#Secondly... how would you react if I told you that I made this in just about under 24 hours...

[11queensupreme11]

Yes, I am making a reaction fic....... eventually lol

i know it says i started this back in 2023, but all i really did was make a cover. i didn't start making any chapters until a few months ago hehe

BUT ANYWAYS YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT! i am making a reaction/reading the books/watching the movies fic for arsenic blues!!!! in this case, it will be ror reacting to pjo

for anyone interested to learn more, go under the cut!

(this started off as me just giving you some info about cerulean cyanide, but then i ended up ranting about how much i loved the pjo tv show lol, soooo if you haven't watched it, don't go down)

first off, THIS IS MY FIRST TIME MAKING A REACTION FIC! i've read a lot of them, but i have no experience in actually making one. i'm kinda nervous ngl 😅

secondly, i've already started... somewhat. i've copied all chapters of the lightning thief into a google doc and made necessary edits, but i haven't written any reactions... YET. i want to include the ror gods AND humans as members of the audience, and since i haven't written about the ror humans as thoroughly yet, i won't be writing the reactions until i get to act 2 of arsenic blues, since that's when the ror humans are introduced. this is important for me because i don't have their characterizations down yet, and won't until i actually start writing about them and their dynamics with percy. same goes with cú chulainn, he's a literal love interest, but won't get introduced until act 2!

thirdly, because of what i said up there ^ cerulean cyanide won't be published until act 2 is finished to avoid spoiling what happens during ragnarok and the god's apocalypse.

fourthly, IT WILL BE INTERMIXED WITH THE TV SHOW!!! i fucking LOVED the show and (most of) the changes that were made, so i'm totally going to add them into percy's past that the ror characters will be reacting to.

so what elements of the show should you expect to see? glad you asked!

POSEIDON 💙

poseidon in the books is great, but i loooooove the new stuff they put in the tv show. in the books, we're mostly told that poseidon loves percy and there are times where it's shown, but it's kinda hard to pick up since the books are written in PERCY'S POV, and since poseidon is literally restricted from interacting with him, it's hard to notice how much he actually loves his son when he's not even allowed to be AROUND the dude who's perspective takes up the whole series.

but in the tv show, it's not just percy's perspective that's explored! that little moment poseidon had with sally told us SOOOO MUCH about how he actually felt for the both of them. and when he and percy finally met??? THE ANGST AND LONGING THEY BOTH SHOWED UHDFSIGVSVGD I LOVED IT SO MUCH

AND THE FACT THAT HE NOT ONLY SAVED PERCY FROM ZEUS BUT ALSO SURRENDERED??? HE GAVE UP HIS PRIDE AND PRIDE IS SUCH A HUGE AND IMPORTANT THING FOR GODS BUT HE GAVE IT UP WITH NO HESITATION AHHHHHHH 😭

so yes, expect to see a lot of the poseidon scenes from the tv show

HERMES BEING AT THE LOTUS CASINO

i actually really like the fact that hermes was shown in here instead of the next season. some people were confused as to what the point was for having him in the casino and why he tricked the kids into staying at the casino longer, but i found this post on tumblr that explains why he could've been there:

in the last olympian, we (and percy) find out that hermes knew all along what luke's fate would be; that he would rebel against the olympians, bring forth kronos, become his host, etc. he knew ALL OF THAT. but he was never allowed to tell him (ancient laws), so he tried to CHANGE luke's fate in order to save him even though he knew it was pointless.

we get a bit of that in the tv show. hermes was there because he wanted to change luke's fate. he tricked the kids into staying at the casino longer so they would pass the deadline. war would come, and luke would get away with his thievery and nobody would know it was him because they're all too busy trying to kill each other. but ofc, like always, it didn't work because you can never change fate.

i love how the show showed us that hermes was trying to change his fate in the first season whereas in the books, it only started in the second book where he was introduced for the first time.

THE GODS' CRUELTY AND THEIR LOVE

the gods' cruelty and apathy was much more obvious in the show's first season compared to the first book. in the first book, most of the gods shown were jerks at best but the tv show really showed us how horrible of a family they are (most of them at least) to each other and their kids

like what show!ares said, his family loves to stab each other in the back, they love to hurt each other to get a higher leg up; they're not really a family. the audience and percy becomes VERY aware of that unlike in the books where it's more sugar-coated at the start.

we're shown very early on that they're not good people, but at the same time, we're shown that some of them DO care.

hephaestus was abused and mistreated by his family, but he refuses to be like them which is why he released percy from his trap; because he realizes that he and annabeth are good kids (ending the cycle). hermes loves his son and desperately wants to change his fate despite being told over and over again that its pointless. poseidon loves percy and wishes to be a proper family with him and sally, but isn't allowed to.

there are some good gods out there, which is why percy decided to stand by them instead of taking luke's offer to bring it all down. he's been shown that some gods ARE good. unlike in the first book where you don't really meet any decent gods, so book!percy honestly didn't have much of a reason to defend them, yet he did anyway when luke left camp. the show gave him (and us) a better reason to actually defend them

in the show, he's exposed to the god's cruelty, but he sees that it's not as black and white as he once thought "oh all the gods are bad and none of them care for their kids >:(", he sees the good in some of them and it's enough to make him want to save them instead of letting them crash and burn (like luke, who's blinded by his anger and hatred *cough cough* fatal flaw!!!! *cough cough*).

LUKE AND PERCY'S RELATIONSHIP

SHOW!LUKE WAS SO MUCH BETTER THAN BOOK!LUKE IMO.

book!luke was trying to kill percy very early on and was pretty much pretending to be his friend the whole time. yes his intentions and character get fleshed out as the books go on, but his relationship with percy... didn't offer much.

then there's show!luke who genuinely liked him and wanted to recruit him rather than kill him (that's why there's no scorpion scene). his betrayal was more personal and painful for percy. the fact that annabeth was there to watch it all happen was even better (not for her though LOL).

(and dont even get me started on how show!luke didn't hate grover like in the books. the genuine fear in his eyes when he found out that percy gave the shoes to him and the way his eyes got all misty??? he fully blames thalia's "death" on him and him only THE ANGUISH WAS SO 😭😭😭)

AND I THINK THAT MIGHT BE ALL?

so yes, these are some of the changes you should expect to see!

i wanna really contrast how different things are between the ror and pjo verse. ror gods are very close and tight-knit whereas the pjo gods are... well, "a mess" as percy so eloquently put it.

ror gods aren't forced under the tyrannical rule of zeus, their zeus is chill and just wants to have fun. they have no restrictions to follow and their divine laws aren't as oppressive

whereas pjo gods are under the tyrant rule of zeus and can't even interact with their kids.

ror gods are independent while pjo gods have to rely on the preservation of western civilization to stay alive and use demigods to break rules, etc etc.

pjo gods (some, at least) are kinder and have no issues falling in love with humans and loving their demigod children while ror gods are cruel assholes who commit genocide against humanity despite being the ones to create them

and etc etc.

ANYWAY, I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE AS HYPED UP AS I AM!!!! 🥳🥳🥳 can't wait to start writing reactions for the first time ever 🫨

[charliedawn]

I was wondering how the Hannibal family would react to the fact that they met their childhood friend, a reader? Maybe they used to be in love with her? Or were you just good friends?

Hannibal Lecter Sr.

Hannibal Sr. would greet you with perfect composure—but if you look closely, you might see his fingers tighten just slightly. You were once part of his formative years, and nostalgia is a powerful thing. But he wouldn’t let you see it. Besides, Hannibal Sr. had a terrible childhood and wouldn’t necessarily be happy reviving the memories.

"Ah…Y/N. What a surprise. Tell me, did you seek me out…or was this fate ?"

If you were childhood sweethearts, even in the innocent way, Hannibal Sr. would never have forgotten you. He’d remember everything—the way you laughed, the stories you shared, the little habits you had. Seeing you again ? It would make him remember things from his past he really would have liked to keep buried forever.

"You were always so…dear to me. I wonder, have you changed ? Or are you still the same fascinating creature I once knew ?"

Expect intense eye contact, lingering touches on your shoulder, and a deeply unhealthy interest in what you’ve been doing all these years without him. But since he is advanced in years, I would assume you are too and made a life for yourself. He would like to learn about your family and what you did during all these years. And maybe if you’re lucky…you would catch a glimpse of the nice young boy you used to play with as a child…

Hannibal Lecter Jr.

Hannibal Jr. would act like he’s completely unbothered—calm, charming, unshaken. But the moment he sees you, his mind would be racing. How ? When ? So many questions but all inconsequential next to the old feelings coming back to haunt him. Hannibal Sr. had told him you had died long ago…Obviously, he had been lied to.

"Y/N. What an unexpected reunion. You look…well."

If you were close as children, he would find it fascinating how much you’ve changed—or how much you’ve stayed the same. And if there was ever even a hint of romance between you ? He would remember every detail.

"Do you recall the last time we saw each other ? I do. Quite vividly, in fact."

Unlike his father, Hannibal Jr. would appreciate the memories of a time where things seemed so simple. He remembered when it was only the two of you at school and how excited you both were to be learning new things. If you moved on and had a life (kids, husband/wife or just new experiences) he would smile and nod politely. He would be glad you had what you always wanted…

Hannibal Jr. *takes your hand and kisses the knuckles/shakes it* : "…I have missed you, old friend. It was nice seeing you again."

Morgan Hannibal

Morgan would be completely thrown off guard at first. Let’s not forget that he was adopted quite late within the Hannibal family and he used to be abused by his old boss. He really didn’t like the man he was—weak and frustrated. But, he would hide his insecurities behind a smirk.

"Well, well. Look what the past dragged in."

If you were childhood friends, he’d be genuinely happy to see you. But if there were any romantic feelings back then ? He would be in denial. Firstly because you know who he used to be and no way would you love him and secondly, because he knows his family and would try to protect you.

"I barely recognised you. No, really—I thought you were someone else for a second. Guess I didn’t expect to see you again."

But the moment you start reminiscing ? Oh, that cocky mask would slip so fast…

"You still remember that ? Hah…yes, I guess I do too. I was a…very different man back then."

If you ever had feelings for each other ? He would smile at the past where he thought anything could be possible. And if you moved on ? He would feel sad of course but…also relieved that you managed to have a good life without him.

Kevin Hannibal

Kevin’s reaction would be immediate and emotional. He wouldn’t even try to hide it—he’d just stare at you in shock, his mouth opening slightly before he lets out an incredulous laugh.

"Holy shit. Y/N ?!"

He’d walk up to you, still blinking in disbelief, and then—without even thinking—pull you into a tight hug.

"Damn…I thought I’d never see you again."

If you were childhood best friends, Kevin would be overwhelmed by emotions. He’d immediately start talking about the old days, asking if you remember this or that, laughing as old memories flood back.

But if you were his first love ? Oh, now it gets complicated.

"Do you ever think about back then ? About us ?" Unlike his brothers, Kevin wouldn’t play games—if he still had feelings, he’d let them slip through before he could stop himself. But if you moved on ? He would respect it. Besides, he is technically still a wanted criminal so…Yeah. Not the right time for relationships.

Peter Hannibal

Peter would be stunned. Completely speechless for a few seconds, just staring at you with wide, teary eyes. And then—he’d immediately get emotional.

"Y/N ! Oh my God, it’s really you !" He’d rush forward and grab your hands, squeezing them tight like he’s afraid you’ll disappear. "I missed you—I missed you so much ! I thought about you all the time ! You—you still remember me, right ?"

If you were just childhood friends ? He’d be overjoyed to see you again, rambling about how he always wondered what happened to you. But if you were his first crush ? He’s absolutely melt and hold you tight.

"I—uh—I used to…I mean, I kind of—um, never mind !"

Peter is not good at hiding his emotions, so if he ever had feelings for you ? You’re gonna know.

[that-damn-fouth-chaosemerald]

Could would Lotor, Shiro, Keith and Zarkon (separately) react to finding out that the males of their boyfriend's (m!readers) species can get pregnant? M! reader's species is basically a cat-human hybrid. I don't care if it's smut or fluff.

(feel free to take off Keith or Shiro if there are to many characters)

—❢—

×A/N×

Hey, Anon!

I'm sorry for taking this too long!

The characters are kinda ooc, but I hope it's acceptable!

I wanted to make this as fluff, but I put some spice in it. Don't worry, it's safe.

Although, I have to admit-

I'm a Lotor simp

×❢ About my work ❢×

ooc, fluff, smut, male reader, cat human hybrid reader, no pronouns used for the reader, no proofread

Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Character(s): Takashi "Shiro" Shirogen, Keith Kogane, Prince Lotor, Emperor Zarkon, You| (Y/N) |The Reader

Ship(s): The characters x You| (Y/N) |The Reader

Form: Headcanons

—❢ー

𝐋𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨, 𝐊𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐙𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

[Credit goes to the creators of the gifs!]

Takashi "Shiro" Shirogen

• he is actually pretty surprised

• firstly, because you are a male and you're pregnant

• but don't worry, he traveled through the galaxy and he saw weirder stuff than this

• secondly, he didn't believe that the pregnancy test will be possitive and you guys made it!

• like you came up to him and told that the pregnancy test was possitive and he was like "What's that, hon?"

• BUT YOU GUYS MADE IT! And this is what matters. And ofc the baby's health too, but you get my point

• so it was kind of a good surprise for him

• he's not so crazy about it

• Actually, he never had a crazy, energetic personality, so that's normal from him.

• but he will do his best to keep you and the baby healthy

• he'll also sit down and just talk softer when he's around your belly

• he'll be ONE OF THE most cheesy ones

• also, he won't like it, when others are cursing around you bc of the baby

• HE'S SO DAD!! (I mean he's the dad of the Team Voltron, so what did u expect? -)

Keith Kogane

• he'll just stand there and say "... What?"

• Even if he doesn't show any sign of excitment, you know that he's happy about it.

• You two WILL have serious conversations about he can be a good father, and yes, you know that you're two are ready for this child.

• will be more protective around you than ever

• he's afraid that the baby will get infected by Lance

• "Stop it, you'll make my child(ren) stupid."

"Oh, like you would be any smarter."

"I am."

• 3 months after you've revealed to him that you're pregnant, he have finally accepted that he is ready to be a great and ideal father to your child(ren). He placed your palm into his. "You know... I was thinking, (Y/N)... Maybe... Maybe you're right. I can be a good father to our child(ren)." he looked up at you with a determined sparkle in his eyes. "And I'm so ready for it."

• he's not a big crier, but this will be definitely bring his emotional side out. But just for you and your baby(s) only

Prince Lotor

• ♪ he knows, he knows, and I know he knows ♪

• okay, but seriously, when you mentioned that the test was positive, he'll just stand there and smirk at you and say

• "I already know that, Darling."

• and he also knows that he's happy about it

• definitely that type of person, who already has a whole construction plan of the baby's room

• he'll probably kiss your belly at sex

• also, I think it would turn him onthat how sensitive you are

• "Oh my..." he laughs at your whimpers. He did nothing yet. All he did was just touching your chest with his cold fingertips. And you are already beneath the plesure as you begging him for more. "You're so sensitive for me, Dear."

• He tries to spend as much time with you and the baby as he can. He doesn't want to give your child the same parenthood, like his was. He wants to be better, than his father.

Emperor Zarkon

(Mind if I do past Zarkon? As the Black Lion's paladin? I hope you don't mind it-)

• he could already sense that you're pregnant, so he wasn't so surprised

• though, he was still happy with you

• in the Garla Empire it's quite dangerous to have a child, don't you think so?

• but don't worry, he'll watch out for you

• IS the other cheesy one

• he'll just knee down and kiss your belly while asking "So, how's my babygirl / my big boy?"

• he had some doubt if he could be good father, but he swallowed it quickly

• i mean you chosed him. If he wasn't a good father figure for your beautiful child(ren), why would you choose him, right?

• i would say that he treats you like a prince —just like his son—, he does that everyday so-

• but after all, he's really greatful to have a child (or more) with you, and he's more than ready to be the father of your child(ren)!

[wodniars-void]

Do you have any headcanons *you* would like to share? Maybe some about Terra? 🧡

Thanks for the ask, Starlight!!!

Boy howdy DO I INDEED. Buckle up!!!!!

I feel so strongly that he is the type who would listen to like, dad rock and Jimmy Buffet. He got his music taste from Eraqus <3 He is either listening to the oldest music you've ever heard on a wax cylinder phonograph or there is a CD in a boombox blasting 80s power ballads and dad rock. He never figured out the music function of his Gummiphone so Chip, Dale, Ienzo, and Data Riku just helped him burn a bunch of CDs. Silence is Weird post-kh3 so he'll usually have music playing while he trains and does chores and stuff. He also has a portable CD player and headphones to be considerate of when Ven and Aqua maybe don't want to hear Holding Out For A Hero for the 50th time, but it's more likely you'll walk in on him woodcarving with Margaritaville playing in the background.

Secondly. Secondly. I think for his birthday Aqua makes something like peanut butter brownies, to account for his dislike of sweet things. Like how the Rockin' Crunch ice cream has a chocolate and nut shell, his ideal desserts usually include dark chocolate and nuts. There's this one chocolate place I know that sells frozen bananas covered in chocolate and peanuts and they absolutely rule. Disney Town would make him one to celebrate his return and he would cry. He has tried pecan pie and was deeply disappointed by how much he didn't like it. It sounds so appealing but it was So Sweet. If he's really craving a treat he might have a bit of dark chocolate, or some honey roasted nuts, maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream :)

Okay now. Post kh3 I headcanon he becomes a magnet for the kids without really meaning to, he just exudes a comfy and non-judgemental vibe. He understands having really complicated feelings about darkness, or someone who passed, or someone who hurt them. He's a safe and open space to both talk about things and seek refuge from them. He's the number one lil guy collector <3

He ends up visiting Lilo and Stitch fairly often, more Stitch than Lilo, but as above, he collects Lil Guys without meaning to and Lilo is not excluded. It's really comforting to him to see that Stitch escaped and found a happy life and made friends :) He hasn't told Lilo why he ended up on the spaceship so she keeps guessing what his Space Crimes were. The truth is he didn't do any crimes and was wrongly imprisoned without due process or fair trial but I think Minor Space Traffic Violation is the funniest option he's "confirmed". He may have done some Space Crimes after he broke out of Space Jail but that's different. He didn't get arrested for those

Okay this one is a long one and is practically an au so grab a snack and drink some water. Settled? Comfy? Okay let's go :3

Long story short: Post KH3, Terra can see ghosts. He's had Visions before, of both the past and the future, it's an innate magic ability that sort of does what it wants. He's also died, really severely, moreso than like, anybody ever. And he himself was a ghost in multiple senses for a while. So when he gets put back together, that split & death lingers. And being connected to death while also having magic Sight mixes weird, thus, ghost vision! Which leads to some fun Dark Road themed adventures :3

Long story long: Terra has visions, right? Glimpses of things from both the past and the future, that are never quite explained. For example, he should by no means know what young Xehanort or KH2 Riku look like, and yet he sees them on the Destiny Islands, and reacts to seeing them. Which indicates that happened in-universe rather than purely for the viewer. We don't know why this happens, but given Terra's other unique magical abilities (i.e. the Lingering Will), I assume it's one of the Wayfinder Trio's odd magical quirks, like Aqua being able to enchant items.

Well, being split apart messed with that innate magic. I don't know the exact mechanics, something about death mixing funny with seeing things other people can't. Something about being a ghost and being connected to other ghosts and being able to recognize yourself in others. The wires got a little crossed, essentially.

Which means post KH3, readjusting to being alive and everything, he just starts to See more often? Flickers of people around the Land of Departure, whispers in empty rooms that were never there before. (I personally believe the Land of Departure is basically like, mega haunted. Lots of lingering keyblade wielder spirits. But I'm only focusing on one set of ghosts here.) It's not anything he's not used to, he's had Visions his whole life, but the increased frequency is weird. But things don't come to a head until a late night trip to get a midnight snack leads to a literal run-in with one of the Dark Road underclassmen, which is a shock to both of them.

Thus, cue the Dark Road shenanigans, maybe some contemplation on what it means to be a ghost, idk this part is mostly an excuse to let the wayfinders and underclassmen (and upperclassmen) interact. I like them :3

TLDR: Because of his Visions and complicated relationship with death Terra gains the ability to see ghosts and it turns out to be a nicer deal than you'd usually expect :3

Okay this ask took a LONG time to answer and that's entirely on me. And it's long as hell, thanks for enabling me Starlight <3 This was really fun to work on and think about!!!! Tune in next time for more Terra Thoughts!

[vraisetzen]

https://www.tumblr.com/vraisetzen/759944146657148928/hi-v-howre-you-after-reading-notte?source=share

Woah! Oh my god, this is such an awesome response! It’s so thoughtful and well-written! I really love your answer to the first question! It’s absolutely incredibly thoughtful!!

I’m not anon, but I’ve also been curious about the way a meeting between Michikatsu and Tengen would go, too… I wonder — does Michikatsu, on some level, want to impress Tengen? And how would Suma, Makio and Hinatsuru react to Michikatsu? What about Amato?

And how would the rest of the surviving people react to the marriage? Would they know or would only the closest — like Tengen — know?

And also just another thing I’ve been curious… what do you think Michikatsu would do now that he’s human again? He’s no longer a demon and no longer has to think about Muzan’s wishes… and because there are no demons, he doesn’t have to think about being a demon slayer anymore… so what would he do?

You are SO COOL. I cannot believe you provided such an amazing response to those questions. You are so thoughtful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone respond in this way before on Tumblr.

And can I just say? You’re such a cool writer. You are so good at conjuring the mood, using just the right descriptions, writing believable dialogue, and just being able to replicate believably human behaviour… That is so cool!

I honestly wish more people knew about ‘Notte Stellata’ because it’s fantastic. It’s so well-paced and it’s just filled with some of the coolest imagery and dialogue. You truly have a gift for writing.

Hi Anon! I'm so happy that you enjoyed my answer! It was a fantastic question and I had a great time thinking about it~

I think Michikatsu, firstly as the Reader's husband, and secondly as someone who is naturally competitive and always aspires to be the best, would seek to prove his worth — though more so to himself than to others. As a human, he no longer has the supernatural strength and skill of a demon (though his Breathing techniques will always stay with him), so he is keenly aware that he needs to show his capabilities in other aspects of his life even if the Reader assures him that there is no need for him to do so.

On a separate vein, he also understands that Uzui is not just the Reader's former comrade, but also the closest person she could have to a family; he therefore knows that Uzui expects him to show that he deserves the Reader's husband.

"Still, there was no reason for Tengen-sama to come rushing over, demanding an explanation," Hinatsuru said with a sheepish smile. Amato, sitting on her laps, gurgled in agreement.

"I don't think Uzui-san meant any offence nor harm," you offered, embarrassed that you might have sowed some seeds of discord between the quartet. "We really should have told you earlier."

"You had no obligation to," Hinatsuru assured. "It's your marriage, and we understand that you needed some time with each other."

"And Michikatsu-san has been nothing more than gracious towards us," noted Suma as she carried Amato into her arms, tickling the young boy in his sides. "Amato was so happy when he'd made a little wooden horse just for him!"

"Well, he's good with his hands," you agreed, looking down at your reflection in the tea cup just in time to catch the flash of pride that flitted across your eyes.

"Does he work as a craftsman?" Makio asked, setting down a small bowl of sweet potatoes. Instantly, Amato dove for the snack, using his fingers to prod the mash. Makio pulled his hand away. "Hey, manners!"

"Does he work at all?" Suma joked.

"Well, it's not a bad thing to be idle," Makio noted, feeding Amato a tiny spoonful of the sweet potatoes. "But not as idle as Tengen-sama though..."

"Girls..." Hinatsuru interjected, but you waved off her concerns with a small smile, touching your ears in a bid to quell the heat that has stained it a deep pink.

"Michikatsu does have a job," you explained. "Well, sort of..."

"Sort of?" Makio raised a brow, pausing as she hovered the spoon inches away from her son's mouth. Amato cried in protest, and she turned her attentions back to him. "Ah, sorry, kiddo..."

Michikatsu, to your knowledge, has never had to work a day in his life. In the past, he had been a samurai, tasked with managing his estate's finances and ensuring the discipline of his men. And in the following centuries as a demon, he never needed to worry about accumulating worldly possessions and wealth.

It thus came as a surprise to him, after he had recovered from his injuries, when you suggested that he tried to put his skills to good use. While the pension you received from the Corps was enough to keep you two fed and warm for the rest of your lives, you thought it best if Michikatsu could explore this new world as a human.

The only issue, of course, was that Michikatsu was a man displaced from his time. Any skill he possessed had been outdated for many years; the carrying of swords was banned by the Meiji government for several decades before you were born. While he was a skilled Go player, the game had become increasingly unpopular as many turned to Western chess and other new imported curiosities.

It was one thing to be a demon in a world of humans, but another to be an old soul in a world of modernity.

And though Michikatsu may remain silent, you sensed that he was becoming rather antsy at his alienation from this modern world. You noticed that he would retreat into the study or the woods for hours at a time, and would not emerge till it was minutes before dusk with a pensive look on his face. He never spoke of his worries nor expressed his frustrations to you, but it made the atmosphere at home rather tense.

Anxiety gnawed at your bones as you wondered if your marriage was doomed even before you had time to bicker over chores and sleeping patterns.

But you did not tell this to the girls, of course. What you could tell them, however, was a small twist of fate that turned things around for the two of you:

There was a small bookstore in town which you and Michikatsu enjoyed frequenting for its quaint collection of old books from the Edo period and Chinese classics. The owner was a widowed old man, balding and slight with a pair of half-moon glasses, who always allowed you to borrow the texts instead of purchasing them, in exchange for the occasional afternoon tea.

"A few weeks Michikatsu pointed out that the chapters in a copy of The Analects had been written in the wrong order. The shop owner was rather impressed when he managed to arrange them correctly from memory, that he asked if Michikatsu would like to be his assistant."

At the moment the owner made his offer, Michikatsu had glanced at you, a small flicker of light flashing across his eyes while you smiled at him with encouragement. You took his hand in yours, and while your slim fingers were engulfed by his longer ones, you squeezed them tight.

"Of course, I won't be able to pay you as much as those banks and law firms in the city, but if you don't mind keeping an old man company and an eye out for any thieves..." the owner had drifted off, twiddling his thumbs.

"That is fine," Michikatsu had said, looking down at your entwined fingers. "I can start tomorrow."

"A librarian!" gushed Suma. "How romantic!"

"He's not exactly a librarian," you hurried to explain. "Michikatsu's just helping the store owner with sorting the books and making sure everything's in order. He also helps the customers with reaching for the top shelf since he's rather tall..."

"Oh, that we can relate," Makio remarked, throwing Hinatsuru an amused grin.

Hinatsuru nodded. "It sounds like honest work."

"It is," you agreed.

And it was exactly that Michikatsu needed: something on which he could spend his time learning more about this new world, speaking with other people besides yourself (and Uzui, if and when they decide to talk). Just yesterday afternoon, you managed to slip into town and spy through the windows to see how he was faring, and it warmed your heart to see him engrossed in a game of Go with one of the owner's friends. There was a levity in his posture which you missed seeing, and you were delighted that he had found it in the most unexpected of places.

"Why, isn't it the missus!" the store owner — Tanaka-san, as Michikatsu had so kindly informed you — greeted when you stepped into the bookstore, the bells dangling over the doors pealing in an effervescent chime. "Would you like anything to drink?"

Michikatsu looked up briefly from the game board, and crossing gazes with you. As the sunlight poured in from the open windows, you could see every shade of his brilliant eyes, dancing from a soft heather to a rich violet. His scars, barely visible, creased as he gave you a smile — and at that moment, you have never been more thankful for the small, lucky stars that gave the moon its radiance.

And how would the rest of the surviving people react to the marriage? Would they know or would only the closest — like Tengen — know?

This is a very good question too, Anon! I think for most part, the Reader desires to have a peaceful, quiet life with Michikatsu, with as few people knowing about her marriage as possible. It wasn't because she was afraid of their judgment, but because she simply wanted to move on with this new chapter of her life. Hence, I can't imagine her divulging her marriage to anyone else in the Corps, not even Tanjiro.

Tanjiro had a brief encounter with the Reader in the early chapters on Notte Stellata, and ever since he mentioned that he could smell demons near her, she avoided him like the plague. And while Tanjiro was puzzled by the Reader's sudden absence during the events of the Hashira Training arc, he was unable to write her a letter to her because she had not exchanged her details with him.

It would be up to Uzui, a chronic yapper, to finally reveal with a slip of the tongue — not that she was married, but where she lived. Excited, Tanjiro would write a very polite and well-worded letter, asking her if she was doing well, and — if she so wished — to visit the Kamado residence.

The appearance of the letter would naturally surprise the Reader, who had no idea how Tanjiro would come to know where she lived. She had heard occasional updates from Tengen that the young ones had settled down in their family home, but had never been keen on knowing more.

And as she went over the lines of the letter, taking in Tanjiro's innocent invitation and pondering whether she should reply, Michikatsu came over.

"Kamado Tanjiro," he noted, recognising the name of the young boy written on the outside of the letter. He did not spot its contents, however — nor did he wished to intrude, especially when he noticed that you had gone rather silent.

"Should I reply?" you asked, folding the letter back along the creases.

Michikatsu's eyes ran over the worried clouding your expression, and how you bit your bottom lip as you began drafting a response in your head. He took the letter from your hands, placing it face down on the desk where its sender's name was hidden from you. "Take however long you need."

And "however long" was about a week or so, after you woke up one morning before Michikatsu to compose your reply:

"Dear Tanjiro,

Thank you for your letter. It is so wonderful to hear from you, and to know that you are doing well.

I should quite like to visit your home someday, if I am ever close by."

And that was it. No promises, and no lies — and you had meant every word of it.

Sanemi, on the other hand, would prove to be rather difficult. To begin with, the Reader has always thought him a little unpredictable, despite the good nature beneath that fiery temper. And as someone who had fought Kokushibo and lived (something which Michikatsu would eventually tell her), she just couldn't tell if Sanemi would still recognise the first Upper Moon, and how he would react if he did.

Unlike Tanjiro, Sanemi never made the effort of reaching out to his fellow comrades, and the Reader suspected that he, too, would like to spend the rest of his days in relative peace and quiet. Uzui mentioned that he had met a young woman who worked at a wagashi store; despite your friend's slightly sardonic tone, you were happy for Sanemi, and wondered if he had mellowed out in the wake of the battle.

It was then inevitable that you would receive a wedding invite (no thanks to Uzui who also revealed to Sanemi where you lived). This time, you did not reject the good will shown by your former comrade. In fact, it would only draw unnecessary attention to yourself if you did not appear.

The wedding was set to take place in the far reaches of Tokyo, closer to Iruma, Saitama. It had taken half a day for you and Michikatsu to get there, and throughout the train journey you were thinking of the possible answers you could give Sanemi should he ask about your husband.

"I didn't think you would come," Sanemi said by way of greeting, though his eyes were fixed instead on Michikatsu, who stood beside you firmly and quietly. "Is that...?"

"My husband, yes," you confirmed, and Michikatsu took a step forward, offering a small bow. "Tsugikuni Michikatsu."

"Tsugikuni," Sanemi repeated, and you held your breath, waiting for the barrage of questions, or the light of recognition to dawn in his eyes. Instead, he was distracted by Amato, who traipsed into the scene, still carrying the horse Mchikatsu made for him.

"Hey!" Sanemi snapped, as the toddler hugged his leg as a bear cub clinging to a tree. "Uzui, come get ya brat!"

So much for mellowing out, you thought.

The wedding ceremony began and ended without much fanfare, and the dinner reception took place at a small restaurant in town. Sanemi's bride, whose name was to the tune of Kazuko or Kazuki, was a delicate vision of white silk and powder as she and Sanemi exchanged a cup of sake to mark their marriage.

Thereafter, more drinks were poured as side dishes were served; Uzui entertained a distressed Giyuu and his wives with his signature kappore routine, while Michikatsu disappeared outside, volunteering to take care of Amato. You settled into the corner of the room, seated beside a frazzled Sanemi who could finally sit down for a drink.

"Y'know, your danna..." Sanemi began, and instantly you were on guard, your clasped hands gripping so tightly that it cut into the flesh of your palm.

"Yes?" you asked, the picture of perfect calm. It was something you had learned from Shinobu, and Sanemi saw her face in yours too, as he gulped a finger of sake and poured himself another cup.

"Nah, it's just..." he furrowed his brows, looking at the bottom of his drink. You wondered if he was inebriated enough to forget this conversation come sunrise. "It's strange, isn't it? The people we end up marrying."

You blinked, the unexpected turn in the conversation leaving you a little loss for words. But Sanemi was nothing if not unpredictable, a sweeping typhoon whose trajectory one could never quite figure out. You poured yourself a drink from the bottle, and tipped your sake dish in his direction for a small toast.

"Indeed," you observed. "Love is a strange little thing."

Thank you for the question again, Anon! And sorry that this took me a while to answer; I had a great time thinking about the responses here, and I hope you enjoyed reading it too :D

xoxo, V ♥️

[foundfamily-connoisseur]

Hi pookie 🫶 do you have a favorite AU for your punch out blorbos? Like sci-fi mech au or something?

First off hi pookie 🫶😘

Secondly yes and while nothing is like super thought out yet I so have basic ideas

WIRE-FRAME

I think i rambled to you about this during vc lol but I have different versions of it

VERSION 1:

Mac gets into an accident (when or how is yet to be determined) and idk the people doing his surgery or freaks so they're like "hey yeah this kid isn't going to make it....UNLESS☝️‼️‼️‼️" and they basically do a consciousness transfer where his mind his put into a half hologram half machine form which has a wire frame base. Mac continues about his normal life but idk something happens that causes his "skin" to freak out mid combat and reveal his actual form. Spiraling ensues as he begins to question literally everything about himself and his identity (both as a living, breathing, human and as Little Mac). The other boxers understandable freak out, because holy shit Little Mac got into a life threatening accident, but HOLY SHIT HE'S A ROBOT NOW?????? There's definitely mixed reactions to the information: pity to his condition, apathy(more so defensively because if he's a robot (like he literally has no flesh and bones. Not even a brain) Then who or what were they talking to? Is he an unfeeling hunk of metal? Is how he reacts, each laugh, roll of the eyes, or tear truly his? Or is it simply a reaction because if Little Mac behaved as such, than it will as well), or maybe even fear? Stop watching terminator you guys this is different.

VERSION 2:

Similar concept except Little Mac knows what he is. He doesn't know anything beyond one day waking up in a lab with countless people looming over him. They run tests on him, mumbling to each other things he couldn't understand. They called him something, he's forgotten what, but they'd call him 'Mac'.

He's a machine made and built to be an unstoppable fighting force. That's his entire purpose. He was 'given' to Doc under the pretense of being an underdog who wants to take on the title of champion(his story being to honor his mother and to prove he's something more beyond his circumstances. How ironic). No one is aware of his true nature, but Mac isn't concerned with concealing who or what he is.

As per the rule of humanesque robot, he slowly but surely starts to feel. the warmth of Doc's hand on his shoulder as he tells him "well done, son", the smooth coffee going down his artifical throat as he converses with Joe. These things shouldn't matter, shouldn't overheat the machinery beneath his skin, yet it does.

(Spoilers if the gang ever finds out he's a robot (without knowing the proper context of his creation) they are for sure avoiding him which would make Mac feel absolutely horrible 🫶 cuz his creators were right he is just a machine who serves no purpose beyond what he was made for. He has the strength and capacity to kill, but doesn't not out of kindness or connection, but because he's told "not yet". Is he really his own person if at the end of the day, he does as he's told?

I technically have other ones but they're more "this would be fun" rather than fully fleshed out or thought about for more than 5 minutes: Beastars, MHA, a horror-esquw au (i wanna make Glass Joe a freaky porcelain doll like thing let me have this)

Then ig this would count as an au but those "everyone lives together in one house" things. I need to specially because how dare everyone be at minimum states away to literal countries across water away????? How can I have my found family ease of access if Lil Mac gotta clear out a week, get a plane ticket, and pack his shit to hang out with Great Tiger???? Literal bullshit I say chat

[furioussouls]

Hiyaaa, I've been loving reading your contents since I consider myself a chubby girl too QuQ And I actually felt so comforted by some of your writings, so thankie so much 😭

I wonder if it's okay to leave a request? QuQ If not it's totes okay! ✨

What I have in mind is... How the LADS boys will react when he sees MC/Reader is being criticized about her weight by a group of people? Like I would like to see how they'll defend the girl they love QuQ

Perhaps this relates to what happened frequently when I was little/very young and as someone Asian, who have more strict stereotype regarding chubby females in general, I often get criticized for my weight :')

I have ever been isolated by a bunch of older boys/kids when I was five because I was chubby. During my time growing up, well, several people did talk me out of my body haha but the worst thing happen as an adult was when someone quite close (a distant family) talked about my weight and outright said they were worried if I will ever get any men attracted to me since I was chubbier than women in general.

Also one of the most embarassing thing happened to me was when I had a crush for this one guy during my time in Uni (We were friends back then haha) and he actually asked if I can do diet since one of his friends told him that I got chubbier :') And no, I never dated him at all haha

So yeah... I'm sorry if this request kinda gone pretty deep :'( You don't truly have to do it if it may make you uncomfy, okie? TT But yeah, as far living almost all the way to my twenties, I've been struggling with my self confidence TwT

Anyway, I appreciate it so much if you read this till the end >< 🙏

First of all, it’s always okay to leave requests! Thank you for requesting <3 and secondly, I’m so so sorry that that happened to you :( you’re gorgeous just the way you are and I’m sorry that people made you believe you aren’t. I’ll definitely start working on your request soon! Might take me some time, though.🥰

[weirdrandomtina]

HOW DO YOU THINK BRANCH'S BROTHERS REACTED TO HIM BEING THE KING

believe me I'm on my third reread of the fic and if it weren't for my lack of motivation and studies I would have made my own comic but-

oh wise one I need your wisdom

I need more of them

Thanks for the ask!

First of all, third reread?! Wow🥰

Secondly, I would love to see your fanart!

And lastly, to answer your question:

I imagine their reunion would start out pretty normal - the brothers coming across Branch by chance, and being all, "hey Bitty B, so good to see you, how have you been", and Branch (who they caught when he wasn't wearing his crown or cape) would just shrug, "eh, not too much, building, learning to fit in with the village, finally happy, etc..."

He'd mention his wife Poppy (cue brotherly teasing, especially from JD and Bruce), and talk about her casually. Then, some random troll would yell out, "King Branch! You're needed over here!" "Okay, I'll be right there."

He'd turn to find his four brothers staring slack-jawed at him. JD stammers, "Um, wait... what did they just call you?"

Branch shrugs again with half a smirk. "Uh, yeah. My wife is... Queen Poppy."

JD grabs Branch roughly by the shoulders. "You coulda led with that!! You're the flipping KING?!"

Bruce is in awe. "Wow. Our baby brother is leader of Troll Village."

Floyd is smiling proudly at his beloved little brother, his pale pink eyes brimming with tears.

"'Queen Poppy'... huh, funny," Clay ponders. "My best friend Viva had a little sis named Princess Pop -- waaaaait..."

Later, after intros are complete:

Poppy: "Branch! How come you never told me you have brothers?!"

Branch: "Well how come you never told me you have a sister?"

Poppy: "Pfft, don't be silly! I don't have a sister! Right, Dad?"

Peppy: "Uhhhhhh... um... Surprise?"

Poppy: "DAAAAD!!"

---Not sure if that's the kind of 'wisdom' you were looking for, but that's what came to mind😂

[passionateseadruid]

I wonder if the bride actually got along with some of the sins how Luci would react, on one hand yay family getting along with your partner on the other hand he’s jelly

Also after assault that was 100% justified and then some and honestly he should feel grateful for the gift dildos ain’t exactly cheap plus it takes a while to bedazzle shit, not to mention he caused a scene in front of her folks this is just payback dude

I wonder how the sins would react, they probably can’t do much, Ozzie probably wouldn’t approve once he caught wind of the deal being the consent king he is but they have no power over Luci

Ooh interesting callout to Charlie too, the sinners aren’t the only denizens of Hell, maybe she’s attached bc they have a chance and she sees the connection with her mom since Lilith was the OG sinner but what about the rest of her people? Don’t they deserve care too?

I love that Fizz is in her corner. It makes me wonder how her relationship would be with the other hotel members. Maybe an allyship with Alastor over mutual dislike of Lucifer much to his chagrin. I also wonder how she’d bond with Angel. Maybe he recognizes the signs and points them out to an oblivious Charlie before they even meet bc she’s fuming about how awful she is, maybe Husk joins in.

Either way I can’t wait to see how it goes!

I adore this so much.

Firstly, I must say she got the toy from Fizzarolli. He thought it was fucking hilarious, so he just gave it to her for free. Because Fizzarolli is a gay icon, and we Stan him in this household.

Secondly, I feel like she would be very very uncomfortable with Satan just because of the environment she grew up in. Also those two fuck boys (Luci and Satana(intentional)) kind of deserve the hate. I mean there’s literally a whole book on it. Not the point right now.

I’m getting this out of the way right now she absolutely hates Mammon because boo greedy capitalist tomato tomato. The rich ass gets richer and the poor imps suffer, we hate to see it. Also, she’s gonna be fucking pissed when she finds out all the shit he is put Fizz through. (Pfft I had such an unhinged thought. “Love to see Mammon go, hate to watch his fat ass giggle as he walks away.” I’m so sorry.

Beelzebub is interesting because I actually want to do something with her and the hellhounds so I don’t want to give too much away right now and I’ve been planning this since really early on probably like chapter 3 I’d say I’ve been planning what I want to do with a Bee in the hellhounds. So you’ll see more probably chapter 10 I’d say it would’ve been the next chapter but then a comment on ao3 made me kind of switch up my plan.

I will say this her and Ozzies relationship is complicated because on one hand, he’s not even worried about the possibility that Fizzarolli is going to cheat with her because Fizz is gay. On the other hand though, he understands what her being in hell means and it is not good. I just love the little interaction though with Ozzie where he sees the two of them in the pantry and he’s just like “oh OK there’s just having a chat. probably about Lucifer.”

I don’t know that much about Belphegor other than his lower is a lot deeper than what I have been led to believe. He’s just a depressed little guy. (Or is she in the shows case)

Also, I know nothing about Levi because the show hasn’t really told us much about him and I’m just like OK cool I have to write a series about this, so Vivian I’m gonna need a bit more.

I would adore it, though, if Levi and Belphegor actually were just super chill, and the bride just got along splendidly with them that would be great. For now I’m going to focus on the sins. We do know about such as Ozzie, Bee and Mammon. So far she only has somewhat of a good rapport with Ozzie.

Now the Ars Goetia on the other hand, I wanna do so much with them. There’s so much we could explore! There’s 72 cars Goetia, and only one of them was like a knight so I wanna make so many OCs. You have no idea!

As for her relationship with the other hotel guests we’re going to get to that after the wedding so that’ll be probably after I want to say somewhere between chapter 13-15 maybe I’m not totally sure.

at this point it’s pretty clear that it’s non-canon compliant but this does take place like six months before the hotel is established. Then there’s probably going to be a time skip and and and there’s going to be a “queen for a Day” chapter. I am so excited for that I’m gonna be paying homage to tangled the series because Jeremy Jordan plays Varian, and that I thought “ha that’s funny.”

anyway, her relationship with the hotel guests. her and Alastair are going to have a dynamic similar to this video.

Her and angel are basically just her and Fizzarolli again. And you guys know how she was when Renesmee was being mistreated and abused. She is going to be standing up for husk. They homies. They ride or dies. Unfortunately though she’s not going to get to meet Pentious but she’d completely adore him.

[noonenowherenever]

So here is the little thing I wrote. I don't know if it needs much presentation but obviously, this is fantasy. I don't know how I or anyone would react to this happening in real life. But I like the thought of it.

The thing

---

Prologue

To him, it was just a silly thing, really. Although it also made him a bit nervous. What if he’d gotten it all wrong and she wouldn’t understand a thing? Maybe she’d think he had a thing. Sure, he could just ask her about it, but he had two strong reasons not to. Firstly, he didn’t want to embarrass her. Secondly, this way would be way more exciting and fun. Wouldn't it? He was having second thoughts. Maybe it was better to just let it be. They’d been fine so far.

It all started a few weeks ago, when they were at a mutual friend's wedding. It was, as weddings tend to be, a long, beautiful but actually kind of boring ceremony in church, followed by an even more boring dinner, where fathers, cousins, and old friends from school made their toasts. All full of anecdotes which only the bride or groom could relate to. The fun and interesting part started late in the evening when someone had drunk enough wine to be, perhaps, a bit too talkative.

Jonathan and Stephanie had been married for ten years now and had known each other for fifteen. Still, there were certain things they didn’t talk about much. He always liked to share sexy thoughts and turn-ons and tried to coax her into sharing her fantasies with him. It always ended the same way. She either changed the subject or kept the conversation short, always saying that plain, normal sex was enough and that she didn’t have any specific fantasies to share with him. Jonathan shared plenty of his own, but that still didn’t get her to open up. So he finally accepted that she probably didn’t have anything to share. He’d have to continue to take the lead in that department. Not that he had a problem with that—it was just that he really wanted her to feel as strongly as he did. Maybe she did. Maybe she was just not very good at showing it.

Then the thing happened. The thing that made him so curious and unsure at the same time. The person who had been very talkative at the wedding was Mikaela, an old friend of Stephanie’s. They’d grown up together and obviously used to share their inner thoughts with each other. Mikaela was perhaps drunk, but not in an obnoxious or disgusting way. She was kind of cute and talked a lot more than she ever had before. All innocently, it started with a game where the bride and groom answered questions by holding up a shoe. They sat back to back and each had one of their own shoes and one of their spouse's shoes. When a question came, they answered it by holding up one of the shoes. "Who snores more?" and then they held up either their own shoe or their spouse's shoe, depending on who they thought actually snored more. The fun part was not seeing what the other person answered, which brought on lots of laughter.

Mikaela and Jonathan sat together and randomly started joking about how someone with a foot fetish must have come up with this game to get to see some feet. They continued joking back and forth about turn-ons, when Mikaela finally snapped her fingers and said, "Oh, and hiccups!"

"Hiccups?" Jonathan said, raising an eyebrow. "As in hic?" He made a hiccup sound, placing a hand on his chest.

She nodded.

"Well, that's a new one... Did you just make that one up?" he asked, smiling.

She laughed and shook her head. "Ask Steph..."

"Ask Steph?" he echoed, giving her a puzzled look. "Why would I?"

Mikaela giggled and shook her head. "I already said too much. It’s just something we talked about years ago… she told me she… well, likes it…"

With that, Mikaela excused herself to go to the ladies' room and left Jonathan hanging with all kinds of questions. It seemed like a joke to Mikaela, but why? He had to ask Stephanie. Or, even better, try it out to see what would happen. He actually got hiccups from time to time, but he had no difficulties curing them, so he always did. He usually just held his breath for a few moments, and that was it. So, yeah, she’d probably never seen him with a proper case, but she must have heard him get hit with the odd one after eating fast. He just never thought about it. He really didn’t mind hiccupping; it didn’t bother him, and he cured them out of habit, because he could. What if he just let them be the next time he got them? You know, just for fun…

---

First Time

It was one of the hotter days that summer. Even though it was getting late, it was still warm enough to sit outside in the garden. Jonathan had been waiting for it to cool off a bit so that he could go for a run, but as it was getting late, he decided to go for it anyway. Stephanie sat in the garden, reading, as he came back home, sweating and panting.

She smiled at him. “Good job! Are you melting away?” She could never understand how anyone would go for a run in this hot weather, unless they were being threatened or chased or something.

“Yeah!” He pulled his shirt off, revealing his toned upper body. He really was in the best shape of his life, even though he was soon turning forty. Maybe it was a crisis, but she loved the effects of it. He wasn’t one of those skinny runners, nor one of the buff gym guys. He had broad shoulders, a muscular chest, and strong arms. His tummy was flat, but not rock-hard; it had some softness over the defined abs, and she loved to caress it. The sunny weather had given him a nice tan, which matched the gray highlights in his dark blonde, curly hair and well-trimmed beard perfectly. She felt herself looking at him longingly. He probably felt it too, because he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “I need to shower, but don’t go anywhere!” He said, winking at her.

As Jonathan went inside to shower, Stephanie stepped inside just to make a snack for them to enjoy in the quiet evening. The water was still running in the bathroom, but she stopped what she was doing when she heard something else. Or at least thought she heard something. She tried to listen more closely without actually getting too close, but it was hard to hear through the running water. Surely, there was something… Could it be, though? They had known each other for fifteen years now, and he never hiccupped more than twice in a row. The first few times she’d noticed it, she had been so tense and eager to see if there would be more. When she realized there wouldn’t be any more, she felt both relieved and disappointed at the same time. As much as she wanted to see him get a full-blown case, she was also nervous about how naturally she would handle it. After all this time, though, she really thought he was immune, so she didn’t get her hopes up this time either—at least not too much.

She was suddenly very aware as the water stopped running and the house went silent. She stood completely still, holding her breath as if that would help her hear better. Sure enough, a loud “HYUP!” could be heard from the bathroom. She couldn’t believe it. This must have been at least the third one. There it was again, a much quieter “hic” this time. She was already blushing, even though he wasn’t in the same room. She had to cool off with a glass of water. Then he opened the bathroom door, wearing just a pair of boxer shorts, and she thought she’d pass out. She hoped she wasn’t staring, but she stood completely still, waiting. She had no idea how to act with this dream coming to life right in front of her.

He smiled at her. “Didn’t I tell you not to g-hup-go anywhere?” He bounced from another silent spasm and shook his head, still smiling. “I have the hiccups. Haven’t had them in y-EA-rs…”

She was still silent. She couldn’t believe it. Jonathan had the hiccups—he even said it himself. And he was almost naked. Even without staring, she could see the next spasm ride through his whole upper body. It was like his chest sank in, and that, in turn, made his tummy pop out—quickly. This was almost too much to take in, but she had to at least try to act like a normal person. So, what would a normal person do? She decided to just smile at him, as she didn’t trust her voice. And so he continued speaking.

“I used to get them a -HUCK- a lot back in high school. If someone was hiccupping in class, everyone would look at me, because it would p-hup-probably be me.”

She nodded. What was she supposed to do? This was not a topic she was comfortable discussing with him, especially not while he had a case of them. Although it was a topic she definitely wanted him to talk about as much as possible, especially while he had a case of them. That didn’t make any sense, but then again, having this thing for hiccups didn’t either. Him talking about them made it even better to her, though, just as long as he didn’t expect her to answer. Because that was close to impossible. She damned herself for being so shy while she tried to get a good look at his neck. He bounced with a silent hiccup, and surely, his neck sank in for a split second. That was all it took for her to blush again. There was no end to it, but she was distracted as he spoke again.

“I forgot how s-hyup-strange it feels,” he said, placing his hand below his chest, right where he bounced the most. He stood like that for a moment, as if he were waiting to feel another one. The next one came out as another loud “HYULP!” and he laughed a little at himself and looked at her.

“Excuse me…” he said, smiling and biting his lip.

“Oh…it’s okay,” she said. “I…I just went inside to make us a snack. If you want one, or…” she struggled to speak normally. Why wouldn’t he want one? It’s not like the whole world stops because he has the hiccups. Probably not from his perspective, at least. Her world totally stopped, and she had to find a way to keep going. He smiled at her and nodded.

“Yeah, that would be great.”

She nodded and turned around to make them some coffee, though she’d started thinking wine might have been a better choice for her nerves. It was not easy to turn around when she felt a strong need not to miss a single jump of his diaphragm, but it was also great to get some relief from all the overwhelming feelings. While she stood like that, waiting for the coffee to brew, he suddenly came up to her. He hugged her from behind, resting his chin on top of her head. She froze; he hugged her tight, so his whole chest and tummy pressed against her. She counted the seconds. Waiting. One…two…three…four…five…six…seven…eight…nine…ten… Okay, too good to be true. They stopped. Then his tummy suddenly bounced hard against her back, and he produced a muffled “HMK” through his closed mouth.

It was probably the best thing she ever felt, though she could never explain why. She loved everything about it, and she loved how he didn’t mind. He seemed slightly amused, and of course aware of them, but they didn’t seem to embarrass him, hurt him, or even annoy him. They were just there. Another jolt of his body passed through them both, and he sighed. “Feeling good, babe?” he murmured into her hair.

Shit. Was she feeling good? She wasn’t sure. Her feelings were a mixture of embarrassment and arousal, and she couldn’t tell which one she was feeling the most. And why the hell was he asking? She knew she tended to overthink things. He was just making conversation—he often asked her how she felt. It wasn’t because he suspected that she felt something about his hiccups. Why would he? She had to shake those feelings off and be in the moment, savor it.

“Yeah, I feel… fine…” she managed to say, although in a weaker voice than she’d planned, it almost came out as a whisper. “Are… are you… okay?”

He chuckled and let go of her, only to spin her around to face him. “Yes…” His tummy and chest contracted from another silent spasm, and he tapped his chest. “I don’t know what’s up with the-E-se though.”

Facing him, she was blushing again. She just couldn’t help it. Just like she couldn’t help her heart beating faster and her legs feeling like spaghetti. Somehow, she managed to pour them some coffee and put everything they needed on a tray without wrecking the whole kitchen in the process. However, she really didn’t trust herself to carry anything, so she handed it over to Jonathan.

Stephanie walked in front of him, down the small path to their conservatory. Oddly enough, she was very tense and very rubber-legged at the same time. She had never felt this intense in her entire life. Jonathan hiccupped at top volume behind her, almost as if he’d left his mouth open on purpose. “HEYUP… HUCK… HARK.” He chuckled and cleared his throat. “Shit. Excuse me.”

---

Once inside the almost overgrown space, they sat down at the small table, facing each other. Stephanie almost shivered as she saw his neck sink in deeply with another silent spasm. He didn’t say anything, just smiled at her as he raised his cup to sip his coffee. Just as he was about to swallow, another hiccup hit him, making a strangled sound. Maybe that's what happens when two bodily functions collide, Stephanie thought with a smile, briefly meeting his eyes. Jonathan smiled too and rolled his eyes, and she found it irresistibly cute. She was still too shy to say anything, but that moment would stay with her, one she'd look back on later. They sat in silence for several minutes, drinking their coffee. Stephanie hesitated to mention that she noticed that his hiccups had stopped; Jonathan didn’t bring it up either. Maybe he hadn’t even noticed.

---

What just happened?

It had all been so overwhelming. The hiccups had come out of nowhere, and when they stopped, it was just as sudden. She had definitely seen him get the occasional hiccup after eating, and that had always made her curious. But this — this was all she’d ever dreamed of. Still, it had been the first time, and she’d been too nervous to truly relax and enjoy it. Had he really hugged her like that? She’d been as stiff as a board, trying not to feel anything. Did he notice? Did he see her cheeks turn bright red? She could still feel her pulse racing in her neck. Surely he must have noticed that. But he hadn’t said anything, so maybe her secret was still safe.

She felt a desperate urge to see him hiccup again. Maybe, just maybe, that would help her relax and enjoy it properly. But what if it took another fifteen years? Or what if it never happened again?

---

Jonathan smiled to himself, replaying the events from earlier. His hiccups had definitely stirred something in Stephanie. He wasn’t sure what exactly, though. She had been so quiet, so tense. If he hadn’t heard rumors about her possibly having a thing for hiccups, he might have thought she was repulsed by them. He had imagined she would ask him about them, maybe laugh, or even rub his back to help. But instead, she seemed to pretend they weren’t happening at all.

He was kind of impressed with his own body. How had he managed to keep hiccupping for twenty minutes, or however long it had been? He’d been nervous, trying to anticipate his next hiccup, opening his mouth just in time. He’d heard that some people could stop hiccups by trying to hiccup deliberately, so maybe he had just been lucky. Now he had to figure out how to talk to her about it… without embarrassing her. Maybe he’d just have to wait until the next time he got them.

---

[ecos-syscourse]

Ok so not defending Sophie at ALL(especially not for her rage bait experiment) but wanted to respond to your reblogs to her.

Firstly yes in most cases conducting research without a full informed consent is unethical and would not make it through review. However there are rules around when deception IS allowed. Because yes in some cases deception of participants is required to accurately study the phenomenon in question. However the concern with Sophie's "study" is that vulnerable populations(such as minors) could have participated which can make a study significantly harder to get approved. (I don't think a study like the one she did would ever be approved but it's not unethical to simply not provide a complete informed consent in advance) Here's a link to more information about deception in research:

https://research.oregonstate.edu/ori/irb/research-involving-deception

Secondly I'm curious how you came to the conclusion that it would require a license to conduct a psychological study. It was required at my college that every student conduct two before graduation and none of us had licenses and were able to get our studies approved by the IRB. A license being required for the person conducting the research can vary between studies. If you are going to be providing direct psychological treatment to the client yes you need one but whether you need a license to simply do research can have varying requirements.

dunno man ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it's not like she's getting arrested even if it were actually illegal to do a study like this. my main point was that it was unethical, but we got derailed

ill look at the article tho 👍

(after writing the first two tags->) it seems as though this article talks about things that the person researching must do to keep it ethical even with their deception. Sophie hasn't done any of it. "deception is not acceptable if, in the judgment of the IRB, the participant may have declined to participate had they been informed of the true purpose of the research."

Sophie said in a post that if people knew her intentions besides fun and her anger, that people would be more upset then they already are.

I'd say that that makes it completely unacceptable.

Not only that, but you could hardly call it a study.

Nobody consented to be used as research.

And if it was required for them not to be asked first (:/), then they should be asked afterwards.

(For example, if you are filming in an area, and there are people in that area, it makes the most sense to ask the people around you first if you can record. If you don't even try to ask them even after, you're just an asshole.)

And nothing about it was actually a study.

She made a Tumblr post to garner reactions from people. I'm assuming that there was no documentation or beforehand planning. It's unclear, actually, if she actually was being unserious in talking about genocide, based on previous behavior.

She is a person well known in syscourse. People used to trust her, she used to be the face of tulpas. If you read her pinned post, you'll get whiplash.

I kind of forgot the exact words used for it,, but it wasn't proper because of that. People know who she is, people have been hurt because of her, she interacts with mainly traumatized people. So it wasn't an experiment of "How would people react to being told that there should be a genocide against [terrible people]?"

It was "How would a group of variously traumatized people react to being told by a recognizable traumatizing person something similar to what she has said multiple times in many different ways before, that there should be a genocide against [terrible people]?"

that's a lot! and nobody there consented to partake!

like, I know that's not really relevant to the discussion of how it is, morally and legally, but my brain still thinks about that, so im putting it here!

I'm also assuming that your study was well documented, that the people in your study were told beforehand at minimum that they were in a study, and that there were other parties involved in your studies.

I don't think she had any of that. I'm like 79% sure she did this on a whim.

And I don't think that the results of it are going into anything more than "hm, interesting."

Unless she reads this and is like "I need to spite this 14 year old." like how she includes more dehumanization in her posts than ever before ever since people got upset about it

[notokbutthriving]

Interesting thing that happened in sams/laes/bmares that I wanna talk about

first of all, Rotricks new look? Horrifying.

Secondly Rotrick is almost certainly the creator, with how much he tries to get Bloodmoon after Stitchwraith it would make sense that the Creator decided to use Bloodmoon to get rid of one of his biggest enemies, probably because it was easier to use Bloodmoon than try to convince Sun or Moon. Another thing is that Rotrick says at one point:

"You're way to perfect for the job, my boy."

Which we've heard the Creator call Sun, Moon, and Stitchwraith at some point.

The other thing I want to mention is how Rotrick talks of Solar, considering in the 'Bloodmoon has an evil plan' episode he tries to convince Bloodmoon to go after Ruin Eclipse first, before begrudgingly agreeing to go after Solar first. And in this newest episode Bloodmoon wonders what target would hurt the fans the most because people still liked them after what they did to Earth [which is funny bc they got more enemies from breaking Lunar's arm] and suggest both Solar and Sun to Rotrick, who literally tells them no, he was right the first time, Sun is a better target. Why? The only reason Rotrick gives is that Sun got off easy because he has a support group!

Even if Rotrick is the Creator and is trying to clear out his earlier inventions make room for new ones like Earth, you might still expect him to go after Solar, considering that so far Solar has done the most direct and purposeful meddling. From what we've seen its not like Solar would be a hard target, especially with Bloodmoon on your side, so unless Solar is secretly much more powerful than he lets on[I still don't know why Castor told him to stop messing with things he shouldn't] there's not really a reason for Rotrick wanting to avoid targeting Solar.

Unless the Creator from the main universe is part of the coalition that Ruin's Creator mentioned alongside the Creator from Solar's universe and that his Creator either wishes to make sure Solar is returned unharmed, or the coalition [or just the two of them really] wishes to see how the universe, and the Star more specifically, react to Solar. [coming back to the point about Castor's message] Castor mentions that there can only be one Newton Star per dimension, and we also know that every universe moves toward the creation of the Newton Star. However, as far as we know, Solar's universe doesn't have a completed star. The Main dimensions Newton Star was destroyed in Solar's dimension though and, obeying Newton's first law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed. This is followed by the fact that the Newton star is a collection of energy, none of the energy was made by Moon, which means the energy behind the Main dimensions star should still be in Solar's dimension! Lunar actually gives us another proof of that when he mentions the humming and talking he heard in Solar's dimension AND the main. He actually mentions that in the Main universe he heard conversations but in Solar's universe he only mentions humming, even though with my understanding of how the Star works Lunar shouldn't have heard anything in Solar's universe, but he did! The humming is probably the conversations of the stars from main but muted because the Star's energy is stretched so thin.

[heinzpilsner]

Okaaay, I'm still alive, and this is the almost-last part of my 'Overanalyzing beach Maiko' series. Hooray.

(Ugh, this "little psychological exercise" transformed into some kind of gigantic fire-breathing monster eventually. Good news is that soon I can move on to analyzing something much more pleasant. ... Probably.)

Anyway, let's finish this beast, shall we?

In the last part, great detective Azula found out that the culprit responsible for the imaginary flagrant oppression of Mai's self-expression was Mai's mother, and now it's time for Mai to react.

Mai: "You want me to express myself? Leave me alone!!"

Well, that was... a little bit too overdramatic.

I suspect the writer's implied message here was something like: "Look, if Mai reacted like this to Azula's words, it means that what Azula said is bound to be truth!"

But while possible thoughts in the writer's head are as good as all others, let me be a judge of what I see with my own eyes.

And apart from Mai's forced yelling (as if she expresses her real annoyance, but in an exaggerated way which doesn't come natural to her) and her desire to close the topic... I have no idea what it was about. The exact reasons behind her reaction could be numerous.

Maybe she just got fed up with all this "you can't express yourself" bullshit. I mean, when you express yourself all the time, but everyone around for some reason keeps saying you don't, it really can become pretty vexing, lol.

Zuko: "I like it when you express yourself."

Here we go again. I must to admit though, given Zuko's psychological cluelesness, in the light of the bullshit information he just received it was a nice gesture of support*.

But... Is it actually truth?

(*Quite an egocentrical one nonetheless. I wonder what in Mai's behavior made Zuko think she'll appreciate any of his opinions at this point. I guess he took Mai's story as a food for "she behaves like she doesn't care about me just because of her childhood trauma" rationalization, and this encouraged him.)

What exactly Zuko likes about Mai's "self-expression", anyway? Is forced out-of-character yelling his kink or something?

(... In russian dub they actually translated his line as "I like you like this much more!", lol. It made it so much worse.)

Either he's being very hopeful and patient in his "she can change" delusions, or his tastes turned out to be quite peculiar.

But okay, it's not my place to judge.

Mai: "Don't touch me! I'm still mad at you."

Okay, now her anger looks more natural. Congratulations, Zuko. Although you don't seem so happy about her self-expression this time.

Zuko: "My life hasn't been that easy either, Mai." Mai: "Whatever!"

Directed by Robert B. Weide

Mai: "That doesn't excuse the way you've been acting."

Weeell... technically, it's truth (depending on how you define "excuse" and which actions and life events we are talking about exactly), but...

Firstly - you don't need to excuse person's behavior to try and understand the reasons behind it. And secondly...

How would you know it, Mai?

Last time Zuko tried to talk with you about his life you just yawned at him and told him to stop worrying.

And just now, you denied him a chance to explain himself and shut him down again (right after he listened to your sob story and expressed readiness to support you about your imaginary childhood trauma, by the way).

Of course, Mai didn't ask for Zuko's support in the first place. And I'm not gonna say that his behavior in this scene was perfect, because it clearly wasn't.

Mai doesn't owe Zuko understanding, or anything, really. She isn't obligated to care about what happened to him or to be more considerate about his life tragedy. And yes, people say all sorts of stupid things when they are angry.

But... ugh. Do I really need to spell it out?

Good news is what while Mai is definitely an unlikable self-centred brat, she's still not a heartless monster.

Apparently, it just sincerely didn't occur to her without a direct reminder that when your father deliberately burns half of your face off and banishes you out of the country with an impossible mission, the state of your psyche may be a little bit imperfect after your return home.

Well, that's just one of those things what egocentrism does even to smart people, I guess.

Anyway, when Mai was finally forced to listen about what happened between Zuko and Ozai from his own mouth, she couldn't just close her eyes and dismiss it like she did previously.

(By the way, I wonder if Zuko would ever mention it if not for Ty Lee "skin" blunder. ... And now I wonder whether it really was a blunder or a deliberate manipulation. /paranoid noises/)

Congratulations, boy - your life story is so disturbing it managed to burst even angry Mai's egocentrical bubble. A truly remarkable accomplishment, if you ask me.

But I guess it's never too late to open your eyes and notice other people's pain. Even if for a little while. Even if it's just one specific person you're physically attracted to.

Mai: "Who are you angry at, Zuko?"

Yep, she finally got interested!

Something definitely shifted in her head.

(This whole scene is so overdramatic it makes me cringe though. I wonder if there is a ghost of an Ember Island's actor on the beach as well. They are friends with the ghost of the amateur psychoanalyst, actually. The actor pretends to be different people, and the psychoanalyst dissects all their imaginary childhood traumas, and they have a great fun together in their beach after-life. Aww.)

Zuko: "I'm angry at myself! Because I'm confused. Because I'm not sure I know the difference between right and wrong anymore." Mai: "I know one thing I care about. I care about you".

Well guys, remember: if your girlfriend just broke up with you because of your unexplainable anger problems, just yell at some fire, say "I'm angry at myself and I can't tell what is right and what is wrong", and it immediately brings her back to you!

(Okay, maybe you'll also have to remind her that you're a victim of child abuse for it to work)

Seriously though, I can't say now what Mai's change of attitude doesn't make any sense (like I did previously). In between "Mai acts like she doesn't care" and "Mai acts like she cares" situations there was a noticeable factor - Zuko talking about his scar and his relationship with Ozai. I guess all he said after this didn't really make much difference for Mai - her empathy already woke up from its coma and said to her what this boy needs some care.

So, Mai declares she still wants Zuko despite everything, and they are back to shoving tongues into each other's mouths. Hooray?..

The only problem is... All the other problems what are still here, goddamit!

Perhaps Zuko will try and stop to lash out at other people in the near future (especially physically), but his anger problems are not gonna cure themselves magically just because the source of his anger is more clear to him now.

(Also, the massive complex of problems connected to Zuko's jealousy behavior was simply forgotten as if it meant nothing.

The fact that his general personality settings - such as locus of control and feeling of personal boundaries, for starters, - really could use some improvement was totally ignored as well.)

He is still in the middle of the inner crisis, and he's not going to discuss it with this 'new caring version of Mai' in more details (until she suddenly finds herself alone with his "by the way, I betrayed my country" break-up letter).

What Zuko learned about Mai's "childhood trauma" can help him to become more tolerant to her natural temperament, but since he's delusional about the true situation (in my opinion) and tends to use it as food for rationalization, it can have some problematic consequences.

And while brief awakening of Mai's empathy towards Zuko was an important improvement, her general egocentrism and lack of interests in life are not gonna be cured just by the "power of love". There's clearly some serious personal growth for her to do, and this beach psychoanalysis session did nothing to give her a clue of how to approach it efficiently.

Well, this all doesn't matter, apparently, because now Mai cares about Zuko enough to try and save him from being boiled alive on her eyes in the later episodes.

(Still not enough to deny herself a pleasure of purposefully taking his break-up letter with her on their meeting in prison to throw it on his head)

And I guess this is the result of their beach interactions.

Yay, power of love!

Pheeeew.

I guess it's over. There are still a couple of things to add in the epilogue post though.

Honestly, by the end of this series I just feel exhausted. Maiko is a very problematic ship, especially for an endgame, but this was obvious without any dissection.

There were a couple of discoveries I find quite curious, but for such a big complex material it wasn't nearly enough. And I feel like my psychological competence clearly could use some improvement.

Anyway, thanks for your attention. I hope my messy analysis gave at least a little bit of food for your own toughts.

As usual, I ignore all my notifications.

P.S.: In the end, when I think about it... Perhaps I don't like Mai because I actually see in her an exaggerated reflection of my own problems. What a twist. Perhaps I should try and be less judgemental about her in the future?

... Naaah. Where is a fun in it?

R.I.P., all the victims of Crocus City Hall attack. It actually happened in my neighborhood. Feels weird.

[muffet-appreciation]

Muffet Monday #2 (Aug 7th, 2023)

Hello! Welcome to the second Muffet Monday. I am fortune because I get the chance to talk about another topical thing! There has been some discussion recently regarding Muffet's dialogue in the genocide route. Some have said this confirms that Muffet is irredeemably evil, and some have said that Muffet is to blame for the genocide route. Is this true? Let's talk about it.

Content warning: Mentions of violence and character death as per the Genocide route usual.

As you may or may not know, Muffet has a monologue exclusive to the genocide route. Many players didn't know this because Muffet follows the trend of most enemies by this point in the genocide route. That being, one-hit-kill. So the only way to see this is to intentionally stall turns.

Anyways, here is Muffet's in-battle speech exclusive to the genocide route.

Let you go? Don't be silly~

You're scaring off all my customers!

The person who warned us about you...

Looked like a total nerd.

She was very adamant I run away with her~~ Ahuhuhu~~

She even left a route for me to escape from~

She said she would block off the rest of Hotland after I followed her~

Foolish nerd~ A spider NEVER leaves her web~ (Except to sell pastries~)

Ah, but I do feel a little regret over it now...

Yes, I should have wrapped her up when I had the chance~

She looked like she would have made a juicy donut~~

But enough of that... It's time for dinner, isn't it? Ahuhuhu~

You're still alive? Ahuhuhu~

Oh, my pet~ Looks like it's time for dessert~

Huh?

A telegram from the spiders in the RUINS?

They say even if you are a hyper-violent murderer...

You never laid a single finger on a spider!

Oh my, this has all been a big misunderstanding~

I thought you were someone who hated spiders~

The person who warned me about you...

They really had no idea what they were talking about~

So from this, we know the following for certain. 1) Alphys warned Muffet about Frisk, and offered an escape route. 2) Alphys told Muffet that the exit would remain open until Muffet followed. 3) Muffet spares Frisk after discovering they haven't killed any of her spiders.

This has led some players to incorrectly assume that the genocide route would have failed if it wasn't for Muffet. This is wrong for a number of reasons.

Firstly, there's no reason to believe that any exit Alphys would've prepared would have sufficed to stop Frisk. At this point, Frisk has already defeated Undyne the Undying, so it makes perfect sense that any barrier Alphys could put up would not have cut it.

Secondly, it's not like Muffet ever led Alphys to believe she would follow. Alphys' choice to leave the exit open is her own; just like Muffet's choice to stay is her own. You can't blame Muffet for that.

Now, you might think it sounds like I'm blaming Alphys instead, but I'm actually not, because...

Thirdly, the entire point of the genocide route is that the pain is all the players fault. It is totally absurd to me to see people blaming Muffet for the genocide route, when the genocide route is all about making the player feel bad for the pain they willingly cause. Like, be so for real.

If there is a dangerous person, and some people are able to escape but decide to wait for everyone to escape before trapping the dangerous person, but the dangerous person gets to them first, you have to blame the dangerous person! Why would you blame their victims and not the dangerous person?

Also, some people have reacted to Muffet's dialogue saying that it makes Muffet downright evil and that it is some huge revelation for her character. This is mostly due to Muffet mentioning cooking Alphys. People have found this comment to be seemingly off-color and dark compared to how some people understood Muffet to be. I don't really get this, because...

Firstly, Muffet makes an actual attempt to cook Frisk in every route she can. So the idea of Muffet trying to capture and cook someone is totally not news.

Secondly, people who find this comment dark considering the death that predates this point in the genocide route, seem to forget that Muffet is isolated. She doesn't have any known friends aside from her spiders. There is no reason to believe she would be aware of how awful the genocide route truly is. Even with Alphys' warning. She would just assume this is another human. And Muffet is quite the capable fighter (to the annoyance of some players) so she would have all reason to believe that she could take on Frisk in combat because usually she can.

Finally, I'd like to also discuss Muffet sparing Frisk. Another part of this speech that people have found to be totally evil is that Muffet spares Frisk despite knowing they are a murderer. Solely because they haven't killed spiders. While I think there is a lot of truth to that being her reasoning, I think we should also consider...

By the time Muffet says this, she has already realized she can't win. ("You're still alive?") and may just be trying to cut her losses. As in, she just wants to escape alive now that she knows she is in too deep. Muffet, as mentioned before, had all reason to believe she was a capable enough fighter to get through this. There was no way she could know exactly how dangerous Frisk is currently.

TL;DR I find it strange how adamant people are to blame the victims of the genocide route. I am happy to see Muffet being talked about and analyzed, but to say she is at fault for the genocide route is a totally absurd idea to me.

Thank you all for reading another Muffet Monday! This one ended up being quite lengthy compared to what I imagine will be normal for this episode, but I had a lot to say. I hope you enjoyed.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts on the matter, and send any asks with questions or topics you may want me to tackle!

[mooncyclereader]

PLOT :

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

Rating : 2.5 (DNF)

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

This was a big let down personally speaking. I have been looking forward to this book since 2013 and have been waiting for it to appear in my country's book shelves...only to be massively disappointed by it.

Where to begin...let's start with what bothered me the most.

The Shallow World Building:

When i opened the book i was graced to the sight of a map. Two actually! And i do love when maps are included as it helps me understand what lengths we are going from point A to point B, as my spacial imagination is a bit lacking. But in this world the map feels useless. Sure the names of places are very different, but that's where the differences end! If you told me that the Scirland and England are the same place, or that Vystrana and Bulgaria are also the same, i wouldn't bat an eye. The author did nothing but simply slap some different names on a scribbled map and call it a day. Besides the presence of Dragons there is nothing that makes this world distinguishable from the Edwardian era of our own. Now i'm not opposed to taking inspiration from the real world when writing your own, but for god's sake unless you are writing an urban fantasy or a "parallel universe" fantasy, at least *try* to make your world look distinguishable and unique instead of simply putting some big creatures in it.

Which is also something that should influence your world btw!! You mean to tell me that in a world where these enormous creatures exist, people just go an set up a village in the middle of nowhere with a high population of them around? The existence of Dragons has litterally *no* impact on the world's technological or social development and advancements. One can argue that they are considered animals like any others, except they are clearly not??

Anyway in conclusion this world felt so so flat and boring it took me right out.

The Protagonist and other Characters:

Isabella has a major "Not like other girls" issue. Now i understand that it is a bit of a standard when you set up your female character in a world that resembles our past, where women where expected to be wives and mothers and no much more. But i have read my fair share of books with historical settings where the female protagonist didn't feel so outright annoyingly bratty. She is constantly pointing out how "Most wome would do this or think that or react this way - But not *I* because *I* am different and a bit insane" Ok girl settle down you litterally met other women who have an interest in science, you aren't *that* special. And let's not touch on how she talks about women from a different ethnicity....this book reeks of classism, but it sorta makes sense in context so i was trying to ignore it.

Secondly all the male characters are such token boring people that add litterally nothing to the story and are just stepping stools for Isabella to use to get from one part of the story or the other, especially her husband.

The Story:

I got up to mid book and it had been very little about the actual dragons and more about society and social expectations and when it came to the travel it skipped most of it till they reached the village and then it kept talking about disorganized travel conditions and stuff. We met the dragons once or twice and then it evolved in to some luck luster myste about the superstitions of the village instead of actually getting to study the dragons. I was looking forward to an immerisive experience pretending that Dragons were a real thing and with in debth analysis on how they influence the world around them and i got *nothing.*

[jollyhunter]

This feedback of you @lamentationsofalonelypotato, still makes me so happy 🥰😭 And my senile (you'll see once you crack the 30s) brain made me think I had reacted to this weeks ago.

Apparently it was all in my head.

OH LOOK OVER THERE *throws red herring*

Okay, okay, enough with the peep show - eyes on me now - back to business. 🤨

First I just want to say the "It's Ok. Writers Should Be Strange" is the best thing that I've seen this week and it is SO true.

ME TOO. I was looking for fitting quotes for the writer's block but when I stumbled across this one, it just spoke to me on a deeper level and I just had to add it.

Secondly… Thank you so much for tagging me in this, because it is LOVELY! I definitely needed Dean to help talk me through my writer's block and cheer me up 😭🥰 Thank you for your service- for literally writing this for all the writer girlies with imposter syndrome and writer's block who needed this today 🫡

In my head this quote fitted better lmao. I am happy it managed to cheer you up!! 🥰 It sure helped me writing it haha. Guess all those 'write what's on your mind' advices aren't too bad.

This is just a little thing, but whenever someone includes the word "audacity" in a fic I fall in love with them so congratulations 💐

LMAO I love the word as well. Funny thing is, I used to think it has something to do with sound because I only knew the word from the sound program 'Audacity' (like 10 years ago). Also the reason why I'd pronounce it as 'Auda-city' , 'cuz audio, right? 🤣😭

Yep. This is it. The travesty of writer's block- having it all in your head and not being able to actually put any of it to paper. And the writer's block (for me) only worsens when the frustration builds and builds being unable to write anything down. It's just (throws chair through window) just (starts aggressively peeling potatoes) just (eye twitching) just (slams on the keys) so annoying lol 😒

NOW YOU'RE KILLING ME 🤣 love how we're going from 'throwing a chair through the window' to something passive aggressive as 'slamming on the keys' 🤣 SO TRUE THO!

Also the "constipation" jokes are beautiful lol- I'm pretty sure that's the first time anyone has ever said that about constipation in general, but I am without shame 🤣 LMAO

Glad the joke worked, because I was hesitant about using the word in this context. LOL

I'm also not sure if i've told you this before, but I really like the way you write dialogue. In this it was a perfect combination of flirting and banter and it was just chef's kiss. It all seemed really realistic and I absolutely loved it!

No one has ever told me this before 🥺 - you're making cry over here 😭😭😭 Thank you so much!!! Writing dialogue's always been a bit daunting to me, mainly because I'm afraid I won't get the character's speaking style / accents correct, so hearing this means so much to me! 🧡

BUT OH MY WORD! I loved this one! The idea of writer's block being a "curse" was so imaginative and honestly just what I needed to make me feel better about my current writer's block curse 🤣😭 And also made me want Dean to waltz in to relieve some of that frustration 👀

You're very welcome 🧡 and oh yes, Dean would need to take his time in order to rid us of all that frustration 🤭

⋆ ˚｡⋆ PAIRING Dean Winchester x Writer!Reader [Early seasons vibe]

WARNINGS None! No use of Y/N. English isn't my native language.

⋆ ˚｡⋆ SUMMARY You're in your favourite diner; Got your coffee, breakfast, laptop in front of you. It's the perfect time to write. If it wasn't for the writer's block that's holding you in a chokehold. Oh, and the guy who has decided to join you.

⋆ ˚｡⋆ WORDS ~2k

⋆ ˚｡⋆ J/NOTES This silly little thing's dedicated to all my moots who’ve fallen victim to the writer’s curse just like me. I feel you. We can do this!! We can break the curse!!! 🫂

"Doesn’t suit you." A playful voice snaps you out of your thoughts.

"..Huh?" You look up just in time to see a well-worn leather jacket brush past your shoulder.

The booth seat across from you is being filled as a stranger slides in. A plate in one hand and a spoon in the other. Your eyebrows rise, and for a moment you debate whether to tell him the seat is taken.

But the guy doesn’t seem to notice your thoughts. He’s busy ogling his food, humming a curious ‘hm’, and then shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth. All the while he continues to mutter, his words now half muffled, "That thing you’re doing to your face."

You blink at him.

He puffs his cheeks, and green eyes travel up to meet yours for the first time, "Makes you look like the Grinch." His lips quirk into a smirk.

What? The audacity.

You stare at him with a deadpan. "Thanks for the compliment." He continues to chew, the flakes crunching. Accompanied by a content hum. Well, at least someone’s enjoying their breakfast.

"Just sayin’." He purses his lips before he eats another spoon, his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk’s and an eyebrow arched. "What’s up with the face, sweetheart?"

"Uh," - is all you can manage at the moment. Too distracted by the way he's guzzling his yoghurt like a starved caveman. All eyes fluttered closed and nodding to himself like he's thinking ‘Finally, some good fucking food’.

He swallows. Tongue darts out to swipe a white dribble off his upper lip. When his eyes suddenly snap open, you avert yours in record time.

Your gaze's now fixed to the edge of the table, as if it’s the most interesting thing in the room. Left and right of it an elbow each. Of course you had to drop your gaze right between his arms. Well, this is awkward.

"You working on somethin'?" He suddenly asks, and you startle like a deer.

Your lips part - ready to form an answer - when you watch him splotching your notebook in slow-motion.

Your eyebrows twitch in irritation. You dart out a hand, just managing to pull your papers back before another dribble of his slobber taints your notes.

"Dude, please, you’re eating like a barn animal," you comment under your breath, face scrunched up as you wipe the stain off your paperback. Way to lose ones charm.

"But a handsome one," he quickly retorts. And stuffs another spoon into his wide grin, swallows and jerks his chin at your laptop. "So?"

Okay, fine. Maybe he still does have charm.

Your eyes follow his gaze down to the screen facing your way.

"I’m writing," you reply flatly, trying to hold his curious gaze as you tuck your papers safely under your forearms.

His expression flashes into a surprised one. Probably more at your tone than the answer itself.

Granted, the words 'I'm writing' should have come out enthusiastic. They at least used to. But that was before you’d been staring at a white screen for what felt like weeks.

"Uh-huh," he mumbles, the sound muffled as he keeps shovelling the muesli down his hatch. "Can I see?"

"W-what?"

How- how dare he? Only an uncultivated potato would ask that. This is like the biggest No-No. One does not simply ask a writer to look at their unfinished work. You don't stare at a painter when he's still painting. That's like asking someone to strip naked. And then have them bend over.

Let’s ignore the fact that there’s not a single written word to be ashamed of. Because there’s literally not a single written word in your doc.

"No." The answer probably came faster and more obvious of your inner panic than it should have, because to him it clearly translated to; 'Oh? Then I‘ll see it all the more.'

"Aw, c‘mon." His teasing grin spreads, the spoon tipped against his lower lip, "I won‘t judge." Damn it, why does he look kinda adorable?

Before you can react, the guy clamps the spoon between his lips, reaches over the table with his free hand and tilts your laptops screen back down.

"Hey!" you smack his hand away but it‘s too late - his grin just grows and he chuckles.

"Writing, huh? You mean you’ve been staring at a white wall. Here I thought you were writing some spicy stuff about me. What’s all the fuzz about?"

"I- I'm just... I'm still thinking..." you mutter and avoid his gaze behind a hand, trying to cover up the slight tint of embarrassment that’s crept onto your face. "I've got it all in my head, though." You try to back up your answer. He tilts his head back with a chuckle.

"All in your head, huh? For how long this been going?" he quips, lips twitching amused.

"Well, uh-" you begin, then clear your throat with an awkward rub of your neck, "A few days... or... weeks... maybe..." Your voice lowers more with every word until it's reduced to a sheepish whisper.

"Damn, that sucks." he huffs.

"Yeah," you admit with a heavy sigh, "It does."

For a moment you just share a look. His green eyes watch you closely. Calm and curious. But without ever being obtrusive. More like he's trying to get a read on you, like he's patiently waiting, allowing you to open up and reveal more.

And for some reason you find yourself to do just that.

"It's so frustrating, you know?" You begin and slump back in your seat. But he holds your gaze, the entire time and nods subtly, silently telling you to go on. "Like I've got all the ideas in my mind. I can see the scenes play out, can hear the characters talk. But the same moment I try to write it down, it all just-" you break off with a huff, gesturing a 'poof' with your hand.

After a moment, you add another frustrated sigh. "Honestly? Feels like the damn pipeline between my brain and hand's constipated." His eyebrows shoot up at that description.

"You’re an odd one," he laughs and sets the emptied plate down, "I like it."

"Pfff - look who’s talking. Mister 'handsome barn animal'." You jab and can’t help the chuckle. He smirks satisfied at your reaction, tugs at his leather jacket and winks at you.

You roll your eyes with a wide smile.

"What's your name?" You ask curiously.

"Dean," he answers simply. Then leans forward to rest on his forearms, "And you, sweetheart?" Your ears flush when he comes closer and you suddenly become very much aware of the effect his intense gaze has on you.

"I- uh, I'm -" you introduce yourself with your name and he repeats it with a smile, like he's committing it to his memory.

There's a moment of silence again and you don't quite know what to do or say - luckily he seems to have picked up on your inner distress.

"So," he begins, his face suddenly taking an air of - what was it? Business-like? Professional? You couldn't quite tell. "Back to your constipation."

"Yeah? What about it? You interested in my constipation?" You return the question, trying to imitate his new tone.

"Y-yeah," He tries to stay serious, but you both have to bite back a chuckle. "I am, actually."

"What about it?"

"This may sound stupid, but..." He mutters and rubs his forehead like he knows the question that'll follow isn't formulated very well, "Can’t you just, write? You know, like will it through?"

"No- That’s not how it works... it’s - it’s not that damn easy- it's - you don’t understand… It's not that I don't want to. I - I just - ugh-" You groan, face dropped to your hands.

You take a deep breath. The frustration of the past weeks threatening to break down on you again. Your eyes begin to sting and you screw them up in an effort to keep yourself from having a full on breakdown in front of a stranger. In a full diner no less.

"Hey, it’s okay, I believe you." he says with a lower voice now, the flirty attitude gone. The sudden change in his tone and his last words catches you off guard.

Your eyebrows pull together and you lift your head just enough to meet his gaze over the edge of your screen.

The air gets caught in your throat when you notice how close he is. He’s leaned across the table, emerald glinting pools searching your face for a trace of an escaped tear. His hand twitches but he puts it back down before it brushes yours.

"Don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s not your fault, ‘kay?" He murmurs. Almost like he’s sharing a secret with you.

"What? What are you talking about..?" And your voice drops to an equally low level to match his.

"You’re doing great, sweetheart. Trust me." He reassures you but avoids your question with another cheeky smile.

Although this one seems different. Genuine. And soft at the corners.

Unfortunately you don't even get to fully take it in when he's suddenly up on his feet. His eyes dart around the diner before they return to you, a hand raised to ruffle through his dark blond hair.

"I gotta go," he mutters, his attention suddenly drawn down to his empty plate, "Ah - Could you pay for that? You're a real sweetheart."

"..What?"

He doesn't wait for your answer as he slides out of the booth and rounds the table. When he's next to you, he stops for a moment and leans in.

"Oh and - Don't do anything stupid, okay?" He whispers. Then straightens his back again, throws you a flirty wink and a wave of his hand while he bounces off with a casual, "See ya~"

"Uh-" your gaze follows him, perplexed, before you echo his words under your breath, "Yeah... see ya."

You kinda hoped you would.

Wait- why would you do something stupid?

The diner door jingles when Dean steps outside. After a glance left and right, he walks towards a taller guy. He looks not much younger than him, but longer brown hair frames his face, his focus on the papers in his hands.

When their eyes meet, Dean jerks his chin at him and he follows him round the corner and out of sight of the diner.

"And? You got a lead?" He asks hopefully.

"Yep." - He pops the ‘p’ - "Looks like it's our lucky day, Sammy. I think we've got our patient zero." Dean takes charge and heads over to a black Chevy, his hands fidgeting in his pants pockets for the car key.

His bow legs bounce off the concrete floor while Sam follows him with long strides.

"You think it's a deal gone wrong? Or maybe some sort of black magic that backfired?" Sam thinks out loud as he flips through the journal in his hand.

"I don't know man. She seemed pretty clueless to me. Maybe Bobby was right, and it is a curse." The car lock clicks and the trunk flings open.

He pulls out a shotgun and props it up against the lid before he starts rifling through the various contents. "I don't even know what I'm looking for." He sighs.

Sam rubs his temple with equal frustration, "Great. How the hell do we get rid of a writer’s curse?"

"Beats me." Dean huffs, then tosses a set of wooden stakes aside and leans back to run a hand through his hair, "Maybe we should call Bobby again…" - he turns to flash a boyish grin at his brother - "...and then check her out some more?"

Sam groans, "Dude, can you not think with your dick, for two seconds please?"

"What? She’s cute. Plus, she’s got that whole ‘tormented soul’ vibe."

"Seriously? Chances are, that she’s the cause for all of this crazy crap that’s going on this city."

Dean’s smirk doesn’t falter. Instead he shrugs his shoulders unperturbed, "Let’s pay her a visit tonight. If she turns out to be a witch, we just gank ‘er."

"Dean," Sam scoffs and drags a hand down his face, "I know that look." Dean wiggles his eyebrows.

Sam shakes his head, followed by an incredulous chuckle, "Come on, man, you know you can’t charm your way into her pants. She's clearly not the type for a quick fling. And you’re not exactly Shakespeare."

Dean gets the shotgun out from under the lid and throws it back into the boot. "Oh Sammy, you've still got to learn a lot about women," he says, slamming it shut.

Sam rolls his eyes when his older brother turns to pat him on the shoulder, before he takes off to round the Impala. He pulls the driver's door open while Sam does the same on the opposite side.

"Mark my words, Sammy." He laughs and points a finger gun at him across the roof. "Every girl likes it dirty. Some just don’t show it."

If you reblog, I demand at least one gif of Dean that fits the last line. Cuz I couldn't find the one I was looking for and I want to wake up to many many flirty Dean gifs 😂

Dean Tag List

@aylacavebear @jc-winchester @ambiguous-avery @bettystonewell @lyarr24

@ladysparkles78 @v1v1-3 @maddie0101 @champagnepoets @livya99

@salemslostwitch @supernotnatural2005 @lamentationsofalonelypotato (I'm tagging you for this because our talk partially motivated me to write this ♡ and to post it even though I hate it lmao 😂)