#i might do a rewatch when I'm free of school later on

[nicktremblaywayfu]

With a Cost of Dignity (18+)

"Night with The Cultist Man"

Author Note : Managed to rewatch Moon Knight again and the classic trope of “reader being kidnapped by Arthur” is still my favorite. Special thanks for @jokeringcutio for helping me beta read the fics xoxo

Summary : Your duty was to keep an eye on Steven, keeping him safe from any danger. Yet unfortunately, Harow finally got you under his hands and he demanded some information about your partner in crime. However, you managed to pull his anger out and laughed at it. Fight ensued, but what was in the end was beyond your expectations.

Pairing : Arthur Harrow x AFAB! Reader

Characters : Arthur Harrow, You (reader), Steven Grant

Warning : Love pinning, dubcon at start, unprotected sex and Harrow's red flag as usual.

Words : 7,304

Available on Ao3 as well

—

“ I think I'm starting to get..mad with this series of nightmares that felt like reality.” He took the last bite of his shawarma with a taste of worry. You didn’t even touch yours, not feeling any appetite for a food that you were usually eager to devour. “Do you think I'm actually crazy with all of this ? ‘Can’t keep a job, can’t keep a goldfish, can’t even get any girlfriend that is willing to love me.” 

Crazy was not the proper word to describe him. No, despite some people might call him one. But it was incorrect, it was wrong, inaccurate. You just exhaled, leaned on the bench facepalming like a disappointed parent. The golden statue man strangely was not here. Crawley, was his name Steven told you. Whatever was happening to him, you both hoped for him well. 

“Nuh-uh. You’re not crazy. It’s just…” You massages your temple, thinking for a proper explanation. “Look buddy, have you ever heard of lucid dreams ? Sometimes a dream felt so real because you were aware of it.” Awkwardly trying to calm him down, you pulled a lowkey sour smile to him. This shouldn’t happen.

“A lucid dream? How was it a lucid dream when the man I saw in my dream stalked me yesterday ? He almost killed me ! How is it a lucid dream ?!” Steven shouted at you in panic and fear. Then he apologized immediately, didn’t actually mean to make you flinch like that.

“In that case… I don't know. I’m sorry, I'm at a loss for any explanation about that.” It was useless and late anyway. Sooner or later he’d found out in his own way, like it was his destiny. Now you had to wait for Marc to talk about this. But things for sure, you gotta keep him safe from the man that stalked him. You knew well who he meant, he was your opponent as well. And surely, he knew your face well. Your address, definitely, your friends that were your partners, just a matter of time he actually got the chance to talk to you like how he did to Steven. 

That man, that cultist man, ran a community under a goddess name. He fed his people, put a roof over their bed, gave them proper clothes and education that you won't get for free from school. He wished to be called Arthur, but couldn’t care less when his enemy called him by his surname. It fits him well anyway, his path and his ideas were something harrowing for any normal men and women out there. Only those who were desperates willing to listen, which were his main targets most of the time. The vulnerable, the criminals, the sad people who wished for a miracle from the sky. 

But you’d be the biggest liar if you couldn’t admit how alluring he was. His icy steel blue eyes that gaze upon people’s souls, his warm strong arms that greet people in a soft warm hug, his lips that emitted a dulcet voice of pleasant words, a perfect dream man. Yet as perfect as he was, from his staff came Jackal monsters that hunt his enemies relentlessly. From his staff came a projectile of energy that was able to destroy the half of a pyramid. A tiny sliver of his goddess’s power, he said. That he wished to use it only in important situations, not in the time like when you pointed your machete at his neck as he had Marc unconscious and handcuffed.

Somehow, deep inside, you were curious about this man. Curious how many women, perhaps men as well, he had slept with. He lived with his people for years, probably almost a decade. Surely he needed someone to fill his human needs, didn't he ? He was attractive for his age, like Hathor had blessed him with those lines across his face that only made him more handsome.

 That moment he put his hand on your neck and slammed you to the wall, sparked a weird feeling inside. A feeling that would make Marc and your other partner, Layla, disappointed heavily. So disappointed that perhaps they would kick you out from the mission. For a second you forgot that you were amidst a battle, until reality hit you once again with Layla smashing his head with a wood plank.

Did you hate him ? You were supposed to. He hurt your friend, but this hatred was racing against your curiosity. If you meet him again at the correct time, you’d like to speak to him. Feelings were mixed, sometimes you were up all night with this confusion.

“Hey ? You alright mate ? Seems like you were zoning out.” Steven waved his hand in front of your face, snapping you back to the reality of this sunny day. The noise of the water fountain behind, people cheering at street performers, and your friend speaking to you.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Just kinda worried that you were stalked by someone.” You exhaled, not knowing what to say or what to answer properly.

“By the way, you’re gonna eat that or ? It would be a waste if you throw it away.” You looked at your untouched, fully wrapped shawarma in your hands and he pointed it out.

“I lost my appetite today. Here, you can eat it.” You handed it to your friend, it’s not everyday he could eat two of it.

He thanked you as he took another bite, with you thinking of a plan. If Harrow managed to find Steven’s workplace, there's a big chance he’d pay a visit to his flats tonight. As you saw two men juggling and exchanging bottles in the air, an idea struck your mind.

“Say, Steven, you are free tonight right ?”

“Hm ? Where are we gonna go ? You treated me to lunch today, I don't think you have to treat me to dinner again this week.”

“No, I have this idea where we’re gonna exchange places. You see, that man will definitely visit your apartment tonight, expecting you to be the one who opens the door. Now hear me, what if we switched places ? You go to my apartment, I go to yours. And I'd handle that man with my hand.” You excitedly explain, only to receive a confused face from your friend. He shook his head, burrowing his eyebrows.

“We’re not gonna switch places. That sounds like a bad idea.”

“No but I can handle him. I promise”

“I’m the one who’s in this problem, you can’t just jump in the way and catch a bullet for me like that. Besides, he didn't show up in the museum. Or to my flat last night, what’s the reason he would show up today ?” He shook his head again, finishing his second lunch. “Here, how about I call you when he shows up again? I’ll take a kitchen knife in case I need it for self-defence. What do you say ?”

Lips being bitten, feeling anxious and afraid as you can’t just tell him that you fought that man many times. It would only pave the way for him to find out more about Marc. You grasped your knees, worried about his evening soon. “Can you fight him though ?” You looked at Steven with a sour smile.

“Well, maybe not. But hey I could just stab him then run away right ? I could call you as well, like I said.” He smiled warmly, trying to convince you. This was why you always wondered why nobody liked him in the museum. He was a sweet guy that would risk his life for someone even if he himself was in danger.

“You forgot that you said he could summon a jackal.”

“I- yes I remember that but- ah shit.” He scratched his curly hair in confusion, now things were getting harder than before. 

“You can still come to my apartment for safety, you know ?”

“That would be the same as risking your life, so no thanks. Listen, this is my problem, I would definitely need your help, but putting you in danger of replacing my position is a no go, alright ?” You just looked at your friend in hopelessness, wishing that Khonshu was actually protecting his life as Marc lived inside the same body.

“Fine, but please, once you get home, you better text me so I can stand by my phone in case something happens.”

“I promise.”

Steven let out his pinky finger, innocently smiling at you. A pinky promise.

“Pinky promise.” Entangling your pinky to his, thus ending your time with him. He bid you a bye, walking to his flat while you were still standing there. 

“Let's just hope Marc actually comes out and handles this situation.” You sighed, then turned your back to your way of home.

—

Phone screen showing midnight as the time, no incoming call nor message sent by Steven. You didn’t know whether to feel relieved or worry. Harrow was not just an ordinary man that stalked for fun, he was more than able to take away Steven’s phone before he even lay a hand on that cultist man. He could release another jackal to chase the life of that poor boy. So many possibilities, mind getting overthinking. You even haven’t eaten anything since afternoon, dead worried about both Marc and Steven. You could ease your anxiety a bit for Layla as Harrow wasn't really targeting her but then again, who knew ?

A series of knocks suddenly bolted you. The knock was similar to how Steven would do it, so you rushed to the door. Unlocking it, you were getting ready to bombard him with questions.

“Oh my god, Steven ! Are you alri-” You moved backward instant as you saw who appeared in front of you. It was not Steven, you did recognize them yet it was not good news.

Hands up in the air, a gun aimed right to you by a man. You knew him as well you knew the woman alongside him. you were most trusted of Harrow’s right hands. And whatever you want right now, it was up to no good. 

She smiled at you, a friendliness covering her true intention. “Mr. Harrow would like to have a few words with you.”

You frowned and sighed sharply. “I have done nothing to hurt him these past few months. Leave me be, I have my own business here.”

“Actually, that’s the reason why we came here. Nobody’s gonna get hurt if you just obliged to what he said. We promise he wishes no harm this time.”

“With a gun aimed at me ? Yeah, no fucking harm.” 

“It’s wise to not waste time, he’s waiting at our place.” The man spoke, getting straight to the point. With your hands still up, you slowly backed away towards the door, hoping to make a run for it. 

But before you could even take a further step, the woman lunged at you, attempting to grab hold of your arm. You dodged her attack, but the man was quick to react and aimed a punch at your face. You managed to dodge that as well, but in doing so, you lost your balance and fell to the ground.

The two of them wasted no time in pouncing on you, and before you knew it, you were pinned to the ground with handcuffs on your wrists.

“At the very least we’re merciful enough to not make the use of the gun” You just grunted as she pinned you on the stomach.

You struggled to free yourself, but it was no use. You weren’t prepared, this was actually unpredictable. You haven’t seen Harrow in past months, leaving him for Marc and Layla to handle while you take care of Steven. Hell your current apartment was different before this Steven situation. You haven’t told anyone that you moved. But perhaps you were too naive thinking it was unpredictable. That cultist man was always prepared, one step ahead even before you took a step forward.

—

The car ride was uncomfortably silent, with you quietly trying to break free from the cuffs. If you succeed, you can just punch their face right after the door is opened. You’ve been in the compound countless times anyway, knowing the map so well to the point you knew where Harrow slept at night. You looked at both Harrow’s right hands, still quite like you were doing it on purpose. To make you feel powerless, and somehow lonely. With the cuffs being too tough, you sighed in desperation.

Thinking about it, having chit chats while in battle was not the right way to fight someone, and with Marc usually handling the firsthand stuff with Harrow, this would be the first time you actually have a conversation with the cult leader. He must be wondering about Steven and whether he was Marc’s new disguise or not. But there was no way you would just be honest with Harrow about Marc’s condition. Hell he didn’t even tell his wife about it. You were the only one that knew the truth behind Marc and Steven, and surely this was the information Harrow wished to gain.

Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t realize that you had arrived. A commune formed in an alleyway-like urban area, reusing an old abandoned hall building for daily activities. Away from the busy in the city, safe from the suspicious eyes. As you scanned the area around, you almost fell from your seat as his henchman opened the door.

“Be careful there, we don't wish to hurt our guests, do we?” Soft husky voice commanding his henchmen, you were greeted with a view of the man of the reason why you were here. “I think our guests need a little help here.” His gaze met yours, offering the key to unlock the cuffs. You looked at him in a foul mood, mouth curled upward feeling like he was mocking you.

You glared at him from your shoulder as he unlocked the handcuffs, and as soon as you were off, you launched yourself at him, aiming for a punch. But Harrow was quick to dodge and countered your attack, easily overpowering you and pushing you back.

“Such a waste of energy,” he said, shaking his head in disappointment. “I had hoped you would be more cooperative.”

You gritted your teeth, feeling frustrated at how easily he had taken you down. “Why did you bring me here?” you demanded, standing up and facing him again.

Harrow smiled, his expression nonchalant. “I just want to talk, that’s all.”

You snorted in disbelief. “I highly doubt that.”

Harrow leaned closer to you, his eyes locked onto yours. “I know more than you think,” he whispered. “And I have ways of finding out even more.”

“If you know more than I do, then why bother capturing me for some little chit chats in the middle of night ?”

“In this way, I assume I could have a safer way rather than forcing Marc in an interrogation. Or perhaps I should just find Steven, and talk to him instead, hm ?”

You grunted, this man’s threats were never empty. Bullshit, you hummed.

“Leave him be. I’ll talk, but don't expect you’d get it easy from me.”

“I do love a bit of challenge.” He then pulled you from the ground, dusted some dirt off your clothes even though you took a bit of a back step in disgust. As he guided you to his house, you prayed to Khonshu that the moon god is actually able to curse the shit out of him.

You knew you had no choice but to let him take you to his compound. Your hands were free, and those can move swiftly throwing punches to someone’s jaw if you have to. That was the last thing he wanted for his people, and so he picked an alternate route from the parking spot. Hidden, quiet, not even moonshine was able to peek through the building's gaps. Only his right hand knew their leader had captured his enemy’s assistant. Empty boxes and piles of damp wood planks decorating the alley way, the only brightest light was the lamp coming from a window that Harrow perhaps forgot to turn it off. 

“Here we are. I appreciate you two’s work here. I’ll be fine with our guest, all of you can go and rest now. Good evening.” Assuring that he no longer needed their help, the two right hands nodded and left. He opened the door, welcoming you to enter it first.

“Not locking the door ?”

“There’s no need when everyone living here is free of sins. And there is no need to steal when you can just share.”

“You’d need a padlock on your door because this will be your biggest mistake, Harrow.” You entered the door, giving him a scornful side eye. He just smiled, then closed the door.

“Get to the point. “ You sat on the sofa without him giving the permit, even though he would anyway. You basically tried to give a rude impression, so this will be the last time he would invite a guest with no manners.

“Relax, there’s no need to hurry. Would you like some tea or coffee, perhaps ?”

“If you insist on serving me, just get me a glass of water. A cold one without any poison or whatever shit you want to put in it.”

He laughed, like think that you were a stand up comedian making a joke. He went to the kitchen, giving you a minute to scan the room in a minute. It was big, but not that grand. Spacious enough to accept at least 10 guests. A framed landscape painting of Ammit and Maat on the wall, a meter above the fireplace. Probably stolen from ancient temples. The wall is painted pale yellow, close to the white hue. You must admit he was smart, choosing the light color making the room feel warm and cozy.

“I’m sorry for the wait. I hope you don’t mind some ice inside.” He returned with two glasses, with the other filled with warm water. 

“Thanks.” Taking the glass, you put your nose close enough to sniff it. Marc had taught you about a certain poison scent. And this one had no smell at all, though it didn't really help as some poison has no smell at all. But you took a sip anyway, your throat being grateful as it was finally soaked. At the very least he fortunately did not put anything inside.

"My pleasure, really."

"You're not here just to serve me cold water, aren't you?"

"I do have a few questions about your friend, yes. He's in need of help, both of them. And perhaps, I could provide what you need, unlike some in the team."

"Oh, are you assuming that I do nothing for Marc's sake ? Is that is, old man? Very bold of you that you assume such things." You leaned close to the table, grasping on the glass rim in irritation.

"Surely if you are indeed giving what he needs, you wouldn't be offended like this." Harrow chuckled as he took a sip from his cup. "But I'd be a liar if you are the person I meant." You raised your brows as he locked his gaze to you.

“You’re telling me that Marc’s wife didn’t care about him ?”

“I didn’t say she wouldn’t. But she just can’t”

“Yet previously you were assuming that one of us couldn’t provide help for him. What are you trying to point out ?”

“Actually, you’re the one that interprets it like that.”

“What in the-” You stop as you realize he made his words as confusing as possible. You leaned back again, gathering your scattered thoughts. Sighing while tapping the glass in your palm, you need to remember that this man’s move was not easy to predict. Anything could happen, especially in his own cage.

“Can I get another question, this time without confusing shit ? I’d really appreciate it if you just straight to the point.”

“Well we can start by telling me if we happen to know Steven and Marc in the same thoughts.”

“They shared the same bodies, yes. I believe there’s no need to hide it as you already know.”

Harrow nodded, satisfaction growing as he gained more information and answers. 

“Unique case, ‘really never thought someone would live rent free inside his head.”

“Careful with what you said, Harrow. You dare disrespect my friend again, I'll cut your own lips slowly and painfully.”

He just laughed your threats off like nothing. You frowned, feeling a second hand embarrassment from how he described Steven.

“Mind telling me how Steven appeared ?” He leaned again , arms resting on his laps with a gaze inviting you to lean over as well.

“Why do you care so much ?”

“So you can let me provide the additional help he needs.”

“If I don't tell ?”

“Then he would stay forever helpless and I'm afraid you’re the one to blame.”

“I'd rather be damned and blamed than letting him fall under your wings. Try again, Harrow.” You smirked, turning the tables in this situation. Harrow's curled smile started to fade, irritated and impatience starting to grow.

“You promised me an answer. A head that is harder than an ushabti won’t help anything at all.”

“ I didn’t promise you an answer. I said that I will talk, and now I am doing it. You hear me talk, therefore I have fulfilled my promise. And I did tell you about sharing information about Marc, so there you have it. you shared the same body, end of our deal.” As a laugh barked from your mouth, Harrow stood from his chair. He, however, didn’t take his staff and let it rest on the table edge.

“Why not summon the Jackal again? Afraid that i’ll beat them again like last time ? Cowards.” You stared at him as he stood right next to your seat. You waited for his move, preparing a fist to land right under his chin. 

“I was hoping this would end in a peaceful resolution yet you find it amusing how you bring violence in this house.”

“Next time be specific with what you wish, cultist man.” You stood up as well, closing the inches gap between you and him.

As the tension in the room escalated, Harrow suddenly lunged at you, leaping onto the sofa where you were seated seconds ago. The unexpected attack caught you off guard, and you barely had time to react before Harrow's hands were around your throat.

Reacting instinctively, you lashed out, striking Harrow with a swift blow to the stomach that caused him to double over in pain. But Harrow was quick to recover, and before you could land another hit, he had grabbed you by the shoulders and thrown you onto the sofa, pinning you beneath himself.

The sofa creaked and groaned under the weight of your struggle, and you felt a surge of panic as you realized you were no match for Harrow's strength tonight. But you refused to give up without a fight, and you thrashed and kicked, trying to break free from his grasp.

Harrow, however, remained cool and collected, using his body weight to keep you pinned down as he reached his staff that was leaning on the table.

In a flash, he aimed his staff to your head, like putting some spell as the gems glowed within. But at the last moment, something seemed to give him pause, and he hesitated for just a fraction of a second.

It was all you needed. With a burst of strength, you managed to wrench one arm free, rolling yourself away and grabbing the staff to swing it with all your might to strike Harrow in the side of the head.

Harrow fell back with a groan, bruises would grow from the spot you had hit that for sure. But before you could make a move to escape, Harrow's hand shot out and grabbed your arm, dragging it back down onto the corner of the sofa.

"You're going to regret that." he hissed, as he tightened his grip and began to choke you once more.

You landed a knee in his stomach, but the result was nihil. Like he was numb from pain when the adrenaline kicked in.

“If you wish to speak a violent language, know that I had plenty of practice in the past.”

“You’ll- never get any- anything from me you old- bastard.” You tried to speak from the grasp of his hand. 

But before he completely cut off all the airway in your throat, a realization struck over his mind. His brows twitched as he looked what's in his palms. He looked at you, hair got messy from the fight, struggling face from the choke, and you clawed his hands struggling for freedom. Would be a waste to let her die and you are empty handed.

Harrow slowly loosened his hold, no longer wanting you to die from lack of air. But you showed no gratitude for the act, you lunged your head onto his forehead instead causing him to back away with a hint of dizziness. You stood up, but fell on the sofa as your body tried to fill your lungs with more air. Both of you were a mess, one with bruises, one with sweat and nicks. You groaned as he growled in pain, thinking of another strategy. There was no use for a fight, yet despite you refusing to give what he wanted, he insisted on not being left empty handed. He was just as stubborn as you were. He must get something from you.

“Tough one aren’t you ? We did fight, but this one felt…different.”

“Maybe because we wasted some minutes chit chatting before fighting.”

“Not interested in calling Marc ? Or perhaps, Steven ? They can help you in this fight.”

“Not dragging anyone here, cultist man. This is between you and me.” You finally stood up and cracked some knuckles. You prepared your hands for two fists in case he got closer.

“Shame that you wouldn’t want the help of your man.” As he clicked his tongue, your fist loosened up with the confusion in your face.

“My man- what ? Are you assuming that Marc is…my lover?”

“He seemed closer to you than he is compared to his wife. I’m not judging you, but infidelity usually led up to..sin.” Head tilted, he fixed his posture with his hand resting on the staff. What happened felt like nothing but a gust of wind for him as you thought.

“No- I’m his partner yes but as a partner in our team. Our plan was to obliterate you and your cult. And yet from what I just heard, you think Marc and i were dating ?”

“Just assuming. Weird, don’t you think ? When it was supposed to be his wife to fill the role in your position.”

You put your hands on your hips, nodded in mockery. “Your assumption was so extraordinary that we had to stop fighting. Good one, really. You succeeded on this shit.” You rolled your eyes, gestured your hands and started to tidy up your clothes. All the moods and adrenaline for a fight has gone, reduced to nothing but a hint of awkwardness thanks to his statement.

“In a hurry, little miss ?” He pulled a corner of his lip, showing smugness like he had pulled the victory in his battle.

“Good night, Harrow.” 

One step before reaching the doorknob, he pulled you in and pushed you onto the sofa. Before you could stand again, Harrow's hand grabbed your wrists and held them both in one grasp. You were caught off guard as he pressed his lips against yours in a forceful kiss. The kiss was fierce, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and danger at the same time.

As Harrow pulled away, you found yourself breathless and a bit confused. You weren't sure what this kiss meant or what it would lead to. But before you could say anything, Harrow spoke.

"I wouldn’t let you go empty handed. I have given you trouble visiting this settlement of mine and I'm obliged to give you something to bring home" he said, his eyes intense as he held your gaze. "This was the very least I could do."

You were stunned, caught slack-jawed with the words that just came from his mouth. You had this curiosity, but the fact it has become reality was never on your bingo list. It was just a fantasy that your mind shaped from those books you read when you were a teen. As you looked into his eyes, you saw a vulnerability that you had never seen in him before. Another chance to actually end him right now, To deceive him and catch him in a mouse trap. But what would make you so different from him then ?

"What the fuck are you doing, Harrow ?" you whispered, still reeling from the intensity of the kiss.

"I would be glad if you just call me Arthur," Harrow replied, his voice low and husky. "I’d like to hear my nickname from your own voice" His other hand caressed your lips, him in a thirst for another kiss.

“Ain’t no way Harrow. I’m not one of your followers.” You hissed as he chuckled. 

“Very well then, it’s not like I'm complaining that you love to call me by my surname.” He started to pin you on the sofa deeper with his knee, leaning in for a second kiss.

You hesitated for a moment, but as Harrow stuck his lips onto yours, you knew that it was hard to resist him any longer. You closed your eyes and let yourself get lost in the passion of the moment, giving yourself over completely to Harrow's embrace. Basically gave up on a forbidden pleasure. This was wrong, it was forbidden for a solid reason. Perhaps, this was why Marc tried to not let you contact me more times.

His hand pulled you closer to him as the kiss intensified. You felt his tongue brush against your lips, seeking entrance, and you willingly granted it. The kiss was passionate and intense, but it was also laced with a hint of danger and fear. The mix of emotion that ignited the excitement in your core.

As the kiss finally broke, Harrow whispered in your ear, "There is no need to resist. You belong to no one, not even Marc. You own yourself and nothing will ever change that. You are free to choose." Then he took a nip on your earlobe.

You pushed him away, trying to catch your breath. "If He finds out about this, your head would be filled with bullets no doubt."

“And he would pour his anger and disappointment into your heart. He wouldn’t touch you, yet he’s keeping you like a companion option."

“He forbids you for a reason and I can see he’s right.”

“And you would just let a man command your life like a dog ? And it’s all just because you happened to be in the same work with him?” He looked at you in a pity, you could no longer tell whether he’s genuine or it was another trick of manipulation.

“Perhaps you could tell me a reason why you let him forbid you about things ? I may lead a community that you disagreed with, yet you didn’t see me forcing my idea on you, did you ? I let you have your own interpretation of Justice, even though I see it as something that is ‘late’.”

“You did actually, not once or twice-”

“People change. And so am i.”

You hesitated to answer, fighting with words was never your speciality. You could fight, you could kill, but not argue. You sighed, deep down admitted that the way he kissed your lips and danced with your tongue were amazing. So amazing that something ignited inside, that your brain would go into disappointment if you left it hanging out.

“Fine. We’ll do whatever shit you want. But promise to keep this between the two of us or else, we’re both doomed.” You put a finger on his lips, gesturing like shushing him.

He let out a velvety laugh, amused with your decision. “Very well. We shall continue this in a proper place.” He wrapped his arms around your back as well behind your knees. He then lifted your both torso and legs, adjusting your position to carry you closer to his body. You were too stunned to speak, cheeks undeniably blushing, as you always see a man carrying his lover in a bridal style only in movies.

In a haste, he walked towards his bedroom to continue what he started. He gently threw you onto the bed, then started to undress his shirt. Crawling onto the bed, towering you with his frame for another kiss. Devouring your lips, his tongue overlapping and battling against yours, hands moving from your face to your chest. He unbuttoned your outfits carefully like unwrapping a gift, stopping the kiss just to admire your body beneath a fully opened shirt. He creeped his hands to your back, searching for the hook of your bra. As he pulled it apart, he slowly lifted the underwear piece savoring the reveal. 

“I praise my goddess Ammit for I still have the chance to indulge in such a wonderful body.” He closed his eyes to feel the scent of your body, relishing like he had seen the body of the beauty goddess on his bed. The warm yellow dim light adding the moment of intimacy and danger, his bed was soft to your body like a velvet.  His bedroom may not be as fancy as a royal suite, but something about the vibe that stripped away all your embarrassment. 

“You spoke like this is your first time.” You frown at his cheesy compliment. But again he’s a cult leader, of course he would bring the name of his goddess in this intimacy.

“And you talk like you had been touched by Marc, or perhaps anyone before him that came to your life.” He rested his chin on your chest. “You know, lust does not exclusively happen in a married couple. Sometimes two friend could feel it and if they agreed on something…” He cocked his head to the side with puppy eyes staring at you.

“No Harrow i did not fuck with Marc. Happy with the answer ?”

“How about men and women before him ?”

“None.”

“So this is your first time ?”

“Does not mean I'm as clueless as a baby.”

He nodded, then started to explore more of your body. He took off completely every fabric on your torso, then gently pulled your pants down below.

“Keeping for someone special then i see?”

“Unfortunately you had stolen my first kiss as well.”

“Aww, I'm glad to have the honor you know.” He pecked your lips again. At last, you would be completely naked once he stripped away your underpants as well. 

He lifted your thigh, kissing it and biting it gently. He sucked some part of your skin, leaving red marks that would make anyone who saw it flustered. You almost choked on your breath as he licked your inner thigh, slowly but sure, he was reaching to your intimate part. 

“Would you like me to do it with my finger or my mouth ?” He asked, but deep down he would like to hear the latter answer.

“Don’t expect i will give you full enjoyment Harrow. Do it with the work of your finger.” You grunted. He let out his favorite weapon, pleading with his puppy eyes. Translated as “Please ?”, You rolled your eyes in immunity.

“No.”

“It’s a shame, but I am obliged to follow your consent.” He adjusted his position, putting back your leg onto the bed. 

He pulled aside the crotch part of the fabric, sliding his finger into what’s beneath your undies. First, he used one finger to test the water. You flinched, a tiny whimper from your throat can be heard. It was a little code, but clear enough for your whole body to understand. He inserted his middle finger into your hole, stimulating the spot so your fold would lubricate itself. 

As it was slick enough, he put another one in. You grunted, hands grasping on the bed sheet. It felt different than the time you did it yourself. 

 He continued to insert his fingers into your tight passage, stretching them until you felt the tension and warmth between your flesh. He pulled out, looking at the sticky fluid on his index and middle finger. Satisfied that you were finally wet, he snaked his hands beneath the fabric. He stretched his fingers, extending your undies to make him easier to pull it down. 

Finally, you have nothing to hide anymore. Your body is fully bare like his, and you can see his cock has gotten so hard his precum started to leak. He was eager, but patience was the key. His fingers got to taste your slit first then his cock. Now that he didn't need to enforce his digits beneath the fabric, he can freely touch your intimate area. One hand on your breast, the other stayed in your vagina. Each work at a different pace, giving pleasure that struck your whole body. Your voices only gave him more spirit, two fingers thrusting and massaging your canal. You could feel his warm digits as he could feel your hot slit. The friction as your wall clamped his fingers, not wanting to let go of this pleasure.

You moan matched on his move inside your hole, squeaking every time he rubbed your slick spot. His other hand, playing with your breast and teasing your nipple making it rock hard. He squished it, playing with it. Your toe nails curled in indulgence, you'd be a liar if you think he was bad at fingering your slick, wet needy vagina. But the time you almost reached your peak, he stopped. You whined in disappointment, but it did not last long. He covered your frame once again, guiding his shaft on your entrance.

"Hold onto me. You'd get used to the feeling after this, don't worry." 

You looked at his silvery blue eyes with the dim yellow lighting shone on them, clearly showing a sign of anxiety. You ever heard the story, first time sex would be painful even if you were slick enough. But you have reached this part, so you took the courage. You wrapped your arms around his neck, burying your face onto the crook of his shoulder as he started to put his cock inside you. You groan in pain, but it was not something that would make you stop. You could feel every inch of his skin filling deep inside you, long enough of his cock that he could reach the end of your canal.

"Please do it gently, Harrow. it's..more than i expected.." Now it was your time to plead.

"There is nothing for you to worry about in this room." He kissed your forehead lovingly, then moved onto his pace.

Even with the fact he thrusted you in slow pace, it still hurt. Either your hole being too small or he just had a size of a cock that was above the average. He pushed himself in deeper, the sensation sending shivers down your spine. You held on tighter to him trying as his base rubbed against your clit. When the shaft clashed against your sweet spot, he growled possessively as he thrust harder and deeper than before.

"H-Harrow be careful there" You clawed his back in shock from the pace. 

"There's no need for formality-"

"I'm being serious !" 

He just hummed as a "yes", so he slowed down his pace again. You mewled as he pumped you up and down, breast bobbing from the motion. He placed kisses on your neck, nibbling softly before sucking on it harshly causing you to moan louder. 

"Fuck.." 

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." He licked your neck, then growled to give you a vibration from his throat. He loves using his voice, he knew his voice could easily make any woman swoon.

His pace quickened, thrusting faster and deeper. Each time, he hit your sweet spot, it became more pleasurable each time. Your breath started coming in short huffs, moaning uncontrollably from the sensations he was doing to you. With every thrust of his cock, you felt a new wave of ecstasy crash through your entire system. Soon you would come, but you have to pick an option hiding the evidence of this night. But before you told him, he suddenly pulled out and spilled his seed all over stomach. Perfect timing, because if he was late, one second later you both would come together inside. You looked at him huffed and puffed, cock starting to limp after being milked. His brown shoulder length hair covered some part of his face, wet from his sweat.

He looked at you after that in awe. He smirked, then he chuckled as he kissed you again. You didn't understand why he suddenly smiled like that. But indeed it was done in such a gentlemanly manner. There was no hurry, every second matters. He cherished the chance to enjoy your body like it was his last hours to live, despite the fact that you had hurt him and almost killed him several times. Perhaps he was also filling his ego, proof of his charm's victory that his enemy willingly slept with him. To the point that you gave your virginity to him. 

He grabbed his pants nearby, wiping out his cum on your stomach. He then took his blanket on the bed corner, covering your body and his together under the warm comforter.

"I need to go, Harrow."

"You're too tired to go home. Have some rest, then you can go in the morning." He cuddled you, putting your head under his chin and wrapped his arms around your body. And just by that, he fell deep in a slumber within minutes, dreaming of a family of his own with you filling the role as his wife.

---

He almost choked on his own snores, awoken from it. His eyes wide opened, then he got up like he just had a nightmare. But that's just his body alarming him to not die in a dumb way choking by a spit that almost got into his lung. He threw his body again onto the bed, hands automatically searching for something. As he realized, his half-awaken eyes looked at the empty spot next to him. There was no sign, no message, gone like there was no one sleeping on the same spot last night. He exhaled in dismay, however he heard a flush inside his toilet. There he saw you came out, already properly clothed. A naked old man covered in a blanket staring at a much younger woman fresh from a bath.

"Already ?"

"Whatever happened last night, was nothing but a one night stand. Don't put it into your heart, Harrow. You said it yourself, lust can happen to anyone."

"You know you are allowed to change your mind."

"No, Harrow. Goodbye." 

Sadly looking at the door being closed, he stared at the empty spot again. Did he just fulfill his ego, his lust, or did he accidentally let his heart intervene ? He groaned woefully, smelling the blanket spot that has your scent. This morning, right after he woke up, he prayed to Ammit inside his heart. He prayed for his wish to come true, but he knew that she would only grant his wish if he showed her his solid attempt.

---

[sabrine-bree-the-bravery]

finally making an intro post!! only took me almost a year of being on this hellsite to do it

anyways here it is!

I'm Max, I'm genderfluid and omnisexual and you can ask for my pronouns at any time :D

also I'm a minor so don't be weird(in a bad way) or you will be blocked

Fandoms I'm in:

Riordanverse

KOTLC

Shadowhunters (I've read almost all the books and watched the first season of the show)

Total Drama

Grishaverse (just finished SOC, rewatched the show, and am currently rereading S&B)

Hazbin Hotel

Honorable Mentions:

Helluva Boss

Hamilton

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee

DRAMA! by Paul Ruditis

the fact that I forgot about webtoons

Webtoons I like:

High Class Homos

Nevermore

Jackson's Diary

Homesick

Castle Swimmer

Post Harbor (I binged the entire thing in 2 hours when I was supposed to be asleep and I'm obsessed now)

School Bus Graveyard

(there's probably more but I can't think of any)

Things I like:

my mutuals <3

Halloween

books

tea

color guard

stuffed animals (you can never be too old)

real animals

my brothers

music

oversized clothes (mostly hand-me-downs)

Things I dislike:

homophobia

racism

sexism

tight clothes

my parents

Favorite ships:

Noco (total drama)

Kitty (the dark artifices/the wicked powers)

Solangelo (riordanverse)

Thomastair (the last hours)

Huskerdust (hazbin hotel)

Sokeefe (KOTLC)

Stolitz (helluva boss)

Tags:

#max speaks(random thoughts) #max lore?(info about me) #max says stuff✨(quotes) #mants(max rants) #max answers(answering asks) ermm that's all I can think of rn oh wait here's a new one #dyslexia <3(my bbg @pey-no-attention-to-me) #max posting

that's it for now! I might add more later on. if you want to know more just send me an ask

(PS go check out my sideblog @quotessssssssssssssssss)

(PPS here's my other sideblog @maxwritess)

[zyrafowe-sny]

writing ask game: 16 and 19!

from this ask game

16. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?

Umm... It has been A While since I've regularly read physical books (mostly read on Libby/other phone apps these days), but I've done the usual random scraps of paper in the past.

When I was a kid obsessed with Narnia in elementary school, I made special friendship bracelet bookmarks for my set that matched the colors of the covers. Some might still exist at my mom's.

I also remember buying bookmarks that looked like castle tapestries.

19. Tell me a story about your writing journey. When did you start? Why did you start? Were there bumps along the way? Where are you now and where are you going?

When I was a kid, I loved stories and reading and daydreaming and playing pretend (mostly on my own, as others aged out of it). I enjoyed my elementary school creative writing assignments, and started writing poems and stories in my free time too. That continued through high school, and around high school I also got into fanfic (mostly as a reader, but I wrote fan poems, short snippets, and a ficlet/one shot or two that I never shared with anyone else).

In early college, I finally posted a tiny bit of fanfic (on website that thankfully no longer exists), but I had an unfinished WIP that hung over my head for years and years. (It wasn't even that long a story! It just became an impossible task.)

And then there was over a decade of basically nothing. I wrote for college/grad school and for work, but papers, memos, PowerPoints, emails, etc. are not exactly creative writing.

The Owl House rewired my brain, as they say. It started out as a show I started watching mid 2022 while folding laundry, but in October 2022 I started bingeing in earnest. I was still finishing Season 2B when Thanks to Them dropped, but once I caught up... oooph. Immediate rewatch. I read some fanfic, but for the first time in over a decade, I was itching to write. I started with one drabble — 100 words seemed like a realistic goal — which turned into a drabble sequence. Then I posted a one shot a few days later, then another one shot, and... After having an AO3 account with zero posted words of my own from August 2013 to mid October 2022, I now have over 50k up and more in drafts.

These days, I consider myself a fanfic writer in it for the long haul. I know that life responsibilities/health/etc may interfere with writing from time to time, but I've found my way back before and I am confident that I can do it again. I am a little anxious about having multiple multi-chapter WIPs up on AO3 — there was a reason I initially intended to stick to one shots/one shots in series — but fanfic writeblr helps immensely. When in doubt, I write drabbles.

I am in zero rush to focus on writing original fiction, but I have decades of life yet. Who knows — maybe I'll write a short story collection or a novel someday for fun, but I'm not nearly as passionate or dedicated (or talented!) as my friends/acquaintances who are writing/making art professionally. That's where I am with music too — I love being part of a community choir and I hope music will always be a part of my life, but it's a hobby. And as much as I desperately wish we supported full-time artists better, I also wish more people could just "dabble" in creative/artistic endeavors (time and money being big gatekeepers for hobbies too).

[haptronym]

TLDR: There's some hints within the beginning of cannon that makes it feel like quirklessness was handled differently than later. I think compairing the first episode of BNHA to a sports anime introduction where the MC is short downplays what happened. Cannon feels inconsistent within itself with some topics, quirklessness feeling like a topic that keeps getting surface level touched and then dropped on its head for no reason. BNHA writing just feels weird sometimes. 20 percent of the world's population does not equal 20 percent of Japan's population. Society discriminating against some quirks or lack of ability to accommodate them does not point away from potential quirkless discrimination.

With your "fanon vs canon" with quirkless discrimination, I have some additional topics to bring up.

Heavy disclaimer I stopped watching the anime at some point (they could cover some things within the anime I have not seen but I did stop within the last season so not too bad) and I don't keep up with other BNHA media (I have not read the other manga or seen the movies). I also haven't watched this show in a while but I did try to go back and rewatch stuff that was relevant/read information on it. I almost didn't post this whole thing because I'm not caught up on everything, and don't really plan to be, but I typed it all up so I figure might as well, just feel free to point anything out where I might be missing knowledge from that's relevant or just haven't seen it.

First, just going to say I honestly don't think being quirkless is that big of a deal when it comes to heroics, I don't think it'd be that big of a "handicap". Second:

"Midoriya? You're kidding, right? There's no way you're getting into the hero course without a quirk!" And Midoriya responds back with, "Well, actually they got rid of that rule."

This implies that schools could directly reject someone into job positions/schools based on their quirkless status. Its not just discouraged but there was a rule outright banning quirkless individuals.

The sub is more ambiguous, saying, "There's no way you can get into U.A. just by studying!" To which the response by Midoroya is the same. I could see some people still reaching the same conclusion that's more clear in the dub while others over look it.

Funimation dub and Crunchyroll sub as those where readily available to me. I most likely watched first in sub but I know I watched the dub of the first episode at some point a while after and have been using english transcripts that seem to use the english dub instead of the english subs to go back over facts of the series. I think I still reached the same conclusion that quirkless people seem to have lackluster protection laws due to that single line the first time I watched in the sub given the, "They got rid of that rule!" feels like it points explicitly towards Midoriya's quirklessness still.

I was always under the impression from watching that very first episode, that schools could just straight up reject quirkless people due to their quirklessness which sets a far more grim view of the laws and protections around quirkless people in universe. It was unclear if it was because of demands made by quirkless groups or of U.A.'s own accord that the rule was lifted, meaning other schools and areas could very well do the same if so.

I do think the first episode introduction to how Izuku is treated is way more harsh then most if not all sports anime drama. Take another anime I've seen, Haikyuu, with pretty much the exact same proposed plot but its volleyball and all he gets is silly comments or people going "You're a middle blocker?" or some disbelief. I'm sure its the same for other shows with that same plot; the main character is not going to have explosions used on him, physically beat up, his stuff thrown out of windows, completely isolated, and more through out his entire life just because they're short and want to go into a height focused game. I think it's a bit of a stretch personally to compile the two together and just does the opposite of what the fanon does sometimes - plays down the first introduction of the behavior Izuku faces instead of upscaling it.

Also, it's twenty percent of the world's population as far as I can find, not Japan's. I figure there's higher concentrations of quirkless people in different areas (as is such with real life traits) and that Japan's population is quite low (for 1 in 5 people with quirklessness being a major identifier for the main character, we only get two more that are born quirkless). Twenty percent of the global population doesn't exactly mean twenty percent where Izuku is. As far as we can tell, it really doesn't seem that way in canon, that everyone knows a quirkless person personally like the statistics would suggest.

To also address the thing about how society handles quirks: it just comes down to what society views as the 'average person' I'd think within the BNHA world. People who do not fit this will garner unjust attention, be it from "inconvenient" quirks (the shown gigantism quirks about housing in the example), "villainous" quirks (Shinsou), or quirklessness. While most quirkless people may not need extra accommodations (as societies are always slow on those, as shown in the manga) they are still viewed as...let's say "non-default". Society will always expect you to be this "default" that they find normal. While yes, some people may discriminated towards for their quirks, I feel this doesn't make much of a point towards if quirkless people are also discriminated against or not and I am unsure where comparing the two groups comes in. Having some illogical superpower is expected and people specifically dislike when someone's is inconvenient or has negative connotations to them - these are two points that can very well exist side by side. Society within BNHA just seems like (from my view on the cannon, as an anime only watcher up to a point) you must be the right type of quirked to be accepted full heartedly, but you must still be quirked. It's also shown that the quirk license requirement really isn't taken all that seriously within the show (Bakugou uses his multiple times and so do some of his middle school "pals", Izuku's classmates in middle school in general, kid's in kindergarden aren't chastised for playing with their quirks when they first come in, Inko can be seen using her's, and I'm sure there's more examples not coming to mind) - it seems people only stop turning a "blind eye" if you are abusing the power, being a vigilante with it, or are using it extremely disruptively within the anime. Small, daily use seems to be acceptable as far as we can see from the anime canon. Which isn't to say there's still some stuff you could go in on for this law, it is a potential debate about in the BNHA universe but overall I don't get the impression from the anime that its some huge deal if you use your quirk without a license unless its the previously mentioned factors.

To move onto the one organization in the 3rd BNHA movie, as stated before, I haven't watched the movies but honestly it isn't the first time some villain's reasoning has been a bit...oddly chosen? In BNHA, especially in accordance to quirklessness. There was also another plot point about making people quirkless (though also to sell the ""cure"" to said thing to the hero side) but it was...about bringing back the Yakuza? Kinda also felt like a loss in opportunity to me. With the other signs in the anime at the beginning, it feels less like quirklessness isn't something that's looked down on but more so weird writing choices. Which I know doesn't factor in too much for the canon v fanon because if the canon handles it weird, it just handles it weird, but I think it really just continues to highlight It seems to be a reoccurring thing. Though they do have a different context it seems like, with the 3rd movie group more so looking up to quirklessness, but still...

I don't think that it was ever said quirklessness will disappear (correct me if I'm wrong, just that I couldn't find it saying this anywhere), just that the numbers are decreasing each generation. It could potentially stop its decline and flatten out after the whole quirk thing settles. Also, people don't need really need a reason to not make discriminatory laws if they can - they will most likely do it anyway.

With the Vestiges, Toshinori was quirkless, could very well be that with them being exposed to it before. Also they would've all come from era's where quirklessness was even more prevalent potentially, especially the older ones.

Melissa having differing experiences just shows that the experience with quirklessness Izuku had isn't universal but that doesn't mean Izuku's experience is an outlier (and neither does Izuku's experience mean that Melissa's is an outlier, just that we've been given only two examples of how quirkless people are affected by their quirklessness). Places or people can be more accepting or less accepting. Aoyama I'm going to skip because honestly there doesn't seem to be much there to go off of.

Bakugou. I'm skipping him in regards to typing out a big text wall like this seems to have become because Deku V. Kacchan makes me tired to watch (I do not like it) but I will say I honestly don't find Bakugou's reaction weird in this sense. It doesn't seem unusual he wouldn't just try to understand it since he respects All Might, wants to know why this man he's admired since four years old picked Izuku, and Izuku isn't quirkless anymore, meaning one of his main issues with Izuku was ""fixed"". Again, I don't really like it but its just how it is (or how I read it, personally).

I just figured these might also be important notes for the fanon vs canon discussion - along with just some of my own opinions and thoughts on some matters brought up. I'm unsure what the manga says but over all I just think canon is very wishy washy with a lot of its topics, quirklessness very much included. While some people do push it a lot farther than whats shown in cannon, I do think cannon has a bit more to it then the whole "there's nothing there really, expect for a feeling of othering, and Izuku was an anomaly". I wouldn't really call it a "tragic curse" since that makes me uncomfortable but yeah. This got a lot longer then it meant to and I was only planning on pointing out the whole "quirkless got blocked from school's" but this happened. As I said before, feel free to point out anything I may of missed or messed up.

I wrote most of this up before the second discussion post and: Quirklessness is not "the norm", having a "normal quirk" is, as far as I read from the series (people are assumed to be quirked until told otherwise). The norm for BNHA characters is a person with no extra toe joint. It's catered to what people prefer with quirked people - quirkless people just happen to fall near there.

I also very much agree with the other anon that it seems there was some author tom-fuckery. The whole series kinda points towards everyone just accepting heroes can't be heroes without quirks...even our two quirkless main protagonists and the main crux of the whole story plot that kick starts everything we know (Izuku gets a quirk because he needs one to be a hero). It doesn't really feel like that'll be challenged, even if it would be a good thing.

I do get what you're saying though, that you're just comparing the two to show how the canon handles things differently. No matter if the author just doesn't want to address it, that still means in canon it wasn't addressed.

I personally, when writing about quirklessness, do not frame it as anything specific but draw from general real life examples that I think could "realistically" happen to those who are quirkless because that makes more sense to me and just gives me a basis to work off. It's fictional and has different context than what actual real life stuff has.

(the post under discussion)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful additions and clarifications. I don't have time to respond to every single point you made, but here are some thoughts:

1) I completely agree that Quirklessness is handled very weirdly and unevenly in the show. They spent the first two episodes building it up as a HUGE emotionally charged plot element, and then almost completely dropped it thematically. Why?? The 20% number is also very strange. 1 out of 5 people are Quirkless, but Izuku is the only Quirkless kid in his class? And it's not like they dropped in a throwaway line about the 20% number 200 chapters ago and forgot about it; the 20% statistic and the shot of Izuku's class happen in the exact same (first) chapter. This is why I speculate that perhaps it's skewed very far towards the older generation. We don't see a lot of grandpas in this show; maybe that's where all the Quirklessness is hiding.

2) Regarding hero schools and their requirements… I don't really find their rule against Quirkless people to be something unfairly discriminatory. Almost all specialized schools that prepare people for dangerous jobs, like firemen, policemen, military, etc have physical requisites you must meet in order to be admitted. This is for the safety of the people being trained and the safety of the public. And again: in this world, "hero" is not just a generic term for a cool dude. It is a very specific job/legal category that was created to let people use their Quirks. Hero schools specifically exist to help people learn how to use their Quirks to fight, so I don't think it's unreasonable at all for them to screen out people who don't have Quirks. Now, is it kind of unfair that heroes as a profession get so many legal perks and so much attention? For sure. If this society had Quirkless policemen kitted out in badass costumes, flying around with jetpack support items and getting on the covers of magazines, then maybe it would feel a little more equal. I can understand the feeling of discrimination, there.

Once again, thanks for the great points. I highly recommend checking out the Vigilantes spin-off manga if this kind of societal inequality/worldbuilding interests you… it gets into some fascinating discussion about how Quirkless vigilantes have certain freedoms that Heroes don't because they're not bound by Hero laws and regulations.

[tinkerbelldetective]

nina and 2, 7, 14, and 15 for the ask game! :D

Yee my girl!! So many thoughts

2. When did you start liking them?

I watched House of Anubis on youtube for season 1 (and was happy to find out there'd soon be a season 2 premiere) back in 2011/2012. I rewatched it (s1/s2) last year (and again this year). I can't exactly remember the exact time, I always liked her, but from a more recent stand point, I think my more recent fondness is probably based on how kind and compassionate she is. She immediately took off her school jacket to give to Sarah on the bench outside Anubis house. She's kind, clever, and brave (like Barbie!).

7. A quote you remember of her's

Besides all the funny ones "Hi, I'm Nina, I'm from America!""stop playing with your milk!" "Nothing that a year of counseling won't fix." Any of her more deep quotes or serious quotes "Will you free my friends and my family?" "I trust you." I might edit part of the amswer later because right now the only thing on my mind is the funnier things. Also when she gets her and Fabian out of detention with her French.

14. Favorite storyline

Back in the day, I probably would have said season 2 was my favorite, but now I love both s1 and s2 equally. I really enjoy her relationship with Sarah and her growth into the Chosen One throughout season 1. The search for the cup is iconic. So is the Mask. I enjoyed some of the whole house shenanigans as well (the cameras in s1, keeping Victor up all night in s2 (which was Sibuna business that ended up involving the whole house), confronting Jerome!! About the gem!!!). How she wrote the Mysteries of Anubis and threw some shade on Victor. When she insists on going back into the attic (she knows how to pick locks!!!) despite fear and unease because she wants to be certain about whether she saw someone and out of possible concern about the possibility of Joy actually being up there. "I need it because I'm going back up there tonight. I need to know." "Know what?" "If I saw something up there."

Also any Fabina plotline that is happy because those two are cute and love each other and fit so well together (if they had better communication skills especially!!).

15 least favorite storyline?

Honestly? Whatever mini subplot they had going on between her and Fabian in season 2. It was extremely obvious that they both still had feelings for one another, and even they managed that, but they always got in the way of themselves. Nina choosing to do the web task without Fabian, largely out of anger (but also urgency) was reckless.

Also her leaving in s3. While I appreciate and understand and know it is not my place now nor was it then to be mad about the fact Nathalia Ramos decided to leave the show in order to continue her education, I think they could have chosen a better route out than "the Osirian and the Chosen One can't be together..." when it is the Osirian's job to protect the Chosen One. Could this fact be proven by Rufus growing with Sarah and them being the Osirian and Chosen One respectively and him turning out the way he did? Maybe. But Rufus was power hungry, and seemingly had been that way for most of his adolescent/adult life. I think that wasn't too thought out, perhaps she just decided to stay behind for her Gran. This is less of a Nina problem and more of a behind the scenes cause and effect though.

Thank you!!!

[heretherebedork]

@absolutebl did it and I figured I might as well do a ranking list real quick.

Watching:

Triage: This show may actually destroy me emotionally by ending, I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to cope when it's over. So good. Absolutely glorious and so, so well done. Deserves all the praise.

Want To See You: Soap Opera. But Vietnamese. So I forgive just about everything. Love you Ba Vinh!

Minato Shouji Coin Laundry: Losing my mind over this, preparing for pain but still loving them so much. Shin is definitely one of the best characters ever.

Unforgotten Night: Trash but it's fun trash and I'll take it. Needs more Baiboon ASAP.

Oh! My Sunshine Night: Kind of killing me a bit? Definitely gonna end sad, almost sure, am risking it nonetheless because it hits so many buttons that I formed in a childhood of reading Lurlene McDaniels novels.

Senpai, This Can't Be Love!: What can I say? I really enjoy this weird little show and the double-blind-pining they've got going with these idiots.

Love Mechanics: The right kind of messy, thank you very much!

KinnPorsche: I am wrapped up in VegasPete and there's also a show going on when they're not on screen.

In a Relationship: It's Thailand does Gameboys but on TikToc. Not good, not bad, just... kind of there and a few years too later.

Memories: New V-BL with barely legible subs but I wanna see where it goes. Also very soap opera.

My Secret Love: Yeah, it's not good.

Sky In Your Heart: Also not good and mostly just boring.

Check Out: Why?

Non-BL

I might watching season 3 of Umbrella Academy and I recently watched The Floor In Lava second season and I might rewatch a bunch of Nailed It when I have more free time? Not a lot. Nothing, frankly.

Rewatching:

I don't really watch things? But I'm kind of thinking about doing some Japanese BL rewatching just to get something softer into my system but also maybe some older GMMTV shows when I finally finish working summer school and have copious amounts of free time. I dunno, I'm so bad at rewatching.

Copy and share for your list if you want, don't if you don't.

Also, I should be watching Even Sun but apparently I cannot get around to it so we'll see what happens post-KP.

[throbbingwish]

Oh god I don't know if I can catch everything up to speed, but I've changed a lottttt. I go to a community school transition program now to get me back into school. Actually one of my teachers was in Phantom Sydney, and as someone who loves POTO it's always so great to hear his stories. Currently, my celebrity crush is Jimmi Simpson; he's just so charming, funny, he has this air about him that's so likeable. He has such a nice sounding voice, perfect lips (his upper lip is bigger than his lower lip! How cool is that. I think that's such an attractive feature...), the most beautiful nose (I just love love LOVEEE medium-big upturned noses. Upturned noses in general, the best nose on a man.), he's very talented as an actor and has been in some great shows (I actually first started loving him in 2022, when I watched USS Callister in Black Mirror. Actually that's what reignited my crush on him recently with its rewatch!) his gorgeous hair, his beautiful beautiful blue eyes and the fact that he listens to SMOG!!!!! I found out in an article, and honestly that's so good. I'm a fan of Bill Callahan and knowing he listens to Smog is a win for me. I don't know if he still does, but in the article he said he did. He also wears glasses! Gosh, I could go on all day but I don't want to waste your time. Currently my top artists are Jack Ladder, PJ Harvey, John Cale, Roxy Music, Bill Callahan, Scott Walker, David Sylvian, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Yes I know, Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, scandalous) and The Blue Nile. But I think spotify stats is a bit off on the ranking. Jack Ladder I have definitely been listening to most; I am OBSESSED with the song Susan. I actually found it around a year ago and loved it, but then in May started listening again and could not stop. It's actually become my top song of all time on spotify. That's how much I listen to it, and it never gets old. Cold Feet is such a nostalgic song too, it makes me feel some things. Its such a night song, I want to drive with it through the cool air near nature and sky at autumn/winters night with my lover in the car. If only I had a lover, I would cherish him completely. And as I said I've been listening to Bill Callahan, The Wind And The Dove is stuck in my head and all you'd hear if you stepped into my mind would be "I am a child of linger on, I peer through the window gone" just repeating and repeating on the loud speaker at mind terminal. I wonder if I was there, what plane would I catch. There would be so many to choose. Obviously, I get free access as the owner of the land, but my mind is wild and free and expands to many different places with my millions of thoughts, ideas, aspirations, feelings, interests, etc. I could take a world tour and reflect on all of this. I can imagine the floors as warm and my eyes calm and cool, steady guided to reflection plane. I just love that its Winter now by the way, I love all the months, Winter has its special charm. I'd always want to make love in a field near the mountains at night time during winter, with the cool breeze on me. I really do love nature. I love the bush, I love the mountains and towering trees in Washington and Appalachia, the beauty of the Blue Mountains, of course Austria and Switzerland and China is so beautiful too. I could go on and on. Most importantly, I love the mountains, hills, fields, trees, and the country. I also like lakes if they're surrounded by trees like in coming of age films. Speaking of film, I want to watch Wristcutters: A Love Story. It's next on my list. I might as well go, its getting late at 1am. My eyes hurt and I need glasses. I'm glad I get to post this, I'll probably read back on it later.

[jq37]

Are you gonna recap starstruck odyssey?

It's possible but I wasn't planning on it. I haven't watched Starstruck yet cause I've been very busy with school and though I plan to watch it later, I usually recap while the shows are ongoing (though I might make an exception when I rewatch Misfits because it's short and I *love* Misfits). I used to recap things after the fact the last time I had a recap blog though so it comes down to how much I like it and how much free time I have. I'm more likely to recap the next season I watch live though.

*Also, I took notes for the last episode of The Seven and never got around to recapping it and it haunts me every day so I really need to do that at some point.

[lemongingerart]

Okay so, story time.

My daughter just turned 9, and I kindaaaaa pushed her into the ATLA fandom, because I thought it was something really fitting for her. (Also, I'm a zutara shipper, one of the few non-canon ships I really connected to when I watched it). She also watched Korra and enjoyed both series very much. She's now doing a full rewatch right after finishing it

And then... she started giggling and talking nonstop about Zuko and I had this little moment of weird pride that took over??? At the same time, my husband was rolling his eyes and mumbling "what is it with all these bad guys with a dark past and their struggles?" to me and aaah... now he has two fangirls under the same roof and I am enjoying this way too much 😂😂😂 we've reached the point that she has convinced her friends to watch it and play ATLA every break at school. She's obsessed and every normal parent would probably minimize this but I am doing the opposite. I'm trying to give her some sense of fiction vs. reality, but without pressuring her not to use her imagination. I want to guide it in the right direction, you know?

Anyway.

The next week, she comes up to me: "Mommy, I know what I want to do! I want to write stories about ATLA! Because there aren't any translated from English to Dutch and it's so unfair! We should be able to enjoy some stories as well!"

And I'm like... 👀okay, good plan👀

Of course, I encourage her. She always struggles with handwriting and she has to exercise more on her typing skills, and I'm glad she finally found something she really wants to do. It's been a while since she had this focus on something, youbknow? Apart from the fun, this is going to help her.

So I give her some headstart and ask about the plot, and we have this geek to geek conversation.

One day later, she wants to know what fanfiction is and how to write it and if she can find some to read herself. I'm like... 'eh?' 😳 Seems like daddy told her I write some too 🥲 I am sooo grateful she didn't ask further. She know it's about Star Wars and that's it. She hasn't seen the movies yet. So I'm still safe for now. (We wait a bit longer because my son and her are so easily scared 😅 we don't want it to be a bad experience, you know...)

And now I feel like I want to give her some fanfic to read, but since she's only 9, she doesn't understand English and throwing something in a translate tool is always weird. There might be some Dutch ones, but the chances of it being fit forbm her age and good quality are nonexistent (unless by any chance someone knows!!! Please share!!!). I really want to give her the best experience, you know...

As an extra, I really really don't have time now to screen some fics myself. So I hate the feeling I'm probably going to lose this momentum and maybe disappoint her.

Anyway. I am morally obliged to draw her fictional boyfriend villain. It's a challenge, since it's been so long since I could draw. But, maybe I just need this challenge to start over again. Starting after a hiatus is always tough on me. The 'mothers aren't allowed free time' syndroma always gets me. I just need to break through the barriers and maybe doing something for her instead of me will lessen the feeling of misplaced guilt.

[morte-mistrata]

I've been working on editing this one chapter for literally three months and I've still got so much to fix 🥲 I think part of it is that I need to rewatch the show to like, get the characterization right. But also.... It's an au so, it doesn't have to be perfect? It just has to sound like these characters would react to these circumstances.

Honestly I'm just having a hard time with the part right after this:

“They're walking pretty slow, but they’re definitely heading straight for us,” April lets the curtain fall shut, and turns away from the window. “What do you think they want from us?”

There’s no sign of panic lingering from their earlier escape in her determined stare as she looks between the five of them crowded inside the living room. Natalie wonders what that says, that everyone gets over the incredibly traumatic and weird occurrences in their everyday lives so easily. On the other hand, she supposes that it makes sense. Get to thinking too hard about the logic of the world around them- a world where aliens and supervillains and mutants are an everyday part of life- and you might just go insane.

Donnie starts to pace, and glances occasionally back at the window, as if he might find an answer on the back of the faded floral curtains. He opens his mouth, and-

“Duh,” Mikey swings an arm around Donnie’s shoulder, and jabs a finger against Donnie’s skull. “Obviously they want to eat our brains. That’s what all zombies want.”

Donnie rolls his eyes, shrugging himself free from Mikey’s grasp. “Oh, great! Seems like you’ll be safe. Why don’t you go out there and test that theory of yours?”

“Hey!” Mikey protests, and then, looking between his brothers like he thinks they might actually try it, begins to inch away from the door. “Not cool, man,” he mutters.

It’s not like zombies are an impossibility, but Natalie is very sure that these aren’t it. She’s a horror nut, same as Mikey, but her favorite genre is undeniably zombie films. From Romero to Synder, the original Night of the Living Dead to anime like High School of the Dead, Natalie has seen them all- and if these were zombies, they would’ve taken a bite when the three of them were cornered in town. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Zombies are easy; you solve them with a headshot. Whatever these are, she has no idea what to do with them. Natalie turns around, leaning on the back of the couch.

“I don’t think they’re zombies. I think they’re pod people, and pod people don’t want to munch on your brains. They want to replace you. Not that they’d want to eat you.” Natalie scrunches her nose up, and looks pointedly at Raph. “You taste horrible.”

Raph huffs. “Casey thinks I taste just fine.”

Natalie wonders what exactly he means by that, but shakes her head, dispelling the thought. Now’s not the time for gossip (and besides, Casey is shit at keeping a secret, and she’s sure she can extract plenty of blackmail material before he even realizes what she’s up to. It’s what the pair of them deserve for all the teasing they’ve sent Leo and her way.)

“Regardless of how edible you may or may not be,” April interjects before the pair of them can start to argue. “If they don’t want to eat us, then what do they want?”

In the distance, something (or someone) shrieks that same inhuman sound that Casey had made over the phone earlier. Leo turns, draping one arm over the back of the couch, but doesn’t say anything. He’s been so quiet that Natalie had almost forgotten that he was there in all the excitement.

Raph peeks out the window again, stepping aside so everyone can share the view. Now, the crowd is very obviously full of winter clothed people. They’re close enough now that Natalie can almost make out their faces.

“I think we can leave the detective work for later.” Raph warns. “We’ve got like five minutes before the whole goddamn town is on our asses.”

“Aw, man,” Mikey glances between the seven of them and the crowd outside. It must be obvious, even to him, that they’re way outnumbered. He groans, slumping dramatically against the back of the couch. “We’re gonna have to hoof it on foot, won’t we?”

Natalie pats him on the head.

This isn’t a punchable problem. They don’t have enough information to science a solution either, and there really aren’t any other approaches worth mentioning. Everyone turns to Leo, like a compass needle drawing their collective gaze north. He seems uncomfortable with the pressure, which is unlike him. Natalie wonders if their earlier discussion had gotten him down; in the show, he’d had a hard time dealing with his injury. Even though it’s not as serious as it could be, she worries that it’s still a depressing reality to deal with. She reaches for his hand, squeezing it encouragingly.

“No,” Leo says. He grabs his cane, and stands dramatically. “We’re going to stay here, and batten the hatches. We’re better off if we don’t get separated.”

“That’s what they always say…” Mikey drawls, voice growing louder with every word. “Right before they split up!”

Raph scowls, swatting the back of his head like an alarm clock. “Shut up, Mikey.”

###

Anyhow, if anyone wants to do a beta swap, I need a TMNT pal to be obsessed with.

[miss-lauryn-hill]

Hi Tee! It's your psc secret santa here 👋 Sorry for being MIA the past week, I was busy with school and work and I'm feeling under the weather lately 🤧 I hope you had a great week though 🥰 This might be the last ask before I post your gift, but feel free to DM me afterwards 🤗

Here are some of my answers to my last ask for you without revealing too much of my identity 😉

1. How long have you been giffing and what got you started?

I've been giffing for roughly about 5 years. I've been running fan accounts on other platforms, giffing seems like a logical next step at that point, like I wanted to try something else. Also I feel you, those sets that I put the least effort into sometimes get the most notes it's kinda annoying. It really depends if you're giffing for a hit fandom at the time or a dead one.

2. What are your favourite shows/ movies you've seen from 2022 and what are your all time favourites?

Wednesday for sure. And with stranger things I finally understand how epic it is. For the longest time I was just watching because everyone else was.

I love gossip girl when I saw it the first time until shit went down (aka the ivy girl for me). I've tried rewatching it multiple times but I always got interrupted by something else. I think deep down I just don't want to rewatch the later seasons.

3. What is your personality/ personality type (enneagram/mbti/ anything you use)? What are your favourite and/or least favourite part(s) of your personality?

I'm type 9 too! A bit unusual for my mbti type. I don't give a shit about what people think as a kid, I don't follow social norms. When my friends pointed out that there're things they do because it's the social norm was when I realized such things exist (I was in middle school - high school). I don't like to do what's expected of me because how I live my life is my business. I think I toned that down a bit once I started working, because I realized how others think of you have a great impact on whether you succeed or not. Your own hard work literally makes such little difference.

My least favourite part is the completely opposite of yours, I talk too little. For the most part, I don't mind it, I love it actually. But when certain times it's necessary I just stood there in silence and I can tell it's really awkward for the other party. And like overall, Idk how to express my feelings and I don't feel comfortable complimenting others irl even though I'm admiring the other person or their work etc. I think it's partly because of my personality and partly because of the culture I grew up in.

4. Favourite subject(s) in school or just favourite activities you like to do in general?

Favourite subject is physics. I like to do/ try all sort of art related stuff. Giffing is a big part of that. I draw when I have time/ inspiration. I don't like to push myself to do it just to get better at it, because at that point it becomes like work instead of fun.

5. What is your dream job/ occupation if you don't have to worry about anything, like paying rent or whether they would hire you or what would your parents/ others think that kind of stuff? 🤣

Being a physicist was my "unrealistic" dream, being a doctor was my "realistic" dream. Jokes on me, I became neither. At this point in life, I just hope I'll get a PhD someday 🤞

Here are some more asks for you:

1. What is your favourite Christmas movie?/ Any movies you watch every Christmas?

2. Do you like doing something new or sticking to traditions when it comes to celebrating holidays?

3. Any shows/ movies Tumblr got you hooked on?

4. Would you rather be a child, an adult or an old person? And why?

5. What are the hard truths you've learnt once you started working?

Happy holidays, Tee! 🎄

oh no apologies necessary. i understand that you have a life outside of this whole gif making thing. add in school and work? i hate that for you and am sorry to hear that you were sick. i hope you are feeling better. if not vicks on your feet and put fuzzy socks on. i know that sounds weird but it works 🤣 & we’re mutuals now as far as i’m concerned 😌

so wednesday is actually worth the hype? 👀 i want to get into stranger things so bad but i cannot do scary stuff. the content that fandom makes is insane though.

yeah gossip girl only has one good season. and by the time ivy comes in i just mentally check out. the thanksgiving episode however will always be iconic.

your #3? now that was a word. however it always helps to remember that everyone needs a compliment every now and then. i still think about the random girl that came up to me just to tell me that she liked my braids and asked me what nail polish i was wearing and that was years ago. but i understand the culture thing. how we’re raised sticks with us good and bad.

physics? now that’s interesting. that’s my cousin’s major! and he creates some off the wall shit. so i am looking forward to going through your creation tag.

you’ll get that PhD for sure.

now these are some questions! i like where your heads at.

1. my favorite christmas movie is unaccompanied minors. i used to fly a lot as a kid and i wanted to do all of that so bad 😂 the movie i always watch are last holiday and this christmas.

2. both! the only traditions my family sticks to is food and gifts. the food changes sometimes. like one year we’ll stick to the basics but the next we’ll do a different type of food. like this year we’re doing traditional but last year we had butter chicken, naan, etc. we always travel but since covid we haven’t gone outside of the states. even this year we didn’t want to go anywhere for real. but we don’t really plan to leave the house like that. we always play games. mainly spades even though that game is more dangerous than uno and monopoly combined.

3. tumblr got me into teen wolf. a mutual got me heavily invested in kastle (daredevil/the punisher) and willabeth (pirates of the caribbean) and now everyone is out to get me with stranger things. i followed someone because of this lady gaga set and now i ship edmancy i think that’s the name by proxy.

4. an adult. i miss certain things about being a kid like no bills but i can literally do whatever i want now. like if i want to go to 6flags then i can do that. if i want to stay up all night watching cartoons and eating ice cream i can do that too. being old doesn’t sound bad tbh. my grandma and aunties go on cruises all the time. they also say and do whatever they want and they’re all in their 60s-80s. they say wild shit all of the time like it’s nothing. like old people do not care. i’m looking forward to that.

5. the same as you did going by your #3 answer. your actual work is only a small factor in the workplace. the connections that you have with people is what gets you farther and while that’s bullshit it’s understandable. no one likes to work with someone that’s closed off and rude no matter how good they are at their job. i just know that it sucks for people that aren’t able to open up right away. like this one co worker of mine didn’t open up until she handed in her two weeks notice. she was so quiet and we all thought she didn’t like us but on her last days she started talking more. someone asked her why she wasn’t always like this and she just goes “yeah i didn’t want to risk saying something and having everyone not like me. you can’t be ugly and have no personality you have to pick a struggle.” like girl 😭😭😭 she comes out with us now too.

now i have to ask if we’re mutuals or if i at the very least follow you already friend cause you have not once asked me what i wanted. so i feel like i’m either constantly in your notifications so as soon as you got me you already knew what to make. OR you came to blog on a day where i was just reblogging one type of media and dubbed me as the horse girl or some shit.

Happy Holidays to you too! 🎄🥰

[sillytorch]

Volume 6 Review

Okay, so I enjoyed this volume overall and LOVED the finale. I understood that the fight w/ the Leviathan had to be wrapped up cuz almost everyone was running low on aura, but I feel satisfied. Very VERY satisfied. Like, this was the first time since Volume 3 that I was hyped for the next episode. I had my likes and dislikes for this Volume but, I still enjoyed it. :) I’ll explain more under the cut:

So dislikes are:

As much as it all makes sense, I REALLY wished they didn’t go down the ex-lovers route for Oz/Salem’s background. As scary as Salem is, at the end of the day, she’s basically fighting with her ex... and... the fact that it’s implied that she’s getting the relics to basically kill herself... I... don’t know how to feel about it...

I wished they did more with Emerald and Mercury, ESPECIALLY Emerald. Like... I understand that it’s a huge cast of characters, but it gets very annoying to see two villains who are arguably much weaker than our protagonists just... doing nothing if I’m being honest. I thought before that those two were going to follow a path similar to Weiss’ arc in Volume 4 where we see the drama in her home w/ her family unfold until she escapes. But like... the difference is that there doesn’t appear to be much payoff w/ Em and Merc. They’re scared, they fought each other, Tyrian scares them more, Emerald tries to apologize to Mercury and then they’re scared seeing Salem madly create more Grimm. As much as I like the poetic imagery where we start w/ them seeing through a window the Grimm emerging and then end with them looking out seeing the Grimm, but the windows are shattered (AKA the barrier), I wished there was more to them actually getting out of there ASAP.

Oscar’s development felt rushed. Like I want to like Oscar. I feel bad for him being stuck in Ozpin’s war and all, but this poor boy has suffered enough this Volume. He ran away, but... he literally just went stress shopping and is like, “Oh I made you guys some dinner.” Which, that’s sweet of him, but it feels rushed to me. Like he forgave them too quickly. I’m not saying he should hate them, but Qrow and Jaune attacked him, and a lot of them yelled at him after Ozpin left. 

And NOW.... let’s head into the stuff I liked:

The return of older characters helped me enjoy this volume a lot!! Volumes 4 and 5 added so many new characters that it felt like they were ignoring them for newer characters. But then, we see Neo return three volumes later, and BOY!! I am ENJOYING THE HECK out of her return! And the fact that she has a new outfit and has a lot of build-up for the upcoming volume 7, backstory material (One Thing), and the confirmation that YES Roman was everything to her (as a diehard Roman Torchwick fan, it validated me so much it made me cry), it gave me more hope. I personally think she’s gonna serve as a foil to Emerald, in terms of how they’re illusionists working for Cinder w/ a strong attachment towards someone, but unlike Emerald who sees Cinder as her savior, Neo sees Cinder as her enemy AND is in a way, taking advantage of her in order to get her way. In the later future, I’ll talk about more on Neo and Emerald but consider this paragraph a preview. :)

Volume 6 gave us a reminder on how Grimm are a threat for a reason. When the Apathy were introduced OHHHHH MAAAAN!!!! Zombie Grimm that basically cause severe depression? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP!! This is the kind of Grimm I never expected and never realized I wanted ‘til now! Grimm are the manifestations of negativity and hatred. They have to do more than just murder and eat people. I.., I loved it so much!! And like this was the first Grimm I was legitimately scared of. The Nuckalavee and the Seer were creepy af, but like... they just murder people, that’s it. The Apathy? They’re freaky and basically cause depression!

Closure. Closure to me feels like the theme of this Volume. And boy does this Volume show. We got closure on old favorites like Neo coming back, closure for JNR on Pyrrha, closure on Oz/Salem’s background and the world before Remnant, closure on Silver Eyes and its powers, closure for Adam and Yang and Blake’s relationship (gonna go into detail on that next ;) ), closure on how people need to keep moving forward no matter the costs as our heroes learned, and closure on FINALLY SEEING SUMMER ROSE IN PERSON!!!!

The whole Adam subplot, while I won’t lie, could have had more build up this Volume other than that appearance and Yang’s hallucinations (maybe more blink it or miss hints that he was hiding/stalking Blake in Argus or the train station) it was tied up really well. Also, I love the confirmation we got that Blake and Yang love each other more than as friends (Guys, Adam went irate over Blake happy to see Yang. He also screamed at her “WHAT DOES SHE EVEN SEE IN YOU??!!”). Adam’s death was flawlessly executed (no pun intended). Like, they didn’t just have him fall off a cliff, he was ALREADY dead then. Like, Yang punched out all of his aura, then his sword’s thrown out, then Blake and Yang IMPALE him through his chest (possibly his heart if I remembered the placements of the wounds), and right when he drops to his knees while bleeding out from his wounds, you could hear him struggling to breathe while his eyes start rolling in the back of his head. Then he has this blank expression while he tumbles down into the river. We... actually saw someone die brutally and their corpse too. And well... it was an emotional moment. VERY emotional. But it tied up his role perfectly as well as I stated, closure to Blake and Yang being haunted by Adam.

So... here’s to a new volume guys! :) Til next time! ^w^

[kiwikyuu]

IDOL ! KITA SHINSUKE

summary kita shinsuke was an up and coming idol, but you never imagined he would end up falling for you, the barista at his local café

word count 849

genre headcanon ; fluff

warning(s) cursing, not edited

a/n rewatching the karasuno v inarizaki match really got my feelings for kita going

being a full-time student who also works part-time on top of a bunch of extracurriculars is a recipe for disaster, but you couldn't help the busyness you found yourself in. you were working towards a degree you wanted, and you liked being a part of the clubs you were in. not to mention you actually enjoyed your job as a barista

plus, you may have developed a crush on one of the regulars

"tough practice?"

"it'll pay off in the long run."

you had been working at the café since you had started school at university a few years ago. so you had practically witnessed kita work his way from trainee to a debuted idol. and somewhere along the way, you had even managed to become acquainted with him

"you should take longer breaks, y'know? it's obvious you're tired, and burning out's going to be a bitch when it happens."

kita's lips turned up into a slight smile while you capped his drink, sticking a straw into the iced matcha latte before sliding it over his way

"i take good care of myself."

"i know, but i still worry about you."

the words left you so casually, you didn't think much of it. but kita felt his face burn up, and he hoped that you wouldn't notice the blush that crossed his cheeks

if he were being honest, not that he'd be telling you anytime soon, you were part of the reason that he made his way through his trainee days

you were beyond sweet, and you had been a friend to him when things got rough and even when they weren't, so it was no surprise when he caught himself thinking about you even when he wasn't frequenting the café

"what's your favorite drink?"

you were caught off guard by his sudden question, and he smiled at the cute expression that donned your face. he sipped on his iced matcha latte, looking expectantly and waiting for your answer

"why?"

"no reason. just curious."

but you should have known he was up to something because he showed up later that week cradling a cup full of your favorite drink, a proud look glaring across his eyes

"i made it myself."

and even though it wasn't exactly right in every way, it was enough that it was from him, that he made it for you. the look on his face after you took a sip and told him you liked it sent flutters to your heart and made you love your favorite drink just that much more

you don't know when it started or really how it happened, but eventually you started to run into him outside the coffee shop and you'd meet him on his free days, go on quiet walks or secret trips to the movies

and you weren't all too sure where the two of you stood or if there was anything there at all to be overthinking about, but as you sat next to him on some late night on a park bench with convenience store snacks and drinks between you two, all you knew was that you didn't want this to end

falling, you realized, was scary because all you could hope was that kita would be there to catch you in the end

"do you ever get worried we'll get caught?"

you asked him as his fingers ghosted yours before clasping your hand in his

"i'm not going to leave if that's what you're scared about."

he said it with such certainty that you wanted to believe him, you really did, but you couldn't help but wonder otherwise

"but we live such different lives."

and that was a fact

kita was an idol, an artist, a celebrity and entertainer constantly under the spotlight as he grew to be more and more successful

and you were a university student wading through your academics and the difficult albeit normal obstacles that life threw your way

you couldn't help but think that sometimes the gap that separated the two of you, different circles that just happened to overlap, couldn't be bridged

but kita was sure. if he was sure about any of the crazy decisions he's made to end up where he was, he was sure about this one

"i think i'm in love with you."

your worries dissolved into some untouched corner of your mind while your eyes darted to his, finding affection staring back at you

and you weren't all too certain of how everything might pan out in the future, but maybe for right now, that was enough

[asterekmess]

Hi! I was wondering if you could give some advice? How do you take notes for shows? Like do you watch the show while taking notes or do you watch the show then watch it again to take notes? I'm asking for fan fiction, thank you!

Hey dovey, I'm sorry if this answer sucks bc I'm writing on my phone and I worked for 8 hours today, along with an hour and a half commute. I'm probs not all here, but I didn't want to wait till my day off to answer you!

The answe is, it depends? So, to start off, I try to sort of tunnel down, working from General notes down to Itty Bitty details, while I'm note taking. I straight up use an outline format like i would for a school lecture. I'm gonna specifically talk about the process of making/planning changes to canon, but this applies to just making an outline of the episode itself too.

Starting off, I think of the episode in general and its main plot points. For example, uhhh, the last episode of s2 (since that's real fresh in my addled mind), the big plot points I remember are erica and boyd getting taken, Stiles being kidnapped, gerard getting bitten, and Jackson dying/being cured. And i try to think of what I want to change. In this case, I changed Jackson's cure most obviously. Then, if I've seen the episode recently and still remember the general details/atmosphere of the episode, I just jump right in with the notes. If I haven't, i do a watch through first and try to get a feel for the episode so my notes and plans can match it in tone and Then I begin to comb through the episode, scene by scene.

It takes Forever, and I'll be honest, you won't really get to enjoy the episode bc you'll be stopping every few frames and going back ten seconds like five times to get the exact wording of a scene so you can fuck with it in your notes.

I prefer to just do One in-depth run of the episode, so I try to get in all the moments I need to change/make note of. Sometimes it takes me like 3 hours for a single episode. I write down every change I can think of that I want. Switching this word for that, moving this character there, and of course, I try to think of what needs to be changed in order to fit the Big change I want with the main plotline, or how each change I've made previously would effect things going forward.

When I've walked through the whole thing and I'm absolutely Sick of it, then i go back to the beginning, keeping the notes visible for myself, and rewatch it smoothly, trying to envision the changes I want and making sure I didn't miss something or that two changes don't cancel each other out or something.

I would highly suggest that if you Are making changes, that you add in a Reason for the change/some kind of explanation. For example:

-Jackson is cured when Derek claims him as pack : Makes more sense than true love, allows the pack theme of the season to have some kind of resolution. : derek yells for Jackson As pack, stiles is involved somehow

Yadda yadda, you get what I mean. Adding that little bit if extra detail makes things SO much easier later on. I can't tell you how many "changes" i had to just delete from my notes pages bc i had NO idea how past me intended to make it happen, or even Why she wanted it to happen, or where she even got that headcanon.

Anyway, I might come back and rewrite this answer a little more coherently on my day off, but until then, this is what I got for you. If you have any more specific questions, please feel free to message me! My dm's are open!

[fly-pow-bye]

Powerpuff Girls 2016 - “Blundercup”

Written by: Haley Mancini

Written & Storyboarded by: Leticia Abreu Silva, John Martinez

Directed by: Nick Jennings, Bob Boyle

"Butter makes everything taste better." - Ina Garten

The episode starts with a montage of Buttercup doing radical things. Punching an pig shaped alarm clock to get it to stop! Grinding down the stairway in her Derbytante gear! Making broccoli explode, showing that she hasn’t learned anything since the Brocolloids incident! Punching out that one generic monster guy! Being late for that advanced math class, judging by the background and not the almost entirely different teacher, and breaking a clock in response!

And, finally, kicking a kickball really hard into the sky. So hard, they needed to cover up the impact with a hit flash. In this TV-Y7-FV show, not only can we not see that aforementioned monster getting punched, we can't even see a ball getting hit! I'm sure all the balls in the audience would be happy to not see such wanton violence against their kind.

This was all a montage in an in-universe sense: Buttercup decided to make a video about how she's a great superhero. Who recorded Buttercup doing all of these things? Pineapples. We know it's not Bubbles because she reviews it like an art critic. Blossom isn't as big of a fan of this video.

Blossom spends the entirety of the episode nagging Buttercup on how useless she's being. She reminds Buttercup that she promised to make dinner, and she apparently hasn't made dinner for a whole week. She also tells Buttercup that kickball was the last kickball the school had, so they have to use a empty plastic milk jug instead. She then throws the plastic jug at her head, mostly to prove that it would not give her a dent in the head. Trust me, that's the reason, and it seems rather necessary in this show.

She does get another fan, as we cut to a very buttery person clicking the subscribe button, while laughing evilly. No, this doesn't turn into a "be wary of strangers on the internet" episode, though this scene makes me think it could.

I can't help but notice those recommended videos. Specifically, that one in the middle. Outside of this, this episode rarely uses any outright wacky face gags, even if an ability Buttercup will get later in the episode could allow that. Also, there's a model of a muscular Wonder Woman with a golden helmet. Maybe that's their way to save Wonder Woman from that horrible skimpy clothing she had.

The next day, according to an entirely different narrator that never appears again, Buttercup tries to repeat her performance from yesterday. Unfortunately, as soon as she loses balance and falls off of the guard rail she was grinding on, something is immediately off. She gets hit with the refrigerator door. Worst of all, she walks out of the school, and apparently convinced Blossom to do the same! At least this is supposed to be awkward.

After all of this, Buttercup is worried that she's losing all of her mojo. No points for guessing the joke they do with that line. Bubbles shows up with "scoupons" for free ice cream at Penguin Pete's, but Buttercup denies the offer. I can't help but notice they named that ice cream parlor far more than the school where most of these episodes take place. Shows their priorities. Suddenly, Barry says "look out", and Buttercup wasn't quick enough to avoid it.

She gets hit with an empty milk carton, which the school has to use instead of a kickball because Buttercup hit flashed their last one. Yes, they have to re-remind us about this, but it is helpful if you tuned out Blossom’s nagging. A major difference from the previous scene is that it actually does give her a dent in her forehead. See, that was really the reason, and Buttercup is about to find out why this is.

She walks home, apparently due to flying power getting sapped away, sweating yellow while trying to remind herself that she's awesome. She goes into the bathroom to find out that she's melting from being in the sun too long! See, Buttercup is turning into butter. I can't decide if I hate that idea or tolerate it. Her sorrow at this turn of events gets immediately interrupted by Blossom and Bubbles knocking at the door.

Buttercup: Uh, someone's in here!

Bubbles: I think she's pooping!

Bubbles just has no shame, doesn't she? They ask Buttercup why she's home, as she told them she was going to stay at Penguin Pete's to show off some more. Buttercup did not take that offer for those free scoupons, so she tries to find out what's going on by sneaking out the bathroom window. She apparently had enough flying power to do that. They never do figure out what's going on.

She finds herself chugging an entire tub of ice cream and somehow not getting an ice cream headache. Everyone is cheering her name, nobody knowing that this Buttercup is an impostor, while the buttery Buttercup can just watch as she gets all of the glory.

This faker meets up with the real Buttercup, and calls her "Butterfingers". This is the closest we get to a name for this villain, by the way; this villain isn't in the credits. I could tell it's Natalie Palamides doing the voice, as the body snatcher's voice is just a slightly lower Buttercup's voice. At least that avoids the usual problem with body swap episodes; they just happened to share those vocal cords.

If they swapped bodies, why did Buttercup look like and have the flight ability of the real Buttercup in the morning? Did Butterfingers have to slowly turn into Buttercup, too? The answer to both of those questions is also pineapples. However, Butterfingers does tell Buttercup the story that led up to this possession.

We get to see Butterfingers’ previous form: a normal slacker kid that wants to be a superhero like all the people in the comics! They have superpowers, and, most importantly, they fight giant robots and monsters! They don't just eat ice cream, kick those poor little kickballs, and be late for school, after all.

They cut to these panels while this kid is talking about how cool superheroes are, and I can't help but feel a bit confused. It looks like this superhero guy did all the work beating up that evil Hulk and the giant robot, and then this superheroine just shows up, beats him up, and just heroically stands on top of his buried body. The most charitable explanation is that this is supposed to parallel the Penguin Pete's scene, but it seems more like a misguided "girl power" joke.

Unfortunately, Butterfingers is just an ordinary kid who slacks off all day reading comics. No way will kicking out the bad guys, beating up the monsters, fighting against evil, and rescuing the town be in this person's future.

This all changed when this comic fan was involved in an accident at the County Science Fair of Food! A nuclear-fusion deep fryer exploded, accidentally fusing this person’s DNA with the butter. Finally, superpowers!

One thing that really interests me about this plot is the implication that there are other superheroes around. There are supervillains, even supervillains that have superpowers, but the idea of other superheroes being in the Powerpuff Girls wasn't touched upon that often. Even in the original, there were a few one-episode-wonders like Captain Righteous from Fallen Arches and Major Glory's crossover appearance in Members Only. It's cool to see this idea getting a little more spread out in the reboot. Like butter!

Unfortunately, Butterfingers realizes that these butter abilities aren't very good for fighting giant monsters. Butterfingers constantly gets chased by dogs, people scoff at the existence of this buttery being, and buttery hands ends up being very inconvenient for driving a car. Buttercup does ask whether this person is even old enough to drive. It seems like how these people are supposed to be little kids seems to be an afterthought most of the time, so I am glad that joke exists.

This ends up being a rather interesting jumping point for this "other superhero" plot. The Powerpuff Girls, and even the Reboot Puffs to some extent, have essentially won, if not the Superpower Lottery, then the Superpower $5,000 and a Free Spin. Now we see a superhero who feels like they got the Superpower Whammy, and the envy is what drives this villain's act of villainy.

Wallowing in sorrow, this butter-being looks up videos on this episode's YouTube equivalent. They were never really consistent about it; a certain episode even had the website call itself Me2Tube and TvTV in the same shot. There’s a possibility that this was meant to a reference to former short video website Vine, which probably still existed. though this "SuperCut" is way too long to be one.

Apparently finding out where the Powerpuff Girls live from the SuperCut video, this creepy butter person sneaks into the Powerpuff home and uses the "butter fusion" powers that this person happened to know about. Switching bodies is not exactly fusion, but whatever.

If this kid can take over other people's bodies, why didn't "just use the ability to take over other people's bodies like The Thing or Mario from Mario Odyssey" come to mind? This may be a subtle hint that this villain isn't very creative, which is actually something that comes up in this episode.

Butterfingers, the one that possessed Buttercup's body, decides to melt Buttercup with eye lasers, causing her to go into the sewers.

Butterfingers: Butter luck next time! Hahahahaha!

Butterfingers even absorbed her ability to make bad puns!

Butterfingers does a SuperCut video to show off the awesome might of the new body. There’s definitely a contrast between this scene and the real Buttercup’s video from the beginning. Unlike Buttercup’s, which features her doing ordinary rascal things, some of which involving superpowers, Butterfinger’s idea is to just have violence against a bunch of giant monsters. That’s what superheroes are all about to this former butter-person’s mind. Apparently, Butterfingers never needed any help from the other two, because neither Blossom nor Bubbles talks about how they were there.

They do, however, protest about something else. Blossom is just as impressed as the last time someone with a green dress shown her a video, and even Bubbles decides this video was a step down from the previous one. Bubbles even gets to do her usual thing by yelling at Butterfingers to get in the kitchen. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't word it like that. Unlike the last episode, the problems do not get solved by a tantrum.

Blossom and Bubbles don’t get to do much, but they don’t really get in the way, either. We just get occasional jokes about how Bubbles is starving. If the girls are waiting for Buttercup to make them a salad, why is Blossom not starving too? Much like randomly using a word to describe nonsense, it's probably just bad writing.

Butterfingers isn't too happy about this, needless to say. The villain even complains about how none of this has anything to do with punching giant monsters in the face. I wonder if this is a jab at people complaining about how PPG 2016 isn't as violent as if it's the only problem with the show. You know, aside from all the pineapples.

Eventually, Buttercup, the one that was turned into butter, shows up, persumably coming from the sewers. Got to say; I wish we could have saw that adventure. Maybe she met a rat who taught her everything to do with the way of the Bataa. Paula Deen-Jutsu? I don't know.

Because she’s a more experienced superhero, she’s able to learn to use the Butterfinger’s abilities far better than this slacker did. This shows that even butter abilities can be useful with enough practice. Maybe the toughest fighter doesn't need a reason to be as cool as she is, especially when she's fighting against someone who is clearly a slacker that wanted to be superpowerful.

Butterfingers ends up begging Buttercup for mercy. In a twist of fate, Butterfingers learns that with hard work and patience, anyone can achieve their goals. Butterfingers gives back Buttercup her body, and then goes off and fights crime in some other city, learning new techniques along the way. And then Scrooge McDuck shows up to tell Butterfingers to get off of his lawn.

If you haven't guessed yet, I was joking. As Buttercup accepts this mercy, Butterfingers tries to backstab her by melting her again. Buttercup then reforms, missing an opportunity to reference Watchmen, and then envelops Butterfingers with that same "butter fusion" power. It is left entirely in our imagination to what happened next; we never see Butterfingers again.

Also, there's the implication that Butterfingers apparently smothered Buttercup while she was sleeping, if this is the way the fusion power works. Maybe this person is beyond redemption anyway.

What we do know is that Buttercup ends up getting her body back from that. She explains everything that happened, and Blossom tells her none of that matters. Blossom gives up on Buttercup ever following her promises, and decides to order a pizza for the dying Bubbles. The end.

Does the title fit?

They had the perfect pun, and they decided not to use it. Maybe they wanted it keep the butter twist a surprise, as the TV Guide description doesn’t say this is an episode about Buttercup turning into butter...but that’s ruined by the title card being a stick of butter. Also, the Amazon description spoiled it, too.

How does it stack up?

This episode’s idea should have lead to one of the worst episodes ever, but I honestly think this ended up being one of the better ones. Interesting execution, and a moral I could stand behind. Even the way they barely use the other two means that there's no scenes that are a waste of time in this episode.

I could still find problems, though. The way they handled the villain in the end seems really lazy; it would have been cool to see Buttercup teach this kid said moral. Then again, that's expecting way too much out of this show. Despite that, I can't help but like this episode a little more than usual. Maybe you disagree, maybe you don't.

Next, I'm going to push this rock up the hill once again.

← Largo ☆ Ragnarock and Roll →

[scizor4u]

I, me, and myself.

The good. I notice a downgrade to my existence. In my childhood, I was regarded by my parents as a prodigy. I was top of the class easily. I aced all my exams and chose books and reading instruments rather than toys. After graduating Nursery, I skipped Kinder-level education and immediately studied Preparatory-level education. Later on, I realized being labeled as a prodigy by parents was common and nothing to be proud of. I grew tired of reading. I longed for toys and mundane objects that I never need, will only use for a week, and subsequently lose in my room. I grew tired of studying and just decided to "wing it" when exams came up.

The bad. I could say one of my traits is rewatching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (a work of genius by the way) and listening to undistinguished girl groups like Dreamcatcher. Why? Because it makes me special and quirky when I am doing something that isn't recommended by my peers, not only because I enjoy doing it but simply because no one else is doing it. That is why I almost always never relate to any discussion in school. All those books, films, music, political discussions, and trends are what I proactively avoid. This gives me the feeling of uniqueness even though the fact of the matter is that at the core of my existence I'm really exactly the same as everybody else. But that fact scares me so I go out of my way ignoring the norm and engaging in non-popular activities to make myself feel like I really am a special snowflake. Anyway, now that I have gotten my bi-weekly existential crisis out of the way, I just realized that those were my traits alone. Apart from obsessively playing League of Legends and occasionally playing basketball, I offer nothing special and unique.

The ugly. I really could not remember anything particularly important that I did during grade school. All I remembered was being extremely childish up until I was in 8th Grade, or 2nd year highschool. I loathe myself for that and I toss about in my bed nightly, my thoughts being consumed of my ways before. Sometimes, people might see me randomly crumple my face. That is me unluckily remembering those memories, hoping to never reenact it.

The darker the night, the brighter the stars. I guess the highlight of my life so far is senior highschool. When my peers disliked senior highschool because it was senseless, I disagree. Without senior high, I might as not well not be here. I bloomed like the flower in the dawn. Here, I found friends for life, learned life-long lessons, even my first love and heartbreak. This is the part of my life exempt of downgraded performance and I developed. This was my rebirth. I began reading and writing again. After class, I went to my friend's homes and participated in activities. I barely felt alone. I won essay writing contests and I also found myself in the top of my class. The whole batch knows me and I am friends with most of them. My dream of being a lawyer was inevitable. I effortlessly balanced my social life, leisure, education, and family life. I even had international friends. Those were the best years of my life. I have risen from the filth and muck, like a lotus blossom.

Beauty fades, that's why it's beautiful. I only tried three entrance exams for college during my last year of senior high. Those were the entrance exams of University of Sto. Thomas, University of the Philippines, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. PLM was my last choice as I only planned to study in UST and UP. I didn't even know that PLM existed until a friend of mine convinced me to try because studying there was free. Heck, I was only able to study for and remember the dates of the entrance exams of UST and UP. For PLM, I was only reminded of the date by my friend, prior to the night before the exams. I passed both UST and PLM examinations so I chose the latter and the rest was history.

Curse. Unfortunately, college life was not the same as senior highschool life. I digested lessons extremely slow and never spoke up during class discussions. I lost confidence in myself. I was surrounded by people better and smarter than me. I was the black sheep of the section. I was a nobody- my blockmates even forget my name at times. I had friends; however, I feel like a burden to be with. I just stand next to people and slowly start killing them in the inside just by existing. It's just like being a child all over again. After class, I always run over to computer cafes, always isolated to myself and my thoughts. Going to friend's houses were simply an afterthought. My dreams were gone. I fear my looming future, like a mounting dread.

Redemption? So far I am still a sophomore in college. I am trying my best to turn my life around. I even had a job that i subsequently left during summer break. I joined organizations trying to mold an identity. The situation at the classroom is still the same, though. People think nothing of me as passing-by thought, ready to be forgotten. I still run over to computer cafes but sometimes I have activities to do now as I am now a PRO of Red Cross Youth here in my college. I don't particularly enjoy my life so far but I love the memories. 18 years and still counting; I am still breathing in the atmosphere.