#<- since these are both the reason behind those bad experiences and the current thought process kinda

[fennthetalkingdog]

I think as I'm getting older, I'm getting better at separating my experiences from my emotions around them. It was so hard when I was younger to learn from bad experiences just because they were bad for me emotionally and accepting that I was flawed in that experience in any way felt like it meant accepting that the experience should've happened to me or that I completely caused it by being flawed. When no, I wasn't the sole cause of it just by being flawed—everyone is flawed but not everyone learns through almost life-defining changes. But I still had ways that I could grow as a person, and taking that knowledge and learning from it, even if the experience wasn't great or even completely desirable, is one of the best ways to help me move on.

[baronvonriktenstein]

lately i got into transformers and wowiee it's literal toxic ship heaven! these robots are out here being million year old alien war criminals and I've never been happier. it was weird at first because the fandom is very horny and I've never been into mecha but the creativity the fans get with them was amazing! it even got me to write some fics after I abandoned writing for almost a year. obsessed with megatron/optimus rn these two are divorcing in every continuity.

can you get more on your own ships? would love to hear about them!!

Ooo that sounds fun!! Alien war criminal love is peak!! >:3c I don't know much about transformers but I gotta gather that it's fandom is something special with it being ongoing for so long. (Side note, I was looking up my OC's name "Juniper Strand" on DuckDuckGo just to see if it was used already and found a Transformers fanfic from 2006 a few months ago which was very jarring but I remembered that detail!!) I'm so glad it got your writing juices flowing again!! ;w; Love the divorced enemies vibes <3 <3 Are they engaged in battle for eternity? Is that the thing??? <3 <3 <3

Ohhh I have plenty of ships that are problematic or toxic in their own way but I guess I'll do a quick roundup of the ones in the tags for that post hmmmmm

Yami Bakura x Ryou Bakura (Yugioh) since it's my current thing. I mean Y. Bakura is an evil spirit possessing Ryou's body and does canonically take over his body, injure it for his own gains, and torment his friends for... his own means. It's just kind of inherently toxic and manipulative and abusive and I still love exploring fanfics for it (both canon compliant and cute haha)

Kazutaka Muraki x Yutaka Watari (Yami no Matsuei): Ok so like a lot of ships in that series are probably toxic ESPECIALLY in regards to Muraki. He and Watari do not really interact much in canon at all. It's more the uhhh possibilities. Muraki is the antagonist to Watari's crew, has raped and murdered one of his friends (who was a child btw), and is constantly seeking out and harming another friend. I think if they got together there'd be a lot of bullshit and ALSO I don't know Muraki WOULD use Watari and also there'd be violence. :3 Watari's also known to drug his friends for experiments for funsies (but since they're all dead it's like nbd right lol) Anyway they have a lot of potential for extremely manipulative "cat and also cat" bullshit.

Seishiro Sakurazuka x Subaru Sumeragi (Tokyo Babylon & X/1999) ok. They are canonically fucked up. Subaru was 16 and Seishiro was about 25 when they started palling around which is honestly the least shit regarding their relationship tbh. Seishiro lied to him for like that whole year and then ultimately attempted to murder him (and this is all after a bet set up years prior when they were younger) haha and THEN Seishiro killed Subaru's sister (she asked him to, it's complicated) . And even after all of it Subaru still loves him and wants to be killed by him? It's soooooooooooo There is not a single universe where they're good for each other but also not a universe where they're not meant to be lol. There's another universe regarding them that CLAMP wrote but even then one is chasing the other. It's wild

John Harrison (Khan Noonien Singh) x Pavel Chekov (Star Trek Beyond ((This means specifically the movie universe by JJ Abrams lol)): Actually it's been a long time since I've thought about them since I left Star Trek behind for emotional reasons haha. Idk they're brought up because when I was really into those movies, I shipped Chekov with everybody including John Harrison (I don't really prefer to refer to the Benedict Cumberbatch character as Khan for reasons) because I just did that. So age gap aside (since that was a thing for... every ship. l.... let's be real) I mean John Harrison is the antagonist and it just.... it feels bad. it's low on this list because I can't remember what it was about John Harrison specifically other than he killed people for uhhh mostly pretty understandable reasons so I guess they don't belong on this list unless I rewatch those movies again haha

apologies i've just kinda let my mind run away with this

[charles-leclerc-official]

Ok so I'm a very new F1 fan - started watching this year; I used to sit and watch races together with my father and brother in the 2007-2012 period just to spend time with them, not because I was interested, but I still retained some information from back then - and now I started out as, and still am a Charles fan.

And considering just how popular he is and all of the jokes about "Ask her about her favourite driver, bet she'll say Charles Leclerc" I thought the main reason people supported him was for the hype.

But to see a blog run by someone, who has so much knowledge of F1, the car structure, the history of the sport, someone who has watched for so long...and that blog is about Charles Leclerc of all drivers? That fills me with such joy and relief. Because I know for myself, that I'm not a fan of him for his looks or popularity, but sometimes I feel a little insecure about supporting him since I lack experience and knowledge in the field of watching F1, considering how new I am to it, so I can't always really defend my reasoning behind being his fan ("I just think he's good" doesn't really hold up that well as an argument)

So it's really nice to see someone so immersed in sport be openly supportive of him, since you have such a huge pick of drivers to make your blog about and curate your space with - current and past generation(s), legends of the sport. And yet it's about Charles.

That to me is basically like getting approval by an older sibling for a good pick/ good move made in a game. Like maybe my choice to like and root for him isn't as stupid as everyone makes it out to be. Maybe he isn't just popular.

So sorry for the ramble, but I just wanted to say thank you for your patience in explaining concepts to the community and for being unapologetically yourself on this app. Your blog is very enjoyable!

Omg thank you this is truly the sweetest thing <3

I could write essays(and I might) about sexism in this sport. But I want to say that you don't need a "valid" reason for a driver to be your favorite. They can be your favorite because you just think they are neat. And it's also not a bad thing if you do find them attractive or that's what first got your attention. People gatekeep to create this idea that you need a reason that they deem "worthy" when you don't. It's a sport you like, enjoy it however you want to have fun.

If you want to say Fernando is your favorite because you think his sunglasses are cool then more power to you.

And you don't need to understand all the history and car stuff to be a good fan.

People like to gatekeep and create this idea that you need to know certain things or you have to like a driver for X reason, but if you like him for X reason then you aren't a real fan. It's frustrating.

Popular isn't always a bad thing either.

I'm a Ferrari fan, I support the driver who is skilled who is bringing glory to my red team. Charles has been doing that consistently since he joined and that is why he has my support. I have been impressed with his skill on track every single year of his career. I like quality driving, I like quality driving in RED, and Charles does both of those things.

Charles is a skilled driver, and you should feel happy supporting him and watching him drive because it's truly amazing to watch.

I am very glad you have joined us in our support of Charles and his career at Ferrari, it's an exciting time for him and for the team! I hope you are having fun!

[doricntorrcs]

Whilst Laurel had said that she was going to keep her distance from him since the last time he had spurned her attempts to apologise and talk to him, he'd not actually believed she would follow through. She'd said similar in the past and it'd not come to anything, not to mention how their whole interactions had always gone. Laurel had never been very good at letting things go or respecting boundaries when it came to what she wanted. This time though it seemed she finally took it seriously, understood and meant it. She'd provided him with the space he'd requested and honestly, he'd not quite known what to do with the silence of it all.

It was strange really, the anger he felt towards her was still there of course. She'd done a terrible thing. But the quietude the woman's absence left behind... Dorian didn't know how to explain it. It wasn't as though he hadn't been without her before of course but he'd since learned what it was like to have her in his orbit and for all the girls faults, she was energy and life personified. He felt her absence much like a gaping wound she'd given him, both from her actions and her lack of presence and he was worse off for the deprivation.

Trust had always been hard earned where he was concerned, it was one of the main reasons why her actions had such an effect on him. That coupled with his past experiences... well it had set him hard down the path of seeing what Laurel had done as being unconscionable to his mind. Still, both heads and hearts could always be swayed, even someone as stubborn as the dark haired man himself. Such was the burden and charm of being human. He'd always been so set in his mind about things, difficult to sway from his path when he'd chosen it. Very much knowing right from wrong and treating it as thus. It was why he found himself so upended by the others following actions.

To say that he'd faced trials this week would have been an understatement. His quick switches in careers with no warning had naturally left prying eyes wondering. Dorian had hoped that their publicists had managed to squash any negative press but it seemed as though things like this always had a way of rearing their heads in the end. He felt like he'd been settling into the rhythm of being in the new team, proving himself a valuable asset and hopefully earning the support of their fans but curiosity was too high. People were slowly beginning to ask questions about the reasons for his quick exit from his previous team. How he'd left a couple now in swift succession. Honestly, the thought of his private life getting out made him feel physically sick so after a tough day of beating off reporters he'd planned to keep himself to himself in a hole in the wall joint, only to be greeted by the sight of Laurel being interviewed. That in itself wasn't bad per se, at least not at the start but when the topic of the questions seemed to take a turn to focus on him, Dorian found himself sinking further down into the booth, body feeling as though it had been dumped in a ice bath.

What was he liked as a Coach? How did they feel about a male falling into the role? What was the reason for his exit? Wasn't his contract longer because their full time coach wasn't back yet? Has she heard the rumours and is there any truth to them?

They went on.

Of course they'd have a lot of questions, but he hated the thought of Laurel being the one to answer them. She was somewhat of a loose cannon after all. Chaotic and exactly the type of person they would want to hear from given her unpredictability. With how she'd handled a situation to do with him, he wouldn't have found himself entirely surprised if she did end up saying more than he was comfortable with or perhaps refusing to answer at all. Either one of those could manage to fuel the stories currently buzzing about him. Gossip was fickle like that, you could be damned if you do and damned if you don't and given their current state and most recent interactions, he held no illusions that she owed him anything in loyalty.

However, the more the brunette spoke, the more Dorian found himself pushing himself up in his seat. Disengagement turned to attentiveness with each question she answered until the interview had captured his undivided attention. Far from the responses that Dorian had been anticipating with unease, Laurel actually appeared to show a startling openness, and what Dorian could only read as genuine admiration when she talked about him. Before this point, she'd given her usual sass and playfulness in the interview, but that had appeared to melt away and he was left gaping at the level of care she showed through her words. Whether others would believe her of course was up to their interpretation but he was left feeling a warmth that he hadn't experienced since before they'd fallen out at her attempts to allay their concerns and interest in the topic. He found that the dread he'd felt himself being weighed down by was made that bit lighter by her show of support.

It was for that very reason that he'd taken the decision to do something he'd not thought he would ever do after their dispute and his perceived betrayal, he'd decided to linger outside of the Harpies training ground to wait patiently for their training to finish. With how long he'd worked with them, he knew their schedules pretty well at this point. Unsurprisingly, Laurel was one of the last ones out, and still partially shaded by the shadows that the evening cast over them, he let her know about his presence. "You were kinder than I expected towards me. Probably more than was warranted. You know you could have refrained from answering if you wanted to."

[namisweatheria]

I am a little annoyed with my ending being so clean and it's not even honest because I have major issues with Wano and how it ended with Momo taking charge instead of Hiyori for literally no reason at all besides misogynistic tradition AND WITH A MILLION GOOD REASONS AGAINST THAT IDEA.

Since Tashigi is on a standing up for herself kick and is high off of the power of women unionizing and obviously has feelings about being treated as lesser than for being a woman. I do think it's possible she would Say Something.

Which, for Tashigi, is like, brashly yelling in the town square about it. And I would love for everyone to genuinely reconsider based off of her very good points, like having an 8 year old instead of a 27 year old as a leader is a bad idea, and everyone loves Hiyori already, and Hiyori has stayed with Wano through those 20 awful years and understands it's current needs as well as or even better than anyone else, as she was actively redistributing wealth to where it was most needed in secret during Orochi's reign.

Maybe Hiyori has thoughts based off of that experience with wealth distribution and her experiences with the interpersonal abuses that are the consequences of ultimate political power over others! Maybe she'd be very good at governing but would not want to have ultimate power and live in a fancy castle while many of her subjects live in the streets or small dilapidated houses! Maybe she'd ask Reiju about how other countries govern differently! Maybe Reiju would be very good at constructing government infrastructure after a lifetime of tearing them down!

Maybe feudalism and following an eight year old in it's name is fucking stupid and in the excitement of possibility immediately post-upheaval people would realize that! Maybe it's not just the revival of traditional cultural life that comes with the dawn but also in addition a newly brightening horizon of more equitable living! I'm sorry I just CANNOTT pretend restoring the Nice Family Patriarch to Ultimate Power was a Good ending. Ultimate Power is bad. and Misogyny is bad. And there's plenty of interesting and realistic reasons that people would use their new freedom to turn away from it! Huge upheaval often creates moments of radical possibility in the public consciousness! It could be fun to explore! Despite the messiness!

And anyways it was annoying because of it's monogamy as well. I actually think O-Kiku would hear stories of their Great Anti-Patriarchal Adventure in Dressrosa and see them brashly fight back against the Misogyny in Wano and would long to join them in their adventures. I think the mutual respect between her and Tashigi and their training sparring could bloom into something very sweet and exciting. I think Reiju would have a lot of fun playing along with O-Kiku's damsel in distress act and would have the strength to carry her around in a way that O-Kiku would find delightful. I think she'd leave with the two of them and in many ways leave her burdens behind.

I mean think about it, she could never have followed Izou into Whitebeard's Boys Only Club At Sea, and never really understood the appeal. Until she saw Tashigi and Reiju leading a life at sea that centered around each other and helping other women. I think this would be really eye-opening and exciting for her and heal a part of her that she didn't know was hurt. Like. Damn you can do that??? Like of course you can do that but I never thought about it... I mean. Like. You two are doing that???? Take me with you!!!!!

And they'd loooove to simply sweep her off her feet and take her away with them. I think her enthusiasm would be really endearing to both of them and of course she can keep up in any fight they get into. OKAY I'VE GOTTEN SAPPY AGAIN BUT. They can still have tense adventures in the future!!! I mean Pudding got taken by Blackbeard, that's not gonna go easy. But they'd have a lot of fun together.... And I love them.

[anticomedygarden]

adventures in illegal weapons production and distribution

Peter creates knives that are undetectable by metal detectors. Predictably, this causes some chaos.

Based on ch 7 of deniigiq's 'in technicolor.'

ao3 link

-

Peter never knew a partnership with the NYPD could be so lucrative. Really, he should present his discovery to Captain Rogers, just to see what he would say. Probably something along the lines of 'reasoning can't be based on his experience with one guy that DD trusts' or something about sample size, or, depending on the soldier's mood, "Absolutely not."

Whatever. All Peter knew was that illegal acquisition of resin had never been easier, and all he'd had to do was become Spider-man.

This was how he ended up holed up in his bedroom surrounded by beautiful, clear knives, the sweet satisfaction of a job well done putting him to sleep at a reasonable hour.

-

The resin knives were cool, but there were just two problems, one if he was willing to overlook the effects on the environment. The bigger problem was that the resin could still be detected by SI's metal detectors, a fact which he now knew intimately.

"Man, let me go," Peter whined, rattling the handcuffs attached to his right hand. He was very close to trying out DD's thumb dislocation trick since he couldn't use his super strength, but he didn't think Mr. Stark would appreciate him breaking shit outside of the lab, even if it was his own body. "It's just resin."

The security guard currently holding Peter hostage in his little office (Mr. Greevy, according to his name tag) gave him an unimpressed look. It made his mustache twitch. "They're weapons."

Peter rolled his eyes. No shit, sir. That's the point.

Not only could he not break out of the cuffs, he couldn't tell Mr. Greevy to call Mr. Stark for three reasons: 1, the guard definitely would not believe him; 2, Mr. Stark probably wouldn't pick up; and 3, Mr. Stark did not like for Peter to have resin and would take away his knives and possibly tell Detective Mahoney to find another bribe, and that was simply unacceptable. Peter needed his resin for future projects.

Turns out, he didn't need to worry about any of that because Mr. Stark was already walking into the guard's room and demanding the key for the cuffs, but not before Mr. Greevy showed his big boss his brand new small box full of resin knives.

Peter thought that behind the pursed lips and drawn brow, Mr. Stark was impressed. Good. Some of those designs were intricate as hell.

Finally, Mr. Stark gave a quiet huff, said, "C'mon, Pete," and grabbed the knife box from Mr. Greevy, and they started up to the lab.

"Do I even want to know?" Mr. Stark asked tiredly.

No, probably not, but definitely yes after his next project.

"Fine, just keep it from me. Plausible deniability."

Yes sir, that's the plan. Can I please have my knives back?

-

Logically, the next step was making them able to slip past metal detectors, specifically the hyper aware ones at SI, and it only took one tipoff to Detective Mahoney to procure the necessary resin. The rest of the materials he could get from Mr. Stark's lab, and what was life without a little explicit disobedience, anyway?

Once he surfaced from his own project, Mr. Stark took one look at Peter's work station and did a double take. "Whatcha doing, buddy?"

Ha. Peter's had this answer waiting since he got here. "Experimenting with different materials."

Mr. Stark pressed his lips together into a thin line. "And what materials are those?"

"You told me not to tell you about it."

Once again, Mr. Stark pursed his lips. "It's resin, isn't it?"

Peter grinned at him. "Can we skip the whole, 'That's illegal, you shouldn't have that,' thing? We both know I'm just gonna bring up the illegal stuff you were getting up to when you were my age. Really, this isn't that bad."

Except for the part where he was gonna distribute his illegal and dangerous weapons to his illegal and dangerous friends.

Mr. Stark was really looking particularly stricken today. Like a man who knew he was in the right and still lost. Now there was nothing he could do to stop this masterpiece.

-

Less than a few hours later, the masterpiece was complete. His knives were beautiful. Truly one of his babies, along with his web fluid, first set of resin knives (R.I.P. from the bottom of his sock drawer), and the original Spidey suit. Now it was just a matter of testing it.

Because SI was (understandably) more concerned with what people might be bringing into its facilities - what with all the supervillains and crazy geniuses and such - to truly test his knives against detection, he would have to bring them back into the building. This, of course, meant crawling out the window of the lab in the Spiderman suit, walking all the way down the tower, putting his person clothes on over the suit in a nearby alley, walking back into the tower under the guise of forgetting his backpack, and doing all of it with the knives very strategically placed under the suit. In addition to the metal detectors, the security guard on duty also had him step aside to undergo additional security checks now that the man knew him as 'the kid with the weird ass knives.' Fortunately, the new material passed without detection, or else the subsequent few hours would have been very uncomfortable for everyone.

The next step now was distribution. Getting them to Wade was easy enough since the merc would be more interested in their durability and appearance, but Peter wanted to do one more test before taking them to Matt. DD would not be happy if Peter brought him supposedly undetectable knives and then was acosted at the court house. No, he had to get them through more metal detectors.

Peter had no reason to be in the court house. He also did not want to be arrested if the knives did somehow set off an alarm. Obviously, the best work around to this little problem was to stick a knife in the work bag of a particular court house employee he'd heard Matt complain about in the past, namely for being an 'asswipe small brained bigot with a head too big to stick up his own ass.' Matt's words, not his.

Peter was almost disappointed when the man made it smoothly past the entrance.

After sneaking into the man's office to steal back his knife, Peter quickly swung home to collect the box on his desk, the one full of knives. Team Red was scheduled for a meetup on this fine Monday morning while DD and Wade were between jobs and Peter had no classes that he cared about.

It took only a few minutes to get to the roof of their building, but Matt and Wade were already there when Peter landed. They both turned and stared at him. Well, Wade did. Matt cocked his head.

"Whatcha got there bud?" Wade asked, clearly very interested.

Peter grinned and carefully disentangled his box from where it was strapped to his stomach with webs. "I have presents."

"Ooh," Wade said. "Is it spider eggs? Cause if it is, I'd keep that to yourself."

Before Peter could answer, Matt broke in. "It's rattling, and it smells like chemicals." He sniffed, evidently annoyed that he couldn't figure out immediately what Peter had based on his olfactory cortex's admittedly extensive database of smells. "Is it..." He frowned. "Some sort of resin?"

"Ding ding ding!" Peter said delightedly and opened the box. "They're knives."

He handed one up to both men who took them eagerly; they studied them for a minute, Wade less thoroughly than Matt, who went so far as to lick the flat side of the blade. He made a face. "What the fuck is that?"

"It's a resin based polymer," he informed them. "It can get past metal detectors and is thin and flexible enough to go through light pat downs." This he knew first hand.

Much to his satisfaction, both people in front of him looked absolutely thrilled with this information.

"You know what this means?" Wade said, gesturing dramatically with the knife still in his hand, "I can finally go back to the mall!"

Oh. Oh well. The knives were their property now. It wasn't Peter's job to keep track of what they did with them.

Matt continued to look pleased. "I can't wait to tell Foggy how much safer we're about to be at the court house."

Ha. Mr. Nelson would be so happy.

-

They disbanded not long after that, Matt to his office and Wade to whatever he had to do, but Peter stayed up in the air for a while longer. Now that he had the supplies, he wanted to learn how to use them; therefore, he pulled up a YouTube video on knife throwing for beginners and began to practice. By the time he decided to head back to school, he had gotten fairly proficient if he did say so himself.

Sadly, there was one person who did not share that opinion.

"Hey, Spiderman," Ms Black Widow said.

He definitely did not shriek or jump two feet in the air, and he definitely did not curse his Spidey Sense for not sensing her. (She was dangerous as fuck, how did it not pick up on that?)

Once over his totally silent and stationary calm moment, he said, "Hi, Ms Black Widow ma'am."

"I heard you're practicing your throwing skills."

What.

"You're not bad, but there's plenty of room for improvement."

The.

"I think we could help each other."

Fuck.

"I'll teach you to throw if you make me some of those knives."

Yes. Absolutely. You say jump, I say I'm already stuck to the bottom of this helicopter.

"Good. I'll meet you on the roof of your building at 9 tonight."

Oh god. Oh fuck. He could do this.

-

He could not do this. Ms Black Widow was not only incredibly talented at all things violent, but she was also an incredible hard ass. None of his throws were perfect. They were fine . They were all right. There was always room for improvement .

On the plus side, he was very, very good at making knives. Ms Black Widow required two knives as payment for each lesson. It had been two weeks with one lesson a day. That was 28 knives. He was running out of resin. At least he could make them at home now.

This was definitely handy, along with Detective Mahoney's most recent need for Spiderman's help, because now Matt and Wade were particularly attached to their knives and wanted more. This, he found out from Mr. Nelson, who, at first, was not all that happy with his partner's new toys. No, the thank you text Peter had received from him was overly formal at best, obviously sent out of propriety and a subtle request never to make Matt weapons ever again at worst. Then, a heavily armed burglar attacked the bank the two just so happened to be banking at, and suddenly Mr. Nelson couldn't be more pleased with the knives. Yes, his new thank you text implied, they are very cool and all together good to have around, and we would very much like some more please.

Peter continued to be pleased.

-

Tony Stark was not happy. In the last two days, his personal sponsored vigilante had unleashed hell in his building, and Tony wanted to find out who was responsible.

After some light interrogation, he found out the special little knives - the ones that absolutely should not have made it through security - were made of a resin polymer, one that was definitely going to be patented before any unsavories got wind of the undetectable nature of the weapons. That was the easy part. The hard part was finding out where the actual fuck the kid was getting all this damn resin.

"Peter," he started, bravely, "where-"

"Momma didn't raise no snitch, Mr. Stark." This was said very quickly from a concerningly guiltless face.

"Momma didn't raise you," Tony said, face an uncaring mirror of the boy's in front of him, despite the line not being in any way productive or nice. Pepper glared at him from where she was apologizing to a group of interns that Peter had scared the bejeezus out of when he'd killed the fly that had been bothering them all day with one of his not-resin knives.

A fly. The animal famous for speed and being easily startled. This was why he didn't let Peter have resin.

Fortunately, Peter didn't seem to be offended. Or sorry. "Aunt May didn't raise no snitch, Mr. Stark."

Tony sighed deeply. "Kid, this is illegal. Whoever is getting this to you is a criminal."

Peter continued to not look sorry. If anything, he looked confused. "Then why would I tell you who it is?"

Fuck the resin. Peter needed to stop hanging out with vigilantes. Especially lawyer vigilantes.

"Is it Daredevil? Deadpool? I know you gave them some of your knives. Did Ted get it online? Who taught you how to throw?"

Peter's eyes glittered, and he mimed zipping his lips. This conversation was going nowhere.

-

The knives, predictably, continued to be a problem, especially for Tony's poor doors and whatever person happened to be staying in the tower at the time being because Peter, in his mischief, had taken to using his knife throwing skills to wake people up. It didn't matter when or who; a tired, overworked intern was just as likely to be a target as an Avenger late for a meeting. Anybody was liable to have a resin adjacent knife fly past their head the second it hit their pillow (or forearms).

Again, there was also the problem of security. This time, it wasn't that his knives were going where they shouldn't be; Peter was going where he shouldn't be. The little menace had figured out that his knives were thin enough to fit in the cracks between doors. This meant that he could now throw his knives into the latches on door locks, splitting them and leaving doors permanently ajar, from a considerable distance. He could also, if he so chose, throw his knives into the actual key holes, making them impossible to open. Thankfully, this was less of a problem for Tony because JARVIS could pretty well control the doors himself, but he just knew Peter had reported his discoveries to his little vigilante friends who would no doubt use the knowledge to wreak havoc on New York City and its criminal underworld.

So no, it wasn't a major problem. Until Secretary Ross came to visit.

He wanted something. Something stupid, probably. Probably something to do with an 'Avengers level threat' or publicity or something else that Tony didn't particularly care about or really didn't want to deal with. He didn't know because he wasn't paying attention. At this point, he was really just watching the man's lips flap while he sipped coffee with not enough espresso shots and tried to wake up before 9. It was fine; JARVIS could give him the rundown later if he didn't have something better to do by then.

Then, very quickly, it wasn't fine. With his back to the door, Tony heard glass shatter, then the crinkling of it falling and hitting the floor. In his half asleep, bored stated, he didn't immediately react. Then he saw the clearish knife in the cabinet lock by Ross' head and the pieces clicked together. Peter had just thrown one of his very illegal knives through a glass door and past the US Secretary of State's head, presumably to lightly threaten the man, which, honestly, Tony couldn't blame him for. Hatred for Thaddeus Ross was probably the only thing that all of the adults (and the other kids) in Peter's life could agree on, not to mention the kid's own issues with the guy, namely that if up to Ross, Peter would be in the Raft. Honestly, Tony would not be surprised if Peter had already fucked off to one his various circles to brag about not only being close enough to Ross to kill him but also getting to threaten him with an illegal weapon of his own creation. Of course, the kid could've just been trying to lock the cabinet behind the man's head since it housed some illegal substances, including but not limited to, the materials that made his knives.

Ross seemed to be at a loss for words. "What...was that?"

Huh. Maybe he didn't notice the knife. Tony decided it was in everyone's best interest to keep it that way. "Probably just the heat. Why don't you send the rest of this to me in an email?" He ushered the stuttering man over the pile of broken glass and into the - thankfully - empty hallway, and began to rethink his stance on illicit resin.

No matter what he landed on ethics wise, Peter needed to be stopped. Or at the very least slowed down.

-

Aunt May may not have raised a snitch, but when it came to her nephew's adventures in illegal weapons production and distribution, she sure was one. One call from Colonel James Rhodes had her spilling the name of the supplier, and Tony could definitely say that he was shocked. Of all the people Peter was involved with, Tony did not expect Detective Brett Mahoney of the 15th precinct to be his resin dealer, and he really was not expecting the resin to be payment for intel and aerial support.

Now that Tony had seen the knives be used for good, he was sort of willing to let the illegal dealings slide. Rhodey would be taking his side, but, in his words, he had a real job with bosses to answer to, as well as property damage that Pepper would soon find out about, an event that Tony really should be more concerned for.

Thus, Colonel James Rhodes sat down to write a letter to Detective Mahoney.

Tony supposed it would be nice to be able to use his own doors again.

-

hey i'm looking to get into marvel comics, so if anyone can recommend a good starting point (for someone who's seen the whole mcu and some of the defenders shows plus itsv and deadpool) and also a website on which to read them that would be awesome

[project-sekai-facts]

2nd year event?! I saw the announcement and am now very curious and excited, especially since this is happening before Mafuyu’s coming up. Have the 2nd years ever had an event about them? What are your thoughts about this group? I know you have some because I saw your tags 👀

Below cut

It's SO gonna be a WxS key story like no way out of it. Given that they're both lims that probably means that it's gonna have a lot of screentime for the boys (well, Rui is a given, it's his event), so there's no way they won't bring up the current WxS plot. Honestly making this a Rui event was an amazing idea because it connects so much with his arc with his fear of growing up and having to leave what he has now behind. And by the looks of the card he made new friends!! Which actually makes it all the more gut punching because he's never really had friends and he only gets a whopping one whole in-universe year with them now.

It's also really cool to see that the Miyajo girls are there. I reckon Shizuku (and Airi, but to a much lesser extent) will get like a mini version of STEP by STEP! with Mafuyu. Because think about it, if Shizuku and Airi leave formal education, that makes Mafuyu the only MC Miyajou 3rd year. I think it'll be really neat to see all the second years interact more because they've never been given much of a chance before outside of a few short scenes, and I think Rui and Mafuyu's dynamic in particular is really interesting. I don't know how much they'll interact in this event, if at all, but I'd like to see more there. Rui is very emotionally intelligent - so long as it doesn't apply to himself - and he's also very very observant, so although having him notice where Mafuyu's issues was unexpected, it wasn't necessarily surprising, and I'd like that to be followed up on even if it is arguably more effective as a passing encounter moment.

I'm guessing there'll be a sweet making and tea ceremony part, because those are the event teams and also Airi's favourite food/club so I think that would be a nice laid-back bonding moment from the 2nd years and who knows, if that does happen then maybe they'll ruin the 3 seconds of peace we get from by reminding us that Airi is moving to credit course and won't be doing clubs anymore.

I'm assuming they'll throw in the excuse for the two schools interacting is that they both happened to be on the same school trip at the exact same time.

Also, the event description. I have thoughts.

from @/pjsekai_eng on twitter

I'm guessing the reason Rui has little interest is because 1. aforementioned fear of getting growing up and moving on and doesn't want to face it, and 2. doesn't have many friends at school, let alone any in his class (it's outlined in KAMIKOU FESTIVAL! that he has never particularly been one for school events because everyone would push him away. We've had Cheerfes since then but you get my point). But it looks like maybe his classmates are actually more willing to be friends with him now?

And then the event name

same source as above

Hey look that sounds like a Wonderlands x Showtime inevitable disbandment reference. Atp I'm starting to think the reason I'm so invested in their current arc is because of how much it resembles a Love Live plot (mod makes shameless LL reference #3 billion what else is new?). Enjoying your youth while you can because there's so much fun stuff you can do and you're surrounded by people and it truly is an experience that you won't be able to quite match later on. It's simple but incredibly effective and emotionally driven. Especially since the age high school is in Japan really is like that bridging period between childhood and adulthood. And linking this to Rui and Tsukasa's event cards specifically...

They seem to have tied the folklore theme with a school uniform theme. And I'm going to pick this apart because I'm already 643 words in so why stop now? I feel bad for excluding Shizuku from this but we've never had too much on her school-related past. The most we got was Draw Your Bow In This White World which was only set 1 year pre-canon so not counting it.

Anyway. I've seen several people point out on Twitter that Rui's limited hair is the same hairstyle that he had as a child. That stuck out to me because we know from flashbacks that that was when people started to steer clear of him at school and he lost a lot of friends, and I wonder if that's going to be brought up in the event, especially since it seems that he's going to be making new friends.

In a similar vein, Tsukasa. I'm sure most people noticed that he's basically wearing his middle school uniform except with glasses. Like Rui's lim linking to when he was most lonely, Tsukasa's does as well. It's established in On the stage of dazzling light that he was pretty lonely during middle school because it was when Saki got moved to a hospital out of the prefecture.

I don't know if this was intentional because Shizuku's doesn't visibly follow that theme, but prsk does like some good symbolism and lim sets quite often have one that sticks out from the others for whatever reason. If it wasn't intentional then good on them for somehow doing this. But it does make a lot of sense, y'know? Cherishing the high school memories because the ones before now were a bit shit?

1 2 (heh)

Being frank I don't entirely know how Japanese school trips work but judging by the card it looks like Rui and Tsukasa got put in a group together? I hope their friendship gets some depth and development added to it with this event because they actually have an interesting dynamic underneath the Oddball 1-2 comic relief that has a lot of underutilised potential. Like what I said in those screenshots - Rui wants to know more about the SEKAI, but since it's entirely derived from Tsukasa's psyche, it means he has to get to know Tsukasa better, and they still aren't on much of a more personal level of friendship almost 3 years after that card story. The fact that both of their lims seem to reference the points when they were most lonely... I think that could be a good starting point for them to bond over. Obviously the circumstances were completely different and Rui was driven into depression by it, but what I'm saying is that it's a start.

Also like the very intentional parallels between Rui and Mizuki and their loneliness and their connection with the rooftop Wonderlands x Showtime main story chapter 5 My Footprints, Your Destination chapter 8 Tsukasa and Ena and the personal impact they had on those two respectively something or other and the fact that one side of that parallel has surprisingly little depth to their relationship idk

Oh and this part from the very end of A Canary Sings In A Quagmire. Though they might stall on it for a bit longer since it's a plot thread that was only just introduced. I reckon if it does get brought up it will just be in internal monologue or Rui just mentioning the concept in passing or being vague about it rather than actually addressing it (Emu and Nene aren't here and I think they will probably be around when it gets fully unpacked). If they do decide to face it directly then I wouldn't mind but it seems too soon to me.

Finally, I reckon we might get some more Shizuku and Tsukasa interactions. It's kind of guaranteed to be fair but you never know. Their dynamic isn't hugely deep or anything but it doesn't need to be, like they only know each other because their sisters were friends. Anyway I don't really mind if all they do in the event is talk about their sisters and what they've been up to themselves - it's pretty cute.

I'll be reading the event in my lunch break tomorrow so long as it is on sekai.best by then, so if anyone wants to ask me more about it then feel free. Watch literally none of what I just wrote happen in the event.

If I said that almost all of the 2nd years are in my top 10 would that justify the word vomit?

[new-employeeamillion]

Someone might ask me about this for next year’s QnA, but what the heck.

My immediate thoughts regarding the tentative Warner/Paramount merger.

I’m no business expert, but I’m educated enough to know that merging two already huge media companies will be a bad thing for workers. Remember what happened when Disney bought Fox 5 years ago? Content from both companies has become more homogeneous since then.

Just thinking about the idea that Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon could share the same parent company has me worried. They’ve already been dealing with identity crises since the streaming bubble took people’s attention away from cable, and if they both have the same executives controlling them, that’ll just make the situation worse. Think about how low their viewership has gotten in the past decade. If they’re both under the control of the same company, one or both of them will have the plug pulled. And with Cartoon Network Studios shutting down recently, I bet it’s going to be them.

I’m spitballing here, getting paranoid over a hypothetical outcome that only exists in my head right now, but if Cartoon Network is no longer a studio, channel or active brand identity by 2025 or 2026, that’ll make me really sad. Sure I don’t follow their new stuff as much as I review their old stuff, but I focus on their old stuff for a reason. It’s a symbol of the animation renaissance of the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s. The medium was in crisis before then, but an impassioned new wave of animators brought it back, with the help of a business tycoon and his channel that actually saw value in the art form. I can’t see that happening again when there’s less companies and less job opportunities for animators. Time isn’t always cyclical. This could very well be the end what we currently consider the Modern Era of Animation.

And the possibility of Warner Bros. owning SpongeBob has me even more concerned about its future. They could do one of two things:

-Cancel everything in the franchise as a tax write-off (can you blame anyone for thinking they’ll do that?)

-Dip even harder into movies and spin-offs, making Nickelodeon’s current strategy seem quaint

Here’s the thing. I wouldn’t be so apprehensive about movies (beyond the first two) and spin-offs if the main show was over already. I’m not saying Season 13 and 14 are bad and shouldn’t exist, just that Nickelodeon should only be doing one or the other, the main show or subsequent media. At this point, I’ve come to terms that SpongeBob is like Mickey Mouse and Looney Tunes, this animated mascot that’s outlived the creator and so will always be a symbol of the corporation it came from. But notice how with Mickey Mouse and Looney Tunes, their original serieses ended decades and decades ago. We’ve been getting spin-offs, film appearances and complete reimaginings for far longer than their original theatrical shorts were in production.

I’m fine with SpongeBob still being around as a mascot in 50 years like them, but not if the show is going to be in its 44th season and a virtually different production with different people behind it. There is the likelihood that Warner Bros. Discovery Paramount will look at the ratings it’s getting on Nick and put it to rest, leaving behind spin-offs and reimaginings. As harsh as it is to say, that’s the safest possible outcome, but I don’t think that’ll be what they do. They’ll either do even more to oversaturate the brand, or throw it all away like it’s worthless. Sorry if this spiel has been pretty cynical, but I have no reason to be optimistic if this goes through.

The only thing people are excited about with all this is all the crossover possibilities if all the NickToons and Cartoon Network Originals were owned by the same people. And while they seem tantalising, those old franchises were only so good because the creators were encouraged to compete, encouraged to experiment, encouraged to make what they wanted to watch, and encouraged to leave a lasting impact. If the merger goes through, that might not be the case. Crossovers are literally the only positive people seem to be gleaming from this, so fair enough. Have those happy thoughts, because you’re really gonna need them. A SpongeBob/Looney Tunes crossover will break everyone’s brains though, and I mean that in bad and good ways.

[isa-ghost]

I fully agree with this (/genuine). And I do wish people would stop using it because of the historical-and-still-current context behind the phrase.

But I am curious about what OP's opinion is about a take I see a lot in defense of using the phrase as a quirky (perhaps even cringe) positive phrase. I've seen loads of people say "well over time words/phrases/images can get a new context behind them that overwrites (but doesn't erase) the previous bad one. It takes power away from the people who use [thing] in a derogatory way." Basically the same kinda logic we use when reclaiming slurs, I guess? Maybe that's too extreme of a comparison though, I dunno. Another example I thought of is how Tupperware is (was?) a company, but we call *all* plastic containers similar to that Tupperware, which completely diminished the company's sway over product competition since it became a blanket term. I'm probably oversimplifying that a bit but it was another interesting educational post I read on here ages ago. I tried looking for it on my blog but the only thing that came up was the post about how they went bankrupt.

Anyway, to an extent I agree with the idea of "new positive context," but like with basically everything, I think there's nuance to it. I think there are times where changing the context behind something simply doesn't work and/or shouldn't be the route people go down, period. And of course there are instances where people abuse the idea and use it as justification for shit they shouldn't. Same kinda deal as "death to the author."

But also the internet (and perhaps younger queers in general in this case?) has a terrible habit of completely disregarding important context or at the very least not acknowledging/respecting said context to the degree they should, if they do so at all. And I'm as sick of that as plenty of other people are.

So I guess that is to say I can see both sides of the argument and am curious to hear if OP (or anyone else) has some additional info that I lack? If there's things about this I can be taught beyond "hey this is an ongoing issue, stop enabling the people who seek to use it to harm us by using it like it's something cute and quirky," I'd really like to learn what those points may be. Especially because then I could take those myself and further spread the word by educating people just like OP.

I think once upon a time I was actually a "we can reclaim this with a new positive context and take the power away from the people who use it to do harm" person myself but then I came across posts like this one and actually put some real thought into the topic and changed my mind? (I say that with uncertainty because I don't actually remember ever explicitly agreeing with takes in favor of the positive context use). Which is another reason I'd appreciate further discussion about why this is a case where "new positive context" shouldn't be the way people go about it. The stronger the argument for it, the better or whatever, right?

Also I'd like to provide a precautionary clarification that I'm asking OP/anyone else here if they have additional insight instead of "googling around" or something myself because I personally tend not to trust stuff like that since misinformation is so rampant, especially with how common the use of ai-generated bullshit is. It's also, in my opinion, better to hear things directly from people you Know for certain are from [group] or have experience with [thing]. I digress.

i fear the battle is lost at this point but i still flinch every time i see "gay panic" used as a cute positive phrase. Like let's go on say wikipedia.org for a second and try typing that one in folks

edit: i caved and looked in the notes and my god you people are stupid. Stop talking about this like it's ancient history. The gay/trans panic defense is quite literally still legal in the majority of the US. Look at this map since you apparently don't have wikipedia or like any kind of search engine on your computers

[grandsonoflightike]

Grey Three Houses/Hopes P4: A Grand Day for the Shadow Opera Company

Music Announcement: Inferno Speed Up By CPX and HUF

Shadow Militia: We love you, Shadow Manuela!

Shadow Militia: Ahh! Did you see that? Shadow Dorothea looked right at me!

*crowd cheers*

Shadow Dorothea: Well, that crowd was amazing. I thought they were going to faint on the spot the moment you appeared. Pretty impressive reaction considering how long it's been since you quit the stage.

Shadow Manuela: Don't sell yourself short, Shadow Dorothea—those people were cheering full-throat for you as well. That's also a fine reaction considering you left the songstress life behind nearly two years ago. But time passes quickly—and let me tell you, it has certainly done a number on me!

Shadow Dorothea: Oh, stop it. Time hasn't diminished your beauty, nor your voice.

Shadow Manuela: Well, you're very sweet to say so. But we both know I'm getting by with smoke, mirrors, and the skin of my teeth. I'm no longer fit to command the stage. At best, I can serve as a bodyguard to our successors in the Mittelfrank Opera Company as they look to entertain our troops.

Shadpw Dorothea: Yes, well, all kidding aside, we both know it was the current songstress, Shadow Adrienne, who received the loudest cheers from the crowd.

Shadow Shez: ...

Shadow Manuela: Feel free to join in the conversation anytime.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, all this is a bit outta my wheelhouse. Makes me wonder what I'm even doing here, actually. We've already been over this, Shadow Dorothea. You and I both know this kinda thing isn't my cup of tea.

Shadow Dorothea: Actually, your unfamiliarity is the reason we chose you to accompany us. If we brought along a bunch of star-struck fans to serve as escorts, it would end in disaster.

Shadow Manuela: Sadly, we've learned from experience that people will use any excuse to get close to our singers. Sometimes they even convince themselves that we've reciprocated their feelings when we've clearly done nothing of the sort. Alas, we've all had to get quite good at close-quarter combat as a result.

Shadow Dorothea: The opera company was where I learned my dagger skills—though I admit it's hardly the most appropriate weapon for a battlefield.

Shadow Shez: Sounds intense.

Shadow Manuela: Indeed. Behind the glitz and glamor of the stage swirl all manner of dark desires.

Shadow Dorothea: But when it works, everyone comes together to beat back the darkness and create something magical. Like most everything else, you just have to take the good with the bad.

Shadow Manuela: Heh. This kind of talk really takes me back.

*An Shadow Imperial soldier greets Shadow Dorothea and Shadow Manuela.*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: Forgive our intrusion, my Shadow lady, but we're ready to begin moving again. We should reach the next town in a little over... Hmm? What's all that racket?

Shadow Shez: Sounds like we're up.

Shadow Dorothea: Don't let them harm any members of the company!

*At the start of battle*

Shadow Manuela: We must protect the opera company! Make this a performance to remember!

Shadow Dorothea: Are these Shadow kidnappers? Shadow Thieves? Well, I guess it doesn't matter--we'll send them packing no matter who they are!

*When Shadow Adrienne reaches the Grey Plains Road*

Grey Thief: Oh, these people look fancy--and fancy folk always got valuables on 'em! Now drop what you got!

*After defeating the first set of ambushers*

Shadow Adrienne: Thank you! I can keep going now.

*When Shadow Adrienne reaches the Grey Village Ruins Path*

Shadow Manuela Fanatic: Hey...ain't that Shadow Manuela? The one they call the Shadow Divine Songstress?!

Shadow Manuela: Oh, look. They know me. And what's more, they clearly love me!

*When Shadow Manuela defeats the Shadow Manuela Fanatic*

Shadow Manuela: Do you truly intend to keep up this boorish behavior in front of the Manuela Casagranda?

Shadow Manuela Fanatic: Course not, ma'am! I'll follow ya to the ends of the earth, promise!

Shadow Dorothea: *to Shadow Manuela* You really can charm anyone.

*Another thief appears on the Grey Fields Path*

Shadow Dorothea Fan: Is that...Shadow Dorothea? No way! I love her!

*When Shadow Dorothea defeats the Shadow Dorothea Fan*

Shadow Dorothea Fan: sorry for attacking ya! Let me make it up to ya, please! Ya just gotta!

*A third thief appears near the Grey Farming Village Hut*

Shadow Manuela Fan: An encounter with the songstress Shadow Manuela? Well, this ain't no time for thievin'!

*When Shadow Manuela defeats the Shadow Manuela Fan*

Shadow Manuela Fan: Oh, my dear Manuela! To celebrate our newfound, uh...acquaintanceship, please lemme aid ya in battle!

*When Shadow Adrienne reaches the Grey Riverside Village Path*

Shadow Dorothea Devotee: Hang on... Is that Shadow Dorothea? Eep! She was always my favorite songstress!

Shadow Dorothea: They know me, do they? Perhaps I can talk some sense into them...

*When Shadow Dorothea defeats the Shadow Dorothea Devotee*

Shadow Dorothea: Oh...hello there! I take it you are familiar with the Shadow Mittelfrank Opera Company, yes? If so, might you be so good as to let us pass?

Shadow Dorothea Devotee: Shadow D-D-Dorothea! Course you can pass! I'd do anything for you!

Shadow Manuela: *to Shadow Dorothea* It seems your charms have turned even these hardened bandits to jelly.

*When Shadow Adrienne reaches the Grey Outskirts Path*

Grey Thief: Sorry, but ya ain't gettin' through here!

*After defeating the second set of ambushers*

Shadow Dorothea: The next town is so close... One more push, everyone! We must make it through!

*When Shadow Adrienne reaches the Village Ruins Stronghold*

Shadow Manuela: We should be safe now. Singers, go on ahead!

Grey Thief: They're gettin' away! Oh, you screwed this up for us good!

Shadow Shez: Still more of 'em, huh? Guess wiping them out's our only choice.

Shadow Manuela: How long can this go on...and how many of these boors are there, anyway?

Shadow Hanneman: Have no fear, my dear Shadow Manuela! I have come to rescue you!

Shadiw Manuela: Shadow Hanneman! You came for me! Oh dear... Am I actually into this?

Shadow Manuela Devotee at the Devastated Farmland: Sweet surprise! It's Shadow Manuela and Shadow Dorothea in the flesh! Somebody sock me, 'cause I gotta be dreamin'!

Shadow Dorothea Fanatic at the Boundless Fields: You're so beautiful, Shadow Dorothea...

Shadow Manuela Devotee: Eep...it's Shadow Manuela!

*When Shadow Dorothea defeats the Shadow Dorothea Fanatic*

Shadow Dorothea Fanatic: I was a huge fan when I used to live in the capital. Please, lemme come with ya!

Shadow Dorothea: This reminds me of the battle scenes from our operas. You were always a natural at stage combat, Shadow Manuela!

Shadow Manuela: And you were no slouch either, Shadow Dorothea! Your swashbuckling lip up the proscenium!

*When Shadow Manuela defeats the Shadow Manuela Devotee*

Shadow Manuela Devotee: Oh, Shadow Manuela! I'll follow ya anywhere!

Shadow Manuela: I've often wondered if others like you never learn of their talents and fall instead into the bandit life.

Shadow Dorothea: Yes, I suppose it's lucky I turned out this way instead of a common thief lurking by the side of some dusty highway.

*At the end of battle*

Shadow Manuela: I wasn't actually fishing, but I still like what we caught!. It's good to know the people still really love us!

Shadow Dorothea: Especially bandits, apparently. Not quite sure how to feel about that. Phew. I hope everyone from the opera company made it safely to town. We had bandits popping out from every which way, didn't we, Shadow Manuela?

Shadow Manuela: Indeed, but those rogues were no match for our combined charms.

Shadow Shez: I assume by "charms," you mean the pure beatdown you put on them. That'll hopefully make 'em think twice before they mess with us again.

Shadow Dorothea: Still, why were there so many bandits camped this close to a town? Is it because of the war?

Shadow Hanneman: In a sense.

Shadow Shez: Care to explain that?

Shadow Hanneman: Of course. You see, towns within the Shadow Empire have begun tightening their security for fear of the enemy. And in regions near the front line—such as this one here—there are naturally more soldiers about. That leaves the bandits with no place to go.

Shadow Shez: Sounds like they should just abandon the brigand's life and become mercenaries instead.

Shadow Hanneman: Easier said than done. Take the bandits we just fought. It's not as if they have a chain of command or central organization. They are clearly a group that came together out of common interest and survival, not any manner of grand military ambition.

Shadow Shez: Guess that explains why they fought the way they did. All swagger and no plan.

Shadow Hanneman: In any case, I came the moment I heard about bandit activity in the area. I hypothesized the shadow opera company might be targeted, and so rushed to your aid.

Shadow Manuela: Well done, Shadow Hanneman. That's a more clever course of action than I expected from you.

Shadow Hanneman: You could have ended that before the second part.

Shadow Manuela: Oh, don't be upset. In fact, you should be pleased I feel comfortable enough with you to speak my mind!

Shadow Shez: It's nice how you two can be so honest with each other.

Shadow Hanneman: Do you think so? Well, that's certainly a more pleasant way to view things.

Shadow Manuela: That's exactly how I try to look at it—at least until a certain someone comes along and screws it up.

Shadow Dorothea: All right, knock it off, you two! If you insist on indulging in these sparring sessions, at least have the courtesy to let the rest of us leave the area first. Come on, let's go.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, let's leave 'em to it.

Shadow Hanneman: No, wait! I apologize! Just please don't leave me alone with this woman!

Shadow Manuela: I'm also sorry. Let's just forget this ever happened and head back as one big happy family, all right?

*In The Heavens*

Light Lucina: To Think they belong together.

Light Male Robin: It is strange.

[editoress]

Kenzan: 💙 🥝 💋 Anna: 🍑 🍐 💛 Cade: 🧡 ❌ 🔥

💙 What did your OC want to be when they grew up and why? Did they have any lifelong dreams or ambitions they never got to work on or are they currently working to achieve this dream? Has their life taken a very unexpected turn and put all these plans on hold for a while or have they given up on any dreams?

Being a paladin was her lifelong dream!! And Kenzan made it, despite her parents having other lifelong dreams for her (Kenzan, please come inherit the family business and help manage sales and inventory.... No, you just want to help move boxes and then skip off to church...?).

The more specific part of her life's dream is to work with orcs, who in her home setting were ostracized and considered barbarians. She was trying to establish more civil contact via a helping hand. By herself. There have been mixed results.

🥝 What does a bad mental health day look like for your OC? Walk us through it with them. What kind of things can help them out of this slump and what kinds of things comfort them when they start to feel like this?

Kenzan's campaign was a rough one, so I do know the answer. She would hold it together to see that her party and any allies were all taken care of. She would be a little strained but still gentle with them. Then she would go alone to her room and have a really good cry about what was happening. I think basic physical comforts would help her out immensely on these days. Hugs, hot tea, a blanket, anything thoughtful and tangible.

💋 How affectionate are they with their friends? Their family? Their romantic partner(s) (if they have any)? Are they more physical or emotional when it comes to displaying their affection? Why?

Kenzan is the world's most enthusiastic hugger. She LOVES to hug her friends. She has to be told to please do that less often. I think she's more physical than emotional on the basis that emotions just flow right through her. She experiences and expresses them immediately, and away we go.

🍑 Where is your OC’s favourite place to relax or calm down? Recount a story of their time spent in this place! What makes it so special to them? Is there anywhere your OC hates to go to? Anywhere that stresses them out or have negative memories of?

Answering for Ionnarah, since those facts are most relevant now~. Anna really does love to be at their little house on Solzu. Someone is always coming or going or making food in the kitchen, I think, and the evidence of company comforts her. I think her most zen moments go like this: it's a quiet lull between adventures, it's raining, and she can hear Dani and Thessa having a conversation in a different room.

She still doesn't have the best time out on the ocean. She can't really swim, so.

🍐 What is your OC’s mentality? Are they overall positive? Negative? A bit of both? Describe their thought patterns and reasoning behind their choice making!

Anna manages both with perfect practice. In attitude and expectation, she's a grim realist. Not a pessimist, exactly. She doesn't automatically expect the worst, but she's completely unwilling to kid herself that everything will be miraculously fine given evidence otherwise. In action, she's very hopeful. She may not expect things to turn out well, but she'll try for it anyway.

💛 In general, how in control of their emotions is your OC? Do they have a good hold on them or do their emotions control them, not the other way around? What do you think is the reason behind this and is your OC ever concerned about their lack of or good control?

My human automaton girlie <3. Anna has near perfect control over her emotions, to the point where part of her character development is her expressing herself. She does have emotions. She's just not sure how to take off the poker face. She feels things, she sighs about it, and she makes a plan of action.

🧡 Who is your OC’s favourite person? Why is this person the top of their list and have they actually met them (an idol or rolemodel or celeb can be someone’s favourite after all!). Who does your OC absolutely hate, the one person who they’d sell to Satan for one corn chip? Why do they loathe this person so?

I think Cadewyn themself would rattle off a knight or two they admire, but the true answer is their best friend Victor. Even though they agree on almost nothing and debate constantly. Cade feels a certain protectiveness over him, and they secretly like the challenge Victor poses by being a clever little shit.

Interestingly, without intervention, the person Cade hates the most might be Nico. A foreigner with incredibly alarming magic just walked in and took the most coveted post of any royal knight or guard? Hello?? Cadewyn probably feels like the only sane person in a castle of optimists.

❌ What kind of things would end any relationship for them? Is there a history behind why these things bother them? Could they ever take someone back despite this? If so or if not, why?

Cade's sense of justice is such that there are probably several things like this. Cheating. Crimes. Taking advantage of someone else in any sense. Whether or not Cade could forgive the person, I don't think their pride would let them take someone back once they had broken it off.

🔥 Give us a list of general likes and dislikes, such as colours, textures, music, weather and other stuff!

Cade likes: market days, cool breezes, dumplings, fires in the hearth, mum's tea, thunderstorms, songs a crowd can sing along to.

Cade does NOT like: penny operas, very hot sunny days, the smell of the docks, stone fruits, the color orange, and I'm sure there is at least one accent they can't stand.

[incognito-diary]

My bestie can read me like a book, so I was worried especially with the strength of my feelings that he was going to figure it out.

For a while there I was certain he did know and was silently signaling me not to bring it up because no good can come out of that. Reflecting on it now I think this was a kind of projection. My bestie is the very emotionally intelligent and I think this was my mind’s way of signaling the wisest way to deal with this at a time where I was still very lost for what to do.

But weeks went by since the revelation smacked me in the face, and he keeps saying little things that tell me he both doesn’t feel this way and isn’t aware that I feel this way. Moments where a character from our adolescence gets brought up and we linger on how I wanted to kiss that character and he wanted to be that character. Moments where I talk about moving to his city, or how single I am, and he says he knows the love of my life is in his city for sure. I am certain he is not the kind of person to give clear signals like that while in a relationship. They also aren’t paired with things that indicate a desire or attraction to me or my traits, which would be present in the unfiltered way we talk. He also doesn’t offer information about his sex life or preferences outside of contexts comparing it to the gay men scene at large. He’ll support me when I’m feeling anxious about what’s normal, and use his experience as an anecdote, but the large majority of the time it’s not “this thing really gets me going”.

Additionally, he is the kind of person to talk things out, and he’s good at it. He wouldn’t be so cruel as to let me dangle in this place and I think would give me the space to air out my feelings and to let me down easy. Which I would be fine with. My friendship with him is the most important.

Him not noticing was a relief to realize. If he hasn’t by now he probably won’t as long as I keep myself in check and don’t do anything boundary crossing or weird. It stung in a distant way, maybe, to understand he might not think of me as attractive to him at all but 95% of the feeling was that I am not feeling bad. I can take this and recover. I can get over this hill and put the uneven feelings behind me. Eventually.

There were a couple days there where I wasn’t feeling much if any romantic attachment. I didn’t feel like imagining a future where our lives were intertangled in the way a couple’s lives are, and it didn’t stir my heart to think about how well we would work together that way. I really thought I was on the road back to normal. Silly.

Now he’s doing things all the time that make me fall for him more. He’s so gentle with me when I’m in a bad place, even when I am struggling with basic easy tasks. He just walks me through it in exactly the way I need and celebrates when it’s done. I’ve never met anyone like that before. I’ve never had someone meet me where I am like that. I don’t know if I’m capable of that myself. It’s a gentleness and compassion that I am so enamored with resting under reasoned cynicism. How is he so emotionally intelligent and smart and artistic and kind and strong and comfortable with himself… to find a flaw is to nitpick a masterpiece. Sure, I suppose you can do it if you really put your mind to the task, but any flaw to be found is nothing in the grand scheme of this compelling and beautiful picture.

I’m in it so deep.

I know these feelings come and go in waves but this doesn’t feel like something that is going to resolve any time soon. The only thing I can do is wait and see what happens. It would be immoral and manipulative and disrespectful to him and his current relationship to let him know how I feel. Even if he were to break it off with his fiancé and date me instead, this is not a good foundation for a romantic relationship. I really value the experience of coming to understand these feelings on my own terms and if he is going to return those feelings then I prefer him to have a similar revelation. It’s so much easier to invest in organic romance working out in the long run than feelings that might develop only in a reactionary context.

I don’t know if I’m explaining it well but it makes sense in my head.

[losthomunculus]

Online Safety Relevant to the Current State of the Internet

On twitter I made a tweet about how online safety lessons in school can be very out of touch but that the advice of people who are familiar with the current internet shouldn't be disregarded. So here's my informal collection of online safety tips

Sources: unrestricted internet access since elementary school (not recommended), being a formerly involuntarily home bound person for several years that amassed way too much online experience

This could possibly hold upsetting reminders to people who had bad experiences online including mentions of grooming and emotional manipulation so please proceed with caution!

Information Sharing

Make an online pseudonym for public profiles and websites.

Don’t feel like you have to list everything about you for the world to see.

Sometimes it’s not a question of “can this information be used to locate and identify me irl?”, but simply “do I want this information publicly available and linked to my online persona?”

Unlike offline, being online leaves a constant trail of who you were accessible at all times. People are constantly growing and changing. Try to limit the information you share so you can ditch that trail and start over if need be.

Sharing information with people you make friends with and trust is a judgement call on your part, but always be on the safe side and be protective of your information.

Start as cautious as possible with online safety. Any risks or judgement calls can come later when you are 1. aware of the risks, 2. ready to address them if they occur, and 3. have gathered plenty of information instead of doing something blindly and hoping for the best.

Do not share your triggers publicly, they can very easily be used against you. Instead use websites with a large amount of filtering options to curate your online experience. If you are going to share them, only do it privately with people you trust.

Importance of Boundaries

It doesn’t matter how mature you are, don’t enter age limited spaces you don’t qualify for. It’s disrespectful to the boundaries of the people who made that space. Boundaries like this exist for the comfort of both sides involved.

Just because you can “handle it” doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Desensitization is not something to brag about.

Venting or making r18 posts as a minor on a public account is VERY dangerous. Intense emotional vulnerability is something manipulators will look for as a way to get to you. The same with sexual jokes to develop your comfort talking about those topics casually and eventually escalating the situation. If you are going to talk about such things please keep that in private conversations with people you trust in your age group.

Note the difference between public and private online space. Tweeting something on a public account is not the same as having a conversation in the cafeteria with your friends.

If an adult tries talking to you about r18, run the other way. Doesn’t matter how cool you are, it says something weird about THEM if they’re willing to talk to a minor about that stuff.

If someone( like 3+ years, honestly depends on how old you are) older than you wouldn't be comfortable saying what they're saying to you in front of other people (like a teacher or guardian), that's suspicious as hell. Run in the other direction.

The younger you are, the more age gaps matter. There's a bigger difference in development between a 13 year old and a 17 year old than there is between a 20 year old and a 24 year old. It helps to try to contextualize it with real people instead of numbers. Instead of thinking "oh just 4 years? that's not that weird" consider "oh. that would be like a freshman (13/14) dating a senior (17/18). yikes."

Be just as wary of people your own age talking about things that make you uncomfortable. Just like irl, sometimes you’ll meet people your age that are hurtful.

Friends complain to each other and talk about their issues, that alone is fine. But when people are doing it without permission, draw a line. When people are making it feel like you’re responsible for maintaining their mental health, you need to draw a line. When it starts to effect your mental health, PLEASE DRAW A LINE! I know it feels like your responsibility sometimes, but it’s not. You cannot be there for others if you’re not taking care of yourself first and foremost.

Don’t be afraid to block people. Even for petty reasons. It’s good to block people. Don’t force yourself to see stuff you don’t want to see.

Being Constantly Online

The 24 hour news cycle is not a good thing to follow 24/7. Taking social responsibility is a good thing, but your brain is NOT built to worry about every issue in the world at once. One strategy I use for staying sane is I try to only check the news once a day, and if something needs more attention to set aside an amount of time I’m going to focus on it before I need to take time to step back.

Touch grass. Not literally, unless you can in which case I highly suggest it, sometimes it’s just good to lay in a field. What I mean is you need to dedicate a good portion of your time to being offline (sleep does not count). What your offline time looks like is going to differ depending on your level of ability, but even if you are house bound it’s important to build some hobbies that don’t rely on the internet. Talking to people offline is also a good goal if possible, even just to your housemates.

Social etiquette greatly differs online and offline and sometimes the reminder that were all just Some People gets lost behind the numbers and the fabricated personas. Keep in mind the difference in how information is shared without forgetting that the fact we are all people remains the same.

Be generous with your etiquette. You will avoid a lot of stress if you conduct yourself with the same politeness you would have in an offline interaction. Master the art of "minding your own business" for your own sake.

Arguments and Competition

As soon as you can, you need to internalize the fact that leaving an argument is not losing.

It is inevitable you will be exposed to many people who disagree with you. Some people only want to argue to rile you up. Sometimes that’s not their intention, but it’s what they’re doing. You do not have to remain in conversation with people, especially if they’re not interested in actually coming to an understanding. Even if they are interested, sometimes they just suck!! Leave!! You can leave!!

On that note, sometimes you are going to get valid criticism and it’s going to hurt. That is part of learning. If someone says you messed up and did something hurtful, take a second to step back from your defensiveness and consider: intent ≠ effect. Apologize, repair what you can, and move forward with the ability to do better in the future. You’re going to mess up every once in awhile, it’s inevitable.

To summarize the past two points: don't waste your time on unnecessary hostility but don't close yourself into an echo chamber either. Debates should be about learning.

Sometimes people are not going to like you. This happens offline too but people tend to be a lot more blunt online. Sometimes people dislike you for no reason or for really petty reasons. That’s not your problem, move on.

Don’t actively seek out people you don’t like or who don’t like you to argue with. Whether or not your side is the “right side” doesn’t matter, it’s going to cause you so much unnecessary stress. Feel free to keep posting your opinions on your own profile but don’t seek out unnecessary conflict.

This is a different type of competition than previously mentioned, but be aware of the danger of comparing yourself to other people. Especially if you’re a creative or student, DO NOT GET SWEPT UP IN THE GRIND CULTURE. It’s more subtle in some places than others, but anytime you see the notion that you should be working yourself to the bone be VERY critical. Also be critical of any online cultures (such as gaming and art communities) that brag about unhealthy habits or act like it’s ~part of the culture~ (ex: all nighters, not taking breaks, getting hurt. Any activity that neglects health to work toward a goal).

Not just grind culture, any community of subculture that shares anti recovery sentiments is a huge red flag. Even if they're joking, it's not worth the risk of internalizing those statements.

Everyone’s social media presence is to some degree doctored because it’s a purposefully selected collection of what they allow you to see. It’s fine to like the persona you see being displayed, but never forget that it is not reflective of the entire person. Everyone online is JUST SOME PERSON. Do not forget that and start holding yourself to a standard you can’t even see every side of.

By posting online you are opening yourself to criticism. Whether or not it’s justified can vary, but either way it’s going to happen. Mute stuff, go private, disable comments, etc if you need to.

Misc Tidbits

these are technically just general info that is also good for offline but I have seen things that make me think people online need the extra reminder.

Learn what cults are, how they recruit, and what they do to their members. I'm not kidding. This is particularly relevant at the moment because of current societal unrest and widespread loneliness. No one is immune to cult propaganda, and not every cult is based on pre established religion or family. Many exist ONLINE and are able to manipulate people without ever meeting face to face. (learn more: Loneliness as a Pandemic: The Dangers of Online Cult

Familiarize yourself with the concept of pseudoscience. Please familiarize yourself with the concept of pseudoscience and then learn how to identify pseudoscience. (learn more: Karl Popper, Science, & Pseudoscience: Crash Course Philosophy #8)

Q. How do I know if a source is reliable?

Final Thoughts

It's important people of ALL ages learn these lessons, because the internet is constantly changing and we are all vulnerable when in the presence of other people.

Be cautious and stay safe

[wannabe-fic-writer]

WandaNat x Reader : Falling For You

Summary: You finally get everything you ever could’ve wanted.

Covers the “Campfire/Fireplace” square for fall bingo. 

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 2,169

* * * * * * 

This was a terrible idea. One you knew you would come to regret agreeing to, but at the moment you were asked to participate, you couldn’t possibly say no.

With the two pairs of gorgeous green eyes staring at you coupled with an annoyingly knowing smirk and an adorable pout, there was no way you could deny their request. 

That’s how you find yourself hiking a trail over fallen leaves, shivers rolling over your body as your two best friends chat away at your side. 

They keep their voices at a low whisper, not allowing you to hear or be a part of their conversation. While you would normally feel some kind of way about it, you’re far too cold to sulk about it.

You furiously run your uncovered hands up and down your arms, hoping the friction of your jacket would warm you up and combat the cold surrounding you. 

Apparently neither of them remembered to check the weather for the day. When you asked Natasha said it was fall and shrugged. 

So you dressed accordingly, jeans, boots, a sweater and a jacket. It isn’t enough. It’s much colder than a normal fall day, instead it feels like the beginning of winter. 

You look down at your feet. The crunch of the leaves beneath your boots is a little louder than usual since the morning dew had frozen, adding a small layer of ice over the dead foliage. 

A huff falls from your lips and you drop your hands, shoving them into your pockets instead. It’s not like your rubbing was doing anything. 

“How much further is this secret destination?” You ask.

Both women look over at you, small frowns on their faces at your tone of voice. You hadn’t meant to snap at them but cold was starting to affect your mood. 

You smile apologetically and Natasha rolls her eyes and chuckles. Wanda knocks her elbow against Natasha’s arm, then moves to your other side.

She wraps her arm around your waist and pulls you close,“ it won’t be much longer detka.” 

“Yeah,” Natasha pulls your hand from your pocket and laces your fingers with hers,“ we’re almost there dorogoy.” 

Detka, dorogoy, lyubov. You have no idea what those words mean but she and Natasha were always calling you them. Sly little smiles would form on their lips when they did and you’d wish you knew why. All they would tell you is that it’s Russian and not a bad thing.

When Natasha squeezes your hand, Wanda lays her head on your shoulder, and you sigh. 

It was things like this that made your friendship with them hard. 

The two of them have been dating since before you even met. You first ran into them at the coffee shop you worked at. They came in and took a seat at a table in the corner and you approached them, almost instantly commenting on how cute they were together. 

Your one comment led to a friendship you couldn’t imagine you’d find with anyone else. Which also led to feelings developing that you fought tooth and nail to reject. 

They first came for Wanda, the younger woman being the first to hangout with you one on one. Her sweet and empathetic behavior and words drew you in like a moth to a flame. 

Then you started spending time with Natasha. Your first hangout was awkward to say the least. You aren’t the most outgoing and Natasha was closed off, it caused very little conversation and very long silences. 

Both of you were tempted to not hangout again without Wanda, but decided to give it one more go. Which is exactly what you needed. You can’t recall how the day started but it ended with you two having a blast at a cat cafe. Your mutual love for the soft purring animal made you close. 

Every second you spent with them made you fall faster. Rejecting your feelings stopped being an option once they’d gotten so strong. Now you try your best to ignore it, though that doesn’t work much either.

Especially not when they’re so affectionate with you like this. 

“Look look, we’re here.” Wanda says, squeezing you excitedly. 

Natasha smiles and shakes her head at her girlfriend’s excitement and as you all turn the curve, your destination now in sight, she looks at you. 

Her smile widens as she watches your eyes brighten. 

To anyone else, a cabin in the woods might not mean much but both women know that to you it's much more than that. A tradition to put it quite plainly.

Your parents made it a point to take you to a cabin when the season changed, wanting you to experience nature and such. 

You hated it at first but it grew to mean so much to you. Not just growing to appreciate nature but also loving every moment spent with your parents, loving the memories you made with them. 

“Wait,” your eyes move from the cabin to Wanda then Nat,“ are we staying here?” 

Pink lips form into the perfect smile and she nods.“ We know you haven’t been in a long time.”

The passing of your parents was rough, without them you never found the will to come to a cabin again even though you’d considered it. When you were finally ready, you didn’t have the time.

Of course you’d shared these thoughts with your best friends and you knew they were listening, but you didn’t think they’d do something about what you told them.

While you were lost in thought, the women were worried. You weren’t saying anything and they couldn’t help but wonder if they’d overstepped. 

Their plan would completely go up in flames if you were uncomfortable with this. 

Swallowing, Wanda unhooks her arm from yours and steps in front of you.“ Y/n, detka, we don’t want you to be uncomfortable so if you don’t want to stay we won’t.”

Her words pull you from your thoughts and you register what she said, which makes you immediately protest. 

“No, no,” you gently grab her hand, squeezing hers and Natasha’s.“ I want to stay I just, was thinking. This is really sweet of you two, thank you.” 

They share a smile, then Wanda excitedly tugs on your hand.“ You haven’t seen the inside yet, come on.” 

With more excitement than you and Natasha combined, Wanda pulls you both to the cabin. She shows you around as if this isn’t her first time being here. You notice she doesn’t mention the bedroom situation but you chalk that up to her excitement and figure there are two bedrooms. 

“This place is beautiful,” you all stop in the living room where you plop down on one of the cozy chairs.“ but I can’t stay. I don’t even have clothes.”

“Oh we took care of that.” Natasha waves you off as she moves off to the side in search of something. 

Wanda answers your confusion.“ What did you think I was doing when I went to your bedroom?”

You nod in understanding, recalling how she stayed behind you and Natasha the whole way down to the car and dipped away to the trunk before you pulled off. 

“Always thinkin of everything huh?” You joke, slouching in your seat. 

Frowning, Wanda comes over to you and reaches down to grab your hands,“ don’t get comfortable here, we’re gonna go sit by the lake and watch the sunset.” She adds a pout and pulls on your hands.

“But it’s so cold out.” You whine, dropping your weight back to make it harder for her to pull you up. 

She doesn’t give up though, continuing and struggling to pull you up. 

A sudden presence appears behind you, the redhead whom you love lowers herself, her mouth right beside your ear.“ Come on dorogoy, we’ll start a fire. Keep you nice and toasty.” Her hand gently rubs your arm and all you can do is nod, seemingly put in a trance by her sultry voice flowing straight into your ear.

Letting up, you allow Wanda to pull you up and you follow the two outside. 

The younger woman laces her fingers with yours as you walk down to the lake. It’s across the trail through a small stretch of trees. 

It’s a welcome sight, seeing the expanse of trees on the other side of the lake and the rocks and logs surrounding a makeshift fire pit. 

You and Wanda sit on a log, taking in the scenery while Natasha set up the fire. The instant you shiver Wanda wraps her arm around you, pulling you into her side and rubbing your arm. You resist the urge to sigh this time, especially when you look over and see the happy smile on her lips. 

The second the fire is lit you feel its warmth added to the body heat coming from Wanda. It knocks the initial chills away, but it’s not until Natasha comes to sit at your other side, that you start to warm up internally. 

She takes your hand, squeezing it as she speaks,“ Y/n there’s another reason we brought you out here.” With a small frown of curiosity you look over at her. Taking a deep breath, she meets your eyes and continues,“ f-for a while now, myself and Wanda have been wondering um,” she stops to collect her words and you’re left utterly shocked.

In the year of you knowing her, not once had you ever seen the redhead look so nervous and be at a loss for words. She is the most badass person you’d ever met and right now a red blush is rising on her cheeks.

“Wondering what?” You decide to turn your attention to Wanda, figuring that Nat could calm down if she weren’t the only center of attention, only to find the brunette is also blushing.“ What is it Wan?” 

Her soft green eyes rise to look into yours and she swallows.“ Well, we figured out that um, we started to feel differently towards you. Like, the feelings we had for each other became feelings that we both had for you.” 

It takes everything in you not to freeze up at her confession. A number of emotions swirl through you and you open your mouth to say something, only to register one particular word.

“Had?”

Wanda’s eyes widen but Natasha answers.“ Have. We currently feel this way about you and we were wondering if you would be interested in being with us?” 

Your face suddenly splits into a grin, one that both women immediately adore seeing.“ Are you being serious?” You ask and they both nod.

All this time you’d been falling for them and it turns out they’d fallen for you too. 

A quiet snicker escapes your lips and you shake your head, earning slightly confused looks from the women.“ You know, if I didn’t have feelings for you two this would’ve been a terrible plan.” 

While you can’t possibly imagine not loving them, you could picture and laugh at the awkwardness that would’ve ensued had you said no and the three of you were stuck up here together. 

“Well I don’t think it would’ve been that bad. We’re still best friends so a little awkwardness maybe but-”

“Nat,” Wanda cuts the redhead off, gaining her attention.“ You’re focusing on the wrong things lyubov.”

It’s then that Natasha addresses the beginning of your statement.“ Wait so you’ll go out with us?” 

Smiling, you nod.“ Yes I will. I’ve never done the whole poly thing but, I’m more than willing to try for you.” You turn your smile to Wanda,“ both of you.” 

They look past you to look at each other, bright smiles exchanged between them. Suddenly Wanda lunges towards you, wrapping you up in a big hug and peppering kiss over your face. 

A snort of a laugh leaves you as she kisses you and you hug her back with one arm, your other still occupied with your hand in Natasha’s. 

“Okay okay Maximoff. I love you too.” You say with another soft laugh.

She pulls back, smiling even brighter. Then a finger curls under your chin and your head is gently turned, eyes meeting another pair of gorgeous green eyes. 

“We love you too detka.” 

Ever so slowly she leans in and kisses you softly. You melt into the kiss, a quiet sigh of content at finally finally being able to do this. And when she pulls away, quickly pecking your lips again, you’re pulled into a kiss with Wanda. 

Her lips are a little softer than Natasha’s and she kisses you with a little more restraint.  

A quiet smack parts your lips and you lean back against Natasha.“ I think I could definitely get used to that.” 

Both women chuckle softly, Wanda leaning back against you and Natasha wrapping both arms around you and the brunette. 

Right there, sandwiched between the two women you love as the heat of the campfire warms you, you’re happy. 

* * * * * *

Taglist: @natasha-danvers @owloftheshadows @yumusak-yastik @blackxwidowsxwife @b-5by5 @fayhar @lostandsearching @iliketozoneout @ecruzsalez 

[mcgnussen]

debrief with kevin magnussen - episode 2 out of 3 (by viaplay):

the current state of affairs (filmed after the italian grand prix with six races to go)

at the first half of the season, the car was fast and the reason they did not score points every race was due to errors and bad luck, but now the car has lost its speed and that’s the main challenge   

kevin admits that the last few races that he has been behind mick and that it is frustrating. apparently, kev has been experimenting a lot more with the set-up to try and make up for the lack of speed, but says in the interview, he is going to backtrack and get back to where he is comfortable since he has not really found anything. due to the constant change of engineers, kevin has had the sole responsibility for the car set-up, which has not been optimal as he is obviously not an engineer.   

for kevin, it is super important that the car is stabil when he is going into the corners. when he was chasing a set-up with the most speed, he sacrificed some of that and he has learned that he struggle too much without having that stability. he says it is one of his weaknesses. 

kevin and his engineers 

he started with ed, then he got dominic in the middle of the season for three races, then mark for one race, then dominic again, and then mark for the rest of the season, so it has been quite messy but kevin said that’s just the way the cards were dealt, but obviously it has not made his job very easy (mai note: it has nothing to do with kevin by the way, ed and dom were both promised a different role at home at the factory before the season even started!)

the big update

the single big update the haas had during the season was a small but safe step forward, they got what they could out of the update pretty immediately. kevin says it was more important for guenther that the guarantee of the car getting a little better instead of taking the risk of either the car massively improving or getting worse. in 2019, haas did throw a lot of money at updates and it actually made the car worse, which is one of the reasons why gene wanted the team to be able to run itself without being solely dependent on his money. it is basically what forced haas to hire two rookies with loads of money, so guenther wanted to avoid that situation again.   

kevin says it is a good strategy to take a small but safe step forwards, they just need to have those kind of upgrades multiple times every season. he believes this will be possible with more money.

kevin and mick (head to head) 

kevin has always felt faster than mick in qualification, he has never really been worried and can explain away most of the times that mick beat him in quali with car issues or making a crucial mistake during the lap, but he admits that mick has been better than him during the races several times. they have recently learned that kevin’s driving style does not suit the car after the upgrade when it comes to the tyres. basically, kevin’s superpower of having great starts and being extremely quick the first few laps completely kills his rear tyres now. whereas mick is more steady throughout the race and gets more out of the tyres. this was a new development post upgrade, which obviously suited mick better and left kevin having to change his approach to races.    

kevin’s penalty in monza

during the start, kevin is caught behind two aston martins and a williams side by side on the track. there is no room for all three of them, so one car has to back off and that is latifi. kevin quickly realise this and then does a move to avoid latifi who he is nearing quickly. but bottas does not realise this and then drives into kevin and pushes him off the track. but kevin quickly rejoins the race and is now ahead of some of the cars in front of him, but they swiftly overtake him anyway. but he got a 5-second penalty for gaining an unfair advantage. when asked about his penalty, kevin initially said it was his fault, but that was because he thought he had gotten the penalty for going beyond track limits three times. and there is not really anyone to blame for that. but when he is told exactly why he got the penalty, he could not understand it at all since he was pushed off the track and did not really gain any advantage. the contact with bottas even broke his diffuser, so his car was even broken afterwards. he did criticise bottas for being too focused on him and not latifi. like he says, you have to not just watch the car in front of you, but you have to look two cars ahead and bottas failed to do that. when asked about the penalty, kevin said that he was used to the fia making strange decisions by now.

singapore and brasil

the next race at the time was singapore and kevin was a bit daunted by it, admitting that the race is the toughest of the season due to the heat and the humidity. he even said there were races there, and some other places, where he does not remember the last half of it because of dehydration. but he also said that singapore is the race everyone thinks about when they need some extra motivation when working out, they know they have to be in great shape to get through it.  

hilariously kevin admits that interlagos is not really his cup of tea as he thinks the corners are too long. he does think it’s a pretty fun track and he loves the history, but he likes tracks that are more focused on the attack. he likes “v corners” more than “u corners” where you can outbreak others. the track does not really suit his driving style. (mai note: obviously, he said all of this before getting pole there, so i am sure his opinion has probably changed quite a lot now lmao! but it is interesting that kevin managed to get pole on a track that he does not think suit him, i think that’s very impressive)     

[merakiui]

hii could we get an angsty scenario/hcs of xiao and scaramouche/any characters you prefer! who are basically head over heels for someone but that person keeps getting with the wrong people and constantly getting their heart broken? Preferably with a good/fluffy ending but it’s up to you!

cw: angst + heartbreak  note - decided to go for scenarios! (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ*

[Xiao] 

One Call Away—

The sudden shout of his name had brought him out into the open, where he finds you sitting in a field of wildflowers, your head hung and quiet sobs racking your hunched form.

“You called?” The gruffness in his voice startles you and your head snaps up. He notices your pained expression and the tears that refuse to cease, and it gives birth to a strange feeling within his chest. “What happened? Surely I am not too late.” And then he shakes his head. “No, I’m never late.”

“Ah... I’m sorry.” You sniffle, pitifully rubbing at your eyes. “I guess your name slipped out. I didn’t mean to bother you. I just didn’t mean to call for you either.”

Xiao raises a brow and then surveys the surrounding area. “Well, it doesn’t look like you’re in any mortal peril. In that case, I’ll leave you to—”

“No!”

Your sudden shout startles the both of you, with you drawing back and Xiao’s eyes widening ever so slightly. He wonders why you’re crying when beautiful scenery surrounds you. Are you truly that pathetic? Are mortals usually this weak-hearted? Xiao can’t wrap his head around the idea of grief; he’s an immortal who has seen plenty of hazardous scenarios worth grieving over. Yet with the passage of time he has learned to let such emotions drift away on a wind current. Emotions are useless to an adeptus.

But now he’s stuck with them.

“No?”

“D-Don’t go...” Your voice wobbles and you wipe at your reddened eyes. “I don’t want to bother you, but could you stay here with me? For a little while, at least. It’s all I’ll ask...”

He feels like he should decline your desperate plea before it spreads its perplexing roots throughout his system. The words are practically on the tip of his tongue and he struggles to verbalize them. If he could, he’d shake his head and vanish from your sight. There’s something about your expression that forces him to stay, and he truly detests the way his emotions run wild at the prospect of something he can’t quite comprehend.

“Fine.”

And so Xiao listens to you. It’s something he does best; his eyes and ears are open as he gives you his full, undivided attention. Half of him observes your reactions as you explain what happened and the other half zeros in on the way your subtle hand motions. While he might not be anywhere near a cupid—and he would never be caught giving out relationship advice to mortals, which is something he couldn’t do even if he tried—he is still a being of immense power. From what he’s able to understand from your explanation, your loved one decided to part from you because they believed it just wasn’t working. And you, having been struck with an immense sadness, failed to call out to them to clear up any misunderstandings.

Eventually, after internally wrestling with his own thoughts and feelings, he asks, “Do you want me to teach them a lesson? Should you need them to feel the same amount of despair you’re feeling—”

“Oh, no! No. No. They don’t deserve to be punished for that. I understand now that our feelings weren’t the same. We really weren’t working and that’s okay. It just...hurts.”

Xiao tilts his head, an innocently childish show of confusion. “Where?”

“It’s not a physical pain, Xiao. I mean, it could be. But...this is more emotional.” Your hand reaches out, fingers wrapping around his wrist. He stares down at your hand and he almost pulls away. Before he can even consider what’s happening, you’re guiding his hand to where your heart is. “In here. It hurts now, but I’ll overcome it eventually. I’m used to it anyways...”

The straight-faced adeptus remains still as he feels the fast-paced beat of your heart. Mortals have always been weak in his eyes: feeble beings who break at the slightest inconvenience. Although you don’t seem close to shattering and that confuses him more than he’d like to admit. Perhaps you are one of the more resilient humans he’s come across in recent years. It’s strange when he feels your heartbeat, so very certain and alive with the sour feelings a heartbreak brings. He’s never understood that either. Heartbreaks and relationships. The differences between friendship and romance. Both can be seen through to the very end, if fostered healthily.

So then why are you so sad?

Truthfully, you’ve always seemed sad to Xiao. As an adeptus, he’s never been able to fully grasp the meaning behind human emotions. They’re insignificant in his eyes, mere flashes of feeling that can hurt and blind. They’re troublesome and useless—certainly not something he would ever want to experience. But those emotions can heal and bring cheer. They’re not all entirely bad, nor are they as evil as he seems to think they are.

Xiao realizes his hand has been on your chest for a while now and he’s been staring at you so much that you’ve begun to shrink away, partially embarrassed to have him analyze you with so much scrutiny.

“Is...something wrong?”

He shakes his head slowly at first before retracting his arm. And then he notices you’ve stopped crying. He’s not sure when this happened, but he’s oddly relieved to see your neutral expression. Somehow your crying face is painful and it wounds him in a way he never would have imagined.

“Thank you for listening to my rant. I know this is probably meaningless to you, since you’re an adeptus and all, but it really means a lot. So I’m glad I was able to get these things off my chest. I feel a lot lighter now.”

“You’re not sad?”

“Ah. Well...” Your gaze flickers, eyes darting to and fro while you struggle to look at him. “I’m still sad, but I’ll get over it! Don’t worry! I’m resilient!”

Xiao’s brow furrows in confusion. As he has thought plenty of times before, mortals are far too complex. Eventually he sighs and says, “It’s okay to cry. Don’t keep that inside, okay? You’ll just hurt yourself even more.” Now he’s avoiding your gaze and there’s a barely noticeable tinge of pink dusting his pale cheeks. He’s really not good at consoling humans.

“Oh, Xiao.” You pull him in for a hug and he stiffens, trying to squeeze out of your arms like a cat near water. But then he feels your fingers digging into his arm and he realizes that you might actually need this hug. Despite the fact that he’s not used to freely giving out hugs—or even cheering up mortals, for that matter—he is definitely out of his element. “Really, thank you. I promise to make you an Almond Tofu as thanks.”

“There’s no need for that.” Hesitantly, as if he’s worried he’ll break you, he wraps his arms around your form. “I’m just helping you because you called my name. That’s all.”

But that’s not the full truth. Hidden in those words is the real reason why he even bothered to stay despite the false alarm. And it worries Xiao when he thinks about the implications. He really does like you and this admiration has surpassed platonic love. As long as you’re okay, though, he’ll swallow his feelings in favor of making sure you’re always happy. It’s one of his duties as your friend.

Friend. A word Xiao never thought he’d ever use, but it feels nice. He likes it.

Yet The Distance Remains Harrowing.

[Scaramouche] 

To Mend a Broken Heart—

You’re spilling your emotional guts in front of the Sixth of the Fatui Harbingers, tears freely running down your cheeks like two faulty water faucets. It’s a pathetic sight, really. Scaramouche witnessed this exact show just a few weeks ago when you were so certain that that fisher was the one. Now, after meeting and getting together with someone else for a short time, you’ve come out of yet another relationship, unhappy and unsatisfied.

He’s jealous. There’s no denying the envy he feels when you talk so highly of these people and then wail about them a few days later. It’s a vicious cycle of mending a fragile heart and then breaking it into pieces all over again. With no end in sight, you fall victim to your own demise in the pursuit of love. He wonders if you’ll ever learn to choose your next partner carefully rather than settling for anything with a pulse.

“This is exactly what I said would happen, was it not?” he says with a sigh. “Oh, woe is you. If you were smarter, this last relationship might have lasted longer.”

“That’s rich coming from you. I’ve never seen you in a relationship before,” you mutter, wiping angrily at your eyes. His eyelid twitches at the not-so-subtle jab. “Ugh!I hate being so unlucky! This is the worst.”

“Rather than your foul luck, I think the problem lies within you and your taste in partners.”

Sniffling, you lower your head onto the table, hoping to just melt into the crafted wood before you end up making even more of a fool out of yourself. It’s rare to be in the company of Scaramouche, considering how often he’s assigned missions that require swift travel and a covert profile. But whenever you do find yourself sitting across from him, indulging in light snacks and tea, it’s always because you’ve lost your latest lover; and your own sadness requires the nullifying effects of Scaramouche’s cynicism.

“They’re good people! I just don’t know why it never works out. We’re happy and we both like each other—it doesn’t make any sense. Am I missing something? Is it my fault? They probably got tired of me because I’m not a good person.“

“Perhaps.” He takes a moment to sip his tea and you muster a weak glare. Only Scaramouche can delight in his beverage while you’re holding back another onslaught of tears. “Your crocodile tears are hardly flattering and your apparent need for consistent affection might come off as clingy. And you have a tendency to find flaws within yourself whenever something doesn’t go your way. Adding onto that, you doubt yourself a lot and you’re always quick to take the blame for things that are out of your control. In a way you are partially—”

“I get it. I’m not a good person.”

“I never said anything of that sort. Now you’re just asking for pity.”

Oh, how close you are to punching that smirk off of his face.

“Then since you seem to know everything, my oh so helpful friend, why don’t you tell me what I’m missing?”

“With pleasure.” His cup finds the surface of the table as he ponders your demand for a moment. “You’re missing someone who meshes well with your personality.”

“That’s not true. Everyone I’ve been with so far—“ His skeptical look makes you stop short. “Okay. Maybe we forced it because we thought it was love. But that’s besides the point! There was still an attraction! I think...” You huff and bury your face in your arms, nearly almost sprawling on the table. You’re too depressed to even consider how impolite your actions look, and Scaramouche scoffs at your poor display of manners. “Where am I even going to find someone who ‘meshes well with my personality,’ hm?”

“I’m sure you’ve already found them.” He clears his throat, tracing a finger along a sanded knot in the wooden table. “You’re sitting across from him.”

Whether he intended for you to hear that whispered part, you can’t say for sure. But your head perks up and you fix him with a lopsided grin. “You’re kidding.”

“Hm?”

“Me and you, a couple?” A small giggle escapes your lips and you swipe the remaining tears out of your eyes. “Don’t joke about that. I’m trying to be sad here!”

It wasn’t a joke, he almost says and he catches himself, suddenly self-conscious.

“I don’t think we’d work out,” you continue, motioning between you and him. “We’d hardly see each other and you don’t seem like the type for romance. Besides, I’m not attracted to you in that way. You feel the same, right?”

Scaramouche stares into his cup before he meets your gaze, a tight smile gracing his expression. “Of course. Your inability to settle isn’t all that attractive.”

Your eyes roll and you finally pick up your own cup to take a large gulp of lukewarm tea. The bitter Harbinger observes your actions with narrowed eyes. There’s a distinct pain that taps at his hardened soul, splitting it apart as your words echo within his spinning head. I don’t think we’d work out. I’m not attracted to you in that way. Why is he suddenly feeling...upset? He’s not one for pitiful emotions; he’s a Harbinger, not a lovesick fool! He ought to glare at you and storm off, demanding the two of you never speak again. But he won’t say that because he doesn’t want to hurt you. Because he cares for you. Because he loves you.

You feel the same, right?

No, that’s not right. This is the love he’s been wallowing in since he first got acquainted with you. It’s strange when he remembers every event that has led up to the blossoming feelings that reside deep in the epicenter of his heart, but it’s even more strange that he can’t find the courage to voice his own opinion.

“We wouldn’t mix,” he reaffirms your statement with a cold tone. There is no warmth in his eyes. “After all, your taste in tea is as bad as your taste in partners.”

And even though he wishes you could see through his walls—just this once he’ll allow you to tear them down for the sake of a half-baked confession—you just sit there and grin, no longer teary-eyed and forlorn. How odd. His heart feels far heavier than it’s ever been before. And you’re already scanning your surroundings, hungry for a love that will never keep you sated. Perhaps you weren’t even sad in the first place.

Upon realizing this, Scaramouche wants nothing more than to disappear into the wood like a feeble worm and never come back out.

You Must Break Another.