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absolutebl · 3 years

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This Week in BL

July 2021 Wk 2

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Don’t Say No Ep 0 (AKA LeoFiat Special Episode) - backstory from TT2 using previous footage plus new stuff to add chemistry, agency, and flashbacks. Full recap here. Officially, the series starts Aug 6, but all release dates out of Thailand should be taken a large grain of salt. (Or dousing of fish sauce, if you prefer. Which I do. Seriously tho, I just made marinara with fish sauce instead of salt. It’s AMAZING.)

My Boy the series Ep 2 - I get what my issue is with this show, every character is just a little bit skeezy. I’m not into creepy. This one is not yet bad enough to drop, but could be a matter of time.

Golden Blood Ep 3 - basically we got a first date, also symbolic gift exchange and the importance of the Sky’s blood. This episode was to establish friendship and intimacy between the two characters so when one or both of them are at risk going forward we feel it more. Worked for me. I like that we even get a fight scene in a slow episode like this.

The Best Story Ep 1 - finally more YinWar, although it’s only supposed to be a 3 ep miniseries. (Bold claim in the title, it means this f’er better have a plot.) It’s a slow moving high school Thai BL pulp on a classic crush trope, but with better acting and production values than most. Our POV Best seems to be out, at least to his friends, so props for that. Yin & War play similar personalities to their respective roles in Love Mechanics so this feels a little like it’s the story of Mark’s first crush. Still it looks like it’s going to sing your feelings trope reliant so I am... WARY AF.

Top Secret Together Ep 9 - if there is anything I like less than sing your feelings it’s a white elephant party. So I pretty much skipped the first half. My boys were adorable, of course, but even they tropetted (that’s a word I just invented it’s trotted + trope) out the sponge bath. NO ONE IS SAFE. If they don’t getcha with a guitar, they’ll getcha with a wet towel.

Oh hey, I think I just invented Thai BL’s operating slogan:

If ya can’t get the boy with a guitar get him with that wet towel.

Is it me, or does that sound weirdly kinky?

Nitiman Ep 10 fin - and that’s it? Okaaay? So it’s was fine and cute and repped a relatively healthy relationship and... absolutely nothing happened. And I thought Oxygen lacked drama, but this was basically "a month in the life of uni students.” Seriously, just 2 cute boys trying to figure out how to have a relationship. And there it is. The cabal of matchmakers was funny tho: the Fellowship of the BbombJin does sound like something Tolkien would come up with, only gayer. Got all the tropes in the finale - coming out, distance, water, hand kiss, public claiming via phone, gift giving, including The Gear, etc.. RECOMMENDED so long as you don’t expect much story.

Hometown’s Embrace Ep 4 - couldn’t find it and frankly, I’m not fussed. I’m dropping this one for now.

The Yearbook Ep 0 15 min sampler (?) - could be the first episode, it’s confusing as it officially starts next week. Anygay, way different filming approach more indie influenced than usual but with Thai BL pulp pacing and pat plot. But the acting is good and it’s focused on one couple so I’m intrigued. I think it’s trying to be the Thai BL pulp version of I Told Sunset About You.

Y-Destiny Ep 15 fin - just a wrap-up check-in. Cute boyfriends being cute and getting a little switchy. I particularly loved the ghostly 3some and their frubble. LOTS of tropes. Honestly the most improbable thing about this show was that there would be that many queer couples in one friendship group, all happily in relationships at the SAME TIME. Under real life stressors this is guaranteed to cause a breach in the space time continuum.

This week in amusing captions: “Food that you spooned for me.” I’m a big food cuddler myself, been known to spoon a watermelon on occasion. No, that’s not a euphemism, I have a perfectly natural inclination to hug spherical things.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Monster in Law AKA Mẹ Chồn Dâu Cáo (Vietnam) Ep 12 - I’m watching is because I like the main couple but if they aren’t on screen together i kind of check out. This ep ended with spying with the intent to cause drama, which ought to be a crime, but then all of high school woudl be spent in lock up.

Ossan’s Love Eps 5-7 - Darren’s kid is a new character, so is the female friend (maybe faen fatale?), so we are diverging from the original. I definitely like this adaptation better, although it’s still more sit-com soap than it is BL.

Light On Me 3-4 - this one airs 2 eps a week (Tues, Thurs) also Viki has started airing, so things are getting litigious out there. Ep 3 was a very awkward dating stich which I found rough going (I get serious second hand embarrassment syndrome), but nicely dramatic with hints at secrets and fence mending.

Be Loved in House: I Do (Taiwan) Ep 9 - OMG they are so soft and SO CUTE and so awkward and then so soft and so cute allover again. They’re like the BL couple version of this:

In Case You Missed It

Korean queer studio Strongberry dropped their short film The Confidential Coffee Break. I loved it. It’s a monologue pice about two closeted older gay professors about changing times and the nature of acceptance (self and others) in modern day South Korean academia. Go watch it. It’s in the Kinou Nani Tabeta? vein.

They also dropped Sweet Curse. It’s basically low-gore atmospheric horror but with very high heat BL (explicit so be aware). Longer and with a larger cast than their usual stuff, but not much.

Breaking News

KinnPorsche is on the rocks. The author disaffiliated afrom the production company, Filmania. From the author’s statement it seems like the KinnProsche team/writer hasn’t been paid(?) and the author is taking a stand and withdrawing from the project. I can only tell you want this means in Hollywood speak, and you can read that here.

Chinese danmei wuxia(?) Immortality and Winner is King rumored to be getting live action adaptations. I know nothing more. This is not my fandom.

Thai/Korea joint project Peach of Time also got a trailer. This has JimmyTommy in it, but I don’t think it’s a Mii2 vehicle. Looks like Jimmy has a different pairing.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International subs accessibility reasons. Monster in Law and Ossan’s Love are listed on Monday because they show up whenever they show up during the week.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

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wenellyb · 2 years

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My Eternals review, obviously there are spoilers below:

I really liked the movie even though it didn’t really feel like a marvel/avengers movies but that’s what made it good.

What I liked:

- The casting. It was just perfect, no one felt like a side character. I think that Sersi and Ikaris were supposed to be the main characters but it didn’t feel that way. They all had their place in the story, even though we could have had more.

- The characters!!!! I loved all characters my favorite ones were Phastos and Kingo, and my least favorite were Ikaris and Sprite, but I liked them anyway ... They all had something to bring to the movie:

Phastos: My favorite one with Kingo, I feel like he and Kingo are the characters we got to really know (I don’t know a lot about Sersi except that Ikaris is her ex and that she loves humans). But Phastos, we saw how passionate he was about inventing, how he had lost faith in humans, how he found faith again thanks to his family and was willing to do anything to protect them, how he had a supportive and loving husband, and also how powerful he was. Honestly those last fighting scenes... wow, he’s kind of a badass. I loved him, loved his family, his husband should have had more screentime because they were just perfect together and Jack was just the cutest kid ever. I was afraid we wouldn’t get to see a lot of phastos in the movie and that he would be a “side character” but it was actually quite the opposite adn he played a big role in the resolution of the conflict at the end.

Kingo!!! I loved him so much, I like that he was an arrogant prick but we could easily tell it was a front and he was actually adorable and also funny, and also loyal, and also honest. His relationship with Karun was everything, Karun is so hilarious. What I liked most about Kingo is that he is the perfect example of why the Eternals wasn’t a movie about “bad guys” versus “good guys”. It was a fight between two opposite mindsets. I saw some people saying that Kingo left because he knew he couldn’t defeat Ikaris. But that’s not what I saw. To me, he left because he loved his friends, INCLUDING Ikaris and couldn’t pick a side because he didn’t see himself hurting Ikaris. He had always followed Ikaris, so he was confused because for once Ikaris’ path might not be the correct one. And he knew there wasn’t a Black and White answer. Ikaris’ plan to let the Celestial destroy earth was the paln from the begininng and even Ajak agreed with it. I do’nt know if I explain it well but, to me Kingo didn’t “give up”, he just didn’t want to “chose between his mother or his father”.

Ajak, I loved her, but she woke up a little too late. I’m sad she died too soon. I will never forgive Ikaris for killing her. Salma Ayek did a terrific terrific job! Loved her, but still their cause, and rule was a little bit weak in my opinion. I don’t understand the principle of not intervening in ANY conflicts at all, not even a few and just being like ok...??? Wouldn’t you wonder about the purpose of everything you’re doing? Didn’t make any sense to me.

Sersi: I loved Sersi, loved to see her scenes with the humans and how she had felt in love with them. I also liked her relationship with Ikaris, her love story with him was so beautiful, and there was a lot of chemistry between the two... But something was missing. If you’re going to give the love story central place in your storyline you need to work on it more. I really felt like some scenes were missing ( maybe scenes showing how they fell in love instead of just Ikaris looking at her do stuff). I got more attached to Phastos/Ben and Gilgamesh/Thena relationship. That being said, the two of them were great together... those last scenes were full of emotions,and her powers are great. I couldn’t care less about her love story with Dane, they felt like siblings to me. Dane’ character was good and funny and I want to see more of him and Sersi, but seriously, they work better as friends. I didn’t feel the romance at any point during the movie.

Ikaris, perfect example of soldier following orders blindy without thinking. Ikaris never getting attached to the humans (didn’t even know what a celphone was, didn’t try to learn the language of the places they settled in...The only moments he made that effort was for Sersi. He really believed in their mission. Killing Ajak was the worst thing he could have done . Yes he’s evil for what he did but not a villain like we usually see. He was blindly following their mission and his leader because he believed in the cause they were pursuing, he sacrificied the love of his life for that cause and stayed away from her for centuries because of the cause, and all of the sudden, it was all for nothing? I think Ikaris lost his mind a little and couldn’t think clearly. I believe him when he said he loved Ajak, he clearly had a lot of admiration for her and even worshipped her, that’s why he put everyhting else on hold for her. I don’t feel like he did it for Arishem because he didn’t even meet them, but he believed in everything Ajak said. That being said, what he did was f*cked up there is no denying it. And as I said one of my least favorite characters in the group.

A lot of admiration and respect in his eyes.

Makkari, I loved her, loved her SOOO much!!! But I also felt like I didn’t really get to know her too much.... Makkari, you stayed on that ship for centuries for what?? To read???? (Ok I admit I would probably have done the same ahahah but still..) Her relationship with Druig was cute... they spent centuries apart but when they see each other again they easily fall into their friendship.

Sprite, really felt for her, and liked that they added this storyline, about a kid that is eternal and would never get to experience everything. the being in love with Ikaris was ok but useless in my opinion, to me it only had the purpose of showing me that Kingo was in love with Ikaris (platonically or romantically who cares) because that’s why he pickled up on it when no one else did, because he already knew the signs. That stabbing thing was bad bad. She was forgivent too easliy in my opinion hahaha.

The Deviants: Again: not the bad guys, they were brought on earth with a mission but were built with a defect, it’s not like they asked for any of this, so I was cool with them.

Gilgamesh...LOVE HIM!! Love his cooking, I wish I got to know more about him than he sacrificed himself to protect Thena. But still I enjoyed all his scenes, fighting, his scenes with Thena, the way he wasn’t afraid of her, and knew how to talk to her when the disease hit. His death was SO SO unnecessary??? I didn’t get the point....

Thena, she is one of my favorites too, I liked the storyline with the condition she had, I forgot what the name was. I really liked all the scenes she was in, the struggle to remember herself and also keep up with everything. I loved her relationship with Gilgamesh too.

Druig is a character I started to understand because he was the only one who really started thinking that maybe that non-intervening rule was bullsh*t, so if there is one Eternal that could have been nominated for the good guy title it’s him... BUT I say could have been because he went to the other extreme, which is just as bad let’s say?? Like he was asserving a whole group of people with the excuse of “protecting them” or keeping them from harming each other. I see Druig as the exact opposite of Ikaris. Ikaris was blindly following the orders, and Druig intervening to an extreme where he was controlling the humans every step of the way.

- The relationships between the characters, the fact that they were a dysfunctional family but a family nonetheless: you can see they care for each other and why they care. Not all of them are friends, but for those who are, you can see that there is a genuine bond.

- I also enjoyed the lack of real villain, I probably shouldn’t saying this if I want to be taken seriously hahaha, but this movie made me think about Megamind a lot: You were brought here to do something, but you never think about whether or not you should be doing it. Megamind, was a villain because he was brought up that way, the Deviants killed humans because of a glitch in their system, Ikaris was ready to let all humans die because he was told that it is the way it is and never questionned it for a second. The Eternals were there to fight deviants and were instructed to never intervene in humand conflict, but never really questionned it and thought about whether or not it was the best way to go (Except Druig but he didn’t do great in the end either).

What I didn’t like:

- The storyline: not because it wasn’t good or something like that. But because their whole not intervention stuff didn’t make sense to me (especially since Ajak changed her mind later, why now and not before???). It’s not a good enough of a reason to let people die right in front of you just because you were told to.

It doesn’t make sense to me that they wouldn’t interfere in any conflict and then they’re just ok with it. Otherwise it means that they’re not the “good guys”. Druig was the most sensible of them in my opinion, but he really went at it the wrong way....

This whole non intervention thing is why I don’t think the movie was a story about “bad guys” vs “good guys”, but just a story. None of the Eternals were good guys and even the ones that wanted to do good woke up way too late.

- The pacing was off too, I like that there were flashbacks, but sometimes it wasn’t as smooth as it should have been.

- In my opînion, they shouldn’t bring real life events (like Hiroshima) in the superhero world, I understand what they were trying to do, but they could have shown a perfect example with Sokovia and the ravages of new technologies (Ultron something like that) or made up a new event, but not a real event where there were real people who lost their lifes and an event that is still relatively close in time. It was the most f*cked up part for me. I don’t understand the reason of doing that in a movie like this, it felt very disrespectful and unnecessary.

#eternals #phastos #makkari #druig #thena #ajak #sersi #ikaris #sprite #gilgamesh #eternals spoilers #kingo

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nightsoulsworld · 3 years

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Heya! I have a request if you're still open! I finished my show/play for theatre and it was amazing! The show had a lot of fight scenes and I ended up with a couple of bruises by the time we were done. One of my worse bruises was from an accident with a dull sword (still real metal though) and my partner accidentally hit me in the leg by my knee. Could I get some head canons for how the 2012 boys would react/help the reader if the reader got accidentally hurt by a friend? Thank you! (Sorry if my request is super detailed)

Hello, my lovely friend. Thank you so much for your time and asking, I really appreciates that and I´m so happy to do this. I really apologize for any mistakes and I hope you will like it.

Here we go

TMNT 2012 react/help the reader if they got accidentally hurt by a friend :

Leonardo:

He was so so sad

He was waiting for the reader when they will come to the lair to hang out with him

In the end, they were the closest from all his brothers with Leo

When they came, Leo invited them with big grin and a hug as always

But he saw something different

Reader with cuts and bruises

Leo immediately got worried and he started to ask: What happened? Are you okay? Who did this to you? I will find him and I will beat the crap out of him !

The Reader told him that their friend accidentally hurt them, but that was only an accident and that their friend apologize and they are okay with them

Leo don´t believe it at first, he start to nurse his friend and he bandage them

In a case, he took them to Donnie´s Lab that he can have a better look at it

When Donnie said that everything is fine and that will heal fast, Leo was so glad and happy

After that, he went to watch with the Reader the Space Heroes

Raphael:

He was punching the punching dummy as always

He couldn´t wait when the Reader will came around: they always know how to keep him calm and how to calm him down when he need to, they always listening to him and give him good advices

But what he saw today was for him great shock

He saw them with lots of scars and cuts

Anger and sadness start to boil in his veins but Reader told him that their friend accidentally hurt them, but they solve that between them

Raph took them to Donnie that he can look at it

He was so sad and angry so he start to yell at Donnie: Be careful, Don! You will hurt her!! Calm down, Raph. It´s just few scars here and there, not the end of the world. I-I know, but.. please, be careful.

When was Donnie done, the Reader and Raph went to his room to look after Spike and Raph played something for them on his drums

Donatello:

He was working in his Lab on his inventions while thinking about the Reader

He was so excited to hang out with them, because they were (beside him) the only one who love to invent and help him repair things, they enjoy listen when he ramble about his tech stuff and they actually enjoys that and they didn´t be bored

When the Reader entered his Lab, Donnie looked at them as if he see a ghost

The Reader was with the bruises and scars

Donnie quickly came up to them and started to ask a lot of questions like: Oh my gosh! What happened? Was that the Foot or Purple Dragons? Are you okay? I swear I will...

They calm him down and told him that their friend accidentally hurt the while they had P.E

Donnie humms in response while he was bandaging them

When he was done, they start to help him with his new project and he in return help them with Math and Chemistry

Michelangelo:

He was playing videogames and eating pizza as always

For the Reader school ended for today and they texted him that they will stop by

His heart was jumping of joy: he couldn´t wait, he really likes them and he enjoys a lot hanging out with them

He wins, like always and after his win dance Reader came

When Mikey saw them, he invited them with a big hug and when he pulled away, he saw the crystal clear

But.. they had scars and bruises on their skin

He started to worry and he start to ask a bunch of questions

They calmed him down and they told him that their friend accidentally hurt them but they forgive them cause it was an accident

Mikey start to nurse them, he brings water and pizza and bandages

Good thing that Donnie show him how to do that

After that, they hugged him and told him one more time that they´re okay and hey went to have fun together

I hope that you like it

#tiny-hazard #nightsoulsworld #tmnt headcanons #tmnt #tmnt 2012 #tmnt leonardo #tmnt raphael #tmnt mikey #tmnt donatello #tmnt michelangelo #tmnt donnie #tmnt 2014

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aeempress · 3 years

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Apritello Express Evidences, part 3

Apritello, my dear friends, is really all hints, devil in details, little pieces that, in the end, become a huge picture.

I can't say that there are a lot of episodes with April and Donnie spending quality time together, no. But all episodes are important to understand how their relationship are involving, growing. If you have sharp eyes and think about all of this even a little bit, you will be surprised how gracefully their relationship changes and grows, how characters evolve.

Dear passengers, we're about to start. Mind the gap!

Episodes “The Gumbus” and “Mrs. Cuddles”.

I think it would be appropriate to analyze these episodes in bunch, because they have common situations of spooky supernatural stuff and reactions of characters to this.

When you watch these two eps in raw, it's easy to see how alike are reactions of Donnie and April in some scary, really odd situations.

Adrenaline ‘n’ reclessness

April is really into all spooky things in “The Gumbus”, she's not afraid of some creepy stuff and she's really brave girl who easily copes with stressful and life-threatening situations.

Donnie is incredibly calm and collected when alive doll talked to him.

But still, April was frightened about plush rabbit because it was really unexpected for girl, she wasn’t ready to realize that plush doll that she’d worked with is alive fear-eating monster who will hurt and intimidate to get their precious screams. But point remains: Donnie and April share crazy fearlessness, which turns into an adrenaline addiction.

And here I am, a science guy, who tell you: adrenaline is a big deal for our body. This hormone can even provoke an onset of romantic feelings. Chemistry and anatomy come to fill the gaps: when a person is afraid, their pulse quickens, a cocktail of hormones is releasing into the blood, which sharpen the senses and reflexes. It will create a strong emotional bound, that's important for maintaining romantic kind of feelings. The more impressions there are (even negative ones), the higher the chance that person will remember his|her partner, and want to see them again – the body gets hooked on adrenaline, like a drug.

That’s why D&A have so strong, unshakeable boundaries. They are so alike: their attitude to scary things, the way Donnie and April cope with them, the adrenaline addiction their share. They even express feelings the same way.

And one tiny detail: April and Donnie start the teasing Raph for his fear of mrs. Cuddles. So they become the first victims of plushie.

Friendly reminder: they were the 1st victims, and what’s happened with them we don’t know, because it wasn’t shown due to not ruin the atmosphere of suspense.

But we have a beautiful quote of mrs. Cuddles and this precious shot which explain everything

Raph: Where’s Donnie?

Cuddles: In a happy place where he’ll scream and I can grow forever and now you’re gonna join him!

In a happy place, huh? Tied up with April in Splinter’s bedroom, a really happy place. Hold a sec, are they -

And after that Donnie’s responding is killing me.

Donnie:[OS] I'm afraid of togetherness.

Yep. All normal here. We should continue.

"Operation Normal" even though doesn't show a lot of interactions between April and Donnie, however continues the general outline highlighting the topics that were mentioned earlier in the show.

Firstly, April's relationship with her classmates. We're able to see how poor her scholar life is in "Hypno Part Deux" and "The Purple Jacket". She has no "normal", human friends except some strange remora guy, more like acquaintance than friend, though. But still, having "be normal" kick she's fine with Donnie's weirdness ( Mikey is always beyond all normal comprehension, Raph goes weird while he's alone, without brothers, and his fear of miss Cuddles is no big deal to fam, Leo didn't show any weird stuff during the series, like, reeeeal weird, m'kay?).

Conversation between April and Donnie at pizza spot

Really interesting and smooth scene. We’ve got Donatello who stares at April while he’s waiting his favourite pizza, no big deal.

And his legs.

If a person is interested in you, during a conversation, they will put their right foot forward (a left-handed person is more likely to put their left foot forward) in order to close the distance between you. - Check.

being in company, peson will point the sock at the most pleasant interlocutor for them. - check.

April’s legs are ponted at Donnie. Checkmate.

Yeah, April is hanging out with Donatello and Leonardo, but the main focus of hers is on Donnie.

All these scene makes me think that Donnie, knowing about how badly sometimes April wants to be normal, is up to help her overcome this. Fight fire with fire: fill up her life with all of this weird, mystic stuff so it will be normal with time. Regular people go to pizza spot to spend some quality time together, so we have pizza restaraunt here, in Hidden City. Make all odd normal, and problem will solved.

Donnie really tries his best, look at his face. Dee’s fine with all this bizzare things what happens to April, he’s fine with her. But still he fails, because April’s concept of normalcy differs drom Donnie’s.

And again, for Donnie it’s not a problem at all. He’s always was at the opposite side of normalcy and it doesn’t matter for him if April is in the same boat with him. Cause, as I said, Don’s fine with that.

Second, how much Donnie knows about April.

- Scoff! Are you really still on this whole "I want things to be normal" kick?

- Yes, what big city girl doesn't have a kayak and has hazmat suit?

Interesting detail here: this line launches Donnie’s flashback (because the first scene is from “Purple Jacket”, it’s Dee’s episode, obviously). And Don, as far as I can tell, has in his flashback moments with April when she did something reaaally impressive. His face is way more louder than any words.

- Short answer: no. Long answer: nnooooooooo.

- Oh, no! You know how April freaks out around the cosplay wizards!

These tiny lines are containing a lot of background, stories, intimate conversations that April and Donnie share. This show always does the same trick: we never see a direct action, we are only able to see a result or statement of the result. But series do a great work telling us with such small and imperceptible gestures that their bonding at this point is mutual. Not only D tells April about his inventions, family and fam's issues he has and even his falls, mistakes and failures. April does the same thing, sharing with Donatello one of the most important things to her. Problem that really bothers her.

C'mon, he'd even memorized Sunita's name, though April messed up with this situation a bit. It seems Donnie memorizes facts about April - he remembered the wi-fi password from old April's work as we can see in "The Longest fight" (he could hack it easily, he's a genius, why he's been keeping in mind some piece information that useless for a year? It doesn't make any sense)

Oh, and that. Just a coincidence, I guess?

Just alike suits, no big deal. Plus, the whole family has it (and something tells me that guys have suits at the behest of Don, so probably April does). But Donnie and April has a lot in common like emotional expressions, reaction about some kind situations, fight style and even tastes in fashion.

Also, it seems like Donnie's been watching April for sometimes.

While Leo was hiding in trash can, to not catch anyone's eye rather than April. He definitely couldn't know who was passing by, but there was Donnie to observe from above. That's why he was hanging down the stairs when Leo spoke to April.

It’s not the first time Donnie dress up as old lady to monitor April’s day.

Leo: Why do you always make us dress up as old ladies? Donnie: №1: confort, №2: to blend in as we monitor April’s day for max normalcy.

3. Even when D took away this cosplay wizard, he's still keeping eye on her.

Oh no, you don’t. Grandmas here!

Donatello changes his foe to save April exactly. He fought all evening with Brutus, but when April slightly gets in danger, Donnie just attacked anyone who has intention to hurt her and ruin her evening.

Is that a flying turtle in an old purple dress?

April, who all evening was trying to look “normal”, hiding her real friends because they are mutant turtles and pretending that nothing unusual happens here, finally gives up when Sunita mentioned Donnie. Even though new April’s friend has asked her before about Leo.

His eyes.

Donnie is really impressed but what he saw, and the reason - April O'Neil.

The episode "Warren & Hypno, sitting in a Tree" is another incredible piece of whole picture.

Turtle tank is decorated for April birthday in purplish scheme, definetely Donatello's work.

Dee's nonverbal speech.

• He seems more interested and softer than usual looking at April. It's easy to say comparing him with brothers. Mikey is in anticipation of fun mode, Leo relaxed and show his "whatever it will be fun" attitude, Raph is listening carefully, but still, Donnie could just turn his head in April's vouce direction, not a whole body.

• Warren felt Don's gaze while talked with April, so worm made the remark. Pay attention to the construction of the frame of neighboring scenes. The second frame is April's perspective. And Don is looking namely at her.

Indignation. Disappointment. Spark, storm, madness (i love this russian meme, sorry not sorry)

• Donnie seems sincerely sorry for this situation with April's b-day. And again, this soft gaze and "Raph, shut the shell up, your nonsense is upsetting her"-eyes.

• Donatello is kind of person, who’s avoiding a proper confrontation, so he rarely stands up for someone. He were remaining silent, when Raphael tried to cheer April in the most radiculous way, but when Hypno tried to play with April’s feelings, Donnie blew it.

He’s obviously in wrath as D emote that expressively. Yeah, he had much on his plate at April’s birthday, but it’s her b-day on the line, not his pride.

Warren used April, playing with her fan feelings. Her idol betrayed her, she was locked up in a cage, and now we have Hypno who wants to use her again by pitting and pushing for her compassion, because, it’s obvious - boys would do everything she said.

And Donnie tries to keep Hypno away from her, protect her feelings from another betrayal.

As he’s already stated - “For you, anything”.

The show always tells us: if you wanna trigger Don, bring April in.

Hypno tried to turn this thing around, Leo did the same in “Al be back”.

If Hypno-tamus did that accidentally as he found out that April O’ Neil is a birthday girl, so her wishes that day were laws, Leo did it on purpuse.

Leo is good at manupulating and pulling some strings, plus he knows his twin as back of his hand. That’s why Leo mentioned April in the end as she was always the most powerful argument, the reason and motive for Donnie. At second he’s even panicked, but remained calm. He almost blew up his coolheaded image because of one certain girl in yellow.

• Donnie is really happy to present Warren's arm to April. He even holds it like a rare, priceless treasure. D is really proud of himself right now: he saved the day, after all. The emotional reaction of hers is exactly what Donnie wants to get. And then, his final pose, while April is on 9th cloud from happiness - that's really territorial gesture, D claims his supremacy and confidence, telling "See? That's my happy birthday girl".

Leapfrog with a composition

Donnie and April are more and more eager to be together in the frame. Composition’s boners, m’kay.

Special ride for April

Yeah, Donnie used to offer his battleshell to give April a special ride. It even has a seat and handlebars for her comfort. She can control the flight as well as Donatello, they are like co-pilots. But he never carried her on his back before.

Usually, April is carried by Raphael, on his neck/shoulder, and she’s fine with it. Raph is strong enough to carry her without any difficulties or slowing down.

It’s not Donnie’s weak to carry her - no, he strong enough to carry his battleshell with a lot stuff in it everyday, Don can carry Splints on his shoulder without any apparent difficulty. He strong enough to hold the weight of his battleshell+April. Oh, c’mon, D assembled the Turtle tank only by himself and this for sure requires a lot of physical strength in order to engage in auto mechanics. Try lifting the wheel with tyre, and you'll see what I mean. Of course, there is a jack, but it will not solve all the problems. Don could use hydraulics and Archimedes ' laws, but I'm sure he did most of it with his own hands. Lifting and carrying, all by himself.

Not the strengh what’s matter but another point.

The sequence where Donnie carries April on his back doesn’t last long, it’s pretty easy to miss, while Raph openly do that with April on him.

Plus April’s gaze: she’s staring right at us with her “ninja-eyes” as if they were caught in the middle of something. The duration and length of the sequence, the way it is made all of this arouse certain thoughts.

It’s like nobody should see this. Too personal. To be more specific - too close and intimate?

Donnie stated a few times that he’s not into togetherness, tactile interaction and phisical side of contacts. Although he's fine with his brothers, don't forget that April is a girl. Even if she feels like part of family, she’s not his relative. She’s not his sister.

Some people tend to avoid physical contact with the objects of their interest. And this behaviour fits in Don’s character. He’s anxious type with a lot of psychological and emotional issues. Yeah, he tries to cover it up, built a shell to protect himself, behave as confident extravert but he’s nothing like that. Sometimes D tends to distance himself from his family, to hide in his shell, and we've seen that throughout the show.

Don hangs by his phone quite often, he addicted to this as his comfort zone, his peaceful cave, where everything is much easier,

Don pretends he’s so busy with his science stuff to ward off his brothers (ep. Mind Meld),

Don went to the lab to work on his projects, while he could hang out with April and the brothers (ep. Mrs. Cuddles). And he left for what? To work on self-cleaning tooth pick, or the titan bust of himself? It’s seems like lame excuse to be alone. He’s definetely an intovert, who sometimes needs some space and time with himself.

All his cocky behaviour is showing off to hide insecure, diffident and vulnerable creature, softshell purple turtle. Yeah, Donnie has confidence in what he’s great in: tech, science stuff, where he’s only one is capable of. But if someone steps on his domain or doubts his authority, his true colours exposed.

And, once again, “Mind meld” is a great evidence of that. Would callous, unsumpathetic guy without heart have a wall with pictures of his fellows? I’m afraid not. Donnie has a soft, caring heart.

There’s an alley of his the dearest moments, because photos - are always memory, precious moments we want to keep.

1 - from “Minotaur Maze”. Don loves good pizza, loves his brothers, and they have a little adventure together. Yeah, this photo isn’t on champ wall, but still.

2 - from “Mascot melee”. Important day for bros as they show themselves to people at daylight to rescue Raph and their operation to buy a new robe for his father. It’s their joint brothers dance, and D is loving to dance, remember? Definetely special occasion.

3 - from “Mascot melee”. Splints was really glad to receive a gift from boys. And Donatello, as we know, is always eager to achive for pop’s approval. This for sure must be in his precious moments collection.

5, 7 - from “Donnie’s gifts”. He even keeps a dorky photo, which Raph uses as profile pic at Donnie’s number.

8, 9 - “Down with the sickness”. It was funny to survive all the 7 stages to achive what boys wanted. They failed, but still.

10 - from “Al be back”. Who knows that Splints is so good at singing?

4, 6 - from “The Fast and the Furriest”. Strange choice, cuz, you know, photos ten seconds before his collision with April bat?

And yeah, he HAS April’s photo here. And at this pic it’s April, and April alone,without his brothers.

Don’s a real softie, see?

And avoiding physical contact is a way to protect Donnie’s already shattered self-esteem. To not cause any doubts in front of girl which he’s interested in. That’s possible reason why we did not receive any heartwarming hugs in “The Purple Jacket”.

But Donnie carries April, because it’s her birthday. On the one hand, the girl claims that her b-day is cursed, and Donnie could, by any chance, do something nice for her, and on the other hand - any request of the bithday girl - is the law, as we could see earlier.

Gift for birthday girl

There is no Donnie in the scene after Draxum throw off Warren's arm. While Raph comfort April about her birthday, Donnie was looking for it to present it to April.

He knows the best what is the most precious gift for her. Warren Stone, her idol, goat of making news; she have been in Stoneheads fanclub for 9 years. Also, it seems that Donnie is the one of turtles, who collected info about this worm.

Also, he stopped immediately when April stepped between them and show no disappointing (remind you about Donnie's sadistic science guy nature). The reason is April.

And another cute detail: their glasses are the same form.

Another episode "Mystic library" has slightly touched D&A interaction. But were talking about Apritello, it's all hints but quality.

When Mayham trapped in the mirror and Raph, Leo and Mikey obviously are not coping, April decides to call Donnie to clear situation up.

Donnie, mister "I ruin everything", she's going to call for help. I repeat this. April calls for help Mr. Science to solve mystic problems with her pet. MYSTIC PET.

And he AGREES.

Turtles dissuade their friend from calling Donatello but after a while, April returns with Donnie, and sees the bathroom in ruins.

I'm gonna clear this moment.

1. April haven’t called Donnie.

2. Some time later she returns with Dee.

3. Our girl is pretty shocked to see her bathroom in ruins, argo she didn't see/hear Raph chose to solve problem with smashing.

It must mean only ine thing: April went for Donnie by herself. We don't know where was he, we don't know what the reason April brought Donnie with her by herself, 'cause we know that if she call Dee, he will definitely get to her immediately.

Something is definetely off.

By the way, April changed Don’s profile pic.Yeah, the first one is very informative since Donnie is a turtle and he’s purple and he has bandana. Seems like April have done it by herself, editing the photo of real turtle. She didn't put a lot of effort into this, this image doesn't show her real attitude towards Don. But second is more personality-tinged. Sleeping Donatello in all his gear - this detail can tell us about only one thing - he was photographed when he fell asleep after his sleepless night(s) working hard at something - is something she can catch or receive by boys (namely speaking, it’s Leo, according to Ben Schwartz stated in an interview, that if Leo had an Instagram account, that 60 to 70% of his photos would be his brothers caught sleeping or slipping on things). And still. April has a dorky and little embarrassing pic of Donatello and this is... Interesting and cute?

This profile pic remind me about ROTTMNT: Sound off! (2nd issue)

The next station is “The Purple Game”.

Another episode in which the interaction of the characters is small in timing, but great in content.

And once again: they have a lot in common. I’d never tired of repeating this thing ‘cause the series do the same trick, showing one thing from different points of view. April and April shares the same taste in games, the same attitude, the same mojo.

But the most important thing here is how D&A interacrions are shown in this episode. Unlike other episodes, the interaction here is indirect, is provided by gaming.

Their customized avatars reflects their personality. I mean, the colour schemes (though Donatello has never shown any interest in yellow, he used it for customization of his persona), the way their avatars looking. Game even refering to Sherlock_Corn as “she”, albeit it’s impossible to refer to her avatar in female pronoun. Because, you know, design and nickname?

And the in-game interaction of the avatars resembles D&A irl relationships. Bootyyyshaker 9000 don’t like togetherness, he’s looking like Donnie’s expectation of himself (cool and tough guy, as D sees himself in his own dreams)

Their dialogue

Actually. Actually, Donnie and April are not able to hear each other as game has no voice chat, but their lines make an perfect dialogue nevertheless.

April:Bootyshaker9000? Donnie?

Donnie:April? You’re the last person I need to destroy to achive rank №1!

April:Ditto!

Both:There can only be one!

Donnie said the cheat combination, so April would know for sure what he is supposed to do, but she has no idea.

So, once again: their sync is incredible.

And can we talk about that?

April’s attack

As it seems, attacks may be customized by players. Bootyyshaker has attack that refers at Donatello main feature - superior intellect.

And this attack isn’t effective, because REAL April O’Neil has a resist towards it. She has known D for years, she knows what he’s capable of, she’s aware of his nerd side. April’s immune to it, so Sherlock_Corn is.

Sherlock_corn has a default attack - kernel cannon. It’s nod to her nickname: kernel, corn, the same book. But her second atteck is something reflecting her personalitiy. Plus, April is aware of Donnie’s “fear” of togetherness. All’s fair in love and war, right?

April took a lot of BS9000 hp by her “friendly hugs”. And, by the way, his sweet reaction for hugs.

So:

The selection of the final opponent. It might be literally anyone, but we wouldn’t be able to see Dee’s obsession in that case. Yeah, he’s already had a demon possesion ™, but it was too easy to him to win. No challenge. No “kill or be killed”, “It’s me or you” mojo. He needed some tough gamer for challenging, to develop his character, push him too far. And April, actually, is an excellent choice to reveal the character of certain purple turtle.To expose his true colours. And April do a great job: they know each other, so battle will be spicy, they are both compepitors, they are so alike, so it would be intersting to watch Donatello vs April. And it will, ‘cause In-game April and In-game Don is somewhat different than them usual.

April is Don’s slayer for sure. She’s good at gaming, her last attack was almost fatal for him. So he had to to cheated on her.

Captain Cuddlecakes. Yes, she know about his afraid of togetherness. And there’s lovey-dovey attack animation with this cuddling and Donatello’s persona behaves like him. And it was SPECIAL RUN, so... I haven’t the foggiest why. Cute detail, I mean.

Just look at it. Isn’t it cute?(at least we got their hugs somewhere... kinda. kinda.)

“Snow Day“, albeit being family episode, shows a lot about D&A relationship through “family war”.

First of all, the same taste in films.

Donnie’s already shown the same attitude to fashion, scary things as Cap O'Neil, April shares the same gamer’s mojo as Donatello, but now? We have Donnie and April that are loving the same movie.

For love of purple supernovas, of all the Jupiter Jim’s movies (and there are more than 60 of them), that's a convinient coincidence, they like the same movie.

It stated in series several times that Dee is fond of Atomic Lass. He had crush on her when he was child, he admires her by all his heart, so it will make sense if films with this character he would be his favourite. It’s logical, isn’t it?

Atomic Lass, even if she is part of JJ-universe, however, isn't in every movie. Leo described "JJ: Pluto vacation IV" and there is no sights of Atomic Lass. Like, at all.

Nevertheless, April’s claimed that “PV-4” is the best movie of the time, and Don agrees.

April:What the whaaaat? Hold up, Skip. “Jupiter Jim Pluto Vacation 4″ is the best JJ movie of all time.

Donnie:Ranked, by us, just now. So it’s basically official, no arguing.

And they do this thing again. Reflecting each other. Facial expressions, intonations, poses and etc. Haven’t I mentiones that? Mirroring is natural way to build communication. People, who communicate enthusiastically, who have sympathy to each other, feelings of certain nature, unconsciously copy each other's poses.

Direct reflection and close contact have a strong effect. This is used between lovers, people with close relationships or interested in each other.

And you can see that during not only episode, but through the whole series.

Poses, gestures, facial expressions they share constantly. Even if they are apart, they are mirroring each other, showing their bound. Because Apritello is not always about sitting close, holding hands and blushing. Apritello is about staying together even if they are not. It’s about solid foundation, about synergy, about chemistry Donnie and April share. And all of these are not always so obvious and clear, evident. But so realistic nevertheless.

And that’s why they splitted off the fam - they are too close and alike.

I stated it before but DonniexApril team is way more effective than Donniexbrothers team. Donatello and April are equal, worth each other. They are comfortable with each other, their teamwork is amazing.

They are always near, close to each other for the entire episode. Stand up for each other, side by side. They have no need to do team-building, because their sincronization is incredible. April works well together with Donnie, their skills compliment each other.

I love that April in a first place look at Donnie to check is everything alright.

And a cherry on top?

This inviting gesture. Donnie just watched all along how his brothers and April try to throw some cold water on this situation (khem, it slipped). But when April call him with this inviting gesture, he’d like to help.

In other words, he was waitng when April requests for his help.

Composition’s boners

Sometimes it happens during the show, but this episode beat hte score at this point. I say only one word: physics. Or, more precisely, the force of attraction. Or, maybe Mayham.

... Anyway.

Fitting in the type

April can play not so nice against her enemies, she got steady hand and meanness, merciless and reclessness. She’s passionate and kinda badass, sassy - in a positive way, she’s baddest girl who can kick your butt if you mess with her, and she really good at this.

She has a fire, and Donnie likes that. Dee never stated that directly but miss O’Neil impressed him so many times and in different way so it’s kinda pretty obvious.

Just look how Donatello reacted the way April took Raph down a peg. Her actions are elegant, relaxed but really sly. She almost dare Raph to put his flag on top only to bring him down to Earth in really painful way. She destroyed Bros’ team so easily just by waiting a bit and by calling Mayham.

She’s definetely got some pepper.

Pretty cute but baddest, don’t you think?

And Donnie was impressed for sure, he admitted it - “That is fun for me”. He don’t even stand a chance, c’mon: she’s smarass and elegant, she can be mean and cute at the same time.

Even though that’s it for season 1 analysis (the last series is more appropriate to review as part of 2nd season, plus it was a reaally big post, I need some time)

You can refresh this whole situation in the car 1 and the car 2 or follow the hashtag #apritello express as you please. It’s a pleasure of mine, keep in touch :)

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bloodredx · 3 years

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Day 4: Medicine

It had been centuries since she first took up the practice, and if anyone knew the truth, one might argue that Lady Serena had invented the concept of modern medicine in Glacidea. She of course, would deny that if pressed, but fortunately no one would know to bring up the claim in the first place. One would just need to take one look around her office’s “collection of antique medical equipment” to see how things have changed over the years. Of course, these were really just a collection of favorite tools she herself used, some more delicate than others. Still, even knowing the good memories of helping people, saving lives, and removing pain from those who so desperately needed the care, the lingering knowledge of death would forever chase her.

Perhaps when she was younger, and felt more guilt over her position in unlife, particularly over the damage she had past caused, that death’s hand being right next to her own would have made her quiver. No longer, for Serena was now quite confident with the fact that Adamsa Frisay often accompanied her on her lonely walks down the hospital’s hallways. The God of the End was the most mysterious of the pantheon, but that never changed the sad kinship she felt when reflecting upon that inevitability, even for herself. Though she’d been plenty successful in not meeting him just yet.

Still, she was no god. And no matter what, people died. Her eyes scanned the test results quickly, keeping pace with the strip of paper the blood chemistry machine was printing out. “Lymphocytes dangerously low…” The doctor pulled up her patient’s chart as she remained unsurprised. His blood smelled that way, even as she loaded it into the machine. “Ketone high as well. Just into the brink of acidosis.”

The Lady took a sip from a coffee mug, cheekily printed with a label to “Donate Blood!” Of course the substance within was the result of such generosity, but the taste of good blood still didn’t overpower the smell of her patient’s blood. “Creatinine is also sky rocketing.” She tutted her tongue as she made notes in her precise cursive.

Icarus, who never felt truly comfortable in the lab, seemed able to put aside his general discomfort for once to take interest in his mentor’s work for once. “Do you always talk to yourself this much while working?”

Serena shot him a look with targeted precision. “Does it bother you?”

Her ward nearly recoiled, lifting his hands in defense. “Not at all. I meant to ask, does it help you?”

“Organize my thoughts, yes. I suppose it’s more routine at this point.” She laid her pen down on the counter, and pulled the read out of results from the printer. Another sip of her mug as she crinkled her nose. “Does the smell not bother you?”

“Of that man’s blood?” Icarus raised his brow. “A little, now that you mention it. But it’s still so intoxicating in any other way.”

“Hmm.” Serena noted his response before turning to face him, a stern expression on her face.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s dying.” She took another measured sip of blood. “Critical failure of his kidneys and liver to an extent that he would not survive the wait list for a transplant. For either organ.”

Though it had been years that he’d known the Lady now, her bluntness never sat easy with him. Even more so at the weight for a potential death. “Anything you can do?”

“An ignorant question.” She concluded quickly. “There is much we can attempt, dialysis, intense regiments of drugs that would otherwise cause innumerable side effects to his overall quality of life. But the fact remains he was rolled into my ER unconscious and so affected by jaundice that even running these tests for a few minutes has cut off the effectiveness of any treatment by hours. Days even.”

“So you’ll let him die?” Icarus stood up, feeling heat coursing through his veins. Though he wasn’t sure what the cause was, certainly the Lady could be cruel, but she wasn’t heartless. At least not to that extent.

“Everyone dies, Icarus. Even us.” Her voice was icy, flat against the sterile lab environment. “But that being said, I have ideas of options for his family. Ultimately, that’s their choice, his fate. And you had best believe I’ll go through with any plan they approve to my best ability. I’ll move mountains, drain seas, and plug volcanos for them. But I am merely a medical tool, I can no better stop the inevitable than you can stop time eroding history.”

A silent standoff went off within Icarus’s mind. She was right on one level. But she did have other choices. One that most other doctors didn’t. “Have you ever thought about embracing someone?”

He regretted the question the second it left his lips, wincing reflexively to avoid the sour expression and lecture his mentor was sure about to bury him under. But after a few moments of extended quiet, he cracked an eyelid to see what stopped her from her relentless fury.

Instead of the traditional scowl, her face was heavy with an emotion he hadn’t seen on Serena. Was it sadness? Remorse? He couldn’t tell, but her lips frowned in a softer angle than he had seen before, and for once she had broken her near constant, near dominating eye contact. No, she was staring squarely at her own wrists, eyes following the too dark veins that crossed under her pale skin. She a drew a deep breath, one that both of them knew was unneeded, but still an element to any conversation, no matter the need of oxygen, before opening her mouth slowly to speak.

“I would love to lie to you and say no, it hasn’t.” A pause, unlike her. “But I am many things, a liar is not included amongst them.” A finger traced alongside the veins as she continued. “It would be very easy, the most perfect cure to illness, and a near perfect one to death entirely. And though I am quite content with my existence, I cannot find nor guarantee that anyone else would be. To be thrust upon bloodlust without even knowing it, to be so sick and nearly gone to meet the gods again, and then be thrown back to the world with such darkness taken within them. I cannot ordain such behavior.

“There was an opportunity long ago where I could have done so to save someone I loved above all else at the time, to change the entire history of my world. But I wouldn’t, no, couldn’t do it. And the world has never been the same for me since.” She stepped away from the counter, taking a few stride to where Icarus was sitting, all in order to place a calm hand on his shoulder. “I cannot ask someone to follow me to where I am, but I have thought of it. It’s almost a feature of the blood; that we make more of ourselves to survive. However, I only ask that if you come upon the chance to find yourself in my shoes, that you won’t fall back to the easy fix, the snake oil cure. Vampire blood does much, but it takes much more than it gives. Practice good medicine in all that you do. I would hope I’ve rubbed off enough on you to leave you with that guidance if nothing else.”

Icarus felt himself frown as he tracked the glow of light in her brown eyes. What could he say in response to that? Certainly nothing snippy as he normally would, no. Heaviness sat in the air a moment, lingering like cigar smoke before he broke her gaze. “Of course, Lady Serena. I won’t do anything to disappoint you.”

Her hand dropped down to his, lifting them to chest level as she squeezed them tightly. “I know you won’t.”

The tenderness struck him, but then again so did everything else about this exchange. And he knew a little bit better the exact person his mentor was. While he could do little in the nature of medicine that she could, he could at the very least go on with the same grip on existence. “You have a life to fight for.” He returned the squeeze to her hand before letting go with a little push.

Her normal features snapped back into place, resetting the scene as if it had never happened in the first place. “That I do. Please excuse me.”

(OC-tober challenge by @oc-growth-and-development can be found here)

#Lady Serena #Icarus #vampire #oc-tober #oc tober #blood #medicine #death #dying #writers on tumblr #bloodredx writes #embrace #hospital

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curewhimsy · 3 years

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Vocal Synth Total Drama Island AU Concept (so far)

———Very Short Character Introductions——— (56 campers in all, aged 14-18) Haku Yowane- A sweet, lonely, sensitive girl with a lot of heart. Age 17. Neru Akita- A courageous tomboy who is misunderstood. Age 17. Miku Hatsune- A bubbly, cheerful, outgoing girl with a lot of friends. Age 15. Luka Megurine- An artistic girl who has a bit of anxiety. Good friends with Meiko. Age 18. Teto Kasane- A bubbly, cheerful girl with an unexpected temper and badass side. Age 15. Megumi “Gumi”- A bit shy, but underneath, she is very brave and resourceful. Age 16. Meiko Sakine- The Mom Friend. Confident and likes to help people. Age 18. Momo Momone- The nicest girl, to the point of being a pushover… Age 15. Rin Kagamine- Unhinged gremlin sibling 1. Loves causing mayhem. Age 14. Len Kagamine- Unhinged gremlin sibling 2. Loves causing chaos. Age 14. Eleanor Forte- The mean girl and drama queen. Cause of lots of drama. Age 17. Kaito Shion- The dorky boy who always has a cheesy smile on his face. Age 17. Akaito Shion- The moody playboy. More serious than Kaito, but bad-tempered. Age 18. Koto Fuuga- Nature girl. Knows all about bird calls, animal behavior, and more. Age 16. Taya Soune- An extremely polite guy. Always dresses formally. Always. Age 15. Ruko Yokune- Despite her height and quirky love of coffee, quite level-headed. Age 15. Ritsu Namine- Loud and obnoxious, but has a caring and wise side? Age 15. Merli Aoki- A snobby, pretentious girl. Not Like Other Girls. Age 17. Lapis Aoki- Mischievous and up to trouble. Merli’s sister. Age 15. Gakupo Kamui- He’s… just strange. And eccentric. And awkward. Age 17. Miku “Zatsune”- A wannabe goth. Basically, she’s in training. Thinks she’s edgy. Age 15. Uta “Defoko” Utane- A sarcastic, moody teenage girl. But she does have a sweet side. Age 15. Dell Honne- Haku’s grumpy, angsty half brother she hasn’t seen in years. Age 18. Yuuma- The popular boy. Eleanor likes him. Can be materialistic. Age 18. Dandy “704”- A very arrogant and vain guy. Quite selfish and loves to show off. Age 18. “Lady” Parsec- A commanding bully who demands and orders people around. Age 17. Yuu- A cheerful guy who likes parties and fun. Age 16. Wil- A somewhat quiet, mysterious guy who keeps to himself. Age 16. Kyo- A wild guy who is impulsive and kind of dumb. Age 16. Daina- Basically, she’s a furry. Her fursona is a fox. Age 17. Dex- Basically, he’s a furry. His fursona is a wolf. Age 17. Ruby- A girl who likes memes and is basically just vibing through life. Age 16. Yukari Yuzuki- A modest girl who has a crush on Ruby. Easily impressed. Age 16. Shian- An innocent girl who is also quick-tempered and pouts easily. Age 14. Muxin- A kind, knowledgeable boy. He loves history and astronomy. Age 14. IA- A bit mysterious and seems cold and expressionless. Age 16. Piko Utatane- Shy, quiet, and cold. Gets along with Muxin due to similar interests. Age 15. Genbu- Overly-enthusiastic and brash. A bit of a loudmouth. Age 18. Chiyu- Bold, brash, and brave. Kind-hearted and strong. Age 17. Haiyi- Talks a lot. Usually has something up her sleeve. A prank perhaps? Age 16. Leeds Kasumiga- A timid girl with a mysterious heart illness that inhibits her. Age 14. Mew- A real goth, unlike Zatsune, who is a goth-in-training. Age 18. Tei Sukone- A dastardly, manipulative villain who fools people, then bites. Age 16. Cider- A smug, self-absorbed inventor of elaborate but stupid inventions. Age 17. Bruno- An agreeable, outgoing guy who likes spreading good vibes. Age 18. Clara- Bruno’s girlfriend. A little bit timid, but always kind and optimistic. Age 17. Aku Yamine- Quiet and a bit melancholic. She’s… a different type of goth. Emo? Age 14. Lily- A tough high-school delinquent who stands up for the weak. Age 17. Amy- Cheerful, optimistic, yet quite chill. Doubts herself often however. Age 16. Chris- He might be a big guy, but he is quite shy and very gentle. Age 18. Kaori- She seems confident and bright on the outside, but hides sadness? Age 17. Ken- He’s talkative, smart, kind of a dork, but very focused and brave. Age 17. Iroha Nekomura- Innocent and sweet, but agile, with cat-like reflexes. Age 14. SeeU- Energetic, hyperactive, makes bad puns, silly, makes bad puns… Age 16. Kiyoteru Hiyama is the host of the game show. Big Al is in the role of Chef. ——Episodes——— Prologue 1- Introduction to concept. Characters see the advertisement for the game show and contemplate going on it. The winner gets a million dollars! Prologue 2- Introduction to characters via their audition videos, part 1. Kiyoteru chooses contestants. Prologue 3- Introduction to characters via their audition videos, part 2. Kiyoteru chooses contestants. Episode 1- Everyone arrives at Total Drama Island and meets each other. Some get along, and many clash. Notable big-drama-causers include Tei, Eleanor, Dandy, Parsec, Cider, Merli sometimes, and Zatsune sometimes. Koto, Genbu, Ritsu, Haiyi, Daina, and Dex stick out for being especially wild. But really, everyone’s unique personality contributes to the drama and pot of chemistry in their own way. Another camper who sticks out is Gakupo Kamui, who enthusiastically boasts about his skills in martial arts and how ready he is to win Total Drama Island. He begins to get on the nerves of the other campers. “I can out-run, out-kick, out-sing, out-wit, and even out-PISS anybody else here.” Gakupo says. “Well, can you do us a favor and GET-out?” Meiko says. Episode 2- Campers have to jump off a one thousand-foot cliff into a shark-infested lake. Then they have to pull some crates back to camp, and the team from before with the most people who jumped get carts to help them. Then they have to build a hot tub from material found in the crates. The team with the best hot tub wins the challenge. The campers who were too scared to jump off the cliff have to wear chicken costumes for the rest of the day. Despite his incessant bragging previously, Gakupo is one of the few campers who does not jump off the cliff, because it is revealed he is scared of heights, sharks, AND deep water! He even pisses himself and dramatically faints when he gets close to the edge of the cliff... and then he faints off the cliff! However, his jump isn’t accounted for, because Gakupo was not conscious during his fall. Luka has to be the one to jump in after and rescue him! This causes Gakupo of The Dangerous Dolphins to be the first campter voted off. “Well… I guess he was right about out-pissing everyone here.” Neru laughs. The other campers too scared to jump are Taya, Dandy, Eleanor, Clara, Muxin, Chris, and Kaito. Haku is at first too scared, but her best friend Neru encourages her to be brave. They jump together and yell funny things on the way down. Even though Eleanor is scared, she ends up going over anyway after Chiyu pushes her off the cliff, being sick of Eleanor’s arrogance. However, it isn’t even accounted for, because Eleanor did not jump by her own will. Clara is too frightened and doesn’t make the jump, which is surprising, because she was so enthusiastic before. However, her boyfriend Bruno jumped without her… Taya takes one look down the cliff and starts backing away, crying from fear. He feels ashamed that he’s so scared, but he cannot help it. He gets pats on the back from Clara. Dandy makes an excuse as to why he can’t jump. He says he has an open wound from a fencing accident. In reality, Dandy does not fence. Muxin is too scared, but asserts that he doesn’t have to jump off the cliff if he doesn’t want to, and that the challenge is ridiculous. He then comforts Taya, who is curled up sobbing, and tells him not to feel shame. Taya and Muxin become friends, but sadly are on different teams. Chris is too scared and actually starts crying too. People don’t expect it. Kaito is scared to jump, panics and makes a bit of a scene, and is then picked on and belittled by his brother Akaito for the rest of the day. Kaito then vows he will become braver from here on. Braver, and stronger! Leeds actually does jump from the cliff, but it causes her heart to become weak and she has trouble walking for the rest of the day. Some of the members on her team rudely deem her a nuisance, but others tell her to take it easy and understand her. Afterwards, Clara gets a bit sour at Bruno, who is her boyfriend, for jumping the cliff without noticing she was too scared. Koto jumps the cliff and she actually has fun. But afterwards, she wears a chicken suit anyway, because she loves birds. Episode 3- The challenge is to stay awake the longest in the "Awake-A-Thon" after running twenty-kilometers and eating a huge meal that includes turkey, which is known for making people sleepy. Dell of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for falling asleep first. He generally has a bad attitude and is apathetic. Haku feels heartbroken because Total Drama Island was the first time she had seen Dell since her parents’ divorce (by complete chance, even,) and he is not the warm person he used to be. Also, the time was so short. But unexpectedly, Dell acts nice to Haku right before he leaves, calling her to his room when he’s packing to go off the island. They have a nice conversation. Before Haku says goodbye, Dell says “Listen, I’m just not cut out for this wacky game. So you better win. I KNOW you can do it.” Haku begins crying and hugs Dell. Just like when they were kids. There will eventually be a list of who falls asleep first to last, but that’s quite convoluted. So I will say Dell falls asleep first, and Ruko second. Campers were not allowed to drink coffee during the challenge, rendering our Long Sleeper without access to her “secret weapon.” Koto stays up the longest, because she is a bird lover and loves birds too much to consume them. She was the only one who didn’t eat any turkey with her meal, and therefore didn’t become as sleepy. Also simply because she is badass and feral. Episode 4- A best-of-five dodgeball game. Five people are randomly chosen on each team. This is repeated three times for a total of three rounds of dodgeball. The Dangerous Dolphins win 2 out of 3 games. Zatsune of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for being scared of dodgeball. It was a fear ingrained into her from her elementary school days, when the “dodgeball kids would bully her.” Sadly, since Zatsune always acts so cocky, nobody feels much sympathy now. Taya and Muxin want to spend time with each other. Being on different teams, they can’t, and are deemed traitors. But when Tei, on Taya’s team, suggests Taya could get valuable information about the other team via Muxin, Taya refuses to sabotage their friendship. This causes Tei to begin picking on Taya… Episode 5- A three-on-three talent show contest. Dex of The Killer Porpoises gets voted off for no reason. He wasn’t even in the talent show! Dandy wanted to get chosen by his team, the Dangerous Dolphins, to be in the talent show, claiming his “talent” was unmatched. However, he wasn’t chosen because he didn’t exactly have any real actual skills despite his claim! Taya, Luka, and Gumi are eventually chosen by the Dangerous Dolphins for their talents in music. Luka will play piano, Taya will play the violin, and Gumi will play the electric bass as they all sing a song cover. This causes Dandy to criticize their every note and call them amateur. Given Taya and Gumi’s low self-esteem, Dandy’s criticism gets to them before the final talent show. As for the Killer Porpoises, Yuuma, Ritsu, and IA get chosen as the team’s musicians. They form more of an idol dance group, with a pre-recorded background track. (It will also be a cover.) The Dangerous Dolphins actually win. If they were to have lost, Dandy would’ve probably been the one voted off for being a prick. Episode 6- Campers have to go to the forest, stay out there overnight, then race back to the campgrounds in the morning. Yukari of the Killer Porpoises gets voted off. See, it wasn’t really Yukari’s fault, but… she got attacked by a bear and is now too injured to stay for the game, so the voting off was mandatory, even though the Killer Porpoises otherwise won. Everyone becomes more-or-less traumatized at this, and feel very hurt for Yukari. Episode 7- Campers have to face their worst fear, specific to each camper. Yuuma gets voted off. Koto’s worst fear is the perfume department from Spongebob, because that scene scarred her as a little kid. So the host of the game show, Kiyoteru, magically opens a door to the perfume department at a real department store and Koto has to walk through it. Koto only makes it 5 steps in before she runs out, screaming. She does not pass her fear test! Yuuma is scared of the Crab Rave because there are too many crabs. So he is taken to a part of the island overrun by crabs, and Kiyoteru turns on the Crab Rave song and they all start dancing. Yuuma dives into the water screaming. But the crabs chase him. He doesn’t pass his fear test. Taya attempts to outwit Kiyoteru and pretends he is afraid of strawberry shortcake, which is actually his favorite food. But everyone remembers how scared he was in the first challenge at the cliff. So Taya’s specific challenge is to jump off the cliff this time… Episode 8- Row a canoe to Boney Island, portage across the island, start a bonfire, and canoe back to camp. Wil gets voted off. Episode 9- Hunt the other team dressed as deers with paintball guns, or if one is a deer, avoid being hit by them. Piko gets voted off. Episode 10- Create a three-course meal for Kiyoteru to judge. Three chefs are chosen from each team. Miku gets voted off. Episode 11- Participate in a set of three-out-of-five trust exercises. Shian gets voted off. Episode 12- Make it through Big Al’s life-threatening and disgusting boot-camp challenges. IA gets voted off. Episode 13- Participate in three extreme sport challenges. The challenges are "sofa skydiving", riding a moose while avoiding being tossed off it, and water-skiing on mud. Lapis gets voted off. Episode 14- Eat a nine course meal of disgusting food made by Big Al. Drink shot glasses of blended cockroaches. Yuu gets voted off. Episode 15- Episode 16- Episode 17- Episode 18- Episode 19- Episode 20- Episode 21- Episode 22- Episode 23- Episode 24- Episode 25- Episode 26- Episode 27- Episode 28- Episode 29- Episode 30- Episode 31 Episode 32- Episode 33- Episode 34- Episode 35- Episode 36- Episode 37- Episode 38- Episode 39- Episode 40- Episode 41- Episode 42- Episode 43- After this challenge, the teams are disbanded. It’s now every camper for themself. Episode 44- Get through several rounds of torture, lasting at least ten seconds in each one. Eleanor gets voted off because she can’t take torture. Episode 45- Receive a clue to find a key hidden somewhere in the island to open a treasure chest containing a prize. Ritsu found a dud chest and his prize was… getting voted off. Episode 46- Avoid getting sprayed by Big Al’s water gun in a game of hide and seek. Parsec gets voted off. Good riddance! Episode 47- Build a bike from scratch, and then race it. Who rides who’s bike? Anyway, Dandy gets voted off. Probably because he’s 7 foot 4 and huge. He probably broke all the bikes. Episode 48- Watch a horror movie and then avoid being captured by a "deranged killer". Gumi gets voted off because she was scared. Episode 49- Catch the specific animal assigned by Kiyoteru and bring it back to the campground unharmed. Taya had to bring back a raccoon. He came back first. Koto had to bring back a bear. She came back second. What a total beast! And I’m talking about KOTO! Genbu had to bring back an eagle. He came back third. Leeds had to bring back a frog. She came back fourth. Kaito had to being back a squirrel. He came back fifth. Haku had to bring back a moose. She came back sixth. Tei gets sent off because she couldn’t bring back a mere chipmunk. The little chipmunk was trained in king-fu and ended up beating her up! Hooray! Episode 50- Compete in the following while handcuffed to one of the other campers: eat disgusting food with your hands behind your back while the person handcuffed to you feeds you, return a fragment of Haku’s cursed tiki idol to Boney Island, and assemble a totem pole with the wooden heads of the voted out campers in the order that they are eliminated. Taya gets voted off. Episode 51- Campers have to find Kiyoteru and Big Al after being washed away by a storm. Leeds gets voted off because her condition came to its worse. Her weak heart had finally failed on her and she suffered a heart attack. She was doing so good in the game despite her shortcomings, and will serve as an inspiration for many. Leeds will not die. She is in good hands. She will get top medical care. Now, a twist is revealed to the audience. Everyone who was voted off actually went to go to a beautiful island resort. The remaining campers still don’t know about this. When Leeds finally gets consciousness back, she finds she is in paradise. At first, she thinks she is dead. The room then fills up with everyone else voted off, and she begins crying. “They really killed you?” She cries. “No, Leeds!” Yukari says. “You’re alive! You made it… to Paradise Island!” Episode 52- An episode dedicated to the Island of Losers, which is actually a five-star island resort paradise. Yukari has fully recovered from her injuries. Gakupo and all the others who were eliminated early finally get their time to shine! The losers will also be involved in the episodes to come, as they will be the audience. Episode 53- The campers have to find their way back to camp after being left in the wild with limited supplies. Unexpectedly, our total beast, Koto Fuuga, comes back last. Rumors have it, this is because she found a bird sanctuary and got distracted. Episode 54- Survive a series of dares, given by the eliminated campers until someone drops out. Haku is forced to do something horrible by Tei. Tei dares Haku to joke around and portray offensive stereotypes. On national TV. She just can’t do it… She drops out, but not before insulting Tei to her face. But Kaito says Haku made the right choice. She sacrificed her chance to win a million dollars so that Tei didn’t have to force her to make a choice that could hurt people when they see it on TV. Kaito thinks Haku deserves an amazing consolation prize. Genbu respects Haku for this as well. Episode 55- The two remaining campers have to climb a pole and retrieve a flag, walk across a board on top of shark-infested waters while carrying an eagle's egg, and run a race to cross the finish line. Kaito is about to give up… but… There is ice cream at the finish line! Kaito makes a mad dash to the finish line and wins Total Drama Island!! Episode 56- Kaito won! But there is a twist. In order to actually win the million dollars, he has to find the a case containing the $1,000,000 and bring it to the Dock of Shame before anyone else does! This is a race between him and all the other campers! If any of the other campers being it to the Dock of Shame before Kaito, there will be a whole second season of Total Drama Island, and Kaito will have to win all over again before he gets his million dollars… ———Teams——— ———The Dangerous Dolphins——— Taya Chiyu Meiko Kyo Koto Tei Momo Neru Akaito Clara Gakupo Gumi Shian Dandy Luka Merli Daina Haiyi Lily Len Amy Ken SeeU Cider Teto Haku Uta ———The Killer Porpoises——— Yuuma Zatsune Mew Eleanor Ruby Dell Kaito Ruko Ritsu Wil Leeds Genbu Dex Bruno Iroha Miku Piko IA Chris Kaori Yuu Parsec Rin Lapis Yukari Aku Muxin ———Notable relationships——— Familial- Akaito and Kaito are brothers. Lapis and Merli are adoptive sisters. Haku and Dell are half-siblings who don’t live together, and haven’t seen each other in years before Total Drama Island. Rin and Len are twin siblings. Haku and Miku are cousins. Amy and Chris are cousins. Kaori and Ken are twin siblings, yet distant. They didn’t grow up in the same household. Ruko has a close cousin named Rook, who isn’t on TDI. Momo has an older brother, Momotaro, who isn’t on TDI. Uta has a younger sister, Koe, and two older brothers, Hibiki and Kanade, who aren’t on TDI. Teto has an older brother, Ted, who isn’t on TDI. Leeds has an older brother, Loop, who isn’t on TDI. Yukari has a little sister named Akari who isn’t on TDI. IA has a little sister named One who isn’t on TDI. Friendship- Miku, Rin, Len, and Luka have been a group of friends before TDI Haku and Neru were best friends before TDI Dex and Daina were best friends before TDI Momo, Teto, and Uta were best friends before TDI Ruko meets Ritsu and they become best friends Taya and Muxin become unlikely friends, despite being on different teams Romance- Bruno and Clara were dating before TDI Teto and Momo’s friendship eventually becomes romance. Haku meets Luka and they form a budding romance Amy meets Kaori and they form a budding romance Taya meets Uta and they form a budding romance Muxin meets Piko and they form a budding romance Lily meets Gumi and they form a budding romance Crushes- Len has always a crush on Miku. Tei has an obsessive crush on Kaito. Yukari has a crush on Ruby. Leeds has an embarrassing crush on Genbu. Eleanor has a crush on Yuuma. Ken has a crush on Chris. Dandy has a crush on Parsec. Akaito has a crush on Haku. Zatsune has a crush on Mew. She denies it. Gumi has a crush on IA. Dislike- Dandy and Cider always fight… with a weird sort of tension. Akaito and Uta don’t get along Miku Zatsune and Miku Hatsune don’t get along Lily and Merli don’t get along (MORE COMING SOON)

#vocaloid #utau #synth v #synthesizer v #chipspeech #total drama island #my writing #au #brainstorm #vacation #life of pastell #fanfic #fic #fav

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wildwoodgoddess · 2 years

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Notes From 221B: Chapter 3--Fingerprints All Over It

The man looked up at our approach, and his face crinkled into a bright smile. “Stamford!” He slid off his stool and strode toward us, a glass beaker with an attached nozzle in one hand. “Come, come! I’ve done it—I’ve created a reagent that can reveal hidden fingerprints. You’ll want to see this.”

A Study In Garnet, by Meredith Rose

In chapter 3 of my femlock Sherlock Holmes story, A Study In Garnet, my Holmes—oh, er, I mean “Sherrington Hope”—is at the Royal Free Hospital’s chemistry lab working on her invention of a reagent that will reveal hidden fingerprints. In today’s “Notes from 221B,” I’m going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at that experiment and the real history of fingerprinting. You can read the chapter, as well as read all the chapters I’ve posted so far here on my website.

In the original A Study In Scarlet, when Stamford brings Dr. Watson to the lab at Barts Hospital, Holmes is working on a reagent that will identify blood stains. I wanted to do a call back to the original story without it being repetitive. There’s no sense in writing a female version of canon Sherlock Holmes if all it means is changing the gender of the original text! So in my story, Holmes is working on a different invention—a reagent (a chemical or compound added to something to cause a chemical reaction) that can reveal hidden fingerprints.

In the original, Holmes’ discovery (set in about 1881, published in 1887) is based on an 1853 experiment that could detect whether a stain was blood or not. But it couldn’t identify the difference between human blood and that of other animals. This is obviously an important distinction to make in a criminal investigation. A method to determine whether blood is human or not wasn’t developed until 1901, and it would be a few more years after that before it began to be used in court cases.

When I was reimagining this scene, I wanted to come up with something that would be similarly ahead of its time, and yet still in the flow of the forensic science happening in the 1870’s and early 80’s. Fingerprints seemed like a natural topic.

Humans have been aware of the uniqueness of fingerprints for millennia. The Babylonians were fingerprinting people who were arrested way back in 1750’s BCE, as well as later using them to sign contracts. China also had the fingerprint thing figured out pretty early, using them for criminal investigation by at least 200 CE and identification by at least 650 CE.

Europeans were slower to catch on, and in typical fashion, thought they were making a startling new discovery when they started analyzing fingerprint patterns in the late 1600’s. But they came along nicely after that, and the first known murder case in modern times to be solved via fingerprint evidence was in 1892 in Argentina.

In 1880, just months before my story is set, Dr. Henry Faulds published his research on taking fingerprints, including how they could be used at crime scenes, but it took awhile for his ideas to be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, several people were developing methods for revealing hidden fingerprints—on papers or other porous surfaces—using iodine fumes or silver nitrate.

Iodine fuming, invented by Paul-Jean Colier in 1863, involves placing the paper or other object into a closed chamber with some iodine crystals in it and then heating the crystals. The gas from the iodine sticks to the fingerprint and turns it orange. This is fantastic—except that when you remove the object, the gas fades away over time, taking the revealed fingerprint with it. So the only way to record it permanently is by taking a photograph.

Silver nitrate was first used to reveal fingerprints in 1877 by Pierre Aubert. The silver nitrate is mixed with water and sprayed onto a document or other porous surface. It reacts to the salts in the fingerprint and turns the print dark gray. This is permanent, but because you’re spraying liquid on the paper or photo, it also tends to be destructive to the evidence.

And it’s my understanding that both methods are best used on porous surfaces like paper or unfinished wood. From my reading, it doesn’t sound like they would work on polished or non-porous surfaces like metal or varnished wood or marble, etc. But they were the best options available until the development of ninhydrin in the first part of the 20th century.

For non-porous surfaces, fingerprinting powders were in use by the late-Victorian period, but the most effective ones were also incredibly toxic and easy to inhale. So they were very dangerous to work with.

What someone like Holmes would have loved is a way to reveal hidden (or “latent”) fingerprints on porous surfaces in a way that didn’t involve fine, toxic powders and that would be permanent. And what I wanted for my story was something involving a reagent, so as to tie into the original story, and it had to be something that Holmes could realistically have invented or worked with using the technology that existed in 1881.

To find something that fit that criteria and could be used in the past, I actually had to fast-forward about a hundred years into the future—to the 1970s and early 1980s. Cyanoacrylate fuming.

Aka—superglue.

That’s right. The humble fixer of a million broken teacups is also an important forensic discovery. The monomer cyanoacrylate was first created, not in 1881 by Sherlyn Holmes, alas, but in 1942 by Harry Coover. It was actually a failed military experiment—he and the team were supposed to be making some kind of clear plastic to use on gun sights. But they fucked up, and instead, they made this monomer compound that was ridiculously sticky and would stick to everything!

Bad for gun sights, great for glue. So in the 1950s, it was marketed as an adhesive, superglue.

And then, supposedly, in the late 1970s, Japanese researchers at a crime lab were trying to fix a cracked fish tank with the stuff, and they somehow managed to stumble on the fact that you can use superglue fumes to reveal fingerprints as well.

Only this time, the glue actually creates a hard, permanent white or tan cast of the fingerprints, so then you can dust them and lift copies of the print multiple times without ruining them.

Now cyanoacrylate fuming is one of the most important methods to reveal hidden fingerprints on non-porous surfaces.

But could Holmes have invented such a thing in 1881? Well, it was accidentally created by one of Harry Coover’s students, and it’s based off some chemistry discoveries that happened in the 1890’s. So as far as I can tell, it didn’t rely on any technology that wouldn’t have been available to Holmes in 1881. And there’s no reason to think she couldn’t have accidentally created it just as easily as Coover’s student. So I think in the world of literary license, sure—it’s fair game.

Plus, she would have the recent historical example of iodine fuming to give her the idea.

To use cryanoacrylate for revealing fingerprints, she would need a chamber to contain the object and the fumes. That’s easily enough built. She would need a heating element—I wrote that she creates heat using an exothermic chemical reaction, but the demonstration video here just uses a coffee cup warmer. She could easily have used a candle. And she would need a container for the glue and some water for the needed amount of humidity.

All those things would be completely possible in any 1881 chemistry lab!

As I was researching and then writing this scene, I also realized that it went great with Siân Watson’s inner turmoil. My Watson is not only dealing with a bad case of PTSD from being in Afghanistan, she is also terribly worried that the army is going to find out that she cross-dressed to get into the army and then cancel what remains of her temporary pension. And she scared that it would result in a permanent ruin of her reputation, which is already on shaky ground as it is.

So when this “Sherrington Hope” character rattles on about revealing hidden fingerprints, using Watson’s own thumb as a demonstration, it presses hard on all those fears. It’s a wonder she doesn’t flee right then and there!

But something about this person in the lab draws her so strongly, her curiosity overcomes her fear. And I think you all will be very glad that it did.

You can read the chapter here. I’m in the process of launching the book on Patreon, and I’m releasing the first 10 chapters for free in hopes that if you enjoy the story, you’ll consider supporting me on Patreon. New chapters are put up on Saturday mornings, and then I’m also doing these Notes From 221B to talk about the history behind the chapter—these usually get posted mid-week after the chapter.

If you’re enjoying them, I’d love for you to follow me here on Tumblr or on Patreon and read the other historical posts and chapters as well! Please like, share, and reblog as well—there aren’t enough f/f historical books out there, and I’d love the help in letting people know about this one. Thank you!

#a study in victorian women #sherlock holmes #femlock #acd canon #sherlock #sherlock holmes meta #acd sherlock holmes #acd holmes #victorian history #fingerprinting #fingerprint #forensic science #forensic science history #ladies of baker street

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angieschiffahoi · 3 years

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Before I start Harrow, I want to share my thoughts on Gideon.

Spoilers ahead.

While I don’t believe it was the greatest book ever written, it was perfectly fitting for me.

The genre: It was a mix between sci-fi and fantasy, very simple in its worldbuilding, it didn’t shy from some exposition (I hate new fantasy books that don’t use exposition at all... you’re not that good at the spreading the information thingy, I don’t understand your overly complicated worldbuilding!) and used it in pretty much conventional ways. It didn’t invent every single tiny little thing (which I find very annoying in modern fantasy and sci-fi books - let your MC say fuck), but mixed things familiar with our world with future/innovative elements, almost seamlessly. Thank you, Tamsyn, for using insults we know (I understand why TV shows do it, it’s to keep a PG-13 rating and still use swear words, but I find it insufferable when books try to invent terms for everything... even pens or bread).

I’ve seen people say it is heavily sci-fi and I disagree. It is not hard sci-fi in the slightest and the magical/necromantic elements are a lot more technical than any of the technology, which was basically non-existent (at times I was stunned whenever they mentioned anything that was “modern” or techy, since it felt like fantasy 80% of the time). The author built a magic system and tried to fit it into a sci-fi setting. It very much resembled Warhammer 40k at times (come on, the Undying Emperor?) and had they mentioned Chaos Gods every now and then, I would have believed this was a WH 40K novelette a-la Blackstone Fortress.

The plot: Gay necromancers in space, with a plot similar to And Then There Were None which at times felt a little bit like Catching Fire as well (Tamsyn, did you read my diary?). It was very simple, straightforward and the fact that we only had one narrating voice made it very easy to read and to follow along. The fact that it was a bit cinematic is probably the reason I managed to finish it (I am tired of 100 subplots and 200 characters in the same book). All of the plot twists felt earned, because looking back I can see where the author left those crumbs. I feel like the red herrings were a bit weak (except Ianthe at the end, which was a bit disappointing as the main villain so I was glad to see she was one), because I started to suspect Dulcinea right away (even though I never would have guessed why). Also, I was too focused on the characters to actually pay attention to the plot, so I didn’t guess much going forward, which made me feel pretty stupid, because some of that shit was very obvious.

The characters: What I really loved was Gideon’s voice. The first few chapters were a bit flowery and there was a lot of purple prose to set the tone (which failed a bit, because I still imagined it more as a fantasy setting than a sci-fi one), but then it flawed perfectly. The jokes (narrated or spoke aloud) were great and it felt like they always fit. Sometimes the insults were a bit gratuitous but I like the trope of being infuriated with someone all of the time, you can’t help but think “oh fuck this bitch”. Also, the puns. Gideon, I love you. I would’ve liked them to be more mature (maybe 20 somethings), but it’s because I’m old and I want this type of narratives to have older MCs sometimes.

Harrow really picked up in the second part of the book and I can’t wait to see how she’s changed in the second one. Loved Dulcinea from the start and I don’t care she was an evil god-like entity. She was a bit over the top in the battle (that thing about the arms and legs, why?!?), but I do love a dramatic bitch (I still lowkey like her & Gideon together). I was sorry for the Fourth & Fifth houses, but while I loved Magnus, I couldn’t stand the teenagers (but I did feel so, so sorry for Gideon). The Third house was obnoxious and I enjoyed Corona the most. I’m pretty sure Ianthe’s coming back, so we’ll see about that. Not gonna talk about the Eight - gave me WH 40K Inquisitor vibes, felt unneccessarily over the top. The Second was forgettable, I didn’t even understand the captain was a necromancer until she killed Teacher. And Sixth, oh, my darlings. If Camilla is dead I’m going to burn my kindle. Writing wise, concentrating on only one POV, kind of underdevelops secondary characters, so while Gideon’s voice was very strong, I feel like everyone else was a bit forgettable unless Gideon spent time on them. It was a book that could’ve easily been written in first person, if it didn’t have that ending.

The relationship: I am going to be brief - I love rivalry that turns to love (any kind of love). So, I loved every single interaction between Harrow and Gideon (the pool scene broke me). Palamedes and Harrow had chemistry. I loved that Gideon just adopted everyone: I am your cavalier, now I am yours! Oh, screw it! I’m going to protect everyone! Gideon is such a himbo, even though she’s a shembo, but not a bimbo? I hated every single time the Third called their cavalier “Babs”.

Things that were left open and Tamsyn better solve before the end of the series: “Gideon, you’re a ginger!” and basically everything fake!Dulcinea told Gideon about her past (”You don’t know what you are to me”). Also, why Gideon didn’t die when she was a child (and the obvious, where is she from?). Where are Corona and Camilla? What happened to Gideon’s body? And a few things I forgot about, because I wrote this “review” yesterday in my head and I didn’t write stuff down.

Overall it was a very pleasant experience. And I may re-read it in the future to catch the foreshadowing and some hints. Now, onto Harrow the Ninth! Which is confusing? ‘Cause the Emperor called her Harrow the First?

Anyways. We love a tiny goth stirring shit with her “dead” girlfriend’s two-hander. I am a bit scared, though, since what I really loved was Gideon’s narrating voice, but I’m guessing Harrow picked up some of her mannerism since she “ate” her? We’ll see.

#gideon the ninth #gideon the ninth spoilers #spoilers #angie rants #ignore #the locked tomb #gideon nav #harrowhark nonagesimus #griddlehark

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niawritess · 3 years

Text

The Lovestruck~Chapter 13

Next day

(7 December)

11:01 am

"I can't believe you made me do this!" You huffed gripping the huge box tightly in your hands while glaring at your bestfriend beside walking with you.

She gave a sheepish grin. "I wanted a break okay!"

"Break from what?"

"From Lauren." She clicked her tongue. "I was fed up with her dramatic acting."

You laughed shaking your head. "Why do hate her so much?"

She rolled her eyes. "I don't hate her. I just extremely dislike her."

"And why is that?"

She was about to reply but stopped when her eyes caught something and she threw the box in her hand over your box making you stumble with the sudden weight.

"What the-"

"Y/n, I left my phone in the classroom. You go ahead, i'll be right behind you."

"But your phone-"

She sprinted with a speed of light leaving you dumbfounded there.

"Is in your hand."

A exhasperated sigh left your lips while trying to calm your anger before holding the two huge boxes properly only to get it shake and before it could fell, it was taken away.

Startled, you looked at the person who turned out to be Baekhyun smiling at you.

"Oh, Baekhyun sunbae."

He sighed. "Can you please stop calling me that? I mean you said we're friends, so let's drop these formalities."

You bit your lip before nodding. "Okay, i'll try."

"By the way, where were you going with these boxes twice your size?" He joked making you narrow your eyes at him and he laughed before you both started walking.

"To the theatre. What about you?"

"I was on my way to the music room but seeing you struggling, I couldn't help but come here."

You smiled. "Well, Thank you."

He gave a nod as you looked ahead before feeling his his constant gaze on you, causing you look at him and he instantly looked away. Soon you both reached the theatre room and entered inside where the chaos suddenly went silent as they saw who entered with you.

Walking further, you put the box on the wooden table and as Baekhyun was about to follow you, some girls from the stage got down and immediately walked towards him including your professor.

As everyone was aproaching him, you instantly took the box from him and walked away not wanting to be crushed by these girls while Baekhyun just stared at you.

"Oh, Baekhyun." Mrs. Kang smiled at him which he returned politely before slightly bowing to her.

"How are you here?"

"Uh, I was just passing by and helped y/n." He answered her before looking at you and you could feel the stares from every person present in the theatre making you want to hide somewhere.

"That's so sweet of you." Mrs. Kang smiled. "Baekhyun, if you don't mind can you do me a favor?"

Baekhyun looked at her confused and locked eyes with you who was perplexed as him before looking back at her and nodded.

There was Baekhyun, standing in the middle of the stage awkwardly. Apparently, the favor was to rehearse some lines with Lauren as Rowoon was still was late and Baekhyun being the sweet guy he was, couldn't refuse her.

"Y/n, give this to Baekhyun." Mrs. Kang gave you the script papersheet and you nodded before sighing while walking to the stage.

Getting on the stage, you made your way to him not knowing your shoelace was loosened and someone decided to take advantage of that.

A yelp left your lips as you tripped and your eyes went automatically shut as you felt yourself going forward. However, you felt pair of arms around your waist tightly and you opened your eyes to be locked with Baekhyun's concerned ones.

Your one arm was on his shoulder and other one was holding his arm with his face close to yours where you noticed mole on his right cheekbone. You both were so imersed staring eachother forgetting where you were standing and everyone's gazes were on you, not to mention Mrs. Kang was giving you heart eyes seeing the chemistry.

Suddenly, you heard door opening sound making you both snap out and you pulled away from eachother awkwardly. Ria came inside and sensed the silent atmosphere before looking at you on the stage confusingly.

She got worried if something happened but then seeing Baekhyun with you, she relaxed as she knew you would be safe with him. On the other hand, you felt your cheeks heating up due to the stares and got embarrassed.

"Y/n, Are you alright?"

You looked at Mrs. Kang as she shot you a concerned face and you nodded giving her a apologetic smile but she waved it off.

You looked back at Baekhyun who was already staring at you and got flustered before holding out the paper sheet to him. However, instead of taking it, he got down on one knee making you gasp as you eyed him shook.

"What-what are you doing?"

He didn't answered but then you saw he began to tie your shoelace and you bit your lip getting uncomfortable by the stares.

"I can do it." You tried to pull back but he didn't let you as he looked up at you and sighed.

"It's done." With that he stood up not caring about the stares he was getting and instantly got a hold of your wrist gently and led you off the stage.

"You are not hurt anywhere, are you?" He questioned as soon as you were at the corner and you nodded while your eyes on his hand which was holding your wrist.

"You should be careful." He indicated towards your foot and you could feel his concern through his voice.

Have you seen the way he looks at you?

Your body jolted up when Ria's words rang into your mind and your immediately brushed it off before hearing Ria's voice making you both look at the direction to see her coming towards you.

You three talked before Rowoon entered and got surprised to see Baekhyun here but he waved toward your side before going to the stage whereas Baekhyun also got a call from his friend and left leaving you with your tangled thoughts.

Arriving at the music room, Baekhyun got the attention of his friends who were busy in their stuff.

"What took you so long? Where were you?" Junmyeon asked him.

"Somewhere." Baekhyun replied flatly before taking a seat beside Kyungsoo.

"Somewhere or with Y/n?" Jongin smirked at him wriggling his eyebrows getting some laughs from others.

"Whatever." Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

"So how did it go?" Chanyeol question him with a serious expression.

"It's nice, just the way we saw it online." Baekhyun told him. "I think it's perfect for it."

Baekhyun and Sehun were looking for a place where they would go with their game inventing plans. Chanyeol recommend it after seeing it on online and helped his friend with it where Baekhyun went to check it and hoped everything goes well.

***

2:14 pm

You arrived at the Café with your lost mind as the earlier scene wasn't getting out of your head not to mention the stares from people.

Sighing, you took a hold of the handle to push the door but flinched when a hand came over yours. You instantly recognized the person by his hand and locked eyes with Baekhyun.

You looked away awkwardly and Baekhyun pulled his hand back while clearing his throat. Pushing the door, you walked inside with him behind you and met a smiling Rose at the counter.

"You two met again outside?" She chuckled and you nodded.

"You know, you should just come together since you both go to same college." She suggested and you both nodded but instantly looked at her confused.

"Rose, you knew?" Baekhyun asked her.

"Knew what?"

"That we go to same college."

She nodded nonchalantly. "Yeah, I knew since the first day of yours."

"Then why didn't you told us?" You approached her with confused face.

"I thought you both knew?" She also gave a confused look and you three looked at eachother before breaking out in giggles.

Rose shook her head in disbelief. "Silly kids."

"By the way, Rose." You went closer to her as you stared at her tilting your head. "You look awfully happy, something good happened?"

A shy smile made way to her lips with a pink tint appearing on her cheeks taking you off guard.

"Uh, Jinhyuk asked me on a date."

You were about to explode with happiness but then frowned and mumbled. "Hm? Jinhyuk? I thought it was Jack."

Baekhyun leaned down to your ear from behind and whispered. "Jack's Korean name is Jinhyuk."

His whisper left shiver down your spine making your breath hitched with the closeness. When did he came behind you? Nevertheless, you smiled at her shrugging off the ticklish feeling in your stomach, well you tried.

"I'm so happy for you, Rose!" You exclaimed hugging her which she returned it with a chuckle finding you cute and with that you three started working.

Time passed by and soon it was dawn with your cue to go home and bid bidding goodnight to Baekhyun and Rose, you left with Daniel who was grinning unusually leaving you confused.

Reaching home, you opened the door and greeted by none other than your actual home, your parents with their usual routine as if they didn't left 2 weeks ago.

"Mum! Dad!" You exclaimed running to your dad who was seated on the couch and hugged him tightly with him hugging you back while laughing and patting your head. Smiling you pulled away and sprinted towards your mom who was working in the kitchen and crushed your body with hers earning a squeal from her.

When you pulled away, she smiled but frowned when she wiped your tears away which you didn't even knew when they streamed down your cheeks. Seems like you missed your parents too much to your thinking.

As you were having a conversation with them over their trip, you heard footsteps sounds coming from stairs making you confuse as everyone was present in the living room.

A gasp left your lips when you saw your big brother Jaehyun coming down with a smug grin upon seeing your shook expression.

"Hey-"

"Hey Potato!" He greeted you, only to get hit by the pillow which you just threw on hia face.

"Hey!" He exclaimed with a scowl. "Is this how you greet your big brother?"

"You wouldn't, if you hadn't called me by that name." You crossed your arms looking at him with a stern face before your lips turned into a smile seeing him after four years.

He grinned before taking you for a hug which you returned before your younger brother jumped on you both making you groan but instantly relaxed and your parents smiled at the sight.

_____________

@wooya1224 @buttercupbbh @jddcfc-blog

#bbh #exo fanfiction #exo ff #baekhyun fanfic #baekhyun fluff #baekhyun gifs #baekhyun imagines #baekhyun #baekhyun x reader #baekhyun scenario

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hains-mae · 4 years

Text

Flowers - Pt. 3

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (end)

(Damian x Reader) Soulmate AU

Rating: T

Ages: Damian and you are 16, everyone’s ages follow after.

Summary: Soulmate AU where the wounds on your soulmate turns into a flower tattoo on your skin, if it heals with no scars the tattoo goes away, if it heals with a scar then the tattoo stays.

It just got worse.

Disclaimer: I do not own DC. If I did, I wouldn’t make it as confusing as it is now.

The convention hall was huge. The lights shone brightly at the many innovative inventions made by the young minds of Gotham City. the entire city was invited to participate after all. As Wayne Enterprise made the whole event international, we had guests from all over the globe looking for potential students to take under their wing. Rumour has it that everyone on the guest list was hand picked by the man, Bruce Wayne, himself.

I looked around in a daze as I clutched the metal briefcase that held my project.

Running in an hour or two of sleep and caffein, I made my way through the growing crowd. Finally I was able to locate my designated table, a small booth in the chemistry section. I made quick work on unpacking the projector and placed it square on a folding table. It would play the presentation of what my project was about and all the necessary details to explain the chemical compounds and a quick scanned blueprint.

“I feel so nervous.” I mumbled to no one in particular.

Then placing a black cloth on the table as my workspace, I made sure to put the specifically designed gun carefully on a stand that I had quickly melded together. The projectiles rested in the container. Only two remained. I stared at it for a while as the scene of that fateful night replayed in my head.

I had found my soulmate.

Which was good.

He was Robin.

Which was bad.

There was a chance he could be Damian Wayne.

Which was worse.

This relationship was doomed from the start. My soulmate was a freaking vigilante! He was running around at night, putting his life in danger. Death was a constant in my mind after that. Knowing that one day I might loose him. It was a weird thing, this soulmate bond that we shared. Somehow meeting him solidified his existence in my life. Now every time I received another flower on my skin I would know what might’ve caused it. Worry started to form in my gut as I thought about the bullet wound in his shoulder.

I shook my head to get any more lingering thoughts out as I willed myself to focus on the task at hand. I needed to get my head in the game.

Pulling the beakers and flasks out as carefully as I could, I placed them each on the other side of the table. I filled them with their chemicals and started the burner. I had wanted to show them the process as a prototype. I doubted anybody here wanted to be encased in rock.

I was so deep in thought as I mindlessly tinkered around to keep my hands busy that I didn’t even realise a figure standing before me until he cleared his throat.

Looking up from my notes my eyes grew wide.

Mr. Bruce Wayne, owner and CEO of the Wayne Enterprises was standing at my table. He had a charming smile plastered on his face.

“My, what an interesting piece we have here. Don’t you agree Damian?” His voice was calm and even.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

“I do, father.” He agreed. His eyes caught mine, and all I could do was stare into his green orbs.

“Oh forgive me.” Mr. Wayne chuckled and held out his hand. “Bruce Wayne.”

I returned the gesture and shook his hand telling him my own name.

“Pleasure to meet you.” He said. “And this is my son, Damian.”

“We met.” He said simply, but still took my hand and shook it.

“I’m really interested in your work.” Mr. Wayne continued. “I’d like to come back after I make the opening speech.”

“Of course.” I plastered on the best smile I could muster.

It wasn’t too long after that when Mr. Wayne came back, but this time he had an entourage. To his right he had his sons, all 4 of them. They were exactly as the magazines showed and described them to be. Each one was dashing. I didn’t know much about them, but hearing their names tossed around every day in school made me involuntarily learn anyway.

Richard, the eldest had a polite smile and kind blue eyes. They were warm in a comforting way and his manners were that of a well bred socialite. He waved at some of the students and nodded at a few of the adults he passed.

The one beside him was Jason, his cold glare could strike fear into anyone’s hearts. Especially when he is backed up with high status and money. No one dared mess with him. But even I had to admit there was a certain charm to his features, he had a bad boy kind of vibe.

Tim was next, walking just a few steps ahead of his older brothers. His nose was buried in an iPad and his fingers were flying through the screen at top speed. He was just a few years older than me, and I’ve actually seen him around the campus before, but I never met him.

Lastly, Damian. He stole a glance at me as they walked towards my table and turned to Tim, mumbling something before looking ahead.

To Mr. Wayne’s left were two well renowned chemists that I personally follow. Their works and research papers were incredible, it was actually the basis of my own invention. Instantly the butterflies in my stomach fluttered around.

After introductions were made, I presented my work and did a sample test before leading their attention to the finished product which were the glowing orbs.

“And what inspired you to create such an invention?” Mr. Wayne inquired.

“I just wanted to help.” I said truthfully. “We’re aware of the crimes around our city, and I thought it would make the job of catching the criminals easier.”

“And it will.” He smiled. “I’d like to offer you an internship in my company. And if you wouldn’t mind, a mentorship with my two top scientists there.”

“It would be an honour!”

This had to be the greatest moment of my life. For the first time that day I felt my mood get better.

The rest of the days passed on in a blur. My invention was one of the top picked topics in the scene, much to my pleasure, and the interview for the internships and mentorships went well. I honestly couldn’t ask for more.

Mr. Wayne’s secretary handed me, and a couple of other students he scouted, a form to fill out and sign. Our parents/legal guardians were immediately informed and the school assured them before any action is taken they will be holding another meeting. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Many of us were able to grab great opportunities, both in and out of the cities.

I looked around and saw all the doors opening up for the next generation in Gotham. Happy smiles and excited chatter filled the room. Promises of a greater future were announced. I realised, this was probably history in the making. This would be where everything turns around for the better. I might sound overly sentimental, and perhaps a tad bit exaggerated, but I was feeling hopeful.

The interviews were over, and after the last of them had been held, the announcement came to remind us of the upcoming gala. We had an entire day to prepare – “Therefore, use it wisely.” Our professor advised.

Many of the girls had rushed out in groups (with a teacher chaperone) as they headed towards the fancy boutiques and malls. I on the other hand decided to be practical. My roommate and a couple of friends that I had made during my stay, required it be essential that I tag along with them. I was peer pressured (and I say that lightly), but it felt good to explore the city without the danger.

“Oh my god I just saw the Wayne brothers!” Someone squealed at the store front that we were in.

“What? No way! Where?” Another piqued.

We heard the teacher sigh and ask us not to make a scene since we were in public. I felt myself tense at the thought of him and his green eyes.

“They’re heading this way!”

I dove behind one of the clothing hangers and hid as best as I could. Good lord, is this some kind of drama series? My new friends sputtered out a greeting as I imagined them walking by, and all I could do was concentrate on not self-combusting.

“Y/n?”

My eyes darted up from the spot on the floor that I was staring at. I didn’t want to come out, but the longer I stayed behind the wall of clothes, the more embarrassed I became. With a defeated sigh, I walked out.

“H-hey.” I waved lamely.

“What were you doing behind the clothes rack?” Damian cocked a brow at me.

“I was looking at it, kinda the reason I came here.” I said, not really meaning to sound defensive but it came out that way anyway, and I already wanted to take it back.

“You’re that girl with the blue marbles.” The eldest said smiling broadly. “Y/n L/n, right?”

I nodded meekly.

Dick smirked and went back to his smoothie.

“The one Damian wouldn’t shut up about?” Jason teased wickedly. I felt my blood rise up to my face.

Damian kicked him behind his knees which only made the man laugh.

“You know better than to tease.” Tim rolled his eyes at his brothers antics. “You’re embarrassing him in front of his crush.”

I just wished the floor would swallow me whole right now.

Tim immediately hid behind Dick and the laughter was nearly uncontrollable from his brothers. Damian was currently fuming, and tomato red in the face.

“I’m going to kill you Drake.” He said through clenched teeth.

Dick groaned. “Cant you guys behave?” He strolled over to me and tapped my shoulder lightly. “You’re embarrassing y/n.”

“Sorry, it was just meant for lil-D over here.” Jason apologised.

“Alright boys, that’s enough.” The teacher called out. “We’ve got a schedule to follow. I’ll have to cut this meeting short.” She was right, and I was so thankful at the moment that we did.

Dick apologised again, and pushed his brothers to move along. As soon as they were out of earshot the girls bombarded me with questions, demanding they know the details. There wasn’t anything to tell, since I’ve only known them as long as the length of this trip, but they didn’t let the subject go. I thanked my lucky stars that the rumours I heard about the boys and their fanatic fangirls did not exist in the group I was in. They had gushed about how lucky I was to catch their eye – I really wish they didn’t – and how amazing it must be for them to hold an interest in me – I honestly could care less. But girls being girls, I had to let them be.

The evening of the gala arrived faster than I anticipated, and true to their promise, the girls had all squeezed themselves into my room.

“You guys really don’t have to do this.” I said, slightly exasperated.

“Nonsense.” They quipped back. “We’re all going to look fabulous and make a great impression.”

They rolled out their brush pouches and stacked their make up on the vanity table. I eyed it all wearily.

Sometimes I had to hand it them, females can be terrifying when they need to be.

“Do you think this will be it?” One of them asked out of the blue. “Is this what is going to turn this city around.”

“I hope so. Thing’s are getting worse around Gotham, if this works, we can secure a safer future.”

“Look at us sounding diplomatic.” We laughed at that.

“I think it’ll work out.” I told them with an air of confidence. I saw the looks everyone had at the gatherings. It wasn’t just hope. There was a sense of motivation. An active decision in every one of them that wanted to strive for more. It was encouraging and empowering.

We all shared a unanimous agreement and continued on preparing.

I wasn’t joking when I said I would be practical. I pulled out one of my mothers old gowns from a battered box that was hidden deep under my suitcase. It was off white, with a few hints of lavender and creamy grey. The dress was long-sleeved, made with loose and flowy material. The collar tapered upwards and into a modest keyhole neckline. On my waist rested a silver strap embezzled with crystals. It’s length reached the floor and the slightest movement swayed in the wind. It made me look like I was floating.

As we made our way to the entrance of the gala, men in black suit tailcoats took our coats and opened the grand doors. I was in shock at the beauty of the room.

The entire ceiling look painted on by Michelangelo, in between hung massive sparkling chandeliers. The windows were from ceiling to floor and draped in expensive red velvet curtains. I gazed in awe at the marbled floor that were polished so well we could see our reflection from it.

Light music hummed tastefully in the air as my friends were whisked off by the boys for a dance.

“Y/n!” A savvy voice called out from across the crowd. Turning around I found the Wayne brothers around a table. I managed a wave.

They waved back and invited me over. How could I refuse? Steeling my nerves, I walked towards them.

“Good evening.” I said politely.

“You look stunning.” Dick complimented. Beside him was a woman with incredibly dazzling red hair, it almost looked like it was on fire. Her bright smile reached up to her green eyes. “This is Kory. Kory Anders. Kory, Y/n.”

She stood up tall and shook my outstretched hand.

“Pleasure.” I said as I introduced myself.

“It is glorious to finally meet you.” She said. “I have heard many things.”

I noted her slight accent and choice of words. She must’ve come from another country.

“All good I hope.” I chuckled nervously.

Her smile only widened. “You need not worry.”

“Would you like to sit with us?” Tim offered.

I looked across the dance hall and saw that my friends were already at their own table. I accepted it and sat down at the last seat which was available, and as fate would have it, it was next to Damian.

When I moved to take my place, his perfume infiltrated my senses, leaving me slightly light headed. I pushed my qualms away not wanting to look rude.

“Hello again.” I spoke to him.

Damian nodded, his expression unreadable.

We made small talk, and discussed about the what I should be expecting when I started working at their fathers’ company. They gave me the basic ropes and tried to ease the pressure away.

Then the topic moved to my invention. I told them how I actually got the idea from my dad, they found it honourable in a way. I felt a sense of pride blossom.

Jokes went around as the food was being served. I quickly learnt Dick had the worst case of pun-overdrive, yet it still had me giggling because of how bad it was. Jason was not any better at his come backs to his brothers play on words. They made quiet the duo. Kory laughed heartily between them. Tim and Damian were taking turns lightly jabbing one another, it was almost endearing. As I looked at them from where I sat I couldn’t help but miss the simpler times my family and I shared.

The melody from the band took a slow turn and I saw Dick stand up.

“May I have this dance?” He offered his hand to Kory and exaggerated a bow.

“I would be delighted.” She giggled and let herself be swept onto the dance floor.

I watched as they danced to a slow waltz. Her hands were on his neck as his was kept firmly on the small of her back. They looked lovely together.

“That’s my cue.” Jason spoke up, his eyes gazing the crowd for what I assume was a possible dance partner.

Tim followed shortly behind, but not without leaving us with a wink and tap on his nose.

Damian cleared his throat, breaking my reverie.

He stood and offered his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

I blinked at him, surprised that he actually asked. I gingerly put my hand on his and nodded.

He expertly sashayed us to the middle and twirled me around before moving us to the rhythm of the music.

“You’re good.” I should’ve known he was a skilled dancer.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” He replied.

His scent was overwhelming, especially being this close to him. I reminded myself that his boy could very well be Robin.

Robin, the vigilante. I sighed inwardly. How could I have forgotten? But if he was then… My hand that was on his shoulder tightened ever so slightly as I remembered the gun shot.

“Is everything okay?” Damian asked, squeezing my hand.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” I lied. The urge to just ask him never felt so powerful until this moment.

It’s not your place to know. I scolded myself for being presumptuous. This could all have been a big misunderstanding on my part, and I could very well upset him if I asked, not to mention embarrass myself. It wasn’t that I wanted to pry, but the bond I shared with my soulmate only seemed to strengthen these past few days. It drew us closer but I couldn’t begin to explain how. You hugged him, you hugged a stranger – that is a mystery in itself, my inner muse stated.

But then the question of the day was; if he was aware of who I was. There was no way he could possibly tell, there was no proof except for the time I cried out in pain when he got shot. Then again, anyone would’ve screamed if they witnessed that.

I settled with the verdict that he most likely doesn’t know.

“I’d like to apologise about yesterday.” Damian said, sounding solemn. “My brothers have been a thorn to my side ever since I could remember.”

I laughed. “It was embarrassing, but I forgive you, and your brothers.” He visibly relaxed. “It felt like I was reliving some old memories.”

“Do you have siblings as well?”

I shook my head. “No, but it would be nice to. Unfortunately right now it’s just me and my mom. It gets a little lonely but we manage.”

Damian let out a quiet ‘oh’ before lapsing into silence again. I didn’t want to kill the mood so I quickly thought of what to say to keep the conversation going.

“So what about you?” I asked. “I mean, anything you’re comfortable sharing of course.”

The boy sighed and looked up to think before answering.

“I like to paint.” He said. My eyes grew wide at that.

“For real?”

He arched a brow in confusion. “Yes. Is something wrong with that?”

I quickly shook my head again. “No, no of course not. I just, well, it’s surprising. That’s all.”

“Tt, not something you expected?” He teased lightly which only made me surprised all the more.

Was he trying to – flirt?

I laughed. “Guilty as charged.”

Damian looked a little proud of himself.

“What do you like to paint?” I asked curiously.

“Mostly portraits.” He answered easily. “And my pets.”

I gave a fake gasp. “The Damian Wayne, painting his pets. I would never have guessed.”

He smirked.

“So, is it a dog?” I asked.

“Yes, there’s a dog.”

“There’s? Meaning there are more?”

He smirked again this time wider.

“A cat.” I guessed.

He nodded. “Yes there’s a cat too. Though I doubt you’d be able to guess the rest of them.”

Laughing again, I shook my head in disbelief. “You are one intriguing person, Damian Wayne.”

“I could say the same about you.” He told me squarely.

The heat on my cheeks creept up. I looked away a little embarrassed.

He opened his mouth to say something to me, but was cut off.

I heard screams.

Damian quickly pushed me to the ground and shielded me as the glass windows shattered. The shards fell ferociously all around us.

“Fuck.” He gritted his teeth and looked down at me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “What was that?” I clutched my head, my ears were ringing from the sound of the blast that shattered the windows. I looked around panicked and scared.

“Don’t know.” He told me gruffly as he pulled us both back up.

Grappling hooks shot up from the broken windows and before I knew it I saw the pointed end of a sword aimed towards Damian’s.

“Damian!”

In that moment I cast aside all the doubts. I still wasn’t sure but if by a long shot; this was Robin, if Damian was Robin, then he could do something about this.

He knew how to fight. Unlike me. If I could give him a head start or a fighting chance, then he and the other superheroes could save everyone.

That’s what I told myself anyway as time stilled and I took the leap.

The blade sliced into my lower back and for a split second all I could feel was searing hot white pain. I cried out as it rippled through my torso. The sword was pulled out just as quick as it was pushed in. I could swear the world was tipping over. The blood had gushed out and I found it staining Damian’s pristine suit.

I could barely hear Damian’s scream as I phased in and out of consciousness. Somehow he had blocked another hit that was aimed at us before kicking the man as far away as possible. He pulled me towards him and muttered something incoherent before dashing across the hall.

The warmth of my own blood pooled over me. Mom would kill me when she saw the stain, if I wouldn’t bleed to death before she finds out that is.

“Shitshitshit, y/n!” He ducked behind a table and grabbed a bunch of napkins, applying pressure as he held it against my stomach. “Stay with me, you’re going to be alright.”

I weakly nodded, feeling sick to my stomach at the smell of iron and sudden blood loss.

“Fuck.” Jason slid next to us as the gunshots started to fire. He noticed me and his features paled. “Oh, shit.”

“Jason, I need to bring her somewhere safe!” Damian said, his voice urgent.

“All citizen, please evacuate the building!” A strong voice bellowed from above us. It was a woman, dressed in purple. Her hair was on fire (literally) as it trailed behind her.

Starfire. But what was she doing in Metropolis…?

The people ran towards the entrance and a man in a tight body suit with a blue winged symbol on his chest directed the crowd flow.

Superboy zoomed in next, his features etched in worry as soon as he saw me. The wound must’ve been worse that I thought.

“What the hell is going on?!” Damian demanded from the superhero. “I thought this place was secured.”

“Kryptonite.” Superbly answered with an ominous tone. “I don’t know what happened but we should get the civilians – uh, you guys, to safety.”

The amendment wasn’t lost on me.

“Y/n, I’m going to find you after all this is over.” Damian promised. “Until then please, hang in there.”

I managed a weak smile and a sad excuse of a chuckle as the blood started to run down the corner of my mouth.

“I still need to guess the rest of your pets.” I joked, hoping to lighten the scene.

His response was a pained smile.

“Take her to Alfred.” He delicately passed me on to Superboy’s arms. “He’ll know what to do.”

Superboy nodded and flew away. The last thing I remembered was Nightwing and Starfire fighting off mechanical robots and ninja assassins. After that, my world went dark.

...

... to be continued ...

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