#i actually try to be mindful of this tendency when i'm meeting new people because i always fear i'll seem weird or uncanny if i pick up on

[the-eclectic-wonderer]

For the assumption ask game! Like you said in your ask to me, it's pretty hard to come up with something, especially something based purely on your fics, because we've talked about so much already 😂 but let's see...

I'm not sure how to explain this properly, but I think music ties into the way you love people? In a sense that you probably have a song for everyone you care about — and you'd treasure it forever if someone burned a CD especially for you

And I'm pretty sure you have a keen sense for the way people speak — in a sense that I *think* you pick up on people's little speech quirks very quickly and have a great time with it!

Oooh! These are both very interesting and insightful observations -- and both of them are correct!

I think music ties into the way I experience the world in general -- and that includes the people I love, yes! I definitely have at least one song/singer/even genre I associate to each important person in my life -- and sometimes even to recent friends or acquaintances. I also do this with characters and stories I love, but that's a bit more common, I believe 😂 oh, if someone were to burn a CD especially for me I'd propose marriage right then and there, ngl :')

I think you're spot on about the second assumption too, although it feels like something that should be confirmed from an outside source. I know I tend to pick up on accents very quickly -- whenever I spend even half an hour with someone who has a different accent than mine, I end up speaking just like them for a quite a while! 😂 it's not an intentional thing, just a thing I do, and it has been pointed out to me several times! Speech patterns and quirks fall into the same umbrella for me -- I pick them up easily and remember them well. And whenever I think about it, I have a lot of fun picking them apart and figuring out which phrases and cadences make someone sound like themselves :)

Kudos to you for your great insight! I'm kind of surprised these things can be picked up from my writing 😂 you're very observant! And thanks for sending your assumptions, this game is a lot of fun!

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Keep Thinking About Gale x Single Mom!Tav

A/N: Shout-out to @leighsartworks216 for letting me ramble to them about it. I just need to get all this stuff rattling around in my brain out.

I know, I know, Gale repeatedly says he's not father material, but have you considered that I want him to be a dad anyway and it's cute

So in my brain this single mom is named Gwen (Guinevere); a half-elf, wild magic sorceress

She came from a fairly well to do family, married a handsome and acceptably rich merchant and soon had a child on the way

Problems came when she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who also happened to be a teifling

Seen as a bad omen, both her family and husband wanted her to give up the child, she refused causing her husband to leave her and her family to reject her

She didn't let that stop her though and soon she found a new home for her and Clara

Over the next eight years she worked hard to build a life for herself and make sure Clara never doubted for a moment she was loved

Gwen knew the world would be hard on her girl, so she made a point to build up her confidence and teach her it's never wrong to fight back when people are treating you unfairly; you can't take that shit lying down

Blunt and a bit intense, Gwen has seen and done plenty of shit and thought she finally had a handle on her life; and then she got kidnapped by illithids

Still haven't played the game, so I can't give a play by play of every interaction, but I do know early game she would be a bit distracted

Obviously her first goal is to figure out if her daughter is okay so it frankly is the only thing on her mind until she gets her hand on a sending scroll or something like it

Only after does she confirm that Clara is safe and with people she trusts can she focus on the task at hand

Takes a liking to Gale basically from the word go; he's respectful, he know hows to cook, he keeps making comments about his tongue, there is only so much a woman can handle

Gods know it has been a while since she's gotten laid

He starts rambling about magic and she can't not fuck him

Gale is hesitant at first because first the orb, second Gwen has made no secret she had a child and Gale doesn't see himself as father material, and three because he does really, really like her and doesn't want to make promises he can't keep

I'd say they're able to meet Clara before they head come to Baldur's Gate so Gale and the rest can meet her earlier; and to give Gwen some peace of mind

Clara is a very curious and headstrong, both of which Gale can appreciate; he can see why Gwen was so determined to get back to her, which only makes him admire her more

Also, quick aside about the rest of the companions; Wyll and Karlach would be ready to baby sit at any given moment, Lae'zel admires the child's fighting spirit and absolutely gifted her a sword, Shadowheart enjoys her more mischievous tendencies, and Astarion is classic wine aunt who hates all kids except Clara (he's been helping her stage of coup of the swing set)

Eventually feelings are confessed between Gale and Gwen leading to a proper relationship (and Gwen actually getting laid)

Gwen is absolutely not having it with him trying to blow himself up or becoming a god

Mystra: You must destroy yourself and the orb. Gale: Alright, let me ask Gwen. Mystra: No, that's not--. Gale: She said no.

Once everything is said and done, I'm going back and forth on if they would settle in Waterdeep

Clara has friends and it would be hard to ask her to leave, but I think Gale could compromise and get a position at a different magical university closer by

Either way, Gale settles into the domestic life rather nicely and dives head first into being the best father to Clara he can be

He absolutely devours every parenting book he can get his hands on, only to throw it all out the window once he's actually in it; Gwen did warn him, but old habits and all that

Probably waits a little longer to actually get married to see how they all function as a family together first; plus he wants to properly ask Clara if she's okay with him marrying her mother

I've got other random thoughts, but that about covers it for now, if you want to know more, feel free to drop an ask! I'm up for anything.

[sparklingsin]

— lost time | ron weasley

+ ron weasley x witch!reader

boy, the lack of ron fics on here is saddening. my goofy king is so under-rated so i just had to write someting. this is purely self-indulgent because i'm obsessed with auror!ron and miss hogwarts. can you imagine dancing with ron in auror robes? swoon.

tags: fluff, getting-together, aged up/adults, after hogwarts

You're not sure how long you've been staring. It might have been an embarrassing amount of time — if you cared to check.

Time has been good to him. He is taller than you remember, lankier than ever, cheeks hollowing out and accentuating his strong, angled jaw. He's dressed in Auror robes no doubt, the thick black material cutting into the pale, freckled flesh and contrasting tastefully with his fiery red hair.

You spot Harry Potter beside him, who, to no one's surprise, is surrounded by a swarm of people as Ron snickers at him from the edges of the group. Harry throws him a disgruntled look. Their boyish tendencies make you smile, as your mind's eye turns back in time, to your years at Hogwarts.

While most people in your year had been obsessing over the Boy who Lived, you had had your eyes set out for his best friend. He had been, after all, your then closest friend's brother. But nothing had ever happened except for him once borrowing a quill from you and then he was someone else's.

And now, years later, there's just a small flutter in your heart at the sight of him. The dysrhythmia induced by a school girl crush has long disappeared but he's plenty handsome and that is hard to ignore.

"If you'd like me to introduce you, you need only say the word," Ginny's voice stirs you out of your daze.

You blush, tearing your gaze away from the red-head and look at the witch beside you. There's an all too familiar glint in her eyes that makes you frown. You had already caught up with each other several minutes ago, delighted at finally being able to meet each other at this Hogwarts Reunion, which was otherwise impossible because of your busy schedules.

"It's Harry you should be worried about," you retort, gesturing at the sea of innumerable witches he has now disappeared amidst.

"Ron's not seeing anyone at the moment," Ginny notes nonchalantly and you almost choke on your drink.

"It was a school crush, Ginevra," you mutter, but your words sound hollow to yourself as you watch Ron Weasley tilt his head back and laugh at something Luna Lovegood had just said.

"If only you had told me before year seven...," she mumbles, trailing off into her own thought. Only when Harry, Ron and Hermione had famously left their last year at Hogwarts to go on a quest to save the world (a story that was now a bed time tale for the new generation of wizards and witches) did you confess to Ginny that you had had an unrequited crush on her brother. But then the world almost ended, lives were lost and you lost touch with your only link to the Weasleys.

"If only. Too bad a dark, evil wizard was trying to kill us all," you mutter and Ginny throws you a look.

"You're actually perfect for Ron, you know," she remarks and you sigh, sipping the last of the enchanted beer.

"Why are you trying to play cupid, anyway? Do you not have people to meet? Hear Slughorn's looking for you," you say, in a vain effort to change the subject.

"He was?" Ginny asks, suddenly perking up and looking around with a troubled expression.

"If he asks for me again, I was never here," she whispers, slinking off into the crowd and out of sight.

Finally managing to shake off the flaming presence of one, adamant Weasley, you weave your way towards the bar. You order another round of the butter beer and look off to your left and back, only to find yourself standing beside... Ron Weasley himself.

"Hi," you say, a little out of breath, having been caught like a deer in headlights. He looks shocked too, not expecting someone to ambush him at the bar counter.

"I'm Y/N L/N," you add, trying to compose yourself and smile awkwardly.

"Oh...Y/N...?" his expression remains blank.

"Ginny and I used to be close...," you say, trying hard not to let the disappointment shine through in your voice.

"Ahh," Ron mumbles looking away and you're not convinced that means anything to him.

You wish the ground would open and swallow you whole. You're about to make a run for it and apparate, to save yourself from the embarrassment, when Ron speaks up.

"You wouldn't happen to be the girl who set Dean and Ginny up back then, did you?" he asks, as he gestures for the bar tender - Mrs. Rosmerta's son you've learnt.

You frown. "No, I don't think that was me. Why?" you ask, curious.

"Oh they were trouble, don't know why anybody thought they were a good idea," he mutters and you chuckle.

"'Suppose it's better having your best friend date your sister," you note, grateful for an excuse to keep the conversation going.

Ron turns towards you. "You'd think. But every time he's home, she takes up all his bloody time," he murmurs, so very sincerely, that you can't help but laugh.

"Don't tell him I said that though," he says, turning his head to look at Harry in the crowd who has finally managed to find his way to his old friends. "Don't need his head getting any bigger."

You grin. "I doubt it'll ever come up but I'll keep it in mind," you chirp, pausing to take a sip of the drink hat the bar-tender's handed to you.

You fall into easy conversation then, the awkwardness disappearing as Ron's smile gets wider and you start feeling more relaxed. He's sitting much closer to you now, drink in hand, smelling slightly like an old comforter and toothpaste and you're so happy, you've forgotten your drink beside you.

"We had a good run here," Ron is saying. He looks up and around him, at the adorned walls of the Great Hall and you nod.

"She's still so beautiful," you murmur, looking at the ceiling that has been bewitched to twinkle like with sky with stars today.

Ron sighs, wistfully. "Merlin, I miss Hogwarts."

"What do you miss the most?"

"Everything, you know, the food, the teachers, these halls, the dormitories. Blimey, even the classes, the girls—"

"What was so bad about the girls?" you ask, pretending to be offended and Ron's ears turn red.

"No, hell, I mean, it was so difficult to talk to girls back then.... but I'd take that over what I have going on right now."

He looks at you sheepishly, running a hand through his hair.

You frown at him.

"What do you mean?"

"What with work and everything, you know, there's no time," he admits, sighing.

"I'm sure any witch would make time for a wizard like you," you muse, eyes twinkling.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ron echoes, quirking an eyebrow at you but there's a playfulness to his tone.

"I mean— you're an Auror— a great, distinctly famous wizard— and a good man from what I've heard," you say, as the red-head's eyebrows shoot up higher.

"And you're gorgeous," you add after a beat, not quite looking at him but Ron turns crimson. It's bold, for your standards and you decide to blame the beer.

"It's not that easy you know," he says after a moment, clearing his throat.

You look back at him through your eyelashes. There's a new shine in his eyes, a little pucker at the corner of his lips that makes your heart beat a little faster.

You're in the mood to play, so you lean over. "Oh, it's not? Do tell..."

"Well, I've been sat here twenty minutes," he says, leaning closer, voice dropping low, "...trying to rack up the nerve to ask a witch out for a dance and been failing spectacularly so far."

A shiver travels down your back and you tongue the inside of your cheek to keep from grinning. "Maybe try now?"

Ron suppresses a grin.

"Do you...," he's turned a slight shade of pink and you can't help but smile.

"Do you reckon you'd like to dance with me?" he asks, running a hand through his hair, tousling it and you have a mad urge to smooth it out but resist. There's a blush tinting his cheeks but the bashful grin on his face makes your cheeks heat up.

"I'd like that," you whisper as Ron stands up and bows before you, extending his hand.

You weave through a large part of the crowd hand in hand, to a somewhat empty space is the middle and Ron pulls you close to himself, taking one of your hands in his and placing a gentle one on your waist, taking the lead.

You blush a little, surprised by the charge he takes. You definitely like this cooler, confident Ron with bits of awkwardness and goofiness sprinkled in.

"You're a lot different than I remember," you blurt out, regretting it the minute the words roll off your tongue.

To your surprise, Ron looks amused.

"You have memories from school about me?"

You start swaying to the music, falling quite easily into the step of waltz.

Trapped. "Well...I was one of your sister's closest friends and you were only one of the most famous wizard's best friend," you say quickly, before you can embarrass yourself more by letting out your secret.

The song slows down, as you gently sway to the music, painfully aware of how warm Ron's breath is on your face. The hall is quieter now, the couples swaying silently on the floor as others watch and the gravity of the situation sinks in.

You're dancing with Ron Weasley.

You try to contain the flurry of butterflies erupting in your stomach at the realisation, but it's hard to focus when he's so gently holding you against him. You dance in quiet embrace for the rest of the song, fighting a losing hormonal battle, and just as it segues into something slightly faster, Ron spins you out on one arm.

"I'm sorry I don't remember you from school much," he says softly.

It's nothing— it's a pinch, a paper cut if anything. You already know he doesn't remember you but you can't help the flutter of disappointment in your chest his words.

You roll back into his arm gracefully and look up into his piercing blue eyes.

"Quite a shame really, you'd think I'd not be stupid and remember one of the most beautiful witches I've ever seen," he says, a genuineness in his eyes that makes you falter.

You freeze briefly in your little step, a wave of heat erupting over your chest at his swift words. School-girl-you would've melted into a puddle on the floor at these words, but adult-you knows better and wills your rapidly beating heart to slow down.

"You'd think so," you reply breathily, feigning disappointment and Ron chuckles.

"I'm sorry. You've got to excuse teenage Ron, he was a right git," he says and you can't help but laugh.

"I forgive him," you say. "We were all gits when we were sixteen."

"You know," he pipes again, pulling you away from the center of the floor. The music has turned faster now and by the time he's pulled you to the very edges, the floor is a chaotic flurry of limbs.

"We could make up for lost time."

You quirk up an eyebrow at him, surprised by his forwardness.

"For someone who was struggling to ask me for a dance only minutes ago, you're being awfully direct."

Ron blushes but the grin on his face grows wider.

"Something an old friend told me about letting people know you fancy them when you fancy them," he mumbles and you quirk an amused eyebrow at him.

"You fancy me?"

He smiles sheepishly. "I thought it was obvious," he quips, pulling you closer by your fingers.

"I'd like to get to know you better then," you whisper. Ron smiles down warmly at you, turning your stomach to mush.

"I'd like to get to know you better too," he says, and his smile quickly turns into a smirk.

"Your place or mine?"

i write for harry & ron (and possibly others if inspiration strikes) please send in requests and your thoughts!

[givemewallywestorgivemedeath]

I've seen a few people talking about how Barry and Wally's parent/child relationship now that they're both adults is unhealthily codependent and that Barry's the cause of Wally's daddy issues and need for therapy, and Wally being better than him now gave Barry an inferiority complex and suicidal tendencies. Can we get some panels showing this side of their relationship?

No? Because the panels don't exist.

There isn't anything 'unhealthily codependent' about their relationship? Codependency is when people in a relationship are so dependent that they struggle to make decisions without input, don't consider their own wants or needs, and try to control the other person's life. Codependency usually involves living together/near constant contact and communication.

And none of that is even remotely applicable to Barry and Wally. At any point in their lives.

Let's be real here, Barry gave Wally more freedom as a child than literally any other mentor. Barry's whole mentor philosophy was letting Wally forge his own path and giving advice when Wally asked for it. Wally did his own nightly patrol. Wally did his own missions. Wally fought his own battles.

And when he asked for help? Barry was there in a heartbeat.

What that does is foster independent thinking and self-sufficiency. Wally was allowed to become his own hero in a controlled environment. If things ever got really bad then Barry would be there, but for the most part Barry was just moral support.

And Barry died when Wally was 19. Wally did the majority of his Flash career without Barry. Honestly, if Barry hadn't given Wally the tools and opportunities to build such a strong foundation as a kid, then I don't think Wally would have survived long as the Flash. It's a testament to Barry's mentorship that a 19 year old kid could step into the shoes of an experienced hero and uphold that legacy without stumbling.

And even in current comics, with Barry and Wally both back and interacting, there isn't any codependency. Like. At all. They both have their own separate lives. Being family and doing family bonding activities and meeting up on the job isn't codependency, that's kinda just how healthy relationships work? You spend time together.

Also not really sure why it'd be fine when Wally was a kid but weird now that he's an adult? People don't just cut contact with their parents and older relatives when they hit 18. That's... not a thing. "Sorry, mom and dad. I love you but I'm an adult now so I can never see you again or it'd be weird. Goodbye forever."

As for Wally's daddy issues, why the fuck would anyone but Rudy be to blame for that? The man abused his son, tried to murder his mother, tried to sell him to a cult, hired assassins to beat and kidnap him, started a child labor camp with landmines, ect, ect. Barry actually being a father figure in his life helped fix the issues that Rudy created.

Also also. Barry is nothing but thrilled about what Wally has accomplished in life. Because he's a proud father.

There was a brief period of time where Eobard Thawne brainwashed Barry and Wally to make them fight all the time. People sometimes point to that and say that their relationship has issues. But they were actively brainwashed?? And not in their right state of mind because Thawne wanted them at each other's throats. And they immediately apologized to each other when they broke free. So. Not really a great argument tbh.

But yeah, TLDR: Wally does need therapy but not because of Barry and Barry does have suicidal tendencies but not because of Wally. Their relationship is only 'unhealthily codependent' if you don't know what those two words mean and made up new definitions for them. They are probably the most normal, healthy and successful mentor/mentee relationship in all of comics.

[thispatternismine]

ATLA live action impressions part 2

Following on from last night's post, here are my impressions of eps 5-8

Still really loved it. Gonna be tarred & feathered for this but I actually like it better than the animated show

Highlights:

Ozai giving Zuko credit for finding the Avatar. There's this weird idea in the fandom that Ozai never intended to take Zuko back. Even though we saw him do exactly that at the beginning of Book 3. Yes he set an impossible task, but when Zuko (apparently) achieved it, he was like 'ok yeah cool - you have met my standards'. Sure, there's no way Zuko would have continued to meet those standards if he'd stuck around, but Ozai did actually keep his word. The fact that he does it to make sure Azula knows she's overstepped & remind her she's replaceable, is an especially nice touch

Getting to see how Azula is treated by her father. I've seen way too many people try to claim Azula was never abused because she wasn't literally set on fire like he was. Never mind that she avoided that fate only because she was able to meet his standards. And having to constantly strive to meet the standards set by someone who thinks 'find a guy who's been missing for a century' is a suitable task to set his kid is abuse.

Another annoying tendency of the fandom is to flanderise Ozai into some diabolical caricature who spends all his time thinking up new ways to torment poor Zuzu, so having that scene of him banishing Zuko was a nice touch. He genuinely believes he is being a good dad & raising his kid to be strong (note: This isn't me saying Ozai is right - I'm saying he thinks he's right.)

The 41st Division 😭

Iroh & Ozai interacting with each other

Gyatso!

I spy some female soldiers! A problem with the animated show was that it's all well & good deciding that the Fire Nation has female soldiers, but bias is a thing & 99.9% of the time if you ask someone to draw a soldier it'll be a man. Yeah sure they all stayed to guard the Fire Nation that's why we didn't see any till Book 3 suuure

"Anything you need." "It has to do with Koh." "Anything but that." DYING

Aang's whole speech to Zuko about how helpful his notebook was (let's be real Iroh probably sighed & told him it was a waste of time so this was the first time he heard 'Hey good job on the Avatar research!') & the way they bonded before he unwittingly set Zuko off

"Quit it before they think there's something wrong with you. More than there already is."

"The Firelord deems your performance... below average." OOF. Pretty sure that's the worst thing you can possibly say to Azula. She'd much rather be told she sucked outright than just 'meh'

Waterbender Yue

Non-arsehole Hahn

Using Kuruk lore from the Kyoshi books!

I like the changes to the NWT siege. Having the spirits' mortality be an occasional, temporary thing to gain an appreciation of life that occurs during a full moon when the powers of those who will protect them in that state are at their peak, makes more sense than permanent vulnerability that relies on nobody finding out. Also never made sense that a naval officer was stationed in a fucking desert & was able to just take time off to go through a spirit library, so having Zhao find his info from the Fire Sages works better IMO. I do hope we'll still get the spirit library though

Ozai's lil eyetwitch when Azula backtalked him like if you agree

Haven't mentioned yet but I love the costumes in this

Also never mentioned Momo, the Real Hero of ATLA

Sokka continues to be awesome

Lowlights:

June calling Iroh cute & fawning over him. Normally I'd think it's unfair for the live action version of a character to be held accountable for what the animated version did, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Like og!Iroh's groping of June being treated like a joke has been called out many times so they fucking had to know what they were doing

Why isn't Azula's fire blue? We got like 1 second of it & that's it. Maybe consistent blue flames are a power up she'll obtain later idk

[pomefioredove]

im not sure if the 500 followers event/matchup includes anon asks but i'll try. (if you can maybe both platonic and romantic??)

i usually prefer they/them pronouns but im more generally gender fluid. im also asexual (not aromantic so i do get romantic feelings but its just harder for me to fall in love or develop a crush on someone). im in my early twenties (so definitely older than the main cast). im incredibly short (4"11/149cm but i think i've grown but not entirely sure how many). so i am quite insecure about my height especially when you're the shortest of the family. my main hobby is writing and reading. but im currently on writer's block so i haven't written anything longer than a chapter these past few months because of college. i also play games quite a lot but nothing like fps or any horror games.

im usually quiet when meeting with new people and once i get comfortable, i can get chaotic and i let out a couple of dark humor jokes here and there. and i prefer to stay indoors rather than outdoors. however, i wouldn't mind going out with people that i actually like/am close with. also, i tend to curse a lot and a bit tomboyish. i can also get a bit harsh with my words if i dont think on what i say and just say it outright.

also, dont rush and take your time. i know how stressful writing can be at times so there's no pressure in answering this one. thank you!

I match you with 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 (romantic)

okay hear me out.

The First Impression:

"Not my circus, not my monkeys" Leona could not be bothered to take on more than he already has to, and that includes meeting new people. The first time you run into each other, it doesn't exactly leave a lasting impression. And the second time, the third... the fourth time you end up in the same place at the same time, you're basically as close as you can get to friends.

Why He Fell:

Honestly? It was your sense of humor.

Leona just... wasn't expecting it. For someone who seems like a prey animal, quiet and meek, hearing such a morbid joke coming from your mouth catches him off guard. It takes a lot of wit to come up with something like that, after all. You actually manage to make him laugh. You might as well be married at that point.

Obviously, there's more to you than meets the eye, and Leona suddenly doesn't mind hanging out with you more often.

The Relationship:

He ends up sticking to you like glue. If he's going to be stuck at this lousy school, he may as well surround himself with people he tolerates, right?

Well, he more than tolerates you. He likes you. (But good luck trying to get him to admit that out loud).

Over time, Leona finds himself caring more and more about you as a person. Your interests, your likes and dislikes, your home life... suddenly, he has this whole catalogue of information about you and he doesn't know what to do with it. So, he just hangs out with you.

Every little detail, he likes. You want to stay in? No problem, so does he. Your tomboyish tendencies? Perfect, he's glad you're not fussy. He convinces you to tell him one of your stories "to fall asleep to", but he ends up staying awake 'til the end.

Leona is oddly sensitive about your feelings, too. Once he finds out you're insecure of your height because of your family, he never brings it up again- and you can be sure that anyone who does is in for it.

Short Platonic Blurb w/Tweels

since you asked! I'm trying to limit this to one matchup per person, but I'm glad to do a brief platonic summary. I just think both Jade and Floyd would be enamored with your sense of humor and chaos, they would find it fascinating. If you were feeling insecure about your height, Floyd would offer to let you sit on his shoulders for funsies. They're the friends who drag you outside (once you're comfortable with them ofc)

[monocle-teacup]

Hi! I am glad that someone is interested in my posts! I think it would be more comfortable to respond to your reblog this way, if you don't mind, of course.

- On the lack of a first name

I agree, this was most likely the original plan, but it seems to me that by the end of the season the authors decided to make a completely black-and-white morality, so they had to dehumanize Meridian, and revealing the name and the emotional scene between him and Alex would not help this new idea. I don't blame it on the need to develop the plot quickly, because literally one or two lines of dialogue would fix it. So it was the authors who probably decided to go this way.

-The circumstances around him losing his arm

I understand this, and what surprises me is that there was not a single flashback or further details about this fateful event in the character's life. For example, at the GHOST base, in addition to working for Croft, he was looking for a cure for himself. The viewer could be shown some kind of screen with X-rays or diagrams in the background, where we could see some additional structures that were added by Arachnamechs. That would be an interesting little detail.

-The deal with him and Croft

Yes! I really like the way Meridian worked at these moments, his emotions and attitude towards Croft are obvious, as is her attitude towards him. My problem is that it looks like a puzzle with about 1/5 of the pieces missing. We understand what kind of picture should be in front of us, but the key point is missing. Meridian has been drafted and is supposed to hate the entire organization, not just Croft, but he's not trying to destroy the GHOST or kill other employees. Croft treats him not just as an employee who needs to be exploited to the last, until there is no replacement, as the head of a large villainous organization would behave. No, she does not feel such a level of inner hostility and does not show it towards other employees, only towards Meridian. I got the impression that there must have been a personal conflict between them, some specific event or series of events that made them hate each other. But here either the authors did not want to delve into this additional plot, or they did not come up with a reason.

I'm always up for chatting about Mandroid and other aspects of ES! It's actually quite nice to be able to actually discuss Mandroid's character deeper since IMO there's a lot to talk about.

The thing that gets me is that in the show's Production Bible, Mandroid's character description outright refers to him as a tragic villain. It's like the writers were afraid to actually explore this concept fully since that would go against the show's obsession with making humans that hate Cybertronians automatically terrible people.

There really needs to be a Battle of the Bay flashback not just for Mandroid, but so many other characters as well. Dot lost her leg in that conflict and it's when Megatron switched sides. But nope, the show was too busy bludgeoning the audience with the whole importance of family thing.

The thing about Mandroid is that from what's been shown he only goes after humans if they interfere with his plans (the Maltos) or in Croft's case, treat him like garbage. I see some fan content where it has him going after random humans when he just wouldn't do that. His main concern is Transformers not people.

I've made a post about this before, but IMO Mandroid and Croft are good foils to each other. If Mandroid is fire then Croft is ice. Croft is a very frigid person in general going by her interactions with Schloder and when she tries to arrest Dot and Alex. As ridiculous as her master plan of conquering Cybertron is, it does fit in nicely with her control freak tendencies. I mean, she has a personal army of mindless robots while Mandroid went out of his way to give the Arachnamechs personality. I have this headcanon where the two just instantly disliked each other upon first meeting.

[strawglicks]

Sorry for the ramble in your inbox incoming- I'm a really huge fan of your analysis type posts like the ones about Cathal and recently Flint ;A; So I hope its ok to maybe throw in my own 2 cents about Cogs/their society- (Sorry this gets rambly I thought about this last night and writing this like an hour after waking up lol)

I think what alot of people kind of (I wouldnt say ignore- more of:) don't really get is that I dont believe characters like Cathal or Flint have bad tendencies because they really want to in a way, (I kind of worded that poorly but point is) but because their society rewards and encourages that type of behavior. I think you said something kind of similar on Cathals post- But especially for Flint, whose a Bossbot (Who are literally the embodiment of a toxic workplace and elitism. I believe a old snippet from the TTO magazines says "They have no real skills of their own, just the ability to push down others and stay on top!" Or something to that nature.) he has to be demanding and imposing. There is no benefit to him in being kind. (Like looking at Misty for example) And don't get me wrong I don't believe that if Flint and Cathal were removed from Cog society they'd be better/objectively nicer (Like Flint not being condescending to Toons and Cathal not making people do things for him and being encouraged to try) But I do wonder how much of it is pressure, or how much of it is egged on and rewarded. Atleast in the aspects it relates to how they treat others.

(..And also I wonder what happens to Cogs that don't get jobs and are seen as ..not functioning. Since Graham was freaking the hell out in "Meeting Of Two Minds" over the possibility of not getting the job. I have a whole thing about this actually in my oc lore but thats another thing entirely I'll write about someday I swear)

Also I gasped when I saw the doodle of Graham in the MSI shirt finally a MSI listener Graham truther. I think he'd like the album "How I Learned To" and of course "You'll Rebel To Anything". I associate him mainly with the songs "Lights Out", "On It", and "You're No Fun Anymore" :p (This has been my favorite band since I was like 13 and now I get to spill all my opinions xD) I always imagined him doing the guitar backbend their bassist does! And my final hc is that Flint plays bass and Graham plays the main guitar. I think it fits them .. some people overlook bass when its actually pretty hard to learn from what I hear and vital to the song. (Like heres Feel Good Inc w/o the bass.. feels wrong x_x)

Anyways thanks for reading ;A; take care and happy new year!

RAHHHH EATING THIS UP YUM YUM YUM YES YES YOU GET IT

THe biggest issue with Cogs Inc is that it REWARDS and ENCOURAGES these poor behaviors, worsening these characters as people. ESPECIALLY cathal considering the position of power they’re in. I’m sure it applies to a ton of other cogs too, but unfortunately I haven’t gotten to them yet bc I’m not as insane abt them . LMAO

And yeah since cogs are literally built for work, it’s a wonder what happens to those who can’t find a job as easily as others. Hoping that gets built on since it’s clear in MOTM that these cogs have to actually apply and go to interviews and probably face some trial and error to land a job, just like people IRL.

ALSO. THE BAND HCS. I love it and you’re SOOOO RIGHT about the backbend that is so grahamcore. And yes I’m pretty sure Flint does play bass, I think his creator mailman said smth abt that on their blog . AND IM SO GLAD YOU BROUGHT UP FEEL GOOD INC bc i did draw flint in a demon days shirt in that same animatic . And ive def drawn them in the same shirt a couple times in the past too . I’ve always imagined him to be a Gorillaz fan, maybe graham too

Anyway ty for these thoughts im eating them up and leaving no crumbs . I love when ppl come to ramble in my inbox bc discussing this stuff IS SO FUN and a good outlet for me esp when i might be having art burnout rn .

[batrachised]

please i need your thoughts on perry from the emily books, dump everything into a masterpost, he needs more love and attention <3

perry, oh perry, wherefore art thou Perry?

I'm afraid if you're looking for articulate thoughts on Perry I have very little to offer; my thoughts are more like "I Like Him :)" He's just a very fun, true to life character. In particular I think about how he is somewhat a foil to Teddy. Teddy we rarely get to see speak for himself, while Perry's voice is upfront and present throughout the book. This post is about Perry though, not Teddy, and so Perry away we shall.

There are two things that come to mind when I think of Perry Miller: (1) his support of Emily, which is a sharp contrast to others around her, and (2) his unwavering belief and confidence in himself. Rereading the books, there are frequently moments when Perry either stands up for Emily or protects her, although it can be very clumsily. There's a scene where iirc, she drops her penny in church and it's loud, and so he immediately drops his too. He makes a face during prayer which makes Emily laugh, and immediately takes the blame when she gets in trouble for it. In a typical LMM way this equally translates to Perry's faults (ie, his refusal to take no for an answer and sheer inability to be humbled is a double-edged sword), but a lot of the time Emily is put down by others, and Perry provides a satisfying contrast to that.

Now we come to my favorite aspect of Perry Miller: this boy is determinedly confident. I'm thinking here of this particular scene:

Perry Miller is someone who goes after what he wants and with gusto. What's more, he rarely does it gracefully. We have the repeated proposals to Emily, and we also have the hilarious scene where he's visiting the influential politician for dinner and makes every faux pas imaginable. He writes terrible poetry unashamedly despite everyone groaning over it, he's bold enough to to propose to Emily and thickheaded enough to keep trying. Speaking broadly, Perry is someone who is not self aware. This sounds like a negative trait, but it's actually why he's so appealing. He's an excellent example of how someone's greatest strength is usually also their greatest weakness. I think you could read Perry as arrogant, but in a way, I think his lack of self awareness represents true humility. It's like that CS Lewis quote:

“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call 'humble' nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.”

Now I'll add the disclaimer that I'm probably skimming over significant scenes here because my memory is as watertight as a sieve. Perry is definitely flawed; many times, his attempts at being thoughtful are actually very thoughtless, and he is the epitome of bullheaded. But he's also charming, and to me he's charming for the reasons listed in that CS Lewis quote above.

Looking at his character through more of a modern internet lens, I think I also like Perry because he is someone who is not afraid (or perhaps aware) of being cringeworthy. We all are familiar with the internet culture's tendency to denounce things as cringe (is that outdated now?) when a lot of the time, it's just someone trying something new with all the grace of a first timer (or in worst case scenarios, it's literally children playing--like, sure, that 12 year old's cover of her favorite song might not be artistically fantastic, but does it need to be?) Perry defies this. I'm thinking of his poetry; it's awful, sure, but you know what? He created something. It reminds me of that story girl quote where Peter says something about how no matter what people may jeer, he created something that hadn't existed before with his poem (and on that note, Peter reminds me a lot of Perry). Perry shoots for the stars and lands on his face quite a lot, but he doesn't let that stop him. Idk, I don't have much more to say that "man i like that dude."

[gregorovitch-adler]

The codependency in Johnlock-

I was thinking about this today.

In Many Happy Returns, John says, "I can tell you what to do. You can stop being dead."

He's drinking a lot and he still hasn't moved past the 'please stop being dead' thing since TRF. Everyone else has moved on with their lives but John is still stuck at that point. He's still grieving deeply even after two years.

If Sherlock hadn't returned to London, if he'd actually died, John would've been fixated on that thing for the rest of his life. Sure, he started dating Mary and was going to propose to her in that restaurant but I really don't think he would've been quite invested in that relationship with her

(He's not invested in that relationship with her even in Sherlock's presence but still. You get my point.)

If Sherlock had died, he would've just drunk a lot, with sleepless nights, self blaming, survivor's guilt, etc and his suicidal tendencies would've returned.

He would've married Mary, life would've continued normally (on the surface) and at one point John would've come to about Mary's criminal record. He would've still got to know about that even in that situation because of CAM (or through some other source).

Double heartbreak. John would've been completely alone in this whole world.

He doesn't get along with Harry, he doesn't mention his parents at all- probably they're not in the picture- and he doesn't have any other friends apart from Sherlock. Mike tried to reach out him in ASIP but John's response, in turn, was quite cold.

He wasn't quite keen on continuing his profession as a GP (we'd seen that much in The Blind Banker). He would've gone to his new clinic for some time but he would've done his job in a half-arsed way.

He didn't have any other hobbies either. He'd stopped updated his blog after Sherlock's supposed death.

I believe if Sherlock had died for real with no possibility of coming back, it's quite a high possibility that John would've committed suicide, eventually.

The same thing happens in Series 3. John gets married. Sherlock's drug addiction has relapsed.

J-What kind of case would need you doing this?

S-I might as well ask you why you’ve started cycling to work. (X)

This theme is surprisingly carried over to S4 as well even if that season doesn't feel connected to the rest of the show.

John abandons Sherlock after Mary's death. Sherlock is high out of his mind, weeks away from death, he's going crazy in 221 B.

John is at his own place in The Lying Detective, drinking way too much once again, clearly not okay. He's just this 👌🏻 close to dying as well. (He's grieving for Mary but lack of Sherlock's presence is also a contributory factor).

John has pushed Sherlock away himself and he's actively hating on him in this episode but he even in that state he obviously needs Sherlock (he'd never admit it but it's quite clear that he does).

John's desperation was obvious in the beginning of His Last Vow too.

J-Is it Sherlock Holmes you're looking for? Because I haven't seen him in ages.

M- A month.

He's visibly angry and frustrated at literally everyone who's NOT Sherlock. He's dying to meet him even if it's only been a month since his wedding day.

So what I'm trying to say is, as much as I love Johnlock, I can't overlook this unbelievable amount of codependency in their relationship. It's unhealthy but fun to have a close look at.

You try separating them from each other, they'll become physically miserable and they will throw themselves in front of fatal danger which would eventually lead to their death in quite a short period of time.

I used to think that 'I can't live without you' was supposed to be a cliché. Just an exaggeration that people say to their significant others.

Apparently that's not the case with Sherlock and John. It becomes quite literal when these two are concerned.

Conclusion- If you write a Holmes adaptation or a story, you don't ever seperate Holmes and Watson from each other. You do that and you watch them die (for real, this isn't even an exaggeration).

D'you know what's actually frustrating?

It's the fact that the creators of this show already knew about this. They were the ones who wrote their version of Holmes and Watson like that and the above mentioned subplots are taken from their show. They wrote it in that way themselves. The codependency and everything.

And yet they did exactly that. Separate Holmes from his Watson, that is (in TST and TLD).

They broke the rules of their own show and that's why here I am, ranting about the show even in 2023 lol.

[matenrou-fan]

can i request jakurai with a s/o who is around his age and also a medical worker and is quite soft and caring irl, but likes to dom him in bed?

Jakurai with NB! s/o who is a soft and caring medical worker but likes to dom him in bed

NBreader, fluff, just wholesome stuff;; also praising, beginning, oral (giving), anal (giving);;

NSFW UNDER THE CUT

;MINORS DNI;

SFW:

-Jakurai always loved his job, as he sees his role in life as serving people, but now, when he meets you.. He started to love his profession even more.

-Thoughts about you also being here, working in the same hospital.. His heart flatters every time he thinks about your face.

-You two have so much in common! So caring and gentle, trying to help your patience as much as you could.. If everyone used to say that Jakurai was a guardian angel of Shinjuku Central Hospital, now they are talking about that there's even two patrons.

-Despite you can't see each other that much during work hours, Doc is always looking forward to spending at least lunch break together. Jakurai cares about his patiences, but he cares about you even more, always asking how are you today and what you bring for lunch, how is your shift going and everything.

-"Oh, I'm glad that this man from third ward start feel better.." - he nods and chuckles softly, then takes your arm in his. - "But i was asking about how your shift is going, how are you feeling..?"

-And when you also ask him the same questions, in your casual soft manner, Jakurai melts. Who knows that all this love he is always giving to other people is actually also really pleasant to receive?

-Jakurai never thought about how much he actually needed someone like you in his life, as only now he realized how hungry he was for some attention and care.

-So he absolutely loves to drive you to his house after work ends, to spend the whole evening with you, maybe make dinner together?

-"I read about this new dish today.." - Jakurai mumbled and took one of his journals about healthy cooking. - "What do you think about if we try it out?"

-For him there's nothing more precious than some quality time with you alone, only in these moments he can relax completely.

-You are the only one who sees his whole nature, without this mysterious charming vibe he's always wrapped in. Only you can hear all his thoughts and problems, as there's no one who will trust as much as you.

-"You know, people have a tendency to call me saint or even angel.." - a little chuckle escaped his lips as Jakurai looked at you with such adoration in his eyes. - "But for me, the real pure angel here is you. You're the angel of my heart, s/o.. I love you.."

NSFW:

-Oh, well, he doesn't know his little angel actually would be that naughty in bed.

-For some reason Jakurai was sure that someone so gentle and sweet as you would be kinda bottom in bed.. He didn't mind leading you here.

-So when you suddenly start being in charge, he gets surprised.. And more aroused.

-Jakurai has a fondness for strange characters, and it's actually interesting to see your dominating side now.

-Despite his big height and mystery aura, he would be a good, obedient bottom. It's just so easy to make him flustered as he doesn't really know how to act now, when you pin him to bed and sit on top with such a smug smile. All he wants to do now it's just be quiet and submissive.

-Definitely would beg. Even if you tease him just a little bit it would be enough for him to start asking for more with a trembling voice. (and sometimes you think that he is begging not because he wants more, but just because he likes to beg, to feel himself under your mercy..)

-"S/o.. I.. Please.." - he groans, half closed eyes fixed on you as Jakurai tries to form his words. You are sitting between his thighs, slowly playing with his dick, waiting for what he is going to say. - "Please.. I-i can't take it any more.."

-In spite of his love to beg he's really bad at dirty talking, as he is not really used to something like that in bed. But isn't it making things better?

-"Here, just repeat after me.." - this soft sweet voice made his back tingle as you cooed at him. You just keep playing, talking in your casual, gentle tone, almost mocking him. - "Here, 'Please, touch my dick and let me cum', okay?"

-"P.. please.. S/o.. Please touch me.. touch me more and let me cum.." -Jakurai mumble, absolutely ashamed. But you can see how much his cock started twitching, as he totally enjoyed that.

-Absolutely love anal sex. As a doctor he does know where his sensitive spot is, so he totally tries this several times before. In the beginning it was out of curiosity, but when he started enjoying it more and more.

-You never thought you would be able to hear such low deep moans from your beloved, as he trembles under you, absolutely lost in pleasure. Jakurai don't really love to be loud in bed, as he finds it kinda embarrassing, when his husky voice is so loud and whiny.

-But you already found another weak spot of his. All you need to do when Jakurai start hiding his face in pillows or cover his mouth with his shaky hand is just grab this long, purple hair and pull them. Such a loud gasp burst out of his chest, as he started clenching more, dick throbbing and dripping small drops of precum on sheets already.

-Oh, what beautiful long nights you would have with him, it just feels like you never would have enough of these radical changes in his tone, behavior and facial expression when you two are alone. And Jakurai also just get more and more addicted to you and your other face, too excited to see more of this new thrilling side of your relationship.

[soaringwide]

Hi I hope you’re well! Please could you tell me if I will meet a future romantic partner soon? I’ve been single quite a while now and I’m slowly ready to get back out there. I’m also going on a trip next week and was curious if I would meet someone. Thanks!✨

Hello! Thank you for reaching out! Sorry it took me a while to get to your ask so I won't ask about your trip since you probably already left. However I can totally do a ''Love ahead''.

Note: free readings are currently closed.

So as to where you're currently now, I think you may be feeling a bit over protective or defensive of your heart. You definitely want more from your love life and feel very determined to experience something, but it's like, you don't dare feeling fully optimistic about the future as you worry you're going to end up with nothing. It's kind of a protective mechanism not to get hurt, in the sense that if you don't dare hoping, then it may hurt less.

For what's going for you, with the 4 of wands I definitely feel like you're willing to step out of your house and go out and meet people, kinda like trying to find new circles and places to encounter a potential relationship, which is great. I'm getting these places being joyful and highly social, celebratory and welcoming. Perhaps you could even get help from friends or loved ones to expand your social circle through mutual connections.

As for what's hindering you, I think you've got some work to do in matters of releasing bonds and limitations from either past traumas surrounding intimacy, or from a past relationship. There is something that's still holding you back and that makes you feel like you can't get the new love that you're wishing for. There may have been a past unhealthy relationship that made you feel lessened, and I think that's why even with the desire and drive shown in the cards, you still have your boundaries up. I do think you've done a lot of work already (the devil is reversed so it's in the release position) so it's just a matter of keep pushing through it though.

I think that part of that healing process will happen through a new relationship though. As in, yes you have to work on yourself, but when you'll find that healthy and fulfilling relationship, it will help heal your wounds and release the pain. However, you need to give yourself the time and space to grow that in that new future and potential relationship as it will trigger your fears and defense mechanism, so you need to be gentle with yourself in the process and keep trying to do the work on your end. But I'm definitely getting that what you will receive is an opportunity to release past pains regarding love.

For what you need to release, you need to be mindful of your tendency to want to make things happen at all cost. It stems from a lack of self-confidence that makes you think that you're either not worth something good, or that you will miss an opportunity if you don't act fast, so you react by coming off a bit too strong, if I can put it that way. The danger could be to settle for something that's not actually good for you because you don't believe you deserve something better and you don't give yourself the time to really consider the connection before committing to it. So release that impatience, know your worth and take your time before committing.

As for most probably outcome for your future, I cannot give you a timeframe but you got the Magician, and the Chariot as the bottom of the deck, so I definitely think you're on track towards your wish. The Magician is all about mastering all suits of the tarot, which means being in harmony with your emotions, thoughts, resources and drive/the actions you take. It's also the card of making your desires happen in reality, so I think this is a very positive card for you here. The Chariot as bottom of the deck is all about determination and success in your pursuit, and I think the fact that it shows the overarching energy is a good sign that you're on the right track. But do be clear about what you want and be mindful of the advice you got in this reading. Don't forget that you always have a choice, you're the one driving the chariot and you're in control of your actions.

Hope that was helpful and I wish you good luck in your love life! :)

[morrigan-sims]

waittt pls tell us about the half-orc and tiefling from that one post, i'm a lil invested

Ahh, hi nonny!!! I don't know who you are, but I love you!!

I'm going to be honest and say that when I made those two, I had no intention of getting attached. And I still don't know much about them. But I will try my best!

The half-orc's name is Taraleth (Tara), and she's very sweet. Like, probably-shouldn't-be-adventuring sweet. She grew up in a small rural village. She wasn't the only half-orc the people of the village had met, but it wasn't a common sight. Nonetheless, for the most part people were pretty nice to her.

I'm not too sure what she's doing now that she's older, but I can picture her serving food and drink in a tavern and bumping into some adventurers that way.

As for the tiefling, they are yet-unnamed, but they're actually a dnd character of mine, I hope. Or they will be someday. (though I didn't know that when I made the sim.)

They're a College of Swords bard. They wield a scimitar and play the lute.

They're outgoing, charismatic and confident. They make friends easily, and have a tendency to embellish the tales of their adventures in order to make things sound more impressive. They adventure because it's fun, and because they hate being bored. Traveling and adventuring is an excellent way to meet new people and see the world.

They have a sharp mind and quick wit, and are often ready with a comeback. They think puns are great. They would most definitely wear some of my sarcastic t-shirts if they could. They can't stand stupid people, and one of their biggest pet peeves is when people don't get their jokes. (especially if said joke is meant to insult the recipient)

I'm not too sure about their backstory, but I love them anyways. (though being a character of mine, they're not allowed to get away without a tragic backstory of some kind.) If I ever get a chance to use them, I'm going to have a lot of fun, I think.

[knife-moth-mc]

With the music asks, I'd like to ask prompts: 1, 3, 11, 19, 23, 26, and 30!

1:A song you like with a color in the title

3:A song that reminds you of summertime

11:A song that you never get tired of

19:A song that makes you think about life

23:A song that you think everybody should listen to

26:A song that makes you want to fall in love

30:A song that reminds you of yourself

1: It's All Over Now, Baby Blue by Bob Dylan, but specifically this version. I haven't formally posted my Haven music playlists anywhere (I will do that.... soon......) but this is one of the first songs on the arc 1 playlist. You can think of it as Anathema and C!Moth's meetcute song : P

3: The Beast of Pirate's Bay by Voltaire. A girl I went to summer camp with... gosh, at least a decade ago now--taught it to all of us since we didn't have access to music that wasn't us singing. I also learned about Homestuck and bisexuality from her, so, you know, pretty much all the good parts of my life I found originally through meeting her that summer. Wiki, if you're still out there, thank you.

11: I could be wrong, because I haven't known it that long, but I think I'm going to go with Blacksoul by Onya. I could say more about it but honestly just listen to it. It's beautiful.

19: God Fearing, Sea Faring Man by The Accidentals. I listened to the album this is from a lot back when I first stumbled onto it, and while I think the band has now largely disavowed it it remains very deep in my heart. This specific song has stuck with me especially, I think because there's a kind of... the word that's coming to mind is grace, it feels like there's a kind of grace to this song. It feels like a moment of clarity. If I had to claim the meaning of life was buried in any one song, I would pick this one.

23: I'm going to cheat here and say an artist, because so far as I know they only ever released a handful of songs, most or all of which I try to link people to every so often because they're not otherwise available. I'm talking about superedge, who was a fanmusician back in 2015 or so. I hope they're still creating somewhere, but they've left behind some of my favorite songs in the world and I'm grateful that I happened to find them when I did.

26: Ben Caplan's cover of Lovers' Waltz by A. A. Bondy. The original is also solid but something about Ben Caplan's version really particularly speaks to me. I think according to the lyrics this song is actually about dying together? Which makes this a weird choice I guess but it feels in a way comforting, and I think fits the prompt better, because I have lots of people I love! I don't need a generic love song! But this song feels deeper and more permanent, in a way that's at least as appealing as it is scary.

30: You know, I have a whole collection of books that are me; you'd think I'd have a collection of songs that are me. But I don't. I think I have a tendency to shift songs from me to my (or others') characters, or to strongly associate songs with the circumstances under which I first listened to them. I've been combing through my library trying to think of anything and I could make some cases but most of them are weak. So I'm going somewhere very personal and emotional, and I trust you'll understand.

When I was 17, I was in a really bad place. It was, I think, the worst year of my life bar none. I'll spare you the details, but one day after a really intense couple of weeks, I played nice until I was given back my ipod. The moment it was in my hands, I grabbed my bike and fled to the library. I cried the whole way there, and I listened to this song, The Bust from The New Albion Radio Hour by Paul Shapera. This wasn't the song I came to identify with at the time--that would be The Wasteland, from the same album--but to this day, I can't listen to it without remembering that scared teenager.

[tinygumdrops]

hello hello!! i've been a reader of your works since about 2020, when you were posting a bit abt haikyuu, and i reread your fics as a treat since your writing is special to me. there was always this certain feeling to your works that i could never pin down, and i finally realised what it was. it was kinda like the acknowledgement and romanticisation of the mundane that is always present in hayao miyazaki's studio ghlibi films, yknow? you always let your stories breathe, which is something that tends to be sorely lacking in even a lot of critically acclaimed stories and media nowadays. your stories are probably why i like character studies so much, ahaha, since you explore whatever character you write as much as possible. i gotta say though, i did trawl your feed a little and was wanting to ask if luffy inspires in you what hinata does, and if you were going to write about him. knowing now that you hate the process of writing and only really do it if your love for a character is sufficient made me see your fics in a new light, because they were labours of love. i'll have to print out your fics for safekeeping at some point though, even if i am scared to death of people stumbling onto my fandom tendencies, ahaha. seeya!

HELLO TO YOU TOO omg pleasure to meet you, anon! And *sobs* 2020 really was that year, yeah? So happy to hear that my fics made you feel better in that sucky year ;-; I can relate in a way; I honestly don't think I would've made it out sane without writing to keep the unpleasant thougths at bay. I guess that's why my earlier works for the Haikyuu!! fandom had a lot of, uh, "ghibli-esque" vibes, as you described. So yeah, you finding that I "always let [my] stories breathe"? *tears up* honestly one of the biggest compliments I've ever received, considering I've always feared I complicate things too much in my works, thank you so much!!!

Oh man, you mentioned Luffy---please know that you will never have a comprehensible, succinct conversation with me once you bring up Luffy, but I will try to truncate myself since this isn't really the appropriate place to ramble :DDD BUT YES, I'm actually dying to write about him!!! I do have a simple thing in mind, something about Luffy and two other Strawhats who I'd like to explore more, but it's probably going to take me some time... real life, god, such a pain. It's going to be a challenge writing in Luffy's POV though *crying* it's so strange how foreign his mind can be to me even though we've known him for 1000+ chapters already.

Oh and *sobs* sorry, I did have this super ugly habit of purging my fics, but I think I've gotten better in resisting that urge over the years! I've seen the discourse around it and I've learned a lot; I'll try not to spread my misery by deleting works I no longer wanted to be associated with but might've meant something to somebody. So please don't fret about my current hq!! works going poof anytime soon! Like, you don't have to print them out; it must be expensive, and I can totally imagine how it'd feel if someone were to find printed fics in my sock drawer ;-; Alsoooo I'm not stepping away from the hq!! fandom any time soon, I'm actually writing a Yachi & Yamaguchi fic (I hope it's okay to soft launch here :DDDD I really want to publish it soon and I want to hold myself accountable). It's absolutely criminal that I don't have a story for them yet when I adore these besties so much ;-; I think it's time to change that this year!!!

So sorry for the super long response, I hope that didn't bore you ;-; Thanks for stopping by!!!

[dourpeep]

WAIT. I'm losing my mind over that friends to lovers post you reblogged. All I can think about is college Albedo + mutual pining, romantic tension, and friends to lovers OTL

- Leaving little post it notes in his bag or inside the cover of his textbook to tell him to have a nice day or remind him to take care of himself because you know he has a tendency to work too hard sometimes!! And what if he meets up with Sucrose and Timaeus because they like to catch up and sometimes discuss their research or homework, and they see Albedo hiding a grin behind his books and think that he's solved a particularly difficult problem but it's just a cute little note you slipped him when he wasn't looking

- You stay up studying for exams with Albedo and he dozes off on your shoulder so you sit there afraid to move because you don't want to wake him but you're also dying inside

- The two of you go to the library to work but eventually get distracted so it turns into the two you sitting close together on a couch and reading each other sections from your favourite books

- I can also see him as someone who rambles about labs or new research he's absolutely taken by. Weeks later when you mention something he said before, he's a little surprised but you just tell him that you tried your best to understand everything because you know it's important to him and maybe his heart skipped a little

- Going off your headcanons: Albedo looking for little specimens and deciding it could be a fun outing with Klee so she can get some sunshine and you find the two of them in the park. You end up joining them and Albedo's heart softens seeing you and Klee laughing and smiling together!

- I remember this little headcanon you had where he snorts when laughing sometimes and imagine Albedo letting one slip out while he's with you, and Kaeya teasing him later on.

- Eventually, his friends start asking if the two of you are together because of the silent affection and teasing between the two of you. Albedo knows he likes you but he's scared a relationship will ruin everything and you're too important to lose even if it means he never says anything, but little did he know, you have feelings for him too.

Anyway, I hope you have a nice day and week! Sorry about this monster of an ask lmao

NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR ALBEDO

NEVER

Like... there are two characters that I seldom, if ever, turn down and that's my beloved Albedo and beloathed Scaramouche- If you don't want me to shut up about a topic??? Like just utter word vomit???? Bring them up. Bring them up, I dare you--

Okay okay okay okay now lemme just--

oops. 1.4k words. Enjoy your headcanon drabbles, courtesy of me being a hard simp for Albedo--

College au Albedo is pretty close to how he normally is! Brilliant, though having difficulties with making friends and keeping said friends, getting carried away with experiments (did you know if you're on good enough terms with the professors, they'll vouch for you so you can use the lab when there aren't classes using them?? Yeah)...so the friendship that you have with him is certainly the closest one he has.

It'd be the kind where you knock on his dorm or apartment door at 11:45pm with some takeout and your textbooks and he'll let you in without a second thought. You slip inside and settle on the floor next to the coffee table cross-legged, setting the food out as if you don't live a good walk away. He wasn't going to sleep any time soon anyway.

Like the kind of friendship where your hand instinctively slips into his to tug him towards something cool you found or to the café where you tend to go after classes.

Even after you get to your destination, you don't let go.

Now that that has been established--the little notes you slip into his bag or on his books really began as a little reminder. Despite his keen intellect, Albedo tends to easily forget things because his mind is always going onto the next thing. So, being the great friend you are, would just slip a note to remind him to take breaks, eat a snack, or that you're supposed to go and meet Sucrose and Timaeus after class to prep for the upcoming exams.

Neither of you really know when they began to turn into doodles or 'seemingly platonic declarations of adoration'. It's normal for friends to write a heart besides "Don't forget I love you!", right? Yeah.

The smile that makes it's way on Albedo's face is unmistakable the moment that Sucrose accidentally stumbles upon a sticky note carefully tucked in one of his notebooks.

-

Speaking of Albedo and his tendencies to get carried away with stuff, he often functions on...minimal sleep.

Those nights that you pop up at his place to study or just hang out, he often ends up dozing off, glasses sliding uncomfortably down the bridge of his nose and hair tousled out of it's usual style.

You never plan to stay the night (though even when he's awake he insists you do because it's not as safe at night to make the commute home), but you can't just disturb his sleep when it's the first time in a while that he's probably gone without taking a capsule or two of melatonin to help himself back into some semblance of a sleep schedule.

It's these moments that you remember just how soft his hair is and just how nice his shampoo smells.

Also that he's a cuddler.

You awake in the morning, back aching and eyes squinting against the sudden brightness of the world around you and limbs tangled with your best friend. He's unbothered because his face is half-shoved against the crook of your neck.

-

With the library, you often find yourselves in a little game. There's so much to learn and so, so many topics through the old vanilla-scent found between pages!!

So trips to the library end up with the two of you digging and sifting to find a topic you've never heard of, sit and read for 15 minutes, then proceed to explain said topic the best you can (without looking!!). It almost always ends up with a few chuckles from Albedo as you fumble explaining (and half-making up) information and Albedo's (unfairly) great short-term memory winning out.

Speaking of...between actually studying and your little topic games, Albedo turns to you to bounce off his current observations and ideas. Sucrose and Timaeus, though both in similar majors as Albedo, are busy with their own projects and research to the point that they don't really have the time to help with stuff as extensive as his research.

Annnnd, naturally, since you don't have anything better to do and are almost always by his side, you play that part!

You listen intently no matter how dense the subject may be and no matter if you do or do not have the background knowledge.

When you ask him to explain something you don't quite understand, he can't help but blink in surprise because you were listening??? And wanted to really understand? You prove time and time again (even days, weeks later) that you listened to every word that tumbled out during his rambles.

And of course you do! Albedo's one of the most important people to you, so it's only natural that you want to show interest in his interests.

Also it's pretty cool to find out those random bits of trivia (like lobsters and their repairable telomeres-).

--

Klee!!!

Oh man, the first time that you met Klee was a pretty hectic day for Albedo. Due to his Aunt Alice's incredibly busy schedule, he tends to care for Klee on days that he doesn't have class.

However, that particular day he just barely finished class before he had to go and pick her up from school.

With you in tow, that is.

Immediately, the little girl brightens up at your presence, no doubt excited from what she's heard about you (listening in to Albedo's conversations with Alice and the embarrassed tone in his voice when he realizes that he's let your name slipped again and now Aunt Alice wants to know about this particular friend who's captured dear little Bedo's attentions). He's relieved when Klee doesn't immediately reveal that.

From then on, Klee insists that Albedo invites you for every outing they have.

The cafe for a quick treat? The bookstore to sit and read a few books?

"Oh, please please please?? Can they come Albedo? Klee promises that she'll be good!"

Who is he to say no?

But above all, those park days are his favorite. You end up running around with Klee, lifting her up so she can reach a particular leaf on a branch, squatting down to see a bug or lizard that she's entirely enthralled by--all while Albedo sits under the shade of a tree on a blanket, sketchbook and pencil in hand.

You don't know it (even though there's many occasions where he's shown you his sketchbook), but the pages are filled with your smile.

-

Around you, Albedo's found that he's most comfortable.

There's no need to hide insecurities or hold his tongue when something particularly exciting comes to mind...nor does he hold back in his laughter. Especially with your insistence that his laugh is cute.

That scenario with Kaeya is entirely an accident, proof of just how used to your presence he's become.

It's a late night and you're out with a bigger group of friends than usual, some friends that Albedo's only known since the start of college, but definitely good ones.

With a drink in your hand you all sit at a large table, chatting about anything and everything when you crack a joke and Albedo snorts.

Not like a snort with his normally quiet chuckle, either.

Instead, he's laughing hard, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes and stomach hurting (and maybe it's because of the few sips of drink he's had) and he snorts. The moment the sound escapes him and he's trying hard to calm back down, Kaeya grins.

He's most definitely one of the first people to put two and two together.

After all, Albedo keeps to himself, even around them. But with you around? There's a certain spark of life that ignites.

-

It's no surprise that the two of you are close when all is said and done.

But that doesn't stop either of you from choking and cheeks from flushing when someone asks if you're a couple. It happens often--too often to count--and ranges between Kaeya's teasing comments and a few sweet words from an elderly woman passing by your table at the cafe.

And you laugh--you and Albedo--because no, no, you're just friends.

Right?

Then the light hits your features just right, illuminating you in a soft glow that makes your eyes shine and--

It's undeniable the way that he feels for you. The sudden quickening of his heartbeat is proof enough. You slide your drink towards him for him to try and he does the same, eyes unable to leave your lips as you take a sip and then smile.

Between the cracks of his appreciation, of this warmth, dread seeps.

Though...that was just over a week ago.

Sitting down back at his apartment, your head resting on his chest and your hands intertwined while you watch whatever's on tv, you shift. Your lips meet in a sweet kiss.

And Albedo wonders how neither of you managed to see it sooner.