#Secretly but not secretly hoping they see this at the end of season video *v*

[skedizzle]

Koda in the back squealing from the cuteness. I adore season 2 and as soon as this happened I stopped everything to work on this furiously. Next is Mega Bug XD

[stray-tori]

TPN S02E05 - Initial Thoughts (anime-only)

the reaction video: Google Drive

.

. Blue friend!

That i didn’t immediately catch that they were two different groups was kind of embarrassing asuhjd- they do be surveilling. They clearly already tailed them, but idk why they didn't just show up at their hideout --- I guess that would have been too undramatic.

It was kind of obvious towards the end and I felt like they could have made it a little more dynamic. I don’t need still shots. Make them attack and the mask comes off after he also speaks or... idk, so many still frames; masks hiding any emotional reaction (though I do like the whole taking off mask reveal in theory); and then also the kind of.... EH reaction I’m just... idk, I expected more somehow but I can’t exactly pinpoint what I wanted differently.

(This whole thing kind of goes back to my initial theory way back after s1 how Norman might try to infiltrate the system as a demon and then have to pretend to not be their ally in front of them and have to pull through with something, or some tragic shit like that. Or one of them trying to kill him, but he can’t say anything and then they realize when the cover comes off --- yeah VERY BAD, I’m glad that’s not what’s happening.)

I’m assuming the tidbit about farms being raided “recently” means he’s not been out for that long (at least not longer than a few months) so that’d explain why it wasn’t brought up with Isabella.

I also don’t think anything happened when he was removed from GF - but between Norman’s surprised expression when entering the gate room and him being here now, I don’t think he was shipped out for food (unless the high quality ones don’t get flower’ed right away and instead only at their “eater” --- since that’d at least give the support duration for someone to rescue him or him to do something about his situation).

So I’m very curious to hear about that whole story and I have a small bit of hope that the recap episode will be framed as Norman talking about s1 from his perspective and then also transitioning over into what happened while they were apart either in next episode or the episode after that. Don’t think we need a recap either way, but OH WELL, I hope there’ll be SOME framing to it at least.

edit: I thought episode 6 would be a recap, but it’s 5.5 and likely due to production issues so forget my rant here, I’m fine with the recap. I’m not fine with staff being overworked but oh well that’s a whole different dilemma.

They got so much to do and so few episodes AHHH

I wonder if there’s any meaning-parallel to be drawn between the old demon having a walking stick and Norman also having a walking stick??? idk it just felt odd to me-- Norman why are you old.

Though gotta also appreciate that anime really went opposite manga approach here, he didn't age AT ALL duisjsd. still babey. (edit: I didn’t know about his “inbetween” design as much and seeing them side by side it’s actually pretty accurate so yayyy. he babey anyway though)

what did that one guy out of Norman's group do when he leaned down to presumably Don I'm confusion

Norman, surrounding his friends: "lets ominously walk up to them"

.

. The demons' form

I didn’t post it I think but I actually made a “you are what you eat” joke in my ep3 post but discarded it because Sonju and Mujika look completely fine despite never having had any humans and I thought that’d throw a wrench in my thought.... and it still does so... that’s really interesting.

It also seems as if him saying “The world won’t change” is kind of..... like a prophecy sort of thing? It could just mean the massive class divide of course, but maybe if all the demons were well fed with humans, they’d achieve greater things? Since when you’re dying you’re kind of not in the condition to do anything, and if eating their body parts makes the demons adapt; is the implication that eating their brains makes demons smarter? if so that's a pretty literal parallel to the lower classes of society being robbed the chance to do something great by sheer circumstance. they're just actually dumber bc they don't get provided the materials to be smart

Honestly I’m a bit confused and not sure what it means, i can think of:

once a demon has ever eaten a human, they have to continue doing so

eating singular body parts makes them generate on you and you need “higher quality” humans to counter-act it. Would explain why Mujika and Sonju aren’t affected, since they don’t eat humans at all. Would also be an allegory for a healthy/balanced diet I GUESS but I don’t think it seems very plausible? it just seems kind of random.

They’re descendants from different demons and Sonju&Mujika simply don’t need to eat humans to maintain their form.

I also brought up that maybe it’s faith related / a placebo? But that seems even more forced.

I also don’t know if the implication is that they need ANY food, but then why are there hands on them?? So I do think it’s that it’s humans specifically that are either the problem or the solution. But since the bigger demons don’t seem to be affected AND the higher ups also not, I doubt it’s what causes the problems, unless it somehow is the whole balanced / “have to KEEP doing it” angle.

Also the demon scene in the ruins was so interesting, I really liked how it was so somber and kind of just... quiet. Emma, our queen, emphasizing once again.

I wonder if the demon realized it secretly or not... he seemed kinda overall nice and reasonable so I wouldn’t be super surprised if he noticed and just didn’t really care...

.

. The timeline

GF kids have been escaped for 1 year, they were a month at the bunker, so they’ve been out and about for another ~11 months.

Anna says nothing happened in the past 6 months; what else happened to them? just that they hid somewhere and had to flee again?

Is that also where they got their new clothes? i fail to see why they couldn’t just get them at the bunker, would make a bit more sense imo- but oh well.

farms keep being attacked recently and stealing children. it was def not our group, Norman's group potentially? They seem to be pretty badass, so that’s probably not unlikely.

Alternatively, it could be an overarching even bigger group that also rescued Norman, I think.

.

. Other things I liked

the scene of Emma being kind of lost was... pretty good, seeing our sunshine kind of doubt herself (understandably so after not making progress for an entire year) is pretty impactful. But i also feel like she’d try even harder to hide it in front of the others. but also why are you talking to a wall, are you mentally okay, probably not--- 

LOVED the nice subtle reveal to show how they mask their scent in the Lani and Thoma scene when they wanted to go with them

shot of the apple rolling and the screen turning over but head-down was cool!!

Emma and ray flinching when the demon's hand reaches out to Lani and Thoma

That convo between Lani and Thoma and how the older ones always give them the food and pretend to eat I'M EMOTIONAL

also their costumes are so colorful :sparkles: it’s such a big switch from their usual outfits-

.

. Other things I didn’t like

i'm not even a rayemma shipper and I still wanted Ray to do more than say a few lines and WALK AWAY?? ray what ya doin-

[Lani and Thoma] also literally why did you let them come. This season does really depend on someone fucking up and it’s kind of annoyingggggg :) Though in this case it isn’t that much their fault, they just stood around.

also why Norman only say “Emma” pls kill me. I was so happy that (very light manga spoiler) ...... Ray and Emma were both there for the reveal but fuck, the anime just straight up didn't care about Ray being there anyway :V

they better gife me a good trio hug to make up for this next (... uh... next-next TvT) episode

I do agree he’s back too soon but..... I kind of can’t hate them, with the whole 1 season to wrap it up chaos. Anime industry bad.

Well at least I’m excited and didn’t hate it. I’m somehow a little empty-headed but it was a good episode, and the surrounding anxiety probably just makes me a little iffy.... Hope the recap episode next week will have some merit and otherwise, see ya in two weeks.

[myherowritings]

masterlist

© myherowritings — all rights reserved. reposting, modifying, copying, or translating of any kind is not allowed. do not read my writing as asmr. do not plagiarize. thank you and have fun reading!

SOCIAL MEDIA AU MASTERLIST

HAIKYUU!! MASTERLIST

TODOROKI SHOUTO

i. animal instincts

with your shapeshifting quirk, you take on the duty of becoming the resident undercover therapy cat for class 1-a. one day, you see todoroki restless in the middle of the night and try to comfort him in cat form. but what happens when he confides in you his feelings you weren’t meant to hear?

ii. into your arms

you’re prone to tripping and todoroki is prone to being there to catch you. or, in which you’re a bit of a klutz and, for a reason he can’t explain, shouto wants to make sure you never get hurt.

iii. an otome addiction

you become obsessed with the characters in the otome game, mystic messenger, and your boyfriend todoroki gets a little bit jealous.

iv. strawberry scented dreams

the 3 times todoroki falls asleep on you + the 1 time you fall asleep on him. shouto is always sleepy and needs some rest, and your shoulder just happens to be the comfiest place to get it.

v. can you keep a secret?

you and shouto are secretly dating and none of your classmates know. during a study session in todoroki’s dorm, kaminari, sero, and midoriya find your lacy thong under shouto’s desk and try to figure out whose it is.

vi. frosting fights

midoriya has been feeling sad lately, so you and todoroki (try to) bake him a cake in the middle of the night. 

vii. the panty thief

modern au. “my cat steals underwear and i come home to find you chasing my cat to get your underwear back.” in which todoroki is a new cat parent and you’re his new neighbor whose panties keep disappearing.

viii. overheated 

it’s super hot out and you feel like you’re dizzy and about to faint. todoroki is there to cool you off with his right side.

ix. jealousy for dummies

jealous of all the time shouto has been spending with yaoyorozu, you hatch up a plan with bakugou to give todoroki a taste of his own medicine.

x. ghostwriter masterlist [smau]

college au. you’re an aspiring writer with a longtime crush on the ghost hunter on campus, todoroki shouto. when you two are paired up for a semester-long journalism project, you come up with the perfect, foolproof plan to get him to fall for you.

xi. hearts intertwined

roommate au. you and todoroki have been roommates for months now but have barely had more than a two minute conversation. when quarantine hits and everyone is on lockdown, you find yourself forced to spend more time with him and actually end up…enjoying it?

xii. fictional crush

class 1-a has an avatar: the last airbender marathon and you can’t help but swoon over your fictional crush, prince zuko, leaving todoroki feeling a little jealous.

xiii. letters of my love [smau]

tatbilb au. you and your friends mail out your past love letters because you want to see your old crushes’ reactions. on accident, you mail your current crush’s letter. to make it seem like your crush on bakugou is gone, you fake date another letter recipient, todoroki shouto. 

xiv. eat the rich [series]

ceo/barista au. todoroki shouto was a wealthy, young ceo who inherited his father’s enterprise. you were a barista at a local cafe who wouldn’t mind some extra cash. one day, shouto came in during an early morning shift and tipped you such a large sum of money, you were certain it had to have been an accident. to your surprise and complete pleasure: it was not.

BAKUGOU KATSUKI

i. one hell of a knockout

boxer au. bakugou is a young pro boxer climbing his way to the top of the charts. one day, his friends kirishima and ashido invite you to a match. unbeknownst to you, you end up accidentally distracting katsuki during a fight and he gets a punch landed on his face.

ii. take you out

you ask bakugou out on a picnic date to the park, but he thinks you’re challenging him to a fight. you can’t tell who is more confused when the day finally comes.

iii. kitty kisses

your boyfriend and your cat don’t get along. bakugou keeps trying to come up with different ways to get your cat to finally warm up to him. (or, in which katsuki spends 3 hours baking treats for a tsundere cat.)

iv. “you’re hot when you’re angry”

you and bakugou get into a disagreement, you get pinned underneath him, and he smirks and realizes just how hot you are when you’re pissed.

v. a soothing touch

pro hero au. katsuki is sore and stressed from a long day at work but is too stubborn to let you give him a massage.

vi. “she’s my wife”

pro hero au. when bakugou forgets his lunch in the refrigerator, you decide to deliver it to him at his agency. but when you’re there, the new receptionist calls you a bitch. bakugou responds appropriately. 

vii. cold shoulder

pro hero au. whenever you and bakugou get into a disagreement, he blasts the air conditioner until you have no choice but to ask him to cuddle.

viii. the appreciation post

pro hero au. one of the responsibilities of being a pro hero in this day and age is having a social media presence. you tag bakugou in an appreciation post while he’s out in public and he gets embarrassed in the best way possible.

ix. slip of the tongue

pro hero au. during a charity interview with the top three heroes, deku and shouto “accidentally” give away ground zero’s crush on you. you’re asked about bakugou in an interview of your own and, during a fit of excitement, accidentally let your crush on him slip.

x. the jealous type | fanart

class 1-a has a game night in the common room. bakugou sees you and todoroki getting too close for comfort and can’t stop himself from getting jealous.

xi. a forgotten anniversary

pro hero au. it yours and bakugou’s one year anniversary, but he’s so busy with hero work that he forgets. you’re hurt and upset, but katsuki may have a few tricks up his sleeve…

xii. shirt on, bra off 

aged up au. bakugou sees you take off your bra, one-handed, and he can’t help but be in a bit of awe. 

xiii. bear hugs

you see your childhood friend, bakugou, for the first time in years and you greet him with a giant bear hug...only to find yourself in the nurse’s office right after. 

xiv. call me b-a-b-y

bakugou absolutely hates when you call him pet names. he hates the smile on your face when you say it, hates the way he can’t stop blushing-- he hates it. right?

xv. fever talk | fanart

pro hero au. “side effects may include: light-headedness, disorientation, and accidental confessions of love.” you help nurse a fever-ridden ground zero back to health, but little did you know it should have come with a warning.

xvi. the language of flowers

you decide to make the most of your nature quirk by giving your crush, bakugou, endless bouquets of flowers. 

xvii. fact or fiction? [18+]

pro hero au. ground zero’s crush on you has become painfully obvious to everyone, leading to an incessant amount of shipping. one day, he gets himself off to one of the many lewd stories about the two of you and you find out.

xviii. paparazzi

pro hero au. you and ground zero go on your first date as a public couple and the paparazzi won’t stop harassing the two of you. bakugou decides to take you to his house to cook for you and things begin to heat up in the kitchen.

xix. number neighbor masterlist [smau] 

college au. in which bakugou katsuki is a grumpy and sarcastic college student just trying to get his degree and you are his bubbly number neighbor who is determined to become his new “bestie.”

xx. all that ass [nn scenario] | fanart 

a number neighbor bonus fic. one night at the gym, you see a handsome guy with so much ass, you take a picture on the sly and send it to your number neighbor, bakugou, to freak out over. but what you don’t expect is for bakugou to reply with a picture of you from the same gym.

xxi. honey, honey

pro hero au. ground zero, deku, and shouto are scheduled to have a meet-and-greet at a primary school to boost their rankings. there, bakugou unexpectedly meets a kindergarten teacher with a sweet smile who likes to call people honey.

xxii. under my patrol

pro hero au. after seeing your boyfriend cheat on you on a night you were supposed to be on a date, you mope alone at a bar. stumbling home, you crash into the famous hero, ground zero.

xxiii. found a treasure

modern au. “it’s nice that your voice was the first thing i heard today.”

xxiv. mistletoe kiss

holiday au. after a few weeks of dating, you and katsuki still haven’t kissed. you hope that will change under the mistletoe this holiday season.

KIRISHIMA EIJIROU

i. the pizza delivery guy

modern au. your roommate orders a pizza with the special instructions, “send your cutest delivery boy ;)” and you’re left in begrudging awe when it actually works.

SHINSOU HITOSHI

i. you suck at gaming masterlist [smau]

youtuber au. you’re a youtuber known for your chaotic yet wholesome content and shinsou is a gamer who keeps getting accused of being an eboy. one day you upload a video trying your hand at gaming and shinsou tweets out about how much you suck.

ii. borrowed sweaters, stolen kisses

aged up. in a game of truth or dare, you’re dared to sneak into your crush’s dorm and steal one article of clothing to wear the next day. it just so happens that the hoodie you snatched was shinsou’s favorite sweater.

iii. turn on your airdrop masterlist [smau]

modern au. you’re at a theme park when kaminari dares you to airdrop memes to the first device that pops up and reluctantly, you give in. but never would you have thought they’d send you memes back… nor could you have guessed the person you were feeling a meme-connection with was your first love and first heartbreak, shinsou hitoshi.

iv. maybe it’s fate [toya pt. 25]

a turn on your airdrop written chapter. after discovering the mememate you fell in love with was your ex-boyfriend who broke your heart, you find yourself alone in a bar with a dead phone in a poor attempt to cope. the person who helps you at 3 a.m. is the last person you want to see.

KAMINARI DENKI

i. play me a song [smau]

youtube/celeb au. you’re an actress and singer who is highly adored by youtuber, kaminari denki. after his endless simping and thirsting on twitter, you finally decide to reply to one of his tweets.

TODODEKU

i. pinky promise

a quirk sends todoroki back in time and there he sees a four year old midoriya crying in the park. what better way to cheer him up than with some strawberry ice cream?

HEADCANONS 

HC: bakugou meets his s/o’s unsupportive parents

HC: pro hero shouto meets his quirkless s/o working at a hospital

HC: todoroki absolutely does not get along with his s/o’s male best friend

HC: shouto takes care of sore s/o

HC: bakugo + kirishima get a surprise kiss from s/o

HC: todoroki and s/o bake brownies and things get a little messy

HC: todoroki and s/o go to hanami (flower viewing)

HC: s/o peppers kisses all over todoroki’s face + he turns bright red

HC: todoroki and s/o have your first date at the aquarium

HC: iida + midoriya + todoroki react to their s/o whose nose twitches when cold/concentrated

HC: sleep deprived s/o with todoroki + bakugou

HC: getting high with kirishima + bakugou + todoroki [18+]

HC: baku + kiri + todo react to s/o being catcalled

HC: you’re harassed by a stranger and, to make them stop, you grab your friend [shouto + katsuki] and give him a kiss to prove he’s your boyfriend

HC: boyfriend!denki headcanons

HC: how baku + todo + kami kiss their s/o and what they taste like

HC: bakugou + todoroki cuddling headcanons

HC: bakugou + todoroki react to their s/o squeezing their butt

HC: bakugou + todoroki find their crushes diary and accidentally read it

HC: bnha as fuckboys (kami + todo + kiri + shin)

HC: autumn with todo + baku + kiri

HC: valentine’s day with baku + todo + shin

HC: shin + todo + baku replying to flirty anons

FAKE TEXTS

FT: prank texts on your crush todoroki

[chipmunkfanno1love]

Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure Speculation: Varian and Vex Shipping - Part 2

I'm sure you guys have read my speculation post about the possibility of Varian and Vex becoming friends and later a romantic item if these two ever do meet. If not, I added the link below if you want to give it a look:

https://chipmunkfanno1love.tumblr.com/post/189225723097/rapunzels-tangled-adventure-speculation-varian

Despite being what fans call a "crack ship" at this stage, I personally hope this ship does potentially become canon. I admit I'm getting my hopes up at this stage, but I'll accept whatever the writers choose to do (or not do) with these characters and their love lives. Still, I have a number of other headcanons and speculations about how I imagine a romantic relationship developing between these two teens, and thought of some other fictional couples I could potentially compare them to. I've based this off what I have observed of both characters and general ideas I've thought up myself.

Part 2 is going focused more on how I believe the relationship will develop as a whole and what cute, romantic moments I hope to see between these two cuties. :D

(Note: I don't own Tangled or any of the other video clips or GIFs shown here. I am only using them as reference links. )

-

I think that Rapunzel and Eugene could be role models to these two teens regarding dating and relationships due them being older and having more experience romance wise. Plus both Rapunzel and Eugene themselves have had very different experiences regarding relationships with Rapunzel being lucky enough for her first love to end up being her true love, while Eugene has dated other women before and has even had a fiancée, Stalyan, but it took him some time before he finally found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, so I'm sure both have very different but relevant life experiences to share the two teens.

Personally I can see Varian and Vex's first interactions starting out as a rivalry quite similar to Cassandra and Eugene's, or maybe similar to Rapunzel and Cassandra in the flashback episode, Beginnings. Varian thinks that Vex is rude, mean and quite frightening at times, while Vex finds Varian to be as positively annoying as Princess Rapunzel. Over time though, the two could grow to respect each other as comrades and perhaps even friends. Though there could be hints of romantic attraction and flirtation between them such as accidental touching of hands and/or getting into each others way only to move away quickly and awkwardly. Maybe they could even fall over each other and/or bump into each other, and it leads to one of them catching the other in a romantic (but also awkward) looking dip or even one lying over the others chest. I'm sure I could think of many hilariously adorable moments for these two.

In regards to their feelings about relationships I imagine that Varian, while he would like to have a girlfriend someday, wonders if he's ready for one. I imagine him taking his time to decide if he's ready and I imagine he'd want to pick the right time too, e.g. waiting until the drama with Cassandra and the war with Zhan Tiri is over. Plus, I imagine him feeling torn between his old feelings for Cassandra and his new growing feelings for Vex, and wondering which girl he wants to be with. Whether it means waiting and hoping he'll become the man that he wants to be for Cass and hoping she'll eventually accept him, or take a chance on a relationship with Vex and grow with her both as a couple and as individuals into adulthood.

Despite denying it at first, he eventually realises he has feelings for Vex, but is fearful of rejection from her as he's convinced she doesn't like him. I imagine him taking a number of pointers from Eugene including trying out "the Smolder", but it is only when he allows his true self to shine through does he truly win Vex's heart.

Vex on the other hand is disgusted by the idea of relationships. She's never wanted or considered the idea of having a boyfriend as she finds romance to be icky. Though as she grows closer to Varian as a friend, she admits to feeling confused by her feelings for him, admitting that she's never felt this way about anyone before. I probably see her having a moment or perhaps even a song number similar to Meg's I Won't Say I'm in Love. Either way, I imagine it will take a bit of time before she realises that she has feelings for Varian and would like to give romance and having a boyfriend a shot. I imagine her being secretly shy about opening up about her feelings.

Of course it may take some time before these two choose to be a couple. Perhaps it won't happen until the season finale or even a flash-forward to the future.

I Won't Say I'm in Love from Hercules:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl0DMTlwLw4

-

I would like the idea of them having a romantic duet, showing their confusion  over their feelings for each other and describing the physical and emotional sensations they are feeling as a result (as appropriate to Disney Channel of course). Also it could show what they admire about each other in terms of strengths and how it helps the other to grow as a person.

I'm thinking the song could go along the lines of a romantic version of What is This Feeling? from Wicked and We're of the Same Pride from The Lion Guard.

What is this Feeling? from Wicked

https://youtu.be/aKtUwrP8z2A

We're of the Same Pride from The Lion Guard

https://youtu.be/h1Z5seWxCws

I do like Britt Robertson as an actress, but I don't think she's the strongest singer in the world, so unless they take her character's singing down the more comedic route I think it would be better if Vex had another actress do her singing voice.

Other options could be that Jeremy Jordan does a romantic solo as Varian (on and/or off screen) for the two of them, or perhaps neither character sings at all and they instead have another off-screen singer sing a love song for them much like they did with the Friendship Song.

Friendship Song

https://youtu.be/oPsen74HDaI

While a love song is not required for these two considering they're more supporting/guest characters, I certainly find the idea to be very sweet.

-

I actually have a few ideas on what I imagine their first kiss being like (if they have one). As you can see, I've used a few other couple kisses as examples.

It would be cute to see them mirroring Rapunzel and Eugene's first kiss, albeit in a different situation and with a little more teen awkwardness and innocence. Even if they mirror Rapunzel and Eugene's almost kiss in I See the Light that would also be cute.

Eugene and Rapunzel's first kiss:

https://youtu.be/LAZ3IFiINKg

I See the Light scene (watch 2:28 to 3:37)

https://youtu.be/ONkkUuh44eU

-

It would be cute to see Varian's clumsy persona and/or Vex's forceful persona being involved in their first kiss. Here are a few video examples of this trope. I could definitely see Varian swooning like Jane or allowing himself to be pulled into a kiss like Marco is with Star.

Tarzan and Jane kiss (see 1:38 to 2:00)

https://youtu.be/5jtQ1LkA9VM

Star and Marco kiss (watch 2:59 to 3:11):

https://youtu.be/J74RN69k6wQ

-

I think the first kiss between Fix-It Felix and Calhoun could be another good example of a first kiss between Varian and Vex. I could see Varian kissing Vex's cheek in a moment of excitement, only to be pulled in aggressively by the scruff of the collar by Vex. Varian expects her to pummel him, but instead gets a big kiss on the lips which he surprisingly and willingly accepts. 

Fix-It Felix and Sergeant Calhoun's First Kiss:

https://youtu.be/nWwnOsVf14o

Other examples could also include her actually doing something to hurt Varian like punching him in the arm or slapping him in the face (after he does something brave and/or stupid (I'm thinking both)) only to stop him from objecting with a big kiss on the lips, which he is shocked about but willingly reciprocates. Here are two examples of this trope:

Rocky and Ginger's kiss (see 1:48 to 2:02 and 5:15 to 5:21)

https://youtu.be/iZpSfV3eyAo

Hiccup and Astrid's first kisses (sorry for the terrible quality):

https://youtu.be/lpkTknb2eJQ

-

Even a simple cheek kiss would be fine. I could imagine Varian kissing Vex on the cheek like Hercules did with Meg and her having a similar reaction to Meg's. Perhaps it could happen the other way around and it is Vex who kisses Varian on the cheek, and he's the one who ends up like this:

-

In the end though, as romantic and cute as a kiss would be (especially since it will be a first kiss for both of them), they honestly don't have to kiss. Personally I feel a romantic hug between the two of them will be just as adorable. Plus it will show the innocence of young first love.

Some good examples of these is shown with Milo and Kida in Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

Milo and Kida's romantic hug and holding hands:

https://youtu.be/hTOnNa-EHZE

Other more youthful examples include another adorable Disney Channel pair:

Star and Marco

They have a number of great romantic hug examples, but a few of my favourites include this GIF above and these few video clips here.

Star and Marco hug 1 (see 2:48 to 2:50):

https://youtu.be/fLlgm1JqGsc

Star and Marco hug 2 (see 0:30 to 0:44):

https://youtu.be/0m7KW63lKDQ

Star and Marco hug 3 and 4 (see 2:52 to 2:59 and 4:04 to 4:18):

https://youtu.be/MT5ojPHj1YY

I'm sure Varian will learn the hard way that Vex doesn't like hugs after she either punches him after his attempts to hug her (he's the opposite of her in terms of hugging) or something along the same lines as Adira trying to break Lance's arm for generally touching her, lol:

Adira trying to break Lance's arm (see 0:09 to 0:12)

https://youtu.be/eHz2sUfJuO4

Still it does help him learn to respect her boundaries. Over time though as the two grow more fond of each other, even Vex has a hard time hiding it. Personally I imagine a romantic hug between them happening in either or both of these scenarios:

Perhaps as they are saying goodbye Varian offers to respectfully shake hands, but then Vex shrugs and says "Oh, what the heck." and throws her arms around him. A move that surprises Varian, but he also returns affectionately.

Who knows, maybe the two could hug each other after the winning of an epic battle with Zhan Tiri.

-

Considering we've got a limited amount of episodes left to go, I think the chances these big moments happening within the shows run is pretty slim. It's possible they could fit some moments like this into a number of episodes and/or even in the full length specials, but it obviously has to be written in such a way that it doesn't seem too rushed.

Even if Varian and Vex have a very short moment together where romantic attraction to each other is hinted at but it's left to us as viewers to guess what happens with them, then I think that will also work. They could show the result (or lack of results) of that union in a flash-forward. I'm honestly open-minded. :)

[surejo]

( victoria pedretti, cis woman ) hey ! have you seen JOSEPHINE “JO” CORMAC around ? SHE works at the HOT COCOA STAND at big bear resort, but they must be off their shift by now. well, if you do see them can you let me know ? they’re 24 years old & they’ve been working here for TWO YEARS. they tend to be +OPTIMISTIC & +EMPATHETIC, but can also be -IMPRACTICAL & -PASSIVE. the other employees have labeled them THE IDEALIST. thanks a lot ! ( the few nights the stars can be seen, books worn down by dog-ears and marks left throughout the years, the first crisp breeze of autumn, the duality… of t.s. eliot ) 

OK. a few notes before i get started:

1) i hope everyone loves how i literally j copied my ivan stuff. url format? ‘sure jan’ lives on. theme? too lazy to find a different one that’s easy to work with. luv that for me. 2) speaking of this theme i forget if i addressed this on ivan’s blog but tabbed bullets don’t appear tabbed.... so if anything seems like it doesn’t make total sense.... it is supposed to be tabbed™. 3) get ready for drama!!!!! you may ask yourself “but the app looks so tame! there will be no drama!” but you are wrong........ because she loves cats. the t.s. eliot book......... the musical........ even the movie.

ok jo,, is also a resurrected character,,, hence how i already kno,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, that she loves cats. anyway ! let’s begin ! (listen,,,, the intro format will at least be a little different from ivan’s ok im evolving)

QUICK FACTS:

full name: josephine “jo” rose cormac

date of birth: march 6, 1995

*does not perfectly reflect the below big three zodiac chart because that’s too much math

zodiac big three: pisces sun, gemini moon, cancer rising

gender & pronouns: cis woman & she/her

sexual orientation: bisexual ( preference for women bc we luv that for her but we also luv leaving things open to chemistry )

education: bachelor in english - literature that she is doing nothing with

enneagram: 2w1

mbti: infp

various inspirations: eleanor crain ( the haunting of hill house ), dolores price *as a child and towards the end of the book ( she’s come undone ), fox 8 ( fox 8: a story ), “why try to change me now?” - fiona apple (cover), “be still” - the killers

BACKGROUND INFO:

triggers: verbal/mental/emotional abuse/gaslighting, very slight implication of spousal abuse, brief mention of car accident/death & drowning

( ivan and jo’s breakout pop-punk single: “fuck happy backstories!” stream it on spotify ! )

jo......... was born into the wrong family, let’s get that out of the way.

it was pretty clear she was a ploy to save the marriage of her parents ( who have names: lucy and benjamin, luv that for them ). it didn’t seem like they’d ever picked up a parenting book, gone to a parenting class, rly prepped for being a parent at all...... in their entire lives.

that being said, her mom was actually decent at parenting. her major flaw, though? ok, so you know how kids usually have that one bedtime story that they love and want it to be read to them over and over? well lucy complied ! but y’all wanna know what that book was ?

t.s. eliot’s “old possum’s book of practical cats” whfeiuldjkn

anyway ! when jo was seven, after many failed attempts and simple threats, her mom was finally divorcing benjamin for realz. due to his volatile nature, it was becoming very clear that she was the more fit parent and she almost got sole custody ( the only reason benjamin was motivated for it in the first place was the power so?? )! how exciting!

but the keyword is ��almost’!

alexa, play ‘my heart will go on’ but the off-tune flute version

just as the proceedings were going through, jo’s mother was hit by a drunk driver on new year’s eve. the car skidded onto some ice, minimal damage done... then the ice broke.

jo and benjamin both devolved after that. jo withdrew more into herself and pretty much coped by..... just reading old possum’s a LOT (hate that for her). all mopey, benjamin became much less outwardly violent. the keyword is ‘outwardly.’

ya, instead of j bein like “i will just chill” he was like “i will just make my rage more subtle because in this house, we love intimidation, manipulation, hostility, the blame game, and gaslighting! uwu” managed to convince jo that her mother’s death was somehow her fault, that he was the only person she could trust, that she will never be able to live without someone else, etc., etc.

a few years in and a cycle of many impromptu sleepovers began. luv that for her. hate that for her, but luv that for her. 

there is a lot i cld talk abt here, but it all seems like it cld j be tl;dr’d as: “basically became the surrogate daughter of a bunch of other people”

as for things that r not tragique™, jo was v much a drifter when it came to friends. managed to make a fair amount bc she does not seem like she will put a tadpole in ur hand like ivan. also j a people-pleaser but that’s starting to get into her personality which is another section.

did go to college. luv that for her. has NO CLUE what she’s going to do with her degree, but she can make some really sick niche william faulkner jokes. 

began seasonally working at big bear during the winter break of her last year in college because bitch needed some money!! wound up loving it and was like “i think,,,, i will continue to do this,,,, the people here,,,, r cul,,,,”

still visits benjamin every once in a while. not a way to say that uwu you should forgive ur abusive parent(s) uwu rather that jo.... still has slight belief in him. just to end on something emo.

THE REST IS HISTORY!!!!

TL;DR:

started life out as a saddie, not a baddie. still not a baddie, but no longer as much of a saddie. loves “cats” and there is no irony to that statement. can make good niche literary jokes, but that’s about it.

PERSONALITY/MISCELLANEOUS INFO:

a child. a literal child. a child to the point that she should have supervision when she goes on grocery trips because she falls for marketing ploys so easily. can’t believe she hasn’t fallen into a pyramid scheme yet.

an absolute dumbass. again, can make some great niche william faulkner jokes, but ask her the order of the planets? “...well mars is somewhere in there.”

unironically LOVES cats - both the musical and movie. thinks jennifer hudson’s grizabella is the best. will start sharing random facts about it or old possum’s book of practical cats if she runs out of things to talk about but feels pressured to keep talking. was broken when she first read a different t.s. eliot poem and realized he was actually super dark. the only thing that got her through it was a comparison to batman :\ bruce wayne is old possum’s, batman is everything else.

to take a brief break from fun personality facts, v down on herself bc benjamin’s words rly!! stuck with her!! convinced she is an absolute idiot and does not trust her own memory. v indecisive bc of this and always longs for someone to help her figure things out. tries to distance herself from memories of her mother because, again, benjamin got to her. her love of cats doesn’t help that, but... can you believe that’s her coping mechanism? makes up for it by giving all of her love 2 everyone else!! we love tragedy!! and needing to go to therapy!!

secretly knows her love of cats is weird and dumb. a part of her knows why it’s considered one of the worst musicals ever. but LISTEN. we luv rly weird coping mechanisms!

big dreamer. will develop the most impractical goals. she usually knows they are impractical, but still..... uwu

has decided everyone is good until proven bad! except for,,,, like,,, murderers and rapists,,,,

is #StraightEdge for the most part,,,, literally has a drink maybe three times per year

says “like” a whole lot for someone who majored in english with a concentration in literature and should therefore be more eloquent.

i am not great at these sections!! feel free 2 j refer to her zodiac, personality tests, and character influences!!

literally fox 8. i put the others there bc she’s similar but wow,,,, if u read fox 8 (it’s a short story i recommend it i luv george saunders u can find a pdf online),,,, she is fox 8. 

here u go here is a sample that doesnt need context: "Fox 4 woslike: No ofense, Fox 8? Your ideas are not super praktikal. Dreem, dreem, dreem, said Fox 11. Fox 41 woslike: Fox 8, does this honestly never get old for you?"

OH ALSO. she has a slet. a cat,,,,, named asparagus,,,, whom she calls “gus”,,,,, and y’all know WHY.

recent development: has downloaded tor so she can get on the dark web. why? because she thinks there will be more funny animal videos on there. is shockingly good at navigating it.

CONNECTION IDEAS:

close friends bc we luv that –– roman (nuanced), aylie (nuanced), hazel (nuanced), cleo (nuanced), vic (nuanced), marco (nuanced)

childhood friends whom she possibly had impromptu sleepovers with bc that is v soft and,,,,, y’all i left the city blank for a reason. –– hazel, marco, 

on that note, the person who was like “wait,,,,,,, u know that book was turned into a musical right,,,,,, like,,,,, a musical literally everyone knows” and shook jo’s world

good influence / bad influence –– cleo, vic, 

~*confidant*~

roommate

exes –– ian,

reciprocated pining

unreciprocated pining

someone..... who has accepted..... that she likes cats.... in a way that is not ironic. will see the movie with her. –– aylie, 

an enemy,,,,,, aka this person was like “cats is literally the worst thing in the entire world” and now they r on jo’s very short hit list –– riley

idk!!! im also obvs up for brainstorming!!! luv that!!!

** descriptive connections page is here ( only people who i’m messaging are on it, but i ?? would love to plot w everyone ?? so don’t make the short list make u think i’m trying 2 limit it 2 these ppl auhfoeidla )

LIKE THIS OR HMU TO PLOT !

[choiceslife]

Fluffy ABC’s (Colt Kaneko x Logan)

A/N: So I usually don’t do requests, but someone wanted an ABC for Colt x Logan and reached out to me. This is my first one of these and I’m not gonna lie, I found it difficult to do. For this ABC, I’m imagining these two as only having been together for about six months. Also, it’s fluffy-ish I guess lol

Tagging some of my fellow Colt x Logan fans: @ladynonsense @brightpinkpeppercorn @cinnamonroll-duffy @ritachacha @kevinarima @tabithacarlisle @queen-among-writers @walkerismychoice @pixieferry @thehonorarybeaumont @tmarie82 @debramcg1106 @boneandfur @kendrasgue @riseandshinelittleblossom @rainbowsinthestorm @darley1101 @bobasheebaby

A - Anger (What was their first fight about? Any big or recurring arguments?)

We all know that Colt and Logan fought all the time when they first met, mainly because both were too proud to admit their feelings for the other. Once they finally moved past that and became a couple, their fighting decreased dramatically. Now they just periodically fight about whose turn it is to do the dishes or fold the laundry.

B - Best (What would they say is the other’s best trait)

Colt finds Logan to be surprisingly flexible and Logan is really impressed by Colt’s stamina. 😉

C - Camera (How do they document their relationship? Who likes to take pictures? Or videos?)

They don’t. The way both Colt and Logan grew up, neither was really into doing relationships, let alone documenting it. This really new territory for both guys, but neither is keen on taking pics of each other or creating a Pictagram to share their relationship.

D - Dates (What are their dates like?)

Colt and Logan don’t really do dates like other couples. They don’t plan to go out, it just happens. It’s usually nothing fancy either. One will just randomly ask the other if he wants to “go with” whenever he’s hungry.

E - Early (What was the first month of dating like?)

When they finally admitted things to each other, there was some pretty passionate and intense sex. Like often too. They still get it on pretty regularly, but that first month they’d do it almost anywhere in the garage whenever the crew was away.

F - Friends (How is their relationship with each other’s group of friends?)

Considering they have the same friends, it’s pretty good. Ximena and Mona are just glad these two finally admitted their true feelings to each other.

G - Gifts (Do they like giving each other gifts?)

Colt and Logan aren’t really into gift giving. Unless you count orgasms 😉

H - Hugs (All things involving hugs)

They don’t hug in public, but they do cuddle and spoon regularly in bed together. Logan quite enjoys being the little spoon.

I - Inside Jokes (Do they have any?)

Colt is super competitive when it comes to games or sports, so whenever it gets to be a bit too much, Logan calls him “Han Brolo” after their favorite contestant on AME last season. It gives them both a good laugh and Colt ends up relaxing a bit.

J - Jealousy (Who gets jealous easier? How do they show their jealousy?)

Colt and Logan both have pretty short fuses and tend to react in similar fashion. They tend to huff and walk off without saying a word. Colt tends to jealous more often than Logan.

K - Kiss (How do they kiss? Who usually initiates?)

Their kissing is intense and full of passion. Lately, Logan has been initiating the kissing more than Colt because he wants to make sure he doesn’t lose him. Logan still has worries of being left alone stemming for his past, so he kisses Colt often as a way to express his devotion.

L - Love (How do they first say those three words?)

They don’t say the words, but rather they’ll briefly and stealthily hook their pinky fingers together when they’re thinking it and others are present.

M - Movies (What kind of movies do they watch together? Is it a regular Netflix ritual?)

They’re both into Matt Rodriguez, Chris Winters, and Jason Statham movies. They’ll tell their friends it’s because of the action, but in reality Colt and Logan just wanna see those guys shirtless. Logan secretly loves Tender Nothings, which Colt gives him constant shit about.

N - Nicknames (Things they call each other)

Colt still calls Logan “Pretty Boy,” while Logan refers to Colt as “Crotch Jockey.”

O - One (Tell us about the moment they realized they were with the one.)

Logan felt it first during their first kiss in the ocean. He had never felt anything as electric as he did during that kiss. Colt won’t admit to feeling that Logan is the one, but deep down he’s sure of it.

P - Pizza (What is their favorite food to eat together?)

Colt introduced Logan to sushi, so for Logan he loves to get that with Colt when they go out to eat.

Q- Quit (Do they break up? Almost break up? What happened?)

They’ve only been dating for a short time, but they’ve never thought about breaking up or had anything happen that would cause them to consider it. Mainly because their interactions before confessing their attraction to each other was so rocky. The fact they got through that, both men know they can get through any arguments that may happen.

R - Rainy Days (How do they comfort each other on dark days?)

Logan tends to have more dark days than Colt, but they’ve been getting less and less ever since the two got together officially. Usually, though, when Logan is down, Colt just pulls him close on the couch, resting Logan’s head onto his chest while wrapping his arms tight around Logan’s body.

S - Soft (Something that one of them did that turned the other into absolute mush)

Colt has a surprisingly angelic singing voice and the first time Logan heard him singing the song “Time After Time,” he absolutely wept.

T - Texting (Do they text each other a lot? What do they usually talk about over the phone?)

No. Logan texts more than Colt, but it’s usually simple things like “where are you?” or “pick up beer.”

U - Unique (Tell us about some of their odd habits that surprised one another)

This is actually an odd habit that Colt and Logan developed together randomly one night. They were relaxing on the couch and couldn’t find anything to watch on NetFilms when they stumbled upon Desire & Decorum season one. They both thought it would be a show to make fun of, but they ended up enjoying it so much that they’ll sometimes spend an entire night talking to each other in a British accent. They’ve even taken the act to the next level by role playing as Mr. Konevi and Mr. Chambers in bed.

V - Vanity (Something they’re proud of in themselves and their partner)

From a physical standpoint, Logan is proud of his hair and loves Colt’s abs. Colt enjoys Logan’s eyes and loves his own abs as well. Personality wise, Colt loves Logan’s humor. He didn’t realize how genuinely funny the guy could be when they first met. Logan loves Colt’s intelligence and cocky attitude. Both turn Logan on quite regularly.

W - Wedding (Tell us about your wedding head canon if they’ve gotten that far. Or if not, have they talked about it?)

Oh these guys are nowhere near ready for that conversation.

X - X (Something they hate about the other)

Logan hates that Colt used to hook-up with Salazar. Colt on the other hand hates how long it takes Logan to do his hair in the morning.

Y - YouTube (What are they like online? Do they post about their relationship constantly?)

Neither one of these guys has a social media presence. If they are online, it’s to watch movies on NetFilms or car and motorcycle videos on YouTube.

Z - Zoo (Are they into animals? Do they want pets? What kind?)

Logan is more into cuddly animals than Colt and one day he hopes to have a dog. He loves labs and beagles to be specific. Colt is a huge fan of reptiles, especially lizards.

[thecartoonarchivist]

Weekly Spotlight #5

Welcome, welcome, one and all, to the Weekly Spotlight!

This week’s spotlight is~

*panting... and a weak drumroll*

Batman Beyond!

Some of my earliest memories of this show was watching reruns of it on Toonami at oddball times back just before Toonami got moved to a daytime time slot. During this time period, I found it to be a little mature for me, a little dark, and a little hard to follow since around this time I was about 4 years old. Still, I remember thinking it was cool, simply because Batman was cool, but otherwise, I wasn’t all that interested.

Back a couple years ago however, something in my mind trigger my memory of this show, and it became pretty apparent to me that I had never actually sat down and watched this show all the way through. So, I did some searching, found out Netflix had it on demand and I sat down and watched it whenever I was free to do so. I’d watch it a couple episodes at a time as I didn’t want to binge the entire thing in one sitting and leave me wondering how I was going to fill the void after finishing such a good series. It became a nice treat to watch on evenings and weekends and became a nice ritual for me. I enjoyed it. 

However life became a little bit busy not too long later and I put the series to the side for a later date when things got a little less hectic. Besides, I was on the last episode and I really didn’t want to end the series just yet, so stepping away from the series didn’t seem like such a terrible thing to do. 

I didn’t get back to it. Netflix took it off streaming. I pretty much admitted I was never going to finish the series and that was the end of that. I knew that it also had a movie afterwards to wrap up the series, since it was suddenly cancelled and since THAT wasn’t on Netflix either, it was pretty easy to just walk away from the show altogether.

However, a couple months ago, I saw a clip on Youtube that went into the origins of Terry McGinnis, the star and Batman of this series. It was in a completely different animation style, so I assumed that it was the direct-to-video movie. I was intrigued. And seeing as there was no hope that I was going to see this movie any time soon, I thought, “What the hell? Spoilers never hurt anyone.” The info, that I’ll get to later, left me so disgusted and outraged that I vowed never to watch the movie.

All of these things swirled in the back of my mind the next couple months and here we are! It’s getting it’s own Weekly Spotlight! So let’s get into it’s background, shall we?

Batman Beyond is an animated TV series that was premiered on Cartoon Network’s Toonami and even showed over on Kids’ WB’s Toonami on January 10, 1999. Yeah, you heard me right: Kids’ WB also had Toonami. So, let me throw down a little bit of history for ya’ll.

Cartoon Network is owned by the Turner Broadcasting Company, which is a subsidiary of AT&T’s Warner Media. Yeah--- that Warner Media. The Warner Media that makes DC comics, and DC TV shows, and just about anything DC under the sun. That means that they not only own the rights to Batman Beyond, they own the rights to Toonami, and Cartoon Network, and Kids’ WB. So as an attempt to diversify Kids’ WB’s afternoon line-up, Kids’ WB “borrowed” Toonami from Cartoon Network and began showing their own individual line-up, separate from Cartoon Network’s line-up. There was a little bit of an overlap, as I recall, since many popular shows were underneath the Toonami name, but overall, they’re line-up was fairly different. In 2002, Toonami was dropped from Kids’ WB and was replaced with syndicate programming and infomercials. (Kids’ WB wasn’t doing the greatest in the “kids” department and eventually, was absorbed by Warner Bros.’s other channel The CW in 2008.)

So, Batman Beyond was interesting in that it was showing on two stations at the same time. My research indicates that it premiered first on Cartoon Network, and then would show over on Kids’ WB not too long later, but there’s a lot of conflicting sources in that regard. Pretty much the only thing I’m certain of is that it premiered new episodes on Toonami, but as far as whose Toonami, I have no idea.

Batman Beyond was an intended continuation of the “Batman legacy,” or more importantly, a follow-up to the legendary Batman: The Animated Series. At the helm of this ship was a man named, Bruce Timm, who was a co-creator of Batman: The Animated Series. He would go on to co-create and produce Static Shock, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and produce for Green Lantern: The Animated Series. This guy’s a legend. Although extremely popular amongst fans and critics alike, the short-lived series only had 3 seasons before it was placed on hiatus and eventually cancelled. The simple reason? Time. Having signed aboard with the creation and production of Justice League, Bruce Timm simply didn’t have the time to be working on both series, despite attempting for a little while. All plans for a 4th season were discarded, and as to whether there were any episodes produced or if there were simply ideas on a sheet of paper, only the production team themselves know the answer to that question.

So! Let’s get to the premise!

So, the beginning of this series actually opens up with Bruce Wayne still as Batman. While his company of Wayne Enterprises is dealing with competition by the Powers Corporation, Bruce is on the look-out for a girl who has been kidnapped in association with the Powers Corporation. (At least, that’s how I interpreted it.) He finds her, fights the baddies to save her, but in the midst of the tussle, Bruce starts to suffer a mild heart-attack. He tries his best to continue the fight but is quickly overpowered. Having had the living snot beat out of him, Bruce Wayne does the only thing he can do in this situation (still suffering a heart-attack mind you) and pick up a gun and aims it at his assailant. Freaked out by the fact that Batman is threatening to use a gun for the first time ever, he runs away to meet the cops outside. The girl is freed and Batman hobbles away completely disappointed in himself. He places the suit inside the Batcave, seals it all away and vows never again to have the caped crusader to see another night.

Fast forward 20 years. Gotham is practically a brand new city. There are flying cars everywhere. Tech is crazy and out the wazoo--- think something along the lines of a Cyberpunk aesthetic--- and Wayne Enterprises is now dealing with a hostile take-over by the Powers Corporation with Bruce Wayne surprisingly absent from the whole affair. Gotham, as always, is dealing with rampant crime; one of the most vocal and trouble-making groups being the Jokerz--- a gang with its members dressed up in outfits very similar in style to the original Joker gang. Enter in Terry McGinnis: he’s just your typical teenager dealing with girl problems, bullies, and a real bad habit of placing his foot inside his mouth whenever he gets angry. 

Having been grounded by his Dad for punching a kid at school for spitting on him, Terry sneaks out to meet his girlfriend at a local club. While there, the Jokerz show up and Terry quickly comes to the aid of his girlfriend and tries to teach these pranksters a lesson. Quickly overwhelmed by their sheer numbers, Terry steals a motorcycle and thus a good ol’ motorcycle chase begins. Finding himself outside of Wayne Manor, Terry runs into Bruce Wayne, almost hitting him with the motorcycle. Bruce Wayne tells him to get off his property, but with the Jokerz showing up mere seconds later, they team up to fight them off (Bruce doing most of the ass-kicking despite his crazy old age.) Terry turns to thank him but finds that Bruce is near collapse and needs help getting to his manor where his medicine is. Having gotten his medicine, Bruce falls asleep and Terry takes this opportunity to explore a little bit. Finding a bat trapped in an old grandfather clock, Terry stumbles upon the Batcave and all its contents. Bruce finds him in the Batcave and subsequently throws Terry out of both the Batcave and his property.

Terry, miffed about the whole experience, returns home to find the police swarming his Dad’s apartment. Questioning his Mom what happened, apparently, the Jokerz surprised him while he was at home and murdered him. Having fought with his Dad only hours before he was killed, Terry is distraught, wracked with grief, and determined to figure out who it was who killed his father. Looking amongst his Dad’s old possessions, Terry finds a disk with some suspicious looking info on it and goes back to Wayne Manor to solicit Bruce’s help. After a series of events, Bruce agrees to take him on formally as his personal assistant who chauffeurs him around and picks up items that he is unable to get himself, but secretly, he’s training him to become his successor and to become the new Batman! 

Whew... I think that’s my longest premise to date! (I basically had to summarize the first 2 episodes because it sets up basic situation for the entire series. It’s a lot to take in...)

So...let’s start off with the animation.

As you can see from the previous gifs thus far, for how old this series is the animation is is really fluid. The fight scenes are clean. The attention to detail is so fantastic. Even the character expression are so subtle and beautiful that it’s just so hard not to feel for the characters whenever tragedy strikes. But... it’s also dated. Since many of the backgrounds are hand-painted, a lot of fights on city rooftops, or bridges, or even sinister laboratories are pretty generic and even recycled from time to time. The color palette, although unique enough to give it its own funky style, is... yikes... And the intro? God, it just screams the 90s.

Since I can’t get any other gifs of the intro to work, if you want to see it in all its 90s glory, here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMXjtvMAFlI It’s so cheesy and awful and terrible. I fucking love it.

The soundtrack is this weird... 90s punk with a twinge of metal, with its shredding electric guitar and electronically distorted bass as well as some... electronic additions? Honestly, if the intro didn’t sell you on how old this series is, the soundtrack does. For the most part, the soundtrack sounds like an regular action cartoon series, but went that electronic guitar kicks in.... *whistles* It’s bad.

As for the rest of the show? It’s... it’s fucking fantastic. You’d think that writing for a teenage protagonist, especially a Batman teenage protagonist, they’d really hype up the melodrama and the angst to the point that it’s just flat-out cringe-worthy. I mean, all you have to do is google the recent dystopia craze that’s been plaguing teen action movies to see how... cringey the protagonists are. And I mean, how was a 19-year-old action animation not only touch on the stress of being a teenager, but also one whose Dad is murdered in the first episode of the series? It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. 

Turns out... they actually did a really great job of writing Terry. He really does seem like any other male teen you’d meet in high school. A lot of people try to talk about how teenage angst is just so terrible and awful to watch and that it’s flat-out cringey. The problem is that teenage angst is a real thing and if it’s written-correctly, it actually seems believable. The interesting part about Terry’s case that makes him an actually interesting character instead of a walk-talking edgelord is that a lot of his “angst” comes from a place that he believes is injustice. He believes that a lot of people are being unfair (and in some cases, they really are) and so he goes out to fix these “injustices.” Problem is that in his attempt to “fix” things, he actually makes things worse. He doesn’t see that other people’s decisions are actually made to protect him, or made for other reasons that he can’t see. So instead, he rushes in headlong and unprepared, running his mouth because he feels he’s doing the right thing, and ends up getting himself in deeper trouble. I felt a connection with Terry because although he was a punk kid getting into trouble, causing fights and mouthing off to his parents, he’s just somebody trying to make the world a better place and ultimately, failing really bad at it. He makes stupid decisions because he doesn’t think things through. He thinks that he knows best, when in all reality, he isn’t even playing with a full deck of cards. And it’s because of these character flaws that I love Terry and it’s what makes him so interesting to watch. And the best part is? When Terry realizes he fucks up, he admits it. He apologizes. He even cries because he’s made a mistake that he can’t ever undo. He’s not some idiot who thinks he’s better than everyone else--- he’s just an idiot who’s trying to make the world a better place. And that’s really cool. They wrote him with real emotions and a realistic responses to stressful situations that never came across as melodramatic. Instead of writing him as a teen who has emotions, they wrote him as a person with emotions who just happens to be a teen. And that’s just fucking awesome.

I loved Bruce’s and Terry’s dynamic. You had grouchy, old Bruce who’s just way too tired for this shit, helping out sassy, back-talking teenager Terry that made for fantastic snark sessions. Like... the sarcasm was palpable between these two and I loved every second of it. The fact that this series won numerous awards when it debuted isn’t surprising because it’s just a treat to watch the misadventures of these two sass-masters is fucking great. 

As far as Terry’s home life, it seems pretty realistic. Terry’s got a little brother named, Matt, and as an individual who has a little brother myself, the interactions are pretty realistic. The little arguments, the nit-picking, the pranks--- all of them felt pretty true to life. Now, the interesting thing about this series is that the martial status of the McGinnis’s are unknown. Although Terry’s Dad gets murdered in the first episode, Terry makes a comment about wishing to live with his mom instead of his dad, which leaves the impression that the two are divorced. However, later on, as the origins of Terry are revealed in further detail, it’s pretty heavily implied that Terry’s parents were together before Terry’s dad’s death so... I don’t know. However, Terry still seems to deal with normal teenage problems: fights with his mom, annoyances from his little brother, stresses of schoolwork, a girlfriend that wishes he was more around, problems with kids at school and his friends. When you layer that on with the grace in which they write Terry’s character, it produces a very believable character that you can build a connection with and feels hella realistic. I completely approve.

Honestly, although all of it is so... dated, the aesthetic is pretty pleasing. It’s weird enough that makes you think, Ew, what the fuck? but also the fact that it’s set in an unnamed (yes, unnamed--- I’ll get to this later) future, makes you go, Oh. Okay. Weird, but interesting. If you want a famous example to compare it to, think Samurai Jack. Otherwise, see Cyber-six for a similar cyberpunk, futuristic tech vibe. Speaking of future timelines, the show’s idea of teenage lingo in the future is just so... laughable. You constantly hear teens say that things are so, “Schway” or let slip a fake curse word, “Frag.” It’s terrible. I legitimately thought it was something that kids used to say back then but after doing some research, I realized how ridiculous it actually was. Just as a tip: if you’re going to change the way people speak in your writing, you’re going to have to change a pretty much all of common speech in order to make something like this natural. Otherwise, it just looks more and more stupid as it ages.

Each episode is a villain of the week with a couple of two-parters here and there. Although there isn’t much in terms of an overarching story, there are references to previous episodes and encounters, so watching these in some sort of relative order is pretty recommended. There were also a number of interesting cross-over/reference episodes, which I found myself pretty surprised by. But I guess it also made sense, seeing as it was a very popular series that ended way before its time. In the beginning, the writing’s a little clunky, and the animation is a bit fuzzy, however, it’s a series that ages better overtime; the pilot is pretty fucking good one-two punch. But as I was watching it, I couldn’t help but laugh at the melodramatic close-ups and the pauses between some dramatic lines of dialogue. I never felt that the drama itself was melodramatic. Just the way they presented it.

In a lot of ways, this series is very dark and mature (especially the movie like holy shit it’s fucked up) which is really ironic considering it was intended for kids. However, they never really showed any gruesome deaths, showed pretty much negligible amounts of blood, and honestly, the majority of the “dark” stuff would pretty much go over kids heads. I say this as someone who has watched this show once or twice as a teeny child. I always knew bad stuff was happening, but I don’t think it ever really hit me as to the gravity of the situation. Yet, I also remember labeling this as a “big kids’ show” growing up so... who really knows. But for the best amount of enjoyment, I’d recommend this more to teens or young adults than for kids. It seems more up their alley. 

Now... let me touch a little bit about the movie and subsequent crossover episodes that were released after the series ended.

The direct-to-video movie that “wrapped up” the series so to speak wasn’t what I thought it was. It was a fantastic, dark, macabre, sinister ending to a great series. I think I’ll save my thoughts on that for a different post. But to give you a little taste: it involves brainwashing, a child murdering a fucking adult, a whole lot of guilt and regret, and even a bit of a hostage situation so... Yeah. It’s great. I highly recommend. Don’t be afraid of what I said before.

However. There is an episode in the Justice League Unlimited which is supposed to reveal the secret origins of Terry McGinnis. What supposedly happened is that Amanda Waller (or the lady that ran the Suicide Squad) saw that Bruce Wayne was getting older and would eventually have to retire as Batman. Knowing that Gotham wouldn’t survive without some sort of Batman out there, Waller concocted a plan in which she would make sure that Batman would live on forever. What she did was without Bruce’s knowledge, she took a bit of his DNA and made it into a serum that would overwrite the host’s reproductive code to that of Bruce Wayne’s. She found a neo-Gotham couple that had a psychologically identical match to that of Bruce’s parents, Terry’s mom and dad, and injected it into Terry’s dad in the guise of a flu shot. This means that Bruce Wayne is Terry McGinnis’s father. Waller, then, concocted a scheme to get Terry’s parents murder but after the assassin called Waller out on her shady tactic, the project was dropped. It was just sheer coincidence that Bruce and Terry met and that Terry’s father got murdered in an unrelated incident. Here’s the thing: the great and fantastic aspect of Terry’s McGinnis’s character is that we finally saw a Batman, a successful Batman at that, that was neither Bruce’s child nor a Robin or a Batwoman/girl that he basically housed and raised. He was a completely unrelated kid who took up the mantle of being the next Batman. The Batman was no longer a person, but a symbol, and that’s one of the things that made Terry’s Batman so fantastic! But this episode completely ruins Terry. It’s awful. Especially when you consider the fact that they didn’t even have the guts to make their own movie about it with the original crew, they simply slapped it on as in after thought in series that fans may or may not follow to. It’s terrible! A complete afterthought! 

It also comes with some interesting implications. As I said before, when the series begins, we get the implication that Terry’s parents are divorced and he resents the fact that he’s living with his dad against his wishes. If Terry’s parents are a psychologically identical match to Bruce Wayne’s parents (which, what the fuck does that even mean???) does that mean that Bruce Wayne’s parents were eventually bound for divorce? Something to think about.

For those Batman fans out there, I’m not entirely sure where this series fits into the whole Batman continuity. First off, there’s no reference at all to Jason Todd--- especially not in the movie, which seems kind of odd considering that Tim Drake plays a big role in the movie itself. Part of me says that it has to do with the fact that Jason Todd fucking died yo and you can’t really put that in a children’s TV show/movie. But at the same time, with the shit they wrote in the movie and the other dark and fucked up things they put in the movie, it seems odd they wouldn’t at least mention it... An interesting thing to note as well is the fact that this was before the movie Under The Red Hood was made, so the Jason Todd resurrection canonically hasn’t happened yet. So the fact that there’s no reference to The Red Hood makes sense. This is also before the rather... problematic origin of Damian Wayne has been created, so again, no references to Damian Wayne despite the fact that Talia al Ghul makes an appearance in the series. However, the TV show was resurrected into a comic book series that continues to this day. Having not read them myself, I have no idea what the current status as far as Terry’s origins/relevance within the continuity. But I am eager to find out.

Overall, this series was a wild ride! I loved every minute of it, and sitting down and watching not only the episode and movie that I hadn’t before but a couple of my favorites made me fall in love with the series all over again. I’m so upset that it ended.

Rating this series out of 10, this easily earns an 8.5 on my scale.

It’s aged pretty poorly. I can’t deny that. And for that reason, although I want to give it a 9, it really is deserving only deserving of an 8.5. Despite that though, this series is easily one of my favorites. I love sitting down and rewatching it and the intro always gets me hyped despite the fact that I’ve seen it a thousand times already. If you haven’t seen this series already, go fucking watch it. Seriously. It’s sssooooooo gooooooddddd. I’ll always have fond memories of this show. And the moment that they discuss bringing it back, given that they have a good writer/producer/animator and all that, I will be the first person on board for that reboot. It was such a good show for how short-lived it was. It’s simply tragic...

If there are any corrections you’d like to make in regards to this post, please feel free to send me a message with your corrections and I’ll get back to it as soon as I can!

Do you remember a cartoon your friends have never heard of? Got a scene from an animated film that you’re dying to know the name to? Send your questions to The Cartoon Archivist and I’ll see what I’ve got in the vault!

[gunmetaltesla]

|| I Think You’ll Understand ||

The day starts like the previous ten have, with me waking up at around eleven-like a lazy, posh house cat content to satisfy nothing but her own urges-to the cold, bright light of a winter sun streaming through the window across from my bed. I squint against the light and begrudge wakefulness, taking me away from the pleasant dreamscape free of taunts and jibes and blessedly, tantalizingly replete of stolen kisses in the stacks of the library after hours, foggy lunchtime conversations on the front steps, and breathy laughter over textbooks and notes in an otherwise quiet dormitory (the window of which articulates just how long ago we should've gone to bed). Shaking my head free of these images, lest they occupy my entire day. I'm no doubt expected to socialize with the endless stream of people that visit this time of year-"come-a-callin'", as our wonderfully Scottish maid Trudy would say, clucking around my room like an industrious hen once she's heard signs of life-but I can't seem to force my warm feet to hit chilly floorboard. Instead, I content myself with a bit of a lounge. She'll no doubt come to inspect what she expects to be my luxuriating corpse-finally giving into the boring, torturous monotony of the holidays-but for now, I'm just fine burrowing under the down blankets for a minute and surveying my kingdom.

I can't help but think you'd like my room. Without even knowing you all that well, and thus possessing a similarly foreign quality myself for you, I think you would look around the space and tell me, in that calm, warm tone of yours, that it suits me. The combination of royal blue painted and bare brick walls-my mother, after all, a huge proponent of recognizing and embracing the infrastructural brilliance of an old house-dark hardwood floors, worn Turkish rug and cozy bed awash in creams, ivories, and greys. Books, books, books, on every available surface. And two floor-to-ceiling casement windows that overlook the back garden in which I can hear my parents good-naturedly bickering over, I think, turnips. It's quiet, warm, and domestic. Not typically words associated with me-quite the opposite in fact-but still fitting in this scene. I've just stretched from fingertips to toes when there's an alert noise from my phone where it sits on a black lacquer bureau opposite my bed. I get up on all fours, still burritoed in blankets, to see if I can read the screen. And I can just make out a shape that I think, or rather hope, forms your name. I'm tumbling out of bed, tangled legs betraying me and causing an undignified thump and sprawl onto the floor. I right myself and pick up my phone, my face already forming the smile that has become characteristic when talking to you.

Morning. I heard this song this morning when I was helping my mom make breakfast, and I thought of you. I think you'll like it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MH-UmYkXiM

I immediately switch my phone to Bluetooth, and the song's plucky, but somehow smooth and wild, guitar comes strumming through the speakers I've stationed throughout the room. That's another thing I think you'd like-you seem like the kind of person that would appreciate good audio.

I do like it, I reply once the video ends, a big smile across my face and a dreamy look in my eyes, thank you for sending it to me.

You're welcome. Any plans tonight?

Oh. That's right, I think with a groan as I walk back over to my bed-phone in hand-and burrow back beneath the blankets in retreat. Tonight is New Year's Eve.

No, but that doesn't mean I won't be do anything.

I don't look happy. Well, truthfully you wouldn't know, but the wording of that text looks somehow "off". After nearly incessant conversation over the break, you've become quiet adept and the tone and meter of my text conversation. Oddly enough, you've never met anyone else-apart from you-that texts how they speak. You shouldn't have been surprised, given all my other quirks. The thought of it still makes you smile.

Trapped in family commitments?

A long time before the dreaded typing ellipsis and then ping.

Something like that. My sister, convinced that I need to let loose-I think she forgets that I'm ten years her junior, the fruitcake-stormed into my room two days ago and all but demanded that I get secretly drunk with her at the party tonight.

You have no idea how to respond to this, because you're feeling a cocktail of sensations yourself. Curiosity, as to how I might be different under the influence. Surprise at the fact that I might indulge in the first place. Titillation-yep, I said it-at the idea of a less rigid, weaker-walled me. And jealousy, which catches you by surprise, when you remember the last of the New Year's traditions. It's then that you also realize that you never asked if I…you don't know if I'm attached. You aren't, but you suddenly find a desperate desire within yourself to know if I am or why I'm not or whether I'd like to be. Another ping.

I'd rather be spending time with you.

You smile at the phone, cradling it in both hands like a treasure. You decide to have a little fun and get your answers at the same time.

So…drinking with your sister at a family get-together. Sounds like a good time. No plans otherwise? No budding romance to kindle as the fire crackles? No one to meet under the mistletoe?

That's Christmas.

I know, you goober. I just meant…nevermind.

I will not be kissing anyone as the bell tolls, if that's what you're asking.

You can practically hear my eyes rolling at the concept, and that makes you chuckle. You're typing out a witty retort when your younger sister walks in.

"So, who is this guy? Your "friend from school". You've been glued to that phone since you got home."

"I never said it was a guy." It's out of your mouth-which is now hanging open in surprise at yourself-before you can stop it. A bullet, speeding toward fragile flesh.

"Oh. Okay. Cool. Mom says lunch is ready." And that was it. You'd expected further questions, deeper investigation, but nothing. Casual interest. Hmm. Maybe it wouldn't…ping.

What about you?

You reply, detailing your own plans of meeting up at a friend's house for a party of your old schoolmates. How everyone is getting all dressed up like it's some swanky affair. There's an ellipsis…then nothing…then another ellipsis…then nothing again.

You're now being summoned to the kitchen in earnest by shouting siblings, so you leave your phone on the bed. All through lunch, you catch yourself straining for any digital noise coming from your bedroom. You must have made a face, because your sister catches you listening and says, "I'm sure she'll text you back."

"Who?" ask you mother and brother simultaneously.

"Her friend from school" is all your sister answers. Something like a secret builds up between you, but it's fond and loving and conspiratorial in the way that only sisters share, so you let it slide. Besides, she's always seen more than she lets on. She's an observant one, your little sister. You're clearing the table with your second brother when you hear it. The ping.

"Told you", comes teasingly from the kitchen. You hand off your portion of the dishes and dash to your room, shutting the door behind you. Three texts, in rapid fire, arrived.

I'd love to see what you're wearing. I'm sure you'll look beautiful all dressed up. Not that you wouldn't if you were dressed casual. I'm sure you would. Might. Could. Do. I'm dressing up, too, if you were curious. It seems the occasion commands it.

You chuckle, low and soft, and carefully type out your response, hitting send before your brain can think better of it.

Well then. If I show you mine, will you show me yours?

That's the closest thing either of us have said that's close to flirting. You're not even sure if it is-if that's what you meant it to be. Playful, yes. Obviously. But flirtatious? Maybe. You might have made a mistake, but only time-and texts-will tell.

Suddenly the party-and the preparation for it-had higher stakes. You felt the delicious tension of attraction purr in your chest, the heated need for physical touch. You've always experienced this, even before sexual activity was even a possibility. You've always craved contact from people, but sexual awakening had only heightened it. And now that you're…well let's just say you need to do something. Be with people. Feel the push and pull of flirtation, the rush of kissing, the release of anything that comes afterward. You want to look your best, but for whom? It's not as if…well. Time to plan.

Leave it to you to find the perfect dress at the very last moment. You were rummaging through your mother's closet, and there it was-a white gold sequined mini number with ¾ sleeves and a low-dipping back. All you needed now was-yes! A pair of nude heels left over from a formal at your old school. You laid everything out and, satisfied with the outfit, set about getting ready for the night.

You kept glancing at your phone throughout the process, having not heard from me in several hours. You figured I was deep into the entertaining-I'd told you about how many different "parties" and gatherings my family holds over the holiday season (that's what I get for a politically active mother and socially and philanthropically active father)-so you didn't precisely question the silence. You didn't like it, either, but that's another issue. You're just finishing up your makeup-simple and bronzy, just your style-when a text tone interrupts your thoughts.

I don't want to show you.

You frown a little, gold eyeliner still dangling from your hand, and reply with a simple ?

"Mine". I don't want to show you. You'll think it's silly.

I won't.

You're sure.

Yes.

And you were. But you waited…and you laughed a little when you realized that I was following your text to the letter and waiting until you'd shown me your getup before revealing my own.

Give me a minute-I'm just finishing up.

A few minutes later, satisfied with your appearance via a thorough check in the full-length mirror of your room, you managed a shot.

You look…

You feared the worst. That somehow what looked nice, and festive as hell, in your head didn't actually translate aloud.

You look like the first sparkler I ever held.

And somehow, without knowing me in childhood-really without knowing me now-you knew that was a high compliment and blushed at its sight.

Thank you. That's…I know that's a very nice thing to say. But enough about me…

And you waited…and waited…and waited…till finally a ping. And all you saw was a brilliance of sparkling emerald green, miles of pale skin, and a small, knowing smirk beneath a quizzical brow.

I felt foolish, posing like I was. I'd staged everything. Hell, if I commit to something, I do so to the fullest. I'd grabbed a tripod from my mother's home studio, set on the timer, and taken practice shots. I wanted it…I needed it to look well. I wanted to impress you, even if I didn't quite know why. Still, I did it. And I managed to get a shot I felt alright about-the rest I hated. It was now or never, and so I sent the thing before I could fake an excuse and bluster some lie of it not turning out.

It's a costume party.

I hit the send arrow and waited, the wig cap feeling tighter and hotter than it had moments ago, the silky fabric rough on my anxious skin. The sequins, which sparkled and winked playfully like they were meant to, instead cast glares and were just too bright for me. I'd made a horrible mistake. I'd gone too far. Who wants to go to this stupid…who should celebrate this useless…oh what's the point! I was reaching to yank off the wig and tell Trudy to tell my family I was sick when my phone went off.

Holy shit! You look just like her. Please tell me there's no Gene Kelly waiting for you at the party.

I grinned ear to ear, the angry red of my skin transforming into a blush of flattery. Not only did you know who the costume was meant to represent-I mean for God's sake I'd spent a week making it (Trudy helping with the sequins)-but you also told me…you implied that I…how I could ever be as appealing as Cyd Charisse is beyond me.

No. Nor is there a scar-pocked man thrusting a diamond cuff beneath my snout to lure me away…

Well you look incredible.

So do you. I wish…well, Happy New Year!

Talk to you soon.

And that was all it had been. Nothing out of the ordinary, other than a video of me and a young woman you assumed was my sister, singing "Honky Tonk Woman" into the camera at the tops of our lungs, drunkenly and off-key enough to make you nearly splutter coffee all over your book when it arrived.

We'd gone back to normal conversation after that. You never told me what happened to you when you rang in the new year, but it wasn't out of deception.

It was a face-to-face conversation, and you were only a couple of hours away.

Are you on the train yet? You smiled.

Impatient to see me?

Yes.

Good.

Good. Talk to you soon.

The emphatic tone of that one-word reply was all the hope you needed. Maybe, if you were lucky, I'd had a similarly transformative-or at least eye-opening experience-myself over the holidays. You wondered if you'd made any appearance in my dreams the way yours had been flecked with green sequins and set on vivid soundstages, awash in color and life and music.

The train ride itself had been relatively uneventful. You listened to the playlist we'd made together-a collaboration of such delightful weirdness that it actually made a cohesive unit of 75 tracks-and chatted with friends who join the growing throng of co-eds as the vehicle neared its academic destination. And as the train slowed, you sat up straight-afflicted with a sudden doubt. What if it was in your head? What if it was good on paper-or on screen, I guess-but had nothing, no juice, in real-time?

Well. There was one way to find out.

The train came to a stop, and students began flooding the white landscape like a school of fish breaking rank. You, hating the hustle and bump of the crowd, waited on the train for a few minutes until the rush died down. And when you got off the train, face grimacing at the sudden gust of ice-cold wind, you saw a familiar form walking toward you-curls whipping around an eager, pale face that sported a brilliant, elated grin.

We met each other breathlessly, nervous exhales dancing and mingling in a rapidly cooling fog between us.

"Hi", I managed a little weakly.

"Hi", you replied, thinking your face would split from its smile.

"How was the-"my question was interrupted by the perfectly-timed Flanagan, shouting at you to hustle to the fieldhouse for a team meeting.

You looked up at me-had I gotten taller in the three weeks of break? -and your smile faltered. It seemed to me, to us both, that you were on the verge of saying something. You settled instead for squeezing my hand-frigid because I wasn't wearing gloves beneath my black peacoat. The gesture was, no doubt, meant as a balm. As a silent apology or a physical ellipsis, promising further discussion. It was witnessed, however, by Flanagan.

"Quit dykin' around with the know-it-all and hustle."

You felt me go rigid right before I yanked my hand from yours, mumbled something about needing to check in at the stacks, turned on my heel and stalked away. You called after me, but I just jammed my headphones into my ears and sped up.

Fucking Flanagan. She'd made my life a nuisance since she came to school three years ago. How she'd managed to keep her grades up enough to remain here was a perpetual mystery, but it wasn't one I was too keen on solving. She wasn't worth the time.

Remember how I said that I was so used to jibes and insults that they barely even registered anymore? Well this one-it landed. Like a meteor.

I was used to it. That isn't a lie; I'd never been popular, and I did nothing to remedy that. But you…with your warm smile and easy conversation, strong presence and confident stride. Over the fall term you'd become the second year's golden girl-a star on the pitch and in the lab. You could do no wrong. Except, of course, if you were seen hanging around me. And I didn't want that for you. What to do-how to solve the problem and still get to see you (because I selfishly wanted that so badly I could hear it in my blood)-stomped around my brain for the next two days. Until Tuesday, when I knew I would see you again. You texted me several times later that day, and on Monday, but I never replied. Better to start distancing myself now than risk further…heartache? Is that really what it was? When did I become so…romantic?

I was just falling asleep on Monday night, dreading the awkwardness of the next day, when my phone went off with a text.

I don't know what else to say. Flanagan's a dick. Maybe Ms. Lee can help me out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kI0dBvg-qw

The beginning of the song crooned through my phone's speakers, and I smiled. And then I laughed.

Maybe Tuesday wouldn't be so bad.

I saw you the next day, in a place other than the library. That had only happened twice-once at the end of the last term, and the other at the train station the day before winter term began. You were walking out of the dining hall, hair still damp and face still scrubbed red from your shower after morning practice. You looked so alive. Radiant with life and laughter and the vitality of the young. And you were arm in arm with a boy I vaguely recognized as a player for lacrosse team whose name I thought was Eli.

My gut went cold, but I was not ready for that. I wasn't prepared for the force of jealousy now coursing its way through my entire body, making my blood feel like boiling metal. My appetite had completely disappeared. I simply clenched my jaw and turned around toward the direction of my first class of the day. Middle English-something that normally held my full attention-but I could already tell my focus would not be on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

The classes came and went, my mind completely unfocused on notes or readings or conversational French. I barely lifted my pen to paper over the course of the day so that, by the time I plopped dejectedly down into my chair behind the desk at the library, I just wanted the day to be over and done. Fortunately, I had some things to occupy me for my shift-organizational tasks always comforted me. As I've said before, the system was my friend.

"Long time no see".

I closed my eyes against the joy I felt at your voice. Against the surge of relief at you coming to see me.

"Yes."

I didn't risk looking at you. There was no use in both of us knowing how deep my wounds had gone.

"I thought I saw you coming toward the dining hall this morning, but then…I waved, but you'd already turned around". Your voice sounded curious, apologetic, and concerned.

"Yes, well. I was almost there when I lost my appetite." I couldn't mask the venom that time.

The silence across the desk, coupled with a chill in the air you could almost feel, made me look up at you. And the expression in your face mirrored the one etched on my memory from finals week-which felt like a century from now-when you'd brought me coffee.

"Oh. Well, I just…I mean I thought…I kind of wanted to talk to you about something. Do you have time after your shift today? We could meet after dinner, or something, if you want and talk about some th- "

"We're late. Come on." From the wretched Eli, to whom I shot enough daggers with my eyes to make him blanch (in which I took monumental and petty satisfaction). That is, until he grabbed your hand and started tugging you in the direction of the study group.

I decided to be the bigger person and acquiesce.

"After dinner. Tonight."

"My rooms?" you offered, the hope and honesty in your voice making me nauseous with guilt at my behavior to the point that all I could manage was a nod in confirmation before you left the desk and joined the others.

Two hours later, my shift nearly finished but my relief arriving for hers early, I took a few extra minutes to return some of the more precious tomes by hand. And one, a text on marine anatomy, brought me within two shelves of your study group. Something like curiosity-morbid though it may have been-made me stay and lurk in the shadows between shelves, watching you among the other athletes. You weren't studying, you were relaxed back in your chair which was leaned on its rear legs as yours were propped up on the table around which you all sat. You were laughing at something someone had said, and my heart soared (as it always does) at the sound. Then, it increased at something Eli said and you leaned your forehead onto his shoulder as the two of you shook in laughter. I was suddenly desperate to be anywhere but where I was, stuck between the world I knew and the one to which I'd never belong. I was in such a panicked rush that the book I was returning to its place wobbled off its shelf and, with a very loud thunk, fell to the ground.

I froze where I was, white with mortification and fearing detection. Chanting to myself that I was invisible and the people around me were deaf, my peripheral vision took note of someone rising from the table to find out what caused the noise.

"Fancy meeting you here", you said with a little sarcasm but, still beneath it, your characteristic warmth. 

"I wasn't eavesdropping." Blurted, vomited right out of my mouth.

"No one said you were. You do, after all, work here." I heard rather than saw the smile in your voice.

"Yes. True. Well. I should be going."

In the time it had taken for our conversation to start and for me to desperately try to escape, two more people had gotten up from the table-no doubt to discover the identity of the mysterious interloper. My two least favorite people in the walking world.

"Oh, it's you" moaned Eli with a dramatic sigh and a dismissive whip of his hand.

"Shouldn't you be sitting at your little desk with Patricia Highsmith and Gertrude Stein?" growled Flanagan, her face already contorted with malice I hadn't earned…yet.

You braced for the impact of these insults on my behalf, stuck as you were between myself and the other two. You looked as if you were going to come to my defense, but I didn't give you the chance.

"Sadly, misses Highsmith and Stein aren't available. Maybe I should just have a chat with your dear, sweet, so very secret Megan instead?"

I still don't know what made me say it. I shouldn't open my mouth when I'm upset; it always gets me into the worst kinds of trouble. You know this-now. Then, though, I don't think you could've stopped me. No more than you could've anticipated or stopped Flanagan's open hand reaching past you to meet my face with such force that the class ring on it scratched my cheek enough to draw blood.

The air was dense with tension, silence, and surprise.

"Are you okay?" you asked quietly, heedless of the heaving Flanagan and the confused Eli. You even reached toward me, but I took a step back.

"Don't…she's socially radioactive", he said, his face forming a cruel sneer.

"I- "

"He's right', I said, righting myself, 'don't worry about it. I'm fine. I always am. It was…it's been nice knowing you" I managed a halfhearted shrug, but I could feel the tears and bile building in my throat.

You were speechless, and you looked like someone had struck you. Flanagan's chest was still heaving and her face was the color of a ripe raspberry. Eli was just leaning against the nearest shelves like a triumphant peacock.

"Talk to you soon", I said with a bitter laugh, the sound of it-and the reference in my words, and their sarcastic finality-made you flinch.

I walked past you, went to my desk to grab my things and practically ran from the library. My friends. My sanctum sanctorum, now reduced to rubble.

I made it to my rooms before I let one tear fall, but they didn't stop.

You didn't move from your spot between the shelves until the other two had left. Flanagan had muttered something about leaving something in the fieldhouse and stomped away; Eli's boyfriend Jacob had come to retrieve him. And you just stood there, dumb to everything except two things: one, that you'd watched me get hurt and done nothing (despite really wanting to) and two, that you didn't care whether I was radioactive-that you'd risk the poison if it meant getting to see me read Italian or look at me dressed like Cyd Charisse.

You finally moved and made it to dinner, eyes searching the hall for me all the while. I wasn't there.

You left the hall and went back to your rooms. The door was still open in invitation when you fell asleep.

You woke up in the middle of the night, suddenly like someone had disturbed you. The room was dark, your roommate Chloe's gentle snores the only sound. You were trying to figure out what had woken you when-

Ping. From two minutes ago. That's what had done it. A text from me. Just a link and four words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxAdoTOnuM I'm sorry. The steps.

You grabbed your overcoat and your purple beanie, jammed your headphones into your ears, and took off running into the night.

2:54

I couldn't believe I done it. My face scrunched up at my foolishness, my lovesick nonsense-the shit that only happens in stories-but winced at the tug I felt from the scratch on my cheek. I'd been standing here in the cold for fifteen minutes before I'd even sent the text, and now for ten as I waited on the steps. Late night snow was starting to fall.

I had almost-nearly-basically given up when I heard distant footsteps in the dark.

A form started to take shape. A girl. An athlete. A familiar purple beanie.

I thought I was going to faint.

You took full form, and slowed down as you came to the bottom of the steps. You didn't ascend, letting me dictate the terms.

"HI", you said breathlessly, your chest still heaving from your cross-campus sprint. Your coat was open, revealing your sleeping sweats beneath.

"Hi", I returned, a smile threatening at the corner of mouth at the fact that you'd come. And you'd come like that-as soon as you-

"I came as soon as I could. I was…I waited for you to come."

"I know."

"I left my door open."

"Chloe must've been so confused."

Spurred on by the casual tone of the conversation, you put one foot on the steps to come up, "Listen…."

I held up a hand to halt you.

"No. I…I'm sorry about earlier. I'm not good…I'm not good at people." I rolled my shoulders in awkwardness, but my hands remained in my pockets, making me look like an irritated penguin.

And you laughed. That glorious sound that felt like sun breaking through the clouds.

"It's okay that you're crap at people." You took two steps upwards. I didn't stop you.

"It is?"

"Yes", you said happily, taking three more steps. Only two left.

"Why is that? You heard Eli…I'm radioactive. You saw Flanagan-I'm…why is that okay?"

"Because it is. You're not good at other people. You just have to…" you took the final two steps, level with me and then the final leap.

You reached up, lightly touching one chilled tan hand to my cold pink cheek, you brought your face close to mine and I took a surprised breath. That was all the indication you needed.

You pressed your lips softly to mine, the contact sending sparks and ice and fire and honey all over, inside, atop my mouth. I gasped into your mouth, and you smiled against my lips.

"I just have to what?" I finally asked moments-or years or seconds or decades-later, my eyes still closed long after the kiss had ended.

"You just have to be good at me. And I have a distinct feeling', you said as you took my hand in yours and gave it a reassuring squeeze, 'that you're a natural."

We walked down the steps and across the dark campus, holding hands all the while. You stopped every once in a while to brush snow from my hair, and I paused to let you. We meandered down to the crew lake as the sun was breaking the horizon, and I watched it rise in your eyes and turn your hair burnished gold while you watched the warm peach light settle around my paleness like a blooming rose. We were sitting on the dock, freezing but unbothered by it, when my stomach rumbled.

"Breakfast?" you asked.

"Yes. I need to shower, though. Meet you there?"

"Definitely". We got up and walked back through campus, you escorting me to my dormitory's entrance like a gentleman. The chivalrous nature of this didn't escape me, just so you know. I know you're just as much a romantic sap as I am, and to this day I am grateful.

We kissed quickly and I left you. You stood outside the building, relishing this new day and its possibilities. You put your headphones on and hit the link again, starting the song over once more. As the chorus was arcing upwards, it dimmed to allow the text tone to come through.

Talk to you soon.

You smiled and walked in the direction of your rooms. You knew it was true. It was true now and always would be.

[rhapsody-crossing]

Memories of Oceanink Series (Season 3) - Part 9

14. Deferred Week 4 Match - vs VerniySefaro

VerniySefaro is a fellow Malaysia team that contained most of the former KnB members. It is co-led by both Kent and Benji, both being veterans of Oceanink Series, with a huge roster of strong players: BK, Naj, Justme, Riderman, (the more casual cast:) Eddy, Koyu, and APLeu.

After much digging, it was confirmed that Kent, BK, APLeu and Naj would be playing against us. There was also a brief question on whether we should postpone this match in hopes to get players other than Naj against us, but we all agreed to get it done ASAP so that we could rest before the cross-division play-offs.

Kent and BK playing were expected; they are like peas in the pod after all, can’t have one without the other especially when it came to Oceanink Series. It is highly like that BK will take up his NZap, and Kent would play something long range, a Jet Squelcher or Heavy Splatling maybe. It is also possible that BK would be carrying a Jet Squelcher and Kent his usual trusty Dual Squel, but considering that Naj is in the party and recent videos did not see BK using his Jet Squel, said option would be quite unlikely.

APLeu, on the other hand, there were short video clips of her leaning towards more on support/shooter weapons that her usual Carbon Roller. Considering that there are two very proficient slayers in the front lines, I doubt she would return to her roller as well.

Naj was the player we did not want to fight the most; VS may have a lot of skilled player, but Naj felt like the cream of the crop. He has the wiles in battle, so it’s a pain to fight him... but worse of all, he’s favoured by the Gods/Powers-Up-There.

How so?

Case One: In Ink Your Heart Out (Malaysia’s first tourney), Harapan had connection issues but managed to pulled through towards the finals. When we fought them, Leaf’s connection acted up. They also had a lot of good luck with maps until the end, and I would like to think that it was my incense stick to the Buddha that partially combated his luck.

Case Two: In Ready Set Ink! (Malaysia’s second tourney) finals, they were able to conserve their energy because uncleSotong members kept disconnecting. I’d like to think they lost because of my incense stick to Buddha and also Kuniki’s vegetarian deal with Guan Yin ma.

Case Three: Mini Tourney (Malaysia’s third tourney) was a disconnect hell that eventually wore my teammates that we lost on that one. That tourney was also me forgetting to lit an incense stick, ugh.

Case Four: Kensa Tourney (Malaysia’s fourth tourney), despite the incense stick I lit, still ended up as a dc on my end, especially when we were on match point during which I was turning the tables. Mrgrgrgrgr...

Case Five: With him participating that night’s match, Calamar happened to be free to record, prompting a huge morale boost on VerniySefaro’s end (as most of them are huge fans of Calamar).

I have met Naj in person at mini tourney, and he seemed like a righteous person. In fact, he’s also in a righteous job as a police man, seems loving to his wife and is seemingly a pious person considering his religion. So yes, Powers-Up-There definitely favours a good man.    

So when Bibu had connection issues (Bibu never had connection issues!) and everyone (jokingly) blamed BK, I (secretly) blamed Naj.

Reflecting back on both Splat Zones, Goby Arena and Tower Control, Ancho-V Games, we both lost due to the gap of combat experience, formation and recovery. In fact, the latter map allowed Naj to spawn camp us. Frantic attempts on recovery made us jump into the battlefield one by one, only to be suffer in their readied ink. Aye, we lost.

Turf War, Skipper Pavilion seemed rather balanced due to its large map, but Bibu’s disconnect the second time forced us to continue the match with a lack of manpower. Needless to say, we lost.

Clam Blitz - Arowana Mall - The training with *cha team paid off. VS managed to broke our barrier once, but we managed to broke the barrier and took lead. There was a pretty long stalemate until Bibu dc’d at the last 30 seconds, prompting us to adopt a more defensive position and for our opponents to rush in. While we had the lead, the match entered into Overtime as opponents carried a power clam. Sot and Furi attempted to stop them but they were both freaked out (sot faced them on the narrow bridge), outnumbered (Furi tried stopping Kent and Naj on the front, got took down by BK at the back) and out-ranged (Inkbrush and Octobrush vs Dual Squelcher and Heavy Splatling), leading to their quick demise. Fortunately, narrow bridges are brilliant places for Hydra; I splatted the three attackers in quick succession and defended the lead, gaining our very first victory.

On Rainmaker - Shellendorf Institute, it was noted that the opponents carried weapons that are mid-range at best. They may have realized their mistake, especially when I was able to take control of the roof quite often (and regretted not taking being able to take clips of several nice rooftop splats). Fortunately for them, Bibu dc’d, and our request for sub allowed them to change weapons as per Oceanink rules.

Calling Leaf in is a double-edged sword. While it gave Furi the confidence that an old comrade and player on par of her skill was playing, Leafy was also out of practice and definitely out of sync with us. There were some lead struggles, but victory fell to VS in the end.

The short moment of battle before connection hiccup in the beginning of Splat Zones, New Albacore Hotel was enough to know that BK was out for my blood, hogging my usual perch spot on the left. I informed of others to clear the left pathway for me to perch. We took the zones quickly, and the left was oddly clear. The opponents carried no long range weapon, leading to a very easy control on the left entrance and the grate with my Hydra. The range allowed me to assist sot and Leaf, who are wreaking havoc in their base. Furi guarded the right with her splattershot pro, which outranged most of the weapon they carried. Naj attempted to baller through to the zone, however, the momentum of his leap across the water as a baller was affected by my Hydra volley... his descend into the water prompted a very satisfied chuckle from me. t!slots dominated this round.

Tower Control, Wahoo World led to a long tug of war. We had a good lead, with VS fought back led to an overtime (ooo deja vu). Furi was confident in stopping them as her special was ready, but we were definitely not ready for the onslaught of specials and harassment from Naj as he sharked at our base. All I could remember were a mess of ink storm, bubbles and stingray before VS took the lead overtime, winning the match.  

The overall result was a 5 - 2 in VS’ favour.

The mood was, for the first time, quite heavy after the loss (though a few attempts in light-heart jabs were made). Perhaps it was the frustration in the gap of skills and experience, or the fact that we could do better, that our tempo was messed up by frequent disconnects.

Bibu felt guilty as her connection issues led to a match’s loss, but none really blamed her for it. Heck, I could empathize with that guilt as my connection issues had cost team matches in the past. It could not be helped. Luck was definitely not on our favour this time, a fact that was only confirmed by Calamar’s presence.

A more capable captain would be able to give a rousing speech of life’s philosophy and how everyone had done well, and perhaps ended said night with a good note; I wasn’t that capable, for my mind only replayed to the many shots that I missed, the incapability of handling Naj and BK’s pressure, the inability to guide them better in match... All I could articulate was asking for others to rest early, before departing to bed.

On a brighter note, our matches were all wrapped up, so that’s a huge burden off our backs. Bibu immediately went back farming, Furi went back to save Hyrule and I started my life as a Moonlighter. After two months of committing to competitive battling, that’s the end to the Oceanink Series and all of us deserved a break!

...

Except, no, that wasn’t the end, because there was still Cross-Division Playoffs, dang.

Read Part 10 HERE

[commiemoth]

bbbb all of the adorable asks are so cute >////

Bbbbb im happy i answer!! >\

2- my favorite color use to be purple definitively but now i cant choose unless its color combinations, my current favorites are: cyan + red, bronze + patina-green, silver + deep blue, black + cyan or neon blue, black + gold, white + goldIf i Really Really had to choose only one tho i think it would depend on my mood? Blue for sad, deep blue for calm, gold for energetic/confident, cyan for floaty, silver for dissociating?

3- no but!!!! I really want to! As soon as im out of my parents house im gonna do eyeshadow all the time as soon as i learn how! (Hopefully ollie can teach me because their eyeshadow looks are fucking #Iconic)

4- Yes yes yes!!!! In love right now and its better than ever before!!

5- ive been hesitant about this because last time i thought this it ended b a d l y but!! This time feels really different! I feel the connection and honestly i think yes!!

6- i think when im by myself im incredibly pessimistic and realist and accepting of it but with most other people im very optimistic for them i think? Even if im not for myself :/

7- ive had my first kiss already unfortunately :/but! First kiss with someone who actually cares and loves and respects u is completely different!! So my ideal first kiss would probably be leik after a moment of really spontaneous and overwhelming happiness between us? I think it would feel natural and comftorable and nice even if we’d both be awkward blushy babies about it >\\

24- ive gotten my nails painted before it was really nice! Im going to start doing it regularly once im out of the house and i hope ill eventually be gud enough to paint little designs on them!

25- idk wat this is asking leik, confessed wat? Id think yes and leik if confessed just as in telling something they wouldnt tell anyone else then yes, im honored that someone places that much trust in me when they do and i try to protect the secret/confession with my life

26- gggggg i used to lie so much all the time leik little lies to make myself more interesting/cooler but i dont do that anymore thank gosh, i only lie now to protect someone’s safety/identity , protect my own safety, or when talking to adults because i dont trust them, when its morally justifiable, or when ive been asked too by a confidant

27- ollie!!! (Everything about them) and also songs that are really energetic and (happily) nostalgic for me, and also cute animals! Or hanging out and havin a gud laugh with friends, im more likely to smile in stress free environments!

28- ggggg gosh i cry all the time in books and movies, i cried at finding dory, and at guardians of the galaxy vol 2, and at swiss army man, and at steven universe a lot, and at attack on titan sometimes when i used to watch it (not anymore) anything i read that has a major character death makes me cry, i cried at the Dragons overwatch short for hanzo and genji, im big baby :/

29- i think i had a crush on a girl in elementary school when i was still straight and she was the most popular pretty girl in school, boring het stuff :/

30- marriage sounds really nice! Not that important tho it just seems leik part of the whole big thing of the different levels of “making it official” but it would be nice and fun!!! Kids are scary! Too much responsibilty and i, kinda dont leik them :/

31- im very superstitious sometimes, a couple years ago i saw the picture of the russian sleep experiment creepy pasta and its haunted me and my halfasleep mind until a few months ago last year thats not really superstitious i guess but im always very irrational about things leik that, leik if a noise happens at night then my brain goes: “its the [a creepy picture i saw that day] monster here to get you” and it really sucks sometimes but ive been a little bette with it lately! (Ps, Do Not look up the russian sleep experiment, it might not be the same for you but it was terrifying for me and had a lasting effect)

32- my 3am thoughts are ollie!! Its much better thinking about cuddling them instead of thinking about if everyone i know hates me secretly or wat went wrong on that particular day (although ive been doing better on that too)

33- i leik candy a lot!! My favorites are snickers, swedish fish, cinnamon gumdrops, chocolate (either chili or caramel), jolly ranchers, skittles, and sometimes airheads, i used to l o v e poprocks but i dont see then around anymore :l

34- halloween!!! Its my favorite time because its not too cold to have to stay inside and still cold enough for cool fashion options and also halloween itself!! Its fun! :D

35- my favorite season is winter!! It lets me stay inside and watch the pretty snow while i drink hot cocoa and play video games :3 fall is a close second!! Most of fall is cool enough to still be outside and the cold weather suits me even if its sometimes gives me colds!

36- i feel leik a dog would help me be happier because they generally more energetic? But a cat suits my personality much better and i feel leik we might get along a little easier , both are gud and no preference tho!!!

37- im really quiet i think!! I try not to talk at all unless its with people i already know, but the more comftorable i am with someone the louder i am with them!!

38- my favorite time period is medeival or far-future! Medieval only when in fantasy with dragons and magic and stuff because Real medieval times kinda sucked but: the knights! The samurai! And far future because space travel and sightseeing on distant planets!!

39- bowties? There still kind of around tho i guess, cloaks and swords or also full plate armor (bring! Them! Back!)

40- hhhhh i never remember my dreams but the worst nightmares are where i wake up and cant breathe leik sleep paralysis im pretty sure (that combined with russian sleep experiment is h e l l but thankfully that doesnt really happen anymore) and the best dreams ive had are when ollie is in them!!

41- i used to be really afraid the dark but im still sometimes just as afraid so i guess that doesnt count? I used to have dreams where the little one eyed dudes id make out of my erasers would turn evil and stand on my chest and id wake up with sleep paralisys so? Thats something i guess :/

42-43 are skipped in the list?

44- i try my best!! Ollie knows :> im [Incapable] of flirting with anyone if they dont also flirt with me and i know that they leik me too tho so i havent been flirting much the past couple years till now :l

45- my style currently is kinda blandish i think? Dark or cool colors with a graphic teeshirt (sometimes of things that i dont even leik anymore) and black or blue skinny jeans (sometimes a bleached white pair, theyre my favorite) and some matching color of converse, sometimes i wear flannels or button ups and sometimes bowties too! But not as often

Ideal style: crop top, flannel, sunglasses, short short jean shorts, cool socks that go past my knees, matching converse!

46- hell yeah i blush!!!!!!!!! Sometimes i blush when people are really nice to me but most times its from romantic stuff because i get flustered and blushy So Easily!!

47- every once in a while my depression comes back and most of the time it doesnt stay for lomg but while its here i feel everything at once while wanting to feel nothing and its so overwhelming or i feel nothing at all while wanting to feel at least one thing and it makes my heart hurt, most of the time tho i lean more on the side of feeling everything! Feelings are gud and i leik them!!!

48- im definently a crier! Cried basically for 3 years straight, but ive only cried happy crying a couple times, definitely a few tho, i smile a lot! I think! I try to, i think smiles are really nice and there needs to be more of them in the world, ive been smiling a lot more the past couple months for sure :3Thanks for askin and!! @got to answer the same asks! Not all if u dont want to but just the ones u want :>

[group1stem1magiting-blog]

Reel Feels

Rosewell Ray V. Cabusas

August 03, 2018 | 12:27am

---------------------------------

“That’s all that matters. The greatest thing is to have someone who loves you and—and to love in return. People who haven’t got it—or had it—don’t believe that, but it’s the truth.”

What’s with the quote, you ask? Well, I may not be as engrossed as everybody else when it comes to chick flicks and such but hey! Everybody has their soft and weak spots. I may not be interested by the very first time I lay my eyes on a piece but soon you’ll find me sitting hunched at the edge of the room – crying and reflecting on what I have just watched or read. Oh, the sentiments in the literature and films we’ve indulged ourselves with.

Today, I will be sharing my favorite scene from a British historical drama I’ve been patronizing since season 1. Hey hey hey! Don’t leave me just yet! I ,myself, was really not into historical genre long before I came about but trust me, it gets better once you've widen your boundaries! So lemme start with my looooong erratic remarks about my favorite drama scene. *cue jazz music*

Entitled as Poldark, it is based from Winston Graham’s book with the same title. This all-new version of the vintage Masterpiece series stars Aidan Turner as Capt. Ross Poldark. Yes!! Aidan Turner! Who portrayed a character from Jackson's The Hobbit adaptation named Kili- the youngest of the thirteen dwarves who set out on Thorin Oakenshield's quest to conquer Erebor. (Let me put a brake on that before I begin to fantasize about Tolkien beings).

Going back!! The story begins In the late 18th century, Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his home in Cornwall after three years in the army. Upon his return home, he discovers his father has died, his estate in ruins and in debt, and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin Francis. Wow, a warm homecoming surprise for a soldier returning from war. Yet, Capt. Poldark stood firm. Ain’t nobody is bringin' my man downnn. While in quest in saving the family’s long running mine business; In town, he encounters a young woman named Demelza, dressed as a boy. After learning that her father beats her, Poldark offers her lodging and work as a kitchen maid. He then strives to help his father's tenants and the people of the village while attempting to run the copper mines he inherited, sought after by his rival, the greedy and arrogant George Warleggan.

•Ross Venor Poldark•

•Elizabeth Chynoweth Warleggan•

•Demelza Carne Poldark•

Its fourth season is currently airing this year!! With fast paced jawdropping revelations, thrilling scenes and unexpected turn of events, Poldark always keeps me at the edge of my seat.... or bed. Even though are more than 30 episodes released, there's only one scene that I’m totally diggin and will share. After seeing this drama I've came to ask myself, what is it like to live in the 18th century where romantic love letters and songs are a norm? Where love is expressed through exquisite art--to feel every stroke of letters they write; that every words they speak and sing are music to their love one's ears. What does it feel like?? Welp!! Fast-forward to Season 1 Episode 4 where Demelza is already wed to Capt. Poldark. Too soon? See here why. <--tis a link

Now, where do I start? I don’t even now where to begin to describe how utterly perfect every single millisecond of this scene is. I thought it impossible to choose a favorite scene from this episode because it’s been an unadultered Demelza/Ross relationship, however, then came this and I forgot about everything else. It was Christmas Eve when Demelza and Ross are invited in a small feast at Nampara. While chillin (cause its cold) near the fireplace, Elizabeth plays a harp for the guests. As they clap after Elizabeth's graceful performance, a guest provocatively asked Demelza to play something- with the idea that Demelza is just a scullery maid. Ross intervenes saying that Demelza rather sings. With no other choice, Demelza- who don't even play instruments, walked towards the harp then unexpectedly plucks the right string out of nervousness. Then she began to sing. There was none which could compete with Demelza singing her soul-stirring love song. It resonates across the whole room and deeply moves everyone. Demelza’s clear voice full of unsaid feelings makes an impact on the listeners (I would like to be included too thank you very much); and Elizabeth immediatelly realizes that her harp could never compare this.

[Video link here!!!]

The Wild Red Rose

“I’d pluck a fair rose for my love;

I’d pluck a red rose blowing.

Love’s in my heart a-trying so to prove.

What your heart’s knowing.

I’d pluck a finger on a thorn,

I’d pluck a finger bleeding.

Red is my heart a-wounded and forlorn

And your heart needing.”

---------------------------------

Everyone is listening to Demelza, but it’s clear that there is is only one man to whom the song is for. Everybody is moved by the performance because Demelza’s song touches the hearts of those who know how to feel love and even those who don’t, because its message is so strong and clear and beautiful in its frankness - it’s HER LOVE CONFESSION to her husband. It’s as close as she dares to voice her love in front of him. She bewitches him and it’s as if everyone else in the room vanished and he truly saw her for the first time. When she looks up and watches him, Ross can’t keep his eyes from her and he feels every note and word and it makes him tremble. And in that moment, as the comprehension dawns he finally realizes the meaning of her song and it takes his breath away - that HIS WIFE doesn’t need to learn to LIKE him at all because SHE ALREADY LOVES HIM! Awww, the loving and proud smile! I also love the fact that Ross actually suggests that Demelza sings because he is indirectly admitting that he loves her signing and thinks it beautiful - remember when he secretly listened to her at the beginning of the episode.

In this moment, for the first time I truly believe that Ross loves her in return. For him, Elizabeth has been a regret and a wound of the past; something that could have been and he is not yet able to let go nor to stop asking himself how it could have been. And I think the reason why it’s taking him such a long time to indentify his feelings for Demelza as love is because they are completely different from what he’s felt for Elizabeth - stronger, deeper, more profound, raw and intense. This is no longer the first naive and hopeful love but the love that lasts a lifetime and endures everything.

So there we have it!! A very huge kudos to Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, the whole Poldark cast and crew for successfully bringing to life one of Graham’s timeless masterpiece. I still can’t deny the fact that this scene will be haunting me forever. A very short verse yet the lyrics! Wow. Beyond being frankly a confession-- it also clearly suggests that even though there’s a feeling of pain and sorrow, she would still do whatever it takes to give everything what her love desires. Demelza is quite aware that her husband is still suppressed to the first woman he loved with the society never failing to remind Demelza what her stand is. It makes her think that she could never compare to Elizabeth's, but then she has nothing more to offer than only herself to the man she loves- who ,too, is broken. Then rolled the ending credits. I admit I was left in awe for a moment thinking what could’ve possibly happened in the succeeding episodes...

[survivornavarino]

Episode #5: WE LANA DEL REY TONIGHT FAM -Rebecka

Back from exile so here's the happenings ~Immediately cried to Beckka about Tim leaving and being slaughtered in my arms. ~Messaged Trixie, well she messaged me about what happened our other tribal. ~Messaged all the favs cuz idc if Im at the bottom, im obviously bottom of fans or favs so WHATEVER. ~Talked a lot to Julia cuz we have a lot in common (Witchcraft, being 16 y/o babies, getting lit) ~Told all the favs I have no one in this game which is true. FAVS IF YOU LISTENING TAKE ME IN. PLEASE AND THANKS. ~Messaged Vi cuz at least she was with me.

Honestly what were they thinking with voting out Tee? I guess that's a challenge threat out of the way, so I won't complain.

https://youtu.be/HepZnpuimhM ________________________________________________________________ https://youtu.be/IJWWj23olkA

HAHAHAHAHAHA I LOVE LANA DEL REY SO MUCH NICE TRY AMIRADOR GET READY PUT ON UR ACRYLIC NAILS AND WINGED EYELINER WE LANA DEL REY TONIGHT FAM 

So the bad news is I found out Drew has been hardcore dropping my name since the game started and I thought we were cool but it's fine snakes will be snakes. I think he's a little shook about my at bat (me having won 1/3 games I've played) cause he's hinted at how crazy that is. And that would explain why he's pulling out fake receipts and conspiracies to get me out. Whew game recognize game https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ryans-reality-network/images/6/61/Awright_alyssa_edwards.gif/revision/latest?cb=20150724035546 The good news is Eddie is a real one, we really are Joe and Desi from HvHvH, and he spilled all the tea. And honestly we have a similar playing style so we're really about to go the distance, especially if I never get reunited with Julia or Rebecka. SO we need to slay this lip sync so we both live but on the off chance we lose, things are gonna kick into high gear. I've only seen one season of Survivor (HvHvH) but Tyler convinced me to watch Kaoh Rong and let me just say that has shed some light on things. Voting Jacob? Will always be there. Sending another fan out? No problem. Voting long-term? Now that's not a bad idea. So when I said, "What if we got Drew out?" Eddie was all ears. Obviously this is super early and under wraps BUT between the two of us we can make it happen. The key is Tyler and Jake so if we can get them we have a guaranteed majority. It all comes down to timing and the pitch. This is our best chance to clock Drew and whoever fails the vetting process will be left out. If Eddie says that whenever someone takes a shot at Drew they can't afford to miss and that has to be a blindside, then this plan has to be airtight. I wonder who could pull something like that off https://media.giphy.com/media/QmeB1Hr5fz7a0/giphy.gif

I volunteered to do the music video since I was a film major and have professional editing software. It puts a good deal of pressure on me because if we lose it looks like I really dropped the ball. However, I’m hoping that my attempts to organize us and edit the entire thing will earn me some respect and points from my tribe. It’s a bit frustrating getting ideas out of everyone. Nobody seems to want to volunteer thoughts or contribute to the brainstorming and we don’t have much time at all to get this done.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CdgOebQNYEE ________________________________________________________________ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cdsZyoPZe5Q

First challenge on a new tribe and we lost. WHOOP DE DOO. Im going to try and find an in with the favs and hopefully stick with them. Saying how I have no allegience in this game. Also I keep forgetting that I can idol hunt so Im just casually at level 4 still I think. Ill probably look in the morning. But what were we thinking with Great Balls of Fire. That song is iconic and now that Tyler won he has chances of getting an in with people, but I want him gone Obviously no can do since I am not on his tribe anymore. Might as well dwindle down his numbers from this side then.

So we lost the lip sync. I had to apply lipstick for the first time so that was fun. Sadly one of us has to go home and my guess is it's either Heather, Trixie or Vi unless me or another favorite is getting targeted secretly. I need Heather and Trixie in the game if i'm being honest, mainly due to Trixie having rumors spread about her on the OG Admirador tribe and I wanna see if I can mess around with that. Then Heather was saying that people on the OG Admirador tribe were being fake to her, and she also told me Tyler got paranoid due to Heather not responding to Tyler's messages. So I hope Tyler makes it past merge, because I can work with paranoia. For those who don't know I'm trying a villainy thing and it's probably gonna fail miserably and I'm gonna look like a dumb fuck but I was the hero on my season and I wanted to try villainy out. I'm not good at long confessionals I apologize I feel like i'm the kid in the class presentation who speaks in a monotone voice and makes everyone fall asleep.

Me to the other tribe if/when i reach merge and we get to talk: https://desmadrechic.tumblr.com/post/171063789210/oh-god Ignore the caption that came with the video ajsjsjdkjd

So the other tribe voted out Tee and I'm a n g e r y The challenge was a music video. Still a n g e r y We won. Still a n g e r y!

So like this is bad for the fans, I feel like the faves will just band together and take the easy vote route, I need to socialise today. I need to just make strong social bonds and make sure people want to keep me around. I wanna act dumb and want them to think I am a free number for them. I like Drew and feel like he will be loyal to me, I am no 100% sure what Mitch and Autumn will do but I feel like they will keep me over Jake and Tyler if we end up going to tribal.

Well look at that I got added to a new alliance chat...! Autumn added me, Tyler, and Eddie to an alliance and we named it "Keyboard Smashers" and um I like everyone in it but I also like Drew...so I'm gonna protec him! If we lose and we're still on the same tribe I think I'd want to vote out Mitch since he hasn't made any efforts to talk to me individually. It's a shame bc I think we'd have a lot in common, but oh well! Tbh I have a feeling that we're gonna swap into 3 tribes of 5 next round...my psyche is telling me this...and I'm always right! But I hope I'm wrong because I feel like I'm in a really good position on this tribe and I'm scared to swap on a tribe with people from the other tribe because I think Heather and Vi wouldn't work with me, neither would the faves on the other side. Anyways...I'm a bad bitch.

We just did THAT and I'm happy for it. I've not gotten the chance to be as much if a social butterfly as I would like because my work situation is still adjusting, so if I can keep staying safe until merge that would be highly appreciated. HeatherAs of right now he vote is Vi. I dont agree with it since she is the only one who has been truthful to me in this game so far. But I dont see any way of saving her right now. My only choice I feel in this game is to team up with the favs and get out the fans, which I don't mind as long as that fan isn't me. Plus the fans (minus my loves Vi and Tim) all left me out of the vote. If they think I am going to crawl right back to them come another swap or merge, they have something coming. HOPEFULLY THIS VOTE ISNT ME OR ILL CRY.

So I'm just like really sad because I love vi and I never wanted to vote her out of this game but I have to and that's really sad.  I don't really have much else to say I just feel super guilty.

du du du..... another fan bites the dust and another fan gone, another fan gone another fan bites the dust

Why is it that each tribal gets messier than the last? Well maybe I should back up. We lost... again. Wow what curse have we brought to this tribe. I call bs since we were nice enough to give an upbeat song. The judges are bias smh. Anyways literally no one talked. What vote who? I dunno. It’s super silent which brings bad news. Probably gonna have to expect to be voted out tonight. Oh well. Hopefully heather doesn’t get voted out but I feel like it’ll be another fan that’s gone. The favs know each other and so they’re banding together I believe. Such sadness. I’ll just have to wait until tribal to know tho

Oh, right, this is a thing I need to do. Anyway, same boring shit as always, I'd put "Drew won an immunity challenge" as my mood message but it could be about anything, really. I think there are only like two tribal challenges I've ever lost in Athena. Bonus points because it was the music video challenge so you know my ass floated by and gave it all of ten minutes of thought, but we had a damn savant on the tribe! I love it when tribe swaps work out well for me. People were expressing all this sadness for Trixie and Vi going to their fifth tribal in a row and I'm just sitting here like listen, any goddamn time someone wants to take my seat at tribal and give me the night off, they're welcome to it. Denise Stapley is a cute look on some people, I guess. I'm just fine over here with my Cirie Fields kickback realness, I don't need tribal council, y'all can wait until FTC to give me a torch as far as I'm concerned.

What's the haps? Stress, angina, and crippling anxiety. Anyway. We won immunity which I'm real happy about because I can nOT go to tribal council. I absolutely refuse to lose and I'm really hoping I just make it to merge without attending a tribal council. For some reason I feel like I will I will either go to like the tribal before merge and leave at the first tribal I attend or I will make it to merge without losing and I will be merge boot. I really am happy because I feel like if we went to tribal council Drew would have targeted Autumn which is something I am SOOOO against. I literally sold my soul to that girl and that's who I'm riding with for the rest of the game. So because I love ha so much I kind spilled the beans to her about Drew targeting her. I feel like really bad about it though cause I do consider Drew a close friend but for some reason I'm really having a hard time trusting him. I just feel like he's only with me until he doesn't need me anymore and then he'll totally see me for the threat that I am and take me out. I feel so bad about it but I just feel like it's what I needed to do to show Autumn that I trust her and have her back. Because of that I think Autumn would've gone after Drew and I feel like I would've had to pick a side and I really just can't vote Drew out yet njvjsdfkdnsjk. I would literally feel terrible about it cause I usually don't turn on my close allies pre-merge but if he goes after Autumn then I have no other choice. As I'm typing this I'm beginning to wonder why I didn't just tell Drew that I didn't want to vote Autumn out. Maybe he would've said ok we can target somebody else. Why don't I trust him enough to say that? Hmm idk I'm just so on edge. So a 4 person alliance was created and I'm soooooo happy. MY first alliance in this game! I finally feel have something I can maybe rely on and trust for a bit. It includes Autumn, Jake, and Tyler all of which I LOVEEEEE. Like omg this is my dream alliance I'm screaming. If we stick together we at least have enough to tie it. But who knows what will happen. I'm watching you JAKE >.>

[geek-gem]

Riverdale Season 2 Episode 5

So it just turned 9:02 pm it was 01 and just.....okay wow seeing this. Spoilers will be mentioned. Also stalled on the submit thing three times or some shit and looked up the last Riverdale thing I posted of which episode this is.

But just wow holy crap man. Honestly before the final part of the episode. I at least found something funny from a post I'll reblog well it's a gif after this or just have other stuff spoilerish for a video game Sonic Forces possibly.

Yet just again holy crap.

I'm gonna be rambling here. For some reason after hearing the quote carve her like a Jack O Lantern is something that stuck with me before the commercials aired. Including me just quoting it I mean God damn. I've heard threats similar to that but holy fuck almost left the word duck typos and shit even almost left shot okay as shot see mistakes.

I mean just holy crap yes this series shows drama and I care about the characters but oh my God. I'm just......

Including so Betty is being called by the Black Hood to do some shit. Such as embarrass her mother. Along with trying to have her cut her friends out of her life.

Then also just Jughead trying to become one of the Serpents now. Basically to try to make sure they don't do crazy shit. Okay I'm gonna sound stupid I was thinking oh my God are they gonna have him be bit by a snake. Really I mean it sounds stupid but that GI Joe movie from years ago got me thinking. It's insane but first taking care of this cute dog who's the third honestly.

Turns out holy fuck their is a snake involved. But also learn the laws too. Yet theirs a actual fucking snake involved. Seriously I was going ahhh or just I was in fear or something. I mean just seeing that shit. Seriously I was going back seeing that and the idea that Jughead has to fucking put his hand in a God damn case and pull this knife without getting bit or just.....okay theirs some cures right just also still that serpent shit. Including I thought the bandages were protection but no their from the dog. Just also okay it's called the Gauntlet he hasn't done it yet probably I just don't know oh my God.

I mean just I was thinking of stuff that I'm gonna type in here and what to type in here too.

Including a guy from Veronica's past a old boyfriend with his parents. Honestly at first I'm thinking is this to include drama for Archie he's getting jealous and protective as all fuck. Also Cheryl gets involved this Nick I can't spell his other name right but just okay Nicolas is that okay. Or just no I'm typing it wrong. Is he planning something with Cheryl almost put Veronica's name.

Okay also the end or just before the end just seriously. So Josie and the Pussycats playing and remembered something. But just their playing and singing in front of a party.

Also I seriously went OH SHIT at the sight of Alice in this dress and wondered who's that is that and just my God.

Including remembered seriously was thinking Romeo And Juilet however it's fucking spelt but the romance between Jughead and Betty better then that shit. Betty then references that story but says but with a happy oh my God yes Betty good shit.

I'll also mention the thing I wanted to say when I was gonna talk about the song they mentioned Gal Gadot and Cheryl getting really bothered possibly offended by Archie getting her last name wrong. I'm just honestly shouldn't be bothered and also they referenced Suicide Squad in the 2nd episode of the series but I just thought of a joke the 2nd part mainly but thought of the next one I'll put first.

Jughead: hey Archie

Archie: what is it Jughead(just what Jughead sounded rude)

Jughead: Superman died

Archie: WHAT NOOOOO *goes into a sad state*

That was referencing Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice sorry for spoilers almost left the word steel. Including forgot to put referencing beside Jughead's 2nd line but meh.

Including a God damn Justice League just came on and passed which just popped in time for this joke I've been wanting to make

*after the events of Justice League*

Jughead: hey Archie

Archie: what is it Jughead

Jughead: Superman came back to life

Archie: WHAT YESSSSSSS *tears off shirt revealing Superman shirt* YESSSSSSSSS HA HA *cries tears of joy*

Okay stupid shit. But back to this part basically when the music's going on the song and all this shit is happening.

So we have the main four okay Archie not much yet remembered Veronica is part of what happens with the other three. But as a group is why I forgot a bit no offense non taken.

Oh wait yeah it's Betty I mean just okay the other one but the two most major ones are Veronica and Jughead almost put Betty's name instead of Veronica my head thought that. Basically everyone's going through shit man.

After being pissed off that Archie told him Betty wants to break up with him. Also one of the Black Hood's demands. Jughead is totally in to become a serpent and he gets the shit beat out of him. Even with that one guy who's hates Archie and fought with him. Including took the first punch by Archie. He seriously punches Jughead on the left side of his head with brass knuckles holy crap. Yet Jughead gets back up I think it was that part he says is that all you got and the Serpents accept him. Or basically the guy puts out a hand as a welcomed gesture. Okay will mention this kiss Toni just and people were worried of this before the season aired and was gonna talk about the next thing. I think I want ahhhh or some shit forgot.

Then we have Nicolas and Cheryl including Nicolas puts something in Cheryl's drink the fuck they drinking it can't be wine hope not or shit. Seriously I was thinking okay what are they gonna do. Including I thought I heard Nicolas threatening Veronica of fucking up this partnership between their families and shit.....

Turns out umm wow and if I am thinking this right.

Well........ Cheryl is almost raped.

I mean Jesus I was surprised by the sight of just wait or something just is he gonna oh my or just..... seriously and luckily Veronica and the Pussycats basically save the day by beating the shit out of him. I mean Jesus Christ and for some stupid reason thought is he the Black Hood his eye color is different and okay not the description.

Including everyone knows even Archie, and Betty who well okay I'll talk about this now.

Wanting to know who the Black Hood is she wants to know after meeting his demands three of them or some shit. He asks her to go a old house. Where just oh my God I was terrified of just worrying for Betty.

So turns out he leaves a gift for her okay I seriously thought is he gonna show himself. The gift is a ski mask he asks her to turn around to look in a mirror saying they are the same. Then theirs a sound and Betty runs the fuck out of there.

Why the fuck was I thinking is he gonna kill her. Seriously I was that concerned for a character I like. Including I thought is the gift gonna be a picture, some weird nun hat or scraff I can't spell shit. Hey I was guessing and just this stupid idea of long lost brother. Okay I'm sounding stupid. I was thinking all kinds of shit. But the fact he said it's a face she knows oh my God and I'm like who. Including I assumed it was some guy who just now appeared on the show and will talk about him again. Including I thought no can't be him.

Yet back to the thing with Cheryl and her saying Archie doesn't need his cape. Okay to be honest that DCEU joke and I like it quite a bit honestly I've talked about it. Why do I feel Archie would love the fuck out of Superman like as a fan, a role model. Also the idea of Riverdale existing in the same universe as the DCEU what just my stupid head hate the c word. Yet maybe it could just still....some shit I haven't watched Suicide Squad been thinking Friday maybe.

Then we have the ending where the Black Hood calls again and turns out he knows about Betty telling Archie. I'll mention this joke and other thing later. Basically threatening that she will kill the rest of her family she has to pick a well...sinner or someone who has done bad shit. She chooses Nicolas and the Black Hood mentions about how their the same.

Honestly.... really considering what the guy did and what he was about to do to Cheryl. Listen Cheryl may be an asshole but holy crap that shit I saw was about to happen. I question I wonder what the fuck they gonna do with him now. Including surprised they didn't say the word rape maybe next episode hopefully.

So in a way good choice Betty you picked a possibly well yeah shitty human being that sucks. Despite you'll question your own moral and possibly be responsible for a taking a life in a way if the guy does die or gets protection from police. Honestly I just...don't know the fuck.

Including just this got very long. Because seriously yeah me explaining the episode yet just overreacting or just seriously I hope the folks I'm gonna forget the funny shit I mention I'm gonna reblog shit actually of this show again don't judge me.

But also.... really I'm surprised well texting. I understand of trying to keep it a secret. Yet this idea okay she breaks up with her friends but she secretly texts them first hey the Black Hood is demending me to not be friends with you anymore. So don't tell anyone and pretend we aren't friends anymore. Yet considering well he must of been watching said creep in my head but also this crazy idea just....can someone hack texts honestly possible.

A call between Betty and the Black Hood right now.

Black Hood: hey Betty

Betty: what

Black Hood: you've been telling people about our conversations that's not just Archie

Betty: what

Black Hood: don't play dumb with me I've been watching you yet also been checking your texts you've been texting back and forth about pretending to not be their friends anymore

Betty:.....okay I'm sorry how the fuck can you see my texts

Black Hood: I CAN HACK YOUR SHIT GIRL NOW IM GONNA SHAKE YOUR INCEST PREGNANT OF A STUPID UNLESS YOU PICK A SINNER FOR ME TO KILL NOW

That was basically my well funny interpretation of that bullcrap. Including when making that final part that Direct TV DCEU thing commerical went on nice because I talked about the DCEU in here. Also just...he could check the phone behind her back or anyone elses. Including was thinking Betty always has her phone and thinking the others too.

But just holy crap that episode was insane said weak in my head no please head. Almost put but again yet that was insane that drama. Including remember the promo for the next episode.

Including the music for the promo is the music for the Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice Ultimate Edition trailer one of them. Almost put including again but I thought before this and now well when writing about this stuff. Does that answer more of my DCEU Riverdale stuff said yes in my head man and nope now stop it.

Basically even during this seeing the episode I'm like okay where's the Helghast, the Chimera, or even Doomguy or Superman I'm being silly and also where's Sapphira The Teenage Witch if she ever appears. From what I remember they mentioned her and yes I know of her too.

I'm just rambling I liked the episode. Including this random insane idea and theory that Sheriff Keller is the killer. Check his eyes and Keller killer just retyped that because I chose the word.

Got tags done and it's 10:02 pm ridiculousness is on and looked mtv1 just sorry rambled lol 10:03