her first half of the day, which consisted of complaining to her teachers, pretending to pay attention in class, and judging the fashion choices of her classmates. All normal Regina George behavior for a Tuesday.

You listened to her intently, watching the way she gestured with her hands and tossed her hair over her shoulder every so often. You were so attentive that you hadn't noticed Karen and Gretchen returning to the table, staring at the two of you with satisfied smirks.

"How about you, nerd? How has your morning been? Don't tell me Karen was bothering you again in class." Regina nudges your foot under the table, poking her tongue out at the brunette whose jaw was dropped incredulously.

"I do not bother her! She is my math class bestie, isn't that right, Y/N?"

You laugh along with the group, reassuring Karen that she was your class bestie, too. Regina excused herself from the table; you eyes follow her as she walks toward the lunch line, her hips swaying in those tight jeans. She glances over her shoulder, catching you staring, throwing you a wink and a smile. You felt your skin flush a little, clearing your throat and turning back to the other two girls.

They were already looking at you and smirking, again.

"What is up with you two today?"

"Who, us?" Gretchen places a hand over her heart dramatically. "What so ever do you mean, Y/N?"

You roll your eyes at the redhead, a playful smile dancing on your lips. "You know exactly what I mean. You two, with your little smirks and smiles. What are you two doing?"

Karen shrugs innocently. "Oh, nothing. Just observing, that's all."

You raise a brow at her. "Observing what?"

"Regina-"

Karen is interrupted by the blonde returning to the table, silently sliding a full tray of food across to you, as she sits down with her own. You look up at her in shock, your mouth slightly hanging open.

Regina looks around at the three of you as she takes a bite of her food. "What?"

The couple raise their hands in mock surrender, as you look at Regina with soft eyes. "Thanks, Regina. You didn't have to do this." The blonde shrugs, gesturing with her chin for you to eat.

"No biggie."

It was a biggie, a huge one, actually. Karen and Gretchen had never seen Regina be as nice to anyone like she was toward you. She would bring you your favorite coffee order in the mornings on her way to school, since you two shared first period, then walk you to your second. She kept a bag of your favorite snack in her locker in case you texted her, complaining about being hungry. Not to mention, she had a photo of your class schedule on her phone in case of emergencies. All unbeknownst to you, of course. To put it simply, the blonde had a massive crush on you. Meanwhile, you just thought she was being nice.

Karen and Gretchen both knew, though, of course, having heard Regina complain for months about how much she liked you, how you were her first ever girl crush, and she felt like she was going insane. You were way too oblivious to realize that she had literally been flirting with you, every time she saw you. She'd throw in compliments, brush against you, tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, sometimes even hold your hand as to "not lose you in the crowd". She really just wanted to find an excuse to touch you.

Regina felt like she was losing her mind waiting for you to notice. At this point, she would have to sit you down, look you square in the eyes and straight up tell you that she likes you. She was worried that even then, you'd think she was just being nice.

You, on the other hand, have had a crush on Regina since last year. The first time Karen introduced you to her, you were a goner. You decided to bury it though - you knew she could never reciprocate feelings for someone like you: reserved, quiet, shy. She was the total opposite, and you assumed she would want someone who was more like her.

Sure, she was extremely nice to you and sort of mean to everyone else, but that's just because you two were somewhat friends.

"Y/N? Hello?" You were snapped out of your thoughts by long fingers waggling in your face, Regina looking at you with furrowed brows. "You okay?"

You swallowed the lump in your throat, nodding and shooting her a weak smile. "Yeah, sorry, I'm fine. Was just thinking about something." You finished eating your lunch as the three girls chatted amongst themselves, Regina stealing glances at you occasionally. You smiled at her, more reassuringly this time, which eases her posture a little bit.

The bell rings much too soon this time, disappointed groans echoing throughout the room as students begin to file out and toward their next class. The four of you do the same, Regina taking your tray and returning it to the trash area before you could protest. Karen and Gretchen wiggle their eyebrows at you before hugging you goodbye, waving at Regina as she returned to the table with you.

"Let's go, I'll walk you to class." Regina took your hand in hers, lacing your fingers together and tugging you along. You just managed to grab your backpack as you stumbled behind her, shuffling to catch up with her long strides. As soon as she turned into the hallway, students parted like the red sea, making a clear path for the two of you to walk. You couldn't help but flush at the feeling of everyone's eyes on you, staring you down as you inched every so closer to Regina.

"Aren't you going to be late? It's fine, Gina, I can-"

The blonde stopped dead in her tracks. "What did you call me?"

You felt yourself pale, silently cursing yourself for the mistake. You hadn't meant to call her that out loud - you knew how angry she got when people called her outside of her name. You cringed, waiting for her to lash out at you, but it never came.

You stole a quick glance at the blonde, who was already looking at you with soft eyes. "I'm not mad, nerd. Just surprised. You've never called me that before."

You stammered, trying to find words. "Sorry, yeah, I just...I think it's a cute nickname for you."

The blonde smirked at your nervousness, once again tugging you along with her to your class. "It is a cute nickname. Just like you."

You feel yourself smile at the compliment - Regina was just so sweet to you. "Thanks, Gina."

The hallways were mostly clear now, aside from a few students scurrying to their classes at the last minute. Regina stopped walking again, turning to look at you with her brows scrunched together. "Does your brain work?"

You looked at her, dumbfounded. "I...what?"

She simply stared at you, crossing her arms over her chest. "Your brain. Does it work? Is it on?"

You were genuinely speechless, failing to find any words to respond. Regina rolled her eyes, tugging you into the empty locker room. She sat you down on the bench before sitting herself beside you, leaning toward you. "Seriously, Y/N, do you have a concussion or something?"

You laughed incredulously. "Regina, what are you talking about?"

The blonde groaned, exasperated. "I have been flirting with you for months, Y/N. Months! Yet, you walk around, la-di-da, as if I'm just being friendly. When have you ever seen me be nice to anyone?"

Your mouth drops open at her words, opening and closing like a fish out of water. "You...what?"

"Oh my god, Y/N, I like you, okay! I have a big, fat, lesbian crush on you. I have for months."

"No you don't."

Regina sputters out a laugh. "Y/N, you're joking, right? I literally just told you that I do."

You frown, looking down at your hands. "I...no. You can't like someone like me." Your voice grows small, nails beginning to pick at the hangnails.

"Hey," Regina scooted closer to you, cupping your face in her warm hand. She brushed her thumb over your cheek, bright eyes gazing into yours with conviction. "Don't talk down about yourself. Yeah, you might be a nerd, but that's part of the reason why I like you, Y/N. I like that we are opposites in a lot of ways. If I was with some bitch like me, I'd go nuts."

You laugh lightly at her words, leaning your weight into her touch. "Stop, you're not a bitch. And I like you too, Gina. I have for a long time, actually. I'm surprised Karen hasn't told you."

Regina laughs, using her other hand to grab your hip and tug you closer to her. "That girl can keep one hell of a secret. I think her little lunch invitation today was her way of telling me to go for it." Her hand tightens on your hip just barely, her eyes flicking across your face. "Would you slap me right now if I kissed you?"

You roll your eyes, resting your hands on her bare shoulders. "No, Gina. You can kiss me."

The blonde smiles and does just that. Her nose brushes against yours, warm breath fanning across your lips as she meets them with her own, softly, sweetly.

After a beat, you both pull away, resting your foreheads together and sharing a smile. "Can I take you out this weekend?"

You nod, brushing a strand of her soft blonde hair behind her ear. "Duh."

~

i hope you enjoyed this one! my goal is to continue posting regularly, so please keep an eye out for more fics coming soon :)

[the-kr8tor]

Yk like you did those amazing fae Hobie hc could you do one with TTN Hobie Because I just finished all of it and I’m SO HAPPY it a good ending I’m in love with your writing gonna go go pirate Hobie next then fae

TTN! Hobie oh how I missed you! 🥹 Thank you for requesting! I hope you like it ❤️

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Word count: 1.2k

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader, Bestfriend to lovers, Set in my Thread the Needle series, established relationship, headcanons, fluff!

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Thread the Needle Masterlist

Bestfriend! Hobie, who has been your mate for as long as you could remember, whose voice is the first and last thing you hear during the day.

You ring him up in the chilly mornings to wake him up because he almost always sleeps through his alarm clock. And in turn, he's the one calling you before bed, chatting about the day you two had as if you weren't attached by the hip throughout the day.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who helps you study your notes while trying to keep you awake by poking your cheek relentlessly until you swat him away as he chuckles.

He has definitely tried to teach you how to play the guitar, but you're distracted, eyes looking at his hands. He wonders why.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who hasn't seen you as more than a friend until he saw you laughing at his shitty joke that he couldn't even remember now when you're smiling at him like that.

While you've been in love with him longer, he fell harder for you.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who was afraid of you leaving the city and him after graduating high school. Even though he was worrying about it, he did everything to help you study for every entrance exam. And he was even more ecstatic when you passed almost every university you applied to. Moreso when you accepted the one that's still within the city. Oh the hug he gave you that day could rival all the hugs he gave you through the years.

Once when it suddenly snowed through the night, he knocked on your dorm room door, asking if you wanted to go sledding with him just like old times when you were kids. It ended with a snowball fight, giggles bouncing off the fluffy snow.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who saw you through your bad and good days, holding and talking to you during the awful ones, and making you laugh on most days, making it better.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who comforted you when a date stood you up, angry that someone could do that to someone who's as amazing as you. He told you that he'll never do that, he should've added the words ‘to you.’ but he just couldn't, mouth clamped shut, nerves slithering through him.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who even tried to set you up with a bandmate of his to help him get over you but it backfired when he saw you laughing and looking like you fancied the guy, he felt like the ground swallowed him whole and spat him out right in between you and his mate.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who was hiding his smile when you said that his friend was nice but not someone you see being with. All the while he finally noticed your lingering touches, longing stares and shy smiles whenever you talk to him. It's not something mates do, but he's still afraid to confess, worried that it'll ruin a decade of friendship with you. For now, he'll settle for those shy smiles and arms embracing him while he drives you to class on his motorbike.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who made you your own customised helmet with your favourite colour and numerous stickers that you'll love. The way your face lit up has been in the forefront of his mind ever since.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who looks at you like you're everything to him, like you hung up the stars in the sky for him. He loves you, he realizes.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who lets you sleep next to him after a night out or a gig you accompanied him and the band to. Just like when you were kids. But this time, it has his heart pounding loudly every morning he wakes up to your drooling face.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who has had enough of trying to hide his feelings for you and started unabashedly flirting at you, trying to get his point across without saying the exact words he needs to say. It hasn't worked yet while you wave it away, thinking that's just classic Hobie bantering with you. Unbeknownst to him, you're melting into a puddle.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who almost shuts down when you flirt back at him.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who was heartbroken when he saw you slouched in the medical tent while you're cradling your sprained wrist.

He was afraid when the spider bit him, but he was more afraid of leaving you alone in the world. So he took care of himself, drank a liter of water and some meds before waking up like a new man.

Bestfriend! Hobie, who tells you everything you dreamed of, he loves you, no buts, no ifs, no sugar coating it, “I love you” and he says it with his whole chest, walking the dreaded runway and kissing you right after. He was never one for the dramatics, but with you, he's ready to get his point across this time. And he was lucky enough that you said the same thing to him, kissing him like he dreamed of.

Boyfriend! Hobie, who lets you go and live your dream across the country even though he wants to be selfish and hold onto you.

Boyfriend! Hobie, who becomes your roommate, living in the same houseboat, sleeping in the same bed and waking up to your face every morning. He doesn't want to waste any time with you, spending almost every minute with you. And doing everything he together with you while you hold his hand as he etches your touch in his mind.

Grocery dates, record dates, picnics, amusement parks, and aquariums, you name it, and you've been to them with Hobie lovingly tugging at your hand.

He helps you pack your bags, slowly at that to spend more time with you.

Hobie drives you to the airport in Yuri's beaten up car, stays there with you until it's time for you to board your flight and holds you until the tears stop flowing. As he watches your retreating back, memories flood back to him, and when he finally gets home, houseboat empty and devoid of your presence, he lets himself cry.

You left your sewing machine with him, with a note that tells him that he should use it, that it's time for him to learn how to mend his clothes. He cries again after finding the note.

During his patrols, he uses the same machine your hands have touched to mend and sew the marks left on his suit. He smiles when he thinks that you'll be chastising him for the lopsided stitching.

Whenever you call, he drops everything and talks to you as if you're just beside him and not halfway across the world from him.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, you two never missed a single call even when the phone bill hurts both of your pockets.

Years after you've left, your things are still in the same place you left it, shoes in the rack, coat draped over the couch, and your sewing machine well taken care of, waiting for you, just like he has.

When you finally come back home, he feels like he could breathe again, his other half smiling up at him as he lounges on the roof that he immediately leaps off to embrace you just like has all those years ago.

It's as if you've never left as he kisses you like he had when he confessed backstage during your college fashion show.

[skyahri]

So..? |Kakashi Hatake X Civilian! Reader| HC

Summary: Kakashi finally musters up the courage to ask you out.

Warnings: Nothing, really. Pretty tame. Civilian reader.

Masterlist Ko-fi

- - - - -

You worked in the hospital. It was nothing spectacular; the shifts are long, it can get a bit over crowded, and sometimes you don't even have time for a meal, but it's honest work.

You were decent with medical ninjutsu. You could heal cuts and bruises, but anything more was outside your skill set.

You have your fair share of regulars, Kakashi being one of them.

Sometimes, he's in and out - just there for a few stitches or a mandatory check-up after a long mission. Sometimes it's longer, like after his battle with Itachi or the Kazekage's retrieval.

You scold him every time for being reckless.

"Kakashi, you know what happens when you overuse your sharingan. Can't you at least try to be a bit more careful?"

He always dismisses you, promising that everything he does it put of 100% necessity.

You roll your eyes and fix him up regardless.

Its a lucky thing that you always end up taking care of him, or at least you think it is.

He's actually using his social pull to end up wherever you are. Kakashi Hatake, the copy cat ninja, is very well known and has earned more favors than he could ever cash in.

He remembers the first time he met you - it was several years ago, in this very hospital. He'd been injured during one of his Anbu missions and needed some critical care.

The hospital was swamped that day, and you were new. He could tell by how anxious you were. It was lucky that you had ended up with him, someone who wasn't picky about his treatment and wasn't bothered by nerves.

There was something about you, though he wasn't sure what. Yes, you're pretty, but he's seen lots of pretty girls. Maybe it was the confidence you emitted despite the cluster of the environment. Maybe it was the gentle way you touched him as yo wrapped his arm or the feeling of your chakra on his skin.

Either way, it stuck with him, and all the feelings he felt have only intensified over time.

Which is where we are now.

Eventually, he sees you outside of the hospital. A rare sight, really. He's perfectly healthy, between missions, and not being dragged around by his students for once.

Your last shift of the week just ended. You're carrying home your weekly grocery haul when he spots you and basically demands to carry some most of your bags.

He tries to chat you up, along about work, hobbies... potential partners?

"So what have you been doing outside of work, hm? Interesting... I see. And you do all of this by yourself, or..?"

You laugh, knowing he's fishing for specific information. He already knows you pretty well after seeing him so often at work. Maybe he forgot that fact in his stupor.

However, slick Kakashi thinks he's been all this time, knock it down by 60%.

You may not be a shinobi like him, but you're very well aware of people.

"No, Kakashi, I don't have a boyfriend."

He plays it off. Shoving his hands in his pockets and pretends not to be borderline giddy at this newfound information.

Once you reach your apartment, you have no problem allowing him entry so he can set your groceries down on your counter.

He looks around while you put things away. Everything embodied you perfectly. The plants, the color scheme, the decor. It was perfect.

Once you're finished, he becomes nervous again.

"So..."

"So?" You ask expectantly.

"Would you wanna meet up with me sometime? As a thank you for all you've done for me over the years, of course."

"Of course," you mock him lightly, crinkling your nose.

"I'd love to."

He let's out an animated breath.

"I'll pick you up tonight at 6? We can head to..."

The plans are set. Now, it's just a matter of patience before this long-awaited date.

Although you've been looking forward to this day for so many years, the anxiety is still there, and you're wondering how it'll go and if he likes you.

Little did you know he's having the same thoughts.

What if you didn't like him? What if he just damaged your friendship (could it even be called that considering how confined they had been to the hospital?) and now he's lost someone else because he's stupid?

Only time will tell, so may as well just shove down the nerves and prepare for what could be the beginning of something great.

[bumblesimagines]

Marcus Baker

you never gave me back my things.

i was hoping i'd see you again.

i never like how it ended between us.

you never gave me back my things.

i was hoping i'd see you again.

i never like how it ended between us.

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs, Gender Neutral!Reader

You released a sigh of relief as you slumped back in the chair and released the pencil, giving your aching hand a much-needed break. You rubbed the area between your thumb and index finger, pleased to have finally finished the five-page essay for English class. You were certain if you had to read another ancient poem and write an essay about it again, you'd have a breakdown alongside your classmates. But with the pressure of the deadline disappearing, you looked forward to taking a break from classwork. 

You stood up from the table and collected the papers, carefully slipping them into a folder and then sliding the folder into your backpack. You nodded to the other students studying and working at the table before slinging your backpack over your shoulder and making a beeline for the doors. As much as you loved the school's library, you never wanted to step foot in it again for at least two weeks. 

"Hey, (Y/N)!" A voice called out, attempting to be quiet but still getting dirty looks from those nearby. Marcus dipped his head apologetically and whispered a few 'sorry's before facing you and offering a sheepish, equally as apologetic smile. 

Before Virginia Miller had strolled into Wellsbury, you might've greeted Marcus with a kiss and told him all about your day. You might've taken his hand, listened to his troubles, and given him as much advice and reassurance as he needed. But he'd chosen to ruin the relationship you'd poured so much time into over a girl he hardly knew well. You half-expected them to boldly continue their secret relationship as an official couple now, but all you saw were longing looks from her and an exhausted-looking Marcus.

"I heard you were going to start tutoring again and- and was wondering if you could help me with homework? I'll pay you, obviously. I don't have a lot but-"

"Silver's looking, too. I can pass her your number and she'll help you with whatever you need, Marcus." You told him, turning on your heel and stepping out of the library. The door shut behind you, only to open again as Marcus followed. The Bakers seemed like a notoriously stubborn family, and yet they'd been a family you once wished to become a part of.

"Actually, I was hoping I'd see you again. I-I wanted to talk about everything, you know? I didn't like how it ended between us." Marcus explained, occasionally stumbling over his words as he quickened his pace to catch up with you. 

"Oh, you mean how you spent months secretly hooking up with your neighbor who was in a relationship with one of your sister's friends and I found out at the same time as everyone else because you didn't have the balls to tell me you didn't want to be with me anymore? It would've saved me a whole lot of trouble, Marcus. And by the way, you never gave me back my things."

Marcus quickened his step again and stepped in front of you, his hands shooting out to grab your forearms and force you to stop. You pursed your lips, your jaw clenching briefly and head tilting to finally look him in the eye. "I fucked up, and I'm really sorry, (Y/N). And I didn't tell you about Ginny because I didn't want to break up. I-I-I was an asshole, I know that. I don't know what I was thinking but I knew I didn't want to lose you. I was confused and-"

"You were confused for nearly a whole year, Marcus? I seriously doubt that. Like I said, you would've saved me a lot of trouble being honest. Besides, if Ginny really wanted you, she wouldn't have gotten with Hunter." You brushed his arms away and stepped back. "Please, just drop this Marcus. It's over and it'll stay over. Maybe I'll forgive you and we'll become friends again but... I don't really want you in my life right now."

[amethystfairy1]

Hello! Real quick I just wanna say I absolutely ADORE your ff's and the way you portray the characters within said stories.

And now for the questions(I have three, kinda)!

In TT within the buttercups trio(if you're okay with possible spoiling) will any ships become canon or are they going to stay completely platonic? I really enjoy them just how they are as of right now so I was wondering if it would change at all!

This question is of the same variety as the previous one, in TT will shiny duo remain platonic or do you have any plans to make their relationship take a more romantic turn per say?(Idk why I made these two separate questions, they could easily be made into one but whatever)

AND FINALLY!!!!! Once again, if you're comfortable with spoilers, do you plan on giving TTSBC and TT happy endings or will they maybe be on more of a bittersweet side of the spectrum? Or even worse... A SAD ENDING!!!!

(Anyways, whatever you do plan to do in regards to the questions I have asked I have zero doubt within myself that you will make it an ABSOLUTELY amazing read!!! I can't wait for new chapters🙂‍↕️)

I'm so glad you enjoy my stories, thank you thank you!!!

In TT all the ships I intend to do are already happening, so Treebark, Zedango, and Flower Husbands. There will be no Buttercup Trio, sorry! They are very much just all each others number one people kind of situation, but none of them will ever be romantically involved with each other.

Same goes for Shiny Duo! They are each others number one person, but as far as how I write them I intend to keep it platonic!

I believe I've written up something somewhere about the endings of TTSBC and TT but I can't find it now...so I'll give you the TLDR of that post! There's also an incredibly cool full on ESSAY about theories surrounding the endings of the two AUs written by @alphabetical-az which I neither confirm nor deny as being accurate but is nonetheless incredibly cool so go check that out!

Basically, all I will say is that neither story will have a SAD ending. TT in particular, while I don't know if I would necessarily call the ending I have planned a "happy" ending, it will certainly not be a sad ending or a bad ending. Like...none of the MCYT based characters are gonna die or anything like that. TTSBC I don't want to give much of anything away about since the ending of that AU is soooooo much further away than TT.

TT is, if I had to guess, about 70% done. Ish? And this isn't in terms of numbers, btw, I never can guess how long any of my fic entries are going to be. What I mean by that is that, if I look at my big ol list of plot points to get us to the end of TT, about 70% of them are done already. However long that remaining 30% ends up being word count wise is anyones guess, for all I know I might end up doubling the length of this AU by the end of it because I am physically incapable of writing short 😅

As for TTSBC...hahaha...hahaha...haaaa....yeah we're like not even halfway and that list of plot points just keeps growing as I realize more and more details I want to add to the AU so ain't no-one gotta be worried about that series ending anytime in the near future.

And I know this has NOTHING to do with your question but since I'm on this weird train of thought I'll also say this!

My plan for whenever I do "finish" an AU (I know, crazy concept right?) is that I'll mark it as completed, but I might still come back to that world once in awhile! For example, once TT, which is closer to completion than TTSBC by a long shot, is actually done...and again, that still isn't gonna be for a while...I'll mark it as completed, but if Whumptober rolls around and I'm like "Man, this prompt is PERFECT for TT!Treebark." Then I'm gonna do it. I'll just slot that story into the timeline somewhere it'd fit. Does that make sense? I hope it makes sense...

Don't worry, I already have an entirely new darker theme focused AU to step up in Traveling Thieves' place once it's completed...alas it'll have to wait for awhile longer...it's totally not like I've had it planned for over a year now...

I also actually have the AU that's going to eventually take the place of TTSBC framed out somewhat as well...but that's...that's...yeah, that's gonna take awhile.

This was totally a tangent that was only half-related to your question, I'm sorry XD Thanks so much for reading!

[datvtranscripts]

The Enemy of My Enemy Pt. 1

Varric's Mirror

Signs and Portents Masterpost Previous: Stone Sense

Rook heads upstairs.

Rook: Guess I should find someplace to try to talk to Solas.

They pass by a hallways that was blacked off before.

Rook: Wait. That room wasn’t there before… I don’t think?

They enter a meditation with a couch that faces an aquarium tank. Their pack is sitting on the ground nearby.

Rook: Neve or Harding must've put my pack here. Makes sense. Better place to sleep than the infirmary. Guess I can spare a few moment to unpack my things.

Rook begins to unpack, and places Varric’s Mirror.

Rook: Varric and his life lessons. I asked him how we were supposed to stop Solas, and he gave me this. "Take a long hard look in it, kid. It'll always show the face of a hero who can get it done."

1 - Dialogue options:

Affable: I’m trying to live up to that. [2]

Sarcastic: I look good. [3]

Stoic: Enough reflection. [4]

Sad (Rook has no scars): Nice story, but that’s not me. [5]

(Gender identity options) (Establishes transgender identity and unlocks new dialogue options in future conversations) [6]

(Tattoo options) [7]

(Scar options) [8]

2 - Affable: I’m trying to live up to that. Rook: Varric tells such great stories. It's almost enough to make me think that this time, when I look in the mirror, I'll see a hero. (Sigh) But Varric's hurt, and the team needs me. So chin up, take a deep breath, and get the job done. Scene ends.

3 - Sarcastic: I look good. Rook: A damn good looking hero, if I do say so. Scene ends.

4 - Stoic: Enough reflection. Rook: If I'm the one who's got to get it done, I should stop admiring myself and get to work. Scene ends.

5 - Nice story, but that’s not me. Rook: I don't know if I see a hero's face, but it's a face that has seen a lot. Got a few new scars. Some that show up in a mirror, some that don't. But Varric believed in me then, and he believes in me now. I can do this. Scene ends.

5 - (Gender identity options)

I love who I am. Rook: There [he is/she is/they are]. The [man/woman/person] I knew I was. I did the work, I stuck with it, and now I get to see [him/her/them] every time I look in the mirror. Scene ends.

Feels good to see the real me. Rook: It took a while for me to figure out why the face staring back from the mirror felt wrong. But once I was able to be honest with myself, it was a relief to figure out I was trans. And it's worth it to look in the mirror today and see the [man/woman/person] I am staring back. Scene ends.

I’m getting there. Rook: I don't know, Varric. Catching my reflection still hits hard some days. But knowing who I am is worth it… and every day when I look in that mirror, I'm closer to seeing the [man/woman/person] I want to be staring back. Scene ends.

6 - (Tattoo options)

Tattoos helped me love myself. Rook: I used to dread looking into the mirror. Until I finally got tired of hating what I saw and decided to change what I saw. Now I look in the mirror and see the ink I chose for myself. The me I chose for myself. I don't know if that's the hero Varric was talking about, but it's a start. Scene ends.

My tattoos celebrate success. Rook: Every one of my tattoos is a story. Something I did that's worth remembering. Wonder what I should get when we finish this job. An eluvian? A wolf? I'll figure it out. Scene ends.

I thought hard about these. Rook: Spent so much time figuring out each tattoo. Getting the design right in my head, finding an artist who could make it work. Not to mention holding still the whole time to make sure they'd be perfect. But it was worth it. They're part of me now. The part I made for myself. Scene ends.

Elf: Tattoos matter to us elves. Rook: The vallaslin are sacred for the elves. I didn't grow up Dalish, but they're not the only ones who have a claim on being elven. My tattoos represent who I am, and I'll wear that for all the world to see. Scene ends.

7 - (Scar options)

My scars are badges of honor. Rook: You've got a few scars, but you know what? You earned these in fights that needed to be fought. Hits you took to save someone, shots that knocked you down but didn't keep you down. You are the hero who can get it done. And if you pick up a few more scars along the way, that just proves you were in the fight. Scene ends.

These scars are sexy! Rook: (Chuckle) Honestly, my scars look pretty good. They add character. And you should see the other guy. Scene ends.

Scars are lessons learned. Rook: Funny, Varric didn't mention that hero having so many scars. It's handy. You ever get too full of yourself, you can just look in the mirror, and see every mistake that left a mark. But it's not just about you anymore. Harding/Neve's got a new scar because you sent her into that ritual. So do better. Nobody else should have to wear your mistakes, hero. Scene ends.

Next: Faction Memento

[mahou-furbies]

It is time for

This time the event will be hosted by the green Cure Ocs, who got a little attention this year.

Mahou anime of the year:

(Wonderful Precure!, Heartcatch Precure!, Precure movies (All Stars F, Mahou Tsukai series movie), Märchen Mädchen, Sasaki & Peeps, MahoAko, MahoAku, MahoNare, Acro Trip, Magilumiere, Samurai Flamenco)

Manga:

(Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card, Shugo Chara Dream Joker, Magical Girl Dandelion, Mermaid Melody Aqua, Champignon Witch, Pretty Guardian Stress, Who Said Blues had to be Cool)

Other:

(Magical Girl Raising Project Aces, W.i.t.c.h. reboot vol2, Mermaid Melody Encore)

While 2023 was an extremely Precure year this was the opposite and I only barely managed to finish one of the backlog seasons. I'm hoping to get back on track next year and finish the remaining two, and then we're off to new adventures when that opens up slots for a different kid show mahou franchise. It'll be exciting to see which one it ends up being, I guess Doremi has a chance since I already started the first season, but that was also on a whim so anything else can also happen.

We had quite a few contests this year, starting with the favourite Precure (won by Cure La Mer), and there was the Miss Meguca contest about their outfits, with select few major characters from MagiReco (won by Madoka). And that was followed by Miss Meguca contest for casual outfits (won by Konomi) and Halloween outfits (won by Darkness Mitama). And then there was the Christmas outfits, which is still ongoing because I didn't quite have a good moment to put up the final round... Sorry about that, it'll be way out of season once it concludes but that's how it sometimes goes.

I also planned a Magireco swimsuit contest for summer, but since the game shut down at that time I thought it would have been kind of mean since I predict the air around it to be kind of negative. But I'll probably do that next summer.

Magireco shutting down was a shame since even if I didn't play, it had been a good source for new mahou designs. Though new stuff had really slowed down so it wasn't exactly a surprise.

We also had a little Halloween event with my mahou OCs, and looking for video game food items for it was a lot of fun.

Then it's time for the awards!

Best henshin design goes to the main character's Snow White transformation from Märchen Mädchen! Truly an S-tier design that has a lot of good elements but still isn't overdesigned. Let's point out the asymmetry, pale colour palette and white hair, slight gradient, winged shoes and flower colour accents. The miniskirt + long train makes foor a great combo too, it's still recognisable as a magical girl but also looks super cool.

Honourable mention to Berry Blossom from Acro Trip for the simple but super cute strawberry outfit.

Best team design goes to Heartcatch Precure! They're simple and recognisable and also include the season's flower theme.

I also want to give a shoutout to Wonderful Precure because for the first time in like a decade the Cure outfits have a recognisable visual theme going on.

Best powerup design goes to Wonderful Precure Diamond Ribbon style! I like that they're more uniform (probably too uniform since only the skirt part is different but whatever) and I'm a big fan of the way the skirt colours make a gradient.

Also not a powerup but I don't think it's something that needs its own category, but a special mention to the evil clones from the W.i.t.c.h. reboot, I'm always ready for slightly altered designs of the main characters.

Best civilian design goes to Tsubomi, specifically because of her glasses! I just can't get over what a great design element they are, and she even wore them far more often than I expected. I thought she'd completely swap them for contact lenses for marketability but no, they regularly showed up through the season!

Best school uniform goes to Mahonare! It's cute and looks refreshingly different from usual and thus fitting for a magical school. Plus look at the cute little hat! And girls can opt for poofy shorts too!

Honourable mention for the warm brown palette of the Wonderful Precure uniform, plus also giving the shorts option for girls.

Best hair goes to Yuki's civilian hair from Wonderful Precure! For being simple and elegant. I also like her Cure hair except for the "sideburns" whose length feels a bit awkward.

A honourable mention to the little stars in Byakuya's hair in MahoAku.

Best magical item goes to Byakuya's staff from MahoAku! It's simple and doesn't look like a plastic toy.

Hibana's staff (also from MahoAku) isn't bad either.

Best henshin scene goes to Byakuya from MahoAku! It's well animated and and the glowing stars are beautiful.

A shout out to Heartcatch for giving Tsubomi and Erika unique animation for their dual transformation instead of just splicing scenes from their individual henshins together.

Best fan creation goes to Mermaid Melody Encore! It has the benefit for being an extremely favourable comparison to the canon sequel, but it has a lot going for it outside that too, with an interesting premise, likable characters and appealing art.

Best relationship goes to... do I have to give this to SatoIro? I'm not a shipper and I couldn't care less about Iroha, but the confession and date episodes were really good.

Alternatively, Luna and Lis from from Champignon Witch have a really interesting tragic and complicated relationship.

Best mascot goes to Daifuku from Wonderful Precure! Has a quiet but powerful presence, indomitable, doesn't have a shrill voice, never does anything annoying, has an appealing colour scheme and perpetually looks kind of grumpy. This is peak mascot performance.

And since she photobombed the picture, let's also say that Niko has a really funny personality. And I guess a shout out to Wonderful Precure in general for doing something different with the mascots this year.

Best supporting character goes to Shade from Magical Girl Dandelion! I regret to tell I like his tumblr sexyman design and he has a super interesting and fresh dynamic with the main girl.

Best visual goes to the MahoAku title cards! There's somehow a lovely retro vibe to them.

In the general visual category I considered both Mahonare and Mahoaku. Mahonare has a more unique look, but since anime is supposed to be moving pictures I do have to dock some points due to the fact that the animation is clearly struggling. Meanwhile Mahoaku's lovely pastel style is less distinct but also looks consistently good even in moving form.

Best audio goes to All for One Forever from Precure movie F. This song slaps and makes the fight scene it accompanies incredibly epic.

"Conflict between light and darkness" from the Heartcatch OST is also a beautiful piece of music and "Fight for the future" gets you pumped up for a big fight.

The Innovation award is given to a magical girl work that I think does something fresh for the genre. This year it goes to Magical Girl Dandelion for its extremely fresh premise that still doesn't feel too tropey.

The Golden Mana award is the prize given to one thing I didn’t like.

This year it goes to the entirety of Mermaid Melody Aqua. I know I already awarded it to Lucia's design specifically a few years ago and in general I'm trying to avoid repeats, but frankly it would be disingenious to act like Aqua didn't deserve it this year since it turned out to be one of my least favourite manga ever. There's the awful heroine and irritating or irrelevant side cast, the awkward art, the weird fanservice, the lacking storytelling… the list goes on.

Dishonourable mention to the stupid side cast of Mahoaku.

Best character goes to Cure Blossom! The rare shy main Cure, great character arc, lovely design (the glasses!) and in general super sympathetic and likeable. I hope she won't remain the only of her kind among the franchise!

Best work goes to Champignon Witch! Much deliberation went on among the one-person council of Mahou Furbies if it should be eligible for any of the awards since it's clearly not a magical girl series, but then again neither is Petite Princess Yucie and I rewarded it last year. So let it be known that from now on anything I deem mahou enough to warrant a review post on this blog is also qualified for awards.

But anyway, Champignon Witch has a lovely fairytale setting, unique story, likable characters, magical art, melancholic mood and S-tier outfits. I'm really looking forward to the anime next year!

If you think only actual magical girl works should qualify, then you can think that Magical Girl Dandelion is the winner; so far there aren't a lot of chapters out of it yet so even on that grounds it might be a bit too early for it, but for what there is to judge I've liked everything about it. Heartcatch Precure is also a good contender, but it does have the typical kid show tropes holding it back so it's harder for a Precure season to win when there's actual competition aimed at an older audience.

Plans for 2025:

I also intend to get back to MagiPro, finally reading Aces was really fun but then I hit the Episodes filler books and the progress halted.

The new Madoka Exedra game is also coming out, though I'm not particularly excited. I have no intention of playing it (gacha eww), and also since it's 3D I'm under the impression that adding new characters requires more effort, which would probably mean less new or obscure characters and more focus on the old favourites.

Art-wise I want to create the missing green Cures for the three newest seasons at least, and also finally do something more with the DPPC. Though that's what I say every year...

[echantedtoon]

Obsession 憑 Ch42

(WOW! It's been a long time since I posted something for this story. As promised I didn't abandon this fic and I do plan on finishing it even though it'll be very short. Other projects have just been getting finished up or I have a few things I wanted to work on. Again updates will continue to be slow until A Lovers' Circle is completely finished.

Warnings for Y/n's injuries.)

Tagging: @lavenderdropp @supernovacoffeestop @gilded-sunrays @crescent-blades @yumakutagawa

Remember if you want to be added to the taglist lemme know

                               Part 5 Dawn 

You were loosing count of days which was bad.

A routine of yours fell into  place while you stayed there. Twice a day Shinobu would come in, sometimes with Mitsuri sometimes not, and would treat and dress your wounds twice a day. Once in the morning and once more before sundown. You'd then just basically sit down in your room all day doing nothing but stare at the ceiling and move around to get your body used to moving again despite the physical pain.

You suffered worse during the war. You could handle this. The pain lessoned with each day anyways thanks to Shinobu's treatment. Twice a day you'd be delivered food by confused looking guards wondering why they were delivering food to an injured maid but knowing that it was probably Yoriichi that ordered them, their fear of him meant they didn't question anything. Whatever. You didn't mind. After months of nothing but a poor excuse of vegetable stew to eat, you'd happily take rice and beef. 

Once you got curious and tried to leave your room. You had just opened the door but you hadn't even been able to step a foot out when a guard right outside the door pulled out his sword to block the way by holding up the sharp weapon diagonally across the doorway.

"Prince Yoriichi has ordered you to stay inside until he sees fit," was his only answer to you. "Get back inside."

Great. You couldn't even step out of your own room either. A prisoner all over again. However just when you were wondering about how long you'd be staying there, a surprise knocked on your door. Shinobu and a man you've never seen before but he wore the garbes of the guards walking around the estate. 

"Prince Tsugikuni wants your prescense at the grand hall," he bluntly stated, "I'm to take you once you're treated by the doctor."

That was all he said which confused you. Oh so now Yoriichi wanted to see you? What did he want? Shinobu had no idea either, just there to do her normal duty of bandaging you up again. But she at least had good news.

"You're almost fully healed! You'll be better in no time!"

That was one good thing at least. When you finally got out the guard was already waiting for you. Without a word from either of you, you followed him through the halls towards the grand hall. From what you came to know from your time as a maid that the grand hall was where the royal family usually ate, hosted important meetings and ceremonies, and conducted business with important figures. Wonder what kind of 'meeting' Yoriichi was planning. 

As you both walked you noticed something. The maids that you had usually seen walking around doing jobs around the large estate were looking at you. Some gave you looks of hatred which you returned and others looked away from you looking pale. Ah. Most likely Yoriichi's punishment had caused quite a fear amongst them all. Because now they knew one thing, if they tried anything like that again...Well Yoriichi might not be as merciful as last time or worse, Michikatsu might catch wind of it and...Well...The older prince was less likely to spare mercy. A quick death or hard labor of they're lucky. You did feel bad a bit, couldn't help but feel a bit bad, but in the end they shouldn't have been so cruel to you. 

You both eventually stopped by the sliding door leading into the grand hall to which the guard slid right open before bowing. "The girl, My Lord."

You didn't bother bowing instead looking in and being taken aback by the two figures in the room. One was obviously Yoriichi who's eyes visibly lit up upon seeing you but you ignored it in favor of looking at the second figure standing there with him. It was another woman.

A very beautiful woman.

Her body was adorned in long flowing layers of silks, her silky black hair tied up in a hard to manage hairstyle with many decorative hair pieces, and her pale face was done with makeup. Her yellow eyes looked like amber turning to look at you. If you had to guess her age she was twenty five maybe twenty six?

"Y/n." Your body flinched being addressed by Yoriichi as beckoned for you to come in. "Please come in. I have someone I'd like you to meet." You hesitated raising a brow looking between them before slowly walking in and cautiously approaching them. "You may leave." He waved off the guard whom quickly dispersed before kindly gesturing to the woman next to him. "Y/n, this is Lady Mia. She's going to be staying with us until the marriage ceremony."

Marriage ceremony?! Your red eyes turned back to the other woman smiling at you. Holy Buddha. He was really serious about this whole marriage thing wasn't he? You had doubted he was telling the truth but it looked like you were wrong..But you were still going to keep your guard up around him. 

Biting the sword you stiffly bowed to her(not him-) in greeting. "It's..a please to meet you, My Lady."

"So you're the famous woman warrior I've heard so much about!," she piled up in a cheerful voice, her voice being slightly higher pitched than you expected. Her eyes filled with curiosity and wonder. "How unorthodox! Dressing up like a man to fight in the war! I heard stories about you but I thought you were just a fairytale like the dragon that sleeps under the mountain temple!"

Your head raised to her brows rising. She heard about you? Well then again with your bad reputation you weren't too surprised. "Trust me. Sometimes I wish I was just a fairytale... Ma'am."

Yoriichi looked worried however the woman, Lady Mia, looked amused laughing at you. "Yoriichi had told me all about you! " You bet he did the loudmouth. "I'm going to have a very fun time getting to know you before he comes back with me!"

That got you surprised, straightening back up to stare at her. "He's.. leaving?"

"Well not now. Our wedding isn't for another six months. There's still things to work out. Final arrangements, wedding planning, and all that." She waved you off. "But I have no intentions of staying here when I already made it clear that I won't live away from my family. Which means that any husband of mine is going to be coming with me whether he likes it or not."

Red eyes widened at the realization of her words before looking at Yoriichi whom only stared back right at you. Yoriichi was..leaving? Leaving...As in..LEAVING TO LIVE FAR AWAY FROM YOU IN AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TERRITORY!! He'd be far away, married, and away FROM YOU!! It was like one of the things you wished for most fell from the sky and dropped into your lap. THIS WAS THE BEST NEWS YOU'VE EVER HAD IN MONTHS!!! 

"While Lady Mia stays with us, I-...I-I'd like you to act as her personal lady in waiting." He spoke softly gesturing to the beautiful woman. "You'll be tending to her every need from this moment until her departure. "

"Oh..Alright." 

He nodded. "Then it's settled." He said nothing else to you as he turned back to whom you supposed was his fiance now. "I'll be leaving you in her care. If you're in need of anything then please don't hesitate to come find me or ask the head maid. She'll arrange it for you."

"Oh you don't have to worry about me." She waved him off. "I'll be perfectly fine. Especially since I have such a strong woman taking care of me."

"Then I'll bid you good bye for now. I must speak with my father about finding a general suitable for my replacement soon."

"Of course! You go find away, Darling.~"

You watched as Yoriichi bowed deeply in respect to his fiance before turning around and walking past you without a second glance. Which surprised you. He'd always give you one last look at you before he left to go anywhere but he said nothing. Did nothing except silently leave through the door you had just walked in through. Well..that was weird. Good but very very strange. You slowly turned back around-

"GAH!?" 

A pair of bright yellow eyes and a wide smile was inches away from your face when you turned back around and found Lady Mia literally just four inches away from your face. Instinctively you jumped back and raised your arms as if to block an attack but none came as she just smiled widely and excitedly.

"So you're Y/n. I've heard SO much about you!," she repeated. "Your eyes are so lovely. They're like rubies!"

"Uh-..I-.." You stammered out flabbergasted not sure what to say as she pointed up a finger.

"Now first thing's first! Tell me about the men of war! Is it true that men on the battlefield are more handsome when fiercely fighting for their countries?~"

"Uuhhh- "

Good Buddha. What did you get yourself into this time?

[merbear25]

Hello! I'd love to request Italy, Denmark and Germany watching their girlfriend crochet or seeing the finished product. I just finished making my first piece of clothing, overalls, for my almost 1 yr old nephew. 🥰🥰 please and thank you!

Hey, hey! This is so wholesome! I'm sure it'll look super cute on him 💜 Hope you like it 🥰

CW: SFW, fem!reader, fluff

Italy: He'd been checking in on you periodically, mostly to chit chat, but he always commented on how cute it looked. During one of his many rambles about everything and anything, his attention drifted to how maticulous crocheting was. He'd wonder how you can do the same motions for as long as you'd been. That being said, he was looking forward to the finished result.

Once you were reaching the end of it, he'd keep popping in to ask if you were done yet and how much longer it'd be. This may be mildly irritating, but it would be his way of showing his interest and excitement in your hobby.

When you finally revealed the completed project to him, he'd fawn over how much talent you had asking if you could ever make something for him. Please make him something. He'd wear it till it fell apart. He'd share your enthusiasm in your accomplishment by offering to grab your favorite ice cream.

Denmark: Similar to Italy, he'd be drifting in and out of the room you were in, floating around you, watching the process unfold into a well-crafted item. Once knowing what you were making, he'd shoot a ton of compliments about how it looked just like it (even if it still looked like nothing). He'd start going on about how he can see your vision and how awesome it'd look upon completion.

He'd come in asking if you needed anything to drink or a snack. If you wanted something, he'd happily bring it to you, but you may notice some crums on his cheeks or a slight mustache of whatever the drink you'd requested was. He'd tell you it was just a quality check.

Seeing you light up from accomplishing your item, he'd beam at you not only out of the completion of it, but also from the joy in your eyes. He'd be so proud of you for sticking to it and would slide in a request of his own, which if you accepted it, he'd wear as much as possible.

Germany: Would enjoy sitting in whichever room you're in and doing something quietly along side you (mostly reading). He wouldn't want to disturb you while you were concentrating. If it were particularly cold that day, he'd offer you blankets. If it were a bit warm, he'd offer to open some of the windows. You should feel comfortable and relaxed after all.

He'd observe your creative process and enjoy seeing your concentrated expression on the item you were crocheting. Smiling to himself, he'd try to figure out what it was exactly you were going for. When you'd made enough progress with it, he'd be genuinely impressed. It wasn't that he doubted your abilities―you were still new to the hobby, so to see you make such quick progress was admirable.

The big reveal was the best part because he got to properly compliment your hard work. You were pleased with yourself, as you should be, and seeing you take pride in it brought a slight smile to his face. He'd really want you to make something for him but would feel rather uncomfortable asking you for it.

[popculturebuffet]

Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck Finale: The Richest Duck in the World "And As Usual, He Was!"

Hello all you happy people and welcome to the finale of my life and times of scrooge mcduck retrospective! It's been a duck blur, from starting this years ago, to a years long hiatus to Kev paying for me to finish it, btu we're finally here. The final chapter of Don Rosa's masterpiece. Coming out the other side of this LIfe and Times is still one of my faviorite comics of all time and I'm glad to finish it. Kinda. There are a ton of bonus chapters Rosa did throughout the rest of his career, as well as an upcoming new chapter from another author entirely, all of which i'm up for covering at some point. There's a few I definitely want to get to in paticuarl: The three goldie stories (one pre life and times two with the label) that help flesh out here and Scrooge's past, the wonderful "Letter From Home" that gives ups Matilda's return and ties up that loose end, and my personal faviorite "Dream of a Lifetime", a one shot tale that goes through just about every chapter of life and times via Scrooge's dreams for one hell of an epilouge. None of these are necssary but they all feel like good companion pieces to the story and i'm glad Rosa did these interquels among others. I also have an itch to cover more duck material in general as while it has the cynical boost of having more viewers than normal for my content, it's also something I forgot HOW much I loved in the content lull after Ducktales end. And as a wise man once said.. there's always another rainbow. What it'll be i'm not sure yet, but you can expect at least one duck adventure next month.

For now though we're finishing the main story and it's while a lot of plans changed or shifted over this 12 issue saga, one thing was always in the cards: he wanted to end the story where Scrooge's story began all those years ago, with the finale taking place the day after the bulk Night on Bear Mountain. For those less familiar, and I wasn't when I started this though i've since covered the story, Night on Bear Mountain is the very FIRST Scrooge story, with Scrooge inviting his nephews for Christmas to scare them but being impressed by the end and thus inviting them for CHristmas Diner. This story shows what happens in between while also explaning the discrepency between the Scrooge we see in that story and who he'd be in the rest of his meaty cagalogue. In night on bear mountain Scrooge is diffrent, wearing a long robe, living in an isolated mansion (Keep in mind comics scrooge just lived at the bin), with him being more myth than actual person Donald just.. visits every day.

This story bridges that gap, explaning how Scrooge got his groove back, shows his first proper adventure with his nephews, and how he went from only a poor old man to the greatest adventuerer who ever lived once again. If this sounds familiar Ducktales 2017 did something similar, having Scrooge having mostly retired after loosing Della and years of searching for her, with the boys and webby reignting that spirit in much the same way, with Donald busy with a job offer that turned out to be an elaborate scheme. I still love they did that and it's a testiment ot how much impact this story had on the reboot: while a lot of Scrooge's past was changed, including his parents still being alive, the comic was, as I belivie I mentioned in the first entry, required reading for staff and stands as an important inspiration for one of the greatest cartoons ever made and quite possibly my faviorite.

So let's dive into the bin one last time as Scrooge rediscovers himself, Huey , Dewey and Louie discover a legend and Donald won't shut the fuck up.

We open with a Citizen Kane Homage as Scrooge whispers goldie while holding a snowglobe. He isn't dead, won't be till the 60's in rosa's eyes. For now though he's become a recluse as a newsreeel overs over his life and how his last public apperance was 17 years ago, when he threw out his family seemingly for good. We get some neat cameos as we see Grandma Duck again, this time in her glory days, who hasn't seen Scrooge since she sold him most of her land bar the farm.. and Gus when he corrects her that the old coot also came by to forclose on the chicken coop. Gus is Donald's cousin. He eats a lot, sleeps more and is somehow lazier than our boy. Which is possible. We also see Gladstone, the bastard and donald who shoves a hand in the camera.

At this point the Bin is just a legend, with no one really knowing if it's actually full of cash, something four familiar fowl talk about as they watch the newscast: Donald and his nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. After 12 chapters we're to the present day of duckberg and where it all began as they prepare for that christmas dinner I mentioned. The boys wonder if it could be true while Donald dismisses it: no rich person could've EARNED IT and he assumes Scrooge inherited it.. somehow. Which baffles me a bit as while I'm sure Hortense, like 2017 Donald, tried not to bring Scrooge up, she wouldn't of.. not brought up her childhood in scotland or the rest of her family. They didn't throw her out. Granted Donald does have a talent for self delusion and we don't know how young the kids were when she died, so there's wiggle room it just annoys me a little

What Annoys mea lot is Donald who throughout this whole story constantly says everything about Scrooge is fake. That he probably bought it on crusies. It annoys be a bit less this readthrough as having become fed up with most present day billionares.. yeah most do. This just happens to be the one whose a bastard AND worked hard to earn it. But it's still a very one note gag: Donald is up his own ass and dosen't know what we know or has seen what we've seen and thinks his uncle's only a poor old man.

It's not story breaking, but it is repetitive.

Thankfully we move on to the mansion proper as Scrooge's butler Jeeves, and no that's not me goofing up Duckworth was created for the show, ushers them in.. and as Scrooge slowly stirs.. we see him, in a truly awesome panel

I love all the detail here: the bits of stubble, the tired eyes, how sunken he looks in genearl. This is a Scrooge who has given up: he's retired from work to rot in a mansion, having nothing left and is a shell of what he once was and will be again. I also give Rosa credit for using Scrooge's first apperance design still: he had the time for Scrooge to change.. but him not having done so is a symbol of just how deep in the depression hole he is: as someone whose been in them I relate to clearly not having taken care of yourself in some time, just sitting there letting time pass as you feel you have nothing left.

The boys being their usual charming hive minded selves are delighted to meet their great uncle. Though we get a really sad bit as he notes most family he has has.. disappeared. He dosen't know matilda is alive, and he certainly heard what happened to Hortense. The boys do genuinely welcome him in but he balks, figuring their all after inheretiance. Donald claps back that you spent it all on this place ya jackass.

Scrooge insscensed decides the time has come to do something he rarely does but is sacred to the rich: flashing his cash. Specicially he has his butler.. dress him. Okay Scrooge you need either boundries with your butler or a more equal relationship if you want to keep fucking him. Trust me i've hit on the help too. The help was a gorgon's head but I didn't make her dress me.. hades didn't give me that option because their sane.

He takes them to the Bin, which is decayed.. though Scrooge has been keeping the booby traps fresh and keeps the weeds simply because it's good security: if a place LOOKS abandoned and unloved, people will think that. And it mostly has been, Scrooge having retired isn't using it. Still he kept the most important part of it, the cash ocean itself, but our heroes pass the second most important part first

This little tirade, while very in character.. is also very Rosa speaking his piece, as he hated stories (even barks own) where the Dime was implied to be magic. Whlie his old man yells at cloud behavior often has me shaking my head.. I agree on this one. The dime is better as a symbol that motivated scrooge than as a plot device and it cheapens the man's skill to say the Dime is responsible. I don't mind Magica trying to use it for a power source as THAT makes sense: it has a lot of emotional energy from being around scrooge as he got his fortune, the weight of having traveled the world with him for most of his life and being what started a great man on his path. I like the idea that kind of object with that kind of emotoinal baggage has power, kinda like what adventure time did with Hambo and PB's Shirt she got from marcy. It's magical yes but it fits the world better and makes it clear the dime is impressive because of SCROOGE not the other way around. Somehow Lorcana didn't get the memo

The description and image are perfect, as is the fact it's SHOCKINGLY powerful I just don't get why Number One Dime wasn't considered.

One he unveils the bin though it DOES shock his nephew and even DONALD can't say anything for a change

I do like that explination.. it dosen't scan with every Scrooge story as there are countless that say his bin really is the McDuck version of one piece, from the aformentioned Christmas for Shacktown to the very first Scrooge lead story "Only a Poor Old Man". I'm not against this: Rosa had a tendency to pick and choose which parts of Bark's stories to make canon to his stories, wanting a more cohesive universe and while clearly respecting the man to a sometimes stifling degree, recognized not everything from stories not really built to have a continuity was going to stick together. As reverent as he is to barks, to an annoying degree at times like his feeling put out at having to include Fethry despite being an entirely valid character with loads of potetial simply because one man didn't create him (Not saying barks isn't fucking amazing, he is, but it's a petty reason not to use good characters).. I can respect Rosa for knowing what he wanted in his own canon and what to keep as well as having said multiple times his stories dont' stack up to his idols. I disagree on that statment as while Barks IS better in some ways, for all I gripe about the guy sometimes... Rosa is a truly talented writer, one of the best duck writers there ever was and while Time's made me see the cracks in the guy.. ti dosen't make him any less special or any less vital to duck canon. Ther'es a reason most writers either honor his stories or consider them canon alongside barkses. The man has a degree of talent, care and love that's hard to come by and while I may disagree with some of his choices at times... I can't help but love the guy still.

So anyway that suspcious santa might have set you off.. turns out the santas near the bin were beagle boys, scoping out a hesit and lead by Scrooge's old enemy blackheart, whose descendants indeed got to fucking as he hoped.

As is duck story standard they easily capture our heroes despite scrooge being way more badass than all of them combined... Donald too honestly... the boys also. Honestly a paper bag could probably beat the beagle boys and they somehow win when the plot says so, though this time at least theirs a valid excuse; Donald and the boys are new at adventuering, having gone on a few solo adventures pre scrooge while Scrooge has given up on the world and thus surrenders to being thrown.. though he is pissed they once again bring up the lucky dime thing. So before he can snap out of it let's talk about this dperession and self loathing: honestly while he'd never say it, even Ducktales 2017 scrooge both hides what happened with Della from the kids and refuses to apologize to Donald for a decade despite being almost entirely in the wrong, it's clear loosing his sisters did hurt him: he had his money but nothing else and with nothing to really fight for and his lifelong goal achieved he just.. gave up. It dosen't feel like scrooge ... but that's the point: just as his horrible actions in africa weren't really him, not striving, not searching not trying to build his empire simply because he's seemingly won.. isn't him. Without anyone to share it with... his bin is just a pile of coins, memetos of better days.

So the thing that busts him out of his stupor... are his nephews. The boys search furiously for some way out, unlike Donald and Scrooge not ready to give up and find his old mining gear... while Donald.. well Donald inspires him in his own way

I love this and it's something I really hadn't thought about before but think of now, especially since again Woo-Hoo! takes some steps from this, having Louie take Donald's place as the doubting asshole, and have the boys as a whole, like Donald question if Scrooge really was this big or is just some old man, leading him to ragefully prove them wrong.. granted Scrooge's attempts in Woo-Hoo are more laughable as he plans to go diving to prove children wrong, something Beakley lampshades, but he still gets the step of showing them what he cna do by dealing with everything they unleash in his garage, similar to how here the combined menaces of Donald's jerkassery and the Beagle Boys scheme finally awakens the beast. I also love the subtle note of Scrooge taking off his coat, revealing his usual coat underneath. It's something I again hadn' tnoticed before this re-read, but ti's a very ncie touch... Scrooge the doddering old man given up on everything is gone. Scrooge McDuck, Last of the Clan McDuck, Master of the Missippi, Buckaroo of the Badlands, Raider of the Copper Hill, Laird of Castle McDuck, Terror of the Transyval, Dreamtime Duck of Never Never, King of The Klondike, Billionare of Dismal Downs, Invader of Fort Duckburg, Empire Builder from Callisota... THE Richest Duck in the world is back.

And since he's back he decides to go after the beagles, having the boys haul his trunk. I also really like this joke.

Look donald is my boy, and even in a story where he's not on his a game.. he's still Donald. He's bound to have at least one good moment or two.

The two notice scrooge a coming and take off.. but they left an other Sleigh which Scrooge quickly takes, and begins using a cavlcade of his skills. We've seen his mining, now we see his ablility to tame any animal. It's not as impressive as a lion but he dosen't have time to get to the zoo so a horse'll do.

We also get ANOTHER choice gag. While not all of rosa's comedy lands for me.. the guy really nails it a lot of the time and it's a part of his writing talent that dosen't get praised enough.

Honestly this chapter is easily the funniest next to the invader of fort duckberg, likely because with the dramatic part of Scrooge's life mostly worn down, we have more room for some comedy.

Blackheart has them step on it as he realizes he's no longer dealing with a hollowed out shell of a man but the guy whose beat him twice and is ready to abide by rule of three. We get some fun callbacks as scrooge uses his gold pan as a discus to knock out the driver of the beagle boys then takes out the rest, minus blackheart who grabs the dime for leverage, with his boomerang from his time in australia. This also leads to another fucking phenominal gag

Scrooge then ties up the rest of the non blackheart beagles using his roping tricks, with the officers that poor woman called rounding the boys up. All that's left is blackheart who naturally, as our big bad for the chapter, final antagonist of the story and the foe Scrooge has fought the most on this journey, gets the best takedown of all

Such an awesome moment: The same thing that finally brought Scrooge's dream to reality... is what helps cement his return to his truest self: he may be a mean old man.. but he's tougher than the toughies, sharper than the sharpies, smarter than the smarties and he made his money square.

That said the adrenline does wear off slightly.. until...

I had to share the scene in full.. because it's so damn good. After a whole journey, after seeing Scrooge at his lowest.. we see his core. Something that speaks against ageism: your body may age, but your never too old to start over, to have a second chance.. to chase another rainbow. The quality of your lives are what you make of them also really gets me.

IT's also a nice return to form as the bin being public.. dosen't bother them. Let them come: he's fought off worse and he'll fight them again. I also love him kicking donald's butt. He's just enough of a jerk in this story to well deserve it.

So Scrooge is now fully back: he decides to reopen the office, sell the mansion and get back to work.. and take the boys with them. While he dosen't say it being the stubborn old bastard we know and love... he needs these boys. Adventure is nothing if you don't have anyone to share it with.. .and once again he has someone to share it with. Once again he has family.

So he celebrates with a swim, with the boys astounded at his ability btu Donald unable to understand his uncle: all he seems to have is cold metal... but he could be wrong...

This ending gets me... a reminder it's both never too late (Something I need at only 32, which in tumblr years is 90), and that a life well lived is one not lived alone, that the things that make us who we are good and bad.. are the greatest adventure of all.

The Richest Duck in the World is a well done capper, feeling like a lost modern scrooge adventure, that missing piece in the story that Rosa happily filled in for us. Donald again can be a bit much, even in the stories final page he still hasn't quite got the hint, it's not one of his better stories.. but it dosen't take away from this as an ending.. and a beginning. Of a man who lost everything that mattered finding it again. Of an epic story of one man's life, what made him who he was, and what he gained, lost and ultimately found again.

Life and Times.. is one of the best comics of all time,the best duck comics story ever, and only not currently the best duck story PERIOD because ducktales 2017 is so freaking good. And even then while that series beats it over all as an individual story this 12 part epic still trumps it's worthy successor. It's a labor of love that's massive in scope, character work and gorgeous art work. It's a true masterpice that needs to be read again and again and one i was very happy to cover. I found stuff I disliked sure, a chapter or two had pacing issues, some things didn't land.. but ti's hard to deny what a fucking triumph this book is. Only one other comic I can think of comes this close to distilling a characters essence down into 12 issues, and even then All Star Superman, while excellent didn't also have the task of trying to be in continuity. Life and Times is a masterpiece and it was a joy coverinmg it and the dream of a life time finishing this journey> Thank you all for reading.. and see you next rainbow.

[umbral-stigmata-unbound]

// not me looking at my Rebirth Review file and thinking, '...this is too fucking long, no one wants to read all this'.

Point being, I loved the game. Were there parts I think could be improved on? Yeah. Were there parts that were annoying (characters, or functionality that is also possibly annoying because I'm just not a great gamer)? Totally. But overall, I loved it.

I loved the exploration and the world intel stuff. The scenery was so beautiful, so engaging. It was so immersive into the world, for me, especially with the region specific fiends AND THE FUCKING SUMMON LORE? I will not get tired of how that was handled, okay. I adored it, and would love to have more. But I loved there being summons for each region, because duh. And as you find the temple or whatever locations, you keep getting mythology tidbits about them? Like, yes?

I love the greater detail to dynamics. The complicated levels of Cloud and Tifa's dynamic, but also those key moments where they support and care and ground one another.

Cloud and Aerith's dynamic growing and just showing different levels, Aerith with her gremlin energy lol, and Cloud still trying to figure things out within himself.

I loved Barret having Tifa's back in specific moments, accenting their relationship born from their time within AVALANCHE. As well as GIVING MY LIFE FOR THE GLORY THAT IS AERTI--I mean, the wonderful change to Tifa and Aerith's dynamic. I adore how they found a bond and a connection and it just seemed to bloom, all of a sudden, into one of those friendships that are so deep and so in sync, it feels like it'd been there the whole time.

And some people mind find me controversial for saying this. Though of course I want Cloud to be happy and safe and all that, I'm deeply satisfied with how they're handling his decline. The confusion in his memories, still in denial about being a SOLDIER, about Zack's exact role in his life. The way Sephiroth keeps seeping in, twisting his thoughts and feelings. The way he was absolutely feral at the end when going after the black materia. I ate it up, okay. Yes, I hate it for him, but it's like this thing we've imagined only in pixels and words, brought to life to perfection. I look forward to how it'll change.

Didn't entirely love the change to Aerith's burial, and how Cloud is in a state of not even...mourning her because he doesn't realize/accept that she's dead, whilst the rest of the team does. But that's not to say I'm against it. I equally hate it and love it and look forward to seeing how that's going to complicate things (my only major greviance that I have to sit with, is that this stole the mourning scene. We didn't get the teams final words and moments with Aerith, and we did get Cloud putting her in the water. that was something I was looking forward to).

THE BATTLE AGAINST SEPHIROTH THO, at the end after Aerith's death? The back and forth between worlds/timelines/zack and Cloud and Aerith and Cloud gets a little fucky wucky and i loved it and was worn out by it through different playthroughs, but im mostly talking about THE TEAM. Everyone attack the Seph-Jenova monster, together, all at once. Further adding to what I enjoyed during average battles, that you had your three chosen team members, but the other cast would be acting on the sidelines to help (like if barret or yuffie were outside of the party, they still shot at or threw a shuriken and did damage, making it feel more realistic that the whole team engages in battle, rather than just the three). But not only was this all of them going into battle together. It was FOR Aerith. They didn't have their moment to sit and cry in their grief, but we were given a more intense, heavy, and beautiful moment for them to fight in their grief (beyond what OG offered). And yes, I loved that it was likely fanservice playing tribute to the full-team battle from AC against Bahamut SIN, sue me.

I love Rebirth, man. I just do. So, instead of finishing that long ass review, im just posting this, and inviting people to ask me my opinion instead, whether it's things I liked, didn't like, or what I would've liked to have seen, have at it!

[tuliharja]

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Conflict episode 1 review

After almost a year Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood war anime is back on the air! I would be lying if I wrote I hadn't been expecting it to come last month (September) because the second cour started to appear back then. But it's a good thing the cour 3 finally started!

Despite that, I think the first episode was a bit mid. The sole reason is the fact almost half of the episode was a recap of last cour's two last fights. Don't get me wrong, I still think Senjumaru's fight against the Quincies was epic, and seeing her Bankai was wonderful. Ichibe going against Yhwach was also something to be mesmerized about, but because those fights were so epic...at least I could remember those as clearly as if I had just yesterday finished watching cour 2's last episodes. Even so, while I found it a bit puzzling why there was such a recap, I could somehow understand it. It'll give the animators (hopefully) a budget for other epic scenes yet to come and once the anime finally truly picked itself, it felt just a natural continuation. Even so...it made me question 'what if they had cut out that recap and used that time for something else?'

But moving on. The third cour only kicked on after that recap and just like every manga reader would know, it was this time the quincies turn to win. The manga never showed us how, so seeing how Yhwach and Uryuu brought down both Ichibe and Senjumaru was interesting.

I really liked Uryuu's comeback against Senjumaru. I believe we haven't really seen Uryuu going so strongly against anyone except at the very beginning of the Bleach Mayuri. Which Senjumaru made the comparison. It almost made me laugh when she made that comment. It was like her breaking indirectly the fourth wall!

Yhwach vs. Ichibe was epic. The fact Ichibe broke down to that poem-ish singing middle of the fight to bring a new side of his Bankai (as youngsters these days would call it [talk about Ichibe and Senjumaru slaying things with their witty choice of words]) was epic. The animation was also epic. It felt very unique and refreshing, despite the fact there was some 3D here and there, but the makers still made it work. Too bad, Yhwach had seen that all and claimed his victory just like Uryuu who ended up playing Senjumaru like back with Mayuri, but hopefully this time without as big a cost as with Mayuri. Truly. Uryuu vs. Senjumaru felt like a parallel to Uryuu vs. Mayuri. But with that twist, this time Uryuu was the bad guy -at least from a certain perspective.

I also felt a strong parallel when Ichibe asked Ichigo to stop Yhwach. I don't know, but that parallel felt like a parallel to Kisuke? I can't now remember (it has been quite a long time) if Kisuke ever asked Ichigo to protect Soul Society or sort of, but the way Ichibe talked, his behavior, and the fact 'you don't have to kill the Quincy King (Yhwach) to protect Soul King, just stop him' just gave me massive Kisuke vibes asking things from Ichigo. I know many other shinigami have asked Ichigo to protect Soul Society when they haven't or sort of, but this...just like déja vu. I feel like this episode as a whole had lots of parallels. It was...interesting from that perspective.

Yhwach thrusting his blade to Soul King felt very ominous at the end. That and paired with the next episode's title, we can expect something epic next time!

Plus, the hint of Kyoraku going to see Aizen? I can't wait to see Aizen joining the fryer, since it won't just be your usual social visit Kyoraku will do.

Lastly, the opening of this cour is just epic. I really love the aesthetic of a monochrome setting with hints of color. It capture's viewer's sight of certain things while making the viewer somewhat 'blind' to other things that might occur. The ending made me giggle as the music sounds so upbeat and happy-happy, even though the words aren't that happy-go-lucky nor are the animations. But the beat being like that after things end with an ominous note? Yeah, talk about the contrast between things. In fact, the ending felt like playing with contrasts as Uryuu was on the side of the 'darkness' while Ichigo was on the side of 'light', yet in the end...they felt like just two opposites of the same coin, meeting somewhere in-between. The midnight sun was something that caught my attention when I watched the ending and read the lyrics of the song. It was obviously a figure of speech, but somehow...it felt a significant one. Also, once again, the fact the ending song's name was 'MONOCHROME' while the opening was almost fully monochrome felt like a huge parallel between the two things. In fact, the whole episode felt like it had lots of parallels...

[buffyfan145]

do u have any theories on sauron x galadriel interacting bfr the finale?

tbh when i finished the ep i didnt dislike it so was a bit surprised that a lot of folks took it negatively. i understand the complaints and agree that galadriel's and sauron's relationship + individual storylines drag quite a bit but i think this ep laid the ground for galadriel to feel even more alienated/bitter about elrond and other elves and showcased even further just how shaken she is by sauron + she needed to get to adar. im massively disappointed about her lack in ep3 and probably ep5 too tho.

but when it comes to sauron/galadriel i think there is still a time to make them interact more via their minds? wasnt there a shot of sauron in s2 promo that looked exactly like the fireplace scene in s1? + adar arc is going to be the highlight imo besides the finale.

and maybe im wayyy too hopeful and delusional but the lack of haladriel + gal being too confident about where shes headed + trusting the ring too much + elrond warning her, makes me feel like her ending up with him in the finale is more likely. unless they resolve 2 seasons long character conflict in 1 fight scene ofc.

I'm with you and I enjoyed today's episode too. I don't have any issues with what we're seeing at all, and for both of them their scenes still revolve a bit around the other. It's actually more than I expected. LOL Does make me wonder though if this show was a binge release with all 8 episodes at once if those "it drags" comments would disappear. I like that it's weekly but sometimes binge releases are better especially since a lot of younger generations aren't used to waiting weekly like us older ones (I do miss the 22 to 24 eps a season almost every week).

But back to Haladriel I do think they are going to interact before that even without Nenya. It'll likely be more Sauron doing it since it seems Nenya gives Galadriel a way to do it now and he's always been able to do this as he did it in the s1 finale with her, but then I wonder if Adar is actually going to help her out and maybe teach her to do it as some think he used to be able to communicate with Sauron mentally before he "killed" him and severed their connection.

Still a chance she and Adar's storyline is in ep 2.5 though as the Battle of Eregion is in eps 6, 7, and 8, so they need an episode to set up her and Adar teaming up. I feel 6 would be too rushed if it the battle starts in that episode. She's also already wearing the same outfit she fights Sauron in, in the finale too. So I'd be pretty shocked if she's not in next week's episode.

And I agree with you that it does seem to still be a chance that Haladriel ends up together or on the same in the end and the cliffhanger to lead us into s3. I mentioned this in other posts but it does seem like they could be setting up a pattern where they spend almost all of s1 together, most of s2 apart, most of s3 together, and then he goes to Numenor after they split for good and Celeborn comes back to set up s4, and then the final battle in s5 to set up the 3rd Age/LOTR books/movies. Plans could change in case Amazon forces them to end the show early if they really are getting smaller ratings (still have to wait for the Nielsen ratings but that Samba report yesterday as scared some fans and made the haters thinking the show is getting cancelled), but it seems like this could be the 5 season plan and fit why Charlie said their relationship would be a major storyline for all 5 seasons, so it's not going to wrap up after just 2 seasons.