#cus I still have so many ideas just from season 2 I never got out

[jsheios]

So Hilda season 3. (This post has nothing to do with hilda season 3)

[octaviasdread]

any girls! dark academia movie recs? i really struggle to find anything not about a group of boys (as much as I love them)

SO MANY!!! This is probably a far more detailed answer than you were expecting but this is a popular question and I want to keep a list for myself and others.

Feel free to add to it/give opinions. I've tried to give a tw for anything I can remember

Girls! Dark Academia Movies/TV Shows

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

1950s Women’s college

Art professor! Julia Roberts

She’s legit the female Mr Keating of the art & college world

Feminism vs. Tradition

Maggie Gyllenhall x Ginnifer Goodwin; their characters were more than friends. Fight me.

Does not end how you expect

Strike!/All I Wanna Do/The Hairy Bird (1998)

MY FAVOURITE!!!

Free on YouTube under one of its various names

Comedy

1960s all girls boarding school

Young Kirsten Dunst

Group of girls plot to sabotage a merger with a boys school less prestigious than their own

Secret attic clubhouse meetings of the D.A.R aka Daughters of the American Ravioli (eaten cold, ew)

girls get political & advocate for their rights using ANY elaborate and chaotic scheme

TW: eating disorder, vomiting & creepy male teacher but the girls plot against him too

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

based on a short book I read for uni by Muriel Spark

1930s girls school in Edinburgh

Scottish teacher! Maggie Smith, controversial with a focus on romantic ideals

Spoiler alert, the liberal teacher is actually a fascist

Her group of fave students has cult- vibes and it’s fascinating

Picnic at Hanging Rock

1970s movie or 2018 mini series

Never watched either but I plan to

Wild Child (2008)

00s romcom every UK teen girl loves

Emma Roberts as the spoiled rich American teenager sent to a strict English boarding school

Plots to get herself expelled but oh no she’s making friends with the girls who help her

And the headmistress has a hot son, and he’s nice??? Double oh no

ICONIC SCENES

Everything! Goes! Wrong!

omg she burns the school down

Feel good, comfort, nostalgia

St Trinians (2007)

English girls boarding school

The kids are all criminals, no joke

So are the teachers

CHAOTIC

gay awakening for british girls

Art heist pulled off by school girls

Government tries to shut them down but oh no, the education minister & the headmistress are ex-lovers

Colin Firth x Rupert Everett in drag

Superior cast: Jodie Whittaker, Gemma Arterton, Juno Temple, Stephen Fry, Colin Firth, etc...

embodies the phrase 'problematic fave'

St Trinians 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold (2009)

Mystery, pirate ancestors, hidden treasure

omg Shakespeare was a woman

girls disguised as boys to infiltrate and rob the posh boys school

Villain! David Tennant in that ICONIC boat scene

Teen girls vs. ancient misogynist brotherhood

like the first film but MORE chaotic and BETTER!???

The Falling (2014)

1960s all girls school

best friends! but its unrequited love

Agoraphobic + distant mother aka mommy issues

Sudden death and the school suppresses/ignores the students grief, sparking mass hysteria & a fainting epidemic in the girls

Cast: Maisie Williams (GoT) & Florence Pugh (Little Women) & Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders)

TW: teen pregnancy, death, vomiting, underage s*x, sibling inc*st, past s*xual assault

READ THE PLOT SUMMARY FIRST

The Book Thief (2013)

Based on an amazing book by Markus Zusak

set in 1940s Nazi Germany

Daughter of a communist whose family were taken by the Nazis/died is fostered by an older couple who teach her to read & she paints a dictionary on the basement walls

Coming of age story about a compulsive book thief. No joke, this kid steals books from banned book burnings and breaks into the mayor's library through the window

Family hides the Jewish son of an old friend in their basement and he helps her to start writing about her experiences in the war

TW: death, bombings, WW2 anti-semitism

Mary Shelley (2017)

Overall good & roughly biographical

Pretty costumes and aesthetic

Modern feminist take on Mary Shelly in her own time period

So many INACCURACIES for the drama so don’t take it as truth

Percy Shelley slander and not all of it is justified

Cast: Elle Fanning, Douglas Booth, and Maisie Williams

The Secret Garden (1993)

Based on a fave childhood book

1901 colonial India & Yorkshire, England

Orphaned, spoilt & neglected girl sent to live with her reclusive Uncle in the English countryside

Gothic elements, mysteries, secret doors/passages/locked gardens

local boy with a flock of animals, magic, kids chanting around a fire and all around immaculate vibes

Happy ending!!!

Hidden Figures (2016)

African-American women as mathematicians for NASA

1960s space project

Women balancing a career and family obligations

Deals with racial & gender discrimination

Loosely based on the lives of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan who worked for NASA as engineers & mathematicians

Anne of Green Gables (1985) & sequel (1987)

Adaptation L.M. Montgomery’s ‘Anne of Green Gables’ books

Canada (late 1890s/early 1900s)

Highly imaginative & bookworm orphan is adopted by a reclusive elderly brother and sister duo

Small town & school years comedic drama

Unrequited Enemies -> Friends -> lovers

Inspiring new woman teacher

Girls re-enact Tennyson’s poem and nearly drown for the aesthetic™

Dramatic poetry reading with INTENSE 👀eye contact👀

Writer! Anne & English teacher! Anne dealing with unruly girls school antics

Collette (2018)

biographical drama on french writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Collette

Victorian & Edwardian era France

More talented than her husband so she ghostwrites for him

Fight for creative ownership of her wildly successful novels

Affairs with a woman called Georgie and also with Missy, born female but masculine presenting

Cast: Keira Knightly, Dominic West, Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark)

Enola Holmes (2020)

Netflix book adaptation

Younger sister of Sherlock Holmes

Victorian era! feminism/suffragettes

Mother-daughter focus

Mystery, adventure, secret codes, teens running away & escaping from (and eventually fighting) assassins

Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Fiona Shaw, Millie Bobby Brown

Ginger & Rosa (2012)

1960s England

best friends since literal birth navigating troubled teen years

poet & anti-nuclear activist! Ginger

off the rails but also catholic! Rosa

Shout out to Mark & Mark the gay godfathers we all want

family troubles 

TW: older man has an affair with a 17 yr old

Testament of Youth (2014)

based on WW1 memoir by Vera Brittain

young woman (writer & poetry lover) escapes traditional family & goes to study at Oxford University

abandons to become a war nurse

romance, tragedy and war trauma

Cast: Alicia Vikander, Kit Harrington (GoT), Taron Edgerton (Rocketman), Colin Morgan (Merlin)

Little Women (2019)

Writer! Jo & Artist! Amy

Mother/daughter focus and sister dynamics

the March sisters’ theatre club is *chefs kiss*

champagne problems edits of Jo x Laurie are a mood

Ambivalent ending perfectly captures Louisa May Alcott’s dilemma with the book the movie is based on

set in 1860s America

ALL STAR CAST and a Greta Gerwig masterpeice

Lady Bird (2017)

coming of age in early 2002/2003 Sacramento, California

all girls catholic school

writer! Christine aka Lady Bird wants to get outta town and start her life again at college 'in a city with culture'

Mother/daughter dynamics - so realistic!

I live for that Jesus car stunt & the nun's reaction

school theatre program

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Timothee Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein

Another Greta Gerwig gem

Beguiled (2017)

Virginia, civil war era

Girls school with only five students and two teachers left

Find an injured Union army soldier & bring him inside

Women & teenagers want his attention (v. problematic) before uniting against him

(tbh you'll either love it, hate it, or watch once & forget it)

Sofia Coppola film so its very feminine gaze

TW: violence, death, underage

Legally Blonde (2001)

No questions will be taken

Elle Woods was the blue print

TV series:

House of Anubis (2011-2013)

I know it’s a kids/young teen show but I still unironically love it

ANCIENT EGYPT!!!!

Modern day with Victorian era links to treasure hunters & Egyptian research expeditions (stealing from tombs)

Chosen one plot lines, curses, kidnapping, mysteries, secret tunnels under the school, elixir of life

Teens have investigate & protect themselves cus oh no the TEACHERS are involved in some shady stuff

new American kid at British boarding school is the actual premise not just a fanfic au

Nostalgic, light-hearted, funny, and kinda cheesy but I will accept no criticism

The Alienist (2018 -now)

Mid 1890s, New York

Woman’s private detective agency (Season 2)

Serial killer mystery

Woman secretary turns detective and teams up with a criminal psychiatrist and a newspaper editor to solve crime

TW: violence, child pr*stit*tion

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Luke Evans, Daniel Bruhl

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Woman chess prodigy

1950s & 1960s

TW: drug & alcohol abuse

Gentleman Jack (2019 - now)

Based on the diaries of Anne Lister

Victorian Yorkshire, England

Upper-class lesbians

Confident, suit wearing! Anne Lister x shy! Ann Walker

Business woman! Anne running the family mines

Cast: Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster) & Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders)

TW: violence

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

bubbly/ambitious single mom + intelligent daughter

bookworm! Rory Gilmore gets into a prestigious private school and then an Ivy League college

Small town drama is comedic gold

Fast dialogue packed with pop culture and literary references

Comforting & nostalgic

TEAM JESS

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

Loose adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s ‘Anne of Green Gables’ books

they completely change the plot lines but it’s still very good content!

Orphan girl with trauma and a love of books/poetry is adopted by an elderly brother & sister duo, bringing light and fresh ideas to a rural community

Feminism, girls writing club, lgbtq safe spaces, girls eduction, black/indigenous representation

Miss Stacy as THAT inspiring teacher

Aunt Josephine’s lavish gay parties have my heart

TW: creepy male teacher tries to marry a student, racial discrimination, indigenous assimilation school

Victoria (2016-2019)

Adaption of Queen Victoria’s life

Victoria navigating her political, royal, and personal life

Albert’s involvement with The Great Exhibition, 1851 (on cultural + industrial innovations)

Alfred Paget x Edward Drummond is exquisite

Gorgeous costumes and aesthetics

TW: bury your gays trope

Derry Girls (2018-now)

1990s Northern Ireland during the troubles

Comedy, episodes 20-25 mins long

English boy sent to an all girls Catholic school with his cousin

✨Dead Poets Society parody episode ✨with a free-spirited female teacher

Sister Michael, the sarcastic nun who hates her job & reads the exorcist for giggles

Wee anxious lesbian! Clare Devlin (plus her friends wearing rainbow pins)

Badass with bad ideas! Michelle Mallon

Main Character! Erin Quinn

Lovable weirdo who would fight a polar bear! Orla McCool

Wee English fella & honorary Derry girl! James Maguire

Dickinson (2019-now)

Loose adaption of the poet Emily Dickinson’s life

Set in 19th century Massachusetts, US

Historical drama with modern dialogue & music that works SEAMLESSLY

gives a great understanding of Emily Dickinson’s poems

💕Vintage gays! Emily x Sue💕

Theatre club, writing, poetry, dressing as men to sneak into lectures, love letters, teen drama, feminism, and an underground abolitionist journal as a brief side plot in season 2

Wiz Khalifa plays death in a horse drawn carriage

TW: opium use

A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)

Based on great childhood books

Bookworm! brother, Inventor! sister, and baby sister with sharp teeth

Mystery, secret organisations, orphaned siblings figuring things out & fending for themselves against the villain after their fortune

Adults either cartoon evil, comedically incompetent, or SPIES

Boarding school, library owner, scientific researcher, and theatre episodes

Ambiguous time period which is really fun to try and pin point

Killing Eve (2018-now)

Classic detective who has homoerotic tension with the assassin she is tracking down

British Detective! Eve Polastri figures out the notorious assassin MI5 are investigating is a woman, is fired & then put on a secret MI6 case with a small team

Assassin! Villanelle, a psychopath with a tragic past and a mastery of both accents & fashion

Woman MI6 boss! Carolyn Martens, head of Russian section

Travel Europe following Villanelle’s killings and escaping the assassins sent by Villanelle’s organisation

‘You’re supposed to be my enemy and moral opposite but omg you’re the only one smart enough to get me and why am I obsessed with you????'

🚨 GO IN FOR A KISS AND THEN STAB YOUR ENEMY 🚨

Cable Girls/Las chicas del cable (2017-2020)

Spanish drama set in 1920s Madrid

Four young women at a telecommunications company form a group of friends and help navigate the difficult situations they are all in

Secret identities, dangerous pasts, murder, crime, lgbtq couple & throuple, trans man character, feminism/suffragists

girls commit crimes for humanitarian reasons and cover! it! up!

UNDERRATED SHOW!!!!

Gorgeous costumes and set

Haven’t finished it yet and I’m catching up

TW: abuse, violence, death

Outlander (2014 - now)

haven’t watched yet but plan to

Woman time travels to Scotland, 1743

Rebel highlanders, pirates, British colonies, American revolutionary war

Time jumps between 18th & 20th century

[morkofday]

thank you once again @yibobibo​ for tagging me ♥ even if, like I said, this is pure torture. I have so many sons that I’ve given up on counting them sigh but here goes.

favourite male fictional characters.

I took it that this meant ten so am going with that (tho am not gonna try and put them into order). am also sticking to all the characters I loved this year. and gonna ramble and add gifs so cutting it here. 

1. Liu Sang

The Lost Tomb Reboot/Reunion: The Sound of The Providence

I have so much love for this boy it’s not even healthy. it’s a bit funny tho bc once I started tltr, I didn’t really like him and almost forgot about him as the first season ended. he just felt so annoying and bitter in what I saw him, even if I did get that he had a Tragic BackstoryTM (I felt for him but well. tltr really made him hard to like at first). but then they brought him back in the second season with his sad puppy eyes and inability to handle his thoughts on wu xie and being all touch-starved and pitiful and whatnot and baam, I had the adoption papers ready. he’s wonderful and so strong and so smart and amazing. and liu chang as his actor has been wonderful (and he’s so pretty my god, have you seen him??)

2. Shen Wei

Guardian

never did I expect to just. fall into this hole after a year? I remember what a mess I was when I first watched guardian over a year ago, right after finishing the untamed. I was in shambles even as I knew how it would end. and now I’ve done this all again while also reading the novel and. my love for shen wei, especially bc it’s zhu yilong acting as shen wei? astronomical. I want to write poetry about him and his stupid responsibilities that he chooses to carry silently and his devotion to zhao yunlan and his love for his ppl and his didi and. I hope that one day I manage to write weilan bc I have this one idea and you can come pry it from my cold, dead fingers if it doesn’t get out there (am also super happy about the edit I made bc my god does he deserve at least that)

3. Cloud Strife

Final Fantasy VII

ok so stepping into the video games territory now. I was waiting for the remake like crazy and it was everything to me once the quarantine hit during spring. the game is so beautiful and I felt like I looked at this gorgeous boy once and was ready to give him my heart (tbh am quite sure he owned my heart before I even learned to know him). he is tragic in so many ways (I’ve only scratched the surface of all of his pain I know) and I wish I could just. hug him a lot. he is kind and cares very deeply even if he hates to show it and I love it how remake showed him also just being a human disaster (some of his scenes are just. peak comedy). I would kill for his smile (I have already cried for it a dozen)

4. Geralt of Rivia

The Witcher (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

if there’s one grumpy, brickwall of a man I love, it’s geralt. I affectionately call him “papa wolf” while playing witcher 3 and his voice in it does things to me (I am just so fond of him ok, begone you dirty fuckers). I got introduced to him through the books and adored him in them bc he is so prickly and sarcastic and still so full of love even if he will never admit to it. he is the father figure I wish I could have in real life. (and yes, I’ve seen the tv series (or at least a couple of the first episodes) and it looks stunning but. this is my version of geralt and that’s the hill I will die on)

5. Xiaoge

Zhang Qiling, Daomu Biji (The Lost Tomb 2)

(wow finding a gif for him was a pain, apparently I gotta learn how to gif or?) ah, my dear boy who I’ve ended up just calling xiaoge bc he seems to prefer it over his real name/title/whatever zhang qiling really is. I got introduced to him through tltr where we really didn’t get to know that much about him bc he was just... there. huang junjie was absolutely stunning tho and his soft smiles made me super fond, but only in the lost tomb 2 did I really fall in love with xiaoge as a character. I was surprised tbh bc I didn’t expect it to be this drama? I had so many doubts about the cast in tlt2 but they all delivered! and I think cheng yi’s xiaoge is now my favorite bc he somehow captured that softness and the pain of him? (and we do not talk about that buxun storyline tyvm) tho now that ultimate note is on the way, I gotta say that xiao yuliang does a wonderful job as xiaoge too!

6. Wu Xie

Daomu Biji (Ultimate Note)

(sorry we have to go with a pingxie gif now but maybe it’s only fitting) tbh it’s hard to choose my favorite version of wu xie. I think all of the actors for him have done amazing job showing wu xie in different parts of his life (all of them are very distinct but still feel like the same person) but currently zheng shunxi takes the lead. I really wanted to put the reboot version of him here (bc I love that mature, relaxed and somehow very soft version of him and the angst is phenomenal and the thoughts he has about death... yeah) but I already have zhu yilong’s face here once so :’D wu xie is just one of those characters you cannot not like. he is so strong, so kind, so stubborn, so wonderfully stupid sometimes and in need of careful protection. I also adore it how smart he is and I could listen to him spew history facts for 10 hours straight (even if it was in a tomb full of blood zombies) ♥

7. Jiang Cheng

Jiang Wanyin, The Untamed

my darling boy! my beautiful angry grape! I love him beyond words. I love him in all of his raging, misunderstood, stupid, sassy, constipated, abused, tragic, bitter, big hearted glory. I could write novels about him (and I did and am still writing oh boy) and his love for ppl and his inability to show that love and his loneliness and his issues. I could also write another novel for all of his outfits etc. bc damn, what a fashion king. he is just so great. he owns my soul. he deserves happiness and in this essay I will

8. Isana Yashiro

Adolf K. Weismann, K Project

I rewatched k project this spring bc a) it’s one of my favorite animes ever (it just looks stunning with all the colors) and b) I love yashiro to bits. I remember falling in love with him when I first watched k project many years ago bc he was just so kind and bright. this time though, I ended up seeing another side of him and my god did I cry. he is... so sweet. he cares for others so deeply and is ready to sacrifice so much for them and his love for his two clansmen... yeah. I think I finally saw the tragedy of him too, all the pain and loneliness and insecurity he decides to hide behind his smile and obnoxious personality. he reminded me a lot of myself and watching him made my heart bleed in a good way

9. Qi Tiezui

Ba Ye, The Mystic Nine

(wow am going to riot for the lack of all the gifs hhh) yes, we’re continuing with the dmbj universe that sucked me in big time this year. the drama of the mystic nine wasn’t probably that earth shattering for me as it somehow got boring more than once but I did love ba ye to bits. he was just... so nice? I got it that he was somehow this “comedic relief” in the drama with all of his funny scenes and ridiculous mannerisms but I could see the brilliance of him. he is warm and smart and kind of a romantic too and he cares for all of his friends so deeply? it was also sweet how protective of him his two zhangs were (does that run in the family? the tendency to imprint into one smart but disastrous man and keep him safe? maybe) and I really hope I knew more about him bc he seemed to have a lot of knowledge and a lot of impact to ppl’s lives (I yelled when they mentioned him in ultimate note, I miss him ;;)

10. Dorian Pavus

Dragon Age Inquisition

(yes I’ve been replaying DA:I this year, this counts!) another darling boy! my lovely sass master son! I have so much love for him and his story in DA:I. he is my favorite companion (and his romance is my favorite too, probably obvious in the way am currently romancing him for the third time) and he has given me a lot of strength. the way he stands up against his father, how he’s ready to reform his homeland instead of walking away, how he’s so caring for those he sees struggling... it’s very warming and I feel like I’m safe with him. it feels a bit silly to say that but he really is that comfort character I will seek out when I just want to know am doing fine :’) (and I am so excited to see him again in DA4! probably?)

+ 11. Li Cu

Tomb of the Sea

yes I cheated a bit (with my own rules lol) to fit li cu here. I didn’t really expect to like him or tomb of the sea as much as I did once I started it? I’ve seen leo wu elsewhere before this (battle through the heavens, nirvana in fire) and his face always makes me think about a sad puppy so maybe I just grew fond over li cu instantly bc he was... so hurt? the first episode really slaps you in the face with all of it, showing him being abused, wounded, kidnapped, tortured, used and then just very, very scared and broken. he continues being that throughout the whole drama and I feel like tomb of the sea (or sand sea or sha hai idk) is the darkest and angstiest story in the dmbj universe. I know it deserves to be bc this is a dark time for wu xie but... my darling li cu. I wish him only happiness ;; he was so strong and smart and wonderful in this and it was just so amazing to watch him grow and find his own place in the world just bc he did something himself (even when he got dragged into all of this bc of wu xie) also I support the wu xie adopts li cu -agenda

Honorary mentions: 

Zhang Rishan, Xie Yuchen and Hei Xiazi from DMBJ universe. The Twin Jades of Gusu and Ouyang Zizhen from The Untamed. The Iron Bull and Fenris from Dragon Age games. Thane Krios, Kaidan Alenko and Jaal from Mass Effect games. The whole lot of Assassin’s Creed protagonists (especially Ezio Auditore and Shay Cormac). Adam Parrish and Ronan Lynch from The Raven Cycle. Neil Josten from All For The Game. Eduon and March from The Smoke Thieves. Qiling from L.O.R.D. Critical World. Luo Fei from Detective L (played by Bai Yu). 

well, with this I can really see that I have a thing for those who are tragic :’D I have a thing for grumpy, prickly and antisocial guys or those who hide their pain behind a smile. maybe it’s bc I am somehow both, even if I can’t show my anger or be mean to others and even if I feel like my smile never sticks either. I just find kinship in all of the characters who are on this list. and I feel like I aspire to be as strong and as kind and as loving despite all the pain I’ve been put through.  

thank you, this was so much fun! and sorry I made this so long and so complicated ^^’ but well, there are just way too many male characters I love haha

at the end I want to tag @i-am-just-a-kiddo​ @ashenwren​ @kholran​ @tiesanjiao​ @lan-xichens​ @aheartfullofjolllly​ @manhasetardis​ and @lzswy​​ ♥ feel free to do this in your own way or not at all! and thank you if you managed to read through my rambling :’D

[alanncs]

hello my loves , it’s dani aka the ari mascot on the main ! if u don’t already know me , i’m 21 , i’m from toronto which puts me in the est tz , & i have a unhealthy obsession w/ mgk 🥰 hehe , that’s me ! let’s b friends pls !! anyway , i’m so so excited to be back in wealthy with all u angels , i seriously missed everyone so much ! okay , so i’m gonna put some info bout my girl alanna under the cut ... i switched her up quite a bit so i’m xcited 2 be bringing her back ! pls give this a like if u wanna plot with me & i’ll come bother u !!  also pls feel free to msg me on discord for anything 🥰 𝒎𝒈𝒌'𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆 .#1958

new york’s very own alanna d'alessio was spotted on broadway street , with a striking semblance to hailey bieber !  you may know them as @alanna or hitting the front page of tmz as youngest d’alessio heiress alanna caught trashing nyc four seasons hotel room . according to tmz , you just had your twenty - first birthday bash . while living in nyc , you’ve been labeled as being reticent , but also charming . things that would paint a better picture of you would be the lingering smell of smoke , anything pink  &  gold  jewelry  . ( cisfemale + she/her  ) * vc/career claim : lennon stella .

                   *  /   𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑠 .

full  name  :  alanna  marie  d’alessio  .

age :  twenty  -  one  .

hometown  :  new  york  city  .

zodiac  chart  : scorpio  sun  ,  aquarius  moon  ,  libra  rising  .

character  inspo  :  alyssa (  the  end  of  the  f*cking  world )  ,  marissa  cooper  (  the  o.c )  ,  hanna  marin  ( pretty  little  liars ) .

                  *  /   𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚   !!  (  tw  : kidnapping , ransom , drugs , ptsd  )

alanna was born heir to the d'alessio family which came with the billion dollar dynasty that her parents created .

her dad is an italian government official  but they grew up in ny basically bc her dad is an ambassador/representative for italy  &  her mother is a super model who also wanted to raise her kids here having lived here her whole life , and so they did . 

she had everything handed to her on a silver platter and her parents expected nothing but success from her because of how wealthy they were, they knew they would never have to worry about providing for her and her siblings , and so they spoiled her with whatever she asked for and more

but that came with a price, she was expected to do everything they wanted of her, go to an ivy league college, follow in one of her parent’s career footsteps

alanna did just that, she got amazing grades in high school and was head of many student clubs, organized prom, got almost perfect on sat’s and exams, and busted her ass to get into a good college despite the fact that her parents could’ve easily gotten her a spot if she didn’t do as well as she did

her life was going so well, she had the perfect boyfriend, perfect group of friends, was on her way to brown university in a couple of months, her parents and her couldn’t have been in a better spot with their daughter

the last thing they expected was for someone, a stranger, to get their hands on their daughter . 

a week after her 18th birthday , she’s walking to school on a monday morning and before she knows what’s happening , there’s something over her head and she’s being dragged into a van and taken from her life

the one thing that was expected, was the $10 million ransom she was held for

basically her dad had some shady dealings with the italian mob & didn’t pay his debts to them for some time - so they kidnapped alanna in retaliation for that

they kept her for 3 days before her parents were able to work with the authorities to get her returned and pay the people in full

surprisingly, she was returned alive but she had to spend two weeks in the hospital afterwards with injuries

once alanna was returned, she wasn’t the same

she told the police what happened to her , but only barely . she didn’t tell her parents or anyone else about what they did to her when she was gone . she didn’t speak , eat or sleep for two months after she got home

she spent the last few months of her high school in bed, she didn’t attend her graduation, deferred from going to brown in the fall, she didn’t see her friends anymore and she broke up with her boyfriend

the people who took her were never caught & she is still to this day completely terrified of going anywhere alone

she never walks anywhere alone 

it took her months to be able to get back to doing normal things again and being who she was before

to this day ,  alanna still struggles with the memories and the ptsd from what happened to her , but she doesn’t speak to anyone about it and she refuses to bring it up in any scenario

she also has a horrible relationship with her father now , having trouble forgiving him for what happened to her

some people know about it as obviously, being as famous as her family is, it was on the news at the time, and everyone she went to high school with knew what happened so sometimes it can be hard to avoid it ( possible connections ? hehe )

                                        *  /   𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚  !!  (  tw : drugs )

ok here comes the fun part hehe where i changed her up a bit !

alanna’s def still wild ! i’ve decided to tone it up a few notches this time around

so she’s completely intertwined in the nyc party scene , like , you’ll see her at any big club or party every weekend and tbh probably on a wednesday you’ll see her there too

she kinda acts like nicole & paris on the  simple life lmao like she’s always doing dumb shit 

she’s always under some kind of influence whether it be cocaine , weed , alcohol , shrooms , percs , she’s always gotta be on something 

after dropping out of school , she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the industry , growing up she was a child actress &  did some dancing 

she always had a knack for singing & songwriter , got her first guitar at the age of six & just never stopped

it was always like an escape from reality for her , just to have music playing and let her voice go free

so after making some money through instagram modelling & some professional 

she decided to pursue her music career this past year 

her vc is lennon stella cus i just feel like the songs fit alanna perfectly and lennon’s voice is magical so yah

she can be very selfish at times , to a fault . like u can call  her out for treating u like shit and she’s gonna be like , yeah sorry . don’t cry 2 much bout it . she really doesn’t care 

it takes her a LONG time to get close to people , so like if ur  someone she actually cares about and loves , ur gonna know it . and if ur not , ur gonna know that too lo l

she does not hide how she feels about things or ppl , she’ll tell u straight up like

istg this girl prob doesn’t have a filter she just says what pops into her head first

here’s her pinterest board for more of an idea !!!

if u read all this i seriously love u sorry its so long ohp

CONNECTIONS !!!!!!! I WANT . THEM ALL . PLS GIME ALL OF THEM .

i have tons of IDEAS here @alannaisms​  !  so pls look thru that & lemme kno if any would fit with  alanna & ur muse !  heh ok im done ily  guys pls come plot with me <3

[asterekmess]

S3A - E1

Okay, instead of making like massive reblogs of thoughts as I have them for the episodes, I’m gonna just make a massive bullet point list that I’ll add to throughout the episode, so you get One post per episode instead of “Like all nine million of them.”

I put Read-More’s because I care.

Thoughts (of which I have far too many):

I’m in the first ten seconds of the fuckin episode. Why the fuck is Braeden electrocuting Isaac? Like, look, I wanna like Braeden. I have issues with her entire moral system, but I still wanna like her cus’ she saves Isaac. But...how am I supposed to do that when the literal first thing she does is electrocute my boy??? He’s knocked out, not DEAD (not that that’s how shocking someone’s heart even Works) and it’s not like she needs to trigger the healing process. He’s already got Gaping slash wounds on his chest. He’s hurt enough. ALSO. “Be quiet”?? R U Serious? You’re electrocuting him. YOU try being quiet with fucking jumper cables on your chest.

The CGI...is so bad. Oh my god. What the absolute fuck. it looks like Sharkboy & Lavagirl. And why aren’t Ethan & Aiden’s claws doing anything to the bike?

I AM CONFUSION. If the twins don’t have to take their pants off to do the Transformers shit, why do they have to take off their shirts? Can...can I just skip that? Make the big bad werewolf wear an ugly hybrid of two of their stupid ass sweaters? Or do Ethan and Aiden really just like being shirtless that much? (I wouldn’t put it past them)

What is with Braeden and the electricity?

The writing in this show, what the fuck? “I thought I told you to hold on” EXCUSE ME, ma’am. He literally just passed out. His bad I guess.

Guess who has to add the anti-scott tag to this now? Anyway, I hate that Allison’s bit in the intro is her kissing Scott and then drawing the bow. Like, they’re broken up. They don’t get together in this season. Why are they kissing in the intro? That had to have Totally pissed off Scallison fans.

There’s my boy, holding up lizard tattoo designs. Pls tell me he took a pic and sent it to Jackson with the caption “It’s YOU.” Like, yes, way too soon, but man it’s fuckin funny.

This tattoo artist is a good-ass salesman. However, p-sure he’s not a good-ass artist if he had to wrap Scott’s arm up That badly. Like...they have stuff for that. Fuck, the one I got on my ankle, they used SaranWrap and Tape. Just needs to be kept out of the open air for a bit. You don’t need like eight layers of gauze. I do feel for Scott tho. That tat probably cost him like $50-75 before the tip. Oof.

Eyyy, time to be salty. Ya’ll know I love Allison, but does it get any more clear that she totally bailed on everyone after the warehouse? She went to France! She doesn’t even know what happened to Jackson after he got cured. ALSO. Lydia says “Derek taught him the werewolf 101.” Not Scott. Derek. XP

Lydia, honey, leave Allison alone. If she doesn’t want to go on the double date, go alone and make it an orgy. Fun, right? Wait, no. Don’t. You’re 16. Don’t do that!

When exactly did they “agree to give each other the summer”? She said “I’m breaking up with you.” he said “I’ll wait” and then she cried into her dad’s arms. Like...why didn’t we get to see this apparently incredibly important conversation? (maybe because it didn’t happen??)

I fucking LOVE the “I’m just gonna say hi. HEYYYYY! You know....they probably didn’t see us.”

The most horrific thing about that moment was the bad CGI.

I WANNA POINT OUT how cute it is (in a like, sad way cus’ she’s terrified) that Lydia is close enough to Stiles now that she immediately goes for his side and they like insta connect with the eye contact. Not in like a Stydia way, but like, they’re close. she trusts him and goes to him when she’s scared, even though he’s human and you’d wonder if she shouldn’t go to Scott instead, since he’s the werewolf.

SCOTT WHY ARE YOU TOUCHING THE DEAD DEER. Your ability to smell chemosignals/sense emotions has nothing to do with touching. Stop poking the dead animal.

Wait, WHY is there a full moon in that shot? The full moon isn’t for like a week! I COUNTED.

...what? Why the fuck does Braeden think Scott’s an Alpha? Why tho? Like, seriously? WHY? He’s not an Alpha yet. Nowhere near it. And if she knows bc Deaton told her (i think he was the one who hired her) then shouldn’t she know he isn’t one yet? IF SHE KNOWS that she can tell Melissa abt werewolves, WHY doesn’t she know that Scott’s Melissa’s son? Where is the LOGIC?

Scott’s morning routine is giving me Legally Blonde vibes. ~my perrrfectt dayyy, nothing standing in my wayyy~

I can’t tell. did Allison get highlights, or straight up dye her hair brown?

This sweet moment between her and her dad. Yes. Pls.

I will admit, I like getting to see each of their mornings.

Lydia...who are you fucking? Honey, you’re sixteen. Why isn’t whoever the fuck is in bed with you also getting ready for school? What.....the fuck?

Completely different Beacon Hills High School set. I really can’t blame the writers for that.

Wtf Davis? You list Erica and Boyd as being 17...since when? They’re supposed to be entering their Junior Year of high school. They would be 16 GOING ON 17. ANd what the hell do you mean Erica’s birthday is August 16th? She said in the last season that she’d “Just turned 16 a month ago” that was Spring semester. ???? Come on, guys. Seriously. Writing 101, getting to know your characters. I don’t know anyone writing a novel who doesn’t know the exact birthday of their characters. Plus, they cut 2 in. from Gage Golightly’s actual height, while adding an inch to Sinqua’s (according to google, which isn’t always reliable) Whatever. Boooooo.

Uh...that principal was threatened by the Argents. Victoria herself promised to torture him if he didn’t resign. Why does he look so surprised by the fucking sword in his office? For that matter, why is he at the school at all? He KNOWS the Argents attacked him. This should cause problems!

Honestly, Lydia, I love you. Like, go for it. Nothing wrong with not wanting to date and just wanting to have fun. My issues stem from YOU BEING 16. Yes, teenagers have sex. But this is ridiculous. Why is there so much sexualization? I knew a grand total of like....two teenagers who had sex at 16? and like one who did at 15 (which they say in canon she and Jackson were banging before her birthday). Like, it’s not nearly as common as y’all are making it out to be. Knock it off.

WHEN DID MELISSA MEET ISAAC PROPERLY? WHEN did that HAPPEN?

....so why didn’t Derek answer the phone? They literally never explain? He shows up, so...why didn’t he answer?

I’m SO InCredibly Disturbed by Jennifer having everyone’s phone numbers. HOW? In What Way is that REMOTELY appropriate? WHY did no one question it? Why didn’t STILES or LYDIA question it?

So tiny, bugs me so much. He didn’t turn his phone off. He turned his screen off...is it that hard to have him do the right one?

uhhh. Werewolves can smell other werewolves. Wanna tell me why Isaac can’t tell a werewolf just walked in the room? An ALPHA no less?

why TF are Kali’s iris’ and pupils so fucking massive?

So...what was the deal with the birds? Don’t they say later that Jennifer like summoned them? So they aren’t from the Alpha pack scaring animals? And also, how would the Alpha pack be scaring animals if they’re like, in the middle of town? They said in S1 that “wild animal sightings are up” like what 75% or something? “As though something is scaring them out” but that made sense, bc we knew Peter was running around in his full-shift (it’s a fucking full shift, it’s just fucked up) in the woods. But these Alphas aren’t, they’re integrating. So is it Jennifer that the animals are afraid of? Like, does she have sPoOkY aura or something?

More bad CGI.

WHy is no one responding to the woman stumbling around in nothing but a hospital gown?

ONCE AGAIN. Werewolves can Sense Werewolves. SCOTT you sensed Isaac in a BOYS LOCKER ROOM. DUKE IS RIGHT THERE. WHT THE FUCK?

angry smoker doctor  “Why don’t you wheel this joker out of here?” “I’m gonna go smoke” Grrr

Sir. clearly your mask wasn’t tied on appropriately. it shouldn’t just Fall Off when you touch it. there are Protocols! STOP THE SPREAD. also, someone wanna tell me why none of these alphas can keep their claws in? A lil flashy flashy red eye would’ve done the trick just fine.

Okay no, seriously what the FUCK is up with these contacts, you guys? THEY”RE MASSIVE???

Ugh, can I just *swoons* “I’m an Alpha!” slice “So am I.” That is just so fucking smooth. Woo. I feel so safe ohmygod. PLUS. Derek KNOWS Ennis. I can’t imagine how satisfying that had to be.

Uh, Derek, honey. You’re Isaac’s legal guardian. You can just Sign Him Out of the hospital. With clothes and everything. What are you doing?

Honey, what do you mean the county took it over? If they were gonna do that they’d have done it six fucking years ago. Unless you gave it to them, it’s still yours? I did the research. Like HOURS of it.

What do you MEAN there’s a magic healing herb that helps with Alpha wounds? Since when do Alpha wounds need extra healing, I thought they just took a lil longer? ALSO why is it growing INSIDE your house???? SCOTT. Isaac is fucking UNCONSCIOUS. Can your tattoo fucking WAIT A MINUTE?

I have so many questions. WHY does Braeden know who Allison is? If Lydia’s immune to magic, WHY is Braeden able to bruise her? WHY can Braeden DO magic? and WHY is Chris allowed to take Lydia out of school?

ALLISON you had Geometry LAST YEAR why are you holding a GEOMETRY BOOK??

ohhhhmygod, Derek. Derek. DEREK. Your eyes are pretty on a normal day. That little Blink and ruby reds thing? Ohmygod. I just. I wanna take a picture and just stare at it BUT. how tf does this whole red eye thing work? You can see in the dark....but now you also have x-ray vision? You know, I could believe it was thermal vision...maybe? If Scott was still healing for some reason maybe the tattoo would be brighter? Otherwise I have no idea what is going on.

BUT SCOTT”S NOT 18??? He’s Still fucking 16, or even 17, but not 18. WTF? He needs parental consent in the first place (i should’ve mentioned this in the other note abt the tattoo)

uhh...seriously? When someone breaks up with you and tells you not to talk to them anymore...why do you need a reward for doing as they asked? Like, yeah, you’re sad, I feel that. But making it a ‘reward’ sounds kinda weird. You know what makes it really easy not to text the ex that doesn’t wanna talk to you? Delete her number.

WHY THE BLOWTORCH? SOMEONE WANNA EXPLAIN? Peter’s not covered in tattoo from when he was literally burned alive, why the FUCK would a blowtorch create a black tattoo on Scott’s skin?

DEREK. HONEY. Why would Stiles be able to hold Scott still??? Scott’s a werewolf.

All this bullshit to explain away Posey’s tattoo that he got. Like, damn dude, we all like tattoos, but you have a job that needs bare arms on the regular. That was kinda rude.

Where did braeden get clothes? I forgot to ask.

uhhhh. Ephemeral might technically work in that sentence, but that’s still really awkward.

WHY THE FUCK DID YOU DESTROY HIS DOOR? YOU FUCKING ASSHAT. And WHY the instant fucking grr face? “why’d you paint the door?” uhh, leave him alone? He can do what he wants? It’s his house? Also, don’t get all fucking rude about the alpha pack. He told you it was a rival pack.

KALI. PUT SOME FUCKING SHOES ON. JESUS.

Why exactly does Scott see the symbol and INSTANTLY put together that it’s got anything to do with the Alphas or the animal attacks? Where is the logic jump there?

What exactly was the POINT of popping your claws if you were gonna kick her in the face???

UH, Melissa? Why didn’t you tell Scott that there was a whole other person with Isaac?

What is with the face touching, Duke? I’ve never known a blind person who actually wanted to rub their hands on my face to ‘find out what i look like?’

Really not a fan of all these weird jumps and camera angles with the awkward reflecting.

WOah WOah. Allison gets to PAINT her APARTMENT? Wtf kinda BULlshit is that? My landlord won’t let me do that. Rude.

I know they’re imprisoned and it sucks, but they’ve been there for four months, they had to have gotten bored. Do you think they broke into any of the security deposit boxes to see if anything was left behind?

Last thoughts: They really went for it with this episode. I have plans to change a lot of it. Hopefully I can mesh the changes with the general plotline.

[tornrose24]

EtoCU IN SPACE! Thoughts and complaints (Spoilers!)

So I too decided to watch all the episodes of season 4 in one day. I had... mixed reactions. More so compared to other seasons. Here are my thoughts:

-I KNEW Krupp went to school in the 90s! Even better, they gave us an exact year on his yearbook! (1993 to be exact! That was the year ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ came out!)

-Krupp was less of an asshole and more of an idiot the entire season, wasn’t he? There were too many examples to list. To no one’s surprise, he did to take over more than once, but I’m glad it didn’t go anywhere.

-I liked that Moxie was the most realistic adult on the show to date. I also liked how she could barely stand Krupp and not even Fitzgibbons cared for him.

-I feel that George and Harold’s enthusiasm and history with adults did make things a lot harder when it came to listening to Moxie and Fitzgibbons.

-CU is WAY more competent in this season! Holy crap that was nice!

-Also the boys cried when they thought he died! That was sad, heartwarming, and harsher in hindsight all in one (These incarnations would NOT take it well if they had to go through book 12 or the movie).

-Melvin’s rapping was both hilarious and awesome!

-Him and Erica REALLY don’t want to be on the show anymore due to being fed up with the toilet humor, LOL. Oh boy I think they’d prefer She-Ra or Kipo and the age of Wonderbeasts in that case.

-I want to see Erica and Moxie hang out more. She seems like someone Erica would more than look up to.

-So does Sean Astin actually have a daughter?

-When they were dissing shows that took place in Space, I was thinking ‘Doctor Who is good’ before I saw that it was a fourth wall joke.

-That Hamilton reference was hilarious as is, but then someone hating the actor enough to hurl a fruit at him made me think of why its controversial at the moment (coincidence?)

-Having Krupp be part of the Misfarts was... unexpected. Funny, but unexpected.

-I KNEW we’d get a Planet of the Apes reference! But it went so fast.

-Oh George and Harold... if kids ruling things is a bad idea, wait until you read ‘Lord of the Flies.’

-We ended up getting a Passengers reference of all things. Unlike Passengers, it’s actually entertaining and not creepy. (Don’t watch Passengers–look up the plot to know why). I can’t believe Krupp thought that waking up the boys would be a good thing–he should have known better by that point. I would have been down for JUST him being awake, but what we got was funny.

Ok now for my complaints.

-SO MUCH WASTED POTENTIAL! Where were the aliens from the last few seasons?! And I don’t mean for that one gag! I thought they were going to play a part! What where the producers/writers thinking?!

-I was expecting Dupe Plicitous to be an alien in disguise. Sadly that would have made the show far more interesting compared to some of the things we got instead.

-Oh great, another new science teacher we get to know little about.

-It’s cool that we got to see Dressy as a bad guy, but not only did they make it way too obvious, but the boys drew her as the monster in the comic before they even knew. 

-So... Krupp actually.... he really did go in his space outfit, didn’t he? They ACTUALLY made that joke. 

-I have a few reasons as to why I think they cut this season short. But I now think that they could have done more episodes because we could have gone to another planet or two.

-Oh hey, it’s another ‘let’s show how much Krupp desires having a girlfriend while still refusing to bring in Edith’ gag in episode 3.  *SCREAMS INTO OBLIVION* I WAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT HER BEING AN ALIEN IN THE SERIES!VERSE THIS SEASON FOR A REASON YOU COWARDS!

-I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like the ‘kids rule everything on this planet’ episode. I was right in a few ways. For one thing, this is the closest we’ll get to having CU and Krupp together and it wasn’t how any of us would have wanted it. ALSO this was another example of ‘this could have been book 8 COMPLETE with an evil version of CU’ but we got denied YET AGAIN!

-Oh yeah, if you read books 2, 3, and 11, you’ll know what could have been adapted too.

-When I saw episode 4 and saw Krupp being with his blue counterpart, I KNEW we’d get fan stuff of those two later on. Honestly, I’m not thrilled about it.... ugh... yeah. No.

-Oh great, Melvin is evil again. Sarcastic whoopie.

-So we SAW Krupp turn into CU right in front of George and Harold’s friends. The fact that he went with them should have tipped some of them off. So do they know now or....? ANSWERS DANGIT!

-The last episode having that big fight was cool, but then the space cops turned out to be real and I just... ugh.

-The planet of the Apes references was... too fast. I thought the monkeys being part of P.O.O.P.S.I.E. would tie into it. And then the Back to the Future reference at the very end felt squeezed in. Also–HOW THE HELL DID CU GET A TIME TOAD ON HIS OWN?!

-So... did season 4 NOT happen at all? If the boys undid the entire season at the very end, then that was a huge let down for many reasons.

So overall, this season had it’s merits, but it COULD have been better with better writing in a few episodes, a couple more episodes, etc. Its never a good sign when you think back and know that the fandom could have done it better. I highly doubt the Coronavirus played a part, considering how long it must have taken to make this half of the show.

I’m guessing that we’ll have to wait until February (or longer, considering what happened this year) for the next season since they didn’t confirm or deny a season 5. If season 5 is the last season, it better be more than six episodes and it better be an improvement to season 4.

[watchingninjago-archive]

SEASON 1, EPISODE 9: The Royal Blacksmiths

Netflix, love you but uhhh is that genuinely the plot? Welp, let’s see how these boys DANCE.

AKA: Clutch Powers is fucking taunting me. I’m going to go nuts in Season 11 when he actually shows up huh

[21:25] Well, the first Fangblade was found, and I bet that the other three won’t take too long to be found either. That’s going to be… really fun…

[20:50] Goddammit they’re going to use Lloyd as a human sacrifice. I did not see the day where this was a genuine concern of mine.

[20:26] I doubt Pythor’ll actually let him go. That’s way too nice.

[20:09] Ancient Architect A: So… how many booby traps do you plan to put in here?

 Ancient Architect B: Yeah.

[19:22] awww how cu- (my general repulsion to romance remembers that it has a job and kills me instantly)

[18:44] djdjd Cole just has a photo album labelled “My Photos” and that’s it. Where’s the absolute tomes of photo books that I’m used to who just has a photo album with the words “My Photos” on the front

[18:25] And it’s not even all photos of HIM? So it’s more like “Photos I have” than “Photos of me specifically”? I think that’s the point but I digress4

[18:11ish] “His name was Dutch… no, Clutch! Clutch Powers!” HEY WHAT THE FUCK

[17:50] Wait, Cole ran away because his dad pushed performing arts on him that much? I swear, if Tick Tock was like being stabbed with a knife then this episode is like sprinting around the balls in dodgeball. Not upsetting, just confusing and wild.

[17:30] And to the Mountain of Madness! If Garmadon’s having trouble with the extra pair of arms I bet it’ll probably be a total pain in the ass for Wu.

[17:27] Seems as it was. Nice to see Garmadon’s a good brother despite the whole “was bitten by an evil snake and was forced into evil as a result” thing.

[17:02] Oh, the rocks are moving I guess.

[16:52] Oh, the rocks are violent I guess. 

[16:27] Okay, but if my past self had guessed what would happen when Garmadon and Wu met up, it would be nowhere near this, yet this all is in character? Props on the whole “violence is not the solution when it comes to family” thing that’s going on here. I’ve seen some far worse examples of this message (three guesses on what show I’m referring to) and it’s nice that it’s been done somewhat well here.

[16:21] Goddamn, finally, the ninjas have some casual clothes.

[16:01] But seriously, I just… do I have weird taste or is this show just really good?

[15:51] I doubt you can just… snatch it. We’ve got 16 minutes left, haven’t you been reading the timestamp?

[15:48] Why are we going straight to Cole’s dad, though? We seriously don’t know anyone else who would know this?

[15:45ish] “What? You too good for the doorbell?” (Cole’s dad just fucking slams the door in his face) JESUS CHRIST

[15:35] huh. sure is a doorbell.

[15:23] I swear, Cole’s dad would be the first to go in something like TGWDLM. Or maybe he’d never get infected because he’d blend in too well.

[15:20] It’s like the guy’s stuck in his prime when he really should’ve moved on by now, though.

[15:06] Watch your mouth Cole, you need the info.

[14:58] I can see the braincell being chucked around like it’s a poor, poor beanbag. Please, treat it carefully.

[14:56] This better be the good kind of shock.

[14:35] Wasn’t the good kind, but Zane caught the braincell in time to keep the story from becoming suspicious. So now we can get some exposition on the Blade Cup, I suppose.

[14:30] So, yeah, exposition, and like little side train of thought: Clutch Powers is entirely responsible for this episode and so when I finally see him in the show (what, in season 11 I think?) I’m going to comment on that fact. Somebody remind me to do that.

[14:06] Alright, whoever’s got the braincell now, try and appease Cole’s dad so you can figure out the whole “How the hell are we going to get the Blade Cup” plan sooner than later?

[13:48] Welp, here we go.

[13:43] The ruse is NOT going to be kept up for long, huh

[13:11] Cut to the Serpentine causing some minor ruckus.

[13:07] Well then. Bloody nice job not letting the blade fall into the wrong hands. Just slap the image of it on a poster while THE SERPENTINE ARE AT LARGE (though I doubt they really know about why it’s such an awful idea)

[12:50] Cut to the ninjas. It’s time to funcking SING

[12:40ish] “Stop! Stop! If my ears weren’t attached to my head they’d be running away.” What ears?

[12:34] “Zane, you’re like a machine!” (Zane flinches) “Don’t change anything.”

[12:23ish] “big show stopping climax” Goddammit, I really need to adjust my mental filters. It keeps tripping my TGWDLM alarm when it’s just a coincidence.

[12:02] Oh my god, he’s been holding this in for a while, hasn’t he?

[11:11ish] Cut to the Serpentine, Pythor in tow. And… even if the snakes have legs can the snakes sing and dance? I don’t think they can (very well)

[10:57] Cut to the Mountain of Madness: Because you forgot about that during the Hijinks!

[10:39] Oh… that’s shiny 

[10:33] F! GODDAMMIT I’M BOOBOO THE FUCKING FOOL

[10:23] HAHA I REVOKE ANYTHING I SAID ABOUT GARMADON I SHOULD’VE SEEN THIS COMING

[10:17] Wait, hold that thought…?

[10:03] Uh. I’ll let you know if I go through with the revoking because I have zero clue on what is fucking happening.

[9:47] Cut to Ninjago(‘s Got) Talent.

[9:24] Oi. Don’t talk so loudly.

[9:12] WELP.

[9:00] Something you want to tell him, but does he want to hear it?

[8:50] …. if this doesn’t go well I’m going to flip

[8:26] I’m going to flip if there isn’t an unless in there

[8:20] SHIIIIIIIT.

[7:54] Okay, but seriously. That is the worst disguise I’ve ever seen.

[7:44] UM. UUUUM. OKAY PYTHOR FUCKING ATE THE JUDGE

[7:38] me: that’s kinda fucked, well pythor’s disguise isn’t gonna last long huh-

brain: vore.

[7:26] AND NOBODY DOES ANYTHING LIKE???

[7:00] Okay, define our way because that’s probably still outside the rules

[6:43] Oh, that’s why they wanted me to see the pilot. The skeletons. Well, you’re not going to see me watch it in a while as I REALLY detest villainous lego skeletons and I want to avoid them for as long as possible.

[6:21ish] hi gilderoy

[6:17] Welp, going as ninjas. That’s fun.

[6:14-6:03] “I have butterflies in my stomach! “Aw, c’mon, that’s just nerves.” “No. I really do have butterflies in my stomach.” (Zane opens his torso panel and several butterflies fly out. They somehow haven’t harmed his wiring.) “O-kay. I’m glad he got that out of his system.”

[5:31] Welcome back, Gilderoy.

[5:24] I.. I have an unearned sense of nostalgia hearing those opening chords. Holy shit, I’m going to be a fucking mess by the 11th season if I feel like this *now*.

[5:04] THE NINJAS AND THE SERPENTINE ARE BRAWLING ON STAGE AND THE MUSIC’S A BANGER HELL YEAH

[4:38] HELL YEAH COLE! I SENSE SOME TRUE POTENTIAL UPCOMING SO.. Y E A 

[4:24] DJDJD AWWW

[4:09] (laughs uncomfortably) what the fuck?

[4:00] Hell yeah, they’ve got the Fang Blade! Hopefully. I don’t think the Serpentine are above plain stealing it.

[3:39] Oh… oh. Cole’s dad wasn’t there.

[3:09] N-No, he was! And he’s proud of Cole! Aww

[2:33] Dammit, Pythor’s back. Hope he coughed up that judge before he got here. Typically, swallowing a judge of a talent competition can cause stomach problems comparable to downing about 20 cans of the sponsoring company’s drink at once. That is not based on Serpentine biology, however, so I imagine it’d be different for them.

[2:21] it’s a show stopping number, a real show stopper, a kickline is inevitbEEEE-EEEEL-

[2:17] uh oh! uh oh! uh oh!

[2:15] F

[2:07] AND THE FANGBLADE’S GONE, DAMN

[1:59] Well… if someone… I dunno, unlocked their true potential… then maybe… we wouldn’t need that scythe…

[1:53] Oh, it’s glowing because he did find it. Alright.

[1:47] COLE! HELL YEAH! ALREADY REALLY FUCKING BUFF BUT NOW HE’S FOUND HIS TRUE POTENTIAL TOO BABY!

[1:26] Aw, poor Kai though. You’ll probably get your true potential unlocked in the next episode, though.

[1:10] And the gang’s back together and alright for now!

[0:42] Awww

[0:00] ...wait a minute. How did the tomb from the beginning of the episode repair itself. You’re telling me Clutch didn’t set off anything? I’m calling crap on that one.

[youknowmymethods]

Content Creator Interview #5

Welcome back again folks! This week in our fifth interview @vermofftiss chats to @mizjoely about her love of lists, her fantasy season five finale, and reveals the truth about who really writes her stories...

Hi, @mizjoely here, chatting with @vermofftiss about my sherlolly writing and fandom experiences, and answering some questions submitted by a few other folks. I’ve been involved in fandom in one way or another since the early 1980s, which is also when I started writing fanfiction - for classic Doctor Who and Star Trek in its various incarnations.

@vermofftiss here, putting forward the aforementioned questions. I’ll also be trying to weasel some advice out of @mizjoely that I can use for my own writing, which has been a casual ongoing thing since I published my first sherlolly fic in 2014.

Vermofftiss: I think our first encounter was in the Sherlollychat in the fall of 2014, around the time I got onto AO3. Which means series 3 was five years ago. How does it feel knowing that series 4 was already two years ago? What’s changed in the time since it aired?

Mizjoely: Oh, I miss the sherlollychat, or at least I did until Channy came up with the discord version! It’s hard to fathom that so much time has passed since I joined the fandom! (I became active on tumblr in November 2013 after discovering Sherlolly earlier that same year, btw.) Series 3 was five years ago. Series 4 was two years ago. Crazy!

As for what’s changed since then, I’d have to say one positive thing is that the fandom wank has calmed way the hell down since S4…. Another change that I’ve seen is probably common to all fandoms over time - new writers and content creators have joined the fandom while (sadly) many others have moved on to other fandoms. Of course, that’s to be expected when your show is essentially over, but it’s still kind of sad to lose folks completely to other fandoms.

V: Which series was your favourite to play with as a writer? When did you really get into writing Sherlolly?

M: I would have to say Series 4 has definitely been a great series to write for - so much angst! The I love you! Mary Watson’s very sad death, Rosie Watson becoming a character, Mrs. Hudson showing us what a badass she is, and of course Eurus Holmes entering the picture. We might not have gotten as much Molly Hooper as we wanted, but the scenes we did get with her were tremendous and gave so much inspiration to me and many other writers.

I really got into Sherlolly as a ship after seeing TRF, as I’m sure is true with many folks - especially the “what do you need” scene. And it was so much fun to dive into the possibilities of life after Sherlock’s ‘death’ between Series 2 and 3, I consider that a real golden age of Sherlolly writing. My first published Sherlock/Sherlolly fic was “Conversations With A Dead Detective”, set Post Reichenbach, which according to fanfiction.net I published on 04/11/13 (so I’m nearly at my five year Sherlolly- versary, woo hoo!).

A quick look at my spreadsheet (don’t judge me, I love my lists) shows that I wrote or at least started 37 fics that year (one of which I’m still working on, yikes! - The World As We Know It, a vamp!lock fic). I’m currently sitting at almost 500 fics for Sherlolly, which still amazes me, that I could be that inspired by a pair of fictional characters! (For comparison, my second most prolific fandom is Doctor Who, for whom I wrote a total of 25 stories over a period of 20 years. And of those 25, only about a dozen were for my main ship, Five/Tegan).

V: A couple of questions from @ohaine - 

1) Based on the sheer volume of your work, I have this theory that you’re actually some sort of artistic collective rather than just one person, please tell me I’m right!

M: You have discovered my secret: I'm actually four raccoons in a trenchcoat! Seriously though, until I was bitten by the Sherlolly bug, my output was much, much lower, even though I've been writing fanfics since the early 1980s. For example, I love the Zutara ship for Avatar: Last Airbender, but I only wrote three fics for that. I wrote about 25 fics for Doctor Who, and about the same amount for the various Star Treks (not including Khanolly). Nothing set my writing muse afire like Sherlolly, and I doubt anything ever will again.

and, 2) You write a lot of AUs, and I’m wondering what inspires them?

M: Considering that I started off as a strictly Canon Universe/Canon Compliant writer in all of my other fandoms, it still seems funny to me how much I enjoy writing and reading AUs now. I started reading them after finally running out of canon compliant fics to read and discovering how much fun it was to transplant the characters into a different universe. And that, of course, made me think about what sort of AUs I could fit Molly and Sherlock into.

In fact, the very first BBC Sherlock story I started to write (never finished or posted) was an AU because I was nervous about trying to write Sherlock and figured no one would complain too much about him being OOC if it was a fantasy setting. (I ended up taking the plunge on a canon universe post Reichenbach fic and posted that and a lot of other canon universe fics before returning to AUs.)

Wait, that doesn't answer the question! What inspires them? The same things that inspire all my writing: wanting to read a specific kind of fic and not being able to find it; fics that other authors have written that make me itch to put my own spin on the idea; dreams; books I've read or movies or TV shows I've watched...inspiration is everywhere when you really, really, really love a ship. (Gawd that's cheesy but it's true - no love, no writing fanfic, period end of paragraph.)

V: This past spring I finally got the nerve to start working on my first proper AU (not CC, CU, or UA) after sitting on the idea for about 3 years. Have you ever had to wait to be “ready” to start working on a concept? How much do you need to know about a project to get going on it?

M: I have absolutely had to wait to be ready to start working on a concept. My very first attempt at a Sherlolly fic (never finished or published) was going to be an AU because I was so intimidated by the idea of writing Sherlock Holmes in the canon universe set up by Moffat & Gatiss. I was terrified I wouldn’t get his voice right, that he would be too OOC for folks, that I wouldn’t be able to make him clever enough or that I’d mess things up a dozen different ways. So I started writing the AU instead, and in doing so (over a course of several months), I finally realized that no, I wanted to start off in the canon universe. Just trying to write him at all, in any setting, made me a little less intimidated by him. But I might never have written anything if I hadn’t started that abandoned AU. (And I look forward to seeing your AU when you’re ready to post it!)

V: Does reader feedback ever impact the plots of your stories or the building of your AUs?

M: It absolutely can, especially when someone leaves a comment that makes me think about my story in a different light. I won’t go so far as to say comments have caused me to redo anything on a larger scale (such as change the ending) but certainly I’ve thrown things into the fic or expanded on ideas expressed in a comment to make the story that much richer.

That’s one of the best things about being active in fandom - the interactions between readers and writers. Of course, the reverse can also be true - I remember needing a LOT of fan-friend coddling when some folks were unhappy with the ending of my story ‘Abandoned’ (i.e., my Molly let my Sherlock get off too easily). But you have to have thick skin to be a creator, and remember that not everyone likes the same things. And you also have to be able to say yes, I could have done this better, or if I had to do it over I’d do it differently. It’s all part of the creative process.

V: Are there any scenes or aspects that were cut from a story that you regretted leaving out at the end?

M: Not really. Most things that I cut have been vetted by my betas (shout-out to ALL betas for being willing to help you make your story better!) and jettisoning those things has always made my stories better. (Plus I keep a folder of scraps that got cut and periodically review those scraps to see if I might be able to salvage them.)

V: On top of being one of the better-known Sherlolly writers in the tag, you’re also the single person behind the Sherlollbrary. As much as I love to organize my life and everything else I can get my hands on, that’s not something I think I’d ever actually want to do. So what made you decide to start cataloguing Sherlolly fics?

M: My love of lists. Seriously, that’s it. I love making lists of things - like, how many stories did I write in 2013 for Sherlolly (37, as you now know!), how many one-shots have I written vs. multi-chapters, how many were prompts...and then I started seeing people doing lists of various tropes. The one that made me decided to start my Sherlollilists side blog was one put together for Sherlolly omegaverse stories. As more and more lists were created, edited, and added (I’m currently at 140 official lists, with more than a dozen unofficial lists), I decided it would nice to organize them all (not realizing quite what I was getting into!) as one spreadsheet, with other tropes and tags and keywords for folks to help narrow down their searches. It always give me a little thrill when I open the library and see folks are browsing, so I like to think it’s a useful tool (although I am looking forward to finishing it someday!)

@writingwife-83 asked: You work tirelessly to organize all the multitude of writing this ship produces, but how do you feel that affects you as a writer? Does it make you less interested in writing your own fics? Or does it tend to help get the wheels turning and inspire you?

M: I have to admit, sometimes curating the lists can completely put me off writing, simply due to feeling oversaturated. This is especially true when I am reading or skimming over fics that are, shall we say, not the best of the bunch. Or the times when I'm just pushing myself even if I'm not really enthusiastic about doing it. Those times, I've learned to just step back, which is why sometimes the lists don't get updated very quickly.

On the other hand, rereading a favorite or a forgotten gem can really get my creative juices flowing. At times like that, I fall back in love with the ship and the fandom all over again.

V: When you’re stuck with writer’s block or just a lack of motivation, does it help you more to reread an old fave or to go back through some of your own works? Have you noticed your style has changed much?

M: It does help, absolutely. It reminds me why I love this ship so much, and helps me reconnect with others in the fandom. People think of reading as passive and writing as solitary, but to me it’s an interactive process. Reading great fics, new can old, helps feed your creativity. And nowadays the internet helps so much as well - there are awesome resources and fandom spaces to talk to other folks about their works and your own, reminding you that you’re not creating in a vacuum. (And I REALLY love the cheerleading section of the Sherlolly Discord site. That can help unstick my creativity like nobody’s business!)

As for my style changing - yeah, it definitely has. I feel like my writing has become more streamlined and less clunky since I first started. I still do a lot of semicolon abuse but at this point I’ve decided that’s just my style and will likely never change.

Thanks for the excellent questions and for letting me ramble on!

V: I’m sure we can do a lot more rambling if left on the trail. How about one last one: In the currently hypothetical series 5, how would you continue the story from where it left off?

M: Oooh, good one! If I was in charge we would see that Sherlock and Molly are continuing their relationship, culminating with a wedding at the end of the third episode. But since I’m not in charge, I’m thinking that Mofftiss would give us some subtle hints, like John casually mentioning to Sherlock that he and Rosie can’t join ‘them’ for dinner that night for whatever reason. And maybe some small changes to 221B to show hints that someone else spends time there other than Sherlock and the Watsons - a cherry patterned pillow, perhaps? A Bart’s ID card with a woman’s picture to show that no, it isn’t one Sherlock nicked to get access to a place he otherwise couldn’t get to? A woman’s coat hanging next to Sherlock’s? Something like that. And some private smiles between Sherlock and Molly, little things like that. Enough to give us hope but not enough to give us proof! They do like to tease that way!

Non-shipwise, I think Eurus would make a return because come on, how do you leave a character like that catatonic? I also think they would return to ACD canon to revise a few more cases for the modern age, and maybe (maybe!) have John start dating again (especially if they’re so married to canon that they killed Mary off - since John seems to have been married at least twice, they would probably explore that option).

I know, that last part is a bit vague but honestly? I hope they surprise the hell out of us in a good way if we ever get that fifth series!

Next Week, Friday March 22nd, @ashockinglackofsatin talks to @sunken-standard

[j4nn4s]

rules:

always repost the rules

answer the questions given to you by the one who tagged you!

give 11 questions

tag 11 people

i was tagged by @isakvdhflorenzi, ty miss lorena <3 1. Is the social media presence of the characters important to how you view the quality of the remake/show?

hm well skam nl is my favorite and their social media game is trash LMAOOO so generally No but i do feel like remakes who DO have such a good presence kind of elevate the show and i think it’s pretty heartwarmin to see some remakes go sm farther than skam with social media and puttin out educational and IN CHARA resources like skames does this so well and i feel like in that way, the team is really really spreadin skam’s spirit via these resources (like joana’s billion bpd awareness ig accounts and lucas rubio’s yt channel)

2. Least favourite clip of the show? Why?

tbh there are definitely some duds but probably one of the clips with sana gettin herself into a hole in s4 just bc some were hard to watch cus cringey or yikes .... idk i cant think of others LMAO

3. Which character did you feel the most connected to and why?

ijeoiqjiwoij even tho even is my all time fave skam chara, i have to say isak for all of these reasons 

4. Your least favourite part of every season?

season 1 - tbh even though i really enjoyed this season, it does take a while for it to build up like i rmr at first not being that interested until ep6 maybe ?? which is hard when you’re trying to get your friends to watch but they have to wait until ep6 before shit starts RLLY buildin up and gettin wild

season 2 - hm ig noora chasin after william ??

season 3 - bro NOTHINGGG call me a purist but its such a refined masterpiece like the pacing is good the characterization is so good ugh i deadass cant think of anythin

season 4 - i always felt a little ??? w noora being sana’s bff ig bc from s1-s3 it didn’t Feel like they were that close like even in noora’s pov, sana wasn’t really a part of it that much ?? like eva was more of noora’s bff ?? so i feel like it would have made more sense if maybe sana spoke more with chris or vilde bc sana and vilde eventually seemed to get closer esp with kosegruppa and chris has always been by sana’s side ?? idk that always confused me

5. What is your opinion on the cast’s participation on social media? Do you prefer it when the cast aren’t that involved like the Skam cast, or do you like a lot of content like the Fr cast do?

tbh i don’t care much abt the casts LMAOOO if anythin it kind of brings more harm as seen with the harassment axel and maxence get and also can bring more controversy like with irene (which honestly is p sad considerin how much i love skames bc now i feel super :/ watchin it like she shouldve just had private accts at this point)

6. Favourite song you found from Skam or the remakes?

OMFGGG love this question .... def doorman by slowthai and mura masa bc its one of my fave songs now and i got it from skam nl <3 ugh taste

7. If you could decide which characters from Skam got a season, who would you choose?

OOOHHH ugh torn bc i like isak’s pov but also i want even’s so might have to forfeit isak season for even season ....... hm so probs vilde, sana, even, noora (maybe not w william tho) and honestly maybe jonas too ??

8. Are there any moments that you liked in the show that everyone else seems to hate?

IJXDWQOIJJ yes .... remakes-wise, people hate skam nl s2’s last half but i enjoyed it for the most part ... i think the pacing was off for the last ep but personally, clip 50 made up for it and is p god tier imo ..... and also don’t think the first half of ep10 is enough to discredit the entire season bc i rlly loved seeing liv’s pov and have sm fave moments from the season 

but skam wise, omg might get a lil controversial w this one IM SORRY !!! im bein honest and its Just my opinion ok 

personally s2 got me more invested than s1 and i don’t think its a super bad season like i didnt really say many problems wrong with it until i got on tumblr wiejioqjoiqjq i was sort of interested in the questions that the noora/william dynamic brought up which is, as expressed in william’s war speech to noora, that nothing is ever black/white which i feel was a huge message and feeds into the ‘you never know what ppl are going through’ theme of the season ... like i like the idea of someone like noora, who can have a black/white mentality (as seen in the first clip of s2 when she tells vilde that they can’t have the tannin company as their sponsor bc they objectify women or smth but misses the context and what it could mean for the bus monetarily bc shes caught up in bein ‘woke’) having to break out of that and see more than one side ... and i think remakes like skam austin expanded on this idea well like when zoya was like ‘must be so nice being right all the time’ which i Do feel like is an important for youth to know today .... bc i think its so easy to get caught up in the idea of being so objectively right and morally superior that people lose sight of the more nuanced characteristics to life ... (omg long ramble BUT)

also LMAOOOOO this one might be more controversial as it pertains to bench scene s4 ok oops again doNT GOTTA AGREE !! ........ but i feel like the scene had a lot of good intentions ... i was def kind of cringing a bit tho bc i understand the subject’s sensitivity and how these topics are hard to talk about but i genuinely feel like they both made Some points and should listen to each other .... like as Hard and as maybe ‘unwoke’ it is to admit, unfortunately you sort of do have to answer the tough questions bc that way we learn from each other .... and i perfectly understand why some ppl wouldn’t want to do this and i certainly am tired abt havin to answer shit abt my sexuality or stupid male questions abt women but if u dont answer them, people do go lookin for answers still and the internet is such a shitty place that its pretty easy (esp with youtube’s algorithm) to lead you to ignorant ppl and perhaps radicalization .... questions help us to better understand our community and sometimes they can have good intentions too but we have to ask and answer them or else people will make up answers (which ive literally seen and its honestly worse to see fake as shit and UNINFORMED answers bc ppl did not want to ask you or ppl of ur identity, esp when they’re already startin from a place of hate .... but i rather have ppl ask me patronizing questions than have them spread false info bc that can do much more harm in the long run) however i DO think that isak should also consider sana’s side and i sort of wish we saw him conceding more bc they both have smth to learn from one another, like sana shouldn’t just be learnin from isak, isak needs to learn from sana too

PHEW SORRY QWIOJQWIO girl i just got opinions on some things this is when my desc rlly comes in handy .... oqjdwqioj

9. What did you learn from the show?

omg honestly too much to write here tbh ..... but if it says anythin im (very slowly) in the works of a three part skam essay about basically how skam teaches us to be better humans and how to better treat the people we care about diowjqioj essentially the three biggest themes of the show: you never know what someone is going through so always be kind, always communicate with your friends, and no person is ever alone and i feel like these are definitely rlly good messages to live by (also livet er nå BITCH !!!)

10. What is your favourite headcanon about your favourite characters?

omg tbh i could not tell u at all how the skam charas are doing except i hope even is okay thats all im thinkin of ok .... OIWXIOJX omg remakes wise tho ..... honestly im so bad at this girl IDK !!!!! LMAO i have to really think i have a bit of vdh and dutch even but thats bc we know like Zero abt them so its easier oijwiojqio idk liv and noah bein cute as shit ..... OH WAIT personally i feel like janna got a bunch of pansexual energy so my BIGGG hc is that she’s pan also bc she’s one of my all time fave charas and my fkn url so itd be dope if she was pan ok boom

11. What is your opinion on fanfiction in the fandom?

tbh i don’t read skam fanfiction but i don’t mind reading some from the remakes (tho still its rare) ... eiojeioqw i just don’t trust anyone but julie to write skam charas bc i think that’s how precious the show is to me LMAO like idk everything ive seen of skam fanfiction and ficlets and one shots, i could never get into bc the tone is just so out of character or there will be lines that just take me out of the fic bc im like this !!!! is not !!! how the chara acts !!!! so yeah idk not rlly a fan bc of my purist ass but i dont mind others reading it

Questions:

1. Favorite quote of the show?

2. Which country would you like to see have the next remake? Do you have any headcanons?

3. Which season would you rewrite and how would you rewrite it?

4. What clips do you personally like or don’t mind, but others hate?

5. Which songs do you think SKAM or the remakes should have included? For which moments?

6. Who would you give SKAM season five to and what topics and themes would it cover?

7. What moment spoke to you or touched you from SKAM the most?

8. How did you find SKAM? How did you feel about it right after watching?

9. Have you shared SKAM with any friends in real life? What did they think of it?

10. Of the remakes, which characters are your favorite of their SKAM counterparts? (Ex. who is the best Vilde remake? Eva? etc.)

11. How do you feel about the SKAM (and remakes) tumblr fandom?

I tag: @smileykeijser @whatadaze @queenofpurgatoryx @itlukey @skamyeets @shaykeijser @megeliz01 @isakcijser @wackpainterkid @axelauriantblot @kar-d-momme

(omg ik some of yall have been tagged so just ignore if u dont want to do it ok im srry it was in the RULES!)

[dailyironwing]

Is it just me but I was sooo impressed by s2 iron fist. Im asian american, and i totally understood the criticism danny and iron fist faced, but i held out for the show cuz i just loved the characters so much. I think they really came back and killed it with every aspect of the show and responded to every complaint they faced in s1. Like first: the fight scenes were soooooooo fucking fantastic, like i can tell they went 9999999% harder for this season cuz last season's fight scenes were eh (1/?)

(2/?) and like second: the writing was soooooo good like I was continuously drawn in and it never felt dragged or slow (like last season) and the way they balanced the cute/funny casual scenes with the characters with the intense plot-heavy scenes I feel was executed so well. Third: the charcter developement that everyone had was. just. phenomneal. Imma start with colleen cus MY GIRL GOT THE ARC AND DEVELOPEMT SHE DESERVED. like i screamed when she got the fist cuz it was so unexpected but so..

(3/?) it was so unexpected but at the same time so perfect, that i ended up being like duh??? why wouldnt she get it?? which is impressive cuz i feel the defender's and marvel shows have a bit of trouble with being predictable, but with iron fist i was shocked and so satidified. With Danny, my precious golden boi, I was so happy too. The way they handled his character, the white washing, the white savior trope, and his obvious white billionaire priviledge was the biggest hhmmmm for me in S1 ...

(4/?) But the fact that they continuosly pointed out and commented on his privilege, and how they explored the idea that he shouldn't have the fist and and that he had to work to earn it, I felt was SOO important. I love danny, and his sunny kind of child like personlaity is what drew me in, and I hope with S2 ppl can really appreciate him as a complex character that you can leanr from. Like for me personally, i relate to him and his tendency to be emotional and how he handles it, for me it...

(5/?) ... was so comforting to watch and to relate to. PPl gotta stop witht the quick assumption and hate and learn to rlly appreciated stories and characters that dont fit to the perfect mold of what ppl want or think is correct. As for the other characters, I felt the same satisfaction. Davos, although scary and extremist, a part of me cared for him and understood him, and seeing sucha complex antagonist was so refreshing considering the other villains in marvel...

(6/?) also with ward and joy, seeing them part from one another and seeing who they are as individuals was so great to see. I love ward now and his character developlment is sooooo good. also his new relationship with danny makes me cry and evertime he called danny his brother my heart swelled. Also with mary walker, i was a little scared that she would feel out of place in the show, but the way they integrated her storyline I felt was rlly creative, and im rlly excited to see where they go...

(7/?) ... with her character in the future. Overall, the show just felt perfect, which was a releifi cuz personally for me the 2nd seasons for Daredevil, Jessica JOnes, and Luke Cage felt a lil dissappointing. Like I saw the trend with destroyed relationships among the defenders and hated it. Ik colleen and danny arent together for now, but the relationship was nt unneccassarly destroyed, and i still feeels like they'll be canon and that this is just for them to grow as indivifuals.(8/8) Im praying to god w get a s3 cuz th potential for iron fist just fucking tripled in my opinion. With the new first powers, character dynamics, and plot lines, Im sosososososo excited for wats to come. Im just begging that it doesnt get canceled cuz ppl be sleeping on season 2's fantastic comeback from was was admittedly and mediocre season 1.

Hello anon! What can we say, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! We were very satisfied with this season too, possibly in ways we didn’t expect we would. Every character development was very on point and Colleen getting the fist managed to be both surprising and inevitable for reasons that weren’t just in-universe. It’s a brilliant move to give Danny the chance to start from scratch, find himself and earn his powers back knowing full well what it is about and how to use it. At the same time, Colleen gets to be the Asian IF so many people asked for and while I’m baffled at the idea that heroes have to be super-powered I certainly won’t complain if she of all people has a glowing fist of her own. It was very well thought out and I think it made a lot people very happy. I know some thought Danny was undermined in the process but I’ll disagree because it was, after all, his choice.

We agree, Danny is a sunshine puppy who deserves the best. We were never on board with the harsh criticism he’d been getting, but we were always aware that he needed to grow up and we trusted that the writers, whichever he got, would do him justice. And while I’ll concede that he’s privileged and there’s some undertones of white saviourism about him, I also thought he was sometimes unfairly attacked both on and off screen. It’s certainly more convenient to be born rich and powerful, and anyone can call him out on that if they will, but I don’t think anybody has mentioned enough how traumatized, abused and mistreated he has been for 15 years. He is a billionaire, but he’s also a 26-year-old who lost his parents at 10 and lived in terrible conditions ever since, and yet he manages to be kind, decent and hopeful. Harry Potter taught us that it’s ultimately our choices that define us, and I think Danny’s make up for his privilege pretty well. I acknowledge his flaws and faults, but I wish someone would also aknowledge the good in him.

Davos, then. I couldn’t wait for the show to be back to see what he had in mind: my guess is he did what many abused children do, repeating the pattern they themselves lived. There’s also a hint of fanatism to him that I find interesting, it feels very real and sometimes scarily so. Joy’s observations about him were very on point. I still hope he can be redeemed and he and Danny can be friends again, it was a beautiful relationship I wish I’d seen more of.

Ward is a fan fave with very good reason (I liked him with Misty a lot, with Bethany.... not so much) and Joy proved to be an asset for the show this year, I’m very happy with that! Her dynamics with both Mary and Walker were very interesting and I’m glad they’re not over (though Joy probabily isn’t). For the Meachums in particular, but for everyone, this seaso has been about finding purpose. Ward’s arc was possibly the most relatable, but really every character was out there trying to find themselves, which is very important for a show that targets, I assume, younger people than any other Marvel/Netflix does.

Last but not least, we too are optimistic about Ironwing! They did break up, but definitely not in a way that seems impossible to fix, and frankly that’s already more than we were expecting! It’s been a very strong, tight and entertaining season and we can’t wait for more.

[godseyegalaxy]

Candle and the Wax Flame- 2 - The Start

“You’re wish is futile, how hard is that to explain?” The mermaid’s silver tail kicked up water directed towards the pirate standing on the rocks. Then, she added, “Now, stop pestering me. It’s been a week, Icora, take your crew and leave this island behind.” 

The pirate, Icora, took off her hat and shook off the water droplets. The thin smile on her face never leaving. Cere pushed her tail through the water again and thought about leaving the pirate alone in the outlet, she probably would have, if the bitch wasn’t dangling her sister’s necklace just out of arms reach. With any other bastard she would have killed them and taken back what was hers, but Icora was a benefactor, and Cere had no intension of losing an asset.

Shards of red and green light bounced brightly off the neckless as it dangles casually midair. The lights flashed in her eyes and painfully reminded the mermaid how trapped she really was. Cere watched the neckless sink as the bastard woman knelt to her level.  

“Come now, Cere, ‘Futile’ is a harsh word-”

“Because you don’t know what it means?”

Icora paused mid-sentence, then started to laugh. She had a whole-hearted laugh, one of a seasoned mother or a well traversed clerk, not one typical for a pirate. Cere always hated the sound.

“No, no, my friend, oh my... Simply because I know it’s not futile. With your help and my crew, I’m sure we can find the remains of the city.”

Cere scowled, with her narrow face, it took up the majority of space. Icora always found it cute. With Cere’s big pitch-black eyes and boney features, Icora always thought the mermaid was cute. As cute as an ugly fish from the sea can be.  

“What makes you think there is anything left of Manora? Huh?”

“Oh, there is always something left.” She stood, taking the accessory with her. “If not proper things, say pieces of artwork, tools, and of course, metals… then ideas, traditions, and more.”

Cere snorted. “Since when do you deal in ideas? It’s always been about trinkets and gold with you.”

“Cus it seemed to be the only thing that kept you interested.” Icora gestured to all the gold and copper decorating the mermaid’s body. That is to say, she gestured to all of the mermaid, right down to the tail. Bangles, piercings, hair beads, rings and everything in between covered the creature, at it all was gifts from the buccaneer. Payments for previous jobs. “Life on land isn’t a concern for you, but for many of my crew, it is.” She continued. “Life on the islands is getting more difficult, and what would happen to my business if everyone on land moved or died?”

Icora rarely spoke about the troubles on the lands with Cere – as she said, why would the mermaid care?— however, when she did, the pained look in her eyes were bluntly apparent. Either she did care about the islands, or that was her puppy dog face. Still, it was off putting, just enough for her guard to be let down.  

The land dwellers were not the only ones being affected poorly, but not many land dwellers cared about the happenings under the waves outside the fishing industry. Eventually, the sea folk would have to leave the water surrounding the islands. But, that would be long after the humans, elves and whatnot left. Still, if the fearless Icora was worried, maybe there was something to the whole thing.  

Shit.  

Cere met Icora’s eyes to see that ugly smile spread across her face; the smile of someone who know they had won. The same smile she had seen as she captained her ship out of a harsh take over or a storm, the kind where the wind would pick up and the sun would shine in beams across the sky.  

Cere snarled at the woman. “I’ll meet you at your god damn fucking ugly ass ship.”

Icora laughed, full like the moon, or the vary waves that crashed on the rocks. “I should have never let my crew teach you curse words.”

“And you shouldn’t have fucking tracked me to a god damn random island, but here we are, Icora.” The mermaid brushed the sides of her shaved head and gathered up her hair before diving back into the turquois blue water.  

A wave of warm salty water came crashing down on the pirate captain, successfully soaking her. She wiped her face and brushed back her wild hair, turning around just in time to see Maritime break through the foliage shielding the lagoon from the rest of the island.  

“Martie, just in time, what is it?”

“Just looking for the captain, have you seen her?” She cocked her head to the side, “About this tall, old as shit, likes to wander off and leave the crew to her ship alone on a random island to find a mermaid with just a ‘gut feeling’ to guide her?”  

“Alright, Alright, Maritime.” Icora jumped to the shore, ignoring the helping hand from her apprentice. “But you’ll be happy to know that I found our guide.”

“Really?” the girl started to follow her captain back through the trees. “How’d ya convince her to help us?”

Icora had already put the neckless in her cloth belt before Cere left. “You know me, I have a way with words.”

Martie snorted and rolled her eyes. She had been recruited, or adopted as the crew put it, as Icora’s first and only apprentice when she tried to pickpocket her in the market place. She was maybe ten at the time, but, with no memories of her name, parents or her home island, that didn’t stop the captain from extending her hand. Nothing, she learned, stopped the captain.  

In the six years Martie has spent with the crew, she had learned an infinite amount of skills and tricks, not only to be a successful pirate, but also a business person, crafter, and navigator, but still she knew next to nothing about the woman who adopted her. She wasn’t cruel, wasn’t liked by those on the outside, but wasn’t hated either. She told impossible stories that happened years in the past like they were resent happenings, she spoke of gods as friends, monsters as things that really existed. Something, Martie knew, was off about her dear captain, after all it was obvious, yet that didn’t deter the crew from loyalty. They loved her just as much as Icora cared for them. Any secrets didn’t seem to matter.  

“If you say so, cap’t.” Martie shrugged. “The ships next to the beach. Brinkley went around the island like you ordered, but there’s a sand bar on this side, so we couldn’t get that close.”

Icora nodded and continued to push through island flora. “I’m glad that at least one of my subordinates can follow directions.” She said slyly, glancing behind her.

Martie groaned. “Ok fine, I got bored just waiting. I wanted to see Cere too.”

Martie and Cere had grown to be what someone might call friends. Pair a child’s persistence and open mind with a creature of superior intellect but little skill in land language and there was bound to be some sort of connection. Icora enjoyed their partnership, as before it was only she that Cere would deal with, but now Cere acknowledged the other members of the crew and even worked with some of them. It benefited everyone involved, just considering the knowledge transferred.  

“And what if you gave her an excuse to disappear huh?” Even though the captain was still smiling, Martie knew that she was legitimately annoyed with her.

“My apologies, Captian. I wasn’t thinking.” She frowned; she hatted apologizing, but knew when it was necessary.  

That was another fun thing about their friendship; they had some of the same mannerisms.

“I’m not angry.” That much was true, “But I will have you clean all the buckets before we pull of, yeah?”  

They broke through the forests into a plain of tall yellow grass and crooked palm trees. The ship could be seen a few leagues off of the shore.  

“Yes, ma’am.” Martie pulled ahead and walked to the rowboat she tied to a palm close to the beach.  

Icora took her time, gathering the odd coconut and flower, before settling down beside Martie and picking up an oar.  

Neither of them spoke on the way back to the boat. They breathed in tandem and rhythmically rowed through the midday waves. The water grew from glacier blue to black, then back to light blue as they passed over the sand bar. Sweet beaded and dripped down their faces and backs, for a few seconds Icora thought about pealing of her leather jacket, but when she looked back to check how far the ship was, she found it looming over her.  The shadow passed over the tiny boat, granting cool refuge.  

Two crew men looked over the edge of the ship and down at them, they waved and Icora waved back.  

“Welcome back captain!” Bo, one of the men, shouted down.

“Not back yet! Throw down the ropes!” Icora shouted back.

The men disappeared. Martie, who had grabbed the other oar, steered so the boat was almost flush to the barnacle crusted hull and underneath the apparatus. Immediately, ropes came down inches from landing inside and on top of the awaiting two.  

With practiced ease, Icora tied the boat up and soon after they were being lifted out of the water and up towards the deck.  

When she was finally able to see over the railing, she was met with her first mate, Brinkley. He smiled warmly and nodded. Brinkley has a colorful history as a first mate with other ships— interesting enough to catch Icora’s attention—however what really peaked her interest was the fact that all the ships under his proctor would vanish within a year or two. Crew, except for him, included. Many high-end navies lost proud vessels both as victim and while in search of the culprit. What was funny, is that Brinkley never changed his name, so it was a very easy trail to track. But of course, came the mystery of why and how? After all he was just one man.

Icora was prepared to fight him to prove that she was the captain he was looking for, however, according to legend, the moment Brinkley laid eyes on the young captain Icora, he bowed and proclaimed loyalty right then and there. Neither of them ever denied the story, but they never confirmed it either. Either way the results are the same, Icora and Brinkley have been partners in crime for years now, never been caught, and never without something to do.  

Most of the crew agreed; they were as perfect as a captain and a first mate could be.

“Welcome home, Captain Icora.” He extended his hand. “I hope your vacation was well worth it.”

Icora hopped down onto her beloved deck and scanned Brinkley. From the black braids in his hair down to his ink boots, he was soaking wet. His dark skin glistened in the sunlight, he was obviously exhausted, but his demeanor did everything it could to hid it. Icora laughed.

“It seems you already know the answer to that, Brinkley. Tell me, did she climb up and over or did she request a net.” She reached back to assist Martie.

“A net, this time, captain. She was furious that you weren’t already on board, and frankly, Icora, I am too. You know she doesn’t like me very much, and, it's not in my nature to carry sopping wet, naked women around. Tail or no tail.” He turned his attention to the young apprentice. “And you, young lady, I hope you know you will be cleaning –“

“All the buckets before we leave.” Maritime finished his sentence while rolling her eyes. “Icora already told me so buzz off.” She stuck her tongue out before leaving to go below deck.  

Brinkley’s brooding was interrupted by a strong hand landing on his shoulder, he leaned into Icora’s firm frame.

“You and I think too much alike, eh?” She smiled.

“Ey, much too alike. I don’t know what I’m going to do with her.” His eyebrows furrowed. As long as Martie has been aboard, Brinkley has tried to somewhat a role model. Icora always joked that it was the proper gentleman coming out of him, and that he wasn’t the father that Martie was looking for. He always denied his role, but it was painfully obvious that he wanted her to like him. At least a little bit.  

“Oh? I’ll tell you what you’re going to do, you’re going to do the same thing that you have been doing for the past six years. Go down to her with some treats, hoping to talk to her, and getting the door slammed in your face.” She jostled him. “Now, before you do that, where has my catch of the day flopped off to?”

Brinkley signed. “Cere’s where she always is when she waits for you, in your office with a bottle of wine and a dagger by her side.”  

The captain laughed, making the nearby crew members smile. “I guess I should give her some company then?”

“Probably, yes. Before she tears up what is left of your couch.” He looked around for a moment. “Are your orders to stay here until we know where we are going?”

“Yup. And to give Maritime the opportunity to clean.” She left Brinkley towards the bridge.  

--

A knife flew through the air and dug itself a few inches into the side of the door. Icora sighed, as it was both a few inches from her face, and the seventh notch in her door. She opened the door all the way, confident that Brinkley said ‘dagger’ and not ‘daggers.’ The mermaid lounged across her couch, tail lifelessly handing over the edge, almost blocking the door. A bottle of wine in one hand, while her other hand now free from the knife, fanned herself.

“You know how much I despise this room; its hot, its humid, and it smells like sex and booze. How dare you make me wait.”

“I’ll have you know that I have never had sex in here thank you very much.” She slipped off her jacket and set it on her chair on the opposite side of the room. Every time Cere was brought in here, she complained about something new. It was actually beginning to be a game. The heat and humidity were always on the high up, to remind Icora that she was dealing with a creature of the frozen deep, but the sex smell was a new one.

“I never said it was your sex. Gross.” She tugged at a clump of still dripping hair and pulled it over her body. right now, her long black hair was the only thing keeping her cool. Icora didn’t think that was the intention of mermaids having long hair, but it was a feature.

Icora ignored her guest’s comment and went through the stacks of miscellaneous things on her shelves. Mostly mapping equipment, keys, photographs, but also special items that she kept just for Cere’s visits. And by special; a fan, piece of patterned cloth, two cups and a canteen with the ocean’s water.

She wasted no time with idol chit chat this time around, which put Cere on edge. She had seen Icora in tense moments before, times where one on one became one on four or ten, times where the storms howled its loudest. This was not that close, but playtime was over. Icora carefully placed each item on the table before her and went back to her desk. Cere poured wine for the two of them and gladly helped herself to the oriental fan.  

She came back with a large scroll of paper, trading the wine cup for the map, she rolled out the map. Tons of markings cluttered the once pristine paper, red circles and tiny holes riddled the paper, marking all the old expeditions that the pirate had been on. Cere glanced over the map, the hand drawn islands and dark stains reminded her of all the time they used to spend together, and the time Icora herself tossed the mermaid over her shoulder and dove face first into an uncharted jungle. It was all ridiculous, Cere doubted the shenanigans would end soon.  

Icora placed one final pin through the map and sat down. A total of 8 pins marked places that she, personally, has not explored. If Cere was anyone else, it would have been impressive, given the thousands of archipelagos throughout the sea, but it was Cere.  

“Well.” She took a sip of wine. “These are all the places a hidden civilization could be. Not visible with regular trade routes, not in the dead zone, and were all the surrounding islands can support life. What do you think.”

Cere leaned in to study the islands closer. They did meet all of Icora’s standards. A place to hide, supported by life, not protected or colonized by other countries and, of course, not explored. However, there were a few problems.

She picked a pin out of the map and set it down. “This island is in the Witch Nagga’s territory. She would not let anyone live there.”

“What if Nagga moved there after the city was established?”

“Nagga has not moved since the beginning of the islands’ creation. Her territory has never grown nor shrunk and she has never let anyone stay more than a few passing days. She would not let people thrive.”  Annoyance shrouded her words. Every sea dwelling person knew about the great witch, telling someone was like stating the obvious.

“Aright, then. Next.”

If Cere had irises, she would have rolled her eyes. Instead she growled and returned her attention to the map.

“This one.” she grabbed another pin on the opposite side of the map. “Sirens frequent this area, it acts like a hub of sorts.”  

Sirens hated people. Hated the touch of people, and usually killed them off immediately. Much like flies or lice. They would never congregate if the island was tainted, and never let them in either.

Icora sighed. “I wish you would tell me this stuff before.”

“Not your business, Land-Lover.” She smirked. “Don’t want you messing up other people’s lives like you have mine.”  

“Oh please, your life has been enriched by me and you know it.” She took another sip of wine.

More pins were pulled out as Cere studied the map, she explained why each time and, Icora tried to remember each reason for the future. Icora knew some of the DeepSea trade route, just by Cere mentioning it in passing, but its extensions were still foreign, and truth be told, it didn’t concern Icora. It was, however, important to the merfolk and apparently, they and the members of the fae had outposts on islands far beyond the reach of others. Just that detail alone took out three from the running.  

And then there were two pins left. One in the upper left at the edge of a key, just outside the dead zone, and other one by itself in the June Sea, right outside mermaid territory.  

The captain set down her empty cup and leaned into the map.

“These are it? There are no more places that only you know of?”

“I’m done wasting time, Icora, these two places are the only ones a civilization like the stories depict could be. If it did exist at all.”  

Icora furrowed her brow, thinking hard about any other detail that could open up other areas. There was nothing.

“Alright then.” She tapped the one at the edge of the key. “This one is closer, it has islands close to it so the beings there might have had knowledge of the city. An easy supply and travel route, and as you said, benevolent beings under the waters. Shall we start here?”

Cere shrugged. “I can swim there in less than 3 days.” She started to trace her fingers on the map. “If you travel up this way, I can meet you here.” She tapped the space that was somewhat between the two pins left standing. “And let you know if there’s anything worthwhile there.”

“You and what legs?” Icora asked out of habit.

“Fuck you.”

“Promise to meet me?” She said without skipping a beat.

“You still have my neckless, I have no choice.” Then. “You’ve… Also piqued my interest with this new fascination of yours.”

“Oh?” Icora leaned in, a thin smile stretched across her sun-tanned skin. “Do tell. How does a ‘land-loving’ civilization pique the interest of a selfish mermaid such as yourself?”

Cere let her blank eyes speak for herself. Icora leaned back before deciding to stand.

“Fine fine, it’s not my ‘business,’ I understand.  I like your plan, we will set off as soon as you’re ready.” She held out a hand, adorning a few rings on her finders.  

A hand shake didn’t mean anything to those dwelling under the sea, and Cere made a point to say it every time she offered, yet Icora persisted. She was a business woman and god be damned if they didn’t seal the deal with touching skin. If someone was flaky on a deal then why would a handshake matter?

Cere took her hand anyway and, wiped her hand on the couch right after. Icora laughed, took up the map and brought it to her desk to make some more calculations. While her back was turned, Cere pored another glass and dumped a quarter of the water on her face. The surface was way too hot for any living creature. The fact that there were creatures above water proved that there were monsters out there. Worst of it all, the fan was doing next to nothing to cool her down.  

Cere sunk deep into the couch and sighed. She had to admit though, watching an experienced adventure work was mesmerizing. Icora weaved among piles on the ground to collect all the tools she needed to mark her course. A few minutes later, mostly due to double checking once or twice, she set her tools down and turned on her heels.  

Without a word she left the room, not even glancing at the mermaid that mostly blocked the doorway. In retaliation, Cere poured the rest of the canteen on her tail, letting the salt water spread on the leather.  

A few heat wreaking minuets that felt like hours later, a knock rapped on the door. The sullen face of Brinkley slowly opened the door and peered in.

“The captain has ordered me to take you to Maritime’s room.” He locked eyes with the mermaid and refused to look anywhere else. “Everything set?” He asked, out of political correctness more than anything.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Cere stared at him with equal intensity and distain.

Ever since Icora dragged him on board, Cere never spent longer than she had to with him. She hated him, hated the way the feeling of his gaze got under her skin. Only once did Cere mention it to Icora, ‘it’ being the dark aura around the first mate, but Icora simply waved her off. That was the first sign that Icora knew exactly what she was doing, and Cere hated that. Hated Icora’s confidence and hated every single thing that ‘Brinkley’ ever touched. It was annoying too, why have her around when Icora’s just going to ignore her advice?

One day Cere would find out what made Icora and Brinkly such a pair, and she would wait patiently for that day. But for now…

“Shall I?” Brinkley cleared his throat.

“Do I have a choice in the matter?” Cere sighed and set down her canteen.

She opened her long arms like a child wanting a hug from a pet and allowed the first mate to scoop her up. The most comfortable way to carry a larger almost 7-foot mermaid was, apparently, over the shoulder so, that’s how Cere was carried. Like a sack of rotting potatoes, she was hauled down a level and to the other side of the ship. Neither of them speaking another word. Not even an apology when Cere tripped him up with her tail or when her head hit one of the steep steps.

Maritime was one of the lucky few that got a room to herself, being the captain's first and only apprentice and, of course, being a young girl. She lived alongside the other more important crew members down a narrow hallway, being ever so grateful for one of the cartographers eloping with a cook and them willing to move into the same room together. The rooms were small, smaller than any hidey hole she had ever slept in, but it was home to Martie.  

It was also, in part, Cere’s home too. Whenever she climbed on board this deathtrap of a ship, she always found herself spending at least a few hours with Martie. Maybe it was their hatred of Brinkley that brought them together, or their willing entrapment by Icora, either way, they were friends.

Brinkley politely knocked on the door and waited for a reply. Cere might have waited except her face was against the opposite wall, and it was Brinkley.  

Cere slammed her tail against the door as hard as she could without braking the wood. A startling thump sounded down the hallway, loud enough for other sleeping members to react with a start.  

“MARTIE! OPEN UP!” If people were still sleeping, they were awake now.  

There was a loud thump before the door swung wide open. As quickly as possible, Brinkley entered the room—which was filled with grimy buckets— dropped Cere onto the bed and left, knowing he was unwanted there.

The tiny space was barely large enough to fit Cere’s silvery- opal tail, even when it folded over itself. That paired with the buckets meant that there was little room for Martie herself, so she sat on her desk with a pile of dishrags in her lap. The two looked at each other for a moment before Martie threw a rag at Cere and started scrubbing.

[fulcrum-agent]

8: What is one mistake you've made while roleplaying?

This is super personal, so it’s going under a cut.

Since towards the end of SWG’s original height, near the time City of Heroes launched, but before EQ2 landed, the person I was dating and living with brought up the idea of having our characters in different MMOs become couples.

It wasn’t all that much of a mistake, initially. Even though he and I parted ways, it didn’t have many immediate effects.

By GW2 and SW: TOR, I got into a fairly long term (10 years) relationship again with my first fiancee. Initially, we were in different states, so we made our TOR characters a couple - our group did about 2 years of pre-game RP - though that didn’t happen in GW2 because I nope out on Asura in that manner unless I’m playing an Asura.

And that’s where things became a long, spiralling mistake. Through several games, up till the relaunch of XIV, our main characters were always romantically involved.

Fast forward a bit to December 2013. I met someone in XIV who ended up becoming my main’s oathsworn (she’s not one for marriage, at all). He lived here in the same state as I do, just two hours away, so the fiancee and I went to meet him; sometime within that month, he became part of the Household, and we started dating OOC. My fiancee liked him well enough, but always was a touch wary of him; I wasn’t sure why till after a car wreck in November 2016.

He showed us an image of himself as a teenager/young 20 year old, and he looked uncannily like the person who high-level gaslighted me as a young teen (which is another story for another time). That was only rather reinforced during the next election primaries, as my CPTSD was shot from the car wreck, and I had a night terror that was almost entirely realistic (pro tip - if you get night terrors never use sleep masks because instead of the shadowy shapes you see in normal night terrors, it reverts to REM level image creation).

The night terror was that someone had come into my room, then got into the bed, and was forcibly turning me towards them, then trying to pull me to them in a very possessive, domineering manner. The face was obscured because there was bright light in the room behind him (as it I was apparently aware it was midday), but it was impossible to tell if it was the person who gaslighted me (one of the politicians here has a name from that mess, I don’t deal well with political season here) and the guy I met in XIV.

He was very good at manipulation, he was very mentally abusive. After my fiancee moved back home for a job in September 2014, this guy only got worse with the abuse. Although I had been gaslighted as a teen, the textbook type of gaslighting is a tad unfamiliar to me; after you have someone nearly hardwire your reality into something that almost belongs in a novel, it’s actually pretty fucking hard to recognise lesser abuse.

This person was also exceptionally controlling, telling me how to run my FC even after he’d stopped being an officer. Telling me how to write stories for the FC RPs, and getting super passive-aggressive if I didn’t agree to it, rather than trying to hash out better ideas together. He also was so insecure - coupled with his controlling nature, mind you - that he basically forced every single one of my character into some sort of relationship RP, and threw fits if it seemed like the few who weren’t attached got into relationship RP; after any one of them seemed to be getting romantically involved with someone, he rather pushed one of his characters into romancing that character, until I’d relent to it.

Initially, I wasn’t so bothered by it, I’d RP’d relationships with people I’d dated before at that point, and the time spent with my fiancee before this all happened had started conditioning me into it. It was after the first time this person demanded I stopped RP’ing with someone that things started to bother me.

Unfortunately, with this person, it all became conditioned into me. I tried several times to untangle my characters after we started having massive fights - which he never got into a fight with me unless we were alone, another massive manipulator/gaslighting trick - because at that point, he wasn’t playing XIV much, and because of the car wreck in 2016, he’d moved into the other room because I literally could not be touched without massive pain (well, more than usual, fuck you fibromyalgia). I wanted to be able to continue growth with my characters, especially my main character, but any progress I made lead to him having a fit over it, and another fight.

He also always insisted things weren’t as bad as they seemed. He used a borderline personality disorder trait, splitting, against me; he’d claim he hadn’t done anything terrible, and that I was just splitting - however, largely, I learned to handle my issues with splitting in the early 2000s, after I learned I had BPD, though admittedly, his shite made it very difficult not to have splitting occur more frequently.

Eventually, someone very dear to me was on Discord with me while I was laid up from a surgery. The kindness and caring that person was showing me had been waking me up to what was going on. The day this occurred, there had been a horrible fight before the guy left for work, cus I could literally not do anything, and had an issue with the bedding, and he flipped out about absolutely having to stay home and fix it when I could have just waited by going to sleep in a lazy-boy downstairs - which I had told him, but he made the almost executive decision to deal with it himself.

After my fiancee, our future houseboy, and this person saw what I wrote out to describe it, I managed to explain what happened to my mum, and when this guy got home that day, she told him he had to move out.

The freak out he had over that was amazing. He came upstairs, heard me laughing with the dearheart who was trying to help me get back to being at least mentally/emotionally functional, and just demanded I get off the call. He refused to accept the 24 hour rule, or that I actually did not feel up to it. I was so freaked out, that I didn’t disconnect the Discord call properly, I just pulled the headset out.

Little did myself and that dearheart know, at the time, but that flips Discord into speakerphone; he muted his mic, and listened to the whole incident. This guy yelled at me, demeaned me, and bullied me into a grand maul panic attack in which I lost the ability to speak, and even move. And instead of backing off, he threatened to get my panic medication and force the conversation to continue. I can’t even remember what caused him to back off from it, but he did. Plugged the headset back in, and found out that it never disconnected, and everything was finally heard.

That single thing snapped the last chain keeping me from ending things with that person. It took him a couple of months to move out, and he was still very aggressive frequently; I had to go to Philly for an appointment, and he was being so aggressive about spending the day there even though I had planned to spend time with the person who overheard the fight via Discord, the nurse took me back to the room, and immediately asked me about domestic violence (and that was really the first time I had a good cry about it - the appointment ended up being 2 hours, because their DVU came to talk to me).

I didn’t often take it laying down. I basically became a tiger that got cornered - I would unsheathe the claws, and lash out, in an attempt to get him to back away from me, frequently. Towards the end, I was having to do so several times a week. But it was either fight back, or be totally undone. Literally, the only thing that ever worked to stop him was psychological warfare.

However, even after all that, I discovered that what he did with XIV (in particular) had left some pretty lasting ramifications.

The first of which is that I discovered that it had literally become hardwired into my brain that the game is experienced with your significant other. I get extreme anxiety about things when someone I’m with has their characters romantically involved with others - which the fact that it’s a thing pisses me off greatly. For a time, I also had issues bothering with the MSQ, because that was something that was done with the ex for basically four years; that’s gotten significantly better, as I’ve done the past two patches without someone going through them with me.

The weirdness about character relationships isn’t going away though, even when the other person is only doing it 100% IC. I’m trying to break out of that mindset, but it’s fucking difficult as hell.

I also now get massive anxiety when a stranger starts any sort of flirty or romantic RP towards my characters. Even people I’ve known a few months trigger that anxiety. Because I don’t want them to do what the ex did again, now that I’ve figured out the lasting repercussions.

So, after all that, I feel like ever getting involved with relationship RP with someone I was dating was a huge mistake.

Thanks for the ask, @vianne-solainteau - sorry it was so ah…heavy.

[balarouge]

Quick Shifts: Reluctant DJ Marner reveals Maple Leafs’ new win song

An easy mix of the things our company learnt from the full week of hockey, major as well as much less thus, and also rolling four-lines deep. Typed with one palm while Dmitry Kulikov pulled us down to the ice.

1. Due to the fact that I spend an unhealthy amount of your time dealing with trivial matters that has little bearing on the real outcome of hockey video games, some of my very first ideas once the Toronto Maple Leafs permit both Jake Gardiner and also Nazem Kadri go over the summer season was: However who is actually mosting likely to be actually the dressing-room DJ now?

For many years, Gardiner cued up the club's morning-skate playlist and Kadri cranked up the beats for pre-game.

Switches out, no person intended to inherit the job.

"Our experts are actually making Mitchy do it this year," says Auston Matthews, after Thursday's strategy. "It's been hit-and-miss."

Matthews looks to his teammate: "Our team merely compelled ya. You just toss on the top charts and also let it run?"

"Top charts in to hip-hop," Marner shoots back. "Absolute bangers."

I talk to for an instance of the tracks that work along with the group.

"Absolutely nothing works. They regularly criticize," Marner mentions, defeated. "Regardless of what track acquires participated in, everyone detests it."

So, was Kadri a far better crew DJ?

"I can not offer Nazzy that. He had some tough goes there," Matthews smiles. "If you're the individual doing the popular music, you are actually screwed. You're constantly in the incorrect. Either the popular music's certainly not playing, the Bluetooth's not functioning, or it's a poor song ... it resembles a no-win scenario. Someone's received ta do it."

Marner it is.

"I obtained howled at to snatch my phone and play popular music, so whatever. I only put on a broadcast station on my app as well as say to everyone to pull it up. I am actually scarcely in the room until 26 mins [up until puck reduce] I do not take requests. I do not care," clarifies Marner, the reluctant selector.

"Article Malone's regularly excellent. It relies on the state of mind. I saw him in 2015 listed here, in the summer. He's excellent real-time. I such as all categories.

"I am actually not as well particular along with my music. On a lengthy bus ride, I can remain on my phone and also play music and merely cool."

Ironically, it was Kadri's replacement, Tyson Barrie, that assisted promote the 2-0 Maple Leafs' brand-new gain song they crank after a W.

"It's phoned 'Hot,' through Youthful Troublemaker," Marner mentions. "Tyson was the one that actually carried it up, as well as a pair people spoke about it. Youthful Hooligan performs a complete operate by means of this closet room immediately. It is actually receiving played on my phone very a little."

Incentive Beat! 6 performers Matthews plays in his headphones as he walks into the ring: Youthful Criminal, Drake, Future, DaBaby, Lil Child, Gunna.

"At the very least the music's a bit louder [during the course of warm-ups] this year. In 2013 it was extremely quiet," Matthews mentions. "Individuals were actually whining that it was actually too loud, yet our team're the ones participating in, so I believe they bumped it up a little. And our experts have actually had the ability to ask for tracks, so it is actually been actually a whole lot a lot better this year."

2. Shed in the shade of Jason Spezza obtaining healthy-scratched for the Walnut Leafs' time opener was actually the happy-news tale for his substitute, Scar Coast.

At age 27, the depth forward combated back to the NHL after an one-year respite in Magnitogorsk, where he placed up 16 aspects in 37 KHL activities.

"You can only chat to a handful of fellas in the storage locker room," he said of his winter season in Russia. "The coach is actually up on the panel, and he's certainly not speaking English. That is actually a little bit of a surprise at very first.

"It's a various experience. There is actually a considerable amount of positives you may apply for of it, yet at the end of the time I am actually satisfied to be actually back."

Toronto connected to Shore practically quickly after Metallurg was eliminated from the playoffs as well as told the journeyman they preferred him to simply play his activity-- inspection, succeed face-offs, begin a lot of your shifts in the defensive zone, don't anticipate a lot of mins.

"The moment I heard this was an opportunity, I was actually prepared to go," Coast claims. "Anytime you possess an odds to come to an association such as this, kinda inside out, it's one thing you acquired ta be actually definitely thrilled to perform."

Bank knows that many veterans, especially depth gamers, that jump from 3 different NHL crews in a solitary season just before finishing up overseas certainly never create it back to the highest degree.

"Among things you discover over there is actually, do not take anything for approved," he claims. "Thus when you obtain a possibility similar to this, you acquired ta maximize it."

3. Leafs instructor Mike Babcock changed out fourth-liner Coast for Spezza for Friday's gain in Columbus. He likewise got rid of third-line winger Dmytro Timashov in favour of Nic Petan and also bottom-pair defenceman Martin Marincin for Justin Holl, presumably on his swan song to catch as a Fallen leave.

Shore, Timashov as well as Marincin return to activity Saturday versus the Montreal Canadiens.

A rotation of bubble players are practically extending practices in to October, until the Walnut Leafs' mentoring workers feels positive in the group.

"We don't possess the responses; our team're attempting to find 'em," Babcock stated.

Babcock hired this exact same strategy a married couple autumns once attempting to select Calle Rosen versus Andreas Borgman and Eric Fehr versus Dominic Moore.

We such as the turning tip. It always keeps gamers clean and also starving, and supplies our company outside along with debate. Why hurry to wrap up when personal injuries and ruts could will place any kind of lineup in motion anyhow?

Still, it's tough certainly not to check out Spezza's Game 1 scrape as a pointer that Babcock is actually visiting carry out things his technique, harmed feelings be actually damned.

"Mike and also I are actually one hundred per-cent on the very same web page," mentioned GM Kyle Dubas, talking to that reviewers stand by to evaluate these decisions till time's end rather than censuring pictures. "Mike possessed his rationale and also reasoning. I know it's unsatisfying for Jason, and I completely understand. I obtain why it is actually a dialogue."

Jason Spezza states he's never rested a property opener before. "It is actually unsatisfactory."

-- luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) October 2, 2019

4. At $2.1 thousand, Connor Brown was as well pricey for the Leafs' fourth pipe.

Now, he's a bargain on the Ottawa Senators' best trio, to the right of franchise foundation Colin White as well as Brady Tkachuk.

"It is actually enjoyment. I have actually regularly been a fella that would like to contribute offensively. That is actually, in all trustworthiness, the enjoyable part of the video game," Brown states.

"Brady as well as Whitey, my two lineys here, I failed to really understand a lot regarding them, coming from all of them being actually young in the game, and they each possess a considerable amount of capability. Whitey has a ton of rate, and Chucky, I was actually surprised along with how excellent his palms are actually and just how well he finds the video game and his capability to make plays. They're mosting likely to be quite great players for a very long time."

Comical just how quick a gamer's situation may change based on utilization. If Brown, a favourite of trainer D.J. Smith, may thrive in his brand new repulsive part, he might be actually in for a juicy salary increase hereafter, another platform period.

"Brownish Cow is actually a guy who we really love. You despise to find a man who is actually coming from Toronto, that likes being right here, leave, but it's the financial resources in the video game," Babcock said. "That's merely the fact."

Congrats to #Sens ahead Connor Brown that has earned the 100th point of his @NHL job along with a support on tonight's game-opening goal in Toronto.

-- Feelings Communications (@Media_Sens) Oct 2, 2019

5. In recent projects, the Walnut Leafs was among those rare clubs that failed to circulate a player-of-the game token after a victory.

This period, they revealed a fairly distinct one:

Go behind the curtain along with the Blueprint video cameras complying with Wednesday's succeed as Mike Babcock commemorates the @Raptors historic championship with a brand new Leafs heritage after wins. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/BCligTRUwH

-- Toronto Walnut Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 4, 2019

That take care of on Matthews in complete equipment, though:

we got you pic.twitter.com/sDy02ucYsE

-- Toronto Walnut Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 4, 2019

6. The St. Louis Blues' social-media squad is already in championship type, trying out to produce us sob along with view ...

A special present coming from her kids-- thank you Laila for being actually such an inspiration during our #StanleyCup operate. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/4Zlu1Xuwjb

-- St. Louis Woe (@StLouisBlues) Oct 1, 2019

... and along with chuckling:

Sorry about the flaw. We are actually still knowing exactly how to twitter update with our champion bands on. #stlblues

-- St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 3, 2019

7. At the danger of hammering the John Tavares captaincy drum once again, the web links in between him and the descent of previous Toronto captains is actually something.

Darryl Sittler and also Wendel Clark went to Wednesday's opener to applaud him in-person. Doug Gilmour penned an open letter to Tavares upon hearing the news. And also the previous captain, unsigned Dion Phaneuf, along with whom Tavares dipped into the planet champion, connected via content.

"He sent a truly, really pleasant notification just mentioning just how exclusive it is actually to be actually a captain listed below and to participate in for this metropolitan area," pointed out Tavares.

As a young person, Tavares also fulfilled another Leafs leader, George Armstrong.

"It is actually definitely awesome to state I reached satisfy him and also be around him even at that grow older."

8. Dylan Larkin only backs products he relies on. He also performs an extreme quantity of stretching while using gown trousers.

this is actually the type of targeting marketing i would like to see from the NHL pic.twitter.com/If18tSW9QF

-- cayce (@cayceonthego) October 2, 2019

9. Patric as well as Helena Sandin took flight from Sweden to consume their boy Rasmus's NHL debut.

"They sacrificed a lot for me when I was actually much younger, so I assume it suggests a great deal to all of them also. They want the greatest for me and my bro, so they're incredibly pleased for our team," claimed Sandin, just before rewarding them with a help and also a gain.

Post-game, the teenage phenom admitted there was actually a moment during some of his shifts where he had to inquire himself if he was awake.

"It's heading to remain in my scalp at all times," he stated. "I'll remember this permanently."

10. Because our experts stated KHL star and Minnesota Wild prospect Kirill Kaprizov recently, our experts kinda thought our experts will packed our Kirill Kaprizov percentage for an although.

Then he went out as well as racked up three goals in a period of eight minutes as well as 35 seconds. Receive this child in the NHL. Permit's pack up the Central Branch much more.

8 min 35 sec

Kirill Kaprizov credit ratings fastest hat trick in CSKA history. pic.twitter.com/MjfxqwcVJI

-- KHL (@khl_eng) Oct 2, 2019

11. A couple of exciting notes about Alex DeBrincat's three-year agreement expansion ($6.4 million AAV) along with the Chicago Blackhawks:

- Thus most of the other link bargains authorized through younger stars over the past month, DeBrincat's salary spikes in the 3rd time, to $9 thousand, ensuring his certifying deal is going to be actually a juicy one.

- His offer will definitely run out in 2022, the exact same summer season pros Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews as well as Duncan Keith all come off the manuals and also the hat is anticipated to hop. Can be a significant switching point for the franchise.

The Pussy-cat is actually BACK!

Alex DeBrincat has actually signed a 3-year agreement extension that jogs by means of the 2022-23 time, with an AAV of $6,400,000. #Purr #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/rF4ztP9YON

-- Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) Oct 3, 2019

12. Yes! Lazlo Holmes is actually now a persisting personality:

This content was originally published here.

[tornrose24]

CU Pinocchio AU

I couldn’t stop thinking of the potential of a CU Pinocchio inspired AU and I just... I HAD to get it out of my system. Or at least what I could come up with at the time.

While I could see such an AU going either way, the one I imagine has CU himself as Pinocchio with George and Harold as a combination of Gepetto/Jiminy Cricket. The setting I have in mind is a 1940′s WWII era (I’ll explain why in a bit), and while my version has a small amount of Egg Casserole, I see this AU having a little more platonic/familial love involved between CU and the boys.

This is what I was mostly able to come up with (the climax and ending would need to be it’s own separate thing however). I didn’t pick out who would get to be the antagonists yet, especially in case I get any recommendations, and I didn’t flesh everything out in case anyone wanted to put their own ideas out for this.

So this AU takes place in America during WWII because while it’s a time of when superhero comics were a big deal, it was also a time of chaos and while only the bravest of adults would have gone overseas, there’s still a handful of adults back home who wouldn’t be willing to risk their lives so easily and might be suspicious of anyone who seemed out of place. It would definitely be a time period where believing in a happy ending or heroes would be hard amongst the fears and tragedies.

In this AU, both the boys and Heidi were orphaned (their parents either succumbed to the remaining effects of the Great Depression or they went overseas into the war and didn’t survive). They all have to live in this orphanage that’s kind of like the sucky orphanage in Annie, complete with some jerk running it (no it’s not Krupp because he’s merged with CU in a way this time around). I also imagined Edith working there too as an assistant, but she’s the only nice adult who works there that the kids adore and she’s struggling to make sure they all have enough to survive and not have to suffer.

But as per usual, George and Harold still make comic books about CU for the other kids when there’s not enough money to buy their own.

Then one day while exploring after school, they find an abandoned, unfinished marionette puppet that not only is adult sized, but is shaped almost exactly like their superhero. So they take the puppet back to the orphanage and after finding it the right clothes and after Harold uses his artistic skills to fix the puppet up, it manages to look exactly like CU.

They use the puppet to delight the other kids and act out some scenarios. They even manage to get Edith involved and she pretends to be a damsel in distress that ‘CU’ saves and she even kisses the puppet on the cheek as thanks (to the disgust of half the kids and the amusement to the others). But when she asks what ‘CU’’s civilian name is, Heidi tells her it’s top secret because not even Superman revealed his identity to Lois Lane. George and Harold are amused by this and let Heidi choose ‘CU’’s secret identity name and she settles on ‘Benjamin’ because it sounds right for some reason.

Though before the kids have to go to bed, they all admit that it’s too bad ‘CU’ can’t be alive. Then that night, George and Harold look at a certain star through their window and admit that it would be nice if CU was real–there’s not enough nice adults in the world, and they want at least someone who won’t let them down and who can be there for them. They don’t want their parents to be replaced, but they just want someone who can make everyone’s lives better and fun again.

And this is where I had some trouble with who would get to be the Blue Fairy since I obviously didn’t go with Edith. I was considering Erica, but I could see Lisa and Billy in this role too (especially since Jimminy fancied BF a bit and I could see this happening with the boys too.) George and Harold wake up in time for CU to come to life and it’s a complete shock for everyone–ESPECIALLY for CU himself.

So much like in the Disney version, in order for CU to become completely human, he has to prove that he has the right qualities needed to look after a child. Kindness and bravery are of course two of them, but there’s some that’s going to be the hardest for him–having wisdom and maturity (I don’t think honesty would be a problem for CU but THIS one would be).

As you may guess, considering CU’s personality and behavior, the boys are going to have a lot of work ahead of them in order to help him.

From here on out I have a few ideas, but not enough for a complete story at the moment.

-I had the idea that Heidi is the only other kid that George and Harold first reveal CU’s existence as a living being to.

-Another idea I had was that the boys try to get CU to wear clothing out in public for awhile to 1. Hide that he’s not human and 2. No normal person dresses like CU does and he would draw unwanted attention. They also convince him use the name Benjamin. Then they just happen to be there when Edith gets in a bit of trouble (a stolen purse most likely), and when CU helps her out the two have an instant attraction to each other. Of course, Edith doesn’t immediately recognize ‘Benjamin’ as the puppet from before because not only does the disguise work well enough to fool her, but you’d have to really look at the details of his face and hands or be able to touch him to know that he’s not made of flesh.

-Like I said, I’m not sure who would get the roles of the antagonists, especially when it comes to Honest John and Gideon since those two are fan favorites. I could easily see either Meaner or Bernice getting the role of Stromboli because of how hilarious it would be (but it would also be a bit dark and have a certain layer of meaning if CU turned out to be one of Bernice’s unfinished puppets that she horribly mistreated. And if things had gone bad, CU could have easily turned into Krupp at his worst if the boys never found him and shown him proper care and affection as an inanimate puppet in time).

-Pleasure Island would be a hard one because it would also be a temptation to George and Harold since it comes across as a fun place on the surface (but then again, when I think of how they didn’t participate at the theme park in CU’s brain in the season 2 finale, maybe they have more restraint than I thought). And by this point, while they do love CU, he keeps getting them all in so much trouble that it’s hard to stay patient and they get more angry with him. Then when they all finally escape into the ocean, CU and the boys get separated and only CU returns back to the town.

-Which of course would make him upset with himself as he begins to realize how much they looked after him when it should have been the other way around, how much trouble he put them through, and now he’s lost them. When he returns to the orphanage and talks to Heidi about what’s happened, she tells him a bit about the circumstances that lead to the boys and herself being sent to the orphanage and how CU truly is one of the few adults the children trust after so many have let them down. He still has a chance to become real–maybe he just needs one moment to really prove himself worthy. I also had this cute idea that Heidi teaches him the song ‘When you wish upon a star’ since it was a song her mom used to sing to her and Harold to cheer them up (and what was what ironically made Harold consider wishing him to life). So of course he sings it and a nearby Edith is alerted to the voice which recognizes it as the voice of the strange, yet sweet man who helped her out earlier and who she developed a bit of a crush on. Though when she sees that ‘Benjamin’ is the very same puppet the boys brought back home, the shock is enough to make her faint before him and Heidi. Oh, then ALL the kids find out CU is alive.

-Also much like in the film, the AU’s blue fairy reveals the location of the boys’ whereabouts to CU, via a letter.... and unfortunately the boys got swallowed up by a monster of the sea, which horrifies all the kids because they thought that it was a scary story the adults made up. Though of course CU is going to get the boys back, no matter how scary it will be, so Heidi, the kids, and Edith get him back to the ocean and make sure he’s tied to a heavy stone to keep him from floating to the surface.

-Though I had a hilariously cute idea–when CU reassures Edith that he’ll be fine and make sure the boys come back safely, she gives him a small kiss on the cheek for luck/as a way to thank him for earlier. Of course he gets so excited/flustered that he trips and falls off the something feet high cliff and into the ocean.

That’s all for now. While I guarantee that CU reunites with the boys and that it will be sweet, the climax will unfortunately have to include some heart break/that one tear jerker moment.

[mapleleafstrash]

Grande Black Americano - Kasperi Kapanen

A/N: If you have any ideas or requests feel free to message me!

Characters: Kasperi Kapanen, William Nylander

Words: 1,494

Warnings: Mild Language

“I have a venti nonfat half-sweet vanilla soy latte on the bar for Madison!” you called out, effectively ending your current rush of espresso-based beverages.

Yes, you worked for Starbucks.

No, that didn’t make you basic.

Your close friend William however begged to differ.

“Yeah can I get one of those mochachino thingys, but with like no sugar and extra coffee? Oh, but I want whipped cream. I can’t not have whipped cream,”

One of your co-workers, or your shift-supervisor to be exact, looked over towards you from the main cash register with an unamused look on her face.

You’d met William last spring. It was only about a week after you started working at this location did you realize he was a common occurrence. Over time and after some light flirting as you called it, you got to know a lot about Will, and his job playing for the resident hockey team here in Toronto. Eventually you began hanging out after work and had even exchanged phone numbers, and your snap streak with him was still going on, even today. He had become one of your close friends, and it felt strange when you didn’t see him almost everyday.

But here he was again, pestering you while you were on the job.

This wasn’t anything new. William always would come in after his morning practices to tease you. You would work 5:30 until 2:00 each weekday, and Will would show up around 1:30 to wait until you got off. But as the Leafs’ season finally got into full swing, Will’s presence was starting to become a handful.

When customers would recognize him, all hell would break loose in the café. And as much as you loved having him around to brighten up the end of your shift, you knew you were close to getting a talking to from management.

“William, I’m working,” you gritted out as the happy-go-lucky, blonde leaned up against the bar stand, watching you dish out each handcrafted beverage.

“But it’s ten to,” William whined back, “you’re almost finished.”

“Almost is the key word there Will,” you replied, focusing on the next drink that had just been delivered to you.

William waved you off, “just ignore them babe. If anything, you’re just providing an excellent customer service experience,”

You scoffed, “tell that to my boss. See how fast my ass gets fired,”

“I mean I wouldn’t complain, you do have a nice ass Y/N,” Will winked back causing you to roll your eyes.

“So have you seen Grande Black Americano around today?” your friend asked you, and you paused in thought.

Grande Black Americano was the name of a regular customer you had at the store. He was your Sbux crush according to a few of your co-workers. He usually came in bright and early each day, just about twenty minutes after we opened and about a half an hour before the regular rush. He was tall, had luscious wavy hair, gorgeous green-hazel eyes, and had a set of perfect pouty lips. Oh, and his voice, oh his voice got to you.

But his schedule was weird. Some weeks he’d be in everyday, and then sometimes you’d go about a week and a bit without seeing him. You figured he just travelled for work or something.

“No I haven’t,” you told William, “I actually haven’t seen him for a while,”

William seemed to smirk, which caused you to furrow your brow. What was he up to?

“I wouldn’t concern yourself over it Y/N, he’s bound to pop in eventually. In fact, I have a feeling you might even see him tomorrow,”

You hadn’t thought much over his words, but low in behold, the next morning, Grand Black Americano himself strolled into the café.

You were currently by yourself behind the counter of the café because your supervisor was in the backroom working on her administrative tasks. Looking up from the sound of the door opening, you sent the man a smile.

“Hey,” you spoke softly, as you met him at the front cash.

“Hey Y/N, how are you today?” he asked you, sending you a small smile.

“I’m alright, a little sleepy,” you told him, “it was rough rolling out of bed today,”

He chuckled, “Yeah I feel you. I had a late night so when my alarm went off this morning I think I hit snooze at least twice,”

You smiled at him as you took his exact change, three dollars and ten cents, and placed the money in the till.

Following you down to the bar, you quickly grabbed his cup and cued his espresso shots. “No name today?” you asked him, raising an eyebrow as he sent you a smirk.

This was a regular thing between you. He had never once given you his name because he claimed you wouldn’t be able to spell it properly or even pronounce it right. It had almost become a game, as it amused the both of you.

“I mean you know my name,” you added, hoping to persuade him into telling and he chuckled.

“Just put Cass, but there’s a trick.” He said, his eyes challenging you, “it’s spelt different,”

Pursing your lips, you nodded towards him, accepting his test. It was spelt funny huh?

“Could I maybe have a hint? A freebie?” you asked, causing him to laugh.

“A freebie?” he questioned, “hmm, well I’ll tell you this, there are only three letters,”

Three letters, so Cas?

No that wouldn’t look right, you thought to yourself.

He said that it’s spelt different.

As you thought, your eyes trailed along the many tattoo’s that lined across his left arm. As you looked at each piece of art you found yourself stop once you got to the one tattoo he had that either spelled a word or a name. Either way you still couldn’t pronounce it regardless, but as you tried to figure out what it meant, you noticed the letter ‘k,’ was embedded within it.

K.

Kas? Maybe?

You went with your gut and scribbled the three-letter name onto the cup before filling it with Kas’ coffee. Placing the cup down, you watched carefully as Kas picked up the cup. Turning it in his hand you watched at his lips turned upward and he chuckled.

“Well?” you questioned, placing your hands on your hips.

He grinned at you, “I figured you were a smart girl,”

“So I got it?” you questioned, hope filling inside you at the fact that you had finally been given a name to describe your favourite regular.

He smirked before heading towards the front door, “I’ll see you tomorrow Y/N,”

After a painfully long shift, William walked in just as you were punching out. Deciding it was a nice day, you both got yourselves a drink before heading out onto the patio. Taking a seat, you pulled your long Y/H/C hair free from your ponytail and tried to relax.

“Well how was practice?” You asked your hockey-playing friend.

Will shrugged, “so-so, how was work?”

You couldn’t help the grin that made its way onto your face. “I think I learned Grande Black Americano’s name today,”

“Oh, so he finally told you?” Will asked, smirking slightly. He had already been aware of the game shared between the two of you.

“Well not exactly, but he helped me guess,” you told him. Will quirked an eyebrow and you chuckled. “I think it’s only his nickname though,”

Will nodded, crossing his arms, “Well what is it then?”

“He said it was Kas, and he made me guess how to spell it,” I said and Will rolled his eyes with a chuckle.

“Did you at least spell it right?” William asked and you nodded, “I think so, either way I’m super happy to have at least something to call him by,”

William laughed, “oh for the love of god,”

You gave him a confused look, “what’s wrong?”

“It’s Kasperi,”

You blinked.

“What?’

“His name,” William laughed, “his name is Kasperi.”

Your mouth dropped open. Will had known who he was this entire time?

“How did you know?” you questioned, feeling almost offended.

“Because we’re best friends’ Y/N,” Will admitted. “We both live in the same building across the street and he mentioned you once. He called you the ‘cute barista girl,’ and I knew he came here. And once I got to know you I figured out you both were talking about one another,”

“So you’ve known this entire time?” you questioned. You wanted to kill him.

“Mhm, this is just too entertaining,” he laughed again.

“Does he know?” you asked again, suddenly considering how embarrassing this could potentially be.

Will shook his head, “I’ve avoided introducing the two of you purposely. He has no clue.”

“William,” you whined, feeling flustered, “how could you?”

“Trust me, this was so much better,” Will told you. “Now the next time you see him you can knock him on his ass,”

“Then you’ll introduce us?” You asked.

William sent you a grin, “then I’ll introduce you,”