#hmmm… I kind of want to revisit that save

[kvaughanarts]

She’s soooo mentally well, you should trust her with the nuke codes

Character sheet and shorthands for my OC Catalina. More details below:

Subject Name: Catalina Doyle

Known Aliases: N/A

Subject Age: Unknown (Approximate age theorized to be mid 40s)

Subject Sex: F

Occupation: Works as a lead mechanic and chemical engineer for [REDACTED] Corporation.

Reason For Monitoring: Subject is under investigation for various suspected crimes, notable examples including spying, [REDACTED], trespassing, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. Equipment of type [REDACTED] from Facilities A, D, and H appear to be within Subjects possession, but there is no hard evidence in which to use for a valid search warrant of Subject’s place of residence at [REDACTED]. Subject also lacks a traceable record beyond a university degree from [REDACTED], and all background checks lead to dead ends. Theory has been posited that Subject has manually been obscuring information from various government databases, but no solid evidence has been obtained to support this. There is also the possibility that Subject is not involved with any investigational contents related to Case No. [REDACTED] and that she is working blindly under the idea of conspiracy, however we feel it pertinent to maintain observations in the case that investigators should find irrefutable evidence of Subject’s involvement.

Notable Contacts: Nova Doyle (Daughter), Grover O’Doherty (Co-Worker at [REDACTED]), N/A

(The rest of the document has been blacked out)

[kotegiris]

[Event Story] 3rd Anniversary -Mark of Glory-

Events Referenced: Butler’s Wine Festival, 2nd Anniversary -Tarot of Destiny- Episode 4 is also referenced.

previous chapter ✧ all ✧ next chapter

Chapter 4: In a Peaceful Future

Berrien: Maginaria… It’s already been a year since then.

Lono: Yeah. I think it was an unforgettable trip for everyone.

Lono: We were really worried because of the tarot card reading… Everyone thought something ominous was gonna happen to Aruji-sama…

Lono: But in the end… They resolutely told us that they’d overcome that fate.

Lono: Hehe… At that time, we were all desperately trying to cheer up Aruji-sama…

Lono: I still remember how I prepared breakfast for them.

> It was the same breakfast I had when I first came here.

Lono: Yeah! Hehe, so you still remember.

Lono: That breakfast made me remember some other things too…

Lono: The more time I spend with you, the more important memories I gain.

Lono: In the future I’m sure we’ll travel to more places together, but…

Lono: Whether it’s our first time there or not… I want to make all kinds of new memories.

Lono: That’s my wish.

Berrien: Fufu… I feel the same way, Lono-kun.

Bastien: You’re right in that you can make more than one memory at the same place.

Bastien: …After all, Devil’s Palace is filled with all sorts of memories.

Muu: Yeah! I want to make all kinds of memories with everyone too!

Muu: And someday… When a future where we don’t have to fight angels anymore comes…

Muu: Once more in a peaceful world… I want to revisit all the places I’ve been to together with Aruji-sama!

Berrien: I see… “Once more in a peaceful world”…

Lono: Well said, Muu! That’s an amazing dream to have for the future.

Muu: Ehehe… I’ve been complimented, Aruji-sama!

> We’ll make it happen someday.

Bastien: Hmm… A future where we don’t have to fight angels anymore…

Bastien: If a time of peace like that ever comes… Living a peaceful life in a quiet place would be nice.

Bastien: Then I wouldn’t need my sword anymore…

Bastien: No… I’d still need it to protect Aruji-sama.

> (To protect me…?)

Lono: Hmmm. Having a peaceful life in a quiet place…

Lono: …Wait a damn minute. Why did you suddenly bring up Aruji-sama?

Berrien: Fufu. Seems like in the future that Bastien envisions, Aruji-sama is by his side.

Bastien: Mhm. That’s right.

Bastien: Since I’ve been by their side for a while now… I can’t imagine a life without them anymore.

Lono: Geez… If that’s the case, then I’m free to imagine what I want too.

Lono: If the world becomes peaceful… My dream is to open a cozy restaurant.

Lono: I’d make sure to have good hospitality and treat every single customer well… That’s the kind of restaurant I’d open.

Lono: Hehe. I’ve told Aruji-sama about this before when we went to Tobilis, right?

Lono: If I could run it together with Aruji-sama, it’d be the best~

> Yeah, you did tell me.

Berrien: Fufu… That’s a wonderful dream, Lono-kun.

Bastien: …Well, you’re free to imagine what you want.

Bastien: So… What about you, Berrien-san?

Berrien: Huh…? Me?

Bastien: Yeah. If the world becomes peaceful, what would you do…?

Bastien: I’m sure you have something you want to do, right?

> Really, Berrien?

Berrien: Y-Yes… Actually, I do have something in mind.

Berrien: My future for when the world becomes peaceful… In the past I never gave it any thought, but…

Berrien: When I try to think about it now… I want to give back the kindness I’ve received…

Berrien: I was saved by the kindness of the people at Goetia’s orphanage.

Berrien: So if I can… I’d like to start an orphanage at Devil’s Palace.

> An orphanage at the mansion?

Berrien: Yes. I like taking care of people…

Berrien: And the mansion is like a second home to all the butlers.

Berrien: I want to keep protecting it so that everyone can come back whenever they like.

> That’s a wonderful dream.

Berrien: Thank you. And… if you’d like, Aruji-sama…

Berrien: If at that time, you’d stay with me… I’d be very happy.

Lono: Hehe. I knew you were also thinking about it!

Bastien: Hm… But there’s only one Aruji-sama…

Bastien: When a time of peace comes… who would you want to be with, Aruji-sama? I’m curious.

> U-Uhm…

Berrien: Fufu… It’s alright, Aruji-sama.

Berrien: We are curious, but… We shouldn’t ask you to answer that here and now.

Bastien: Yeah. Sorry if I made you flustered.

Lono: We talked about all sorts of things, but… It’s all just what ifs.

Lono: So feel free to imagine what kind of future you’d like and just have fun with it, Aruji-sama!

Muu: Fufu… No matter what kind of future it is, I want to stay with Aruji-sama!

> Thanks guys.

While looking at everyone’s cheerful expressions… I also happily imagined a future with them.

A peaceful future may still be a long way off, but… I’m sure I’ll keep traveling to many places with everyone.

And with each place, we’ll gain a new memory.

What kind of new memories will we make on this trip?

The anticipation filled my heart with excitement, and that night I slept soundly.

【Village Border - Agnome】

Several days later… We left the Ice Palace and arrived at the border of Agnome.

Elvira welcomed us, and we gave her the letter… She said that she’d have her response ready soon.

Elvira: …I see. I understand the situation.

Elvira: I’ll write and sign a letter of the Devil Butlers’ contributions.

> Thank you.

Berrien: You have our gratitude, Elvira-sama. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Elvira: Not at all. I’m glad to be of help.

Elvira: You helped me at Maginaria after all…

Elvira: And not just me, but the Devil Butlers are always protecting mankind.

Elvia: If it weren’t for the Devil Butlers and your lord… Mankind would be at the mercy of the Autonomous Angels.

Elvira: Your existence is this world’s hope… Even if it’s not much, I’m happy to return the favor.

Lono: Thank you! Man, it really does feel nice to be thanked~

Bastien: Yeah. It’s better than being hated.

Muu: Ehehe… Elivra-sama is a really good person!

Elvira: ………A good person……

Elvira: Being told that… Makes it difficult to say my “terms.”

> Terms…?

Muu: Ah, don’t tell me… Do you want to touch my paws?

Muu: Then… Feel free to touch them as much as you like after you write the letter!

Elvira: …I’ll prepare it immediately. Please feel free to take your time exploring the village.

Elvira: The witch clan will always welcome you.

Then we changed into the white outfits that guests have to wear…

And after we finished enjoying sightseeing… We returned to the mansion with Elvira-sama’s letter.

[jingledbells]

no because in 90% of the depictions I see of them stan is this big strong man who’s super gentlemanly and thoughtful and kind and considerate and good at relationships when he’s literally Not. and they make fiddleford this weak uwu precious twink baby who needs stan to save him it’s so bizarre. and people endlessly use this pairing to shit on ford like ‘ohhh he would treat him so much better than ford’ hmmm who would treat fiddleford better. his best friend who Genujnley cares about him or the guy who ran him over multiple times. like do what you want but consider revisiting the source material?? like these aren’t even the characters anymore. it’s so out of character it’s not even them.

fiddlestan lowkey makes me so mad because it’s literally the most ooc ship to ever exist like those aren’t even the characters at this point brother just make ocs

[dragonclaw29]

Top Ten Manga

It’s been a minute since I last uploaded a top ten of any kind, Grad school will do that to you. However, now with my studies almost over I thought I would revisit my top ten manga and see what new titles have amazed me! 

-Note I am not including Webcomics so if you want Manhwa and the like let me know and I will make a separate list. 

10. Sakamoto Days

Starting off with a bang we have Sakamoto Days. In a world of assassins even a mild mannered fat store clerk could be a tough challenge. That is definitely true for Sakamoto the former top assassin in Japan. Watch as Sakamoto is targeted by Esper's, Triad members, and old friends as he battles to protect his home and his daughter. It’s a fantastic read and great for the action lover and comedian a like. 

9. Claymore 

Claymore tells the tale of an elite class of women tasked to fight off monsters who plague the land. Clair the last member of this group must protect the peace, her new friend Rakka, and her self. However, dark secrets lurk in this world and the shadowy organization that dispatches the Claymores may not be as kind as they appear. 

8. A Story about a Droid 

I debated about including this because it is such a short read. But it is also a very good and cute read. This story is about a droid who finds a baby and decides to take care of him. In order to care for the child the droid puts on a human disguise. The story follows the droid and her child as she raises him in a post apocalyptic world. 

7. Berserk

RIP Muria I will always be heartbroken that you passed before finishing this wonder of a story. This manga has always been one of my favorites and for good reason. The art is fantastic, the story is gripping, and the characters are dynamic. However, this manga is shocking, cruel, and depressing- not for the faint of heart. 

6. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki Kun

Monthly Girls Nozaki is the tale of a girl in love. Chiyo has been in love with Nozaki for a while and she finally decides that she has had enough. Working up the courage she confesses to him, only for him to give her an autograph. Turns out her class mate is world famous in the realm of shoujo manga and has never been in love. Chiyo’s confession goes right over his head leaving her dumbfounded but not hopeless. This manga is a great romantic comedy including some of my favorite characters in fiction. Definitely worth a read if you want to laugh a night away. 

5. Dungeon Meshi

Have you ever been playing DnD and been like “hmmm I wonder what a Mimic tastes like?” If so I have the manga for you! Dungeon Meshi or delicious in dungeon follows a group of adventures as they venture into a dungeon to save the main character Laos’s sister. However, with no supplies they are forced to eat their way through to survive, much to the disdain of the party except for Laos he loves it. 

4. Sousou No Frienen

We all know elves live a long time but sometimes it doesn’t hit an elf until they have seen their old comrades fade away. Frenen is old even and has wandered the world in search of rare magic, and I mean rare not necessarily useful. Only after being recruited to aid the hero’s party and defeating the demon king does she come to realize that human relationships are complex and that time is fleeting. This is a great fantasy manga with great magic and quirky characters as I write this I am rereading the manga for the fourth time. 

3. Yotsubato!

Man aren’t five year old's hectic little animals?! Yotsuba is a young girl in a new neighborhood who isn’t afraid to wander off, get into trouble, or of anything except for maybe scary statues. This manga follows her life with her dad living every day to the fullest. If you are feeling down this is a great pick me up. I reread during finals and it really helped. 

2. Tongari Boss/ Witch Hat Alter

Witches are born with the ability to use magic and normal people aren’t. At least that’s what they say but what happens when a young girl gets a glimpse at the secret of magic. What if the reason magic is solely for witches because of the great danger magic can place not only yourself but the world in. Witch hat alter is one of the best fantasy manga out there right now and I want the next chapter to come out already!!!

1. Chainsaw Man

I remember the conversation that led me to read chainsaw man years ago. It went something like 

“Hey dude you should totally read this manga it’s badass!”

“Really? What’s it about?”

Insert a few seconds of silence 

“Well.. It’s about a dude who turns into a chainsaw and kills devils” 

“That’s insane” 

“Trust me it’s sooo good you have to try it! It has a section where he rides a shark into battle while on fire!” 

And with that fateful line I decided to give it a read. All I can say is thank you for telling me to read it because I love this manga. It is so funny, and crazy, and sad, and mind bending, and so many other things. I never thought a story about a dude who literally has a chainsaw growing out of his face would make me cry but life works in funny ways. 

Well that’s my list. I hope you find some of these recommendations helpful. If you have any questions, or want more let me know!! Have a great Summer!

[iam93percentstardust]

hi! i really like your writing and was wondering if you’d recommend other authors that you enjoy or even specific fanfics you like? i’ve only just started getting into the steve/tony fandom and want to follow more people! thank you!

Hi there and welcome! We’re glad to have you here!! 💙

I’m more of an MCU kind of gal myself but if you’re interested in the comics, I highly recommend checking out the below authors and fics:

Living in the Future by Closer: Eighteen-year-old Tony Stark is the boy genius who woke Captain America, and now he's stuck with him. That's not a bad thing, but between Steve's wide-eyed wonder at the new world and Tony's little fanboy crush, the awkwardness just keeps happening.

@blossomsinthemist: seriously one of the best smut authors I’ve ever read with lots of feelings, trust me, you won’t regret getting into their works

@sineala: been writing Marvel since approximately 2014 (though if you like their works, it’s worth reading their other stuff as well even if you’re not familiar with the fandom, it’s all that good) and has written a lot of the classics including Like a Comet Streaming On and Slipping off the Page into Your Hands

Stars Fading, but I Linger On, Dear by Chibisquirt: A Soulmate AU where people meet their soulmate in their dreams. Of course, not even that solves all the world's problems, especially if one or more of the soulmates has a secret identity...

MCU and Ambiguous Fandom:

@festiveferret: has written so much and I can pretty much guarantee that you’ve stumbled across something that they’ve written at least once, writes both on tumblr and on ao3 but everything they post on tumblr is also cross-posted to ao3 so you don’t have to go digging through their blog to find ficlets

@no-gorms: has literally the most interesting AUs, I always read whatever is new pretty much the moment it comes out, can promise lots of feelings and happy endings

A Series of Learning Experiences by @riotfalling: In which Tony finds out that his tiny artist boyfriend is not a nice boy. In the best possible way. (Riot doesn’t write much Stevetony but what she does write is amazing)

Heart in Hand by janonny: Or the story where Tony, an Omega, holds a much belated Courting Ceremony. Steve joins up and loses his mind a little.

@maguna-stxrk: writes lots of fluff here on tumblr

@omg-just-peachy: widely acknowledged as the inventor of fluff

@itsallavengers: no longer as active but writes the most heartbreaking angst with a happy ending, you will feel so many things, has written classics like Versions of Reality and Nobody Panic, Everything’s Fine

@aurumacadicus: I’ve said before (I think on the stuckony reclist) that her version of Tony is my favorite but I’m going to say it again: seriously, fantastic Tony

Finding Pack by @naferty: In a world where pack means everything from status to fame to survival and to family, newly pack-less Tony Stark is trying to survive after those he once trusted betrayed him, and starting over by searching for a new pack to take him in, but with his age and status weighing heavily on his shoulders finding someone to take a chance on him might be easier said than done.What pack wanted an old infertile omega in their ranks? Certainly not the famous Avengers pack led by the equally famous Captain. (one day this fic will be finished and when that happens, I will scream for three days straight)

@sabrecmc: hmmm yes, especially check out Celestial Navigation and The Prize (also has an incredibly comprehensive rec blog, @sabrecmcstonyficrecs)

Sunrise by NotEvenCloseToStraight: Nomad is a soldier forced to do Hydra's bidding. When his mission takes him to the castle and to the bed chambers of Prince Antony Stark, Nomad is faced with a choice-- to finish his mission and finally earn his freedom or to save the last piece of his scarred soul and let the beautiful Prince live.Antony is trapped in the Palace, his life controlled by his Uncle, the Sovereign Stane. He yearns for a life beyond the palace walls but when the Nomad breaks into his rooms with blade held at the ready, Antony thinks all is lost--and then the assassin hesitates.Steven and Antony are two souls together in the moonlight, two lives on the cusp of ruin and as the sun rises over the palace, perhaps they will be two kindred spirits, finding freedom in each other's arms.

take my heart clean apart by mistymountainking: Tony comes home exhausted after an SI event. Steve acts as welcoming committee. It's an old, careworn routine they've perfected over the years, but tonight ends up going in a very different direction.

Dear Mr. Fantasy by @pineapplebread: Tony writes letters to his past loves to get over them. They’re all but meaningless by this point, but he keeps them hidden anyways, never to be seen or read by anyone else. Until one day they all mysteriously get sent out.His deepest secrets are revealed and he scrambles to do damage control, striking a deal to enter a fake relationship with Steve Rogers who just wants his ex back. Tony conveniently forgets to mention that the only love letter he still means is the one he wrote to his fake boyfriend.

slipping through the years by often_adamanta: The plane crash and subsequent ice might have killed him, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still around, haunting those he cares about. And since the only person who can see him is Tony Stark, death sure isn’t going to be boring.

Insomnia by Scavenge4Dreams: Its 3am. Do you know where your Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist is?

rough enough for love by silkspectred: The first time they had sex was right after their first kiss. Steve dropped to his knees and then Tony reciprocated after making Steve lie down on the bed. The second time it was Steve that initiated it, slow handjobs under the hot spray of the shower, and Tony looked surprised by it. Like it was weird that Steve wanted it. Wanted him.

I’m a Grown-Ass Man by not_applicable: or, 5 Times Steve Carried Tony and 1 Time Tony Didn't Mind. At all.

Containment by D: After Tony ends up severely injured from a surprise attack, triggering a flashback and putting him in the hospital for emergency surgery, the Avengers come together in worry for their friend and teammate and are disquieted by the intensity of Tony’s reaction. Between the flashback and the sedatives, Tony’s mind revisits key moments in his life while the team bands together in support of each other and their injured friend, letting SHIELD handle Tony’s attacker, they remain where they are needed, even if Tony isn’t awake to truly realize this. And through it all, Steve makes a decision that will change things with Tony.

His Fate Will Be Unlearned by scifigrl47: Tony Stark spent his childhood making weapons, filling the hole his father left in the world when he succumbed to alcohol, grief, and his own demons. At the age of fifteen, he ran away from home, and made it as far as MIT before all of his responsibilities caught up to him. Now seventeen, he just wants to finish his degree and escape from everything connected to the Stark name. Steve Rogers crashed into the icy North Atlantic in the 1940's, sacrificing himself to save the world. He never expected to wake up, and now that he has, he's not sure he's glad. The US Army has other plans for him, but for now, Steve is slowly learning to live life in the 21st century, and taking classes at Boston College. He's beginning to suspect that there is no escape. Boston College is on the T's Green Line. MIT is on the Red. The two lines meet at the Park Street Station, and so will Steve and Tony.

The Twice-Told Tale by arysteia: For someone he'd hero-worshipped for so long, Steve Rogers in the flesh is a pretty big disappointment. For one thing, he keeps looking at Tony as though he reminds him of someone else, and even if he never says anything, Tony's pretty sure it's his father. A lifetime of not measuring up to Howard's expectations is more than enough, thank you very much, and he's certainly not going to make an effort to live up to any of Steve's. Steve's pretty clearly failed to live up to his expectations, in any case, and that's not hypocritical at all.

Like Gene Kelly in the Movies by lyra_wing: Everything Tony Stark does is a dance. And it's super confusing for Steve.

bedrock and brick by lyra_wing: Immediate sequel to the movie, wherein Tony builds Avengers Tower. Or plays interior designer, take your pick.

[ladyanput]

Ah lee lee, my favourite internet cousin I need a fic saltier than the Dead Sea Alya salt (in the Daminette universe uwu) maybe at a high school reunion? Or seeing the couple on TV OR she accuses marinette of sleeping with Damian just to get jumpstart her career (she says this on Twitter) and a lot of people are like ‘hmmm ok, sure honey’

I'm in the mood for salt tonight, so let's work on this one, from my favourite cousin.

---

A high school reunion was always an interesting affair. Some people didn't show up because they hated high school, thinking it's hell incarnate and never want to revisit it again. Some go just to catch up and see how old friends are doing.

But, honestly, most go and show off how successful they are in life, trying to be the best amongst their peers.

At least, that was the case, many noticed, for Miss Bustier's former class. Many people who had been in the same year at them stared as they entered, greeting their former classmates loudly and bragging about their accomplishments.

But anyone could see most of them were blowing smoke. They all knew the stories from forever ago, it had been a running gag for many of the students at DuPont.

Lila Rossi told someone that she'd get you in contact with someone in the industry to planned on entering, when you heard nothing, she'd feign that they were busy or some bullshit like that, then when you didn't get the job or internship because you didn't bother even applying, thanks to you being gullible enough to believe Lila's lies, she'd go about convincing you that the company or whatever was too blind to see how amazing you were, and that you deserved better.

It was a cycle. And it was hilarious because now most of that former class were at low end jobs. Kim wasn't the Olympic swimmer he had dreamt of being; instead he taught swimming lessons at the local pool. Max never became the scientific genius he thought he would be, no,he worked at the school as a tech teacher. Most of that class were in the same scenario, save for the people who hadn't listened to Lila's bullshit. Juleka was a famous model, her wife Rose was the lead spokesperson in a field dedicating to taking care of and curing sick children. Nathaniel and his husband Marc had a bestselling comic book series.

Even Nino made a decent living, working as a DJ and a an upcoming director.

When Lila arrived along with Alya in a stretch limousine, everyone watching pitifully as Lila's followers from high school quickly grovelled to her, as she went on about marrying Damian Wayne, everyone knowing he had a wife, but the wedding had been so private, rarely anyone knew who she was.

"My dearest Dami would be here, but he's away in Japan right now, an important contract for Wayne Enterprises needed some of his expertise." Lila went on to say. She had her signature hair style still, making many grimace at the sight of it.

"But you promise that I can still interview him,right?" Alya spoke up, the past ten years having been the hardest on her. She had gained weight, mostly around her middle. She was squinting, as she had abandoned her glasses, due to Lila saying real reporters never wore glasses, as many people found people without them more appealing, there for more willing for an interview, but Alya couldn't afford contacts, so she was stubborn with being basically blind. And she dyed her hair blonde.

Enough said.

But there was one person they were eagerly waiting to see. And when she arrived, she didn't disappoint in the least.

Marinette strode into the gymnasium, looking as stunning as she always had been. Her dark hair had been grown out, framing her beautiful face, her trim body clad in a dress of pale pink, one of the newest designs from her latest fashion line.

And the man on her arm made many men and women stare in envy. Tall, dark, handsome, he reminded them all of a dark prince, with his muscular build and piercing green eyes.

"Is that Marinette?" Someone asked rather loudly, drawing everyone's attention from Lila's wildest tale and to the lovely designer as she strode in with her husband.

"Marinette, how was Taiwan?" Juleka spoke up, smiling as she and Rose strode over to greet the couple, Nino, Marc, and Nathaniel quickly joining them.

"It was lovely. I'd like to thank you again, for being able to model for me last week, you were a lifesaver." Marinette giggled softly, pulling Juleka in a tight hug.

Alya crossed her arms, scowling as practically everyone swarmed Marinette and the man she came with. She couldn't help but feel envious at the sight of Marinette, looking so beautiful and well put together.

Lila wasn't doing much better, wishing with every fiber of her being that she was basking in that attention.

"Who is this with you, Marinette?" Alya strode up, her hand always slipping into her purse, reaching for her cell phone. "A man you had to blackmail into marrying you? I feel sorry for him."

"... Is she serious?" Marc's brows shot up, sharing a bewildered look with his husband.

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Damian, Damian Wayne." Damian smiled cooly towards Alya and Lila, his eyes narrowing a fraction. "You must be the undesirables my wife had to deal with during her time here, aren't you?"

"... Nice try, Marinette. Seriously? Hiring a guy to pretend to be Damian Wayne? You're so pathetic, Lila is married to Damian, if you bothered even to check your facts." Alya snorted, crossing her arms as she glared at Mari, scowling again. "You've ruined enough lives already, you ruined mine and Nino's relationship, so you can just fuck off and go home. No one wants you here."

Damian stepped forward, cold fury written clearly on his face, but Marinette's gentle touch on his shoulder stopped him. She merely put on a kind smile and stepped around her husband.

"You're still believing her lies, Alya? All of you still are? That's pretty pathetic, if I'm being honest." Mari's smile sharpened a bit as she crossed her arms, her blue eyes alight with fire. A fire no one had known was there. "You're the biggest hypocrite I know, Alya, as you've never checked a fact in your life. You tend to jump to conclusions before getting all of the facts in the first place. That's what ruined your relationships, I didn't think of you once for the past ten years."

"You don't need to talk to Alya like that, Marinette! You're still the biggest bully ever!" Lila sobbed, wiping away her tears. "Wait until my Damibear hears about this! We'll sue, ruin that tacky brand of yours."

"Highly unlikely." Damian stepped forward, his expression morphing into one of cool calm. Then a smirk twitched his lips. "At least I know who has been throwing around my name to get into places, or to get things for free. My lawyers will love to take care of the messes you've been causing me and my family."

"I beg your pardon?!" Lila felt the blood drain from her face, but she teared up, sniffling, desperate to keep her façade. "Damian, you've been cheating on me with Marinette, I was just trying to help you save face!"

"Oh give it up, Lie-la, no one is buying your bullshit." Chloé strode in, her hands gripping Kagami's and Luka's as they entered. She gave the liar a haughty look, diamonds dangling at her ears and her neck. "Except for Alya. But she must have one good barbed tongue, if you keep letting her kiss your ass and such for all of these years."

"Chloé! You fu-" Alya's face went red and she and Lila began advancing on the trio, but no one noticed as Rose 'spillt' her drink, causing both girls to slip and go stumbling. Juleka stuck out an elegant leg and Lila went tumbling back into the punch bowl, toppling it all over herself. The screech she let out was so satisfying.

Nino pretended to grab hold of Alya to steady her, but her hands 'slipped' from his grasp and she was sent falling onto the food table. A bit of revenge for her destroying his DJ equipment seven years ago, after their break up.

"I guess coming here wasn't a waste of our time afterall." Damian's rare smile appeared as he took his wife's hand and kissed her knuckles.

"I agree." Marinette giggled, ignoring the screaming coming from Alya and Lila. Instead, she turned to her friends. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, we're meeting Adrien and Tim after this, would you guys wanna join us for dinner at our home here in Paris?"

Alya felt hot tears of frustration as she glared at the blurry Marinette, grinding her teeth. That couldn't be Damian Wayne, Marinette couldn't be married to him! Because... Because that would have meant Lila had been lying. Lying about Marinette, lying about Nino cheating on her with multiple men and women, lying about Alya's chances with New York Times.

And Lila wouldn't lie to her, she just couldn't!

Alya felt the hot tears steam down her cheeks as Marinette and Damian walked off with their friends, looking so... So happy.

Something that she hadn't felt in such a long time.

Taglist:

Permanent: @vixen-uchiha @ravennightingaleandavatempus @2sunchild2 @crazylittlemunchkin @bee-wrecker @souleateralicestein @loysydark @kceedraws @realrandomposts @alienjoyful @f0xylegs

Salt: @virgil-is-a-cutie @sidessunnybumblebee @persephonebutkore @18-fandoms-unite-08 @suzen23smith @luciferge @theelventhgod @noirdots @space--butterflies @ghostglaceon @magicalfirebird @goggles-mcgee @chocolate1721 @minightrose @bookcrazybby @cupcakeandkisses @mewwitch

[i-loves-my-lemurs]

Fanfic writer's director's commentary! Thanks to @candycoloredwolf for the ask! I chose to talk about my first panchulien oneshot 'Wanna Dance?'. I wrote it in a single night on impulse so there's a few grammar mistakes and other stuff I noticed upon revisiting it.

I probably went way overboard on my commentary (oops) but it was so much fun going through it all. I hope this is entertaining.

.............

*the crocodile ambassador gave him an unusually soft smile.*

After everything that's happened in the show, I feel like the croc ambassador would have warmed up to Julien quite a bit and come to respect him as a leader. Also he's trying to butter Julien up before complaining about one of his subjects.

*provided they were on their best behaviour. It had said on the invitation that it was a 'sophisticated' event, so Maurice had managed to wrangle all of the lemurs into formal wear, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, dancing in pairs to the soft music*

Man, I just love it when characters dress up in fancy outfits and go dancing together (like in the prom episode). One of my favourite tropes in fact, so I just had to throw it in there!

*but still all this fancy partnered dancing wasn't entirely to the ringtail's taste.*

As much as I like the formal dancing stuff, it wouldn't be something Julien would enjoy, so he's already looking for an excuse to bounce and throw his own afterparty. He's only stayed so far to try and be polite and improve relations between their kingdoms or something else that Maurice told him to do.

*Clover, Sage and the rest of the mountain lemur kingdom was there, and the king and queen were happily sharing a waltz. Maurice was dancing with his sister while Prince Brodney was teaching their children the steps*

This takes place after the show's finale, but without the inclusion of the zoosters, so sort of like a parallel universe? Where Julien and Clover are monarchs together, which I think is neat. Also People tend to forget that Maurice has a sister, myself included really, and I kinda wish they'd had more cute bonding moments, so I gave then a brother/sister dance.

*even Pancho was leaning against a tree*

Aside from the main squad (excluding Mort of course) Pancho is the only minor lemur that Julien really mentions here. Almost like he was looking for him specifically. Hmmm....

*He caught Julien's eye and winked. Julien chuckled fondly.*

Casual flirt.

*"I do have a minor issue with the behaviour of one of your, ahem, subjects*

That little cough just feels like something the croc ambassador would do when he's embarrassed, or to sound authoritative, so he did.

*Julien tore his eyes away from Pancho*

"Tore his eyes away" almost like he didnt want to look away. Hmmm...

*The anxious lemur was currently giggling as he twirled his new boyfriend around*

Ah, I just want Willie to be happy and have a good time with his bf. He deserves to laugh more. New boyfriend infers that they're in the early stages of their relationship, so they're just messing around being silly and cute and having fun together.

*but Horst and Mary Ann weren't doing much better.*

Horst and Mary Ann deserve a nice romantic dance. It would be pretty awkward because she's twice his size and can only really walk on all fours, but they don't even care. They just cut their own path through the dance floor and ignore everyone else, no matter how annoyed the other dancers are because they keep getting in the way.

*"Well, they're both males!" He said. "It's completely unnatural, wouldn't you agree?"*

Oof, the croc ambassador wants that snooty monarch solidarity with Julien since he's the most popular king in Madagascar, but that ain't happening any time soon. Not with that attitude!

*Julien was lost for words. He had known ever since he was young that he liked boys. Every male in the kingdom liked boys! In fact, it was considered a little unusual if you WEREN'T interested in the same gender.*

I like the idea that homosexuality is just the norm in the party kingdom, kinda like She-Ra. People are just gay and nobody thinks anything of it and coming out is celebrated. Julien doesn't care if you're gay or straight though, he just cares for his peeps and wants them to love who they love.

*whatever their genders were*

A subtle difference between Julien and the croc ambassador, Julien says 'genders' while croc ambassador says 'sexes' because Julien is more open to the idea of gender not being confined to biology.

*Julien took a few deep breaths and tried desperately to not get angry.

"What's the problem man, they're just dancing." He remarked in what he hoped was a neutral tone.*

Julien tries to keep his cool here, a bit of his character development showing. He now knows that everything doesnt have to be a scene, so keeps his temper. It's also kind of to protect Willie and his partner though. He knows they're having a good time and he doesn't want to bring to their attention that their host doesn't like what they're doing, because he knows they'll be upset.

 *"rather not have it ruined by such atrocities being committed!"*

And this was the point where I started to hate the croc ambassador too while writing.

*"Oh, hey Julio." Pancho smiled at him. "I was just gonna-"*

Pancho was just gonna say that he was bored with the party and wanted to leave. He would have asked if Julien wanted to come with (he could tell Julio was getting bored and he couldn't have THAT), which would have been a different fanfiction entirely.

*"Wanna dance?" Julien said.*

I honestly can't remember if I thought of the title or this line first.

*He considered sticking his tongue out at the reptile's back, but ultimately decided that such a juvenile display wasn't the best way to get his point across.*

Again, character development. Julien has matured (a little) and realised that there are better, more fulfilling ways of getting revenge.

*"OK." Pancho said with a shrug, and slid his paw over to Julien's waist,*

Once Pancho can mentally catch up with what's going on, he rolls with it. In fact, he sorta likes the idea of dancing with Julien, and had been trying to gather the courage to ask him for most of the night. I wonder why...

*As they danced though, he began to feel his attention drawn to a different place: how smooth Pancho was on the dance floor,*

We all know Julien's attention span is not great, so there's no way he's going to be able to stay angry when he's too busy being distracted by Pancho's smoothness.

*He raised an eyebrow. "You just couldn't resist?"*

Not entirely subtle flirt.

*"But you know, you're not a bad pick." He patted Pancho on the arm.*

Not entirely subtle either flirt.

*"Abner over there's been missing steps and stumbling all night!" He glanced over at Abner and his wife with a small frown.*

Poor Abner, he's the one getting picked on tonight. Bit of a running gag here.

*Pancho's eyes widened and he instinctively pulled Julien closer, whether it was to shield him or to further prove the point, Julien couldn't tell, but the ringtail wasn't complaining.*

Pancho does pull Julien closer on instinct to protect him, he knows how badly homophobia would hurt Julien's feelings. Julien is just loving it though. He was more angry for Willie's sake than hurt anyways.

*"But us lemurs dance with guys all the time!" Pancho exclaimed. "I've seen you kiss four different guys at a party once! What's his problem?"

"That's what I'm saying, wait I did what?"*

Even if they weren't a couple, dancing together is just something the males would do. They're that casual. And of course Julien would go around kissing everybody at his parties when he gets drunk enough. Poor Julien doesnt remember half of what he does at parties though.

*"Oh no, I don't mind." Pancho remarked, then cleared his throat awkwardly, looking away.*

Awkward silence much? Internally Pancho is just screaming *why did you say that?!" because he doesn't know how to handle his feelings right now, especially not with Julien so close.

(For any other ballroom dance enthusiasts, what they're dancing would be a mix between a waltz and a slow dance. Like a casual, less fancy waltz that's quite easy for them to get the hang of, but still quite romantic and personal).

*"You know Julio, I don't think he's gonna notice." Pancho remarked.*

But eventually Pancho plucks up the courage. They're already dancing, he tells himself. And Julien just wants to make the crocodile ambassador mad. Julien kisses people platonically all the time so he won't question it. If he doesnt like it, say you were doing it to piss off the crocodiles. And if he does like it... well...

*"Well, I had an idea." Pancho was avoiding his gaze again."*

He's still nervous of course, but he's made up his mind. It's all or nothing, baby!

*"Lay it on me." Julien said.*

And he does! Literally!

*And holy Sky Gods.*

I was tempted to have this line be 'holy crap' or 'holy sh*t' because that's what I would say idk but holy sky gods just works better for the show's lore, and allows the story to keep a G rating.

*All thoughts of spiting the crocodile ambassador had been fully driven from his mind*

Julien just gets so caught up in the moment, he's all "what crocodile ambassador?" he just wants to keep kissing.

*Julien stroked his paw through Pancho's soft fur and deepened their kiss.*

I imagine Pancho's fur would be very soft, he's always playing around with explosives so he's bound to get his fur burnt off every now and then, and it grows back softer.

This was the first time I wrote the lemurs kissing, so it's not the most explicit thing in the world. I probably couldn't write an explicit kiss scene to save my life though.

*"Hoo-ah." Pancho sighed softly.*

Hoo-ah" is exactly what Pancho would say after having his mind blown by a kiss like that. Just no thoughts, head Julien.

*"Yeah, crocodile ambassador certainly thinks so." Pancho said, a wild grin overcoming his face*

Heh heh, Pancho's happy because he just got to kiss his crush (and he liked it!) But also because he can see the croc ambassador is pissed and he loves the opportunity to mess.

*some looking angry, some looking intrigued*

Some of the crocs are intrigued because they've never been able to be open about who they are or experiment because of compulsory heterosexuality in their kingdom. Seeing two guys just being so open about their attraction to each other would definitely help them rethink things. They've never seen gay love expressed like this and it's new and exciting.

*Julien's face broke out into an ecstatic grin.

"Yeah that's right!" He called wildly. "I kissed a guy! At your party! Boom, I like kissing guys! Ha, suck on that loser! Woohoo!"*

Oh the sweet triumph of proving a point. This rant was a joy to write, it just feels very Julien.

*He grabbed Pancho's hand and held it up.*

Grab your boyfriend's hand, hold it aloft like a prize.

*"I'm like ninety percent sure Ted likes kissing guys!"*

Haha, poor Teddy needs to be extracted from the closet, pronto. Julien just has an excellent gaydar.

* and tucked a protective arm around his daughter's shoulders, turning her away from Julien.*

I imagine princess Amy would have some questions after this, questions which her father would definitley struggle to answer. If she really wants to find out what Pancho and Julien were doing, I imagine she'd visit the party kingdom alone, and the lemurs would be happy to answer her questions. Pancho and Julien may have ushered in a new era for the crocodile kingdom and their relationship with LGBT+.

*There came a cheer from the crowd of lemurs and they all began to head off the dance floor*

Of course the other lemurs go with Julien immediately, he's their king after all and the moment he suggests that someone might not be cool with their sexualities, they're ready to bounce.

*Clover and Sage at the front hand in hand,*

Clover and Sage would definitley be behind Julien 100%. The moment he declares that they're out of there, they just drop everything to leave with him.

*some mountain lemur ladies holding hands too.*

Mountain lemur lesbians? Anyone? I just think it's neat.

*"You read my mind, Julio."

Julien pulled Pancho towards him and tried to ignore how it felt like there was a little party going on in his stomach when Pancho called him that.*

Julien really likes that name! I see it as an affectionate nickname Pancho gave him that eventually just evolves into a pet name that makes Julien a little warm and fuzzy inside every time he hears it.

*Julien's heart leapt with joy to see Willie clutching his boyfriend's hands as they danced.*

Daaaww, Julien might pick on Willie but at the end of the day he likes to see him happy. He's glad they don't have to stay at a party where their dancing is scrutinised.

*Pancho rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as they stood face to face. "I'm sorry about kissing you, I just-"*

Now that there's some distance between them, Pancho has had time to think and wonder "oh sheesh, what if I messed it up, what if he only felt like it was platonic" and he's now all embarrassed, poor leem. He's just a guy in love.

*He nodded, then cleared his throat in an attempt to get a grip on his emotions. "You know, um, while we were dancing*

And now we see Julien trying to hold it together, these two are just so precious and I can totally see them stumbling over their feelings like that.

*kissed Pancho on the forehead, giggling slightly at the other lemur's squeak of surprise.*

Pancho is the perfect height for affectionate forehead kisses, let's not forget it!

*Pancho and Julien headed onto the dancefloor together and moved their bodies to the beat.*

They would have spent the night together just dancing and vibing (and making out probably).

*Nobody there who gave them the stink-eye or who told them that they were wrong. They danced and had fun and kissed without a care in the world. Julien felt so happy that his kingdom was a place where he could kiss Pancho all he liked.*

Ah I really went to town on the "love is love" concept here, didn't I? Well, a theme is a theme.

Julien's just really happy at the place he's created. He's glad they can dance and kiss and all that jazz, and he did that, he created a kingdom free of prejudice. It's exactly how I can see the kingdom's relationship with LGBT+ going down, a place where they're all just happy to vibe and be themselves.

.........

And that's the end. I hope you enjoyed this premium insight into my writings, and if you want commentary on another of my stories, or just have random questions, then my inbox is always open :)

[lunnamars]

somebody wants you - chap 3

[Chap1] [Chap2].

Can also be read in AO3 e FFNET.

Chapter 3 - thank you

Nami decided to ask something that she wanted to know for a while but knew that she would only get it when the two were alone and he was calm, which was rare.

And she wanted to ask seriously and hear a serious answer as well.

"Do you think about getting married, Luffy?"

He had already finished swallowing all the ice cream, so he leaned sloppily on the chair and looked at her. The two were considerably close with their knees touching and the simple contact sent shivers down her spine. Oh c'mon, you look like a thirteen-year-old girl, Nami. Pull yourself together, the redhead thought and rolled her eyes.

"Haa? Why do you guys always wanna know this??"

"Hmmm, I don't know. I think it's because we would like to meet the woman who would finally sweep the great idiot Monkey D. Luffy off his feet", she gave a wry smile.

It was true. Nami always had this curiosity because she imagined this woman to be a completely fun and cheerful person, completely crazy about adventures and with luck, smarter than the captain (someone needed to be wise in the relationship). The navigator never imagined whether this imaginary woman would be beautiful or not because she knew that this isn't something that Luffy would consider important. Nor is something that worried the redhead because she knows she is gorgeous and has always been confident, so she wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Is Hancock more beautiful? Possibly. Did Nami like that fact? No, but she cared way more about the fact that the Empress was able to stand her ground against enemies without needing any help. That was something that bothered her more than she would like to admit.

"Dunno. It's not something I think about that much. We have so many adventures ahead, Nami!! I don't know if I want to worry about that kind of thing. If it happens, it happens", he shrugged.

An answer that fitted the boy. Luffy was a free spirit and that's why he was fascinating. His simple mind let him enjoy life better than many people in this world.

"Incredibly, you're right, Luffy. But I'm sure we'll all be happy to have the pirate queen on board", she winked at him.

Nami knew that, on the one hand, it was not true. She would undoubtedly suffer from seeing him in the arms of another woman, but she knew she'd be happy if he was happy. Isn't that what love is about? Knowing how to let the person go and be happy for their happiness?

Our relationship is more than my feelings. Remember that, Nami.

Suddenly, Nami remembered another thing that had made home in her mind since Luffy told them about his adventures in the two years they were apart. She knows that it would be selfish of her and that it would go a little beyond the boy's limit of talking about serious things, but the redhead liked to think that they had enough intimacy for her to ask about it.

"And Hancock? Do you think about her?", Nami tried to ask in an unpretentious way.

"Hmm? Hancock is my friend."

"But Hancock likes you. You know that, don't you?"

Luffy sighed and leaned his head on the back of the chair looking at the ceiling.

"…Yeah. Or not because I… I really don't know where she got that from. She says she wants to marry me, but I honestly don't want to. And I don’t know… I’m not the smartest person in the world and I’m a bit of an idiot sometimes, right? I really don't understand, Nami!"

"But you're amazing, Luffy!"

Nami held his hand quickly because of the loving instinct she always reserved for him. She wouldn't, under any circumstances, let him think that kind of thing about himself. Was he an idiot? Yes. Didn't do smart things every now and then? Yes. But if they asked her to describe Monkey D. Luffy with just one word, the answer would be incredible.

"You are capable of so many things, you airhead. And there's no one who doesn't like you in this world. You're a good guy, so I don't want to hear you say that about yourself again, do you hear me? Otherwise, I swear I will punch you."

"Sorry sorry Nami, don't hit me pleaaaase-"

Nami didn't hit him, but pinched his nose with a playful smile and Luffy returned it with a happy smile.

"You know Nami, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met!!", he ran his hand over her head and stroked her hair a little, "Thank you for accepting to be part of my crew, shishishi."

It was true that Nami was trying to avoid any physical contact with the captain as much as possible but screw it. She really needed to hug him. She needed to feel him close and put as much feeling into that gesture because Luffy didn't know how much he saved her.

He saved her conscience. He saved her from so many life and death situations. Saved her soul.

The hug she gave when she met him at that time in Zou was strong but full of sadness. Luffy has always been her emotional pillar and she wouldn't deny it. He was always present at all times he needed and always gave unconditional support even when he had no idea what was going on.

I'm the one who should be thanking you, Captain.

In the blink of an eye, Nami jumped into his arms without warning, clutched him tightly to her chest and hoped he wouldn't realize that this was a hug that screamed I won't leave you at all. Initially, the boy was surprised, with his hands raised in the air, not knowing what to do. But hesitantly, he wrapped his arms around Nami in a light embrace and rested his head on her shoulders.

Such a kind gesture that only her captain was able to perform. And that simple but strong hug given in the middle of a crowded and colorful ice cream shop would stay with her forever. Nami would revisit it as many times as she wanted and keep it in her heart as one of the most important treasures she has ever conquered in her life.

She knew she had already breached Luffy's personal space for too long, so she reluctantly pulled away from him and ruffled his hair. She had no problem exceeding that space limit when it was to put reason in his head, but for acts of affection like that, she preferred to run away.

It was very risky because Nami could say a lot with simple gestures and well, she didn't want to lose everything. Luffy still had the characteristic giant smile on his face that the redhead never got tired of seeing.

"Okay, enough of this serious talk. Since you decided to come for a walk with me, I set up a place for us to go. I know you think I'm not that fun, but I'll show you that I can be as much fun as Chopper or Usopp!"

"Nami, that time-"

"Water under the bridge, captain. Come on, I'll take you to an amusement park nearby, what do you think?"

"SERIOUSLY, NAMI?? AWESOME!!"

"Seriously, you fool."

What I don't do for you, huh.

Luffy is a very cheerful boy, but the one from now is also more serious. And I don't think he's like Goku who had no idea what wedding meant (even because Luffy said straight to Hancock's face that he won't marry her). I believe he does know what these things are, but he has no notion of how to do that and is too innocent to realize.

[fandomimatrix-blog]

Revisiting Life is Strange (Part 3)

Oooh boy.  Here it comes.  Get ready for some shipping-related rants and deep analysis that most of you probably haven’t thought about since the days leading up to the release of Episode 4.  Release the Kraken, as Max would say.

Pictures taken from the official Life is Strange Wikia page.  Massive spoilers ahead.

Why does Blackwell Academy look like the set of a zombie movie at night?  For that matter, why does Episode 3 begin like a horror movie?  If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume some ghost-y shit was about to go down.

This episode gives us some interesting development for Chloe’s character.  Fun fact for people like me (the ones who couldn’t let poor Katie die, even in a second or third playthrough), in the “Kate Dies” alternate of this episode, Chloe does her usual jumpscare, but this time she apologizes and admits that she uses joking and acting like an asshole to deal with trauma.  Unfortunately, you only get this illuminating dialogue if Kate dies in Episode 2.  I’m highlighting it because this is an early moment of self-reflection for Chloe that some players probably never got to see.

Taken as a whole, the beginning of this episode (up until they leave the school) is all kinds of scary.  First we have that hallway scene, then Max wandering around the deserted school in the middle of the night, then that note found on Principal Wells’ computer.  Little did we know that this was just the beginning.  They were preparing us for something a lot worse.

Behold, boys and girls.  Why so many people are weak to Chloe’s charms.  Despite all the shit she does, she’s just so goddamn adorable when she’s being nice.  Mischievous and reckless, but ultimately nice.  I can see why so many players hate her, but I’m never going to be one of those people who claims Chloe was completely awful.  I’ll go into deeper analysis later, when we reach Episode 5, but it’s worth saying here:  Chloe Price isn’t a bad person.

The pool scene.  The pool scene.  Way back in Episode 1, this scene couldn’t have existed.  Max wouldn’t have had the lady-balls to break into the school, let alone splash around in the pool with Chloe.  Character development.  Crucial character development.  Here we see even more hints of Max evolving into the woman she’d become in Episode 5.  Plus it’s always nice to see Chloe and Max flirting.

Waking up next to your girlfriend after a long night of debauchery. #Goals

“I Can’t Sleep”.  Considering what Chloe dreams about (as revealed in BtS), I can’t blame her.

There’s that weird Illuminati symbol that makes a grand return in Before the Storm.  Also “Just Gotta Let Go” written above the bed for maximum irony.  

Gal pals.

Okay, time for a little analysis/rant.  Feel free to skip if you’re not in the mood for that kind of thing,but I just have to.  

There is a distinct inequality between the two romance options in LiS.  Depending on your choices, you can either have Max go for Warren or Chloe.  Except can we really call Warren an “option���?  Seeing as the game focuses on Chloe and Max’s relationship, Max’s friendship/possible romance with Warren ends up being very underdeveloped.  It lacks the depth for it to feel real.  Here we have an 18-year-old woman named Max who just got reunited with her best friend and you are given the option whether or not to take that friendship to the next level.  

Yet the game seems to be pushing for Pricefield long before it becomes clear that Warren has a crush on Max.  Even the kiss scene (the kiss that started it all) feels more sincere than what we get between Max and Warren in Episode 5.  Here we have Max going for it, clumsy yet passionate and clearly into it even though it was supposedly a “dare”.

Also these two are just cute as fuck.

Max escapes the closet in a blaze of flannel and rainbows.  I kind of wish Max had just continued to dress like this for the rest of the game.

Side note:  Max mentions early in the game (Episode 1) that she likes “skater boys”.  Later we find out that skateboarding was one of Chloe’s old hobbies.  Hmmm...

That whale is wearing a bib.  That’s really all I can say about this exterior shot.

Hey look, some pictures of Rachel.

Foreshadowing.

So among the stuff in Frank’s RV (including a gun that was nearly impossible to find), there’s a poster of two women kissing.  Just wanted to draw attention to that because it appears in the same episode that includes the line “I dare you to kiss me” from Chloe to Max.  Plus thanks to BtS, we know Chloe was actually gay (no ambiguity there), so those words take on a whole new meaning.

By this time, Max has watched several time travel movies, read books on the subject, and done her fair share of research.  Yet she still doesn’t realize how messing with time like this is a bad idea.  Has she never seen The Butterfly Effect?

Episode 1:  Max uses time travel to make people like her, save Chloe’s life, and help Kate Marsh.

Episode 2:  Max uses time travel to save Chloe’s life.

Episode 3:  Max uses time travel to completely ruin Chloe’s life by altering a pre-determined point in time and creating a ripple effect.

So here’s how the altered time line works out, for those who are confused:

William is alive.  William buys Chloe a car for her birthday.  Chloe gets into an accident instead of William.  Chaos theory.  

I know this whole situation is fucked up, but let’s take a moment to appreciate Chloe’s adorable smile.  That is all.

[freedom-shamrock]

The Chat Righting Reflex - Chapter Three

Also on AO3 Chp 1 - Kitty’s New Home    Chp 2 - Taking Care of Business Chp 3 - Hugs and Kisses   Chp 4 - A Well-Fed Chat Chp 5 - Chat in the Night    Chp 6 - Here With You Chp 7 - The Adventures of Mr. Stainless and the Muffin Maiden Chp 8 - New Normal          Chp 9 - Caretaker Kitty Chp 10 - More Normal      Chp 11 - Everyday Miracles Chp 12 - Family by Design     Chp 13 - Contented Chat

This is also the @miraculousfluffmonth  prompt #3- Summer Love

Hugs and Kisses

"You didn't have to walk us all the way out, son," Tom said, standing before the apartment building's front door.

Adrien shrugged, smiling up at the man who still had a couple inches on him.  "I wanted to."

Sabine ran her hand from his shoulder to his elbow.  "Just remember that you get to decide what dictates proper manners now.  You're in a new place, with new rules."

Adrien nodded.  "Yes, Mama Sabine."  He leaned down to hug her.  "I also wanted to thank you.  For everything."  He'd no sooner than straightened up when he found himself wrapped in the bigger man's arms.

"We're happy to be here for the everything, son," Tom said.  "And it's important to us that you understand that we mean everything, and that you believe us when we say it."

"I do."  Adrien took a small step back.  "Even when I was still trying to be two different people to you, you were kind and supportive.  Telling you who I was, was one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Sabine reached up and patted his cheek.  "I'm glad you've been able to open up to us."

The past six weeks had been amazing.  He didn't just have his sweet girlfriend and crime fighting partner supporting him, caring for him, but he'd somehow gotten her parents as well.  He'd known them for years, but revealing his identity had changed their relationships in ways he had never imagined possible.  Tom's heart-to-heart talks while teaching him how to do laundry and dishes, showed more love than he'd gotten from his father in the last ten years combined.  Sabine's cooking lessons and life advice filled the huge mom-shaped hole in his heart.

"I can't even explain how much you two mean to me," Adrien said.  "I just don't have the words, in any language.  But I need you to understand that I appreciate all of it."  He flashed them a rueful smile.  "I used to desperately want to make Gabriel proud of me.  I don't care what he thinks now, but I know some part of that old drive has awoken recently, and it's you two I want to make proud."

"Then let me assure you," Tom said, laying a huge hand on Adrien's shoulder.  "We are very proud of you."

"And nothing would make us prouder, than to see you happy," Sabine added.

Adrien returned to his apartment, once again marveling at those words, his apartment.  He was exhausted, but wasn't sure if he'd ever been happier.  Marinette had dimmed the lighting, letting him see his place clearly, but in a cozy soothing way.

"Hey, Kitty," she said, looking up from the list she was making.  While he'd been seeing her parents out, she'd changed into an adorable pajama set.  Soft black fabric with green paw prints, obviously crafted by her into short shorts and a short-sleeve shirt with four buttons up the front.

He smiled at her.  "You're adorable, Princess."

She beamed at him, pushing aside her paper to cross the room.  "I made these because Chat Noir is my very favorite superhero.  He's sweet and sexy, and deserves all the good things."

He laughed, letting her take his hands.  "When did you even have time to make these."  He brushed her sleeve with a thumb and almost melted at the softness.  "I mean, you made curtains and a comforter, too."

Marinette shrugged.  "Stolen minutes here and there."  She popped up on her toes to kiss his cheek.  "Yours are waiting in the bathroom with your toothbrush."

Just when he was sure he couldn't possibly get any happier, Marinette nudged him a little farther.  "You made some for me?"

She giggled.  "Go change.  We need to get started on those cuddles."

He woke a little warmer than was comfortable, but everything else was perfect.  He could smell Marinette, thanks to his amped up senses, and that was always soothing.  The fan blowing morning air over his bed provided a lovely white noise.  The source of heat was his girlfriend, actually.  He was half overlapping her, his head resting on her upper chest while her fingers did magical things to his scalp.  He realized then, that he was purring.

"Hmmm," he breathed, wrapping his arms around her.  "This is nice."

"It is," she agreed, letting one hand down to make circles on his shoulders and upper back.

"Is it okay that someday, maybe not too far in the future, I want to wake up like this every day?" he asked, wondering if he was moving too fast or becoming too clingy.  Those were worries he'd discussed with his therapist once he and Marinette became official, even before he told her who he was under the mask.

Her hands kept working despite the kiss she planted on his forehead.  "That's a good life goal.  Very attainable."

He giggled.  "I love you."

"Perfect," she said.  "Because I love you, too."  She continued to pet him for a while, in the comfortable quiet of coming fully awake.  "My parents left us breakfast," she eventually said.  "They wanted to be sure we had something here since it's unlikely we'll be able to stop by their place.  But they wanted you to know that you have an open invitation to breakfast and dinner anytime."

"Your parents are amazing," he said, slowly rolling off Marinette to sit up.  He looked around his room with its bare walls and superhero curtains.  "I like my new room."

"Are you going to decorate, do you think?" she asked, shoving her pillows around to sit up as well.

He nodded.  "Yeah.  But probably slowly."  He knew he wanted pictures of his friends and the people he cared about.  "I need to figure out what my style is."

"That's a great idea," Marinette agreed.  "It's better to wait and make sure your place suits you."

He chuckled.  "Is it weird that it already does?  At least a little?"

"Nope."  Marinette leaned in and kissed his cheek.  "And trust me, I know all about weirdness."  She stretched.  "So what's on the plan for today?"

He smiled, delighted to get to pick his own schedule and plans.  "I need to get a new phone.  That's probably the most important thing.  And some basic groceries to get me, or us, through until we get my kitchen set up."

"Do you want to work on the kitchen at all today?" she asked.

He leaned into her space, brushing his nose against hers.  "Nope.  I want to save a big chunk of my day to spend with my super incredible girlfriend.  I'm hoping she'll go to lunch with me.  Maybe have a romantic walk somewhere.  Just doing things together that we haven't been able to do before."

"So you're ready to go public with your relationship status?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Oh, I've been ready for ages," he admitted.  "It just wasn't a good idea until now.  I've no doubt there will be complications and drama next week when Gabriel gets back in town, and I'd like to distract myself from that inevitable mess.  I also thought it would be really nice to just embrace our freedom as recent graduates together, maybe explore some parts of Paris that have been off limits to me my whole life."

"Oooh."  She was so dang cute as she wriggled in glee.  "I love it."

"I kind of want to make sure I keep the fun stuff at the top of my list this whole week, while still getting one or two important things done a day," he explained.  "In addition to being a really positive start to my new life, it'll help me fight off the emotional suck of Gabriel Agreste when I finally have to talk to him again."

Moving with a swiftness that he'd come to expect, Marinette was suddenly in his lap, hugging him.  "That's a great idea.  You're brilliant, do you know that?"  She didn't even give him time to answer.  "And if there's anything I can do to help, things I can set up or get, or even if you need a little time to yourself, you just tell me, okay?  I want to support you, but I don't want to take over your life now that you have control of it."

Her words sparked a sudden joy in him, and he pulled her close for a kiss.  He'd planned on something tender and lingering, but her eager response and  grip on his hair made it something far more intense.  His hand strayed down her back to settle on her fabulous ass, apparently spurring her to press herself more fully against him.  He gasped, involuntarily breaking the kiss.  Marinette took that as an opportunity to relocate her lips to his neck.

After nearly two months together, he was no stranger to hot and heavy makeouts with his girlfriend.  Her physical affection reflected the passion and enthusiasm she threw into anything that she loved, and it was fantastic to be on the receiving end when she decided to take charge.  Planting a foot and a hand on his mattress, he flipped them, grinning down at her when she froze in surprise.  He caressed her cheek lightly, watching for any hint that she wasn't okay with any of this.

"Oh," she whispered, mischief glinting in her eyes.  "Is that the way it's going to be?"

"Yeah.  For right now, anyway, and if you're okay with it."  She was so pretty from this vantage point, and  he really hoped she wasn't uncomfortable.

"I think I could get used to it… some of the time anyway," she teased.

"Ugh!  Could you two get any more gross?" Plagg whined, startling Adrien up onto his knees.

"Stop it Plagg!" Tikki chastised zipping in to grab hold of the black kwami's tail.  She met Adrien's eyes as she dragged him out of the room.  "I'm so sorry. I was looking for Marinette's phone. Don't mind us. We're going to go in the living room to play Candy Crush."

"Please keep the moaning to a sensible level," Plagg added before muttering, "Stupid rutting humans."

Below him, Marinette started to giggle.  Shaking his head, Adrien flopped down next to her.   "Maybe we can revisit this later after my embarrassingly rude kwami has gorged on cheese."

"It's a plan," she agreed.

This got away from me a little bit, but it's summer, and there's love, so I'll call it a good fit.

There are a few Fluff August prompts that fit what I'd like to do in this story, so those are going to happen as I can fit them in, so Dumpster Dad won’t show up until he has to.

Tagging:  @the-wheel-comes-full-circle

[puckluckie]

6 and 7!

So first of all, funny story. I reblogged that list thinking, "oooh, I have to save these so I can revisit them when I'm stuck," not even realizing that someone might actually send me questions to answer 😅 But I'm happy to answer these and any others! Especially because, well, I am kind of stuck on my current project.

Ask meme for when you're stuck on a writing project

6. is there a problem you are trying to solve?

Yes, always!! I actually see/approach the writing process as solving a series of problems. What in a character's backstory makes them behave the way that they do? Why might a character react a certain way or take a certain action when faced with a specific situation? If I know how I want the characters to emerge in the end, what makes that happen? There are all kinds of problems that need solving!

In this particular case, one of the biggest things I'm trying to solve is how to approach the confrontation that occurs in the climax scene of the fic. How far will it go? How will [redacted] react to being confronted (and largely blindsided by it)? There will be other people watching; how much do they know? I have a clear idea about what the resolution will be, but how exactly will we get there? Is there a way to resolve the scene in a way that's tense but ultimately peaceful? Is that satisfying for the reader? Or does there have to be a physical confrontation as well, just due to the nature of... everything?

I also realized (13K+ into this beast) that there's a theme I need to start weaving in much earlier, so I have to figure out how to make that work -- hopefully without too much rewriting.

7. what is a fun fact about a thing you need to research?

Hmmm, this is usually a better question for me because I generally research a LOT. This particular story requires less research overall, but I did enjoy looking at farms for sale in Pennsylvania for ideas about setting.

Also, I first read this question as “what is a fun fact about a thing you already researched?”, and my initial answer is below the cut just because I was like, "wow, how do I get a fun fact out of this."

So, uh. The thing I've done the most research for so far on this one is... complications that might occur during horse foaling? Which is definitely not a topic that lends itself to fun facts. And it's something that's VERY difficult to research when you don't want to see pictures of horse foaling.

With that being said! Please rest assured that the fic will not contain any graphic descriptions of the above.

[odd-chips]

I was wondering if you had some advice for someone who is "trying" to draw characters in a cartoony way, I always try to exaggerate the characters I draw, but I feel like I slowly try to go back into a more realistic style without knowing. (also happy graduation!)

Thank you for the graduation well wishes!

Hmmm I’m real bad at giving advice hoiljkdfd.

If you’re REALLY looking to push your art in that sort of direction, my (not 100% guaranteed to help) advice is:

-You gotta look for shapes! Really simple shapes in everything! Triangles, circles, squares, teardrops, ovals, actually honestly it’s a lot of softer shapes like ovals and teardrops and circles? But experimenting with harder shapes is important, too. I also tend to try to find a good line of action as well!

- Look up inspiration! I know people say this a lot, but having a folder/tumblr tag/blog of inspiration is always nice to go revisit to see what you’re aiming for. My folder isn’t super duper huge, because for me personally, I now only save what REALLY strikes me. Not everything I tag inspiration on my tumblr I put in that folder cause I know that I’d get overwhelmed with too much stuff in there. BUT if you can, I’d save stuff that pertains to what you want to do artistically!

- DO WHAT LOOKS GOOD, NOT WHAT’S ANATOMICALLY ACCURATE! If it looks bad, fix it of course, but don’t sweat anatomy too hard! Your art’s made to look good, not provide examples for a biology book!

- Do another pass! What I mean by this is that is that a second try of the exact same thing usually leads to different results, and in my experience tend to look better too! You kind of get a sense of how to fix things once you’ve spit out the first try. Like this character I literally just threw down for a presentation.

I mean the presentation was about character design but it STILL APPLIES CAUSE I GOT A BETTER GRIP ON HER WEIGHT AND SHAPES AND STUFF, YOU KNOW? HOLJKF

At the end of the day though, even if you push yourself to do the most wacked out zany toony thing, let your art settle back into what it wants to do!

Personally, I find structure to be important in exaggeration. I know this seems counter-intuitive cause I JUST said don’t sweat anatomy but it’s totally different! It’s not necessarily anatomy, but the ability to make sense of how a character’s body works, even if their arms are twice as long as their body or they have a tiny head or something.

My words are probably a little messy, I wrote this all in one go!

[surveysonfleek]

415.

1. First of all, what do you prefer to be called? d.

2. What is your favorite form of creative expression? art. i love art galleries/museums.

3. How do you like your coffee OR if you don’t like it, why?: i hardly drink coffee coz it gives me jitters and stomach aches. i do love an iced coffee though.

4. What is the least desirable thing, in your opinion, to put on a pizza that you have heard of people actually eating?: tbh i’ve never had anchovies on a pizza. i wouldn’t mind trying it though.

5. Would you rather witness the beginning or the end of the universe?: beginning.

6. Describe your favourite pair of socks:  those invisible socks, doesn’t matter what colour since they can’t be seen.

7. What is the current or last song you are listening/listened to, and does it have any special significance to you?:  nah i just love the song.

8. Do you prefer rainbows or stars?: stars.

9. Describe the best day of your life NOT in terms of events, but in terms of your feelings: hmmm just being in love i guess.

10. Would you rather go to a planetarium or an aquarium?: aquarium.

11. Do you know the reason that 11:11 is considered to be auspicious?: no idea.

12. What decorations are hanging on your walls?: none in this room, just a corkboard pinned with random photos, ticket stubs etc.

13. What is your favourite planet in our solar system?: earth.

14. How do you express love?: being affectionate, doing nice things for them etc.

15. Do you consider yourself to be more spiritual or scientific?: in between tbh.

16. If you had a lava lamp, what color would you want it to be?: purple or pink.

17. Would you rather be able to revisit your past to simply re-experience a positive moment or revisit your past in order to change things and risk the consequences?: re-experience. i don’t wna change anything in case that changes things in the future.

18. Have you ever had a past-life regression or memory?: no.

19. What is your favourite holiday and why?: christmas. gifts, family and food + end of year.

20. Are you better with remembering dates or names?: ummm neither. faces i guess. with dates i’ll remember months and not actual dates lol.

21. What was your favourite book that you had to read for a class?: to kill a mockingbird.

22. What is your favourite number and why is it significant to you?: 7. it’s my boyfriend and i’s anniversary date.

23. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?:  neither haha. i’m a bit scared of the unknown.

24. What prompted you to call the last person you called?: i forgot who i called last.

25. Star Trek or Star Wars?: neither.

26. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?: harry potter.

27. What is your favourite band and why?: i don’t have one.

28. What colour best resonates with your best friend(s)?: yellow? idk lol.

29. Where do you work and why do you work there?: at the casino. i only work there coz it pays well, i hate it.

30. Have you ever gone to a public karaoke facility, and what did you sing?:  yep. it wasn’t really public, it was a karaoke bar with private rooms. i sang whatever.

31. What animal do you feel most connected with?: none haha.

32. Have you ever had “special brownies” or any other kind of “special” treat?: nope.

33. What book are you reading at the moment?: sometimes i lie.

34. What is the funniest thing that you have done at a fast food restaurant? umm at pizza hut the soft serve ice cream machine didn’t stop when i got my own ice cream lol. i was still a kid.

35. Do you enjoy listening to music that is sung in another language?: sometimes.

36. Quote the last movie you watched: idk lol.

37. Do you know more than just your sun sign (like your ascending sign or moon sign etc.)?: i have noooo idea.

38. Do you have any jewelery on you that holds significance, and if so, what is it and why is it significant?: my bracelet i guess. my boyfriend bought it for me after our eurotrip.

39. What is your favorite kind of cheesecake?: nutella.

40. Why did you last feel warm and fuzzy inside?: i was spending time with my boyfriend.

41. What band that no longer performs together do you wish would have a reunion tour?:  idk tbh.

42. What band that IS still together do you wish would perform in your area?: boyz ii men.

43. Have you ever been in a band, and what role did you play in it?: no.

44. What has been the single most frightening experience of your life?: idk tbh.

45. Who is/was your favourite Spice Girl?: posh.

46. Do you prefer free verse or poetry set in a form?: neither.

47. In a hotel, would you choose to go in the hot tub, the sauna, the workout room, or the pool?: pool.

48. Imagine that you are exploring space. Who would you want with you and what would you want to explore, assuming you are not limited in any way?: my boyfriend i guess. cool date lol.

49. Have you ever astral projected?: no.

50. What is your favourite song by the group t.A.T.u?: none.

51. Describe what you envision as “paradise”:  being in an all inclusive resort in a tropical place with my own private pool.

52. What element do you feel most connected to?: idk.

53. What is a cause that you feel very strongly about and why?: a lot. equality tbh.

54. What was your favourite class from the last year that you were in school?: omg no idea. i already forgot what subjects we did lmao.

55. What is a topic that you study independently for your own interest?: none.

56. Describe what you would want to wear if you were getting married, handfasted, or having some kind of “love celebration” or “commitment” ceremony between yourself and another? no idea. i’d need to plan this out properly.

57. What song do you want played at your funeral?: yesterday - leona lewis.

58. Would you rather alphabetize or put things in order according to numbers?: numbers.

59. What medication do you dislike the most?: anything with side effects.

60. Would you rather write a story or a poem?: story.

61. Do you believe in non-physical entities, and if so have you ever communicated with one?: no.

62. What invention or discovery do you think that the scientific community should focus on?: cure for cancer.

63. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why?:  the bahamas.

64. What skill do people often compliment you on?: my photography or desserts.

65. What are three facets of your personality or thinking patterns that you want to improve?: my laziness, motivation and being too comfortable.

66. What is your favourite symbol?: heart.

67. Name an unusual shortcut or file that’s on your desktop: idk lol.

68. What do you smell like right now?: nail polis, just did my nails.

69. You get to have a theme party of your choice, just for fun. What theme do you choose?: hmm 90s? lol.

70. Have you ever been in the depths of a cave?: yes i have.

71. How do you deal with the dark side of yourself?: think before i speak.

72. Name something that you can’t help but save: restaurant business cards.

73. What is your addiction?: smoking.

74. If you could wish something for three people, but not for yourself, who would the wishes be for and what would they be?: happiness for my entire family, success for my boyfriend and friends.

75. Would you rather send a message in a bottle or on a balloon?: balloon.

76. What did you dream last night?: i forgot.

77. What is one of your most frequent daydreams?: vacationing.

78. What is your favourite stuffed animal?: i don’t have one.

79. If you could have a conversation with any well-known figure of the past or present, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?: no idea. i’d have to make a list lol.

80. If you could bring anyone back to life, who would it be?: any of my grandparents.

81. Are you affectionate?: yes. 82. Name one thing that each of your best friends is really good at: my boyfriend is hilarious.

83. What are you a perfectionist with?: washing my car lmao.

84. Could you see yourself being able to carry on a long distance relationship?: tbh probably not. it would depend if it were temporary.

85. If you could be anything but human, including anything mythical, what would you be?: a fairy. or genie.

86. Have you ever meditated? If so, what is your method, and if not, what do you do to relax?: i nap to relax lol.

87. What is something about yourself that you feel no one else understands?: idk. 

[adhd-ahamilton]

P R

P: Are you what George R. R. Martin would call an "architect"or a "gardener"? (How much do you plan in advance, versusletting the story unfold as you go?)

Hmmm... like all writers, I’m somewhere in between the twoextremes, but I feel like I lean more architect, and am certainlytrying to lean more that way as I practice writing.

When I first come up with ideas, it’s full gardener - I just sitback and imagine things and let the scenario take me where it takesme. It might go on for a whole multi-scene storyline, it might justbe a short disconnected snippet I can insert somewhere, it mightkinda peter out unsatisfyingly for me to revisit later. A lot ofthese ideas come from me asking question or thinking about other ficand just imagining in my head.

But, once I decide that I like an idea enough to write it, I tryto go architect. One of the things I’ve been trying to do more is,like... be more deliberate in my writing? An ethos I’m trying toreally stick to is ‘the writer is in full control of theirstory and takes full responsibility for what happens in it.’ I canwrite literally ANYTHING if I want. And that’s daunting, but Ithink remembering that saves people from falling back on lazy,harmful cliches and things, because ‘that’s where the storywas going!’ Because we’re never really gardeners, in the end?Stories don’t have an existence outside of people. If it’s anidea that comes to me, it comes from my brain in the end, subject toall the unconscious assumptions and biases that all brains are proneto.

And the more I write the more I try to really challenge myself tothink about what I’m doing and try for better. What is theatmosphere like in this scene? How is the pacing for this characterdevelopment? Is the wording in this important line the best it canbe? I really try to look at it and analyse it and pay attention towhat’s going on, and not be afraid to rewrite things if I’m notsatisfied with them. Which sometimes means stepping back - ifI really can’t get a certain line or paragraphworking, there’s probably a larger problem at hand here.

But, at the end, there’s got to be some gardening too - I do tryto get myself in the flow of writing within scenes, and evenscene-to-scene if I can (which is why my biggest pauses are betweenstories and when I have to edit - the first draft itself tends to getwritten pretty quickly), and I’m always looking for ways thatthings can come out of the writing that I never expected from theplans. And I’m not afraid to leave some blank parts in my plans tofigure out once I’m in that writing flow and will be able to sensewhat’s right to go there. (Not for any important scenes, though -just the ‘okay so they hang out a bunch here and get closertogether as friends, while bonding over their shared homeland’ andstuff like that.)

I dunno, maybe I got off-topic there, haha? But I could definitelynever start writing a fic without knowing how it would end. The onlychaptered fic I’ve ever done I wrote the first draft to begin withand just posted the chapters as I finished editing them, and the lasttime I wrote something without visualising how it’d all gobeforehand (‘Love’), I ended up having to rewrite half of it,which could’ve been avoided if I’d just sat down and worked outthe emotional thread beforehand.

R: Are there any writers (fanfic or otherwise) you consider an influence?

Hmmm difficult question! Honestly I really like to analyse stuffas I read it, trying to work out why it’s doing what it’s doingand what effect it’s having on me and why, so in a sense I’minfluenced by everything I read – I like to pick and choose thingsI like and come up with cool new ideas that way. But, there hasdefinitely been some concrete examples!

For starters, Publius-esquire and madtomedgar. I just adore allthe writing they’ve done for this period. First of all, the toneand atmosphere of it is perfect, blending in historical details andwords so that it feels authentic without being difficult tounderstand or feeling shoehorned in. And I love the characterisation– how everyone’s both flawed and sympathetic and gets to feelreal emotions and express them, positive and negative. But most ofall I was just captivated with this writing style of kind of…putting out little ficlets like puzzle pieces, each only covering asmall scene themselves  and not generally resolving anything major,but serving as part of a wider picture, so that when you read throughit you can see so many different plot and characterisation threadsdeveloping and slowly changing over time. I first really liked thiswriting style in Mad Men, and then Steven Universe funnily enough,where writers could just… let things happen, and not expect everysingle episode or arc to bring total resolution to a storyline.

And I’ve been really strongly influenced by Ciceroprofacto aswell. The amount of detail they put into their work is justincredible, and although I can’t reach that myself, I have alwaystried to learn from them and work in more of the everyday elementswhich I initially avoided because I was worried about gettingsomething wrong. But they make such a difference! Before I read Songof Alexander I had such a hard time getting Laurens’ personalitydown – he definitely seemed like he’d be the hardest character towrite, to me. I found it really hard to square his self-esteem issuesand tendency to worry with his boldness and hot-headedness, butseeing him in the context of the army and the war, where all of hisdifferent personality traits could really shine, has helped meunderstand him so so much better. They’ve had the hugest impact onmy interpretation of any character (though I will say Madtomedgar hada significant impact on my Laurens as well).

In terms of original writing… lmao this is terrible for a writerbut I barely read nowadays? Especially since I had a really badconcentration spell for a few months there where I could honestlybarely even read fic, like I’d get four paragraphs in and my eyeswould start getting blurry, it was awful. (And really boring!!!) Butit’s getting better now actually and I actually finished a RealBook recently so that’s great!! (Tho I still have like 11 currentlyunfinished books to go according to Goodreads RIP) But I definitelydo have some authors that stick out. I absolutely adore the wayAndrew Hussie utilises language – like no matter what he’swriting, it always has a completely distinct tone that is immediatelyrecognisable, and he can flip back and forth between comedy andtragedy and tragi-comedy at the drop of the hat, not to mentionhaving a serious knack for really well-crafted phrases. I’dabsolutely love if I could develop that kind of skill, and be able toweave my own really distinct, evocative style. And uhh I really likedLionel Shriver’s writing and the way she was able to make the mostmundane things sound really interesting with just reallyinterest-packed sentences and really insightful side comments, untilher shitty politics put me off reading more of her work. :/

And ugh there’s honestly probably a lot more but I can’t thinkof anyone else to single out off the top of my head and I’vewritten too much already so I think I’ll end it here;;;

Thanks for asking! (Sorry about the wait, I’ve been a lil’busy and these questions gave me a lot to think about!! :D)

[furederiko]

"A universe without Naga... I can't even imagine it" Can Balance save his BFF, and bring him back into the light? Kyuranger's 31st episode delivers the answer, and it's a tearful one...

- Expecting a utopian present after defeating the real Don Armage proves to be a wishful thinking. According to Hammy, everything remains the same and Jark Matter's reign is still at large. In a way, it also feels that our heroes is losing more winning this war. The team is no longer the 12 members unit as it was with Commander Xiao and Champ being left behind 333 years ago in the past. And they don't only lose one, but seemingly two Orions: the warrior who gave up his life to give Lucky the miracle power-up, and ORION the spaceship that is heavily damaged due to the time travel trip. - Things aren't faring better for the 'Save Naga' team either. Ever since Lucky went to the past, Balance has gone MIA, and both the Blues were captured by Dark-Naga and Akyanba. Dark-Naga is now using Garu and Kotarou as baits to lure out Balance, because he wants to "get rid of him, personally". Ouch! On the opposite side, Echidna is still determined to eliminate Naga. Since this new formation of Kyuranger also refuses to aide her, she decides to do it alone. Which is obviously NOT a wise choice. - The battle between Ophiucus Metal and Echidna is shortlived, but it does get pretty dark. The former now has the ability to take control her body with his freezing ray! Great goodness, he's only mere seconds away from making Echidna kills herself!!! Thankfully the Kyurangers (sans Raptor and Stinger) arrive just in time to prevent that. Pursuing his goal, Ophiucus Metal specifically targets Libra Gold, and unleashes the Black Hole Kyu Globe to eliminate him. Leo Red jumps in to protect Libra Gold... and, the two of them are obliterated. Wait... WHAT? - Well, if you somehow sense the over-the-top "Mamma Miaaaaa!!!" reactions of the other Kyurangers feel... bizarre, then you're totally not alone. And no, it also doesn't mean that the director simply forgot to tell these actors to act. This scene was nothing more than a deliberate ruse! A brilliant one at that. Beside, Kyuranger has pulled off many emotional scenes that were waaaaay better executed than this, so clearly something is amiss. - But seriously, what happens to Leo Red and Libra Gold, then? This is where things get faux-sciency. Turns out, Balance hasn't been sulking or sobbing in a bar, making himself wasted due to the loss of his BFF (unlike... a certain someone I'm familiar with). All these time, he has been actively working for a solution: analyzing the people who were also 'emotionally' affected by Akyanba, and tweaking the Microscopium Kyu Globe as the tool required for his big rescue plan. Last we saw this Skill Kyu Globe in action, Raptor used it to detect the 'microscopical Mothma' affecting ORION's control. With Balance's special add on, the Kyu Globe not only magnifies object, but actually gives its user the ability to SHRINK down into microscopical size! Ladies and gentlemen, Kyuranger had just officially gone "ANT-MAN" on us. Marvel-ous surprise. LOL. Fun fact: the same episode that debuted Microscopium, also had Naga as 'victim' to a supposed-crime incident. In actuality, we all knew he only passed out while practicing expressions in front of the mirror! At the time, it was set as a silly humor. But was that really a coincidence, knowing this episode revisits the same Kyu Globe, while also trying to rescue Naga as a victim? Hmmm... I don't think so. - You see, there's a faux-scientific reason to why Akyanba's victim got emotionally warped. Turns out, she planted microscopic Indavers into their brains, and they messed around with their nerves (remember, emotions are triggered by particular neurons. That's actual science...). Don't get the wrong idea though, Naga DID have his emotions unlocked by the Vice-Shogun. He wasn't mind-controlled, and still accepted Akyanba's offer on his own free will. But at the same time, Akyanba also infected him with the same 'virus' that caused every victims to go berserk, hence the aggressive result. It all made sense! I can't believe I didn't realize this sooner, when the evidence (the civillians? duh...) has always been there in plain sight. That's brilliant writing, I say. - As Lucky and Balance cleans up the Indavers that are twisting Naga's neurons, the other Kyurangers are also able to track their location to free Garu and Kotarou. Now, the 'BRAIN' setting is where things get a bit... surreal and/or metaphorical. When Balance is approaching 'Good Naga' to free him, Malistrate Microtsuyo-Indaver stops him and seemingly summons 'Dark-Naga' to the place. This is NOT actually happening in reality, because the real flesh and blood Dark-Naga is still on the ground, guarding his two captives. Simply put, Balance is fighting the 'virus', or negative conscience that takes the form of 'Dark-Naga', so he can free the body's positive conscience (something like... immunity system, perhaps?) that's taking the form of 'Good Naga'. Get it? - Then again, understanding this tricky metaphor shouldn't really be much an issue. I'm sure any audience would pretty much be carried away by their own emotions, that they don't have time to nitpick or pointlessly analyze (like what I've been doing LOL). Seriously, if you don't feel an inch of pain and sadness or concern as you see Balance taking all the hits, even throwing away his own life to protect 'Good Naga'... then you probably don't have a heart. This scene is heartfelt and moving, and amplified to the optimum when the other Kyurangers (with Hammy as the lead) begin calling out Naga's name to 'come back'. No kidding. Those flowing tears from his eyes? Dang it, the feels. And that flashback of him wanting emotions so he can cry or be angry? Aaaaaw... THE FEELS!!! T_T - Of course the rescue plan would be a success. 'Good Naga' champions over 'Dark-Naga' to protect Balance, winning back the control over his emotions. It's basically a "Persona 4" situation of fighting their own demons/shadows. Naga himself chose to have emotions, so it's him who needs to choose and filter how it would take shape of. But there's one more surprise to the outcome. Naga gets to keep his power-up in tact!!! After the BN Thieves team up to take down Microtsuyo-Indaver (who grows giant... into regular size. Comedy gold. LOL), Ophiucus Silver transforms into benevolent Ophiucus Metal! He then uses the Black Hole Kyu Globe, combining Leo Red Orion's "All Star! In-Finish Blast" with his "Metal Ophiucus Crash" to defeat Akyanba. Other Kyurangers then use their own finishers. Everyone (just 6 members) form Kyutamajin to deal with giant Ophiucus Metal, a manifestation of Dark-Naga's rage that has built up inside Microtsuyo-Indaver's body. The Vice-Shogun walks out alive, but the battle is still won. NOTE: Leo Red Orion's space manipulation to create portals in battle is wicked-awesome to see in action. The scarf/mantle part is really effective to add flare in battles. Even in stage performance, as evidenced by the G-Rosso's theatre footage that was aired during commercial breaks. However, the dearly-missed reunion of Libra Gold and Ophiucus Silver naturally sucks up all the attention and glory. It's just really good to see the BN Thieves together again, am I right? That includes taking the spotlight in that ending sequence. As for Ophiucus Metal, worth noted that it's pretty rare for recent Sentai series to assign power-up to a non-Red member. The last one whom I recall received similar treatment was Super StarNinger who achieved a new poncho thanks to the Gekiatsutou. - The closing scene takes us back to another heartfelt moment. Despite his carefree facade, Balance can no longer hold back his feelings, and cries his heart out for Naga. Such a moving scene. Aaaaw... the feels. Dang it, Kyuranger! Dang it. Echidna witnesses this teary celebration, and attests that everyone is strong because of their emotions. I WAS kind of expecting her to have a more important role, perhaps a twist of her being someone's close to Naga or something. Alas, that turns out not to be the case. I'm definitely not disappointed or anything, but it's still a potential that could've been explored. Then again, before heading home, she decides to let Naga's supposed 'treasons' slide. Since Naga is off the hook, does this mean Echidna has a change of heart? After all, he does prove that having emotion isn't that much of a threat for people from the Ophiucus System... as long as one can contain it to focus only on the positive sides. I wonder if this turn of event will encourage change to their home planet? - Celebration time! Unfortunately, this celebratory mode is not fully shared by everyone in the room. One particular Kyuranger, is firmly setting her sight on another pressing matter: the ORION's condition. That's the story for another day...

Overall: This tearjerker episode had a tough task, coming out after a powerful entry that was last week's episode. Comparison between both episodes, particularly for nitpickers like yours truly, would be inevitable. In general however, I personally call this a success. It had a fine balance of tone shift that wondrously transitioned from emotional moments, to humor and action in between without ever breaking the flow. The 'Evil Ranger' arc was wrapped nicely, and it was crucially tied to the next plot right away. More importantly, the minor/personal arcs of both Balance and Naga that began since their debut, were given a sweet and wonderful closure. The BN Thieves are bounty and treasure hunters, so it's heartwarming to know that the ultimate treasure they have been looking for, has always been close by all along. Balance discovered, realized, and acknowledged that the greatest treasure he could ever wanted, was none other than the BFF he cared and trusted the most. While Naga's desire to acquire true emotions was obtained, fulfilled through darkness, but only made full circle with the selfless love and help of his BFF. The pair complemented and strengthened each other, proving why they were always meant to work as a duo, and not solo. Not unlike Chewbacca, and Han Solo, right? Next week: Story of Raptor & dear uncle ORION PS: TV-Nihon has released their fansub for the first episode of "High School Wars". Word of advice though, you might want to postpone any desire to see it. Do NOT watch it until late October, unless you're okay having the next four episodes (episode 32 to 35) to be potentially spoiled. The mini web-series works as a coupling to V-Cinema "Episode of Stinger", which according to report, takes place around episode 35. So it's probably best to avoid "High School Wars" accordingly as well, at least until episode 35 airs.

Episode 31 Score: 8,2 out of 10

Visit THIS LINK to view a continuously updated listing of the Kyutama / Kyu Globes. Last Updated: September 27th, 2017 - Version 2.15. (WARNING: It might contain spoilers for future episodes)

All images are screencaptured from the series, provided by the FanSubber Over-Time. "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

[eclectic-aussie]

I know it might sound weird, but I kind of want to see at least a little bit of Russel coming to terms with the fact that what happened isn’t everyone elses (Earthkru’s) fault.

I mean he admitted that ‘he was rash and didn’t think of the consequences’ of erasing Clarke and replacing her with Josephine, but everything that happened after that he blamed on Earthkru. And yes, their actions contributed to the fall of Sanctum(Madi killing Melinda then stabbing Jordan instead of Priya, Echo’s blackmailing and general treatment of Ryker, their only possible ally amoung the Primes which led to Simone’s death and 6-7 of their people almost burning alive only to be saved by tying down and drugging Madi who was trying to not give in to Sheidheda while grieving Clarke...I mean it wasn’t good), but unlike Russel who saw his 250 year lifetimes work with rose-tinted glasses, we see infants fed to trees because they were statistically unlikely to have a Nightblood child, we see Primes killing anyone, even each other because life itself has so little meaning to them since they themselves are ‘immortal’, we see men and women being raised until they reach the age where a lot of people are just starting to figure out who they are and then they’re just erased and their families told they're definitely still there, they’re just not the dominant mind in their body anymore. I mean he even tried to justify releasing the red-toxin bomb to his people as ‘purifying the unfaithful’ then planed to fly away to a new world while his ‘people’ killed each other ‘for the grace and glory of the Primes’.

And after all that, we saw Russel, Simone and Josephine all blame Earthkru for what happens instead of looking at their own actions. I’d really love it if Russel tried to resist Sheidheda, who is sharing his mind-drive (pics from IMDB), and try and come to terms with his actions and the effect they had on pretty much everyone on the damn planet instead of just giving in the easier option of submission of his mind for revenge against Clarke.

Hmmm, wouldn’t it be a kind of delicious karmic justice if Russel had to fight for control of his body from Sheidheda, like with Clarke and Josephine, and have Clarke there having to choose whether to help him by taking out his mind-drive and freeing him like Josephine refused to do for her or turning her back on him and letting the COG and Sanctumites have their revenge.

I mean it’s Clarke, so she’d help, but it could be such a weighty moment of not letting hatred and grief blind you and make you commit more atrocities just because they’ve been done to you. To have the option and choose to make a better choice than those that chose before you. Was the too convoluted? I hope it made sense. What I mean is I think it would be such a clear moment of Clarke choosing who she wants to be on this new world: Clarke Griffin or Wanheda. It would be revisiting the choice with Emerson, now that Clarke has lost so much more, and has someone who murdered her mother and almost killed her and her daughter as well in front of her and she can choose to help them or do nothing and hand them over to those they’ve wronged.

Does she stick to her ‘blood must not have blood’ beliefs of season 3 when it’s her family that was almost destroyed?

I don’t know, I just don’t want them to have created Sheidheda in season 5, then have him in season 6 just to waste it by making it the straw that broke Clarke’s humanity.

it is wrong to feel indiferent with the trailer, show and even bellarke i don't know but when i saw last day the promo i feel nothing and now with the trailer same, is not like years ago that we feel excited , hopeful optimistic, this fandom lost their entusiasm , left the show the fandom, the social media promo is not the same, i think they hurt us so many times and gaslighting that none is expecting or surprised anymore, i remember every year reading theories for bellarke now that is over.

I’m sorry you feel that way, it’s not wrong. You have a right to feel that way. 

All I can offer you is my feelings, and while that trailer didn’t blow me away, it was short and included a lot of things from past seasons, so we’re missing a lot. I also think, since this last season is longer with 16 episodes, that this trailer was mostly made with scenes from the first half of the season. They do that kind of thing. 

I’m excited about the wormhole and I still think, somehow, that Bellarke will end up together. I’m excited to see Raven and Clarke work together again, I liked Clarke and Russel in the trailer and am eager to see how that resolves. 

Bellamy getting kidnapped could be amazing, if Clarke reacts the way he did last season. Could be fun and I’ve said before that I’d love to see everyone lose their shit over Bellamy being in danger. I’d love to see everyone band together to save him because he’s that important. 

So, I’m hopeful. For all it’s fault, this show has meant a lot to me and brought me a lot of excitement over the years. I am ready to see the ending.