#and I ended up on the travel side of YouTube with someone going around a peruvian neighborhood and my soul aches to return

[eternal-reverie]

I fell down the rabbit hole with discovering new music and then new-to-me old music, and then somehow circling back to familiar yet unknown music that I rarely search for. Music that my mom would play from her country in the background since my childhood.

[garycxjk]

Why most people don't get Europapa

So, Joost Klein's Europapa apparently is taking the world by storm. With its happy hardcore or gabber house tunes and beats and the silly music video, there's no denying that this song has a certain charm, though it also has its detractors.

The thing is, though, most people on both sides don't fully get the song.

To summarize the song, it's essentially about an orphan who travels around Europe to find himself. Those were in Joost's own words.

Europapa is about an orphan who travels throughout Europe (and beyond) to find himself and tell his story. At first, people don’t recognise him, but he goes on seizing any opportunity he gets to let himself be seen. Europapa is a tribute to my father. When bringing me up, he passed on to me an expansive view of the world.

Okay, but why does the song sound so silly? Well, that's something deliberate. I don't really know much about Joost Klein's music, but what I do know is that this is basically what most of his songs are. Silly, yet deep.

Okay, brief detour to give context to the rest of what I'm writing, but it's important to remember that Joost Klein basically became an orphan at a young age. He lost his father to cancer when he was 12, and a year later, his mother died as well. This essentially shaped his music. From what I can gather from the many YouTube comments, he always watched Eurovision with his parents, and told them that one day he'd be there on stage.

So, let's just talk about the elephant in the room. Some people call this European propaganda. However, just the first few lines clue you in that it isn't just some pro-EU propaganda.

Welcome to Europe Stay here until I die

In fact, there are several lines used that wouldn't sit right if it were pro-EU propaganda. Let's look at the second verse.

Ich bin in Deutschland Aber ich bin so allein

Which roughly translates to

I'm in Germany But I'm so lonely

The next lines, "Io sono in Italia / Maar toch doet het pijn" (first line Italian, second line Dutch), which translates to "I'm in Italy / But I still feel pain".

Essentially, the entire song is him trying to let go of his past, to let go of his grief. That's essentially what the burning house and the windmill represent at the end, finally moving on from the past.

And that's essentially what the entire song is about. The entire song sounds like it's stuck in the '90s and early noughties. Naturally the most glaring part is the music style. Back in the '90s, happy hardcore and gabber house was really big, especially in the Netherlands. The way people dance back then and dressed when they did can be seen in the scene with Paul Elstak. Then there's the Gameboy Advance, which came out in the early 2000s.

Another cool thing is a reference to New Kids, a Dutch comedy show from 2007, when someone says "Welkom in Europa jongen!" ("Welcome in Europe boy!"). On the television screen, you can see Gerrie van Boven, played by Tim Haars, a character from New Kids.

But it isn't just a throwback. It's all being done deliberate. Something that gets lost in translation is the text. The rhymes work, however, to a Dutch person, it sounds a bit... childish. Very simple, at the very least. But I think that even that is done deliberately. It sounds like a child has been writing these lines, but I think that's the point of the song. It's supposed to sound like a child has been writing these lines.

The entire song is about the protagonist being stuck in the past, being stuck in his grief. It's why there's a disconnect between the text and the melody. Sure, it's a celebration of Europe, of Eurovision. Joost Klein genuinely loves Eurovision. However, it's also essentially him saying, this is me closing another chapter in my life.

Let's take a look at the outro of the song.

Op kruistocht in m'n spijkerbroek, lopend door de velden M'n papa en m'n mama zijn voor altijd mijn helden Aan het einde van de dag zijn we allemaal mensen M'n vader zei me ooit: "Het is een wereld zonder grenzen" Regen op het raam en ik stond huilend bij het venster Veel te vroeg duister, het is winter in de lente "Ik mis je elke dag", is wat ik stiekempjes fluister Zie je nou wel, pa? Ik heb naar je geluisterd

This... seems quite long, doesn't it? Well, that's because that's the full outro. What most hear during the video clip is this:

Aan het einde van de dag zijn we allemaal mensen M'n vader zei me ooit: "Het is een wereld zonder grenzen" "Ik mis je elke dag", is wat ik stiekempjes fluister Zie je nou wel, pa? Ik heb naar je geluisterd

Let's translate the full lyrics. I'll put the translations of the lyrics in the music video in bold and italic.

On my crusade in jeans, walking through the fields My dad and mom are forever my heroes At the end of the day we are all human beings My father once told me: "It's a world without borders" Rain on the window and I stood at the window crying Darkness far too soon, it's Winter in Spring "I miss you every day", is what I secretly whisper You see dad, I listened to you

So, basically, the gist is, this song has many layers. It's a heartfelt tribute to Eurovision, while also telling a personal story about grief and letting go of said grief.

Though I think this interview with Joost Klein on De Avondshow met Arjen Lubach may say more than I could.

Well, sometimes you must say goodbye to whatever is most dear to you. And when one door closes thousands of others open, apparently. But what I've learned is that you tend to hold on to your own pain sometimes. So this letter provides some sort of closure, dare I say. Saying: "Hey, Mum and Dad... You will always be there for me, but I can't carry this pain forever."

[tojis-favorite]

TOJI AS YOUR R&B SINGER! BOYFRIEND

(i love giving toji random occupations)

HEADCANONS UNDER CUT

Okay first let's talk about the type of music he would make first. I feel like he would make music like a mixture of bryson tiller and partynextdoor (LISTEN).

The music he would make would be talking about your relationship and most of it would be sexual but not overbearing. It would just be the perfect amount (i’m going to link some songs at the end <3) .

He’s a rising artist, he started out by posting songs on youtube and they would get a decent amount of attention. When he released his mixtape someone had posted a snippet from one of his songs on twitter and he started BOOMING. He has about 3 millions followers on instagram and the more music he puts out the more fame he gains. Which he can find overbearing sometimes.

So far he has done features with Lil Baby, Lakeyah, and Gojo (🤭). He tries not to do too many features at one time because he doesn’t want to be overpowered by the artist he works with; he wants to be known for his voice, not for the people he works with.

ON TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP!

You have been with him since the BEGINNING. You guys had started dating when you were in highschool. You were a freshman and Toji was a Sophomore. You were friends with a popular group but you weren’t necessarily popular yourself. Toji saw how we were not in the mix a whole lot and he liked that about you.

Anytime you would sleep over at Toji’s house he would sing you to sleep without even realizing it until you would wake up the next morning and would tell him. With the start of your relationship the love that he had for you was beautiful and he would find himself writing about it (all of it).

For your birthday he had sung you one of the songs and that's when you told him that he needed to start taking music more seriously because you could see the talent in him. So he did. Now you're in your Sophmore year of College and he decided not to go to college due to him being on his rise to fame (best believe he is paying your tuition, dorming, and books).

Everyone knows you're in a relationship. Toji did not try to hide your relationship from anyone, especially when he started to get more recognition. He loves to just randomly post you on his story and he has a tattoo of your name on the side of his neck in cursive so people know you are serious.

NSFW (these are all different occasions)

First things first STUDIO SEX (omg). Toji goes to the studio at night most of the time and that’s usually when your day comes to an end. Once he sees that you made it back to your shared apartment he sends you an uber to the studio.

“Thank you,. have a good night sir!” You said as you stepped out of the uber and made your way to studio 15 which Toji informed you of earlier. “Baby i’m here” you said in a sing-song voice as you opened the door to the studio. He was all alone. The lights in the room were red as your boyfriend sat in a chair playing around with the track that was currently playing.

Turning around in the chair a smile spread across his face before he pulled you into a hug. “Hey pretty, how was your day?” looking at him you struge “It was okay, I just went to class and went out with Mina after and then I went home and now here I am.”

Grabbing your face, Toji presses a kiss to your lips as you grasp onto your shoulders. Just by kissing him you could tell that he was frustrated as his tongue explored your mouth while his hands traveled to your ass. Pulling away he keeps his hold on you as he kisses your neck. “I really need my muse right now, can you help me baby?” Your boyfriend asked as he started to pull off the pants you hand on along with your panties.

Wrapping his hands around your thighs takes you into the next room with the microphone. Walking over to the microphone he pulls down his grey sweatpants and lines his cock with your entrance make sure to support the bottom of your ass you bounced on his cock your arms wrapped around his shoulders holding on to him.

“Fuck Toj-mhm your so deep.” You moaned as he started kissing your lips. “Your so fucking pretty y/n, cum on your cock.” Squeezing your eyes shut you feel your orgasm approaching as Toji starts to move faster as you curl your toes. You try to bite on his shoulder to shield the sound until you feel a sharp sting on your ass.

“I want to hear you cum on my cock little muse, fuck-ing give it to me.” He said in a groan as he started to cum. “Oh my gosh im cuming” you announced as you started to shake on top of him as you felt his cum shot inside you. “Thank you so much my little muse” your boyfriend said as his kissed all over your face lovenly.

It was a Saturday night and you were currently with your boyfriend at a club he was hosting for. “Do you want anything else to drink?” You felt a hand on your waist that was your boyfriends. Nodding your head you answer “Can you get me like two shots of Hennessy?”, “Okay i’ll be right back pretty.” he said walking off to the nearest bar.

Shortly after we came back with two shot glasses and watched as you took them back to back. Bending down you feel his lips next to your ear. “You okay baby.” Toji asks you as he fixes some hairs that were in front of your face. “Yeah we don’t have nights like this often so i’m making the most out of it.” You explained looking around at all the lights in the club already feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Suddenly Bring it back by Travis Porter started to play throughout the club which caused you to squeal. With Toji standing behind you, bend over and you start to twerk on him to the rhythm of the song. You could have a bunch of flashes on you as you could hear your friends encouraging you as you feel Toji get hard as he rubbed on your ass through your dress making sure it didn’t go up too high.

You get back up once the chorus is done playing and look up at Toji as he pulls your dress down for you. “Let’s go to the car real quick” He said as he started to guide you out of the section. “Where the hell are you guys going?” one of Toji's friends interaigate you, “Well, be right back Gojo.” He stated rolling his eyes and continued to guide you to the back door.

When you guys make it outside Toji opens the door to the back seat of his car, having you go in first. “Lay down on your back for me, pretty.” Doing what he said you lay down on your back as he closed the door behind him. “You are so incredible, you know that? You can do the simplest shit and you still manage to turn me on more and more, open your legs.” He said his voice was demanding.

Open your legs you gasped as Toji wasted no time leaning over pulling your panties to the side and attaching his lips onto your clit letting out a groan as he did sending electric shocks throughout your whole body. “Oh my gosh Toji you're making me feel so good.” You said as you held on to his hair for support your eye rolled back into your head as your heels pressed into Toji’s back.

Moving your hips against his face he puts two fingers inside of you as he licks on your clit being able to see that you're about to cum. He gently bites down on your clit before groaning to your pussy which sends you into overdrive as you start to cum all over his face as he slurps up all the cream that tries to escape you with a smile.

Breathing through your nose you stare up at your boyfriend from on your knees while you take his cock in your mouth. He had been nervous for the performance at an award show and you had taken him backstage to calm his nerves.

“Your way to good for me my little muse fuck keep doing it like that pretty girl.” He guides you as he puts his hands in your hair, guiding at a slow pace making sure you aren't choking around him. Looking into his eyes you could definitely tell he was more relaxed which made you happy.

Circling your tongue on his tips you see him squeeze his eyes shut before he starts moving his hips toward your face. Opening your mouth wide you grab his cock tapping it on your tongue a few times before taking all of him in your mouth saliva almost covering your whole face.

“I’m cumming pretty, you think you can swallow my cum for me hmm?” Toji let out a few short breaths before he let out a deep groan as he came in your mouth, his hips riding out his orgasm. Swallowing his cum you stand up with the help of Toji and give him a hard kiss to his lips. “You've got this, you've done this before and you're going to do it a million other times.”

“Why are you acting like this pretty girl?” “Because it was disrespectful and you can be to fucking friendly sometimes. You angrily explained to your boyfriend over facetime. Your best friend had just sent you a video of Toji from a meet and greet with a fan.

In the video he kissed the girl's cheek which was completely fine, that's not what you had a problem with. You had a problem with the fact that towards the end of the video the fan turned her head and almost kissed your boyfriend and instead of addressing the problem Toji just laughed it off with the fan.

You guys had talked about him establishing boundaries with his fans and he wholeheartedly agreed. “What did you want me to do? ,Cuss her out?” Sighing, you shake your head understanding what he was saying. “I am going to post something on twitter though just so it doesn't happen again sweetheart.” he said to reassure you as he shifted his camera showing how he was lying in bed.

“Do look even more pretty when you're mad at me,” Toji said with a smile he white teeth biting the bottom of his lips. “What are you wearing?” He asked, smirking as you took the blanket of your body exposing the silk dress you were wearing.

“Fuck your so beautiful.” Your boyfriend let out a breath as you saw him pull his cock out of his boxers. You hide your face smiling when you see the pre-cum escaping out of his tip. “Talk to me pretty.” he said as you could hear he fist go up and down on his shaft.

Look at the camera you set your phone up on one of your pillows as you slowly start to pull the strings off of your shoulder causing your boobs to be exposed, your nipples hard due to them being uncovered.” “Ahh shit show me, show me that pretty pussyb of yours please.” Bending over with your ass toward the camera you open your lips moaning as the cold hits your clit.

Toji damn near came when he saw you put your fingers inside of you fisting the sheets and you moved your fingers faster. “Turn around so I can see your face.” you turn around as you meet with the sight of Toji's chest going up and down as his breathing got harder to viens in his neck and arms bulging.

“I’m cumming pretty- mhh I wish I was there so I could cum on your pretty- fuck face.” groaned as spurts of cum came out onto the camera his phone covered in cum as he saw you cum on your own fingers.`` You need to come back home Toji. I miss you.” You while chasing your orgasm as you saw him wiping camera off with a smile on his face.

“I’ll be home soon pretty.” he informed you with a lazy smile on his face as he watched you slip your straps back onto your shoulders. “I love you Toji” you geeked as you saw the look on his face “I love you more princess.”

BONUS SCENE <3

“TOJI!” you scream as you enter your shared bedroom with him seeing him laying in your bed on his phone. “What’s up pretty girl?” he asked as if he didn't do anything wrong. “Why would you put my moans in the back of your new song that’s so embarrassing” you said crossing your arms over your chest. Standing up from the bed Toji wraps you in a hug laughing.

“No it's not, I think it adds a pretty nice touch to the song and people seem to agree with me seeing as it has 1 million views already.” he said with a cheeky smile on his face. Rolling your eyes you unwrap yourself from him just for him to pull you back into his arm again. “Are you really upset y/n because I could just release another version of the song? He asked, looking into your eyes.

“It’s fine Toji next time let me hear it before you release so I can try to moan better.” You stood on your tiptoes moving your lips toward his meeting you halfway he pressed a kiss to your lips before pulling away. “Your moans are fucking perfect pretty.” He said before throwing you over his shoulders.

“TOJI PUT ME DOWN!”

TOJIS MUSIC

Her way- Party Next Door

Overtime- Bryson Tiller

Break from Toronto- Party Next Door

Let Em’ Know- Bryson Tiller

B.E.D- Jacques

From the City- Party Next Door

Exchange- Bryson Tiller

Or Nah- The weekend, Ty dolla sign, and Wiz Khalifa (he would sing the weekends part 😩)

Drama- Roy Woods ft. Drake

Self Esteem- Lambo4oe ft NLE CHOPPA

A/N should I do Gojo? 😭😩🤭

[thegreatirene]

Traveling Witch (Adrian Tempes x witch!reader) Part 3

Rated: Mature

Warnings: language

Sorry for taking long on this chapter😅 having writers block is the worst but this one I was able to finish it in like two days. I’m not sure if this is considered fluff? But if it is then let the fluff commence. Hope you guys like it!

Part 1

“I really think you’d like my time period. You seem like you’d be a big foodie. Ooo no I can see you making YouTube videos of like the different art stuff and what you got from so high end clothing stores.” Adrian rolled his eyes at what he thinks might be the 20th time that day. He didn’t think you’d be this talkative if went on your little adventure.

*thud*

He turned back to see that you fell on the ground and got back up.

“I’m fine, so like I was saying” you continue to walk and talk as you told him about the things you had back in your timeline. He doesn’t think he’s ever met someone quite like you…well Belmont sorta comes to mind but still. He ponders for a moment and then stops in his tracks.

“Y/n what was your family name again?” He aske. You couldn’t be, right?

“I don’t think I told you,” you turned to look at him and found him a little closer than you thought. You could really see the glow of his beautiful golden eyes and the sharpness of his nose. The way his hair glittered in the sun as a soft breeze dance through each strand of hair. He really pisses you off with how beautiful he is.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” He questioned.

“I hate how beautiful you look” you hissed as you stepped back. Your eyebrows frowned as you cursed at him under your breath.

“You don’t happen to have any blood ties to Belmont do you?”

“Who?” This time you looked at him with confusion.

“Belmont is one of my friends that traveled with me a while ago. You remind me of him”

“I don’t know if I should be offended that you said I remind you of a man or be touched cause it’s one of your friends”

“I think it would be the former if you knew who he is” Adrian said as he walked past you.

“What was that?”

“I said I think I’ve seen one of those rocks you were talking about running that way”

“No you didn’t!” You jogged after him as he continued walking.

—

You made it to a clearing of the forest and looked around at the ground. Just grass and pretty looking flowers everywhere you looked. No trovants but the flowers make up for the lack of stones. You made your way to the middle of the field and sat down.

“This is nice” you sighed as you laid back in the tall grass and watched the clouds pass by. You would think you were in heaven if you didn’t remember the monsters that lurk around.

“You don’t want to continue to look around?”

You looked to Adrian as he stood to the side of you and then back to the sky. You shrugged your shoulders as you laid your hands over your stomach.

“I’ll happen upon them sooner than later. I got time so I’m not much in a hurry”

Adrian looked at you for a moment and looked around the field. Nothing was around besides the deers that came and ate. He couldn’t hear or smell anything dangerous close by. So he sat down next to you.

“You would have to go into the country side to get this kind of quiet where I’m from” Adrian looked towards you.

“I live in the city for work. I guess for you is like a village but with like a lot of people. There’s like loud noises everywhere not just from the people. So it’s countless of noises. You get used to it but come out to a place like this is a luxury” you looked at him with a small smile and then back at the sky.

“Do you travel a lot?” Adrian asked.

“Mm every now and then. I mostly do it for my own benefits”

“What do you do for work?”

“I guess you could say I’m a witch. Well it runs in the family. We all practice it so we work with it to make money. Nothing bad mostly selling crystals and potions for people to use.” You looked over at him and could see how shocked he was.

“I know about your mom…she would be loved in my time. Shit a lot of people like to pretend they come from a line of witches but it’s so small” you sat up and turned to sit facing him.

“….”

“You ok?” You want to reach over and take his hand but the way he’s been you don’t know if you should. Instead you let him sit in the silence as you picked at some flowers and start to braid them together.

Adrian thinks about all things his mother has done for her people. The countless lives she’s helped to improve. Her life taken from her because they didn’t know better. Yet here sat someone who is like his mother. Helping others and educating them in the art that she does. He’s happy that at least in hundreds of years from now people are more welcoming. There’s hope.

You placed the braided flowers in Adrian hands once you were done. He looked at them and twirled them around. He wasn’t wrong about humans but he was wrong about this one. He smiled at you as he reached over and placed the flowers behind your ears.

—

The walk back to the castle wasn’t so bad. The air between the two of you was light and whatever resentment Adrian held was gone. He walked a little closer to you and even walked at the same pace as you. His energy was soft and more relaxed. You don’t think you said much back in the fields but maybe you did. Adrian once again cooked dinner for the both of you. But this time he started up the conversation. He mostly talked about where he got the ingredients for the foods and the village that is nearby. It was still nice that he was opening up to you. What really surprised you was when he showed you his parent’s laboratory.

“Holy shit” you marveled at the whole room. It shined so beautifully you could live here forever.

“Adrian this is so cool! Is that the solar system! Holy shit this place is so huge!!” You ran around the place looking at everything. You went over to the gigantic telescope that was pointed towards the night sky. The lights went out and you turned to look at Adrian but he was already at your side. He gestured towards the telescope as permission for you to use.

Excited you behind the telescope and looked through the lens. You could see the many stars and galaxies. You gushed about the many stars and colors.

“This is amazing Adrian,” you looked towards him, “thank you for showing me.”

“You can come here when you’re bored. You can probably find books on the rocks you’re looking for as well.” He melted into the darkness and the lights flickered back on.

“Thanks Adrian” you turned to see him sitting in one of the chairs with a book in hand. He smiled at you as he opened the book and started to read.

[lastoneout]

Finally saw the SBS where Oda confirms what jobs the Straw Hats would have if they lived in the real world and I cannot take this seriously. Like is he aware that most of these character's jobs are things people do in the real world?? Archeologist, meteorologist/cartographer, doctor, chef, rock star, these are real jobs. Why wouldn't they have the same jobs?? Truly baffling on every level. I refuse to accept any of these as canon.

Anyway here's my objectively correct take:

Luffy: Urban explorer. He posts stuff online but it's all really sporadic and not polished at all. Despite that he still has a moderate yet dedicated following. Not that he cares about having a following. Has broken so many laws it's ridiculous but always manages to get away. Probably lives out of a van, but despite this he does not have a driver's license. Makes money in underground fighting tournaments, but it's not about the money. Spends his free time hanging out with his friends.

Nami: Meterologist and cartographer, like she has a degree, but her "job" is being a storm chaser who has a massive tiktok + youtube following. Zeus is her assistant. The rest of the Straw Hats feature in her videos or tag along sometimes. Probably also takes sponsorships but she does vet them pretty well, and gives a lot of money to charity. Works with her family on their tangerine farm in her off time.

Zoro: Master swordsman that hangs out at his old sensei's dojo giving weird advice to the noobs, but has a "side gig" as a vigilante bcs he gets into fights with creeps at the bars he hangs out at. Luffy, Nami, and the rest of their friends are often present for these asskicking sessions, though it's mostly Luffy. Sleeps in his free time, usually in the back of or on top of Luffy's van. No one knows where he lives or if he even has an apartment in the first place. Tags along when Luffy goes exploring bcs Luffy has no idea how to be safe and someone has to make sure he doesn't end up dead on the floor of some abandoned building or stranded at the top of a cellphone tower.

Sanji: Owns a food truck ever since Zeff fired him. Probably still parks near the Baratie most days(and gets into shouting matches with Zeff when he notices), but he travels around the city. He wants to open his own restaurant but it's slow going bcs he doesnt make anywhere near as much money as he could since he keeps giving free food to pretty ladies and people who are down on their luck. Still, he always manages to scrape by. Typical yelp review says the atmosphere is shit but the food is phenomenal. Doesn't have a lot of free time but spends what he does with his friends. Terminally bitchless.

Usopp: Mad scientist who spends a third of his time building wild shit in his garage, a third working in his garden, and the rest as a playing competitive Fortnite and Overwatch. Has a small but VERY dedicated twitch following. Also he def posts bs on reddit and no one can tell if he's lying or not bcs he really is just that out there.

Chopper: Med student. Doesn't get taken as seriously as he deserves but his teachers love him. He also spends a large portion of his time patching up his friends. And he's a furry. Also I could see him having a small blog where he reviews theme parks. Spends the rest of his time hanging out with his friends.

Robin: Professional archeologist and historian. Could be tenured but she's too much of a wild card for that. Def has a criminal past but doesn't talk about it that often. Absolutely can kill a person in like 10 different ways. No one has any idea why she hangs out with a bunch of weirdos but she seems happy so w/e. Follows SO many pet blogs and tags along with Chopper when he hits the parks. Also does yoga.

Franky: Automotive mechanic who specializes in absolutely absurd modifications. Like flamethrowers and shit. Probably wants to build some sort of car mecha but no one can tell if he's serious or not. Has been banned from most places of buisness bcs he refuses to wear pants. Can be found hanging around Sanji's food truck or with Luffy and his van, constantly begs them to let him do wild shit to both. Sanji says no. Luffy says yes.

Brooke: Lead of a popular local band. They sell out concerts and he has a respectable YouTube channel where he posts covers and original stuff(though he's old and the others have to help him with computer stuff). Is hardly ever seen without his massive dog Laboon, who also is the band's mascot.

Jimbe: Bro he's retired(used to be a union leader and an activist) and spends most of his time ferrying Luffy around in his van. Also helps Nami out and has def saved her life a few times. Her audience adores him, which he gets a kick out of, but he doesn't have any social media of his own. A bit of an adrenaline junkie but it comes and goes. Surfs and does martial arts in his free time, but his priority is to enjoy life and have fun with his friends.

Disagree if you want but you AND Oda can meet me on the pit about it <3

[snickerdoodie]

“Need you now”

Summary: The Tornado Wranglers weren’t known for staying in one place for longer than a few days; too many storms to chase, fans to see, family’s to help. It required constant movement and you knew that, but it was never easy for you or Tyler.

Pairing: Tyler Owen’s x f!reader

A/N: Funny story about this fic, I actually based it on my grandma and late grandpa. It makes me so teary eyed every time she tells me the story but I love it sm😭. I’m not even gonna lie, I didn’t really know if I wanted to post this cuz it just…felt like it didn’t turn out right. Feel free to listen to the song while reading, it’s “Need You Now” by Lady A. Not proofread, per usual. But I hope you guys like it!

“Picture perfect memories, scattered all around the floor

Reaching for the phone, 'cause I can't fight it any more

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me, it happens all the time”

You knew what you were getting yourself into when you started dating Tyler Owen’s; a famous YouTuber, Tornado Wrangler, and an overall state superstar and hero, but nothing prepared you for all this. The waiting, the longing, the empty bed side, the constant anxiety that maybe today was the day he wouldn’t come home from a chase, it was all awful.

And here you were again, laying in bed alone, tucked in the shriveled up covers and blankets staring blankly at the brain dead tv show with nothing but numbness. It’s been 2 weeks since you’ve last seen and heard from Tyler, with every passing day you miss the toothy grin, his warm, strong embrace. You miss it all. It’s like they say; you never know how much something means to you until it’s gone, and right now, you couldn’t miss him more.

Too busy caught up in your thoughts, you barely process the blaring sound of your cell phone going off. Someone was calling you. In a slumped up ball of blankets, you lazily pick up the phone and glance at the caller ID, not expecting the man you missed most to be the face you see. A wave of emotion hits you at the photo. It was a selfie of the two of you cuddled up in the gleaming sunlight by the bed of a lake. Clothes damp and hair wet, you both decided to bask in the blaring sunbeams as a way to dry off and stay warm.

As hastily is possible, you hit the green accept button. With shaking hands and a wobbly smile, you bring it up to your ear, not even registering the sweet muffled melody coming through the other end.

“Oh my god, Tyler,” you blurt, voice nearly scratchy, “God, I’ve missed you so much…I-“ It’s only when you stop to take a breath that you hear it.

“It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now

Said I wouldn't call, but I've lost all control and I need you now

And I don't know how I can do without, I just need you now,”

As you feel your throat close up and eyes brim with tears, you stay silent. In your blindness to hear Tyler’s voice again, you completely missed the pianos intro, deaf to the lyrics all together. But once you hear the chorus, you melt away. The once welled up tears cascade down your cheeks like a broken dam; no matter how many you wipe away they keep falling. The swelling of your chest becomes nearly painful, trying to hold back the choked sobs that threaten to escape, but it’s a lost cause.

In one last hope, you put the phone on speaker and bring your legs up to your chest, burying your head between your knees as one of your hands holds the cell up. Just as you do, a blubbering whimper travels from your throat as a sob follows it soon after. As the song continues to flow around the room, the quiet but definite wails carry on, an unstoppable sound that breaks Tyler’s heart through the staticky reception of the call.

Minutes pass by as your weeping slows to small sniffles, eyes closed as you focus on the last remaining lyrical bits of the song.

“Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothin' at all,”

You don’t trust yourself to speak, the emotions still raw and twirling in your mind, a powerful force that only one person can tame.

“Hey baby...”

You nearly burst into another onslaught of tears at the sound of his voice. It’s quiet and nearly as syrupy as your own, and unbeknownst to you, Tyler had too, lost himself at the sound of you. How could he not? With every twister he went through, he always thought one thing; What if doesn’t come home? What if this is the one that finally takes the Tornado Wrangler down, leaving you with nothing to mourn over. The thought alone gave him goosebumps.

“Tyler..” you whimper, chest swelling at the relief of hearing him once again.

“I don’t even know how to start tellin’ you how nice it is to hear your voice again…god I’ve missed you, sweetheart,” With a smile, you repeat back.

“I’ve missed you too, Tyler…I miss you being here with me..” If you close your eyes tight enough, you can really picture him here with you. His breath winding down your neck as his stubble pricks the side of your face. The smell of his cologne mixing in with the scent of your perfume. Listening closely, you hear shuffling then a deep breath, before he finally speaks,

“I’m coming home soon, baby, I promise you I am.”

“I just need you now,

Oh, baby, I need you now.”

Three posts in one day?!? A new record for me. Lmfao I actually wrote this one today and had a crisis if I wanted to post it or not. I know this song is about heartbreak and wanting someone back after they’ve left…but I wanted to try and make it about longing, like the story my grandma always tells me. I hope you guys like this fic! I honestly might rewrite it on a later date, but I was kinda texting the waters with it. As always, comment if you liked or disliked something, inbox is still open!

[brujaluas]

What will my wedding night be like?

Pile 1

You may be a virgin or both are virgins and chose to wait to be together, something quite rare nowadays, I see that there are many conflicting thoughts and doubts between the relationship and i need to say that someone people around you that have been place it in your mind or in the mind of the person you are marriage. to get married, some may be lgbt or couples of the same gender, they may have different cultures too, something here is very different, it's as if people looked and were sure that it wouldn't last long as it is something very different with many barriers to Staying together, maybe your family wouldn't approve, you got together as friends and then became an inseparable couple. I don't see intimate contact on the first night of the wedding, it's as if there is something stopping you or someone else. a certain type of tension.

Pile 2

For many I see that it will be something normal, like, you already know each other very well, for many (or few) I see that it is an ex, you already had a relationship with that person, but the relationship ended quickly, I would say that some may have even lived together with that person before getting married, or during the time they were in a relationship, I also see that after reconciling again they may look for a place to live or live in the same place they usually live, something very domestic and routine in this pile, it may have had influences on the relationship but you love each other a lot and got back together, you are in a kind of companionship, you can talk a lot (something that didn't happen before) during the first night, you will ask yourself several questions to try to make the other person comfortable. extremely complicity.

Pile 3

I see someone running away, but calm down! You or this person are very jealous of the possessive type, it's mine! And this may have ruined your relationship for a moment because of a very bad fight, this person or you decided to pack your things and leave, travel far away to cool your head, a lot of thoughts in this jealous person's head, wanting to break up the relationship even though we love deeply, but I feel that there will be a lot of sensuality to bring that person back and you to go back to being what you were, but this time knowing each other better, maybe the fight occurred because someone hid something like that you stayed with a friend and didn't tell that person BEFORE YOU HAD A SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP, but you got back together and are together again, wow with all my respect but you and your future person are a mess, very intense and sensual energy, I see lots of brands and sold out here. MINORS LEAVE BEFORE I KICK YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD.

Hi my little honey sweets, how are you? Are you eating well? drinking water? I hope so, as I said here, I posted two themes here today and also a video on youtube about the appearance and personality of your future partner, if you could watch the video and give feedback that would be incredible!I have to say that I have extreme insecurity when speaking other languages, so if you prefer the Google Translate voice for reading, let me know hahahere

here the link 🦀

[stari-hun]

More No Storm but Vertin has a Time Traveling Arcanum Content

Inaccurately Named Modern AU

* Apeiron + Vilasong

I think with like knowledge and math becoming more accessible sooo many people in Apeiron would go to the outside world to share their knowledge because 77 (37s mom) showed that even the people most faithful to their school of thought are interested in calculation machines. Give them Mathway.com and people would lose their minds.

6 would be a professional gamer. In fact he’d take so well to modern society that he’d be one of those people thriving in the 2020 lockdown and being away from Apeiron. Afterwards he’d also recover fast and put daily walks into his schedule or something cause he knows how badly his physical would’ve gotten. 6 would have an Instagram that’s the weirdest thing ever. People use it as inspiration for arg characters because he unintentionally posts with the vibe of someone extremely inhuman, and even though with the internet most humans would be aware of nonhuman arcanist they’d still be like what… There’s several video essays breaking down theories on who or what he might be. On the other side his posts are all pictures of objects he sees on daily walks that he sees have interesting dimensions to them or placement in a scene. The issue is that he doesn’t give any preamble or context to his math like 210 who wants to share math with the world would, or 37 who genuinely wants to teach, he just drops it in the caption and closes the app. He’d also have a YouTube explaining how he wins matches with others and insane speedrun content and how he beats games in under three minutes in extremely stupid calculations and exploits. His uploads are once in a blue moon but he’s a really popular faceless YouTuber (unlike 37 he reads comments and thinks about the questions he gets a lot, and even answers them in other videos). Also his like daily wanderings until he wants to go back home and risk interaction with others.

37 would get ahold of the internet like fish to water. She’d be an early YouTuber on 6’s recommendation and get super popular without realizing it. Her upload schedule is a “think of something start recording it and post with little to no editing” kinda style that for her ends up being 6-12 videos per week. 37 probably wouldn’t even realize there’s a comment section but Sophia knows it. Sometimes she’ll relay the comments to her from fans if they’re questions or constructive, but she mostly keeps them for herself because she’s happy 37 is branching out even if she isn’t entirely meaning too. I think 37’s content is a personality type. She’s giving constructive lessons that are informative but her personality and voice made her gain an audience mostly there to listen to her as background noise while she does homework. She does have a very loyal core audience of economists and radiologists since the topic she circles back around to the most is patterns in the weather and how they can be applied to daily life. Her most viewed video would be a super complicated explanation on how to predict when the next storm will happen in your area, and the top comment is a link to a website where someone made it into a calculator (it works with like a 5% chance of error). Also fun fact Vertin tried to use it once and the website was down for a week after she tried it. Sophia would have more kids centered content. Her follower base would mostly be parents who sit their kids in front of an iPad during work, but heavily monitoring their internet use and want them to watch content that’s good for them. She’d be faceless but unintentionally blow up super hard for story reading content, and her process for making up original stories. Afterwards she’d take a huge social media break entirely, only helping 37 with hers before slowly going back to her usual audiobook content with locked comments.

On that note, it’s slightlyyyy canon based, but I also think 210 would become good friends with Sweetheart after the island opened up and he reached out to her through Pandora to be their liaison. They’d do a ton of promotions and fashion statements. 210 already has an established interest in beauty, arts, and how they tie to math, and Sweetheart as a person who’s mathematically perfect would be his best excuse to study arts. Then Sweetheart would enjoy the company of any asexual, especially if they’re good for her image, and 210 is genuinely there to vibe and enjoy the beauty of the world. I also feel like he’d have one of those instagrams where he’s super popular for his looks but vast majority of his posts are sky pics and pictures of flora he sees.

I think in the story Sweetheart and Pandora are already on pretty good terms but I think in a Modern!Twist AU Pandora would be even more active in her writing. I think she’d have a small but famous journalism company where she employs only those she deems have a fresh perspective in a way she can’t supply. I talk about it in my other post, but Marcus interns there after getting an associates degree journalism during her dual enrollment and finishing Highschool. 210 and her run top series in UTTU for numbers and art analysis in a way people hadn’t thought of before, and Marcus runs a deep dive on historical spaces and the hidden stories within them.

UTTU would sometimes have interview segments where guest slots of an employee’s choosing (approved of by Pandora) will get a special feature. Windsong is the most reoccurring interviewee alongside Vila for research papers in ley lines and ecosystem observations respectively. Both are very popular features every time due to how they provide perspective on Marcus’ and 210’s segments.

[telomeke]

Get to Know Me Tag :)

I was tagged by @lamonnaie at this post here. Thanks for tagging me! 😍 It was such fun to read your responses; now here are mine. 🥰

do you make your bed?

Never ever. I'm pretty messy, and if I don't watch my hoarding tendencies I will morph into the worst pack rat. But I like a bit of clutter around me; I think it helps my creative side since my output (whether at work, or writing on Tumblr) is always tidy and tidied up to a fault, which can stifle creativity (at least that's what I tell myself! 🤣).

what's your favourite number?

Don't have one. However (even though I like to think I'm not superstitious) if I can I'll try to avoid the number 13 and anything with 4 in it...

what is your job?

Not gonna get too specific, but my work involves design, project management and construction.

if you could go back to school, would you?

I was too stressed out at school to want to repeat the experience. But I wouldn't mind a bit of time travel back to advise my younger self not to take things so seriously! 🤣

can you parallel park?

Yes. Not well, but the car will be fully in the lot eventually. 👍

a job you had that would surprise people?

Some minor modeling jobs when I was younger. Hush! I don't like to talk about it. 🤫 You wouldn't think it to look at me now (me 🤝 Ricky Gervais 😂).

do you think aliens are real?

There are too many planets out there for our little blue marble to be the only habitable one, so yes I do think there are aliens out there. I just don't think we've been visited by them yet though! (Aylin doesn't count. 🤩)

can you drive a manual car?

Yes. Mom taught me how to drive in one... until the day I jammed on the accelerator when she said "Step on it" and I almost up-ended us into a ditch. Then I was sent to driving school instead. 🤣

what's your guilty pleasure?

Ooh. It's this bad boy here:

Sadly I've been over-indulging, so chocolate is now banned from the house for the foreseeable future. I'm still lusting after it though. Other guilty pleasures: I do like a good nightcap, so any (gluten grain-free) alcohol makes me light up – cognac, cabernet, sherry, sake, port... (But I don't always know my limits, so this is now banned too.) And a steamin', stonkin', trashy BL every now and then (bonus if there's a nice muscley actor for me to get all googly-eyed over – shoutout Gap Jakarin!). 😁🥰

tattoos?

I like art and have fanboyed over beautiful tattoos before – but I'm put off by the permanence of them, so I have none myself. Don't like the idea of not being able to change them much once they're inked in, because I will always be wanting to change things up if I were to get one. And no, even for looking at I prefer an uninked bod over an inked one. It takes a lot of work to get a body in shape, and I can't understand someone wanting to cover up the results of their hard work at the gym. 🤷‍♂️

favorite color?

A deep, rich blue most of the time. But when the mood hits, I like a bright, bold red too.

favorite type of music?

My tastes are a bit eclectic, leaning lighter and not challenging. Anything with a strong melodic line will get me hooked. Bonus points if the lyrics can come together with the melody to tell a story, and elevate it even more. So – pop mostly, but I also like R&B, soul, light jazz and the odd heartfelt country ballad or foot-stomper (go Queen Bey! 😍). Also like things with a nostalgic bent (I melt at Karen Carpenter, Seals & Croft, and England Dan & John Ford Coley). And then throw in a couple of show tunes in there for good measure! My YouTube playlist is all over the place – Sheila Majid, New Country, Renaissance, Nunew, Miley Cyrus, Streisand, Li'l Nas X, Ayumu Imazu, The Carpenters, Clean Bandit, so many others, all side-by-side.

do you like puzzles?

I love them, especially word and logic puzzles. I'm always shouting over Pat and Vanna. 🤣

any phobias?

Oddly, not the usual suspects, but I'm a bit phobic about birds. They're just creepy up close, even though I find them fascinating and beautiful with a bit of distance. While the bog-standard creepy-crawlies don't bother me one bit – I'm the one always getting called in to whack the roaches and chase away rodents. I dream of getting a cobalt blue tarantula as a pet (but that's not going to happen for various reasons, alas).

favorite childhood sport?

I wasn't that sporty growing up (classic bookworm) but I did enjoy a bit of soccer when I got to play. But I guess my favorite was probably swimming, though I didn't compete.

do you talk to yourself?

All the time. There's a nonstop monologue going on in my head and I've been known to startle people by accidentally voicing that conversation out loud. So I've learnt not to do it around others. 🤣 And no I'm not hearing disembodied voices; it's just me keeping myself company (plus I find it helps me focus my thoughts).

what movies do you adore?

My all-time favorite: Cinema Paradiso; it really pulls unabashedly at the heartstrings, but then again I'm a sentimental fool and love it all the more for that. That's also why I like Love Actually, especially the scene where the repressed Jamie (Colin Firth) travels to Portugal in order to confess his feelings to Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz), having realized he loves her despite the language barrier, and doggedly learnt Portuguese just to make his declaration – and then he finds out that she, lovelorn and bereft, learnt English just in case ("just in cases") he came back. 💖 And my second favorite is from the other end of the spectrum, actually quite a bit before my time as well: Hello Dolly! 😆 Don't judge... A couple of songs in there are really amazing – Love is Only Love and Just Leave Everything to Me especially (which are not in the stage version) are mindblowingly good. The former is almost pithy in its bare-boned purity, all about looking at love without sentimentality while reprising themes heard earlier on in the musical; the latter has the among the cleverest lyrics set to music I've ever heard:

Streisand is in fine fettle portraying a campier, more youthful incarnation of Dolly. Such a shame it was not better received. The costumes are spectacular too.

coffee or tea?

Coffee (or rather the caffeine it contains) is my drug of choice, and I drink buckets of it. But I like a good cuppa when I'm feeling nostalgic and/or sentimental, because tea is what I drank a lot of growing up – at my gran's there would be a perpetually-replenished, giant kettle of dark, bitterish Oolong on the sideboard for whenever you felt like some (which was often), while at home there was always a big pot of tea on the table in the morning, that would then be set to chill in the refrigerator after breakfast. I would always have an ice-cold milk tea with the papers when I got home from school, and it was my favorite daily ritual.

first thing you wanted to be growing up?

A paleontologist – like a lot of kids I loved dinosaurs, and I can still rattle off the names of the more well-known ones (including every one in Jurassic Park 👀). But that got pushed aside for more practical considerations later. Still wish I'd explored my second childhood ambition more though, which was to be a writer/journalist. Maybe that's why I like posting so much on Tumblr! 😍

Onward tagging (too many people as usual, but no pressure to play if you don't want to or can't 🥰): @hughungrybear, @relativelydimensional, @neuroticbookworm, @wen-kexing-apologist, @waitmyturtles, @airenyah, @twig-tea, @solitaryandwandering, @recentadultburnout, @lurkingshan, @grapejuicegay,@bengiyo, @urikawa-miyuki, @pickletrip, @suni-san, @kattahj, @dimplesandfierceeyes, @7nessasaryevils, @imminentinertia, @befuddledcinnamonroll, @pandasmagorica, @nihilisticcondensedmilk,@shortpplfedup, @rokklagio, @thegalwhorants, @brazilian-whalien52, @callipigio, @respectthepetty, @corettaroosa, @colourme-feral, @virtualtadpole, @aroceu, @belladonna-and-the-sweetpeas, @delesaria-blog, @dribs-and-drabbles, @inventedfangirling, @jiirotu, @visualtaehyun @happypotato48,@akawrites000, @kleopatras-cat, @dc-alves, @toschistation, @lovelyghostv

I've been tagged by others in various tag games over the past few weeks but have been too busy with work to be able to play. 😭 Not gonna post half-assed replies if I can help it, but then I'm always beset by dread thinking people might assume I'm ignoring them for whatever silly reason. But I just haven't had the time until now.

If you've tagged me and I've not responded, please know that I really wanted to but I just kept getting sidetracked by urgent deadlines. (In fact, my drafts folder is full of half-written tag game responses that are too far beyond their use-by date to ever see the light of day. 😮) So to any and all who see this, please accept my apology for not replying to your tags and invites, and if you'd like to play along with this one even if I haven't tagged you directly (and you have the time for it) – please do so! I'd love to read your responses! 😍

[emoprincey]

Roman Needs a Nice Day (Prinxiety)

Summary: What if Roman's nice day went a little differently?

Pairings: Prinxiety

Characters: Virgil, Roman, Remy

Also posted on my ao3: stormofstarlight

Writing taglist: @iclaimedtobethebetterbard

Roman was upset. Anyone could tell. He wasn’t crying – at least in front of the other sides – but he’d been stomping around the mindscape in his high-heeled boots, and wrenching the kitchen cupboards open so forcefully when he went to get a snack that he’d pulled a door off its hinges. When the songs he belted from his room so loudly that even Virgil could hear them through his noise cancelling headphones morphed from Some Day My Prince Will Come and Go The Distance, to Words Fail and Breathe, Virgil knew he had to do something.

Patton seemed to have some success giving Logan a nice day with those notecards – at least once he calmed down a bit – so Virgil figured it would be worth a shot.

Getting Roman to listen to some of his favourite songs again seemed like a solid idea to start with. That might rejuvenate some of his old spark. Once Upon A Dream was an obvious classic, and Virgil knew, one of Roman’s all-time favourites, so he wrote that on the first card. On the second card, he wrote down another song he was sure Roman would appreciate. He’d heard Billy Joel songs being blasted in Roman’s room often enough, and Fall Out Boy had recently released a cover of We Didn’t Start The Fire that Virgil had been dying to show to the other sides.

Virgil ambushed Roman just as he was coming out of the bathroom, and shoved the notecards into his face. When Roman picked the first card, Virgil grinned and dragged him downstairs to listen to the version from one of his favourite films.

“Is this from Maleficent?” Roman asked.

“Yep, it’s the best version,” Virgil said.

Roman chuckled. “Of course you’d say that, emo.”

“Shut up and pick another card,” Virgil said, holding another two out to him. He’d stuck with the Disney theme for one of them. In his 3AM travels down YouTube rabbit-holes, Virgil had seen a few creepypastas he was sure Roman would enjoy. Or, at least, he’d enjoy watching Roman react to them.

But Roman ended up taking the other card. “Get some Starbucks,” he read out, sounding pleased.

Virgil smirked. He knew that one would go down well. If there was one thing Roman loved to do, it was pamper himself, and Virgil knew he liked overpriced iced coffee as much as the next side. Besides, Virgil couldn’t deny that spending the afternoon getting coffee with Roman would be nice. Ugh, that almost sounded sappy. Gross.

“Come on, let’s go!” Roman grabbed Virgil’s hand, and Virgil’s stomach swooped as he sunk them both out to his realm.

“Woah. Still not used to rising up,” Virgil said, clinging to Roman’s shoulder to steady himself when they rose up. Then he looked around himself. The Starbucks in the Imagination was filled with characters the twins had created through the years, though Virgil didn’t recognise many of them. Unfortunately, the barista behind the counter was someone he knew very well.

“Go grab us a table, I’ll get the coffee,” Virgil said. This is Roman’s nice day, this is Roman’s nice day, he reminded himself as he approached the counter.

He noticed the exact moment Remy clocked him. The usually aloof barista froze, holding a dishcloth in one hand and a perfectly polished glass in the other. His expression hardened, and Virgil was sure he was glaring behind his dark sunglasses.

“You’ve got some nerve showing up here, Anxiety,” Remy said, putting the glass down and slinging the cloth over his shoulder.

Of course. Anxiety was the natural enemy of Sleep.

“Look, I’m just trying to give Roman a nice day,” Virgil huffed, gesturing over to the prince, who’d just found a table. Roman waved back cheerily, clearly thinking they were having a pleasant chat. “Can we give this a rest for one afternoon?”

“I don’t know what you mean, I’m always perfectly polite to you,” Remy said. “Now, get out of my fucking shop before I kick you out, okay? Bye.”

“Remy!” Virgil snapped, trying to keep his tone under control. “This is for Ro. Please.”

Remy pushed his sunglasses down his nose, looking at Virgil over the top of them. “Wow, Anxiety using manners for once? You must really be down bad for him.”

Virgil hissed, but he didn’t bother denying it.

Remy gave him a look that bordered on sympathetic, but came across more condescending than anything. “He still oblivious as ever?”

Virgil finally relented, sitting down on one of the barstools. “Tell me about it. Honestly, I don’t think I really have a chance with him.”

Remy sighed, pushing his sunglasses back up. “Listen, hun. You hate me, I hate you, we’ve had this whole bitter enemies thing going on for a while. But let me give you some advice. Sometimes you’ve just gotta take a chance, you know? You won’t get anywhere in life by doubting every move you make. I know – it’s your job. But you need to give yourself some credit. You and Roman, you’ve been through a lot, I’m sure whatever happens, things will work out for you two or whatever.”

Remy waved a dismissive hand as he pushed two iced coffees across the counter to Virgil. He knew all of the sides’ regular orders by now.  

“On the house,” he said, when Virgil reached for his wallet. “Go get him, girl.”

“Thanks, Remy.”

“Don’t say I never did anything for you,” Remy said. “No, actually do. If people find out I have a soft side they might start asking for things.”

“Sure,” Virgil chuckled.

When he got back to the table, Roman reached for the drink with both hands, and took a long sip through the straw.

“What, don’t I even get a ‘thank-you’?” Virgil said.

Roman put down his cup. “Thanks for doing this, Virge. Really. I think I really needed an afternoon off.”

“Oh, uh... no problem, I guess,” Virgil mumbled. Roman was looking at him with such earnest eyes that he had to look away, focusing on the logo printed on one of the napkins – it was just like the regular Starbucks logo, except that the mermaid was wearing sunglasses. “Anyway, pick one of these for when you’ve finished your drink.”

He shoved another two slips of paper towards Roman.

Roman looked surprised, but he took one of the pieces.

“Ooh!” He exclaimed when he looked at it. “Stab stuff with your sword. Oh, I can work with this.”

-----

When they’d finished their coffees, Roman took Virgil’s hand again, and this time there was nothing he could attribute the fluttering in his stomach to other than Roman’s dazzling smile.

“Come on, I’ve got a great place in mind,” Roman said, and he pulled Virgil through the doors of the Starbucks out into the street. Roman waved his hand, and across the empty road another building popped into existence.

“After you,” he said, holding open the door for Virgil.

Inside was a giant room about as big as a warehouse, and it was absolutely filled with things. Pillows and mattresses littered the floor, while crockery, vases and even computers were stacked up on tables. It all looked old and already battered – the computer screens were cracked, and any fabric was faded or torn. It wasn’t an unfamiliar location; Remus had created countless rage rooms in the Imagination when one of the others was upset and needed a way to vent their feelings, but Virgil didn’t think bringing Roman’s brother up would be the best decision at the moment. Still, it was impressive for Roman to conjure all this in just a few seconds.

“Did you just... create all of this?” Virgil asked in wonder as Roman shut the door behind them.

Roman shrugged. “Yeah, I mean... I just kind of imagined it and, well, you know how it works.”

“You know, sometimes you’re kind of incredible,” Virgil mused, still looking around the room.

“Really?” Roman asked. His voice was... smaller than Virgil expected.

“Yeah of course,” Virgil said, “you create so many awesome things.”

“Well, it’s kind of my job,” Roman said, but he was beaming. After a moment, he cleared his throat. “Anyway. We can’t technically get injured by anything in the Imagination, but I know you’re a stickler for this kind of stuff, so...”

Roman snapped his fingers, and suddenly the two of them were wearing protective suits over their regular clothes, with safety glasses covering their eyes. Then he drew his sword.

“And don’t forget the most important bit,” Roman said. He waved his hand, and a battle axe with a purple handle appeared in his grip.

“Wait, you want me to join in too?” Virgil asked incredulously.

“Of course!” Roman grinned. “It’ll be fun to do this together.”

“Alright,” Virgil said, taking hold of the axe. It felt right in his grip, like it was made for him. Well, obviously it was, but something about it felt natural, like he’d been wielding it his entire life. “Let’s do this.”

----

After an afternoon of smashing shit up, Virgil and Roman lay on their backs in the middle of the rage room. The floor was covered in debris, stuffing and down, and Virgil had never felt so satisfied.

“So, you got any more fun things planned for today, emo?” Roman turned his head towards Virgil, his cheeks flushed, and eyes wide with elation.

Virgil took a moment to remember how to speak. Those were all the cards he’d written, but...

Remy’s voice echoed in his ear. Sometimes you’ve gotta take a chance.

If he was taking advice from Remy, he must really be desperate, but before he could chicken out Virgil summoned a pen and two more slips of paper.

“Yeah actually, just give me a second.” He stared down at the paper, wondering if this was a good idea. It was a big step, and there was half a chance Roman wouldn’t even pick the card Virgil was hoping for. Maybe it would be better if he didn’t. But Virgil was taking a chance. He could do this. He hastily scribbled down two options on the cards, and held them out to Roman.

He kept his eyes fixed on the floor as Roman took one.

“Ask crush out for drinks,” Roman read aloud, and Virgil’s breath hitched. This was too real. Roman had picked the card, and Virgil couldn’t back out now. Or maybe he could. He could snatch it back and say he hadn’t meant to write that. He’d eat the paper if he had to. 

But before he could do any of that, Roman’s face broke into a grin.

“Virgil, this is wonderful!” Roman exclaimed.

“It is?” Virgil asked, hearing how short of breath he was.

“Of course! I knew you’d come around and help out Thomas’ romantic life eventually,” Roman said.

Wait, Thomas?

“I’ll get him to ask Nico out for drinks, and I’ll tell him it was your idea!” Roman was practically glowing, in his element, and Virgil felt like kicking himself.

Of course the only crush in Roman’s mind right now would be Nico, after the two of them had helped set Thomas up with him at the mall.

Roman snapped his fingers to clear away his protective clothing, and smoothed out his crumpled prince outfit. “Oh, Thomas...” he sang as he sank out, leaving Virgil alone in the rage room.

Well. That had been a disaster.

----

Over the next few days, Virgil didn’t see much of Roman. Apparently he’d pitched the idea to Thomas, and it had been a great success. Thomas had taken Nico out for drinks at a bar he liked, and it had gone really well. Virgil might even have enjoyed the night, if he hadn’t spent the whole time holed up in his room, only responding remotely to Thomas’ biggest spikes of anxiety.

He shouldn’t be so broken up about this. It wasn’t like this was a rejection, Roman had just misunderstood. And maybe this was better than if he had figured out what Virgil really meant. If Roman had gone running off to Logan or Patton or – God forbid – Janus, Virgil didn’t know how he would have coped.

But, however irrational it was, Virgil felt like shit. He didn’t leave his room other than to grab a few packets of pop tarts from the kitchen, and he spent pretty much the whole time watching conspiracy videos on YouTube.

On the third day of his self-imposed isolation, there was a knock on his door.

That wasn’t surprising. The other sides did usually check on him when he stayed in his room for a while, but with Thomas’ date on top of everything else, they’d all been too busy so far.

Virgil paused the video he was watching, reluctantly dragged himself over to the door, and opened it.

“Roman?”

For some reason, Virgil hadn’t been expecting Roman to be standing outside his room. Patton and Logan were usually the ones who checked up on his wellbeing, and Virgil was suddenly very aware of just how unbrushed his hair was.

But Roman’s expression softened when he saw Virgil. “Hey, Virge. You doing alright?”

“Yeah, sorry. I’ve just been taking a few days to myself. What’s up?” Virgil asked, running a hand through his hair to smooth it down as subtly as he could.

“Well, since you designed such a nice day for me, I thought I’d do one for you too,” Roman said, producing two notecards with a flourish.

Oh. That was... nice of him. Virgil hadn’t been expecting anything in return, but it was nice that Roman thought of him.

He looked between the two card for a moment, before he picked the one on the left.

He read Roman’s red cursive. Then read it again. Then rubbed his eyes, and read it one more time to make sure he hadn’t got it wrong.

Go on a date with me.

“Wha- what it this?” Virgil gasped, snatching up the other card. It said the same thing. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” Roman said with a smirk. “I’m asking my crush out for drinks.”

“Wait, you- I’m- What?” Virgil asked again. This was not real. He was dreaming. That was the only explanation.

“When I told Thomas about how you’d actually given me the idea, he, um... suggested you might’ve meant it a different way,” Roman explained, now looking a little sheepish. “Did you mean it this way?”

“Yeah,” Virgil said, steeling his courage. “Yeah, I did. I just didn’t think you’d ever-”

“Ever want to date the hottest, coolest side in the mindscape?” Roman supplied.

“You– I need to be more awake for this conversation,” Virgil decided.

“Well, how about we continue it this evening. Say, over dinner?” Roman asked, unable to hide his grin.

“Sounds good,” Virgil said, grinning back.

[sagstelliums]

(Top to bottom) who’s ur spouse?

Pile 1

I see that u may know them already or u may break up and get back together, ur spouse is someone who is honest, generous, and romantic. I see that they’re patient with you and for the most part mild mannered, I see you guys will have to learn how be patient with each other. They’re grounded and will enjoy giving you gifts or doing things for you u, they will be good at making you cum hard or a lot. Signs- Taurus/cancer, initials- F, Z, S, R, I, V, H

Pile 2

I see that your spouse will come when you go through a ending/move on and prepare for true love, I see that this person is very emotionally mature and they will feel like your counterpart. They are very defensive over you and the marriage, they have alot of passion for you and they will feel like you guys are meant to be together forever. This person makes you feel relaxed and they’ll be really sensitive or intuitive, you will feel like you completed a cycle. Signs- Leo, Scorpio, Pisces. Initials- F, W, D, G, H, A

Pile 3

I see that it may take a while for you two to admit that you have feelings for each other, I see you guys will play mind games with each other because you aren’t ready to let your guard down or don’t want to be the first one to admit their feelings. I see that your spouse is really smart and may be aggressive, they will feel like your counterpart or you guys really compliment each other well. I see that when you guys have sex you’ll be addicted to each other and you guys may realize how much u like each other when u have sex, I see that they are traditional or maybe older than you but this is a long term marriage. Both of u will feel like you guys are exactly what they’re manifesting, this person may be nervous because of how strong/independent u are especially if you’re a feminine. They will be really in touch with their feminine side. Signs- Sagittarius/Pisces, initials- V, X, D, F, G

Pile 4

I see that you guys will definitely have kids together, they may have heavy earth placements especially Virgo. This person may be quiet/shy, I see that things may get boring from time to time but you both always find a way to work together and spice things up. I see that you let your guard down when this person comes because they may not be what you expect/ur usual type, they are very open minded and willing to make sacrifices for the marriage. I see they may like to travel or they travel for work, I see it will be hard sometime when this person is away and you may even travel with them sometimes or take extra long vacations with them. I see you guys will learn how to work around the small issues because you love each other and you feel like you guys are meant to be. Signs- Capricorn, Scorpio, Virgo, Sagittarius. Initials- X, E, F, P, N

Personal readings always available, please watch my 18+ pick a card reading on YouTube

[5-7-9]

This panel is pretty funny 😂 just because of how wish fulfillment it is

Like, you wish this happened, huh?

I don’t like it when stories use their citizens as some kind of monolith hive mind, they just suddenly get inspired to do good or bad for no reason or the reason is too superficial. It bugs me, what can i say? 🤷

Interesting part to note is how they treated people taking up Joker's masks though.

Joker’s mask seems to be what gives these hooligans the freedom to cause mayhem. I’ve already said it before, but this comic treats Joker’s smile as insincere, something to hide, fake. As if being allowed to a secretive identity removes guilt over responsibility. Like when internet trolls can’t be tied to their face. This is expanded on through Alex Kayes the best. Although I don’t like her character’s existence, she highlights the part of Joker’s legacy that was perhaps misguidedly applied to Joker. Social media and public outcry.

Remember Logan Paul’s infamous apology video? James Charles? Etc. social media people? The comic even got the YouTube logo on it.

Red Flag is having a political podcast 🚩😙 sorry~ but if you’re anything like Andrew Tate, the alt-right pipeline is one you don’t want to stay in. Don’t believe everything you hear.

“It’s about sending a message” …was it hate speech? Jkjk. But this is exactly what Heath Ledger’s Joker’s mission in The Dark Knight Rises movie by Chris Nolan was like.

He was also described by Alfred as “Someone people just want to watch the world burn” with absolutely no reason to be evil, he just is evil 🙃 So there is some similarity to Punchline to this movie’s Joker.

Social media and the constant criticisms done by people reacting and adding their own stuff like idk tiktok i guess? Oh right, the comic said it, yeah. Idk any tiktok challenges like this one, so no video example 🤷

Joker War was also mentioned in other comics. I think it’s interesting how Bao Pham’s origins with Joker and Harley was, and his eventual rise to being Joker Hunter and protecting his city. Then i think he left eventually (idk). Huh.

More Punchline, this time from oftentimes copaganda and all times police commissioner Jim Gordon! More teenagers that support Punchline being bullies, what else is new. I totally forgot what I wanted to say, so I’ll just skip to the end of what I really wanted to comment on. Y’know I only recently learned about this so that’s why I’m talking about it but I think it was really awesome that Joker 2019 traveled all the way around the world because people were using his face masks in activism. That’s the positive side of having a brand, DC comics can go across countries and be recognizable. The more recognizable you are, the more people hear you. That’s what happened in the case with the Joker from the protests in Lebonon, Chile, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Colombia, Spain, Catalonia, and Ecuador (there may have been more but idk). (Warning! Talks of death and possible SA in this video!)

(I’d like to take a special time to acknowledge the Iraq Joker (mustafa makki kareem) since I found a rather in-depth interview video of his efforts). (This was 4 years ago, so I’m afraid the political landscape of Iraq has taken a turn… I hope he’s okay).

An interview with some Hong Kong protestors that wear masks to protect their identity. Interestingly enough, this video calls the mask similar to Batman :)

Also they mention reasons for hiding their identity, and methods!

There’s a few clips of Bolivia’s Joker too

Some faces of Lebonon Jokers (this video is edited with TDK Bane’s message but the original video isn’t allowed in my country?)

More edits of Chile Lebonon and Hong Kong (again, original video linked in description but unavailable to me)

In fact, that’s what happened to the Joker 2019 movie. Nowhere in the comics had Joker been depicted as he was in that movie, a victim of an oppressive system. That movie essentially took back a villain and made him this icon. That was the first time ever after Joker’s further evilization after “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Death In The Family” and “The Killing Joke” made Joker one of the evilest Batman characters (considering the ever so slightly sympathetic side to the rest of the rouges). Not to go off on it, but I think it really was a good thing for Joker. I think his criminalization crossed a line at some point, so in a way, this makes up for it.

Of course, even with all of this, it’d be unfair of me to not mention all the bad that did come from Joker. I will not discount that. And no- the 2012 Aurora shooter James Holms had orange dyed hair and is NOT inspired by Joker, he didn’t even know the movie was going on, fyi. • The Florida man Lawrence Sullivan who was arrested in 2017 for allegedly pointing a firearm at an officer. (I reached my 10 video limit 😭). • The recreation of Joker 2019 bus killing scene with suicidal 24-year-old Kyota Hattori in Tokyo train. • The “Gypsy Crusader” or Paul Nicholas Miller was a popular troll that liked to cosplay as Joker in the 2019 movie and comics Riddler while making jokes (i think he did offensive humor?) of the “radical” alt-right stance. (Ironically, the racists didn’t want a Roma descent racist on their side 💀). He was arrested for possession of an unregistered rifle and a lot of ammunition. He also lived in New Jersey…

• 2014 Jerad Miller from Las Vadas Nevada shot two police officers and one bystander dressed as the Joker with an accomplice. Essentially doing a murder-suicide when they then shot themselves. He posted videos to Youtube of his messages. (I think there was some mental illness going on? But idk) (there is also mentions of political stuff like angry at drug laws and the corrupted government and a swatsika?) (yeah idk, it was confusing).

Yes, the criminal turned devil turned sympathetic villain leads to multiple interpretations of Joker, who would’ve guessed? (sarcasm). Even London and Clermont mocked their presidents with the clown face. It’s not entirely black and white 🤷

Still, despite all the flaws in Joker 2019’s movie, all the good that came out of it… I feel as though it outweighed the bad. So, it’s not easy to hate it. Shout out to this video analysis essay that made me critically think about the Batman movies!

[abschaumno1]

How Not To Distance Yourself From Fandom Drama As A Youtuber

Hi,

this is addressing what Scott Smajor said on stream regarding recent twitter harrassment of Ecto. I will preempt this by saying that I have known Ecto for a few years now and I support them. I think I have made my stance on "problematic content" and antis clear in the past, but to summarise: I am against censorship and harrassment. People can and should create whatever they want. If someone has an issue with what they make they should block and move on.

With that out of the way, what did Smajor actually say?

If you don't want to go to TikTok to hear it here's a transcript:

“If you don’t know what this is about, that is fine, you can stay not knowing. But if you do, this is me mentioning it, okay? I’m gonna do it. So. I’m going to try keep this short and simple, as I just want to clear some stuff up, I do not support proshipping. And until yesterday, I had no idea what proshipping was. Um, after last MCC, I removed, uh, Twitter from my phone, and I would only use it if I was on my laptop while I was travelling to VidCon and visiting [?]. So, on Saturday I was packing up my stuff and I checked Twitter before I shut off my laptop and noticed that an artist I followed, um, was receiving death threats and hate. And, me, not knowing fully what was going on, I shot them a DM along the lines of ‘sorry you’re getting hate’. Um, and then I logged out and flew home [?]. That was my mistake, as I should not have said anything without fully reading what was going on. Um, I’d just seen someone upset and wanted to help. After I got home and found out what was happening, I realised that people were saying that my DM meant I supported it, again, I do not. Um, I immediately unfollowed the artist, and have since told them that I do not- I did not realise the full degree of what had happened. Um, since this, I have made the decision to step away from Twitter, really. Um, I’m gonna do my best not to log in to look at it, um, or if you, or someone you know, is affected by this stuff, please do find the help you need, and take steps, uh, to protect your own mental well-being, like I am. Um, I would also like to say that my boundaries, um, with fanart and such has changed, and I am no longer okay with NSFW art of me or my characters. Um, and, that is the last I am going to talk on this subject. — As I said, chat, if you don’t know what it is, or what’s going on, enjoy the ignorance, enjoy the bliss. Just, you don’t need to know anything, nothing else is happening here, we’re not talking about it, we’re not going to be answering questions in chat, that’s it. Done."

(See also this twitter thread)

I'm not gonna inspect every word in that tbh and I've talked extensively about what I think of creator boundaries in fandom before so I'll spare you guys that. But there are a few points I want to address.

"And until yesterday, I had no idea what proshipping was."

I will say that I have no idea how the term was explained to him or where he got his definition from. I do know there are various definitions floating around the internet, often biased in their approach. It might be that he got one of the definitions that was heavily biased towards the anti side. I won't judge him for that. The internet, and this discourse in particular is hard enough to navigate for someone who knows their way around it.

I will also acknopwledge that it might be hard for an outsider to understand any of it in the first place.

Which is why I think the statement "I do not support proshipping" is not the statement to make in this situation. This is not a discussion he has any experience with. And I am perfectly aware of how loud antis can get, particularly on twitter. This should not be a statement. Not just because I disagree with it. He is entitled to his opinion, as am I to my own. But because as a youtuber or any other celebrity or creative, you have to realise where your space ends and fandom begins and you have to realise that fandom will have its own rules and discussions and terms.

Honestly, it's like walking into a foreign country, reading one newspaper and starting to make statements about their politics. It can and will go wrong.

Here's the thing. If you truly think you have to make a statement addressing this particular issue, while completely ignoring any other criticims thrown at you by a lot of the same people who are saying a lot of things about this, try and make an informed statement. And maybe think about the message your sending to your viewers.

Ecto received harrassment, suicide bait, death threads, and got doxxed on top of it all. I would think someone who's been on the receiving end of harrassment the way Scott has been would at the very basic least be able to address that.

Instead, what he actually said amounts to "I don't support them. I wash my hands of all of it. I don't care what you guys do with them."

At best the harrassers will feel vindicated and quiet down. At worst he just enabled them to find their next targets.

I don't think it matters what he (or anyone else really) thinks about the content that Ecto was harrassed over. No one has to like it. But that does not mean there should be any doubt about the fact that harrassment and doxxing are wrong and that there should be no space for that. Not suppporting someone is one thing. Being someone with a platform who makes a statement like this, effectively giving in to people who have harrassed someone with a vastly smaller platform, without even mentioning that the harrassment is not okay, is a very different thing.

I understand that Scott might also be trying to protect his own mental health. I understand his history with twitter. But I will say that telling affected people to "take steps to protect your own mental well-being" is not the statement I personally think he should be making. I guess we'll just leave everything to the loudest, worst people then instead of even pretending what they're doing is not okay.

Hands down, the statement he made feels very much like he's saying "but surely the leopards won't eat my face". It's only been a day and MCC teams were released. The leopards on twitter are eating his face once again. And I wager I am not the only one out there who now knows that a youtuber we enjoyed watching would rather side with people who send death threats and doxx others than their victims.

[lovely-necromancy]

Gifted Snapdragon ch.1

pairing: Astarion x Genderless Tav (called Flora but other wise not given an appearance)

Summary: A long slow burn starting from the beginning of the journey, and going on for far long after the game ends. A story for soft Tavs who have some morals and just want to help this boy heal.

Warnings: a slow burn to put Jane Austin to shame, canon compliant mind control and manipulation

A/N: I have not played BG3 yet (my computer unalived itself right after I made my character) so until I get money for a new pc I have to rely on longplays of the game on youtube. Apologies if characters or events seem off.

To think that running a simple errand for your older sister; a few days trip to Baldur's Gate to retrieve her wedding gown from the bridal hall, that's what got you into this mess. The travel wasn't horrible but you'd made it no further than five meters into the city before you'd been captured by the mind flayers. Taken aboard the ship, stuffed into a pod, and been an unfortunate soul to be infected with a worm that was currently squirming away in your brain. The dragons had been a real fun bit – you'd have to remember to tell Fauna all about them and how they'd left you in a fiery wreckage of a flying ship, left to fall right out of the sky. Though your sister would hardly find that bit amusing, she may if you emphasis the outlandishness of the ripples of psionic energy that had saved you from being but mush on the beach just mere feet above the ground, suspended.

Though you couldn't have been too sure that that was what had happened, as a fog had come over you mid fall and it almost sounded as though someone was speaking to you before you made contact with the sand. Your eyes catching on nothing but an empty beach cast a glow with the flames of the fallen ship. No one else was there.

You sit up and take a few calming breaths in time with the waves crashing on shore. The calm washes over you as the water pulls the sand with the tide, with adrenaline lowering in your system by the breath you begin to assess yourself – checking over yourself for any signs of damage or tear. Finding none but the dull itch left in your eye from that creature you stand.

Upon straightening yourself, you glance towards the flaming ship off a little ways from your landing. Time to put more space between you and that awful vessel.

As you turn you spot the prone figure of the woman you'd helped out of the pod aboard the cursed cruiser. Her name was Shadowheart if the landing didn't cause any damage to you brain that would have made that name up. You move swiftly to her side and slide down to you knees; gently you shake her awake. Her eyes are glazed and bleary when they first open, the unfocused gaze falls on you and soon recognition ignites in them.

Sitting up she takes in the chaos around the two of you.

“You're alive...I – I'm alive. We're alive but that doesn't make sense, how is this possible?” Shadowheart swiftly rights herself and stuffs her mysterious trinket into her pocket.

Scanning the area with a furrowed brow you frown, “I'm not quite sure I understand it myself.”

Upon a further inspection you realize someone is missing from your little party, “Wait a minute, the Githyanki warrior, where is she? Do you think she's fallen further along the shore?”

“Possible, but I'm not sure you should concern yourself with her, Gith aren't known for their friendly dispositions. I'd say you out grew your usefulness to her and she went back to worrying about herself. Which is what we should be doing. We'll need to gather supplies, find food, and shelter, but most importantly we'll have to find a healer.” she takes a step closer, “We may be free of the ship but we are still infected and at the mercy of those beasts.”

A little shocked you stare at her with surprise, “We? You – you want to stay together?” you ask – and it comes out in a much smaller voice than you'd intended.

“Mhhmm.” she nods, “We need each other right now, we can watch each other's backs. I can't think of better company than that of another half-elf.”

You give an understanding nod of your own, “That sounds like a fine plan. I'm called Flora by the way, wasn't much of a chance to tell you on the ship.”

To which she smiles brightly, “Very well, nice meeting you Flora.” she offers a mock bow, one you readily return.

“Well met, Shadowheart.”

Standing back to your full heights you catch each other's eyes and start to laugh. A little silliness amongst this mess does help to lighten the mood.

With those pleasantries out of the way and a renewed sense of vigor the two of you begin to head off the beach and in search of some type of settlement; when Shadow heart puts a hand on your shoulder, a gentle grasp that squeezes her fingers into your shirt just a bit, “I – I just want to thank you...again. For freeing me from that pod, so much was going on that it would've been easier on you to just leave me. But you didn't and I'll remember that.” with a nod she pushes her hand off your shoulder and mentions for you to lead the way.

The two of you travel through the wreckage of what looked to be a previously beautiful and serene beach: now bodies and viscera lay painted around every corner and crevasse it seems. And the little brain creatures seem to be posted as sentries scanning the shore for any survivors who'd made it through the crash.

An unsettling feeling fills your veins at the thought, quickly you crouch behind a large stone and look back to the brunette half-elf who follows your lead.

Speaking in a low and hushed whisper to not get noticed, “I think it's best if we sneak around those things for the moment, could get dicey if we -”

A scuttling sound, wet and sloshing with each supposed step, has the two of you pin straight and scanning your surroundings. Unable to find the source near, Shadowheart peers around the rock – now spotting three of the creatures milling about in a pattern. Coming back to meet you she silently nods her agreement.

Thinking of a plan to get the two of you out of here unnoticed proves more difficult than you'd initially thought. You know next to nothing about mind flayers and even less about the worms and these brain babies. Taking the chance you peak back around the rock and at the creatures following the same pattern that Shadowheart convey to you in a mimed manner. However, after watching them for a while you noticed something peculiar – the brains don't look up, they seem to only have the ability to perceive with a limited range of sight...one that only saw on the ground and not above.

That was it if the two of you could take to higher ground you'd have no trouble with the mutated organs and may even have a bit of an upper hand on them if you were able to keep your eye on them from a safe distance.

Doing your best through a series of hand gestures and trying to have Shadowheart follow your own line of sight you convey your plan.

The she elf seems to be on autopilot listening to you and following along with your gestures. And you catch the exact moment that the plan clicks for her. Dark eyes widen and her mouth goes slightly slack as the realization hit her like a crashing mind flayer ship.

Soon, it's quick work for the both of you to jump atop a few stones and climb more sturdy rock formations to get on top of a metal platform – broken pieces of the once flying ship. It's almost too convenient that you'd both managed to get around three of those creatures and now you were mere meters away from entering the grasslands.

Hopeful to reach some kind of cover from any lurking sentries you hasten your pace.

It looks like you weren't the only ones who'd made it out of the beach. Up ahead you spot a mop of silver curls just in the brush. Speeding up – creating a bit of distance from Shadowheart, who was preoccupied ensuring nothing noticed your departure from the beach – you find yourself closing in on an elf seemingly slightly older than yourself.

Red eyes are quick to find you, his face reads relieved while his stance suggests tension lies underneath. He beckons you closer.

“Help,” he calls as he motions for you, “I have one of those brain creature things cornered just in the grass over there. You can kill it can't you? Like the others.”

You had managed to kill a few whilst aboard the ship but that'd been with help from Shadowheart and the Gith woman. You're a little doubtful you'd be able to handle one on your own.

Still, taking into account Shadowheart's current distance from you, you figure it wouldn't hurt to at least give it a go. So, you nod, “Yes, as long as it's just the one. I should be able to handle that.”, taking a step closer and then surpassing the man.

“It's there can you see it?” he asks voice giving a tremble – or perhaps that was the tickling ringing you heard in your ear.

Your focus zones in when the bushes give a little shake.

You stay where you are refusing to take another step forward since the bushes are too dense to see through you'd miss the signs if the creature lunged out at you.

A gravely voice cries out, “Run!” and soon a boar is running free and away from your direction.

You chuckle and shake your head. The man has been through a lot this day, you all have, it's absolutely reasonable he'd make the assumption a young boar hiding in the brush was one of those creatures. While your relieved it was just a silly boar you're still concerned if the man needs a rest. Until you turn to see the glint of a dagger held to you.

Since the elf has it wielded towards you, Shadowheart makes no attempt to move to your aid – in fear of provoking him to cause actual harm.

Looking at the man you can tell this isn't the first time he's found himself brandishing a weapon, more specifically a dagger, to someone; no his stance is too set, too firm, and the placement of the blade indicates he won't hesitate to use it if need be. However, if he'd wanted to hurt you there was amble time while your back had been turned and Shadowheart was further away. Slowly you bring your hands up hoping to alleviate any tension in the elf that could result in him slicing you on reflex.

“Now, I just want some answers. I saw you two scuttling around the ship – you're in leagues with them aren't you? Those tentacled....urgh!”

You and the elf stumble forward and the worms in your brain communicate to one another. Much like with the introductions with the other two women on the ship you are bombarded with visions from the man's perspective. A sense of prowling on a dark street, then the tentacles from his capture, the worm, and light so much light. Then a glimpse of yourself through his eyes, a young thing with wide doe eyes and all the grace of a baby deer as well.

In turn he is plagued with visions from your perspective.

“Wha- what was that? What is happening?” he asks his grip on the dagger loosening as he lowers it to rub his temple harshly.

“It's that worm. We believe it's connecting all of us.” you fight the urge to mirror his position – it really has been of no help to stave off the pain.

His posture straightens slightly looking to you – but not quite at you, “The worm? Of course the worm – well I guess that explains a few things.”

Then the elf focuses his gaze on you once more, “And to think I nearly decorated the ground with your innards. Apologies.”

Noting the relaxed stance and lowered blade you relax yourself, dropping your hands to your side once more. And you are quick to offer him a small smile, “Apology accepted, it's been quite the day for us all I believe.”

A short chuckle spills from his lips, it's there you realize you keep staring at them as if drawn to them – his tone flows like a river, an unpredictable calmness. The sound reminds you of Fauna; star above and below you hope you make it through this, she'd never forgive herself if you died doing her a favor.

“What a – kind spirit.” he gestures in a manner you can't tell if to insult or praise you before he continues on to introduce himself, “My name's Astarion, I was in Baldur's Gate when those bests snatched me.” his expression turns just short of a snarl at the admission.

Placing a hand over your chest you introduce your little party, “Flora,” sweeping a hand to motion towards your fellow half-elf who holds a scowl over her features, not unlike the one she'd held before you released her from the pod, “and she is called Shadowheart.”

He follows your hand with an “Of course she is,” before he returns his gaze to you, opening his chest as he stands with his hands placed on his his lower back and a smirk decorates his face shifting his weight around, “A pleasure.”

You nod a little in agreement, sparing another last glance to your companion to see she is still just as wary of the elf before you.

“So,” Astarion, calls gaining your attention once more, “do you know anything about these worms.”

There's a quiver in your lip you can't shake as you pout glancing off to the side. Delivering bad news...politely was always difficult for you. With the matter of a painful transformation before you all ceased to exist as yourself...well that required more tact than you held.

“Um – yes, well unfortunately it seems they'll turn us into mind flayers if we don't find a way to get rid of them.”

His eyes grow wide and he blinks a time or two before a disbelieving laugh falls from his lips, somehow the sound sours the smooth river tone. Its weight adds to the already oppressive air amidst the wreckage of the crash site.

“Turn us into- ha. Hahaha – why of course whatever else could it have done aside from turn me into a monster.”

It may be the stress of the day but Astarion seems to have a habit of talking to himself.

Astarion speaks up again this time with an optimistic sort of lilt, “Although if it hasn't happened yet, there's a chance. If we could find an expert – someone who knows a great deal about these beasts and can control them we may have time.”

You perk at the sudden change in tune.

“Oh! Well, we were thinking more along the lines of just getting rid of them – not controlling them but yes all the same we are looking for a solution as well. Would you care to join us? Our odds must be better together after-all.”

His expression is once again drawn back to shock, as if he hadn't expected an invitation. Considering he did hold you up at knife point you can understand but again it has been a...very trying day for you all.

“Oh, hmm well I had been ready to go this alone. But maybe it isn't a bad idea after all...you know sticking with a herd.” he smiles and you take in the refreshing warmth it brings out in his features. Nearly hides the horrible bags he holds under his eyes. Much different than the earlier smirk that seemed to be his default expression, and only seems to draw your attention to the exhaustion apparent in his eyes.

“And you seem like a useful person to know.” once again the smirk is back on his face, and you can't help but sigh at the loss of such a charming expression, “All right, I accept. Lead on.” he gives a playful bow to which you offer a polite laugh.

If these were the characters you managed to attract after such a tragedy you must truly be blessed by the stars.

Turning around, Astarion right behind, you catch Shadowheart's dour expression: seems she'll take a bit to warm up to your new companion. But you'll all need all the help you can get if you want to be freed of these brain worms. Cocking your head slightly as you catch her gaze, you try again to convey a mute conversation to her. She nods and looks away, upset but understanding of your decision to request the elf's help.

She'll be civil to ensure your success.

The three of you make your way through the sparsely forested plain. You take note that Astarion, who you'd assumed would keep a distance, has fallen in step with you, flanking your left. Perhaps it's because you hadn't left your small village much, but it's a strange feeling to have that spot occupied by someone other than Fauna. Would it be rude if you ask he not take that spot? It does seem like a natural progression on his part though as Shadowheart has taken the spot on your right.

It's just strange for you. And you can't stop the occasional glances but overtime it seems Astarion has caught on because he'll return the favor and offering a small smile. It leaves you feeling guilty about being particular about something so mundane for those who weren't raised in a set.

It's during a short rest in the party that you strike up an another conversation with Astarion. You all having found a fallen log to take a seat on, the difference between your two companions couldn't be more night and day. As Shadowheart's rigid posture and practice of taking as little space on the log as possible was countered by Astarion nearly draping himself on the log.

“Astarion, do you happen to know where we've landed? Shadowheart and I haven't the fainest clue.”

The older elf had been admiring the barren landscape, no small amount of wonder and adoration shimmering in his eyes as he takes it all in. When his gaze falls on you it is near dazed.

“ 'fraid not, I'm simply city boy. So, I can't say I've been through these parts.” He returns to gazing out to the grassy knoll, you still give a nod though he isn't looking at you anymore.

“We should head to Baldur's Gate I have someone waiting for me and I'm sure there's bound to be a contact they know in the city who can help us.” Shadowheart voices, a little of a shock as she hasn't mentioned wanting to go to Baldur's Gate before.

A slight scoff comes from the man, “Let's hope we aren't too far, or in the Fyewilds, stars only know how long we have before the change is complete.”

“This isn't the Fyewilds, they are a much denser and lusher forest.” Shadowheart cuts in.

And you nod in agree with the young woman, “Yes, unfortunately this isn't the Fyewilds – if it were I'm certain we'd be able to find a healer for this affliction. Naturally gifted healers and all.”

After that you three fall into a not uncomfortable silence as you gathered yourselves and got back on the trail.

True to his word Astarion was showing himself to be every bit of the city boy he'd proclaimed, as he gets tangled constantly on the low branches that you and Shadowheart have little trouble avoiding. You have to stop yourself from laughing when he curses at branches for snaring his clothes for the tenth time.

It's during one of these moments, waiting for Astarion to untangle a wispy tree branch from his hair and catch up to you two, that you notice movement in the plain just ahead of you.

A purple hued figure barely moving lays in wait – and it's already seen you.

“Look,” you whisper harshly, garnering the attention of both. “A downed mind flayer.”

As you take a step Shadowheart holds her arm before you, stopping your movement. “Careful, those things are dangerous even when injured.”

Sticking closer together, more a tight pod now, your party of three approaches the dying monster. You could end its life once and for all right now... … …if only you didn't feel compassion. Compassion?

The thought strikes you like a young wizard's first fireball. Uncontrolled with a lot of force riding behind it.

Compassion for this – this thing, you aren't sure you could call it a person given no evidence that it feels any sort of remorse for the lives it's effectively ended and ruined. Not if making you feel compassion towards it as it lay dying was any indicator.

You try hard to take a step away from the beast, you notice Shadowheart and Astarion attempting to do the same with similar results. None of you can move away. The mind flayer has you in its grasp. Soon your thoughts are drowned out, overrun with its will: and you hear...no more like feel the words that flood into your brain.

“You can't move, can't think...thinking is done mercifully for you. It will be a joy to serve – and to die for it an honor.”

Your face is cast in a full grimace as you realize this thing is trying to overpower your thoughts and emotions. To possess your mind and force you to love it, admire it, worship it.

A rush of anger floods your body. Perfectly timed as the creature's mind seems unable to focus itself on you.

How dare it make you feel – how dare it tell you how to feel. This thing infected you, gave you a death sentence and it expects salvation in the form of your own life. As though you fight for survival was trivial compared to its own. But you were no puppet yearning to be told to dance with a pull and tug of your strings – you were your own person. Your thoughts were yours alone and not to be twisted and manipulated into a petty illusion of freedom and will. Anger raises in you and tears dance along your water line.

You lurch as the mind flayer comes back into your head with a vengeance; a vice locking your mind into obedience. It needs sustenance to survive and with your very being you can provide.

The parts of your mind that are still yours fight with everything they have, it isn't determination nor the urge to survive. It is pure unbridled spite and rage. You are your own person, not a pawn to be toyed with an sacrificed when the need arises. You break free of its thrall with a gurgled yell.

“Argh!”

White flashes before your eyes from the force you jostled back into your mind. Haggard breaths leave your chest heaving as the few tears that had gathered spill and cascade down your cheeks.

The monster lies exhausted, defeated. Its eyes -wet, not unlike the glossiness of your own, orange pearls that radiate malice.

What nerve it has to be the one cross with you as it had any rights after invading your senses. Playing at the recesses of your mind uninvited. To be angry that you broke free of its will – what a damned child.

While normally violence in reference to your anger wasn't your preferred outlet, this was a unique...a special circumstance. Building all your negative emotions from your chest you imagined pushing all that down, down though your body and guiding it into your leg. Which you lifted high above the flayer and with all that rage and energy dropped it down as hard as you possibly could. For a moment you had the fear you'd injured your ankle, having felt a pop underneath from the force of the kick. Though it could have simply been your boot going through the monster's skull.

Blood and brain matter fly from the impact, splashing back and covering your leg and other bits of you. You do not turn to see the reactions of your companions.

A grimace paints your features as you now live with the consequences of your anger. While there is shame for the display you'd provided them, you feel no remorse for the killed creature with the shattered skull.

The tears spill and a warbled cry leaves you.

It's small but enough to spring the two elves out of their stupors. Shadowheart pipes up, “Death was too good for that monster.” she says with no shortage of venom.

Astarion nods mutely, eyes lingering on the leg of yours now covered in the remnant of the mind flayer, and you yourself are hard-pressed to disagree.

You heave out a breath and find your voice after a long pause,” True. But I'd rather it be dead then left to lure another infected over to complete its revival. Best finish it than leave it to recover.” you wipe at the viscera that had splashed up on your cheek with the edge of your sleeve.

Without consorting with your companions you restart you journey, marching forward to find supplies or a settlement. While the latter is more preferable you'll need supplies to set up a camp if you don't stumble upon civilization by nightfall. However, Shadowheart catches you by the shoulder and forces you to come back to a stop.

“Are you alright, that was a lot back there and...no offense you don't give off the killer vibe. We can rest a minute if you need to breathe.” she says it gently and in a hushed whisper as though you'll shatter at anything more.

The tears have long since stopped but your gaze still feels watery and foggy. A slow tickle of bile rises to your throat and you struggle to speak around it. A harsh swallow followed by another shuddered breath you look to her with a tired smile, “I'll be fine – just a long day,” a sarcastic chuckle falls from your lips and even you can hear how hollow and broken it sounds; a person toeing the line of a breakdown, “Nothing a bath won't fix, I'm sure.” your hand finds her on your shoulder and you give it a reassuring squeeze.

Astarion having caught up to you both once again flanks your left and in a show of theatrics agrees with you.

“Oh, now that is one thing we can most certainly agree on. A nice warm soak, perhaps some bubbles, and of course let's not forget a nice glass of wine. Sounds like a wonderful evening after all this.” he all but moans at the thought of such a mundane evening in.

The laughter that it draws out of you is much more genuine and has both your party members looking at you with ease. One narrowly avoided breakdown done with and the rest of the journey ahead.

In all fairness you weren't completely good to travel after all, which you noticed when you were shocked to find yourself face to face with a fallen caravan. Having looked as though it broke down and was simply left to rot out here.

The landscape surrounding still suggested you were in the grassland but nothing seemed familiar. A glance to the sun showed it'd been hours since you were last aware. More than a little wary at the missing time you are quick to ease as you take note of Astarion and Shadowheart walking up to your sides.

“Oh good find. Didn't notice that from the trail, maybe there's something useful here.” the she-elf says before going to inspect the vehicle.

As she passes you notice a pack on her back that hadn't been there before. Chalking it up to your missing time, you don't really question it.

“Good to have you with us once more.” Astarion says watching Shadowheart tear the caravan apart for supplies.

Not much more is said as the two of you wait for the she-elf. And it isn't long until she finds a hidden compartment that holds a small chest. She tries to open it but a lock stops her. Looking up to you both she asks, “Any one have a lock pick?”

Astarion huffs, “Hardly, but I do possess a certain skill to help us. One moment.”

He pulls a loose nail free from the caravan and kneels to the chest, placing the needle in at a slight angle his ear twitches. He rises back up before he toes the nail with the tip of his boot, aligning it so he can place a well aimed kick and the chest pops open.

You clap at the show he'd put on and he gives a small bow accepting the praise for his talents.

As his reward he lifts the small bag of holding from the chest. Useful.

“Going to share what you've found?” Shadowheart calls as Astarion inspects the contents. He delivers a flat look her way, tossing a book he's pulled from the bag.

She catches it with ease.

“Some patience wouldn't hurt you.” returning to his task, his hand raises again with bundle of cloth held in it. This time he directs the throw to you.

Clumsily you catch the bundle. And oversized pair of pants unfurl before you, along with a set of socks. You'd all but forgotten your soaked leg, but now you could feel how the cloth of your current pants clung to your leg.

Pulling another book from the bag Astarion shrugs. “Not much I'm afraid. But there's a few more pieces of clothing and a bed roll in here.”

“Ok, that puts us at two bed rolls then possibly three if someone wants to compile the clothes into one.” Shadowheart nods.

Seems you've missed the item collection, hopefully not much else happened while you weren't coherent.

“Any tents?” you ask making your way to the back of the caravan for privacy.

“Found four, took them in case of rain we have a cover.” Shadowheart calls as you switch out your pants for the fresh pair. Rolling the new waistband up so the legs don't completely cover your feet. They are bulky but will do for now.

Rounding the corner holding your soiled pants you aren't sure what to do with them. Astarion and Shadowheart are flipping through their books as you approach. Astarion looks up first, placing his book back into, now, his bag of holding.

“Oh, please don't take those. Leave them here. They won't do much good now. I doubt that stain will come out just toss them on the wagon.” he motions and steps back and away from you worried you'll request he put it in his bag to hold on to.

Looking down at your hands and the pants, “If the worm doesn't do the job, Fauna will surely kill me for this.” you sigh, but relinquish the pants to nature. “You ready to get moving? A lot of ground to cover before nightfall and we still have a few hours to spare.”

Shadowheart places her book on the caravan, Astarion stares after her cross before grabbing the book back up and placing it once more in the bag – before following after.

It was an aimless mile you'd walked before seeing a distorted purple sigil in the side of a rock. An unstable portal, without thinking you'd walked up to the malfunctioning spell curious to who caused it and why.

You approach the sigil on the stone, magic glitters and swirls from it erratically, as if malfunctioning. It looks slightly dangerous. Still you reach up to touch the sigil and are shocked – quite literally by the portal.

A snicker can be heard from Astarion, which you deserved it was an incredibly daft thing to do, touching such volatile magic. Your lucky all it did was shock you...that is until a hand pops free of the small portal suddenly, startling the lot of you.

“Uh, hello. A hand anyone?” a male voice calls from the other side of the portal.

Like the applause you gave Astarion earlier for opening the chest, albeit slower and more wary you clap for the hand's appearance. In a sense you feel vindicated by the withering sigh that leaves the she-elf behind you.

Another huff of a sigh is pulled from the portal, “Perhaps I should have been cleared. To clarify: a helping hand would be appreciated.” the hand continues to beckon you closer.

Looking over your shoulder the others seem unphased but overall unmoving and unlikely to help. You guess saving this poor magic user would be your task then.

Placing a hand over the sigil you attune yourself to its frequency, no use in you also getting stuck in a portal with no way out. You focused in on easing the chaos of the portal that you have yet to note any change in behaviors, the magic user on the other side can tell the difference and comments you.

“There we go, whatever you're doing is working wonders! Now a quick tug should do the trick.”

A little wary of getting pulled in due to your lack of strength you beckon Shadowheart over to aid you. As you grasp the arm she wraps around your waist and helps you pull out a wizard donned in a rich purple robe. He falls to the ground, thrown in between you two and Astarion; you and Shadowheart steady each other to keep from falling as well.

Once he rights himself the wizard starts off this new round of introductions, “Hello, I'm Gale of Waterdeep.” he grips your hand and shakes it firmly and roughly. “Apologies, I'm usually much better at this.”

It feel as though cotton has been stuffed into your ears. His words are muffled to you though you know he is obnoxiously projecting his voice despite there only being three of you.

Your hand is still in his grasp and his focus is still entirely set on you: unaware that Astarion stalks behind him, circling as he makes his way back to you and Shadowheart. The wizard takes no notice of the posturing and continues talking.

“Hey, I know you, don't I? Well, in a manner of speaking that it. You were on the nautiloid as well.”

You share a look with the other two and you all have furrowed brows and tight frowns but give muted nods to Gale. It's then he takes notice of the other two in the party.

“Ah, hmm funny didn't take elves for the silent type.”

“Half-elf.” you and Shadowheart chime.

“Oh, alright fair point, well then I can only imagine you three were also on the receiving end of a rather unwelcomed insertion in the ocular region.”

A shudder run through you at the replaying image of the worm's teeth before it disappeared into your eye socket.

“I'll take that as a yes. This parasite if you weren't aware – after a period of excruciating gestation it will turn us into mind flayers. Through a process referred to as ceremorphosis, which let me assure you: it is to be avoided!” he scans the party taking you all in, “None of you happen to be a cleric, by any chance? Maybe a doctor? A surgeon? Scarily accurate with a sharpened knitting needle?”

You like to chalk this up to a stress induced day for the man, you can't shake the feeling that he likes explaining concepts to people...or the sound of his own voice with the way he speaks without letting you get a word in.

Unsure of what to say or if it would even matter to the man, you remain silent. It surprises you when Shadowheart speaks up for your group, “You seem to know a lot more about our condition to know that it is out of the realm of most clerics.”

Gale takes his eyes off of you and directs his gaze over to the she-elf.

“Most, keyword, no doubt. But I find myself hoping to be in the presence of the few. You don't happen to be one of them?” he directs his attention back to you with the last question, feeling the arcane energy that is at your disposal.

Shaking your head you offer an apologetic frown, “Afraid not. I can handle most surface injuries and other basic first aid tasks but this is way out of my league.”

“Shame, no natural family gift from the Wildes then?”

The first sentence from his mouth that rang crystal clear in your ears. It sends a chill through you, who was this man and how could he tell you hailed from near the Wildes? You can feel the stares of your other companions on your back.

“Nothing that would be useful in this instance. My born gift was animal speech.”

Gale is easy to brush off the news, “No harm in asking. As we've established few can. Not exactly a common affliction as it were.” He smiles at you all, “Well, I suppose we'll need a healer and soon too.”

You force yourself not to frown as you toy with the plain black band on your middle finger. Spinning it as a pit forms in your stomach waiting for Gale to finish his thought.

“How about we lend each other a helping hand once more and look for a healer together?”

And there it is, just what you feared. He's joining the party. You spin the ring a few more times calming yourself before turning attention to the other two. Astarion's gaze is unreadable, but he offers no objections. On the other side of the coin is Shadowheart who's gaze is filled with near childish hope and she avidly shakes her head when she's caught your eye.

Swallowing the bile in your fog in your throat you make the decision.

“Th – that would be nice, we need all the help we can get.”

The large grin on his face reaches his eyes and radiates warmth but it leaves a cold pit in your stomach. Something in his way of speech unsettles you, you will tread carefully with the wizard around...perhaps it would suit you to not be so open and forthcoming on this journey.

“Most excellent. A parasite shared is a parasite halved. Or something to that effect.” he jokes.

You give a polite smile and nod, turning to the others you start to open your mouth when Gale interrupts.

“Oh! But before you think you're about to embark on a journey with a most ill-mannered man; thank you for pulling me out of that stone.” he sounds genuine.

But you'd completely forgotten that you had indeed rescued him from being trapped in a portal.

He continues his speech. “It was an act of foresighted kindness I assure you, for I have the feeling ample opportunities will present themselves for me to return the favor.

With a simple nod you try and brush off the ominous feeling he's left you with. Fiddling a little more with you ring. You do well to school your features as you turn and call for Shadowheart.

“Will you take the lead, I'll fall back for a bit.”

Concerned she steps towards you, “We can take a rest if you need, no need to push yourself.”

A thinly veiled lie, and poor timing since Gale is now part of the party and puts in his two gold pieces.

“Actually, not to be that guy, we most assuredly need to push ourselves. Once again time is very much of the essence here.”

Looking to Gale then back to Shadowheart you give her what you know are your patented puppy eyes and implore her to listen. “That's right, we need to cover as much ground by nightfall. I'm good to take up the rear, I'd just hate to be zoned out and miss something, or have someone get hurt while we have limited supplies and resources.”

Her dark pools search yours, though you know she can't disagree: you know she believes there is some life debt she owes you or something existing in a similar nature. But as it is time is too valuable to waste on another break right now. Begrudgingly she nods and starts off on the path towards the forest. Gale looks to her before facing you and offering a closed eye smile, following after the brunette.

You spin your ring as your gaze follows after him, you have a weird feeling about him. Not bad or dangerous just strange. And you aren't sure why; everything seems normal with the guy. You'll have to keep an eye on him for the time being.

So lost in your own thoughts you don't take note that Astarion has stayed back with you. He waited until both were well out of ear shot before speaking to you.

“So, we've picked up a wizard who managed to get stuck in his own portal? Hardly a promising introduction.” you jolt in surprise as he breaks you out of your thoughts. He chuckles at your reaction and offers a charming smile.

He is hardly wrong about that though, maybe that was the reason for your unease – just how much help could an incompetent wizard be? Sure he had knowledge, but aside from a few terms he'd thrown out you'd all already known most of what he'd said. Was it really beneficial to have him tag along?

“You aren't wrong...” you finally say after some deliberation, “but we also do need all the help we can get.” your eyes lower as you finally concede that point with yourself, “Besides he seems like he knows a lot on the subject.”

Astarion makes a sort of snort scoff and places a hand on your lower back gently guiding you to move and follow after the others before they get too far from sight or worse double back to find you. “I'd hardly say that. He knows about as much as we do aside from a few terms. He's well read if anything and that's not much of a help when it's left him in the same position as us. He brings nothing to the party except two more parasites – so do not allow him to bully you in such a way.”

You look up to him confused, “Bully me?”

He hums, “Oh please, those quips about your magic background and snubs to your born gift.” he glances at you from the corner of his eye glinting in a strange way from this angle. “You intimidate him, a wizard so incompetent he gets lost in his own spell. Meanwhile here you are possessing the ability to commune with beasts and save him from his own magic. You have more control in your hand.”

“...I'll keep that in mind.”

[wowitscoldoutpt2]

Ok one last watcher post before I move on with my life. This is a big ol rant ok I talk about a lot.

Tldr I'm conflicted and sad but I believe they can come back from this

-

Steven Lim, what a guy yk? I like dish granted. I appreciate Steven Lim for running the company, like. In, I think, a Making Watcher it's said that Ryan and Shane get to dick around on camera because Steven runs the business end of things so im not mad at Steven any more rhan im mad at the others.

I'm mad at y'all. Cause I've seen some vile things said about Steven, like how u wish Ryan and Shane would dump him or how he's ruining everything and how he's completely unwanted and nobody likes him. Which is wrong, u shouldn't bully this guy because he made a bad business decision, try and be mature. Ik some of y'all are like 15 and you're feeling betrayed and abandoned, which is what u should be feeling btw, but that's not an excuse for this behavior.

People are mad at Steven because the shows he's a part of are financially fucking insane. It's an icky thing to watch someone eat fine things and travel no biggie while the rest of us struggle. That's what we're mad at Steven for. Well that's what I'm mad at Steven for. Because the shows he does are elitist and.....just. it feels bad.

This whole thing feels bad and I don't know what to do.

I'm very conflicted. I keep changing my views and not knowing how to feel and not knowing what to think or what to do and the stability that Watcher provides me is gone. So I gotta uh. Find something else. I have a really hard time coping with change and this is a really big change. These guys have been around since before i was diagnosed, and then I watched them through that, and I'm watching them now and I don't know what to do.

This whole thing is scary because everyone's up in arms about it, either trying to remind others that the watcher crew are still people and not monsters or lamenting the loss and potential fiery downfall of one of the greatest things of the internet. So it's real chaotic ykwim? This is just added chaos to our lives and having something that was such a crutch for us all to lean on be taken away so suddenly is frightening.

This is like the ugliest sides of the fandom all coming together at once which is bad for people in the middle lol

Anyway uh I think I'm done. I hope the watcher guys are ok but I also hope they realize that this was not the right move and do something about it. They aren't bad people in my book, I mean. Maybe they are but I can't lose them yet. I'm like 0 for 4 on YouTubers rn so uh. I can't let these guys go, I'm attached to these internet men and I like them a lot even though they're being stupid rn.

This is redeemable. They can come back from this.

[helly-watermelonsmellinfellon]

I need y'all to pray hard.

I used the stove yesterday around 5 PM. I used it to make dinner. Bethy and Dave were at the races cuz someone they knew paid for them to go. It was just mom and I and we were too hot to want something that took too long. The stove was fine.

They got back at 11:12 PM. Dave whined about being hungry. He stayed up for 2 additional hours and it was annoying af.

We had leftover lasagna AND pork roast. Plus, all sorts of quick things to make. He made a big fuss about having to cook himself dinner. Bethy went to sleep immediately. She never ate. She also hasn't used the stove before.

Mom and I were forced to be awake cuz he's loud as fuck and we can't close the bedroom door cuz the house is too hot, and we need air flow. However, if we put a fan in the window, the humidity makes everything wet, and mom nearly broke her neck when she stepped out of the room and slid on the wet floor. It was so bad that her phone almost died because it claimed there was moisture inside when it had been under her leg on the bed all day.

While Dave cooked whatever he was cooking, we heard something break. For a moment I thought it was the YouTube video I was watching, but then mom sat up straight and went, "He broke something."

But there was no crash. We have many breakable cups and plates, but the breaking sound didn't involve a crash or the sprinkling of shards as they scatter from the point of impact. So, I wasn't actually sure if something broke.

He then made pancakes this morning. For himself. Another way to whine and be a dick.

Anyway, he and Bethy had to go and get more of our stuff from his boss's garage, so I decided to make mom and I lunch. And that's when I saw it.

The break.

The crack.

[It's hard to see but the crack starts from the very bottom of the center of the stove and travels over and up the left side. It ends halfway up the back burner.]

Dave managed to break the tempered glass surface of the stove. My guess it he dropped the metal pot we use for making homemade candy on it, since he uses that for mac n cheese and there's mac n cheese in the fridge right now.

That stove belongs to the landlady, and he's been whining about how she will do surprise inspections.

So, pray that she decides she doesn't want to do any inspections any time soon, cuz having her stove broken within 3 weeks of a new family renting her spare home, is very bad.