#BRUNO DID NOT DISAPPOINT

[notsoattractivearenti]

Emirates FA Cup Quarter-final | Manchester United 3 - 1 Fulham

Bruno Fernandes (75’ (P), 90+6’)

Marcel Sabitzer (77’)

[spiderm444rk]

LOST IN TRANSLATION - mark lee smau

you, as the promising journalism student of NCUT, were more than willing to join the school magazine when you got offered. to your disappointment, the only section they let you have is the anonymous confessions one - which is mostly really, really boring. i mean, who even posts any cool confessions nowadays ? especially in a damn college magazine ? they only offered you the job no one else wanted.

on the other hand, mark, a business student, was never more annoyed with the choice of his major. sure, business is cool and hopefully it’ll earn him money, but it’s not something he could really get into. he always wanted to do music. but after long considering, he chose business instead, to make sure he gets a real job in the future. and he doubts that choice was correct more and more every day.

once the school band announces they’re looking for a new guitarist, he’s absolutely ready to apply until he reads the ‘music students only’ part. pissed off, he starts typing a message to the gc, but it ends up going to a different number - and you finally get to help some poor random stranger who confessed with something interesting.

business major! mark x fem journalism major! reader

GENRE — fluff, comedy, humor, slowburn, strangers to friends to lovers, non-idol au, college au

WARNINGS — a little bit of cursing, probably kys/kms jokes, mark is really unlucky and awkward, reader as a journalism student loves gossiping a LOT and she’ll get into everyone’s business to do her job properly, a lot of teasing, includes mlm, features other idols (aespa, enhypen…)

STATUS — ongoing

UPDATES — every monday, wednesday and saturday

TAGLIST — open (reply or send an ask)

PLAYLIST — solo - frank ocean, ivy - frank ocean, highway to heaven - nct 127, pink matter - frank ocean, infrunami - steve lacy, attracted to you - pinkpantheress, leave the door open - bruno mars, only if - steve lacy, i like me better - lauv, 200 - mark, fireflies - nct dream, up to you - prettymuch+nct dream, it’s yours - nct dream

A/N — my first smau ever :) but i’m so excited ! hopefully it goes well 🙏🏻

profiles 1 || profiles 2

band introduction

Y/N’s magazine account

1) accidental confessions

2) don’t do anything stupid

3) y/n’s hit tweet

4) we are the most mysterious bitches in this cafeteria

5) they know what you did

6) you found me thanks to my private twitter ?

7) two baddies with connections

8) one at a time gentlemen

9) show them who’s the king

10) a little stalking never hurt anyone

11) we aren’t homophobic !

12) surrounded by opps

13) we’re locked in baby

14) she has a hand kink

15) hope they play charli xcx

16) party in the city where the heat is on

[graysoncritic]

A (Negative) Analysis of Tom Taylor's Nightwing Run - Introduction

Introduction Who is Dick Grayson? What Went Wrong? Dick's Characterization What Went Wrong? Barbara Gordon What Went Wrong? Bludhaven (Part 1, Part 2) What Went Wrong? Melinda Lin Grayson What Went Wrong? Bea Bennett What Went Wrong? Villains Conclusion Bibliography

I want to start this essay by admitting I’m actually embarrassed by its length. Why did I spend so much time on something I dislike? The truth is, I did not begin this with the intention of creating such an extensive, formal study of the Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing run and how it reflects the wider problems with DC’s handling of one of their most iconic characters. I was just trying to organize the thoughts that came up during discussions with other Dick Grayson fans. Before I knew it, I had enough material, enough desire to challenge myself, and enough frustrations to vent to properly create this monstrosity.

I did not begin this Nightwing run determined to hate it. In fact, I was ready to love it. As Taylor promoted the run before the first issue was officially released, I was so excited for it. As I read short interviews where he discussed Heartless, I could not wait to have a new, incredible villain. Foolishly, I believed Taylor when he said he loved Dick Grayson. 

Needless to say, I was disappointed. Then frustrated. Then angry. The beginning of any story is a period where writer and reader form an indirect bond, and as the story progresses, so do the highs and the lows of said relationship. As such, a reader’s tolerance for negative factors will either increase or decrease depending on their experience up until that point.

In other words, if the writer fails to earn the reader’s trust and instead takes their attention for granted, even seemingly insignificant details become irritating in a way they would not be if presented in a better story. In such scenarios, the reader can no longer overlook those minor moments because there’s little good to balance them out with. It is a death by a thousand cuts. 

In the case of Taylor and Redondo’s run, along with those thousand cuts are also broken bones, internal bleeding, head trauma, and severed limbs. A weak plot, simplistic morality that undermines the story’s stated themes, and, most importantly, a careless disregard for Dick Grayson and everything he stands for utterly destroyed my enjoyment of this series. 

It is still too early to tell what sort of impact Taylor’s (as of time of writing, still unfinished) run will have on Dick Grayson’s future portrayals. But just because we cannot predict its long term significance, it does not mean we cannot critique it. Currently, we simply lack the benefit of hindsight. 

If this essay were to have a thesis, then it is this: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing not only fails to tell a compelling Nightwing story, but it also exemplifies a cynical, self-serving, and shallow approach to storytelling that prioritizes creating hollow viral moments to boost the creators’ own online popularity over crafting a good story, honoring the character in their care, and respecting his fans – fans who have, historically, often been women, queer folk, and other individuals who felt othered by a cisheteronormative patriarchal society. Taylor and Redondo’s thoughtless and superficial narrative not only undermine the socially progressive ideals they supposedly care for by propagating a cisheteronormative patriarchal worldview, but they also demonstrate a lack of love and understanding for the character in their care. At best, Taylor and Redondo have no interest in getting to know Dick Grayson, nor any respect for their predecessor and their contributions to this character. At worst, they despise Dick so much that they wish to reinvent him into something completely different, tossing away everything that was special to his fans in order to appeal to a readership that never cared about Dick Grayson. 

I structured this essay so that, hopefully, each part will build on the ones that came prior. Naturally, because all aspects of a story are interlaced, there will be overlaps between each of the sections. As it may have become obvious from this introduction, I’ll be focusing primarily on the writing of this run. That is not to say that I will not address the art, but writing is the field I know most about, and so it feels only fair to focus my critique on that. 

I hope that by the end of this essay, I will have successfully proved that this run’s mishandling of different narrative elements betray a cynical appropriation of progressive ideology and a disregard and disinterest in what makes Dick Grayson so special to so many people. This is an attitude that is present within DC Comics’ current ethos as a whole.

Now, who is this essay for? Honestly, it’s probably not for Tom Taylor fans. I do not believe I’ll be persuading anyone with my writing, and, to be quite honest, neither would I say I wish to do so. Taylor and Redondo’s run has won numerous awards and has many dedicated fans who adore it for what it is. If that is you, then I’m glad. I wish I could be among your numbers. I wish more than anything that I could love this story. But I do not, and I know many others agree with me, and it is to them, I think, that I’m speaking to. As Taylor’s run is praised to heaven and back, I needed a safe space to voice my thoughts. This essay became this safe space. And to others who also feel unseen by the constant praise this run is getting, I think this could speak to you, as well. To be cliche and cringe, this will hopefully let you know that you are not alone. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge some people whose thoughts greatly contributed to the creation of this essay. For around three years now I’ve been having wonderful interactions with other Dick Grayson’s fans, and those discussions were not only incredibly fun and cathartic, but also provided great insight into what needed to be included in this essay. My best friend especially gave me a space to vent when I got frustrated, and my original outline borrowed a lot from the messages I sent her, as well as notes I took for our discussions.  

I’ll also be directly quoting four different Dick Grayson fans (identified as Dick Grayson Fans A, B, and C in order to allow them to keep their anonymity). Their analyses were so critical to the formation of my thesis and for a lot of what will be addressed in this essay that I actually feel like they deserve co-credit in this essay. Dick Grayson Fan B especially deserves a shoutout in helping me track down a couple of pages used as supporting evidence, as I knew what pages I was looking for but was having a hard time remembering in which issue they were located. I’m quoting them with permission, and crediting their ideas and contributions whenever relevant. 

Now, without any further ado, let’s get started. 

[ddarker-dreams]

BRILLIANT fucking idea: SR reader insinuating/offhandedly admitting… she has never been intimate. everyone hearing it like 🧍🏾‍♀️ how do you mean. idk j the flustered bashfulness of suddenly being like “wajt wait if im her bf ,,, im her first love”

SCREAMINGGGGG

[Scarlet Ribbons index]

Giorno

Giorno is a bit strange because he almost wishes he had a predecessor to analyze (and completely outshine). He isn’t disappointed per se, he’s not that weird, but having more study material never hurts. Positive relationships are foreign to him, since he’s been distant from others most of his life. He got along with people well enough — he just preferred his own company. Now that he’s had a taste of your company, he’s keen on making it a lifelong occurrence. Overhearing this admission has him wondering if traditional courting methods don’t do much for you. Or, more realistically, that they go over your pretty head. He's witnessed you interpreting the gang's flirtations as platonic. Consequently, he gives considerable thought to ensuring this isn't a fate that befalls him. Corny as it sounds, his new dream is to stand beside you as your husband. He's chasing this goal without abandon.

Bruno

Bruno feels immensely guilty for eavesdropping on a conversation involving something so personal, but he couldn't help himself. An immense weight feels like it's been lifted from his shoulders upon learning you haven't gotten romantically involved with anyone before. This relief is followed up with sharp self-condemnation — as your leader, he shouldn't get involved with your personal affairs. Maintaining any professional distance is difficult though, especially when you're so likable. People are naturally drawn to you and he's no different. That's why this revelation comes as a surprise, albeit a good one. He tells himself he'd be happy for you if you loved someone else... however, deep down, he knows the regret would eat him alive. He struggles to concentrate the rest of the day. His mind keeps wandering back to thoughts of you, specifically, finding solace in one another’s warmth. The most innocent thoughts make his heart flutter, the man is smitten.

Fugo

Fugo almost renounces his atheism — perhaps there is a God after all. Then he's reminded that you're completely out of his league, submersing him back into the Nietzsche headspace. His self-esteem isn't the best, so the way he looks at it is if no one else was good enough to catch your attention, what chance did he have? It's a miracle you even put him with him. He's blunt, stubborn, and easy to agitate, yet you're one of the few people alive who don't treat him like a ticking time bomb. When his initial pessimism dies down, he fantasizes about you getting flustered by things like a first kiss. It's a cute mental image. Would you fidget? Accidentally bump heads and apologize? Get sweaty palms? Before he knows it, he's invented an entire storyline in his head. It's mushy enough that he struggles to look you in the eye the next time he sees you.

Mista

Mista pretends he knew it all along, as if the Pistols hadn't kept him awake multiple nights, speculating over your relationship status. The little fellas held full-blown debates. Since he's a chill, go-with-the-flow type of guy, he wouldn't have turned green with envy had he learned you former lovers. If they brought you happiness, who is he to hold it against them? Regardless, he can't deny his budding excitement. Should you reciprocate his feelings, you'll experience all your firsts with him. Those initial milestones are the moments that stick with people throughout their life. It's your first kiss in particular that he'd like to have for himself. He intends to sweep you off your feet — literally. It's got to be like those old Hollywood flicks he grew up watching, or what's the point?

Narancia

Narancia has to stop himself from audibly cheering. The multiple abandonments he underwent in the past has him latching onto the few people remaining in his life. This includes you, naturally. You've brought him so much joy, the risk of losing that, losing you, it's a fear that eats away at him. He worries that if you had exes, you might compare him to them and determine he's subpar. Then he'd be cast aside like trash as he had been multiple times before. These insecurities nourish his possessive tendencies. Learning that he has no exes to fend off is a great relief because he would've defended you viciously. It isn't until later that he daydreams over the more innocent implications, like being your first (and only!) boyfriend. He gets so preoccupied by the thought that he walks into a few walls.

Abbacchio

He's actually surprised to learn about this. He considers using Moody Blues so he can hear the entire conversation, but decides against it, believing it to be an intrusion of your privacy. Abbacchio's of the opinion that to maximize your happiness, you should find love outside of Passione. He wants that for you, and yet... his heart physically aches whenever the possibility crosses his mind. What's the alternative, then? Would he make for a suitable partner? He finds the mere possibility laughable. Your brightness would be engulfed by the gaping maw that is his existence. He considers this an empirical truth, not some 'woe is me' sentiment. Ultimately, anytime your love life (or lack of one) is brought up, he distracts himself, so as not to fixate on his shortcomings.

[poisonlove]

The Ghost of halloween p.2 | A.D

Pairing: Astrid X reader

Astrid pov's

"Is it this way?" my mother asks with a small smile on her lips.

I nod without answering, pressing my lips together and turning my head toward the window.

I didn’t want her to see how uncomfortable I felt. We had argued again, and as always, she had decided that moving was the only solution. Panicking, I had told her I had a date today.

"It's really nice here," Lydia Deetz says, looking at the neighborhood decorated for Halloween: gardens filled with decorations, skeletons hanging from trees, and people in costumes getting ready to celebrate.

When we arrive in front of the house, her eyes land on a lit window.

"Oh... it's a girl," my mother exclaims in surprise.

"Mom..." I whisper, feeling my cheeks flush.

"She's very cute," she adds with a mischievous smile, giving me a sidelong glance. I feel my face heat up even more.

"Okay, bye," I finally say, my voice tense, as I open the door.

"I’ll pick you up at 10. Have fun, sweetheart!" she calls out, her voice happier than ever. I shut the door with a loud thud, the sound of my mother’s car driving away echoing.

I sigh and close my eyes for a moment, clutching the bag full of candy and snacks. Then, with hesitant steps, I head toward the porch of the house.

I raise my hand and knock on the door.

I waited nervously for the door to open, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally see Y/n, a smile spreads across my face. I’m wearing a long, puffy dress in a pale gray, as if it had been corroded by radiation, perfectly embodying Marie Curie. The high collar and puffy sleeves give me an elegant yet eerie appearance.

Y/n looks me up and down, and her smile widens. "You look beautiful," she says, her eyes shining. She was wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

I feel my face heat up, blushing fiercely. "I'm Marie Curie," I say, trying to mask my embarrassment. I’m not sure if she got my reference.

"The scientist who died from radiation, I know." Y/n’s response surprises me.

I smile, incredulous and happy, as the tension in me melts away.

"Is that bag?" Y/n asks curiously, leaning slightly toward me.

"I thought we could eat some junk food and watch some movies... You know... it’s Halloween," I say timidly, feeling my cheeks flush.

Y/n smiles, and her enthusiasm encourages me. "Sounds like a great idea, come in."

I enter, glancing around curiously, immediately noticing a strange but oddly comforting silence.

"How come there’s no one here?" I ask curiously, following Y/n upstairs.

"Oh, my parents aren’t home," she says simply, guiding me to her room.

Once inside, I look around, noticing the 90s posters and details that make the room feel so cozy. "What movie do you want to watch?" Y/n asks, approaching the shelf of films. My eyes land on a book on the table: The Handbook for the Recently Deceased. I smile amused. "What a strange book," I comment.

"I found it at a stall," Y/n replies distractedly.

As she scans the titles, I feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. "Maybe something horror?" I suggest, a shy smile on my face.

"Perfect," she says, but then slowly moves closer.

Our hands brush, and in an instant, she leans in and kisses me. Her cold lips against mine are unexpected, but I feel a warm explosion of emotions. When I open my eyes, a smile spreads across my face, but right after, I realize we’re floating. The joy vanishes, replaced by a grimace of terror.

I quickly pull away from her, the disappointment clear in her eyes.

"Are you a ghost?" I say in disbelief. Are my mom’s crazy ideas real?

She nods, and my heart races.

"Why didn’t you tell me? How did you die?" I ask, incredulous but curious.

Y/n sighs, her face growing serious.

"I didn’t want to scare you, I haven’t had a decent conversation in years... And it was my father... After he killed his partner with an axe, he finished me off too, his only daughter. Then he died from poisoning." She slowly lifts her shirt, revealing a deep cut on her stomach.

The sight of that mark makes my blood run cold. I can’t believe what she’s saying, yet I can’t look away.

"Why did you lie to me?" I ask, my voice strangely calm despite the turmoil I feel inside.

Y/n scratches her head, her face turning a little red with embarrassment. "I told you, I wanted company... and I also wanted to surprise you," she finally confesses, her shyness evident in her tone.

I raise an eyebrow, confused. "A surprise?" I repeat, trying to understand where she’s going with this.

"I know we only met yesterday, but... you’re a good person, Astrid. And I... wanted to help you see your father," she murmurs, her voice fading as if it was hard to admit.

My eyes widen, taken aback by her words. "Is it possible?" I ask, the emotion clinging to my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Y/n nods, serious, and a part of me, the part that never stopped hoping, starts to believe it’s true.

An unexpected joy bursts inside me. Before I can stop myself, I approach and hug her tightly, but the moment my arms touch her, her body passes through mine as if made of smoke. The sensation leaves me stunned: cold and insubstantial, yet with a certain warmth, a distant echo of humanity.

"Sorry," I mutter embarrassed, while she laughs softly, not making a big deal out of it.

Without saying a word, Y/n steps away and heads toward a corner of the room. She bends down and picks up a small white object, lifting it toward me with a knowing smile. "A piece of chalk?" I ask, squinting in confusion, but without taking my eyes off her ethereal figure.

She nods and, with precise movements, draws a door on the wall of her room. When she finishes, she stands next to me, looking at the drawing with a strange satisfaction. The drawing almost seems to pulse with life, as if an unknown force was stirring behind that simple figure.

"It’s the door to the other world," she says with a small smile, her tone light as if she were talking about something trivial.

I feel my heart race in my chest. "And what am I supposed to do?" I ask, even more confused, staring at the drawing with evident skepticism.

"Knock," she says calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Hesitantly, I approach the drawn door, my hand trembling slightly. I knock, feeling ridiculous. Who knocks on a drawing? But a moment later, a dull sound echoes beyond the wall, and before I can react, the drawing comes to life. The door creaks open with a chilling sound, revealing a passage that emits thick, glowing smoke. A cold breeze wraps around me, along with a spectral light, like that of an old neon sign.

I stand still, my mouth open in amazement. In front of me unfolds the world of the dead. It’s exactly as I imagined: chaotic, grotesque, yet strangely fascinating. The walls seem to be made of a material never seen before, a mix of rotting flesh and crumbling concrete, covered with drawings and graffiti that shift shape before my eyes. Indistinct shadows move at the edge of my vision, as if the world itself was breathing. The sky above us isn’t a real sky: it’s an endless ceiling of greenish mist, studded with metallic pipes and flickering light bulbs.

In the distance, I hear the hum of old fans and the sound of distorted laughter, like an echo from a forgotten cabaret. Creatures of all shapes wander in what seems to be a surreal public office, each with a more bizarre appearance than the last: some have gigantic heads, others are reduced to walking skeletons, and still others seem to melt into goo. The world feels like a collage of forgotten things and distorted memories, a mix of the surreal and the macabre.

"Welcome," Y/n whispers beside me.

I turn to her, still in disbelief, but my heart is pounding, full of a hope I can’t suppress. Maybe, in that chaotic madness, I’ll finally get to see my father.

(...)

As we walk through the world of the dead, my head spins as I try to catch every detail, but everything is so surreal that it feels like being trapped in a nightmare. The gray and decaying offices are populated by grotesque figures moving with indifference. Faceless shadows wander the hallways, and distorted laughter continues in the distance.

"It's... strange," I whisper, my voice tense, "This place... how can it exist?"

Y/n glances at me, but before she can answer, a chilling sound fills the air. A shrill, metallic alarm starts echoing everywhere.

"ALERT! UNAUTHORIZED HUMAN PRESENCE!" A robotic and sinister voice booms through the walls.

Y/n’s eyes widen, her face pale. "Oh no... the human alarm!"

"W-what?" I stammer, but before I can grasp what’s happening, Y/n grabs my wrist, pulling me forcefully.

"We have to go! Now!" she yells, starting to run towards the exit. The creatures around us freeze, some turning with ravenous eyes, others beginning to move towards us with eerie slowness.

We race through the hallways like two shadows, our footsteps echoing as the sound of the alarm grows louder. The lights flicker, and I can hear the frantic pounding of my heart in my ears. Every corner seems to distort, making it hard to tell which way is out.

We turn a corner down a long corridor and stop abruptly. In front of us are two familiar figures. One is my mother, Lydia, with her unmistakable black bob and stern look. But the figure next to her leaves me breathless: a man with messy hair and a black and white striped suit, with a mischievous and cocky expression. Beetlejuice.

"Y/n?" says Beetlejuice, his eyes widening in surprise. "What are you doing here, kid?"

Y/n grits her teeth, her voice a tense whisper. "Dad..."

I feel a lump forming in my throat as my mother and I turn to each other, both of us with mouths agape in shock.

"Dad?" I repeat incredulously, my eyes wide as I look at Y/n.

Lydia doesn’t have time for questions. She grabs both of us by the arms. "We have to go, now!" she shouts, and we start running, with Y/n still pulling me even harder.

Behind us, the alarm continues to blare, and the footsteps of the authorities from the world of the dead begin to echo closer. Beetlejuice lags behind, chuckling as if this were all a game to him.

We run towards a door, but when Lydia flings it open, instead of finding a way out, we fall into the void, tumbling into scorching sand. I hit the ground hard, raising a cloud of dust, coughing from the impact.

"No... no, no, no!" Lydia screams, scrambling to her feet. "We’re in the sandworm desert!"

I struggle to stand, but panic takes over when I see the ground shaking beneath us. In the distance, the giant sandworm emerges from the dune, speeding towards us at a terrifying pace. Its long, scaly body slithers through the sand like a dark shadow.

Y/n grabs my hand and starts running, dragging me along with her. "Come on! We can't stop!"

Lydia follows close behind, her face twisted in fear, but the worm is too fast. I can feel it getting closer, its gaping mouth emitting a piercing scream, ready to devour us.

"It's too close!" I cry, my breath short, but just then, a miracle happens.

From the sky, a door of light suddenly opens above us, and a hand reaches out from nowhere, grabbing each of us. First Y/n, then me, and finally Lydia. With a yank, it pulls us up, taking us away just as the worm opens its jaws beneath us.

The world flips for a moment until we find ourselves on a cold floor, safe. I gasp for air, trying to catch my breath, as Y/n looks at me with concern.

"W-we made it..." Y/n murmurs, still in disbelief.

I look up and see my father watching me with pride. His skin is greenish, with some fish stuck in his hair, but he's smiling all the same.

My eyes fill with tears. "Dad..." I murmur before throwing myself into his arms. "Sweetheart..." he whispers, hugging me tightly. I pull away with a smile I can't hold back.

"I saw Lydia and decided to follow you... But what are you wearing, sweetheart? You look like Marie Curie!" he says with an amused grin, glancing at me. I giggle and nod.

Then, his gaze shifts beyond me, and I notice Lydia approaching. My father smiles at her, reaching out an arm. "Lydia, come here," he says warmly. he embraces her without hesitation. "I miss you ," he whispers, his voice full of affection and gratitude.

Lydia smiles shyly as she returns the hug.

"I miss you too " she replies softly, her voice breaking with emotion.

They separate, and my father turns back to us. "You have to go," he says suddenly, his tone serious.

He puts an arm around my waist and takes my mother’s hand with the other. "You have to go. Now," he repeats urgently, pulling us toward a staircase that seems to materialize out of nowhere.

"I love you, Dad," I say, tears filling my eyes.

"I love you too," he replies, his gaze veiled with tears and a bittersweet smile on his lips before he slowly vanishes.

My mother starts climbing the stairs, but I stay behind, waiting for Y/n.

"Go," she suddenly says, with sadness in her voice.

"Come with me," I say, confused, my heart pounding.

"I don’t know, Astrid... I’m tired of wandering. Maybe my place is here," she replies, her voice trembling.

My heart stops for a moment.

"Don’t be silly, we’ll find a solution," I say, a lump in my throat, and my chest aching.

She shakes her head, resolute.

I feel a sharp pain in my chest, but I move closer to her and grab her hands. Her touch is cold, almost as if there’s nothing to hold onto, but I don’t let go. "I need you. I... I want you," I confess, my cheeks flushing red.

"Astrid..." she murmurs.

"We’ll figure it out, okay? But I need you," I repeat, with all the sincerity I can muster. Y/n looks at me for a few seconds, then sighs and slowly nods.

My face lights up in a huge smile.

Y/n Pov's

Days later, the light of the sunset fills my old room with a warm, orange hue. Everything seems so normal, yet the tension in the air is palpable. Astrid and I sit on the floor, surrounded by lit candles, while her mother draws a complicated circle of runes on the wooden floor. It seems absurd to think that it's really possible, that I can come back to life. And yet, here we are.

The book her mother holds is ancient, its pages worn and yellowed with age. The runes and symbols I see seem to pulse with their own energy, as if the text is more than just paper and ink.

Astrid is close to me, sitting by my side, her gaze serious but kind, just as it always is when she wants to show me that everything will be okay. She was the one who insisted on finding a solution, and when her mother discovered this ancient ritual, she didn’t hesitate. The thought of coming back to life fills me with hope, but also fear. It’s like jumping into the unknown.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask, searching her eyes.

She looks at me without hesitation. “There’s nothing I want more in the world.” Her hand finds mine, warm and reassuring. “I want you here, with me.”

Her mother finishes drawing the circle with white chalk and stands slowly, her gaze focused and attentive. “This is the Rite of Essence Binding,” she says, her voice firm but carrying a gravity I can't ignore. “An ancient practice that binds the soul to the body. But it’s a delicate process. Y/n, you’re suspended between two worlds. This rite will bring your essence back to the living world.”

Her words make my throat tighten. I know something big, something irreversible is about to happen. I feel Astrid squeeze my hand tighter, and I look at her, finding all the courage I need in her.

“Step into the circle,” her mother orders calmly.

Astrid and I stand and position ourselves in the center of the rune drawing. The floor beneath our feet seems to vibrate slightly, as if the ritual had already begun just with our presence. Her mother begins to mutter ancient words that echo in the room as if carried by an invisible wind. The runes drawn on the floor start to glow with a deep, pulsing blue light, and the air becomes thick, charged with energy.

“During the rite, your soul will try to reconnect with your body, but it might face resistance,” her mother explains, not stopping the incantation. “Astrid, you must be her anchor. The bond between you is what will allow the rite to work.”

Astrid never lets go of my hand, and I can feel her strength flowing into me. Every word spoken by her mother pulls me in a different direction, as if my being is divided between the world of the living and the dead. Then, the pain begins.

It’s a deep pain, starting in my chest and expanding into every cell of my body. I feel like I’m being torn in two, as if something is trying to pull me away from reality. But I don’t let go. I hold onto Astrid’s hand with all the strength I have.

The runes beneath our feet shine brighter, the blue light rising like flames around us. I feel my heart beating in my chest, strong and fast. It’s a real, tangible heartbeat. My essence is returning.

“Don’t let go of me,” Astrid whispers, her voice broken with emotion.

“I won’t,” I manage to reply, as the pain intensifies even more, becoming unbearable.

Her mother’s words grow louder, faster. The energy in the room is almost suffocating, and everything builds to a climax. I feel immense pressure, like the entire world is crushing my body, but then, suddenly, the pain shatters, leaving only peace.

The runes glow for one last moment, then the light fades, and with it, silence envelops the room.

I breathe. My chest rises and falls regularly. I feel my heart beating, I feel the blood coursing through my veins. My body is alive.

I look at my hands, incredulous. They’re warm. Truly warm.

“You’re here… You’re back,” Astrid murmurs, her voice filled with emotion.

Her arms wrap around me in a tight embrace, and I return it, finally feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Her hand strokes my back, and I know that, this time, I’m really here.

Her mother closes the book and sighs deeply. “It’s done,” she says, with a small, tired smile. “Y/n, you’re alive.”

All I can do is smile, in disbelief, as I hold onto Astrid, feeling my heart beating strong against hers. I’m no longer a shadow, a memory. I’m real. I’ve come back. And with her, I feel like I can face anything.

"Astrid..." I whisper, my voice trembling but full of emotion. I can’t say more because she suddenly moves closer, her eyes shining with something I’d never seen before. Before I can even realize it, her lips are on mine.

The kiss is sweet, intense, full of everything we’ve felt during those days of waiting and hoping. I feel her warmth, her life melding with mine, and for the first time in a long time, I feel whole. The world around us seems to disappear: it's just the two of us, in that moment.

When we pull apart, her eyes find mine, full of a joy that manages to warm me from within. She smiles at me, and I can’t help but smile back, even though a small corner of uncertainty still lingers inside me.

“You’re back,” she murmurs, as if afraid I might disappear again.

“Yes,” I reply, still in disbelief. “Thanks to you.”

I take a deep breath and decide to stand up, to take a step forward, to feel the floor beneath my feet again. But as soon as I try to move, my body seems to give way. My legs tremble, weak and unsteady, and the whole world seems to sway around me. Before I can process it, I’m falling forward, my knees giving out beneath me.

Astrid grabs my waist just in time, holding me in her arms. My heart races, not just from the panic of losing my balance. "Hey, take it easy," she says softly, rubbing my back to reassure me. "You have to get used to it again. It’s not easy coming back to normal."

“I didn’t think... walking would be so hard,” I say, trying to laugh but feeling the embarrassment take over. I look at my legs, still trembling slightly, as if they aren’t responding to my commands.

Astrid helps me sit down again, her touch always gentle but firm. “It’s normal, it’ll take time. You have to get used to being alive again,” she says, smiling at me like it's the most natural thing in the world.

Her mother approaches with an understanding expression. “Your body has gone through a shock, Y/n. Even though your soul is back, you have to give your body time to readjust. Move slowly, one step at a time.”

I nod slowly, feeling the weight of those words. Astrid is still beside me, her arm around my waist, ready to support me at any moment.

“I’m here,” she says softly, stroking my face. “I’m not letting go.”

I take a deep breath, and even though my legs are weak, I know that with her by my side, I can do this. I lift my gaze and meet her eyes. "One step at a time," I repeat, squeezing her hand. "Together."

Astrid smiles again, and in that moment, I feel like I can conquer the world.

[alextydaisuda123]

Pizza Tower AU/👁Weirdcore Tower👁 (part 4)

Oh yeah! I'm done with the main group of characters! Well, enjoy the description👍✨️

Pizzahead is a local creature with a rotten body (before this it was not so very rotten) that has crippled many lives, and continues to do so, albeit hiding behind the usual nature of a clown. He tortures others and is not ashamed of it, he locked all the inhabitants in the tower and does not let anyone out. If someone dares to disobey him or tries to get out (which was done by Pepperman the very first), he will punish. He is connected with Peppino a little more than it seems at first glance, because it was thanks to the chance first meeting that he remembered him. He created his clone, albeit not the way he wanted, and was disappointed in his abilities. His voice is similar to Gabriel from the Mandella Catalogue (who knows, understands).

Fake Peppino (Bruno) is a distorted clone of Peppino who was created by Pizzahead for one purpose for which he was not suitable due to his huge and crooked defects. He is the only almost successful clone of all that Pizzahead has ever made, and unfortunately the last. At the same time friendly and at the same time wild, and just learning to feel. He managed to become friends with all the bosses, even Noise. He somehow became friends with Peppino and Gustavo, although he frightened them greatly at the first meeting, especially Peppino. The only one with whom he did not become friends was the creator himself, since he managed to torment him and harm him with his dream catchers that were everywhere on his floor, which Bruno himself does not like. Initially, his name was simply Fake Peppino; the name Bruno was given to him by one of the bosses, which our clone liked better. Bruno is able to grow limbs of any number (as he did with his legs, because his body is too heavy and can barely stand on at least two legs). His voice is like the original, rewinding words and slurred speech.

👁 WELCOME TO THE WEIRDCORE TOWER 👁

[enhaheeseung]

At your service l. Heeseung

Pairing: live in maid heeseung x rich fem reader

Warnings: age gap, crying, angst, heartbreak, I think I’ll post like three more chaps before the end I hope you all enjoy

• Masterlist

• WC: 2,127k

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Finally, it was your birthday today, and heeseung had almost everything prepared.

The gifts he had gotten you still needed to be wrapped. He bought a book with writing prompts in it since you were still struggling with the continuation of your book.

He also got you something really really special and really really expensive so expensive that he’d be even more late paying off his student loans but for you it was worth it without a doubt.

He made a strawberry cake from scratch, remembering that you loved anything that included strawberries.

He smiled to himself while he worked on the final touches of your surprise in the kitchen.

It’s crazy cause just a couple months ago he didn’t know how to cook and he barely had a penny to his name and now he’s baking you cakes from start to finish and buying you luxurious jewelry.

He decided to forego the candles on the cake since you were always so conscious about your age for reasons he did not understand.

He didn’t mind the age gap, truthfully; he kind of actually liked it at first. Yeah, he was just interested in having sex with an older woman, and that’s very douchey, he’ll admit that, but now there's so much more to you than sex.

Don’t get him wrong, sex with you is amazing, perfect, absolutely marvelous, but now that he’s grown to learn more about you, everything with you is amazing, perfect, and marvelous, even the little things.

Chatting with you is fun, cuddling with you is fun, going out with you is fun, and watching you concentrate and write your book is fun. Things he never even liked doing before are now some of his favorite things to do. He loves reading books to you, and he used to hate reading. He’s usually an outdoor person, but he loves staying indoors with you. Cooking was the last thing on his list of things to do, and now he wakes up early in the morning to happily prepare breakfast for you just so he can see your eyes light up with joy.

He’s so in love that he’s doing things he would have never even dreamed of just to make you happy and give you what you deserve.

He put his whole heart into decorating the cake and the kitchen where he’d be throwing your little party later on. “You think mommy’s gonna love the surprise?” He bent down, patting Bruno on his little head.

Heeseung had dressed him up for the occasion, a blue bow tie around his neck identical to the one he was wearing.

Meanwhile, Bruno was busy trying to lick the frosting off the tip of the frosting bag. “Bad puppy,” Heeseung sighed and stood up so he could put the finishing touches on everything and make it perfect for you.

About 30 minutes later he was done everything was set up nicely and he snapped a few pictures before he gave you your gifts.

“Hee can I come down now?” You asked anxiously half nervous half excited you’d be stuck in your bed all day since morning.

Your mind drifts back to earlier when you both woke up in the morning and the soft loving touches he left on your body.

You cupped your flushed cheeks you could still feel his hands on your skin you could still remember the way felt inside you and you could still hear the sweet nothings he whispered in your ear.

That was the perfect way to start your birthday morning, and it was even more perfect when he brought you breakfast in bed.

Hints why you’ve been in bed all day he treated you like a princess and wouldn’t let you lift a single finger today.

He smiles looking in the direction of your voice. “Wait one more minute darling!” he picked up Bruno and set him on the kitchen counter making sure their bow ties were neat. “Okay you can come down!” He called to you his phone in hand so he could record your reaction and it didn’t disappoint.

You took one last step down the stairs and walked to the kitchen, turning the corner to see your whole entire dining space completely decorated with all your favorite colors there were balloons a banner that said happy birthday and then there were your two boys looking at you. “Surprise!” Heeseung said with a bright smile on his face.

“Oh my gosh,” you cupped your hands over your mouth in awe of what he had prepared just for you.

“Happy birthday, baby. I hope you love it,” he said shyly, and you ran over to him with your arms spread.

“Thank you I do love it hee so much” you kissed his cheek and looked at Bruno. “My boys are so handsome” you patted his head. “But I love you more” you said wrapping your hands around his neck kissing him properly this time.

“Hmm” he grins gripping your waist. “I’m glad baby now are you ready for the presents?” He asked rubbing your lower back softly as he ended the recording and set his phone on the counter top.

You nodded, smiling excitedly with anticipation.

“Wait here love I’m gonna go grab them from upstairs” he jogged upstairs he was so excited for you to see what he got you.

“Daddy the best, isn’t h-?” Your words were cut through when a ding on heeseung’s phone went off.

The phone lit up for a few seconds with a message and dimmed a few moments later.

Heeseung was rummaging through his drawer in search of your presents he opened the box with the piece of jewelry and when the light hit it just right it was mesmerizing.

He wanted to buy a promise ring for you, but he also didn’t want to rush into things so quickly and risk making you uncomfortable or feel pressured into anything, so he opted for something that you could still wear every day, just without the heavy commitment.

It was a custom piece a half heart made out of white gold and tiny little diamond’s with his initial on it the other half identical except it was made out of onyx and it completed the heart when put together.

He though it was a perfect idea cause now that way you both could always have a piece of each other close to your hearts.

The notifications on heeseung’s phone were nonstop, so you decided to look at them. He kept his phone unlocked, so you doubted he’d care. Plus, with as many texts coming in, it sounded urgent. You called for him upstairs, but he just responded with. “I’ll be down soon, baby,” as he was wrapping the last of your presents.

You shrugged and took a peak just to make sure everything was fine, and you wished you hadn’t.

“Bro, you’re never going to believe this.”

“Hello?”

“Answer me!”

“Or can you not because you’re fucking your boss again?”

“When are you going to stop stringing that poor girl along just make the money and leave like you said she probably thinks you love her.”

Your hand instantly cupped your mouth and your heart was racing as you read the texts over and over again.

Your body moved in its own and you charged upstairs to confront him. “Y/n? What are you doing up here you’re gonna ruin the surprise” he chuckles turning his back so you can’t see anything just yet.

“You mean this surprise?” You hold up his phone, walking over to him, and shoving it in his face so he can read the messages and his face drops. “What the fuck is this heeseung?!” You shout on the verge of tears.

“Baby…” he looked over at you, his eyes filled with fear.

“Don’t fucking baby me. Just what is this heeseung?” He flinched from your yelling, his expression softening as he tried to think of what he should say.

“T-that’s not true, y/n. I do love you; I jus-”

“Then why is your friend talking to you about this?” Your voice gave out while you searched his eyes, hoping to find some type of answers.

“I-I,” he sighs, stumbling over his words before he decides to just tell you the truth. “In the beginning, it was true, and I know I’m wrong for that baby. I’m so-“

“Don’t” you stopped him right there that’s all you needed to hear. “And don’t call me that anymore.”

“Y/n, please just let me expl-“

“There’s no explanation, heeseung, just go,” you told him weekly and tossed the phone on his bed in disappointment. You really thought he was different turns out he’s just like the rest, but with him, it hurt just a little more than all the others.

“Y/n…” he tried to reach for you before you left.

“I said go!” His mouth was parted open for a moment and it closed as you were walking away he reached for you again but you shook his hand off and this time you turned around smacking him right across his face the loud slap echoing in the silent room.

He gasped at the sting of the slap, his eyes getting teary.

Bruno was upstairs now, barking loudly at heeseung as you both stared at each other with hurt in both of your teary eyes.

He cupped his cheek, his heart breaking in his chest as he tried to register what was even happening. This couldn’t be true. This all had to be some type of cruel, sick joke.

In the morning, you both made love and now you’re fighting.

For the first time in a long time, he was finally happy, and now this happens.

“Just get your shit and go” You left the room, Bruno walking on your trail as you went into your bedroom to try and make sense of what just happened.

Heeseung stood there speechless, swallowing the lump in his throat as hot tears trickled down his cheek.

He sat on the bed holding your necklace in his hand, clutching it tightly.

“They’re all the same, aren’t they, buddy? But you would never do that to me, huh?” You grabbed his small body, sitting him on your chest, and you didn’t even cry. You’ve been hurt too many times for that. You just stared lifelessly at the ceiling, and you knew only time would make this pain and disappointment go away.

Heeseung had slowly packed all of his things his limbs feeling heavy with every move and within an hour the room looked like how it did when he first got there.

He couldn’t believe he was actually leaving. It just didn’t feel real.

But the heavy suitcase in his left hand was enough of a sign that this was indeed real.

He knew you probably didn’t want to talk or even see his face right now, but he can’t give up on you like this.

He had to at least try.

“Y/n?” He knocks on your door softly, and you don’t respond. Resting his forehead against the wooden door, he tries to twist the knob, and he’s not surprised that it’s locked. “Please, baby, open up. I love you I love you so much. Everything you saw is true, but then I got to know you, and I just couldn’t help but fall for you. In the beginning, I was just young and dumb. I wasn’t taking life seriously, but when I met you, you were just so open and mature. You told me about your past, and I felt for you. I could see how hurt you were, and I knew you couldn’t trust people, so I wanted to take that all away. I wanted to show you what trust and love could really be like. I grew into a man you could love and be loved by, and you’re just so perfect I can’t lose you now, darling.” he waits a solid five minutes, and it’s nothing but silence other than his cries by the tenth minute with no answer he gets up off the floor grabbing his luggage and wiping his tears. “I love you, y/n,” he says one last time before walking down the staircase.

He looks back at your mansion a sad smile on his face when he saw your birthday decorations still up how could such a special day end up like this.

He leaves his spare key on the lampstand and walks out, locking the door behind him.

He walked the path downstairs a frown on his face when he saw the sunflowers that you both planted together starting to bud.

He wouldn’t be around to see them bloom or your guy's relationship.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Thanks for reading likes comments and reblogs are always appreciated sorry for any typos or errors I hope you all have a good day/night♥️

[especiallyqhere]

Their first meeting (Golden Arrow AU)

----

Leone Abbacchio first discovered he had a 'guardian angel' after the death of his partner on one of his police investigations. (He did not need Polpo's golden arrow to give him a stand.)

Depressed and grief-stricken, he rewinded the scene multiple times using Moody Blues to see where he could have saved him but to his disappointment, he found no answers. The murderer of his partner and first lover got away that night and Abbacchio swore to find him and kill him...

One day, he did actually find him. Dead. Someone or something had got to him first - On closer inspection, it looked like this guy was an avid drug user and died due to an overdose. Anticlimactic. Unable to seek revenge for his partner, he took to drink, wandering the Naples streets.

One night, a man dressed in white and... zippers noticed him and began to pursue him. Afraid that this may be his end, he attacked the man using his stand, only to realise that the zipper man also had a 'guardian angel'. In retaliation, the man packed a punch, but he seemed to go steady on Abbacchio, almost giving up half-way through. To test this theory, Leone smashes his wine bottle, grabbing the other with Moody Blues and slams him to the floor as he turned his back.

The man, revealed to be Bruno Bucciarati explains why he was following him, asking for Leone to join his group in the Mafioso. Thinking this was a joke, Abbacchio threatens Bruno, saying that he will kill him if he doesn't shut up. On reply, Bucciarati laughs and then looks up at him with upmost sincerity, calling him beautiful and that because he harnesses a 'Stand', he believes he is beautiful, making him a perfect fit for his team.

Flustered, Leone backs down, finally joining Team Bucciarati.

[gamerbearmira]

heya again <3

so...i got some more giftless grandkids thoughts here, written in bullet points because my brain just kept going AHAHHAHA

I’m currently listening to the vocal mashup of the grandkids of waiting on a miracle while im going through the giftless grandkids tag as im taking a break from other aus, it’s very fun and sets the mood somehow AHHAHHA

I’m really glad they have each other and are thriving even without their gifts, and they likely already got used to not having gifts and wouldn’t care, and that’s so real of them

The mashup is making me think of some things tho, ngl AHHAHAH

But anyway, yes, I currently have many thoughts

Was thinking about the reasons for why Casita would crack and fall, considering the kids are close with each other here and the adults (minus Alma oof) are all there supporting them, Bruno included since he never went to the walls

And as I read some of your posts and think about it more, it makes sense

There are several main things that would make Casita crack here—aka the family themselves cracking—would be:

Ofc, there’s still Alma’s pressure on the triplets and her confusion and unintentional hurt towards the grandkids

Most likely how Julieta is hiding the big secret on why they didn’t get their gifts and also their doorknobs

Another is how Pepa and Bruno are also hiding the vision tablet from everyone but specifically Julieta

Still trying to think of other reasons, but those are the main ones, I think

In canon, Bruno had been patching up the cracks, which definitely helped Casita stay up longer, but he never went to the walls here, so how would Casita and the family last until a little after Antonio’s ceremony (assuming we’re still going with something similar to canon timeline)?

Here is where the kids’ good relationships come in, their love and care are helping hold things together, even without Bruno repairing the cracks

The process of Casita cracking would be slower here compared to canon

So what happens when the kids—the main reasons for Casita still being able stand—are faced with the revelation that they could have gotten their gifts back then? Could have possibly avoided a lot of heartache and ridicule and disappointment from the people around them? And the reason they didn’t are because of the adults? Because of Julieta?

They hyperfocus on the bad parts, overshadowing the good parts because its an intense and shocking moment and revelation for them, I think

In the moment of the revelation, that’s likely going to upset them, maybe even break them a little, because why? Why did they—? 

Of course, they’ll later have the full realization that they grew up happier without the gifts, but again, that’s later

Also, pretty sure they focus more on the fact that it seemed like the adults they trusted lied and deceived them in a sense, almost like a betrayal (except ofc its not)

This, too, would connect to how Julieta says in that one giftless grandkids art of yours, “I didn’t want to hurt them—to hurt anyone.”

And then, with the love faltering for a moment, that’s how Casita falls apart

Also, why am I imagining the kids finding the vision tablet that Pepa and Bruno are likely hiding, making them realize what Julieta is hiding, which then starts the realizations, arguments, and full-on cracking of Casita?

This would then parallel canon with Bruno’s vision too

This means we get to see all the kids trying to figure things out together too

After everything, I can really see Julieta and the rest of the adults gifting the kids their doorknobs again as a surprise—which they will later use to get their gifts too AHAHHAHA YEAHHH

Anywho, ye, just some thoughts I have hehe <33

Literally listened to that bop today so real 😭😭

ANYWAY. Y'all might not now, but Mic here as been helping me in world building for this au 🤭🤭 its gonna be one of the next fics I do, since Mamabel and Werewolf are finished (will be updating today after I finish Mama Isa. And if my wifi will let me <\\\3)

ANYWAY THESE IDEAS?? ARE SO RAD...Triplets being in the spotlight because the grandkids have no gifts, its so sad. But honestly, Alma is just pushing them because she needs to prove that the miracle is ok. Implying that the kids did something. Subtle, but whatever.

Also, the kids are like Mirabel in canon, constantly trying to prove themselves and helping out around town. Meanwhile there's a certain group of villagera who don't even like them. Not all the villagers, but definitely a good chunk. There may or may not be a rather crude mural somewhere in town out of the way. But there :(

But anyway. The kids do have hobbies relating to their gifts! The husbands, feeling guilty, gave the kids presents, gifts to give them something to do since Alma couldn't "assign" them anything (which they were grateful for).

Isabela got some gardening gloves and tools, and is really into gardening and farming, and is always tending to her garden or helping out with the farmers in town. She also tends to all the plants in Casita. Dolores loves to play music, and after Félix gave her first guitar, she was hooked. She has tons of instruments, and actually taught Mirabel to play the accordion; she helps with entertainment, like Camilo. Agustín got Luisa some dumb bells, she actually asked for them. She wanted to strong and still help out, and regulating exercises and mostly helps out with packing and loading or at the quarry.

Camilo was give some costumes and puppies, and he's been into performances and theater since. He also performs for the kids, and plays alongside Dolores often. Mirabel was given new sewing stuff. Instead of Alma teaching her most of what she knew, Agustín helped her, since he knew some, and she kept the fashion and crafts hobby up. She helps repair things around town, and does the occasional clothing repair. Antonio still is finding his hobby, but the grandkids know he really loves animals. They actually suggested Félix get him a pet. So what does he get him? A parrot. Antonio loves that parrot like no other, and he's always around him, trailing behind Luisa.

DESIGNS 🌚🙏🙏 I'll post the family tree later, and maybe draw the triplets because their designs changed but me and Mic are still working in them. But the kids❗❗ Their clothes are very plain and dull, because the seamstress refused to make their clothes any fun. Even Mirabel can only embroider so much, and she rarely has time to do so cause she's so busy helping. But there's some subtle designs <33

Julieta really did and does mean well in this au, but drastic actions really do cause drastic results in some cases. Her pull those doorknobs was definitely drastic. While the kids are happier and aren't nearly as pressured, they feel inadequate, and like something is missing :(( And then there's vision tablet (that's like over 40 years old 💀), but that's a whole other can of worms.

ANYWAY. AO3 HOPEFULLY LATER MY WIFI IS :((( Also I'll be posting the finished storyboards for the WOOM animatic I'm working on, and then I'll also post the rough video put together with it. SHOUTOUT TO @thefourchimes FOR HELPING ME WITH THIS SHE'S SO COOL <333 should tote check out her aus, they're so cool. ψ(｀∇´)ψ

[docgold13]

Heroes & Villains The DC Animated Universe - Paper Cut-Out Portraits and Profiles

Menaces of Metropolis

One would have to be rather foolish to be a criminal in Metropolis, a city protected by the Man of Steel himself.  Nevertheless, sometimes villains just got to villain and Superman has faced off with many a rogue.  And for every Lex Luthor and Brainiac there has been equal number of lesser caliber menaces who have made Superman an enemy.  Here are several of the more prominent lower tier cads who have made trouble for the Last Son of Krypton.   

Bruno Mannheim

A ruthless gangster, Bruno Mannheim was the leader of the criminal organization known as Intergang, responsible for nearly all organized crime in Metropolis.  Following the arrival of Superman, however, Mannheim’s operations became severely diminished.  The Man of Steel foiled many of Intergang’s schemes and Mannheim became desperate for some means of gaining an upper hand.  As such, he eagerly accepted the aid offered by the mysterious agent of Apokalips known as Kanto.

Even with the aid of these advanced weapons, Superman managed to prevail.  A disappointed Kanto fled back to Apokalips and Mannheim made the fateful decision to go with him.  There the mobster was made to bow down to Darkseid as his new lord and master.  

When Darkseid planned his invasion of Earth, Mannheim was returned to Metropolis so that he could assist in the attack. Mannheim was ordered to set off a meltdown at an off-shore nuclear power plant.   The mobster did as he was told yet Darkseid left him behind to be caught in the explosion.  

Actor Bruce Weitz provided the voice for Bruno Mannheim with the gangster first appearing in the fourth episode of the first season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Fun and Games.’   

Joey

A thief and mobster, Joey had the good sense to stop operating in Metropolis following the arrival of Superman.  Although Lex Luthor was able to coerce Joey to pull off a heist in that he had a secret weapon to neutralize the Man of Steel.        

Equipped with jet packs, Joey and two accomplices staged a daring rooftop robbery, stealing engraving plates from the federal treasury.  Superman arrived as expected and Joey led him to a construction site where Luthor had planted a piece of Kryptonite (having discovered the substance’s ability to greatly weaken Superman).  

Joey was ordered to simply do in Superman and be done with it, but his eagerness to show up the hero got the best of him.  Superman was able to draw Joey far enough away from the Kryptonite that his strength returned.  

Joey ended up apprehended and Luthor was ultimately unable to use the Kryptonite to be rid of his nemesis.  

Actor Thomas F. Wilson provided the voice for Joey, with the goon featuring in the fifth episode of the first season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘A Little Piece of Home.’   

Tina

A young intern at the Daily Planet newspaper, Tina possessed a compulsive affinity for metal.  At some point she met the super villain known as Metallo.  A being composed of metal was overwhelmingly alluring to Tina and she became dedicated to him, willing to do whatever he asked.  

Using Tina, Metallo hatched a scheme to do in his arch foe Superman.  A news story had run identifying Jimmy Olsen and ‘Superman’s Best Pal.’  Tina accepted Jimmy’s invitation to go out on a date resulted in his being abducted by Metallo. With Jimmy as bait, Metallo was able to draw Superman out.  Fortunately, the villain had overestimated his ability to take on the Man of Steel and Superman prevailed, defeating the villain.  Afterward, Tina was arrested for her part in the scheme.

Actress Dina Sherman provided the voice for Tina was the young ne’er-do-wells featuring in the eighth episode of the third season of Superman: The Animated Series,’Superman’s Pal.’  

Luminus

Edward Lytener was a former LexCorp engineer and a gifted inventor. When LexCorp was under investigation, he became an instrumental whistleblower. Lytener’s intentions here were less than noble, as he was primarily interested in impressing Lois Lane whom he was greatly attracted to. 

The whole matter turned out poorly for Lytener.  He was fired from LexCorp and became something of a pariah in the scientific community. Furthermore he failed to  woo Lois, who went on to a win an award for journalistic excellence. In anger, Lytener attempted to assassinate Lois. 

Superman thwarted the effort to kill Lois and Lytener was apprehended.  While incarcerated, Lytener was recruited by Lex Luthor to enact a plan to kill Superman.  With the technologies provided by Luthor, Lytener broke free from prison and took on the super villain alias of ‘Luminus.’  He set forth a diabolical scheme to render Superman vulnerable by utilizing pirated satellites to filter the sunlight over Metropolis.  With the aid of Lois and Jimmy Olsen, Superman was again able to prevail and a defeated Lytener was sent back to prison.  Some time later, the villain took part in a mass break out yet was swiftly defeated and recaptured by the Justice League.  

Actors Robert Hays and Nicholas Guest each provided the voice for Luminus, with the villain first appearing in the seventh episode of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Target.’

Amy and Trouble

A pair of juvenile would-be gangsters, Amy and Trouble acted as agents of Intergang after the outfit was taken over by Granny Goodness.  Equipped with advanced weaponry, the two assisted Granny in a scheme that entailed using a gravity ray to cause a comet to strike earth (naturally Amy and Trouble were unaware the plan was to destroy the earth).  

Granny’s scheme was thwarted by Superman with the aid of Supergirl.  Granny fled back to Apokolips while Amy and Trouble were arrested.  

Actress Julia Kato provided the voice for Amy; with Scott Menville voicing trouble.  The two delinquents first appeared in the twenty-seventh episode of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Little Girl Lost, Part I.’  

Earl Garver 

A brilliant scientist who worked at S.T.A.R. Labs, Earl Garver's lack of scruples resulted in his being fired.  Desiring wealth and revenge, he stole a radiative isotope which he fashioned into a bomb that could have leveled a sizable portion of the city.  Carver then attempted to hold the city ransom, demanding an exorbitant fee.  

Superman’s initial effort to stop Garver resulted in the scientist sustaining a head injury that left him in a coma.  With Garver comatose, Superman and the authorities had no way of determining the location of his bomb. In a desperate gambit, Superman and Detective Sawyer recruited the aid of the Parasite who was able to absorb Garver’s memories through touch.  

Unfortunately, Garver’s ego was stronger than that of The Parasite and the scientist was able to take over the Parasite’s body making him an even more formidable threat.  Thankfully, the Man of Steel was able to persevere; Carver was defeated and the bomb was dealt with.  When the evil scientist finally woke from his coma, he found himself being transported to Riker’s Island Penitentiary, where he would spend the remainder of his days.  

The terrific Brian Cox provided the voice for Earl Garver with the villain featuring in the thirteenth episode of the first season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Two’s A Crowd.’  

Prototype

The LexCorp Police Battle-suit was invented by engineer, John Henry Irons, designed to assist police officers who were facing an increased number of criminals possessing metahuman powers and advanced technology.  The project was green-lit and funded by the Metropolis Police Department and the decorated police sergeant, Corey Mills, was selected to act as the prototype’s pilot.  

At first, Sergeant Mills excelled using the suit.  It’s functions were quite impressive and Mills and Superman even worked in concert with one another in tending to a building fire.  As time went on, however, use of the suit began to negatively effect Sergent Mills’ mind.  John Henry Irons was worried that this might happen and even tried to convince Luthor that the suit was not yet ready, yet Luthor disregarded the concern.  

Mills worsened and after he had savagely beat a group of criminals, he was placed on medical leave and forbidden from using the suit.  

Unhinged and in the throws of withdrawal, Mills stole the suit and went on a rampage.  This led to a tremendous battle with Superman.  The Man of Steel was nearly defeated by the battle suit yet prevailed after using a downed power cable to short circuit the prototype.  

Actor Xander Berkeley provided the voice for Sergeant Mills with the battle-suit appearing in the twenty-first episode of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Prototype.’  

Detective Bowman

Kurt Bowman was a corrupt police detective in Metropolis.  Greedy, lazy and completely lacking in morals, Bowman was assigned to investigate an attempted murder of Lois Lane and proceeded to do almost nothing to protect Lane (fortunately, Superman was able to help Lane bring down the responsible party).  

Some time thereafter, Bowman murdered a wealthy woman and framed an innocent man for the crime.  The man he framed was sentenced to be executed and, having realized his innocence, Clark Kent worked desperately against the clock to exonerate him.  Kent succeeded and the innocent man was freed.  Detective Bowman’s guilt in the murder was made evident and he was subsequently charged, prosecuted and sentenced to the death penalty.

In the days leading to his execution, Bowman obsessed over how Clark Kent could have possibly figured it all out.  In the last moments of his life, the answer finally dawned on him.  The only possible explanation was that Clark Kent was actually Superman.  He had discovered Superman’s true identity yet it was too late to tell anybody.  The execution proceeded and the villain took his last breath.  

Actor Eddie Barth provided the voice for Kurt Bowman, with he corrupt detective first appearing in the seventh episode of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Target.’  

Lizzie and Big Susan

A pair of ambitious crooks, Lizzie and Big Susan attempted to abduct the celebrated fashion designer, Lana Lang in the hope of demanding a huge ransom. Grabbing Lana at a fashion show, the pair took her from a back room and tried to flee via an elevator.  The plot was foiled when Superman appeared.  Realizing they had no hope of defeating Superman, Susan ripped the jewelry off Lana's dress and kicked her out of the elevator.  The ploy did not stall Superman for long.  He easily caught Lana and then dislodged the elevator off its tracks and left the two criminals to the police.

Actress Lauri Fraser provided the voice for Lizzie while Valri Bromfield voiced Big Susan.  The two hoods featured in the eleventh episode of the first season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘My Girl.’  

Agent Kurt

The mysterious Agent Kurt ran a secretive program for the United States military called ‘Project Firestorm.’  The program aimed toward cultivating individuals with metahuman powers to act as living weapons to be utilized in covert operations.  Kurt’s prized subject was Claire Selton whom Kurt had codenamed ‘Volcana.’ Kurt actually loathed metahumans and was quite abusive toward Claire.   

Project Firestorm was eventually shuttered and a released Volcana turned to crime to get by.  Kurt sought out Volcana and abducted her.  His plan was to sell her to a foreign military so they could dissect her in their own efforts to weaponize metahuman abilities.  Fortunately, Superman rescued Volcana.  In the ensuing fracas, she caused a fiery explosion that claimed Kurt’s life.  

Actor Peter Gallagher provided the voice for Agent Kurt, with the rogue operative featuring in the first episode of the third season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Where There’s Smoke…’.

Reverend Howell

Amos Howell had been a traveling preacher who happened upon an alien spore that infected his mind.  He went on to become the herald of the extraterrestrial parasite known as Unity.  This parasite could infect organic beings through tentacle-like appendages and Reverend Howell traveled the Midwest on a mission to infect as many people as he could, adding each individual to Unity’s collective until the whole world was consumed.  

Reverend Howell presented Unity as a kind of religion that would bring peace and a lock of conflict to one and all.  After coming to Smallville, he infected Jonathan and Martha Kent.  Kara Kent could tell something was different about her aunt and uncle and she Superman investigated the matter.  It led to a tremendous battle between Unity, Superman and Supergirl.  The heroes managed to prevail and the Unity parasite was destroyed.  With his master dead, Reverend Howell was freed from the creature’s spell.

The always fun Stephen Root provided the voice for Howell/Unity with the menace featuring in the tenth episode of the third season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Unity.’  

Mantis 

A one time general in Darkseid’s army of Apokolips, Mantis was a fierce warrior with ambitions to rule.  Following Darkseid’s apparent death, Apokolips fell into civil war and Mantis left the planet for Earth, believing he could conquer this world. 

He arrived in Metropolis and quickly faced off against the Man of Steel with the aid of Captain Atom.  After a fierce battle, Superman activated Mantis' Mother Box and Captain Atom blasted him into the resulting boom tube. Superman destroyed his Mother Box, leaving Mantis with no means to return.

Actor J.K. Simmons provided the voice for Mantis with the villain first appearing in the ninth episode of the second season of Justice League Unlimited, ‘Question Authority.’  

Karkull 

The dreaded Karkull was a demonic Lord of the Inner Pit, a creature from another dimension who possessed vast powers and craved utter destruction.  The beast had escaped the Pit into the realm of mankind and was eventually vanquished by the magical hero known as Doctor Fate.  Fate trapped Karkull within the Tablet of Lorta where the creature remained for over a century.  

The beast was accidentally released by a thief who had come across the artifact and read its inscriptions out loud. Freed once again, Karkull ran amok throughout Metropolis and threatened to destroy the world.  A reluctant Dr. Fate aided Superman in battling Karkull and the creature was again defeated and once more trapped within the Tablet of Lorta.

Actor Ted Levine provided the voice for Karkull, with the villainous creature featuring in the twentieth episode of the second season of Superman: The Animated Series, ‘The Hand of Fate.’   

[rockybloo]

I remembered that Disney scrapped their Jack and the Beanstalk movie, something that I remember and have to relive the disappointment of bimonthly - because that is my favorite fairy tale, and the only way I can bring myself out of my disappointment is to think about how my life would have gotten much more annoying working on Beanstalked if it actually got released.

People don't fling Disney refs at me NEARLY as often as they used to back in the early days of Beanstalked but I can only imagine how much it would have increased if Gigantic was around.

I will always take it as a W that I made a design for beanstalk Jack before Disney (MICKEY MOUSE'S SHORT DOESN'T COUNT - THEY CHUCKED THAT MOUSE INTO AN AU! I MADE MY JACK FROM SCRATCH). I can't, unfortunately, take a double W for Nana aka Little Red Riding Hood as Disney made a Silly Symphony short featuring that fable.

What kills me though is that it would, apparently, been set in Spain and with my Jack's last name being Dorado, I think I dodged some weird ass coincidental bullet 😭

I did get grazed somewhat because Encanto came out and I had like, one person mistake Jack for some younger Bruno because they both have glowing green eyes sometimes.

BUT IT COULDA BEEN WORSE

[princelylove]

funny thoughts-- deadbeat dad jotaro realising jolyne fucking kidnapped someone.

honestly just goes for any of the jojo parents. imagine your joseph and you visit your daughter's house in japan n there's just a random dude??? there???

holly honestly would just enable it tbh. she'd be all "awwwwwww" while jotaro's being a mf creep as he is.

your ever humorous peon---

🌸 anon

Jotaro doesn’t really have a right to comment, there isn’t a world where that sort of behavior wasn’t normalized in his youth. But a kidnapping charge is an entirely different story- alright. Imagine you’re Jolyne. You kidnap your darling, everything is going well, and then you get caught. You go to prison. Your deadbeat father who you haven’t seen since you were a child comes to visit you, and instead of sympathy, he tells you everything you did wrong and what you have to do to do better next time. We’re fighting, old man. There’s no way around it. 

You know, Bruno kind of expected Narancia to snap one day. His abandonment issues are definitely something that needs to be worked on. But Pannacotta? He doesn’t even ask for seconds when he’s clearly starving, how is he going to hold an entire human being captive? Pannacotta had the courtesy to not hold you in his own house (Like Narancia would have done.) where it’s incredibly obvious that he has someone, sure, but Panna sleeps here! That’s such neglect, if you’re going to have a darling, sleep with them! Looks like Bruno will have to have a talk with him- or take over. 

Poor Tomoko’s heart nearly popped out of her chest when she found you. She almost hit you, too, but for now she’s just clutching her chest like her life depends on it. WHY IS THERE A WHOLE ASS PERSON IN MY SON’S ROOM?????? She doesn’t think Josuke’s the type to do that, so her default is “this person most definitely broke in.” 

Lisa Lisa is… disappointed, to say the least. Her son should absolutely be better at kidnapping someone than this. It’s like he listened to absolutely nothing she taught him. Not a single lesson. She gave him a written down list of things to do should he ever need to leave the country, and here he is! With an entire unwilling person!  Diavolo is as proud as he is ashamed of Trish for kidnapping someone. Her mere existence is a pain for him- and now she’s committing crimes, badly? At least be subtle about it. Don’t drag a body twice your size down the street or get the bodyguards assigned to you involved. Jesus Christ. At least she knew not to do it in broad daylight, and to buy essentials in cash… She takes after her father, just not in the good ways.

[incorrectinfinity]

@heatwa-ves AN OPPORTUNITY TO YAP!?!?!?

Mainly it's personal issues with taste.

I am not really an enjoyer of Diavolo, I think his motivations beyond his need for anonymity were unclear and kinda disappointing. Don't get me wrong I appreciate pure evil villains who do what they want when they want, but they have the right personality for it (DIO and Kira) in my opinion Diavolo did not have that much of an interesting personality and was mainly just underwhelming. His most interesting trait was his care for Doppio but after their separation he didn't mention him once so like?

I also wish he had something more to do with Giorno to help make up for his lack of screentime. When watching the first time I thought that he was going to be revealed to have something to do with Giorno's hero, but that's not really a criticism of the part itself it's just something I would've done.

Along with that I am not a big fan of body swapping either, there were many moments that I found annoying or just insanely abrupt considering the dark tone established with the previous arcs and how hugely this was built up to. I made a joke about it in the post this comment was under it about how Mista and Trish's silly conversation was abruptly met with Giorno's final monolog. That scene just entirely summarizes my thoughts about Chariot Requiem as an arc.

Though to be fair to it, at least in the dub the voice actors are all trying to do impressions of eachother and that is fucking great I actually loved that a lot.

And then. Rolling stones.

In this final arc with all of the characters that we had lost.... why wasn't Fugo used more?

It just bothers me, and again the tone of Part 5's ending is so insanely inconsistent it makes my head spin. I get that it flows with the theme of fate throughout part 5 but also I really did not need this arc to be satisfied with the ending. It feels abrupt and out of place.

I really would've preferred getting answers to what happened from Giorno's victory onward, but Araki only writes what he finds interesting so maybe he knows it would've been sucky. I am still curious.

On the other side Narancia's death was literally the perfect scene, the final anime-original tribute to him breaks my heart into a million billion pieces.

Bruno's self sacrifice also makes me emotional and one of my favorite scenes of part 5 is where he tells Mista to shoot his body, with Giorno clarifying to say that it's meant to slow him down. Them staring at eachother afterwards is fucking brilliant. Giorno's optimism built upon denial is so interesting to me... he gives me brain worms.

Also very few classic dub insults. The only one I can think of is Mista saying "Golden Wind Whatchmacallit" and I don't think that counts. 0/10 terrible part I hate jojo.

[miracles-and-butterflies]

Saving a miracle is a lot and comes at a hefty price. Good thing nobody warned Mirabel ahead of time, wouldn’t want her to be able to consider what she’s doing before making rash decisions.

Vaguely inspired by @yellowcry’s Cursed Gifts AU.

Sequel to And I’m Asking “Why, Lord?”

Warning for sensitive topics below.

Time Eats All His Children in the End

Mirabel blinks, slowly coming back to it all. She’s lying on the floor of Antonio’s room, surrounded by grains of sand and burnt leaves. There is no sign of Bruno. Distantly, she can still hear the animals and Antonio playing nearby, splashing in the water. She manages to push herself up, sitting, having to balance herself with her hands.

What happened?

There is no obvious sign that anything has changed. No magic in her veins, no power at her command. Some small, naive part of her thinks it wasn’t real.

Then, her eyes drop down to herself and her stomach churns in disgust and horror. Her dress is completely shredded, hanging loose and in tatters. Her glasses have been knocked to who knows where, she can’t see them. It’s cold. She feels like a pinned butterfly, having its wings removed and its insides pulled apart. She’s on display. For something, someone not human. He has done something to her, taken something or changed something, and she has no idea what.

“Mirabel! You’re awake!” Antonio calls. She turns to find Parce pounding up towards her, the little boy riding on his back. His smile drops as he catches her. “Tío Bruno said to check on you that when you wake up… Mirabel, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine, Antonio,” she reassures him. As scared as she is, she doesn’t want to have him feel the same. But God, her voice is rough.

He clocks his head in confusion at her. After a moment, he shares a glance with the capybara that still hasn’t moved and nods in confirmation. “You don’t look okay and Chipsi agrees.”

“I… to be honest, I wasn’t quite prepared for the vision.” She lied. Well, partially.

Antonio, too young and oblivious, takes that as the gospel truth. “Oh, okay! We never really get to talk about Bruno and I had no idea what having a vision was like! So, what was it like? What did you see? Did you see the future? Was I all grown up? Was I taller than Camilo?”

“I’m sorry, but you know we weren’t looking at your future, primito. And I can assure you, I didn’t see anything you want to see.”

“Okay,” he huffed, sounding disappointed. “Next time Tío Bruno visits, I’m gonna ask him to give me a vision. Do you want to come and play with me and my friends?”

She shakes her head, gently. “No, thank you, Antonio. I have some embroidery to finish.”

Once she’s out of Antonio’s room and with the door safely closed behind her, she doesn’t have to act like she’s fine. She feels horrible about it, but she had to lie Antonio. This is nothing for a child to know, to be part of it, but she is a child and nobody thought to spare her…

It’s too much.

She stops, catching her reflection in the photographs of the ceremonies. Everyone minus her. That hasn’t changed then. Briefly, she considers taking Bruno’s off the wall and throwing it away. But, she doesn’t. She keeps walking. At least, she takes a few more steps before collapsing to her knees. Wincing at the sting of impact against her hands as she catches herself.

Casita flickers its tiles beside her, asking if she’s alright. The answer is blatantly obvious.

She feels horrible and betrayed and used and broken and worthless and—

She wraps her arms around herself, trying to calm herself down. It’s all too much. She can’t just bottle this up as she does with everything else.

Digging her nails into her skin, she scratches. Deep. Drawing blood. She doesn’t care, she screams through it like a dying animal. She wants to tear it all off. She wants to let herself bleed to death because at least then she won’t ever know what he’s done to her. The family will still be safe, the miracle will still survive. No one will care if she doesn’t. And maybe that is what hurts the most: the reality that no one would care what has happened to her. That’s why it did happen.

From her knees, she drops to her side. Curled into a ball and facing the plain, empty wall. Blocking out whatever Casita is trying to say to her. It is only a house. If it had never cracked in the first place, if it had never made her run to get help. She never asked for this, she never wanted this. She prays for it all to go away.

Eventually, her voice cracks. Her screams break off into sobbing, wretched and pitiful.

She can’t breathe through it. She tries, quick and frantic and mad, but she isn’t getting air. It slips through her lips, just as her door slipped from her all those years ago. Just as the last shred of her hope has slipped through her fingers into a dead man’s hand. She wants to rip apart her body and clean it, cleanse it in holy water. Clear away the damage and stains of a curse she doesn’t understand.

Pedro has taken something from her, and she will never be the same again.

Taken something. Stolen everything. And she had let it happen. She had trusted Bruno and then trusted him. And poor pathetic, little Mirabel couldn’t even save herself. She had asked for a blessing, now one has cut a place inside of her, buried into her like a parasite. Eating her out from the inside and will leave her a rotting corpse for the worms must be fed.

[fugos-lil-fork]

Hey! Can i please request bucci gang + trish headcannon where they have been dating g/n s/o for few months now, but s/o has been canceling dates for another bucci gang member and they starts to feel like s/o doesn’t love them anymore, but s/o has secretly planned a suprise party for them!😭❤️

Im sorry if the request is too much! You can ignore if you don’t wanna write this!😗❤️

Have nice day/night🫶

It's alright! It's not too much! Tysm for the request! I hope you have a good day as well! (´ ▽｀).。ｏ♡

~➗🍓🍊🐞⏳🔫🤐~

Bucci Gang with s/o avoiding them to plan a surprise party!

Abbacchio;

He is quick to feel hurt about you avoiding him

Without knowing what's going on, he thinks this is your way of informing him that you're losing interest in him

He, himself, still was a bit in disbelief that someone like you could love someone like him

So, deep down inside, he almost expected a day like this would come-

And so, he began distancing himself from you as well

Sometimes even ignoring you when you did have the time to interact with him

You were quick to catch on

Unfortunately, because if this you had to break the surprise party to him before actually showing it to him-

He's so disappointed in himself-

He felt both ridiculous for thinking you would do such a thing

But also thought you were ridiculous for thinking he would like a surprise party-

Nevertheless, it all ended with awkward chuckles and soft apologies and a gentle kiss

He appreciated the gesture of you trying to throw him a party.

But request for them not to be a surprise ever again-

And you reassure him that you'd never hurt him in such a way

In the end he's just very happy and glad to know that he still has you

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Bruno;

His first response is to worry about you

He thinks maybe there's something going on with you that you're afraid to share and therefore are avoiding him in order to not say anything

Tries to approach you to ask you what's wrong or to ask if you could at least talk to him later

Unfortunately, you'll continue to excuse yourself from such conversations-

Eventually he convinces himself to just let you be

Maybe you just need time by yourself

Maybe you'll come to him when you're ready

Soon enough you did come to him, but apperently not to talk but rather to take him somewhere

He tries to talk to you while you're rushing him to your destination

However, he's soon cut off by everyone else jumping out cheering "Surprise!" And wishing him a happy birthday

He's unbelievably happy and humbled

He's quick to realize why you've been distant

He tells you he genuinely thought something was wrong so he's glad to see you were just planning a surprise party for him

You reassure him if something ever were to be wrong, he'd be the first to know

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Mista;

He was actually pretty chill about it

Shrugged your actions off

He figured you were probably busy or had other more important stuff to do

Hell, he even forgot to ask you what was up later on-

He just had completely convinced himself that you simply had other things to do-

So, it was definitely a bombshell when you revealed his surprise birthday party to him

He was immediately excited and thanked you repeatedly for the surprise

Definitely pulls you into a kiss as well

Then tells you he honestly thought you had just been busy doing something else

But was glad to see that he was that thing you were so busy about!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Narancia;

He gets pouty

Then makes it his official mission to try to get you to pay attention to him and quit avoiding him

But you make it harder for him to interact with you

In which case he begins to get upset

He starts to think that you're going to eventually leave him behind because your too busy for him

He ends up basically moping around

Battling his own thoughts.

Maybe you aren't leaving him.

Maybe you really are busy.

He definitely isn't very happy with himself thinking such things about you

And once you get his attention by asking him to follow you, those negative thoughts quickly begin to be lifted

Once you surprise him he's unbelievably overjoyed

Quickly tackles you into a hug and smothers you with kisses

Absolutely praising you for your hard work on planning everything out

And profusely thanking you for the surprise

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Fugo;

He's confused with your actions

Why are you avoiding him?

If you're busy you could just tell him

Rather than straight up avoiding him

He gets a bit pissy over this

But then that grumpiness turns into fear

Had he done something to you that you didn't approve on by accident?

Did he say something to you that you didn't like by accident?

He also begins to put some distance between the two of you

Believing maybe he did do something wrong and needed to give you time to talk to him again

You start to notice how distant he's becoming and approach him about it

You quickly explain he didn't do anything wrong but that you have something to show him

Once presenting him with the surprise he's completely taken a back

While he definitely cherishes the surprise party

Even though he also doesn't like surprise parties but he'll suck it up just for you-

He requests that next time to just make up a reason as to why you can't interact rather than make him worry-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Giorno;

He's also confused

Though, unlike Fugo, he doesn't get upset

He draws the conclusion that you most likely have something important to deal with and can't talk at the moment

At least that was his most rational explanation

However, he did find it odd that you couldn't just quickly tell him that

It would be better than just straight up ignoring him

Nonetheless, he actually tells you, himself, to just go talk to him whenever you have the time

He'll always be waiting for you after all

And soon enough you did go to him

But not just to talk, rather take him somewhere as well

The poor boy had no idea how to react to his surprise party

Just kinda stood there for a bit before politely thanking everyone and especially you for the gesture

Can't help but give you a peck on the cheek as a thank you for the party

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Trish;

She's offended-

Why would you avoid her?

She definitely doesn't think she's done anything to hurt you!

Or maybe she did?-

Starts to worry-

She tries to push the thoughts away though

But she can't figure out why you'd be avoiding her

You two trusted each other with everything, if something was wrong you'd tell her

Right?

She hesitantly tries to get you to talk to her but you always excuse yourself before she can get anything out

Eventually though, you came up to her wanting to take her somewhere

She kinda was grumpy about the request though

After all that time avoiding her, you really had the nerve to ask her to go somewhere with talking about how you had been acting?

Fine, but only because she loves you-

She reluctantly follows you just to be absolutely amazed by her surprise party

She turns to hug you tightly and give you a kiss

But then immediately scolds you about avoiding her-

Nevertheless, she loves her surprise and you!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[steam-beasts]

Scary! - short story

It was a bright and sunny at Arlesdale End. Theodore and Charles had brought the two little pups for a very special surprise.

However, the pups had to wait, so Toby's crew dropped Bruno and Tabitha off by the lake and let them play around while they went to fetch the surprise.

Now that they had open eyes, the two little babies were fascinated in everything! The grass, the water, the trees...

They rolled around in the grass and wrestled a bit until a little frog hopped out of the lake. Tabitha squealed and giggled, getting off her little brother to see it, Bruno wagged his little...tail??? As he too wanted to see the green little creature.

The frog croaked and looked up at the little tram with its doughy eyes, Tabitha stared back down and babbled with delight, ringing her little bell. Bruno giggled and cooed.

The frog remained still, and croaked at the big face staring down at it curiously.

The bushes rustled, and suddenly, a huge shadow loomed over the two. Bruno and Tabitha didn't notice, as they were fixated on the frog. The frog in question did notice the shadow, and hopped away with instinct. Tabitha chirped with disappointment as she watched it disappear. Bruno stopped giggling and looked disappointed, his tail stopped wiggling.

Where was Mr frog going? They wondered.

"Oh, Toby! Look at them!" A voice suddenly piped up. The pups froze, recognising the voice immediately.

"Th-They're...they're really here!" Said another voice. This one was also familiar...

Wait...

It's their mama and papa! They're back!

Bruno and Tabitha squeaked happily and quickly spun around to properly see their mother and father for the first time. But instead of mama and papa being there...

...it was two big scary beasts.

One looked like a giant version of Tabitha, but with sharp fangs, fiery yellow eyes, and big scary horns! Charles and Theodore were inside the creature's body. It must've eaten them! Bruno thought.

The other looked like Bruno, but more orange, and she had small horns with cow-like ears and blue eyes. She had weird claws on her paws.

Toby and Henrietta both smiled happily at their little pups, they were so happy to see that their eyes had opened.

"Come here, you two–" Toby tried reaching out a paw, but the pair recoiled back with high-pitched squeals and cries. Toby pulled back with a shocked look, Henrietta was the same. Tabitha and her brother backed up a bit more, shaking and squeaking in fear from the two scary monsters.

Charles frowned, a look of realisation dawned on his face "Oh dear..." he said "I...I think they're scared of you two"

"S-Scared?" Henrietta repeated quietly, her ears flattening, tears pricking her eyes. Toby whimpered, bringing up a paw to cover his horn.

"I-I didn't think our own pups would ever...be frightened of us" He said sadly, a guilty look on his face. Maybe they should've considered how the little ones would've reacted to their appearances...

Toby and Henrietta exchanged sad and guilty glances, backing away to give the little ones space.

Charles patted his side "It's ok, ol' boy–"

"It's NOT ok!!" Toby cut him off with a low, grieving snarl "Our own kids are AFRAID of me and Henrietta!! We're just..... big scary monsters to them..." he said sadly.

"This is their first time actually seeing you two. They are surprisingly smart for babies, so I suppose this wasn't what they expected you to look like" Theodore reasoned. The old couple just let out small cries and whines, Henrietta let the tears fall out while Toby tried holding them in.

Just then, Bruno and Tabitha suddenly came crawling out of the bushes, approaching the giant beasts. They both tensed up and remained still, not wanting to scare them further. Bruno carefully approached first;

He went up to Toby's paw and poked it before quickly jumping back. Seeing as nothing happened, the brakevan chirped at the old tram, feeling less afraid. Tabitha remained hesitant, going to investigate the giant Bruno-lookalike beast.

Charles watched and cooed "It's alright...this is your mama and papa". Bruno and Tabitha's faces lit up at the familiar words, any fear they had disappeared as they instantly began nuzzling against their parents' furry arms.

With tearful eyes, Toby and Henrietta picked up their young and made little chirping noises to them, which were mimicked by the other. Toby's tail wagged, as did Henrietta's.

They were finally together again.