#don’t get me wrong there were so many things we taught one another and we are both coming to the same conclusion

[morgana-larkin]

Alrighty, after many creative blocks coming and going, I finally finished the next chapter of Mine!with Canadian thanksgiving and Halloween coming up, I decided to do a holiday chapter. Also for the few that were wondering their ages, in this fic, it takes place 7 years after season 2, and Melissa is 59 and reader is 34. Not edited in the slightest and I hope you like it!

On another note: the next fic I post will be an Agatha one as inspiration hit after watching the first 2 episodes of Agatha All Along and she’s clearly gay. I’m also aware that I haven’t updated my masterlist with like the last 6 fics I’ve posted, but I’m going to be doing a little reorganization and pretty-ing it up 😉

Mine - Part 8

Warnings: Smut, strong urge to be Mel’s wife (the usual)

Words: 4.5k

*Halloween Day*

“Got to hold still.” You tell Amelia as you’re finishing up her hairstyle for her costume. While you just bought shirts and wigs for the twins and dressed them up as thing 1 and thing 2, Amelia wanted something different.

You showed Amelia Scooby Doo and she chose to go as Daphne, so of course Melissa contacted some people and now Amelia has a great Daphne costume.

While you were helping Amelia get ready, Melissa was downstairs putting the costumes on the twins and getting breakfast ready.

“Do you tink people will know who I’m dressed as?” Amelia asks as you’re putting the headband in and fluffing some of her hair

“Well Mamma found you a great replica so I think they will.” You tell her with a smile. “Alright turn around.” You tell her as her costume is complete. Amelia does a little spin and you giggle. “You make an adorable Daphne, honey.” You tell her.

“Breakfast!” You hear Melissa call from downstairs and you take Amelia’s hand and help her down the stairs.

“Coming Mamma!” Amelia says when you’re halfway down the stairs.

When you and Amelia get to the dinner table to eat, Melissa looks up and immediately has a huge smile. “You both look amazing!” She says as Amelia goes running up to her and sits on her lap. “You look cute, Amore.” She says with a flirtatious tone when you get to the table. She then puts Amelia’s plate right in front of her and Amelia starts eating immediately.

“So do you, Poison Ivy.” You say as you grab the bat that Melissa decorated for you to complete your Harley Quinn costume.

“I am worried though that your lack of clothing will send the wrong message to some people though.” Melissa tells you and you can hear some jealousy seeping through her tone.

“My love, most of the staff and parents know that we’re married.” You tell her and give her a kiss before you all eat your breakfast.

“You could have gone with the full body suit with the hat.” Melissa says as you’re eating.

“The one with the devil looking horns? I like the option I picked.” You tell her. “Love, I don’t think anyone will try and hit on me when they know I’m married to Melissa Schemmenti.” You say and she blushes and smiles at that.

“I guess you have a point.”

“Besides, if they do try.” You start as you pick up the bat. “Then I got this handy dandy bat I can use that my lovely wife taught me how to use on our fourth date.“ You say with a smile and Melissa lets out a little giggle.

“Want me to do your makeup, Amore? Get your face all white and half dead looking.” Melissa says with a smirk.

“Sure, I’d love that.” You tell her and then you all finish your breakfast. “Do you want to finish getting everything ready while I pump before you finish my makeup?” You ask her and she nods.

“Sure thing.” She says and gives you a kiss on the cheek. “Want to get my cheek kiss count before you push me away from doing them all day. Especially when you’re wearing that.” She says and looks at your outfit.

“Think I look sexy as Harley Quinn?” You say with a flirty tone.

“I think you look sexy in this outfit.” She says as she wraps her arms around your waist and gives you a kiss. You were about to say something but then you remember you have to pump or you’ll start leaking.

“Well thanks love but I do have to start pumping.” You say as you give her a quick kiss and then leave the room. You come back in the room to Melissa taking a bunch of pictures of the twins and Amelia. Amelia had no problem posing for pictures for Melissa. You watch the scene for a minute and then you let your presence known and tell Melissa to go stand next to Amelia and the twins to get a picture. Melissa crouches down next to Amelia with the twins on the other side of her and you set your camera up with a timer and take a family Halloween picture.

“Alright I’ll do your makeup quickly now, Amore.” Melissa says to you. “Amelia, why don’t you go do some colouring while I put the finishing touches on Mommy’s costume, alright my little Tesoro?” She says to Amelia which Amelia quickly nods and runs to her colouring books in the living room.

“Alright maybe we should do this in the living room cause last time she coloured without supervision, our walls paid the price.” You say to which Melissa laughs.

“She takes after me that way.” Melissa says with a smile.

40 minutes later and you and Melissa are walking into the break room at Abbott.

“OMG you guys look AMAZING!” Jacob squeals.

From across the room, Melissa can see another teacher checking you out. Melissa wraps an arm around your waist and sends a glare their way.

“Oh damn! Check you out girl!” Ava says as she enters. “You’ll definitely be on my mind today.” She adds and Melissa huffs. She knows Ava likes to tease her that way.

“I’d be better if you refrained from thinking of my wife.” Melissa says with a glare.

“Why Melissa, are you jealous?” You say teasingly. “Although you should all know that Melissa decorated Edith for me for today. So any funny business and your head will meet her today.” You say as you show them the bat.

“Omg! Can I see that! It looks so cool, looks just like her bat in the show.” Jacob says with a huge smile and goes to inspect the bat.

While walking to your classrooms to welcome the kids, you both hear someone do a catcall and look around and see Janine down the hall looking at you both with a huge smile.

At lunch you show everyone the pictures you both took this morning of the kids and the family picture.

“They all look adorable.” Barb says to Melissa as you’re showing the trio.

“They look so cute.” Janine says excitedly.

“Amelia is like a mini me of Melissa.” Jacob says and you turn to look at Melissa who’s looking your way with a smirk.

“Well there’s no denying she’s Melissa’s kid.” You say as you go to sit down next to Melissa.

“Was there any doubt that she was.” Melissa says with a quirked eyebrow.

“A little.” You tell her and she tickles your exposed stomach and you start laughing.

“Little minx.”

“It’s Harley to you.” You say after Melissa stops the tickles, you get Edith out and Melissa bursts out laughing.

When you’re saying goodbye to the kids, a few parents check you out and hit on you and you can feel Melissa’s glare on them.

“I didn’t like having to watch those parents hit on what’s mine.” Melissa says in the car when you’re on the way to the daycare to pick up your kids.

“Well I’m sorry I’m so irresistible.” You say with a smile and Melissa gives you a side eye before shaking her head with a smile.

“You are irresistible.”

“And I’m also yours, so no need to worry about a few parents. You should see it as evidence that they’re jealous that you have me instead of them.” You tell her.

“You’re right, I mean we have 3 kids and we’ve been together for 9 years. And we’re still happy.” She says with a smile and you give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Exactly, so put everyone else out of your mind, it’s time for Amelia to go trick or treating for the first time. And then to steal some candy later on.”

After picking up your kids, you all go home to have supper and then you put jackets on the twins and Amelia.

“But the jacket hides the costume, I don’t want a jacket.” Amelia complains the entire time.

“Ok how about we bring your jacket and when you get cold then you put it on. How’s that sound, Tesoro?” Melissa compromises and Amelia agrees.

You take her out trick or treating around the neighbourhood for a couple hours, with the twins in a stroller, before she says that she’s tired and falls asleep in Melissa’s arms on the way back to the house.

Back at the house, Amelia takes a small nap while you put on a movie while taking turns getting up to give candy out to trick or treaters.

“Oh look at all your costumes!” You hear Melissa say on one of her turns and you get up to go see and stand next to her. “A little shark, a pirate, a princess. You guys look amazing!” She says.

Half an hour later and you're each feeding a twin while Amelia is colouring on the floor. “Mommy! Look what I dew!” Amelia exclaims and you look to see her masterpiece.

“Oh wow, what a lovely heart honey. Why don’t you go hang it on the fridge?” You tell her and she runs to do that.

“How bad was it?” Melissa whispers to you.

“It’s terrible but adorable.” You whisper back with a smile and Melissa chuckles.

“Mamma, if I’m youw Tesowo, then what about the twins?” Amelia asks Melissa after being read a bedtime story.

“Well they’re my sole and Luna.” Melissa tells her. “Which means my sun and moon.

“I’ll always be your Tesowo wight?”

“Of course, forever and always.” Melissa assures her with a fond smile.”

“Which one is the moon and which one is the sun.”

“Well I decided that Nico is the sun as he’s always smiling and giggling. And Caterina is the moon as she has a little devil side to her. Now get to sleep, my little Tesoro.” Melissa says and gives Amelia a kiss on the forehead and tucking her in.

*Thanksgiving*

Amelia is holding on to her stuffy, Teddy, and sitting on the couch, while she watches you guys move around to get ready for thanksgiving dinner at Melissa’s family’s house.

You both go to the kitchen to get the food, and you instruct Amelia to watch the twins. One of the starts crying and when you run out to see what’s going on, you then see Amelia hand her stuffy to Caterina who immediately stops crying. You snap a picture of the moment before going to scoop Caty up in your arms and grab the stuffy from her eyes to give back to Amelia. As soon as you grab it, Caterina starts crying again.

“That was so sweet of you Amelia, and I’ll get Teddy back from her when we get Auntie Mary Camille’s place.” You say and Amelia nods.

“Why is Caty holding Teddy?” Melissa asks when she steps out with a couple bags of containers of food.

“Because Amelia gave it to her when she was crying and now when I try to take it from her, she just cries again.” You say and Melissa smiles at Amelia.

“You’re such a great big sister, my little Tesoro.” Melissa praises Amelia as Amelia smiles proudly.

You get to Mary Camille’s place and both of your families are all over the twins and Amelia. After 20 minutes, it ends up with Amelia playing with some of her cousins, Kristen Marie holding Caty and your mom holding Nico. You and Melissa sit down and let out a breath.

“Is parenting getting to you?” Vinny asks you both and you chuckle while Melissa gives him a hug.

“Getting to us but we love it.” Melissa says as you all sit back down after hugging each other hello.

“I’m very happy for you Mel. I mean my little cousin finally has the little family she’s always wanted.” Vinny says with a smile.

“What are you talking about little cousin, I’m older than you.” Melissa says.

“You may be older but I’m taller.” Vinny says with a smirk, while Melissa lets out a huff and crosses her arms.

“Are you torturing my sister?” Kristen Marie says as she comes to chat with you all. You and Melissa both turn to see that Caty is now being held by Toni.

“Which one?” Vinny jokes.

An hour later and you all get up to go get some food and you chop a little bit of food up on a small plate for Amelia and hand her a small plastic fork and her bottle. You already handed bottles to whoever was holding a twin about 10 minutes ago so they can be fed.

“Alright so before we all eat, I would like for us to go around the table and say what we’re thankful for.” Mary Camille says. “I can start us off. So I am thankful for my husband, my 2 boys and all 8 of my siblings. And also thankful for the rest of our family.” She says and then it’s Melissa’s turn.

“Ok, well I’m very thankful for my wife.” She starts and grabs your hand and looks at you with a smile. “Who gave birth to 3 of the most wonderful children I could ever ask for. And also thankful to my family for all the love and support we’ve gotten.” She finishes, still holding your hand.

“Well I’m also thankful for my beautiful wife and amazing kids. And I’m also thankful for all of you, for taking me in as your family even right as Mel and I just started going out. You all treated me like family right from the start and very grateful for that.” You say and then you both turn to Amelia. “Amelia, honey, do you want to say what you’re thankful for?” And Amelia looks at you confused for a second. “You can be thankful for the people that you love.” You explain to her.

“I’m tankful for my mamma and mommy. And I love my sibwings.” She says and everyone says ‘awww’ at that.

And then everyone at the table goes to say what they’re thankful for and then you all dig in to your meals.

A few hours later you both start to get ready to go home when Amelia falls asleep on you.

“You both can come anytime you want. We love to see you and your children.” Mary Camille says as she hands Caterina to you. Just then your mom comes in and hands Nico to Melissa.

“You can always bring your kids to see me and your father as well.” Your mom tells you. “And as well to see you and Melissa.” She adds on and you shake your head with a smile. “Looks like Amelia might need some help with her shoes.” Your mom says with a chuckle. You all turn and look down and see Amelia asleep on the floor, feet bare.

“Let’s put the twins in the stroller and then I’ll carry Amelia.” Melissa says and you nod in agreement.

When you get home you put the twins to bed while Melissa puts Amelia to bed. You both then flop down on the bed, ready to go to sleep. Melissa turns around and spoons you while you get comfy in her arms.

“Happy thanksgiving Mia Amore.” Melissa says softly in your ear.

“Happy Thanksgiving my love.” You say right back to her. You turn your head around to give her a kiss then you both fall asleep.

*Christmas Day*

“MAMMA! MOMMY! GET UP! GET UP!” Amelia yells while climbing on the bed and starts jumping. “Santa came! I saw presents under the tree!” She yells and sits on Melissa’s stomach.

“Oh, Amelia.” Melissa says, shocked as she wasn’t expecting for Amelia to sit on her.

“I want to open pwesents!” Amelia exclaims and throws her hands in the air, excitedly. Just as she does that, you grab Amelia and pull her off of Melissa.

“How about Mamma can go get the twins and we can go down and arrange the presents.” You suggest and Amelia nods excitedly. You bring her downstairs and read the names off the presents and then hand them to Amelia who was putting them in organised piles. A few minutes later, Melissa comes down with the twins and puts them in their playpen.

“Pwesent time?” Amelia asks excitedly as soon as Melissa joins you both.

“Yep, choose whatever present from your pile and open it.” You tell her and she does just that. While she excitedly tears the wrapping paper off, Melissa puts an arm around your waist after you both sit down on the floor.

“Mommy! It’s the Bawbie doll I saw at the store and I loved it!” Melissa exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh my god! Look at that, it seems Santa really does know everything.” You tell her as you go and look it over with her, pretending you didn’t send the idea to Melissa at the store when you saw Amelia light up at it.

You both watch her open all her presents and even let her open the twins Christmas presents as well. Melissa got a few pictures of her excitement from opening the presents. After she finished then she handed both you and Melissa your own presents and she watched you both open yours.

“Oh amazing! Santa got me a new bat to replace the one that broke!” Melissa exclaims and looks it over thoroughly. “And got the best one too.” She says and sends you a smirk to which you secretly wink at her.

After all the presents are opened then you and Melissa tidy up after getting a garbage bag. “Mamma.” Amelia says and looks at Melissa.

“Yes Tesoro.”

“I have to use the potty.” She says and Melissa gives you the garbage bag and brings Amelia to use the bathroom.

You both started potty training about a year ago and it seems she’s gotten the hang of it but still not quite tall enough to sit on the toilet or reach the sink herself yet.

They come back a few minutes later and you’re putting the twins in their chairs to feed them. Melissa was so excited to start introducing them to foods over the summer. Sometimes you put what Melissa makes in the blender instead of giving them store bought purée food. And to Melissa’s delight, they enjoy her food a lot more.

“For breakfast, how would you feel if I made your favourite frittata?” Melissa asks Amelia.

“No.” Amelia says, and Melissa sees that Amelia has another meal in mind.

“Ok, what do you want for breakfast then?”

“The tiwamisu crepes.” Amelia says excitedly. Melissa made the crepes only a handful of times before. Last time was the morning on the last day of summer.

“Oh, well I can definitely make that for breakfast.” Melissa says with a smile.

Melissa makes the breakfast with Amelia while you feed the twins. After the twins are fed is when Melissa is done cooking as it only takes about 20 minutes until they’re all ready.

You all eat breakfast and then get ready for the Christmas party at your parents house. Once you get there you see that a few of Melissa’s siblings are already there as you see their cars.

“How did Marie get here before we did? She’s usually late?” You ask Melissa who’s just as surprised as you.

“No idea, my only guess would be that Seamus stayed over at her place and hitched a ride with her today. And you know he likes to be on time.” She tells you. Melissa is holding Amelia’s hand while you push the stroller with the twins to the front door.

The door is opened by your mom who immediately bends down and brings Amelia into a hug.

“Hello my dear!” Your mom exclaims.

“Hi grandma!” Amelia says to her.

“Francesca and Liliana are already here if you want to go play with them.” Your mom says to Amelia who bolts to the living room after your mom helps take her shoes off.

“I guess we won’t have to worry about her for the rest of the day.” You joke as you wrap your mom in a hug. “Merry Christmas mom.” You tell her.

“Merry Christmas dear.” Your mom says back to you. “And Merry Christmas to you as well.” Your mom tells Melissa and hugs her.

“Merry Christmas Diane.” Melissa says to your mom.

“Well come in, come in. Many people are already here. Oh and Y/N your cousin Alex is here.”

“No way! I thought he was still in Germany.” You say.

“He was able to come back home for the holidays.” Your mom explains.

You and Melissa go into the living room and there’s about 40 people already there. You both say your hellos to everyone and the twins are already taken by family members.

“As much as I love the kids, I love when we get some time to ourselves without having to worry about them.” You tell Melissa, who gives you a kiss on the forehead and wraps her arm around your waist.

“I feel the same way, Amore.”

When everyone arrives then your mom shouts that it’s present time and all of a sudden, all the kids, including Amelia, comes running into the room.

“Weirdly enough, if we were to shout anything else then they act as if they didn’t hear us.” Mary Camille, who’s right beside you, says to you and Melissa.

“I mean that selective hearing can be tricky.” You tell her and she chuckles.

You all watch the kids open their presents and you rest your head on Melissa’s shoulder as you both are sitting on one of the couches.

“Mommy! Mamma! I got a new paint set! And it’s so big!” Amelia says excitedly as she shows both of you.

After everyone opens their gifts, then everyone gets up to go eat. It’s buffet style to make it easy with so many people. You and Melissa make a plate for yourselves and one for Amelia who’s busy playing with her new toys.

“Amelia, come and eat!” You tell her from one of the couches.

“But I wanna play!” She says and crosses her arms and pouts.

“You can play after you eat.” Melissa tells her.

“I nevew get to do anything I want to do.” She complains and pouts as she makes her way over to you both.

“Awe, my poor baby.” Melissa says and wraps her arms around Amelia and gives her a big dramatic hug.

“Ah! Mamma, wet me go!” Amelia says through giggles.

You all begin to eat and Amelia’s face scrunches up a bit when she’s eating something.

“What’s this Mamma?” She asks Melissa and points to the food on her plate.

“That’s spaghetti, Tesoro.”

“That’s not spe-tti, it tastes nothing like it.” She tells you. Then it hits both of you that the only spaghetti she’s ever had was Melissa’s, who’s only ever made Italian spaghetti.

“It is, just a different kind. Some people make things differently than Mamma does.” You explain to her.

“Well Mamma makes it bettew.” Amelia says as she takes another bite. You then look over at Melissa who’s beaming, from the comment her daughter said about her cooking.

After a few hours, Amelia sprints over to you both and climbs onto Melissa’s lap and lays her head on her chest.

“Getting tired, Tesoro?” Melissa asks her as she strokes her head and Amelia nods. “Alright, we’ll leave in a little bit.”

After you say your goodbyes, and get the twins back from whoever had them, you all leave to go home.

“You know, when we get home, then I wouldn’t mind opening my last present.” You tell Melissa, after checking that all your kids are asleep in the car. Melissa smiles after a second when she figures out what you mean, your seductive tone of voice certainly helped.

After putting the kids to bed, you and Melissa get ready for bed. As soon as Melissa steps out of the bathroom, you ambush her with a kiss.

“Oomph.” Melissa says as she didn’t expect it, but it was certainly welcomed. Melissa lifts you up and brings you both to the bed. Both your clothes are off quickly as you both can’t wait any longer. You were both excited the entire car ride home. The one downside of having kids is you can’t pull over and have spontaneous car sex anymore.

Melissa kisses all over your body before plunging two fingers in you. You moan out when she does and Melissa silents you with a kiss. You both don’t want to wake any of your kids at that moment.

Melissa keeps a steady pace as she fingers you. She wants you both to enjoy this so she goes at a pace that won’t make you cum in 30 seconds. She knows your body like the back of her hand, which is certainly an advantage in many situations, especially sexual situations. You keep moaning and gasping into the kiss as you get closer and closer to an orgasm.

“Come when you need to, baby.” Melissa pulls away to say that then goes right back to kissing you. You gasp into the kiss as you come seconds later and Melissa gently pulls out of you. After not having sex for 2 weeks, that was an intense orgasm. Melissa can tell you’re having trouble moving so she gets an idea as she knows you want to make her cum now. “Just stick out two fingers so I can ride them.” She tells you and you immediately obey. She slides down on your fingers and starts riding them as you watch her. It’s not the first time she’s done this, as she’s extremely good with her fingers, but you love it when she does. The fact that she’s bringing herself that enjoyment with your help, and on top of you, with her breast moving with her, it’s definitely one of your favourite sights. Her mouth then starts hanging open and you can feel her pussy wrap around your fingers tightly and you can tell she’s about to cum. “Omg baby, your fingers feel so good inside of me.”

“And I love having my fingers inside of you, being able to feel you.” You tell her, and at that, she comes. Melissa then flops down on the bed next to you and you’re both breathing heavily.

“Don’t know why you’re breathing hard, I did all the work.” She jokes with you and you chuckle.

“Well the sight took my breath away.” You say to her with a smile.

You then cuddle as she comes down from her high and you both feel very content at that moment. You then look at Melissa as an idea pops in your head.

“What is it Mia Amore?” She asks you.

“How do you feel about getting a puppy?”

Taglist: @esposadejoyhuerta

@imaginesmultifandoms

@idonothingalldays-blog

@sexysapphicshopowner

@dvrkhcld

@lilfartbox1

@ricejucie

@unicorniusfallapatorius

@a-queen-and-her-throne

@sleep-deprived-athlete

@og-kxsh-420

@sasheemo

@midnight-lestrange

Let me know if you want to be added!

[haleyincarnate]

Heartbreak is just a house you visit. Heartbreak is just a house you visit. Heartbreak is just a house you visit.

[fixyourwritinghabits]

How to Handle Critique

I’ve got to admit, I wish I was one of those beatific saints that could take critique with a grateful smile. Instead, I am constantly suppressing a horrible little gremlin at the back of my head hissing at anything from legit plot critiques to grammar corrections. I’m well aware I used that comma wrong, GOD.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m very good at suppressing that gremlin, but the little bastard is still there. He exists because even though your brain knows critique can help, it also knows you worked damn hard on the thing being critiqued, and goddamnit, isn’t that enough???

Anyway, here are some tips on getting that gremlin to shut the hell up.

It is okay to be upset. You worked really hard on this thing, and now someone’s gone and pointed out all the things that suck about it. You cannot control how you feel about one thing or another, but you can allow yourself to feel that way and let it pass through you. Let your critique partner you’re taking time to reflect on it, and go for a walk. Do something else. Let those feelings pass through you before you get back to the page.

Give yourself time. Don’t feel like you need to correct things right away (unless they are minimal grammar tweaks). Some pieces of feedback might take awhile to sink in, especially when you’ve got a whole novel to wrestle through. Set it aside, think about something else for a week or so, and get back to it when you’ve reset.

Get a second opinion and/or ducky friend. It can be very hard to tell the difference between good and bad feedback sometimes. Someone who means very well could give feedback that just doesn’t work for you, and someone who doesn’t give two shits could have spotted that fatal flaw right away. You can bring in a real third party or just make use of the old rubber duck technique, where you talk through the issue with a friend or a Naruto poster telling you to Believe it. Working it out out-loud is a really effective technique to figure out what needs fixing and what doesn’t.

Guide critique-givers toward the feedback you want. I, a person who prefers straightforward fantasy and sci-fi, cannot give the fine-tooth points on how a romance novel should work. However, I can give feedback on what works for me and what doesn’t story-wise. Giving your beta reader or critique partner a list of questions to look for will help avoid vague feedback based on how they don’t like the genre. There are many ways to do this, but consider using the following as a base to tailor your own questions:

Did you get a good sense of the setting? Did the worldbuilding make sense to you?

Was this story clear? Where there any parts that seemed confusing?

What characters did you like and why? What characters didn’t you like?

Did any parts of the story feel slow or repetitive?

Did the beginning draw you in? Did the middle keep you engaged? Did the ending feel satisfying?

If you were to write [insert plot point here], what would you do differently?

Again, all of the above questions are up for debate depending on your goal, but we are rarely taught how to give good feedback, and a guided feedback session would work better for you than a free-for-all.

Figure out what kind of advice doesn’t work for you. It is really hard to give good feedback sometimes, even with guided questions. It can also be really hard to figure out why some feedback doesn’t click with you, and that’s a matter of digging deep to figure out what you really want. You may lean toward characters who are horrible fuck-ups, but your partner prefers more steady characters who always strive to do the right thing. Your characters, therefore, may never click with this person, no matter how much they want to help you. And that’s okay! Figuring out where your critique partner is coming from can help you figure out what parts of their feedback isn’t working for you. Sometimes the only thing you can do is thank them and move on, but you might also want to guide them to focus more on the plot or the worldbuilding when looking at your work.

And last, don’t focus on grammar. It’s great if they point that out, but if you end up changing everything, trying to fix that first is a waste of your time. Grammar tweaks last, plot points first.

And, I dunno, give yourself a treat to get that horrible little mind gremlin something else to focus on. Sometimes patting those bad feelings on the head and sending them away can help way more than ignoring them.

[fallstaticexit]

Acceptance is the hardest part, isn’t it Geoffrey.

prev / next

Geoffrey: Would you like to dance?

Nancy: [sighs] Yes.

Geoffrey: You look so beautiful, Nancy.

Nancy: Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.

Geoffrey: I took your advice and found a new tailor. You always had a sharp eye for a good suit.

Nancy: I’m pleased to hear that.

Geoffrey: You’re still wearing your ring.

Nancy: Haven’t we played this game long enough? Of course I am.

Geoffrey: You’ve always worn it. Even when you were with-

Nancy: I don’t want to talk about that with you. I don’t want to talk to you at all, the way you let the boys gang up on me like that.

Nancy: You liked it, didn’t you? Them knowing you were wronged and that I was the cheating whore? You’ve wanted this for so long, haven’t you?

Geoffrey: Do you really think that of me—that I'm capable of hating you so much that I’d derive pleasure from you feeling shame?

Nancy: Shouldn’t you? Shouldn’t you hate me after all I’ve done?

Geoffrey: I’ve tried. For years, I’ve tried but the truth is, I love you. In the end, I may always love you.

Malcolm: Can I have everyone's attention, please? I appreciate all of you joining us tonight to commemorate my parents' 27th wedding anniversary.

Malcolm: My parents have taught me that true love conquers all. Without their remarkable example of love and commitment during my childhood, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Here's to another 27 years of pure marital bliss.

Nancy: I-I can’t do this...

Geoffrey: It’s alright, just relax.

Nancy: No, I can’t, I’m going to be sick.

Geoffrey: Just get through the next hour. A few photos and I’ll take you home.

Geoffrey: Careful. Watch your step.

Nancy: [slurs] How many times have you had to carry me like this...

Geoffrey: Too many times to count.

Nancy: [whimpers] How awful for you.

Geoffrey: Do you love me at all, Nancy?

Nancy: [softly] Of course I do.

Geoffrey: It isn’t enough, is it?

Nancy: It was never about you being enough. I like women. I’ve always have and I can’t apologize for it anymore. But I can apologize for hurting you all these years. I’m sorry.

Geoffrey: Just tell me one thing. Are you in love with her?

Nancy: Yes.

[cumikering]

F1 John Price x reader 2

3.1k | fluff, suggestive Nights in London were warmer with you (part 1) (part 3)

“I’m going back home Thursday,” John said after you placed your orders at another quiet restaurant.

“That’s nice. I’m going home closer to the holidays. Need to keep the shop open.” You beamed. “Apparently a few weeks ago, a racer posted the cookies on Instagram and people started piling up.”

His heart skipped a beat. It must have been Kyle. The lad couldn’t stay away from social media, always posting something - a far cry from him who only had an account strictly for business, as part of most brand deals.

Including McLaren. John was to post at least a photo every week. Unlike his teammate, his page consisted mostly of professional photos, usually taken from races, or the skyline of the cities where his races took place in.

Did you know who he was? “Who was it?”

“I don’t know. I probably should have asked. Christy - one of my girls - found out from a customer, but I’m just so, so grateful. We got so many orders for Christmas gift this year.”

“That’s wonderful, love.” He squeezed your hand. “Let me get a box to take home. My parents would love them. Can you squeeze me in?”

“Always.”

John pulled up at your apartment and brought your hand to his lips. “Hope I’m not too forward, love, but how soon can I see you again?”

You smiled. “Tomorrow? Dinner’s on me. You pick the place.”

The Japanese near your shop caught his eye (he loved his salmon teriyaki), and when he dropped you off the next night, again, he asked who was picking dinner the night after.

“My groceries aren’t going to last much longer, I’m afraid. I need to cook tomorrow.”

“Right,” he muttered.

He had pushed his luck. His cheeks heated from his presumption. He was seeing you too often at such an early stage even that it would have been his last night before leaving for three weeks.

“You’re welcome to join me.”

“I’d love that.”

John didn’t remember the last time anyone cooked for or with him like this. He didn’t realise how much he craved spending a quiet night in enjoying your company without having to worry about being conspicuous in the privacy of your own home.

He didn’t get to date much, but it was pathetic how none of the women he was seeing, not even the one he was with for a year, wanted to stay home much at all.

When he met her at a bar, he was an F1 rookie, an up and coming driver still struggling to establish his footing on the grid. Things kept going wrong, and he was constantly on edge about his contract being terminated, beating himself up over any mistake lest it costed him his career that had barely taken off.

She was a breath of fresh air. While he had been uptight, all up in his head, forgetting to be grateful of how far he’d gone, she was untroubled. He had the money, and she knew how to spend it. Overnight, his life swirled around luxury and status. She taught him how to live good, and he did.

The stunt she pulled boosted his career. Sponsors and deals poured in and he worried less. The cruelty of his mind mellowed and it allowed him to breathe. He finished 6th that season.

On your couch, John fumbled with his long-empty beer bottle. Despite not wanting the night to end yet, it had to as your bedtime inched closer.

“Thank you for dinner, love. It was grand.” He placed the bottle on the side table.

“We can do that again next time.”

He swallowed and looked up at you. “May I kiss you?”

A sweet smile bloomed on your pretty face and you scooted closer to him. He let out a shaky breath when your soft lips pressed against his. He wrapped his arms around your waist as you cupped his face. Your fingertips slid down his neck before you pulled away, much to his chagrin.

You looked away, biting your lip. “I’m sorry, this is such an odd thing to say, but you’ve got a really muscular neck.”

“Do you like it?” he asked, slightly breathless, his heart beating out of his chest.

You leaned back in. He almost whimpered at the way your kisses seared the sensitive skin of his neck, his grip tightening on your hips as he guided you over his lap.

When you pulled away again for a breath, you bit back a grin while John and his hooded eyes weren’t all there.

“You’re falling asleep.”

“No, I’m not.” He buried his face in the crook of your neck as the high coursed through his veins before chuckling to himself.

He needed a moment to recover from the heady fact that he’d just kissed you. That your hot, wet tongue swiped over his lower lip before brushing against his own as he held you flush to him with greedy hands.

You cradled his face. “Promise you’ll get home safe.”

John gave you another peck at the door. Despite the uncomfortable throb against his jeans, he left with a grin.

The next morning was freezing, but the comforting smell of coffee and cookies baking welcomed him into your warm shop as John wheeled his luggage behind him.

“Mornin’, love,” he greeted, making you look up from the register.

“Hi- Oh no, you’re early. The cookies are still cooling.” You glanced at the clock. “Have you got 15 minutes?”

“No worries. I’ve got time to kill.” He pulled out his phone. “Ring me up, love.”

“No, no. It’s on the house. My Christmas gift for the Sloanes.”

You were too beautiful smiling up at him with such bright eyes. “Thank you.”

“Why don’t you sit? I’ll make you a drink.”

Moments later, you set a paper cup in front of him.

“What’s this?” He chuckled at the doodle on the side, picking up the cup to inspect it closer. It was a man in a cap, a cookie on the side. “S’that me?”

You nodded with a small smile.

He wanted to kiss you right then, but reached for your hand instead. “That’s real sweet, love.”

When you disappeared into the kitchen, he took a picture of the cup, heart fluttering at the gesture. He knew just what to post that week.

“You have a safe trip, John. Enjoy your holiday.” You gave him a squeeze in front of his ride.

He couldn’t help pulling his mask down and leaning in for a peck, your gift with the large bow in hand. You smiled against his lips.

On the way to the train station, just minutes after he posted the photo, Gaz sent him the eyes emoji. He snickered. Kyle Garrick was chronically online.

He replied with a quick snap of the box of cookies.

Shite, should have got some for Birmingham too. Get me some when I’m back!

John’s mum gave him a bear hug at the door of the house before announcing his arrival to his dad. He placed your gift on the coffee table and his mum poured them tea – she always had some ready whenever he visited.

He sat back on the couch, looking out the window at the backyard. It was bleak, barren from winter, but it made him fuzzy all the same. He’d missed home.

The next few days, you were busier than ever at work cranking out orders with your girls. You went home and slept straight away, and rinsed and repeated the next day. John, meanwhile, spent his time visiting cousins and relatives around the city.

That Sunday when you finally had some time off, he was out the whole day while the very thing he wanted to do was to talk to you. When he got back home and cleaned up, it was past your bedtime, but you’d insisted on waiting up for his call.

“John,” you muttered sleepily. It was the first time he heard you since he left.

The voice he’d missed so much send a shiver straight down his spine. “H- hi.”

“I don’t suppose you’ve got baby photos to show me?”

He chuckled. “We’ve got some in the living room, but it’s so bloody cold right now and I don’t want to leave my bed.”

“It’s freezing here too, but it must be even colder up there.”

Cuddling with you sounds perfect right now. “I might have other photos on my phone if you want to see?”

“Of course,” you said, but it sounded more like purring in his ears.

He bit his lip, going through his gallery before sending you a photo of him grinning ear to ear in a go-kart next to his parents in front of their house.

“Look at you,” you cooed. “You were so adorable.”

He smiled. “They got me my own kart for my 8th birthday. It was so early, I was still in my pyjamas.”

John Price didn’t come from money, nor did he have any speck of racing in his lineage, but when a friend of his celebrated his 7th birthday at a karting track, his life was forever changed. A lap in, and the adrenaline bug sank its fangs deep into his skin and never let go.

“Been into cars since a kid, huh?“

“Huge fan.”

For the next 5 years, his dad juggled multiple jobs, sometimes even 4 at a time, while his mum worked odd ones to get by between taking care of the house. Despite the efforts, they still needed to let go of the family house to support him.

Having to constantly move around from relative to relative, they had to drop most of their belongings, but never John’s hard-earned trophies even when it meant less living space.

“This was my first time in London.” He sent you another photo of his family, Big Ben in the background. “It was the best day ever.”

He didn’t understand why his parents sacrificed so much for him, put so much on the line. He didn’t know what they saw in him. But at 13, on that fateful day that altered the trajectory of his life, he was signed into the McLaren driver development programme. Sent to a boarding school, he called London home ever since.

“You had such chubby cheeks! I love it.”

“And this… I’m not there, but this is another one of my favourites.” It was his parents in front of their current home.

“The house got renovated?”

When John secured his F1 seat at 20, the first thing he did was buy the house back. Over the years, the previous owner had made many changes that left his childhood home barely recognisable, but his parents loved it all the same. It was where it all started after all.

“Yeah. The heater always works now.” He laughed. “Except tonight. Something is bloody wrong with the cold tonight. I’ve cranked the heat up but it’s still freezing.”

“When I was young, we had a dog called Rosie. She was my personal heater.”

“What was she like?”

“She was huge, an impossibly fluffy black Newfoundland. Loved to cuddle.”

He smiled. “That sounds wonderful. We never had a pet.”

“Would you want one?”

“A dog, yes, in the future.” His mind drifted to the family pets of his childhood friends. “I like knowing that as long as I love him, he’ll love me back. That I’ll always be enough.”

“That’s true. One of my favourite memories is coming home from school and having her accidentally smack me with her tail because she was so happy to see me.” You paused. “When she passed, I cried for days. My parents said she was from Canada, so I always said I wanted to go there and adopt one of her siblings.” You laughed. “Well, that never happened.”

“I’m sorry.” He could only imagine what it felt to lose your best friend and his heart ached for you. He wanted to wrap you in his arms.

“Have you been to Canada?”

“I have, for work. It’s beautiful there, gorgeous lakes. You’d love it.”

“Yeah? Maybe one day I’d get to see for myself.”

I’ll take you there, he almost promised out loud. He chewed on his lip. He’d love to take you to the next Canadian Grand Prix. In fact, he’d love it if you could come to each race, but it was something too distant in the future for him to even have the guts to picture.

You yawned. “I should sleep.”

No, no. He still missed you. “Can I stay a bit longer? I’ll hang up later.”

“Yeah, alright.”

There was rustling on your end, he imagined you tucked yourself under the covers and rolled over.

You let out a long, content sigh. “Goodnight, John.”

“Goodnight, love,” he muttered.

How was he going to survive the rest of his trip? His chest was going to explode.

It didn’t take long for your breathing to slow and eventually deepened. He swallowed, ashamed of the images your sleepy voice had roused that resulted in the situation in his sweats.

John never hung up because he fell asleep listening to you.

In the next three weeks, distance didn’t deter John from getting to know you. While you were busy at work during the day, you found the time to call every night, no matter how short. When you’ve gone back home, in turn, you showed him photos of your hometown and your family. But your selfies were his favourite. He loved looking at them throughout the day.

He counted down the days he’d be back in London. When initial connections were prone to fizzing out with space, it made each chance to see you even more precious to him. It was all he wanted to do.

That Saturday, once more, he headed straight to yours from the airport, always in a black mask and a cap.

“John!” You swung the door open in a cosy oversized shirt and pulled him for a hug.

He wrapped his arms tight around you, grinning into your hair. He didn’t realise he missed you this much, your warmth, your smell.

He followed you in, wheeling his luggage behind him. “I got you this,” he said, holding out a bag.

“What’s this?” You peeked into it.

“It’s my favourite blueberry loaf from the bakery we always went to, ever since I was a kid. Thought you’d like it too.”

“Thank you.” You squeezed his forearm.

With your eyes bright and smile sweet, he couldn’t help himself anymore. He yanked his mask down and pulled you in by the waist. Against his lips, you giggled, arms wrapping around his neck.

“Didn’t realise you’ve got a beard now.” You pulled away, giving it a once over. “It tickles, but I like it.”

During the season, he never grew out more than a stubble because of how uncomfortable it was under the balaclava and helmet, so he always liked to grow it out each chance he had. Especially now that he didn’t want to be recognised in public with you.

“I’m making you dinner.” You helped him take his coat off and hung it behind the door.

He blinked. “What?”

“You haven’t eaten, have you?”

Constantly out to expensive spots wearing designer brands, jetting all over the world with champagne in hand, John’s previous relationship was beautiful. On the outside at least.

As exhilarating as it all was, to him, it grew old and tiring too fast. While she thrived in the buzz of the media, always picture-perfect as the pretty girlfriend of a rising star, he was barely alive from his work commitments and catering to her whims.

She had been more interested in picking trending outfits to wear to the swanky restaurants regardless how tired he was at the end of the day. Countless arguments inevitably stemmed from him not bothering to wear anything more than a plain t-shirt for a weekday dinner. Still, he plastered a smile on as he was dragged to these places, too bright and loud. It was the woman he loved.

It was a fleeting thought at first, but he started missing the quiet life he had, when he didn’t have to be hounded by what people thought of him. About why he wasn’t at the grand opening of some bar with the foreign name, why he was still rocking a 4 year-old phone, if John Price wore the same hoodie two days in a row.

She was too eager to smile at the cameras, basking in the limelight. She wasn’t unkind or ill-meaning, but the affection that once drew him to her was long gone leaving him feeling alone and unwanted in his own relationship. It took him too long to accept she was there for John Price the F1 driver, not the bloke from Liverpool anymore, if she even ever was.

When he finally ended it, it barely took a month before she was on some footballer’s arm. Betrayal scorched his stomach. It hurt more than words, but perhaps it was the price to pay for being where he was. He never knew who to trust.

“It’s salmon with broccoli and rice. I don’t cook a lot of fish, but I tried this marinate I thought you’d like,” you rambled. “I hope it tastes alright even if I mess it up the temperature.”

“No, it would be perfect. Thank you so much.”

You cooking for him, his favourite food at that, meant so much more than you could imagine. You brought warmth to his chest.

After dinner, you snuggled with him on the couch. The chatter of the TV melted away. He let his longing for you dissipate as he inhaled the comforting scent of your hair as you traced his long fingers.

You turned to him, holding his gaze for a moment before you mumbled, “Would you like to stay the night?”

Was it not evident in the way he couldn’t let you out of his sight that he didn’t want to part?

John climbed in your bed and pressed his chest against your back, curling up around you, an arm around your waist. He let out a long, content sigh as he basked in the sensation of your soft body on him.

“You said Liverpool was bloody cold, but you run so warm.” You laughed. “That means I won’t even survive.”

He smiled into your hair. “You won’t have to worry about that when I’m around.”

He had two months before the next season started. If he was lucky – and he really wished he was, it meant more nights like this with you, many nights, he hoped. Just like this.

Masterlist Ex bf John Price

@tiredmetalenthusiast @le16erc @kyletogaz @kechiwrites @mikichko

@secretsynthetic @foo1ishs3renity @juicyjujuuu @ladydevilofhell @rowanyaboats

@hungrycrazy @readreblogfics @nocturnalreader106 @panda-b0s @stickerguts

@strong-bronze-or-regal-black @sadcowboyhours

[teamfreewill58]

Atem Leaving Was Wrong

Like many other members of the fandom I have a lot of thoughts about Atem going to the afterlife at the end of the series and also a lot of issues with it. I watched it straight through recently and it’s just so clear that it was not the right thing for Atem and also a really shitty way for the story to treat him. Let’s for a moment ignore the weird sudden push of “it’s not right for souls to remain with the living” that Ishizu kept insisting on and then claimed that’s what Yugi was telling Atem through the monster reborn card (which by the way could have been taken another way but I’ll get to that later.) The main reason the story insists on Atem returning to the afterlife is because it’s supposed to signify that Yugi has grown up and grown into himself as a person and no longer needs to rely on Atem the way that he did for a good portion of the series. “If I don’t become stronger, my other self can never leave my soul”. (Yugi Episode 221 8:18)

But the issue with this is that Atem--just like Yugi--is a person and people don’t just peace out of your life because they’ve taught you an important lesson or helped you grow. Yes, Atem and Yugi taught each other and helped each other grow, but that’s not a reason for Atem to leave.

What they learn from each other isn’t going to suddenly get negated because Atem stays--if anything it would create a new growing experience for Atem and Yugi because now they have a different dynamic and relationship that they would have to figure out and try to navigate. 

So, back to Ishizu’s “it’s not right for the dead to stay with the living” and “that’s what Yugi is saying to Atem” by putting Monster Reborn in Gold Sarcophagus during the final duel. First off, this doesn’t apply to Atem because he didn’t die. His spirit was used to seal Zorc and as we’ve seen again and again throughout Yu-gi-oh a character’s spirit no longer being inside their body doesn’t mean they’ve died. Characters have lost their souls multiple times and had it put back in a body. Atem’s body is never mentioned and neither is the notion that his mummy is in his tomb. Second, Ishizu is making a whole lot of assumptions for people she hardly even knows. When Yugi reveals the card, Ishizu thinks, “Yugi is sending Atem a message. The soul of the dead must not remain in the world of the living.” (Episode 224 14:33) But no, Yugi isn’t sending Atem a message. And if he is, it's not the one Ishizu says he’s sending. He’s playing the game. “I knew you were going to do that, my other self. Because if I were you, I’d summon a God too.” (Episode 224 13:29) Showcasing how well Yugi and Atem know each other and have gotten to know each other and that Yugi has developed new skills. If we are to interpret it as Yugi giving Atem a message I’d say it’s Yugi saying what he’s said the whole duel, “I’ve grown and you’ve made me better and we both have been reborn”. But it is NOT Yugi telling Atem he needs to leave because Yugi and Atem have stated and showed again and again and again that they want to stay together whether that’s in separate bodies or the same one. In episode 52, right after the Millennium Puzzle got smashed and Yugi is home from the hospital Atem and Yugi talk:  

Atem: Thank you. You risked your life to assemble the Millennium Puzzle during the fire.

Yugi: It was Jonouchi and Honda who saved us.

Atem: You’re right. We have great friends.

Yugi: Yes.

Atem: What are you thinking about? (7:21-8:01)

Yugi: Who are you really? I want to know. 

Atem: Why?

Yugi: Why? Because….

Atem: I don’t know anything.

Yugi: Huh?

Atem: I knew you would ask me eventually. And I planned to answer honestly. I don’t know my name or where I came from. I don’t have any memories.I don’t know who I am. (13:07-13:39)

Yugi: Sorry. I should’ve never brought it up, so let’s not talk about it again. 

Atem: The one thing I know is that I only exist because you hold the Millennium Puzzle.

Yugi: That’s enough.

Atem: But I-

Yugi: I said enough!

Atem: I want to stay with you forever. I don’t care if I never get my memories back.

Yugi: I also want to be with you forever. I’m willing to give you all my memories. (20:27-21:11)

I do feel like its very important to point out here that Yugi is in a heightened emotional state. He was caught in a fire, the Millennium Puzzle was shattered, shattering his connection to Atem and based off how Yugi is sitting on the bed staring at the puzzle hugging his legs--in addition to the fact that he is thinking about reassembling the puzzle in the fire---he didn’t know that Atem was still inside the puzzle until Atem initiated this particular conversation.

Yugi’s clearly been sitting here also thinking about the fact that Atem isn’t another personality of his or anything along those lines because he says “Who are you really?” He then feels a mix of emotions when Atem admits he planned to answer honestly but doesn’t know anything about himself. He feels guilt because he apologizes and says he should never have brought it up and then tries to completely close the conversation “so let’s not talk about it again”. And then he gets upset when Atem adds “I only exist because you hold the Millenium Puzzle.” Because this drives home that if the puzzle had got destroyed or lost in the fire Atem would have really been lost forever and that scares Yugi. At this point in the story it scares Yugi to realize that Atem can leave or be taken away. I suspect that if Yugi hadn’t cut Atem off he would have said “But I do want to know who I am.” However he doesn’t finish it because Yugi cuts him off and Atem picks up just how distressed Yugi is which is why he doesn’t finish his statement and switches to reassuring Yugi that he wants to stay with him.

Atem wants to stay with Yugi but he also wants to know who he is but now he can’t talk about it with Yugi because he’s seen it upset Yugi and this is part of why he’s depressed in the following episode. Yugi mentions “My other self seems depressed these days. He won’t open up to me.” (Episode 53 2:48) 

Atem also confirms to Anzu:

“We both don’t know where we want to go. Who am I? Where did I come from? And I don’t know where I’m going. But it’s fine. I’m fine as is.” (Episode 53 5:28-5:49)

Atem: My dreams…But I can keep the status quo by not pursuing my dreams. 

Anzu: You’re really fine with that?

Atem: I want to know more about myself. I want to know where I should go. But if I keep the status quo, I can stay in his heart forever. And that’s also what he wants.” (episode 53 10:34-10:56)

Here Atem confirms that he wants to know who he is but that he also meant it when he said he wanted to stay with Yugi, for him it’s not a “I have to choose one or the other it’s I want both of these and plan to do what I can to have both.” He doesn’t say “I want to go where I’m supposed to” he just wants to know what that place is. He further confirms in episode 54 “My partner doesn’t know that I saw the tablet today. Can you keep the tablet and what Ishizu said a secret? Even if I get my memories back I don’t know if I can stay with my partner. I don’t want him to worry for no reason. We always build my deck together. His soul makes up half of this deck. When he truly understands me, this deck will unleash its true power.”  (episode 54 17.20)

Again Atem being mindful of Yugi’s fears and concerns that were brought up the previous night but also reaffirming that he wants to stay with Yugi. Then also adding that without his memories Yugi--and honestly, no one--- can truly understand him and that’s something that he wants. 

When Ishizu gives them the Millennium Necklace they have this conversation shortly after: 

Atem: You can’t sleep? (19:00 Episode 95)

Yugi: The other me.

Atem: What are you thinking about?

Yugi: Well….When we gather all the Millennium Items…I’ll eventually have to go to Egypt and place them in the tablet of memories. That’s my role as the vessel for your soul. When that time comes…Let’s go to sleep! Tomorrow is the finals.

Atem: Yeah. (19:38)

*Yugi then turns on his side so Atem can’t see him and cries.*

Atem: Partner… (19:40 Episode 94)

This scene in particular we can tell from Yugi and Atem’s expressions that they still don’t want to do this, Yugi looks incredibly sad about it and look at the shot of Atem when Yugi is saying “That’s my role as the vessel of your soul.” (12:20 Episode 94) he’s listening attentively but its just so clear in his expression that leaving isn’t what he wants. In their final duel it's mentioned that Atem's pride as a duelist won't let him just lose and Yugi does have some inflections here but unlike Ishizu Yugi does know Atem.

Literally spelled out right here, even on the day of the final duel, his "one chance" to go to the afterlife and Atem and Yugi both don't want him to go. Yugi picks up on this and also admits it in these pages.

The only reason they are doing this is because we have a character who keeps insisting that the dead shouldn't be with the living, that the Millennium Items need to be sealed away, and that if Atem doesn't go he'll be stuck there for eternity.

But the Millennium Items DON'T need to be sealed away anymore. When Atem accepts the Ring from Jonouchi he looks at it and goes, "There's no evil inside the Millennium Ring." (4:19 Ep 220) Zorc is defeated, that means all the Millennium Items are now just gold artifacts. They are EMPTY. Let's not forget the entire process Atem had to use in order to seal Zorc in the Milennium Ring, it isn't as though someone can come by and just infuse it with new darkness. Hell they still could have put them in the tablet, Atem and Yugi have the duel so that they can know Yugi and Atem have grown and are better and the place still collapses after Atem decides he doesn't want to go.

The Atem being stuck there for eternity if he doesn't do it now. Why? What lore says he'll be stuck there? This is an additional arbitrary rule that just got thrown in so that he'd have to leave. When they have the final duel Atem and Yugi split and Atem clearly has a body. His soul is no longer attached to the Puzzle because the Puzzle is in the tablet. Even if he can't have his own body it's clarified that Yugi IS Atem's vessel so why can't Atem and Yugi just share the same body and switch as they have been? It's incredibly unfair to Atem who not only barely had a childhood because he became Pharaoh at 15 AND got sealed but his time with Yugi is very very short, its like a year to little over a year? Yes Atem probably misses his family and friends from Egypt but he also deserved to have an actual life and it's just cruel and fucked up that he gets taken away from the people he loves twice. The first time he had a say and it was his choice but the second and final time he was literally forced by the narrative and it is just such a bullshit way to treat such a good character.

[cry-ptidd]

I don’t really see Laura as evil, if someone was evil they wouldn’t ya know feel some remorse or feel terrible at the shit they done. They would move forward without a care. Laura to me was deeply hurt and took out it on the world with cruel force. She would have continued if she wasn’t stopped, but still. It really calmed her down just a tad bit and kills by orders now. Doesn’t feel bad about it but it does get to her at times. That I do love, i would probably tell her,”so after what happened to you-you just took it out on the world on innocence knowing you were innocent too?hypocritical aren’t we?”yeah i would be lunch.

Yeah she'd probably dislike being called out like that. I mean she's THINKING it but hearing it be said out loud always hurts and monsters are often immature in their ways of solving things.

I REALLY like this character analysis of her. I was a bit skeptical at the first couple words but I agree completely. She's not inherently evil, her mind was irreversibly fucked up by another's doing which broke her view of the world and herself and led her to either hurt herself or others. She chose both but moreso the latter.

When you think about it it's actually a bit hard to categorize her, like Alucard. Yes her crimes are countless and yes she fucking eats people and kids and innocents but she's also like... an animal. Her human instincts have been almost completely overtaken by her new werewolf ones and it's kind of a fucked up situation for her because she'd HAVE to eat human meat to keep her strength (in my werewolf lore hc). It's like vampires, their existence is inherently tied to hurting people, and especially to people (them) getting hurt and changing into something terrible. Seras is the only creature shown in the series that kept her morality because her mental backbone is made out of titanium and Integra rejected that altogether so we love them.

I just REALLY like "wounded predatory animal" type of characters. How much of your instinct is inherent and how can you fight it. Were you pushed to hurt or did you always have it in you and it has an excuse to let out. The aggression that comes with being a terrified creature with only your teeth to defend yourself. Delicious Give me 14 of them right now.

(.) Another note about Laura calming down after getting nearly killed is the realization that people can retaliate even when her attacks are justified in her mind. Yes she knew the concept of paper but never really understood it (like many people that don't even realize it). In her rage she had a "i got hurt, now I hurt them back and the cycle will stop" mentality that was kind of what happened in the abbey, with her killing her abusers and the physical harm stopping because their mangled remains literally inside her guts right now. It was a very childish attitude she had that made the silver bullet more a wake up call than an execution. It didn't really teach her that what she was doing was wrong (she knew it was wrong, all of it, and she still did it, which is very reprehensible and should be condemned), it taught her that hurting innocent humans (or rather, those with loved ones) will result in them retaliating against her.

[eli-com]

୧ *·˚ 4 HEAD-CANONS - HOBIE BROWN

1. He’s a love island fan - but not by choice. You’d put it on one night whilst he was sat beside you on his phone, and this continued for the next few nights until eventually his phone was long gone and he was swearing at the tv, possibly more into the show than you were.

“What the fucks he doin’?! Are you kidding me? Stupid prick.” He’d throw his hands up in the air, clearly annoyed by the people on TV.

“Hobes, chill, you don’t even know these people!” You’d laugh, finding it funny how upset he was getting over a show he would’ve call stupid if you’d asked him about it just weeks prior.

“Yeah but she’s gonna come back and see him with another girl, poor sod.” He’d huff, leaning back and crossing his arms. “People on this show are twats.”

2. Yes, he’s a punk. Yes, he’s from camden. But he is NOT one of the camden punks who sit on the bridge asking for money. He avoids Camden Town at all costs, claiming it’s full of too many tourists with more money than sense. He used to go there when he was younger to get piercings and tattoos, because god knows if there’s one place they won’t ask for ID, it’s the dodgy tattoo shops in Camden. However once he taught himself to do piercings and (kind of?) tattoos, there was no need to go anymore.

“Hobie there’s this new food stall that I thought we could go try today-“ You’d quickly be cut off by his voice. “Where?” He already knew where this was going.

“Camden market…” A scoff would sound from where he sat on the bed watching you get dressed. “I can get you better food literally anywhere else.” You’d walk over, falling into his side in annoyance.

“But it’s literally five minutes down the road!”

Sometimes he’ll end up giving in and will let you drag him to the market, where you’d force him to buy something from one of the stalls; but not before he could complain about how overpriced and overrated it was.

3. On the topic of him doing his own piercings - he’d LOVE if you asked him for a piercing. I can guarantee from the moment you met him he’d been mapping out your face, imagining which ones would best suit you. Of course he’d always make sure you were sure you wanted it, he didn’t want you to regret it once it was done, but as soon as you gave him a green light he’d be ready, grabbing his supplies and sitting you down on the edge of the bathtub.

“Hold fucking still.” Hobie would huff, one gloved hand placed on your shoulder as the other grabbed whatever he was looking for.

“I’m nervous!” You’d whine, your own hands clenching onto the edge of the bathtub you were sitting on. A small ‘tsk’ would leave Hobie’s lips as he pulled slightly away to look at you. He was kneeling in front of you, yet his face was still fairly close to yours from where you sat.

“Love, I haven’t even got the needle out yet- I’m literally cleaning your nose with a cotton bud and you’re already wriggling around.”

4. Whenever you become interested in something, he’s interested in it too. Wanna dye your own hair? He’ll watch videos on it so he can help. Learning to make your own jewellery? He’ll buy the supplies and make some too. He loves to do things as a couple, and he likes to be good at things so that if you ever need help he’ll know how to support you; even if it is only little things like how to thread a needle.

You’d be sat on your bed, blanket pulled up to your waist as you struggled with your hook. You’d recently become obsessed with crocheting after seeing it on TikTok and decided that you needed to learn. You were currently struggling to get the hang of the movements, the yarn continuously slipping off of the hook.

Hobie would be sat beside you on his phone before he noticed you struggling, a smug grin forming at his lips as he reached over, pulling you into his arms and placing his own hands over yours.

“You’re holding it wrong, moron.” He’d show you how to hold it currently, helping you to successfully pull the yarn through the slip knot you’d created. A smile would pull at your lips before you turned to face him, confused.

“How the hell did you know that?” He’d grin down at you.

“Watched a video on it last night after you mentioned your package came.”

[neverlookatthisblog]

Emotional support

A/n: I got this idea a while back I wasn’t sure on posting it but a friend convinced me too so here we are 🥰

Out of all your children you would say Mae is the one that has more emotions she’s very sensitive,soft spoken

Mae loves her stuffed animals in her room it’s filled with her collection she has many

One specific one she loves is was her brown teddy bear Mr.fluff she takes it everywhere with her everyone in the house knows not to touch it

But on one specific morning she couldn’t find it anywhere

She walk to you and jacks bedroom you heard her little sniffles she entered the room bursting into tears

You were a bit concerned

“Mae honey what’s wrong” you and Jack both looked at each other confused

“I-“ she sniffed choking on her own words

“Hey what happened” Jack grabbed her putting her on his lap

“I can’t find Mr.fluff” she sniffed you and Jack both knew that teddy bear was her world

“I’ll help you look for it cmon” you said getting up

“I wanna stay here dad” she covered her face into Jacks shirt

You knew it had to be in her room that’s where looked first but it was nowhere to be found you checked the cars, outside, everywhere but still you couldn’t find it

“Weird” you thought only thing you could do now is ask the kids if they’ve seen it so that’s what you did

You went to Jane’s room ask her first “no mom I have no clue where Mae bae put Mr.fluff” she said you sighed calling for the twins

Both of them running out

“Yes mommy” Ruth said

“Have you guys seen Mae’s teddy bear” they both looked at each other before answering

“No we have no clue where it could be” they both said

You knew from the moment those to said that something was off you brushed it off for now

“Alright” you said they went back to there room

-

You were cleaning around the house while the kids were at school like you usually do

You were in ruth’s room cleaning a little when you noticed something In there closet even though her and Ryder were twins they liked there own space and you and Jack respected that

Setting the vacuum down you walked over to the closet

Mae’s bear was stuffed in there closet you wanted to wait to Jack came home and once he did you made sure to tell him

“Why would they do that” Jack said

“Your guess is as good as mine” you said you and Jack talked about what you guys were gonna do when they got home

The kids all rode the bus together so you and Jack both waited for them

All running into the house out of breath you looked up concerned

“Why are you guys out of breath” you asked confused

“We had a race who could get to the house the fastest” Jane said

“Alright we’ll go get changed and then you guys could get a snack” you said

“Okay” they all said going to there rooms you wanted to wait to settle this

-

While all the kids were outside playing well all expect Ruth you sat her down you and Jack wanted to handle it together

She looked at both of them confused there was silence between the 3 of you Jack whispered

“Well are you gonna say something” Jack asked you glared at him

“Ruth why was Mae’s teddy bear in your closet” you questioned

“I don’t know” she said not giving you a clear answer

“I’m gonna ask again”you said trying to be patient with her

“Why was her teddy bear in your?” You said getting a bit more stern

“Okay fine it was supposed to be a fun joke me and Ryder were playing truth or dare and he dared me to take her teddy bear and hide it” she quietly said

“Ruth nothing about that is a joke when you know how your sister is with her stuffed animals” Jack said chiming in to the conversation

“You are on pushiment missy no tablet no going to Bri’s house you will be in your room all weekend” you said you being to think that you were a little too hard on her when you seen her face change but you knew it was the best because you and Jack always taught the kids to respect one another and what she did was not respectful

“You heard her” Jack said pointing her to go to her room

“You were honestly no help” you slapped jacks chest

“Ouch my fault you seemed like you were handling it pretty well I didn’t wanna mess up anything” he said making you roll your eyes

“You definitely know how to handle them kids” he said

“Now you can handle me too I’ve been bad??” Jack said making eye contact with you

“Ew no go away” you said making him scoff playfully at you

“Whatever” he said you both going outside with the kids

You let the kids have there fun until it got dark outside letting them enjoy themselves

(I need to learn how to end stories better💀💀💀)

[ragingstillness]

The Boys thoughts 4x5:

Homelander’s conversation with Ryan: felt realistic to his character but also yikes (as always). Acknowledgement of his manipulation of Ryan +1 Acknowledgement of his own trauma +1 Equivalence of his experience as a deeply privileged white man to slavery -100

Ryan getting the PA to slap the Snyder parody: one of those delightful moments that The Boys does so well where I feel both positive and negative emotions about it. Do I think the Snyder dude deserved to be slapped by his PA? Absolutely. Do I think it’s a good thing that Ryan thinks the ultimate penance is receiving corporal punishment? No I don’t. I do like that Ryan actually let the victim do the punishment and receive the apology rather than white knighting about it. And of course I am deeply aware of how ironic it is that Homelander is helping Ryan stand up for sexual harassment victims when Homelander raped Ryan’s mom in a similar power imbalance situation.

Genuinely feel sad for Ashley that she lost her Ben Shapiro parody submissive (at least partially because I found it hilarious), but she got him back and that felt very earned.

I knew that Ashley and A-Train did more to Homelander’s apartment! Haha I can’t wait to find out what it is.

Man no one is having a great time or talking about it this episode.

Always happy to see more Esposito, love him as the ultimate traitor. Just betraying everyone left and right.

Not super fond of how they’re making it seem like Annie was wrong morally for beating up Firecracker. For falling for it? Sure. For reacting with anger? No.

Big fan of the V-ed up animals. Hysterical and very fun.

“Do you even know who Annie is anymore?” Um has more time passed that they’re showing? Because didn’t Annie decide to use the Starlight name again like two episodes ago?

I like that we got to see Hughie solve a bad situation on his own this time. He’s really coming into his own. Also, I like that we got another chance to say goodbye to his dad. Still sus that Hughie’s mom knows what V is.

Finally we got to see some of Simon Pegg’s comedic chops too. Him spinning around inside that guy had me laughing like nothing else.

Butcher taking that scientist captive? Honestly that doesn’t feel so much like a return to the dark side as just something his character would always be willing to do. Lest we forget he kidnapped Translucent, tortured him, pumped him for information, and would have killed him if Hughie didn’t get there first. I do feel like he’s relying less on other people which is a backslide from his character development but true to where his character was in the first season too.

Not a lot of sister sage the episode, glad to see she saw through firecracker’s fake inclusion attitude. I do feel like she’s growing closer and closer to dropping Homelander as an ally, something I suspected she would do from the minute they teamed up.

No Colin but I’m sure that’s gonna bite them in the ass.

What are the rules of Victoria’s headpopping? We saw her do it a little but there were many more opportunities. Does she need to charge up? Line of sight? Eye contact?

I agree that Victoria turned her daughter into a monster but only because she taught her not to value human lives and also because she turned her into some version of Parasyte: The Maxim.

Not a fan of Frenchie turning himself in. That’s not going to do anything, now they’re gonna have to break him out, and this show’s morality was never black and white enough that it could look at his actions and be like “you finally did the right thing”

Man when they all meet up with Hughie again he’s gonna have some stories to tell.

Side note: I am utterly amazed that now the secret of Compound V is out that no other country is sending like every spy in their arsenal to steal some. Considering how easily Hughie and the Boys can get it, it isn’t very difficult. Take one look at the nuclear arms race and tell me that every country in the world wouldn’t be quietly declaring all out war on Vought to get their hands on some.

[mpsansy]

Kibosh visits. Not only to monitor the whole McFadden family as they’re a liability to Kibosh, a disrespectful bunch of ectoplasmic idiots that barely listen to him, but what they’re sitting on is a potential time bomb. Kibosh had to feel the sudden ripping of the fabric of well, literally the line between life and death itself. The machine is cobbled together by a man’s desire that lead to his entire family line being cursed to death. It’s probably filled with everything JT found on dark magic, alchemy, and a whole bunch of random practices tossed with no respect as an affront to God and the natural progression of the afterlife. Casper’s lucky it scrambled his manifestation the first time, and there’s no telling what side effects Doc may have from the machine finally doing its purpose, And it’s still there. Sitting under the McFadden Mansion like a beacon to The Dark itself. Even if they had lost the schematics for how to make the potion, even the parts of the machine could end up to be disastrous. And it sits, frustratingly out of Kibosh’s control. Kibosh may be the king of ghosts, but the McFadden Mansion belongs to no one else but the McFaddens (And the Harvey’s, honorary McFaddens).

You… you just opened my eyes to something I failed to analyze. 😳

The potential side effects that the machine may have had on Dr. James Harvey himself. Now that I’m thinking about it, there had to be some kind of consequence for it being used. The consequences of which none of them are aware of in the slightest in the beginning. Why would they, anyways? They didn’t build the thing. But my thoughts now all center around James being very aware of other spirits due to this (may not sound as profound, but it’s supposed to be :0 ).

Ignoring the current ghosts of the estate for a second, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’d sense another from time to time. Watching with such intent. Such aggression & bitterness that it doesn’t dare hide itself to him. As a matter of fact, he can feel it even from inside the house. Looming like a dark cloud when it comes.

May even strike a little bit of fear into him if he were to confess his true feelings. Don’t get me wrong, the trio also feel this too. But it just doesn’t affect them as it does the many that have unfortunately encountered Kibosh. Why? Best thing to say is that they got guts as they did before their untimely death.

In all the years that the trio were ghosts, they saw all things bizarre and cryptic. Seeing a wide variety of dangers taught these three something very important.

“Better to be the wiser and learn all the tricks so we don’t get played for fools.”

All the things they know about ghosts, witches, werewolves, vampires, etc. They all obtained for protection. It was for themselves initially, but once Casper came into the picture? It was more of an obligation to teach him. They didn’t need to, but they all felt it necessary. They cared. That’s something they wouldn’t have admitted to Casper back then. But perhaps it is now.

In summary:

These four are annoyingly defiant, stubborn, and persistent. Just to list a few. You wonder why Kibosh hates them so much. In life they were all this, and now in death it’s as if the characteristics of all of them have amplified.

And that machine. It's a disgusting thing that should have never existed. He can only be slightly relieved that it's no longer functional.

[giuliettacapuleti]

No but the way Júlia and Tybalt (In Rómeó és Júlia especially but in every adaption actually) perfectly mirror each other in the way they are being stifled by the role they play due to their gender and how it fucks them up, as well as the way they completely reject their roles (specifically in Rómeó és Júlia)? We have Tybalt, who was forced to be as violent and protective of his family as possible despite the heavy implication that he was a sensitive and dreamy child, not to mention the way his views of sex and love were shaped by social conventions (and specifically his father).

I’m going by the Italian Renaissance societal mores here, even though resj presumably takes place in a quasi-dystopian or post-dystopian future/Alternate Universe. During the Italian Renaissance, male children spent very little time with a nurse because that was considered ‘feminine’, and were sent off to school at a very young age. Although family was still considered the most important thing, actual familial relationships were hard to cultivate presuming that child was away at school. Now, it could be that I’m looking way too much into this and no one even thought about Tybalt’s childhood regarding him going away to school or being taught by a tutor at home, so I could be way off, BUT my point is that the emotions regarding family were strictly based on the masculine ‘protector and provider’ aspect rather than tenderness and actually spending time with family.

You can even see this in modern western society! It is only within the past few decades that men started to spend more time with their children, and do traditionally ‘feminine’ things for their kids like changing diapers, feeding etc. The idea of a Father being a provider rather than a caregiver has even carried over to society today - men are still praised for running errands with their children and doing activities with them without the mother present. These men are just seen as being ‘babysitters’ ‘helping out mom’ when they should simply be seen as parents doing their job as parents. It’s unnecessary to go into the negative impact this has had on both men and women, but my point is that this ‘nuture vs provide and protect’ view is still prevalent today, and was 100x worse in the Itaian Renaissance Era (and presumably society in resj).

So Tybalt is burdened with the duty to protect his family, but we see he, unlike his father, actually wants to be close emotionally to his family. The best evidence for this is his relationships to women in his family. I’ve made another post about this, but basically Tybalt’s father has taught him that women are literally ‘objects’, and the goal is to sleep with as many women as possible with absolutely no emotional attachment or respect for the women they sleep with. Tybalt, per his own admission in Ez A Kéz Utolér, mentions sleeping with many women indiscriminately, and not being emotionally attached to any of them. But as the song goes on we realize that he doesn’t want that. He is in love with Júlia, and clearly does not see her as an object. He doesn’t believe any man is good enough for her (least of all him).

Now, I’ve seen it argued that he doesn’t actually see Júlia as her own person, only the ideal of her, and even has the whole ‘Madonna/Whore Complex’ going on, which is certainly a valid argument, but I’m not sure I agree with it.

I think he sees himself in Júlia - the sensitive and loving child he never got to be. It’s possible a part of him does not want to see Júlia lose her innocence (not necessarily in a creepy way), and become like him.

Don’t get me wrong, his love for Júlia is definitely creepy and a good amount of his rage comes from romantic (and presumably sexual) jealousy. He mentions that he never loved any of the women he slept with, and has only ever loved Júlia. According to his father, love is just a weakness and women are just for sex, but clearly Tybalt doesn’t agree.

Possibly the ONLY healthy relationship he has (err, had) in his life is with the Nurse - he is seen holding her hand at the ball and she embraces his body after he dies, and has to be pulled away by a servant. I believe this is possibly a nod to when the Nurse calls him the “best friend she had” in Shakespeare (another reason I love resj is the Shakespearen nods while doing its own thing).

Lady Capulet obviously loves Tybalt (judging by her reaction to his death), though his uncomfortable attraction does not seem to be reciprocated. The inclusion of his attraction to her could be another nod to Shakespeare - though it is not actually in the text, a fairly popular theory is that Tybalt and Lady Capulet were lovers (it’s possibly worth noting that Lady Capulet was likely closer in age to Tybalt than Lord Capulet). Personally I don’t think there was any inappropriate relationship in Shakespeare, but in a way it works specifically for the Capulets in resj - the relationships they have are not healthy at all: they lack boundaries, can’t communicate, and can’t express their (familial) love until it’s too late.

Obviously, Tybalt doesn’t have a healthy relationship with his aunt and has some kind of weird attraction to her, possibly as a result of only caring (in general) about the Capulets. Yet he seems to listen to Lady Capulet in a way he doesn’t to Lord Capulet - Lady Capulet orders him to find Rómeó, and later presumably to kill him (when she talks to him in his room).

So, my point is that Tybalt, despite claiming that women are just objects, has the most important (and possibly only important) relationships with women.

Anyway Tybalt is messed up and complex and the Capulets are even more dysfunctional than in romeó et juliette send tweet.

[starliights-shining]

I wrote another thing so why not post it here too. This is cross posted on Ao3(You're Married?)

Paring: Gilles "Montagne" Touré x Fem!Reader

Warnings: NONE. SFW!!!!!!

“You’re married?” 

A surprised look plastered on everyone's face at the table. They were frozen, eyes watching the large French man as they waited for an answer. He thought it was a given, The ring was always there. His eyes glance down to his gloveless left hand, expecting to see the shiny wedding band. It was bare, most likely left in that shell dish you kept your own in. He doesn’t wear it for his morning workout and it must have just slipped his mind. He’d hate to lose the sentimental jewelry, so he doesn’t wear it often. 

“I thought everyone knew.” 

He was trying to not show his own surprise. He’s spoken about you multiple times, but now that he recalls it. He’s only ever brought you up to Doc and a few other workers, but never his teammates. He heard another person into the room, taking a seat at the table after greeting everyone. 

“Olivier! Did you know Gilles’ married?” 

He looked over at Olivier, an evil looking smirk on his face. 

“Yeah, she’s not a big fan of me.” 

They were less shocked with this new finding, knowing a lot of the Ops didn’t get along with Olivier. Still though, Olivier and Gilles are close, like going out drinking close. They kinda thought you’d get along with him. 

“What do you mean?” 

They were now pestering Olivier for answers about you, and you not even his wife. Now Olivier is going to tell them everything he knows about you. How does he explain that the very women they’re all surprised about existing works in the same building as them. Your own feet carrying you down the same halls they walk, that you’ve even read their files and practically know everything about them. 

“She’s seen my history, not a huge fan of it.” 

“She works here!!” 

There was their surprise again. Gilles leans back in his chair, thumb rubbing over the bare spot on his ring finger. He’s interested now, watching how everyone is finally finding out about you. He’s smiling, eyes darting between the group as they speak. 

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m allowed to say where. She’s here though, probably walking around right now.” 

Gilles knows where you are, you’re on your way to lunch. Probably wrapped up in a thick coat as you make your way out to your car. You like going to get food and then send him a text to come have lunch with you. What he doesn’t know is that you’re not walking out to your car, your three turns down the hall from the meeting room he’s in. You're upset, he hasn’t answered your text, his food is now cold, and the most important thing, he’s not wearing his wedding ring. His eyes land back on the man in yellow, quickly and swiftly answering those random ‘how’d you know but we didn’t’ questions, he’s avoiding the real meaningful ones. The ones he knows Gilles should be answering. 

“Gilles. What does she do? I mean, she’s gotta be pretty good to be working for Rainbow.” 

He smiled slightly, attempting to hide how excited he was to talk about his wonderful and lovely Wife. He moves his legs, fixing the way he’s sitting as he thinks about what to say. Did he want to fuck with his teammates, to tell the truth. He decided it could be good to mess around with them, but he couldn’t think of anything that was good enough. He also was taught not to lie.

“She’s just an office worker for GhostEyes.” 

He’s not wrong, but he is also severely down playing what you do. He’s hoping they don’t ask about how you read Oliviers files, he’s just hoping that maybe it’ll be enough to satisfy their curiosity. It does, they don’t seem to ask too many questions about your work. Instead they ask about your looks and trying to see if they’ve ran into you before. He answers their questions carefully, picking his words purposefully. 

“Oh, so she’s,” 

The person is cut off. You round the corner with a bag in your hand before freezing. Looking at all the people who stared back at you. Gilles notices everyone looking behind him, quietly observing the person standing there. He turns around, arms over the back of the chair as he makes eye contact with you. A smile on his face as goes to greet you, your voice swiftly cutting him off. 

“I don’t wanna hear it, Gilles.” 

Your eyes looking at the other people around him, trying to find someone who you could recognize. You only knew Olivier and that made you roll your eyes. You looked back at your husband, watching as his mouth opened and closed trying to find something. You gave him an angry look, cocking your head forward and to the side. You were waiting for him to say something, especially since he can tell you are upset. He stood up, looking at the group of people. 

“Everyone, this is my wife, (Y/N).” 

He walked over to you, his hand resting on your lower back. He watched as you gave everyone a small wave. You didn’t wanna be rude, but you were absolutely upset with the large man next to you. It only made your blood boil more when you saw the shit eating grin on Oliviers face, he’s done nothing but sat there and it was annoying. You smiled as sweetly as you could, before pushing the bag into his chest and turning and walking away. A small ‘ooh’ coming from Olivier as he watched. Gilles gave him a pointed glare before following after you. 

“Duodou, wait.” 

His voice is soft, a hand reaching out to grab at your arm. You stopped, spinning around at him causing him to abruptly stop. 

“Do you even know what time it is?” 

  You paused, not even giving him a chance to speak. 

“Far past lunch. I sent you two whole texts AND a call, Gilles!” 

You don’t even know why this was upsetting you, but it was. It took to rooting deep in your bones and it was getting to you. Him not answering the text wasn’t even what truth got to you. It was the simple fact that he wasn’t wearing his ring, but then again you can’t even fully be mad at him for that either. He sighed, putting a hand into a pocket to fish out his phone but it wasn’t there, he checked his other pockets but it wasn’t there either. He looked up at you, watching as you stared him down waiting for an answer. 

“Chérie, I do believe, I don’t have my phone.” 

He almost let out a little nervous laugh, trying his hardest to not let your angry face get to him. You gave out a huff. He doesn’t even know, is all you say to yourself. 

“I can make it up to you.” 

You’re now trying to talk yourself down from being angry at him, his almost disappointed sigh broke you. You moved closer to him, wrapping your arms around his waist. Your head laying on his chest, his arms wrapping around your shoulders.  

“You wanna do it now?” 

He hummed in response. Pulling back a bit as he watched you reach into your coat pocket and pulling out a colored snack size ziplock bag. Opening it and presenting the item to him with a bright smile. 

“You can wear this again and all the time, actually.” 

He laughs, fingers coming to pluck the ring from your hands. You watch as he slips it onto his finger. Your hands grab at his large hands and smile at the jewelry. 

“Is it this simple to make you not angry at me?” 

You hummed nodding as you looked up at him. You smiled, almost feeling bad for how you felt earlier. Your thumbs rubbing of his knuckles as you thought of what to say next. 

“I was just overreacting, I’m sorry.” 

His free hand going under your chin and pushing your head up to look at him. That same smile you fell in love with placed oh so perfectly on his face.  

“You were not overreacting, Duodou.” 

He bent down to kiss you, he planned on giving you a small little peck, but that didn’t happen. One peck turned into a kiss and then another. Not stopping until you heard someone clearing their throat. Your eyes looked over to see Olivier, what a mood dampener.

“They're looking for you two.” 

You shook your eyes, giving Gilles a soft oh well smile before interlocking your hands together. 

“Don’t worry. We’re coming back.” 

[torturedblue]

All my thoughts and theories of this adorable clip:

Guys the soundtrack in the background sounds so good and epic, and I’m so loving the use of hip hop and rap in every trailer. You forget how effective black music is for action movies too considering how little it’s used comparatively. And it’s another thing about this movie that gives off Spider-verse vibes 👏🏽

Oml guys MM Leo is just like 2012 he’s such a dork and he gets all pouty all the time and the way Raph trolls him about it is just like the 2012 duo 🥹

I’m sorry the way Leo smiles so much while reciting that horrible speech??? 😂 like it doesn’t matter what Splinter tells them it is gold that he will gobble up even if it is objectively prejudice

Speaking of which, “I know that’s objectively prejudice but it’s what Dad taught us” line is so relatable to most kids today like yikes what a motto of the 21st century

But it really makes me wonder what Splinter’s backstory is going to be in this iteration considering no other version has hated or had a gripe with the human race as far as I’ve seen. I assumed he was going to be formerly human too, although this clip makes it seem that might not be the case, but if he still is I think that makes his speech to the kids much more interesting and honestly hilarious because if any of us were in his position would we tell them much differently? I mean come on that “they lust to murder that which is different from them” is so spot on. And honestly we already teach kids everything else he said too when it comes to strangers 😂 humans are bad, don’t say hi, humans are everything wrong with this planet, do not interact or you will die 👍🏽

“We wouldn’t have K-Pop without humans!” Wtf he’s so pure ugh

“I’d love to have a champagne brunch with Tom Brady” OMG GUYS HE’S JUST SO PROPER AND DORKY AGH

“Drake! That guy is the GOAT of all time.” I’m sorry did I hear that right 😂 sweet simple Raph ya gotta know what the terms mean if you’re gonna use modern slang

“Guy Fieri seems like a fun hang” ooooh continuing with the Mikey is the cook character trope maybe?

I really think this whole bit here is an interesting way of setting up the mutants vs human premise of the movie with the turtles in the middle of it all. Especially the way Leo recites that anti-human speech so whole-heartedly but also still acknowledges that they all disagree with Splinter about how cool humans are. Especially since they likely keep their own beliefs about it from their Dad, which again, so relatable to kids of old-fashioned parents today

“oOh i’M tHe lEaDeR. You sound like you have bronchitis!” They way they mock and roast him is just too much and too accurate 😂 also I just love their overlapping conversational moments

Other thoughts:

Also I gotta say in these released clips Leo is pouting or anxious half of the time while his bros are always having fun and I just gotta see how much that’s amplified in the entirety of the movie… Like it makes it seems like he must feel some kind of rift between him and his brothers sometimes and I want to see if that’s true

These kids are truly on their own… They at least start off keeping their fondness of humans from Splinter, they still can’t interact with humans either way, they find a group of mutants like them and seem to hit it off at first but then it just turns a whole fiasco where they have to defend humans from them, and at some later point we know when they do interact with/are exposed to humans it does not go well. I’m so excited to see how they tackle that post-climactic depressive section of the movie where the boys are really feeling the weight of all of it. Like, not too many clips have been released and there’s already so much isolation on their end. I’m glad April will at least be one positive outlet for them

[miles-edgewords]

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how much I wish we were taught in school how to interact with people online (and just how to use the internet in general) and then I remembered that I can type.

So, without further ado, I present…

How to Argue with People on the Internet

A (sort of) comprehensive guide on discussing everything from world peace to your blorbos

Forewordwarning: This is a long (but hopefully useful and entertaining) post. You have been warned.

SECTION I: The Decision

I have read SO many posts that essentially say “want to stop getting annoyed and fighting strangers? Just don’t! Simply do not!” and if that works for you? Fantastic! That is commendable and I salute you for it and I’m only a little bit jealous. (Okay, maybe more than a little bit jealous.) But if you’re like me—an absolute yapper, that is— you will likely find yourself in quite a few situations where you simply must yap. The urge is too strong. The stupidity of this collection of pixels on your screen that may or may not be the vessel for another human somewhere in the world is too much and you just have to tell them so. I understand. I will not tell you to hold back. I will, however, advise that before engaging with any individuals, you follow a few simple steps that I like to call “RAT”— otherwise known as Rest, Analyze, and Type.

Let’s say, for a moment, that you’ve just run into a comment hating on your favorite character in your favorite TV show. Yes, that one. You want to reply—but wait—you’ve just remembered to use RAT first! You intelligent human, you.

First, you REST. You take a moment to bookmark the comment (whether mentally or literally is up to you) and you step away from your phone (or you do what I do and look at that one youtube video of a parrot asking Alexa to fart 939472 times, you know the one) and you wait. Is this comment something you’re willing to take time out of your day to handle? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with deciding that it is, in fact, worth it— but it’s important to consider it first. You won’t ever have time to talk about the things you’re actually passionate about if you reply to every comment that bothers you. (Trust me— I’ve been there.)

Now, if you’ve decided to continue, reopen the comment and ANALYZE. This can mean many different things depending on the situation: is this comment generated by an AI? Is this person expressing a genuine opinion, or are they a troll? Have other people argued with them? If so, how did they respond? These are all important questions to ask, but it’s okay if you don’t know the answers to all of them. Just get the best information you can; you can always come back to this step later.

Finally, it’s time to TYPE. Let those words fly, friend! You tell ‘em!

SECTION II: Debating vs Fighting

So, you’ve RATted it up, and now you’ve decided it’s time to yap. But how to go about this? Should you be aggressive? Appeal to the enemy? What to do? Don’t worry, I’ve got another acronym for you! It’s time to take MOUSE into account: Motive, Openness, Understanding, Success, and Education.

First, think about your own MOTIVE. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to change the other person’s mind? Are you unconcerned with changing their mind, instead going in with the intention to change the minds of others who might be reading through the conversation? Do you not care about changing anyone’s mind and simply want to discuss the topic at hand? All of these are valid, but they’re all very different. Deciding what your goal is prior to replying is one of the most important things about debating, whether it’s over the internet or face-to-face.

Once you’ve got that cleared up, it’s time to consider your OPENNESS and UNDERSTANDING. How open are you to potentially having your mind changed? Can you see a piece of truth in the other side of the argument? Do you understand where the commenter is coming from, or are they just being ridiculous? It’s okay to have opinions you aren’t open to changing on a whim— everyone has core beliefs that shape who they are as people. But sometimes looking at the other side through a lens of open-mindedness and a desire to understand is the most effective thing you can do. Give it a try— the worst thing that happens is the other person being just as bad as you thought they were.

Next, it’s time to address SUCCESS. What would succeeding look like here? This is similar to MOTIVE, but now we’re looking at the potential completion of the debate. What is the outcome you’re striving for?

Finally, EDUCATION. Is this a fact-based topic you want to educate people about, or is it purely opinion-driven? Either is fine, but if it’s fact-based, you should brush up on the facts of the situation— you don’t want to be caught in a lie and potentially humiliated, I hope. Also, misinformation on the internet is a huge issue. But mostly the humiliation thing.

Section III: Tips and Tricks

My last acronym contains an assortment of tips and tricks for internet usage and communication: Consent, Anonymity, Privacy, Yapping, Blocking, Apps, Reason, and Ability (CAPYBARA).

One of the most important things in life and on the internet is CONSENT. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to ask permission to voice your opinions— just that you should take into consideration the actual, living person on the other side of the screen. (Unless you’re arguing with an AI, in which case I suppose it probably doesn’t care much one way or the other). Ask before you DM people unless they state that their DMs are open. If someone blocks you, DO NOT make another account to harass them (yes, even if they’re really terrible). Consent online may look different than it does in real life, but it still follows the same ground rule: when in doubt, ASK.

ANONYMITY is another important thing to consider when you’re surfing among the virtual tides. Remember that even if someone displays their real name and picture on a website, you still don’t know them. They could be someone entirely different from the persona they’ve put up on the internet, and that’s okay. We all act differently depending on the situations and settings we’re in, and that’s dialed waaaay up when social media allows us to literally customize ourselves into what we want other people to see. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat people as if they’re real, but it does mean that you should take everything with a grain of salt— especially if someone is being an absolute jerk.

Okay, PRIVACY is the one section in here that anyone under a certain age probably did learn in class— along with its annoying younger cousin, PIRACY (you wouldn’t steal a CAR, would you?) You probably know by now that you shouldn’t share personal data online, so I won’t go into this one too much in this post. There are a billion textbooks about it, and as important as it is, it’s not something I’m really qualified to cover. Just don’t do anything stupid and you should be fine.

YAPPING— everyone’s favorite thing to do on the internet! For the most part, this is a reminder that you should have fun. If you feel like you can’t yap about your interests in the space you’re in, maybe you should relocate— whether that’s to a different app, a different blog, or even just to a different comment section is up to you. You should feel free to voice your opinions and talk about the things you love (within reason—don’t get yourself on an FBI watchlist—but you get the idea).

BLOCKING is one of the most underrated features on many social media apps. There is absolutely nothing wrong with blocking someone and moving on. It doesn’t make you a coward; it makes you someone who values your own time and safety. You are never obligated to argue with someone just because they said so. And—this is one of my favorite internet secrets—you can block people you agree with. If someone’s posts are well-meaning and useful, but they upset you or make you uncomfortable? You can still block them, or mute/restrict them if the app you’re using allows it. You are not a bad person for not wanting to see things that upset you in your day-to-day life. You can support good causes without reading about tragedies every morning. Digging yourself into a depressive hole isn’t going to help anything. Please, please use the block button. It’s there for a reason.

APPS are another variable you should consider when catering your online experience. For instance, you can make a nuanced post on Tumblr and more realistically expect reasonable replies because you aren’t confined to a tiny amount of characters. Trying to express the same point on Twitter, however, likely risks people getting extremely angry at you due to the nature of the app not allowing nuanced conversations. That’s not to say Tumblr is necessarily superior— just that they’re different areas with different setups. The reason Twitter is so no-nuance a lot of the time isn’t just due to the people— the app is deliberately set up so that users can’t make multiple points in one post. This also attracts people who don’t want to have nuanced conversations, which feeds the cycle. This is an (extremely oversimplified) explanation of why most social media apps feel so separate from each other, even if you follow all the same people. You should know your audience—but you should also know your stage.

It’s important to have a certain amount of REASON and common sense when you’re talking to someone about the skrunkly little guys in your favorite movie. It’s not that you can’t be passionate—I once essentially made an entire powerpoint presentation about why I think my opinion about a fictional cat person is the correct one—but you need to remember that not everything is the same level of seriousness. Expressing an opinion about whether Team Rocket are actually villains is not the same thing as expressing an opinion about the upcoming US election. (Though I think Team Rocket could potentially do an okay job, to be honest. Meowth 2024?) You can 100% have intense, long discussions about fictional characters, but it’s never worth genuinely harming your own mental health or attacking someone else because of an opinion that ultimately doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s okay to agree to disagree.

Lastly, remember that a lot of this is not intuitive. Your ABILITY to make smart decisions online is a skill that takes time to develop (as is evidenced by 99% of past me’s Twitter posts) and it’s important to give yourself grace. As much as the internet hates to admit it, we all make mistakes. Just own up to those mistakes and move on. It’s okay to delete a post you made because you don’t agree with it anymore. It’s okay to come back to an argument and apologize for going too far. It’s okay to not be perfect. Accept the consequences of your own actions and move forward.

[thebalancewentwrong]

A theory about the dragons

Major Tears of the Kingdom spoilers, proceed at your own risk!

So I hope if you are reading this you know that In Tears of the Kingdom we learn that the dragons we see in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were not actually born dragons but became them through the act of ‘Dragonification’.

This of course is a major plot detail that pertains to the true identity of the Light Dragon of which we learn from the memories that indeed Zelda swallowed a sceret stone to transform herself into the Light Dragon, thus commiting Dragonification.

As awesome as this reveal was (even though it was spoiled for me) naturally one of my first thoughts when I heard about dragonification is “what about these guys?”

Farosh,

Dinraal,

and Naydra.

Who are they? One can only presume that they must have been something before becoming dragons right? We know that Dragonification has happened before Zelda did it as the way Mineru speaks of it implys it’s been done before, perhaps multiple times, enough to be considered “forbidden” at the very least.

At first I thought they could perhaps be the ancient sages, or maybe even Rauru or Sonia? But no... none of them quite line up.

Instead I propose that perhaps they are different characters in the Zelda universe all together.

I believe they could be the original 3 godesses, Din, Farore and Nayru.

Now you’re probably thinking “That’s dumb, obviously their names are similiar because they are just references to the original goddesses”. And yes I thought so too for a while.

But I began to think about how it seems like the BotW/ TotK universe is slightly different from what we know. I began to wonder if the events we heard that had occured in games Like OoT played out slightly differently. Especially considering what we now know of the Zonai.

In Ocarina of Time the 3 goddess were said to create the universe: the land, the law and the living things. After which they ascended back into the heavens leaving only the triforce behind.

The Zonai are said to have decended from the heavens, very similiar to gods.

I wonder if perhaps the 3 goddesses were Zonai themselves and used their secret stones to create the lands we know.

But the Zonai began to dissapear, it isn’t fully explained what happened to them but I wonder if the goddesses knew they had a lmited time and decided the best thing to do in order to keep watch over the land they created was by swallowing their secret stones so that they could still be around forever.

And maybe, over time their names were forgotten or scewed to the names of the dragons we now know? Maybe even it’s just the names of their dragon forms? Similiar to how many refer to the Light Dragon not as Zelda but rather it’s own entity that Zelda transformed into.

Now don’t get me wrong. I know this all a bit of a leap. Despite how much TotK taught us about the dragons, we still know very little. And truth be told, I was skeptical on this theory as well until I gained one more piece of knowledge about the dragons.

All of them are confirmed to be female. As confirmed by the goddess statues themselves

I found that to be a facinating detail, to deliberately gender them all like that.

And speaking of the goddess statues, they also have a very peculiar connection to the dragons. In both games the goddess statues request for you to bring a piece of the respective dragons to them. This has gotta imply some deep connection between the goddesses and the dragons right?

None of the Goddess statues ever mention Zelda or The Light Dragon, which would make sense as she’s not really a goddess.

Naturally you can make you’re own conclusions but this is all just a random theory I came up with today, feel free to disagree or even share your own theory! I’d be happy to hear them!

Anyway I have a couple more TotK things I wanna post soon, another dumb text dump and a stupid little drawing I wanna make lol. Maybe I’ll do them in the next couple days.