#and why is he and so many other people so hostile in attitude at times where I see no reason to be

[tastytofusoup]

50% of the conversations in Deadwood are awkward, and in the other 50% the swearing, yelling, and calling everyone a cocksucker is covering up the awkwardness that’d be there otherwise.

[sarahreesbrennan]

Are all the themes in “in other lands” supposed to be a commentary on something? Or do you just like writing sex scenes between minors, age gaps, and reverse misogyny?

Genuine question.

Ohhh, my dear anon, I don't believe this is a genuine question.

But it does bring up something I've been meaning to talk about. So I'll take the bait.

Firstly. Yes, my work contains a commentary on the world around us. I wonder what I could be doing with the child soldiers being sexually active in their teens (people hook up right after battles), and the age gap relationship ending in the younger one being too mature for the elder. What could I possibly have been attempting when I said 'how absurd gender roles are, when projected onto people we haven't been accustomed by our own society to see that way'? I wasn't being subtle, that's for sure.

Secondly. Yes I do enjoy writing! I think I should, it's my life's work. Am I titillated by my own writing, no - though I think it's fine to be. The sex scenes of In Other Lands aren't especially titillating, to be honest. It is interesting to me how often people sneer at women for writing romance and sex scenes, having 'book boyfriends,' insinuating women writers fancy their own characters. Women having too much immoral fun! Whereas men clearly write about sex for high literary purposes.

… I have to say from my experience of women and men's writing, I haven't found that to be true.

I’m not in this to have an internet argument. Mostly people use bad faith takes to poke at others from the other side of a screen for kicks. But I do know some truly internalise the attitude that writing certain things is wrong, that anyone who makes mistakes must be shunned as impure, and that is a deeply Victorian and restrictive attitude that guarantees unhappiness.

I've become increasingly troubled by the very binary and extreme ways of thinking I see arising on the internet. They come naturally from people being in echo chambers, becoming hostile to differing opinions, and the age-old conundrum of wanting to be good, fearing you aren't, and making the futile effort to be free of sin. It makes me think of Tennyson, who when travelling through Ireland at the time of the Great Famine, said nobody should talk about the 'Irish distress' to him and insisted the window shades of his carriage be shut as he went from castle to castle. So he wouldn't see the bodies. But that didn't make the bodies cease to be.

In Les Mis, Victor Hugo explores why someone might steal, what that means about them and their circumstances, and who they might be - and explores why someone else is made terribly unhappy, and endangers others, through their own too rigid adherence to judgement and condemnation without pity. The story understands both Jean Valjean the thief and Javert the policeman. Javert’s way of thinking is the one that inevitably leads to tragedy.

Depiction isn't endorsement. Depiction is discussion.

Many of my loved ones have had widely varying relationships to and experience of sex (including 'none'). They've felt all different types of ways about it. If writing about them is not permissible, I close them out. I'd much rather a dialogue be open than closed.

I do understand the urge to write what seems right to others. I've been brain-poisoned that way myself. I used to worry so much about my female characters doing the wrong things, because then they'd be justly hated! Then I noted which of my writer friends had people love their female characters the most - and it was the one who wrote their female characters as screwing up massively, making rash and sometimes wrong decisions. Who wrote them as people. Because that's what people do. That's what feels true to readers.

I want my characters to feel true to readers. I want my characters to react in messy ways to imperfect situations. I love fantasy, I love wild action and I love deep thought, and I want to engage. That's what In Other Lands is about. That's even more what Long Live Evil is about. That sexy lady who sashays in to have sexy sex with the hero - what is her deal? Someone who tricks and lies to others - why are they doing that, how did they get so skilled at it? What makes one person cruelly judgemental, and another ignore all boundaries? What makes Carmen Maria Machado describe ‘fictional queer villains’ as ‘by far the most interesting characters’? What irritates people about women having a great time? What attracts us to power, to fiction, and to transgression?

I don’t know the answers to all those questions, but I know I want to explore them. And I know one more thing.

If the moral thing to do is shut people out and shut people up? Count me among the villains.

[bitchlessdino]

hello perhaps morning after sex with mingyu + wonwoo ?? like you wake up in bed with both of them after a drunken threesome and go again… maybe one of the boys wakes up first and you start hooking up with him right there only for the other to wake up and get pouty before joining in

Pairing: (Mingyu x afab!reader x Wonwoo)

Genre: smut

Word count: 1.8k

tags: Tags: poly, established friendship, brief enemies to lovers, unprotected sex, spanking, double penetration, degradation, brief hole slapping?, mean wonwoo, sweet mingyu

Summary: Mingyu being the common denominator for the strained acquaintanceship of both you and Wonwoo, he's determined to make this friendship work.

author note: can yall believe this is my first minwon fic, i mean theres a million ones out there that arent mine, but its interesting it took this long. thank you kaili my love for the request, i hope you like it

Mingyu and Wonwoo were and have been inseparable, that is until you came into the picture. You met Mingyu first and clicked immediately with him, taking him everywhere you went like schoolmates. You were self-claiming that he was your best friend, despite how many people telling you he’d be a better boyfriend (he is insanely hot), and that Wonwoo was second best to you.

Wonwoo didn’t like that about you. You just popped out of nowhere with your pretty face and can-do attitude, attaching yourself to Mingyu’s hip like a clingy fanny pack. He was there first and clearly had a stronger connection with Mingyu and he wasn’t going to let some ‘nobody’ steal his friend away from him, no matter how cute that smile was or how nice you smelled.

Mingyu being the ‘empath’ he is, starting to use the word unironically at this point, he could sense the hostility between the two and how things never seemed to align when you were together. It was like a dark cloud peering over everyone when they were in the same room. It made social gatherings suffocating at times and that was unfortunate since he enjoyed both their companies equally, so he set off a plan in motion.

The next gathering would just be the three of them, close and intimate. Drinks would be involved, maybe some food, have it all set up in his apartment, and before you know it, they’d all be besties. This was going to go great.

“Mmh, Wonwoo…”

Mingyu realized things went too well when he found out what he was waking up to the following morning. His eyes couldn’t process it initially, but through his strained eyes he can make out you grinding your wet entrance up against his best friend’s raging boner, moaning obscenities that he hardly ever imagined coming out of your lips.

Wonwoo’s deep chuckles were as dark as chocolate, running his hands all over your body in delight, looking up in amazement to see how needy you already were. “So whiny, you’re so annoying. You want me that bad?”

You nod back at him incessantly, tweaking your stuff buds between your fingers, “I…want…you in me…”

A corner of his lips quirks up, he forces your hips to ride his torso harder, “Yeah? You want my cock inside you?”

Your lips contort anxiously, dragging your hands over his toned, muscular build, “Mm, yes, I want it…”

“I’m gonna need to hear you beg for it. Beg for me, whore,” He taps his length on your stomach, having you mewl over him desperately.

Your core throb, practically hearing the echo from its vacancy, screaming at you to be filled, “Wonwoo please…”

He arches a brow, “Please what? Be specific.”

You’re clenching over nothing, whining in his ear as you leaned towards him, “Please put your cock in me…I need you…”

Mingyu was half asleep when this was all occurring. Tossing and turning, he was wondering what was happening in the background, and why the hell was he so tired for. He soon notices the instability of the bed slightly rocking in its spot, the pure stench of sex that coated the inside of his nostrils, and then your breathy moan, rhythmically dancing in the air. The images then all rush back to him, blood flowing to his lower half, finding enough for his shaft to stand on, and the feeling of neglect wash over him.

“Seriously? You guys couldn’t wait?”

You immediately collect the sounds of Mingyu's pretty whines and turn your head to his side of the bed. “Baby, you’re—ah—up.”

“Hey Gyu.” Wonwoo nods at the younger man.

Mingyu juts out his bottom lip childishly, lightly throwing a pillow back at his friends, and sees it make no effect on the situation. He shifts from the bed, the blanket falling from his body and exposing stiff length, rubbing his eyes in slight frustration. “I can’t believe you two. Without me.”

Your eyes latch on his size, pulling him by his shaft, giggling. “It’s not too late for you to join in.”

“Well, now I gotta catch up,” his hand catches the back of your head and claims your lips.

Your hips moved more slowly this time, focusing on savoring the taste of his lips while entertaining, but the man underneath you wasn’t so patient. Distracted with Mingyu, Wonwoo grips your hips and ruts you faster, bouncing you in his lap. As the sounds of skin slapping together in perfect harmony, you moan in soft, staccato breaths in Mingyu's mouth, allowing your lips to part and have his tongue explore. His hands start playing a part when they fell to your chest, teasing your nipples lightly.

With the endearing way you feel apart to his touch, he can’t help but pull away from the kiss to just have them in his mouth, sucking your tender skin and mouthing flesh around it. “You’re so fucking beautiful...”

His eyes gaze back at you like he was in heat, his hips, and cock twitching to be inside you, your eyes telling him the same. He embraces you as you ride Wonwoo, drawing circles with his tongue, clenching your flesh in his hands, drunk on your pretty voice calling out to him. He could do this all day if he could, but there was one thing he wanted to do a smidge more.

“Come on, Gyu, you know you want to,” Wonwoo takes his hand to your ass cheeks, have you whimper upon impact.

Mingyu knew all too well what his best friend meant and pushed you down to reunite your lips with Wonwoo’s in a frenzy. Mingyu made himself comfortable behind you, legs bordering Wonwoo and parallel to yours. He runs a slick finger over your moisture, and squeezes it between the older man’s cock and your walls, testing your limits.

“So fucking tight…has Wonwoo treating you well?”

You hardly mumble a yes as Wonwoo thrusts deep inside you, feeling the tension up your body and ramming repeatedly inside you, his hands clapping over your ass every few seconds or so. 

“We’re gonna stretch you nice and wide for us okay?” Mingyu warns with a playful tinge.

You moan against Wonwoo’s lips, feeling the heat of his cocky chuckle on your neck. “I think that means yes, Gyu.”

Mingyu held your hips in place, rubbing the tip at the edge of your entry before gradually pushing his length in. With blown-out eyes, you try to quickly adjust to the strain of two cocks plunged inside you, feeling their slick griths rub against each other and fill up your vacancy past its limit, “Oh, fuck…”

It's when Mingyu finds his place that you realize it's only begun. Your hips stationary and nails digging into a pillow, they moved on polar pacing, but fucking you with a similar depth. The euphoria of fullness had overcome you and you try backtracking to the moment when you felt a sensation similar, but none comes in mind. You felt used in the most heavenly way possible.

“So…tight…Fuck, you feel good…” Wonwoo growls out between his grunts, “Stupid slut, perfect fucking body, perfect fucking hole, you’re just perfect everything, aren’t you?”

“So good for us…you’re taking us so good, baby.” Mingyu agrees.

Your eyes keep rolling back in your skull, taking deep breaths, restraining your own orgasm, and at some point the sweat of you three fuse together, becoming one living and breathing system, hot to the touch and unstoppable. Wonwoo eventually encourages you to sit up, pressing your back against Mingyu’s chest, having the image of you being spoiled giving him a sense of purpose and bliss.

“That’s a pretty picture,” he comments, watching as Mingyu grabs your chest again, rolling your nipples and abusing them to his liking.

“I’m c-c-cumming…” you stutter.

Mingyu smugly grins against your skin. “But we’ve only started, baby.”

“I-I know I’m…try–fuck–shit, Mingyu!” You react to the love tap he makes to your hole, his laughter flooding your ears.

Wonwoo laughs along with him, his nails running over your chest and stomach. “Listen to him, slut. Don’t make us have to make you wait…”

“Y-yes, sir…”

Wonwoo was pleased to see your chest heave up and down breathlessly, sweat beading down your body, and the helplessness on your face while Mingyu took advantage. The power running through his veins was immaculate; he made you grind faster, Mingyu pound you harder, all of his present senses were being fulfilled to their maximum. Despite being underneath you, Wonwoo clearly had the upper hand. 

There was a point you couldn’t help yourself anyway, your arousal seeps out of you like oozing honey, dripping the side of your legs and down Wonwoo’s lap, clutching the man behind you desperately for reassurance. “S-shit…I’m sorry.”

“You better be. Mingyu, get on top of them.”

Mingyu follows orders well, your body flat on the mattress in mere seconds with him toppled over you, his smile staring back at you, “Hey, there.”

You get no chance to greet him back as he smothers you with his lips, his full length pushing back in you, and your body aches from the sensitivity. Wonwoo is just a step behind, pulling your legs just slightly more in his direction, he steps off the bed. He plants his feet on the ground and fills up your core to its brim, not caring about the mess you make, only thinking of the bigger mess he plans to make.

“S-so full…”

“You should’ve listened to Wonwoo, baby.” Mingyu strokes the side of your head, pressing his lips against your skin and sucking them until he sees the pigment rise to the surface. 

The room could hardly contain any of the sounds happening, no doubt interrupting a fourth party’s day, and none of you had a care in the world. You were a sweating mess beneath the both of them, used up like their personal toy, and being bruised left and right, all worth it to meet another climax, this time both men joining you.

Mingyu was still kissing your flushed skin when it was happening and Wonwoo, having already poured thick ribbons of his nectar inside you, was pushing it back inside of you, a trail of his and Mingyu’s essence seeping out of you into the sheets. Doing it once, twice, and three times before, you’d do it again and again until your hunger presents itself.

Although both men knew how to make you full, they couldn’t distract or fulfill you from the absence of food. Knowing how exhausted you’ve become, Mingyu laid your body to rest, cleaning out any and all the remnants from your body, while Wonwoo called ahead for some breakfast.

“Anything specific you both want?”

Mingyu cuddles up next to you when he’s finished, throwing a blanket over bare bodies, “Yeah maybe a breakfast sandwich? How about you, baby?”

“That sounds perfect,” you grin, kissing the top of his nose.

Wonwoo smiles to himself, reciting it over the phone before joining them back in bed. He holds you from behind nuzzling to the crook of your neck, and you laugh, wondering why he ever bothered you in the first place. It felt complete with you three together, like a breakfast sandwich.

[lutawolf]

Hi Luta, if you don't mind answering, what do you think attracted Joe to Ming? And how much does their D/s vibe play into it? I'd love to hear your perspective.

Hey nonnie!!!

Let's go back to episode one and examine this together. I will be utilizing excerpts from the book to showcase inner thoughts, but I will refrain from divulging any spoilers from the book.

I will skip the entire part about awakening from a coma. Instead, let's start where Joe first encountered Ming's poster. I am beginning here in order to provide quotation from the book and provide a comprehension of Joe's inner thoughts.

I wanted to share this because I think it shows how Joe feels about Ming and also reminds us that for him, this is still fresh. Everyone else's world kept revolving, but for Joe, he was just on the phone with Ming. Those emotions have yet to be addressed, and we are currently adding additional complications to the situation.

Now to the elevator scene where Ming and Joe meet.

“The elevator door opened completely. The man standing in front of him is the man on the LED commercial that day. He is only 23 years old and is already well known to half of the world. He is the mighty movie star that no one dared to approach, YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu had gotten older. ZhouXiang's memory of him is still a person who is in the teenager phase, one who likes to wear sportswear and jeans. His entire person exuded youthfulness and a flamboyant aura. The YanMingXiu of today is wearing a casual suit, looking calm and restrained. His expression seems to have solidified on his face but looking icy.

ZhouXiang had been in the entertainment industry for nearly ten years. He had seen all kind of beauties, but no matter whether it was three years ago or now, he always felt that YanMingXiu's appearance is most perfect. He doesn't know how God crafted him out so finely and superbly that it's not a surprise that millions of spectators would be awed by him. Even he, who believes that he had encountered many beautiful people, is also fascinated by YanMingXiu.

In his mind, there was no way he could suppress the memories between him and YanMingXiu. From the time when he and YanMingXiu met to the last phone call they had, it was merely a years' time from beginning to end. However, to him, those memories were too recent. This feeling is very strange. It was like he only saw the person last week, and he was still a teenager, but this week, he had become a man. To him, the two years in between were completely blank. The two years had changed everyone and changed many things. Except for him, he not only lost two years of time, but he was forced to accept the changes that occurred in the past two years.”

For fun, I'll give you Ming's thoughts.

Both of their inner thoughts have now been seen. We are aware that both individuals are in love with each other. Now from when? From the show, we know that Ming fell in love with Joe's back right away. But what about Joe?

The show did an impressive job of capturing the book here, but the show changes from the book when Ming simply walks away.

I, personally, feel they still captured the fact that Joe was smitten, but in the book, we see Joe being unable to take his eyes off Ming. From the book, I know that he even wanted to go over and talk to him. So from the beginning, Ming captivated Joe. He is immediately drawn to his beauty. Which is fair considering we all know that Ming loves Joe's back. He is hostile initially to Joe for the reason that he can't understand why he is drawn to Joe when he is clearly in love with Tong.

I thoroughly enjoy the car scene. Joe is accustomed to being able to charm people, but this beautiful boy is not paying him any attention. Regardless of the efforts made by him. Yet, just when he is starting to get discouraged, Ming surprises him. Inviting himself to Joe's home.

“Zhou Xiang felt a bit bored seeing Yan Mingxiu's cold and detached attitude. Although he was itching to sound Yan Mingxiu out, he could tell Yan Mingxiu was completely uninterested in him. Even if Yan Mingxiu was gay, what did it matter? Being homosexual wasn't anything special. If two men liked the look of each other, both would have realized already. Who had the patience to unearth if the other person was beautiful inside? Even though Zhou Xiang felt that it was a pity, he wasn't a petty person. Being able to accompany such an unrivalled beauty on the way home in a traffic jam under the heavy rain was already very wonderful. He'll just make do with sexually fantasizing about him in his head. He should tightly zip his mouth, behave, and drive the car to avoid annoying him.”

Okay, so from everything I've shown you. You can clearly see that Joe has a submissive personality.

The sexual scene in the show effectively showcases their mutual sexual attraction. However, the scene itself doesn't match up with what is in the book. Having said that, I believe that the show aligns more closely with their individual traits, and I found that I liked it more than the book.

Okay, back to the show. Ming being aggressive is a turn on for Joe. It allows him the opportunity to not think. He has been making his own choices for a long time, so this is a chance for him to relax. That however doesn't extend to letting Ming top without first mentally preparing for it.

Joe immediately rejects Ming, going home. Why? Because he is tired of being alone. So Joe cooks and feeds Ming. As Joe begins to care and charm Ming, the attraction between the two builds. Both individuals experiencing a diminished sense of loneliness. Please keep in mind that Ming has lived abroad for years, with only the occasional visits from his family. He is just as lonely as Joe.

“After the meal, YanMingXiu continued to watch TV while ZhouXiang went to clean up the kitchen.

After cleaning up, ZhouXiang brought out the dessert and tea. He had not entertained anyone in his home for a long time. He rarely had people over. Even if he brought back anyone; they certainly wouldn't sit down to have tea and chat.

Although it is a pity that he and YanMingXiu couldn't achieve the goal (sex), sitting and chatting with him on this rainy night is quite romantic, so ZhouXiang's mood has been good.”

Moving on to the scene of the one on the floor and the other on the bed. Notice the threat that gets Joe on the bed with Ming. Joe had just pointed out that a man like him cannot sleep on the floor, so Ming told him to get up here, or he would get on the floor. Joe immediately gives in to the pressure.

The thought of being Joe's first means something to Ming, but he warns Joe. Ming isn't a nice person, but he can be unexpectedly kind, but Joe wants Ming. Take a look at his face after he has tucked Ming in. He is content because he is not sleeping alone. He has a beautiful boy beside him, that seems to need him as much as he needs to care for someone.

So why do they like each other? They are both physically attracted to each other, and one prefers to be commanded, while the other enjoys commanding. One needs to be able to take care of someone, and the other expects others to take care of him. Add in the fact that they're both lonely, and somehow Joe was able to sneak past Ming's intimidating walls of mistrust to ease his loneliness.

There you have it, this is what my opinion any ways. Sorry it got so long, nonnie. It just kind of happened. 💜💜💜

[wildissylupus]

ever since you made that post proposing cassidy as one of the only overwatch members she'd be able to have decent convrrsation with, it changed my whole perspective of them entirely. like, they have so many common threads: gérard, reyes, ana, sharpshooting and even the fact that they were forced into lives they didn't want. i think there's so much potential in having him be the one who finally cracks the façade that's implied to be loosening up from the interaction between moira and widow

It's not just the common threads but the fact that they both have very similar attitudes, as well as losing people close to them around the same time. That and the fact that Cassidy would 100% match her energy, she'd call him a dumb American and he'd hit back with the fact that she's French. That and they'd actually challenge each other in the practice range in a heathy way.

I could see them doing thing like drinking together, maybe even a wine bottle being added to Cassidy's little spot in the Practice Range to show that they've been hanging out. Cassidy would also be a person who she could bring Gerard up around and not be met with hostility or a misunderstanding of the situation. I would love to see a moment where they're shooting together, Widow makes a quip about her being the better shot and Cassidy just pokes fun at Gerard's shooting skills in response.

There's also the common thread of them being trained by the best and not only the skill that comes with that, but the pressure. Widow was trained by Talon's best yet she still always feels the need to compete with characters like Ana and Ashe, she needs to be the best cause what will happen to her if she isn't? What will Talon do? Meanwhile Cassidy has the legacy of two Old Guard on his shoulders, he was Gabriel Reyes's protege and very much considered Ana Amari's eldest, that dynamic is mentioned in a canon history book god damn it! Imagine having those two legacy's on your shoulders while also dealing with your own legacy and history. Yes they were trained by the best but that comes with unintended consequences, mainly being that pressure the also be the best.

I think Cassidy would also understand the fear, they were both stuck in a separate situation for years, with no visible way out, only being able to fall deeper. Now they got that chance and what are they supposed to do? This life is all they've known. There's a reason why Cassidy was a gun for heir and a mercenary, it because it was familiar. The same thing will go for Widow once she gets away from Talon, she won't want to go back to who she was because that isn't here anymore.

[to-thelakes]

I'm watching Moon Knight (again) to help me go to sleep and I've rewatched episode 1 so so many times on nights like tonight but I still absolutely adore all the little details.

Like, okay so when Steven wakes up in the Alps (I think that's where it is), Khonshu says "go to sleep, worm" and okay, first watch and without knowing the context of Jake existing, that makes sense. Khonshu doesn't like Steven which we learn more and more as the series goes on but then he says a few lines later "the idiot's in control" in that same scene in the Alps.

There is such a clear shift in attitude between 'go to sleep, worm' and 'The idiot's in control' and it's so obvious on a rewatch that Khonshu is talking to two different people with each line.

He's referring to Jake as 'worm' and he thinks that telling him to simply 'go back to sleep' would work because Jake is aware of the alters and their situation. Although from the brief glimpses we get of Jake, we know that he is an... interesting guy yet we can gather that he at least has some sort of alliance/respect/something going on with Khonshu. However, when he realises it's Steven, it's not hostility in the same way. It's more exasperated frustration. He's mad at Marc for letting Steven suddenly appear rather than being annoyed at Jake for making a random appearance. The way that the dialogue is written just exposes so much on a rewatch.

But going back to Jake/Khonshu even if they do have some respect, it's also pretty obvious that Khonshu does not want Jake around. I'd speculate that that's probably because if Marc loses time when he knows that he's not in London as Steven, that would create suspicion. Suspicion that Khonshu wouldn't want because that would put their avatar/God relationship at risk.

Though, I also suspect that Khonshu and Jake probably were working together but Marc never became aware because Jake worked at nights (maybe why Steven is so goddamn tired) or simply took over while Marc thought that Steven was in control.

I know that the Moon Knight portrayal is not the most accurate DiD portrayal but from my research, there's this whole idea of like different levels of awareness. Like the blackouts for Steven are because he initially has no awareness of the other alters. Then when Steven and Marc black-out, it's because neither of them are aware that there is a third alter aka Jake. Which means that Jake can do things for Khonshu while Marc believes that he is in London and neither Marc nor Steven would be aware.

I'm kind of just rambling about the show at this point but also, what I find really interesting every time I rewatch is the date thing. So, right, if Marc was the one that set-up the date why would he let Steven stand her up without saying anything to her? Marc isn't exactly the best guy when it comes to romance but he is incredibly protective over Steven because he wants to protect him from Khonshu. So, why in the world would he let the whole date rejection thing happen?

Because it wasn't Marc. It was Jake. Jake asked out Steven's colleague and that also makes sense why they went to a steak place. Jake doesn't give a f*ck about Steven's veganism while Marc absolutely would. Marc wants to protect Steven so he wouldn't make such a silly mistake.

But Jake would. Honestly, at this point, convinced that Jake just wanted to fuck with the Moonboys and Khonshu just played along.

I don't know.

I always find the dynamics of the Moonboys so interesting and I love how even when you rewatch it, there are new little discoveries that you can make. Like there was so much love, thought and attention put into this show?? It makes me SO SO happy.

This show honestly means the world to me and excuse the ramble/rant but I just love talking about my Moonboys and I never really get to speculate or discuss the show. I talk about it with my dad but being at uni means that I do not get to ramble at him as often. So, tumblr gets it instead.

But yeah, they're my (not very) astute observations about my beloved Moon Knight

[raviolitin]

When did David Nolan stop hating Killian Jones? - a discussion:

I see so many opinions on this ranging from “At the end of s3” to “At the end of s6” and i’ve always wanted to actually evaluate when and where David’s hate for Hook actually disappeared.

After due thought, I can’t bring myself to believe that it’s any later than good form (3x05). Keep in mind that by his “hatred disappearing” I don’t mean any issues the two have being wiped away, I simply mean when David stopped having an intense disliking for him that got in the way of them having a civil relationship.

More specifically, this exact scene is where I think the turning point lies, with David behaving distinctly differently before and after this exchange happens.

But let’s back up a bit before we can start talking about this scene and analyse exactly why David hates Hook.

From the start of their relationship, David has let Hook’s reputation (both as Captain Hook and the reputation being a pirate alone garners you) cloud his judgement of him as a person. It’s shown time and time again that David despises thieves and pirates and criminals. He seems to view these types of people as absolute scum and is very stubborn about that assumption. That’s why I think the main problem with their relationship is that David is completely incapable of empathising with Hook on any level.

We can see through scenes like this one at the start of good form that David’s main issue is being unable to see Hook as an actual human beyond his villainy, practically viewing it as impossible for him to have real thoughts, feelings and emotions.

He calls him “nothing but a pirate” because that’s all he sees him as, not being able to be a complex person in David’s eyes. All David sees is a pirate and the connotations of that position, nothing more. That’s why it’s so easy for him to hurt his feelings and have no regret because he doesn’t recognise there are feelings to be hurt.

That’s why, when we look back to this scene, it becomes clear why David’s attitude changes.

He picks up the military insignia and hears Hook’s story about his brother, and this is what i believe causes the change. It’s proof that Killian is a real person and he is more complex than just being a cutthroat pirate.

Killian had a family, he experienced loss, he was once in the navy (something I think is especially eye-opening for David, who struggles to see the noble people of the navy in the same vein as corrupt pirates) and David is seeing all of this for the first time. Suddenly, the illusion is shattered.

Hook is no longer this blank slate for him to project all of his hatred for immorality onto. He’s a real person with a real family and real thoughts and real feelings. Suddenly he isn’t “nothing but a pirate.”

David now empathises with him, not just in his own mind, but actually when speaking to him. He somewhat tries to keep up the hostile attitude, but it fades away quite quickly, turning to a kind of friendly interest.

David actively choses to engage in conversation with Hook about his brother, sharing his experience with losing his own. He takes active interest in his past, genuinely engaging.

And while this does get overshadowed slightly by the banter the two start to share, this only further proves that David’s hatred isn’t as strong as before. Their jokes are now more light hearted, they’re not actually making each other angry nor are they being violent. Their conversation is much more friendly and you can see that in David’s demeanour especially. He’s smiling now, despite it all.

This is such a stark contrast to where they started. Hell, even a stark contrast to their dynamic at the start of the episode. Something’s changed between them, and it’s because of that small thing flipping a switch in David’s mind.

Though there’s still the issue of Hook pursuing Emma, I 1. don’t think that’s at the forefront of his mind right now. With everything going on, I’d say David’s mostly forgotten that gripe for the time being, and 2. David’s aversion to the idea of Hook and Emma together was mostly because he viewed Hook as pirate scum, which has now mostly gone away. (this is why David is less strongly against their relationship after this episode).

But then, why does he threaten Hook at Deadman’s peak??

If I think that David hasn’t hated Hook since that scene, then why do I think the two became hostile again later on?

Well, I think this is mostly to do with the deal David overhears between Hook and Pan.

David has spent all day learning new things about Hook and having his bias challenged, he’s finally beginning to come around and see him in a more positive light. AND then he overhears Hook and Pan, and it all comes crashing down.

I think after this he immediately goes backwards, probably thinking himself foolish for even considering a possibility Killian could be anything but pure evil. Now he thinks anything good he’s even so much as considered about Hook is wrong, all being a facade to have David gone.

He probably doesn’t actually hear that much of the conversation, just assuming Hook was always planning to kill him. Was any of it real? Their conversations in 3x03 and 3x04 are probably being seen so differently in his mind now - and his hatred for Hook is stronger than ever.

That’s why he goes back to being insulting in the deleted scene, why he refuses to take his hook, why he’s so ready to pull a sword on him.

It’s all been not only reversed, but strengthened by tenfold. It’s one thing to know a man’s reputation of being a murderer, but it’s another to know you’ve been manipulated into being his next target.

But then he calms down, and he realises Hook was on his side the entire time. His anger once again subsides and he sees Killian in a more positive light than ever. He lies once again just to give him credit, he willingly drinks the rum he previously spat out and he doesn’t insult him for a very long while.

Anyone who thinks David hates Hook or only begrudgingly spent time with him because of Emma is just wrong. David hadn’t hated Hook for a long time and it annoys me so much that s4 pretends he didn’t come around in 3a.

[robo-milky]

Ahoy! Don't mind me fueling brain rot 👀👀

Huehehehe Ahem, I totally think that Rosemi would share all of her knowledge and her many blackmail with Cloche so she has a backup, and Rosemi would definitely like Cloche's help 🥰✨

I feel like Rosemi would encourage Cloche to go ham with the information now in their hands 😔

OH MY GOSH HELLO—??? TYSM for the art of them 😭😭 I love— It hasn’t even been the middle of January and damn- art from you already- we love manipulators in this household !!

[Notes]

• These two interacting has SO much potential!

• In my original script- Rosemi points out Cloche’ pride more explicitly- The cat’s not hostile I swear!

• OFC in Cloche fashion, she’s very sus of Rosemi at first but eventually warms up to her (after deciding Rosemi would be worse off as an enemy than ally.) Cloche probably thinks that Rosemi’s only telling her about the dirt she has on others to exchange for new information. (The cat cannot comprehend a helping hand-)

• With ears all around the school as well, I can’t help but think that Rosemi has prolly heard of all the messed up orders and shit NRC students pile on to Cloche-

• “They say there’s a pushover who’ll do things for you for free, unlike Azul! Why? Apparently he got some kind of curse that makes him follow orders. The whole calling people ‘master’ thing is weird, but it’s something you can get used to over time.” “Oh… Cloche? Yeah, I’ve used him before. His attitude pisses me off, but he does get the job done.”

• HELPPP- I also can kinda envision Rosemi as an “older sister figure” to Cloche in a weird way.

• “I’m above bringing irrelevant information as a means to exploit others.” …or so Cloche says.

[rum-inspector]

Why is my feed suddenly full of TERROR oh the tv show is on netflix YAY but what a good excuse to talk about one of my lesser known interests, polar explorations!!! And the racism that is integral part of any type of european "explorations" during the era. Or to this day too of course.

In short, The Terror TV show is a psychological horror (pretty good, I especially like the sound design it is haunting!) is based on a fictional book that is based on a real story of Franklin Expedition to finding the northwest passage (waterway through the arctic, from atlantic to pacific) in middle 19th century. They took two ship's poorly equipped for withstanding the elements, went missing and nobody really knows in detail what happened to it - other than getting defeated by the elements and the believe in the european supremacy to conquer those elements without ever bothering to ask the actual people living there for pointers (or, not trusting them when they said it can not be done, not with huge ships and heavy boats - the boats of the locals are build very different) because what do those savages know? Sentiment of europeans at the time, not mine.

When I say "Nobody knows what happened" that is a lie. Pretty sure the locals knew of the idiots with their big ships and their attitude of meeting offers of help with hostility.

Later on Amundsen achieved polar exploration with better results by actually listening and learning from the people who live there. But even he remained his racist beliefs even after everything he is known for was only made possible by the people he believed to be "inferior" - the whole idea of "exploring the unknown" or "being the first person to reach place x" is so silly when you remember people have been in many of these "uncharted places" on a regular Tuesday. And it is simply part of european supremacy (which to this day lives on unfortunately) why those people "don't count".

Now, you did not need to know any of this to enjoy the tv show which again, is fictional and great fun if you like eerie and survival - it is just extra layer of context to add to the horror - to further understand that the monster in this story is not physical.

[good-beanswrites]

Any headcanons about Yuno, Muu, and Shidou being guilty in T1, for a total of 7 guilty prisoners? If it means anything, none of them have a higher guilty percent than Amane. (Yuno is 50.85%, Muu is 51.26%, Shidou is 50.96%, based on Pai's graph)

(I see what you're currently working on)

Haha, well I hoped you enjoyed a bit of comedy before I post some dramatic headcanons :3 Thank you for the request, this is a really interesting switch-up for the prison 👀👀👀 A majority guilty cast would carry a much darker tone, but allow for a few people to really shine.

Major guilty reactions:

Yuno: She’s just as bitter about her guilty verdict as she was in canon, becoming cold and isolated. She’s tired of people making judgements about things that are none of their business, and separates herself from everyone. There’s the subtle difference from canon because she actually agrees with this verdict, but still doesn’t think Es should be the one to give it out. Her video has more focus on Es/the audience, we see more people who may judge her (friends, family, etc). More stuffed animals, more crowds, all growing hostile. The video had more substantial hints towards her sadness at the way society looks down on people like her. 

Muu: She becomes panicked and defensive with her judgment. She's flighty, startles easy, and lashes out in fear all the time. Now, she’s the one to consider ending everything – to her, the verdict essentially means “if it was really down to you or her, it shouldn’t have been her.” Her video really highlights that duality, turning both she and Rei into monsters battling for/with the hourglass. Her panicky attitude is reflected in it, feeling like everyone in the world must be out to get her now.

Shidou: He’s at peace with the verdict, and allows himself to fall into misery. He's thankful to be punished for all the guilt he’s been feeling. Kotoko’s attacks only plunge him deeper into despair. He feels helpless and once again can’t save people the way he wanted to. He’s disillusioned with his career and becomes pessimistic and bitter. He takes it out on Es, telling them there’s no way they can save anyone either. His video is full of unavoidable death in nature, like rotting food, changing seasons, and wilting flowers. 

The attacks:

Since the guilty percentage order didn’t change, I’m going to say the attacks themselves happen exactly the same – it’s the aftermath that’s different. Whether it’s due to restraints or locked cells, Shidou isn’t able to offer aid. He has to sit back and talk the others through instruction: Haruka, Kazui, and Mikoto if he can get him to focus. They do their best, but they’ve never done anything like this before. Despite his calm attitude, Shidou isn’t good at explaining things he knows innately under pressure. Fuuta and Mahiru end up in a much worse state, since proper care was denied for so long. (I don’t think they’d kill anyone t2, but if they were willing to, she would have died here). Fuuta’s eye is gone for sure, and he has trouble getting around with his other injuries. Mahiru is barely scraping by, not allowed to leave her bed. Her video is glitchy and confusing due to the unhealed head injury and overall weakness.

Other character details:

Haruka grows even more confident than canon, seeing himself as Muu’s protector as well as the object of her affection. He helps her through her self-harming thoughts, feeling like a hero and a model son again. He threatens Es to vote her innocent, but with his newfound feeling of importance he threatens anothers’ safety, not his own (maybe Amane or Mahiru because they're smaller than him.)

Amane’s hatred for Shidou is actually dulled because he got a guilty verdict too. She believes he’s getting the punishment he deserves, and doesn't need to interfere. She's a little annoyed he's taking the punishment with open arms, though.

Fuuta’s line in Backdraft is just about Kotoko – “why is she innocent?” He feels less singled out among so many guilty prisoners, but he recognizes his parallels with her and it drives him crazy that they got different verdicts.

I won’t spoil anything for Kotoko’s stuff, but she’s a bit less harsh since she believes Es really is just like her, giving unattached, severe judgements. 

Since he was able to help a lot in the attacks, both protecting Fuuta and offering care afterwards, Kazui really leans in the hero role. Whether he enjoyed being a cop before or not, he's consumed by that responsibility now. It gives him purpose and he really takes charge of everyone. He and Kotoko butt heads a lot now that he's speaking up more.

There are conflicted emotions between the innocent prisoners and patients – they know they’re not medically trained, but there’s still a bit of hostility that they didn’t do a good job. There’s a mix of feeling grateful for their aid and bitter it’s not perfect. The innocent ones get a confidence boost that they were able to be useful and protect others instead of hurt them, as well as get crushed by the guilty that they failed at offering great care. 

I'll need more time to ruminate on it, but I wonder if given enough time, would the guilty prisoners band together and attack Kotoko back? It was hard for the canon four, but now they have the numbers...

[gildedrosebones]

*spawns*

I offer everyone a gem of their liking.

How would everyone react meeting the original squad that they’re from? Like the gang and star sanses.

Well, it would definetly be a major mindfuck for all of them considering 1. the massive height differences and 2. the differences in time periods, but aside from that...

Nightmare would most likely take things the easiest when meeting the original Nightmare, more on the side of staying back and watching over the situation to gauge him before talking to him. Would most definitely try and figure out some sort of way to get information out of the original, whether it be where they came from or why they are there. If not that, they would both watch over their subordinates with a keen eye, just in case something were to go wrong.

Killer would team up with OG Killer almost instantly, both of them would be a complete force of sheer annoyance and energy, though Killer would be a little bit of a pushy little shit about OG Killer being a “puppet” for OG Nightmare instead of being one of his wardogs.

Cross would be very wary and cautious about OG Cross, probably wouldnt talk to him aside from short answers to whatever OG Cross had to ask him. But, in short, they would both be like two cats just meeting each other, just sort of bristly and not going close unless absolutely nessicary.

Horror meeting the OG, 100% asks about his brother. Is he safe, is one of the top questions. And also, trading recipes from the different worlds!! Horror could try out a hot dog, or a nice burger, and OG Horror could try out some Nochturne delicacies in turn!! Maybe they could even pull their respective Cross’s in so they wouldn’t be such awkwardly hostile wallflowers. Kind of like two bears holding their respective dogs like “Okay, it’s get along time now.”

Dust isnt even going to try and talk to the OG Dust, if they came in contact with each other the claws would fly. He doesnt like how Dust is a mirror of his own past, and for that he would decide that either he goes or the OG goes, and this town aint big enough for the two of em.

Dream is confused, but not hostile. Mainly because both him and OG Dream would have just about the same ideals, they just go about things in different ways! They could have a nice and civil conversation, though Dream would be very surprised with OG’s attitude towards things, considering that OG will typically try to help people, and he will use other methods to keep his kingdom safe. It’s no matter for UW!Dream, though, it keeps his subjects safe and happy.

Swap has mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s another version of himself! The possibilities of a sort of multiversal friendship could be fun, especially since it's literally himself but in a different way! But when he'd learn about some of the other types of him, it'd end up a veritable mess of emotions. Most likely would think about the fact that some people see him as some sort of small child, and ruminate on it, maybe sulk if only slightly.

Ink and OG Ink would get along instantly, trading secrets of artistry, UW!Ink showing off his very well done taxidermy and painting skills for a look at Broomie, and talking about the many different universes that OG Ink has been to, the different amounts of creativity that he would see on the daily. Maybe if OG Ink were to come back, UW!Ink would give him a decorated scarf to add to his outfit, or piece of art as a small gift to remember him by.

[savage-rhi]

Friends to Lovers prompt with who other than the Beloved Ardyn!

Sharing clothes in a friendly way.

If you Ardyn lovers say you haven't thought about stealing his coat and wearing it, you're lying. I have had so many people come to the same consensus. We all think about it, HA!

@sillylittlevulpine Okay...I indulged A LOT on this one (in my defense, I needed it as much as it was requested). Hope you like it!

Y/N had been staring at Ardyn’s long coat for what seemed like an eternity, debating with themself. The article should’ve been put up a while ago. Instead, the coat was laid out on the floor along with other garments that had been cleaned and mended. 

Curiosity and resentment had built up in Y/N ever since they were assigned to this task. Folding and tidying up the Chancellors' wardrobe was not what they signed up for. Come to think of it, Y/N believed Ardyn didn’t make the request in the first place. From previous conversations, he seemed to pride himself on taking care of most of his personal items. The only time Y/N had encountered behavior to the contrary, was when Ardyn wanted to indulge in food and wine, especially when he wasn’t in the mood to make anything himself. 

This had to be the Imperial Keepers' idea…Y/N thought bitterly to themself. It made sense the longer Y/N thought it through. If Y/N didn’t know better, the Imperial Keeper probably did it to add further insult to injury them, on account they had come down with a nasty cold during the week and had been slow with duties. There was also the spat that happened between Ardyn and the Keeper. The latter having been slighted, purposefully by Ardyn to prove a rather crude point to his colleagues. In all honesty, with the rotten attitude the Imperial Keeper had that day, Y/N thought he deserved it. 

“The jerk weaponized me as a biohazard to the Chancellor,” Y/N muttered to themself, letting their conclusion sink in. It made sense. Why else send an obviously sick attendant to take care of a higher-ups personal items even though it was out of character for those services to be requested? 

“I should leave. Have someone else do it. Screw points getting docked.” Y/N said aloud, but then they found themself back in the conundrum that had them stuck on Ardyn’s living room floor in the first place. The resentment had come and gone, now curiosity came flooding back. 

Y/N’s tired eyes combed over the material of the jacket, admiring the stitchwork and the different textures complimenting each other. They recalled Ardyn telling them long ago that it was customized just for him. He certainly wasn’t lying. The tiny details here and there was evidence that whoever made it had very careful hands and machine-like focus. 

The coat wasn’t the most expensive thing Y/N had come across while being in service to the empire, but the reputation it got from its owner was enough to make Y/N scared of ruining it by touch, even though the poor garment had seen better days. Y/N lost count of how many times Ardyn had to get the coat mended because he got into an altercation, or didn’t bother to take it off when going into hostile land. One would think he didn’t care much for it, but Y/N remembered Ardyn’s wrath when someone tried to pawn it off for gil after stealing it. He was stuck in his chambers for two whole days while people searched for the thief. It was quite the tantrum over a material good, however, Y/N figured it held some strong sentimental value. Plus, it looked warm and inviting. Something Y/N desperately needed at the moment. 

Y/N’s body shuddered from the fever they had been enduring. They hated this. How one moment their body would feel boiling hot, then would feel so cold it was as if Shiva herself resurrected and brought another age of ice upon Eos. The goosebumps down their arms felt like tiny mosquito bites, and they coughed into their arm horribly as their temps began to cool off once more. 

Ardyn and the rest of the Imperial Council were currently in session. Those meetings tended to last several hours. There were still two hours left before Y/N’s next assignment would be put in place by the Imperial Keeper, so they had plenty of downtime. Maybe…Y/N thought to themself. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt anything if they put it on for a bit, just to get warm again. 

“Gods be damned,” Y/N sighed, closing their eyes and bitterly huffed before grabbing the coat. 

Ardyn let out a deep breath when he approached the doors to his chambers, rubbing his eyes for a moment. After enduring a half hour of old men fighting over scraps when it came to the war budget, he promptly conjured a tall tale to get out of staying put. Somehow Aldercapt approved and he made a beeline for the doors.

“You are not leaving me alone with senile degenerates,” Verstael whispered with contention as Ardyn walked past his chair. The infighting was so loud, that no one paid the side conversation any mind. 

“My dear friend, you're an old-timer among the flock yourself!” Ardyn mused, putting a hand on his peer’s shoulder, earning a raised brow from Verstael as he looked up to meet Ardyn’s mischievous grin. “You might as well be insulting the years of wisdom that show decadently upon your wrinkled face!” 

“Hmpf,” Verstael narrowed his eyes, shaking his head and he slapped Ardyn’s hand away. His right eye twitched from the chuckle that escaped his colleague. “Funny you call me such a thing when you should be dust at this rate.” 

“True as that may be,” Ardyn began. “Between the two of us old men, I’m the better-looking one.” 

“You better leave before we not only have a mutiny among the council, but a homicide as well.” 

“And I’m off!” Ardyn chuckled, giving a sarcastic wave with his right hand before departing. 

The memory had Ardyn amused for a time in the present. It was enough to pull him out of his negative thoughts from before, now focusing on things that gave him pleasure. Taking a nap after nursing a bottle of wine was starting to become more enthralling by the second, and he wasted no time venturing into his abode. 

Ardyn had done this so many times, that he didn’t initially know he wasn’t by himself. He started going through his routine; taking off his vest and discarding it followed by his red scarf. He hung them up on a hook nearby, then started thinking about his jacket; wondering if it had been returned from the cleaners yet. That’s when Ardyn stopped midway taking off his hat, hearing a noise coming from his television set in his living room. He put his hat back on, and cautiously began to tiptoe toward the noise, bracing himself for the possibility of a fight. 

To Ardyn’s surprise and shock, he saw Y/N sitting on the couch, leaning forward toward the TV. His coat snugged around their body like an oversized blanket, as if he had never been its proper owner. To say he was speechless was an understatement. No one ever had the gall to get this comfortable in his personal quarters and he became greatly amused at the sight. 

Ardyn decided to let the silence play out for a little while, making observations while he ventured close without making a sound up until he cleared his throat. 

“I see you’ve made yourself at home.” Ardyn sarcastically stated, making his presence known upon arriving at the back of the couch. 

“Shit!” Y/N exclaimed. They attempted to scramble off the couch, only to fall over themselves in a clumsy fashion, while quickly grabbing for the remote and turning the television off. Panting heavily, they quickly spun and looked up at Ardyn. Y/N watched him raise a brow, smiling like he caught someone red-handed while he crossed his arms. 

“I--can explain this,” Y/N gestured at the coat. “I promise I wasn’t going to steal--”

“My attire looks rather fetching on you,” Ardyn interrupted. His eyes scanned Y/N over and his smile grew. “I’m almost jealous you’re outperforming me.” 

“What?” Y/N flatly blurted and furrowed their brows.  “You’re not upset?” 

“Far from it,” Ardyn smirked. “Of all the things I could’ve come home to, I’d rather deal with an Imperial Help trying on my clothes for kicks than an assassin wanting to present my head to the King of Lucis. Although I’ve grown fond of our conversations, Y/N, I don’t recall requiring your services for the day. Come to think of it, I don’t believe we were to see one another until the weekend. Did you miss me that much?”

"You wish..." Y/N rolled their eyes playfully and sighed, feeling relief wash over them at the fact he wasn’t enraged. Had this been Verstael, or anyone else, the consequences would’ve been costly. 

“The Imperial Keeper said you needed help with your laundry today. I figured he was lying, but I came out of obligation.” Y/N shrugged. 

“How dutiful of you,” Ardyn quipped. He briefly glared, making a mental note to have a word with the Keeper at a later date. Ardyn focused suddenly on Y/N’s features, noting their color looked more dull than usual, followed by their body tremoring under his coat. 

“What’s wrong?” Y/N asked, breaking Ardyn out of his observations. 

“You’re unwell.” 

“Am I that obvious?” Y/N teased, then sniffled and almost felt themself sneeze. 

“You’d certainly give a fresh corpse a run for its gil.” Ardyn chuckled darkly, enjoying the brief glare Y/N shot at him before they began coughing, and instinctively he took a step forward. Ardyn only stopped when Y/N gestured with their free hand for him to halt. 

“I don’t want to get you sick,” Y/N said in between fits. “I can take your coat to the cleaning center, and get it decontaminated.” 

“There’s no need for such hysterics,” Ardyn waved them off and approached Y/N’s personal space. He didn’t give them any time to react before he felt their forehead and then checked their pulse. “I don’t get sick easily like most. However, I am curious as to why the Imperial Keeper would send someone of your ailment my way. Feeling hot and cold?” 

“Uh huh,” Y/N nodded, recoiling a little from Ardyn’s touch due to sensitivity. “I think he wanted me to get you sick if I’m being honest. He didn't take too kindly to being thrown under a bus at the emperor's reception.” 

“Well, he’s going to be in for a rude awakening,” Ardyn said as a matter of fact. His tone was bordering between sinister and playful. He took note of Y/N’s fear, and his expression softened after he finished assessing. “Do you have other obligations today?” 

“I have a councilmen’s filing cabinet to clean out, and a few beds to make.” Y/N breathed. “Why do you ask?” 

“I must implore you to stay and rest here.” 

“Here?” 

“Why not? You seemed to be getting on quite well making use of my home for your own enjoyment.” Ardyn said playfully with a shrug. 

“The Imperial Keeper--” 

“Can kiss both our asses for all I care,” Ardyn finished, leaving Y/N speechless at his bold proclamation. “I’m not sending you away when you clearly have a fever. That wouldn’t sit well on my conscience.” 

“I thought you didn’t like people. You said so yourself a few days ago that company drains you.”  

“That remains true as ever, alas,” Ardyn paused and he smiled while his right hand cupped Y/N’s face. His thumb carefully stroked over their cold skin and his eyes sadly glanced over their features. “You are in no such category.” 

“Oh…” 

Dumbfounded didn’t quite capture how Y/N felt at the moment, but it was close. The only thing Y/N could really focus on was how warm his touch was, and how their pulse seemed to skyrocket at the act. As soon as it began, Ardyn retreated his hand away and took a step back, and Y/N foolishly found themself missing the contact. 

Their eyes focused on Ardyn as his right hand began rubbing at his chin. His gaze became scrutinizing as if he was judging a piece of art. Y/N didn’t know if they should’ve felt flattered or scared. Maybe both. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Ah, it’s nothing too drastic I assure you, but I am finding that although my coat suits you well, it’s missing something that ties it all together,” Ardyn said as a matter of fact. He wasted no effort in taking off his hat, and with care, he placed it on top of Y/N’s head.

“There we go! The wardrobe crisis has been averted!”  

The hat sunk a little on Y/N initially, and they used their left thumb to prop it back up. They laughed, feeling their face turning red at Ardyn’s action. He too chortled, looking impressed with himself up until Y/N appeared to be frightened. 

“You look as if the Gods will smite you at any second.” Ardyn pointed out. 

“You're more open minded to classes mingling than others. I think we both know had this been any other councilmen or the emperor, I wouldn’t be standing. Especially if I was caught trying on their clothes.” 

“True,” Ardyn nodded. “Yet here you are.” 

“Here I am.” 

A calm silence fell between Y/N and Ardyn as they fondly looked upon the other. It was only when Ardyn guided Y/N to the couch did both break away from the spell. He lay down and got comfortable, and calmly guided Y/N to lie against him. He could sense their apprehension and spoke up. 

“I can run cold unlike most people,” Ardyn paused, reminding himself not to get too comfortable revealing his secrets. “Between the coat and myself, you’ll have an easier time resting.”

“Isn’t this overstepping several boundaries?” Y/N murmured against his chest. Sure enough, he was true to his word: it was as if on cue, Ardyn had gone from feeling like a warm furnace to a cold sheet that had been left to dry in the bitter wind. It was eerie, the whole thing, but their mind and body were too tired and miserable to think any deeper about it. The exhaustion from the long day, on top of the excitement from earlier, had Y/N feeling drowsy.

“Yes as a matter of fact,” Ardyn murmured and closed his eyes. “Alas, no one’s here to bear witness so it doesn’t matter. What happens in my chambers, stays in my chambers. However, if you’re uncomfortable, you can retreat to my room. I won’t disturb you while I remain here. I was planning to take a nap anyway.” 

“I can’t hog your bed,” Y/N’s eyes fluttered open and closed. Their mind was being lulled to rest by how cool Ardyn felt, and how cozy his jacket felt against them. “What about the Imperial Keeper?” 

“I’ll deal with it. You won’t receive consequence, I assure you.” 

“What about--”

“Y/N,”

“Yes?”

“Be a dear and hush. You're not the only one who had a long and dreary day dealing with men who are vultures.” He commanded bluntly. 

Y/N’s eyes finally gave into the weight and shut, all the while their lips smiled so big from his remark it began to hurt for a time. The last thing they could recall before drifting off into unconsciousness, was the rumbling of Ardyn’s chest when he laughed at their weak chuckle.

As soon as Ardyn felt Y/N fall asleep, he opened his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nose. Frustration graced his amber hues while his right arm wrapped around Y/N’s body. This little friendship wasn’t supposed to get to this point. Ardyn had a feeling Y/N thought the same thing. He wondered how much longer it would be before someone in court caught onto the special treatment he freely gave to them. He also wondered how long it would be before Y/N would discover what he really was. That made Ardyn more uneasy than the former and his mind began to travel. All it would take is one slip-up, one mistake to undo his mask.

It became clear that Ardyn wouldn’t get that nap he yearned for after all, and he resided himself to his fate. 

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[airawisteria]

The fact that Neku chose Joshua at the end of TWEWY just makes me feel so many fucking things—

Alright, here me out here.

Imagine you've gone through living life seeing dead people fighting these monster things, but no one believes you—none of them trust you. Sure, they maybe might trust you, but clearly not enough to believe you. You (probably) isolate yourself and clearly can't fit in, so you believe that letting people in will only lead to disappointment because what you've gone through has proven that to be the case.

Fast forward to now where you're the Composer. Shibuya's slowly, but surely, losing its spark and growing duller each day. And you're faced with a decision to make: to continue seeing the city eventually lose all that you loved about it and decay into nothingness or to destroy it here while it's still shining. You choose the latter. However, your Conductor is against this and vocalises this to you. You propose a bet, he has a month to win against you while you have a proxy play in the Game. Your Conductor accepts and the timer appears on his palm.

Later on, one of your top reapers (Game Masters) tries to overthrow you in the RG. He doesn't anticipate how much power you truly have in both planes of existence, so he, naturally, fails this attempt. However, during this, a teenager who you can instantly realise is like you in so, so many ways is caught in the middle. Seeing this golden opportunity, you use the gun in your hand to kill him. With a flick of the wrist, you have a Player Pin in your hands as you toss the pin onto the boy's dead body.

Neku Sakuraba should make for a fine proxy.

The first week begins of Neku's Game and you find that Neku is grasping the Game quite well—good, that's what you'd expected, after all. And soon, Neku wins but as you aren't around to oversee the players going from the RG to the UG, your Conductor has to use what he has to make sure nothing seems out of the ordinary, such as using another player as an entry fee. However, the fact that Neku sees another player (Shiki Misaki) as important enough to be his entry fee is... surprising.

The second week is about to begin and you feel quite the bit intrigued by Neku, so you decide to lower your vibe so that you, too, can play the Game. Once you're in the Game, you waste no time in partnering up with him. Neku, so laser-focused on finishing this Game for Shiki Misaki, looks for you, panicked. It's a sight you hadn't been expecting—since when did someone like Neku care about others like this?

Acting like you normally do, you soon find that Neku is not exactly fond of you. Of course, you hadn't expected him to be, but you had thought it would be for a different reason as opposed to not doing the tasks with haste since he needs to get Shiki back. You'd thought it would be for your attitude, but just that, not because of someone else. How... intriguing.

The week continues with Neku exchanging words of hostility to you as you half-truth your way out of things. Neku gets visions and soon realises you had killed him, and the hostility raises many levels. It's almost tangible how much he hates you. Yet, you do not give him a full answer, but rather one filled with half-truths. And, as the week continues, you find that the world view the two of you had agreed upon had changed for Neku. He is willing to let others into his garden. He's changed. The new situation shocks you, but you do not show it—how could you? And, why would you?

The week continues with much the same situation with Neku only cooperating with you, begrudgingly. Your identity was almost discovered by one of the reapers (Koki Kariya) but instead, you are assumed to be alive. If only to save yourself the hassle of the two knowing that you are the Composer, you go along with it after a moment of hesitation.

You find out about how the Taboo Noise came to be and that the Game Master (Sho Minamimoto) alongside Sanae Hanekoma has been using them.

The week continues and you notice something about the Red Skull pins.

Eventually, the week ends and you and Neku are fighting Sho Minamimoto. After a long battle, Sho uses an attack that would absolutely erase Neku if the attack connected with him. So, you push him out of the way, 'sacrificing' yourself as you say, "But, Neku, I thought you couldn't afford to lose" and with that the week ends.

You watch as the third week begins and how screwed over Neku is at the moment, but you don't do anything. A reaper turns player (Bito Daisukenojo) and Neku team up.

The week continues and, eventually, the two of them make their way to Dead God's Pad where they reunite with Shiki. Soon after, you see him again and, strangely, Neku seems relieved to see you. The four of you fight your Conductor in a misguided attempt to escape the Game. Neku wins, of course, and he finds out about the Long Game and how much of his life you've controlled. Well, his afterlife. You inform him of your plans to erase Shibuya. Expecting him to see this betrayal of trust to be enough to want to seek revenge against you, you offer him a deal—you will count down from 10 to 0 and the two of you will shoot. If Neku shoots you first, then he wins. If you shoot Neku first, you win.

You expect him to choose Shibuya over yourself. After all, is that not what everyone else has done? Your Conductor was to be expected, but you hadn't anticipated Sanae's betrayal, yet it makes sense. Neku hadn't known you for nearly enough as the other two, so for what reason would he choose you? No one has ever chosen you before.

Neku picks up the gun and points it at you and you smile as you countdown from ten. Tears have stained Neku's face, but when you reach zero, he drops the gun and smiles at you as a bang reverberates around the room.

He chose you.

So, you choose him too.

A week goes by and Neku and his friends are all alive now, yet he hasn't forgotten about you. He doesn't forgive you. Yet, he invites you to hang out with all of them. Yet, he trusts you. Yet, he chose you over the city he adored and grew up in.

He chose you. And you chose him.

(You are Joshua in this entire thing, if that wasn't obvious, btw)

And that, my friends, is what I call some romantic shit right there.

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Dragon Reborn! Chapter 6: The Hunt Begins

Another day, another chapter. Don't read if you don't want spoilers for literally everything that has ever or will ever happen (in The Wheel of Time).

This chapter has a Wheel icon now that Rand's embraced his destiny and ditched the party - and because Perrin will be embracing his as well.

“Rand is gone,” was all Lan said before he left at a run, but it was more than enough.

When Lan's hustling, you know hell is breaking loose.

“You’re from his village,” Masema said hoarsely. “You must know. Why did the Lord Dragon abandon us? What sin did we commit?”

You didn't kill those Shadowspawn quickly enough, Masema. Rand only hangs out with people whose DPS is in the three digits.

Min sat cross-legged on the dirt floor beside the door that led to Moiraine’s room, while the Aes Sedai paced back and forth in thought. Dark thoughts, they must have been. Three paces each way was all she had, but she made vigorous use of the space, the calm on her face belied by the quickness of her step.

Moiraine has got to be really tired of Rand going off her script, since she still has not learned that she does not get to direct the plot.

He made himself meet her look with one just as level and firm. It was not easy. He loomed over her, but she was Aes Sedai. “Is this of your making, Moiraine? Did you rein him in until he was so impatient he’d go anywhere, do anything, just to stop sitting still?”

Perrin is being extra petty here considering he understands her state of mind at this state of affairs just fine.

What I do, I do because there is no other way. He is hunting me again, and this time one of us has to die, I think. There is no need for those around me to die, also. Too many have died for me already. I do not want to die either, and will not, if I can manage it. There are lies in dreams, and death, but dreams hold truth, too.

Perrin is right though that Moiraine's holding Rand in place is why he's snapped so hard from the dream pressure, though in her defense she probably was not remotely aware of the level of influence that the Forsaken were wielding because the boys never tell her anything. Already we can see how the distrust among the light side is causing them problems.

“I’ll go easy when she answers me. Well, Moiraine?” “He is what he is,” she said sharply.

You can't blame Perrin for not trusting Moiraine for refusing to communicate openly with him, and you can't blame Moiraine for being pissed that she's still being treated with outright hostility when she's shown she's firmly on their side. That said, it is Moiraine who needs to change more, because the Aes Sedai attitude contributes nothing to the proceedings.

The seals are weakening, Perrin. Some are broken, though the world does not know that. Must not know that. The Father of Lies is not free. Yet. But as the seals weaken, more and more, which of the Forsaken may be loosed already? Lanfear? Sammael? Asmodean, or Be’lal, or Ravhin? Ishamael himself, the Betrayer of Hope? They were thirteen altogether, Perrin, and bound in the sealing, not in the prison that holds the Dark One. Thirteen of the most powerful Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends, the weakest of them stronger than the ten strongest Aes Sedai living today, the most ignorant with all the knowledge of the Age of Legends. And every man and woman of them gave up the Light and dedicated their souls to the Shadow. What if they are free, and out there waiting for him? I will not let them have him.”

And Perrin, for his part, needs to appreciate when Moiraine is being relatively open. It makes sense that she's frozen up a bit in fear of the Forsaken being loose, especially since she doesn't know that Rand's already been grappling with Ish or Lanfear. Sadly, Perrin's not really ready for the full understanding of what the Last Battle being upon them.

He looked at the others—they were all watching him fixedly, even Min—then hesitantly told of the one dream that seemed unusual to him, the dream that came every night. The dream of the sword he could not touch. He did not mention the wolf that had appeared in the last.

Note as well that where Moiraine's open caginess causes problems with everyone because they know they can't trust her, she's constantly getting surprised by their quiet caginess. Some real hypocrisy by the boys.

“My dreams are always the same, Moiraine Sedai. The groves, and the Great Trees, and the stedding. We Ogier always dream of the stedding when we are away from them.”

I wonder if they're true dreams in T'A'R and if perhaps humans who get too far away from the Earth have similar dreams.

What does it mean that he ‘shall slay his people with the sword of peace, and destroy them with the leaf’? What does it meant that he ‘shall bind the nine moons to serve him’? Yet these are given equal weight with Callandor in the Cycle. There are others. What ‘wounds of madness and cutting of hope’ has he healed? What chains has he broken, and who put into chains?

These are much more straightforward prophecies to intrepret than some, at least, referring as they do to the Aiel, binding the Seanchan to the peace, the cleansing of saidin, and the general societal upheavals he brings about.

Perrin grunted softly. The Stone would never fall till the Dragon Reborn held Callandor. How in the Light is he supposed to reach it—inside a bloody fortress!—before the fortress falls? It is madness!

Even ignoring the "sneak in" approach that Rand ultimately takes, it's not like he couldn't just get hired as a guard or servant who works there and find his way to Callandor. The people in-universe treat this sequence of events like it's a lot more paradoxical than it really is.

Especially on those who are—susceptible. I do not believe Rand did it on purpose, but the dreams of those touching the True Source can be powerful. For one as strong as he, they could possibly seize an entire village, or perhaps even a city. He knows little of what he does, and even less of how to control it.”

I guess this is a better explanation than wolf dream, considering that half the Shienarians have it. One wonders why Min was exempt though, besides the plot contrivance that she'd definitely have told Moiraine after the second night.

“There’s always something new from you,” Perrin growled. “Can’t you tell us what to expect once in a while, instead of explaining after it happens?” Uno looked as though he was trying to think of a reason to leave.

Uno wishes he had a pipe to study.

Lan looked at Uno, and the one-eyed man shrugged in dismay. “I bloody forgot, with all this flaming talk about bloo—” He cleared his throat, shooting a glance at Moiraine. She looked back expectantly, and he went on.

Uno should be allowed to swear more.

“Watch your tongue, blacksmith,” Lan growled, all ice and stone.

I'm glad someone will call out Perrin on his bullshit a bit because he's being very annoying at this point. You'd think Min at least would speak up.

Few women seek audiences with the Amyrlin herself, but it does happen, and it should occasion no great comment.

Moiraine, have you forgotten that folks already know who Min is? Ms. Unknown Power coming back after having disappeared with three runaways and making a request few women do will be all over the Tower within half an hour of her walking through the city gates AND SHE WON'T HAVE EVEN HAD TIME TO GET TO THE TOWER BY THAT POINT.

Once outside, Min hung back for a moment to address Lan with a too-sweet smile. “And is there any message you want carried? To Nynaeve, perhaps?”

Min, I know you're pissed at Moiraine, but don't take it out on Lan. He's relatively innocent.

Loial shook his head. “I think she asked because she knew what we would answer, Min. Moiraine seems able to read Perrin and me; she knows what we’ll do. But you are a closed book to her.”

Min getting constant supernatural intervention does make her harder to predict, it's true.

“Don’t be more thickheaded than you have to be, Perrin. Back there, right after you said you’d go. They were not there before. They must have to do with this journey. Or at least with you deciding to go.”

The question is, does the Pattern allow him to not go (and thus... end up at Two Rivers early and have to deal with the Whitecloaks stuff solo), or does the Pattern only give him the chance to go willingly and it's still going to drag him along regardless, just in a much more humiliating fashion?

“An Aielman in a cage,” she said promptly. “A Tuatha’an with a sword. A falcon and a hawk, perching on your shoulders. Both female, I think. And all the rest, of course. What is always there. Darkness swirling ’round you, and—”

The former, then. If Perrin hadn't gone with Moiraine, he'd either never meet Gaul, Aram, Faile or Berelain or at least wouldn't have them relevant in his life until later. Thank you Min, for having such easy visions for a change.

“One more thing,” she said slowly. “If you meet a woman—the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen—run!”

Perrin won't, of course. I wonder what encounter with Lanfear Jordan must have had in mind.

Perrin did not like jumping to conclusions—it was one of the reasons some people thought him slow-witted—but he totaled up a number of things Min had said in the last few days and came to a startling conclusion.

His conclusion is that Min is in love with him. Perrin, to think you were slow-witted would imply you had wits at all. You take five days to come to the least plausible conclusion.

“I’m bound to him as surely as a stave is bound to the barrel. But I can’t see if he’ll ever love me in return. And I am not the only one.”

Of course, Min doesn't seem to realize that Rand definitely has the hots for her, so Perrin still isn't the stupidest person in this conversation. Perrin Aybara for Two Rivers King! Most Competent Man in the West! (By Default)

“If there’s no safety in Tar Valon, there’s no safety anywhere.”

Now you're getting it!

Next time: We finally get this show on the road.

[howlingday]

Ultimate Hunters V2

Mercury: Well, why don't we get the introductions outta the way?

Oscar: Huh? Introductions?

Mercury: I'm Mercury Black. Nice to meet ya! Guess I shoup tell you why I'm attending the Academy, too, while we're at it. Of course, even if I told you, you wouldn't believe it's a special talent.

Oscar: It's not a special talent? What do you mean?

Mercury: I'm lucky.

Oscar: ...What do you mean?

Mercury: No, really, that's my special talent. I'm the Ultimate Lucky Student. Or that's what they call me, anyways.

Oscar: Ultimate Lucky Student?

Mercury: There was a world-wide lottery, and I just so happened to win the grand prize of getting to attend as "The Ultimate Lucky Student."

Oscar: (Thinking) Is that really a thing?. Can you really call being luvky a talent?.

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May: Hey~! Who're you dudes?

Oscar: Nice to meet you. I'm Oscar Pine.

May: Gotcha... And who's this other dude?

Mercury: What? Didn't we already meet?

May: Oh, right! Haha! My bad! I'm not the best at remembering names, and I've already met so many interesting characters!

Mercury: I'm Mercury Black. Please try to remember this time...

May: Yo! The name's May Marigold! Nice to meetcha!

Mercury: May's known as the all-around super athlete, the Ultimate Gymnast. They also say she's a bit of a troublemaker, but her athletic skill is already off the charts. But her basics and fundamentals are kinda all over the place, so most of her work is improvised. If she's in her groove, she's amazing! If not, then she gets bored and switches things up.

Oscar: No matter how you slice it, she still sounds like a troublemaker. Still, she's got an amazing physique, like a Vytal athlete!.

Mercury: Hey, what are you... Oh, I get it. You got a thing for sexy bodies, huh?

Oscar: Please don't say that out loud. People will actually take you seriously.

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Fiona: Squish! Squish!

Oscar: What's she doing?. She's just sitting on the floor, pressing her fingers to the dirt.

Oscar: Uh, are you okay? I haven't introduced myself. My name is Oscar Pine.

Fiona: Huh? I'm Fiona Thyme.

Fiona: Squish! Squish!

Oscar: She's not stopping. What is she doing?. And she looks so young... Is she really a high schooler?

Mercury: Fiona is the incredibly talented Ultimate Traditional Dancer. As a rookie, the dance industry expects a lot from her. She's already performed in other kingdoms many times. Her dancing is really popular with young audiences, which is rare for the dance industry. Then again, a significant number of her fans are also men.

Oscar: It's probably a niche thing, or something.

Fiona: Squish! Squish!

Oscar: Uh, what are you doing?

Fiona: Hm? I'm squishing!

Oscar: Squishing what?

Fiona: Mr. Ant! Duh! I'm squishing lots and lots of Mr. Ants!

Oscar: ...Come again?

Fiona: If you squish their bellies just right, it makes an awesome sound! Wanna try?

Oscar: H-Hell no!

Fiona: Aw... Okay! Pfft... Pansy...

Oscar: This girl... her attitude and her appearance don't match at all.

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Roman: Who the hell are you? Don't go acting all chummy with me, shithead.

Oscar: This guy is already so hostile.

Roman: Huh?! You got something to say, punkass?

Mercury: Easy, Roman. We're just introducing ourselves.

Roman: Introducing yourselves?

Mercury: Yeah. Not like you two have actually met before, right?

Roman: Hmph...

Roman: The name's Roman Torchwick... Just so we're clear, I don't plan on getting all chummy and shit with you.

Oscar: He looks so young, but he's also really rude.

Mercury: Roman is a student and also their heir to the Spiders.

Oscar: Spiders?! You don't mean-

Mercury: Ah, so you have heard of them. Spiders are the largest criminal organization in Remnant, with a membership of well past 4000 members. In other words, he's the Ultimate Gang-Boss.

Mercury: By the way, don't go mentioning his babyface around him, so be careful. You'll be outta fingers before he's done with you.

Oscar: I-I wasn't going to, but I'm glad I know now!.

Oscar: Mercury, you saved my life...

Mercury: Haha, you're joking right? ...Guess not.

Roman: Hey, if we're done here, you mind making like a tree and fuck off?

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Velvet: Excuse me, but aren't you the guy who was squatting on the beach earlier with your head buried in your arms?

Oscar: Er, y-yeah...

Velvet: You gotta keep it together, y'know? Nobody wants a crybaby for a husband.

Oscar: Y-You're right...

Velvet: You're waiting for me to introduce myself, right? I'm Velvet Scarlatina, and I'll be counting on you from now on.

Mercury: Velvet's the Ultimate Photographer. Naturally, she has a promising future as a photojournalist. I'm not exactly an expert on photography, but I hear she's already won a ton of awards. That said, she's known for her skill at taking pictures of people.

Oscar: The Ultimate Photographer, huh? Makes sense, seeing that camera around her neck.

Velvet: To be honest, I'm a little relieved. You seem decent enough.

Oscar: Decent?

Velvet: There's a lot of weirdos here. I can't tell if they're Ultimates, or just insane. I'm eager to get along with everyone so we can all get off this island.

Oscar: Get off? What do you mean?

Velvet: Huh? You don't know? It's what that stuffed animal Somewhat said. After you finish getting everyone's Hope Crystals, we can all go home and leave this island together.

Oscar: Th-They said that?! We can go home?!

Velvet: You should pay more attention! This is super important!

Mercury: You must feel relieved after hearing that, huh, Oscar? So long as you get along with everyone, we'll be heading home in no time!

Oscar: I guess, but why go through all this trouble in the first place? What's the point of us being on this island anyways?

Mercury: Beats me. Doesn't seem like that big a deal.

Oscar: Not a big deal? It couldn't be any bigger of a deal!.

Velvet: Hey!

Oscar: Ack!

Velvet: Don't "ack" me! I gave you my introduction. Now give me yours!

Oscar: O-Oh... Um, I'm Oscar Pine. It's nice to meet you.

Velvet: Oscar, huh? Well, too bad for you, because I've already made a mental note as "Unreliable Oscar". It'll be hard to change my mind, so you better be a man and do your best!

Mercury: Haha! You're already so whipped, Oscar!

Velvet: I'm talking to both of you! Got it?!

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Hazel: Hm? Oh, right. We gotta do introductions.

Hazel: I am the Ultimate Team Manager, Hazel Rainart!!

Oscar: U-Uh, hello. I'm Oscar Pine.

Hazel: Hey! Your voice is too soft! Speak from your gut!

Oscar: U-Um... I'm Oscar Pine!

Hazel: Louder! You can do better than that!

Oscar: My name is Oscar Pine! Pleased to make your acquaintance!

Hazel: I AM HAZEL RAINART! I AM THE ULTIMATE TEAM MANAGER! Don't forget it, even if you go to hell!

Hazel: I am the Ultimate Team Manager, Hazel Rainart!

Oscar: Y-You don't have to keep repeating your name so much.

Hazel: HA! I agree to your terms!

Oscar: He's so boisterous... It's not just his voice, but his whole body seems loud.

Mercury: Hazel Rainart, as you probably figured, is the Ultimate Team Manager.

Oscar: What does that mean? He's not on a team, but he manages it?

Mercury: Not JUST a team manager. He's an Ultimate. He's gone from town to town and played an active role in managing various sports clubs and their teams. In fact, he led a delinquent team of rugby players to victory in the national playoffs, rescued a baseball team from shutdown and took them to a finals victory, and rumor has it he's training some hotshot new champion in Mistral.

Oscar: If that's all true, then he definitely deserves the title of Ultimate Team Manager. But... with a build like his, he should be PLAYING those games instead.

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Oscar: Urgh!

Mercury: What's wrong?

Oscar: N-Nothing...

May: ...

Oscar: Why is she staring at me?.

May: Ah, uh, um...

May: Um, you know...

May: ...I-I'm sorry.

Oscar: Why is she crying?!.

Mercury: Bullying a girl? That's not cool, Oscar.

Oscar: I-I didn't do anything!

May: Oh, your name is Oscar. If you don't mind, I'd like to remember it.

Oscar: Uh, no, I don't mind you remembering my name.

May: M-My name is May Zedong. From the bottom of my heart, I hope we can get along.

May: Um... You know... Um... Um um um... Uh... My mind is drawing a blank... I'm so nervous! And I even went through the trouble of preparing over 5000 topics for us to discuss after introducing ourselves!

Oscar: Talk about excessive...

Mercury: It's okay to take your time. We can wait as long as it takes. Heck, we'll wait forever if you want us to!

May: Huh... AAAAH!

Oscar: You're just putting more pressure on her!.

Oscar: I guess I'll ask you instead. What's her deal?

Mercury: May here is the Ultimate Nurse. Anytime you're hurt, she'll help you out, so you should probably get along with her. Chances are that if you get wounded and don't get it treated, it'll get infected and you'll die!

Oscar: Don't say something so morbid so naturally...

May: Heh heh heh..

May: AH! I'm sorry for laughing so suddenly! I... I just can't help myself. I'm so happy,I can't remember the last time I made any friends... Ah, not that you actually want to be friends with me! I'm sooooooo sorry I said something so presumptuous! I'll do anything you want! Just please don't hate me!

Mercury: Bullying her again? So not cool, Oscar.

Oscar: Why does this keep happening?.

May: I'm sorry... I'm so so sorry!

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Ilia: Peeking... Peeking... Oh haiii! Who're you?

Oscar: U-Um... Oscar Pine?

Ilia: Helloooo? Your tension is too low! You feelin alright? Ah, well, introductions are already a go-go!

Ilia: Ih! Lee! Uh! Am! Ah! Toh! Lah! Put it all together and whattaya get? Ilia Amitola~!

Ilia: Alright, introductions are done. More importantly, check out this supermarket! Hamburger, ramen, chili, bratwurst, spaghetti... OOH! Melons!

Ilia: Valian, Vacuan, Mistrali, and Atlesian... Even folks from Menagerie would shop here! Man, I'm getting hella stoked! I am thirty-one flavors of stoked for all of this deliciousness! And when I'm hungry, I get reeeeeeeeeeeal munchy-crunchy! It doesn't make sense! Why am I always hungry when I get excited? Hahaha! The body sure is a total mystery!

Mercury: Uh, yeah, this is Ilia Amitola, the Ultimate Musician. She used to play guitar in an all-girl band that was super popular with other girls our age. Their number one hit, "After Class Poyoyon Hour," sold over a million copies.

Oscar: A super popular all-girl school band... Why does that sound so familiar?.

Mercury: Sadly, like so many before them, they broke up due to creative differences.

Oscar: Creative differences?

Ilia: You wanna know?

Oscar: Ack! You heard me?!

Ilia: Duh! Ilia Amitola IS a musician! Like the other greats such as Schnee, Wine, Merlot, Polendina, and Willows... I am an awesome musician, too!

Oscar: Oh, I guess it does make sense that you have good hearing if you're a music- Wait, some of those people aren't even musicians.

Ilia: Don't sweat the details~.

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Oscar: An airport? Wait, can't we use those bullheads to escape?

Robyn: Nope, sorry. Even if they were broken and busted, I could fix 'em. But it looks like they're just for show.

Oscar: Just for show?

Robyn: There's no engine. Can't fix what isn't there.

Oscar: No engine?!

Robyn: Oh, right! I forgot! I'm Robyn Hill, the Ultimate Mechanic. Nice to meetya!

Mercury: I guess I shoulda known the Ultimate Mechanic would have figured it out. Robyn's a bit of a savante when it comes to machines. If she says it won't fly, then it definitely won't fly.

Robyn: Even so, if someone took out the engine before they brought us here, then they planned this out to a T.

Oscar: Kinda weird, don't you think?

Robyn: Yeah, it's weird, but it's a kind of weird I can understand.

Oscar: Huh?

Robyn: It makes sense, though, don't it? Whoever dropped us here... I mean, it's not like they're expecting us to kill each other, right? That's what the school regulations in our e-handbook say.

Robyn: Besides, if you look enough at that cute mouse plushie, you might actually fall in love with them.

Oscar: I really hope it doesn't come to that.

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Sienna: Stop right there! If you value your life, do not take one step closer!

Oscar: ...Huh?

Sienna: I said stay back! Oh, very well... I shall accept your courage!

Oscar: What is she talking about?.

Sienna: You wish to know my name? Kehehe! Some may think your courage recklessness, but I welcome the challenge. In honor of your courage, I shall reveal to you my name! I am Sienna Khan! Remember it well, for it is the name that shall rule the world!

Oscar: R-Rule the world?! She's kidding, right?.

Sienna: Now I must ask you; whose master are you?

Oscar: What?

Sienna: Don't play dumb! Which tribe did you make a pact with? Answer me!

Oscar: Um, what do you mean by "pact"?

Sienna: Answer me now, though I shall cast you to the sea once you do!

Oscar: Then I'm definitely not answering!

Mercury: Uh, maybe I should explain. See, she's asking you what kinda of pet you used to have.

Oscar: P-Pet? I've never really had a pet. Closest thing I had to a pet was a hermit crab we passed around at school.

Sienna: A hermit crab! No better than an insect! Why, your magical essence caps at a mere five! Absolute trash!

Oscar: Trash? Really?

Sienna: Is it wrong to call trash "trash"? Why, trash like you dare not speak against higher beings like me! I am Sienna Khan, Overlord of Fire!

Oscar: H-Hey! Something just climbed out of your robe!

Sienna: Allowing the beasts to bed upon my person in exchange for their servitude is the secret of the Khan Empire!

Mercury: Yeah, seeing all those rats crawling around on her might seem like something out of a horror movie, but it's just another part of what makes her the Ultimate Breeder.

Sienna: As the Dark Beast of the South, Ghira Belladonna once said, "There are no gods or kings mighty enough to fell the bonds of brotherhood!"

Sienna: MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Mercury: Yeah, I, uh, know she's kinda weird, but she does really well as part of her school breeding club. They say she can tame any animal and even proliferated an endangered species. I've even heard she can speak with animals, but I don't think it's true.

Oscar: It sounds crazy, but... she does have more than a few rats crawling in her robe.

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Coco: ...What do you want?

Oscar: This girl's presence is overwhelming. Even her body seems too overwhelming for me to approach!.

Mercury: Hey, Coco! Got time for a quick introduction?

Coco: ...Introduction?

Mercury: C'mon, Oscar!

Oscar: O-Oh! Right. Um, hello. My name is Oscar Pine.

Coco: ...My name is Coco Adel. ...I'm done. That's it, right? Back off.

Oscar: Even I can tell she's thumbing her nose at me.

Mercury: Well, that's Coco for ya.

Oscar: What do you mean?

Mercury: Even by Ultimate standards, she's pretty special. She's next in line to inherit her family's fortune, which is a multi-billion lien conglomerate. She's already started making big moves in the business world. Simply put, she isn't called the Ultimate Affluent Progeny for nothing.

Oscar: That's... That's like a comic book origin.

Coco: You there. Oscar, wasn't it?

Oscar: Huh?

Coco: Why did the academy choose you? What's your Ultimate talent?

Oscar: Um, well, I... I can't remember...

Coco: You can't remember?

Mercury: The shock of all this must've triggered some kinda amnesia on him.

Coco: How foolish. ...We're done, aren't we? How much longer are you going to stand there?

Coco: Move along! That's the only thing you scrawny ones are any good at.

Mercury: Let's just leave, Oscar.

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Joanna: State your business.

Oscar: Oh, uh, w-well, I just wanted to do an introduction with you.

Joanna: An introduction? Understood. I don't mind.

Oscar: I'm Oscar Pine. It's nice to meet you.

Joanna: I'm Joanna Greenleaf. It is nice to meet you, too.

Mercury: This dignified looking woman is known as the ultimate swordswoman. Yeah, color me shocked, too, when I learned this tall woman could be so skilled with a blade. I've heard even veterans with decades of experience have trouble fighting her!

Oscar: I can kind of see why. The way she's staring at me is really intense.

Joanna: If what the mouse said was true, then we are expected to live on this island together. If this is true, then men and women are expected to treat each other with respect. Don't try anything inappropriate. I'd prefer not to kill anyone.

Oscar: I-Isn't that just a wooden sword?

Joanna: It may seem impossible, but a misaimed blow could prove fatal. Well... aimed blows can also prove fatal as well.

Oscar: (Gulps) I'll remember that.

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

Sun: ...

Oscar: Looks like he's playing the arcade. More than that, it looks like he's completely ABSORBED by it!.

Sun: ...

Mercury: Hey, Oscar, haven't you introduced yourself to him yet?

Oscar: R-Right! I'm Oscar Pine. Nice to meet you.

Sun: ...

Oscar: Uh...

Mercury: Yo! Sun!

Sun: ...Huh? Sorry. Musta been real focused on this game or somethin'.

Oscar: Y-Yeah, or somethin'.

Sun: Introductions, huh? Alright. The name's Sun Wukong, and I'm the Ultimate Gamer. And I like all genres. ...Nice to meetcha.

Oscar: I'm Oscar Pine. Nice to meet you, too.

Sun: ...Uh-huh, totally.

Oscar: I don't think we're getting much further than this.

Mercury: Yeah, he's really into his game right now.

Sun: Nah, nah. It's more like I gotta charge up my thoughgs, and it takes time to do that, so I can't really talk unless I'm fully prepared, y'know? Especially with new people. Once I get to know 'em, I can talk a lot better.

Oscar: And yet he hasn't looked at me once. Sure, he's the Ultimate Gamer, but how can anyone game at a time like this?.

Sun: ...Ah! Hah, I'm sleepy...

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

Mercury: Let's finish introducing ourselves to those two people over there.

Marrow: That's right. I'm having a really hard time because it's full of poison. Speaking of which, I'd appreciate it if you could use your mouth to suck it out~.

Whitley: Poison... I see...

Oscar: Hey, uh, do you guys have a second?

Marrow: (Sighs) Denied.

Oscar: Denied?.

Whitley: Hello. It is nice to meet you.

Oscar: It's nice to meet you, too. My name is Oscar Pine.

Marrow: Oh, so you're the new kid on the block, huh? The name's Marrow Amin, known on the streets as the Ultimate Cook, but I'd much prefer it if you called me the Ultimate Chef instead. Has much more of a big city flavor, y'know?

Whitley: Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! Forgive me! My name is Whitley Schnee. I am a foreign exchange student from Atlas. Hopefully I do not cause you too much trouble.

Oscar: Uh, same.

Oscar: His skin is like porcelain and his eyes are like sapphires! It's almost like looking at a fragil doll...

Mercury: Enchanted, Oscar? That's to be expected, since you're talking to the real Ultimate Prince, which means he's actual royalty!

Oscar: A real prince? Normally I'd be surprised, but looking at his graceful appearance, it's only natural to come to that conclusion, right?.

Whitley: I understand this may appear rude, but... I do feel happy to have met all of you.

Oscar: Huh?

Whitley: In my home country, I... I did not have a friend to call my own. Those of my age did not share my status in society. So to do something like this with everyone is a new experience for me...

Whitley: I EXTOL YOUR VIRTUES!

Oscar: Oh, uh, th-thanks?

Oscar: What's going on?! Why do I feel this sudden urge to drop to my knee and bow?!.

Marrow: H-Hey, I hope I'm not being left on the menu here.

Oscar: Huh? Oh! No! I-

Mercury: So Marrow, how's the restaurant look? Up to your standards?

Marrow: Hmhmhm... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested. Yeah, it's up to my standards. But I prefer the big city flavor of my hometown, even if this open country air is refreshing. Mhmhmhmhmhmhmhmhm...!

Oscar: Hey, aren't you...?

Marrow: Refined? Cultured? Guilty~!

Oscar: N-No. Worried.

Marrow: Worried? Why would I be worried? Honestly, I'm happy!

Oscar: Really? Why's that?

Marrow: Well, if I could get serious for a quick second... I've got a sneaking suspicion that Somewhat character is a real freak, if you get my meaning.

Oscar: ...What?

Marrow: I'd bet good money they're wearing a black thong as we speak! Or should we discuss this somewhere more privately? C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon!

Oscar: ...No.

Marrow: Alright, I'll put that aside for now. This might also be a bit of a shock for you, but I've got it on good intuition that Mister Schnee over there is one to put out, y'know? See, royalty are groomed to lack common sense, right? That makes them easy prey, like how I tried telling him my "loins" were poisoned and could only be cured if I ask him to suck it out.

Oscar: Is that what he was talking about earlier?

Whitley: Hm? What are you two talking about over here?

Marrow: We'll talk about this later.

Mercury: You better not.

Marrow: Still, when I fantasize about things like that, I can't help but look forward to living on this island! When it comes to love ans cooking, passion is the most important ingredient! Mhmhmhmhm~!

Oscar: This guy is dangerous... but not for the reason I first thought.

[tkblythofficial]

TAROT READING - DAILY CHECK IN

*Entertainment purposes only*

*read at your own risk*

How are R and J currently?

Pulled: The Hangman

Tarot 2.0: Wow, what are the odds of pulling the same card again today for this question? Nothing has changed. She’s trying to force things to be perfect but nope, you can’t force someone to care or love you like you want. She’s pretending to be happy to show us that she’s happy. Guess what? She sounds miserable and keeping up with appearances sounds exhausting. Good luck to her. I’m not even being sarcastic this time. This is the first time I am honestly sorry for her. She wants to be loved so bad and doesn’t understand why it’s not working out the way she wants.

Is R’s song about T?

Pulled: Ace of Swords (reversed)

Clarification: Six of Swords

Tarot 2.0: Yes, she’s healing through her song. It’s therapeutic for her as she can’t express this anywhere else. Whenever she first wrote the song, she was thinking about T.

T’s current thoughts about J?

Pulled: Ace of Wands (reversed)

Tarot 2.0: He’s not really thinking of J right now. T is focused on himself and thinking of more important things. Doesn’t want to think of J and their friendship fizzled out anyways. He’s sorta in “if R wants him, keep your trash bf!” Mode.

T’s current thoughts on R?

Pulled: Five of Swords

Tarot 2.0: ouch. This was his attitude in November. He wants to move on from thinking about R and their friendship. There’s a serious lack of communication going on right now. He’s done with her at the moment.

R’s current thoughts on T?

Pulled: The Devil

Tarot 2.0: woah! First time getting hostile cards between them. She sees T as the Devil right now. Dangerous and to avoid at all costs. She wants to focus on her relationship with J and is tired of thinking of T. She’s very codependent with him in a weird way. She can’t help herself when it comes to him though. She’s obsessed with the attention he brings? Many from Zeglyth supporters? She hates it but can’t stop. Temptation is strong here.

Will T be a better bf than J to R?

Pulled: Nine of Swords (reversed)

Clarification: Knight of Wands

Tarot 2.0: She needs to mentally grow before getting with him. He’s not her therapist and shouldn’t carry the burden of her issues. Self healing is a must with R in general. But being T makes her feel less alone. They need to communicate and make sure they’re on the same page. He can’t be a good bf if she won’t let him or is scared to open her heart again. But if she releases all her past mistakes and heartbreak, T would be a great bf. Better than J by far. Especially emotionally.

How will their relationship be if R posts T on social media?

Pulled: Six of Wands

Tarot 2.0: oh I’m surprised. He usually calls her a fool when I do these readings for her online activity. I guess she’s only a fool when she talks about other people but not him. Seems he will like the positive attention their relationship brings. He strikes me as the type to boast about having a successful and beautiful partner on his arms. However, he will definitely tell her to take it easy in their relationship with the online foolishness. This will be hard for her because zeglyth would be popular and she would thrive under the attention like she is now but ten times worse. Yeah this relationship would be horrible if they were together now.

What are the chances of them being endgame?

Pulled: Judgment (reversed)

Tarot 2.0: Oh they need to be careful here. Karma card. Being in denial and trying to break their connection is dangerous. This is an important lesson to be learned here: compromise! If they don’t, karma will happen and the pain will be severe. They need to work out their issues immediately. Very stubborn energy here. This is so bad.

Are R and T meant to be important in each other's eyes?

Pulled: Ace of Wands

Clarification: Queen of Pentacles

Tarot 2.0: Yes. The chemistry is strong at this question. They’re very important to each other which is why they're going through a lot of pain not talking right now. They’re always obsessing and worrying while pretending not to care. T cares about her a lot and holds her in high regard. It’s a shame they’re going through hard times.

What about the chances of them being another project together?

Pulled: Eight of Wands

Clarification: King of Swords and The Hangman (reversed)

Tarot 2.0: not surprised. They don’t want to work with each other right now. That's the last thing on their minds. They’re putting their energy into their projects and partners and not focused on each other.

How is R’s feeling currently towards her fans now?

Pulled: Three of Swords

Tarot 2.0: she needs a break from them. She’s exhausted but can’t stay offline.

T and R exist together or hang out? What comes to mind when they exist with each other, what’s the atmosphere. Like long deep talks?

Pulled: The Star

Tarot 2.0: the card of Aquarius! Fascinating. I love this. They toe the line of friendship and lovers. Sounds about right! They have many long and deep conversations. Shared secrets and good times! T feels R is very different from anyone’s ever met and adores her. The potential will always be there for him. He will always love her and fears he will never feel this way again. No matter how many times they fight and argue, they will always have each other’s back. I’m so glad this question was asked. This is uplifting to me.

Will we get the 4 hour cut of TBOSAS?

Pulled: Ace of Wands

Tarot 2.0: there’s a high chance actually!