#down the two great loves of his life and also his job and reputation and 200 years of his life and uhhhh kind of everything else honestly

[egophiliac]

like mother, like son, but less wholesome this time?

(I couldn't decide whether or not to put them together, so have them in all the different ways!)

[plussizefantasia]

hey ok ok here it goes please: i was wondering if you could make a thor x plus size reader where. she was one of his online friends when he was chubby and drunk. and then he didnt update his profile picture so you thought he would look like chubby thor when you both decided to meet in person. but he actual was normal fit thor when he showed up and the plus size reader is afraid to accept a date from him thinking its all a joke. no one could like her in her head and she didnt wanna get hurt from him thinking he couldnt like her being plus size and thor being all charming and loving and thinks she looks like a goddess? idk something like that?

My Goddess

A/N: Dear god I'm so sorry. I have fallen off the face of the planet and have left this amazing ask in my box for literal months. Anyway... I hope you like this I've been working on it for a while.

Pairing: Thor x PlusSize!reader

Word Count: ~1,600

You were nervous, beyond nervous. Even though it had been probably five years since you had gone on a date you were going on a date with a guy you had only ever seen pictures of. Through a convoluted chain of friends who knew friends who knew single friends, you had been given the number Thor. Yes, that Thor, the God of Thunder himself, actual Avenger, and totally hottie Thor. 

No matter what his reputation was he was very sweet. He talked to you all the time, the two of you texted and called and had been speaking for about six months now. The distance had been off-putting at first, you were in New York City working your dream job and he was leading his people in New Asgard halfway across the world. Regardless you had made it work, even with the time difference.

 You had exchanged some pictures about two weeks in and while you were surprised at the shape the actual God was in you found him arguably even more attractive with the bit of gut he had grown. He had told you about his battle with his mental health, how losing his brother and the battle with Thanos had taken a toll on his confidence in himself. He confided in you that he didn’t feel fit to be a King, that he thought he had let his people down, and that he knew he had let himself go but he didn’t see the point in training anymore. 

You sent pictures of yourself in exchange and also revealed your insecurities. How you thought that you were too much in every way, too loud, too big, too opinionated. That the messages you had received from the people in your life had torn you down and that you sometimes struggled to hold the pieces together. You both bonded over your vulnerabilities and for the first time in a very long time, you were happy.

At first, you had expected him to stop talking to you, it had been a good run and you were happy that you had talked to the literal legend at all. But the sight of your body had been a turn-off for so many before, you didn’t think a literal god would be any different. But he just praised you for your beauty and continued flirting with you. He made you feel stunning with the way he articulated his thoughts about you. He spoke in sonnets and was generous with his praise. You had never been in a relationship like that before, sure you had had boyfriends before but they never waxed poetic about you. Your weight was always something to be looked over because your personality was so great. 

They hadn’t liked you because of your body but despite it.

Thor wasn’t like that, he was charismatic and charming, you supposed that came with the territory of being a prince. He was also terrifying. 

The first time he asked to meet up in person was a few days after you sent over the first picture. He had told you how much he loved talking with you and that he wanted to spend time with you in person and show you a good time. He had told you he could come to New York, that he wanted to just see you, to hold you, to be with you. You had turned him down.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to meet him because you would be crazy to not want to be wrapped up in his arms, not only was he one of the most amazing guys you had ever met but he treated you well (and he was a god). It was just your insecurity that kept you from meeting in person, your worries about yourself always got in the way. And they continued to get in the way until you got a little too tipsy one night and dared yourself to invite him out dancing. You woke up the next morning with a massive hangover and a place and time to meet the God of Thunder.

That led you to tonight, meeting Thor at one of the more relaxed clubs near your place in an outfit that had taken way too long to settle on being nervous as hell. You knew that you would recognize him when he walked through the door, he was pretty distinct even without all the fame. But your anxiety had you arriving half an hour early and now you were just sitting and waiting for the moment he walked through the double doors opposite of the bar you were currently residing at.

What you weren’t expecting was the beefy Viking-esque hero who had waltzed in the door. He looked good. He looked more than good, he looked majestic. He looked thinner than in his photo. 

You had heard about the second battle the Avengers had had with Thanos, you had tearfully thanked Thor over the phone when you had received an extremely confused text from your little brother who had been dusted the five years prior. You just didn’t think that Thor getting back into the Avenging game would mean that he would zap back into perfect shape this soon. After all, it had only been about a month.

But here he was. Decked out in a black button-up with the sleeves rolled about three-quarters of the way. Dark jeans that hugged his ass just right and some deep red sneakers that looked to be somewhat well-worn. His golden hair was braided intricate and adorned with metal rings and beads to hold it into place. He had shaved his beard you clocked, and the long locks that cascaded off his face were replaced with a closer cut, it was still there but it was much neater, and you could see even more of his beautiful, beautiful face.

It took several seconds to decide on whether or not to flee. This was not the guy you had agreed to meet, you agreed to meet the soft man who was vulnerable with you, this was a warrior who commanded attention. The attention you weren’t sure you wanted on yourself.

In the time you took debating with yourself and making an escape plan, he had noticed you and made his way over to where you were seated at the end of the bar.

“Your pictures did not do you justice, you are even more angelic in person” his words caught you off guard and sent a jolt up your spine and right into your cheeks, turning them crimson. You took another sip of your drink and placed your cup down on top of the napkin laying on the bar. 

“Neither do yours, You're much… taller than I thought you’d be.” He laughs at your words and leans his hip against the bar in front of you. His upper body encroached in on your space and sent more blood rushing toward your cheeks. 

In a sudden moment of vulnerability, he looks into your eyes and asks “Is that a problem? Me being too… tall?” You know what he was asking, he had changed and he knows that. He was asking if you still wanted him. If you wanted to be with him now even though he was no longer the man in the pictures whom you have connected to.

“No, no I don’t think it is” You smile and place your hand on his. The smile that lights up his face is more than enough for you to know you said the right thing. 

The two of you talk and talk all evening. He charms you and you charm him right back. You feel like a live wire, energy coursing through your veins. He is a drug and you are already an addict, but there is something that holds you back.

“I have to ask,” you started “Why did you want to meet me?” apparently it was your turn to be vulnerable. “I know I’m not exactly the most gorgeous woman out there” You duck your head and get suddenly get very interested in your drink. You think this is your fourth, maybe it’s your fifth you can’t remember. Either way, you're feeling floaty and need to know what’s going on in his brain before this goes any further.

He places two of his fingers under your chin and lifts until your eyes meet his. “I wanted to meet you because you have bewitched me. Your beauty is beyond measure, I have traveled the nine realms and have never beheld a more marvelous visage than when I was graced with your image. You have captured my heart with your wit and charm and most importantly you have made me want to be better.” His words stole the air from your lungs and there was only one thing you could think to do.

You lunged forward and grabbed his face with your hands, you placed your lips on his and closed your eyes, waiting and praying for him to reciprocate your bold move. You didn’t have to wait for very long, in the next moment his fingers had woven into your hair and his tongue was swiping against the crease of your lips.

It felt otherworldly, you and he wrapped up in each other, as cliche as it sounded everything but you two fell away. You could live like this, you could die like this and you would go happily. Eventually, you two had to separate, even gods had to breathe.

Your foreheads met one another and he chuckled against you.

“My goddess” he had whispered in between the two of you.

You kissed him again.

[aether-starlight]

Lovely - Xavier

Pairing: Xavier x Reader

Warnings: Mentions of grief and kitchen fires.

Summary:  After you begin spending more time with Xavier, you strike a deal.

Word Count: 1.6 K

Note: This is my first time writing Xavier, I'm still getting a hold on his personality and voice tbh. Hope this is not too oc.

You liked your job. Loved it, even. 

It was also the main reason why you had very little life outside of hunting. 

When Grandma and Caleb had passed, you had felt incredibly bitter about it. Extra hours, missions outside of the city, late nights studying, the list went on.

It all seemed so insignificant compared to the time you could have spent with them, rather than being a hunter.

Now they were gone, and people seemed to avoid you on principle. Whispers about the connection between your profession and the unfortunate fate of your family followed you, so they preferred to stay away. 

Even fellow hunters remained away, with Tara being a blissful exception.

But there were only so many days off you could hang around with Tara without feeling like an imposition, which led you to hang out with the next person who didn’t seem to be phased by your reputation of a bad luck charm: Xavier.

Your hunter partner.

You really couldn’t escape your job even if you tried.

“Maybe I’m not likable,” you had mumbled to yourself, sitting on Xavier’s snug, worn-out couch. 

It was beige, spotless despite its age, only noticeable in the softened texture and armrests colored in a lighter shade from years of limbs brushing against them.

Xavier laughed, and on anyone else, it might have sounded cruel, but in the gentle baritone of his voice, it felt warm, intimate even.

“Who wouldn’t like you? You’re lovely.”

He said it as if commenting on the weather, something obvious and not embarrassing at all to mention. If you were him, your cheeks would have been aflame before even opening your mouth.

Because you had thought about it. 

He was lovely too. 

His tousled hair and bleary eyes so late in the morning made your heartbeat quicken, something fluttering in your stomach, similar to the feeling when an energy fluctuation surged.

Xavier laughed again, this time coming closer to you, dish in hand as he bent down to look into your eyes.

“Oh my, you’re redder than the tomato sauce I made for you.”

“How do you expect me to react when you say such things so easily?” You complained, unable not to smile back as soon as his lips curled, a flash of perfect teeth.

He had a great smile, you thought, contagious.

“It’s the truth. Now, eat up before it gets cold.”

“Bossy,” you teased, already digging into the tousled eggs with spinach and a delicious homemade sauce on top.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he chided gently, setting his plate at a low table in front of the sofa, sitting by your side. “I’m just looking out for your health.”

“And the integrity of your apartment?” You joked.

It wasn’t the first time you ate together. 

After visiting to find out more about your Aether Core, and then running into each other at The Nest, you had started hanging out outside of work. 

It started with borrowed books, truth or dare, a night watching the stars, then occasional movie nights.

Then your relationship experienced a drastic evolution when you accidentally activated the fire alarm of your whole floor because of a bowl of fried rice gone wrong—on fire—, and he offered for you to cook together. 

At first, you were not sure why he had even proposed it in the first place, but then you realized he was another God of destruction in the kitchen. Turned out that two wrongs could make one right, as incidents decreased considerably once it was both of you cooking.

Now it was a sort of ritual for you, to have breakfast together on your days off. 

“What are you thinking about?” Xavier asked, propping his elbow on the table and resting his cheek against his hand. 

Sunlight burst from his window, half hidden by an ocre curtain, just enough to highlight his eyes and the bridge of his nose. Reflections from the relic he used as a teapot littered the walls, yellow against copper.

Everything about his home felt cozy, warm…safe. 

Meanwhile, there were piles of boxes still unopened in your apartment. 

You had recently moved in when the explosion turned your world upside down. You had been supposed to open them with Caleb that weekend.

Now it didn’t seem of much importance. Not if you couldn’t do it with him.

“How do you make your apartment look so…homely?” 

The question was blurted out of you, and you instantly felt stupid for needing to formulate it in the first place.

Xavier’s eyebrows raised, chopsticks halfway to his mouth, caught off guard. 

“Make it look homely?” He pondered, food lowering back onto his plate.

Another thing you liked about Xavier? 

He was deliberate about things, every detail mattered, and he knew there were answers not worth rushing on. 

“I just…buy things I enjoy. Something that makes me feel happy to look at. That reminds me of…” he trailed off, a crease surging between his eyebrows.

You didn’t push. You had known him long enough to realize that once he shut down it was final, and even if he did answer, it was always elusive and hard to believe.

Instead, your focus drifted back to his initial statements.

You supposed it made sense. His apartment felt like sunlight. All warm and light tones, plush surfaces, and rows of books carefully organized upon oak bookshelves. 

Vintage furniture and artifacts were littered in a way that was both organized and stylish. A forest green vinyl player at the corner of the room, a mysterious wooden chest beside it. 

It was lived in.

The curtains of your apartment were always closed, plunging it into darkness, and the only picture you had kept close to your bed, on your nightstand. It was a photograph of you, Grandma, and Caleb smiling by the beach. 

It had been your first family trip, and even now you could remember it vividly, the rough sand beneath your feet and humid air closing around you, even through your shorts and a t-shirt.

You had an expensive holo-projector that you never used and sofas that you had sat in enough times to be able to count with one hand. 

You had considered getting a cat but then had been deterred by the thought that it would probably feel pretty lonely, considering your frequent missions and late-night arrivals.

When you focused back on Xavier, he was already studying you. 

You imagined your face must have been quite the picture. It was something incredibly frustrating about you: everything showed on your face, from happiness to sadness, to anger. It couldn’t be helped.

“I could help you decorate. If you’d like,” he suggested suddenly, looking as if the proposal had been stuck in his throat for a while now. 

You smiled to yourself, hiding your hands between your thighs, feeling terribly seen.

“Really?”

He nodded, lips curled in that gentle smile of his. 

“Yes. It’ll be fun. Just promise me we’ll host more reunions in your apartment once it’s done.”

A surprised laugh rose from your chest.

“At my place? Why?”

He looked to the side, almost bashful.

“I would like to use your holo-projector.”

It took a second for you to correct your sudden staring. He had never struck you as someone who watched holodramas.  

“Okay. Under one condition.”

Xavier leaned forward, a silent inquiry.

“You let me train with you.” You paused, deep in thought. “At least once a week.”

Somehow, Xavier always managed to wriggle his way out of it, and you were not sure why.

It was almost ridiculous, that you were hunting partners and hadn’t trained together once. What was more ridiculous was how you were turning the situation in your favor, considering he was the one offering you aid.

“You offer a tough bargain.” He huffed, resting his shoulders back on his seat with a slight pout to his lips.  “But sure, I’ll agree under a condition of my own.”

This time it was your turn to be surprised. You pulled back in suspicion.

“I have a feeling I’m not going to like it.”

Xavier was relentless. It never failed to astound you how he could switch from lazy to laser-focused in a heartbeat.

“Show me more of what you write.” His eyes seemed to darken, eyebrows lowering. You didn’t know when he had turned his chair so he was facing you from a closer distance.

Your head shook in automatic.

“That would imply that you have read any of it already.”

“I heard your slam poetry. I liked it, it was good.”

“You’re just buttering me up,” you whined. “And it was an accident, I definitely didn’t intend for you to hear it.”

He tilted his head, finding your gaze like a lost puppy. It seemed that he was pulling out the big guns once decisiveness hadn’t worked.

“Please?” He had leaned forward so you were watching him from above, an aggravating strand of blond hair out of place, the tips of his bangs too close to his lashes.

Before you could think any better of it, you brushed them back, fingers grazing his ear as you set it in place. 

The strands were soft and reminded you of a nighttime story someone used to read to you, about a prince and a fox.

He leaned into your touch, lips parted. 

Your fingers dug into the silky strands, easing out a knot.

He didn’t relent, celestine irises trailing after your movement, and your fingers trembled. It may not have seemed like it, but you were the prey in this scenario.

“Fine,” you breathed out, feeling lightheaded. “It’s a deal.”

He smiled, something playful flickering in his gaze. At that moment he was too pretty for his own good.

“Now, it’s your turn to do the dishes.”

You groaned, your daze broken in favor of dread.

[ystrike1]

An Old Bottom wants to be loved -Obsessive sex with a younger doggy - By Hosita (7/10)

Age gap romance. My old enemy. It's such a fun and dramatic idea, but most authors fumble it. The art for this one isn't the best. It's stiff, but the plot is great! It's about a rich older man who hasn't settled down, because every guy is after his money. He feels insecure, because he's past his prime and he has yet to find a real partner.

Sakai is actually a really sad character. A responsible adult from a good family. He was handsome when he was young, but being gay in Japan is HARD. Lots of gays return to the closet. Lots of gays leave the country. Lots of gays are actually bi, and they stick to women because it's 1000× easier.

He was a teacher for a while, and a VERY young student confessed to him. He immediately disregarded the confession and assumed it was a prank. You see, Sakai is "straight-passing". Nobody would assume he's gay from looking at him or his lifestyle.

He's a fully grown and competent adult.

That student was quickly forgotten. Blown off. He moved on and didn't even think about that "prank".

His life is pretty unfilfilling. He's considered just below middle aged in the gay drinking scene, and he's still known for hooking up. When you're on the older side um...rumors spread. People assume poor Sakai can't settle down because he has an attitude problem, but the issue is money. He lives in a big apartment and he doesn’t hide his wealth. Also, he's older so sugar babies and opportunists are all over him. This reputation has unfortunately scared away alot of good men, and on top of that Sakai is wildly insecure now.

He doesn't just THINK men only desire him because of his wallet.

He KNOWS it, and that's a very lonely existence.

He flirts with a young man who appears near the gay bar street. Ao is making his "debut". It's his very first time entering a hookup bar. He tries his best to flirt with Sakai, and Sakai just can't say no.

By the way Ao was fighting with one of Sakai's money-grubbing ex boyfriends. The two "accidentally" bumped into each other, causing a conflict where Sakai stepped in to help Ao. Sakai is a good guy that attracts alot of bad people. He would never let his shitty ex bully anyone. Not even a stranger like Ao.

You were right Ao isn't a stranger. Ao is...well he didn't lie his name is Ao, but he confessed to Sakai back in high school. He just couldn't wait. His feelings were sincere, but Sakai left without even acknowledging those feelings.

It's realistic. Most adults do not want a child to confess to them (duh), and Sakai is not model beautiful.

Ao didn't give up though.

He didn’t appear at the bar Sakai frequents by accident.

Sakai has hooked up with plenty of men, and the aura of melancholy is INTENSE.

As a reader you never doubt Sakai. He has always, always wanted sweet love. He smiles and flirts when men who use him because he thinks he'll never have it. If the art was less average...if the story was even heavier...it could have been really strong but Ao seems like a standard cute yandere.

He's immediately jealous when Sakai hooks up with someone else.

It is really good though! Ao has real affection for Sakai! Another middle aged bar hopper makes Sakai even sadder. He starts babbling about how middle aged men should use their cash to get attention. It's the natural order. Having money is a plus....shut up dude.

Ao puts him in his place.

He gives Sakai a taste of that sweetness he has always wanted.

He's done for. Ao is willing to reel him in slowly. By the way Ao used his looks to get a job at the gay hookup bar near Sakai's home, just to be closer to him.

The yandere isn't too silly. The reality of being gay in Japan is harsh. The art is really ugly I'm sorry but this is way better written than most yandere porn.

[madwomansapologist]

Bruce Wayne meeting you would include

Masterlist | Taglist | Library | More Bruce Wayne | AO3

synopsis: When a new journalist moves to Gotham City (and by choice, can you believe that?), Bruce Wayne discovers that he isn't prepared to overcome everything and everyone.

warnings: fluff. grumpy x sunshine. optimistic reader. being a hostage in a bank robbery. threats of murder. fighting. no one dies cuz he is Batman duh.

note: basically, I love him so much that I took the reader-insert and turn it into a author-insert by making the reader a journalist :D

• Who, in full conscience and access to information, would choose to live in Gotham City? Well, you did. There were many reasons for you to not leave your old life behind and move to Gotham (the majority of them involving violence and death), but you also had so many reasons to forget about all that and at least try.

• You have a reputation in the journalistic world, and the Gotham Broadcasting Company has expresed interest in having you as announcer and columnist. And it turns out that Gotham is spending a lot of money into convincing people with degrees to stay there. Is not like you would be rich or anything near that, but it would be easier than in your hometown.

• Also, its not like the place you lived before was that good. You found a really great job that actually pays well, a great apartment that costs quite the same as your old one, and maybe there you could do something good. Thats why you chose this job: to spread knowlegde is to change peoples lifes. And in a city with such a bad political environment, anyone with good intentions will make a difference.

• Like Batman. Not that you think of yourself as someone as great as Batman, but you can't help yourself from daydreaming. Batman is there, making more good things than half of the elected politicians, and for what? He is not gaining money, or fame, or status. No one knows who he is. He is just helping because he can.

• Would he agree to be interviewed if you was a hostage in a bank robbery? A bank robbery happens at least once a week, so maybe...

• What you didn't expect was that, well, it would work. Not that you really was a hostage just to get a interview with Batman, you were just trying to solve a problem with your bank manager and then one person screamed to everyone to lay on the floor and one thing lead to another and suddenly you were a hostage.

• The only thing everyone need to do was to lay down in silence but what did a women just did? Yes, she runaway. While crying. Really loud. Obviously it wouldn't work, but it did start a clutter. You felt one of the thieves lifting you by your hair and demanding to everyone to shut up or they would start killing people.

• And then Batman came in. And he was... wow. He jumped into the bank by a windown, crushing a thief and fighting with two others near. The man holding you started to walk backwards, yelling something to his gang. They did fought back but who would win against Batman? When remained just the man holding you and Batman, he did threatened to kill you. But with just one move Batman threw his bat shapped blade and the thief fell back, already unconscious.

• You would have fallen to the ground if it wasn't for him. You may be dead if it wasnt for him. Batman was more than just a guy with a mask. He was a hero. Your hero. And when he asked you, with that rough and deep voice that chills you to the bones, if you were hurt... of course you said the only thing that no one with a good mental health would say.

• "Are you interested in giving an interview to Gotham Broadcasting Company?"

• Bruce Wayne is prepared to everything and everyone. He is ready to defeat any hero or villain. He knows how to use all kinds of weapons, and how to transform anything into a weapon. Bruce knows all types of combat styles, is polyglot and is can manage his family enterprises. And yet, that took him by surprise.

• Batman didn't answer you, not with words at least. Because that night, trying to sleep but failing miserably, you could still hear his laugh. And it was enough. At least by now.

• If only you could imagine that, at same time you were hearing his surprised laugh on your bedroom filled with moving boxes, Bruce Wayne was thinking about giving an interview to Gotham Broadcasting Company.

GENERAL TAGLIST: @suakemi @notanalienindisguiseblink

if you enjoyed, please reblog! i promise it makes a difference ♡

@ madwomansapologist.tumblr.

[eshasunrise]

On Professor Layton Vs Pheonix Wright

No spoilers, but I talk about PWPL for a long time under the cut.

The most frustrating part of Phoenix Wright vs Professor Layton is the way it treats its lead characters. The two do their jobs well, Phoenix is the same goofy, down on his luck lawyer he always is, and Layton is as charismatic and clever as you'd expect, but there in lies the problem. Neither character is really explored to any real degree beyond what's already been established. And I get it; dubiously canon crossover made by two disagreeing companies designed to be an entrypoint into both series. It's better to play things safe, not change too much, and use the best parts of both series against each other. And to be fair, they do that with aplomb. The AA and PL character designs mesh beautifully together, especially after the hard work unifying the main characters. The Puzzles are an excellent addition to the investigation segments, and the court cases do a great job dredging out the minutia of the larger than life story and setpieces.

But Layton is a man with far too much intrigue and nuance to just be the confident windfall, and if there's one thing the Ace Attorney Franchise is good at, it's nuance.

Professor Hershel Layton is a man defined by three things: his gentlemanly demeanor, his love of puzzles, and his willingness to always lend a hand. But the Layton of Lore and the Layton we play as are two subtly different men. Hershel is truly a gentleman, no doubt about it, but he's cautious, aloof, and reserved. He won't meddle in matters that don't interest him or call upon him in the first place. He also never speaks of his past or his family. We know how secretive he is about his lost love, and how he becomes estranged from his children in the near future. This speaks of a man afraid, one who wants with all his heart to be always there, yet frequently is one moment too late. One who can be relied upon, but who ends up falling just short. One who strives to shoulder the burden of others, but ends up taking the praise as well.

A man who strives to be Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix is known to be a bumbling mess of a man, who wears his heart on his sleeve, hinges his bets on bluffs, and is responsible for overturning law and order in his country. Yet the Phoenix we play as isn't that man, despite what he thinks. He's somebody who knows people well, and can tell when someone is innocent, and will put his own life and reputation on the line if it means protecting that, even against his own better judgement. He's a man whose bluffs are more thought out than the carefully constructed alibis of men with more power and time than he'll ever hope to have. He's a man who overturned law, not through excess trust or gullibility, but his willingness to call out corruption while protecting as many people as possible from the fallout of his actions. He couldn't have begun to change things the way he did were it not for the trust and love others put in him, or his dedication to the truth above all else. Phoenix Wright has, without fail, shown himself to be someone to fall back on. Someone who will shoulder your burdens, hell, someone who will take the consequences of your mistakes and victimhood onto himself if it means making sure you can wake up happier three days from now, and refuses to let it go until justice is served. He takes the blame for the Dark Age of Law not because nobody else could; it's easy to point to Gavin, Gant, and Karma, but because nobody else can. He will carry the consequence of horrid people for the rest of his life, egg on his face (or coffee), trudging through hell until a better tomorrow comes, all the while thriving against odds stacked so far against him it's a miracle he's even alive.

That is the man Hershel Layton longs to be, the man he goes out of his way to become every day of his life, and the man Phoenix Wright is by simply being his own goofy, bumbling, easily panicked self. It could be said that, for as soft and kind as Layton is, his drive to be a gentleman distances himself from being the protector he wants to be. For as brilliant as he can be, it doesn't help much when he doesn't have the answer. With all the time he spends trying to help others, he never lets himself move on from, or share, his own pain.

And that's why Luke needs to be framed for murder.

Imagine: a situation that Layton cannot deal with. One he couldn't expect. Set it up so he sees Luke holding the bloody weapon in the body of the scared victim. So caught in the moment he just can't put together any other alternative, try as he might. That's where Phoenix comes in. Immediately knowing Luke wouldn't do such a thing, he takes the case before a case can be made, even as Luke second guesses himself and Layton is sent to testify. He's made to put together evidence pointing directly to Luke's guilt. And just as all seems lost, he turns the question on its head, asks why Luke can't be guilty, and that's when he asks Layton for help with one thing; a puzzle. By reframing this impossible situation into Hershel's field of expertise, removing all elements of trauma and impossibility, Layton reorients himself, adjusts his testimony, and slowly the truth begins to unravel. Press after press, puzzle after puzzle, piece after piece, and just as a dead end seems to be in sight, who else should interject but the real murderer, panicking from how close they've gotten, pointing out the logical flaw, in turn outing himself as the true killer to Phoenix and, more importantly, Hershel.

And you do not hurt Hershel's friend.

A duel of words breaks out (likely a game/framing mechanic unique to this sequel) where Layton takes command of the conversation and trial, pressing the Murderer further and further into a corner until, at one point, he slips. Layton backs off and confidently hands the floor back to Phoenix, who immediately presents the evidence that contradicts the pressed statement. The prosecutor has to object to a confession made out of duress, but at this point, the damage to the alibi is done, and the Murderer can't weasel his way out any more. One more round of testimony, and one more puzzle to present a piece of evidence, and the case is closed.

Afterwards, Layton can't help but cry as he hugs Luke, realizing the man who had been put down all game, whose made himself out to be a fool and jumped to harebrained conclusions to just barely be proven right, was the man who not only saved them, but the man he aspired to be like his whole life. Someone who can shoulder the pain of others until it's light enough to carry. Someone who accepts his own past, and lets it guide him forward without weighing him down. Someone who can stare defeat, even death, in the eyes, panicking all the while, then turn around, point his finger, and demands one more answer, over and over until the truth has come out. Someone who can solve even the most impossible of puzzles, when all he has to go on is a hunch, and trust that it can be done. (I'd also like to foreshadow this by having the first puzzle on Wright's side be a Sudoku puzzle, specifically, one where you have to take a leap of faith at turn one to solve, trial and error-ing the first move with little penalty).

Basically, a game where Phoenix is on the back foot and Layton can support him is great, but a finale where Layton is in a no-win scenario, and Phoenix can see him through by bringing out what Layton can do best, that would be excellent.

[decarbry]

I really love your worldbuilding in this newest chapter, how you've expanded on the foundation canon has established with regards to Eraserhead's place in heroics. I'm reminded specifically of that scene in season 6 where Endeavor compliments Aizawa's quirk. That scene felt super uncomfortable to me, the way he was reducing him down to his power, and you did an incredible job at only further digging into it.

It's an interesting topic to think about honestly, considering canon discusses how quirks were named as such to encourage the public to see these powers as just a part of who a person is rather than this scary thing that they had. A quirk of their character. And to see how that's evolved in modern hero society to the point where people can't separate themselves from their quirk, how it practically becomes the bulk of who they are as a person, it puts the way people equate Erasure and Eraserhead as being one in the same into perspective. Who is Aizawa Shouta without Erasure?

The complex relationship between a person and their power and how it impacts and even dictates their identity is one of my favourite aspects of BnHA and it's so exciting whenever I see it explored. Amazing chapter as always! You did an incredible making Hizashi's grief palpable, it was so raw and messy and overwhelming!

Thank you!!

It’s a great topic but I especially love it in connection to Shouta. He’s kind of his own worst enemy when it comes to this subject as his rationality and avoidance of notoriety does its own damage to making sure no one knows enough to get to know the guy behind the goggles. He’s actually a dumbass because he struggled with his usefulness as a teenager and before he settled into his post-high school life, and put a lot of belief in the fact that no one was going to value him for anything but his Quirk, which even he admits is critical. He was right, but he sabotaged himself.

And to him it’s 100% a boon. He gets to stay unknown, keep his privacy, move relatively freely. He doesn’t have to worry about being too sharp or kind with his words, or how a social media post is going to destroy his image. He’s thought long and hard about this exact subject because he went through UA’s classes that talked about reputation, and after Oboro died he consciously settled into the idea that he was not important enough for anyone to worry over. Erasure YES. Aizawa NO. He decided it was not rational for people to worry over him because he was not important. Building his whole adult life off of that one notion. The best part of all of this was that when he died, or something worse happened to him, he wouldn’t be hurting anyone else with his death. Because nobody cares. That last bit is the most important to him.

Hizashi, Nemuri— they were accidents, he settled into this after he met them and it’s too late to shake them loose. So he had to come to terms with the fact that he would hurt exactly (2) people with his death. But that’s a pretty good low number.

Except he also didn’t account for the fact that people are more complex than he gives them credit for and despite his best efforts his students adore the ever-loving SHIT out of him

So when it comes down to the wire like we’re seeing in the fic, very few people care for the actual person beneath Erasure. His students yes, his spouse yes, his friends from HS yes, maybe one or two others.

[rottenrewards]

NICK ROBINSON . MALE . HE/HIM -ELLIOT WEAVER was blasting PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS BY KID CUDI on the sidewalk in austin today . according to other atx residents , the TWENTY-NINE year old LOTTERY WINNER has been given a reputation of being GLUM , but also GENEROUS . A WORN OUT WALLET THICK WITH DOLLAR BILLS, THE CONSTANT SPINNING OF A CAROUSEL, SUBSCRIPTIONS TO EVERY DATING APP   + [ MAD, 27, THEY/THEM, PST]

Name: Elliot Timothy Weaver Nicknames: Eli (preferred name), Ellie, E.T. Age: 29 Birthday: October 15th, 1994 FC: Nick Robinson Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him/His Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 5′11 Blood Type: A+ Build: Medium Vices: Cannabis, Alcohol, Cigarettes Favorite Colors: Red & Orange

History

Elliot grew up entirely average. Greatness wasn't in store for the middle Weaver child. His older brother was a football star and his younger sister was a pageant queen and as a result his parents attention was usually used up in pursuing his siblings dreams. Elliot never minded much. His nose was typically buried in a book as he was dragged along for support to his siblings endeavors. As he grew up the more Eli branched out on his own. He found himself friends with the band geeks and nerds more than the popular crowd his family was drawn to. He was never prom royalty but he also never wanted to be and he was entirely content. He had a girlfriend whom he loved and friends who he could depend on, what more could he ask for? When Elliot graduated high school he decided to stick around in Amarillo. The town might be small but it was his home and after a few years at the local community college he got a job in auto insurance. He was still with the same girl from high school who he proposed to at the age of twenty-six after being together for ten years. Life was good for Eli and he saw his whole future ahead of. Marriage, a couple of kids running around, and a small house he'd call home, maybe even a white picket fence. All of that changed one fateful afternoon in August of 2023. Elliot came home on his lunch break only to catch his fiance with another man. He was heartbroken and the simple life he'd had planned for himself was ruined. The engagement was off then and there and Eli quickly spun downward.  Life had gone to shit. His fiance moved out (and in with the guy she'd been cheating with) and Elliot spent most nights drinking and wallowing in self pity. Things couldn't have gotten any worse and miraculous it didn't. Almost two months after his break up Elliot's life would change again. He was never much of a gambler but one night when buying cigarettes he decided to purchase a lottery ticket from the gas station. Never in Eli's wildest dreams did he expect to actually win but he did. 16.8 million dollars to be exact. His life changed overnight once again. His achievement became the biggest story to hit Amarillo history in the last 20 years and it seemed everyone who'd ever known Elliot was coming out of the woodwork including his ex.  Everyone put a bad taste in his mouth and after he'd been coerced into giving away nearly a million dollars to various different people in a very short period of time Elliot went into hiding. He could no longer trust the people closest to him as they all seemed to turn green with envy or fat with greed. His new found wealth made him incredibly lonely and forced him to outgrow his town he'd once called home. Being a Texas boy through and through he found it difficult to leave the state and how he wound up 7 hours south down in Austin. He'd always wanted to visit the city and he figured now was as good a time as any to check it out for a while.

Headcanons

Elliot's life is a mess. He's still recovering from his recent breakup over the summer and now that he's a millionaire he really doesn't know how to act. One minute he's celebrating and the next he's crying because his Spotify Wrapped playlist reminds him of home.

He is the embodiment of the meme "If I ever win the lottery I won't tell anybody but there will be signs". He doesn't boast about his wealth but he's definitely treating himself and is very generous with his money. He has been known to give 50% to 100% tips at businesses around town.

He's stopped doing laundry all together. Now he simply donates his clothes and buys new ones when he needs them. Laundry has always been his least favorite chore and now that he doesn't have to clean his clothes he won't.

He spontaneously drops twenty dollar bills around just to brighten people's days.

There's always a pile of packages waiting for him at his mailbox. Half the time he doesn't know what he's ordered because he's developed a late night spending habit whenever he can't sleep.

[inchidentally]

Little addition to the talk about Oscar's PR management and pushing Lily a bit more into the light.

I agree with everything the other anon said but I'd like to add how it also means they are portraying Lando and Oscar differently.

Clearly, along the 2023 season we saw McLaren media leans more and more towards the slightly shippy "Landoscar" theme.

Not in a too obvious way but there were little nods towards the ship.

In 2024, we still got some little things (the picture from Barcelona, the "Osc", etc...) but it's more subtle, more leaning between shipping and friendship.

And for me it goes along with the want to picture Oscar as someone reliable and serious by showing is relationship with Lily more and also having him involved in other activities (like the Reef thing).

They are slowly letting us know that Oscar is more than just a driver and a cute boy. He has a personality, interests and a life outside of the track.

As a shipper, I hope we will soon get more funny Landoscar content to play with.

As someone interested in communication and marketing, I love trying to understand what is happening behind the scenes!

I totally see that and tbh it fits with him hiring a social media manager that AND the Andrea press release about changing their media duties around. tho the intention they gave for that was for Oscar and Lando to have more down time which hasn't actually happened bc they've both stayed just as busy but separately.

I have an anon I'm sitting on bc there's a LOT to address and some of it feels a little too .... idk tricky. but their point was that McLaren want to renege a bit on the whole 'Lando and Oscar doing everything for the team and not being in competition with each other' now that McLaren is officially up there fighting consistently for podiums and the top 3 or 4 championship spots. that splitting them up more in terms of media duties COULD be a way of creating space for them to have if not a full on rivalry then a Charles and Carlos type of competition.

the thing is that Lando and Oscar on their own keep saying how much they work together and share data and have the same needs for the car etc and that they want healthy motivation between each other.

but also I think for anyone who's had to work in a committee or be a part of regular team meetings there's also got to be the reality of someone coming in and saying 'let's change things up!' to maybe keep their job or stand out and it ends up being sort of a mess and maybe the old system was actually just fine alsfgjlsagfhljsfa it's truly possible that this whole Reputation era revamp is going to prove to be a mistake or that it's just not being very well executed.

bc I can't say that pulling Oscar away from Lando is ever going to work well for him when Oscar just isn't interested in being The Guy. he wants to show up and do his job and compete and then go home lol. so it ends up that not only do fans not get the fun teammate content they've come to expect from McLaren with the previous two teammates, it also means that super motivated Lando is maximizing on every opportunity and becoming a bigger star on his own - while Oscar has to struggle to meet the media's needs for energy and dynamism without having someone he knows he can bounce off of. the Esteban RC car thing was just... ok lol. that's not what any of us would like to see him spending his time filming. the Great Barrier Reef thing is nice but it's not the same as Seb or Lewis bc as Oscar even said he only ever really knew much about the issue from school. and most of Oscar's life is spent away from that issue and away from Australia. (he even kinda said that it was a great side benefit of being able to stay in Australia longer and have Lily involved instead of heading right back to MTC)

fundamentally, Oscar wants to have more time for his private life and he doesn't want to broadcast it- and I think that if they simply dropped the silly challenges and just gave Lando and Oscar a topic in a free moment and filmed it then Oscar could have more time away from filming and we as fans would get Lando and Oscar's real relationship that's fun and cute but without them feeling awkward at being told to dance and perform. the whole thing would be way less pressure for both Oscar and Lando.

remember, Lando isn't naturally like that! Carlos and Daniel learned that PR bromance game early in their careers and play it well but Lando follows their lead and basically reacts to them! early 2019 Lando was basically a featherless little chick watching Carlos with big eyes and squawking at how funny he was but he was sooooo nervous and twitchy about being on camera until he learned to copy Carlos' humor and bounce it back to him.

so genuinely when Lando and Oscar are just allowed to talk normally, it takes less time than setting up for elaborate challenges and they'd both feel more relaxed and get more time off.

[trentcrimminallybeautiful]

i have this silly little undeveloped au in my brain that's just like. tedependent but it's the sarah jane adventures. sort of. not literally in the doctor who universe necessarily but like. local intrepid reporter trent crimm investigating weird shit except the local neighborhood kids will not leave him alone.

i have so many thoughts about this but none of them are coherent enough for a proper fic i think:

i just think trent being good with kids, generally. go mentor figure trent! (what this has nothing to do with my thesis what do you mean)

trent, like sarah jane pre-series, having a sort of reputation in the neighborhood (or in general, since i'm also incorporating his actual canon vibes/story) as to being standoffish, aloof, cold, etc., and generally anti-social, keeping to himself. and as the kids keep dragging him into things kicking and screaming he might also be dragged kicking and screaming into a community <3

if his daughter is essentially luke does that mean he adopted her under Strange Alien-Related Circumstances? absolutely it does, yes.

see i've got two great ideas for ted/tedependent. on one hand, although in the context of SJA/nuwho i'm not so much one for sarah jane and the doctor as a Thing, ted playing the role of like. someone from trent's Mysterious Past who he won't talk about who set him on this path? someone who was kind and wonderful and changed his life but then--at least it feels like to him--abandoned him? someone who made him a better person--from doing whatever journalism he used to do to this--someone who he's still kinda in love with... but trent can no longer even really talk to......until he shows up again? that's some good shit, not gonna lie. although i'm jimmying that into a happy ending somehow, goddamn it.

ALTERNATIVELY. henry being one of the Neighborhood Kids (as if we're using "canon" kids, we've got limited options) and ted being an oblivious parent. trent is trying to get these kids to STOP POKING INTO DANGEROUS ALIEN NONSENSE PLEASE THIS IS HIS JOB PLEASE STOP BREAKING INTO HIS HOUSE but they're stubborn and smart and they may or may not have saved his life once or twice and oh GOD THIS IS SO IRRESPONSIBLE but he can't just TELL THESE RANDOM NEIGHBORS about ALIENS. but like anyway this just painful secret identity-esque nonsense where ted knows henry's taken a shine to that nice journalist down the street and his daughter but does NOT know that henry is getting into Shenanigans(TM). this could lead into all sorts of drama about, you know, his kid being in danger... or, alternatively, ted has worked with some unit/torchwood-esque place before and is like OHH you know what? this explains that time i thought i heard you speaking an alien language. cool, cool. and trents like. .....WHAT

etc. i'm not wording this well but i think you get the idea.

if you really really wanted to make it complicated you could do both, considering the doctor's whole thing--either a fob watch or a regeneration--but honestly, i don't want to do that, so i won't

some of the adults do definitely get involved though. keeley either clocks that shit right away or thinks she's clocked it but she's actually clocked something entirely different. she's like i know you're mi6 babe ;) and he. is not. meanwhile roy having ten freakouts in a row and then being like nvm i'm fine with this. (is not fine with this, but will be eventually). jamies like yeah aliens. everyone knows about those. and they're like what?? no they dont?? and so on.

is beard an alien? genuinely no one's sure. he's not telling.

HOLD ON can i give trent k-9???? can trent crimm get a robot dog?????? yes please i think he deserves a robot dog

also see the trickster episodes? bet you could do something real fucked up with those.

i feel like i had more when i started this post but i don't remember

this not well thought out at all and i have no idea where everyone would fit in

anyway my point is. trent crimm, intrepid journalist, running around trying to stop alien shenanigans while Those Meddling Kids keep following him around. trent crimm doin a little Breaking And Entering. scooby doo shit. and he has such an interesting mix of seeming suave and badass and then immediately doing something embarrassing. trent crimm--via shenanigans and also Those Meddling Kids dragging him into their lives (aka he tries to keep his distance SO badly and only is involved when dangerous shit is going down but like then it's all. child knocking on his door like IT'S AN EMERGENCY OPEN UP and hes like WHAT WHAT IS IT and theyre like can you help me with my homework :( and hes like. fuck. yeah fine what do you want help with. (some subjects he's very helpful on others he's VERY not) until they're like okay but you're coming to this bbq right. and he's like? no? and they're like you're coming to this bbq right. and so on) ANYWAY the point is they keep dragging him into their lives and now oops! trent actually knows his neighbors and has to go through the mortifying ordeal of being known. but that also means that when he gets badly hurt or sick he's used to the empty hospital room but now he actually gets people showing up and forcing baked goods on him and shit and i'm just feeling a lot of things about this extremely hypothetical au based on my already existing feelings about trent gaining a community in s3/post-canon,

wait does this mean trent gets sonic lipstick? HELL YEAH IT DOES

[thekatebridgerton]

Have you ever thought about a Kanthony (and others) re-incarnation au. I'm thinking a Housefull 4 style bridgerton fic starring Kanthony, Benophie and maybe Polin. Housefull 4 is a bollywood comedy gold. Surprisingly it's without any angst that u expect of reincarnation tropes. But maybe we can have some angst if someone decides to make a fic out of it 🤞. Anyway if someone does decide to make one I will recommend watching the movie first or look at the plot on wiki for the main gist of the story. U know I got this idea because of the spider scene (equivalent to the bee sting according to me) in the movie so like we can have Kanthony as Madhu n Bala (eldests), Benophie as Meena n Dharmputra, n Polin as Mala n Bangdu.

Thank you for listening to my mumbling 😊.

i've said it before and I'll say it again: people in Tumblr have good taste. So guys, if you haven't seen Housefull 4. Go watch it, it's an awesome movie and it deserves a shoutout. And the funny thing is that I did see the movie a long time ago. But I thought that it would be a great twist if the girls were the ones having the big problem making the guys remember their past lives. So anon, I know this take on the movie isn't what you asked for but bear with me.

So in 1813 you have Queen Violet ever despairing on marrying off her three rakish sons. And then there's Kate, Sophie and Penelope. Who for one reason or another love these three idiots. first there is Kate, Minor indian royalty, princess Kate was vanished from her father's court because of a tiny disobedience (staging a coup to put Edwina on the throne is not a tiny disobedience Kathani Sharma) so she is kind of scheming to marry Anthony and become the future Queen. So she can return home with something to show for it.

Anthony's second brother, Benedict, is desperately inlove with his sister's ladies maid/bodyguard, Sophie. Who has saved his life more times than he can count. And finally, Colin, ever the young prankster. Is inlove with the court lead gossip maker. Miss Penelope aka notorious scandal mongrel Lady Whistledown.

Kate and Anthony fell inlove, and together they also worked very hard to unite Benedict and Sophie against those who opposed their class difference, and defended Colin and Penelope's choice to be together despite Lady Whistledown's reputation. BUT on the day the three of them were going to get married. Someone bombed the cathedral. And the three couples died.

Back in the present Kate Sharma is a down on her luck photographer working too many jobs who accidentally gets in trouble with the Indian Mob and has to pay back a sum that seems astronomical, or work for the mob for life. Well, never let it be said that Kate doesn't know how to scheme her way into the lives of the rich and famous. Her boss Lady Danbury sets her and her two best friends up with the sons of a super rich business' woman, who need convenient wives that don't mess on their style ( in exchange for a few favors after the girls are officially Bridgertons. ) Penelope and Sophie have agreed to help Kate pay back the money to the mob and well, at least the guys are handsome.

Everything is going swimmingly, the three couples are getting along well, at least until Kate visits the Bridgerton family cemetery with her new fiancée and starts getting flashbacks of her past life...

Here's the thing... In this life, she is sort of going to marry the wrong brother!! oh no, Kate needs to help her friends remember their past lives too. She doesn't want to get married to Colin, or let Sophie marry Anthony, also she's pretty sure that if Penelope knew she's getting hitched to the same Benedict who was head over heels for Sophie in their past life, she would die of embarrassment.

Now all Kate has to do is help her friends and their husbands remember their past life. Reconnect with her husband who doesn't know she's his wife because he thinks she's the gold digger who is putting the moves on Colin. Somehow figure out why they all reincarnated AND find out who bombed the cathedral in 1813.

Easy peasy right?

[believingispowerfulmagic]

A Royal Affair

Summary: Queen Regina of Mist Haven is slowly losing hope that she will ever be able to marry for love. Almost every aspect of her life is controlled, especially when it comes to her friends and possible love interests. It also doesn't help that the media portrays her as an Evil Queen who only cares about herself, focused more on living lavishly than caring about her people. She finds the only men willing to date the Evil Queen are more interested in her crown than her. And then Robin Locksley becomes her new assistant and she believes in love at first sight, wondering if maybe her happy ending is possible after all.

Robin is grateful for his job at the palace even if it means working with the Evil Queen herself. His plan is to work as her assistant for a year to prove himself and then transfer to another department within the palace. But his worldview is shaken and he realizes that things aren't always what they seem, especially when it comes to Queen Regina. As he starts to see her for who she really is, his feelings for her deepen into something dangerous.

Intrigue, romance and danger swirl around Robin and Regina as they fight for their happily ever after.

Chapter 1: The New Assistant

FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Excerpt:

Tink walked into her office, carrying several files. She stopped when she saw a blond-haired man sitting by her desk dressed in a crisp black suit with a blue button-down shirt. He stood as she approached, smiling and revealing two dimples. "Good morning," he said.

"Good morning," she replied. "May I help you?"

"Yes, Johanna told me to report here to a Rose Tinker," he said. "I'm Robin Locksley."

Tink nearly dropped her files when she heard that, surprise and dismay coursing through her. She had been told to expect Robin Locksley to report that day to fill the recently vacated Royal Assistant position but clearly Johanna had forgotten to mention a very important fact about Robin.

"You were expecting a woman," he said rather than asked. He didn't sound too surprised and Tink figured it happened often.

"Yes," she replied, knowing it was likely pointless to lie. She sighed. "But I do trust Johanna when it comes to staff. She's been hiring for the palace for decades and has a great track record."

He grinned, looking relieved. "Good. I was afraid I was about to wade back into the unemployment pool."

"No, no," Tink said, sighing again. "I have to tell Her Majesty that her new assistant is a man, not a woman, but that should just be a minor hiccup."

"Her Majesty?" he asked, a strange look crossing his eyes as his smile faded away.

Cold swept through Tink and she started to wonder if maybe Johanna was losing her touch after all. "Yes. Didn't they tell you what position you were hired for?"

"That I was to be an assistant to a high-ranking person here in the palace," he replied. "That was all."

"Right, right," Tink said, knowing that was standard practice. Most staffers did not know who they would be assigned to until they showed up for their first day of work. However, she felt like those working directly with the Queen needed to go through more intense scrutiny and be made aware of who they were working for before they took the job.

Especially given the Queen's reputation.

No matter how inaccurate it was.

She studied Robin and could tell that he believed the lies Sidney Glass printed about her and the other media outlets took as gospel truth. In a firm, cold voice, she asked: "Do you have a problem working with Her Majesty?"

"No," he said, a mask slipping over his eyes and his expression becoming neutral. "This is a job and I am a professional, I assure you."

"Good," she replied, hoping that would prove to be the case.

He looked around before asking: "So…are you Rose Tinker?"

She realized she had never introduced herself and her cheeks heated up as she held out her hand. "Yes, sorry. You can call me Tink – everyone else does. I'm the Queen's chief of staff."

"Nice to meet you," he said. "So am I reporting to you or to the Queen?"

"Well, I guess to both of us," she replied. "But it's very likely you'll get most of your duties directly from Her Majesty."

Robin nodded. "So are there any rules I need to know? Like I'm not allowed to make eye contact with the Queen or something like that?"

"Of course you are," Tink replied, trying not to frown as her fear that the lies the media told about the Queen would make it difficult for Robin to do his job. "There are certain rules about working in the palace but she's not going to make you do anything crazy just because she's the Queen. She's just a regular person underneath the crown."

All Robin did was tilt his head as his expression continued to remain unreadable. "I see."

It didn't do much to assuage Tink's concerns about him. She was tempted to dismiss him there and then but decided that she needed more than a gut feeling. Besides, she didn't want to have to explain to the Queen why the assistant she had been told was starting that day had already been dismissed.

Regina already had enough to worry about.

Tink checked her watch and then reviewed Regina's schedule. "She has some free time. Why don't I go introduce you two and she can tell you what she expects from her assistant?"

"Sounds good," he replied.

"Then follow me," she said, setting down her files. "I'll also show you your office when we pass it."

His eyes widened a bit. "I get my own office?"

"Of course you do," she replied. "What did you expect?"

"I honestly don't know," he said. "I've held corporate jobs where I usually had my own desk but it was positioned outside my boss' office."

Tink chuckled. "You won't have that here. You won't have to play gatekeeper here. We have other people who do that."

"Right," he said. "I believe they were the lovely gentleman who patted me down when I entered this morning."

She laughed as she nodded, leading him toward a hallway. "So that was my office. Your office is closer to Regina's and is located behind the door we're about to pass on your left."

"Will I get my name on it?" he asked, pausing briefly to study the door.

"Yes," she replied, continuing down the hallway until she came to a heavy wood door with an ornate gold crown on it. "And this is the Queen's office."

He looked it over, nodding. "Easy to spot."

"It is," Tink said. She then rapped on the door once before opening it, warning Regina that she was about to enter.

Tink's heels clicked against the white marble floor as she approached the black desk Regina used. She had positioned it by the large windows in the room so she could look out over the palace gardens when she needed a break. It was a warm day so the black fireplace was not in use, leaving it as more of a decoration with a statue of a horse sitting on the mantel next to two pictures. Over the mantel hung the last portrait taken of the royal family before the death of King Henry a few years earlier. He sat on his throne with Queen Cora by his side and the then Crown Princess Regina standing behind her parents. All were dressed in their royal finery, dark blue as the Mills family always favored. It flattered every member of the family but especially Regina, in Tink's opinion. She always tried to convince her to wear it more but Regina kept insisting that black was her color.

While she did look good in black, Tink also felt it was because she was still in mourning for her father.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Tink said, more formal than she usually was with Regina. But she didn't know what type of relationship Robin would have with the Queen and so decided to set a more formal tone for now.

Queen Regina looked up from the paperwork she was reviewing and leaned back. "Good morning, Tink. Who is your companion?"

"This is Robin Locksley," Tink said. She paused for a moment before adding: "Your new assistant."

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing just like he had no doubt been taught at the palace staff orientation.

Regina glanced over at Tink, raising her eyebrow for a moment. Tink just shrugged in response before Regina stood, moving around her desk. "There's no need to bow like that all the time, Mr. Locksley. Is it okay if I call you Robin?"

"If Your Majesty wishes," he replied, sounding a bit colder than he had been with Tink. It made her heart sink a bit more.

Regina paused and Tink knew that his answer had spoken volumes to her as well. She pressed her lips together before smiling. "Well, welcome to the palace, Robin, and I look forward to working with you. My expectations for my assistants are for them to be prompt and efficient. Do you think you can do that?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied. "I always strive to do my best."

She nodded, still studying. "Then I shall leave you in Tink's capable hands and we can meet later to go my schedule as well as any duties Tink didn't cover."

"Yes, Your Majesty," he said, bowing again. Regina raised an eyebrow and glanced at Tink, her expression conveying her message loud and clear.

Stop the bowing, please.

Tink would do her best. She ushered Robin from the office and prayed that she was also able to get him to warm up to Regina soon.

Or else the bowing would be the least of their worries.

[thatsneakymedic]

// There has been a lot of anti-kabuto comments and stuff on the kabuto tag. And as a Kabuto roleplayer, what really upsets me the most is that the hate is not for even good reasons. From what I see, it’s equal to that of a kid’s grade school where you are bullied for your boring or unusual appearance and for shallow reasons. 

Like they’re legit hating him for wearing glasses, and not being as charismatic and cool as Orochimaru.  But out of the two, one is that there’s no control over his genetics of wearing glasses.  But charisma is something that can be learned, 

I don’t think people really understand that Kabuto himself is what you put in him, he reflects who he works for, he is told to act and behave according to the mission, and because he has a barely sense of self.  Any kind of improvements will always come off as awkward and not as impressive as his peers.  And because he has literally spied on the ENTIRE 5 NATIONS, he also has taken on so many identities and personalities that he had almost lost himself several times.  The perfect example would be that movie Spirited Away where a little girl named Chihiro almost lost her name after being called “Sin” for merely a few days.  Kabuto has been doing that FOR YEARS since he was a child and still managed to remember and keep his name!

And as for his backstory, while of course it doesn’t excuse that he should’ve been thrown in prison for the crimes he did. In the end, he was still a victim who was manipulated during his worst moments of his life and it’s seems intentional on Orochimaru’s part and it doesn’t seem to show that he’s apologetic about it. More like he’s “proud” that Kabuto has found his true self and that he’s not needed anymore despite the fact that HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING KABUTO LIKE THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE!

 A twisted version of a friend being proud of their friend for getting better.  

Kabuto has ALWAYS been a good, hospitable, and kind person deep down. But again, because of the world they live in. He absolutely can’t let his emotions get in the way of the cruel world of Naruto.  The reasons why he’s a bully in the first place is because he was envious of people with kekki genkai and other special people who make a name for themselves.  And that shit is relatable to everyone who is lacking in something in their life! (Have you ever been envious of someone who was rich/popular/had a good family/married to a great person/happy? And don’t lie to yourself. ) 

As for being a hypocrite? Do you know who’s the BIGGEST HYPOCRITE was?

ITACHI FUCKING UCHIHA

They had the nerve to say that there are some things that having powers or abilities cannot change. And while it was sweet that Itachi wanted to help him see his worth, but it really doesn’t sound good coming from a gifted person like him. Since Itachi has absolute NO IDEA how Kabuto feels as Itachi carried on and USED his name and kekki genkai to solve his problems.

Imagine a rich and popular person telling you that you are good as you are and that there are things that money can’t buy and to be happy with what you have. But everyone knows damn well that having money and a good family name and reputation would improve and help you and your family and friends in more ways that the rich person doesn’t seem to understand or even thought about.  

 And last but certainly not least. Kabuto’s not “hot”? I can assume that whoever thinks that probably is the type to focus on the appearance. Kabuto’s appearance is simple and normal. Not this fantasy beautiful unreachable God that many of the fans often love to write fanfiction and fantasize about.   Kabuto literally looks like your neighbor that you could actually marry and have a happy normal life!  He’s not beautiful or outrageous looking because if he was too beautiful or loud, he wouldn’t be doing a good job as a spy as a spy is SUPPOSED to fit in and not stand out too much.  A fact that the Naruto series tends to ignore despite it being a show about NINJAS!    But yes, keep humping your Itachi and Madara body pillows. Especially when one has cancer, and is a chronic liar and the other is a sexist, abusive (obviously gay) bastard. Guess which one is which. 

Whether you read this or not, here’s the truth. 

Kabuto is perfect as his is with all of his good qualities and flaws, and he does not need you or anyone else to tell him otherwise. There’s a reason why there’s a saying, “Kings and Queens Don’t Compete and Waste Their Time With Hoes and Peasants.”  

 Also I would totally let him rail me in his sage mode form.

[fadedstarsfms]

Kesandu Elsayed Intro

MAGGIE, 21+, CST; SHE/HER. | if you’re hearing SEVERED CROSSED FINGERS by ST. VINCENT playing, you have to know KESANDU ELSAYED (SHE/HER; CIS WOMAN) is near by! the 40 year old ROMANCE AUTHOR & PROFESSOR has been in denver for, like, THIRTY YEARS. they’re known to be quite CYNICAL, but being CARING seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble WUNMI MOSAKU. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those STARING AT THE BLANK PAGE BEFORE YOU, HOLDING A SECRET, & TRYING TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK ON TRACK vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around the CHERRY CREEK DISTRICT long enough!

cheating tw, death tw, car crash tw

★𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣★

Birth Date: March 3, 1983 Zodiac: Pisces Gender: Cis Woman Pronouns: She/Her Sexual Orientation: Pansexual Romantic Orientation: Demiromantic

★𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚★

Height: 5′8″ Faceclaim: Wunmi Mosaku Hair color/style: Short, Black Eye color: Brown Tattoos: She has a flower bouquet on her right forearm

★𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮★

Positive Traits: Caring, Hardworking, Organized Neutral Traits: Independent, Honest, Private Negative Traits: Cynical, Confrontational, Stubborn Fears: Abandonment, Humiliation, Not being good enough Goals: Get over her writers block, Travel more, Live her own life Hobbies: Writing, Cooking, Watching shitty tv, Hanging out with her friends and family

★𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩★

Hometown: Denver, Colorado Education: BA in English Fathers: WC on main for adopted fathers!! Siblings: Yazmin Elsayed & Reggie Elsayed

★𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩★

Residence: Cherry Creek District Job: Romance Author & Adjunct Professor at University of Denver Significant Others: No one currently How Long She’s Been Here: Thirty Years

★𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮★

Kesandu grew up with with two very loving adopted fathers along with two younger siblings. They were all a happy family who made sure to travel when the children were young to experience the world, before eventually settling down in Denver. Kesandu had always been interested in writing, making original stories for as long as she remembered, but it wasn't until college that she found that her specialty was writing romance.

Everyone joked that of course it was easy for the romance ideas to come to her, after all her college sweetheart and herself always seemed like the perfect couple. Kesandu fell for them fast and hard and soon after the two of them were married. While Kesandu was supporting her husband's dream of writing the next Great American Novel™️ (yes unfortunately he was also a male author), she was writing her own novels that she never intended to see the light of day. It wasn't until her husband's publicist found some of her writings that she was encouraged to get her work out to the public, and to her surprise it was a hit. Luckily for the world, Kesandu had many ideas already written and just needed to be polished. Soon Kesandu became a well known name within the romance genre and housewives everywhere loved her.

As much as her husband tried to hide his jealousy that Kesandu was becoming more and more famous, it became clear and started to put a strain on their relationship. He eventually started cheating and eventually became less and less worried about covering his tracks. She was about to confront her husband and try to come to a solution with their relationship when she received a call that he had died in a car crash. Not only that, but his partner was in the car with him and passed away as well. She tried her best to keep it out of the press that he was with someone else, after all she didn't want her reputation to be tarnished, but as the years passed she's feeling more and more angry about it.

Now Kesandu has not written a book in years since her husband died, how can she write about a couple being happy when she so clearly had failed in her own relationship? She has since taken up a teaching position at the University of Colorado and has started volunteering her time at the local theater. She wants to write but hasn't gotten over her writer's block.

★𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤��𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨★

It Happened To You - This will be a WC sent in the main but this will be the partner of the person her husband was cheating with. This could be so much fun and dramatic just the two of them knowing what really happened.

Close Friends - She's been here for a while so they've probably known each other if you're a local!

Author Friends - Are you an author? Want to be an author? Here's your chance to have a best selling author as a friend!

Students - She's mostly been teaching the last two or three years or so. Maybe she has taught your muse!

Fans - She left her last book on a cliff hanger with no plans to continue it, maybe you have a bone to pick with her because of it! Or in general maybe you like her stuff (even if it's not romance, I'm sure she has other genres out there that haven't been as big of a hit as romance)

Literally anything please !!

★𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩★

Severed Crossed Fingers by St. Vincent

Washing Machine Heart by Mitski

Night Shift by Lucy Dacus

Not Strong Enough by Boy Genius

I Wish I Were The Moon by Neko Case

The Night We Met by Lord Huron

A Lack of Color by Death Cab for Cutie

Sea of Love by Cat Power

Linger by The Cranberries

Ritual Union by Little Dragon

[maya-matlin]

So sorry to bug you one more time, but I was dying to hear about what you think the differences and similarities between Drew and Bianca are too! I also would love to know what you see them both doing as careers. I feel like Drew would be such a good sports coach, maybe working to make sure trans kids were included as a tribute to Adam. As for Bianca, I always love that she was academically talented - maybe a teacher?

I'll have to think about Drew and Bianca because as much as I love them, they're two more characters that I rarely break down. Obviously, they come from very different worlds. It's unclear what the Torres family's financial status is, but Mr. Torres is a lawyer and they never seem to struggle with money. And though the specifics of Bianca's background are unclear due to Degrassi's recurring classism problem, the fact she finds herself involved with Vince and Anson and KC is easily able to understand her situation implies she grew up in a poorer area, probably not unlike Zig. Both Drew and Bianca overcompensated for their weaknesses or setbacks by leaning into their more charismatic, confident sides to get attention. But while Drew was a popular jock who could get dates, it seemed like Bianca's reputation resulted in her mostly having sexual encounters and not really being considered girlfriend material. At least not until Drew, but only after he somewhat understood what it was like to be an outcast. Not that it was executed well at all. The whole "gross by association" thing only lasted two seconds and wasn't even consistent with how Drew seemed to be perceived during the previous block of episodes. Bianca is very book smart and naturally gifted at academics. Drew was never a great student. Once Bianca was given the encouragement and the means to view higher learning as a possibility, she jumped at it. It's not stated whether or not Drew planned to go to college, but probably not? Every time we get a hint of Drew's life post high school, his career options are mainly things that don't require a degree. Drew was successful when working at the mall kiosk because he was great at handling the customers. Later, Drew and Dallas made plans to start their own party planning business. The main thing he needed was connections to make that a possibility, which he managed to get from Mr. Hollingsworth. Both are pretty outgoing, though I'd say Drew is the more extroverted of the two. Presumably, both view marriage and a family as their eventual end goals. When I break it down like this, they're actually pretty similar. It's just that their energy and personal interests differ.

Whatever Drew does, he'd want to work with people. I love the idea of Drew becoming a coach, but I see that as more of a side gig. When he and Bianca inevitably had kids, he'd want to be involved in their school stuff and probably be on the school board much like his mother was. As for his day job, I could see him successfully running a party planning business. If he becomes a hit with wealthy people, there's no reason to think he couldn't have that as a career. As for Bianca, I'm torn between her going into law and becoming a social worker. I think she'd want something stable and would do well defending criminals. But at the same time, I could also see Bianca wanting to give back and get involved with troubled kids much like she used to be. It could go either way for me.

[ridley-was-a-cat]

Summer 2023 Anime Roundup

Anime of the Season – My Happy Marriage

I had been looking forward to this supernatural-tinged romance set in Taisho-era Japan ever since it was announced in 2022, and it did not disappoint me in the least. It follows a young woman who’s been sent to live with a fiancé without her input after a deeply traumatic childhood marked by physical and emotional abuse spearheaded by her spiteful stepmother and apathetic father. Despite his reputation in society as a cold, callous man who drives women away, her fiancé hides a kind, loyal personality behind a stern front and becomes instrumental to her recovery, encouraging her at every turn to stand tall on her own two feet.

The first half could be a little frustrating at times as the traumatized female lead struggled to speak up for herself and take up space, but that only makes her eventual growth into a more assertive woman all the more satisfying. Her voice actress does a fantastic job of slowly increasing the volume and strength of her voice over the course of the series as Miyo gains confidence. Adding to this performance is a beautiful soundtrack by Evan Call that blends perfectly with the dramatic story and gorgeous backgrounds full of traditional architecture surrounded by blooming flowers. It’s rare to get a joseimuke anime with this high-quality production, and I loved every minute of it. 9/10

First Runner-Up – Bungo Stray Dogs S5

At the beginning of summer, I hadn’t watched any of this series past season 1, but the hype got to me and I picked the series back up halfway through this season. Thank god I did, because this season was incredibly good, with well-animated action, gripping suspense, and a resolution that was both world-altering and intensely personal. 8/10

Second Runner-Up – Undead Murder Farce

A sardonic half-oni man teams up with an immortal severed head and her fierce bodyguard/maid to travel around Europe to pursue the people who stole her body, while solving mysteries involving monsters along the way. The mystery writing was a little uneven and exposition heavy, but the playful dynamic between the characters was magnetic. 8/10

Horimiya: The Missing Pieces – This season consists of the scenes cut from the first adaptation of the manga and lays them out thematically, rather than chronologically like the manga. Taken as a comedic slice of life, I think it works really well, as the vignettes can just sit and be amusing without feeling like they’re stalling for time to avoid ending the series. 8/10

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts – For the first time in almost a decade, we got an anime for a Hana to Yume fantasy romance manga, and this complete adaptation of the story totally hit the spot. Our sacrifice turned queen-to-be was delightfully feisty, and our beast king was perfectly protective and encouraging. 7/10

Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero – I went into this expecting a simple comedy on the ecchi side about a down-and-out hero and the demon lord he defeated ten years ago, and I got that, but I also got a really well-written fantasy story with complex antagonists and a delightful little romance with real chemistry between the titular characters. 7/10

Bleach: TYBW Part 2 – This part of the new season was right back to the problems I had with the original run of the series. The visuals are great, with stylish character designs, nice saturated colors, and smooth animation, but the story relies on stringing together fights between side/minor characters more than it should. 7/10

BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! – I don’t generally watch female idol shows, but everyone’s praise got to me, and I ended up checking this out at the end of the season. The character drama is excellent for the most part, and the music is good, but the 3D CG animation was not my favorite, and Saki felt poorly written just to seed a sequel season. 7/10

MIX S2 – This is the spiritual successor to the 80s series Touch, but it’s loosely related, not a direct sequel, so it stands alone just fine. This high school baseball series has the Adachi standard emotional sucker punch to the gut along with a generous helping of dry humor from its large cast of likeable characters. 7/10

Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari S2 – If this was better animated, this would be a solid shounen action series with a romance subplot. The writing left nothing to complain about, with a large cast of well-rounded characters and a satisfying romance between two characters who actually suit each other. 7/10

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Part 2 – What a complicated series this is to talk about. The art and animation were both pretty good, and the story was at least trying to be deliberate in how it addressed the inequality in its world, but I’m not sure it handled the slavery issue consistently. 7/10

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior – People are starting to complain about all these villainess adaptations, but I’m enjoying this trend of female main characters working to avoid a disastrous end by gathering allies around them. I just wish the visuals for this particular anime weren’t so insipid. 7/10

Edens Zero S2 – This season felt a bit more coherent than the first, being split into two main arcs instead of several smaller ones, and introduced some genuinely tough opponents with tricky abilities, while also revealing secrets about the main crew. 6/10

Sweet Reincarnation – This reincarnation isekai does very little to distinguish itself from the rest of the crowded field of isekai, but it didn’t have an RPG menu and the pastry chef turned precocious lesser noble didn’t push Japanese food on the people of the other world, so I kept watching. 6/10

The Misfit of Demon King Academy S2 – Season 1 of this series was such a fun genre-savvy romp, but this season was a tedious Proper Noun fantasy that was extremely confusing and basically no fun to watch. 5/10